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 51
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 51
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 51
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 51
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As a citizen, Mr. Klein has shown much public spirit, taking an active
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part in various progressive movements in his locality. He has served four terms as township trustee and three terms as township treasurer, filling both offices most acceptably, and he is now serving his second term as county com- missioner, having been elected first in 1893 and re-elected in 1895. His sym- pathies are with the Democratic party, and he is an ardent and influential worker for the success of that organization.
GEORGE BAKER.
Mr. Baker, who is one of the efficient trustees of Richland township, Defiance county, was born there on September 24, 1852. His father, Andrew Baker, was a native of Germany, whence he came to this country, and in Defiance county, Ohio, married Mrs. Anna (Wertz) Boston, widow of Charles Boston. They are still residents of Richland township, where their entire mar- ried life has been passed. They have reared quite a large family of children, of whom our subject is one of the younger members.
Reared in Richland township, George Baker acquired his education in its public schools, and since reaching manhood he has followed farming there, he and his brother now successfully operating a good farm of two hundred acres. He was married in that township, September 6, 1882, to Miss Mar- garet Hein, a native of Germany, and to them have been born four children, as follows : Anna, Joseph, William and Sarah.
Mr. Baker was first elected trustee in the spring of 1895, and so accepta- bly did he fill that position that he was re-elected two years later. He has always been identified with the Democratic party in politics, and as a public- spirited, enterprising citizen, he takes an active and commendable interest in public affairs. In the Catholic Church he and his family hold membership.
JOSEPH H. GEARHART.
Mr. Gearhart, proprietor of the Auglaize Dairy Farm, in Defiance town- ship, Defiance county, is one of the representative and popular citizens of his community.
Born July 28, 1850, in Crawford county, Ohio, Mr. Gearhart is a son of John D. and Mary J. (Hottle) Gearhart, in whose family were six chil- dren, he being second in the order of birth. The father died in Defiance town- ship, Defiance county, but the mother passed away in Paulding county, Ohio.
When eight months old Joseph H. Gearhart was brought by his parents to Defiance county, and upon the farm where he still makes his home he
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was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The farm comprises eighty-six acres of highly cultivated and well improved land, which yields to the owner bountiful returns for the care and labor bestowed upon it. In connection with general farming Mr. Gearhart has given special attention to dairying since April. 1888, and in this branch of his business has also met with a well merited success.
In Highland township, Defiance county, Mr. Gearhart was married to Miss Rebecca Watson, a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and a daughter of Gabriel Watson, of Highland township, Defiance county. The children born of this union are as follows: Charles, Lottie (now the wife of T. More- head), Fannie, Alta, Eva, Roy and Ruth.
ANDREW PARKE YEAGLEY.
This leading farmer of Defiance county has his home in Section 19, Wash- ington township. By the manner in which he carries on his business he evi- dences that he thoroughly understands the vocation in which he is engaged, and that success is attending his efforts toward acquiring a competency. Neat- ness and order prevail upon his place, which is managed, with regard to its cultivation, in a manner reflecting great credit on the owner.
Mr. Yeagley is a native of Defiance county, Pennsylvania, having been born in Milford township, July 16, 1857, a son of William B. and Margaret Ann (Hendershott) Yeagly (as they spell the name). In their family were six children, namely : Blanche, now the wife of John Donley; Andrew P .. the subject of this sketch; Ida, who died at the tender age of sixteen months ; Lottie K., the wife of Hon. John W. Winn, of Defiance; William Sherman, and Madge Britton.
The first seven years of his life Andrew P. Yeagley spent in his native township, and in De Kalb county, Indiana; thence removing with his parents to Williams county, Ohio, where the following seven years were passed. At the end of that time the family located on the farm in Washington township. Defiance county, where our subject is still living. Here he owns one hundred and sixty-two acres of rich and arable land, improved with a fine set of farm buildings, and under excellent cultivation.
On December 28, 1882, in Farmer township, Defiance county, Mr. Yeag- ley was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Ensign, a native of that town- ship, and a daughter of Gideon and Louisa Ensign. Two children bless this union, William Clyde and Guy Ensign. Since casting his first Presidential
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vote Mr. Yeagley has affiliated with the Republican party, and on that ticket was elected township trustee in the spring of 1896, a position he has since acceptably filled. In religious faith his wife is an earnest member of the Lost Creek Presbyterian Church, and in the social circles of their community they occupy an enviable position.
GEORGE ROHN.
This thorough and systematic farmer residing in Highland township, Defiance county, belongs to a family that was early founded in Ohio.
His father, the late William Rohn, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1815, and when seven years old accompanied his father, Will- iam Rohn, Sr., on his removal to Defiance county, Ohio, where he was reared amid pioneer scenes. On reaching manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Brechbill, also a native of Pennsylvania, born in Westmoreland county, in 1823. They located near Florida, Henry county, Ohio, continuing to make that place their home until coming to Ayresville, Highland town- ship, Defiance county, in 1864. There the father died in August, 1880, honored and respected by all who knew him. The mother is still living.
The subject of this sketch was born near Florida, Henry county, Ohio, May 23. 1854, and is fourth in the order of birth in the family of eight chil- dren-two sons and six daughters. He was ten years of age when the family removed to Highland township, Defiance county, where he grew to manhood and obtained a good common-school education. Since starting out in life for himself he has successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and every- thing about his farm denotes prosperity and thrift.
In Highland township, September 21, 1881, Mr. Rohn was married to Miss Anna B. Blue, daughter of Lewis D. Blue, of that township, whose sketch appears elsewhere. Of this union have been born three children, namely : Grace, Kate and Harry D. The parents are both earnest members of the Baptist Church, and wherever known they are held in high regard.
FRANK J. CLEMMER.
Mr. Clemmer, who is ex-county commissioner of Defiance county, is one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Hicksville township. On the farm where he still lives, he was born March 27, 1859, and with the agricul- tural and political interests of the community his name is inseparably con- nected.
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His father, the late John Clemmer, was born in 1812, and at an early day removed from Montgomery county, Ohio, to Paulding county, where he made his home for several years. He next became a resident of Defiance county, making his home in Hicksville township until called to his final rest on June 10, 1882. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Mary Woodcock, who died in Paulding county. In De Kalb county, Indiana, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth ( Allen) Shew, who was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1818. By her second marriage she had but one child : Frank J., the subject of this sketch. After their marriage, his parents lived for a time on the Maumee river in Paulding county before coming to Defiance county.
On the old homestead in Hicksville township, Frank J. Clemmer was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with farming in its various departments, and acquiring a good practical education in the common schools of the neigh- borhood. He is now the owner of eighty-eight and one-half acres of good land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings.
In Hicksville, Defiance county, January 23, 1879, Mr. Clemmer was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Elliott, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, January 8, 1861, a daughter of the late Hugh Elliott, of Hicksville township, Defiance county. Four children bless this union, namely : Bertha, Fred E .. John J. and Ila M.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Clemmer has been identified with the Democratic party, and has taken an active and prominent part in local political affairs. He has held the offices of assessor and constable of Hicksville town- ship for two terms each. In the fall of 1884 he was elected county commis- sioner on the Democratic ticket, and so acceptably did he fill the office that in the fall of 1887 he was re-elected, serving in all six years. As a public- spirited and progressive citizen, he stands ready to discharge every duty devolv- ing upon him, and his public service was most exemplary.
CHARLES F. BOESLING.
This prominent resident of Flat Rock township, Henry county, has been extensively engaged in agricultural work in that locality for a number of years, and has lately become interested in the milling business at Florida, Henry county, his venture proving highly successful. His enterprise and energy are worthy of emulation, and his history finds an appropriate place among those of the leading business men of the section.
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Mr. Boesling is a native of Henry county, having been born in Napoleon township, October 8, 1855. When he was about fourteen years old his parents, Henry and Sophia ( Hase) Boesling, removed to Flat Rock township, where our subject has ever since resided. In early manhood he engaged in agricul- ture, and he now owns a fine farm of three hundred and forty-seven acres, which he manages in a scientific manner, being regarded as one of the suc- cessful farmers of the county. Until 1897 his agricultural interests occupied his attention exclusively ; but in the spring of that year he purchased the roller gristmill at Florida, which he is now conducting, the daily capacity being sev- enty-five barrels.
He has a pleasant home in Flat Rock township, and is identified with various progressive movements in his community, being especially active in religious work as a member of the Lutheran Church. On October 28, 1880, he was married in that township to Miss Sophia Bahrens, daughter of Henry Bahrens, a well-known resident of Adams township, Defiance county. Five children have blessed this union: Minnie, Karl, Frederick, Emma, and Arna.
FERDINAND F. BENECKE.
Mr. Benecke owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred acres in Section 3, Adams twonship, Defiance county, which is conspicuous for the manner in which it has been improved and cultivated, and is evidently the homestead of one of the most enterprising and progressive men of the locality. A native of Henry county, Ohio, he was born in Ridgeville township, April 3, 1858, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Schultz) Benecke, both natives of Germany. The mother died on the old home in Ridgeville township, in 1889.
Our subject, who is the youngest in the family of six children, passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead, acquiring a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits on the home farm, and obtaining a good practical literary education in the public schools of the neighborhood. He remained with his parents until the age of twenty-five when he married, and located upon his present farm in Adams township, Defiance county. Being a skilled farmer and a wide-awake, energetic business man, he has met with a well-deserved success in his undertakings.
Near Defiance, Ohio, Mr. Benecke was married January 30, 1883, to Miss Anna Mehring, who was born in Defiance township. Defiance county, Decem- ber 29, 1859, fourth in the family of seven children of Godfrey and Dorothy (Guenther) Mehring, who are still residents of Defiance township. Three
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children have been born to this union, as follows: William A .; Louis, who died in infancy; and Edelbert P.
Mr. Benecke takes a genuine interest in all enterprises whose object is to promote the progress and welfare of his adopted county, and as a warm friend of the public-school system he is efficiently serving on the school board in Adams township. He and his wife are both active and prominent members of the Lutheran Church, and they well deserve the high regard in which they are uniformly held.
FOREST O. HUTCHINS.
One of the most energetic citizens of Farmer township, Defiance county, F. O. Hutchins, is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Section 9.
Mr. Hutchins is a native of Ohio, born in Lorain county, February 22, 1855, and is a son of Rozelle and Susan (Ranney) Hutchins, who removed from Lorain to Defiance county in 1863, locating in Farmer township, where both died. In their family were nine children-six sons and three daughters -our subject being fifth in the order of birth. He was eight years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Defiance county, and in Farmer township grew to manhood, becoming thoroughly familiar with every department of farm work. Since starting out in life for himself he has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, and now successfully operates one hun- dred and sixty-five acres, while he owns forty acres under excellent cultivation and improved with good buildings.
In Farmer township Mr. Hutchins was married to Miss Rachel Price, who was born in that township, a daughter of William and Sarah Ann (Thorp) Price, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. Eight children have been born of this union, namely: Edna, Clara, Clark, Ethel, Laura, Lowell, Ralph and Robbie.
JAMES BLOOM.
Mr. Bloom, who is a member of the well-known firm of Bloom & Co., furniture dealers and undertakers, of Sherwood, Defiance county, was born May 3, 1859, in the town of Shelby, Richland county, Ohio, a son of Jeremiah and Susanna (Snyder) Bloom, both natives of Perry county, Pennsylvania. After their marriage they located in Shelby, Ohio, where they continued to make their home until coming to Sherwood, Defiance county, in 1875. Here the father followed the furniture and undertaking business until his death, which occurred April 4, 1896.
Mr. Bloom, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest in the family of
31
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six children-four sons and two daughters-and was reared in his native town, receiving a good common-school education, which well fitted him for his subsequent business life. With his parents he came to Sherwood in 1875, and on starting out in life for himself became interested in the furniture and undertaking business, which has since claimed his attention. He is a wide- awake, energetic business man, and as a citizen commands the confidence and respect of the entire community.
In Delaware township, Defiance county, Mr. Bloom was married March 2, 1882, to Miss Louisa Miller, who was born in that county, March 28, 1865, a daughter of Jacob Miller, of Delaware township. To them have been born two daughters, namely : Ina A. and Bertie B. In the spring of 1897 Mr. Bloom was elected a member of the school board of Sherwood, and is now ably filling that position. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle.
STEPHEN A. COLLINS.
The subject of these lines, who is engaged in farming in Section 18, Bart- low township, Henry county, and is also a dealer in agricultural implements at Hamler, is an important factor in business circles, and his popularity is well-deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabated energy and industry that never flags.
On a farm in Marion township, Henry county, Mr. Collins was born December 23, 1861, a son of Michael and Bridget (Shehy) Collins, early set- tlers of the county, where the father died September 13, 1889. In their family were eight children who reached manhood and womanhood-four sons and four daughters-Stephen A. being fourth in the order of birth. During his boyhood and youth he received a good common-school education, and assisted his father in the labors of the farm, remaining at home until October, 1889, when he married and located upon his present farm in Bartlow town- ship. He gave his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits until August, 1896, when he formed a partnership with Mr. Newton, and embarked in the agricultural implement business. Carrying a well-selected stock of goods, and being courteous in their treatment of customers, they have secured a liberal share of the public patronage. Although his business is in Hamler, Mr. Collins still resides on his farm in Bartlow township, where he owns one hun- dred and twenty acres of valuable and well-improved land.
On October 10, 1889, in Holgate, Henry county, Mr. Collins married Miss Tersia Stewart, a native of Putnam county, Ohio, and a daughter of
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Newton Stewart of that county. They have become the parents of two chil- dren, namely: Jerry A. and Franklin S. Mr. Collins and family are com- municants of the Catholic Church, while politically he is identified with the Democratic party, in the success of which he takes a deep interest.
SYLVESTER C. OBERLIN.
Among the leading and influential farmers of Jefferson township, Will -- iams county, who thoroughly understand their chosen calling, and are meet- ing with good success in their undertakings, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He owns and operates a fine farm of eighty-six acres in Section 26, on which he has made many excellent improvements, adding not a little to its value and attractive appearance.
Mr. Oberlin was born in Jefferson township, July 6, 1866, and is the elder son of Hiram B. and Melissa (Snear) Oberlin, the other being Festus A. The public schools of Williams county afforded our subject his educational privileges, while his training at farm work was obtained upon the old home- stead in Jefferson county. He remained with his parents until his marriage. when he located upon his present farm, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since devoted his energies with most gratifying results.
On June 5, 1890, in Brady township, Williams county, Mr. Oberlin wedded Miss Eva Kunkle, a daughter of George Kunkle, of that township. One child has been born to them: Earl K. Mr. and Mrs. Oberlin are both active and prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while politically he is identified with the Republican party. He takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.
FRANK DALRYMPLE.
This progressive and prosperous citizen of Hicksville, Defiance county, and one of its leading druggists, is of Scottish origin.
The American ancestor of the family was Evan Darumple (or Dal- rumple), as the name was then spelled, who was born August 17, 1770, in Scotland, near Edinburgh it is supposed. He left his native land for the shores of America when a young man, near the close of the eighteenth century, and here, September 7, 1799, married Mary Williams. New Jersey is regarded as the probable place of this event, as their son Samuel Taylor, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in that State. To this union of Evan Dalrumple and Mary Williams six children were born, their names and dates
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of birth being as follows: Nancy, September 12, 1801; John Arall, June I. 1803; Samuel Taylor, February 16, 1805; Sarah, April 11, 1807; George, March 17, 1809; and Elizabeth, July 15, 1811. The mother of this family was called from earth April 8, 1812; the father survived many years, passing away May 9, 1846, in the seventy-sixth year of his age.
Samuel Taylor Dalrymple married Miss Mary Rathban, a native of south- central New York, and after marriage the young couple made their home in Cleveland, Ohio, two years. Mr. Dalrymple had learned the trade of a mill- wright in New York, and this trade he pursued there and in Clarksville, in the northwestern part of Williams county, where he was located for a while after leaving Cleveland. He built a gristmill at Clarksville, and moving thence in 183- to Farmer township, Defiance county, he there built a sawmill and a gristmill. He subsequently purchased a farm of eighty acres of forest land at Lost Creek, Farmer township, upon which he settled. Taking up the work of clearing this wild tract, he passed through many years of the toil and hardships incident to pioneer life, but assiduously labored on to the successful achievement of his undertaking, making that place his home until the spring of 1874; and at his death he was the owner of a fair estate. He was a self-educated man ; possessed great force of character ; was very temperate in his habits; and was, withal, a sincere Christian worker. He was a member of the Methodist Church, in which he was a trustee many years; he was also steward and class leader ; and besides rendered other faithful service. In politics he was a Republican. The children of this pioneer couple were Celia Ann, George, Benjamin S., Mary E., Sarah, Samuel P., Frank, Esther, John and Laura. The second son, Benjamin S., served as a soldier in the Union army; was a member of Company I, Fifth Michigan Volunteer Cavalry. The father died October 1, 1879, at Monterey, Allegan county, Michigan, while visiting his married children there, and was interred in Monterey cem- etery. His son Frank, the subject of this sketch, was chosen executor of his estate, which is to remain unsettled until after the death of the mother. She is now living at an advanced age at Monterey.
Frank Dalrymple was born at the old homestead, in Farmer township, April 8, 1848. On arriving at a suitable age he spent his summers assisting in the duties of the farm and his winters in school until he was nineteen years old, when he went into the pine woods of Michigan and worked nine months, then spent nearly three years at carpentry, after which he gave his attention to study, attending the Normal School at Newville nine months, one in Will- iams county three months, and that at Edgerton five months. He then, in turn, became an educator, teaching eight terms in schools at Logan, Farmer
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Center, Six Corners and Pleasant Ridge, when he again became a student, en- tering Oberlin College in 1873 for a commercial course. He was graduated the following year, and in the spring of that year ( 1874) he located in Hicks- ville, buying property here, and the winter of 1875-76 found him again en- gaged as an instructor in the school at Pleasant Ridge. On the first of the following May he purchased a drug store and stock at Hicksville, and has conducted the drug business here ever since. The cost of the store was $1,650, of the stock $1,224; and his capital being then but thirty dollars, he made the purchase trusting his profits would enable him to cancel the indebtedness thus incurred. In this he was not disappointed, as by October, 1879, he was able to place himself on a sound financial basis, free from debt ; then in Jan- uary, 1882, to build a two-story brick block, 25x90 feet, to which he re- moved his business from its original site, near the Presbyterian church, and he has been located here ever since. Ever active and enterprising, he has, during his busy life, given attention to a number of business interests besides those already noted. He has been correspondent of the Cincinnati "Commer- cial Gazette," the Chicago "Herald," the Chicago "Tribune," and several other papers; was associate editor of the Defiance "Republican" for a while, and was editor and proprietor of the Hicksville "Independent" for several years. In disposing of this property he took in exchange one hundred and twenty acres of land in Michigan. He was one of the party that prospected and located oil in Hicksville; was the reporter for the Commercial Agency of R. G. Dunn & Co. for more than six years ; and has been the up-town money order agent of the United States Express Co. for the past fourteen or fifteen years.
Mr. Dalrymple was married at Hicksville, May 20, 1876, to Miss Nancy Moore, and their home, corner of Rock and Smith streets, is brightened by three children : William H., born November 27, 1878; Albert O., born March 6, 1882; and Fred V., born January 2, 1885. Mrs. Dalrymple is a daughter of John A. and Sarah ( Miller) Moore, of Hicksville.
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