USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Mercer County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 50
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Mr. Bolton was married on October II, 1882, to Emma Brown, a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Bevington) Brown. Mr. Brown was born near New Castle, Pennsylvania, and moved, when scarcely a man in years, to Van Wert County, Ohio, where he and William Heath bought 40 acres of land, that became the nucleus of the Alexander Brown homestead. Brown was obliged to borrow $50 of his uncle, William Heath, to make the first payment on the place. He was the father of eight children and at his death left to each child 40 acres of land. Mr. Brown died May 26, 1896, aged 69 years and his wife, who was a native of York township, Van Wert County, Ohio, died December 17, 1896, aged 65 years. The maternal
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grandparents of Mrs. Bolton were John and Elizabeth Bevington, who were among the earliest settlers of Van Wert County. The paternal grand- parents of Mrs. Bolton were Robert and Margaret Brown, who were also early settlers of Van Wert County, coming from New Castle, Pennsylvania, at a very early date.
Mr. and Mrs. Bolton have had eight children, namely: Ray Rudolph, born April 20, 1884, who is a student of the Ohio University at Athens; Edgar William, born March 1, 1886, a graduate of the Mendon High School, who is a student at the Ohio University at Athens; Ross Lee, born October 15, 1888, who will graduate from the Mendon High School in the class of 1907; Bessie Ethel, born September 15, 1891, who will enter the Mendon High School in 1907; Louis, born October 24, 1893; Margaret Albina, born June 15, 1896; Harold O., born December 29, 1898; Bernice Loretta, born July 29, 1901; and Garland and two other children that died in infancy.
Mr. Bolton is a member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church and is a member also of the fraternal insurance organization known as the Home Guards of America. He is a Republican in politics, but exercises the privilege of voting for the best man for the office, regardless of party.
SAMUEL J. VINING
SAMUEL J. VINING, who is engaged in a real estate and insurance business at Celina, being one of the representative men of the village, was born in Randolph County, Indiana, in 1864, and is a son of the late Robert M. Vining, who was in his day. one of the most prominent men of Mercer County.
When he was about six months old, the parents of Mr. Vining removed to Darke County, and he was educated there and at Portland, Indiana. In 1880 he located at Chattanooga, Mercer County, where he engaged in farm- ing and also taught school in Black Creek township for 14 years. In 1896 he was elected clerk of the courts of Mercer County, and in 1899 he was reelected and served through six years, making a record for efficiency. Since leaving the clerk's office, he has been engaged in a real estate and general fire insurance business and represents the leading fire insurance companies of the country, some 23 in all. In his realty dealings he mainly buys and sells for himself, acting the part of a broker as occasion offers and placing safe investments when so desired. He is recognized as an honorable busi- ness man and enjoys the confidence of all who know him. He is a director in the Citizens' Banking Company, and is secretary of the Mercer County
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Agricultural Society. He has also served as a member of the Board of Education of Celina for a period covering nine years.
In 1887 Mr. Vining was married to Addie Ellsworth, of Mercer County, and they have three children, viz: Vernon Ellsworth, who is a recent gradu- ate of the public schools; Valley Echo and Leo Heath.
Mr. Vining is a man of social instincts and is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias, Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan, Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World and Eagles.
JOSEPH PLEIMAN
JOSEPH PLEIMAN, who died May 31, 1896, on his valuable farm of 95 acres, located in section 4, Butler township, was born at Philothea, Mercer County, Ohio, in 1848.
Mr. Pleiman was married in 1883, in Butler township, to Theresa Zumberge, a daughter of Henry and Kate Zumberge, who died in Germany. Mrs. Pleiman was born and reared in Germany and when 21 years old came to America. She lived first in Minster, Auglaize County, but since her marriage has resided on the farm which she has capably managed since her husband's death, and to which she has added 18 acres, making 113 acres in all. Mrs. Pleiman had six children, namely: Josephine, who married Joseph Ullerman and has two children, Rosella and Annie; Joseph; George; Frances; and Rosa and John, who died in infancy. The family belong to St. Mary's Catholic Church at Philothea.
Mr. Pleiman was a widower with four children at the time of his mar- riage to Theresa Zumberge. The children by his first marriage were as follows: Mary, who married Henry Neiberding; Katie, who married Charles Stukenborg; Elizabeth, who married Henry Renz; and Anna, de- ceased, who was the wife of Henry Shearer.
JOSEPH A. KUHN
JOSEPH A. KUHN, who resides on his well-developed farm of 40 acres, situated in section 9, Jefferson township, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, October 1, 1866, and is a son of Anthony, and Hester Ann (Swartz) (Bu- canon) Kuhn.
Anthony Kuhn and wife were the parents of five children, three of whom are still living. The record is as follows: Emma, who died aged 20 years; James, who lives in California; Joseph A .; Margaret, who mar-
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ried William Webster and lives in Piqua, Ohio; and William, who died aged three years. After the death of Mr. Kuhn, his widow married Jonathan Botkin. At the time of her marriage to Mr. Kuhn, she was the widow of Joseph Bucanon, and had one son, John L. Bucanon, a resident of Butler township. Mrs. Botkin died March 15, 1893.
Joseph A. Kuhn was reared and educated in Butler township, Mercer County, where his parents settled when he was but three years old, his father having purchased a farm of 80 acres. Mr. Kuhn resided in Butler township until after his marriage, when he moved to Jefferson township, purchasing the farm upon which he now lives in April, 1904.
Mr. Kuhn was married on November 15, 1894, ,to Rosa Goodnick, a daughter of John and Catherine (Schilling) Goodnick, both natives of Ger- many, who were brought to America by their respective parents when chil- dren. At the time of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Goodnick, she was the widow of Joseph Royer, of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Goodnick died August I, 1884, his wife surviving him until March 9, 1903. Mr. Kuhn has two children, namely: John Anthony, who was born January 8, 1896; and Eugene Robert, who was born February 2, 1905. Mr. Kuhn is also raising a niece, Millie Maria Goodnick. Mr. Kuhn is a Democrat and was elected by that party, in the fall of 1905, to serve a term of three years as township trustee.
J. B. SCHMITT
J. B. SCHMITT, a well-known citizen and one of the leading grocers of Celina, was born in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, August 24, 1861, and is a son of Barney Schmitt.
Barney Schmitt was born in Mercer County, where his father, a native of Germany, was one of the pioneer settlers, and where they both became prominent farmers.
J. B. Schmitt was reared on a farm in Marion township and was edu- cated in the district schools, remaining on the farm until 26 years of age. After leaving the farm, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, hoping to find suitable employment. Within a few days after his arrival in the city, he secured employment with Eckert Brothers, wholesalers and retailers of notions, and remained with them for three and a half years, at the end of which time he was employed by I. W. Klaw & Company, clothiers, and remained with them for the next three years. He then moved to Celina and engaged in the grocery business, in which he has since been engaged. Mr. Schmitt also has interests in several stock companies.
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Mr. Schmitt was married on November 13, 1893, to Josephine Schweitermann and has one child, Hilda. He and his family are members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Celina. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of St. John, St. Joseph's Aid Society, and the German Independent Aid Society and the Eagles. 1
IRA T. WOLLAM
IRA T. WOLLAM, a prosperous farmer of Union township, whose well- developed farm of 80 acres is located in section 5, was born March 15, 1847, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of Alfred and Nancy (Thomas) Wollam.
Alfred Wollam, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, was born Feb- ruary 8, 1820, and died in January, 1898, in his 78th year. He was a son of Jacob Wollam, a native of Virginia, and a resident of Columbiana County during the latter years of his life, who was always engaged in farming. He was a son of Balsam Wollam. Alfred Wollam was married to Nancy Thomas in his native county, after which he moved to Fairfield County and lived there for a period of 16 years, then removing to Mercer County in; 1865 and locating two miles east of Celina in Jefferson township, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Wollam were the parents of seven boys and two daughters, as follows: Ira T .; Hiram, a preacher of the Society of Friends, who resides in Richmond, Indiana; Warren J., carpenter by trade, residing at Hood River, Oregon; Byron, a painter by trade, living at St. Marys, Ohio; Emma, who married Ellsworth Green and lives on a farm near Celina; Joseph M., who resides in York township, Van Wert County, where he is engaged in farming; Maria, who married Walter Townsend, of Neptune; George H., who resides on the home farm two miles southeast of Celina; and Michael H., who resides on the line between Van Wert and Paulding counties. Mrs. Wollam died in 1902 at the age of 80 years.
Ira T. Wollam passed his early boyhood days in Columbiana County. He was about 16 years old when his parents moved to Mercer County, and he has resided in this county since that time. Mr. Wollam purchased the farm upon which he now resides in the spring of 1876, at which time it was wholly unimproved. He has made many improvements, having built a fine barn and other buildings and having cleared a greater part of the farm, which was chiefly timberland when he became the owner.
On February 25, 1869, Mr. Wollam was married to Mary Loretta Bolton, a daughter of Lewis and Mary (Parker) Bolton, who came from
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Knox County, Ohio, and settled in Mercer County just south of Mendon. Mr. Bolton was born January 12, 1825, and died November 25, 1860. Mary Parker was born December 25, 1824, and was married to Mr. Bolton on October 30, 1845. They had four children, namely: Matilda, deceased; William Lewis, who resides on a farm in Union township; Simon Peter, deceased; and Mary, the wife of our subject. After the death of Mr. Bolton, his widow again married, this time to Noah Pile, and has one son by this marriage, Basil T. Pile.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wollam, namely: Ella, who married Isam Ross and lives in Union township; Mattie, who married Parker Rhodes, resides on a farm in Union township and has three chil- dren-Hazel, Frank and Lena; Charles, deceased at the age of 10 years; Alice, who married Oscar Waltz, of Van Wert County, and has two chil- dren-Edna Pauline and Ira Kenneth; and Nannie and Bessie, who live at home.
In the Civil War, Mr. Wollam served in Company D, 193rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Gen. Winfield S. Hancock. He was mustered in at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, and participated in battles throughout West Virginia and Maryland. He was mustered out at Winchester, Virginia, and discharged at Camp Chase. He is a member of McKendree-Murlin Post, No. 318, G. A. R. Mr. Wollam is a Republican and was first elected township trustee in 1884, serving for seven years. After an intermission of nine years, he was again elected, in 1899, and has since served seven years. In 1903, while Mr. Wollam was trustee, the splendid Town Hall at Mendon was erected jointly by Union township and Mendon village at a cost of about $12,000. It is one of the finest buildings in the county, being in every way modern in architecture, construction and appointments. The same building at the present time would cost at least $14,000. Mr. Wollam makes a popular officer and his services have been entirely satisfactory to his fellow-citizens. Mr. Wollam began life entirely on his own resources and to-day stands among the most prosperous farmers of the township. He has bought and paid for his home and farm of 80 acres. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Mendon, and is connected with the Methodist Epis- copal Church.
CASPER CLUNE
CASPER CLUNE, a substantial farmer of Marion township, who resides on his 160-acre farm in section 10, was born on this farm January 28, 1866, and is a son of Gerhard and Bernardina (Wabler) Clune.
Gerhard Clune and his wife were both natives of Germany. He came
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to America when a young man and settled in Mercer County, purchasing a small farm of 40 acres in Marion township, which is part of the farm now owned by Casper Clune. He was engaged in working on the canal in Auglaize County for a time, as well as managing the farm, to which he kept adding until at the time of his death, September 25, 1875, at the age of 48 years, he owned 200 acres. He was married to Bernardina Wabler, who died in May, 1904, aged 66 years. They became the parents of II children, namely: Frank, who died aged 20 years; Mary, who died in childhood; Barney, who married a Miss Bolsinger; Bernardina, deceased, who married John Betke; Joseph, residing at St. Joseph; Josephine, who married Henry Meyer ; Casper; Henry, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Cath- erine, who married John Kroger; and Gerhard, who married Miss Gabbel.
Casper Clune was reared on his father's farm and assisted with the work until the time of his marriage at the age of 26 years. He bought his present farm from his mother in 1893. The first house built on the Clune farm was a log cabin, in which Casper was born, and the six-room house which Mr. Clune and his family occupy was built in 1871 by his father, who made his own brick and hewed his own timber. Mr. Clune remembers the time when the turnpike on which he now lives was a plank road, and also when his father was obliged to carry his grain on his back through the woods and brush, to the mill at Piqua, Ohio. In the spring of 1906, Mr. Clune bought a partnership in the Chickasaw Grain & Milling Company.
Mr. Clune has been married three times, (first) to Catherine Dabbelt, who had four children-Nora, Rose ( deceased), Minnie and John-and died in 1900. He was married (second) to Josephine Schroeder, who died April 24, 1906. One child was born to this union, Joseph, who is deceased. Mr. Clune was married (third) to Anna Ashman, a daughter of Henry Ashman, a native of Germany, residing at Cassella, Mercer County. Mrs. Clune is one of a family of nine children born to her parents, namely: Elizabeth, who married Anthony Foscal; Mary, who married Dick Bieler; John; Joseph; Anna; Agnes; Catherine; Henry and Philomena. Mr. Clune has been a member of the School Board for four years. He belongs to the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church at Chickasaw.
PETER LINN
PETER LINN, a prominent citizen of Liberty township and a member of the Board of County Commissioners, resides on his finely improved farm of 80 acres, which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Linn
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was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 4, 1859, and is a son of Philip and Gertrude (Fuchs) Linn.
The parents of Mr. Linn were also natives of Bavaria. His mother died when he was II years of age and he was 14 years old when his father brought the children to America and settled in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio. Two years later the father went back to Germany, where he died.
Peter Linn grew to manhood in Mercer County. The schooling he had received in Bavaria was supplemented by that he obtained in Liberty township, and as a large part of his life has been spent among intelligent people and as he has held important offices in his neighborhood, in the dis- charge of the duties of which offices he has been obliged to use great good judgment, Mr. Linn may be fairly considered one of the best informed men in his locality. He has resided upon his present farm since 1882.
In 1881 Mr. Linn was married to Caroline Menchofer, who was born in Mercer County, Ohio, and they have had six children, namely: Mary, who died aged two months; Saloma, Adrienne, Annie, Bertha and Walter.
Politically Mr. Linn is identified with the Democratic party. For three years he was a trustee of Liberty township, of which he has also been land appraiser. In the fall of 1902 he was elected county commissioner and entered upon the duties of this important office in September, 1903, and is still serving, having been reelected in the fall of 1905. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. He stands as one of the representative citizens of his township and personally is held in high esteem.
JOHN HENRY MORROW
JOHN HENRY MORROW, a well-known citizen of Hopewell township, formerly assessor of the same for several years, resides on his home farm of 80 acres, in section 22, and owns 40 additional acres in the vicinity. Mr. Morrow was born in Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio, January 27, 1856, and is a son of William and Mary (Wilson) Morrow, both natives of Ohio.
Mr. Morrow was reared on his father's farm in his native township and attended the local schools. His occupations have always been of an agricultural nature, and as he was thoroughly trained in practical farming he has met with very satisfying success since he has been engaged on his own account. His 120-acre estate is valuable land and his home is one of comfort and convenience.
Mr. Morrow married Mary Weaver, the estimable daughter of John
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Weaver, of Hopewell township, and they had four children, as follows: Stella, Perry, Clara and Nora. Stella is the only survivor. With his family, Mr. Morrow belongs to the United Brethren Church, in which he is serving as a trustee. He is well known in his neighborhood and is held in esteem on account of his sterling qualities and good citizenship.
ORLINGTON BARKER
ORLINGTON BARKER, a substantial farmer of Butler township, residing on a farm of 120 acres situated in section 25, was born near Rushville, Fairfield County, Ohio, January 3, 1862, and is a son of William J. and Nancy E. (Palmer) Barker.
William J. Barker was born in Perry County, Ohio, in 1831, and died in Franklin township, Mercer County, August 31, 1905. His wife was born in 1832, and is now residing on the home place. In 1863 they moved from Fairfield to Mercer County.
Orlington Barker was reared and educated in Franklin township and attended the district schools. In 1884 he bought 40 acres of farm land in Butler township, which he farmed while living at home. In 1891 he erected a large frame house, and three years later added a large barn to the many other improvements. In 1894 he purchased 40 acres more farm land, across the road from his original purchase of 40 acres, and in 1901 added another 40 acres adjoining his second purchase, making, in all, 120 acres of valuable farm land. Mr. Barker engages in farming and stock-raising and takes a great deal of pride in his fine stock. He owns some pedigreed Shorthorn cattle, high-grade Percheron horses and Cotswold sheep, his collection being as fine as any produced in the county.
On October 8, 1890, Mr. Barker was married to Lavergnie Walmire, a daughter of Joseph Walmire, both of Perry County, Ohio. They have two children: Joseph Walmire and Elsie Leah. Mr. Barker has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 15 years of age, is a trus- tee of the church and for the past 15 years has been a steward. In politics he is a Democrat.
GEORGE W. BECHER
GEORGE W. BECHER, a well-known and successful agriculturist of Liberty township, residing on his well-improved farm of 90 acres, situated in section 7, was born in this township February 29, 1868, and is a son of
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John and Anna Maria (Baker) Becher, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Pennsylvania.
John Becher was a boy when he accompanied his parents to America, his father, Frederick Becher, locating in Black Creek township, Mercer County, Ohio, among the pioneers. After his marriage, John Becher settled in Liberty township and was a prosperous farmer and substantial citizen here for many years. His death occurred on July 25, 1883. The mother of our subject survives and is in her 70th year.
George W. Becher was educated in the schools of Liberty township and until his marriage resided on the homestead farm. He has always followed an agricultural life. His farm is a valuable one from every point of view. For the past three years the Darby Oil Company has been developing both oil and gas on his property and has sunk II wells, with quite a large degree of success.
Mr. Becher was married to Mary Schlenker, a daughter of the late John Schlenker, formerly a resident of Celina, and earlier, of Liberty town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Becher have five children, namely: Mabel L., William J., Clarence E., Otis L. and Edith L. Politically Mr. Becher is a Demo- crat. He belongs to the Lutheran Church.
NELSON MAFFETT
NELSON MAFFETT, residing on his 145-acre farm in Jefferson township, in section 4, township 6 south, range 2 east, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, January 2, 1844, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Cheetham) Maffett.
The father of Nelson Maffett was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and was a son of William Maffett, who was a native of Loudoun County, Virginia. William Maffett married Catherine Lodge and they owned slaves and a large plantation, which they sold when they moved to Columbiana County, Ohio. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a man of some prominence in his locality. He died in 1865, aged 96 years, his sturdy strength having come from Scotch ancestors.
When Joseph Maffett was six years old he was taken by his parents to Carroll County, Ohio, where he later married Mary Cheetham, who was a daughter of John and Jane (Brown) Cheetham, substantial farmers, who were natives of Manchester, England. Mr. and Mrs. Cheetham both died in Carroll County. Mrs. Maffett was seven years old when she accompanied her parents to America.
Nelson Maffett was reared on his father's farm in Carroll County until
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the age of 12 years, when the family removed to Wyandot County, where his parents died, the father in 1880 and the mother in 1885. Mr. Maffett lived in Wyandot County until the fall of 1884, when he sold his farm of 40 acres and bought a farm of 105 acres in Jefferson township, Mercer County, mainly timberland. This land he has cleared and developed and has continued to improve, building here a large, comfortable frame house and substantial barn. He pays intelligent attention to the raising of Black Polled Angus cattle and Percheron horses. Mr. Maffett's property would command a high price in the market and its value is mainly due to what he has accomplished by his persevering industry and excellent methods.
On October 6, 1874, Mr. Maffett was married to Julia Landon, a daughter of James and Ruth Landon, of Ada, Ohio. Mrs. Maffett is a direct descendant of the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey, of English history, and her mother came from the noble old family of Dudley.
Mr. and Mrs. Maffett have four children, namely: Alberta, who mar- ried Newton Petrie, lives in Jefferson township and has two children, Harry and Gladys; Elmer Joseph, residing at home; Mary, who married William Preston Finley, lives in Jefferson township and has three children-Ruth, Irma and Berle; and Addie, who lives at home. Our subject and children, through his great-grandfathers, are eligible to the societies of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, both of these worthies having fought under General Washington.
Mr. Maffett does not take any very active interest in politics, but he is always concerned in the progress and development of his community. He is serving as a member of the township Board of Education and is one of the reliable, honorable citizens who reflect credit upon any neighborhood.
HON. FRANKLIN S. COLLINS
HON. FRANKLIN S. COLLINS, one of the leading citizens of Mercer County, conducting an extensive oil business at Celina, whose portrait accom- panies this sketch, was formerly probate judge of the county and for a period was mayor of Celina, as well as mayor of Mendon for two terms. He was born at Shane's Crossing (now Rockford), Mercer County, November 23, 1852, and is a son of Jacob and Adeline V. (Davis) Collins.
The Collins family is an old pioneer one of Mercer County, the grandfa- ther, Moses Collins, having settled here at a very early date. Jacob Collins, father of Franklin S. Collins, was born in Miami County, Ohio, in May, 1832, and was married in Mercer County. The mother of our subject was born in
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