USA > Ohio > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 62
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Joseph Johnston was born and reared in Virginia and came from there, in early manhood, to Shelby county and bought the present homestead when he could secure land at eight dollars an acre. To the development and improve- ment of his property here he devoted the rest of his life, his death occurring when well advanced in years. He was a sturdy type of citizen and was held in
GEORGE MENTGES
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respect by those with whom he was so long associated. He married Hannah Dorn, who was born in Butler county, O., and was brought to Shelby county when five years old. Mrs. Johnston still survives, being now in her eighty- sixth year. To Joseph Johnston and wife a family of ten children was born, seven daughters and three sons: Jane, William T., Ella, Edward, Callie, Anna, Ollie, Grant, Nettie, and a babe that died. There are six survivors : William T., Callie, Anna, Ollie, Grant and Nettie.
William T. Johnston as the oldest son of the family, was early called to his father's assistance in clearing and cultivating the home farm, attending the local schools, in the meanwhile, as opportunity offered. Since the property came into his possession he has erected different farm structures along the line of improvement, not having, however, to build a new residence as his father had already provided a comfortable one. Mr. Johnston has devoted his attention to diversified farming and has raised much good stock. Always having taken care of his land it has never worn out but is in a better condition at present than ever before. In his political views, Mr. Johnston is a republican and at times has served as a member of the township school board, belonging to that public body when the substantial high school building in this section was erected. For over forty years he has been identified with the Masonic frater- nity and is a charter member of the local body of Elks. Mr. Johnston is unmarried.
GEORGE MENTGES, proprietor of the Mentges Folder Company, manufacturers, at Sidney. O., is one of the leading citizens and repre- sentative business men of Shelby county. He was born at Sidney, March 24, 1866, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Haas) Mentges.
The parents of Mr. Mentges were born in Germany and from there came to Ohio and were united in marriage at Cincinnati. Jacob Ment- ges was a cabinetmaker by trade and established himself in business at Sidney in 1863, for many years afterward conducting a furniture store and undertaking business. His death occurred at Sidney, July 4. 1897. his two sons, Jacob and George succeeding him as undertakers.
George Mentges attended school at Sidney and afterward assisted his father whom he succeeded but as early as 1897 had become also interested in starting his present manufacturing business to which lie has devoted a large part of his time since disposing of his interest in the undertaking business in 1909. As the name indicates, The Mentges Folder Company manufactures newspaper folders, and the enterprise was started in a small way in a building on South Main avenue, Sidney, about 1897, development following to such an extent that enlargement became necessary and in 1906 the company erected a fine modern building on the corner of Oak and Poplar streets, securing what was supposed to be adequate accommodations, but since then the amount of floor space has been doubled. While Mr. Mentges personally superin- tends his large manufacturing plant at Sidney, where fifteen skilled mechanics are constantly employed, he still finds time to manage his
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valuable farm in Orange township, on which the summer home of the family is maintained.
Mr. Mentges married Miss Hattie Bull, who is a daughter of Fran- cis Bull, formerly a prominent man in Orange township, where his death occurred in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Mentges have two children: Leona and Gertrude, aged eight and two years respectively. As a citi- zen Mr. Mentges holds a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He is a man of social tastes and is identified with both the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
ALMON BALDWIN CARRINGTON HITCHCOCK says in his remi- niscences that he was born from necessity, not having voluntary control of that important event, in the obscure town of West Haven, Vermont, October 13, 1838, and can not discard the idea that there is something unlucky in the number thirteen, and the superstition grows with his passing years. Town- ships are called towns in New England and this town was bounded nine miles on the west by Lake Champlain. The obscurity and comparative unimpor- tance of West Haven prevented its being dignified with a place even on the map of the geographies, and no steamer on the charming lake paused for a moment to take on or let off passengers at West Haven, but plowed its way from Whitehall for fifteen miles to Benson without stopping.
He was the middle living child of Almon and Emily Barber Hitchcock, having one sister younger and one older than himself. He went to a district school until fourteen years of age, and being large for his years, and above the average pupil in most of his studies, was solicited at that tender period to teach a four months' term in an adjoining district at ten dollars a month and board around. When he came to settle for his four months' work the treasurer said there were only thirty-six dollars on hand, so he took that with- out a murmur. With his money he bought a broadcloth coat, a double- breasted satin vest, a pair of doeskin trousers, a green neckerchief as big as a stand cover, and thus was gorgeously equipped and had a few dollars left. The envy of his boy companions from which he suffered was more than compensated for by the increased favor the girls bestowed on account of his stunning toggery. As he was now elevated above going to a district school any longer his career as a common pupil closed and Troy Conference Acad- emy at Poultney, Vermont, was the place selected to continue his education. It might be of interest to the youth of the present day to state that his father deposited the sum of forty dollars with which to pay his tuition, board, lodg- ing and washing for twelve weeks' schooling. True, his room, which was a back one in the fourth story, was not inviting, with its uncomfortable bed, two modern chairs, and a warped table, nor was the board a Delmonico spread, but their intellects were especially lively, as the blood, not being called upon for much digestive work, went to the brain. Being rather an expert at base ball, foot ball and quoit pitching, favorable acquaintances were soon formed, for a long drive with a bat, accurate throwing and a sensational catch of a fly is quickly noised abroad and puts one in the front rank among students.
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After two terms at Pultney he went a term at Castleton Seminary and three terms at Fort Edward Institute, in New York. In the latter part of the fifties he made a visit to Illinois and taught school two winters near Chicago.
Among his most treasured recollections are his visit to Lincoln at Spring- field, Illinois, after his nomination in 1860. He was with him alone in his unpretentious home and says that the mien of that sad-eyed man seemed to prefigure a martyr's end. He heard him speak in the afternoon at their fair grounds and returning to Chicago heard Stephen A. Douglas make his last speech as candidate for the presidency on the northern ticket of the Democ- racy.
Mr. Hitchcock came to Sidney in 1861, which has been his home ever since. He enlisted in the army but was rejected on account of a bad knee gotten in a wrestling match and paid a substitute $100 a year in addition to the army pay to take his place. On settling in Sidney his father bought the place now owned by W. B. McCabe on the Hardin hill where they lived for many years. To show the advance in real estate in the city the old Honnell farm, one mile northeast of Sidney, of one hundred acres his father bought for $20 an acre and the Carey farm of 170 acres, comprising the Orbison hill, now a delightful suburb of Sidney, for $45 an acre.
Mr. Hitchcock was identified with the schools of Sidney two different times as principal of the high school, many years county and local examiner of teachers, and for more than thirty years a writer for the Sidney Journal, the Gazette and Sidney Journal Gazette.
He has been too credulous, thinking that men are better than they are, has sung at more funerals than any man in the county, written more obitu- aries and filled more sporting columns with base ball accounts than any other writer in these parts. He is a great lover of poetry and the best of literature, a mind rich with the masterpieces of the ages and an author of a book of poems called "Waifs," which contains some rare bits of philosophy.
In politics he has always been a republican, though the political com- plexion of the county has not been nor is not of the hue to inspire nor foster republican aspirations. A member of the Presbyterian church and a leader of its choir for thirty years.
He was married October 20, 1864, to Margaret Jane Edgar and had three children, Jane, now Mrs. Harry Van De Grift; Wade. deceased, and Ruth.
As Thanksgiving time is approaching and trees are bare it is not deemed inappropriate to insert a poem on autumn from his booklet :
The autumn leaves are falling Because it's time to fall ; That must be the reason For there's scarce been frost at all.
Just lost their hold and grip it seems Obeyed the parting call.
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Have they got tired swinging, On branches to and fro? The sport of wanton breezes That had a mind to blow, And so come reeling downward To find a rest below ?
Or do they grieve to see their hue Fading every day? Their green turning to yellow Brown or ashen gray? The tints which say you're growing old And hastening to decay.
The happy birds all summer Have caroled sweetest songs Among the leaves upon the trees ; But to the south they've gone, And now the only music, Is a rustle of their own.
The rosy smile of morning The hushed air's restful calm; Refreshing dews, reviving rains Were welcomed as a balm, The moon's pale beams, and starlight gleams, They caught in eager palm.
But now the summer's over, The leaves have had their day ; Their shade's no longer needed, Thus has it been alway, That they must fall and be the sport Of vagrant winds at play.
Baldwin Hitchcock, as he was more familiarly known, closed his eyes for- ever December 26, 1912, a little past seventy-four years of life. The infirmi- ties of age did not invade the realm of his intellect nor befog his memory, so he was never old.
The following article on the death of Mr. Hitchcock was written by Judge H. T. Mathers, of Sidney, and was read at the funeral services :
"Notwithstanding the sorrow I feel over the decease of my friend. it affords me a deep satisfaction publicly to attest, as I have often done privately. the loyal friendship and lovable characteristics of him whom we have lost awhile. The unconscious influences of life are more constant and more potent than we realize. As teacher and newspaper writer Mr. Hitchcock
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served his day and generation well. Again and again have I met his old scholars, who, when they learned I lived in Sidney, asked me about him and gratefully acknowledged their obligation for the instruction and inspiration he had given them. There are many successful business men today whose commercial education began under his tutelage, which gave the first and cor- rect impulse to their subsequent training. No man connected with the press of this country, no matter how small the town or humble the publication, who appreciates its capacity for patriotic service, can fail to render that service, in some degree at least, if his literary activities are appreciable and rightly directed. And Mr. Hitchcock's were both large and rightly directed. His editorial and literary work was never malicious, usually helpful and always wholesome. His was a gentle spirit, which was imbued with the philosophy of the Master, whether he realized it or not, and which would rather return good for evil and when reviled revileth not again. Nathaniel-like, it was without guile, and was simple and lovable. His was a sunny spirit, whose coming was always a joy and whose going a regret, whose presence made some of life's disappointments less keen and its darker outlooks brighter. His magnificent voice, for so many years employed in the church services, lent an impressiveness to the lines of our majestic hymns that, I have no doubt, carried their meaning to many minds not influenced by the spoken word; and that same voice in reading or recitation, expressing, as it always did, the selections of excellent taste, was a delight and a benediction to those fortunate enough to hear him and helped one to realize the true, the beautiful and the good in literature. Can any doubt that that gentle, sunny spirit, that magnificent voice, that exquisite taste, that lovable and loving comrade- ship he was always willing to indulge with his friends and with those who needed it, was needed elsewhere in God's universe, and so God took him there ?"
F. M. DEAM, whose fine farm of 147 acres lies in Green township, the Deam turnpike which passes his door having been so named in honor of his father, was born in Orange township, Shelby county, O., three and one-half miles south of Sidney in 1855, and is a son of Harmon and Angeline (Rey- nolds) Deam.
Harmon Deam was born in Montgomery County, O., and came to Shelby county in 1848 and afterward followed farming in Orange township until his death, at the age of seventy-three years. He married Angeline Reynolds and six children were born to them: Henry, Ella, John L., Frank M., Andrew H. and Kate.
Frank M. Deam left home to see the world soon after his school days were over, went West and for some time found employment on cattle ranges in different states and brought cattle over the trail from Texas. He met with many adventures while taking part in the rough life incident to freighting and railroad building, and by 1895 was ready to settle permanently and follow the peaceful pursuits of agriculture. Consequently he returned to his native sec- tion and in 1901 purchased his present valuable farm, which lies five miles
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southeast of Sidney. To the improvement of his place, Mr. Deam has devoted time and money and probably no farm in this part of the county has more comfortable, convenient or more attractive buildings and surroundings.
Mr. Deam married Miss Kate E. McGrane, who was born in Nebraska. They are members of the Roman Catholic church. He is a democrat in his political opinions and is a member of the Shelby County Fair Board. Mr. Deam is identified with no fraternal organizations except the Knights of Columbus.
L. C. WILSON, who carries on general farming and stock raising in Green township, has spent almost all his life on the homestead, which he is operating for his mother, who is a highly esteemed resident of Fletcher, O. Mr. Wilson was born at Covington, Miami county, O., and was two years old when his parents, Joshua and Lydia (Brown) Wilson, came to this property. The father was a native of Montgomery county, O., and after coming to Green township placed all the improvements on this farm, on which he con- tinued to live as long as active, moving then to Fletcher, where his death occurred at the age of seventy years. Both his sons, L. C. and Stanley, are farmers in Green township.
L. C. Wilson and brother attended the district schools in Green township and assisted on the home farm of 126 acres, after which he operated the same for six years and since his father's death has continued its management in his mother's interest. He owns 137 acres just north of this farm but he has rented it to a good tenant and continues to live on the old homestead. Mr. Wilson married Miss Anna Bennett and they have four children: Foster, Ethel, Lowell and Edith. Being an independent thinker, Mr. Wilson has not identified himself with any political faction and casts his vote as a free Amer- ican citizen, entirely according to his own judgment after intelligent considera- tion of public issues. All local matters of public concern receive his attention and the public schools and their advancement particularly interest him.
WILLIAM M. CAVEN, whose finely improved farm of seventy-nine acres, is situated in Green township, twelve miles southeast of Sidney, O., came from one of the old and representative families of Miami county, where he was born August 1, 1871, a son of James M. Caven, who subsequently became a well-known resident of Orange township, Shelby county.
William M. Caven was educated in the public schools and grew to man- hood on his father's farm and remained there until 1894, when he settled on his present place. Mr. Caven has so improved his property that it arouses favorable comment and he undoubtedly has the finest set of farm buildings in Green township. He carries on a general farming line, raising grain and stock, and a pleasant prosperity seems very apparent and evidently has been brought about by Mr. Caven's excellent management.
·Mr. Caven married Miss Maggie Covault, a daughter of Erastus Covault, who was a farmer in Miami county. Mr. and Mrs. Caven have three chil- dren : Foster I., Franklin C., and William Garner. The family belongs to the
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Christian church. Mr. Caven has served with efficiency in the office of town- ship trustee, elected to the same on the democratic ticket.
A. STACKHOUSE, a well-known general farmer in Green township, residing on a fine tract of sixty-five acres, lying ten miles southeast of Sidney, was born in Clinton County, O., August 28, 1852, and is a son of Elisha and Sarah J. (Hyatt) Stackhouse.
Elisha Stackhouse was born also in Clinton county and was of English extraction, the family in early times possessing a coat of arms. He married Sarah J. Hyatt, who was of Scotch extraction and was born in Fayette county, Pa. They came to Shelby county when their son was fourteen years old but later lived in Van Wert county for nine years, and then settled on the present home tract. This land Elisha Stackhouse improved and resided on until his death, at the age of sixty-four years. His widow survives and lives on the homestead, being now in her eighty-third year. They had two children: A. and Myra Ann, and the family all remain on the old place. General farming and moderate stock raising are carried on, the soil being kept in good con- dition and proving very productive.
Mr. Stackhouse married Miss Anna Wiley and they have three children : Jennie, Kenneth and Sarah. In politics Mr. Stackhouse is affiliated with the republican party and for four years he has been a member of the township school board. When a young man he became interested in the aims of the fraternal order of Odd Fellows and has been identified with the same for twenty years, belonging to Osceola Encampment at Sidney, O.
PETER J. EILERMAN, who is a general farmer residing in section 26, Cynthian township. Shelby county, O., was born on this farm of eighty acres. September 13, 1888, and is a son of Henry and Anna ( Bauer) Eilerman.
Henry Eilerman was born in McLean township, Shelby county, and was a farmer all his life. After his marriage he settled first on a farm one mile east of Fort Loramie, in McLean township, but afterward sold and bought sixty acres one mile north of Newport, which he also sold and then purchased the farm of eighty acres in Cynthian township on which the remainder of his life was spent. He was a well-known and highly respected man, a devout and faithful member of the Catholic church at Newport, O., and a useful citizen. He served one terin as township trustee, being elected on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Eilerman's death occurred on June 30, 1912, his age being fifty- seven years, five months and twenty-eight days and his burial was in the Catho- lic cemetery at Newport. He married Anna Bauer, who survives, and eight children were born to them, three of whom, Frances, Laurence and Bertha, are now deceased. Those living are: George, who was born April 15, 1872 : Frances, who is the wife of Henry Sherman, of McLean township; Peter ; and Gertrude and Agnes, both of whom live at home.
An interesting event in the life of Henry Eilerman was his visit to the World's Fair at St. Louis, Mo., in 1904. Leaving Ohio by wagon, June I. 1904, he made the trip in twenty-one days, camping by the roadside on the way.
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He stayed at St. Louis three weeks and then drove back to Shelby county, Ohio, making the return trip. in seventeen days. On March 7, 1908, Henry Eilerman with his family went to California, staying there seven months and then returning to Ohio. On January 21, 1912, he with his wife and son George, went to Florida to spend the winter there, returning to Ohio March 20, 1912.
Peter J. Eilerman with his brother (and sister) attended the township schools, and the sons then assisted their father and since his death have been associated in carrying on the farm industries, crop and stock raising. The land is all cleared but is not yet all drained but under their good management it will no doubt become one of the finest farms of this section. The brothers like other members of the family are faithful Catholics and belong to the church at Newport. In politics Mr. Eilerman is a democrat and is now serving as clerk of the board of education of the Turner Special School District, elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John Sherman, and in this position is giving entire satisfaction.
FRANK ERNST, who is one of the representatives and substantial men of McLean township, was born in this township February 13, 1864, and resides on his farm of 160 acres, which lies in section 10, and owns a second farm of 100 acres, in section II, both being situated in the Sherman Special School District, in which he secured his education.
After his school days were over, Mr. Ernst applied himself entirely to agricultural pursuits and at the time of marriage settled on his present home farm which he operates himself while his second farm, above mentioned, he has placed in charge of a tenant. His surroundings indicate thrift, good man- agement and comfort and with the exception of the residence, which he remodeled, all the buildings have been erected since he took possession. He raises grain and stock but uses about all he produces of the former to put the latter in good condition. In politics a strong democrat he takes an interest in the success of his party but desires no offices for himself.
Mr. Ernst was united in marriage with Miss Mary Sherman, a daughter of John Sherman, of one of the old county families, and eight children have been born to them, namely: Katie, Frank, Jr., John, Sophia, Ida, Bertha, Agnes and Albert. Mr. Ernst and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church.
T. M. BEAMER, M. D., an experienced medical practitioner now some- what retired from professional activity, resides on his well-kept farm of sixty acres, situated six and one-half miles southeast of Sidney, O. He was born at Fletcher, O., in 1854, and is a son of Dr. Thomas M. and Jane (Runkle) Beamer.
Dr. Thomas M. Beamer was born in Virginia and for twenty-five years was a valued physician and surgeon at Fletcher, O., and was prevented from becoming a soldier in the Civil war on account of being the only medical prac- titioner in the above town at that time. His death occurred at the age of
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forty-five years, while living in California. He married Jane Runkle, who was born in Mad River township, Clark county, O., and eight children were born to them.
T. M. Beamer was seven years old when he was sent to the home of his grandparents in Illinois, where he remained for three years, attending school in the meanwhile, then returned to his father and afterward went to Iowa with his brother, and again returned to Fletcher. While with his brother he learned the principles of medical science and about this time had one term of lectures in the Cincinnati Medical College. During the next year he practiced medicine in Missouri, after which he returned to Ohio and completed his medical course and entered into practice at Fletcher. On March 27, 1879, he located at Plattsville, in Shelby county, and continued until 1902, when he accepted a position as manager of a sanitarium at Springfield, O., for the cure of alcohol and drug addictions, conducted by the Willowbark Company, remov- ing later with the same company, to St. Paris, and after two years, to Piqua, but shortly afterward decided to engage in agricultural pursuits and moved to the Sarver farm in Green township, Shelby county. After his many years of professional work and during a number of years meeting with many dis- tressing cases, Dr. Reamer found the quiet country life most beneficial, and in 1910 purchased the farm on which he now resides and where agricultural industries greatly interest him. He still continues to practice to a certain extent, in his neighborhood, but no longer makes his profession his main occu- pation.
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