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 40
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 40
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 40
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
After landing on these shores, Mr. Mooney set- tled in Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he en- gaged in his occupation as a farmer. In 1851, he came to Ohio and settled in Fairfield County, whence he removed to Allen County in 1855, and located near Lima. In 1858, he took up his resi- dence near St. Mary's, in Anglaize County. and a few years later retired from active life as a farmer. making his home the remaining twenty years of his life with his son of whom we write, who sur- rounded his declining years with every comfort that heart could wish, and he passed serenely away in 1888. at the venerable age of ninety-two years. lle had been a hard-working man in his prime, and was respected for his industrious habits, and for the sterling worth of his character. Of the seven
children, five sons and two daughters, of whom he was father, but two survive, Michael J. and his sister, Mrs. Patrick Sharkey, whose 'husband is a farmer in this county.
Michael J. Mooney gained his education princi- pally in the public schools of this country, although he had been to school a short time in Ireland before coming here with his father when he was a boy of eight years. Ile lived on his father's farm until he was twenty years old, and then sold goods in the country for four years. With that experi- ence. he became traveling salesman for a wholesale house, in whose employ he remained six years, fur- thering the interests of his employers while on the road, and gaining the reputation of being one of their best salesmen. In 1868, Mr. Mooney started on his career as an insurance man, securing an agency from several fire and life insurance com- panies, and in 1869 he dropped all other interests to devote himself exclusively to his chosen line of business, becoming solicitor for the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company. He was soon made district agent of that company, and later State agent for Ohio, and still later Manager of the Ohio and West Virginia, and since then he has been made Manager of the Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. He is also a Director and stock- holder in the company. He is active and wide- awake in the performance of his business, which is very flourishing under his skillful direction. and he has not only materiaily enriched the companies that he represents, but he has acquired a neat com- petency himself. He has six hundred acres of im- proved farming land in the vicinity of St. Mary's, a considerable portion of which is within the oil belt. Ile is pre-eminently a self-made man, hav- ing had to shape his own course in life, and he has made the most of his opportunities. He is warm- hearted and true-souled, inheriting the genial traits of his race. and has many friends. His standing as a business man is satisfactory. and where his word is once passed in regard to any transaction. no bond is needed. In former days he was active in local polities. taking sides with the Republican. but for the past few years has affili- ated with the Democrats, but does not meddle with polities to any extent at present. although he has
Bernard Frierato
367
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
been a delegate to county, district and State con- ventions in past times. He and his wife are mem- bers in high standing of the Catholic Church, and are very liberal in their contributions to all relig- ious and charitable objects that they deem worthy of support.
Mr. Mooney was happily married in 1862 to Miss Catherine Salmon, a native of Maryland, who came to Ohio with her parents. She is a woman of many fine qualities, and ably performs her duties as wife and mother. To her and our subject have been born ten children, of whom three are de- ceased: Mary E., Lney M. and Aggie. The others are William T., an attorney-at-law at St. Mary's, who is now the Democratic nominee for Common Pleas Judge of the First Subdivision of the Third Judi- cial District; Daniel F., a clerk; Jolin J., Assistant Manager under his father; Michael J .. Jr., Teller in the home bank at St. Mary's; and Charles A., Mag- gie and Kittie at home. All have been well edu- cated, and are graduates of St. Mary's Iligh School, except the youngest.
B ENJAMIN FRIEROTT. Many scientific writers have discussed the legislation with reference to the liquor question, which is annually elianging and crowding the stat- ute books with enactments only differing in the degree of their impracticability. It is the opinion of those writers who approach the subject phil- osophically and without prejudice. that if the use of malt and other light liquors was more in- dulged in. the abolition of the stronger varieties would follow as a natural sequence. As a forcible illustration of this conclusion. they point to the Germans, a people among whom the consumption of lager beer, to the entire exclusion of other bev- erages, is as common as tea-drinking in other nations; yet there are no steadier. more indus- trious or order-loving citizens to be found than are embraced in our Tentonie population. Human- ity has always demanded stimulants, and. it is
fairly argued. those engaged in offering a mild, wholesome form, to take the place of fiery ex- hilarants of positive injury, should be encour- aged and regarded as public benefactors. One of the most important industries that center in Minster is the manufacture of lager beer, employ- ing, as it does, a large amount of capital, and giv- ing employment, directly or indirectly, to more people than is done by any other one interest. The leading establishment in this line is the Star Brewing Company, whose efficient Secretary is the subject of this sketch, and the original of the ac- companying portrait.
Mr. Frierott is a native of Minster. Ohio, born on the 3d of February. 1854, and is a son of Henry Frierott, who was born in Prussia, in 1820. The elder Mr. Frierott was a farm laborer in his native country, and remained there until about 1815, when he crossed the ocean to the United States, whither his father had emigrated a number of years previously, the latter intending that the family should follow when a suitable location had been found. The father of our subject has worked at various occupations here and is still living. He married Mrs. Mary A. Grothgan, whose first husband was Mr. Gerwels, and Benjamin was the only child born of this union.
In his boyhood, our subject was a pupil in the schools of Minster, and after reaching the age of thirteen, he attended the evening school for about two years, thus laying the foundation for his sub- sequent prosperous career. Hle assisted his father in his various occupations until fifteen years of age, and then started out to fight life's battles for himself. but he has ever since made his home with his father. He purchased an interest in the Star Brewing Company on the 6th of November. 1890. and has held the position of Secretary ever since.
On the 23d of May. 1878, Mr. Frierott married Miss Mary A. Knapke. a native of Jackson Town- ship. this county, but of German parentage, her father deceased, but her mother now living. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fricrott: Mary A., John B., Anton, Franees and llenry. Mr. Frierott is a Democrat in his political views. and was a member of the Council one term. also a member of the School Board one term. Ile and
17
368
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wife are members of the Catholic Church. They occupy a comfortable brick residence on Main Street in Minster, and are surrounded by all the comforts which enhance the pleasures of life.
ASHINGTON G. KISHLER, M. D., of St. Mary's, who has recently retired from an extensive and lucrative practice of more than forty years' duration, has had a wide exper- ience in his profession, in which he has always maintained a high standing, and his name is famil- iar in many a household in Auglaize County as the loved physician who is honored by the people to whose ills be so long and tenderly ministered.
. The Doctor comes of the sterling pioneer stock of Ohio, and was born in Perry County October 8, 1824. His father, George Kishler, was born in Mifflin County, Pa., in 1798, and was a son of Frederick Kishler, who was a farmer of that State and was of Pennsylvania-German descent. In 1810, the latter removed with his family to Ohio and became one of the pioneers of Perry County, where he died at the ripe old age of nearly ninety years. He reared four sons and three daughters, all of whom are dead. The father of our subject was the second son of the family. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and at the age of twenty- two married and settled in life, taking a Miss Goodwin as his wife. She died at the birth of our subject, and her husband was twice married after- ward. He had nine children by his third wife, of whom eight are living. Three of his sons fought no- bly for the Union during the late war, and his son William gave up his life for his country at Stone River. He was a brave and efficient soldier, who bore a high reputation as a man, and Kishler Post No. 83. St. Mary's, was named in his honor. We may mention in this connection that our subject was very desirous to enter the army when the war broke out, but the people here protested so strongly that he gave up the idea, and did his duty manfully in the home field.
After his marriage, the father of our subject became the manager of a country store, and sub- sequently was placed in charge of another store, and was made partner in the business. A few years later, he purchased the store, and for thirty years was successfully engaged in carrying it on, becoming one of the leading merchants of Perry County, where he was well known. He was prom- inent in its public life, and in training times was Major of a regiment of State militia. He was Justice of the Peace of Jackson Township, Perry County, was Postmaster many years, and at one time was County Commissioner. He affiliated with the Methodists in his last days. In the latter part of his life, he sold his farm and store, and removed to New Lexington, where he died at a venerable age in 1880.
The subject of this biography was cared for by an aunt in early childhood until his father married a second time. His educational advantages dur- ing his boyhood were limited to about three months' attendance in a little country school that was fully three miles from his home, and was held in a typical log schoolhouse of pioneer times. At the age of thirteen, he was sent to Zanesville, to the Melntyre High School, of which he was a pupil the ensning three years. After his return home, he assisted his father in his store two years, and at theage of eighteen began to prepare him- self for the profession which he was ambitious to enter, by reading medicine with Dr. Mason, of New Lexington, a prominent and widely known physician at that time, with whom he studied four years. Under the instruction of that learned man. our subject was well fitted for the responsibilities of the life that lay before him, when he opened an office at Kenton, in Hardin County, and took up his calling in the month of June, 1845. The path before him was not all strewn with roses, however, as he was soon afflicted with chills, a disease he had never encountered among the breezy hills of his native county, and he suffered from them for some months.
In 1847, Dr. Kishler enlisted to take part in the Mexican War, joining the reorganized Second Ohio Regiment, of which he was made Steward. He was subsequently taken sick. and was trans-
369
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ferred to the general hospital, in which he was confined six months. He was discharged and arrived home in February, 1848, and in the month of May, that year, he came to this county, and for a year was established at Wapakoneta. Coming thence to St. Mary's, he has made this his home ever since, and has practiced bis profession in this and adjoining counties until his retirement in March. 1892. When he came here. St. Mary's was a small but lively village, being quite a eommer- eial and milling eentre on the new canal, and peo- ple came here from the surrounding country for a distance of many miles to mill. and the Doctor soon became widely known and very popular, not only on account of his pleasant social qualities, but for his success in contending with the pre- vailing diseases. which were principally chills, bilions and intermittent fevers, etc. He visited his patients on horseback for many years, often riding long distances over rough roads or through forest paths, and many a time he has seen deer and other wild animals not now found in this part of the country. During his long practice of forty- five years, he has had many varied experiences, and has had to deal with many strange and ditli- cult eases. The young doetor of to-day can have no idea what the physicians of the past had to go through with in pioneer times.
Our subjeet has been a member of the North- western Ohio Medical Society for twenty-five years, has belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1845, and to the Masonie fra- ternity since 1848. Politically, he is a Demoerat. but not a politician. and never would accept an office. Religiously, he is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and is a Trustee thereof. He has been Pension Examiner for St. Mary's and Auglaize County since 1862. The Doctor has been fortunate in his investments, and is one of the wealthy men of the county. He has four hundred and seventy acres of valuable land in the county, all within four and one-half miles of St. Mary's, and three hundred and seventy aeres of it are in the oil and gas region. There are now seven wells on his land producing oil. from which he derives a hand- some income, and he is also interested in some additions to St. Mary's.
Dr. Kishler was married in 1852 to Miss Louise Ham, who is deseended from an old Maryland family, and was born near Hagerstown, that State. ller father died when she was nine years old, and since she was fifteen she has lived in Ohio, spend- ing the first few years of her life here at Sidney. in Shelby County. Her wedded life has been one of felicity, and has been hallowed to them by three children: Willis, who is married, and is Cashier in the Home Banking Company Bank at St. Mary's; llarry, who is a farmer at St. Mary's; and Belle Blanche, wife of Michael Donelly, also of St. Mary's.
SHOMAS HUBBARD, proprietor and editor of the Weekly Examiner, at Bellefontaine, was born in West Liberty, Logan County, January 6, 1826. His father, Orin Hubbard. was a man of intelligence and much foree of eliaraeter, pursuing the vocation of a carpenter and mill- wright.
Our subject is descended from an old and re- spected Connecticut family. which has given to the country several prominent men. His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Newell. was a native of Harrison County, Ky., and of Irish and German origin, her parents emigrating from her native State to this county in 1816. Her brother. Samnel Newell, was a prominent resident of this State, and took an active interest in public affairs. serving as Representative of Logan County in the Ohio Legislature for two terms.
The original of this sketch inherited from his parents a good physical constitution and a vigor- ous mind, which has by study and attention to business life been greatly strengthened. During his boyhood. educational facilities were not what are offered the youth of to-day, and his attendance was confined to the common -chools supported on the subscription plan. He was enabled. however, to lay the foundation for subsequent literary dis-
370
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tinetion, and, when twelve years of age, came to Bellefontaine and entered the printing-office of Hiram B. Strother. Hle there learned to set type and manipulate a letter press, which line of work he abandoned eighteen months later and afterward learned and put in practice for several years the trade of a carpenter. Although possessing the happy faculty of adjusting himself to circum- stances. this trade did not satisfy him, and when reaching his majority, he preferably selected the business of a journalist.
In 1817, in company with his brother William, Mr. Hubbard of this sketch purchased the Logan County Gazette, which had been established as early as 1836 and continuously published as the leading paper of the county. From that date until 1863, with the exception of a few months, the brothers conducted the paper with much ability, and, as its files will show, the Gazette as a county weekly journal had no superior in the State.
The Know-nothing party having obtained prom- inence and power in Logan County in 1854, the Hubbard brothers opposed its principles for some time with all their power through their jour- nal, and at a great pecuniary loss. They event- ually sold their plant to other parties, who ehanged the name of the paper to the Bellefontaine Repub- lican. Six months later, however, they again pur- cbased the property, which they published under its original title until 1863, when they sold their business to a gentleman who removed the paper to Sidney.
After selling out the Gazette, Hubbard Bros. pub- lished the daily and weekly Empire at Dayton, this State, for something over a year, in 1863-64. After this, in 1865, our subject returned to Bellefontaine and engaged in the establishment of the Weekly Examiner, which he still continues to publish. About this time, William Hubbard accepted a po- sition as editor of a paper in Marion, Ohio, after- ward going to Bucyrus. Crawford County, in a like capacity, and still later to Napoleon, Henry County, where he was editing the Northwest when his death occurred in 1872. at the age of fifty years. He was a man of much ability as a talented literary and political writer. As a mark of political favor. in 1868 Mr. Thomas Hubbard
was nominated on the Democratic ticket for Secre- tary of State, but although running far ahead of his ticket, was defeated.
In November, 1851, he of whom we write mar- ried Miss Sarah, daughter of Capt. John B. Miller, of Bellefontaine, and a distinguished officer in the regular army. He also participated in the Mexi- ean War and the late Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard have a happy family of six children: Edgar O., Horace K., Mary J., Ada A., Thomas A., and Frank Mc.
The columns of the Examiner afford weekly ex- amples of Mr. Hubbard's ability as a writer, and, like his brother, he often indulges in verse with much sneeess. A man of strong convictions, lie never hesitates. even when his views are unpop- ular, to express them. He opposed the war for the union of the States, not as an upholder of seces- sion, but as an opponent of war on general prin- eiples, the same being in his opinion anti-humani- tarian, anti-Christian and totally unjustifiable. Ile is now, in connection with his sons E. O. and H. K. Hubbard, publishing a daily and weekly, and has a large circulation for both papers through- ont this section of the country.
P. SHOAFF. Asan authority on all music and musieal implements, Mr. Shoaff occu- pies a pre-eminent position in the county of Shelby, and especially in the town of Sidney. He handles all kinds of musical instru- ments, from the smallest to the finest pianos and has a thorough knowledge of all instruments. He has his quarters at No. 840 Main Avenue, where he has been located for the past three years and where he has built up a large and lucrative trade. Ile also handles sheet music and music books, and gives instruction on the violin, piano and organ.
Mr. Shoaff was born in Allen County, Ind., twelve miles north of Fort Wayne. His parents. John P. and Priseilla (Freeman) Shoaff, moved from Miami County, Ohio, to Indiana in 1836, and
371
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the former was one of the leading men of Allen County and represented his county for eight years in the legislative body of his State. He was originally from Maryland, but when a boy came with his parents to Miami County. Ohio. Hle re- sided on a farm until just prior to his death, when he went to Churubusco, Whitley County, Ind., and there passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1888, when eighty-three years of age. He left a family of five sons and two daughters.
The immediate subject of this sketch was born on the 12th of August, 1847, and was reared and educated at Ft. Wayne, Ind. He supplemented a common-school education by a course in the Methodist Episcopal College and Commercial Col- lege, and also acquired his musical education at Ft. Wayne. Having a natural talent for music, and being a fine performer on musical instruments, he is very proficient as well as successful in his profession. Ile first engaged with C. L. Hill. of Ft. Wayne, and was engaged in the musie busi- ness with him for four years and then went to Churubusco. He has very high testimonials from Lyon & Healy, of Chicago, as to his strictly hon- orable dealings in business. He also has a very high testimonal from his county seat, Columbus City. Ind., from the leading men and county offi- cials as to his honorable business eareer. He has reason to be proud of these, for they were given without his solicitation. He has been engaged in business in Sidney since 1889, and his customers are among the best class of people, all having im- plieit confidence in him. He gives his entire at- tention to his business and is elassed among the progressive. enterprising and very successful busi- ness men of the place.
lle was married on the 7th of March, 1876, to Miss Alice M. Wamsley, who was born in James- town. Greene County. Ohio. The family consists of four daughters, the eldest. Anna M. Marcie. India and Ethel are all at home. They are fine and accomplished musicians. and all play the piano and violin. Miss Anna is a graduate of the Ft. Wayne Conservatory of Music and is now teaching a large elass at Kendallville. Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Shoaff are worthy members of the Baptist Church. and the former has been Trustee of the same for
some time. He is deeply interested in all worthy movements. and he and his wife contribute liber- ally to all movements of a laudable nature. Mr. Shoaff is a gentleman highly popular and respected in business and social circles, and has won a host of friends by his upright and honorable dealings.
Our subject handles nothing but the best musi- eal instruments on the market, and will guarantee satisfaction. or refund the money. "Square dealing and kind treatment" is his motto.
ILLIAM CONWAY is Pastor of St. Pat- rick's Church, of Bellefontaine. which was organized about 1851, and was presided over at different times by Fathers Iloward, Maher (who was transferred to St. Patrick's Church of Columbus, Ohio), Sheehan and Grogran. There was but a small congregation on the establishment of the church in the city, and its first resident pastor was Father McSweeney, who was followed by Fathers Coppinger, Fitzgerald (now Bishop of Little Rock, Ark.), and Coveny. The latter-named gentleman was killed by an insane man during his pastorate and died November 8, 1869. IIe es- tablished the first Catholie school in this city, of which he was one of the teachers np to the time of his death.
The church, which was erected in 1833, under the supervision of Father Sheehan, was remodeled by the Rev. N. R. Young, who also built a parson- age, in 1870. Hle was succeeded in 1876 by Father Dr. Henry Moeller, the present Chancellor of the diocese. After him came Father H. Bourion, and during his charge of the work the present building was erected and the interior of the church was re- modeled and frescoed. A new cemetery was also purchased at that time, the entire expenditure be- ing $15.000.
Father Il. Bourion was pastor of St. Patrick's Church from the year 1877 to 1889, when the Rev. Father William C. Conway took charge of the church and congregation. This gentleman
372
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was born in Highland Connty, this State, April 30, 1856, and is the son of Hugh and Margaret (laley) Conway, natives of County Tipperary, Ireland. The father emigrated to this eountry in 1819, and was followed by Miss Haley in 1852. They were married June 3, 1855, in Hillsboro, this State, and by their union have been born five sons and four danghters. seven of whom are now living.
Our subject, who is the eldest in the parental family, was reared in Highland. Clinton and War- ren Counties, his education being acquired in the common schools. When fourteen years of age, he entered St. Mary's Sehool at Dayton, from which institution he was graduated in 1872. Ile next entered St. Joseph's College, where he took a classical course and was graduated in 1881. Then entering St. Mary's Seminary at Baltimore, Md., onr subjeet took a theological course and was promoted to the priesthood May 24, 1883.
The first charge of Father Conway was as Assist- ant to St. Raphael's Church of Springfield, this State; afterwards he was Assistant to the Church of the Assumption at Cincinnati. Thence he went to California and spent eighteen months in min- isterial duties, and on his return had charge of St. Edward's Church, of the Queen City, for three months. Ile was then given the pastorate over the scattered missions in Marion, Hardin and Union Connties, this State, in which capacity he served until his transfer to Bellefontaine, February 15. 1889. Ile has since had charge of the denom- ination, which is one of the leading churches in the county. Father Conway is well adapted to liis chosen profession, being a man of culture and education, and possessing those social qualities which have gained him many friends throughout this seetion. The congregation was in debt on his coming here to the amount of $1,500 which has been redneed to $500, owing to the generous contributions of his parishioners. An exeellent school in connection with the church is taught by the Sisters of Merey of Cincinnati and is in a most flourishing condition.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.