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 47
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UDGE WILLIAM CHAMBERS, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Guernsey County, is an official who is mak- ing an excellent record. He is held in high esteem by the Bar and public as a man fair and impartial in all his rulings and possessing unswer- ving integrity and honesty of purpose.
Judge Chambers was born in Calvert County, Md., March 11, 1842, and is the son of William and Matilda (Stallings) Chambers, also natives of
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that state, where the father during his later years followed farm pursuits. In early hfe he had been a boatman on Chesapeake Bay, but not finding this a profitable or congenial occupation, aban- doned it after some time and began cultivating the soil of his native state. The family was one of prominence in Maryland, and was connected with the early history of that state.
To William Chambers and his wife were born seven children, of whom six are living at the pres- ent time. Mary Jane is the wife of Michael II. Spence, and resides in Noble County, this state. Our subject is next in order of birth. Henry is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Union Coun- ty, Ore. Eliza became the wife of Madison Lam- ley, and resides in Missouri. Susan V. Moorehead makes her home in West Virginia; and Lewis is farming in Woodford County, Ill. The mother of this family died in Maryland, April 28, 1853. The father came with his family that year to Ohio, and, locating in Monroe County, was engaged in the tobacco business until the year of liis decease, 1866, when threescore and ten years old. He had been twice married, his first wife, who bore the maiden name of Christina Birckhead, and was a native of Maryland, dying in 1837. The ances- tors of our subject on his mother's side were also well known in the history of Maryland, of which state they were residents for many generations.
The subject of this sketch attended the public schools of his native county and of Monroe Coun- ty, this state, until 1860, when he journeyed to Maryland and became a student in West River Academy. He returned to Ohio in 1863, and tauglit school until 1869. It had been his ambi- tion, however, since early boyhood to lead a pro- fessional life, and during the years in which he was teaching he kept up his legal studies and was admitted to practice at the Bar of Noble County in 1869. Two years later he located at Caldwell for the practice of his profession, and the following year had the honor of being elected the first Mayor of the city. This position he held for a term of four years, and on its expiration was elected Pros- ecuting Attorney, serving from January, 1876, to January 1, 1878. His great popularity is also in- dicated by the fact that he was elected Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas in April, 1892, which position he still holds. The energy of his charac- ter and the force of purpose inherent in his nature are apparent at a glance. He sees at once the difficult point in any question, and as readily sees the means that must be adopted to carry it. Stanch in principle, clear in perception, and de- cided in character. he deserves the good things which have come to him and the high character for probity which years of intimate business and social acquaintance have brought him.
Judge Chambers was married, October 25, 1870, to Miss Martha Phillips, daughter of Rev. Jeremiah Phillips, of Noble County. To them have been born four children, Alfred P., Della, Henry B. and Ada. The elder son is attending the Dental Col- lege of Cincinnati. In politics the Judge is a thorough Republican and takes great delight in the success of the party.
Rev. Jeremiah Phillips, father of Mrs. Cham- bers, was born in Saratoga, N. Y., May 3, 1799, and departed this life at Dexter City, this state, July 5, 1888. In 1823 he moved with his parents to Crawford County, Pa., and August 27, 1826, was converted to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and. although his parents were Friends in religious belief, he became an active and efficient officer in the church of his choice. He was given a license to preach in 1830, and the same year was admitted to the Pittsburg Conference, being sta- tioned at Connelsville, l'a., with thirty-three ap- pointments. In order to fill the pulpit at these various places he was compelled to ride two hun- dred and eighty miles every eight weeks. Ile was ordained. a Deacon in 1832, and Elder two years later, and although superannuated in 1864 con- tinned to preach for ten years thereafter.
Mrs. Chambers' mother was in maidenhood Miss Arah Courtney, a native of Monongahela County, Pa. The ceremony which united her to Rev. Mr. Phillips was performed May 8, 1831. Mrs. Phillips lived until 1884, when, October 14 of that year, she passed away. Her husband was an associate of John Brown of Ossawatomie fame. Ile always called things by their right name, and fearlessly condemned sin in all its forn.s. He was a strong Abolitionist and a man of deep piety, who, loving
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all, was loved in turn by everyone who knew him. He died July 5, 1888, after a long and useful life.
The above facts relating to Rev. Mr. Phillips were gleaned from the proceedings of the Eastern Ohio Methodist Episcopal Conference of 1888,
ALENTINE AND DAVID GIBLER. The history of the-Gibler family dates back to probably an earlier period in the settlement of Lawrence Township than that of any other family represented here. Traeing the ancestry baek several generations from the subjects of this nar- rative, we find that their maternal great-grandfa- ther Rinehart was a member of a family of whom all but himself were murdered by the Indians. The home in Pennsylvania was surrounded by the sav- ages, and parents, brothers and sisters were brutally massacred, only a boy of seven years escaped, fled and jumped into a hole left by an upturned tree. There he ran into the arms of an old Indian chief, secreted to watch for anyone attempting to escape. He was made a prisoner, and adopted by his captor, whom he followed in his hunting and fishing ex- peditions. On one occasion, while skinning a deer, he was shot through the right hand by an Indian who was jealous of his influence with the chief. The wound was dressed with herbs and soon healed. After a captivity of seven years he was released. Ile later served as a soldier, and spent some time at Ft. Lawrence, which was located on the site of the homestead of Henry Gibler in later years.
Valentine and David Gibler are the sons of Hen- ry and Mary ( Rinehart) Gibler. Their father, who was born in 1792, was a son of Gabriel Gibler, and a farmer by occupation, who for years tilled the soil of Bedford County, Pa. About 1812 Henry came to the site of what is now Waynesburg, Stark County, Ohio, where he stopped with Peter Sha- fer, an uncle of the lady he afterward married. The trip to Ohio and back home was made on foot through the unbroken forest. Some years later he returned to Stark County, and about 1819 settled
in Waynesburg. Thence, in April, 1825, he re- moved to Tuscarawas County and made a settle- ment on the farm now occupied by our subject.
A little below six feet in height and weighing one hundred and ninety pounds, Henry Gibler was noted as the most powerful man in the whole Tus- carawas Valley. A man of more than ordinary ed- ucation, he was a fluent linguist and spoke Eng- lish and German with equal accuracy. For years after he settled in the woods of Lawrence Town- ship, game abounded in great quantities. He was . not a trapper, but shot game for his own use. Wolves were very plentiful and followed him as he made his way through the woods, and sometimes boldly stuek their noses into the cracks between the poles of the log cabin he first erected. They were very destructive to sheep, which they would take from pens five or six rails in beiglit and carry away. In passing through the forest Mr. Gibler carried an axe for protection. He aided in building the Olio Canal, on which James A. Gar- field afterward was employed as a canal-boat driv- er. In 1838 he built a house, that constitutes a part of the present homestead dwelling. The barn which he erected in 1830 is still standing.
The marriage of Mr. Gibler united him with Mary, daughter of Valentine and Mary (Bauman) Rinehart, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Stark County in 1809. Mrs. Gibler was born in 1802, and passed from earth October 23, 1873. Of their children we note the following: John, who was born October 8, 1824, married Magdalene Yunkman, and settled on the northern part of the old homestead; Aaron died in 1837, at the age of. eleven years; Maria, born in 1830, became the wife of Daniel Tomer; Valentine was born July 23, 1833, David April 27, 1836, and Lydia A. April 19, 1840.
Starting in life with a capital of but twenty-five cents, Henry Gibler through industrious efforts ac- cumulated a competence. On beginning to keep house, he made the majority of the articles of furni- ture by hand .; Ile constructed a sinall sled of sap- lings and on it hauled wheat over the bare ground to Canton, where a bushel of grain was exchanged for a pound of coffee, and the balance of the load traded for a little calico at fifty cents per yard.
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His first tract of land, which cost $150, consist- ed of one hundred acres, to which he added as op- portunity afforded, until at the time of lis demise he owned three hundred and eighty-seven acres in a body, one and one-fourth miles south west of Bol- ivar. six hundred acres in Greene County, Iowa, and two hundred and fifty acres in Lake County, Ind. He and his wife spent their lives on the Law- rence Township homestead, where he died August 5, 1859, and she October 23, 1873. Bothi were de- voted members of the German Lutheran Church, and in their honored lives exemplified the sincer- ity of their religious belief. The worthy couple were beloved by their neighbors and esteemed by all with whom they had acquaintance. Though they have passed away, their deeds live in honored remembrance, and the influence of their Christian characters will be for the ennobling of their pós- terity.
After the death of their father Valentine and David took the homestead of three hundred and eighty-seven acres, and now own the site of old Ft. Lawrence, where their grandfather was a soldier more than a century ago. Their farm is one of the best in the county, improved with good build- ings and supplied with modern agricultural ma- chinery. Adjoining their estate on the south lies the old Rutter Farm, owned and cultivated by their sister Lydia, who since purchasing it in 1889 has placed it under a high state of cultivation. She is an estimable lady, and shares with her brothers in the esteem of neighbors and friends. In religious belief Valentine is identified with the German Luth- cran Church, and politically he is a Republican, to which party David also belongs. The latter, soci- ally, is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
A UGUSTUS MAX. One of the prominent German-American citizens of Quaker City, is the gentleman whose biography it now becomes our duty and pleasure to write. He is at present engaged in the manufacture of a fine grade of cigars, which he retails at prices which at once
make his store popular. fle has resided in this city since March, 1893, but in this time he has built up a fine trade, and is numbered among the well-to-do business men of the place.
Mr. Max is a native of Austria, having been born in that country July 13, 1848. His parents were George and Elizabeth (Deirl) Max, also na- tives of Austria. There the father worked in foundries, and was also employed in erecting cu- polas on many of the large buildings in the cities. Our subject was four years old when his parents undertook the journey to America, leaving their native home May 2, 1852, and arriving in Balti- more August 15, following. From Baltimore the family were conveyed to Pittsburg, where they made their home for a number of years. There Au- gustus was sent to the German Catholic schools, at- tending for a year and nine months, when his school days were ended. He then began to make his own way in the world, and his father dying soon after- ward, he was compelled to support his mother and sister, who were left with limited means. At the age of eleven years he began working in a factory in Pittsburg, his duty being to strip the tobacco from the stem. Thinking this a good business, he commenced at the bottom and worked his way up in all departments, until he was thoroughly famil- iar with the manufacture of cigars.
In 1871 Mr. Max came to Ohio and located in Barnesville, where he had charge of a factory for a period of eight years. Being offered at the end of that time inducements to move to Columbus, he changed his place of residence, and in that city was given charge of Pat Sweeney's shop for one year. In 1880 he returned to Barnesville, and re- mained there until April, 1881, engaged in work- ing at his trade. That year and month he came to Quaker City, where, until 1885, he had a super- intendency of a factory. About that time he formed a partnership with his brothers in the cigar business, which connection existed until 1892, when Augustus disposed of his interest in the bus- ness and moved to New Madison. His stay there was of short duration, and his next move found him in Newark, where he started in the business under the name of Max Bros. They continued to manufacture cigars in that city until March of the
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following year, when our subject came again to Quaker City, and now carries on his business alone.
November 28, 1872, Mr. Max was married to Mary E., daughter of Amos and Didema Mayhew, and to them have been born nine children: Henry; Lillie M., now the wife of Otto Heinbeck; Emma L., Charles A., Earl F., Helena, Iva, Elizabeth and Lura. In politics Mr, Max is a Republican. He is held in high esteem among the business men of this city, and has the proud satisfaction of knowing that the confidence he enjoys is deserved.
OSEPH BROWN, one of the progressive and enterprising farmers of Guernsey County, owns and carries on what is known as the Hugh Wilson Farm, which is situated a mile west of Cambridge. The valuable estate numbers three hundred and fifty-five acres within its bound- . aries. In politics a true-blue Repubhean, Mr. Brown has never aspired to hold office, but was elected Township Trustee, in which capacity he served for about three years. He was also for one term Treasurer of Knox Township.
Joseph Brown was born in Adams Township, Guernsey County, June 25, 1821. Ilis parents, Robert and Esther (Clemens) Brown, were both natives of County Tyrone, Ireland, and were mar- ried in the Emerald Isle. They set sail for the United States some time between the years 1800 and 1805, and after a stormy voyage of six weeks arrived on the shores of the New World. Pro- ceeding direct to this county, they entered a farm in the timber, and after living thereon for about six years sold out to Archie MeDonald, and entered another traet of land. On this place they lived un- til the father's death, which occurred about 1823. Some sixteen years later the mother sold her share to Nathan Hutchinson, who also bought out the other heirs. Investing a part of the proceeds in sixty acres about two miles north of Cambridge, Mrs. Brown dwelt thereon for five years, at the end
of which time she broke up housekeeping and went to live with her eldest son, under whose roof she died December 4, 1849. Of her seven children, Samuel lived in this county all his life; Andrew was a blacksmith, whose last years were passed in Muskingum County; Robert, also a blacksmith by trade, and formerly a resident of this county, was killed by being thrown from a horse; William, a tanner, lived and died in this county, of which he was a Commissioner for some nine years; James, who left home at the age of eighteen, going to Zanesville, this state, was next heard from in Texas, when he enlisted for a year's service in the Mexi- can War, but was soon after lost track of by his relatives; Isabel became the wife of Nathaniel Meeland, and lived prior to her death for some years on the farm now owned by her brother Joseph. James Brown, to whom we have just re- ferred, enlisted in the Mexican War on the assur- ance that at the end of a year he was to have twelve hundred acres of land. He renewed his enlistment, and was promised thirteen hundred acres more, or in all twenty-five hundred acres, in addition to his monthly pay; but how the matter was adjusted has never been known by his family, and it is sup- posed he met his death in Mexico.
Joseph Brown, of this sketch, learned the tan- ner's trade in youth with his brother William, and then went to Liberty, where he started a tannery of his own in company with Thomas Drakely. They continued together for five years, after which Mr. Brown sold out his interest and next helped to erect Liberty Mill. In this building he owned a third share, which he subsequently traded for a farm of two hundred and seventy-two acres. The homestead was situated four miles from Liberty, near the Herman United Presbyterian Church. While living in that township, Mr. Brown served as Trustee for three terms. He subsequently moved upon the hill north of the Baltimore & Ohio de- pot, where he had purchased sixty acres two years previously. After selling his tannery, be bought an interest in a wholesale grocery, and two years later sold out. The proceeds he invested in the farm which he now conducts successfully.
June 10, 1847, Mr. Brown married Margaret T. Frame, daughter of William D. and Susan Frame,
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and five children have come to bless their union. Robert died in infancy; William C., of Columbus, is one of the proprietors of the wholesale drug store of Orr, Brown & Price; Samuel M. is now living on the old homestead with his father; James M. is engaged in farming in the neighborhood; and Jo- seph E. is employed in the drug store where his brother is partner in Columbus. This is a very large and successful concern, doing a business of a half-million yearly.
Religiously Joseph Brown has long been a mem- ber of the United Presbyterian Church and for about ten years held the office of Deacon. Subse- quently he became Trustee of the congregation, and at all times has shown his strong interest in its prosperity. Mrs. Brown is also a member of the same church.
P ROF. WILLIAM T. YOUNG, one of the well known and popular educators of Guernsey County, deserves honor for his long and arduous service in defense of the Stars and Stripes. He enlisted while a college student, and served until the close of the conflict, taking part in many notable battles and hard-fought en- gagements. For upwards of twenty years he has found his field of work in Ohio, and was County Examiner of this county for six years, having been appointed as such in 1882. In 1886 he organized the Cambridge Business College, with which he is still connected.
The father of our subject, who bore the Christian name of Robert, was born in Washington County, Pa. Coming to Ohio about 1835, he settled in this county, but at the end of a year removed to Mus- kingum County. His father, Alexander, was born in County Londonderry, Ireland, but in his young manhood took up his residence in the Keystone State. Robert Young chose for his companion and helpmate Miss Nancy MeElwaine, who was born in County Down, Ireland.' Twelve children graced their union, the eldest of whom, John A., was for
many years a teacher in Bryant & Stratton's Bus- iness College in Chicago. William T. is the next in the family; and of the three younger, Mary Ann died in 1867, Eliza Jane died in 1868 and Naney died in 1866. Margaret is the wife of Charles Bow- den, of Muskingum County, this state; David H. is a dairyman not far from Girard, Kan .; Robert Gib- son died in 1888; Sarah passed away in 1868; Martha is also deceased; Maria E., who was the wife of John Bell, of Muskingum County, died in 1887; and one other child died in infancy. The father of this family lived to attain the good old age of eighty-three years, his death occurring in 1889, while his wife's demise took place some seven years previously.
Prof. William T. Young was born in Muskin- gum County, Ohio, October 28, 1837. His boyhood was passed on a farm, his early education being such as the common schools afforded. Later he pursued a course of study in Muskingum College, and while there enlisted in the Union army, Au- gust 22, 1862. He was assigned to Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and served for the first year in West Virginia. A short time before the battle of Gettysburg he had his first encounter with the enemy, at Martinsburg, and soon afterwards joined the Army of the Potomac, with which branch he was identified until July, 1864. He was then sent under Sheridan on the Shenandoah Valley campaign, and continued under his command until the elose of the year. Ile then was once more placed in the Army of the Poto- mac, where he served until receiving his final dis- charge, July 25, 1865. Among the engagements in which he was actively engaged were the follow- ing: Martinsburg, June 14, 1863; Culpeper C. H., October 11, 1863; Bristow Station, October 14; Bealton and Rappahannock, October 24; Kelly's Ford, November 7; Locust Grove, November 27 (in which he was also Color-Bearer); Mine Run, November 26 to 28; Battle of the Wilderness, May 5 to 7, 1861; and Alsop's Farm and Spottsylvania C. II., May 9 to 12. The latter was the worst bat- tle for the One ITundred and Twenty-sixth as far as loss of men in command was concerned. May 23, 1864, the regiment was in the engagement of Nortlı Ann River, and a week later in that of Tol-
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opotomy Creek. From this time until just before the battle of Cold Harbor Mr. Young was detailed as a clerk, but remained with his command. After a few days passed at the Second Brigade headquar- ters he rejoined his company and was with them in the battle of Bermuda Hundred, January 18, 1864; in that of Weldon Railroad, January 22 and 23; and in those of Monocacy, on the 9th of the fol- lowing July, and Charleston, August 23. He then returned to his former post as clerk.
Going home, Professor Young taught school in Guernsey County, where he was married, March 22, 1866, to Hester Ann, daughter of John Ken- dall, who resided near Washington, this county. Soon after his marriage the Professor went to Monmouth, III., where he was made Superintend- ent of the West Ward School. He then entered a mercantile college as a student, later becoming teacher in the institution. About 1867 he removed to Douglas County, Kan., and in connection with teaching engaged in farming to some extent.
In 1874 Professor Young returned to Ohio, and has since continued to dwell in this state. In 1866, at Monmouth, Ill, he was elected a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a stanch Re- publican, and religiously is a member of the Uni- ted Presbyterian Church, belonging to the local congregation.
H ON. JAMES F. STEPHENSON, a respect- ed resident of New Philadelphia, is Judge of the Probate Court of Tuscarawas Coun- ty. He is a young man of exceptional ability, of fine address, and of the characteristics that insure success. In the preparation of his cases he is stud- long and painstaking, two elements that are essen- 'ial for a successful jurist. and in the discharge of his present duties he is giving entire satisfaction to the public.
Judge Stephenson is a native of Carroll County, Ohio, his birth having occurred at Leesville, June 19, 1863. His father, Dr. John H. Stephenson, was
born in Washington County, Pa., July 22, 1817. The ancestors of Dr. Stephenson settled in Vir- ginia early in the history of that colony. His grand- father, Col. James Stephenson, of Virginia, and two grand-uncles were officers in the Revolution- ary army. While he was quite young, the parents of Dr. Stephenson removed to Carrollton, Ohio, where he received his early education. After working a few years at the carpenter's trade, he commenced the study of medicine, and, taking the prescribed course of study, he graduated from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati in 1845.
After practicing at Newmarket (now Scio) and Cadiz, in Harrison County, the Doctor located at Leesville, in 1848, where he continued in the prac- tice of liis profession up to the time of his demise, which occurred November 23, 1890. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. In his political belief he was a Republican, but prior to the organization of that party was identified with the Whigs. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Forbes, was born in Carroll County. Her father, James Forbes, was a native of Ireland, and was one of the early members of the State Legislature from Carroll County. By occupation . he was a merchant, and he was for years engaged in busi- ness at New Hagerstown; but afterward removed to New Philadelphia, where he died in 1863. His wife, Elizabeth Jolinson, was born in the Keystone State.
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