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 39
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 39
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 39
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Frederick Miller, the father of our subject. was born in Berks County. Pa., and came to Ohio im- mediately after his marriage, locating on unim- proved land about fifteen miles from Dayton. in Montgomery County. He was one of the early settlers of that locality, and followed farming there
for the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1841. The Miller family was of German de- scent, and the grandfather of our subject, who was a farmer in Berks County, Pa., served as a soldier in the Mexican War.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was Catherine Whitman, and she was also a native of the above-named county and State. Like her husband, she was a devoted member of the United Brethren Church, and departed this life in 1866. Jeremiah of this sketch was the youngest in the parental fam- ily of seven children, of whom those living are Levi, who is married, and operating a farm in Ford County, Ill .; and Elvina, who is the widow of John W. Apple, and resides in Darke County.
He of whom we write was reared on the home farm, and received his early education in the pio- neer log schoolhouse, he being permitted to attend school only during the winter months. When four- teen years of age, our subject began working out on farms near his home, and when sixteen years of age received for his services $9 per month. On attaining his majority, he began teaching school in the little old house in District No. 8. Perry Town- ship, Montgomery County. He subsequently taught two terms of school in Preble County. and one term after locating in this section. During the summer season, he was engaged in raising to- bacco, which he found to be a very profitable busi- ness.
In 1866, Mr. Miller purchased a farm in Jack- son Township, Montgomery County, which he sold seven years later, and coming to this county, lo- cated on eighty acres of land in Loramie Town- ship, of which he became the owner. He resided on that tract until 1883, when he came to Sidney, and remained during the four years of his incum- beney of the County Commissioner's office. ITe performed the duties of that position with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. but at the expiration of his term of office, has since re- fused to accept other public positions, as he pre- fers the comfort and quiet of his fireside to the turmoil of civil life.
Mr. Miller purchased his present home in Turtle Creek Township in 1891, and since August of that year has been a resident thereon. Ilis estate com-
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prises eighty aeres of valuable land, in addition to which he owns one hundred and forty acres of fine land in Loramie Township. ITis farms bear splen- did improvements in the way of buildings and machinery, and in addition to raising the erops which are best suited to the soil and climate, Mr. Miller has stocked his estates with good grades of animals. In beginning his career, he had no finan- cial backing, but was obliged to depend entirely upon his natural abilities and strength of will and body. Right well as he succeeded in his worldly affairs. and his standing among his fellow-men is that of a man of substance and genuine worth.
Mr. Miller and Miss Anna Swihart. a native of Montgomery County, this State. were united in marriage April 26. 1860. The lady is the daugh- ter of Jonathan and Sophia (Cloyd) Swihart, na- tives, respectively. of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Her parents were early settlers in this State, and the father. who was a farmer. died in 1877.
To our subject and his wife have been born seven children. viz: Harvey O .. who is married. and farming in Darke County, this State; Levi P., who is also married and living on the old home- stead in Loramie Township; Lillie O., who is the wife of Charles E. Coven, makes her home in Day- ton; Callie is deceased, as is also Nellie and the eldest born; and William S, is at home.
Our subject takes a prominent part in political affairs, and casts his vote and influence in favor of Democratic principles. He has represented his party as delegate to county, district and State con- ventions. and has served as School Director for several years. While residing in Loramie Town- ship. he was elected Clerk for one term, and filled the office of Justice of the Peace for six years. Mr. Miller was elected Commissioner of Shelby County in the fall of 1885, and re-elected to the same po- sition the following term. making a service of six years. While County Commissioner, the County Infirmary was erected. and many miles of turnpike constructed. Ile devoted almost his entire time and attention to looking after publie business, and as such has a good record. receiving the respect and friendship of his fellow-men. Mrs. Miller is a most excellent lady, and an influential mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. Our subject possesses
that energy and taet which invariably bring suc- cess to the owner, and is adding to his popularity. and also to his financial standing each year, and ranks high in the esteem of his community.
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R. LANFORD PRATER. In tracing the genealogy of the Prater family, we find that the great-great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Vienna, and that the City Park of that place was named by some of his ancestors. Ile came to America at a period ante-dating the Revolutionary War, settled in Ashe County. N. C .. and there tilled the soul until his death, which occurred about the beginning of the Revolution. His son, the great-grandfather of onr subject. served all through the Revolution. He also cultivated the soil, and made his home in Vir- ginia. His son, Newman Prater, was a native of the Old Dominion. Ile served in the War of 1812, had his leg broken at Norfolk, and was taken home, where he died a month later. Agricultural pur- suits had been his occupation in life, and his son, John Prater, father of our subject, was also a sue- cessful tiller of the soil.
The father of Dr. Prater was originally from Floyd County. Va., born January 1, 1800, and re- mained there until fifteen years of age. Ile then came to Ohio. settled in Ilighland County, where he resided for about four years, and afterward lo- cated in Champaign County. Two years later, he made his advent into Logan County. and settled near Zanesfield. He had a patent, and took land in Rush Creek Township, known as the Marle Farm. Many Indians were then in that county and wild game was to be seen on every side. Mr. Prater moved from there to another place three miles away and kept a post-house and wayside inn for several years. From there he moved to Rush Creek Lake, and bought one hundred and sixteen acres of land. on which he made his home for about twenty- five years. After this. he purchased a farm near
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Jerusalem, Logan County, and afterward became the owner of considerable land along the Miami River and in llardin County. The last twelve years of his life, he made his home with our sub- jeet and passed away in 1880, when eighty years of age. He had set out sixteen hundred fruit trees in the county and was an industrious, thorough-going citizen. He was a member of the Baptist Church, took an active interest in all religious enterprises, and, in politics, was a Democrat. He was a man well known all over the county and was univer- sally esteemed and respected. He married Miss Mary Pope, a native of Randolph County, N. C .. born on the 4th of February, 1800, and to them were born ten children, seven of whom grew to mature years, namely: Levi, Alpheus, Ensley, Sy- repta J., Samantha, Lanford and Salathial.
The mother of our subject died on the anniver- sary of her natal day, February 4, 1879. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Her father, Nathaniel Pope, came from North Carolina to Ohio in 1816, and settled in Highland County, where he remained for one year. He then came to Logan County and made a settlement at Pickrelltown. He owned the land there and assisted in starting the town, he and a Mr. Pickrell tossing up a half dollar to determine whether the town should be named Polkville or Pickrelltown. There he passed the remainder of his days, honored and esteemed by all. This branch of the family was of English descent.
The original of this notice was born in Rush Creek Township, Logan County, Ohio, on the 1st of August, 1840, and remained on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, attending the publie schools taught in the primitive log schoolhouses of pioneer days during the winter months and working on the home place in the summer seasons. He remembers perfectly the large open fireplace in the old log schoolhouse. the mud and stick chimney, the slab seats and the log taken out along the side for a window, and the many other rude contriv- ances of earlier days. lle also remembers seeing the greased-paper window lights, but not in the school- house he attended. When eighteen years of age, he entered the Normal School at Bellefontaine and wielded the ferrule for eleven terms. there and in
Illinois. At one time he held three certificates to teach in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. For one year he was in Livingston County, Ill., but he returned to his native county to enter the army. He enlisted in March, 1862, in the Eighty-fifth Ohio Regiment, Company F, in the second call for three-months troops and was veteranized, entering the army as Sergeant. He was put on detached duty, mustered out on a descriptive list and recommended for promotion. He then volunteered in the One Hun- dred and Thirty-second Ohio National Guards and was elected First Lientenant, but upon the consolidaton of the troops was thrown out, after- ward going as Clerk for Capt. Black. In Feb- ruary, 1865, he volunteered in the One Hundred and Ninety-first, going out as Second Sergeant. After this he was made Commissary and then Sec- ond Lieutenant. He served his country bravely and gallantly and was mustered out in September of that year.
Our subject began reading medicine in 1858, with Dr. Mckinnon, of Lewistown, reading with him for some time, but did not register until 1861. After this he taught school in Lewistown, but still continued his medical studies under him until en- tering the army. After cessation of hostilities, our subject attended lectures in Detroit Medical Col- lege, in 1868, and practiced at Sweetser's, Grant County, Ind., for three years. Ile entered the In- diana Medical College, at Indianapolis, in 1871, and graduated from that institution on the 29th of February, 1872. After this, he practiced four years longer in Grant County, Ind., and then went to Kokomo, of that State, where he remained four years. In 1879, he came to Huntsville, Ohio, and practiced there until 1885, when, in February of that year, he came to Lake View. He is one of the most successful practitioners of the county and his reputation is firmly established.
Dr. Prater was married on the 5th of March, 1863, to Miss Isabell Watson, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, who came to America with her parents when eight years of age. This union has resulted in the birth of six children, only four now living: Charles (deceased), Harriet ((leceased). Charlotta, Jennie, Mintie and Lanford. Mrs. Prater died on the 8th of April, 1881. and on the
John Starrod
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
25th of April. 1882, the Doctor took for his see- ond wife Miss Annie E. Kirk, a native of Logan County, Ohio, born April I. 1810. They have no children. Dr. Prater and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Repub- lican in politics. Socially, he is a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows. Independent Or- der of Good Templars, Knights of Honor and Post No. 519, G. A. R. Mrs. Prater is an active worker in the Relief Corps and is Conductor at the present time. Dr. Prater has stock in the Gas and Petro- leum Company here and holds the position of Secretary of the company. He has worked hard to secure the railroad here and has also taken an act- ive part to get local option. He has spent time and money to secure the road, and is a public- spirited and highly-esteemed citizen. While at Kokomo. our subject started a paper, the Vanguard. an educational journal, which he sold out after running a year. Later, he again took control of it but only kept it for a year.
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7 OIN HARROD, formerly Commissioner of Logan County, and a prominent farmer of MeArthur Township, was born April 8. i afterward came to Ross County, Ohio. Her union with Jobn Harrod resulted in the birth of seven children, five of whom reached mature years. namely: Elizabeth S., Samuel A., Sanford. Thomas, James MI .. John and David B. During the latter 1 part of her life. the mother was a member of the Disciples Church, and her death occurred when she was eighty-four. Her father, Sanford Carder, was a native of Virginia and removed thence to Ken- tucky, and from there to Ohio, first settling in Ross County and later removing to Fayette County. where he died when nearly one hundred years old. Ile was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. By occupation. he was a farmer. in connection with which he engaged in keeping an hotel. He was of English descent but his wife was. of German extraction.
1825, and died June 19, 1892, on the home- stead where his entire life had been passed. He belonged to an old and honored family of Welsh extraction, whose representatives for several gen- erations resided in Virginia. In that State, John Harrod, father of our subject, and Thomas Harrod. his grandfather, were born. The last-named culti- vated the soil for a livelihood and during the lat- ter part of the last century removed with his family to Kentucky, where he was killed by the Indians while at work in his field. He was an in- fluential man in the community and served as Captain of the militia and in various positions of trust.
Abont 1796.John Harrod. Sr., came to Ohio and was one of the earliest settlers in Ross County. His experiences were similar to those of other pio-
neers, and he often afterward related his adventures with the treacherous savages, who were plentiful at that early day, and many narrow escapes he had from falling into their hands. After his marriage, which occurred in Ross County, he removed to Bloomingburgh, Fayette County, this State, where he bought a farm and began making improvements in the wilderness.
Somewhat later, Mr. Harrod removed to Cham- paign County, Ohio, and purchased a farm on Dugan Pranie, six miles east of Urbana. There he remained about two years, and then, in 1819, removed to Logan County, buying a farm of Gov. MeArthur and becoming the first permanent set- tler north of the Greenville Treaty line. His first home was an Indian cabin, but two years after settling here, he erected a hewed-log honse. He was on intimate terms with the numerous Indians of the community, who were frequent visitors to his little cabin. Wild animals were also plentiful, but he cared very little about hunting. and, being industrious and hard-working. soon had his farm well improved and well cultivated. He partici- pated in the War of 1812 as an officer, and in pol- ities favored the Whig party. His death occurred October 14, 1840.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Phoebe Carder, and removed from her native State, Virginia, to Kentucky with her parents and
The subject of this sketch and the original of
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the accompanying portrait was reared in Logan County, Ohio, and received his early education in the log schoolhouse of pioneer days, although afterward he was taught in a good frame building. Ilis attendance at school was limited to the winter months. as in the summer he was obliged to work. For several terms, he studied in a select school at Cherokee. MeArthur Township. After the death of his father much of the responsibility of taking care of the family fell upon his shoulders, he being the eldest at home. With his brother, David B., he carried on the farm until 1883, when their part- nership was dissolved.
In 1859, Mr. Harrod was married to Miss Sarah S. Johnson, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in March, 1865, leaving two children, Carrie and Ralph L. In November, 1868, Mr. Harrod was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Donnel, a native of Clarke County, Ohio, born six miles west of Springfield. Two children were born to them, Mamie, and Addie (deceased). May 2, 1864, our subject enlisted for one hundred days as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in at Camp Chase, Columbus. He was sent with his regiment to Wash- ington and from there down the Potomae River and up to White House Landing. During most of the time he was on guard duty and was mustered out September 15, 1864.
The home farm formerly belonging to Mr. Har- rod comprises one hundred and eighty-two aeres of well-improved land, where he engaged in mixed farming. as well as in stock-raising. His neat frame residence, erected in 1856, was remodeled in 1889, and is now a cozy and conveniently arranged home. In politics, he was a Republican and was a man of excellent judgment and good business qualifications. In the spring of 1881. his friends insisted upon nominating him for County Com- missioner and although he at first dechned, yet at the urgent request of the people he consented to run. He was nominated, elected, and re-elected. serving six years, and was an officer of firm and resolute mind, always looking to the interests of his constituents. During the time of his term of office. he was quite ill for a year and was also be- reaved by the death of his daughter, Addie. At
one time, he sent in his resignation but it was not accepted and before his time expired, he was partially restored to health, taking his place as an officer and doing whatever duty demanded. So- eially, he was a member of the Masonie fraternity at Bellefontaine, with which lodge he was connected since 1856. Tle was also a member of the G. A. R. Post at Huntsville.
On the day before his death, Mr. Harrod was in Bellefontaine contracting his wool and came home about noon. In the afternoon he and his son Ralph worked among their large flock of sheep, dividing them into different pastures, and seemed to be in his usual health. The next morning, he arose and while standing on the floor called to Mrs. Harrod, who had not yet risen, to open the door and give him air. She at once did so and did everything for him possible. but to no avail. for in five minutes he had passed into eternity. He was buried by the Masonie order, a procession more than a half-mile in length, following his remains to the llarrod Cemetery, where they were laid to rest.
G EN. ROBERT P. KENNEDY, one of the prominent citizens of Bellefontaine, is a native of this city, having been born Jan- uary 23, 1840. Ile is the son of William G. and Mary E. ( Patterson) Kennedy, natives respectively of Hagerstown. Md., and Lieking County, this State. The Kennedy family. who are of Scotch de- scent, trace their ancestry back to the first repre- sentative in this country, who came hither in the seventeenth century and located in Hagerstown.
.James Kennedy, the paternal grandfather of our subject. came to Ohio about 1801 and located in Union County. where his decease occurred. He was a well-to-do farmer in his locality and greatly respected as an upright and honest gentleman. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Robert Patterson, was born in County Derry, Ireland, and on coming to the L'uited States commanded a com-
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pany of soldiers in the War of 1812. Ilis advent into the New World was made in 1803. at which time be located in Pittsburgh, Pa .. and five years later took up his abode in Licking County, Ohio. Ile later removed to Mary's Furnace, where he erected and operated a foundry, manufacturing ten-plate stoves for a number of years, and being one of the first men to engage in that line of business in the West. About 1828. Mr. Patterson came to Belle- fontaine and embarked in the mereantile business. Ile carried on a thriving trade and was one of the influential and progressive citizens of the place. lle occupied many of the important positions which were within the gift of his fellow-citizens to be- stow and filled the offices of Mayor and Justice of the Peace. Ile departed this life in 1867.
The father of our subject was also a dry-goods merchant, having come to Bellefontaine in 1838. lle was also a member of the banking firm of Rid- dle & Kennedy and possessed those traits of char- aeter that made of him a desirable citizen. a good neighbor, sincere friend and a kind husband. Hle was looked up to by his fellow-townsmen as a man of strong sense and clear brain, whose judgment in all matters pertaining to his line of business was to he depended upon.
The parental family of our subject included two sons and two daughters, of whom only one son and one daughter are living. Robert P. was reared in Bellefontaine and received his early training in the public schools. Ile later completed his studies in the East. and on the 17th of April. 1861. enlisted in the Union army becoming a member of Com- pany F. Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, Ile joined his regiment as a private but was soon after pro- moted to be Second Lieutenant and later made a Captain and Acting Adjutant-General on the staff of Gen. E. P. Scammon. Ile was also with Maj .- Gen, George Crook, and Maj .- Gen. Kenner Girard. being Adjutant-General of Staff. He served a portion of the time in the Army of West Vir- ginia and later was sent to join the Army of the Potomac, acting as Adjutant-General in the Second Kanawha Division, and subsequently as Adjutant- General of the Second Cavalry Division. Army of the Cumberland. Gen. Kennedy wa- also Major. Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of the staff in the
Army of West Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley with Maj .- Gen. George Crook, and later was Ad- jutant-General on the staff of Gen. Hancock. com- manding the Middle Military Division. lle after- ward commanded the One Hundred and Ninety- sixth Ohio Regiment, was made Brevet Brigadier- General and had charge of the forts about Balti- more. MId., with headquarters at Ft. Federal Hill.
After the close of hostilities, Gen. Kennedy re- turned to Bellefontaine and read law with llon. W. H. West. being admitted to the Bar to practice in 1866. lle then formed a partnership with two gentlemen, the firm assuming the name of West. Walker & Kennedy. and was one of the strongest legal firms in the State. In 1878, Gen. Kennedy withdrew from the company, having been appointed Collector of Internal Revenue, which position he occupied until 1883, when his district was consoli- dated with the Toledo Distriet.
In 1885. Gen. Kennedy was nominated and elected Lieutenant-Governor of Ohio and the - fol- lowing year was elected to Congress from the Eighth Distriet, having resigned his position as Lieutentant-Governor. Ile was re-elected to Con- gress in 1888 and gerrymandered out in 1890. Since that date he has been engaged in the successful practice of his profession in Bellefontaine. Ilis life, which has been a busy one, has been well and worthily spent and by good management he has acquired a handsome property.
The lady to whom our subject was married in 1862 bore the name of Maria L. Gardner, daughter of Gen. Isaac S. Gardner. To them have been born three sons and two daughters. In social matters Gen. Kennedy is a member of the Masonic fratern- ity. in which order he has taken the Thirty-second Degree. Ile also stands high in the Independent Order of Odd Fellow», and in polities is a Repub- lican. The General is a man of national reputa- tion and won friends all over the country. lle is very active in local affairs and no man in the county is more ready to give substantial encour- agement to all feasible plans for publie improve- ment than he. lle occupies a handsome residence in the city, which is finished and furnished in modern style. and with his excellent wife he fre- quently entertains the best people in the county.
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Mrs. Kennedy is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. in the faith of which she was reared by pious parents.
ICHAEL J. MOONEY, an esteemed resi- dent of St. Mary's, is prominent in busi- ness circles in Auglaize and adjoining counties as one of the leading insurance men of this section. He is a stockholder and Di- rector in the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Detroit, and Manager for Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. Mr. Mooney was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, April 14, 1839. His fa- ther, whose given name was William, was a native of the same county, where he was reared as a farmer. Ambitious to better his condition, he came to America with his family in 1847. In the long and tedious voyage across the Atlantic, which consumed nine weeks and three days, he had the misfortune to lose his faithful wife, who had bravely turned her back on her dear old Irish home to seek with her husband and children a new one across the waters. Her name was Sarah O'Rourke in her maiden days. Both she and her husband remained true to the faith of their fathers, and were good Catholic Christians all their lives.
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