USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Mercer County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 38
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J. FRANK LUMB
J. FRANK LUMB, who for a period of more than 28 years past has held a professorship in the Ohio State School for the Blind at Columbus, resides at his beautiful country home, "White Hall," in Center township, Mercer County.
Mr. Lumb was born at St. Marys, Auglaize County, Ohio, August 9, 1854, and is a son of John and Mary ( McKinnie) Lumb and a grandson of Abram Lumb, who was the first of the family in the United States, locating at Zanesville, Ohio, where he was prominent as a woolen manufacturer. Abram Lumb, who was a near relative of the Duke of Wellington, came from Yorkshire, England.
John Lumb, father of our subject was born in Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio, and supplemented a common-school education with a course in Dennison University at Granville, Ohio. He then engaged in teaching a number of years. Subsequently he moved to Dayton, Ohio, thence to St.
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Marys, where he opened what was known as the "Lock Store" on the bank of the canal. In 1854 he came to Center township, Mercer County, and pur- chased what has since been known as the Lumb farm. Here he lived until his death, January 17, 1897, at the good old age of 82 years. His wife's, death followed in October of the same year. His wife, Mary McKinnie in maiden life, was born at Zanesville, Ohio, and was a daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Smelzer) McKinnie, the former of Highland Scotch parentage and the latter of Pennsylvania German. Mr. McKinnie came to Ohio from Franklin County, Pennsylvania, locating in Zanesville, where he rose to prominence as a citizen and merchant, being regarded as a leader who shaped the policies and largely directed the affairs of that city. Mr. and Mrs. John Lumb became the parents of the following children: Robert, who died in Andersonville Prison in July, 1863; Abram, who lives on the home farm with our subject ; John H., who died at an early age; Mary, who died at three years of age; Julius, who died aged six years ; and J. Frank. John Lumb was a Republican in politics, but never aspired to political preferment. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church at Neptune.
J. Frank Lumb was six weeks old when brought by his parents to Center township, and his present farm has been his home ever since. He was reared here and entered school at the age of six years. He was permitted to enjoy but three years of school life in the manner of the average boy, for at the . age of nine years he was stricken with blindness as a result of scarlet fever. At the age of 12 years he entered the Ohio State School for the Blind at Columbus, from which he was graduated in June, 1874. He then entered Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in the meantitme teaching music throughout Mercer and Van Wert counties during his vacations. On June 19, 1878, he accepted a position as teacher in the primary department of the Ohio State School for the Blind, and has since been identified with this in- stitution, having in June, 1906, been selected for the 29th consecutive term. At the present time he is serving as professor of history and literature. Dur- ing the administration of Governor Campbell, he was tendered the superin- tendency of the institution and was strongly urged to accept by the governor, whose personal friend he was, but he declined as the additional duties would have prevented his giving his usual attention to his aged parents, who always came first in his mind and heart. It was for them that he built, in 1884, one of the largest and most beautiful country homes in Mercer County, planning the details of its construction and arrangement himself, and even planning the beautiful lawn with its walks, trees and shrubbery. The house contains 10 rooms of unusual size, which are finished in hardwood-some in walnut, others in cherry and some in white ash. His mother's room is sacredly kept the same in furnishings and arrangement as it was during her lifetime. The
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faculty of the institution gave Mr. Lumb's country residence the name of "White Hall," after that of Cardinal Wolsey, the English statesman, because of a certain similarity in the two men. Mr. Lumb was undoubtedly due for appointment as superintendent of the school by Governor Pattison in 1906, but the Governor was cut short in his great career before the appointment was made. Mr. Lumb has made it a rule to return to his country home at least once a month, has never missed voting at a State or National election, and has missed but two local elections during the 28 years he has taught in Columbus. Some years ago in a public address he made the statement that his trips to and from Columbus represented over 50,000 miles of travel, or more « than twice the circumference of the world. At the present time it would be nearly three times the distance around the world.
Mr. Lumb was married in May, 1901, to Lucy A. Ziegler, of Columbus, Ohio, where she had taught first in the public schools and- later in the State School for the Blind. She was born and reared in that city and is a daugh- ter of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Bugh) Ziegler. Politically, Mr. Lumb is a stalwart Democrat. He has been a candidate for office but once. At the death of Judge Beckman, he became a candidate for the office of probate judge, but withdrew before the election, because of the serious illness of his mother, who died shortly afterward. Religiously Mr. Lumb is a member of the Congregational Church. He is a member of Celina Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Lumb has but one wish to express, and that is to return to "White Hall" when his public life is ended, and spend his declining years in the happy companionship of his estimable wife and his lifelong friends.
MRS. HENRIETTA VARWIG
MRS. HENRIETTA VARWIG, a respected and esteemed resident of Jeffer- son township, lives on her well-improved farm of 164 acres, located in sec- tion 7. She is the widow of the late Dietrich Richard Varwig, who was a very highly considered farmer of this township. Mrs. Varwig was born April 22, 1849, in Hanover, Germany, and is a daughter of Frank and Kat- rina (Varwig) Wanker.
The parents of Mrs. Varwig emigrated to America in 1854, when she was a child of five years. They settled at New Bremen, Auglaize County, Ohio, where they remained a year and a half. In the old country, the father had worked in a salt factory, but the wages had been too small to permit of his accumulating much capital, and Mrs. Varwig has heard her mother say that when the little family reached New Bremen the sum of 15 cents was their sole capital! They found there good, kind, German hearts, however, and Mr.
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Wanker found employment in a pork packing establishment until he could select a piece of land on which to found a home. This proved to be a tract of 40 acres in the woods in Shelby County, and the family took up its residence in a little, old log cabin. There they remained for four years, undergoing many hardships. The father was only able to get 10 of his 40 acres cleared in the four years he lived on the place, and then found a chance to sell out. He bought the farm for $400, and sold it for $925. He then purchased a farm in Washington township, Mercer County, for which he paid $1,000. It is very interesting to thus trace the prosperity of some of the old families and see how industry and economy are rewarded.
Mrs. Varwig was reared by a good mother and taught all the thrifty ways for which the German housewives are noted. When she was 21 years of age, she was married (first) to John Maier, who had also been born in Germany. Mr. Maier died on January 26, 1885. They had seven children, the two who still live being: William, who owns a farm of 100 acres; and Mrs. Mena Getz, who has these children-Lizzie, Minnie, Annie, John and Henry. Mr. Maier left a farm of 146 acres to his family.
On January 12, 1886, Mrs. Maier was united in marriage with Dietrich Richard Varwig. Mr. Varwig was born May 27, 1858, in Kirchspiel Dis- son, Amt Iburg, Hanover, Germany, and came to America in 1880. He joined an uncle who lived in Washington township, Mercer County, where he worked one year and later worked for Fritz Rabe and Valentine Fortman, in the same neighborhood. From the latter's farm he went to a suburb of Chi- cago, where he worked on a railroad as a section foreman. On November II, 1885, he came back to Mercer County and entered the employ of Mrs. Maier, the lady he subsequently married. Five children were born to them, three of whom, two sons and a daughter, are deceased. The surviving chil- dren are Ida and Fritz. He was also survived by sisters and brothers, name- ly : Mrs. Barthold, of Chicago; Mrs. Bernard Niehaus and Mrs. Fritz Brune, of Celina ; Christian, of Dayton, Ohio; and Heinrich, of Cincinnati.
. In 1888 Mr. and Mrs. Varwig bought the present farm which was then all timber-land. They worked hard, cleared it and made a very fine property of it. In 1900 they built the substantial red barn, at a cost of $1,000 and a granary that cost $300, and in 1903 erected the handsome frame residence at a cost of $1.300. It is one of the most comfortable homes in this part of the township. Mr. Varwig did not live very long to enjoy its possession, a sad accident occurring to him on February 27, 1903, which caused his death 12 hours later. Briefly stated, the disaster was as follows: While assisting in repairing his wind pump, a heavy block of wood fell from the scaffolding above, striking him on the head and rendering him unconscious. His faith- ful wife, who was standing near, ran to his assistance and in a very short
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MR. AND MRS. JOHN ZENZ AND FAMILY
RESIDENCE OF JOHN ZENZ
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time had him in a carriage, conveying him to Celina to see a physician. The painful operation of sewing up the wound in his head greatly exhausted him, and after reaching home and being tenderly cared for he passed into sleep and never awakened again on earth.
Mr. Varwig was a most excellent man, a hard worker, a kind husband and father and an accommodating neighbor. He was respected by all who knew him. He was a worthy member of the Lutheran Church, to which religious body Mrs. Varwig also belongs.
JOHN ZENZ
JOHN ZENZ, a well-known citizen of Sharpsburg, a general merchant and dealer in farm implements, was born at Sharpsburg, Mercer County, Ohio, October 12, 1876, and is a son of George and Barbara (Friedman) Zenz.
Both parents of our subject were born in Germany. The father ac- companied his mother and step-father to America, when he was a child of seven years. They settled on a farm in Lorain County, Ohio, 12 miles from Cleveland, and there George Zenz was reared. After his marriage he came to Mercer County and in 1867 settled in Gibson township, where he bought 63 acres of land. He had established himself in a mercantile business in 1862, which he operated until 1885, when his wife took charge of the store and he devoted his atttention to farming. He continued to acquire land until he owned 430 acres which he so divided that each of his three sons received a fine farm. The three children of George and Barbara Zenz were: George, deceased in 1904 at the age of 39 years, who married Mary Shafer and is survived by four children, residents of Gibson township; Peter, residing on his valuable 154-acre farm in Gibson township, who married Rosina Plas and has three children ; and John, who is the subject of this sketch.
John Zenz attended school at Sharpsburg until he was 13 years of age, although he was only 10 years old when he began a little business enterprise of his own, this being the running of a huckster wagon, which he continued, off and on, for some four years. As soon as he left school he began to assist his father in the store and then went to work for his father on the farm. When about 19 years of age he left the farm and devoted himself entirely to assisting his mother in the store and continued to help her until 1903, when she retired and he took full charge. He carries a large stock of goods and they are so well selected that he enjoys patronage from a radius of 20 miles, having a large trade. His excellent and varied stock, combined with his
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honorable and straight-forward methods of dealing, have secured him public confidence. He enjoys a large trade in farm implements and machinery.
In 1899 Mr. Zenz was married to Rosa Brandwie, a daughter of Ber- nard Brandwie, and they have four children-Clara, Martha, Otto and Richard. Mr. Zenz and family belong to St. Paul's Catholic Church at Sharpsburg. A group picture of Mr. and Mrs. Zenz and their family, and a view of their large cement block residence, which Mr. Zenz erected in 1905, are shown on pages in proximity to this.
BARNEY DUES
BARNEY DUES, a prominent farmer and extensive raiser of fine cattle and stock, resides on his valuable farm of 162 acres, situated in section 4, Butler township. He was born April 18, 1853, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a son of George and Elizabeth Dues.
The parents of Mr. Dues were born in Germany but were married in America, the father being 28 years of age when he emigrated from the old country. He located in Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, when our subject was one year old. In the same year his wife died and he then return- ed to Cincinnati, where he had previously lived, and where he remained for two years longer, returning then to Butler township, having been married a second time while residing in Cincinnati.
Barney Dues was reared from childhood in Butler township and attended the district schools. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has the reputation of being one of the township's most successful farmers. In 1890 he added to his activity by embarking in a sawmill business, erecting a large mill on his own farm, and for a number of seasons he has run two threshing machines. He has been one of the leading stockmen in this section, paying a great deal of attention to raising Red Polled cattle and thorough-bred hogs. He has a substantial residence and excellent farm buildings of all kinds and his farm presents every evidence of thrift and prosperity.
Mr. Dues was married in early manhood to Elizabeth Windker, who is a daughter of Henry Windker, and they have 10 children, all of whom are living, making a large and happy circle of kindred, as follows: George and Kate, both of whom live at home; Rose, who married Joseph P. Brown and has one child; and Bernard, Herman, Joseph, August, Pauline, Conrad, and Helen. All have enjoyed good educational advantages and are numbered with the respected and popular members of the society of their neighborhood.
Mr. Dues is one of the leading members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Philothea and was formerly one of the board of directors. He is a good,
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intelligent, enterprising citizen, who is awake to the business advantages of his section and takes an interest in adding to its importance. He has served on the School Board.
DANIEL BROCK
DANIEL BROCK, who owns and operates a fine farm of 120 acres located in section 33, Gibson township, was born in Preble County, Ohio, March 28, 1832, and is a son of John and Margaret Brock.
John Brock was born in Lexington, Virginia, and was a son of Frederick Brock. After reaching manhood, he moved to Preble County, Ohio, and married Margaret Sharp, a daughter of Daniel Sharp, one of the pioneers of Darke County. He afterwards moved to Darke County, where both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives.
Daniel Brock was reared and educated in Darke County, where his par- ents moved when he was between four and five years of age. In 1856 he bought a farm in Mercer County, but did not move to this county until 1870, since which year he has made his home in Mercer County. Mr. Brock en- listed in the 152nd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and served during the last five months of the Civil War.
Mr. Brock was married July 31, 1859, to Jemima M. Weaver, a daugh- ter of William Weaver. They have had six children, all of whom are living, namely : John William, who lives one and a half miles south of his father's farm, in Darke County, his father's place being on the county line between Darke and Mercer counties-he is married and has two children : Amos Cal- vin, who is married and carries on his 160-acre farm in Darke County; Har- vey Marion, who is married and resides near Celina; Abraham Lincoln, who is married and lives in Darke County; Andrew Jackson Brock, who is married and resides in Jay County, Indiana ; and Emma Alice, who married Jacob Miller and resides on the home farm. Mrs. Brock died in January, 1906. Mr. Brock has served as supervisor of Gibson township, and also as school director several terms. He is a Republican in politics.
WILLIAM ROBERT ARMANTROUT
WILLIAM ROBERT ARMANTROUT, a prominent farmer of Recovery town- ship, residing on his 115-acre farm in section 18, and also owning 40 acres of land in section 23, Noble township, Jay County, Indiana, which he uses principally for pasture, was born in August, 1861, on the farm where he now resides. He is a son of Nelson and Mary Ann (Anderson) Armantrout and
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a grandson of James Armantrout, who moved from Champaign County, Ohio, to Jay County, Indiana, where he purchased a farm, in Noble township, and lived until his death.
Nelson Armantrout was born in Champaign County, Ohio, and when still a small child accompanied his father to Jay County, Indiana, where he was reared and educated, remaining on the farm until after his marriage. He married Mary Ann Anderson, a daughter of David Anderson, and a granddaughter, on her mother's side, of Alexander Scott. Alexander Scott and David Anderson, his son-in-law, together entered 80 acres of land, which is part of the farm in Recovery township now owned by our subject. Both are now deceased and buried on this farm in the old family graveyard. Nel- son Armantrout and his wife were the parents of three children: William Robert; Zerilda Edith, who married Robert Adney and died in March, 1896, leaving two children-Lola Dell and William Nelson; and Jane Adell, who married Robert Adney after the death of her sister, and lives in Noble town- ship. Jay County, Indiana. Mr. Armantrout died in May, 1902, and his wife, in 1898.
William Robert Armantrout was reared and educated in Recovery township and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married December 25, 1902, to Elizabeth DeHays, a daughter of John DeHays, one of the pioneers of Mercer County, who is a resident of Recovery township.
FRANK P. MILLER
FRANK P. MILLER, one of the representative and successful agricul- turists of Hopewell township, whose homestead of 160 acres in section 29 is known as "Pleasant View Farm," belongs to one of the township's prominent pioneer families. Mr. Miller was born on this farm, March 13, 1854, and is a son of John and Emily (Lincoln) Miller.
The father of Mr. Miller was born in Pennsylvania, but his mother's people came from New York. In young manhood John Miller became a resident of Richland County, Ohio, whence he came to Mercer County, set- tling on the farm which is now owned by our subject. He was a very early settler here and was concerned in the development of this locality. He was widely known, served many years as a justice of the peace and was held in the highest esteem by his fellow-citizens. He was one of the strong men of his times, honorable and upright and worthy in every relation of life. He died in 1891, having survived his wife since 1875.
Frank P. Miller spent his boyhood like other youths of his day in this section, plenty of hard work with a little schooling mixed in. Mr. Miller has
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always shown his interest in the public schools and has given support to all enterprises calculated to increase their efficiency and make them practical. He has always given particular attention to farming and has met with very satis- fying success in this line. His land is so favorably situated that its name of "Pleasant View" precisely describes it. Mr. Miller carries on general farming and some good stock can be seen in his pastures.
' Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Margaret Smith, who was born in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late George Smith. They have four children, namely : Gertrude A., Lurilla O., Clarence F. and Richard F. The eldest daughter married Asa Meister, a business citizen of Celina, and the second one is the wife of Walter Fetters, of Hopewell township.
For some years Mr. Miller served as a justice of the peace in Hopewell township, and also as school director. With his family he belongs to the Evangelical Association. Politically he is a Republican.
MARTYN TAYLOR, M. D.
MARTYN TAYLOR, M. D., a substantial citizen and a leading physician and surgeon at Fort Recovery, was born at Lynn, Greenup County, Kentucky, January 28, 1869, and is a son of Dr. Martyn and Lydia Jane (Draper) Taylor.
The father of our subject was born on the Adirondack Mountains, New York, and was a son of Eliphalet and Lucy Jane (Ballou) Taylor. The former, a solidier in the Revolutionary War, distinguished himself at the battle of Bennington. The grandmother of Dr. Taylor was a descendant of Maturin Ballou, who came from Devonshire, England, to Rhode Island, in 1640. The mother of the late President Garfield was a daughter of Hosea Ballou, of the same family.
The father of the subject of this sketch was orphaned at 18 years of age, at which time he was a resident of Adrian, Michigan. He had enjoyed com- mon-school advantages only, but was determined to gain a medical education, and with this end in view continued teaching school until he had acquired sufficient capital to enter the medical department of the University of Michi- gan. He was graduated there, receiving his degree in the spring of 1852. During the Civil War he served from September 12, 1861, until May 28, 1863, in Company E, 33rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and then became acting assistant surgeon until the close of the war, being present at many battles. He died at Sciotoville, Ohio, March 3, 1906.
In 1853 Dr. Martyn Taylor, Sr., married Lydia Jane Draper, and with
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his bride moved to Danby, Illinois, and in 1860, to Scioto County, Ohio. Three children were born to this union, the subject of this sketch being the youngest. The mother still resides at Sciotoville.
Dr. Martyn Taylor, of Fort Recovery, lived in Kentucky until he was IO years old, and then came to Mercer County; after living here one year, he moved to Scioto County, where he was mainly educated, being graduated from the Sciotoville High School. He then entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati and was graduated in medicine in 1896. During his younger years, while preparing for collegiate duties, he taught school. Dr. Taylor located immediately in Mercer County and there are few professional men in this part of the State who more fully enjoy the confidence of the public. He has been very successful as a physician and surgeon and frequently is called to other cities on consultation. He has invested in property at Fort Recovery and all his interests are centered here.
On December 29, 1897, Dr. Taylor was married to Nora E. Zwickert, a daughter of Augustus Zwickert, of Sciotoville, and they have one daughter, Helen M., who was born October 4, 1900.
Dr. Taylor is a member of Fort Recovery Lodge, No. 539, F. & A. M., and also of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He is a man of genial manner and engaging personality, is extremely generous and charitable and can al- ways be called upon to assist in public-spirited movements of a reputable char- acter. His professional skill, as well as his frank, pleasant manner, has at- tracted to him many admirers. .
HENRY KRAMER
HENRY KRAMER, a dealer in grain, hardware and groceries at Maria Stein, is one of the leading business men of Marion township, where he was born January 16, 1862.
Mr. Kramer was reared on his father's farm in Marion township, and made it his home until 1881. He then took charge of the mail route between St. John's and Maria Stein and at the same time had charge of the express office at Maria Stein, running the express wagon until December, 1885, when he retired from the mail route. While he was mail carrier he was obliged to endure many hardships from exposure. There was no depot erected until 1881 and he was obliged to take shelter under trees while waiting for the train, which was very often late. In September, 1884, he took charge of the freight office of the Toledo, Delphos & Burlington Railroad at Maria Stein, which office he held until April, 1893. In September, 1887, he purchased the property of J. Rumping, consisting of a house, two lots and a stable, paying
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$1,300 for the same. He moved upon the place the following December, his aunt, Gertrude Kramer, acting as housekeeper for him. He began buying grain for an outside concern in 1886, storing it in sacks until he had a car- load. In 1891 he formed a partnership with his brother, John M. Kramer, and started a machine shop. They then erected a warehouse, and engaged in the lumber business on a small scale. His trade increased and in 1895 he alone purchased 55,000 bushels of grain. The firm handled 100 car-loads of grain a year, and besides this Mr. Kramer carried on his lumber and hardware business. He dissolved partnership with his brother in 1899.
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