USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 33
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 33
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The subject of this sketch is an only son. He has two sisters. Mrs. Emma Blanchard was the founder of the Girls' Industrial School of Indian- apolis, to which she devotes her entire time; El- nora is the wife of Prof. J. P. Patterson, Super- intendent of the parish schools at Pensacola, Fla. Dr. Belt spent liis boyhood days on his father's farm, doing the work incident to the proper management of the land and receiving his early education in the neighboring schools. At the age of about eighteen he entered the Ohio Wesleyan College at Delaware, froin which he was gradu- ated in 1861, having prepared himself for the ministry of the Methodist Church.
At once after graduating Dr. Belt joined the Central Ohio Conference, and was first sent to Van Wert, in charge of the church at that place. Later he filled pulpits at Wapakoneta, Ottawa, Bellefontaine, Marion and Toledo. In 1871 he
was given the responsible position of Presiding Elder of the Toledo Distriet, and at the expira- tion of liis term of office he was appointed Finan- cial Secretary of the Central Ohio Conference for the purpose of receiving money to endow a pro- fessorship in the university. To this work he devoted four years, accomplishing the great task. The degree of D. D. was conferred upon him in 1881 by Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.
On completing his work as Financial Secretary Dr. Belt became pastor of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church at Toledo, and for the second time was in charge of the church at Marion. Then followed several years' work as Presiding Elder of the Delaware, and later the Bellfontaine, District. As above stated, he is now Presiding Elder of the Findlay District, making four differ- ent districts over which he has presided. He has been one of the most indefatigable and successful workers the church has ever had in the state, as well as one of the deepest thinkers and most elo- quent speakers. A delegate to the general con- ferences of his church at Baltimore, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, New York and Omaha, he has kept in close touch with the work throughout the entire country. He was for four years a member of the Book Committee, which arranges the sal- aries of the bishops and has the supervision of the publications of the church. As a speaker he is eloquent, forcible and logical, and an able exec- utive officer and financial manager.
The first marriage of Dr. Belt was in 1861, when Miss Rachel Burgett, of Pickaway County, Ohio, became his wife. This lady died in Dela- ware, Ohio, in 1888, after having had five chil- dren. One son died when nine years old, and another son in infancy. Hattie, who was the wife of Prof. William Trusdale, of Cleveland, died in 1893. Two sons survive: Dr. William A., a physician of Kenton; and Harry, a medical stu- dent at Indianapolis. The present wife of Dr. Belt was Mrs. Anna L. Runkle, widow of Oak Runkle, and mother of Capt. Hugh Runkle, Cashier of the Kenton National Bank, and Mrs. Charles Roser.
For several years Dr. Belt has made his home in Kenton, where he has a fine residence and
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other valuable property, including a farm a mile out of the city. To such men as he the Method- ist Church owes its high rank among other de- nominations of the country. His interest in all that will promote the spiritual condition of inan- kind and the moral and intellectual welfare of society makes him a valued citizen of Kenton, where lie wields a decided influence for good. Wherever he is known his noble attributes of character are recognized and valued, and also the spirit of philanthropy which governs all his ac- tion's and wins for him friends, not only among the poor and unfortunate, but also among the rich. Politically the Doctor is a Republican, with strong Prohibition proclivities.
1 AMES N. McCOY. The record of the life of this gentleman will be read with interest, not only from the fact that he occupies a po- sition of prominence among thie business men of Kenton, but also because it illustrates the power of self-reliance and untiring perseverance. Early obliged to become self-supporting, contact with the world developed in him the traits of energy, industry and determination, which are among his leading characteristics. He is the senior member of the firm of J. N. McCoy & Son, proprietors of a large drug store in Kenton, the success of which enterprise is largely due to his ability and judici- ous management.
The subject of this sketch is a member of a family of Scotch Covenanters, who left their na- tive land and settled in the North of Ireland during the religious revolution. His grandfather, Neal McCoy, was born in the latter place, but emigrated to America when a young man, and spent his remaining years in Pennsylvania. The youngest of his six sons was Alexander, our sub- ject's father, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and came to Ohio in 1825, remaining in Wayne County until his death, in 1840. In re-
ligious belief lie was a member of the Associate Presbyterian Church. He was a stanch advo- cate of anti-slavery, when the question of slavery began to agitate the people, and though he died long before the Civil War, he foresaw its coming.
Six months before the death of Alexander Mc- Coy, his wife passed from cartli. She bore thie maiden name of Elizabeth Black, and was a na- tive of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish ances- try. Her forefathers were prominent members of the Associate Presbyterian Church, and were peo- ple of great piety and nobility of character. She, too, was a devout Christian, and led a consistent life; her sweetness of disposition winning the friendship of all who knew ler.
Our subject was born in Wayne County, near Wooster, Ohio, February 3, 1827. Of six chil- dren, he was next to the eldest. His brother, Robert, was a photographer at Brazil, Ind., where he died. He had four sisters, of whom two sur- vive, namely: Mrs. Mary McGaughey, of Mans- field, Ohio; and Mrs. Elizabeth McElroy, a widow residing in Scotland, Ind. James N. was but thirteen years old when his parents died, and at that age he started out to make his own way in life. Learning the cabinet-maker's trade, he worked at that occupation four years, but having had only limited educational advantages prior to that time, he decided to enter the schools of Woos- ter, which he did, conducting his studies there for a time.
Upon leaving school, Mr. McCoy entered a drug store as clerk. In 1850 he went to Cali- fornia, making the trip overland and suffering much hardship on the way. Provisions being scarce, he was obliged to subsist for some time on parched corn, but finally reached his destination in safety. He spent six years in the gold fields, meeting with fair success, after which he returned to Ohio, and in 1860 came to Kenton. In this city, associated with Dr. A. W. Munson, he em- barked in the drug business. When the war broke out, Dr. Munson withdrew to enter the army, and Mr. McCoy associated with himself Dr. J. S. Pollock. At the close of the Rebellion Dr. Munson again became his partner, and con- tinued as such until 1868, when our subject be-
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canie the sole proprietor. A few years ago he took his son, R. H., into partnership, and the two continue the business which lie started thir- ty-five years ago.
Aside from tliis, Mr. McCoy lias had other im- portant interests. For a number of years lie has been extensively engaged in farming. He was one of tlie original stockholders in the Water Works Company, and when it was sold to the city he was made one of the Trustees. In tlie organization of the Scioto Gas Company lie as- sisted, and is now a Director in tlie concern. He is also a Director of the Building and Loan Sav- ings Company, and is a stockholder of the Smith Silk Machine Tool Company. From this it will be seen that he is closely identified with many of the most important enterprises of the city. Every measure having for its object the promotion of tlie welfare of the people receives his cordial sup- port. He has labored in every way possible to promote the growth of the city and advance its social, moral and commercial interests. His life has been an exemplary one, and for many years he has been an Elder in the United Presbyterian Church.
In 1856 occurred the union in marriage of J. N. McCoy and Miss Rebecca Black, of Wooster, Ohio. Mrs. McCoy is a member of a pioneer family, of Wooster, and is a lady of refined character, whose happiness lias centered in the welfare of her children. Three sons survive, one son and a daughter having died in childhood. The eldest son, Dr. C. D. McCoy, is a graduate of the Ken- ton High School and Monmouth College, at Mon- niouth, Ill., where he spent four years. Later he was graduated from Rush Medical College of Chicago, and for the past five years has been a practicing physician of Kenton. The second son, R. H., is a graduate of the College of Pharmacy in Chicago, and the National College of Phar- macy, of the same place, and is now in the drug business with his father. The youngest son, W. E., is studying pharmacy in the Ohio Nor- mal University at Ada.
A life-long Republican in politics, Mr. McCoy has, however, never taken an active part in public affairs, preferring to give his attention to his
business affairs. He is well informed concerning the issues of the age, and is posted upon local and national questions. To sucli citizens as he the city of Kenton owes its prosperity and the steady advance of its niaterial interests.
ON. BOSTON G. YOUNG, a prominent at- torney of Marion, has liad an extensive and lucrative practice for many years, and is one - of the recognized leaders of the Democratic party of the Thirteenth Congressional District. In 1883 he was elected to the State Legislature, and was twice re-elected, serving altogether three succes- sive terms, with honor both to himself and to his constituents. His name lias been frequently men- tioned in the Democratic convention as a candi- date for yet higlier honors, and in the fall of 1894 he was tendered the nomination for Congress. His well known ability and wide-spread popular- ity would have given him a place in the National House of Representatives had it not been for the great Republican landslide that swept the whole country and carried him, along with many otliers illustrious in his party, to defeat. The victor, however, familiarly known as "Uncle" Stephen Harris, of Bucyrus, Olio, received but a small majority, and the many friends of Mr. Young are not at all discouraged, but are more than ever determined to place him where they wish to see him eventually, high in the councils of the nation.
Mr. Young was born on a farm in Washington County, Pa., February 2, 1850. His father, Stewart Young, was born in County Tyrone, in the Nortli of Ireland, and came to the United States when a young man. He engaged in farm- ing in Washington County, Olio, whither he came in the early '50s, and some years later he went to Champaign County, Ill., where he is still living. Boston was a mere lad when his parents inoved to the Prairie State, and there he received the rudiments of an education in the country
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schools. Subsequently he entered Grand Prairie Seminary, and when in his twenty-third year was enrolled as a student in the Olrio Wesleyan Uni- versity at Delaware.
In 1875 Mr. Young took up the study of law in the office of Hon. W. Z. Davis of Marion, and two years later was admitted to tlic Bar. The same year he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Ma- rion County, and held the office for a few terins, giving ample proof of his ability and executive genius even thus early in his professional career., From that time to tlie present his progress lias been rapid and notable, and he is especially fort- unate in having as his partner J. C. Johnson, who is also a man of unusual ability. Although greatly engrossed with political interests, Mr. Young does not neglect the duties that rest upon him as a citizen, and is always active in the pro- motion of the community's best interests. He is President of the Board of Education, and is a friend to good schools and advanced systems of teaching.
In 1882 Mr. Young was united in marriage with Anna Irey, daughter of a prominent farmer of this county, and two children, a daughter and son, have come to brighten their home. They are named Ethel and Hector, and are eleven and six years of age, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Young have hosts of sincere friends, and are highly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
M ORGAN E. BURKE is manager of one of the largest and best equipped flouring-mills in the county of Marion. For a number of years prior to 1882 he was tlie sole proprietor of an establishment in Green Camp, but tliat year he purchased the mill in Mt. Victory. In 1890 he formed a stock company and built the miill at Agosta. In 1891 he came to Marion, where lie assisted in the organization of the Mar- ion City Roller Miils, and was elected manager
of the concern. However, he still retains his in- terest in the otlier mills."
Mr. Burke was born in Ross County, this state, October 1, 1843. His father, Abraham Burke, was born in the same locality, and throughout life followed agriculture. He died in 1847, when our subject was about four years of age. His fa- tlier, Edward Burke, was a native of Ireland, whence he crossed the Atlantic wlien a young man, and thereafter made his home in this coun- try.
The mother of our subject, Mrs Rebecca (Da- vis) Burke, was a native of Pike County, this state. She became the mother of six children, and died in 1855. Morgan E. was the youngest mem- ber of the family and at the present time has only onie brother living, Marshall, who is conducting a thriving milling business at Columbus. Madison Burke, another brother, served as a soldier dur- ing the Civil War in the First Ohio Artillery. After a life of three years spent on the battlefield he returned home, and from that time until his death, in 1891, was a farmer by occupation. His estate was a well improved and valuable tract of land, and was pleasantly and conveniently lo- cated near Columbus.
Our subject was but twelve years of age when lie was doubly orphaned. Although his advan- tages for getting an education were very limited up to that time, he was obliged to connnence to make his own way in life. Being without a home, he went to Chillicothe, and in that city en- tered a mill, with the determination to learn the business in all its details. He was still thius en- gaged at the outbreak of the war, and believing that his duty lay in serving his country in this, her time of peril, lie enlisted in Company B, First Ohio Artillery, being in the front for three years. During that time he participated in many of the noted engagements of the war, and was always present to answer to tlie roll-call.
On the establishment of peace, Mr. Burke went to Columbus and engaged in milling, there re- maining mutil 1871. That year lie changed his location to Green Camp, this county, where he was similarly employed until 1882. As stated in another paragrapli, Mr. Burke is manager of a
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mill in Mt. Victory and Agosta. He is thorougli- ly qualified to fill this responsible position, and from his long experience in this line and thorough knowledge of all that relates thereto his services are greatly in demand.
Our subject was married, in 1868, to Miss Alice, daughter of Austin Funk. She was born in Madison County, this state, where her father was a prominent merchant. To Mr. and Mrs. Burke there have been born three children: Elting A., engaged with his father in the mills; Lucretia Garfield and Morgan E. In politics he is a Re- publican, tried and true, and is also prominent as a Grand Army man, belonging to Coleman As- bury Post No. 257. Socialiy he is an Odd Fel- low of good standing.
ATHAN H. WEBB was elected on the Re- publican ticket in 1893 to his present posi- tion as Justice of the Peace of Jackson Town- ship, Hardin County. He has made his home in the village of Forest for several years, but he is well known, not only hereabouts, but in various portions of the state, as a hotel-keeper of some thirty years' standing. He has been retired from this business only for the past five years, since which time he has devoted himself more than ever to politics and public affairs.
The parents of our subject, Benjamin and Lois (Hart) Webb, natives of Maine and New Jersey, respectively, were among the early settlers of Ohio. In 1812 the former went to Muskingum County with his father, Dr. Benjamin Webb, who was a skillful physician for his day. The disease known as the "cold plague" was prevalent in Muskingum County about the time of his arrival there, and death was the almost inevitable conse- quence. After much hard study he adopted a plan of treatment that proved successful, and he never afterward lost a case. His first plan was to produce perspiration by covering the patient with hot ears of corn. He made no secret of his
treatment, which was soon adopted by the other physicians of the locality, and the plague lost its terrors. About 1846 he moved to Lafayette, Ind., passing his last days near Ohney, Ill. His wife, Lois, was a daughter of Asher Hart, who moved with his family to Muskingum County prior to 1812. On both sides of the family our subject comes from a long-lived race, and liis grandfather's mother lived to the extreme old age of one hundred and twelve years.
Born in Muskingum County, Ohio, January 1, 1821, Nathan H. Webb is the eldest of four chil- dren and the only survivor of the family. Until eighteen years old he lived on a farm, but at that time entered his uncle's general store at Dresden, Ohio, and was there employed from 1841 until 1849. This uncle, for whom he had been named, also owned an establishment at Mendon. He and our subject carried on a store at Spencerville about 1849, and also started a sawmill, and in botlı of these lines were very successful.
In 1852 Nathan H. Webb started in the hotel business at Spencerville, where he had conducted a dry-goods store for six years. Five years after opening the hotel there he sold out his interest, and, moving to Delphos, ran the hotel in that vil- lage for ten years, enjoying a lucrative patronage. Thence he went to Defiance, Ohio, taking charge of the Russell House, of which he was manager for four years, and on New Year's Day, 1881, he became proprietor of the Forest Hotel of this city. Two years later he took possession of the Scott House, which was afterward burned, and of which he was the genial "mine host" for seven years.
In former days Mr. Webb was an old-line Whig and cast his first vote in 1844 for Henry Clay. He has frequently found it possible to at- tend conventions of his party and always takes an enthusiastic part in its councils. He has served for three years as Superintendent of the Miami & Erie Canal. For upwards of forty years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity.
March 14, 1844, Mr. Webb was married, in his native county, to Miss Mary S. Roney, who was born in Maryland. Their two sons, Thomas H. and Charles P., are engaged in the real-estate,
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loan and insurance business, the former being situated in Peoria, Ill., and the latter in Indian- apolis, Ind. Lillie M., the only daughter, re- sides with her parents. Mr. Webb and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while the daugliter belongs to the Presbyterian Church. The family have many warm friends in this place.
AMILTON HILL was born in Roundhead Township, Hardin County, where he is at present living, August 17, 1840. He has been identified with the progress of this section since attaining mature years, and by his honora- ble and upright dealings has won many friends, who hold him in high esteem.
The parents of our subject were Samuel and Priscilla (Scott) Hill. The father was born April 23, 1812, in Logan County, this state, and the mother February 20, 1814, in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents of Hamilton Hill were na- tives of Maryland, and during the Revolutionary War the grandfather took a prominent part as a soldier. He came to Hardin County in 1833, and resided on what is now the old homestead. He died September 25, 1862, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years, three months and three days, and is buried in the cemetery at Pleasant Hill.
The brothers and sisters of Samuel Hill were seven in number, namely: John C., Martin, James, Nancy, Sarah, Rosana and Mary. The father was a farmer throughout life, and lived with his parents, caring for them in their old age until their decease, when he started out to make a name and fortune for himself. He was a Demo- crat in politics and cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson. He was very active in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church as Class- Leader, and aided very materially in the organi- zation of churches of his denomination in Hardin
County. The advantages offered him in his youth for obtaining an education were very meager, which fact made him very earnest in his efforts to give his children every opportunity in this di- rection possible. He was heartily in favor of es- tablishing free schools, and with seven other men cast the first vote on this question in Logan Com- ty. He accomplished much pioneer work in his day, helping to lay out roads, build bridges, etc. He died May 27, 1872, and was buried in Pleas- ant Hill Cemetery, where his wife had been laid . to rest January 2, 1869.
Hamilton Hill was married, November 28, 1862, to Anna, daughter of Andrew and Lavina Poe. The lady was born December 4, 1841. Their children are three in number, viz .: John Lester, Ida Leslie and Stella Blanche. The eldest, who was born April 11, 1864, was married to Sallie Mylar, October 1, 1884, and they make their home in Roundhead Township, where Mr. Hill is engaged in farming and teaching school. He is a well educated gentleman, and has been very successful as an instructor in this neighborhood. The four children born to John L. Hill and wife are Ralph, Frank, Joseph and Harry. The eld- est daughter of our subject, who was born August 10, 1866, is now the wife of J. P. Smith, and makes her home near Ft. Scott, Kan .; her three children are named, respectively, Francis, Carl and Gladys. Stella Blanche was born November 15, 1870, and was married, March 28, 1894, to John W. Lowrie, a farmer and carpenter. They also make their abode in this township.
Our subject taught school during his younger days, conducting fifteen terms of five months each in Roundhead Township. Since establishing a home of his own, however, he has followed farin- ing, and of this industry has made a success, be- ing now the owner of a finely improved estate.
Mr. Hill has been prominent in politics in his locality, and from 1873 to 1878 held the office of Township Clerk. For four terms he was Town- ship Trustee, has served efficiently as a member of the School Board, and has been Justice of the Peace for six years, being elected to these various positions on the Democratic ticket. Like his father before him, he is mainly self-educated, al-
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though he attended the schools conducted on the subscription plan, which were held in buildings rudely. constructed. He has always been a great student, and by reading good books has become well informed. He takes an active part in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for twenty-two years has been Recording Steward.
The father of our subject first came to this county in 1825, and after a short stay returned to Logan County. He finally decided, however, to make a permanent location in this vicinity, and, , coming hither in 1833, located on the home farm of which Hamilton is the owner. It is one hun- dred acres in extent and bears the best of im- provements in the way of buildings and farm machinery.
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OHN M. CASPER, an old resident of Wash- ington Township, Hardin County, has lived here since 1857. He is a native of Bavaria, Germany, and his birthi occurred October 2, 1826. His first recollections were concerning farm life, and his own vocation has always been that of till- ing the soil. He is a practical and industrious man, owing to his sturdy straightforwardness of purpose the success he now enjoys.
Mr. Casper is one of the nine children born to John M. and Catherine M. (Brandt) Casper, the latter of whom died March 11, 1836, in the Fa- therland. In the spring of 1840 the family set sail for the United States, arriving at Baltimore at the end of a voyage of thirty-four days. The father settled on a farm near Columbus, Ohio, and there the children received their early train- ing, both in school and in the home.
When he reached man's estate our subject commenced working for farmers by the month, and was thus employed several years. With his savings he then bought a tract of eighty acres on section 26, this township, and in 1854 he pur- chased another piece of the same size. The prop- erty was covered with thick forests and under-
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