USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 53
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In 1877 occurred the marriage of Mr. Leonard and Miss Etta Taylor, a daughter of Johnston Taylor, one of Mansfield's pioneer residents. Mr. Leon- ard has one son, Wellington T. Leonard, the well-known newspaper man, and one grandson, Wellington Calvin Leonard.
Mansfield has been helpful to Mr. Leonard, for he has here prospered and acquired wealth, since he cast his lot with her people, and in reciprocation he has been equally helpful to Mansfield, doing much to promote the city's growth and improvement in various ways.
ARCHIBALD PURDY.
Archibald Purdy is numbered among the successful and enterprising farmers of Madison township, and he is now engaged in the operation of the McElroy farm, comprising two hundred and twenty acres, having made his home on this place since 1907. He is a native son of Richland county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Springfield township, January 24, 1855. His parents were James and Mary (Barr) Purdy, the former born in Spring- field township, where he engaged in farming throughout his entire life, his death occurring in 1861. The mother was also born in Richland county and was a representative of an old and prominent pioneer family here. She died in 1904, at the advanced age of seventy-six years. Their family numbered five children, two sons and three daughters, as follows: Archibald, of this review; Ina, the widow of Frank Richie; James, who follows farming in Washington township, this county; Ella, who has passed away; and Maggie, who died at the age of sixteen years.
Archibald Purdy, whose name introduces this record, was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the district schools of Spring- field township and in the Savannah high school. He was thus provided with good educational advantages and was fitted for teaching, having been granted a teacher's certificate, but as this pursuit was not congenial to him, he never followed the profession. Instead he engaged in the work to which he had been reared and eventually became the owner of a good tract of
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land in Washington township, which he disposed of in 1907, and is now waiting until he finds a satisfactory place to invest his capital. In 1907 he took up his abode on the McElroy farm, consisting of two hundred and twenty acres, on which stands one of the best farm residences in Richland county. There are also good barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and Mr. Purdy is here giving his time to general farming and stock-raising, in which he is meeting with gratifying success.
In 1879 occurred the marriage of Mr. Purdy and Miss Ollie Norrick, who died three years later. In 1885 he was again married, his second union being with Sarah M. Baker, by whom he has three children: Clara, the wife of Emil Zimmerman, a mechanic of Mansfield; Garfield and Lola B., at home.
Mr. Purdy gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, and his wife and daughters are members of the Christian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. Hav- ing spent his entire life in Richland county, Mr. Purdy has a very wide and favorable acquaintance, while his honorable business methods ever command for him the high regard of all with whom he comes in contact.
J. F. FRENGEL.
J. F. Frengel, who for the past twenty-three years has been treasurer of Sandusky township, is one of the worthy sons that Germany has furnished to Richland county. He is now owning and operating one hundred acres of valuable land, situated in Section 11, Sandusky township. As stated, he was born in Germany, November 9, 1830, a son of Frederick and Fredrica Fren- gel, and there the father spent his entire life, passing away many years ago.
Following the father's demise the mother emigrated to the United States in 1837, the son being at that time a little lad of seven years. Upon reaching American shores, they proceeded on their way to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where they made their home for seventeen years. The mother died in Rich- land county in 1893. Believing that the new and growing west offered a wider field for the scope of his labors, Mr. Frengel, then a young man of twenty-four years, made his way to Crawford county, Ohio, where he worked at the tinner's trade. Subsequently he came to Richland county, opening a tin shop in Crestline, which he conducted during the succeeding three years. This business not proving congenial to him and believing that agriculture offered better opportunities, he then purchased fifty acres of land, which constitutes a portion of his present farm of one hundred acres, situated on section 11, Sandusky township. This tract was unimproved when it came into his possession but he at once began its further development and improve- ment by dividing the land into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, erecting a house, barn and other outbuildings, and today it is one of the val- uable properties of Sandusky township. He gives his time and attention to
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general farming, following only the most modern methods of agriculture and using the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors.
It was soon after his arrival in Richland county that he was married to Miss Lavona Mansfield, their wedding being celebrated in 1855. Mrs. Frengel was born in Richland county and was one of a family of six children, whose parents are now deceased. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children, of whom Harriet, Laura and Otto are deceased. Those living are: Justis M., of Richland county; Mary L., the wife of Edward Adams, of Akron, Ohio; and Eva, the wife of F. W. Miller, of Crawford county, this state.
Mr. Frengel gives his political support to the men and measures of the democracy and for the past twenty-three years has served in the office of township treasurer. His efficiency and capability are evidenced by his long retention in this important position. He has also served as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Though born across the water he has spent almost his entire life in this country, much of which has been passed in Richland county, so that he has thoroughly allied himself with its interests. He is a public-spirited citizen, one in whom his fellowmen have confidence, and no man of this section of the state stands higher in the estimation of the people.
Z. TAYLOR AU.
For twenty-seven years Z. Taylor Au has resided upon the farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Madison township which is now his home. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1848, his par- ents being Jacob and Margaret Ann (Hoch) Au, who were also natives of the Keystone state. His father came to this county in 1840, walking the entire distance from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, to Richland county, Ohio. After remaining here for only a year he returned to Pennsylvania, where he continued until 1855, when they again came to Richland county, here purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mifflin township, which he at once began to cultivate and improve, transforming it into productive fields. He lived a life of activity and energy and although he was in straightened financial circumstances in early life, as the years passed he became the possessor of a handsome competence. He was married in 1847 and unto him and his wife were born nine children: Z. Taylor, whose name introduces this record; Malissa J., deceased; Mary A., the wife of Washing- ton McBride, of Richland county; Henry G., who has also departed this life ; Marenda Z. and Willard S., also deceased; Manetta C., the wife of Wil- liam Case, of Richland county; Ulysses G., who has also passed away; and Jacob S., also of Richland county. The father died November 26, 1899, while the mother passed away February 4, 1884.
Z. Taylor Au was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, acquiring his education through the medium of the public schools, while under his father's direction he became familiar with the best methods of tilling the
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soil and cultivating the crops. He worked for his father until twenty-two years of age, after which he rented a farm in Washington township for eight years and successfully cultivated it during that period. Afterward, on account of illness, he lived retired for three years and then resuming active agricul- tural pursuits, in 1882 he purchased the farm of one hundred and twenty- five acres on section 24, Madison township, on which he is still living. He has brought this under a high state of cultivation and added to it many modern equipments and accessories, making it one of the excellent farm properties of the locality.
Mr. Au was married first to Miss Eva Logan, a native of Maryland. For his second wife he chose Miss Ellen Fleck, who was born in Richland county and died in 1890. His present wife bore the maiden name of Anna Cunning and is a native of Ashland county, Ohio. Mr. Au belongs to the Grange and gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
J. J. FISHER.
A well improved farm of eighty acres, situated on section 33, Jefferson township, is the home of J. J. Fisher, who is numbered among the enterpris- ing and energetic farmers of Richland county. He is a native son of Ohio, his birth having occurred at Farmertown, Holmes county, December 31, 1862. He is a son of Jacob and Julina (Deal) Fisher, the former born in Holmes county, and the latter in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. The Fisher family was a prominent one in Holmes county, the paternal grandfather having been one of the first county commissioners, serving in that capacity for six years, while the father of our subject also filled the office for a similar period and acted as township treasurer for eighteen years. Both the parents of our subject died in Holmes county, the mother's death occurring in 1874, while the father passed away in 1899. Their family numbered ten children, of whom seven are living, but J. J. of this review is the only one residing in Richland county.
J. J. Fisher was given a good common-school education and at the age of nineteen years he began teaching, following that vocation for seven years. He remained at home until twenty-six years of age and then began farming in Holmes county. He later made his way to Richland county, arriving here in the fall of 1889. In 1894 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 33, Jefferson township, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and has also made many improvements thereon. In the near future he ex- pects to give his attention more especially to dairying.
In 1893 Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Evarts, of Richland county, and their union has been blessed with two sons and a daughter, namely: Maurice E., who was born in 1894; Julina A., whose birth occurred in 1895; and Rollin A., who was born in 1896. All are still under the parental roof.
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Mr. Fisher's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart aid to the democratic party. He served as town- ship assessor for three years and is now filling his first term as trustee, while for three years he served as a member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the English Lutheran church, while his fraternal relations are with Casca Lodge, No. 382, K. P., at Bellville, in which he passed through all the different chairs. He is also identified with Bellville Grange.
His unbending integrity and his fearlessness in the discharge of the duties that rest upon him are such as to make him a most acceptable incum- bent in the office which he is now filling, and his high moral worth is a widely acknowledged fact.
I. N. THOMPSON.
In the front rank of the columns which have advanced the civilization of Richland county, I. N. Thompson has led the way to the substantial de- velopment, progress and upbuilding of this section of the state, being particu- larly active in the agricultural life of Monroe township, where he still makes his home. He is today numbered among its old settlers, having now passed the seventy-first milestone on the journey of life, for he was born December 18, 1837, in Monroe township, a son of William and Margaret (Raitt) Thompson.
The father was a native of Adams county, Pennsylvania, born March 20, 1793. He was reared there to the age of eighteen years, when he accom- panied his parents on their removal to Belmont county, Ohio, where he attained his majority. He was then united in marriage to Miss Margaret Raitt, who was born in Scotland and was brought to America when but two years of age by her parents, David and Lilis Raitt. They located on a farm situated on the Belmont-Guernsey county line, where the daughter was reared and gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Thompson. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. William Thompson began their domestic life upon a farm in Richland county, he having purchased a quarter section, which now consti- tutes the Amos Hunter farm. This was all wild and unimproved when it came into his possession, but with characteristic energy Mr. Thompson at once began to cut down the trees and grub out the stumps and in due course of time had the land placed under the plow. As time passed and he prospered in his undertakings he added to his original holdings until he became an extensive landholder both in Ashland and Richland counties but spent his remaining days on his farm in Monroe township. He served as a member of the war of 1812. In early life he gave his political support to the democracy but later, becoming convinced that its principles did not promote the best interests of the country, he allied himself with the freesoil party, with which he was identified until the formation of the new republican party, when he joined its ranks. He was a strong anti-slavery man and did everything in his power to promote the public good. He was a member of the United Presbyterian
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church, in which he took an active and helpful interest, serving as an elder and a trustee for a long period. He was throughout a long period identified with the agricultural life of Monroe township and also conducted a sawmill at an early day. He was a man of indefatigable energy, strong determina- tion and excellent executive ability, while at the same time he commanded the unqualified respect of his fellowmen, so that at his death, which occurred October 13, 1877, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-four years, the community mourned the loss of one of its valued citizens. In his family were eleven children, all of whom reached mature years, but only two of the number are now living. Maria makes her home with her brother, I. N. Thompson, whose name introduces this record.
I. N. Thompson acquired his early education in the common schools, ยท this being supplemented by a course of study in Monroe Seminary, while he was also a student in a private seminary, conducted in Lucas by Professor Strickler. At the age of eighteen years, having completed his own education, he engaged in teaching, following that profession during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked on the home farm, to the duties of which he had been trained from his early youth. After the inauguration of the Civil war, the patriotic spirit of Mr. Thompson being aroused, he re- sponded to his country's call for aid and joined the boys in blue, becoming a member of Company E, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He en- listed on the 15th of October, 1861, and at once went with his regiment to the south, where he took part in the siege at Corinth, the battles of Chick- amauga, Missionary Ridge, Pulaski and Columbia and was also in the memor- able Franklin and Nashville campaign, when General Thomas with his forces routed Hood's army, with a loss of twenty thousand to the enemy. During the fight, which lasted forty days, the weather was very severe, there being much rain and snow during that period. The country was sparsely settled and had been stripped of provisions by the armies and much of the time the rations were very meager and oftentimes none were available. The army thus suffered intensely from cold and hunger. However, Mr. Thompson proved a brave and valiant soldier and after three years' of faithful service was mustered out at Nashville on the 10th of December, 1864, having made a most creditable military record.
Mr. Thompson at once returned to his home in Richland county and in 1865 was married to Miss Alice Welsh, who was born in the parish of Abing- ton, County Limerick, Ireland, August 15, 1843. Her father died in that country, and in 1849 her mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Dun- don, came with her family to the new world, the daughter being at that time but six years of age. She was a Catholic in religious faith. However, after the daughter entered the district schools she was presented by a friend with a Protestant Bible, to which she gave close study. On account of the dissen- sion which arose when the daughter made known her intention to become a member of the Baptist church, she then left home, being at that time a little maiden of twelve years. She went to live in the home of William Peterson and later Solomon Gladdens, with whom she remained until the time of her mar- riage.
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Following his marriage Mr. Thompson located on a farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres, situated in Washington township, which he had pur- chased prior to his enlistment in the Civil War. He was engaged in general farming for three years, after which he removed to Perryville and engaged in the grocery business, being thus occupied for some time. Upon disposing of his grocery business he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, which he followed until 1892. He was made a life member of the Ohio State Undertaker & Embalming Association, and by that organization was sent as a delegate to various sections of the United States and after retiring from business represented the United States in the International Convention, held at Toronto, Canada. Upon his retirement from the furniture and under- taking business he removed to his present farm, situated on section 30, Monroe township, which comprises one hundred and fourteen acres, and where, with the exception of two years spent in Georgia for the benefit of his health, he has since made his home. In addition to his home farm he also owns two houses and lots near Mansfield, from which he derives a good rental. He has led a busy, active and useful life and his labors have been crowned with suc- cess, so that today he can live in ease, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
Mr. Thompson's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party. He has served as a delegate to numerous county conventions but has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to do his duty as a private citizen. Both he and his wife are devoted and active members of the Baptist church, of which he has served as deacon for several years. He is also a member of the Ohio State Baptist Convention, and his wife is one of the two remaining charter members of the Perryville Baptist church. His fraternal relations are with Perryville Lodge, No. 558, Royal Arcanum, in which he has filled all of the chairs, while for several years he served as a state officer of that organization. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have had no children of their own but out of the goodness of their hearts have reared and educated several orphans.
Personally Mr. Thompson is quiet and unassuming in manner, refusing political preferment and avoiding publicity. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in life, for starting out empty-handed, he has through his own energy and well-directed labors accumulated a handsome property and today he and his estimable wife are enjoying in retirement the accumula- tions of profitable, successful and honorable careers.
JAMES M. BLAIR.
James M. Blair, residing in Lexington, was born in Middlebury town- ship, Knox county, Ohio, August 24, 1842, his parents being Peter L. and Mary Warden (Martin) Blair, the former born in Sussex county, New Jersey, June 8, 1816, and the latter in Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, Novem- ber 5, 1819. In 1825, the father accompanied his parents, James and Mary (Lane) Blair, on their removal from his native county to Knox county,
.
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Ohio. The grandfather was also a native of New Jersey and of Scotch descent. In early life he engaged in school teaching and continued to follow that voca- tion for several years. Later he turned his attention to the millwright's and miller's trade, building a saw and grist mill in Sussex county, New Jersey, and he subsequently erected two mills on the Big Miami river near Cin- cinnati, Ohio. He also built two mills at Chester, Knox county, and two in Middlebury township, the same county. From there he went to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he built two mills and later in life erected a mill at Harrisonville, Cass county, Missouri, where he died in his ninety-seventh year. His wife had passed the century mark when called to her final rest.
On the removal of the Blair family to Knox county, Ohio, they estab- lished their home in Mount Vernon, where Peter L. Blair was reared. In 1849 he removed to Lexington, where he purchased two grocery stores, and for the last sixteen years of his life also conducted a drug store. His death occurred at that place June 28, 1866. On the 13th of January, 1841, he had married Mary Warden Martin, who died on the 2d of October, 1864. Her parents were James M. and Ruhama (Warden) Martin. Her father was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, 1793, and was called to his final rest in 1885. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and assisted in building the block- house near Mansfield.
James M. Blair is one of a family of three children, the others being Annie R., deceased, and Samuel W., who was born September 27, 1848, and was accidentally killed in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1885. During the progress of hostilities between the North and the South James M. Blair was attending school at Lexington, but he ran away and went to Columbus, Ohio, where he enlisted on the 29th of May, 1862, as a member of Company B, Eighty- seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three months' service. He was captured at Harper's Ferry, but was afterward paroled and discharged at Camp Dela- ware October 1, 1862. He then returned home, but subsequently reenlisted, becoming a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-third National Guards. He enlisted five different times, and during the latter part of the war was a corporal in the signal service and topography corps and was on detached duty. He was finally discharged at Camp Chase September 10, 1864, and returned to his home in Lexington.
On taking up the pursuits of civil life Mr. Blair entered his father's store, and subsequently established a factory for the manufacture of Venetian window shades. In connection with the conduct of this enterprise he also assisted his father in the drug store, and afterward took up painting, which he followed for a number of years. He still makes his home in Lexington, where he is now engaged in the real-estate business, and he is well known and highly esteemed as a substantial, enterprising and most public-spirited citizen.
On the 14th of January, 1865, Mr. Blair was united in marriage to Miss Amanda M. King, who was born near Shelby, April 26, 1842. Her parents were Samuel and Permelia (Cortright) King. The former was born in Pennsylvania December 20, 1808, and died November 14, 1874, while his wife passed away March 29, 1861. They were the parents of five chil- dren: Davidson, a member of the Sixth Ohio Battery during the Civil war;
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Mrs. Blair, John M., Henry M. and Abraham C. All are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Blair.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children: Samuel K., born in 1867, married Nellie Oatman, and resides in Newark, Licking county, Ohio; Gertrude B. is the wife of L. C. Stillwell, of Mount Vernon, who served as prosecuting attorney in Knox county for two terms and is now engaged in private practice ; DeWitt Clinton is deceased; Melville C. married Mabel Lucille Maxwell, and resides in Mount Vernon; Winifred is a teacher in the Lexington schools; and Mary is the wife of L. C. Benedict, D. D. S., of Mansfield.
Mr. Blair is independent in his political views, voting for the man whom he believes best qualified for office regardless of party affiliation. His fellow- townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to many positions of public trust and responsibility. He has served as township clerk and was justice of the peace for six years, his decisions ever being strictly fair and impartial. During the three terms of his incumbency as mayor of the village he instituted many reforms and improvements that have proven of practical value and have materially advanced the general welfare. He was formerly a member of Conger Post, G. A. R., at Lexington, but later transferred his membership to Mclaughlin Post at Mansfield. In the field of political life and commercial activity he has won distinction and today is numbered among the leading, influential and honored citizens of Lexington, where he has made his home for more than half a century.
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