History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 128

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 128

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).

Mr. Carl is progressive and in his business has always had equipment that is modern and of the very best quality. He was coroner of Madison county for nine

Digitized by Google

W. H. CARL.

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

Google

853

MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.

consecutive years. A further evidence of the standing with his London associates is the fact that he has been a leading member of the State Embalmers' Association for a number of years. He is also a director of the London Vault Company. As to his political affiliations, it may be said of Mr. Carl that he is an enthusiastic Republican. He is also a member of the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He and Mrs. Carl are devoted members of the Methodist Epis- copal church.

There is a peculiar sense in which the person under consideration here ministers to the welfare of the people. Associated with them chiefly in their sorrows, for this reason his field of service is a very broad and a very important one. May we not assume that his daily occupation has emphasized frequently in his line the truth of the following sentiment : "Every day of meeting sorrow superbly makes their life more grand. Every tear that falls from one's own eyes gives a deeper tenderness of look, of touch, of word, that shall soothe another's woe. Sorrow is not given us that we may mourn. It is given us that, having felt, suffered, wept, we may be able to understand, love, bless."

JOHN N. WALDO.

Among the many progressive citizens of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, the present leader of this thriving town is distinct in his individuality. It is a source of pleasure to know of one who still holds his own at the age of seventy, and such a man is John N. Waldo, present mayor of Mt. Sterling, who was born on October 21, 1844, in Palestine, Ohio, and has been a farmer, merchant and mayor.

Of the six children born to Stacy and Rachel J. (Neff) Waldo, three are now living, namely : John N .; Mrs. Sarah E. Laird, of Wichita, Kansas; and George A., who is a grocery merchant of Mt. Sterling. Stacy Waldo was born on August 3, 1815, in Franklin county, Ohio; he was a tanner by trade, but in 1855 he removed to Madison county where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1804. His wife. Rachel J., was born during the year of 1823, in Virginia, and passed away in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Waldo were both members of the Christian church and were sincerely missed by their circle of friends and relatives.

The eldest of the children born of this union was John N. Waldo, who was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools of Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio. When twenty-six years of age Mr. Waldo purchased a piece of land and decided to become a farmer, but one year later, in 1871, he engaged in the shoe business at London, Ohio, and followed the same for four years, returning to the farm in Pleasant township during the year of 1875. For nineteen years Mr. Waldo resided on that place, which he developed to the best of his ability, his management resulting in more than ordinary success. He came to Mt. Sterling. in 1894, where he became actively engaged in the buggy and carriage business. After meeting with the most gratifying success in this line of endeavor Mr. Waldo sold the business in 1909, to his son, Will- iam. In 1901 John N. Waldo was elected mayor and served as such for one year, being elected to' that office for the second time in 1914.

Laura Heath became the wife of John N. Waldo in 1868, and to them have been born five children : William, a merchant of Mt. Sterling, Ohio; the twin of William who died in infancy ; Edward, deceased ; Mrs. Mary E. Brown, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio; and Omer, who is established in the monument business at Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Laura Heath was born in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, in 1848 and is the daugh- ter of David and Nancy (Thomas) Heath, both natives of Virginia.

Mr. Waldo served as a member of the city council for ten years and in 1901 was elected township trustee, serving in that capacity for thirteen years and while a trustee

Digitized by Google

854

MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.

was elected mayor and served in both offices at the same time. He has always taken an active interest in the upbuilding of Mt. Sterling and his civic pride has been sur- passed by none. Mr. Waldo is vice-president and a stockholder of the Security Build- ing and Loan Association, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a loyal supporter of the Christian church, of which he is a member. He is a stanch Republican and has always worked for the advancement of his party. He has figured largely in all the civic improvements of the town and has always been an eager leader in every question pertaining to the betterment of those around him.

JOHN M. WILLIAMS.

To attain a position of special prominence and influence in the domain of news- paper enterprise requires intellectual attainments of a broad and thorough nature. When these things are found in a man of pleasing personality, they win for him a place of the highest regard in the community in which he lives. John M. Williams has made an enviable record in newspaper work in Mt. Sterling. As editor of the Tribune. Mr. Williams has given high proof of his ability to fill the position tendered him.

John M. Williams was born in Highland county, Ohio, on the 23rd of September. 1857. His parents were natives of Ohio, his father, William Williams, having been born in Highland county, in August, 1822, and his mother, whose family name was Hiser, having been born in the same county in 1824. John M. Williams was one of three children, his sister, Clara, died when she was just seventeen years old. The father for a few years conducted a country store in Elmville, Ohio, but later returned to the occupation of farming, which he continued until his death which occurred in 1901. He and his wife were members of the Dunkard church. The paternal grand- father of John M. Williams was Thomas Williams, a native of Virginia, whose wife, Susan Gall, was also a native of Virginia. The ancestry of the family has been traced back to Wales.

Back of every successful man or woman, is found years of patient toil and thought- ful preparation. Out of this is built the foundation upon which everything worth while is based. Mr. William's preparation for success in life has been thorough. He was reared on a farm, attended the district schools of Highland county, Oblo, and the high school of Hillsboro. In 1877 he began to teach school and one year later, in order to prepare himself more thoroughly for the position assigned him, entered the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, where he remained two terms. Afterward, for ten years, he taught in the district schools. For one term he taught in the Mt. Sterling schools. In 1889 Mr. Williams bought a printing office which had been started in 1887. Since that time he has given most of his time and attention to newspaper work. The Tribune has a circulation of over fifteen hundred subscribers.

Mr. Williams has been loyal to the highest ideals of citizenship and has made every effort to give Mt. Sterling an eminent place in the commercial life of Ohio. He is a director and shareholder of the Security Building and Loan Company. In his political interests Mr. Williams is a zealous advocate of the principles and politics of the Demo- cratic party and has been an active and effective worker in its cause. For the past fifteen years he has held the position of township clerk. On account of his enthusiasm in school affairs he was elected a member of the school board of Mt. Sterling.

On the 30th of May, 1885, at Marshall, Ohio, John M. Williams was united in mar- riage to Nannie Carlisle, who was born on the 4th of February, 1863. near Marshall. Ohio. She is the daughter of James S. and Emily ( Hill) Carlisle, both natives of Ohio.

To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born the following children: Carl C., is a linotype operator in Phoenix, Arizona ; Harry is associated with his father in the printing busi- ness ; Mrs. Donna M. Hayman and Mrs. Grace Zahn reside in Pleasant township; Ruth

Digitized by Google

855

MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.

still remains with her parents. All the children are graduates of the high school at Mt. Sterling.

Mr. Williams is a trustee of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of Madison county.

JOHN R. WILSON.

As a man whose entire life has been given to agricultural pursuita, and this suc- cessfully, and also as one whose life and character are such as to command respect John R. Wilson merits a place in the present volume. The family name early became identified with the annals of this county, and from the time of its appearance there has been nothing to mar or tarnish its pristine honor. While the subject of this review has acquired wealth, it has not been done at the expense of others, for he has been eminently just and square in his dealings. John R. Wilson was born on December 31. 1844, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the son of Abraham N. and Elizabeth (Neff) Wilson.

Abraham N. Wilson was born in 1818, in Virginia, and left there with his parents when he was still a small child, their next home being in Pickaway county. Moving to Madison county in 1856 he bought what is known as the old Cook farm of one hun- dred and eighty acres, and that farm has been in the family ever since. Its owner passed away there in 1885. His wife, who was born in 1836, died about the year 1867.

John R. Wilson. was reared on his father's farm in Pleasant township, Madison county. where he attended district school No. 2. He is still farming a portion of that land, now owning sixty-eight acres, and part of his interest has been in graded stock. His home is now near Mt. Sterling.

In 1885, the marriage of John R. Wilson and Allison N. Dennison was solemnized, his bride being the daughter of William Dennison. She was born in 1862, in Madison county, Ohio. Two children have blessed this union, Ola, now Mrs. Roberson, of Madi- son county, and William, who is operating the home farm.

Mr. Wilson is a Republican. He is an ardent church attendant, and contributes largely of his means to the work of the Christian church. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge. His father was a Mason.

By his habit of consideration for others in all of his dealings, as well as by the sterling qualities which his character is made up of, John R. Wilson has endeared him- self to the community which has been his home for so many years. He is a man whom to know is to admire.

W. O. MENDENHALL.

William O. Mendenhall was born on February 8. 1871. at Buckley, Illinois, and is the son of Dr. William O. and Lydia (Hayworth) Mendenhall. His boyhood was spent in the atmosphere of a home where education was a prominent factor in the life of each member. Surrounded by these fortunate circumstances. William O. Mendenhall secured for himself a broad. liberal education, beginning in the public schools of Illinois, where he continued until eleven years of age. With his parents he then removed to. Richmond, Indiana, where he completed his course in the public schools, later taking a collegiate course at Earlham. He is one of five children born to his parents, three of whom are now living.

William O. Mendenhall. Sr., was born in 1835. at Lafayette. Illinois, and was reared on the farm. In 1859 he began a four-years course at the university at Ann Arbor. Michigan, after which he entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, Illinois, graduating from same, and immediately began the practice of medicine in Illinois. In 1882 he

Digitized by Google

856

MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.

removed to Richmond, Indiana, where he practiced medicine until his death in 1906. To the union of William O. and Lydia (Hayworth) Mendenhall, were born these chil- dren : Ola and Nora, deceased; Dr. Edwin H., a physician and surgeon of Richmond, Indiana ; Mrs. Georgia L. (Garver), of Springfield, Ohio; and William O., Jr. Lydia (Hayworth) Mendenhall, the mother of William O. Mendenhall, was born on February 28, 1845, at Ridge Farm, Illinois, and is now living at Springfield, Illinois.

Having decided to devote himself to the mercantile business, William O. Menden- hall, when nineteen years of age, removed to Danville, Illinois, where he clerked in a grocery store. In 1893, during the "World's Fair," at Chicago, he turned his steps to that city, where he entered the field of photography for a short time. Remaining in Chicago for three years, he then returned to Richmond, Indiana, where he returned to his former business as clerk in a store until 1900, then he removed to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and formed a partnership with G. H. Johnson, in the grocery line, which co-part- nership continued until 1912, when Mr. Mendenhall assumed full charge of the business.

During the year 1900, which marked the beginning of his independent mercantile life, William O. Mendenhall and Ella Johnson were united in wedlock. No children have been born to this union. A Republican in politics, and a member of the board of public affairs, William O. Mendenhall, in his busy life, devotes much of his attention to other matters, and is a member of the Christian church as well as in the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Modern Woodmen of America also claim him as a member, and altogether, his life has been replete with well regulated industry, which his ample education has wrought out to a fine degree of success.

ROBERT F. CHENOWETH.

Only a glimpse at the external facts of the life of the man above mentioned reminds us that "Defeat is for those who acknowledge it." During the latter years of Robert F. Chenoweth's life, illness incapacitated him from active participation in business, but, despite this affliction, he took a keen interest in affairs to the end, and at all times endeavored to give the best of his talents and ability to the purposes to which his life was dedicated. When his life's record came to an end it was not incomplete in nobility and oneness of purpose, nor in attainment through struggle. Robert F. Chenoweth, a prominent stock dealer and grain buyer, and one of the best known farmers of this county, died at his home, seven miles south of London, on the Big Plain pike, on February 10, 1913. He was a son of the late F. M. and Margaret (Rea) Chenoweth, both of whom are mentioned elsewhere in this work. His birth occurred on February 25, 1861, in Oak Run township.

After his education in the local schools and at Kenyon College was completed, Mr. Chenoweth was for many years engaged in the grain and seed business and in farming. He was widely known as a partner of the late A. Tanner, of the firm of Tanner & Chenoweth and, later, Chenoweth Brothers, being associated with his brother, Rea, who now controls and manages the business. The Chenoweth Brothers partner- ship extended for nine years, but Robert was compelled to give up a part of his large business interests on account of failing health. He had given his entire attention to agricultural enterprises in Fairfield township until 1892. when he took up a business career in London. where he dealt in hay and grain. But he still retained connection with his farming interest until the fall of 1906, when impaired health compelled him to travel. He was away from home more or less until the spring of 1911 when. with partially regained health, he again took charge of his farm.

On October 5, 1887. Robert F. Chenoweth married Geneva Kennedy, the daughter of John H. and Abigail (Mitchell) Kennedy. Both of Mrs. Chenoweth's parents are

Digitized by Google

ROBERT F. CHENOWETH

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

857

MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.

natives of this county and representatives of two of its most prominent and influential families. To Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth were born two children, Austin, of London, and Lawrence. Austin married Margaret Leonard, and to this union a daughter, named June Rea, has been born.

Among the organizations to which Mr. Chenoweth belonged was the Columbus Lodge of Elks. Mr. Chenoweth was conscientious in all that he undertook to do, laboring early and late with an apparent indifference to fatigue. Personally, he was a man of forceful character and this, together with his genial nature, made him pop- ular among his associates. He had that fine quality of manhood which not only attracted warm friendship, but enabled him to retain the same.

WILLIAM D. WOOD.

Only a few years more and the tribute to the last remaining veteran of the Civil War will be paid. Father Time is fast thinning the ranks of those brave heroes who saved their country from division. Long after their names are forgotten, the memory of their brave deeds will live in the bearts and minds of those who follow after, inspir- ing them to kindred acts of patriotism, should their country call. William D. Wood, who was born on February 27, 1841, in Fayette county, Ohio, is one of the remaining few who still live to tell the story of distress and hardship endured during the great conflict.

When the call to arms came, William D. Wood responded with patriotic zeal, enlist- ing at Washington C. H., Oblo, in the Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was with General Sherman during his entire enlistment, seeing service in every Southern state except Florida and Texas. He was discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas, returning to the home of his parents, in Fayette county, Ohio, and remained with them until 1866.

Reared on the farm and attending the district schools of Fayette county, he very naturally turned toward the scenes of his childhood when the horrors of war had ceased. On February 22, 1866, William D. Wood was married to Mary Parker, who was born in Warren county. Ohio, and at once rented land from his father, who gave him sixty-nine acres beside. He made improvements on this place and now owns three hundred acres of well-improved land, situated in Fayette county. Mary (Parker) Wood died on July 12, 1871. To this union was born one child who is deceased. On May 2. 1872, Mr. Wood married, secondly, Rebecca Swope. She was born in 1833, in Fairfield county, Ohio, and of this union two children were born, Albert, deceased, and Arley, who is now farming in Fayette county. Ohio. Rebecca (Swope) Wood passed away on February 16, 1906. Eleven months later, on December 6, 1906, Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Mary Wissler, who was born on November 8, 1841, in Pickaway county, Ohio. She was the daughter of Jacob and Surah (Morris) Wissler, both natives of Pennsylvania. No children have been born of this union.

William D. Wood treasures a bible that dates back to 1599. He owns property in Mt. Sterling and is a stockholder of the First National Bank. He is a member of the Baptist church. William D. Wood is the eldest of four children born to his parents, Daniel and Tabitha (Leach) Wood. the other children being. Mrs. Cordelia Yoeman, a widow. living in Columbus, Ohio; Raymond F .. deceased; and Marcellus, a soldier of the Civil War. deceased.

Daniel Wood, father of William D. Wood, was born on August 10, 1811, in Ken- tucky, and was brought by his parents to Fayette county, Ohio, when an infant, being reared on the farm near Washington C. H .. Ohio. He passed away in 1890. The Wood family were originally from Virginia. Tabitha (Leach) Wood, who was the daughter of Walter and Elizabeth (Francis) Leach, was born on October 4, 1805, in Kentucky,

Digitized by Google

858

MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.

and died on July 12. 1878. The Leach family were from Maryland and the Francis family from Pennsylvania.

William D. Wood is a Republican, and a member of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic. In the evening of his life, his memories are of a life well spent. He is a member of Primitive Baptist church. Mr. Wood now lives retired and his only activities are looking after his property.

JOHN W. REAY.

An architect of his own fortunes, depending entirely on the resources of his youth, John W. Reay has built up a reputation for himself of great worth and respect. From small beginnings he has come to the front rank, where his force of character has made him well known and honored. He has achieved distinct success through well directed effort and intelligent endeavor, so that his name has become a synonym for achieve- ment. Animated by a desire to improve in every way possible the community in which he lives, he has long been a factor in the social and material activities of Madison county.

John W. Reay was born in Pickaway county on the 17th of March, 1849, and is the son of John and Elizabeth ( Neff) Reay, natives of Virginia. His father came to Pick- away county in 1833, and settled at Era, where he continued in the occupation of shoe- maker. a trade he had learned in his native state. After ten years of toil at that trade. during which time he was able to set aside part of his earnings, he bought a small tract of land, covering fifty-three acres, and took up farming, a line of work that had always appealed to him, and which he continued until his death, which occurred in 1884. John Reay was born on January 26th, 1899. Elizabeth Neff, who was born in 1816, came to Pickaway county with her parents, where she died in 1902. The children born to John and Elizabeth Reay were: Mary, deceased; John, a sketch of whose life is given here; George, deceased; Charles, who lives on the old home place in Pickaway county ; Esther, deceased; Henry, who lives in Pickaway county; Mrs. Sarah Hughes, who is a widow.

John W. Reay is a man of excellent intellectual powers, and found ample oppor- tunity to exercise his talents in the educational affairs of Pleasant township, where he held the position of teacher in district No. 3 for six years. His total teaching experi- ence. however, covered a period of twelve years. He was not interested only in school affairs, but also had due appreciation for the dignity of the occupation of farming. This fact led him to finally give up school teaching, after he had bought a farm of eighty-five acres in Pleasant township. He began to farm in 1875, and continued to extend the boundaries of his property, until now he has one hundred and thirty acres of valuable farm land. Part of his time has been devoted to the erection of a beautiful residence on the place. which represents everything that is modern iu the way of country house improvements. Mr. Reay has always kept a high grade of stock, as is the custom with many of the farmers of that vicinity.

Mr. Reay has given time and strenuous effort to the principles of the Democratic party and has as many friends among its members as any man in his community. This fact was proved by his election to the office of township trustee, an office he continued to fill for nine years. Aside from this he has also served on the school board. His opinions on educational questions are always received with the greatest consideration. owing to his knowledge of school affairs gained through many years of experience with its problems.

On the 1st of January. 1874. the marriage of John W. Reay to Sarah Wickell took place. Sarah Wickell was born on the 17th of September, 1853. in Mt. Sterling. Ohio. and was the daughter of Daniel and Clarinda (Douglas) Wickell. Both her mother

Digitized by Google

859

MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.

and father were natives of Germany, her father having been born in that country in 1808. He died in 1855. Her mother was born in 1809, and died in 1895.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. John W. Reay are: Alvin, who lives in Range township; Mrs. Stella Jones, of Madison county, Ohio; Mrs. Gertrude McCaffarty, who lives in Pleasant township; Charles, who also lives in Pleasant township; and Rena who remains at home with her parents. The family has always contributed to the support of the Christian church, where Mr. Reay has long been one of its most ardent members. Owing to the pleasure he has found in other lines of social recreation, Mr. Reay has never affiliated himself with fraternal orders.

PALMER G. HEWITT.

Palmer G. Hewitt, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, is a fitting example of modern schooling when taken in hand by a young man of force and intelligence, for at the age of twenty years he had passed through the public schools and attended two of the leading universities of his state and had already entered the business world. He was born on February 7, 1882, at Sedalia. Madison county, Ohio, and is the son of Washington T. and Mandain (Grove) Hewitt, who were the parents of three children : Carl, a merchant at Sedalia. Ohio; Frank, a salesman of Springfield, Ohio; and Palmer G. Hewitt, a merchant in Mt. Sterling, Ohio.

Washington T. Hewitt. the father of Palmer G. Hewitt, was born on March 16. 1840, in Highland county, Ohio, and responding to his country's call, enlisted in the grent Civil War struggle in 1862, serving until 1865, at which time he received his dis- charge. In 1865, at the close of the war, Washington T. Hewitt engaged in the general merchandise business at Sedalia, Ohio, in which he continued for thirty-five years, he then retiring and is now residing in the town which contributed so largely to his suc- cess. Mandain Grove was born on March 2, 1848. in Piqua, Ohio, and died on December 18, 1907.

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 Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 128

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

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