History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 86

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 86

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In Butler County our subject received his education in the public schools, and was reared to manhood. He took up the occupation of a farmer, and followed that work in that county until the year 1870. In that year he came to Van Wert County and engaged in farming in Ridge township for about 26 years, coming to Hoaglin township and his presenv farm in 1896.

On August 26, 1869, Mr. Johnson was joined in marriage to Emma Yeakle, who was born in Butler County, Ohio. February 28. 1848, and is a daughter of Michael and

Susanna (Troutman ) Yeakle. Her parents were early settlers of Butler County, the form- er coming from Pennsylvania and the latter from North Carolina. Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, seven of whom are living and reside in this county. The record is as follows: Harry, deceased; Charles D., of Hoaglin township; Susie, wife of Elmer E. Allen, of Hoaglin township; Will- ard, of Ridge township; Nellie, wife of Charles Barringer, of Pleasant township; Herman J., of Hoaglin township ; and Alonzo G. and Ruth, both of Hoaglin township. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Grove Evangeli- cal Lutheran Church, to which they contribute liberally both of their time and means, and they are among the first families of the section. Mr. Johnson is a Democrat in politics.

6 EORGE W. SILL, one of the pioneer settlers of York township, where he owns one of the best farms and finest residences in the southeastern section of the county, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania. in 1843, and is a son of Jere- miah and Mary H. (Fryer) Sill.

Both parents of our esteemed subject were born in Pennsylvania and were probably of German extraction. In 1848 they located at Pittsburg. during the period of the construc- tion of the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1855 Jeremiah Sill moved to Washington County. Ohio, by way of the canal. and two years later to Mercer County. The conditions then preva- lent in Mercer County-the few settlers and the swampy character of much of the land- determined Mr. Sill to seek still further for a desirable place in which to establish a home. In 1864 he settled on the present homestead of our subject in section 35. York township. Van

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Wert County, buying 40 acres of land, while the latter bought an adjoining 40 acres. Here Jeremiah Sill died on September 29, 1875, and he was survived five years by his wife. The surviving children of Jeremiah Sill and wife are: Phoebe (Denney), of Mercer Coun- ty, born in 1841; George W., of this sketch; and Francis Marion, of Union township, Mer- cer County, who married Dora Bradford. Both Jeremiah Sill and wife were worthy, virtuous people, and lived according to their religious professions, being devoted members of the Church of God.

George W. Sill was 14 years of age when he accompanied his parents to Mercer County. His educational opportunities were meager, but long association with people and participa- tion in notable public events have instructed him more than year of attendance in the school room. He accepted inevitable conditions and. to the limit of his strength, assisted his father. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union Army. from Mercer County, entering Company E, 118th Reg .. Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. William Kennedy, of Auglaize County, which regi- ment was attached to the Second Brigade, Sec- ond Division, 23rd Army Corps, under the command of Gen. John H. Schofield. The records of the Ohio regiments show how faith- fully the 118th Regiment marched. fought and conquered on many a hotly contested field, and in the long series of important engagements Mr. Sill bravely performed a soldier's duty.

The siege of Knoxville was the first import- ant battle in which Mr. Sill took part, and then rapidly followed Mossy Creek (in which 47 members of this regiment lost their lives), Rocky Face Ridge. Buzzard's Roost, Resaca (in which battle the 118th lost 47 per cent of those engaged). Lost Mountain. Pine Moun- tain, New Hope. Dallas and Kenesaw Moun- tain. Prior to the last mentioned battle. Mr.

Sill had passed through all dangers unharmed; but in this battle, which took place on June 27, 1864, he was wounded in the right arm, and had seven bullet holes in his clothes. In this battle a brother was also killed, who was a member of the 46th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., under Captain Dunathan. After his recovery, Mr. Sill rejoined his regiment and was sent to the rear, later participating in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. From Nashville the regiment was sent to the North Carolina coast, where its good work was shown in its regimental colors being the first to float over the fortifications at Fort Anderson, and it en- tered the city of Wilmington on Washington's birthday, 1865. Mr. Sill also took part in the fight at Kingston, North Carolina, after which his regiment joined General Sherman's forces at Goldsboro, followed Johnston to Raleigh and was present at the surrender of the Con- federate general. Mr. Sill was honorably dis- charged from the service at Salisbury, North Carolina, June 14. 1865, and was mustered out at Cleveland on July 8, 1865, reaching home on the following day.

At that time, the land which Mr. Sill and his father had purchased was a totally unim- proved tract, swampy to a degree and heavily wooded. He married late in 1865. and built a round log house on the land. 18 by 24 feet in dimensions, and settled in it on April 16, 1866; his neighbors assisted him in rolling the logs for this dwelling. He immediately set about improving the place, his beginning being the digging of open ditches for drainage, this long preceding the extensive tiling which he has since done. In 1856 he built a log stable, which he replaced in 1877 by a good frame barn. In 1902 this was destroyed by fire, with its contents. It was immediately rebuilt, with dimensions of 62 by 38 feet. The family continued to reside in the log house until 1885,

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when a fine modern residence was built, after plans made by Mr. Sill. It is fitted with equip- ments for comfort which one only looks for in a city home.

Mr. Sill has carried on general farming. and has raised many horses and cattle, and a great deal of stock. In 1893 a test drill was made on his land for oil, and it was found that oil flowed freely 50 feet above the derrick, the well producing 250 barrels a day. It was drilled in November and kept up a fine flow for several months. The following April it was producing 75 barrels per day. There are now three producing wells on the place, and gas is produced in a sufficient quantity for domestic purposes. This farm is considered the model one of York township.

In December, 1865. Mr. Sill was married to Elizabeth Slentz, who is a daughter of Eli and Mary Ann (Shulenbarger) Slentz. Eli Slentz was born in Pennsylvania. In 1854 he settled in York township, where he followed the trade of carpenter and cabinetmaker all his active life. His death occurred in 1879. and that of his wife some 18 months later. They had 12 children, eight of whom grew to ma- turity. Mrs. Sill was reared to young woman- hood amid pioneer conditions, and she remem- bers many occasions when she assisted in the harvest field and in her day could swing a cradle with as much effect as could her broth- ers. She was reared to all the homely duties which pertained to the housekeeping of her youth, and both before and after marriage transformed the pulled flax into clothing for herself and for neighbors who were not so thrifty. She has a local reputation as a fine housekeeper. She has seen the whole country develop, and remembers when the highway which now passes by her beautiful home. was only a cow path through the woods. She re- calls how she had to climb over logs in order

to attend church. From her girlhood she has been a devoted member of the Church of God. Mr. Sill is one of the elders in the church, which is situated about a mile from their home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sill are most highly es- teemed by all who know them, and they are especial objects of love and veneration among the young people of the church.

Mr. and Mrs. Sill have two daughters and an adopted daughter. These are: Rebecca Elizabeth, who married Dr. Jacob H. Good- win, president of the Farmers' Exchange Bank of Grover Hill, Ohio, and has two daughters -Mary Elizabeth and Mildred: Mary Eu- thema, who married Dr. Ezra Burnett. of Del- phos, and has one daughter-Edith Rebecca. aged 12 years : and Osa M. The last named. who is a daughter of David Hughes, lived with Mr. and Mrs. Sill from the age of 10 years to 23 years, when she was married. in May 1903, to William Swigert : they now live at Elgin and have one son-Emory George. She received a careful Christian training with Mr. and Mrs. Sill. Their home has always been one open to religious worship. and on many occasions conversions have taken place there. They are passing the evening of life surrounded by all that is calculated to make this season most enjoyable.

R USH R. RICHISON. M. D., a rising young physician and surgeon of Van Wert, was born in Logan County. this State. November 11, 1879. His parents are Jasper N. and Anna (Carlo) Rich- ison. the father being a highly respected mer- chant of that county. The family consisted of four children. Rush R. Richison attended school at Athens and then studied medicine in the Ohio Medical University. Columbus,

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graduating from that institution in April, 1904.

Coming immediately to Van Wert, Dr. Richison entered into a partnership with Dr. Perry, on April 7, 1904, and began the prac- tice of his profession. This partnership was discontinued on the 20th of the following Sep- tember, since which time our subject has prac- ticed by himself and is building up a large fol- lowing. His offices at No. 118 South Wash- ington street consist of six rooms, and are well equipped for his work and most pleasantly situated.

Dr. Richison was married to Nellie B. Mc- Millen, a daughter of Joseph McMillen. They have one child-Pauline. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and are active in both church and social circles. Dr. Richison is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Masons and the Eagles.

RANCIS E. REED, M. D., physician and surgeon at Van Wert, is a young man widely and favorably known in this county, where he was born and grew to manhood and where he has a host of warm friends who appreciate his manliness and worth. He is a son of William I. and Fannie B. (Staman) .Reed, and was born January 26, 1879. William I. Reed, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, is one of the prosper- ous and most extensive farmers of Van Wert County. and also one of its efficient commis- sioners.

Francis E. Reed first attended the common school and then entered the Ohio Medical University. Columbus, from which he gradu- ated May 3. 1905. He has but recently opened his offices at No. 238 West Main street, but is already establishing a good prac-

tice, bringing to his work an energy and ability which are sure to win success. He is thorough- ly conscientious in his work; skilled and thor- oughly at home in all the approved methods applied in surgery and medicine, and his friends predict for him a brilliant future. The Doctor is living with his parents on their farm near Van Wert. In politics he is an ardent Demo- crat.

5 AMUEL ANDERSON BROWN, for many years one of prominent and substantial farmers of Liberty town- ship, now lives in comfortable re- tirement at Ohio City, where he is held in high esteem as a good citizen, and also as a veteran of the Civil war. Mr. Brown was born in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, in 1843. and is a son of Robert and Margaret (Wright) Brown.

The parents of Mr. Brown, who also were natives of Lawrence County. Pennsylvania. came to Van Wert County, Ohio, in 1844, settling in York township. Their children numbered 12, six sons and six daughters. Of these the following survive: Elizabeth, wife of Peter Moore, of Michigan; Abraham, of Dakota : W. J., of Dakota; J. C., of Dakota ; Nancy, of Mercer County. Ohio; and Samuel Anderson, of this sketch.

Samuel A. Brown was but 15 months old when his parents brought him to Ohio, and he has given his adopted State good reasons to be proud of him. When but 18 years of age he left home to answer the call for defenders of his country, enlisting in September, 1861 in Company A. 46th Reg .. Ohio Vol. Inf. He was mustered in at Camp Lyon, where several months were spent in drilling and preparing for the dangers to come: but about February his regiment was sent to Camp Dennison,

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thence by boat to Paducah, Kentucky, and with the whole brigade was sent to Pittsburg Land- ing. At the terrible battle of Shiloh, the young soldier had his first realization of real war; then quickly followed the seige of Corinth; then Vicksburg, after which the regiment was sent to Jackson, Mississippi. From there his regiment returned to Black River and thence to the rear of Vicksburg, where it remained until September, when it marched to Chatta- nooga and took part in the battle of Mission Ridge. The command to which Mr. Brown belonged was then sent to relieve Burnside and went on to Scottsboro, Alabama.

It was at this point that Mr. Brown, hav- ing completed his first enlistment, again en- tered the service of his country, contracting for three more years or until the close of the war. Again he took up the duties of a brave, cheer- ful. loyal soldier, marched with his companions through that memorable campaign which ex- tended from Chattanooga to Atlanta. At Resaca he received a wound which placed him in a hospital at Louisville for a long period. He was then sent back to Camp Dennison, and it was not until his regiment had reached Raleigh that he was able to rejoin it and march to Washington to take part in the glorious review in that city. He was mustered out of the service July 22, 1865, at Louisville. Ken- tucky.

After the close of his veteran service, Mr. Brown returned to Van Wert County and be- came engaged in farming and stock-raising in which he continued until about a year ago. when he removed to Ohio City. In the spring of 1867 he settled on 80 acres of land, situated in the virgin woods, not a stick of timber hav- ing been removed. His brother had purchased it for him with money he had saved while he was in the army. The first trees felled upon the property were those with which he built

his cabin. After clearing all but 17 acres of the tract, he sold it and bought a farm of 240 acres in Van Wert County and 40 in Mercer County and cleared about 40 of this. He is considered one of the most substantial men of Liberty township.

In 1866 Mr. Brown was married to Maria Kesler, who is a daughter of John Kesler, who came to Van Wert County in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have nine children, namely : Lew- is, a farmer of Liberty township; John W., at home; Rosa, wife of William M. Medaugh, of Willshire township; Della, wife of J. G. Medaugh, of Ohio City; Edith, at home; Nancy, wife of Russell Straw, of Pleasant township: Susan, at home; and Gaylord and Fernie, who are attending school.

Mr. Brown is a member of the Mount Zion United Brethren Church at Mount Zion. Al- though never a politician, he is identified with the Republican party. Mr. Brown has at- ways been an active citizen. and at all times matters pertaining to the welfare of Liberty township have received his careful attention.

OHN W. KECK, who resides on a fine farm of 80 acres in section 9. Liberty township, is one of the successful farmers of the township. He was born July 6, 1861 in Paulding County. Ohio, and is a son of John C. and Amy (Rollins) Keck.

John C. Keck was a native of Germany and when an infant was brought to America by his parents. Jacob Keck and wife. The fam- ily first settled in Crawford Caunty, Ohio, and I-ter moved to Paulding County where Jacob Keck entered land.

Tobn W. Keck was reared and educated in Paulding County, and lived with his par-

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ents, who were located on land that as has been stated, had been entered by Jacob Keck, his grandfather. When 30 years of age, our subject was married to Virginia Slane, a daughter of Thomas Slane, and they have one child-Hazel, born July 6, 1890. Mr. Keck moved to Van Wert County one year after his marriage and located near Venedocia, later moving to his present home purchased in Feb- ruary. 1898. Mr. Keck joined the United Brethren Church when he was 16 years old and was a member of that denomination until his removal to Liberty township, when he united with the Methodist Church, being at the present time a member of the North Lib- erty Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a class leader and superintendent of the Sunday-school.

EORGE A. HEIST, one of the promi- nent citizens of Van Wert County, formerly a director of the County In- firmary. has lived in his comfortable residence at Middlepoint since 1905, but still retains 40 acres of fine farming land in Wash- ington township. Mr. Heist was born in Montgomery County. Pennsylvania, October 10. 1843, and is a son of Joseph G. and Mary (Aimon) Heist.

George Heist, the grandfather of George A. Heist, was born in Germany, and emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania before his son Joseph G. was born. The latter mar- ried Mary Aimon who was also born in Penn- sylvania. and they reared these children : Keller: Sarah: George A .: David: Harriet and Mary (twins). the former of whom mar- ried Charles Childs and the latter. Edward Anttershead: and Josephine. who married Fred Stellwaron.

Until he was 22 years of age, Mr. Heist remained at his old home in Pennsylvania, where he obtained his education and became a first-class farmer. In order to see some- thing of the world and to decide upon a place in which to make a permanent residence, Mr. Heist came to Ohio and settled in Pickaway County. In July, 1872, Mr. Heist came to Van Wert County. For 14 years he lived on a rented farm in Washington township, and subsequently bought a farm of 80 acres. For 15 years he also operated a portable sawmill. In 1905 he retired from active life and settled at Middlepoint. where he has many acquaint- ances and numerous warm friends.

Mr. Heist was married in Pickaway Coun- ty, Ohio, to Maria Stout, on June 15, 1871. Mrs. Heist is a daughter of Benjamin and Juda (Bowers) Stout, old settlers of Picka- way County. but natives of Berks County, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Heist have had these children : Burton, residing in Washing- ton township, who married Lizzie McCullom. of Van Wert, and has two children-Gail Willard and Leona Georgia; Cora Edna, who died at the of six years; Alexander, who mar- ried Bertha Pollock, and has two children- Lola and Mildred; Minnie Myrtle, who mar- ried Harry Fling and has one child-Leila ; Keller. who resides at Fort Wayne and works as a fireman in the employ of the Pennsyl- vania Railroad: Grover Cleveland, who mar- ried Laverne Cover and has one child-Mar- cile Viola : and Clyde, who died in infancy.

Mr. Heist has always taken an intelligent interest in public affairs, and has been very active in the ranks of the Democratic party. Although the county is strongly Republican. he was elected .comty infirmary director. and served with efficiency for a term of three years. By the advice of his friends he became a can- didlate for reelection. and was defeated by but

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14 votes in the whole county. This speaks very favorably as to Mr. Heist's record as a public official. He also served several years as township trustee and for a long time was also president of the township school board.

D ANIEL D. BAILEY, an enterprising and prosperous farmer residing in section 6, Jackson township, came to Van Wert County in 1882 and pur- chased the 80-acre farm upon which he still resides. He was born in the adjoining county of Allen on December 14. 1852, and is a son of Jonathan and Mary (Davis) Bailey. The father was a native of New Jersey, but was an early settler of Jackson township, Allen Coun- ty. where he died some 15 years ago in his 83rd year.

Daniel D. Bailey engaged in farming in Allen County and later in Putnam County, finally coming to Van Wert. In addition to the homestead, he owns a farm of 40 acres in Washington township, Paulding County. On August 8, 1880, he was married to Eliza J. Harpster, a native of Monterey township, Putnam County, and a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Harpster. Mrs. Harpster is a lady who has passed the 79th milestone of life. and is spending her declining years in Delphos. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel D. Bailey. four of whom survive-Charles D., Jennie P., Grace and James M .- all living at home with their par- ents. The family are members of Middle Creek Christian Church, of which Mr. Bailey has served as deacon and trustee. He is & Republican in politics, and when a young man in Allen County was for a period of five years.

a member of Company E. 11th Regiment In- fantry, Ohio National Guard, part of the time being sergeant.

ILLIAM T. WISHER .* a well- known agriculturist and horse- breeder of Jackson township. is a leading citizen of this county, where he has resided for a period of 30 years. He is a son of James G. and Sarah A. (Evans) Wisher, natives of Ohio, who settled in Fair- field County at an early day. There our sub- ject was born May 16, 1848, and there he was also reared and educated.

On January 9, 1861. William T. Wisher enlisted in Company H. 62nd Reg .. Ohio Vol. Inf., and served during the entire Civil war. not being discharged until July. 1865. At the time of his enlistment he had not yet reached his 13th year, and he enjoys the distinction of having been the youngest soldier in the ranks of the Union Army. He fought in a number of engagements-notable among them being the battles of Winchester and Fort Wagner- his four and one-half years of service being filled with activity. He was but little past 17 years of age when he returned to Fairfield County, where he remained about 11 years and engaged in farming pursuits. In 1876 he moved to Jackson township. Van Wert County. of which he has since been an esteemed resi- dent. In 1888 he purchased his present farm of 40 acres in section 8. and, in addition to general farming, engaged in raising a standard breed of draft and road horses. During the 18 years which he has devoted to this work. he has established an excellent reputation as a horse breeder, his animals always commanding a good market.

On May 25. 1873. Mr. Wisher was mar-

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ried to Sarah A. Brenneman, daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman, prominent citizens of Allen County, Ohio, where the cere- mony was performed. The following children were born to this union, all but two of whom reside near the parental home in Jackson town- ship : James G .; Fannie D., wife of W. M. Morrison; Charles E. and William W., of Allen County; Daisy M., wife of Frank Dun- lap; Jennie, wife of David Dunlap; David H .; Elsie L. and Mary B., the last two residing at home. Mr. Wisher is a member of Zion Chris- tian Union Church, of Jackson rtownship, and for a number of years was class leader.

e L. SHAFFER,* who occupies a prominent position as an educator in Van Wert County, now serving his third term as superintendent of the schools of Ohio City, was born in Liberty township, this county, in August, 1874, and is a son of John and Martha (Ayers) Shaffer.

George Shaffer, his grandfather, was a na- tive of Germany, and one of the earliest set- tlers in Van Wert County. After locating in this section of the State, he entered a large body of government land, where John Shaffer, our subject's father, was born and where he lived until his death in 1900. John Shaffer married Martha Ayers, a native of Ashland County, Ohio, and they had a family of three sons and two daughters, viz .: John, who is with the Pullman Company at Chicago; Fred, who is foreman at the Solar oil refinery in Lima; C. L., of this sketch; Minnie, wife of Dr. A. C. Musgrove, of Ohio City; and Flos- sie, who resides at home.

C. L. Shaffer attended the schools of Lib- erty township and those of Ohio City, subse- quently entering the scientific department of

the Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he was graduated in 1901. Previously he had taught several terms of school in Liberty town- ship, and afterward was placed in charge of the grammar schools at Scott, Ohio, later being made superintendent of the village schools. When he was called to take charge of the schools at Ohio City, he resigned his position at Scott, and since 1903 has been located here. His work speaks for itself in the added interest shown by the pupils and the higher standard of instruction which he has maintained. It is a position of much respon- sibility, and to successfully fill it requires a man of tact, education and culture. Mr. Shaffer has the hearty support of the best ele- ment in the city, and has every reason to feel highly gratified at the results of his professional work.

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History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 86

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

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