History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 107

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207

USA > Ohio > Madison County > History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions > Part 107

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William J. Boerger was united in marriage, April 9, 1896, with Catharine Rausch, danghter of John A. Rausch. She was born in Union county, Ohio. This union has been blest with five children, four of whom are living in 1915: Elmer, Henry, Kilian and Frieda.

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Mr. Boerger has always displayed an unusual amount of good, sound business judgment in the management of his agricultural interests, as the result of which he is now in a position to enjoy the fruits of his industry, as well as the admiration and high esteem of many sincere friends and neighbors in his township.

MRS. MARGARET S. ROBERTS.

Mrs. Margaret S. Roberts is a descendant of the fine old Virginia family of Snyder, whose ancestors did their part in establishing the independence of America, and as such, she is justly entitled to membership in the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an honor to all who have that privilege.

Mrs. Margaret S. Roberts, widow, West Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Daniel and Anna (Kiser) Snyder. She was reared on a farm in Champaign county, and attended the public schools of that county and later entered the Westville school. After completing her education she became the wife of John W. Houx, of Maryland, by whom she had three children : Laura, a graduate of the West Jefferson high school, married Dr. L. E. Evans; Martha, who is the wife of Myron A. Silver, lives in Jefferson township; and Charles E., who was married and is a shoe salesman at Columbus, Ohio. John W. Houx died in 1878. Mrs. Margaret Houx was married, in 1885, to John E. Roberts, who died in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were blest with three children, all of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Roberts is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church at West Jefferson, Ohio.

Daniel Snyder, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Virginia, and his wife, Anna (Kiser) Snyder, was born in Champaign county, Ohio. He came with his parents to Champaign county, where he grew to manhood, and was married, settling on a farm in that county. He was a man of great wealth, and his farm consisting of four hundred acres was situated near Westville, Ohio. At the time of his death he was one of the most prosperous farmers in the county, and all he possessed was gained entirely through his own efforts. In addition to his agricultural interests, Mr. Snyder was a large stock owner. Politically, he was a Democrat. He was a general in the War of 1812, and was always known as General Snyder, and was a clever, sociable man. He belonged to the Universalist church, and his fraternal mem- bership was with the Masonic lodge. His death occurred in 1871, and his wife died later. They were the parents of fourteen children, six of whom are living in 1915.

Mrs. Roberts is a lady of refinement and culture, and has a large circle of friends in this neighborhood.

. JOHN R. STATELER.

John R. Stateler, a successful farmer and stockman of Somerford township, Madi- son county, Ohio, who is now the proprietor of the Stateler estate, was born on July 28. 1853, the son of Jonas W. and Phoebe B. (Rowand) Stateler, the former of whom was born in June. 1819, the son of George Stateler, who was born on March 24. 1788. Jonas W. and Phoebe B. (Rowand) Stateler were married on May 2, 1843. and to them were born six children : William. born in 1848, was killed in a mine in Colorado at the age of sixty years; Chester. 1850, lived on the old farm until his death in 1870; George, 1851, died in boyhood: John R., the subject of this sketch: Mary. 1856, is the wife of John Love, of Hannah, Illinois; Fred, 1861, died in young manhood.

The late Jonas W. Stateler was probably born on the same farm as his father, the grandfather of John R., and from him inherited the land in Somerford township, still held by the family. The grandfather died before the birth of John R. Stateler. who, however, recalls his grandmother. She died when he was eight or ten years old.

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After acquiring the old Stateler farm, Jonas W. Stateler added to the tract until he owned about six hundred acres of land in one tract. He spent his life in the log house still standing on the farm and which was built by George Stateler. During the later years of his life, he lived retired in London and died there in 1898. His wife died about three months later. Having spent bis life in farming and stock raising, he had no time for other interests. A Democrat in politics, he never aspired to office. He was active in school affairs and the neighborhood school in this township is now known as the Stateler school. The cemetery on the Stateler farm is also known as the Stateler cemetery.

John R. Stateler was born in the house where he now lives. He spent fifteen years in Montana, where he was engaged in sheep raising on a ranch, but he found it a lonesome life and eventually returned to the old farm in Madison county, and with his brother William took charge of the place, William being administrator. The estate consists of about three hundred acres and was operated jointly until shortly before William's death, when John R. became administrator. The farm is located on the London and Urbana road, two miles north of Summerford, and is all situated in Madison county. John R. Stateler has made a great many improvements lately, especially in the installation of drainage. He operates the farm with hired help principally. Mr. Stateler is not married.

WALLACE C. MORSE.

Being a man of active temperament and untiring industry, Wallace C. Morse, by his sound methods and strict attention to duties as they were presented to him, has won the admiration and high praise of his fellow farmers in Pike township, where he has always resided.

Wallace C. Morse, farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, Ohio, was born in the township where he now resides, November 7, 1857, and is a son of William A. and Caroline (Kimble) Morse. He was reared on the farm on which he now lives, and received his education at the district schools. After leaving school he remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, and then took entire charge of the farm, which he has improved at great expense, including a fine modern residence, built in 1911, which is equipped with hot and cold water service throughout the entire house, also with an acetylene gas lighting system. Politically, he has been actively inter- ested in the Republican party, serving as trustee, assessor and was a member of the school board of Pike township and now a member of the school board of the Chuckery schools. Mr. Morse has been very successfully interested in the breeding of fine Duroc hogs.

William A. Morse, father of Wallace C., was born on September 17, 1831, in Mil- ford Center, Ohio, and was a son of Ray G., and Sarah (Pathamoor) Morse, and his wife was Caroline (Kimble) Morse. He was reared among farm scenes and attended the public schools of Union county. Mr. Morse was married in 1857, to which union four children were born, three of whom died in infancy.

Ray G. Morse, the paternal grandfather, was born on November 16, 1808, at Provi- dence, Rhode Island, and his wife, Sarah (Pathamoor) Morse, was a native of Pennsyl- vania. They were the parents of six children, William A., George N., Clara, Joseph, John P. and Ray J. Ray G. Morse came to Ohio from Rhode Island with a party of immigrants who traveled overland by ox-team. The wagon broke down near Milford Center and while stopping for repairs Mr. Morse was persuaded to settle in this neigh- borhood. The men in the party walked most of the way and were forty-nine days on the road, encountering many hardships. In that party were a number of persons whose descendants still live here.

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The maternal grandparents were Archibald McAdams and Amanda (Kimble) McAdams. The former was born in Champaign county, Ohio. His parents were natives of Veront. They emigrated to Ohio nad located in Champaign county.

Wallace C. Morse was united in marriage, September 28, 1887, with Ella Rice, daughter of Elias and Janie (Mitchell) Rice. She was born on April 20, 1866, in Union county, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Morse have been born two children, as follow : Harry R., born on March 7, 1890, a graduate of the Bliss Business School, of Columbus, Ohio, now has charge of his father's farm; Helen C., July 23, 1895, is a student at the Plain City high school.

Through his agricultural pursuits, Mr. Morse has amassed a comfortable fortune, of which he is duly appreciative. His home place is situated about nine miles west of Plain City, on rural route No. 1, and consists of one hundred and seven acres of land, all in a fine state of cultivation.

DANIEL PERRY.

Daniel Perry, retired carpenter, Plain City, Ohio, was born on January 2, 1847, in Delaware county, and is a son of Ezra and Phoebe (Gardner) Perry. He was reared in the village of Jerome, Union county, Ohio, and at the age of fourteen enlisted in Company E, Thirtieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 13, 1862, and served until the close of the Civil War. He enlisted twice before, but was rejected on account of his age. Mr. Perry was captured at Atlanta, Georgia, and on July 22, 1864, was taken to Andersonville, from which prison he was sent to Florence, South Carolina, and was paroled at Goldsboro, in April, 1865. Mr. Perry receives a pension. In 1867, Mr. Perry came to Plain City, where he engaged in carpenter work, and later became a contractor, in which line he is still engaged. Mr. Perry is not a member of any church. His fraternal membership is with Urania Lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons, and both he and his wife belong to Elizabeth Chapter No. 56, Order of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Perry is past worthy matron. Mr. Perry is a stanch Republican, and a public-spirited citizen. He has served four years as postmaster of Plain City, Ohio, and has also been active in county politics. At the present time he is a member of the Madison county executive committee of the Republican party.

Ezra Perry, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Vermont. His father, Martin Perry, died when he was a very small lad, and he was reared by his uncle, Seth Perry, to the age of seventeen years, when he began to learn the shoemaker's trade at Plain City. which trade he followed there for a number of years, and then went to Jerome, in Union county. He enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy- fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Robbs, in 1864. At the battle of Murfreesboro, he was wounded and was thus disabled from further service. He returned to Union county, Ohio, and later moved to Madison county, where he died in Plain City.

Ezra Perry was united in marriage with Phoebe Gardner, by whom he had six children, two of whom are living in 1915: John E., Luther, Charles S., Daniel and two others. John E. Perry is living at Plain City. Luther and Charles S. were soldiers in the Civil War. The former entered the army in Company E, Thirtieth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, taking part in the battle at Kenesaw Mountain, in which he was disabled from further service. Charles S. served in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was severely wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro.

Daniel Perry was united in marriage, January 13, 1870, with Lucina Allen, daugh- ter of Lucius and Betsey Allen. She was born in Madison county, Ohio, and was

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reared on a farm in Darby township, attending the district schools. Her religious mem- bership is with the Presbyterian church. Lucius and Betsey Allen, the parents of Mra. Daniel Perry, settled in Madison county, Ohio. He was a native of Vermont and she of Greene county, Ohio.

To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Perry were born two children, Nellie and Rolla A. Nellie died when six years of age. Rolla A., born on August 6, 1872, was graduated from the Plain City high school, and was later a student at Ada, Ohio, after which he entered a business college at Columbus, Ohio. Rolla A. Perry is a Republican, and served as postmaster of Plain City for a period of eight years.

Mr. Perry has done a good citizen's part in the progress of his home city, and is now willing to allow others to shoulder his burdens in that direction.

G. A. GREENBAUM.

Given but a limited education in his younger days, the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, deserres great credit for having won success in opposition to the greatest drawback to a business career. Mr. Greenbaum, in the absence of both the necessary education and the financial aid in starting out in life for himself, has always been fortunate in possessing qualities of ambition and courage.

G. A. Greenbaum, farmer, Plain City, Canaan township, Madison county, was born on October 15, 1860, in Darby township, Union county, Ohio, and is a son of Michael and Maggie (Long) Greenbaum. He grew to young manhood and lived on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. His opportunities for attending school were limited as it was necessary for him to assist in supporting the family at quite an early age, his father always drawing his wages on pay day. When he started out for him- self he bought a wagon and team of horses with the money he earned, and later rented land. After his marriage Mr. Greenbaum moved to his father's farm, but afterward rented a larger place of one hundred and forty acres, which he cultivated for seven years, making his substantial start on this place, after which he purchased a small farm in Canaan township, Madison county, which he soon sold, and bought the place where he now lives. Mr. Greenbaum is a Democrat, but has never taken an active part in politics. He and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran church.

Michael Greenbaum, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Germany, and his wife, Maggie (Long) Greenbaum, is a native of the same country. They came to the United States and were married in Franklin county, Ohio, settling in Union conuty. Mr. Greenbaum became very prosperous, all through his own efforts, and at the time of his death owned one hundred and thirty-seven acres. He was a shoemaker by trade. Both Mr. and Mrs. Greenbaum were members of St. John's Lutheran church. Mr. Greenbaum's death occurred on October 4, 1892, and his wife died in 1907, leaving two children, John Jacob, who lives on the old farm in Darby township, Union county, and G. A.

G. A. Greenbaum was united in marriage, May 19, 1887, with Anna M. Hilbert, danghter of Michael and Mary (Ruhl) Hilbert. She was born in Darby township, Union county. This union has been blest with seven children, Mary C., Albert (who lives in Iowa). Walter F., Michael E .. John A., George and Clara.

Mr. Greenbaum resides on rural route No. 1, Plain City, on his prosperous-looking and well-cared-for farm, consisting of one hundred and ten acres, and known as "Oak Grove Farm," and where he and his family enjoy life in the fullest sense of the term. A handsome new residence consisting of nine rooms, all modern and splendidly and artistically constructed, is just nearing completion. It will be one of the finest country residences in this vicinity.

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CHARLES F. ATKINSON.

Charles F. Atkinson, farmer, of Plain City. Madison county, Ohio, was born on June 17, 1870, on the home farm where he now lives, in Canaan township, and is a son of William and Lucinda ( Nunemaker) Atkinson. He was reared on the old homestead, and obtained his early education at the public schools, after which he attended the Wittenburg College at Springfield, Ohio, where he took the scientific course. He then returned to the farm and assisted his father until the latter's death, and now has charge of the farm, owning in his own name four hundred and forty acres. He controls six hundred and fifty acres all told, and devotes his special attention to cattle and hogs. of which he disposes of about three carloads annually. Mr. Atkinson has always been a strong supporter of the Republican principles, and has shown his interest in local politics by serving as township treasurer. He officiates as one of the directors of the Farmers' National Bank at Plain City.

Willian Atkinson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on February 2, 1832, in Greene county, Ohio, and was a son of Cephas and Abigail (Oren) Atkinson. His wife was Lucinda (Nunemaker) Atkinson, to whom he was married in 1866, when he moved to the farm now owned by Charles F. and built the brick house which stands a quarter of a mile north of the Wilson pike, living there until his death, which took place in July, 1908. William Atkinson was a Republican, and took great interest in local politics, holding several of the township offices. He was a liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belonged to Urania Lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he was a past master. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Bank at Plain City, of which he was president until it was re-organized as the Farmers' National Bank, and was president of that bank up to the time of his death. which took place in July, 1907.

Mr. Atkinson was successful in all his undertakings, and was a natural money maker. He took a leading part in the educational life of the county. He also served on the school board for many years and was prominent in the Grange. He was one of the first to introduce the use of tile in Madison county. He was interested in stock raising, and fed cattle, hogs and sheep in great numbers, selling carloads each year. William and Lucinda (Nunemaker) Atkinson were the parents of three children : Eva, the wife of Henry Francis, and the mother of two children : Charles F., of Plain City ; and Cephas, who is now the president of the Farmers' National Bank.

Cephas Atkinson, the paternal grandfather, was born near Shippensburg, Pennsyl- vania, and came to Ohio, locating in Greene county, but afterward moved to Champaign county, where he spent the remainder of his years, and where he became the owner of sixteen hundred acres of land, in Canaan township. His wife was Abigail (Oren) Atkinson.

Charles F. Atkinson's fine property, known as the "Oakland Farm," is situated on rural route No. 1, Plain City, where his personal worth places him in an enviable posi- tion in the community.

Mrs. Lucinda (Nunemaker) Atkinson, mother of Charles F., was the daughter of John and Mary Ann (Ruhlen) Nunemaker, both born in Wittenburg, Germany, the former of whom came to this county when three years of age with his parents and the latter came with her brother at the age of sixteen. Mr. Nunemaker settled with her parents in Fairfield county, Ohio, and Mary Ruhlen settled there also and they were there married. They lived there for some years and then moved to Union county, on a farm and they lived there until death. Their children were Martha, Lucinda, Catherine (deceased), Margaret (deceased), Jacob (deceased), Samuel, and Nancy Ann. Of these Jacob and Samuel served in the Civil War, Jacob in the Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio

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William Alkmison

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Volunteer Infantry, and Samuel also in an Ohio regiment. Jacob died during his service. The father of these children was sixty-nine years of age at death and the mother eighty-nine. They belonged to the German Evangelical church, and later joined the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mrs. Lucinda Atkinson was previously married to Robert F. Fleming, at the begin- ning of the Civil War. This marriage was solemnized in Union county. During the battle of Chickamauga, Mr. Fleming was killed. He enlisted as a private and was promoted to lieutenant for gallant conduct on the field of battle and on the day of his death was acting captain. He was about twenty-three years of age at the time of his death.

ELMER C. OVERTURE.

Elmer C. Overturf, farmer, Plain City, Madison county, was born on January 18, 1862, at Appleton, Licking county, Ohio. and is a son of William M. and Hannah J. (Long) Overturf. He was reared on a farm in Somerford township, where he attended the district schools, and later entered Antioch College. Mr. Overturf has been eminently successful in his agricultural pursuits, and his fine farm, known as "Eastdarbyside," is situated eight miles west of Plain City, on rural route No. 1. Mr. Overturf is a Republican, but has never taken much interest in politics, giving his entire time and attention to general farming and stock raising.

William M. Overturf, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1882, in Licking county, Ohio, and died on December 7. 1884. He was married to Hannah J. Long, who was born on November 6, 1894, and is now a resident of Summerford, Ohio. William M. Overturf was educated in the public schools, after which he began studying for the ministry. His religious belief was with the Christian church. This union was blest with five children, two of whom are living in 1915: F. M., Flora B., Hattie J., Clark and Elmer C. F. M. Overturf became a farmer in Somerford township; Flora B. was united in marriage with V. J. Wilson of Summerford; Hattle J. became the wife of William Prugh.

Nathaniel Overturf, the paternal grandfather, was for many years a resident of Licking county, Ohio. He was a "hard-shell" Baptist minister. His wife was Eliza- beth Overturf, the mother of William M. Mr. Overturf died at the age of fifty years. He was married three times and was the father of seventeen children, three of whom are living in 1915: T. J. Overturf, of Mount Gilead, Ohio; N. F. Overturf, who was a practicing attorney at Delaware, Ohio; and Ameretta.

Elmer C. Overturf was united in marriage, March 28, 1884, with Mary Yeazel, daughter of William E. and Lydia A. (Bennett) Yeazel. She was born on December 7, 1865, in Clark county, Ohio, and was educated in the public schools of that county. Mrs. Overturf died in 1898, leaving surviving her husband and three children: William L., who was married to Bertha Miller; Ohmer, who was married to Celestia Brown; and E. Dot, who became the wife of John J. Houston. Mr. Overturf was married. secondly, to Nancy A. Kennedy, October 18, 1904. She is a daughter of Oramel and Areal Kennedy, and attended the district schools, after which she entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, . Ohio, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and taught school for two years prior to her marriage. Mrs. Nancy A. (Ken- nedy) Overturf was born on August 20, 1861, in Union county, Ohio. She is a lady of considerable literary talent, and has done some good work in that line.

Oramel Kennedy, father of Mrs. Elmer C. Overturf, was born on August 27, 1830, in Pike township, Madison county, Ohio, and died on February 17, 1909. He was a son of John Kennedy and his wife was Areal (Lyons) Kennedy, to whom he was mar-

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ried on October 27, 1854. She was born on May 31, 1837, and is a daughter of David Lyons. They were the parents of six children: Alfred V., born on August 10, 1855; Rebecca E., April 1, 1857, died on April 9, 1915; Swain, March 25, 1859; Nancy, August 20, 1861; John, August 19 1863; and William, October 12, 1866. In 1865 Mr. Kennedy brought his family to the eastern part of Pike township, where he settled and became prominent in promoting the interest and welfare of his community. He was a prosperous man, and was in every sense a capable officer for the capacity of trustee. At the time of his death Mr. Kennedy was a large landowner in both Union and Madison counties.

John Kennedy, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Elmer C. Overturf, was born in 1802, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came west with his parents when a small child. He learned the blacksmith's trade under the direction of his father, which he followed until he was forty years old, when he purchased a farm and followed agricul- ture until his death. He was a wide awake and progressive man in all his under- takings. His death occurred in 1863. Mr. Kennedy was a well-educated man for his time, and was united in marriage, in 1824, with Elizabeth Morse, daughter of Joseph and Renunah Morse. She was born on July 7, 1797, in Kent county, Rhode Island, and died on July 7, 1881. They were the parents of six children, Mary A., Oramel, Joseph, Eliza J., Matilda and Huldah. Prior to her marriage Mrs. John Kennedy was one of the first girls employed in the spinning department of the Dennison Cotton Fac- tory at Providence, Rhode Island, which is said to have been the second factory of that kind in the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy resided in various places before they finally settled in Pike township, where they remained until Mr. Kennedy's death, which occurred on June 4, 1864, after which his widow was married to Ralston Williams, who died in 1877, and on July 14, Mrs. Williams passed to the "great beyond."

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 107

Author: Chester E. Bryan Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1207

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207