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 53
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 53
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 53
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The father of our subject was a soldier under Gen. St. Clair. fighting the Indians on the Maumee. He was married in Montgomery County, and lo- cated on a wild farm on the Big Twin, which he redeemed from its original wildness. and resided upon until his decease in 1819. The mother. who was again married, came with her family to Shelby County in 1833. locating upon an unimprovad farm on section 21. Perry Township; she departed this life in 1881.
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The original of this sketch began in life for him-
self when sixteen years of age. in the meantime hav- ing received but limited advantages for an ednea- tion. He was first engaged to work in the mills at Xenia, where he remained one winter, and then, going to Springfield, worked on a farm near that city for a twelvemonth. His next camping-ground was Urbana. where he was employed by James Reed for a year, and then worked for the son-in- law of that gentleman for the same length of time. Returning to Shelby County, Mr. Young worked out on farms until his marriage, in 1840, to Eliza Jane, danghter of Charles and Nancy (McCoy) Johnston.
After his marriage, our subject rented the old home farm on section 21, which he operated for three years. Previously, however, he had pur- chased eighty acres of wild land on section 15. and at the expiration of the time above mentioned. moved upon that farm and placed fifty aeres un- der tillage. Ile erected thereon a good house and barn. set out an orchard. and remained there for the following six years, when he sold out. and, go- ing to Wabash County, Ind .. became the proprietor of a farm on the Eel River. While there, his house and all his possessions were destroyed by fire, which disaster occurred March 4, 1857. The immediately rebuilt the farm buildings, borrowing the money to do so. and, selling out. returned to this county. which has since been his place of residence.
On returning from the Hoosier State, Mr. Young located on one hundred and twenty acres on sec- tion 21, this township. which he cultivated for nine years. Hle then purchased the old Charles Johnston homestead. and after residing there ten years, bought where he now lives. ITis good wife, who became the mother of ten children, departed this life in 1889. Mr. Young, in 1863 or 1864. en- listed in the U'nion army. becoming a member of Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio National Guards, but was discharged just before engaging in active service.
Of the children who are living in the fam- ily of our subject. we make the following men- tion: Lucinda is the wife of John Long. and lives in this township; Sarah Ellen married John Wy- riek, and resides in Nebraska; Elizabeth. Mrs. Cor- nelius Guthrie, makes her home in Sidney: Mar-
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garet, the wife of Thomas Johnston, is living in Perry Township; Retta, Mrs. Frank Chambers, re- sides in Sidney; James, the husband of Josephine Stoker, is living in Pemberton; Frank, who mar- ried Clara Crumbaugh, is living in this township; and Nancy, Mrs. Samuel Miller, also lives in this township.
In 1890, Mr. Young was married to Mrs. Nimrod Lefevre. They are both members of the United Brethren Church, which place of wor- ship is built on his farm, he contributing the necessary land. Our subject is a member of the Grand Army post in Sidney, and in politics is a straightforward Republican. lle has served in the office as School Director, and has been otherwise connected with educational interests in his locality.
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SAAC BETTS. The subject of this sketch is at the present time reaping the fruits of a life of early activity. Ile is retired from active busi- ness life, and is living in the enjoyment of his fine property. Mr. Betts was born in Washington Township, Shelby County, December 27, 1842. He is a son of Jolin and Plæbe (Kelly) Betts, the fa- ther being a member of an old Pennsylvania- Dutch family, and the mother of Irish stock. John Betts came to Centre in 1797, being brought here by his father when only two years of age. The farm which his father then purchased covered the space now bounded by Centre Avenne, John, Clin- ton, Hopkins, Clark and Betts Streets. Our sub- jeet's grandparents remained at that place as long as they lived. There were then plenty of Indians, and although they were in the main friendly. their treacherous nature was so well known that the white people were constantly on guard against them.
After his marriage, John Betts, our subject's fa- ther, removed to Shelby County, coming here in 1841. Hle had, however, been on a prospecting tour prior to that time, and had made a purchase
of the farm upon which he now lives. Here he made a home for his family and remained upon the place until the time of his death, which oc- curred September 21, 1869. He left the follow- ing children, whose names are: Mary J., Ann Maria, Isaac, Oliver C., Caroline and Adelia. Mary J. is the wife of W. O. Cowan, of this eity, while the second daughter married Levi Gump; Caroline is the wife of V. C. Lenox, while Adelia married 1I. V. Wilson, of Turtle Creek Township, this county.
Isaae Betts received a good practical education in the country schools. On attaining years of manhood, he was married to Miss Aurelia R. Wil- son, daughter of H. J. Wilson, the nuptials being solemnized on the 31st of Angust, 1862. They immediately afterward went to farming for themselves, and in addition to his old farm, during the latter part of his active agricultural la- bors he owned and operated the old homestead. Ile continued farming there until 1869, when, in the month of March of that year, he removed to llardin Station, where he became proprietor of a general store, and manipulated the grain business, he having the exclusive control of that business there. lle continued thus successfully employed until 1875, when he returned to the home farm, which he had controlled and managed in connec- tion with his other interests. From that time on he gave it his exclusive attention until moving to Sidney.
On coming to this place, our subject launched into the furniture business, in 1884, continuing in that for fourteen months, and then moved back to the farm. He finally sold his farm and purchased a fine brick residence at No. 914 Forest Street. It has a beautiful location, and both in its exterior and interior is found everything to gratify the senses and please the taste. For three and a half years Mr. Betts was engaged in the spoke and rim bnsi- ness, continuing his connection with it until Feb- ruary 1, 1891. when the American Wheel Company bought him out. Since that time he has retired from active business. Mr. Betts was one of the gallant soldiers during the war. le enlisted in September of 1861, and joined the Twentieth Ohio Infantry. llis regiment was assigned to duty in
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D . H. Babcock
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the Army of the Tennessee. After being at Ft. Donelson and Shiloh, he was discharged because of disability. lle is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Betts was born in Washington Township, Shelby County, April 4, 1842. They have live living children, whose names are: Edna A., Charles E., Isaae Smith, Anna C. and Will, respectively.
ACOB II. BABCOCK, an enterpising farmer of Jackson Township, Shelby County, is one of five children born to William and Rebecca (Loofbonrrow) Babcock, natives of West Virginia. Three of the family alone sur- vive: Davis, Mrs. Rebecca Brandenburg, and our subject. The last-named was born in Clarke County, Ohio, April 14, 1822, and was reared on the farm of Jude Layton in Clarke County. ITis educational opportunities were exceedingly lim- ited, for when he was quite young his mother was widowed and the orphaned children became self- supporting at an early age.
In 1840, Mr. Babcock came to Shelby County and for some time followed any honorable occupa- tion whereby he could support himself and aid bis mother. Meanwhile, he attended a pioneer school and availed himself to the utmost of every advan- tage offered him for acquiring knowledge. So successful was he in his efforts at self-culture, that after attending the Sidney school for eight weeks, he was examined for a teacher's certificate. and re- ceiving the same, commenced to teach-a profes- sion which he followed for four years in the same district, commencing at a salary of 813 per month, receiving $15 the second year. and afterward $18. His average attendance was sixty pupils, some five or six of whom received certificates after leaving his preceptorship and engaged in teach- ing. Of the teachers who were at that time fol- lowing their profession in Shelby County, Mr. Babcock alone is left. and few of his pupils re- main here, many having removed to other places.
and some having passed into the great school of eternity.
When Mr. Babcock, accompanied by his brother, came to Shelby County, it was sparsely settled, and they at first camped in an old Indian shanty. It remained his custom for four years to return to Clarke County during the summer and work there on farms in order to procure the money to pay for his land. In 1848, he was married to Eliza- beth Davis, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Jephtha Davis, whose birthplace was in West Vir- ginia. Their happy wedded life of thirty-two years was brought to a close by the death of the wife, February 22, 1880, five children surviving her. Ruelma is the wife of George F. Randolph, of Jackson Centre; Thatima married James A. IInghes, of Jackson Centre, and they are the par- ents of five children; Athalia E. is the wife of Edgar Davis, a farmer on section 10, Jackson Township, and they have one child; Emma E., the widow of A. Cargill, resides in Jackson Centre and has two children; Cleophas F. II. is now at- tending college and expects to take a full col- legiate course.
After his marriage, Mr. Babcock settled on a small farm on section 14, his home being in a log cabin in the woods. During the pioneer days he was accustomed to hanl wheat to the city of San- dusky, one hundred and fifty miles distant, the trip requiring fourteen days and nights, and the wheat selling for fifty-six cents per bushel. In 1865, he removed to his present homestead, where he has improved a fine estate and devotes his at- tention to general farming. He owns three hun- dred and thirty-two acres in three farms, all of which he has cleared by his unaided personal ex- ertions. Aside from what he still owns. he has assisted his children by gifts of money and land, and has given each child $700 upon becoming of age. Ilis aged mother received from him the most devoted care and every comfort that would increase her happiness until her death, which oc- curred June 11, 1870.
The estimable lady who presides over Mr. Bab- cock's home was. prior to becoming his wife .June 15. 1886, Miss Phoebe M. Bowen, and was born in Rapid4. Niagara County. N. Y., December 22.
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1857. The only child born of this union is now deceased. In their religious opinions, Mr. and Mrs. Babcock are Sabbatarians, and he has served as Deacon in his church for many years and is active in Sabbath-school work. In the education of the young he is deeply interested, and has filled the position of Director of his school district. Through- out his entire life he has been firm in his adher- ence to temperance principles, and now in his old age is justly proud of the fact that he has never tasted a drop of liquor, never used tobacco in any form, nor ever uttered a profane word in his life. Formerly he was a Republican in poli- ties, but now casts his ballot and influence for the cause of Prohibition. Ilis life furnishes a splen- did example for the emulation of the young, for it proves what industry and economy will accom- plish when combined with business judgment and unflinching probity.
The portrait of Mr. Babcock is presented on another page.
OEL ALSPAUGHI. Auglaize County can name no man whose successes in life are more thoroughly of his own making than Joel Alspaugh, of Logan Township, that county. Ile is self-made in every sense of the word, and his accomplishments are such of which any man might well feel proud. As a citizen he is honored and respected by all. He was born in Fairfield County, this State, in 1830, and was one of ten children, six of whom are living, born to .John and Catherine ( Benson) Alspaugh, natives respect- ively of Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Becoming convinced that better facilities for acquiring wealth were to be found in the far West, the father of our subject emigrated towards the setting sun and located within the borders of Fairfield County, Ohio. Ile settled on a wild farm in the woods. and with great industry and perse- verance hegan clearing it of the wood and brush with which it was covered. This was at a very
early period, and for some time their nearest neigh- bors were Indians and wild animals, one about as much dreaded as the other. After residing on this farm for a few years, Mr. Alspaugh and family moved to Marion County, Ohio, and bought another traet of unimproved land. Hle cleared a small spot, erected a log cabin and on this farm made his home until 1818, when he sold it and moved on another piece of wild land, in Clay Township, Auglaize County, and a little later on still another, but the last an improved tract. llere he passed the remainder of his days, dying in the year 1877. The mother had received her final summons in 1849. Both were members of the Methodist Church and he was a Republican in his political views. The six children now living are as follows: Joel, Susan, Irving, Sarah, John and Daniel.
Joel Alspangh received his scholastic training in the common schools of Fairfield County and was early trained to hard work. In 1849, he began farming for himself and was also engaged in chop- ping wood and making railroad ties. He alone made over six thousand ties along the Lake Erie Canal. He chose as his companion in life Miss Elizabeth Yestin, daughter of John H. Yestin, of Auglaize County, Ohio, and after marriage they settled on a leased farm in Logan Township, Au- glaize County, Ohio. A little over a year later, they moved to Allen County. Ohio, settled on and cleared a wild piece of land of eighty acres, in Amanda Township, and on this resided for some time. Later, he sold this and bought another tract of eighty acres of wild land in Logan Township, Auglaize County, and on this he has resided ever since. He has worked hard to clear and improve this farm and that he has been successful it needs but a glance over his fine farm to determine. Ile is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of as good land as is to be found in his section and he has it nearly all improved. All his farming opera- tions are conducted in a manner showing him to be a man of more than usual good judgment and sense.
His marriage has been blessed by the birth of seven children, six of whom survive, viz: Henry, Lena, William, Caroline, James and Wilson. These children have all been well educated in the pub-
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lic schools and are all members of the church. Mr. Alspaugh is also an active worker in the church and holds membership in the Christian I'nion Church, of which he has been Class-leader for some time. Ile lost his estimable wife in the year 1888, and is still a widower. In poli- ties, he is a Democrat and has held the office of Supervisor of the township for three terms.
In 1884, on account of the health of his family, he moved to Kentucky and remained there several months, returing to Logan Township in 1885. Ile has ever been hardworking and industrious and is a man whose honesty and uprightness have ever been above reproach. He commenced life without capital, and at the bottom of the ladder, but is now in the enjoyment of a comfortable fortune, all the result of his own energy. His pleasant home and bright and intelligent family of children make life very enjoyable to him, and the family is one of the most esteemed and re- spected in the neighborhood.
QUIRE ABRAHAM A. DUNSON. There are few prettier rural abodes to be found within the limits of Shelby County than the elegant brick residence in Salem Town- ship erected and occupied by Sonire Dunson. Built in 1877, at a cost of $3.000. it contains many modern improvements and is furnished throughout with the most refined taste. The sur- roundings are attractive and inviting, and alto- gether the view is one not soon to be forgotten. Stretching off in the distance are the one hundred and sixty-eight acres which comprise the farm, of which one hundred and twenty are cleared and cultivated.
As early as 1834. the parents of our subjeet, Abraham and Margaret (Iludloe) Dunson, re- moved from their native State. Virginia. to Ohio, where they settled in Montgomery County. One year later, they came to Shelby County and set-
tled about one mile east of Port Jefferson, where the father began to cultivate a farm. Prior to re- moving to Ohio, he had been engaged in milling, but after taking up his residence in the Buckeye State he followed agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1839. Ilis widow long survived him, and died in 1888, at a good old age.
The parental family consisted of seven children. all but one of whom are now living, namely: Mrs. Sarah Ann Maxwell; Preston Edward; Mrs. Margaret Jane John; our subject; Minerva, de- eeased: Mrs. Ellen Osborn, and Mrs. Amanda Car- oline Rail. Our subject was born in Rockingham County, Va .. January 22. 1831, and was therefore only three years old when he was brought by his parents to Ohio, where he has resided ever since. He was reared on his father's farm until he was eighteen years of age, and then commenced to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker, which he fol- lowed for twenty-five years.
In 1857, Mr. Dunson was married to Miss Rachel, daughter of James McVey, a pioneer of Shelby County. . Mrs. Rachel Dunson died in March, 1859. Three years after. our subject was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Rosanna Lodge, a native of Montgomery County. Ohio. This estimable and beloved lady died February 3, 1890. at the age of fifty-six years, leaving six chil- dren to mourn the loss of an affectionate mother. They are: John K., who married Miss Ella Hubert and is engaged in merchandising at Maplewood, Shelby County; Luella, wife of Frank Poole, of Maplewood, and the mother of one child; O. J .. who is in the tile business at Maplewood; Bonnie Estella, wife of Bert Rust, of Jackson Township. and the mother of one child; Ellwood, who is in partnership with his brother O. J. in the tile busi- ness; and Bessie, who keeps honse for her father.
In 1872, Mr. Dunson settled upon the G. J. Mitchell farm in Salem Township, but four years later removed to the farm which he has since occu- pied. He is prominent in the public affairs of the community. and as School Director for many years has been instrumental in advancing the edu- cational interests of the district. Ilis father was a staneh Democrat. and until 1888 he was equally firin in his support of the Republican party, but
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since that date he has been identified with the People's party. For a long period he has served as Trustee of Salem Township, and for six years be filled the position of Justice of the Peace. Ile has frequently served as a delegate to conventions, and has always represented his fellow-citizens with eredit to himself and to the general satisfac- tion. Formerly, he was actively identified with the Sons of Temperance, and his principles are still in that direction. ITis life has been one of eeaseless activity. and his success is shown in the possession of Ins splendid estate.
IELDEN JOHNSTON. The immediate an- cestry of our subject is as follows: Ile is a son of Charles and Nancy (McCoy) Johnston. the former born near Richmond, Ky .. September 25, 1790. The latter was a native of the same State and was born in January, 1796. Charles Johnston was but a youth of twenty-two when his father had him enlist in the War of 1812. That father was Silas Johnston, of Kentucky.
Charles Johnston came to Ohio about the year 1800 with his father. They settled in Jolinston Township, Champaign County, and were the first in that locality, the township heing named for the senior member of the family. There were many Indians in the country at the time, and, although they were friendly in general, their treacherous nature kept our subjeet's grandparents in a constant state of suspense and watchfulness. Indeed. Silas Johnston was obliged to leave the country for a time as a result of having knoeked an Indian down during an altercation. On his return, he enlisted the assistance of his sons in making a permanent home. They cleared up a farm. and there our subject's father was reared.
Silas Johnston entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. and to show the simplicity of the financial transactions of the country, the follow- ing anecdote is related: A man rode up to the Johnston cabin. telling the owner that he was
collecting taxes. Mr. Johnston took down from the rear of his cabin five coon skins and handed them to the man, who said, " All right, when I get back to Urbana I ean get twenty-five eents apiece for them." That paid the taxes on one hundred and sixty acres of land. There were a few horses, some cattle, sheep and hogs upon the place.
Our subject's mother's family eame to Ohio al- most simultaneously with his father. After the mar- riage of his parents, they settled in Perry Town- ship, on section 21, where Charles entered Govern- ment land, building, without help, a log cabin on the banks of a creek. Game was abundant at that time, and consequently there were many Indians, who stayed here as long as they could provide for themselves. After a long and useful life, our sub- jeet's father died May 15, 1865. His wife had passed away March 20, 1862. They were the parents of fourteen children, six of whom still survive.
For fifteen years in the early history of the country, Charles Johnston's home served not only as a stopping place for preachers, but also as a meeting-house, both parents being very devoted Methodists. Democratie in political principles, the old gentleman was the soul of honor. Ile was elected Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he ofliciated for fifteen years. lle also served as Trustee of the township for a couple of terms. At a time when money was worth much more than it is now, he contributed 8600 as a bonus to induce the Big Four Railroad to come this way. He also contributed money to get Sidney located where it now is.
Fielden Johnston was the twelfth child in order of birth born to his parents. Ile was born July 9, 1835, his birthplace being a log cabin on the old homestead. There he was reared to man- hood, receiving a common-school education. In 1857, he was married to Rebecen Stephenson, a daughter of Charles and Rachel (Johnson ) Stephen- son. early settlers here. Mrs. Johnston was born December 15. 1836. in Logan County.
Immediately after marriage, our subject and his wife settled fora time on the old homestead. Ile then purchased forty aeres, and later his present farm. Ile has lived on the site where huis present
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home is for twenty-seven years, and is now the owner of two hundred and ninety-two aeres of land. having cleared thirty aeres by himself. His residence was erected in 1878, and is a subtantial and comfortable dwelling. flis other buildings were put up in 1887, and here he carries on general farming.
The original of this sketch is the father of four ehildren, three of whom are now living. They are: Nancy Alice, wife of Lewis W. Deweese; Charles Alburn and William Albert, who are twins. The latter is married to Delia Wagner and lives at bome. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are mem- bers of the United Brethren Church, in which they are efficient workers. Mr. Johnston has been School Director for six years. Although he is a Democrat in political views. he has held the office of Trustee in a Republican Township for six years.
C W. B. HARBOUR. M. D. Dr. Harbour is one of the popular and able physicians of Anna, Shelby County, whose ability is re- eognized in a fine practice, which comprises a large scope of adjacent country. The Doctor is a na- tive of Pemberton, Shelby County, where he was born October 16, 1861. lle is a son of Henry and Rachel E. (Persinger) Harbour, both of Ohio. Grandfather William Harbour was a Virginian, of English deseent, his father having come from the Old Country during the Revolutionary War. Will- iam Harbour migrated from Virginia to Ohio in 1818. and was one of the earliest pioneers in Shelby County.
The father of our subject was a farmer. During the late war, he served as a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Ohio Regiment, and so valiant was he in sustaining the hard military life uncomplainingly that he has ever since been a sufferer from the effects of injury received in ser- vice. Hle at present resides in Perry Township. where he is a prosperous and contented farmer. Both he and his wife are devoted Methodists.
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