History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 98

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 98

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

filled this position one year and then spent one season with C. E. Sears & Company, follow- ing which he was clerk for the C. A. Helwagen grocery house for three and a half years. In 1881 Mr. Wilson first became identified with the hardware line, entering the employ of Hoff- man & McMullen. Here he continued for II years and when Mr. McMullen retired he bought a third interest in the business, and the firm style of Hoffman, Brown & Wilson was adopted, the other members of the firm being L. H. Hoffman and K. J. Brown, Mr. Wilson being the general manager of the store and col- lector. This house is one of the firmly estab- lished ones at Circleville and has large trade connections and a generous patronage from the city and its environs.

About 1878 Mr. Wilson was married to Kate Will, who is a daughter of Robert Will. who was formerly manager of a woolen mill at Circleville. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have three children, viz: Charles R., of Columbus, Ohio; Helen, wife of Albert Wolf, of Circle- ville; and Lyall, who lives at home. The fam- ily belong to the Presbyterian Church at Cir- cleville.

Fraternally Mr. Wilson is prominent in the Knights of Pythias, being chancellor comman- der of Philos Lodge, No. 64. He belongs also to the Foresters and the Modern Woodmen of America.

ALTER M. GRAY, a prominent farmer and dairyman, proprietor of the "Circle City Dairy," at Cir- cleville, and the owner of the old homestead farm of 160 acres in Washington township, Pickaway County, was born in 1851 in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of George W. and Maria J. (Eaton) Gray.

The father of Mr. Gray was born near Washington, District of Columbia. He learned the blacksmith's trade but later became a farmer in Fairfield County, Ohio. He married Maria J. Eaton, who was born and reared in Fairfield County. They had seven daughters

Digitized by Google

773

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS ·

and two sons born to them, viz. : Walter M .; Lida, wife of J. Iles, residing near Logan, Hocking County; Jennie, wife of Lyman Doner, of Union County, Ohio: Lydia. wife of O. C. Drum, living on the old farm; Emma. of Washington. D. C .; Ida, wife of George Wirtman, of Washington township : and Allen. Delilah and Anna, all deceased. During our subject's infancy the family moved to Wash- ington township, Pickaway County.

Walter M. Gray was reared on his father's farm in Washington township and attended the country schools. After his marriage in 1875. Mr. Gray engaged in farming in Pickaway township until January 1, 1904, when he moved to Circleville and embarked. in a dairy busi- ness. He purchased1 first the Fosnaugh dairy and later the Marfield dairy and consolidated the two under the title of the "Circle City Dairy." He keeps from 40 to 50 dairy cows and does the largest business in Circleville in this line.

In 1875 Mr. Gray was married to Emma Drum, who is a daughter of William Drum, who was one of the early settlers of Salt Creek township. They have one son, Pearl, who is associated with his father in the dairy busi- ness. On May 24, 1902, Pearl married Nettie Waite, of Kingston, Ohio. They have one child, Donald, born May 28, 1905, and reside with our subject.

L EWIS R. LESHER, a much esteemed citizen of Salt Creek township, whose well-improved farm comprises 400 acres, was born September 12. 1839. in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah A. (Reber) Lesher.

No family of German extraction stands higher in public esteem in old Berks County, than does that of Lesher and many of its members own rich farms in that section of Pennsylvania. There Samuel Lesher was born, as was his wife, and there their peaceful lives were spent, the old farm supporting a large family.

Lewis R. Lesher was a young man of 23 years of age when he came to Pickaway Coun-

ty from his native State. He had been well educated in the public schools and for three years had been a clerk for his uncle, William Lesher, in the latter's store, but the confine- ment injured his health, and it was with the hope of restoring the same by a life in the open air, that Mr. Lesher took up farming in Salt Creek township. His anticipations were realized and, although years of hard work were necessary, Mr. Lesher, at the age of 67 years, not only enjoys excellent health, but has also acquired one of the largest and best farms in the township. This land is well cultivated and produces large crops of wheat, corn and hay, and good stock-horses, cattle and hogs -are also produced.

On August 2, 1863, Mr. Lesher was mar- ried to Mary Lutz, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Hon. Samuel Lutz, formerly a justice of the peace, who represented Pickaway County in the State Legislature. Samuel Lutz was a pioneer of Salt Creek township and one of its most prominent citizens. He was one of the early surveyors and made many. of the surveys through the county. He lived to the age of 101 years and 6 months.

Mr. and Mrs. Lesher have three children, viz. : Samuel H., Charles and Elizabeth-all residing in Salt Creek township.

Politically Mr. Lesher is a Republican. He has served both as trustee and as treasurer of Salt Creek township, performing all the duties of these offices with due efficiency. He is one of the leading members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Whisler, of which he is a deacon, a trustee and for some years has been treasurer. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Adelphi, Ohio.

JOHN H. ZEHRUNG, one of the best- known business citizens and old resi- dents of Tarlton, who has been com- mercially engaged here for over half a century, was born at Tarlton, De- cember 10, 1832, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Holsman) Zehrung and grandson of Jacob Zehrung.

Digitized by Google

774

HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

The Zehrung family, from its orthography, probably originated in Switzerland. emigrat- ing from there at a very early day to Pennsyl- vania. The father and grandfather of our sub- ject established the family in Salt Creek town- ship when this section was but a great wilder- ness. The names of Jacob and Peter Zehrung appear in the records as pioneers. Peter Zeh- rung died in 1837. age:l 43 years.

John H. Zehrung, who was left fatherless in his boyhood, was reared at Tarlton or in the near vicinity, attended the early schools, and while still young began through his own in- dustry to provide for himself. When 18 years of age he became clerk for Eli Creager, who at that time kept the leading general store at Tarl- ton, and worked for him fot five years. Mr. Zehrung then became a manufacturer and dealer in tinware and stoves, having James San- derson in partnership with him for a time, the firm name being Sanderson & Zehrung. Since the death of Mr. Sanderson, Mr. Zehrung has continued alone in the business. Through his industry and business integrity he has been amply successful, and, although he started out with no capital, he is now considered one of the town's substantial men. He owns a farm of 86 acres in Fairfield County, and another, of 80 acres, in Hocking County.

On January 1, 1855, Mr. Zehrung was married to Maria S. Kraft, who was born May 8, 1837, in Pickaway County, Ohio. They have three children, viz. : Elizabeth C., wife of S. S. Spring, of Roseville, Ohio; Samuel P .. a resident of Roseville: and Mary C., wife of D. W. Macklin, a well-known teacher in the public schools, residing not far from Tarlton, in Fairfield County.

Mr. Zehrung is identified with the Repub- lican party and has had great confidence shown him by his political organization, having been elected by it treasurer of Salt Creek township for II consecutive years. Formerly he was very active in the lodge of Odd Fellows at Tarlton, of which he was treasurer for 30 years, and still takes a deep interest in the order to which he has belonged since 1854. He is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church at Tarlton and is one of the elders. Mr. Zeh-

rung is held in very high esteem by his fellow- citizens and his relations with them are those of cordiality and good will.

EORGE E. DRESB.\CH, one of the best known citizens of Pickaway township, engaged in farming and D raising stock, was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, December 9, 1847, and is a son of William and Margaret ( Earnhart ) Dresbach.

The Dresbach family came to America from Germany at a very early day. settling first in Pennsylvania. Many of the name can yet be found there among the solid, substantial citizens. George Dresbach, the grandfather of George E., was born there and was the pioneer in Ohio, coming just after his service in the War of 1812. He located in Salt Creek town- ship, Pickaway County, and here his son, Will- iam Dresbach, was born and reared. The lat- ter followed farming all his life and died at the age of 65 years. Eight of his children are still living, namely: James A., Mary (Coombs), George E., Harriet (Julian), Mil- ton, Catherine (Reichelderfer), Amanda (Shride) and Scott.

George E. Dresbach was reared and edu- cated in Salt Creek township. He has always been interested in agricultural pursuits and owns a fine farm of 166 acres in Pickaway township, which he has developed into a val- uable property. In addition to general farm- ing, he is known as one of the leading stock- raisers of the section. For the past 15 years Mr. Dresbach has also followed the business of an auctioneer and has established such a reputation that he has calls all over Ohio and even from Indiana and Illinois.

On Christmas Day, 1871, Mr. Dresbach was married to Julia Parcells, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of William Parcells, who is a resident of Leistville, Pickaway Coun- ty. His children are: Homer, of Leistville ; James, of Salt Creek township; Hannah, wife of B. F. Stevens, of Ludlow, Illinois; and

Digitized by Google

775

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

Julia, who is the wife of Mr. Dresbach. Mr. Parcells is now in his 84th year. He was one of the early settlers in Salt Creek township.

Mr. and Mrs. Dresbach have these chil- dren : Emanuel, of Tarlton, Ohio; Pearl, De- lano and Homer, all residents of Indiana ; Fan- nie, widow of Shelby Stage, of Circleville; Lewis, of Indiana; and Snow, who resides at home.

Mr. Dresbach is one of the leading Re- publicans of his section. He has been his party's chosen candidate for county commis- sioner and served six years as township trustee, during the whole of this period being president of the board. For three consecutive years he also served as township assessor. He is a man of standing in his community and enjoys the confidence of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Dresbach keeps thoroughly posted on all local affairs and is ever ready to cast his influence in the direction of movements assuring better school facilities, better roads and better agri- cultural conditions.

E SENSENBRENNER, one of the well-known business men of Circle- ville, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1876, and is a son of Andrew Sen- senbrenner, who removed with his family from Ross County to Circleville in 1882 and has resided here ever since.

E. Sensenbrenner was reared and educated at Circleville and at the age of 15 years en- tered the jewelry establishment of H. P. Lor- bach, with whom he remained for four years, completing his trade. In 1895 he embarked in the jewelry business at Circleville on his own account, beginning in an humble way and gradually expanding as custom increased, until now he conducts one of the finest jewelry stores in Circleville, handling fine jewelry, gems and silver. He also keeps a line of the leading talking machines, with up-to-date records and his enterprise is shown in his displaying over his place of business the first and only electric sign in the city. He deserves his evident suc- cess for he has won recognition through thor

oughness, perseverance and business courtesy.

Mr. Sensenbrenner was married in May. 1901, to Anna Lama, of Hocking County, Ohio. They have three children, viz. : May- nard, Marion and Helen.

Mr. Sensenbrenner is a member of the German Lutheran Church. He belongs to the Circleville Athletic Club and the Circleville Business Men's Association.

RS. ELIZABETH A. ALLEN. a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Salt Creek township. residing on her well-cultivated farm of 200 acres, was born No- vember 19, 1844. in this township. and be- longs to two of the old and well-established families of this section. Her parents were Peter and Anna ( Saylor) Warren.

Peter Warren, father of Mrs. Alien, was a son of Tillman Warren, who came at a very early date to Ohio and settled in Salt Creek township where the family has been prominent ever since. Peter Warren and his wife were both born in Salt Creek township, where they spent the whole of their lives.

Elizabeth A. Warren was reared in her parents' home in her native township and was . educated in the neighboring schools. On Sep- tember 11, 1872, she was united in marriage with Hiram Allen, who was born November 12. 1838, in Salt Creek township, where he died July 28, 1896. . In his death this com- munity lost an excellent citizen. He was a man of sterling character, a kind husband and father, a good neighbor and a liberal supporter of schools and churches. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. By industry and good management, he 'acquired a large farm and thus provided well for his family.

Mr. and Mrs. Allen had three children, viz. : John Eddie, Charles W. and Wilbur P., the two last named being deceased. John Eddie Allen married Grace R. Hummel, who was born in Salt Creek township, and they have one daughter, Doris E., Mrs. Allen's only

Digitized by Google

776

HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

grandchild. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Whisler. She has a wide circle of friends.

e LIFTON R. DREISBACH, deceased, belonged to one of the old pioneer families of Pickaway township, and for many years was a prominent citi- zen and leading farmer of the same. He was born August 14, 1855, on what is known as "Lawndale Farm," in Pickaway township, on which his family still reside, and died there on April 14, 1896. He was a son of John E. and Mary (Reedy) Dreisbach, and a grandson of that pioneer settler and noted Evangelical preacher, Rev. John Dreisbach.

Rev. John Dreisbach was one of the found- ers of the Evangelical Association in Ohio, coming to the frontier as a zealous expounder of the faith in which he had been reared in Pennsylvania. He made his first home in a. ] what was then but a vast expanse of forest land in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, the site of which is the richly cultivated fields and attractive home now known as "Lawndale Farm." At this time the father of the late Clifton R. Dreisbach, John E. Dreisbach, was but a child and he was reared in the midst of the pioneer conditions then prevailing. His life was spent in the improvement and culti- vation of the estate left him by his father. He died about 1864, when his son, Clifton R., was nine years old.

Clifton R. Dreisbach resided at "Lawndale Farm" until he was 14 years old, when he en- tered the home of his uncle, Martin E. Dreis- bach, then a farmer in Pickaway township and now a resident of Circleville, with whom he remained until he was 20 years of age. He was educated in the local schools and the Ohio Wesleyan University and developed into a young man of mental strength and personal worth. His subsequent life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. At the time of his death his estate aggregated 634 acres of well-culti- vated . land, 320 acres of this comprising "Lawndale Farm," while two other farms ag-

gregated 314 acres. Mrs. Dreisbach and son still occupy the old homestead.

On February 7, 1878, Clifton R. Dreisbaci, was married to Lina L. Hitler, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Abraham and Eleanor (Morris) Hitler, both parents being natives of this county. The Hitler family settled very early in Washing- ton township, Pickaway County, and has many prominent members throughout the county. Mrs. Dreisbach has but one sister, Mary A., who is the wife of Benjamin F. Dreisbach, of Circleville township. Mrs. Dreisbach is a mem- ber of the Evangelical Association.

Mr. and Mrs. Dreisbach had four children, namely : Marvin H., a prominent and popular citizen of Pickaway township, who is now serving as township treasurer; John E .; Harry R. and Shirley M., all concerned in the man- agement and operation of the family estate.

In political sentiment, the late Clifton R. Dreisbach was a stanch Republican. He was a citizen who possessed the confidence and re- spect of his fellow-citizens and worthily repre- sented the fine old family from which he sprung.

E. CRIST, senior member of the firm of Crist & Mason, proprietors of one of the largest mercantile houses at Circleville, was born in this city in 1863, and is a son of Nicholas and Susan (Smith) Crist.

Nicholas Crist was born on the shore of the Rhine, in Germany, and died, an old and respected man, at Circleville, Ohio, in 1870. He came to Circleville in 1836 and estab- lished himself in business and made this place his permanent home. He married Susan Smith, who was also a native of Germany. They had nine children born to them, the survivors be- ing : Sophronia, of Circleville; Henry, of Cir- cleville; George, of Walnut township; Mary, wife of Joshua Glick, of Walnut township; Elizabeth, wife of Milt Morris, a prominent attorney at Circleville; Carrie, wife of E. L. Howard, of Columbus; Charles, and W. E., of this sketch. Margaret, the eldest daughter,

Digitized by Google

777

AND REPRESENTATIVE. CITIZENS

is deceased; she was the wife of Christian Schwartz, of Circleville.

WV. E. Crist was reared and educated at Circleville and his whole business life has been spent here. Leaving school he became con- nected with the dry goods house of Wallace & Schleyer, remaining there for three and a half years, and was then associated with Jo- seph Wallace until 1893. At that time, in partnership with Frank Mason, he embarked in a dry goods business, and the present large enterprise was inaugurated. The firm of Crist & Mason are leaders in the line of dry goods, carpets, millinery and house furnishing goods in Circleville, conducting the leading depart- ment store here. For some five years Mr. Crist was interested in the furniture business with E. L. Howard and thoroughly understands the handling of all the commodities offered to the public in his great store.

In 1887 Mr. Crist was married to Kate Mason, who is a daughter of John F. Mason, who for years was a prominent grocer here. Mr. Mason still survives at the age of 84 years. one of the city's venerable citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Crist have one son, Joseph Wallace, who is employed in the store, a promising young merchant. Their only daughter, Helen F., died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Crist enjoy the comforts of one of the finest homes in the city, which is situated on North Court street. The family belong to Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Crist is interested in the Circleville Improvement Company. He is one of the leading, enterpris- ing, public-spirited men of affairs of the city.

5 ARRY DAVIS KRAFT, a substantial farmer of Circleville township, resid- ing on the old Stevenson farm of 155 acres, was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, September 15, 1865, and is a son of Horace and Mary (Powell) Kraft.

Horace Kraft was born in Pickaway Coun- ty, Ohio, and is a son of Thomas Kraft, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, who came to Pickaway

County and settled in Pickaway township, where he owned a farm of 190 acres. He also owned 400 acres in Madison County, Ohio. He had five children and before his death he sold the 400 acres in Madison County and bought 125 acres near Dayton, Ohio, which with the 190 acres previously mentioned he divided among his five children. Horace Kraft was reared and educated in Pickaway County and was the owner of 83 acres of farm land. He is now living in Circleville.

Harry D. Kraft was reared and educated in Pickaway County. He was married in 1892 to Ella Wilkins, a daughter of David Wilkins. They have three children, all living: Creaton, Turney and Claude. Mr. Kraft comes of a fine old family and has a wide acquaintance throughout the county. He is always interested in public works which tend toward the ad- vancement of his community. He is a member of the Evangelical Association and has held all the offices in the church to which he is eligible. Politically he is a Democrat.

EORGE B. THOMPSON, one of the prominent attorneys at Columbus, Ohio, with offices at Nos. 606-607 New First National Bank Building, belongs to one of the oldest families of Pickaway County and owns a valuable farm of 115 acres in Walnut township. He was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 3, 1862, and is a son of Thomas and Frances E. (Pratt) Thompson, both of whom were born and reared in Scioto town- ship, this county.

His paternal grandfather, also named Thomas Thompson, was a Scotch-Irishman who moved from Western Pennsylvania to Ohio and settled in Scioto township, Pickaway County, about the time Ohio was admitted to the Union.

His maternal grandfather, Elias Pratt, came from Virginia to Ohio and settled in Pickaway County shortly after Ohio became a State.

George B. Thompson obtained his educa-

Digitized by Google

778

HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

tion in the country schools, the graded school at South Bloomfield. the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Indiana, and the Ohio State University. He taught school for several years in the northern part of the county.

He was nominated by the Democratic coun- ty convention in August, 1896, for the office of clerk of courts and at the ensuing election in November was elected by a large majority over his Republican opponent. He was re- elected in the year 1899, receiving a larger ma- jority than he did in 1896. He served two terms of three years each and because his suc- cessor, elected in 1902, did not qualify for the office he held over one year additional, making seven years in all that he served as clerk of courts.

While in the clerk's office, he studied law and after the expiration of his terms of office he attended the law school of the Ohio North- ern University at Ada, graduating in June, 1905. On the 27th of the same month he was admitted to the practice of the law and on the Ist of October, 1905, he opened a law office at Columbus.

Mr. Thompson is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to all the Masonic bodies at Cir- cleville.

m AHLON MEYERS, a well-known resident of Stoutsville. Fairfield County, and formerly one of Pick- away County's most extensive farmers, owns a large amount of valuable land, 320 acres of which are included in a farm in Washington township and an acre and a half in the village of Stoutsville, on which is his home. He also owns the old S. K. Valentine farm of 161 acres, located in Fairfield County, all fine farming land. Mr. Meyers was born in Walnut township, Pick- away County, Ohio. August 6, 1841. and is a son of George M. and Maria (Speacht) Meyers.

George M. Meyers was born in Pennsyl- vania, where the family name is well known, especially in the southeastern part of the State. He was a lad of II years when he accompanied

his father, George Meyers, to Fairfield County, Ohio. They settled first in Clear Creek town- ship but later removed to Walnut township, Pickaway County, and later to Washington township.

Mahlon Meyers was a child of two years when his parents settled in Washington town- ship and he was reared on the family farm and attended the country schools. He made the homestead his place of residence until 1900, when he purchased a desirable site in Stouts- ville, a well-located tract of an acre and a half, on which he erected his comfortable dwelling, in which he has since resided.

In 1864 Mr. Meyers was married to Mary A. Crites, who is a daughter of Levi Crites, of Clear Creek township, Fairfield County. They have four children, namely : Charles E .: Jeannette, wife of Rev. J. M. Wenrich ; S. H., of Chicago; and W. O., of Washington town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers are worthy mem- bers of the Reformed Church in which they have a wide circle of warm friends. Mr. Meyers has always voted with the Democratic party. He has always been interested in pub- lic matters and has been chosen for offices in the township and county on a number of oc- casions. He was one of the most careful and faithful trustees the township ever had and served through two terms as director of the County Infirmary. He is a man who is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens.

ACOB LUTHER HOOVER, a repre- sentative agriculturist of Walnut township. who resides on his ex- cellent farm of 40 acres, which is sit- uated in section 5, range 21, was born on his father's farm about a quarter of a mile south of his present residence, on December 30, 1852. He belongs to one of the pioneer families of this section, and is a son of Chris- tian and Margaret (Tritch) Hoover.

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

History of Pickaway County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 98

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