History of Preble County Ohio: Her People, Industries and Institutions, Part 52

Author: R. E. Lowry
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 985

USA > Ohio > Preble County > History of Preble County Ohio: Her People, Industries and Institutions > Part 52

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).

Robert Steele received his education in the excellent district schools of Is- rael township and spent his life as a farmer, becoming known in his neigh- borhood as one of the most progressive agriculturists and stock-raisers in the county. On April 19, 1893, he was united in marriage with Emma Irwin, a daughter of J. B. and Emeline (VanDyke) Irwin, the former of whom was born in Oxford, Ohio, and the latter in Butler county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin were married in Preble county, and to them four chil- dren were born, only two of whom are still living, Mrs. Steele and William Ir- win, who lives in Butler county. The first child of Mr. and Mrs. Irwin, Mary E., married Dr. S. R. Lyons, of Richmond, Indiana, to whom she bore two daughters, Flora and Harriet. Mrs. Lyons died in 1887. Har- riet, the third child and second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Irwin, died in 1884. J. B. Irwin died February 12, 1896, and his widow is living at Col- lege Corners, Ohio.

To Robert and Emma (Irwin) Steele four children have been born, all of whom are living: May C., born February 29, 1896, is attending school at Fair Haven; Harry K., born August 18, 1898, also is attending school at Fair Haven; Martha, born December 19, 1899, and Georgia, born Decem- ber 5, 1901, all of whom are at school. These lively, happy youngsters continually make glad the hearts of their parents, and the social activities of the Steele home, on account of the presence of the young people, to which is added the influence of the well-known hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Steele, make this home one of the most attractive gathering places for the youth of that neighborhood.

Mr. Steele owns a fine farm of one hundred and seventy-five and one- half acres, known as "the Old Homestead," in Israel township, which he

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has brought to a high state of cultivation. In addition to his regular farm- ing, he makes a specialty of the breeding of high-grade, full-blooded Poland China hogs, from which annually he takes considerable profit. Both he and Mrs. Steele are earnest members of the United Presbyterian church at Fair Haven and take an active interest in all the good works of the com- munity, their lives having been so ordered as to project their wholesome influence into all movements having to do with the advancement of the best interests of the community, in whose social and moral life they have proved themselves such prime factors.

THEODORE W. MITCHELL.

There are few farmers in Washington township, Preble county, who have in the same period accomplished more in farming than Theodore W. Mitchell, who lives on Rural Route No. 3, out of Eaton, Ohio. Mr. Mitchell, by patient industry, perseverance and economy, has acquired a substantial tract of land in Washington township, and is an enterprising and progressive farmer.

Theodore W. Mitchell was born in Washington township, near New Hope, July 25, 1857. He is a son of William L. and Catherine (Hunsaker) Mitchell, the former a native of Preble county, Ohio, the son of Nathan and Jane (Carr) Mitchell, natives of Maryland, who came to Ohio and located near Camden. They came down the river on a raft, and after locating near Camden remained in that vicinity the rest of their lives.

William L. Mitchell, the father of Theodore W., grew to manhood in Preble county, Ohio, and married Catherine Hunsaker, the daughter of Jacob and Mary Hunsaker, the latter of whom was reared by a sister who lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. William L. Mitchell and wife were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living: William C., who lives at Hamilton, Ohio; Laura, the wife of I. C. Price, of Dayton, Ohio; Theodore W., the third child in order of birth, is the immediate subject of this sketch; Charles M., of Elwood, Indiana; Frank A., a farmer of Washington township in this county, and Ella B., the wife of J. D. Beard, of Dayton, Ohio.

Theodore Mitchell was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the district schools of his home township. Early in life he chose agriculture for his life work and is now the owner of a splendid farm of one hundred and thirty-one acres two and one-half miles west of

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THEODORE W. MITCHELL.

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Eaton. He is not now actively engaged in farming, but gives personal supervision to his farm work.

On November 13, 1881, Mr. Mitchell was married to Hernandez Swain, the daughter of John L. and Sarah (Hapner) Swain. Mrs. Mitchell was born in Washington township, this county, September 9, 1858, and received her education in the common schools of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have no children.

Mr. Mitchell is identified with the Republican party, but he has never taken an active part in the affairs of that party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 30, of Eaton, Ohio. Mrs. Mitchell is an active member of the Christian church. The Mitchells are well known in Washington township and are popular and influential in the com- munity where they reside.

DAVID E. HOOVER.

It cannot be other than interesting to note in the series of personal sketches in this work the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are outlined, and the effort has been made in each case to throw well-focused light on the individuality and to bring into proper per- spective the scheme of each respective career. Each man who strives to fulfill his part in connection with human life and human activities is de- serving of recognition, whatever may be his field of endeavor, and it is the function of works of this character to perpetuate for future generations an authentic record concerning those represented in its pages, and the value of such publications is certain to be cumulative for all time to come, showing forth the individual and specific accomplishments, of which generic his- tory is ever engendered.

David E. Hoover, a prosperous farmer living on Rural Route No. I, out of Eldorado, Ohio, was born in Monroe township, Preble county, Ohio, June 20, 1865, the only son of David and Malinda (Fudge) Hoover, both of whom also were natives of Preble county, the birth of David Hoover having occurred in Washington township, while his wife was born in Mon- roe township, this county, on June 3, 1847, the daughter of George Fudge and wife. David Hoover, Sr., spent his entire life in Preble county, his death occurring here in January, 1865.

David E. Hoover never knew a father's care or guidance, his father (35)

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having died six months before he was born, and when an infant he was taken in charge by his grandmother, Mrs. Mary Fudge, with whom he lived until his marriage. He was reared to the life of a farmer, attending the district schools of his home neighborhood during the winter seasons, and worked on the farm during the summers. In this way he thoroughly learned the principles of farming and early in life decided to make this location his life work. He is now the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of land in sections 32 and 33, of Monroe township, on which he carries on a general system of farming and stock raising with more than ordinary success.

On February 27, 1888, David E. Hoover was married to Mrs. Laura M. (Young) Fudge, who was born in Washington township, Preble county, Ohio, April 27, 1863, a daughter of Levi and Huldah (Barnhart) Young. Her father died in 1886, while her mother is still living. Mrs. Hoover's first husband was Joseph Fudge, to whom she was married in 1880, and to which union two sons were born, Clarence E., born March 1, 1881, who married Ethel Coee, and lives at Frankfort, Indiana; Hafry M., born January 15, 1884, who married Mary Cox, and is a resident of Eaton, Ohio. Joseph Fudge died January 6, 1886. David E. Hoover and wife are the parents of one daughter, Ethel M., born June 4, 1897, who is at home.

Mr. Hoover is an adherent of the Democratic party, but owing to his extensive agricultural interests has not given much attention to political affairs, although he is interested in any movement having for its object the betterment of his community. He is a member of Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias, and takes an active interest in the welfare of that fra- ternal organization. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover are highly-respected citizens of their community and popular among a wide circle of friends and acquain- tances.

HIRAM JOHNSON.

Among the farmers of Preble county, Ohio, who believe in following twentieth-century methods is Hiram Johnson, of Gratis township. He comes of a splendid family of early settlers in this and other parts of the country, one that has always been strong for right living and industrious habits, for education and morality, and for all that contributes to the welfare of the community. Such people are always welcomed in any community, for they are empire builders, and as such have pushed the frontier of civilization ever westward and onward, leaving the green, wide-reaching wilderness and

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the far-stretching plains populous with contented people and beautiful with green fields. It is to such men, of both the past and the present, that Preble county owes its prosperity. The men who wrought there in the past laid the foundations of the great community which has since sprung up, a com- munity which the men of the present are developing and improving, until it stands second to none in the entire broad country.

Hiram Johnson was born in Gratis township, Preble county, Ohio, August 12, 1842, a son of Jacob and Eliza (Snively) Johnson. Jacob John- son was born in Frederick county, Maryland, and his wife also was born in that state. They were married in Maryland and came west at an early date, settling in Winchester, Preble county, Ohio, where they remained for a short time. They then moved to a farm east of Winchester, in what is now Gratis township, where they followed farming for the remainder of their lives. Eight children were born to them, as follow: Alfred, deceased; Hiram, the subject of this sketch; Aaron, deceased; Levi, deceased; David, who lives in Montgomery; and three children who died in their early youth.

Hiram Johnson spent his early life on the farm with his parents, and on May 31, 1865, married 'Mary Lavanda Baer, who was born in Mont- gomery county, Ohio, January 24, 1848. To them was born one daughter, Lillie Pauline, the date of whose birth was July 16, 1867. She married George Swisher, October 29, 1887, and to them three children, two of whom are living, were born, Ada Victoria, born October 18, 1888; Paul J., born May 5, 1900, who died January 14, 1902, and Alice Kathleen. Ada V. married Thomas Bratton, and one daughter, Agnes Naomi, was born to them, August 13, 1906. Mr. Bratton is the son of Milligan and Anna (Cooney) Bratton, both of whom were born in Preble county, and are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bratton live on the Johnson farm and Mr. Bratton has charge of its operation.

Hiram Johnson owns one hundred and six acres of excellent farm land, one-half mile east of Gratis, and makes his home on the farm. He has improved the land during his ownership of it and has developed it into one of the finest farms in his vicinity. He has spent all his life, with the exception of six years, in Gratis township. For three years he lived in Ger- mantown, and for a like period in Lanier township, Preble county. He has now retired from active work on his farm and is enjoying the fruits of his former labors.

Politically, Mr. Johnson has always taken an active interest in the af- fairs of his community, but has never considered himself affiliated with any given political party. it having always been his custom to vote for a man,

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rather than for the party which he represented. That his views regarding the affairs of his community have been considered of value by his neighbors is witnessed by the fact that he has served his township as road supervisor for fourteen years, and that for two years he also was a school director.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Progressive Brethren church and take an active part in all the work of that church. In all phases of life's activities Mr. Johnson has been enterprising and progressive, winning the praise and commendation of all who know him because of his energy, indomitable spirit and the success which he has attained.

JOHN C. STOVER.

The development of Preble county, Ohio, has now reached the stage that practically calls for the retirement of the pioneers who have borne the brunt of the hardships and have conquered the wilderness for all time. Many of those hardy early settlers have passed beyond to receive the ultimate reward for the good services they rendered while fulfilling their destinies on earth. The burdens of their responsibilities have been shifted to the shoulders of the sons and grandsons, who are most ably filling the places left vacant by the retirement or death of their fathers. The present genera- tion of Preble county's citizens is "making good" in every sense of the term, profiting in a great measure by the teaching and experience of their fathers and receiving the additional benefits of the scientific knowledge now ob- tainable for the promotion of all important pursuits. It is from these de- scendants of the pioneers who founded and developed this county, and the success which is now attending them, that much of the interest of a history of the county is gained.

John C. Stover was born in Gratis township, Preble county, Ohio, De- cember 31, 1853, a son of Jacob F. and Catherine M. (Chrisman) Stover. Jacob F. Stover, the subject's father, was a son of Daniel Stover, a native of Virginia, who settled in Lanier township, Preble county, Ohio, in 1826. Daniel Stover's wife was Susannah Funk, who died in Lanier township in 1870.

Mrs. Catherine M. (Chrisman) Stover, the subject's mother, was born in Gratis township, Preble county, Ohio, March 17, 1829, a daughter of John and Susan (Hall) Chrisman. On February 20, 1820, John Chrisman married Mrs. Susan Hall, the widow of Richard D. Hall, who emigrated

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from Newmarket, Maryland, in 1809, the year of his marriage. Mrs. Chris- man's maiden name was Fishborn. She was born in Frederick county Mary- land, February 8, 1791, and, when very young, went with her parents to Baltimore, Maryland. She later became a resident of Newmarket, Mary- land, and from that place came with her first husband to Preble county, Ohio, and settled on the farm where she was living when John Chrisman married her. She continued to live on that farm until the time of her death, which occurred June 10, 1877.

John Chrisman was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, Septem- ber 13, 1797, a son of Daniel and Mary (Ozias) Chrisman, who also were natives of Guilford county, Daniel Chrisman having been born there in 1775, a son of Jacob Chrisman, who was born in Pennsylvania. Daniel Chris- man emigrated from North Carolina in 1803 and came to Warren county, Ohio, with his son and his wife's parents. The little party was six weeks in making the journey, and finally settled near Springborough, Warren county, Ohio, where Grandfather Jacob Chrisman spent the remainder of his life, having died there in August, 1805. Daniel Chrisman moved to Preble county, Ohio, with his family and settled in Gratis township, but spent the latter part of his life with his youngest son, Daniel, in Washing- ton township, where he died on February 12, 1861. His wife died on March 2, 1851. Both Jacob and Daniel Chrisman were members of the Presby- terian church.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Chrisman were born two daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine. Elizabeth married Henry Riner, and to them were born three children, Charles W., Susie and John C. Catherine married Jacob F. Stover, and to them was born one son, John C. Stover, the subject of this sketch. John Chrisman was a member of the German Baptist, or Dunkard, church.

John C. Stover received a common-school education, and, after having completed his studies, followed in the footsteps of his father in the calling of agriculture, having settled on the old homestead of one hundred and sev- enty acres, which has been in the family since 1809. On October 11, 1883, he married Naomi E. Henkel, a daughter of Dr. G. C. and Catherine (Mar- tin) Henkel. Doctor Henkel was born in Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, a son of Rev. Andrew Henkel, who organized the Lutheran church in the territory which includes Toledo and Cincinnati, Ohio. Rev. Andrew Henkle was a clergyman of great prominence. Dr. G. C. Henkle died in 1912.

To Mr. and Mrs. John C. Stover three children have been born, as fol-

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low: Harry J., born September 19, 1884, who is a farmer and is living at home; Charles, born July 18, 1886, who died July 18, 1888, and Susie K., born July 16, 1891, who lives at home and is a musician who possesses great talent for both vocal and instrumental music.

John C. Stover still assumes active charge of the operation of his farm, which he has developed and expanded until he is now the owner of six hun- dred and thirty acres of well-improved farm land. He devotes the farm to general farming and, in addition, breeds and raises high-grade live stock. He shares his home with Mrs. Jacob Stover, his mother. The members of the family are all loyal supporters of the Brethren church and are active in all church work.

Mr. Stover is recognized as a man of sterling worth, whose life is closely interwoven with the history of the community which he has taken such an active part in building up, and his efforts have always been put forth in behalf of the advancement of the neighborhood. In this he has been ably seconded by Mrs. Stover and by the other members of his family, all of whom have led well-regulated and industrious lives, which fully entitle them to representation in a history of Preble county.

FRANK GAZELL.

In past ages the history of a country was confined chiefly to the records of its wars and conquests. Today, history is largely a record of commercial activities and those whose names are foremost in the annals of the nation are those who have become leaders in business circles. The conquests now made are of mind over matter and the victor is he who can most successfully establish, control and operate commercial enterprises. Frank Gazell, of West Alexandria, Preble county, Ohio, is one of the strong and influential citizens whose life is an essential part of the history of Preble county. Tire- less energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing in the right place and time are the chief character- istics of Mr. Gazell. These, combined with every day common sense and guided by strong will power, are concomitants which will insure success in any undertaking.

Frank Gazell, a tobacco buyer and dealer in leaf tobacco, at West Alex- andria, Preble county, Ohio, was born February 27, 1866, at Gratis, Ohio, the only son of William Frederick and Sarah Jane (Focht) Gazell, who were

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the parents of three children, of whom Frank is the eldest. The other two are Mrs. Clara Smith, of Gratis, Ohio, and Mrs. Maggie Bowman, of Rich- mond, Indiana.

William Frederick Gazell was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, October 17, 1843, and left Germany with his parents when seven years old. His parents settled in Darke county, Ohio, and Frederick Gazell worked as a laborer in his younger days. He was a soldier in Company F, Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, and also took part in the pursuit of Morgan's raiders. In 1873 he went into the tobacco business, in which he is still engaged at Gratis, Ohio. William Frederick Gazell is the son of Michael and Barbara (Kayler) Gazell. Michael Gazell was a son of Jacob and Catherine (Daner) Gazell. Jacob Gazell was born in the Black Forest and was of French descent. He was a forest protector, and was a justice of the peace for fifty years. Michael Gazell was a shoemaker in Germany, where he worked until coming to Darke county, Ohio. He worked at his trade after coming to this county until his death. Mrs. Frederick Gazell, the mother of Frank Gazell, was born in June, 1847, in Preble county, Ohio, the daughter of Michael and Mary Magdalene (Sweeney) Focht, natives of Pennsylvania.

On November 22, 1914, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Gazell celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Just previous to this happy event, Mr. Gazell had spent six weeks on a hunting trip in northern Wisconsin, where he had killed a bear, the carcass of which he brought home and which provided a fine roast for the golden-wedding dinner. Mr. Gazell was then past seventy- one years of age. His sight still is strong and his aim is just as accurate now as it was then. He has spent thirty-five autumns on hunting trips after big game, having killed a moose on one of his recent trips, and has many fine trophies of the hunt and chase.

Frank Gazell attended the schools at Gratis, Ohio, and worked with his father in the tobacco business until 1903 when he moved to West Alexandria and began dealing in leaf tobacco, which has been his business ever since. Mr. Gazell owns property in West Alexandria and is a shareholder in the Twin Valley Bank, of West Alexandria, as well as in the National Bank at Eaton, Ohio.

Mr. Gazell was married in 1894 to Minnie Dewitt, who was born in 1867 near McGonigle's Station in Butler county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob and Mahala (Freeman) Dewitt. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gazell.

Jacob Dewitt was born in Butler county, Ohio, in the year 1833, the

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son of Willis and Elizabeth (Beard) Dewitt, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Butler county. Jacob Dewitt grew up in Butler county and lived there about fifteen years after his marriage, at the end of which time he came to Preble county, locating on a farm northwest of Camden, where he remained for a time and then moved to the town of Gratis, where he lived about thirty years, his death occurring there in 1901. His wife, Mahala Freeman, was born in Oxford township, Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of Warner and Martha (Cross) Freeman, the former of whom was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and the latter in Lexington, Kentucky. Willis Dewitt was of French descent and his wife, Elizabeth Beard, of English ancestry. Martha (Cross) Freeman also was of French descent. Warner Freeman's father, John Freeman, was a soldier in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War, his service with the Con- necticut troops beginning when he was seventeen years of age and covering the seven long years of that great struggle for independence. Jacob Dewitt served his country as a Union soldier during the Civil War, serving three years and seven months as a member of Company C, Sixty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Politically, Mr. Gazell is a Republican. In 1887 he was elected town- ship clerk of Gratis township and held this office for four years. Later he was township treasurer for two years. In 1893 and 1897 Mr. Gazell was postmaster at Gratis, Ohio, and also corporation treasurer of Gratis. In all of his official positions, Mr. Gazell has acquitted himself as one who recog- nizes fully the true meaning of public service and has a commendable record in every political position which he has been called upon by the people of his community to fill.

ALBERT R. GRAHAM.

Prominent in the affairs of Preble county, Ohio, and distinguished as a citizen of Twin township, whose influence extends beyond the limits of the community honored by his residence, is Albert R. Graham, a man whose work is conspicuous among the successful farmers and stock breeders of Twin township. His undertakings have been actuated by noble motives and high purposes, characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality. His success and achievements but represent the results of utilizing native talent and directing his efforts along those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination lead the way.

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Albert R. Graham, a prominent farmer of Twin township, was born February 26, 1872, in Johnson county, Missouri, a son of Robert and Nancy (King) Graham, to whom eleven children were born. Robert Graham was born October 5, 1843, in Johnson county, Missouri, and farmed in that state until 1897, when he retired from active farm life and moved to Centerview, Missouri, where he remained until 1909, in which year he moved back to the farm, where he died on February 2, 1914. Robert Graham was county commissioner of Johnson county for two years. His wife, Nancy King, was born in 1847, in Tennessee, and now is living with her daughter, Mrs. Laura Towers, at Albany, Oregon.

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History of Preble County Ohio: Her People, Industries and Institutions, Part 52

Author: R. E. Lowry Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 985

Author: R. E. Lowry
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 985