History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 61

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 61

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Digitized by

Google

475

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

known as Teegardin & Taylor. Aside from his business and domestic life, Mr. Teegardin is socially interested in Masonry, being a mem- ber of Lithopolis Lodge, No. 169, F. & A. M .; Walnut Chapter, R. A. M., at Canal Winches- ter; and Scioto Commandery, No. 35, K. T., at Circleville.

Mr. Teegardin has been twice married. First to Amelia Hoffhines, daughter of John and Jane .( Peters) Hoffhines, on the 24th of December, 1874. Four daughters were born to this union of whom only one is now living -Blanche, wife of R. W. Kraft, of Ashville. Mrs. Amelia Teegardin died September 10, 1886. Our subject's second marriage was to Anna Lilly, daughter of Edward and Louise (Frankenberg) Lilly, her father, who is of both English and German descent, being an attorney at Columbus. Three children- Curtis A., Sarah Louise and Bernice-all of whom are living, resulted from the second marriage.

R OBERT EMMETT HARMOUNT, postmaster at Williamsport, is an honored survivor of the great Civil War, in which he participated from 1861 until 1865. Mr. Harmount was born March 22, 1843, at Canal Dover, Tus- carawas County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Martha (Steele) Harmount.

On both paternal and maternal sides, Mr. Harmount comes of Irish ancestry. His pa- ternal grandparents came to America from Ireland, where they were married and settled in Pennsylvania. John Harmount, father of our subject, was born near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. By trade he was a shoemaker and this he followed in his native State and after settling in Ohio. He married Martha Steele, who was also born at Chambersburg and accompanied her parents to Salem, Ohio. In 1849. John Harmount removed with his fam- ily to Williamsport, Pickaway County, where Mrs. Harmount died in 1890 and Mr. Har- mount in the following year. They had these children : Melvina, wife of Capt. W. B. Davis;

Robert Emmett, of this sketch; Martha, de- ceased; John, a resident of Circleville; Memento, a teacher at New Holland; and Mrs. Ada Kirk, a widow, who resides with our sub- ject.

Robert E. Harmount was six years old when his parents removed from Tuscarawas County to Williamsport, where he attended the sessions of school in the old log house which many of the older residents easily recall, and later enjoyed a course of six months at Oberlin College, a sufficient length of time to enable him to secure his certificate. He had intended teaching school, but before he had entered the educational field, the Civil War was precipi- tated and in July, 1861, although but 18 years old, he became a member of Company A, 27th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under the command of Capt. Nelson F. Lutz, of Circleville. After the close of his first term of enlistment, Mr. Harmount re-enlisted, in December, 1864, at Prospect, Tennessee, and served until the close of the war, being mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky.

The full story of Mr. Harmount's army ex- periences, if narrated, would fill many pages of this work and would be replete with interest, covering as they do the campaigns which in- cluded fighting in Missouri, the battle and cap- ture of Resaca, of Corinth and Iuka, the long march with Sherman to the sea, the siege of Atlanta and the closing scenes of the War of the Rebellion, the last one being the triumphal review at Washington. At the time of the death of the beloved General McPherson, Mr. Harmount was doing duty as a provost guard at headquarters.

After the. close of the war, Mr. Harmount returned to Williamsport, having previously spent some six months in Nebraska. He en- gaged for a number of years in a successful huckster business both for others and on his own account. He has always been a good and loyal citizen and an upright business man.

Although Mr. Harmount has been a life- long Republican, he has never been a seeker for political preferment, his present office being the only one he has ever held. To this he was appointed in July, 1897, during the first ad-

Digitized by Google

476

HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

ministration of the late President Mckinley. In August, 1869. Mr. Harmount was mar- ried to Mrs. Elizabeth Ecord, who died in 1872, leaving one daughter. Dana Elizabeth, who resides with her father. An infant died with its mother.

Mr. Harmount is a member of Heber Lodge, No. 501. F. & A. M., and Heber Lodge, O. E. S., at Williamsport. He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Williamsport and was formerly connected with Groce Post, G. A. R., at Circleville.

e HARLES D. STEELY, a prosperous farmer of Pickaway township, was born in this township on November 26. 1868. and is a son of John P. and Mary Elizabeth (Ludwig) Steely. now residents of Fairfield County, Ohio, the former of whom was born in Pickaway township, and the latter in Circleville township, Pickaway County.

Charles D. Steely was reared in the old home in Pickaway township and was educated in the township schools. With the exception of a short period, when he lived in Fairfield Coun- ty. he has always been a resident of his native township, and since reaching maturity has fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. He is thoroughly equipped as a farmer, understanding the prop- erties of soil and its adaptation to special grains or vegetable growths, and also has extensive knowledge concerning the breeding and economical feeding of stock. With this knowl- edge added to perseverance, industry and health, Mr. Steely has every help in the way of success.

On February 11, 1898, Mr. Steely was mar- ried to Lenora Thomas. who was born in Pick- away County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Levi Thomas, of Pickaway township. They have three children-Ruth, Hazel and Charley Guy.

In politics, Mr. Steely is a Republican. He takes an active interest in all that concerns the advancement of his section and gives hearty support to the cause of education in Pickaway township.

OL. DAVID L. SMITH. Among ₡ the prominent and highly esteemed citizens of the northern section of Pickaway County, there is none more deserving of mention in a rep- resentative work than Col. David L. Smith, one of the best-known residents of Madison township. Colonel Smith was born in Picka- way County, March 9, 1837, and is a son of Jacob and Christina ( Hall) Smith.

This branch of the Smith family belonged to Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and from there came Jacob Smith, in 1808, when a boy of 14 years, accompanying his father, John Smith, who settled in Madison township, Pick- away County, on the farm now occupied by our subject. At that time all this territory was as yet unsettled, forests stood where now are culti- vated fields, and Indians and wild animals roamed where now stand comfortable farm houses or pass modern lines of transportation. The older generation passed away here and Jacob Smith, after a useful, exemplary life. die.1 on the old farm in 1870, being a man who was held in universal respect by his fellow-citizens. He was a substantial farmer and he also en- gaged in weaving.

David L. Smith was reared in Madison township and was educated in the best schools the township afforded. His main occupation in life has been farming and stock-raising, in which he has been uniformly successful. He has long occupied a prominent position among the agriculturists of Madison township. For many years he was identified with military af- fairs, being captain of a company of militia in his early manhood and later became colonel of a regiment of State militia, which was made up of companies from Madison, Walnut, Harrison, Scioto and Washington townships. As com- mander of this regiment he was well and favor- ably known for a long period and has always been given the title of "Colonel." In private as well as military life, Colonel Smith has been a good citizen. He has served Madison town- ship as trustee, as a member of the School Board and for over a quarter of a century has been a director of School District No. 1, Madi- son township. He has been an active supporter

Digitized by Google

477

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

of all the community's public-spirited move- ments.

Colonel Smith was married in 1864 to Eliza Fellers, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. They have had 1I children, as follows : Elva E. and Anna C., both living at home; Stephen A., who married Mary Glick and lives in Fairfield County: Ja- cob R., living at home; Frederick J., of Madison township; Gertrude B., wife of J. B. Klamforth, of Franklin County; Samuel D., who married Kate Fridley and resides in Madison township; John M., who married Lulu Harris and resides in Franklin County; Elmer W. and Elwood F., both living at home; and Willard L., deceased. They also have a boy of 14 years in their family, whom they have raised from the time he was eight days old- his name is Delno William Stotler.

Jacob R. Smith, the second son of the above family. and the manager of the home farm, is one of the best known agriculturists of Madison township and is extensively engaged in breed- ing Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China swine. He is a member of the School Board of Madi- son township and is a representative citizen. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and has served for several years as superin- tendent of the Sunday-school. In politics he is a Democrat.

Colonel Smith has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. Although no candidate for political honors, still he is deeply interested in its success. Colonel Smith is one of the best posted men of his community, being thoroughly acquainted with all the great questions of the day. He is a genial host, a pleasing conversationalist and from a fund of varied experience draws many an interesting story which throws light on the pioneer his- tory of Madison township.

J AMES INSKEEP VAUSE, one of the prosperous farmers and most highly esteemed citizens of Harrison town- ship. resides on his magnificent farm of 600 acres, on which farming and stock-raising are extensively carried on. He was born in Hamilton township. Franklin

County, Ohio, August 12, 1827. but has been identified with Pickaway County since 1857. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Decker) Vause.

The early history of the Vause family be- longs to Virginia. The father of James I. Vause was born and reared in Hampshire County, Virginia, whence he came to Clark County, Ohio, and purchased a small farm in the vicinity of Springfield. During the War of 1812, he accompanied his neighbors to the frontier to defend their homes from the British and Indians and was captain of the company of light horse during the period of its service. He found his land well adapted to the growing of grain and the raising of stock, and through his care and excellent methods increased his holdings and became a man of substance as well as importance, owning at his death some 600 acres of land in Franklin and Pickaway counties. In 1823 he settled in the former county and erected a fine home near Lock- bourne, in which he resided the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1852, at the age of 66 years. In 1817 he married Elizabeth Decker, who died in 1852, aged 60 years. Their chil- dren were: John D .. Rachel, William, Luke D., James Inskeep, Thomas B., and Hannah Decker. Of these, our subject is the only sur- vivor. John D. married Mary Perrill and lived in Harrison township. Rachel married Wil- liam Thornton Decker and they are survived by six children. William married Mary Stim- mel, and Thomas B. married Missouri Moore and resided at Camp Chase, Columbus.

James I. Vause spent his boyhood in at- tending the district schools and in assisting on the home farm and remained there until 1858, although he had purchased a part of his present farm in 1857. This purchase was one of 482 acres, formerly the property of Joseph Renick, to which Mr. Vause has added, His last purchase, in 1892, being one of a farm of 130 acres, which he bought of George Hall and William Mott. His farm of 600 acres is devoted to crops of wheat. corn, oats and hay and to the raising of cattle, horses and swine. When Mr. Vause acquired his property, a small amount of clearing had been done, but the larger part of the land was still heavily tim-

Digitized by Google

478

HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

bered. This was subsequently cleared by Mr. Vause and placed under its present fine state of cultivation.

On November 7, 1854, Mr. Vause was married to Eliza Wright, born April 17, 1827, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Platter) Wright. Mrs. Vause died June 25, 1878, the mother of five children, viz. : Sarah Elizabeth, born October 17, 1856, who died at the age of eight years, 10 months and 17 days; Joseph Wright, born June 22, 1858, one of Harrison township's substantial men; William Thornton, born January 5, 1860, who died March 29, 1861 ; James Edward, born July 24, 1863, who married Ella Conner, of Sheboygan, Wiscon- sin, and resides at Milwaukee, where he fol- lows his profession as civil engineer; and Mary Agnes, born September 12, 1865, who is the wife of I. J. Swayer, of Harrison town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Swayer have two children -Herbert Edwin and Ray Vause. Mrs. Eliza (Wright) Vause, the mother of this family, was a devoted and useful member of the As- bury Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church and was a hearty worker in the Missionary Society of that body.

Mr. Vause was married (second), on Sep- tember 9, 1880, in Walnut township, Picka- way County, to Mary A. Haas, who was born November 7, 1845, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and died November 13, 1900, aged 55 years. She was a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Haas, of Pickaway County.

The beautiful home of Mr. Vause was erected in 1873, taking the place of the old log house, which had served its time as a place of residence. Here Mr. Vause still resides, although he is relieved of all business care by his son, Joseph Wright Vause, who has always resided on the old homestead. In spite of his 79 years, Mr. Vause is in the enjoyment of vigorous health, this being a heritage from a wholesome boyhood and the result of an un- usual busy life, a large part of which has been passed in the healthful pursuits of agriculture. In his political views, Mr. Vause has always been an ardent Republican. As an intelligent citizen he has kept alive his interest in public movements as well as local enterprises and

has been liberal in the assistance he has given to objects of charity and benevolence when they have been brought to his attention. Aside from the personal esteem in which he is held, he is an interesting figure in Harrison town- ship as a representative of a fine old family which came to the county as pioneers.

D ANIEL RITTENOUR KNOWLES, a representative citizen and farmer of Wayne township, was born Jan- uary 25, 1853, on the farm ad- joining the one where he now lives. His father was Robert Knowles, who came from the State of Delaware to Pickaway Coun- ty, and married Emeline Rector, daughter of John R. Rector, of Deer Creek township, near Kinderhook, the family being one of the oldest in that part of the county.

Daniel R. Knowles grew to manhood on the farm, receiving his education in the district school, followed by one term in the Ohio Wes- leyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. In 1873 his parents and their children moved to Butler County, Kansas, where for a year he was em- ployed in the county recorder's office. The following year he assisted his father in the live-stock trade, during that year returning to Pickaway County. On the 10th of November, 1876, he was joined in wedlock, with Ella M. Owens, daughter of Samuel M. Owens, one of ' the most substantial and best known citizens of Wayne township, and they have since re- sided on a farm of 100 acres, which Mr. Knowles successfully tills. They have a beauti- ful home. Two children, daughters, were born of the marriage-Birdie and Nannie. The first named married Orie C. Snelling, of Pick- away County. They now reside in Columbus. Four children have been born to them : Beulah (who died at the age of five years), Muriel May, Henry K. and Dorothy Elizabeth. Nan- nie, the younger daughter, is at home.

Besides giving close attention to his farm, Mr. Knowles has found time to devote to the welfare and best interests of the nighborhood, the township and county, the church, schools

Digitized by Google

479

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

and other local affairs. In 1882 he was elected trustee of the township, serving three years, and in 1900 was land appraiser of the township. He is now serving his 17th year as assessor. In all these capacities he acquitted himself with promptness, ability and unquestioned integrity. Politically an ardent Democrat, he has served as delegate in county, district and State con- ventions, represented the township eight years on the County Central Committee, and is now serving his second term as a member of the Democratic County Executive Committee.

His religious connections are with the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a gen- erous giver for its support.

A RTHUR M. DAUGHERTY, treas- urer of Darby township, manager of Jones & Company's coal and grain business at Derby, and prominent both in politics and church work, is a son of John and Anna (Peters) Daugh- erty. When quite young his grandparents em- igrated from Ireland; of their large family, there are only two members now living : Dan- iel, who is married and resides at Howard City, Kansas; and John, our subject's father.

John Daugherty was born in Ross County, Ohio, and married Anna H. Peters, daughter of John Peters, whose American ancestors were "Mayflower" voyagers. Mrs. John Daugherty is one of a family of seven chil- dren; a brief record of her brothers and sisters follows: George, a soldier of the Civil War, who married Olive Howard and now lives in Arkansas; William, also a defender of the Union in the Civil War, who married Mary Brand and is a resident of Allen County, Ohio; James, who gave his life for his country, being killed at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Geor- gia: Elizabeth, whose first husband, Bart Burkett, was drowned in Chesapeake Bay in the Civil War, while being conveyed to the seat of war on a transport-she married, as her second husband, John W. Kemp, deceased several years ago, and now lives in Allen Coun- Ohio; Matilda, who married Peter Hott-

both now deceased; Margaret, who married (first) Nelson Mclaughlin, (second) Daniel Hoak and (third) Austin Barber-Mrs. Bar- ber and her husband are both dead.

Mr. and Mrs. John Daugherty, the parents of our subject, were married at Columbus, Ohio, in 1871, and of their four children Ar- thur M. is the eldest. George, the second, married Ura Sutton and is engaged in the oil business at Spencerville, Ohio. Daisy is the wife of Ora B. Crites, an Allen County farmer. Clarence, who is unmarried, lives at home with his parents, who are residents of Amanda township, Allen County.

Arthur M. Daugherty was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and when his father moved to Allen County accompanied his parents thither. He attended the colleges at Lima, Ohio, and Valparaiso, Indiana, completing a commercial course at the former institution, and began teaching at the age of 18 years. Mr. Daugh- erty continued in this professional work for 10 years, teaching nine years in the common schools and one year in Lima College.

On September 28, 1901, our subject was united in marriage with Emma Crites, daugh- ter of Amos and Carlile (Shock) Crites, of Allen County, this State. Mrs. Daugherty has a brother, Titus, who was married to a daugh- ter of Samuel East, of that county, and two sisters-Martha, wife of Marion Imler, and Adelina, wife of Daniel Whitetone, the former a resident of Allen County and the latter of Auglaize County, Ohio. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Daugherty -Melvia May, at Derby, on the 8th of Sep- tember, 1902.

Mr. Daugherty's home is in the village of Derby. In 1905 he was elected by the Demo- cratic party to the office of township treasurer, being the only candidate of that organization to make a successful run in Darby township. Besides attending to the duties of this office, he is engaged in the raising of fancy poultry, his special breed being Buff Plymouth Rocks.

Both Mr. Daugherty and his wife are lead- ing members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He himself is especially prominent in Sunday-school work. He has served as super-

Digitized by Google

480

HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

intendent of the Sunday-school, and is at pres- ent assistant superintendent of his Sunday- school, vice-president of the Darby Township Sunday-School Association and vice-president of the Epworth League. His fraternal asso- ciations are with the Odd Fellows.

D ANIEL L. HEFFNER. assessor of Salt Creek township, a popular citi- zen and a successful.agriculturist, re- sides on the Circleville and Adelphi turnpike, along which he owns a farm of 145 acres of well-tilled land. Mr. Heffner was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, June 19, 1853, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Holler) Heffner.

The Heffner family is of German descent and many of the name are substantial farmers and good citizens of Pennsylvania, whence came Abraham Heffner, the grandfather of Daniel L., to Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, at a very early day. Here he reared his family.

Samuel Heffner was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in which township he passed his whole life, dying No- vember 1, 1895. He married Elizabeth Holler, who survived him just one year. He was a prominent and useful citizen of Salt Creek township. a quiet, industrious, law-abiding man, who supported schools and churches and did his full duty in every relation of life. He served as trustee of his township but was not willing to accept other offices. He was a worthy member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church at Whisler. In politics he was a Democrat. His three surviving children are : Jacob H., Daniel L. and Wilson, all of Salt Creek township.

Daniel L. Heffner was reared and educated in his native township and received excellent agricultural training on the home farm. His main business in life has been the development and improvement of his land and he is justly numbered with the leading agriculturists of his section of Pickaway County.

On February 5, 1873, Mr. Heffner was

united in marriage with Sarah A. Reichel- derfer, who was born May 27, 1855, in Salt Creek township. Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Reichel- clerfer, the former of whom was born in Salt Creek township and the latter in Pennsyl- vania. Her paternal grandfather, Henry Reichelderfer, was one of the earliest settlers in Salt Creek township and the family has always been one of prominence and substance here. Of the children of Samuel Reichel- derfer and wife, four survive, namely : Ira, of Salt Creek township; James, of Circleville; Sarah A., wife of Daniel L. Heffner; and Francis, of Amanda, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Heffner have one son, George W., a practicing physician at Circleville. He is a graduate of Starling Medical College at Columbus. Dr. Heffner is meeting with suc- cess in his profession. Prior to entering upon the study of medicine, he taught school and is well known over a large part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Heffner had two other sons, George and Lafayette, both of whom are de- ceased.

In Mr. Heffner the Democratic party in Pickaway County has an influential factor. He is now serving his third term as assessor of Salt Creek township and formerly served one term as land appraiser and several terms as township trustee, during a portion of which period he was president of the board. In 1905 Mr. Heffner's party prominence was recog- nized signally by his being sent as a delegate to the Ohio State Democratic convention from Pickaway County. 'Both Mr. Heffner and wife are members of the Evangelical Association, Pleasant View Church.

ENRY KAISER, of Scioto township, is a typical German-American farmer, representing a class upon which de- pends much of the agricultural pros- perity of Ohio and other States of the Middle West. He was born in Hessen- Cassel. Germany, December 7, 1866, received a good education in the Fatherland, and came

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

NELSON HITLER.

Digitized by Google

483

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

with his sister Martha to the United States in August, 1884. Without friends or money, they at first located at Washington, D. C., where they remained for a few months.

In the spring of 1885, having determined that his prospects for advancement would be better in an agricultural country, Mr. Kaiser located in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and engaged in farming. In 1887 he was able to purchase a portion of the farm upon which he now resides, and in 1889 the re- mainder of the 70 acres which he owns and occupies as a homestead. This is what pluck and industry, combined with good manage- ment, has accomplished in a few years. Mr. Kaiser now has a well-cultivated piece of land. Besides raising wheat, corn and oats, he feeds a considerable number of hogs and cattle.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 61

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