USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 22
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 22
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62
To our subject and his wife has been born one child, a daughter, Iona E., born December 14, 1892. In his political relations Mr. Washburn votes for Republican candidates, and upholds the principles of the party on every occasion. He is thoroughly informed as a farmer and is successful in this as in other departments of work.
REDERICK HABERMAN. Among the most noted and representative men of Marion stands Frederick Haberman, whose high rep- utation and material prosperity have come as the reward of unusual natural abilities industriously applied. He is a native of this city, and was born on Nortlı Main Street, September 1, 1854. . Christian Haberman, the father of our subject, was a native of Hanover, Germany, and was born October 6, 1829. His father, who bore the nanie of Conrad, came to America as a British soldier during the War of 1812. He was seriously wounded in one of the engagements in which he participated, and was rescued and cared for by the Americans, whom he had considered his ene- mies up to that time. On fully recovering from his injuries, he took up arms against the Mother Country, and was during the remainder of his stay here loyal to American interests. He returned to his native land after a residence of seventeen years in the United States, and died there in 1831, when the father of our subject was two years of age.
Christian Haberman learned the stonemason's trade in Germany, and in 1852, on coming to this country, located in Marion, where he gave his un- divided attention to this business for many years. He then invested his surplus capital in a large stone-quarry, which he operated successfully, and as the years passed by accumulated a handsome fortune. He is also the owner of an extensive farm, but, not being a practical farmer, has it worked by other parties, and now lives retired in Marion. Several years ago he was honored by being elected one of the Directors of the County Infirmary, a position he now holds. .
The mother of our subject was Gertrude Seas before her marriage. She was also born in Ger- many, but came to this country with her parents when young. She became the mother of five sons, of whom Frederick is the eldest. He ob- tained his primary education in the schools of this county, completing his studies at the college in Berea, this state. Being now prepared to begin life for himself, he began clerking in the hardware store of George H. Kling, of Marion, and for ten years was in his employ. That gentleman then be- ing desirous of selling his stock of goods, our sub- ject purchased the same, and for five years was one of the successful merchants of the place. At the end of that time he withdrew from the busi- ness, and for the following year was Secretary of the Marion Manufacturing Company. He re- signed this position in order to accept the offer made him by the W. Brigham Company of Cleve- land to become traveling salesman. The latter company conduct one of the largest wholesale hardware establishments in the United States. After being thus employed five years, in 1892 lie bought his present hardware store, and is now doing a splendid business.
Mr. Haberman is interested in many of the leading industries of the city, being the second largest stockholder in the Marion Manufactur- ing Company. He also has stock in the Steam Shovel Works, the Huber Manufacturing Com- pany, the Marion Implement Company, the Ice and Cold Storage Company, and in the Automatic Boiler Feeder Company. He is President of the Marion Tool Company, President of the Marion
228
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1
Hedge and Wire Company, and is interested fi- nancially in tlie Marion Street Railway and the electric-light plant. He is a member of tlie Ohio State Board of Commerce, one of the executive committee of the Ohio Hardware Association, and a member of the Huber Guards.
As is plain to be seen, he is one of the most thorough and energetic business men in the city, and, being a man of observation and excellent judgment, is well posted regarding the manage- ment of most of the enterprises in which he is in- terested. Although a very busy man, he was prevailed upon to become a member of the City Council, and for two terms filled this office.
Frederick Haberman was married in 1875 to Miss Cora Clark, of Marion, and they have four children: Gertrude, Hallie, Henry and Fred. The grandfather of Mrs. Cora Haberman, John Clark, emigrated from Hagerstown, Md., to Ma- rion in 1824, when Marion had a population of only about sixty. Her father, Capt. J. Walter Clark, is one of the three oldest living citizens who were born in Marion. The Haberman fain- ily occupies one of the finest residences in the city, and our subject and his wife number among their friends the best residents in the county. Socially Mr. Haberman is Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is a Knight of Pythias, is identified with the Royal Arcanum, and is President of the Elks' Annual Circus Carnival. Religiously he is connected with the Episcopal Church, and is now serving as Vestryman.
OHN A. EBHARDT was an industrious and worthy German-American citizen of Clari- don Township, Marion County, and though his deatlı occurred over two decades ago he is well remembered and kindly spoken of by his former neighbors and associates. He was one of the early settlers of this county, to which he emi- grated in 1829, and with whose development and
history his life was identified thenceforward. He came here empty-handed, a stranger in a strange land, and worked his way upward to a position of influence and prosperity through the industri- ous and persevering qualities common to his coun- trymen.
The birth of John A. Ebhardt occurred June 20, 1809, in Germany, where he received a good common-school education. He continued to dwell in his native land until he was twenty years of age, when, being ambitious to succeed, he deter- mined to try his fortune in the United States. After a long journey in a sailing-vessel he landed at his destination, and soon after reached this county. He obtained work with farmers, and was employed at his trade-that of tanning- which he had learned in the Fatherland. In 1844 he came to the village of Claridon and started a tannery, which he continued to operate until his death.
In religious belief Mr. Ebhardt was a German- Lutheran, and an active member of the church. He was a friend to education, and served as a School Director for several terms. In political matters he was a Democrat, and never failed to deposit his ballot at election times. He was called to his final rest April 8, 1873, and his remains were interred in the Claridon Cemetery.
In the year 1854 occurred the marriage of John A. Ebhardt and Sarah, daughter of Lawrence and Mary Yoger. The lady was born in Ger- many in 1825, and was only five years of age when she bade adieu to her native land and with her parents took passage on a sailing-vessel bound for the hospitable shores of the United States. The voyage consumed sixty days, but at length they reached New York in safety.
Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eb- hardt. Three of the number died in early child- hood, and the others are as follows: John, Lena, Maggie, David, Adam, William, Frederick and Emma. Mrs. Ebhardt, now in the evening of life, is surrounded by the comforts which hier af- fectionate and dutiful children delight to bestow upon her. She was a true helpmate and com- panion to her husband and struggled bravely with the difficulties which fell to their lot. She pos-
229
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sesses the good-will and friendship of a large cir- cle of acquaintances and old neighbors, and it is most fitting that this brief tribute should appear among the histories of the worthy old settlers and residents of this county.
ANIEL AUGENSTEIN is one of the worthy German-American farmers of Ma- rion County, and owns a fertile and well equipped homestead on section 25, Waldo Town- ship. He has been Justice of the Peace for three years, has served as Township Treasurer for ten years, and has been Township Trustee for sixteen years. In 1890 he was elected to serve as one of the Infirmary Directors for a term of three years, and at the end of that period was re-elected. He is a leader in the ranks of the local Democracy, and has always been noted for his public spirit. For some time he has been retired from active cares, enjoying the rest which he truly deserves.
In the parental family our subject is the next to the youngest in order of birth, his parents be- ing George F. and Barbara (Boligar) Augenstein, natives of Baden. Their other children were Minnie, Lawrence and Godfried, who are all de- ceased, and George F. Barbara is the widow of Frederick Grull.
Born in Baden, Germany, March 8, 1822, Daniel Augenstein passed his first fifteen years on a farm in that country. He was a youth of am- bition and well fixed purpose to succeed in life's battles, and in order to carry out his plans he came to the United States in 1837, alone. His journey was continued to Richland Township, Marion County, where he hired out to a farmer for the first year at $6 per month and board. He continued to be thus employed for the next seven years, when he returned to his native land, and after making a short visit brought back with him his father and mother. Soon afterward lie pur- chased two hundred and forty acres of land in
Waldo Township; this property, by the way, hav- ing formerly been owned by ex-President Hayes. With the exception of five acres which had been broken, the farin was absolutely without improve- ments and was covered with thick forests. A log cabin was soon erected and in a few years the place had changed materially in appearance un- der the untiring exertions of our subject.
March 4, 1844, Mr. Augenstein married Mar- garet Bender, who bore him four children: Jacob, now deceased; Hannah, now Mrs. John Kramer; William, a farmer of this township; and John, who is also an agriculturist of this neighborhood. Mrs. Margaret Augenstein died May 22, 1879. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married April 27, 1880, was formerly Melinda J. White.
Fraternally Mr. Augenstein is identified with the Odd Fellows' society, and religiously he is a member of the German Reformed Church, being one of the Elders in the congregation. He has literally been the architect of his own fortunes, for he began his business career a stranger in a strange land, without capital, and gradually worked his way to a position of influence and pros- perity.
2
G GNEW WELSH is the able editor and pro- prietor of the Ada Record, a newsy and pop- ular paper, which enjoys a good circulation and is published in the interests of the commu- nity, especial attention being paid to local affairs. It also reviews intelligently the public issues of the day, and its advertising columns, which are well filled, show that the business men of Ada appreciate it as a medium of communication with the people, In politics the Record is neutral. It occupies its own building, a substantial two-story brick structure, erected by Mr. Welsh in 1893, and a model of neatness and convenience.
The birth of Agnew Welshi occurred near Bucy-
230
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
rus, Crawford County, Ohio, April 11, 1856. His father, George H. Welsli, a native of Ross Coun- ty, Ohio, was born in 1826, and was the son of a Virginian, Zachariah Welsh, who served in the War of 1812. The latter was one of the early set- tlers of Ross County, where he was closely asso- ciated with the growth and development of its farining resources, and where, for many years, he filled the position of Justice of the Peace.
In an early day George H. Welshi went to Crawford County, where he embarked in general agricultural pursuits. . So successful was he in his enterprises, that he became one. of the most extensive general farmers and stock-dealers in his locality. Though now somewhat advanced in years, he still maintains the supervision of his homestead near Bucyrus, where he has long made his abode. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Agnew, died when our subject was only six days old, and he was given her family name. He was the only child of that union, but by the second marriage of his father he has two half- brothers and two half-sisters. Effie is the wife of E. E. Harvey, who occupies a portion of the old homestead; Algee is married and lives on a farm near Wyandot, Ohio; and Lavena and Er- nest remain with their parents.
The early years of the subject of this sketch were spent on the home farm. On finishing the studies of the common schools, he entered the Ohio Normal University, where he continued his studies for some years. For one year afterward he was employed as clerk in a clothing store, aft- er which he bought a book and stationery store in Ada, continuing in that business until 1881. At that time he purchased the Ada Record from E. L. Millar, now of the Kenton Daily Republican, and since he assumed the editorial chair the paper has steadily advanced, until it is now one of the lead- ing weekly papers of central Ohio. The confi- dence in which the editor is held by the people is proved by the fact that what appears in the Rec- ord is accepted as reliable by the great majority of the better class of citizens.
Socially Mr. Welsh is a Chapter Mason and a member of the Order of Maccabees. In 1880 lie was united in marriage with Miss Cora Houfsta-
ter, of Huron County, Ohio, daughter of Jacob Houfstater, a prominent and well-to-do farmer. Two sons and three daughters bless their union, Earl B., Dana E., Rhea M., Opal M. and Mar- garet A.
OHN HOGAN was appointed Superintendent of the Poor Farm of Marion County in 1885, and took charge of the Infirmary in October of that year. He has made a most efficient and trustworthy public officer, and possesses the con- fidence and good-will of all who know hin. The institution is in a thrifty and well kept condition, and at the present time has about sixty inmates. The Poor Farm comprises two hundred and thirty acres, which are kept under good cultiva- tion, and the products of which cover all the ex- penses incurred by the Infirmary. Mr. Hogan owns a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Green Camp Township and has the place well improved.
A native of this county, our subject was born March 24, 1858, and is a son of David and Bridget (Moriarty) Hogan, natives of Ireland, where their marriage was celebrated. They emi- grated to the United States during the '50s, and settled in this county, where they passed their remaining years. The father died in 1884, and his wife passed away in 1891. They were. the parents of five children, namely: Thomas, who died March 19, 1872; Mary, who married Richard Mullee, a railroad man of this county; and John, Kate and Bridget.
The early years of Jolin Hogan were passed in Marion, where lie attended the public schools until he reached his eighteenth year. He ob- tained a fair business education, and for some years was a student at St. Mary's Catholic Semi- nary. At the age of twenty years he began the battle of life on his own account by working on a farm, and was thus employed by the month for
.
£
22,2-
ALBERT S. RANNEY.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
233
about. three years. He then rented land for five years, and engaged in its cultivation until he was appointed to his present position.
February 21, 1882, Mr. Hogan married Cath- erine Burke, who was born in Canada. They have a little son and daughter: David I., who was born September 28, 1889; and Mary. F., whose birth occurred October 23, 1894.
In politics Mr. Hogan always votes the straight Democratic ticket. Religiously he is identified with the Catholic Church, to which his wife also belongs. He is a self-made man, having worked his way upward to comparative independence through his own industrious qualities. He pos- sesses good business ability, as is fully shown by the able manner in which he conducts the affairs of the Infirmary.
LBERT S. RANNEY, Sheriff of Hardin County, is one of the prominent citizens of this portion of the state. He is now filling his second term in this capacity, which fact proves his ability and reveals the esteein in which he is held by his fellow-citizens; while the record of his life proves better than any words of the biog- rapher could do the probity and uprightness which have characterized his every action.
Mr. Ranney was born in Guernsey County, this state, June 16, 1845, and is the son of Parks Ranney, also a native of Ohio. He was, how- ever, reared to mature years in Parkersburg, Va., whither his parents removed when he was six or seven years old. The grandfather of our subject bore the name of John Ranney, and was of Irish extraction.
Parks Ranney moved to Guernsey County some time in the '30s, and in 1868 located in Hardin County, where he was living at the time of his death, in 1884. His wife was in her maiden- hood known as Mary Ann Wilson. Her parents were well known in Pennsylvania, and her fa- ther served in the War of 1812. Her death oc-
curred just one year prior to the death of hier hus- band, who died in 1885. Her family included seven sons and daughters, of whom Albert S. was the eldest but one. He has a brother, Joseph, liv- ing in Bellefontaine, where he is a prominent contractor and builder.
Albert S., of this sketch, made his advent into Hardin County in 1867, first locating in Taylor Creek Township, where he engaged in farming. This he continued for many years, being at the same time one of the leading sheep-raisers in the state. He had never been prevailed upon to ac- cept office until 1891, when the Republican party brought him forward as their candidate for the office of Sheriff. He was elected by a large ma- jority, and on the expiration of his term was re- elected. The friends who supported him have never had occasion to regret their influence used in his favor, for he has proved to be one of the best officials that Hardin County ever had. He is a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight of Pythias, and in the blue lodge has been Master.
In October, 1878, our subject was united in marriage withi Miss Elizabeth Stevenson, who was born in Hardin County, this state, and who is the daughter of Homer P. Stevenson, who for many years was Justice of the Peace in his local- ity. To them has been born a daugliter, Mary, who is now four years old. As a Republican, Mr. Ranney is recognized as one of the leaders, of his party in his county and congressional district.
.
:
3
NDREW J. WALLACE has been engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Tay- lor Creek Township, Hardin County, for more than forty years, and is one of the represen- tative inen of this locality. He has been a wit- ness of the marvelous growth and progress of this portion of Ohio, and has assisted in bringing about this result. Altogether he has cleared up-
7
234
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wards of one hundred acres of virgin forest, and instead of a wilderness now has a well improved and valuable home.
The parents of our subject, William and Polly (Campbell) Wallace, were natives of Kentucky. They had five other children, namely: Johanna, Mrs: George Lease, of this township; William, who married Cordelia Ritchie, and lives near Belle Center, Ohio; Margaret E., wife of William Ram- sey; and Joseph Milton and Hugh, deceased. When he was only a boy, William Wallace, Sr., cante to this state with his grandfather, who lo- cated in Fayette County, and there the youth grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. Afterward he embarked in agricultural pursuits, renting land for several years. In 1832 he settled near Belle Center, Logan County, buy- ing two hundred acres of second-hand land, about twenty acres of which had been cleared. This place was his home the rest of his days. He passed away, after a good and useful life, in 1879, but his wife lived till 1885. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican. At various times he acted as Trustee and School Director, and at all times endeavored to promote the best interests of his fellows.
A. J. Wallace was born February 5, 1827, and was reared on a farm. He gave such help to his parents as was in his power to give up to the time he left the shelter of the old' rooftree. When he was twenty-eight years old he began farming on his own account in this township, where he had purchased sixty-two and a-half acres in 1853, and a like amount two years subsequently. The only improvements thereon were a log cabin and a small barn. Setting to work with a will, the young farmer commenced hewing down the trees, and soon liad a chance to raise good crops. Ox- teams were used for hauling away the logs and for the heaviest work on the farm. He makes a business of raising high-grade cattle and Berk- shire hogs.
October 18, 1855, Mr. Wallace and Caroline Laughlin were married in Logan County. The lady is a daughter of Hugh and Maria (Clark) Laughlin, natives of Pennsylvania, and was born in Granger County, on the 7th of February, 1833.
By her marriage she became the mother of ser- en children, of whom the following are living: Cornelia, Mrs. Charles Porter, whose home is on a farm in this township, and who has three children; Arie Edna, wife of E. E. Obnour, a farmi- er of McDonald Township; William, who married Mary Hannah, and is a farmer of this township: Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Ewing, a farmer of Lo- gan County, this state; and Almenia, Mrs. Thomas Mansfield, also of Logan County.
In his boyhood Mr. Wallace had limited ed- ucational advantages, having to walk through the woods over a mile to the nearest school, which was held in a poor log cabin of the most primitive description. In his political belief he is a firm Republican. He helped lay out the roads through the trackless forests in his early manhood, and also to construct the bridges over the streams.
OHN YOUNG. Hardin County has among her citizens men of more than average ability and intelligence, who have done and are do- ing a great work for its advancement. Promi- nent among these is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this biography. He is a most sagacious and enterprising farmer and stock- raiser in the county, and during the late war rendered his country valuable service as a Union soldier. He now makes his home on section 15, Blanchard Township, where his farming interests are centered.
Our subject was born in Holmes County, this state, October 31, 1823, and is the son of Jolin Young, Sr., who was born on the ocean, while his parents were en route to this country from their native land, Ireland. The mother of our subject was a Miss Margaret Humm, a native of Penn- sylvania. The subject of tlris sketch was a lad of fifteen years at the time of his father's deatli, and that year came to Hardin County, which was the home of his brother-in-law, John Derringer.
!
235
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The section in which he lived at that time, how- ever, was what is now included in Wyandot County, and with this gentleman our subject made his home, working on his farm until the land was surveyed for the building of the Madi- so11 River Railroad through the county. He then engaged to lay track for the company, receiving as wages forty cents per day and his board. As his services became more valuable his wages were increased, and Mr. Young continued to work for the contractors for three years.
About this time our subject began operating a sawmill at Patterson, but in 1857 abandoned this line of business and settled on the place where he is now living. At that time the country round about was mostly timber-land, and there were but three houses between Dunkirk and Patterson. He secured eighty acres, for which he paid $700, and since the fall of that year has made this estate his home. He has always been engaged in mixed farming, and fully merits the praise which is awarded him as a prosperous tiller of the soil.
In 1890 Mr. Young was brought prominently before the public as candidate for the office of County Commissioner, and, being duly elected, took his seat January 1, 1891. His associates were Andrew Dodge, J. L. Clark, John Bailey and R. S. Latham, of whom the last-named gen- tleman was his successor. While the incumbent of that position, Mr. Young was instrumental in having the old debt of the township cleared, the pikes finished, and numerous other improvements made, which showed hini to be a man of ability and business tact. He has been a life-long Dem- ocrat and has represented his party at various times in county and state conventions.
Mr. Young was married, in 1852, to Miss Eliza- beth McCance, of Wayne County. She died on the home farm in August, 1857, having ouly been permitted to live on the place a few months. In the year 1860 our subject was again married, this time to Mary J. Pearson, of Clarke County, this state. Of their eight children we make the following mention: Hattie was formerly the wife of the Rev. Mathias Howey, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church; she died December 19, 1882. Lawrence died September 1, 1888,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.