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 22
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 22
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 22
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 22
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On May 24, 1891, Mr. Dowell was married to Miss Eva A. Ringer, by whom he has had two children: Dixon D., born in 1892, and Thad- deus D., born in 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Dowell are popular in social life, and the latter is a member of the M. E. Church of Hicksville.
CARLTON S. ROE.
Mr. Roe is the editor and proprietor of "The Press," of Bryan, Will- iams county, the oldest newspaper of this section, and his ability has won wide recognition in the journalistic field. There is no influence more po- tent in a community than that of a well-conducted newspaper, and "The Press" under Mr. Roe's able management renders effective aid to the cause of progress.
Mr. Roe was born June 27, 1864, at Buchanan, Berrien county, Michi- gan, the son of Rev. William M. Roe, a prominent minister of the Disciples' Church, and his wife, Harriet (Whitman), both of whom are now residing at Buchanan. The Roe family is of Scotch-English blood and has been represented in America for about four generations, its members having re- sided chiefly on Long Island, New York.
Our subject's education was secured in the graded schools of various cities, two years being spent in the schools of Davenport, Iowa, and in 1882 he graduated from the high school at Dowagiac, Michigan. He taught school in Cass county, Michigan, for about a year, and then he went to St. Joseph, Michigan, and devoted two years to learning the jewelry and watch-making business. This occupation did not prove congenial, however, and in 1884 he located at Bryan and began reading law in the office of H. H. Calvin, Esq., then mayor of that city. In 1888 Mr. Roe was admitted to the Bar, and he immediately formed a partnership with his
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preceptor, with whom he continued in practice for one year. In June, 1889, he and J. H. Letcher purchased the plant of "The Press," which they conducted under the firm name of Letcher & Roe until March 1, 1896, with Mr. Roe as editor. At the dissolution of the partnership Mr. Roe bought Mr. Letcher's interest, and he has since continued the paper as sole proprietor. "The Press" was founded in 1854, and is now a seven-column, eight-page quarto, with a circulation of one thousand three hundred among the best people of this section. It reflects the political principles of its editor, being fearless and enthusiastic in the support of the Republican party. The machinery is run by water power, and the entire plant shows sound business management.
In 1888 Mr. Roe was married to Miss Hattie Moore, and they have two children-a boy and girl-born June 14, 1890, and September 17, 1892, respectively. The family occupies an enviable social position, and Mr. Roe is identified with several fraternal orders, including the Knights of Pythias and the F. and A. M.
JOHN H. HOCKMAN.
This well-known member of the Defiance County Bar is now serving as judge of the probate court of that county. It is seldom that a lawyer achieves so marked a success in as short a time as has elapsed since Mr. Hockman entered the profession, and the ease with which he has won recognition may be attributed to the fact that his fine native ability had been previously developed and ripened by thorough general culture, and a wide experience in other fields.
Mr. Hockman is a native of Tiffin township, Defiance county, having been born there June 2, 1856. His parents, Henry and Caroline (Shepmire) Hockman, were both born in Germany, and came to this country about 1840, locating in Defiance county, where the father, a most industrious and frugal citizen, followed the carpenter's trade, and also engaged in clearing and culti- vating land, opening up two or three farms. He died in March, 1870. His widow, who is still living, married William Rath, a prominent citizen of Tiffin township, Defiance county, where for many years he has been a justice of the peace.
Judge Hockman's abilities were shown at an early age by his use of every available opportunity for acquiring an education. He first attended the schools of Defiance, then after a course in the high school there studied for a time in the high school at Stryker, Ohio, and in the university at Ada, Ohio.
f.r6. Hovetman
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The means necessary for pursuing this extended course were obtained by teaching in the intervals of study, and as he found that occupation congenial he engaged in it regularly when his school days ended. From 1882 until 1884 he was principal of the schools of Evansport, Ohio, and in 1884 and 1885 he held the same position at Fayette, Fulton county, Ohio. He then returned to Evansport, and was in charge of the schools there until 1890. During this time he gained a high reputation as an educator, and for five years was a member of the board of examiners of Defiance county, serving as presi- dent for two years and secretary for the same length of time. From 1885 to 1890 he read law with Harris & Cameron, and while thus fitting himself for future honors he was elected, in 1887, to the office of justice of the peace, and served until 1890. In June of that year he was admitted to the Bar upon examination before the supreme court at Columbus, Ohio, and began to practice at Defiance, continuing alone until July 19, 1893, when a partner- ship was formed with W. H. Hubbard. As a practitioner he makes no special- ties, and his clientage extends throughout his own and adjoining counties. In 1894 he was admitted to practice before the United States Federal Courts, and his firm has cases before the United States Supreme Court. Successful as an advocate, he was chosen in 1896 to another branch of legal work, the judicial, the people emphasizing their expression of confidence in him by giving a large majority as probate judge. At the same time W. H. Hub- bard, his partner, was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Defi- ance county.
Politically a Democrat, Judge Hockman has for the past five years been active and influential in the leadership of the local organization. He was chairman of the county central and executive committees in 1891 and 1892, and has repeatedly served as a delegate to Judicial, State and Congressional Conventions. As a political speaker his abilities are appreciated, and for five years his services have been in demand, thirty-six speeches having been made in 1896 under the auspices of various committees. In local affairs of a non- political nature the Judge is also an interested worker. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order and of the K. of P.
Judge Hockman has an interesting family, and resides in a large and comfortable house, built by himself, at the corner of Walnut and High streets, Defiance. He was married June 8, 1883, to Miss Clara F. Ackerman, of Evansport, daughter of Henry F. and Clarissa ( Mapes) Ackerman. Her ancestors in the maternal line came to America with William Penn. Two children bless this union : Florence L., born September 14, 1885; and Port Ackerman, born November 16, 1888.
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LEWIS A. BEILHARZ.
Mr. Beilharz, who is a notary public at Liberty Center, has for many years been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Henry county. His is an honorable record of a conscientious man, who by his upright life has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. He has rounded the Psalmist's span of three-score years and ten, and, although the snows of several winters have whitened his hair, he has the vigor of a much younger man, and in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime.
Mr. Beilharz was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1825, whence when quite young he was taken by his father, Rev. John J. Beilharz, to Seneca county, New York, where he lived until fourteen years of age, when the family came to Seneca county, this State. There the father died. In 1842 our subject began learning the printer's trade, at which he continued to work until the spring of 1846, when he entered the United States army for service in the Mexican war, and was at the front from June of that year until the winter of 1847-48.
On returning to civil pursuits, Mr. Beilharz followed his trade in Seneca county most of the time for about fifteen years, and in 1862 became one of the publishers of the "Tiffin Advertiser," but in the following spring he sold his interest in that paper. He then removed to Fulton county, Ohio, where he lived until October, 1864, when once more he decided to strike a blow in de- fense of his country, enlisting in Company D, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and serving until October, 1865, when he was honor- ably discharged. After a year spent in farming in Fulton county, he returned to Tiffin in the fall of 1866, but did not long remain in that city. Subsequently he was employed at his trade in Cleveland for several months, and afterward worked in the "Tribune" office at Tiffin until the fall of 1867, when he came to Henry county and purchased a farm in Liberty township, which he still owns and operates. It comprises ninety-five acres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and sub- stantial buildings.
At Republic, Seneca county, Ohio, in December, 1848, Mr. Beilharz was married to Miss Martha Rundell, who was born in Cayuga county, New York, May 5, 1832, a daughter of William Rundell, who died in Republic. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beilharz, namely: Louisa, who married Robert M. Shaw, and died in Liberty Center, Henry county ; one daughter, who died in infancy, and Frank E., still living.
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Mr. Beilharz has always taken a deep and commendable interest in public affairs, and has acceptably served his fellow citizens as township assessor three years ; as constable four years ; as justice of the peace six years ; as councilman six years, and at the present time he is mayor of Liberty Center, having been elected to that office in April, 1898. Since 1894 he has also been notary public. Both his public and private career are above reproach and he is justly ranked among the most patriotic and loyal citizens of the county. For many years he has held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a member of the camp.
JOHN G. WIELAND.
This leading agriculturist of Tiffin township, Defiance county, has displayed in his career the thrift and enterprise which characterize our Ger- man-born citizens, and his success is the reward due to well-directed effort.
Born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 5, 1823, Mr. Wieland is a son of Gottlieb and Frederika (Dise) Wieland, who came to America in 1831, and made their home in Erie county, New York, where their re- maining years were spent. This worthy couple had a family of ten child- ren, only two of whom lived to mature age. Our subject was eight years old when he crossed the Atlantic, and his youth was mainly passed upon his father's farm in Erie county, New York. About 1850 he decided to seek a home for himself in a newer section, and in the fall of 1851 he lo- cated upon his present farm in Defiance county. This is an attractive home- stead of one hundred and sixty-eight acres, upon which he has made many im- provements, his buildings being commodious and comfortable. As a citi- zen he is held in high esteem, and he has shown his public spirit in many ways, taking part in various progressive movements. He has been es- pecially active in educational affairs, serving for some time as clerk of the school board, and he has also held office for four years as township trus- tee, and for three years as supervisor.
Mr. Wieland has been twice married, the first time in Erie county, New York, to Miss Christine Kurtz, by whom he had six children, viz .: John A .; Emma L., who married William Fritz, and died in Williams county; Sophia A., who married Henry Shaffer, and died in Williams county; Barbara M., in Defiance; Lucinda and Wesley J., in Williams county. The mother of this family passed to the unseen life December 9, 1861, and on May 18, 1862, Mr. Wieland was married in Tiffin township, Defiance county, to Miss Sarah Ann Moon, a native of that township, born July 18, 1838. Her father, Jacob Moon,
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was born in Maryland, and her mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Ann Wiles, was a native of West Virginia. They settled in what is now Tiffin township, Defiance county, early in the '30s, and both died there, the father on May 3, 1887, and the mother on April 8, 1896. Mrs. Wieland was the fifth in a family of eight children-five sons and three daughters-and she has always resided in the same township. By his second marriage Mr. Wie- land has had six children, viz. : Eveline E., wife of S. B. Figley ; Christopher B., who married Miss Ada Potter, and resides in Bryan, Ohio; George B., who married Miss Hattie Pumphrey, and is now engaged in farming in Spring- field township, Williams county ; Hattie, wife of John Core, of Sherwood; Cora, wife of Charles Block, of Tiffin township; and Fannie, wife of Charles Mogg, of Washington township, Defiance county.
CALVIN C. YOUNG.
Mr. Young is one of the old and honored citizens of Liberty Center, Henry county. Old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness and inactiv- ity. It need not suggest, as a matter of course, want of occupation or help- lessness. There is an old age that is a benediction to all that come in contact with it, that gives out of its richest stores of learning and experience as years pass. Such is the life of Mr. Young, an encouragement to his associates and an example well worthy of emulation to the coming generations.
Mr. Young was born March 31, 1825, in Scott, Cortland county, New York, of which State his parents, Daniel and Hannah (Cheney) Young, were also natives, the former born in Rensselaer county, in February, 1793, the latter in Batavia, in April of the same year. In September, 1849, they emi- grated westward, locating in Liberty township, Henry county, Ohio, where both died, the father in 1871, the mother in 1875. Throughout his active business life the father followed the occupations of school teacher, carpenter, and farmer. Four of their children reached adult age, namely: Samantha, Fidelia, Calvin C. and Martin C., but the oldest and youngest are now de- ceased.
The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm in Cort- land county, New York, and besides becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits he learned the carpenter's trade, and in early life engaged in peddling goods throughout the country for about four years. On January 4, 1844, he married Miss Lucy A. Eldredge, who was born in Chenango county, New York, in August, 1825, and died in Cortland county, that State, November 8, 1847, leaving two children: Charles O., who died October 27, 1869, while
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attending the Philadelphia Medical University; and George D., who died in Liberty Center, Henry county, April 19, 1894. He was twice married, first time to Esther Ferguson, by whom he had one son, James ; by his second wife, Elizabeth (Burgess), he had the following: Frederick, Charles, Clifford, Vida, and Grace.
In Cortland county Mr. Young, our subject, was again married, February 6, 1848, his second union being with Miss Amanda Eldredge, who was born in September, 1826, and was a cousin of his former wife. To them were born eight children, a brief record of whom is as follows: (1) Julia A. married William J. Gasser, and died in Paulding, Ohio; they had four children, only one of whom is now living, Charles, those deceased being Nettie, Minnie and Eddie. (2) Jewett O. married Tillie Avery, and they have one child, Gurney. (3) Dwight C. was twice married, first to Ella Hales, and they had four chil- dren, only one of whom survives, Dorr D., those deceased being Minnie, Gertie and Bessie; for his second wife he wedded Sylvia Jones, and they have one child, Freddie. (4) Dorr D. died in infancy at Liberty Center, Ohio. (5) Delia A. married Charles M. Showman, and they have five children-Cloise, Melville, Meme, Vinnie and Lucy. (6) Ward W. married Della Haag, and they have one son, Eldon. (7) Lucy A. wedded W. N. Ferguson, and they have one son, Gale. (8) Cora H. married A. J. Warner ; they have no children. The mother of this family died in Liberty Center, January 13, 1893, and on the 25th of the following October, Mr. Young wedded Mrs. Sarah (Pinney) Geering, widow of John Geering.
In September, 1849, Mr. Young, with his wife and two children, came to Henry county and located in Section 36, Liberty township, where he pur- chased eighty acres, which he cleared and improved. To that tract he added forty acres, now under an excellent state of cultivation, and also bought eighty acres of land in Washington township, Henry county, which he improved, but has since disposed of the latter. He is a progressive, energetic farmer, thor- oughly versed in his chosen calling, and in business has met with a well- deserved success, so that he is now numbered among the prosperous and sub- stantial citizens of his community. For two years he engaged in merchandis- ing in Liberty Center, served as postmaster for some time, and for twenty years was station agent, resigning his position at the end of that period. Early in the sixties he was appointed notary public, and is still filling that position to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He has taken great interest in promot- ing and aiding different Churches, and cheerfully gives his support to all enter- prises which he believes calculated to prove of general good. For forty years he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, and is a charter member
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of Liberty Center Lodge, No. 518, F. and A. M., while formerly he held mem- bership in Napoleon Lodge, No. 256.
DAVID F. OPENLANDER.
David F. Openlander, the well-known and popular Mayor, as well as a leading attorney of Sherwood, Ohio, has spent his entire life in Defiance county, his birth occurring in Delaware township, December 7, 1862.
His father, the late John G. Openlander, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and when a young man came to the New World. In Crawford county, Ohio, he married Miss Caroline Schwab, also a native of Germany, and in that county they spent several years of their married life, coming to Defiance county in 1860 and locating in Delaware township, where the father died in August, 1886.
The subject of this sketch is fourth in the order of birth in the family of nine children-seven sons and two daughters-and was reared on his father's farm, which now lies within the corporate limits of Sherwood. During his boyhood and youth he pursued his studies in the common schools of the locality, and after his own education was completed he suc- cessfully engaged in teaching school for five years. From 1880 until 1886 he was interested in the life and fire insurance, loan and real estate busi- ness in Sherwood and vicinity, and for the following two years was em- ployed as chief clerk by the Ohio Construction Company, which constructed the C. J. & M. R. R. After leaving their employ he engaged in the pen- sion business, at which he was very successful, and had a lucrative practice, spending his leisure time in reading law, until 1894, when he entered the School of Law, connected with the Ohio State University, at Columbus, Ohio. He was graduated from that institution in 1896, and has since suc- cessfully engaged in practice at his present location. He is still quite largely interested in real estate, and as a business man is prompt, energetic and notably reliable.
The rapid advancement of his native town is due more to his energy and personal efforts than any other cause, and the people of Sherwood appreciate his labors in a substantial manner. The largest and most promi- nent business block in town, known as the Openlander Block, erected by him in 1892, is a lasting memorial to his untiring energy and push. It is safe to say that he owns more dwellings and real estate than any other citi- zen in Sherwood. Although gifted with remarkable business capacity, he is not incapable of appreciating the beauties of rural life, and has a fancy
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for farm life, which culminated in the purchase of one of the largest and best farms in Mark township, where he may be found during spare moments supervising farm work.
On the 13th of January, 1898, Mr. Openlander was married to Miss Joanna Fahy, and since then he has lived with his estimable wife in the large and commodious residence on South Main street, which he had in readiness for the occasion. He is quiet and exclusive in manner, and con- ducts himself with a gentlemanly deportment which has won for him a well-earned respect from his fellow citizens.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Openlander has been a stalwart sup- porter of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to public office, the duties of which he has performed with credit to himself and to the en- tire satisfaction of his constituency. Socially, Mr. Openlander is a promi- nent member of the Knights of Pythias, and Independent Order of Odd Fel- Jows.
L. LAROY THOMPSON.
The subject of these lines is a wide-awake, progressive business man of Grelton, Henry county, where since July, 1892, he has successfully en- gaged in merchandising. He carries a large and well selected stock of gen- eral merchandise, enjoys a good trade, and has the confidence and respect of the entire community.
In Morrow county, Ohio, Mr. Thompson was born January 4, 1854, a son of the late Uriah Thompson, who died in that county June 29, 1888, at the age of sixty-eight years. His mother, Mrs. Caroline (Brooks) Thompson, is still living. Our subject is third in the order of birth in their family of five children-four sons and one daughter. During his boyhood and youth he obtained a good practical education, attending both the com- mon and the high schools of his native county. His training at farm work was also quite proficient, and he continued to aid his father in the opera- tion of the home farm until twenty-five years of age.
Mr. Thompson was married in Morrow county, February 10, 1876, to Miss Mary C. Smith, a native of that county, and they have become the parents of three children, namely: Josie, now the wife of Earl D. Shank; Leah and Leslie. Leah died August 26, 1898, aged fourteen years, six months, twenty-one days. In October, 1879, Mr. Thompson brought his family to Henry county, and until his removal to the village of Grelton
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in July, 1892, he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Monroe township. He is one of the leading and influential citizens of the com- munity, as well as one of its most popular merchants, and has made many warm friends in his adopted county. He has efficiently served his fellow citizens in the capacity of school director. Socially he affiliates with Grel- ton Lodge, No. 239, K. P.
ZENO H. MILLER.
The subject of this sketch has done more to promote the commercial activ- ity, advance the general welfare and secure the material development of Sher- wood and the surrounding section of Defiance county, than probably any other individual. As a business man he has been enterprising, energetic and always abreast with the times, and has been rewarded by a comfortable competence.
Mr. Miller was born in Harrison county, Ohio, October 7, 1848, and in 1853 was taken by his parents, Elias and Rebecca (Foose) Miller, to Craw- ford county, this State, where the family lived for the following two years. In 1855 they came to Defiance county and located in Delaware township, where the mother died November 21, 1895. The children of the family are Johnson, Emanuel, Vincent, Zeno H. and Stewart.
On his father's farm Zeno H. Miller passed his boyhood and youth until eighteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed only nominally, however. During early life he taught school for two terms. In the spring of 1873 he erected the first house built in Sher- wood, and with the development and prosperity of that village he has since been prominently identified. He was married in Delaware township, Defiance county, March 31, 1876, to Miss Alice Roush, daughter of George and Chris- tine Roush, of that township, where her father died December 1, 1881. To our subject and wife has been born a son, Hollis R.
After his marriage Mr. Miller located in Sherwood, where he erected a store building, and engaged in the grocery business for two years, his store being destroyed by fire at the end of that time. A year later he built another business block, and this time embarked in general merchandising. Erecting an elevator in Sherwood in 1879, he has since given his attention principally to the grain trade, and handles all the grain brought to the village. He is also interested in the hardware business, and has given his influence to all enterprises which he believes calculated to advance the welfare of the place. Besides his property in Sherwood, Mr. Miller owns about two hundred acres of land, and he is justly regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of the community.
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