History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 67

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 67

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).

j OHN GILLILAND, a prominent citi- zen, old settler and well-known agri- culturist of Ridge township, residing on his well-improved farm of 101 acres which is situated in section 31, was born July 5, 1836, and is a son of Adam and Sarah

(Shaffner) Gilliland. He enjoys the distinc- tion of being the first white child born in Ridge township. His father was a native of Mary- land, who in young manhood located in Craw- ford County, Ohio, where he was married to Sarah Shaffner, who was born in Pennsylvania. He was a most worthy man in every particular and served in some of the local offices of Ridge township. His children were: John, of this sketch; Julia A., wife of Christian Palmer ; Mary F., wife of Hon. J. S. Stuckey; Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Christian Honsted, of Potta- watomie County, Kansas; Shaffner M .: Sam- uel; Martha E., wife of John A. Tomlinson; and Robert-all of Ridge township, with the exception of Mrs. Christian Honsted.

John Gilliland was reared in Ridge town- ship and obtained his education in the district schools, being trained as a practical farmer and for a number of years engaged in the buying and shipping of live-stock. After his marriage he settled on the present farm, which formerly belonged to his father-in-law, and this tract he has greatly improved, it being now one of the best properties in the township.

On June 7, 1866, John Gilliland was mar- ried to Lucy Cavett, who was born in Williams County, Ohio, January 10, 1839, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Barns) Cavett. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, and her mother, in New York. In 1839 they came to Van Wert County, settled for a short time at Middlepoint and then located on the farm in Ridge township occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland. Our subject and wife have had 10 children, as follows: Ella A., wife of H. V. Cooper, of Pleasant township; William C., of Ridge township; Adam, of Pleasant town- ship; Emma J., wife of Dr. Ed. Edwards, of Delphos, Ohio; Bertha M. (Mrs. Alonzo Huf- fine), of Liberty township; Clara P., who mar- ried D. A. North, of Van Wert; Hugh, of

Digitized by Google

623

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Preble County, Ohio; Sarah and Ira, both liv- ing at home; and a child who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. John Gilliland are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Gilliland is a Democrat and on many occasions has been chosen by his fellow- citizens for important local offices. He has served as township land appraiser and for some years was chairman of the board of township trustees. He has been very active and most useful in overseeing the construction of the turnpike road through Ridge township, being anxious at all times to safeguard the interests of the public. Mr. Gilliland is a man held in very high esteem and may justly be considered one of the township's representative men.

EORGE B. SWARTZ, one of the rep- resentative farmers of Liberty town- ship, who owns a fine farm of 105 acres of land in section 32, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, on December 19, 1850, and is a son of John and Mary (Bright) Swartz. His father was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a son of George Swartz, a native of Pennsylvania who moved from that State to Fairfield County. Mrs. Swartz, the mother, was a daughter of John Bright, a farmer of Fairfield County. John Swartz died in 1866, and his wife, in 1873.

George Swartz was reared on his father's farm and received a common school education, living on the family homestead until the death of his mother. He was married on November 19, 1879, to Relieffa Lillian Schenck, a daugh- ter of David Schenck. Mr. Swartz lived for 14 years in Fairfield County ; after his marriage engaged in farming and in March, 1894, moved to Liberty township. Van Wert County, where he settled on a farm of 105 acres, which he had

bought the year previous and upon which he has since resided. He found it necessary to make many improvements and has erected good substantial buildings, his frame residence being built in 1903 and his fine large barn in the sum- mer of 1905.

Mr. and Mrs. George Swartz have had three children, two of whom are living: Mamie Dale, the oldest, who married Ralph L. Royer and has one child-Cecil Leo; Elmer D., who died in 1887, just one day previous to his first birthday anniversary; and Florice Velma. The parents are both members of the United Brethren Church.

R EV. JOHN BROUGH GOTT- SCHALL, pastor of Trinity Meth- odist Episcopal Church, of Delphos, was born at Gettysburg, Darke County, Ohio, October 28, 1863, a son of Jacob and Fianna (Martzall) Gottschall, both of whom are natives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His paternal grandfather, David Gottschall, was born in Germany and came to America during his earlier years.

John B. Gottschall attended the public schools of Darke County, and in 1886 entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio. Two years later, he became an instructor in that institution, having charge of the commer- cial course. He was thus employed for eight years, when he decided to take up the work of the ministry. He was placed in charge of the churches at Gilboa and Pandora, Putnam County, as his first charge. He was well qualified for his chosen work, being a sym- pathetic and logical reasoner, and it was with genuine sorrow that his parishioners saw him depart for his second charge at Bloomdale, Wood County. After two years in the First

Digitized by Google

624

HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

Methodist Episcopal Church of that place, he was sent to the church at Willshire, where he was stationed for five years, and had the sat- isfaction of seeing the organization there make steady and rapid advancement.

In the fall of 1905 he took charge of the church at Delphos, and entered upon the work with an enthusiasm and zeal which portends a great spiritual awakening in an already strong church. The membership is about 400 at the present time and, from the interest being mani- fested, it is hoped to add many more to the roll. Mr. Gottschall has made himself popular, not only among the people of his immediate congre- gation, but among all classes, many of his warmest friends holding different religious views. He is a deep thinker, a keen observer of human nature, quick to respond to the call of the unfortunate, and fearless in his denuncia- tion of evil-indeed it is this very fearlessness that lends potency to his utterances. Mr. Gott- schall was married to Mary Reck, daughter of Levi Reck, of Darke County, Ohio. Three children have blessed their home: Rea, born September 9, 1890; Eva, born September 9, 1892; and J. Joyce, born February 10, 1901.

D ARIUS O. COOPER, one of the best known and highly respected citizens of Liberty township who owns the farm of 80 acres in section 2, upon which he resides, as well as 160 acres in sec- tion 35, Pleasant township, was born in Fair- field County, Ohio, and is the son of Jesse K. and Hester (Kistler) Cooper, his father be- ing formerly a wheat drill manufacturer of Lancaster. Ohio. Jesse K. Cooper and his wife came to Van Wert County about 1864, when our subject was about 12 years old, and set- tled on a farm in Pleasant township, where the

husband died in 1891. Mrs. Cooper is still liv- ing and resides on the old homestead in Pleas- ant township. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse K. Cooper had 10 children, four of whom are still living, as follows; Darius O .; George: Hiram; and Nora (Grunewald).

Darius O. Cooper has lived in Liberty town- ship since his 12th year, and been engaged in farming. In 1877 he was married to Alice Hoghe, a daughter of Abram Hoghe, and him- self and wife have reared to maturity, 10 chil- dren-Hester A., who married Henry Bowers and has one child, Gordon; Maud (Mrs. Charles Rader ) ; Delcena, wife of John Rader and mother of one child-Pearl ; Jesse ; Goldie; Hiram; Owen; Florence; Nellie and Beatrice. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are members of the North Liberty Methodist Church, of which he is trus- tee. He is also connected with the Van Wert lodge of Masons.

A DAM WISE, proprietor of the Union Flour Mills, of Van Wert. is the leading miller of Van Wert County and the manufacturer of one of the best grades of flour put upon the market. His parents are George M. and Elizabeth ( Hetzel) Wise. The former was a baker during the early part of his life, but later became an agricultur- ist and moved to the farm in Van Wert County where our subject was born on December 5, 1860.

Adam Wise was one of a family of six children and was accorded a good common- school education. In 1878 he entered the em- ploy of the City Mills as driver of their wagon in the city delivery, and by faithful work won his way from one position to another until he had at last mastered the business. and was ready to start out for himself. On May 5. 1904.

Digitized by Google

625

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

he took possession of the Union Mills, for which he had paid the sum of $12,500, and en- joys the satisfaction of seeing the output of his plant rated among the best in the country. No expense has been spared to make this mill s11- perior in every way, and the introduction of the Stevens and Allis rollers has gone far to bring about this result. It has a capacity of 80 barrels per day, and is an industry which gives employment to a number of people and brings considerable money to the city.

Mr. Wise married Kittie Shoop, daughter of Benjamin Shoop. They have two children -Princess L. and Cathaleen, and are pleas- antly located in their home on the corner of Crawford and Tyler streets. They are attend- ants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which both are members. Mr. Wise is a Dem- ocrat and a man of sterling character.

L OUIS BENDER has been an esteemed resident of Hoaglin township since the spring of 1888, when he moved to his recently purchased farm of 103 acres in section 5, which has since been his home. He was born in Erie County, Pennsyl- vania, October 13, 1854, and is a son of Lewis and Lena (Rupert) Bender, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to Amer- ica about the middle of the last century and were married in Erie County which was their home until 1865. At that time the family re- moved to Franklin County, Ohio, in which they remained a short time before finally locating in Licking County where both parents passed away many years ago. The children born to them were as follows : Louis ; John, of Frank- lin County; Charles W., of Colorado; Otto L .: Elizabeth, wife of Allen Barb; Mary, wife of John Link; Emma, married to Homer Ger-

heart; and Daniel. The five last named still reside in Licking County.

Louis Bender was 10 years of age when the family located in Licking County and it was there he grew to manhood. When quite young he began working on the farm by the month and in this way gathered the funds which en- abled him to stock a rented farm and, in 1888, to purchase his present holdings. It is a case where industry and perseverance have brought their reward, and but shows that success awaits those who strive for it by practical means. Mr. Bender was married February 12, 1888, to Olive Bourne, a native of Indiana, by whom he has a family of four children, viz .: Eliza- beth B .; Charles W .; Frederick; and a child who died as an infant. Mr. Bender is a prom- inent member, class leader and steward of the Grand Victory Church, of Hoaglin township, and one of the most indefatigable workers in the Evangelical Association.

6 JEORGE J. SMITH, recorder of Van Wert County, who is now serving his second term of office, is one of the best known educators in this section of the State. He was born in Perry County, Ohio, November 10, 1857, and is a son of George W. and Mary A. (Saum) Smith. The father of Mr. Smith, born in 1832, still survives, being a well known and respected citizen, having worked at the carpenter's trade, through sev- eral counties in this section, for a number of years of his active life.

George J. Smith was educated in Perry County and while still a young man began to teach school, being thus employed for two terms in Perry County and for 15 years in Al- len County. After removing to Van Wert County he continued in the educational field

Digitized by

Google

626

HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

and taught until 1902, when he was elected county recorder and reelected in 1905. Mr. Smith is able and popular as a public official, and in the discharge of his present duties em- ploys one assistant and one clerk. He has al- ways identified with the Republican party.

Mr. Smith's wife was formerly Emma Huber, a daughter of Christian and Mary K. (Kneisley) Huber and they are the parents of five children-Harley C., Marion J., Errol F., Mary E. and Dale-all of whom reside at home. The family have a very pleasant home at No. 514 North Jefferson street, Van Wert. Fra- ternally Mr. Smith is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Home Guards of America.

J ONATHAN TUMBLESON, a vener- able and esteemed resident of Pleasant township, residing on his farm of 120 acres situated in section 16, is a pioneer of Van Wert County, having lived in the coun- ty since his 13th year. He has fully participated in the material development of this part of the country, as well as in its moral and intellectual advancement. Mr. Tumbleson was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 26, 1828, and is a son of John and Susanna ( Bowers) Tum- bleson, both of whom were natives of Pennsyl- vania. The paternal ancestors were English. John Tumbleson, familiarly known as "Judge" Tumbleson (having served as associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Van Wert County), removed from Wayne to Allen County and. in 1841. came to Van Wert and located in Pleasant township when that locality was still covered with dense forests. He en- joyed the wild and rugged life of the pioneer and later removed to Iowa, settling in Polk County, where he passed his last years. At one time he was trustee of Pleasant township. in-

variably manifested the liveliest interest in all local events and was recognized as one of the county's most influential citizens.

Jonathan Tumbleson was reared and edu- cated in Pleasant township and then learned the trade of a plasterer, which occupation he fol- lowed for about 20 years. He then turned to agriculture and has since given his entire time to this industry, meeting with deserved suc- cess. On August 15, 1850, he was married to Lucinda J. Eller, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Frederick and Eliza J. Eller. Mrs. Tumbleson's parents came to Van Wert County and located in Har- rison township when she was but a child, and the greater part of her life was spent in this vicinity, where she was so well known and be- loved. She was a devout member of the Meth- odist Episcopal faith, and in her death, which occurred March 13, 1901, the church lost one of its most earnest workers, the community a sympathetic and kind-hearted neighbor and the family a devoted wife and mother. For more than 50 years this couple had traveled life's pathway, together brightly facing the sunshine. as well as braving the gloom. Sixteen children blessed their union, of whom two died in infancy. The 14 that grew to maturity were as . follows : Alice D., of Van Wert: George W. (see below) ; Emma C., wife of Albert N. Terry; Alfred S .: Eliza J., wife of James Bowers ; Mary L., wife of John Kreider; Susan, wife of John Eckfeld; Addie B., wife of Francis Arnold; Iona, wife of K. Gamble: Frank J .; Cora B., wife of Walter Conn; Ce- celia, wife of Robert Conn : Charles G .. of Cal- ifornia : and Rosetta L., wife of Adam Gilli- land. Mr. Tumbleson is a life-long Republican : served as trustee of Pleasant township for four years: is a consistent Methodist, and a man whose life record commands general respect.

GEORGE W. TUMBLESON was born in Pleas-

Digitized by Google

RESIDENCE OF HENRY F. SCHINNERER

Google

Digitized by

629

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

ant township .April 26, 1858, and has been a resident here throughout life. He was mar- ried September 1, 1883, to Ida B. Hammell, by whom he has two children-Fred C. and Etta L. George W. Tumbleson resides on the farm with his father and superintends its oper- ations, being one of the most capable farmers in the township. He is a Republican. His maternal grandmother, Mrs. Eliza J. (Eller) Johns, is in her 88th year, resides in Andrews, Indiana, and has 163 descendents, viz .: 54 grandchildren; 103 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

h ENRY F. SCHINNERER, one of the leading men and most substantial farmers of Willshire township, who resides on his magnificent farm of 212 acres, situated in sections 29 and 30, was born near Rockford, Mercer County, Ohio, May 2, 1867, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Schumm) Schinnerer. His father, born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1824, came to the United States in 1849; settled in Mercer Coun- ty, Ohio, where he was a large farmer, and died February 5. 1905. Immediately after his first marriage, he came to America, being at that time a man of small capital. From 1849 until 1871. he operated a grist and shingle mill at Rockford. having learned his trade in Germany, and from 1872 until the close of his active life he farmed in Willshire township, Van Wert County, where he acquired 300 acres of land. our subject's farm being a part of the property. During the Civil war he served as trustee of Mercer County. Politically he was a Democrat : for many years was a lead- ing member of the German Lutheran Church.

and was generally a man of great natural in- telligence and very well educated.

In Germany, Frederick Schinnerer mar- ried (first) Margaret Dyer, and they had two children-Rosanna, deceased, who married Henry Schumm, and Lena, who is the wife of Christian Hoffman, of Pleasant township. Mr. Schinnerer was married (second) to Eliza- beth Schumm, a daughter of Louis Schumm, and they have these children : Clara, wife of Joseph Gunsett, of Willshire township; Henry F., of this sketch; Hannah, wife of Peter Scare, of Union township; Liccie, wife of John Scare, of Willshire township; Sophia, wife of Herman Gunsett, of Van Wert; Emma, wife of Bert Balyeat, of Van Wert; and Mol- lie, who resides with her mother on an adjoin- ing farm in a fine brick residence, one of the substantial homes of the township.

Henry F. Schinnerer was five years old when his parents came to Van Wert County. and he has resided on the present farm almost ever since. In addition to owning this large body of land, he also has valuable holdings within the corporate limits of Willshire. His farm is one of the best improved in the whole township and he devotes his entire time to cul- tivating his land and increasing its productive- ness. Like his father he has always been iden- tified with the Democratic party, and like him is also one of the leading members of the Ger- man Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In 1892 Mr. Schinnerer was united in mar- riage with Louisa Schumm. who was born in Dublin township, Mercer County. Ohio-an old schoolmate and a daughter of J. Frederick Schumm, of Mercer County. They have had four children, namely-William, Lydia. Fred- erick and Emma (who died when one year old). Mr. and Mrs. Schinnerer are highly re- spected residents of Willshire township, both

Digitized by Google

630

HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

being members of well known and long es- tablished families. Their kindred are numer- ous and their circle of friends is wide.

A view of the Schinnerer home accom- panies this sketch, being shown on a preceding page.

ILBUR C. LAWRENCE, clerk of Van Wert County, was born June II, 1853, in the State of New York, and is a son of Cyrus and Clarinda (Bouton) Lawrence. The parents of Mr. Lawrence were natives of New York and reared a family of four children, the father be- ing a merchant, for some years, but at a later period of his life, a well known practitioner of law.

Mr. Lawrence passed his boyhood and early manhood in his native place, coming to Van Wert County in January, 1882. At Van Wert, for 10 years he engaged in a hardware business, under the firm name of Bouton & Lawrence, and was also interested in a furniture manu- facturing company. In the business difficulties which later came upon this company Mr. Law- rence served as receiver until its affairs were adjusted. For some six years he was also en- gaged in a general insurance business.

When Mr. Lawrence was first elected county clerk, he discontinued his insurance business for a time. His official service ex- tended through the three years following 1896 and he was again chosen by the Republican party as its candidate for the county clerkship, but this election resulted in his defeat by 70 votes. He then resumed his insurance business until 1901, when he was again brought forward by his party and twice elected, first by a ma- jority of 90 votes and the second time by 740. In the face of this record it is perhaps needless to add that he has proven himself a very effi-

cient public officer, and is popular with all who have business to transact through his office. He has been a life-long Republican and has al- ways been in close accord with the local party leaders.

Mr. Lawrence was married to Clara B. Uhrich, a daughter of Cyrus Uhrich, and they have three children. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Personally Mr. Lawrence is a man of social impulses and genial manner, and is a very acceptable and faithful member of a num- ber of fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Mac- cabees, the Modern Brotherhood of America, the Home Guards of America and the Frater- nal Order of Eagles.

Mr. Lawrence owns a handsome home at No. 502 North Market street, Van Wert.

R OBERT DOLBEY, one of Ridge town- ship's representative citizens, a prom- inent farmer who is also identified with public affairs and educational and religious interests, owns a fine farm of 80 acres, which is situated in section 16, Ridge township, Mr. Dolbey was born January 31, 1848, in Delaware County, Ohio, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Thomas) Dolbey.

Both parents of Mr. Dolbey were born in Wales. The father was 26 years of age when he came to America, locating first in the vicin- ity of Utica, New York. Later he removed to Delaware County, married there in 1845, set- tled for a short time in Greene County, and in 1855 located permanently in Van Wert County. He settled on the Jennings Prairie, in York township, from which he removed in 1865 to Washington township, where he lived until his death in October, 1891. He was a man of

Digitized by Google

631

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

sterling character, one who comanded the re- spect of all with whom business or friendship brought him into contact. He was a consistent member of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church.

In 1845 Robert Dolbey, father of our sub- ject, was united in marriage with Elizabeth Thomas. She was born May 2, 1829, in Mont- gemeryshire, Wales, and was one of a family of 12 children who with their parents emigrated to America in 1829. They settled first near Utica, New York, but removed from there to Delaware County, Ohio, where, as mentioned above, the daughter Elizabeth was married to Robert Dolbey. She accompanied her husband to Van Wert County in 1856, residing for some years near Venedocia, and then coming to the homestead south of Middlepoint, in Washing- ton township, where she died November 13, 1890. She was a faithful and earnest member of the Horeb Welsh Presbyterian Church. She was reverently esteemed by all who knew her. In her death Van Wert County lost one of its representative and valued pioneer women.

The children of Robert and Elizabeth (Thomas) Dolbey were nine in number, the survivors being : William T., of Delphos ; Rob- ert, the subject of this sketch; Margaret, wife of John W. Jones, of Washington township; Anna Eliza, wife of John Ringwald, of Ridge township; John L., of Washington township; and Mary, wife of Evan Morris, of York town- ship.

Robert Dolbey, the second son of the above family, was reared to agricultural pursuits and obtained his education in the public schools of York township. In 1884 he settled on his pres- ent farm in section 16, Ridge township, where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He has made many sub- stantial improvements here and his property is conceded to be very valuable. Like his

late father, Mr. Dolbey is identified with the Republican party, but he has never consented to accept any except school offices. He has been one of the township's intelligent and in- terested school directors for many terms, and served as treasurer of the special school dis- trict of Ridge township.

On December 31, 1875, Mr. Dolbey was married to Elizabeth A. Summersett, who was born in Van Wert County, September II, 1854, and is a daughter of John and Mary A. (Clendenning) Summersett. The father was born in Ross County, Ohio, and died January 5, 1888. The mother was born in Vermont, and died June 5, 1905. John Summersett and wife were early settlers in Van Wert County, coming before the Indians had disappeared. Of their children, the survivors are: John W., of Denver, Colorado; Elizabeth, wife of our sub- ject; and Greenbury and Henry E., both of Washington township.

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.

History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 67

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

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