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 33
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The paternal grandfather of our subject, Cor- mack Gildea, was a native of Donegal, Ireland, in which country he lived until his death, which oc- curred early in this century. His son Michael, our subject's father, was also a native of Donegal, and came to the United States in 1806, landing at Baltimore after a long and rougli voyage of about twelve weeks on the Atlantic. The latter married Ruth Gist, who was born in Baltimore County, Md. They had two children, namely: George W., and Susannah, who became the wife of Jacob Huff- man, of Minersville, Schuylkill County, Pa. By a subsequent marriage Michael Gildea had two children, David and Mary Ellen. His death oc- curred at the home of the Doctor, at New Gottin- gen, Guernsey County, in 1864, at the age of eighty-five years. His wife died in Baltimore. early in January, 1819.
Dr. George Gildea was born November 17, 1816, in Baltimore, Md., and was only two years old at the time of his mother's death. His father
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placed him in the hands of comparative strangers to be brought up. The boy led somewhat of an itinerant life for a few years, and received but few educational advantages. By the time he was nine- teen years of age, he had learned the shoemak- er's trade and, leaving his home at Emmitsburg, Md., he started out as a journeyman worker. lle visited New Lisbon, Cleveland, Tiflin, Washing- ton, Parkersburg (W. Va.), West Union, Ohio, Beavertown and many other places. By hard study at intervals in his work the ambitious youth picked up sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach. For one term he was in charge of a school at a point four miles west of Hollidaysburgh. Pa., but this business was not to bis taste. Ile was next employed in a sawmill in Luzerne County, Pa., and subsequently lived for a time in Allen- town.
In the fall of 1844 Dr. Gildea returned to the state of Ohio, having a few years previously taken up the study of medicine, at the suggestion of Drs. Wilson and Wrigert, of Berwick, Pa. Having started out in this direction, he faithfully held to his purpose, and after a full course of preparation spent the winter of 1847-48 at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. During his preparatory course Dr. John McFarland, of Washington, Ohio, was his preceptor, and to him our subject was deeply indebted for aid in mastering the intricacies of his profession. His first location was at Tem- peranceville, Belmont County, where he practiced for two years, after which, in 1850, he came to this place, where he has remained uninterruptedly, with the sole exception of four months in 1875. At that time he contemplated settling in Wilton, Wis., but he found the climate too severe and returned to his old home.
November 27, 1845, Dr. Gildea married Mar- garet, daughter of James and Ann (Carr) Gallagher, natives of Donegal, Ireland, and New Gottingen, respectively. To the Doctor and wife three sons and a daughter were born. The eldest, Ruth Ann, lias been a successful teacher for twenty-three years, at Zanesville, Ohio, and is now at home with . her father. James Michael is unmarried and oper- ates a farm near Gibson Station. John Francis married Miss Mary Pie, and lives in Bellaire, being
check master on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. They have two children, Paul and Helen Regina. George Vincent married Maggie, daughter of Den- nis and Margaret O'Grady, and lives with our sub- ject. He has two children, Marie Joseph and Leo Francis. The wife of our subject died September 16, 1855. May 8, 1862, Dr. Gildea married Ann E. Gallagher, a sister of his first wife, and she is still living.
In his political faith the Doctor is a Democrat. A member of the Roman Catholic Church, he cx- emplifies its best teachings in his daily life. Since August, 1893, he has held the position of Umted States Pension Examiner, with headquarters at Cambridge. For years he was President of the Guernsey County Medical Society. The Doctor is a warm-hearted and generous man by dispo- sition, and his very presence, full of cheer and strength, assists his patients to recover their wonted health.
S AMUEL T. NAYLOR. There is in the busi- ness world only one kind of man who can successfully combat the many disadvant- ages and trials that come boldly to the front, and that is the man of superior intelligence and force of character, and one who is the happy possessor also of that energy that seems somehow to be the magic wand that transforms a poor beginning into a most flattering ending. To this class belongs Samuel Naylor, a man who by strict integrity and shrewdness of judgment has acquired a good start in life. Ile is at present residing in Canal Dover, where he is the proprietor of a finely stocked drug store, and is by able management reaping a good profit from this line of business.
A native of this state, our subject was born in Stark County, March 27. 1844, and is the son of William B. and Elizabeth (Cassaday) Naylor, na- tives of New Jersey. They came with their re- spective parents to this state, and were here mar- ried and spent the remainder of their lives. Sam- uel Cassaday. the father of Mrs. Naylor, was a farmer by occupation, and. was the owner of the
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land on which is now located the city of Alliance. This property was then in its original wildness, and to hun is due the credit of clearing and culti- vating it.
William B. Naylor, although occupied for many years in farm pursuits, taught school for a lime, and also traveled in the interests of a wholesale no- tion house in Canton, Ohio. llis union with Miss Cassaday resulted in the birth of five sons and four daughters, of whom six are now living. The orig- mat of this sketch was the eldest of the household; Joshua makes his home in Salem, this state; Sarah is the wife of Charles Gee, of Canfield, this state; Ella married Thomas P. Hlively, and is a resident of Canal Dover; Judson also lives in Canal Dover; and Curtis S. is a resident of this place.
Samuel T. Naylor pursued his studies in the common schools of Mahoning County, this state, and, being ambitious to acquire knowledge, made the best of his opportunities, and is to-day well informed. During the progress of the late war, he enlisted, in 1862, in the Union service, but was re- jected. Nothing discouraged, he again volun- teered his services, two years later, and was mus- tered in as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-lifth Ohio Infantry. His regiment was ordered into Virginia, and our subject participated in many of the hard-fought battles of that period, among them being that of Bermuda Hundred, Norfolk, Cape Henry, and all the conflicts which occurred along the coast of the James River.
Receiving his honorable discharge in August, 1864, Mr. Naylor returned home, and the follow- ing year, on July 4, was married to Miss Lydia. daughter of Charles Kellogg. To them have been born three children: Sherman L., who is a Lieu- tenant of the National Guards; Daisy A. and Willie C., both at home. For a number of years after his marriage our subject traveled for a Cleveland house, selling patent medicines. A few years later he began the manufacture of various preparations, among which were his pain cure, cholera balm and liver medicine. They sold very rapidly, and proved to be just what Mr. Naylor claimed for them.
Our subject took up his abode in this city in 1870, and for the past quarter of a century has been
identified with the business interests of this city. For twenty years he continued to give his undi- vided attention to his trade, but since his appoint- ment as Collector of Tolls combines the duties of that position with his other interests. In 1893 he moved into a new store, which is fitted up in mod- ern style, and is stocked with every variety of drugs and medicines, besides a full line of toilet articles, perfumes, ete. In politics he is a follower of Re- publican principles. Socially he is a Grand Armny man. Ile is well known throughout the county and is respected as his upright life deserves.
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APT. GEORGE W. BOWERS. Tuscarawas County sent many brave. self-sacrificing men to the front during the Civil War, in a time that tested men's loyalty and devotion to their country. Among them was George W. Bowers, who won honor as a soldier and rose from the ranks to the important official position of Cap- tai of his company.
The original of this sketch was born in Phila- delphia, Pa., October 26, 1813, and is the son of John Ambrose and Catherine Amanda (Wike) Bowers, natives, respectively, of Baltimore, Md., and Richmond, Va. The father was the son of Jacob and Naomi Britton ( Burns) Bowers, and was of Scotch-Irish descent.
The elder Mr. Bowers removed about 1835 to Philadelphia, Pa., where he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a currier. This he followed for five years, in the employ of John Conroy, an uncle, and at the expiration of that time began studying medicine, which he practiced for a time in the Keystone State. It was while living there that he met and married Miss Wike, and in 1848 they came West, and lived for about one year at Mt. Eaton, in this state. llis next move was to Canal Dover, where he followed his profession, and also engaged to some extent in the tanning and currying business .. Ile was somewhat promi-
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nent in public affairs, and was elected on the Democratic ticket a Justice of the Peace, which responsible position he held for many years. Ile was a devout member of the Catholic Church, and departed this life in 1874, aged sixty-one years.
· The maternal grandparents of our subject, who were Jolin and Hannah ( Lytle) Wike, were descend- ed from one of the old famihes of Virginia. Their daughter, Mrs. Bowers, was educated and reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is still living, making her home in New Phila- delphia. The parental household included six children, those besides our subject being Ambrose, who died when young; John, also deceased; James K., living in this city, which is also the home of William W .; and Josephine, who departed this life at the age of six years.
Ile of whom we write attended the public schools of Canal Dover until fifteen years of age, when he entered the office of the Iron Valley Times at that place in order to learn "the art preservative." Ile remained in the employ of that paper nearly one year, when he came to this city and began working for the Tuscarawas Advocate, then edited by Andrew Patrick. Young Bowers was thus em- ployed until the spring of 1862, when, inspired with patriotism, he enlisted in the Union army, as a member of Company G, Eighty-eighth Ohio Infantry. On account of a division in the regi- ment the company was cut to pieces, and our subject was made Assistant Commissary Sergeant of the prisons at Camp Chase and assigned to duty at that place.
The command remained in the above place until Kirby Smith threatened an invasion of Ohio, when a detachment of the regiment was sent into Ken- tucky, going as far as Eminence, when they were driven back and returned to Camp Chase. While there our subject's term of enlistment expired, and he was mustered out and returned home. In June, 1863, however, hie again offered his services in behalf of his country, joining Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Ohio Infantry. The company was soon ordered to Camp Robinson, Ky., and from there to Crab Orchard, where they formed a part of the Ninthi Army Corps. After some skirmishing they reached Cumberland Gap,
participating in the conflict at that point. Prior to this Mr. Bowers had been commissioned First Lieutenant, and was mustered in as such after the engagement. The next engagement which was fought was at Tazewell, Tenn., on the Clinch River, against Longstreet's forces.
Shortly after this conflict Lieutenant Bowers took part in quite an unexpected encounter. Hle was sent out in charge of a foraging expedition into West Virginia. and while en route he met Col. W. C. Lemert, who informed him that the Union wagon train had been captured and was being burned over in the valley beyond. On ascending the hill to look at it, with the Colonel, the bugler and a few officers, they very unexpectedly ran into the enemy, who made a charge on them. They at once rushed down the hill, the bugler sounding the call to arms, followed by the rebels. Just then they met the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, and it became their turn to put the enemy to flight. Although Lieutenant Bowers had no other weapon than his sword, he cut right and left, the fight lasting for two hours, or until darkness overtook them. The result was that the rebels were driven back and a number of their men killed and others taken pris- oners. The latter were taken back with them to Cumberland Gap.
Our subject saw a great deal of hard service with the Ninth Corps, largely in front of, and skirmishing and manœuvering with, Longstreet's forces. During the winter of 1863-64 he was taken sick with lung fever, soon after the Tennes- sce campaign, and was sent to Cumberland Gap, where their command had headquarters. In March he went to Camp Cleveland, Ohio, where he was mustered .out on the 5th of that month, 1864.
A few months later, however, the Lieutenant, not willing to remain at home while an arm was raised against "Old Glory," recruited Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio Infantry, which was organized at Camp Chase, and of which he was made Captain. The regiment was then sent into Kentucky, where it was divided and sent into different_ portions of the state. Captain Bowers was sent with a company to Lexington, where they did duty on the railroad lines. While there the Captain was detached from the company
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and made Provost-Marshal General on the staff of Gen. E. II. Hobson, where he remained until the surrender of General Gilntner and the guerrilla chieftain, Pete Everett. Ile was then ordered to Cumberland Gap, in command of the main forces there, and remained until September 26, 1865, when he was mustered out at Lexington and sent to Columbus, Ohio, where he was paid off and received his honorable discharge.
On returning home after the close of the war, Captain Bowers again entered the office of the Ohio Democrat, remaining for several years. While there he was elected Coroner, and remained in that position for eight successive years. In the fall of 1885 he received the nomination of the Democratic party for the office of Sheriff, and, being very popular in his county, was elected. On the expiration of his term he was again made the incumbent of the office, serving in all four years.
Captain Bowers was married in July, 1863, while recruiting in New Philadelphia, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of the Rev. John and Harriet (Gans) Grimm, natives, respectively, of Pennsylva- nia and Ohio. The father is deceased, but Mrs. Grimm is still living, making her home in New Philadelphia. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born the following-named children: Oscar O., Ambrose A .. George L. and Charles F. The latter is deceased.
Both the Captain and his wife are members in excellent standing of the Disciples Church. In social matters, the former is Past Commander of Andrew Crawford Post No. 6, G. A. R., in this city, and is also Colonel of Union Command No. 55, Union Veterans' Union. He is likewise a member of New Philadelphia Lodge No. 107, I. O. O. F .; Bethesda Encampment No. 39.1. 0. 0. F .; and Equity Lodge No. 73, K. of P.
Captain Bowers still devotes considerable time to newspaper work, writing for the press. Ile is a forcible, attractive writer, and when engaged upon some humorous article is quite at home. Ile has the reputation of having made one of the best Sheriffs Tuscarawas County ever had. Ile has been quite active and influential in politics, and always supported Democratic candidates until the last election. What he may be in the future,
when the political lines of the parties are more clearly defined and the issues now agitating the people more definitely adjusted, can not now be foretold. This much is sure - that he will be on the sile and with the party that will support the issues and principles that, in his judgment, will best serve the interests of the country. Captain Bowers is one of the best known men in the county, is charitable and full of human kindness, popular and esteemed by all.
S IMON LIMBACHI is Justice of the Peace, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his farm, situated on sec- tion 4, York Township. At various times he has been called upon to occupy positions of trust and honor, and has always discharged the duties de- volving upon him with zeal and fidelity. For a period of nine years he was the capable Trustee of York Township, and in 1892 was appointed Jus- tice of the Peace, in which capacity he is still serving.
Simon Limbach was born April 7, 1852, and is a son of Adam and Dortha (Schurr) Limbach, na- tives of Germany. They carly left the Father- land, and were among the first settlers of this coun- ty, where they continued to reside the remainder of their lives. Adam Limbach was born in 1810, and died in 1874. Ilis wife was born about 1817, and came to Tuscarawas County with her mother when she was a little girl. Adam Limbach was Township Trustee for several terms, and in poli- ties was a Democrat. Religiously he and his wife were affiliated with the German Reformed Church.
The brothers and sisters of our subject are as follows: David, who is engaged in general farm- ing in this township; George, a lumber merchant of New Philadelphia; Adam, a farmer of this township; William, who owns a farm in Jefferson Township; Catherine, wife of August Kuhn, an agriculturist of this township; Mary, whose hus- band, A. Schwartz, operates a farm in York Town- ship; Elizabeth, who. became the wife of William
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Beaber, a farmer of this township; and Caroline, wife of D. Bear, also engaged in farming in this township.
Simon Limbach was reared on his father's farm, and acquired his education in the distriet schools of the neighborhood. ` Ile gave his assistance to his parents until he reached his majority, when he started out in the world to make his own living. llis first independent undertaking was as a sawyer in a sawmill. There he continued as an employe for a year, and at the end of that time purchased an interest in the plant. For the next fourteen years he gave his attention to this business, and by industry and perseverance laid the foundation of his future competence. In 1880 he sold out his share in the mill, and invested the proceeds in the farm which has since been his place of resi- dence. This homestead comprises one hundred and six acres of fine land, and upon it are to be found good improvements. Mr. Limbach has proven himself to be a man of practical and pro- gressive ideas, and the thrifty appearance of his place indicates his ability and watchful care.
In 1875 our subject married Miss Lizzie Angel, who was born July 23, 1858. Her parents, Hiram and Caroline (Halın) Angel, reside on a farm in Jefferson Township, and have lived in this county since 1854. Mr. Angel was born in Carroll County, but his wife is a native of Germany. Their fam- ily comprised two sons and five daughters, namely: Rosetta, wife of D. Gribble, a farmer of Jefferson Township; Lizzie, Mrs. Limbach; Nancy .J., wife of W. Schaad, a saddler of Rickersville, Ohio; Mary, wife of D. Gruber, a merchant of Phillips- burg, Ohio; Amelia, wife of F. Anderegg, wlio operates a farm, and is a school teacher of Rush Township; William II., who has taught sehool, and is now attending college; and Charles F .. who is fitting himself as a teacher in the New Phila- delphia schools. The only child of our subjeet and his wife is Adam E., who was born October 7, 1877. He is a young man of marked ability and intelligence, and at the present time is devoting his energies to condueting a school in Jefferson Township.
In educational matters Mr. Limbach has been interested and active. His own advantages in
this direction were not 'such as are afforded the present generation, and, though he became well informed by private study and reading, he is a believer in good schools and teachers, thus fitting the young for a successful career in the world. For three years he served as School Director, and at all times has been ready to contribute to the erection of new schools and other worthy enter- prises. Though he and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church, they attend the Lutheran congregation, as their place of meeting is more convenient to their home.
INFIELD SCOTT, M. D., of Seneeaville, is a graduate of the Cincinnati (Ohio) Medical College, and for the past fif- teen years has engaged in the practice of his pro- fession in this eity. Ile stands high among the brethren of his ealling, and enjoys widespread fame for luis scholarly and practical ability. As a citizen he is highly respected for the interest he takes in all matters of public moment, and he is looked upon as a leader in local affairs.
The Doctor is a deseendant of Hugh Scott, a na- tive of County Donegal, Ireland, who came to America soon after the Revolutionary War. A year later he went to Fayette County, and from there to Jefferson County, Ohio. He leased land near Steubenville, cleared it and received the use of the place for a term of years as compensation for removing the timber and putting the land un- der cultivation. During this time the principal stock which he raised was tobacco. Before leav- ing the Emerald Isle he was married, and to him- self and wife were born four sons and eight daugh- ters. The eldest, Mathew, married a Miss Scott, and settled in Monroe County, Ohio. Nancy be- came the wife of James Scott (a brother of Mathew Scott's wife), and settled in this eounty; Jane wedded John Bainum, and located near Mt. Eph- raim, Noble County; James, our subject's father,
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married Eliza Dickerson; Rebecca became the wife of William Coen, of Noble County, who was killed in 1834 by a falling tree; Thomas wedded a Miss McCauley, and became a resident of Grant County, Ind .; Sarah married Abram Asher, and resided in Noble County; Susan, who died in the vicinity of Senecaville, was the wife of George Shafer; William married a Miss Nelson, and settled in Vinton Coun- ty; Catherine, Mrs. Jacob Downey, lives near Cum- berland; and Mary, Mrs. Thomas Downing, settled in Missouri.
James Scott, the Doctor's father, was born in February, 1803, near Steubenville. Ile continued to reside under the parental roof until reaching man's estate, and after his parents became old and infirm he took care of them for several years. In the spring of 1818 the family settled on the farm now owned by Andrew Riduce. This is situated on Opossum Creck, in Buffalo Township, Noble County, then comprised within the limits of this county. There they took a lease and placed a large acreage under cultivation, raising tobacco as their staple crop. In addition to farming, James Scott worked as a carpenter, building many houses and barns in this vicinity. In 1834 he in- vested what money he had saved in a farm in Val- ley Township, now known as the Solomon Long- wood place. This comprised one hundred and sixty acres, and to this he afterward added forty- four acres. The house, which is still standing on this homestead, was built by Mr. Scott about 1853. In 1834 he was first married to Miss Elizabeth Shaw. Their only child, Harriet, became the wife of Richard Dickerson. Some years after the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, January 6, 1842, the father married Eliza, daughter of Simeon and Anna (Hart) Dickerson, who lived at Dickerson's Bridge, on Wills Creek. Richard, father of Sim- con Dickerson, was one of the pioneers of Cam- bridge, whither he went in 1804. To James and Eliza Scott were born Ilenry C .; Sarah Ann, Mrs. James B. McDonald; Winfield, the subject of this article; Mary Jane, Mrs. David N. Secrest, now of Kansas; Theodore Parker, who died at the age of twelve years; Charles Wilber, who married Anna Secrest, and lives on the old homestead; and Eliza, who lias long been a member of the Baptist Church,
and who is noted for her acts of kindness and love toward the siek, destitute and suffering.
James Scott was a typical pioneer of the West. lle wore a suit made of buckskin and kept his ta- ble supplied with an abundance of wild game. Ile was a fine shot and always won a large share of the turkeys put up at the numerous matches that formed a feature of the country sports of those days. Like many hunters of large game, he despised a shot-gun and never used one. A man of vigor- ous constitution, lie was strong and hardy until about three years before his death, which occurred November 18, 1894, when he had. attained the good old age of ninety-one years. With the ex- ception of 1856-60 he voted in every Presidential election from that of Adams, in 1824, until the one - which took place only a week or so before his death. On the dissolution of the Whig party he affiliated with the Democracy. One of his promi- nent characteristics was Ins scrupulous honesty and integrity.
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