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 19
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join them at Columbus. September 26 he was mustered out of service, after a most varied army experience.
On leaving the army Mr. Powleson went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he took a course in Eastman's Business College. In the spring of 1866, in partnership with M. S. Nabor, he opened a hard- ware store in New Philadelphia, but sold out his interest in the fall of 1868 and went to Kansas, where he spent two years, engaged in the milling business at Topeka. Returning to New Comers- town, Ohio, he went into the hardware trade, and for the next ten years was employed in conduct- ing his place of business there; but in 1882 he sold out and became interested in farming in Ox- ford Township. For some twelve years thereafter he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and though his home is now in New Philadelphia, he he still looks after and superintends his farm.
June 5, 1870, Captain Powleson was married at New Comerstown to Miss Rebecca A., daughter of David and Mary (Ross) Mulvane, prominent early settlers of this county. The father, now de- ceased, was a well known dry-goods merchant of this county, and the widow is now living at To- peka, Kan., with her sons. Six children were born to our subject and wife. Mary E., the eldest, is the wife of Albert Senhauser, of this place; Clark W. is deceased; Bert D. resides at home; Pearl M. is the next in order of birth; and the two youngest, Lucile H. and John D., have been adopt- ed by their uncle, John R. Mulvane, of Topeka, Kan. The devoted wife and mother, who was a devout member of the Methodist Protestant Church and much beloved by all who knew her, departed this life March 10, 1883.
A Republican in politics, Captain Powleson is al- so identified with the Grand Army of the Republic and the Union Veteran Union. He is also a Ma- son, belonging to New Philadelphia Lodge, A. F. & A. M. Ile is Captain of Company M, Seven- teenth Ohio National Guards. While at New Com- erstown he served for five years in this regiment, and has given considerable attention to the re-or- ganization of his company, which he hopes to make one of the best in the state. The Captain feels the effects of his army service, and especially of
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the severe wound which he received while fight- ing his country's battles. Ile could never have survived the injury had he not been blessed with a good constitution, been temperate in his habits, and furnished with a large amount of will power. A pleasant and genial companion, he is highly es- teemed by a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances.
J ESSE D. ELLIOTT is the capable and trust- worthy bookkeeper of the Exchange National Bank of Canal Dover. Ile is a man of ener- getic and industrious habits, and is conscien- tious and painstaking in the discharge of every duty. He is a native of Tuscarawas County, his birth having occurred in New Philadelphia, Octo- ber 23,' 1851, and in that place were spent his early years.
Jesse D. Elliott, Sr., the father of our subject, was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on Christmas Day, 1819. In his early manhood he worked for two years with his uncle, Commodore Elliott, in the Phila- delphia Navy Yards. In February, 1846, he mar- ried Miss Mary Bechtel, and shortly after, with his young wife, came to Ohio. Entering into partner- ship with Charles H. Mitchener, he engaged in the publication of the Ohio Democrat for a few years, establishing that paper on a good basis. In 1862 lie was honored by being elected County Auditor, and was re-elected to that important position in 1864. A man of more than average intelligence and ability, he was much beloved by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. IIe was a mem- ber of Lodge No. 177, A. F. & A. M., and was one of the charter members of the Odd Fellows' lodge of New Philadelphia. The Elliotts were of Scotch and Irish ancestry, and were especially prominent as patriots during the War of 1812. The death of J. D. Elliott, Sr., occurred April 12, 1891, when he left a wife and four children to mourn his loss. The following tribute to his memory was written by a friend and fellow-citizen: "Under the shadow of. the great courthouse dome, at his pleasant but now desolate home, lies the pale form of one of
the most intelligent and upright citizens of our city and county. Jesse D. Elliott, the pioneer printer and editor, the revered father and respected neighbor, has been gathered to his fathers, his hon- ors thick upon him. He was once County Andi- tor, and made a record without a blemish. He had no narrow, selfish ambition, no greed for wealth, no thirst for empty glory. He was often honored with gratuitous appointments of trust, which he performed with modest zeal. Among others he was an intimate friend of Judge Pearce and prominent meinbers of the Bar. To-day our beautiful city mourns his death."
The first few years in the life of Jesse D. Elliott, of this notice, were passed mainly in the acquisi- tion of an education in the public schools of his native city. However, he learned far more in the printing-office which he entered while still young in years, and in which he remained until he was in his seventeenth year. At that time he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he followed his trade for three months. Then, returning to New Philadelphia, he was given a position as clerk in the Auditor's office, and so well fulfilled the duties pertaining thereto that he was retained for about eleven years. He also served for one year as Auditor, by appoint- ment upon the death of Frederick Walter, Auditor. For a few months he was a citizen of St. Paul, Minn., whither he had gone to try his fortunes in the real-estate business. In 1877 he came to Canal Dover, and was at once given a position in the bank, where he has since remained. He is a tlior- ough and practical bookkeeper, and possesses marked talent for this branch of work. In his po- litical convictions he is a Democrat, and by his ballot and influence ably supports the candidates and platform of his party.
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A DAM K. BROOM, one of the prominent business inen of Cambridge, is the owner of a large and well stocked grocery. lle bought out his present business in 1889, and is making a good success of his enterprise. He is a
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veteran of the late war, having participated in many of its leading battles, and is an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Daniel Broom, the father of our subject, was born in Guernsey County, October 18, 1820, but his parents, Rev. Hugh and Helen (Swan) Broom, were both natives of Scotland, and settled in Cam- bridge Township in 1816. Rev. Hugh Broom was a minister in the Baptist Church, and aided in the or- ganization of many congregations. For years he was pastor of what is called the Cambridge Bap- tist Church, three miles south of this city, and was for more than half a century actively engaged in ministerial work. He died October 25, 1863, while his wife died in the year 1854. Of their children, James died in Kansas in 1887; George died in Ohio in 1845; Elizabeth was the wife of Natlian Huffinan, now of Emporia, Kan .; Daniel was the next in the family; Christiana, wife of John Mc- Donald, died in Guernsey County, February 11, 1889; Hugh died in March, 1893; Ellen became the wife of John Reed, and died in January, 1891, aged sixty-one years; and Jennie died in child- hood.
Daniel Broom married Rebecca Kimball, Janu- ary 27, 1842. She was a daughter of Adam and Mary Kimball, natives of New Jersey and Penn- sylvania, respectively. The Kimballs were among the earliest settlers of Guernsey County. Daniel Broom and wife had three children: Adam K .; Mary Ellen, born October 10, 1845; and George W., October 1, 1860. The daughter died January 31, 1872. George W. is a dealer in real estate and an enterprising young business man of Cambridge. The senior Mr. Broom has been a life-long farmer, but of late years has been interested in commercial and other pursuits. For eight years he was en- gaged in the butcher's business, after which he en- gaged in mining in Colorado during the winter of 1881-82, but is now living retired. He was an original Abolitionist, and voted the Free Soil ticket when no other vote of the kind was cast in his township. He was Justice of the Peace for seventeen years in Liberty Township, and only es- caped further service by removing from that lo- cality. In 1870 he was Township Assessor, and was a Trustee for two years. He and his wife are
members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he is a strong Prohibitionist.
Adamn K. Broom was born March 6, 1843, and was brought up on a farm. He enlisted December 18, 1861, in Company I, Eightieth Ohio Infantry, and participated in the following-named battles: Farm- ington, siege of Corinth, Iuka, Jackson, siege of Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Columbia, and numerous skirmishes at various times, and particularly on the march to the sea. He received an honorable discharge in August, 1865, at Little Rock, Ark.
In 1869 our subject engaged in the butcher's business, and attended to a market in Cambridge. He removed here to make a permanent settlement in 1872, and followed his former occupation for seven years longer, after which he was engaged in the grocery business for two years. ITis next ven ture was going to Colorado, where he prospected for gold and silver some seven years, at the end of which time he returned to Cambridge and pur- chased his present store.
In the fall of 1866 Adam K. Broom married Amanda C. Mathers, by whom he has had four children, namely: William H .; Mary E., wife of John G. Payne, of Indiana; James Franklin and Albert K. In regard to politics our subject is an unswerving Republican.
A NDREW OLIPHANT LONG, deceased, was an exemplary citizen and a successful business man of Cambridge. Industrious and hard-working, he succeeded in making a good living for his family, and at the time of his demise left a valuable estate, which is now managed by his widow, who has manifested much more than ordin- ary ability in the conduct of her affairs. In early life Mr. Long was an agriculturist, and during the winter terms taught school at intervals. Subse- quently removing to the county seat, he opened a grocery, which he carried on until his death. About thirce years prior to that event he erected a
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commodious and substantial residence, which has since been the home of Mrs. Long.
A native of Noble County, Ohio, the subject of this sketch was born in the year 1829. His par- ents were Samuel and Mary (Oliphant) Long, old and respected settlers of Noble County. The boyliood of Andrew Long passed in an unevent- ful manner, his time being divided between work and play and attending the district schools. When he reached man's estate he chose for his fu- ture helpmate and companion in the battles of life Miss Rebecca Jennings, their marriage being cele- brated March 17, 1853. Mrs. Long a daughter of David D. and Ruth Jennings, the former being an agriculturist of Noble County, Ohio.
To Mr. and Mrs. Long were born six children, two of whom died in infancy. The others, all daughters, are as follows: Mary, who became the wife of John Saveley, of this city; Ruth, Mrs. Albert Wilson, of Martin's Ferry, Ohio; Olhe, the widow of Benjamin Urban, of this place; and Ella, who became the wife of Joseph Hilton, also of Mar- tin's Ferry.
After a life of usefulness and activity, Andrew O. Long was called to the home beyond on the 29th of April, 1876, his loss being sincerely de- plored by his many friends and fellow-citizens. He was a man of upright character, just and true in all his dealings, and he enjoyed the respect of all with whom he came in contact. In his political faith he was ever devoted to the Republican party, and at all times was thoroughly patriotic and in- terested in the public good. Religiously he was connected with the United Presbyterian Church, to which his wife still belongs.
HARLES HIALLOWELL MITCHENER, deceased. A distinguished historian has truly said tha. "the history of a country is best contained in the lives of its people." So true is this, that all able writers on human achieve -. ments stop to portray individual character before attempting to philosophize on civilization. Who-
ever strives to promote the general welfare of his country, who labors for the betterment of man- kind, to further the cause of justice and morality, to aid in public improvements and in the advance- ment of civilization, becomes a public benefactor, and as such is worthy of a place on the tablets of history. With this view, the life and character of one of Ohio's distinguished pioneers, the subject of this memoir, is taken up and scanned.
Our subject was born August 28, 1817, in Col- umbia, Lancaster County, Pa., being a son of Ry- nor Mitchener, who was also a native of Pennsyl- vania and of Welsh ancestry. There were two brothers, Quakers, who came to America with William Penn. From one of them, John, by name, was descended Charles H., whose name heads this sketch. Amidst the quiet pursuits of a country life and the endcaring surroundings of a happy home, his carly years were spent. His education was secured in the common schools. When he was about seventeen years of age a dark cloud was thrown over his happy youthful life by the death of his father, who was engaged in mercantile bus- iness. He left a large family to the mercies of a cold world, with small provision for their support, as his firm had recently failed in business.
Not long after his father's death, young Mitch- ener, desiring to relieve his widowed mother of some of her burdens, became an apprentice to a publishing house in Philadelphia, where he served five years. At the end of this time he concluded that the West afforded the best field for him to begin his career in life, and accordingly, with all his worldly possessions on his back, he started over the mountains on foot. He possessed only $10 in casb, as he had given the remainder of his earn- ings to his mother. Reaching Pittsburg, he tarried there for a time, in order to replenish his purse, and this done he continued his onward march to- ward the setting sun. When he arrived at Massil- lon, Ohio, he met a printer who informed him of a very favorable opening at Canal Dover. The two · tramped on together to that town. Arriving there, they purchased on credit an old printing outfit which they found there, and with little ceremony the Ohio Democrat was born, and its pages of news and literature spread before the world. Mr. Mitch-
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ener's partner, Mr. Hill, soon withdrew from the newspaper field to pursue his journey farther west, and the founder of the now well known journal was left alone. He secured the services of a print- er's devil, and continued steadily conducting his paper. He did the editorial work, type-setting, and even the distribution of the sheet. This was in 1839, when times were very hard and little or no money was in circulation. The young editor was unable to make collections enough to meet his bills, and was about to throw up his enterprise, when a friend, John Tucker, came to the rescue and offered him his board free and the use of his horse to make collections through the county. Ile also paid the rent of the office for six months in advance. This kindly aid put new life and vigor into the publisher of the Democrat, and he started with a redoubled determination to succeed.
In 1841 Mr. Mitchener removed his newspaper plant to New Philadelphia, and later took in as a partner Charles H. Mathews, who continued with him until 1849. At that time our subject sold out his interest to Jesse I). Elliott. In 1843 Mr. Mitchener was appointed County Clerk, which po- sition he held until 1850. During this period he had pursued studies in law, and when he retired from the office of County Clerk was admitted to the Bar. He at once opened a law office, and later formed a partnership with A. T. Ready, which con- nection existed for twenty-five years. For much of this time his was the leading law firm of the county, and their practice was extensive and prof- itable. Mr. Mitchener withdrew from the firm in 1875, Mr. Stockwell taking his place. In company with Thomas Moore, he then engaged in the real- estate and banking business, and continued in this line for about two years, when, on account of fail- ing health, he retired from active business. On Thanksgiving Day of 1877 he was stricken with paralysis, from which he never recovered, and his death occurred May 10, 1878.
In politics Mr. Mitchener was a Democrat of the old school, and was known as the "Father of Dem- ocracy" in Tuscarawas County. In 1866 he was a Democratic candidate for Congress, but was do- feated, as the Republicans elected their entire ticket. In 1859 his name was used, against his
wishes, for Probate Judge, and he was defeated though he ran ahead of his ticket. In 1852 he was chosen Presidential Elector for Franklin Pierce, and in 1872 he was elected a member of the Con- stitutional Convention, in which he acquitted him- self with credit. Ile was a firm believer in the preservation of the Union, and was made Chair- man of the County Military Committee early in the war. doing efficient service in that office. Dur- ing his leisure moments in the latter part of his life he was engaged in preparing for publication a work entitled "Ohio Annals," containing accounts of historical events and personal reminiscences of the Muskingum Valley. This work was published in 1876, and affords interesting and instructive reading, especially for those who have been in any way associated with that section of the country.
Charles H. Mitchener was the only son in a fan- ily of five children. His sisters received good ed- ucations and became teachers. Louisa, the only one now living, married A. J. Dickinson, of Fre- mont, Ohio. Our subject was united in marriage, December 22, 1841, at Canal Dover, to Martha, daugliter of Wilson and Ann Elliott, of Mansfield, this state. This union was blessed with nine chil- dren: Charles E .; Mary, who married William R. Pugli, now of Columbus; William A., an attorney in Cincinnati; James P., Superintendent of Mines in Utah; Martha, who died at the age of four years; Lydia, who died at the age of twenty years; Ed- ward, engaged in mining in Utah; Robert, a resi- dent of Conneaut, Ohio, where he has a position as trainmaster on the Nickel Plate Railroad; and Frances, who became the wife of Louis Dickinson, and died in Fremont, Ohio, when in her twenty- seventh year.
Though not a member of any particular church, Mr. Mitchener contributed liberally to the support of all denominations. Fraternally he was a mem- ber of the Odd Fellows' association. He accumu- lated a large estate, but before liis demise his realty had depreciated greatly, and that, with some unfav- orable investments, diminished largely his estate. In private life he was distinguished for his purity of character, for his charity and benevolence of heart, and for his gentle and genial disposition. Those who knew him loved him and have rever
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ceased to mourn his loss. Though he has passed away from the scenes of this world, he still lives in the memory of those he left behind. To those who were so fortunate as to know him his life will be a perpetual blessing, and his influence lead upward to a higher and better life. Ile was true to his God, true to the state, true to the best in- terests of the community in which he dwelt, and true in the discharge of every duty which de- volved upon him.
"So when a good man dies, For years beyond his ken The light he leaves behind him lies Upon the paths of men."
J AMES R. BARR is editor of the Republican Press, printed in Cambridge. He has fre- quently served the public in official posi- tions, and made a good record as Mayor of this place, to which oflice he was elected in April, 1890, and re-elected two years later. In 1881 he was chosen to serve as County Clerk, and was re- turned to the office in the election of 1884. Ile served as a member of the Cambridge Board of Education for six years, being President of the board part of the time. In politics he is an act- ive member of the Republican organization, hav- ing been connected with the County Executive Committee of this county for fourteen years, and was twice Chairman of that body. In 1891 he be- came a member of the State Central Committee, which honor he still enjoys.
Samuel C., father of James R. Barr, was born in Washington County, Pa., July 29, 1824. Ilis par- ents, James and Saralı (Clements) Barr, were na- tives of County Tyrone, Ireland, and, coming to the United States about 1805, settled in Washing- ton County, Pa. In 1836 they removed to Harri- son County, Ohio, and eight years later to Gnern- sey. They lived on a farm until the father's death, which occurred in July, 1853, at the age of eighty-
six years. His wife died January 6, 1873, in her eighty-seventh year. They had seven children, namely: Isabel, who died at the age of twenty- two years; Ellen, who became the wife of Robert Barr, and died in 1890, in Washington County, Pa .; Esther, who was the wife of Hiram Barrett, and after his death came to this county; John R., who died in 1854, on the old homestead; Samuel C., the next in order of birth; Robert S., who studied medicine, and was engaged in practice at the time of his death, which occurred in 1855; and one son who died in infancy.
Samuel C. Barr married Miss Mary Dunning, whose parents were also natives of Ireland, and early settlers of Washington County, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Barr had born to them ten children, as follows: James R .; Jemima A., wife of George Willis, a farmer of this county; John M., who is teaching school and practicing law in North Pow- der, Ore .; Sarah, wife of Elmer Hague, who resides in Cambridge; Joseph E., a farmer of thuis county; William L., living in Cambridge; Mollie B., wife of William Norris, of Cambridge; Samuel C .; Myrtle C., at home; and Ella M., who died in childhood. The father of this family owns three hundred and forty-two acres of land in Cambridge Township. Ile is a Republican, and served as Trustee of the township for over twenty-five years.
A native of Cambridge Township, James R. Barr was born April 15, 1854, and was reared on his father's farm, where he remained until eight- cen years of age. At that time he began teaclı- ing, which profession he followed for five years. In the winter of 1878-79 he took a course in phar- macy at the Michigan State University, and the following year was in partnership with C. L. Wall in the drug business. Ilis public and official du- ties occupied the major portion of the next twelve years of his life.
March 1, 1894, Mr. Barr became . the editor of the journal which he has since conducted with ability. The circulation of the Republican Press is more than local, for the paper is considered one of the best to be found in the county, and its many friends are more than satisfied with its pres- ent management.
April 7, 1881, our subject married Ada Fergu-
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son, daughter of Hiram C. and Amanda (Bald- ridge) Ferguson. Four children have come to bless their union, as follows: Vera, Ada, Fay and Eva. The parents are esteemed members of the Presbyterian Church. Socially Mr. Barr belongs to the Knights Templar, is a Thirty-second Degree Mason, and also belongs to Cambridge Lodge, K. of P.
F REDERICK C. NIEDERHEISER, who was one of the brave boys in blue during the War of the Rebellion, is now Mayor of Blakes Mills. He was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, September 4, 1829, and received a good education in the common and high schools of his native place.
The parents of Frederick C. were Christian and Mary E. (Durig) Niederheiser. The former was a merchant, and the son of one Daniel, who was a blacksmith. In 1854 Christian Niederheiser emi- grated to the United States, and soon afterward cast in his lot with the inhabitants of Tuscara was County. He purchased a farm in Dover Town- ship, on the Crooked Run, and set to work with energy to improve his place. In his native land he was quite prominent, and held the position of President of his village or community. In poli- tics he was a Democrat, and in religion adhered to the German Reformed Church. November 12, 1863, he was called from this life, while his wife, Mary, died August 22, 1862. Of their twelve children three became residents of this county. They are as follows: Gottleib S., who lives in Wa- terloo County, Canada; Susan M., who became the wife of Benjamin Bullmann, and resides in An- drew County, Mo .; and Frederick C., whose name heads this sketch.
In 1854 our subject came to the United States, and three years later was married. For a few years thereafter his home was in Shanesville, in which city he was living when the war broke out. In October, 1863, he enlisted at Uhrichsville in the Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, being assigned to
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