History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 58

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

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Solomon O. Smith was reared in Madison township and was educated in the district schools. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits as a business, has performed his duties as a citizen and has reared a large family in comfort, having one of the happiest domestic circles to be found in the township. He was married March 30, 1882, to Catherine Crist, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Samuel Crist, who now resides in Madison township, Pickaway County. To Mr. Smith and wife have been born nine chil- dren, namely : Bessie C., wife of Charles H. Cromley, of Fairfield County, Ohio; and Ed- win C., Clifton O., Ethel C., Ora E., Gladys K., Hugh M., Ralph L. and Dorothy M., all of whom live at home.

Mr. Smith gives a great deal of attention to the advancement of the interests of the pub- lic schools. He is now serving most efficiently as a member of the township School Board.

Politically he is a Democrat. He has won the reputation among his fellow-citizens of being an honest, fair, upright man and he enjoys their esteem and respect.

ILLIAM H. REED, a prominent farmer of Walnut township, town- ship trustee and substantial citi- zen, owns a well-improved farm of 140 acres which is situated in sec- tion 2. This fine old farm was his birthplace, on July 17, 1859, and he is a son of William and Martha ( Hall) Reed.

William Reed was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Lud- wig Reed, who was probably of German ex- traction. At the age of 17 years, William Reed accompanied his father to Pickaway County and they settled in Walnut township. On reaching maturity, Mr. Reed married Martha Hall, a daughter of David Hall, and they had three children, namely : William H .. of this sketch; Mary, who married Emanuel Oman, and died in Illinois, aged 21 years; and Alice, who married George Riegel and died at the age of 42 years. William Reed died in 1884, his wife having preceded him in 1875.

William H. Reed was reared and educated in his native State, enjoying most excellent advantages. For a time he attended the ad- vanced schools at Lebanon and Delaware, Ohio, and also the Ohio Normal University at Ada. For some years he attended the sun- mer normal schools and taught through the winter seasons, this course serving to make Mr. Reed one of the most intelligent, well- informed men of his locality and in various ways assisting him in carrying on his agricul- tural pursuits, as well as fitting him for the cluties of a good citizen. He has served several terms on the School Board, greatly to the ad- vantage of that body, and in 1898 was ap- pointed township trustee to fill out the unex- pired term of George Brinker, deceased. On the expiration of that term he was elected to that office on the Democratic ticket.

In 1884 Mr. Reed was married to Laura

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HON. SAMUEL W. COURTRIGHT.

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Knight, who was a daughter of Thomas Knight, of Tiffin, Ohio. They have had four children, viz .: Roy, a bright, manly lad, who died aged 12 years; Earl; Fern and Florence.

Mr. and Mrs. Reed are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee. He belongs to the Independent Or- dler of Odd Fellows. Mr. Reed is well and fa- vorably known and may justly be considered a representative citizen of his section of Pick- away County

ON. SAMUEL W. COURTRIGHT. for five years judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Fifth Judicial District of Ohio, and one of the lead- ing members of the Pickaway County Bar, at Circleville, was born in Walnut town- ship, Pickaway County, Ohio, December 9, 1842, and is a son of Hon. Jesse D. and Sallie (Stout ) Courtright.

Judge Courtright comes of Holland and Scotch ancestry and of a family which has been established in Ohio since 1801. Johannes Von Courtright, the great-great-grandfather, belonged to one of the old Knickerbocker fam- 'lies which came from Amsterdam and settled on Staten Island in the year 1623. Capt. Jesse Von Courtright, the great-grandfather, gained his title in the Revolutionary War. After its close he settled in Pennsylvania, at which time he became plain Captain Courtright. There his son, John Courtright, was born and later married Elizabeth Drake, a native of Scot- land and a member of a family noted in that country's history. In 1801 John Courtright and family crossed the mountains to Fairfield County. Ohio, and purchased a tract of farm- ing land near Royalton, which he later in- creased until he owned 2,100 acres. He made many improvements here, one being the erec- tion at great expense of the first brick house in the county. He served in the War of 1812, and both he and his wife lived to advanced years.

Hon. Jesse D. Courtright. father of Judge Courtright, was born in Bloom township, Fair-

field County, Ohio, May 5, 1811, and was reared amil pioneer suroundings. In August, 1831, he married Sallie Stout, who was born in Washington township, Pickaway County. Ohio, and was a daughter of George Stout, an early settler and extensive farmer of this coun- ty. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Courtright settled on a farm of 160 acres in Walnut town- ship, which Mr. Courtright, in the course of time, increased to 2,000 acres. He became one of the leading men of his time and locality, serving in all local offices in the gift of the Democratic party-for more than 30 years as a justice of the peace-and for one term was a member of the State Legislature; declining a reelection. In 1870 he removed from his farm to Circleville, where he died three years later. February 22, 1873. His death was followed by that of his most estimable wife, in July, 1881. They had nine children. For years they were consistent members and liberal sup- porters of the Presbyterian Church.

Judge Courtright, like many of his asso- ciates on the bench and bar, was reared a farmer boy. From the district school he went to South Salem Academy, and in 1861 he be- gan the study of the law with the late David M. Jones, at Circleville. In 1863 he was grad- uated at the Cincinnati College of Law at the head of his class, was shortly afterward ad- mitted to the bar, and entered upon the prac- tice of his chosen profession at Circleville. Very soon his ability was recognized and by the following spring he was urged for the office of city solicitor to which he was easily elected and to which he was subsequently re- elected in 1866. In October of the following year he was elected . prosecuting attorney by the then largest majority ever given a candi- date in the county, and was reelected in 1869. In April, 1875, he was elected a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Fifth Judicial District of Ohio and at that time was the youngest occupant of the bench in the State. His record during his five-year administration has ever since been a valuable asset, displaying as it did the soundness of his judgment, his full understanding of the law and the ready comprehension of the great questions that a

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lawyer, almost more than any other profes- sional man, must settle for good or evil, for right or wrong, in the different complexities of life. For many years his standing has been very high and his name is closely connected with the successful termination of many of the most important cases, which have come be- fore the courts in this section of the State. In 1887 he was selected by the Supreme Court of Ohio, as a member of the commission to ex- amine candidates for admission to the bar, and by annual reappointment served until 1892.

On December 14, 1865, Judge Courtright was married to Jennie R. Martin, daughter of Hon. Z. R. Martin, formerly mayor of Cir- cleville and one of its most prominent citizens. Judge and Mrs. Courtright have three talented daughters : Florence B., the wife of E. F. Dunn, of Columbus; Jennie B., now Mrs. Clark K. Hunsicker, of Woodlyn; and Mar- guerite B., a senior in the High School. The family residence, which is one noted for its hospitality as well as its attractiveness, is sit- uated on the corner of Union and South Court streets. In addition to this property, Judge Courtright owns considerable improved farm- ing land, both in Pickaway and Fairfield coun- ties.

Politically Judge Courtright is a Democrat and is a very prominent factor in his party. In the State military he has filled high official positions, serving from January, 1884, until January, 1886, as colonel on the staff of Gov- ernor Hoadly and again, on the staff of Gov- ernor Campbell, from January, 1890, until January, 1892. His fine bearing and manly presence made him a conspicuous and admired figure at all military manoeuvres during both these administrations. Personally he possesses the pleasant suavity and the cordial manner which mark the gentleman and at the same time the concentration and the dignity which become his profession. Judge Courtright has always taken a lively interest in the public schools and for years was president of the Board of Education. He has also served the people as a member of the City Council.

Judge Courtright is very prominent in fra- ternal life and has filled some of the highest

positions in the State in the Masonic, Odd Fel- lows and Knights of Honor organizations. He served as grand master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Master Masons of Ohio for three years, declining further service; was grand dictator of Ohio, and representative for three years to the Supreme Lodge, Knights of Honor; served for a quarter of a century as most excellent high priest of Circleville Chap- ville Chapter, No. 20, R. A. M .; is the posses- sor of elegant and valuable jewels, the gifts of grand bodies and of his brethren. Judge Courtright is and always has been a temperate man, for he has never drank a glass of any kind of intoxicants, never wagered a penny, or the value of one, never uttered an oath. He is a Presbyterian. His portrait accompanies this sketch, being presented on a preceding page.

A RTHUR McNEIL WIEGAND, one of the most prominent citizens of Har- rison township, residing on a very valuable farm of 182 acres, was born November 4, 1865, at the Wiegand home in Harrison township, and is a son of Dill and Hester Ann (Chrisman) Wiegand.

Dill Wiegand, who was born in Germany, came to this country when 14 years old, set- tling in West Virginia and later removing, with Mr. McNiel, to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he lived for a period of nearly 50 years. At the time of his death at the age of 63 years, he left a large and a valuable estate, though a poor boy when he came to Pickaway County. He was one of those men ever ready to help a friend, especially those who had shown him favors when a struggling youth. He married Hester Ann Chrisman and they were the par- ents of five children : Sarah Jane: Virginia, deceased, who was the wife of T. Miller; An- nie M., who married P. M. Gray; Mary M., deceased, who was the wife of J. F. Burgolt, and Arthur McNeil, the subject of this sketch.

Arthur M. Wiegand received his early education in the schools of Harrison township and in 1880 entered Kenyon College, Gam- bier, Ohio, where he remained until 1884, when

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he returned to the farm and has since devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. The Wiegand farm is one of the most valuable farms in Har- rison township. The family residence is a fine brick structure.

Mr. Wiegand was married March 2, 1887, to Rachel Bell, a daughter of Alexander C. Bell, a . representative of one of Pickaway County's oldest and most distinguished fam- ilies. Mr. Bell is president of the Third Na- tional Bank of Circleville and is one of the most substantial citizens of Pickaway County ; though he has lived on a farm the greater part of his life, he has always been a leader in the business and financial affairs of the county. Mrs. Wiegand is a lady of education and refinement and is active in church work and causes of charity, and her life is largely devoted to making others happy. One child, a son, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wie- gand-Van Meter, born April 9, 1890, who is a student in the South Bloomfield schools.

Mr. Wiegand is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge at Circleville, and is also an Elk and a Knight of Pythias. He has been an extensive traveler both in the United States and in Europe. He is a man of excellent taste, distinguished manners, good education and is honored and respected by all whose privilege it is to know him.

ILLIAM FRANK RUDISILL, whose well-cultivated farm of 225 acres attracts attention from every visitor passing through Pickaway township, is one of the leading agriculturists of this section. He was born July 12, 1860, in Hancock County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Eliza (Kraft) Rudisill.

The Rudisill family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, and Henry Rudisill was 12 years old when he accompanied his parents to Pickaway County, when they settled on a pio- neer farm in Washington township. Samuel Rudisill, the grandfather of William F., be- longed to the early settlers and hardy pioneers, whose memory it is the duty of their descend- ants to preserve.

Henry Rudisill remained in Pickaway County from the age of 12 years until his mar- riage in 1849, and in the following year he removed to Hancock County, where he resided for many years. In 1894 he came back to Pickaway County and resided on his farm for a short time, but subsequently returned to Hancock County, where he had lived so long. and he and his estimable wife are now most highly esteemed residents of McComb. Henry Rudisill is 80 years of age and his wife is 77. Their large family of 12 children all survive, a remarkable testimonial to the vitality of the honored parents. The record of the family is as follows: Susanna, widow of Marion Har- ritt, living at McComb, Ohio; Sarah, wife of John Flick, of Hancock County; John H., of Circleville; Mary C., wife of M. D. Keel, of Hancock County; Leanna, widow of Frederick Burke, of Hancock County; Ada L., wife of John D. Pfingst, of Pickaway County; Wil- liam F., of this sketch; Elizabeth J., wife of Nathaniel Hunterwork, of Hancock County ; Matilda, wife of Augustus Heuberger, of Ash- land County ; Sherman, of Pickaway township : Perry, of McComb; and Archibald A., of Han- cock County.

Henry Rudisill, during his active years, served as trustee in Blanchard township, Han- cock County, also as constable and assessor, and for many years was a justice of the peace in Liberty township, Hancock County. He is one of the well-known citizens of Hancock County and for years was a leader there in the Republican party.

William Frank Rudisill was reared, edu- cated and trained as a farmer in Hancock County, and continued to reside there until 1892, when he purchased his present farm in Pickaway township, Pickaway County. This he operates as a general farmer and as the land is fertile and his methods most excellent, he meets with very gratifying results. His farm lies along the Circleville and Adelphi turn- pike, one of the much-used highways of the county.

Mr. Rudisill was married (first) in Feb- ruary, 1884, to Alice Aurand, who was born and reared in Hancock County. One daugh-

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ter, Modie M., was born to this marriage. Mr. Rudisill was married (second), on October 19, 1891, to Sudie R. Hursh, who was born and reared in Hancock County. They have one son-Francis Mckinley.

In politics, Mr. Rudisill is a Republican. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is a member of the lodge at Circleville. For many years he has been one of the leading members of the Morris United Brethren Church in Washington township, Pickaway County.

ILLIAM A. HULSE, a member of one of the old and prominent fam- ilies of Jackson township, resid- ing on his farm of 196 acres, sit- uated on the Five Points turnpike, was born on the Hulse homestead on the old State road, in Jackson township, November 18, 1859. He is a son of James R. and Eleanor (Stipp) Hulse.

The Hulse family is of German extraction and it was founded in Ohio by the grandfather, James R. Hulse, Sr., a wheelwright by trade, who was born in Orange County, New York, came here in 1841 in young manhood and mar- ried Rebecca Van Meter. She was able to provide the capital with which her husband bought land and stock and which resulted in the family becoming very wealthy, through Mr. Hulse's good management. At death he left an estate comprising 3.000 acres of land. He was twice married. By his first marriage there were nine children and by his second marriage two.

James R. Hulse, father of our subject, was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 20, 1828, and spent the whole of his life as a farmer in this township with the exception of the years 1860-61, which he passed in Ross County, Ohio. He owned a number of fast horses and for a number of his later years was interested in racing them. He died on the old homestead on September 6. 1899. He inherited 800 acres from his father's estate. He was a stanch Democrat and for a number of years he served as town-

ship clerk and trustee, holding the latter office at the time of his death. He was a well-in- formed man, a genial, generous one, and was well acquainted all over the county. He mar- ried Eleanor Stipp, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 2, 1826, and is a daugh- ter of Henry and Sarah Stipp, both natives of Virginia, who came as pioneers to Ross Coun- ty. The children of James R. and Eleanor (Stipp) Hulse were: Henry Socrates, of Cir- cleville; Van Meter Stipp, of Jackson town- ship; James Reeves, of Jackson township; William A., of this sketch; and Sarah Rebecca, Stephen Arnold Douglas, Mary and George, all deceased. The venerable mother resides with our subject, who is unmarried.

William A. Hulse was reared in Jackson township and was educated in the common schools. He has always been interested in farming and stock-raising and carries on large operations on his well-improved farm, which is a part of the old Hulse homestead. He raises fine stock but makes grain growing his main feature. He does not take any very ac- tive interest in politics, but votes with the Dem- ocratic party.

EYMOUR THOMAS, cashier of the First National Bank of New Hol- land, and a prominent business man of the town, was born in Monroe township, Pickaway County, Ohio, on May 22, 1867. He is a son of Jackson and Christiana (Reeves), Thomas, and a grandson of William Thomas.

The family was founded in Pickaway County by the grandfather. Jackson Thomas, the father, was born in Monroe township, where he passed his entire life, being a pros- perous farmer and prominent and most highly respected citizen. For a period of six years he served as county commissioner and on many occasions was elected to township offices. In politics he was a Democrat. He married Christiana Reeves, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and was a daughter of the late Josiah Reeves, of Perry township. Of the five children born to Jackson and Christiana

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( Reeves ) Thomas, but two survive. these being: Loton F. and Seymour.

Seymour Thomas was reared in his native township, where his primary education was secured and later he completed a course at the Ohio Wesleyan University. at Delaware, Ohio. Mr. Thomas, on completing his collegiate training, removed to Kansas City. Missouri, where he filled a position as bookkeeper with a large business concern and then returned to the home place. where he remained for 13 years. After leaving the farm he removed to New Holland and accepted his present posi- tion as cashier of the First National Bank. He is a man of large means and wide acquaint- ance and has made a very popular official of this financial institution. He still retains pos- session of his two excellent farms, one of these being located in Monroe and the other in Perry township.

In 1894 Mr. Thomas was married to Ida Swain, who was born at Kansas City. Mis- souri, and is a daughter of Alfred Swain. They have two children-Lizzie and Georgia.

In political sentiment. Mr. Thomas is a Democrat. He has acceptably fille:l a number of local offices on various occasions and is known to be a public-spirited, reliable citizen. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His fraternal relations are with Ster- ling Lodge. F. & A. M., with the Order of the Eastern Star and with the Odd Fellows lodge at Circleville.

OHN LEWIS STRIBLING, superin- tendent of the Circleville Light & Power Company, was born at Circle- ville in July, 1857. a son of Dr. N. W. and Anna ( Crouse ) Stribling. The father of Mr. Stribling was born in Virginia and came to Ohio prior to his mar- riage to Anna Crouse, who was born in Cir- cleville. Dr. Stribling was a well-known citi- zen during his lifetime.

John L. Stribling was reared and educated in his native city. After leaving school he worked for three years in a leather store and

then was with the Martin Brothers grocery house for two years. In 1877 he enterel the employ of the Circleville Gas Light & Coke Company, with which he has been identified ever since. In January. 1884. certain capital- ists built the incandescent electric light plant to run in oppositios to the Circleville Gas Light & Coke Company and the competition con- tinued until 1892. when the latter organiza- tion purchased the electric light plant and in- stalled the arc light plant, consolidating and incorporating the business with Howard Jones as president : Frank C. Hubbard, a capitalist of Columbus, as vice-president: Howard B. Moore as secretary and treasurer; and J. L. Stribling as superintendent. For this position he is thoroughly fitted and the larger part of his time is devoted to his important duties in this connection.

In March. 1902. Mr. Stribling was married to Mrs. Maggie Hurdle. His fraternal rela- tions are with both the lodge and encampment. I. O. O. F .. Independent Order of Foresters. Improved Order of Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was reared in the faith of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

0 LIVER PERRY BRINKER, a re- spected farmer of Walnut township. residing on a fine estate of 157 acres in section 25. was born in the town- ship named on December 31. 1852. He is a son of Barnabas and Elizabeth ( Knight ) Brinker, prominent in the agricult- ural community of the eastern section of Pick- away County, his father at the time of his death being the owner of about 300 acres of land in Walnut township and 400 acres in other townships. As the name implies, the family is of good old German stock.

Oliver P. Brinker was trained to habits of homely industry and honesty and, as a farmer's son, received a limited education in the district schools. When he reached manhood. he was well qualified to take his place of useful labor in the township which has always been his home.

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On February 26. 1879. Oliver l'. Brinker was united in mariage with Josephine Blacker. a daughter of Henry Blacker, and they are the parents of two children. Dennis, the eller. married Zora Peters, a daughter of John Peters. Della, the younger, married Robert Peters, son of Rev. Robert W. Peters, of Wal- nut township: her husband and her brother are in partnership in the hardware business at Ashville. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Brinker have one chil !- Ethel-and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Peters have also a daughter-Helen. Oliver I'. Brinker is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, of which he is a trustee, and altogether is an honored and substantial men- ber of his native township.

ICTOR R. DUVALL, who was one of the well-known and highly esteemed citizens of Madison township, was born in Harrison township, Picka- way County, Ohio, on February 15, 1839, and died August 15. 1905. He was a son of Andrew and Cynthia A. (Love) Du- vall, both of whom were natives of Ohio.

Victor R. Duvall was a lad in years when his parents removed from Harrison to Madi- son township, and he grew to manhood on the home farm, not far from St. Paul, where he went to school. He had his own way to make in the world, in large degree, and proved him- self industrious and worthy under all circum- stances. His whole life was devoted to agri- cultural pursuits and his widow still resides on a valuable farm in Madison township, the whole estate consisting of 145 acres, which was secured by his excellent management dur- ing his active years.

On July 16. 1865, Mr. Duvall was married to the estimable lady who survives him, Ma- randa R. Fisher, who was born in Madison township, Pickaway County. Ohio, March 13, 1842, and is a daughter of Hiram and Mary (Hott) Fisher.

Hiram Fisher, father of Mrs. Duvall, was born in Virginia and in infancy was brought by his parents to Pickaway County, the family

being among the pioneer settlers of Madison township, where Hiram Fisher died. in his 83rd year. Of his children. three survive. namely: Christeen A .. who resides with her sister, Mrs. Duvall; Maranda R., widow of Victor R. Duvall; and Peter 11., of . Ashville. David is deceased. Hiram Fisher was a well- known and valued citizen of the township, in which he served several years as constable. Hle was so highly thought of in his neighborhood as to be affectionately called "Uncle Hiram."

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History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 58

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