USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 43
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 43
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FRANCIS B. SLAGLE.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Since the death of our subject, his son, D. W., has had charge of the old homestead, the ini- provements of which he has maintained at their former high standard. He is a young man of ability, and has spent his entire life upon the place where he now makes his home. Politically a Republican, he takes a commendable interest in public matters and co-operates in all progressive enterprises. His marriage took place in Coving- ton, Ky., December 1, 1893, his wife being Sa- rah Maude Reams, who was born Marchi 22, 1876. She is one of six children (all but one of whom are still living ) who comprised the family of Joseph and Elizabeth Reams, natives of Har- din County. Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher are enter- prising young people, and are popular in the so- cial circles of Taylor Creek Township.
RANCIS B. SLAGLE. Of this pioneer of Hardin County, it may be said that he has literally hewed his fortune out of the timber with an axe. Always a man of great energy and perseverance, he has gained success through his unaided efforts. On reaching his majority he rented a farm, which he continued to lease for eleven years. At the expiration of that time he bought two hundred acres of timber-land in Pleasant Township, of which thirty acres were cleared, and the only other improvement was a log cabin. . After the war he purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres, on which one of his sons is now living. To another son he gave an eighty- acre tract on the pike. To two daughters he gave forty acres each, and to another he gave $2,000, in addition to which he gave each $100 on be- ginning housekeeping. Besides this he gave to one of his daughters a tract of fifty-six acres near Patterson, Ohio. In the spring of 1895 he gave each of his seven children $500. It will thus be seen that he has accumulated enough not only to provide the comforts of life for his declining years,
but also to give his sons and daughters a good start in life. His homestead is a pleasant place, and is situated on section 14, Pleasant Township.
The parents of our subject, Joseph and Marga- ret ( Monnette) Slagle, were married in Virginia. His father was born in Maryland, but for many years lived in the Old Dominion, where he kept a tavern for fifteen years or more. In 1823 he settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, and some twelve years later moved to Ross County, where his death occurred about 1856. Francis B. Sla- gle was born in Hampshire County, Va., Febril- ary 25, 1821. He was reared principally in Pick- away and Ross Counties, Ohio, and received very limited advantages in the way of an education. There were no free schools in the days of his youth, and the only opportunity he had of at- tending school was while living in Eagle Town- ship, Ross County.
While there, March 9, 1848, Mr. Slagle mar- ried Nancy Comer, who was born in Ross Coun- ty, November 30, 1818. Her parents were Jesse and Annie (Raines) Comer, natives of North Carolina. To Mr. and Mrs. Slagle were born eight children, as follows: Robert, who lives on the pike near Grant; Isaac, who is farming on section 13, this township; Emsa Jane, wife of John Evans, of Buck Township; Margaret Ann, wife of Rev. Fred Miller, now living near Toledo; Elizabeth, who married Joseph Heffelfinger, and lives on the Miller Pike, seven and one-half miles east of Kenton; Mary, who married Lee Hohnes, and resides five miles south of Kenton; William, who lives near his father's homestead; and Ida, who died at the age of three years.
Mr. Slagle has always been very active, having been blessed with a splendid constitution, and has cleared altogether two hundred and fifty acres. At the age of seventy years it was no ef- fort for him to jump from the ground upon the back of a horse, and when his neighbors call to see him in the daytime he is frequently to be found industriously working away in the timber, though he is now in his seventy-fifth year. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and for some sixteen years was School Director and also Road Supervisor. During the existence of the Good
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Templars' Society here he was a member of the organization. Religiously lie and his wife are members of the Methodist Church of Pleasant Grove, and by all who know them they are held in the Irighest honor and respect.
ILLIAM J. McCLAREN, Roadmaster of the Toledo & Oliio Central Railroad, with headquarters at Kenton, was born near Mt. Gilead, Morrow County, Ohio, Noveni- ber 25, 1859. He is the son of Robert and Martha McClaren, the former a native of Edin- burgh, Scotland, and a fariner by occupation, though for some time he held the position of foreman on the Big Four and the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroads. At the present time he makes his home in Hardin County, where he owns a large and well improved farm.
The boyhood years of the subject of this sketch were passed in Morrow County, and after com- pleting the studies of the common schools he en- tered a Presbyterian college in his native county, where he remained for a short time. At the age of fifteen his railroad career commenced. Enter- ing the employ of the Big Four Railroad, he re- mained with that company until 1880, at which time he was made foreman on the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad, his headquarters being at Edison, Ohio. His superior ability being recog- nized by the officials of the road, lie was pro- moted to the responsible position of Roadmaster of the entire division of the road, and in this capacity he has rendered efficient and successful service for the past six years. His former head- quarters were at Bowling Green, but in 1893 he removed to Kenton, where he has since made his home. Though his residence here covers a com- paratively short period only, he lias already be- come well and favorably known to the people of the locality, and is recognized as a progressive and energetic man.
In addition to his city property, Mr. McClaren
is the owner of a fine farm situated five iniles from Kenton, the cultivation of which he person- ally superintends. His possessions are the result of his own unaided efforts, and prove his skillful management and business ability. During his long railroad service he has accumulated a valuable property and is now well-to-do. His first marriage, which was solemnized in 1884, resulted in the birth of two children, Mattie and Imo. After the death of his first wife, he was united .with Miss Lucy Barrown, of Kenton.
To all' measures calculated to promote tlie well- fare of the people Mr. McClaren gives liis allegi- ance, and while advancing his personal interests has also promoted the prosperity of his city and county. Socially he has fraternal relations with the Knights of Pythias. When starting out for himself, at the age of fifteen, he had nothing but industry and energy to recommend him, but with these qualifications he has placed himself upon a solid financial footing and gained the confidence of his fellow-citizens.
ILLIAM L. RAUB, President of the Larue Bank, and one of the most successful agri- culturists of Bowling Green Township, Marion County, was born in Mercer County, Pa., October 27, 1833. He is the fourth among six children constituting the family of Henry and Hannah (Aultman) Raub. Elizabeth, his eldest sister, died when twenty-three years of age; Eli is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Wood County, Ohio; Henry, a miller by trade, resided at Bucyrus, Olio; Samuel died in California, Jan- uary 23, 1895, when fifty-eight years old; An- drew J., who was a soldier in the late war, was twice wounded, and lost his mind as the result of his injuries.
The father of our subject was born and reared in Pennsylvania, but removed from there to Ohio about 1840, and, settling in Knox County, pur- chased a tract of land, upon which he engaged in
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farm work. There his death occurred wlien he was sixty-eight years old. Politically he was a Democrat, and took a. warm interest in local af- fairs. For a time he. served as Captain of the militia. From his youthi he was a devoted and faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, to which he contributed generously, as lie also did to those in need. He was a man of rugged strength of character, and his memory is cher- ished as that of a good man.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the War of 1812. His entire active life was devoted to farm work in Pennsylvania, where he and his wife were born. The family origin- ated in Germany, but has long been represented in the United States. Our subject's mother was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Marion, when sixty-eight years old; her father was an emigrant from Germany, and her mother a native of Penn- sylvania.
Remaining on the home farm until he was eight- een years old, our subject was then given his time by his father, after which he worked on a farm in Knox County by the month. In 1861 he came to Marion County, where he was employed as a farm laborer for two years. Saving his earnings, he started out for himself and rented the old Major La Rue Farm in Montgomery Township, where he rentained for three years. His first purchase consisted of sixty-nine acres where he now lives, and by his wife he received forty-four acres in 1866. Working energetically and with persever- ance, he has gained a solid footing among the prosperous agriculturists of the county.
January 19, 1865, Mr. Raub married Miss Jane Baldwin, of Bowling Green Township, and they have made their home on this place ever since their union. Eleven children have been born to them, namely: James H., an enterprising young fariner of Bowling Green Township; Emma, wife of Isaac S. Guthery, of this township: Ella and Lillian, wlto are popular young ladies and suc- cessful teachers of Marion County; Susie. a stu- dent in Valparaiso (Ind.) College; Silas A., who is also attending Valparaiso College: George W., who is conducting his studies in the district schools; Dessie and Maud, the youngest of the
family, to whom will be given the best educa- tional advantages in future years. Romma died in infancy, as did also one who was unnamed.
Politically a Democrat, Mr. Ranb is one of the leading men of his party in the county, and at different times has been chosen to serve in posi- tions of trust and honor. He served for some time as Trustee of the School Board. He also served as Township Treasurer for a period of fif- teen years, and for two terms was County Com- missioner. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a generous contributor to its good works. His success proves that he possesses more than ordinary ability, for lie came to this county without means and commenced as a farm hand, but he has steadily worked his way onward until he is now the owner of six hundred and seventy-five acres of good land in Bowling Green Township. In addition to this he holds stock in the Larue Bank, a private institution, of which he is President. Both as banker and as an agriculturist he has been successful, and his course in life has been such as to commend him to the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
OHN A. UNCAPHER, who owns a valuable farm of one liundred acres on section 34, Big Island Township. Marion County, is a man who possesses the entire confidence and re- spect of all his neighbors and acquaintances, and thus merits special mention in this volume. For three years he was a Trustee. and during the past ten years has been School Director.
Joseph Uncapher, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania July 12, 1809, and emigrat- ed to Ohio in 1832, making his home on a farm in Marion Township from that time until his death, April 12, 1894. He was the architect of his own fortunes, as he began with nothing, but finally be- came the owner of three hundred and sixteen acres of improved land. Always ready to do his share towards the upbuilding of the community,
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he frequently served as School Director and Su- pervisor. In politics he was a Democrat. Always glad to assist the needy and deserving, his life was in accord with his Christian profession, and he was a worker in the Presbyterian Church. In 1837 he married Rebecca Stoneberger, who bore him the following children: Daniel, a resident of Marion; Isaac, who died in infancy; Silas; Da- rius; Thomas J. ; John A .; Hiram L .; and one who died in infancy. . The mother departed this life April 24, 1892, and was buried in Marion Cem- etery.
John A. Uncapher was born August 8, 1850, in Marion Township, and lived with his parents until reaching his majority. The day after that event he purchased one hundred acres of land and embarked in farming on his own account. The money with which he paid for this tract had been earned by him and carefully saved. At that time the farm bore little resemblance to the finely improved one that it is to-day, and the sole credit for the change is due to Mr. Uncaplier's industry. In addition to this he owns a piece of his father's old farm, adjacent to the limits of Marion,
February 27, 1877, J. A. Uncapher married Phoebe J. Cummins, who was born July 23, 1859. Her twin brother, William, is now deceased. Of her other brothers and sisters we note the follow- ing: Jacob B., born December 20, 1844, is a resi- dent of Green Camp Township; William B., de- ceased, was born August 20, 1846; Mary J., who was born February 28, 1848, is now deceased; John C., born February 20, 1850, is living in Green Camp Township; Jonathan C., deceased, was born January 4, 1855; Eunice Wenona, born February 27, 1856, is the wife of T. L. Sifritt, a farin- er of Green Camp; and Susan E., Mrs. W. H. Somerlot, was born July 15, 1857. The par- ents of this family were William and Mary (Ber- ry ) Cummins, natives of Virginia, The former was an early settler in this region, and for years was engaged in merchandising in Green Camp. He was born January 14, 1820, and his wife was born July 21, 1824.
Three children brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Uncapher, viz .: William H., born February
12, 1878; Jessie B., born November 13, 1879; and Floyd T., March 12, 1891. The family attends the Free-Will Baptist Church and takes part in all worthy charities. In politics our subject is a Democrat.
I DAM HIBNER, the owner of the homestead on which he yet makes his abode, is one of the sturdy old pioneers of Washington Town- ship, Hardin County. He is a worthy represent- ative of the best class of the German-American citizens, than whom there cannot be found better patriots in this, their adopted country.
The birth of Mr. Hibner occurred November 30, 1813, on a farm in Germany, and there his boyhood passed quietly. When he was about eighteen years old he commenced learning the weaver's trade, and to this branch of business he gave his energies for many years. In 1847 he embarked on a sailing-vessel bound for America, and reached these hospitable shores thirty days later. Proceeding to Columbus, Ohio, he was given work on a farm near by, and thus spent the next three years. He bought the farm where he now resides, on section 34, in 1852, and re- moved hither five years subsequently. The en- tire tract of eighty acres was then covered with thick forests, and the new proprietor set to work with a strong determination to succeed in making a good farm in spite of all difficulties. Besides his other work, he managed to clear from five to ten acres a year, ox-teams being used to haul away the logs. A log cabin withi clapboard roof and puncheon floor was the home of the family for seventeen years, but in time a more commo- dious structure was built.
June 15, 1856, Mr. Hibner married Emma Staadt, who was born in Germany, January 5, 1835, and came to America in 1854. This union was graced with three children: Jeannette, Mary
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E. and Adam. The parents are members of tlie Lutheran denomination, and are interested in all religious and charitable enterprises.
As he started out in life without a dollar, Mr. Hibner is truly a self-made man, for he lias mainly hintself to thank for the measure of prosperity that he now enjoys. In his political belief lie is a Democrat.
A NDREW M. WILLIAMS was one of the early pioneers of Marion County, and for thirty years conducted a grocery and general store in the village of Claridon. He possessed unusual business ability, was strictly honorable and just in all his dealings, and won the entire respect of his fellow-citizens. He was an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and took great interest in whatever pertained to the public welfare. Beginning his career a poor boy, without capital or assistance of any kind, he achieved prosperity and success through his own individual efforts.
Our subject was of Irish descent, and was born in the Keystone State, March 8, 1822, his par- ents being Andrew and Mary (Allison) Williams. He was born and reared on a farm and early learned the duties pertaining thereto. While he was still a small boy he came to this county and grew to manhood in Claridon Township.
The first active business of Mr. Williams on his own account was in a saw and grist mill of this township, in which he was employed for some time. About 1856 he had acquired sufficient cap- ital to embark in business for himself in a small way, and, purchasing a stock of goods, opened a store, which he thenceforth carried on. Socially he was identified with the Masonic order, with which he held membership for many years. He also belonged to the Metliodist denomination, and contributed liberally of his means to churchi work. After a life of usefulness and activity he was
called to his final rest, February 22, 1886, and was buried in Claridon Cemetery.
Marchi 8, 1844, Mr. Williams married Miss Susan Owens, who was born October 15, 1827, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and who is a dangli- ter of William and Cerena ( Vanwy ) Owens. Mr. and Mrs. Williams became the parents of tlie fol- lowing children: Sarah J., Mrs. Frank Molsier; Henry, deceased: Annie L., wife of William War- wick; William, who is a resident of Caledonia; George, whose home is in this township; Mary, deceased; Perry, who married Eva Underwood, and resides on the old homestead; Martha, de- ceased; Flora, Mrs. Irey; and Susan, who married James Ullom, proprietor of the tile factory of Claridon. The family are intelligent and re- spected members of the several communities in which they dwell, and are upright, industrious citizens.
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M ETELLUS THOMSON was born and reared in the town of Kenton, where lie has led a busy and useful life. Leaving school at an early age, he commenced to work in a dry-goods store, and in this line of business he has continued ever since. He is now at the head of the Metellus Thomson Dry-Goods Company, of Kenton and Lima, Ohio, a firm which employs sixty-eight persons and carries on an extensive trade. The business of the firm, in its entirety, compares favorably with that of any mercantile establishment in the larger cities of the state, leaving Cleveland and Cincinnati out of the con- parison.
Metellus Thomson is a son of the late David Thomson, a veteran of the Civil War, where he served with distinction. He took part in sixteen hard-fought battles, in the larger number of which he commanded the Eighty-second Regiment. In the mentorable engagement at Gettysburg lie commanded a brigade, and for his gallant services in that battle he was breveted Brigadier-General by act of Congress, and was presented with a
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magnificent sword by tlie privates and non-com- missioned officers of his regiment. When a boy twelve years of age, Metellus Thomson was sent for by his father, who was in the army at the time, and spent five months with the Eighty- second Regiment, riding through the valleys and over the mountains of western Virginia, and passing part of the time in that beautiful scope of country between Washington and Manassas, then the scene of bloody war. The sights witnessed in those five months form a very interesting chap- ter in his life.
Metellus Thomson married a daughter of Gen. M. B. Walker, and their union was blessed by the birth of four children, three sons and a daugh- ter. The eldest, Theodore, a boy of eight years, is a regular attendant at the Kenton union schools and the Methodist Sunday-school, and is a mem- ber of the Epworth Guards.
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ILLIAM H. GOSSARD has passed the greater part of his life on his present home- stead in McDonald Township, Hardin County. He is a practical and thrifty agricult- urist and deserves the respect which is freely ac- corded him as a good business man and as a citi- zen. The cause of education finds in him a true friend, and for eighteen years he has served as School Director, using his influence on behalf of good facilities for the rising generation. He is a veteran of the War of the Rebellion, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Our subject's parents were Adam and Jane (McGowen) Gossard, the former of whom was of German descent, and a native of Ross County, Ohio, while the latter was of Irish descent. To this wortliy conple four children were born : William H .; Francis, who was a soldier in Com- pany A, One Hundred and Eighty-third Ohio
Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864; Nicholas, deceased; and Jane, wife of T. W. Johnson.
Adam Gossard made his life occupation that of farming. For years he owned and operated a homestead in Ross County, and later one in Fayette County, Ohio. In the fall of 1846 he removed to this county, settling in McDonald Township, where he bought one hundred acres of land, only fifteen acres having been cleared. The log cabin of one room which he then occupied is yet standing. His death occurred in Logan County, October 17, 1888, and his remains were laid in Roundhead Cemetery. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and fraternally was a Mason.
The birth of William H. Gossard took place in Fayette County, December 21, 1836, and when he was in his tenth year he came to this section with his father. Growing to man's estate on the farm which he now owns, he received a fair edu- cation, and was trained in industry and faithful- ness to duty. At the age of twenty-six years he moved upon another farm in this township and cultivated the place eight years, when he returned to the old farm, which he has managed ever since. He makes a specialty of raising fine sheep, cattle and horses.
September 22, 1864, Mr. Gossard enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-third Ohio Infantry, being mustered in at Sandusky. His first engagement was at Franklin, the next at Nashville, and then followed one near Raleigh, and many lesser battles. He was granted an honorable discharge June 6, 1865, and returned to peaceful avocations. .
September 24, 1863, Mr. Gossard married Mary C. Cocklin, who was born in Cumberland County, Pa., October 17, 1844. She is of German ances- try, and came to this state with her parents in 1845. Four children were born to our subject and wife: Jemtie, now residing at home with her parents; Adam, who died at the age of five years; Olive L., who is still residing at home; and Howard, also at home, working on the farm and attending school. The family are members of the Presbyterian Churchi, and are interested in all
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charities worthy of their support. Mr. Gossard uses his franchise in behalf of the Republican party, and the only public office that he has ever been induced to accept, aside from that of School Director, was that of Trustee, which he held four years.
Å RCHIBALD HOPKINS. . A residence of over seventy years in Marion County makes of Mr. Hopkins one of its oldest citizens. He makes his home on section 5, Big Island Township, in the vicinity of which he was born October 26, 1824. His estate, although not as large as some, is cultivated in such a manner that the owner derives an income equal to that of farmers who have much larger tracts of land.
Robert and Nancy (Vezy) Hopkins, the par- ents of our subject, were natives of Delaware, the foriner being born in 1794, and the latter Octo- ber 5, 1796. The father was only three years old when he was brought hither by his parents, and, growing to mature years here, became prominent in the political life of his community. He was a very popular and pleasant gentleman, and at one time represented his county in the Senate, being elected on the Democratic ticket He also served one term in the Lower House. The grandfather of our subject, John Hopkins, was well-to-do financially, and was thus enabled to give his son advantages which he could never have had other- wise. The family of which the latter was a mem- ber included six children, his brothers and sisters being William, Elizabeth, Ruth, Lydia and Arch- ibald.
To Robert and Nancy Hopkins were given nine children, of whom Samuel, the eldest, was born November 8, 1814; Elizabeth was born February 26, 1817, and married Joshua Cope; William was born August 23, 1819; John F., October 4, 1821; Archibald, as we have already stated, was born in 1824; David, September 13, 1827; Robert, February 8, 1830; Elsie, who was born August 26, 1832, married Jolin McElvy;
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