USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 47
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 47
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From the time of entering the legal profession, our subject was closely identified with public affairs. He also took an active part in military matters, and at the breaking out of the Mexican War held the commission of Major of Cavalry in the state troops. This he resigned to raise a com- pany of infantry, but before the organization was completed an order came to accept no more troops. Therefore, while standing ready, he saw no active service in that war. He continued his law practice in partnership with Mr. Lord until the death of .the latter, when he associated with himself Judge G. B. Holt, an eminent lawyer, who for twenty-one years was on the Bench. The firm name then became Walker, Holt & Walker, the junior member being a son of his brother John.
At the opening of the Civil War Mr. Walker promptly tendered his services, and was commis- sioned Captain of the Twelfth Infantry in the regular army. Through the influence of his friend, Salmon P. Chase, and by Governor Den- nison, he was appointed Colonel of the Thirty-
first Ohio Infantry, at the first call for three liun- dred thousand volunteers, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland under General Thomas. He first distinguished himself at the battle of Perryville. His well known ability and his high standing in Ohio caused General Rose- crans to send him to Oliio to recruit and organi- ize troops, which at that time was a more dan- gerous position than facing rebel guns on the battlefield. It was an open secret that in parts of Ohio the rebel feeling was quite as strong as in the South, but Colonel Walker, who had never been known to shirk a duty, and who knew no such word as "fear," did not hesitate to carry out the request of his superior officer. In many places he was well received, but in the hot- beds of secession in this state he was hooted and jeered at, and was more than once shot at. His stirring speeches caused intense excite- nient, and finally lie prepared an address to the citizens of Ohio, which was printed and sent broadcast over the state. In this he did not merely ask that the citizens stand by the Union and the flag of their forefathers, but he demanded that they do so. After the first demonstration of disapproval, the good effects of this circular were seen. His campaign was a most successful one and received favorable comment from the press throughout the country.
After accomplishing this great task Colonel Walker returned to the front in time to command his regiment at the battle of Stone River, where he bore a gallant and honorable part as coni- mander of the First Brigade of the Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. At the battle of Chick- amauga he received a severe wound, but kept his saddle, and with the blood flowing from his wound he commanded his brigade. During a speech in Ohio at the time of the Garfield cam- paign, Gen. James B. Stedman, who had been given the name of "Old Chickamauga," publicly stated that General Walker was the real hero of Chickamauga. The latter, the morning after the battle, was publicly commended by the com- manding officer for his daring and conspicuous bravery. The officers of General Thomas' corps met on the night of the 21st of September, after
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the battle, and passed resolutions to have a gold medal struck, to weigh not less than $50, and to be engraved with suitable emblems and devices- this to be presented to General Walker for his bravery and gallantry.
The commission of Brigadier-General was given our subject March 27, 1865, and on a sword pre- sented to him by the officers of the Thirty-first are inscribed the names of the battles in which he led them. They are Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Rock Face Ridge, Resaca, Dalton, . Big Shanty, Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie River, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro and Nashville. Upon being mustered out of the vol- unteer service he entered the regular army and served until May 19, 1866, wlien, on account of his wounds, he was placed on the retired list with $281 per month retired pay for life.
On returning North, General Walker engaged in the practice of law in Findlay, Ohio, but in 1868 he was sent by the Government to Texas to assist in the reconstruction of that state. After serving for a time in a military capacity, he was appointed to a seat on the District Bench, and later to the Supreme Bench of Texas, on which he served until the state was reconstructed. He then came back to Ohio, selected Kenton as his future home, and commenced the practice of law with his son Willis. In 1879 lie retired from the profession, since which time he has made his home on his farm in the suburbs of the city. Of late years he has suffered much from the wounds received during the war, one of the balls that he still carries in his limb giving him much pain.
General Walker has been twice married. His first wife was Maria C. Van Skoick, a descendant of old Knickerbocker stock, who left at her death three children, namely: John O .; Mary E., wife of John T. Carlin; and Nettie, Mrs. Edward Cul- len. His present wife is the daughter of Dr. Hitt and a cousin of Congressman Hitt, of Illinois. Of their nine children seven are living, one hav- ing died unnamed in infancy. Willis, formerly one of the most able attorneys of the state, died some tinie ago in Spokane, Wash. Harriet is the wife of Dr. Tyson, a prominent physician of
Keriton. Moselle, who is at home, is an artist of superior ability, his works in oils and water colors having received the warmest commenda- tion front art critics. George is engaged in teaching. Bessic married Metellus Thomson, son of the late Colonel Thomson, one of the most extensive merchants of central Olio, with large stores in Kenton and Lima. Frank M. is a mer- chant of Kenton. Mae L., who is at hiome, has received the benefit of fine musical culture and is an artist in the profession. Dell Lamar, who is at home, lias likewise received good educational advantages. Socially General Walker is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and is especially interested in the Grand Army of the Republic, attending all the meetings of the post when his health per- mits. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
ENTON GARWOOD. Among the worthy farmers of Hardin County, it is but just to say that Mr. Garwood occupies a conspicu- ous and honorable place, for he has always been honest, industrious and enterprising, and as a re- sult he has met with more than ordinary success. He is a man well known in agricultural circles, and is recognized as a careful, energetic farmer, who by his advanced ideas has done much to im- prove the farmning interests of Pleasant Township. Though with advancing years he has been obliged to abandon much of the manual labor in which he formerly engaged, he still maintains a general supervision of his estate, and its valuable im- provements are due largely to his intelligent over- siglit.
Born near Zanesfield, Logan County, Ohio, September 26, 1819, the subject of this sketch is the son of Jesse and Sidney (Gregg) Garwood. His father, who was born in Crawford County, Pa., about 1785, was reared in the place of his birth, and after arriving at man's estate went to visit an uncle in Fayette County. There he mar- ried Miss Gregg about 1814, and after the birth
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of one child he brought his family to Ohio, in 1816, settling in Logan County, six miles east of Bellefontaine. In 1832 he moved to Wyandot County, making his home near Upper Sandusky for three years. Thence in 1835 he came to Har- din County and settled in Marion Township, but after ten or twelve years he moved to Henry County, where he died at the age of seventy-six. His life occupation was that of an agriculturist, in which he met with success. During the War of 1812 he rendered loyal service as a soldier, en- listing in Crawford County, Pa.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph Garwood, was born in Pennsylvania, probably in Fayette County. He was a skilled sportsman, and retained his mental vigor and physical strength to an advanced age. About 1824 he visited his son Jesse in Logan County, Ohio, and bought some land there, but never settled in this state. During the Indian War he served as Captain. His deatlı occurred in Lake County, Ill., where he had moved. His body was taken to Pennsyl- vania for interment, and our subject has seen his grave when on a visit there. The lady whom he married was Miss Hannah Fenton. She accom- panied her parents to this country, settling in Kentucky.
The great-grandfather of our subject, Obed Garwood, was a descendant of one of the three Garwoods who came from England to America in company with William Penn. The family for many generations was identified with the Society of Friends, and our subject's parents worshiped with the Quakers in Logan County. The mother of our subject was born in Fayette County, Pa., June 17, 1787, and died May 6, 1831. She was a daughter of Nimrod and Catherine (Johnson) Gregg, who spent their entire lives in Pennsyl- vania and there died. Of their family of eight children, Sidney was the next to the eldest.
The parental family numbered nine children, named as follows: Bani G., who died in Marion Township, Hardin County; Isaac, who died in Kansas about 1883; Fenton; Acenith, who died in Iowa; Hannali, a resident of Ada, Olio; Joseph, who passed away in Minnesota; Lydia, wife of Jacob Snyder, of Iowa; Catherine, widow of James
Williams, and a resident of Ada, Ohio; and Cyn- thia, wife of Havilla Bowles, a veteran of the Civil War.
In youth our subject attended school in Logan County. At the age of sixteen he accompanied his parents to Upper Sandusky, where he worked on a farm until twenty-three years of age. After his marriage he began farming upon an eiglity- acre tract belonging to his father, and situated in Marion Township, Hardin County. Six or seven years were spent on that place, and he then moved to Iowa and purchased a farm sixteen miles above the city of Des Moines, on the river of that name. He engaged in tilling the soil there nine years, and in the summer of 1862 returned to Hardin County and bought a farm in Lynn Township. In 1874 he purchased the farm where he has since- resided. This consisted originally of one hundred and sixty acres, but he has disposed of a portion of the property to his son, an intelligent and ca- pable young fariner, who superintends the home place.
November 15, 1842, Mr. Garwood was united in marriage with Miss Mary Lyons, their wed- ding being solemnized in Marion Township. This estimable lady was the elder of two daughters born to William and Sarah (Garver) Lyons. She was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in June, 1825, and died in Lynn Township, Hardin Coun- ty, February 16, 1873. In religious belief she was a devoted member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and in that faith she reared her chil- dren. In politics Mr. Garwood is a Republican, having supported the principles of that party since its organization. Among the local offices which he has filled are those of School Director and Supervisor.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Garwood result- ed in the birth of eleven children. Sidney, a daughter, and the eldest of the family, died in in- fancy. Saralı Ann married Silas Rolir, of Holt County, Neb. Jesse passed from earth when an infant. Eucebia, Mrs. Joseph Kaliley, lives in southwestern Iowa. Nancy, wife of Robert Ben- nett, makes her home in Lincoln County, S. Dak. William lives on a farm adjoining the old liome- stead. Sibyl is the wife of Henry Gordon, of
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JOHN J. SLOAN.
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Loup County, Neb. Usher, who was born Jan- uary 19, 1857, is a successful agriculturist, and is assisting his father in the management of the home place; lie married, January 21, 1886, Miss Minerva Obenour, who was born in Hardin Coun- ty, Ohio, January 21, 1862. Lydia died in girl- hood. Harriet is the wife of John Wass, of Lin- coln County, S. Dak. . Obed, the youngest of the family, lives in Kenton.
OHN J. SLOAN, the leading architect of Marion, is one of the city's active and most public-spirited citizens, promoting her best interests in every way. He is a man of unusually good judgment, and has any amount of push and energy. He was born near Kenton, Hardin County, March 23, 1854, while his father, Thomas Sloan, was a native of Ireland, the latter's father having emigrated to that country from Scotland at a very early day.
Thomas Sloan made the trip to America in 1832, and, engaging in railroad work, in time became an extensive contractor. He built what was known as the Mad River Road, running from Forest to Bellefontaine, and which is now a part of the Big Four System. He invested his money from time to time in land, and when advancing years warned him that he must cease from ardu- ous labor, he retired to a valuable estate, which he left to his family at the time of his decease, in 1881.
The lady whom Thomas Sloan married in 1852 was Eliza Sloan, a native of the Nortli of Ireland, who although bearing the same name was not a relative. They became the parents of five sons, of whom John J., of this sketcli, is thie eldest. His brothers are Robert, William, Thomas and George. His boyhood days were passed on the home farm and in attendance at the public schools. He early manifested great genius in the art of building, and, choosing this for his vo- cation in life, made a study of this business, and
has supplemented his knowledge by extensive traveling. In order that he might have better advantages for obtaining knowledge in this par- ticular line, he removed to Marion, and after be- ginning in business for himself it was not long before his services were in great demand. To him is given the credit of erecting many of the first large buildings of the city, besides numerous residences of later architectural design. Aside from this business, he has large real-estate inter- ests in Hardin County, and is also one of the heirs to his father's valuable property, which is now under the management of his mother.
J. J. Sloan and Miss Mabel Walter were mar- ried in Rushsylvania, Ohio, October 14, 1880. The lady was the daughter of Capt. J. C. and Eliza (Carson) Walter. The only son born to them, a lad of nine years, bears the name of Thomas Walter. Our subject is a member of the Order of Elks, the National Union, Junior Order United American Mechanics, and of the Com- mandery of that order. He is also a member of the order of Ben Hur. Mr. Sloan is a strong Republican in politics, and as a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church contributes liberally of his means toward its support. He is a pleas- ant, affable and courteous gentleman, and no worthy movement in the city is allowed to fail for want of support on his part.
OHN A. BOWER has made his home in Tay- lor Creek Township, Hardin County, since 1881, when he purchased his present farm on Survey 10,500. During the late war he was one of the boys who donned the blue and went to the front. to fight the battles of his country. He has always been a hard-working, industrious man, and by his sterling characteristics and good quali- ties has won the respect and admiration of all who know him. He is thoroughly in sympathy with all modern ideas of progress, and his in- fluence is always to be found on the side of order and good governincut.
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The parents of our subject, Peter and Amy (Rodgers) Bower, were natives of Ohio. . The former moved with his parents to Logan County when in his sixteenth year, and on attaining . his majority was married.' After that event he con- tinued to dwell on the old homestead and assist in its management, and in 1864 moved to Harper, that county, and rented a piece of land, living thereon for some three years .. He then purchased fifty acres of second-hand land near Big Springs, and cultivated the place until 1891, when he re- turned to Harper, and for the past year or more has lived a retired life. He was one of the pio- neers of Logan County, and is one of those who helped to establish it on a firm basis. He is a member of the Disciples Church, politically is a Democrat, and has served his fellow-townsmen as Trustee, Supervisor and School Director.
Nine children graced the union of Peter and Amy Bower, namely: Levi; John A .; Eliza Jane, who died in July, 1843; Susan C., Mrs. Isaialı Cor- win, residing near Big Springs, Logan County; Lucretia, wife of Martin McAdams, of Rush Creek Township, Logan County; Joseph H., who married Emma Corwin and is a farmer of Warren County, Tenn .; Marion A., deceased; James O., who married Ellen Britton, and is a farmer of this township; and Mary J., who is the wife of Rob- ert McCormick and resides in Warren County, Ill.
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The birth of John A. Bower occurred August 26, 1840, near Rushsylvania, Logan County, Ohio, and in his boyhood he attended the local schools. He had not yet attained his majority when the war came on, but June 8, 1861, he en- listed in Company E, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, under Captain Gardner, and after being in Camp Dennison for about thirty days was sent to West Virginia. At Carnifax Ferry he took part in his first battle, then was in camp for a time, after which he advanced to Cotton Mountain and then . retreated. A few days later he was sent down the Ohio River to Louisville and transferred to the western branch of the army. His company guarded a railroad bridge near Nolin, Hardin County, Ky., from December i until February 15, when they marched to Bowling Green and took the town. Thence, going to Nashville, they
joined the command and advanced to Savan- nah, Ga., arriving there April 6. In the bat- tle of Shiloh his Captain, I. R. Gardner, was wounded, and then followed shortly afterward the first siege of Corinth, from which point he. re- turned to Louisville. In the engagement at Stone River Mr. Bower was a member of the Pioneer Corps and helped to put up a blockade. In July he helped to cut one thousand cords. of wood for the Government, after which he was sent to Stevenson, Ala., where for six weeks his services were required in erecting Government buildings. Later, going to Chattanooga, he helped to place pontoon bridges across the Tennessee River, while the battle of Chickamauga was in progress. After the battle he was employed on the fort for some time, and wintered there. The next spring he participated in the Atlanta cam- paign, and was finally discharged, June 24, 1864. at Nashville.
On his return from the war, Mr. Bower resumed farming on the old homestead. The next spring he moved to Jefferson Township, where he opera- ted a farm for three years, and in 1868 went to Iowa, staying there about a year. In 1869 he went to Colorado, and for the succeeding three years worked on a cattle ranch near Pueblo. Coming back to Ohio, he carried on his mother's farmi nearly two years, and then moved to Rush Creek Township. In 1881, as previously men- tioned, he became a resident of this locality, and at that time purchased sixty-five acres of John H. Cunningham. Only eighteen acres had been cleared, and since then Mr. Bower has cleared about forty acres more. There were a log cabin and a barn on the place, but they have been suc- ceeded by new and modern structures. Mr. Bow- er is rapidly advancing in prosperity and has only himself to thank for his rise to a position of influence in the community. As a general farm- er he is very successful, and he is especially in- terested in raising fine poultry.
November 5, 1872, Mr. Bower and .Nancy C. Corwin were united in marriage. The lady was born July 17, 1851, and is a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Williams) Corwin. Of her brothers and sisters we note the following: George, a
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farmer of Hale Township, this county, married Jane Eddy; Alexander wedded Louisa. Bruger, and lives in Oklahoma; Sidda is deceased; Mary is the wife of Jacob Vassar,.a well known resident of this township; James married Sarah Nelson and lives in Minnesota; and Anna, Mrs. James White, makes her home in Ridgeway, Ohio. To the marriage of our subject and his wife there have been born four children: Myrta A., March 6, 1875; Oliver P., December 18, 1877; Minnie, December 15, 1879; and Maggie L., September 25, 1883.
Mr. Bower has served as a School Director sev- eral times, but has never been an aspirant for offi- cial honor, though he is active in his support of the Democracy. He belongs to Kenton Lodge No. 14, U. V. U. Upright and just in all his dealings, he will leave to his children what is far better than wealth, an untarnished name.
2 AVID HIVELY, who is one of the leading farmers and also one of the largest tax-pay- ers of Hardin County, has a fine estate, sit- uated on sections 1 and 12, Marion Township. He is a native of this state, and was born in Col- umbiana County, January 14, 1824. His parents were Daniel and Barbara (Obenhowor) Hively, who were married in the above county in 1822.
Daniel Hively, it is supposed, was born in the Empire State, as it was from that state that his father emigrated to Ohio in a very early day, settling in Columbiana County. There Daniel resided until his death, about 1836. His mother passed her last days with him on the home farm, being at the time of her death, which occurred early in the '3os, about sixty years of age.
Barbara Obenhowor was born not far from Johnstown, Pa., in 1800, and died in 1865, at the residence of her son, Samuel Hively, of Wash- ington Township, this county. David, of this sketch, attended the district schools of Colum-
biana County until attaining his majority. For five years longer he resided under the parental roof, and on coming to Hardin County, which he did about that time, was married .. He then returned to Columbiana County, packed together his belongings and located with his wife in Goshen Township, in the eastern portion of the county. Here le resided on a tract of eighty acres, which had been entered by his father, and upon selling it some years later bought the property which belonged to his wife's brothers and sisters in Cessna Township. He lived on that place until November, 1893, when we find him occupying his present comfortable home in Huntersville.
The first property of which our subject became the owner included seventy-seven acres. A year later he added to his possessions a like amount, and sometime thereafter bought eighty acres in Liberty Township. In 1880 he invested in eighty acres adjoining Huntersville, and also purchased about that time five lots in the village. In the fall of 1892 he added to his interests in the real- estate line the house and seven lots where he now resides. When he first came to the county his taxes did not aggregate $2, but at the present time it takes a good income to pay his expenses.
Of a family of three sons and two daughters born to his parents, David was the second. The others are Samuel, a resident of Washington Township; Susan, now Mrs. Crawford, of the above township; and Sarah and Moses, who are deceased. Mr. Hively was married in Cessna Township, February 21, 1850, to Miss Rebecca Matthews, who was born in Crawford County, August 8, 1828. She is a daughter of Isaac and Nancy ( Hamilton) Matthews, the former of whom was born in Trumbull County in 1782, where he was reared to manhood. He later took up his abode in Wayne County, and afterward in Craw- ford County, in both of which sections he owned property. The land was highly improved, and as soon as an opportunity presented itself to dispose of it at a good advance in price, he did so and in- vested the money in land in Cessna Township, Hardin County, buying at that time the farm on which our subject's son now resides. He came here in September, 1848. During the War of
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1812 he served as a soldier. Isaac Matthews was. the son of William Matthews, a native of Ireland, in which country his father was a large stock- raiser. He died from the effect of injuries re- ceived from one of liis cattle when preparing to come to America. His widow, Rachel Matthews, together with her three sons and one daugliter, came to the New World, first settling in Penn- sylvania.
Nancy Hamilton was born in New Jersey, March 14, 1790. . She was the daughter of Jona- than and Rachel Hamilton, the former of whom was also born in that state, while the latter was a native of Holland. To them were born ten chil- dren, of whom Rachel was the eldest. The others were Joseph, Nancy, Sarah, Susanna, James, Catherine and William (twins), Mary and Jona- than.
To Isaac Matthews and his wife was born a large family of children, fourteen in number. Of these, Smiley, Jonathan and Levi died when six- ty-two, sixty-three and seventy-three years old, respectively; Rachel, who married Joseph Higby, is also deceased; Susan became the wife of James Nelson and is now deceased; William died at the age of fifty-five years; John Wright was four years old at the time of his death; Levina was also four years of age when she died; the next- born died unnanied; James passed away at the age of sixty-one years; Elihu is a resident of Washington Township, this county; Rebecca is now Mrs. Hively; Isaac Harvey resides in Story County, Iowa; and the youngest of the family died in infancy.
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