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 25
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G. G. Myers was but sixteen years old when his father died, and his educational advantages had been limited; but he bravely took up the bat- tle of life as the head of the bereaved family. The farm, which contained 180 acres, had been rented on shares, but a new arrangement was made on a cash basis, and, as time passed, the family prospered. On October 11, 1877, Mr. Myers was married, in Risingsun, to Miss Cora Ragon, a native of Prophetstown, Whiteside Co .. Ill., born January 13, 1859. Her father, Daniel Ragon, a well-known tailor, died in Risingsun in April. 1896.
Mr. Myers continued to cultivate the Charles Stahl farm for several years after his marriage, twenty-six years in all; but after a timc he re- moved to Risingsun, and established himself in the livery and hotel business, which he followed two years, and then formed a partnership with William Lyons in the sawmill business. They owned eighty acres of timber land in Scott town- ship, Sandusky county, and their mill was located on the same, one mile north of Risingsun. Two years later Mr. Myers became the sole owner. and, with the exception of one year with Charles Kline as a partner, he has conducted the busi- ness alone ever since. During that year they moved the mill to Risingsun, and added a plan- ing machine. Mr. Myers has been an extensive dealer in all kinds of lumber and building mate- rials, and in 1892 he began contracting for gen- eral building, in which he has been very success- ful, having built some of the best residences in Risingsun, Bradner, Kansas Station, and else- where. He owns valuable oil interests, and is looked upon as one of the most enterprising busi- ness men of that section. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have had three children: Irvin, who died at the age of three years; a daughter, who died on in- fancy: and Mabel, who is at home.
Although Mr. Myers is a Democrat in princi-
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ple, he is not a strong partisan. He served four years as constable of Scott township, Sandusky county; two terms as a member of the city coun- cil of Risingsun, and has been a member of the school board.
GEORGE BYRON PHILLIPS, familiarly known as "By " by his many friends, is one of the hon- ored pioneers of Washington township, where he has lived since the age of ten years, having at that time arrived in Wood county with his par- ents, who here located on a farm. He was born in Franklin county, Mass., August 3, 1847, and is a son of John Phillips, an active, energetic man, who is said to have never lost a day's work in forty years. The father's death occurred in 1878, from inflammation of the glands, and the mother died of consumption in 1864. They were well known people of the community, and had the respect and confidence of all who knew them.
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From early boyhood our subject aided in the operation of the home farm, and for twenty-five years he and his brother John engaged in the cultivation of 160 acres, which they made one of most productive farins of the neighborhood, and thereon Mr. Phillips erected a good dwelling at a cost of $1, 800. He also has good out-buildings. and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision. At the time of his arrival in the county, deer were still seen in great droves, while so much of the land was covered with water, fish could be caught almost anywhere. For almost forty years he has lived on his present farm, and has been very success- ful in its cultivation, rich harvests repaying him for his care and cultivation.
In October, 1868, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Huffman, a sister of Jacob. Daniel and Henry, prominent farmers of Wood county. Five children have come to bless this union: Pearly, who was born November 1, 1869, and is now the wife of Clarence Moore. by whom she has one daughter, Cora: Cora, who died at the age of nine years; Ralph, born July 18, 1878; Jay S., born September 25, 1883; and Ray, born April 17, 1886. The eldest son, Ralph, has displayed great talent as a musician, having at present taken the fifth position on the violin. He is now attending school at Tontog- any, intending to teach in the near future. The family holds a prominent position in social circles, having many friends in the community.
In all the relations of life Mr. Phillips has proven himself an earnest, honest, upright inan, and a citizen of whom any county might be just-
ly proud. He has held several public positions of honor and trust, being school director five years, supervisor for two terms, and also a mem- ber of the township board, of which he is now serving as clerk. He has ever been a stalwart advocate of Republican principles, giving his undivided support to that party, and socially is connected with the Patrons of Industry, and the Grange, being at present treasurer of the former and overseer of the latter. At present he is serving as justice of the peace.
DAVID M. ANDERSON, whose sterling worth and well-spent life have gained him the high es- teem of many friends, is numbered among Ohio's native sons, having been born near Massillon, Wayne county, September 9, 1844. His father, Robert Anderson, was there born, and wedded Mary Deborah McDowell, also a native of that county. By occupation he was a farmer, but learned the trade of blacksmithing, carpentering and tanning, and at different times successfully followed these pursuits. His first wife died dur. ing the early infancy of our subject, and after his second marriage he removed to Tuscola. Mich., where he made his home until his death. which occurred about the year 1883. His wife survived him several years. Our subject was the youngest of three children, the others being: John, who died in Huron county, leaving a family: and Deborah, who died in childhood. There were two children of the second marriage: Hiram, a clerk in Bay City, Mich., and Mary, wife of Allan Hickoks, of Clifford, Michigan.
Our subject resided with his father until he was eight years of age, and then went to live with an uncle who followed farming near Bristol, Wayne Co., Ohio. He there resided for six years. after which he went to the home of an uncle in Savannah, Ashiand Co., Ohio, for whom he worked as a farm hand until 1861. In that year he enlisted in the 42nd O. V. I .. under James A. Garfield, and going to the front took part in many noted engagements. In 1864 he re-enlisted as a veteran in Company D, Ist Ohio Light Art., with which he served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged at Louisville. Kv .. May 25. 1865. After his return to Savannah. he attended commercial college at Havesville. Ohio, and later engaged in teaching for a year. He afterward was employed as a teacher in the academy in Savannah, having charge of the com- mercial department for two years, then rem vol to Warsaw. Ind. I. nest went to Auburn. In l .. where he had an uncle living, for whom he worked some months as a farm hand. He then opened
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singing school in Auburn, which proved quite wycessful, and later engaged in teaching school ;! De Kalb county, Indiana, at $zo per month. After a short visit in Castalia, Erie Co., Ohio, he went to Minnesota, and was engaged by the Northern Pacific Company to make a map show- mig the topography of that region.
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On March 20, 1875, in Erie county, Ohio. Mr. Anderson married Miss Sarah M. Hunt. who was born there June 29, 1849, a daughter of James M. and Malitta ( Burpee) Hunt. Her father was born in New Hampshire July 29. 1819, and when a child of five removed with his parents to Franklin county, N. Y., whence he came to Erie county, Ohio, at the age of eleven. In 1843 he was married, and in 1869 removed with his wife and family to Harbor Springs, Mich., where they are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson began their domestic life in Collins, Ohio, where they lived for seven years, during which time our , subject engaged in school teaching, bookkeeping and fruit farming. He then came to Wood county, and purchased 100 acres of wild land in Jackson township, where, within fifteen years, he has developed a highly improved farm. During two years of this time he taught penmanship. ornamental drawing, bookkeeping and stenog- raphy in Bowling Green. He has a strongly developed taste for music. and is a fine performer on the mandolin and guitar. Politically, he is a stanch Republican: socially. he is connected with the Grand Army Post, of Hoytville, and in re- ligious faith he is connected with the United Brethren Churchi.
In October, 1895, Mr. Anderson rented his farm, and bought twenty acres of land in Lucas county, Ohio, on the banks of the beautiful Mamnee, where he now grows premium peaches, having 1,200 trees of the finest stock. This twenty acres he deeded to his wife in full; then purchased a ten-acre island in the Maumee river. near his or her home. This island is all out to fruit, and is the finest one in all the system of islands in the Manmee river. Here Mr. Ander- son now rests from hard labor-boating, fishing, sailing and blessing God for landing him in such a home after the hardships of fifty-two years.
DAVID HENNING. one of the progressive and practical farmers of Henry township, was born June 6, 1842, on the farm which is still his home. He is a son of John F. and Elizabeth ( Longacre) Henning, the former of whom, a native of Ger- many, came to the United States at the age of twenty-six years, locating first in Pennsylvania. He afterward removed with his wife to Stark
county, Ohio, and subsequently to Wood county. He was a blacksmith by occupation, and had pre- viously followed that business; but he now pur- chased eighty acres of land in Henry township. and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. There he spent his remaining days, his death oc- curring at the age of eighty-three, while his wife died at the age of eighty-four years.
Our subject acquired his education in the dis- trict school of the neighborhood, and was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads. He entered upon his business career as a farm hand, and later was employed to some extent in a sawmill. Dur- ing the greater part of his life, however, he has been connected with agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of fifty acres of good land, highly
cultivated and well improved. His life has been a busy and useful one; but though his farin claims much of his attention, he has found time to faith- fully perform his duties of citizenship, and for many years has capably served as supervisor. His political support is given to the Democratic party.
On August 27, 1885, in Henry township, Mr. Henning was married to Miss Minnie Baird, who was born July 6. 1861, and their union has been blessed with children as follows: Ray S., born December 20, ISS6; Ora Louisa, born December 7. 1889; Earl, born October 11, 1892, and Ethel Fay, born April IS, 1894. The family is widely and favorably known in their locality, and the parents have many warm friends. Mrs. Henning is a daughter of Shelman and Keziah Locy Baird, of Perry township, the former of whom was born December IS, 1829, son of Asa Baird, who was born about 1788. The family consisted of eight children, three sons and five daughters (seven of whom are living). as follows: Sarah Jane, Mrs. George Timmerman; William S .. of Perry township; Louisa, Mrs. West Sharp, of Henry township, deceased; Mary, Mrs. John Houtz, of Sandusky county; Minnie, now Mrs. Henning; Clara and David (twins), the former married to Charles Milbourn, of Liberty. Wood county, the latter a resident of Henry township: and Lorenzo, who married Rena Brown, of North Baltimore.
ALE. B. FARMER. deputy sheriff of Wood county was born in Berkshire, England. May 29, 1871, and is a son of Edwin and Charlotte (Tyrrell) Farmer.
Our subject came with his parents to Wue ! county, in 1872, locating near Millbury, in Like township. After attending the common schools. he entered the high school of Bowling Green
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where he attained a good elementary education in English branches, and graduated in 1889. Soon afterward he found employment with the engin- eering corps engaged on the construction of the Toledo, Springfield & Findlay railroad. remain- ing with them until the line was completed. In the fall of 1890 he was employed in the county treasurer's office, in Bowling Green, and was made deputy county clerk in 1892, serving until January 7, 1895, when he became deputy county sheriff, which office he holds at this writing, and is doing good, efficient service. From his earliest recollections Mr. Farmer has been familiar with public life and public men in Wood county, and has in that way gained a practical knowledge of county affairs. No one is more qualified, or in a better position to hold office of public trust than he, and, judging from his capability, his large acquaintance through the county, it is generally conceded that he is in a fair way to become the recipient of future honors at the hands of his admirers in Wood county. Politically, he is a stanch Republican.
On July 25, 1892, Mr. Fariner was united in marriage with Miss Amy E. Carter, who was born in Michigan, in April, 1872, and two chil- dren, Gertrude and Edwin R., have come to brighten their home.
HIRAM BEATTY, one of the leading and influ- ential citizens of Henry township, whose honor- able life record well entitles him to the regard in which he is held, and makes him worthy of rep- resentation in his county's history, was born in Millport, Stark Co., Ohio, August 23, 1836. His father, John Beatty, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was a carpenter by occupation. When a child of ten years he went with his parents to Massillon, which was then an unbroken wilder- ness. The grandfather, James Beatty, afterward entered more than 200 acres of land from the gov- ernment four miles north from Massillon, and while living on that farm was killed by a runaway horse in the summer of 1849. He had a brother, John, who served in the war of 1812, and was the father of Gen. Samuel Beatty, of the army of the Cumberland in the Civil war.
The father of our subject was reared to man- hood in Ohio, and wedded Mary A. Ottinger, a native of Stark county, where they lived until 1854, the father working at his trade. He then removed with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, where he purchased 120 acres of land and carried on farming until his death, March 7. 1877. His wife died on the 9th of June of the same year. In the family were ten children: Hiram; Sylves-
ter, who was killed at the battle of Stone River, September 30, 1862; Henry, who was in the three-months' service as a member of the 21st O. V. I., and is now a farmer of Sandusky county, Ohio; Hannah, wife of Cyrus Solomon, of Henry township; Sarah Rebecca, who died at the age of three years; Mary Melissa, who died at the age of one year; James, of Henry township; Emily, widow of Frank Frazier, of Cygnet, Ohio; John, a farmer of Henry county, Ohio; and Laura, wife of Lorin Myers, of Hammansburg, Ohio.
The educational privileges of our subject were limited to the opportunities afforded by the com- mon schools. He early began life as a farm hand, receiving about $10 per month for his serv- ices. In the spring of 1857 he went to Illinois, working on a farm near Mendota through the summer. He was there married, on February II, 1858, to Delilah Jane Willford, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, born April 15, 1834, and in September, 1858, returned with his wife to this State, locating in Jackson township, Seneca county, where he purchased forty acres of land of ex-Governor Foster, residing upon that place un- til the fall of 1866.
In 1862 Mr. Beatty enlisted in Company K. . IOIst O. V. I., under Capt. Noble, and went to the front, where he remained until the close of the war. On March 10, 1864, he received a twenty-five-days' furlough to return home for pri- vate business; the furlough stated that for effi- cient service rendered at the battle of Stone River he was promoted to the rank of second ser- geant, acquiring same after eighteen months of service. He was slightly wounded in the right knee at Stone River, and was mustered out at Nashville, June 21, 1865. Immediately after he returned home, and in the fall of 1866 removed to Wood county, locating on seventy-six acres of partially improved land in Center township. where he lived for five years. He then sold and purchased fifty acres in Freedom township, whereon he also remained five years. Again he disposed of his property, removing to Henry township, and there purchasing eighty acres of land for $3, 800. When five and a half years had passed, he bought his present farin of eighty acres, a valuable property, on which he has de- veloped five oil wells, and his wife also has three oil wells on a ten-acre tract which she owns. He has purchased seventy-two aeres in Section 30. Henry township, and his wife seventy-six and a half acres in Section 36, Jackson township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Beatty have been born the following children: Elnora, born December 2. 1860, is the wife of Joshua Jimison, of Hammans-
Nisam Really
Delilah Jane Beatty
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burg, and has six children-Perry, born Septem- ber II, 1879; Elma, December 29, 1880; Ora, July 29, 1884; Carl, September 7, 1886; Lloyd, April 9, 1890; and Ollie, June 19, 1892. Ar- della, born February 22, 1862, is the wife of Charles Auverter, of Henry township. Clara, born December 31, 1864, is the wife of Andrew Jimison, and has two children-Verna Viola, born in April, 1885, and Hiram Emery, born in 1891. Tibbie, born March 18, 1867, married Melvin Dirk, and died in North Baltimore, No- vember 19, 1890, leaving one child-Glena Lenore, born October 25, 1889, who lives with our subject. Estella, born October 24, 1870, is the wife of Charles M. Tirk, of Henry township, and has one child-Jessie Mabel, born December 7, 1891. Mary A., born September 1, 1873, is *the wife of Fowler House, of Hammansburg. Emma J., born February 19, 1877, died in 1880 at the age of two years and ten months.
In politics Mr. Beatty is a stanch Republican, and an active worker in his party. He was elected township trustee in ISSo for one year, again in 1889 for a three-years' term, in 1892 for a three-years' term, and in 1894 for a similiar pe- riod, The prompt and efficient manner in which he discharges his duties has won him high com- mendation, and the community accounts him one of its valued citizens.
S. G. COOLEY, a successful grocer of Bowling Green, was born in Chenango county, N. Y., December 26, 1846, and is a son of Charles and Phæbe (Thompson) Cooley. His father is a na- tive of Ireland, and settled in New York State, going from there to Ohio, where he now resides.
The career of our subject begins as a child of nine years, when he left home and went to work for his board and clothes. This was all the life he knew until sixteen years of age, when, on August 23, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company C, 21st O. V. I., at Bowling Green. He re-enlisted as a veteran at Chattanooga, Tenn., in December, 1863, and served until the close of the war. During this time he took part in twenty-two pitched battles, among the most prominent of which were: Stone River, Chick- amauga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Chattahoochee, the siege of Atlanta, the second battle of Chattanooga, and Allatoona Pass; besides many smaller engage- ments and skirmishies. Mr. Cooley's regiment entered the battle of Chickamauga 560 strong, of whom only 168 reported for duty the following day. He lost nine bunk-mates, the last of whom was Hiram Ordway, of Bowling Green. The
many hairbreadth escapes encountered by our subject during his long and faithful service would fill a volume. He was never taken prisoner, but at one time his regiment was surrounded by the enemy, and surrendered. The Rebels left a gap open in their ranks and he, with a number of others, made a dash for liberty, many falling under the fire which was at once opened upon them, our subject, however, making good his escape. Throughout the entire time in which he was in the army, Mr. Cooley was not sick an hour, did not take a dose of medicine, never missed a day's duty, nor did he sleep a single night on a bed, or in a house during the four years.
Mr. Cooley was promoted to first duty ser- geant, but refused to accept the office. For this he was put under arrest; but a message from Gen. Thomas required him to go on special daty to which he promptly responded, and the fact that the army was about to march caused the inatter to be suspended, at least he never heard any more about it. At the battles of Murfreesboro and Chatahoochee River he received slight wounds which, however, did not prevent him from con- tinuing in active service. He was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 30, 1865, after making a record of which any man might well be proud.
When the war came to an end, Mr. Cooley sheathed his sword, and returned to domestic pur- suits. He clerked in a store in Bowling Green for a few years, and then opened a jobbing busi- ness in novelties, traveling on the road and do- ing his own selling for seventeen years. His territory was confined to eleven counties in north- ern Ohio, every town in which he visited regularly. For the past fifteen years he has been engaged in the grocery business in Bowling Green, and is one of its enterprising and substantial citizens. In politics Mr. Cooley is non-partisan. He is a man who attends strictly to business, is quiet and reserved in his manner, and one would little sus- pect, from his unostentatious bearing, that he bore such an active part in the leading events of the greatest Civil war on record.
PHILIP BRESLER, a leading and influential member of the agricultural community of Perry township, is one of the most successful and en- terprising farmers of Wood county, owning 300 acres of valuable land in Perry and Bloom town- ships. All the improvements are the work of his own hands, and reflect great credit upon hun. His buildings are of a substantial character and he is extensively engaged in general farming.
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WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
Hocking township, Fairfield Co., Ohio, is the place of his nativity, and he was born on May 5, 1840, to John and Esther (Nestlerode) Bresler.
His father was born in Pennsylvania, in 1780. and there married his first wife, by whom he had eight children, all but two of whom grew to ma- turity. At an early day he located in the woods of Hocking township, Fairfield Co., Ohio, where he planted a large orchard, but it has since been allowed to go to decay. There he wedded the mother of our subject, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and at that time the widow of a Mr. Doner, by whom she had three sons-Chris- toplier, John and David. Our subject is the eighth in a family of eleven children, all of whom grew to man and womanhood. The fa- ther was a very strong and active man, weighing about two hundred pounds, and some of his feats of activity were remarkable. He never rode in a buggy, preferring always to go on horseback. and up to within five days of his death, which was caused by running a nail in his foot, he would perform a hard day's work. He passed away in April. 1864, and the inother of our sub- ject survived him many years, dying at a ripe old age. He always used his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party. In his chosen calling he was very successful, becoming owner of 320 acres of land.
Although the school privileges of Philip Bres- ler were limited. his training at farm work was not meager, and a great deal of the labor on the old homestead was done by the sons. The money with which they bought their clothes, how- ever, was secured by working for neighboring farmers, as it was the father's plan to have his sons buy their own clothes, and the only suit our subject can remember as being given to him was for taking care of his father's favorite horse- " Logan."
On February 2, 1865, in Fairfield county, Ohio, Mr. Bresler was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Kiger, who was born in Hocking township, of that county, July 23, 1844, and is a daughter of Jeremiah and Eva (Ward; Kiger. who located in the woods in Section 6, Perry township, Wood county, in September, 1844. where only a clearing had been made for their cabin. There her father died in November, 1845, being buried at West Millgrove, and the widowed mother with her child returned to Fair- field county, where she departed this life in July. 1846. Thus, at the age of two years, Mrs. Bres- ler was left an orphan, and she was reared by her grandfather, William Kiger, during which time she ! received a common-school education.
When Mr. Bresler had reached his seven- teenth year, his father gave him his time, and he began life for himself as a farm hand, saving his earnings, so that at the time of his marriage he had a capital of $955. He had been thoroughly instructed in agricultural pursuits, his father being a most competent teacher, and that voca- tion he determined to make his life work. On April 1, 1865, he removed to the land in Section 6. Perry township, where her father had located twenty years previous, making his home in a los house that stood on the river bank: but this was replaced by a more commodious and substantia! residence in 1871, where the family still live.
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