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 30

Author: Chapman Brothers
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 894


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 30
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 30
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 30


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 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109


June 20, 1836, Mr. IToffman was married to Elizabeth Leist, who was born in Washington Township, May 2, 1815. She died in 1877, leav- ing behind her the blessed memory of a good and true-hearted woman, who had nobly fulfilled the duties of life, and was warmly loved by all who


13


278


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


came under her influence. She was a daughter of David Leist, a native of Berks County, Pa., who came to Ohio in 1806, and was a pioneer of this township. The following are the children that were born of her happy marriage with our subject: Jacob, who is married, and lives in this township; Catherine, the wife of Abraham Adams, a farmer in Fairfield County; George, deceased; David, who is married, and lives in this township; Noah, who is married, and lives in Madison County; Amanda, wife of Manoah Shoemaker, a farmer in Henry County, Ohio; Isaiah, who married Emma Stout, and lives on the old homestead, and Peter, who is married, and lives in this township.


In his political views, Mr. Hoffman is a tried and true Democrat, voting first for Gen. Jackson, and he has only missed one Presidential election since that of 1840. He has been much sought after to help administer local affairs, his fellow-citizens having a full appreciation of his fitness for re- sponsible positions. He held the office of Trustee of his township fifteen years, was Director twenty years, and Supervisor a like length of time. He has also been conspicuous in promoting the religious interests of the community as one of the foremost members of the Lutheran Church, which he joined when about eighteen years old, and to which his good wife also belonged, and he has filled the various official positions of the church, among them those of Deacon and Elder.


The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman are pre- sented in connection with this biographical sketch.


ROF. MARTIN L. SMITHI. Among the prominent and successful educators of Pickaway County, selected for representa- tion in this biographical work, we take pleasure in introducing to our readers Prof. Martin L. Smith, the well-known and popular Superinten- dent of the High and Public Schools of Ashville, with which he has been identified since the fall of 1882.


The Professor is a native of this county, his birthplace in Madison Township, and he was born


March 26, 1854. He is descended from the early pioneer stock of this part of the State, his grand- parents being among the first to settle in Madison Township, where his parents, Reuben and Eliza Smith, were also born. Our subject's father was a prosperous farmer and the son passed his boyhood days on a farm. He early displayed an aptitude for learning, and was given every advantage to obtain a liberal education, laying a solid founda- tion for it in the district school. At the age of sixteen, he began attending schools of a higher grade at Lithopolis, where he passed his school days for several terms, and he also had the benefit of several sessions at different Normals. At the age of seventeen, our subject entered upon his pro- fessional career by teaching in District No. 5, Madi- son Township, where he taught some ten years, and he also had charge of District No. 1 one year. Ile was then given the position of Superintendent of the Ashville schools, in which capacity he has since officiated, giving universal satisfaction to pupils and parents. The branches taught in the High School include mathematics, book-keeping, philosophy, general history, English literature and rhetoric, and such other studies as are usually pur- sued in such an institution in this State, languages, however, not being included. The Professor has three lady teachers under him, who earnestly co- operate with him in his work. He has been County Examiner for some five years with his other duties, has also served as Clerk of Madison Township for a time, and under Cleveland's administration he was Postmaster at Ashville.


Professor Smith is a close student, and keeps well abreast of the times in all things pertaining to his profession, to which he is devoted heart and soul, and to his energetic labors is largely due the present high status of the Ashville schools for thor- oughness and efficiency, of which qualities the citi- zens of the place are justly proud. The Professor has been President of the Pickaway County Teach- ers' Institute four years, an honor not often con- ferred on one teacher so long. IIe has also assisted in conducting Normal Schools at Ashville, and he is always found in the lead in promoting the cause of education in his native county. Ile is well- known as the author, in conjunction with Prof. C.


279


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


B. Shook, of a work entitled "The New Orthog- raphy," a manual containing nearly one hundred and fifty pages, designed for teachers and pupils in the schools, and which has attracted favorable notice among the educators of the country. While County Examiner, our subject took an active part in the meetings of the city and county examiners in the State. He has done much to broaden and elevate the religious and social interests of the city, and to his taste for music, and efforts in secur- ing the organization of a band, is Ashville much indebted for its excellent cornet band, of which he is the leader. The Professor is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is active in the Sunday- school. He belongs to the Knights of Honor and the Knights of Pythias, and, politically, is a Dem- ocrat.


Prof. Smith was married April 15, 1880, to Miss Anna Fridley, daughter of the late Joshua and Julia Fridley, formerly of Madison Township. Of the four children born to our subject and his wife three survive: Anna B., Ray F. and Marie. Pro- fessor and Mrs. Smith have a charming home, and as leaders in Ashville society they have many friends, attracted to them by their pleasant ways and truly courteous and friendly manners.


SAAC H. HAMBLETON. Among the well- regulated estates of Madison County, one in Jefferson Township, which is owned and occu- pied by the gentleman above named, is worthy of considerable notice. It is thoroughly tilled, sup- plied with a complete assortment of farm buildings and a substantial commodious residence, and here Mr. Hambleton has lived and labored since 1854, witnessing the gradual development of the country around him and doing much pioneer work with his own hands. He has been a resident of Ohio since 1840, and is one of the best and most public- spirited citizens in his township.


Stephen G. and Sarah G. (Galbreath ) Ilambleton, the parents of our subject, were natives respectively of Bucks County, Pa., and Columbiana County, this State. They were married in New Lisbon, Ohio,


and from there removed to Erie County, N. Y., in 1835. After a residence there of five years they returned to Ohio and made their home for three years in Miami County, thence removed to Frank- lin County, where the father died, March 25, 1860. The mother, who reared a family of twelve children, passed away in Montgomery County, Kan.


The original of this sketch was born in New Lisbon, August 6, 1824, which place was his home until reaching his tenth year when with his parents he removed to New York and returned with them to Ohio a few years later. He made his home with his father until twenty-eight years of age, and since old enough to engage in work of any kind followed the occupation of a farmer. Mr. Hambleton and Miss Jane Reynolds were united in marriage in Georgesville, this State, May 8, 1853. The lady was the daughter of Thomas and Jane (Cunning- ham) Reynolds, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of whom died in Georgesville, and the latter passed away at the home of our subject in Madison County. Mrs. Hambleton, who was born in Franklinton, Franklin County, October 31, 1825, was the seventh in order of birth in a family of ten children.


After his marriage Mr. Hambleton located on the farm where he is at present residing, and which comprises eighty-seven well-tilled acres. By his union with Miss Reynolds, four children were born, namely: Ida, the wife of Dr. George II. Smeltzer, who enlisted during the late war in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry in the one hundred days' service and while in the army was commissioned Second Lieutenant of his company. He occupied a prominent posi- tion in local affairs and has filled the office of Township Trustee, and Infirmary Director of the county. Herbert W., the second child of our sub- ject. married Leoni Bell; Clara J. was the next in order of birth, and James C., the youngest, married Sarah Paulsen.


Mr. Hambleton always casts a straight Republi- can vote during elections, and is always interested in every measure which tends toward the upbuild- ing of his community. He was born and reared a Quaker, with which religious sect he is still in sym- pathy. Socially, he is a member of Wilson Bur-


.


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


280


rows Post, G. A. R., and by his many Christian virtues has endeared himself to his many friends and neighbors.


RED C. FORSTER, of Washington C. II., who holds the office of Inspector of Oil for this district, is a leader among the Demo- crats of this part of the State, and as Chairman of the County Central Committee, he exerts a potent influence in local politics. Mr. Forster is a native of Ohio, born December 29, 1845, in the town of Middletown, Butler County, his birthplace being next door to that of ex-Gov. Campbell. His father, Adam Forster, was a hotel-keeper in that town and was well known.


Our subject was educated in the excellent pub- lic schools of his native town. He was a bright boy, apt in his studies, and at the early age of twelve years began to do business for his father, displaying, though so young, a decided talent for business matters, and he remained with him until his marriage in 1875. He then opened a book and stationery store at Washington C. H., to which place he had come in 1867, and he continued in that line until 1888, when he sold out. After com- ing to this city, he had been engaged in the sewing machine business with his brother. December 1, 1889, Mr. Forster was appointed by Gov. Camp- bell Oil Inspector of this district, which place he still holds. Ile is the right man for the position, as all concede without regard to party, as he thor- oughly understands the requirements of his office, is prompt and scrupulous in the discharge of his duties, and is known to be a man of sound judg- ment and integrity.


Mr. Forster was united in marriage to Miss Fanny, daughter of Dr. P. A. Green, of Blooming- dale, Hocking County, in 1875. Mrs. Forster is a native of Hocking County, but at the time of her marriage she was living at Washington C. H. She is of an amiable, pleasant disposition, and her ready tact has been a factor in her husband's social and material success. Their home life is felicitous and their union has been blessed with three chil-


dren, of whom Mabel C. is the eldest; Dane D., the next in order of birth, died at the age of five years; Freme C., the youngest, is eight years old.


Our subject is well dowered mentally, having a vigorous, thoughtful mind and those traits of character that command respect and trust, and in whatever position he has been placed he has always acquitted himself honorably. His fellow-citizens, having a due appreciation of his talent for affairs, have called him to places of trust. He has ever been an active and untiring worker in the ranks of the Democracy and has been elevated to the Chair- manship of the Democratic Central Committee. He has held the office of Township Clerk for six or seven years, having been elected on the Demo- cratic ticket when the Republican majority in the township was over five hundred.


OSEPH L. ROTHROCK, senior member of the firm of J. L. and J. W. Rothrock, is a prominent liveryman at Washington C. H., where for six years or more he has been engaged in business on Fayette Street, opposite the City Hall. The firm occupy a large building with a frontage of eighty feet and depth of one hun- dred and sixty-five feet, and keep about twenty- six head of horses in their feed and sales stable. In 1890, the firm name was changed by the ad- mission of J. W. Rothrock into partnership, since which time they have carried on the most exten- sive livery business in WashingtonC. H.


The subject of this sketch was born in Adams County, this State, June 11, 1858, and is the son of Philip and Rebecca (Shaw) Rothrock. His fa- ther, who was a farmer and music teacher, was killed during the Civil War at Cleveland, Tenn., and the widowed mother afterward removed to Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa, where our subject gained his education. On embarking in life for himself, he first engaged in railroading, and later conducted a tannery business at Winchester, Adams County, where he superintended a tan-yard.


Mr. Rothrock first engaged in the livery business


281


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


in 1880 and continued successfully in that line of business for five years, when he sold out. Upon lo- cating in Washington C. H. in 1885, he opened a liv- ery, sales and feed stable, which he has since success- fully managed. He is a shrewd business man, far- seeing and discriminating, and possesses the pecul- iar qualifications which bring success. In financial circles, he has an established reputation as a relia- ble man, and it is safe to predict that the future years will bring him merited honors in the business and social world.


In 1871, Mr. Rothrock was united in marriage to Miss Anna Long, who, dying, left two children: Lucy and Anna Louisa, both of whom reside with their father. Afterward, Mr. Rothrock was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Jennie Howells, a cultured lady of Xenia, this State. Mr. Rothrock has social connections with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in public affairs maintains the warm and deep interest which impels him to favor those measures calculated to advance the welfare


of his fellow-citizens. Besides being one of the most enterprising business men of Washington C. II., he is one of its most public-spirited citizens and is always ready to further any truly meritori- ous project that will advance its prosperity. In politics, he is a thorough Republican.


SAAC N. BEAN (deceased) was another of the representative pioneers of Pickaway County, Ohio, and in all the affairs of life he bore him- self in an upright manner, and was recognized as a man of true worth. He was born in West Vir- ginia on the 16th of December, 1816, and was a son of Isaac and Rebecca Bean. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a pensioner. In 1834, he emigrated with his family to the Buck- eye State, making the journey with a team, and located in Madison Township, Pickaway County. There he and his wife passed the remainder of their days.


Our subject was about eighteen years of age when he came with his parents to Ohio, and on the 4th of January, 1842, he was married to Miss Dor-


cas A. Lane, who was born in the Old Dominion, on the 26th of February, 1824. Her parents, Fred- erick and Dorcas ( Mc Cord) Lane, were natives of Virginia, and in the '30s they left their native State and journeyed to Ohio, settling in Scioto Township, Pickaway County, where the mother died a short time after their arrival. Of the seven children born to her parents, Mrs. Bean is one of two now living, the other being Sarah, Mrs. Kirk.


The following children have been born to our subject and wife: Rebecca, wife of Jonathan Ilay; and Crissie E., wife of Lewis Shirey. They lost four children. For a few years after their mar- 'riage, Mr. and Mrs. Bean resided in Madison Town- ship, Pickaway County, but subsequently removed to Harrison Township, this county, where Mr. Bean died on the 15th of July, 1883. Liberal, gen- erous, and high-minded, his life was filled with good deeds, and it can be truly said of him that he never violated a friendship, nor forgot a kind action done him. He was a model American citi- zen. He served as School Director for some time, and in all the affairs of life he bore himself in an upright manner, and was recognized as a man of true worth. In politics he favored the Republi- can party and was a stanch advocate of its prin- ciples.


On the beautiful farm of two hundred and six- teen acres, which Mr. and Mrs. Bean spent the best years of their lives in improving and perfecting, the latter is now residing, and endeavors to make her life a useful one, and to follow the teachings of the Golden Rule. She is prominently identified with the Methodist Church, and contributes liber- ally to all worthy enterprises. Her son-in-law, Lewis Shirey, resides in Franklin County, Hamil- ton Township, Ohio, and is a wide-awake, enter- prising agriculturist. He was born in Augusta County, Va., October 7, 1823, and is a son of Jacob and Susanna Shirey, natives of Pennsylva- nia, and of Irish, German, and French descent, re- spectively. In 1825, his parents emigrated to Franklin County, Ohio, and resided in Columbus for a year. His father made the lock and iron- work for the Ohio Canal.


Lewis Shirey was reared in Franklin County, and was educated in the early log-cabin school-


282


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


house. When fifteen years of age, he began learn- ing the blacksmith trade, and this has continued to be his chosen occupation more or less ever since, although he is an active and enterprising farmer. Ilis father had been a blacksmith and mechanic be- fore him. Lewis Shirey was first married to Miss Eliza J. Cryder, who bore him five children, two now living, Maggie, wife of Jonathan Thompson, and William.


Mr. Shirey married his present wife September 14, 1890, and they now reside in Franklin County, Ohio, where Mr. Shirey is classed among the lead- ing and representative citizens. He owns one hundred and sixty-four acres of land, and his wife owns one hundred and eighteen acres in Pickaway and Franklin Counties. He has served as School Director, and when a resident of Groveport, where he resided for many years, he served in the Village Council. Ile is a Prohibitionist in politics, and is a member of the Methodist Church.


AMES M. MORRIS. Although he has not yet completed the ascent of the sunny side of the hill of life, this gentleman has risen to a position of considerable prominence in Madison County, being the Postmaster at Lilly Chapel. He is very popular with the people, in- telligent and cordial, and has an assured place in the community.


The Rev. James K. Morris, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Fayette County, this State, near Washington C. H., in 1817, of which county his mother, who bore the maiden name of Phoebe Horny, was also a native. After their marriage, the parents continued to reside in their native place for several years, the father teaching school for fourteen years after establishing a home of his own. On removing to Vermilion County, Ill., they remained there but a twelvemonth, and then returning to Fayette County, made their home in that vicinity until 1857, when they took up their abode in this county, residing in Range Township for five years. Mr. and Mrs. Morris at the end of that time removed to Paint Township, and after a


year went to Union Township, and two years later became identified with the residents of Franklin County. Remaining there three years, however, they again established a home in Fairfield Town- ship, this county, where the father of our subject was engaged in farming for several years, and then returning to Franklin County, resided there for the three succeeding years. After this they again went to Fairfield Township, the father here de- parting this life in September, 1886; the mother is still surviving. Mr. Morris was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church for some forty years, and was greatly beloved in the various charges over which he was placed.


Of the parental family of twelve children, James M., of this sketch, was the third in order of birth. He was born in Fayette County, September 14, 1847, and received a fair education in the common schools. He remained under the parental roof until reaching his twentieth year, when he started out in life on his own account, working out for two years. At the end of that time, our subject took a six- months' course in the schools at London, and then worked land on shares for two years. He later farmed on his own account in Madison County, until the spring of 1891, when he disposed of his farm land, and, removing to Lilly Chapel, engaged in the mercantile business, in which line of trade he was more than ordinarily successful.


Mr. Morris was appointed to his present position in July, 1891, and in addition to that responsible office, has served his fellow-townsmen as Township Trustee for seven years, and has done efficient ser- vice in other local positions. He is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and is looked upon as one of the most publie-spirited men in his community. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which body they are earnest workers.


March 28, 1873, Miss Margaret J., daughter of Thomas Cullumber, and our subject were united in marriage. Iler father is one of the old settlers of Fairfield Township, and served during the late war as a member of Company K, First Ohio Cavalry. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Susan Lilly, was born in Virginia, and departed this life in Fairfield Township, in 1870. Mrs. Morris, who


283


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


was born in the above-named township, June 25, 1849, was the fifth in order of birth of her par- ents' family of eight children. By her union with our subject, she has become the mother of three children, namely: Frank O., George W., and Har- ley, who died when an infant. Socially, our sub- ject is a member of Gilroy Lodge No. 695, 1. O. O. F.


8 AMUEL W. CISSNA, a prominent grain- dealer of Fayette County, has been a life- long resident of Washington C. H., where he was born March 8, 1839. His father, Robert Cissna, was born in Pittsburgh, April 30, 1800, and was a pioneer of Fayette County, whither he removed in his early manhood, about 1825. At Washington C. H., he engaged in the harness and saddlery business and also conducted other enterprises until in his old age, when he purchased a farm one mile from the city and there spent his last days, dying March 28, 1880. He was prominent in the public affairs of the county, and from 1840 until 1844 he served as County Sheriff. llis wife, whose maiden name was Eleanor Waddle, died when our subject was small, leaving five children to mourn her loss: John, an attor- ney-at-law; Elizabeth Wilson and Maria Orr, who reside in Texas; Susan Glaze, who lives in Oak Grove, Ohio; and Samuel W.


At Washington C. H., our subject received his education, and later became connected with the firm of Draper & MeElwain, grocers and grain- dealers, with whom he remained for six years. At the age of twenty, he embarked in business for himself, buying out the old firm and continuing in business on Court Street for five years. His next line of work was in the lumber and grain business, under the firm name of Huston & Cissna. In two years the connection was dissolved, and Mr. Cissna became a clerk for Ely & Stimson, gro- cers, hardware and grain merchants. Later, he was a member of the firm of Brownell Bros. & Cissna, dealers in poultry, eggs and groceries, but the junior member of the firm afterward sold out


his interest and resumed his connection with Stim- son Bros., grocers and hardware dealers.


In partnership with Mr. Welton, our subject purchased the retail trade of the firm and contin- ued in the grocery business for two years. He later entered the wholesale grocery establishment of Stimson Bros. & Co., he and George Dahl and H. B. Dahl being the company. Mr. Cissna de- voted himself assiduously to the welfare of the house, which he represented for a time on the road, and has the name of being a prominent fac- tor in building the successful business which still continues under the firm name of Dahl, Baer & Co. He remained with the house from its incep- tion until it became one of the largest wholesale groceries in Southern Ohio, but in 1885 sold out his interest, and for two years following was en- gaged as Superintendent of the Gas Works, being one of the Directors of the Washington Gas & Electric Light Co.


In 1887, under the title of S. W. Cissna & Co., our subject engaged in the retail grocery business on Court Street, opposite the Court House, where he remained until June, 1891. After selling out his grocery business, he gave his whole attention to grain, which he had previously handled to some extent. He has an elevator at Jasper, and handles a large amount of grain, being considered one of the most successful dealers in Fayette County.


Mr. Cissna is a Director of the People's Saving and Loan Association, which has an authorized capital of $1,000,000, and of which he has been Treasurer since its organization. The Association was incorporated with $300,000, but soon filling that series, increased the capital and is doing a successful business throughout the community. Mr. Cissna has large real-estate interests both in the city and country, and owns two fine farms in Pickaway County. For many years he has made his home in his elegant and commodious brick res- idence at the corner of Clinton, Leesburg and Greenfield Avenues, where he and his family are surrounded by all the comforts of existence.




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.