USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Ohio : containing a history of the county, its townships, towns portraits of early settlers and prominent men, biographies, history of the Northwest Territory, history of Ohio, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc > Part 96
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
GEORGE E. HELFER, blacksmith, McComb, was born in Fostoria, Ohio, November 28, 1864, youngest in the family of Philip and Elizabeth (Howell) Helfer, who were the parents of four children: Sarah, wife of William Swaney; Ellen, wife of A. Steneger; Philip Henry and George E. Our subject was reared on the farm, received a common school education, and is now with his brother, Philip Henry, learning the blacksmith's trade.
ADAM HELFRICK, farmer, P. O. Deweyville, was born in Germany, May 11, 1828. His father, John Helfrick, came from Germany to America in 1833 and settled on a farm in Pennsylvania; he had a family of eight children, of whom six attained maturity. Our subject, the fifth born, had two brothers who lost their lives in the late war of the Rebellion-one killed in battle the other starved to death in a rebel prison. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving but a limited education. He was a poor man when he came to this county, in 1850, having but $10 in money, which he put in the bank. He worked and earned $10 more and in- vested in land. As a farmer he has been successful and at the present time is the owner of 118 acres of good land. He was married, in 1853, to Mar- garet Ruch, of German descent, and who was born in Stark County, Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Long) Ruch. Her father, a shoe-maker by trade, came to America in 1813 and settled in Ohio. To Mr. Helfrick and wife were born the following children: George, an attorney and insur- ance agent, in Putnam, Ohio; Frank, a farmer in Pleasant Township; Mary, wife of Edward Ward; Jacob, a harness-maker; Jennie; Calista; Libbie and Callie. Most of the family are members of the Church of God. At the breaking ont of the late war of the Rebellion Mr. Helfrick enlisted, April 17, 1861, in Company A, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
J. H. HICKERSON, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Licking County, Ohio, May 16, 1830, son of Samuel and Mary (McCrary) Hickerson, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Pennsylvania, and of English and Irish lineage, respectively. Samuel Hickerson, who was a farmer all his life, came to Hancock County, September 10, 1835, settling on a farm on the line of Putnam County. Of a family of eight children, our subject is the third. He was reared on a farm, receiving his edu- cation in the common schools. He chose the occupation of a farmer and has followed agricultural pursuits to the present time, and is owner of the well improved farm of eighty acres on which he resides. He was married, in 1852, to Susan, daughter of Jacob Mathias. Her parents were of Penn- sylvania-Dutch lineage. To our subject and wife were born the following children: J. F., superintendent of the public schools at McClure, Henry Co., Ohio; Mary J .; Elmer Ellsworth; James Allen. The family are mem- bers of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Hickerson is a Prohibitionist.
H. W. HUGHES, merchant, McComb, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 29, 1829, son of Owen and Elizabeth (Bailey) Hughes, of En- glish descent, and who reared a family of eight children, H. W. being the sixth. Owen Hughes, a mechanic, was a pioneer of Hancock County, com- ing here in 1832, entering land on what is now known as Benton Ridge, which is now owned by his son, H. W. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education in this county. In early life he learned carpentering, and worked at this trade for fifteen years; from 1869 to 1880 he engaged in farming, and since 1880 he has resided at McComb, where he keeps a general store. He has been twice married-first, in 1853, to Emzy
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Hampton, who died in 1858; he then married, in 1861, Kate, daughter of Allen McCaham, a pioneer farmer of Hancock County. To this union was born one child, Homer H., now clerking in his father's store. Mr. Hughes is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a trustee and steward. Mr. Hughes is a Baptist. Our subject is a Republican in, politics; served six years as a justice of the peace, two years as clerk and postmaster of Blanchard Township, and four years as mayor of McComb.
JOHN D. JAMESON, farmer, P. O. McComb, was born in Michigan, February 5, 1858, son of Newton and Mary J. (Whiting) Jameson, natives of Ohio, and of Irish descent. Our subject's father, who is a farmer, has lived many years in Holmes County. Ohio, but is now residing on a farm in Michigan. Our subject, the third in a family of six children, was reared on a farm, and acquired a common school education. He came to this county in 1876, and settled on the farm of 130 acres of land where he now resides, in Pleasant Township. In 1877 he married Nevada, daughter of James Beard, and to them have been born four children: Charles, Silva, Edith and Blondie. In politics Mr. Jameson is a Republican.
CALEB KELLEY, farmer, P. O. Shawtown, was born in Baltimore County, Md., January 24, 1806, son of Thomas and Axey (Tracy) Kelley, of Irish descent, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland. Their family consisted of fourteen children, of whom twelve grew to manhood and womanhood. Caleb, the youngest, was but a lad when his father, who was a farmer, came to Ohio and settled on a farm where our subject was reared to manhood, attending the log schoolhouse. He chose farming as his occupation, and in 1834 came to Hancock County, Ohio, settling three miles north of Findlay, where he entered forty acres of land. In 1843 he moved to his present farm, soon after the township was organized, entering forty acres of land which he cleared, and is now the owner of eighty acres of well improved land. Mr. Kelley has been blessed with good health, is remarkably well preserved for his years, and does not look to be over sixty years of age. He was married, March 7, 1833, to Elizabeth, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Hamel) Croser. Her father was a farmer of German origin. To this union were born thirteen children, of whom seven survive: Samantha, wife of William F. Taylor, a farmer in Iowa; Sarah A., widow of Jacob Priest, who was killed by falling from a church on which he was working, in 1884; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Kesler, of Michigan; Margaret Ellen, wife of Wesley Vanscoyoe, of Kansas; Alonzo, at home; Francis M., married and farming in this township; Samuel, also a farmer. One son, Thomas Milton, was a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and gave his life in defense of his country during the late civil war. Alonzo was born in Pleasant Township, this county, and educated in the district schools. He has made farming his life business and now owns forty acres of improved land. In politics he is. a Republican. Caleb Kelley lost his life companion in 1880; she was a member of the Bap- tist Church in which Mr. Kelley is a deacon. In politics he has been a Republican since the organization of the party.
T. W. KELLEY, proprietor of saw-mill and manufacturer of lumber, hoops, etc., P. O. Shawtown, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, January 22, 1848, son of T. B. and Margaret (Pickens) Kelley, natives of Ohio and of English and Scotch descent, respectively, and who had a family of twelve children. T. B. Kelley, who was a carpenter in the early part of his life,
836
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
and in later years followed farming, was among the early pioneers of this county, coming here in 1834, where for a time he worked at carpentering, and operated a saw mill. He died February 23, 1885. Our subject, who is the eldest child, received his education in the common schools of this county. He was united in marriage, March 15, 1868, with Margaret Lape, of, Pennsylvania Dutch descent, and daughter of Michael Lape, a pioneer farmer of this county. To this union were born four children: Asa, Agnes, Louis and JJ. L. Mrs. Kelley is a member of the United Brethren Church. Our subject has been a member of the school board for six years, and clerk of the same for three years. In 1873 he embarked in his present business, the firm name being Kelley & Lape. The mill has a capacity of about 8,000 feet per day, and gives employment to six men the year round.
R. W. LACEY, livery, McComb, was born in Wood County, Ohio, May 30, 1853, next eldest of the four children of Henry and Margaret (Sweney) Lacey, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. His father, a carpen- ter in early life, was later a farmer. Our subject received his education in the district school, and grew up on the farm. His first business venture was operating a threshing machine (during its season) for nine years, and farming. He came to Cass Township, this county, settling on a farm which he sold in 1880; then moved to McComb and embarked in the butchering business, which he followed till 1882, when he sold out and bought a half interest in the livery in which he is still interested. He was married, in 1873, to Mary Gribble, a lady of German origin, and their children are Charles, Elonzo, James, Cora and Wilber. Mr. Lacey is a member of the K. of P. Politically he is a Republican.
F. A. LOVELL, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Findlay, Hancock Co., Ohio, September 17, 1847, son of Joseph and Nancy (Grubbs) Lovell, the former a native of New York, the latter of Holmes County, Ohio, and of English descent. Joseph, who was a ship- builder, came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1840, settling in Findlay, where he helped build the court house. After he came to Pleasant Township he operated a saw-mill for a time, but at present is residing in Michigan, where he is farming. Our subject, the second in a family of five children, was reared to farming, receiving his education in Pleasant Township, this county, where he has resided on a farm since he was one year old. He is owner of 130 acres of well improved land. Mr. Lovell was married, in 1874, to Emma J. Beard, of English descent, daughters of James Beard, one of the pioneers of Pleasant Township, and who at the time of his death owned 520 acres of land. To Mr. and Mrs. Lovell were born the following named children: Pearl, Clyde, Carrie Belle and an infant (not named). Politically our subject is a Republican. He was formerly an active mem- ber of the I. O. O. F.
ALBERT LYMANGROVER, postmaster and merchant, Deweyville, was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 8, 1851; son of Matthias and Mar- tha (Shemer) Lymangrover, natives of Germany, former of whom, a mason by trade, came to Ohio when a boy. They reared a family of eight children, of whom Albert is the sixth. Our subject received his education in the common schools of Henry aud Hancock Counties, and also attended the Findlay Union School. After working on the farm till he was eighteen years of age, he made his home for six years in McComb, this county, clerking in a store there. He then served in same capacity in Custar, Wood County, and
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PLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
later in Henry County, Ohio. He embarked in business in the latter county, had the honor of naming the town of Grouten, and through his in- fluence a postoffice was established. Mr. Lymangrover came to Deweyville in 1880, since which time he has conducted a successful general merchan- dising business. He was married, in 1874, to Mary Walker, a lady of Irish lineage, daughter of Harvey Walker. To this union were born the follow- ing named children: Lola P., Mabel E., and Ray. Mrs. Lymangrover is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Christian Union and has been secretary of the Sabbath-school. While a resident of Wood County our subject served two years as constable. He is a member of McComb Lodge, No. 354, I. O. O. F.
SAMUEL MOGLE, farmer, P. O. McComb, was born near the village of Millheim, Centre Co., Penn., March 17, 1817; son of Valentine and Polly (Moore) Mogle, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch descent. Val- entine Mogle moved to Ashland County, Ohio, was one of its pioneers, and located on a farm; thence moved to this county in 1855, and settled in this township, near Findlay. Our subject, the second born and eldest son in a family of eleven children, was reared on the farm, his early means of ob- taining an education being limited by his location in a newly-settled coun- try, where there was but a small population. He came here in 1851 and located on land (covered by woods) on Section 26, Pleasant Township, where he has since lived. He lately sold five acres of this farm for $150 per acre and would not sell the rest for $100 per acre. He is also owner of eighty acres more. He is well and favorably known as a thresher, using horse-power till he found out he could accomplish more by steam, when he
bought a steam thresher, which he still operates. Mr. Mogle was married, in 1845, to Sarah, daughter of George Poff, a farmer of Ashland County, Ohio, and of German origin. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. This union has been blessed with two children: William, married and farm- ing on his father's land, and who also runs a steam thresher and a corn huller; Amanda, now the wife of M. Abbott, a son of Dr. Abbott, of Mc- Comb. The family are members of the Lutheran Church, in which our subject was class leader while a resident of Ashland county. He is a Dem- ocrat in politics.
GEORGE W. MOWERY, farmer, P. O. McComb, was born in Pleas- ant Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, November 6, 1847; son of George and Eliza (Asire) Mowery, who were married in 1840. George Mowery, a native of Virginia, born in 1815, was the son of Abraham and Mary Mow- ery, of English descent. His wife, Eliza, (Asire) was born in 1820, daugh- ter of Henry and Susannah (Millire) Asire, of German and English lineage, respectively. To George and Eliza Mowery were born twelve children, (seven now living) of whom GeorgeW. is the fifth. George Mowery (subject's father) a farmer by occupation, settled in Pleasant Township, this county, in 1847, and died in 1867; his widow still survives. Our subject is the owner of a farm comprising 140 acres of land. He was united in marriage, in 1872, with Theresa, daughter of James Brown. To this union were born following named children: J. B., W. E., W. G., Jennie Pearl and Ora D. Politically Mr. Mowery is a Republican.
WILLIAM NUSBAUM, dealer in pumps, pianos, organs, sewing ma- chines, wagons, buggies and carriages, and proprietor of livery, McComb, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, November 19, 1849; son of David and
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Mary (Grubb) Nusbaum, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, and of German origin, former a carpenter by trade. David Nusbaum reared a family of eight children, William being the fourth. Our subject received his education in the common schools in Wood County, Ohio, and remained on the farm till he was twelve years old, when he commenced the pump-making business, which he has followed most of the time since. He is owner of considerable town property in McComb, and has made all he now possesses by his own exertions. Mr. Nusbaum was married, in 1871, to Harriet Weaver, of English descent, daughter of John Weaver. They are the parents of four children: Burley, Minnie, Rolla and Charles. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and has served as a member of the town council. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., which he joined in 1872.
WILLIAM PENDLETON, senior partner in the firm of Pendleton & Hanes, manufacturers, and proprietors of the McComb Tile and Brick Works, McComb, was born at Benton Ridge, Blanchard Township, this county, October 1, 1847; son of Darius and May Ann (Green) Pendleton, the former born in Maine, of Scotch origin, a farmer by occupation, the latter a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. They had fourteen children, thirteen now living (one son lost his life in defense of his country at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain). They were among the early pioneers of Hancock County, settling on a farm where William was reared and at- tended the common schools. The first business venture of our subject was manufacturing tile in Blanchard Township, in which he continued for nine years. He then sold out, moved to Putnam County, Ohio, and there en- gaged in same line till 1881, when he returned to Pleasant Township and carried on same business. In 1884 the present firm was established. Their building, located on Section 26, this township, is fitted up with all the modern improvements in this line, worked by steam; the industry gives work to several men and the works have a capacity for turning out 400,000 tiles annually. Mr. Pendleton was married, in 1875, to Melvina S. Schilling, who died in 1882 and who bore him three children: Clara E., C. A. (now deceased) and Bertha. Our subject was again married; this time, in 1884, to Mary M. Hanes; she is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Pendle- ton is a Democrat, politically. He is now W. C. in McComb Lodge, No. 179, K. of P., and has passed all the chairs in the I. O. O. F.
HENRY PENNINGTON, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Centre County, Penn., January 14, 1826, son of Simon and Nancy Pennington, natives of Pennsylvania. His father's parents were natives of Scotland, and his mother was of Irish descent. Simon Pennington, who was born in 1800, is still living; he came to Hancock County in 1851, and settled south of McComb. Our subject, the third in a family of nine chil- dren, acquired his education in his native State, and in 1846 settled in Sen- eca County, Ohio, where he chopped wood and cleared up land. He after- ward rented land near Tiffin, Ohio, where he remained three years, at the end of which time he bought a farm of eighty acres, which he sold in 1852, and came to Pleasant Township, this county, where he is now owner of a fine farm of 240 acres, on which he resides. He was married, in 1849, to Mary Ann Bachtel, a lady of German descent, daughter of Andrew Bachtel, a pioneer of this county, coming here in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Pennington have had eight children, of whom seven survive: Eliza, wife of William George; Jemima, wife of Israel Howell; Geneva, at home; J. W., a physi-
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cian; Andrew, now farming; Jacob Wesley, and Lucinda, attending school. In politics our subject is a Democrat. He has been trustee of the township most of the time since 1862, and has also served as school director.
LIEUT. JAMES PORTER, retired, McComb, an old and respected citizen of Hancock County and a pioneer carpenter, was born in West Virginia, November 8, 1817, and in 1819 came to Ohio with his parents, Jonah and Margaret (Reed) Porter, who had a family of eight children. Our subject, the third born, received his schooling in Delaware County, choosing his father's trade (carpentering), has resided in this county since 1840, and has worked at his trade for many years. He was united in mar- riage, in 1840, with Miss O. Decker, who died in 1882, having reared a family of nine children. Mr. Porter is a Democrat in politics and has served three years as justice of the peace. At the commencement of the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted for three months, in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served his time and re-enlisted for three years in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was elected first lieutenant, in which capacity he served over three years. He is a charter member of the G. A. R.
WILLIAM N. PRATT, blacksmith, McComb, was born in Putnam County, N. Y., December 18, 1836; son of William N. and Jane (Barrett) Pratt, also natives of that county, and who had a family of thirteen chil- dren, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject learned the blacksmith's trade with his father in his native county, at which he worked till he came to Ohio, in 1872, when he settled in McComb, where he has since lived, and followed his trade with success. At the breaking out of the late civil war, he promptly enlisted in Company I, Fifty-ninth New York Volunteer Infantry, and was appointed second sergeant; was wounded September 17, 1862, in the leg, and on the eighteenth of the same month was shot in the arm, which disabled him, and he lay on the battle-field four days before he was picked up. He was discharged from hospital on account of disability, February 3, 1863, and returned to New York. Mr. Pratt was married, December 26, 1863, to Phebe, daughter of E. H. and Betsey A. (Adams) Teller, the former of German descent, a blacksmith by trade, the lat- ter of Irish origin. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have been blessed with seven children, four now living: Emma, wife of Charles Font; Lillie May, Edward J. and Daisy. Mr. Pratt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as steward and class leader. He was elected marshal of McComb in 1881, and served during the construction of the railroad, which drew a rough class of men to the place, he at one time being compelled to shoot one man to protect himself and the town. It is said that he put more men in the " cooler " than any other marshal of McComb. He is a member of the G. A. R., of the Beneficial Association, and of the I. O. O. F. society.
J. B. RADEBAGH, a member of the firm of Hissong & Radebagh, proprietors of a general store, McComb, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 18, 1841, son of Joseph and Mary (Bope) Radebagh, na- tives of Ohio and of German descent, and who came to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1842, settling on a farm in Liberty Township, where the father still resides. Of their seven children five are now living. Our subject. the eldest, received his education in the district school, remaining on the farm till 1876. He then went West for two years. In the fall of 1878 he em-
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
barked in the saddlery business at McComb, in company with J. W. Powell, but after one year sold out, and clerked in a grocery store at Benton Ridge, Blanchard Township, for twenty-two months; then assisted in a similar capacity in a general store at the same place for three years. After clerk- ing in that borough for several years, he carried on business there on his own account for one year; then sold out and went to Gilboa, Ohio, conduct- ing a store there till 1882, when he came to McComb and embarked in his present business, for which his long experience eminently qualifies him. Mr. Radebagh has been twice married, first time to Lucy A. Powell, who bore him one child -Estella May. After this wife's demise he married Miss Sarah J. Saunders, by whom he has had two children, one now living Roy E. Politically Mr. Radebagh is a Democrat. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
H. B. RADER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Deweyville, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, April 24, 1844; son of John and Alice (Wall) Rader, latter born in Ohio, of German origin. John Rader, a native of Virginia, and a farmer by occupation, came to this county in 1831, settling in Allen Township, at which time there were no roads between that township and Findlay, Our subject, the eldest of nine children, was reared on the farm and received a common school education. During the late war of the Re- bellion he enlisted, in 1861, in Company K, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, and lost his left arm in the battle of Stone River. Prior to this ca- lamity he had participated in several battles, among which was that of Pitts- burg Landing. Mr. Rader was united in marriage, in 1866, with Margaret, daughter of Joseph George, and of German descent. To this union were born the following named children: Franklin, Nevada, Ada, Elma, Irvin R. and Dallis. Mr. and Mrs. Rader are members of the Church of God; po- litically he is a Democrat. He has served his township as assessor and trustee and has been school director for nine years. He has made his own way in the world, and is owner of eighty acres of cultivated land on which he resides.
O. M. RAMSEY, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. McComb, was born in Medina County, Ohio, November 1, 1844, son of Samuel and Sarah Ann (Coulter) Ramsey, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent. Samuel Ramsey, who was a farmer during his lifetime, entered land in the wild woods, among the Indians, and here resided until 1875 when he removed to Putnam County, Ohio. Our subject, the fifth born in a family of ten chil- dren, was reared on the farm, received a common school education, and made farming his occupation, now owning a well improved farm of eighty acres. He was married, in 1873, to Adaline, daughter of Adam and Mary (Ross) Crumrine, of German origin. Their children are Edna, Charley C., May, Clyde and T. Dale. Mrs. Ramsey is a member of the Disciples Church. Mr. Ramsey is a F. & A. M. Politically he is a Republican.
JOHN RANDALL (deceased) was born in Virginia, in 1805, the son of Alexander Randall, a soldier in the Revolutionary war and a farmer, who came to Ohio in 1810, settling on a farm in Franklin County. Here our subject grew up, attending the common school, and commenced farming. In 1841 he came to Hancock County, settling on a farm which is now the site of McComb, and built near where the Cooper & Bro. Saw-mill now stands. He took an active part in commencing the town, was a prominent man and held most of the offices of trust of Pleasant Township. He was
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