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 29
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 29
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 29
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His fine farm hies tive miles northeast of West Liberty, on the West Liberty and Zanesfield Pike. in Monroe Township, Logan County, Ohio. and is a very pleasant and attractive spot.
Mr. Sidesinger was born in Whitestown, Adams County, Pa., February 4, 1822, and is a son of Leonard Sidesinger, who was born in the same county and State, June 6, 1787, and was reared on the same farm. Grandfather Sidesinger was a na- tive of Germany and a bell-maker by trade. Our subjeet's mother, whose maiden name was Mary A. MeElwee, was born in Cumberland County, Pa .. May 18, 1794. and was of Irish parentage. The parents of our subject were married in their native State and there the mother died in 1821. After- ward the father married Miss Naney L. Cook, a native of York County, Pa., and later moved to Miami County, Ohio, thence to Champaign County of that State and finally to Logan County, where his death occurred December 21, 1869. In politics, he was first a Whig and later a Republican. To his first marriage were born five children. two daughters and three sons. all of whom reached mature years. They were as follows: Sarah (de- ceased); Barbara A. resides with our subject; Samuel (deceased); Leonard W., our subject, and James J., in Adams County. Pa. To the second marriage were born six children, two daughters and four sons, viz .: John, of Monroe Township, this county; Harriet (deceased), Rebecca (de- ceased): Hiram, of Illinois; William A. (deceased). and Gordon (deceased). Mrs. Sidesinger. the mo- ther of the last-named children, was born Febru- ary 11. 1805, and died December 28. 1838.
The original of this notice, the fourth child and second son. was twelve years of age when he moved from Pennsylvania to Miami County. Ohio, and his early education was received in the log schoolhouses of his native State. He assisted his father on the farm until about 1850, when he and his brother Samuel engaged in tilling the soil on rented land. and continued together for about two years. Then our subject branched out for himself and was married August 29. 1863, in Monroe Township. Logan County, Ohio, to Miss Mary A. Foust, a daughter of Henry and Margaret ( Yohn) Foust, and a native of Summit County, Ohio, born
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January 23, 1836. Iler parents were both natives of Northampton County, Pa., where they were married and there they resided until 1831. when they came to Summit County. Ohio. Later, or abont 1838, they moved to Logan County, where the father died in 1879 and the mother when in her seventy-ninth year. They were the parents of thirteen children, all of whom grew to mature years and all are living at the present time except one.
Our subject located on the farm where he now lives soon after marriage and is the owner of one hundred and sixty-three acres where he resides and thirty-five acres in Jefferson Township. lle is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser and one of the substantial men of his section. He was formerly a Whig in politics, afterward a Republican. and has been Township Trustee for seventeen years. Hle was also Supervisor of Roads. Ile has ereeted all the buildings on his farm and is progressive and enterprising.
OHN A. RUSSELL. But few of the farmers of Shelby County have met with more sub- stantial sneeess in their calling than Mr. Russell, whose push. determination and practical ability have placed him among the fore- most agriculturists of Clinton Township. He has valuable landed interests on seetion 22, and his farm, with its broad, well-tilled fields and fine im- provements, is classed among the most productive in this locality. It is also embellished with excel- lent buildings. not the least among which is the comfortable residence, which alone proclaims its proprietor to be a man of taste and means.
Joshua Russell, the father of our subject. was born in Augusta County. Va .. in 1808. He was a boy when his parents removed to Greene County, this State, and there grew to manhood, and in 1835 was married to Miss Jane MeClore, who was also a native of Virginia. having been born in a county adjoining that of her husband in 1805.
Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Russell came to Shelby County, and made location in the northern portion of Clinton Township, where they resided until their death, the mother passing away February 22, 1874. and the father dying July 7. 1884. They were both members of the Presbyter- ian Church. and had born to them a family of nine children. of whom the eldest died in infancy. William A. is at present residing in Turtle Creek Township; Moses J. is a farmer in Clinton Town- ship: Cyrus J. died in the army, being a member of Company H. Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry; John A. was the fifth in order of birth; Mary J. married Adam Russell; Margaret E. departed this life in the fall of 1888; Martha E. is the wife of William Russell, of Clinton Township, and our subject.
John A. Russell was born in Clinton Township. Shelby County. July 4, 1842, and received a prac- tical education in the common schools, and was trained by his worthy parents to farm pursuits. Ile resided at home until his marriage, September 22. 1873, at which time Miss Mary B. Hohn, who was born in Turtle Creek Township, this county, January 5, 1855, became his wife. Mrs. Russell was the daughter of Lewis and Mary (Strouse) HIolin, the former of whom was born in Montgom- ery County, this State, in 1826, and the latter was born in Reading. Pa., in 1828. Mr. and Mrs. Hohn were united in marriage in Dayton, and soon after located in Montgomery County. where they re- sided until 1854. the date of their eoming to Tur- tle Creek Township. They later took up their abode in Clinton Township, where they make their home at the present time. The children com- prised in their family bear the respective names of Mary B., William E., Frank L .. Melinda R. and M. A. King. Adam D. is deceased, and also Sarah L .. who died in infancy.
Soon after his marriage. Mr. Russell of this sketch located in Clinton Township, where he has since resided. ITis estate, which comprises eighty aeres. as mentioned in our opening paragraph. is one of the finest in the township, and is so eulti- vated as to bring its owner a handsome ineome. Our subject and his wife are the parents of two children, Jennie M. and Martha E.
He of whom we write is a stanch Republican in
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politics, but could not in any sense be termed an office-seeker, as he prefers to devote his time and attention to his private affairs. With his wife, he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and their place in the community is a most enviable one, as they enjoy the confidence of a host of warm personal friends.
ARVEY GUTHRIE. who has won a high reputation as a wide-awake and progressive citizen of Shelby County, occupies the re- sponsible position of Superintendent of the Infirmary. His honorable record as a man. as a citizen and in the business world, stamps him as one upon whom perfect reliance can be placed, who is trusted in all things, and who. as a citizen. is of value to any community.
A native of Virginia. our subject was born in Pulaski County, July 28. 1828. and is a son of James G. and Elizabeth ( Deskins) Guthrie. both natives of Virginia. They emigrated to this State and county in the fall of 1829, and after a residence here of two years, the father purchased a farm in Washington Township. where they resided until their decease.
The father of our subject was very prominent in his community, and his fellow-citizens. appreciat- ing the fact that he was a man of great merit. worthy in every way of their consideration. fre- quently selected him to fill some public position. and he held most of the township offices, such as that of County Commissioner. Justice of the Peace and Asociate Judge. Ilis death resulted from a very serious fall in 1844. He and his family were highly esteemed in their community, being pleas- ant and intelligent people whom it was a pleasure lo ineet.
The original of this sketch was the eldest of the parental family of three sons and four daughters. He spent the greater part of his early life in
Washington Township, Shelby County, where he received a practical education and was trained to farm pursuits, which has been his life occupation. He continued to make his home on the old farm in the above-named township until the fall of 1868. when he removed to Sidney. having been elected to the position of County Auditor. In March. 1885. he was appointed Superintendent of the Shelby County Infirmary, which position he has since filled to the entire satisfaction of the com- munity. Ile is numbered among the most ardent supporters of the Democratic party and promoted its welfare in every possible way, casting his ballot for its candidates and using his influence in behalf of its principles. There are no measures proposed for the advancement of the interests of the com- munity and its citizens which fail to receive the hearty endorsement of Mr. Guthrie. and in addi- tion to the offices already mentioned. he was Jus- tice of the Peace in Washington Township for twelve years, and for two years held the honorable office of Mayor of Sidney.
The lady to whom our subject was married in Sep- tember. 1857, bore the name of Ella F. Mellinger. a daughter of the late William Mellinger. Her father. who was one of the early pioneers of this county. came hither as early as 1807. and was well known and highly esteemed throughout the entire county. Mr -. Guthrie was born near Lockington, this State. where she was reared to womanhood. By her marriage have been born three children. viz .: James W., who married Retta Mains; Mary A .. and Cora.
Mr. Guthrie is the proprietor of a valuable estate. comprising two hundred and ten acres. which is well equipped with a fine set of buildings and all the machinery used by a progressive farmer. Prior to entering public life, he devoted his time and attention to farm pursuits, and by application to business. and fair and honest dealings, won a com- fortable competence. He was elected to his pres- ent position in the winter of 1868-69, and has under his charge about sixty iminates. His whole career shows him to be a man of honor. with an open heart and fair mind, just and generous in his deal- ings and incorruptible in money matters. His fellow-citizens fully appreciated the force of his
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characteristics, and knowing his executive ability, did well when they elected him to his responsible position.
In social matters, our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ile was elected by his fellow-citizens as a member of the Constitutional Convention which met in Cinem- nati in 1873-74, for the purpose of revising the Ohio State Constitution. Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie are members of the Presbyterian Church and stand high in the estimation of their neighbors, who know them to be sincere, true-hearted people, helpful toward others who may be in need of as- sistance and always friendly in their relations with those about them.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, who bore the name of Richard Guthrie, was born in Maryland. The family is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and down the entire line of descent have always been prominently connected with the most leading interests of their community. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Guthrie was Stephen Deskins, whom, it is thought, was born in Virginia, and probably of English origin. The wife of that gentleman was a Miss MeIntosh, whose ancestor originated in Scotland.
I R. F. C. HUNTER. The well-known phy- sieian whose name appears at the head of this sketch impresses even those who meet him in a casual way as a man who has drifted easily and naturally into the medical pro- fession. and who realizes that he has made no mis- take in the choice of his vocation. This impres- sion is deepened on a more intimate acquaintance, and the success which he has achieved is the logi- cal sequence of talent rightly used. His advent into this world took place in Clarke County. Ohio. July 4, 1846. Ilis father was Dr. M. R. Hunter. a native of Clarke County, Ohio. of which county his people were pioncers. He was graduated at the Cincin-
nati Eclectic Medieal Institute, and the most of his life has been spent as a medical practitioner of Catawba, Clarke County, Ohno, of which place he is still an honored resident. Ile has attained con- siderable prominence in his profession, which repu- tation is the result of intelligence, energy and in- dustry never misapplied.
Dr. F. C. Hunter is the only son of his parents, and in the county of his birth, and in the publie schools of the same, has received his education, giv- ing reasonably close attention to his studies there until he was eleven years of age, when he was sent to school at Springfield, afterward to Xenia, and still later to Yellow Springs, Ohio. In 1863, when but seventeen years of age, he became fired with the spirit of patriotism, and offered his services to his country, enlisting in Company Il, Twenty- fourth Iowa Regiment. Ilis friends were very much opposed to his enlisting in the service, on ac- count of his youth, and to gain his ends he ran away from home and went to lowa, where he joined the Union forces unmolested. He served un- til the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox, and although he was the youngest soldier of his regi- ment. he was none the less faithful and efficient. He was with Gen. Banks on his Red River expedi- tion, and in the engagement at Sabine Cross Roads he received a slight wound in the left leg by a gun shot. He was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, August 3, 1865, after which he returned to his home in Ohio, and later went to Springfield, where he worked in the Champion Machine Shops. His spare moments were devoted to the study of such medical books as he could obtain, and in 1872 he was graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati.
In the spring of the same year, our subject came to Wapakoneta, and for two years was a faithful practitioner of this city. Ile next took np his abode in Fryburgh, Ohio, which place was the scene of his labors for seven subsequent years. In 1881. he returned to Wapakoneta. and he has been a medical practitioner and a successful pharmacist of that city up to the present time. That he en- tered upon his work thoroughly equipped and fully prepared to meet any professional demands that might be made upon him, is attested by the
Maria S. Victor
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fact that success has attended his efforts from the start. In 1884, his ability was recognized, and he was elected to the office of County Coroner, the duties of which he has since continuously dis- charged. Ile is the present County Physician and Infirmary Physician, having held the former office for about eight years. He is a member of the An- cient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias fraternities, in all of which he is an honored and prominent member. Ile was married in 1873, to Miss Anna Herbst. by whom he has four children: Charles M., Roy F., Edith L. and Nellie MI. MIrs. llunter is a worthy member of the German Luth- eran Church.
Our subjeet's father. MI. R. Hunter, was married to Nancy Jane Goodlove. This union resulted in the birth of two children, our subject and Mary. The mother died in 1850, and the father in 1861 was married to Mrs. Sarah MeKonkey, having three children by this union. Mary, Fred and Sallie.
II. L. NIETER, Justice of the Peace, No- tary Publie, auctioneer and general col- lector. of New Bremen, is one of the well- known and highly-esteemed citizens of Auglaize County. Like many other prominent men of Ohio, he was born in Germany, at Hanover, his natal day being April 26, 1832.
Garrett II. Nieter, the father of our subject, was a native of the same country as himself. and was foreman of seven teams hauling goods from Berlin to Hanover. Ile followed that business until Sep- tember. 1834, when heconcluded to try his fortune in the States. Ile took passage at Bremen. and at the end of thirteen weeks entered the harbor of New York. From there he went by the Lakes to Toledo, and thence to New Bremen by wagons. making that long distance principally through the woods. At that time there were three log cabins in New Bremen. Mr. Nieter purchased forty atres. and on that land. three years later. built a rude
log cabin. Eighty acres more were purchased in Shelby County two years later, and Mr. Nieter be- gan working on the canal south of Troy, to earn a living for himself and family .. In 1842, while at- tempting to place some barrels in the loft in his cabin, he fell to the floor below and fractured his skull. living only about four hours after the acci- dent. Ile was forty-five years of age and had al- ways been strong and hearty, never having taken any medicine. In his native country, he had mar- ried Miss Monie Gusky, a native of Hanover, Germany, who died in 1850. Seven children were born to them. One died on the ocean. and four are now living.
The original of this notice was the third in or- der of birth of these children and was reared in New Bremen from the age of two years. He at- tended the early subscription schools here, and his first teacher received $8 per month and boarded himself. The schoolhouse was a rude log structure with slab seats and all the other home-made furni- ture of that day. and in that primitive building he was instructed in the Three R's until fourteen years of age. The story of the life of this pioneer is a record of successful contest with poverty and hardships, and the acquisition of a handsome prop- erty by means of honest industry. He left home when fifteen years of age to carve out his own fortune, went to Dayton and for six months worked for $4 per month in the Montgomery Ilo- tel, returning home sick at the end of that time. Afterward, he worked for a farmer for a short time. receiving $8 per month for his services.
In 1848. Mr. Nieter began learning the cooper's trade and received $15 for the first year of his apprenticeship. On the 16th of August. 1819. he began working for Fred Speckman, who was then engaged in the cooper business, and remained with him until 1851. when he was seized with the gokl fever. He determined to go to California. but he- fore he could arrange his financial affairs, he was taken sick with typhoid fever and for two months his life hung by a thread. Upon his recovery, he was obliged to abandon his plan of going to Cal- ifornia and accordingly embarked in business at home. In 1852. he purchased the cooper shop. including the residence. of Mr. Speckman for
13
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$1,300, and he and that gentleman entered into partnership under the firm name of Speekman & Nieter. They manufactu.ed all kinds of barrels until 1864. and met with flattering success. In April of the last-mentioned year, they started a small grocery store and saloon and engaged in auctioneering, being the only men in that locality who were first-class auctioneers. They also dealt in notes, etc.
In 1876. Mr. Speckman and his son Fred en- gaged in the dry-goods business, and in 1881 our subject became a partner, the firm name being Speekman, Son & Co. The firm also dealt in grain and pork and had a very flourishing business, owning four farms, three hundred aeres, in part- nership, beside the saloon property in town. On the 26th of April, 1855, Mr. Nieter married Miss Maria S. Hellbush, a native of German Township, Auglaize County, and of German parentage, her parents coming from Hanover, Germany, to this country. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nieter, those living being Anna, wife of Peter Erb, an agricultural implement dealer, of Cincinnati; William, a member of the firm of Speckman, Goll & Co .; Clara, in Springfield, Ohio; Vallerius, Ferdinand and Emma, who are at home. Four are deceased, the eldest being two years of age.
In politics, Mr. Nieter is a stalwart Democrat, and is an influential man in the ranks of his party. He has been the nominee of his party for Probate Judge and also for Clerk of the Court, but was not successful, on account of the Republican ma- jority in the county. He was elected Recorder before he was twenty-one years of age, served two years and was Mayor of the city for five years. He was elected Justice of the Peace for German Township, and has discharged the duties incum- bent on that office for the past twenty-seven years. He was Clerk of the township for several years, Assessor of the same for three years, Treasurer for six years and Secretary of the New Bremen School Board for six years. Ile was appointed Notary Public in 1878, and has filled that position up to the present time. Since 1866, he has been Secre- tary of the Willow Grove Cemetery Association, and has represented the Teutonic Insurance Com-
pany of Dayton. He has stock, one hundred and twenty-five shares of $10 each, in the New Bremen Natural Gas Company and is also a member of the German Township Oil Company. He holds twenty shares in the Tri-County Fair Association, and is one of the most progressive and substantial men of his section. Hle and Mrs. Nieter are active members of the Lutheran Church and he has been Treasurer for six years. Ile has been Adminis- trator a great many times, Guardian and Assignee, etc.
The attention of the reader is invited to the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Nieter, presented else- where in this volume.
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AVID THOMAS, retired business man and one of the representative citizens of Zanes- field, Jefferson Township, Logan County, Ohio, was born in Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio, on the 3d of April, 1813. His father, Jesse Thomas, was born in North Carolina, and was there reared to mature years and married. At a very early date, he came to Ohio, in 1802, and located in the village of Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson County, where he followed the saddler and harness-maker's trade for a number of years. and resided there until his death, in 1847. His father was Jesse Thomas, Sr., whose family orig- inated in Wales. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was A. Stanton, was a na- tive of North Carolina, where she was reared, but her death occurred in the Buckeye State. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas became the parents of nine chil- dren, six sons and three daughters, all of whom grew up except one. Only one beside our subject is now living. Ann Eliza, the widow of Joseph Robb, who is now living with our subject.
David Thomas was the seventh in order of birth and the fourth son of the above-mentioned chil- dren. He was reared to manhood in his native town and received his scholastic advantages in the subscription schools of Mt. Pleasant, and in the
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district schools of Jefferson County. He remained under the parental roof and assisted his father on the farm. the same adjoining the village of MIt. Pleasant. until 1848. when he came to Logan County. After reaching this county, he made his home for many years with his brother Jonathan, who was engaged in general farming in Jefferson Township. Ile has met with the best of success, and being an excellent, manager and of superior business acumen, is considered one of the promi- nent moneyed men of the county, loaning large and small sums.
Mr. Thomas has made what he has by his own industry, has ever been enterprising and progres- sive. and is one of the most influential citizens of his vicinity. To all enterprises of a laudable na- ture, he gives his hearty support. contributes lib- erally to churches, schools, etc .. and is in every respect a most honorable and upright citizen. Although well along in years, he still enjoys good health, and is as active and vigorous as most men of fifty. Ilis parents were Quakers in their relig- ious views, and our subject has imbibed the same ideas. He votes with the Republican party, and his first Presidential vote was for William Henry Harrison in 1840. but he is not an enthusiast in poli- ties. Ile enjoys single blessedness and his only living sister is living with him.
OHN H. TIMMERMEISTER. This name will be at once recognized as that of a lead- ing business man of Auglaize County, who is probably better known than any other merchant within its bounds. The dry-goods estab- lishment over which he presides is the largest in the county. and is well fitted and supplied with a complete line of carefully chosen goods, which are unsurpassed in quality and reasonable in price. Mr. Timmermeister is one of those men whose energy and talents allow them to engage in various branches of business with success. and he is acting
at the present time as President of the Wapako- neta Wheel Factory, which establishment is in an exceptionally prosperous condition.
William and Margaret Timmermeister, the par- ents of our subject. were natives of Germany. where also our subject was born. in 1831, in the Province of Hanover. He was reared and cdu- cated in the Fatherland, where he received an ex- cellent education in the model schools, and when starting out in life for himself learned the tinner's trade.
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