USA > Ohio > Allen County > History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 2
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Mr. Mclaughlin helped to organize the first oil exchanges in the oil country-at Titus- ville, Oil City and Parker, Pennsylvania. He was president of the Parker Oil Exchange, and afterward president of the Oil City Oil Ex- change when it was the leading one in the United States. He was elected to the Select Council of Oil City and was president of that body for three years; by virtue of his office he was the presiding officer of the select and com- mon councils when in joint session.
In 1878 Mr. Mclaughlin was married to Ella Gray, then of Philadelphia, formerly of New York City, and they have three children, viz : Warren J., Thomas D. and Laura G. The eldest son is a graduate of Columbia Law School of New York City and is now in the practice of his profession at Lima. Thomas D. is also a graduate of Columbia College and is an architect. The only daughter is a student
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at Rye Seminary, New York. The family be- longs to the Catholic Church.
Mr. Mclaughlin is a Mason of high degree, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Council, Chapter and Commandery at Lima and to the Shrine and Consistory at Pittsburg.
e E. KINDELL, whose place of busi- ness is at No. 999 West Wayne street, Lima, is known throughout Lima and Allen County as the pro- prietor of one of the neatest and most extensive grocery stores in the city. Mr. Kindell was born in 1861 in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of J. H. Kindell who has been an honored resident of Lima for the past 30 years and who was for many years one of the leading contractors and builders here.
Our subject received his education at va- rious points, finally learning telegraphy under C. B. Rice, at Elida, Ohio. Having been ap- pointed assistant postmaster and mailing clerk at Delphos, he engaged in that work for eight months when he was tendered the position of night operator for the Penn- sylvania Railroad at Lima, and came here to take up his new duties. He remained at this station about two and a half years and then made a tour of the South and West, including Old Mexico, which covered about the same length of time. During this period he was employed in various telegraph offices at the points visited. On returning East he was with the Standard Oil Company one year, after which he was employed at the LaFayette car shops for a short time and then went back to telegraphing. He was operator and agent at VanBuren, Ohio, two and a half years when he came to Lima as operator for the C., H. & D. Railway, holding that position for more than seven years. The next four years was passed in the C. & E. Railroad tele- graph office. In 1902 Mr. Kindell purchased the grocery stock of Aaron Albert and has con- ducted the business at the old stand on West Wayne street ever since. He is a thorough busi- ness man and has built up a large patronage
among the best class of people. He makes it a point to cater to the wants of his customers and, as this fact is recognized and appreciated, he does a thriving business.
Mr. Kindell was first married to Ida M. Mc- Clellan who was a daughter of John McClel- land, of Lima. They had one child, Edna M. In September, 1895, he married Ella Gillette, a daughter of E. V. Gillette, who was formerly engaged in the general merchandise business at Prospect, Ohio, and is now living a retired life at Kieferville. Mr. Kindell is a member of Grand Division, Order of Railway Telegraph- ers, of which body he was one of the organizers, on the C., H. & D. Railway.
ILLIAM G. FOWLER, a prominent agriculturist residing in section 6, Bath township, has been a resident of Allen County since 1859. As he came here a poor man, he has gained his present prosperous condition only by hard and persistent labor. He was born in Tuscarawas County, this State, near New Phil- adelphia, January 13, 1834, his parents being James and Mary (Gifford) Fowler. His pa- ternal grandfather, John Fowler, came to this country from Ireland and first settled in Penn- sylvania. Later he went to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he entered 160 acres of land lo- cated between Jefferson and Salem. Here he passed the remainder of his life.
James Fowler was born in February, 1804. in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1812, remain- ing in Jefferson County until he reached his majority, when he located in Tuscarawas County. He later moved to Knox County where he died at the age of 81 years, eight months and one day. He was a farmer, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a stanch Republican in his later years, al- though formerly a Whig. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of William and Barbara (Horn) Gifford, the former a native of Eng- land. She was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, and had passed her 80th year when she died at
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the family residence in Knox County. She was the mother of 12 children, 10 of whom reached adult years and nine of whom are now living.
William G. Fowler was reared on a farm and remained at home until his marriage, when he came to Allen County. As he possessed but little money, he rented a farm for the first five years. The first night in Allen County he and his wife slept on a floor and ate their supper and breakfast from a box. Many were the hardships and privations endured while they were earning a home here. He first purchased 80 acres in Sugar Creek township and later he sold this and bought his present homestead of 115 acres, 35 of which is in Monroe and the balance in Bath township. He also owned at one time 80 acres in Monroe and 60 in Sugar Creek townships, which he gave to his children, as well as an adjoining farm of 411/2 acres, which is occupied by his son. He has erected substantial and attractive buildings and other- wise improved his premises, more than doub- ling their value. He is engaged in stock-rais- ing and general farming.
Mr. Fowler was married in August, 1858, to Isabella McClurg, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, August 11, 1840, and is a daughter of John and Jane (Robison) Mc- Clurg, both natives of Pennsylvania and pio- neers of Ohio. Their family consisted of 16 children, namely : Mary J; John S., a resident of Martin's Ferry, Ohio; William R., of Ne- vada, Ohio; Aetna Estella; James L., of West Cairo, Ohio; Lizzie Minnie; Jude H .; Charles E., who died in infancy ; Laura B., wife of Bert Mossholder, of Ottawa, Ohio; Montezuma, who died at the age of 11 months; Edward M .; Alfonza, wife of E. Crawford, of Columbus Grove, Ohio; Millard D., of Akron, Ohio; Jo- sephine, wife of Ernest Witteberg, of Colum- bus Grove, Ohio; Roscoe C .; and Zoe, wife of Glen Hooper, of West Cairo, Ohio. Several of these children are married and have families. Mr. Fowler is a member of the Christian Church and has served as trustee for a number of years. He is a Republican and was one of the "boys in blue" who went to the front in 1864 as a 100-day man, belonging to Company
C, 15Ist Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Colonel Marble and Lieut .- Col. Richard Hughes. His company was stationed near Washington at the time of Early's raid.
A LBERT W. COXE, manager of the Lima Sash & Door Company, has been a resident of Lima but a short time, having but recently moved from Chicago to take charge of the new in- dustry. He was born in 1873 in Buffalo, New York, and is a son of Charles A. Coxe, manager of the Schroth & Ahrens Company and a direc- tor of the First State Pawners' Society, both of Chicago.
When Albert W. Coxe was a lad of about eight years his parents located in Chicago, where he attended the public schools and took one year of the high school course. He then secured work in the shipping department of Alexander H. Revell & Company and finished his education at a night school. After remain- ing in the furniture store one year, he accepted a position with Marshall Field & Company, which he held for five years. During the next two years he was shipping clerk for the Gener- al Electric Company, of Chicago, and from there went with the Schroth & Ahrens Com- pany of the same city. He was estimator for this sash and door company for eight years, un- til he accepted his present position and came to Lima. The Lima Sash & Door Company was organized January 1, 1905, with a capital stock of $20,000. It was incorporated under the laws of Illinois, as the officers and stockholders are Chicago capitalists, and is exclusively a job- bing enterprise. The manager, Mr. Coxe, is a young man of push and energy, whose prac- tical business training has made him thorough- ly familiar with the requirements of the enter- prise which he has already placed among the leading industries of Allen County. During his short residence in the city, he has made many strong friendships both in social and busi- ness circles and has identified himself with the progressive element who are striving for the upbuilding of the community.
Mr. Coxe was married in 1901 to Henri-
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etta Cline, daughter of Henry Cline, deceased. They have one child, Walter Albert. Mr. Coxe and his wife are members of the Millard Ave- nue Congregational Church, of Chicago. He is a member of the "Hoo Hoos" and the Ameri- can Guild.
J N. HALLER, the enterprising grocer, has been long and closely identified with the city of Lima. He was born in June, 1851, in German township, this county, where he was reared and educated. His father was Samuel Haller who located in Allen County about 1840 and died in Lima in 1860. Both the father and grandfath- er, who was named Samuel, were brickmasons and built most of the brick buildings which were erected here prior to their death.
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J. N. Haller learned the trade of mason and was engaged in that work for a number of years, giving special attention to plastering. He spent three years in the South, one in a printing office at Singerglen, Virginia, and two in the shipyards of Baltimore, Maryland. Returning to Lima, which had been his home since his third year, he engaged in the newspaper busi- ness, and for eight years had charge of the ad- vertising and the subscription list of the old Republican. Being appointed patrolman on the police force of Lima, he served three years in that capacity, and then was promoted to the po- sition of chief of police of Lima, in which ca- pacity he served two years. In 1897 he worked at his trade, and the year following embarked in the grocery business which he still conducts. He erected the fine business block at 613 West Wayne street, where he is located and meeting with merited success.
Mr. Haller was married in 1873 to Emma Smith, daughter of Judge Smith who was sur- veyor of Paulding County for several years and, later, probate judge. Mr. and Mrs. Hal- ler have have one son, C. C. Haller, who in the November election of 1905 was the Republi- can nominee for sheriff of Van Wert County. He is a prominent Mason and a Knight Tem- plar. J. N. Haller has taken an active interest in the good government of the city and was
formerly a member of the City Council. He is a zealous member of the Disciples' Church and a man who is esteemed for his uprightness and honor. . Mr. Haller was made a Knight in Concordia Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Balti- more, Maryland, 36 years ago and was a prime factor in organizing Lima Lodge, No. 91. He has passed through all the offices and has twice represented the local lodge at the Grand Lodge.
RANK SIEBER, president of The Lima Brewing Company, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 25, 1862, and is a son of Frank and Caroline (Elses) Sieber.
The father of Mr. Sieber was born in Ger- many. By trade he was a cabinet- maker. He married Caroline Elses, also of German extrac- tion, and they had a family of three children.
Frank Sieber was reared through the years of childhood in his native county, where he at- tended the local schools and gave particular at- tention to music, for which he has great talent. In 1884 he engaged in hotel-keeping and con- tinued in that line until 1899 when he became president of The Lima Brewing Company. The officers of this company are: Frank Sieber, president; Gus Spannagel, vice-president ; and E. W. Charles, secretary and treasurer. The Lima Brewing Company manufactures lager beer and malt extract, its products being of fine quality and possessing healthful tonic proper- ties. Employment is given to 26 men. The plant is the largest of its kind in Allen County.
Mr. Sieber was united in marriage with Mary Knarr, a daughter of John Knarr, and they have a family of six children. Their com- fortable home is situated at No. 402 West Mar- ket street. The family belongs to the Catholic Church.
Fraternally Mr. Sieber is an Elk and has al- ways taken a great deal of interest in the order. He is one of the city's well-known citizens, a man of charitable instincts, energetic and public spirited, who enjoys the esteem of a very wide circle of friends.
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m MEYERS, a leading grocer of Lima was born in German township, Al- len County, Ohio, in 1858, and is a son of Jackson Meyers, one of the influential and highly esteemed citizens of this city. His grandfather was Wil- liam Meyers, an early pioneer of Allen County, who settled here during the first years of the last century. Jackson Meyers was born in this vicinity 73 years ago and was one of the best known farmers in this section; some years ago he retired from active life and is spending the sunset of life in the enjoyment of the fruits of past industry. He served more than three years in the Civil War as a member of the 91st Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., seeing much active service and leaving two fingers on the battle- field of Bull Run.
Our subject received his schooling in the old West School Building of Lima, and then entered the service of the local street car com- pany, driving the horses to the first car that made the run over the lines in Lima. He re- mained in this employment for three years and then secured a place as clerk in the grocery store of Beeman & Company. After remain- ing with this firm for about 14 years, Mr. Mey- ers purchased the stock from them and moved it from the old location at No. 141 North Main street to his present quarters at No. 124 East High street, where he carries a complete line of staple and fancy groceries. He is also a stock- holder in the Superior Brick Company.
Mr. Meyers was married in 1881 to Ida Gamble, daughter of E. D. Gamble, a justice of the peace in Lima for many years. They have three children-Bess, Fred and Mary. The son is associated with Mr. Meyers in the gro- cery business and has a half interest in it. The family are members of the Disciples' Church.
A DAM C. LACKEY, a well-known stock buyer of Allen County, is also an agriculturist of more than ordinary ability, who owns two well-improved farms in Monroe township, one in section 22 containing 86 acres, and the other in sections 24 and 27, containing 77 acres. Mr. Lackey was born on his father's old homestead,
September 18, 1861, and is a son of William and Diadama (Hall) Lackey. The grand- father was Alexander Lackey, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, who died leaving two young sons, William and Alexander, both of whom came to Allen County. Alexander afterwards moved to Indiana, where he died.
William Lackey was born in the State of Pennsylvania, September 18, 1818, and was still young when he came to Ohio and located in Tuscarawas County. There he was married to Diadama Hall, who was born in Maryland in December, 1828. They lived in Tuscarawas County until after the birth of their second child when they came to Allen County; here they spent the remainder of their lives. Wil- liam Lackey was a wagon-maker by trade and also a successful teacher, both in this and in Tuscarawas County ; but in his later years he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and was the owner of 110 acres of land in Monroe township. He was a man of deep religious con- victions and an earnest worker in the Methodist Church. In earlier life a Republican, he later espoused the cause of prohibition and was a loyal supporter of that policy until his death. He passed away in the ripeness of age, having passed his 85th mile-stone when his summons came. His wife, who survived him about one year, dying October 31, 1904, did not quite reach her 76th year. Upright and honorable in all things, they reared their children to lives of usefulness and honor, inculcating those prin- ciples which have made the name of Lackey uni- versally respected. The family consisted of nine children, viz. : John, who died when about 40 years of age, leaving a widow and six chil- dren; Martha Jane (Brown), of Lima; Wil- liam Hall, of Michigan; Sarah (Wright), of Paulding County ; Alice ( Snyder), of Paulding County; James, also of Paulding County ; Adam; Henry and one child that died in infancy.
Adam Lackey remained with his parents un- til his 23rd year, when he purchased 40 acres of woodland in Paulding County, living there for two years and clearing about 20 acres of it. Selling that property, he then purchased 66 acres in section 22. afterwards adding an- other 20 which he still owns, and upon which he
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MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL O. RIDENOUR AND FAMILY
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lived until 1902. Moving to West Cairo, he engaged in buying and shipping stock for several years, and then moved to his present farm where he is now engaged in general farm- ing and in handling stock. Mr. Lacky is a Re- publican. He is a member of Bethel Grove Methodist Episcopal Church of which he is a steward.
In 1886 our subject married Emma Augs- burger by whom he has two children, Jason Carl and Gale Juanita. Mrs. Lackey was born in Richland township, this county, January I, 1862, and is a daughter of Louis and Margaret (Wise) Augsburger, both of whom were na- tives of Germany and came to this country with their parents.
S AMUEL O. RIDENOUR, deceased, formerly one of the best-known citi- zens of this county, and the owner of a valuable farm of 90 acres in section 8, Perry township, was born in Allen County, Ohio, September 11, 1832, and was a son of Jacob and Catherine (Oats) Ridenour.
The Ridenour family is of German extrac- tion and was established in America by Lewis Ridenour, the great-grandfather of our subject. He came to the Colonies prior to the Ameri- can Revolution and assisted the Patriot Army in the capacity of a teamster. He first settled in Virginia, whence he removed to Westmore- land County, Pennsylvania, and there engaged in farming until 1803, when he migrated to Ohio. He settled in Perry County, being ac- companied by his wife and 10 children. He had seven sons and three daughters. His sons, all of whom served in the war of 1812, were as follows: Mathias, David, John, Jacob, Lewis, Isaac and Martin. Of these, David, John and Isaac came to Allen County and all settled in Perry township. David never mar- ried, but John and Isaac both reared families and their descendants to-day are numbered with the most prominent and reliable citizens of their various communities.
John Ridenour, the grandfather of Samuel O., was born in Virginia in 1785; he accom- panied his father to Pennsylvania and subse-
quently to Ohio. In March, 1831, he entered a half section of land in section 5, Perry town- ship. Here he cleared up a farm, on which he died in 1874, being survived by his widow until July, 1879. John Ridenour married Han- nah Spahn, who was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, and accompanied her parents to Perry township. The children of this marriage were: Jacob, father of our subject; John, who died in Perry township; Mathias, of Paulding County, Ohio; George, who died in Perry township; Rebecca, deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Wollett; Hannah, deceased, who was the wife of J. L. Stevenson; Phebe, de- ceased, who was the wife of Samuel Wollett; and Amelia, deceased.
Jacob Ridenour, son of John and Hannah Ridenour, was born in Perry County, Ohio, January 14, 1809, and there learned the black- smith's trade. In 1831 he came to Perry town- ship, Allen County, and settled on the 80 acres of land acquired by his father, and on which Samuel O. Ridenour lived at the time of his death. Here, in the latter part of 1832, he es- tablished a blacksmith shop, and for many years carried on his trade in connection with farm- ing. Politically he was a stanch Democrat, and always assumed a lively interest in public af- fairs. He served as township trustee, and per- formed his full share in the development of the section in which he lived. He was one of the original members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, aiding liberally in its erec- · tion and serving as one of its trustees. His first wife was Catherine Oats, a daughter of William Oats, of Perry County, Ohio. She died in 1836, leaving three children as fol- lows: Samuel O .; Jacob, who died from ex- posure while in the service of his country, as a member of Company K, 118th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf .; and Catherine, who married Daniel Losh and died in 1860.
Jacob Ridenour's second wife was Mrs. Lovis (Mechling) Boyer. They had six chil- dren, namely : Rebecca, wife of William Ver- bryke; Phebe, wife of James K. Spear; Lovis, widow of Isaac Lehman, of Indiana; Emma, deceased, who was the wife of J. G. Barr; Knox P., of Dayton, Ohio; and John W., deceased.
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Mr. Ridenour died November 9, 1879, his wife having preceded him in 1872.
Samuel O. Ridenour was reared from in- fancy to manhood on the old family homestead in Perry township. He passed his entire life here, and was always identified with the best interests of the locality. He was a man of public spirit, with modern ideas and methods, and became one of the substantial and repre- sentative men of the community. He owned 90 acres of the old homestead and, in addition to engaging in general farming, developed the oil-wells on his property and demonstrated them to be very remunerative. His improved farm was managed with modern machinery and scientific intelligence.
Mr. Ridenour was an honored survivor of the Civil War. He enlisted in 1864 in Com- pany A, 180th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which was assigned to the 23d Army Corps, under Gen- eral Schofield. The last engagement in which he participated was at Kingston, North Caro- lina, after taking part in all the hard marching and fighting in which his regiment engaged. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war and returned to his home in Allen County.
In 1870 Samuel O. Ridenour was joined in marriage with Mary C. Sellers, a daughter of John Sellers. She died in 1875, leaving two children, viz: John F., now deceased; and Hattie, wife of Morgan L. Harrod. Mr. Rid- enour married (second) Elizabeth Swinehart, daughter of Samuel Swinehart, of Perry County, Ohio, and they had two children, viz : Grover DeWitt and Samuel O., Jr.
Politically, Mr. Ridenour was a stanch Democrat and always upheld the principles of his party. He served as township trustee, clerk and treasurer and, by the efficient discharge of the duties of his office, merited the confidence reposed in him. In his religious views he was a Lutheran, and a valued member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was very liberal in his support of this church, being a man of marked charitable impulses.
The death of Samuel O. Ridenour occurred on his farm, July 23, 1902. He had almost reached the age of 70 years and had he not suf- fered from the exposures incident to the army life of the Civil War his years might still further
have been prolonged. Mrs. Ridenour still sur- vives him and she, also, is a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church.
GROVER DEWITT RIDENOUR, who, with his younger brother, has charge of the homestead, was born on this place November 2, 1884. He was educated in the district schools of the neighborhood and has always made this farm his home. Samuel O., who bears his father's. honored name, was also born on the family homestead, May 20, 1888, and still continues. to reside upon it. Imitating their deceased father, the brothers have continued his progres- sive methods of conducting the agricultural operations, having also displayed energy and good management in the improvements which they themselves have made. They are young men who are thoroughly respected and can claim a very wide circle of friends in Perry township.
On a preceding page in proximity to this is shown a group of the Ridenour, family, exe- cuted from a photograph later taken before the decease of Samuel O. Ridenour.
RED E. HEROLD was born in Lima, Ohio, July 3, 1859, was here reared and educated and here has for several years occupied a prominent place among the leading business men. His father, M. Herold, located in Lima in 1853 and opened the first brick-yard conducted in the village. He was also engaged in the gro- cery business, having at the time of his death in 1870 one of the largest grocery stores in Lima. He was a public-spirited, whole-souled man and was ever found at the front in all movements which would promote the general welfare of the people of the community.
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