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 99
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 99
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 99
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Our subject spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm, and at the age of nineteen began working by the month. He was thus employed for three years, during which time he saved $300. He was married March 17, 1859, and then began
farming on rented land. By his industry and economy, four years later he was able to purchase one hundred acres of land in Monroe Township, Pickaway County. Subsequently, he purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres of land in Madi- son Township, Fayette County, and another tract of one hundred and seventy acres in Monroe Township, Pickaway County. Ilis first farm he has sold, but he still owns the other. As the years passed, he became interested in other business trans- actions and aided in organizing the first bank in Mt. Sterling. It became known as the Farmers' Bank. Mr. Jones served as Director for one year, three years after its organization was elected Vice-president and during the last two years be- fore it was closed was its President. Ile was one of ten who took equal shares and organized the present Farmers' Bank, of which he was elected President in 1891. One of the original stock- holders having died, the nine others purchased the interest and are still the only members of the company.
In 1884, Mr. Jones entered into partnership with W. M. Jones, as dealers in coal, grain, salt and grass seed. They handle an average of one hundred thousand bushels of corn each year, fifty thousand bushels of wheat, sell two hundred car loads of coal and 82,500 worth of grass seed. They are the only dealers in this line in Mt. Ster- ling and do a flourishing business, which is con- stantly increasing.
Mr. Jones cast his first vote for John C. Fre- mont, in 1856, and has since been a stalwart Re- publiean, doing all in his power for the advance- ment of the party. He has served for more than a quarter of a century as School Director and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend. He is also a warm advocate of temperance princi- ples and gives his aid to all enterprises calculated to prove of publie benefit. He is a member of the Masonie fraternity. and himself, wife and daugh- ters all belong to the Methodist Church, of which he is Steward, Class-leader and Trustec.
Six children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones as follows: Mary, who was born in Monroe Township, Pickaway County; Luella, wife of Er- nest Dreyfogle, of Darby Township, Pickaway
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County, by whom she has two children; Willis, a grain dealer of Darby, Ohio; Melinda, wife of Warner Beale. Cashier of the Citizens' Bank of Mt. Sterling, and Anna and Unity, who are still at home.
OHN O. BECKETT. We have here one of the most widely-known and popular young men in this section of Pickaway County, who is esteemed by the people at Commer- cial Point not only on account of his own ability and character, but also for the sake of his respected father. He is a prominent merchant and a mem- ber of one of the oldest families in the county and was born at Commercial Point, October 22, 1852.
The father, James A. Beckett, was born in Vir- ginia. in 1821, and was the son of Wiley H. Beckett, also a native of the Old Dominion, and one of a family of German descent. The grand- father came to Ohio in 1830, by wagon over the mountains, and first located in this township, one quarter of a mile west of the village, buying a small tract of timber land and settling in a log cabin, when there were few other settlers here and when wolves and deer were plentiful. He bought and developed considerable land, and at one time three hundred and eighty-six acres here and six- teen hundred aeres in the counties of Howell and Shannon, Mo. He died here at the age of eighty-five years, and although he began poor, had by hard work and good management attained a large and handsome property. This gain was made not by niggardliness nor by selfish methods of business, as he was noted for open-heartedness and his house was a home for everybody. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and one of its founders. In polities, he was first a Whig and later a Democrat.
The father of our subject, who was born in 1820. was only nine years old when he came to Ohio, and through his childhood he attended the primi- tive schools in the log schoolhouses. He farmed more or less during his life. and in 1814 estab- lished the merchandise business which our subject now carries on. In those early days, he used to go
on horseback to Springfield and thence take the cars for Cincinnati in order to buy goods. He enjoyed a very large trade and continued in this business up to the close of his life. He was a man of generous feelings and trusted poor customers even when he knew that in all probability they could never pay him. He owned one hundred and eighteen acres here and one hundred and sixty acres in Missouri.
For many years James A. Beckett was a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, and in political mat- ters he was a Democrat, and much interested in the welfare of his party. He held the offices of Township Treasurer for more than twenty-five years, beside some other minor offices, and was one of the founders of the Masonic order here. His death in 1884, at the age of sixty-four years, was esteemed a great loss to the community. His wife. Margaret, daughter of Anthony Coontz, a pioneer of this township. was born here in 1827. Of her five children fonr grew to maturity: Ella is now Mrs. Magley; Cornelia is Mrs. Durrett; the third child is John O .; Clara is Mrs. Peters. Lanra died at the age of three years. Their mother died at the age of fifty-nine, and she was greatly missed in social and church circles, in which she had been a valued member.
John O. Beckett was reared in the village of Commercial Point, gaining his education in the village school. At the age of seventeen, he en- tered the Columbus Business College, from which he graduated in 1878. After serving his father in the store more or less, he began in 1875 to clerk for a percentage of the profits, and after complet- ing his course in the Commercial College, he en- tered the business as a partner with his father, and brother-in-law, Mr. W. H. Magley. This partner- ship continued for three years at which time Mr. Magley withdrew, and the firm became Beckett & Son.
At the death of the father, the business was sold ont, but the son re-established it in 1886, and has since carried it on in a large three-story building which was built in 1881 by the father and son. The dimensions of the building are 24x50 feet, and the store occupies the two lower floors and cellar, beside occupying a large addition which has been
ـت
Robert N. Deyo
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built, and in which is found a stove and tin- ware department. The main stock is in dry-goods, groceries, hardware, clothing, hats. caps, boots, shoes and wall paper.
The marriage of Mr. Beckett and Miss Ermina Gray took place February 16, 1882. This lady was born in Scioto Township, January 16. 1856, and she is now the mother of four children : Miller, Clara, Ilazel and James. Mr. Beckett has fifty acres of improved land adjoining the town, and owns the whole of the block upon which his busi- ness is situated, with the exception of that eov- ered by the township building on the corner. Be- side this, he has a house and lot across the street from his store, and two other vacant lots. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and although he does not aspire to office, is a Democrat in his political views.
R OBERT H. DEYO. The gentleman whose portrait and life sketch we here present, be- longs to one of the oldest families of Piek- away County, occupies an important place among its foremost business men as an extensive dealer in grain, stock and wool, and is distinguished in its annals as one of the founders of the vil- lage of Derby, of which he is a resident.
Our subjeet was born October 9, 1835, in Madi- son County, his birthplace being just over the line from Palestine. His father, Jeremiah Deyo, was born in this State, on what is known as the Benja- min Renick farm, in Darby Township, in the year 1808. He was the son of Jonas Deyo, who was a native of New York. The father of the latter came to this country from France before the Revo- lution, and settled in the State of New York, where he was engaged as a farmer and miller, and at length died there at a good old age.
The grandfather of our subjeet was also a miller and a farmer. At an early day he came to Picka- way County, journeying thither in a wagon, and located north of Circleville, in the Scioto Valley, being among the first to settle in that region. He lived there a few years and then became a pioneer
of this township. where he bought a large tract of land. He subsequently sold it. and, moving to Harrisburgh, built what is yet known as the Cheno- weth Mill, on Darby Creek, this being the second mill erected on this stream. He operated it thirty years, and at the same time carried on farming ex- tensively, accumulating a valuable property, in- cluding five hundred acres of land. A stalwart, energetic man of surpassing ability and clear brain, he was positive in his opinions, and had a broad outlook on the world. In polities, he was an old- line Whig, and a Universalist in religion. He died at the age of seventy-two years, leaving behind him a life record of true manhood worthy of emu- lation.
Jeremiah Deyo was reared to the life of a farmer amid pioneer environments, and was educated in the primitive log schoolhouses of the early years of the settlement of this county. When he began life for himself, he first settled across Deer Creek, opposite his birthplace, in Madison County, near Mt. Sterling, on one of his uncle's farms, which he carried on a few years. He then removed to Har- risburgh, Franklin County, where he kept a tavern for two years. At the end of that time, he came back to Darby Township and resumed farming, renting mostly. He finally bought land near this village, and farmed it three years; when his par- ents died, he sold the home farm and bought two hundred and four acres on Possum Run, cultivat- ing the land until his death, which occurred at the age of fifty-four years. He was a hard worker, very ambitious and active, and one of the solid men of the township, in which he held the offices of Trustee and Assessor at different times. He was highly regarded by his neighbors and friends, who sought his counsel and valued his opinions. He was deeply interested in religious matters, and was influential in such as a member of the Christian Church. In politics, he was a Whig until the Re- publicans organized, and he then became one of them.
The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Hannah Alkire, was born in Madison County, across Deer Creek from this point. She is still living at Derby, and is bright and active for one of her advanced years. She is a member in high
39
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standing of the Christian Church, and her daily life shows her to be true to the faith she professes. Her father. Robert Alkire, was born in Kentucky, and was a son of William Alkire, who was born and reared in that State. The Alkires originated in Germany, but the American branch of the fam- ily settled in this country many years ago. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject was a farmer, and came here in his old age, in the year 1800, from Kane Ridge, Ky., and died across the line in Madison County. His son Robert, who came here the same year, bought sixteen hundred acres of land, built a log cabin in the forests on what is now known as the Harvey Alkire farm. and became an extensive farmer. He died in mid- dle life, in his home just across the line in Madi- son County.
Robert Deyo, of this biographical review, is one of six children, of whom three grew to maturity be- side himself: Elizabeth (Mrs. Mautle), Jane (Mrs. Anderson) and William. Our subjeet grew to a vigorous, self-reliant manhood under the whole- some influences of farm life. He was educated in the typical pioneer schoolhouse of the olden times, which in his boyhood had not been replaced by the neat modern structures of to-day. The building in which he acquired his knowledge of the "three R's" was made of logs, heated by means of a large fireplace, and furnished with slab benches, a slab against the wall serving as a writing desk; the floor was of puncheons, and greased paper served instead of glass to admit the light.
At the age of seventeen, Mr. Deyo supplemented his district-school education by a short course in the college at Westerville. When he was twenty years old, he began life in earnest as a farmer, and had a part of the home farm under his charge un- til 1859. In that year, he moved to his father-in- law's farm, in Big Plain. Madison County. He remained there five years, and then returned to the old homestead, where he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1885. In the mean- time, he became one of the company that bought the land and laid out the pretty and thriving vil- lage of Derby, in 1884. He bought an interest in the elevator here with Dr. C. W. Higgins, and they operated it together three years, under the firm
name of Higgins & Deyo. They disposed of that elevator, when Deyo & Company built the elevator at Palestine, which is now managed under the name of C. Tanner & Co., our subject still being a mem- ber of the company.
Mr. Deyo began buying grain in 1863, and has dealt in it ever since, and he buys all kinds of grain, which he ships to Eastern and Southern markets. He has likewise dealt in wool since 1863, selling on commission until 1885, and since then on his own account. He has a finely improved farm of two hundred and four acres, one mile northwest of Derby, which he rents to his son. A man of wealth and public spirit, he has materially aided in the progress of the county, and has been one of the prime movers in the upbuilding of the village of Derby. He has been Trustee of the township, and for the past five years has held the office of Justice of the Peace. He is an impartial and strictly honest Judge, and has sustained the laws satisfactorily in the number of cases that have come under his jurisdiction. He is a Republican of unswerving loyalty to his party. All good eanses find in him an advocate, and especially is he interested in educational matters, having al- ways used his influence to procure good schooling. Religiously, both he and his wife, and all of their children, except Alfred, are members of the Chris- tian Church.
Mr. Deyo is blessed in his domestic relations by the best of wives, who fully understands the art of making home an attractive abiding-place. Mrs. Deyo bore the name of Mary A. Noland, was born in Madison County, and was married to our sub- ject in November, 1855. Their union has been hallowed to them by the birth of five children: George W., Laura (Mrs. Hamet), Jeremiah, Alfred and Emma (Mrs. Young).
ANIEL UCKER, a prominent and successful farmer and stock-raiser of Walnut Town- ship, is actively performing his share in carrying forward the great agricultural interests of Pickaway County. He is a native of this
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State, and first opened his eyes May 28, 1840, in a pioneer home in Fairfield County. He is a son of the late Andrew and Anne (Dum) Ucker, who were natives respectively of Germany and Penn- sylvania, and were carly settlers of Fairfield County. In the fall of 1864, they came to Picka- way County and settled in Walnut Township, where the father died November 7, 1879. Hle was a stanch Democrat in polities, and a true Catholic in religion, and was well known and greatly respected for his unswerving honesty and integ- rity. His venerable widow is still living in Walnut Township, and is now nearly eighty years old. They had a large family of children, of whom these twelve survive: Joseph, a resident of Missouri; Thomas, who lives in Circleville; Daniel, of Walnut Township; Samuel, of Circleville Town- ship; William, a resident of Colorado; Benjamin, in Washington Township; Andrew, of Walnut Township; Amelia, widow of William Stout, of Circleville; Sarah A., wife of John Weaver, of Circleville; Julia, wife of Jerry O'Ryan, of Circle- ville, and Elizabeth, wife of A. Henry, of Circle- ville.
Daniel Ucker was reared to the life of a farmer in his native county. He was educated in the local schools, and is a well-informed man, as he is fond of reading and has always kept himself well posted on general topics. He was wedded Octo- ber 5, 1867, to Miss Susan Whiteman, and a con- genial marriage has contributed much to his prosperity. Mrs. Ucker is a native of Pickaway County, born November 6, 1845, and a daugliter of Henry and Ellen (McDonald) Whiteman. Her father was also a native of Pickaway County, born in Walnut Township, his father coming here from Pennsylvania, and becoming one of the first settlers of the township. He located in the woods, and had to endure many hardships while hewing out a farm from the forests. Mrs. Ucker is one of three children, of whom she and her sister, Nancy A., wife of Isaac Tobias, are the only survivors. Her father was prominent in the religions and public life of his community. He was a member of the Baptist Church, active in its work. He had served as Justice of the Peace and Township Trustee, and in his death, October 31, 1890, the
county lost one of its most venerated citizens, as well as one of its earliest pioneers. When Mrs. ITeker was a few months old, her mother died, and she was cared for by her grandparents until she was seven years old, and then was reared in her father's family. Mrs. Ecker's grandfather was a Baptist in religion. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ucker, four are left to be the comfort and stay of their declining years: Alice A., Clara A., Mary E., and John A.
Mr. Ucker has a good farm of ninety-three acres of land of exceeding fertility. which he cultivates after the methods best adapted to the soil. Ile has neat and roomy buildings, fine farming ma- chinery, and everything about the place betokens systematic and skillful farming.
Our subject possesses many sterling virtues of head and heart. is very much liked by the com- munity, and enjoys the confidence of the business world. Ile has been School Director for his town- ship, and never fails to promote its interests where he can.
ACOB MARTIN. Among the men who have been potent factors in the business activity of Madison County, mention should certainly be made of Jacob Martin, who is one of the prominent and progressive mer- chants of West Jefferson. He is the son of the late Augustus L. Martin, who was born in New Brunswick, N. J., while his mother, whose maiden name was Kate MeNeal, was born in Carlisle, Pa. The elder Mr. Martin located in West Jefferson during the latter part of the '50s. where he was engaged in trade until his decease, in January, 1891, being preceded to the better land by his wife, who departed this life in 1860.
The original of this sketch was born February 16, 1854, in West Jefferson, where he was reared, and educated in the common schools. In 1877, he launched out in the mercantile business in com- pany with Benjamin Hoe, the firm style being Hoe & Martin. They built up a profitable business, and continued together until September, 1891,
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when our subject purchased his partner's interest, and has since conducted affairs alone. His store is well stocked with a choice line of goods, and by his course of honorable and straightforward deal- ing, enjoys an extensive trade.
The lady to whom Mr. Martin was married Oc- tober 17, 1877, was Miss Etta, daughter of Benja- min Hoe, and to them was born one daugh- ter, Eva. Ilis chief prominence, outside of his business, lies in his political work, he being a lead- ing member of the Democratic party, and has rep- resented his fellow-townsmen four terms as Clerk, and as a member of the Village Council. In so- cial matters, he is a member of West Jefferson Lodge No. 412, 1. O. O. F., and is looked upon as one of the respected and useful citizens of the county. Mrs. Martin departed this life April 12, 1889, greatly mourned by her family and numerous friends.
S AMUEL MCCLINTOCK. M. D., a well- known physician and surgeon of Mt. Ster- ling, Ohio, was born on the 1st of February, 1821, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Bradley ) Mcclintock. His father was a native of the Emerald Isle, and was brought to America when about two years of age. His mother was born in the Keystone State, and was of Dutch descent. The educational ad- vantages which our subject received were only those afforded by the common schools. His boy- hood days were mostly spent upon his father's farm. Ilaving determined to engage in the prac- tice of medicine, at the age of twenty he began reading medical works in the office of Dr. J. F. Wilson, of New Holland, near his father's home. He continued his studies in that way for three years, and in the winter of 1844-45, took a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical College of Cincin- nati. He received some money from his father and borrowed more in order to pay his tuition, and this he repaid in after years. In April, 1845, he began practice in Mt. Sterling, and in a few years had acquired a liberal patronage and did a large
business. Ile has ever kept himself well informed by constant study and reading, and is well posted on everything connected with the sciences.
On the 20th of May, 1847, Dr. Mcclintock led to the marriage altar Miss Louisa C. Kauffelt, of Palestine, Pickaway County, who was born in Fair- field County, Ohio. Four children have been born unto them, three of whom are still living: Eliza- beth is the wife of D. B. Wheeler, of Mt. Sterling, and they have two children; Francenia became the wife of John McClay, of Indiana, and at her death left four children; Letitia is the wife of Ed- ward Miller, of Chicago; and Lola completes the family.
The Doctor was reared as an old-line Whig, but on attaining his majority, cast his first Presidential vote for James K. Polk, and has since been identi- fied with the Democratic party. He has served as a delegate to its various con ventions, and has filled the offices of Township and Village Treasurer, and Councilman, and at the present time is Corporation Treasurer. He has also served as a member of the School Board, doing effective work in the interests of education. Himself and wife are active and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, in which the Doctor holds the office of Trustee. He is also connected with the Masonic lodge, serving as Treasurer, and Junior and Senior Warden. For many years he has made his home in Mt. Sterling, and is widely and favorably known throughout the community. He has ever been identified with the best interests of the place, and is recognized as a valued citizen.
B
M ILTON D. LAKIN has been so well pros- pered as a farmer that he has accumulated a comfortable property, and is now resid- ing in a handsome brick residence in Jef- ferson Township, Madison County. He is classed among the progressive citizens of this section, whose active work in developing its agricultural resources has so materially contributed to its wel- fare. Through energy and perseverance he has
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placed the soil of his estate under excellent culti- vation and erected ample accommodation for stock and crops.
Daniel Lakin, the father of our subjeet, was a native of Frederick County, Md., while his mother, who was known in her maidenhood as Dorcas Flenniken, was born near Columbus, this State. She departed this life at the home of our subject in June, 1886, thus surviving her husband many years, he dying in Clinton Township, Franklin County, this State, in 1872. The parental family comprised five children, of whom the only daughter died when three years of age.
Milton D. Lakin was the youngest member of the family and was born in Franklin County, February 1, 1850. He was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school, continuing to reside at home until 1880, when he came to Madison County and located on the Middle Pike, just north of West Jefferson, which is his home at the present time. He has erected on his estate a most beautiful brick residence, which is furnished in a manner that bespeaks the high standing of its owner. Mr. Lakin devotes his entire time and at- tention to general farming and is making a success of his calling on his three hundred and sixty acres of land.
June 17, 1876, our subject and Miss Ida, daugh- ter of the late James Davis, were united in mar- riage. Mrs. Lakin's mother bore the maiden name of Mildred C. Armstrong, and departed this life January 9, 1885, while the father died November 12, 1887. They were natives respectively of Mad- ison County, this State, and Virginia, and after their marriage located in Franklin County, where they lived for a time and then removed to Jefferson Township and made their home a short distance from West Jefferson, where they were residing at the time of their deceasc. Mrs. Lakin, who was the youngest in a family of four children, was born June 22, 1856, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of two children, one of whom died in infancy. The surviving child, who bears the name of James Daniel, was born October 17, 1878.
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