History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 71

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 71

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Anna Lindemann was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was there educated, being married April 14, 1880, to John Dulweber, a proseprous lumber merchant of that city. The ceremony was performed in Covington where Mr. Dul- weber resided. Her husband subsequently pur- chased the lumber interest of Bungener & Company, of Cincinnati, and conducted the business until his death on December 12. 1897.

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The deceased was recognized in the commercial world as a shrewd and successful business man. By his death Mrs. Dulweber was left with four sons, the eldest not yet 17; but she bravely bent her energies to the task of rearing them to lives of usefulness and honor, and has dis- played a wisdom, both in their training and the management of her large business interests, which marks her as a woman of exceptional ability and sound judgment. Except the youngest son, Alfred, who is still a student in the Delphos public schools, the sons are well established in business and all promise to be a credit to the mother and themselves. Benja- min F. Dulweber married Nannie Noble, of Mount Healthy, Ohio, and resides in Cincin- nati, where he owns and manages the lumber business formerly conducted by his father. Edward Dulweber married Mabel McGrievy, and has one child, a resident of Covington and in the employ of a Cincinnati lumber firm. John Dulweber, Jr., is in the employ of the Union Hardware Company, of Delphos. Al- though Mrs. Dulweber still owns the old home in Covington, she moved to Delphos in July, 1904, and the following year bought a resi- dence here. She is a faithful member of St. John's Catholic Church, and universally re- spected for her fine qualities of head and heart.

DLOMON B. FACKLER, one of the representative agriculturists of Union township, the owner of a fine farm of 100 acres in section 17, was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 12, 1847, and is a son of Henry H. and Nancy (Bear) Fackler.

Ohio. Their children were: Jacob, who died young : Solomon B., of this sketch; Emanuel. who died aged 40 years: Martin, deceased; Mary Elizabeth, wife of John Ketzenbarger; Leah, who died at the age of 10 years; Sarah Ann, deceased, formerly wife of Adam Fry, also deceased; and Alice, wife of William Young, of Union township. The Fackler family comes of German ancestry and Revol- utionary stock. Our subject's great-grandI- father. Wendel Fackler, with his two brothers, George and Adam, emigrated to America, set- tled in Pennsylvania; all three served in the Patriot army, during the Revolutionary War, and all held official positions. The father of Solomon B. Falker was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1823. In Richland County, Ohio, on September 7. 1843, he married Nancy Bear, who was born March 14, 1819, and died January 23, 1897. In 1889 Mr. Fackler came to Van Wert County and purchased a farm of 240 acres in section 21, Union township, where he still lives.

Solomon B. Fackler has been a resident of Union township for the past 17 years, although he came here as a visitor in the early '60's, re- maining, at that time, until 1864. In 1889 he purchased his present farm, which was then only partially improved, and he has since placed it under excellent cultivation, engaging in a general line of farming. The family home is one of comfort, and all the improvements are of a substantial character.

In 1867 Solomon B. Fackler was married to Sarah C. Daup, who was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, September 14. 1846, and in 1856 accompanied her parents to Ohio. She is a daughter of William and Katherine (Artz) Daup. of Pennsylvania Dutch extrac- tion; both of her parents died in Richland

The parents of Mr. Fackler remained in Richland County until 1869, when they re- moved to Bloom township, Wood County. i County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fackler have

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MRS. AGNES K. BOCKEY

MATHIAS BOCKEY

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had six children, as follows: Loren D., of Michigan; Nancy Katherine (Fulton), de- ceased; Clarence, of Union township; Jennie A. (Mrs. Delbert Staley), of Union township; Henry, of Union township; and Elnora, who died young. Politically Mr. Fackler is identi- fied with the Democratic party.

ATHIAS BOCKEY, one of the best and most prosperous agriculturists of this county, resides on a farm of 268 acres located in sections 15 and 16, Washington township. He is regarded as a reliable authority on all questions pertaining to the care and cultivation of land and crops. Mr. Bockey is a son of John and Margaret Bockey and was born June 4, 1841, in Seneca County, Ohio, where he was educated, grew to manhood and was married.

In 1864, Mathias Bockey moved to Allen County, Ohio, locating in Marion township, near Landeck, on a tract of timberland con- taining 120 acres. This land Mr. Bockey cleared and put under cultivation, converting it into a most desirable property, of which with the exception of 80 acres, he disposed in 1885. In that year he moved to Van Wert County, locating on his present farm which he has improved and developed into one of the most productive in the county.

In 1863 Mr. Bockey was married to Anna Koch, daughter of Adam Koch, a farmer of Seneca County, Ohio. After her demise. March 5. 1870, he was married to Agnes Koch, a sis- ter of his first wife. The death of his second wife occurred September 20. 1905. Mr. Bockey is the father of 10 children, four of whom are by the first marriage. viz .: Catherine, who is unmarried and resides at home: Mary Agnes, who did in infancy: Mary (Mrs. Dennis

Clark, of Decatur, Indiana; and Anna, who lives at home. The six children born to his second marriage are: Ralph, who resides at home; Lucy, who married Bert Carpenter and died October 8, 1897; Emma, who died Sep- tember 21, 1874, aged six months; George Amos, who died January 21, 1876, also six months of age; Edward, who lives at home; and Arthur, who was married to Anna Dalk on January 2, 1906.

Mr. Bockey has reared his family in the Catholic faith and has the satisfaction of see- ing them grow up a credit to his example, and devout members of the Church of St. John the Evangelist at Delphos, of which he himself has been almost a life-long member and of which he was at one time a councilman. He is prominently identified with the Sacred Heart Society, and a man whose sterling worth and uprightness place him among the most es- teemed and respected citizens of Van Wert County. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Bockey accompany this sketch.

RANK B. HALL, chief clerk of the Pennsylvania Company at Van Wert, was born April 15, 1854, in Crestline, Crawford County, Ohio, and is a son of Alexander and Sarah Elizabeth (Gardner) Hall. The father, a native of Lisbon, Colum- bia County, Ohio, is still a resident of Crest- line, where the mother died at the age of 54 years. . Mrs. Alexander Hall was born in Mercer County, Ohio, and at her death left a family consisting of the following six children : Mary Alice, now the wife of W. H. Raymond, of Galion. Ohio; Lawrence, who was killed on the railroad; Frank B. ; Rosa. widow of J. M. Raifsnyder, of Crestline: Charles A., who re-

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sides in New York City; and Ellsworth, who died in infancy.

In 1871 Frank B. Hall took his first posi- tion with the Pennsylvania Company, as clerk in the yard dispatcher's office at Alliance, Ohio, and he has been with this company ever since. His first promotion was to the position of clerk of the freight office at Mansfield; then he was transferred to Crestline, where he filled the same position, and thence, in 1887, came to Van Wert as chief clerk of the company here. This road handles all the business of the Adams Express Company at Van Wert, and the travel for the State of Pennsylvania. In addition to being thus prominently connected with these improtant interests, Mr. Hall assists with the correspondence of the freight office, his close and intelligent attention to business making him a valued official.

In 1878 Frank B. Hall was married to Emma L. Hassinger, a daughter of Jonas T. Hassinger, deceased, who resided near Lees- ville Cross Roads, Crawford County, Ohio. Mrs. Hall is a graduate of the Crestline High School, and for several terms before her mar- riage was a teacher in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are the parents of two children- Harry, who died in infancy, and Alman E. In 1893 Mr. Hall erected the family residence at No. 639 North Washington street. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Van Wert, and is always prepared to labor for the spiritual, moral or intellectual advancement of the city. He is a member of its Board of Education and has charge of the construction of the Second Ward School Building, having also been a member of the commitee which had in charge the erection of the Fourth Ward School Building. He is a Republican in politics and is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the treasurer of the local council of that order.

ORENZO D. THARP is one of the prosperous, progressive farmers of this county, and has lived on his farm of 40 acres in section 17, Hoaglin township, for over 30 years. He is a son of James and Sarah ( Hamilton) Tharp, and was born in Licking County, Ohio. December 9, 1846. His father was a native of Licking County and his mother, of Muskingum Coun- ty. The former died when our subject was a small lad and for her second husband. his mother married Thomas George.

Lorenzo D. Tharp remained with his mother and stepfather until his marriage, at- tending the district school and acquiring an education such as most farmer boys of that day received. On March 12. 1872, Mr. Tharp was married to Rachel A. Harter, who was born in Licking County, March 6, 1850, and is a daughter of William and Mary G. (Wheeler) Harter. Her father is a native of Virginia, and her mother, of Licking County. Of the II children born to Mr. and Mrs. Tharp the following survive: Lillie R. (Mrs. John W. Hennis), and Anna M. (Mrs. Frank Brown), l;cth of Hoaglin township; and Roy C. and Ruby E., living at home. The year after his marriage, with his wife and one child, Mr. Tharp moved to Franklin County, Ohio, where they resided until about 1875, when they came to Van Wert County. In the following year he located on his present farm upon which he had already constructed a log cabin, the rude dwelling giving place 12 years later to his present residence. At that early day wild game was still abundant and furnished many an appetizing meal for the pioneer's table.

Mr. Tharp is a man who takes an active interest in the current topics of the day and is well posted on all important issues. He is a Democrat in politics and served many years as school director of sub-district No. 6, most of

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the time as clerk of the board. He is a man of honor and integrity, and his high standing in the entire community has been attained by many years of faithful, useful work.

A USTIN T. JOHNSON, one of the most prominent men of Liberty town- ship, owner and operator of 202 acres of valuable farm land, 162 acres situated in section 12, and 40 acres in section 14, was born in Richland Coun- ty. Ohio, on January 4, 1842, and is a son of Richard M. and Rebecca ( Walkup) Johnson. The father, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, became a farmer of Richland County, Ohio, and in 1836 moved to Hardin County, Ohio. Originally the owner there of 40 acres of land, he increased the home farm, from time to time, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and at the time of his death was a very prominent man.

Austin Johnson was less than a year old when his parents settled in Hardin County, where he was reared and educated. On July 10. 1861, soon after the outbreak of the Civil War, he entered Company D, 34th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served through the entire con- flict. In 1863 he veteranized, being severely wounded at the battle of Winchester, after which he was in the hospital for three months. Regaining his health, he returned. to his com- pany, but the entire command was captured at Beverly, West Virginia, and Mr. Johnson was then confined in Libby Prison for about two months. On February 28, 1865, his regiment was consolidated with the 36th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and with this regiment he was mus- tered out on July 27, 1865. After the close of the war he located in Van Wert County, having in 1863 bought a farm of 60 acres.

Austin Johnson was married August 16, 1865, to Rosanna M. Unger and they had two children. Of these, John Richard died when past six years of age. William B. Johnson, the surviving son, married Mary Magdalene Parker and lives on his farm of 80 acres. He has one daughter, Mary Lenore. Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a member of the I. O. O. F.

OHN W. MYERS, of the firm of Mc- Conahay & Myers, jewelers, of Van Wert, was born April 15, 1846, in Greenup, Greenup County, Kentucky, and is a son of John A. and Isabella (White) Myers. His parents were born in Pennsyl- vania, where they were reared and married, soon after which they moved to Kentucky, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father was a miller by occupation and worked at that trade during the greater part of his life. John A. Myers was twice married, having four children (of whom our subject is the youngest), by his first marriage and one by his second.

John W. Myers attended school in Ken- tucky until he was 19 years of age, and the fol- lowing year started out for himself. Coming to Van Wert, he entered the employ of A. P. Mcconahay, under whom he learned the trade of a jeweler, becoming an expert in every de- tail of the business. He was with Mr. Mc- Conahay almost 40 years, when, with Clarence R. Mcconahay, a son of his employer, he pur- chased the stock of the establishment and suc- ceeded to the business, under the firm name of Mcconahay & Myers. The store has been lo- cated in the same building on East Main street, for more than 22 years, and is one of the sub- stantial, reliable institutions of the city. The store is 22 by 80 feet in dimensions, is well

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stocked with a splendid assortment of jewelry, silverware and musical supplies. An exten- sive business is transacted.

Mr. Meyers has been twice married; first, to Gertrude Scott, of Mansfield, Ohio, by whom he has one son, Thomas Gaylord, chief clerk of the Pennsylvania freight depot in Van Wert. The second union was with Mrs. Jane Hattery, who had been left a widow with three children. She is a native of Van Wert and a daughter of James Murphy, one of the pioneers of Hoaglin township. Mr. Myers owns their pleasant home at No. 120 South avenue, and the family occupy an important place in the religious and social circles of Van Wert. He possesses a baritone voice of exceptional quality and sweetness, and for more than 20 years he sang in the choir of the First Presbyterian Church, of which church he is a valued member. He is a prominent Mason, having been knighted a Templar, has passed through all the chairs in the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and is the pres- ent treasurer of the Commandery. In politics Mr. Myers is a Republican.

REDERICK MINZING, proprietor of a brickyard at South Delphos, is a native of Sandusky, Ohio, where he was born December 17, 1857, a son of Jacob F. and Catherine (Scheuer) Minzing. Both parents were born in Germany and came to the United States in 1848, settling in San- dusky, Ohio. In 1863 they returned to the Fatherland on a visit of one year, after which they located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where Frederick attended school and acquired his education. On July 18, 1876, his parents purchased a farm of 40 acres in Washington township, about three miles west of Delphos, which was the family residence when the father died March 5, 1889.

When Frederick Minzing was about 23 years of age, he came to Delphos and began working in the brickyard of Ahlemeier & Fet- ter. Three years later he purchased the inte :- est of Mr. Fetter and two years thereafter that of Mr. Ahlemeier, acquiring the entire business in 1886. The yard employs about 12 men, is operated during the entire season, and occupies five acres of land just outside the limits of Del- phos. In addition to this tract, Mr. Minzing owns about 35 acres, which is devoted to farm- ing purposes and lies immediately outside the city.

Frederick Minzing was married February 21, 1884, to Bertha Ahlemeier, daughter of Joseph Ahlemeier, of Delphos, their three chil- dren being: Fred, who was born December 2. 1884; Lizzette, June 14, 1888; and Martha. March 19, 1904. Mr. Minzing and his family are devout members of St. John's Catholic Church and he himself is connected with the Catholic Knights of America.

P HILIP JOHN RADER, one of the en- terprising and successful farmers of Liberty township, residing on a farm of 200 acres situated in sections 3 and 4, was born on the farm which he now owns in an old log house which is still standing. and is a son of John Adam and Catherine (Good) Rader.

John Adam Rader was born in Germany and came to America when 28 years of age, landing in New York City on the 4th of July, 1848, and, after working in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, in 1850 moved to Van Wert County. After working here for a few years, he bought 80 acres of land just west of Van Wert, where he engaged in farming until 1863. when he sold the property and bought 160 acres, which is the farm now owned and oc-

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cupied by Philip John Rader. The land, which was mostly in timber, was cleared by Himself and sons, and many other needed im- provements were made. The family lived in a log cabin until 1870, when the house was built, which is still on the farm.

John Adam Rader was the father of the fol- lowing five children, four of whom are still liv- ing : George, who lives in Van Wert; Joseph, who died in infancy ; Kate, who resides at home and is the owner of a farm of 80 acres, which was formerly in the possession of the Brodnix family ; Philip John, the subject of this sketch; and Jacob A., who lives on a farm of 160 acres in Liberty township. Mr. Rader died March 3, 1904, his wife having preceded him, April 16, 1900. At the time of his death he left 480 acres to his children, having accumulated that estate during his residence in Van Wert County.

Philip John Rader was reared on his fath- er's farm and educated in the district schools of Liberty township. He has always lived on the old home farm, been engaged in farming, and has never married; but his sister Kate, who is also single, lives at home and superintends the household affairs. Mr. Rader is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Ohio City.

Ľ LEWELLYN A. SEVERNS, who re- sides in a comfortable home in the outskirts of Van Wert, is a well- known citizen of Pleasant township, and owns a well-improved farm of 80 acres, situated in Hoaglin township, in section 15. Mr. Severns was born in Knox County, Ohio, May 5, 1848, and is a son of Simon and Cath- erine (Shaffer) Severns. The father of Mr. Severns was born in Ohio, and the mother, in Maryland. They were early settlers in Perry

township, Allen County, where the father served many years as a justice of the peace. In this capacity he was known far and wide, and was held in very high esteem.

Llewellyn A. Severns attended the neigh- borhood schools during his earlier years; as- sisted on the farm, and then became his father's right-hand man, the latter being much en- grossed in public matters pertaining to his office. In the spring of 1871 he came to Hoaglin township, cleared a farm he had form- erly purchased, and was married in 1875. In 1876 he removed to Union County, Iowa, where for several years he engaged in agricul- tural pursuits, and was also concerned in the buying and shipping of grain. In 1881 Mr. Severns and family returned to Hoaglin town- ship, and shortly afterward became superin- tendent of the famous George H. Marsh farm, which is located near Van Wert, he being the first manager Mr. Marsh ever employed. After closing out his business with that gen- tleman, he continued to farm in Hoaglin town- ship until the fall of 1905, when he removed to his present home of 10 acres situated in the outskirts of Van Wert, in Pleasant township. As mentioned above, he still retains his 80- acre farm in Hoaglin township.

On February 24, 1875, in Van Wert Coun- ty, Mr. Severns was united in marriage to Clara Jobes, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 18, 1858, and is a daughter of Samuel and Elmira (Anderson) Jobes. Both of Mrs. Severns' parents were born in West- moreland County, Pennsylvania, and were very early settlers in Wayne County. To Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Severns were born these chil- dren : Katie C., wife of Grant Shaw, of Paul- ing County, Ohio; Ivy L., of Van Wert Coun- ty; Maud F., wife of L. A. Cummings, of Hoaglin township; Nellie V., wife of Harvey C. Smith, of Jackson township, and Sylvanus

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B., of Hoaglin township. In the various lo- calities in which Mr. Severns has resided, he has always been considered a man of upright character and a representative of the best cit- izenship.

P ETER TEMPLE, owner and operator of a farm of 97 acres, of which 73 acres (the residence property) are situated in section 33, Liberty town- ship. Van Wert County, and the remaining 24 acres in section 5, Dublin township, Mercer County, was born in Liberty township, Van Wert County, November 20, 1855, and is a son of Seth F. and Lucinda (Dull) Temple. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Van Wert County in 1845, and en- gaged in farming.

At an early age Peter Temple was left an orphan and after the death of his parents went to live with his grandmother, Mrs. John Tem- ple, remaining with her for about two years. When seven years old he made his home with his grandfather, Peter Dull, who resided in Dublin township, and with whom he lived until he was 15 years of age. He then worked for Peter Brubaker for a time, attending school during the winter months. He was married in WVillshire township to Mary Elizabeth Krick, a daughter of William Krick, and they have had three children: Charles, who married Sophia Snyder, lives in Liberty township and has two children-Helen Lucinda and Carl; William Clark, who married Nettie Frey and lives in Syracuse. Indiana; and Peter Calvin, who lives at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Temple moved to a farm of 40 acres in section 33, Liberty town- ship, and resided there until 1896, when he traded the 40 acres for his present farm, pay- ing the difference in cash. Since taking pos-

session of his present homestead. he has made various changes and improvements, though the large brick house and the barn were on the farm when he purchased it. There are four producing oil-wells on the farm, which are leased to William H. Ayers.

B L. VORE, the leading undertaker of Van Wert, was born in 1861. in Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of Allen and Caroline (Sinks) Vore. Both parents were natives of Miami County. but soon after the birth of our subject moved to a farm near the Stillwater River, a beautiful spot among the hills of Montgomery County. Ohio, where the father is still living in his 77th year. The mother passed away July 13, 1904. at the age of 67 years. The family consisted of three sons : George B., an undertaker of St. Marys; B. L., our subject; and D. W., a farmer residing about nine miles north of Dayton.

B. L. Vore first engaged in business in Men- don. Ohio, in partnership with his brother. George B. They conducted a furniture and undertaking business there for four years, when our subject sold out and removed to Kan- sas. He intended to preempt a tract of land in that State, but a short residence there was suifi- cient to satisfy him that Ohio was a pretty good place in which to live; he therefore returned to the East, and on February 17, 1888. em- barked in business at Van Wert. His original undertaking establishment was contained in an unpretentious little building located on East Main street, where the Home Guards Temple building now stands and where he continued until about 14 years ago, when, having out- grown the limited quarters of the earlier years, he purchased his present parlors at No.

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RESIDENCE AND FARM BUILDINGS OF MATTHEW HENRY BROWN

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212 East Main street, known as the Hammond Block. This building is 22 by 132 feet, two stories in height; the upper floor is used as a dwelling, leaving the lower floor for the offices and casket show room. He has the latest and most approved hearses, and the first call-buggy and ambulance used in the city. He is the favorite undertaker of this section and receives fully 90 per cent. of the business of Van Wert, averaging about 130 funerals per annum. He considers this one of the best locations in the State.

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History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 71

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

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