History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 88

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 88

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On October 18, 1863, Mr. Stump was mar- ried to Catherine Trone, who was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 15, 1839, and is a daughter of the late Benjamin Trone, who was formerly a very well-known and much respected citizen of Wal- nut township. Harvey Trone, a prominent citizen of Walnut township, is a brother of Mrs. Stump.

Mr. and Mrs. Stump had four children, viz. : Mary A., who is the wife of William W. Long, of Canton, Ohio; Jacob H., of Madi-

son township; Ida E., wife of Sherman E. Long, of Walnut township; and Lydia Viola, wife of Arley Barnhart, of Madison township. Mrs. Stump resides on the home farm of 58 well-improved acres, where she has a com- fortable and attractive rural residence. She is a valued member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madison township.

In politics Mr. Stump was a lifelong Demo- crat, but he never was willing to accept any office except that of school director, the duties of which he discharged as became a good citi- zen. In his death his family lost a kind hus- band and father and the community a man who is remembered with feelings of the deepest respect.

R OWLAND A. POSTLE, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons at Ashville, was born on a farm in Franklin County, Ohio, where his father had long been a prosperous farmer. Dr. Postle comes of English, Irish and German ancestry, but the family has been established in the United States for several generations. His parents were Frank and Catherine (Smith) Postle.

Dr. Postle's boyhood and youth were spent on the home farm, but he had educational op- portunities at Reynoldsburg, Franklin Coun- ty. He began to teach school. when 21 years of age, in Prairie township, Franklin County. and during the three years which he thus spent he prepared himself for the Columbus Medical College, which he entered in 1881. He remained there for two years and then entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincin- nati, where he was graduated in the class of 1884. In the year of graduation he located at Harrisburg, Franklin County, where he prac- ticed for seven years. In 1891 he removed from Harrisburg to Ashville, where he has lived and practiced his profession ever since. each succeeding year seeing him more firmly established in the confidence of the public. He is a well-qualified physician and surgeon and an admirable citizen.

On November 10, 1887, Dr. Postle was

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married to Lorena Vieman, and they have one son, Harold Vieman, born February 21, 1890, who is attending the Ashville High School.

From the age of 14 years Dr. Postle has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he has always been identified with the Republican party, but has never accepted any political honors, his whole time having been given to his large and in- creasing practice.

m RS. HARRIET MORRIS, a well- known resident of Salt Creek township, belongs to one of the old and honorable pioneer families of Washington township. Mrs. Morris was born September 16, 1838, in Washı- ington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Metzger) Pontius.

The parents of Mrs. Morris were born in Pennsylvania and came to Washington town- ship prior to marriage, their families being among the early pioneers. Coming to found permanent homes, they worked hard to de- velop not only their own homes but to assist in the advancement of the community in the matter of churches and schools. Daniel Pon- tius and wife had 10 children, all of whom have passed away with the exception of Mrs. Morris.

Harriet Pontius was reared to young womanhood in an excellent home and was given the best educational opportunities af- forded in her girlhood in the district schools of Washington township. Her father died in 1858. On March 8th, of the following year, she was united in marriage with Reason S. Morris, who was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, October 8, 1827. He is a son of Henry and Charity (Shelby) Morris, who were natives of Pennsylvania.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris have these 10 chil- dren : Daniel, a farmer in Salt Creek town- ship; Mary A., wife of Andrew Wilson, of Athens County, Ohio; Henry V., of Logan, Phillips County, Kansas; Isaac E., of Pick- away township, whose sketch appears else-

where in this work; Mahlon, of Pickaway County; Evaline, residing at home; Charles E., of Walnut township; Rosa E., wife of Claude W. Work, of Denver, Colorado; Clif- ton, of Logan, Phillips County, Kansas; and Arthur, at home.

Mrs. Morris owns a fine farm of 150 acres, under good cultivation, and here she and her husband have resided for more than 30 years. She is a consistent member of the Dresbach United Brethren Church. Mrs. Morris is. widely known for her many excellent traits of character. She is devoted in the home circle and her kind neighborliness in times of trouble have made her much beloved in the com- munity.

B. WEAVER, one of the successful lawyers and good citizens of Circle- ville, was born in 1869, in Pickaway County. Ohio, and is a son of Philip and Mary ( Peters) Weaver.

Isaac Weaver. the paternal grandfather, was born in Virginia in 1801. With members of the Peters family he enjoyed the distinction of being one of the earliest settlers of Pickaway County. His son Philip, father of our sub- ject, was born in this county in 1832, and died here in 1896. His whole life was devoted to agriculture. He married Mary Peters, who was also born in this county and was a mem- ber of the prominent Peters family.

H. B. Weaver was reared in Pickaway County and enjoyed the advantages which his father, as a man of substance, could give him. After completing the common school course, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware and was graduated there with the degree of A. B., in '1892. Two years later he was graduated from the law department of the Ohio State University and was admitted to practice in the same year. In August, 1894, he opened an office and has been identified with the bar at Circleville ever since, winning the approbation of his associates and the es- teem and confidence of the general public. Since 1902 he has filled the office of United States referee in bankruptcy.

Politically Mr. Weaver is a Republican

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and is a member of the Republican County Committee. Fraternally he is a Mason and is past master of his lodge and past eminent commander of Scioto Commandery, K. T. He still remains connected with his university Greek letter fraternity. Mr. Weaver belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

D ANIEL MOWERY, one of the well- known citizens of Salt Creek town- ship, where he owns several valuable farms, was born in this township, De- cember 27, 1838, and is a son of Peter and Leah (Dunkle) Mowery.

The Mowery and Dunkle families both came to America from Germany and to Ohio from Pennsylvania. The grandparents of Daniel Mowery were very early settlers in Salt Creek township, coming when their son Peter was but a small boy. The family has grown and prospered and to-day is one of sub- stance and high standing in Salt Creek town- ship. Peter Mowery died July 19, 1858, in his 57th year. He was one of the early mem- bers of the Lutheran Church at Tarlton.

Daniel Mowery was reared a farmer boy and obtained his education in the schools in the vicinity of his home. From boyhood until the present time he has given attention to farm- ing and he has been counted with the town- ship's most successful agriculturists for many years. He owns two farms in Salt Creek township; one, the home place, comprises 104 acres, while the other consists of 88 acres. Mr. Mowery's wife owns a farm of 781/2 acres in the same township.

On August 21, 1865, Mr. Mowery was maried to Lucinda Strous, who was born No- vember 27, 1843, in Hocking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Swoyer) Strous, the former of whom was born in Hocking County and the latter in Fair- field County. Samuel Strous was a son of Jacob Strous, who was born in Pennsylvania and settled at an early day in Hocking County, Ohio. Samuel Strous was one of Pickaway's prominent men and served as county commis- sioner. He brought his family to this county

when Mrs. Mowery was a child and she grew to womanhood here and was educated in the Salt Creek township schools. Mr. and Mrs. Mowery have two daughters-Laura E. and Mary E.

Mr. Mowery has always been an active supporter of the Democratic party. He has always done his duty as a good citizen in as- sisting in the improving of the public schools, in the making of good roads and in further- ing all enterprises which, in his judgment, have been likely to be of benefit to the com- munity. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, of which he has long been treasurer and in which he is a deacon.

OHN S. HOLDERMAN, who was a well-known citizen and agriculturist of Pickaway township, was born February 17, 1864. in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, and died February 26, 1899. He was a son of Lewis and Mary (Foresman) Holderman.

The parents of Mr. Holderman were both born in Ohio, the father in Pickaway and the mother in Franklin County. They removed from Salt Creek township to Pickaway town- ship during the youth of our subject and he was reared in the latter township and was edu- cated in the public schools. His life was en- tirely an agricultural one and he was well known all over the county as a successful farmer and stock-raiser. His large estate of 278 acres was capably managed and it is still the source of an ample income to his widow and children.

On February 11, 1891, Mr. Holderman was married to Carrie E. Downs, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 5, 1871. and is a daughter of Thomas and Amanda (Moore) Downs, who reside in Ross County, Ohio, near Kingston. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holderman, namely : Helen N., born June 27, 1893; Mary E., born July 23, 1895; and Mildred, born January 8, 1898.

In politics Mr. Holderman was a stanch Republican. He was not willing to accept

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many offices but served one term as township trustee. He was a public-spirited, useful citi- zen and he was respected by those who knew him and sincerely mourned by his family and a large circle of friends.

S. SEE, one of the leading general merchants at Williamsport, is an enterprising and progressive young business man of the place. He was born in Hardy County, West Virginia, October 8, 1871, and is a son of A. J. and Elizabeth (Whitmore) See.

The parents of Mr. See still reside on their farm in Hardy County, the father having al- ways followed an agricultural life. Of his 12 children-six sons and six daughters- eight survive. Of these W. S., of this sketch, was the only one to come to Ohio.

W. S. See was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the public schools. Until 1894 he followed farming in his native locality and also near Roanoke, Virginia, and then moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and followed farming in Deer Creek township until he settled as a merchant at Williamsport. In 1905 he purchased the store of J. H. Dun- lap, and since then has not only kept the old trade but has so built it up that many new features have been introduced in order to sup- ply the demand. Mr. See carries a complete line of dry goods, curtains, shoes, boots, no- tions, queensware and groceries and also deals largely in butter and eggs. He operates the only wagon scale in the town. He has a wagon running through the country and sells choice groceries to the farmers at their very doors, purchasing in return their butter and eggs. Some idea of the size of his business may be inferred from the fact that last year he bought 20,009 dozen eggs, paying therefor $3,001.35. Mr. See has every reason to feel confident that his sales on general stock this year will be doubled, as he has better facilities and trade relations and as he has gained many new patrons. The business is one of the most im- portant ones of the town.

In 1895 Mr. See was united in marriage with Jeanettie Corkwell, who was born in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late Henry Corkwell.

Mr. See is active only in national politics, when he votes with the Republican party. Fra- ternally he belongs to the local organizations of the Knights of Pythias and Modern Wood- men of America at Williamsport.

E DWIN E. SPENCE, who is exten- sively engaged in farming in Jackson township, resides on what is known as the Wellington White farm, a tract of 413 acres which is situated on the Florence Chapel turnpike. He was born near Vernon, in Kent County, Delaware, Novem- ber 12, 1861, and is a son of Emory and Anna E. (Smith) Spence.

The father of Mr. Spence died when he was a child of eight years, having spent his whole life in Delaware. The mother married again and now resides in Maryland. Edwin E. Spence is the third in the family of six chil- dren born to his parents, the others being : Alice, wife of Harry Picket, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Anna, wife of B. T. Seedars, of Maryland; William, of Champaign County, Ohio; and two that died in infancy.

Edwin E. Spence remained on the home farm in Kent County, Delaware, until he was 19 years of age, acquiring his education in the local schools. In 1881 he removed to Ross County, Ohio, some years later came to Pick- away County, returned then for six years more to Ross County, after which he came back to Bickaway. For II years he resided in Deer Creek township and then came to his present location. He rents the Wellington White farm, working it on shares. He is a thorough farmer and successful stock-raiser. He de- votes a large portion of the land to wheat and corn, and keeps six teams busy. His cattle and stock are all first-class and at present he has a fine herd of 12 head of Shorthorn cat- tle which would stand a very good chance of taking prizes if exhibited. For some eight

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years he has been breeding chickens, his choice being the Barred Plymouth Rock variety. His hogs are the Poland China strain. Mr. Spence raises many fine horses also, having 16 head at present and is one of the owners of the val- uable stud "Arsenic," which is the property of a stock company. Mr. Spence has little time at his disposal for matters outside his large farming interests at present. During his resi- dence in Deer Creek township he served as a member of the Board of Education and for one year was its president.

On February 18, 1886, Mr. Spence was married to Jessie Goldsberry, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, February 7, 1863, and is a daughter of George W. and Mary Jane (Crumpton) Goldsberry, who reared 14 chil- dren. Mr. and Mrs. Spence have no family. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. When Mr. Spence was 11 years of age he united with the Baptist Church and continued in that connection for 20 years. He is now one of the trustees of the Renick Meth- odist Episcopal Church, a class leader, super- intendent of the Sunday-school and district steward.

The Spence family originated in Ireland. On the maternal side, Mr. Spence's grandfather was John Wesley Smith, who was a distin- guished officer in the Union Army during the Civil War, commanding a Delaware regiment.

ENRY P. FOLSOM, a prominent at- torney-at-law, at Circleville, a mem- ber of the firm of Abernethy & Fol- som, was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1854, and is a son of Charles and Lydia P. (Pennock) Folsom.

Joshua Folsom, the grandfather, was a well-known attorney at Circleville for many years. He was born at Epping, New Hamp- shire, and came to Pickaway County, Ohio, about 1811. He was a graduate of Brown Uni- versity and a man of refined, scholarly tastes. He continued his practice of law here and in Columbus, Ohio, until 1832, when he moved to Logan County, where he resided until his

death in 1840. His son Charles followed farm- ing and milling in Logan County. He married Lydia P. Pennock, who belonged to one of the old and honorable families of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

A brother of Charles Folsom, and an uncle of our subject, applied to the Common Pleas Court of Pickaway County, Ohio, to have his name changed from Henry Folsom to Henry Folsom Page. This was not done in order to separate him from any of his kindred, but be- cause there were many individuals of his name in the locality, which fact caused constant trouble. He was a man of brilliant parts, graduated from the Oxford Preparatory School when but nine years of age, and later graduated from Miami University and from Harvard Law School. He lived from 1845 until his death in 1891 as Henry Folsom Page.

Henry P. Folsom was reared to maturity in Logan County and was educated at the normal school at Lebanon. His law studies were pursued at the University of Michigan. One year after his return to Circleville, he entered the office of his uncle, Henry Folsom Page. . From 1876 to 1880 he practiced law in Toledo, Ohio. In 1880 the present law partner- ship was formed, as Page, Abernethy & Fol- som, developing from Page & Abernethy, and this continued until 1886, when Mr. Page withdrew. In this year the firm became Aber- nethy & Folsom, which continued until 1890, when the senior partner was elected to the common pleas bench. In 1891 the firm became Folsom & Pontius, which continued until the close of Judge Abernethy's term, when the old firm was again established. Since his admis- sion to the bar, in 1876, Mr. Folsom has given his profession almost his undivided attention and occupies a leading position as a member of the bar of Pickaway County.

Henry P. Folsom was married October 28, 1885, to Katharine McLeod Smith, of St. Louis, Missouri. Five children have been born to this marriage, namely: Seward G .; Mar- garet L., deceased in 1904, at the age of 10 years; Henry P., Jr .; and two that died in infancy.

Politically Mr. Folsom is a stanch Repub-

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lican and his name has frequently been used in connection with important State offices. Whenever he has consented to be a candidate, he has made big inroads on the majorities of the opposing party.

5 AMUEL BOGGS, proprietor of "Riv- erside Farm," a fine tract of 350 acres. of land, situated in Pickaway town- ship, comprising fertile farming land and well-watered pasturage, is one of the leading agriculturists and dairymen of the county. Mr. Boggs was born on the "Logan Elm Farm," in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, November 1, 1860, and is a son of James T. and Minerva ( Whitesel) Boggs, and a grandson of the distinguished Maj. John Boggs, the soldier, scout and pioneer.

Scarcely any name in Pickaway County recalls memories of men whose solid services to this section entitle them to more honorable mention, than does that of Boggs. There is much documentary proof to show that John Boggs, the great-grandfather of Samuel Boggs, was the first white man to build his cabin in the forests of Pickaway County. The date was shortly after the close of the Revolution- ary War, about 1788. This cabin was built on what has long been known as the "Logan Elm Farm" in Pickaway township, for many years remaining the property of the family. It was under this now famous old elm tree that the great . Indian chief Logan made his never-to-be forgotten speech, and under its spreading branches that Lord Dunmore con- cluded his treaty. with the Indians, in 1774. While this treaty opened up this section to white settlement, but few white men ventured into what was still considered dangerous ter- ritory, for some years.

Maj. John Boggs, like his father, was a native of Virginia, and was born near Wheel- ing, in 1775. In 1788 he accompanied his parents to Pickaway County, Ohio. He was married in 1803, and his eight children were born in a log cabin which stood on the present site of the handsome monument which was erected many years later by the side of the

famous Logan Elm by John Boggs, Jr. Major Boggs died on the old farm in 1862. He had served through the War of 1812 and was with General Jackson at New Orleans.

James T. Boggs, father of Samuel and son of Maj. John Boggs, was born on the "Logan Elm Farm" and here spent his life, fol- lowing agricultural pursuits. His death was occasioned by an accident on the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad, at Circleville. in 1886. He married Minerva Whitesel. who was born in Ross County, Ohio, and four of their children survived, namely: Taylor, of Chillicothe; Irwin, of Circleville; Samuel: and James, of Circleville.

Samuel Boggs was reared on the farmabove mentioned and was educated in the Boggs school district in Pickaway township and at Kingston. In 1885 he settled on his present farm, which he operates largely as a dairy farm, having herds of fine Jersey cattle. His clairy is one of the largest industries of its kind in his section of the county.

On September 1, 1885, Mr. Boggs was united in marriage with Rose Kellenberger. who was born in Pickaway township, Pick- away County, Ohio, and is a daughter of George and Jane (Ingram) Kellenberger, the former a native of Pickaway County and the latter of Ross County, Ohio. George Kellen- berger was also born on the "Logan Elm Farm," and was a son of George Kellenberger. who came from Virginia to Pickaway County as a pioneer. He was a miller and millwright and it is said that he built the first grist-mill ever operated in Pickaway County on the Scioto River. The children of George and Jane (Ingram) Kellenberger were : Rose (Mrs. Boggs) ; Ida, wile of Dr. G. W. Butler, of Eau Claire, Wis- consin; James E., a resident of Trail, British Columbia; Wilbur B., of Pickaway township; Belle, wife of H. E. Hunt, of Newark, Ohio; and Harry, of Pickaway township. The Kel- lenbergers have always been identified with the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs have four sons, viz. : Ralph M., Evan S., Ned J. and Fred H.

Mr. Boggs has always been a stanch friend

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HARRY FREMONT ALKIRE.

MRS. MELISSA A. ALKIRE.

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BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ALKIRE

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of the public schools and is now serving as a member of the School Board of District No. 6, which was formerly known as the Boggs school district. In his views on public ques- tions he is broad-minded but neither one of the great political parties appeal to his sense of justice and he supports the Prohibition party. Both he and his wife are valued members of Emmett Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee. The family has al- ways been one of social importance in Pick- away township.

ARRY FREMONT ALKIRE, a well- known resident of Deer Creek town- ship resides on his valuable farm of 175 acres on the Chillicothe turnpike. He has attained success in his profes- sion as surveyor and at the same time has ca- pably managed the work on his farm. Mr. Alkire was born on what is now a part of the John P. Bennett farm, in Deer Creek town- ship, Pickaway County, Ohio, on March 5, 1862, and is a son of Benjamin Franklin and Mary (Darr) Alkire. Mr. Alkire comes of a pioneer family of this locality, which has been established in America for upwards of two cen- turies.

The Alkire family history is easily traced back to 1626, when, according to evidence copied from records at The Hague, there lived in Holland, near Arnheim on the Rhine, a family bearing a coat of arms given by Will- iam II, Prince of Orange; the baronetcy name was Algire. The arms, which were on a silver shield, may thus be described : Crest, a falcon, red beak and feet; bunch of grapes and wine- glass; pike and cross sword; with the motto- "Cum Salus." Only noblemen and men of rank used gold and silver shields; the com- moners used leather and wood. In religious belief the members of this family were Luther- ans. . Their forefathers were from Scotland, where the family name was spelled Alkirk.

In the 17th century, one Almonious Al- gire came to America with Lord Baltimore and others. He settled on Albemarle Sound, near the Virginia shore and took part with the

Governor in his various campaigns against the Indians. An Almonious Alkire was in the bat- tle of Fort Chillicothe, in Ross County, Ohio. In 1720, near Moorefield, Virginia (now West Virginia), he married Mary Crayman. To this union were born four children, namely : Will- iam, born in 1724, who married Elizabeth Moore in Virginia and had 12 children; De- borah, born in 1728; Almonious, Jr., born in 1730; and Sarah, born in 1732.

Almonious Alkire, Jr., was married near Moorefield, Virginia, in 1751, to Lydia Pat- ten and to them were born six children, as follows: Adam, born in 1753; Margaret, born in 1757; Almonious, born in 1762; Dolly, born in 1765; Michael, the grandfather of our sub- ject; and George, born in 1773, who became a minister of the Gospel.

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History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 88

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