USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 58
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 58
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ann, the eldest child, died at the age of about twenty; James passed from earth in 1862; Jane died in girlhood; one died in infancy; Samuel H. is the next in the family circle; Naucy, the wife of James P. Gray, was called hence by death when twenty years of age; Cornelius passed away in in- fancy; Harriet, the widow of A. Brady, resides in Marion County; Alexander A. I. D. isa farm- er of this locality; John B., a retired farmer, is a resident of Marion, Ohio; and Lydia C., wife of R. G. Delong, died at about forty-two years.
George King was born in Sussex County, Del., May 7, 1791, and was a son of James and Nancy (Farquher) King. During the War of 1812 he rendered valiant service in defense of the interests of our country. Later, moving to Ohio, he set- tled in Pickaway County, in 1815, and there en- gaged in farmning. In 1821 he moved to Marion County, Ohio, and, entering land from the Gov- . ernment, cleared and improved a farmi, on which he continued to make his home until his death, at the age of sixty-five years, January 10, 1857.
The marriage of George King, February 29, 1816, united him with Hessie, daughter of Sam- uel and Jane Hopkins. She was born in Dela- ware October 31, 1797, and at the age of three years was taken by her parents to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1801. Coming with her hus- band to Marion County, she settled on the farm in Salt Rock Township where she lived for fifty years, sharing with her husband the toils and hardships of pioneer life. For thirty years she was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in that faith she passed away when seventy-six years of age.
One of the pioneers of this locality, George King endured all the hardships incident to frontier existence and aided in the task of transforming the county into a finely improved farming region. In his political views he advocated the principles of the Democratic party, and always cast his bal- lot in support of its men and measures. He was of Scotcli-Irish extraction, as was also his wife. They now lie side by side in the Union Cemetery. They were a worthy couple, respected by all who knew then, and faithful members of the Presby- terian Churchı.
The earliest recollections of our subject are as -. sociated with pioneer seenes in this locality. During his boyhood days hie often played with the Indian boys in the neighborhood, one of their favorite sports being the shooting of arrows. Wolves, deer and wild turkey's abounded in the woods, and many bears and deer fell beneath his unerring rifle. His fatlier upon coming to this country, about 1821, had selected a site for his home, and then, returning to Pickaway County in a wagon, brought his family to the new home .; Schools were few and far between in those early days, and educational advantages were meager; but our subject attended the district schools when- ever an opportunity was afforded, and throughi self-culture, combined with training in the prim- itive temples of learning, he became a well in- formed ina1. At the age of twenty-one he start- ed out for himself, at which time hie rented a por- tion of the old homestead and began the life of a farmer.
Thinking that in the further West he might have better opportunities, Mr. King went to Illi- nois and purchased three hundred acres in Cham- paign County, but being disappointed in the coun- try, hie soon returned to Ohio and purchased a part of the old homestead, where he has ever since resided. November 7, 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Thompson, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, February 16, 1827. Her parents, Edward and Ellen (Foos) Thomp- son, came to Marion County in 1829, and settled in Salt Rock Township, where the mother died at forty-nine years of age, and the father when sixty-two. She was of German-Welsh extrac- tion, and her parents were born in Kentucky; his parents were Virginians and were descendants of Irish ancestors.
Three daughters and one son comprised the fani- ily of Mr. and Mrs. King, namely: Julia, the eldest, who died at four years of age; Annie, who married Louis Alkire, a farmer of Salt Rock Township, and is the mother of two children, Orley and Samuel Howard; David, who died at the age of two years and a-half; Henrietta V., the wife of James Clixby, a farmer of this township, their union having resulted in the
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birth of one child, Millie Gertrude. The family is connected with the Presbyterian Church, to the support of which Mr. King is a regular con- tributor. His political opinions have led him to advocate Republican principles, and upon the ticket of that party he has at different times been elected to local offices of trust and responsibility. As an agriculturist he is capable, energetic and persevering, and well deserves the large measure of success which has rewarded his efforts.
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A LBERT THOMASSON. The agricultural community is the foundation of true pros- perity in the state, and in the homes of the farmers we may read the future of the country. The family represented by Mr. Thomasson is notable for integrity and intelligence, energy and enterprise, and their common-sense and practical knowledge influence all about them and conduce to the prosperity of the section in which they live. Mr. Thomasson is entitled to the honored name of pioneer, for at the time he came to Mar- ion County and purchased land in Bowling Green Township, the surrounding country was a wilderness and the land, being swampy, gave few indications of being available for farming pur- poses. To the growth and development of later years he has contributed largely, and while im- proving a valuable farm for himself has done not a little toward promoting the prosperity of his neighbors. .
A Virginian by birth and parentage, the sub- ject of this notice was born in Spottsylvania Coun- ty, October 9, 1814, being the third of seven children who comprised the family of Henry and Elizabeth (Loving) Thomasson. Of this num- ·ber he and his brother Samuel, of Virginia, are the only survivors. Their father was born in the Old Dominion, and was employed as a fariner and miller until his death, at forty-eight years of age. The paternal grandfather, who was born in Eng- land, came to America in youth, and was one of
the soldiers of the Revolution; his wife was also of English birth. Our subject's mother belonged to one of the F. F. V.'s, of whose chivalry, re- finement and culture history gives such a vivid picture. She died of smallpox, when about sixty years old.
Until fifteen years of age our subject attended the common schools, but at that time he began to learn the trade of a brickmason, serving an apprenticeship of four years. In the fall of 1838 he came to Marion County, and purchased the land in Bowling Green Township that he still owns. Here he built a log house and began the task of preparing the soil for cultivation. While the suninier seasons were devoted to agriculture, in the winter months he was employed at the trade of a brickmason, and he did the larger part of the brick-laying on the buildings put up in Marion in early days. For about forty years he followed the dual occupations of fariner and brick- mason, but of late years has retired from the trade and gives his attention to the management of his farm.
The wife of our subject, Emma Manley, was born in Virginia, and died in Marion County, August 3, 1887. Twelve children had been born unto them. Sarah, the eldest of the family, is the wife of George Caries, a farmer of Montgom -. ery Township; Richard H. is an agriculturist of Hardin County, Ohio, and A. J. is similarly en- gaged in Montgomery Township, Marion Coun- ty; William and John are farmers of Bowling Green Township; Susan, Benjamin and Meggie died at the respective ages of eight, twenty-five and twenty-six; Minnie and Rachel died when young; and Eliza Ann and Rachel are also de- ceased.
In political views Mr. Thomasson is a Demo- crat, and in early days took an active part in local affairs. He has served as Trustee of the town- ship and served in other responsible positions. Socially he is identified with the Masonic lodge at Larue, and belongs to the Chapter in Marion. While he is not connected with any denomina- tion, he is a supporter of and believer in Chris- tianity. His second marriage united him with Miss Lettie Dickinson, of Marion County, and
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MADISON M. THOMPSON. 1
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two children were born unto them, one of whom died in infancy, Albert L. being the only sur- vivor.
The farm owned and cultivated by Mr. Thon- asson consists of one hundred and twenty acres, bearing all the improvements of a first-class es- tate. Substantial buildings have replaced the structures of pioneer days, good fences have been built, trees have been planted and modern farm machinery introduced, making of the place one of the most valuable in the township. To the supervision of this property he gives his personal attention, doing an amount of work not often ac- complished by men twenty years his junior. Not- withstanding his advanced years, he is hale and vigorous, retaining much of the physical vigor and mental capacity of youth.
M ADISON M. THOMPSON, a leading citi- zen of Kenton, is widely known as Auditor of Hardin County, and in this position is both an able and influential official. He is a gen- tleman of superior social and business attainments, and commands the respect and esteem of all who know him.
Mr Thompson was born on a farm in Mill Creek Township, Union County, Ohio, March 28, 1857, and is the son of Robert Thompson, whose birth also occurred in that county. The grand- fatlier of our subject was a native of Virginia, and removed at an early day from his home near Cul- peper Court House, going to Mill Creek Town- ship, Union County. He resided here for many years, and died about the year 1865. In 1861 . Robert Thompson removed to Hardin County, locating on a farm eight miles east of the thriving city of Kenton. There he died November 27, 1887. His wife was Marinda Longebrake. She is still living, making her home at Mt. Victory, tlfis state.
Our subject had three brothers and two sisters, of whom one of the former died when a year old.
George O. is a school teacher, and when not em- ployed at this vocation looks after his interests in the old home farm. Another brother, Maine R., is engaged in a flouring-mill at Mt. Victory.
Madison M. received the advantages of a dis- trict-school education and remained at home until 1885. That year he was appointed Postmaster of Mt. Victory, and faithfully discharged the duties thus imposed upon him until the fall of 1890, when he was elected County Auditor on the Democratic ticket. This term expired three years later, but he became his own successor, and is still the incumbent of the office. For six years pre- vious to becoming Postmaster he was Township Clerk, and the ability which he displayed in this office inade him a valuable man to his party, and one whom they were sure of electing when brought before the public. He is a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow, having passed all the chairs in the latter order.
In 1881 Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Fannie L., daughter of Rev. James C. Clemons, a Methodist minister. They have had born to them six children, of whom those living are Roy L., Grover, Clyde and Naomi. The two daugh- ters deceased were Luvia and Genevieve.
EV. JEREMIAH SUTTEN. The scholar- ly man whose life record we now attempt. to place before the public, is the efficient. and well beloved pastor of the Free-Will Baptist Church at Larue. He was born December 10, 1847, in Hamilton County, this state, and was the youngest in a family of six children born to Jolin S. and Mary A. (Addis) Sutten. David P., the eldest, was a physician, and died when twen- ty-nine years old, in Illinois, where he was en- gaged in practice; Angeline married F. M. Sears, and makes her home in Cincinnati; Allen A. is a blacksmith of Warren County, Ohio; Bellamy S. is now a resident of Shelbyville, Ind .; and Jolin
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
W. died when young. Bellamy S. has been County Clerk of his county for two terms, was for four years a member of the Indiana Legisla- ture, and was also Superintendent of the Cairo Division of the Big Four Railroad for several years. He was in the railroad business for a pe- riod of thirty-three years, but is now living retired in Shelbyville. He stands high in many of the social orders, and is ex-Grand Master of a Masonic lodge.
John S. Sutten was a native of Pennsylvania, and when about thirteen years old his parents came to this state and located in Hamilton Coun- ty, where he was reared to manhood. He after- ward learned the trade of a shoemaker, at which he worked in connection with managing a small farm. He lived in that vicinity until 1859, but that year changed his location to a point near Blanchester, Clinton County, this state. There he also became the owner of a farm, on which he resided until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-eight years old. He was converted when about forty years old to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he after- ward served as a local preacher. Our subject was at that time an infant, but it was the desire of his fa- ther's heart that he should be trained for the ministry. Andrew Sutten, grandfather of Jere- miah, was a soldier in the Mexican War, in which conflict he was made a General. He was after- ward elected to the House of Representatives, in which body he rendered his constituents valuable service. Although born in the United States, his parents were of Scotch-Irish extraction.
Mrs. Mary A. Sutten was born in Pennsylvania and when young made the trip to Ohio with her parents on a flatboat. They, too, were Penn- sylvanians by birth and of Scotch and Irish ex- traction. Mrs. Sutten was a devoted member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Her son, our subject, remained at home until a lad of fifteen years, in the mean time having acquired a good education. He was a great student, always read- ing those books that would be of benefit to him, and when quite young organized a debating soci- ety, which was something new in his neighbor- hood. Therein he gained quite a reputation as
an orator, and this little society was the means of developing talents in the farmer lads which they did not know existed.
When nineteen years old our subject began teaching school in Gallaudet, Ind., but after his first term of five months returned home and at- tended school the following winter. The next year he was employed to teach a village school in Cler- mont County, this state, and for the succeeding seven years was thus employed. During this time lie studied for the ministry, being ordained in 1874, and aided in conducting protracted meet- ings for about four months. He held his first charge for five years, and in 1879 was called to take charge of a congregation in Marion County. He served them as pastor until 1890, when he was appointed Chaplain of the Ohio State Peni- tentiary, and removed his family to Columbus. This change of affairs was brought about through the influence of the Hon. Mr. Watkins, withont Mr. Sutten ever having sent in an application for the position. He was very popular with all who knew him, and for twenty-three months he dis- charged the duties of Chaplain. The change in administration, however, caused him to lose his position, but, desirous of accomplishing a good work among the prisoners, he organized what was known as the Ohio Penitentiary Sunday- school, and through his association had eighty- four conversions. His good wife aided him in this cause, conducting the services among the women.
Upon leaving the penitentiary, our subject was engaged to preachi for the congregations at Morral, Grand Prairie, Big Island and Union. In order to do this he was obliged to preach three sermons every Sunday, and in driving from place to place covered a distance of twelve miles. Hecontinued thus for two years, when he resigned his pastor- ate of these charges, and, coming to Larue, began the work here August 1, 1894.
Mr. Sutten was married, November 28, 1869, to Mollie E. Cox, of Clinton County, this state, who died November 29, 1881, aged thirty-two years. She left at her decease a son, Clarence H., who is engaged in the livery business at Larue. March 2, 1883, he was married to Mrs. Ella A. Kniffen, a most estimable lady, who greatly assists him in
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church work. We cannot close this record with- out saying that this hardworking pastor has min- istered successfully in the Master's work because he has gone where most necded, and has not sought the highest places. His past must be to him a pleasant retrospect, revealing the changes wrought through his labors in behalf of the great head of the Church, Jesus Christ.
G EORGE RIFFEL is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his well-cul- tivated farm, which is located on section 32, Claridon Township, Marion County. He has been a resident of this neighborhood for the past fourteen years, and is now numbered among her practical and thrifty agriculturists. From time to time he has been called upon to serve in an of- ficial capacity, and has discharged the duties which rested upon him in a careful and trust- worthy manner. Among others he has held the offices of Township Trustee and Constable. He is a worthy example of a self-made man, for he began life empty handed and with only a limited subscription-school education. The school of his boyhood was a log cabin, about 18x20 feet, with puncheon floors and slab desks and benches. The windows were not supplied with glass, but had sheets of paper pasted over the apertures.
The father of the gentleman above mentioned, Solomon Riffel, was. of German extraction, but was born in Pennsylvania, as was also his wife, who before their union was a Miss Mary Bowers. Their only daughter, Minerva, who died No- vember 17, 1874, was the wife of Peter Rous- coulp; and George, of this sketch, was the only son.
Our subject was born and reared on a farın in Fayette County, Pa., the date of his birth being November 3, 1821. His father died when he was only eight years of age, but he continued to live with his mother until a few years after reaching
his majority. They were residents of Virginia for a number of years, but about 1844 imoved to Licking County, Ohio, where George Riffel rented land for two years. He then became proprietor of a farmi which he subsequently sold, buying and improving two others in that county, where he continued to dwell until 1881. Shortly after com- ing to Marion County, he settled on the place which he now cultivates and which comprises one hundred and twenty acres on section 32.
March 25, 1845, Mr. Riffel married Margaret E., daughter of Adam and Susannah (Krouse) Winegardner. The lady was born in Licking County, this state, November 10, 1815, and is of German descent. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Riffel: Solomon G., who is a farmer and a carpenter by trade, and is now liv- ing in Perry County; Samuel, who is assisting his father; Albert D., whose home is in Licking County; Jesse B., who died in infancy; and Annie, who married Ezekiel Bissett, by whom she had one child, George C. Her husband, who was a farmer, died November 28, 1884.
In his political preferences George Riffel in- clines to the Democracy, with which he has been allied ever since casting his first ballot.
B. TYSON, M. D., one of the leading practitioners of Hardin County, and indeed of the state, has been a citizen of Kenton for a number of years. Through his notable dis- covery for the cure of drunkenness, one much pref- erable to that of, Dr. Keeley, he has become fa- mous in all parts of the United States, and in many European lands. One of the first to ad- vance the theory that drunkenness is a disease and should be treated accordingly, he devoted a great deal of study to the subject, with the re- sult that he made one of the most wonderful dis- coveries of the nineteenth century. He has es- tablished sanitariums in various parts of this
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country and in Europe. At this writing he is negotiating with foreign agents for the sale of his rights in Europe at an enormous sum.
Dr. Tyson was born in Bloom Furnace, Scioto County, Ohio, February 15, 1841. His father, Jacob Tyson, was a native of Baltimore, born in 1812. There is a bit of romance connected with his life; his father, a Quaker, married a Catholic, and this fact caused much feeling among some of the members of her faith. When Jacob was seven years old he was stolen from his parents by the aforesaid Catholics, and was conveyed to Ohio. Though it was never known just what plan or purpose his enemies had in view, it is a fact that he never received anything from his father's es- tate, which was very valuable.
The wife of Jacob Tyson bore the maiden nanie of Mary Rinnette. She came from a highly re- spected family. Three of her uncles were Baptist ministers, two brothers were also preachers, and her mother was a cousin of the famous Wash- burn brothers, of whom Senator W. D. Wash- burn is now the only survivor. Mrs. Mary Tyson was the mother of three children, the Doctor being the only son. Both daughters live in California; one is the wife of W. E. Parratt, a druggist, and the other is unmarried.
His father being a large mill-owner and a man of ample means, Dr. Tyson received a liberal ed- ucation. In the winter of 1859-60 lie took up the study of medicine, being in Cincinnati when the Civil War broke out. He eulisted for three months, serving in Company D, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry. In the spring of 1862 he entered the United States Navy under Commander Foat, and was placed on the gunboat "Lexington," as hospital steward. He was present at many of the important engagements of the war, and was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteers, being detailed on the staff of Gen. G. H. Stone. Later he was transferred to the staff of Gen. J. W. Keifer, and was kept on detail duty until the close of the conflict. He received an honorable discharge September 11, 1865.
After the war the Doctor traveled extensively in the West and Southwest, then went on a
foreign tour, visiting the principal points of in- terest in all of the civilized countries of Europe. It was not until 1874 that he returned to his na- tive land. Prior to his travels he had practiced a year at Greenfield, Ohio, and then, going to Ken- ton, he resumed his chosen life work, at the same time conducting a drug store. Heis an en- thusiast on the subject of liis discovery for the cure of inebriates, and is likely to make a fortune front it, as he deserves, after the years he lias given to the work. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Union League and the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is an ardent Republican.
In 1879 Dr. Tyson married Hattie W., eldest daughter of Gen. Moses B. Walker, a retired army officer, and the "hero of Chickamauga." They have two children, Bruce W. and Mazelle.
A UGUSTE RHU, M. D. This prominent physician and skillful surgeon of the city of Marion, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, April 5, 1849, on a farmi eight miles from Tiffin. His father was Conrad, and grandfather Sidney, Rhu (formerly spelled Roux). The foriner was a native of Germany, and was born near the French frontier. He was by profession a civil engineer, and three years prior to his emigration to America spent his time in Vienna, Austria, where he was engaged in civil engineering: He lived for a time in New York after making his. home in the New World, and about 1847 located in Olio, where he passed the remainder of his life engaged in the grain business in Seneca County, making and in turn losing fortunes. He died in 1874. His wife, prior to her marriage, was Eliza- beth Detsch, a native of Kronach, Bavaria. She is now living, making her home in Tiffin, this state.
Dr. Rhu was the eldest of a family of nine chil- dren, and in order that he might be well educated was sent a few months before attaining his tenth year to the Franklin Street High School in Day-
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ton, and later to the Notre Dame University at South Bend, Ind. His progress in his studies was so rapid that at the age of sixteen we find him teaching a country school in Huron County. He was also a talented musician, and for several years played the organ in church. When yet a boy lie went to Lincoln, Ill., and there organized the musical department of Lincoln University, remaining at its head for a period of three years. He next went to Beaver, Pa., where he was elected Musical Director of the college in that place and remained for five years. Being anx- ious to devote his time to the study of medicine, he entered the office of Dr. Jefferson Wilson, of that place, and in the fall of 1882 entered the Western Reserve Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the Class of '85.
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