USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 24
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 24
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cles of food, sugar, such as we now use, being then unknown.
The nearest mill was at Cherokee, forty or for- ty-five miles distant, and the produce was sold at Sandusky on the lake. Sunday was distinguished from weck days by having wheat bread baked in one piece, while on other days it was made from grated corn. Venison was the meat in most com- mon use. Wild fruits, including berries, plums, etc.,. were abundant. Later apple and peaclı orchards were planted, and fruit became very plentiful. Schoolhouses were constructed of logs. In order to admit the light, one log was left out, and the space was covered with greased paper. A fireplace extended across one side of the build- ing.
The maternal grandfather of our subject, Read- ing Hinelein, was married in Muskigum County, near Zanesville, and moved to Kenton about 1835. He was one of the first Ruling Elders of the Presbyterian Church at that place. About 1850 he moved to Grant County, Ind., where he died and was buried. His family numbered eight children, of whom Eleanor was the fourth. She still survives, and now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Holmes, near Patterson, Ohio. Two brothers, Reading and William, are also living, being residents, respectively, of Lo- gan, Hocking County, Ohio, and Valparaiso, Ind.
The parental family consisted of ten children. John Wilson, the eldest, resides seven miles west of Lincoln, Neb. George B. is the second in or- der of birth. Reading died in 1842. Jacob, a soldier in the Union ariny during the late war, was twice wounded, first at Stone River and later in the march to the sea; he died of brain fever at Rock Island, Ill., where he was a veteran guard for prisoners of war. Nancy Jane, Elizabeth and Pauline came next. Jane died young. Mary Ellen is the wife of H. L. Holmes, a veteran of the Civil War, and a farmer near Patterson, this county. William Paul is superintendent of the Govern- ment printing establishment at Pittsfield, Mass., where bank notes, paper money, etc., are made for the Government; lie hield office under Cleve- land's first administration, and was again ap-
pointed to the position in July, 1893. Alice, the youngest, died at the age of seventeen, February 7, 1872.
The subject of this sketchi grew to manhood within a mile of his present home, and is a grad- uate of the log schoolhouse of the pioncer days. For a time he was a pupil in the Kenton schools. At the age of nineteen his studies were completed, and the following year he began to teachi school, following that occupation for sixteen consecutive winters. Meantime his summers were devoted to agriculture. His marriage occurred in 1863, and for six years afterward hie cultivated his grandfather's homestead. He then bought a farm on section 15, adjoining Kenton, and carried on agricultural pursuits there until the spring of 1877, when he moved into the city. In April, 1878, he moved to the place where he has since resided. He has traveled extensively, and has been in about half the states of the Union, as well as the provinces of Canada.
For a hundred years or more the Castor family has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and our subject holds membership with the congregation at Grant. He has rendered effi- cient service as a local preacher in the church. From childhood he has been a student of the Bible, and about the time of his marriage he be- gan studying for the ministry. In 1862 he was licensed as an exhorter, and in 1875 he was or- dained to the ministry in Delaware County, by Bishop William L. Harris. At various times he has filled charges in Wyandot County, and for a short time he was stationed at Larue, Marion County, but tlic larger part of his work has been of a local nature.
May 21, 1863, at Hillsboro, Highland County, Olio, Mr. Castor married Miss Mary C. Holmes, who was born in Highland County, May 20, 1845. She was the youngest of five children comprising the family of Jacob M. and Elizabeth (Wright) Holmes, who were married in High- land County. She was reared in the liome of lier grandparents, Enos H. and Mary (Wilken) Holmes, the former of whom was a well known pioncer Methodist preacher. No resident of his county was better known to the people than was
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he, and he might often be seen riding horseback, with his Bible in his saddle-bags, thus journeying to meet liis appointments among the pioneers. His son, Jacob M., was also a preacher, and for some time filled the position of Presiding Elder for this district, but later moved to Indianola, Iowa, where lie died. A half-brother of Mrs. Castor is a Methodist minister at Indianola. Her eldest brother, Dr. William Holmes, served in the Union army, first as Regimental Surgeon and later as Medical Director of the troops of the state of Ohio. During the battle of Gettysburg he was in the saddle three days and nights, and contracted a cold in that engagement from the effects of which he died .. Another brother, Enos, was a Captain in the Union army, and died in Marysville, Ky., his death being the result of ex- posure. A sister died in California, whither she had gone hoping to regain her health. A broth- er, John A., is superintendent of a large mill at Salina, Kan.
By his union with Miss Holmes our subject had six children. The eldest, Wilbur Holmes, was born February 12, 1864, and died March 21, 1883. Lavenia married Frank Borland, a car- peuter of Kenton. Myrtie, who is engaged in teaching near Geneseo, Ill., was a professor in the normal school in that place before it was burned. Tullus Raymond married Jennie Fish- er, and lives on a farm near Grant. Elsie, an accomplished young lady, is a graduate of the Delaware (Ohio) College. Leslie Paul is an in- telligent young man, now in his twentieth year, and is assisting his father in the management of the farm.
In politics Mr. Castor was formerly a Demo- crat, but is now a Populist, and was one of the original members of that party. He was a dele- gate to the Columbus convention, where it was decided to organize a new party. In the fall of 1863 he enlisted in the Union army and served for three months, being discharged on account of disability. He was a meniber of Company I, For- ty-fifth Ohio Infantry. Well informed upon all topics of general interest, he is especially well posted concerning the history of Ohio and the early years of the Government.
August 12, 1884, Mr. Castor married Miss Joe Cook, who was born near Kenton September 13, 1852. Her father, Isaac Cook, was a native of New Jersey, and died in Kenton, December 28, 1872. He married Sarah Ice, who was reared near Kenton, and died when Mrs. Castor was only three months old. Mrs. Castor is a pleasant, kind-hearted lady, a devoted member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and one who has the es- teem of her large circle of acquaintances.
C EHU R. WILLSON. Blanchard Township, Hardin County, is the home of a goodly 'number of men who have put forth such in- dustrious and well directed efforts that they have accumulated a handsome property and are ena- bled to take life easy. Among this number is the above-named gentleman, who makes his home on a splendid farm located on section 4. His land is very fertile, and on it he has erected every building necessary in carrying on the work of the estate, all being substantial and well ar- ranged.
Mr. Willson is a native of this state, and was born July 19, 1838, in Sycamore Township, Wyandot County. His parents were Elisha and Huldah D. (Shotwell) Willson, both of whom were natives of New Jersey, and it is thought they were married in the state of New York. They settled in Ohio about 1834, in Wyandot County, the journey hither being made in a wagon drawn by a span of horses, a distance of one thousand miles. They traveled until reaching what was then known as the "Big Wood," where they were compelled to live in a camp un- til a cabin could be erected. Mr. Willson arrived here with $300 in money, with which he pur- chased eiglity acres of raw land: In order to reach the tract he was obliged to cut his way through the dense woods, and very lonely indeed was the outlook to the little band. On one occa-
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sion the father traded an old horse for a clock, and another animal for a yoke of oxen, which it was found could do the work of hauling wood and plowing better than horses. Tlie cattle of this old pioneer would often wander miles away from home, and at one time when going after them he lost his way and would have been compelled to stay out all night had he not followed the cows, who had learned the way home.
The mother of our subject is still living on the old farm, and is now eighty-one years of age. Her husband died in 1867. Of their five chil- dren, our subject is the only one living in this county, the others making their home in Wyan- dot County. Jehu R. lived with his parents until enlisting in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio Infantry, in May, 1864. His regiment was sent to join the Army of the Potomac, and after some thrilling experiences our subject was taken sick with measles and sent home. On recovering from this malady he re- joined his company, which was then in camp in Maryland, where they remained until July 13. When ordered out they were sent to Washington and did guard duty there until September, 1865, when they were sent to Columbus, Ohio, and mus- tered out. Mr. Willson has never fully recov- ered from the measles, which disease so affected his left eye that he was compelled to have it op- erated upon. In 1892 it became necessary to have it removed, and this left the other eye in such a weak condition that at present he has no use of it and is totally blind. It is hoped, how- ever, that this affliction is only temporary and that his sight will be restored to him as he grows stronger. The Government has awarded him a pension for his services during the war.
Our subject after his army experience lived at home until December 7, 1865, when he was mar- ried to Miss Lovinia Longsbaugh, of Wyandot County, this state. The lady was born in that section, November 10, 1842, and is the daughter of John and Samantha (Cutting) Longsbaugh. After his marriage he lived near the home place, renting his sister's farm, which he operated for eight years, after which he moved upon his pres- ent purchase. This estate he had bought two years
previously, paying $20 per acre for one hundred and twenty acres, and $25 for another forty. This has all been improved with the exception of a small tract, and is regarded as one of the best im- proved and productive farms in the county. Mr. Willson built on the place a new residence in . 1894, which cost $1,500. He is engaged in mixed farming, keeping also a fine grade of Holstein cattle. He has placed about seven miles of tiling on the farm, and has put forth such well directed efforts in its management that he is now the pos- sessor of a good income.
Mr. Willson is a Republican in politics, having cast his first Presidential vote in 1860 for Abra- hanı Lincoln. He was reared in the faith of the Quakers, but there being no church here, he at- tends meetings held by other denominations. His family includes the following children: Charles C., who married Parentha Stout, and is living in Kingfisher County, Okla .; John E., Harley N., Jehu R., Jr., and Hulda B.
AMES T. PORTER deserves honor as one of the brave soldier boys who fought in de- fense of the glorious Old Flag during the late war. He is one of the native sons of Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, and has always lived in this locality. As an agriculturist he ranks high among his neighbors, and the thrifty appearance of his well tilled fields, his neatly kept farmyard and everything about the place betoken the owner's constant care and supervision.
Andrew Porter, father of our subject, was born May 11, 1800, in Kentucky, and was reared on a farm. September 23, 1830, he married Rebecca Dunlap, who was a native of Ohio, born July 2, 1805. She was brought to Greene County, Ohio, by her parents the same year, and grew to wo- manliood there. By the marriage of Andrew Porter and wife there were born seven children. Mary Ann, born July 3. 1832, is the wife of O. Howe, of Kenton; Green, born November 12,
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1834, married Margaret Mains, and lives near Silver Creek; Freeman, born February 16, 1837, married Louisa Mains, and resides in this town- slip; Sarepta Jane, born June 30, 1839, is the wife of James Lowery, also of this section; Susan A., born August 19, 1841, became the wife of Dr. J. S. Pollock, of Greene County, Ohio; J. T. is the next; and Robert A., born May 14, 1846, died at the age of twenty years. Andrew Porter died October 6, 1867, and his wife survived him some years. They were buried in Sieg's Ceme- tery. Grandfather Porter served in the War of 1812 and died in defense of his beloved land. His wife passed away in Greene County, leaving four children.
J. T. Porter was born January 17, 1844, and was united in marriage with Sarah Kauffman, near Kenton, September 2, 1869. She is one of five children born to John and Mary Kauffman, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this state at an early day, but who have both been called to the home beyond. Mrs. Porter was born Sep- tember S, 1849, and by her marriage has become the mother of eight children, as follows: Chase, born June 23, 1870; Albert, November 28, 1871; Marshall, June 11, 1874; William A., August 14, 1878; Mary I., August 31, 1881; Charles E., September 18, 1884; Nina, October 10, 1887; and Lydia, February 8, 1890. The eldest son is mar- ried, his wife having formerly been Madeline LaChance. They have one child, and are now residents of Big Springs, Ohio.
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June 1, 1862, Mr. Porter enlisted in Company K, Eighty-seventhi Ohio Infantry, at Kenton, but was transferred to Company D, Eighty-fifth Reg- iment. He was mustered in at Camp Chase, where he remained a little over four months, then being sent to Louisville, Ky. The first engage- ment in which he took part was at Columbia, Tenn., after which he was in a battle at Spring Hill, then in Franklin, and fought at Nashville two days. Going to New Berne, N. C., he was in several skirmishies and stayed in that locality un- til the close of the war, being finally mustered out at Camp Chase. He returned home and de- voted himself to making the last years of his mother serene and happy.
The chances for obtaining an education in the days of Mr. Porter's youth were not of the best, and he is principally self-taught. When his fa- ther first came here it frequently fell to his lot to take grain to the mill to be ground; as the near- est mill was at West Liberty, the trip thitlier consumed several days. He has always been en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising, and has usually made a success of whatever he un- dertakes. For fifteen years he has served as Township Trustee, besides acting in the offices of Supervisor and School Director. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order and of the Un- ion Veteran Union. A member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he bears an enviable reputation for the uprightness of his dealings with all and his integrity of character.
12 AUL K. SIEG, who was a worthy citizen of Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, was summoned to his last reward November 26, 1884, after a life of activity and usefulness. Frequently his neighbors honored him with po- sitions of trust, such as Township Treasurer, Constable, School Director, etc., and he was al- ways faitlıful to their best interests. In his death the community suffered a severe loss, and his numerous friends still hold his memory in the highest respect and love.
Jacob, fatlier of the above gentleman, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born May 29, 1784. His wife, Lydia, was born in the Key- stone State, January 8, 1793, being the date of the event. Their seven children, who have all passed from earth, were as follows: Maria, born May 14, 1811; Susan F., February 8, 1813; Jolin H., May 8, 1815; Paul K., June 5, 1818; Eva E., January 24, 1821; Lovenia K .; and Jane, Septent- ber 24, 1827. The father died January 5, 1855, and the mothier January 15, 1873, and both were buried in tlie Sieg Cemetery.
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With his parents Paul Sieg came to Ohio in 1828, locating in Logan County, hear West Lib- erty, where they cultivated rented land until 1839. They had previously bought land in this section, in 1834, and two years later placed a log cabin on the farm, which was totally unimproved be- fore that. After enduring the many privations and discomforts of pioneer life, they cleared a small tract, set out an orchard, and proceeded to de- velop the farm in a systematic manner. When his father died Paul Sieg continued to carry on the old homestead for a few years, and then bought fifty acres of partly improved land, on which he set up in business for himself. He made a success of general farming and stock-rais- ing, and became well-to-do in the course of time.
March 27, 1859, Paul Sieg wedded Margaret Evans in Buck Township. The lady was born February 24, 1839, and is a daughter of David and Lavina Evans, the former of whom was born June 20, 1813, in Wales, and the latter Septent- ber 13, 1816, in Union County, Ohio. The father died November 12, 1884, and the mother Novem- ber 23, 1891. Mrs. Sieg is one of the following children, namely: Elizabeth, Mrs. James Baily, of Pleasant Township; Margaret, Mrs. Sieg; Beth- ena, wife of Ira Richards, of Silver Creek; Mary, wife of Thomas McElres; Thomas P., of Buck Township, whose wife was formerly Laura Ty- ler; Nancy, Mrs. Edward Moy, of this township; Phoebe, now Mrs. Charles White, living in Allen County; William H., who married Mattie Wise, and is a resident of this section; Magdalene, wife of J. B. Jackson, of McDonald Township; John; William H .; Maria, deceased; and two who died in infancy.
Nine children came to grace the marriage of our subject and wife. Henry, born June 30, 1860, wedded Laura Schoonover, and is a farmer of this township; Robert E., born June 29, 1862, mar- ried Nettie Ewing, and resides in Union County; Lavina, born February 20, 1864, is the wife of W. L. Cook, of Buck Township; Jacob, born Oc- tober 31, 1866, married Mary Lowry, and lives in Taylor Creek Township; David, born March 3, 1869, married Nellie Reims, and lives in Hale Township; Mary was born April 27, 1872; Paul
K., born December 8, 1874, is at home, as are also John, born August 19, 1877, and Darius M., born March 22, 1884.
A bright and intelligent man, Mr. Sieg be- came well informed on general and practical sub- jects, though he did not have such advantages as are now the privilege of nearly every child in this country to enjoy. By making the best of his op- portunities, however, he at last became sufficient- ly versed in the common branches to pass an ex- antination and was granted a certificate to teach, which he did for several terms successfully. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Church in this township, and took an active part in all worthy enterprises. On political questions he was ever on the side of the Republican party.
OHN UHRICK KURT. Among the old and substantial residents of Hardin County, this gentleman may be numbered. He began life empty-handed, but by unremitting industry, seconded by sound judgment and shrewd business faculties, he has acquired a good property, lo- cated on section 29, Blanchard Township.
Our subject was born in the canton of Wangen, Switzerland, July 4, 1836, his parents being Jacob and Elizabeth Kurt. He spent the first nineteen years of his life on a farm in his native land, and after einigrating to the New World was joined by his parents, who came hither the following year. Mr. Kurt made a location in Licking Coun- ty, this state, and the next year removed with his father and inother to Hardin County, where the former secured eiglity acres of land in Pleas- ant Township. There they lived until the deatlı of Jacob Kurt, which occurred when he was seventy-two years of age. His widow remained on the farmi until 1882, with her six children, of whom our subject was the fourth-born and young- est son. Three of this family reside in Hardin County, a son and daughter make their home in Tennessee, and another daughter is living in
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Montana. Jacob Kurt, Jr., is living on the old homestead in Pleasant Township, in which section Mary, now the wife of Samuel Schluep, also makes her liome.
Our subject lived at home in this county until 1864, when he made the western trip to California - and Oregon, spending two years in working at whatever he could find to do. On his return, in 1866, lie lived with his mother for a twelvemonth and on the 4th of April of the next year was mar- ried to Mary Kellerhals. She was born October 25, 1847, in Goslien Township, this county, and was the daughter of John U. Kellerhals. Upon establishing a home of his own, Mr. Kurt pur- chased eighty acres in Cessna Township, for which he paid $1,400, and which he sold in 1881 for $5,000. With this surplus he bought one hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land, which he cultivated and upon which he erected buildings, and in a few years sold sixty acres for $5,000. In 188 I he came to his present place, of which he had previously purchased one hundred and twenty acres, paying therefor $3,000. To this he added, until now he has two hundred and fifty broad acres, all in one farm. Among the first-class im- provements on the estate are included a two-story brick residence and a large barn. One-half of this large farm is under the plow, and from his timber-lands Mr. Kurt has sold seventeen hun- dred railroad ties, besides large quantities of lum- ber for ship-building. His place has been further improved by having several miles of tiling laid, and its location is such as to insure its owner that the soil will always be fertile and rich.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kurt there have been born the following children: John Jacob, whose birth occurred December 17, 1867: Fred William, De- cember 4, 1869; William Henry, September 6, 1871; Samuel Alfred, November 4, 1874; Anna Louisa, August 12, 1877; Philip John, Septem- ber 30, 1881; Minnie Caroline, August 17, 1883; Carl David, March 11, 1886; and Ella Mary, June 17, 1889. The six first named were born in Cessna Township, and the three others in Blanchard Township. Jolin J., at the age of four- teen, was killed by being kicked by a young horse which his father was driving. Ella Mary
died at the age of nine months, and three infants died unnamed. The elder sons are at home, and render their father valuable assistance in the management of his large landed possessions.
In his political relations our subject is a Demo- crat, stanch and strong. He is identified with the German Reformed Church which meets at Kenton. He was one of the organizers of the congregation near his home, but for some time has been worshiping with the people of Kenton. He is a most worthy gentleman, whose pleasant social and moral qualities have won him many friends during his many years' residence here, and have made liim an influence for much good in religious matters.
HRISTIAN GLATHART has spent his en- tire mature life on his farm, which is situat- ed on section 32, Tully Township, Marion County, and since his youth has dwelt within the boundaries of this county. In 1848, when he became the owner of his homestead, but twenty acres of the place had been broken, and a log cabin was the only other improvement. To-day one would hardly recognize the farm as the same place, for neat fences and well kept buildings for all necessary purposes are to be seen on every hand, and the well tilled fields yield abundant harvests. By trade our subject is a mason, at which he worked to some extent for many years, thus adding to his income.
A son of Christian and Annie Glathart, our subject was born May 6, 1824, in Switzerland. He is one of five children, four of whom grew to maturity. In 1828 the family crossed the Atlan- tic, with the intention of making a permanent home in the United States, and reached these hospitable shores after a voyage of forty days. From New York City they proceeded westward to Stark County, Ohio, where they remained for
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six years, and then came to Marion County, which, however, at that time wasincluded within the boundaries of Morrow County.
For a few years after his arrival at man's es- tate, Christian Glathart was principally engaged at his trade, but when twenty-four years of age turned his attention to farming. The same year, 1848, his marriage with Rachel Rice was celebrat- ed. They became the parents of fourteen chil- dren, as follows: John and George, twins, the lat- ter of whom died in infancy; Frederick, James, Charles, Simon, Jacob, . William, Elizabeth, Rachel, Dora; Luella, who died when eighteen months old; Mary, who died at the age of four- teen years; and one who died unnamed.
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