USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 44
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 44
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and Nancy A., born January 29, 1838, is now the wife of Dr. Copeland, a prominent physician of Montgomery Township, this county. The par- ents of this family were married January 8, 1814, and were separated by the death of the husband, October 15, 1864. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and possessed the unlimited con- fidence of all who knew him. His wife survived until December 27, 1881, when she, too, passed away. The father was a good financier, and left at his decease a valuable estate, which was di- vided among his children. He was one of the active members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and few men were more popular than he.
Up to the age of sixteen years our subject was a very active and studious lad, but about this time his eyesight began to fail rapidly, and he soon lost it altogether. By consulting eminent oculists, however, and receiving the best treat- ment possible, this sense was partially restored, although his eyes have been very weak and would never stand any strain upon them.
April 14, 1853, Mr. Hopkins was married to Cordelia E. Higgins, and for a time the young couple made their home with his parents. He was deprived of the companionship of his wife after eleven months, and for seven years lived with his father and mother. He was then mar- ried to Alvira Brockett, who survived their union only three years. Fourteen years later, April 21, 1879, he chose for his third companion Mary P. Langdon, the daughter of William and Lu- cinda (Potter) Langdon. Her father was born across the seas in Scotland, whence he came to America, and was afterward married in New York, the native state of Miss Potter., Mr. Lang- don died when his daughter Mary was young, but her mother survived him many years, reach- ing the age of threescore and ten years before her death.
On the death of his father, Mr. Hopkins came into possession of his portion of the home place, on which he now resides. He has had a great deal of trouble all his life with his eyes, and to this affliction has been added that of palsy during his later years. He possesses a wonderful men- ory, and can relate many an interesting tale of
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pioneer days. He is connected by membership with the Free-Will Baptist Church, in which he has been Deacon and Clerk. He is a strong Pro- hibitionist in politics, and gives the weight of his influence in extending its borders in this county.
ACOB KANZIG. Within the past half-cen- tury large numbers have emigrated to this country from Europe, seeking in our own land the prosperity for which they had vainly striven in the Old World. Those who have brought with them qualities of energy, determin- ation, perseverance and honesty have never had occasion to regret their change of residence, for they have found here both home and friends. Among this class we mention Jacob Kanzig, well known in Hardin County as the owner of a good farm on section 33, Goshen Township. His es- tate includes one hundred and sixty acres, a por- tion of which is devoted to the raising of cereals, while the remainder is utilized as pasture-land for his stock. He has made a specialty of the latter branch of agriculture, and has upon his place a large number of Shropshire sheep, Shorthorn cat- tle and Poland-China hogs, upon which he has taken many premiums at fairs.
The canton of Berne, Switzerland, his birth- place, and April 18, 1829, his natal day, the sub- ject of this sketch is the eldest of the five children .of Jacob and Barbara (Solbarger) Kanzig. He is the only survivor of the family, except An- drew, a carpenter at Lima, Ohio. His father, whose trade was also that of a carpenter, brought his family to America in 1852, and with them sct- tled in Licking County, Ohio. His deathi oc- curred at the age of seventy-three years. For twelve years he was almost totally blind. His wife passed away when fifty-nine, and their bodies lie side by side in a cemetery in Wyandot County.
The youthful years of our subject were passed
beneatlı the parental roof in Switzerland, and, de- veloping traits of self-reliance, at an early age he learned the trades of carpenter and cooper, and also became interested in the dairy business. While still a single man he came to America, and July 28, 1851, landed in New York, the voyage across on the French ship "St. John" having consumed six weeks. After his arrival in this country he came to Ohio and secured work in a foundry at New Philadelphia, but soon afterward went to Columbus and commenced to work at the trade of a carpenter.
In February, 1855, Mr. Kanzig came to Hardin County and settled in Jackson Township, where for eight years he leased land and followed the occupations of farmer and carpenter. Removing to Wyandot County in 1863, he cultivated a rent- ed farm there, but in 1865 returned to Hardin County and leased farming land in Goshen Town- ship, continuing in that way for eleven years. Meantime he saved his earnings, being economi- cal as well as industrious, and finally accumulated a sufficient amount to enable him to purchase a place of his own. He has since continued to re- side on his present farm, on which, in 1876, he built a small but comfortable and conveniently arranged residence. In 1883 he built his large, handsome brick residence, in which he now re- sides.
The marriage of Mr. Kanzig, August 12, 1852, united him with Miss Elizabeth Banker. Of their children we note the following: Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Kumley, a merchant of Pfeiffer, Hardin County; Rosie married Fred Furrer, a farmer of this county; Sarah, Mrs. Fred Sherman, lives upon a farm in Goshen Township; Emaline is the wife of Fred Sagacer, of Kenton; Rachael married Jacob Feaster, a farmer of this county; Caroline, Mrs. Samuel Ra- ber, resides on a farm here; Louisa is married to Henry Siler, an agriculturist of this county; J. Andrew died at eleven years of age; Gusta is the wife of Conrad Bopp, who owns a farm in this county; Maggie is the wife of Henry Magley; and Jacob W. and Josepliine are with their par- ents.
In political views Mr. Kanzig is a Democrat,
RESIDENCE AND STOCK FARM OF JACOB KANZIG, SECTION 33, GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, HARDIN COUNTY, OHIO.
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but is not a Free Trader. He is not narrow in his opinions, conceding to others the freedom of thought and action .he demands for himself. For fifteen years he has been connected with the Agri- cultural Board, and is now its oldest surviving member. He is a member of the German Re- formed Church, and takes an interest in the work of that denomination. Besides general farm work, he has, as before stated, been an extensive breed- er of fine stock, and in that department of agri- culture is recognized as an authority. His origi- nal home was some years ago replaced by a sub- stantial and commodious residence, in which he and his family are surrounded by all the comforts of life, and to which they give a inost hospitable welcome to their large circle of friends. The other farm buildings are also substantial in con- struction and arranged in such a manner as to facilitate the work. All in all, the estate is one of the most finely improved in this county, and is a credit to the enterprising owner.
₲ SAAC K. SCOTT, M. D., has been engaged in practice in Larue, Marion County, for over two decades, and stands high in the ranks of his profession. He is a graduate of Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, and has al- ways faithfully kept up his medical study and research. Like his father before him, lie is a stanch Republican, and for years he has been a member of the Masonic order. A native of Union County, Ohio, his birth occurred March 12, 1844, at Scott's Corners, which place was named in honor of his family.
The paternal grandparents of Dr. Scott were Francis and Nancy (Gadd) Scott. The foriner, a native of Ireland, was brought by his parents to America when he was four years old. In 1836 he located in Union County, where he was among the first settlers, and the farm which he thien owned is the present site of Pharisburg. He died there at the age of seventy-two years, while
his wife lived to be seventy-eight years of age. Her parents were born in Virginia, and at an early day moved to Muskingum County, Ohio. Four- teen children were born to Francis and Nancy Scott.
Our subject's father, Norton Scott, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, December 12, 1819, and was only a small boy when, with his parents, he moved to Union County. He and his broth- ers engaged in logging and in pioneer work for many years. Richwood was then a small village, with perhaps only a dozen houses. April 6, 1841, Norton Scott married Elenor Perry, and set- tled on a sinall farm, where he remained until 1877, with the exception of four years spent in Indiana. On retiring from active labor he took up his abode in Larue, where he has since made his home. His wife was born in Delaware Coul- ty, and on both sides of the family was of Welsh descent, her father having been born in Wales, though her mother was of American birth. Mrs. Scott died at the age of fifty-five years and was buried in the Larue Cemetery. The Doctor was her only son, and her two daughters, Florence and Genevra, died at the age of twenty and thir- ty-six years, respectively. Norton Scott has been a member of the Marysville Masonic lodge for thirty-five years.
Until he was twenty years of age, Dr. Scott worked on his father's farm, and received a fair education in the common schools. In August, 1864, hie enlisted as a private in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, and served from that time until the close of the war. He was in the battle of Overhall's Creek, and in the engagement at Cedars received a gunshot wound in the right arm. He was taken to Hos- pital No. 4 at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and after a furlough of thirty days he rejoined his regiment, participating in the battle of Kingston. His father had enlisted in August, 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, as a private, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He served until April, 1864, when he was discharged on account of poor liealth, and in his stead liis son enlisted the following summer.
The winter after returning from the South, Dr.
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Scott engaged in teaching school in Pharisburg, Ohio, and read medicine with Dr. Skidmore. In 1867 lie took a course of lectures in An Ar- bor, Mich., and then resumed teaching for a time, but was finally graduated from Starling Medical College, in the spring of 1872. For a year he practiced at his old home in Pharisburg, after which he made a permanent settlement in Larue, where he lias since conducted a large practice.
September 15, 1874, Dr. Scott married Ella Hastings, who died October 28, 1877. By this union were born two children, but both are now deceased. February 27, 1880, he was united in marriage with Alice Corey, a native of this state and a lady of German extraction. She died in 1884, at the age of twenty-nine years, leaving two children: Maud, who is attending school, and Alfred.
HARLES HAHN, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Marion County for over a quarter of a century, and is now living a retired life in the village of Cale- donia. In 18So he was elected to the position of County Auditor on the Democratic ticket, and held the office acceptably for three years. He was also Treasurer of Tully Township for a period of thirteen years, and has served as School Di- rector.
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Dr. Hahn is the second of ten children born to Abram and Julia Ann (Erust) Hahn. Of this large family only one brother and a sister remain: Alexander E., who is engaged in the undertak- ing business at Mt. Gilead, Olio; and Julia, widow of George Walters, of Bucyrus, this state. Abram Hahn was born in Frederick County, Md., May 27, 1796, and until he was twenty years of age helped his father in his blacksmith shop and worked at farming. He then moved to Pennsyl- vania, where he learned the milling business and was married. In 1825 he emigrated to Canton, Ohio, worked in a mill for a year, and then kept
tavern until 1828. Going to Bucyrus, he built the Deal House the following year, furnished the hotel, and conducted it successfully until 1843. In that year he traded the hotel for a flourmill and a farm near Mt. Gilead. These he operated until December, 1866, when he retired to the town of Mt. Gilead, where his death occurred January 18, 1867, at the age of seventy-one years. Au- gust 13, 1838, he discovered a part of the famous miastodon skeleton near Bucyrus, a record of which appears in the "Historical Collections of Ohio," published by Henry Howe in 1854. The parents of Abram Hahn were born in the United States, but were of German extraction, and his mother lived to the extreme old age of ninety- seven years. Mrs. Julia Hahn was born in 1802, in Reading, Pa., and died in the spring of 1880. Her parents were among the old families of Penn- sylvania and were likewise of German descent. Her father was a hatter by trade.
Dr. Charles Hahn was born in York County, Pa., November 10, 1824, and was only an infant when he was brought by his parents to Ohio. He was three years old when they moved to Bu- cyrus, where he attended the public schools on arriving at suitable years, and he later assisted his father in the hotel. When he was in his twen- tieth year he began managing the farm at Mt. Gilead, and was thus employed until the spring of 1850. Going then to Crawford County, he took up the study of medicine with Dr. P. E. Rupp, with whom he spent two and a-half years. His first field of practice was New Winchester, Crawford County, where he was located until the fall of 1867. From that time until 1880 he prac- ticed in Martel, this county, and while there was elected County Auditor, and accordingly removed to the county seat. On the expiration of his term of office, in 1884, he resumed his medical practice, which he continued for three years in Marion. In 1887 he settled in Caledonia, where he still continues the practice of his profession.
February 10, 1847, Dr. Halın married Sarah A. Newson, who was born October 26, 1822, in Washington County, Md. Her parents, Joseph and Susan (Snyder) Newson, were born and mar- ried in Maryland. The father was a farmer by
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occupation, and on his emigration to Marion County, in 1826, bought a tract of Government land, on which lie remained until his death, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife lived to reach her seventy-eighth year.
Politically our subject is a stanch Democrat, and always takes great interest in whatever tends to benefit his fellow-citizens and the public at large. The Doctor and his estimable wife have never had any children of their own, but have reared two to lives of usefulness and honor. They possess the sincere respect and love of their many friends and acquaintances.
OHN C. GERLACH has been successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 15, Pleasant Township, Hardin County, for over a quarter of a century. He is now the owner of a tract of one hundred and fifty- three acres, which is well improved witli a hand- some frame house, very large barn and other structures. For three years Mr. Gerlach served as School Director, and for one year was Town- ship Assessor. In politics he has always been an unswerving Democrat. In former years he was a member of the Grange, and has never failed to promote the interests of the community in which he dwells in every possible way.
The father of the above gentleman, Christo- pher Gerlach, was born in Ehn, Hesse-Cassel, Germany, June 1, 1815. His father, Ulrich Gerlach, Sr., was a farmer, and both he and his wife, Elizabeth, were natives of Elm. Of their eight children Christopher was the fifth in order of birth. He emigrated to the United States about 1834, in company with his brother Ulrich, and after a stormy voyage of seven weeks landed in Baltimore. For a few years he worked at his trade of shoemaking in Pittsburg, where he was married. In 1839 he moved to Kenton, where he was for a few years engaged in the liarness
trade, in partnership with his brother Ulrich. He then sold out and moved to Champaign County, Ohio, and for the next two years was employed by farmers. In March, 1844, he bought an eighty-acre timber tract in this township, built a cabin of logs, and, as time pased, bought adjoin- ing land, until, at the time of his death, he owned two hundred and twenty acres in one body. With the exception of twenty-five acres of timber he cleared this land himself. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious belief was a Luth- eran. He died at a ripe old age, September 29, 1881. Among other local offices which he held were those of School Director and Road Super- visor.
The mother of our subject was Miss Elizabetlı Arn, who was born in the canton of Berne, Switz- erland, June 5, 1820. She was one of seven children born to Adam and Mary Arn, the latter of whom died when she was quite young. The father came to the United States in 1826, and re- turned to Switzerland for his family in the fall of 1832. They sailed from Havre de Grace, France, and at the end of sixty-five days landed in New York. Going to Philadelphia, they started with wagons to Powhatan, Ohio, twenty miles below Wheeling, W. Va., on the Ohio River. The daughter, Elizabeth, went to her married sister's home in Pittsburg, and lived with her for two years, or until her marriage.
John C. Gerlach is the second and eldest living child in his father's family, numbering seven children. He was about two years of age when the family came to this county, his birth having occurred December 9, 1841, in Champaign County, Ohio. He attended Greenwood School until his nineteenth year, and for one winter pursued his studies in the German school at Trenton. He continued to dwell under the parental roof until his marriage, at the age of twenty-eight years. During the summers he was engaged in threshing and in the winter seasons was employed at clear- ing the forest from a fifty-acre tract which had been given him by his father. Shortly before his marriage lie purchased sixty acres adjoining his original fifty, and subsequently bought sixty acres more. A part of this was afterwards sold and in
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its stead Mr. Gerlach purchased eighty acres partially cleared of timber. All but forty acres of his land was thus encumbered. Besides raising grain, hay and general crops, lie has been suc- cessful in raising cattle, horses, hogs and sheep.
July 20, 1870, occurred the marriage of J. C. Gerlach and Jane Close, in this township. The lady was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 6, 1844, and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Farber) Close, who were married November 17, 1831, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The father was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1805. His wife was born July 22, 1810, and died Janu- ary 20, 1872. They had eight children, the three eldest of whom, Wesley, Isabella and John, are deceased; Phoebe is the wife of Julius Schoonover, of Belle Center, Ohio; Elizabeth married Alexan- der Charlton, of this township; Harriet is the wife of Otho Murphy, of Marion, Ohio; Mrs. Gerlach is the next in the family; and the youngest is Arkison, of this township. Mrs. Gerlach's father was a son of Philip and Betsy (Moore) Close, natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio at an early day and died in Marion County. Will- iam Close moved from Marion to Carroll, and thence to Hardin County in 1855. His wife, Margaret, wasa daughter of Jolin and Elizabeth Farber, natives of New Jersey.
To our subject and wife have been born four children: Ella, who is the wife of John Drushel, a farmer of this township; and Margaret, Lulu and Harry, who are at home. For over eighteen years the parents have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Grant, and have many sincere friends in this section.
AMES K. SMITH is engaged in general farm- ing and stock-raising on section 22, Big Isl- and Township, Marion County. Few men in this locality are held in more favorable esteem by one and all than it is his good fortune to be. After being elected on the Republican ticket several years ago, he served acceptably for six years as
Township Trustee, and, whether in public or private position, has ever liad the welfare of his neighbors at heart.
The above-named gentleman is a son of John and Naomi (Mouser) Smith, natives of Virginia and of German descent. In 1829 they located on a farm in Marion Township, this county, where the father entered a piece of land. Beginning with little or nothing, he afterwards was quite wealthy as the result of his earnest toil. He was born September 13, 1803, and his wife was born May 31 of the same year. Their family num- bered eight children, viz .: William and Mary, deceased ; Jacob, a resident of Marion ; Mrs. Martha Lawrence, who is living on the farin en- tered by her father, and who has seven children ; Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, of Hardin County, and the mother of eight children; George W., who went to Iowa in 1884 and is yet living there with his wife and three children ; Isaac, who owns a farm in Marion Township and is living alone, his wife having died October 17, 1890 ; and James, who completes the family. John Smith was a Republican, and religiously a Baptist.
A native of Marion County, James K. Smith was born July 26, 1842, and his education was such as could be obtained in the district school. On arriving at man's estate he rented land for . a while, but in 1870 he bought one hundred and nine acres in Prairie Township. In 1876 he be- came the owner of his present place of two hun- dred and forty acres, which is very fertile and well adapted to general agriculture.
September 25, 1867, Mr. Smithi married Mary, daughter of William and Marian (McNeal) Beaver, who were of English and Scotch birth, respectively. About 1852 her parents settled in Cleveland, Ohio, remaining there nearly a year, after which they moved to a farm in this county. In 1868 they emigrated to a farm in Kansas, buy- ing the place on which they made their home the rest of their days. The father died in 1876 and the mother in 1887. Their two eldest sous, John and James, are farmers of this county; William lives in Kansas; George is deceased. as is also Margaret ; and Alice is the wife of Joseph Fowler, of Kansas.
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WILLIS E. WESTON.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mrs. Smith was born July 27, 1848, near Glas- gow, Scotland. By lier marriage with our sub- ject she has become the mother of five children. Harry was born July 10, 1868; Ralph W., July 22, 1871; Clarence J., born June 9, is a telegraph operator at Murdock, Minn .; Florence I. was born August 12, 1876; and Zora A., April I, 1884.
The Smith family all attend the Baptist Church, thougli not members of the same. Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican and is a good citizen. As a man he is honorable and upright in all his deal- ings and well deserves special mention in the record of the best and representative men of this county.
ILLIS E. WESTON, one of the popular adherents of the Marion County Democ- racy, holds the responsible and honorable position of County Recorder, having been elected to that office in November, 1891. He was re- elected on the expiration of his term in the fall of 1894, and is making a creditable record both · for himself and his enthusiastic constituents and hosts of friends. His entire life has been passed within the limits of this county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Green Camp Township. His early education was obtained in the dis- trict schools near by. Subsequently he attended the Ohio Normal University of Ada, completing a full course of instruction, and later engaging in teaching, which he did for nine terms, meeting with the best of success.
John Weston, the father of the gentleman above named, was a native of the Empire State, and at an early period removed to Ohio. His principal occupations in life were farming and stock-raising. He was one who attended strictly to his own affairs, and prospered because of his industrious and persevering characteristics. In no sense of the word was he an office-seeker, but
on one occasion his friends prevailed upon him to serve as Township Trustee, and in this capacity he acted for two terms. At the close of a good and useful life he was called to his final rest, Au- gust 11, 1888. His wife, whose maiden name was Maria Chard, was born and reared in Green Camp Township. She passed away at her home in Marion, April 5, 1894. Her father, James Chard, was for forty years a Justice of the Peacc, and won the title of Captain during the War of the Rebellion.
Jolin and Maria Weston were the parents of eight children, of whom five are still living. John C., who is interested in railroading, lives in Ma- rion; William D. is an agriculturist of Coffey County, Kan .; Richard A. is a farmer of Green Camp Township; Saralı A. is unmarried, and lives in Marion; and Willis E., our subject, was born October 27, 1864. David M. died March 20, 1894; James died August 12, 1853; and an infant died unnamed.
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