History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 91

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

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David H. Prindle was reared and educated in Muhlenberg and remained at home into young manhood and then made a trip to Wis- consin and to other points in the West. After his return and marriage, he rented a farm near his present one, on which he lived for 12 years.

In 1896 he purchased his present farm which he has improved with fine buildings, a large, handsome residence and a substantial barn. Here he carries on general farming and stock- raising and. is one of the township's substan- tial, reliable men.

On October 8, 1884, Mr. Prindle was mar- ried to Mrs. Rosa F. (Clark) Blacker, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John J. and Mary Ann (Hott) Clark, natives of this county. Four children have been born to them, namely: Jesse M .; Charles Ellsworth, who died aged 2 years, 2 months and 27 days; Gerald Clark; and George James.

Formerly Mr. Prindle was a Republican but is now identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of the township Board of Education and looks carefully after the school interests of the community. He is one of the leading members and a trustee of the United Brethren Church at Robtown, Scioto township, and is superintendent of the Sunday- school.

ON. BARZILLAI ADKINS, one of the best known citizens of this county, who is now leading a retired life in the city of Circleville, to which he removed two years ago, was born September 3, 1831, in Ross County, Ohio. When a child one year old, he was brought by his parents to Monroe township, Pickaway County, where he grew to manhood and where the greater part of his life has been spent. His father, Barzillai C. Adkins, a native of Mary- land, was married in that State but came. to Ohio before any of his children were born and settled in Ross County. His wife, whose maiden name was Emily Parsons, was also a native of Maryland. Barzillai C. Adkins and his wife had six children who reached matur- ity, namely: Leah, Eleanor, Abigail, Susan, Barzillai and Zachariah P.

The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Monroe township, principally in the public schools, although he had some in-

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struction from private tutors. At the age of 17 years he assumed the responsibility of look- ing after the family because of the death of his father for he was the oldest son, and this he did right manfully on the farm of 260 acres which was left to him and his brother, Zach- ariah P., to look after. From that time until his recent retirement from agricultural labors he conducted the farm in Monroe township.

In 1860 Barzillai Adkins was married to Louise E. Fissell, a native of Circleville. They became the parents of nine sons and four daughters. The former were as follows : John P., who is a teacher in Pickaway County ; Jackson B., a prominent educator of Lima, Ohio, secretary of Lima College; Joseph W., a prominent attorney of Circleville; Harry H., an oil operator and well known business man of Lima, Ohio; Charles H., an attorney of Lima, Ohio, twice elected a member of the State legislature; George G., of Newark, Ohio, who is also an attorney by profession; Coston B., a teacher in Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York; DeWitt T., who has been engaged in teaching school but who at present is pursuing advanced studies at Lima College, Lima, Ohio; and Stanley G., also a teacher, who is taking up advanced studies at Lima College. The four daughters of the fam- ily are as follows: Catherine A., who is the wife of Henry C. Renick, of Circleville; Fran- ces Eleanor; Margaret Maude, wife of Wil- liam Davis, of Lima, Ohio; and Sara Emily, wife of Murray Oglesbee, a farmer of Madi- son County, Ohio.

Mr. Adkins is a Democrat in politics and during his residence in Monroe township was called upon to serve in various capacities. He was a member of the township Board of Edu- cation for about 25 years and served as assessor for seven years. He was elected to represent Pickaway County in the 74th and 75th general assemblies of Ohio, where he was a member of the following committees: "County Af- fairs," "Deaf and Dumb Asylum," "Privi- leges" and "Temperance." His son, Hon. Charles H. Adkins, of Lima, served in the same sessions of the Legislature, representing Allen County.

HOMAS JOSEPH BAKER, who has been identified with Pickaway County for the past 30 years, was born March 22, 1828, in Massachusetts. His well-cultivated farm of 18 acres is situated in Wayne township.

Mr. Baker was a child in years when his parents moved from Massachusetts to New York. In 1858 he came to Ohio and settled in Lake County, afterward removing to Ross County and finally coming to Pickaway Coun- ty about 1876. In 1861 he offered his services to his country as a soldier and served through the Civil War as a member of the 128th Regi- ment, Ohio Vol. Infantry.

Mr. Baker married Melinda Tucker, of near Cleveland, Ohio, who died while he was serving in the war. In 1867 he married Je- mima Grimes, daughter of John Grimes, of Ross County, Ohio. One child, which died in infancy, was born to the first union. Six chil- dren were born to Mr. Baker's second mar- riage, namely : Eugene, John, Joseph, George, Etta and Anna. Mr. Baker has had to part wtih all his sons. His two daughters still sur- vive, the former of whom married John Janes, of Ross County, and the latter, George Tat- man, of Wayne township. Mr. Baker has 10 granddaughters and one grandson, the latter of whom bears his name.

Mr. Baker has taken considerable interest in his time in public affairs and served as con- stable both in Ross and Pickaway counties. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.

F ENRY R. CALVERT, a prominent citizen of Pickaway township, Picka- way County, a member of the School Board and one of the substantial farmers of his locality, has been es- tablished on his well-cultivated farm of 105 acres for the past 26 years. Mr. Calvert bears an honorable old name of Maryland and Vir- ginia, and was born in the latter State, July 28, 1852. He is a son of Jacob and Mar- garet (Grant) Calvert.

The parents of Mr. Calvert, who were Vir-

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ginians by birth, removed to Hocking County, Ohio, when Henry R. was but nine months old. There he was reared and educated in the dis- trict schools. From boyhood he has been ac- customed to agricultural labor and has been a successful farmer for many years. He settled in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, in 1877, and purchased his present farm in 1900. This he has continued to cultivate and im- prove. He devotes attention to the growing of corn, wheat, oats and hay and raises con- siderable stock.

In 1874, in Hocking County, Ohio, Mr. Calvert was married to Eliza J. Wilkins, who was a native of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Calvert have five children, viz .: Pearl E., of Pickaway township; Myrtle F., wife of Harry Anderson, of Pickaway township; Leona B., wife of Harley Allen, of Pickaway township; Cora M., wife of Clifton Allen, of Washing- ton township; and Berman R., of Pickaway township. Mr. Calvert, being a stanch be- liever in the public school system, gave his chil- dren excellent opportunities for study in the local schools. Mr. Calvert is serving as a most efficient member of the township School Board.

Politically Mr. Calvert is affiliated with the Democratic party. Fraternally he belongs to the Foresters, attending the meetings of this body at Circleville. He is one of the leading members of the United Brethren Church, known as the Morris Church, of which he is serving as a trustee.

J OHN J. RENICK, one of the farmers of prominence and men of large sub- stance in Jackson township, where he owns 600 acres of valuable land, be- longs to one of the most highly con- sidered families of this part of Ohio. The name of Renick carries with it, wherever found, a sense of sterling integrity as well as ample means. John J. Renick was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in - 1886, and is a son of the late Job R. Renick. Extended mention of the Renick family will be found in another part of this work.

John J. Renick was reared and educated in Jackson township. He was reared to agri- cultural pursuits and after his marriage came into possession of his large estate, it being a part of the 1,000 acres originally granted to Capt. Presley Thornton, mention of which in detail will be found elsewhere. Mr. Renick has in his possession the original patent, which bears the signature of John Adams and Tim- othy Stickney. Mr. Renick efficiently looks after his large property and also gives some attention to furthering the interests of the Mason Wire Fence Company.

On February 29, 1903, Mr. Renick was married to Modie Stonerock, who is a daugh- ter of Ira and Emma (Vankeuren) Stonerock. They have two bright little daughters-Lucile and Elizabeth. Mr. Renick is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

A MOS HOFFMAN, a representative farmer and venerable and respected citizen of Pickaway County, who has been located on the Nelson Hitler farm in Pickaway township since 1879, belongs to one of the county's old pio- neer families. Mr. Hoffman was born in Pick- away County, Ohio, November 21, 1831, and is a .son of George and Mary M. (Harpster) Hoffman.

George Hoffman was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied his parents to Pickaway County, Ohio, settling among the early pio- neers of Washington township. George Hoff- man died some 60 years ago. He married Mary Harpster, who was also born in Penn- sylvania, and she too, with all their children, except our subject, have passed away.

Amos Hoffman was reared in Washington township, losing his father when he was 15 years of age. He continued to live in the old neighborhood until he was 17 years old and then was employed for some five years by George Hitler, who was then a very prominent agriculturist of Circleville township. Mr. Hoffman was very thoroughly trained in farm- ing while with Mr. Hitler, and met with suc-

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MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL C. WEIDINGER AND DAUGHTER.

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cess when he began to farm on his own ac- count. For 20 years he continued farming in Washington township and then settled on the extensive Nelson Hitler farm in Pickaway township, where he has continued ever since.

Mr. Hoffman was married (first) on Octo- ber 16, 1853, to Catherine Hitler, who was born in Pickaway County, and was a daugh- ter of George Hitler, formerly a large land- owner and farmer of the county. Two chil- dren were born to this marriage, viz .: Mrs. Mary E. Dresbach, of Columbus, and Emma A., deceased. Mrs. Hoffman died after the birth of the second daughter. Mr. Hoffman was married (second) on February 16, 1862, to Catherine Leist, a daughter of John D. Leist, formerly a well-known citizen of Wash- ington township. Of the nine children born to this union, five still survive, these being : Ida E., of Pickaway township; Rose M., wife of Abraham Baker, of Auglaize County ; John A., of Circleville; M. Florence, who is teaching school in Pickaway County ; and Emma C., of Pickaway township. The mother of these chil- dren has also passed away.

Mr. Hoffman is numbered with the leading and influential Democrats of Pickaway town- ship. He has always been a useful citizen and has taken a very active interest in the public school system. For many years he served as a director of District No. 6, in Washington township and later of District No. 4, in Pick- away township. He is at present a member of the township Board of Education. While in Washington township he also served several terms as trustee. He is a member of the Luth- eran Church, having united with it in Wash- ington township. One of the older residents of Pickaway County, Mr. Hoffman has been the witness of wonderful changes during a long and useful life, and his interesting reminiscen- ces recall old conditions and old names which he weaves together in a most entertaining har- rative. The only remaining member of his own family, he has seen other families develop and pass away leaving but few representatives. Mr. Hoffman is more fortunate, having chil- dren and grandchildren and one great-grand- son to still perpetuate the honorable name.

S AMUEL C. WEIDINGER, operating the William Miller farm in Harrison township, and one of the most enter- prising agriculturists in the county, was born in Ross County, Ohio, town of Yellow Bud, on the 8th of April, 1869. When a youth of 18 he came to Pickaway County. He received his education both in Ross and Pickaway Countics. After working on a farm for a time he located at Darbyville, where for seven years he conducted a meat market.

In 1903 Mr. Weidinger located on what is known as the William Miller farm, which is the property of the Scioto Canning Com- pany, and comprises a rich tract of 654 acres. In his agricultural operations he employs 10 teams of horses, and utilizes the entire farm. In 1906 he had 140 acres in wheat and oats, 170 in corn, 155 in sweet corn, etc. He makes a specialty of sweet corn for canning and in 1905 raised 914 tons at $7 per ton ; also 6,000 bushels of field corn, 2,300 bushels of wheat and 200 bushels of oats.

In 1896 our subject was married to Mary Alice Wilson, daughter of Jesse Y. Wilson. One child has been born to their union-Ma- bel Sophia, now eight years of age. Although Mr. Weidinger served as corporation treas- urer during the seven years of his residence at Darbyville and is a stanch Republican, he has taken little interest in politics since coming to Harrison township, his extensive agricultural operations having occupied his entire time. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Ashville.

The parents of Mr. Weidinger, both natives of Germany, came to America after their mar- riage. The father died in 1901, aged 63 years ; the 'mother in 1888, at the age of 58. They passed the lives of honest, practical, respected farmers in Pickaway and Ross counties, spend- ing their last days in the latter. They were the parents of II children, four of whom died in infancy, the seven surviving being as follows : John, a resident of Muhlenberg township; George, who lives two miles north of Circle- ville; Charles ; Samuel C .; Barbara and Anna, wives respectively of William and Christopher

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McCollister, of Ross County; and Lizzie, who married William Reid and resides at Darby- ville.

A group picture of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Weidinger and their daughter, Mabel Sophia, accompanies this sketch.

many.

A DAM WEGERLY was born April 25, 1827, at Lampertheim, near Worms, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. His parents were Valentine and Kathrine Wegerly, who were natives of Ger- In 1832 the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, where the afther engaged in the grocery busi- ness, in which he was fairly successful. Val- entine Wegerly died in 1868 at the age of 76 and his wife in 1880 at the age of 81.

Adam Wegerly is the youngest child of a family of two sons and one daughter. His brother, John Wegerly, who was a prominent merchant in Chillicothe, Ohio, died in 1888 at the age of 64. His sister, Mrs. Margaret Frey, died in 1904 at the age of 84.

Adam Wegerly received a fairly good edu- cation in the public schools of Chillicothe. At the age of 16 he quit school and became an apprentice at the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for two years when he went to New Orleans to join the United States Army in the war with Mexico. He then went to Indiana and became a farm laborer and was later fore- man in a packing house. He then returned to Chillicothe, Ohio, and for two years was a tenant on the farm of Governor William Allen. During this time he saved a little money and purchased a tract of land in Ross County near the village of Yellow Bud.

February 13, 1855, he was married to Ame- lia Schlager, daughter of Andrew Schlager, who lived near Yellow Bud. By this union six children were born, all of whom are living, as follows: William B., born February 9, 1856; John V., born August 14, 1857; Milton B., born February 25, 1859; Margaret Alice (Lamparter), born January 22, 1861 ; Frank- lin A., born March 20, 1863; and LaFayette,

born September 11, 1880. All the sons are farmers except the youngest, who is a member of the law firm of Lindsay & Wegerly, of Cir- cleville.

Shortly after his marriage, Adam Wegerly disposed of the farm near Yellow Bud, and purchased a tract of 260 acres near Williams- port, Ohio. Later he sold this tract and pur- chased 260 acres in Circleville township. on the Island road, a portion of which is now owned by Henry Hulse. In 1866 he pur- chased a tract of land four miles north of the city of Circleville on the Walnut Creek turn- pike, where he now resides. He has since ac- cumulated a large amount of property. In 1880 he retired from active farming and trans- ferred his property to his family.

Mr. Wegerly is a stanch Democrat, has held a few township offices, but has never taken any active part in politics.

ENRY S. HULSE, one of the well- known citizens of Circleville, where he is engaged in a windmill and pump business, owns a fine farm of 200 acres in Circleville township, which claims a part of his attention. Mr. Hulse was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, July 1, 1852, and is a son of James R. Hulse.

The late James R. Hulse was born on the old Hulse homestead in Jackson township, January 20, 1828, and with the exception of two years he passed the whole of his life in this township, September 6, 1899, when he was one of the leading citizens. His father, also named James R. Hulse, was born in New York and was one of the earliest settlers in Pickaway County. The family has always been one of prominence here. The mother of our subject, Eleanor (Stipp) Hulse, was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 2, 1826, and is a daugh- ter of Henry and Sarah Stipp, natives of Vir- ginia, of German extraction. Mrs. Hulse lives with her son, William A. Hulse, in Jackson township.

Henry S. Hulse remained in Jackson town-

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ship until he was 17 years old and then took a trip through the country, partly for the sake of adventure and partly to secure the means that would enable him to take a course at Xenia College. He started out with a kit of tools and mended clocks and jewelry through the rural regions and earned the money he needed. After graduating at Xenia in 1877, he taught school for 14 years during the win- ter seasons, in the summer working for binder companies. In 1892 he moved to Circleville where he engaged in a windmill and pump bus- iness, in connection with overseeing his farm.

On September 16, 1888, Mr. Hulse was married to Elizabeth Runkle, a daughter of Henry Runkle, who was born in Walnut town- ship, Pickaway County, Ohio, and was one of the early settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Hulse have three children, viz. : Helen, Mary and Hepzibah, all pupils in the Circleville schools.

Mr. Hulse has always taken an active part in public affairs and has held a number of township offices. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, having membership in both lodge and encampment, and belongs also to the Elks and the Foresters. He is one of Circleville's enter- prising, progressive and useful citizens.

E DWARD P. MAY, whose fine 158-acre farm of well-cultivated land is lo- cated in Pickaway township, at Kingston, is one of the well-known agriculturists and leading citizens of this locality. He was born on his present farm, on December 8, 1850, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Steele) May and grandson of Henry May, Sr., who founded the family here.

Among the pioneer settlers of Pickaway township, the May family were always prom- inent in those efforts looking to the develop- ment of agricultural enterprises and educa- tional and religious advancement. Henry May, the father of Edward P. May, carried on a tanning business at Kingston for a quarter of a century. He was largely interested also in farming and up to the time of his death, in

1893, was one of the leading and reliable citi- zens of Pickaway township.

Henry May, by marriage to Margaret Steele. became connected with another of the old and honorable families of the county. Their surviving children are: Jane E., widow of James Machir, residing at Kingston ; Alice C .. who married Charles E. Ware and resides at Miamisburg. Ohio: and Edwin P.

Edwin P. May was reared in Pickaway township and was educated in the home schools. For a short period of his early busi- ness life, he was engaged in a coal and lumber trade at Kingston, after taking a business course at Wilt's Commercial College, at Day- ton, Ohio. With this exception his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits.

On November 5, 1896, Mr. May was united in marriage with Mrs. Alice L. (Strawn) Freshwater, widow of Abram Freshwater, formerly of Urbana, Ohio, and a daughter of the late George Strawn, of Logan, Hocking County, Ohio. Mrs. May has one daughter by her first marriage, Miss Blanche Fresh- water, an accomplished musician, who secured her musical education at Wooster College, at Wooster, Ohio.

In politics, Mr. May has always been iden- tified with the Republican party. He is one of the trustees of Mount Pleasant Cemetery. For many years he has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. He is a man who is held in high esteen by all who know him and is a worthy represen- tative of the best type of the citizens of Picka- way township.

ENRY B. MORRIS, agent for the Cin- cinnati & Muskingum Valley Rail- road Company, at Circleville, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 19, 1841, and is a son of John Morris.

John Morris was born in Pickaway County, in 1806, and his whole life was passed as a farmer and public official. He served two terms as county commissioner of Pickaway

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County. His father, John Morris, was one of the earliest settlers of the county.

Henry B. Morris was reared on a farm in Walnut township and was educated in the local schools. At the age of 24 years, in the spring of 1868, he came to Circleville as bookkeeper for the firm of Morris & Loughry, with whom he remained until 1874, when he was elected to the office of auditor of Pickaway County. He served for two terms in this responsible office. After retiring from public life, Mr. Marris became bookkeeper for the firm of W. E. Delaplane & Company, and was later with Heffner & Company, with which firm he re- mained until January 1, 1880, when he ac- cepted his present railroad position. He is well known all through this part of the State and has a wide circle of business and personal friends.

On October 5, 1869, Mr. Morris was mar- ried to Amelia Scothorn, a daughter of Thomas J. Scothorn, one of the early settlers of Wal- nut township. Her maternal grandfather Pritchett was a pioneer in Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.

EORGE C. LATHOUSE, president of the board of trustees of Salt Creek township, is a substantial citizen and prosperous farmer, who resides on a well-cultivated farm of 166 acres, situated in section 10, on which he has resided since the spring of 1893. Mr. Lathouse was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, June 4, 1863, and is a son of Reuben and Sarah (Ernst) Lathouse.

On both sides, Mr. Lathouse comes of Ger- man ancestry. The paternal grandfather was a very early settler in Pickaway County and the maternal grandfather settled very many years ago in Washington township and has many descendants. Reuben Lathouse died when our subject was seven years old and, later, his widow married William Upp. Mr. and Mrs. Upp now reside in Clear Creek town- ship, Fairfield County, Ohio. Of the three children of Reuben Lathouse and wife, the two

survivors are: Emma A., wife of S. E. Val- entine, of Zanesville, Ohio; and George C., of this sketch.

George C. Lathouse was reared in Wash- ington township, where he attended the dis- trict schools. He has always been engaged in farming. He owns one of the valuable farms of Salt Creek township, on which he raises considerable stock and carries on extensive agricultural operations. He uses modern meth- ods and utilizes excellent machinery and enjoys abundant crops.

On April 27, 1893, Mr. Lathouse was mar- ried to Isadora Mowery, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, on August 22, 1860, and is a daughter of George and Sarah (Hartranft) Mowery, the former of whom was born in Salt Creek township and the latter in the State of New York. Peter Mow- ery, father of George, came to this section among its earliest settlers. Mrs. Lathouse's father died January 30. 1892, and her mother, November 13, 1893. They were most worthy members of the German Lutheran Church and estimable people in every relation of life.

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History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 91

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