History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 82

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 82

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MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH ROYER

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cating on the farm of 80 acres on which his widow still resides. This well cultivated land was then all brush and heavy timber, and it was through the energy and industry of Mr. Bucher that it was developed into one of the best farms in Hoaglin township.

Mr. Bucher proved an excellent agricul- turist, although his attention was not exclusive- ly given to his land, for he was, for many years, a local minister in the United Brethren Church. This brought with it many duties, and all through the township there are people who remember his kindness in times of affliction, his advice and his helpfulness in neighborly ways. His life was one of exem- plury living and of great usefulness.

On December 23, 1847, Mr. Bucher was married to Rebecca Kaufman, who was born December 17, 1826, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of Henry and Catherine Kaufman, who moved to Holmes County, Ohio, when she was about one year old. They resided there a number of years and then went to Wayne County and later to Richland County, where their daughter Re- becca married Amos W. Bucher. There were eight children born to Rev. Amos W. Bucher and wife, namely : Henry P., of Hoaglin town- ship; Joseph O., of Crawford County, Ohio; Mary E., wife of Jacob Keith, of Hoaglin township; Sarah C., deceased; John F., of Van Wert County; Amos B., of Paulding County, Ohio; Levi W., of Canada, and Daniel W., of Hoaglin township. Rev. Henry P. Bucher, the eldest son, is one of the well-known citizens and esteemed ministers of Hoaglin township, serving in the United Brethren Church, where he is noted for his piety and Christian earnest- ness. His venerable mother still survives, and is & beloved member of a community in which she has lived so long.

OSEPH ROYER, one of the pioneers of Liberty township, who occupies a well-developed farm of 77 acres in sec- tion 21, was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1824, and is a son of Jacob and Polly (Holburn) Royer, natives of Pennsylvania.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Royer had two chil- dren-Juda, who died when 17 years of age and Joseph, of this sketch. Mr. Royer died when Joseph was an infant, and his widow af- terward married a Mr. Smith, moving to New York State, where her second husband died in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had one daughter.

Joseph Royer was reared to maturity in New York State and when 19 years of age removed to Medina County, Ohio, where. on May 27, 1851, he was married to Maria Rousch. They became the parents of 10 chil- dren, five of whom are deceased. The record is as follows: Joseph, who died at the age of II ; and John Henry, at the age of 10 years; Israel, who married and lives on a farm in Mercer County; Catherine, wife of Hiram H. Wegley, of Lima, Ohio; Sarah, wife of George Butler, of Lima; George, unmarried, who is at home: William T. Sherman, who also lives at home: Mary Elizabeth, who died aged two years: Samuel, at the age of 18 months, and Lenora, at about five years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Royer have now been married 55 years and are two of the oldest and most honored in- habitants of Liberty township, being steadfast members of the Lutheran Church. Their por- traits accompany this sketch.

On Oct. 12, 1851, Mr. Royer moved from Medina County to Van Wert County and set- tled in Willshire township. After remaining there four and a half years, he bought a farm of so acres in Liberty township. and lived there a little over four years. finally moving to his

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present location which has since been his home.

In 1862 Mr. Royer enlisted in Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served dur- ing the rest of the war. He was in the battle at Stone River and was standing near Capt. WV. C. Scott when the latter was killed. After this engagement. he was sick for nearly a year. At the close of the war, he returned home and resumed farming again, having passed the intervening years in the cultivation and improvement of his farm.

ON. EDWARD B. GILLILAND, of Van Wert, is too well known in Van Wert County to need an introduction to our readers, as he has been promi- nently before the public as one of the ablest and best legislators ever sent from this district to the State Legislature. He was born in Van Wert County, April 10, 1846, and is a son of Thomas and Katherine (McCann) Gilliland, former prominent residents of this county.

Thomas Gilliland was born in Maryland, on October 22. 1806, and was there married to Catherine McCann, who was also a native of Maryland and was born December 11, 1809. In 1835. with their two children, William and Martha, they came to Van Wert County and located in Ridge township, where they entered a quarter section of land which forms part of the present holding of our subject. Thomas Gilliland prospered in his farming operations, and eventually added 320 acres to his first tract, making him one of the largest land- owners in the county. He took an active inter- est in all that pertained to the welfare of the public, and for 15 years was justice of the peace, discharging the duties devolving upon him in a fearless and decisive manner, which caused him to be a terror to evil-doers. He

was still holding that office when death over- took him, July 28, 1857, in the very prime of life. He was laid to rest in the Van Wert Cemetery by the Masonic fraternity, of which he was an honored member; but his noble life and example were an influence for good which has continued to live in the hearts of his fellow- men and has borne fruit a hundred fold. His wife survived him many years, passing away November 13, 1888. They were the parents . of a large family of children, namely : Martha, who became the wife of Ira Cavett : William. deceased; Mary Jane, deceased wife of G. C. Weible: Sarah Ann, who married D. M. Con- roy ; John Francis, deceased; Robert .\. Web- ster. deceased: James Maxwell, a resident of Van Wert: Edward B .: Ellen and Elizabeth, both deceased: Henrietta C., wife of Allen Lown, of Van Wert ; and Thomas Hiram, de- ceased.

Edward B. Gilliland spent his early years very much as other boys of his day. He at- tended district school, helped with the farm work at home and, being of a studious and re- tentive character, stored his mind with a fund of useful knowledge. He was a school teacher for about six years and became such a close student of mankind that he seldom makes a mistake in reading the character of those he meets. He is a farmer by choice, and has been very successful. He now owns 206 acres of valuable farm property, in addition to consider. able real estate in the city of Van Wert.

He was nominated for the State Legisla- ture by the Democratic party and received a flattering majority in a district that had always given about 200 majority to the Republicans. He served on several important committees. being one of the committee on ways and means. on agriculture and on the insane asylum. and looked after the interests of his constitutents in a manner that was highly gratifying to them.

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Mr. Gilliland was united in marriage to Mary Jane Collins, by whom he has a family of seven children. viz : Florence. Daisy, Thomas, Grace (deceased ). Myrtle, Edna May ( deceased), and Edith. The family are members of the Catholic Church and are among the most prominent and highly respected people in the county.

ILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, a very prominent farmer of Liberty town- ship. owner of 80 acres of valuable form land in Willshire township, and half owner with his son George of 71 acres in section 16. Liberty township, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio. April 16. 1830. He is a son of John Cunningham, a native of Brooke County, Virginia, and a grandson of William Cunningham.

William Cunningham, the grandfather, was one of the original contractors for the Ohio Canal, his section being situated at Newark, Ohio. He died before he had completed this contract, which was finished by his son John, the father of our subject.

William Cunningham, our subject, was reared and educated in Coshocton County, Ohio. He was married on June 24, 1858, to Margaret Gault, a daughter of Adam and Sarah (Miller) Gault. Adam Gault was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Coshocton County with his father, who settled on a farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have had four children, as follows : George, the only son, born December 3. 1859, who lives on the home place, of which he is half owner; Anna B. (Foor), who lives in Willshire township, and is the mother of eight children; Sarah E., who died at the age of eight years; and Terzah Olga, who lives at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham came to Van Wert County from Coshocton County in 1867, and settled on a farm of 80 acres in Willshire township, which they still own. Here they lived until 1891, when they bought a farm of 71 acres in Liberty township, and have since made their home on this farm.

Mr. Cunningham, while living in Coshocton County, served as township clerk, and has served as township trustee several terms in Willshire township. His son George has served as township assessor in Liberty town- ship. Fraternally, he is a member of the Pa- trons of Husbandry.

e E. YOUNG, a prominent citizen of Delphos, and an extensive dealer in flour, grain, seed, hay, etc., has ele- vators at different points, but main- tains offices in this city. Mr. Young was born in Wayne County. Ohio, July 12, 1856, and is a son of Aaron and Lucinda (McAninch) Young, old residents of that county. The five children born to our subject's parents were as follows : J. W., of Kenton, Ohio; Amanda (Mrs. William Lindsay), of Forest, Ohio; Belle. who married Rev. William Seuman, and died in 1884; T. M., of Forest; and C. E.

C. E. Young spent the greater part of his life at Forest, Ohio, where he became car in- spector for the Pennsylvania Railroad soon after leaving school. In 1874 he was promoted to the position of baggage agent at Forest. and held that post for 12 years. While still in th's office he became a partner of William Lindsay, his brother-in-law, in the lumber and hay busi- ness, and in 1885, four years afterwards, the grain business was added and an elevator built. This enterprise proved to be a profitable one,

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and the business grew to such proportions that in 1887 Mr. Young resigned as baggage agent and devoted his entire time to the lumber, hay and grain business. In 1893 the firm was dis- solved, and Mr. Young has since engaged in the hay and grain business alone, with the most flattering success. In 1901 he moved to Del- phos, where he has since maintained his office and keeps a careful oversight over the business at various points. In 1902 he purchased the old creamery building in Landeck, which was used for handling grain; but the business has grown to such proportions that it is necessary to have greater accommodations; hence Mr. Young is at present constructing a modern, up-to-date elevator plant at this point.

Mr. Young was married in 1883 to Naomi Briggs, daughter of M. B. Briggs, of Forest. Two children, Ted and Gladys, have blessed their union. Mr. and Mrs. Young are mem- bers of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Delphos, and Mr. Young is a member of the board of trustees. He is also a member of the Masonic order.

AVID K. OLNEY. In the death of David K. Olney, which occurred at the beautiful home of his parents, on South Washington street, Van Wert, this city lost one of its most promising young business men and one whose personal friends were limited only by those who had come within the circle of his acquaintance.

David K. Olney was born in Van Wert, Ohio, July 2, 1881, and passed away on Novem- ber 5, 1905, at the early age of 24 years. He was a beloved member of a family of four children born to his parents, Hugh V. and Sarah O. (Harvey) Olney. His liberal education was pursued in the schools of his native city and completed at Ohio Wesleyan

University, at Delaware. At Van Wert, on February 1, 1905, he entered into Lusiftess life as a member of the well- known firm of Feldner, Olney & Rich- ards, a house which stands very high in com- mercial circles. The few months which in- tervened prior to his sudden and fatal illness proved his business capacity and convinced his friends that, like his father, he would soon have taken a very prominent place in the af- fairs of the city. He displayed keen business judgment, but always recognized the under- lying principles of commercial life-the hon- esty and integrity which form the foundation upon which all reputable business is built- and, at the same time, possessed those quali- ties which made him friends wherever he went.

Mr. Olney was popular. and deservedly so. He was kind, courteous, generous. forgiving. was enthusiastically in favor of those things which stood for the right, and was ever ready to oppose dishonesty or any kind of meanness. Those who knew him best acknowledged his personal magnetism-a faculty which drew men to him and retained their confidence. ad- miration and affection. He was unselfish in his desires, and the most loyal of friends. Fra- ternally he was an active Mason. Preparing to take his part in public affairs. he had identi- fied himself with the Republican party. and with intelligence had studied the questions of the hour. He was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

As age comes on apace. with its dimmed vision and halting step, life fortunately loses many of its allurements, but sad it is to see the passing of one to whom life's treasures were only being fairly revealed. Although he has gone so early from the visible life. he so lived his few years that the deepest grief of those left behind can be softened by many tender recollections.

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J OHN YOH, a representative agricul- turist of Hoaglin township, and one of its best-known citizens, resides on his valuable farm of 250 acres, which is located in section 9. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, January 30, 1842, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah Yoh.

Both parents of our subject were natives of Pennsylvania, and they had resided for a number of years in Seneca County, Ohio, be- fore they came to Van Wert, in 1852. Jacob Yoh resided on his farm in Hoaglin township until his death on March 29, 1865. His wife survived him a few years. Their surviving children are: John, Benjamin, George C., and Mathew, all residents of Van Wert County. The children who have passed away were : Amos, a brave soldier in the Civil war, who gave up his young life on the bloody field of Shiloh; Jacob, who died in 1885; Jonas, who died in 1903; and Sarah and Mary.

John Yoh was 10 years old when his par- ents settled in Hoaglin township. where he grew to maturity and attended the pioneer schools. Counting in years it does not seem so long since the days when Mr. Yoh went to school here; but counting in improvements, it is a long, long time. The little log school- houses with their primitive fittings have long since given way to the neat, attractive and com- fortable buildings, in which the children of farmers can enjoy just as many advantages as those who go to school in towns and cities. Mr. Yoh has done his part in advancing the edu- national interests of his community, and is justly considered one of its useful men. He owns a large amount of land, and has almost all of it un:ler a fine state of cultivation, hav- ing come here in 1871.

On March 5, 1871, Mr. Yoh was married to Catherine Mohr, who was born here June 10, 1851, and is a daughter of Charles Mohr,

one of the township's earliest settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Yoh have these children : Curtis V., Lorn March 8, 1878; Allie L., born January 28, 1881, wife of A. A. Jenkins, of Hoaglin township; Charles Wilbur, born May 7, 1883; and Joseph E., born October 28, 1886.

In political sentiment, Mr. Yoh is a stanch Republican. He is one of the efficient turnpike commissioners, and is secretary of two local boards of commissioners who superintend the construction of the turnpike roads in this dis- trict. The road running north and south along our subject's farm is called the "Yoh Pike No. 33," he being the main promoter of this val- table public improvement. He is a member of and one of the trustees of the Grand Vic- tory Evangelical Church, in Hoaglin town- ship.

C HOMAS BARNES, a representative agriculturist and well-known citizen of Jackson township, whose well-cul- tivated farm of 80 acres is situated on the turnpike road that runs north and south through the township, was born January 26, 1848, in Philapelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William and Christina (Wood) Barnes. The parents of Mr. Barnes were natives of England, coming to America about 1845, and 7 homas was about three years old when they settled in Ohio.

Thomas Barnes is a self-made man, having enjoyed few advantages except those gained by his own efforts. For some years his school- ing consisted of a few months during the win- ters, his summers being occupied with farm work for his father and others. In young man- hood he established a reputation for industry and honesty throughout Pickaway County. On February 28, 1869, he was married to Amy A. Durham, the estimable daughter of Isaac and

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Elizabeth ( Roland) Durham. Mrs. Barnes was born March 4, 1847, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a member of one of the old pio- neer families; her only sister, Mrs. Jennie Kemp, is a resident of Jackson township, Van Wert County. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have three children, namely: John, a resident of Paulding County, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of G. F. Snyder, of Jackson township; and Alvin C., also a resident of Paulding County.

After his marriage Mr. Barnes worked in Pickaway County for a time by the month, and then rented a farm in the county named, and, later, one in Madison County. He oper- ated the later for some years and then returned to Pickaway County. In 1886 he settled on his present place. He has made all the im- provements here, cleared all the land and con- verted a wild timber tract into a well-culti- vated, attractive and productive farm. He formerly owned 280 acres, but has decreased his estate by gifts to his children.

In political sentiment, Mr. Barnes is a Re- publican, but he has never been willing to take upon himself the cares of office. He has, how- ever, always done his part in supporting schools and public improvements, and was one of the promoters of the excellent turnpike road through Jackson township.

ON RICHARDS, one of Van Wert's prominent. men of business, and a member of the well-known clothing firm of Feldner, Olney & Richards, was born October 1, 1871, on his father's farm in Van Wert County, and is one of two chil- dren born to his parents-A. B. and E. (War- ren) Richards.

M :. Richards was reared and educated in Van Wert County and left school to go into

the mercantile business. After a training of 17 years in this field, during which time he mastered every detail, in 1905 he became a member of the firm of Feldner, Olney & Richards, proprietors of one of the largest es- tablishments in this city. The firm is well and widely known throughout the county and has secured a large part of the best patronage.

Mr. Richards was married to Frieda Bolz, and they have two children. The pleasant and hospitable family home is located at No. 303 Harrison street. In his political affiliation Mr. Richards is a Republican, but he takes no active interest in politics. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias.

L EMUEL J. RUTLEDGE. postmaster, and one of the enterprising and suc- cessful business men of Dull. an ex- tensive dealer in general merchandise. is a native of Ohio, and was born February 8, 1868. in Mercer County. He is a son of John and Mary (Robinson) Rutledge.

John Rutledge was born in Licking County. Ohio, a son of Thomas Rutledge. but lived a great many years in Perry County. He was the father of eight children. namely: Annie. who died at the age of two years : H. F .. who lives on the old home farm in Mercer County; Lemuel J., the subject of this sketch: Nettie. wife of Dr. Kannel, a prominent physician of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Elizabeth, who married Emanuel Williams and is now deceased: Adelia, who married Emanuel Williams after the death of her sister Elizabeth, and lives in Mercer County; Ora, the wife of Howard Purdy, of Mercer County: and James. who married Emma Teeple and lives at Rockford, Mercer County.

Lemuel J. Rutledge was reared and edu- cated in Mercer County, Ohio, and in 1893

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MR. AND MRS. J. A. GERDEMAN

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was married to Dora Smith, a daughter of : in farming, continuing in that avocation until Samuel Smith of Van Wert County. They have had five children: Leota Fern; Mary Ethel: Grace Lucile. who died January 16, 1903. aged four years; Hannah Beatrice and John Merritt.

After his marriage. Mr. Rutledge was en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in Black Creek township. Mercer County for seven years. He then sold his farm and moved to Van Wert County, where he purchased and located on a farm of 71 acres in Liberty township. Here he remained four years, when he sold his farm and moved into Dull. On January 16. 1904. he bought from J. F. Tickle & Company the store which he has since successfully managed. He made many needed improvements in the store and carries a complete line of general merchandise. He has one of the most up-to- date stores in Liberty township. and has won an enviable reputation among his patrons. through the employment of honest and conser- vative business methods. Mr. Rutledge also owns his residence property, which adjoins his place of business. He is a member of the : United Brethren Church and fraternally is a : his education in the schools of the vicinity and member of the Knights of the Maccabees.

A. GERDEMAN. residing on his well tilled farm of 160 acres located in section 33. Washington township. has established an enviable reputa- tion as a breeder of fine horses and is a mem- ler of the executive committee of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society. He was born in Delphos, Ohio, being the only child of Henry Joseph and Denna ( King) Gerdeman.

Henry J. Gerdeman, the father, was born December 18. 1820. in Hanover. Germany. and there was reared, educated and engaged

he emigrated to America in 1840. Landing at New York, he located in Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio, making his home with his brother and brother-in-law, and remaining there until 1845, during which time he worked on the Miami and Erie Canal. His wife, the mother of our subject. died when J. A. Ger- deman was but nine months old. In 1845 the father moved to Delphos, where for 15 years he worked in a sawmill with a Mr. Martin. In the meantime he had purchased a farm of 160 acres and and in 1860 moved upon his land. Henry J. Gerdeman's second marriage was with Mary Moennig. of Delphos. and they had seven sons. all living-Henry C .: Fred. John. William. Frank. Sylvester and Theodore. At the time of the father's death. December 16. 1903. he was the largest land- owner in Washington township. having at that time 640 acres of land in a high state of cultivation. His widow died November 14. 1905.

J. A. Gerdeman. the subject of this sketch. was reared in Washington township. received in 1877 married Theressa Longmeir. by whom he had six children: Anna, who mar- ried Louis Lause and has one child-Edward; Edward: Louis: Arnold: Elizabeth and Fred- erick. Mrs. Theressa Gerdeman died in the spring of 1895 and Mr. Gerdeman was again married in 1900. to Louisa Ebener. who was horn in Germany and came to America alone at the age of 16 years. The family are all members of St. John's Catholic Church at Delphos. Mr. Gerdeman is now serving his seventh year as director of the German Mu- tual Fire Insurance Company, of Delphos: is prominent in the expansion of the live- stock and agricultural interests of Van Wert County, and an able. substantial citizen of pro-

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gressive tendencies in every direction. Por- traits of Mr. and Mrs. Gerdeman accompany this sketch.

e F. KOCH, proprietor of the leading dry goods store at Ohio City, and one of the well-known, substantial citizens, was born in Liberty town- ship, Van Wert County, Ohio, in 1869, and is a son of John H. Koch, Sr. The father of our subject, like his ancestors, was born in Han- over, Germany. In 1853 he emigrated to America and settled for some years at Cleve- land, Ohio. In 1860 he located in Van Wert County. The rest of his life was spent in clear- ing up a farm and in working at his trade of shoemaker. He died in 1888.

C. F. Koch was reared on his father's farm in Liberty township, and attended the common schools and later prepared for teaching at the Western Ohio Normal School at Middlepoint. Following this he taught school for two years, and then located in Ohio City to embark in business. He became a member of the mer- cantile firm of Mathew, Koch & Company, and one year later he succeeded the firm, since which time he has conducted a large business alone. In point of service he is the oldest gen- eral merchant in the city. His very complete stock includes dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes and furnishing goods.

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History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 82

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

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