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 63
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Nine children were born to Joseph and Barbara Schalifi. Morris lives in Canton, Stark County, Ohio; Jolin and Simon are residents of Wayne County, this state; Joseph lives in this county; Andrew is at home; Frank has his abode in Stark County; Sarah is the wife of Jacob Shoemaker, of Goshen Township; Rose is Mrs. Rudolph Scherril, 'of this township; and Amanda is the wife of B. Murray, whose home is also in Goshen Township. The mother of these children died January 9, 1892.
The home farm owned by Mr. Schalifi is now operated by his son Andrew, an enterprising young agriculturist. In politics our subject af- filiates with the Democratic party, and in his rc- ligious belief he is connected with the Moravian denomination.
A LEXANDER F. OLIVER, Mayor and Po- lice Magistrate of Barnhill, Goshen Town- ship, is also a general merchant of this place. He is one of the old pioneers who helped years ago to lay the foundations of this county's usefulness and prosperity, and has always been a man of public spirit. He has held various respon- sible positions, and at all times acquitted himself with fidelity and a high sense of the trust reposed in him. For six years he served as Postmaster, having been appointed by President Cleveland. He has been for a like period of time Township Supervisor, and has been Mayor and Magistrate of Barnhill for four years. For a period covering two years he was Township Clerk, and officiated as Constable for four years.
Mr. Oliver was born April 22, 1822. His par- ents were William and Jane (Oliver) Oliver. The
former was born in New York City, while his wife was a native of County Down, Ireland. In her girlhood she emigrated to America and becaine a resident of Jefferson County, Ohio. She was a scholarly woman, and before her marriage was a school teacher in this county. William Oliver went to Jefferson County in 1812, and there met his fu- ture wife, to wliom lie was married in 1820. 'They became the parents of three sons and a daughter, namely: Alexander F .; Henry, now deceased; Mai- garet J., deceased; and William, a farmer of this township. William Oliver was a distiller and farmer by occupation, and in a financial way was on the road to success when he died, in the year 1828.
Alexander Oliver was only six years of age when death deprived him of his father's guidance and protection. The boy continued to make his home with his mother until he was in his twenty- fifthı year. In 1835 the latter become the owner of a farm of eighty acres in Union Township, Tuscarawas County, and there she continued to dwell until her death, which occurred September 16, 1848, being then a little over fifty-eight years of age. By those who knew her she was much beloved for her sterling qualities and her brave struggle to provide for her children. Our subject attended the district schools of his day, but is mainly self-educated. His boyhood was familiar with a school room supplied with slab seats, punch- eon floor, and other rude accessories.
In 1846 Mr. Oliver left his mother's roof to em- bark in the business of life for himself. He was married September 24 of that year to Mary Keip, and soon after the young couple settled in Union Township. To them were born the following chil- dren: Jane, Mrs. James Heins, of Rush Township; Ann, now deceased; William, a farmer near Barn- hill; Maggie, wife of Samuel Waddington, a farmer in Custer County, Neb. Mrs. Oliver died Sep- tember 29, 1858. October 5, 1861, our subject married Marinda Buckins. Four children graced this union, namely: George B. and Henry S., who are engaged in mining at Barnhill; Edward T., who was born at this place February 14, 1872; and Marinda A., horn February 16, 1867, and whose death occurred July 14 of the same year. The
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present wife of our subject, formerly Retta J. Mc- Cue, was married to him July 6, 1892.
For many years Mr. Oliver has held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of the most earnest workers in the congregation to which he belongs. He has frequently been num- bered among the board of officers of the church, and has been a liberal contributor to its support.
AMUEL McMILLEN. The Keystone State has given to Ohio many estimable citizens, but she has contributed none more worthy of notice, or more highly esteemed, than the sub- ject of this sketch, who is one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of the state. He is at present residing in Wheeling Township, Guernsey County, of which community he is one of the hon- ored pioneers.
Mr. McMillen was born in Washington County, Pa., November 3, 1817, and is the son of John and Mary (Marshall) McMillen. The father, who was born in Ireland, emigrated to this country, and lived until the advanced age of ninety-four years, dying in Guernsey County in the year 1875. His parents, John and Margaret (McGill) MeMil- len, were born in the Emerald Isle, whence they crossed the Atlantic many years ago, and at once settled in Pennsylvania, thereafter living in Wash- ington County. Mrs. Mary McMillen was also born in the same county in Pennsylvania, and died in July, 1874, at the age of eighty-six years. Her parents were natives of Ireland, but lived in Vir- ginia after coming to America.
The parents of our subject were united in mar- riage in their native county, and to them were born four sons and four daughters, as follows: John, William and David, deceased; Samuel, of this sketch; Mary, Margaret, Eliza and Susanna, all of whom are deceased. The father of this fam- ily came to Guernsey County in the year 1837. He was a well educated man, and for a number of
years after locating here taught the district school, and at the same time carried on the operations of his farm with fair success. His son Samuel lived at home, giving his attention to the home farm until reaching his thirtieth year, when he was mar- ried and established a home of his own. In the mean time he was well educated under the instruc- tion of his honored father, and trained in the de- tails of farm work, so that when lie came into pos- session of an estate of his own he was thoroughly competent to manage it.
Samuel McMillen and Nancy Rawlstein, also a native of Washington County, Pa, were united in marriage in 1849. The lady became the mother of three children, and. departed this life in 1858. Her family comprised Mary, the widow of Robert Aiken, living in Muskingum County, this state; James W., engaged in farm pursuits in Kansas; and Adeline, who makes her home with her brother James in Kansas, and is unmarried.
In 1859 Mr. McMillen was a second time mar- ried, the lady on this occasion being Eliza A. Aiken, who was born in Columbiana County, this state, May 18, 1828. She is the daughter of George and. Martha (Patten) Aiken, the father a native of Ire- land, and the mother a native of Pennsylvania. They died in that state after following agricult- ural pursuits there for many years. George Aiken. was the son of John and Jane (Thompson) Aiken, natives of the Emerald Isle, who, on emigrating to this country, made their future home in the Key- stone State, where the father of Mrs. McMillen died in 1863, aged eighty years. Mrs. Martha Aiken was the daughter of Hugh and Eliza (IIan- nah) Patten, the former born in Ireland, and the latter in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Aiken were married in the year 1816, and had ten children. Of these, Jane, the eldest, is deceased; Hugh P. is a farmer of Muskingum County. where John also lives; William is deceased; George is farming in Logan County, Ohio; Eliza A., now Mrs. McMillen, is the twin sister of Mary, the widow of James Neal, of this county; Martha is deceased; James is cultivating land near Birmingham, this state; and Margaret, the widow of John Smith, makes her home in Logan County, this state. The father of this family served in the War of 1812, being Lieu-
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tenant of his company under the command of General Harrison. His business in life was that of a farmer, in which he was more than ordinarily successful, being thoroughly informed in all de- partments of farm work.
To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born five children, as follows: Mattie, the wife of D. F. Kennedy, a farmer of Monroe Town- ship, Guernsey County; John P., engaged in the mercantile business in Colorado; Millie, the wife of Robert Grimes, a farmer of this township; and Annie and George, still under the parental roof.
Soon after his marriage Mr. McMillen took up his present homestead, which now comprises one hundred and thirty-seven broad and well culti- vated acres, on which he has made his home ever since. As might be expected, he is widely known throughout this portion of the county, and num- bers as his friends its best people. He is honest and upright in all his transactions, and, although never aspiring to office-holding, has benefited his community by upholding all moral and social re- forms which have been set on foot. He is a con- sistent and worthy member of the United Presby- terian Church, and is interested in all religious enterprises. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren as Pres- ident. Those who know Mr. McMillen esteem him for his sterling worth, and, with his good wife, he is universally liked by the entire community.
J AMES CASEBEER. Among the enterprising and successful young farmers of York Town- ship is the subject of this sketch. Since 1892 he has been engaged in running the homestead which he owns on section 14, and which contains one hundred and twenty-one acres.
The parents of James Casebeer, George and Lu- cinda (Atkins) Casebeer, were natives of l'ennsyl- vania and England, respectively. The latter's parents were Joseph and Lucinda Atkins, who
lived in England during their early married life, but later emigrated to America, becoming resi- dents of Tuscarawas County, this state. The mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. George Casebeer was cele- brated in New Philadelphia, and some time later they emigrated to Missouri, where the husband worked as a carpenter and also carried on a farm. They died in 1860, at the same liour, as the result of being poisoned. They were very prominent people in Missouri, well thought of by all who knew them, and their unfortunate death was a blow to the whole community. They left five children to mourn their loss. David, the eldest, is a carpenter in New Philadelphia; William F. is the second of the family; George is engaged in farming in Can- ada; Alice is the wife of William Clark, a merchant of Virginia; and James is the youngest.
The birth of our subject occurred in Missouri March 4, 1860, and on his parents' untimely de- mise he was adopted into the family of George and Rosanna Smith, of York Township, this county. These worthy people became very much attached to the lad, and were as kind and loving toward him as if he was their own child. Young Casebeer continued to live on the Smith homestead until the death of his kind friends, who left the prop- erty to him by will. For twelve years he worked in a sawmill, but since 1892 has devoted his atten- tion to farming. The homestead comprises one hundred and twenty-one acres, all of which is kept under good cultivation. Though his experi- ence as a farmer has been somewhat limited, our subject is a man of practical mind and industrious characteristics, which qualities lead to success.
May 14, 1891, James Casebeer was married to Miss Flora Metzger, who was born at Lockport, Ohio, June 31, 1871. Mrs. Casebeer is a daughter of Isaac and Susan (Metzger) Metzger, who were cousins. They were the parents of the following children: Fiora, Cora, Ellen, Lorenzo and Mary. Isaac Metzger is a prominent farmer and highly estecmed in Warwick Township, where he resides.
To our subject and his wife have been born two daughters: Grace, July 1, 1893; and Carrie, October 6, 1894. Mrs. Casebeer is a lady of good education and culture, well received in social cir- cles, and both sbe and her husband have many
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friends, who often partake of their genial and kindly hospitality.
In his political belief Mr. Casebeer is liberal, and usually uses his right of franchise by voting for the candidates of the People's party.
EORGE LECHNER, deceased, was one of the founders of Mineral Point, which, in company with Alfred Davis, he surveyed and platted. He served as Trustee of Sandy Town- ship for about twenty years, and improved several farms in the vicinity. A man of public spirit and a power for good in the vicinity in which he dwelt, his loss was deeply felt by all who had the pleas- ure of his acquaintance, and his memory is cher- ished by a host of life-long friends.
The Lechner family is of German origin, but the members of it settled at a very early day in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a tanner by trade, and his son, John Michael, the father of George Lechner, followed milling. In 1827 the latter removed to Stark County, Ohio, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1833. Hle was forty years of age when he married Miss Elizabeth Rider, who was born in Baltimore, and who by her first marriage had three children: George, Jeremiah, and Joseph, who is in Elkhart County, Ind. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Lechner be- came the wife of Joseph Young. She died in In- diana, in December, 1880, and was buried in the cemetery at Mineral Point. Michael Lechner was reared in the doctrines of the Reformed Church, but subsequently became identified with the Dis- ciples, and the same thing was the case with his wife, Elizabetlı.
George Leclmer was born November 30, 1820, in Manheim Township, York County, Pa., and was brought up to farm life. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was but thirteen years of age, his mother's support fell on his young
shoulders. March 21, 1844, he married Matilda Firestone, of Waynesburg. Stark County, Ohio. For a time thercafter he operated a rented farm, but in the spring of 1847 he removed to this county and settled on the place where his widow is now living, near Mineral Point. He first rented one hundred and sixty acres, but in 1855 had ac- cumulated a sufficient sum of money to become the owner of the place. As the years passed he invested in additional land, and owned a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he sold just before his demise. Through his own exertions and good business ability, he not only made a good livelihood for his family, but accumulated a sub- stantial fortune. In politics he was during his early life a Whig, and after the formation of the Republican party espoused its principles. He was a member of the Baptist Church in his youth, and was a man of high morals, integrity and ster- ling character. He was called to the home beyond June 3, 1889.
Mrs. Lechiner was the daughter of Mathias and Catherine (Worley) Firestone, natives of Colum- biana and Stark County, Ohio, respectively. The foriner was a millwright, and also conducted a farm near Waynesburg, Ohio. He died May 3, 1875, when in his seventy-cighth year. He was twice married, having ten children by his first union .. Nine of the number lived to maturity, namely: Mary, Mrs. Nesbit, of Indiana; Hannah, Mrs. Hutch- inson, of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; Matilda; George; Har- rie, who married Peter Snider, of Middleport, Ohio; Daniel; John, now in Nebraska; James, of Ada, Ohio; and Catherine. Daniel and George were in the service during the late War of the Rebellion. The mother of these children died in January, 1847, at the age of fifty years. The second wife of Mathias Firestone was Mrs. Ann, widow of Isaac Wilson. She had five children, namely: Louisa, Corvin, Lillie, William and Haddon. Mr. Firestone was a Whig in politics, and afterward a Republican, and served as Township Trustee on one occasion. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. George Lech ner was John Firestone, a native of the Keystone
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State, and one of the pioneers of Stark County. Ile was a farmer, and passed his last years in Col- umbiana County, Ohio. Ile reared a family of twelve children. namely: John, Jacob, Solomon, George, Joseph, Mathias, Daniel, Catherine, Han- nah, Margaret, Betsey and Mary. On the maternal side Mrs. Lechner's grandfather was John Worley, who came from the old Pennsylvania state. To himself and wife, whose maiden name was Mary Springer, were born twelve children, who grew to mature years, namely: Polly, Rebecca, Catherine, Naney, Daniel, Michael, Thomas, Ake, Joseph, John, George and Jacob. With the exception of John and George, these children all married and had families. John died after enlisting in the War of 1812, but before reaching the field of battle.
The union of George and Matilda Lechner was blessed with the following children: Catherine E., who became the wife of Philip C. Furney, of this township; Charity, deceased. formerly the wife of Samuel Cunningham, by whom she had two daugh- ters; Osee, the wife of Emanuel Sweaney; Joseph M .; Oliver P., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; and Matilda J.
I ARRETT B. SMITHI, one of the popular business men and prominent citizens of New Comerstown, who is at present en- gaged in mercantile pursuits in that eity, is a na- tive of Columbus, Ohio, and was born January 31, 1828. He is a son of Anson and Triphena (Smith) Smith, also natives of Columbus. Anson Smithi was a carpenter and contractor by occupation, and carried on his trade in his native city until his death, which occurred in 1840. To the union of this couple six children were born, as follows: Ann Eliza, Sarah, William, Frank, Annie and Garrett B.
The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of Columbus, where he spent his time much the same as other boys of his age. At the age of twelve years he was thrown on his
own resources. His father dying at that time left the family with limited means, and Garrett was compelled to start out to make a living for himself. He occupied his time in various ways until he was about sixteen years old, when he began his mer- cantile career. Going to Roscoe, he engaged as clerk in a dry-goods store, where he remained three years. During this time he conducted himself in an honest, straightforward manner, and by his industrious habits, and the interest he took in the firm, he soon won the respect and confidence of his employer. Ile became very popular in the community, his courteous manners and pleasant ways winning for him many warm and true friends. While engaged as clerk in Roscoe, Colonel Nugen, "of New Comerstown, was so attracted to him by his cheerful manner, the interest he took and the skill he showed in the management of the business, that he induced him to come to New Comerstown and take charge of his store at that place. Here he was as successful as in the former place, and in a short time became a partner in the firm.
In 1854 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Elmira, the eldest daughter of Col. R. H. Nu- gen, and to them have been born eight children, namely: Virginia, Marcia M., Robert H., Sarah H., Christina, Howard, Jessie K. and Elmira. Mr. Smith has given his children all good educations, fitting them to fill any position in life wherever their lot may be cast.
Mr. Smith was given the entire supervision of the construction of the Pan Handle Railroad in that section, which was built in 1863, 1864 and 1865, since which time he has given his attention strictly to his own business interests. In connection with his mercantile trade he owns and operates a large farm, to which he gives much of his personal time and attention. Mr. Smith is what may be termed a self-made business man. Having had to look out for himself since a mere lad, he has fought his own way onward and upward, and to-day stands num- bered among the best business men and honored citizens of Tuscarawas County.
Socially our subject is identified with the Ma- sonic order, being a member of Lone Star Lodge, Nugen Chapter, and Mt. Vernon Commandery at Columbus, Ohio. Politically he is a stanch
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Democrat, and takes a deep interest in the success of his party. He was elected to the Ohio Legisla- ture in 1869 and 1871. For twelve years he has been a member of the Board of Education, and was President of the Board for nine years. He is a man whose entire course of life has been in every respect honorable, upright and conscientious, and he is justly entitled to tlic respect and esteem in which he is held.
AMES W. KEPLINGER. A native of Tus- carawas County, our subject was born May 17, 1859, to Jacob and Annie (Myers) Kep- linger. The mother was formerly the wife of George Richart. Jacob Keplinger, who is now de- ceased, was a native of Franklin County, Va., his birth occurring March 15, 1817. He was the second son of Joseph and Catherine (Snyder) Keplinger, and was educated in his native state, whence he came in 1837 to this county. His parents also made the removal hither in that year, locating on a farm in Dover Township, where they were en- gaged in general farming until their deceasc.
Jacob Keplinger was twice married. ITis first union, which was celebrated with a Miss Lower, re- sulted in the birth of four children, namely: Joseph S., living in Dover Township; Mary M., now deceased; John II., who also makes his home in the above township, where he is a farmer; and Aaron, living in Columbus. On the deccase of his first wife, the father married Mrs. Richart, and to them were born Sarah, now the wife of Jonathan Davidson, of Dover Township; and the original of this sketch.
James W. acquired his primary education in the schools near his home, supplementing the knowl- edge gained therein by a course at a university at Ada. He afterward returned home and assisted in the work on the farm until attaining his twenty- ninth year, when he began teaching school, follow- ing this occupation for a year. In 1890 lie dis-
posed of his farm, including twenty-two and one- half acres, and two years thereafter sold out his property in Daviess County, Ind., comprising fif- ty-five acres.
In 1890 our subject moved to Winfield and es- Lablished a general merchandise business. in which he is still engaged. Ilis store is well stocked with a large variety of goods, suited for both the city and country household, and his trade extends over a large territory.
When ready to take unto himself a wife, Mr. Keplinger was married, September 23, 1880, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Rev. D. and Margaret (Wal- ters) Arbaugh. She was born January 4, 1861, and by her union with our subjeet has become the mother of four children, one of whom died in in- fancy. Waldo H. was born January 25, 1885, and died March 20, 1892; Homer II. was born November 28, 1888; and Milo M. November 14, 1890. Both Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger are members of the United Brethren Church, of which the lat- ter's father is pastor.
Socially our subject belongs to Winfield Tent No. 15, Order of the Maccabees, and also holds membership with the Grange. He is a strong Re- publican in politics, and cast his first Presidential vote for James A. Garfield.
T HEODORE R. LEINS was born in Sandy Township, April 7, 1854, and is still living within its boundaries. In the fall of 1893 he located on his present homestead, which com- prises one hundred and sixty acres, located on sec- tion 7. Both he and his estimable wife are hon- ored and respected citizens in the community where they dwell, and with the history of which · both they and their parents' families have been prominently connceted.
Joseph and Magdalene ( Robart) Leins, the par- ents of our subject, were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and Bishweller, Alsace, respectively.
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The former was one of five children, the others being Sebastian, Charles, Helen and Rose. In 1832 Joseplı Leins emigrated to the United States and located at Zoar, this state, where he worked for eight years at his trade of a shoemaker. In 1840 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, sit- uated two miles east of Mineral Point. This he cleared and improved with good buildings, greatly increasing its value. He had landed in the United States with $800 or $1,000, but at the time of his death owned three hundred and forty acres and he had besides given to a daughter a tract of sixty acres. He was born in the year 1806, and died September 27, 1876. Though reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, he became a Luth- eran after coming to this country. Before the war he was a Democrat, but afterward supported the Republican party. October 10, 1840, he was mar- ried to Miss Robart, who bore him seven children, two of whom died in childhood. Those surviv- ing are Sophia, who became the wife of George Meyers, of Canton; Louisa, Mrs. John Sattler; Will- iam, who married Panlina Lebold; our subject; and Simon, who is unmarried. The mother was the daughter of Abraham Robart, a speculator and manufacturer of hemp and ropes. His wife was in girlhood Catherine Shuster, and their three chil- dren were Abraham, Catherine and Mrs. Leins. The latter was born September 16, 1816, and re- ceived a good German education. In 1840 she set sail for the United States and landed in New York City after a voyage of sixty-six days. She came direct to Zoar, where she has since resided. She has been a member of the Reformed Church from the time she was fourteen years of age.
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