History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 48

Author: Aaron R. Van Cleaf
Publication date: 1906
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 923

USA > Ohio > Pickaway County > History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 48

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Judge Winstead was married at Newton, lowa, in 1873. to Lizzie A. McElroy, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, is a graduate of Salem Academy and for some time was a school teacher. Four children were born to this marriage : Samuel H .. William McElroy. Charles E. and Margaret. Mrs. Winstead is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Politically the Judge is a Democrat and he has been very active in city, county and State politics. Fraternally he is connected with the leading organizations.

F. BALES, of the firm of J. F. Bales & Son, operators of a grain elevator at Circleville, was born in 1848 at Lon- don, Madison County, Ohio, and is a son of the late Moses Bales.

Moses Bales was born at Harper's Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia). and when about 22 years of age migrated to Madison County. Ohio. At this time he was accom- panied by his father, Thomas Bales, who was an Abolitionist from principle and had freed his slaves. Moses Bales, like his father, was a fine man and was more or less prominent in politics for the greater part of his life.

J. F. Bales was reared and educated in Mad- ison County, and remained on the home farm until 30 years of age. He then embarked in a mercantile business at Big Plain. Madison County, where he continued for three years and then came to Circleville. Here he engaged in . a dairy business for 12 years and then turned his attention to the grain business, utiliz- ing the old Jackson elevator on the canal. With Samuel Ashbrook, he built the present elevator which is situated in the eastern limits of Circle- ville. Two years later he bought Mr. Ash- brook's interest and subsequently admitted his son. Robert R .. into partnership. when the firm style of J. F. Bales & Son was adopted. In connection with their grain interests, the firm has established a great hay trade and they are extensive balers and shippers of hay.

'In 1875 Mr. Bales was married to Alice J. Rife. who is a daughter of Elias B. Rife, one of the old settlers of Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Bales have two sons-Blenn Rife and Robert R.

Dr. Blenn Rife Bales. of Circleville, was educated in the public schools here and subse- quently graduated from the Starling Medical College. When the Spanish-American Wat was declared, he enlisted in the Fourth Regi-

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ment, Ohio Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, as a private and accompanied the regiment to Puerto Rico, where he served as assistant sur. gcon. After completing his medical education, Dr. Bales settled for a short term of practice at Marietta, Ohio, and then came to Circleville, where he enjoys a very satisfactory practice.

Robert R. Bales, who is associated with his father in the grain business, was educated in the public schools at Circleville and then took a business course at Poughkeepsie. New York. J. F. Bales is a member of Gilroy Lodge, 1. O. O. F., of Madison County and of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Circleville. He is one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the board of stewards. He is a Republican and has served as a member of the City Council from the old First Ward, overcoming a large Democratic majority.

ON. JOHN GROCE. For many years the late John Groce largely dominated the business interests of Circleville, where he was born on January 29, 1818, his parents, John and Elizabeth ( Jacobs ) Groce, having settled in Pickaway County in 1805.

The family of Groce originated in Germany but it has been established in America for at least four generations. Charles Groce, the grandfather of the late Jolin Groce. was born in Maryland, where he followed agricultural pur- suits and reared his family. in Frederick County.

John Groce, son of Charles and father of John. came to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1805 and engaged in work as a carpenter until 1810, during which time the town of Circleville was platted. He recognized that here was an ex- cellent business field and, after he had returned to Maryland and married, he settled perma- nently in the hamlet and had much to do with the erection of the older houses still standing here. He died in 1834, aged 55 years. He married Elizabeth Jacobs, who was born in Loudoun County. Virginia, and died in 1824. Both were worthy members and active sup-

porters of the early Presbyterian Church in this city. Of their family of six children, none sur- vive.

The late John Groce was reared in the rapidly growing village of Circleville and at- tended the early subscription schools. His father was one of the movers in the building of the academy here and our subject subse- quently enjoyed academic advantages; but the death of his father, when he was only 16 years of age, prevented further educational advance- ment and practically threw him upon his own resources. By the advice of friends he became an apprentice to John A. Wolfley and learned the saddlery business, afterward working as a journeyman. When he had accumulated a capital of $85. he entered into a saddlery busi- ness for himself at Kingston, Ohio, in 1839, where he continued until 1848.

In the late summer of this year Mr. Groce came to Circleville, which by that time had grown into a busy, thriving town, and entered into a partnership in the grain and pork busi- ness with R. D. Atwater. In 1852 they en- larged the scope of their interests by becoming merchants. In the fall of this year Mr. Groce went to Milton. Indiana, to attend to the pork packing end of their business. while Mr. At- water looked after the other interests in Circle- ville. After the death of Mr. Atwater shortly afterward, Mr. Groce purchased his interest and admitted Jacob Helman into partnership with- out capital, and in the fall of 1853 he resumed pork packing here and with such success that in 1860 he exchanged his interest in the dry goods store for the Olds Block of buildings and devoted himself exclusively to the packing of pork.

On November 12, 1872, Mr. Groce took his 'only son, Charles E. Groce, into partner- ship and the firm name became Groce & Son. In 1870 Mr. Grace had built the present brick block on High street, great buildings thor- oughly equipped for the immense business car- ried on. in which he gave employment to many men who earned a subsistence by reason of his ability and enterprise. He not only provided foods for local consumption but the fame of his products in many sections equalled that of

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the great packers of the West. This business grew into the greatest industry of the city and brought Mr. Groce and those associated with him large fortunes.

Mr. Groce was married in young manhood, in December, 1839, after settling as a saddler, in Kingston, Ohio, to Elizabeth E. Graham, who was born near Kingston on September 25, 1820, and was a daughter of Robert J. Graham, who was born in Virginia but had set- tled among the pioneers of Ross. County, Ohio. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Groce were: Mary E., who is the widow of Bennett Fores- man, of LaFayette, Indiana; Ellen G., de- ceased, who was the wife of F. M. Schulze, a wholesale grocer of Circleville; Jennie, who is the widow of Lemuel Boggs, a farmer of Pick- away township: Charles E., and a child that (lied young.

Few busy citizens of Circleville showed more genuine interest in the progress and de- velopment of his city than Mr. Groce. He served on numerous occasions as alderman and it was on account of his business acumen and his wise and sensible attitude that the city now enjoys many of its dearest privileges. He was one of the first to recognize the benefits which would accrue through securing the right of way through the town for the Scioto Valley Traction Company's road, became a stock- holder and a member of the board of directors and worked until it was an accomplished fact. He owned a very large amount of valuable property, including a handsome home and a large hereditary interest in the Franklin and Groce addition to Circleville. He was actively interested in various public-spirited movements and spent a great deal of time and effort in se- curing for the city the beautiful Forest Ceme- tery. where he now rests in company with many of his fellow-citizens.

In young manhood Mr. Groce cast his first presidential vote for Gen. William Henry Har- rison and in 1852 he became identified with the Republican party, of which he was a useful member for many years afterward, serving in a number of party organizations. In 1876 he was a delegate to the Republican National Con- vention and helped to nominate Gen. Ruther-

ford B. Hayes, and served in the same capacity in 1880, when Gen. James A. Garfield became the party's choice. During the Civil War he was a strong supporter of the government and contributed as largely as his means at that time permitted. Later he became president of the Third National Bank of Circleville.

Mr .. Groce was a self-made man. He built up a business from small beginnings to a com- mercial enterprise, whose market covered the country. It still continues as a monument to his business ability, his concentration of facul- ties, his clear insight and his unflagging in- dustry. His generosity was unbounded and his death left not only individuals but many or- ganizations which miss his continual benefac- tions. He was a man of unostentatious life. was singularly happy in his home, had reason to take satisfaction in his children and was the center of the domestic circle. His golden wed- dling. celebrated in 1889, will long be remem- bered by those who participated in the felicities of the occasion, although none of those who had been present 50 years before remained on this side of the dark river.

COL. CHARLES E. GROCE, the only son of the late John Groce, was born at Circleville Ohio, in 1851, where he was given a good. common-school education. In 1872 he became associated with his able father in the pork packing business as the younger member of the firm of Groce & Son and his interests in this great industry still continue. He is also largely interested in the grain business and operates five elevators in Pickaway County. He is on the directing board of. the First National Bank of Circleville, and has numerous other in- terests.

Colonel Groce married Anna Smith, a daughter of Josiah Smith and they have had four children. of whom three daughters sur- vive.

Colonel Groce obtained his title by reason of his having been a member of the staffs of Governors Foster and Foraker. He is a very prominent Republican, has served on the State Board of Public Works, for several years has been chairman of the Republican County Com- mittee and was a delegate to the Republican

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National Convention held in Chicago in 1884. He is fraternally connected with the Masons, Knights of Pythias and Elks.

J F. MOWERY. formerly treasurer of Salt Creek township, a prominent citi- zen and leading agriculturist, owns a fine farm of 209 acres which is situated in section II. Mr. Mowery was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 3, 1848, and is a son of John and Rachel (Dunkle) Mowery.

The Mowery family, like many others in Salt Creek township, came to Ohio from Penn- sylvania and was established in Salt Creek township by John Mowery, the grandfather of our subject, who came here from Berks Coun- ty. Pennsylvania, when his son John was five years old. The grandfather settled on the very farm which is now owned by J. F. Mowery. Here John Mowery, the second, was reared and spent his whole life. dying in 1876. He was a man who was highly respected and one whose whole life was a credit to his community. Of his children, these survive : Leannah. widow of Elias Crites, living in Allen County. Ohio; Mary. widow of John Stout, living in Pick- away County ; Rachel, widow of Amos Reichel- derfer, living in Delaware County, Ohio; Susan, widow of Peter Myers, living at Stouts- ville, Ohio; William H., who is a resident of Circleville; John F., of this sketch; Louisa J., widow of W. H. Housel, residing at Colum- bus; George D., who is president of the Salt Creek Valley Bank at Laurelville; and Allen S .. who resides at Columbus.

John F. Mowery was reared to manhood in Salt Creek township and has always resided on the farm he now owns. Here he secured his agricultural training, his education being ob- tained in the district schools. He was married ( first ), in 1873, to Mary E. Wolf, who was born in Hocking. County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Col. S. S. Wolf, who is now a resi- dent of Adelphi, Ohio. Of the five children of this marriage. three survive. namely : Orestes, a teacher in the public schools, who

married Nellie F. Dresbach, daughter of Milton Dresbach; Ada S., wife of J. D. Hummel, of Circleville; and Jennie, wife of Nelson Strous, of Salt Creek township. Pearl and Blanche are deceased. Mr. Mowery was married (second), in 1895, to Emma Bowers, who is a daughter of Jacob Bowers, of Fairfield County, Ohio.

In politics Mr. Mowery is one of the lead- ing Democrats of his section. He served for seven years as treasurer of Salt Creek township and during his incumbency enjoyed the reputa- tion of being an admirable official. He has also been school director in District No. I and has always been active in looking after educational interests. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at Tarlton and is one of the deacons and church trustees.

m ORRIS H. MIESSE, M. D .. phy- sician and surgeon at Circleville, who has been in the active prac- tice of medicine and surgery here for the past 26 years and who is well and favorably known all over Pickaway County. was born November 16. 1843, at Chillicothe. Ohio, and is a son of Dr. Benja- min and Sophia ( Carpenter) Miesse.

Jacob Miesse. the paternal grandfather of Dr. Miesse, was born in Pennsylvania, where he followed agricultural pursuits all his life. On the maternal side, the ancestry is of New England birth: the maternal grandfather migrated from Connecticut to Athens County, Ohio, at an early day, probably shortly after the birth of Dr. Miesse's mother.

Dr. Benjamin Miesse, father of our subject, was born in the vicinity of Reading, Pa. After graduating from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, he removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he engaged in practice for some years and then settled at Circleville, where he continued in practice until the death of his wife broke up his domestic circle. He then went back to Pennsylvania, where the remainder of his life was spent among the scenes of his youth. He had three sons, two of whom became physicians, and one

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daughter-Mrs. Lizzie Reiche, a resident of York, Pennsylvania. The brothers of our sub- ject are : Dr. Benjamin F. Miesse, a physician in Chillicothe, Ohio, who during the Civil War served as an assistant surgeon in the army: and Edson B. Miesse, who is engaged in busi- ness at Chillicothe.

Morris Il. Miesse was seven years old when. after the death of his mother. he accom- panied his father back to Pennsylvania, and was to years old when he returned to Ohio : and become a member of the family of an uncle. at Greenville, with whom he lived for some years. In 1859 he entered the Ohio Uni- versity. at Athens, and was but 20 years old when he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. His uncle, Dr. Miesse, was pleased with the youth's mental gifts and gladly accepted him as a student in medicine. The years 1865 and 1866 were spent at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. In the fall of 1867 be entered the College of Phy- ; sicians and Surgeons-medical department of Columbia College-in New York City, where he was graduated in 1868. Soon after he lo- 1 cated at the village of Royalton, in Fairfield County. Ohio. He continued to practice . through Fairfield and Pickaway counties until : 1880. when he came to Circleville, where he has not only built up a very large practice, but has acquired a large amount of real estate and has become a valued and public-spirited citizen. He owns a farm of 333 acres in Wayne town- ship and one of 170 acres in Monroe township.

In 1868 Dr. Miesse was married at Chilli- cothe. Ohio, to Louisa E. Cummins, who was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. S. P. Cummins. a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for years a prominent citizen of Portsmouth. Dr. and Mrs. Miesse have three children, namely : Ella C .. wife of J. H. Chaney, a leading contractor of Chicago, Illinois: Bertha M., wife of Will- iam B. Frederick. a farmer of Wayne town- ship: and Alice B., wife of H. E. Graham, a merchant of Circleville.

Dr. Miesse has been a life-long Republican. In May. 1864, he enlisted and served for four months as a member of Company B, 14Ist

Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. For 14 years he lias been a member of the Board of Pension Ex- aminers in Pickaway County, was a member of the Hocking Valley Medical Society as long as it was in existence and belongs to other med- ical organizations. His other connections in- clude political and fraternal bodies, being a Knight Templar Mason and a member of Grace Post. G. A. R .. of Circleville. while his social associations have always been those of a man of professional skill and personal integrity.

OHN R. ENTREKIN, who, as a citi- zen and agriculturist. is well and favorably known throughout Pick- away township, owns one of the best farms and finest residences in this lo- cality, the former containing about 300 acres , of well-cultivated land. Mr. Entrekin was born in this township on October 1. 1844. and is a son of William W. and Jane ( Bell) Entrekin.

James Entrekin, the original representative of his family in America, was a native of the Highlands of Scotland and resided in a m. un- tain pass known as Entrekin Pass. His wife. who was from the North of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish extraction, attained the great age of 103 years. Upon coming to America. they settled in what is now the eastern part of Adams County, Pennsylvania. One son. Will- iam, with his entire family, was killed by the Indians at a small stream called Bloody Run. Joseph, the other son, married Elizabeth Hall. who, like himself, was'of Scotch-Irish descent : they settled after marriage near Gettysburg. upon the ground where the great battle of the War of the Rebellion was fought.

Col. John Entrekin, son of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Hall) Entrekin and grandfather of the subject of our sketch, was born in 1778 and at the age of 20 years removed to the Northwest Territory, settling in what is now Ross County. He held a commission as colonel in the War of 1812 and at the close of the war moved to Pickaway County, where he lived with his son, William W. Entrekin. He

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was one of the prominent men of Ross and Pickaway counties. His life up to 1828 was identified with these counties, as was shown by crumbling papers yellow with age that were in the possession of William W. Entrekin. father of the subject of this sketch. Col. John Entrekin was appointed justice of the peace in 1815 by Governor Worthington. in 1819 by Governor Ethan A. Brown and in 1832 by Governor Allen Trumbull. His family was one of the half dozen families that composed the society of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church at Kingston, the first church of Ross County. The last public office he held was that of common pleas judge of Pickaway County, to which he was elected by the Legislature in 1838. He served in that office until his death. which occurred May 10. 1842. at the age of 64 years.

William W. Entrekin was a worthy son of a worthy father. He was born and reared in Pickaway County, lived out a long and useful life here and died in 1892, at the age of 81 years. During the Civil War he was a stanch supporter of the Federal government, sent two substitutes into the army and secured 60 re- cruits for Pickaway and Ross counties, ex- pending time and means to further the cause. He was one of the most active workers and generous supporters of the old Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, which recently cele- brated its centennial. He married Jane Bell and of their children two survive, viz. : John R .. of this sketch ; and Tacy C., who is the wife of Newton Davis, of Decatur, Illinois. The venerable mother, now in her 87th year. re- sides in the home of her daughter. Mrs. Davis.

John R. Entrekin was reared in his native township. laid the foundation of his education in the district schools and those at Kingston, and in 1868 was graduated at the Ohio Wes- leyan University at Delaware, Ohio. His busi- ness operations have been confined to farming and stock-raising. His well-improved land testifies to his agricultural efficiency. His handsome home, with all modern comforts and conveniences, is situated near enough to Kings- ton to enable the family to enjoy both town and rural life.

On September 13, 1876. Mr. Entrekin was united in marriage with Laura .A. Anderson. who was born in Ross County, Ohio, and is a daughter of D. C. Anderson, who is president of the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank at Frank- fort. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Entrekin have one son. Carl A., who married Margaret Coffman. of Washington Court House, and is in business at Chillicothe.

Mr. Entrekin is affiliated with the Repub- lican party and takes a deep interest in keeping in ofice mer, who in his judgment will carry out its principles. Both he and his wife are members of the Mount Pleasant Presbyter !!! Church. He has been identified for 16 years with Lodge No. 419. Knights of Pythias. at Kingston, Ohio.

P ETER HALL. who has been identified with the farming interests of Pick- away County through a long and active life, resides on his farm of 200 acres in Madison township. He was born in the adjacent township of Walnut. on February 4. 1832, and is a son of David Wall and a grandson of Henry Hall. who was an early pioneer in Madison township. Pickaway County.

The Hall family came to Ohio from Penn- sylvania, bringing with them the same habits which had made them prosperous in the Key- stone State. David Hall, father of our sub- ject. was born in Pennsylvania and in youth accompanied his parents' family across the mountains to Ohio. . He was reared in Madi- son township but after his marriage he re- moved to Walnut township. and developed a fine farm out of the wilderness.

Peter Hall was reared in Walnut township and assisted his father in clearing and cultivat- ing his lands. The schools at that day. in his locality, were primitive in character. but he se- cured a good foundation and as he has mixed much with intelligent people all his life, and has been a great reader, he is a very well informed man. He has always followed farming and stock-raising. He has been a large investor in land and at one time owned 1,000 acres, but

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has retained only 200 for his own use, dividing the rest with his children.

In 1856 Mr. Hall was married to Lavina Solt, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and they have had 12 children, eight of whom are now living, namely: Mary A., wife of Jackson Stein, of Madison township; Barbara J .. wife of Dr. Martin Luther Snyder, of Madi- son township; David, of Madison town- ship; William, of Walnut township; Emma, wife of Dr. J. Keckler, a practicing physician at Yorkshire, Darke County. Ohio; Illa. wife of Irvin Payne, of Walnut town- ship: John, of Madison township: and Ora, wife of Lewis Larue. The four deceased mem- bers of the family were: Samuel, who died at Columbus, Ohio, where he was a practicing attorney: Sarah, who was the wife of William Hoy. of Fairfield County. Ohio: and two who as infants passed over to the other side.

Mr. Hall did not remove to Madison town- ship until several years after his marriage, but here the most of his children were born and here all his interests have been centered for very many years. He has always been much interested in the progress and development of his neighborhood and has been generous in lending support to public improvements and to the advancing of educational and religious en- terprises. He is one of the leading members as well as an elder of Trinity Lutheran Church. at Marcy. Ohio, and has also served as trustee and deacon. His political support has always been given to the Democratic party. For 50 years he and his devoted wife have journeyed down life's pathway together and it would be difficult to find in all northern Pickaway County a more highly esteemed and venerated couple. They have friends on every side who wish them every blessing.

J OHN HENRY PETERS. a prominent citizen and a trustee of Walnut town- ship, residing on his well-improved farm of 86 acres. was born in this township. on an adjoining farm, December 1. 1867. He is a son of Manton and Hester (Dum) Peters.

Manton Peters was born in Walnut town- ship, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 7, 1833, and died February 9, 1889. He was a son of Stevenson Peters who settled in Walnut town- ship at a very early day, coming among the pioneers. The wife of Manton Peters was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1832, and was a daughter of Jacob Dum. She accompanied the family to Fairfield Coun- ty, where her father settled with his family of 13 children, when she was a girl. Manton Peters and wife had four children. all liv- ing, namely : Mrs. Pauline Kibler; Mrs. Isa- belle Oman: John Henry and Mrs. Florence Balthaser. The Peters family is one of stand- ing in both Pickaway and Fairfield counties and from its earliest establishment here has represented industry, integrity and good citi- zenship.

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History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 48

Author: Aaron R. Van Cleaf Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Number of Pages: 923

Author: Aaron R. Van Cleaf
Publication date: 1906
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 923