USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Mercer County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 36
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
After the marriage of Edward Jones and Mary Ann Rood, in 1840, they resided for a short time at the Jones home and then moved to Fort Recovery, where Mr. Jones went into the manufacture of brick. This was a new in- dustry as nothing but logs had previously been used in this locality for con- struction purposes. The present thriving town of Fort Recovery was then a cluster of 10 log houses, built around the old log inn, and it was long the custom of the young people to gather in it and enjoy dancing on its rough floor. The greater number of meetings of all kinds were held there on ac- count of the old building given a larger audience room than was afforded by any of the private cabins. Whether brick cost too much or whether the early settlers of Fort Recovery were well enough satisfied with their picturesque log huts, the writer is not informed; at any rate Mr. Jones seems to have given up his brick-making enterprise there after a short trial and moved on a farm of 40 acres which he bought, which was located southeast of the hamlet. In a short time he sold this farm, however, and bought 200 acres from his uncle, Walter Decamp.
1
395
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
After moving to the new farm, Mr. Jones put up a commodious, hewn- log house and set to work making brick for the new house, which in the course of time replaced the log one and which still stands sound and strong. On this farm Edward Jones passed the rest of his life and died in August, 1900, when over 80 years of age. His widow still survives, bearing her weight of years remarkably well. In 1906 when she attended a farmers' jubilee cele- bration, held at Fort Recovery, the first prize, a bonnet, was awarded her, she being the eldest woman in attendance.
Edward Jones and wife were the parents of 12 children, as follows : Harvey, who married Mary Arnold and lives not far from Fort Recovery, in Indiana; David P., who married Elizabeth N. Williams and lives in Mer- cer County, near Fort Recovery; Abbie, a resident of Indiana, who is the widow of Abraham Rantz; Lauren B., who married Sadie Winn and lives near his brother, Aaron; William T., who married Amanda Winters and lives in Chicago; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of George Fremeyer; Aaron and George (twins), the latter deceased at the age of six months; Henry, who married Lucy Howe and lives at Lightsville, Darke County, Ohio; Phebe, who married O. A. Penny and lives in Paulding County, Ohio; Mary Ann, who married E. T. Firth and lives at Greenville, Ohio; and Will- iam Henry, who died in infancy. Edward Jones was a prominent man in his township; he served in the offices of trustee and supervisor and was also a member of the Board of Education.
Aaron Jones attended the schools of his native township until old enough to be of use to his father at the farm work and at brick-making, in which occupations he became well trained. On August 30, 1883, he was married (first) to Irene Whitesell, a daughter of David Whitesell. They moved to Burkettsville, where Mrs. Jones died on October 23rd of the following year. Mr. Jones was married (second) on October 14, 1888, to Emma Arnold, who was born December 23, 1868, on her father's farm in Darke County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have had seven children, as follows: Edward L .; Nellie, who died aged II years; Harley, who died aged 14 days; Orley, who died aged II months ; and Nora, Jesse and Ora.
Henry Arnold, Mrs. Jones' father, was twice married; first, to Catherine Holsapple, to which union were born eight children, namely: Mary, Isaac, Samuel, Sarah, Susan, Joseph, Sophia and Elizabeth, deceased. Mr. Arnold was married (second) to Sophia Ulery, and they had six children, as follows : Eliza, Anna, Henry, Emma, John and William. Both parents of Mrs. Jones died in Darke County. They were worthy members of the Dunkard Church.
Mr. Jones has been a resident of Burkettsville since 1884. He owns an excellent farm of 64 acres in section 34, Granville township, and 20 acres in the home place, where he grows farm products and tobacco. He has large
1
396
HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY
business interests at Burkettsville and in his 22 years of residence here has firmly established himself in the confidence of his fellow-citizens. Politically he is identified with the Republican party and takes a deep interest in all that concerns good government both in local and national affairs, but is not an aspirant for office.
Mr. Jones and family belong to the Disciples' Church at Burkettsville, to which he gives a liberal support. A view of the family group accompanies this mention. He is connected fraternally with the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics. He is one of the repre- sentative men of the town.
AUGUST HAMBURGER
AUGUST HAMBURGER, who resides on his well-developed farm of 74 acres located in section 31, Jefferson township, was born in Baden, Germany, February 3, 1851, and is a son of Conrad and Margaret Hamburger, natives of Germany.
August Hamburger came to America with his mother when 13 years old, his father having died in Germany previous to their emigration to this country. They first settled in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, in 1864. Here August was reared and educated. In the fall of 1896 Mr. Ham- burger moved from Marion township to his present home in Jefferson town- ship. In 1898 he sold 45 acres of farm land in Granville township that he owned and then bought his present farm.
Mr. Hamburger was married April 13, 1875, to Philomena Lange, Four of their eight children are living, namely: Charlie, Annie, John and Valentine. Mrs. Hamburger died January 30, 1890. Mr. Hamburger's sec- ond marriage was with Mrs. Frances (Gerlach) Greiwe, widow of Barney Greiwe. She was the mother of six children by her first marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hamburger are members of the Catholic Church. He is also a mem- ber of the German Independent Aid Society of Celina.
ANTHONY RATHWEG
ANTHONY RATHWEG, one of Coldwater's well-known business men, who is engaged in the manufacture of brooms, was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, November 16, 1859, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Streaker ) Rathweg.
Mr. Rathweg was eight years old when his parents moved to Mercer County and settled on a farm at Carthagena. Here he was reared and at- tended the district schools. His father died in 1880. Two years later, with -
1
397
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
his mother, our subject moved to Celina, where he worked at carpentering. He then learned the harness-maker's trade and in 1884 took up his residence at Coldwater, where he opened a harness shop which he conducted success- fully for nine years. After disposing of his harness shop, he embarked in the hardware business, also carrying a large line of farming implements. In the fall of 1905 he sold the hardware business. Mr. Rathweg at the present time operates a large broom factory, in which business he engaged on April 30, 1906. He employs eight men, who turn out about 15 dozen brooms per day. Mr. Rathweg also has other business interests, being agent for the Canada Life Assurance Company, the Ohio Farmers, Continental and other fire in- surance companies. He is one of the large stockholders in the People's Bank of Coldwater, and was vice-president of this bank for a period of three years.
On February 9, 1886, our subject was married to Anna May Romer, of St. Henry, daughter of J. B. Romer. They have had 10 children, eight of whom are still living. The record is as follows: Henry J .; Joseph H .; Elizabeth Gabriella ; Julius Clemmens; Agnes Henrietta Florentina ; Clarence Frederick; Leona Alvina Henrietta; Joseph Walter, who died at the age of five years and two months; Mary Ruth; Florentina, who died aged II months ; and Margaret Antoinette. Mr. Rathweg is a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church at Coldwater, of which he has been treasurer since 1894. He is a member of St. Joseph's Society; Knights of St. John, of which he is captain ; and Knights of Columbus.
ISAAC BRANDON
ISAAC BRANDON, county commissioner of Mercer County, is the owner of 337 acres of farm land in Franklin and Butler townships. His residence is on his Franklin township property in section 22, known as the "Lake Mer- cer Stock Farm," where he is engaged in raising pacing horses. He was born March 3, 1851, in Shelby County, Ohio, and is a son of Xurg Brandon.
Xurg Brandon was born in Darke County, Ohio. He was married to Delila Baker, a daughter of Lewis Baker, who came from Virginia and settled in Darke County. Mr. and Mrs. Brandon had 10 children, of whom three died during infancy. The other seven were as follows: Xurg, who died when a boy ; Gabrilla (now deceased), who married Calvin E. Riley, and had seven children; Eliza, who married George Breo; Lydia (Ryan) ; Lucinda, who married John Hight; John, who married Jennie Knox; and Isaac, who was the youngest of the children. Mr. Brandon died at Berlin, Shelby Coun- ty, where he was the proprietor of a hotel, passing away when our subject was IO months old. After the death of Mr. Brandon, his wife sold the hotel and
.
398
HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY
moved to Celina. In 1856 she was married to John Haneline and moved to a farm in Center township, Mercer County. One child was born of this union, Nathan, who died at the age of four years. Mrs. Haneline, mother of our subject, died in 1903, at the age of 89 years.
Isaac Brandon lived with his step-father until about 12 years old, after which he learned the blacksmith's trade and worked on a canal boat for two years, driving the mules on the tow-path a portion of the time. He then worked on a farm for Calvin E. Riley.
On January 2, 1872, he was united in marriage to Caroline L. Emerson, daughter of John and Ellen Emerson. In 1873 he moved to his present farm in Franklin township, which he purchased four years later from the State. Here Mr. Brandon is engaged in general farming and breeding pacers. One of his best known horses is "Red Hall," whose record is 2:1314.
Mr. Brandon is the father of four children: Electra, born November 4, 1872, in Jefferson township, who married Allen Palmer and lives at St. Marys; Delila Ellen, deceased in infancy ; and Fannie, born in 1876, and Park T., born in 1879, both of whom live at home. The two last named attended the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Park T. Brandon also taking a course at Valparaiso College and at Tacoma, Washington. Mr. Brandon was elected county commissioner in 1903 and still serves in that capacity. He is a mem- ber of the United Brethren Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
ANTHONY B. GROTHJAN
ANTHONY B. GROTHJAN, sheriff of Mercer County, is one of the leading business men of Celina, the proprietor of an extensive carriage and buggy manufacturing concern, which stands as one of the old and reliable houses of this city. Mr. Grothjan was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, September 12, 1859, and is a son of John and Agnes (Vogelpole) Grothjan.
Anthony B. Grothjan was reared in his native county and obtained a common-school education. His father was a farmer but his own inclinations led him to learn blacksmithing and he completed his apprenticeship to that trade and to the carriage-making trade, in 1875. In 1878 he settled in Mer- cer County and entered the employ of William" Cron, with which manufac- turer of wagons and carriages he remained seven years, at the expiration of which time Mr. Grothjan formed a partnership with John Hein, under the firm name of Grothjan & Hein, for the carrying on of a general blacksmithing and carriage-building business. This firm did an extensive business in the line above mentioned for a period covering 17 years, at the close of which
-
399
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
period Mr. Grothjan bought Mr. Hein's interest and has continued alone until the present. He gives employment to six competent workmen.
Mr. Grothjan was married to Rose Leifeld, who is a daughter of William Leifeld, of Celina, and they have a family of six children: Agnes, Jerome, Eulalia, Lucile, Harold and Cletus. Mr. Grothjan is a consistant member of the Catholic Church.
Politically Mr. Grothjan has always been a sound Democrat, and has been highly regarded by his party. He is well known all over the county as a man of business integrity and personal honor, and his election in November, 1906, to his present office was a public recognition of the same.
:
THEODORE HEMMELGARN
THEODORE HEMMELGARN, a pioneer settler of Granville township, and one of its best known residents, now residing with his son Anton, to whom he sold his 160-acre farm, was born in Germany, September 4, 1829, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Derkas) Hemmelgarn.
The parents of Mr. Hemmelgarn were born and married in Germany. In 1835 they came to America, accompanied by an uncle and aunt of Theo- dore, the former of whom, William, died at Cincinnati, and the latter, Mary, married Henry Brockman, and died at Cranberry Prairie, Mercer County. The Hemmelgarns were poor when they came to this country and they strug- gled through several years before they reached Mercer County. The father then bought 40 acres of land from the State which he subsequently cleared, and built first a round-log cabin, later, a hewed-log cabin, in which the par- ents died. This was at a time when pioneer conditions prevailed, the country being but sparsely settled. Herds of deer, numbering as many as 20 individ- uals, would invade the farm and wild turkeys provided a greater part of the family sustenance. The children born to Henry and Mary Hemmelgarn were: Mary, who married Bernard Drahman-both now deceased; Eliza- beth, a nun in a religious institution, who died in Massachusetts; Theodore; Henry, who married Catherine Smith; Joseph, who married Gertrude Smith; and Catherine, who died in childhood.
Theodore Hemmelgarn was six years old when he came with his parents to America and he remained with them until his marriage, in 1853, to Mary Hulsman. After a happy married life of 37 years, she died June 21, 1890. She was a daughter of Herman and Margaret Hulsman, who came to America about the same time as did the Hemmelgarns, she being a babe at that time. The other members of her family were: Bernard, Henry and Joseph, of whom Henry is the only survivor.
1
1
400
HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY
Mr. and Mrs. Hemmelgarn had 13 children, as follows: Theodore, who married Mary Nordenbrook; Henry, who married Elizabeth Racheling; Joseph, who married Anna Wagner and lives in Minnesota; Bernard, who married Anna Krimblebeck; John; Anton, who married Lena Shendeler ; William, who married Takla Nau; Josephina, who married John' Thresher ; Theresa, who married Joseph Steinbruner; and Mary, Benjamin, William and Elizabeth, deceased.
For 10 years after his marriage Mr. Hemmelgarn lived near St. Henry, on a farm which he bought right in the midst of the woods. This farm he sold at a later date and in 1864 purchased from David Winterood the one mentioned above, on which a frame house stood. At that time the country was very wild in every direction and Mr. Himmelgarn pastured his cows in the woods and, when he went in the evening to bring them home, would often take his gun along and shoot wild game for the evening meal. He worked hard to develope this farm and was cheerfully assisted in all his efforts by his estimable wife. He is very proud of his seven grandchildren, Anton's children, who are named: Aloysius, Alvina, Regina, Ernest, Leona, Charles and Adolph. The family belongs to St. Bernard's Catholic Church at Burk- ettsville. Politically Mr. Hemmelgarn is a Democrat.
ADAM BOLLENBACHER
1
ADAM BOLLENBACHER, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Liberty township, and for many years was one of its leading citizens. He was born in Germany, January 10, 1840, and died in Liberty township, April 25, 1901, leaving behind him the record of a most worthy life. His parents were George and Henrietta (Alt) Bollenbacher.
When Adam Bollenbacher was 12 years of age, his parents decided to emigrate to America ; when they reached the United States, they made their way to Mercer County, Ohio, and settled in the woods of Liberty township. His parents died on the home farm on which Adam grew to manhood. In his younger years he learned the carpenter's trade and followed the same for a time, but the main activity of his life was farming. Although largely depend- ent upon his own efforts, he became a man of substance, acquired considerable property and left an ample estate.
On April 9, 1864, Mr. Bollenbacher was married to Christina Koch, who was born in Germany, November 7, 1842, and is a daughter of John and Annie M. Koch, who brought her to America when a child of two years. The family resided several years in Butler County, Ohio, and then came to Mercer County, where both parents died.
-
PRICE T. WATERS, M. D.
403
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
The children born to Adam Bollenbacher and wife were 13 in number and of these nine still survive, as follows: John Jacob, of Liberty township; George, of Liberty township; Adam, of Van Wert County; Andrew and Charles, of Liberty township; Mary H., wife of Theodore Baker, of Black Creek township; Christina Caroline, wife of John J. Deitsch, of Liberty township; Frederick Joseph, living on the home place in Liberty township, who married Margaret Smith and has two children-Carrie Luetta and Lura Elizabeth; and Amos B., of Black Creek township. The mother of this family still survives and resides on the old farm in Liberty township, with her son, Frederick Joseph Bollenbacher; she owns a valuable tract of 60 acres.
Mr. Bollenbacher always cast his vote with the Democratic party, not on account of possible political honors, but because he believed in its principles. He was a consistent member of the Evangelical Association. He was a kind husband and careful father and was a neighbor in all that the word implies. As a citizen he cast his influence at all times in the direction of improvement, favored the cause of education and set an example of morality.
PRICE T. WATERS, M. D.
PRICE T. WATERS, M. D., who has been established at Chattanooga, Liberty township, since 1898, is an experienced member of the medical pro- fession and is recognized as the leading physician and surgeon of the north- western section of Mercer County. Dr. Waters was born in Delaware Coun- ty, Ohio, June 27, 1853, and is a son of Eber D. and Sarah J. (Taylor) Waters.
His parents removed from Delaware to Mercer County, Ohio, in 1857, settling in Jefferson township at a time when few homes had been founded there. The father was an ardent Republican, and during the Civil War period was a strong supporter of the government. He served some years as an officer in the internal revenue service.
Price T. Waters was reared in Jefferson township, where he obtained his primary education. He was ambitious from boyhood, although mainly dependent upon his own resources, and persisted until he was able to take advantage of better opportunities in the Celina High School. He then en- gaged in teaching, first in Mercer County and later in Dallas County, Iowa. In the meantime he prepared by private study for his chosen profession and then entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was creditably graduated in 1886. He first located at Celina, where he was in partnership, for a short time, with Dr. G. J. C. Wintermute, and then settled at Redfield, Iowa, where he remained in active practice for three years. Deli-
404
HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY
cacy of health appearing in his family, he then turned to a warmer climate and for some years practiced in various parts of the South-at Harriman, Tennessee, and Dry Branch, Georgia, in particular. He then returned to Mercer County and after a short practice at Celina located at Chattanooga, where he is in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Waters keeps in touch with all modern line of thought in his profession and is an active and valued member of the county and State medical societies and also of the American Medical Association. He is examining physician at Chatta- nooga for a number of insurance and fraternal organizations, including the New York Life Insurance Company; Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York; the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee; and for the New Corydon (Indiana) camp of the Modern Woodmen of the World, of which he is an associate member. He is a member of Celina Lodge, No. 241, F. & A. M., Celina, Ohio.
Dr. Waters was married (first) to Alma E. Jamieson, of Redfield, Iowa, and they had two children, the one survivor being Kate, who is the wife of L. J. Hamilton, of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Dr. Waters was married (second) to Florence Feldheiser, widow of Henry Feldheiser and daughter of the late Hon. Jacob Broadwell, who was at one time probate judge of Mercer County. Dr. Waters votes with the Republican party. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
SYLVESTER KENNEDY COPELAND
SYLVESTER KENNEDY COPELAND, a prominent farmer and highly es- teemed citizen of Center township, was born in Center township, Mercer County, Ohio, on the old home place, July 28, 1858, and is a son of Wesleyt and Mary A. (Perkins) Copeland, and a grandson of Abner and Anna (Mor- gan) Copeland, who moved in 1834 from Greene County, Ohio, to Auglaize County, where they spent the remainder of their days.
Wesley Copeland was born in Greene County, Ohio, November 25, 1825, and in 1834 accompanied his parents to Auglaize County. In the fall of 1853, he moved to Mercer County, and located on a farm of 160 acres. To this he has made additions, first of 40 acres and later of another tract of 40 acres, and still later added 93 acres, making a total of 333 acres. With the assistance of our subject and his other sons he has cleared all this with the exception of 105 acres. He taught school for some time in Auglaize County, but the greater part of his time has been devoted to general farming and stock- raising. Mr. Copeland is a Republican and has held several township offices. He is a member of the United Brethren Church. He married Mary A. Per-
405
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
kins, who was born in Richland County, Ohio. They had seven children : Jennie, deceased, who was the wife of James Connor, of Wapakoneta, Ohio; Elscina, who married W. J. Wollam and resides in Oklahoma; Eli Franklin, who lives near Rockford; Sylvester Kennedy; William Alpheus, who lives at Mendon; Nettie, who married Isma H. Malick, and resides in Center town- ship; and Edith, who married Thomas P. Kiser, of Indianapolis.
Sylvester K. Copeland was reared on his father's farm and received his early education in the district schools. He attended college at Valparaiso, Indiana, and also the Ohio Normal University, at Ada. He afterwards taught school one year in Auglaize County, and three years in Mercer County, two of these in Center township. After his marriage he moved to the farm of his father-in-law, where he remained for one year, and then he returned to the home farm until 1890, when he moved to Celina and engaged in the hardware business under the firm name of Wust, Winter & Copeland, in which business he remained for one year. Mr. Copeland then settled on his present farm where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of Polled Durham cattle. He now has about 40 head of high grade and pedigreed stock. In 1902 he built the finest barn in this section of the country, the main part of which is 36 by 68 feet with a wing, 36 by 50 feet, and with box stalls fo feet square. In 1887 he erected a comfortable home, which he has further improved.
Mr. Copeland was married (first), in 1886, to Lida Siler, a native of Center township, Mercer County, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Mary (Tullis) Siler. Two children were born to this union: Ray and Virgie. Mrs. Copeland died December 3, 1897, aged 31 years, 9 months and 17 days. He was married (second), in 1899, to Grace Whyte, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Munger) Whyte, who were residents until their death in Montgomery County, Ohio, near Dayton.
Thomas Whyte and wife were the parents of eight children, as follows : Albert H., deceased; Warren M., who resides at Washington, D. C., where he is in the cornice business; Alice, a resident of Dayton, Ohio; Thomas D., a mechanic at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Jessie, a teacher at Dayton, Ohio; Grace; Lincoln A., who resides on the old home place, which he owns; and William G., who is a mechanic at Springfield, Ohio. By a former marriage, to Elizabeth Conwell, Mr. Whyte had a daughter, Elizabeth, who is the wife of J. H. Groves, of Rushville, Indiana.
In national politics, Mr. Copeland votes with the Republican party, but in State and local contests he is an independent. He has been a member of the Board of Education for many years and for 10 of these was its president. He is a member of the United Brethren Church.
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.