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 50
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 50
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 50
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Levi Rowe, the subject of this biographical record, was born August 30, 1818, in the house that his father had built on Little Wabash Creek. He was given fair educational advantages, obtain- ing his first knowledge of books in the local dis- trict schools, then went to the schools of Washing-
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ton C. H., and completing his education at South Salem, and by a subsequent course in a seleet school. In 1841, he entered the profession of a teacher, for which he was admirably qualified, both by learning and by a natural tact or skill in impart- ing knowledge. He carried the highest grade cer- tificate in the county, and taught all the branches required in the public or high schools. He was engaged at his vocation some fifteen years during the winter terms, and he also did quite a business as a practical surveyor.
When he was twenty-nine years old, our sub- ject's father gave him a farm of one hundred acres, which he improved himself. September 30, 1849, he moved onto the place, and staid there a short time. In the fall of 1850, he took up his residence on a farm of one hundred acres adjoining his other farm, which he had purchased, and he remained on this last farm until 1874. In that year he came to Washington C. II. to live, having built there a handsome and commodious residence, one of the finest in the city, on the cor- ner of Washington Avenue and Elm Street, No. 505, and here he is very pleasantly spending his deelining years. He is a man of independent views, of much true culture, and is well informed. In politics, he was formerly a Democrat, but for the past few years he has voted without regard to party.
During the late war, Mr. Rowe enlisted in the army, but served only a short time, when he was discharged on account of deficiency in sight caused from taking cold by exposure while in camp near Cincinnati, Ohio. He has in his possession an hon- orable discharge. His habits are temperate, and he has never tasted tobacco, nor has he ever seen the inside of a saloon. For many years he was a con- spicuous figure in public life, holding various im- portant local offices. He was Assessor of Concord Township from 1845 until 1856, and then was elected Township Clerk, which position he held with entire satisfaction to all concerned, until he was obliged to give it up in 1867, on account of losing his sight from a cataract on one of his eyes. He is faithful to the religion so dear to his father and grandfather, is a conscientious and upright member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and gives liberally to its support.
Mr. Rowe was married September 9, 1849, to Eliza Ann David, in whom he has found a true companion and devoted wife. She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth David, who were pioneers of Ross County. Her venerable mother is living at the age of over ninety years. Her father was a carpenter, and contributed his share toward the advancement of Ross County. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have three children of their own and an adopted child, as follows: Oliver W. and Martha Elizabeth, who reside in Washington C. H .; Wesley II., who is manager and editor of the daily Herald, in Hunt- ingdon, W. Va .; and Rosa Arbella, the child of their adoption, who is married and lives in Los Angeles, Cal.
Since the preceding biographical sketch of the life of Levi Rowe was written, he has passed into that bourne whenee no traveler returns, leaving a sorrowing wife and children to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. He passed quietly away about 8 A. M., Tuesday, the 26th of July, 1892, aged seventy-three years, ten months and. twenty-six days. His death was unexpected, as he had been seen riding about the city two days before. An attack of cholera morbus, together with paralysis and the extreme heat, overpowered nature, and death came quickly. Ile was a large, portly, fine-looking man, very active, and appeared much younger than his years would indicate. He had a vein of good-humor and wit, and was full of life at all times, and on all occasions. His suf- ferings were great during Sunday and Monday, but he was never heard to murmur or complain, but was frequently noticed earnestly engaged in prayer, and maintained his cheerful disposition until he became unconscious. He has fought life's battle, and his familiar voice is now hushed forever. The funeral services took place at 4 o'clock, Thurs- day, July 28, 1892, from the residence, and were conducted by the Rev. Franklin MeElfresh, pastor in charge of the Methodist Church, the church so dear to the departed. The Rev. Mr. McElfresh was assisted by the Rev. E. IF. Dixon, an old family friend, of Washington C. H., and the Rev. D. C. Thomas, a former pastor here, now of Delaware, Ohio; also Charles Vanpelt, of Leesburgh, Ohio, who has been a life-long friend of Mr. Rowe and
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family. The remains were then followed to their last resting place by a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends, there to sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, in the "windowless palace of rest."
The following verses were written in memory of Mr. Rowe, by his daughter, Mrs. M. E. R. Cahill: Husband and father dear, O, how we miss thee, Since thou art torn from our embrace; But again we hope to meet thee
And behold thy radiant face.
Thou knowest well we would not bid thee Stay with us another day, When the loving Savior's calling You from earth to heaven away.
Do not think we do not love thee! That we shed no tears of pain, When we know that we are parting, Ne'er on earth to meet again.
Honest, faithful, cheerful ever Are the deeds sweet memories tell, And they give us peace and comfort, Bid us say that "all is well."
Life at best is full of trials, And of these you had your share; Never murmuring, ne'er complaining, Trying hard these ills to bear.
Fain would we our lives continue Like thine, ever running smooth; For our love, our admiration Of thee, father, thus to prove.
May the stars above watch o'er us, May the moon well light our way; May our God protect and keep us, Is our prayer from day to day.
In connection herewith will be noticed a litho- grahic portrait of Mr. Rowe.
IRAM COOK. In reviewing the leading business houses of Circleville, prominent mention is due the large establishment un- der the personal supervision and owner- ship of Mr. Cook. The book and stationery store with which his name has been identified for many years consists of a building 22x75 feet in dimen-
sions, and supplied with a complete stock of wall paper, glass, stationery, the latest news and period- icals, etc. In the basement, frame mouldings are manufactured, and considerable attention is also given to decorating. Ile furnishes the public library with periodicals, and is widely known as one of the most enterprising business men of Cir- cleville.
March 7, 1835, Mr. Cook was born in Schuyl- kill County, Pa., and many happy hours during his boyhood days were passed on the banks of the beautiful river near his home, in whose clear waters he was accustomed to bathe and swim. Ile is the grandson of a German who emigrated from the Fatherland to Pennsylvania, where his father, George, was born. The latter engaged as a farmer, both in his native State and in Ross County, Ohio, whither he moved in 1846. He farmed upon rented land for a short time, and afterward moved to the village of Adelphi, where he died in 1863, at the age of sixty-three years. Ile was an old- line Whig, politically, and in his religious views was identified with the Evangelical Church. His wife, who was known in maidenhood as Elizabeth Himrod, was born in the Keystone State, and died in Ross County in 1881.
The family circle was completed by the birth of six children, who lived to mature years, and five are now hving, our subject being third in the or- der of birth. A brother, Amos, who now resides in Circleville, enlisted in 1864 as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and served for four months. Hiram Cook resided in Pennsylvania until he was eleven years old, and in 1846, moved to Ohio by canal, and on arriving at the Allegheny Mountains, the canal boats were put on trucks and drawn over the mountains by means of endless chains and stationary engines; thence by canal to Chillicothe, and from that vil- lage to his father's farm, where he assisted in till- ing the soil. He remained at home until he was twenty-one, although for two years previous to that time he was engaged by David D. Faust, who was a cattle drover, in driving cattle over the mountains to New York. Each trip would require two months, and some of his experiences were of a most peculiar and thrilling nature.
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At the age of twenty-one our subject formed a partnership with his brother in the carpenter's trade, and coming to Circleville in 1859, engaged in contracting and building. At the first tap of the drum, he enlisted in the Thirteenth Regiment, and organized a band, which was ordered to Camp Dennison, and was present at many important en- gagements, including Bridgeport and Chapel Hill. At the latter place the band was mustered out under order of the War Department to dis- band all regimental bands. About that time, Mr. Cook became very ill, and whenhe recovered, at the expiration of ten months, he enlisted as bugler in the Union Light Guard, Seventh Ohio Indepen- dent Cavalry, the date of his enlistment being December, 1863, and acted as escort to President Lincoln. Mr. Cook became personally acquainted with that famous man, and also enjoyed the friendship of many prominent citizens of Wash- ington. When the President was assassinated, Mr. Cook with his bugle called the company to Ford's Theatre, which they reached within seven minutes after the call. The body guard escorted the re- mains to the White House, and were in the pro- cession which followed them to the grave. After- ward, they continued to act as the body guard of President Johnson until they were mustered out in September, 1865.
At the close of the war Mr. Cook returned to Circleville, and for a few years followed the trade of a carpenter. In 1870, he moved to Columbus, where he embarked in the business as a sash, door and blind manufacturer, in partnership with Fred Wedon and John Shannon. In 1873, he returned to Circleville, where he bought out the news- stand of George R. Miller, in the post-office. His trade increased to such an extent that he was compelled to remove to an adjoining store, which was more commodious, and there he transacted an extensive and lucrative business. He located at his present place in 1886, and has since been con- stantly enlarging his stock and increasing his trade. For a time he was in partnership with II. E. Miller, under the firm name of II. Cook & Com- pany, but since the fall of 1889 has been alone.
The pleasant residence of our subject on Mound Street, is presided over by a lady of culture and
refinement, to whom he was married in 1870, at Circleville. She was Belle, daughter of Henry Long, formerly proprietor of the Union House, but now retired. She was first married to Capt. David Mitchell, a member of the Forty-fifth Ohio Infantry, who died soon after the close of the War. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cook: Howard M. Mr. Cook is a prominent member of the Soldiers' Monumental Association of Circleville, the organization which built Memo- rial Hall. He is a charter member of Groce Post No. 156, G. A. R., and, as might be expected, is a true-blue Republican. Mrs. Cook is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is highly esteemed in the social circles of the city.
R OBERT A. ROBINSON, Cashier of the Peo- ple's and Drovers' Bank, in Washington C. II., has been connected with this prominent financial institution since 1878, the year of its organization, prior to which time he had for ten years served efficiently as Cashier of the old First National Bank. In this city, where he was born and reared, and where his life has been thus far passed, he has always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and has become well and fav- orably known as a man of the most unflinching in- tegrity and probity of character, while he is also devoted to the welfare of the community.
The childhood home of our subject was on the southeast corner of Court and Main Streets, in Washington C. H., where he was born May 28, 1829. His father, Robert Robinson, was one of the pio- neers of Southern Ohio and was in Fayette County at the time of the first sale of lots here, in 1809. When a young man, he had removed from his na- tive place, Washington County, Pa., to Ross County, Ohio, and while a resident of that county participated in the War of 1812. Soon after its close, he removed to Washington C. H. and became one of the first members of the Bar in the village, of which he was a prominent citizen until his death, December 11, 1852. He was influential in
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getting the first railroad in the place, being one of its incorporators, and taking an active part in rais- ing the funds to build the old Muskingum Valley Railroad.
Mr. Robinson, Sr., was three times married, his first wife being Rebecca Robinson; his second wife was Mary Miller, from Lancaster, Ohio. After her death, he was united in marriage with Lucy Ann Dawson, who was born in Front Royal, Va., in June, 1828. They became the parents of seven children, of whom four still live, namely: our subject; Anna E., wife of Judge J. J. Harper, now of Washington C. HI .; Maria A., who married Judge George Gardner, of Hillsborough, Ohio; and James P., who has been County Auditor for twenty years. The wife and mother survived her husband many years, passing away May 25, 1883.
Although he received a practical education in the subscription schools common in an early day, our subject has gained his education principally hy experience and contact with people. He at- tended school three months each year until he was sixteen, after which he was engaged for a time in a woolen factory. Later, he became a clerk in a dry-goods establishment, where he remained until his marriage, March 19, 1850, to Miss Susan Holt. His next occupation was that of a drover and cattle dealer, and while thus engaged, it was his custom to drive cattle through to Philadelphia and New York. His longest drive was from Muscatine, Iowa, to Philadelphia, Pa., and consumed one hun- dred and ten days.
In 1860, Mr. Robinson became interested in the first bank ever organized in Washington C. II., and served as book-keeper and teller until January, 1867, when he was elected Cashier of the First Na- tional Bank. Ile has been with that bank and its successors, the People's and Drovers' Bank, ever since the date of organization. January 1, 1892, he rounded out a quarter-century as Cashier, and has been in the banking business nearly half a century. He is also a stockholder and Director in the People's and Drovers' Bank.
Mr. Robinson was one of the original organizers and Directors of the People's Building and Loan Association, a prosperous institution, with an in- corporated capital of $1,000,000, and paying the
last time four and one-half per cent. semi-annual dividend. IIe has always been liberal in helping any organization or railroad that would be a benefit to the city. His real-estate interests are large and are principally centered in Washington C. H. Socially, he is an honored member of Fayette Lodge, Garfield Commandery, F. and A. M.
Mrs. Robinson is the daughter of William and Elizabeth Holt, old residents of Washington C. H., where she was born, her father being a member of the first City Council of Washington C. Il. in 1851. They have one child, Frank HI., who is one of the fin- est accountants in the county and is associated withi his father in the bank. It has been said that every man has his hobby, and certainly if there is any- thing in which Mr. Robinson is more deeply inter- ested and has done more to advance than any other citizen of Washington C. II., it is music. Since he was fifteen years old, he has had charge of the music of the city, and whatever musical talent has been developed here is due in a large measure to his efforts. Twice a week it is his custom to leave his business and visit the public schools in order to instruct and interest the children along the line of that art. He has also aided in the Sunday-school work, and in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member and Trustee. He is leader of the Music Club, which comprises the choir.
AMES S. PANCAKE, a substantial and en- terprising farmer and stock-raiser, residing in Range Township, Madison County, is a native of the locality which is still his home. He was born October 14, 1832. His father was born in Virginia, in 1789, came to Ohio in 1806, and served in the War of 1812, under Gen. Harrison. He was a pioneer farmer of Madison County, and here married Miss Jane Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to the county in 1812. They were both members of the Method- ist Church, and Mr. Pancake assisted in building the first Midway church and aided in organizing the first class at a log schoolhouse, a mile south of Midway, of which he was the first Class-leader.
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He also faithfully served as Trustee. Mr. Pancake was a self-made man, but by his own efforts won a competence. Ile came to this county at a day when the Indians were still plentiful and when deer were seen in large herds, and was numbered among its honored pioneers. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat and was a man firm in his con- victions of right and wrong. He was three times married. Four children of the first union grew to mature years and had families, and two are still living. By the third marriage, there were three children, but the eldest, Toland, died leaving one son, who bears his father's name and is now resid- ing in the West. Our subject's sister, Mrs. Jane Johnson, resides in Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio, and has six children.
J. S. Pancake remained on his father's farm until nineteen years of age, when he began clerk- ing in Midway. After two years, he formed a partnership with J. Q. Winshall, of London, and Samuel Withrow, and began business for himself. The connection continued for two years, after which Mr. Pancake established a store of his own and was alone in business for about two years. About this time, he was married to Miss Elaenor W. Foster, their union being celebrated January 23, 1856. The lady was born near Danville, Ohio, January 23, 1837, and was married on her eigh- teenth birthday. Her parents were James and Margaret (Boyer) Foster. Her father owned about two thousand acres of land, and did not want our subject to follow merchandising, offering to give him a farm if he would abandon that occupa- tion, which Mr. Pancake did. He resided upon his farm for twenty-eight years and it is still his property. He has increased his landed possessions considerably since that time and now owns seven hundred and forty-one aeres of valuable land.
Unlike most of his family, Mr. Pancake is a Re- publican, having supported that party since he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. He has served as President of the Board of Education for a number of years but has never been an office- seeker, preferring to devote his entire time to his business interests and the enjoyment of his home. At the age of twenty-one, he became a member of the Methodist Church, to which all of his family
belonged. Ile lias been Class-leader and Steward for twenty-eight years and Recording Steward for twenty-seven years. He was Sunday-school Super- intendent for more than twenty years, and his labors in relation to the church have been pro- ductive of much good.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pancake were born three sons and two daughters: Jesse, who was born on a farm in Range Township, June 15, 1860, attended school in London, and pursued a course in book- keeping and banking in the Commercial College of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he was gradu- ated. Ile was then book-keeper in the Central Bank of London for several years, after which he went to Kansas, and invested his capital in town property at Greensburgh. After three months spent at that place, he became book-keeper and cashier for Sells Brothers, of Columbus, manufacturers and wholesale dealers in harness. Jennie, born in Range Township, May 2, 1864, is the wife of Dr. Edward Meade, of Midway, by whom she has one child. Ida Grace, born October 11, 1868, is the wife of Everett Beale, who resides near Mt. Sterl- ing, and has one child. Earl Foster was born De- cember 14, 1876, and Harford II. was born Oc- tober 20, 1879.
Mr. Paneake has been very successful in his business dealings. By industry, enterprise and good management, he has acquired a handsome property and become well-to-do. In 1883, he erected an elegant residence upon his farm. His home is one of the best places in the community, the land has been tiled, the fields are under a high state of cultivation and fine buildings have been erected.
ONAH MARCHANT. So many men in these days of large chances have made more than handsome competencies, after having started out in life with nothing, that such cases have ceased to be remarkable. The qual- ifications necessary, however, to bring about such success can never cease to be worthy of our admiration. He whose name we place at the open-
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ing of this sketch is one of the army of pushing, aggressive men who are never satisfied unless they can attain the highest position that can be aimed for.
Our subject is a son of William Marchant, de- ceased, who was born June 13, 1800, in Berkeley County, Va. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Smith, was born in Berkeley Va., September 16, 1805. She was the daughter of Isaac Smith, an early settler in Ohio, who passed through all the hardships which fell to the lot of the early settlers. Mrs. Marchant remembers hav- ing heard him tell of a single-handed conflict which he had with an Indian who had come to steal from him, the country at that time being in- fested with Indians.
William Marchant was bound out when a lad to a man by the name of Bell, a resident of Green- field, this State, to learn the trade of a blacksmith. After serving an apprenticeship of four years. he removed to Good Hope, where he carried on a shop on his own account. He was married, May 18, 1822, by Robert Waddle to the mother of our subject. The young couple then located on the old home farm in Perry Township, Fayette County, where, in addition to cultivating the soil, he prose- cuted his trade. The father died in 1866; the mother still survives and makes her home on the old farm. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living. In religious matters, they were identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Marchant was an official. He was very strict in his conduct throughout life, and in politics was a Whig in early life but later joined the ranks of the Republican party.
The original of this sketch was the fifth child of the parental family, his birth occurring on the old homestead July 27, 1831. He was educated in the little log schoolhouse of that day, which was furnished with slab seats, puncheon floor, etc. He remained at home until reaching his majority and when establishing a hearthstone of his own was married, December 28, 1854, to Maria A .. daughter of Thomas G. Johnson. Mrs. Marchant was born November 11, 1838, in Fayette County, and passed from this hfe September 10, 1872, after having become the mother of eight children, all
of whom, with one exception, are living. Thomas W. was born October 3. 1855; he married Victoria Dahl and makes his home in Washington C. H. They are the parents of one son. George W. was born September 12, 1857, and married Dora Klein by whom he became the father of two children; they are residing at the present time in South Dakota. Henry Curtis was born January 8, 1860, and resides in Kansas City, Mo. Eher C. was born August 20, 1862, married Ida Kleine, is the father of one child and lives in Marion, Iowa. Marcus Sager was born February 18, 1865, and re- sides in Dayton, this State; he married Miss Min- nie Patten by whom he has one child. Ora Etta is the wife of Elmer Patton and is the father of two children; he was born May 1, 1867, and re- sides at Washington C. II. Maude Marie, who was born October 23, 1869, is at home.
Jonah Marchant was again married. March 29, 1876, this time to Martha A., daughter of Nathan- iel P. and Maria (Heller) Sanders, the father born June 12, 1810, in Highland County, this State, and the mother March 27, 1806, in Virginia. The father of Mrs. Marchant was the son of Thomas Sanders, a striet Quaker. Ile was a well-educated gentleman and a practical surveyer. Ile also fol- lowed farming to some extent. Mr. Nathaniel Sanders died April 30, 1888. having been preceded to the better land by his good wife, who died Angust 27, 1876. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living. Mr. Sanders by a previous marriage had become the parent of two children, both of whom are living.
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