History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 136

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

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Left with his mother, brothers and sisters on the farm at the death of his father, Cyrus R. Hornbeck there grew to early manhood. He was educated in the common schools of Union township, supplemented by a course of study in Union Christian College at Merom. Indiana, where he prepared himself for the ministry. He was married to Rilla F. Parker, of the adjoining township of Somerford, June 13, 1878. Of this union, two boys were born, Roscoe G. Hornbeck, judge of the court of common pleas of this county. and Channing C., who died at the age of seven years.

Mr. Hornbeck, for a number of years after marriage. lived n the farm in Union township, then moved to Plattsburg. Clark county, where he conducted a grocery store for a few years, then moved to Lafayette, this county, where he managed a general store. In 1889 he located at London, and in 1890 was elected justice of the peace of Union

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C. R. HORNBECK

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township, which office he held for two terms. During his tenure of office as justice of the peace, this being a period when litigation was frequent, he tried hundreds of cases. Although many of these matters were taken to the upper courts, none were reversed for error in the trial below.

While serving as justice of the peace, Mr. Hornbeck studied law and, on March 7, 1805, was admitted to practice in the state courts, later, June 5, 1902, being admitted to practice in the United States district court.

Mr. Hornbeck was a candidae for nomination to the office of probate judge in 1893, but was defeated in convention by L. H. Haner. In 1900 he was nominated and elected to the office of prosecuting attorney of Madison county, which office he held for two terms. He gave to this office his best effort and made an enviable record, especially in the success with which he convicted those charged with crime.

Mr. Hornbeck has a knowledge of the fundamental law, a keen power of analysis of fact, fine judgment of human nature and tenacity of purpose, together with a strong sense of duty to his client, which make him a safe and valuable counsellor and a suc- cessful trial lawyer.

In politics he is a Republican and has consistently supported that party. He has always manifested a lively interest in politics and in the success of his friends. Although of much strength in the councils of his party, he has held no official place in its organiza- tion. He has been a hard and open fighter, and consequently has Incurred considerable political criticism. His power in politics may be attributed to his capacity for organiza- tion, loyal following, reputation for keeping his political promise and unswerving fealty to his friends. He is a member of the Christian church at Summerford and of the order of the Knights of Pythias at London.

ROBERT W. ARMSTRONG.

Among the well-known farmers and citizens of Union township, Madison county, Ohio, is Robert W. Armstrong, who is a native of this county, born in Range township, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Johnston) Armstrong.

Samuel Armstrong was born in Union township, and was a son of James Arm- strong and wife, early settlers of Madison county. Sarah Johnston was born in Range township, this county, and was married to Samuel Armstrong here. They were the parents of seven children, of whom four are living: Jessie, the wife of Fred Brun- dage, of Columbus, Ohio; Elizabeth, living in London: Samuel. a resident of Union township. and Robert W., the youngest born, the immediate subject of this brief review.

Samuel Armstrong was a merchant and live stock dealer, and one of the largest shippers of Madison county. He was a prosperous and influential citizen who took a worthy interest in all public affairs, and was highly respected and esteemed in his community. He died in 1904, and his wife died on October 12. 1897, and is buried at Kirkwood.

Robert W. Armstrong received a common-school education in the public schools of his home township, and lived at home with his parents until his marriage, which took place on October 2. 1902. His wife was Edna B. Weygandt. a daughter of George and Ida May (Baker) Weygandt, of Grove City. Ohio. George Weygandt was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents when a young man. They set- tled in Franklin county, Ohio, on a farm. Ida May Baker was a native of Franklin county, and was married in that county to George Weygandt. and to this union were born three children, all of whom are living. Mabel is the wife of M. E. Donnely, of Springfield. Ohio. Edna B. is the wife of Mr. Armstrong, and Carl B. is a resident of Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Armstrong's parents are also residents of Springfield, Ohio.

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Mr. and Mrs. Robert Armstrong are the parents of one son, Robert Edgar, who was born on September 22, 1905. Mr. Armstrong is a prominent farmer and stockman of Union township, and operates three hundred acres of the old Fulton Armstrong place.

Mr. Armstrong is a Republican, and takes an active interest in local public affairs, and is now serving his third term as president of the township board. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Oak Run Grange, holding his membership in all these lodges at London. Mrs. Armstrong is a member of the Presbyterian church at London.

SAMUEL C. ARMSTRONG.

Madison county has been fortunate in the number and character of its farmers, and much of the material prosperity of the county can be attributed to the fact that the farmers have kept abreast of the times. It can hardly be questioned that the farmer is an index to the civilization of a community. If the farmers are progressive and up-to-date, it follows that the standard of living in that community will be high. Thousands of banks have been organized within the last two years in order to supply the needs of the farmers, and, according to one authority, the farmer and his crope furnish the bulk of the money for most of the smaller banks throughout the United States. The wholesome living, which is the good fortune of the farmer, is a factor in keeping up the general tone of the county. The business men of the towns are draw- ing the men for their employees from the country, and everywhere it is noted that the men who are rising to prominence in the various activities of life were born and reared on the farm. Madison county has long been known as one of the very best farming counties of the state. Its excellent farmers have been one of the biggest factors in the material advancement of the county. Among the many excellent farmers of Madi- son county, there is none who stand higher than Samuel C. Armstrong, of Union town- ship. He owns a splendid farm of one hundred and seventy acres, and has just completed the construction of a modern hoine.

Samuel C. Armstrong was born in Sedalia, Madison county, Ohio, November 17, 1875, and' is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Johnson) Armstrong, the former of whom was born in Union township, and the latter in Range township. They were married in Madison county and had seven children, four of whom are living. Three died in Infancy. The four living children are Jessie, Elizabeth, Samuel C. and Robert. Jessie is the wife of Fred Brundage, of Columbus. Elizabeth lives in London. Samuel C. is the subject of this sketch. Robert lives in Union township.

Samuel Armstrong was engaged in the mercantile business. He also bought and shipped live stock and was one of the largest shippers in Madison county. He died in 1904. His wife died on October 12, 1897.

Samuel Armstrong was the son of James and Nancy (Fulton) Armstrong, who were married on March 24, 1791, at Chillicothe, Ohio, and in 1814 settled in Madison county, where they built a cabin. One year later James Armstrong brought to Madison county the others of his family who had not come in 1814. He and his wife had eight children. They were farmers all their lives.

Samuel C. Armstrong, the subject of this sketch, received a good common-school education, and on November 17, 1903, was married to Carrie May Murray, a daughter of Robert and Eliza (Truitt) Murray, both of whom are natives of Madison county. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Armstrong have had two children, both of whom are living. Mary Louise was born on September 21, 1904, and Ruth Elein was born on July 31, 1911.

Mr. Armstrong owns one hundred and seventy acres of fine land in Union town- ship. He is a man who takes a very commendable pride in farming, and his farm shows

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the results of his careful attention. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Knights of Pythias, at London. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Union town- ship school board. The Armstrong home is located five miles southeast of London, in Union township.

CHARLES W. PRINGLE.

Charles W. Pringle, a well-known business man of London, may be justly proud of his ancestry, for as the son of a father noted for his rugged honesty and kindly nature, and of a pious pioneer mother, he comes naturally to distinction in the business and social world. Although a college graduate, Charles W. Pringle was early attracted to mercantile enterprises, and here has he forged his earthly destiny, not forgetting, however, the claims and obligations which good citizenship places upon the stronger members of society in favor of its weaker, dependent members. Charles W. Pringle was born in Fairland township, Madison county, September 6, 1850, his parents being William D. and Catherine (Bales) Pringle. William D. Pringle was born in South Charleston, Clark county, Ohio. Catherine Bales was born in Loudoun county, Vir- ginia.

Charles W. Pringle's boyhood was spent on the farm, where he had plenty of hard work after school hours and during the summer vacations. He first attended the Fairfield township schools, then the West Jefferson Academy, and later Oberlin College, where he took a scientific course, remaining. there for four years. After his college course was completed, he helped organize and was the first teller of the Central Bank, now called the Central National Bank of London. For two years he was associated with this bank, then with his brother, J. A. Pringle, he built a grain elevator at Lilly Chapel. For nine years this elevator business was operated under the firm name of Pringle Brothers. Then Charles W. Pringle bought out his brother's interest and con- ducted the business alone for eight years, when he sold out, and in 1893 removed to London. Here, in partnership with the late William M. Jones, he began the manufac- ture of a patent baking pan, operating this business successfully for six years. Mr. Jones' death ended the partnership.

Being versatile in his tastes and ability Mr. Pringle has not confined himself to purely mercantile business, for during all the years he was engaged in manufacturing and selling he has operated the old homestead farm in Fairfield township.

It was in 1913 that Mr. Pringle began the new line of work in which he is still interested. At that time he bought a half interest with Job J. Clark, who had estab- lished an insurance office in 1871. At the death of Mr. Clark, which occurred on February 28, 1914, Mr. Pringle assumed the business with W. D. Chenoweth, the firm name being Pringle & Chenoweth. Their success was assured from the start, and they now occupy a leading place among local business men.

On May 1. 1884, Charles W. Pringle was married to Minnie L. Snyder, a daughter of John and Drusilla Snyder. living near Lafayette, in this county. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pringle, these being Mabel L. and Emma M., the latter is now a student at the Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati.

The subject of this biography is held in high esteem in the community in which he lives. C. W. Pringle is a prominent Mason of London, and like his father a mem- her of the Republican party. Some light is shed upon the estimable character of the subject of this sketch by reference to the life and personality of his esteemed father. The latter was a Virigina slave holder and was well-to-do, but convinced that slavery was wrong, before the war set his slaves free, and came to Ohio. He was a great admirer of Lincoln, who, it is evident, had a strong influence upon him.

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JESSE S. BOWER.

Widely known on account of varied business relations and personally held in high esteem as a man of strong character and usefulness, Jesse S. Bower is entitled to a place of honor in the ranks of those who have fought for the political and agricultural interests of Madison county. Possessing the strong mind and true information as to public wants and needs, he has often been called upon to exercise his powers in muni- cipal affairs. The various lines of work in which he has, at different times in his life, been engaged would lead one to believe that he could make a success of everything he undertook.

Jesse S. Bower, who is now living on his farm in Pleasant township, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 17th of January, 1845. He is the son of George H. Bower, born in York county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of August, 1810, and Sophia Mechling, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, who died in 1885, at the age of forty-five years. George H. and Sophia (Mechling) Bower reared an interesting family of ten children. The eldest child, Manual, was poisoned in the Civil War and died shortly afterward. The other members of the family are: Joseph, who died on April 6, 1914, at Derby, Ohio; Henry, who lives in Mt. Sterling, Ohio; Speed G., who lives on the home place; John, deceased; Mrs. Sarah Francis, of Columbus, Ohio; Mrs. Leah Tracy, who is a widow ; Mrs. Harriet Stone, of Madison county, Ohlo; Mrs. Allce Clark, of Union coun- ty, Ohio, and Jesse S. George H. Bower, the father of Jesse S. Bower, died in 1872.

George H. Bower, who was the son of Michael and Sarah Bower, natives of Penn- sylvania, came to Ohio when a young man and worked at the shoemaker's trade near Lancaster, Fairfield county. In 1850, through a true desire to aid and uplift his fellow men, he entered the ministry of the United Brethren church, and became one of the pioneer circuit riders, his travels taking him all over the southwestern part of Ohio. In this vocation he proved himself a true soldier of the church. As he was obliged to be away from home for many weeks at a time, he soon saw the necessity of buying a permanent home for his wife and children and this resulted in his purchasing a forty-one acre farm in Pleasant township. Madison county, Ohio, in the year 1857. His last work as a missionary of his faith was in the southern part of Ohio, where the expression of his zeal left a deep impress upon those whose lives were touched by his.

Jesse .S. Bower was reared on the farm in Pleasant township, where he remained until 1861, when the change of conditions brought about by the Civil War, caused him to learn the blacksmith's trade in Perry county. He enlisted at London, Ohio, in Com- pany B, Ninety-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1864. He was in the battle of Guntown, Mississippi, and as a result was taken prisoner and sent to the Andersonville prison, where he remained ten months and eighteen days. When he was liberated he was sent back to Camp Chase and there received his discharge on the 27th of June, 1865.

In 1867 Jesse S. Bower married Minerva Stone, who was born in Pleasant town- ship, on the 2nd of April, in 1848, and was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Holloway) Stone. For two years he worked on a farm in Illinois, and the two years following were spent on a farm in Madison county. The blacksmith's trade. however, still held a fascination for Mr. Bower. and in 1869, he returned to his former occupa- tion, where he remained until the opportunity came to open a general store. which he took advantage of in 1885. Later, after he had received a postoffice appointment. he had charge of a rural route from Lilly Chapel to Nioga and return. The farm on which he now lives contains one hundred and fifty acres, and is an extension of the thirty-one acre farm which he bought in 1889.

In politics Mr. Bower has given his ardent support to the cause of the Republican party, and his political friends have honored him in many ways in recognition of his ability and interest. He has held the office of justice of the peace and has had experi-

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ence as constable in his district. Following the teachings of his father, Mr. Bower continues to be an active member of the church of the United Brethren, and is the oldest living member of the Dennison Chapel, in Fairfield township. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. and Mrs. Bower are the parents of ten children, three of whom died in infancy, those who survived are George, who lives at the home place; Mrs. Fleeta Jones, who is living in Madison county; Mrs. Mary Anderson, of Pleasant township, Madison county ; Nelson, of Harrisburg, Ohio; Earl, who is farming on the home piace; Frank, who is employed in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Hattie who makes her home with her parents.

WILLIAM PAYNE.

Specific mention is made in the following paragraphs of one of the worthy citizens of Madison county, Ohio, one who has figured in the growth and development of the agricultural and commercial interests of this favored section. His interests have been identified with its progress and have contributed in a definite measure to the well-being of the community where he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with mature judgment and every-day common sense, have been among his most prominent charac- teristics. William Payne merits the respect and esteem which is freely accorded to him by the people of Union township.

William Payne was born in Union township, Madison county, Ohio, May 4, 1857, the son of Samuel and Sarah (Black) Payne, the former of whom was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 20, 1820. The late Samuel Payne was the son of Jesse and Ann (Griffith) Payne, who were natives of Maryland, but of English and German descent, respectively. They came to Madison county in the latter part of 1820 and settled seven miles southeast of London. Samuel Payne was married in 1858 to Sarah Black and they were the parents of two children, William, the subject of this sketch, and Lydia, who married John T. Armstrong. Mr. and Mrs. John T. Armstrong moved to Illinois and settled on a farm, where Mrs. Armstrong died in October, 1902. Mr. Armstrong died in 1903. They had a family of six children, two of whom, Grant C. and Archie, are living in Illinois. Samuel Payne followed farming throughout his life, but in his early years drove cattle from Madison county to Philadelphia. He and his wife were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died on August 24, 1909. His wife died five years previously on August 24, 1904.

Reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Madison county, William Payne, at the age of seventeen, began life on his own responsibility. For some time he farmed, purchased feed and shipped cattle. Few men are better judges of cattle than Mr. Payne. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of splendid land, which is well improved. and upon which he has put most of the improvements. The Payne farm is located about four miles southeast of London in Union township.

On December 24. 1891, William Payne was married to Anna Eggelinge, of Hills- boro, Highland county. Ohio. Mrs. Payne is the daughter of Edward and Lillian Eggelinge, the former of whom was a native of Germany and came to the United States when a young man. After landing in New York City. where he remained for a short time in 1849 during the gold fever, he went west to California. Later he settled at Hillsboro, Ohio, and was engaged in the wholesale liquor business for a number of years. He died about 1885 and his wife, who survived him many years, died in August. 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Payne have no children.

It is a matter of interest that William Payne is not a political partisan, but is

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independent in his political thoughts and actions. He votes for the best man regardless of what ticket he is on. Mr. Payne raises purebred Shorthorn cattle and Percheron horses. He also, for many years, has made a specialty of Barred Plymouth Rock chickens.

JOHN WILSON PARKER, M. D.

John Wilson Parker was born at Lowell, Michigan, January 14, 1872, the son of Wilson J. and Margaret (Skidmore) Parker. He went with his parents to Vermont- ville, Michigan, when he was four years of age. After graduating from the Vermont- ville high school in 1889, he attended Olivet College for two years. He then had medical training at the Chicago Homeopathic College for four years, graduating in 1900. He served as interne in the Chicago Homeopathic Hospital one year and prac- ticed in South Chicago for a similar length of time, thus adding to the experience which was later to make him one of the county's most efficient physicians. It was 1901 when Doctor Parker moved to London, Madison county, Ohio.

On May 26, 1904, John Wilson Parker was married to Grace Phifer, a woman of unusual gifts and of strong personality. To them have been born one child, Albert Phifer Parker, born on April 7, 1908. He is now a student in school.

Doctor Parker, by reason of his careful medical training and his personal fitness for his profession has built up a large practice not only in London, but in the sur- rounding country. He is popular both as a physician and in private life. Doctor Parker is a member of the Homeopathic Medical Society. He has served as secretary, and later as president, of the Madison County Medical Society. The people showed their confidence in him when they made him their health officer, and for six years he was engaged in improving local sanitary conditions. Doctor Parker is a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Besides fulfilling her destiny as a devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Grace Parker has occupied an even broader sphere as a woman of culture and intellectual attain- ment. As far back as her early school days, she was an ardent student, attending first the country school and was graduated from the London high school in 1804. She was then fortunate enough to be able to enroll as a student at Harcourt Place Semin- ary in Gambier, graduating from that institution in 1896. She then went to Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, at which institution her studies were princi- pally in oratory, art and music. With such splendid training added to her native gifts, it is not to be wondered at that Mrs. Parker has taken her place in the com- munity, a place as distinguished among women as is her husband's career among men.

It may truly be said that Mrs. Parker is a leader. She is an active and enthusias tic member of the Women's Club of London; is chairman of the civic committee of the 1.ondon Civic Federation; and has been especially prominent in Pomona Grange, an order of which she has been a lecturer for several years and in which she has held most of the local offices. It is through the life and work of such women as Mra. Parker that the whole community receives inspiration and uplift. Such women teach not only through the power of example, but through the subtle influence of person- ality. It is impossible to estimate the good thus accomplished, for the reason that it cannot be measured by the ordinary standards of profit. The community in which Mrs. Parker has spent most of her life has shown that it recognizes its obligation by according to her the official positions which are given only to the capable and strong. A physician's wife has so many opportunities for service along humanitarian lines that are not possible to other women that she seems particularly blest, and these opportunities are well filled by Mrs. J. W. Parker.

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GEORGE DORN.

It has been said that the essentials that go to make up a successful banker are "a good mind, a fair education, honesty, a strong will and industry." These George Dorn undoubtedly possesses, for from a farmer's boy he has risen to a position in the public confidence that not only has made him a bank cashier, but mayor of an Ohio town. More fortunate than some of his colleagues, he was permitted to learn the principles of business under the instructions of a wise and God-fearing father. And in addition to this, he had the innate qualities of head and heart that must be possessed by all who rise above the average in life's struggle for existence. George Dorn, banker and former mayor of Sedalia, was born on January 30, 1874, in Ross county, Ohio, and his parents, Peter and Katherine (Uhrig) Dorn, are still living.

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 136

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

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