USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Mercer County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 37
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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY
WALTER J. MERSMAN
WALTER J. MERSMAN, vice-president and superintendent of The Mers- man Bros., Brandts Company, of Celina, was born at Kendallville, Indiana, May 15, 1876, and secured his education in the schools at LaGrange, Indiana, and Ottoville, Ohio. He is a son of J. B. and Mary (Maag) Mersman, the former a native of Putnam County, Ohio, who is now engaged in a lumber and sawmill business in Arkansas. He became thoroughly conversant in the saw and planing-mill business at Ottoville under his father and was a practical man in the business when, with his brother, Edward H. Mersman, and Henry Lennartz, he purchased the dining table manufacturing business of his father in 1900. He has charge of the factory as superintendent.
Mr. Mersman was married on June 5, 1900, to Elizabeth Miller, of Ottoville, Ohio. They have two children-a son, Cyril, and a daughter, Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Mersman are members of the Catholic Church. In politics the subject of this sketch is a Democrat.
SAMUEL C. HYLER
SAMUEL C. HYLER, who enjoys the honorable distinction of being the oldest man in Franklin township, owns two fine farms, one of 64 and the other of 20 acres. His residence is on the latter, which is located in section 21. Mr. Hyler was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 5, 1818, and was the only child of his parents, Samuel Curtis and Margaret ( Bartholo- mew) Hyler.
Samuel Curtis Hyler was born in Delaware and moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, in young manhood, where he married Margaret Bartholomew, a native of Virginia. He engaged in farming in Richland County, and died there when his only child was very small. The mother subsequently mar- ried Jacob Cromer, who had come to this neighborhood from Virginia, and they had two children, Caroline and Lucinda. Caroline married (first ) Ryan Carter, and (second) Joshua Roberts-all are now deceased. Lucinda mar- ried Peter Woodring and is now deceased.
Samuel C. Hyler, our subject, was left a lonely little boy of nine years when his mother died, and was then compelled to work around with different farmers, making his own way the best he could, and attending school at rare intervals, but by the time he was 22 years old he had become a capable farmer. He married Mary Ann Barbe, who was of an old Virginia family, but was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. They had II children, namely: Margaret, who married (first) John Cicle, and (second) John Koon, and lives at St.
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Marys; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Henry, who was killed at the battle of Murfreesboro during the Civil War; Lucinda, who married Washington Bone, and is now deceased, being survived by one daughter, Rhoda, who is married and lives at Toledo; Mary Jane, who married Ephraim Grandon and lives at Ohio City ; Sallie Ann, deceased some 16 years ago, who was thrice married and left one daughter, Edna; Caroline, who married Wesley Bone and resides in Montezuma; Eliza, who married Elza Buxton; Emma, deceased in childhood; Lydia, who married John Buxton-their son, Single- ton, operates one of Mr. Hyler's farms; and Samuel R., who married Eliza- beth Bingeman, of Kansas, and has four children, one of whom, William, an expert electrician, was for a time in the employ of the government, working on wireless telegraphy in Egypt.
After his first marriage, Mr. Hyler and wife moved to Butler township, Mercer County, where they were among the very early settlers. He bought a farm of 511/2 acres on which he lived for one year and then sold it and in 1854 settled in Franklin township, south of Montezuma, and lived on that farm until after the death of his first wife, which occurred July 4, 1890. He then rented that property and built a house on his present farm, which was subsequently destroyed by fire, but was later replaced by the present comfort- able residence. He was married (second), February 5, 1893, to Elizabeth Chilcoat, of Fairfield County, a cousin of his first wife.
Mr. Hyler has been vouchsafed an experience permitted to only a favored few of the human family, and from 1818 to 1906 is a long period of time to have lived. He has left old ways, old scenes, and many old associates behind him, and still finds much to enjoy in life, although 88 winters have whitened his locks. When he came to Franklin township it was yet the home of the Indian and wild animals. His reminiscences of the early days here are full of incidents of absorbing interest. Mr. Hyler has "chawed" tobacco since the age of 10 years and it still tastes good to him.
JOHN JACOB BOLLENBACHER
JOHN JACOB BOLLENBACHER, JR., treasurer of Liberty township, is one of the substantial farmers of this locality. He owns a fine farm of 80 acres in section 12, on which he resides, and other tracts in the township, his total possessions aggregating 200 acres. He was born in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, July 28, 1863, and is a son of Adam and Christina (Koch) Bollenbacher, both natives of Germany.
Adam Bollenbacher accompanied his parents to America when about 12 years of age and the family has resided in Liberty township ever since, always
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maintaining its honorable standing. Our subject's grandfather, George Bol- lenbacher, was one of the best known pioneers of this township. Adam Bol- lenbacher, the father, was an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. His death occurred in April 24, 1901. The mother of our subject, who is now in her 63rd year, resides in Liberty township. Of a large family of children, nine survive, as follows: John Jacob, of this sketch; 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 Caro- line, wife of John J. Deitsch, of Liberty township; Frederick Joseph, of Lib- erty township ; and Amos B., of Black Creek township.
John J. Bollenbacher was reared to man's estate in Liberty township and obtained his education in the public schools. His life has been mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits and he is one of the enterprising and repre- sentative farmers of the township.
On March 11, 1888, Mr. Bollenbacher was married to Effie B. Strobel, who was born in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late Peter Strobel. Mrs. Strobel, who is 80 years of age, resides with her daughter, Mrs. Bollenbacher.
In politics, Mr. Bollenbacher is a stanch Democrat. He assumed the duties of his present office on January 1, 1906, and has become a very popu- lar official. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association.
T. P. TAYLOR, M. D.
T. P. TAYLOR, M. D., one of the skilled physicians and surgeons of Celina, was born in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of the late Dr. James Taylor.
Dr. James Taylor was born in Wayne County, Ohio. He graduated from the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute and engaged in medical prac- tice first in Wayne County, and later at Beaver Dam and through Allen and Hancock counties. Representation being made to him that a fine field for work was open at Portland, Indiana, he started overland for that point, but at that time transportation was difficult and when he reached Celina he was persuaded to settle here, where a physician was needed, instead of going to his intended destination in Indiana. Dr. Taylor continued to practice medi- cine in Mercer County for over a half century, becoming prominent in his pro- fession and esteemed as a man. He died in September, 1903, aged 82 years and 6 months. During the Civil War he was particularly active in support of the government and was a member of a military committee in Mercer County.
T. P. Taylor completed his literary education at the Ohio Normal Uni-
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versity at Ada, and in 1879 entered the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute as had his honored father before him, and was graduated in June, 1881. He entered into practice in connection with his father and so continued until 1888, when he bought a drug store, which he has conducted ever since. He is a member of the American Medical Association and of the Mercer County Medical Society.
In May, 1891, Dr. Taylor was married to Rosa O'Neil, a daughter of John O'Neil, and they have one son, Neil Edward.
Dr. Taylor is a stockholder in the Home Telephone Company and in the Mercer County Building and Loan Association. He is an enterprising, pub- lic-spirited citizen, is interested in local politics and has served on the Village Council. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees and the Masons.
J. V. RICHARDSON
J. V. RICHARDSON, M. D., who is a leading medical practitioner at Fort Recovery, was born in Gibson township, Mercer County, Ohio, February 13, 1851, and is a son of Dr. J. C. and Mary G. Richardson, the former of whom was one of the pioneer physicians at Fort Recovery.
Dr. J. V. Richardson, who is the oldest physician and surgeon, in point of continuous practice, at Fort Recovery, was reared here and received his literary education in the schools of this place. He was prepared for college by his father and in 1869 entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1872. He located for five months at Montezuma, Mercer County, but in September, 1872, settled permanently at Fort Recovery. For several years he was in partnership with his late father, and also with his brother, Dr. David H. Richardson, now of Celina, and Dr. J. W. Blizzard. He carries on a general medical practice, but makes a specialty of surgery, in which he has met with much success. As far back as 1891 he was a very successful operator in case of appendicitis and he is frequently called into con- sultation with other eminent surgeons in his own State and in Indiana. Per- sonally Dr. Richardson is not disposed to accord himself the skill which his many brother practitioners admire in him, but his reputation has been proven on many occasions to be a just one. He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association.
Dr. Richardson was married to Sarah Snyder, a daughter of William and Martha Snyder. They have one daughter, Elva E. Aside from his pro- fessional labors, Dr. Richardson is a good citizen, taking part in public-spirited movements and contributing time and attention to matters of public moment to his community.
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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY
WILLIAM ROSCOE WEST
WILLIAM ROSCOE WEST, who owns and operates a fine farm of 95 acres in section 6, Jefferson township, was born in Darke County, Ohio, July 13, 1859, and is a son of Marcus and Martha ( Pratt) West.
Marcus West was born in Delaware, but was taken to Pennsylvania in childhood and was reared in that State. In young manhood he came to Darke County with his father, Jonathan West, and there married Martha Pratt, a daughter of James Pratt, a farmer of that section. When William R. West was about three years old, his parents moved to Mercer County, and settled on a farm of 80 acres which is still occupied by his mother. There he was reared and remained until his marriage. His father died February 21, 1905. He was a well-known and highly respected citizen.
On October 15, 1881, William R. West was married to Emma Karzch, who is a daughter of John Karzch, a farmer of Hopewell township. Mr. and Mrs. West have eight children: Ellen, Frank, Lewis, Noah, Floyd, Bryan, Clara and Lucy. Mr. West is serving as school director in his district.
After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. West settled on the farm they have occu- pied ever since. His resources being limited, his first purchase of land con- sisted of six acres, to which he gradually added as he could afford it, buying 37 more in the next purchase, then 121/2 and later 40 acres, until now he has a farm as large as he can conveniently operate, even with the help of his sturdy sons. Mr. West has reason to fell gratified with what he has accom- plished, as it has been entirely the result of his own industry and good man- . agement. He has his land in fine condition, and has a comfortable home and substantial barns and outbuildings.
In politics Mr. West is a Democrat. He is a good, reliable, industrious citizen and a man in whom his neighbors repose the greatest confidence.
GEORGE H. DUES
GEORGE H. DUES, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Butler town- ship, resides on his farm of 76 acres in section 4, and also owns a farm of 90 acres which is situated one and a half miles west of his home farm, making a total of 166 acres of valuable land. Mr. Dues was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, January 8, 1852, and is a son of George and Elizabeth Dues. Further men- tion of the parents of our subject will be found in the sketch of Barney Dues in this volume.
George Dues, our subject's father, came to Mercer County with his par- ents in 1854. His mother died shortly after they settled in Butler township,
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UPPER ROW-CHILDREN OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN WHITE
LOWER ROW-(Reading from left to right)-HORACE WHITE, JOHN WHITE, MRS. EMMARELDA W. WHITE, MRS. HANNAH W. MOHAT
MRS. SARAH W. FAUGHT MRS ROZELLA W. MILLER
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and the father, with his children, returned to Cincinnati, where he remained two years, returning then to Butler township, where he located permanently,
Our subject was reared and educated in Butler township and has always had his business interests here. He owns property which is favorably located for general farming and stock-raising and belongs to the substantial farming class of Butler township.
After reaching manhood Mr. Dues was married to Kate Hagedorn and they have had eight children, as follows: Henry; Mary, wife of August Fisher ; Edward, Leo, Anthony, Clara and Gregory, all at home; and Frances, the third child, who died aged one year and nine months.
Mr. Dues, like other members of his family, belongs to the Catholic Church. He is a citizen who is held in esteem for his many sterling traits of character. The family is a numerous and leading one in this section.
JOHN WHITE
JOHN WHITE, a leading citizen and representative farmer of Liberty township, who has resided for a number of years upon his well-developed farm of 190 acres, situated in section 27, near Durbin, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, April 5, 1835, and is a son of John and Sylvia (Wyman) White.
According to family traditions, the White family, of which our subject is a member, was founded in America by an ancestor who landed on Plymouth Rock in what is now Massachusetts, having been one of the "Mayflower's" passengers. The name White appears on the list of passengers and there is every reason to suppose that the claim of the family is a just one. From New England a branch of the family removed to New York and in that State John White, the father of our subject, was born and married. Early in the settlement of Scioto County, Ohio, he and his wife settled permanently there, after a short residence in Kentucky. Eleven children were born to our subject's parents, of whom but three are now living, namely: Horace, John and Mrs. Hannah W. Mohat. John White served in the War of 1812. Three of his sons served in the Civil War in defence of the Union: Horace and Asa in the 91st Regiment, Ohio, Vol. Ind., and Nelson in the 100-day service.
John White, the subject of these lines, attended the district schools, the sessions being held in log structures, rudely built, and grew to manhood well trained in agricultural work in all its details. Early in life he became self- supporting and may justly be termed as a self-made man, having accumulated his possessions through his own efforts. His well-cultivated farm is one of value and the family residence is a pleasant, comfortable home.
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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY
On October 26, 1856, Mr. White was united in marriage with Emma- relda Wilson, who was born in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1841, and is a daughter of James and Michal (Gilliam) Wilson, and a granddaughter of Jeremiah Gilliam, a ship carpenter by trade, who owned a vessel which was destroyed by the British in the War of 1812. James Wilson, the father of Mrs. White, was born in Kentucky, and his wife was a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Mrs. White was reared in Jackson County until the age of six years, when her parents moved to Scioto County and became neigh- bors of the White family. The children of our subject and wife were as follows: William J., a resident of Stark County, Ohio; Levi A., of Scioto County ; Mary A., wife of Daniel C. Roberts, of Dayton, Ohio; George E., of Liberty township; Lenora A., wife of John O. Brock, of Liberty township; and Sarah Eliza, Rozella Adella, Lola I., Edward V. and Clarence V., all deceased.
After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. White continued to reside in Scioto County until 1881, when they removed to Mercer County. With but a short interval, they have resided ever since in Liberty township. When the Rebel general, Morgan, made his famous raid through Southern Ohio, in the Civil War, Mr. White went out, with other good citizens, and assisted in driving the Confederate raiders from the State. He has always been active in politics to the extent of good citizenship, and is identified with the Republican party. For three years during his residence in Madison township, Scioto County, he served as constable.
Mr. White has been a church member since young manhood. During his residence in Madison township, Scioto County, he was prominently iden- tified with the Methodist Protestant Church, for several years serving as class leader and as superintendent of the Sunday-school, and assisted in the building of two churches of that religious body. After coming to Mercer County, both he and his wife united with the Church of God and he is now a trustee of the church in Liberty township. Individually and collectively, this family is held in high esteem in Liberty township.
The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. White was celebrated at their home on Friday, October 26, 1906, the guests present on this occasion num- bering about 90. Among those who came from a distance were the following : Horace White and Mrs. Hannah W. Mohat (brother and sister of our sub- ject), J. Dillon, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. White and L. A. White, of Scioto: County ; J. O. White, of Columbus; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel C. Roberts, of Day- ton; Dr. and Mrs. A. Stephenson, of Celina and Mr. and Mrs. Hickett Red- kins, of St. Marys. All of the five surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. White were present, also seven of the nine grandchildren and six of the seven great- grandchildren. The surprise of the occasion was the marriage of their grand-
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daughter, Edna White, to David Freeman, Rev. O. A. Harris, of Bluffton, Indiana, performing the ceremony and the grandfather and grandmother of the bride acting, respectively, as groomsman and bridesmaid. After the mar- riage ceremony, which took place at high noon, all partook of a bountiful dinner. Many valuable presents were received by Mr. and Mrs. White.
A family group picture, taken at the time of the golden wedding, and portraits of two deceased daughters of the family, accompany this sketch.
ANDREW BOLLENBACHER
ANDREW BOLLENBACHER, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Lib- erty township, residing on his valuable farm of 80 acres in section 12, belongs to an old pioneer family of this locality, which has many substantial repre- sentatives in Mercer County. Our subject was born September 2, 1868, in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Adam and Christina (Koch) Bollenbacher.
The Bollenbacher family originated in Germany and was founded in Mercer County by George Bollenbacher, the grandfather of our subject. Adam Bollenbacher, the father, was also born in Germany, but spent the greater part of his life in Liberty township, where he became a large farmer and honored citizen. His death took place April 25, 1901, and in that event Liberty township lost a citizen of more than usual worth. He had done much to develope its agricultural resources and had lived an exemplary, worthy life. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member and a liberal supporter of the Evangelical Association. His widow, who still survives, resides in Lib- erty township and is a lady who is worthy of the esteem and affection in which she is held.
Andy Bollenbacher was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the district schools. His life has been mainly devoted to agri- cultural pursuits and the excellent condition of his farm testifies to the interest he takes in its management.
On April 27, 1893, Mr. Bollenbacher was married to Catherine Ceil- inger, who was born in Germany and when two years old was brought by her parents, Michael and Elizabeth (Kundinger) Ceilinger, to America. They settled in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, where she was 1
reared; later they removed to Muncie, Indiana, where they are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bollenbacher have seven children, as follows: Elmer E., Romy G., Lolie E., Henry S., Eda C., Victor and Ralph.
Politically Mr. Bollenbacher is identified with the Democratic party.
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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY
Although not actively interested in politics, he is a citizen who takes a though-' ful interest in public affairs and gives hearty support to movements calculated to improve the public schools.
JAMES CALVIN BRANDON
' JAMES CALVIN BRANDON, for seven years trustee of Jefferson township, resides on his well-improved farm of 80 acres, situated in section 8, and is numbered with the representative men of this locality. Mr. Brandon was born in Mercer County, Ohio, June 6, 1849, and is a son of David and Ella . (Hole) Brandon.
James Brandon, the grandfather of James C., was one of the early pio- neers of Darke County, Ohio, and there David Brandon was born and reared and acquired a farm of 80 acres. He died in Darke County and his widow married a Mr. Walton and died when James C. Brandon was about 16 years old. The three children of the first marriage were: James Calvin ; Lewis, who was accidentally killed at Celina, in 1905; and Mrs. Nancy Jane Pres- singer, of Versailles, Ohio.
Since the age of eight years James C. Brandon has lived in Mercer County, and from the age of 10 years, with the exception of two years spent in Michigan, he has lived in Jefferson township. After his marriage, when he was about 24 years old, he worked in a sawmill in Jefferson township, and then moved to Celina, where he worked for two years in the handle factory. He then bought a farm of 80 acres of timberland and for some years the family lived in a round-log cabin on the place. The old cabin still stands in the shadow of the fine new house which was completed in 1903. In 1893 the substantial barn and other farm buildings were erected. Mr. Brandon has met with a very gratifying amount of success. He has not given his entire attention to farming as a part has been devoted to the improving of his stock and he now owns 10 head of fine horses, several blooded ones among them.
In 1873 Mr. Brandon was married to Caroline Beyer, a daughter of John Beyer, a farmer of Butler township, and they have had seven children, of whom Frank died aged two years and Shelby died aged six months. The others are: Mary, who is the wife of Lewis Gaus, of Butler township, and the mother of one child, Mabel Marie; and Charles, William, J. V. and Elsie, all of whom reside at home.
Mr. Brandon is a member of the Christian Church and one of the board of trustees. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party.
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EDMUND BRANDTS
EDMUND BRANDTS, an enterprising citizen and leading business man of Celina, secretary and treasurer of The Mersman Bros., Brandts Company, furniture manufacturers, was born at Gladbach, Rhenish Prussia, Germany, in 1879, and is a son of Carl Brandts.
The father of Mr. Brandts is a retired woolen manufacturer of Germany. For many years he carried on a large business but finally retired and sold his mills to his sons, who do an extensive business.
Edmund Brandts was reared and educated in Germany and after he had completed his schooling entered his father's mills and was engaged in the manufacture of woolens until he came to America in November, 1904. In the following February he bought of Henry Lennartz a one-quarter interest in the present business, which was then conducted under the firm name of Lennartz & Mersman Brothers. In May, 1906, the firm became Mersman Brothers & Brandts, Mr. Lennartz having disposed of his remaining interest to the other members of the firm. In September, 1906, The Mersman Bros., Brandts Company was incorporated, of which company Mr. Brandts became secretary and treasurer. This business was established at Celina by the father of Edward H. and Walter J. Mersman and it has been developed into a con- cern which has customers all over the United States.
On June 6, 1905, Mr. Brandts was united in marriage with Lillie Hirsch, of Celina. Mr. Brandts is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Celina.
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