History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 46

Author: Thaddeus S. Gilliland
Publication date: 1906
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 870

USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 46

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Mr. and Mrs. Reed are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Reed is a Democrat, socially an Odd Fellow. Their hospitable home in Pleasant township is frequently the scene of family and friendly gatherings, for both Mr. Reed and wife are very well known and highly esteemed.

A DAM GREULACH was born in Ger- many October 4, 1846, and died at the family home in Pleasant town- ship, Van Wert County, August 8, 1899. He received his education in the schools of the fatherland and at the age of 15 accom- panied his parents, Peter and Magdalena (Wagen) Greulach, to this country, coming at once to Ohio and locating in Pleasant town-

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ship, on the farm which is now the home of his widow. The remainder of his life was passed in this locality, where he engaged in farming, and he became noted for his thrift and industry, his integrity and uprightness. A hard working man and a good manager, he succeeded in accumulating considerable prop- erty, which was left to his wife and children with the legacy of a good name. For some two years after marriage he resided in Harri- son township, but in 1873 located on the Greu- lach homestead, than which few country resi- dences are better known in Van Wert County.

Mr. Greulach was married February 2, 1871, to Margaret Wendel, who was born in Germany February 20, 1846, being a daugh- ter of Peter and Mary E. (Hofmann) Wendel. At the age of six years she came to America with her parents, who located in Harrison township, Van Wert County, Ohio, and it was there Mrs. Greulach received her education and developed into womanhood. She is a lady of pleasing personality, who commands the re- spect and esteem of all who know her, and her friends are legion. To Mr. and Mrs. Greu- lach were born six children, namely: Jacob, of Pleasant township; Emma P., wife of Charles Schaadt, of Willshire township; John A., superintendent of schools at Convoy; Henry, of Pleasant township; Philip, deceased and Martin, of Pleasant township. Mr. Greu- lach was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the German Evangelical Associa- tion, with which his widow is also identified.

J OSEPH McMILLEN, a representative business citizen of Van Wert. and a partner in the McMillen Grain Com- pany-which operates six elevators and owns the largest mill in this section-is a native of Ohio, born in Allen County. July 15.

1855. He is a son of James J. and Harriet (Gilliland) McMillen. In the founding of the American branch, the McMillen family came from Ireland to Pennsylvania, and many of its members participated in the Revolutionary War. The paternal grandfather of Joseph McMillen was born December 22, 1794. and in 1830 emigrated to Knox County. Ohio, where he entered a tract of 200 acres of land. He lived there until 1842 when he removed to Allen County, where he died in March, 18So. James J. McMillen, father of Joseph, was more liberally educated than many youths of his time, completing his course in the Delaware (Ohio) University and being for some years a successful teacher. In 1854 he married Har- riet Gilliland, a member of one of the promi- nent families of Van Wert County, and they had 10 children, the survivors being: Joseph, of this sketch; Alice, widow of M. D. Mann, of Van Wert; Alonzo B., of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Ida, wife of Thomas Pollock, of Middlepoint, Ohio; Charles S., of Wood- burn, Indiana; Albert and Delbert (twins), of Van Wert County; and Hattie, wife of Ed- ward Carlo, of Van Wert.

In 1852 James J. McMillen engaged in a general mercantile business at Elida. Ohio, to which, in 1856, he added grain and produce, and in 1858 he further increased his respon- sibilities by the purchase of 60 acres of land in Allen County, on which he began farming and the raising of stock. By a successful combi- nation of these various interests he became one of the substantial men of this part of Van Wert County. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and a stanch Democrat. His death occurred October 1, 1897.

Joseph McMillen was educated in the com- mon schools, and throughout most of his busi- ness life, has been identified with the grain business, although he is also a practical farmer

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and the owner of valuable property. In 1893 he engaged more extensively in the grain busi- ness, and in 1901 built the present elevator in Van Wert, at a cost of $10,000, it being the equal in capacity of any in this section. In connection with it and in partnership with his son, Dale W., Mr. McMillen operates six ele- vators in Paulding and Van Wert counties, giving employment to a number of people.

Mr. McMillen's wife was formerly Jennie Willmore, a daughter of J. H. Willmore, of Virginia. They have six children, as follows : Dale W., who married Agnes Stewart, of Bat- tle Creek, Michigan, and resides at Grover Hill, Ohio-they have one child, Stewart W .; Anna Bernice, wife of C. S. Fergus, D. D. S., of Van Wert; Nellie B., wife of Dr. R. R. Richi- son, of Van Wert, and the mother of one daughter-Pauline; Louis G., Ralph Otis and Geraldine, all living at home. Mr. and Mrs. McMillen are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Democrat. Fra- ternally he is a Mason. The handsome family residence is situated in West Main street.

J AMES R. TILLOTSON, M. D., a rising young physician of Delphos, who has already won the confidence of the people and the respect and esteem of the medical fraternity, is certain to make his way to the very top of his profession, if his past record is a criterion by which we may. judge his future. His grandfather, Elkanah Tillotson, came from Brooklyn, New York, to Adams County, Ohio, where the father of our subject still resides. Dr. Tillotson was born in Dunbarton, that county. November 26, 1877. and is one of four children, all of whom except our subject, settled down near the old home in Manchester. Ohio. His parents are John W. and Lucinda D. (Jobe) Tillotson.

His brother, Granville M., was born April 28, 1874. and died at Manchester December 27, 1903. Both his sisters are living, Lucy being the wife of C. C. Smalley and Ella, the wife of Ephraim P. Martin.

James R. Tillotson was ambitious to ob- tain a superior education and, after leaving the public school, entered the normal school of Adams County and later the National Normal University at Lebanon. Having decided to enter the medical profession, he taught school to obtain the money to pursue his studies. His winters were devoted to teaching while in the summer he attended college. In 1898 he en- tered the Ohio Northern University at Ada, graduating in the class of 1900. He then ac- cepted a position as teacher in the public schools of Van Wert. After teaching here for one year, he entered the University of Louis- ville, Kentucky, and was there two years. An- other year was spent in the medical depart- ment of the University of Cincinnati before he felt justified in entering upon the active ca- reer for which he was preparing himself so carefully.

Dr. Tillotson first practiced for a few months in Sardinia, Brown County, Ohio, in partnership with a fellow-townsman, Dr. John N. Ellison. On September 1, 1904, he located in Delphos and was associated with Dr. Charles W. Moots, who withdrew from the partner- ship at the expiration of the first year and opened an office at Toledo. Dr. Tillotson has since been alone, and has been successful in building up one of the best practices in this section. His unblemished character, affable and prepossessing manner, and absorption in his chosen work, have gained for him the good opinion of all with whom he has come in con- tact, and given him an entrance to the best homes in the city. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order.

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C HOMAS P. JOHNSON, a prominent resident of Van Wert, the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres in section 21, Hoaglin township, and a veteran of the great Civil war, is a native of this State. He was born in Allen County, Ohio, February 4, 1841, and is a son of Thomas Xenophon and Mary F. (McClure) Johnson.

The father of Mr. Johnson was born in Scott County and the mother in Harrison County, Kentucky. In 1829 they moved to Champaign County, Ohio, and from there, in 1839, they moved to Allen County, where they settled in the woods as pioneers. Their land was in Bath township, where Samuel McClure, our subject's uncle, had been the first settler. He found the Indians trustful and kind, and they assisted him in the building of his cabin. As far as our records reveal, this family had no troubles with the aborigines.

Thomas P. Johnson was reared on his father's farm in Bath township. His educa- tional opportunities were the best the locality afforded during his boyhood; but as he grew older, he enjoyed instruction in the Lima High School. After completing his education, he taught school for 15 winters through Allen and Van Wert counties, and in this way be- came known over a wide extent of country. He recalls many of the warm friends of those days and many interesting experiences.

Among the very first to respond to the call for troops at the opening of the Civil war which, to the dismay of the North, dragged its weary length over years of suffering and death, was Thomas P. Johnson, who came forward with his life in his hand, leaving behind him the quiet school-room and his hopes of higher literary training. On April 22, 1861, he en- listed in Company A, 20th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and with his loyal companions was hur- ried to Virginia, where the almost raw recruits

were put to guarding railroads. During this first enlistment of three months duration, Mr. Johnson fought in his first battle, that at Car- rick's Ford, Virginia, and became a seasoned soldier. He served out his time, and then re- turned to Bath township. Mr. Johnson re- entered the army on May 2, 1864, enlisting in Company B, 15Ist Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for 100 days, but served for a considerably longer period, during which time he was commander of a brigade of transportation at Washington, D. C. Again he was honorably discharged, and again returned to peaceful pursuits; but when another call came for troops, he again responded for the third time, enlisting on Sep- tember 8, 1864, in Company A, 180th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.

The regiment to which his company was attached became a part of the 23rd Army Corps, under command of General Schofield. During this term of service Mr. Johnson par- ticipated in the battle of Wise's Forks at Kingston, North Carolina, and in numerous very serious skirmishes and hot engagements. Good fortune attended him, and although he had thrice enlisted in the service of his coun- try, and had been exposed in company with others of his command, he was able to return home uninjured. He was honorably dis- charged at Columbus, on July 25, 1865, the regiment having been mustered out at Char- lotte, North Carolina, on July 12, 1865.

Mr. Johnson came to Van Wert County in 1865, and two years later secured posses- sion of the 160 acres of land in Hoaglin town- ship, which he still owns. At that time it was but a wild tract, still in its virgin state. Mr. Johnson immediately commenced its clearing and development and now, almost 40 years later, it is one of the most valuable proper- ties in the county. -

On November 15, 1874, Mr. Johnson was

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MR. AND MRS. ROBERT A. GAMBLE AND FAMILY

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united in marriage with Jennie M. Ford, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, and died on August 10, 1875. On July 15, 1877: Mr. Johnson was married to Mary A. Russell, who was born December 12, 1844, in Licking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Daniel A. and Fanny (Townsend) Russell. Mr. Rus- sell was a native of Ohio, but his father was born in New Hampshire of New England stock. Mrs. Russell was born in New York. When Mrs. Johnson was seven years old, her parents moved to Allen County from Lick- ing County, and were very early settlers in Jackson township, where they became respected residents and substantial people.

In 1878 Mr. and Mrs. Johnson removed to Bluffton, Ohio, where he entered into busi- ness and became a very prominent citizen. The esteem in which he was held was evidenced by his election as mayor. During a part of his residence at Bluffton, he was city engineer. For a time he served as assessor of Richland town- ship. Allen County, being a man whose qual- ifications for office as well as sterling character in every relation of life have commanded the recognition of his fellow-citizens. Politically, Mr. Johnson is a Democrat. and during four years of his residence in Hoaglin township he served as a justice of the peace.

For some years after leaving Bluffton, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson lived on the farm in Hoaglin township; later they settled at Van Wert. They are members of the Christian Church at Van Wert and are leaders in its activities.

Mr. Johnson is a popular member of the W. C. Scott Post No. 100, G. A. R., of Van Wert. In large measure he is a self-made man. Early in life he determined to possess a good education and worked hard for the means to procure it. Although public events brought, about a possible change in his aspiration. he

has shows the same determination to succeed in whatever he undertook, which marked him in his early youth.

R OBERT A. GAMBLE resides on a farm of So acres in section 36, Ridge township, and has been a resident of the township since his seventh year, when his parents, George W. and Martha (Davis) Gamble, located in the township named. He was born September 26, 1842, in Carroll County, Ohio, both of his parents being natives of Ireland. George W. Gamble the father, came to America with his parents, when but a child, and lived in Carroll County, where he was educated. grew to manhood and was married to Martha Davis. A large family blessed their union, but only the following five are living : Robert A .; Amor L., a resident of Spencerville, Ohio; Sarah J., wife of Charles Shank of Detroit, Michigan; George P., a res- ident of Middlepoint; and Eva L., wife of Charles C. McMillen, of. Ridge township. George W. Gamble was trustee of Ridge town- ship for some years. He was a soldier of the Civil war for three years, being a member of Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and the oldest man in the regiment. He died in February, 1892, having reached the good old age of almost 80 years.

Robert A. Gamble has always devoted his life to farming in Ridge township, where he grew to manhood and acquired his education. On September 22, 1864. he enlisted in Com- pany H. 15th Reg .. Ohio Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the commissary department: his entire service was less than one year. On Sep- tember 6. 1866, he was joined in marriage to Fannie Gipe, who was born in Richland Coun-

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ty, Ohio. December 25, 1839. Her parents, Samuel and Martha ( Harnley ) Gipe, were na- tives of Pennsylvania and resided in Richland County, Ohio, until about 1850, when they moved to Ridge township. Van Wert County. Of the large family of children born to them, nine are living, viz. : Fannie, wife of Robert A. Gamble; Catherine ( Mrs. W. L. McClure), of Argos, Indiana; Amos, a resident of Wabash, Indiana ; Reuben L., of Paulding, Ohio; Aman- da, widow of L. W. Bethards and a resident of Belleville, Kansas; Harriet, wife of Erwin Edson, of Portland, Missouri; Emanuel C., of Chicago; Lonvina, of California : and Mary E., wife of Samuel Burden, of Van Wert.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Gamble are the parents of nine children, the eight living being : Amanda E., wife of P. V. Sheley, of Middle- point ; Alpha O., of Lima; Samuel W., of Pleasant township; Harvey L., of Ridge town- ship; Amos F. of York township; David C., of Van Wert; John E., of Elwood, Indiana; and Emma J., wife of Joseph Sterling, of Jackson township; Cora A., a young lady of 18 years, died on the 30th of June, 1899. Mr. Gamble is a member of the G. A. R. post and also of the tent of the Improved Order of Red Men at Middlepoint. A picture of the family of our subject accompanies this sketch, being pre- sente:1 on a foregoing page.

e HARLES A. LEASENHOFF, who is a leading dealer in staple and fancy groceries at Ohio City, is one of the city's progressive business men, being interested in a number of important enterprises. He was born at Miamisburg. Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1864. and is a son of the late Egratz Leasenhoff, whose wife Jane was a native of France. The father was

born in Germany. From Montgomery County he moved to Van Wert County, where he was the first miller to operate the City Mills, of which he was long the superintendent and prominent in his special industrial line.

Charles A. Leasenhoff was reared and edu- cated in Van Wert County, and then learned the baking business, at which he was engaged in Van Wert until 1889, when he moved to Ohio City and established a bakery, which h. successfully conducted for 15 years. In 1903 he sold the establishment and since then has been engaged in the grocery business. To ac- commodate his large and varied stock he erected his present handsome two-story brick block, which has a frontage of 44 feet and a depth of 133 feet. It is well equipped with modern conveniences and the upper story is suitably arranged and fitted up for residence purposes. Mr. Leasenhoff is also a director in the Farmers' Bank of Ohio City and is inter- ested in the Liberty Oil Company, his many business interests and his continued public spirit making him one of the city's most prom- inent residents.

In February, 1890, Mr. Leasenhoff was married to Lottie Gephart, who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Josephine. Mr. Leasenhoff is a member of the Catholic Church. In fraternal circles he is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias.

m ATHIAS FORNEFELD, manufac- turer of drain tile, is one of the leading business men of Washing- ton township, and resides on his farm located in section 33. He was born in Marion township, Allen County, Ohio. June 30, 1855. being the only child of Henry W. and Mary Fornefeld. natives of Westphalia

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and Hanover, Germany, respectively, but who were married in Delphos, Ohio. Henry W. Fornefeld spent the greater portion of his life in farming and was one of the pioneer settlers of the locality near Delphos, where he pur- chased and cultivated a farm of 130 acres. His death took place in 1890; his wife died in 1886.

Mathias Fornefeld was reared and re- ceived a common-school education in Allen County, remaining at home and assisting his father with the work on the farm until he was 23 years of age, when he moved to Van Wert County. Married in Allen County, in 1878, to. Anna Stippich, daughter of Joseph Stippich. his first year in Van Wert County was spent in general work, after which he cleared the land which belonged to his wife. At first he built a house of round logs, which the young couple occupied until January 4, 1884, when it was destroyed by fire, but he immediately erected the house which the family now occupy. and to which he has since made many addi- tions and improvements. In 1892 he became associated with John Mueller in the manu- facture of drain tile, which partnership con- tinued for five years, when Mr. Fornefeld sold his interest in the business to his partner and retired to his farm. After farming for two years, he built in 1889 his present tile mill. He has installed an Anger tile machine. a clay crusher and other machinery, and has a capac- ity per season of about 25 kiln of tile of various sizes. Mr. Fornefeld employs one man to operate the mill. who furnishes his own assis- tants, most of the product being sold from his yard; the mill is kept running at its full capacity.

Mr. and Mrs. Fornefeld have nine chil- dren. all living, namely: Mathias J .. who married Louise Sendelbach and lives in Del- phos, the father of two children; Anna ( Mrs.

Joseph Kimmet) ; Lizzie; Verrona M .; Mary; Frances; Joseph; Alice and Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Fornefeld are members of St. John's Catholic Church at Delphos, and he is a mem- her of St. Joseph's Society. He is a man of influence, having served one term as super- visor of Washington township.

OHN SEMER owns a well-kept farm of 40 acres in section 33, Jackson township, and has been so busily en- gaged in the faithful discharge of the various duties the public has placed upon him, that few men are more widely or more favor- ably known within the confines of the county. He was born February 3, 1847, and is a native of the State of Pennsylvania, as were his par- ents, John H. and Catherine (Matz) Semer.

In 1851, the elder Semer and his family moved to Fairfield County, whence, a year later, they came to Van Wert County and set- tled in section 28, Jackson township. One of the few white settlers of that wild region, John H. Semer at once became a leader among his fellows, and used his influence for the advance- ment of the new settlement. It was at his suggestion that the new township-the last one formed in the county-was named in 1:onor of that remarkable man, Andrew Jack- son. He was treasurer of the township for a time, but his career of usefulness was cut short by death in 1862. His wife survived him many years, passing away March 20, 1895. They were the parents of 10 children, seven of whom are now living, viz .: Henry, of Haviland; John; Catherine, widow of Joseph Osenga, of Putnam County: Emma, wife of George Hedrick, of Michigan; Polly, wife of Vincent Ladd, of Paulding County; Allen, of Alverton, Ohio; and Cassie, wife of William

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Dunlap, of Montana, Ohio. William, Lydia and Edward are deceased.

John Semer, the subject of this article, has lived practically his entire life in Jackson township, attending the public schools and en- gaged in the duties of farm life. In 1870 he settled on his present farm, which is one of the best cultivated in the county. He has been twice married, his first wife having been Margaret Simpson, of Delphos, to whom he was married July 31, 1869. Seven children were born to them, six of whom are living at this time, viz .; Edward L., of Jackson town- ship; Eliza, wife of William Pangle, of Jack- son township; Cassiah, wife of Elwood Snell- ing. of Wan Wert; Luella, wife of David Rhodes, of Hartford City, Indiana; Bytha, wife of Alfred Mowery, of Van Wert; and Millie, who resides with her father. On May 23, 1901, Mr. Semer was married to his pres- ent wife, formerly Mrs. Frances Ruth, widow of Thomas Ruth of Vincennes, and daughter of John and Margaret (Reams) Carpenter, Her father was a native of Virginia, and her mother of Fairfield County, Ohio; they were among the early settlers of Van Wert County, locating in Washington township. By her first marriage Mrs. Semer had five children, namely : Lenna, wife of Henry Ahrens, of Toledo; Frederick, also of Toledo; Arthur, of Jackson township; and Walter and Noel T., both of whom are at home. Mr. Semer is a Democrat and has served as trustee and clerk of the township, has served on the School Board and for more than a quarter of a cen- tury has been justice of the peace. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of all and his well- known rectitude and integrity have caused him to be chosen many times to administer on vari- ous estates. He is connected with Middlepoint Lodge. No. 665, I. O. O. F., and has held various offices in the organization.

AMES W. HARVEY, who resides in section 22, Hoaglin township, is one of the pioneers of Van Wert County. who is closely identified with the his- tory and growth of this section of the State. He was born April 29, 1829, in Richland County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Sarah (Watson) Harvey, with whom he came to Van Wert County in 1841. William Har- vey was a Democrat, a devout member of the United Brethren Church and a man who made many friends. He was treasurer of Hoaglin township for some time, and a most capable and efficient official.

The family resided in Union township for a number of years before coming to Hoaglin township. where our subject owns a farm of 60 acres. He has always engaged in farm- ing, and seldom fails in harvesting good crops. He was married October 24, 1850, to Wil- helmina Reese, a native of Germany and a daughter of Christopher and Charlotte Reese. When about 15 years old she came to the United States with her parents. They resided for a short time in Dayton. Ohio, and later came to Van Wert County and settled in Union township. Mrs. Harvey died February 17, 1900. Of the eight children born to her, five survive, namely : Lewis A., a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana : and George H., Francis D., Clara A. and Perry H., who live in Hoaglin township. Mr. Harvey is a Democrat and has served as trustee of the township for several terms.

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History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 46

Author: Thaddeus S. Gilliland Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Number of Pages: 870

Author: Thaddeus S. Gilliland
Publication date: 1906
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 870