USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 38
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 38
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Soon after the close of the war Mr. Timmons came to Ohio and was employed as bookkeeper in a steam flouring-mill at Patterson, Hardin County. Later he embarked in the mercantile business in the same place, and continued to car- ry on an extensive and profitable trade until the fall of 1878, when he was elected Clerk of Hardin County. For the six ensuing years he held this responsible position. After retiring from the office lie was engaged in the stave manufacturing and lumber business, and later opened a hardware store in Kenton. At present he is conducting an extensive grain business at Belle Center.
During the period of his residence in Hardin County, Mr. Timmons has been one of its most influential and successful business men. Coming here without means, he has accumulated a fort- une through his untiring efforts, and now owns considerable valuable property in Kenton, includ- ing the Timmons Block. He also has four farms in Hardin County, embracing seven or eight hun- dred acres. In addition to this, he lias extensive
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business interests in Chicago. His residence is one of the finest in Kenton and is situated on East Franklin Street.
Socially Mr. Timmons has attained the Scot- tish Rite degree in Masonry, was the first Exalted Ruler of the Elks, and is a life member of the Grand Lodge. In politics he has . always advo- cated Republican doctrines. His first marriage occurred in 1870, his wife being Miss Emma Mc- Vitty, who died two years later, leaving a child, also deceased. September 4, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Hattie, daughter of W. H. Seymour, and sister of J. B. Seymour, of whom more extended mention will be found elsewhere in this work. They have three bright and proni- · ising children, two sons, Fred S. and William Max, and a daughter, Dorothy, now seven years old.
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EORGE W. KEEL was formerly engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his fine homestead, situated ou section 15, Cess- na Township, Hardin County. He was a self- made man, and rose to an honored place in the business and social world entirely by his own ster- ling qualities of character. When his career was cut short by death, he had attained the ripe old age of eighty years, and many are the friends hereabouts who cherish his memory. His demise occurred March 26, 1891, and he was buried in Fairview Cemetery.
A son of Peter and Anna Keel, our subject was born in Philadelphia, Pa., January 1, 1811, and spent his boyhood quietly on a farm, receiving a district-school education. His home was for a time in Lancaster County, Pa., whence he moved to Cumberland County, in the sanie state. his youth lie learned the miller's trade, but never followed it to any extent.
The first money earned by Mr. Keel was the result of a few weeks' work for a farmer, and he continued to be thus employed until 1856, when he made a trip to this neighborhood. He invest-
ed his earnings in two hundred acres of land, situ- ated on sections 13 and 15, this township. The next year he removed his family here, and this has since been their home. With the exception of thirty-eight acres which had been cleared, and a log cabin, there were no improvements on the farm, which was a tract of heavy timber. The greater portion of the land was cleared by Mr. Keel himself, and many other changes for the better were inaugurated by him.
In Cumberland County, Pa., the marriage of Mr. Keel and Susannah Kyler was celebrated March 3, 1836. She was born in Franklin Coun- ty:, Pa., October 31, 1816, and became the moth- er of twelve children. Those who have been called to the better land are: Thomas, William H., Susan M., John C. and John D. Those liv- ing are: Louisa, Laura J., Mary E., Susan M., Barbara M., Hugh and Himes. --
Mr. Keel had only cominon-school advant- ages, but made the best of his mieager opportu- nities, and through reading and contact with the world became a well-informed man on practical questions. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party. For years he was a val- ued worker in the Methodist Church, to which he belonged. His character was above reproach, and to his children he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished nanie.
ILLIAM DAVIS PATTERSON, who is now a resident of Ada, retired from active business, was engaged in farming until 1889. He, however, still owns a valuable home- stead, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, one hundred of which are under cultivation, while the remainder is still covered with timber. For six years he served as Justice of the Peace, and for a long period was a School Director. He was also honored with the offices of Constable and Notary Public several terms, and at present is a member of the Ada Board of Health. The Re-
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publican party has always found in him a stanch supporter, and he has never failed to discharge his duties to his fellow-men.
The parents of our subject were Samuel and Jane (Davis) Patterson, who were married in Harrison County, Ohio, March 11, 1830. The father was born in County Down, Ireland, May 5, 1807, and came to the United States with his fa- ther when only five years of age. After settling in Ohio he attended subscription schools for a few months, but obtained most of his education by private study. Later he lived in Harrison Coun- ty, but in August, 1836, purchased two hundred and forty acres on section 19, Marion Township, Hardin County, where he resided until death. To his original homestead he added other land, buying forty acres in Auglaize Township, Allen County, and in 1854 became the owner of a lialf- section in Marion Township. The following year he-made a will, giving to each of his two sons a quarter-section of land; the rest of the land he divided among the other heirs on the death of his wife. The property comprised six hundred acres at his demise, which occurred April 12, 1874. He was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church until 1852, when he became a minister of the United Brethren denomination. His father, Arthur Patterson, was born in Coun- ty Down about 1770, and was a Scotch-Irish Presbyterian. He followed the weaver's trade in his native land until 1812, when he sailed from Belfast, and after a voyage of six weeks landed in New York. He at once proceeded to Pittsburg, residing there for two years, and then bought ninety acres of land near Cadiz, Harrison County. His death was the result of an accident, while he was cutting down trees, about 1818. His wife, a Miss Catherine Sloan, also a native of Ireland, died in 1844.
The mother of our subject was born in Harri- son County, Ohio, March 11, 1812, being a daugh- ter of Samuel D. and Sarah (Blevin) Davis, who were married in the Emerald Isle about 1800. Mr. Davis was born there about 1780, and came to the United States in 1809. From New York City he went to Athens, buying eighty acres in that vicinity and living thereon until his death,
which occurred when he was about fifty-five years of age. Mrs. Jane Patterson was reared to womanhood in the county of her birth, and after her marriage was a resident of this county until her death, June 1, 1891. To herself and lius- band were born fourteen children, all but one of whom lived to maturity and reared families. They were as follows: William Davis; Catherine, widow of Benjamin Rutledge, now a resident of Ada; Sarah Jane, widow of John Wood, also liv- ing in this city; Margaret, deceased, formerly Mrs. James Preston; Samuel, Jr., who died in 1885; Elizabeth, wife of John Comier, a farmer of Marion Township; Rebecca, deceased, formerly the wife of L. W. Ramsdill, of Auglaize Town- ship, Allen County; Mary, Mrs. Alexander Bow- dle, deceased; Esther, twin of Mary, but now de- ceased, and formerly the wife of Jolin F. Rice; Jemima, Mrs. Wallace Runser, whose husband is a farmer in Liberty Township; Joseph Ward, who died when two years of age; Nancy, wife of James Irwin, of Auglaize Township, Allen County; El- len, Mrs. Jasper Witham, of Marion Township; and Susannah, widow of James Black, and a resi- dent of Ada. The four eldest daughters were twice married, and the first husbands of each died while in the army.
William D. Patterson was born near Hagers- town, Harrison County; May 5, 1831, and was only five years of age when his parents came to this county. He was reared in Marion Township, attending the country schools until twenty-three years old. At that time he secured a teacher's certificate and taught for four winters, working on farms in the summers. Soon after attaining his majority he began earning his own livelihood, and after his marriage was given a tract of one hundred and sixty acres by his father. He at once began to clear and improve the place, which he still owns, and which is one of the most desir- able to be found in the county.
The first marriage of W. D. Patterson took place November 18, 1858, the lady of his choice being Maliala C., daughter of John and Effie (Hardesty ) Branstitter, who were of Holland and Irish descent, respectively. Mrs. Patterson was born in Allen County, near Harrod, December
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15, 1841, and died December 20, 1877. Of her four children, two, John M. and Samuel H., died in infancy; Flora M. died December 12, 1881; and the only one living is Mary Elizabeth, wife of James Houston, a farmer of Marion Township. January 2, 1889, our subject married Mrs. Lo- vina R., widow of his brother Samuel, Jr. By her first marriage she had five children: Rebecca J., wife of Rev. H. A. Straub, of Pennsylvania; Mel- vin J., of Glenwood Springs, Colo .; Elizabeth E., a music teacher; and Mary G. and James W., who are in the Ada schools. Mrs. Patterson is the daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca (Donald- son) Mathews, who were married April 30, 1831, in Richland County, Ohio. The father was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, December 4, 1808, and is a son of Isaac Mathews, a native of Pennsylvania and a soldier in the War of 1812, having belonged to an Ohio regiment. The lat- ter died in Hardin County in September, 1849, aged about sixty-five years. His father in turn was a native of County Down, Ireland. Jona- than Mathews was reared in Columbiana County, and came to this county in 1834, entering a quar- ter-section of land, and at the time of his death, . August 21, 1874, possessed two hundred and sey- enteen acres. His wife, Rebecca, born in Ohio County, W. Va., July 9, 1816, was reared in Richland County, Ohio. Her father was the only one in his family to escape from the Indians during a massacre which occurred at the time of the Revolutionary War. His father had started down the Susquehanna River with his family in a boat for the fort, but stopped to warn some neigh- bors. As he did not return for quite a while, his wife sent her son Andrew to see what was the matter. She and her other children were sur- prised by the Indians, and, after being carried a short distance, were killed. Mrs. Patterson is one of seven children, namely: Elizabeth, William R., Phoebe E., Joseph D., Melvin J. and Mary G. William, Joseph and Melvin were all members of Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, during the late war. Joseph was Sec- ond Lieutenant of the company, and in the battle of Maryland Heights, which took place after he had been on a forced march of three days, he be-
came ovelireated and nervously prostrated. The result of this was that the optic nerve was para- lyzed and he gradually lost his eyesight. Though he consulted the best oculist it was of no avail, and since 1885 he has been totally blind.
ILLIAM MCKINLEY, an old settler in Jackson Township, has made his home on section 19 since 1862, occupying a tract of land which he improved from the brush. The tract comprises eighty acres, and from its cultiva- tion the owner reaps a comfortable competence.
Mr. Mckinley was born in Champaign Coun- ty, this state, November 28, 1832, to William and Mary (Mckinley ) Mckinley. The father served as a soldier in the regular army and was stationed at Ft. Meigs, as was also his brother James, now deceased. While out with his com- rades scouting in that locality he met some of his wife's relatives, who were thien residing in Miami County. William and Mary Mckinley were married about 1818, and it is presumed that they were cousins. Upon starting in life for himself after his marriage, the father purchased one hun- dred acres of land in Champaign County, seven miles from the home of his wife's parents. As his means were very limited and he had not the ready money to pay for his land, he worked out by the day splitting rails in order to raise the necessary funds.
Grandfather Michael McKinley came to Amer- ica front Scotland prior to the Revolutionary War, and made his home in Russell County, Ky., be- coming one of the pioneers of the state. On the outbreak of the conflict which soon followed his arrival here, he served on the side of the Col- onists.
The parents of Mrs. Mckinley were well known in Champaign County, where her father died in 1844, aged fifty-six years. His widow after many years obtained a pension from the Government through the influence of Hon.
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RESIDENCE AND STOCK FARM OF WILLIAM MCKINLEY, SECTION 19, JACKSON TOWNSHIP, HARDIN COUNTY, OHIO.
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Israel Williams, of Hamilton. That gentleman, who was well known to the family, was reared on a farm opposite the home of the Mckinleys and was one of the playmates of our subject in his boyhood days. Mrs. Mckinley remained on the old homestead until within two years of her de- cease .. She passed away in 1887, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. George White, of Miami County, at the age of eighty-seven years. They had nine children, all of whom attained mnature years, and six of the family are now living. One sister married George M. Williams, father of Hon. Nelson Williams, of Hamilton.
William McKinley of this sketch remained on the old farm until twenty-five years old, having had full charge of the management of the estate for many years. Marclı 9, 1862, he came to Hardin County and purchased eighty acres of land, for which he paid $10 per acre. His tract was covered with brush and timber, and he, be- ing in poor health, found it uphill work to place it under cultivation. The climate, too, was un- healthy, and in addition to the many other draw- backs he was unable to work for some time on account of sickness. All the settlers in that lo- cality desired to move elsewhere, but our subject, uot being able to realize anything from his farm, remained, and has never regretted that lie did not move. He gave his attention wholly to mixed farming, and after placing the land under im- provement found it to be rich and fertile.
In politics our subject has always been a Re- publican and cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. He has been Town- ship Trustee altogether about fifteen years. A member of the County Agricultural Board, he is always actively interested in county fairs.
William McKinley and Miss Elizabeth Pence were married October 2, 1856. The lady was born August 24, 1838, in Champaign County, and is the daughter of Aaron and Rebecca ( Run- kle) Pence, the former a native of Ohio, and tlie latter of Virginia, whence she was brought to this state when an infant by her parents. To our sub- ject and his wife there have been born the follow- ing children: Franklin Marion, who married Wilhelmina Vuess and lives on the farm ad-
joining the old place; Aaron Pence, who married Elizabeth Flowers, and also makes his home in the vicinity of the old homestead; Mary Theresa, now Mrs. L. L. Oates, a resident of Pleasant Township, Hardin County; Maria Rebecca, now Mrs. E. W. Zimmerman, of Wyandot County; Sarah Elnora, who married C. T. Zimmerman, of Wyandot County; and Lonemma, Arlo and Will- iamı Perry, at home. Earl, the twin of Arlo, is deceased. Our subject and wife are members in good standing of the Baptist Church.
OHN C. PATTERSON, one of the esteemed citizens of Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, resides on section 29, where he has a well improved homestead, from which he reaps a good harvest and a snug income each year, in reward for the untiring effort he expends. He takes commendable interest in everything per- taining to the upbuilding and growth of the community in which he dwells, and enjoys thie respect and friendship of a host of old-time friends.
A son of William and Maria ( Brown) Patter- son, our subject, was born March 26, 1832, near Belle Center, Logan County, Ohio. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and his paternal grandfather, likewise a native of that state, moved to Oliio about 1818, settling in Greene County. A year later he moved to Logan County, and in the vicinity of Belle Center he bought a quarter-section, on which he built a cabin, living therein until 1833, when he sold out. Then, going to Allen County, he purchased a quarter- section near Lima, and on the expiration of seven years he moved to Illinois, buying one hundred and sixty acres of military land at $1.25 an acre, on which few improvements had been made. Here he passed his remaining days quietly. William Patterson helped to manage his father's farm until lie was married, when he went to a
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home he had bought in Rushi Creck Township, Logan County. The land was wild, and a log cabin constituted about the only improvement, and even this was put up by Mr. Patterson. He stayed there only four years, when he moved to Allen County, where he resided over six years, antd' at last he settled permanently . in Mason County, Ill., on one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land. He enlisted in 1861, and after serv- ing about a year was taken sick and sent home, where he died in the summer of 1862. By his first wife he had seven children, viz .: Nancy, wife of Isaac McCarty, a resident of Mason County, Ill .; Jolm C .; William, Levi and Francis, who died when young; and James and Mary, who died in infancy. The second marriage of Mr. Patterson was graced by three children: Joseph, Lucinda and Peter.
In the usual manner of farmer lads, the boy- hood days of J. C. Patterson were spent. When he was in his fourteenth year he went to Warrent County, Ind., and for some fifteen years he worked for farmers in this county. July 4, 1863, he was elected Captain of Company D, First Regiment Ohio Volunteers, having previously served as a private, from April 23, 1861, until August 6, 1861, in Company B, Tenth Indiana Infantry. September 3, 1864, he again enlisted as a private, in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-third Ohio Infantry, and was finally dis- charged, July 17, 1865, at Salisbury, N. C. He took part in several battles, and at Camp Denni- son was taken sick and sent to Waslington. During his services he marched all over North Carolina and suffered many of the privations that fall to the lot of the followers of Mars.
On1 resuming private life Mr. Patterson rented a tract comprising six acres, in Lynn Township, and cultivated the place five years. His next venture was to buy fifty-two acres, on which stood a log cabin, and tliere lie dwelt until 1885, when hie erected a commodious residence. As a citizen he always does his share toward public improve- ments, and has served as School Director and Trustee. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic, the Odd Fellows' and the Union Veter- ans' Union lodges at Kenton. In his political
belief lic is affiliated with the Republican party. December 24, 1863, Mr. Patterson was married, in Logan County, to Rebecca Howell, who was born October 1, 1840, being a daugliter of Henry and Mary (Tidd) Howell. To their union were born four children, two of whom died in infancy. Mabel, the eldest daughter, born October 1, 1864, is married and has four children: Waldo Clyde, Stacy Guy, Scott F. and Clifton Clark. Leroy was born March 22, 1876. Mr. Patterson and wife are members of the Disciples' Church and take great interest in all religious and charitable work.
ELLINGTON PERRY WINTER, M. D., is the popular and genial Postmaster of Caledonia, and was appointed to this posi- tion November 4, 1893. For years he has ell- joyed an extensive and lucrative practice in this vicinity, and is considered one of the leading members of the medical fraternity of Marion County. In the local Democracy he is a man of influence and authority, having been honored with the position of Chairman of the County Democratic Central Committee for the year ending in Sep- tember, 1893.
Dr. Winter's parents were Christopher. and Margaret (Legg) Winter, natives of Washington County, Pa., and Licking County, Ohio, respect- ively. The father was brought up on a farm and emigrated to the Buckeye State in 1838, purchas- ing a homestead in Licking County, where he resided until his death, at the extreme old age of ninety-one years. His parents were born in Germany, and his father was a pioneer settler in western Pennsylvania, settling on a "tomahawk" claim. Mrs. Margaret Winter died at the age of seventy-eiglit, in the faitli of the Baptist Churchi. Her parents were born in Ireland, and were among the first settlers of Licking County, Oliio.
The birth of our subject occurred September 6, 1855, in Licking County, Ohio, he being next
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to the youngest in a family of four children. Un- til he was eighteen years of age he lived-on his father's farin, a portion of his time being devoted to the acquisition of an education in the schools of the neighborhood. Subsequently he entered Dennison University, at Granville, Olio, but prior to this he had taught four terms of schools. He spent four years in the university, after which lic took up the study of medicine under the su- pervision of the late Dr. C. H. Stimson, of New- ark, Ohio. Two years later lie entered the med- ical college at Cincinnati, and was duly graduated, March 3, 1879.
On beginning his active professional carcer, Dr. Winter settled at Henning's Mill, Clermont County, this state, where he remained until 1882. For the next two years he practiced in Licking County, but since 1884 has been a resident of Caledonia, where he has become well known and universally liked. After he had been engaged in practice about four years he abandoned tlie Phsy- co-Medical system of his Alma Mater and adopted the Eclectic system, in which he is a firm be- liever. As a specialist in the treatment and cure of hemorrhoids, he has been very successful. He is the inventor of a "Medical Compound" that has cured many cases, and the practice of this treatment is spreading throughout Marion Coun- ty and this section of the state. He is also the inventor of a special instrument used in the treat- ment of this disease. His present success is a guaranty that his treatment is all that is claimed for it.
December 20, 1882, Dr. Winter married Miss Jessie A. Pooler, of Union County, Ohio, and to them have been born a daughter and son, Verna E. and Avery P.
EWIS MERRIMAN, who is without doubt the wealthiest resident of Hardin County, is President of the Kenton Savings Bank and holds the same honorable position in the Home Swings Building and Loan Association. He was
born in Bucyrus, Ohio, May 4, 1827, and is the son of Charles Merriman, a native of Pennsylva- nia. The latter was taken in early life to New York State by his father, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving a period of seven years in that conflict.
The father of Lewis Merriman was the young- est member of a large family. In1 1819 he came to Ohio, joining his brother Bishop, who was a merchant in Annapolis. After a short sojourn there, he went to Bucyrus, where for three years lte was in the employ of a Quaker, receiving $5 per month. While there he dug the first well and the first cellar in that place. During the summer seasons of the following three years he was ent- ployed in cutting hay, which he sold for $3 per ton in the fall of the year. In February, 1829, he went to Marseilles, Crawford County, and became proprietor of a hotel, which he conducted until 1835. In the mean time, in partnership with Ethan Terry, he opened a store, but soon pur- chased his partner's interest, and carried on thic business until 1850, becoming very wealthy. His death occurred in 1856.
Mrs. Susan (Cary) Merriman, mother of our subject, was a native of New Jersey. Her father, Lewis Cary, was one of the very earliest settlers of Crawford County, Ohio, where she met and married Mr. Merriman. Our subject was twen- ty-one months old when his parents removed to Marseilles, and in that place he was reared to manhood, meantime attending the common schools. In 1850 lie engaged in the mercantile business in Marseilles, in company with a Mr. Chesney, the latter investing $1,000, and Mr. Merriman $300. They prospered in their under- taking, and at the end of two years Mr. Merriman purchased his partner's interest in the business and continued alone until 1863, when he took into partnership a Mr. Kennedy.
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