USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 59
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94
L OREN P. LEWIS, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Van Wert County, has owned and operated a farm of 40 acres in section 6, Hoaglin township, for almost a quarter of a century, during which time he has been con- stantly adding to his long list of friends, the number being limited only by the extent of his acquaintance. He was born November 18, 1827, in Hocking County, Ohio, and is a son of Isaac and Emily (Morse) Lewis, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. That State was also the birthplace of Philo Lewis, who was the paternal grandfather of our sub- ject. When a young man, Isaac Lewis, the father, settled in Hocking County, Ohio, where he died in 1862. Five children survive him,
viz .: Sarah A., wife of John Tomlinson, of Hocking County; Horace M., a resident of Union township, Van Wert County; Abner M., who lives in Hocking County ; Legrand B., a resident of Oklahoma; and Loren P.
The schoolhouse attended by Mr. Lewis was the primitive log building, with slab seats and puncheon floor, presided over by a mas- ter who instructed them in the "Three R's." During his earlier years he engaged in car- pentry, but soon turned his entire attention to farming, which has since been his vocation. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company K, 194th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., at first perform- ing picket duty in the Shenandoah Valley, but later sent to the hospital at Grafton, West Vir- ginia, as a victim of pneumonia. There he re- mained three months, when he was honorably discharged from the service. Mr. Lewis moved to his present farm in 1883, and has occupied an honorable and useful place in this commun- ity. He is a Democrat in politics, and a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Scott.
Loren P. Lewis was married, on Novem- ber 3, 1853, to Sarah L. Sudlow, who was born in Hocking County, December 14, 1835, and is a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Clapp) Sudlow. Her father was a native of Connecticut and her mother, of Dutchess County, New York. They were among the first white settlers of Hocking County, Ohio, making their home in a log cabin in the woods of what was afterward Starr township, at a period when bears and wolves were no uncom- mon sight in the little clearing which consti- tuted their dooryard. Mrs. Lewis has a brother and sister still living-Elizabeth, widow of Oren Buckingham, of Hocking County, and Samuel T. Sudlow, of Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis three children have been born, namely : Claretta, deceased: Hat-
Digitized by Google
543
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
tie L., wife of Frederick Mohr; and Lucy M., deceased, who was the wife of Albert L. Booher, who resides in Huion County, Ohio, two of whose children-Bertha J. and Glenn L. Booher-live with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Loren P. Lewis, while the third, a daughter, Ilo E. Booher, resides in Scott with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Brian.
P ETER KESLER, a former trustee of Jackson township, who is now a resi- dent of Middlepoint, has been a prominent citizen of this section for many years. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 8, 1840, and is a son of Abra- ham and Mary (Shupe) Kesler. The parents of Mr. Kesler were natives of Pennsylvania. They resided in Fairfield County, Ohio, at the time of his birth, but removed to Allen County when he was about six months old. They were early settlers of German township, that county, where Peter was reared by his father, his mother dying when he was 10 years old.
Peter Kesler was educated in the public schools of German township, Allen County, and when ready to enter business located at Wetsel, where he was the first general mer- chant in the village. Soon, however, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and has since followed farming and stockraising with great success. He owns a fine property of 159 acres, at Wetsel, known as the "South View Farm," one of the finest estates in Jack- son township.
On November 26, 1864, Peter Kesler was . married to Elizabeth Crites, who was born in Allen County, October 16, 1840, and is a daughter of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig) Crites. Her parents were natives of Pennsyl- vania and very early settlers in German town- ship. Allen County, where the Crites family
is one of unusual prominence. Hon. Charles Crites, father of Mrs. Kesler, represented Allen County in the State Legislature, and served as justice of the peace in German town- ship for many years, being one of Allen County's truly representative citizens.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kesler have had seven children, the survivors being: S. Willison, of Allen County; Albertis, residing at Wetsel; and Julia A., wife of Winfield M. McGinnis, of Middlepoint. Those deceased are Mary, A., Charles W., Sophia E. and May V.
Early in 1870, Mr. Kesler and his family located in Jackson township, of which he has since been a resident, with the exception of several years when he resided in Allen County. Both he and his wife are members of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church at Wetsel, in which he is serving as deacon and church treasurer. He has taken a deep interest in public affairs and the cause of public eduction has ever found in him a friend. Mr. Kesler has served as township trustee and is looked upon as one of Jackson township's most reliable and substan- tial men.
n2 OAH WEISMAN, a prominent and influential agriculturist of Van Wert County, residing on a farm ot 931/2 acres in section 18, Pleasant township, came to this locality early in the '50's with his parents, Joel and Sarah (Troup) Weisman. They were natives of Perry Coun- ty, Ohio, as is our subject, who was born Aug- ust 9, 1846. The father was of German de- scent and long a school teacher in Pleasant township; both he and his wife have been dead for several years.
Noah Weisman grew to manhood in Pleas- ant township and has been a farmer since his early years. In December, 1861, he enlisted
28
Digitized by Google
544
. HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY
in Company K, 46th k . Ohio Vol. Inf., and was in the Army of the. tennessee until hon- orably discharged in the fall of 1862. He took part in the engagements of his regiment in Kentucky and Tennessee, but was not present with his comrades in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, as he was then sick in a hospital.
On October 4, 1864, Mr. Weisman was joined in marriage to Isabelle Zimmerman, who was born March 17, 1846, in Pleasant township, on the farm which is still her home. Her parents were Christian R. and Barbara (Greenamyre) Zimmerman, natives of Col- umbiana County, Ohio. In 1844 they located in Pleasant township, Van. Wert County, and were among the first white settlers in that lo- cality, their cabin being built in the woods and communication with the outside world being by trails marked by blazed trees. Mr. Zim- merman died in 1887 and his wife the year following. Mrs. Weisman is the sole survivor of the family. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Weisman are as follows: Oran W .; Ina D. (Mrs. B. T. Pile) ; John B .; Alice R., de- ceased; and Perry Z. They are both members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, General Synod, and Mr. Weisman is elder of Mount Zion Church in Pleasant township. Although he is a Democrat, he accords to others the per- fect liberty of thought on political questions which he desires for himself. His fraternal membership is confined to Pleasant Grange, No. 399, Patrons of Husbandry, of which he has served as master.
ILEY M. KEAR, one of the lead- ing business men of Van Wert, who conducts a real estate, invest- ment and brokerage business in his office at the corner of Main and Washington streets, was born at Van Wert, April 22, 1851,
and is a son of Thomas Reed and Catherine (Frisinger ) Kear.
Thomas Reed Kear, father of Wiley MI .. was born in Anne Arundel County. Maryland, April 27, 1806, and was a son of John and Mary ( Reed) Kear, his ancestry being Eng- lish and Scotch. John Kear was a soldier in Capt. William Holt's company, Eighth Regi- ment of Virginia Militia, in the War of 1812. His father worked in a shipyard, and did other service in the Revolutionary War. About the year 1818, John Kear moved with his family, excepting his son Thomas,to Licking County, Ohio, where he died November 31, 1820, leav- ing three sons-Thomas Reed, William Reed and John Reed (the last named deceased when a young man, unmarried) and four daughters: Eleanor, intermarried with John Pring; Mary Ann, intermarried with Richard Pring (a brother to John) ; Amelia, intermarried with Frederick Baylor; and Ophelia, who died when a young woman, unmarried. Mary (Reed) Kear, the mother of Thomas Reed Kear, was a native of Maryland, a descendant of one of the oldest families of that commonwealth. The Reeds were engaged in ocean traffic with ships of their own building, and were merchants in Baltimore after the Revolution, especially. Mrs. Kear's brothers, William and Thomas Reed.
Thomas Reed Kear, after several years spent as a sailor, joined his mother in Lick- ing County subsequent to the death of his father and engaged with his brothers-in-law, John and Richard Pring, in cabinet making and farming; all of them moved to Champaign County, Ohio, about the year 1828. By reason of John Pring being a millwright, an addi- tional source of employment was provided for the three young men, who in 1829 went to Willshire, Van Wert County, Ohio, to build a mill; but on account of an insufficiency of grain
Digitized by Google
545
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
to make such an enterprise pay they went on West to Muncie, Indiana, where a cousin by the name of Muncie lived. In that section, and in Adams County, Indiana, they plied their vocation for several years. Finally the Prings located permanently in Van Wert County, in 1833 and 1834, and Thomas R. Kear in Adams County, Indiana, where he lived until 1835, when he removed to Willshire township, Van Wert County, where he lived, working at his trades, until 1843, when he removed to Van Wert, at that time a village of 11 families, which offered a fine field for his business. Here he died May 11, 1864, from pneumonia brought on by exposure. He saw the village grow into a thriving and prosperous town. He served as deputy under the first sheriff of Van Wert County, was subsequently elected sheriff by the Democratic party, and served in that office, and in the office of public crier, for sev- eral years. On May 1, 1846, he was appointed aid-de-camp, Second Regiment, 12th Division of Ohio Militia, to serve in the Mexican War.
On April 29, 1829, in Champaign County, Ohio, Thomas Reed Kear was married to Catherine Frisinger (see Marriage Record B, on page 223), who was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, April 12, 1812, and was a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Aker) Fris- inger. Peter Frisinger and his father were both in the War of the Revolution, and in the Virginia Militia in the War of 1812, Peter Frisinger serving as a private in Capt. Christo- pher Morris' company of Light Infantry, Fourth Regiment of Virginia Militia, com- manded by Lieutenant Colonel Wooding Hus- ton and Lieutenant Colonel. He died in the service on January 4, 1815. Catharine Aker (German-"Eker") was a daughter of John Aker, who by his descendants is called both John and Henry, from which fact it is pre- sumed that his name was John Henry Aker.
She had several brothers and sisters, and some of the younger generations have spelled the name "Akers," "Acer". "Acers" and "Eckers". Peter Friszinger was the father of II chil- dren-five sons and six daughters. Five of the daughters married and lived in Champaign County., Ohio. The youngest daughter, Cath- arine, who became the wife of Thomas Reed Kear, with her brothers, John and Peter, moved to Willshire township, Van Wert Coun- ty, Ohio. The other three brothers, William, Jacob and Noah, moved into Mercer County, Ohio, and were among the first settlers in that county, where there are many of their descend- ants still living. A son of Peter is still living at the age of 87 years. The children born to Thomas Reed Kear and his wife were: Mary M., wife of Jackson Pence, of Willshire township; John J., of Van Wert and Toledo; Amelia C., deceased; Lydia A., of Petersburg, Illinois; Amanda A., of Van Wert and Gran- ville, Ohio, now of Norfolk, Virginia; Benja- min F., deceased and buried about three miles west of Hennessey, Oklahoma, who lived in many different places in the United States; Sarah E., deceased, who lived near Brandon, Buchanan County, Iowa; Robert T., deceased, who lived at Van Wert; Wiley M., of Van Wert; and Elisie A., who died when a child. The mother of our subject survived until No- vember 1, 1895, she being at that time over 83 years of age. In 1836 she united with the first Methodist body organized in Van Wert County, which was known as the "Pring Class", its spiritual leader being Richard Pring known in this section, and later in Iowa, as "A man of God, and full of the Spirit." On moving to Van Wert, she immediately at- tached herself to the Methodist body there, and remained an active and efficient member through her long, beautiful life.
After the death of his father, when he was
Digitized by Google
546
HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY
but 15 years of age, Wiley M. Kear com- menced working in the first stave factory built in Van Wert, operated by Warren & Wells, where he continued to be employed un- til his 18th year, when he secured a position on a farm near Plymouth, Indiana, where he was permitted to attend school during one win- ter, under the instruction of that good teacher,
Albert Nash. Returning to Van Wert, he resumed work in the stave factory, working eight months in the year, and devoting four months to advancing his education. When 21 years of age he went West, and was engaged in farm work in the vicinity of Brandon, Buchanan County, Iowa, until 1837, when he came back to his native place. Here he worked at cutting bolts for staves, general teaming and assisting in a sawmill, and teaching school in winter, until January, 1879, when he entered the county recorder's office, and served four years. At the same time he began his loaning business, which he carried on with the real es- state business, which he had commenced as an agent for his mother in 1873, laying out and platting "Catherine Kear's Addition to the Village of Van Wert." He sold off the lots, and built a house on the remaining land of his mother. In 1883 he decided to devote his entire attention exclusively to real estate, in- vestments and brokerage.
On June 17, 1879, at Brandon, Iowa, Mr. Kear was married to Malinda Romig, who is a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Young) Romig. Mrs. Kear was born October 14, 1853, in Jefferson County, Wisconsin but sev- eral years prior to her marriage removed with her parents to Brandon, Iowa. Isaac Romig was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1814, and was married March 13, 1842, too Elizzabeth Young, who was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Au-
gust 8, 1823. She was a daughter of Jacob Young and Katharine Strong (Williamson) Young, who was a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Richey) Williamson. Isaac Roming was a son of Isaac and Mary Catharine (Schubert) Romig. Isaac Romig, Sr., was a son of John Romig, who was born about the year 1737 in Macungie township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, and died in 1803. John Romig had two wives; the second one, a Miss Rothermel, who died in 1816, came originally from Holland and was a daughter of John and Sybilla (Zimmerman) Rothermel. John Rothermel died at sea, and his widow landed in Philadelphia. Sybilla (Zimmerman) Rothermel was a daughter of John George Zimmerman and Barbara (Metzger) Zimmer- man, who was a sister to Lieut. Gen. Theobold Metzger, Governor of Breda, known also as "Theobold from Weibnom", who left a large estate in Holland, which was forfeited to the crown, over which estate there has been much litigation and useless expenditure of money by some of his heirs in France and the United States, in a vain attempt to secure it. George Schubert, father of Mary Catharine (Schu- bert) Romig, was born in Germany, and came to the United States when a child of two years. He lived in Weisenburg township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, where he died at the age of 80 years. He was married to Chris- tiana Nunygesser (spelled sometimes Nuny- gosser), who was born in Weisenburg .town- ship, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley M. Kear, are as follows: C. R., a lieutenant in the United States Navy; Helen L., Georgiana M., Roy Donald, Paul Winfred, Harry Alex- ander and Thomas W., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kear are active members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. Politically, the subject
Digitized by Google
-
-
Digitized by Google
MR. AND MRS. BENJAMIN JONES AND FAMILY
Digitized by Google
549
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
of this sketch is a Republican. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, a Mason and a member of the Home Guards of America.
1
B ENJAMIN JONES, dleceased, formerly one of the substantial farmers of Will- shire township, where he owned a finely improved farm of 293 acres, lo- cated in section 10, was also an honored sur- vivor of the great Civil war in which he served for four years. He was born in Richland (now Ashland) County, Ohio, January 17, 1837, and died January 27, 1903.
Benjamin Jones, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Wales and came to America in company with a number of colon- ists, with whom he settled on a portion of the site of the present beautiful city of Baltimore, Maryland, where he subsequently died, leaving children. James Jones, a son, was born at Baltimore, resided there until he was 21 years of age, when he migrated to Ohio and in 1808 settled in Columbia County. He mar- ried Rachel Arnold and they lived in various sections of the State, including Stark, Wayne, Medina and Richland counties. In the county last named he died in 1840 and was survived by his widow for five years.
James Jones, son of James and father of Benjamin, was born near Baltimore, Maryland, in December, 1807, and hence was but an in- fant when his parents brought him to Ohio. In July, 1843, in Medina County, he married Catherine Deweese, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Shaffer) Deweese, and to this mar- riage were born these children: Joseph. Ben- jamin. Elizabeth. Uriah and Daniel, all de- ceased: James of Idaho: and John of Michi- gan. At different periods James Jones and his family resided in Medina and Richland coun-
ties, Ohio, and Adams County, Indiana. The mother of the family was born in Bucks Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, December 19, 1819, and died in Indiana, September 12, 1899. In political sentiment James Jones was a Democrat, and in religious belief, a Catholic.
The late Benjamin Jones was brought up to hard work and strict discipline, both on the home farm and in the household. His educa- tion was that afforded by the district schools of his locality, where, in spite of their disadvan- tages, he became a well-informed young man. He was reared to be loyal to the government, and no one opposed him, when, in 1861, he decided to enter the army to assist in overcom- ing the rebellion. He became a member of Company A, 47th Reg., Indiana Vol. Inf., and during the entire four years of his army life proved himself a true, loyal and courageous soldier on the field of battle, and a cheerful bearer of the innumerable hardships which fell to his lot. The list of terrible battles in which he took part proves conclusively that his ser- vice was one of danger as well as honor. He participated in the battles of Fort Madrid, Mis- souri; Fort Pillow, Tennessee; Browns Plan- tation, Mississippi; Jackson, Mississippi; Ca- tau Bayou; Muddy Bayou, Martinsville and Atchafalaya, all in Louisiana; Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely and Mobile, Alabama; Vicks- burg, Riddle Point, Gibson, Champion Hill and many smaller engagements. At Vicks- burg, June 18, 1863, he was seriously wounded in the head, and bore the mark to his grave. On another occasion he was kicked on the head by a mule which produced an injury to his skull, and he also had one leg crushed-an in- jury which also gave him trouble all his sub- sequent life and on account of which. the gov- ernment justly awarded him a pension. Mr. Jones received his honorable discharge from his country's service, on November 1. 1865,
Digitized by Google
550
HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY
having been appointed to the rank of sergeant on October 30, 1862.
When this brave soldier returned from the army, he possessed what he had saved from his wages and what he had earned by working for some of his less thrifty comrades. He had always been accustomed to hard work, as his father had died when he was only II years old and heavy responsibilities had thus fallen early upon him.
On December 24, 1865, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Mary Dailey, who was born November 12, 1846, in Adams County, Indiana, and is a daughter of James and Mary (Johnson) Dailey. James Dailey was born in Athens County, September 23, 1819 and his wife in Harrison County, in 1822. Mr. Dailey acquired 600 acres of land in Adams County, Indiana. He died February 27, 1863, but was survived by his widow until December 4, 1886. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Jones, Jo- seph Johnson, entered 240 acres of land in sec- tion 10, Willshire township, coming here from Harrison County on May 14, 1836.
On March 17, 1866, Benjamin Jones and wife settled on their present farm, a part of it being a portion of the land entered by Joseph Johnson. It then contained 160 acres, which had been partially cleared and on which stood good log buildings. Mr. Jones continued to add to the original farm until he owned 293 acres, 65 acres of which form so valuable an oak forest that the place is appropriately known as the "Forest Oak Farm." This farm he continued to operate during his active life. carrying on a general line of agriculture and raising excellent stock. The property has been greatly improved, in 1882 Mr. Jones erecting the commodious brick residence, which was fitted up with everything to make it a comfor- table and even luxurious home. Here his last days were passed in comfortable retirement.
Mr. Jones left his widow and numerous de- scendants, having had a family of 13 children, as follows : Emma, wife of George Hawkins, of Wren; Eva, wife of Nelson Moser, also of Wren; Daniel D., who is studying medicine at Chicago, Illinois; Esias T., of Adams County, Indiana; Benjamin Oscar, who is the capable home farmer, taking all care from his mother; James, who died aged three months; Charles J., a resident of Adams County, In- diana; Harry O., a practicing physician in Oaklahoma; Mary A., a student in the Van Wert High School; and Harvey H., Clarence C., Fred C. and Clara A., all attending school and living at home.
In his political convictions, the late Benja- min Jones was a stanch Republican, but he was no seeker for public office. He took a deep interest in the Grand Army of the Re- public organization at Willshire, and thor- oughly enjoyed meeting his old war comrades. As a business man Mr. Jones possessed keen insight and sound judgment. He was a de- voted husband, a kind and careful father, reared a family which is creditable to him and to the community, and took an honest pride in his reputation as an honest and upright man, When he passed away he was mourned by the entire community, for many there were who, during his lifetime, had experienced his prac- tical kindness and profited by his friendly ad- vice. A picture of Mr. and Mrs. Jones and their family accompanies this sketch.
OHN F. BAKER, one of the represen- tative men of Hoaglin township. who resides on his well-cultivated farm of 70 acres. situated in section 8, was born in Coshocton. Ohio. February 22, 1856. but was raised in Fairfield County. He is a
Digitized by Google
1
.r
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
55I
son of Amos and Lucinda (Valentine) Baker.
It is not known definitely where Amos Baker was born, but probably in Coshocton County, Ohio; his wife, a native of Pennsyl- vania, was brought to Fairfield County, Ohio, when she was a small child. The family an- cestry is Scotch.
Our subject was reared to the age of 19 years in Coshocton County, being educated in the local schools and then going to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming until 1889. He then came to Van Wert Coun- ty and in the fall of 1892 settled on his present farm, which he has vastly improved, possess- ing now good, substantial buildings and well- cultivated fields.
On July 30, 1879, John F. Baker was mar- ried to Eliza J. Helvering, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, March 22, 1863. They have four children, viz .: J. William, of Paulding County; Estella M., wife of Eldo Myers, of Van Wert; Leafie D., living at home; and Roy V., of Hoaglin township. The parents of Mrs. Baker, George and Elizabeth (Cline) Helvering, were old settlers in Picka- way county, the father dying when she was an infant. Politically Mr. Baker is a Democrat. He has served three years as a trustee of Hoaglin township, and is considered one of the township's excellent citizens in every res- pect.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.