USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 37
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 37
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Mrs. Mary (Micha) Callam was also born in Scotland, and after coming to America accom- panied her husband on his various removals, dy- ing, at the advanced age of eighty-three years, in Michigan. She reared a family of five sons and two daughters. The eldest, Peter, is residing on a farm in Clare County, Mich., and is well-to-do. Jane married James Lee, formerly a woolen man-
ufacturer in Canada, who later went to Saginaw, Mich., where his death occurred in 1892, his wife following him to the land beyond two or three days later. They left a family of nine children. William, the second son, is now living retired from business in Saginaw, having made a fortune out of the lumber trade. Jamies was less fortunate in a financial way than the other brothers, and is now in the employ of our subject. Charles was the owner of a grocery in Mackinaw, Mich., at the time of his decease, in February, 1890. Mary married William J. Calkins, who was formerly in the lumber business, but at present is the proprie- tor of a hotel at Clare, Mich.
Our subject was but three years of age when the parental family left Toronto for Hamilton. He was reared and educated in the schools of the latter city, after which he worked for his father in the lumber-yards for five years, when he started out to work for himself. He first went into the lumber camps at Big Creek, where the men were engaged in getting out large timbers to be used for ship-masts. In this branch of the business he was employed for three years, when he, with sev- eral other members of his family, including his father, started a large sawmill. This enterprise was carried on very profitably for eiglit years, when John, together with his brother William, crossed the line into the United States, becoming interested extensively in the lumber trade at Sag- inaw, Mich. They owned mills and ran camps, and also speculated to some extent in pine lands. As each made a handsome fortune, it is unneces- sary to say they were prospered in this undertak- ing.
In 1874 our subject came to Kenton and estab- lished the Michigan Lumber Company, which has since grown to great proportions. In addition to his large yards, he owns and operates an exten- sive planing-mill, and a large sash, door and blind factory, where an army of men is employed. Mr. Callanı is the possessor of considerable valuable real estate in the city, occupying one of the finest residences on North Main Street, besides several farms in the surrounding country.
Ten years ago our subject took in as a partner D. E. Bolton, who first entered his employ as a
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poor boy, but by strict attention to business and the assistance which Mr. Callam gave him, he is 110w worth $25,000, and is justly rated as one of the substantial citizens of this community. Among the many splendid characteristics of our subject as a successful business man is one which it would do well if more would imitate, that is nev- er to let a bill go unpaid a single day after it is due. He is one of the Trustees of the water works, and has been a member of the City Coun- cil. Although he has now reached a point wliere it is unnecessary for him to work, yet he may be found any day employed about his large plant. Indeed, we doubt if he would be happy unless occupied, for he has made the one word "work" the motto of his life, and it has now become a part of his very being.
Mr. Callam was married at Saginaw, in 1872, to Miss Isabella Reaid, formerly of Buffalo, N. Y. There have been born to them three daughters and one son. Nellie J. is now the wife of John Zugswerth, a clothing merchant of Polo, Ill .; George completed his education in the Orchard Lake College; and Hattie and Bessie are still stu- dents in the home schools. In politics Mr. Cal- lam is a Republican, and greatly interested in the success of his party, although he has never had time to hold office, his extensive interests consuni- ing his entire time.
OHN FOIT, of Cessna Township, Hardin County, was President of the Pioneer Asso- ciation one year and Vice-President two years. The house in which he lives was erected in 1859, and stands in the midst of well tilled fields and substantial farm buildings. The owner has been quite extensively engaged in buying and selling live-stock, and in this line has met with success.
A son of Frederick and Katherine ( Harlauch ) Foit, natives of Germany, our subject was born
in the province of Wittenberg, December 18, 1822. His only sister married John F. Gramliech. John Foit was reared in a German village, but left the Fatherland in 1838. Sailing for the United States, he reached Baltimore at the end of a voy- age of sixty-nine days, the trip to Ohio being made in a wagon. Frederick Foit purchased eiglity acres in this township and built a log cabin of one room. His property was bought at sec- ond-hand, and he had to pay therefor $2.50 per acre. . He died in the faith of the Lutheran Church, in 1841, and lies buried on the old home place. His wife was called to her last rest in 1844.
John Foit lived under the parental roof until he was past his majority. In 1843 he chose as his future companion and helpmate in life Eliza- beth Troutman, who died about a year afterward, leaving an infant son, John S. He later wedded Rebecca Yerger, who departed this life in 1854. By his marriage with Miss Mary A. Smith, in 1857, there were born the following children: Jonas J .; Stephen C .; Edward, Adam and Con- rad C., deceased; Melinda J .; William J .; Thom- as O .; Melvin and Sarah, deceased; and Marga -. ret, Mary, Emma and Henry. The mother of these children died in 1881. To the lady who tiow bears the name of our subject he was mar- ried June 25, 1885, she being then Mrs. Hannah Harvey, widow of William Harvey. He died October 16, 1877. Of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey one died in infancy, while the others are David and Lillian L.
Before leaving his native land Mr. Foit received a good education in the German tongue. He moved to his farm on section 3 in 1863, the place then consisting of eiglity acres. The forest is now nearly all cleared away, the work having been done with ox-teams, and the farmi now com- prises one hundred and fifty-five acres. Mr. Foit is a good business man, and has been the archi- tect of his own fortune. Ever ready to do his share in whatever pertains to the public welfare, he holds an enviable place in the affections of his friends and neighbors.
Politically our subject votes in favor of the Prohibition party. At various times he has
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served as Trustee, Supervisor and School Direc- tor. Both hie and his good wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at present he is a Class-leader. Many years ago, while a member of the Lutheran Church, he preached in his immediate neighborhood.
ICHOLAS GERLACH is one of the sterling German-American farmers of Hardin Coun- ty, and has always taken the utmost interest in whatever movements or enterprises have been started with a view to its upbuilding. For the past thirty-five years he has lived on section 28, Washington Township, and through his indus- try and energy has changed the place from a dense forest to a well kept and finely cultivated homestead.
The worthy man whose name heads this sketch was born September 3, 1822, and grew up in a German town. When he was fourteen years old he began working for his board and clothes, and was for three years an apprentice to the shoe- maker's trade. In 1847 he sailed for the New World, being on tlie briny deep eighty-five days. On reaching his destination he continued his westward journey until he found himself in Chi- cago, then a small village of unpromising appear- ance. However, young Gerlach stayed there about a year, after which he went across the plains by horse-team, the trip consuming fully four months. Near Sacramento he engaged in mining, prospecting and general work during the succeed- ing eight years. On his return, in 1858, he opened a store in Kenton, Ohio, running the same for two years.
In 1860 Mr. Gerlach bought forty acres of land in this township, there being only a log cabin on the place. This was his home for three years, and at the end of that time lie sold the tract, I,ater he became the owner of eighty acres, of which about thirty-five acres were cleared, and
this has since been his place of abode. For nearly ten years he resided in the old log cabin that was on the farm at the time that he bought it.
The union of Mr. Gerlach and Margaret Clock was celebrated January 25, 1860. Their mar- riage was blessed with eiglit children, as follows: Rose, Lizzie, Mary, Gertrude and four sons who died in infancy. Rose married Charles Wooley. They live in Ada, and have one daughter, May. Mary married William Wedertz. They have two children, Ehner and Laura, and live in North Washington. Gertrude married Henry Willcke, and lives on the home place. Prior to her mar- riage she taught school for five years. Mrs. Ger- lach, who was a faithful member of the Reformed Church, departed this life June 25, 1887.
Our subject is a supporter of the principles ad- vocated by the Democratic party, and though not desirous of holding public office, was once pre- vailed upon to serve as Township Trustee. In his religions faith he is a Catholic.
DWARD MOY. As one of the number whose energy and ability have contributed to the development and material resources of Hardin County, we present the name and life record of Edward Moy, who for many years be- fore his deathi was a resident of this coun- ty, and for some time made liis home in Taylor Creek Township. He belonged to that class of citizens who, born in foreign lands, have spent the larger part of their lives under the protection of the American flag, and are intensely loyal to the welfare of their adopted country.
Mr. Moy was a native of Switzerland, and was born September 4, 1842. His parents, Benedict and Martha (Swab) Moy, also natives of that country, emigrated to the United States in 1850, and settled in Pleasant Township, Hardin County, Ohio. For a number of years the father worked
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at his trade of a shoemaker, but in his declining years he lived retired from business, making his home with his son Edward until his death, May 17, 1880. His body was laid to rest in the ceme- tery at Kenton. His wife had passed away May 8, 1872. Of their nine children, four are still liv- ing.
Coming to America at the age of eight years, our subject grew to manhood in Hardin County. His marriage, which took place in Buck Town- ship, January 1, 1865, united him with Miss Nancy Evans, who was born May 2, 1847, a daughter of David Evans. They have one son, Waldo B., who was born January 13, 1867, and married Mollie Kauffman, by whom he has two children: Darley, born May 31, 1891; and Clara, April 9, 1893. The only daughter of our subject is Martha, who was married at the old home- stead, January 1, 1889, to Edward Wallace, a native of Union County, Ohio, born July 14, 1857, and a son of James P. and Anna (Collins) Wallace. Mrs. Martha Wallace was born Janu- ary 15, 1870, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Anna Dot, born April II, 1891; and Moy Edward, December 12, 1893.
At the age of twenty-one, our subject began in life for himself, and for six years thereafter he worked out by the month, in the employ of farmers. Being prudent and economical, he saved his earnings until he had accumulated a sufficient amount to enable him to purchase prop- erty for himself. In Buck Township he bought a tract of seventy acres, but soon afterward re- moved to a farm north of Kenton, where he resid- ed for a year. Thence going to Buck Township, he was engaged as a tiller of the soil for three years upon one farm and two years upon another place. He then settled west of Kenton, where he remained for four years. March 28, 1877, he came to Taylor Creek Township, where he oper- ated a rented farm for two years, after which he bought the property, continuing to make it his home until his death, June 5, 1885, aged forty- three years. His body was buried in Wolf Creek Cemetery.
Having accumulated valuable possessions, Mr. Moy left his widow amply provided for. His en-
tire attention was given to agriculture, and the success which he gained was well deserved. He was a man of sincere Christian belief, and his life exemplified the earnestness of his religious views. For some years before his denise he was actively identified with the Methodist Episcopal . Church in Taylor Creek Township. He maintained an active interest in county, state and national af- fairs, and always cast his ballot for the Republican party, believing its principles conducive to the highest good of the country.
IRAM L. UNCAPHER, who is classed among the prominent and esteemed young farmers of Marion Township, makes his home. on section 28, where his birth occurred July 31, 1860. His parents were Joseph and Re- becca (Stonebarger ) Uncapher, the father born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Indiana. Both are now deceased, the father, who was born July 12, 1809, dying April 12, 1894; and Mrs. Unca- pher, who was born October 16, 1817, passing from earth April 24; 1892. They were worthy and respected residents of Marion Township, and as old pioneers possessed the unlimited confidence of all who knew them. They were farmers by occupation, and became well-to-do in prosecuting their chosen calling. George Uncapher, the grandfather of our subject, came to America from France.
To Joseph and Rebecca Uncapher was born a family ofeight children, of whom Hiram L. was the youngest. Of his brothers and sisters we note the following: Daniel, born December 21, 1837, in Marion County, is still living here, engaged in the pension and insurance business. His two sons are J. Hermon and Luther. Isaac was born June 27, 1839, and died May 19, 1841. Silas was born February 28, 1841, and is at present en- gaged in farming in Marion Township. His chil- dren are Emma L., the wife of Albert Cummings; and Perry J. at home. Darius was born January
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30, 1843, and now makes his home with his brother John. Thomas J. was born June 12, 1846, and makes his home in Big Island Town- ship, where he has a good farm. Jolin N. was born August 8, 1850.
December 21, 1884, Hiram L. Uncapher was married to Allie, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Huffman) Barks, natives, respectively, of Marion County, this state, and Pennsylvania. Mr. Barks was .born October 14, 1833, and his good wife Marchi 8, 1836. Their three children were Allie, Mrs .. Uncapher, born February 6, 1862; Levi, who was born February 6, 1862, and died in in- fancy; and Olive, born June 19, 1864, and who resides at home.
To Mr. and Mrs. Uncapher has been born a family of four children, namely: Oda B., born September 16, 1885; Olive, October 9, 1887; Zola E., September 3, 1889; and Ella M., January 30, 1892. The latter is now deceased, passing away September 17, 1894. The farm of our subject comprises about seventy-five acres, which he cul- tivates in an admirable manner. Mr. and Mrs. Uncapher are members in excellent standing of the Presbyterian Church.
ENRY LOEFFERT was a prominent citizen of Lynn Township, Hardin County. His homestead comprised two hundred and eighty acres, in addition to which he had real es- tate in Kenton. Mr .. Loeffert died June 11, 1888, in the sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich .. where lie had been under treatment for cancer of the stomach for about two months. Acceding to his request, the Odd Fellows' society of Kenton took charge of the funeral services, which were very impressive, and were attended by a large concourse of his friends and fellow-citizens. His loving children have erected to his memory a handsome monument as a slight expression of their affection.
The birth of Henry Loeffert occurred in Ger-
many about 1831, and there he lived until reach- ing his majority. He then set sail for the United States, accompanied by his intended wife, Helena Shaffer, to whom he was married in Kenton, in which city she is still living. Mr. Loeffert ob- tained work as a section hand at first, and later became a partner of C. Koehler. From 1863 to 1865 they were successfully engaged in the man- ufacture of brick, after which our subject con- tinued the business alone about ten years, giving employment to forty or fifty men. He also owned other yards, one in Dunkirk and another in West Liberty. Among the numerous con- tracts which he carried out was that of sup- plying brick for the Hardin County Infirmary. In1 1875 he retired from the business and devoted himself to farming on a place four miles north of Kenton. This farm of one hundred and twenty acres he improved during the eight years of his residence thereon. While in the brick business he erected a two-story brick storeroom in Kenton, which he owned at the time of his demise, be- sides the old Davis Corner in that city. Though he was a Democrat, our subject was not pleased with the result of office-seeking, as when he ran for the position of Infirmary Director it cost hin $1,800. He was liberal in his ideas, and though a member of the Lutheran Church had many friends in other denominations, one of his most intimate ones being Rev. Father Siedenfaker. He left his business affairs in good condition at his death. May 31 he had a sale of his effects, and was present at the same. His death occurred a little over a week later. He had 110 fear of the dread visitor, and often said that "a scared child is not safe in heaven." .
Andrew Loeffert, son of the foregoing old set- tler, was born June 4, 1860, and owns one hun- dred and thirty acres of land, bequeathed him by his father. He also owns the brick storeroom be- fore referred to, and now occupied by Ed Sorgen. For fourteen years he has lived on Survey No. 9935, Lynn Township, and during this time has become a practical agriculturist.
February 24, 1886, Andrew Loeffert married Dellas, daughter of Elias and Sarah Sellers, of this township. She was born March 24, 1867, in
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Franklin County, Ohio, and has become thie mother of the following children: Lena, Blanche, Andrew (who died at the age of eleven months), Nora and Jessie.
Mary and Margaret, thic two daughters of Henry Locffert, married William Kiser and Nicli- olas B. Bloom, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Ki- ser live on the old farm in Pleasant Township, but Mr. and Mrs. Bloom are bothi deccased.
OHN A. FOOS is one of the extensive and enterprising farmers of Marion County. His home farm, which is on section 5, comprises within its boundaries four hundred and sixty- three acres, all in one body: Tlie soil is fertile and well adapted to general farming and stock- raising, and is one of the most valuable and de- sirable pieces of property in this locality. Tlie owner began life a poor boy, and is not only self- made but self-educated.
Thie paternal grandfather of our subject was Valentine Foos, who was of German descent. His son John, father of Jolin A., was a native of Tennessee, born November 15, 1787. He mar- ried Miss Mary Age, who was born in Virginia and who was a daughter of Jacob Age. She be- came the mother of twelve children, as follows: .. William, who died in infancy; Margaret, Nathan and Ruth, also deceased; Katherine, wife of Hiram Knolles; a farmier of Scott Township; John A .; Henry and Mary, deceased; James H., an agri- culturist of this township; Jesse, deceased; Clin- ton, a farmer in Nodaway County, Mo .; and Ben- jamin, deceased.
John Foos, our subject's father, was only three years old when his parents settled in Kentucky, and when he was in liis sixteenth year lie moved to Franklin County, Ohio. When he emigrated to this county he made the journey with ox- teams. He bouglit eighty acres of land on sec- tion 21, Scott Township. Part of this was prai-
rie and the remainder timber-land. The owner erected a log cabin, 18x22 feet in size, and here continued to live for about fifty years. After the death of his wife lic removed to Indiana and mar- ried Mrs. Mary Jones, of Pulaski County. His death occurred in 1876, and his remains were placed in the cemetery at Latimberville, Marion County. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and led a life of usefulness and piety. During the War of 1812 he was Captain of a company of militia, and after becoming a resident of this county held a number of town- ship offices.
The birth of Jolin Foos took place in what was then Radnor Township, Delaware County, Octo- ber 31, 1819, and his early years were passed in the log cabin on his father's farm. His edu- cation was obtained in the subscription schools of the day, a mile or two from home. When twelve years of age he became a resident of this county, and attended the schools of Scott Township more or less until he was eigliteen years old. Shortly after reaching his majority lie started to make liis own livelihood by working for farmers for wages. He next rented land from his father, who later gave liim eiglity acres in Scott Township. The land was unimproved, and after putting up a log cabin the young man inoved to its shelter and continued to dwell there for thirteen years. In 1858 he moved to hiis present farm, which was then pretty well under cultivation, and moreover a small log house stood on the place. Mr. Foos has been very successful as a farmer and is a practical business man.
December 28, 1843, occurred the marriage of our subject and Elizabeth Lindsay, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 26, 1822. She has become the mother of six children, viz .: James M., born March 1, 1845; Nathan, April 6, 1847; Benjamin, who died in infancy, August 2, 1849; Andrew, born May 8, 1851; George B., April 15, 1856; and Jane E., April 21, 1859. The deatlı of George B. occurred May 17, 1867; and Jane E. passed from this life February 21, 1860. The eldest son and the next younger are well known farmers of this township, and Andrew is still living on the old homestead.
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JOSEPH TIMMONS.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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Mr. Foos. cast liis first vote for Martin Van Buren and has been a life-long Democrat. He has never been an office-seeker, but has accepta- bly filled the position of Township Trustee.
OSEPH TIMMONS. When the dark cloud of war hovered over our country, the sons of the Buckeye State were no less gallant than the patriots of other commonwealths. Among those who responded to the nation's appeal for soldiers was a lad of little more than fifteen, who with the enthusiasm of youth combined the wise judgment of the more nature. His military ca- reer and his subsequent civic life have afforded such abundant examples of the qualities of energy, firmness and indomitable perseverance, as to ren- der them familiar to his fellow-citizens, and no one in Kenton stands higher in the esteem of the people than does Joseph Timmons.
Near Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pa., our subject was born November 18, 1845. His father, Maj. William W. Timmons, was born near Gettysburg, Pa., in 1800, and died December 30, 1887. He was a contractor and builder, and un- der a contract built the large works owned by "Don" Cameron. His title was won by service as a Major of militia. The grandfather of our sub- ject, Peter Timmons, was a native of Pennsylva- nia and a descendant of Irish ancestors. During the War of 1812 he was a member of the Concord Rifles, and was recognized as one of the leading men of his day.
The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Anna Maria Reifsneider, was born in Berks County, Pa., in 1805, and died in 1882. She came to Springfield, Ohio, with her father, Adam R., who was one of the leading pioneers of that city. Our subject was one of twelve children, of whom nine are now living. Philip, a soldier in the Righty-fourth Indiana Infantry during the
late war, was taken prisoner in front of Atlanta, and died in Andersonville Prison. D. R., who was Captain of the Fourth Ohio Infantry, is now a farmer in Hardin County. David B. served in the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry during the war.
At the time of the outbreak of the Rebellion, our subject was prosecuting his studies in an academy. Although only fifteen years old at tlie time, he promptly volunteered in Company I, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served for four years in defense of the Old Flag. He partici- pated in many of the most important. battles of the war, including those of Armington, Perryville, Chickamauga, Murfreesboro, and accompanied General Sherman on his memorable march from Atlanta to the sea. In the battle of Warrensburg, Ga., he was wounded in the right shoulder. He served a period of three years and three months, and was discharged as Orderly-Sergeant at Sa- vannah, Ga. He re-enlisted in General Hancock's Veteran Army Corps and served one year, being discharged at Elmira, N. Y., March 6, 1866. The entire period of his armny service was four years and three months.
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