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 44
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In the following spring, navigation was opened to Cleveland. A grand old-fashioned huzza was given, not only to the first boat that arrived, but later others were greeted with many hearty cheers. A canal-boat at that time was looked upon as a big thing. Dover still later was noted as the second city in importance in the purchasing and shipping of wheat and flour. The citizens of Canal Dover will ever rejoice at the forethought and wisdom dis- played in locating the town so favorably, with its beautiful environments, its picturesqueness of sur- rounding scenery, replete with undulating hills, valleys and extended plains of fertility, and bound- ed on the east with the crystal waters of the Tus- carawas.
To Christian and Margaret R. Deardorff were born eight children: Jesse S., Isaac N., George B., Charles F., Upton C., Mary C., Joseph B. and Will- iam F. They are all living with the exception of William and Charles. Jesse S. Deardorff was born in Dover (later called Canal Dover), and
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remembers when there were but ten houses in the village, and deer, wolves, 'coons, foxes and other wild game were a common sight. This city now has a population of four thousand, is a large man- ufacturing place, and has several large churches and schools. His first school days were spent in New Philadelphia. Later a school was established in Dover. Subsequently, however, we find him a stu- dent of Kenyon College, and later still he entered the college at New Athens.
Before completing his education, our subject's father's mercantile partnership was dissolved, and this necessitated his assuming the management 'of his interest in this business. Later he was in- terested in the manufacture of woolen goods, was one of the projectors and proprietors of two salt works near Canal Dover, and carried on a thriving business as merchant, miller and dealer in produce. . Energetic, honest, progressive and up- right, he has succeeded in life, and is now enjoy- ing the fruits of his prudence, surrounded with luxuries and enjoying the confidence and esteem of a host of warm friends. While living in Canal Dover, he was elected Mayor of the city, and for some time was also a working and valued member of the School Board. In politics he was first a Whig, casting his first Presidential vote for Will- iam Henry Harrison; but on the formation of the Republican party, he joined its ranks and has ever since voted for its candidates. In religious affairs he is one of the active members of the Moravian Church at Canal Dover, which he regularly attends and contributes liberally to its support. Socially he belongs to the Odd Fellows' fraternity, which he represented in the grand lodge, and with which he has been connected since 1849.
J. S. Deardorff was united in marriage in East Cleveland, April 14, 1816, to Anna B., daughter of the Rev. A. MeReynolds and Susannah (Hodge) McReynolds, who was born August 21, 1825, in Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland. To them have been born the following-named children: Eugene A., for eighteen years assistant Cashier in the Citizens' National Bank of New Philadelphia; Ilorace A., who is engaged in the mercantile bus- iness in Pittsburg; Isaac L., a produce broker, who also makes his home in that city; and Charles, El-
mer and Ernest, who dicd young. A devoted wife and mother, a faithful member of the Moravian Church, Mrs. Deardorff came to Canal Dover with her parents in 1844. She was a graduate of William Bross' Female Seminary at Deckertown, N. J., and was rarely gifted in song and instrumental music and mental culture. She was foremost in all Christian and benevolent works in the church and neigh- borhood, and aided her husband greatly in attaining bis present high standing in the community. She died July 25, 1877, and is buried by the side of her mother and sister, Martha, and her three chil- dren in the family lot in the old cemetery in Canal Dover. Her parents immigrated in her infancy from Stewartstown, Ireland, to the United States in 1827. .Her father's ancestors were Scotch-Irish Presby- terians, and joined the army under William, Prince of Orange, and heroically participated in the vic- torious battle of the Boyne. Large confiscated estates were conferred upon him for his acknowl- edged valor. Of A. McReynolds' grandfather's sons, some were noted physicians, one settled in London and one in Moneymore, north of Ireland, and still another makes his home in Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, and one is a colonel in the English army.
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B ENJAMIN GIFFEE. That our subject is one of the shrewdest and wealthiest agri- culturists of Guernsey County is shown by the success which has crowned his efforts, for he is now living retired from active work of any kind, on his valuable farm, comprising fourteen hundred and thirty-seven acres, all of which, with the exception of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, lies in Oxford Township. Upon this farm he raises large numbers of sheep and cattle. He is a man of much practical business talent and financial ability, and his extensive possessions are a standing monument to the energy which he has put forth in the labors of his life, and the good judgment which has characterized his efforts. His
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high standing among his fellow-men is equally high proof of his worth as a neighbor and citizen.
Mr. Giffee was born in Oxford Township, Janu- ary 18, 1821, and is the son of Benjamin and Han- nah (Gilliland) Giffee, who were married Septem- ber 6, 1804. The father was a native of Maryland, and the mother's birth occurred in Virginia. Ben- jamin Giffce came to Oxford Township in a very early day, and entered from the Government the land on a portion of which our subject now re- sides. fle was engaged in farm pursuits all his life, and both in his business success and the posi- tion which he occupied in the community was an example of what a man can accomplish providing he possesses energy, pluck and good judgment, coupled with the confidence and respect of the people among whom he may live.
Benjamin and .Hannah Giffec were the parents of ten children, of whom our subject was the youngest but one. Of the other members of the family: Elizabeth, who was born January 29, 1805, died November 17, 1892; James, born March 14, 1807, died in March, 1871; Sarah, born May 23, 1808, died December 30, 1828; Susanna, born Oc- tober 17, 1809, died April 26, 1833; Josiah, born April 3, 1811, died August 30, 1889; Mason, born March 11, 1813, died September 9, 1821; Perry, born August 20, 1814, died November 12, 1833; Ruth, born June 24, 1818, died October 23, 1841; and Hannah, born December 5, 1822, died in the fall of 1892.
The father of our subject dying when he was quite young, he was not permitted to spend much time in attending school, but early in life com- menced to paddle his own canoe. On attaining mature years he came in for his share of the original entry of land, receiving as his portion about twenty-five acres. That he has been suc- cessful in cultivating the soil is hardly necessary to say, as we have already recorded the fact that he is now the proud possessor of nearly fifteen hundred acres of the fertile land for which Guern- sey is noted, all of which is the result of his own labors, excepting the insignificant amount which he inherited. lle has an excellent brick residence situated a half-mile south of Fairview.
Mr. Giffee and Miss Eliza L. Kennon were mar-
ried March 29, 1867. The lady is the daughter of James and Rose A. (Kennon) Kennon, and was born in Oxford Township February 2, 1839. She has become the mother of three children: Albert, who was born June 6, 1870, and died October 6, 1881; Leanna, born February 3, 1872; and Josiah B., June 21, 1877. The living members of the house- hold are at home and are being given the best ad- vantages for obtaining an education which it is in the power of their parents to bestow. Mr. and Mrs. Giffee are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and conscientiously live up to what they believe to be right. Politically the former is a stanch Republican, and therefore casts his vote with that party. He takes a leading part in local affairs and is devoted to the best interests of the community. He has made many friends during his long residence in this county, who esteem hin highly for his worth and upright character.
LIVER P. LECHNER, one of the native sons of Mineral Point, Ohio, is serving his third term as an Alderman of the place. Since August 8, 1889, he has been an engineer for the Tunnel Mining Company, and for many years prior to that time ran locomotive, stationary and portable engines for various manufacturing concerns or railroads. He is an expert mechanic and thoroughly acquainted with all parts of the business.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Michael Lechner, was born in York County, Pa., in 1777, and served in the War of 1812. He was a miller by trade, but for a time after coming to Ohio, in 1826, engaged in farming in Stark County, later, however, returning to milling. He died at the age of fifty-seven years, firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church, in which he had been reared. 1lis wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Rider, and to them were born three children: George; Jeremiah; and Joseph, of Elkhart County., Ind.
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After the death of Michael Lechner his widow be- came the wife of Joseph Young, and her death oc- curred in Indiana, at the age of eighty-four years.
George Lechner, the father of Oliver P., was born in York County, Pa., and was reared to farm life. In 1826, when a young man, he came to Ohio, set- tling in Stark County. There he was married, in 1846, to Matilda Firestone, and soon afterward came to this locality, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres. He improved the farm, and sixty acres of the land has since been platted and a part of this sold to the railway company. He made the first addition to the village in company with Al- fred Davis, and leased some of his land to a mining company. In politics he was a strong Republican, and twenty years he served as Township Trustec. He was born in 1820, and died June 3, 1889. His wife was born in Pennsylvania and was the dangh- ter of Mathias Firestone, of German birth. Ile set- tled in Stark County, this state, at an early day, and engaged in farming until shortly before his death, at the age of seventy years. Six children were born to George and Matilda Lechner, namely: Catherine, Mrs. Philip Furney, of Sandy Township; Charity, who became the wife of Sam Cunningham, and died at Malvern, Stark County, leaving two daughters; Osee, Mrs. Emanuel Sweaney, of Sandy- ville; Joseph M., Oliver P. and Jennie.
Oliver P. Lechner was born September 20, 1856, and was brought up on a farm, receiving a district- school education. When eighteen years old he began working for himself and, going to Alliance, entered the employ of the Ft. Wayne Railroad Company. Familiar with machinery, he afterward ran locomotive, stationary and portable engines, and is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Owing to his industry and thrift, he has become well-to-do, and owns several pieces of property in this village. He has also constructed three houses in the place, and in other ways has as- sisted in the local welfare.
September 6, 1883, Oliver Lechner married Miss Isabel France, who was born in Carroll County, just across the line from this county, October 22, 1859. Her parents, Michael and Catherine (All- baugh) France, were natives of the Keystone State, but came to Ohio in an early day with their re-
spective parents and were among the first settlers of Carroll County. Michael France was a wagon- maker by trade, but followed farming during the last years of his life, his death having occurred on the 11th of June, 1892, at the age of sixty- nine years. He was twice married, by his first union having had five children, namely: Mary E., who died when six months old; John D .; Amanda, wife of George Householder; Ann, who became Mrs. Jacob G. lIouseholder; and Isabel, who became the wife of our subject. The mother of these children, who was a devoted member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, died March 1, 1861. Her husband afterward married Elizabeth Householder, but there were no children by that union. Michael France was a son of John France, who was born in the Keystone State and passed his last years in Ohio. He reared four sons and three daughters, as fol- lows: William, George, Alex, Michael, Mary, Eliza Ruthledge and Susan Waltz, now deceased. The eldest daughter, Mary, was twice married, first to John Domer and later to Alex Huston.
To our subject and his wife has been born one child, Loren Loree, born July 24, 1894. Mrs. Lechner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which she has belonged for fifteen years, and with the denomination her parents were also connected. In his political belief Mr. Lechner is a supporter of the Republican party. Both he and his wife enjoy the friendship and good-will of a large circle of neighbors and acquaintances.
T HOMAS McKAHAN. The gentleman to whom we call the attention of our readers is a prominent and influential farmer of Jefferson Township, Guernsey County, where he operates an excellent estate of one hundred and twenty acres, all well improved. He is a well edu- eated man, and an expert in the art of spelling, winning as a prize, over twenty years ago, Web- ster's Unabridged Dictionary at a spelling "bee" conducted at Washington, this state.
Daniel McKahan, the father of our subject, was
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a native of County Derry, Ireland, born in 1771. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Mc- Connell, was a native of County Down, Ireland, her birth occurring in 1780. This lady was ten years old when she undertook the journey to America, and was married to Daniel McKahan in 1818. She came to America in 1790, locating at once in Chester County, Pa., whence slie soon after removed to Brooke County, W. Va. Iler husband located in Washington County, Pa.
The parental family included thirec children, of whom Thomas was the youngest. Robert was born March 30, 1819, and is a surveyor, making his home in Cambridge, this county; James was born June 5, 1820, and was located on a fine farm near Kimbolton, in Wheeling Township, until his death, in 1869. Thomas was born in Washington County, Pa., February 24, 1823. Ilis parents be- ing fairly well-to-do, he was given the opportu- nity of attending the schools taught in the district, and when nineteen years of age was considered competent to teach. This profession he followed for five years during the winter season.
Three years after attaining his majority, Thomas McKahan was married to Miss Margaret, the daugh- ter of John and Mary (Marshall) McMillen, and for twelve years farmed in the Keystone State. His removal to Ohio was undertaken in 1859, at which: time he settled in Guernsey County, Ohio. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. McKahan, Mary, born June 15, 1848, married Hiram Gunn in April, 1866; Eliza, born July 24, 1851, married Jolin II. Ford, and they reside in Dakota; Susanna, born April 15, 1854, became the wife of Jonathan Patterson, and is living in Centre Township, this county. The wife and mother died June 14. 1855, and our subject later married Ellen, daughter of James and Isabel (Carnes) Bell, of Monroe Town- ship. Of the children of this union, Margaretta, born on the 11th of February, 1857, married Rob- ert T. Mccullough, and their soven children are Ella, born October 14, 1877; Thomas L., March 14, 1878; Robert G., September 25, 1882; Laura B., February 25, 1884; Chalmer, May 18, 1887; Vic- toria, January 26, 1892; and Lida B., October G, 1893. Belle McKahan, the second daughter, was born October 9, 1860, and married Henry S.
Adair; their one child, Adrian R., was born March 4, 1884. Nannie was born October 31, 1864, and married Joseph C. McNeal, September 24, 1891. Their family comprise a daughter and son: Laura I., born September 12, 1892; and Ralph C., February 25, 1894.
James Bell, the father of Mrs. MeKahan, was born in Ireland in 1789, while his wife, who was also a native of that country, was born in 1801. They were married in the Emerald Isle, and on coming to America, in 1825, first located in Balti- more. Later they moved to a place near the city of Pittsburg, P'a., and in 1842 took up the line of marchi to Guernsey County. On arriving here they leased a piece of land, which Thomas Mc- Kahan later purchased, and this property is still in the possession of the family, and is one of the most productive farms in the county.
During the late war our subject enlisted as a member of Company B, Ninety-seventh Ohio In- fantry, and was mustered into service August 7, 1862. He remained in that regiment until the following year, when he was transferred to the in- valid corps, where he served for more than two years. His term of enlistment expiring, he again offered his services to his country, and was accept- ed, this preventing his returning home until the close of the war. Ile was discharged November 11, 1865, and soon afterward mustered out of serv- ice. During the years spent in the army he saw much suffering, and with his comrades passed through many hardships and privations. He de- serves a great amount of praise for sacrificing so much in order that he might do what he could to sustain his country's honor, as when he left home his farm was left in charge of his wife and five daughters, who managed it in a very com- mendable manner. William Bell, a brother of Mrs. McKahan, served as a member of the Eightieth Regiment during the entire period of hostilities, and during this time participated in all the marches and battles in which his company was ordered to engage. Ilenry Bell, a brother, was also in the service.
Our subject and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Baptist Church, with which the former has been connected for half a
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century, and Mrs. McKahan for thirty-seven years. The former was Justice of the Peace for twelve years, and served his township in the capacity of Clerk and Treasurer for a term of four years each. Although in early life a Democrat, Mr. McKahan now supports Republican principles. The county regards him as among its most valued citizens, for he has ever borne his part in the support of all its enterprises.
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EWIS GECKELER, deceased. Among thie prominent agriculturists born across the seas, and who brought to this country those characteristics which made them successful here, is the subject of this sketch, formerly one of the influential residents of Dover Township, Tus- cara was County. He was born December 22, 1828, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and a year after at- taining his majority, decided to try his fortunes in the New World, and emigrated hither.
Soon after arriving in this country, young Lewis made his way to this county and located at Na- varre, where he was employed to drive a stage. He was very economical in his habits and, saving his earnings, several years later purchased his first farm, which consisted of eighty acres. To this he added one hundred and fifteen acres as time progressed, besides owning several lots in Zoar Station, four houses at Valley Junction, and a valuable piece of property in New Philadelphia. He was likewise the possessor of one hundred and forty-six acres in Stark County, which was in point of improvement one of the best in that section. This wide-awake business man accumulated his vast property entirely through his unaided efforts, as when he landed in America he had to borrow the money to pay his passage through to Navarre. Ile was a Lutheran in religion, and served his congregation in the office of Trustee for some time. Ile was universally popular with all who knew him, and at the time of his decease, February 21, 1893, was serving his second term as Director of the infirmary. Ilis death was a great shock to
his family and friends, and occurred very sud- denly, while on a visit to the infirmary.
The original of this sketch was twice married, his first union being with Anna Grove, who bore the following-named children: William, John, Lewis, Emma, Fred, Louisa, George, Margaret A., Charles and Henry. The wife and mother died in April, 1872, and in October of that year Mr. Geckeler chose for his second companion Emeline Grove, a sister of his first wife. To them were born two children, Mary M. and Lorin Lewis. Mrs. Geckeler, who is a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, is the daughter of George M. and Sarahı (Rider) Grove, natives, respectively, of Lan- caster and Westmoreland Counties, Pa. The family is of German origin, and almost without excep- tion its members were Lutherans in religion and Democrats in politics.
Mr. Grove was born on the 22d of September, 1802, and when a lad fourteen years of age ac- companied his parents on their removal to this state, locating with them in Stark County. They were among the earliest settlers in that locality and passed the remainder of their lives in tilling the soil within its confines. George M. Grove afterward removed to. this county and was identi- fied with the pioneer settlers of Lawrence Town- ship, where he entered a tract of two hundred and twenty acres of land from the Government and immediately commenced the arduous task of clear- ing and improving the same. On this estate he resided until the day of his death, which occur- red at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He was prosperous in all his undertakings and left his family a snug fortune. He too was a regular at- tendant at and a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. Ilis wife died February 24, 1891, aged eiglity-seven years. Their union resulted in the birth of eleven children, of whom seven grew to mature years.
Mr. Geckeler passed through all the pioneer ex- periences which fell to the lot of early settlers in Ohio, and where once were forests and a thick un- dergrowth of brush, are now waving fields of grain or the rustling corn, which great transformation he helped to bring about. He was truly a self-made man, having risen from the lowest rounds of life,
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financially considered, to a measure of success and prosperity. He always fulfilled the duties of citi- zenship in a faithful manner, and throughout his entire life was a highly esteemed resident of the county, and by his integrity and genial friendli- ness made hosts of friends.
A LEXANDER F. AGNES is a well known stock-dealer and agriculturist of Warren Township. He owns a good homestead, comprising two hundred and sixty-two acres situ- ated in the northwestern part of the township. Since 1871 he has manufactured a remedy known as the Agnes Lung and Bronchitis Liniment and Cholera Balsam, which has a ready sale in this por- tion of the state, and has won more than a local reputation. The proprietor keeps several agents on the road, and makes a good income from the sale of this justly esteemed and valuable medicine.
The birth of our subject occurred March 21, 1846, in France. His paternal grandfather, Fran- cis Agnes, a native of the same land, reared a large family, and four of the number came to the United States, namely: Leonard, who died in Massillon, Ohio; Alexander, who lives near Beach City, Franklin Township, this county; Joseph; and Ad- eline Verner, of Sciota County, Ohio. In 1849 Francis Agnes, with his wife and four children, started for the United States, but was shipwrecked and landed in Ireland. Resuming their journey later, on account of storms and bad weather it was still three months before they landed in New York City. From there they proceeded by boat to Buf- falo, and thence by lake and canal to Massillon, this state. Here Francis Agnes bought thirty-five acres of land in Franklin Township, where he died prior to the War of the Rebellion, his wife surviving him some two years.
'The parents of our subject were Joseph and Jo- sephine (Penot) Agnes, likewise natives of France. The former is still living, and is now seventy-five years of age. For many years he worked on the
construction of the Ft. Wayne Railroad, being su- perintendent of a gang of men who were supply- ing wood and water for the trains. In this way he accumulated some money, which he invested in forty acres of land, and subsequently became the owner of sixty-three acres more. He also owned two dwellings in Navarre, where he has lived for ten years past. A Democrat in politics, he has never desired or accepted official honors. To himself and wife were born ten children, namely: Alex- ander F .; Adam J .; Xavier; Charles, living on the old homestead; Jennie, now Mrs. Henry Biddle; Lizzie, deceased; Mary, the wife of Fred Richen- bach; Joseph, of Mansfield, this state; Lcona, who died in Ireland, at the age of one year; and Aimuel, who died at Wooster, Wayne County, this state. Mrs. Josephine Agnes is one of the two daughters of John Penot, whose wife died in France, and who came to the United States in 1849, dying in Navarre, Stark County, where the father now re- sides. His other daughter, Sophia, became the wife of Alexander Agnes. Mrs. Josephine Agnes died in 1886, aged sixty-five years.
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