History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 90

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

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Mr. Sweetman is a member of the Ohio Engineering Society, of the Circleville Ath- letic Club, and belongs to the Odd Fellows, Red Men and Eagles.

j ACOB REID, one of the successful farmers as well as well-known and valued citizens of Salt Creek town- ship, owns a well-tilled farm of 103 acres, on which he has been located since 1891. Mr. Reid was born in Hocking County, Ohio, October 28, 1851, and is a son of Andrew and Anna M. (Hoffman) Reid.

Andrew Reid was born in Hocking County, Ohio, where he resided all his life, dying there in July, 1897. His father, John Reid, settled in Hocking County when the whole country was covered with woods and the family has many respected representatives all through that section. The mother of our subject was born in Fairfield County, Ohio.

Jacob Reid was reared in Hocking County and was educated in the schools of Benton township. He started out in life dependent in a great measure upon his own resources, and has acquired what he owns through his own persistent industry and good business management. His life has always been de- voted to agricultural pursuits. His present farm is favorably situated for general agri- culture and stock-raising, and under his ex- cellent methods large crops and fine cattle are produced. His improvements are such as to make a comfortable and pleasant home.

On March 6, 1890, Mr. Reid was married to Ina M. De Haven, who was born in Salt Creek township, Hocking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John C. De Haven, of that

section. Mr. and Mrs. Reid have four chil- dren, viz. : Roscoe A., Ethel L., Fred N. and Floyd L. Mr. and Mrs. Reid are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Tarlton.

Mr. Reid has served as school director of District No. 1, Salt Creek township, and has always been earnest in his efforts to promote the efficiency of the public schools. He is a man who enjoys the confidence and good will of his neighbors and fellow-citizens.

J OSEPH G. STEELE. Among the well-known and highly esteemed citi- zens and leading agriculturists of Pickaway township, who have passed from the scenes of life, was Joseph G. Steele, whose death occurred January 16, 1889. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 5, 1823, and was a son of John and Sarah (Smith) Steele, natives of Pennsylva- nia.

The parents of Mr. Steele settled at an early day in Fairfield County, Ohio, and later removed to Hocking County, where both died.

The late Joseph G. Steele was reared in Fairfield County and his education was secured in the subscription and district schools, al- though under disadvantages which would probably discourage the boys and girls of to- day. ' School facilities in his boyhood were meager and terms of school for farmer boys were confined almost entirely to the cold win- ter months. Mr. Steele laid a good educa- tional foundation, however, and developed into a well-informed man of excellent business sense. His life was mainly devoted to farm- ing and stock-raising and also to buying and shipping stock. He was an honorable man throughout all his dealings and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of those with whom he had business or personal relations.

Mr. Steele was married on August 7, 1844, to Nancy McDowell, who was born in Wash- ington County, Pennsylvania, February 1, 1827, and is a daughter of James and Mar- garet (Van Emman) McDowell. Both par- ents were born in Washington County, Penn- sylvania. In 1836, Mrs. Steele, then in her

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ANDREW H. SHAEFFER, M. D.

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Ioth year, accompanied her parents from her native State to Ohio. They settled in what is now Hocking County. They were among the early settlers and Mrs. Steele recalls many interesting events concerning the development of that section, where she grew to young wom- anhood and was married.

Mr. and Mrs. Steele had four children born to them, namely: William W., Amanda J., John E. and Francis E., all of whom have joined the "great majority." Mrs. Steele, how- ever, takes much comfort in three grandchil- dren, viz .: Joseph F., of Piqua, Ohio; Mrs. George Myers, of Circleville; and Mrs. M. Haynes, of Chillicothe. Her sister, Mrs. Mar- garet Rice, and the latter's daughter, Clara Rice, reside with her at Kingston, whither she removed from the farm, after the death of Mr. Steele.

In 1866 Mr. Steele settled with his family in Pickaway township and was identified with its interests until the close of his life. He left a valuable farm of 285 acres, of which Mrs. Steele is the owner. He was a liberal suppor- ter of the Salem Methodist Episcopal Church, of Pickaway township. Mrs. Steele united with the Kingston Methodist Episcopal Church when she located there. For many years Mr. Steele was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, taking an active part in the work of the order.

A NDREW H. SHAEFFER, M. D., one of Circleville's venerated citizens, its oldest physician and surgeon, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, has been identified very closely with the various agencies which have contributed to the upbuilding of this city, for the past 36 years. For many of these he has stood at the head of his profession in this section of the State and probably no practitioner in Pickaway County has come. more intimately into the lives of its people, whom he has so faithfully served.

Dr. Shaeffer was born in Madison town- ship, Fairfield County, Ohio, September 21, 1821, and is a son of Jacob G. and Elizabeth

(Westenberger) Shaeffer. The family on both sides is of German extraction. The father was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and the mother near Hagerstown, Maryland. They came with their own people to Ohio and in 1802 were married in Madison township, Fairfield County. They reared a family of three daughters and two sons, Andrew H. being the youngest and the only survivor.

Andrew H. Shaeffer's boyhood was spent amidst pioneer surroundings, his home being a log cabin and the schoolhouse where he attend- ed school, a rude structure of logs where greased paper did duty as glass in the window openings and rude slabs served as benches. At that time the surrounding woods were thickets of untouched growths of trees and bramble and little was yet seen of the great fruitful- ness of this portion of Ohio. The youth pos- sessed intellect and ambition as was shown by his persistent efforts to secure a good educa- tion and while many of his associates were still bounding their futures with the plow and har- row, he at the age of 17 was teaching school in order to provide himself with academic ad- vantages. He thus secured attendance for four summers at Greenfield Academy, taught through the winters and then spent one year at Blendon's Young Men's Seminary, now known as Westerville College.

By this time his resolution was formed to begin the study of the science of medicine. About 1844 he began reading under the able direction of Dr. Samuel H. Porter, and dur- ing the winters of 1847 and 1848 he attended medical lectures at Willoughby Medical Col- lege, which name was changed in the follow- ing year to Starling Medical College. At this institution he was graduated, receiving his medical degree in 1849. He entered upon the practice of his profession on April 16, 1849, at Royalton, Fairfield County, Ohio, removing later to Oakland, where he continued in prac- tice until 1870, when he came to Circleville.

In recalling his early practice at Circleville, Dr. Shaeffer remembers the miles and miles of territory he covered in making professional visits, his calls east and west of Circleville coming a distance of 18 miles and his calls

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north and south a distance of 14 miles. For 15 years after locating here he attended to his country practice on horseback, riding miles and miles over uncleared land and in many cases fording streams, spending many sleep- less nights away from his own couch, in wind and storm, in order to minister to the ailments of others. Physicians in those days did not accumulate large fortunes. Their fees were necessarily moderate and a surprising number of their most distant and insistent patients were satisfied to allow their names to continue on the physician's ledger. Physicians contem- porary with Dr. Shaeffer can well remember, also, that the pills and various medicaments, the fluid extracts and healing plasters had to be prepared by the doctor in his own laboratory. This was no light task and Dr. Shaeffer tells of many occasions when an epidemic prevailed and he was kept up all night making, mixing, pounding in mortars and rolling and drying pills, in order to have them ready for his next day's visits. He was the family physician throughout Pickaway County, in many homes before the present young generation came into existence. The vigorous health which origi- nated in a wholesome boyhood always assisted him and even now, when his honored head bears the snows of 85 years, he is an example of the virility which attends upon those who, born with a natural endowment of good health, live out their days consistently with its preserva- tion.

Dr. Shaeffer has been deeply interested in the growth and development of Circleville, in the widening of her prospects and the found- ing of her industries and enterprises. He was one of the most active promoters in giving to Circleville her fine Opera House, which com- pares favorably with others in larger cities, also the Masonic Temple, a beautiful struct- ure, the Pickaway County Fair Grounds and the American Strawboard Works. He owns a large amount of real estate, much of it pur- chased years ago, which has increased many fold in value.

In 1852, Dr. Shaeffer was married to Lanah D. Christy, a daughter of Rev. John Christy, who was a well-known local preacher

in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The two children born to this marriage were a son, who died at the age of 20 months, and a daughter, Isadora Adell, the latter of whom married Jon- athan Wall, now of Circleville, but formerly of Buffalo, New York.

Dr. Shaeffer was one of the founders of the old Pickaway County Medical Society, which was established for the purpose of more closely uniting the medical men of the locality and of assisting each other in the exchange of views and experiences, when there were fewer opportunities for general scientific study. This was one of the oldest incorporated medical so- cieties in the State of Ohio.

Politically Dr. Shaeffer has been a stanch Republican ever since the founding of the party more than a half century ago. In 1844 Henry Clay was his model of what a statesman should be and he cast his first presidential vote for him. In 1848 he voted for Gen. Zachary Tay- lor on account of the principles involved; in 1852 his vote was cast for Gen. Winfield Scott, then a popular military hero; and in 1856 he was an enthusiastic supporter of Gen. John C. Fremont. Ever since, his vote has been cast for the candidates of the Republican party and he is just as firm in his adherence to its prin- ciples as he was in the days of the party's in- ception.

Fraternally Dr. Shaeffer belongs to both of the oldest fraternal organizations, the Ma- sons and the Odd Fellows. He is a Knight Templar in the former order and in his early years was very active in his lodge and form- erly filled a number of the official positions in the Blue lodge at Tarlton, Ohio. At the same place he took all the degrees in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for some years was also active in that order, but as his professional demands, became more insistent, he gave up active co-operation with this body and was given a demit. He has never resumed active membership in any lodge. In 1843 Dr. Shaeffer united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and to the present day has continued in close connection with it, serving as class leader for 52 years and for 43 years has been a steward. Dr. Shaeffer still attends to his

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business affairs but he no longer practices his profession. His medical reputation was long since established, his remarkable skill in com- bating disease and relieving suffering making his name known over a very large section of Ohio. His long and useful life has been pro- ductive of great good to those who have had the privilege of knowing him and of profiting by his strength, his ability, his generosity and his public spirit.

T RWIN BOGGS, one of Circleville's best-known business men and valued citizens, filling the position of vice- president of the New Circleville Can- ning Company, was born on the "Lo- gan Elm Farm" in Pickaway township, Pick- away County, Ohio, and is a son of James T. and Minerva (Whitesel) Boggs.

Irwin Boggs became a student at Delaware, Ohio, after completing the common school course in the vicinity of his home. He then entered the employ of his uncle, John Boggs, who was one of the largest landowners in Pick- away County. In 1883 he took charge of his uncle's farm and continued as its manager until the death of the uncle, .when it came into his possession. Mr. Boggs continued to reside on his farm, which contained 650 acres, carry- ing on extensive operations in farming and stock buying, dealing and shipping, until 1904, when he removed to Circleville. Prior to this he had become financially interested in the can- ning business, being one of the directors of the New Circleville Canning Company, which was organized in 1901. For the last two years he has served as vice president of the company.

In the fall of 1883, Mr. Boggs was married (first) to Elizabeth Niles, who was a daughter of O. E. Niles, a prominent business man of Circleville. Mrs. Boggs died in 1887, leaving one son, John, who is now associated with the White Automobile Company, of Cleveland, Ohio. A daughter, Lydia, had died in the summer of 1886, aged one year. In 1891 Mr. Boggs was married (second) to Mary Morris, the adopted daughter of B. W. Morris, and a

successful teacher in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs have two children-Morris Irwin and Margaret Antoinette. Mr. Boggs is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

J OHN WESLEY PORTER, a highly respected citizen of Wayne township, has been manager of the extensive farm of Charles Groce, of Circleville, for a number of years. The farm con- sists of 500 acres. The fine state of cultivation which this land exhibits shows the results of Mr. Porter's fine management and speaks well for his methods of agriculture. Mr. Porter was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in Sep- tember, 1853, and is a son of James Porter.

Mr. Porter was married in young manhood to Olive Taylor, who is a daughter of Jona- than Taylor, an old resident of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have had nine children born to them-two daughters and seven sons -as follows: Nellie; Christina, who married Harvey Hill, a son of Ezra Hill, and has two children-Orvil and John Ezra; Clarence; James; Cecil; Paul; Lawrence; Carl and Ber- nard. Mr. Porter is greatly blessed in his chil- dren, his daughters being most estimable women and his seven sons all steady, industri- ous young men, who take a great deal of the farm work on their shoulders. The family is one which is held in very high esteem in Wayne township. Mr. Porter is a Republi- can in politics.

I ISRAEL S. VALENTINE, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Pickaway County, residing in Circleville, was born in the First Ward of Circleville on April 12, 1861, and is a son of Israel Valentine, Sr., who was also a native of Circleville township. Israel Valentine was a well-known agriculturist of the county, en- gaged extensively in farming and stock-rais- ing. His death occurred in November, 1903.

Israel S. Valentine was reared and edu- cated in Circleville, where he made his home

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until his marriage, after which he moved to Washington township, where for the follow- ing seven or eight years he was engaged in farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale. He then moved to Circleville township and continued in the same business until 1904, when he took up his residence in the city. He still looks after his farming interests in Picka- way township, on the famous Pickaway Plains, where he has a farm of 200 acres. During the last few years of his active participation in farm work, he bred several very fine track horses. In recent years, in association with his twin brother, Edward Valentine, he has marked several horses, among which were such splendid trotters as Sir Liss and Maggie V .- the former having a record of 2:30 and a trial mark of 2:1814, and the latter, a record of 2 :1212.

In 1887 Mr. Valentine was married to Ma- zie Walters, a daughter of John Walters, who was one of the leading farmers of Pickaway County. They have one son, Samuel Paul, who is attending school. Mr. Valentine is a member of the Lutheran Church, being also one of its officers.

EORGE E. ROTH, who has been iden- tified with the interests of Circleville for the past 45 years, was born in Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1839, and is a son of George E. and Lizetta

Roth.

The father of Mr. Roth followed the same calling as did his father and grandfather and for many years after coming to America con- ducted a tannery. He started one at Jeffer- sonville, Fayette County, Ohio, and later with his sons bought the Jackson tannery in Picka- way County, which he operated a long time.

Our subject was reared in Germany until the age of 18 years and received his education in the common schools. At the age of 14 years he commenced working in a tannery, but fin- ally, becoming anxious to see something of the world, he shipped as a cabin boy on a merchant vessel and spent three years on the water, vis-

iting many ports and having many adventures. After leaving the sea, he came to America and joined his father who was then at Harmony, Ohio, and later went to the village of Clifton, where he worked in a tannery until his father started one at Jeffersonville. He continued with his father until all came to Circleville and the father and two sons, William and George E., bought the Jackson tannery. This tannery proved a wise investment and Mr. Roth con- tinued to be interested in its operation until some five years since. During his residence in Ohio he has invested largely in farming lands and now owns 502 acres in Marion township, Fayette County, 150 acres in Jackson town- ship, Pickaway County; two fine store rooms in Circleville, and a fine residence property on North Scioto street. On this site he had a handsome brick residence erected, which cost in the neighborhood of $5,000.

Mr. Roth was married in 1873 to Elizabeth Mellanpaler, who was also born in Germany. They have two children, viz .: Adolphus F., who is a farmer; and George E., the third of the name, who is agent in the freight depart- ment of the Scioto Valley Traction Company at Circleville. Mr. Roth is a member of the Baptist Church.

OHN L. LUTZ, a representative agri- culturist as well as a prominent citi- zen of Salt Creek township, who has a fine farm of 119 acres under excel- lent cultivation, was born in this town- ship, November 1, 1859, and is a son of Jacob and Lydia (Rank) Lutz.

John Lutz, the paternal grandfather, was of German descent and was born in Pennsyl- vania.' From that State he came early to Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, bringing with him his thrifty habits and his virtues of sterling integrity, and founded a family which has been one of great prominence in this sec- tion. Jacob Lutz, father of our subject, was born in Salt Creek township and spent his life here. For a number of years he was a highly respected citizen and for a long period he was

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entrusted with the duties of township trustee. In politics he supported the Republican party. He married Lydia Rank and six of their chil- dren survive, namely: Levi, of Salt Creek township; Otis, of Columbus; Sarah J., wife of Cephas Newhouse, of Salt Creek township; John L .; Oscar B .; and Minnie D., wife of James Grimes, of Chillicothe. The parents of our subject were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Whisler and when they died they were sadly missed in this con- nection. Jacob Lutz died May 27, 1880. His widow survived until December 12, 1904.

John L. Lutz was reared on his father's farm in Salt Creek township and was edu- cated in the public schools. His whole life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he is numbered with the excellent farmers of Salt Creek township.

On October 11, 1882, Mr. Lutz was mar- ried to Minnie E: Pontious, who was a daugh- ter of Andrew J. Pontious, of Pickaway town- ship. The death of Mrs. Lutz, on January 26, 1906, was an irreparable loss to her hus- band and the three children who survive her -Edna, Lulu and Denver. She was a lady of most amiable characteristics and her circle of friends and admirers covered the whole com- munity. She is much missed in her immediate circle of friends and acquaintances and in no small degree in the United Evangelical Church, of which she was a most devoted member.

. In politics, Mr. Lutz is a supporter of the Republican party. He is a substantial and re- liable citizen and upon him have fallen the duties of school director in District No. 8. He has always taken a deep interest in the schools and performs his present duties carefully and conscientiously.

E DWARD C. WILKINS, a well-known resident of Hayesville, and the effi- cient and popular clerk of Pickaway township, was born in this township, August 1, 1876, and is a son of Da- vid and Jane (Zigler) Wilkins.

The parents of Mr. Wilkins are both na- tives of Ohio, the father born in Belmont

County and the mother, in Muskingum County. David Wilkins has been an agriculturist of Pickaway township for many years and has resided at Hayesville since 1891. He and his wife are numbered with the representative cit- izens of the section. They have two children, viz .: Luella M., wife of Harry D. Kraft, of Circleville township; and Edward C., of this sketch.

Edward C. Wilkins has always been a resi- dent of his native township. He received an excellent common-school education and since attaining manhood has been more or less prominent in local political circles. He is iden- tified with the Republican party and on its ticket was elected township clerk, and by vir- tue of this office is also clerk of the township Board of Education. Mr. Wilkins is an enter- prising young business man, very popular with all classes and is recognized as one of the town- ship's first-class citizens.

L' LOUIS SCHNEIDER, superintendent of the Pickaway County Infirmary, and an influential and progressive cit- izen of Circleville, was born in Circle- ville, Ohio, January 2, 1867. He is a son of Jacob and Jacobena Schneider, both natives of Germany, who reared a family of five children, of whom three are now living, namely: Louis; Jennie, wife of Thomas Tip- ton, of Williamsport, Ohio; and Kathryn, now living in Columbus, Ohio. Jacob Schneider died February 2, 1878.

Louis Schneider was reared and educated in Circleville and Williamsport, and in Pick- away County has spent all of his life. In 1880 he moved to Williamsport, where he was engaged as a barber until 1902, when the board of directors appointed him superintend- ent of the County Infirmary, which position he has held for four years, having been reap- pointed by the board every year since he first took charge.

Mr. Schneider has always been identified with the Democratic party, and has taken an active interest in politics for several years, hav-

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ing served faithfully in several township offices. He was clerk of the Board of Educa- tion for four years; clerk of Deer Creek town- ship for four years and for several years was a member of the Democratic Central Commit- tee from Deer Creek township.

Mr. Schneider was married December 6, 1893, to Mollie Skinner, a daughter of Adol- phus Skinner, a prominent farmer of Perry township, Pickaway County, who came to this county from Athens County, Ohio. They have one child-Ethel. Fraternally, Mr. Schneider is a member of Heber Lodge, No. 501, F. & A. M., of Williamsport; Williamsport Lodge No. 478, Knights of Pythias, of Williamsport, and of Congo Tribe, No. 51, Improved Order of Red Men, of Circleville. He and all the members of his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Williamsport.

D AVID HENRY PRINDLE, who re- sides on his well-improved farm of 94 acres, situated in Jackson township, was born in Scioto township, this county, April 30, 1863, and is a son of David M. and Elizabeth (Gochenouer ) Prindle.

The parents of Mr. Prindle are natives of New York State and Pickaway County, Ohio, respectively, and the father is one of the repre- sentative farmers and stock-raisers of Muhlen- berg township. He settled in this township when his son, our subject, was small. David Henry Prindle was the fourth member of his parents' family of seven children, the others being: Rebecca (Trego), deceased; Perry L., of Washington township, Pickaway County; John H., of Scioto township; Elmer E., of Muhlenberg township; and Bertha (Clark), of Muhlenberg township; and Edwin, deceased in infancy.

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History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 90

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