USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 28
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The family of Mr. and Mrs. John Stover numbered five children, three daughters and two sons: Mary, who died at the age of twelve years; Nancy, who became the wife of Samuel Huffman and died in 1903; Elizabeth, the widow of Willard Laser, of Shelby; Henry F., of this review; and John Edward, who died in infancy. Following the father's death, the mother was again married, her second union being with George Mitchell, and they now make their home in Taylortown.
Henry F. Stover, whose name introduces this record, was reared on the home farm, early being trained to the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached mature years and upon starting out in the business world he chose the occupation to which he had been reared. He now makes his home on one hundred acres of land, situated on section 15, Jackson township. He is engaged in general farming and for the past five years has been engaged in dairying, his place being known as the Longview Dairy. He also operates another tract of seventy acres on the shares and formerly had a third tract of sixty acres, which he operated for sixteen years. He possesses excellent business ability and sound judgment and in carrying on his business affairs is meeting with success.
Mr. Stover was married September 17, 1884, to Miss Ida B. Clark, who was born in Jackson township, November 14, 1864, a daughter o1 Samuel and Polly Jane (King) Clark. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stover has been blessed with eight children: Flossie Fay, John Carle, Samuel Clark, Cornelia B., Ruth M., George Russell, Helen L. and Albert Raymond. The eldest daughter, Flossie Fay, is now the wife of Howard Hawk, of Jackson township, and they have one child, Donald S.
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Mr. Stover is a democrat in his political views and affiliations, and on the party ticket was elected trustee of Jackson township. For thirteen years he served as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church at Shelby. He belongs to that class of repre- sentative men who rapidly discern opportunities of improvement and, brooking no obstacles, are forging their way to the front.
ROBERT MOORE.
Robert Moore is carrying on general agricultural pursuits in Franklin township, not far from Mansfield. Richland county numbers him among her native sons, for his birth occurred October 12, 1843, in the township which is still his home. His paternal grandparents were Archibald and Nancy (Wil- liams) Moore, and the great-grandfather was Robert Moore, who emigrated from Ireland in 1767 and settled in Center county, Pennsylvania. In both the paternal and maternal lines Robert Moore, of this review, is of Irish extrac- tion. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was one of five brothers, four of whom became farmers and one was a Methodist minister.
John W. Moore, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Center county, Pennsylvania, and in 1836 came to Richland county, Ohio, locating in Madison township. Six months later he removed to Franklin township and in 1878 became a resident of Troy township, where he died twenty-two years ago. His entire life had been devoted to general agricultural pursuits and in his farming operations he was active and energetic, winning a measure of success which he well merited. His wife long survived him and when she passed away on the 1st of April, 1907, she was laid to rest by the side of her husband in the Franklin cemetery. Their family numbered twelve children, namely: Robert; Martha, who resides in Lexington, Ohio; Rebecca, of Franklin township; Archibald, deceased; James, who is located in Galion, Ohio; Ellen and Anna, who are also residents of Galion; Jennie, whose home is in Mattoon, Illinois; Franklin, living in Franklin township; John, deceased ; and two who died in infancy.
Robert Moore was educated in the common schools, where he mastered the branches of English learning that usually constitute the public-school curriculum. He remained at home until twenty-five years of age and then began farming in Franklin township. He worked in the fields there for two years, afterwards living for a time in Troy township and subsequently in Springfield township, where he remained until about ten years ago, when he returned to Franklin township, where he now makes his home. Here he has one hundred and four acres of land devoted to general agricultural pursuits. His work is carefully managed and intelligently directed and through his perseverance and energy he has gained a place among the substantial residents of the county. Moreover, he deserves all of the praise implied in the term "a self-made man."
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Mr. Moore was married in 1867 to Miss Harriet Keith, a descendant of Sir George Keith, who in the sixteenth century held a land commission in Scotland, having control over property of such extent that he could travel the length of the country without stepping off the land over which he had juris- diction. When religious troubles arose involving the Society of Friends, or Quakers, he took a firm stand in support of that sect and because of this his power was taken from him and he was forced to leave his native country. He then went to Holland, where he became acquainted with William Penn, and as his private secretary came with him to the new world, becoming the founder of the family in this country. Michael Keith, a descendant of Sir George Keith and the grandfather of Mrs. Moore, came overland from Hunt- ingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1814, and established what was widely known as Keith's Tavern. A part of this building is still standing and has been remodeled, now constituting a part of the home of George Gribbling, of Mans- field. Michael Keith was a man of consequence in Richland county, as was his ancestor in Scotland. He was one of the first infirmary directors of the county and received a compensation of twelve dollars per year for his services.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been born three children: Della, the wife of William H. Carnes, of Mansfield; Ida, the wife of Frank Condon, a railroad man, by whom she has one son, Wade M .; and Albert, who married Ella Hagerman, by whom he has one daughter, Edith. They live on the home farm and he operates the place for his father.
Robert Moore is a stalwart advocate of the democracy but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, although he served as a trustee of Springfield township for two terms. He and his wife are members of the Pleasant Valley Baptist church, in which he serves as one of the deacons. His fellow citizens recognize in him a man whose word is as good as his bond; who has ever been honorable in all business transactions and who in an active, progressive life has gained a measure of success that has come to him as a reward of his earnest, persistent labor.
JOHN C. KERR.
John C. Kerr, who is now a representative of the Shelby Steel Tube Works, was born on a farm in Monroe township, Holmes county, Ohio, June 27, 1861. His parents are William and Sarah (Campbell) Kerr, the former born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, March 11, 1837, and the latter in Holmes county, Ohio, September 21, 1841. For a considerable period they were identified with farming interests in this part of the state, but the father at length put aside business cares and spent his last days in Mansfield in honorable retirement from labor. He died October 14, 1905. His widow still survives and is yet a resident of Mansfield. In their family were the following children: Robert E., who is living in Mansfield; John C., of this review; William, whose home is in Kansas; Sarah Alta, the wife of Wash- ington Smith, of Monroe township; George I., who is living in Denver,
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Colorado; Mary, the wife of Stephen Smith, a farmer of Mifflin township, this county; C. M., a farmer; and one who died in infancy.
John C. Kerr spent his youth upon the farm where his birth occurred and in 1881 with his parents came to Richland county, settling in Mifflin township, where he lived up to the time of his marriage. He mastered the elementary branches of learning as a pupil in the public schools and afterward attended the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio, completing the course in penman- ship by graduation. He also took most of the scientific course and for fifteen years he engaged in teaching in the district schools of this county, proving a capable educator and one who was always able to maintain discipline as well. Giving his attention to farming, he purchased a small tract of land about a mile south of Shelby and made his home thereon for twelve years, during which time he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. On the expiration of that period he sold the farm and bought property at No. 198 West Main street in Shelby, where he has since made his home. He is now employed as a member of the clerical force of the Shelby Steel Tube Works and is capable and efficient in his efforts in this connection.
On the 27th of June, 1894, Mr. Kerr was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Elizabeth Hawk, who was born in this county and is a daughter of Jacob Hawk, prominently known in Richland county as a prosperous farmer and representative citizen and mentioned on another page of this volume. Mr. Kerr possesses many substantial qualities which have gained him warm regard during his residence in Shelby, where he now has many friends.
HENRY P. RHODES.
Henry P. Rhodes is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Richland county, where he is now making his home. He was born on his present farm in Jackson township, December 26, 1842, a son of Henry Philip and Rachel (Stoner) Rhodes, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, the former born in Lancaster county, November 22, 1808, while the latter was born in York county, September 15, 1813. They were reared and married in Pennsylvania and in 1831 made their way to Richland county, Ohio, settling on an unimproved tract of land, on which the father made a small clearing and erected a log house, in which they took up their abode. In 1850 he replaced that rude dwelling with a more modern structure, which is still standing on the place. The family numbered nine children, of whom five still survive, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of Washington Bloom, of Michigan ; Henry P., of this review; Sarah, the wife of Dr. Franklin Paul, of Milford, Indiana ; David, who is mentioned on another page of this work ; and Melvina, the wife of George Armold, a resident of Jackson township. Both the parents are now deceased, the mother passing away in October, 1888, while the father survived for several years and died in March, 1896, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-eight years. He was numbered among the worthy citizens and prominent pioneers of Richland county.
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Henry P. Rhodes was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, assisting in the work of the home place from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn, while during the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached mature years, when he started out in life on his own account, following the pursuits to which he had been reared as a boy and youth. He is now the owner of seventy-four acres of land situated in Jackson town- ship, which constitutes a part of the old home place, and in addition to this he also has ten acres of timber. He is careful and methodical in carrying on his work and is therefore meeting with good success in his undertakings.
Mr. Rhodes was married October 5, 1869, to Miss Margaret Light, who was born near Ganges, Richland county, June 1, 1849, a daughter of Michael and Catherine (Hinkst) Light, the former a native of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, while the latter was born in Cumberland county, that state. They came from their respective homes to Ohio with their parents, the father being a young man of nineteen years, while the mother was a little maiden of twelve years at the time of her arrival in the Buckeye state. Mr. and Mrs. Light located on a farm a mile and a quarter south of Ganges, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their children, ten in number, were as follows: Mrs. Mary Reppert, who died leaving a family of eight children; Daniel, a resident of Burton Station, Oklahoma, who is married and has a family of nine children ; Samuel, who lives in Allen county, Ohio; John, who died at the age of ten years; one who died in infancy; Lydia, the wife of Alfred Urich, a resident of Mansfield; Mrs. Catherine Bradley, a twin sister of Lydia, and now deceased ; George, who resided in Ponca, Oklahoma, where he practiced as a physician and attorney, and served in the Civil war as a member of the One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being also a representative from Putnam county, Ohio, to the general assembly for four years but is now deceased ; Michael, who died at the age of eighteen years ; and Margaret, now Mrs. Rhodes.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes has been blessed with two daughters: Rachel Catherine, the wife of Boyd Fachler, of Shiloh; and Lida Alberta, at home. Mr. Rhodes gives his political support to the men and measures of the democracy. He is honorable and straightforward in his business dealings and all who know him have for him warm regard.
FRANCIS BUTLER NELSON.
Francis Butler Nelson, who is engaged in farming in Cass township, where he has made his home throughout almost his entire life, was born on a farm south of Shiloh, Richland county, October 5, 1870, a son of George and Matilda (Albertson) Nelson, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in 1811, and the latter in 1827. They were married in Ohio, where they made their home for some time, the father working at the tailor's trade, while later he engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He had been previously married and had the following named children by that union :
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Martha, Elmer, David, George, Silas, John and Rachel. By the second mar- riage there were five children: Emma J., William K., Clara Belle, Laura Melissa and Francis B. The father of this family passed away in 1870 but the mother still survives.
Francis Butler Nelson, the youngest child of his father's second marriage, was but six weeks old at the time of the latter's demise. Subsequent to that time the mother removed to her present farm in Cass township, where the son was reared. He acquired his education in the district schools near his home. At an early age he was trained to the duties of the home farm, for his services were needed in the plowing, planting and harvesting. Later he was employed in the tile factory in Shiloh, where he remained for some time, but for the past fourteen years has been on his mother's farm and has the care and management of the same. He is an industrious and hard-working man and his labors have brought to him a rich reward.
Mr. Nelson has always given his political support to the men and measures of democracy and on the party ticket was elected to the office of trustee of Cass township, in which capacity he has served for the past three years. He is also a stockholder in the Shiloh Savings Bank. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, belonging to Shiloh Lodge, No. 544. He has ever taken a lively interest in public affairs, lending his aid and influence in the cause of every good movement and heartily promoting the progress and advancement of his community, while in his private business affairs he is meeting with success, owing to his capable management, his energy and his well directed labors.
GEORGE H. LOWREY.
George H. Lowrey, a cigar and tobacco dealer of Mansfield, was born at Cuyahoga Falls, Summit county, Ohio, in 1857. His ancestors were natives of Scotland and emigrated to America about 1750, locating first near Canaan, Connecticut. The great-grandfather served as a private in the Revolutionary war, while the grandfather, Shubel H. Lowrey, participated in the war of 1812 under General Harrison.
The parents of our subject were Deming N. and Eliza J. (Harrison ) Lowrey, the former born at Tallmadge, Summit county, Ohio, in 1825, while the latter's birth occurred at Cuyahoga Falls, Summit county, Ohio, in 1835. The father was connected with the hotel and livery business at Cuyahoga Falls for many years, but at the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, becoming captain of Com- pany G. He was mustered in at Massillon in August, 1862, and was sent to Tennessee under Colonel Lucy, his regiment being attached to the Army of the Cumberland. The regiment did detached service in Tennessee, and while guarding the railroad between Murfreesboro and Nashville, during General Forest's raid, it was captured and held from October, 1864, until April, 1865, at Andersonville and Cahab. The prisoners were then exchanged and on the
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23d of April, at Vicksburg. were put upon the ill-fated steamer Sultana, in the explosion of which Mr. Lowrey lost his life. This horrible catastrophe terminated the lives of about eighteen hundred men, who, having undergone all the hardships and dangers of warfare, were on their homeward way, eagerly looking forward to the time when they should once more be among friends and loved ones. In his political views Mr. Lowrey was a republican, and fraternally was connected with the Masons. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. He was married in 1855 and was the father of two children, namely: George H., of this review; and Hattie A., who was born at Cuyahoga Falls, Summit county, Ohio, in 1863, and became the wife of Fred Osier in 1886.
George H. Lowrey acquired his education in the schools of Cleveland, and in 1872 began his business career as a clerk in a shoe store of that city, there remaining for three years. In 1875 he came to Mansfield and entered the employ of Keiser Brothers, shoe dealers, and in 1892 formed a partnership with Mr. Lemon for the conduct of a shoe store. In 1895, however, he sold out to his associate and became connected with the cigar and tobacco business, which has claimed his attention to the present time. He has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of success in his undertakings and is well known as a substantial and enterprising citizen of the community.
In 1876 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lowrey and Miss Kate Hine, by whom he has one son, Harrison D., whose birth occurred in Mansfield and who was educated in the schools of this city and in the Western Reserve Dental College.
In his political views Mr. Lowrey is a stanch republican, and received his party's nomination for county treasurer. The fact that he was defeated by only a few hundred votes is an indication of his popularity and the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, as the democratic majority of this county is about fifteen hundred. He has acted as a member of the common council and is a public-spirited citizen whose aid and influence can ever be counted upon to further any movement or measure instituted for the general welfare. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Elks.
MRS. JANE E. SCHULER.
Mrs. Jane E. Schuler belongs to one of the old families of Richland county and during the years of her life has witnessed many changes here as the county has grown and developed, taking on all the evidences of modern civilization. She relates many interesting incidents of the earlier days, for her parents, Frederick and Ruth Fitting, lived in this county at a very early period in its development. Her mother was a native of Maryland but her father was numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having oc- curred in Knox county, just across the Richland county line, October 3, 1810. He was a son of Casper Fitting, who was one of the earliest settlers of Ohio,
Ifm. Filling 1
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becoming a resident of this state when the Indians were more numerous than the white men, when great tracts of timber land remained uncut, while the prairie was uncultivated. The streams, too, were unbridged and the work of civilization and development seemed scarcely begun. The years have since brought many changes and the mode of life is in marked contrast to that which existed during the youth of Frederick Fitting. In those early times the settlers largely lived in log cabins which were heated by fireplaces which were sometimes of enormous size, so that a big log could be placed therein. The furnishings of the home were primitive, cooking being done over the fireplace, while tallow candles served to light the little house. In the year 1819 the Fitting family established their home on a farm near Bellville and performed the arduous task of transforming new land into rich fields. When a boy Frederick Fitting had to walk two miles to school. The schools were of a very primitive character, for the system of public instruction as known today, was then undeveloped. The pupils were trained in reading, writing and arithmetic and occasionally were taught some grammar and geography, but the sciences and languages formed no part of the school instruction of that day. The boys, however, were trained to work and were taught lessons of industry, economy and perseverance. When a boy Frederick Fitting began teaming and hauled produce to Sandusky and also through to New York city. On the return trip he would bring dry goods and groceries. Carefully saving his earnings until he had secured sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business on his own account, he embarked in merchandizing in the '30s and so continued until about 1840, in which year he purchased the old Calhoun flour mills. He operated the mills for about five years, after which he purchased the old Hiskey mill. Subsequently he erected a very large flour mill, which he operated until about 1857. From that time until his death he gave his attention to general farming, making his home upon a tract of land which he purchased in 1849 and which he developed until it became a valuable property, annually returning to him rich and abundant harvests. He was a very successful business man and carried forward to completion whatever he undertook. He built the railroad from Mansfield to Inde- pendence, now Butler, which is a part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad system, and became one of the founders and a director of the Savings Bank of Mansfield. His name was an honored one on commercial paper and he did much to promote the material progress and welfare of Richland county and the state. He became recognized as one of the prominent and honored residents of Ohio and on one occasion was solicited to become a candidate for governor, but declined. He never sought nor desired office, but was a life- long democrat and gave unfaltering allegiance to the party. Interested in the welfare of the community, he was active in many measures for its sup- port, while throughout his entire career he maintained a reputation for unassailable honesty in business affairs. He was interested in the welfare of the community and active in many measures for its support. He died August 17, 1884, and his wife, surviving him about thirteen years, passed away on the 20th of April, 1897. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fitting were born two daugh- ters: Mary, who is now deceased; and Mrs. Jane E. Schuler.
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The latter was born in Jefferson township, this county, December 4, 1842, and spent her girlhood days under the parental roof, where she was trained to the work of the household, while the public schools afforded her the educational privileges which have qualified her for the successful conduct of business affairs in later years. She saw the first train pass through Bell- ville and has been a witness of many other events which have left their im- press upon the history of the county. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children: Florence, who is now the wife of Edward Kelley, a resident of Bellville; Ida, the widow of Dr. Jackson; Mary, the wife of W. B. Elston, who is living in Peoria, Illinois; Catharine, the wife of Dr. Eastman, who is following his profession in Bellville; and Lenora, the wife of William Gass, who is located in Peoria, Illinois.
Mrs. Schuler now owns a valuable farm property of one hundred and twelve acres of rich and productive land, situated on section 9, Jefferson town- ship, and adjoining the village of Bellville. It is a well developed property, supplied with all the modern equipments and accessories and returns to Mrs. Schuler a gratifying annual income. These improvements were all made by her father. There are three residences on her farm and she occupies one, which is attractive by reason of its warm-hearted hospitality. She was reared in the Presbyterian faith and is a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind, who receives the warm friendship of many with whom she has been brought in contact and enjoys the respect of all who know her.
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