History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 68

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

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C. A. Leist was reared in Pickaway County and first attended the country schools, later went to the Ohio Normal University at Ada, and then turned his attention to teaching. Dur- ing the five years that he taught school he took advantage of spare time to become acquainted with the first principles of the law, and subse- quently studied with the law firm of Folsom & Pontius and later with Judge Festus Walters. In December, 1893, he was admitted to the bar and entered into practice on January I, 1894. Mr. Leist practices in all the courts of the State and also in the Federal courts. He has always been interested in politics and was elected city solicitor of Circleville for a term of four years. He is now serving as a mem- ber of the Board of Elections of Pickaway County.

On November 24, 1897, Mr. Leist was married to Elizabeth Crist, who is a daughter of. Henry Crist, who for years was a leading business man of Circleville. Mr. and Mrs. Leist have one son-Marvin. Mr. Leist is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, at Circleville. He is one of the intelli- gent, progressive men of the city and stands very high personally and professionally.

I RA S. STONEROCK, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Jackson township, who resides on his present farm of 68 acres and owns also an- other farm of 57 acres, both on the Dawson turnpike, was born in Jackson town- ship, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 6, 1863, and is a son of Jeremiah and Mary (White- side) Stonerock.

The Stonerock family, of which our sub- ject is a member, is probably of German an- cestry. It was founded in Pickaway County

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by the grand father of our subject, who came here from Pennsylvania. He died while his son Jeremiah was very young, leaving five other sons, namely : Jackson, Henry, Jacob, Hiram and Joseph, of whom the last named is the only survivor.

Jeremiah Stonerock was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 15, 1817, and died on his farm, which he had occupied all his life, on April 14, 1902. He re- ceived 121/2 acres of land from his father's es- tate and this he increased until he owned 180 acres located three and a half miles northeast of Williamsport, on the Dawson turnpike, and an adjacent iarm of 115 acres. He was a sober, honest. hard-working man and acquired all this property through his own industry. Po- litically he was a Republican. He was a con- sistent member of the Christian Church and contributed liberally to its support. He mar- ried Mary Whiteside, who was born in Ire- land, July 15, 1830, and died on the home farm July 15, 1882. She was a daughter of An- drew and Mary Whiteside, who came here when she was a child.

The children of Jeremiah Stonerock and wife were: Rebecca Jane, who married W. E. Downing and died in Jackson township; Till- man, who resides with our subject; John, who died aged 18 years: Mack, who died aged 34 years; Ira S., of this sketch; Mirvin, of Pick- away County; Flora, deceased, who was the wife of William Mogan; Dora, who died aged 17 years; and Dolly, who married J. W. Van Keuren, a brother of our subject's wife, and resides on the old homestead in Jackson town- ship.

Ira S. Stonerock was reared on the home farm and attended the public schools in his lo- cality. He made his home with his parents until he married, then rented a farm for some seven years, after which he bought his present property. He has operated his farm as a grain and stock farm and for the past four years has done a large business in buying and shipping cattle. He has made all the improvements on his property and they are excellent ones. His commodious residence is surrounded by choice shrubbery, all of which Mr. Stonerock has set

out himself. The place shows on every hand that while utility is paramount, beauty has not been neglected in the buildings and arrange- ment of the grounds.

Mr. Stonerock was married on October 24, 1882, to Emma Van Keuren, who was born in Dutchess County, New York, February 24, 1862. She is a daughter of William and Kath- erine (Schryver) Van Keuren, who settled in Wayne township when she was an infant. They died at Williamsport, where they had previously lived retired. The following chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stonerock : Grace, who died aged one year and nine months; Modella, who married J. W. Renick, of Circleville, a member of the old and wealthy family of that name, and has two children- Modella Lucile and Elizabeth; and Lulu Marie and Harry I., both living at home. All the family except our subject belong to the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, to which, however, he is a liberal contributor. In politics he is independent and has never accepted any but school offices. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America, at Williamsport.

EORGE BRUNDIGE. One of the old, numerous and honored families of Salt Creek township is worthily repre- sented in George Brundige, a retired citizen of Whisler. Mr. Brundige was was born October 17, 1827, in the very house which he now occupies, and is a son of Col. Thomas and Nancy .(Johnson) Brundige.

The father of George Brundige was born in New York, but was married in Virginia. In young manhood he became connected with mili- tary affairs, held the rank of colonel during an early Indian War and during all his active life was more or less connected with the militia. In 1805, with his wife, he came to Pickaway County and settled in Salt Creek township, entering the land from the government. This land included the present site of the town of Whisler, the early name being Prairie View.

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He was one of the most enterprising and pro- gressive men of his time and did a great deal in the development of this section. To him the town and township are indebted for the success- ful founding of many of the early enterprises and the establishing of conditions which have led to the further progress of the community. When he built his brick residence at Prairie View, some 80 years ago, it was considered the acme of comfort and elegance. Its sound old timbers and honest masonry still stand, and, with improvements added by our subject, the house is still a very attractive and comfortable home. Col. Thomas Brundige and wife were the parents of II children, of whom our sub- ject is the only survivor,

George Brundige was reared on his father's estate. He attended first the subscription and later the district schools of Salt Creek town- ship. Mr. Brundige has been largely interested in agriculture all his life and still retains his farm of 1921/2 acres of excellent land, one of the most valuable farms in the township.

On October 22. 1853. Mr. Brundige was married to Mary M. Ogan, who was born in Muskingum County. Ohio, January 16, 1834, and is a daughter of Evan and Elizabeth (Tom) Ogan, the former of whom was born in Delaware and the latter in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather, Evan Ogan, was born in Virginia. For many years the Ogan family resided in Muskingum County, but Mrs. Brundige has been a resident of Salt Creek township since 1851. With the exception of a short period spent at Kingston and Circleville, Mr. Brundige has been a continuous resident of Salt Creek township all his life. On Octo- ber 22, 1903, occurred the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. Brundige and his excellent wife and there were many to congratulate them on its celebration. They have many pleasant social ties at Whisler and in the near vicinity, as they are known by almost every resident.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Brundige are valued members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Whisler, in which he has served as treasurer and in which they are very active, liberally contributing to and cheerfully further- ing the various benevolent enterprises in the

church's care. In political sentiment. Mr. Brundige is a stanch Republican, his father having been an old-line Whig.

JOHN SCHLEYER. one of the leading L members of the bar. at Circleville. was born in 1851 at Chillicothe, Ross Coun- ty. Ohio, and is a son of the late John FF. Schleyer, formerly a leading citi- zen of Circleville.

Our subject was six years old when his par- ents moved to Huntington township, Ross County, where they lived until 1863, and then settled at Circleville. The early education of Mr. Schleyer was secured in the local schools where he prepared for a higher course and later he entered the Capitol University, at Colum- laus, where he was a student for five years and was graduated in theology. Before he accepted any charge, Mr. Schleyer became convinced that he was better fitted for the profession of the law and consequently he began its study with the firm of Smith & Morris, at Circle- ville. He was admitted to the bar of Ohio on January 2. 1883, and immediately entered into practice in the same office which he has occupied ever since-a period of 23 years. In 1886 he was elected city solicitor and was re- elected in 1888, serving two terms. In 1890 he was elected and was subsequently re-elected prosecuting attorney of Pickaway County. His service covered two terms. He is generally acknowledged to be one of the county's most able men in his profession. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.

FRANCIS PECK, one of the rising young farmers of this county and one of its well-known educators, was born in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio. in the year 1876. He is a son of Milton W. Peck ( whose sketch ap- pears elsewhere in this work) and a grandson of John J. Peck. whose father, Henry Peck, was one of the first settlers of the county.

On December 24, 1900, our subject was

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HON. ANDREW ROBINSON BOLIN.

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married to Osa Warner, daughter of David Warner, who died during that year; Mrs. Warner resicles with her daughter. Mrs. J. Francis Peck. A daughter, Marjorie, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Peck, August 7, 1903.

Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Peck pur- chased 60 acres of land from the heirs of the David Warner estate, to which he has since added II acres and brought the entire tract under scientific and productive cultivation. For the past six years he has also been a school teacher, being at present attached to District No. 6. During that period he has also taught at the Ferguson and Dungan schools, Districts Nos. 4 and 5.

Fraternally our subject is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and religiously is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

F ON. ANDREW ROBINSON BOLIN, formerly a member of the House of Representatives, in the Ohio Legislature, and for years one of the leading members of the Pickaway County Bar, was born at Circleville, Ohio, in 1849, and is a son of John and Mary A. ( Brannon) Bolin.

John Bolin, the paternal grandfather, was born in Ireland, emigrated to America, set- tled at Martinsburg, Virginia, and died at Norfolk, Virginia, while serving as a soldier in the War of 1812. His son, John Bolin, was born in 1807, at Martinsburg, Virginia, where he married Mary A. Brannon, who was born at Martinsburg, in 1809, and was of Irish ex- traction. In 1834, John Bolin and family came to Pickaway County, Ohio, settling on a farm in Jackson township. For some years he car- ried on a business of building and contract- ing and later operated a farm in another town- ship. In 1875 he purchased a hotel property at Harrisburg, in Franklin County. The mother of our subject died in 1862, but the father survived until 1887.

Andrew Robinson Bolin, of Circleville, was one of a family of seven children. He attended

the public schools of his native place until 17 years of age, completing the course in so creditable a manner that he was given a teach- er's certificate and taught school for the next year. Mr. Bolin, having a profession in view. then entered the Miami University at Oxford. where his brilliancy as a student attractel gen- eral notice and he was graduated in 1871, car- rying off the honors of his class and gaining the degree of A. B. Subsequently the uni- versity conferred the degree of A. M. Thus well prepared, by thorough literary training, Mr. Bolin entered upon the study of the law with experienced practitioners at Circleville. where he prepared for entrance into the Cin- cinnati Law School, where he was graduated with the degree of LL. B., in 1873. He en- tered immediately into practice in his native place, where for more than 30 years he has filled a large space in the professional, po- litical and social life. In all he has gained distinction and still continues an important factor.

Ever since young manhood, Mr. Bolin has been a zealous worker for the success of the Democratic party. His eminent fitness for high public office has been recognized on many oc- casions and he has been chosen as his party's candidate many times. He was one of the most prominent Democratic members of the Ohio General Assembly during 1895, 1896. 1897 and 1898. For 20 years he has been a member of the Board of Examiners of the city schools of Circleville and has been one of the greatest friends of the public schools. As an orator he is known all over his own and other States and he has done good service in several campaigns.

On April 8, 1875, Mr. Bolin was united in marriage with Sophronia I. Rector, who is a daughter of Edward and Sophronia ( Blodgett) Rector, the former of whom was a nephew of Governor Edward Tiffin, the first governor of the Commonwealth of Ohio. Edward Rector accompanied his uncle to Ohio and was one of the earliest pioneers of Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Bolin have two children, viz. : Stuart and Mabel. Mr. Bolin is a very prominent Mason, being past master of the Circleville

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Blue Lodge, past high priest of the Royal Arch Chapter, past thrice illustrious master of the Council, past eminent commander of Scioto Commandery and a member of Aladdin Tem- ple at Columbus and of the Consistory at Cin- cinnati. A portrait of Mr. Bolin is shown on a nearby page.

OSHUA HILL, a well-known farmer and reliable citizen of Scioto township, who owns valuable farming land which is divided into two portions, one of 527/8 acres and the other of 421/2 acres, is a native of Scioto township, where he was born March 26, 1862. His parents were Will- iam and Anna Maria (Gochenouer ) Hill.

The grandparents of Mr. Hill, Joshua and Hannah (Kramer) Hill, came to Pickaway County from Maryland. William Hill, father of our subject, was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 10, 1836, and died March 7, 1890. He married Anna Maria Gochenouer, who was born in Pickaway Coun- ty, Ohio, April 8, 1841, and is the only surviv- ing daughter of Henry Gochenouer, a promi- nent farmer of Scioto township. They had 14 children-12 sons and two daughters. Two are deceased, namely : Charles, who died Janu- ary 25, 1892, aged 24 years, 10 months and 15 days ; and Elizabeth, who died May 15, 1892, aged 21 years, 6 months and 23 days. The other members of the family are: Henry, who resides near Darbyville, in Muhlenberg town- ship; Joshua, of this sketch ; William, who lives near Grove City, in Franklin County ; Joseph, who resides in Scioto township; John, a car- penter, who works in Columbus and lives at Grove City, Franklin County; Irwin, who re- sides in Columbus, where he is employed in the shops of the P., C., C. & St. L. Ry .; Isaac, a rural mail carrier, residing at Orient ; Milton, who is with a cash register company at Colum- bus; Samuel, who is employed at the State In- sane Asylum at Columbus; Frederick, who works as a carpenter, at Columbus; Rebecca, who resides with her mother; and Wesley, who conducts a bakery at Harrisburg, Franklin County.

Joshua Hill was reared on a farm situated half a mile west of Commercial Point, which is known as the Al Brown farm and is now owned by Henry Gochenouer. His education was obtained in the common schools of Scioto township. He has devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits and is numbered with the successful farmers of his section. He has resided on his present farm for the past 10 years ; prior to his occupancy, it was known as the George Gochenouer farm.

On February 11, 1883, Mr. Hill was mar- ried to Lydia Beavers, a daughter of Peter and Olive (Kepler) Beavers, who reside in Scioto township on what is known as the Elisha Wil- kins farm. Her grandparents were William and Elizabeth (Deckert) Beavers. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Beavers had seven children, viz. : Lydia (Mrs. Hill) ; Warren, of Columbus; Addison; Nora, wife of Jacob Marburger; Bertha, deceased, who was the wife of Perkins Miller ; Jesse, who lives in Columbus; and Ray, who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Hill have eight children, as follows: Arthur H., born February 9, 1884; Harry Edwin, born December 20, 1886; Edith Ann, born September 7, 1889; Weldon, born November 8, 1891; Clyde, born February 8, 1893; Mary Ethel, born June 6, 1894; Elsie Pearl. born September 1. 1896; and Millard Wendell, born August 26, 1904.

Politically Mr. Hill is a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Commercial Point.

P ETER M. TEEGARDIN, a citizen of Madison township, who enjoys the es- teem and confidence of his fellow-citi- zens in a very large degree, is one of the township's representative farmers and stock-raisers. He was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, April 19, 1868, and is a son of Peter and Ivy (Crum) Teegardin.

The Teegardin family is an old pioneer one of Pickaway County. It originated in Prussia, where the family name was spelled Tiegarden.

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Aaron Teegardin, the great-grandfather of Peter M., was the pioneer settler of the family in Madison township, where he entered a large body of land from the government. This land was inherited by his son, William Teegardin, who became a man of standing and substance in this locality and was postmaster of the post station "Teegardin" for many years, until it was discontinued. Peter Teegardin succeeded to the estate of his father, William Teegardin, and he too became a man of prominence in this community, where he died in 1900 in the house where he has born. He was a stanch Demo- crat all his life. Equally he was a consistent member of the Madison Presbyterian Church, contributing liberally when the church structure was built and always generously assisting in the support of the society. He was one of the early members of the Masonic fraternity in Madison township.

Peter M. Teegardin was reared in Madison township and grew up on his father's farm well trained in all agricultural pursuits. He com- pleted the public school course and has always been regarded as an intelligent and enterpris- ing citizen, well informed concerning the ques- tions of the day. Like all of his name, Mr. Teegardin is a good farmer and successful stock-raiser.

On January 8, 1892, Mr. Teegardin was married to Marilla P. Alspaugh, who was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Mathias and Mary J. (Shook ) Alspaugh, late of Pickaway County. For many years Mathias Alspaugh lived in Madison township, where he settled at an early day with his father, who was a native of Penn- sylvania. Those of his children who still sur- vive are: Ellen E., Simon B., Sarah, wife of T. M. Garner, and Marilla P. (Mrs. Tee- gardin)-all residents of Madison township. Mr. Alspaugh was a man of large means and sterling qualities and in his death the township lost a man of worth.

Mr. Teegardin has spent the larger part of his life in Madison township, but not quite all. For five years he was engaged in a mercantile business at Canal Winchester and for two years at Sibley, Missouri. During his residence at

Canal Winchester he joined the Masonic fra ternity and served three years as a member o the special school district Board of Education officiating as its clerk. He belongs to the Ger man Reformed Church. Mr. Teegardin is one of the influential members of the Democratic party in his locality and for six years has served as central committeeman from Madison town- ship.

ILT MORRIS, one of Circleville's well-known citizens and a leading member of the bar, was born in 1851 in Walnut township, Pick- away County, Ohio, and is a grand- son of John Morris, who came to this county from New Jersey, in 1802.

.Mr. Morris was reared and educated in Pickaway County, his literary advantages being only those obtainable in the public schools, and read law with P. C. Smith, of Circleville. He was admitted to the bar in 1875 but did not begin practice until 1877.

It was in 1871 that Mr. Morris came first to Circleville as an attache of the sheriff's of- fice, where he remained for two years and then served two years as deputy clerk of courts and for two years more was in the office of the county auditor. In 1877 Mr. Morris entered into partnership with his preceptor, P. C. Smith, which continued until the death of Mr. Smith, in 1900. Since that event Mr. Morris has prac- ticed alone. He has a large clientele and is the attorney for the Norfolk & Western Rail- way Company and for the Cincinnati & Mus- kingum Valley Railroad Company. Mr. Mor- ris has been a stockholder and one of the directors of the Third National Bank of Circle- ville for some 21 years and has been attorney for the same since its organization. He is also one of the directors and vice-president of the Scioto Canning Company, the plant of which is located at Ashville, and he is also vice-presi- dent of the Circleville Ice Company. He is thus identified with the leading interests of this section and is one of the county's capitalists.

Mr. Morris was married in 1874 to Eliza- beth Crist, who is a daughter of that prominent

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old pioneer of the county, Nicholas Crist. The latter established the first dray line in Circle- ville.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris have one son, Well- ington C., who is chief bookkeeper in the Third National Bank of Circleville.

Mr. Morris is prominent in Masonic circles. He belonged to the first class in Pickaway County to receive the degree of Knight Templar.

5 AMUEL PARKER, a well-known and highly respected resident of the village of Whisler, in Salt Creek township, who for years was a leading agricul- turist of this township, was born here, on October 8, 1839. He is a son of Laban and Susan ( Bunn ) Parker.

Laban Parker was born in Pickaway town- ship, Pickaway County, Ohio, and was a child in years when his parents removed to Salt Creek township, where he resided until his death, which occurred on January 16, 1896. In mature manhood he married Susan Bunn, who was born in Ross County, Ohio. Of the children of this union, our subject is the only survivor.

Samuel Parker was reared in Salt Creek township and attended the common schools of the same during his boyhood. His whole busi- ness training was in the line of agriculture and during many years of his active life he success- fully followed farming in his native township, where he owns 412 acres of fine land. Mr. Parker has always been a loyal and public- spirited citizen. In 1864 when the call was sent out for volunteers for 100 days, Mr. Parker entered the army and with his company served 120 days, guarding points in Virginia. He had two brothers in the service, Thomas C. and George W., who were members of Com- pany K, 114th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Thomas C. was killed near Vicksburg, and George W. died in 1866, in Schuyler County, Illinois.

Samuel Parker was married (first) to Re- becca Karshner, of Hocking County, Ohio. He married (second) Hattie Newhouse, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County,

Ohio, and is a daughter of Isaac Newhouse, who was a prominent farmer of Salt Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have one son -Walter S.

Mrs. Parker is one of the 10 surviving children of the late Isaac Newhouse, namely : Mary. widow of M. Reedy, living at Fulton, Illinois : Jane, wife of F. B. Pontius, of Kan- sas : Julia A., wife of WV. B. Miesse, of Stouts- ville, Ohio; Catherine, wife of L. J. Book- walter, of Ross County. Ohio: Ellen, wife of Samuel L. Lutz, of Whisler, Pickaway Coun- ty : George W .. of Salt Creek township; Hattie ( Mrs. Parker ) ; William H .. of Salt Creek township; John ' A .. of Whisler, Pickaway County ; and Simon J., of Salt Creek township.

Mr. Parker cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and for many years was affiliated with the Republican party, but of late years has given his support to the Prohibition party. Since 1872 he has been a resident of Whisler, taking part in the public affairs of the village and enjoying the regard of a wide circle of personal friends here. While living in the country. he served three years as trustee of Salt Creek township and was always deeply interested in all that concerned the welfare of the section, doing his part in advancing its educational as well as its agricultural develop- ment.

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History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 68

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