USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 9
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 9
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Mr. Tracy uses his right of franchise in favor of the Democratic party, and has taken quite an active part in county politics, though his paper is conducted on neutral lincs. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to both the subordinate lodge and the encamp- ment of Marion. He is also associated with La- rue Lodge No. 463, F. & A. M., and with Wal- ter Scott Lodge No. 214, K. of P. Religiously he is a believer in the Methodist Episcopal de- nomination and is a strong member of the local church.
November 25, 1891, Mr. Tracy was united in marriage with Miss Eunice Hedges, who was born and grew to womanhood in Union County, Ohio. The young couple are very popular in social and church circles and enjoy the friendship of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
G ON. JOHN BAIN, of Larue, is one of the old pioneers and representative men of Ma- rion County. He has always been a leader in the Republican party and has served honora- bly and greatly to his own credit in many public positions. He has filled nearly all of the town- ship offices, having been a Trustee for several years, and was Justice of the Peace for twenty- one years. He was nominated for the position of County Commissioner, but as the Democrats
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were in the majority he was defeated. In 1891 he was elected to represent the Thirteenth Dis- trict of Ohio in the State Senate, and both win- ters while in the House he opened the sessions with prayer. To him was given the honor of making the opening prayer at tlie dedication of the Ohio State Building at the World's Fair.
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The father of the above-named gentleman was John Bain, a native of Scotland. For many years he sailed on a British vessel, but in 1832 came to America and purchased land in Mont- gomery Township, this county. For eighteen years he was a captain on Lake Erie, and during his absence from home his family continued to live on the farm. He was called to the home be- yond at the age of sixty-six years. His wife was in her girlhood a Miss Ann Horn, and to them were born seven children, only three of whom survive. William is now operating the old home- stead, and Francis M. is a retired civil engineer, living near Ann Arbor, Mich. The mother died at the age of seventy-six years. Botli she and her husband were reared in the Presbyterian faith, but later became identified with the Chris- tian and Baptist Churches.
. Born in Dundee, Scotland, May 3, 1829, John Bain, of this sketch passed the first three years of his life in his native land, and was then brought by his parents to this county. Until he was fourteen years of age he had never attended school, as there had been none organized in the district, and when a building was put up for that purpose he assisted in its erection. It was made of logs, and no nails or glass were used in the structure. When it was completed, he attended school at odd times for twenty-seven inonths al- together. For an additional four months he at- tended the old academy, and broke stone on the street to pay his board. He was very studious and, being a youth of much more than average intelligence and quickness of perception, made progress in spite of all obstacles. At length he obtained a certificate, and after teaching one term in Big Island Township, attended the select school at Marseilles for two months, and then taught for four successive winters, again farming in the summer. About this time he inherited
one hundred acres of land from liis father's estate, and henceforward devoted his attention to agri- cultural pursuits until November 1, 1894, when he retired from active cares to make his home in Larue.
May 3, 1853, Mr. Bain married Eliza Scribner, of this county, whose parents were among the early pioneers, and whose fatlier was born in Det- aware County, Ohio, in 1784. She died at the age of forty-seven years, leaving the following children: Flora A., wife of C. S. Lippincott, of / Larue; Milton Henry, a leading merchant of this place; Addison, who is now on the home farm; Jeanetta, wife of D. F. Wilson, of Montgomery Township; Mary M., wife of William P. Larue, a farmer of Bowling Green Township, this cou11- ty; William F., a California ranchinan; John H., Cashier in Campbell's Bank; and James W. and George S., who are engaged in clerking. March 15, 1883, Mr. Bain married Mrs. Phœbe ( Rush) Robinson. By her previous union she had two children: William E., a telegraph operator; and Lulu, who is the wife of Edgar Stivers, of Hutch- inson, Kan. Mrs. Bain is a native of this coun- ty, though her parents were born in Germany.
While he was serving in the Ohio House of Representatives, Mr. Bain was presented with an elegant Bible, inscribed on the front page as fol- lows: "To the Hon. John Bain, as a token of respect from the Democratic members of the Senate of the Seventieth Annual Assembly of Ohio, April 27, 1893.
[Signed.]
"JOFN L. GEYER, Thirty-second District.
"W. C. GREAR, Thirty-first District.
" THOMAS A. BERNES, Twelfth District.
"J. P. FORBES, Eighteenth and, Nineteenth District.
"H. S. STEWART, Thirtieth District.
"A. R. VANCLEEF, Tentli District.
"H. C. MARSHALL, Third District.
"W. G. BEEBE, Seventeenth and Eighteenth Districts." .
Though he has never been regularly ordained, Mr. Bain has acted as a local minister for about thirty-five years, and during this time has never received but $1 for his services as such, and that
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was from a German, who took him from the har- vest field to preach a funeral sermon, and who did not understand enough English to know that Mr. Bain did not wish to accept any remunera- tion. He is a very active member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church and is beloved by all who know him for his worthy qualities. He owns three hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable land in this township and a beautiful home in Larue.
AMES H. LEONARD, a very prominent and successful business man, is proprietor of the Larue Bank, a private institution at Larue, Marion County. He was the genial and popular Postmaster of this place for a period of twelve years, during which time he won a host of friends in this community. Among other of his invest- ments is a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres, which lies in this county.
The father of the above-named gentleman was William Leonard, a native of Pennsylvania, who removed to Delaware County, Ohio, about 1854. At the end of the year he came to Marion Coun- ty, and as he had failed in business by going bail for certain parties, rented land for a time. When six years had elapsed he bought a sınall farm, and . remained thereon until 1882, when he retired and made his home in Larue up to his death, at the age of eighty years. In religious belief he was a Methodist. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather was of French descent and of old Huguenot stock, while his paternal grandmother was of English extrac- tion. The wife of William Leonard bore the maiden name of Mary Van Art. She, too, was a native of the Keystone State, and was of German origin. She lived to see her sixtieth birthday, and passed to the home beyond in 1867.
James H. Leonard was born August 19, 1842, in Washington County, Pa., being the eighth in a family of nine children. His boyhood was passed
on the old farm, and during this period he at- tended the neighboring schools, but to a very limited extent, for his father was poor and needed his assistance on the farm. In 1864 he was in the Government employ in the Western States, and in November of that year came to Larue, where he has since made his home.
About 1868 Mr. Leonard became interested in merchandising, and under the firm name of Hop- kins & Leonard did business for some fifteen years in Larue, at the end of which time his partner, J. J. Hopkins, sold out. The firm was later re- organized, and for three years was known as Leonard, Rhodes & Co. In 1887 Mr. Leonard succeeded to the entire business and continued to carry it on successfully until 1891, when he dis- posed of his interest in the concern. Soon after- ward he started the Larue Bank, and owns the majority of its stock.
September 12, 1865, Mr. Leonard married Mat- tie Wilson, of this county. Two daughters have been born to them: Zoa E., who is now attending college at Hillsdale, Mich .; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Leonard is a native of Ohio and a daughter of Samuel and Lovina (Swain) Wilson.
On questions of political moment our sub- ject is a Republican, and takes great interest in the same. Socially he is a member of the Ma- sonic order, belonging to the local lodge, and to the Consistory of Cincinnati. Personally he is a valued friend, a pleasant companion and has hosts of friends.
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EORGE RHOADS, deceased, was an ex- tensive property-owner and an honored citi- zen of Big Island Township, Marion Coun- ty. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Feb- ruary 1, 1810, and died January 20, 1884, being placed to rest in Scott Town Cemetery. His education was limited, and so were his finances for several years after he started out to make his own way in the world. In spite of all, however,
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he succeeded even beyond his own expectations, and at last seven hundred acres bore tribute to his industry. Politically he was a Republican, and for a number of years he was Trustee of this township. A member of the Methodist Church, he carried its teachings into his daily life, and was loved by all who knew him.
March 17, 1839, Mr. Rhoads married Drusilla Yokam, by whom he had twelve children. James M. was born December 31, 1839; John, born December 31, 1841, is a resident of this county; Absalom P. was born September 4, 1843, and is also living in this county; Jesse, born Septem- ber 20, 1845, owns a farmi in Missouri; Martha E., born August 15, 1847, died in infancy; Ra- chel A., born November. 15, 1848, married James Stivesson, and died August 26, 1877; George H., born March 22, 1852, died May 21, 1853, by drowning; George H., the second of that name, was born April 8, 1854, and died the following December; Winfield S., born February 18, 1856, is an engineer in Marion; Mary E., born April II, 1859, is the wife of Walter Winn; Francis M., born August 13, 1861, died May 23, 1893, leaving a wife and five children; and Alpha O., born December 8, 1863, now owns the old home farm. Mrs. Drusilla Rhoads is a daughter of Absalom and Rachel (Hall) Yokam, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. At a very early day the family moved to Knox Coun- ty, Ohio, and for some time had no neighbors within eight miles of their humble home. Mrs. Rhoads was born January 4, 1819, and is still living on her husband's old farm with her young- est son.
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Alpha O. Rhoads was married, February 27, 1887, to Lulu, daughter of James and Sarah A. (Morgan) Davis, natives of Virginia. In 1867 they came to this township, and are yet living on a farm here. Mr. and . Mrs. Rhoads have had two children.
James M. Rhoads has the honor of having been held and caressed by William H. Harrison at a rally in Marion in 1840. February 21, 1867, he married Lovira, daughter of Lauren and Julia (McElvy) Lewis, natives of New York. The father was born February 25, 1814, and in 1834
moved to Ohio, taking up his abode in Salt Rock Township. There he lived until 1869, when he retired and remained in Upper Sandusky the rest of his life, his death occurring May 7, 1893. His first wife died August 4, 1856, and he later mar- ried Maria Bowers, who died June 7, 1890. Mrs. Rhoads is one of three children. Her brother, John L., born May 23, 1847, is Cashier of the Harpster (Ohio) Bank. Ida J., born June 10, 1855, died in infancy.
Four children have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads: George L., born Decem- ber 29, 1867, was married, October 25, 1893, to Almeda Riley, and lives on a part of the old farm; Julia, born December 7, 1872, became the wife of William S. Davis, a farmer, July 9, 1893; Marian M., born January 9, 1877, is at home; and Princess L., born February 3, 1881, com- pletes the number.
October 21, 1861, James M. Rhoads enlisted in Company D, Sixty-fourth Olio Regiment, under Capt. William W. Smith, of Mansfield, Ohio. He took part in the Atlanta campaign and was in numerous important engagements, among them being Chickamauga. He was twice shot in the leg, and was confined in the Nashville Hospital for a time. His honorable discharge is dated De- cember 10, 1864. Politically he is a Republican, and in religious belief is a Baptist. His farm comprised one hundred and fifty-six acres, but he- sold half an acre for a schoolhouse site.
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HOMAS SLOAN. On the 29th of July, 1880, there passed from earth a gentleman who for years had been closely connected with the history of Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, and whose life was a clear and blotless page of noble deeds nobly done. He it is whose name introduces these paragraphs, and whose history we thus briefly record for posterity.
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His life front boyhood years was passed in this county, and he had a large circle of friends among the people here.
A native of Ireland, Thomas Sloan was born in June, 1820, and there the first fourteen years of his life were uneventfully passed. In 1834, in company with his parents and the other members of the family, he took passage in a sailing-vessel, and after a voyage of seven weeks, during which time severe storms were encountered, he landed in Philadelphia, where he remained with rela- tives for six weeks. Thence he proceeded with his parents to Beaver County, Pa., and two months later came to Ohio, journeying with team and covered wagon to Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County.
Arriving at his destination, the father of our subject bought one hundred and thirty-two acres, for which he paid $2 per acre, and the larger por- tion of which was heavily timbered. Upon the farın stood a cabin, 16x18 feet in dimensions, and into this primitive structure the family at once moved. Eight years later a new house was erect- ed, 18x24, and in it the father continued to reside until his death. Being industrious and persever- ing, he succeeded in clearing about one hundred acres, and his farm became one of the most valu- able in the county.
John and Sarah (McClellen) Sloan, parents of our subject, were natives of Ireland, and their family consisted of the following children, namely: William, Joseph, Samuel, John, James, Thonias, David, Robert, Fannie, Margaret and Eliza. March 22, 1853, our subject was united in mar- riage with Miss Eliza Sloan, a native of Ireland, and to their union eleven children were born, of whom ten are still living. John J., the eldest, was born March 23, 1854, and married May Wal- ters October 14, 1880; Eliza Ann, who was born August 23, 1856, married E. A. Silwright Octo- ber 4, 1893; Robert S., whose birth occurred August 13, 1857, married Della Rogers February IO, 1886; Letecia E., who was born August 29, 1859, became the wife of Charles Wharton June 21, 1887; Sarah was born August 29, 1859; Will- iam M. was born on the 15th of March, 1862, and married Anna M. Cheppell September 5,
1894; Thomas H. was born September 8, 1866; Emily J., June 30, 1868; David, born March 24, 1871, died June 28, 1886; Margaret I., born Oc- tober 17, 1873, and George J., December 12, 1875, complete the family circle.
From the time of making settlement in Hardin County, the Sloan family has been . closely con- nected with the progress of this section, and its members have uniformly been honorable, able, energetic and upright. Our subject spent much of his life in Taylor Creek Township, and such were his honesty and kindness of heart, that he numbered many friends among his fellow-citizens. He was a sincere Christian and held membership in the United Presbyterian Church. He was at- tached to the doctrines of the Republican party, and earnestly advocated' its interests with his voice and vote.
AMSON M. RUTLEDGE. Examples of strict integrity, great energy and financial success may be met with in every agricult- ural district in our country. Especially is this the case in Hardin County, where the majority of the farmers are well-to-do, intelligent and enter- prising. Among the representatives of this class is Mr. Rutledge, the owner and occupant of a farm situated on sections 17, 19 and 20, Round- head Township. This property, under his per- sonal supervision, has been placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with all the ac- cessories and conveniences of a model estate.
A native of the township where he now lives, our subject was born April 10, 1847, being the son of Richard and Sarah (Hill) Rutledge, natives of Maryland, the former born July 28, 1798, and the latter November 7, 1807. His father, who was brought to Ohio by his parents in 1810, grew to manhood in Muskingum County, thence went to Champaign County, and in 1825 removed to Logan County, becoming a pioneer of that sec- tion of the state. Indians were still numerous
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in the neighborhood, and wild game also abound- ed. ' He was a man of considerable enterprise, and, undismayed by his frontier surroundings, he started to improve the land he had purchased. His first task was the erection of a log cabin, and this he surmounted with a nailed roof-the first of the kind in the county. During his eight years' residence there, he succeeded in bringing the land under good cultivation, so that its value was largely enhanced.
As early as 1833 the father came to Hardin County, and settled on section 19, Roundhead Township, where he built a cabin with one room. The land had not been cleared, and to place it under cultivation was no slight task, but he was equal to it. For a long time he lived there, grad- ually adding to his estate, introducing improve- ments and erecting farm buildings. From there, in 1860, he removed to section 20. In 1817 he married Mary Lewis, a native of Kentucky, and they became the parents of sixteen children, most of whom died in infancy. Five arrived at years of maturity, but only two are now living: Benjamin W., a farmer of this township, and Thomas J., who resides in Ada, this county. Mrs. Mary Rutledge died September 8, 1845, when nearly forty-eight years old. For his second wife, Richard Rutledge chose Mrs. Sarah Lay, nee Hill, by whom he had one child, our subject. She died May 18, 1873. The father passed away January 12, 1875, and was laid to rest by the side of his two wives, on the old homestead.
Few of the residents of Roundhead Township are more familiar with its history during the past half century than is Samson M. Rutledge, for having spent his entire life here, and being a man of more than ordinary intelligence, he has been closely connected with the growth and develop- ment of this locality. His educational advant- ages were limited to a brief attendance at the log schoolhouse near his father's home. He remained with his parents until they died, and cared for them with filial affection during their declining days.
In Roundhead Township, March 18, 1869, oc- curred the marriage of Mr. Rutledge and Miss Amanda, daughter of James and Zipporah (Rees)
Walter. Mrs. Rutledge was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, July 6, 1851, and is one of six children, four of whom survive. Six children comprise the family of our subject and his wife, namely: Richard, born January 17, 1870, and now a resident of Chicago, where he is employed in a railroad office; John, born May 1, 1871, who married Miss Bertha Dinehart, December 20, 1893; Ben W., born October 15, 1873; Rees, born November 2, 1875; Luther, who died in childhood; and Jessie, whose birth occurred De- cember 23, 1888.
Politically a Republican, Mr. Rutledge is in- terested in public affairs, and especially in matters pertaining to the township and county. He has served as School Director, but as a rule has de- clined office. For several years he was a Trus- tee in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has always taken an active part in the work of that denomination.
HOMAS THOMPSON has been a life-long resident of Marion County, and for over thirty years has made his abode on section II, Big Island Township. His farm, which com- prises about one hundred acres, is one of the best to be found in the county. It is well improved with good buildings, fences, etc., and is kept in a thrifty and creditable manner. The owner has al- ways been engaged in general farming, and for the most part has been successful in his different ventures. By all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance he is highly esteemed and respected.
Edward and Ellen (Foos) Thompson, parents of our subject, were natives of Virginia and came to the Buckeye State with their parents when quite young, settling in Clark County. The first years of their married life were spent in that sec- tion, whence they removed here about 1825, lo- cating in Salt Rock Township. With the excep- tion of one son, Robert, their nine children are all living and are as follows: Jane, William, Isa- bella, Thomas, Sarah, Edward, Anna and Charles.
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EDWARD HUBER.
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Our subject was born May 11, 1831, and in his boyhood received very limited advantages in the way of an education. He continued to make his parents' home his headquarters until he was mar- ried, that event occurring November 29, 1858, and Mrs. Lavina Brady (nee. Cullison) being the lady of his choice. She was also a native of Ohio, and for tlie last sixteen years of her life was a great invalid. During this time Mr. Thompson faithfully cared for his wife, who was at last released from her sufferings by the Death Angel,. April 10, 1893. They had one child, Oregon, who was born September 13, 1859, and assists in the management of the old farm.
Both our subject and his son are Republicans and actively interested in all new enterprises and movements for the advancement of the public welfare. The latter is at present serving as Township Trustee, and Mr. Thompson, Sr., has also frequently acted in behalf of his fellow-citi- zens in official positions.
DWARD HUBER, President of the Huber Manufacturing Company, of Marion, Ohio, an immense concern, which give employ- ment to more than four hundred hands, and which has almost a national reputation, is still another example of the men who have been the architects of their own fortune; who, starting with nothing that might be called an advantage in life, have still by some inherent quality of genius and per- severance, and the faculty of seizing the chances which fate threw in their way, risen to positions of prominence and usefulness never, perhaps, dreamed of in their early days, when life was often a struggle for existence.
Aside from the fact that the family is of Ger- man descent, very little is known of the geneal- ogy of the Huber family. The father, Philip Hu- ber, was one of four brothers who came to the United States from Germany. The eldest brother, Albert, a farmer, died in Indiana. The young-
est, Jolin, was a soldier in the Civil War, and lost his life while serving gallantly in this coun- try's cause. The father of Edward was a cabinet- maker by trade, and on coming to this country when a young man followed his business at first at Philadelphia. On leaving that city, he went to Kelso, Dearborn County, Ind., and purchased a small farm. On this he erected a little shop, in which he carried on blacksmithing, cabinet-mak- ing, and, in fact, anything to eke out the scanty products of the farm. He had married Miss Mary Kerns, also a native of Germany, who came to America in 1834, and into their humble home was born their son Edward on the Ist of Septem- ber, 1837.
Our subject grew up almost without knowing what an education, in the sense in which it is now understood, was. The district schools, such as they were, were only conducted for a few months of each year, the distance to school through the thinly settled neighborhoods was often great, and in the case of many of the pupils their services could seldom be spared from the necessary work of the farm. Edward Huber's education was of the most elementary description, and at the age of fifteen, with no other prospect before him, he decided to learn the blacksmith's trade. He worked at this business for eight years, and while thus employed found an opening for his inven- tive skill in the designing and manufacturing of numerous useful articles, the most important of which, a hay rake, was destined some time later to give him his first start toward financial success. Being thoroughly convinced of the merits of the rake, and feeling sure that if it could be manu- factured well and cheaply there was money in it, he began to prospect for a place suitable for a manufacturing site. Hearing that wood was plentiful in this county, he made a journey to this place in 1865, and while here was able to inter- est some parties with capital, with the result that in the same year a company was formed to man- ufacture tlie rake, and the firm of Kawalke, Ham- merle & Co. came into existence, with our sub- ject as junior partner.
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