USA > Ohio > Auglaize County > Portrait and biographical record of Auglaize, Logan and Shelby Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 19
USA > Ohio > Logan County > Portrait and biographical record of Auglaize, Logan and Shelby Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 19
USA > Ohio > Shelby County > Portrait and biographical record of Auglaize, Logan and Shelby Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 19
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fitted for his position. In the year 1865, he mar- ried Miss Bernadina Albers, a native of Minster, Ohio, whose parents died of cholera when she was but a child. Mrs. Van Oss passed quietly away in the spring of 1867. leaving one child, Theodore. In the fall of 1868, Mr. Van Oss was wedded to Miss Caroline Bergman, who was born in Minster, Ohio, and whose parents, natives of Germany, were early settlers in this locality. To Mr. and Mr -. Van Oss have been born ten children, as fol- lows: Mary. Henry, John, George. Stephen .... Catherine. Rosie, Anthony, Amelia, and Julius, As a Democrat. Mr. Van Oss is well known through- out the county and stands high in the regard of his party. He has been a delegate to county. dis- triet and State conventions, and has been a mem- ber of the Minster Council two terms. He was Clerk of the township two years and is at present a member of the School Board.
AMPEL A. HOSKINS is not only well known in Wapakoneta and in the vicinity round about, but his name has become fa- miliar to those in other parts as a member of the Bar and a prominent attorney. He was born in Union County, this State, March 5, 1863, to Jacob W. and Martha ( Newhouse) Hoskins.
The father of our subject, who was a minister of the Christian U'hion denomination, occupying the pulpit during the greater part of his life, died in November. 1881. By his union with Miss New- house was born one son and two daughters. one of whom died in infancy. As an intelligent and progressive gentleman, he drew around him a pleasant cirele of friends.
Samuel A. Hoskin-, of this sketch. was reared in his native county and pursued his primary studies in the public schools. His life as a student was marked by extreme diligence, and in 1887 he was graduated from the Ohio Normal University of Ada with the degree of A. B. After receiving his diploma from that school young Hoskins tanght
Howberk
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for two years in which occupation. he was very successful. During the ten years of his life as a student, he taught school and attended college alternately, his teaching being the only means of getting an education.
Having determined to follow the profession of a lawyer. our subjeet began reading with Powell, Owen & Ricketts, a prominent law firm of Column- bus, Ohio, and later going to Cincinnati, took a course in the law school in that city and was ad- mitted to the Bar in 1800. Then going South, Mr. Hoskins traveled for a short period and in October in the above year located at Wapakoneta, where he he has built np a practice far beyond his expeeta- tions. Hle is a young man of fine ability, and as an advocate he is precise, careful. earnest and often eloquent. He is a close reader of human nature, never becomes excited, but acts after mature delib- eration.
September 10, 1890, Miss Clara Hamilton, of Richwood. Ohio, became the wife of our subject and to them has been born one son, George Owen. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have a beautiful home in the city.
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R EV. A. R. HOWBERT, D. D. On the op- posite page appears the portrait of one of the most talented and able ministers of Lo- gan County, who for many years has been pastor of the Lutheran Church at Bellefontaine. Not only by his congregation, but by all who en- joy the pleasure of his acquaintance. he is held in high esteem as a devoted laborer in the vineyard of the Lord.
The first representatives of the Howbert family in America probably came from the North of France, and. after emigrating, settled in Philadel- phia. Pa., where they ocenpied prominent posi- tions, some as doctors, others as teachers, and : few as ministers. The paternal grandfather of our subject. George Howbert, was a soldier in the Rey-
olutionary War, and died while residing in Vir- ginia. ITis business talents were of a high order, and he was successful in carrying on a large hotel and wagon stand.
The father of our subject, Jacob Howbert, par- ticipated in the War of 1812, and during most of his life followed the occupation of a farmer. In 1835. he removed to Olmo, and thenee. in 1818. went to Bartholomew County, Ind., the removal being made on account of his strong opposition to slavery. To his sons he predicted that "God will punish this nation on account of this curse, and this punishment will likely result in the flow of blood. I will not live to see it, but you probably will." His wife bore the maiden name of Mar- garet Locke. and they were the parents of seven sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and three daughters are still living.
The third in the parental family was the subject of this sketch, who was born in Roanoke County, Va., June 2, 1825. After an attendance for some time in the common schools, he entered the Penn- sylvania College at Gettysburg, from which in- stitution he was graduated in the literary course. Afterward coming to Ohio, he took a theological course in the seminary at Springfield, and had the honor of receiving his diploma with the first class graduated from that institution. llis first charge was at Louisville, Ky., from which place he re- turned to this State, and for nine years was pastor of the Lutheran Church at Bucyrus.
While residing at Bucyrus, the Civil War broke ont, and Dr. Howbert was appointed Chaplain of the Eighty-fourth Regiment, serving through the entire war as a member of Gen. Todd's staff. In addition to this, he held a Christian Commis- sion from the association, and during the war traveled at least fifty thousand miles. becom- ing familiar with all the movements of the army. At the close of the war, he came to Belle- fontaine through the influence of his old friend. Judge William Lawrence. Since coming here, he has been pastor of the Lutheran Church. and has organized four churches in Logan County. which have prospered under his faithful guidance. He also spent two years at Colorado Springs, Colo .. during which time he had charge of the church
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There His brother William was an influential :. nister in Colorado, and was Chaplain to the first Territorial Legislature, while a son of that gentle- man. llon. Ervin Howbert. is the well-known and wealthy Senator from that State.
The first marriage of Dr. Howbert united him with Miss Mary Mitchell Forgy, of New Carlisle. Olio, who died about 1854, and the two children horn of the union are also deceased. March 5. !37. he married Sarah A. Helwig. a native of Ham- ilton County, Ohio. Unto them has been born one child. D. Todd. now of Colorado Springs, The parents of Mrs. Howbert were Peter and Leal Jacobs ) Helwig, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio at an early day, and located in But- ler County. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion, and he and his wife reared three sons and forr daughter. the former of whom are de- ceased.
The degree of Doctor of Divinity was eon- ferred upon the Rev. Mr. Howbert by the Western Collegiate Institute in 1820. In addition to his duties as pastor. he finds time for considerable lit- erary work. and is the author of a book entitled, "The Remini-cences of the War." which contains about four hundred pages chronologically ar- ranged. and relating to the history of the conflict from beginning to end. The style of writing is fascinating. and the work has a wide circulation throughout the states. Dr. Howbert now (1892) has the manuscript for a volume devoted to the secret -ervice during the war, which, when published, will form a valuable addition to our literature. Among the relies of war times which the Doctor most prizes is some Confederate money, and he bas other interesting souvenirs of those dark days.
Dr. Howlert is President of the Rocky Moun- 'ain synod. which embraces Colorado and Wyo- ming. and i- Financial Speretary of the Ministers' I: valsi Home. which is located in the "Garden of the Gods" Saving the need of a place where in- vi. d minister- might recuperate. he originated .no idea of the "Home." and secured from his sophew. Ilon. F. W. Howbert. a most beautiful it of ground. comprising twenty agres, at Colo- Spissen which suitable buildings are to " Precend in the near future. In connection
therewith. it is proposed to conduct a school for boys, and at the last meeting of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Howbert was elected Superintendent and Financial Secretary. This work he hopes to make the crowning act and culmination of his eventful life, and it is safe to say that through it his name will be handed down to posterity as that of a benefactor of mankind.
At one time Dr. Howbert served as President of the Board of Trustees of Wittenberg College, and during the ercetion of that structure, he and the daughter of Gen. Anthony laid the first two bricks on the northeast corner of the building. An earnest, large-hearted man, unselfishly devoted to the interests of others. he takes part in many charitable enterprises, and his constant deeds and words of kindness have won the friendship of all who know him.
R. JAMES L. SCOTT. the popular and skillful young dentist of St. Mary's, has already won a good standing in his pro- fession, and is in the enjoyment of a fine praetiee. Ile is a native of Defiance County, and was born May 5, 1867. llis father was Mathew Scott. who was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and cante to Ohio to east in his lot with the pioneers of De- fiance County when it was quite new and sparsely settled. He was a farmer, and became one of the prominent men of his calling, and an influential citizen of his community. Hle purchased a tract of land, which he cleared and developed into a valuable farm. His death in 1878 was a blow to the best interests of his township, and the I'nited Brethren Church lost one of its most zealous mem- bers, who had worked to promote its growth for many years. Ilis wife survives him. She bore the maiden name of Sarah Menear, and is of Scotch extraction.
Our subject, who is the youngest of nine chil- dren, of whom right are living, was brought up on a farm under good home influences. He was early
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sent to the distriet school, where he obtained the preliminaries of a liberal education, which was con- tinned in the High School at Hicksville, from which he was graduated in 1888, with a high rank for scholarship. He had previously determined to make dentistry his profession, and had already ac- quired considerable knowledge of it in the otlice of a well-known practitioner at Celina. After his graduation from school, he returned to his former instructor's office, and completed his dental stud- ies. Having thus thoroughly familiarized him- self with the details of his chosen vocation, he practiced it at Celina a short time, and then lo- cated at Spencerville, whence he came to St. Mary's in 1891. Hle fitted up neat and attractive dental parlors with all the modern conveniences. and with the finest instruments known to his profes- sion. and has met with marked success in securing a lucrative practice. as he soon found favor with the people, who learned when they patronized him that he was not only skillful and dexterous in the use of his instruments, but was careful and consid- erate with his patients. He is a young man of fine presence, of good address, and is invariably court- cous and pleasant in his intercourse with all with whom he comes in contact, either in a business, or in a social, way.
The Doctor was married January 18, 1891, to Miss Mary Hayes, a native of Rockford, Ohio, and they have a charming home. Our subject stands with the Republicans in political matters, and his social relations are with the Knights of Pythias, of which order he is an ardent supporter.
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C HARLES CHURCHILL. It is only natural that when starting out to fight life's battles for himself. Mr. Churchill should select agricultural pursuits as his chosen occupation, for he has been tramed to the duties of the farm from early boyhood, and was perfectly familiar with all its details. Ile is now a prominent land-owner of this county, having eighty acres of fine farming
land in Clinton Township, and he and his wife own considerable residence property in Sidney.
Our subject was born in Parsippany, Morris County. N. J., on the 19th of September, 1819, and his parents, William S. and Mary (Johnson) Church- ill. were natives of the same county. The parents cultivated the soil in their native county until 1814. and then decided to move to the Buckeye State and try their hand at agricultural pursuits here. They purchased the farm which our sub- ject now owns, and there spent the balance of their days. Both were highly esteemed, and were honorable, upright citizens, a credit to any neigh- borhood.
As our subject came to Shelby County with his parents in 1844. he has resided here for nearly fifty years, and no man is held in higher estima- tion by his neighbors. Honorable and upright in all his transactions, he fully merits the esteem in which he is held. After reaching mature years, our subject was married to Miss Harriet Van Ness, a native of New Jersey, who bore him six children. only one now living, Anna, wife of John C. Stipp. of Clin- ton Township. this county. After the celebration of his nuptials, Mr. Churchill removed to Union County. Ind., and there resided for eleven years. There he was called upon to part with his wife.
After her death. or about 1856. Mr. Churchill returned to Shelby County, Ohio, and although he was a wagon-maker by trade, and had followed that business in Indiana. after returning to Ohio. he turned his attention almost wholly to farming. His second marriage was to Miss Ellen Howard, of Indiana, who left no issue. On the 2d of Feb- ruary. 1865. he married Miss Caroline Kain, his present wife, who was born in Williamsburgh. Cler- mont County, Ohio, March 8, 1845. Afterward. our subject continued farming until 1889, when he removed to town. where Mrs. Churchill owned a good residence besides five lots and three houses. One child has come to bless this union. a son. Charles H., who was born in Turtle Creek Town- ship. October 26. 1865. Mrs. Churchill's par- ents. Thomas and Jane (Mclean) Kain. were born in Clermont and Brown Counties. Ohio. respec- tively. and her father was a farmer by pursuit. From him. Mr -. Churchill received part of her
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property Both parents were members of the a livelihood. At the early age of ten years, he Methodist Episcopal Church, and in this Mrs. Churchill holds membership too. The father was a Mason, and was a leading man in his vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Churchill's son, Charles H., was edu- cated in the High School of Sidney, and is now Cashier of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Rail- road. at Findlay. Ohio. He filled that capacity in th's city until about six years ago, when he was promoted. He is a bright. thorough-going young man. He was married to Miss Louisi Zimmers, September 17. 1559, and they have had one child. William Lawrence, who was born to them August 15. 1-20, and died September 17. 1891.
SAAC B. HUFFMAN. of Sidney. Ohio, is an excellent example of what can be accom- plished when one possesses a thorough deter- mination to succeed in life. coupled with energy, perseverance, and intelligence. What he has ac- cumulated in the way of this world's goods is the result of his own good fighting qualities, and he deserves much credit for his industry and thor- ougliness. He is a native of Ohio, born in St. Paris, Champaign County, on the 21st of septem- Wer. 1-3s. and his parents. David and Hannah Appl . Huffman, were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. At an early date, the parents came to Champaign County, Ohio. and there he father followed the cooper trade until Jos death. He left a family of five children. four of whom fought bravely in defense of the Stars nd Stripes, and all were in the army at one time. viz: Abraham. Isaac B. (our subject ). Henry and Daniel. The youngest child was named I-aiah. After the death of the father. the mother married Mr. Thatcher, of St. Paris, where the mother ... 'lives, being now over seventy years of age. Our subject was fairly educated in the schoois " ... Paris, and after the death of his father na-gidiged to depend upon his own resources for
began to earn his own living, and from the age of thirteen until seventeen he was appren- tieed to a carpenter, previous to that time having been on a farm. After learning his trade, he car- ried it on, and finally settled in St. Paris, where he was engaged in the contracting and building business for some time. On the 21th of Angust, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Second Ohio Infantry, and was sent to the Army of the Cumberland, participating in the battles of West Liberty, Bridgeport. Ala., Piketown, Ky., Perry- ville, Ky., Stone River, Tenn., Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Ga., Lookout Mountain, Tenn., Mission Ridge, Ringgold, Ga., Buzzard's Roost, Tunnel Hill. Rocky-Face Ridge, Ga., Resaca. Ga., Peach Tree Creek, and Hoover's Gap. He was wounded, and thought to be dead, at the hat- tle of Chickamauga. He lay on the field from Saturday night until Tuesday morning, refused to have his arm amputated, and was subsequently shipped from Louisville to New Albany, where he soon began to recover, thus saving his arm as well. Ile was also wounded in the chest, and still carries a number of sears in the upper part of his body. Hle receives a pension for total disability. lle was faithful in the discharge of his duties, and no braver soldier trod the red turf of a battle- field.
Returning to St. Paris after the war, Mr. Huffman carried on the contracting business, not being able to work himself. In 1876, he moved to this city and worked for a time, but found that his main busi- ness must be contracting. For the past six years he has not been able to do any work. He has erected a good, comfortable residence at No. 916 Pomeroy Avenue, and has resided here ever since his location in the city. In his business, as well as in his social relations, he commands the respect and esteem of all. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the An- cient Order of United Workmen.
On the tth of May, 1865, Mr. Huffman was united in marriage with Miss Laura C. Wilkinson, who was at that time residing in Quincy, Logan County, Ohio, but who had previously resided in St. Paris, Her father, John G. Wilkinson, was
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a strong Union man, and a Republican, and was obliged to sell his property on account of this. It was the design of the Southern sympathizers to prevent his voting for Lincoln, but they were dis- appointed in this, as he went early to the polls. Afterward, he went East for three months, to keep away from their vengeance. Ilis daughter, Mrs. Iluffman, had ineurred their enmity by feeding Union soldiers, and watched many nights, sleeping in the day time. She was born in Morrow County, Ohio, on the 10th of November, 1848. Four children have been born to this union, viz: Su- sannab Elma, wife of E. C. Runyan, of this city, who has two children, Clara E. and Arthur; Em- ery Neil (deceased); Pearl A., who is still in school, and Alice May. Mr. and Mrs. Iluffinan are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has held membership for twenty-nine or thirty years.
ILLIAM ELLIOTT, a retired farmer liv- ing on section 24, Clinton Township, Shelby County, is one of the heroic vet- eran soldiers of the late war, who fought to put down the Rebellion, risking life and all that he held dear in order that the glorious Stars and Stripes might float proudly over an undivided country. On returning from the army, Mr. Elliott won for himself an honorable place among the thrifty and industrious members of the farming community of this township, and is now enabled to live re- tired from the active duties of life.
A native of Pennsylvania, he of whom we write was born in Perry Township, January 28, 1830, and is the son of James and Jeanette (Ilart) Elliott, both natives of the same State and county in which their son was born. The grandfather of our subject was born in Ireland, of scotch-Irish par- entage, and there also his maternal grandfather, Ilugh Hart, was born. The former emigrated from his native land and located in Pennsylvania. where the father of our subject was born in 1795. The mother of our subject had her birth in 1802,
in the above-named county, where her parents lo- eated on coming to America.
James and Jeanette Elliott made their home in their native State after their marriage until 1832. when they came to Ohio and located in Miami County. Residing there a few years, they later came to Shelby County and made their home about one mile west of Sidney, where their decease occurred, the father dying in the fall of 1858. and the mother in January, 1883. They were the par- ents of a family of ten children, of whom our subject was the fourth in order of birth.
William Elliott, of this sketch, accompanied his parents on their removal to thus county, and con- tinued to reside on the old homestead for forty- eight years, or until 1888, when he removed to his present residence. In 1863, he enlisted in the Union army, joming Company I, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in as First Lieutenant. ITis term of service having expired, he was re-elected in May, 1864, in the one hundred days' service, and at Bermuda IIundred was attached to the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Regiment, and during the following four months saw much active service. In September of the above-named year, Mr. Elliott returned home and again engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which calling he has been very successful.
October 2, 1882, Mr. Elliott and Miss Sarah R., daughter of James A. Wells, were united in mar- riage. The lady's father was born in Keene, N. 11., in 1812, while her mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Robinson, was born about 1818, in Martinsburgh, Va. The grandfather of Mrs. Elliott was James Wells, Sr .; he came to this county about 1824, where her father grew to manhood, and was married in Sidney. Her ma- ternal grandfather. Abraham Robinson, came to this county in an early day, and ranked among its well-to-do and respected citizens. James A. Wells was a surveyor by occupation, and followed that business until his death. He served as County Sur- veyor for many years, and died on the old home- stead north of Sidney about 1885: the mother, who preceded him to the better land by a number of years. died in 1875. leaving a family of two sons and four daughters, of whom Mrs. Elliott was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Die sesend in order of birth, her natal day being February 8. 1>13. Her father was a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which body he was Ilder for thuty-two years. The grandfather of Mrs. Elliott was a soldier in the War of 1512. and partiopated in the battles of Lundy's Lane and Chippewa.
Om subject and his wife are prominent members : : x Presbyterian Church. and contribute liber- Why tens support. In social matters, Mr. Elliott is a member of Neal Post No. 62. G. A. R. and as active member of the Republican party, has served many years as Township Trustee. He oecu- ja a handsome residence on his estate, and as Han of good habits, and sound and sensible views on all suljeets with which he is familiar, he is acid in high estimation by his neighbors and funds. Our subject and his two sisters are all that are now left of a family of ten children, six son- and four daughters.
C ALVIN M. WILKINS, Mr. Wilkins is a farmer of high repute and standing in Au- glaize County. His farm on sections 13 and 21. St. Mary's Township, is valuable for its productiveness and finely improved condition, and ale on account of it- situation within the natural In- belt. it being famon- a- the site of the first gas discovery in this region. This farm is the old homestead. on which he was born June 17. 1813, int. one of the carly pioneer families of the county. an 1 he has never left it for any other home.
B.l.tha Wilkins, the father of our subject. was a native of Maryland. and he came to Ohio when he was twenty-three years old. in the full flush and vizor of the of ening years of a stalwart manhood. HI - fother. James Wo kins, also a native of Mary- Land. came to this state with him to begin life anew in the wilderness, where the Indians still ved. and where wild animals not now found in : - part of the country were then plentiful. He entered a 'ract of land in the woods in St. Mary's
Township, Auglaize County, and built a house of logs that he hewed from trees that he eut on the very spot where he erected his humble pioneer dwelling. Ile lived to see the surrounding coun- try transformed into a fine farming region, which he had helped to develop by reclaiming a goodly farm from the hands of Nature. Ile died in 1862. aged eighty-four years. When the War of 1812 was waging, he entered the service and fought right gallantly for the maintenance of the honor of his country.
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