USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 46
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 46
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The birth of George Rosbrook occurred July 17, 1858, in Logan County, Ohio. His boyliood was passed in the usual manner of farmer lads, his time being divided between work and play and in attending the district schools. On arriv- ing at liis majority he began working industriously at the carpenter's trade, and was thus employed at intervals for five years, the remainder of his time being given to agricultural pursuits.
In 1878 Mr. Rosbrook went to Mt. Victory, Hardin County, and obtained employment with his brother Frank, who was the owner of a livery. He continued with him for about fourteen years, after which he sold out his interest there, and, coming to Larue, engaged in conducting a livery business for himself. He formerly owned a farm near Mt. Victory and was quite extensively en- gaged in breeding and dealing in heavy draft horses. At the present time he owns a farm in Hardin County, comprising fifty acres, which is well improved with good buildings and is a valua- ble place. In manner he is quiet and unassuming, but his good qualities are constantly winning for him the admiration and friendship of all witli whom he comes in contact.
ESSE SNODGRASS, M. D., one of the lead- ing physicians and skillful surgeons of Ken- ton, was born at New Concord, Muskingum County, this state, June 7, 1841. His father, David Snodgrass, was a native of Pittsburg, Pa., and was a son of Jesse and Jane (Atchison) Snodgrass, born February 23, 1815. Jesse Snod- grass, Sr., was born February 1, 1784, and was of Irish ancestry. In 1812 he married Jane Atchison, who was descended from one of the old families of the Keystone State. Soon after their marriage they located in Mercer County, Pa., and the War of 1812 being then in progress, the grandfather left home and entered the service, fighting with his company on Lake Erie. In
1825 lie came to Muskingum County, Ohio, and made liis home in this section until 1846, when we find him living in Monroe County, Iowa. Ten years later he engaged in the mercantile business at Albia, that county, and during the active years of his life was one of the most progressive and wide-awake business men of the county. He lived there until his death, which occurred in 1876, when he was ninety-two years of age. His wife departed this life in 1862, at the age of seven- ty years.
The father of our subject came to Kenton in 1845, and, in company with William Gilmore, opened the first boot and shoe store in this place. In 1851 he was elected to the State Legislature, serving his constituents satisfactorily for one term, but positively refusing to become the candidate for the ensuing two years, although he was urged to do so by his many friends. On the first call for troops by President Lincoln, he promptly responded, and enlisted as a member of Com- pany D, Fourth Oliio Infantry, serving faith- fully and well until in February, 1862, when he was detailed to raise troops for the service. While thus engaged he recruited Company H, of the Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, of which he was made Lieutenant. At the battle of Stone River, which soon followed, he was taken prisoner, being confined in Libby Prison for three months, and for bravery and meritorious service rendered in the last battle he was promoted to the captaincy. He remained in the front until April 26, 1864, when he resigned his commission on account of injuries which he received while participating in the engagement at Chickamauga, and which rendered him unfit for further active duty.
After the war David Snodgrass began farming, and in 1870 was elected a member of the County Board of Commissioners, being active in build- ing the first pikes in the county. Altogether, he has been one of the foremost citizens of Hardin County. He is a devoted member of the Pres- byterian Church, and is now living a quiet, re- tired life in the city of Kenton.
The mother of Dr. Snodgrass was Catherine, sister of the late Dr. W. H. Phillips. Her son was four years of age at the time of their removal
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to this city, consequently his literary education was completed in the schools of this place. Very soon thereafter, beinig desirous of following a pro- fessional life, he began the study of medicine un- der his uncle, Dr. Phillips. In 1862, however, he entered the army with his father, becoming a member of Company HI, Seventy-fourths Ohio In- fantry. He was soon afterward detailed on the medical staff, serving in that capacity for about a year. He was then appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Eighth Tennessee, where he remained uit- til the establishment of peace, and was found act- ively engaged on the battlefields of Stone River and Knoxville, Resaca, Atlanta, Franklin, Nash- ville, Goldsboro and Raleigh.
On the close of the war our subject at once en- tered the Bellevue Medical College of New York, from which institution he was graduated in 1867. Returning to Kenton, he commenced practice in this city, where he has since been one of the most successful physicians and surgeons, and stands very high among his brethren throughout the state. He was at one time President of the Pen- sion Examining Board (receiving his appoint- ment under President Harrison), was Secretary of the Hardin County Medical Society during the years 1879 and 1880, in 1881 was Assistant Secretary of the Ohio State Medical Society, and in 1892 served as President of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association. He is now a member of the Ohio State Medical and the American Medical Associations.
In addition to his extensive practice, Dr. Snod- grass is interested in many of the leading indus- tries of this portion of the state, being a stock- holder in the Kenton Lock Works, and has money invested in other enterprises of importance and prominence. He is a Knight Templar, Compan- ion in the Loyal Legion, and is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is and has been all his life a strong supporter of Republican principles.
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Dr. Snodgrass has been twice married. His first union, which was solemnized in 1869, was with Miss Emma, daughter of William Cogge- shall, of Springfield. She died in 1877, leaving a son, William, who is now a medical student in
one of the colleges in the World's Fair City. In 1885 offr subject married Miss Lillian Duun, of this city, and they have become the parents of two bright girls, Helen and Catherine.
ANIEL W. MURPHY is General Manager of the Marion Malleable Iron Works. The enterprising members of this firm are busi- ness men of rare capacity, and the eminent suc- cess of their undertaking has more than justified their sagacity in establishing this most important branch of business. Mr. Murphy is a native of this state, and was born in McLuney, Perry County, June 14, 1862. His father, John Mur- phy, was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, and made the journey to the New World with his parents when a lad of fourteen years.
The grandparents of our subject first located in New York State, but soon removed to Ohio, and in 1871 made their home in Marion County, where John died in 1889. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Catherine Gormley. She was also born in the Emerald Isle, claiming County Longford as the place of her birth. She is now living in Marion with her son Daniel W.
Our subject was the youngest son but one in the parental family of six children. Francis V. died at the age of twenty-one years; William P. is engaged in the grocery business in Marion, which branch of trade Thomas J. and Michael H. follow in partnership, conducting a splendid trade 1111- der the name of Murphy Bros.
Our subject lived on the home farm until at- . taining his eighteenthi year, in the mean time ac- quiring such an education as could be gained by attendance at the common schools. Desirous of gaining a start for himself, he found work in the shops of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company at Newark, this state, entering as an apprentice. After serving the allotted time, he was employed in the shops of the Big Four Railroad Company
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at Delaware; with which company he remained for a period of three years. He was next en- gaged by the Florida Southern Road, being fore- man in their shops at Palatka, Fla. At the ex- piration of three years he returned to Ohio and at once entered the employ of the Malleable Iron Works. Subsequently for two years he was fore- man of the annealing department, and was then made Superintendent of the works. In 1892, however, he was made General Manager, in which capacity his superior judgment, long ex- perience and thorough knowledge of the business are greatly in demand. He is one of the stock- holders of the company, and a practical, wide- awake business man, making for himself a name of enduring value in the city.
Mr. Murphy was married, in 1887, to Miss Kate, daughter of Dennis Brenan. They became the parents of four children, of whom two are de- ceased. The two who survive are Francis Vin- cent, aged six years, and Kate Agnes, three years old. Our subject has always been in sympathy with the measures of the Democracy.
OHN B. SEYMOUR is well known through- out Hardin and adjoining counties. He is extensively engaged in the buying and sell- ing of grain, and also carries on a large trade in butter, eggs and poultry. Through energy, com- bined with perseverance, honesty and wise. judg- ment, he has gained a competency and a leading position among the representative and successful business men of Kenton.
Referring to the ancestral history of Mr. Sey- mour, we find that his paternal grandfather, John Seymour, was a native of Hartford, Conn., and was the son of a Captain in the Revolutionary War. In 1824 he came to Ohio, traveling by wagon to Buffalo, and thence by the schooner "Red Jacket," Captain Walker commanding. Arriving in Ohio, he settled on the prairie twelve miles from Lake Erie and on the Wyandot Indian
trail from Upper Sandusky to Huron. Later re- moving to Huron County, he settled upon a small farm in Lime Township, where he remained un- til his death, at the age of ninety-two. For thir- ty-eight years he was Clerk of the township.
The maternal grandmother of our subject was Sarah A. Thacher, a native of Massachusetts and a member of a family whose connection with the history of New England began with the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers. Thomas Thacher, her father, was the first pastor of the old South Church of Boston. There have been thirteen generations of the family in America, and in each of them there was a minister and a son named Thomas. Mrs. John Seymour died at the age of eighty-six years. She had a brother, Washing- ton, who was a Presbyterian minister, and was a resident of New York State for many years be- fore his death. George Washington Seymour, her brother-in-law, was also a preacher in the Presbyterian Church.
W. H. Seymour, father of our subject, was born in Susquehanna County, Pa., July 18, 1821, and was the next to the eldest of the family of three sons and three daughters. Eliza, the eld- est, married De Witt Ballard, a merchant of Cort- land, N. Y., where he died. Afterward his wife and two children went to Chicago, where his son, Page Ballard, has for twenty-five years been con- nected with the house of J. V. Farwell & Co. Minnie married E. G. Schumway, and lives in Chicago; George W., who was a farmer and a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, died at six- ty-nine years of age; Sarah married William Blair, the wealthy hardware merchant of Chica- go; John A. is a Presbyterian preacher, and lives in Cleveland, Ohio; and Nellie is the wife of J. M. Stoltz, and lives in Lime Township, Erie County, Ohio.
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At the time his parents came to Ohio, W. H. Seymour was only three years old. His educa- tional advantages were exceedingly limited, as he was obliged to become self-supporting at an early age. When twelve years old he became clerk in a store in Monroe, Mich., and a year later went to Geneva, N. Y., where lie learned the tinner's trade. This occupation he followed in different
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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places until twenty years of age, when lie em- barked in business on his own account at Belle- vue, Ohio. . In 1851 he came to Hardin County, and, settling at Patterson, engaged in the mer- cantile, stock and grain business, which he con- tinued at that place until 1876, the date of his re- moval to Kenton. Since the death of his wife, in January, 1893, he has made his home with his son- in-law, Joseph Timmons. As were his ancestors for many generations, he is a Presbyterian and a leader in his church. Socially he is a Mason and one of the oldest members of the order in Ohio.
The mother of our subject, Eliza, was born in Erie County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Elijah Beemis, a native of Massachusetts and a pioneer of Erie County, where he died at the age of sixty- seven. She had a brother and a sister, the for- mer of whom, Samuel, lives on the old homestead in Erie County. Our subject was born in Belle- vue, Ohio, January 2, 1849, and was next to the eldest of the family of two sons and two daugh- ters. Maria, his elder sister, married O. E. Lewis, Secretary and manager of a large manu- factory in Boston, Mass. Hattie is the wife of Joseph Timmons, a wealthy grain dealer and real- estate owner of Kenton. The younger brother, W. G., is in the office of his brother-in-law in Boston.
When the family removed to Patterson, our subject was two years old. He received a liberal education, completing his studies in the Milan Normal School when eighteen. He then went to Chicago, where he became clerk in the wholesale hardware store of his uncle, William Blair, re- maining in his employ for six years. . At the ex- piration of that time he opened a mercantile store at Arcola, Ill., conducting business there for three years. In 1875 he came to Kenton, where he engaged in the grain business with T. W. Har- ris, but after one year his father bought out the interest of Mr. Harris, and from that time until 1893 the two were together.
The marriage of Mr. Seymour united him with Miss Paulina Heym, of Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of a veteran of the Civil War. He was made a Mason in 1873, and is now a Knight Templar, Master of the blue lodge, and Captain
of the hosts in chapter. In politics, like his fa- ther, he is a strong adherent of Republican prin- ciples, supporting his chosen party with his bal- lot and influence. The enterprises originated for the promotion of the welfare of the people receive his cordial support, and he may justly be num- bered among the progressive citizens of Kenton.
HOMAS G. HUDSON has dwelt on sec- tion 10, Big Island Township, Marion County, for the past thirteen years, and is considered one of the most enterprising and thrifty farmers hereabouts. Prior to this he was for some time engaged in business in Marion as a member of the firm of Kawalke & Hudson, dealers in furniture, and managers of an undertaking estab- lishment.
The father of the above gentleman, Jolin Hud- son, was a native of Yorkshire, England, born May 10, 1815, and in May, 1834, crossed the At- lantic. Settling in this county, he engaged in the butcher's business until 1846, when he com- menced buying stock. At the end of nine years he began buying land, and at the time of liis death his possessions amounted to three hundred and ninety-five acres. February 24, 1835, he mar- ried Mary, daughter of Jolin and Jane (Stewart) Rice, who were natives of New England, but came to Ohio at a very early day. Our subject is one of five children, the others being: Isabella, born in 1837, and now married; John H., Samuel and Joseph E. Samuel is a farmer of this county, living in Marion Township, and the other brotli- ers are deceased.
Thomas G. Hudson was born January 18, 1846, and grew to man's estate under the parental roof. For four years previous to his marriage he was in partnership with his father on the homestead, and thus obtained a start in life. Later he purchased a part of that farm and cultivated the same for seven years. Desiring then to enter the commer- cial world, lie went to Marion, as before men-
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tioned, but eventually returned to his former vo- cation. His farm is a place of some forty-eight acres, well adapted to general purposes, and on which he has made all the improvements.
September 17, 1868, Mr. Hudson married Lu- cinda E., daughter of David and Lucy (Thayer) Monser, who were born in Ohio and Virginia, re- spectively, but were early settlers of this county. Both our subject and his wife are natives of this county and have spent the main part of their lives here.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hudson has been graced by the following children: Samuel G., born May 20, 1871; Florence, January 7, 1873; Edwin, May 4, 1874; Mary, January 4, 1876; Byron, January 6, 1878; Daisy D., June 8, 1879; Lulu I., August 6, 18So; Estella, April 11, 1882; John D., April 4, 1884; Bertha T., May 28, 1886; and Harry V., January 3, 1891. Florence died Sep- tember 29, 1873; Byron, June 23, 1878; Daisy, September 16, 1879; and Estella, May 26, 1882. The parents are members of the Free Baptist de- nomination and support all worthy charities. The former is a Democrat in his political belief, and he possesses rare qualities of heart and mind, which have gained for him the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
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AMES W. KENNEDY, a prosperous farm- er of Big Island Township, Marion County, owns a finely improved homestead on section 10. He is ever found in the front ranks of all new enterprises and is a friend to education and prog- ress. His farm lands aggregate some three hun- dred and eighteen acres, and on his home place there stands a substantial two-story brick resi- dence.
In 1832 a bright youth by the name of William Kennedy (our subject's father) came to this local- ity from his native state, Pennsylvania, and for a
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time worked for farmers by the month. He made the best of liis advantages, and at last be- came a school teacher, receiving at first only $11 a month. Subsequently he rented a farm, and later was the owner of a good one himself. He inade a success of liis various undertakings, de- voted himself mainly to stock-raising, and finally became the owner of about eight hundred acres of land.
About 1844 William Kennedy married Marga- ret Shank, who died June 2, 1860. Two years later Mr. Kennedy wedded Mary Lance, who is still living, and whose only child is now Mrs. E. Jones, of Crawford County, Ohio. To the first marriage of our subject's father there were born the following children: Nancy, deceased; Jane, Mrs. Baker, of Crawford County; Thomas, a resi- dent of the same county; Martha, Mrs. George Watts, whose death occurred in March, 1883; James; Einma, Mrs. Madison Roberts, of this county; Anzilla, Mrs. George Watts, of Crawford County; and Margaret E., Mrs. John Hill.
James W. Kennedy was born November 8, 1853, and was given a good general education, such a one as would fit him for life's duties. His father gave him substantial assistance when he began farming on his own account. In 1883 he purchased two hundred and fifteen acres, and a year later bought seventeen acres more. Again, in 1886, he became the owner of another tract, containing eighty-six acres.
September 21, 1880, Mr. Kennedy married Emma, daughter of P. W. and Adelia (Kilborn) Holverstatt, natives of this county. The latter died August 3, 1890, but the father is still living. For years he has been a worker in the Baptist Church, and is identified with the Republican party. Mrs. Kennedy is one of five children, the others being Clarence K .; Ida L., deceased; Alice A., Mrs. Smith, who is living on the old homestead; and one who died in infancy un- named. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with five children: Mabel Edna, born July 29, 1881; Etliel Grace, Marchi 24, 1885; Clarence Merle, December 21, 1886; Fred Laverne, Octo- ber 17, 1888; and Lois Elberta, March 7, 1892. Fred Laverne died September 25, 1889.
FARM RESIDENCE OF J. W .. KENNEDY, SECTION 10, BIG ISLAND TOWNSHIP, MARION COUNTY, OHIO.
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While Mr. Kennedy has alway been an adher- ent of the Democracy, he, in common with many others, does not give his sanction to the present administration and policy; and if they continue in their course he may transfer his allegiance. In his religious belief lie is a Free-Will Baptist, as is also Mrs. Kennedy, and holds membership in the church at Ruth.
G EN. MOSES B. WALKER, LL.D. There are few of the residents of Ohio who are un- familiar with the name introducing this sketch. It is that of a gentleman who, alike upon the field of battle and in civic affairs, has ably represented his fellow-citizens, and has championed with sword and pen the cause of truth and justice. Though now in the twilight of life and a constant sufferer from wounds re- ceived in active conflict, his mental powers have undergone no diminution, but his intellect is as keen as in the days gone by.
The "hero of Chickamauga" was born in Fair- field County, Ohio, July 16, 1819. John Walker, the original progenitor of the family in America, came hither from England with Lord Baltimore, and settled in what subsequently became Carroll Manor, in Maryland. The General's grandfather, Ignatius Walker, was killed in the battle of Eutaw Springs, during the Revolutionary War. He was an intimate friend of the illustrious Charles Carroll, of Carrollton1. As early as 1798 John Walker, our subject's father, came to Ohio and settled near Chillicothe, in the Scioto Valley, where he aided in erecting the famous block- house for the protection of the settlers from the attacks of the Indians. In the War of 1812 he served as a soldier with the commission of Lieu- tenant. During his early years he adhered to tlie Catholic Church, which was the faith of his fore- fathers, but later he left the Roman Church and joined the Methodist Church, in which he was afterward an active worker.
. Removing to Iowa in 1842, Jolin Walker located large tracts of land on the Des Moines River, in Van Buren County, where he died about 1850. He was a man of more than ordinary edu- cation and possessed wonderful will power. He was a perfect specimen of physical manhood, being six feet in height, and with a military bearing, due in part to his service in the War of 1812. His wife, Mary Davis, was an aunt of the now famous Henry Winter Davis. Her ancestors were early settlers of Maryland, and her father, a Revolu- tionary soldier, died from the effects of wounds received in the battle of Eutaw .Springs. From her French ancestors she inherited the versatility characteristic of that nation. In many respects she was a remarkable wonian, and through care- ful study gained a thorough knowledge of medi- cine and surgery (which was more unusual in those days than at present). This knowledge rendered her presence and counsel invaluable among the pioneer residents of her locality. She was a devout Christian, a faithful wife and loving mother. Her death occurred in Iowa about 1857.
General Walker was the youngest of five sons and next to the youngest of nine children. His brother, Rev. George W. Walker, for many years one of the most prominent Methodist ministers of Ohio, was a preacher in that church for thirty- three years, until his death in 1856. His memoirs were published by a friend some years ago and were extensively sold. John D., a farmer and local preacher, died at Chariton, Iowa, at eighty- three years of age. Zachariah, who lived in Iowa, was a successful farmer and stockman of that state, and was at one time a member of the Legislature, but is now deceased. Peter, who was a skillful physician, was surgeon in the Fif- teenth Iowa Infantry during the Civil War and lost his life in his country's cause, dying soon after the battle of Arkansas Post.
Prior to the age of sixteen years our subject resided on his father's farm, meantime attending the neighboring schools. When seventeen years of age he entered the freshman class of Augusta College, in Kentucky, being allowed to enter that class upon condition that he should bring the studies in which he was deficient up to the
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standard, and in this he was successful; but in accomplishing it lie impaired his health, so that after two years he was obliged to relinquish his college studies for a time. After regaining his health and through the assistance of his brother, Rev. G. W., who took upon himself the respon- sibility of giving him an education. he entered the Woodward Preparatory School of Cincinnati. Two years later he became a student in Yale College, where he spent tliree years. Unfortun- ately, close confinement. to his books caused him to again lose his healtlı, and he was obliged to abandon study for a time.
As soon as able to resume work, our subject en- . tered, as a law student, the office of Judge William A. Rodgers, of Springfield, Ohio, where he re- mained one year. His studies were continued in the office of Judge Joseph H. Crane, of Dayton, after which he attended lectures at the Cincin- nati Law School, graduating in the Class of '45. He then formed a partnership with H. V. R. Lord, opening a law office in Dayton and another in Germantown, with himself in charge of the former and Mr. Lord of the latter.
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