USA > Ohio > Allen County > History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 13
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At the age of about seven years Peter M.
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Neuenschwander accompanied his parents to Iowa where they lived until he was 14. Re- turning to Ohio, they moved to the present homestead of our subject's widow, where he continued to live until 1870, when he went to Bluffton and for 12 years was engaged as a brick and stone mason. He then returned to the farm, but continued to work at his trade in addition to farming up to the time of his death. The farm originally consisted of 160 acres, 100 acres of which were afterwards sold and an adjoining 50 purchased. In addition to this, he also owned 40 acres about half a mile from his home farm. He was an energetic, in- dustrious man and spent few idle hours. His spare time during the winter was spent in hew- ing timber to be used in the construction of his barns and other buildings. His first home was a log cabin; but he built for his family four good homes at different times during his life, one being a fine brick residence in Bluffton and one the substantial brick house which is now the residence of his widow.
Mary Katherine Zerbach was born in Hes- sen, Darmstadt, Germany, February 14, 1852, and is a daughter of John and Barbara (Thom- asbarger) Zerbach, with whom she came to the United States when a girl of 16. Her father is now in his 86th year, hale and hearty, and makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Neuen- schwander. The mother passed away about three years ago. In May, 1870, Miss Zerbach and Mr. Neuenschwander were united in mar- riage and a family of 13 children were born to them, namely: Noah, a resident of Bluffton; William, a resident of Richland township; Louis, also of Richland township; Dora, wife of Albert Logbrake, of Findlay, Ohio; Alma, wife of David Steinbrenner, of Bluffton; Henry ; Mary ; Sarah; Walter, who is a student in the Ohio Northern University at Ada ; Clara ; Gertrude; Bessie and one who died in infancy. Mr. Neuenschwander was a Democrat and held various school offices, always using his influ- ence for the upbuilding and improvement of the schools. He was a member of the German Reformed Church, and a man whose sterling worth caused him to be universally respected. His death, which occurred January 1, 1902,
was regarded as a personal loss by all who knew him. His voice is no longer heard, but the influence of his noble life will continue to be felt long after the present generation has passed away.
OHN H. BERRYMAN, one of the in- fluential agriculturists of Shawnee township, residing in section 3, was born August 19, 1843, in that part of Allen County, which has since been set off to Auglaize County. His parents were Rus- sell and Margaret (Slain) Berryman and his grandparents, William and Rachel (Clausen) Berryman. The grandfather came from Eng- land and settled in New Jersey, from which State he entered the Continental Army. Later he moved to Virginia and about the year 1800 located in Montgomery County, Ohio. He and his sons entered a large body of land which extended along the Auglaize River some two miles and included what is now the Fort Amanda farm. Here he tilled the soil and also did considerable work at shoemaking, which trade he had learned in early life.
Russell Berryman was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 10, 1814, and seven years later accompanied his parents to Allen County. The two white families who had al- ready settled here comprised the entire white population of the county at that time. Their supplies were to be had only at the expense of a long, tedious journey to Dayton or Toledo, and most of what we consider necessities were unknown to the pioneer homes. As Russell Berryman grew older he helped clear the farm and care for the growing crops and, as the land was rich and mellow, the wooden mould-board plow answered very well for breaking up the soil and making it ready for planting. When the grain had ripened, the sickle and cradle were used for harvesting it, many of the pio- neers boasting of their skill and the rapidity of their work with these implements. The In- dians were a constant menace to the quiet of the rapidly growing community and a military company was formed for defense against them, Mr. Berryman being the captain. He
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HON. RICHARD E. JONES, M. D.
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died on the homestead in 1877 in the 63rd year of his age. He married Margaret Slain, who was a native of Virginia, and the following children were born to them, viz .: Cornelia (Stocken) ; Ephraim, deceased; Rosabelle (Blackburn), deceased; John H .; and James. Mr. Berryman was a Democrat.
John H. Berryman was reared to manhood on a farm about one mile south of Fort Amanda, where he remained until 1867. He then rented a farm and began buying and feed- ing cattle for the market. This proved profit- able and enabled him to purchase the Dickey farm, and afterwards the Goodman farm, then known as the Turkey Foot farm. Following this, he moved to Lima and engaged in the manufacture and sale of buggies for about one year after which he returned to the country and located on his present farm. About 1879 Mr. Berryman had purchased this property from the heirs of his wife's father. In addition to buying and shipping stock, he also began butch- ering, a business which he conducted for many years. For about seven years he ran a dairy, keeping 60 cows to supply the milk. His land is situated in the oil belt, and at the present time eight wells are being pumped.
On March 12, 1868, Mr. Berryman was married to Sally Columbia Boyd, who was born February 3, 1845, on the farm which is still her home. Her parents were Abraham and Maria (Hover) Boyd. Her maternal grand- father, Ezekiel Hover, came from New Jersey about 1832 and settled in Trumbull County, Ohio, removing in 1833 to Allen County as one of the first pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Berryman have been blessed with a family of seven chil- dren, viz .: Myrtle, wife of William Minton; Margaret, who married John R. Bristow and has one child, John R. Jr .; Russell, who was a raval cadet four years and died in his 26th year ; Mabel, who died when four years of age; Harriet, who married J. M. Davis and died leaving two children-Calvin Russell and Har- riet Berryman; Robert Fulton, a graduate of Oberlin College, who is now a teacher in the Philippines ; and Waldo, a member of Company C. Second Regiment, Ohio National Guard, who lives at home. Mrs. Berryman is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, while Mr. Ber-
ryman holds a membership in the Methodist Episcopal denomination. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Like his father, he is a Demo- crat, and has served as school director, justice of the peace, trustee, assessor and supervisor. He was the party candidate for nomination for Congress, but withdrew his name, much to the disappointment of his many friends who would have strongly supported his candidacy.
5 ON. RICHARD E. JONES, M. D., whose portrait accompanies this sketch, may be aptly referred to as the "Grand Old Man." When this title is bestowed, it is conferred on one who is not only eminent in one or more direction, but whose life, achievements and character ap- peal to all that is best and highest in human nature. Hon. Richard E. Jones, M. D., is the "Grand Old Man" of Gomer, where, for half a century he has gone in and out among his fellow-men, ministering to them in sickness, advising them in trouble, defending them with ripe judgment in business complications, rep- resenting them with dignity and fidelity in the Legislature, and setting them a high example in his interpretation of Christian life and fel- lowship. Dr. Jones is not an American by birth, but he is one by development. Although in accord with American ideas and institu- tions, his heart still fondly turns to the home- stead at Tawelfan, Llanbrynmair, Montgom- eryshire, North Wales, where he was born on April 19, 1834. His parents were William and Mary (Evans) Jones, names familiar to every Welshman.
William Jones, the father, was born at Tymayr, North Wales, and lived to be 90 years old, dying in Allen County, Ohio, a man gen- erally respected and esteemed. In April. 1848, William Jones decided to emigrate to Ameri- ca with his little family, and hence took pass- age on the sailing vessel bearing the friendly name of "William Penn." After a more or less trying voyage of eight weeks on the At- lantic Ocean, the strangers were landed at Philadelphia, with a long journey by rail, river and canal still before them ere they could
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reach their destination in Allen County. In time the father acquired a half-section of land and throughout his entire active life was an agriculturist. He was interested in the found- ing and supporting of the Welsh Congrega- tional Church at Gomer, and for many years was one of its deacons. He married Mary Evans, who was born in North Wales, and survived her husband but two years, dying at the age of 79. The three children of this union were: Richard E .; William, a resident of Lima; and Mary, who died unmarried.
Richard E. Jones was a bright, intelligent youth of 14 years when the family reached Sugar Creek township and settled on the se- lected farm, some seven miles north of Lima. He readily recalls the pioneer surroundings and the wild state of the country between Delphos and Gomer, wagon tracks taking the place of roads, this condition of affairs mak- ing transportation during bad weather almost an impossibility. He remained with his father for about two years, assisting on the farm un- til the second son could take his place, and then turned his attention to the study of medicine, an ambition he had long cherished. About 1851 he became a student under Dr. Monroe, at Vaughnsville, and under his direction con- tinued his professional reading through some four years, afterward attending the medical lectures and pursuing the course at Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in February, 1856.
The year of 1855 was one of unusual sick- ness in this locality and, in dating the beginning of his practice, Dr. Jones may justly name this year, during which he probably was kept as busy in visiting patients all over the township as for any like period in his career. Dr. Jones has always been a general practitioner and a close student, having been very active in the diffusion of medical knowledge. He was one of the early promoters of medical societies in the county, is a member of various medical or- ganizations throughout the State, and for a number of years served as president and secre- tary of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Asso- ciation. Outside of his profession, he has served on many civic bodies, and has taken a prominent part in business and social life. For
a long period he has been one of the directors of The First National Bank of Lima. When the Elida Pioneer Society was organized 12 years ago, he was naturally chosen as its presi- dent. It is probably the largest organization of the kind in the State, having an attendance of about 10,000 at its annual meetings, which are looked upon in the light of most enjoyable events. The Elida Pioneer Society held a nota- ble meeting on August 1I, 1904, and in the list . of its officers may be found the names of the leading men of importance in Allen County, beginning with the president, Dr. R. E. Jones.
Dr. Jones has always been identified with the Democratic party, casting his first presi- dential vote for James Buchanan. For 42 years he served as treasurer of Sugar Creek town- ship, during 40 years of this period being obliged to contend with a large Republican ma- jority in the township, but his personal popu- larity has always been so great that in any con- test where he has been concerned party lines have been entirely ignored. He served two terms in the General Assembly, demonstrating there his ability as a statesman, and but adding to the confidence and trust which his fellow- citizens already reposed in him. For 57 years he has been a member of the Welsh Congrega- tional Church at Gomer and has been one of its most liberal supporters and useful members. During the erection of two church edifices and the remodeling of one, he has served on the building committee, his care and judgment being the means of obtaining the best results through the least possible expenditure.
Dr. Jones has never married; seemingly he has so given his life and energies to those who have needed his services as to ignore the possi- ble possession of a domestic circle of his own. While he has acceptably filled many positions, he has always been first and foremost a physi- cian, and as such has borne many of the heav- iest burdens of the community for more thas two-score years. Between him and those to whom he has ministered so faithfully exists a sentiment much deeper than confidence and esteem; for his faithfulness in times of trouble and distress, his heroic efforts to save life, or to prolong it, and his deep, warm sympathy when all his skill, experience and learning could
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not combat disease, are so well known that herein lies the feeling with which his fellow townsmen regard him. Admired as he is as a physician, he is beloved and reverenced as a man. In him the weak and friendless, the hum- ble and the obscure, have found as true and faithful a friend and physician, as have those whose lives of affluence and ease have not pre- vented the inroads of disease or the grip of affliction. That Dr. Jones, with his multitudi- nous interests, his private friendships and pub- lic tasks should have remained the same kind, unobtrusive, gentle-mannered citizen, accessi- ble to everyone-ready to freely give himself, his time, his money, his skill-might surprise a stranger, but to those who know him best, this is but an example of what they have always found and is one reason why he is the "Grand Old Man."
On June 11, 1904, dawned the sun on the 70th birth year of Gomer's best beloved citizen. The day and its significance had not escaped him, but he had no conception of the manner in which it was to be celebrated by his fellow-citi- zens and friends, even in far-off Wales. It has been the editor's privilege to peruse the glowing accounts published in the Ohio jour- nals, and it seems but a fitting close to this im- perfect biography to speak at length of the in- teresting events of that notable day.
Dr. Jones has a beautiful home, set in hand- some grounds surrounded by shrubbery and, in season, by beautiful flowers, cared for by Edith Jones, the admirable lady who presides here- her uncle's homemaker and often his almoner. When his birthday was approaching, Miss Jones, with Dr. Davis, a partner of 42 years, and several very near and dear friends, began to plan a little surprise for the beloved Doctor, with the intention of offering some entertain- ment at his home to those of his closest friends who would be delighted with an opportunity to do him honor on his natal day. By the time Miss Jones, and those with whom she con- sulted, had remembered 1,500 names, the pro- ject had assumed such proportions that the original idea was changed and the elaborate celebration was planned which later took place. An honorary committee composed of these citi-
zens undertook the task of sending out invita- tions : Dr. S. A. Baxter, Lima; A. M. Bushey, Gomer; Rev. R. Lloyd Roberts, Gomer; Dr. Frank D. Bain, Kenton; Hon. S. D. Crites, Elida; Dr. C. B. Stemen, Fort Wayne, In- diana; Thomas H. Jones, Lima; Samuel T. Griffith, Cincinnati; Alexander Shenk, Del- phos; Judge J. M. Pugh, Columbus; Hon. J. G. Roberts, Elida, corresponding secretary. This committee sent out 1,200 invitations; out of this number, only 64 letters and telegrams of regret were received, and they came from admiring friends in different sections of the United States and from across the Atlantic.
Gomer is essentially a settlement of Welsh pioneers who brought hither their habits of frugality and industry, their high ideals of right and wrong and their religious convictions. Here they have multiplied and flourished and, in large measure, retained the leading charac- teristics of their native land. From Gomer have gone out many men and women who have taken an honorable part in the country's affairs. On the day mentioned, all Gomer was in gala attire and the whole town was interested in the celebration about to take place. The reception committee was composed of Miss Edith Jones, Mrs. Dr. John Davis, Mrs. William Price, Rev. R. Lloyd Roberts, Dr. C. B. Stemen and Hon. S. D. Crites. A bountiful feast had been pre- pared by hundreds of willing hands and after it had been enjoyed, Dr. S. A. Baxter, himself an honored and beloved citizen of Allen County, called the meeting to order as presiding officer. Then followed poems, speeches and the presen- tation of numberless beautiful gifts, all in such generous profusion, that the good Doctor's eyes filled with moisture, and when his time came to speak to this great concourse which represented only a part of his friends, he found that his ready wit, his easy speech and confi- dence of manner, which had never deserted him before critical bodies in public and business life, failed him, to a degree, in the presence of a seemingly boundless affection. Restraining his emotion, however, he heartily thanked those who had met to do' him so much honor, his closing remarks being :
"You will pardon me if I am overwhelmed
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with emotion at seeing so many old and young friends. There are but few here, but those I know intimately. To these and to those who send regrets from all over this broad land, the land of my adoption, and schoolmates and friends of my boyhood days in my native land, my heart goes out to overflowing. The tokens of your esteem will be highly prized as long as I live, and this day will never be eliminated from my memory. May God bless you all."
Dr. Baxter presented many notable people present, all of whom spoke at some length, expressing beautiful sentiments of admira- tion, appreciation and good will. Among these were: Hon. S. S. Wheeler, E. B. Walkup, Dr. Beardsley, Dr. William Enslen and Hon. John G. Roberts. The last speech on the program was a sincerely eulogistic one, made by an old friend and colleague of Dr. Jones, Dr. C. B. Stemen, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Then with a touching prayer by Rev. I. J. Swanson and the singing of "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow," this remarkable demonstration was officially at an end. The remainder of the beautiful day was spent in visiting and social reunions of a most agreeable character. Much beautiful music was rendered during and after the exer- cises. Dr. Jones possesses musical ability him- self, as do almost all native Welshmen, and was an appreciative listener. The Republican- Gasette, of Lima, spoke of Dr. Jones editorially as "one whose life has impressed itself indelibly upon the character of the community and indi- rectly upon the whole country. His life has been one worthy of emulation. The splendid demonstration was the legitimate and sponta- neous outburst of gratitude from his friends and neighbors, in recognition of the beautiful life he has spent among them." The Times- Democrat was no less eulogistic, the Columbus Grove Clipper also giving a long and interest- ing account of the celebration, with words of just praise. Among the beautiful gifts brought by friends and relatives as tokens of the day, may be mentioned : A handsome silk umbrella, a gold cane, a leather chair. a gold shaving mug and brush, a handsome chair of unique design in leather and rattan, a 24-section book-case, a
clock, a filing case, a chair and a beautiful gol- den oak office desk of old English pattern. It was estimated that about 2,000 people partici- pated in this celebration.
5 ENRY CLIFTON FRANKLIN, the genial proprietor of the general store at Yoder, came to this village in 1900 and the following year was appointed postmaster by President William Mc- Kinley, and retained the office until it was dis- continued in 1904. Mr. Franklin was born in Perry township, Allen County, Ohio, about five miles from Yoder, on November 28, 1867, and is a son of John Henry and Sarah A. (Schooler) Franklin, deceased. His grandfather, also named John Henry, was among the pioneers of Perry township, locating early in the '30's and remaining here until his death about 1874.
John Henry Franklin, Jr., was born in 1832, probably in Allen County, Ohio, where he lived all his life. He was a farmer by oc- cupation and was still a young man when his death occurred in December, 1868. He mar- ried Sarah A. Schooler, by whom he had five children, three of whom are living, viz: Sarah Elizabeth, who married Jonathan McPheron, of Perry township; James I., who lives on the home farm in Perry township; and Henry Clif- ton. Mrs. Franklin was a native of Knox County, Ohio, and a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fawcett) Schooler, who moved to Allen County where they spent the remainder of their days. Mrs. Franklin was married twice, her second husband being James Bid- dinger, of Auglaize township. The fruits of the second union were: William A .; Orlin and Ellen. Mrs. Biddinger died in December, 1894, at the age of 54 years.
Henry Clifton Franklin attended public school and remained on the home place until he was 20 years of age, when he entered the employ of the Ohio Oil Company and for 13 years worked in the Ohio oil field. In 1900 he located at Yoder and started in his present business. Mr. Franklin is a Democrat, as has been the family for years, and it was in recog-
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nition of his merits that he received the ap- pointment of postmaster from President Mc- Kinley.
Mr. Franklin was married in October, 1893, to Olive O. Jacobs, a native of Perry township and a daughter of James A. Jacobs, whose biography will be found elsewhere in this volume. Two bright children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, namely : Yula, born August 6, 1894; and Milo, born February 25, 1898.
OL. ISRAEL T. MOORE, president of The Commercial Bank, of Lima, a distinguished survivor of the great Civil War, and essentially a self- made man, was born February 9, 1831, in Butler County, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew P. and Elizabeth (McTaggert) Moore.
The father of our subject was born in New Jersey, came subsequently to Ohio and was a large farmer and stock raiser. In 1834 he re- moved to Allen County and there reared his family of nine children.
Israel T. was three years old when the family settled in Allen County and he grew to the age of 13 years on the farm, attending the local schools, and then the family moved to Franklin, Warren County. In 1846 Israel T. Moore returned to Allen County, and here learned the trade of cabinet-making; but, find- ing the field well occupied in this line, in the following year he went to Cincinnati in search of a better business opening. There he en- gaged as a clerk in a grocery store, finding a position just in time to save himself from want, as when he landed in that city from the canal- boat his capital consisted of just 25 cents. His salary of $5 a month was not very generous, but it carried some perquisites with it and he very soon found his salary increased to $7 per month.
In the meantime an uncle, who was a cap- italist, had watched the young man with inter- est, when he found him thoroughly reliable and hard-working, he consented to loan him the sum of $200, to enable him to go into business with Joseph Cunningham. The partnership
was formed, the grocery business was estab- lished and for two years it was successfully carried on. Then a fire came and they lost all they possessed. Although this was naturally a bitter experience, Mr. Moore did not lose heart but courageously and immediately went to work again as a clerk, commanding now $28 a month, and held his position for two years, managing during this time to save the amount he had borrowed from his uncle, which he repaid with interest.
Mr. Moore continued in the grocery and produce business with his brother on Ninth street, Cincinnati, for some years, the firm be- ing known as Moore Brothers. Two years later his brother William opened up a branch store at South Warsaw, while our subject con- tinued the business in Cincinnati until 1855, when he sold out and joined his brother at South Warsaw. The business was continued here for a time and then they disposed of it and went into the stock business, later becom- ing interested extensively in real estate. Mr. Moore purchased a tract of 10 acres of land for his own use, later added 30 acres and still later 80 acres. While he had prospered in material ways, the young man felt the need of wider men- tal qualifications, and as he had accumulated enough capital to allow him to give up business for a while, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, where he remained two terms, during this time he secured the po- sition of teacher in the lower grades, which enabled him to pay for his own tuition.
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