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 25
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 25
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 25
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ocratie party, and for twelve years he has been Trustee of the Township. He has been a member of the Board of Education several years and was President of the same when the large and very handsome new High School building was erected in 1877. Ile is a member of the Village Council. Both he and Mrs. Vogelsang are active members of the Lutheran Church, and they are liberal con- tributors to all enterprises of a laudable nature. Mr. Vogelsang owns considerable village property and has met with the best of success in his business ventures. Like all his countrymen, he is industri- ous, thrifty and enterprising.
D ANIEL GRAF. The philosopher Mill has said that the "worth of a State in the long run is the worth of the individuals composing it." Not less true is the say- ing that the prosperity of a country depends upon the character of its younger population. Auglaize County is especially fortunate. in that it has within its boundaries many young men of worth, enter- prise and honor, and in this class, the gentleman of whom this personal sketch is written holds a conspicuous place. Ile is at present engaged in the boot and shoe business at Wapakoneta and is carrying on a thriving trade.
A native of this county. our subject was born March 3, 1859, to Jacob and Anna C. (Wolfer) Graf, natives respectively of Echterdinger and Stutt- gart. Germany. After their marriage in the Fatherland, the parents emigrated to the I'nited States and located in this county. where the father spent his last days and was one of the well-to-do agriculturists of this section. In his native land, however, he followed the occupation of a weaver of fine linens, for which Germany is noted.
The two sons and three daughters meluded in the parental family bore the respective names of Jacob .J .; Daniel: Catherine. the widow of John Ramge; Barbara, Mrs. A. N. Shaw: and Rachel. the wife of Benjamin Gardner. of Rossville. Kan.
Daniel, of this sketeh, has passed his entire life within the confines of Auglaize County, and, like most farmers' sons, obtained his primary education in the district school. Early in life he began to display a thirst for knowledge and was very faith- ful in the preparation of his lessons. In order that he might make the best of the advantages offered in the schools of Wapakoneta. he came hither and carried on his studies for some time.
Young Graf, when starting out in life on his own responsibility, clerked in a store for some time in this city, and August 8, 1890, opened up in his present business. Ile carries a large and complete assortment of fine boots and shoes, and by courteous treatment of customers and fair deal- ing. he is rapidly coming to the front among the prominent business men of the place. Socially. he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, and in religious affairs is a firm adherent of the German Lutheran Church, to the support of which he con- tributes liberally of his means. Ile has performed all the duties of an honorable and upright citizen. Mr. Graf is still unmarried.
U
ERISTIE WILLIAMS, Auditor of Logan County, is at present classed among the prominent residents of Bellefontaine. Ile was born in this county March 31, 1833, and is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth (Green ) Williams, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky.
The father of our subject was brought to this State by his parents when four years of age, in 1805. Ilis father, who bore the name of Jolin. was a native of North Carolina and was a Quaker in religion. Ile was born in Guilford County and remembered the battle between Green and Corn- wallis, at which time many of the wounded were carried into his home. After coming to this State, the grandfather of our subject located in Highland County, and later took up his abode in Cham- paign County. During the War of 1812. he came
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to what is now Logan County. where he resided until his decease, which occurred in 1856. His family included seven sons and two daughters
The maternal grandfather of our subject, George Green. was born in England, emigrating to Amer- ica when twenty years of age. He settled in Maryland, where he was married. and then moved to what is now Fleming County. Ky., where his family were all born except his eldest child. He later took up his residence in this county, where his death occurred in 1832. He had a large family of seven sons and two daughters. Mathias Williams was a farmer by occupation, in which calling he was more than ordinarily successful. He departed this life December 28, 1865, being preceded to the better land by his good wife by four weeks, she having died November 27. Our subject. who is the only survivor of the family. had two sisters. Ile was reared to farm pursuits and received his early education in the publie schools. He later attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and the Southwest Nor- mal Seltool at Lebanon. After completing his ed- ueation, Mr. Williams taught school for several years during the winter months, and worked on the farm during the summer.
In February, 1865, the original of this sketch enlisted in Company 1, One Hundred and Ninety- second Ohio Infantry, and saw much hard service in the Shenandoah Valley. Having had a very serious attack of measles, he was confined for a time in the general hospital at Baltimore. Md., from which he received his honorable discharge. Returning home, our subject resumed the peace- ful pursuit of farming, and continued thus em- ployed until 1881, when. his health failing. he removed to Bellefontaine, with whose interests he has since been identified. In this city he embarked in the mercantile business, but was only thus em- ployed a short time when he again taught school. filling the position of a teacher until he was elected to hi- present office. in 1886. So worthily and satisfactorily did he perform all the duties imposed upon him, that the following term he was re-elected.
April 12. 1860. Christie Williams and Miss Phila A. Chesher were united in marriage, and to them
have been born one son and one daughter. The wife and mother departed this life September 8, 1889, firm in the faith of the Christian Church, to which body her husband also belongs, and some- times officiates in the pulpit as minister. In social matters, Mr. Williams is a Grand Army man and is to-day well known throughout the county, and is respected as his industrious and upright life deserves.
OIN W. KNOX. The official work of this gentleman, who is now the efficient Town- ship and Corporation Clerk, has extended over twenty years, and in him the people have found a man of ability and integrity, and one whose activity has ever been employed for the good of the community. He is now a resident of Sidney, but was born in Lebanon, Ohio, on the 31st of March, 1837.
His father, Robert Knox, was an "old-time" Irish gentleman, and he remained in the "green isle" till about sixteen years of age. He was engaged in the mercantile business till 1849 in Lebanon. In 1850. accompanied by his family, he moved to Shelby County, Olio, settling on a farm four miles from Sidney, where his death occurred in 1856. He was a persevering, upright, honorable gentle- man. and one who won and held the respect of all. He married Miss Jeanetta Skinner. of Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, and reared an interesting family of eight children, four girls and four boys, all living except James, who was killed in defense of his country at Resaca, Ga.
The immediate subject of this sketch divided his time in youth between the duties of the farm and those of the school-room, receiving a good practical education in the common schools. He assisted his father in clearing and developing the farm until he had reached the age of eightecu, after which he came to Sidney and was engaged as elerk for M. B. Newnham, Express Agent. Af- terward, he was in the Bee Line depot, and, later,
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in the military telegraph corps in Missouri. He ran as messenger for the United States Express Company, also for the American Express Company for some time, and served in the latter capacity until 1867. Since that time he has been Corpora- tion and Township Clerk. and has filled that posi- tion in such a capable and satisfactory manner that he has been re-elected for the present term. lle has been before the publie for the past twenty- five years, and in every walk of life his career has been most honorable and upright. Miss Ellen F. Cromer, whom he selected as his companion in life. was born in Miami County, Ohio. near Tippecanoe, and two children have blessed this union, Kate and .John W., aged respectively ten and six years, who are at home.
R EV. JOSEPH LITZ. pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, is a man of deep learning and earnest piety, who is an intinence for great good among his people. and stands well with all classes, of whatsoever religions faith. Ile was born in Hohenzollern, Sigmaringen, Prus- sia. November 26, 1851. Ilis parents were Joseph and Francesea Lutz, who were natives, respectively, of Prussia and Bavaria. His father was a litho- grapher, and was skillful at his art. He died in 1887. at the ripe old age of seventy-four years. To him and his wife were born four children. One of their sons took part in the late Franco- Prussian War and was severely wounded in battle. Father Lutz revisited his old home in 1886, and spent three months very pleasantly among his old friends and in seeing once more the familiar sights of his childhood.
Our subject gained the preliminaries of his edu- cation in the fine public schools of his native land. and. at the age of thirteen. he entered the gymna- sium in the town of his birth, and in that institu- tion of learning became thoroughly grounded in the classics. in philosophy, and in all the studies required by the curriculum of the school, which
included the languages, and he became a fine Latin, Greek. French and Hebrew scholar. Thinking to find a broader field for his talents and for the ex- ereise of the sacred calling to which he determined to devote himself, he came to this country in 1873, and entered Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincin- nati, to further prepare himself for the priesthood. and he studied there three years.
In 1876, our subjeet was ordained by the late Archbishop John B. Purcell. and immediately after taking holy orders. entered upon the ministry at GHlynwood, in this county. In November, 1877, he was transferred to St. Mary's, to take charge of St. Mary's Church, and has held this pastorate ever since. The Catholie house of worship is a large. substantial brick building, erected in 1867 by the present Bishop of Ft. Wayne, Ind .. and Father Lutz is the sixth pastor of the society. The parishioners are nearly half of them Germans. the remainder being mostly English, and comprise about ninety-five families.
Father Lutz is quietly doing a good work here. which has greatly strengthened the church, has promoted its growth both spiritually and materi- ally, and fosters its dearest interests. He throws his whole soul into his labors, and leaves nothing undone that will enhance the welfare of his be- loved people, by whom he is regarded with every feeling of affection and confidence in repayment for his untiring efforts in their behalf.
D R. JOHN S. MONTGOMERY. Like many other young men of Logan County, Ohio. who have distinguished themselves in pub- lic and professional life, Dr. lohn S. Montgom- ery commenced teaching school at an early age. and while thus engaged began the study of med- icine. lle is a native-born resident of Hunts- ville. Ohio, his birth occurring on the 9th of JJan- mary. 1861. and is the son of James B. Montgom- ery. a native of Ohio. The grandfather. Adam
1
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Montgomery, was a native of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent. the family coming to America in Colonial times. Adam Montgomery followed the occupation of a farmer and came to Ohio at an early day. He went by land to Pittsburgh, thence down the Ohio River by flatboat and settled in the woods in Adams County, Ohio, where he built a log cabin and began making improvements. Numerous wild animals abounded, and as he was quite a hunter, much of his spare time was spent with his trusty gun. He made improvements on his place. cleared it of the heavy timber with which it was covered, and there passed the re- mainder of his days, dying when sixty-four years of age. lle was a member of the Covenanter Church and a Democrat in politics.
The father of our subject was also a farmer by occupation, and he cultivated the home place of two hundred acres. He was very fond of fine horses and always kept a great many on his place. He was but forty-four years of age when his death occurred. In religion, he was a Presbyterian, and in politics, a Democrat until the war broke out, after which he became a strong Republican. HIe was married to Miss Armanella Seaton, a native of Ohio, and the result of this union was two chil- dren: William L., who died when but fourteen months old, and our subject. Mrs. Montgomery was also quite young when her death occurred, being but twenty-seven. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Her father, William Sea- ton, was born in Ireland and came to America when young. He first followed the trade of a shoemaker in Westmoreland County, Pa .. but subsequently moved to Adams County, Ohio, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, developing a fine farm from the wilderness. There his death occurred.
Dr. Montgomery became familiar with the ardu- ous duties of the farm at an early age. and re- ceived his primary education in the district schools. Later he entered the National University at Lebanon, Ohio, remained there two years, and was graduated in the business course. He nearly completed the scientific course, and afterward taught school for six years, at Russellville (Ohio) Union schools for two years, and at Youngsville, Ohio, for four years. In the meantime. our sub-
jeet was studying medicine under Dr. W. K. Cole- man, of West Union, Ohio, and taught in a Normal school one summer at that place. Ile entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1887, and graduated at that institution in 1889. Besides the regular course, our subject took special studies on the diseases of the eye. After graduating, the Doctor came to Huntsville, and has built up a large and lucrative practice.
He was married in this city on the 26th of Sep- tember, 1889, to Miss Kate C. Allison, a native of the Keystone State, born on the 9th of October, 1867, and they have one bright little boy, Willard A. Doctor and Mrs. Montgomery are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a Republican in his political views. He takes a decided interest in all political matters, and is ready with his means to assist all worthy enterprises. Socially, the Doctor is a member of the Belle Centre Lodge No. 428, K. P.
h ON. HUBBARD HUME, whose home is pleasantly located in Sidney, has been a resident of Green Township, Shelby County, since November 1, 1848, and may well be classed among its pioneers. He was born in Mor- gan County. W. Va., September 17. 1822. and is a son of Peter and Mary ( Yost) Ilume. Grandfather Hubbard Hume was a native of Scotland and emi- grating from that country in an early day, made his home in West Virginia, where he carried on the occupation of a farmer.
The father of our subject. in 1823, came to Licking County. this State, and soon thereafter took up his abode in Muskingum, near Zanesville. Thence he removed to Harrison Township, Cham- paign County, and there remained for about four years, then removed to Adams Township, where our subject spent his boyhood days. The elder Mr. Hume entered a quarter-section of land in that county, which he improved and resided upon until his death, which ocenrred in April. 1858. Ilis
n. Shubert
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
good wife, who survived him one short year, died. leaving a family of seven children. three having died when young.
The original of this sketch was given a good practical education in the common schools, and when leaving home learned the trade of a gunsmith at Quiney. Logan County, where he worked for two years. At the end of that time, he returned home and. in company with his brother John, under the firm name of J. & II. ITume, engaged in running a gunsmith shop and store, in which business they continued until 1855. when they disposed of their interests in that line and purchased a farm in Green Township, to which they removed. After a residence there of two years, the brothers divided the property, our subject living upon his share until 1866, when he took up his abode in Sidney, having been elected to the office of County Treas- urer. Mr. Hume was the incumbent of that re- sponsible position for four years and at the expi- ration of that time purchased a one-half interest in the Shelby County Democrat. Nearly three years later, the partnership was dissolved and the plant sold.
Mr. Hume has done much for the upbuilding of Shelby County. and his name will always be asso- ciated with its history. Ile is public-spirited and enterprising and has been called upon by his fel- low-townsmen to fill all the offices of trust in his community. After selling his interest in the Shelby County Democrat, he was elected Justice of the Peace. which position he held until elected to the State Legislature in the fall of 1878. Ile was in the House two terms, being the first man ever re- elected from this county. While occupying that position. he served as Committeeman on Roads, Highways, Legal Advertising, Drains. Ditches and Water Courses, and also on the Committees on Publie Printing. New Counties and County af- fairs.
Prior to the expiration of Mr. Hume's term as a Member of the Legislature. he was engaged in the manufacture of spokes and rims, in which line of business he continued until 1883. November 5. 1845. he was married to Elizabeth Parke. of Logan County. this State, and to them have been born two children: Rachael Ann. now Mrs. William
A. Archer. of Perry Township, Shelby County, and Lewis C., who is at present residing on the farm of our subject, in the above-named township. The wife and mother departed this life in Green Town- ship, March 1, 1850, and the lady whom our subject chose as his second wife was Mary C .. daughter of Edward Conroy, who located in this section as early as 1818. Of this union have born the follow- ing children: Frances R .. the wife of F. M. Biddle. of Champaign County; George W., of this city; Edward C., deceased; Minnie Maude; lennie Gertrude, Mrs. Albert King, of this city; Cora E., at home; and Harry II., deceased. In social matters, .our subject is a prominent Mason. having been identified with that order since 1853.
ICHOLAS SHUBERT. It would be hard to find in Auglaize County a gentleman
V whose word is more thoroughly relied upon, or one who is more highly respected for his pri- vate life and public labors. than the original of the portrait shown on the opposite page. A na- tive of New York, he was born in Rockland County February 7, 1840, and is the son of Adam and Elizabeth Shubert, who were born in Germany.
'The father of our subject, who followed the profession of a school teacher in Germany, emi- grated to the United States when twenty-four years of age, and located in New York State, where he obtained a position as foreman of the Ilighland Lime Kilns. on the river of that name. After leaving New York, he located in Elizabeth- town. N. J .. where he established a lime kiln and brick yard. In 1854. he came with his family to Ohio, located on a farm near Wapakoneta. and followed the occupation of an agriculturist until his decease. which occurred in 1876. He was very prominent in local affairs in this section, and for some time was Director of the Infirmary, and was later elected Superintendent of that institution.
Of the parental family of four sons and five daughters. only three survive. of whom our sub-
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ject is the only son. lle was a lad of fourteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this county, and received his primary education in the log schoolhouse. He was en- gaged in various pursuits until the outbreak of the Civil War. when. in 1861, he enlisted in a three- months service. joining Company C, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry. Later, he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-fifth Ohio Infantry. He saw much hard service during that struggle, and participated in many important battles. On the close of the war, having received his honorable discharge at Lex- ington, Ky., he came home and worked at the trade of a brick-molder, which he followed for eight years.
Previous to being elected to his present office of Sheriff, our subject served as Marshal of Wapa- koneta for eight years. In 1889, he was elected Sheriff of the county, and re-elected to the same position in 1891. Ile is widely and favorably known throughout the county, and during his long residence here his course in life has been such as to win for him universal respect, and he is a great favorite with all who come under the influ- ence of his manly character and his unswerving allegiance to the right.
.July 28, 1862, was the date our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., danghter of William Thomas, of Auglaize County. In all his work, Mr. Shubert has the active co-operation of his wife, a most exemplary woman, worthy of the respect called forth by her kindness of heart and other noble personal attributes. They are the parents of eight children, six of whom are living. namely: Lydia, William, Cora, Frederick, Etlie and Gertrude. Our subject is a member of the Kyle Grand Army Post, and the influence of his up- right life is beneficial and widely recognized.
1 RANCIS J. M. FARLAND, President of the People's National Bank of Wapakoneta, was elected to that position in October, 1890. The bank was organized July 3. 1886. and opened for business on the 2d of August with
Francis Fritsch as President. Theo W. Brotherton, Vice-president, and F. J. McFarland, Cashier. Four years later, Mr. Fritsch sold out his stock, and the vacancy was filled by our subject, the Vice- president being J. H. Doering and the Cashier Lewis Wisner.
He of whom we write is a native of Logan County, having been born in July, 1843. to Will- iam HI. and Maria (Seig) McFarland, natives re- spectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. The parents were early settlers of this county, where the father, during the first years, followed the trade of a mechanic. Later, however, he took up his abode on a pleasant farm, and was engaged in cultivating the soil for the remainder of his life. In 1849, he came to Auglaize County and pur- chased a farm two miles west of Wapakoneta, where he lived for a number of years, and then going west to Missouri, made his home in Knox County, where he was residing at the time of his decease. and where also his good wife passed away.
Mr. MeFarland of this sketch received his edu- cation in the public schools of Auglaize County, and resided at home with his parents until the outbreak of the Civil War, when, in 1864, he en- listed in Company D, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Infantry, serving his country faithfully and well until the close of that struggle. At Charlotte. N. C., he was mustered out with the rank of Cor- poral, and returning home, resumed farming, which occupation he followed during the summer sea- son, and taught school in the winter months.
In 1869, our subjeet engaged in the grocery business in Wapakoneta, in company with Joseph Brown, which partnership lasted several years, un- til the death of Mr. Brown. The firm were also en- gaged in the manufacture of wooden ware, etc .. which proved so remunerative that they concluded to abandon the grocery business and devote their time and attention to their manufacturing interests. The factory is still in running order, being operated under the firm name of M. Brown & Co. The firm make a specialty of manufacturing the Bentwood Churn and the United States Washing-machine It is one of the largest of its kind in Western Ohio. occupying three large buildings, besides.it- exten- sive lumber yards. Our subject is President and
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Director of the Wapakoneta Natural Gas Company, President of the Home Milling Company, and Treasurer of the Citizens' Building and Loan As- sociation.
The lady to whom Mr. MeFarland was married in 1871 was Miss Emma Bowsher, and their family of five children bear the respective names of Ma- mie L., Henry I., Charles A., William A. and .J. Clarence. They are both members of the Catholic Church, and in social matters he is a Grand Army man. He is a man of industrious habits, ambitious. and honorable in his ambition, and is one of the wealthiest men in this county. The interest which he has manifested in the various matters which re- late to the growth of the city and county adds to his reputation and deepens the respect of his fel- low-citizens.
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