History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions, Part 124

Author: Kinder, George D., 1836-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1744

USA > Ohio > Putnam County > History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions > Part 124

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On May 26, 1874, Mr. Kuhlman was married a second time, to Agnes Lefken, the daughter of Henry and Theresa (Hundepohl) Lefken, the for- mer of whom was a native of Germany, who settled on an uncleared Putnam county farm in the early days, and became a successful farmer. He and his wife had six children : Elizabeth, who married Barney Gerding ; Mrs. Myrtle Kuhlman; Mrs. Anna Kuhlman, who died on December 2, 1910; Agnes, the wife of the subject; Magdalena married Frank Doepper and lives in Glan- dorf ; Mrs. Helena Becker is deceased. To Anton and Agnes (Lefken) Kuhl- man and wife were born the six children described as follow: Barney, who married Emma Helker, lives on an Ottawa township farm and has four chil- dren, Hilda, Leona, Bernard and Louisa; William married Mary Schroeder and lives on an Ottawa township farm; Andrew married Mary Lammers and lives on a farm in Blanchard township, and has three children, Arthur, Carl and Genevieve; Emma, who married Joseph Schmenk, lives on Ottawa town- ship farm and has four children, Rudolph, Mildred, Elmer and Alice; George married Susan Nadler and lives in the parental home; Harry also lives at home.

An active worker in the Democratic party, Mr. Kuhlman has never sought office. He is a member of the New Cleveland Catholic church, as is his fam- ily. Mr. Kuhlman is congenial, stands high in the regard of his neighbors, and supports all movements which will benefit the county. He is a kind and loving father and so lives that his example is a powerful agent for good.

THOMAS MILTON TEEGARDIN.

Among the men in Putnam county who has won the confidence and high esteem of his friends, neighbors and fellow citizens, is Thomas Milton Tee- gardin who has grown up in this community and has always led an exemplary life. Having kept within the bounds of the straight and narrow path in the pursuit of all that is good in this life and pointed out as one worthy of the recognition of the historian, it is without any limitation except for space that. we record the ancestry and work of the subject of this review.

Thomas Milton Teegardin was born on September 6, 1874, in Columbus Grove, Ohio, and is the son of Joseph H. and Sarah E. (Mayberry) Tee- gardin. His father, Joseph H., was born on March 19, 1840, in Monroe township, in Allen county, and was the son of Henry and Rachel (Decker) Teegardin. Henry Teegardin was born in Franklin county, on September

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19, 1810, and there married Rachel Decker on October 28, 1834. At a later date, they came to Allen county, where he farmed one hundred and sixty acres until the time of his death which occurred, January 31, 1856. To them were born nine children, Polly (Mrs. Knouse), deceased; Betsey (Mrs. Murphy ) ; Joseph; Peter; Jackson; Sarah Ann; John, all of whom are now deceased; William and Daniel. After the death of Henry Teegardin, his wife was married, a second time, to James Mayberry, who died on April 10, 1867; she died, February 8, 1899. To this union there was one child born, Ida Annis (Mrs. Griffith), on May 22, 1862, and who now lives in the town of Hicksville, Ohio.

Joseph H. Teegardin remained under the parental roof during his youth- ful days and received his education in the township schools of Monroe town- ship. He remained with his father until the time of his marriage, after which he farmed a forty-acre tract which was deeded to him by his father at a later date. He remained on this place for a while and then decided to sell out and remove to Putnam county, where he located in Columbus Grove. In this locality, he made it a business to farm at various places in the town- ship, his principal vocation, however, being the operation of a threshing outfit in season, and teaming. A few years later, he bought a farm in Pleasant township, northwest of Columbus Grove, where he continued the business of farming until the year of his death, which occurred on March II. 1891. His wife, Sarah E. Mayberry, was a native of Plum Creek, Pleasant township, this county, and was born May 13, 1843, a daughter of James May- berry and wife. She grew to womanhood on her father's farm and, at the present time, resides in Lima, Ohio. Four children were born to their union, James of Sugar Creek township, this county ; William, who lives in Michigan; Thomas Milton, and Emma, deceased. The father was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Columbus Grove, and a supporter of the Democratic party, yet was not active in politics. He was brought up in the faith of the Christian church, but was not closely affiliated with church. affairs.

After spending his boyhood days in the town of Columbus Grove with his father, and later moving with him to the farm in Sugar Creek township, where he remained until his father's death, Thomas Milton Teegardin was. married on December 14, 1898, to Cora Keirns, daughter of Samuel H. and Emma Jane (Deffenbaugh) Keirns, the life history of whom will be found elsewhere in this history under the name of Samuel H. Keirns. A short time after his marriage, Thomas M., moved to the farm of his father-in-law and remained there until he bought his present fifty-five acre farm in Pleasant

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township. On this farm, besides the raising of a general line of crops, he gives special attention to thoroughbred Ohio Improved Chester hogs; and also feeds a large herd of dairy cattle.

To Thomas Milton Teegardin and wife have been born four children, Emil O. Roy, Samuel and Plummer, all of whom reside with their parents. Mr. Teegardin is an active member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 376, of Columbus Grove, he is a consistent supporter of the Democratic party, and the family belong to the Christian church, where the father is one of the trustees and à teacher of the boy's Sunday school class; Mrs. Teegardin also teaches the young women's class. Personally, he is well regarded by all his friends and acquaintances, is a good christian gentleman of genial, unassum- ing disposition. In a business way he is looked upon as a man of splendid judgment in live stock and is ever alert to lend his support to progressive ideas and modern methods.

WILLIAM BASINGER.

In a brief sketch of any living citizen it is difficult to do him exact and impartial justice. Not so much, however, for the lack of space or words to set forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history, as for want of the perfect and rounded conception of his whole life, which grows, develops and ripens like fruit to disclose it truest and best flavor only when it is mellowed by time. Daily contact with a man, so familiarizes us with his virtues that we ordinarily overlook them and commonly underestimate their possessor. It is not often that true honor, public or private, that honor which is a tribute of cordial respect and esteem, comes to a man without basis in character and deeds. During a residence of nearly fifty years in Putnam county, the people have had an opportunity to know what manner of man William Basinger is. The testimony is ample that he is a good citizen in the full sense of the term and worthy of honor and public trust. Mr. Basinger is a man who has risen to a place of prominence in his community and who, in every way, has proved himself a worthy son of a conscientious, God-fear- ing father.

William Basinger was born on March 9, 1868, in Riley township, Put- nam county, Ohio. He is the son of Christian and Regina (Lugibihl) Basinger, the latter of whom has been dead for many years. Christian Bas- inger, who is now living retired, is a man of sterling character and a man

WILLIAM BASINGER.

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greatly esteemed by all with whom his busy life has brought him in contact. He resigned the presidency of the Peoples Bank at Columbus Grove at the annual election held in 1914, on account of ill health. He was compelled to seek relief by a trip West, to the famous Mayo Brothers Institute, at Roch- ester, Minnesota. An operation here relieved him and he is now on the way to recovery.

Christian Basinger is one of the leading citizens, and has been one of the leading farmers in Putnam county. He was born in Riley township, Putnam county, on March 12, 1846, the son of John D. and Elizabeth (Moser) Basinger, both natives of Switzerland. John D. Basinger was of French descent and came to the United States when eighteen years of age with his mother, his father having died in the old country. They settled first in Wayne county, but, subsequently, came on to Putnam county. Eliza- beth Moser was twelve years old when she came to this country. They were farmers in Riley township. " John D. Basinger died in 1885, at the age of sixty-nine years. Christian Basinger was one of seven children born to his parents, John D., who lives at Lafayette, Indiana; Mrs. Elizabeth Leibe, who lives at Columbus Grove; Mary, the wife of Peter Zeurcher, of Kansas City; Magdalena, who died shortly after her marriage; John Kratz and Peter, who died young.

Christian Basinger was reared in Riley township and there received his education. At the age of twenty-nine years, he was married to Regina Lugi- bihl, who was born in Allen county, and who was the daughter of David Lugibihl. She died in the fall of 1871, leaving two sons, William, whose history has been previously given, and Levi, the assistant cashier of the Peoples Bank, of Columbus Grove. Mr. Basinger was married, the second time, in June, 1872, to Barbara Bucher, who was born in Allen county, and was the daughter of Christian Bucher. Three children were born to this union, but only one is now living, Susie Basinger, who married Frank Lugi- bihl and lives with her father in Columbus Grove.

Christian Basinger is a large landowner in Putnam county. In 1893 he erected a handsome home on his farm situated on the Pandora road, which was destroyed by fire in March, 1905. Later he moved to Columbus Grove, in the fall of 1905, where he built a modern residence in 1906. In this resi- dence he has resided since that time.

Christian Basinger began dealing in Percheron and French coach horses as early as 1885 and made at least four different trips to Europe to select his stock for importation. He became connected with the Peoples Bank, in

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1892, and has been identified with that bank until the present time, for the most part as president. Christian Basinger is a member of St. John's Men- nonite church. He is a valuable citizen of Putnam county and, in every respect, entitled to the esteem and confidence bestowed upon him during his- declining years.

William Basinger spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in Riley township. When William was eight years old, he came with his father to Pleasant township, Putnam county, where the latter purchased a farm of eighty acres from John Marvin. Subsequently, William Basinger operated this farm with his father until he was of age or until about 1891. He then farmed under a partnership arrangement until his father gave up farming and moved to Columbus Grove. William Basinger then took an active interest in the farming of eighty acres, which was deeded to him by his father, and to which he subsequently added two forty-acre tracts, making a total of one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Basinger also farms one hundred and sixty acres belonging to his father, lying across from and adjoining his own farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He has been a stock raiser of wide reputation. Mr. Basinger made a trip to Europe in 1890, in the inter- est of his business as a breeder of Percherons and French coach horses. In connection with his father, William Basinger has been one of the leading horse breeders in this section of Ohio. He is not extensively engaged in the breeding business at this time, but has turned his attention more to general farming and operating his splendid farm in Pleasant township. Notwith- standing the fact that Mr. Basinger is no longer actively engaged in the breeding business, he keeps a considerable number of splendid draft horses and is a splendid judge of their finest points. He has been an extensive exhibitor at fairs, but has not followed this for the past twelve years. He owns a fine home, large roomy barns and has made many improvements upon his land. All of the buildings are thoroughly modern and there are plenty of them for any and all purposes. In fact, Mr. Basinger has one of the finest country homes in Putnam county.

William Basinger was married on June 14, 1893, to Minnie E. Risser, the daughter of David and Margaret (Krohn) Risser. She was born April 27, 1873, in Riley township. Her parental history is contained elsewhere in this volume in the sketch of David Risser. To William and Minnie E. (Risser) Basinger, six children have been born, Leonard, on March 22, 1894, who is a student at the college of agriculture, University of Ohio; Marguerite Barbara, May 30, 1895, died on February 25, 1901 ; George Risser, Decem- ber 7, 1899; Mildred Opal, October 26, 1901 ; Alice Evelyn, February 12,

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1906, and Helen Beatrice, March 3, 1909. The last four children all live at home.

Mr. Basinger is not a member of any lodge. With the exception of school director, he has held no public offices. Mr. and Mrs. Basinger and family are members of the First Presbyterian church of Columbus Grove and are regular attendants at its services.

In the fall of 1914, Mr. Basinger was elected president of the Peoples Bank, at Columbus Grove, to succeed his father, who had served in that office for many years. William Basinger is a likeable man of splendid habits and sterling character. He is one of the leading citizens of Putnam county, kind and sociable and thoroughly domestic in his temperament. He takes great pride in his home, family and farm, and is a man widely known. He is naturally a power in his community, not only for progress generally, but his example as a scientific, successful farmer has had much to do with the growth and prosperity of Putnam county.

GUY IRWIN.

Guy Irwin, a prosperous and enterprising young farmer of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio, is widely known throughout this county and is one of its honored citizens. His well-directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judg- ment have enabled him to add to the property he inherited from his father. His life demonstrates what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and who has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of disasters and discouragements. In all of the rela- tions of life, Mr. Irwin has commanded the confidence and respect of those with whom he has been brought in contact. A biographical history of this locality would not be complete without a record of his career.

Guy Irwin was born on January 14, 1882, in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Benjamin Franklin and Lydia (Hayden) Irwin, the former of whom was born on November 30, 1821, in Fairfield county, Ohio, and died, May 22, 1902. The latter was the second wife of Benjamin F. Irwin, and was born on May 7, 1839, in Stark county, Ohio. She is still living on the old homestead place. Benjamin F. Irwin was the son of Josiah Kennedy and Catherine (Bartman) Irwin. Mrs. Lydia Irwin is the daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza (Bothers) Irwin.

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Benjamin Franklin Irwin, the father of Guy, was first married to Sarah J. Lease, who was born on April 26, 1836, and died on June 28, 1861. Guy Irwin is a son by the second marriage which took place on March 28, 1864, and he is the youngest of nine children born to this marriage. The others were Martha Emma, March 9, 1865; Clement L., July 26, 1866; died on September 19, 1866; George Thurman, September 20, 1867, died on January 30, 1897; Benjamin F., Jr., August 25, 1869; Nathaniel K., January 20, 1871 ; James A., March 13, 1874; Charles P., December 9, 1876; Kemerer L., May 16, 1879.

Guy Irwin grew up on the homestead farm in Pleasant township and remained there until his marriage. He was educated in the public schools of Putnam county and, during the time he was attending school, performed the labors customary to this section of the country.

Mr. Irwin was married August 26, 1908, to Ruhama Anderson, the daughter of Evan Thomas and Loretta (Vandermark) Anderson. Evan Thomas Anderson was the son of Henry and Ann Anderson and was born on January 6, 1849, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county. He married Loretta Elizabeth Vandermark, January 8, 1880, and to this union were born nine children, six sons and three daughters. All of these children are now living, with the exception of Alfred, who died, January 21, 19II. Evan Thomas Anderson, during his life, was a member of Maple Grove Christian church with which he united in May, 1911. He was a deacon in the church at the time of his death, January 1, 1915, when he was sixty-five years, seven months and twenty-five days old. At the time of Mr. Anderson's death, he left a wife, five sons, three daughters, sixteen grandchildren, one sister and many relatives and friends.

To Guy and Ruhama ( Anderson) Irwin, two sons, Kenneth and Russell, have been born. They are living at home with their parents.

After Mr. Irwin's marriage, he and his wife moved to his present farm, in section 31, of Pleasant township, consisting of eighty acres, sixty acres of which were deeded to Mr. Irwin by his father and twenty acres of which he has added himself. Mr. Irwin follows general farming. In 1907, he built a modern barn, thirty-six by sixty-four feet, and the year following built a splendid residence in which he now lives.

The Irwin family are all members of the Maple Grove Christian church. Mr. Irwin and his wife's father united with this church in 1911. A Demo- crat in political views, Mr. Irwin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 464, at Columbus Grove. He is a quiet man, rather slow to make statements, yet progressive, open and above board. He takes a pride

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in his farm and home and is an excellent farmer. His success has come to. him largely as a consequence of his industry, his good management and his wise economy. He is a representative citizen of Pleasant township and entitled to representation in this volume as such.

GEORGE B. SYFERT.

Conspicuous among the public-spirited men and representative citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, is the well-known gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article. He has made his influence felt for good in his com- munity in Sugar Creek township, being a man of sterling worth, whose life has been closely interwoven with the history of the community in which he resides, and whose efforts have always been for the material advancement of the same, as well as for the social and moral welfare of his fellow men. And the well-regulated life he has led has thereby gained the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens, and entitles him to representation in a biographical work of the scope intended in the present volume.

George B. Syfert was born in Union township on February 8, 1864. He is a son of Abraham and Permelia (Clevenger) Syfert. Abraham Syfert was a native of Ohio, born in Fairfield county, in 1835, and died at the home of his son, George B. Syfert, in October, 1909. He was a son of Andrew and Rebecca (Guile) Syfert, both of whom were natives of Vir- ginia, who came to Ohio in early days and settled in Fairfield county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. It was on the old homestead, which they established about nine miles southwest of Lancaster, that George's father grew to manhood. He was one of six children, three sons and three daughters, and remained at home until about twenty-one years of age, when he came to Putnam county, locating in Union township, and he was employed on a farm until his marriage. She to whom he was united, Permelia Clevenger, was born in Union township, in 1838, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Rimer) Clevenger, who were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, all of whom grew to maturity. After his mar- riage, Mr. Syfert started in to farm on his own account in Sugar Creek town- ship, locating on a farm belonging to an uncle of his wife. He finally set- tled on a farm of forty acres, located one and three-quarter miles south of Kalida, on the banks of Hog creek, where he engaged in farming for several years, and later, he moved to other locations in Union township. Again

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he located just across the line, in Sugar Creek township, and his last resi- dence was on a farm four miles south of Kalida. After giving up his home, he resided with his son, George B., at whose home his death occurred in October, 1909. His wife, Permelia had died on April 6, 1891, when they were living south of Kalida. Abraham and Permelia Syfert had thirteen children, eight of whom survive them: Eliza; Andrew; George B., the im- mediate subject of this sketch; Catherine; Eleva; Matilda ; John C., deceased, and Louis.

George B. Syfert was reared on his paternal homestead, south of Kalida, and attended the district schools in that locality. He remained under the paternal roof until twenty-two years of age, and then moved three miles south of Kalida, locating on a farm of forty acres. This land was prac- tically all covered by timber, only about eight acres being cleared, but Mr. Syfert boldly entered upon the task of subduing the land and creating a good farm. He first built a four-room house and a plank barn, the latter being later destroyed by fire, which was replaced with a log barn. Eventually, Mr. Syfert succeeded in getting his farm nearly all cleared, and after that, bought ten acres additional. After residing here about fourteen years, he sold out and bought sixty-eight and one-half acres of the old Guffy farm, to which he has since added eighty-two and one-half acres, making his total possessions now one hundred and fifty acres. He made some splendid and permanent improvements on his property, including a nine-room residence, a large and commodious barn and other necessary farm buildings. He car- ries on general farming operations, in addition to which he has for thirty- six years operated a thrashing machine, and in which work he has gained a wide reputation. He is up-to-date in his ideas, energetic in his methods, and numbered among the progressive and prominent farmers of his locality.

On November 11, 1886, Mr. Syfert was married to Margaret A. Mc- Clane, who was born in Sugar Creek township on April 18, 1863, the daugh- ter of William F. and Elizabeth (Guffy) McClane. William F. McClane was born in Franklin county, Ohio, near Columbus, on October 24, 1828, the son of George and Margaret (Fleming) McClane. Mrs. Syfert's mother, Elizabeth Guffy, was the daughter of John Guffy and wife, and was born in Franklin county, on February 20, 1830, her death occurring on the old McClane homestead on March 31, 1912. She came to Sugar Creek town- ship with her parents, when but a baby. Her father entered three hundred and twenty acres of land from the government. Here John Guffy built a log cabin on the place which is now occupied by George B. Syfert, and it was here that he created a home for his family in the midst of what was then a vast

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wilderness. He passed through all the privations and hardships of the early pioneer period, and was numbered among those who accomplished much for the advancement of the locality. To John Guffy and wife were born eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, one of whom was Elizabeth, who, at the age of twenty-five years, became the wife of William F. McClane. After their marriage they lived at her home for about two years, and then moved to the old McClane homestead, where they have lived ever since. To William F. and Elizabeth (Guffy) McClane were born four children, George; John James; Margaret A., wife of the subject of this sketch, and Elnora Jane, all of whom are living.

To George B. and Margaret A. (McClane) Syfert have been born four children : Ellie, on September 1, 1887, is the wife of W. W. Woods, and they have three children, Beulah, Ewing and Tressa; Myrtle, April 30, 1890, became the wife of Fred Rimer, and they have two children, La Verne and Raymond; William, April 3, 1893, and Oliver, August 28, 1898.

Mr. Syfert is an ardent Democrat, and has served as township super- visor and is a member of the school of Union township. He and his wife are members of the Ottawa River Christian church, to the interests of which they are devoted. Straightforward and unassuming, genial and obliging, Mr. Syfert enjoys the good-will and respect of a wide circle of friends throughout his section of the county.

JOSEPH LOSH.

The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished. An enumeration of those men who have succeeded in their chosen vocation in Putnam county and who, at the same time, are impressing their personalities upon the community where they live, men who are con- ferring honor upon the county in which they reside, would be incomplete were there a failure to mention specifically Joseph Losh, a well-known farmer of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. The splendid success which has come to him has been the direct result of his careful application to his vocation and his upright and honorable life has gained him an enviable reputation in the community. He has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. The best business methods have been in strict conformity with the highest standards of commercial life. He has always taken an in- telligent interest in the civic, educational and religious life of the community

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History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions, Part 124

Author: Kinder, George D., 1836- Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 1744

Author: Kinder, George D., 1836-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1744