USA > Ohio > Williams County > Commemorative biographical record of northwestern Ohio : including the counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams and Fulton, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 16
USA > Ohio > Fulton County > Commemorative biographical record of northwestern Ohio : including the counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams and Fulton, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 16
USA > Ohio > Henry County > Commemorative biographical record of northwestern Ohio : including the counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams and Fulton, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 16
USA > Ohio > Defiance County > Commemorative biographical record of northwestern Ohio : including the counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams and Fulton, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 16
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Doctor J. M. Coombs, the subject proper of this sketch, was born on the old homestead near Charlestown, Indiana, January 30, 1843, and was the seventh in a family of nine children. He attended the common schools of the locality, and spent two years in the high school at Charlestown. At sixteen he entered the University at Bloomington, Indiana, and after three years of study there he began to read medicine with Doctor D. H. Coombs, of Charlestown, a cousin. In 1863-64 he attended the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and at the close of his first course of lectures was appointed a medical cadet at the United States General Military Hos- pital at Jeffersonville, Indiana. He returned to the college to complete his studies, however, and was graduated in March, 1865, receiving an ap- pointment as acting assistant surgeon in the United States army, and being assigned to duty as surgeon to the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He reported for service at Eastport, Mississippi, and held the position until August 16, 1865, when he resigned, on account of sickness, at Montgomery, Alabama. Returning home, he began to consider the important question of his future location, and without much delay he decided upon Newville, DeKalb county, Indiana, where he practiced successfully until 1876. He then entered the Manhattan Eye and Ear Infirmary at New York for a special course in that branch of his profession, and afterward took a course in Will's Eye and Ear Hospital at Philadelphia, under the tutelage of Doctor Strawbridge, a specialist of world-wide fame. On resuming his practice he came to Ohio and located at Hicksville, Defiance county, where his abili- ties, experience and skill won for him quick recognition as a leader in his profession.
Popular as a physician, he is no less so as a man, his affable and cour- teous manner setting all at ease. while his upright character and fine mental qualities gain the lasting friendship of his acquaintances. No better proof of the high esteem in which he is held could be asked than was afforded in 1894, when he was a candidate for the office of county auditor on the Republican ticket. Although Defiance county is normally Democratic by about thirteen hundred majority, the Doctor was elected, showing that his popularity is not limited to any one class or party despite his steadfast advo- cacy of Republican principles. In the responsible position of auditor the Doctor's abilities have been shown in a new and wholly satisfactory light, and his widened circle of acquaintances means an addition to his already large circle of friends. At present he is residing in Defiance, but at the expiration of his term will again follow his profession at Hicksville. He is a most active, energetic and capable physician, and as the leading repre-
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sentative of his profession in Hicksville enjoyed an excellent practice. His cheerful, hopeful and pleasant manner makes him very popular in the sick room.
On December 26, 1867, Doctor Coombs was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia E. Allen, of Newville, Indiana, daughter of Aaron and Eliza Allen, who were formerly from New York. Mrs. Coombs attends the Christian Church, and has always been prominently identified with its activi- ties. Their only son, Roy R. Coombs, is now a member of the senior class in the law department of the University of Michigan. Fraternally the Doctor is a Knight Templar.
WILLIAM A. SCHMALTZ.
The present efficient and popular county clerk of Defiance county, W. A. Schmaltz, is a native of Ohio, having been born October 16, 1858, in New Bedford, Coshocton county. He is a son of Christian and Sarah ( Martin) Schmaltz, and a grandson of Frederick and Charlotte (Schlegel) Schmaltz.
Frederick Schmaltz and his wife were both born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, the former in 1812, and the latter in 1800. In the Fatherland they married, and there their two children-Barbara and Christian-were born, and while these were yet young the family came to America, settling in New Bedford, Coshocton county, Ohio, where the grandfather was engaged in the nursery business. He died in 1891, his wife in 1889, her death being caused by a fall which fractured her right hip.
Christian Schmaltz, our subject's father, was born in 1832, and as already stated was a boy when he came with the rest of the family to New Bedford, Ohio, where he received his education. He also there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed in that city and in Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio. By his marriage with Sarah Martin (who was born in Maryland in 1833) he had four children, namely: Emeline (Mrs. William Rinehart, of Baltic, Ohio) ; William Alfred (our subject) ; Mary (Mrs Doctor Wallace, of Avondale, Ohio) ; and Charles Christian, the present postmaster at Avon- dale, where he also follows merchandizing. He married Miss Mantie Miller, of Avondale, and they have two sons. After the death of Christian Schmaltz. in 1874, his widow (our subject's mother) wedded Henry Miller, of Avon- dale, who died a few years later ; his widow still resides in Avondale.
W. A. Schmaltz, whose name introduces this sketch, received his early literary training at the district schools of his native place, later attending a select school at Millersburg, Ohio, where he completed his studies in 1879, in
Dr.O. Schmaltz
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the fall of which year he commenced teaching, a profession he followed in Baltic four terms. He then came to Defiance county, and took charge of the public schools, serving in that incumbency some twenty-three terms-partly in the schools of Jewell, and partly in those of the adjacent districts.
In 1882 Mr. Schmaltz was united in marriage with Matilda Conn, a native of Defiance county, and a daughter of Philip and Elmira (Mattock) Conn, and four children have blessed this union, viz. : Clifford D., Emma G., Charles C., and William A. Mrs. Schmaltz is a member of the United Brethren Church of Jewell.
In politics our subject is a Democrat, and has always been active in the interests of the party. He served two terms as assessor of Richland town- ship, and two terms as clerk of same. In the fall of 1896 he was elected to the position of county clerk of Defiance county, and entered upon the duties of the office in August, 1897, the term being three years. He also served as jury commissioner of Defiance county during the years 1894-95-96. So- cially, he is a member of the National Union. In 1894 Mr. Schmaltz pur- chased twenty acres of land at Jewell, where he has a pleasant home, sur- rounded by all the comforts of life.
ROBERT N. PATTERSON.
The "art preservative of all arts" is well illustrated in that popular news- paper, "The Bryan Democrat," which was founded April 30, 1863, by the subject of this biography, and has since been continued by him without in- terruption, appearing in full size every Thursday with the regularity of the sun in its course. The offices are equipped for good work, an en- gine run by electric power, modern presses, and an excellent job depart- ment showing the liberal and judicious management that commands suc- cess.
Until 1876 the "Democrat" was a four-page folio, twenty-seven by thir- ty-eight inches, of seven columns, but it has since been issued as an eight- page quarto of six columns. For the first three years of its existence the offices occupied the building next door to the present site, at the corner of Main and Butler streets, and for thirty years following it was located at the northeast corner of High and Main streets, but in 1896 it was re- moved to the present quarters. Beginning with a subscription list of one thousand one hundred, it has now increased its circulation to one thousand five hundred, the largest of any paper in Williams county, and by its vig- orous and able support of Democratic principles it has obtained a strong
10
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hold upon the confidence of the people. The editorial management is in the hands of our subject, but in the mechanical and business departments he has the efficient aid of his son, Medary Mahlon Patterson. In politics the paper has always reflected the opinions of its owner and editor, who has been a life-long Democrat, and in 1896 it advocated the cause of free silver, proving an influential factor in the campaign in this locality.
The Patterson family is of Scotch origin, and has been noted as far back as any records exist, for love of freedom and courage in maintaining that principle. Thomas Patterson, our subject's great-grandfather, a na- tive of Scotland, espoused the cause of the Irish during the rebellion of 1798, and went to Ireland with the clan Campbell to participate in the struggle. He was captured by the English, and with a number of others was beheaded on the charge of treason. In the American branch of the family military ardor is shown by the fact that one of its members was wounded while serving as a soldier in the Revolutionary army, another served in the war with Mexico, and several took part in the Civil war.
Thomas Patterson (2), the grandfather of our subject, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and came to America in 1771, locating first in Chester county, Pennsylvania. At the outbreak of the Revolution he enlisted in the army, and was accorded the honor of an assignment to the force known as the Washington Life Guards. At the battle of Brandywine, while in the act of raising his gun to shoot, a British bullet passed through the palm of his hand, inflicting a permanent injury. In the same company were two brothers, English Quakers, named Slack, who were also wounded and as all three were given furloughs, the brothers invited Mr. Patterson to go home with them and remain until his wound healed. He did so, and while recovering from the effects of British marksmanship he fell a victim to Cu- pid's arrows, Miss Jane Slack, a sister of his comrades, winning his affec- tions. About the close of the war they were married, and soon afterward they removed to the neighborhood of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where for many years he operated a farm, his death occurring there in 1812. He took an active part in public affairs in his locality, serving several years as deputy sheriff. His family consisted of eight children-three daughters (of whom no account is given) and five sons, viz: Thomas, who died at Huntingdon; John, a resident of Huntingdon, who was frozen to death while crossing the Allegheny mountains; Robert, who was actively inter- ested in the building of the famous National Road through this State, and whose death occurred in Licking county at an advanced age; Andrew H., who is mentioned more fully below; and Archibald, a cabinet maker, who
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served in the Mexican war as a member of Yell's Mounted Regiment, re- ceiving a wound while on duty, and afterward settled in Arkansas, becom- ing the owner of a large plantation. During the Civil war he served in the Confederate army with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, but his relatives in the North have since lost trace of him.
Hon. Andrew H. Patterson, our subject's father, was born in 1808, at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and during his youth learned the saddler's trade there. In 1828 he came to Ohio, and for short periods worked at his trade in Wooster, Lancaster, and Delaware. In 1829 he established a saddle and harness shop in the latter city, and for many years he was one of the leading citizens of the place, being prominent in political affairs as well as in business circles. He soon obtained more than a local reputation in the Democratic party, and after serving about eight years as postmaster at Delaware, under Jackson's administration, he was elected, in 1835, to the office of sheriff of Delaware county, which position he held for two terms, while from 1838 to 1840 he was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. About 1839 he contracted with the United States Gov- ernment for the manufacture of mail bags, a venture which ultimately caused the loss of his fortune. In 1841 he was appointed general inspector of post offices in the United States, and during his two years of service he visited all the important post offices then in this country, and all the large offices in Canada and Cuba. After his retirement from this position he found his financial reverses so serious that he applied to the government for re-im- bursement on his unfortunate contract, but it was refused, compelling him to begin life over again at his trade.
In 1861, on the first call for seventy-five thousand men, he enlisted in Company D, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving four months, and on his return to Delaware he resumed his work at his trade. In the fall of 1862 he removed to Bryan, where he continued his occupation for some time, and his death occurred there August 29, 1863, at the home of our subject. During his long and active political career he held a high place in the councils of his party, State and National, and the family now pos- sesses autographic letters written to him by prominent statesmen, in- cluding John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, Horace Greeley, James Bu- chanan, Lewis Cass, and President Tyler. On one occasion President An- drew Jackson presented him with a hickory stick cut by the old hero at the Hermitage. Our subject now owns this interesting relic, which was mounted as a cane by the recipient, with a ferrule at the bottom and a braided leather covering for the head.
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1830 A. H. Patterson was married at Delaware to Miss Roxana Lorena Vining, daughter of Elam and Elizabeth (Carter) Vining, and a descendant of an old English family whose records date back to the days of the Roundheads. Her ancestors were among the Puritans who located in Connecticut in 1640. She died in Delaware in 1839, leaving four child- ren, of whom our subject is the eldest. Eliza married Charles Wood (both now deceased) ; Sarah (deceased) married Harry Owen; and Roxana mar- ried (first) William Tarr (deceased), and (second) Henry Thoman, who resides near Clinton, Missouri.
The subject of our sketch was born January 19, 1831, and was edu- cated in select schools at Delaware. At the age of seventeen he began learning the printer's trade, serving an apprenticeship of two years, and until 1863 he worked as a journeyman at various places. In 1863 he was invited by the Democrats of Bryan to locate there and establish a paper which would represent their principles, they furnishing the cash to fit up the plant. He accepted the offer, meeting with such success that the in- debtedness was soon cleared off, and he speedily won a wide reputation as a fearless and independent journalist. He has always taken a prominent share in the work in his party, serving as a delegate to twenty-three out of the thirty-three State Conventions held since he became editor of the "Democrat," and from 1863 to 1880 he was a member of the County Cen- tral Committee, holding the chairmanship during the greater portion of the time. In 1866 he was appointed postmaster at Bryan by President Johnson, and had served nearly one year when the place was added to the list of Presidential offices, but on his nomination he was rejected by the Republican Senate.
He has been active in local movements of a non-political character, notably the Williams County Agricultural Society, of which he was sec- retary for twelve years, and for ten years of the time served also as super- intendent of the grounds. In 1868 he helped to organize the Bryan Build- ing and Loan Association, of which he was secretary for four years. So- cially he and his family are prominent, and he is connected with various fraternal orders, including the Knights of Honor; the I. O. O. F., in which he belongs to the Cantonment, the highest degree; and the Masonic fra- ternity, in which he is a Knight Templar. For four years he was master in Bryan Lodge, No. 215, at Bryan.
In 1852 Mr. Patterson was married at Marion, Ohio, to Miss Jennie Fulkerson, and six children have blessed the union: Cora, married Andrew J. Obrist; Adelaide, married Joseph K. Powell; Medary M., married Miss
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Cora Mason; Mary, is at home; Ida, died in 1859, aged four and one-half years; and Archie, in 1882, aged seven months. Medary M. Patterson is a most promising young man, well-known in business circles, and is iden- tified with the Knights of Pythias and other social orders.
RICHARD GAUDERN, M. D.
For forty-two years has Doctor Gaudern successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Pioneer, Williams county, and he has also been prominently identified with the growth and development of this region. He was born in Oneida county, New York, July 26, 1832, a son of Richard and Abigail (Stewart) Gaudern, the former a native of England, where he was twice married, both wives dying in that country before his emigra- tion to America.
The Gaudern family was originally from France. The father, with his children, came to the New World, and although a lace maker by trade he was here employed at farm work by Lord Livingston. In 1835 he be- came a resident of Coshocton county, Ohio, and taking great interest in the cause of education he erected the first frame school house in his town- ship, in that county. In 1840, he came to Williams county, locating in Bridgewater township, where he purchased a tract of unimproved land, which he converted into a well-improved and highly-cultivated farm. He became one of the prominent men of his community, served as township trustee, was one of the early Abolitionists, and was a "conductor" on the "Underground Railroad," assisting many a slave on his way to Canada and freedom. After coming to America he married Abigail Stewart (mother of our subject), a daughter of Solomon W. Stewart, a distinguished man and noted educator, having taught for forty years in and near the city of Hudson, New York. He was a native of Scotland, belonging to a promi- nent family of that country, and as a British soldier he came to America. He was captured by the Colonial troops, and afterward became a loyal
citizen of the United States. His children were: John, Solomon, Phebe, Mary, Abigail and Rachel. The doctor is the youngest in a family of five children, the others being William, a farmer of Missouri; Catherine, wife of Judge Perkey; Mrs. Abigail Champion; and Mrs. Theodosia Graves. The father died in 1850, the mother in 1872, spending her last years witlı her son, the doctor. Both were consistent members of the Methodist Church, and were highly respected by all who knew them.
During his childhood Doctor Gaudern accompanied his parents on
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their removal to Coshocton county, Ohio, and in 1840 came with them to Williams county, attending the common schools in both counties. Al- though his school days were over at the age of sixteen, he still continued his studies, as he was very fond of books, and would eagerly read all that came within his reach. In 1851 he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Doctor Jonas H. Roe, a highly-educated physician, and in 1852 and 1853 attended medical lectures in Cincinnati. Returning home he began practice with his preceptor, but at the end of a year removed to Dansville, New York, where for the following year he was employed as surgeon at the Dansville Model Water Cure. In 1855 he returned to Will- iams county, and the following year opened an office in Pioneer, when that place contained but one store and only a few dwellings. Giving strict attention to his business, he soon built up a large practice, which extended throughout the surrounding country into Michigan and Indiana.
In the summer of 1861 Doctor Gaudern assisted in recruiting soldiers for the Civil war, and in the following year went to the field as surgeon; but after some time spent in active service, he contracted the camp fever and was compelled to return home. After his recovery he recruited an- other company in 1863, and in 1864 was commissioned captain in the Sixty- eighth Battalion Ohio Volunteers, reporting for duty at Camp Chase, Co- lumbus, Ohio. After being mustered into the United States service he proceeded to Washington, D. C., and was in command at Fort Willard for two weeks, after which he went to Point of Rocks, Virginia, being on picket duty between Petersburg and Richmond until his one-hundred-days' en- listment had expired.
On his return to his home in Pioneer, Doctor Gaudern resumed prac- tice, and also became interested in a number of business enterprises, in- vesting in real estate, and engaging in merchandising in partnership with Mr. Perkey, a minister, who served as chaplain of the Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After three years spent in mercantile pursuits, the Doctor sold out and entered Bellevue Medical College, New York, where he graduated in medicine and surgery, and since 1873 he has devoted his attention almost exclusively to his large practice. His army service some- what disabled him, and to-day he carries on only an office practice, his patrons being unwilling that he should retire altogether. He has been an important factor in the upbuilding and development of the village where he has so long made his home, and is justly numbered among its valued and honored citizens.
In 1857 Doctor Gaudern married Miss Lucinda Pennell, daughter of
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Rev. Abram Pennell, of New York State, who was for fourteen years a Wesleyan minister, during which time he antagonized the "Millerites," and for two weeks engaged in debate with one of their principal preachers. He afterward became converted to that faith, and was ordained an Adventist minister. He died full of years in Honeoye, Ontario county, New York. The only child born to the Doctor and his wife died at the age of three years, and Mrs. Gaudern, who was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and quite prominent in society, passed away in September, 1862. In the following year Doctor Gaudern married Miss Lucia R. Pitts, a schoolmate and associate of his former wife. She was born in New York State, a daughter of Peter Pitts, an influential farmer and prominent man, and she was a cultured and refined lady, having received a collegiate edu- cation. She died from affection of the brain in 1870, a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Three children blessed this union: Abigail S., who is a graduate of the Michigan University-class of '95 (scientific course); Bessie, an under-graduate at the Ohio Wesleyan College; and Ed- ward, also a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University, who also studied law, and is now engaged in practice at Bryan, Williams county; he married Miss Cora Patten, of Hillsborough, Ohio, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University-class of '96. In 1874 Doctor Gaudern married Mrs. Mary Jane Gross, the only daughter of John Kelly, of Irish descent, who was a prominent woolen manufacturer, and came to Williams county from Huron county, Ohio. In his family were several sons.
Doctor Gaudern is above the average size, being over six feet in height and of an athletic build; is a man of pleasant address, is well posted on all standard literary works, and has contributed many able articles to leading papers and periodicals. Politically he is an uncompromising Republican, casting his first vote for John C. Fremont for President; he was a dele- gate to the first Republican Congressional Convention held in his district, which convention nominated General James M. Ashley for Congress (1856), and has been a delegate to County and State Conventions many times since. He and his wife and children are active and prominent members of the Methodist Church, and in social circles occupy influential positions.
JOHN H. METZ.
The present township clerk of Adams township, Defiance county, J. H. Metz, is one of the leading and influential citizens who have taken active part in promoting the substantial improvement and material development
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of this section of the county. He is one of the county's native sons, and is a representative of one of her highly respected families.
David and Sarah Ann (Schwartzel) Metz, parents of our subject, and natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, were married in Defiance county and located in Adams township. where they still continue to reside. In their family are eight children-four sons and four daughters-our sub- ject being fourth in the order of birth.
In Adams township, John H. Metz was born May 11, 1858, and was there reared, acquiring his education in the common schools of the local- ity. He remained under the parental roof until after he attained his ma- jority, aiding his father in the labors of the farm. In Henry county, Ohio, August 19, 1880, Mr. Metz was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Tittle, a native of Adams township, Defiance county, and a daughter of the late James and Sarah Tittle. After his marriage Mr. Metz lived in Napoleon, Ohio, for several months, being engaged in running an engine, and while there his wife died July 7, 1881. Soon after this sad event he returned to Adams township, and later removed to Stryker, Ohio, where he operated an engine in a sawmill for one year. He was next employed on a stock farm in Lake county, Indiana, for seven months, and then returned to his old home in Adams township, since which time he has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, with most gratifying results.
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