USA > Ohio > Seneca County > History of Seneca County, Ohio; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Vo. II > Part 40
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on the 31st of July, 1881. Mr. Anway was a very enterprising and public spirited citizen, taking an active interest in the local schools and churches. IIe held a scholarship in the Seneca county academy and was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, contributing most liberally to the building fund of the church and giving generously to its charities and benevolences. William and Eliza (Lapham) Anway became the parents of four children. Joseph L .. the immediate subject of this review : William H., who was born on the 22nd of June, 1833: Morgan H., born July 14, 1840; and Phoebe Jane, born April 22, 1845. William
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H. resides in Republic; Morgan H., resides on a portion of his grandfather's estate; and Phoebe lives on the old homestead with .Joseph L.
Joseph L. Anway was reared to the sturdy discipline of the old home farm. in the work and management of which he early became associated with his father. He afforded the advantages of the common schools of his native county and later entered Seneca County Academy, which he attended for several years. That he put his scholastic acquirements to good use is evident when it is stated that prior to his marriage he taught for several terms in schools in Scipio and Reed townships. He spent most of the time at home with his parents until he had attained to the age of twenty-four years and he then initiated his independent opera- tions as a farmer, beginning on an eighty acre tract which he had received from his father. His present finely improved farm consists of two hundred and seventy acres and is eligibly located in Scipio township, near Republic. In politics he accords a stanch allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and he has ever shown a keen and intelligent interest in public affairs in the county. He has held the office cf township trustee for eighteen consecutive years and has given efficient service as a member of the school board for fully a score of years. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order cf Odd Fellows, at Republic, having been affiliated with this organ- ization for a period of forty-two years and being the oldest member in the state. He holds membership in Republic Lodge, No. 40. and became noble grand when eighty-one years of age. His re- ligious belief is in harmony with the tenets of the Methodist Epis opal church and both he and his wife have been active factors in connection with the different departments of the church work.
Mr. Anway has been twice married. his first union being with Miss Betsy A. Thompson, the. ceremony having been performed on the 6th of October. 1852. She was summoned to the life eternal on the 31st of October, 1864, and on the 16th of December, 1869. was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Anway to Miss Mariette E. Ames, who was born in Seneca county and who is a daughter of Charles and Alvira (Higley) Ames. the former a native of Con- necticut and the latter of New York. Mr. Anway's grandfather, David Ames, was a sea saptain on the Great Lakes. By his first marriage Mr. Anway became the father of three children. Martha, Ida J. and Adda M., the latter being the wife of E. Ogden. of Republic. No children have been born of the second marriage.
LEWIS S. WESTERHOUSE .- It is pleasing to the publishers of this compilation to incorporate within its pages a brief review of the career of one who is a native son of this county and who has passed practically his entire life thus far within its borders. Lewis S. Westerhouse was born in Adams township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 21st of August. 1852, and is a son of John H. and Catherine M. (Sherman) Westerhouse. both of whom were born and reared in Germany. £ The father was born on the 13th of April, 1828. and departed this life on the 29th of October, 1891.
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The date of the mother's birth was December 3, 1828, and she was summoned to the life eternal on the 3rd of April, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Westerhouse emigrated to America about 1849. They were married in Adams township and established their home on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres there. They reclaimed their land to cultivation and Mr. Westerhouse became a very sue- cessful farmer. To this union were born seven children. concerning whom the following brief data is here recorded : Samuel S., born April 10. 1850, maintains his home in Adams townhsip ; Lewis S. is the immediate subject of this review; Frank B., born January 16, 1855, passed to eternal rest on the 23rd of March, 1886; John H. born March 18, 1858, resides in Adams township close to the old homestead; Henry A .. born April 7, 1861, is de- ceased, his death having occurred on the 22d of February, 1863; William N., born February 18, 1864, lives on the old homestead ; and Emma, born August 14, 1869, maintains her home with Lewis S.
Lewis S. Westerhouse was afforded the advantages of a good common school education in his youth, having attended the public schools of his native township and he was associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm until his marriage, in 1881. Thereafter he was engaged in the carpenter's trade for a period of about twelve years, having erected many of the fine farm residences and barns in this county. In 1885 he purchased and settled upon the old homestead on which his wife was born and reared and he has since been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has one hundred and forty-three acres of most arable land and his buildings and improvements are of the most modern order. In politics Mr. Westerhouse is a Republican and he takes an active interest in local politics. He has held the office of township trustee for three terms of three years each. His father was likewise a stanch Republican and he also held the office of township trustee for a number of years. The father was keenly interested in religious and educational matters, having been offi- cially and financially connected with the Evangelical church and having served for many years as a member of the school board. Mr. Westerhouse is a devout member of the Evangelical church, in the various departments of whose work he has been an active factor. Fraternally he is affiliated with the different social organ- izations of representative character and he is held in high regard by his fellow citizens.
On the 24th of March. 1881, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Westerhouse to Miss Eliza Miller, who was born on the 8th of September. 1860. a daughter of Philip and Catherine (Telgamyre) Miller, natives of Germany, whence they came to the United States about 1854. They located in Scipio township and there reared a family. They were members of the Evangelical church and were essentially progressive and liberal in their civic attitude. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Westerhouse and she was summoned to her reward on the 2nd of March, 1889. Since her death Mr. Westerhouse's sister, Emma, has lived with him and kept house for him. Samuel S. is the only one of the Wester- house brothers who has reared a family. He married Miss Emma
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Shadler and they have seven children, namely : Nora, born Septem- ber 3, 1872. is the widow of Charles Riffel and she has one child, Clarence; Anna, born on the 27th of May, 1874, is the wife of William Myers and they reside in Bloomville and have one daugh- ter, Mildred; Lillie, born June 16, 1876, married Jesse L. Bower- man, of Adams township, and they have four children, Lawrence, Bernard, Lela and Donald; Olive C., born May 5, 1878, wedded Edward Shontz of Adams township and they became the parents of five children, three of whom are living, Luella, Mabel and Charles ; William E., born April 21, 1881, died in December, 1900; Frank, born June 10, 1885, resides at home; aud Mabel. born January 30. 1888, married Charles Cook. of Adams township. All the above children were reared in the faith of the Evangelical church and received their education in the township schools. Nora attended the Greenspring Academy and was a popular and success- ful teacher in Adams and Pleasant townships prior to her marriage.
Mr. Westerhouse has lived a life of usefulness such as few men know. God-fearing, law-abiding, progressive, his life is as truly that of a Christian gentleman as any man's can well be. With unwavering fidelity he has done the right as he has interpreted it. He is a modest. unassuming man, genial and inspiring, and his charity knows only the bounds of his opportunities.
HENRY C. TELFORD, M. D .- Other men's services to the people and state can be measured by definite deeds, by dangers averted, by legislation secured. by institutions built, by commerce promoted. The work of a doctor is entirely estranged from these lines of enterprise yet without his capable. health-giving assistance all other accomplishment would count for naught. Man's greatest prize on earth is physical health and vigor. Nothing deterioates mental activity so quickly as prolonged sickness, hence the broad field for human helpfulness afforded in the medical profession. The successful doctor requires something more than mere technical training-he must be a man of broad human syn.pathy and genial kindliness, capable of inspiring hope and faith in the heart of his patient. Such a man is he whose name initiates this article. Dr. Telford was born in Livingston county, Illinois, on the 24th of February, 1872, and is a son of James and Jennie (Scott) Telford. the former of whom was born in England and the latter in Scot- land. James Telford emigrated to the United States about the year 1851 and he established his home in LaSalle county and then in Livingston county, Illinois, where he became a prosperous and progressive farmer. He is still living. at the age of eighty years, at Emington. Illinois, and the mother is also living, aged seventy-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Telford became the parents of nine children, eight of whom are now living, the subject of this review being the seventh in order of birth.
Dr. Telford was reared to maturity on the home farm and he was afforded the advantages of the common schools of his native county. In due time he chose for himself the profession of medi- cine and at the age of twenty-nine he took the scientific course in the Northern Indiana University at Valparaiso, later entering the Uni-
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versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in the medical department of which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1905, duly receiving his well earned degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immedi- ately after his graduation he came to Attica, Seneca county, Ohio, where he took charge of the patients of Dr. Titus. He remained here four months, at the expiration of which he returned to Michi- gan, where he became associated in practice with Dr. W. B. Hanna at Mass City, Michigan. one of the best known representa- tives of the homeopathic school of medicine in that state. On the 19th of April, 1906. however, he again took up his home in Attica, where his success in his chosen profession has been on a parity with his well directed efforts and where he now controls a large and lucrative patronage, enjoying to the full the confidence and esteem of his ever increasing practice.
Though never a seeker of the emoluments or honors of public office, Dr. Telford accords a stanch allegiance to the cause of the Republican party and he has ever given his aid in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the furtherance of the general welfare of the community. He is a man of philanthropic and charitable tendencies and holds secure vantage ground in popu- lar confidence and esteem. Fraternally he is a member of Attica Lodge No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons; the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics; and the Modern Woodmen of America. In connection with his profession he holds membership in the Homeopathic Medical Society of Ohio and the American Institute of Homeopathy. Both he and his wife are members of the Disciples church.
On June 6, 1908, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Telford to Miss Charity Hurren, of Ontario, Canada. Dr. and Mrs. Telford are the parents of one son, Elden II .. who was born on the 25th of February, 1910. Dr. and Mrs. Telford are prominent and popular factors in connection with the best social activities of their home city and their modern and attractive residence is a recognized center of gracious and generous hospitality.
NEILE STINEBAUGH .- An essentially progressive and public spirited business man of the younger generation in Seneca county is Neile Stinebaugh, who is editor and owner of the Republic Reporter and who is a native son of the village which has repre- sented his home throughout his entire life thus far. his birth having here occurred on the 2d of May, 1888. He is a son of William and Keturah (Ballinger) Stinebaugh, both of whom were born in Ohio, the former August 4, 1848, and the latter in the year 1858. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this review, John and Elizabeth (Measle) Stinebaugh, were natives of Maryland, whence they emigrated to Ohio in an early day, locating first in Wood county and later removing to Scipio township, Seneca county. Here the grandfather engaged in agricultural pursuits. The maternal grandfather of him whose name initiates this article was one of the first merchants in Republic and was conceded wealthy at the time of his death, leaving an extensive landed estate and other valuable property. William Stinebaugh resided on the old
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homestead farm until his marriage. in 1878, and thereafter he was with the B. & O. Railroad Company until his death, which oc- curred March 19. 1900. at the age of sixty-two years. His cherished and devoted wife survives him and now maintains her home with her son Neile. in the village of Republic. William and Keturah Stinebaugh became the parents of two children, Edward, who was born on the 22d of October. 1880; and Neile. the subject of this review. Edward attended the public schools of Republic and was graduated in the village high school as a mem- ber of the class of 1905. He is now connected with the B. & O. railroad. with headquarters at Tiffin, and he served two years as mayor of Republic. In 1908 he was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Hakes.
Neile Stinebaugh received his educational discipline, in the public schools of Republic, being graduated in the high school in the class of 1907. That he put his scholastic attainments to good use is evident when it is stated that he was a successful and popular teacher in Seneca county for a period of two years. On the 12th of May, 1909. he launched the Republic Reporter and he is making a distinct success in his journalistic endeavors. The paper now has a circulation of five hundred and it is making rapid headway under the able management of Mr. Stinebaugh. In politics he accords a stanch allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Democratic party stands sponsor and in 1909 he was elected corporation clerk of the village of Republic. he being the youngest man in the state to be incumbent of this office. He is a young man of quick perception and fine executive ability and is widely recog- nized as a citizen who is alert and enthusiastically in sympathy with all measures tending to advance the general welfare of the community. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
JOHN WILLIAM BILLIARD is one of the prosperous agriculturists of Reed township, owning a fine eighty-acre farm, some high grade cattle, and one of the largest sugar forests and camps in this part of the country. Unlike so many of the citizens of Seneca county. he is not a native son. but was born in Leeds. England, February 1. 1876. Both his father and his mother. whose names were Thomas and Elizabeth (Otter) Billiard. were natives of the "right little, tight little isle." The former's birthplace was Nottingham- shire and his eyes first opened to the light of day September 5. 1849. After attaining his majority Thomas Billiard began his experience as a wage-earner in the capacity of a teamster. in 1882. when John William was about six years of age, his parents decided to leave England and make their future residence in the newer country with its greater opportunity for the working man and his children. Mr. and Mrs. Billiard and their family landed at Baltimore, Maryland. on June 19. 1882. and they subsequently found their way to Seneca county, where the father worked by the month for wages to support his family and to repay the one hundred dollars which he had borrowed from his uncle to pay their passage to the United States. Those were meager times.
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but they finally got upon their feet. figuratively speaking, and had a comfortable home. There were in the family three other chil- dren besides him whose name heads this review. Arthur resides at Flat Rock : George is deceased ; and Lillie married James Nagle and makes her home in Attica.
On April 1. 1889. Mr. Billiard and his brothers and sister had the misfortune to be deprived of their mother by death. and he being the eldest child, the care of the younger children and the housework fell upon his young shoulders. HIe manfully took up his duties, distasteful though they may have been. and cooked. washed, ironed. and did everything pertaining to the house. Not- withstanding. he managed to attend the district schools until he was twenty-one years of age, going in the winter months. During this time the family were residing in Reed township. Mr. Bil- liard finally left the home in which he had been so useful and hired to M. Gray, a farmer, for one hundred and fifty dollars a year. By working Sundays and by extreme economy he managed to save out of this one hundred and twenty dollars a year and in this way he made his start in life. He succeeded by hard work and grit and now owns an excellent farm of eighty acres. well in- proved and adjoining the oldest settled farm in the township. His land is located in Reed township. As before mentioned he has a
large sugar forest and camp on his estate and it is equipped with one of the most modern syrup evaporators and canners made. He has forty head of Poland China hogs and one very fine male weigh- ing five hundred pounds. One of Mr. Billiard's interesting ex- periences was a hunting trip which he took into Wisconsin and which lasted for eighteen months. during which he bagged eight deer and much smaller game.
Mr. Billiard established a home of his own when on the 16th of June. 1909. he married Mrs. Effie Kautz, a native of Huron county, her maiden name having been Eastman. Mr. Billiard is a loyal advocate of the policies and principles of the Republican partv. His father was a Republican and also a member of the Ancient Order of Shepherds.
RUSSELL M. KNEPPER .- Seneca county has contributed its generous quota to the high prestige of the bench and bar of Ohio. and numbered among the representative members of the legal profession in the county at the present time is he whose name initiates this paragraph. He is the junior member of the law firm of Wagner & Knepper. of Tiffin. and is known as an able and versatile trial lawyer and well fortified counselor. He has won success and precedence through his own efforts, and his course has been so directed as to retain to him the inviolable confidence and esteem of the people of his native county.
Mr. Knepper was born on the old family homestead located on Wolf creek in Hopewell township, this county, on the 11th day of February, 1878. and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Reeme) Knepper, the former of whom was a native of Franklin county. Pennsylvania, and the latter of Dauphin county. Pennsylvania. The father died January 31. 1905, and the mother is still living.
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The active career of the father was one of close identification with the great basic industry of agriculture. As a boy Russell M. Knepper began to lend his aid in the work of the home farm, and in the meanwhile he availed himself of the advantages afforded in the district school. where he had as an instructor William O. Doran. who has been a successful and prominent worker in the local educa- tional field for fully forty years. That Mr. Knepper made good use of the opportunities offered under such preceptorship is evident when it is noted that at the age of seventeen years he proved him- self eligible for pedagogic honors. He began teaching in the district schools of his home county and continued in this line of work, at intervals, for a period of five years. His appreciation and ambition prompted him to seek higher educational advantages. and his aim then. as in later years, was one of definite action. Still dependent upon his own resources for further work along educational lines, he entered the Ohio Northern University. at Ada. where he completed the prescribed scientific course and was gradu- ated in the spring of 1901. with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Soon after his graduation Mr. Knepper located in the city of Tiffin. where he began the study of law under the preceptorship of Judge George M. Hoke and where he continued his technical reading until 1904, when he was matriculated in the law department of his alma mater, the Ohio Northern University, in which by close application he was enabled to complete the prescribed course and gain his degree of Bachelor of Laws in June, 1905. He simultane- ously passed the examination entitling him to admission to the bar of the state. He initiated the practice of his profession in Tiffin. and here, in June. 1906, he formed a partnership with Judge W. Scott Wagner. under the firm name of Wagner & Knepper. A large and substantial law business has been conducted to the present time by this firm. The clientele is of representative order. and the junior member has effectively proved his mettle in connec- tion with many important litigations. as well as in the counsel room, where he has shown a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of law and precedure. He is a close student. painstaking. honest and capable in the preparation of his causes, and his close observ- ance of the unwritten code of ethics has gained and retained to him the high regard of his professional confreres. His personality. genial, democratic and unaffected, has likewise contributed to his success in his exacting profession, of whose dignity he has the deepest appreciation. Mr. Knepper has not only shown fine dia- lectie and forensic powers but has also gained reputation as an effective orator, in which connection his services have been in fre- quent requisition at various social and public assemblies, including those of a political nature. He is well fortified in his opinions as to matters of public polity and is a stalwart advocate of the prin- ciples and policies of the Democratic party. Though he has never held public office, Mr. Knepper takes a loyal interest in local affairs, and in his political party he is one of the leaders in his native county.
On the 12th day of December, 1906. he was united in marriage to Mamie A. Corn, daughter of William D. and Birdie (Gates)
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Corn. of Ironton. Ohio. £ William D. Corn. the father of Mrs. Knepper and a very successful lawyer. died at Cincinnati Febru- ary 16, 1907, and the mother, Mrs. Birdie Corn. resides at the home of their only child and her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Knepper.
Mr. Knepper is a contributor to the Methodist Protestant church of Tiffin, where Mrs. Knepper is a member, and he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Junior Order United American Mechanies fraternal orders. The U. R. K. P. recently conferred honors upon Mr. Knepper which entitles him to the rank of captain and he is commissioned as such.
Mr. and Mrs. Knepper are the parents of one child. William Edward, who was born October 25, 1909.
WILLIAM F. ORWIG .- Now living virtually retired from active business. Mr. Orwig is numbered among the well known and highly esteemed citizens of his native county and maintains his home in the village of Flat Rock. He is a member of a family that was founded in Seneca county in the middle pioneer epoch. and the name has ever stood exponent of sterling integrity of purpose and loval citizenship.
William F. Orwig was born at Flat Rock. this county. on the 15th of February. 1852, and in the county of his nativity he nas found ample scope for effective and productive effort as one of the world's great army of workers, having gained a due measure of suc- cess through his well directed endeavors. He is a son of James and Sarah (Ream) Orwig, both of whom were born in Union county. Pennsylvania. of stanch German lineage. James Orwig came from the old Keystone state to Seneca county. Ohio. in com- pany with Henry Kutz, and the trip was made by means of team and wagon. He was a tailor by trade and after locating at Flat Rock he here engaged in the work of his trade, in connection with which he eventually developed a successful business as a dealer in men's furnishing goods. He was among those sterling patriots who tendered their services in defense of the Union when its in- tegrity was menaced by armed rebellion. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company A. One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he proceeded to the front and met his full quota of arduous and perilous experience as a valiant and faithful soldier. He entered the service at Monroeville and there- after. while proceeding with his regiment on a forced march of more than one hundred miles. he experienced considerable trouble with his heart. the disorder becoming so acute that he was finally sent to the rear. He became incapacitated for active field service and on this account was finally granted an honorable discharge. In later years he received a pension from the government. in recognition of his services and the disabilities entailed thereby. After the close of his military carcer Mr. Orwig returned to Flat Rock and resumed the work of his trade. Later he established himself in the meat-market business in this village, and with this line of enterprise he continued to be identified for a period of about eighteen years. Failing health then necessitated his withdrawal
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