USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 19
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 19
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born July 31, 1862, and died September 25, 1878; William, whose birth occurred May 11, 1867, makes liis home in Hardin County, this state; Thomas, who was born November 30, 1873, lives with his widowed mother and looks after the farm. Edward, the son of Mrs. John Gillespie, who was born March 8, 1878, also lives with Mrs. Morris, who cares for him as though he were her own soll.
When our subject was young his parents rented land, and for three years they occupied the farm belonging to John Clark. Later they moved upon the tract-now in possession of his widow. Dur- ing their later years they were well-to-do, and were enabled to supply themselves with many of the comforts of life. The estate embraces eighty acres, and is managed in such a way as to yield good returns.
Joseph Morris was a member of the United Brethren Church, and throughout the locality where he resided was regarded as a thorough Christian and one well liked for his kindly con- sideration of others. He upheld the principles of Republicanism with much vigor and enthusi- asm, and at all times used his influence in behalf of the party of his choice.
HRISTIAN POMMERT, who is engaged in the boot and shoe business at Caledonia, is a self-made man, as when he first arrived in this place he liad only $2 in the world, and now ownis a good store and stock in addition to a pleas- ant home. He is a native of Baden, Germany, having been born Marchi 9, 1830. He continued to dwell in his native land until reaching his ma- jority, and before leaving home learned the shoe- maker's trade. During the Prussian War he was in the service for three months. In 1851 he took passage on a sailing-vessel bound for tlie United States, and after a voyage of thirty-six days ar- rived in New York City. Continuing his west-
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ward trip as far as Sandusky, Ohio, he worked at his trade in that city for two years .. In 1853 he removed to Caledonia, and continued to work as a journeyman until 1868, when he added a stock of boots and shoes, and has been in business ever since, with the exception of six years, when his ` son conducted the establishment. He is the old- est business man in the place, which was a very small town when he first saw it.
The parents of Christian Pommert were Fred- erick and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Pommert, who were both natives of Baden and spent their en- tire lives in that province. The father was a weaver of linen by trade, and managed to make a good living for his family. He died when in the prime of life, at the age of fifty-one years, while his wife attained her fifty-seventh year. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Christian is the youngest.
In 1853 Christian Pommert married Elizabeth Gartner, who died in 1861. Four children were born to this marriage: Catherine, who died at the age of eight years; George P., who died at the age of about two years; Elizabeth, who died when about one and a-half years old; and Annie, who passed away when about one year old. In 1862 Mr. Pommert wedded Mary L. Hanich, by whom he had six children, namely: Caroline, who died at the age of three years; John, who is running a hotel and restaurant at Caledonia, Ohio; Louisa, Mrs. Andrew Fulton, of Bucy- rus; Ella, Mrs. Samuel Maley, also of Bucyrus; Charles, who is now at home with his father, en- gaged in the shoe business, and who was united in marriage with Miss Cora Estella Blue on the 19th of December, 1894; and Mary L., who re- sides in Peoria, Ill., and is the wife of George Metzger. The mother of these children died March 12, 1876. In 1881 Mr. Pommert married Henrietta Hart, who was called to her final rest April 27, 1893. The present wife of our subject was formerly Eliza Mathias, a native of this coun- ty, and their marriage was celebrated October 22, 1893.
In his politics Mr. Pommert is unswerving in his allegiance to the Democracy. He has never been desirous of holding public office, and the
only position he has ever filled has been that of City Councilman, an office which he has held for three years. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and strives to put in daily practice the teachings of the Golden Rule.
- ARLEY J. HILL, who holds the important position of Surveyor of Marion County, is a young man of marked ability. 'He is a na- - tive of the county in which he is residing, and was born in Latimberville, February II, 1868. His father, William Hill, who was also born within the boundaries of Marion County, is a prominent stockman and wealthy resident of Ma- rion.
Grandfather John Hill came to this county from Knox County, Ohio, in which section he was one of the early settlers. The family is of Scotch an- cestry, and beyond this fact but little is known of its history.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Rosecrans) Hill, the mother of our subject, was the granddaughter of John Rosecrans, who was a second cousin of the noted General bearing the same name. Her grandfa- ther, who many years ago was a member of the State Legislature, was more familiarly known to the old residents as "Squire" Rosecrans, as he was Justice of the Peace for a period of thirty- three years. He was at one time County Com- missioner, and so conducted himself in his career as official and citizen as to win the respect and regard of all who knew him.
Harley J., of this sketch, was the only mem- ber of his parents' family who lived to mature years. His early education was conducted in the common schools of Marion County, after which he became a student at the Ohio State Univer- sity. He served two years as Deputy County Surveyor, and in 1893 was elected as the head of that office. He is an able and efficient servant of the people, devoting his entire time to the duties of his position. For some time prior to serving
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in the County Surveyor's office lie engaged as a clerk with several railroad companies in the city.
In politics Mr. Hill uses his ballot in favor of Democratic nominees and principles, and has al- ways been an ally of the party since casting his first Presidential vote. He is a Knight of Pyth- ias and a member of the order of Elks. He stands high in the former order and has passed nearly all the chairs of the same.
1 2 EV. JACOB PISTER is minister in charge of St. John's Evangelical Church of Ken- ton, and is a young man of great promise. In 1887 he entered the theological college at St. Louis, Mo., and at the end of three years gradu- ated, in June, 1890. He was still too young to be ordained as a minister, and had to wait until aft- er his twenty-first birthday. His ordination was celebrated November 16, 1890, in Cincinnati, and in the next month he was assigned to take charge of the church in Ripley, Brown County, Ohio. There he remained for three and a-half years, when, February 18, 1894, he was called to his present congregation. Like his father, he lias had great success in building up weak and discour- aged congregations. Though he has been in this city but a very short time, his work here has been remarkable, for he has strengthened the weak congregation and infused new life into every department of its activity.
The birth of Jacob Pister occurred in Balti- more, Md., November 20, 1869, his parents being Jacob, Sr., and Dorothy (Fangnieyer) Pister, who were married in Baltimore, February 16, 1869. The father was born in Hassloch, Rhen- ish Bavaria, March 27, 1843, and had just com- pleted his studies in the universities of Tuebingen and Erlangen when the German-Austrian War of 1866 broke out, and to evade military service lie emigrated to the United States. His parents were very poor and had a large family. In order to obtain money for his education he taught Latin,
and was also helped by several German and Rus- sian noblemen, witlt whom he was a great favor- ite.' Physically he was the finest specimen of manliood in the college, and was so fine att atlı- lete that he was but once challenged to a duel, ac- cording to the custom of German colleges. Witlı a number of his friends of the nobility lie once called on the present King of Roumania, who gave them a royal welcome and a feast. Many of his colleagues are now members of the German Reichstag. His parents were John and Anna (Link) Pister, the former of whom was left an orphan and later learned the wagon-maker's trade. His ancestors were among the unfortunate people whose lands were invaded by Louis XIV. of France, and who suffered on account of their Protestant faith.
From the time he was six until fourteen years of age, Jacob Pister, Sr., walked four miles from his home to the school at Neustadt. The next five years he was a student in the gymnasium of Speier, after which lie entered the universities be- fore mentioned, and graduated under some of the most learned theologians of the day, among them being Hertzog, Delitzsch and Beck. After the young man had been ordained for the ininistry, he was summoned for military service, but hav- ing some difficulty with a brutal lieutenant, he returned home on a leave of absence and at once sailed for America. From New York he walked to Philadelphia, where he found himself on Sat- urday night penniless. He applied to Dr. F. Wiehle in his need. The minister was a very re- served man, and wishing to see for himself what kind of a young man he was, told him that he could occupy the pulpit on the following day. The stranger was thoroughly frightened, and though he trembled like a leaf, went through with the ceremonies as best he could. He pleased the old Doctor, who said, "You are the kind of a young man I want; I have a place for you." The next day he was sent to Baltimore and was given charge of a weak congregation on Calvert Street. Under his jurisdiction the church pros- pered, and a new house of worship and a school were soon erected. Mr. Pister was Superintend- ent of the school, whichi finally had three hun-
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dred pupils and seven teachers. He was stationed there for seven years, and in the mean time was married, in 1869. In the spring of 1872 lie re- turned 011 a six-monthis visit to Germany. On his return to Baltimore lie resumed his work, and in 1873 resigned from the Reformed Synod, subsequently becoming a member of the German Evangelical Synod of North America. He ac- cepted a call about that time from the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore, and four years later was installed as pastor of the. Evangelical Church on Trinity Street, in the same city. When four years liad elapsed he as- sumed the pastorate of St. Matthew's Evangelical Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. There he remained for nine years, since which time lie has officiated at Philippes' Evangelical Church, at the corner of Race Street and McMicken Avenne.
The mother of Jacob Pister, Jr., was a daugh- ter of John Fangmeyer, and was left motherless when only one year old. She was born in Balti- more, July 4, 1849, and was married in her twen- tieth year. Her father was a flour merchant and successful business man of Baltimore. Fourteen children were born to Jacob Pister, Sr., and wife, the eldest of whom is the subject of this narra- tive, and the others as follows: William; Dorothy, who was born while the family was visiting in Germany; Adelheid, who died in infancy; Charles; Arthur and Eugene, deceased; Rosalie; Robert; Ottilie, who died in her eleventh year; Talitha; Herbert; Erwin; and Walter, who died in in- fancy. The mother departed this life Decem- ber 7, 1893.
From his fourth until his sixth year, our sub- ject attended a kindergarten in Baltimore, and then entered Scheib's private school, where he pursued his studies until the family moved to Cincinnati, in the year 1881. There he gradu- ated from the grammar school, and at once en- tered the preparatory college at Elmhurst, Il1. He skipped two classes and graduated in three years, in 1886. He was not allowed to enter the theological seminary on account of his extremne youth, and for the next year devoted his time al- most entirely to music. As an organist he dis- plays great ability, and it is his particular delight
to sit down to a grand pipe organ, from which he can evoke wonderful strains of melody.
August 2, 1891 occurred the marriage of Jacob) Pister and Paulina, daugliter of Charles and Sy- billa (Elitzer) Guckenberger, who were niarried in Cincinnati in 1854. Mrs. Pister was born in that city February 17, 1869, being the eightli in a family of ten children. One of hier brothers, George, is President of the Atlas National Bank of Cincinnati, of which her brother William is Cashier. Benjamin, another brother, is Professor in the Cincinnati College of Music, having charge of piano instruction, while his wife is a teacher of vocal music. William, a brother of our sub- ject, is Assistant Corporation Counsel of the same city. To Mr. and Mrs. Pister were born four sons, two of whom died in infancy. Francis Harold was born November 14, IS93, in Ripley, Ohio; and Louis Vernon February 7, 1895, ili Kenton. In his political relations our subject is a Republican.
Rev. Mr. Pister has charge of two churches, one in the city and the other in the country, both belonging to the same parish. Since coming here, the increase in membership in the churches has reached two hundred. The country congrega- tion recently completed a fine edifice, and the con- gregation at Kenton expects soon to place a $2,000 pipe organ in their church. The latter congre- gation gave Mr. Pister a victoria phæton as a token of esteem, while the country church pre- sented him with a fine horse. Not only is he es- teemed and appreciated by his parishioners, but also by all with whom he is thrown in contact, and his earnest nature impresses itself upon liis as- . sociates, winning their recognition and approval.
LIVER LINDSAY has owned and operated his farm on section 6, Claridon Township. Marion County, since 1851. At that time he purchased ninety-seven acres, but lias since increased his possessions, until lie is tlie owner of
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two hundred and eighty acres of valuable and well improved land. He commenced the battle of life without capital, but boldly overcame the difficulties which he met in his way. He has al- ways been a friend to education and worthy en- terprises, and incrits the love and respect which are freely accorded him by those who know him best.
The parents of the above-named gentleman were John and Jeanette (Reed) Lindsay, natives of Pennsylvania, and the former of Irish descent. In the year 1821 John Lindsay emigrated to Marion County, the journey being made by team. He leased a tract of unimproved land in Scott Township for a few years, and then became the owner of forty acres, mainly prairie land. Here he lived for a number of years, and later entered his homestead of one hundred and twenty acres from the Government, on which he passed his remaining years. He was called to his final rest in 1854, and was buried in Miller's Cemetery. His wife died in her eighty-eighth year, and was placed to rest by the side of her husband. Polit- ically he was a Democrat, and, like a good citi- zen, was interested in whatever affected the pub- lic welfare.
Oliver Lindsay is the second in order of birth in a family of seven children. His elder brother, James, died in February, 1889; Mary became the wife of James Miller, a farmer of Marion County, and both are now deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of John A. Foos, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Rhoda is the wife of James Foos, also a farmer; Montgomery is a farmer residing on section 6, Claridon Township; and one died in infancy. Our subject was born in Centre County, Pa., November 16, 1816, and when five years of age came to this county, growing to manhood in Scott Township. . His education was such as was afforded by the subscription schools located some two miles from his home, and this distance he traversed in all kinds of weather. When twenty- three years of age young Lindsay started out to make his own way in the world, and for the first year thereafter received $10 a month besides his board. Several years were spent in this manner, his wages having been increased in the mean time
to $12 per monthı. About 1850 he went to Indi- ana and took up two hundred and forty acres of Government land. He later purchased one liun- dred and sixty acres, and soon thereafter sold the entire tract. He remained there for one winter, but then returned to Scott Township, and in 1851 bought the farm which has since received liis attention and care. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat, as was his father, and when called upon to do so has served efficiently in township offices.
November 22, 1856, Mr. Lindsay and Mary A. Sidel were united in marriage, and of their union six children were born. John, the eldest, married Miss Mary E. Mahaffey; Catherine, the eldest daughter, is the wife of David Hummer; Sophia J. died in March, 1891: Elizabeth married Sherman Longnecker; James died in infancy; and Alfretta is the wife of Lewis Patton. The mother of these children was called to the silent land March 25, 1890, and was placed to rest in Likins Cemetery. She was a faithful and de- voted wife and mother, a kind friend, a good neighbor and one who was beloved by all.
13 AVID GRAY, a history of whose life is herewith presented to our readers, has passed from the scene of earthly joys and sorrows to his final resting-place. He was a progressive farmer in Montgomery Township, and rose to a position in agricultural affairs which many might envy. He was sincerely respected by all those who knew him, and such was his integrity that his promise was considered as good as his bond. The estate of three hundred acres is car- ried on by his widow, who manages affairs on a paying basis. A portion of this land came to Mrs. Gray at her father's death, part of it when Mr. Gray died, and the remainder was owned jointly by Mr. Gray and his father-in-law.
Mr. Gray was born October 15, 1829, in Ohio,
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and was the son of George and Jane (Barr) Gray, natives of Delaware, but who came to this state and located in Marion County in a very early day in its history. David, of this sketch, was the eldest but one of the family of seven children. Henry is deceased; James is a resident of Lima, this state; Jolin F. is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Big Island Township; Sarah makes her home in Lima; Amos B. is living in Scott Town, this county; and Mary is now Mrs. David Humphrey, of Lima.
The subject of this sketch was married, De- cember 14, 1858, to Lucinda Van Honten, the daughter of David and Tamma (Messinger) Van Houten, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Connecticut. On coming to Ohio, they located in Big Island Township, Marion County, where Mr. Van Houten entered land, erecting thereon a substantial residence. To them were born two children: Lucinda, Mrs. Gray, born December 24, 1829; and Eliza A., the wife of James Rhodes, who was born February 25, 1834, and died June 30, 1856.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gray were granted three chil- dren. Flora was born June 28, 1860, and is now the wife of Dewillis Davis. They reside on the home place. Clara J., who was born February 23, 1862, is now Mrs. Elmer Mason, and lives in Scott Town. Amos was born January 24, 1865, and died April 3, 1866.
David Gray passed from this life September 11, 1866, leaving a wife and two children. The homestead is one of the finest in Marion County, the buildings thereon being of a substantial char- acter, and the soil is kept rich and productive. Mr. Gray was a carpenter, which fact may ex- plain why his estate bore such good buildings. He was a Democrat in politics.
The Van Houtens made their home in Big Is- land Township for about four years, when they removed to Michigan, remaining in the Wolver- ine State for about fifteen years. On their re- turn to this county, at the expiration of that time, we find them located on section 1, Mont- gomery Township, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. The mother of Mrs. Gray was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in
politics her father was a Democrat. He died December 22, 1870, while his good wife passed away June 30, 1874. They were both interred in Pleasant Hill Cemetery:
Mrs. Gray is a devoted member of the Presby- terian Church, in the faith of which she was trained by her mother. She has three grand- children, namely: Clarence, born in 1882; Au- riel in 1884, and Lillian M. in 1893. She takes an interest in all about her, and is so universally esteemed and so well known that these few lines will find many interested readers.
ILLIAM E. HULL is the progressive and able editor of the Caledonia Enterprise, with which he has been connected as pro- prietor and publisher for only three years, but during this time has infused new life and energy into the journal, which is now considered one of the best issued in this section of the state. The Enterprise is devoted strictly to the local field, and is specially alive to the interests of this par- ticular community. On political questions it is independent.
The parents of William E. Hull were James H. and Mina (Campbell) Hull. The former was born in Pennsylvania, where he was reared to manhood and learned the shoemaker's trade. He later removed with his parents to Morrow Coun- ty, Ohio, and continued to follow his chosen vo- cation in different towns of the Buckeye State un- til his marriage. He then purchased a farm in Morrow County, which he engaged in cultivating for several years. After a short residence ill Williams County, he returned to Morrow Coun- ty, bought a farmi, and continued to dwell thereon until his death, which occurred at the age of fifty- six years. His parents were also born in the Keystone State, but were of Scotch extraction.
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Mrs. Mina Hull was born in Morrow County, Ohio, and is still living, her home now being in Denver, Colo.
The birth of William E. Hull occurred on liis father's farm in Franklin Township, Morrow · County, July 26, 1868, and his boyhood was passed on the old homestead. In his fourteenth year he entered a printing-office at Mt. Gilead, Ohio, remaining there for some six years and ac- quiring a thorough knowledge of the business during that period. Later, going to Mt. Vernon, this state, he ran a job-printing office for about a year. From the latter city lie removed to Co- lumbus, and for two years was engaged upon the Ohio State Journal, and finally, in 1892, pur- chased the Caledonia Argus, which had been started in 1875, but whose subscription list was small. When Mr. Hull assumed its management he changed the name and is now doing a good business. The subscribers to the sheet are con- stantly increasing in number, and about six hun- dred copies are issued weekly.
On Christmas Day, 1889, a marriage ceremony was celebrated by which Miss Nellie E. Laycox, of Mt. Gilead, became the wife of William E. Hull. The young couple have a pleasant home and are received in the best social circles of Cale- donia, where they have many warm friends.
BADIAH MILLER was one of the influen- tial and notable farmers of Claridon Town- ship, Marion County. At the time of his death, which occurred July 24, 1890, he was the owner of about nine hundred acres, four hundred of which constitute the home farm. There he carried on general farming and stock-raising for a number of decades, and year by year advanced in prosperity. He was a Republican politically, and held numerous offices of trust and honor.
Mr. Miller was born in Lincolnshire, England, January 13, 1819, to Jolin and Alice ( Priddon) Miller. He was one of four sons and four daugh-
ters, and was born on a farm that had been owned by his ancestors for five hundred years. When he was a lad of thirteen years he crossed the At- lantic with his parents in a sailing-vessel, passing eleven long and tiresome weeks on the ocean, and landing at Quebec. While disembarking, the vessel suddenly capsized, and eleven persons, in- cluding his mother and youngest brother and sis- ter, were drowned. They lost almost all of their clothes and money, and experienced the greatest difficulty and hardship in reaching their destina- tion, Richland County, Olio. Our subject ar- rived in this state in 1832, and walked from Cleveland to Mansfield, in which place he was bound out as apprentice to the carpenter's trade. For a period of seven years he served industri- ously and faitlifully, receiving in return nothing but liis board and clothes.
In 1840 Mr. Miller came from Mansfield to Marion County. About five years later he went to England on a visit, but eventually came back to this locality, and worked at his trade for some years. His first purchase of land comprised twenty acres, for which he paid $50. In 1847 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of partly improved land in this township, but only lived thereon a couple of years. He then sold out and. purchased another eighty-acre tract, and in 1859 took up his permanent abode on the place where he continued to dwell until his death.
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