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. 3, Part 17

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) cn; J.H. Beers & Co. cn
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1140

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. 3 > Part 17

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SOLOMON S. FREDERICK devotes his time and energies to farming and carpentering, and is an enterprising, wide-awake citizen, who faithfully does his duty to his fellow men, himself and his country. As he is widely and favorably known in Wood county, we feel assured that the record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers.

Mr. Frederick was born August 12, 1839, in Big Spring township, Seneca Co., Ohio, son of Anthony and Rhoda Neffis) Frederick. The former was born in September, 1816, in Ross county, Ohio, the latter in 1818, and their mar- riage was celebrated in Wyandot county Sub-

sequently removing to Seneca county, he pur- chased a farm of forty acres on which he lived for ten years, and then removed to Adrian,

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Seneca county, where he operated a sawmill for a number of years. His next place of residence was Crawford county, Ohio, where he engaged in the same line of business until, returning to Adrian, Seneca county, thence to Berwick, where he accepted the position of bookkeeper in a grist- mill. In 1860 he brought his family by wagon to Wood county, purchased a sinall tract of land in Bloom township, and erected a sawmill. He afterward purchased 120 acres additional, and he and his wife are now living retired at Bloom Center. Their children were as follows: Solo- mon S. ; William, of Jerry City, Ohio; Nathaniel, who died at the age of forty-two; Charles, who died in Bloom township; Byron, a farmer of Bloom township; Susan, deceased wife of John Bailey, of Bloom township; and Rosie, wife of William H. Dennis, of Bloom Center, Ohio.

In his boyhood days, Mr. Frederick attended the district schools, and he remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age. He then learned the trade of carpentering, which he has since followed in connection with farming.

On April 9, 1862, Mr. Frederick chose, as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, Miss Rachel Hampshire, a native of Wood county, Ohio. To their marriage were born ten children, namely: George B., a miller of Bloom Center; Mary B., wife of George Apel, of Henry town- ship; Charles, a farmer of Jackson township; Rosie, wife of Carey Baringer, of Bloom town- ship; Ella, who died when seventeen years of age; Nora, wife of John Chase, of Henry town- ship; Rhoda, wife of Frank Mercer ; Alice, wife of Oliver Baringer; and Myrtie and Lettie, at home. The mother of these died in 1883, and in 1886 Mr. Frederick married Mrs. Re- becca J. Briton, who was born November 1, 1853, daughter of Morgan and Mary M. (Thomp- son) Blue, of Henry county. To the second marriage have been born two children-William R., at home; and Jennie N., who died in in- fancy. By her first marriage Mrs. Frederick had three children: Hattie B. (who died in infancy), Ova N. and Amos A.

In 1872 Mr. Frederick located on his present farm, which he had purchased six years previ- ously, and he is now devoting his energies to the cultivation of his eighty acres of rich farming land. He is an energetic, industrious man, and ranks among the leading agriculturists of the community. During the Civil war he manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting, in 1864, in Company H, 49th O. V. I., joining the regiment at Tiffin, Ohio. He soon went to the front, and participated in the battles of Buzzard's

Roost, Resaca, Pickett's Mills and Kenesaw Mount- ain, and was discharged November 30, 1865, at Victoria, Texas. In politics he is a Republican. and he has served for eight years both as super- visor and school director, discharging his duties in a prompt and capable manner.

JOHN CHALLEN is numbered among the stal- wart and substantial farmers of Plain township, and is a native of Wood county, born in Center township, December 30, 1857. William Challen, his father, was born in England in 1809, and came to America in 1857. He at once settled in Wood county, and always lived here. After the death of his wife in 1882, he made his home with his youngest child, John, and there died Septem- ber 20, 1896, leaving nine children, namely: James, Charlotte, Mary, Ann, William, Charles, Harriet, George (a prominent farmer of Plain township) and John; two other children-Jane and Henry-are deceased. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and was much loved and re- spected by all who knew him.

John Challen grew to manhood upon his fa- ther's farin, and as soon as old enough assisted in its cultivation, remaining at home until he was twenty- one, and gaining a good practical knowledge of the labors of an agriculturist under the wise guid- ance of his father. He then rented the homestead for a few years, and later purchased a farm of his father, which he has greatly improved by drain- ing, the erection of substantial buildings, and the planting of an orchard. On April 19, 1877, at Perrysburg, Ohio, he was married to Miss Nettie Newton, who was born November 12. 1858, and is one of the four daughters of George Newton. To this worthy couple was born a daughter, named Eva May, September 4, 1878,

Mr. Challen occupies a high place in the esti- mation of his fellow citizens. His genial man- ners and his sturdy integrity have won him a host of friends, and he is highly regarded by al! with whom he comes in contact. He is strong in his faith in the principles of the Republican party. and never falters in his allegiance to that organ- ization: but, although interested in a great degree in all local campaigns, has no desire for the troubles, responsibilities. and disquieting influ- ences of political office, thoughinduced to accept the position of school director for one year. In religious faith he is an adherent of the Congrega- tional Church.

GEORGE B. HEDGE. Among the venerable citizens of Montgomery township, none is better known or more highly respected than he whose

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name opens this sketch, and whose family of chil- dren are also worthy members of the commu- 'nity. He was born September 28, IS19, in Con- cord, N. H., and is the son of George T. Hedge.

The grandfather of our subject was a native of England, and his calling was that of a whaler. He was the first of this family to come to the United States, and settled in Portland, Me., from which port he sailed on his whaling expeditions. He was lost at sea while on one of these voyages. He left two children, George T., and a daughter, Mary. His widow never re-married, and died in Boston, where she lived with relatives. Mary married a man by the name of Nobles, and re- sided in Boston until her death. George T. married Miss Nancy Bradley, a native of New Hampshire, and of Irish extraction. Their two children were George B., our subject, and Mary Noble. The father was a shoemaker by trade. and at one time was overseer of the shoe shop of the State prison of New Hampshire. After the death of his first wife he married Dorcas Petten- gill, who bore him two children. He was com- monly known as "Captain" Hedge, having at one time commanded the Portland artillery. He was a man of fine character, and was very pop- ular among his acquaintances. He died January 10, 1865, at the age of seventy years.

Our subject was only seven years old when he was put out to work with a farmer named Asa Bradley, who soon after moved to northern New Hampshire, afterward going to Medina county, Ohio. When seventeen years old Mr. Hedge left this family, and began working for himself as a farm land. The death of his mother, which occurred when he was a mere child, having broken up the family, he had lost all trace of his father. About the time last mentioned, in read- ing a newspaper, he noticed that a man named Hedge had been appointed keeper of the State arsenal, at Portland, Me., and writing to him, the man proved to be his father. The son took what money he had saved, and went to New Eng- land, visiting his father and other relatives. During this visit Mr. Hedge was for one summer employed in the State arsenal at Portland, Me., where his father was overseer. He soon after returned to Medina county, and again went to work on the farin. His only possessions at this time were the clothes he had on, and a very little inoney. When he left the Bradley family he had only the commonest of apparel, a palm leaf hat and cotton pantaloons. His most cherished piece of property was a very small knife, which was made for him by a prisoner fn the New Hamp- shire penitentiary, and which he still has in his

possession. After working on the farm for a time Mr. Hedge was employed in a sawmill where he gained a good knowledge of the business. He rented a sawmill in Medina county, and after- ward bought a half interest in one which was located at Center, York township, Medina county. His first purchase of land was fifty acres in Guilford township, that county, which he sold on becoming owner of the sawmill.

Subsequently Mr. Hedge went into the hotel business in Medina county, where he remained three years, coming from there to Montgomery township, Wood county, in September, 1855. He had purchased land in this township from parties in Pennsylvania, which comprised 240 acres, in Section 5, for which he went in debt. The family drove from their former home to their new location, and lived in a rough-log house without windows until a better one could be built. Mr. Hedge was married in Medina county, Sep- tember 10, 1845, to Catherine M. Crawfoot, who was born in the town of Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April S. 1829. Her parents were Ambrose and Annie (Snyder) Crawfoot, who came to Me- dina county when their daughter was seven years old, and settled in the woods in Mountville town- ship. Her father's family comprised fourteen children, Mrs. Hedge being the eldest of the five children born to the second wife. Her parents came to Wood county in 1855, and settled in Montgomery township, where they died.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hedge are as follows: George W., February 22, 1848, lives in Montgomery township; Ophelia A,, August 7, 1849, is now Mrs. J. H. Lusk; Frank T., May 5, 1853; Albert, April 13, 1859, died May 2, of the same year; Harland W., February 23, 1862: Calvin B., October 11. 1866. These children all live in Montgomery township, and have given evidence of their excellent home training by be- coming most estimable and influential citizens.

Soon after coming to Wood county Mr. Hedge sold off forty acres of his land. Later he bought, in Section 17, a sawmill with four acres of land. and on the latter built a house, where he has re- sided ever since. He was engaged in the sawmill business until 1889, when he sold out to his son. George W., who is carrying on an extensive trade. At various times Mr. Hedge has bought small amounts of land, and is now the owner of 139 acres. He was appointed postinaster, under Pres- ident Buchanan, at Montgomery Cross Roads. which was the first post office in the township. and served until the office was removed to Prairie Depot. He has always been a Democrat, and cast his first vote in 1840 in Defiance, Ohio,

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WOOD COUNTY, OIIIO.

where he was at that time at work on the Wa- bash canal. He has served in various township offices. and as justice of the peace. He was in his early days a member of the Odd Fellows, but on his removal to Wood county was so far distant from any lodge that he dropped his membership. Mr. Hedge is a self-made man, and had but very little schooling, but has acquired a practical edu- cation by observation and reading. He has trav- eled over the United States from Portland, Me .. to San Francisco. Cal., and has made good use of his experiences and opportunities. He began life with nothing he could call his own, and by industry and economy has acquired a comfortable fortune. He has reared a large family of chil- dren, all of whom live in his immediate neighbor- hood, are prosperous and highly esteemed; and he is now passing the evening of his life, sur- rounded by his loved ones, and with the con- sciousness of having done his whole duty, as far as he can see it, in every relation of life. He has to-day the good will and kindly regard of every- one who knows him.

SELDON B. WELTON (deceased). As one of the enterprising and progressive men who have transformed the malarious marshes of Liberty township into well-drained and productive farni- ing lands, the subject of this sketch should hold a prominent place in our records. He was born in Medina county, April 27, 1844, the son of John and Mary Welton, who had come from New England in early life to become pioneer farmers in that locality. His father died in Michigan, and his mother in Wood county, in 1861.

Seldon B. Welton was reared to manhood upon a farm, and, when a young man, deciding to seek a place where he could obtain the advan- tages which a new region offers to the agricult- urist, he came to this county. Here he met and married Miss Emeline Mercer, a daughter of Daniel Mercer, a pioneer, who died September 22, 1896. She is a native of Wood county, born August 14, 1848, and possessed in abundant measure those qualities which fitted her to be his helpful partner in every enterprise. After their marriage they located in the wilderness near what is now known as Bays Station, on the C. H. & D. R. R. Their first home was a priini- tive one in a typical section of the "Black Swamp, " surrounded by water and dense-tangled forests filled with wild game, and reached by almost impassable roads, if one may call the ir- regular wagon tracks by that name. Malaria lurked in the unwholesome pools, and much labor and privation were to be borne; but

obstacles yield gradually to courage and industry, and a comfortable home rewarded them in time.

Twelve children were born to them: (1) Emmet W., February 17, 1868, married Augusta Daring, a native of Ottawa county, born August 7, 1878, and has one living child. George E .. another, Ethel May, having died in infancy. 2) Norton R., December 12, 1869, is not married. (3) Lillian E., August 2, 187 -- , married and has one child-Claude C. (4) Emma D., January 15. 1873, married, and now resides at Bay Station, Ohio. (5) Delnora J., September 12, 1874. married L. F. Hewer. (6) Myrtle M .. born April 2, 1876, married George Brubaker, and has one child-Flora May. (7) John E .. February 3. IS7S. (S) Edna S., July 31, ISSO. (9) Clayton R., June 15, 1882. (10) Ralph C., April 12, ISS4. (If) Lucy A., August 3, ISS6: and (12) Joseph C. M., September 5, 1888. Mr. Welton was a man of fine business judgment, and was highly esteemed in the community for many excellent traits of character. His life was one of quiet usefulness, and his death, which oc- curred January 15, 1889, was mourned by all who had ever learned to know him.

Mrs. Welton remained upon the farm until March, 1895, when, realizing the advantages of city schools and social privileges for her younger children, she removed to Bowling Green. She still owns the old homestead of 120 acres, how- ever, and has a portion of it under development for oil, ten wells having been already opened. Her children are doing credit to the family name as they establish themselves in life. They are members of the Disciples Church, and the sons all adhere to the principles of the Republican party, to which their father belonged.

THOMAS J. ADAMS, who ranks among the most successful agriculturists of Montgomery township, was born in that locality October 16, 1854, the son of Thomas and Mary (McGill Adams.

Thomas Adams was a native of Wigtonshire. Scotland, born April 25, 1812, and his wife was born in the same place, December 23, 1819. His family was in moderate circumstances, and when Thomas attained his majority he deter- mined to seek a home in the New World. Sai !- ing for the United States, he landed at New York City, after a voyage of six weeks and five days. and first found employment in that city as hos- tler for a wealthy family, which situation he lost from failure to salute his master with becoming deference, his Scotch pride not allowing him to do so. Some time later he went to Slatington.

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Emeline Welton

Seldon B. Welton

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Penn., where he worked in the slate quarries, afterward going to Tiffin, Ohio, where, on De- cember 9, 1836, he was married to Mary McGill. She was the daughter of John McGill, who with his family, came to the United States in 1833, locating at Tiffin, Ohio, where both parents died of cholera not long after their arrival.

Thomas Adams came to Wood county in 1835, and entered eighty acres of land in Section 9, Montgomery township. At that time the land office was at Bucyrus, and he walked to and from his land. It was in a primitive condition, with no improvements, and his first house was a small log cabin, built on a knoll a short distance southwest of where the old homestead now

stands. The household goods of the young couple, who thus began life together with brave hearts and willing hands, were of the rudest type, and few in number. Until the land was cultivated they could not live off its products, and for the first year or so, Mr. Adams was obliged to work for other people, and he worked in a brickyard at Perrysburg for eight dollars a month. He was a stout, strapping young fellow, and, carried the apple trees for his orchard on his back from Tiffin to this home. He was a very robust man, and until his final sickness never had any illness in his life except the measles. The courage and industry of this worthy couple were rewarded by prosperity, and they lived to see the wilderness changed into fertile fields and blooming orchards, and, in place of the solitary log cabin, three handsome houses built upon the farm. They also had the happiness to celebrate their golden wedding on December 9, 1886, at which their large family were all present. Their children were as follows: James W., born Sep- tember 16, 1837, is a manufacturer in Grand Rapids, Mich. ; John, born April 20, 1839, was a member of the 21st Regiment O. V. I., and died June 1, 1863, being buried at Murfreesboro; Robert W., born September 18, 1842, is a con- ductor on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fé railroad, and lives in Chicago; Jennie, born Sep- tember 18, 1842, married Rev. James Rhodes, a minister of the United Brethren Church, at Fos- toria; Lizzie, born September 20. 1845, is the wife of W. W. Dunipace, of Webster town- ship; Ella. born November 20, 1847, is now Mrs. G. K. Daily, of Montgomery township; Cornelia. born July 9, 1850, married Otis Hoiles, and died August 2, 1871, in Omaha, Neb .; Thomas J. is our subject; George A., born November o, 1857. is a farmer in Momgomery township: Francis M., born April 3, 1861, is also a farmer in the same township; Minnie B., born November 23, 1863,

is the wife of Dr. E. W. Heltman. of Toledo. Ohio. Mr. Adams always followed farming, and, being steady, industrious and economical, his property increased from the original eighty acres to 320. He was a Democrat until the formation of the Republican party, when he became one of its stanch adherents. He was nooffice seeker, but served in minor township offices, and was a man of considerable influence in the community. He died April 26, 1888, his wife surviving him until December 20, 1891. Both are buried in the cem- etery at Prairie Depot: This. worthy couple were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and reared their numerous children to habits of industry and honesty. They were greatly re- spected and beloved by all who knew them, and their children have all become well-to-do and in- fluential citizens.

Thomas J. Adams, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon his father's farm, his educational advantages being only such as could be obtained in the district schools of his locality. He re- mained with his parents until his marriage, which took place December 25, 1879, in Jefferson town- ship, Williams Co., Ohio, where he was united to Miss Ida M. Finch. Mrs. Adams was born May 3, 1858, in Wyandot county, the daughter of Randolph and Theresa (Caughey) Finch, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. Her father died in Williams county April 15, 1889, and her mother on October 22, 1892. When our subject was married he had property of small value, and rented a portion of the home farm until 1884, when he purchased forty acres of land in Section 9, Montgomery township, for which he went in debt. This he has since paid for, and has added forty acres to it, and he has been so successful in his operations that in 1892 he built an elegant home upon his place. where he entertains his large circle of friends with true hospitality. He is to-day one of the most pros- perous farmers in the township, and is a man who is shrewd in his business enterprises, systematic and careful in the management of his affairs, and holds a high place in the community.

While not an office seeker, Mr. Adams is an active worker in the Republican party, and his friends and enemies alike have felt the effects of his inilnence. He is a member and trustee of the Methodist Church, as is also Mrs. Adams, and she is prominent in the work of the Foreign Mis- sionary Society. Their children are as follows: Charles R., born September 7. 1881; Albert I. born December 10. 1884, died May 23. 188; Thomas Cleon, born December 1, iss ;; and Terese M., born July 30, 1894.

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WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Finch, parents of Mrs. Adams, were as follows; Ida M., wife of our subject; Fred K., living in Montgom- ery township; Flora, now Mrs. Alonzo Webb, of Pemberville; Sherman, living in Williams county; Frank E., residing in California; Vashti M., now Mrs. William Foss, of West Unity, Ohio, and O. D., a resident of this township.

RAYMOND SCOTT JUNKINS was born July 28. 1861, the second son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Long) Junkins, and received his carly educa- tion at the district school of Pottertown, Wood county.

On. March 28, 1892, Mr. Junkins located on the farm he now occupies, which consists of 114 acres of land. most of which is improved. Since he was twenty years of age our subject has been engaged in stock and poultry raising to a consid- erable extent, and on his farm are to be found many fine specimens of stock and a large variety of poultry. His orchards are also quite exten- sive.

Our subject was married. December 25, 1888. to Miss Mina Smith, who was born in Weston, Wood county, February 25, 1865, and was one of the eight children of Asa and Mary Ellsworth) Smith. Three children have come to Mr. and Mrs. Junkins: Mary Elizabeth, born March 19, 1890; Clay Samuel, born December 25, 1893. died July 6. 1895, aged eighteen months; and Hazel Alma, born September 9, 1896.

In politics Mr. Junkins is a Republican. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. at Weston. He is a self-made man, all he possesses being the result of his own industry and perseverance.

EDMUND L. STOVE, a successful agriculturist of Blooin township, is a member of a family which sent six sons to the defense of the Union during the Civil war, and the eldest daughter was the wife of another soldier. Such a record of courage and patriotism needs no words of com- inent.

The family is of English origin. our subject's grandfather. John Stove, having been a resident of Leicestershire, England, where John Stove (2 . the father, was born March 3, 18os, the youngest of three sons. He was the only one of the family to come to America. He was a merchant and tailor by occupation. He married Miss Catherine Laywood, also a native of Leicestershire, and in 1838 brought his family to America. passing nVe weeks on the water, and spending $500 in gold before he was settled in Richland county, near

Mansfield, on what is called Robinson's Big Hill. where the subject of this sketch was born, june 3. 1838. Seven older children were born in Eng- land: (1) Elizabeth married Solomon Whistler, who enlisted in Company H, 49th O. V. I .. and was killed at Chickamauga. (2) William, now a resident of Van Wert county, was a member of Company E, 46th O. V. I., and was wounded at Vicksburg. (3) Joseph, now residing in Erie county, Penn., was a soldier in the Mexican war. ranking as first sergeant, and later served three years on the U. S. warship " Merrimac," which was captured by the Confederates during the war, and became the iron-clad " Virginia "; he spent one year on the lakes in the steamer "Old Michigan," and three years as an officer on the U. S. frigate "Raritan." After the war broke out he served on the . Unadilla," as an officer, eighteen months, taking part in the battles at Port Royal and Beaufort, N. C. ; he was a mem- ber of the home militia until after the close of the war. (4) John, a printer by trade. died in Cin- cinnati in 1871. Previous to the war he was captain of a militia company in Missouri, and Gov. Price undertook to compel hun to join the Confederate army, but when the detail of officers came for him they found him seriously ill (from a timely dose of ipecac;, and they returned with- out him. He managed to join the Federal forces under Gen. Lyons, took part in the engagement at Wilson's Creek, and later took the place of his brother George in the 149th O. V. I., the latter remaining at home to care for the aged parents. During the last year of the war John Stove was a member of the surgeon's staff of the 189th O. V. I. (5) George, referred to above. was a member of the . . Home Guards." He was the first one to die, being killed by a kick from a horse in 1865. (6) Thomas was a member of Company E. 46th O. V. I., and served until dis- charged for disability. He died in Cadillac. Mich .. in December, 1892. 17) Mary never married, and is now living in Fostoria. Three children besides Edmund L., our subject, ware born in this country: Hannah, Priscilla and Sarah, all residents of Fostoria.

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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. 3, Part 17

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) cn; J.H. Beers & Co. cn Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1140

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) cn; J.H. Beers & Co. cn
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Chicago : J.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1140