USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 32
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 32
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management, until the later years of his father's life, when the latter made his home with him.
During the Civil War, Robert, of this sketchi, enlisted at Camp Chase (Columbus, Ohio), be- coming a member of Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry. Although enlisting in the one-hitdred-day service, he was retained for four months and twelve days. During that time he was present at the battle fought at John Brown's schoolhouse, in western Virginia, but his principal duty was to guard the bridges, rail- · roads, etc. He was mustered out at Camp Chase in September, 1864.
Our subject was married, September 11, 1853, at Huntersville, this county, to Miss Mary Ellen, the daughter of James, Jr., and Catherine (Gar- ver) Miller. She was born in Center County, Pa., June 14, 1833. Her father, who was also a native of that county, was born August 16, 1809. He in turn was the son of James Miller, Sr., who died in the Keystone State, after his son left for Ohio. The latter journeyed hither in 1836, set- tling first in Fulton County, where he lived some four years, when he came to Marion Township, Hardin County. Here he leased land for about eight years, and at the expiration of that time moved into Huntersville, where he worked at his trade as wagon-maker. He was a resident of that city at the time of his decease, July 16, 1882, when in his seventy-third year.
Catherine Garver was born in Center County, Pa., August 5, 1810, and died in Huntersville, February 24, 1864. She became the mother of nine children, of whoin Mrs. Preston was the eldest. James S. died near Scott's Crossing, in Hardin County; Nancy Ann married Robert Clappen, of Washington Township, Hardin Coun- ty; William A. died when a few months old; John is living in Huntersville; Dallas was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863; Marilla, who married William Downing, is deceased; Maria Wilhelmina died when seven years of age; and William (the second of that name) departed this life when three years old.
To Mr. and Mrs. Preston there were granted seven children. Tabitha died at the age of one year; Alice married Sylvester Moore, and is liv-
ing at McGuffey, this state; Saralı became the wife of John Potter, and is living in Cessna Town- ship; Margaret married John Wetherell, and lives in Liberty Township; William died when an in- fant; and Dallas and John are bothi at lionie.
Mr. and Mrs. Preston are members of the United Brethren Church at McGuffey. In politics the former is a Republican, stanchi and true. He be- longs to Carmen Post No. 101, G. A. R., at Ada, and is likewise a member of the Grange. For twelve years he filled the responsible position of Constable. For many years he was Road Super- visor, holding the office first when twenty-one years old. He has also been a member of the School Board.
E WITT C. SMITH, M. D., of Dunkirk, is one of the mnost progressive physicians of Hardin County. He is an influential Dem- ocratic politician, and is at present serving as Postmaster of this place, having been appointed to that position by President Cleveland. How- ever, his professional duties require nearly all of his time, and therefore he relegates to his son Henry the management of the office.
The Doctor's father, Henry Smith, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 24, 1813, and lived for some years in Richland County, later (about 1838) coming to this county. He settled on a farin near Kenton, and there spent his last days, dying in 1887. He was favorably esteemed by all who knew him, and at one time was Land Appraiser of his home township. His father, the - grandfather of our subject, a native of Delaware, was a pioneer in Fairfield County, and was a hero of the War of 1812. Henry Sinith married Lydia McCarthy, of Columbiana County, Ohio, who departed this life in 1876. They became the parents of five sons and two daughters. Henry Neal is a farmer in the vicin- ity of Kenton; James owns a farm in Illinois; William, who went into the army as a private in
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GODFRIED LEFFLER.
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the Eighty-second Olrio Volunteers, was taken prisoner and died in the hands of the rebels at Florence, S. C .; and Mitchell is an agriculturist near Kenton.
Dr. Smith is a native of Kenton, born Septem- ber 14, 1849. He was given a good general edu- cation in the public schools, and afterwards con- pleted his mental training at the normal of Ada, Ohio. Upon taking up medical studies, he had as his preceptor Dr. W. H. Phillips, a reliable practitioner of Kenton. . In 1874 Dr. Smith was graduated with honor from the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, since which time he has been engaged in practice at Dunkirk. He pros- pered from the first, and has succeeded in build- ing up an extensive and remunerative clientage. In the. Masonic and Knights of Pythias orders he is a leading member, and is also identified with the Knights of Honor. On the 20th of April, 1875, the Doctor wedded Miss Belle Gil- more, then a resident of Kenton. They have had born to them three children: Henry, who is in charge of the postoffice; and two daughters, Maude Belle and Evelyn.
G ODFRIED LEFFLER. Among the wealthy business men of Marion tliere are numerous sons of the Fatherland, and of these there is, perhaps, no citizen who is better liked by all than Mr. Leffler. He has a beautiful home, surrounded by several acres of land, lying on the outskirts of the city. His whole time is necessarily devoted to his large business interests, and for that reason he has never found time to accept any political office, though he has been frequently urged to do so by his many friends. He is identified with many of the leading enterprises of the city, being a stockliolder in the Marion Manufacturing Com- pany, the Gas Company, the Street Railroad Company, the Electric Light Company, the Farm- ers' and Mechanics' Bank, the Maileable Iron
Works, the Marion Brewing and Bottling Con- pany, the Pendergast Lumber . Company, the Opera House, and many others. His wealth was acquired in the legitimate channels of contracting and building and by judicious investments. As monuments to his skill stand nearly all of the public buildings in this city, and for years he also carried on a general mercantile trade.
Our subject was born in Baden, Germany, Oc- tober 15, 1829, being a son of Michael Leffler, who farmed in a small way in his native land. Grandfather . Leffler was born in the same house in which Michael and our subject first saw the light. He died at the age of seventy-eight, and his wife when fifty-five years old. Michael Lef- fler came to the United States in 1854, settling in Marion, Ohio. He was the father of ten children, one of whom died in childhood, while the others grew to maturity and came to the shores of tlie New World. One sister and four brothers of our subject are still living. Jacob and Martin en- listed during the late war, the former being killed at Chattanooga, and the latter dying near Wash- ington, while in the service. Andrew and Chris- tian also fought for the Old Flag. The former was wounded, but recovered, and is now in business in Marion, while the latter is engaged in farming in Missouri. John and Frederick both reside in this county, and the last-named is a prosperous farmer. Barbara is the wife of Christ Hauk, a farmer near Agosta, Ohio.
Godfried Leffler received but a cominon-school education, and when he was only fifteen years of age commenced learning the stonemason's trade. In 1850 lie settled in New York State, where he became a brickmason, and in 1854 he moved to this region, bringing with him less than $25 as his sole capital, but from the start he made money and prospered.
In 1851 Mr. Leffler married Louisa Wissinger, also a native of Germany. She crossed the At- lantic with her father, who was a mason by trade, in 1847. Her brother Jacob is a wealthy pub- lisher and lithographer of New York City. To our subject and wife have been born the following children: Jacob, a leading business man of this city; Charles W., the well known County Treas-
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urer; John, who is a merchant tailor of this place ;. · Louisa, wife of Fred Gottschall, an extensive dry-goods merchant of Columbus, Ohio; and Bertha, wife of Oswald Woolenbear, a bookkeeper and stockholder in the Pendergast Lumber Com- pany. The children have all been given liberal educations and a good start in life. The parents are prominent members of the Protestant Evangel- ical Church, and Mr. Leffler is a leading member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity.
OHN O. GORDON, who is greatly honored as a veteran of the Civil War, is an exten- sive land-owner of Marion Township, Hardin County, his home place being located on section 2. Throughout the county he is regarded as an enterprising and practical agriculturist, one who has succeeded in his various undertakings far be- yond his expectations.
Mr. Gordon was born in Ashland County, Ohio, November 3, 1833. His father, George Gordon, was of Scotch descent, and died in Pennsylvania, a few months prior to the birth of our subject. Mrs. Gordon soon afterward came to this state in company with a brother, and lived here until her decease. She was known in maidenhood as Hannah Clinker, and was born in Monroe Coun- ty, Pa., in 1801.
To George and Hannah Gordon were born five children, those besides our subject being Joseph, George W., Harrison and Mary Elvira. Mrs. Gordon was married a second time, and by this union had two children.
Our subject grew to mature years in Ashland County, and until fourteen years of age prosecuted his studies in the subscription schools. About this time occurred an unpleasant scene with his stepfather, and he decided to leave home, which he did, bare-footed and without a hat. He hired out to work for a tanner at Ashland, receiving $6 per month, his duty being to grind bark. He remained in his employ for two months, after
which he worked for a stepbrother for two sca- sons, driving a span of horses hitched to a thresh- ing-machine. After that he continued to live with his stepbrother, working at farming for several seasons, and when there was no longer need for his services hired out by the day to other farmers in the neighborhood.
April 3, 1854, our subject left Ashland County, bound for California. He crossed the plains with a wagon train, reaching Sacramento City August 29. He joined his stepbrother and worked for him for a time; then the two entered into part- nership and farmed for one season. After dispos- ing of their crop they started for the inines in Nevada County, Cal. They had very fair luck, and continued in one place for four years, en- gaged in placer-mining. Then they returned home, remaining for one winter, when they re- traced their steps to the Golden State, and spent the following year in buying and selling ponies. At the end of that time they again came to Ohio, and in December, 1860, our subject settled in Cessna Township, Hardin County, purchasing seventy-one acres of land. He made his home there until after the close of the war, when he disposed of liis property, and became the owner of another tract in the same township. In Sep- tember, 1867, he bought eighty acres on section 2, and lived upon it until 1884, when he added to it fifty-five acres adjoining. This estate hc occupied until the fall of 1894, when he removed into a large brick house which he had just built. Mr. Gordon owns besides this tract twenty acres adjoining, and a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, near which place liis wife also owns a farm of eighty acres.
In the fall of 1864 our subject enlisted in the Union army, as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Infantry. The regiment was first assigned to guard duty in Ten- nessee, thence was ordered to Washington, then through Virginia to Kingston, N. C., where oc- curred the first battle in which it participated. It later went to Washington, D. C., and passed in review before President Lincoln, after which the One Hundred and Eightieth was mustered out and discharged at Columbus, Ohio.
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Mr. Gordon was married, April 7, 1864, to Miss Sarah, daughter of John L. and Nancy ( Brown) Snider. She was born in Hardin County, Ohio, February 4, 1843. Her father was the son of John and Mary (Antebus) Snider, natives of Pennsylvania. Nancy Brown was the daugliter of John and Martha (Carpenter) Brown, Vir- ginians by birth. Of their family of five daugh- ters, Mrs. Gordon was the youngest. The others were Minerva Jane, Margaret Ann, Parmelia Eliz- abeth and Mary Dorinda.
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Mrs. Gordon is a devoted member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and has been Director of his school district. They took into their home to rear Sadie Artist, who was born in this county, Novenber 14, 1873. She is now the wife of William Henry Hetrick and they reside on a farm belonging to our subject. The father of the latter was a sol- dier in the War of 1812, holding a commissioned office. He died later front the effects of a wound received while in the service. He was a noted teacher in his district and was engaged at that vocation the day of his death. His wife departed this life February 7, 1862.
ERNARD MATHEWS was one of the worthy old pioneers of Hardin County, and for forty-six years made his dwelling-place in Cessna Township. At the time of his death, which occurred August 23, 1891, he was the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valu- able land, the result of his years of well directed effort and industry. In all public affairs he was greatly interested, and at all times did he mani- fest his devotion to the general welfare.
Mr. Mathews was born in Dublin, Ireland, April 14, 1801, being one of ten children whose parents were Jolin and Mary Mathews. Several of the sons were sailors. In 1831 our subject married Ellen Clinton, who was born in James- town, Ireland, in 1812. By this union the fol-
lowing children were born: Mary Ellen, who married James Garrity, a contractor; John, un- married, and a resident of Waslington; James C., wlio wedded Teresa Kennedy, and lives in Colorado; M. R., a rancliman of Colorado, and whose wife was formerly Lizzic Curtain; Corne- lius M., also unmarried, of Colorado; Lucy P., a Sister of Charity; Joseph C .; Clotilda, wife of Daniel Flannigan, an editor at Kenton, Ohio; Alfred, who married Mary Brennen; and Jeronte, who is unmarried and living in Colorado.
In March, 1834, Bernard Mathews left his na- tive isle, and, taking passage in a sailing-vessel, was tossed to and fro upon the Atlantic for seven weeks. From New York City the young man proceeded direct to Colunibus, Ohio. Later he came to this locality, and as soon as possible purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Pleas- ant Township. After a year had passed lie bought a farm on section 24, in Cessna Town- ship. He it was who cut the first stick of timber on the place, and wlien lie had cleared a space put up a log cabin, 16x24 feet. In 1882 he re- tired and went to make his home in Kenton, where his son had bought a house and lot for him, and here he spent his remaining days, dying in August, 1892. He was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at Kenton, by the side of his wife, who preceded him to the silent land by a few years, her demise having taken place January 4, 1884. In his political faith he was a Democrat, and in religious belief he was a Catholic. A man of fine education, he helped to organize the schools in this township, and at various times was called upon to serve as Director, Township Clerk, etc., making a good record for himself and for his con- stituents.
At Kenton, Ohio, January 17, 1882, Joseph C. Mathews was united in marriage witlı Melinda, daughter of Louis and Henrietta (Neip) Apple, natives of Germany. Mrs. Mathews was one of eiglit children, and was born July 12, 1857. Her father, after accumulating a fortune in Harris- burg, Pa., returned to Germany on account of failing health, and while there she received a German education. After a sojourn of three years in Germany, Mr. Apple, with his family, returned
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to America and settled in Kenton, Ohio. Mrs. Mathews finished her education in the convent of Mt. Notre Dame, Reading, Hamilton County, Ohio. She was a convert to the Catholic faith, and a lady whose noble character won the regard of her acquaintances, and whose charity to the poor was well known. Possessing great attrac- tions of face and manner, hier heart was as humble as her face was handsome. She died January 19, 1891, and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at Kenton. The happiness of her life had been cen- tered in the welfare of her husband, to whom she was a devoted hielpmate and wise counselor. They were the parents of four sons, namely: John C., born March 9, 1883; Francis X., De- cember 25, 1884; Bernard J., February 9, 1887; and George A., January 13, 1891.
In May, 1870, Mr. Mathews went to Douglas County, Colo., where during a two-years stay he was engaged in the cattle business. He re- ceived a good education, first going to school in a log house near his home, and later attending a Cincinnati college for one term. He taught suc- cessfully for a term or so in Colorado, and for seven terms in this county. Since 1873 he has managed the old homestead with marked ability, doing a general farming and stock-raising busi- ness. He is a Democrat in politics, and a mem- ber of the Catholic Church at Kenton.
AMES W. DEVORE, M. D., was for years one of the well known medical practitioners of Marion County. At the time of his death he owned seven hundred acres of valuable land, and in his home farm there were four hundred acres alone. His widow is now living there, sur- rounded by comforts which his care provided. For upwards of forty years he continued in active practice in this locality, and though he com- menced life in poor circumstances he amassed a fortune through earnest and persistent effort. He
was a member of the Masonic order, a friend to education and to all public improvements. In 1869 lie was elected on the Democratic ticket to the State Legislature, and served for four years. He also hield township offices, and was Treasurer for one term. He was called to his last reward May 25, 1890, and was buried in Claridon Ceme- tery.
Tlie paternal grandfather of the Doctor was Porter Devore, who was of French descent. His son, Cornelius, father of our subject, was born in 'Pennsylvania, and on reaching man's estate mar- ried Mary Porter, who bore him six children. Sarah, who died in 1884, was the wife of George Hosinger; Jacob departed this life in 1874; Sam- uel is a resident of Galion; Daniel died in child- hood; and Nancy died in 1892.
Dr. Devore was born in Knox County, Ohio, near the village of Mt. Vernon, May 25, 1827, and was reared on a farm. When he was a lad of ten years his parents removed to Morrow Coun- ty, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. When fifteen years of age he began learning the potter's trade, at which he was employed for a year. He then continued his studies for about two years, after which he took up medicine under the in- struction of Drs. McWright and Geller, at Mt. Gilead. Going to Cincinnati, the young man took a two-years course at the Eclectic Medical College, from which institution he graduated in 1850. Not long afterward he settled in this town- ship, where he practiced the remainder of his life and met with success in every way. He settled on and improved a tract of wild land, which is now one of the finest farms in the county.
April 10, 1850, Dr. Devore. married Alice M., daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Kimball) Mar- tin. Mrs. Devore was born in the Keystone State, October 27, 1831. Her eldest child, Min- nie J., was married, November 18, 1874, to Mel- vin Aye, and has two children: Lillie, born No- vember 17, 1876, and Gertrude L., July 10, 1883. Mr. Aye owns a farmi, but resides in Marion. Julia, the second daughter, died in 1856. Floy L. is matron in the Girls' Industrial Home School of Delaware, Ohio. Martha E. and Min- erva V. live at home; and Mary E., the young-
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ALBERT G. AHLEFELD.
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est, was married, October 24, 1894, to George E. Hailey, an attorney-at-law of Chicago. The fall- ily. have long been numbered among the most honored and respected ones of the township, where they have hosts of friends.
LBERT G. AHLEFELD, the Postmaster of Kenton, is greatly respected for those quali- ties of head and lieart which have won for him the esteem and confidence of all with whom he associates. He is popular in his official capac- ity, discharging the duties of his position with characteristic fidelity and greatly to the satisfac- tion of all concerned.
Our subject was born in Ada, Ohio, June 25, 1859, and is the son of Natlian Ahlefeld, a native of Richland County, this state, where his birth occurred in1 1839. His father, Rinehart Ahlefeld, was a German by birth, and came to this country when a young man. He had learned the trade of a millwright in his native land, and on mak- ing his home in America operated a flouring-mill in Ohio for a time. In 1849 he purchased a farın just across the line in Allen County. He later sold that, however, and bought one near the city of Ada, where he lived until his death.
Nathan Ahlefeld, one of the most prominent residents of Hardin County, was Auditor in 1869. He was also many years ago one of the Board of Managers of the Ohio Penitentiary, to which po- sition he was appointed under the administration of Governor Campbell. Of late years, however, he has turned his attention to dealing in real es- tate, and is the owner of many pieces of valuable property within the limits of this city.
Prior to her marriage, the mother of our sub- ject was Celia Wyley, daughter of Dr. Isaac Wy- ley, a prominent physician of this state, who prac- ticed at Middletown and Cincinnati. Her brother, Dr. Albert Wyley, held the responsible Govern- ment position of Indian Agent during President Grant's administration, and was also a Senator
in Kansas. . He is now residing in Trinidad, Colo., where lie is engaged in the practice of his profession.
Mr. Ahlefeld, of this sketch, was an only son. He obtained a good education in the common schools of Ada, after which he attended a Cath- olic school at Dayton, Ohio. After completing his studies in that institution he spent some time on the home farm, and in 1887 he engaged in the real-estate business with his father in. Kenton, and was thus employed when, in April, 1894, he was appointed Postmaster, taking charge of the office May 6 of that year. He has always taken a very prominent part in the politics of this city, and is very influential in Democratic circles. Since assuming charge of the office in Kenton, he has instituted many reforins and improvements, such as adding to tlie force on free delivery. He stands high in social orders and is a prominent Knight of Pythias.
Mr. Ahlefeld was married, in 1885, to Miss Florence Reese, daugliter of John Reese, of Ken- ton. To them were born two children, Nathan (deceased) and Kate.
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EV. LEROY A. BELT, D. D., Presiding Elder of the Findlay District of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, was born in Delaware County, Olio, January 13, 1837. He is a mem- ber of a family long and honorably associated with the history of Maryland, where his father, Alvin T., was born in 1807. The paternal grand- father died in the prime of life, and his widow later became the wife of Samuel Bradford, who was an extensive slave-owner, in Maryland, but becoming convinced that the institution was wrong he freed his slaves, excepting the old peo- ple and the little children, who were not able to care for themselves. These he brought with him to Oliio, but gave tlien absolute freedom in every
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respect. At the time of his death, in 1852, lie was serving as warden of the Olio Penitentiary.
The youthiful years of Alvin T. Belt were passed in Maryland, where the family, originally from Scotland, had been represented for many generations. While a resident of Beltsville lie was an officer of the Methodist Church. I11 1831. he came to Ohio and settled in Delaware County, in the midst of the wilderness, from which he cleared and improved a valuable farm, devoting his attention principally to agricultural pursuits. After coming to this state lie retained his interest in the Methodist Church, and continued for many years a prominent member of that denomination. His death occurred in 1873.
The mother of our subject was Barbara Mead, a native of the Green Mountain State and the daughter of Seth Mead. Her maternal grand- fatlier was a noted Scotch soldier, who took an active part in the religious revolution in his na- tive country, and who attained the great age of one hundred and four. His daughter was one hundred years of age at the time of lier death. In 1831 Seth Mead brought his family to Ohio, where he followed the profession of an attorney, becoming quite prominent in his locality. Among his sons was Daniel, formerly a well known rail- road contractor, who died in Chicago.
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