USA > Ohio > Wood County > Commemorative historical and biographical record of Wood County, Ohio : its past and present : early settlement and development biographies and portraits of early settlers and representative citizens, etc. V. 2 > Part 32
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On April 10, 1872, Mr. Green had married Miss Harriet Challen, who was born November 19, 1849, and is a daughter of William Challen. They had seven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: William W., January 9, 1873; Jessie, July 29, 1875; Alva, June 29. 1877; Mande, May 2, 1879; Stanley, February 9, 1881; Herman. December 23, 1883; and Floyd. March 19, 188 ;. The oldest daughter, Jessie, is now the wife of Horton Conklin, and the oldest sons are now looking after the cultivation of the old homestead. The father passed away on the 26th of July, 1894, beloved by all who knew him.
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C. W. LENHART, one of the prominent citi- zens of Bowling Green, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, September 6, 1846. He is the only child of his parents, George S. and Eliza- beth (Legron) Lenhart. His boyhood was spent in attendance at the public schools, and in the graded schools at Fostoria and Findlay. After one year in the service of his country, and sev- eral years spent in teaching in the country schools, he entered into the mercantile business at West Millgrove, Wood county, in 1867, which he carried on until 1880, when he sold out and took charge of a flour-mill which he had assisted in building. He operated the mill until 1886, when he removed to Bowling Green and was ap- pointed deputy sheriff of the county, which office he held for four years. In 1891 our subject en- tered into the abstract and loan business, in which he is still engaged; he now takes the general management of the Wood County Abstract and Loan Co., his wide acquaintance throughout the county making him peculiarly fitted for this work. He is a Republican in politics, and active in all enterprises having for their object the wel- fare of his community. He is an enterprising, energetic man, of excellent judgment and good business ability, and has been successful finan- cially.
Mr. Lenhart was united in marriage May 6, 1869, with Miss Harriet N. Diver, who was born in Montgomery township, February 10, 1851. Mrs. Lenhart was educated in the public schools of the county, and is a woman of much culture and refinement. She is a member of the Disci- ples Church, takes an active interest in all Church work, and is also a prominent worker in the W. R. C., of Bowling Green. They have but one child living, Edna M., an intelligent young lady, the wife of William H. Caverly, who, together with her husband, is at home with her parents. The eldest daughter, Bertha A., died when seventeen years old.
The father of our subject was born in Lancas- ter county, Penn., where he was married. He removed with his family to Ohio in 1845, set- tling in Mahoning county, soon removing to Hancock county; where he lived until 1854, then coming to Wood county and purchasing a farm in Montgomery township. In the early part of his life he was a contractor and builder, but fol- lowed farming during his later years. He was born in 1820 and died in 1879. His wife was born in 1823, and is still living in the enjoyment of good health as Longley, this county.
Jacob Lenhart, the paternal grandfather of our subject, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania
some time in the '40s and settled on a farm west of Findlay, in Hancock county, afterward remov- ing to a place near Pendleton, Putnam county, where he died, in 1864, when about seventy-five years of age. Mr. Lenhart's maternal grand- father, John Legron, also removed from Penn- sylvania about the same time as the other branch of the family, settling west of Findlay, from there removing about 1856 to Montgomery township. where he died at the age of seventy-five years. Both sides of the family are of Pennsylvania- Dutch descent.
E. PRICE CLOUGH, who is now living retired, has by well-directed efforts in his business career won a competencethat enables himtolay aside bus- iness cares. Fair dealing was as conspicuous in his commercial life, as his honor in all the other walks of life. He was born in the town of Pike. Allegany Co., N. Y., October 19, 1824, and is a son of Bailey and Asenath (Price) Clough. In early life the father was an operator in a woolen- mill, but after his marriage, which was celebrated in Allegany county, he worked at the trade of a millwright. In February, 1833, he removed with his family to Huron county, Ohio, and after nine years took up his residence in Portage township. Wood county, where for several years he worked at carpentering. For some years previous to his death in 1850, he conducted a general store in Portage. He was prominent intown affairs, and served as justice of the peace, township clerk and postmaster. He had been previously married before he wedded Asenath Price, liis first union having been with Sarah Smith. Mrs. Clough was the widow of Daniel Seiley at the time of her marriage. Two children were born to the parents of our subject, of whom Samuel died in infancy.
E. Price Clough received a common-school education in his native county, and when eight- een years of age came with his parents to Wood county. He learned the trade of carpentering and wagon-making, the former with his father. but laid aside all business cares on August 21. 1861, when, at Findlay, Ohio, he enlisted as a musician in Company C, 2Ist O. V. I. He was first in battle at Ivy Mountain, and afterward par- ticipated in the engagements at Bridgeport. Ala. . Lavergne, Tenn .; Nashville, and Stone River At the last named lie was captured by the enemy. and conveyed to Libby prison, where he remained for twenty-two, days when he was paroled ani sent to Annapolis, Md., remaining at the latter place for seven weeks. In July, 1863, he rejome i his regiment, and participated in the Tullah yn 1 campaign, Dug Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge,
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Buzzards Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Savannah, Averysboro and Bentonville. He was mustered out at Columbus, July 25, 1865. He had re- enlisted as a veteran at Chattanooga, and was appointed corporal April 1, 1865. He followed the old flag on many a Southern battle field, ever true to the Union, and his war record is one of which he may be justly proud.
Mr. Clough was married May 16, 1844, in Portage, Ohio, to Amelia Crego, who was born in Madison county, Ohio, May 4, 1824. They had two children-Flora, wife of Dr. William T. Thomas, of North Baltimore, Ohio; and George P., who died at the age of thirteen. After the war, Mr. Clough worked alternately at carpen- tering and wagon-making until 1876, then through the succeeding twelve years followed carpentering exclusively, while since 1888 he has lived retired. In politics he is a Republican, and for six years served as clerk of Portage corporation. In 1891 he was elected mayor, which position he filled for two years.
DR. T. S. CARMAN. " Peace hath her victories no less than war," and the men who braved pri- vation, malaria, and countless other trials and dangers in the early days, in order to subdue the wilderness of forest and swamp which covered this section, are rightly held in honor for their achievements. Among the surviving pioneers of Wood county, Dr. Carman, of Bradner, stands foremost, and his versatile talents, sound judg- ment, determined will, and seemingly inexhausti- ble physical vigor are the wonder of all.
Dr. Carman was born in Queen Anne county, Md., April 10, 1808, a son of Salisbury and Anna ( Critchet ) Carman, and in early boyhood was taken to Baltimore by his parents. His father owned a large hat factory on Main street, Balti- more, and was a prosperous man until the break- ing out of the war of 1812, when the fluctuation - in prices of materials caused his failure. He served in that war as a member of the " Balti- more Blues," and his son distinctly remembers his coming home to get his sword when the regiment was called out to oppose the landing of the Brit- ish forces under Gen. Ross. After his financial reverses he moved to Philadelphia, where he died in 1819 at the age of twenty-nine years, leaving a widow and four children, of whom our subject was the eldest and is now the only survivor. Mary died in childhood; Lewis died in Texas. in 1866; and James, who was a noted auctioneer at New Orleans, La., died in that city. The | done much toward the improvement of Bradner,
mother of these was united in marriage in IS51 with James Chiviril, but to their union no chil- dren were born. She died at Baltimore, in 1866, at the age of seventy-five years.
Dr. Carman was only eleven years old when his father died, and, as there was no property left, the little family was scattered. He had been at- tending the common schools in Philadelphia, but this sad event put an abrupt end to his schooling, and he was placed with a farmer, an Englishman, who abused him so that he soon went back to Philadelphia. A drove of Western horses came to the city about that time, and one which was supposed to have glanders was given to him to take out to " Horse Heaven," on the Schuylkill river, to die. The diagnosis was not correct, and under the boy's kindly care the horse recovered, and its sale later brought him $80.00, which formed the foundation of his future fortune. The fondness for horses, which this incident shows, has always been a characteristic trait, and to this day it is his delight to drive a spirited team. His unusual business ability was shown at an early age in various " dickers," and he made his way better than many so circumstanced would have done.
Returning to Baltimore, he learned dentistry, and for a while practiced there, then in Rich- mond, Va., and Augusta, Ga., and also traveled through the rural districts of the South and East in a sulky. He was an expert in his business, and as prices were good he prospered. In 1834 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and followed his profession, traveling through the South in the winter season, and in 1836 he went to Fort Seneca, Ohio, where he learned of the lands of Wood county. Being desirous of investing in real estate, he soon made a purchase of eighty acres in Section 8, Montgomery township, from Harlow Hill. This was in its primitive condi- tion; but he made his home there in a log cabin in pioneer style, and as time passed he increased his holdings until he owned 440 acres, later en- tering 1,000 acres. He became a successful worker in different lines, practiced medicine, conducted a mercantile business, and carried on farming on an extensive scale, his shrewd finan- ciering enabling him to accumulate money rap- idly. Later he removed to Prairie Depot, where he carried on a store, practiced medicine, and for some time was in a similar business in Perry's- burg, but in August, 1889, he moved to Braduer. where he has since resided. He owns seven houses in that town, also two in Prairie Depot. and about 500 acres of land, besides; he has
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DR. T. S. CARMAN.
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having built many houses and platted an addition to the town. In the early days he was criticised for his extensive purchases of land, by many who have lived to see the wisdom of his dealings.
In 1828 he was married, in Baltimore, to Miss Ellen Young, a native of the "Blue Hills," ten miles from the city. She died in Baltimore in 1834, not long after their marriage, leaving no children, and he subsequently married, in Balti- more, in 1835, Miss Elizabeth Howard, a native of Maryland, by whom he had four children: Two died in childhood; the others -- Howard and Anna (now Mrs. Wesley Graham) -reside at Prairie Depot. This wife died at Prairie Depot in 1843, and the Doctor afterward married Miss Nancy A. Myers, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and daughter of Michael Myers. One child was born of this union, Mary (now Mrs. Jefferson Adams), of North Baltimore. In 1853 death took from him this partner in life, who re- quested that he should marry her sister, Emily A. Myers, who was born in New Rochester. Wood county, in 1838. Twelve children were born of this fourth marriage, viz .: Patience died in childhood; Thomas, Jr., lives in Bradner;' Ida married Harry Wright, of Sterling, Ill. ; Kitty M. married Volney Jones, of Jerry City, Ohio; James and William H. reside in Bradner; Julia married Edward Keil, of Pemberville; Belle is the wife of G. F. Coyle, of Bradner; Daisy married W. H. Stow, of Bradner; Edna died at the age of eleven; Ross died in infancy, and June at the age of seven years. The Doctor is a Mason, and he and his wife are leading members of the Dis- ciples Church. Their home has always been noted for its hospitality and good cheer.
Dr. Carman is remarkably well preserved, having never used liquor or tobacco in any form, and at his advanced age, now (fall of 1896) over eighty-eight years, he is active in mind and body, giving his personal attention to his numerous properties and business interests. The only marked sign of his years is his weakened eyesight; but so alert is he mentally, and so in sympathy with the world's progress, that he reads the news- papers daily, although it requires quite an effort to do so. At fifty years of age he measured forty- four inches around the chest on the bare flesh, and was unusually powerful. His will is unbend- ing, a desire to do or have anything nearly always meaning that that desire will be fulfilled, no miat- ter what the cost. His wonderful memory en- ables him to recall the events of his early life as a.boy in Philadelphia and Baltimore, with great distinctness. He remembers the rejoicing over Jackson's victory in 1814 (January S), and in
1824 he witnessed the reception of Lafayette at Baltimore, and saw Charles Carroll, of Carroll- ton, and Andrew Jackson, at this demonstration. He made trips on the second and third steam- boats built in the United States, the . Pennsyl- vania " and "Etna;" was present at the laying of the first stoneof the B. & O. R. R. by Andrew Jack- son, at Baltimore, each State being represented by a delegation, and among the other distin- guished visitors present on that occasion were James. Carroll (one of the signers of the Declara- tion of Independence), and Lafayette and his son. His native abilities seem to have been. equal to any task. Left to make his way from "early boyhood practically without any instruction, he has made a notable success in one of the inost exacting of the learned professions, his career as a physician covering more than a quarter of a century. A born leader, his force of character and intellect are recognized by all with whom he comes in contact, and when he has served on juries he has invariably been chosen as foreman. In his financial affairs his ability has been well displayed. He was never given but one dollar in his life, and that was a Spanish dollar, bearing the date 1808, a gift from his stepfather, who was a pilot on an American vessel that raised a sunken Spanish ship containing that dollar among its store of treasures. It is still a cherished posses- sion. He has lost as well as made money during his business life; but any mistake of that sort has been more than made good. In whatever busi- ness he has undertaken, he has grasped the prin- ciples of success intuitively, and whether as a mer- chant or a pioneer farmer hislack of previous train- ing seems to have been no real obstacle in his way. Amos Spafford, on account of his being the first white settler in Wood county, was made a gift of 160 acres of land, April 26, 1816. Later in the same year this land fell into Mr. Carman's pos- session by the purchase of E. D. Peck's land, ad- joining old Fort Meigs, the sum paid being fifteen thousand dollars.
Politically he has always been a Democrat, and his first vote was cast in Baltimore for Andrew Jackson. His ambition does not run in the direc- tion of politics, and he has declined numerous can- didacies, although, with the favorable acquaint- ance throughout the county which his business life has brought him, he would have received hearty support from both parties. He is not in- different to local politics, however, and few men in this section have wielded the influence which he can exert in his quiet way, in opposing an enemy or forwarding the interest of a friend. He was a member of the board of equalization in the
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early days, and suggested the classification of lands. At one time he was nominated for treas- urer; but owing to his many private responsibili- ties, he declined the honor, giving, however, his influence to Edward Graham, who was elected. Dr. Carman and Gov. Foster are close friends, and the Governor's father and he were associates and intimate friends. In his younger years our subject was a great hunter, and many a deer, wild turkey and other game fell to his unerring rifle.
A remarkable man, truly, and a remarkable life! It is a marvel that with his ceaseless activ- ity Nature's machinery has not been worn out long ago, but happily he has renewed his strength as the years have passed over his head.
JOHN W. ANDERSON is numbered among the native sons of the Keystone State, his birth hav- ing occurred in Shippensburg. Cumberland coun- ty, December 10, 1844. His father, William Anderson, was born in 182S. When a young man he sought the hand of Elizabeth Bell in marriage; her father, Isaac Bell, who was a large slave-owner, strongly objected to the marriage, but when the young couple had run away from home, and had the ceremony performed, he finally forgave them. The father of our subject was a splendid specimen of physical manhood. More than six feet tall, he was excellently well propor- tioned, and had a handsome countenance. In his youth, he learned the shoemaker's trade, but afterward became a traveling salesman, and was part owner of a new invention for distilling whiskey. Subsequently he returned to Shippens- burg, Penn., where he carried on shoemaking, but his last days were spent in St. Thomas, Franklin Co., Penn., where his death occurred, from cholera, at the age of thirty-three. In the family were three children, John W. being the eldest. William is living in Findlay, Ohio, with his mother, who was married a second time, be- coming the wife of John Burkens; Elizabeth was the deceased wife of William Carlin.
Mr. Anderson, of this review, spent his school days in Pikesville, Md., where the inother had removed after the fatlier's death. At the age of sixteen he laid aside his books to make his own way in the world, and his industry and capable management have been the leading factors in his success. His first independent effort was at farm work, near his home. After two years he began learning the blacksmith's trade, serving a three- years' apprenticeship. At the end of a year his employer was drafted into the service, and Mr. Anderson started for his mother's home, she hav- ing in tlie nieantime removed to Hancock county,
Ohio. He procured work at the blacksmith's trade at McComb, and, at the end of six months, went to Findlay, where he was employed in the same way. Subsequently he returned to Eli Beach, his first employer, with whom he con- tinued until the Rebels made their raid into that locality, when he again went to Findlay. His next place of abode was Portage, Wood county, where he followed blacksmithing in the employ of A. C. Casweil.
During his residence in Portage, Mr. Ander- son was married, on March 11, 1866, to Miss Josephine Sargent, who was born January 1, IS48, and is a daughter of S. L. Sargent. The young couple removed to Bowling Green; but after a short time came to Liberty township, and Mr. Anderson bought an acre of ground at Roney Corners. He there erected a log cabin and black- smith's shop, and has since continued business at that place. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ander- son has been blessed with twelve children, name- ly: Arthur William, born April 19, 1869; Eliza- beth, born January 1, IS71, now the wife of Elmer Fellers; Agnes D., born September I, 1872, wife of William Smith, of Portage; Mary Willimeta, born May 20, 1874, wife of Louis Al- len; Vennie J., born December 27, 1877; Maggie May, born July 14, ISSO; Dollie Blanche, born May 20, 1882; Ethel Grace, born March 23, 1884; John Wesley, born December 13, 1887; Ollie Washington, born February 22, IS91; and two who are deceased.
Mr. Anderson is a Republican in politics; socially, is a member of the Odd Fellows Society. and, religiously, of the United Brethern Church. His genuine worth and thorough reliability have made him many friends.
HENRY DAVID, deceased, was a native of Han- over, Germany, and, when a young man of about twenty years, decided to try his fortune in the New World, where better opportunities are af- forded for securing a home and competence. After landing on the shores of this continent, he came to northern Ohio, and for a time worked in Sandusky and Wood counties. Later he went to Toledo, Ohio, where he was engaged in team- ing, and there was united in marriage with Miss Mary Fark, a native of Sandusky county, and a daughter of Fred and Charlotty Fark, who came to this country from the Fatherland.
Later, Mr. David sent the money to pay the passage of his parents and sister to America. For three years after his marriage he continued to reside in Toledo, and then rented land in Free- dom township and elsewhere in Wood county
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until 1884, when he purchased eighty acres of land in Section 12, Portage township, where his fam- ily still make their home. His death occurred suddenly on May 21, 1886, he leaving a widow with the support of six children, the oldest only thirteen years, and the youngest seven months old. They are all with their mother, and are named as follows: Henry, John, Willian, Charles, Fred and George. . The farm had not all been cultivated, and a debt still rested upon it: but Mrs. David was brave and energetic, and went earnestly to work. Her family of small children had to be looked after and provided for, but she struggled along, often performing a man's work on the farm, besides her household tasks. She has displayed business ability of a high order, while her other duties are performed with equal proficiency. She is a devout member of the Lu- theran Church, and her sons through her teach- ings have become steady-going, industrious young men.
WILLIAM MANTEL. From Michigan there have come to Wood county a number of its wor- thy citizens, including this gentleman who was born in Monroe county, that State, April 23. 1862. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Denoyer) Mantel. His father was a native of England, his mother of France. When a young man the former learned the trade of shoemaking, beginning that work at the early age of eight years. When a youth of sixteen he crossed the Atlantic to New York, and went at once to Mon- roe, Mich., where he secured work at his trade. He was there married and made his home for about thirty-three years, when in 1884 he came to Liberty township, Wood county, and is now living with our subject. His family numbered the following-George, who died at the age of eleven months; Josephine; Mrs. Peter Ducat, of Henry township; Thomas, who died at the age of seventeen; Edward, a farmer of Wayne county, Mich .; Peter, a barber of Michigan; James, who is engaged in the same business in Trenton, Mich. ; Arthur, a farmer of Plain township, Wood county; William; Eliza, Mrs. Alferd Robinson, of Liberty township; Horace, an oil man of Henry township; and Mary, Mrs. Theodore Smith, of Liberty township.
William Mantel received but limited school privileges, but his training at farmi labor was not so meager. On starting out in life for himself he rented a farm in his native county, which he operated until his removal to Wood county with his parents. He was at that time twenty-two years of age. He began work in the oil fields,
and on the 11th of September, 1893, purchased fifty-three acres of land in Section 3. Liberty township, where he is now living. The lady who shares Mr. Mantel's name and fortune was in her maidenhood Florence Matilda Judson. The marriage occurred July 3, 1889. She was born May 20, 1866, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Judson, who had four chi !- dren: Mrs. Mantel, Charles, William and Bert. Our subject and his wife are most estimable people, and have many warm friends throughout the community. In politics Mr. Mantel is a "Sound-money " Republican.
CALEB ROE is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Wood county, and through his enterprising efforts has won a suc- cess that is well merited. He was born in Liberty township, August 26, 1861, and comes of a family that has been connected with this locality since early pioneer days. His grand- father, Dominick Roe, came from Michigan to Wood county, and from the government entered eighty acres of land in Liberty township, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. There he spent his remaining days. His family numbered the following inembers-Dominick, Jr., deceased: Stephen, of Lucas county; Victoria, who is mar- ried and resides in Michigan; Lucy, wife of Pedro Maloush, of Lucas county; Mrs. Margaret Garno. of Weston, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Deshetler, of Liberty township. Wood county; Eliza, wife of Frank Ducat, of Liberty township; and Edward, father of our subject.
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