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 32
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 32
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 32
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some time. Later, removing to this county, he worked for a short time on the canal and then settled in Washington Township, this county, where he is now living at the advanced age of seventy-seven years.
The mother of our subjeet, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Miller, was also a native of Ger- many, and by a former marriage had born to her two children, only one of whom is living. George 11. Stroh of this sketch was the youngest but one in the family of six children comprised in the parental family, his birth occurring in Washing- ton County, August 7, 1858. He was educated in the public schools, and remained at home until reaching his majority, when he rented a farm for two years.
In the year 1880, Mr. Stroh and Miss Minnie E., daughter of Adam and Mary Englehaupt, were united in marriage. Her parents were both na- tives of Germany, the father being born in 1818, in Bavaria, and the mother in 1822, in Hesse-Cas- sel. Mr. Englehaupt emigrated to America as early as 1836, and coming directly to this county, was en- gaged for four months at his trade, that of a shoe- maker. He then located on a tract of land, which he cleared, and erected thereon a log cabin. Ile had a hard struggle in those pioneer times to get a start in life. but by hard work has succeeded in acquiring a comfortable position in life. Mrs. Stroh is the only survivor of their family of eight children. They were both members of the St. Paul's Presbyterian Church of Wapakoneta, toward the erection of which Mr. Englehaupt was a lib- eral contributor. In his political relations, he votes the Democratic ticket, and in local affairs has served for a number of years as School Direc- tor. His farm at present comprises one hundred and twenty acres, which is well stocked and im- proved with all the necessary buildings and farm machinery.
To Mr. and Mrs. Stroh have been born two chil- dren. Ada and Nora. With his wife he is a de- voted member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. in which he has served as Elder. Mr. Stroh has given his children good educations, and on account of his interest in school affairs has been elected Director. He has also filled the re-
sponsible office of Constable, and while Road Supervisor of his township rendered valuable ser- vice to the traveling public. In social matters, he has been a member of the Farmers' Mutnal Bene- fit Society.
UGUST F. G. FRANKE. The push and energy of this gentleman are potent fac- tors in the business prosperity of Wapa- koneta, and his assistance is valuable in the upbuilding of the place. Having determined to pursue the life of a druggist, he has been energetic and prosperous in his work, ever ready to take advantage of new ideas which promise to be beneficial.
Our subject, who was born in Osnabruck Prov- ince, llanover, Germany, March 31, 1847, is the son of Carl and Johanna (Cramer) Franke, both of whom were also natives of the Fatherland, and are now deceased. August was the only son in a family of five children, and received his edu- cation in the schools of Germany. There it was that he learned his trade, and on the 12th of May, 1867, landed in New York City, where he remained about two months.
In July of the above-named year, our subject came to this city and was engaged as elerk in a drug house for three years, at the expiration of which time he opened up an establishment of bis own in partnership with Francis Fritsch, now of Salt Lake City, l'tah. The gentlemen continued in business together for four years, since which time Mr. Franke has carried on the trade alone. Ile has a certificate from the Ohio Board of Phar- maey, of which body he is a member, and is also connected with the Ohio Pharmaceutical Board.
The large store of our subject is well stocked with drugs, notions, etc., and by his genial manner and courteous conduct he has built up one of the largest trades in his line in the county. He has a good personal reputation as a druggist and has always been singularly successful in money-making, hav-
Elizar Andrewy
Mrs. Elizur Andrewy
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ing through his own exertions attained a high standing among the citizens of this county. He has been a member of the Board of Health of this city for a number of years, and his political lean- ing is indicated by the fact that he is connected with the Lincoln Republican Club.
The lady to whom Mr. Franke was married in 1870 bore the maiden name of Caroline Moser. To them have been granted a family of six chil- dren, three sons and three daughters. They are both members of the German Lutheran Church, and have a large circle of friends throughout this section. Our subject, socially, is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a man of sterling worth, and it affords us pleasure to pre- sent his sketch in this volume.
E LIZUR ANDREWS. It is always a pleasure to deal with the history of one of those grand old families that have for genera- tions been distinguished for patriotism, the genuine spirit of Christianity and the strong characteristics which have made them men of mark. Mr. An- drews, whose portrait accompanies this life sketch. comes of good old fighting stock, his grandfather. Francis Andrews, having served in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War, and his father, James Andrews. having been a soldier in the War of 1812. The latter served under Gen- erals Harrison and Bell. and assisted in cutting out Bell's Trail from the East to the Maumee River. He participated in all the engagements of the West during that war and was honorably discharged at its close.
James Andrew, was born in York County. Pa .. and was one of the pioneers of Ashland County, set- tling there as early as 1815. The country was a wilderness at that time, wild animals abounded. and Indian- were frequently seen. He married Miss Christina, daughter of John Helphrey, who was a native of Germany. Soon after his mar-
riage, he settled in the above-mentioned county, where he and his economical and thrifty wife soon developed a fine farm. They were the parents of seven children. two of whom are living: Elizur and Francis S. Worthy and exemplary church members. this worthy couple were highly respected and honored by all. He was a Democrat in poli- ties. She received her final summons in 1829 and he in 1863.
The original of this notice was born in Rich- land, Ohio. in 1819. and remained on the home place until the age of thirty-three, when he moved on the place where he now resides. In 1843, he married Miss Catherine Ann Fleming, a native of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of David and Ann S. Fleming, uatives also of the Keystone State. After his marriage, Mr. Andrews settled in Ashland County, Ohio, whence, in the fall of 1852, he removed to Goshen Township. Auglaize County, and has ever since resided on section 7, having there one of the most desirable farms in the county. Ile commenced to develop his farm at once after locating upon it, and although the surroundings were wild and neighbors few, he never became discouraged, but soon had eighty acres cleared and ready for cultivation. In addition to his farm labors, a great amount of care fell upon him owing to the fact that his wife was a cripple for a long time. and for eleven years prior to her death was unable to walk. She passed away August 2, 1878, of pulmonary consumption. being fifty-seven years old at the time of her decease. She was a mem- ber of the Associate Reformed Church, and was a woman of lovely character, whose consistent Christian life proved the sincerity of her religions belief. Six of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, are living, namely: Jane, who mar- ried Mathew B. F. Whetstone, and lives in Kansas; Emily C., wife of O. F. Wheatley: Lucinda E., Mrs. John Horn; Sarah R., Mrs. Morris; O. F. and James A .. all of whom were favored with good educational advantages.
The productive and fertile farm owned and oc- cupied by Mr. Andrews, comprises two hundred aeres, and is well stocked with fine horses, cattle. sheep and hogs, of as fine breed as is to be found in the county. and many of his blooded animals
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have been shipped to the East and England. An honest. industrious man, he has contributed his share toward the advancement of the community. and is regarded as one of its most enterprising citizens. At the age of seventy-three, he is well- preserved and active, and attends to all his busi- ness affairs with the vim and enthusiasm of a man of forty. In his political views, he has been a life-long Democrat, and his first Presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren in 1840. Hle was a member of the Associate Reformed Church, which, in the spring of 1859, was united with the Associate Church. forming what is now known as the United Presbyterian Church, with which he is identified.
D AVID A. CLARK, editor of The Argus, and Mayor of St. Mary's, wields a wide influence, both personal and professional, and. as a politician of the best type, has made a marked impress on the public, political, business and social life of his native city and county. Ile was born March 17, 1861, and is a son of William IT. Clark, a well-known citizen of St. Mary's, who has been identified with its interests for many years.
The father of our subject was born in Norfolk, Va., in 1825. His parents were natives of Scot- land, and shortly after his father's death his mother came to this country and settled in Virginia. He learned the trade of a carpenter when young. be- came a ship-carpenter, and made several voyages across the ocean in pursuit of his calling. In 1848. he came to St. Mary's, then a hamlet, and east in his fortune with the early settlers, and in his character of carpenter was an active factor in its upbuilding, carrying on his trade until within ten years ago. when he retired from business in that line. lle is now Notary Publie and a pension at- torney. lle was once appointed Canal Collector by the State Board of Public Works. and served eficiently in that capacity two years. He js a man
of strong convictions and of unblemished charac ter, and the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been Deacon several years, finds in him one of its most valuable working members. He married af- ter coming to this State. Martha, daughter of Rich- ard Barrington, who was born and reared on a farm near St. Mary's. Her father, who was a na- tive of Ireland, was a pioneer farmer of Anglaize County. lle married a Pennsylvania lady, and both are now deceased.
The subject of this biography is the youngest son in a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom only himself and a sister are living. He acquired a solid education in the pub- lic schools of his native city, and at the age of six- teen began to prepare himself for the profession which he had decided to adopt, by entering upon an apprenticeship in the office of the St. Mary's Free Press, then edited by his brother, Richard S. Clark, whose lamented death occurred in the fall of 1877. In 1878, the office was sold, and the name of the paper changed to the St. Mary's Ar- gus, John Walkup & Co. becoming the proprietors. Mr. Clark did not sever his connection with the office, but remained in the employ of the new proprietors, with the exception of six months, un- til .luly, 1883. He then purchased the paper, and has since fitted up the office with new presses and material, and now has a first-class newspaper and job-printing establishment.
The Argus is a six-column quarto, having a fine typographical appearance, and its well-written ed- itorials deal with all the leading questions of the day in a clear, logical manner, being always pithy and to the point; and under Mr. Clark's progress- ive and business-like management the paper has become a power in the community. It enjoys a large circulation among the people of all classes, irrespective of party, for while its editor is thor- oughly loyal to the Democracy, and is a bold par- tisan, he is always just and fair to political oppo- nents of whatever creed. When he took charge of the paper it was independent as to politics, but lie has made it an organ of the Democrats.
Our subject was married in 1890 to Miss Amelia Gernett. a native of this city. and a daughter of Charles Gernett, a native of Germany, who for
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several years has been a jeweler in St. Mary's. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are very popular in society, as they are gifted with those fine attributes of character that attract friends, and their home is the centre of a charming hospitality.
Our subject's fellow-citizens, who have known him from childhood and have watched his bril- liant career with friendly interest, have shown their appreciation of his talents and aptitude for affairs by selecting him to fill responsible civic positions. For the past seven years he has been Clerk of St. Mary's Township, and in the spring of 1892 he was honored by election to the highest municipal office, that of Mayor of the city. He pursues a sound, vigorous. and enlightened policy in the dis- charge of his official duties. well caleulated to ad- vance the interests of St. Mary's, and his admin- istration is irreproachable in every respect. Mr. Clark early evinced a remarkable interest in poli- ties, and became an active worker in the Demo- cratic ranks even before he attained his majority. For four years he has been a member of the Dem- ocratie Executive Committee of Auglaize County, and has been of great service to his party in this section in that as well as in his editorial capacity. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
ILLIAM J. MCMURRAY. The well-known editor and proprietor of the Auglaize Republican, the leading newspaper of this county, has exercised a marked influence on the affairs of this section of Ohio, and even of the en- tire State, not only professionally, but as a pro- gressive, publie-spirited citizen. and has aided in guiding its political destiny. as well as in guarding and advancing its dearest interests. materially. socially and morally.
Our subject was born in Campbell County. Ky .. October 19, 1849. and is the son of Robert and Mary ( Hurst) MeMurray, both of whom were born in England. The parents emigrated to this country when single, and were married in the Blue Grass
State. They had a family of three children, of whom our subject is the youngest. He remained in Ins native State until reaching his eleventh year, when, in 1860, in company with his mother, he came to Wapakoneta, where he attended the excellent schools of the city. Ilis father having died when he was only six months old, the family. subsequent to the time just mentioned. moved to St. Mary's, where young MeMurray further prosecuted his studies. He always fully availed himself of all privileges of instruction, and from early life forced himself to think deeply upon that which he read.
After completing his education, our subject en- tered a dry-goods store in this city as clerk. which position he filled for twelve years, and at the ex- piration of that time abandoned his clerkship and spent the winter of 1880-81 in the West Indies, principally on the Island of Cuba. Returning to Wa- pakoneta. it was his intention to dispose of his real- estate interests and seek a new home in the West. which project was, however, abandoned on account of his being interviewed by many of the leading Re- publicans of the county, and urged to publish a paper which would express their political faith. Mr. MeMurray was known to have fine literary tastes, as he had for some time been a correspond- ent for various papers.
In partnership with Robert P. Sutton. our sub- ject established the Auglaize Republican. issuing the first number in August. 1881. Two years later, Mr. MeMurray became sole proprietor of the plant. his office being well equipped with power presses and the best of material. In 1887, bis business be- came so extensive and pressing that he was com- pelled to have more help, and took in as his part- ner Mr. W. R. Duvall, now editor of the Circleville 'Union Herald. The partnership continued until January 1. 1890, since which time our subject has managed the business alone. At the Fourth Dis- triet Republican Congressional Convention held in Lima on the 4th of May, 1892. Mr. MeMurray was selected Presidential Elector, the district com- prising the counties of Allen. Auglaize, Mercer. Darke and Shelby.
The Republican has the largest circulation of any newspaper in the county. and in addition to his editorial business. he is conducting a paying busi-
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ness as job printer, furnishing almost all the legal printing. Mr. McMurray is a splendid journalist. and his paper is the official organ of the Republi- can party. In social matters, he is a member of Lin- coln Club and the Knights of Pythias. Ile belongs to the English Lutheran Church, and takes a great interest in the Sunday-school, being at the present time its chorister. As the editor of a prominent newspaper, he wields a marked influence in the public and political life of his paper, to the publi- cation of which he devotes his entire time and at- tention.
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SAAC N. ZEARING. This gentleman. in addi- tion to performing the duties of Postmaster of Bellefontaine, is also engaged as a dealer in merchant's tailoring and men's furnishing goods. A native of this State, he was born near German- town. Montgomery County, August 27, 1845, and is a son of David and Mary (Moyer) Zearing, also natives of this State. The Zearing family is of German origin and the Moyer family came from Pennsylvania to Cincinnati with a colony of about fourteen families in the year 1806.
The father of our subject was an itinerant preacher in the United Brethren Church at the time of his death. He had a family of three sons, of whom our subject is the only survivor. The latter was about eighteen months old when his father died, and was given a fair education in the country schools of his native county. He remained on the. home farm until reaching his fifteenth year, at which time he entered a general store in Westches- ter as clerk, in which capacity he was employed for three years. In 1863, he went to Dayton and occupied a like position in the dry-goods store of H. V. Perrine. In the fall of that year, however, he joined the militia. and in May, 1864. was called out in the one hundred days' service as a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio Infantry. With his regiment, Mr, Zearing reported for duty
at Baltimore, Md., where they were stationed, and after the expiration of his term of enlistment re- turned to Dayton and was again taken into the employ of the above-named firm, with whom he remained until the spring of 1866. Our subject then formed a partnership with Charles W. Snyder and established the first dry-goods store on the west side of the river at Dayton, which was then called Miami City. They operated successfully together for three years, when Mr. Zearing sold out his interest in the business and accepted a po- sition with Bunstine, Moses & Boyer, wholesale dry-goods merehants, in the interests of which firm he traveled until February 1, 1875.
He of whom we write came to Bellefontaine on the above date, and with George W. Stieg em- barked in the merchant tailoring and men's fur- nishing business on Columbus Street. The partner- ship continued for seven years, when Mr. Zearing bought out the interests of Mr. Stieg and has since conducted affairs alone. The greater part of the business, however, is carried on by his son, Craig W., who is a most proficient and progressive young man.
Mr. Zearing's political career dates back to his eighteenth year. In 1863, while living in Mont- gomery County, he became interested in politics, drilling the boys at the polls. In 1877, he was elected a member of the Republican Executive Committee and served as such for several years. Ten years later, he was elected Chairman of his Committee, and in the campaign of the following year, under his administration the Republican ma- jority of Logan County, which was fifteen hun- dred and eighty-seven, was the largest ever polled. Ile has ever been a hard worker in the ranks of that party and his labors in the campaign of '88 were erowned with a victory which made all the. Republicans rejoice and thank their representative. Ile has always been identified with State politics, and was Gen. Kennedy's Lieutenant during his campaign for Governor and Congressman, and was a Delegate to the National Convention at Min- neapolis.
Mr. Zearing was appointed Postmaster of this city February 17, 1890, and by his genial na- ture has won many friends throughout this sec-
yours Fraternaly O.L. Dine ML
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tion. Socially, he is a Thirty-second Degree Mason, is an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias, a member of the Royal Areanum and of the Grand Army of the Republic. lle has been a Representa- tive to the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Encampment, and was like- wise associated with the Royal Arcanum.
In 1866, Miss Roxie P. Walker and our subject were united in marriage. The four children who were born to them bear the respective names of Craig W., Cora W., Charles W. and Susan E. The parents are devoted members of the Lutheran Church, and are numbered among the substantial residents of this city. Mr. Zearing has been the ineumbent of nearly all the prominent offices in the city, and at one time was Trustee and Secretary of the City Water-works during its construction, was Gas Trustee for five years, Secretary of the Agricultural Society for the same length of time, and has always been in favor of every movement which would advance the welfare of his city. He was President of the Home Building and Loan As- sociation and acted as Vice-president of the Citi- zens' Building and Loan Association for about seven years.
C OLSTON L. DINE, M. D. The profession of a physician is one of the most impor- tant to which a man ean devote his life, if followed by a conscientious and honorable man. and that Dr. Dine. of Minster, is such a man cannot be gainsaid. The skill and talent dis- played in the practice of his profession have brought happiness to many households. but his cheerful countenance and kind encouragement have also done much to bring about the conva- leseenee of his patients.
Dr. Dine. whose portrait accompanies this sketeh of his life, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, on the 11th of February. 1858. His parents, William and Margaret ( Kennedy) Dine. were natives of the Keystone State, where they remained until
abont 1850. From there they moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and there the father followed his trade, shoemaking, until about 1863, when he moved to Mercer County, locating in Montezuma. Five years later, he sold out and removed to Nep- tune, where he and his estimable wife reside at the present time, he seventy-three and she seventy- one years of age. Both have held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. Five of the thirteen children born to them are now living. and Dr. C. L. is eighth in order of birth.
The early boyhood of our subject was spent in the district school of Seneca County, and he sup- plemented the knowledge thus gained by two terms in the High School at Celina and in a priv- ate school. At the early age of seventeen, he be- gan wielding the ferrule and taught during the winter seasons for nine years. While teaching, he also attended sehool between terms, and dur- ing the year 1882. and while teaching, he began the study of medicine, his course of study cover- ing about four years. In March. 1886, he was graduated from the Ohio Medical College, at Cin- einnati. with high honors, and received a gold medal for the best examination on diseases of the eye. He also received a fine ease of surgical in- struments, a prize offered to the person presenting the best paper on final examination. fle re- ceived this case out of a class of seventy-eight students. He located at Minster. Ohio. on the Ist of April, 1886, and now has all the practice to which he can possibly give his attention. The Doctor stands high both in private and profes- sional life, and all measures of morality, temper- ance, education. and others of like nature, find in him a strong advocate, and it may with truth be said he is found among the foremost patrons in any reliable, uplifting movement.
Mr. Dine has been twice married. On the 3d of February, 1881, he married Miss Elizabeth Harner. who was born in Centre Township, Mercer County. Ohio, where her parents resided for many years. Her father, Michael Harner, was a soldier. and died in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn. The mo- ther died when comparatively a young woman. Mrs. Dine received her final summons on the 7th
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of February, 1889, and left the following chil- dren: Lockie F., Portia F. and Mary 1. On the 14th of January, 1890, the Doctor took for his second wife Miss Josephine Herkenhoff, a native of Minster, Ohio, and two children have blessed this union: Frank W., born June 7, 1891, and Margaret E., June 16, 1892.
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