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 27
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The record of Samuel Toomey's life furnishes a striking illustration of the manner in which a boy may rise from obscurity to prominence by sheer force of character and personal effort. In 1847 he was a penniless, friendless boy, making his way west- ward over the mountains of Pennsylvania, footsore and hungry; to-day he holds an enviable position in the business world and as a citizen. At the pres- ent time he is President of the First National Bank of Canal Dover, and in the discharge of the responsibilities pertaining thereto has entirely sat- islied his associates.
October 5, 1849, Mr. Toomey married Miss Lidia Ilarbaugh, by whom he had eight children: Sarah, wife of W. W. Webber; Lucy, wife of Philip Web- ber, of Wardner, Idaho; Emma and Edward, who are deceased; Calvin, who is engaged in the car- riage trade in Kansas City, Mo .; and Freyling HI., Oliver and Charles, residents of this city. The mother of these children departed this life in 1881. The present wife of our subject, who at the time of their marriage in 1882 was Mrs. Matilda Adams, bore the maiden name of Reese.
P ATRICK J. HANNAN. Among the hon- ored citizens of Guernsey County serving at present as a member of the Council of Cambridge, is Patrick J. Ilannan, one of the men whom Ireland has given this country. He was born in Vailey Mote, County Sligo, province of Con- naught, March 1, 1853. Ilis recollections of the Em- erald Isle are vivid, as there his boyhood days were passed, he being a lad of ten years when his parents determined to seek a home in free America.
John and Catherine (McDonough) Hannan, the parents of Patrick, reared a family of five chil- dren, of whom he was the third. Of the others we
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make the following mention: Mary, now deceased, was the wife' of Bartholomew Dwier, and passed away April 29, 1893; Annie married William Spolin, and died in August, 1886; Margaret is now Mrs. Ilugh Dwier, and makes her home in Sharon, Pa .; and Catherine died in April, 1893, aged forty- three years. The llannan family made the jour- ney to America in 1863, and located at once in Mereer County, Pa, where the father purchased a tract of land and became a gardener and grower of small fruits. He made this place his residence until his decease, which occurred in 1873. Ilis good wife survived him until 1889. .n she too passed away, and her body was interred in the cemetery at Sharon, where her husband was laid.
Patrick's opportunities for obtaining an eduer- tion were very limited, as at an early age he began working in the rolling-mill at Sharon, Pa. Later he made his way to this state and obtained work in the mills at New Philadelphia, where he was well liked, and rendered his employers valuable service for seven years. At the expiration of that time he came to Cambridge, which city has since been his home, and here he is a trusted employe of the Cambridge Iron and Steel Company.
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The lady to whom our subject was married in 1872 was Miss Mary J., daughter of Daniel and Bridget (McHale) McMahon. The lady was born in Luzerne County. Pa., October 23, 1857, and by her union with Mr. Hannan has become the mother of five children, namely: Catherine, John. Edward, William and James. The family occupy a beauti- ful residence in the western part of the city, and number among their friends the best residents of Cambridge. Possessing excellent judgment. Mrs. Hannan has tastefully furnished her home, and it is often the scene of many social gatherings by the young people of the community.
Mr. Hannan is a prominent Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias, Protected Home Circle, and Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers in Cambridge. In religious affairs lie is a devout Catholic, and, with the aid of his good wife, has trained his children to that faith. He has always been very active in public affairs, doing whatever he could to promote the best interests of the city, and during elections never fails to cast
his vote for Republican candidates. While resid- ing in New Philadelphia. his qualities as an office- holder were recognized, and he was elected a member of the Council, serving for two years. Ile was a candidate for the position of Township Treasurer, but on account of his opponent in the convention turning independent, he was defeated by the Democrats by one vote. Ile was elected Councilman of Cambridge in April, 1894.
A LVA E. TOMSON, D. D. S., a talented and successful young dentist of Quaker City, is well known in this section as an able, energetic and intelligent member of the profession, and one worthy of confidence and esteem. llc was born in this city, October 10, 1872, and is the son of William O. and Mary ( Wilson) Tomson, the former a native of Noble County, and the latter, of Belmont County, this state.
William O. Tomson, who is also a doctor of dental surgery, is residing at Frazeysburg, this stato, where he is filling the pulpit of the Christian Church, being a minister of considerable note in the state. By his union with Mis- Wilson there were born six children, of whom Alva E. is the eldest. Della married O. T. Masterson, and makes her home at present at MeConnersville, Ohio; Blanche. Forest, Pearl and Everette are at home with their parents.
The subject of this sketch received his literary ed- neation in the schools of Quaker City and Belmont. While making his home in Belmont he elerked in a store for eighteen months for Kinney . Bell. In the mean time his father had removed to Me- Connel-ville, and young Tomson. desirous of fin- ishing his dental studies, which he had begun seine time previously, followed hi there and was in the otlice for a twelvemonth. receiving instruction under his father. He then took the examination and was given a diploma enabling him to practice
Immediately on receiving his degree a- doctor of dental surgery, our subject went to Morristown,
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where he located and practiced for eighteen months. At the end of that time he came to Qua- ker City, and September 1, 1893, opened up an office. It is perfect in all its appointments, con- taining every needful appliance for the successful prosecution of his profession, and, being thor- oughly versed in the business, Dr. Tomson is re- ceiving his share of patronage from the best peo- ple of the city.
Our subject was married, December 24, 1891, to Miss Mary, daughter of John W. and Elizabeth (Rice) Parker, by whom he has a son, Mateland, who was born April 22, 1893. The Doctor is a .member of the Christian Church, as is also his amiable wife. Politically he is a strong Republi- can and takes great interest in the success of his party. Socially he is connected with Morristown Council No. 71, O. U. A. M.
APT. EDWARD A. PARRISII, a retired farmer residing in Uhrichsville, is now en- gaged in the insurance business, and is a pension solicitor. He won his rank in the Civil War, in which he suffered severe and lasting injury, as for ten years after receiving his honorable dis- charge he was unable to engage in work of any na- ture. For six years he made the citizens of this place a most efficient and trustworthy Mayor, he having been elected in 1872 to serve in that capac- ity, and re-elected to the post until 1878. He also served as Township Trustee and as Township Clerk for several years, and in each public position showed himself eminently fitted to discharge the duties pertaining thereto.
The father of our subject was James B. Parrish, a native of Maryland. By trade he was a shoe- maker, and worked at his calling in Maryland and Delaware, and afterward in Ohio. In 1841 he came to Tusearawas County, and carried on a shoe and tanning business in Canal Dover and in New Phil- adelphia until shortly before his death, which occur-
red in his sixtieth ycar, in 1852. His first wife was before her marriage Elizabeth Rice, a native of Delaware. They were the parents of twelve chil- dren, only five of whom lived to mature years: James R., now deceased; Edward A., our subject; Catherine, wife of I. P. Miller, of Canton, Ohio; Martha, deccased, wife of John Disher, by whom she had two children; and Woodbine, deceased. Mrs. Disher met her death by an accident, as she was thrown from a carriage, her neck being broken by the fall.
A native of Kent County, Md., Captain Parrish was born December 20, 1824. ITis education was obtained in the then existing subscription schools of Wilmington, Del., and in the Chestertown Col- lege, of the same state. Later he learned the tan- · ner's trade, which business he followed in the East and after coming to Tuscarawas County, where he emigrated with his father in 1841. In 1857 he sold out his business and clerked until the war for Ben- jamin Ulrich, of this city. He had made his home in this village for about ten years prior to dispos- ing of his interest in the tannery.
September 20, 1861, Mr. Parrish went out as First Lieutenant of Company E, Fifty-first Ohio Infantry, which he helped to organize. He was with his regiment for about ten months, when he resigned and raised Company K, of the Ninety- eighth Regiment, of which company he was elected Captain. He remained with them for two years, when he was discharged, June 15, 1864, on the Sur- geon's certificate of disability. He participated in the engagement at Perryville, and in the battle of Perryburg thirty-two of his comrades were killed and wounded in less than two hours. The gallant Captain was crippled by the concussion of a ball, his right hip being affected. Returning to Uhrichs- ville, he was for nearly a decade unable to engage in active work.
In 1874 Captain Parrish established an office for conveyancing, insurance and pension business, and has since been interested in these lines. He owns a farm just inside the city limits, where he has eighty acres. Thirty acres of this land he platted into town lots.
October 31, 1848, occurred the marriage of our subject and Miss Anna M., daughter of Mi-
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chael Ubrich. Five children were born to them: James H., who married Virginia Brashear, and is railroading at Washington, Pa .; Eunice M., Mrs. John S. Hess, of Los Angeles, Cal .; Edward R., who married Grace Munson, by whom he has two chil- dren, Louise and Harriet; William H., who married Nellie Morrison, and has two daughters, Florence and Nellie; and Ada, who resides at home. Edward R. is express agent in Chicago, and William Il. is freight agent at Newark, Ohio. The mother of this family was called to hier final rest May 14, 1889, leaving a host of friends who sincerely mourn her loss.
In politics Mr. Parrish is a Republican, and his first Presidential vote was cast for Zachary Taylor. Fraternally he is indentified with Mystic "ie Lodge No. 194, A. F. & A. M .; Cyrus Chapter No. 114, R. A. M .; and with G. Ball- Council No. 58, and Commandery No. 51, K. T. He is also a mem- ber of Welsh Post No. 441, G. A. R., in which he has filled several of the offices.
E DWIN M. NELSON. This prominent resi- dent of Guernsey County has been Justice of the Peace of Centre Township for near- ly a quarter of a century, and for many years was the efficient Clerk of the township. He now occu- pies a position as one of the most successful farm- ers of this locality. Ilis excellent farm of one hundred acres is located on Congress lands, lot No. 10, and here it is that this honored man pursues his agricultural life.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Nelson was born in Allegheny County, November 14, 1837. Ilis parents, Samuel and Susan (Payden ) Nelson, came to this county in January, 1842, and were there- fore classed among the pioneers whose work it was to prepare homes for the coming generations. Sam- uel Nelson was born in York County. Pa., in 1779, and died when aged seventy-two years. ITis wife,
who was also a native of the same county, was born in 17941, and departed this life in August, 1865.
The father of our subject served as a Captain in the War of 1812, but was not at the front long be- fore peace was declared. Grandfather Nelson came with two brothers to America from their na- tive country, Ireland, very many years ago, and thus was established this branch of the family in the New World. The brothers located in Georgia, while the father of Samuel Nelson made his future home in Pennsylvania. He was a fine Latin schol- ar, and kept a record of his family history in that language. Edwin, of this sketch, was one of six sons and four daughters born to his parents, and was the youngest of the household, the others being James, Robert, Samuel, Hugh W., Joseph, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Margaret and Susan.
The opportunites for gaining an education our subject found were limited to the district school, which, although they were very poorly conducted, were the only advantages in reach of the farmer boy. After carrying on his studies here for a time, young Nelson settled down to farm work, which calling he has followed through life. The lady to whom he was married in 1863 was Miss Margaret E. Work, a native of Harrison County, Ohio. Iler birth occurred September 15, 1842. She was the daughter of James and Annie (Cunningham) Work, and was one in a family of eight children comprising their household.
To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson there have been born four daughters and one son. who are living, name. ly: Anna Flora, Ella O., Ida Alice, Mary C. and Everett R. The eldest daughter married James N. Norris, March 12. 1882, and they have two chil- dren. They make their home in Uhrichsville and Mr. Norris is an engineer in the employ of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railroad. Ida A. is living in Montana, where she has been engaged in teaching school for the past two years.
Our subjeet's farm is underlaid with a vein of solid coal, six feet in thickness, which makes it very valuable. Ile has been very prosperous in his ag- ricultural pursuits, but in 1894 sustained quite a loss by the burning of his barn, with its contents. This he soon replaced by a larger and more sub- stantial structure, well fitted for the storage of large
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quantities of grain and the shelter of many head of stock. The residence of the Squire is very beau- tiful, and occupies a rise of ground, which gives its ocenpants a fine view of the surrounding farming country. In politics he is a Democrat, and with his good wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church, with which they have both been connected since 1856.
ACOB BAIR is one of the few pioneers of Franklin Township whose acquaintance with this locality extends back to the first decade of this century. His grandfather, Leonard Bair, Sr., spent the earlier portion of his life in the vicinity of Philadelphia, Pa., where it was sup- posed he was born. After his marriage be settled in Penns, Westmoreland County. IIis son, Leon- ard, Jr., assisted in transporting the effects of the family from Philadelphia to this point. In the parental family there were seven sons and four daughters, of whom Leonard was the eldest. On arriving at mature years the children settled in the vicinity of their father's home, which he had es- tablished in the Ohio wilderness, on the quarter- section forming the southwest corner of Franklin Township. This was school land, which had not yet been surveyed, and the title to the same was not obtained from the Government until fifteen years later, when the farm was sold at public sale. Mr. Bair died on his homestead September 24, 1826, aged sixty-two years and four months, and his wife, who survived him until December 1, 1842, died in her seventy-eighth year.
Leonard Bair, Jr., was born in Pennsylvania, and was married, in 1809, to Mary Detter. In the fall of 1817 he removed to Franklin Township, some four or five years after his father's settle- ment there. Ile built a cabin near the center of lot 17, which lies just north of the quarter-section taken up by his father. The family of Leonard and Mary Bair comprised sixteen children, of whom fifteen reached mature years, namely: Jacob, Jolin,
Susannah, Leonard, Mary, Philip, Elizabeth, Anna, Jonas, Catherine, Sarah, Keziab, Esther and Leah (twins), and Benjamin. The father of these children died November 23, 1859, aged fifty-five years, six months and eight days. His wife died when nearly cigbty-two years of age, January 11, 1874.
Jacob Bair, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and has spent seven- ty-seven years on the farm lie now owns and occu- pies. In the manner common to boys who lived on the frontier before railroads and other essentials to modern life had been brought into operation, his life was passed until he had reached his majority. He well remembers when matches, heating stoves, street cars, percussion locks and breech-loading arms, iron bridges, etc., had not yet been thought of. In spite of all these things lacking, and many others which now seem necessary to comfort, life was pleasant, though many difficulties and privations fell to their lot. At the age of twenty- one Mr. Bair married Miss Mary, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Houk) Sliffe, who came to this county and settled in Sugar Creek Township before the advent of our subject's grandfatlier Bair. Eleven children of this marriage lived to grow up, and one died in infancy. Benjamin mar- ried Minerva Cieley. They have three children, Ella, Mary and Nina. Simon, who' married Sarah Rosenbury, has two children, William and Pearly. Susannah became the wife of Jolin T. Showalter, of Shanesville. Jacob, a soldier in the Union army, offered up his life for the cause of freedom. Lydia is now Mrs. John J. Dorsey, of Davis County, Ind. George, whose home is in Mansfield (as is also that of his eldest brother), has three chil- dren, Ralph W., Dwight and Nola, by his marriage with Mary Foutz. William wedded Mary Baum- gartner, and has three children, Clark, Clarence and Mary Blanche; he is now a resident of Clinton County, Mich. Franklin chose for his wife Miss Annie, daughter of Isaac Kurtz, of this township, and they have three sons, Ross, Louis and Ray. Leah is Mrs. Lafayette Myers, of Dover Township. Sarahı E. became the wife of Henry Bowers, a well known attorney of New Philadelphia, and they have the following children: Roy, Charles, Jessie, Leah and Russell. Jerome married Alice, daughter
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of John and Jane (Adams) Cummins, old settlers of Tuscarawas County. The two brothers, Franklin and Jerome, with their families, are living on the old homestead. The wife of our subject was called from this life April 23, 1886, at the age of sixty- nine years, eleven months and twenty-two days.
The home of Jacob Bair was erected by himself, as were also his barns and other farm buildings, which now stand on the south side of the farmn. The soil is rich, and yields abundant crops each year to the fortunate owner. Though now eighty- four years of age, Jacob Bair is strong and active, his figure is erect, his sight and hea are alinost perfect, and his fourscore years rest lightly upon him. In conversation he is very interesting, and has entertaining anecdotes to relate of his ear', experiences as a pioncer. Ilis life has always been upright and honorable, and he has many true friends.
D AVID RUMMELL is one of the oldest and most respected pioneers of Tuscarawas County. llis father moved to the town of New Philadelphia in the year 1810. and was one of the founders of the prosperity and civilization which have made this county rank high among. the others of the Buckeye State. For about forty-five years the gentleman whose name leads this sketeh has resided on the farm which he owns, and which is situated on section 10. Goshen Town- ship.
The parents of David Rummell were George and Catherine (Stiffler) Rummell, natives of Pennsyl- vania. The father was a carpenter by trade, and devoted his attention to his chosen calling until shortly before his death, which occurred in 1828. His wife, Catherine, continued to dwell in New Philadelphia until 1854, when she removed to Illi- nois. lIer death occurred in that state in 1866, when she was about sixty-eight years of age. Seven children were born to George Rummell. and were as follows: Frederick, whose home is in Virginia;
David, who is the next in order of birth; George, now deceased; John, whose home is in Iowa; Mary A., deceased; Ilenry, of Michigan ; and William, formerly a farmer of lowa, but now passed to his final resting-place.
The birth of David Rummell occurred at New Philadelphia, December 26, 1816. When in his fifteenth year he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed industriously for thé suc- ceeding nineteen years of his life. He was thrifty and persevering, and in this time managed to save a large sum of money, which he invested in a farm of one hundred acres in 1850. This place, which is still his home, he has added to until his farm now numbers two hundred and fifty-six acres. Its value has been increased by judicious improve- ments, until it is considered one of the best in the township. Mr. Rummell is a practical business man and thoroughly equipped as an agriculturist. Dur- ing the last few years he has resigned some of the more active cares of the farm to his son, but is well preserved both in body and mind, though considerably over the threescore years and ten al- lotted to man.
In 1812 Mr. Rummell married Catherine Caseheer, who was born in this county, and who was a daugh- ter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Knisely) Casehcer. The latter were among the first to locate in New Philadelphia, only two families having preceded them-those of John Knisely, father of Elizabeth Casebeer. and George Stiffler, our subject's grand- father. Mr. and Mrs. Rummell became the par- ents of two children: Alvin. now a resident of New Philadelphia; and Martha, Mrs. Rambo, of Topeka, Kan. His first wife having died, our subject was married in 1848 to Miss Ann Caseheer. a sister of the former Mrs. Rummell. Eight children have been born to David and Ann Rummell: George. who is a resident of Goshen Township, as is also his next younger brother. John; Luther. Mary and Elizabeth, still at home; Nettie, now the wife of Elmer Legget, a farmer of Carroll County. Ohio; Jacob, deceased; and Walter, who lives in Cal- ifornia.
Though the advantages of his early days in an educational way were extremely limited, Mr. Rum- mell, while serving as School Director for a period
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of twelve years, did everything in his power to increase the facilities afforded the children of this day, and used his influence in procuring for them the best schools and teachers. Though frequently asked to accept local offices, he has uniformly re- fused to serve in such capacities, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. In politics he is an ally of the Democratic party. In company with his wife and others of his family, he has for years held membership with the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and has always freely donated of his means for the erection of schools and churches.
H ENRY B. LAFFER, one of the native sons of Sandy Township, is still living within its borders. He operates a valua- ble farm, but gives his main attention to mercan- tile pursuits, and for upwards of thirty years he has conducted a general store.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Henry Laffer, son of Bartholomew Laffer, who was of German origin, and with his family removed from Pennsylvania to New Philadelphia in the early part of this century, and in 1812 came to Sandy- ville. The grandfather, in company with a neigh- bor by the name of Wright, defended two Indians who were in prison when a company of men from Wayne came with the avowed intention of killing the redmen. This did not meet with a sense of justice in the sturdy old pioncer for some reason, and he was obstinate in the stand he took for their protection. Ile owned and improved about one thousand acres of land at Sandyville, of which place he was the founder. He made the first plat of the village, and built the first mill constructed in the northern part of Tuscarawas County. For a short time he also ran a store. He was known as Major Laffer because of his military service dur- ing the War of 1812, when he furnished supplies to the army A man of prominence in the com- munity, he was elected to represent this district in
the State Legislature, and was in Columbus when he was taken sick in 1834. He returned home and soon afterward passed away, at the age of fifty- four years. To himself and wife, Mary, were born fifteen children, six of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, namely: John, Susan, Margaret, Char- lotte, Mary and Ann.
John Laffer, the father of Henry B., was born May 11, 1806, in Pennsylvania or New Philadel- phia, Ohio (it is not certain which), and was called to his final rest August 28, 1868. He owned about three hundred acres at Sandyville, and in addition to operating this tract of land ran the mill which had been built by his father. He was a member of the militia at one time, and was popularly known as "Colonel," on account of his services then rendered. In politics he was a Whig, and in later years a Republican. Religiously he was identified with the Methodist Church. His wife, in maiden- hood Jane Barton, bore bim ten children, four of whom died in childhood. Those who survived are: Henry B .; J. M., a druggist of Akron, Ohio; Mary, Mrs. Raff, who has since passed away; Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Dunbar; Angeline, Mrs. Barnett, deceased; and Eliza J., Mrs. McBride, also deceased. The mother of these children died November 6, 1849. The second wife of Jobn Laffer was the widow of George Fogle. The ma- ternal grandparents of our subject were natives of Ireland, and came to the United States in the early part of this century.
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