History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 113

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

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Arthur Slagle was born and reared and spent his whole life on the old Slagle farm. For thirty-five years he conducted an ice business at London, supplying ice from a nine- acre pond, fed by big springs, at the head of Oak run. This pond made fine boat rid- ing and a magnificent place for skating in the winter. In the ice business, Mr. Slagle's warehouse had a capacity of from three to seven thousand tons. For thirty-five years be kept the town of London cool.

There is an old grape arbor on the Slagle farm, which was set out by Mr. Slagle's father more than fifty years ago. The arbor has had little attention, but it still bears fruit.

In 1885 Arthur Slagle was married to Ella Pancoast, of Fayette county, Ohio. They have had three sons: Edwin who operates an electric sub-station on the Ohio Electric railway ; Elmer, who is a farmer of Madison county ; and Harold, who is a student in the London high school.

In early life, Mr. Slagle enjoyed hunting and was never happier than when on quail-shooting expeditions with his dog and gun. For many years he was a member of the Gun Club and had a high mark as a trap shooter. A Republican in politics, he served six years on the school board and seven years on the board of township trustees.

JOHN W. DE VORE.

Descended from a soldier of the American Revolution who came over to the United States with General Lafayette. John W. De Vore is one of the well-known citizens of Union township, Madison county, Ohio, where he is engaged in the manufacture of tile. John W. De Vore was born in Fayette county. Ohio, seven miles east of Washington C. H., on the Chillicothe pike, June 16. 1848. His great-grandfather De Vore fought in the American Revolution, and liked the Virginia country so well that after the war was over he returned to France, sold his property there and returned to America. He remained in Virginia until his death. His son, Joshua, emigrated to Ohio and settled in Fayette county, seven miles east of Washington C. H., where he followed farming the remainder of his days.

John W. De Vore was married on January 29, 1872, to Jennie O'Farrell, a native of Columbus, Ohio, and to this union nine children have been born, eight of whom are still living: H. I., who was born in Fayette county on the old homestead, lives in Columbus. Ohio; Leota. deceased. was the wife of Lee Jones, and they were the parents of three children; Harry E., born in Fayette county, lives in London; Maud is the wife

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of Otis Cornwell, and they live in this county; Jennie May is the wife of William Goodyear, of Clark county, Ohio; John W. is a resident of Columbus, Ohio; Jessie is the wife of Ulysses Goodyear, and they live in Summerford, Ohio; Julia, living at home and Herbert, who married Gladys Swingle, lives near his father and assists him in the manufacture of tile.

After his marriage Mr. De Vore rented land in Fayette county, Ohio, for ten years, and then moved to the old homestead, where he was born and reared, and where he spent thirty-eight years of his life. In 1895 he sold his property in Fayette county, and removed to Madison county, buying a tile factory and saw-mill in Union township, and twenty-eight acres of land. Since that time he has been engaged in the manufacture of tile, and carried on a lumber business until the last year, when the saw-mill was abandoned. He now devotes his entire time to the manufacture of tile. For the past forty-nine years John W. De Vore has operated a threshing outfit in Madison county and vicinity, and is one of the best known threshermen in this section of the state. Mr. De Vore is a Republican in politics, but his extensive business and farming interests have prevented his taking an active part in political matters.

HENRY CARY.

Henry Cary, farmer, three and one-half miles south of Plain City, was born on May 7, 1862, in Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew and Flora E. (Burnham) Cary. He was reared to the life of a farmer in Darby township, where he attended the district schools in the winter and assisted on the farm during the summer, until his marriage. He has been eminently prosperous, and is now the owner of a fine country place consisting of three hundred and sixty acres, known as "Oak Grove Farm." At the time of his marriage Mr. Cary lived on a rented farm in Darby township, buying his present valuable tract in 1898. He belongs to the Republican party, being the only member of his family with these views.

Andrew and Flora E. (Burnham) Cary, parents of Henry Cary, were residents of Plain City, and were the parents of four sons and two daughters, Anna, Henry, Nettie (deceased), Rodney, Burnham and Frank P. Anna became the wife of John Meek, and is living at Los Angeles, California. Rodney was married to Lizzie Deems, and lives in New Mexico. Burnham was married to Clara Martin, and lives in Darby township. Frank Cary was united in marriage with Julia Van Teelburg and also lives in Darby township.

Henry Cary was united in marriage, December 11, 1889, with Margaret J. Miller, daughter of John and Catharine (Ninhauser) Miller. She was born on June 24, 1862, in Brown township, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, receiving her education at the public schools and remaining on a farm until her marriage. She is of German lineage. No children have come to bless this union, but Mr. and Mrs. Cary took into their lives a little girl, Mary L. Cary, who was born on November 14, 1899. She is a graduate of the common schools, and is at present a student at St. Mary's Academy, at Shephard, Ohio.

John and Catharine (Ninhauser) Miller were natives of Germany, where they grew up and were married, emigrating to the United States about 1850. They located in Pennsylvania, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of ten children, six daughters and four sons: Philomena, Elizabeth, Peter, Mary, Martha, Belle, Charles, John and two others.

Mr. Cary has always lived an exemplary life, and he and his wife are quietly enjoying their beautiful country home, and have many sincere friends in Madison county. Although Mr. and Mrs. Cary do not belong to any particular denomination,

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MR. AND MRS. HENRY CARY.

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they attend the Presbyterian church. The residence now occupied was built at the time of purchase, but Mr. Cary has made many improvements and has made it modern in all respects. He built a splendid barn and the farm is one of the most attractive in this neighborhood.

DAVID BROWN.

The late David Brown of Somerford township, Madison county, Ohio, was one of the best-known farmers and stockmen in Madison county. He was a man whose mind was ever alert to matters of public interest, and the real welfare of mankind was dear to his heart. He read much and kept closely in touch with public affairs, always feel- ing a just pride in the educational efforts of the community. The family of David Brown has the unique record of having furnished ten teachers to Madison county, as well as more graduates-seven in number-from the National Normal university at Lebanon, than any other family that ever attended that school.

The late David Brown was born near the home where he died, April 8, 1833, and passed away after a brief illness on August 8, 1912, at the age of seventy-nine years, three months and twenty-eight days. He was the son of James and Mary Ann (Burn- side) Brown, the former of whom was born in Nassau, New York, June 21, 1795, and the latter was born in the Old Dominion state in 1803.

James Brown emigrated to Canada when a mere lad, and later settled in Ohio, having been married in Madison county. He died on March 13, 1875.

At the age of twenty-four years, David Brown began to rent land, which he con- tinued to do for a period of three years. At the end of that time, he bought ninety acres of land and in March, 1876, purchased the present home farm of two hundred and six acres. He added to this farm until it contained three hundred and thirty-seven acres, and in the meantime erected substantial buildings and made of it one of the most attractive farms in this section of the state. The house was built in 1906, and is a com- modious country residence. David Brown was interested in Polled Durham cattle, and for many years he was an extensive dealer in cattle and sheep. He was one of the largest sheep raisers in thissection of Ohio and contributed materially in making Ohio a great sheep state.

On March 30, 1857, David Brown was married to Isabelle Patrick, daughter of Young and Della Patrick, of his own neighborhood. To them were born two children : William D., who lives at Tulare, California ; and Hiram C., who died in infancy. Mrs. Brown's death occurred at their home near Plain City before that of her little son. Mr. Brown was married, secondly, on June 15, 1864, to Sarah E. Taylor, daughter of Samuel and Eunice Taylor, of Plain City, and to this union there were born twelve chil- dren, of whom eleven, Frank Irwin, Clara, Ida Bell, Charles D., John T., Eva G., Nellie M., Bessie, Lula, Lucille and Russell H., are surviving. Frank Irwin lives at Dayton. Clara is the wife of Charles Ackley, of Plain City. Ida Bell is unmarried. Charles D. lives at Plain City. John T. lives near Mechanicsburg. Eva G. is the wife of Howard Sidner, of West Jefferson. Mellie M. is the wife of Ralph Demmitt, of Vandalia, Ohio. Bessie F., Lula G., Flora Lucille, Russel H. Lula and Lucille are teaching school in Colorado. Ida, Bessie and Russell H. remain at home with their mother. James Sheridan died at the age of twelve.

Mrs. David Brown is the granddaughter of Richard Taylor, who was born near Harpers Ferry, Virginia, July 15, 1773, and who at the age of sixteen migrated to Kentucky, where he learned the tallor's trade. In 1800, he located near Plain City, in Madison county, but subsequently returned to Kentucky owing to the state of his health. In 1810 he returned to Ohio and afterwards lived on a farm near Plain City. He died at the age of ninety years. Samuel Taylor was Mrs. Brown's father. Mrs. Rachael

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Keiser, a sister of Mrs. Brown, inherited the old home where Mrs. Brown was born. Her father, Samuel Taylor, died in 1887. He had been married twice, his second wife being Rosanna Kent, whom he survived. Her daughter still owns the old Taylor home- stead near Plain City.

David Brown lived sixteen years near Plain City, but, after the death of his father, removed to the old homestead, four miles east of Mechanicsburg where he lived until his death. He followed the business of farming all his life and was very successful in his chosen work, taking great pride and satisfaction in stock raising and the cultiva- tion of his excellent farm. He served as township treasurer and as township trustee for a period of nine years. He was also a justice of the peace for many years. In his home life he was a devoted husband, an ideal father, the kindest of brothers, and his hospitality was unbounded to his friends. In business transactions he was always will- ing to do more than he required of others. The great rule of his life was the golden rule, and the constant manifestation of this spirit, coupled with unusual sound judg- ment, led people to turn to him as a wise and trusted counsellor.

JAMES W. ANDRIX.

One mile eust of the village of Summerford on the old National road may be found one of the most enterprising and intelligent farmers of Madison county. He is James W. Andrix, a man who, while not owning land is a large farmer and has an enormous capital invested in stock and farm equipment. Altogether, Mr. Andrix is a live, ener- getic, far-seeing and successful business man and agriculturist.

James W. Andrix was born near Duvall, Pickaway county. August 27, 1854, and has spent most of his life on the farm. He taught school in Pickaway county for some time, but soon took up farming. Nothing has ever seemed so attractive to him as the farm and no life has seemed so inviting as rural life. He has always been keenly inter- ested in cattle and hogs, and from these has made most of his money.

Mr. Andrix operates a part of the Baldwin-Gwynne farm of twelve hundred acres. He directly has charge of seven hundred and fifty-five acres, and here he has lived for five years, paying cash rent. Formerly, he kept the farm largely in grass, feeding from ninety to one hundred head of steers all the time, and one hundred and forty head of hogs. Recently the rent was raised and he has been compelled to plow much of the blue-grass pasture land. In 1915 he has about four hundred and ten acres of the farm in corn and will feed the entire product to hogs. Mr. Andrix employs several men and to grow the corn he uses twenty horses to operate the farm. He has lived in Madison and Franklin counties for twenty years. Formerly, he operated a large tract, including the Allen G. Thurman farm of five hundred and seventy acres, and the part of the Dun land. He is not unaccustomed to large investments in stock and farm equipment. Being accustomed to handle large propositions either with his own money or with good financial backing, he is not at all startled when face to face with difficult enterprises.

At the age of twenty-four, James W. Andrix was married to Emma Wagner a native of Pickaway county. The Andrix and Wagner family came originally from Pennsylvania, about 1840. Mr. Andrix's father, Jacob, settled in Pickaway county. where he was married to Sarah Sawyer, whose grandfather was burned by the Indians He was caught in a pen of buckwheat straw which he was threshing, and, after being tied, was burned with the straw. Jacob Andrix was a pioneer farmer in Piekaway and Franklin counties and was an extensive stock drover.

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Andrix have reared a family of eleven children. Roy is a turnkey at the Columbus prison. Clyde is on the farm with his father. Perrill is a farmer near Florence, in Madison county. Ina is the wife of Carl Guthell. James was

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killed, October 23, 1914, while serving as a prison guard in the Ohio State penitentiary. The tragedy occurred at dinner time when James was stabbed by a convict. He was a highly-respected man. Nellie was a teacher at Tradersville in 1913-14 and is now teaching at Summerford. Fletcher is a farmer in Franklin county. Ruth R. and Mabel live at home. John is a clerk in the postoffice at Columbus, and Irwin lives at home with his parents.

Mr. Andrix believes that the rainbow comes down in Madison county. His advice is widely sought and is given large weight. On one occasion Mr. Andrix's advice was sought by a dairyman, living near Columbus, as to selling his dairy and feeding steers. He advised holding the dairy but selling the land worth four hundred dollars per acre and buying a larger tract in Madison county. This is merely an example to show that the people believe in the wisdom and judgment of James W. Andrix. He is a stanch Republican.

LAMAR P. WILSON.

Lumar P. Wilson, the secretary of the Madison County Agricultural Society, and for three years a member of the board of directors, is a prosperous farmer and an enter- prising citizen.

Mr. Wilson, whose farm is located a mile and a quarter west of the village of Sum- merford, on the National road, was born at Lafayette, November 8, 1873, and is the son of Alexander Hamilton and Isabella Parson (Koogler) Wilson, the former of whom was the son of Valentine and Nancy ( Roberts) Wilson and the latter the daughter of Simon Koogler, a farmer of Greene county. The complete history of the Wilson family is to be found in the sketch of Charles A. Wilson, a brother of Lamar P., presented elsewhere in this volume.

Lamar P. Wilson is the fourth of a family of two children born to his parents. Practically all of his life has been spent in Madison county. For six years he was employed as a commercial traveler, selling to the retail trade for a manufacturing con- cern and covering the Middle West from Texas to Canada. Mr. Wilson was educated in the common schools and in the London high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893. Since abandoning salesmanship, he has been engaged in farm- ing. He moved to bis present farm in 1906 for the second time, having owned it until 1904. when he sold out. The farm has been greatly improved by the installation of several hundred rods of improved fencing.

As secretary of the Madison County Agricultural Society, a position which he has held for three years, Mr. Wilson attends to all of the details of the premium list, adver- tising and concessions. He collects all of the money received by the fair board except gate receipts, which means the handling annually of more than ten thousand dollars.

On June 16, 1897. Lamar P. Wilson was married to Wilda G. Johnson, the daughter of W. B. and Martha (Doak) Johnson. who are now residents of East Liberty, Ohio. Mrs. Wilson was educated in the common schools, also attended high school at DeGraff, Ohio, and taught school in Madison county for three years. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have no children.

Mr. and Mrs. Lamar P. Wilson had a splendid home, which, on June 16. 1912. was partially destroyed by a cyclone, but was rebuilt the same year. The storm scattered the barn and caused a three thousand dollar damage. Several houses in the neighbor- hood were damaged. roofs were blown off and many barns were destroyed.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Grange, the Farmers Club and other agri- cultural and social organizations in their community. Mr. Wilson votes the Republican ticket. He served as assessor for two years, but does not aspire for office.

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GEORGE LANGEN.

It is no easy task to resist the many temptations of youth and early manhood and establish a character which will remain unstained for all time. One may take his place in public life through some vigorous stroke which affects public policy and eren retain the respect of his friends and neighbors, but to win a place of confidence and esteem in the hearts of one's fellows by industry and honorable dealings is worthy the highest praise and commendation. George Langen, a successful farmer of Union town- ship, Madison county, Ohio, has devoted himself conscientiously to the duties of each day and is now one of the most eminently respected men living in Madison county and one of the most prosperous. He has never felt that he had time for sport and about his only experience in hunting was on one occasion when he tried to hunt coons with a bull-dog.

George Langen's home is one mile west of London on the Somerford pike. He was born in Jefferson township, Fayette county, Ohio, June 28, 1861, and is the son of Thomas and Ellen (McCarthy) Langen, both of whom were born in Ireland, the former in County Westmeath and the latter in County Cork. After coming to America and settling in New York state they were married in Albany, and about 1840 immigrated to Ohio. Thomas Langen had been a merchant at Albany and Utica, but lost all of his property by lending his name to the security of others' notes. After living for a time in Cincinnati, during the ravages of the cholera, Thomas Langen and wife moved to Wash- ington C. H., Fayette county, and later to Jefferson township, Fayette county, in 1859. Nine years later they moved to Madison county to a farm six miles south of London in Union township. There they established a home in the wilderness. The land was covered with virgin forests, and after it had been cleared Thomas Langen drained it with "gopher" and box ditches. The "gopher" ditches were drains made two or three feet underground by the use of a sharpened, upright bar of iron with an enlargement four or five inches in diameter at the bottom and pointed at one end. The upper end of the upright was attached to a windlass by means of a large beam and this was dragged along the surface, making a hole which remained open for several years Box ditches succeeded the "gopher" ditches, and finally the box ditches were replaced with tile. Thomas Langen, who was devoted to farm life, died on his farm on Decem- ber 25. 1872. His widow survived him and lived to be eighty-seven years old. They were members of St. Patrick's Catholic church at London. Thomas Langen was an enthusiastic Democrat. He owned two hundred and eighty acres of land at the time of his death. .

Of the eleven children born to Thomas Langen and wife, only four reached maturity: James, who died at Springfield in 1901. at the age of fifty-three; Frank, who is a farmer of Knox county, Indiana; Thomas, who is a retired farmer of Springfield, Ohio; and George, the subject of this sketch.

George Langen, with the exception of two years spent in the hardware business at London. lived for forty-seven years on the old farm. He inherited the old farm and added to the tract until he owned two hundred and ninety-three acres in one tract. He did all of the clearing and tiling on the farm, erected many of the buildings and made other substantial improvements. The farm is far above the average in productivity and has on it a ten-roomed house. One of the principal industries on the farm is rais- ing live stock.

Mr. Langen's home farm of eighty-six acres, to which he moved in 1915, has a good house and is situated near London. Mrs. Langen also has a farm of one hundred acres near the old home farm.

On October 23. 1883, George Langen was married to Ella Sullivan, the daughter of

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GEORGE LANGEN

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Peter and Catherine (Meehan) Sullivan, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, and who spent a part of her life in Fayette county. For the past ten years her parents have lived retired in London. Her father was a large and successful farmer. Mrs. Langen was nineteen years old at the time of her marriage. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. George Langen, one died in infancy. The seven living children are: Thomas, who is married and manages the home farm; Catherine, who is the wife of John Gory, of London; Florence, Oscar, Alfred, Mary and Helen, all of whom live at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Langen and family are members of St. Patrick's Catholic church at London, Ohio. Although Mr. Langen is classed as a Democrat, he is independent when it comes to elections. He served sixteen years as a member of the fair board of Madi- son county and, for four years, has been its treasurer. As such official he is compelled to attend constantly to the business of the fair since he handles all of the money. Fraternally, Mr. Langen is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1786, London, Ohio. He is also a member of the Board of Trade at London. He takes an interest in all public affairs and served as a member of the school board for a quarter of a century.

PETER C. GAYNARD.

Peter C. Gaynard, a successful farmer and teacher of Somerford township, was born on September 12, 1873, in Union township on the London and. Summerford road, the son of Peter. Sr., and Margaret (Coleman) Gaymard, both of whom were natives of Ireland, the former of county Mayo and the latter of County Galway. They were mar- ried in Springfield, Ohio, and later settled on a farm. Peter Gaynard, Sr., had come to America in 1848 and for a time worked on the railroads of Illinois, Indiana and Louisiana. In 1860 he settled in Madison county, and in partnership with his brother, Thomas, purchased the homestead farm, beginning with six acres. In 1880 Thomas Gaynard moved to Logan county, where he died. Peter purchased his brother's interest and continued to farm until his death in October, 1901, at the age of seventy years. .His wife had died previously, in July, 1880. The Gaynard farm was formerly a station on the old National road in stage coach days and comprised a tavern with several barns and sheds. Peter Gaynard was a quiet, unassuming man and a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church. Of their children. Peter C. is the subject of this sketch; Thomas C. Is also a farmer and teacher in this county; John died in childhood; and Delia, who is unmarried and lives in Springfield, owns the old home farm. She remained with ber father until his death.

Educated in the common schools and in the normal school. at Lebanon under the skillful direction of Professor Holbrook, one of the greatest educators in the history of Ohio, Peter C. Gaynard completed a commercial course at Ada, Ohio. He began teaching at the age of eighteen years and taught his first school in 1892. Mr. Gaynard taught continuously from 1892 until 1912 with the exception of three years. In 1912 he became superintendent of the Deer Creek township schools and his term in this connection has just expired. During the past twenty years, or until 1912, Mr. Gaynard taught alto- gether in Madison county with the exception of one year spent in Clark county. Many of his pupils have become teachers due to the encouragement they received from him and many of them have been inspired to greater and greater work in the educational field. In 1911 Mr. Gaynard received a life certificate in Ohio. He has served at various times in official capacities in connection with teachers' institute. He is familiar with all phases of educational work. He also served as township trustee of Somerford township for a period of two terms.

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 113

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

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