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 53

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 53
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 53
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 53


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L EWIS SCOTHORN. The son of a pioneer, and a pioneer himself, this venerable oc- togenarian. familiarly and affectionately known as "Uncle Lewis," is distinguished in the annals of Pickaway County as one of its oldest native-born sons now living within its borders. For more than half a century he has been closely connected with the growth and material interests of Walnut Township, as one of its most skillful carpenters for many years, and also as a successful farmer, who has developed one of its most desirable farms.


Our subject was born in the township mentioned, January 31, 1812, a son of Lewis and Anna (Toll- man) Scothorn. His father was a native of Scot- land, while it is supposed that his mother was born in Virginia. In 1804. his father came to Ohio with


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his family on horseback with three pack horses, and they were among the first to settle in Walnut Township and Pickaway County, taking up their home in the woods, where the howls of the wolves disturbed their slumbers at night, and the wild game that was plentiful furnished a grateful ad- dition to their rather scanty fare. Indians still lived here, and there were but few traces of the coming civilization. The father of our subject was a hard worker, and devoted his energies to clear- ing a farm, but he finally succumbed to the hard- ships of pioneer life and died in 1816. He had been twice married, and but two of his children are known to survive, our subject and his brother John, the latter being a resident of Ft. Scott, Kan.


Uncle Lewis Scothorn was reared to man's es- tate amid the rude environments of frontier life, growing with the growth of the county, and always making his home in Walnut Township. Ile re- mained on the farm on which he was born until he was twenty-one, and then began to work at the trade of a carpenter, which he pursued for many years, being in great demand on account of his ability in that line. He has built some thirty-two barns, and innumerable houses and other buildings. He was especially noted for his expertness in hand- ling the broad-axe, and in scoring and hewing logs and timber. Ile was also interested in farming, and had a farm which he rented until his sons be . came large enough to manage it. Ile has built three sawmills for himself at different times, and operated them with water power. In the fall of 1847, he settled on his present farm, upon which he has dwelt in comfort and contentment ever since. Ile erected a substantial and well-arranged brick house, and has made various other improve- ments that have greatly increased the value of the farm since it came into his possession. His land is one hundred and twenty acres in extent, and is well tilled and very productive.


Our subject was married December 5, 1833, to Miss Susanna Westenhaver, a sister of Emanuel Westenhaver, of whom a sketch appears in this work. May 22, 1851, the marriage thus happily begun was ended by the death of the beloved wife, who left many sorrowing friends behind, and a family devoted to her memory. But two of the


ten children born of that union survive: William H. H. and George W., the latter a resident of Win- field, Kan., and a veteran of the late war, in which he served with honor four years. The . following are the children of our subject that died: Peter, Nancy, Eliza, Rebecca, Sophronia, Frances, Calvin, and one that died in infancy and was buried with its mother.


Our subject's son William resides on the farm with him, assisting him in its management, and he is a wide-awake, capable farmer. He is a sound Republican in politics, and everything that con- cerns his native county has great interest for him as a loyal and public-spirited citizen. He married Miss Fanny Moyer, and they have four children, whom they have named Calvin M., Cora D., Sam- uel L. and Fanny F.


"Uncle Lewis" is a typical pioneer, and among the many aged representatives of that class of citi- zens in Pickaway County, none is more honored or worthy than he. He received his education in the primitive log cabin school of old times, the one that he attended having at first a clapboard roof, which was later surmounted with shingles, and slabs served as seats, while the desks for writing were boards placed on wooden pins that had been put into holes bored into the log walls. He early began the struggle of life on his own ac- count, having to depend entirely on his own re- sources, and he has been very successful in ac- eumulating property that places him among the substantial citizens of his native township. He is an unqualified Republican in his politics, and has always heartily favored public progress.


E F. DUNN. The dry-goods and notion house par excellence of Circleville, or in fact in the whole Scioto Valley, is the spa- cious and handsome emporium of E. F. Dunn & Co. It is in all respects a leading and well-ap- pointed establishment where isalways displayed an unusually fine and very complete assortment of everything in the lines indicated, every depart-


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ment being replete with the latest novelties. The prices here quoted, too, are rock-bottom figures, yet no inferior goods are allowed to be placed in stock. patrons being assured of receiving honest value and satisfactory treatment in this deservedly pop- nlar store. Mr. Dunn is popular as a business man, and enjoys the unbounded confidence of all hav- ing dealings with him. He employs a number of courteous assistants, but keeps close personal su- pervision over every department.


Our subject was born in Geneva, N. Y., on the 18th of December, 1863, and inherits English blood from the paternal side of the house, his father, W. G. Dunn, being a native of Cambridge, England. When a boy, the latter came to the United States, located in New York City, and there learned the dry-goods business. Ile subsequently removed to Bellefontaine, Ohio, was in the dry- goods business there for some time, and then went to Geneva, where he continued in the same busi- ness for two years. After this, he returned to New York, settled in Rochester, but not long afterward went to Columbus, Ohio, where he built a brick block on High Street, and was engaged in business there for some time. He was very successful in all his business ventures, was reliable and energetic, and very popular wherever he located. He owns valuable city property, and is a substantial and progressive citizen. A member of the Second Presbyterian Church, he has been Trustee for some time, and is a liberal contributor to all laudable enterprises. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Cross, was born in Shaftesbury, England, but when a child was brought by her parents to the United States, and settled with them in New York. The father of our subject was twice married, and had two sons by his first union: James, in the dry- goods business in Columbus, and William, who is de- ceased. His second marriage to Miss Cross resulted in the birth of three children, of whom our subject is the youngest, the other two being Joseph and Florence.


E. F. Dunn was reared in Columbus, Ohio, from the age of five years, and attended the High School of that city until he graduated in 1880. Feeling the need of still further edueating himself. he en- tered Marietta College and graduated from the


scientific and philosophical course in 1884 with the degree of B. Ph. After this, he was engaged with his father in business until March, 1889, when he came to Circleville, and purchased a small stock here. This he has increased in every way, and is now the proprietor of one of the largest, finest and best selected dry-goods houses in the Seioto Val- ley. He is a sharp. shrewd business man, and is as popular in social as in business circles. Our subject was married in Circleville on the 2d of February, 1892, to Miss Florence Courtright, a native of Cir- eleville, Ohio, where she received the rudiments of an education, but later finished in Cincinnati. She is a refined and educated lady, and is well liked by all. She is a daughter of Judge S. W. Courtright, one of the county's prominent men. Mr. Dunn is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a stanch Republican in his political views.


OHN PANCAKE, who is known throughout Madison County as a man of more than or- dinary business enterprise and exceptional sagacity in money matters, has accumulated wealth by farming and stock-dealing on a large scale, and, still in the prime of life, is actively en- gaged in business, but now resides in his beau- tiful home that he has made for himself and his family on North Main Street, London.


Mr. Pancake was born in Stokes Township, this county, November 15, 1851, and is a son of Cephas and Nancy (Cooper) Pancake, who were also na- tives of this county, and spent their entire hves here. The father was born February 21, 1819, and died October 12, 1874; and the mother was born September 23, 1824, and died July 29, 1855. Both the Pancakes and the Coopers were early pioneer families of this State. Joseph Pancake, the pater- nal grandfather of our subject, who was a Virgin- ian by birth, came here at an early day, and at first located in Ross County. but not long thereafter, he removed to Madison County and cast in his lot with the frontiersmen who had preceded him, and in later years died on the farm that he had re- deemed from the virgin forest. He was born De-


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cember 18, 1789, and died September 15, 1853. He had six children: Isaac, Jesse and William, who were half brothers to James, Toland and Jane (Mrs. Johnson). He was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and was active in its up- building in this county.


The father of our subject was reared as a farmer and stock dealer in Range Township. He became very prosperous, and was one of the most promi- nent farmers of that township. He bought and sold stock extensively, and was known far and near as an exceedingly shrewd financier. In poli- ties, he favored the Democratic party, and had elear and sensible views on all topics of general in- terest. He was the father of six children by his marriage with the mother of our subject, of whom our subject is the only survivor. The others were Margaret, William, Mary .J., Thompson and David S. By his union with Miss C. V. Mahoy five other children were born: Joseph, Edwin B., Emma 1., Aquilla and Cephas P., of whom Emma and Aquilla are dead.


The subject of this biography was educated in the London schools. At the age of twenty years, he left home and took a trip Westward to prospect for any opening by which he might make a good start in life. He was unable to find anything suit- able, and returning home, he remained there until 1875, when he was married on the 9th of Decem- her to Miss A. L., daughter of Robert and Ann (Thomas) Rea, of London. Her father is one of the wealthiest men of the county, and is living re- tired in London.


After his marriage, Mr. Pancake engaged in farming on the old Rea homestead in Oak Run Township, where he remained until 1887. But prior to that he had purchased one hundred and fifty acres of the five hundred and forty acres of said farm, and the remainder of it his father-in- law gave to Mrs. Paneake. Besides this valuable property, Mr. Pancake has a good farm of ninety acres in the same township. He has three tenants on his farms, and from their rental derives a good income. Ile has always been a large cattle dealer, and has raised a great deal of stock, hiring some six hundred acres of land, besides employing his own for that purpose. He is still interested in


dealing in stock and doing a general farming busi- ness.


When he left the farm, in 1887, Mr. Pancake came to London and erected one of the best resi- dences within its precincts. It is of a handsome and tasteful style of architecture, is supplied with all the modern conveniences and improvements, is elegant in its appointments, and its attractiveness is enhanced many fold by the unostentatious and gracious hospitality offered to all who eross its threshold by the amiable hostess and the courteous, genial host. Our subject and his wife stand high in social circles, their many fine qualities of head and heart attracting to them many warm friends, and the Episcopal Church finds in them two of its most devoted members, who contribute generously of their means to forward its every good work. Mr. Pancake is an uncompromising Democrat, and is well informed in politics, both local and national. He has held the offices of Treasurer and Trustee of Oak Run Township, and is classed among the men who take a genuine interest in all that con- cerns their community, and are an honor to the citizenship of their native county.


R ATHER M. M. MEARA, Pastor of St. Jo- seph's Catholic Church at Circleville, is a gentleman of broad theological and classi- cal education, who has won the highest esteem both of his parishioners and the entire community. The church and school under his charge occupy a most beautiful site on the highest point of the histori- cal mounds of archæological times, which, if pre . served, would have been of inestimable value. The Catholic Church was fortunate in securing the land with a clear title, and on the site where the old mound-builders no doubt held their religious ser- vices, a congregation now worships in an elegant edifice.


Father Meara was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Oc- tober 25, 1850. His father, Stephen Meara, was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and emigrated to America when a young man, spending a few years


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in Quebec, and removing thence to Boston. At St. Mary's Church, on Bunker Hill, he was mar- ried to Miss Ellen Meagher, who, like himself, was a native of County Tipperary, and came to Amer- ica with her uncle. Six children were born of the union, our subject being the eldest.


The first recollections of our subject are of the city of Columbus, whither he was brought by his parents when about two years old. Ile received the rudiments of his education at St. Patrick's School, and in 1866 entered St. Mary's Seminary at Cincinnati, where he studied for four years in the classical course, afterward spending about the same number of years in the study of theology and philosophy. In May, 1874, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Rosecrans.


Immediately after he was ordained, Father Meara became Rector of the Cathedral at Colum- bus, and his labors in its behalf were so arduous and ceaseless that his health failed, and he was compelled to spend one year in travel through the Western States. With strength renewed and health invigorated, he returned to his chosen field of work, and spent two years with the congregation at Columbus. He came from there to Circleville in April, 1882, and at once noticed the magnifi- cent possibilities for the establishment of a school here. With him, to think was to act, and it was not long ere plans were made, funds were raised, and the handsome buildings erected. The school was opened in September, 1885, and has proved Father Meara's foresight and wisdom, for the at- tendance averages two hundred pupils, and the course of study is practical and thorough.


A modern style of architecture was used in the construction of the building, which contains twelve school rooms, large corridors, broad stairways, and was erected at a cost of about $20,000. It is heated with hot air, well ventilated, and lighted by elec- tricity. Six Sisters of Charity are employed as teachers, and the diplomas awarded the graduates are worthy of any school in the State. In addi- tion to these labors, Father Meara has recently had the church refrescoed and remodeled at a cost of $1,000, and it is now conceded to be one the most beautiful structures in Ohio.


Since his connection with the church at Circle-


ville, Father Meara has introduced many new fea- tures into its various departments of work, and possesses the happy faculty of winning the friend- ship and co-operation of all with whom he comes in contact. Ile is progressive in his ideas, forcible and vigorous in his language, liberal in his views, and has that deep sympathy with humanity which adds to his influence among his parishioners.


6 HEODORE W. MILLER, of London, is the largest dealer in dry-goods, carpets, cloaks and fancy goods in this city, and he is also Postmaster at this point, receiving his appointment from President Cleveland, and still continuing to hold the office on account of his manifest fitness for the place, and of his general popularity.


Urbana, in Champaign County, is the native place of our subject, and there he was born Jan- uary 24, 1844, into the household of Abram and Harriet Minshall, natives respectively of Virgina and Ohio. When he was a small child, he was de- prived of a mother's tender care by her untimely death in 1847. She left one child beside himself, his sister Ellen, now Mrs. S. R. Morris, of Fayette County. The father of our subject was a wagon- maker, and for some years carried on his trade at Midway, where his wife died. Ile continued to manufacture wagons for some years longer in that town, and then engaged in hotel-keeping there un- til 1882. He became well known as mine host, and was a favorite with the traveling public. In the year mentioned, he came to London, retiring from business, and afterward removed to Toledo, where he is living with his daughter, Mrs. Fisher, and at the age of seventy-four is serenely awaiting life's great end, with the ealm faith of a true Chris- tian. His life has been guided by high principles, and he has always espoused every good cause that would in his judgment benefit the community. Thus he is a champion of temperance reform, and belongs to the Prohibition party, in politics. Re- ligiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and was a Trustee of the same. His wife also belonged to that church.


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Our subject is of mixed German and English blood, his father descending from the Germans, and his mother of the Anglo-Saxon stock. He was carefully educated in the schools of Midway, this county, and received a good home training that has had a wholesome influence on his after life. He remained with his father until he was eighteen years old, and then the brave, patriotic youth determined at all hazards to take part in the great war that was then waging between the North and the South, and enlisted in Company K, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, and during the three long and trying years that followed, he displayed steadfast courage, true fortitude in the most des- perate situations, and an unfaltering loyalty to his country that led him to suffer and sacrifice much for its sake, and no member of his regiment proved a more valiant and efficient soldier than he. The first battle in which he fought was at Richmond, where he was taken prisoner, but he was subsequently exchanged, and he did good ser- vice at Vicksburg, when that city was besieged, and was an active participant in numerous other engagements. His last battle was that of Briee's Cross Roads, in Mississippi, where he was again captured by the rebels, who sent him to Anderson- ville, and he endured all the horrors of that prison for ten months, being barely alive when he at last left it, weighing sixty pounds less than when he entered its doors, and going out therefrom in 1865 a mere wreck of his former vigorous consti- tution.


Returning home after his bitter experiences of military life, as soon as he was able our subjeet en- tered a commercial college at Columbus, that he might better fit himself for a business life. After leaving college, he engaged in the grocery trade at Midway, continuing therein until 1870, when he elosed out his stock at a good profit, and, coming to London, took a position as a elerk with John Kinney, with whom he remained until that gentle- man's death in 1887. He aeted as his book-keeper, and during the last three years carried on the busi- ness, as Mr. Kinney was out of health.


Mr. Miller bought his old employer's stock of goods after the latter's decease, and is still earry- ing on the business, which he is constantly enlarg-


ing, as he is a man of marked enterprise, under- stands fully the demands of the trade, is prompt to take advantage of the money market, and, in buying always the best at the most reasonable rates, is enabled to sell at moderate prices, and, as he is invariably courteous and honorable in his deal- ings, has secured a large custom. His establish- ment is complete in its appointments, and he em- ploys six elerks, who are attentive to the wants of the customers, and are obliging and well trained. The postoffice is also well conducted under our subject's keen supervision, and three faithful clerks are employed to do the work. Mr. Miller is one of the standard-bearers of the Democratic party in this county, and as a Mason and member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he is promi- nent in social circles. He is actively identified with whatsoever tends to elevate the moral and re- ligious status of the community, and is one of the foremost members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is Trustee.


Mr. Miller's domestie relations are of the pleas- antest, as he has found a congenial companion and devoted wife in Margaret Fisher, to whom he was married in 1868. Their marriage has been hal- lowed to them by the birth of two children: Fay K., a student at Columbus; and Ercell. Mrs. Miller was a native of this county, and a daughter of Isaac B. and Elizabeth (Jefferson) Fisher. Her fa- ther was a large farmer and stockman. Mrs. Miller departed this life February 22, 1892.


OHIN W. O'DAY. The gentleman of whom it is our pleasure and privilege to here give a short biographical sketch is a repre- sentative farmer and stock-raiser, located in Pleasant Township, Madison County. He was born on the old home farm in Pleasant Township, June 18, 1860, his parents being Henry and Eliza- beth (O'Day) O'Day, also natives of this county.


Our subject grew to manhood on the home farm, attending the district schools during the winter, and began life on his own responsibility when twenty years of age. Being naturally a


Janus Roules.


Mary A. Rader


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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


461


good judge of stock, he was engaged by his brother in buying and selling cattle for a number of years. Ile was married January 4, 1883, to Miss Harriet Elizabeth Busick, of Range Town- ship, Madison County. She was the daughter of Elijah W. and Rachel (Reece) Bnsick, and was born in 1865.


He of whom we write was the fifth in order of birth of a family of six children, of whom four are still living: Elijah lives in London, Ohio, where he is engaged in the stock business; Mary married W. N. Olney, and makes her home in Indianapolis, Ind .; Harley is a soldier in the regular army. The eldest son, Scott, died in infancy, as also did Celia. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Day have been born two children: Elijah, Jr., who had his birth November 20, 1883, and Edna Maria, November 14, 1887.


In his political relations, our subject is a Demo- crat, as was his father before him. Ilis estate com- prises two hundred and two acres, which his industry and good management have placed under a high state of cultivation. As before stated, he is engaged in stock-raising, and reaps quite a handsome return from this branch of agriculture.


AMES RADER is one of the principal far- mers and stockmen of Pickaway County, and has extensive farming and stock inter- ests in Pickaway Township. The large tract of land owned by him lies in the middle of the famous Pickaway Plains, one of the most his- torical spots in the State, and it includes the most of the original farm on which stands the noted Logan Elm, the south line of his lands extending to within three hundred yards of this ancient tree, beneath whose branches Logan, Chief of the Min- gos, made his renowned speech in 1774, at the time Lord Dunmore, then Royal Governor of Vir- ginia, concluded the treaty of peace, whereby the great Northwest Territory was thrown open to the white man. Here stood Squawtown and Indian Village, where some fighting was done in the past.


22


Mr. Rader is a native of Pike County, this State, and was born December 8, 1839. His father was Adam Rader, a Virginian by birth and a farmer by occupation. When he was twenty-three years okl, he came to Ohio to cast in his fortunes with the early settlers of Pike County, and here entered land, which he subsequently improved into a good farm. The country was sparsely settled as to its white population, but Indians were numerous and there was plenty of wild game. He lived to see the county quite well developed and populous, dy- ing in 1867, and thus passed away one of the most respected pioneers of his community. Ile was active in religious work as well as in material interests, was a most worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was of a quiet, retiring disposition, kindly, gentle and considerate in his intercourse with others, and always attended strictly to his own affairs, never meddling with anybody's else business. He started out in the woods without any means, but by his unremitting industry and excellent business talent, he acquired a valuable property, and at the time of his death, he had six hundred acres of choice land.




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