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 19
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 19
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 19
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 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
was soon the result of his careful management. In 1893 the bank was merged into the First National Bank of Hicksville, with a capital stock of fifty thou- sand dollars, since which time Mr. Horton has been its president. The success of the bank, as well as all other business enterprises of which our subject has had the direction and control, places him in the first rank as to executive ability and financial management. Since his residence at Hicksville, he has been identified with various enterprises of a public and semi-public nature, and has probably done more than any other one man in organizing and putting into successful operation the very excellent water-works system at Hicks- ville; the construction of the works and the laying of the pipes were done wholly under his supervision and direction, he devoting his time for one entire season to this purpose. This was in 1890, and so well was the work done that no repairs have been necessary since. He was also one of the organizers and promoters of the electric light plant in the village; supervised and erected the brick flouring-mill, and the elevator at the railroad depot. For some time he was in the milling business, but at present devotes his whole time to his property interests and the affairs of the bank.
He is an ardent and stanch Democrat, and has served his fellow citizens in various positions of honor and trust, with credit to himself and fidelity to the public interests. He served as county infirmary director four years; as county commissioner for six years-1874-80; as member of the Hicksville village council for two years, and in other minor offices. On various occa- sions he has served his party as delegate to State, Congressional and Judicial conventions.
Mr. Horton is a member of the Christian Church, and in all the positions of life in which he has acted he has been a sincere and honest business man, a faithful official, and by industry, integrity and actual ability has attained success. Left in adverse circumstances in youth, to relieve a widowed mother, he bravely began to earn his own way, and with no financial assistance he struggled industriously with the courage born of a heroic spirit, and fostered by adversity, until he overcame all the obstacles in his way, and now can face the future with complacency, and provide for those he loves. He is one of the best type of men who have achieved success and an honorable position in life through their own inherent ability.
Mr. Horton is described by those who know him best as a man of pre- eminent honesty, whose word is absolutely to be relied upon, a man of decided views, with aggressiveness sufficient to maintain those views on all occasions. A stranger is early impressed with the conviction that he is one of the stanchest of men, and of the best type of American citizenship. He and his
218
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wife reside in an elegant and substantial brick residence, erected in 1885-86, on East Smith street.
HIRAM T. BETTS.
Mr. Betts, who is a prominent resident of Stryker, Williams county, has been for some years actively identified with the business interests of that thriving town, having held until recently the presidency of the Stryker Manufacturing Company. As a citizen he is highly esteemed, his public spirit has been shown in his support of various worthy movements.
Mr. Betts was born near Trenton, New Jersey, on May 12, 1833, and on the paternal side comes of a long-lived ancestry. His father, John L. Betts, who was born in Nova Scotia January 21, 1803, died in April, 1898, at an advanced age. This venerable citizen was among the early settlers of Williams county, and his history will be of lasting interest. He was mar- ried in New York City on April 25, 1826, to Miss Sarah A. Pryor, a na- tive of Philadelphia, born June 28, 1806, and after spending ten years of his married life in the East he decided to seek better opportunities for himself and his children in the newly-opened lands of this section. In 1846 he came to Ohio and secured one hundred and twenty acres of land in what is now German township, Fulton county, and then returned temporarily to New York City; but in 1848 he brought his family west, and settled upon his new homestead. In 1855 he sold his farm and went back to New York, in the following year, however, again locating in Fulton county, purchas- ing a farm near Archbold, where he resided several years. He then dis- posed of the farm and retired from active business, making his home with our subject. His estimable wife died April 28, 1883, in Springfield town- ship, Williams county. Of their ten children two died in infancy, the others being John, Margaret, George, Hiram T., James, Clara, Robert, and Albert.
During his youth Mr. Betts, our subject, resided with his parents, but when nearly of age he found employment in the neighborhood of the home- stead. While thus engaged he was married in Springfield township, Will- iams county, on August 22, 1854, to Mrs. Mary Ann Thurston, widow ot Samuel M. Thurston and daughter of Matthias Appleman. She was born November 5, 1816, in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. Soon after his mar- riage Mr. Betts located upon a farm in Section 12, Springfield township, Williams county, where he resided until 1891, and for about ten years of this time he represented the Dayton Hedge Co., and the Michigan Hedge
219
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Co., in that locality. In 1891 he removed to Stryker, where he became in- terested in the manufacturing company mentioned above, and from 1892 to September, 1897, he served as its president. He has always taken an active share in local affairs, and while residing in Springfield township he held various official positions.
Since 1855 Mr. Betts has been a zealous worker in the cause of reli- gion as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been continuously in office. The family is prominent socially, and his two sons, Franklin T. and Clarence R., have taken honorable positions in life.
PETER WEIGERDING. .
The able and popular postmaster at Defiance, Peter Weigerding, our subject, is a man whose history furnishes a striking example of self help, and shows what may be accomplished by a youth who, having a high aim, pursues it in spite of poverty or any other discouragement, to final success.
He was born August 8, 1855, in Oberkirchen, Prussia, on the Bavar- ian line in the Province of the Rhine, the son of Peter and Mary Weigerd- ing, who both died in Germany, the mother passing away when our sub- ject was but eight days old. He was reared by his maternal grandmother and an uncle, attending school until the age of thirteen, and later learn- ing the stone mason's trade. At seventeen he crossed the ocean to find if possible wider opportunities in this country, and then it came about that in 1873 he located at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and being obliged to turn his hand to whatever work he could find he was engaged for three months as a harvester. He then worked for a few months in a stone quarry but finally found employment at his trade in Huntington county, Indiana, still, how- ever, working in the harvest field during that season; and while there he spent the winter seasons in studying in the local schools. Later he went to Columbia City, Indiana, and completed a course in the high school, graduating in the spring of 1875.
Thus equipped, he at once began teaching, and at the end of his first term attended the county normal school for the summer. For the next three years he taught during the winter and spent each summer in study at the normal school, Columbia City. In 1878 he went to Valpa- raiso, Indiana, and took a commercial course in the college there. On graduating he secured a position as bookkeeper in Fort Wayne; but finding his health affected by the confinement, he resigned at the end of a year, and in 1880 moved to Defiance, where he established a business as dealer
220
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in lime, cement, sewer pipe, lath, marble dust, white sand, fire brick, hair, calcine plaster, fire clay and general building materials. Later, in con- nection with the above, he opened a general feed barn at the corner of Second and Wayne streets, and the enterprise prospering from the start he soon became a prominent factor in the business life of the place. In- dustry, sound judgment, integrity and careful attention to details have characterized his management, and to these qualities his success may be attributed.
Mr. Weigerding has found time, however, to take an interest in public affairs, and he is a leading worker in the Democratic party in his locality. In the spring of 1893 he was elected to the board of education, and served a year as treasurer of that body, and May 1, 1894, he was appointed, by President Cleveland, to the office of postmaster at Defiance. In this po- sition he has shown the same ability which brought him success in other lines, and his fidelity to duty is recognized and appreciated by all classes.
In August, 1886, Mr. Weigerding was married to Miss Ida May Ayers, of Defiance, daughter of Joseph P. Ayers, a pioneer of Defiance county, and four children have blessed the union, their names and dates of birth be- ing as follows: Carl Edward, May 4, 1887; Eda Antoinette, August 22, 1888; Arthur Cornelius, December 30, 1889; and Mary Irene, Deceniber 30, 1891. Mr. Weigerding has a substantial and tasteful residence at No. 409 Jefferson street-one of the pleasantest sites in the city-and no pains have been spared to secure for it the latest and most desirable conven- iences.
Fraternally our subject is a member of the Elks, the Knights of Py- thias, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Knights of the Maccabees, the National Union, the Red Cross, and the German Aid Society. He is collecting agent for the Empire Life Insurance Co., of New York.
ARTHUR B. LATHROP, M. D.
When the hardy explorers carried back to old England stories of the riches of the land across the deep blue sea, there came daring men and brave women to found new homes out of the tall forests and on the fertile plains. From their dangers and their industry, their frugality and their integrity, sprang a race that for strength of purpose, high ideals, and laud- able ambition has never been equaled. Among these early settlers was the founder of the Lathrop family in America. The first of the name in this country came from England at an early day and settled in Massa-
221
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
chusetts. His descendants pierced still farther into the primeval forests, one branch of the family settling among the granite hills in Vermont. and there John Lathrop was born, and there he lived until middle age, when he moved to the town of Pike, in Cattaraugus county, New York, where he purchased a farm. The cultivation of his farm occupied his time until his death, which occurred when he was aged sixty-five years. He left four children that grew to maturity: Arunah; Lucina B .; Zuby; and Pliny.
Arunah Lathrop was born near Rutland in Rutland county, Vermont. When about twenty years of age he enlisted in the army, in the war of 1812. and after a year's service the war was closed, and he was given an honor- able discharge. After his marriage he settled with his father in New York, and in 1835 came farther west, and became one of the pioneers of Lucas county, Ohio, buying government land in Richfield township. All was a dense forest, not five acres being cleared at the time, but he set resolutely to work, and literally carved his farm out of the wilderness. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat, and in his religious belief he faithfully fol- lowed the doctrine of the Christian Church. He married Lucy Chamber- lain, also of Vermont, and they became the parents of the following child- ren: Azro, who lives in Lucas county; Clark, mentioned below; Lucian, who died in Richfield township, at the age of forty-five; Susan, who died unmarried; and William, who died leaving one child. Arunah Lathrop died at the age of seventy years, and his wife attained the age of full four- score years before being called to her last rest.
Clark Lathrop was born August 20, 1823, in Cattaraugus county, New York, whence at the age of fourteen years he came to Ohio with his father, and until a short time ago made his home in the woods and on the farm in Richfield township, Lucas county. He followed general agriculture, and his industry and careful management won for him more than the usual suc- cess. His attention to his own affairs did not prevent him keeping well posted on the events of the day. He took a prominent part in the affairs of his town, serving for seventeen years as school director, one term as postmaster at Berkey, and for two terms as infirmary director. His ac- quaintance throughout the county is extensive, and he is honored and re- spected by young and old alike. He married Louisa Tuttle, who was born near Lockport, New York, in 1832, and their children are: Arthur B., mentioned more fully below; Edgar E., a farmer in Richfield township, Lu- cas county; and Alba A., a farmer in Fulton county. Mr. Lathrop and his devoted wife are now living in Swanton, quietly watching and waiting for the setting of life's sun, slowly sinking toward the western sea.
222
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Arthur B. Lathrop, the subject proper of this review, was born Sep- tember 27, 1856, and passed his boyhood days on the Lucas county farm. His early literary training was secured in the excellent schools of Hills- dale, Michigan, and on leaving the school room he determined on the medi- cal profession as his life work. Accordingly he entered Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, graduating in 1882. He then went to New York City, where he studied in Bellevue Hospital, and in March, 1883, he located at Swanton, where he has since engaged in a general practice, his strong will often influencing his patients, so that the best results are ob- tained. A member of the Tri-State Medical Society, State, and the Ameri- can Medical Association, he keeps well abreast with all the modern dis- coveries in the medical science.
On May 10, 1881, Doctor Lathrop was married to Miss Louise M. Clark, who was born in Monroeville, Ohio, and died December 6, 1889. leaving three children: Homer C., Emily and Louis. After the death of his wife, Doctor Lathrop was again married, his second choice being Miss Lillian M. Printup, by whom he has one child, Helen. Besides his exten- sive practice the Doctor owns a large farm of one hundred and fourteen acres, one-half mile west of town, that is farmed by his brother. Fraternally he is a Mason (being the first Mason in the town), and also a member of the I. O. O. F. and the K. of P. In the political situation of the town and country he takes a keen interest, and is one of the foremost men in the Democratic party in his vicinity, and is now serving as burgess. Genial and courteous in his manner, strictly honorable in all his dealings, he is very popular socially, and stands deservedly high in the respect of his fel- low men.
CHARLES EVERS.
This leading resident of Napoleon, Henry county, is the editor and pro- prietor of that popular paper, "Der Deutsche Demokrat," or "The German Democrat," and is also well-known in political life, having held numerous positions of trust in his locality. For some time he served as auditor of Henry county, and he also held the office of postmaster at Napoleon, his appointment dating back to 1894.
Mr. Evers was born January 4, 1841, at Mengerhausen, Germany, for- merly a part of the Kingdom of Hanover, and received his education under the instruction of his father and a private tutor until he was fifteen years of age. Three years and a half he spent in learning the mercantile business in
that Grand
225
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Kassel, in Kurhessen, and he then continued in the employ of the firm for three years more. Later he went to Berlin, where he was engaged in the same line of business until his emigration to America in 1870. For some time after his arrival he taught a German school in Henry county, and later he found employment as a clerk in a mercantile establishment in Napoleon, where he located in April, 1870. This position he held for several years, and for two years he was engaged in the saloon business on his own account, but after- ward became interested in the fire-insurance business, and in a grocery, which he conducted for about a year.
Soon after settling at Napoleon, he began taking an active part in local politics, and in 1875 he was elected to the office of township clerk, which he held for six years. Early in the "'8os" he was elected county auditor, and after serv- ing two full terms he was appointed by the county commissioners to serve for ten months longer, owing to a change in the law. He was also elected twice to the office of justice of the peace, and in all these positions he has displayed ability combined with a keen sense of his duty to the public. In 1893 he was appointed to examine the books of the auditor and treasurer of Putnam county, which covered a period of ten years, and in 1894 he assisted in making a similar examination in Fulton county. In 1896 he was employed, by the commissioners of Paulding county, to examine the books in the office of the auditor and treasurer of that county, and his labors in all these exami- nations resulted in such substantial benefit to each of the counties interested as to beyond doubt establish his reputation as a thorough accountant, and it is but just and well-merited praise to add that as such he ranks second to none in the county.
FRANK O. HART, M. D.
During his lifetime the subject of this sketch occupied a place among the most successful Homeopathic physicians in Williams county. His career was remarkable in that he had risen to his prominent position, not only through his own efforts, but in the face of the greatest difficulties.
Born in Williams county, Ohio, May 22, 1855, the Doctor was a son of Julius C. and Martha M. (Fish) Hart. His grandfather was Bliss Hart. of Hartford, Connecticut, a descendant of the family in whose honor that city was named. To this family also belonged John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was born in New Jersey, in 1708, and died in 1780. His father, Edward Hart, was commander of the New Jersey Blues in the French and Indian war. John Hart was a farmer by 12
226
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
occupation with no political ambition, but his worth and fitness for office led to his election to the Provincial Legislature on several occasions, and such was his integrity that he was known as "Honest John Hart." He was among the first to speak against the tyranny of the Stamp Act, and he rep- resented his district in the Continental Congress in 1774, 1775 and 1776. His influence largely advanced the cause of American independence, and he did all in his power in the interest of the Colonies. When New Jer- sey was invaded by the British, his stock and farm property were confis- cated and his life endangered; but through all this he valiantly upheld his principles.
Julius C. Hart, father of our subject, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, and was highly educated. When a young man he taught school, and after his marriage turned his attention to farming. In the early forties he came to Williams county and cleared a tract of land, on which he erected the first frame house in the county. In 1856 he removed to Archbold, Ohio, where he engaged in merchandising until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the regiment being assigned to the Army of the Potomac. After two years he was discharged on account of disability and returned home, but when he had recuperated he again entered the government service as United States detective, being engaged in that capacity in the South. He died in Nashville, Tennessee, May 1, 1870; his wife had passed away in 1862. She was a consistent member of the United Brethren Church. In their family were three children-Frank O .; Cains O., now of Kansas; and Flora J., wife of Rev. Parlette, of Topeka, Kansas.
Doctor Hart, whose name opens this sketch, was born on his father's farm, and began his education in the district schools. His privileges were somewhat limited, however, and he determined to remedy this if possible. Therefore he left home and began work as a farm hand. He accepted any honest labor that he could obtain, worked in a brick yard, and washed and ironed for his board. During this time he wore second-hand clothing given him by friends, but he counted no sacrifice too great that brought him nearer to the goal of his hopes. He studiously read borrowed books, and when he could save enough money purchased additional volumes, spend- ing his evenings and all leisure hours in study. Thus he fitted himself for entrance into the high school of Shelby, Ohio, where he pursued a thor- ough course with good results. He next determined to read medicine, and in order to meet his expenses taught school. He continued his medi- cal reading under the direction of Doctor Clay (a Homeopathic physician of
227
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Shelby, Ohio), for three years, and during that time worked for his board, attending the horses, making collections and doing all kinds of work around the house. In 1874 he entered the Medical College at Cincinnati, and was graduated in March, 1876. In the same year he located in West Unity, and from the Ist of April until the Ist of October worked as a farm hand in order to earn money to start him in his professional career. From that time he advanced steadily in his chosen calling, and did all in his power to perfect himself in his work.
In 1883 and 1884 Doctor Hart attended the University of Michigan, pursued a course in Homeopathic surgery, and received his diploma in June of the latter year. He afterward took seven post-graduate courses in dif- ferent institutions, and had seventeen diplomas. He became a very com- petent surgeon, in his practice making a specialty of the treatment of dis- eases of the eye, ear and throat. He had a very extensive library and a large cabinet, completely equipped with the most improved surgical instru- ments. His practice steadily grew in importance and volume, and he en- joyed an extensive patronage, covering a wide territory. He answered promptly the call of the poor and rich alike, and in homes of destitution often left many other needy things besides medicine, thus winning the gratitude and regard of those to whom he administered. He was a man of kindly and benevolent influences, yet entirely unostentatious in his char- ity, and his deeds of kindness were frequently known only to the donator and the recipient.
In December, 1878, Doctor Hart married Miss Celesta A. Arter, of Crawford county, Ohio, a daughter of C. M. and Harriet Arter. Her grand- father, Henry Arter, was one of the pioneers of Crawford county, locating there before Colonel Crawford was burned at the stake by the Indians. His ancestors came to this country from Germany in Colonial days. He spent his last days in Wyandot county, Ohio, and died in the faith of the Metho- dist Church. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Hart was Michael Ream, also of German descent. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in Crawford county.
C. M. Arter came to Williams county in 1842, purchased land, and improved the farm on which he yet resides. His wife died in 1883. Both were members of the United Brethren Church. In their family were five daughters, namely: Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Samantha Lash, Libby, Mrs. Har- riet Weaver, and Clara, wife of A. E. Kaufman.
Doctor and Mrs. Hart had but one child, Lena May, who was born Jan- uary I, 1882, and is now being highly educated. In 1898 she was vale-
228
COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dictorian of her class at the West Unity high school, and she is now pur- suing a course of musical instruction under Professor Jacobsohn, of the Conservatory of Music, Chicago, her specialty being the violin. Mrs. Hart is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and one of its active workers. She is serving as organist in the church and is a capable teacher in the Sunday-school.
Doctor F. O. Hart died October 10, 1898, of apoplexy, and was buried in Lockport cemetery. He belonged to the Theosophical Society, and was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Sci- ence. He was identified with the American Board of Health, the Inter- national Congress of Medicine and Surgery, and the American Institute of Homeopathy; had been vice-president of the Ohio Homeopathic Medi- cal Society, belonged to the American Association of Official Surgeons, the Northwestern Ohio Homeopathic Medical Society, the Miami Valley Homeopathic Medical Society, and was a life member of the Ohio Archæo- logical and Historical Society.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.