USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 54
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D AVID J. DAVIS, deceased, formerly county commissioner of Van Wert County, Ohio, and for more than 20 years an active business man at Del- phos, was born July 7, 1841, in Jackson Coun- ty, Ohio, and was a son of Jenkin and Anna (Edwards) Davies. He died at Delphos on February 21, 1888, and was laid to rest in the West Side Cemetery.
Mr. Davies was reared and educated in Jackson County, enlisting in the Union cause before his education was com- pleted, and serving both in the ranks and as a hospital steward. Upon his return from the Civil War he entered Lebanon University and after graduating therefrom (on October 21, 1867), locating at Delphos, where he entered into partnership with the late Henry J. Moennig. Mr. Davies was also in- terested in the insurance business, and. being
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a man of business capacity and promptitude, commanded the general respect of his fellow- citizens. He served two terms as commissioner of Van Wert County, performing his public duties with the same faithful ability which he applied to his private business.
On October 8, 1867, Mr. Davies was mar- ried to Nancy Ellen Richey, who was born April 1, 1840, and is a daughter of Charles P. and Martha T. (Maddox) Richey. Mr. Richey was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and settled in Van Wert County, in October, 1844, when his daughter was four years old. He still resides in Van Wert, having been a justice of the peace for 28 years. His wife died in 1866.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Davies are : Charles Walter, born April 19, 1869, who married Stella Waugh, lives in Chicago, has one child-Verna-and occupies a very re- sponsible position with the Illinois Steel Works, of that city; Jenkins Virgil, born Oc- tober 1, 1871, who married Anna Patterson and resides in Alabama; Homer Moening, born September 22, 1873, who is cashier of tme Commercial Bank of Delphos; Ethel Ar- meda, born January 20, 1876, a teacher in the Delphos public schools; and Villa Verona, born November 26, 1879, who resides at home. of Van Wert County. The father died Feb- lin township.
JORGE A. MOHR, one of Hoaglin township's best known citizens and prominent farmers, resides on his well-improved estate, which contains 120 acres and is situated in section 3. Hoaglin township. Mr. Mohr was born in this town- ship, September 4, 1860, and is a son of Chris- tian and Mary A. (Liest) Mohr.
The parents of Mr. Mohr were born in
Germany, and were early settlers in this section of Van eWrt County. The father died Feb- ruary 2, 1902, after a long. useful and exem- plary life. He was a member of the Grand Victory Evangelical Church of Hoaglin town- ship. His surviving children are: Mary A., wife of Thomas K. Rowley, of Hoaglin town- ship; George A., of Hoaglin township: Will- iam J., of Union township: Samuel C., of of Hoaglin township; Benjamin C., of Van Wert; Elizabeth, wife of Wesley Reid, of Paulding County, Ohio; Amelia, wife of Will- iam Sealscott, of Hoaglin township: Savilla. wife of Elmer Stripe. of Hoaglin township: and Susan, wife of William Inwood. of Hoag- land township.
George A. Mohr was reared in Hoaglin township and was educated in the public schools. His life has been devoted to agricul- tural pursuits. Since 1888 he has operated his present farm, and with such success that it is justly considered one of the most valuable in the township. He is a public-spirited and en- terprising citizen, always ready to lend his in- fluence to forward movements for the public welfare.
On October 28, 1888, Mr. Mohr was united in marriage with Sarah N. Bennett. who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, and is a daugh- ter of Erastus H. and Mary E. (Poling) Ben- nett, the former of whom was bron in Morgan County, Ohio, and the latter in Virginia. Mrs. Mohr was about 13 years old when her parents removed to Van Wert County. They resided for several years in Scott, Union township. Van Wert County, but now live in Paulding County.
Mr. and Mrs. Mohr have four children, viz. : William L., born August 12. 1889: Re- mus Irvin, born February 4, 1892; Ira G .. born November 27. 1893: and Otto L .. born November 17, 1898.
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Politically Mr. Mohr is identified with the Republican party. He has served three years as assessor of Hoaglin township. He is a member of Pequod Tribe No. 102, Improved Order of Red Men, at Scott, and of the lodge of Odd Fellows at Grover Hill. Formerly Mr. Mohr was president of District No. 4 Grover Hill Home Telephone Company.
J OHN B. BROWN, one of Van Wert County's well-known and respected citizens, and a prominent farmer of Pleasant township, residing in section 31 on his well-improved farm of 80 acres, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, December 7, 1849, and is a son of William and Mary (Baum) Brown.
The father of Mr. Brown was born in Pennsylvania and his mother in Maryland. In 1835 they moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, as very early pioneers, where they be- came substantial farming people. The sur- vivors of their family are: John B., of this sketch; Martin, a resident of Van Wert, Cath- erine, widow of Ephraim Summers, of Mont- gomery County; and Annie, wife of Amos Dilts, of Pleasant township.
John B. Brown was reared on his father's farm, attended the district schools and was trained to be a practical farmer. He has been a resident of Pleasant township since 1883, and has lived on his present farm since 1903. It is considered one of the very valu- able farms of the township and it is very well managed by its owner.
Mr. Brown was married June 1, 1881, to Etta Eckfeld, who was born in Harrison town- ship, Van Wert County, Ohio, January 22, 1861, and is a daughter of John N. and Cath- erine (Gehres) Eckfeld, both natives of Ger-
many and early settlers in Harrison township. For many years the Eckfelds lived in Van Wert, where the father died June 5, 1888, and the mother, April 12, 1903. The children who survive John M. Eckfeld and wife are: Eliza- beth, wife of Martin Brown, of Van Wert; Etta, wife of our subject; Esther, wife of M. H. Standish, of Van Wert; and John E., who resides in Van Wert.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had these chil- dren: Catherine M., William J., Elizabeth, Leah and Carl, the latter deceased.
Politically, Mr. Brown has always been affiliated with the Democratic party. In 1897 he was his party's candidate for the office of sheriff, but was defeated by a man who was also very popular, Sheriff John M. Webster, who had but 130 more votes.
Mr. Brown is a great advocate of good roads and he has been agitating this question for a long time. It was mainly through his earnest efforts that the first turnpike road was built in Van Wert County, which runs through Pleasant township, and which was named the Brown turnpike in his honor. He has proved himself one of the township's valuable and public-spirited citizens.
Fraternally, Mr. Brown is a member of Brookville Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Brookville, Ohio.
D AVID L. McDONALD, one of the leading business men of Van Wert. now engaged in handling automobiles, is one of a family of five children born to his parents, Dr. David L. and Margaret ( Robertson) McDonald, who resided near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The father of Mr. McDonald, now deceased, was one of the lead- ing physicians and surgeons of Franklin Coun-
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ty, Pennsylvania, where the family is well and favorably known.
David L. McDonald was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, November 26, 1872. In February, 1897, he became a resident of Van Wert, embarking in a drug business which he successfully conducted for some years. He then disposed of the business in order to enter into the automobile line, in which he has met with encouraging success. Politically Mr. McDonald is a stanch Democrat and for years has been looked upon as a party leader. He has held numerous positions of prominence in the party and in the fall of 1905 was the Demo- cratic nominee for mayor.
Mr. McDonald was married to Anna K. Rupright, a native of Van Wert, and they have two children-John R. and David L., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have a very pleasant home on the corner of Cherry street and Central avenue, Van Wert, and are mem- bers of the German Lutheran Church. -
e HRISTOPHER C. GEPHART, who owns and resides on a farm of 76 acres, situated in section 22, Liberty township, is one of the substantial farmers of the locality. He was born in Tus- carawas County, Ohio, June 27, 1850, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Vinegar) Gep- hart.
Henry Gephart was a native of Germany, where he was reared, educated and married. He came to America in 1846 with his wife and one child, Peter, and located first in Tuscara- was County, where he worked on a farm, earn- ing 25 cents per day. By economy and good management he saved enough from his meagre wages to purchase a farm in Adams County. where he lived for some time, and later bought
18 acres more. He subsequently moved to Van Wert County and bought 80 acres of farm land, retaining at the same time the farm in Adams County. At this time he also owned two houses and lots in Decatur. Indiana. He passed the remainder of his life in Van Wert County, engaged in agricultural pursuits, dy- ing here in 1889. His wife died in July, 1893. They were the parents of nine children, Chris- topher being the third in order of birth.
Christopher Gephart was quite small when his parents moved to Adams County, where he received his education in the district schools. He assisted his father in clearing the farm, which was mostly in timber, and was 21 years old when his parents moved to Van Wert County. He was married to Alice C. Dicker- son, a daughter of Lewis and Hannah Dicker- son, who lived in Liberty township. Lewis Dickerson owned a farm of 46 acres, besides two lots and a house in Dull. He died Decem- ber 2, 1905. They reared to maturity nine chil- dren, as follows: Ardellas F., who married Jessie Smith, and lives in Glenmore and has three children; John P., who married Mamie Cowan and lives in Chicago-they have one child; Maud, who married Albert Custer, lives in Liberty township and has one child; Charles, who married Florence Adams and lives in Lib- erty township; Lewis Herbert, who lives on the home farm; Ilo; Claude; May and Beatrice.
Mr. Gephart owned 80 acres in Willshire township, which he sold and then moved to Mercer County where he purchased a farm of 100 acres. After residing there four years, he sold out and moved to Paulding County, where he purchased 80 acres. He lived there for the next 10 years, and then traded his farm for 105 acres in Harrison township. After remain- ing there three years, he again made a trade for 80 acres in the same township. and in March, 1901, he sold the land in Harrison
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township and bought his present farm of 76 acres in section 22, Liberty township, where he has since resided. He has made many changes and improvements, among which may be mentioned a new frame house which he erected in 1902. Mr. Gephart is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men.
S AMUEL A. MCCULLOUGH is one of Tully township's influential and pro- gressive citizens, and an extensive farmer and shipper of hay. For many years he was an instructor in the public schools, and it is a notable fact that his success has been undisputed in every branch of business to which he has devoted his energies and abili- ties. Mr. Mccullough was born in Perry County. Ohio, March 27, 1847, being a son of William and Elizabeth (Nixon) Mccullough and a grandson of William Mccullough.
Our subject's grandfather was born in Ire- land, and was raised by an uncle, in whose care he had been left while his parents crossed over to Scotland. As they were never heard from thereafter. it is presumed they were victims of the plague which prevailed at that time. He was 19 years old when he emigrated to America and located in Pennsylvania. In 1806 he entered land in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he lived until his death at the patriarchal age of 97 years. During his early residence there, he was asked to subscribe for a paper which was then contemplated, which was afterward es- tablished (nearly 100 years ago) and which has since been conducted as the Ohio Eagle. It is the oldest paper in Ohio, published without change of name or politics; it was sent regu- larly to the address of William Mccullough during his lifetime, afterward to his son-Will- iam, and upon his death to the third and pres-
ent William, grandson of the original sub- scriber. No notice, however, was ever sent to the paper to change the name of the party to whom it was sent, so far as the books of the paper show, it is William, the grandfather, who still receives it.
William McCullough, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and after reaching maturity moved across the line into Perry County. There he bought a tract of 160 acres, which was then considered of lit- tle value, being purchased for $700, but four years later he sold it for $5,000, the marked increase in value being due to the discovery of coal upon it. He then returned to Fairfield County where he died at the age of 75 years. The deceased had married Elizabeth Nixon, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of John and Rebecca ( Holt) Nixon and a granddaugh- ter of George Nixon, who was a native of England and had a son George who served in the American Army during the Revolutionary War. John Nixon, Mrs. McCullough's father, was also born in England and at an early age moved to Virginia. The Nixons were South- ern soldiers during the Civil War, while some of the Mcculloughs were in the Northern Army.
William and Elizabeth (Nixon) McCul- lough had 12 children these nine reaching ma- turity : Rebecca (Larimer), deceased; Jennie (Martin), who lives in West Virginia ; Lucinda (McCune), of Moxhala, Ohio: Samuel A .; Maggie (Barnes), of Somerset, Ohio; Nancy (Sherburn), residing in Cowden, Illinois; J. W., who lives in the neighborhood of his old home; E. B., who is on the home farm of 320 acres in Fairfield County; and Caroline (Focht), deceased. The mother of our sub- ject is still living at the advanced age of 86 years.
Samuel A. Mccullough, whose name heads
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this sketch, was eight years old when his par- ents removed to Fairfield County, and there he attended the district schools until he was 16 years old. He then engaged in teaching, a vocation he followed successfully for 29 years, during which period his residence con- tinued in that county. He farmed through the summer months and taught winters. While on a visit to Bloomfield, Iowa, he was offered a po- sition as a teacher and remained there two years, but in 1892 came to Van Wert County, and located on a farm in Hoaglin township. The following spring Mr. Mccullough located on the T. S. Gilliland farm, where he remained four years, after which, for one year, he oc- cupied the Little farm, adjoining the County Infirmary. He then purchased the 160 acre tract in Tully township on which he has since lived. This place was unimproved when he ac- quired it, but he has since erected a modern home, a good substantial barn and outbuildings, and made many other important improvements. The three last appraisements, all made by Dr. Leslie, indicate that Mr. Mccullough's energy has been well expended. In 1880 the land was appraised at $4 per acre; in 1890 at $7 and in 1900 at 50 cents more per acre than any other piece of land in the township. That Mr. Mc- Cullough is of a progressive nature was shown by his activity in securing two pikes in his sec. tion of the township, over the opposition of some extensive owners, who could not appre- ciate the value of the work at that time, but who have since acknowledged their mistake. For 18 years past he has been largely engaged in buying and selling hay, mainly shipping to Eastern cities. Besides raising annually from 150 to 200 tons of hay on his home place, he produces some small grain-barley being the best crop, with considerable live-stock. As his farm is distinguished for being one of the high- est points in the county, it is called "Grand
View", and as it commands the surrounding country for miles around the name is most ap- propriate.
In 1874 Samuel A. McCullough was united in marriage with Anna Jane Wright, who wa, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a daugh- ter of William and Betsy ( Hansacker ) Wright. William Wright, the father, was born in Fair- field County and was an extensive dealer in all kinds of live-stock. His wife, Betsy Hansacker who came to Fairfield County from the State of Virginia, was a daughter of Jacob Han- sacker, who had been captured by the Indians when a small boy and held in captivity for some 25 years; upon his escape and return to civili- zation, he still possessed the traits and habits of the Indians. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Mccullough : Isaac W .; Kate; Benjamin F .; and William A., who is teaching school in Pleasant township. Po- litically, Mr. Mccullough is a Democrat, and for a number of years has efficiently served as justice of the peace. Religiously, he is a Spirit- ualist.
On a preceding page, in connection with this sketch, are shown views of Mr. McCul- lough's residence and barn.
E LIAS L. SHEETS, whose fine farm of 190 acres, all in one body, is situated in sections 7 and 18, Willshire town- ship, was born in this township on February 1, 1857, being a son of Adam and Sarah Ann (Davis) Sheets. His grand- parents were John and Catherine Sheets, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Rich- land County, Ohio. John Sheets died when almost 80 years of age and his wife at the age of 84; they were the parents of 12 children.
Adam Sheets, father of Elias L., was born
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in Richland County, Ohio, and in young man- hoo.1 came to Willshire township. Van Wert County, with no capital but his trade, that of a carpenter. He became a large farmer. ac- quiring 340 acres of land, of which he cleared a large portion, and was also a successful stock- raiser, although he lived to be but 37 years of age. Adam Sheets married Sarah Ann Davis, who still survives him. at the age of 78 years; their children being: Mary Jane, who died young : Oliver, of Wren; Nancy A., wife of John E. Major, of Willshire township; Elmina (Mrs. Joseph Moser), of Adams County, In- diana : and Elias L., of this sketch.
Elias L. Sheets has always resided in Will- shire township and is one of its best-known citizens. After his marriage he came to his present farm, in the spring of 1886 purchasing 80 acres of land, which, added to the 110 he previously owned, made one of the largest and most valuable farms of the township. The estate is a part of the Richland reservation and is mainly devoted to stock-raising. Mr. Sheets was a large buyer and shipper of live-stock for two years, handling sheep, cattle, hogs and horses. He now makes a specialty of raising the best grade of draft horses. The log build- ings which were on the farm when he settled upon it have given way to attractive, modern structures of all kinds.
In June, 1883, Mr. Sheets was united in marriage with Fliza E. Lichtenstiger, born in Black Creek township, Mercer County, Ohio, in October, 1855. They have one daughter- Sarah E. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sheets are valued members of the United Brethren Church at Wren, in which the former is a trustee. Politically, Mr. Sheets is identified with the Democratic party. He is serving on the board of directors of the Wren Telephone Company and is one of the township's enter- prising, successful men.
A UGUST C. GROTHOUSE, deceased, was one of the substantial business men of Delphos, where he owned property and conducted a black- smith shop for 30 years. Born in Washing- ton township, Van Wert County, Ohio, Febru- ary 10, 1847, he was a son of John and Ger- trude (Krift) Grothouse, his parents being natives of Germany. When they came to America, in 1845, they settled in Van Wert County, where the father died on January II, 1877, and the mother in September, 1899.
Until he was 18 years of age August C. Grothouse attended school during the winters and during the summers assisted his father in clearing and cultivating the home farm. As he did not wish to be a farmer, he then learned the blacksmith's trade, receiving instruction from two excellent workmen, Charles Von- deremze and Henry Weible; and in 1872 he was prepared to go into business for himself. He opened a shop on Canal street, in partner- ship with Joseph Will, and they worked to- gether for four years, when Mr. Grothouse purchased his partner's interest and removed his shop to a fine location, having bought land at the corner of Second and Canal streets. Here Mr. Grothouse transacted a large busi- ness until the time of his death, which occur- red on November 14, 1902. He retained the entire tract which he had purchased until 1901, when he sold half of it to Henry and Joseph Metzger. The deceased also owned other property, and left his family well provided for, having always been industrious, prudent and far-seeing.
On October 27, 1870, Mr. Grothouse was married to Catherine Reker, who was born September 16, 1852, and is a daughter of Har- man and Gertrude (Hempker) Reker. The parents of Mrs. Grothouse were born in Ger- many and came to Van Wert County, Ohio, in
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1849, marrying in Washington township, where the father died November 3. 1883. Mrs. Reker still resides on her farm three miles from Delphos. Mr. and Mrs. Grothouse had seven children, as follows: John, who died July 30, 1872, at the age of 10 months; Anna, born De- cember 26, 1872, who resides at home; Frank, born August 25, 1874, who continues the busi- ness founded by his father; Rose, born De- cember 31, 1877, and Eda, born August 3, 1883, who both live at home; Frederick, born July 19, 1884, who married Amelia Barrels- man of Putnam County, Ohio, and is a marble cutter at Delphos, and Sylvester, born March II, 1890, who is employed in a large grocery house at Delphos. Mr. Grothouse lived to see his children well on the road to honorable independence, having afforded them all the advantages in his power. The family all be- long to St. John's Catholic Church, at Del- phos. Mr. Grothouse was a worthy member of St. Joseph's Society.
AMES A. UNCAPHER, a prosperous resident of Van Wert County, is a prominent citizen of Ridge township where he owns a valuable farm of 80 acres located in section 35. He was born Sep- tember 19, 1855, in Indiana County, Pennsyl- vania-which was also the birthplace of his parents, William and Sarah (Black) Un- capher-is of German descent, and inherits much of the sturdiness and thrift of the an- cestral stock.
Mr. Uncapher received his schooling in Pennsylvania, and it was not until 1879 that he left that State and located in Ohio, settling in Van Wert County. He was a farmer by education and choice, and engaged in that work for some time before he purchased his present
farm in 1884. Since that year it has been his homestead, and he derives not only a consider- able income from the products of the soil, but from the four oil-wells on the farm, which have a large output of crude petroleum.
On October 6, 1883, Mr. Uncapher was married to Elizabeth F. Ireland, who was born in this county January 20, 1861 ; is a daughter of William D. and Martha M. (Stemen) Ire- land, both natives of this State, and is a lady possessing many charms of mind and heart. Mrs. Uncapher is one of seven children now living, viz .: John S .; Mary M., wife of George H. Poe, of Hardin County; Eliza J., wife of Jacob C. Smith; Lydia A., wife of John Chamberlain, of Isabella County, Mich- igan; Rachel L., wife of H. S. Sanders; Christian S., of York township; and Eliza- beth F., wife of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Uncapher five children have been born, namely : Goldie B., wife of Charles R. Down- ing, of Jackson township, and the mother of one child, Alta Leola; Mattie M .; Iva B .; William A. and Elmer D. Both he and his wife are members of the Whitfield Methodist Church, of which he.is trustee. Mr. Uncapher is a Republican, and was for many years a member of the School Board of Ridge town- ship, but is now devoting his entire time to his private interests. Fraternally. he is identified with the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Van Wert.
OSEPH AGLER, a well known resi- dent and prosperous farmer of Liberty township, living on a farm of 80 acres in section 19, was born in Stark Coun- ty, Ohio, August 1, 1835. He is a son of Con- rad and Margaret (Wagner) Agler and grand- son of William Agler, who was of English de- scent and an old settler of Pennsylvania.
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