USA > Ohio > Fayette County > Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 101
USA > Ohio > Madison County > Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 101
USA > Ohio > Pickaway County > Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 101
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Jacob Flowers married Mary Bronstetter, who was a native of Germany and was brought to this country when she was five years old. They had a family of ten children, of whom five grew to ma- turity and are still living: Henry, a farmer in Illi- nois; Thomas, also a resident of Champaign County, that State; Albert, who is in the gardening busi- ness in Bloomington. Ill .; Eli, a resident of Wash- ington C. H., and our subject, who is the youngest of the family.
George II. Flowers was educated in the public schools of Illinois, whither he went with his father when a small boy. Ile was left an orphan at an early age, his mother dying when he was seven years old, and his father when he was ten years of age. After he had completed his education, he learned the trade of a baker at Mahomet, Ill., and worked at it in that place four years. Returning then to his native State, he engaged in the bakery business at Sabina nine years. From there he came to Washington C. II. and established himself in business as baker and confectioner, in partnership with his brother Eli, under the firm name of Flow- ers Bros. They were together six years and then our subject bought his brother's share in the busi- ness and ran the store alone for two years. At the expiration of that time, he took Mr. Tobin into partnership and they have since been together under the firm name of Flowers & Tobin. They have a nicely fitted up establishment, in which everything is to be found that is sold in a first- class bakery and confectionery store and they carry a full line of cigars and tobacco. In connection with their bakery, they have a lunch counter and
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they do a large business in the sale of ice cream, etc., besides having tastefully furnished and attrac- tive parlors for parties and banquets and like gatli- erings.
Our subjeet was married in August, 1877, to Miss Emma Tobin, a daughter of Henry C. Tobin, a pio- neer farmer of Fayette County, who is still living in Paint Township. Mr. and Mrs. Flowers are very pleasantly situated in a home where comfort, cheerfulness and true hospitality abound. Their marriage has been blessed to them by the birth of five children, as follows: Violet, fourteen years old; Roy, twelve years old; Clarence, ten years old the 12th of March, 1892; Asa, who was six years old March 8, 1892, and Albert, who was three years old November 25, 1891. Mr. Flowers remains a steadfast adherent of the religion of his fathers, and the Catholic Church finds in him a valued member and a generous contributor to its expenses. Politically, he is a solid Democrat. Socially, his relations are with the United Order of Red Men.
NDREW REID. No matter in what busi- ness a man may engage, if he is industrious and fair in his dealings with his fellow- men, he is sure, sooner or later, to win confidence, respect and liking, and to become in time well-to-do in worldly goods. Mr. Reid possesses these qualities, and as a consequence stands remarkably high in the estimation of all who know him.
He was born in Madison Township, Picka- way County, Ohio, April 16, 1831, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth Reid, the father a native of the Emerald Isle, and the mother of Virginia. The elder Reid left the land of his birth and emigrated to America when a young man. After reaching this country, he made his way to the fertile regions of Ohio, and settled in Pickaway County, Madison Township, where, like the average pioneer, he began housekeeping in a log cabin in a thickly timbered region. To his marriage were born nine children, of whom six are
now living: John in Missouri; George in Madi- son Township, this county; James in Illinois; Andrew and Robert in Harrison Township, Picka- way County, and Nelson in Illinois. The father of these children was one of the honest, large- hearted men of the county, and was prominently identified with its growth and development. Ile held the office of Justice of the Peace for some time and discharged the duties incumbent on this office in a very satisfactory manner.
Our subject became thoroughly familiar with pioneer life in boyhood, and assisted his father in clearing the farm of the heavy timber with which it was covered. Hard work was his portion in early life, and has been for the most part ever since, although he is so comfortably fixed at the present time that hard work is no longer neces- sary. Like other pioneer children, he was educated in a log schoolhouse, very different from the fine structures of to-day, and in this he was taught " readin', ritin' and 'rithmetic," the three R's. Although his advantages for receiving an educa- tion were not of the best, he has improved his time since and is now a well-posted man on all the current topics of the day. He is a very exten- sive reader and is intelligent and progressive.
As his future companion in life, he selected Miss Mary A. England, who was born on the 6th of June, 1837, and their marriage was solemnized on the 20th of April, 1854. Her parents were John and Hannah (Fate) England. The four children born to our subject and wife are as follows: James M., Francis M .; Hannah E., wife of James M. Schamerhorn, and Sarah S.
For many years Mr. Reid has been a resident of Harrison Township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and has lived on his present farm since 1881. He owns eighty acres of land and is a self-made man in every sense of the term. For four years he served as Trustee of Harrison Township and dis- charged the duties of that office in a capable and efficient manner. In politics, he is a Democrat.
Mrs. Reid's father was a native of Maryland and her mother of Perry County, Ohio. About 1853, they moved to Hocking County, Ohio, and later to Pickaway County, of that State, settling in Madison Township. The father subsequently
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died in Franklin County, Ohio, January, 1892, and was then in his ninety-second year. The mother passed away in Pickaway County, Ohio, about 1873. Mr. England had been twice married, and of his children the following survive: Isaac; Catherine, wife of James Shannon; Mrs. Reid; Harriet, Mrs. Northington, a widow; Will- iam, Wesley, David, and Samantha, wife of Roh- ert Smith. Mr. England was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, as was also his wife, and both were well known throughout the county as honored and respected citizens.
R. EDGAR F. COLLINS, a practicing phy- sician and surgeon of Mt. Sterling, is a native of this State. He was born in Highland County, August 29, 1850, and is a son of George W. Collins, a native of Mary- land. He was a carpenter by trade, and when our subject was about two years old removed to Clin- ton County, Ind. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Patton, was a native of Paris, Ky., and her father held an office under President Jackson. She was a relative of the Todds and Edgars, of that State, being a second cousin of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Collins spent two years in Clinton County, Ind., and then returned to South Salem, Ross County, where the father died in 1858. The mother was left with nothing but a little home and two acres of land, but she managed to keep her family together and provide for their support.
Our subject was the third of four children. He was only seven years of age when his father died, and in 1861, at the age of eleven, he began carry- ing the mail between South Salem and Lyndon Station, making daily trips on foot. That work he continued for six years and at the same time attended South Salem Academy. After four years spent at that school, he began teaching, which pro- fession he followed for nine years, and worked on a farm during the harvest season. He began read- ing medicine under Dr. A. J. Strain, of London, Ohio. At the age of twenty-five, he entered the
1
Doctor's office, where he continued his studies for a year and a half. Ile then entered the Starling Medical College of Columbus, where he took a course of lectures, and then secured a position as attendant in an insane asylum, where at the same time he continued his studies. After completing the course, he was graduated, in the spring of 1879, and located in Stark County, Ohio, where he en- gaged in practice for three years.
During that period, Dr. Collins was married, June 15, 1882, to Miss Edith Baker, of London, who was born in that place, and is a daughter of Nelson and Elizabeth (Starks) Baker. Two children have been born unto them: Inez, who was born in Mt. Ster- ling, March 15, 1887; and Todd, born July 2, 1891.
The Doctor continued to practice in Minerva, Stark County, until the fall of 1883, and met with excellent success, but his wife's health failed and he removed to Newport, Madison County, where he spent a year and a half. Ile then came to Mt. Sterling, where he has resided since 1885. Hle now has a good practice and his patronage is constantly increasing. He is a member of the Madison County Medical Society and ranks high among his profes- sional brethren. In politics, he is a Republican, and in former years took an active part in political affairs, but owing to his increased practice does not now have the time to devote to it. He served as Township Clerk while living in Newport and is ITealth Officer in Mt. Sterling. He is still a stud- ent of his profession, and is a well-informed man.
E D E. COCKERILL. This gentleman. who started out in life without money or influ- ence, has by the exercise of fine executive ability succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competency. Ile is universally known throughout this vicinity as a progressive and wide-awake farmer, who is at present residing in Perry Town- ship, Fayette County.
Our subject is the third son of Thomas G. and Sylvitha (Cochran) Cockerill, residents of the above-named township. He was born January 22. 1837. in this township and is, therefore, greatly in-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
terested in all measures that pertain to its welfare. Ile was reared on his father's farm and, like other pioneer youths, attended the school of his distriet. On starting out in life for himself, which he did at the age of twenty-one, Mr. Cockerill chose the occupation of a farmer, of which calling he has made so signal a success.
October 11, 1859, Miss Herrissa, daughter of George Binegar, became the wife of our subject. Mr. Binegar, who is now deceased, was one of the early settlers in Perry Township, where he was held in high esteem. Mrs. Cockerill was born in 1841, and by her union with our subject have been born eleven children, nine of whom are living. Their names are as follows: Dennis C., Eldridge C., both deceased; Minnie A., Albert G., Carrie P., Orville P., Melvin L., Mary Almedia, Harry G., Rellie, and Willard. Minnie A. married Eugene Horney, lives in Dayton and has three children; Albert G. is married to Miss Naomi Marks, has two children and lives near the old homestead. Mr. Cockerill rented a farm until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted in defense of his country's honor, and joined Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio National Guards, and was mustered into service at Camp Dennison. With his company he was sent to Cynthiana, Ky., where they were captured by Gen. Morgan's force. Being paroled the succeeding day, the company was sent to Cincinnati and thenee home. Mr. Cockerill, however, did guard duty at Lytle Bar- racks until the expiration of his term of enlistment, receiving his honorable discharge in September, 1864.
On returning from the army, our subject was en- gaged on his father's farm until 1865, when he removed to Madison County, Iowa. After a stay there of eighteen months, he settled on a farm in Benton County, Mo., remaining there for a period of eight years, when he again returned to Fayette County. Mr. Cockerill purchased his present place in 1881; it comprises one hundred and fifty-six acres, upon which he has placed the best of im- provements. lle carries on general farming and by a proper rotation of erops reaps a handsome income.
Mr. and Mrs. Cockerill are united with the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, in which society they are active workers, our subjeet being Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Martins- burgh, and has filled all the Chairs of that body. The Republican party claims him as one of its in- fluential members as he always casts his vote in fa- vor of its candidates. IIe has been Trustee of Perry Township and at the present time (1892) is a candi- date for County Commissioner. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cockerill are greatly esteemed in their community as honest, upright people, and we are pleased to be able to here present their sketch.
F. SCIILEYER, coal dealer, Circleville, Ohio. Circleville and vieinity are conspicu- ous for the Germans, who predominate, and their superior methods in business are cvi- dent in the success they have achieved. Our sub- jeet is one of the large number of that nationality who have become prominent in their different call- ings, and he is now one of the substantial and successful coal dealers in Circleville.
He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 16th of May, 1822, and his father, George Schleyer, was also a native of the Fatherland, born in 1798. Grandfather Casper Schleyer was born in Ger- many, and was a contractor of stone work on the pikes. Hle died in his native country. The father of our subjeet was also a contractor of stone work until the last years of his life, when he was en- gaged in farming. On the 1st of May, 1831, he left his native land for America, taking passage with his wife and two children from Havre, France, in a sailing-vessel, and was sixty-six days on the ocean. They landed in New York city, and from there went to Liverpool, Medina County, Ohio, and remained there until the spring of 1832, when they located in Chillicothe, Ohio. There the father resided until his death in 1865. He was a Lutheran in his religious views, and a Whig in politics. His wife, whose name was formerly Rosena Gunther, was born in Germany, and was
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the daughter of Matthew Gunther, who was a weaver by trade, and who died in his native coun- try, Germany. The mother of our subject re- ceived her final summons in Chillicothe. Of the nine children born to this couple, only four are now living. One son, Charles, was in an Ohio regiment as Captain of his company during the Civil War, and served until the close of hostilities. Ile then located at Sabina, Clinton County, Ohio, and was killed by lightning.
J. F. Schleyer, the eldest of the above-mentioned children, attended the schools of his native coun- try from the age of six years until he came with his parents to America. He attended school very little after reaching the States, for his parents were poor and he was obliged to assist in getting a live- lihood. He first engaged in sawing wood, and afterwards worked at different occupations until seventeen years of age. At the last-mentioned age, he began learning the moulder's trade, and served an apprenticeship of three years with a Mr. Collins. He afterwards worked for this gentleman for one year, and then was with West & Collins for five years. Subsequently, he was head work- man for Mr. Welch, remained with that gentleman ten years, and during that time cast thousands of mouldings.
In 1859, he bought a farm in Ross County, Ohio, and after tilling the soil for four years, concluded to move where his children could have better edu- cational facilities. In 1863, he located in Cirele- ville, and, in partnership with Peter Schneider, started the wood and coal business in this place. In this he has been very successful, and is now the owner of considerable property in the city. Ile continued in partnership with Mr. Schneider for six years, when he bought his partner out, and then built a brick grocery store at the corner of Canal and Mounds Streets. This he conducted under the title of J. F. Schleyer & Son, his son William being in partnership with him, for about five years. He is one of the steady, industrious, business men of the city, and the oldest coal dealer in business here. His coal yards cover two blocks.
Our subject was married in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1844, to Miss Margaret Schneider, a native of Darmstadt, Germany, who came to America with
her parents in 1840, and settled with them in Chil- licothe, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Schleyer are the parents of five children, who are in the order of their birth as follows: William resides in Columbus, a real-estate man and ex-County Sher- iff; Ilenry, a tinner by trade, resides in Circleville, and is in the coal business with his father; John, Prosecuting Attorney; Fred, clerk in a dry-goods store; and Gustavus A., Assistant Cashier in the Second National Bank. For years Mr. Schleyer has been a member of the Lutheran Church, as- sisted in building the church in this city, and is at the present time one of the Trustees. In politics, he is a Democrat.
OHN A. SIMMERMAN, a prominent mer- chant of South Solon, was born in Stokes Township, January 18, 1853. Ile is a son of Alexander and Sarah (Moon) Simmer- man, the father, who was a farmer, still residing in Stokes Township, this county. John A. grew to manhood on the old homestead, and received a fair education in the schools of his district. When choosing an occupation for himself, he learned the carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years. Ile received seventy-five cents a day as wages for his first six months' work, which was then raised to 81 a day, and the last year to $2.50.
At the expiration of the four years above men- tioned, Mr. Simmerman engaged to elerk for a Mr. Hayes in a general store at South Solon. Remain- ing with him but a short time, however, he opened up a small stock of goods in partnership with his fa- ther, the connection lasting until 1879, when our subject purchased the entire business, which he has managed successfully since that time. lle is the proprietor of a store, which is stocked with a full supply of general merchandise, and in addition to that property owns a comfortable residence in the city.
November 10, 1877, our subject and Miss Kate Shingledecker, of Cincinnati, were united in mar- riage. Mrs. Simmerman was born March 27, 1853,
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and was the daughter of Isaac and Mary (Brown) Shingledecker, both of whom are now deceased. To our subject and his wife have been born one child, Gail, who was born in South Solon, Sep- tember 15, 1878. In his political relations, our subject east his first Presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden. Although not a politician, he has rep- resented his party as a delegate to various State and congressional conventions. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow, and in all points is looked upon as one of the prominent and progressive citizens of the county.
G EORGE WOOD. One of the most pleasant homes for miles around is that which is to. be found in Deer Creek Township, Pick- away County, a view of which is shown else- where in this volume. It is tastily furnished, and its inmates are surrounded by every refinement and comfort which their culture enables them to enjoy. The landed estate of Mr. Wood com- prises about fifteen hundred acres of highly culti- vated land, upon which may be found the embel- lishments of all first-class farms, and such improve- ments as indicate the owner to be a man of energy of character and perseverence.
Born in Franklin County, Ohio, Mr. Wood is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ramsey) Wood, na- tives of the Old Dominion. The father served in the War of 1812, being a noted scout and spy, well known for his skill and daring, and his unerr- ing marksmanship with the rifle. About the be- ginning of the present century, he removed to Kentucky, and some years later came to Ohio. Ile and his good wife became the parents of five chil- dren, of whom the only survivors are Lewis C., who resides in Colorado; and George, who was the third in order of birth.
When but a child, our subject was orphaned by the death of his parents, after which he was adopted by a bachelor uncle, George Wood, with whom he remained at Chillicothe, Ohio, until he attained his majority. In the year 1840, he ac- cepted the position of clerk in a dry-goods estab-
lishment at Chillicothe, and remained for four years thus engaged. At the expiration of this time, he came to Pickaway County, and embarked in the cattle business and general farming.
April 8, 1852, Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Miss Hannah I., daughter of Hezekiah Ingham, a native of Bucks County, Pa. They became the parents of six children, only two of whom are liv- ing, William 1., and Mary M. The political belief of Mr. Wood accords with the principles of the Dem- ocratic party, to which he adheres. In his relig- ious convictions, he is in sympathy with the doc- trines of the Presbyterian Church, and is a man of genial and kindly nature, ever willing to extend his assistance to measures of public interest or pri- vate charity.
Prior to his retirement from active farming op- erations, Mr. Wood was one of the most progress- ive agriculturists, as well as the most extensive stock-raiser, in Pickaway County. Some years sinee, he retired from business, and his son, William 1., has entire supervision of the estate with all its interests. However, he still finds sufficient to oc- eupy his attention, in the varied enterprises in which he is concerned. Ilis geniality has won him a large cirele of friends, and he maintains the re- speet of all his fellow-citizens.
**
I SAAC F. BARGER. The agriculturists of Greene Township, Fayette County, have among their number many whose intelligence, activ- ity and enterprise are a credit alike to themselves and the county in which they make their home. These help to give Fayette County a standing for productiveness and business ability which enriches every farmer within its bounds.
Mr. Barger, who resides on section 3,984 of the above-named township, is the son of John Barger, who was born September 10, 1810, a native of this county. His grandfather, Philip Barger, was of German descent, emigrating to this county at an early day from Virginia, settling in Ohio in 1785, long before that then Territory was admitted into the Union. The maiden name of our subject's
DUNECHT
DIAMOND
LASSIE. 293.(F. S.)
KINSMAN OF NETHER HALL.
WOODLAND COMMANDER 110671
GALLOWAYS
SHORTHORNS.
" WOODLAND STOCK FARM" RES. OF GEORGE WOOD, DEER CREEK TP., PICKAWAY CO., OHIO.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mother was Elizabeth Pavey, a native of Ken- tueky, and the daughter of Isaac Pavey, who hailed from the Old Dominion. Her father, after residing for a time in Kentucky, came to High- land County, this State, some time in 1790. Ile was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and established a place of worship at Pleasant Hill. IIe met his death by being thrown from a horse many years ago. Miss Elizabeth Pavey was born December 24, 1799, and met and married the father of our subject in Highland County, this State, the ceremony being performed July 4, 1832.
The parents of our subject soon after their mar- riage located upon the tract which is the present home of Isaac F., and where the father erected a log shanty, 12x14 feet in dimensions, and set about industriously the work of clearing and improving his purchase. Here they passed their last days, Mr. Barger dying May 28, 1877, being killed by a team of horses, and his good wife March 18, 1879. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are deceased with the exception of him of whom we write. The elder Mr. Barger left an estate at his death of seven hundred acres, almost all of which was under cultivation. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which denomination the father held the position of Class-leader for many years. Ile was very prominent in agricultural circles, where his word was considered as good as his bond.
The original of this sketeh was born September 18, 1840, on the farm where he is residing at the present time. Ilis primary studies were conducted in the common schools of that period, and were later supplemented by an attendance at Oberlin College and at Greenfield, this State. He remained under the parental roof until attaining his twenty- fourth year, when he was married, October 25, 1864, to Isabel A., daughter of Samuel and Rosana (Willthong) Pavey, the father a native of High- land County, and the mother of Ross County, this State. Iler grandparents on the paternal side were Jesse and Sallie (Stafford) Pavey, the former hav- ing been born January 14, 1814. The parents of Mrs. Barger were married in 1833, soon after which event they located in Highland County,
where the father was a well-to-do farmer. He passed from this life in 1859, his good wife sur- viving him many years, dying May 3, 1879.
Mrs. Barger was born January 2. 1816, in High- land County, where she was given a good educa- tion in the common schools. After her marriage with our subject, they made their home for a time on the old homestead of John Barger. Later, how- ever, our subject's father presented him with a farm valued at 87,000, and upon the death of the latter he came into possession of the home farm. His landed estate now comprises nine hundred and sixty-nine acres, which bear all the latest im- provements in the way of buildings and machin- ery. His present handsome residence was erected in 1880, at a cost of 87,500, and is the finest in the township. His elegant barn, 18x70 feet in dimen- sions, was built in 1887, and is supplied with all modern conveniences in the way of providing for his stock. His granary is 32x24 feet in size, and a barn which shelters twelve cows is 24x34 feet. His estate is thoroughly drained, having seven- teen miles of tiling. one-third of which our sub- ject caused to be laid. Ile carries on general farm- ing, giving considerable attention to raising fine breeds of hogs and cattle, of which he has some fine specimens.
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