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 45
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 45
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 45
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OHN W. FARINGER. The Merchants' & Farmers' Bank was organized in Washing- ton C. II. under that name, and its first certificate issued November 1, 1872. At the time of organization, its capital was $100,000, of which 850,000 was paid up, and the bank after- ward conducted extensive financial transactions with that capital and a contingent fund of $40,000. The stockholders' liabilities were over $1,000,000, and each individual stockholder was liable. The first President was M. Pavey and the first Cashier, M. Sharp, while the officers at the close of its career were M. Pavey, President, and J. W. Faringer, Cashier. Its affairs are now being wound up by the Midland National Bank.
The subject of this sketeh is a native of Pennsyl- vania, and was born in Montgomery County, Feb- ruary 27, 1832. Ilis parents, Philip and Sarah (Singlewood) Faringer, were born in Montgomery County, Pa., and the father was an active and prominent business man of Philadelphia during the early years of this century. When his son, our subject, was still quite young, he removed to Ohio and made settlement in Pike County, where the remaining years of his useful life were passed.
In the excellent schools of Philadelphia our sub- ject gained the rudiments of his education, which he later carried on in the common schools of Pike County. He was compelled to cease his studies and engage in business for himself, but feeling dissat- isfied with his mental acquirements, he studied un- der a private teacher, and through experience and observation, together with an extensive and well- selected course of reading, has become a man of broad knowledge and information, with whom it is a pleasure to meet and converse.
The first occupation in which Mr. Faringer en- gaged was as a dry-goods merchant in Pike County, and afterward he carried on the same business in Kentucky and Iowa, remaining in the last-named State for two years. Ile finally located in Phila- delphia, where he was a salesman. At the time of his father's final sickness he was called home, and for two years following engaged in merchandising in Waverly, Ohio. During the ensuing seven years, he turned his attention to a somewhat different line of work, and, entering the employ of the Cin- cinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville Railroad, was for three years Ticket and Freight Agent at Lancaster, Ohio, and for four years was general utility man.
The first connection of Mr. Faringer with the banking business was in 1867, when he became Cashier of the Hocking Valley National Bank at Lancaster, retaining that important and responsible position for fourteen years, until the time of his coming to Washington C. II., in 1883, to accept the position of Cashier of the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank. His interest in public affairs has always been earnest and deep, although the demands of his pri- vate business are such as to preclude the accept- ance of public honors. While a resident of Lan- easter. he served as the Representative of his dis- trict in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows' Encampment for a period of eleven years, during which time he was efficient in promoting the wel- fare and interests of the order, which ever reposed the utmost confidence in his ability and honor.
The cultured lady who became the wife of Mr. Faringer December 25, 1866, was Miss Samantha .J., daughter of John C. Flood, of Lancaster, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Faringer are the parents of two chil-
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dren: John W., Jr., and Maude, both of whom are at home. The religious home of the family is in the Methodist Church at Washington C. II., and they are active in Christian work. Mr. Faringer is identified, socially, with the Fayette Lodge and Garfield Commandery, Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The high standing to which he has attained in Fayette County is the result of his per- sistent industry, good judgment and keen dis- crimination, and his place is among the public- spirited and successful citizens of Washington C. II.
AMES R. CLARK, a retired farmer of Cir- eleville, was born in Butler County, Ohio, April 26, 1820. His father, John Clark, was born in Monongalia County, Va., and came to Ohio when twelve years of age. His grandfather was of Scotch-Irish deseent and was probably born on the borders of Scotland. He be- came a farmer and removed to Ohio in the year 1804. His first home was a log cabin and in the midst of the forest he improved two farms. He served as Colonel in the War of 1812, and repre- sented his district in the State Legislature for one term. His death occurred in Hamilton at the age of eighty-eight years.
John Clark was the second in a family of nine children. He remained at home until May, 1818, when he located in Monroe, Ohio, where he built and carried on a tavern for ten years. He then traded his property for one hundred acres of land, but soon sold it and bought a farm in Warren County, Ohio, where he made his home for twelve years. On again selling, he bought a farm in Mon- roe, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a fine writer, a good accountant, and served as Justice of the Peace for twenty-one years. In politics, he was a Whig and afterwards a stanch Republican. He possessed an excellent physique, was six feet, four inches tall, straight. strong and active. His death occurred at the age of seventy- three years. He married Maria Williamson, who was born near Gettysburg, Pa., and is a daughter
of Peter Williamson, who was born in Pennsyl- vania, and was of German descent. He came to Ohio in 1815, and afterwards established a store in Monroe, where his death occurred. Mrs. Clark passed away in 1862. Six children were born of their union and, with one exception, all are living. Our subject is the eldest; Peter W. resides in Day- ton; William H. is a house-furnisher of Coffeyville, Kan., and for three years was a soldier in the Eleventh Ohio Battery during the late war; Han- nah resides in Butler County; Catherine is the wife of Rev. Mr. Bennett, of Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Mr. Clark, of this sketch, acquired his education in a log schoolhouse and remained at home until twenty-four years of age. On the 27th of Febru- ary, 1844, in Warren County, he married Miss Sarah J. Todhunter, who was born in Lebanon, Warren County, in June, 1820, and was a daugh- ter of Jacob and Mary (Johns) Todhunter, natives of Loudoun County, Va., who came to Ohio in 1878, and resided upon a farm adjoining the grounds of the old Shakers' Society. The father served in the War of 1812. His death occurred at the age of eighty-two years.
Mr. Clark bought a farm on the county line of Butler County, which he operated eight years. Ile then sold and bought one hundred and fifty acres in Lemon Township, on which he made many val- uable improvements. He erected a fine residence at a cost of $6,000, and the pleasant walks and drives and other improvements made the place one of the most attractive of the community. In the fall of 1880, he sold for over $150 per acre and came to Circleville, where he has since lived a retired life, his home being on Scioto Street. He still owns a farm in Jackson Township of one hundred acres of improved land, which he rents. While on the farm, he made a specialty of stock- raising, including Devonshire cattle and Poland- China hogs. For forty years he was a member and took an active interest in the Butler County Agricultural Association.
In the Clark family were two children: Hud- son D., who was educated in Wittenburg College of Springfield, became Superintendent of the street car lines of that city. He died in Spring- field, leaving one son. Robert, who is twenty years
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of age. Our subject's only daughter is Mrs. Bauder. She was educated in the Springfield Female College, and is a most estimable lady. Mr. Clark has the highest confidence and regard of all with whom he has come in contact.
ACOB CARR, President of the Fayette County Infirmary Board of Directors, has many times through a long, honorable life held positions of public trust in his native county. He is spending his declining years on the farm in Union Township, upon which he has passed the most of his days, and which his father redeemed from the wilderness in the early years of the set- tlement of this section of the State.
Mr. Carr was born October 7, 1817, in Paint Township, and he was about a year old when the family moved to the place where he now resides in Union Township. His father, who bore the name of Joab Carr, was born in Virginia, November 4, 1790, and in the opening years of his manhood took part in the War of 1812. Ilis parents were Germans by birth, and after coming to this eoun - try they settled in Virginia. Joab Carr married Elizabeth Miller, a native of Pendleton County, Va., and a daughter of William Miller, a farmer of that county. After marriage, the Carrs came to Ohio, in 1813, coming the whole distance over the mountains and through the forests and wild inter- vening country on horseback, conveying their household effects on horses also. They first lived in Paint Township, and subsequently came to the place where their son lives. The land upon which they settled was part of the United States military lands and was open to settlement by the soldiers of the War of 1812. Mr. Carr took one hundred and twenty-six and one-half aeres, and industri- ously set about the hard work of hewing out a farm from the wilderness. The surrounding country was almost a trackless forest, with the ex- ception of bridle paths, there being no roads. There was an Indian path across Mr. Carr's land called the Xenia Trail. Mr. Cair was one of the first to settle in this place, and he was doing good
pioneer work when his career terminated with his untimely death in 1824, while yet in the prime of life, and thus this township lost one of its most useful citizens, who would, undoubtedly, have done valuable service in its upbuilding had he lived. He was a Whig and was interested in politics and in all that concerned the welfare of his country, for which he had fought when it was assailed by foreign aggression. His wife departed this life in 1833. They had four children: Susanna, who died in January, 1833; our subject; George, who died in Clinton County in January, 1890; and Joab, a resident of Sumner County, Kan.
After his father's death, our subject remained with his mother on the old homestead until her death, which occurred when he was sixteen years old. After that sad event in his life, he went to work for a farmer in the neighborhood, and was with him a year. Going then to Madison County, he worked for several years for and with Dave Saltzer, going into the cattle business with him, and from 1837 until 1842 he traded in stock, driving cattle from Illinois to Lancaster, Pa., where he found a good market for them. In that way, he accumulated considerable property. January 22, 1842, he was married to Miss Polly, daughter of Col. Samnel Harrod, an early pioneer farmer of Stokes Township, Madison County, who came here from Kentucky. The latter was quite a conspicuous figure in the public life of the county, holding the office of Justice of the Peace and other offices. He served in the War of 1812 under Gen. Harrison, and rose to the rank of Colonel. He died in 1856 and his wife in 1868. They had six children, of whom Mrs. Carr is the youngest and the only sur- vivor. She is a most exemplary woman and the best of wives and mothers. Her marriage with our subject has been hallowed to them by the birth of nine children, all of whom are living. The eldest is Matilda Ann, wife of William Thornton, of
Madison County. Salathiel, who lives on his fa- ther's farm, and who took part in the war as a volunteer in the expedition against Morgan, the rebel raider; he enrolled in Union Township when the draft was made in 1864. Elijah S., who is in the grocery business at Millidgeville; Ellen, wife of Elan Thornton, who lives in this
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township; David, a resident of Union Township, residing near his father's farm; Amanda, wife of Henry Worrel, a blacksmith at Bloomsburgh; May, the wife of Noah Baughn, a farmer of Greene County, and Susanna and Jesse Sherman, who make their home with their parents.
After his marriage. Mr. Carr returned to his old home, taking possession of it March 13, 1842, and has lived here ever since, making many fine im- provements that have greatly increased the value of the place since it came into his hands. The buildings are of a substantial order, and the one hundred and thirty-one acres of land comprising its area are under a good state of cultivation, and well drained by tiles, of which there are several miles on the farm. He has dealt in cattle, and in 1847 drove a herd of cattle over the moun- tains to dispose of them at Lancaster, Pa., and again in 1850 he made the same trip for the same purpose. He has often been called to take an ac- tive part in the administration of public affairs, and throughout his career as an office-holder has pre- served an incorruptible name, and has ever acted for the best interests of township or county. In 1856, he was elected Assessor and held that office for the long period of twenty years. He was Cor- oner of the county for one term and was Trustee for a number of years, and is now serving his second term as Director of the Fayette County Infirmary and is President of the Board. He has been prom- inent in local politics, and was a Whig in the olden days, casting his first vote for Gen. Harri- son, of Tippecanoe fame, while his last vote was cast for that old hero's grandson, the Gen. Harri- son of to-day. The Republican party has found in him a faithful member since he joined its ranks.
ACOB J. STOUT was born in Washington Township, Pickaway County, September 24, 1827, and in after years was one of its most valued citizens. taking an active part in the development of its rich agricultural resources, and through the influence of an exemplary life helping to elevate its moral and religious status. Ilis fa-
ther, who was also named Jacob, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he came in a very early day of the settlement of Pickaway County, and was one of the original pioneers of Washington Town- ship, where he cleared and improved a farm, on which he dwelt in peace and comfort until his death in 1840. Ile was the father of fourteen chil- dren, of whom seven are living.
The subject of this brief biographical notice was reared to the life of a farmer on the old home- stead, and adopted that vocation when he arrived at years of discretion for his life work. After his marriage, when he was twenty-two years old, he and his bride took up their abode on the farm in his native township, which he afterward purchased, and where their entire wedded life was passed, and upon which his wife is still living. He had one hundred and eighty-six acres of good land, which under his care and excellent management became one of the best farms in the vicinity. He erected a substantial set of buildings, including a fine brick house, and had every desirable modern improve- ment.
Our subject died July 21, 1891, and a busy and honored life was brought to a close, and a good man passed to his reward. He was greatly missed, not only by the members of his own household, by whom he was beloved as a devoted husband and tender father, but by the entire community, among whom he had always lived in the most friendly re- lations. He was a truly religious man, and a highly esteemed member of the German Reformed Church, of which he was at one time Deacon. In politics, he adhered to the Democratic party.
The marriage of Mr. Stout with Miss Elizabeth Wanamacher was solemnized July 14, 1849, and for more than forty years they walked hand in land in a true union, in which they were abun- dantly blessed with children, seven in number, as follows: Samuel, deceased; Catherine, William, Susannah, Noah, Emanuel, and Jacob A., the latter a physician at Columbus.
Mrs. Stout was born in Berks County, Pa., March 9, 1830, to Jacob and Catherine (Steme) Wanamacher, who were also Pennsylvanians. They came to Ohio in 1830, when their daughter, of whom we write, was but a few months old, and they be-
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came pioncers of Piekaway County, locating first in Salt Creek Township, and after a year's time coming to Washingon Township, where he followed farming the rest of his days, dying here at the age of seventy years, while his wife was sixty-three years old when she died. He was a member of the Reformed Church, and she of the Lutheran, both being sincere Christians. Three of their five chil- dren are yet living. Mrs. Stout is a very pleasant, intelligent lady, who is deservedly held in high es- teem. She belongs to the German Reformed Church, and her name is associated with its good works.
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G EORGE MICHEL, who is engaged in the manufacture of tile and also has a harness store in Mt. Sterling, is an enterprising and successful business man, who by his own ef- forts has worked his way upward to a position of prosperity. He was born in York County, Pa., April 24, 1851, and is a son of John George and IIelena (Stine) Michel, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to America at the age of eighteen, and the mother crossed the At- lantic in her maidenhood. They were united in marriage in York County, Pa., and when our subject was two years old removed to Franklin County, Ohio. The father followed farming. In the family were thirteen children, and six sons and six daughters are still living, and all reside in Ohio. The eldest child died at the age of cigh- teen.
George Michel spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads. His educational ad- vantages were limited. At the age of sixteen, he began to work in a tile factory in Franklin County, and was in the employ of one man for seven years. He then had charge of a tile fac- tory for a year, after which he returned to his fa- ther's farm and started one of his own. After operating it for a year, he sold out to his father and spent the succeeding year in burning tile in four different yards. He became an expert in this line and during that season made considerable money. He then went to Spring Hill, Madison
County, and purchased a half-interest in a tile factory, but at that place lost all he had. Com- ing to Mt. Sterling, he entered into partnership with two men, and again embarked in business for himself. This connection continued for one year, when our subject sold out and established another factory within the corporation limits. That was in 1881. He has since carried on busi- ness alone, and has met with excellent snecess. Ilis annual sales now amount to $3,000.
On the 3d of October, 1878, Mr. Michel mar- ried Miss Zilpha Kraner, who was born in Frank- lin County, Ohio. Their union has been blessed with five children, four of whom are still living, three sons and a daughter: Clara was born Janu- ary 3, 1880; Albert, January 14, 1885; George, January 31, 1890; and Iloward, April 21, 1892. Leona, born June 3. 1883, died November 18, 1888. Mr. Michel and his wife are well and favor. ably known in this community. He is independ- ent in politics, preferring to vote for the man whom he thinks best qualified for the office, re- gardless of party affiliations. He held the office of Councilman for two years, and is a straight- forward business man, enterprising and progres- sive, and his efforts have been crowned with snc- cess. Mrs. Michel's father was W. R. Kraner, born June 10, 1830, in Franklin County, Ohio. IIe was married, August 14, 1851, to Susan N. Stevenson, who was born November 8, 1829. Slie died November 6, 1886. There were thirteen children in the family, of whom six are living.
LFRED CARTMILL. This name will be at once recognized as that of one of the leading and influential citizens of Madison County. He is at present residing on a pleasant estate in Fairfield Township, and during his residence here has filled various official posi- tions, and in each, by his ready tact and sound common sense, has shown his capability and fitness for the trust reposed in him.
William and Isabel (Ferguson) Cartmill, the parents of our subject, were natives of Virginia,
JOSEPH STEELE.
NANCY STEELE.
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and on coming to Madison County about 1825, located in what is now Oak Run Township. They became the parents of seven children, and departed this life in Pike Township. He of whom we write was born in Franklin County, this State, July 9, 1819, and has made his home in this county since a small boy. The lady to whom he was married bore the maiden name of Catherine Keller; she departed this life in the fall of 1861. February 22, 1865. Mr. Cartmill was again married, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Margaret Freeman, who was born September 9, 1837, also in Franklin County. To them were granted the following chil- dren: Willie, Clyde, Rosa, Marcia, Gaile F., M. Dell, and Alfred P. Willie and Rosa died in infancy, and Clyde is the wife of William Neff.
The original of this sketch received his educa- tion in the schools, that afforded very good oppor- tunities for all who were studionsly inclined, and when ready to adopt his vocation, he chose the life of a teacher, and among that class in his community he earnestly pursned his work as one of the best for nineteen years. Later, he en- gaged in the mercantile business in Franklin and Pickaway Counties for two years, and then be- came an agriculturist, in which calling he has been more than ordinarily successful. Ilis farm is a goodly tract of land, which by means of in- telligent cultivation produces excellent crops, and his residence, which is a fine brick structure, is supplied with every comfort and many of the conveniences which belong to modern farm life.
As before stated, Mr. Cartmill has been the in- cumbent of the positions of Justice of the Peace and Township Clerk, and has always taken an active part in local affairs, voting with the Re- publican party. Ile owns at the present time seven hundred acres of land, and we think that too much praise can scarcely be given to him who, after years of toil, is at last enabled to rest secure from want in his pleasant home and blessed by the love of a devoted wife and children.
The parents of Mrs. Cartmill were Reuben and Emza Chaffin, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Cart- mill is a most estimable lady and in her own person- ality there are shown strength of character and no- bility of purpose, such as stamp her as a superior
woman. She is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church at Big Plain. Mareia is a graduate of the Grandville Female Academy. Gaile is at- tending the same school, where she expects to graduate.
OSEPHI STEELE. In the untimely death of Joseph Steele, Pickaway County lost one of her well-known and valued citizens, whose force of character and enterprise were potent agents in building up the stock business and extending the agricultural interests of this section, where he owned and operated a large and well-equipped farm, located in Pickaway Town- ship, and dealt extensively in stock of all kinds.
Mr. Steele was born in Fairfield County, August 7, 1823, a son of John and Sarah (Smith) Steele, who were Pennsylvanians by birth, and had come to Ohio in an early day of its settlement and re- claimed a farm from the forests. His father died in 1851 near Perry, in Hocking County, and his mother in February, 1865. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom six grew to maturity, and one is still living. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Steele, who was of Irish ex- traction, was a prominent lawyer at Carlisle, Pa.
Our subject's educational advantages were limited, but he attended school whenever oppor- tunity offered. He remained with his parents un- til he became of age, and under wholesome pioneer influences grew to a strong, self-reliant manhood. When his father and mother became old, he cared for them and looked after their inter- ests. Soon after his marriage, he moved to Ross County, where he rented land and farmed for several years. He finally purchased a farm in Perry Township, that county, and began dealing in stock, gradually working up an extensive and lucrative business. In 1866, having sold his prop- erty in Ross County, Mr. Steele came to Pickaway County, and after renting for a short time in Pickaway Township, bought the farm now owned by his widow. He continued to deal in stock, en- larging his business and becoming one of the
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largest shippers in this neighborhood. His farm, which contains three hundred and thirty-five acres of choice land, all lying in a body, and watered by Kinnickinnick Creek, is a valuable estate, upon which he made good improvements regardless of costs.
Our subject entered upon his independent career with no means, and made his way through life unaided, furnishing to the community an ex- ample of a self-made man, whose sagacity, sound sense and excellent business qualifications placed him high among the solid citizens of his town- ship. He did not take an active part in politics, but he gave his allegiance to the Republican party. In his social relations, he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was greatly missed far beyond the home circle at the time of his death, January 16, 1889, for he had many tried and true friends.
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