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 55
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 55
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Col. Alexander's family consists of himself, his wife, Miss EHla, Miss Emma, and their brother Willie. Miss Ella received the highest Hrerry and classical education, and graduated at Wooster University with .. highest honors. She has since held a position as teacher in the Van Wert High School. Miss Emma is at present a Junior in the Paulo- sophical course of the same college.
EMERSON, MARBLE & Co.
The members of this old and highly successful banking firm have long been connected with the active business interests of this part of the Mia. Dr. Emerson, the senior member of the firm, established the first bank in this section of the country, under the style of Emerson & Wells, Agriculture being more to the taste of Mr. Wells, he early retired from the firm and removed to his farm, west of Van Wert. the business being continued by C. Emerson until 1564, when; in connection with Mr. D. Burt and others, the business was merged into the First National Bank of Van Wert in INGD. For health reasons Dr. Emerson removed To Colorado, establishing in that new and progressive State two banks. which are among the leading institutions of the State. J. M. C. M.M. E-q. established the First National Bank in this District, which low proved one of the most successful institutions in Ohio, and the princip . means in the large development of the town of Delphos, and mangel the same antil he became interested in the First National Bank of Van Wert in 1972. He removed to Van Wert and took the management of this bank through the crisis of 1823 and the depression following. with what success is well known to the people in this vicinity. In his Emerson & Marble sold their stock in that institution, and not fishing retirement to their taste, shortly after established the present bank house, which from its safe condition has had a very liberal support. W. H. Pemtell. Esq. the youngest man of the firm, is one of one at " enterprising young business men, who has been equally steresfel in all his undertaking ; whose energy and talents have done much to nie? the success of the large and prosperous business. The firm and is members have always been foremost in all public works calculated for
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
the general good, and have done much to encourage all popular move- ments for the advancement of the best interests of the town of Van Wert and its people, the appreciation of which is shown by the public encouragement in a business which is exceeded by few or any country banks of the State. Aside from the general and a-und business of bank- ers they loan very largely at long time of real estate mortgages, and also to towns, townships, counties, and cities of this State.
DR. P. W. DEPUY
was born in Starke County, 1824, and, after receiving a scientific educa- tion, became a student of medicine under Doctors Underwood and Fer- guson in Baltimore, Ohio, He commenced the practice of medicine at Willoughby, and afterward removed to Fort Wayne, and then removed to Van Wert in 1946. Here he remained but one year, and by special invitation settled at Walerch, Indiana, but returned again in 199 to Van Wert, and went into partnership with Dr. Lenox. From IS59 to 1862 he was a partner of Dr. P. J. Hines. During the commencement of his professional career be laud serious obstacles to encounter-the want of good roads, the streams without bridges, and the diseases incident to a wet, marshy soil, required patience and perseverance. He is still actively engaged in the practice of his profession.
CAPT. DAVID P. DUNATHAN.
. His father, Robert II. Dunathan, formerly resided in Mercersburg, Franklin County, Penna., but left there in 1831, and removed to Hamil- ton County, Ohio, and thence to Sidney, Shelby County. He married Mary Elizabeth Protsman.
David P. Dunathan was born in 1840, and was raised on a farm until he was twenty years of age, then went into the army in Company A, Forty-sixth Regiment. After serving one year he was promoted to the captainey of the same company, under Colonel Thomas Worthington and Lieutenant Colonel I. N. Alexander. Captain Dunathan servel during the entire war, and returned home in 1865.
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The first battle he was in was at Pittsburg Landing, where he was wounded and sent to the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, but as soon as he was able he returned to doty. He was jant on picket guard with a company of thirty men at Lafayette, Tennessee, and was captured by Col. Jackson, of Mississippi, and detained a prisoner for ninety days, and afterwards paroled at Vicksburg, Mississippi. He came up the Missis- sippi River and joined his regiment at Memphis, Tennessee, and then remained with the regiment. He also marelied with Gen, Sherman to the sea.
After the close of the war he married Miss Amelia Gilliland. and has two daughters. He went into the drug business with Dr. Stemen, and at the present time is engaged in the grocery and provision business. Capital invested, $8000.
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DR. G. W. MCGAVREN,
son of Dr. H. C. MeGavren, of Van Wert, Ohio, was born in Wyandot County. Ohio, in 1550. He received an academic and classical educa- tion. Studied medicine with his father, and received the degree of Doc- tor of Medicine in 1973, from the Cinemnati Medical College. He mar- ried Miss Enana Mekim, and we may predict that with the character, energy, and perseverance of his father, he will arrive at the same degree of eminence. Purity of life and strict attention to business will abund- autly secure to him the rewards and honors which await the labors of the devoted and sympathizing physician.
ALONZO CONANT
was born in Oxford County, Maine, March 17. 181. At twenty-two years of age he came to Columbus, Ohio, and remained there and in its vicinity for thirteen years. He was married to Miss Esther A. Chuk, of Delaware County. Ohio. November 22. 1.49. He removed to Van Wert in August, 1852, and engaged in the grocery and provision business until 1$69. In 1-70. a stock company was formed by the business men of Van Wert for the purpose of manufacturing staves, of which he was elected principal manager, and helt the position for three years. At the present time ( Iss), he is the President of the First National Bank of Van Wert.
DR. LEVT A. KISER
was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 4, 1-69, came to Mercer County in 126; settled in Centre township, four miles from Slane-ville, when there were no houses between Mercer and Fort Recovery. In 1:50 he commenced the practice of medicine-he has a wife and five clublien. He was in the Mexican war for one year, under Gen. Z. Taylor. Smith 1. Click was the captain of Company D, Seventh Regiment, in the Re- bellion, of which he was a number. He served two years and partici- pated in the battles of Shiloh, Fort Donaldson, and Fort Henry, and on account of disability was discharged.
DR. WILLIAM MULFORD SMITH,
son of Dr. William and Elmira M. Smith, was born in July, 1857, and at- tended all the various grades of schools in Van Wert, and acquired the usual kas whatge imparted therein. He commenced the study of medi- cine under his honored father, Dr. William Smith, in 1877, and received the degree of M. D. at the Medical College of Columbus. He has settled in Van Wert, and remains with his father.
O. D. SWARTOUT, EsQ.,
is the special agent of the Union Central Insurance Company of Cincin- nati, and of the following companies: Phenix, of Brooklyn; Newark, N. J .; Watertown, N. Y .; Revere, of Boston; Centre, of Covington, Ky .; Cooper, of Dayton, O .: Merridan, of Ky .; Howard, N. Y .; Rochester (German), N. Y .: Richland, Olio, Mutual ; Western Mutual, of Urbana. Mr. Swartout's office is in the Van Wert Bank building. Hlis devotion to business, his experience in all matters relating to life and the insur- ance, and his selection of the very best companies in the United States all established on a firm and solid basis, is the best evidence of the suc- cess which he deserves.
DR WILLIAM NELSON LONGSWORTH
was born in Frederick County, Maryland, in 1818, received a liberal education, and commenced the study of medicine in Wayne County, Ohio, under Professor Leander Firestone, of Wooster University. Hav- ing completed his course, he commenced the practice in Canaan Centre, Wayne County, and afterward moved to Cuyahoga County, Ohio; tiene to Laporte, Lorraine County, and finally settled, in June, 1853, in Van Wert City. Dr. Longsworth was also engaged with Mr. W. Il. Pennel in the drug business.
Seeing the necessity of improving the city as well as of developing the resources of the county, be established a Handle factory in Is;l. The size of the building is forty by eighty feet, and is located on Jack- son and Cherry Streets. Capital invested, $15,000. Number of hands employed, twenty. Dr. Longsworth has another factory at Lima. The capacity of the two factories per annum is 800,000 fork, hoe, and rake handles, and 200,000 broom handles.
T. S. McKIM
was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1818, and spent much of his early life in Indiana and Ohio, up to 1844. At twenty-one years of age he Hearned the tin and coppersmith business at Richmond, Indiana. He commenced commercial life at Willshire, and settled in Van Wert in 1855. He married Miss Elizabeth Barks, of Shane's Crossing. Mercer County, and has three children, two girls and one boy. He parchased lot 24. corner of Main and Washington streets, and erected thereon a three- , story brick building; the first story has three store rooms and bank building. at present occupied by T. S. MeKim & Son, the second and third stories, offices and sleeping rooms. The lot cost $2200 and the building $11,000. Capital invested in buildings and stock $18,000, by T. S. MeKim & Son.
DR. C. A. MELSHEIMER
was born in Stark County, Ohio. Jannary 8, 1827, received a liberal and scientific education, and studied medicine with I. M. Whiting in Canton, Ohio. After completing his medical studies be settled in New Corydon, Indiana, and remained three year -- then removed to Willshire and prae- tised for eight years, and finally to Van Wert, where he also engaged in the drug business, February 3. 1st0.
He erected on lot No. 26, a three-story brick building, the first story being 22 by 130 feet. and the other two. 22 by 15 feet, which are thus occupied: first story as a drug store, second story as offices, and the third for public meetings. Value of property. $8000. Dr. Melsheimer married Miss Elizabeth Maria Haack on 25th of April, 1855, and has live living children.
A. P. MCCONAHAY
is a practical clock and watchmaker and jeweller. He learned the busi- ness in all its branches with S. B. Turner in Terre Haute, Indiana, and afterwards settled in Van Wert, in 1991. As a practical business man. a good and exemplary citizen, devoted to the interests of the city and county and the wants of the people, he stands unrivalled. Purchasers never leave his establishment (after making their purchase, without being well satisfied that in all things " his word is his bond." The capital unvested in his business amounts to $5000.
I. W. PENN
was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, in 1916, and came to Van Were in 1.15. He learned the cabinet making business in Zonesvill . Was in the army From 1960 to INGS, in company K, Forty-sixth Reg
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
ment, under Capt. Win. Smith and Capt. I. N. Alexander, and did duty at Pittsburg Landing, siege of Corinth, Memphis, siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Big Creek, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. On lot No. 52 he created a three-story furniture wareroom at a cost of $6000. Cap- ital invested in the business belonging to 1. W. Penn & Co., $4000.
DR. E. L. WILKINSON
was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1843, and after receiving the usual education he studied medicine with Dr. McDonald, graduated at Starting Medical College. Columbus, received the degree of M. D., and settled in Kansas in 1867 ; remained there, performing acceptably the requirements of his profession; entil be removed and settled at Van Wert in 1874, where he is successfully employed.
DR. CORBIN
was born in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, in 1837, studied the Principles of Medicine and Surgery under Dr. MeC'andless tan allo- pathie physician) at South Amboy, Armstrong Coanty, and afterwards, in 1871, with Dr. G. T. Harding ta homeopathist) in Marion County, Ohio. Ile removed to Van Wert in June. 1879.
SIMON SWINEFORD
was born in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, July 10. 1819, and removed to Ashland County, Ohio, in 1997. and engaged in the business of sign painting, and continued in the same for five years. During this period, or on Nov. 22, 1510. he married Miss Rachel Claburg. In 1-52 he re- moved from Ashland and settled in Van Wert. Here his mind under- went a change on business questions. He felt he could be more useful as a citizen, and at the same time acquire a greater competeney for himself and family, by entering mercantile life. Tans believing. he became a clerk in the mercantile establishment of Judge A. W. Baker, and continued until he became proficient therein. Mr. Swin ad's in- dustrions habits, moral deportment, and co istant and unwearied atten- tion to business attracted the attention of Alonzo Conant. Esq., which resulted in a partnership being established, which proved eminently successful. In process of time it was dissolved, and Mr. Swineford commeneed mercantile life on the corner of Main and Waslington streets, in which he continued until his death, which occurred on Nov. 30, 1st8, after an illness of one year, four months, and thirteen days, of a cancerous formation of the stomach. His beloved wife Rachel, two sons, who are imitating the honorable example of their father. and an only daughter intermarried with Orlando D. Swartout, Esq , with a host of surviving friends, mourn the irreparable loss.
During the years of his mercantile life he had acquired a handsome fortune by strict attention to business, without fraud or deceit, always keeping in view the principles of truth and justice. Living according to these, he was blessed abundantly, and a part of the wealth he accumulated was judicionly expended in a family home, public im- ,provements, and by investment in the First National Bank, so that the citizens might be benefited thereby. The public interests he expoused and managed, the offices he held by appointment an election from time to time, his official acts in the bank as a director and vice-president, are" each and all monuments of his foreseeing mind and his sterling worth. His remains were interred in Woodland Cemetery. after services had been performed at his residence on Jefferson Street by Rev. D. L. Mckenzie.
GEORGE MARSH
came to this place from Athens, Athens County, Ohio, and was a native of Connecticut. He was engaged in the sale of patent brass clocks, and came to Van Wert in 1934-5. He moved his family finally in 1847-8. and purchased the St. Charles Hotel (now the De Puy House), and after- wards removed to Athens County. He owned large tracts of land, and his son, George Il. Marsh, resides on his farm adjoining Van Wert on the east. At the date of the sale of town lots he purchased a tract of Jand, commencing at the corners of sections 11, 12. 13, and 14, and from said corners south in the west line of section 12-one rod south of the mitbille fork of Little Auglaize River, and from thenee to a point oppo- site the south end of Jederson Street, and follow north to the section line, and from that point westward to the place of beginning -to have all the lands "except the commons " for $150, but if Mr. Marsh would ercet a saw-mill within two years and within one mile of Van Wert, he was to pay only $100, and gave James W. Riley as security.
DAVIS JOHNSON
resided in Will-hire Township until 1-34, when he became a resident of Harrison Township, baying movel with his father, Joseph Johnson, who was elected County Commissioner in 1531. Me. Johnson and family were natives of Virginia. He is a man of positive character, with a vigorar- constitution, habits of industry, temperance, and untiring energy. On the organization of Harrison Township he was elected Jus-
tice of the Peace, in which office he continued for fifteen years, and as long as he remained in that township. He was also surveyor. In 1:51 be moved to Van Wert, and was married by Rev. Thomas Block. Feb. 6. 1×34, to Miss Susan A. Lennox. He continued his duties as Surveyor, and at the breaking out of the rebellion was County Treasurer. Each and every office be held has been filled to the entire satisfaction of the people.
DANIEL COOR
was born in Vermont, Ort. 3. 1800, and moved to Richland Comty, Ohio, with his parents in 1805. March, 1826, he married Miss Rhoda Me- Manima, who was born Dec. 5. 1-06. April 4, 1837, they moved to Van Wert County, and kept the first hotel in the town in a frais house on the corner of Walnut and Main streets. He built a house and store. room on the lot now occupied by Mr. MeKim. Mr. Cook's life was a busy one in caring for the wants of strangers who were here to select lands for a future home or for speculation. The hotel he kept was ou the lot where the American House now stands. He kept the hotel four or five years, then moved one-half mile west of Van Wert on a farm. upon which he lived until his death, which occurred JJune 8, 1849. being forty-eight years, seven mouths, and five days old. The death of his wife occurred about a year later. They left six children, tive of whom are still living-four daughters and one son.
W. RILEY COOK
was the only son of Paniet Cook. He was born in Richland County, Ohio, Dec. 28, 1836. When about three months old, or on 14th April, 1837. his parents moved to Van Wert, and he was the first white boy brought to the town, where he lived until two or three years after the death of his parents, when he went to Jowa, but returned in one year.
Mr. Cook married Miss Ethelinda E. Coe, daughter of Gen. James Coe. At that time he lived on a portion of what was offee his father's farm, until 1862, when, the war breaking out, he enlisted in the 15th O. V. I. and went South in the midst of strife and Woodshed. leaving a wife and two small children. Having passed through several battles. : . was wounded at Restea, Georgia, May 4, 1864, the ball striking his ha shoulder and passing out at his back beneath the shoulder-blade. From the effects of this wound he came very near losing his life, and his wife visiting him under the circumstances, brought him home to Van Wert on a two months furlough. After its expiration he had recovered so fa: as to return, and remained until the close of the war. After returning north he engaged in the grocery business, in which he is now engaged ; also that of a money broker, buying notes and loaning money.
JAMES W. EVANS
is the son of Jordan Evans. He was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. March 25, 1935, and his father removed to Willshire Township. Ohio. He. however, lett his father's home and settled in Van Wert as a barber. to which occupation he had been brought up. It is eminently due to him to state that his devotion to business and his refraining from inter- medling with the business of others, has secured to him the friendship and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
ADAM AND WILLIAM NIMMONS
moved to Van Wert from Bucyrus, Ohio, with his brother William, in the fall of 1838. They built a storehouse on their lot where the of! Buckingham storehouse stands, it being the first house west of Dr. Da- Puy's. In it they opened the first stock of drygoods, groceries, an l general merchandise, except a few articles which had previously been kept by S. M. Clark. These brothers, after some time, removed to Wolf Lake, Indiana.
SAMUEL M. CLARK
moved with his family to Van Wert from Allentown, Allen County, Ohio, and worked at the blacksmith trade. kept a hotel, and built a grist-mi !! on the north bank of Town Creek (see History of Mills. He was elected and served as sheriff in 1944-15, and afterwards removed west of the Mississippi.
W. S. and W. A. SSASHALL
are engaged in the jewelry business. W. S., the father, settled in Van Wert in I>3;, and is now in his eighty-first year. He purchased lot No. 15 in Van Wert, and created thereon a house 22 by so fert, two stories high. Valnation, 86000. W. S. Snashall left England 1:56, stopped at Zanesville, and finally settled at Van Wert.
WILLIAM STRIPE,
of Fairfax County, Ohio, settled in Van Wert on the lot he purchased. and commenced the business of cooper. The lot was No. 35, corner of Walnut and Main streets, and the house was the first frame building created in the town. At the end of the lot was his cooper ation. Ile died on this lot.
HISTORY OF VAX WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
JOSEPH GLEASON
was born in Ontario County, State of New York, in 1803, where he lived on a farm mitil Mav, F-35, when he brought his wife and three children to Lorain County, Ohio. There he left his family, and came to Van Wert County and entered 125 acres of land in the southwest corner of Pleasant Township. He then returned to Lorain County, and brought his family to Van Wert County about Ang 1, INST. At that time there were but five familie- hving in the township.
In 1829 he married Harriet Brown, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are living, viz., Mary E. Alonzo, Andrew J. Abraham, Frank. Juba, and Ellen. When Mr. Gleason first came to the county he lived on his land until Dee. 199, when he received the appointment of county recorder. He then moved to the town of Van Wert, where he has lived to the present time.
When he moved to town be rented a double log house, and kept a hotel for several years. He has been elected to the office of justier of the peace, but was not eligible, yet, his neighbors insisting. he filled the office for fifteen years. He was also one of the associate judges of the county for several years. Mr. Bleason is one of the oldest residents of the town, having lived therein for forty-two years without removal. He has retired from the active business and cares of life, and lives to enjoy the fruits of his past labors.
CYRUS G. WILKINSON
was born in Pennsylvania in 1968, and settled in Columbiana County in 1824. He married Rebecca Ladd in 1-29. from which marriage twelve children have been born, six of whom are living.
Mr. Wilkinson moved to Hancock County in 1848, bought a farm and lived upon it until 1873, when he moved to the town of Van Wert and engaged in the boot and shee trade with his son Malen, under the firm name of C. G. Wilkinson & San.
Malen Wilkinson was torn in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1839; went with his parents to Hancock County, where he married Margaret A. Carr, Ang. 12, 1-60. The boot and shoe firm of C. G. Wilkinson & Son originally was uindler the title of Kleppinger & MeKim. This was about 1800. In the year 1869 it passed into the hands of Wm. Seville, who in one year soll an interest therein to Mr. Wilkinson. and the firm became Seville & Co. One year afterwards Mr. Wilkinson became the sole owner, and kept it as such until he took his son into partnership.
JACOB FOX,
son of John Fox, was born in Colombiana County in 1816. and resided there ontil 1852, when, with his wife and two children, be located in the town of Van Wert. In 183% be married Catharine Zimmerman, by whom he had two children, one of whom is now living, viz .. L. C. Fox; the other, Lucretia, became the wife of Abraham Gleason, but died in 1>67. Mr. Fox is a carpenter by trade, which he has followed for thirty years. Mrs. Fox died in 1863 .; , . In June, 1>65, he married Susan Zimmerman. the widow of John Zimmerman. In ISTO he bought an interest in the Union Mills, of Van Wert. and was the superintendent of the same for seven years; he then sold his interest in the mill in 1-79. Mr. Fox ran the first train as conductor on the C. V. W. and S. L. Railroad, which he followed until the road was transferred to the C. V. W. and M. Railroad Company. He bas now retired from active life. After 1863, and pre- vioas to his entering the mill, Mr. Fox engaged in the grocery and pro- vision business.
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JUDGE ALONZO W. BAKER
was born at Marion, Ohio, Dec. 31, 1828. His father moved to Lima, where he spent his boyhood days. In 1850 he married Charlotte Peters, of Fairfield County, Ohio, by whom seven children have been born. The first year after their marriage they lived in Marion, Ohio, and in 1-31 he settled in Van Wert. He engaged in the desgoods business, from which be retired during the war. He served his country four years as major of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio National Guard On his return ' he was appointed collector of internal revenue, and helt the office until it was abolished by an act of Congress,
He again entered the drygoods business for a season, but sold out and vought an interest in the Van Wert Foundry and Machine Works, This business he sold out to accept the office of probate judge, to which he was elected in IST2, and reflected in 1855. He was renominated in Isis, but was attacked with hemorrhage of the stomach, and Sept. 9, IST5, calmly laid aside the joy, and cares of an active lile. .
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