USA > Ohio > Delaware County > Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th > Part 99
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Rodney Smith was about fifteen years of age when his parents settled here, and he as- sisted to clear the farm, which then contained 320 acres. He erected the present residence. it taking the place of the log cabin built by the grandparents. For a number of years Rodney Smith kept a country tavern, and his son re- members seeing the road in front of the house filled with wagons and teams, and sometimes the guests would be so numerous that the women would frequently be obliged to sleep on the floors of the inn, while the men would take up their night quarters in the wagons. Rodney Smith lived to be 81 years' of age.
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dying in 1882. His wife, Delilah, died in 1866, at the age of 57. They were parents of II children-ten sons and one daughter.
Thomas R. Smith was the fifth of the above family in order of birth, and he re- mained under the parental roof-tree until he was 17 years of age, being absent only during one term of school, which he spent at Berk- shire. By teaching school during the winter seasons he obtained the means to attend the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was graduated in 1863. From there he went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he taught school for one year, and then to Cleveland, Ohio, where he taught one year in the Military In- stitute. Hle subsequently returned to Dela- ware, where he read law under Hon. James R. Hubbell and was admitted to the Bar in 1866. After two years of law practice at Delaware, he removed to Marion County, where he oper- ated a cattle ranch for fifteen years. While re- siding in that county he served one term as county school examiner, but accepted no other public office.
When Mr. Smith's father died, he bought the homestead and took possession and has continued to reside in Berlin Township ever since. In addition to carrying on agricultural operations on a large scale, he is extensively engaged in raising fine Delaine Merino sheep, keeping a flock of 400 head. From early man- hood he has taken an active interest in politics and has always been influential in the Republi- can party. For many years he served as justice of the peace and during his presence at Co- lumbus, as a member of the seventy-third and seventy-fourth General Assembly, he took part in the memorable contest which gave the late Senator Hanna his seat in the United States Senate. From its date of organization, Mr. Smith has been identified with the Patrons of Husbandry, for many years served as master of the subordinate lodge, for ten years was secretary of the State organization, and for four years was master of the same body.
In 1867. Mr. Smith was married to Ca- melia Gooding, of Marion County, Ohio, who (lied in 1880, aged forty years. In 1881 Mr. Smith was married (second ) to Lucy A.
Gooding, a cousin of his former wife. Not having any children of his own, Mr. Smith reared two girls and adopted a boy, the latter, Clinton Smith, being now a resident of Ari- zona. Of the two girls who found a home and protection with Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Anna Bluhm died aged 22 years. Mary Bluhm mar- ried and now resides near Madison, Maine.
At certain times in the proper season Mr. Smith's friends and neighbors may find him buisily engaged with his lawn mower, an im- plement he greatly values. He takes a land- scape gardener's delight in his beautifully kept lawn and has been heard to say that in his opinion, a utensil of this kind should closely follow the purchase of a plow. He was the first one in the vicinity to make use of a lawn mower and his example has been fol- lowed to a large extent, so that along Sun- bury Road beautiful lawns are the rule, in- stead. as formerly, the exception. The pub- lic is greatly indebted to men like Mr. Smith, whose care and love for the beautiful provide almost park-like highways along which to travel. Mr. Smith takes a good citizen's inter- est in the cause of education, and is at pres- ent president of the local School Board.
OSES GINN, a highly respected and well-known retired citizen of Galena, was born in Trenton Township, Delaware County, Ohio, May 2, 1834, and is a son of James and Effie ( Brown) Ginn.
James Ginn was born in Delaware, Sep- tember 12. 1795, and was a son of John Ginn, who was born in Ireland. The latter brought his family to Delaware County, Ohio, in 1812, and settled on land he procured from the Gov- ernment, in Trenton Township, which was covered with a heavy growth of timber. James Ginn was seventeen years of age at this time and he assisted his father in making a home in the wilderness. He was married in Trenton Township, to Effie Brown, who was born in Connecticut, June 16, 1798, and was a daugh- ter of Ezekiel Brown, who had come from
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Connecticut to Delaware County among the early settlers. After his marriage. James Ginn bought 125 acres of land in Trenton Town- ship, which he cleared and improved, and on that farm he died. March 2, 1860. He was survived many years by his widow, who died at Galena, April 6. 1885. They had a family of five daughters and four sons. The sur- vivors are : Mrs. Mary Jane Huff, widow, re- siding at Columbus; Mrs. Levina Watts, widow. residing in Berkshire Township; Eliza Ann, who married Reuben Perfect. residing at Galena; and Moses Ginn, residing at Galena.
Moses Ginn attended the district schools during his youth, as opportunity was afforded. and he remained with his parents until he was 22 years old. . For one year he worked on the farm of Robert McAllister, and then bought a farm of 63 acres. in Geneva Township, on which he lived for three years, when he sold and then rented for the next four years. Mr. Ginn then bought a farm of 62 acres, in Har- lan Township, but when a good opportunity offered, two years later, he sold it and bought one-half of the old homestead farm, on which he lived for three years. This he subsequently sold to William D. Miller, who still resides there. Mr. Ginn then went into the business of getting out timber for lumber and stayes and remained interested in that business for 20 years. In 1872 he came to Galena, where he has lived ever since with the exception of four years, from 1880 to 1884. during which period he lived at Westerville. Since 1900. Mr. Ginn has lived retired, owning a house and four acres of land at Galena.
On October 9. 1856. Mr. Ginn was mar- ried to Sarah R. Carter, who was born in Herkimer County, New York, July 6, 1830. and died November 20. 1900. She was a daughter of George Rodney and Julia ( Fos- ter ) Carter, who were natives of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Ginn had the following children born to them: Edna A., born May 12, 1859. married Wellington Mills, and died June 4, 1893: Helen M., born January 20, 1861, died July 12. 1896: Maynard L., born November 25. 1863. died October 18, 1864: Bertha M .. born January 30, 1867. married W. H. Camp-
bell, postmaster of Galena, Ohio: and Frank E., born September 23, 1871, residing at Santa Cruz, California.
Mr. Ginn is identified with the Republican party and on numerous occasions he has served in local offices, having been school di- rector and road superintendent. Ile is a mem- ber of Rainbow Lodge, No. 337. Odd Fellows, at Westerville, Ohio.
BRAM HEINLEN, general farmer and representative citizen of Kings- ton Township, of which he was a trustee for six years, resides on his valuable farmi of 102 acres, all of which he has cleared with the exception of fifteen acres. Mr. Ileinlen was born in Mor- row County, Ohio, October 14, 1839, and is a son of Jacob and Mary ( Wittenberg ) Heinlen.
Jacob Heinlen was born in Germany, March 16, 1799, and died in Ohio, June 12, 1874. After reaching America he worked hard and soon paid the man who had advanced his passage money. On the same sailing ves- sel came Mary Wittenberg, who was also born in Germany, December 8. 1803. They both landed in Ohio in 1818, where they became acquainted and subsequently were married. Jacob Heinlen entered 45 acres of Government land in Westfield Township, Morrow County. although at that time the territory was all known as Delaware County. He resided on his land there until the close of his life, a sturdy German farmer, one who gained and kept the respect of all who knew him. His wife survived him but two years, her death taking place July 19. 1876. They had thirteen children. the six survivors of the family being the following: Emanuel, residing in North Missouri: Rebecca, who married Eli Rhodes, residing in Will County, Illinois: Abram; Mrs. Elizabeth Petre, widow, residing at Denver, Colorado; Lydia, who married Hiram Iloward, residing at Marshall, Saline County, Missouri; and Reuben, residing at Syracuse. Kansas.
Abram Heinlen secured a good district
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school education and remained with his par- ents until the fall following the opening of the Civil War. Mr. Ileinlen was a loyal sup- porter of the Government and in October, 1861. after the summer work on the farm was completed, he enlisted for service, entering Company B, Forty-third Regiment, Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, under Captain Marshman. The Forty-third Regiment was assigned to duty in the Army of the Mississippi, where it gave a good account of itself, bearing off honors for gallantry in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10 and Corinth. The ex- posure and hardship fell too heavily on MIr. Heinlen, and in the fall of 1862, he was honor- ably discharged on account of disability. After his return he worked on various farms for some years before he bought his present prop- erty in Kingston Township. At that time it was a dense tract of timber, but Mr. Heinlen has cleared all but one fine piece of fifteen acres and has all the rest under good cultiva- tion. He is one of the township's industrious men and is numbered with her substantial ones.
Mr. Heinlen was married ( first ) in Feb- ruary. 1870, to Lydia E. Schults, who died in May, 1891, and is buried in Marlborough Township, Morrow County, Ohio. She was a daughter of John and Susan ( Gingrich) Schults, who were natives of Pennsylvania. There were two children born to this mar- riage, namely: Thomas 1., born July 5. 1871, a mechanic, residing in Delaware Township: and Alton Ray,
born October 19. 1873. residing at home. Mr. Heinlen was married ( second) September 27, 1892. to Mrs. Cordelia (Cross) Christ, who is a daughter of Reynolds and Louisa (Farley ) Cross, and was the widow of Julius V. Christ, who died February 8, 1889. Mr. Christ left two children: Lewis W., residing in Morrow County, and Mrs. Samuel Hutchison, residing in Kingston Township.
Politically, Mr. Heinlen is a Republican and he has served in township offices, for six years being township trustee. Ile is a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and formerly a trustee.
OBIAS C. BREECE, florist, residing near Berlin Station, on the Berlin turnpike, was born in 1841, in Brown Township, Delaware County, Ohio. and is a son of Lewis and Saralı (Smith) Breece.
Lewis Breece was born in Pennsylvania and made his first visit to Ohio in 1825. He subsequently returned to the East and in 1829 he was married to Sarah Smith, with whom he returned to Delaware County and settled in what was then a wild region although it was but two miles east of Dela- ware. Lewis Breece cleared up an excellent farm and continued its improvement through his active years. He died on this land in 1871, aged 65 years. Ilis parents were Daniel and Abigail ( Love ) Breece. natives of Penn- sylvania, who came to Delaware County after their son had settled here and spent their re- maining years with him. Lewis Breece mar- ried as above noted. Sarah Smith was a daughter of Nathan and Rhoda ( Love) Smith. They were natives of Pennsylvania, from which State they later moved to New York and from there to near Pontiac, Michigan. where they subsequently died. Lewis and Sarah Smith had ten children, as follows: Amy Ann, Minerva, Delilah, Lorane, Celia, Biancy. Melvin W., Tobias E., Bethesby and Olive. Of this large family eight still survive. the youngest of whom is 60 years of age.
Tobias C. Breece attended school until aobut 18 years of age and then learned the car- penter trade. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Federal Army, entering Company G. One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served as a brave and faithful soldier for three years, during this long period participating in many dangerous battles and a protracted series of tiresome marches. With great good fortune, however, he reached home in safety.
In 1865, Mr. Breece was married to Susan C. Osborn, who is a daughter of Henry and Mary A. ( Havens ) Osborn, natives of New Jersey, who came to Delaware County in 1852. locating at Berlin Station, where Mrs. Osborn died. There Mr. Osborn passed the remainder
BARONESS VIOLA (LYTLE) VON UCHTRITZ
BARON EDGAR VON : UCHTRITZ
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of his life, with the exception of the last two years, which were spent in Delaware. He died March 7, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Breece have four sons, namely: Melvin J., who is super- intendent of the water-works at Galion, Ohio; Henry L., residing at Delaware, following the carpenter trade; Archie O., residing in Texas; and Clayton A., residing at home.
For some 20 years following his marriage. Mr. Breece worked at the carpenter trade, after which he settled on his present place. He has always had a taste for flowers and after coming here engaged in raising them as a business. He has a beautiful, well-arranged home and grounds, with equipments for grow- ing and caring for tender plants. Mr. Breece is a highly respected citizen. He is a man of temperance and is identified with the Prohi- bition party.
B ARON EDGAR VON UCHTRITZ, one of Germany's most celebrated ex- plorers and a retired officer of the German Hussars, was born in Castle Tzschocha, Silesia, Germany. He is a man of high educational attainments, speaks seven different languages and is Doctor of Medicine, Philosophy, Natural History and Geology. He attended college at Hirschberg and Dresden, and later the Universities of Halle. Frankfort and Berlin. In 1889-1890, he made several trips into the unexplored re- gions of Brazil, principally in quest of game, and from 1891 to 1893 explored southwest Africa in the interest of the German Govern- ment, with a view to establishing German col- onies in that country. He was the first white man to succeed in crossing the Sahara Desert, pushing his way forward and encountering the many dangers from savage natives and un- salubrious climate with an indomitable will power and characteristic energy and bravery. It was Baron von Uchtritz's favorable report of the great value of this vast country, which induced the German Government to retain it instead of selling it to Great Britain. as had been recommended by the German Secretary
of State. During 1893-1894, Baron von Uchtritz was chief of an expedition from Cam- eron to Lake Isod, the success of which placed him among the bravest and most celebrated of African explorers. Numerous battles were fought with powerful and fanatic Moham- medans, but the brilliant military tactics and genius of the leader made every engagement a victory. The greatest success was in ac- complishing the surrender of the powerful state of Bubanzidah, which had been regarded as almost unconquerable. Baron von Uch- tritz, having acquired some vast tracts of land for the use of the German colonies, returned to his native land. Having gathered some very valuable data while on these expeditions, from his notes he compiled and published a book of 573 pages, a work of much merit. In appreciation of the results accomplished . on this expedition, the German Emperor con- ferred upon the Baron a very high decoration, with an additional decoration for per-
sonal bravery. Ile was SO011 after his return united in marriage with Miss Viola Lytle, okdlest daughter of Hon. and Mrs. James R. Lytle, of Delaware. Ohio, an event which marked his retirement from the field of exploration, although he has since made some very interesting trips into Northern Norway, Sweden and Lapland, bent on sport and scientific research. He has al- ways been accompanied on these trips by his wife, who is a fine shot and an enthusiastic horsewoman.
Baron Edgar von Uchtritz comes of one of the oldest and wealthiest families of Germany, and is youngest son of Baron Otto von Uch- tritz. Members of this family served as chiefs of their clans in the days before Germany was Christianized, and a very early record in Prague mentions the name, with the informa- tion that its bearer was a relative of Unata, a powerful Bohemian king who lived about the time of Charlemagne the Great. From that time the name appears frequently in the pages of German history. The mother of our sub- ject was Princess Wartenslaben, who also was of a distinguished old German family and was a descendant of General Wartenslaben, why
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was one of Frederick the Great's most trusted and honored generals. One of her brothers is still living and is a celebrated general and per- sonal riend of the Kaiser. Baron Edgar has one brother and two sisters. The brother, Baren Bolco, was court chamberlain to En- peror Frederick and serves in a similar capac- ity to Emperor William, this being a distinc- tion granted for life. He is one of the official ministry of the Royal household, first lieu- tenant in the Garde Landwehr Cavalierre, and a Knight in the Order of St. John. The okler sister is the wife of the Austrian ambassador to Spain. Count Welsersheimb, who also rep- resented Austria at the international peace conferences at The Hague and at AAlgeria. The Countess was considered one of the most charming women at the Court of Vienna and was a great favorite of the Empress, from whom she received the title of honor. "Palast Dame," or in English, Palace Lady. The Younger sister of Baron Edgar married a dis- tant relative of the Hungarian line of Uchtritz, his title in English phraseology be- ing Lord Count von Uchtritz. He is a man of note in Hungary and his father, Count von Uchtritz, paid for the education of Liszt, the great composer. Castle Tzschocha, the pres- ent home of the Uchtritz family, was origi- nally built more than eight hundred years ago. but has been rebuilt and modernized and is now one of the most beautiful and interesting castles in the German Empire. Connected with it are several thousand acres of land and numerous beautiful hunting forests.
BARONESS VIOLA LYTLE VON UCHTRITZ, eldest daughter of James Robert and Cornelia (Chase) Lytle, is a native of Dela- ware, Ohio. Her early education was re- ceived under the direction of a private tutor and later in Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, from which institution she was graduated with high honors in the class of 1894. She is a musician of marked ability on the piano, harp, violin and cymbal. After completing a special course in literature under Prof. John H. von Cleve, she, accompanied by her chaperon, went to Berlin, Germany, to complete her musical education and to get a
more perfect knowledge of the German and French languages. Her brilliancy and origin- ality, together with a charming personality. soon made her a great favorite in society. Dur- ing the first winter in Berlin she made the ac- quaintance of Baron Edgar von Uchtritz, who was attracted by her beauty and personal ac- complishments. Congenial in their tastes, friendship soon ripened into a deeper attach- ment and in 1895 they were married. Sev- eral months were spent by them in touring America, visiting the many points of scenic beauty and historic interest, and both being fond of travel they have since visited the vari- ous countries of Europe and foreign lands. . A mutual interest in hunting and in natural his- tory and geology led them into Northern Nor- way, Sweden and Lapland. Both are musi- cally talented and are devotees of outdoor forms of sport, the Baroness developing into a fine horsewoman under the instructions of her husband, whose military training in the Hus- sars made of him a superior rider. Besides English-her native tongue-the Baroness is conversant with the French, German and Ital- ian languages, and has attained success as .1 writer of stories, many of which have appeared in both German and American magazines.
EORGE W. POWERS, cashier of the First National Bank, Delaware, is one of the leading business men of the city, in which he was born, in 1846. lle is a son of Benjamin Powers, who was an early settler in this part of Ohio. After completing his education, he entered the First National Bank in a clerical position, remaining until 1872, when he went to Dayton, where he was in a grocery business until 1875. He then returned to Delaware and to the First National Bank, soon afterward becoming assistant cashier, and he served as such until 1884, when he was elected cashier.
In 1876, Mr. Powers was married to Mary E. Mckinney, who is a daughter of Robert MeKinney, a prominent farmer of Radnor Township, and they have four children: Rob-
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¢
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ert B., Harry W., Helen M. and Lawrence A. Robert graduated with the degree of B. S., from the Ohio Wesleyan University, in 1902, since which time he has been assistant cashier of the First National Bank. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Phi Gamma Delta and the Theta Nu Epsilon col- lege societies. Ilarry W. Powers, teller in the First National Bank, was educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University School of Business. Helen M. Powers, like her brothers, was edu- cated at the Ohio Wesleyan University. Law- rence A. is still a student in the Delaware schools. The family is identified with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Powers and two ulder sons are well known in banking circles, almost their whole business careers having been identified with banking interests.
MONROE CREGO, a successful agri- culturist of Berkshire Township, re- siding on his well cultivated farm of G 100 acres, was born in Guernsey County. Ohio, December 18. 1837. and is a son of Charles and Eliza ( Clark) Crego.
Charles Crego was born in Otsego County. New York, and was a son of Lester and Mary (Chase ) Crego. They came to Guernsey County at an early day. Charles Crego grew to manhood on his father's farm and married Eliza Clark, who was born in Maryland. Her parents were Levi and Eliza ( Basward) Clark, who also were early settlers in Guernsey County. Some 25 years after his marriage. Charles Crego removed from Guernsey County to Knox County. Ohio, and five years later to Berkshire Township. Delaware County, where he died at the age of 82 years. The mother of J. Monroe Crego spent the last years of her life with this son, dying at his home. in June. 1905. aged 85 years. The family contained 13 children, nine of whom still survive.
J. Monroe Crego resided with his parents until he was 21 years of age, when he married. He learned the carpenter's trade in Knox
County and worked at that until March, 1863, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War. entering Company D. One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment. Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He continued in the service until the close of the war and, although participat- ing in many battles and skirmishes, survived them all and returned practically unharmed to his family. For some years he followed his trade after coming to Berkshire Township. Delaware County, and then purchased his farm of 100 acres, all of which he has placed under fine cultivation.
Mr. Crego was married ( first ) August I, 1858, to Alice Mitchell. who was born in Knox County, Ohio, and died June 14, 1898. and is buried at Galena. She was a daughter of Allen and Margaret ( Hawkins) Mitchell, who were natives of Vermont. To this mar- riage were born six children, two of whom are deceased, the survivors being: Luella, who married William Garlinghouse, residing in Berkshire Township: Clara, who married Wil- liam McWilliams, residing in Berkshire Township: Oren, residing in Knox County; and Caroline, who married Elmer Jaycox, re- siding in Berlin Township, Delaware County. Mr. Crego was married ( second) October 17, 1901, to Josephine Hoy, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Peter and Catherine ( Erick) Hoy, who were born in Pennsylvania and came as early set- tlers to Fairfield County.
B ENJAMIN F. DAVIDS, a representa- tive citizen of Radnor Township, owns the old homestead farm of 175 acres, which is situated in Delaware County, Ohio, and on this place he was born April 9. 1846. His parents were Sylvanus and Margaret ( Evans) Davids.
Thomas Davids, the grandfather of Ben- jamin F., was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales. and he died in Delaware County. September 5. 1810. The inscription on his tombstone in Radnor cemetery shows that his was the sec-
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ond burial there. He left his widow with ten children, their ages ranging from 19 years to infancy. The land he secured was un- cleared and consisted of a large acreage, the village of Radnor now standing on what was once his farm. He was one of the early set- tlers in Radnor Township but lived but a short time after reaching here.
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