History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 54

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878

USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 54
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 54

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).

Stone was wanted for the foundation of the church. which amount was donated. Teams were needed to banl it, and volunteers were not slow in offering, and in one day fifty-two teams in procession left Delphos for Van Wert, and did the requisite bauling. Ex une disce omnes. .

EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA.

The above branch of this church had its origin exclusively in this conny among the German population. In the year 1852 Rev. A. Nich- olai and Rev. J. Fox were sent on what was then St. Mary's cirenit of the Ohio Conference.

They established three new preaching places, viz., 1, in an old school- house just north of where MeKim's block now stands in Van Wert ; 2, five miles south of Van Wert, in the Hertel settlement : 3. six miles north in the Mohr settlement. At the first-mentioned place efforts proved unavailing at the time? at the second place immediate success attended their labors, and a class was formed. In Mohr's settlement, Ress. Niebolai and Fox labored unsuccessfully, but their successors, Revs. Kronemiller and Strickler, succeeded in 1853 in organizing a class.

In IST1. several members having moved into the town of Van Wert, Rev. P. Both organized a class of eight persons. About 1895 the class north of Van Wert, in the Mohr settlement, built a chach which cost $600. In 1872 the class in Van Wert built a church which cost $2 100, and the class in the Hertel settlement. south of Van Wert. Mult a church at an expense of $1000.

In Isi$ the Conference built a mission parsonage which cost $750. To the credit of the Christian liberality of the Evangelical svet, we may say that in the first twenty-eight years of its existence three chinches have been created at a cost of $1000, and a parsonage at $750.

The following brethren have served in Van Wert County : Travelfing preachers. Revs. Nicholai and Fox, Goetts and Wasling. Krogenaller und Strickler, Burguer and Geisel. Uphans and Evans, Konzer and Purr. Hertel, Koenig, Troyer, Parli, Kertier, Backman, Wales, Berrer, Albert, Ackerman, and B. F. Dill. The presiding ellers were Ress. Fickover, Plotte, Sleffs, Fisher, Kiplinger, and Krieger.

The north and south classes are rapidly dreaming Anglicized, while the Van Wert class still retain- the original language.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

A council of the following brethren convened in Van Wert. Van Wert County, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1833, to organize a Baptist church, viz, S. M. Brower, of Wapakoneta, Rev. D. D. Johnson, B. A. Welch, D. Welch, R. Hunter, and J. Casteel, from Bethel Church ; J. Larne and A. Smedly, from Harrison Church ; and Elder J. W. Bolster, from Pennsylvania, and took into consideration the propriety of constituting a Baptist church in this place, to be called the " First Baptist Church of Van Wert."

Names of members: B. McCormick, Mrs. M. McCormick, Mr-, Lown, Mrs. Penn, Mrs. Emerson, Mrs. Wear, Mrs Grover, and Mrs. Olher.

The council was organized by calling Rev. D. D. Johnson to the chair, and Eller A. M. Brower as clerk.

The council agreed to recognize the above-named brethren and sisters as the First Baptist Church of Van Wert.

The Articles of Faith were adopted as published in the Encyclopedia of Religions Knowledge; after which the Rev. D. D. Johnson extended the hand of fellowship, and Elder Bolster read the charge.

The church then proceed to elect a pastor, which resulted in the election of Rev. D. D. Johnson.

D. D. JOHNSON, Moderator. A. M. BROWER, Clerk.

Ministers of the First Baptist Church : 1853, Rev. D. D. Johnson ; 1854, Rev. Ales. Lerne ; 1:56, Rev. Robert Edmonds; 185%, Rev. John Bloomer: 1866, Rev. Robert Edmonds; 1867, Rev. A. Virgil ; 1869. Rev. Alex. Lerne ; 1877, Rev. W. T. Leet ; 1879, Rev. V. B. Riley ; 1879, Rev. G. C. Graham ; 1×30. Rev. - Browser.

Trustees of the church : Philip Troup, 1564; Charles Copeland. 1866; B. A. Welch, 1867; Philip Troup, 1870 ; C. Copeland, 1871 ; A. Lorie, 1874; C. Copeland, IS;4. The present trustees are A. W. Duncan, L. J. Webber, and J. B. Riley.

The First Baptist Church purchased the West Ward School-house, corner of Linn and Caroline streets, and changed it into a church. The lot, buildings, and repairs cost $$50. It is a frame building 40 by Go feet.

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH.

This church, composed of our colored fellow-citizens, was org mized in Van Wert December 26, 1870, with seven members.

Names of Pastors: Rev. Jackson Young, of Paulding, was the first pastor in 1873 and 1874. Rev. Madison Viney, of Toledo, in 1st5. Rev. Thomas S Evans, of Van Wert, in 1-77 and ISTs.

When the church was organized Thomas Jordan, Primas Freeman. and Thomas Johnson were installed deacons, and John Guy, John Grecu. and Nathaniel Lee, trustees.

The present deacons are Primas Freeman. Thomas Johnson, Hinton Evans, and John Jackson, and the trustees John Green, Richard Evans, and William Evans.

The church was erected in 1875 at a cost of two thousand eight hun- dred dollars, to which is to be added one hundred dollars, the price of the lot.

Rer. Thomas Evans was born in North Carolina and lived there outil he was 37 years of age. He came to the State of Ohio in 1-59. to Union County, with a wife and five children. He remained there mir Ist. when he and his family, then consisting of ten members, settle lin Vau Wort. He united with the church and had charge of it in the years 1877 and '78.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

The first society was organized in Union township by the Bov. C. Cashey in IS51. The first members of the society were Mich I Be a and wife, George Mecly and wife. Joseph Rank aud wife. They areapr 1 the school-house on Section 16 as a place of meeting. The Following spring there was quite an accession to the society, they numbering state forty members. They continue holding their meetings in the school- house until the year Isis, when a church was erected. It is a neat finne building, which cost $1700. The pastors who have had charge of . .. congregation have been Rev. C. Caskey, Rev. F. Biddle. Rev. George Exhue, Rev. Valentine Exline, Rev. George Halderman, Rev. M. Pust- man, and Rev. A. Leathers.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. -HON. GAYLORD M. SALTZGABER

was born at Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, March 11. 1916. At the age of eleven years he removed with his parents to Van West. Ohno. where he has sumer resided. At the age of fifteen years he enlisted at Elmore, Ohio, in the Third Ohio Volunteer Cavaby, and served with that company throughout the war, being honorably discharged is An. gust, Isto. After leaving the army he attended school at Von W. 1: mit Praghkeepsie, N. Y., until Isti, when he began the study of all

182

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OUIO.

with R. B. Eneel. at Van Wert, Ohio. In August. 1869, he was admit. ted to the bar, and formed a law partnership with Hon. 1. A. Alexander. He was elected mayor of Van West, and subsequently served as a mem- ber of the Board of Education. In IS77 he was nominated by the Democratic party as the candidate for State Senator in the Thirty- second District, composed of the counties of Alten, Auglaize. Defiance, Mercer, Paulding. Van Wert, and Williams. He was elected by the usual majority, and re-elected in 1979. Although one of the youngest members of the Senate. Mr. Saltaraber took rank as an able lawyer in that body. He was Chairman of the Standing Committee on Fees and Salaries, and Municipal Corporations, and Chairman of a Special Com- mittve of eight leading members of the Senate to revise the Municipal Code, and also Chairman of a Committee, raised at his request, to per- feel the system of Drains and Ditches in Ohio. In all he took an active and leading part in shaping the important legislation that commanded the attention of the legislature. On December 20, 1974, he was married to Mi-s Ella Rice, of Van Wert, by whom he has two sons, named Wil- liam and Glenn.

HIRAM C. GLENN

was born in Tusearawas County, Ohio, October S. 1838. His parents, William and Priscilla Glenn, were born and raised in JJefferson County, Ohio, and had four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom Hiram is the third child. The elder brother was a Sergeant in Company K, 46th O V. I, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh on April 6th, 1×62, and the youngest daughter died in 1965. The oldest daughter is married and lives in Nebraska. The father died in 1856. This family moved to Van Wert County and located in Harrison township, where they remained until 1847, when they moved to Pleasant township, and in 1-50 they came to the town of Van Wert. The subject of His sketch attended the common schools in the country, the advantages of which were primitive, but by bard study and close application he acquired the qualification to teach school during the winter. He also worked at the trades of carpenter and painter. He commenced reading law with JJ. H. Krole, Esq, who, about a year afterwards, removed to tudiana. Mr. Glenn then completed his readings with Judge O. W. Rose, and in 1967 he was admitted to the bar by the District Court. The same year he was elected a Justice of the Peace for Pleasant town-hip, which office be filled until Ist0, when he was elected and served one term as mayor of Van Wert. While performing the duties of these offices he also prac- ti-ed law, and is now the oldest inhabitant of the county practising at the bar of Van Wert. He is a conscientious and faithful attorney, and in all respects an upright and honorable citizen. In August, INGS, he married Georgiana C. Baughman, of Plymouth, Ohio, who has borne hun four children, only one of whom, lone, is living, aged twelve years.

JAMES L. PRICE

'was born in Carroll County, Ohio, March 27. 1840. He attended the common schools in the country, which was followed by several years' attendance at an academic institution near Hagerstown. Carroll County, as a preparatory step to entering college. The latter idea was aban- doned, however, and in 1559 he commebeed the study of law with Gen. E. B. Eckley, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of Isal. at Cadiz, Ohio, and immediately began the practice of law at Carrollton, Ohio. Ile was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Carroll County in 1962. aud served two years. In April. 1865, be removed to Van Wert, where he continued to remain. In 1868 he was elected Pro-ceuting Attorney of Van Wert County, and In ld that offire six years, having been twice re- elected. During his residence in Van Wert he was also President of the Board of Education of that city for ten years. Recognizing the broad views held by him upon all questions of public interest and importance to the nation, as well as his wide popularity, the Republican party of the Sixth Congressional District nominated bun for Congress in Isis, his opponent being Hon. W. D. Hill. Though the district was strongly Democratic, Mr. Price made an effective race and won many friends. He is an able lawyer, brilliant public speaker. quick in comprehending a point, and has peenliar ability in explaining his thoughts upon any ques- tion. Mr. Price has been twice married. His first wife was Martha Guinbey, whom he married in Harrison County, Ohio, January 1. 1962, and who died in Van Wert, August 13, 1566. His second wife was Eliza- beth Marshall, to whom he was united March 8, Is6S. He has one son living, Charles, aged Is years.

DR. I. C. MeGAVREY

was born in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1824. His father with his family come to Colombiana County, Ohio, in 12%. Renaming there four years or until 1-22, circumstances warranted the family m removing to Hardin County. Ohio, where they permanently settled, and which was a part of the Northwest Territory. His bonogod father died in 1.33, but his beloved mother, after the death of her husband, removed to lowa, and that at the advanced age of 55 years, and passed

beyond the river of death to the happiness of a never ending immortal- ity. Hugh, from his boyhood, expressed the great desire of his heart, to be enrolled among those who not only administer to the relief of his follow-men. but relieve the ills and pains of life. Under this state of feelings, and brought up with bright hopes and prospects of success, and with that indomdable energy of mind, which has so effectually charac- terized his every act, entered upon the study of medicine in 1:45, in Wyandot County, and in the true spirit of determined manhood pro- claimed to his relatives and friends "there is no such word as fail." Dr. MeGavren moved from Wyandot County with his brother Andrew in the spring of 1-53, but did not commence the practice of medicine until 1854. when he entered into partnership with Dr. Blecker. In 1865 he removed to Sharestille, and at the solicitation of kind friends located permanently in 1967 at Van Wert. He married Miss M. J. Linderman, of Chambers- burg, Pennsylvania, and was blessed with five children, two of whom, in their days of infaney and purity, passed from litt -- but one son ( Dr. G. W. MeGavron), and two daughters survive, one of whom is married to Dr. H. H. Holbrook. of Defiance. Defiance County, Ohio. In all public enterprises he was among the foremost, and the people of Van Wert owe him a debt of gratitude for his herculean effort- in behalf of the estab- lishment of the narrow gauge railroad, which is laid out from Van Wert to Shanesville. We desire to record a fact in regard to the MeGavren family which has not its equal on record. In 1866 there were sixty-live physicians of the name of MeGavren, all relatives, engaged in the prac- tice of medicine, who are scattered throughout the States of Ohio, Penn- sylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Of his six brothers three were physicians.

DR. WILLIAM SMITH.

William Smith and Mary Lyle Smith were the parents of Dr. William Smith, who was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Feb. 2%, 1:22, and in the fall of the same year his parents moved to Richland County, Ohio. William, when young. attended school at Man-field, and as he advanced in years he entered the high school, and becoming perfect in the studies he was received into the academy taught by I. Andrews and J. Jolmison, at -bland, Ohio, His academic course being finished, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. A. G. Miller, he teaching school in the winter of 1415 in Millsboro', and pursuing his medical studies in the summer months.

In the spring of 1>46 there was a call for volunteers to serve one year to protect our country from the aggressions of Mexico. Dr. Smith was elected 2d lieutenant of Company C, Third Regiment of Volunteers. in which Thomas H. Ford was captain and Sammel I. Curtis colonel, who also served as colonel in the rebellion of 1861. The Third Regiment served its fall term, and was discharged in New Orleans, July 4. INIT.

On his return. Dr. Smith attended the medical lectures in the winter of 1847-4% at Cleveland Medical College, and commenced the practice of medicine in April, 154%, at Ganges, Richland County, and residen there eight years, after which he removed to Van Wert in 1854.

In removing to Van Wert he did not immediately commeure the prac- tice of medicine, but bought a saw mill, made full and necessary refus. and added a pair of first-class chopping bubre. After this hall wa- in sttecessful operation he erceted the four-mill which was built where the city mill now stands, pa Jackson Street, on the west side of Town Check. Dr. Smith continued to run the flourand saw mill until the rebellion broke out. Then a regiment was to be organized, for which he zealously labored, and was elected lieutenant, and was promoted to the rank of captain for raising the company. At the organization of the regiment he was elected major, and afterwards lieutenant colonel. He was in the service of his country from 1561 to Sept. 1864, when his term of' service of three years having expired, fol. Smith returned to his peaceful home at Van Wert, threw aside his military life, and resumed the practice of medicine. As a physician he stands deservedly high in the affections of his follow-citizens by his kindness, attention, and success, and as a viti- zen always willing to assist in any enterprise which will promote and advance the interests and prosperity of the town and country which he has chosen for his permanent residence. Dr. Smith married Mis- Elmira Mulford, of New Haven, Hacon County. Ohio, and has been blessed with eight children, one of whom passed from earth in early life.

J. KEARSLEY WOODS, M.D.,

was the son of Alexander Woods, and was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 12G. He received a classical education at the Delaware I'm versity in this State, and graduated in 1.17. He attended ore session at the Medical College of Ohio, which was located at Cincinnati, and graduated at the College of Medicine and Surgery in the same city. Dr. Woods commented the practice of medicine in Ist in 1 ... County, and removed to Lima in Isse and was engaged in an extensive practice until Isel. At the Freaking out of the Rebellion he had the honor of bring appouded surgen of a regiment of Ohio volunteer . The regiment was stationed at Koosville and other points, where he

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

served nearly two years. In 1862 be settled in Mendon, Mercer County, aint after remaining there ten years be removed to Van Wert in 1972.

Dr. Woods married Miss Rebecca Lunch, of Greenville, Ohio, and has been blessed with five children, three sous and two daughters. He has been honored with membership in the Ohio State Medical Society in 1:51, and in the American Medical Society in 1-12. and also in several local societies. For thirty-two years be bas applied himself' to the practice of medicine, and in all these years his time and his talents have been devoted exclusively to his profession-a profession which way the choice of his life. By constant reading, thoughtful meditation, and forming his theory at the bedside of his patient, he has been eminently successful in not only alleviating suffering and pain, but in restoring to health the suffering patient. We desire to place npon record a remark- able meident in regard to the Woods Rundy. Mexander Woods was born in a log cabin in Miami township. Montgomery County, Ohio; his son, Dr. J. Kear-ley Woods, in the same room ; and also his son, Dr. J. K. Woods, and grandson of Mexander Woods. Thus for three generations the Woods family have entered the world in the same hum- ble cottage-all possessed of intelligent and excellent minds-keeping steadily in view to act well and faithfully their respective parts on life's vast stage.

DR. JOHN WHEATON UNDERHILL

is a descendant of Capt. John Underhill. of Fin-hing. Long Island, N. Y., who emigrated to this country from Europe in 1617, and was a con- spicuous and successful participant in what is called King Philip's war. His genealogy may be thus traced: Abraham was the son of Capt. John Underhill ; William, the son of Abraham Underhill; Nathan, the son of William Underhill; William Tarlte -. Underhill, the son of Nathan and Lucina Strong Underhill. married Minerva Davis, of whom was born Dr. John Wheaton Underhill.

The subject of this sketch was born in Bennington County, Vermont, August 13, 1-24. He was reared and educated in the schools of his native State, New York, and Ohio, until his admission to practice medi- cine in 1845. He located in Cleveland, Ohio, for two years, and after- wards in Kentucky, where he was recommended to go by the Faculty, bearing testimonials of a high character to Hon. Henry Clay. Ex Gov. Deshay, Col. Harris, and others, His residence in the South was a laborious but a successful one. He emigrated to the State of Kansas in 1-59, and in Is61 left on account of the rebellion and rejoined his friends in the North. Of the very many trials and difficulties he was obliged to encounter in the latter State in getting to the U'hion fines in JJuly, 1861, he has nothing to offer. It is a matter of history in Arkansas. He remained on the frontier during the war, engaged for the most part in his profession. and although successful in business. he met with severe Josses, having his home raided twice by bushwhackers; his residence and citizens' hospital burned down by incendiaries ; - afe broken open, moneys stolen, and having other reverses in consequence of change of commands and of unavoidable exposure in the Mississippi Valley; hence · his health failed him. In the fall of 1966, contemplating a change in locality, and being en route to Vermont, he was induced to stop at Van Wert in the spring of the following year, and has continued to reside there ever since. In early life he was made a Free Mason, and received the Chapter and Council degrees in 1:53, the orders of Knighthood in 1 5%. and travelled in 1960 and 1861 through the meandering route of the Scottish rite until he had attained the 32d degree, or S. P. R. S.

P. JOHN HINES, M.D.,

is a native of Frederick County. Maryland, and was born in the year 1×15. and, after acquiring an education, commenced the study of medi- cine with Dr. Thomas Miller, of Washington City, and received the de- gree of M.D. from the Baltimore Medical College in 1987. In 13% he went to Bucyrus, Ohio, and entered government land, and settled in Van Werd Nov. So, IsSS and has the distinguished honor of living the first physician and surgeon who settled in Van Wert, in which town he has always resided, except two years, when he went to California to re- euperate his health, which had been broken down by the arduous labors of his profession. On March 6, 1842. Dr. Hines married Miss Relief Morse. They have been blessed with a family of six children-four boys and two girls-of these, three boys have arrived at manhond, and the daughter at womanhood. all of whom are married. atting their re- spective parts on life's stage; but one son and one daughter have crossed the silent river of death. Dr. Hines, in addition to attendling to the arduous duties of his profession, has fille I many important official posi- tions. We mention that of deputy desk mader Robert Gialliland, auditor, respresentative of the comuty in the lower branch of the Oujo legislature during 1817-18, and also postmaster of this town. All and every posi- tion be filled with credit to himself and honor to the citizens, who respect him The people of Van West owe him a debt of gratitude for his in- strumentality in having the court house removed from Whichue to this place in 1959. As the first physician and citizens who settled here, he has kept pace with the public spirit of the town; and won the sales of the whole community.

DR. H. G. DAVIS

was born in London County, Va., in 1824. He is the son of Rev. Dantes Davis, of the M. E. Church, who settled in Barnesville in 1930, then re- moved to Muskingum County. Dr. Davis attended school in Zanesville. but his medical equestion was received at Buffalo and Baltimore Co .. leges. He settled in Brainbridge two years, then in Chillicothe twenty years, then in Brookville two years, and finally to Van Wert in January. 1×78. He is married to Miss Emelia Rice, and has two sons and to. daughters.

I. ARTHUR HINES, M.D.,"

who is a son of the venerable Dr. P. John Hines, was born in 1842. H. pursued in carly life a regular education, and after becoming acquain's i by close application to the usefulness and necessity of the arts and sciences, began the study of medicine with his father; and after attend. ing the medical lectures the full term. he was honored with the degrees of M.D. by the Medical College at Washington.

Dr. Hines and his father are also engaged in the drug business.

;

COL. ISAAC N. ALEXANDER.

Col. Alexander was born December 14. 1832, in Harrison County. Ohio. He received an acutemie education at New Hagerstown. Carroll County, and a scientific and philosophie education at Oberlin. Ohio. When he had finished his education thus far, he chose the profession of law. and commenced its study under Hon. John A. Bingham at Cadiz. Ohio, and was admitted to practice law in June, 1857. in the Supreme Court of Ohio. Col. Alexander married Miss Rebecca Alban at Fitillar, Ohio, June 23, 1857, and immediately thereafter opened a law office at Van Wert, and continued actively engaged in its practice until the break- ing out of the Rebellion. Believing his duty to his country superior to all others, he entered its service for three months in Company E. Fif- teenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which expired in August. Isol. The love of country again prompted him to enter as a private in the Forty- sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he had the honor of hokiing all the grades of rank up to and including Lieutenant Colonel. He par- ticipated with the army of the Tennessee in all its battles and skinn- ishes and for his gallant and meritorious conduct received the congratu- lations of his soldier- and brother officers. On returning to his home he again resumed the practice of laws, which he has continued imin- terruptedly. His fellow-citizens have conferred upon him many political honors by electing him as their representative. Col. Alexander served in the Constitutional Convention of Ohio in 15;2. and discharged the duties incumbent on him as their representative, and was a member of the En . total College which elected Rutherford B. Hayes, President of the United States. He has filled the offices of Mayor, member of the Board of Edu- cation, Notary Public, etc., acceptably to the people who honored him with their suffrages.

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History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 54

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton Number of Pages: 878

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878