USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 12
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 12
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Milton B. Dickerson was the only member of his parents' household. He was given a good education, and during 1870 and 1871 was Page in the Ohio State Senate. In July of the latter year he entered the employ of McMurray & Fish- er, the renowned sulky manufacturers of Marion, where he served his apprenticeship at blacksmith- ing, following that business in various cities of the United States until 1880. That year we find him en route for Colorado, where he began min- ing in company with William E. Moore, of Ma- rion, Ohio. This connection lasted for three years, when Mr. Dickerson returned to Marion, and soon thereafter was appointed Baggagemas-
ter on the New York, Lake Erie & Western Road. Three years later he was taken into the office, and in 1888 was transferred to Galion, this state, where he was made agent of the company. He proved a very valuable man to the corporation, and in 1890 he received the appointment of Gen- eral Agent for the two roads mentioned in our opening paragraph. He is stationed at Marion, this being the most important point on the entire line of road, running between Chicago and New York. He has under his control a large force of inen in the different departments, and being a thorough and experienced railroad man, he is well qualified for this important position, and dis- charges the duties thereof in a most satisfactory manner to his employers. As we have stated, he began at the bottom round of the ladder, and year by year saw him promoted until he now oc- cupies one of the most responsible positions with- in the power of the company to bestow on any employe. The business done in this office often amounts to $400,000 per month.
In 1893 Mr. Dickerson was elected a member of the City Council, and on entering his second year was made President of the Board. On the expiration of his term, in 1895, he was re-elected for two years, and at the same time was elected a member of the Board of Education for three years. He is faithful to the best interests of his city, and uses his influence in forwarding meas- ures for improvement in any line. Socially he is a Knight Templar, and has held important offices in the various branches of the Masonic order. He is a true-blue Republican in politics, which principles he has supported all his life.
Milton B. Dickerson was married, June 10, 1885, to Mary J., daughter of Carlisle and Mar- garet Mossman, the former of whom was born in Ireland, and the latter in Scotland. Mr. Moss- man was descended from a good old Presbyterian family in the northern part of his native isle, and on coming to the United States located in Ma- rion. Mr. and Mrs. Mossman are now living in Kansas.
To our subject and his wife there have been born four children, three daughters and one son. They are Mildred Walker, Malcolm Gordon,
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Eliza Theodore and Margaret Mary. In 1890 Mr. Dickerson built a fine residence in Kensing- ton Place, which is one of the best in the city.
NDREW POE, one of the representative citizens and prominent farmers of Hardin County, is living on a fine estate in Round- - head Township. He was born in Bracken Couli- ty, Ky., May 1, 1815, and is the son of David and Elizabeth (Richey) Poe. The father was of German and Scotch descent, and the mother of Irish descent. They became the parents of twelve . children, namely: William, Andrew, Ruth, Sam- uel, Barbara, Mahala, Allen, David, Stephen, John, Helen and Genevieve. Of this large fam- ily only three are now living, viz .: Stephen, Al- len and our subject. Three sons fought as sol- diers during the late war and one gave up his life on the battlefield.
David Poe was a farmer throughout life. He came to Ohio in 1815 and settled near Circleville. After a short sojourn there, he removed to Fay- ette County, locating near Washington Court House. From there he came to Hardin County, settling in McDonald Township in November, 1832. The same year he bought two hundred acres of unimproved land, and in order to erect thereon a little cabin for his family, he was obliged to clear a space from the thick undergrowth of brush. This rude dwelling was built of logs and was 16x20 feet in dimensions, containing but one room and two windows. In order that the family might enjoy more of the comforts of life and that his last years might be passed in ease, he worked hard to improve his property, and made this place his home until three years prior to his decease, when he moved into Roundhead. His good wife passed away on the old homestead several years before. He was always a hardwork- ing man, and in the prosecution of his chosen calling met with success. As might be expected, his education was very limited, as there were not
many schools near his home; but on having sons and daughters of his own, he did everything in his power to establish good schools in his dis- trict. He was a Democrat in politics, and religi- ously was connected by membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The original of this sketch was married, Febru- ary 11, 1837, in Hardin County, to Lavina Zim- merman, who was born in Ross County, this state, April 10, 1819. She was the daughter of Andrew and Ruth (Taylor) Zimmerman, natives · of Maryland, whence they removed to this state in 1812, locating in Ross County. There Mr. Zimmerman became the owner of land on what was known as Twin Hills, and at the time of his decease was the proprietor of two hundred acres. He became the father of fourteen children, three of whom are now living. In religious affairs he was a member of the Presbyterian Church and took an active part in all its meetings.
To Mr. and Mrs. Poe there has been granted a family of seven children. William married Helen Buffenbarger and lives on a farm in this town- ship; Milton married Laura White and make his home on a farm in Kansas; Ann Maria is the wife of Hamilton Hill, a farmer of Roundhead Township; Geneva married Samuel Neville and they reside in Virginia; Samantha is the wife of James Smith and their home is in McDonald Township; David, who married Mollie Blair, is also a farmer of this township; Douglas married Anna Bordon and is the owner of a good proper- ty in this locality.
When beginning life for himself, Mr. Poe pur- chased fifty acres of land in McDonald Township, near the old homestead. His possessions at that time included a three-year-old colt and a cow, both of which animals were given in exchange for the land. This tract was uncultivated, and Mr. Poe made it his first duty to erect thereon a cabin. He worked the place for one year and then sold it for $500, which transaction netted him a handsome profit. In 1839 he moved to Roundhead Township, first buying eighty acres. This property lay in the low lands on section 32, and in order to improve it Mr. Poe built a cabin for his family, 16x20 feet in dimensions, and then
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gave his attention to clearing the timber from tlie place. He was enabled to improve about ten acres each year, and when this was done added to his estate, until now it includes three hundred and eight acres of some of the finest land in the count- ty. Wild game at the time he located here was very plentiful and although the family often suf- fered for other articles of food, yet they were al- ways supplied with fresh meat.
In politics our subjeet is a stanch Democrat; but has never aspired to official honors, although having been prevailed upon to serve as Township Supervisor and School Director. During his in- cunibency of the former office, he laid out roads, built bridges, and in other ways performed the duties of Supervisor in a satisfactory manner. Mrs. Poe is a Presbyterian in religion and in this denomination has been a faithful worker for many years.
OHN H. GRUBER is one of the native sons of Marion Township, Marion County, born April 19, 1853, and has passed his entire life ' in this locality. He rose from poverty to his present high standing as a man of influence and the possessor of a fair fortune. Soon after reach- ing his majority he purchased eighty acres on section 31, and has since carried on general farm- ing here, making many improvements, which have greatly added to the value of the homestead.
Abraham Gruber, father of the above gentle- man, was born in Harrison County, Va., July 17, 1819. His father, John Gruber, was of German descent and was a farmer by occupation. He em- igrated to Marion County with his family in 1831,2making the journey by team, and took up one hundred and sixty acres of Government land in Marion Township. This tract was covered with timber and was held at the usual price of $1.25 per acre. John Gruber lived but a year after coming to this county, and left a widow and six children, namely: Jolin, Rebecca, Mary,
Abraliam, Saralı and Christie Ann. Sarah is now the only survivor of the family.
When he was twelve years of age Abraham Gruber came from his native state to this county and grew to manhood in Marion Township. He remained with his mother until he was twenty- two years of age, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in the same township, and here lie lived the remainder of his life, with the ex- ception of one year spent at the county seat. When he became owner of the place only a few acres had been broken, and an old farm house was the only building worthy the name. He was a man of public spirit, and though not an office- seeker nor desirous of serving in a publie eapac- ity, at times did so in response to the wishes of his neighbors. He died December 24, 1868, and was . buried in Marion Cemetery. His wife's remains were placed by his side a few years later, she having died September 16, 1873. Her maiden name was Frances Bell.
John H. is one of eleven children and the sixth in order of birth. The others are as fol- lows: Elizabeth E., Mrs. Milton McKeeber, of Morrow County, this state; Thomas B., who died in 1886; George C., a farmier of Morrow County; William G., who died in July, 1889; Sarah A., Mrs. W. T. Owen, of Marion Township; Alpheus A., who died December 10, 1893; Sidney W., of Marion Township; Mary E., who died April 13, 1873; Frances B., whose death occurred April 12, 1864; and Isaac, a farmer of Claridon Township.
The early years of John H. Gruber were passed in the usual manner of farmer boys, a portion of his time being devoted to obtaining an education in the district school. From the time he was seventeen until he was twenty-two years of age he worked as a farm hand, and thus obtained the money which he afterward invested in land. He was first married in 1875, the lady of his ehoice being Minerva Scribner, who died December 17, 1878, leaving one son, Frank. Mr. Gruber wed- ded his present wife on Christmas Day, 1884, and three children have been born of their union: J. Arthur, Herbert H. and Graee. Mrs. Gruber was formerly Miss Amida, daughter of John W. and Mary (Hull) Hoff. She received her education
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JOHN EVANS.
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in the country schools of Morrow and Delaware Counties, and began teaching school before her fourteenth year, continning in this profession almost uninteruptedly until she was twenty- one years of age. Mrs. Mary Hoff was born December 15, 1837, in Marion County, Ohio, her parents being Samuel and Cherrissa . (Wilcox) Hull. Mrs. Gruber's father was born March 10, 1835, in Harrison County, Va., and was a son of Abraham Hoff, of German descent. The former removed to Delaware County, Ohio, when four- teen years of age, and during the summer hired out to farmers, while in the winter time he ell- gaged in teaching school for several years. He finished his education in the Delaware (Ohio) College, and in 1861 enlisted as a private in an Ohio regiment, serving until the close of the war.
> From 1865 to 1872 he was engaged in agricult- ural pursuits in Delaware County, and then pur- chased a farm 11ear Cardington, in Morrow Couli- ty. For the next decade he continued his former occupation of farming and teaching. He is an ardent Republican and has hield numerous town- ship offices. Fraternally he belongs to the Ma- sonic and Odd Fellows' societies.
. In regard to political questions John H. Gru- ber is always to be found using his ballot and in- fluence on behalf of the Republican party. Both he and his good wife are members of the Method- ist Church, and are active workers in its various departments of usefulness.
OHN EVANS, who is now deceased, was known throughout this portion of the United States as the proprietor of the largest blue limestone quarries in central Ohio and the man- ufacturer of the celebrated white lime, which was one of Marion County's most important indus- tries. He was truly self-made, as he began at the bottom round of the ladder of fortune and by honest effort and perseverance worked his way up
to prominence and wealth. The reader inust not think that his position was attained by a stroke of luck; but on the contrary it took patient devo- tion to business, a watchful care of every detail, and a close adherence to the principles of honesty and industry to reach the high pinnacle on which he stood at the time of his deccase.
John Evans was born in Wales, September 28, 1848, and came to this country with his parents, John and Gwenllian Evans, in 1862. His father, who was also a Welshman, was born in 1815 and died in 1875. The mother of our subject, who was born in 1814, was seventy-seven years old at the time of her decease. On landing in America they at once made their way to Ohio, and first settled in Trumbull County. > In 1873, however, John Evans, Sr., came to this county and made his home on a fine tract of land in Pleasant 'Town- ship. November II of that year our subject was married to Mary J., daughter of John and Anna Owens, who were also Welsh people. Soon after his union with Miss Owens he purchased a farm from his father-in-law, taking possession of what was known as the Barnliart Farm, which con- sisted of eighty acres. In company with his wife's brothers, Jolın and Daniel, he began burning lime in the Owens stone quarry, the three working together until 1882. That year Mr. Evans sold. his interest in the business and bought the now famous blue limestone quarries, better known as "Stone Cut." It is located just outside the city limits, on the Columbus, Hocking Valley & To- ledo Railway, which makes it very convenient and desirable for shipping. It covers two hundred and fifteen acres, and produces the famous blue limestone in evenly bedded layers, ranging from six to twenty-two inches in thickness. . The fame for excellence of the stone produced by Mr. Evans extended throughout this and adjoining states, while his business increased so rapidly thiat it soon became one of the great industries of Marion County. In quality the stone is clear, fine and strong, and is not affected by frost any more than granite or marble, and it hardens with age. The shipments in building-stone average thousands of carloads per year.
During his lifetime our subject did a large bus-
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iness in shipping crushed stone for use in inacad- amizing streets, his quarries being supplied with -machinery which could crush sixty carloads per day. The white lime which he manufactured was the best in the land. It is the only quality of white lime which is free slacking and which will work cool. Contractors, builders, architects, scientific men and chemists all pronounced the quality of this lime to be perfect. It soon be- came widely known, and the demand for it in- creased day by day, although at that time Mr. Evans was enabled to turn out twelve hundred bushels per day. He gave employment to from eighty to one hundred and twenty men, and the trade of liis establishment extended all over the country.
Our subject was one of the best business men in this section, possessing those peculiar qualifi- cations which fitted him for the large business · which he was conducting. He was much re- spected by all, and always enjoyed the fullest con- fidence of his employes and those associated with him in every transaction.
Mr. Evans was a leading worker and Trustee in the Presbyterian Church, in the work of which he took an active part. He was a Knight of Pythias and an Odd Fellow, in both of which orders he was greatly interested. On account of failing health, he and his wife took a trip to Flor- ida, hoping to gain renewed health; however, he was taken worse, and two weeks after returning home passed away, February 25, 1894, greatly mourned by family and friends.
To Mr. and Mrs. Evans there were born five children: Jolin, Daniel, Thomas, David and Stella. Since his death, his wife, who is a thorough bus- iness wontan and fully acquainted with all the details of his various enterprises, looks after the management of her large estate. During the World's Fair in Chicago Mr. Evans made an exhibit of his limestone, and at its close was awarded the first prize. The impetus given to the industries of this city by the enterprise of .Mr. Evans is not unrecognized, and the general con- sideration with which he was regarded is the nat- ural outgrowth of a career which embodied the highest principles of commercial integrity and
personal honor. He never had the advantages of a collegiate education, but, being a close ob- server, during his career acquired a general bus- iness education, which made him one of the best of business men. His start in life was due en- tirely to his own exertions, and he therefore de- served, and was given, the greatest praise for his perseverance in the face of many obstacles.
OHN TRESSEL. Few of the residents of Liberty Township have been more closely identified with its growth, and with that of Hardin County as well, than the subject of this sketch, who for many years has made his home on section 8. He was one of the early settlers of his locality, and entered from the Government the land on which he still resides. At the time of his arrival here, the entire county was heavily timbered, and there were but eight voters in the township, seven of them being Democrats. Through the years that liave since come and gone, he has taken an unwearied interest in the welfare of his fellowmen and the progress of the township.
In Warren Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, John Tressel was born October 24, 1810, being the son of George and Catherine (Shuster) Tressel. His father, who was born in Washing- ton County, Pa., about 1780, was engaged in agricultural pursuits in that state until 1808, when he removed to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and settled upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres given him by his father-in-law. Upon this place he made his home until his death at the age of seventy-six years. During the War of 1812 he was drafted, but was never called into active service. During the early years of his residence in Ohio, Indians were numerous, but they were. friendly and never molested the settlers.
In Washington County, Pa., about 1800, George Tressel married Miss Catherine Shuster, whose birth occurred there about 1782. Her parents, who were natives of Germany, crossed
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the Atlantic in the same ship, and their time was sold to the same man to pay their passage. While thus employed they became engaged and shortly afterward were married. Though they bore the same family name, they were not related to each other. Their daughter Catherine was the fourth of their twelve children. The parents of George Tressel were also natives of Germany.
The family of which our subject is a member consisted of twelve children, of whom Adamı, Christina and Catherine died in infancy. Of the others we note the following: Sarah married Sam- uel Wingate, and is now deceased; Margaret, also deceased, was the wife of Levi Hoffman; Daniel, who is now eighty-six years old, is a resident of Tuscarawas County, Ohio; John is the fourth in order of birth; George died in Clay County, Ind., when about fifty-five years of age; Polly, deceased, was Mrs. Joshua Slutz; Samuel .died in Tuscarawas County at fifty years of age; Susanne, deceased, was first the wife of Jacob Keyes, later married Joseph Opp, and afterward was united with George Etherton; and Henry died in Tuscarawas County, when about twenty- five years old.
The early education of our subject was gained in the primitive schools of Tuscarawas County, and the room in which he studied liis lessons had puncheon benches, greased paper instead of win- dow panes, and a crude writing desk that ex- tended along one side of the building. His school studies were continued, subject to many interruptions, until he was twenty-one. In 1830 he was examined by the first Board of Examiners appointed in the county, and, receiving a certifi- cate, soon began to teach, which occupation he followed for eight years. In those early times twenty-four days made a school montli, and the teacher was required to teach every other Satur- day.
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At the age of twenty-three Mr. Tressel mar- ried, and he then rented a sawmill, which he operated about eight years. The winter months, meanwhile, were devoted to teaching and to odd jobs. Grain was at that time cut witli a sickle, but Mr. Tressel, not being handy with that in- strument, bought a cradle, in the use of which
he soon became expert. For cradling he was paid one-half bushel per acre, and for cradling and binding received a busliel, and so rapidly did lie work that he could cradle three or four . acres a day. Prior to his marriage he entered eighty acres of the land he still owns, and hither, after . eiglit years spent in Tuscarawas County, lie came in June, 1844. He lias since added forty acres to the property, and the most of the land he has cleared by his own efforts. About three years after coming here he erected a gristmill, and the following year built a sawmill, which he operated for nineteen years. Since discontinuing milling, his attention has been given principally to farm work.
In Tuscarawas County, Ohio, March 10, 1836, Mr. Tressel married Miss Eliza H. Lappin, who was born there April 19, 1819, and died April 16, 1856, in Hardin County. She was a daughter of Samuel and Comfort (Hilliary) Lappin, who for many years resided in Tuscarawas County. Her marriage resulted in the birth of nine children, two of whom died unnamed in infancy, and Sal- lie, Ann and John passed away in childhood. The others are Martha Jane, wife of Jefferson Rut- ledge, of Ada; Samuel, who was accidentally killed in 1868: George, a clerk in Lima, Ohio; and Angeline, wife of Charles Stralım, of Col- umbiana County, Ohio.
The second marriage of Mr. Tressel took place in Hardin County on New Year's Day of 1857, his wife being Mrs. Mary Wells, who was born in Carroll County, July 28, 1828. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, February 29, 1804, a descendant of Irish ancestry. In Carroll County, abont 1826, he married Susanna Wilkin, who was born there October 14, 1807, and died May 2, 1855; his death occurred December 24, 1835. Mrs. Tressel and her twin sister, Rachel, were the eldest of five children, the others being Will- iam, Catherine and James. Mrs. Tressel was first united in marriage with Amos Wells, who at his death left two children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tressel there were born seven children, of whom two (twins) died unnamed, and Hester, a twin of Albert, died at the age of thirteen. Alice Saman- tha is the wife of Erastus Turner and lives in
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. Liberty Township; Albert cultivates a farm ad- joining his father's; Dora married Howard Tur- ner, and resides on a farm on the west county line; and James Grant, a farmer by occupation, is cul- tivating a portion of the home place.
In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Tressel are identified with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ada. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and he is a stanch advocate of its principles. For three years, while residing in Tuscarawas County, he served as Justice of the Peace, and for twelve years was similarly oc- cupied in Liberty Township, Hardin County. In- terested in educational affairs, he held the office of School Director for about thirty years, and during that long period was instrumental in or- ganizing several schools, and in promoting the cause of education in the township. For one term he was Township Trustee, and also filled the ·position of Assessor for one year. In all these varied positions he has rendered credit to himself, and served satisfactorily to all concerned. Now in the declining years of his useful life, he is in the enjoyment of the comforts which he accumu- lated in years of toil, and in his pleasant home, ministered to by his devoted family, he passes his time quietly and happily.
ENRY W. NESBITT, a well known farmer of Claridon Township, Marion County, has been the owner of a good farm on section II since 1868. Both as an agriculturist and as a stock-raiser he has met with success, for he pos- sesses the qualities of industry and perseverance, which are indispensable to a man who intends to make a mark in the world. He received only a district-school education, but supplemented this by reading and private study, which, added to his experience, have made him a man of wide in- formation.
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