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 30
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Samuel E. James was born in Franklin township, this county,
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on the 20th of June, 1864, and is a son of Samuel and Ellen (Crothers) James, both of whom were likewise born in Ohio, where the respective families were founded in the pioneer days. Samuel James was a son of Henry James, who emigrated from Wales to America when a young man and who passed the closing years of his life in Morrow county, Ohio, where he was long identified with agricultural pursuits. The mother of the subject of this review was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and was a daughter of James Crothers, who was born in Ireland and who became a prosperous farmer in Ohio. Samuel James was born on his father's farm in Franklin township, Morrow county, and here he was reared and educated under the conditions and influences of the pioneer epoch in the history of the old Buckeye commonwealth. He was a man of strong character and marked energy and he eventually became one of the successful farmers and influential citizens of Franklin township, where he continues to reside at the present time. His wife was summoned to the life eternal at the age of sixty-three years, and their six children, four sons and two daughters, are liv- ing. The father is a stanch Democrat in his political adhereney.
Samuel E. James, whose name initiates this review, gained his early experience in connection with the work of the homestead farm and he duly availed himself of the advantages of the district schools, which he continued to attend at varying intervals until he had attained to his legal majority. He continued to be asso- ciated with the work and management of the home farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he showed his youthful independence and ambition by securing work by the month on a neighboring farm. He continued to be thus engaged, as a valued and trusted employe, for a period of about twenty-seven years, and in the mean- while he carefully saved his earnings, with the definite purpose of eventually engaging in agricultural pursuits upon his own respon- sibility. In 1899 he purchased a farm of seventy-one acres in IIarmony township, and there he continued his well directed labors until 1908, when he sold the property and bought his present attractive homestead of eighty-one acres in Gilead township. He took up his residence on this place in the spring of 1909, and his energy and progressive ideas are shown in the unmistakable thrift and prosperity in evidence in all departments of his farming enterprise, which includes diversified agriculture and the raising of excellent grades of live stock. Mr. James is a stalwart in the camp of the Republican party and he holds membership in the First Baptist church of Mount Gilead. Mr. James is a bachelor and remains, so far as can be discerned, "heart-whole and fancy free."
ARTHUR BECK .- A enterprising and energetic citizen of the younger generation in Congress township, Morrow county, Ohio, is Arthur Beck, who is one of the popular and successful teachers
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in the public schools at Guiding Star. Mr. Beck was born in Con- gress township on the 11th of May, 1890, and he is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Williams Beck). The father was likewise born in this township, the date of his birth being June 13, 1849. He was the youngest in order of birth in the famliy of seven children reared by Frederick and Katherine (Smith) Beck and in his youth he availed himself of the opportunities afforded in the district schools of this county. In 1871 was solemnized his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Williams, whose birth occurred on the 20th of Octo ber, 1847. She is a daughter of John and Juliana (Carr) Williams who were for a long time representative farmers in Morrow county. In 1886 Jacob Beck moved to Galion, where for a period of twenty- two years he was actively engaged in the lumber business, moving at intervals to the country with his saw mill outfit. In 1890 he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Congress town- ship and later he bought an additional tract of twenty aeres from his brother, Frederick Beck. In 1901 he purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty-four acres from Clinton S. Rhodewiek and Eben- ezer Wood and in 1908 he purchased a strip of nine acres of land from C. M. Bowers. In all he now owns farming land to the extent of three hundred and five acres, all of which is in a high state of cultivation, yielding him a fine profit. To Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Beck were born seven children, concerning whom the follow- ing brief data are here recorded: Julia is the wife of Van Horn Davis and they reside at Galion, Ohio; Estella married Melville Myers, of Moline, Illinois: Catherine is now Mrs. Claude Hetrick, of Congress township ; Frank is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Congress township, as are also Clyde and Charles; and Arthur is the immediate subject of this review. In politics Mr. Beck is a stalwart in the ranks of the Democratic party and as a citizen he is prominent and influential in all matters tending to advance the general welfare of the community. He and his wife are devont members of the German Reformed church and they hold a high place in the confidence and regard of all with whom they have come in contact.
Arthur Beck was reared to maturity on the old homestead farm in Congress township, in the work of which he assisted his father during his vacations. After completing the curriculum of the district schools he attended the Guiding Star High School for a time, after which he became a student in the high school at Mount Gilead, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1908. When eighteen years of age he successfully passed the teachers' examination in Morrow county and was immediately granted a certificate for teaching. Ile initiated his work as a ped- agogne in a school in Franklin township and in 1909 he procured a position as a teacher in a school at Guiding Star, where he has since been engaged in teaching. Although very young, his alert men- tality and broad information make him partienlarly eligible for
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pedagogic honors and whether he continues life as a teacher or later diverts his attention to other channels his well directed ener- gies will make of success not an accident but a logical result. In December, 1909, he was admitted to membership in the Pleasant Grove Disciple church, in the Sunday school department of which he was elected superintendent in 1910. Mr. Beck takes pride in the latter honor, as he has the distinction of being superintendent one of the largest Sunday schools in Morrow county. In politics he accords a stanch allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Demcoratic party stands sponsor and in a fraternal way lie is affiliated with various organizations of representative char- acter.
WILLIAM FARIS BLAYNEY is actively identified with farming and stock-raising in Washington township, Morrow county, Ohio. IIe is interested in community affairs and his well directed efforts have been a potent element in the progress and development of this section of the fine old Buckeye state of the Union. He has with ready recognition of opportunity directed his labors into various fields wherein he has achieved success and he is recognized as one of the loyal and public-spirited citizens of this county. He was born in Gilead township, Morrow county, Ohio, on what was long known as the Jonathan Maxter's farm, the date of his nativity being August 29, 1852. He is a scion of the Scotch-Irish nobility and is a son of Charles and Mary Jane (Blayney) Blayney, both of whom are now deecased. The ancestry of the Blayncy family is traced back to Lord Thomas Blayney, who was born and reared in Ireland. John Blayney, son of Lord Thomas Blayney, became the father of four sons, namely : John, George, Edward and Charles, the youngest of whom, Charles, was the grandfather of him whose name initiates this review. John Blayney, great-grandfather of William F. of this sketch, immigrated to the United States about the year 1870, and he located in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he resided for a number of years and where he was identified with agricultural pursuits. Charles Blayney, Jr., wedded Mary Jane Blayney, and they became the parents of the following child- ren : Fulton I., Clement, George E., Mary Elizabeth, Evaline I., and William F. Mary became the wife of M. M. Iden and they reside at Caledonia, Ohio; an Evaline I. married J. L .. McAnall, of Morrow county.
William F. Blayney was reared to the invigorating discipline of the home farm and he early became associated with his father in the work and management thereof. As a boy he attended the district schools of his native township and when he had attained to years of discretion he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he is engaged at the present tinte on his farm, eligibly located four miles north of Edison. In addition to diversified farming he raises a large amount of good stock. He is a stanch
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supporter of the cause of the Democratic party in his political proclivities and in religious matters is a devout member of the Presbyterian church. He is a stockholder and director in the Peoples' Savings Bank at Mount Gilead and has other financial interests of importance.
On September 7, 1875, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Blayney to Miss Georgiana M. Newson, a daughter of A. B. New- son, of this county. She was born and reared in Gilead township and the date of her birth is November 19, 1857. To this union has been born one daughter, Jesse Belle. The daughter was afforded a good common school education and she remains at the parental home. The farm of Mr. and Mrs. Blayney is known as "Maple Springs" and will be known as such in Morrow county.
WILLIAM C. BRENIZER .- Occupying a conspicuous position among the foremost agriculturists and business men of Westfield township is William C. Brenizer, who has long been an important factor in promoting and advancing the prosperity of the commun- ity in which his entire life has been passed, and in which he is held in high repute as a man and a citizen, his straightforward course in life winning him friends everywhere. A son of William G. Brenizer, he was born in the house which he now owns and occupies September 10, 1866. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Brenizer, was born July 1, 1793, in Pennsylvania. In early life he moved to Maryland, but after living there a few years he came with his family to Ohio, locating in Westfield township, Morrow county, in 1829. Purchasing a tract of timbered land, he labored with unceasing toil to improve a homestead, performing no incon- siderable part in helping to develop the resources of this part of the state. He married, December 6, 1821, Margaret Griffith, who was born in Pennsylvania March 4, 1803, and like him was of Ger- man descent. They reared a family of eleven children, as follows: Jolin C., born November 21, 1822; Adam, born June 8, 1825; Wil- liam G., born February 26, 1827, father of William C .; Maria J., born August 11, 1829; Benjamin G., born July 22, 1832; Margaret A., born April 19, 1835; Henry H., born August 29, 1837; Mary C., born January 9, 1840; Cicero H., born June 25, 1842; Martha L., born March 5, 1845; and Francis M., born March 22, 1850.
Born in Maryland, February 26, 1827, William G. Brenizer was scarce two years old when brought to Morrow county by his parents. He grew to manhood on the homestead, but had no school advantages. Developing his mechanical tastes by learning the trades of a carpenter and cabinet maker, he became on expert work- man and acquired a goodly share of this world's wealth, in the later years of his life being prosperonsly engaged in agricultural pur- suits on his large and well-managed farm. Ile died, an honored and respected man, December 21, 1910. He was active in political circles, holding various township offices, and was serving, with Wil-
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liam Brooks and Carper Swetland, as county commissioner when the county jail was erected. He married, February 17, 1853, Beulah Dr. N. O., who was graduated from the Otterbein University, at Westerville, Ohio, and from the Cleveland Medical School, is a practicing physician in Austin, Texas; Jesse T. died in infancy ; and William C.
Brought up on the home farm, William C. Brenizer laid a substantial foundation for his future education in the district schools and the Cardington High School, and afterwards entered the Otterbein University. Forced to leave on account of ill health, he decided to try life in the open, and returned to the old home farm, on which he has since resided. As an agriculturist Mr. Brenizer has met with eminent success, his farm of two hundred and ten acres being now in an admirable state of culture and one of the most valuable and attractive estates in Morrow county. Owing to his sound judgment and persistent energy, he has accumu- lated considerable property, owning in addition to his home estate a business block in Cardington.
Mr. Brenizer married, September 28, 1887, D. Ella Shaw, the ceremony which united them for life being performed by Rev. A. Orr, presiding elder of the United Brethren church. She was born in Westfield township, Morrow county, February 16, 1865, a daugh- ter of Jonathan and Mary A. (Barry) Shaw. Six children have made their advent in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brenizer, namely : Iva M., who died in infancy; Laura B., born June 5, 1890, was graduated from the Cardington High School and is now a teacher in the public schools; Myra B., born June 25, 1892, was graduated from the Cardington High School, and is now a student in the Otterbein University; Anna G., born June 25, 1900; Ella M., born September 29, 1901; and Wilma E., born February 6, 1908. In his political affiliations Mr. Brenizer is a Republican, and has served most satisfactorily to all concerned as justice of the peace for Westfield township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brenizer are faithful members of the Fairview United Brethren church, of which he is a trustee and the treasurer.
HIRAM BARBER .-- It is the object of this volume to preserve an authentic record, as far as possible, of the lives and deeds of those who have assisted in the upbuilding of the varied interests of Morrow county. The rank that a city or county holds very largely depends upon the achievements of its citizens. Some add to its reputation by official service, some by professional skill, some by increasing its manufacturing or commercial interests and some by cultivating and improving its lands. To give a faithful account of the lives of the old settlers and representative citizens of a com- munity is to write its history in its truest sense. Mr. Barber is one of the venerable residents of Morrow county and for many years has been actively associated with its farming interests.
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"SUNNY-SIDE" STOCK FARM, RESIDENCE OF MR. AND MRS. HIRAM BARBER
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Hiram Barber is a native son of Westfield township, Morrow county, Ohio, and the date of his nativity is December 9, 1853. Mr. Barber on the paternal side traces his lineage to the French, and the original spelling was "Barbour." On the maternal side he traces his lineage to the Spanish. He is a son of James L. and Elizabeth (Benedict) Barber, both of whom were born and reared in the state of New York, where was solemnized their marriage and whence they came to Morrow county, Ohio, at an early day, location being made on the farm on which the subject of this review now maintains his home. James L. Barber received his educational training in the public schools of the old Empire state and he was engaged in agricultural pursuits during the major portion of his
active business career. He and his wife became the parents of eight children, and of the number four are living in 1911. The father was summoned to the life eternal in November, -1861, and the mother passed to the great beyond on the 14th of May, 1899.
After completing the curriculum of the public schools of West- field township, Hiram Barber, at the age of fifteen years, became actively identified with the work and management of the home farm. His parents died when he was a mere youth and he was thus forced at an early age to assume the responsibilities and cares of life. He and his brother Melvin, ran the home farm until Hiram had attained to his legal majority, at which time he was married. There- after removal was made to the present fine estate of one hundred and forty-four acres, sixty-two of which belong to Mrs. Barber. The farm is eligibly located seven miles distant from Cardington and everything about the place indicates thrift and a high degree of prosperity. Mr. Barber is engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising of high grade stock and he is conceded to be one of the most successful and influential farmers in the township, where he is held in high regard by his fellow citizens.
On the 30th of January, 1874, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Barber to Miss Mary E. Foust, who was born in Westfield township on the 16th of October, 1854, and who is a daughter of Wilson Foust. Mr. and Mrs. Barber have six children, concerning whom the following brief data are here recorded, Della is the wife of Clay Curren, of Westfield; Luetta, who is now Mrs. L. L. Sharp, was educated in the schools of Westfield and she was a teacher prior to her marriage; Bruce B., who was graduated in the Ashley High School and in the Starling Ohio Medical College, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1911, is now engaged in the active practice of his profession at Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Barber is both a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, and is a member of the college fraternity Alpha Kappa. Myron H., married Ada MeLead and they reside in Trumbull County, Ohio; James W., after complet- ing the prescribed course in the Ashley High School, attended the Columbus Business College, at Columbus, Ohio, and he is. now a popular and successful teacher at Westfield; and Carrie, Vol. II-17
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.
who was likewise graduated in the Ashley High School, is also engaged in the pedagogic profession at Westfield. Another child, Miss Mayme Nell Barber, was born September 23, 1885, and died at the place of her birth, Westfield, Ohio, August 22, 1908, aged twenty-two years, ten months and twenty-nine days. Her illness was of short duration, dating back only three weeks pre- vious to her death, when she was taken sick with typhoid fever. Mayme was of unusually kind and affectionate disposition, self- sacrificing in her nature, especially in the home eirele, where she will be sadly missed. She graduated with honors from the Ashley High School in the class of 1904. She was a consistent Christian young lady and had many virtues of mind and heart that endeared her to all that knew her. She was converted in the Westfield Methodist Episcopal church during the winter of 1903, under the pastorate of the Rev. Gray, and was an acceptable member of the church. In June, 1905, she was elected president of the Ladies Aid Society and fulfilled her duties in that capaeity in a very acceptable manner. Although young in years she seemed to have the judgment of more mature years and was interested in every- thing that pertained to the church.
The funeral oceurred on Tuesday, August 25th, at 2:00 o'elock, and was very largely attended by a host of relatives and friends. Aecompanied by the strains from the organ played by Miss Ruth Olds, six young ladies of the class of '04, preceeded the casket into the church, earrying flowers. After the reading of the scripture lesson and prayer, the ehoir sang a selection, after which the obituary was read. Then Mrs. Elizabeth Wilt Wornstaff, of Ashley sang very sweetly, "I heard the voice of Jesus say." After the sermon the services closed by the choir singing "Jesus Lover of my soul." The services were beautiful and impressive and were conducted by Rev. Gray, of Caledonia, with burial at Marlboro. The Pythian Sisters, of which she was a member, attended in a body and had charge of the services at the eemetery. She leaves a father and mother, three brothers and three sisters to mourn.
In his politieal convictions Mr. Barber is a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Republican party, and while he has never had a great deal of time or ambition for political preferment he has given most efficient service as township assessor and as a member of the loeal school board. In a fraternal way he is a member of Ashley Lodge, No. 457; Knights of Pythias, and his wife is a member of Good Hope Temple of the Rathbone Sisters, No. 266. Mrs. Barber is a valued and appreciative member of the Order of the Eastern Star, No. 147. Mr. Barber is an intelligent, broad minded man, of courteous demeanor, and thus far his eareer has been one of great activity and signal usefulness. He bears an unsullied repu- tation in business and social cireles and his honesty and integrity have gained him the unqualified regard of all with whom he has eome in contact. Entirely free from ostentation, he is kindly and
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genial in his relations with others and has the friendship and good will of his fellow citizens, who esteem and honor him for his manly character and genuine personal worth. The homestead of Mr. and Mrs. Barber is known as "Sunny Side."
WILSON FOUST .- Persistency and energy, as coupled with integrity of purpose, are the factors which conserve success and make it consistent. To the larger and surer vision there is no such thing as luck. Through his own well applied endeavors Wilson Foust has made the most of opportunity and he himself built the ladder by which he has risen to affluence. Although now ninety years of age, he still retains in much of their former vigor the splendid physical and mental qualities of his youth. Mr. Foust, in his active life, was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade, and at one time he owned as much as seven hundred acres of fine land in Morrow county, Ohio.
Wilson Foust was born in Westfield township, Morrow county, Ohio, the date of his nativity being the 7th of April, 1821. He is a son of Abram and Elmira (Munson) Foust, the former of whom was born in Ohio, on the 6th of April, 1796. The mother was twice married, Mr. Foust being her second husband. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Foust resided for a time in Delaware coun- ty, Ohio, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and they became the parents of four children, namely: Almira, Esther, Harriett and Wilson. Wilson Foust was reared to maturity on the old home farm and he received his educational training in the publie schools of his native place, attending the old log subserip- tion school until he had attained to the age of about fourteen years. He then began to work at the salary of ten dollars a month and eventually learned the carpenter's trade. HIe also learned the trade of cabinet maker and in due time entered into a partnership with Adam Wolf, they being interested in the making of fanning mills. Subsequently he went to Iowa, where he remained for a period of three years and where he was successful in his various ventures, making considerable money and gaining a lot of valuable experience. About 1851 he returned to Morrow county, where he purchased a tract of sixty-two acres of land, to which he added a small tract at a time until he was the owner of a fine estate of seven hundred aeres.
In politics Mr. Foust accords an unswerving allegianee to the principles promulgated by the Democratie party and for a time he gave most efficient service as supervisor of his township. He has ever manifested a deep and sincere interest in public affairs and his contribution to progress and development has been of no mean order. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Masons and Odd Fellows. IIe is a fine old man and commands the high regard of all with whom he has had business or personal dealings. IIe is most generous and has given to each of his children a fine large farm.
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Mr. Foust has been twice married. On the 5th of November, 1850, was solemized his marriage to Miss Ellen Claypool, who was born and reared in Licking connty, Ohio, and who was summoned to the life eternal in 1855. To this union were born three children, Warren, who resides at Cheyenne City ; Bruce, of Trumbull county, Ohio; and Mary E., who is the wife of Iliram Barber, to whom a sketch is dedicated on other pages of this work. On the 14th of September. 1856, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Foust to Miss Lucy Durkee, who was born on the 20th of February, 1835 and who is a daughter of Schuyler and Felicia (Southworth) Durkee. She was reared and educated in Morrow county, where occurred her marriage to Mr. Foust. This union has been blessed with four children-Carson, Kelley, Lozana and Elmira, all of whom are married and reside in this county and Delaware. Mr. and Mrs. Foust number among the oldest settlers in Morrow connty and they have ever been prominent and popular citizens.
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