USA > Ohio > Pickaway County > History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 102
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In 1864, two years after his marriage, our subject moved from Circleville township to Walnut township, and in 1868 erected the large and handsome brick residence still occupied by him. His homestead comprises a finely im- proved farm, devoted chiefly to wheat, corn and clover. Mr. Dunkel has taken little in- terest in politics, but has served as township trustee, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. In religious matters, however, he has always been deeply concerned. He is a stanch member of the Reformed Church, and has served as an elder of that organization for a period of 40 years.
A A. PETERS, whose fine farm of 260 acres is located in both Pickaway and Fairfield counties, and whose com- fortable and attractive home is situ- ated in Walnut township, Pickaway County, is one of the leading men of this sec- tion. Mr. Peters was born in Walnut town- ship, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 14, 1852, and is a son of A. A. and Famah (Swisher) Peters.
A. A. Peters, the subject of this sketch, was one year old when his parents settled on the homestead farm in Walnut township he now owns and occupies. He has lived here until the present time. His father erected the com- fortable and commodious residence and it has been still further improved by our subject. Here he spent his boyhood and attended the dis- trict schools, and on these broad acres he was trained to be a practical farmer. In addition
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to managing this large body of land, Mr. Peters, for years, has efficiently discharged the duties of public office, having, on numerous occasions, been elected as the choice of the Re- publican party. He served one term of three years as county commissioner, retiring in the fall of 1905, declining a re-election. He has been township trustee for two terms and has always taken an active part in all movements looking to the adancement of the township's interests. For 12 years he served as a director of Reber Hill Cemetery, giving careful atten- tion to the duties pertaining to this office.
Mr. Peters was married (first) to Emma Brobst, who was a daughter of David Brobst. She died some two and a half years after mar- riage, leaving no issue. Mr. Peters was mar- ried (second) to Olive Meeker, who passed away one year later, leaving no children. Mr. Peters was married a third time, to Elizabeth Stein, who was a daughter of David Stein. Mrs. Peters died September 14, 1905, the mother of four children, viz .: Annie, who married Frank Glick, a successful attorney at Columbus and has had three children-Helen and an infant, deceased, and Dudley; Chester, who resides at home; David, who died aged seven months; and Mary, who lives at home.
Both Mr. Peters and his son Chester are members of the Masonic order. The family is a leading one in Walnut township.
RANK N. BOWMAN, a well-known citizen of Darbyville, who has been in the undertaking business here for the past 12 years, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, November 8, 1862, and is a son of Conrad and Ruth (Ritter) Bowman.
Conrad Bowman was born in Germany, in 1829, and was nine years old when he accom- panied his widowed mother to Virginia. He married in Virginia and lived in that State until 1864, when he came to Pickaway County, Ohio. His wife was born in Virginia and died in Monroe township, Pickaway County, at the age of 54 years. Of the family of eight sons and two daughters born to them, Frank N. was the fifth in order of birth.
Frank N. Bowman was 18 months old when his parents came to Pickaway County and located in Deer Creek township. He lived on the home farm until he was 21 years of age and secured his education in the public schools. About this time Mr. Bowman made a trip to the West and spent about three and a half years in Washington, Oregon and along the Pacific Coast, handling stock in partnership with his brother, D. W. Bowman. After his return and marriage, he located at New Holland and con- ducted a grocery business for six years and then removed to Darbyville and opened an undertaking business. In May, 1904, he es- tablished an undertaking establishment at Mount Sterling and conducts both, his duties requiring all of his time. At first he conducted a hotel and grocery in addition to his main business but closed out those interests. Prior to returning from the West, he disposed of a farm of 320 acres he owned there. He owns property at Darbyville and at Mount Sterling, dwellings and offices at both points and is what may be termed "on Easy street."
On November 24, 1887, Mr. Bowman was married to Sotie N. Stinson, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Hugh and Roxanna (Dick) Stinson, natives of Pickaway County. They have one son, Avery Elton, who was born at Darbyville, January 12, 1900.
Mr. Bowman has been a lifelong Democrat. He served three years as township trustee and was elected by a majority of 66 votes, although in a Republican district. He has served a num- ber of times as a delegate to conventions. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Darbyville. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Atlanta and to the Mod- ern Woodmen of America Camp at Darbyville.
APT. WILLIAM B. DAVIS, one of Williamsport's most successful busi- ness men, a veteran of the Civil War and a worthy representative of one of the old and honored families of Pickaway County, was born at Williamsport, Pickaway County. Ohio, March 15, 1844, and
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is a son of Ebenezer S. and Sedanay (McFar- land) Davis. Elsewhere in this work will be found extended mention of the late Ebenezer S. Davis, who for years was closely identified with all the important interests of Williams- port and vicinity.
William.B. Davis was reared at Williams- port and attended the schools of the village, scarcely completing his education when he of- fered his services, as a youth of 17 years, to defend his country from disruption. On No- vember 11, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier in Company E, 73rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served continuously until the close of the war, although confined for one year in a hospital, recuperating from honorable wounds received in gallant action. His mettle was that of a true soldier as his rapid promotions show, these in order being as follows: Corporal, De- cember 30, 1861 ; sergeant, November 1, 1862; orderly sergeant, March 11, 1863; sergeant major, May 1, 1864; Ist lieutenant, Septem- ber 8, 1864; captain, February 10,. 1865. He was detached as acting adjutant of the regi- ment, April 1, 1865, and as assistant inspector general of the Second Brigade, Temporary Division, 14th Army Corps, June 17, 1865. On the terrible field of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, he was wounded by an exploding shell, and at Dallas, Georgia, he received a serious gunshot wound in his right leg. For one whole year these injuries made it necessary for him to re- main in a hospital, where he endured almost mortal suffering, but the memory of this did not prevent his re-enlisting as soon as released. His second enlistment was on January 1, 1864, at Lookout Valley, Tennessee, and he was fin- ally mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 20, 1865.
Captain Davis' long service necessarily caused his participation in a large number of the most important battles of the Civil War, and among these may be mentioned: Mc- Dowell; Cross Keys; Freeman's Ford; Water- loo Bridge; Second Bull Run, where the brave 73rd Ohio lost 144 men in killed and wounded, while 20 were taken prisoners and but 148 were left for service ;. Fredericksburg; Chancellors- vill; Gettysburg; Raccoon Ridge, having in the meantime, been transferred to General
Hooker's command at Chattanooga. It was in this engagement that the regiment so distin- guished itself that General Hooker, in making his report, used these words: "No troops ever rendered more brilliant service, driving three times their number from the entrenchments." Then came Mission Ridge; the siege of Knox- ville; Buzzards' Roost; Resaca ; Cassville; Dal- las; Sherman's march to the sea; siege of Sa- vannah; Averysboro and Bentonville. The army then marched north to Washington and took part in the magnificent review, after which the banners were furled, the tattered remnants of many telling the story of the con- flicts through which they had been borne, and the gallant survivors of the great Civil War returned to peaceful pursuits. Captain Davis re- visited Washington in 1902 and, with many of his old comrades in attendance upon the great national encampment, again marched through the historic streets of the Capital.
Upon his return in 1865 to Williamsport, Captain Davis was in partnership for a time with his father in conducting a general store and when his father retired continued the busi- ness until 1882. He then moved to Washington Court House, Ohio, and became traveling rep- resentative of a hardware house and contin- ued in this line until 1902. He then located permanently at Williamsport and established his present general hardware store. Mr. Davis carries here a very complete stock of goods in his line and commands a very satisfactory trade.
Captain Davis was married in 1866 to Mel- vina Harmount, who was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Har- mount, who came to Pickaway County prior to the Civil War. Of the two children born to this marriage, but one survives, Maude, who is the wife of Henry E. Edwards, of Wash- ington Court House. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have two children : Davis and William Henry.
Politically Captain Davis is a stanch Re- publican. He belongs to Heber Lodge, No. 501, F. & A. M., of which he was the organizer and first master; of R. B. Hayes Post, G. A. R., of Washington Court House; of Fayette Council, No. 168, U. C. T .; and of the Ohio State Hardware Association.
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T RA REICHELDERFER, formerly county commissioner of Pickaway County, and a prominent citizen of Salt Creek township, resides in sec- tion 23, where the Reichelderfer fam- ily has owned a quarter-section of land for sev- eral generations. Here he was born, on De- cember 29, 1842, being a son of Samuel and Sarah Reichelderfer.
The Reichelderfer family originated in Holland. For many years it has been one of agricultural importance in Pennsylvania and been known in Ohio since 1805, when John Reichelderfer entered land in Salt Creek town- ship, Pickaway County, from the government. He was the great-grandfather of our subject, and his farm has been handed down from father to son ever since .. Samuel Reichelder- fer was born in Salt Creek township and was a son of Henry Reichelderfer, who was born in Pennsylvania. The family has always been noted for the production of fine farmers and our subject is no exception to the rule. He has always lived on his present farm and since it came into his hands he has continued to make many substantial improvements.
On May 10, 1868, Mr. Reichelderfer was united in marriage with Missouri Dillon, who was born at Adelphi, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Dillon, formerly of Ross County. Mr. and Mrs. Reichelderfer have these children : Harry D., of Circleville; Florence, wife of James Kittsmiller, of Logan, Ohio; Ettie B. and Annie, both at home; Fannie, widow of Lewis Riggins, residing with her father; Charles F., of Laurelville; and Jennie, Freder- ick P., E. Grace and Gladys, all at home.
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Mr. Reichelderfer is one of the prominent Democrats of the southeastern section of Pick- away County and, as a man of standing, has been very frequently chosen by his party and elected by his fellow-citizens to offices of re- sponsibility. For three years he served as trustee of Salt Creek township, for several years was assessor and for two successive terms served as a county commissioner of Pickaway County. In Ohio this is a very responsible and important county office. During two years of his terms of service. Mr. Reichelderfer was
president of the board and made a careful, con- servative presiding officer.
Mr. Reichelderfer is an old member of the Lutheran Church at Tarlton and is liberal in contributing to its support. Formerly he was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. He is well known as a good citizen and honest, intelligent, upright man, all over Pick- away County, where he can count his business and political friends by the score.
L EWIS C. ODAFFER, a prosperous and respected agriculturist who oc- cupies a valuable farm of 350 acres in Harrison township about half a mile northwest of Ashville, was born near Tarlton, in Fairfield County, Ohio, on the 30th of April, 1855. He is a son of John and Eliza- beth (Camp) Odaffer. When an infant of one year he was brought by his parents to Wash- ington township, Pickaway County. They were good, industrious people, well-known mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church and Lewis C. Odaffer was brought up in the healthful dis- cipline of farm labors and taught to think for himself. When the young man moved to Pick- away township in 1879 he was a thoroughly trained farmer and stock-raiser, and was well prepared to establish a home of his own and commence an assured career of honorable use- fulness.
In 1880 Mr. Odaffer was married (first) to Lina Hosler, daughter of Daniel E. Hosler, of Washington township, Pickaway County. Their daughter, Maud, was reared in Kansas by her grandparents and married Barton Brewer, a resident of Lyon County, that State. Mrs. Lina Odaffer died in 1881, and in March, 1889, our subject married as his second wife Ann Rader, daughter of James and Mary (Shock) Rader. His present wife is a native of Pike County, Ohio, but as she was reared in Pickaway County she is closely identified with this section of the State. James Rader, who was a native of Pike County, Ohio, moved to Pickaway County in 1875 and died on his farm in Pickaway township April 17, 1902,
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aged 62 years. His wife, also a native of Pike County, Ohio, died on the home farm in Pick- away township June 12, 1891, at the age of 50 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Odaffer are the parents of two sons: Harold, born March 17, 1890; and Ray, born November 8, 1898. Both are at- tending school at Ashville.
The father of our subject, John Odaffer, was born May 16, 1818, and died Novem- ber 4, 1905, at the advanced age of 87 years. His widow, at the age of 72, is living with her three sons, (who have never married) in Lyon County, Kansas, where they are engaged in farming and stock- raising. In the order of their birth the chil- dren of James and Elizabeth (Camp) Odaffer are: William Allen, Lewis C. (our subject), Charles and Arthur Clinton.
Since 1903, Lewis C. Odaffer has been the owner of his present fine property, which was formerly known as the Morris farm. Since it came into his possession it has been greatly improved and now gives ample evidence of the energy, thrift and industry which have marked the entire course of Mr. Odaffer's life. He is a Democrat in politics, but only takes the in- terest of a faithful, intelligent citizen.
EORGE J. McMULLEN, one of Cir- cleville's successful men of business and the senior member of the well- known hardware firm of G. J. Mc- Mullen & Son, was born in this city in 1845, and is a son of Robert J. McMullen, one of the early settlers in Pickaway County, of Scotch descent.
Mr. McMullen was reared and educated at Circleville, where in 1870 he embarked in a hardware business with a partner, the firm name being Hoffman & McMullen. This part- nership continued for 16 years and then Mr. McMullen bought his present place of business and continued under the name of the McMullen Hardware Company. Later a nephew, W. M. Murray, was admitted to the firm and remained five years. In 1899 Mr. McMullen took into
partnership his son Roy and the present firm style of G. J. McMullen & Son was adopted. This is one of the large business enterprises of the city. The firm deals in all kinds of hardware, furnishing goods and mantels and also does expert plumb- ing and gas fitting. In his son, our subject has an energetic, progressive partner who keeps fully posted on all matters concerning hard- ware and at all times the house is ready to meet competition.
In 1868 Mr. McMullen was united in mar- riage with Martha J. Flohr, and they have three children-Fannie, Grace M. and Roy, The last named is in business with his father as mentioned above. The eldest daughter is the wife of O. S. Howard, who is in the furniture business in Circleville. Grace M., a very tal- ented and highly educated lady, a gra luate of the Circleville schools and of Delaware Univer- sity, was superintendent of the Girls' Industrial Home for five years. At that time she had the distinction of being the only superintendent in the State, of her sex. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. McMullen has for years been a trustee and a steward.
Mr. McMullen has always been an active man in public matters and has served as a member of the City Council. He is one of the directors of the First National Bank of Circle- ville. Fraternally he belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the latter organization he has served for 22 consecutive years as treasurer.
7 ILLIAM HENRY HOTT, a repre- sentative business man of Ash- ville, manager of the Hott Bakery and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, September 16, 1847, and is a son of William and Sarah ( Whitesel) Hott, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively.
William Hott, who was a son of Henry Hott, a native of Virginia, was born October
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23, 1809, and was one year old when he was taken by his parents to Ohio, his father set- tling in Walnut township, Pickaway County, near the village of Ashbrooks, now known as Ashville. Here William Hott was reared to manhood and educated and here he learned the rudiments of farming. On April 30, 1829, he married Sarah Whitesel, who was born April 29, 1809, and at once went to farming on his own account. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hott, as follows: John H., deceased, who was born January 29, 1830, and died June 13, 1887; Mary (Resler), born September 10, 1831; Catherine, born January 29. 1834, who died in infancy; Susannah (Hott), born March 1, 1836; Eliza Jane, born April 27, 1838, who died September 11, 1839; Mathias, born July 27, 1839; Sarah M. (Hark- leroad), born September 12, 1841, who died June 25, 1905; Julia Ann (Green). born Jan- uary 6, 1845, who died March 4, 1881 ; Eliza- beth (Wheaton), born January 6, 1846, who died September 7, 1885; William Henry, the subject of this sketch, and Milton T., born June 25, 1852. Three of the sons-John H., Mathias and William Henry-fought for the preservation of the Union in the Civil War. William Hott was a faithful member of the United Brethren Church, in which he was a class leader for many years and also Sunday- school superintendent for an extensive period. In politics he was first a Whig and then a Re- publican. His wife's death occurred Febru- ary 12, 1865, while his own took place nearly 16 years later, on February 9, 1881.
William H. Hott continued to live at home on his father's farm until he was 17 years old, when, in 1864, he enlisted ( under the name William Hott) for service in the Civil War for one year, becoming a member of Company A, 193rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Mr. Hott was mustered in at Circleville and then proceeded to Camp Chase where the regiment was formed. After a short time the regiment was sent to Harper's Ferry and thence to Stephen- son, where Mr. Hott rejoined it, having been left behind on account of an attack of measles. Later he was detailed as orderly of the court martial at Winchester, Virginia, where he con-
tinued to serve until he was mustered out on August 4, 1865. He received his pay and final discharge at Camp Chase. After his return from the army he engaged in various lines of business, but his principal line of work was fol- lewing the carpenter's trade. On September 16, 1898 he established the Hott Bakery at Ashville of which he is the present manager.
On October 7, 1872, Mr. Hott was mar- ried to Mary A. Smith, daughter of Joseph and Christina (Metzger) Smith, to which union were born six children, namely: Frank H., born May 20, 1873; Milton M., born March 19, 1883; Earl S., born January 1, 1892, and three who died in infancy. The eldest son is a resident of Ashville where he represents the C. H. Bloomstrom Motor Company of Detroit and the Forest City Motor Company of Mas- sillon, Ohio. He married Lola E. Tanquay and they have three children : Alice, Eugene and Lois. Milton M., the second son, also a resident of Ashville, is engaged in the bakery business. He married Anna Agnes Hay.
William H. Hott is a Democrat in politics and has filled some minor offices. He was tax collector in Pickaway County for several years and served as councilman of Ashville at the time the town was organized and for several subsequent years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of the best known members of the W. H. Morral Post, No. 167, G. A. R., of Ashville, of which he is a charter member and in which he has filled almost all of the offices from commander down. Mr. Hott draws a monthly pension of $30 from the government on account of an affection of his eyes and throat, brought about by the measles he had in the army.
J AMES MARTIN RIFFLE. The death of James Martin Riffle, which occurred suddenly, as the result of an accident, on October 3, 1900, removed from Pickaway township one of its best citi- izens and brought sorrow into a happy home and deep regret to a community in which he was most highly esteemed. Mr. Riffle was
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MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM C. HILL.
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born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, September 19, 1854, and was a son of Sylvester and Aurelia (Jones) Riffle. Sylvester Riffle was born in Northumber- land County, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1834, and is a son of Martin and Martha (Beavers) Riffle. They were pioneers to Perry County, Ohio, where they settled when Sylvester was II years old. He remained at home until his 18th year and then started out to make his own way in the world. He took up his resi- dence in Pickaway County and for many years was a farmer in Pickaway township. This venerable citizen still resides in his home near Thatcher, in Pickaway township. His wife died a number of years ago.
James M. Riffle was reared in Pickaway township and obtained his education in the dis- trict schools. Throughout life he added to his general knowledge by a liberal course of read- ing, always being interested in what was. going on in the outside world as well as in local cir- cles, and he also gave time and attention to the study of the Scriptures. He engaged in farm- ing for a number of years but during the last nine years of life he worked at the carpenter's trade in connection with his agricultural duties. But a few days prior to his death, he had re- moved his family to his own farm, from that of Noah Weaver, in Washington township, which he had operated the previous year. His death was caused by his team becoming fright- ened by a railroad freight engine, while he was preparing to deliver a load of corn at an ele- vator in Circleville.
On February 5, 1886, Mr. Riffle was mar- ried to Lydia A. Bolender, who was born Jan- uary 27, 1864, in Washington township, Pick- away County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John and Susan (Leist) Bolender, both parents being natives of Washington township. The maternal grandfather, John D. Leist, was a very early settler of Pickaway County. The paternal grandfather was Benjamin Bolender, a pioneer of Washington township. The fam- ily and its connections belong to the best old stock of the county. Mr. Riffle is survived by his widow and five daughters and one son, viz. : Lucy F., Arista M., Lyman R., Nellie
A., Susan R. and Lydia B. Mr. Riffle was a consistent member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church, .the pastor of which, Rev. A. E Wright, conducted the impressive services at his funeral. The beautiful sermon preached was from the appropriate text : "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow, for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little while and then vanish- eth away." The Foresters and Modern Wood- men of America attended the burial of their beloved comrade, the former organization hav- ing charge of the details. Attended by the largest concourse of people gathered on such an occasion in this locality, for many years, the remains were tenderly laid away in the peace and quiet of the Hitler-Ludwig Cem- etery.
Mr. Riffle had been an industrious, prudent man and left a good farm of 56 acres to his family, on which they still reside. Mrs. Riffle is a member of the same church to which her husband belonged. She has a wide circle of acquaintances and many friends. The late James M. Riffle will long be recalled, for he possessed those qualities which inspired family affection and the respect and esteem of those with whom he had business or social relations.
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