History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 51

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 51

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Frank A. Poling received his early educa- tion in a private school in West Virginia, and later entered the University of West Virginia at Morgantown, where he pursued a three years' course previous to teaching school. In 1880 he came north to Ohio and engaged in teaching in Union County for one school year, and in 1881 came to Van Wert County. Here he both taught and successfully conducted a farm in Hoaglin township. This combining of the work of a farmer and a teacher was con- tinued for some 13 years. In 1888 he pur- chased his recent farm of 83 acres in Ridge township. He then relinquished his school work and devoted his attention exclusively to agriculture. His farming operations are car- ried on along scientific lines and few farmers can show more pleasing or profitable results than his.

On August 15. 1885. Mr. Poling was mar- ried to Minnie Crader of Marysville, Ohio, and

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a family of five children have been born to them-Charles N., William L., Mae, Mary A. and Doyt. Mr. Poling is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a most up- right, enterprising citizen. He is a Republi- can, and has been chosen to fill a number of public offices since locating in this county. While a member of the School Board, he was made its president, and the work done under his administration resulted most happily for the schools of Ridge township. While a resident of Hoaglin township, Mr. Poling served as as- sessor two terms and has been justice of the peace in Ridge township for nine years. He was recently elected Treasurer of the county by a very flattering vote and is one of the most popular men in the county. Fraternally he is a member of Abanaki Tent, Improved Order of Red Men and of Alpha Lodge, No. 1, Home Guards of America, both of Van Wert. A pic- ture of Mr. and Mrs. Poling and their children accompanies this sketch.

R EV. JAMES M. SHERER, of the United Brethren Church, has been a valued minister in this religious body for the past 15 years. He resides on his Co-acre farm in sections 8 and 9, Jennings township. Mr. Sherer was born in Spencer township, Allen County, Ohio, January I, 1856, and is a son of Abram WV. and Sarah ( Miller) Sherer.

The record of the Sherer family is clearly traced to the time of the great-grandfather of Rev. James Sherer-George Sherer, who was married in Virginia to Elizabeth Coler. The latter was born in 1779, and died December 20, 1848. James Sherer, a son of this union, and the grandfather of our subject. was born Feb- ruary 1, 1810, and died May 15. 1895. On February 3, 1834, he married Rebecca Nelson,

who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, September 26, 1818, and died September 30. 1848. They had these children : Abram W., Lucinda, Anthony, Huldah, Louisa, Saran E. and Rebecca : the father of our subject being the only survivor.

In 1853 Abram W. Sherer, who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, June 13. 1835, accompanied his parents to Allen County. His father entered 80 acres in section 3, Spencer township, and Abram W. Sherer still retains and occupies the old homestead. His life has been an entirely agricultural one. He married Sarah Miller, who was born October 12, 1838 and died March 6, 1863. They had four chil- dren, namely: James M .; Fannie, born Feb- ruary 22, 1858; Rebecca, born March 3. 1860, and an infant who died unnamed.

James M. Sherer was reared a farmer boy, and was educated in the district schools. He was a man of mature judgment when he en- tered the ministry of the United Brethren Church, in September, 1890, in which he has been active ever since. During the first two years his work was mainly of a local character, and then his sphere was widened and covered Allen, Hardin, Auglaize and Putnam counties, including Zanesville, Indiana. In 1894 he was ordained under Bishop H. T. Barnaby, at the annual conference, in Union Chapel, Mercer County. His subsequent charges were : Mon- ticello circuit, Kenton mission, Olive branch, Elida, Zanesville (Indiana), Miami and Twelve-Mile circuit.

In 1877 Mr. Sherer came to his present home-a valuable property consisting of 60 acres, 45 of which he has cleared. the rest having been cleared when he purchased it. His land has proved exceedingly fertile, his corn yielding under his fine methods of tillage. 50 bushels and over to the acre, and his oats fully 30 and over. Mr. Sherer successfully operates

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his farm and continues to improve it. When he settled here. it was almost entirely wood- land. and a log cabin was the sole building. Now a handsome, comfortable residence stands in its place. and substantial barns and granaries shelter fine stock and store the fruitful yields of the farm.

On July 25. 1877, Mr. Sherer was married to Ella Garee. who was born April 16, 1860, in Allen County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Henry and Sarah Jane ( Rupert) Garee and a granddaughter of Louis and Sarah (Wagner) Rupert, pioneers in Allen County. Louis Ru- pert still survives. being a venerable man of 92 years. Mr. and Mrs. Sherer have six children, as follows : H. F .. who married Elnora Hance, has three children, and resides in Van Wert County ; Emma Florence, who married John Wilkins, of Allen County, and has three chil- dren : Abram. residing at home; Bessie Pearl, who married David Heiss, has one child and resides on the home place; and Clara Belle and William Floyd, both living at home. Mr. Sherer is one of the trustees of the United Brethren Church at Monticello. While pur- suing his agricultural activities with excellent results, he devotes a great deal of time to his religious duties. His people admire and es- teem him, and they know that he is ever ready to befriend them, and in time of need to give them the most practical kind of sympathy. Po- litically he is a Republican and is serving his second term as justice of the peace in Jen- nings township.

EORGE W. STRIPE, a well-known agriculturist of Van Wert County, was born and reared on a farm in section 29. Hoaglin township, where he now resides. He was born October II, 1860. and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth

( Harvey) Stripe-one of four surviving children, namely : John, a resident of Indiana ; William H., of Hoaglin township; Jacob L., of Van Wert; and George W. Jacob Stripe was a native of this State, and at an early day came to Van Wert County, where he entered a large tract of land from the government, in what is now Hoaglin township. Here he re- sided until his death in 1882, when the county lost a reliable, honorable citizen.

George W. Stripe attended the public schools during his boyhood, and has always been interested in husbandry, being known as one of the best farmers in the township. He was married January 21, 1885, to Hermia A. Hattery, who was born on the farm now oc- cupied by our subject, her parents being Nathaniel and Ellen (Acheson ) Hattery. Both parents were natives of Ohio, the father coming to this county from Carroll County when a young man and entering the land which is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stripe. At that time Van Wert was but a small hamlet, and no roads had been laid out in the vicinity of his land. Mr. Acheson was a Republican in politics, public-spirited to a degree and took an active interest in township affairs, serving at one time as treasurer ,of the township. He was a member of the Van Wert County Agri- cultural Society of which he served as presi- dent; was affiliated with the Royal Arcanum and was a consistent member of the First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert. He died March 12, 1882 and is survived by six chil- dren, viz .: Elizabeth, wife of A. A. Giffin, of Hoaglin township; Thomas F., of Van Wert; Mary E., wife of H. K. Vincent, of Van Wert; Hermia A., wife of George W. Stripe; Mar- garet E., wife of S. W. Long. of Van Wert; and Nathaniel.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stripe, namely: Marie, and one that

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passed away. Mr. Stripe is a Democrat. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Marion En- campment at Van Wert, and is also a member of Alpha Lodge, No. 1, Home Guards of Amercia, of Van Wert. Mrs. Stripe and her daughter also hold memberships in the latter organization. The family are highly esteemed by every one. Mr. Stripe is a director of the Victor Horse Breeding Company.

ILLIAM H. PENNELL, vice-pres- ident of the People's Savings Bank, of Van Wert, and one of the city's representative men, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 18, 1843, and is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Baker) Pennell. Mr. Pennell is one of a family of 12 children, and was educated in the public schools of Fairfield County. He was but a lad when he offered his services in defense ot his country, at the opening of the Civil war, first serving for three months in the 17th Reg- iment, Ohio Vol. Inf. In 1862 he reenlisted in Company D, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and having been detailed as a druggist in the med- ical department, continued to serve until his honorable discharge in 1865.

In September, 1865, Mr. Pennell came to Van Wert and for a time was engaged in a plaster business, but later accepted the position of cashier in the Van Wert National Bank, with which he remained connected for the suc- ceeding 10 years. After a few years of com- parative retirement. he again entered into ac- tive business relations, assuming the position of vice-president of the People's Savings Bank of Van Wert. Mr. Pennell stands very high in banking circles. and, with his family, oc- cupies a prominent place in the educational and social movements of the city.

At Van Wert, Mr. Pennell was married

to Percelia, daughter of John Zimmerman, and they are the parents of two sons-Charles and Frank H .- enterprising young business men, who own and operate the leading drug store of the city. Mr. Pennell owns one of the luxurious homes on South Washington street, and is, in all respects, one of the most sub- stantial citizens of Van Wert. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party. He is a liberal supporter of the Lutheran Church.

ACOB A. WISE, township trustee and owner of a fine farm of 80 acres situ- ated in section 1. Liberty township. was born November 5, 1865. in this township, and is a son of George Michael and Elizabeth ( Hertel) Wise, who were both na- tives of Germany.

George M. Wise was born February 29, 1816, in Germany and later came to this coun- try and settled in Philadelphia, where he ran a bakery. He was married on March 9. 1847. to Elizabeth Hertel, and shortly after his mar- riage sold the bakery and moved to Bethlehem, Stark County, Ohio. In 1852 he moved to Liberty township, Van Wert County, where he purchased a farm of 80 acres, which was mostly timberland. This he cleared and built a log house. He added to this farm from time to time until he owned 320 acres of land, be- sides several dwelling houses and a building in Van Wert in which a grocery store was con- ducted. Before his death on March 21, 1898. he sold the greater part of this land to his sons. He was the father of nine children, namely: George J., who lives in Liberty township; Mary. who married David Elick, of Paulding County, and is now deceased; Elizabeth, who died during infancy; Susan, who is the widow of William Davis-she operates a grocery store in Van Wert: Catherine, now deceased,

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JOHN W. FISHER

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who was the wife of C. T. Bailey; Adam, who is a miller in Van Wert; Michael, who lives in Liberty township; Jacob; and Agatha, who married Rev. J. A. Mosier, of Indianapolis. Mrs. Wise was born April 4, 1825, and died April 9, 1800.

Jacob Wise was reared and educated in his native township, and has spent the whole of his life here engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married on November 6, 1887, to Jose- phine Sidle, a daughter of James and Eliza- beth Sidle, of Pleasant township. Mrs. Sidle died in 1873; her husband's death occurred 10 years later in 1883. To Mr. and Mrs. Wise have been born nine children : Goldie; Lillian; Ilo; Daisy; Grover, deceased at the age of one year; Naomi; Lucile, Waldo and an infant not yet named. After his marriage Mr. Wise first went to housekeeping on the farm adjoining the one now occupied by his brother, and the next year moved to the farm of 80 acres which he still occupies. He has made many substantial improvements on the farm. erecting his large frame house in 1890, and five years later the fine large barn. He also owns one lot and two residences in Van Wert. Politically Mr. Wise is identified with the Democratic party, and has served in sev- eral township offices. He was for six years one of the school directors, and, at present he is one of the township trustees. He is one of the leading members of St. Peter's Evangeli- cal Church and a teacher in the Sunday-school.

OHN W. FISHER, mayor of Delphos. and editor and proprietor of the Del- phos Courant, is a citizen who enjoys in a large degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen who have known him for a number of years in both the newspaper field and in official life. He is still

a young man, having been born March 24, 1874, at Columbus Grove, Putnam County, Ohio.

In November, 1880, Mr. Fisher accom- pained his parents to Delphos. where his fath- er died and the brothers and sisters married, and established homes of their own. He was educated in the public schools and his ambition was to prepare for college, but at the time when his aim seemed about to be realized his father met with financial reverses which changed his course in life. Putting aside his personal am- bitions, with the cheerful manner and practical outlook which have ever been noted character- istics, Mr. Fisher obtained employment first with W. T. Dolbey, in the express and news- stand business, and later with C. M. Tolan. who was then the publisher of the Delphos Weekly Herald, his resolve being then to learn the printing business. Later he was employed at Van Wert in both the Times and the Bulletin offices, and then removed to Toledo, where he was connected with the Blade.

During the winter of 1893-94 Mr. Fisher returned to Delphos, where he established an agency for the Lima Times-Democrat, and dur- ing this period his energy in securing pertinent articles concerning Delphos for publication in the journal which he represented, brought him into very favorable local notice. Among those who noted Mr. Fisher's success was Mr. Tolan, who established the Delphos Daily Herald, se- curing Mr. Fisher as city editor. One year later the Herald was sold to Gasson & Sentz, and Mr. Fisher continued with the new firm un- til in January, 1902. when he bought the Del- phos Courant from E. B. Walkup.

Mr. Fisher has always been a consistent Democrat and, along with his continued work for the welfare of his city. has also labored for the success of his party. In 1900 he was elect- ed city clerk and was re-elected in 1902 and in

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1903, his official life proving satisfactory to all concerned. When he announced his can- didacy for the mayoralty, he met encourage- ment on every side, and his election was almost a matter of course, in a great measure on ac- count of his personal popularity. Mr. Fisher is known to be honest, and fearless of opposi- tion when he advocates necessary municipal re- forms. Able, alert, having the best interests of the city at heart, with a ready comprehen- sion of what these are, his administration pron- ises much for the permanent progress of Del- phos.

Mr. Fisher was married May 16, 1896, to Mary J. Kolb, of Delphos, daughter of George and Mary M. ( Beck) Kolb, natives of Somer- set, Ohio, and New York State, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have four children living. and one deceased, viz .: Vera Leola, born March 3, 1897; Howard Francis, who died Oc- tober 3, 1904. aged six years ; Earl James, born March 20, 1901 ; Eula Christina, born August 2, 1903; and Olga Catherine, born November 25, 1905. The family are members of St. John's Catholic Church. Personally Mr. Fish- er is a member of several societies, among which are the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Knights of America, Catholic Knights of Ohio, Improved Order of Red Men and Knights of the Maccabees. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

R EV. SILAS SHERMAN HUNTER. a minister of the Church of God and also one of the successful agricul- turists of Union township, where he owns a fine farm of 100 acres in section 7, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, September 9, 1844, a son of Kilbreath and Delilah (Linds- ley) Hunter. The father of Mr. Hunter was born in Licking County, Ohio, and in boyhood

accompanied his parents to Morrow County. In that county he married Delilah Lindsley, who died when her son, Silas S., was eight years of age. The father was a life-long farmer. His later years were spent with his children and he died at the home of his eldest son, at the age of 72 years. His three children were : John, now a resident of Willow Springs, Missouri, and a survivor of the Civil War; Silas S., of this sketch; and William Morgan, who resides near Scott, Van Wert County.

When Silas S. Hunter was about four years old, his parents came to Van Wert County and settled on a farm in Liberty town- ship, on which he remained until he was 18 years of age. In February, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, serving until he was honorably discharged in December, 1865. He was a member of Company H, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and his commanding officers were Captain Updegrove and Col. Frank Askew. The regiment took part in the second fight at Resaca and was continually under fire, from Buzzard's Roost to Atlanta. It was at- tached to the division of Sherman's army which intercepted General Hood, and partici- pated in the battle at Pickett's Mills, in which engagement the division lost 1.700 of its heroes in two hours. At the battle of Nash- ville the 15th Regiment was on the first line of the advance. Thence it proceeded to New Orleans, to Indianola and to San Antonio, Texas, where it was held on provost duty for five months. Then commenced the homeward march, through Indianola to New Orleans. and thence to Columbus, Ohio, where the regi- ment was mustered out. Mr. Hunter arrived home on December 29, 1865.

On February 4, 1864. just before leav- ing for the front. Mr. Hunter married Philura Welch, who was born in Van Wert

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County, Ohio, and was a daughter of John Welch. At her death she left two sons-Jesse. of Scott, Ohio, and John K., of Toledo. In 1874 Mr. Hunter was again married. his wife being Mrs. Katherine Weaver, who was born in Van . Wert County, Ohio. and was a daughter of John and Sarah Underwood. The children of this union were : Ida May, wife of Edward Allison, of Union township: Olive May, deceased, who was the wife of Bert Place; David, a resident of Union township: Harry Vinton, of Paulding County ; and Benjamin Harrison and Walter Gaylord, both living at home. Mr. Hunter was married (third ) in August, 1904, to the estimable lady who now presides over the household. She was formerly Mary Blanchard, was born in New Jersey and is a daughter of Manning and Susan (Cook) Blanchard. Mrs. Hunter is a highly accomplished, as well as a very cap- able lady. For 15 years prior to her marriage, she served as a trained nurse, being a gradu- ate of the Women's Hospital, New York City. She has worked under physicians of both of the principal schools of medicine, in various places, where her professional efficiency has been very generally recognized.

After his return from the army, Mr. Hun- ter remained with his father on the farm for two years and then bought 15 aces of land in Liberty township, to which he removed. After clearing it, he sold it to advantage. He located on his present farm in 1873. for $400 buying 80 acres of heavily wooded land, to which he has since added 40 acres. At the time of the original purchase no road had been cut through to reach it. The highway now passing it is known as the Hunter and Davidson road. Mr. Hunter has done all the clearing and made the many improvements, which have added beauty and value to the place. The handsome home alone could not have been constructed

for less than $4,000, while all the other struc- tures needed in the successful operation of a large, modern farm are of a substantial char- acter. In addition to his main business of gen- eral farming, Mr. Hunter operated a clover threshing machine for some four years.

Mr. Hunter prepared for the ministry by personal effort and for 15 years traveled a cir- cuit. his itinerancy covering Defiance, Wil- liams and Hardin counties. Politically Mr. Hunter is a Republican and, while taking but a good citizen's interest in public matters, he has. on occasion, made campaign speeches. For a number of years he was a member of the School Board, and has served in other offices, notably as road supervisor.

R ICHARD J. MORGAN, M. D .. physician and surgeon at Van Wert, a specialist in diseases of the eye and ear, was born August 10. 1866, in Van Wert County, and is a son of William H. and Esther ( Harris) Morgan.

The parents of Dr. Morgan, who were both born in South Wales, came to America in their youth, were married in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and soon after located in Ohio. The father engaged in coal mining in Jackson County until 1860, and then removed to Jen- nings township, Van Wert County, where he purchased a farm of 172 acres. Both parents died in 1881-the father in April, and the mother in September. Both were consistent members of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, and honored for their unostentatious goodness and piety. They had seven children, viz. : Henry, William, John, Hugh, Richard J., Lizzie and David H. The family possessed the Welsh gift of song, and four of them were members at one time of the well-known Vene- docia Male Chorus, of Jennings township.

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Richard J. Morgan's boyhood was passed on his father's farm, and he obtained an ex- cellent education, through his own efforts pass- ing through the normal schools at Ada, Ohio, and Angola, Indiana. In 1887 he entered Jef- ferson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1890, and entered into practice at Van Wert, in partnership with Dr. G. W. McGavren. From the first his suc- cess has been most gratifying, and he is num- bered with the leading specialists in his line in this section of the State.

On September 26, 1893, Dr. Morgan was married at Van Wert, to Dode M. Lynch, a daughter of Abner and Margaret ( Hammers) Lynch, of this city, and they have two sons- Richard J., Jr., and Chester A. Both he and his wife are connected with the Lutheran Church.

Fraternally, Dr. Morgan is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, and politically, a Repub- lican.

ARVEY EIKENBARY, one of the well-known business men of Van Wert, a member of The Ireton Brothers & Eikenbary Company, en- gaged in the grain and elevator business, is a native of the Buckeye State, born April 22, 1872. He is one of a family of 10 children, his parents being Henry and Sarah (Fireland) Eikenbary. As a boy, Harvey was given good educational advantages, which prepared him for a successful business career. In 1896 Mr. Eikenbary came to Van Wert and entered the grain and elevator business, in 1901 becoming a partner with the Ireton brothers, under the firm name of The Ireton Brothers & Eiken- bary Company .

Mr. Eikenbary is not only associated with his partners in business but he is also a mem-

ber of the family, his wife being formerly Ella Ireton. They have a pleasant and comforta- ble home located at No. 502 East Main street, Van Wert. Mrs. Eikenbary is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

AMES EDWARD SMITH. a highly respected citizen, and one of the most substantial farmers of Liberty town- ship, the owner of a finely improved and highly cultivated farm of 120 acres in sec- tions 20 and 29, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 28, 1845. His parents were Jacob and Mary Ann (Stickler ) Smith.

Jacob Smith was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a son of Jacob Smith. Sr .. a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Fairfield County, where he engaged in agricultural pur- suits until the time of his death in 1855. Jacob Smith, the father of our subject, was reared and educated in his native county, and there married Mary Ann Strickler, a daughter of Jacob Strickler.

Jacob Strickler, who was a native of Ger- many, upon his arrival in this country first set- tled in Pennsylvania. Later he moved to Fairfield County, where he purchased a farm of 36 acres, adjoining the farm of Jacob Smith, Sr., and here gave his whole attention to farm- ing until the time of his death in 1870.

Our subject, James E. Smith, was reared on the home farm which was situated on the line between Fairfield and Franklin counties. On October 10, 1867, he was married to Bar- bara Elizabeth Hart, a daughter of Bernhardt and Anna Mary ( Wooster) Hart. Mr. Hart was born in Pennsylvania, but while he was an infant his parents moved to Fairfield County and located on a farm. Here they died when he was still quite young.

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History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 51

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

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