USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 57
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 57
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ILLIAM H. BROWN. Just thirty years have passed away sinee this weil known and respected citizen of Hardin County took up his abode in our midst. During this period he has been thoroughly interested in her development, and has aided every enterprise start- ed for the good of the community. His valuable farm is finely located in Cessna Township, and comprises sixty-two aeres. In 1869 Mr. Brown was eleeted on the Republican tieket to the posi- tion of County Surveyor (prior to whieli time he had filled out an unexpired tern), and in this ea- paeity he aeted to tlie full satisfaction of all for ten years.
The father of the above gentleman, Loomis Brown, was a native of New York State and of German deseent. His wife, whose maiden name was Amancy Gifford, was born in New York. They liad but two ehildren, William H. and George. The latter was born July 11, 1837, and is now living in Waterloo, Iowa.
William H. Brown was born at Amsterdam, N. Y., July 25, 1835. In 1847 he emigrated to the Buekeye State in company with his parents. They became residents of Medina County, and there the boy grew to manhood. The spring of 1865 witnessed his departure from the paternal
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FARM RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM H. BROWN, SECTION 23, CESSNA TOWNSHIP, HARDIN COUNTY, OHIO.
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rooftree, and, coming to this county a few years afterward, hie located of section 23, Cessna Town- ship. The place was covered with dense forests, and no improvements worthy of mention had been made thereon. Through the untiring efforts of our subject there may now be seen fertile fields, bearing abundant crops, and a thrifty, well kept set of farm buildings. He is also the owner of a good place in Medina Comity, this state.
November 24, 1859, the marriage of Mr. Brown and Jennie Richards took place. There were four children born of that union: Virginia, Flor- ence, Erwin and Celia. The mother died Noven- ber 23, 1879, and all but one of the children, Er- win, have also been summoned by the angel of death. February 19, 1880, Mr. Brown married Miss Mary Scott, by whom he has five children: William L., Georgie, Edwin, Myra and Earl.
The elementary education of William H. Brown was obtained in the district schools, where he pur- sued his studies until he was about sixteen years old. Two years later he entered Baldwin Univer- sity, taking a four-years scientific course. In or- der to meet his expenses the ambitious young man . worked, at all spare moments, for his uncle at cabinet-making. He is a friend to education and to all worthy enterprises and charities.
HARLES C. JORDAN owns and operates a good farin situated on Survey No. 13,938, in Lynn Township, Hardin County. As a worthy and representative old settler, he has long been identified with the upbuilding of this coun- ty, and no one is more respected in this locality than he. A native of Germany, he was born in the village of Weichersbach, Hesse-Cassel, Octo- ber 15, 1840, and is the second child born to his parents, John and Catherine ( Wertinan) Jordan. They were also born in the Fatherland, and there the father died in December, 1840.
Our subject attended the village school of his
birthplace until a lad of twelve years, when he came to America in company with his mother and step-father. They landed at Baltimore, from which city they made their way to Bakersville, Somerset County, Pa., where George Belz, his step-father, farmed until the spring of 1864. That year they moved to Hardin County, this state, where Mr. Belz died in the fall of the same year.
While in the Keystone State, our subject en- listed in Company B, Twenty-eighth Pennsylva- nia Infantry, and the first engagement in which he fought as a Union soldier occurred at Cedar Mountain. The second battle occurred at Antie- tam, where he was wounded, being confined in the hospital for three months. When sufficiently recovered he rejoined his regiment at Harper's Ferry, serving his country faithfully and well until July 20, 1864, when he was mustered out at Chattanooga, Tenn. His terin of service had expired June 21 of that year, but he was retained until after the capture of the rebel forces on Ken- esaw Mountain.
On being mustered out Mr. Jordan came to Hardin County, where he was married, Feb- ruary 25, 1866, to Catherine Baker, daughter of John and Sophia (Weisgerber) Baker. Their union has resulted in the birth of eight sons and daughters. Rebecca is now the wife of Franklin Kahler, a farmer of Cessna Township, this coun- ty; Sophia married Ora Maddox, a resident of Kenton; and the others are Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, William, Carol and Caroline.
On his arrival in this county from the seat of war our subject farmed on rented land for two years in Pleasant Township. He subsequently worked for other people for- eighteen months, or until he had accumulated a sufficient sum of money to enable him to buy a small tract of land. Accordingly, in October, 1868, he bought fifty- nine acres, included in his present farm, on which he first erected a log cabin and then began the work of improvement. He added to his posses- sions from time to time, until now he has one hundred and five broad acres. The land is well improved, and by a proper rotation of crops is made to yield an abundant harvest each year.
Mr. Jordan has been the incumbent of many
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positions of trust, among them being the office of Township Trustee, Justice of the Peace and School Director. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religious matters is actively identified with the Evangelical Church.
G EN. JAMES C. HOWE. Whoever labors toward the development of his country, striv- ing to bring out its latent resources; who is devoted to the general welfare of the people; who seeks to promote the cause of justice and morali- ty, and to advance our civilization throughi edu- cational, professional or commercial channels, be- comes a public benefactor, and is worthy of spec- ial mention on the pages of history.
Such are the character and record of James C. Howe, Adjutant-General of the State of Ohio, and one of the eminent mien of the country. He was born in Kenton, October 13, 1854, being the son of Jolin and Mercy (Cockrel) Howe, natives, respectively, of New York and Delaware County, Ohio. His father, who became a pioneer of Har- . din County, was for many years a prominent business man of Kenton, and was a soldier in Company B, Eighty-second Ohio Infantry, dur- ing the Civil War, his death occurring in Kenton soon after the close of the conflict. His brother, Aaron Howe, is living in Iowa, and is a wealthy and influential man in his locality. The mother of our subject died September 1, 1891.
General Howe was one of eleven children, there being two sons and nine daughters. Of this number four sisters and both brothers are living, the former being wives of well-to-do business men, while the other brother, Millard F., is agent for the Toledo & Oliio Central Railroad at Find- lay. James C. grew to manhood in Kenton, where he was educated in the public schools. He learned the printer's trade under the late General Robinson, then editor of the Kenton Republican. After gaining a thorough knowledge of "the art
preservative," he spent a year in the newspaper business in Cincinnati, and later was city editor of the Kenton Republican.
From the last named position Mr. Howe re- signed in order to accept the position of Assistant Cashier of the First National Banko of Ken- ton, remaining in that capacity for two years. Elected Clerk of the courts of Hardin County, he held that office for two terms of three years each. He then organized the Kenton Lock Works, a stock company with a capital of $75,000, of which concern he was President and general manager. His connection with this enterprise was in every way satisfactory, and he retained the position of President until he received front Gov- ernor Mckinley the appointment of Assistant Adjutant-General of the state in 1891. One year later, in 1892, he was made Adjutant-General, and this high position he has since filled with great dignity and marked ability.
The life of General Howe shows what it is in the power of a poor boy to accomplish in the world. Orphaned by his father's death when he was a mere lad, he became dependent upon his own resources at an early age and worked his way to one of the highest offices in the state. This, too, has been accomplished without a blot on liis social, financial or political career. Personally he is a man of pleasing address and courteous manners, and his friends are legion, not only in Hardin County, where his life has been spent, but also throughout the entire state. He is a care- ful, conservative business man, and a shrewd, far- seeing politician. These qualities were evinced during his service as Chairman of the Republican Executive Committee in the Mckinley campaign, also as a member of the State Executive Com- mittee. Few men in the state have a wider ac- quaintance with the leading public men of the day than has he. From liis long connection with the Ohio National Guards, he is most admirably fitted for the duties of Adjutant-General of thie great state of Ohio.
Socially General Howe is a member of the Masome fraternity, the order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and order of Elks. He is prominently associated with the Sons of Veter-
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ans, being Inspector-General of the United States for that order. In 1877 he was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary A. Downing, of Hardin County. They have had three children, two of whom; Warren and an infant, are deceased. Ma- bel is a student in the public schools.
OHN R. GARBERSON is one of the old res- idents of Marion County, and has lived on his present homestead since 1838. Some' years prior to the death of his mother, which oc- curred July 6, 1852, he purchased the interest of the other lieirs in the estate, which consisted of one hundred and thirty acres. He has since pur- chased other land in the township, and now owns nearly eight hundred acres, of which five hun- dred are in his home farm, under the supervision of his son John M. In 1862 he erected the sub- stantial house in which he now makes his home.
With the public affairs of the township and county Mr. Garberson has been closely identified. In 1854 he was elected on the independent ticket to the position of County Clerk, and held the of- fice for two terms, a period of six years. In Au- gust, 1867, he was appointed to fill a vacancy as Probate Judge by the Governor of Ohio, and the same year, on the expiration of the terin, he was elected to the position, holding the office until 1873. He continued to live at the county seat until 1879, when he resumed agricultural duties. In his home neighborhood he has held nearly all of the offices, and as a public official he has made a good record. He is a friend to the public-school system and takes an interested part in measures which are intended to advance the welfare of his fellow-nien.
David Garberson, the fatlier of our subject, was born in New Jersey and was of Welsh descent, and his second wife, formerly Rosanna Resley, a native of Maryland, was of German extraction.
His first wife bore him eight children, and by his second union he had four children. By trade he was a shoemaker and followed that calling in his early days. About 1816 he removed to Pennsyl- vania, and eight years later to an unimproved farm owned by his wife, near Mt. Vernon, Ohio .. He cleared and cultivated this farm until 1838, when he came to this county and settled in Clari- don Township, on the farm now owned by his son John R. On this tract of eighty acres, lo- cated on section 10, stood a weather-boarded log house and frame barn, and these, with the excep- tion of a few acres which had been broken, were the only improvements that had yet been inade. David Garberson, who was born November 15, 1759, died on this farm, April 29, 1843, and was buried in Caledonia Cemetery. His second wife, Rosanna, born July 8, 1788; died July 6, 1852. While living in New Jersey he served as Deputy Sheriff, and was a man of influence in the com- munity. Religiously he held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The birth of John R. Garberson occurred near Loudonville, Ohio, November 25, 1820, and in a log cabin he spent his boyhood. He attended the subscription schools of Knox and Marion Coun- ties, and often walked a distance of a mile and a-half to and from the schoolhouse. In 1838 he came with his parents to this township, and in the fall and winter of 1843-44 was a student in the Marion High School. During his father's last years much of the care of the farm devolved npon his shoulders. His mother continued to live with him until her demise, and in her declin- ing days was provided with every comfort and attention.
April 30, 1844, was celebrated tlie marriage of John R. Garberson and Susan Irey, who was born in Virginia, December 13, 1823. Six children were born to this worthy couple, of whom David S. died March 19, 1846, and Ira died June 16, 1847. Loretta, who was born August 22, 1848, is the wife of Rev. J. H. Bethards, a Methodist minister of Lima, Ohio, and they have two chil- dren, Grace and Paul. Charles F., who was born June 6, 1851, is a well known attorney-at-law of Marion; he was united in marriage, September 14,
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1876, with Miss Anna, daughter of Rev. Jolin Graham, of Richwood, Ohio, and they have one child, Margaretta. Jolin M. was born June 14, 1853, and now superintends the old farm; he married Carrie C., daughter of John M. Christian, February 9, 1875, and their living children are Jolin J., George Heath, Avery C., Mamie. Hilda, Lucretia and an infant as yet unnamed. William R., who was born August 1, 1856, is now travel- ing for a Cleveland firm. His marriage, Decem- ber 25, 1877, united ltim with Flora, daughter of Rev. Loran B. Webster, of Marion; they have two children, Harry and Hazel.
In religious belief Mr. Garberson is a Methodist and for many years has been a faitliful worker in that church, in which he has filled the offices of local . Elder, Class-Leader, Steward and all the other important positions in the congregation. His life has been notable for his strict integrity of purpose and deed, and those who have known him longest are numbered among his most sin- cere friends.
OSHUA COPE has the honor of being the oldest settler now living in Dudley Town_ ship, Hardin County, having made his home on his present farm for over sixty-two years. He lias witnessed the wonderful transformation wrought in this locality during these years, and has himself been one of the prominent factors in its development.
A native of this state, our subject was born in Ross County, December 12, 1813. His parents, Joshua and Isabelle (McCray) Cope, reared a family of seven children, of whom he was the fourth in order of birth. Of this household, all are deceased with the exception of Joshua, Jr. The parents were Virginians by birth, and in the Old Dominion were reared to manhood and wo- manhood, and inarried. In 1812 they left that
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state and, coming to Ohio, took up land in Har- risoil County. They remained there but a short time, however, when they moved to Ross County and later to Madison County. They were resi- dents of the last-named county for a period of five years, and in 1818 we find them living in Marion County, where the father made a pur- chase of land' in what is now Big Island Town- ship. He was the first person to locate within its bounds, and was identified with its development and upbuilding until 1832, when he disposed of his property at a good price, and came to Hardin County, choosing a location in Dudley Township for his permanent home. There he died after passing his seventy-sixth birthday. In this place, as in all the others in whichi he lived, he was a prominent figure in local affairs, and was one of the first County Commissioners. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and was a thoroughly good and upright man.
The original of this sketch remained at home until ready to embark in life for ltimself, at which time he was married, November 17, 1836. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Hopkins, whose death occurred in Dudley Township, was at that time seventy-six years of age. They had traveled life's journey together nearly fifty years. In re- ligious affairs she was a member of the Free -.
Will Baptist Church. On the 23d of August, 1888, he took for his second wife Jane Wilson, daughter of David and Margaret ( Hanna) Wil- son, natives of County Down, Ireland, where Mrs. Cope was born. On his farm Mr. Cope built a little log cabin, in which he made his home for some time, but this rude structure lias long since given way to a more comfortable and com- modious abode. 'To the development of the county Mr. Cope has contributed largely, and has been an important factor in its growth. He owns one hundred and seventeen acres of fine land, and although his advanced years prevent him from engaging in ardnous work of any kind, yet he keeps himself posted on what is being done on the estate.
In politics Mr. Cope is a Republican, and dur- ing his younger days was active in its ranks. For six years he was Township Trustee, and in fact
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has been the incumbent of nearly all the township offices. 'He is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, with which body he has been connected for fifty-four years.
HOMAS J. DICKINSON, an influential and extensive agriculturist of Hardin Coun- ty, owns two hundred and sixty-five acres in Hale Township, besides a tract of one hundred and twenty-six acres lying in Logan County. Both farms are under thorough tillage, bear a full line of adequate improvements, and yield large harvests of the various cereals, to the raising of which they are principally devoted. Mr. Dickin- son is an extensive dealer in live stock, and each year makes large shipments of cattle, hogs and sleep.
The Dickinson family were originally residents of Virginia, whence the paternal grandparents of our subject removed to Ohio and settled in Logan County, becoming pioneers of that section of the state. At that early day the population of the county consisted almost exclusively of Indians, who, being unfriendly, never lost an opportunity of destroying the homes of the white men. The house occupied by grandfather Dickinson was burned to the ground by them, and he suffered frequent depredations at their hands. The mem- bers of the family liave been honorable and ener- getic, worthy of their Scotch forefathers and their Quaker principles. .
The parents of our subject, Joseph N. and Mary Ann (Corwin) Dickinson, were natives of Logan County, this state, where the former still resides, being now (1895) seventy-nine years of age. The mother died in 1894, at the age of seventy-four. Their family consisted of twelve children, of whom Thomas J. was the fourth. He was born in Andrew County, Mo., February 8, 1845, and was a child of four years when the fam- ily returned to Logan County, Ohio. At the age of fifteen years lie came to Hardin County, where
he has since made his home. Upon attaining his majority he began in life for himself, and his first purchase of land comprised a portion of liis pres- ent farm in Hale Township.
November 14, 1867, occurred the marriage of Mr. Dickinson and Miss Caroline Bird, who has spent much of lier life liere, though a native of Union County, this state. To them was granted a family of five children. Arlie, who died when twenty-two years of age, was the wife of Edward Griffiths; slic left at her death a daughter, Bessie, who makes hier home with our subject. Nelson, Emma, Delpha and Bertha are all at home.
Mr. Dickinson is a stanch Republican in poli- tics, and on this ticket was elected to the office of County Commissioner in January, 1894. Social- ly lie is an Odd Fellow, and belongs to Mt. Victory Lodge No. 583. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church, and although our sub- ject is not identified with any religious body, he gives liberally to the support of that congrega- tion. He is interested in all worthy matters that affect the welfare of his community, and is at all times willing to give to public causes. He lias many friends and leads a happy life, surrounded by a loving family and all the comforts which a good income can secure.
OHN S. BEALE. This enterprising young citizen of Marion occupies the responsible position of agent of the Columbus, Sandusky & Hocking Railroad Company. He was born at Galion, this state, February 19, 1861, and is the son of T. H. B. Beale, whose birth occurred in Juniata County, Pa., October 7, 1838. The grandfather of our subject, William C. Beale, was also a native of the above county in Pennsylva- nia. He was a cabinet-inaker by trade and worked at this vocation in the Keystone State u11- til 1846, wlien lie came to Crawford County, this state. In 1853 he was lionored by being elected Sheriff of the county on the Independent ticket.
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He was indefatigable in his work as Sheriff and gave satisfaction to all people concerned. He met his death in 1868 by an accident which oc- curred on the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroad at Bucyrus.
The Beale family is an old and prominent one in the history of Pennsylvania The first to came to America was a native of Sheffield, Eng- land, who located in Juniata County, Pa., in 1682. Many of this name have occupied lionored posi- tions in the political, financial and social world. John Beale, who was a brother . of William C., was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and his son, J. H., became a prominent clergy- man of a Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and during the Civil War was a Chaplain in the army. General Beale, who occupied a position on General Grant's staff in Washington, is a member of this family. Many members served their country during the Revolutionary period, and others fought bravely in the War of 1812.
T. H. B. Beale was about eight years of age at the time his father came to this state, and grow- ing up in Galion, he had the advantage of its fine schools, completing his education in the high school there. He soon after became connected with the old Alantic & Great Western Railroad, and in 1871 went to Urbana as agent for that company. He proved a valuable man, and in 1882 was made General Passenger and Freight Agent for the Clover Leaf, with headquarters at Toledo. The following year he was put in charge as joint agent of the New York, Lake Erie & Western and the Chicago & Erie Railroads at Marion, holding this position until 1890, when he resigned in order to accept the position of Sec- retary of the Marion Steam Shovel Works, which office he resigned in April, 1894. He is a Mason, Knight Templar, Odd Fellow and also belongs to the order of Elks and the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and dur- ing the past four years has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school. .
The parents of our subject were married in 1860. The mother, Margaret Sill, was a native of Bedford County, Pa., and was descended from one of the leading families of that state. To them
were born four children, one of whom died in in- fancy. Margaret L. is the wife of F. S. Adams, a leading physician of Marion; and Edgar M. is agent for the Columbus, Sandusky & Hocking Railroad at Delaware, this state.
John S. Beale attended the public schools of Galion and Urbana, where his parents were liv- ing in his boyhood, and when sixteen years of age became clerk for his father in the railroad of- fice in which he was engaged. He remained in his employ during all the years in which he was thus engaged until 1893, when, on the comple- tion of the Columbus, Sandusky & Hocking Railroad through this city, he was made agent of the company and has had charge of the station since.
Our subject was married, in 1883, to Miss Alice O. Doty, of Urbana. Their only child died in infancy. Socially, Mr. Beale is a Knight of Pyth- ias and a member of the Elks. He is a strong Republian in politics and an earnest, public- spirited citizen. A member of the Episcopal Church, he is now serving his congregation as vestryman.
AMUEL H. KING. Few of the residents of Marion County have made their home here for so long a period as has the subject of this biographical notice, who was born upon the farm where he now makes his home. He is the . owner of a fine estate comprising one hundred . and forty-six acres, and situated on section 33 of Salt Rock Township. Through his long and use- ful life, the greater portion of which has been spent in the immediate locality of his birth, he has been a witness of many of the improvements time has wrought in this section of the state, and through energy, industry and judicious management has himself been an important factor in securing these improvements.
Born June 5, 1827, our subject is the son of George and Hessie (Hopkins) King. Mary
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