USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 36
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 36
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Michael Campbell was born in Ross County, Ohio, in ISHI, and there continued. to make his home until IS33, when he came to Marion Coun- ty and purchased land in Grand Prairie Town- ship, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying when seventy-eight years of age. He was a Republican in politics, and his high sense of honor and general fitness for any of the township offices were well known by the voters of the township, and on various occasions he was elected to positions of responsibility and trust. He was one of the pioneers of Marion County, and during his residence here accumulated a large amount of land, which he left to his family. His parents were of Irish descent. The grandfather, who was an agriculturist, died at La Porte, Ind., and the grandmother died in Ross County, this state.
The mother of our subject was a native of Lail- caster County, this state, and her death occurred in this county when in her eightieth year. Her parents were among the very first to locate in this state, coming here while it was yet a terri- tory and making their place of residence in Ma- rion County. Ezra Campbell remained at home until of age, in the mean time carrying on his studies in the common schools. Upon attaining his majority, he rented land from his father for several years, and was later given a portion of the old homestead, which he made his home until 1881. He then purchased seventy acres adjoin- ing the city of Marion, where he has since made his home, and which is a very valuable tract. The owner is an honest, intelligent man, of true Irish wit, and is a favorite with all.
February 15, 1877, Mr. Campbell and Miss Olive Jerry were united in marriage. The lady was born in Wyandot County, this state, and by their
union have been born six children, viz .: Michael. Frederick, Nellie, Jennie, Jessie and Eddie, all at home, Following in the footsteps of his hon- ored fatlier, our subject is a stanch Republican in politics, and on that ticket has been elected Tris- tee of his township. He is not a member of any church, but assists all denominations in his neigh- borhood in a material way. He is very much in- terested in all things looking toward the improve- nient of his section. His is one of the representa- tive families of this county, and of its members Marion County may well be proud. Energetic, honest, progressive and upright, these are the kind of people who will build up any section and make it take a high rank among the communities of this great state.
OHN A. GRIFFIS, who resides on section 27, . Big Island Township, was the son of Thomas and Mary (Dito) Griffis. He was born Jan- uary 24, 1849, in Kosciusko County, Ind., on a farm. His father and mother were born in this state, the former November 13, 1806. He died December 10, 1888.
In 1830 Thomas Griffis went to Indiana, where, in addition to purchasing a tract of land, lie was given a farm by his father-in-law. He gave his personal supervision to the cultivation of this property, becoming one of the most prominent citizens of the township, and was at all times in- terested in public affairs.
The parental family included fifteen children, of whom the eldest, William, was born February 25, 1838; Sarah E. was born January 22, 1840, and on reaching womanhood married a Mr. Reed; Elizabeth was born September 20, 1841, and later became the wife of Jerry Goren; Julia A. was born May 5, 1843, and died when young in years; James A. was born January 5, 1845; Mary M., who was born February 16, 1847, married Jesse Scott ard is now deceased; John A., of this sketch, was the next. born; Wilson C. was born December
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16, 1850, and died at the age of fourteen years; Nancy M. was born August 23, 1853, and de- parted this life after lier marriage to Milton Fisher; Thomas D. was born March 12, 1855; Joseph O., March 19, 1857; Ida A., who was born April 17, 1859, is now Mrs. Frank Raffann; Henry HI. was born November 21, 1860; Charles E., whose birth occurred June 22, 1863, is de- ceased; and Adolphus E., born November 18, 1865, is now living near St. Joseph, Mo.
Like all lads of niany years ago, our subject obtained his education in the schools of the dis- trict and spent his leisure time in farm duties un- til old enough to performn a man's work, when his services were made use of all the year round. He was married, August 3, 1871, to Miss Mary, daughter of Levi and Harriet (Knowles) Hip- sher, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were farmers. Mrs. Griffis was born July 15, 1843. She had nine brothers and sisters, of whom we make the following mention; David was born July 19, 1839, and is now deceased; Malvina, born July 14, 1841, died when thirty-one years of age; Catherine, born February 28, 1846, is now the wife of John Smith and lives in Mentone, Ind .; Hiram, born December 15, 1849, is de- ceased; Maria, born January 6, 1851, is now tlie wife of Platt Fleak, of Meigs County, this state; Clarissa, born March 25, 1855, married Henry Cramer, who is now deceased; William, born De- cember 15, 1857, makes his home in this county; Ida, born July 15, 1860, is the wife of Frank O' Brien, a resident of Marion County; Emily E., born February 10, 1864, married Jolin Berchfield, a well-to-do farmer of this vicinity.
To Mr. and Mrs. Griffis there have been born two children. Edward O., born July 9, 1878, a bright, studious lad, is now attending the college at Ada, this state; Melvin A., born February 22, 1880, is a student in the home schools. The wife of our subject had been married previous to her union with him to Thomas Woods, and to them was born a son, David A., March 8, 1866. He was afflicted with blindness and departed this life while in the Cook County Hospital at Chicago, July 12, 1891.
In his political relations our subject is a Repub-
lican, and is a man of influence in his party. He takes great pride in liis sons, and feels that in a few years the property which he has accumulated will be well looked after by them and safe in their hands.
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ILLIAM COTTERILL, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on sec- tion 32, Washington Township, Hardin County, has made all of the many good improve- ments upon his place himself. Commencing life a poor boy, he gradually worked his way to a position of prominence and ample means by un- remitting toil and industry. He is a Democrat, and has been elected by those of his political faith to act in public office on several occasions, among others in the post of Township Clerk and Trustee.
Thomas Cotterill, father of our subject, was twice inarried. William is the only child of his union with Rebecca Till, and to his subse- quent marriage with Ann Barber a son, Thom- as, now a resident of Kansas, was born. The birth of William Cotterill occurred in Spalding, Lincolnshire, England, August 17, 1825. When about one year old his parents moved to Easton, Northamptonshire. His boyhood was happily and quietly spent in that village, where he went to school when of suitable age. At the period when it became advisable to start the youth in some calling or occupation he was apprenticed to a baker. He served from the time he was fifteen until he was in his seventeentli year, after which he worked as a journeyman for a few years.
In 1851 Mr. Cotterill crossed the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel, the "Captain West," and when about six weeks had been passed on the water he arrived in Philadelphia. Not long afterward he canie to Kenton and rented a farm. The follow- ing winter lie purchased forty acres on section 16, Pleasant Township. This property was unim- proved school land, and he had to build a log cabin to live in the first thing. After cultivating
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this farm for a year or more, the owner moved to another homestead, which possessed advantages over the former place, and for twelve years lived on rented farms. He then bought eighty acres, to the development of which he has since given his energies, with good results.
June 29, 1847, the marriage of Mr. Cotterill and Jane Cotterill was celebrated in England. To the worthy couple were born thirteen chil- dren: Thomas; Rebecca; Sarah and William, deceased; Henry; Alice; Richard; Joseph; Will- iam E., deceased; Mary E .; Jane, deceased; Har- riet E .; and Minnie, deceased. The faithful wife and mother departed this life June 19, 1892, and was interred in the Kenton Cemetery. She was a member of the Methodist Church, and was be- loved by all who knew her. Mr. Cotterill has also been an active worker in the Methodist Church for many years, and supports religious and educational enterprises in a creditable manner. He is well liked by the neighbors and people in general of this locality, for he attends strictly to his own affairs, at the same time meeting his du- ties as a citizen with promptness and fidelity.
ILLIAM BISH, an enterprising agricul- turist of Cessna Township, Hardin County, is a veteran of the Mexican War, and can relate many interesting reminiscences of those far-away days. During a period of over forty years his fortunes have been interwoven with those of this section, and at all times he has man- ifested great interest in whatever has been calcu- lated to benefit the county and its inhabitants.
On the paternal side our subject is of German lineage. His father was a native of Virginia, and there he married Mary Drawbaum, by whom he had twelve children, six sons and six daughters. About 1828 the family started with all their worldly possessions in a wagon to seek a new home in Ohio. Arriving here, they made a set- tlement in Fairfield County, on a farin near Basil.
William Bish was born in Rockingham County, Va., February 20, 1828. When he was brought by his parents to the Buckeye State he was an in- fant of only a year and a-half. The boy received a common-school education, and helped his father with the farm work until he was seventeen years of age, when, desiring new scenes and novelty, he enlisted in a company of the Second Ohio Vol- unteers, and was mustered into the Mexican serv- ice at Cincinnati. He took part in numerous skirmishes, and made the long march from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico and back again. At the close of the war he was granted an honorable discharge as a private. In the War of the Rebel- lion he again took up arms in defense of his coun- try's rights, becoming a member of Company K, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Infantry. At Camp Chase he was mustered in and was then sent to Nashville. He participated in the battle of Kingston, marched from Nashville to Deckest's Station, later followed Hood as far as Columbia, and was finally released from service at Shiloh, his discharge being dated at Columbus, July 25, 1865.
At the close of the Mexican War Mr. Bish re- turned to Fairfield County and resumed farining. For nearly three years he hired out to neighbors as an assistant in the various duties pertaining to the routine of farin work. Then for some time he lived in Franklin County, and in the fall of 1852 became a resident of thiis locality. After conducting a farm in Marion Township about eighteen months he bought fifty-nine acres on sec- tion 7, and that tract he still owns. The only sign of improvement at this time was a clearing of about four acres, and here Mr. Bish put up a log house, which served as a home for his family eighteen years. I11 1871 he removed to his pres- ent place of abode, the farm being a valuable one of two hundred and forty-seven acres.
August 4, 1850, Mr. Bish married Eliza J. Gray, who was born December 18, 1833, and is a daughter of Thomas and Harriet (Hughes) Gray. Of the children born to our subject and wife, George W. died in infancy; Elizabeth died in 1874; Ellen died February 9, 1874; Willard W. was killed on the Chicago & Erie Railroad. Feb-
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ruary 19, 1894; William D. is next in order of birth; John died in infancy; and Clara B. and Roscoe complete the number.
For four or five. terms Mr. Bish officiated as Trustee and School Director of this township. His own educational advantages were limited, and he appreciates the modern and progressive ideas now used in commection with our schools. He uses his right of franchise in behalf of the Democratic party.
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LIAS E. RILEY. The career of this gentle- man has been one of perseverance and integ- rity, and has been crowned with the success which those meet who steadily pursue their way. He is now living on section 17, Montgomery Township, Marion County, where lies his fine estate of one hundred and fifty- four well improved and productive acres. In addition to this lie owns one hundred and ten acres in Marion Town- ship.
Our subject was born May 3, 1844, in Marion Township, to William and Mary (Courts) Riley. The father was born in Delaware, while the mother was a Virginian by birth. When a small boy the father of our subject went to Pickaway County, Ohio, with his parents, and later, in 1826, came to this county, where he entered land in Marion Township. Until 1875 he followed the occupation of a farmer, and that year moved into the city of Marion, spending the remainder of his life in ease and confort. He passed away Feb- ruary 15, 1887. His good wife preceded him to the better land, dying May 14, 1879. William Riley was one of the largest land-owners in this portion of Ohio, having accumulated eight him- dred acres by his own efforts. His children, nine in number, were given such advantages for ob- taining educations as could be had in the neigh-
borhood, and when reaching mature years they were one and all aided in a very substantial way by their father.
Amanda M., the eldest daughter of William Riley, was born July 23, 1832, and is now the widow of Barney Shaffer, of Marion; Hiram W. was born April 20, 1835, and is now a resident of Portland, Ore .; Martin J. was born June 28, 1838, but is now deceased; George F. was born April 28, 1841, and is also deceased; our subject was the next-born; Mary E., born June 6, 1847; died in June, 1875; John C. was born October 21, 1849; Louisa, whose birth occurred February 28, 1854, died April 22 of the same year; Sarah, born February 11, 1858, died December 3, 1877. The mother of this family was born September 14, 1814, and was therefore sixty-five years old at the time of her decease, May 14, 1879. Will- iam Riley was born January 16, 1802. He was a devoted member of the Christian Church, and in politics cast a vote for Republican candidates.
The original of this sketch was married, Octo- ber 9, 1873, to Miss Frances Furlong, the daugh- ter of H. A. and Elizabeth (Hicks) Furlong, na- tives of New York. They came to this state, however, many years ago, and here were engaged in farmning for the remainder of their lives, own- ing property in Hardin County. Mr. and Mrs. Furlong became the parents of a very large fam- ily, only four of whom, however, lived to mature years. Frances, the wife of our subject, was born in Oswego County, N. Y., October 9, 1854, and after seventeen years of married life died, July 7, 1890. She had three children, two of whom now live with our subject. Bessie L .. born February 26, 1875, is the wife of J. W. Hoagland, and lives in Bowling Green Town- ship, this county. Alma and Elma are at home. Mrs. Riley was a devoted member of the Baptist Church, of which she was a regular attendant. She was a loving wife and kind and devoted mother.
Mr. Riley remained under the parental roof for six years after attaining his majority, it being his duty to manage the large estate of his father. Upon starting out for himself he was given a quarter-section of the home place, to which he
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CHARLES C. LEMERT.
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has since added, ritil his possessions aggregate two hundred and sixty-four acres. He is de- servedly spoken of as one of the leading farmers of this section, as he is bothi industrious and en- terprising. He raises on his place good grades of stock in large numbers, besides devoting the most productive portion of his land to grain rais- ing. He is also a member of the Baptist Church, and socially is a Free Mason. In political inat- ters he is a stanch Republican.
HARLES C. LEMERT. Not only in Har- din County, of which lie is the Prosecuting Attorney, but also throughout the state, Mr. Lemert is known and recognized as one of Ohio's most able and successful lawyers. In the science and philosophy of the law he is well grounded, and whether before court or jury he is strong, logical and forceful in the presentation of a case. Owing to his special practice as a prosecutor, he has brought to bear on that branch of the law a large amount of research into the intricacies of the profession, and now stands, well equipped in knowledge and legal acumen, among the strong prosecutors of the state. To him is largely due the credit of having made the first conviction in the first degree for murder in Hardin County. In fact, it became known as the most noted cause celebre in this county.
A native of Oliio, Mr. Lemert was born in Licking County, October 19, 1865. His father, George L., also a native of that county, was born in 1841. There he had large landed interests and was successful in his occupation of farming. During the Civil War he served in Company A, Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, and on his return from the field of battle again took up the peace- ful pursuits of agriculture. On the old homestead he continued to reside until his decease, which occurred when Charles C. was about six years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Evans, was born in Ohio, whither her parents had removed in the early days of its settlement.
She is still living, and at the present time makes her home in Wyandot County.
The family of George I. and Sarah Lemert comprised three sons and two daughters, of when our subject was the eldest but one. . Of these, Cary E. died in 1887. Charles alternated work on his father's farm with attendance at the dis- trict school until reaching liis seventeenth year, when, desirous of pursuing his studies further, he entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he completed his literary education. After leaving school lie entered the office of R. F. Black, one of the leading attorneys of the above city, and began reading law under his instruction. March 1, 1887, he was admitted to the Bar, and one month later was elected City Solicitor of Ada. Later he came to Kenton, where he still resides. For one year he practiced his profession in part- nership with Col. I. M. Strong. During the time intervening between that period and 1893, he conducted his affairs alone, and in the fall of the last-named year was elected Prosecuting At- torney of Hardin County on the Republican ticket. He is one of the most able lawyers of the county, and as such is very popular.
Charles C. Lemert and Miss Nettie Riley were united in marriage in Ada, February 15, 1888. She was born in Van Wert, this state, and is the daughter of Levi and Amelia Riley, natives of Maryland. To our subject and wife have been born a son and two daughters: Blaine E., Paul- ine and Helen.
In social affairs Mr. Lemert is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to the Uniformed Rank. He is an ardent Republican in his political views and is well known in business, social and politi- cal circles of this county, within whose confines he has hosts of friends.
ILLIAM H. BROWN. Just thirty years have passed away since this well known and respected citizen of Hardin County took up his abode in our midst. During this
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period he lias been t' roughly interested in her development, and has aided every enterprise start- ed for the good of the community, His valuable farm is finely located in Cessna Township, and comprises sixty-two acres. In 1869 Mr. Brown · was elected on the Republican ticket to the posi- tion of County Surveyor (prior to which time he had filled out an unexpired term ), and in this ca- pacity he acted to the full satisfaction of all for ten years.
The father of the above gentleman, Loomis Brown, was a native of New York State and of German descent. His wife, whose maiden name was Amancy Gifford, was born in New York. They had but two children, William H. and George. The latter was born July 11, 1837, and is now living in Waterloo, Iowa.
William H. Brown was born at Amsterdam, N. Y., July 25, 1835. In 1847 he emigrated to the Buckeye State in company with his parents. . They became residents of Medina County, and there the boy grew to manhood. The spring of 1865 witnessed his departure from the paternal rooftree, and, coming to this county a few years afterward, he located on section 23, Cessna Tow11- ship. The place was covered with dense forests, and no improvements worthy of mention had been made thereon. Through the untiring efforts of our subject there may now be seen fertile fields, bearing abundant crops, and a thrifty, well kept set of farm buildings. He is also the owner of a good place in Medina County, this state.
November 24, 1859, the marriage of Mr. Brown and Jennie Richards took place. There were four children born of that union: Virginia, Flor- ence, Erwin and Celia. The mother died Novem- ber 23, 1879, and all but one of the children, Er- win, have also been summoned by the angel of death. February 19, 1880, Mr. Brown married Miss Mary Scott, by whom he has five children: William L., Georgie, Edwin, Myra and Earl.
The elementary education of William H. Brown was obtained in the district schools, where he pur- sued his studies until he was about sixteen years old. Two years later he entered Baldwin Univer- sity, taking a four-years scientific course. In or- der to meet his expenses the ambitious young man
worked, at all spare moments, for his uncle at cabinet-making. He is a friend to education and to all worthy enterprises and charities.
NDREW GRAFMILLER. The substantial and well-to-do citizens of Jackson Township, Hardin County, have no better. representa- tive than our subject, who stands high among the progressive farmers and stock-raisers who are so ably conducting the agricultural interests of this part of the county. His home, which is one of the best farm houses in the county, is pleasantly located on section 31, and is attractive in appear- ance.
Our subject was born in Massillon, Stark Coun- ty, this state, August 5, 1838, and when a boy went to Crawford County with his parents. After the death of these worthy people Andrew located near Mt. Blanchard, Hancock County, remain- ing there four years, when he again made a move, this time coming to Hardin County, where he displayed great ability in the management of his farın. He located on section 31, securing a tract of eighty acres, but is now making his home with his son James, and leaves the inanagement of his estate to the care of another son. The house which he now occupies is a fine two-story brick structure, containing twelve rooms, which are finished in modern style. His son James is a thorough business man, and has been exceed- ingly prospered in cultivating the soil. .
Andrew Grafmiller was married, September 3. 1861, to Miss Mary Ann Patton, adopted daugh- ter of James Clemens, formerly of Crawford Coun- ty, where he held the position of County Coro- 11er. His death occurred at the home of our subject. Mrs. Grafiniller was born in Crawford County, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of three children. The eldest, James Andrew, married Sarah Jane Baker, and their three daughters and one son are named, re-
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spectively, Edna, Lydia, Matthew A. and Ollie Mildred. This son owns a fine tract of sixty acres of land, and it is with him that our subject makes his home. Mary Enmia Grafmiller mar- ried John B. Gardner, of Larimore, N. Dak. William Augustus lives on a farm adjoining the old homestead. He married Ada Belle Robinson, and their family includes Etta Viola, Cora, Em- erson and Lester.
Mr. Grafmiller is a Prohibitionist, politically. He is a member of the Eureka Methodist Epis- copal Church, which was erected on land donated to the congregation by his son James. . His life record is a good one, and such as to commend him to the respect of the entire community.
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? OHN CALLAM is the proprietor of the Michigan Lumber Company, of Kenton, his yards being the largest of the kind in central Ohio. He was born in Toronto, Canada, Janu- ary 14, 1839. His father, Peter Callam, who was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was by trade a carpenter and builder. He possessed a good ed- ucation, and after coming to America in 1830 settled at Toronto, Canada, where he contracted for some of the largest buildings in that city, and was also the builder of the Wellington Locks. He afterward went to Hamilton, Ontario, and later to Saginaw, Mich., where he engaged in the lumber business and became very wealthy. He died in February, 1892, at the age of eighty- seven years. He was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, and served as Elder in the congregation to which he belonged.
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