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 32
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Cyrus P'. Beatty, brother of our subject, was ap- pointed the first Clerk of Guernsey County, and later resigned the office in order to take command of a company from this section who fought in the War of 1812. Colonel Beatty was appointed his successor and filled the office in a satisfactory manner. Our subject departed this life when in his sixty-first year. Ile was a very active and prominent business man of this section during the early part of his life. He possessed a good educa- tion, and in various ways aided and encouraged the establishment of schools throughout the coun- ty. lle was deeply interested in all measures which would tend toward the upbuilding of his townslup and county, and used his influence in bringing within its bounds those enterprises which would be of lasting usefulness to its inhabitants. Ile was a man fitted by nature for the position which he occupied in the community of that early day, and, possessing a strong character, left an im- press on the lives of the settlers in the wilderness of Ohio.
The family of our subject included four sons- and three daughters: John P., Allen W., Thomas S., Cyrus P., Margery ( Mrs. Dunlap), Sarah ( Mrs. Beymer) and Margaret ( Mrs. Ross). These sons and daughters have long since passed away, and at the present time there are none of their de- scendants living in Cambridge.
Colonel Beatty was married to Margery Met- calf in 1802. It was through the influence of his brother-in-law, George Metcalf, a surveyor in the Steubenville Land District, that he was induced to make settlement in Cambridge. Colonel Beatty
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was also connected with General Biggs in locating the thriving city of Cadiz, in Harrison County, and in many other ways was instrumental in the up-building of this section, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present these few facts to the readers of Guernsey County.
W GILLIAM C. GOULD is prominent in the social, political and literary life of Tuscarawas County as the editor of the Democratic Advocate, a journal ably conducted in the interests of Ins party. Ile is at present resid- ing in Canal Dover, but was born in Carlisle, Pa., the date thereof being April 13, 1824. He is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Rice) Gould, natives, respectively, of Cumberland and Chester Coun- ties, Pa.
The father of our subject was born in the year 1800, and died in 1875, after having spent a life which secured him the respect and esteem of all who knew him. Ile was of German descent, the first representative of this branch of the family having emigrated from Germany in 1770, mak- ing settlement in Pennsylvania. Hle rendered his adopted country valuable service during the War of 1812, being a drummer-boy under Commodore Perry on Lake Eric.
The parental family included twelve children, ten of whom are living. The first death which occurred in the family for a half-century was in 1894, when two of the household passed away. William C., of this sketch, attended school until a lad of twelve years, and two years later entered the office of the American Volunteer. After a serv- ice there of seven years he left, and, going to Har- risburg, Pa., remained the greater part of a year. He returned to this state in 1848, locating at. Eaton, where he was given charge of the Eaton Democrat. Being well equipped for journalismn, he ably managed this paper for six years. While there he was appointed Postmaster by President Pierce.
The following year he resigned his official po-
sition, and, moving to Lebanon, began the publi- cation of the Citizen. Ten years later we find him living in Washington C. II., there editing the Reg- ister. While there he was appointed Message Clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives, retaining that position for two terms of the Legislature.
In 1875 Mr. Gould took up his abode in Jack- son, where he became the proprietor of the Herald, devoting himself to the management of this paper for ten years. The following year he came to Dover and bought the office and appurtenances of the Democratic Advocate, which he has since con- ducted. The paper is well edited, is a bright. newsy, original sheet, and has a good circulation. that is by no means confined to party lines, for though our subject is true to the principles of the Democratic party, he is by no means unrestrictedly aggressive, and is not offensive in his defense of party issues.
The marriage of William C. Gould and Miss Mary C. Strine was celebrated May 1, 1846. To them was born a son, Harry, who is also following the printer's trade. In social affairs our subject is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to the Uniformed Rank; also a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of Dover.
IIRISTIAN BENCE. Every country, state and county furnishes its quota of what the world calls self-made men, who, com- mencing life without financial assistance, have by means of their own good judgment and energy succeeded in gaining success in their chosen voca- tion. The subject of this sketch, who is a black- smith by occupation, undoubtedly belongs to this class, for during the years in which he has thus been employed he has gained a good competence.
A native of Germany, Mr. Bence was born in Baden, October 20, 1842, to Gottlieb and Cather- ine (Brucks) Bence, also born in the Fatherland. Christian was a lad of four years at the time of
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the family's emigration to the New World, and was deprived of the care of his father by death eleven weeks after their arrival in Canal Dover. which place was their destination. The widowed mother was married two years later to Louis Loch- ner, and on his decease became the wife of Jacob Wegele.
The subject of this sketch was trained to a life of industry, and when only fourteen years of age began working in a blacksmith shop with his step- father. Hle afterward entered the employ of Fred Shook, and when severing his connection with him worked for two years with George Rippel. Young Bence next went to Shanesville, spending three months in the employ of Mike Shutt. On his return home at the end of that time he assisted his stepfather in carrying on the farm, and re- mained until again starting out to battle with life on his own account, which he did shortly there- after.
We next find our subject in Mason City, Va., working on coal barges. Not finding this work profitable, he returned home again, whence he went to Canton, and for six months was in the employ of John Sissel. He made his home in that city for a little over two years, being variously occupied until his settlement in Canal Dover, in March, 1863. When first establishing here he formed a partnership with his stepfather, the connection lasting for five years. Ile then purchased the in- terest of Mr. Wegcle, and since that time has re- mained at the old stand. He has been very indus- trious, always to be found at his place of business, and by " hard hammer strokes " has laid by a snug fortune.
Christian Bence, when ready to establish a home of his own, was married, November 20, 1864, to Miss Matilda Ann Shafer, and to them has been granted a family of four children, bearing the re- spective names of George Il., Hattie M., Ida M. and Charles W. The elder son is engaged with his father in business. The sons and daughters have been given good educations in the city schools and are fitted to occupy respectable and useful po- sitions in life.
In social affairs Mr. Bence is an Odd Fellow, and in politics holds to Democratie principles. The
English Lutheran Church finds in him one of its most consistent and valued supporters. He has been the recipient of public honors from his fel- low-citizens, who have recognized his superior business tact and other line qualifications, and have often called him to assist in the administra- tion of public affairs. Thus he has been a mem- ber of the City Council, was School Director for six years, Constable one term, and Treasurer of his township for a period of three and one-half years.
ASPER N. UMSTOTT. A prominent place among the agriculturists of Guernsey Coun- ty is the just meed of the efforts of our sub- ject, who is located in Liberty Township. Here he has a highly productive tract of land, the fertility of which has been kept above par by a wise rotation of crops and the use of the best fer- tilizing agents. A first-class set of buildings has been erected upon it and other improvements made which stamp it as the home of one who be- lieves in progress and enterprise.
Mr. Umstott is a native of this county, having been born in Wheeling Township, November 2, 1856. Ile is the son of Samuel and Harriet (For- ney) Umstott, the former of whom was born in Virginia, June 5, 1827. Ile was the son of Samuel and Mary (Chaney) Umstott, who emigrated from their native Maryland to Guernsey County when Samuel was three years of age. They became well-to-do, and in the locality in which they resided were held in great respect for their upright man- ner of living. Samuel Umstott, Sr., when deprived of the companionship of his wife by death, re- turned to Maryland and married Ruth Dawson, who accompanied him on his journey to Ohio, where she passed the remainder of her life. The father of our subject died October 14, 1887. Ilis good wife was born in Coshocton County, in No- vember, 1837, and now resides on the old home- stead in Wheeling Township. She is the daughter of Joseph and Susan ( Miskimen) Forney, natives,
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respectively, of Guernsey and Coshocton Counties. They made their homes in this county. engaged in cultivating the soil, until they disposed of their property and removed to Goshen Township, Tus- carawas County, where they became owners of a good farm and resided until their deccase.
The parents of our subject were married in Coshocton County, this state, and to them were born five sons and three daughters, of whom we make the following mention: George A., formerly engaged in teaching school, is now farming in Caldwell County, Mo .; Jasper N. is the original of this sketch; Charlotte is the wife of M. S. Ross, a farmer of this county; Bell V. is living at home with her mother; John C. is also at home; McCoy L. is teaching school in Caldwell County, Mo .; and Nellie and Samuel are at home, the former teach- ing school. Samuel Umstott, Jr., in addition to cultivating the soil followed his trade of car- penter to some extent. Ile refused at all times to hold office, and was deserving of the respect con- ferred upon as one of the most useful members of the community.
At the age of twenty-four years our subject was married and began in life for himsetf. The lady on this occasion was Miss Hester Keast, a native of Wheeling Township. this county, who was born October 31, 1856. She was the daughter of John and Elizabethi (Threthewie) Keast, natives of Eng- land, in which country they were married, but emigrated to the United States in 1844. They at once made their way to Coshocton County, and in 1856 moved to Guernsey County. In these counties their family of ten children was reared. Of these Mary is the wife of Daniel Dusenberry, a farmer of this township; Martha is the wife of William Van Sickle, also an agriculturist of this locality; Julia married Peter Hamersley, who is engaged in farm- ing in Coshocton County; Sarah became Mrs. John Little, and lives on a farm in Wheeling Town- ship, which region is now the liome of Margaret, Mrs. Robert Switzer; Ilester is the wife of our subject; Harriet married Samuel Mercer, editor of the Indianapolis (Ind.) Gazette; Susan became the . wife of Thomas Switzer, a farmer of Coshocton County; John T. is a telegraph operator at Flush- ing, Belmont County, this state; and Edward is de-
ceased. The father of Mrs. Umstott departed this life January 11, 1888, at the age of seventy-one years. lle was the son of Edward and Mary Keast, also born in England, whence they came to this county in 1856, making it their permanent home. Elizabeth Keast, who was the daughter of John Threthewie, died in 1801. The grand- mother lived and died in her native land, while the grandfather of Mrs. Umstott departed this life in Australia. lle had amassed an immense for- tune, making as much as $100,000 in three years in England before going out to the colony.
The family of our subject and wife comprises two son and two daughters, namely: Harriet M., John A., Mary G. aud Freddie. Mr. Umstott continued to work his father's farm on shares after attain- ing mature years until 1889. He then became the possessor of ninety aeres of fine land, on which he lias resided ever since and made it one of the most productive tracts in the county.
Mr. Umstott is an active and efficient member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he and his good wife are highly esteemed by all who know them for their consistent and useful lives. In politics the former is independent, not caring to tie himself to any party, but reserves the right to vote for the man regardless of party lines.
S AMUEL R. THOMPSON, M. D., has for about thirty-five years made his home in Ulrichsville, and is one of the distin- guished practitioners of this locality. In addition to being very successful in general family practice, he is noted as a surgeon, and few, if any, physicians in Tuscarawas County excel him in treatment of disease. Ile is frequently called into consultation with the brethren of his profession, with whom he ranks high. Originally he was a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its active supporters, though he has never been induced to accept public oflice.
The parents of the Doctor were Samuel and Mary (Robinson) Thompson, the former a native of Ire-
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land, and the latter of West Virginia, though of Irish descent. Their family numbered six children: John, a farmer of Wirt County, W. Va .; Sam- uel R .; and Andrew, Rosanna, Mary J. and Nancy, who are all deceased. The father was a farmer by occupation, and in about 1832 removed to Guern- sey County, Ohio, where his death occurred. After the death of his first wife'he chose for his compan- ion and helpmate Miss Mary Wyan. Six children blessed their union: David, who is engaged in farm- ing in Lancaster County, Ohio; Lydia A., deceased; Ann J., wife of George W. Nelson, of South Charleston, this state; Lydia and Elizabeth, twins, the former the wife of William Bunn, a farmer of Ross County, Ohio, and the latter now Mrs. Nel- son, wife of an agriculturist of the same county; and William F., whose home is in Lancaster County.
Dr. S. R. Thompson was born in Ohio County, W. Va., December 28, 1829. He was reared on his father's farm, and received the rudiments of his education in the district school. At the age of fourteen years he ran away from home, returning to West Virginia, whence his father had come to Ohio. For the first six months after the boy started out to make his own living he made rails, for which he received thirty-seven and a-half cents a hundred. The next year and a-half he worked on the farm for his board and $7 or $8 per month. Feeling the need of a better education than he already pos- sessed, the youth carefully saved his money and at the age of sixteen years re-entered school. A year later he obtained a certificate to teach, and en- gaged in that profession for two winters in his na- tive county. Afterward he entered West Alexan- der Seminary , where he remained for three terms. Then going to Triadelphia and Middletown, Ohio, he taught two terms of school. The following year he engaged in teaching in Brooke County, W. Va.
At the age of twenty years Dr. Thompson began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. E. B. Yost, of Warrenton, this state, with whom he remained for three years, and at the same time taught in the Warrenton schools. He attended Starling Medical College, where he after ward, 1863, took a post-graduate course. In 1852 he located in
Tippecanoe, Harrison County, Ohio, and there hung out his shingle for the first time. Three years later he moved to West Chester, in the same county, and continued in practice there for five years, at the end of which time he came to Uhrichsville. For the past three decades he has been numbered among the leading citizens of this place, where he has built up a fine reputation and remunerative clientage.
In February, 1852, Dr. Thompson married Miss Nancy J., daughter of Andrew Goudy, of Warren- ton, Jefferson County, Ohio, and to this union were born six children: Louis K., editor of the Twin City Independent, published in this place; Nancy E., widow of William Gilbreath, formerly a resident of Guernsey County; Sarah V., wife of John P. Carey a machinist of this city; Mary A., Mrs. W. II. Bovey; and Harry and Robert, who are at home. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in November, 1880. The present wife of the Doctor was formerly Mrs. Margaret Snee. Socially Dr. Thompson is a member of Mystic Tie Lodge No. 194, A. F. & A. M., of Uhrichsville, and is also connected with the chapter.
F ERDINAND HENRY GENTSCH, M. D., one of the leading physicians of New Philadelphia, of which city he is a native, was born February 12, 1847. He is a son of John Conrad and Wilhelmina C. H.(Böcker) Gentsch, tlie former of whom was born in the canton of Turg- hau, Switzerland, in 1805. Upon attaining his majority he emigrated to the United States, land- ing in New Orleans, whence he made his way up the Father of Waters to the Ohio River and contin- ued by boat to Cleveland. He there met and mar- ried his wife, and resided in the Forest City until 1842, when he came to this city and opened up a hotel, which was one of the first in the place. At the same time the elder Mr. Gentschi carried on a good business as a boot and shoe merchant. llere he made his home until September 19, 1854, when he
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passed away. He was a Democrat in politics, and a great lover of his adopted country and its free institutions. Together with his good wife, Jolin C. Gentsch was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.
The mother of our subject was born in the king- dom of Ilanover, Germany, of which country her parents were natives. Iler father served in the German army, and was under Blucher at the bat- tle of Waterloo. Ile afterward came to the Uni- ted States, making the trip about 1830, and at once located in this state. Ile was a farmer by occupa- tion, which calling he followed un. . his decease, which occurred many years ago.
Conrad and Wilhelmina Gentsch became the parents of seven children, the eldest of whom d' ?. in infancy. Those living are: John; Wilhelmina, the wife of Conrad Meyer; Carolina, who married Jolin S. Bcigler; Daniel C., a resident of Washing- ton, D. C .; Charles, who makes his home in Cleve- land; and our subject. George Theodore is de- ceased.
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in New Philadelphia, passing his earlier years in attending the public schools and assisting his father in the hotel until attaining his seventeenth year. July 22, 1865, he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., from which institution he was graduated in 1870, and remained in the naval service until July, 1873. Prior to completing the course of study in that academy, he made four trips to Europe, and after graduat- ing sailed on the vessel "Severn" for the West In- dies. Ile remained on this flagship for about nine months, during the greater part of which time they were cruising. At the expiration of this time young Gentsch was taken sick and remained at home for about four months. After convalescing, he was ordered on the flagship "Wabash," on which General Sherman sailed for Europe. After leaving the service of the "Wabash," our subject was ordered aboard the "Juniata," commanded by Captain Luce. He remained on this eruiscr about six months, and was then placed on waiting orders. We next find him on the "Richmond," on which he remained for several months. July 22, 1873, Mr. Gentsch resigned from the service, and there-
after gave his undivided attention to the study of medicine, soon after entering the medical depart- ment of the University of Cleveland. After a three- years course in that institution he located in the city of Chicago for the practice of his profession, where he resided for six years. He then went to Omaha, Neb., where he made his home for the fol- lowing three years, when he returned to New Phil- adelphia, and has since made this city the scene of his labors.
Dr. Gentsch is the proprietor of the principal drug store in this city, and is regarded as one of the most wide-awake business men and successful physicians in the county. June 15, 1893, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth L. McMur- ray, daughter of James McMurray. Mrs. Gentsch is a member of the Moravian Church, while the Doctor worships with the Lutheran congregation. In politics the Doctor is a strong Republican, and greatly interested in the success of his party. Ile stands high in medical circles, holding membership with the American Medical Society. Ile also belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fraternities and the Knights of Pythias. Since his return to New Philadelphia. Dr. Gentsch has built up a lucrative practice and is regarded as one of the most learned physicians of the county. He is a man of fine address, genial manners, and is much esteemed in this locality.
C
EORGE W. SLINGLUFF, who died in Do- ver Township, October 10, 1879. is well remembered by his hosts of friends and neighbors, with whom he was always held in the Inghest respect. lle was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a man of fair judg- ment, upright character and amiable disposition. Though he supported by his ballot the Democracy, he was averse to political life for himself and would never accept nomination for office, although
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at one time he was earnestly solicited by his friends to become the candidate on the Democratic ticket for Congress. IIe was one of the early and aggressive settlers of this county, and in 1845 built the residence in which his wife still makes her home.
Our subject was a native of Baltimore, Md., born March 16, 1806. His parents were Jesse and Eliz- abeth (Deardorff) Slingluff. The former, in com- pany with several Baltimore gentlemen, bought three hundred and twenty acres of land in Dover Township at an early day, and therecon erected a store, tannery and distillery. When our subject was nineteen years of age, or in 1825, lie was sent there to keep the accounts and run the store. When the division of property was made by the partners, George W. was left to settle the accounts. He subsequently continued his mercantile venture in Canal Dover until 1845, at which time he pur- chased a farm, and there continued to dwell until his death.
The first wife of George W. Slingluff was Miss Sarah E. Reed, of Warren, Ohio, who was born August 12, 1813. Their union was blessed with two children, Ellen, and an infant who died un- named. Their mother died August 14, 1835. The second wife of our subject, formerly Mary A. Shriver, was born May 29, 1813, and died Feb- ruary 21, 1847. Their three children were: Au- gustus, now deceased; Edward, of Canal Dover; and Georgiana, who has passed from this life.
March 2, 1848, George W. Slingluff was united in marriage with Miss Eliza A. Blair, who is still living. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 27, 1822, and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Holme) Blair, both now deceased. They were residents of Cleveland, and in the early days opened the second warehouse in the Forest City. For several years Mr. Blair was engaged in the fur trade on the Lakes, but for twenty years prior to" his death he was retired from business affairs. Mrs. Slingluff is one of six children, two of whom died in infancy. Mary J. lives in Cleveland, as does also her sister Elizabeth. John II., a hero of the late Civil War, is deceased.
Our subject was a man who was very just and exact in his dealings with all. He never con-
tracted a deht or owed a dollar to any man, and during his busy life lie acquired a handsome com- petence. He was very domestic in his habits, fond of his home and devoted to his family.
D R. GEORGE W. GILDEA is one of the old settlers of Guernsey County, and for years has resided in New Gottingen. It has been said of him that he has made his pro- fession his study and success his object, and he has certainly attained his goal, for he stands high as a physician and is thoroughly conversant with every branch of the medical science. He has min- istered to the ills of his patients over a wide scope of country, and never refused to attend the sick, whether rich or poor. Like most of the brethren of his fraternity, he has been too much of a bu- manitarian to become wealthy, but by industry and thrift has acquired ample means with which to pass in comfort his declining years.
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