History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 123

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Ohio > Crawford County > History of Crawford County and Ohio > Part 123

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

J. W. HOLMES. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born Sept. 13, 1821, at Dalton, Mass. When 18 months old, his father, Joseph Holmes, was called to England. He was lost at sea while on his return to his family, which left the son with no other care but his mother. He was taken in charge by different ones, and when 10 years old was put on a farm until 16 years of age, when he was bound an appren- tice to the cabinet-making trade, serving his

844

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

time until the age of 21 years; he then com- menced business for himself. In 1850, he was burnt out, by which means he lost his wife and all his property, leaving him desti- tute. At this time he went to Bridgeport, and entered into a contract, with fifteen others, to go South to assist in putting the rolling stock upon the Alabama & Tennessee River R. R. (now the Selma, Rome & Dalton R. R.). From there he returned and entered the employ of the N. Y. C. R. R., in May, 1852, and con- tinued in said business at Rochester, N. Y., and Niagara Falls, being in charge of the car department until June, 1862, at which time he commenced to raise a company for active service in the 129th N. Y. V. I., under com- mand of Col. P. A. Porter; mustered into the United States service Aug. 22, 1862, and marched to the city of Baltimore, where the regiment was put in the defense of Baltimore and vicinity. In December, 1862, the regiment was changed from 129th V. I. to the 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and recruited up to a reg- iment of 1,900 officers and men, and continued in the military duties of the Middle Depart- ment until July 2, 1963, when they were ordered to Maryland Heights, opposite Har- per's Ferry, to protect the rear of the army at Gettysburg. On the 1st of September, he was ordered back into the defenses of Bal- timore, and detailed as Provost Marshal of Fort McHenry, in charge of all Union and confederate prisoners at that point, and inti- mately connected with the secret service, which contributed so much to the success of our arms. In May, 1864, was relieve:l from the duties of Provost Marshal, for the purpose of accompanying the regiment to the front, joining the army at Spottsylvania Court House, on the 18th of May, 1864, with 1,900 men assigned to the 2d Corps, 2d Division, commanded by Gen. Tyler. On the 19th, participated in the repulsing of an attack in force by Ewell's Corps; on the 23d and 24th, in the engagement of North Anna; on the 30th and 31st, at Cold Harbor; June 3, made a charge on the enemy's works, in which 600 men of the regiment were killed and wounded; crossed the James on the 15th of June; as- saulted the Confederate works before Peters- burg, on the evening of June 16; supported

an assault on the 18th, at which time, for gal- lant conduct, was promoted to Major, he hav- ing acted as such since June 3. On the 22d, assaulted and captured works held by the Confederate forces. From this time, the reg- iment was employed on breast-works, fortifi- cations, and covered ways, until July 26; ordered to the north side of James River, and participated in the assaults on the enemy's lines at Deep Bottom, capturing their outer works; also participated in severe fighting at Deep Bottom, Aug. 12. On Aug. 25, in a severe engagement at Ream's Station, on the 26th, being in command of the regiment, which when mustered, but 5 officers and 110 men reported for duty, thus showing the effects of severe duties which they had performed, and the loss which they had sustained since join- ing the army at Spottsylvania, on the 18th of May. At this time, the regiment was given a short rest, which was improved in receiving recruits, and the return of men from hospital, at which time he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. The regiment was again put on active duty, and participated in all the engage- ments until the surrender of Lee's forces, April 9, 1865. In June, 1865, was ordered to Rochester, N. Y., with his regiment, and mus- tered out of the service of the United States and returned to peaceful pursuits of life. In August, 1865, entered the service of the A. & G. W. R. R., at Kent, Ohio. In September, the same year, promoted to the position of Superintendent of car repairs at Galion, Crawford Co., Ohio, at which place he now resides, where he has been intimately con- nected with the Masonic and other kindred organizations, having, in 1850, became a Mas- ter Mason; in 1856, a Royal Arch Mason; received the degrees of Royal and Select Mas- ters, and dubbed and created a Knight of the Red Cross, Knight Templar and Knight of Malta. Since living in Galion, he has been intimately connected with the organization of Galion Lodge, No. 414, A., F. & A. M .; Craw- ford Chapter, No. 142, R. A. M .; Mansfield Commandery of Knights Templar, No. 21, and now 32d degree member of Ohio Consistory, A. & A. S. Rite, at Cincinnati; to mutual insur- ance organizations, a goodly portion of his attention has been given, being foremost in

845

POLK TOWNSHIP.

the organization of Mutual Lodge, No. 32, K. of H .; Galion Council, No. 20, R. A .; was prominent in the formation of the Grand Lodge, K. of H., of Ohio, July 29, 1875, and was elected its first Grand Dictator; also, the Grand Council of the R. A. of Ohio, April 4. 1878, and was elected, at its second session. Grand Regent. In all of the above organiza- tions, he has done his full proportion of the work to make each a success.

G. L. JOHNSTON, foreman building and bridge department, C., C., C. & I. R. R., Galion. In the carpenter and wood-work department of the C., C., C. & I. R. R. shops, we find Mr. G. L. Johnston, as Foreman and Superintendent. He was born in Knox Co., Ohio, in 1841, and when a youth learned the carpenter's trade. In November, 1875, he entered the employ of the C., C., C. & I. R. R., at Shelby, and, in 1878, was called by that company to Galion, to assume his present position. He has the entire supervision of the construction of build- ings, bridges, freight trucks, etc. He was married in 1869, to Miss Polly E Hayes, at Mount Gilead. They have two children -- Wilbur H. and Ralph P

HENRY KAEMPHER, Priest, Galion. The grandparents of Father Kaempher were French, and emigrated to Westphalia at the time of the first French Revolution. He was born in Westphalia in December, 1848, and gradu- ated with honors at the University of Munster. He is also a graduate of the College of Rheine, and studied in the college nine years, and in the university four years. He came to Cleve- land, Ohio, in 1874, and went to Putnam Co., Ohio, and remained three years, and in April, 1878, he came to Galion, Ohio, and took charge of the two Catholic Churches there, and is building up good congregations in each.

DR. HIRAM R. KELLEY, M. D., Galion; was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., on the 7th of February, 1535. He attended the common schools until 13 years of age, when he entered a store and served two years as junior clerk. In 1851, he began teaching school, continuing until 1853, when he left Pennsyl- vania and removed to Ohio, settling in Perry Township, Morrow Co. He resumed his occu- pation as school-teacher for a year. In 1854, having resolved to become a physician, he

attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and engaged in study until 1856, when he attended a full course of medical lectures at Cincinnati. He commenced the practice of medicine at West Point, Morrow Co., Ohio, remaining there until 1865, when, going to Columbus, he attended a full course at Starling Medical College, and graduated there. Returning to West Point, he resumed practice there until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Galion, and has since been in active practice there. For upward of twelve years, he has been a member of the State Medical College, and surgeon of the A. & G. W. R. R., now N. Y., P. & O. R. R .; for eight years, has also been appointed surgeon for the C., C., C. & I. R. R. In May, 187S, he was appointed Trustee of the Girls' Industrial Home, at Delaware, Ohio. Since 1873, he has been a member of the Galion Board of Education. Although enjoying an enviable reputation as a physician, his greatest success has been in surgery, having performed several difficult major operations successfully. He was married in 1858, to Miss Matilda Emma Keech, of Chester Co., Penn. They have one son-J. Webster Kelley.

DR. J. WEBSTER KELLEY, M. D., Gal- ion; was born at West Point, Morrow Co., Ohio, in 1859. He graduated at the High School, Galion, and, having resolved to be- come a physician, he attended Dennison Uni- versity, and afterward the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. From there he went to Starling Medical College, Colum- bus, Ohio, and while there carried off the "Surgeon's prize," in 1878. He then entered the office of Prof. Pooley, Professor of Surgery at Starling, and afterward went to Bellevue Hospital, N. Y., and graduated in March, 1880. He then returned to Galion, and entered into partnership with his father, and is now in practice there. He was married, Aug. 26, 1880, to Miss Ella E. Crim, daughter of C. S. Crim, President of First National Bank. Since his return to Galion, Dr. Kelley has reported several articles to medical journals in New York and Columbus.

REV. J. H. KLEIN, D. D., Galion; was born in Baden, Germany, in 1829. He at- tended the common schools in Germany, and

846

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

emigrated to America in 1849, locating at Sandusky City, Ohio. He attended the Hei- delberg College and Seminary at Tiffin, Ohio, graduating in 1554, and entered the ministry of the German Reformed Church. He served at a number of missionary points, and at five different preaching charges in Sandusky Co., Ohio. Receiving a call from the St. John German Reformed Church of Fort Wayne, Ind., he removed there, and remained as Pas- tor until 1868, when he was called to a pro- fessorship at the church seminary at Sheboy- gan, Wis. Served two years there, but, on account of the climate, he resigned, and accepted a call as Pastor of First German Reformed Church of Louisville, remaining there until 1878, when he removed to Galion, and is now located there as Pastor of German Reformed Church. Since coming there, he has added fifty-seven members to the church. He was married in 1854, to Catharine Weis, of Tiffin, Ohio. They have four children- Emily L., Caroline C., Catharine H. and Charles D.

ROBERT LAIRD, foreman boiler shops, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Galion. Mr. Laird was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1841. His parents emigrated to this country when he was 8 years old, locating at Mount Savage, Md. In 1855, he went to work for the B. & O. R. R., at Piedmont, W. Va., and remained with that company until 1862, when he came to Zanesville, Ohio, and engaged with the Central Ohio R. R., working at his trade of boiler-making. In 1864, he enlisted as a 100- day man in the 159th O. S. V. I. After serv- ing his time, he returned to Zanesville, and was married to Miss Jennie McIntosh, Dec. 23, 1864. He then went to Cincinnati. and for nearly three years worked at his trade for the C., H. & D. R. R. He came to Galion in 1867, and worked at his trade for the C., C., C. & I. R. R., until January, 1870, when he engaged with the A. & G. W. R. R., now the N. Y., P. & O. R. R., and has been with that company ever since, as Superintendent of the boiler shops. He resided for three years at Kent, where the principal shops of this con- pany were located, but, on their removal to Galion, has made his home there. He has one child-John. Mr. Laird is a member of

Galion Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., Galion Chapter, No. 142, and Mansfield Commandery, No. 21.

HENRY LAUGHBAUM, farmer; P. O. Galion. Mr. Laughbaum was born in Rich- land Co., Ohio, in 182S. He is the son of Solomon and Margaret (Heist) Laughbaum, natives of Pennsylvania, both being born near Lancaster. When Henry was a youth. his father bought 20 acres of land in Jefferson Township, Crawford Co., and then was stricken down by disease from which he never recov- ered, but lingered along for years, a helpless invalid. This threw the support of the family upon the boys, and their early life was one of extreme toil. He married Miss Nancy Pfeiffer, daughter of Peter Pfeiffer, in 1849. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June, 1832, and, at the time of her marriage, was an orphan. Mr. Laughbaum's business at this time, until 1865, was running a saw-mill in Whetstone Town- ship. In 1865, he bought 80 acres of land, in Polk Township, where he now resides. Since that time he has added 20 acres more to the original purchase, and has improved it in buildings, fences, etc., until to-day it is one of the most valuable pieces of land in the town- ship. In the summer of 18SO, he built a new and elegant residence, which adds much to the value of his property. His farm lies a few miles northwest of Galion, and, as Mr. Laughbaum devotes his time exclusively to the improve- ment and cultivation of his land, he will have a home, in time, second to none in the county. During his residence in Whetstone Town- ship, he served four years as Constable, seven years as Township Clerk, and one year as Township Trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Laugh- baum have ten children-Elias W., Aaron H., Sarah J., Louisa C., Melissa B., Otterbine F., Deborah E., Maransa C., Horatio T. and Weston S. Aaron H. is married to Ellen Shiu- maker. and they are living in Sandusky Town- ship; Sarah J. is married to William O. Shu- maker, residing in Polk Township.

M. MANLEY, Superintendent of Public Schools, Galion; was born in 1841, at New Salem, Fairfield Co., Ohio. His parents were of Scotch and English descent. In 1848, they moved to New Lexington, Perry Co. He at- tended the public schools there until 1854,

847

POLK TOWNSHIP.

when he removed back to Fairfield Co., and entered Fairfield Academy in 1857. He taught school during the winters and attended the academy during the spring and fall until 1860, when he entered as freshman in the classical course of the Ohio Wesleyan Univer- sity, at Delaware, Ohio, teaching school to pay his tuition while there. He graduated in 1866, and took charge of the north district of the union school at Lancaster, Ohio; resigned at the expiration of one year, on account of fail- ing health, and accepted the agency of Apple- ton & Co.'s school books, until 1870. He had charge of Carroll School, in Fairfield Co., until 1872; was Principal of the high school of Lancaster until 1874, when he came to Galion, and was Principal of the high school one year, and, since that time, has been Super- intendent of public schools, being elected to serve until 1883. Prof. Manley served two years in the army, in the 17th and 146th O. V. I. He is a Mason, and a member of the Knights of Honor.

JACOB G. MEUSER, lawyer, Galion. Prominent among the leading men of Craw- ford Co. and of Central Ohio, is J. G. Meuser. He was born on April 4, 1844, in Sandusky Township, Richland Co., within a few miles of Galion, and is the son of Peter F. and Katherine (Swayne) Meuser. His early life was passed upon a farm. He received a good education, commencing with the common schools, and finishing at Capital University, of Columbus, Ohio, after which he taught school from 1864 to 1870. After determining to make the practice of law his profession, he entered the office of S. G. Cummings, of Gal- ion, and commenced reading. He was admit- ted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio, in 1872, and has been engaged in this profes- sion, in partnership with S. G. Cummings, up to the present time. Politically, Mr. Meuser is a Democrat, and has always taken a deep interest in the affairs of his party, being con- sidered one of its leaders in Ohio. Among the numerous offices which Mr. Meuser has held, we may mention the following: In April, 1874, he was elected Mayor of Galion, and, in 1875, he was chosen to represent his district in the State Legislature. In 1877, he was re-elected, and, during the latter term, was Chairman of

the Judiciary Committee, the Committee on Rules, and of the committee to revise and consolidate the statutes. In 1879, he was em- ployed by the State to edit the present Re- vised Statutes of Ohio. Mr. Meuser is also one of the proprietors and the editor of the Galion Inquirer, one of the leading Democratic organs in Central Ohio. Socially. he is hu- morous, genial and agreeable. Possessing great executive ability, and endowed with perseverance, energy and industry, Mr. Meu- ser is to-day one of the rising young men of his native State.

DAVID MACKEY, architect and builder, Galion; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., April 3, 1835. His parents removed to Ohio when he was 3 years old, locating in Musk- ingum Co. He attended the common schools until he was 13 years old, when his parents moved to Crawford Co., Polk Township, in 1848. His father was a carpenter and build- er, and David assisted him in that business until he was 21 years of age, when he com- menced taking lessons in drawing and archi- tecture. In 1854 or 1855, he entered the car department of the Indiana Division of the C., C., C. & I. R. R., and worked in that depart- ment for twelve years, since which time he has been in business for himself as an architect and builder. In 1878, he erected Mackey's Block, and is also the builder of the Citizens' National Bank, and a large portion of the best buildings in Galion. He was married in 1854, to Miss Sarah L. Traul, of Galion. They have two children living-Mattie and Sadie. Mr. Mackey has been a member of Common Council for two terms before the city was in- corporated, and is now serving his second term. He was a Director in the old Galion Building Company, and is now President of the Citizens' Building Company. Mr. Mackey and wife are members of Presbyterian Church.

O. N. MONROE, foreman carpenter depart- ment, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Galion; was born in Medina Co., Ohio, in August, 1831. His father was a farmer, and his early life was passed upon a farm, until, at the age of 17, he went to learn the carpenter's trade in Lorain Co. After three years in that county, he went to Huron Co., and went to contracting for himself. While there, he engaged with the

848

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Lake Shore R. R. Company, and worked in their shops at Norwalk for thirteen years, and was foreman of the shops for ten years. In August, 1869, he engaged with the A. & G. W. R. R., and went to work for that company at their shops at Kent, Ohio. In December, 1869, the shops were removed to Galion. and he has, since that time, made his home there. He has been foreman of his department ever since his connection with the road. He was married, Dec. 6, 1853, to Miss Julia Petteys, of Huron Co. They have four children- Albert W., Eugene A., Orin N., Jr., and Beele. J. C. McILVAIN, M. D., Galion ; was born in Mansfield, Ohio, March 23, 1845. He at- tended select schools until the inauguration of the public schools. which he attended until 14 years of age. He then, through the influ- ence of John Sherman, member of Congress, received an appointment as cadet to West Point or Annapolis. He selected Annapolis, but was rejected on his physical examination, on account of a crippled arm. Through the influence of Secretary of the Navy Toucey, he was passed, however, and remained in the navy two years, on the frigate Constitution, when he resigned, and entered the 120th O. V. I. Served in Grant's 13th Corps, and was with Sherman all through the siege of Vicks- burg. While with Banks' expedition, up the Red River, he was taken prisoner, and lay thirteen months in rebel prisons in the inte- rior of Texas. He was mustered out late in 1865, and suffered severely for a year, from the effects of prison confinement. After re- gaining health, he went to Michigan and served six years as civil engineer. He com- menced the study of medicine in 1869, and graduated in 1872, at the University of Mich- igan, Ann Arbor. First commenced practice near Lansing, Mich .; practiced also in the lumber regions and at Grand Rapids, Mich. Came to Galion in the fall of 1878, and is now engaged in active practice there.

W. A. McKEAN, foreman car department, C., C., C. & I. R. R., Galion. Among the officials of the C., C., C. & L. R. R., is Mr. W. A. McKean, superintendent of the car depart- ment. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Holmes Co., in 1837. He came to Galion in 1858, and worked at cabinet-making for

four years. He then entered the employ of the above-mentioned railroad, and has been connected with that road ever since. In Octo- ber, 1879, he was appointed foreman and superintendent of the car department, which position he still holds.

HENRY POISTER, boots and shoes, Gal- ion; was born in Germany, in 1845, and emi- grated to this country in 1854, with his par- ents, and located in Galion. He attended school until 1862, and then entered the C., C., C. & I. R. R. shops, and worked as carpenter until 1866, when he went to Indianapolis and worked in the railroad shops there. Returned to the Galion shops in 1871, and worked until 1877. He then went into partnership with C. F. Beck, in the dry goods and boot and shoe trade. In the spring of 1880, he dis- solved partnership, and is now carrying on a boot and shoe store on Main street. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Louisa H. Beck. They have one child-Clara. He is a mem- ber of the German Reformed Church.

T. L. PITTON, yard-master, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Galion; was born in Canada, in 1845, and his early life, up to 19 years of age, was spent there. He then went to Salamanca, N. Y., and went to work for the A. & G. W. R. R., now the N. Y., P. & O., and has been in the employ of that road up to the present writing. He came to Galion in 1867, and has been yard-master ever since his residence there. He was married to Miss Susanna Rick- ets, of Galion, in 1869. They have two chil- dren-Thomas J. and Minnie. Mr. Pitton is a member of Galion Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., and Mutual Lodge, K. of H., No. 32.

WILLIAM PRICE, foreman blacksmith shops, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Galion; was born in Breconshire, South Wales, in 1833. He emigrated to America in 1857, and located in Pittsburgh, and worked at his trade there for three years. He then, in 1859, removed to Crestline, and was employed in the Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne railroad shops until 1864, when he removed to Galion, and engaged with the C., C., C. & I. R. R. Co., remaining with them until 1866. He then began to work for the A. & G. W. R. R. Co., now the N. Y., P. & O. R. R., and has been with them up to the pres- ent time. In 1867, he was appointed foreman

849

POLK TOWNSHIP.

of his department, which position he still occupies. He was married in Wales, in 1857, to Miss Hannah Herbert. They have four children living-Thomas, now working in the shops with his father, William, Eliza and Clara I. He is a member of Galion Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., and has been a member of the Galion Common Council.

W. C. QUIGLEY, superintendent black- smith-shops, C., C., C. & I. R. R., Galion; was born in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1840, and his early life, until he was 16 years old, was spent in that place. At this time, he came to Gal- ion, and has since made his home there. For a number of years he worked at several trades at the C., C., C. & I. R. R. shops, attending schools at intervals in the meantime, until 1862, when he enlisted in the SIst O. S. V. I., and was in active service for three years, with Sherman's army. At the close of the war, he returned to Galion, and again entered the employ of the C., C., C. & I. R. R., and has been with that company up to the present time. For the past nine years, he has been superin- tendent of the blacksmith-shops. He is the inventor of a "railway frog and crossing com- bined," which is used exclusively upon the C., C., C. & I. R. R., and he is also the inventor and patentee of a lawn rake, a most valuable improvement upon any other rake now in use. He was married, in Galion, to Miss Emma Fagne, Aug. 6, 1865. They have two children -Harry N. and Samuel T. He is a member of Galion Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M., and, together with his wife, a member of the Meth- odist Church.

WILLIAM H. RAYMOND, superintendent of stock-yards, C., C., C. & I. R. R., Galion. Mr. Raymond was born in Shelby, Ohio, in 1843. His father was a cooper by trade, and also followed farming. He remained at home, working upon the farm, until 22 years old, when he went to Crestline, and entered into the employ of the C., C., C. & I. R. R. in the stock-yards there. In 1870, he removed to Galion, and has since resided there. He is superintendent of the stock yards there, and one of Galion's most esteemed citizens. He was married in 1872, to Miss Mary Hall, of Crestline. They have two children-Grace and Jessie. Mr. Raymond is a Mason, and is

a member of the present (1880) school board.

V. H. REISINGER, dentist, Galion; was born in Galion, Ohio, Jan. 31, 1854, and was educated in the Galion Union School. He went into a drug store a short time, and, at the age of 16 years, commenced to study dentistry with Dr. S. Waggoner, of Galion, Ohio. and remained with him about three years, and then commenced the study of dentistry in the Bal- timore College of Dental Surgery, and contin- ued through two terms, and then removed to Belleville, Richland Co., Ohio, and practiced there in 1876 and 1877, about nine months. The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery having consolidated with the Maryland Col- lege of Dental Surgery, he completed his course there, and graduated with honors, March 7, 1878. He then came to Galion and commenced the practice of his profession in Mackey's Block, Galion, Ohio, where he is building up a first-class practice. He was married, Jan. 25, 1876, to Miss Amanda Mackey, of Galion, Ohio, and has two chil- dren.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 123

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034