USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 40
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 40
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Our subject remained on his father's farm for the first seventeen years of his life, and when he left home, in August, 1863, it was to enter the service of his country. He enlisted as a member of Company I, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and fought faithfully and well until the close of hos- tilities. He participated during that long period in many of the noted battles of the war, among them being that of Nashville. He was mustered out without ever having been wounded or taken prisoner.
On his return home from the war, young Smith remained with his parents for a tinte and then went West, spending two years. On again com- ing to Hardin County, he engaged in farming for one year, after which he established in the mier- cantile business at Larue, and for four years was the proprietor of a thriving business. At the end of that time he returned to this locality and invested his surplus capital in a farin in Dudley Township. This he occupied for a period of eight years, and then bought another tract, lying in the same township, on which he now resides. He also owns a tract of one hundred acres in the state of Washington.
As before stated, Mr. Smith built the elevator at Hepburn in 1891, and since its organization as a stock company has an interest in the same and is its general manager. This corporation owns
mills in four other places, in which Mr. Smith is also interested. In addition to this enterprise he is carrying on a good livery business at Hepburn, where he erected large stables in 1892.
January 1, 1871, Ephraim E. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Outland, of this county, and to them have been born two children, Warren H. and Jennie C. The son gives his at- tention to superintending the operation of his father's farm, on which the family resides, and which is one of the most valuable pieces of prop- erty in Hardin County. Politically our subject is a stanch supporter of Republican principles. Socially he belongs to Hopkins Lodge No. 619, K. of P., at Heburn, and Latham Lodge No. 154, F. & A. M., at Kenton, in which latter place he meets with the chapter. He is also connected with Cantwell Post, G. A. R., at Kenton. He is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, and in every way possible manifests his interest in the welfare and progress of his community.
A NDREW HIGHSLIP was for many years previous to his death a respected citizen of Cessna Township, Hardin County. He was one of the early settlers of this section, having re- moved hither from New York, the state of his nativity, about 1836. From that time until his demiise he was active in promoting the develop- ment and welfare of his home neighborhood. His birth occurred January 28, 1825, and his boy- hood was spent on the farm. When he was eleven years old he made the trip westward with the family, in a wagon drawn by one horse. For a short time they lived in Pleasant Township, but soon purchased eighty acres in this township, the tract being wild land. When the youth liad grown to man's estate he started forth to make his way in the world. At first he operated a farm comprising forty acres in Washington Township,
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and a few years later bought the homestead now owned by his widow. The original eighty acres were added to, until, at the time of liis death, the place contained two hundred and sixty acres, all in one body. ' The forests were cleared away and fertile fields took their place, under the industri- ous care and toil of the proprietor. The one-room log cabin was supplanted by a comfortable brick farm house, and many other important changes came about.
In 1848 Mr. Highslip married Sarah Ann Lee, by whom he had six children, viz .: George, Fran- cis, Rose, Andrew, John and Phoebe. October 13, 1864, the union of our subject and Elizabeth Wagner was celebrated. She was born in Switz- erland, January 5, 1842, and is a daughter of John and Barbara (Borne) Wagner. The fam- ily came to the United States in 1853, in a sail- ing-vessel, the voyage taking thirty-nine days. The Wagner family proceeded from New York to Fairfield County, Ohio, and subsequently re- moved to this region.
Eight children blessed the marriage of Mr. Highslip and his wife, Elizabeth: Ida; William H., Edward and Clara Melissa, deceased; and Charles, Emma, Mary and Earl. The faithful husband and kind father was called to his final rest August 21, 1883, and his remains were in- terred in Eccarius Cemetery.
Politically Mr. Highslip was a Democrat. He was in no sense an office-seeker, and preferred to devote his time entirely to agricultural affairs, though he did not neglect the duties devolving upon him as a citizen.
AZARD H. WILSON. a progressive farmer of Cessna Township, Hardin County, is one of her most respected citizens. Altogether he owns two hundred and fifty acres of desirable land in this county, the result of his years of well directed energy and good business ability.
He was Trustee of Washington Township for thirteen years, was also Justice of the Peace, and in 1875 was elected County Commissioner, act- ing as such for three years in connection with J. R. Dunlap and John McElrea.
Mr. Wilson was born in Logan County, Ohio, near Bellefontaine, January 13, 1828. He is a grandson of John Wilson, a native of Ireland, and a son of James Wilson, who was born in Lan- caster County, Pa., in April, 1792. The latter moved to Ross County, Ohio, about 1808, with his parents, the journey being made in wagons. He enlisted in the War of 1812, from Ross Coun- ty, and was obliged to surrender . with Hull's army at Detroit. He returned home and began learning the carpenter's and cooper's trades. About 1825 he moved to Logan County, buying one hundred acres of military land. It was covered with thick forest trees, which were partially cut down by the owner during his nine-years stay there. In the winter of 1834 he came to Hardin County and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Taylor Creek Township. This prop- erty, also granted for military service, was, like the other, a timber tract. Mr. Wilson erected a one-room log cabin and lived therein until 1840. His last years were spent in McDonald Town- ship, and at his death he was buried in Round- head Cemetery. On political questions he was a Democrat. He was married, in 1820, to Melinda Hopkins, a native of Kentucky, who died in June, 1838.
H. H. Wilson was brought up on a farm and lived with his father until reaching his majority. From him he learned the cooper's trade, and to that business while living in Marion Township he gave most of his time until 1855 .. Two years before that, however, he had bought one hundred and twenty acres in Washington Township, on section 31. To this place he later removed, and, putting up a small frame house, began to develop and clear the timber away. For this purpose ox-teamis were used, and steadily, year by year, the trees fell before the axe of the sturdy woods- man at the rate of about ten acres a year. Mr. Wilson still owns the farm, on which he con- tinued to live until 1889, although he has since
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made his home on section 6, Cessna Township, on a farin comprising ninety-one acres.
November 11, 1851, Mr. Wilson married Miss Mary J., daughter of Asa. Cooney. Owen P., their only son, a civil engineer and County Sur- veyor, lives in Kenton. Eliza, the daughter, is the wife of John G. Park, who holds a chair at Ada (Ohio) College.
Such education as fell to the lot of our subject in his boyhood was obtained in the primitive schools of the day, the first school lie attended being in Taylor Creek Township, a mile and a- half from his home. Socially he is a member of the Sons of Temperance. A pillar in the Meth- odist Church, he is always ready to aid in relig- ious and benevolent enterprises, and strives to make his life in harmony with the Golden Rule. Like his father before him, he uses his ballot in favor of the Democracy.
A DAM W. GERLACH. Pleasant Township, Hardin County, is a rich agricultural center, and the men who conduct its farming inter- ests are enterprising, self-reliant and shrewd. Among these Mr. Gerlachi occupies a position of influence, being the owner of a valuable farm on section 14. The land is principally under culti- vation, but eighteen acres are in timber and a sinall tract in grass. He raises hay, corn, oats and wheat, and also devotes some attention to the breeding of fine stock, having a large number of sheep, hogs and cattle of good grade.
Within a-half mile of his present place of resi- dence, Mr. Gerlach was born, August 22, 1848, being a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Arn) Gerlach. Upon the home farm he spent the years of boyhood and youth, and while gaining a good knowledge of farin work also conducted his studies in the neighboring district school. He remained at home until twenty-five years of age, but after attaining his majority his father paid him for his services in the cultivation of the es- tate. Saving his earnings, he was enabled, at
the age of twenty-four years, to purchase sixty acres of partly improved land on section 15, but this he sold one year later. His next purchase was one hundred acres, comprising a portion of his present homestead. To his original purchase he has since added forty acre's, and at different . times he has erected buildings for the storage of machinery and the shelter of stock. The farm residence has been remodeled and enlarged, and is now a cosey and comfortable abode. The out- buildings are also substantial, and adapted to their varied purposes. The barn first erected was burned, and afterward another was built, larger and more conveniently arranged than the former.
March 22, 1872, occurred the marriage of Mr. Gerlach to Miss Maggie Ramge, who was born in Pleasant Township, December 3, 1848. Her father, George Range, was born in Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany, and emigrated thence to Amer- ica, settling in Hardin County, Ohio, where he married Miss Elizabeth Pfeifer. Their children were four in number, namely: Anthony, who re. sides two miles southwest of Kenton, in Buck Township, Hardin County; Elizabeth, wife of William Schindewolf, who lives on the Round- head Pike, five miles southwest of Kenton; Mag- gie, wife of Mr. Gerlach; and George, who re- mains on the farm where he and the other chil- dren were born.
Upon the old homestead Mrs. Gerlach spent the days of girlhood, and until thirteen years old attended the Greenleaf district school. Later she was a pupil in the Lutheran parochial school in Kenton. At the age of fourteen she was con- firmed and taken into the church. She remained an inmate of her father's home until she left it for that of her husband, and has never resided in any township except Pleasant. By her marriage three children were born, namely: Clara, who died at tlie age of three months; and George and Luella (twins), the former of whom died at the age of three months. Miss Luella, who is with her parents, is an accomplished young lady, and especially gifted as a musician, having devoted especial attention to the study of that science. She is an accomplished pianist and also possesses utore than ordinary talent in vocal music.
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MRS. MARY A. PFEIFFER.
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JOHN G. PFEIFFER, SR.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Interested in everything that pertains to the welfare of his community, Mr. Gerlach is pro- gressive and energetic as a citizen. At the time of the Civil War he was too young to enter the service, but, eager to join the army, he ran away from home twice for that purpose. Both times, however, he was brought back by his parents, and his patriotic impulses were thus rudely "nip- ped in the bud." Politically he is a Democrat upon national issues, but in local matters gives his support to the man whom he deems best qualified for the office in question, irrespective of political attachments. For thirteen consecutive years he has been School Director, for two years served as Road Supervisor, filled the position of Township Trustee for three years, and was Land Appraiser for one year. In the various positions to which he has been called, he has rendered faithful and efficient service, and has promoted in every way possible the welfare of his fellow- citizens. In January, 1876, he and his wife united with the Christian Church of Kenton, and to this they still belong, Miss Luella also holding membership with that congregation. The family is highly respected socially, and numbers among its friends the best people of the locality.
OHN GEORGE PFEIFFER, SR., is one of the industrious farmers of Goshen Town- ship, and has won his way to prosperity through honest toil and unwearying energy. His present home is on section 23, where he has some forty acres. At one time he owned about four hundred acres of land, in tracts of varying dimen- sions, but he has aided each of his children to a good start in life by giving them one hundred acres and about $600 apiece, reserving just enough to meet his needs.
A son of Michael and Konitor ( Eft) Pfeiffer, our subject was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, August 19, 1818. An elder brother, John, came to the United States in 1829 to avoid military
service and to locate a home for the family, his expenses being paid by the father. Landing in Kenton, then already selected as the county seat of Hardin County, he put up a building, and fol- lowed the shoemaker's trade for seven years. He then returned to the Fatherland and assisted the family to break up their home. The wagons were ready to start with their household effects when the mother died. Her son John was not able to attend the funeral, but had to hide in the stable to avoid being seized by the King's officers. The father and his eight children drove from Hesse-Cassel to Bremen, a distance of six hun- dred miles. About five hundred emigrants de- sirous of trying their fortunes in the United States were placed on two sailing-vessels, and the little party in whom we are interested was sixty-nine days on the ocean. They had brought their wagon with them, and drove from Baltimore to Ohio. At the same time the Lefferts, Blooms, and many other German families of this locality, came with them. Michael Pfeiffer bought one hundred and sixty acres (the place now owned by our subject), paying therefor $1.50 per acre. For many years he lived with his children, and passed his declining years in Kenton. He died June 5, 1869, having reached the good old age of eighty-six years, but never gave up his allegiance to his native country. His wife died in Germany, in May, 1837. Of their six sons and two daugh- ters, Adamı inherited half of the old farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated un- til his death; John owned a inill and still-house in Kenton, and three of his sons, John, Louis and Henry, are now well known business men of that place; Peter, a shoemaker by trade, located at Washington, D. C .; J. G. is the next in order of birth; Michael served in the United States army for three years, and was drowned, en route to California, at Ft. Leavenworth, when about thirty years of age; Henry died when in his seventeeth year; Elizabeth, of Pleasant Township, is the widow of Adam Lutz; and Barbara is the wife of Christ Althauser.
John George Pfeiffer was twenty years of age on coming to Hardin County, and after helping the family to get started in their new life here
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he went to Urbana, Champaign County, where he obtained a position with Joseph. Reynolds, a farmer, to whom he gave faithful service for seven years and seven months. He had learned the tanner's trade, had worked on the canal and highways, and had also been employed to some extent in the tannery, but did not like any of these callings. Farming was much more to his taste, and he determined to make it his life work. He paid his father for sixty of his eighty acres of land. The whole had been divided into four. shares, worth about $300, and he bought the whole tract.
September 22, 1843, our subject married Anna Mary, daugliter of Samuel and Barbara (Lit- weiler) Strasser, who had located in Stark Coun- ty, Ohio, in 1832, on their emigration from the canton of Berne, Switzerland. Mrs. Pfeiffer was born in that country, June 25, 1822, and, with her parents, was among the early settlers of Goshen Township, then a wilderness. Her fa- ther died at Kenton, at the age of seventy-two years. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer: Margaret A., Mrs. John U. Heilman; Caroline, who became the wife of Will- iam Wolf, and died March 22, 1883; Michael, whose death occurred August 12, 1851, in his seventh year; Samuel and Henry, farmers of this township; Adam, who owns a valuable place two and a-half miles north of his father's home; and George W., who operates the old farm. For sixteen years Einma Miller was a member of the household, and is now the wife of William Stras- ser, a nephew of Mrs. Pfeiffer. They now reside in Keokuk County, Iowa. Besides rearing her own children, Mrs. Pfeiffer has done hier share toward assisting others, as several orphans have been sheltered for a few years at a time under her hospitable roof. At present Mary Wolf, a little girl aged nine years, is living with them, and has been a member of the household for about a year. She was formerly a resident of New York City.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Pfeiffer began to improve his farm, and his old house is yet stand- ing in the heavy timber. For some years he sold logs and lumber and realized a good deal from
that source. From time to time he extended his landed possessions, and though at first he en- dured many privations, he ultimately was blessed with success. His farin is now in fine condition, though in former times it was somewhat swampy, as it is very flat, but this disadvantage has been overcome by tiling.
The first Presidential vote of our subject was cast for President Polk, and he has always af- filiated with the Democracy. In local matters, however, he chooses to vote for the best man, re- gardless of party lines. In early years he was noted as a breeder of fine horses, and has always kept a good grade of stock. Neither he nor his father ever had a lawsuit, as they always managed to settle their business affairs amicably. Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer are members of the Evangelical Church, and are highly honored and esteemed by all who know them.
OHN K. MILLIGAN is proprietor of the leading hardware store in Larue, Marion County, and is numbered among the progress- ive young business men of the place. He car- ries a full line of stoves, farm implements and general hardware, and does a good business in his line. Since his arrival in this place, .some . six years ago, he has been active in the advance- ment of the local interests, and is a thoroughly reliable and honorable citizen.
The father of the above gentleman, John Milli- gan, was born in Adams County, Ohio, and was a life-long farmer. He was of Scotch-Irish ex- traction, and possessed the sturdy and industrious qualities which are common to that stock. His death occurred at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Mitchell, was of Scotch descent, and she also was born in the Buckeye State. She was called to her final rest at the age of fifty-four years, leaving four children to mourn lier loss.
A native of Logan County, Ohio, born Decem-
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ber 28, 1863, John K. Milligan was the youngest · in his parents' family, and at the time of his fa- ther's death was only ten years of age. He re- inained at home with his mother and obtained a good common-school education. Soon after reach- ing his majority he commenced learning the car- penter's trade and was employed at that business for three years. During one winter of this time he lived in Alabama, but did not choose to make the South his permanent home. In 1889 he came to Larue, where he has, since been engaged in business.
May 15, 1889, occurred the marriage of John K. Milligan and Aun M. Paterson, of Bellefon- taine, Ohio. . Two children have come to bless their union, Gladys K. and Lawrence P. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church, and contribute liberally of their means to its va- rious departments of activity. On questions re- lating to political matters Mr. Milligan is Inde- pendent.
ILLIAM WADDEL has lived for forty-five years on his homestead, which is situated 011 section 1, Waldo Township, Marion County. His first purchase here was of sixty- five acres of military land. Only a few acres had been cleared, and a log cabin was the only build- ing on the farm. His distinctly remembers Ma- rion when there was only one store in the village, and in the early days of his residence here there was no regular road leading to the place, a bridle- path through the woods serving the purpose. When he was a boy he frequently rode four or five miles to mill with a bushel of corn, spending the entire day in getting it ground, and Sandusky was the nearest market for wheat. In those days it took from seven to ten days to make the round trip. For twelve years Mr. Waddel has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and politically he is a stanch Democrat.
John Waddel, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia, where the city of Wheeling, W. Va., now stands, and when that place contained only a few log cabins. The date of his birth was June 22, 1797. The lady whom he married 011 reaching maturity, Margaret Giffen, was a na- tive of the same place, born December 24, 1799. They became the parents of ten children: Nancy, who married Urias F. Llewellyn, and died in 1892; William; Daniel, whose home is in Marion; John, who died in 1889; Samuel, who lives near Marion; Benjamin; Isaac, whose death occurred in 1859; Elizabeth, widow of J. J. Rupp; Jane, who died in 1866; and Mary, Mrs. Daniel Giffen, of Nebraska.
By trade John Waddel was a miller, though he was reared to farm labor. He was married June 22, 1818, and in 1821 came to Ohio with his fam- ily in a wagon. Coming to this county, he set- tled on one hundred and sixty acres of Govern- ment land on section 19, Richland Township. He was obliged to cut a road through the woods for three miles to get to his claim, and his first home here was a log cabin, 18x20 feet, and which for some time had no door. Indians were nun1- erous in this vicinity, but they were friendly and occasioned no uneasiness on the part of the early settlers. Mr. Waddel continued to improve his farm until shortly before his death, which occur- . red January 4, 1841, when he was buried in Obern Cemetery. He was one of the organizers of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion, and also helped to lay out roads and found schoolhouses, besides serving as Township Treasurer. His wife died in November, 1851, and was buried by his side.
Our subject was born in Ohio County, W. Va., near the city of Wheeling, on Christmas Day of 1820, and was only three months old when his parents removed to this county. His boyhood was passed on the old farm in Richland Town- ship, and after his father's death he took charge of the homestead, where he lived until 1850. At that time he removed to a tract of sixty-five acres, a portion of liis present farm. Since that time he has made many substantial improvements on the place, which have greatly increased its value.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
His education was obtained in the old-time sub- seription schools, and he has often walked three miles to and from the place of learning.
November 7, 1844, William Waddel and Eliza- beth, daughter of John and Catherine Emery, were united in marriage. They have had four children: Margaret, who died Mareh 29, 1890, and who was the wife of Charles Hawley; Cathi- erine, who is still living with her father; John E., engaged in the insurance business at Marion; and Ella E., Mrs. Frank B. Erwin, of Chicago. Mrs. Waddel departed this life June 19, 1884. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Church, and was a woman of amiable and lovable qualities.
On questions of political moment Mr. Waddel is always to be found favoring the Democracy. For forty-four years he has held membership with the Methodist Church, and has been one of the Trustees of the organization for a great many years.
MOS TAYLOR, one of the best, most in- telligent and scientific farmers of Marion County, is the gentleman whose sketch is now under consideration. His home farm, which is located on section 16, Salt Rock Township, comprises four hundred and seventy acres. On this, besides raising the usual amount of grain, he breeds fine stoek, including Durham eattle, Poland-China hogs and French sheep.
A native of this eounty, our subject was born in the township where he is at present residing, December 16, 1836. He was the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children born to Will- iam and Elizabeth (Davis) Taylor. Ann, the eldest of the household, is a resident of this county; John died when twenty-one years of age; Davis makes his home in Marion County; Amos was the next-born; Eliza died at the age of six- teen years; and Harriet is single, and makes her home in Marion.
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