History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions, Part 73

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 73

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Moston Wood spent his early childhood days on the home farm, in Allen county, but his later youth was spent on the farm to which the family moved in Putnam county, where he received his education. He remained with his father on the home farm until attaining his majority, when he was engaged in various employments, until about 1896, when he engaged in the threshing business at which he had been employed somewhat during the previous six years. About this time, he located at Rimer, where he resided the following five years, and then moved to a farm one-half mile east of Rimer, which was his home during the following decade. Upon leaving Rimer, he disposed of his threshing machine and business and gave his entire attention to his farm. On March 7, 1913, Mr. Wood purchased the farm one-half mile west of Rimer, where he now lives and where he is engaged in the operation of fifty acres of land, in addition to his home place. He has consistently followed general farming, raising all the crops common to this locality and, by giving attention to their rotation and the use of other suc- cessful methods of up-to-date farming, he has been prosperous to that degree in keeping with which his efforts were bestowed. He also raises a good grade of live stock and is an advocate of all advanced methods in agriculture.

Moston Wood was united in marriage, on February 26, 1896, to Ada Elnora Deffenbaugh, who was born on June 2, 1873, in Nemaha county, Kansas, the daughter of Albert G. and Mary Elizabeth (Rohrer) Deffen- baugh. Albert G. Deffenbaugh was a native of Putnam county, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (Marshall) Deffenbaugh, who were natives of Penn- sylvania, whence they came to Putnam county in the early days, entering land from the government in Sugar Creek township. Mr. Deffenbaugh was prominent in the early political life of the community and for several years efficiently filled the position of county auditor. Mary Elizabeth Rohrer was the daughter of Daniel Rohrer and was born in Champaign county, Ohio. To Moston and Ada E. (Deffenbaugh) Wood have been born two children, Lewis Raymond, on December 25, 1896, and Glenn Donald, October 8, 1908. Mrs. Wood is one of seven children, the others being: Asa Eslie, who mar-

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ried Clara Harrison; John Ezra, who married Mollie Wood; Louis Samuel, who died at the age of twelve years; Roy C., who married Nettie Bochmer; Lizzie May, who died at the age of sixteen years, and William B., who mar- ried Agnes Laudick.

Mr. Wood is a Republican and has rendered efficient service as the trustee of Sugar Creek township, having been elected to that office in Novem- ber, 1913. He attends the Christian church of which his wife is a member and to the support of which he liberally contributes. Mr. Wood is distinc- tively one of the leading citizens of the township in which he lives and, as such, has made his influence felt among his fellow men and earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume.

JOHN D. WILLIAMS.

The two most important economic problems of agriculture from the social point of view and from the point of view of those engaged in the industry, are greater production and improved market facilities. John D. Williams, one of the best-known and most prominent farmers of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a man who, throughout his active career as a farmer, has emphasized the need of greater protection and better facilities for market. Mr. Williams's remarkable success as a farmer and stockman has resulted from two or three principal conditions. In the first place, Mr. Williams has for a long period of years forcefully applied him- self to the problems of the farm and especially to the problem of larger pro- duction. He is a man who has made a close study of marketing and always has been able to get the best prices for his farm products. Aside from his material success in his life's vocation, Mr. Williams is a man of genteel per- sonality, intelligent, broad minded and liberal in his attitude.

John D. Williams was born in Licking county, Ohio, March 10, 1862. He is the son of David L. and Mary (Griffith) Williams. David L. was born in North Wales, on June 16, 1832, and died on the old Williams home- stead, south of Vaughnsville, Ohio, on February 6, 1908, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years and eight months. David L. Williams was the son of Hugh and Catherine (Lloyd) Williams, both natives of North Wales. The former was a quarryman and was killed as a result of a blast in a stone quarry. His death occurred when David, the father of John D., was a small

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boy. His wife, Catherine, survived him only a few years. They had four children, two sons and two daughters, the eldest of whom was David, the father of John D.

David Williams spent his youth in Wales and while a boy he had the misfortune to receive an injury to one of his eyes, which nearly resulted in the loss of that member. He also suffered an injury to his knee that caused him to adopt the trade of a shoemaker. Fortunately, the injured knee be- ·came well, in later years, and he then gave up his work as a shoemaker. David received a limited education in his native country, but later was able to improve himself and became a well-read man. He was very fond of music, in which he was quite proficient. He was a leader of the choir in the Congregational church at Vaughnsville for some time. This church he helped to organize and he was a charter member. When about twenty-four years of age he came to America, and located first at Rome, New York, in 1856. Here he was employed for about a year on a farm, and then came to Licking county, Ohio, where he located at Newark, where he resumed farming. It was in Licking county that he was married, which marriage took place on February 1, 1860, when David Williams was twenty-eight years old. He was married to Mary Griffith, who was born in South Wales on September 17, 1835, and who was the daughter of William T. and Charlotte (Jones) Griffith. She came to America with her parents when a very small child, who settled in Licking county where they were farmers, and it was here they spent the remainder of their lives. They had nine children, seven girls and two boys. Mrs. Williams was the third child.

After his marriage, David Williams, who owned a small farm in Licking county, continued to farm for about six years, when he moved to Putnam county in the spring of 1866, where he settled in Sugar Creek township, one mile south of Vaughnsville. Here he bought eighty acres of land and, a little later, added forty acres to the original farm, which was well improved for that time. It had a large frame house and barn and had about sixty acres of land cleared. David Williams was a very successful farmer. He came to America a poor boy and, by dint of energy and perseverance, accu- mulated about five hundred and sixty acres of land. He was a Republican in politics, but in late years became a Democrat. He was one of Putnam county's most substantial citizens, a devout Christian, a man of high ideals and of unquestioned integrity. His wife, Mary (Griffith) Williams, was also a member of the Congregational church. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. She died about two years prior to her husband's death, May 19, 1907. They had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, all

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of whom lived to maturity. These children are as follow: William G., born on November 15, 1860; John D., the subject of this sketch, March 10, 1862; Catherine, October 14, 1863; Charlotte, August 7, 1865, died on July, 1888; Thomas F., January 16, 1867; David L., December 21, 1869; Henry R., November 5, 1871; Hugh, November 19, 1873; Mary, January 30, 1876, and Walter E., November 26, 1878. All of these children married except Charlotte, who died at the age of twenty-three.

John D. Williams was born in Licking county, Ohio, and came to Put- nam county when about four years of age. Here he spent the remainder of his childhood and youth. He attended the old Michael district school and helped his father on the home place until twenty-five years of age, when he was married on December 22, 1887, to Mary Jones, who was born on Septem- ber 16, 1861, in Allen county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of Evan W. and Leah (Jones) Jones, both of whom were natives of North Wales. They had four children who died in infancy, Jennie, Bessie and two others, who died at birth.

After his marriage, Mr. Williams located on forty acres, part of a one hundred and sixty-acre tract belonging to his father, two and one-half miles west of Vaughnsville. Later, he purchased this forty acres and forty addi- tional acres from his father. Several years later, he added, at different times, thirty-eight and sixty-nine acres respectively, giving him a total of one hundred and eighty-six acres. Mr. Williams has improved his home place with a commodious, modern residence and a large barn and other buildings, in keeping with the surroundings. The result is that he has one of the finest and best-improved farms in Putnam county. Mr. Williams has always done general farming and has been very successful.

Mrs. Mary Williams died on October 16, 1896. Mr. Williams was again married on March 24, 1898, to Anna Jones, who was born in Frank- lin county on September 1I, 1862, and who was the daughter of John D. and Mary (Davis) Jones. Both were natives of North Wales and both came to this country in 1858, five years after their marriage which took place on May 3, 1853. The former was a son of David and Catherine (Jones) Jones and was born on April 9, 1828. John D. Jones was a farmer by occupation and one of six children. The father died when he was but six years of age, and his mother when he was twenty-one years of age. At the age of nine, he started out in life for himself, working for his uncle. His wife, Mary, was born on August 5, 1828, and was the daughter of Richard and Sarah Davis. Mary was one of a family of nine children, seven of whom lived to maturity. John D. Jones died on January 12, 1876, in Putnam county.

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His wife, Mary, died on October 1, 1870, when her daughter Anna, the wife of Mr. Williams, was eight years of age. When two years of age, Mrs. Anna Williams came with her parents to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, where they located two and one-half miles northeast of Vaughns- ville. Here she spent her childhood and here she attended the old Smith district school. She remained at home until her marriage to Mr. Williams, when she took up her present residence.

John D. Williams is an ardent Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 711, of Vaughnsville. He is also a member of the Congregational church and a trustee of this church. John D. Will- iams is one of Sugar Creek township's and Putnam county's most substantial and progressive citizens. He is well and favorably known throughout Put- nam county.

ELIAS WELTY.

It is a well-attested maxim that the greatness of a community or state lies, not in the machinery of government or even in its institutions, but rather in the sterling qualities of the individual citizen in his capacity for high and unselfish effort and his devotion to the public welfare. In these particulars he whose name appears at the head of this review has conferred a dignity upon his locality. As an elemental part of the history, it is fitting to record a resume of his career, with the object of noting his connections with the advancement of one of the most flourishing and progressive sections of the commonwealth. No man in Putnam county stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens than Elias Welty, and very few men are better known than he. Very few have contributed as much as he to the industrial prestige of this county. As treasurer and general manager of Putnam county's largest individual industry, Mr. Welty has been connected with every feature of Putnam county's growth and prosperity during the last two decades.

Elias Welty was born on September 6, 1874, on the old Welty home- stead, two and one-half miles east of Pandora, Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of John U. and Catherine (Thut) Welty, whose family history is contained in the sketch of Mr. Welty's brother, Aldine J., recorded elsewhere in this volume.

Elias Welty attended the Old Mulberry district school when a boy, and supplemented his education received there by a course in a school of corre- spondence, becoming an expert in drafting and outlining patterns. He re-

ELIAS WELTY.

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mained on the old home place and helped his father until he had reached his majority. At this time he took up the carpenter trade and followed it for one year. He then took a position as an engineer in the planing mill of Peter P. Welty, at Pandora, and retained this position for two years. In 1897, Mr. Welty joined with P. A. and John M. Amstutz in the organization and erection of a mill at Pandora. The concern was known as the Pandora Woolen Mill. Mr. Welty continued in this business for two years, and then sold out. A new concern, known as the Pandora Manufacturing Com- pany, took over the assets of the old company and started an overall factory. At this time, Mr. Welty took a minor position with the new company, as well as a financial interest in it. He was an operator of a button machine, and held this position for six months, when he took up folding, along with other work, in the meantime. At the expiration of six months, he was en- gaged in spraying goods and as a helper in the cutting department. Follow- ing this, he devoted all his time to cutting with an electric cutter. It was at this particular time that he took up his correspondence schools work in draft- ing patterns and in making new designs. He was in full charge of the cut- ting department for some time,-approximately five years. By July, 1909, he had become so proficient in every detail pertaining to the management and manufacturing department of this company that the board of directors unanimously elected him treasurer and manager of the company, which was a distinct compliment and a tribute to his untiring efforts and ability in be- half of the company's success.

From time to time, Mr. Welty has increased his financial holdings in the company, until he is now the largest stockholder. His efforts as treasurer and manager of the company have met with marked success, and to his ability is due, very largely, the credit for the splendid standing of this firm. The original business has grown to such an extent that, in 1912, the company took over the plant of the New Ideal Overall Company at Celina, Ohio; and in the spring of 1913, the company opened an exclusive shirt factory at Zanesville, Ohio. Since which time, under the able management of Mr. Welty, the three plants, operated as one, have more than doubled their busi- ness.

Elias Welty was married on October 14, 1897, at the age of twenty- three, to Elizabeth Amstutz, the daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Hilty) Amstutz. Mrs. Welty was born, August 26, 1873. Her family history is to be found in the sketch of P. A. Amstutz, and of Isaac Hilty, found elsewhere in this volume. She was born in Riley township, Putnam

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county, Ohio, and attended the common schools. She resided with her par- ents on the Amstutz homestead until the time of her marriage. To Elias and Elizabeth ( Amstutz) Welty six children have been born, all of whom are living and at home. They are as follow: Orrin Stanley, Catherine Leona, Dorothy Elizabeth, Elmer Elias, Ruth Marie and Ledihlia Opal.

Elias Welty is a Democrat, and while he has never taken an active interest in political affairs, he is a man whose judgment is respected and whose counsel is sought. He is a member of the Grace Mennonite church and active in the affairs of this denomination. Mrs. Welty is also a mem- ber. In every respect, Elias Welty is a self-made, successful business man. In spite of obstacles, he has forged his way to the front, and has reached an enviable position as a head of Putnam county's largest industry. He is a business man of recognized ability and integrity, and a distinct asset to the community where he has spent practically all his life, and where he is so well known.

JOHN E. THOMAS.

Success is achieved only by the exercise of certain and distinct qualities of nature and it cannot be achieved without effort. Those to whom great epochal changes have been made in the political and industrial world, began early in life to prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities. It was only by the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they suc- ceeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their ways and reaching the goal of their ambition. Such lives are an inspiration to others who are less cour- ageous and more prone to give up the fight before their ideal is reached or definite success attained. In the life history of John E. Thomas, there is positive evidence of those peculiar characteristics which make for achieve- ment and persistency coupled with fortitude in cordial and genial tempera- ment. As a consequence of exercising these qualities, Mr. Thomas is today one of the leading farmers and most respected citizens of Sugar Creek town- ship, Putnam county, Ohio.

John E. Thomas was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, Ohio, March 23, 1859. He is the son of Evan and Jane (Evans ) Thomas. Evan Thomas was born in South Wales in 1827, and was the son of John Thomas and wife, who were natives of Wales.

John Thomas came to America when Evan was twelve years old, in 1839. He came first to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and here he remained for

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a short time, subsequently, coming to Sugar Creek township, Allen county, where he settled two miles east of Gomer. Here he established a home in the virgin forest, building quite a pretentious hewed log house with two large rooms and a center hall on the ground floor. He then proceeded to clear his land, and it was here that he remained until his death. John Thomas and wife had fourteen children, all boys, all of whom grew to ma- turity, rearing large families themselves.

Evan Thomas, the father of John E., was one of the fourteen boys. He was twelve years of age when he came to America. He remained in Pittsburgh for a few years and here learned the carpenter trade in which he became very proficient. He was married in Pittsburgh to Jane Evans, who was a native of Wales and who came as a girl with her parents to America. They settled on a farm in Cambria county and remained there for the bal- ance of their lives. Jane Evans was one of six children, four sons and two daughters. After Evan Thomas's marriage, he moved to Allen county, locat- ing in Sugar Creek township, three miles east of Gomer. Here he bought eighty acres which was heavily timbered. He first built a two-roomed log cabin with a shed lean-to and this served for a good many years. Later, he built a very substantial house of six or seven rooms, which a few years later was added to until it contained ten rooms, which house was built en- tirely of native timber. It had a center hall and a full basement. It is a noteworthy fact that John E. Thomas's father was a skilled carpenter and made all the material from the rough lumber. His house was built largely of black and white walnut, the doors, windows and other parts being worked out by hand. So well was it constructed that it is still in an excellent state of preservation and is still occupied as a residence.

Evan Thomas, the father of John E., was a very industrious man. He managed to clear practically all of his farm during his residence here and, in addition, followed his trade as, a carpenter in the nearby towns and counties. He finally retired and moved to Gomer, at which time he owned one hundred and twenty-five acres of well-improved land. He was an active member of the Congregational church at Gomer, of which he was a deacon. He was a Republican in politics. Evan Thomas was a man of strong will power and high ideals, and of unquestioned integrity. His wife, Jane Evans, who lived a most useful and consistent life, a member of the Congregational church, a devoted and loving mother, died in the spring of 1911. Her husband had preceded her by two years, having died in April, 1909. They were the par- ents of ten children, seven daughters and three sons, two sons and two daugh- ters dying in infancy. Those surviving were Elizabeth, the wife of David

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Price, of Gomer, Allen county; Mary, the wife of Robert Jones, of Lima, Ohio; Anna, deceased, the wife of Thomas James, of Stella, Nebraska; John E., the subject of this sketch; Margaret, the wife of William Humphries, of Van Wert, Ohio; and Katie, who died unmarried at Gomer in 1892.

John E. Thomas was born on his father's old homestead farm, three miles east of Gomer, in Sugar Creek township, Allen county. Here he spent his childhood and youth. He attended the old Leipsic district school after which he attended school at the Ohio Northwestern University, at Ada, for two terms. After finishing school, Mr. Thomas continued to help his father on the old home farm. Here he remained until his marriage at the age of twenty-five.

John E. Thomas was married on February 24, 1887, to Lovetta M. Weaver, who was born in German township, Allen county, near Lima, Octo- ber 13, 1862, and who was the daughter of John and Sallie (Bowers) Weaver. John Weaver was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in November, 1812, and was the son of Peter Weaver and wife, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former of Metz-on-the-Rhine. Peter Weaver came to America when a young man and settled first in Virginia, where he engaged in farming and where he remained until his declining years which, in company with his wife, he spent with his son, David, in Allen county. They had three sons, Peter, David and John, the latter the father of Mrs. Thomas.

John Weaver was born in Virginia and spent his early life there. He learned the cabinetmaker's trade and received a good practical education. He was married to Sallie Bowers, also a native of Rockingham county, Vir- ginia, who was a daughter of John Bowers and wife, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania of German descent. John Bowers lived and died in the Shenandoah Valley. When Sallie Bowers was sixteen years of age, her father died and her mother spent the latter years of her life with her daughter, Lydia, at Petersburg, Illinois. Sallie was one of four daughters, Helena, Lydia, Sallie and Mary. Sallie spent her early life in Virginia and was married, at Lacey Springs, to Mr. Weaver. After their marriage, they resided at this place for several years and then moved to Allen county, Ohio, making the trip overland in a covered wagon. They settled in German township, three miles north of Lima, where John Weaver bought one hundred and sixty acres of land and to which he added thirty acres in later years. This farm he bought of a Mr. Custard, for forty dollars an acre, a record price in those days, the transaction causing considerable comment. It was here that John Weaver remained during the rest of his

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life, dying in November, 1892. His wife had preceded him by about twelve years.

Although not a practical farmer, John Weaver, nevertheless, was an active man. He was a notary public for many years and a justice of the peace for about forty years, the duties of these offices requiring all of his time. He was a successful man, financially, and a man who enjoyed the universal respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. In politics, he was a Democrat. He was a charter member of the Christian church at Cairo and was a deacon in that church until his death.

John and Sallie (Bowers) Weaver had ten children, eight daughters and two sons, Mary, who became the wife of Frank Cupp, of Ava, Illinois; Hannah, who married Doctor Croney, of Columbus, Ohio; Sarah, deceased, who was the wife of Henry Irvin, of Lima, Ohio; Samantha, who married Dr. G. H. Irvin, of Lancaster, California; Ollie, who married Nicholas Pfeifer, of Elida, Ohio; Frank, who is a farmer at Beaver Dam, Ohio; Ida, who became the wife of Eugene Ritenour, of Elida, Ohio; Lydia, who mar- ried Edward Enslen, of Gomer, Ohio; Lovetta, who is the wife of Mr. Thomas ; and William, of Lima, Ohio.

Prior to his marriage, Mr. Thomas spent four or five years as a clerk at Lima, Ohio. After his marriage, he settled on eighty acres of his father's land in the southwestern part of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, only ten acres of which land was cleared. Mr. Thomas built a four-roomed frame house to which he moved later, where he and his wife have resided since. Mr. Thomas proceeded to clear and drain the land which has prac- tically been completed. In addition to the original eighty, some years later, Mr. Thomas purchased eighty acres on the south, about twenty-five acres of which was cleared, the remainder having since been put under cultivation. In addition to other improvements, Mr. Thomas has added five rooms to his residence, built a large frame barn, a cattle shed and other buildings. Today he has one of the finest and best-improved farms in Putnam county.

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History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions, Part 73

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