USA > Ohio > Guernsey County > Portrait and biographical record of Guernsey County, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 18
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When he had sufficiently recovered from his dis- astrous army experience, Mr. Hammond took a course in the Zanesville Business College, after which he read law with Col. John Ferguson, and
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was admitted to the Bar in 1870. Though he has been engaged in practice more or less since that time, he is not especially fond of the business, as by nature be is more inclined to commercial trans- actions, and finds his talents better employed in other directions. November 15, 1870, Mr. Ham- mond married Ella, daughter of John W. Simons. Seven children graced their union, namely: John W., of Cambridge; Howard, who died in 1888; Charles, who is clerking; George and Jesse, who are pursuing their studies in the local schools; Geraldine and Ella. Mr. Hammond is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Ham- mond is connected with the Baptist Church.
In peace and war life Mr. Hammond has been a loyal supporter of Republican principles and pa- triotic measures. He is a Grand Army man, and also belongs to the Union Vetcran League. A rather notable fact connected with himself and brothers is that all seven were in the Union serv- ice, Johnston, Charles and himself as members of Company A, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry; David as a member of Company B, Ninety-seventh Ohio Infantry; John and William, members of Com- pany F, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio Infantry; and James of the One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio Infantry, he being Adjutant of the regiment. Johnston and Robert were both wounded, but the others served without personal injury or capture.
WESLEY MINOR is one of the extensive and prosperous agriculturists of Tus- carawas County, his fine homestead being sitnated in Dover Township. For over half a century he has lived on the farm which he still owns and operates, in 1839 having bought the nucleus of his present possession, a tract of one hundred and thirty acres. From time to time he has extended the boundaries of his farm, until now he is the fortunate owner of three hundred and thirty-eight broad acres, There were no improve-
ments on the land at the time of its purchase, and' the many good buildings, fences, etc., stand as monuments to his handiwork.
Our subject comes from a good old Virginia family, and his own birth occurred in the Old Dominion, October 15, 1811, in Loudoun County. His parents, Daniel and Pleasant Ann (Nixon) Minor, were also natives of Loudoun County. Tlie latter was the daughter of George Nixon, and the former wils a son of Thomas Minor, a hero of the Revolutionary War, and also a native of Virginia. The family originated in England, but came to America early in the eighteenth century. Our subject's father was a farmer by occupation, and about 1811 lie determined to try his fortune in Ohio. With his family he made the journey, and settled near New Lisbon, Columbiana County, where they lived for some three years. In 1814 he removed to Jefferson County, and for twenty- five years thereafter cultivated a farm which he obtained from the Government. Later in life he became a resident of Morgan County, where he passed his last years. Of the ten children born to Daniel and Pleasant Minor, only three are now living, namely: Wesley; Pleasant Ann, who is the wife of William Durban, a farmer in Kansas; and John, a farmer in Missouri. Daniel Minor served through the War of 1812.
Wesley Minor had no educational advantages in his youth, and attended school altogether per- haps one month. His father was poor, the family were in a new country, with an uncleared farm, so it was necessary that young Wesley should make his own way as early as possible. When he was twenty-two years of age he began working for the Zoarites, and was employed by them as a teamster for several years. In 1839 he came to this county and here first became the owner of land. The practical experience he obtained in his boyhood served him in good stead as an agriculturist, and before many years of industrious efforts had passed he found himself comfortably well off in this world's goods.
In 1840 Mr. Minor married Susanna Welsh, and by her had one child, Daniel, who died in the hos- pital at Naslıville. Tenn., in 1863. In 1844 he was wedded to Margaret Machan and the three
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children who came to grace their union are still living .. They are Rebecca, wife of Jehu Cris- well, a farmer of Dover Township; Harvey, also an agriculturist of this township; and John, whose residence is in Salt Lake City. After the death of his second wife, Mr. Minor married Miss Amelia Machan, and two children resulted from this un- ion: Robert Bates and James E., both of wliom are at home. April 17, 1891, Mrs. Amelia Minor de- parted this life.
In his political relations Mr. Minor is a Demo- crat, and cast his first Presidential vote for Martin Van Buren. He has on several occasions been called upon by his fellow-citizens and neighbors to serve in positions of trust, has been Supervisor of his township, and has also proved his efficiency as School Director.
A QUILLA T. RAIFF, a retired merchant of New Philadelphia, was actively engaged in the hardware business in this city for a quarter of a century, and for many years was the only man in this field of enterprise in the city. About five years ago he retired from active cares, giving the business into the charge of his son- in-law, who is still conducting the store. Our subject erected the substantial business room in which the store is located, and from this and other investments derives a good income. On North Broadway he has a beautiful and commodious res- idence, where, with his family, he is enjoying a sea- son of rest and leisure.
A son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Korns) Raiff, our subject was born May 4, 1824, in London, Madison County, Ohio. Alexander Raiff was a native of Germany, but became a resident of the United States in his young days. He received his education iu New York and Philadelphia, and after completing his studies came to this city, where he began the practice of medicine and con- tinued in his chosen profession up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1830. His wife de-
parted this hfe some two years previous to the demise of Mr. Raiff. They were married in New Philadelphia, and had born to them four children: Benjamin, now a practicing physician in Osceola, Iowa; Jacob K., of Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio, and also a physician; Aquilla T., our subject; and Thomas B., of Millersburg, Holmes County, who died some twelve years ago.
After the death of his parents, which occurred while he was still quite young, our subject went to live with his grandfather in Holmes County, this state. There he was reared and educated until he was eighteen years of age, when he started out to make his own livelihood. He learned the black- smith's trade at Millersburg, and worked at this calling for twelve years. Then, coming to this city, he opened a blacksmith shop, in connection with a wagon and carriage manufactory. This business he conducted successfully for about eight years, at the end of which time he sold out. Until the year 1855 he was employed at his former occupation, after which for five years he ran a livery stable. His next venture was as a hotelman, and at the same time he was interested in a hardware and livery business. After a few years as proprietor of the Exchange Hotel, he sold out to Charles Harvey, this being in the year 1862. Ilowever, he contin- ued to conduct his hardware business for twenty- five years longer, much of this time having a mon- opoly of the trade hereabouts. The substantial three-story building which he erected in 1869, con- sisting of two business rooms, he still owns, and in addition to this he has invested in other property in this city.
In 1847 Mr. Raiff wedded Miss Belinda, the ac- complished daughter of David Baltzley, a native of Cumberland County, Md. Six children came to bless this union : Austin, now deceased; Arabella, wife of Enoch Tribley, of Washington, D. C .; Clara, Mrs. Henry Kuhn, of Canal Dover; David A., who is Superintendent of the water-works at Coshocton, Coshocton County, Ohio; Alice, Mrs. H. P. Tribley, of this city; and Thomas, who resides at home in this city.
Mr. Raiff uses his right of franchise in favor of the Democratic party. No citizen of this com- munity holds a higher place in the esteem of all
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than does this worthy gentleman, who has always been interested in the development and prosperity of this county and city, and has been no small fac- tor in the achievement of these results.
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OLOMON EVERETT is an extensive agri- culturist and stock-breeder, who resides in Warwick Township, within whose limits he was born and has spent the main portion of his life. He is a veteran of the late war, having served four years under the Old Flag. In times of peace and war alike he has been patriotic and faithful in his discharge of the duties devolving upon him as a citizen. In 1885 he purchased the homestead where he still resides, this comprising two hundred acres, in addition to which he owns another farm of one hundred acres in Clay Town- ship.
The parents of our subject were Godfrey and Mary (Haver) Everett. The father was born in this county, October 1, 1812, and died September 11, 1875. His parents, Moses and Maria (Bura- way) Everett, came to this locality from Pennsyl- vania about 1802. Mrs. Mary (Haver) Everett was born in Greene County, Pa., March 12, 1809, and is still living, her home being in the Everett Valley, in this township. She isa daughter of Isaac and Ann (Cree) Haver, formerly of Pennsylvania, but who became residents of Rush Township in 1827. The father engaged in farming here until 1859, when he died at the extreme old age of ninety years. Ilis wife's death occurred within three weeks of his. They were natives of Penn- sylvania, and came to this portion of Ohio in 1827.
Godfrey and Mary Everett were married in 1841, in Tuscarawas County. Six sons and a daughter came to bless their union, namely: Jack- son, who was called to his final rest; Solomon, our subject; Isaac, a farmer near Hicksville, Ohio; George W., John G. and Thomas J., all of whom
are agriculturists of this township; and Zerelda, wife of Alexander Rank, manager of the canning works at Gnadenhutten.
In every sense of the word Godfrey Everett was a self-made man. His parents dying when he was only fourteen years old, he was bound out to his uncle, Godfrey Westover. When he arrived at his majority he was given a horse and saddle, which had been agreed upon by hoth parties. He then went to Trenton, now known as Tuscarawas, where lie hired out by the monthi for the next eight years, receiving $8 per month. For some time he worked for J. Mininch, running between Steubenville and Pittsburg as a teamster. Ile carefully saved his earnings and finally invested in fifty acres, which is now a portion of our subject's farm. In time he increased his landed estate until at his death he owned ten hundred and twelve and a-third acres. Ile was very prominent, and respected by all who knew him, and as he was fair and upright in his dealings with all he never had an enemy.
Solomon Everett was born August 8, 1842, and continued to live with his parents until he was nineteen years of age, when he enlisted in Com- pany I, Thirtieth Ohio Infantry. and after serving for four years on the southern battlefields was honorably discharged. Returning home, he rented a farm, which he continued to operate until 1870, at which time he rented a place in Clay Township. This estate he cultivated for fourteen years, on the expiration of which time he purchased the farm where he still lives. He has been very successful as an agriculturist, and keeps the finest grades of live stock.
December 19, 1867, our subject was married in Clay Township to Annie G. Schweitzer, who was born December 21, 1840. Her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Meyers) Schweitzer, were natives of Switzerland, who took up their abode in . York Township, of this county, about 1829. After liv- ing there a few years, they went to Clay Town- ship, where the father died in July, 1889, at the age of seventy-five years, after which his widow became a resident of New Philadelphia. Samuel Schweitzer was a wagon-maker by trade, and was also a successful farmer. He was a leader in the community where he dwelt, and held the follow-
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ing offices among others: County Commissioner, Township Trustee, Justice of the Peace and School Director. Mrs. Everett is one of eleven children, the others being as follows: Mary, deceased; Ed- ward, a traveling man of Minneapolis; Simon, de- ceased; Louisa, wife of Sparks Beal, a clerk in the Minneapolis postoffice; Louis S., a physician at Akron, Ohio; Albert, deccased; Sylvanus F., a real- estate man of New Philadelphia; Otto A., general agricultural agent at Albert Lea, Minn .; Omar, a traveling salesman of New Philadelphia; and Callie, who is unmarried and at home.
Three daughters have come to bless the home of Solomon Everett and wife, namely: Ora C., who is living at home; Etta M., who is engaged in teaching school at Fry's Valley, in this county; and Jennie M., a school-teacher of Barnhill, Ohio. They liave all been given high-school educations, and are fitted to adorn any society in the midst of which their lot may be cast.
Mr. Everett has manifested his interest in edu- cational affairs by acting as School Director for several terms. He uses his right of franchise in favor of the Republican party. He and his ami- able wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and valued workers in the organization.
J OHN P. MAHAFFEY, one of the proprietors of the Herald, a bright, newsy paper, pub- lished at Cambridge, is a native son of this city, born April 16. 1845. The Herald is conduct- ed on independent principles, and is devoted to the general good of this community. The person- al popularity of the business manager and the con- fidence which has always been accorded lum by his fellows is shown in the fact of his being elected as County Clerk, on the Democratic ticket, in 1878. This was a decided victory, as the county is noted for its straight Republicanism. In company with his brother, Thomas W. Ogier, a slight history of whom is given at the end of this sketch, J. P.
Mahaffey purchased the Herald March 1, 1882, and has been connected therewith since.
The parents of our subjeet were Jolin and Mar- garet (Newman) Mahaffey. The former, who was a native of Washington County, Pa., born December 31, 1817, died March 5, 1852. His wife was a native of the Island of Guernsey, born April 3, 1817. She crossed the Atlantic and arrived in Cambridge in 1834. Two years later, on January 31, she married John Mahaffey, to whom she bore six children, four of whom died in infaney. Elizabeth, the only surviving daughter, is the wife of J. S. Nichols. After the death of Mr. Mahaffey, his widow became the wife of William Ogier, April 27, 1854. He was born January 12, 1821, in Guernsey County, being a son of William Ogier, who came to Ohio about 1806, with a colony from the Island of Guernsey. Two children were born to William Ogier and wife, namely: Thomas W., and Aurelia, who died at the age of four years. Mrs. Ogier departed this life January 3, 1892, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The early education of J. P. Mahaffey was ob- tained in the common schools of this place. His father dying when he was quite young, he was obliged to look out for himself early in life. He decided to learn the printer's trade, and worked at that calling for several years, becoming familiar with every branch of the business. He was mar- ried, March 21, 1872, to Miss Sarah Franees Scott, who died February 9, 1873, leaving an infant son, George Franeis, whose birth occurred February 2, 1873. Mrs. Mahaffey was a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a lady of such amiable qualities that to know her was to love her.
Fraternally Mr. Mahaffey is identified with Cam- bridge Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Cambridge Chapter, R. A. M .; with the Odd Fellows, the Encampment, the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army Post all of this city. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio National Guards, and took part in the Kentucky and West Virgima campaigns.
Thomas W. Ogier, junior partner of the firm of Mahaffey & Ogier, and editor of the Herald, is a half-brother of the gentleman whose history is
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given above. He was born February 25, 1855, and has passed nearly his entire life in Cambridge. Like his brother, he is a Democrat in politics, and socially is a member of the Odd Fellow's lodge and encampment. In religious faith he is a Meth- odist.
J OHN KADERLY. This name will be at once recognized as that of one of the leading bus- iness men of New Philadelphia, where he is carrying on a profitable trade as a grain and seed dealer. He was born across the waters, in Switzerland, October 3, 1837, and is the son of Ben- jamin and Annie (Fry) Kaderly, who were also na- tives of that country. The parents emigrated to the United States in 1845, coming direct to this county, where they engaged in farm pursuits. The father purchased a tract of land in Warwick Town- ship, including one hundred and fourteen acres, which he placed under excellent tillage and lived upon for ten years. On disposing of this estate at the expiration of that time, he rented a sixty- acre tract in the same township, which he cultivat- ed profitably for five years, and then located upon forty-five acres, also in Warwick Township, mak- ing this latter farm his home for a period of twen- ty-two years. Being at that time advanced in years, the father retired from farm life and took up his abode in 'Trenton, where he lived with his good wife until their decease.
Benjamin Kaderly was born in the year 1814, and was seventy-four years old at the time of his death. Annie, his wife, was one year younger at the time of her death, which occurred in 1886. The pater- nal grandfather of our subject was Benjamin Kader- ly, a native of Switzerland.
To Benjamin and Annie Kaderly was granted a family of six children, two sons and four dangh- ters, Mary, who is now deceased; John, our subject; Annie L., the wife of John Hinig, a gardener of Goshen Township, this county; Reuben, who died in childhood; Sarah A., now Mrs. Nicholas Hert,
who lives in Warwick Township; and Lotta A., the widow of Albert Roth, who makes her home in New Philadelphia. The entire family were members of the Reformed Church.
'The original of this sketch remained under the parental roof until attaining his twenty-second year, when he left home and, going to Will County, Ill., began clerking in a dry-goods store, remain- ing in that capacity for a twelvemonth, when he returned home. This was in 1861, and that same year he was united in marriage with Miss Annie, daughter of David and Elizabethı Niederhiser, a native of Warwick Township, this county. At her death in 1863 she left her husband one daugh- ter, Emma, now the wife of Adam Gentz, a resident of New Philadelphia.
The second union of our subject, which took place in 1864, was celebrated with Miss Caroline Witmer, who was born in Switzerland in 1842, and departed this life in 1870, leaving a family of three children: Gusta, who is deceased, as is also Frank; and Cora, now the wife of William Nussdorfer. The last-named is living in Dover, where ber hus- band is engaged in the grocery business.
In the year 1871 John Kaderly was married to Catherine Nussdorfer, whose birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany, in 1847. She was one in a family of six children born to Leonard and Mar -. garetta (Schuping) Nussdorfer, who were natives of the Fatherland. By this union our subject has been blessed with six children, four sons and two daughters, viz .: Louis, deceased; Eugene, liv- ing in this city; Theodore, attending college in Cleveland; John O., Gertrude and Annie, the latter three prosecuting their studies in the public schools of New Philadelphia.
Although retiring from farm work when twenty- two years old, Mr. Kaderly is the proprietor of a tract of three hundred acres of as fine land as is to be found in the county. It is located in Goshen Township and is leased at the present time. In 1861 our subject engaged in the butcher business in this city, carrying on a well regulated market for two years, when he sold out and began dealing in provisions. He continued in this enterprise un- til 1872, when he established a dry-goods store, and continued to follow that line of trade until 1890,
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when he took advantage of a good offer made him and sold out. Ile next began building the tile works in this city, but the following year sold his interest in the enterprise and bought stock in the New Philadelphia Wireand Iron Works, of which he is President. lle also holds the same position in the New Philadelphia Light, Heat and Power Company, and in other ways is also interested in many of the leading business ventures in the city. He takes great interest in politics, and is at all times a strong supporter of the Democratic party, on which ticket he was elected a member of the School Board, also of the Board of Ile ... th. Relig- iously he is a consistent member of the Reformed Church, in which he holds the position of Elder, and with which he has been connected for thirty- five years. He gives a great deal of time to the success of the Sunday-school and has been a teach- er. for many years. He is now serving on the Building Committee, and his wide business knowl- edge makes him a valued member of that body.
LIVER C. POWLESON. a native and res- ident of New Philadelphia, was one of the brave boys in blue who fought manfully under the Stars and Stripes during the War of the Rebellion. He participated in many of the impor- tant battles and engagements of the war, and was frequently highly commended for liis gallant and meritorious service. For several years he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, but for the past two years has been a resident of this place, em- ploying his time in superintending the Hensel Coal-mine, east of the town, and looking after his farın affairs.
Mr. Powleson was born March 21, 1843, to Rich- ard and Elizabeth (Church) Powleson. The fa- ther, who was a native of New Jersey, was born on the 11th of October, 1811, but his father, who came to America in an early day and settled near Paterson, N. J., was a native of Holland. Richard Powleson emigrated to Olio in 1829, and set-
tled at Bridgeport, Jefferson County. He was a physician by profession, having been educated at Wheeling, Va. In 1832 he came to New Philadel- phia, where he practiced until 1865. Under Lin- coln's administration he was Postmaster of this place and was a leader in the Republican party. Religiously he was identified with the Universalist faith, but his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. The former departed this life November 8, 1893, and the latter died in 1844.
Our subject's mother, who before her marriage was Miss Elizabeth Church, was a native of Jeffer- son County, Ohio. Her parents, John and Cath- erine Church, were born in England, and came to the United States about 1806. The father was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and continued to dwell until his death in Jefferson County. His last few years were passed upon a farm which he owned and had purchased after re- tiring from active religious work. Seven children were born to Richard and Elizabeth Powleson. George died in California, while engaged in min- ing; William L. also went to California, and died in 1881 in San Francisco, where his widow and children are still living; Mary A. died in 1870; and three other children died in infancy. Oliver C. is the youngest in order of birth.
The early life of our subject was spent at home, his time being passed in the acquisition of an ed- ucation. April 18, 1861, he enlisted as a mem- ber of Company F, Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, un- der Colonel Irvine. He went to the front by way of Wheeling, Va., where the regiment stayed long enough to get some old flint-lock muskets. They were placed on guard duty along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, with headquarters at Grafton, and served the entire three months of their enlistment in that locality. Though they were called out, they were too late to take part in the battle of Philippi. When their term of service had expired, the company was disbanded and Mr. Powleson re- turned home, as he had contracted typhoid fever. On the 3d of December, 1861, he re-enlisted, and was assigned to Company B, Eightieth Ohio Infantry, which rendezvoused at Camp Meigs. In March they reported for duty at Paducah, Ky.,
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and were ordered to Shiloh, where they arrived too late to take part in the battle, but nevertheless pursued the retreating rebels. They were active in the siege of Corinth, and were placed in the Second Brigade under General Sullivan, Third Di- vision, commanded by Gen. A. J. Smith, and were in the Seventeenth Army Corps, under General Pope. The regiment took part in the battle of Iuka and in that of Corinth. In the latter our subject was wounded by a bullet, which passed through his left side. January 11, 1862, he was commissioned Second Lientenant, and on the 4th of the following October, the day he was wound- ed, was made First Lieutenant. Ile was taken to the hospital at Corinth and after six weeks of suf- fering was sent home. For two months he was unable to return to the front, as his injury was very severe, the ball having passed clear through his body. Before the wound had healed he reported tor duty, but exposure soon laid him low again, and he was sent to the hospital. From there he was taken to a private house, and after six weeks of care- ful nursing found himself able to rejoin his regi- ment, which was stationed near Memphis, this be- ing in April, 1863. Mr. Powleson took part in the siege of Vicksburg with the Fifteenth Army Corps, McPherson's Second Brigade, Third Division. After the fall of Vicksburg, he reported at Mem- phis, and with General Logan marched across to Chattanooga. He was in the memorable battle of Mission Ridge, on the extreme left of the Fifteenth Corps, during the 24th and 25th of November. His command was then assigned to guard the Chat- tanooga & Atlanta Railroad, and was thus em- ployed until after Atlanta had fallen. In the de- fense of Resaca he was called into action against Hood, and stayed in that city until Sherman start- ed on his march through Georgia. With his com- mand he crossed the river and marched through the Carolinas. While in Savannah he was trans- ferred from his immediate command to fill a pos- ition on General Logan's staff. In this capacity he served until the Fifteenth Army Corps was dis- banded, when he was assigned to General IIazen's staff, with headquarters at Louisville. There he remained until September, at which time his reg- iment was ordered home and he was allowed to
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