USA > Ohio > Morrow County > History of Morrow County, Ohio; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Vol. II > Part 27
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David Feigley's early experiences were those gained in con- nection with the work of the homestead farm on which he was born, and he has never regretted the discipline that taught him the dig- nity of honest toil. His educational privileges were those offered in the common schools of the locality and period, and these he attended only during the winter terms. when his aid was not in requisition in connection with the work of the farm. Upon attain- ing to his majority he started out to fight the battle of life for hin- self, and for the first two years he was employed at farm work for others, under yearly contracts. He soon afterwards assumed con- nubial responsibilities, and he has noted in an appreciative and reminiscent way that when he was married his capitalistic resources were summed up in the amount of three hundred dollars, while he had not vet become the owner of any land. His first purchase of land was made in 1875, when he secured a tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Canaan township. He reclaimed this to culti- vation and labored with all of zeal and earnestness to improve his status in life. As his resources became more ample he continued to make judicious investments in farm lands in the county and, as already stated, he is now the owner of more than three hundred acres of land, the major portion of which is available for cultiva- tion and provided with the best of improvements. He has a commo- dious and attractive residence and the home is known for its gener- ous hospitality. The success of Mr. Feigley as one of the world's
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workers is gratifying to contemplate, as is has been worthily won through legitimate avenues of industry. Just and sincere in his relations with his fellow men, he has not been denied the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem in the county that has ever represented his home, and he is to-day one of its substantial citizens and prosperous farmers and stoek-growers. His politieal allegiance is given to the Democratic party and while he has never sought or desired public office he has been at all times ready to do his share in supporting measures advaneed for the general good of the community.
On the 26th of February, 1865, Mr. Feigley was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary A. Bailey, who was born in Gilead township, Morrow county, on the 2d of December, 1844, and who is a daugh- ter of the late David and Sarah (Weaver) Bailey, worthy pioneer citizens of this eounty, where they continued to reside until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Feigley became the parents of two children- Sarah, who is the wife of Victor L. Brooks, a sueeessful business man of the village of Edison, this county; and William H., who was a farmer by vocation and who died in Canaan township on the 3d of July, 1906, at the age of thirty-seven years and six months.
ISAAC SIMON BALLIETT is closely identified with the agrieul- tural interests of Morrow county, being pleasantly located in North Bloomfield township, where he is profitably engaged in general farming on his mother's estate, which he is managing with ability and success. The worthy descendant of an honored pioneer of this county, he is especially deserving of mention in this volume. He was born March 18, 1863, in Crawford county, Ohio, a son of Enoch Balliett. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Balliett, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in pioneer days and located in Morrow county, where he improved a farm.
Enoeh Balliett was born in North Bloomfield township, Mor- row county, in October, 1830, and was reared to agricultural pur- suits. During his early manhood he resided in Crawford county a few years, but in 1867 returned to Morrow county, and having purchased land in North Bloomfield township carried on general farming until his death, Mareh 8, 1883. ITis wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Klopfenstein, was born April 17, 1830, in Switzerland, a daughter of John Klopfenstein. Seven children were born of their marriage five of whom are now living, as follows: Samuel E., of Galion, Ohio; Hannah, wife of M. J. Mackey, of Crawford county, Ohio; Sophia E., wife of IIenry Muth, of North Bloomfield township; Isaae S., the subject of this brief sketeh ; and Amanda E., wife of William Cronowet, of North Bloomfield township.
His parents moving from Crawford county to Morrow county when he was a child of four years, Isaac S. Balliett was here edu- rated, attending the rural schools of North Bloomfield township
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until seventeen years of age, when he began doing a man's work on the home farm. A natural mechanie, with a hiking for machinery of all kinds, he beeame interested in threshing machines when young. and for thirty-one years has handled a threshing outfit, doing much of the threshing in his locality and having now one of the best and latest improved threshing machines in this part of the county Mr. Balliett has charge of his mother's farm, which contains one hundred and fifty-one acres of productive land, and constitutes with its improvements one of the best pieces of property in the neighborhood. Mr. Balliett owns one and one-half aeres of valuable land in Galion, and has other property interests of value. He is a staneh supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and for many years has been an active member of the local school board.
On April 15, 1883, Mr. Balliett was united in marriage with Mrs. Sirrilley Howard, who was born on a farm in Morrow county, in April, 1862, being a daughter of John Park. Into their pleasant household eight ehildren have been born, seven of whom are living, namely: Grover, living in Crawford county, Ohio, married Lettie Bohl; Daisy M., who married Alva Walker, of Mahoning county, has one child, Lester; Lloyd R .; John C .; Alda D. ; Hannah V .; and Dewey. All of these children were educated in North Bloomfield township, acquiring their knowledge of books in the same school that their father attended when a boy. Since 1879 Mr. Balliett has been a member of the German Reformed ehureh at Galion, to which his wife also belongs. He is a member of Galion Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 215, of which he is noble grand, and both Mr. and Mrs. Balliett belong to the Rebekah Lodge, No. 284.
PLIMPTON B. CHASE .- The name of Chase is one which is held in great honor and affection in Sparta and Morrow county. The family is one of the oldest in the state, the great-grandfather of him whose name inaugurates this review having founded the family here, taking up his abode upon the fair acres which constitute the beautiful summer home of the present generation. The Chases have ever proved useful and admirable citizens, and their true, strong manhood and womanhood has left an indelible imprint upon the history of the section, while those of the name who have wandered farther afield have taken with them the high traditions which are its characteristics.
Plimpton B. Chase, son of Beverly W. and Martha Chase, was born April 1, 1860, at what is now his country home, "Beverly," adjoining the village of Sparta. It was originally a farm of one hundred and fifty acres and owned by his grandfather, Benjamin Chase. His great-grandfather, Beverly Chase, after serving in the Revolutionary war received his share of land for his patriotic services at this place, and here maintained his homestead until his
"BEVERLY "
BEVERLY W. CHASE
MARTHA CHASE
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death. "Beverly" is rightly considered one of the most attractive country places in the central part of the state and is occupied in the summer months by Mr. Chase. No part of it is devoted to agricultural purposes, but located upon it is a splendid golf course covering fifty acres, Mr. Chase and his family being enthusiastic devotees of this sport. Next to golf his favorite recreation is hunt- ing wild turkey in Virginia, where he spends the month of Novem- ber of each year.
The Chase family is of distinguished English origin, being descendants of Sir William Chase, high steward to the household of King Henry VIII. He had four sons, the eldest, Sir Richard, remaining in England, and the other three brothers, William, Thomas and Aquilla, coming to America. William came over in 1630 in the fleet which brought Governor Winthrop and his colony to Massachusetts. From William, Plimpton B., is a direct descen- dant, being of the ninth generation.
Mr. Chase spent his early life on the parental farm. He at- tended the village school until fifteen years of age, and from then to the age of twenty he was engaged in teaching school and attend- ing Oberlin College. His first charge was the Bethel School, about two miles north of Sparta, when he was sixteen years of age. In 1880 Mr. Chase commenced the study of law with Colonel W. C. Cooper at Mt. Vernon, and was admitted to the bar on April 5, 1881. He remained at Mt. Vernon from that date until 1898, and during those years was engaged in the practice of law, besides being active in commercial pursuits. His originality, initiative and fine executive capacity early became apparent and he was identified with a number of important enterprises. He was the largest stockholder and managing director of the Mt. Vernon Electric Railway & Lighting Company, constructing the street railroad and Lake Hiawatha Park. It was this company which furnished the city with electric lighting. He was also largely interested in the Elec- trie Light Companies at Bryan and Millersburg and managed the same for a period covering more than twelve years. In addition he held the office of city clerk and secretary of the Water Works at Mt. Vernon.
Mr. Chase's identification with Washington D. C., dates from the year 1898, and there he has spent each ensuing year with the exception of the summer months. In the national capital he is well known as the proprietor of Chase's Theatre, and as the inaugurator of polite vaudeville and he has been eminently success- ful. It has been his earnest endeavor to provide polite and wholesome entertainment for persons of culture and refinement and his pursuance of this policy has been fruitful of the most gratifying results. For five years he held the position of president of the Association of Vaudeville Managers of the United States and Canada.
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Mr. Chase's activities have not been wholly confined to pro- fessional and commercial pursuits. He has also had the oppor- tunity to engage in philanthropic work, an enumeration of his deeds in this field being indeed remarkable and an eloquent com- mentary on a particularly admirable character. He furnished one half the sum required for the erection of the Methodist church at Sparta; and gave the initial contribution which made possible the Young Men's Christian Association building at Mt Vernon. He is now at the head of a national movement to increase the salaries of all government employes and to secure for them retire- ment with pay. This leaves unmentioned many lesser bene- factions.
Mr. Chase was united in marriage in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, December 22, 1885, to Miss Anna Bird, the daughter of William and Maria Bird. There are two children, Ethel Bird Chase, a graduate of Bryn Mawr College in 1910, and now engaged in teaching in Miss Maderia's School in Washington; and Harold Beverly Chase, who was graduated from the University of Penn- sylvania in 1911, and is now associated with his father in business, while at the same time taking a three year law course in Georgetown University.
Mr. Chase's father. Beverly W. Chase, farmer and stockman, was born in South Bloomfield township, November 21, 1830. His parents were Benjamin and Elvira (MeCloud) Chase and he was the fourth in order of birth in a family of nine children, whose names were Cynthia, William, John, Beverly, Huldah, Daniel, Hannah, Reuben and IIenrietta. Beverly spent his youth upon his father's farm, attending the schools in the loeality and by his studiousness fitting himself for teaching, his pedagogieal eareer including thirteen terms of school in the Gardner district and being of a highly successful eharaeter. He was married, April 4, 1855, to Miss Martha Howard, daughter of Elias and Mary (Evans) Howard. Martha had four susters: Susan, who married John Holt; Rachel, who married J. Y. Beers; Kate, who married Henry W. Ramey; and Esther, (unmarried) deceased. The latter was affectionately known as "Aunt E" by the many to whom she had endeared herself by her sweetness and worth of character. Mary Evans Howard was Welsh, the only one of Mr. Chase's forbears who was not English.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chase, in ideal companion- ship and helpfulness, worked together to establish a home for themselves and their children. They were ever noted for their kindliness and generosity, never failing in their ministrations to the sick and needy, and their benefaetions being ever of the most quiet and modest sort. They were devout Christians and honored members of the Methodist Episcopal church and always took an active part in all matters looking to the advancement of its good causes. It may truly be said of these worthy people, now gone on
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to their reward, "To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die." Perhaps no event in their lives was more delightful to them than when Mr. Plimpton B. Chase, upon one of his visits to them, an- nounced his determination to assist the good people of Sparta in the erection of a fine modern church. His generous offer was ac- cepted, the work was begun and in a few months the church was ready for dedication, Mr. Chase bringing his family from Washing- ton to attend the service. The church, by his order, was beauti- fully decorated with cut flowers, which after the dedication services were sent to every sick and aged person in the neighborhood. This church-the Methodist Episcopal-stands in a fine location and is not only a monument to his generosity but a fitting memorial to the memory of his parents, who a few years later were laid to rest, the father dying March 23, 1908, and the mother February 10, 1909.
ยท Mr. and Mrs. Beverly W. Chase were the parents of two chil- dren-the immediate subject of this review and Blanche, who be- came the wife of Joseph T. Tarbill and resides in Delaware, Ohio.
ADAM CRIDER .- The substantial, progressive and well-to-do agriculturists of Morrow county have no more worthy representa- tive than Adam Crider, who through his own exertions has met with success as a farmer and stock raiser and is now living retired from active pursuits at his pleasant home in Iberia, enjoying the fruits of his years of toil. A son of Daniel Crider, he was born May 9, 1849, in Crawford county, Ohio, not far from Middletown.
Born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Daniel Crider came to Ohio in search of a favorable location, and having bought land in Crawford county was there employed in tilling the soil the remainder of his life. He married Mary Horn, a native of Pennsylvania, and of their union eleven children were born, seven of whom are now, in 1910, living, as follows: Anna, wife of Heze- kiah MeClure, of Crawford county; Catherine, wife of Nathan Cooper, also of Crawford county; Lydia, wife of Adam Ashcroft; Louisa, of Leesville; Daniel, of Leesville; Adam, the subject of this brief sketch ; and Joseph, of Denmark.
As a boy and youth Adam Crider assisted in the labors in- cidental to farm life, obtaining a practical knowledge of the various branches of agriculture. When ready to begin work as a wage earner he engaged for a time in railroading, afterwards becoming a tiller of the soil. A man of untiring energy and ambition, possess- ing good judgment, he has met with more than average success in his labors as a farmer and stock raiser, and is now the owner of one hundred and thirteen acres of valuable land lying one mile north of Iberia. eighty acres being in Tully township. He has been especially successful as a dealer in stock, buying, feeding and shipping hogs, an industry which he finds profitable when carried on judicionsly.
Mr. Crider married on November 21, 1876, Josephine Holmes,
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and they are the parents of four children, namely : Walter, who is married and lives in Tully township, Marion county; Clifford, married and living in Morrow county; Claudia, wife of Jay Auld, of Greene county ; and Tamar, wife of James Nelson, of Marengo, Ohio. Fraternally Mr. Crider is a member of Galion Lodge, No. 186, K. of P., and religiously he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.
BRYANT B. LEWIS .- The specific and distinctive office of bio- graphy is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave the perpetual record establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellow men. In addition to his varied interests as stockman and banker, Bryant B. Lewis is the owner of a fine farm of some three hundred acres of most arable land in Bennington township, Morrow county. Ohio, which he rents out to tenants. Mr. Lewis is a native son of Morrow county, his birth having occurred on the parental homestead in Westfield township on the 28th of August, 1860. He is a son of John C. and Hariett (Brundage) Lewis, both of whom are deceased, the former having been summoned to eternal rest in 1911, and the latter having passed away about 1898. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Lewis became the parents of four children, two of whom are now living, and of whom Bryant B. was the first in order of birth.
Bryant B. Lewis was reared to maturity on the old homestead farm in Harmony township, to the district schools of which place he is indebted for an excellent common school education. He con- tinued to attend school until he had attained to the age of twenty years, at which time he turned his attention to the great basic industry of agriculture. As a youth he had become quite adept in the handling of cattle and all kinds of live stock and shortly after assuming the responsibilities of life he devoted some time to the stock business. Finding that line of enterprise decidedly lucrative he eventually devoted all his time to it. He made money rapidly and was engaged in the buying and selling of live stock for fully twenty years, during which time he rose to affluence. At the pres- ent time, in 1911, he is president of the Marengo Banking Company, which popular monetary institution does an extensive business at Marengo, Ohio. This bank was organized on the 15th of March, 1904, and was incorporated as a state bank with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. Its official corps is as follows: Bryant B. Lewis, president ; J. D. Vail, vice president; and J. W. Nelson, cashier. Its board of directors consists of J. D. Vail, S. F. Mosier, C. H. Wood, Mell B. Talmage, George Thomas, Dr. F. E. Thompson, William L. West, B. B. Lewis and Dr. J. W. Pratt. The bank is one of the most substantial financial concerns in Mor- row county and one of its best assets is the sterling integrity and reliable character of its officers. Mr. Lewis' varied business
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interests in this section of the state are of broad seope and im- portance. He is the owner of considerable valuable real estate in Marengo and holds a tract of three hundred acres of splendidly improved farming lands in Morrow county.
Mr. Lewis wedded Miss Clara Allen, who was born and reared in Licking county, Ohio, and who is a daughter of Frank Allen, long a representative farmer in that seetion. He is yet living, a resident of Licking county, Ohio. Mrs. Lewis received her early educational training in the publie schools of her native place and she is a woman of most pleasing personality, commanding the love and admiration of scores of warm and sincere friends. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have three children: Virgil, who was born on the 26th of April, 1892; Howard, whose birth occurred in the year 1897; and Madeline, born in June, 1906. The elder son, Virgil, after a good publie school education, entered the Marengo Bank in the capacity of teller, in which connection he is displaying marked business ability and an extraordinary grasp of financial affairs, which augurs well for his future as a prominent and successful banking and business man. The younger son, Howard, is a student in the high school at Marengo.
In polities Mr. Lewis is aligned as a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratie party and while he has never had any aspiration for publie office of any deseription he is deeply interested in all matters tending to advance the general welfare, giving liberally of his aid and influence in behalf of all such projects. Fraternally he is affiliated with Ashley Lodge, No. 407, Free and Accepted Masons, and with Marengo Lodge, No. 216, Knights of Pythias, in which he is past chancellor. He greatly enjoys home life and takes keen pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him a warm regard A man of great ability, his success in business in Morrow county has been uniform and rapid. His life is exemplary in all respeets and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation. He is yet living, a resi- cent of Licking county, Ohio.
ERNEST P. GEORGE .- Proprietor of one of the leading restau- rants in Mount Gilead and this section of Morrow county, Ernest P. George is also a fine representative of the young men who have succeeded in business as the result of unvarying industry, sheer determination, straightforward methods and natural ability, trained from early boyhood. Moreover, he comes of a splendid family which for generations has "made good" both on the battle- fields of war and in the strenuous conflicts of commerce and trade.
Mr. George is a native of Mount Gilead, born on the 12th of April, 1885, to Davies P. and M. Belle (House) George, the parents
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both being children of the Buckeye state-the father born in 1856 and the mother, in 1855. Davies P. George is a retired miller, having been for many years an owner in the extensive business of the House Milling Company. In order to revert to the origin of the company it is necessary to mention the maternal great-grand- father of Ernest P. George, Richard House, who was the founder of the business in the early pioneer days of the city and county. He came to Mount Gilead from Knox county, Kentucky, and be- came one of the first business men of that place, both in point of time and character. Richard House married Miss Mary Clemons, a native of England, and when their son, John C., was sixteen years of age he was apprenticed in his father's mill. Of this he finally assumed control and conducted it, with the family character- istics of a well trained mind and skillful hands, for a period of sixty-two years, during which the business had grown to firmly established importance among the industries of the region.
Davies P. George became a partner of John C. House and in due time his son, Ernest P., of this sketch, was apprenticed to learn the trade and business in the old mill which had been founded by his maternal great-grandfather. Besides this son, who was the second child to be born into the family, Mr. and Mrs. George became the parents of Herbert, who is a farmer in Congress township, this county; Anna, who married Willard Hatton, a res- ident of Mount Gilead; John H., deceased; and Miriam.
Ernest P. George, of this review, obtained his early education in the public schools of Mount Gilcad, and commenced his appren- ticeship in the old House mill when twelve years of age. When he had attained his majority he moved to Cresline, and for three years remained in the employ of Weaver Brothers, millers of that place. In April, 1908, he returned to Mount Gilead and became associated with his father in the operation of a bakery, on the 1st of January, 1909, moving to Caledonia, where he conducted an independent venture in the same line until April 10, 1910. Upon the latter date Mr. George purchased what was originally known as the Candy Kitchen of Mount Gilead, which he has since trans- formed into a first-class restaurant, where healthful and appetizing food is neatly served and the pleasant surroundings are such as to further account for its wide popularity. Mr. George is a stal- wart and progressive Republican in his private opinions, but has never sought to bring himself into public notice, although he is deeply interested in what is of real moment to the general good and advancement. As to his affiliations with organized social and religious movements it should be added that he is an esteemed mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias (Charles H. Hull Lodge, No. 195), and is active in the work of the Methodist church. Mrs. George is also earnest in the manifold activities of the latter organization.
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