USA > Ohio > Tuscarawas County > Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
In the fall of the above year, being obliged to earn some money, young Shriver moved to Boli- var, this county, and. forming a partnership with a Mr. Barnhart, established himself in the tinning business. This connection lasted but one year, when the partnership was dissolved. and our sub- jeet came to New Philadelphia and obtained em- ployment in the stove and tin shop of W. R. Chil-
son, which was then located on North East Street. where now stands the Broadway Hotel.
Abont this time Mr. Shriver was umted in mar- riage with Miss Sarah Casebear, of this city, the ceremony being performed in August, 1848, in the house where they make their home at the present time. The young couple then departed for their new home in Bolivar, where he engaged in bnsi- ness with John Willard, opening up a general store. They did a good business, selling goods at popular prices, and continued together until 1854. That year Mr. Shriver sold his interest in the store and again became a resident of New Philadelphia.
Soon after returning to this city our subject, with A. II. Castle, began the sale of stoves and also did work as a tinner. Two years later the junior partner sold his interest to Mr. Shriver, and he ably managed affairs alone until 1860. That year his brother Adam moved hither from Cumberland County, Pa., and together they built up a good patronage and were regarded as among the well- to-do merchants of the city. They sold out, low- ever, in 1877 to John Kinsay.
Having a good opportunity to purchase a fine tract of timber-land, Mr. Shriver, in company with George Witty. purchased one hundred and six acres, from which they cut the wood, sawed it into lumber, and sold it with profitable results. The next enterprise in which he was engaged was as the part- ner of W. II. Willard in the flouring business. They rented a steammill in New Philadelphia and man- ufactured a fine quality of flour, which found a ready market throughout the county. This was in 1878, and the connection was in existence un- til 1883, when Mr. Shriver built his present busi- ness house at No. 123 West Front Street, where he has been engaged in conducting a good trade in the sale of groceries and provisions ever since.
Although having no children of their own, our subject and his excellent wife have performed the part of parents to several orphans, whom they have taken into their home and hearts, and cared for in a substantial manner. He is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, with which he has been connected for half a century. and is therefore one of the oldest members of the congre- gation in this city. His wife worships with the
4
172
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Shriver is of a peaceable, kind and obliging disposition, and always attends strictly to his own business. That his declining years may be like the golden rays of the setting sun, bright with promise, and like the autumn, filled with sheaves, is the wish of his many sincere friends, who will be pleased to note his sketch in this volume.
J OHN E. HAWKSHAW has for four years lived in New Comerstown, and is the lead- ing mereliant tailor of the place. He carries an elegant line of suiting materials, and is rapidly acquiring a fine trade and an enviable rep- utation for the quality and workmanship of all articles manufactured by him. Every detail of his trade he is a master of, as he has followed it all his life and has industriously striven to meet the wants of his customers.
Jolin E. Hawkshaw, Sr., came to America from Ireland in 1840 and located in Boston. Later he removed to Baltimore, where he enjoyed an exten- sive trade, but after a time he determined to try his fortunes in Washington, D. C. Upon the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in New York City and served in his regiment for a year and a- half, when he was honorably discharged. His death occurred in 1874, in Washington, D. C., where he was a much respected citizen. His wife, whose girl_ hood name was Mary Kelley, was also a native of the Emerald Isle, and daughter of Daniel G. Kelley, a noted teacher in Roscommon, Ireland. It is said of him that before he became blind he had learned his school books by heart, so that after he met with the terrible misfortune of losing his sight, it was no trouble for him to carry on his usual calling. In 1847 the Kelley family came to America and took up their residence in Boston.
The birth of our subject occurred in Baltimore. 'Md., June 29, 1859, and in a family of eleven chil- dren, seven of whom are living, he is the eldest. Samuel is a miner in West Virginia; Henry, of
Washington, D. C., is engaged in plumbing and gas- fitting, as is also the next younger brother. Joseph; Mary is the wife of H. Shedd, of Washington: Nel- lie and Kate, the latter of whom is a dressmaker, are also residents of Washington; and four children died in infancy.
The early education of John E. Hawkshaw was obtained in private schools in Washington, where he was then living. He followed in his father's foot- steps in regard to a trade, and from his early years showed special aptitude in this direction. He has been especially good as a cutter and fitter, and at all times has been able to make a good income. For a number of years he traveled to a certain extent in the South, but in 1890 came to New Comerstown. At first he was associated with another party, but soon opened an establishment by himself. Ile is a member of the Custom Foremen's Association of America, and makes a point of keeping posted on the very latest styles and fancies in his trade.
While in Richmond, Va., Mr. Hawkshaw became acquainted with Anna Bouchard, to whom he was married July 17, 1883. Four children came to bless their union, but all died in early childhood. On questions of politics our subject is identified with the Democratic party, but is not in any sense de- sirous of obtaining official positions, as he finds his time fully occupied in attending to the wants of his numerous customers.
H ENRY BOWERS, one of the leading at- torneys of New Philadelphia. is a native of this state, having been born March 12. 1858, in Dundee. Ile is the son of Samuel and Martha (Dillon) Bowers, the former born in West- moreland County, Pa., March 6, 1828. Hle in turn was the son of Jacob Bowers, also a native of the Keystone State, and the son of JJoseph Bowers, who came from Switzerland to the United States in a very early day in its history, and participated in the War of 1812. The father of our subjeet jour- neyed to this state in company with his parents
173
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
when a lad of five years. The family settled in Wayne County, where his father was employed as a preacher in the Dunkard Church, and also en- gaged to some extent in farming.
Samuel Bowers was twice married, his first un- ion being with Sarah Bayes, by whom he had one son, Wesley. IIe is a young man of sterling char- acter and excellent habits, and is at present living in Ilighland, Kan., where he is an active worker in the Christian Church. He follows the combined ocenpations of farmer and merchant, and is suc- cessful in a financial way. His father removed to Doniphan County, Kan., in 1879, and was residing there at the time of his decease, in the fall of 1881. Ile was a Republican in politics, and a devoted member of the Christian Church.
The mother of our subject was born in New Jersey, whence she came to this state when a girl, the family locating in Trumbull County. Iler fa- ther, Aaron Dillon, was a millwright, following his trade in Dundee, whither he removed. While living there his daughter met and married the fa- ther of our subject. Mrs. Bowers' paternal grand- father, Seth Dillon, was a machinist in Scotland, and, coming to this country prior to the Revolu- tion, participated in that conflict.
To Samnel and Martha Bowers was born a fam- ily of cight children, six of whom reached mature years. They are: Lewis, a prominent physician living in Boise City, Idaho; Charles, also following the medical profession, at Anthony, Kan .; Henry, of this sketch, the next in order of birth; Al- cid, State's Attorney at Troy, Kan .; Carrie, the wife of Rev. Mr. Groutt, a minister of the Chris- tian Church in New Orleans, La .; and Mattie, cn- gaged in teaching school in Boise City, Idaho.
The early life of our subject was spent in ob- taining his preliminary education in the public schools, after which he attended for two terms the Ohio Normal University at Ada. After this he taught school for ten years in Tuscarawas County, and at the expiration of this time, deciding to fol- low a professional life, entered the office of James T. O'Donnell in New Philadelphia. under whose instruction he studied law. In 1888 he was ad- mitted to the Bar at Columbus, and immediately opened an office in this city and began the prac-
tice of his profession. He has been very success- ful in building up a good clientage, and is regard- ed as one of the ablest lawyers in the state.
Henry Bowers was married at Winfield, Janu- ary 3, 1877, to Elizabeth Bair. This lady was the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Sliffe) Bair, farmers by occupation. The mother is deceased, but Mr. Bair is still living, making his home at Winfield. Our subject and his wife have a family of five in- teresting children, as follows: Roy, Charles, Jessie, Leah and Russell. The parents are members in ex- cellent standing of the Lutheran Church, to the support of which they are liberal and regular con- tribntors, and in which the former is an Elder.
In his political relations our subject is a true- blue Republican, and greatly interested in the suc- cess of his party. Socially he is an Odd Fellow of good standing, belonging to Shoenbrum Lodge No. 107, of New Philadelphia. Mr. Bowers is a studious, careful, painstaking lawyer, and is a suc- cessful advocate, having a pleasant and persuasive address. His cases are well and thoroughly pre- pared, and when he goes into court he is fully equipped for success.
D R. THEODORE F. HUNTER, of Cam- bridge, is a veteran of the late war. and a gentleman deserving especial notice in this volume. For the past quarter of a century he has continued uninterruptedly in the practice of his chosen profession in this city, and when the Ohio State Dental Association was first organized. he became one of its charter members. Ile is one of the native sons of this place, and with the exeep- tion of the time which he passed in the service of his country, and a short time when he was away at college, he has not been absent for any length of time from his boyhood home.
A son of J. S. and J. C. Hunter, old residents. who were well known and highly respected, having lived in the city of Cambridge since 1840, the Doc- tor was born October 13, 1845. Ilis education was
....
:
174
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.
such as he could obtain in the public schools of Cambridge, and he had hardly completed his stud- ies when, at the age of seventeen years, he re- sponded to his patriotic impulses, and determined to volunteer his services in defense of the Old Flag. May 29, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and immediately went to the front. Four months later, or September 29, 1862, he was mustered out, but subsequently re-enlisted, this time in the Signal Corps of the United States army, and was assigned to the Third Division of Cavalry, commanded by Gen. George A. Custer. In this capacity he acted until the close of the war, and was finally honorably discharged, August 11, 1865.
Returning to Cambridge, he took up the study of dentistry the following year, and embarked in practice in 1869. He enjoys a remunerative prac- tice, and has an enviable reputation, which is not confined to this immediate locality, as his patrons come from far and near.
A DOLPH SHERER. One of the most sub- stantial and pleasant residences of War- wick Township is owned and occupied by our subject. Retired from active business affairs, he passes the twilight of his honorable life sur- rounded by the comforts which he has accumu- lated by his years of toil. Through his long ca- reer he has thrown into his daily labors individ- . ual honesty and integrity, qualities which ennoble every man, whether rich or poor. From poverty to prosperity every step was won by honest work and brave efforts, and his biography is therefore most useful as an incentive to others.
(
Our subject was born across the waters, in Switz- erland, September 21. 1828, and is the son of Jacob and Mary (Stoph) Sherer, also natives of that country, where they lived and died. The fa- ther was a shoemaker by trade, and departed this life at the age of fifty years, in 1851. He was pre- ceded to the better land by his good wife, who
died in 1849. They were the parents of eight chil- dren, five sons and three daughters: Adolph; Ella. the wife of Samuel Giegox, of Baden, Germany; Mary A .; Jacob; Jacob A., deceased; Ferdinand. a prominent farmer of Goshen Township, this coun- ty; Lena, deceased: and Florent, who makes his home in Switzerland. The children were all given good educations and fitted to occupy useful posi- tions in life.
Having heard glowing accounts of the fort- unes to be made in the New World, our subject decided to come hither, and, boarding a sailing- vessel in 1852, was landed in New York City after a tedious voyage of thirty-five days. He remained for three months in the Empire State, working in a tannery, and at the end of that time concluded to come further West, deciding upon this county as his destination. For the first six months after locating here he worked on the railroads and after- ward on canal-boats. Thinking to better his con- dition, and while in the employ of the canal com- pany, he started for New Orleans, but being taken sick on the way and his funds running out he re- turned to Tuscarawas County, which has been his home since that time.
After his experience on the canal Mr. Sherer entered the mines and was engaged in digging coal for a period of twenty years. He was very industrious and economical, and when ready to enter upon the life of an agriculturist purchased ten acres of land in Goshen Township, for which he paid ready money. Ile tilled the soil of this property for a few years, when he sold and became the proprietor of another tract, which is now the old homestead on which he resides. This estate includes one hundred and forty-two acres, and in addition to it Mr. Sherer has eighty acres more in! another portion of the township.
When ready to establish a home of his own, in 1857, onr subject was married to Catherine Reecer, also a native of Switzerland. She emigrated to this country in the fall of 1852, and making her home in this state was here married to Mr. Sherer. She is now deceased, passing away in 1881, aged sixty-three. She became the mother of five sons and three daughters, as follows: John A., carrying on the combined ocenpations of a farmer and a
1
175
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
blacksmith in Kansas; Frank W., operating the home farm; Lee. deceased; Louisa, the wife of Charles Mizer, proprietor of a hotel at Baltic, this state; Carrie, at home: George W., deceased; Em- met, engaged in mining in Tuscarawas; and Fred- erick, a blacksmith of New Plnladelphia. The children were given the best opportunities for obtaining a good education, and are all occupying honored positions in society.
Not an office-seeker in any sense, Mr. Sherer uses his influence wherever he thinks he can do good. He is a Democrat in politics, and holds to the faith of the Reformed Church religiously. IIe is a gentleman of pleasing manners and has made many friends in the township which he has called home for the greater portion of his useful and busy life.
-
S AMUEL FERTIG is one of the old and honored citizens of Canal Dover. For over half a century he was engaged in conducting a wholesale and retail grocery business, and is now a partner in the wholesale firm of Deis, Fertig & Co. He has always been active in every- thing calculated to promote the county's interest, and has been a prime factor in many of the move- ments which have tended to this end. Though not a man who is desirous of achieving notoriety, or occupying public office, he has on several ocea- sions been persuaded by his fellow-citizens to serve them in such a capacity. For about a quarter of a century he was Canal Collector, having been placed in that position in 1837.
The birth of our subject occurred in Lancaster County, Pa., February 15, 1812. He is a son of Samuel and Susan (Miller) Fertig, who were both born in the same county as our subject. On both sides of the family, the grandparents were natives of the Fatherland, they having removed from Wurtemberg to Lancaster County in the last cen- tury. Samuel Fertig, Sr., who was a farmer by occupation, removed with his family to Stark County, Ohio, in 1817, and thence to Tuscarawas
County some eight years later. After residing in this locality for about ten years, he returned to Stark County, and in 1838 went to Whitley Coun- ty, Ind., where he died soon afterward. To him- self and wife were born nine children, namely: Elizabeth; Michael, who was drowned at the age of two years; Samuel; Henry, who was killed dur- ing the war in Arkansas, in 1863; Maria, who died in Indiana; David, whose home is near Plymouth. Ind .; John, whose demise took place in Iowa, in 1894; George W., a resident of St. Paul. Mim .: and Jacob, who died in infancy.
The boyhood of Samuel Fertig was passed on his father's farm, but from the time he was four- teen years of age he relied on his own resonrees for his support. At that age he obtained a posi- tion on the bridge at Canal Dover as a toll-col- lector. Two years later he commenced learning the tailor's trade, which, however, he did not long follow. He engaged in the grocery business when about twenty-three years of age, and continued in this occupation for upwards of fifty years. He was successful, and through his own exertions not only made a good living, but secured a competence for old age.
From the time he became a voter, Samuel Fertig supported by his ballot the Whig party, until the Republican organization went into effeet, since which time he has transferred his allegiance to that party. Though most unwillingly, he has been a candidate for several positions, and was a mem- ber of the Central Committee for years. While officiating in township positions, he fully met the wants of his constituents, and was zealous in the discharge of his duties. He has always taken great interest in attending conventions of his party. looking upon such meetings as a decided recrea- tion. In his religious views he is liberal, and in- elines toward Spiritualism. In practical ways he has supported all public improvements and con- tributed to the growth and development of the city
The marriage of Samuel Fertig, of this sketch. and Mary Elliott was celebrated August 12. 1844. The lady was a niece of the late Com. le- D. Elliott, of the United States navy, and daugh- ter of Capt. Wilson Elliott. The Elliotts were
€
176
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
originally from Ireland, and have been noted in the annals of their country's history. The grand- father of Mrs. Fertig was killed at Hamilton, Ohio, by the Indians, when on the Anthony Wayne ex- pedition. Eight children were born to our sub- ject and wife: Anna E., who is at home; Zachary T., who died at Cumberland Gap, Tenn .; Henry, who was drowned in the canal in 1856; Harriet E., who died at the age of seventeen years; George E., who is engaged in the wholesale grocery business; Grace, the wife of J. C. Nugent, and a young act- ress, who has already achieved an enviable reputa- tion in her ehosen profession; and two children who died in infaney. The eldest son, Zachary T., was one of the boys who wore the blue. He was a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Ohio Infantry, and died at Cumberland Gap, De- cember 2, 1863. Ile was placed to rest in the Na- tional Cemetery at Knoxville, Tenn. In his honor the eamp of the Sons of Veterans in Canal Dover was named. The devoted wife and mother de- parted this life May 10, 1890, leaving a large eir- cle of friends and relatives, who sincerely mourn her'loss. Miss Anna E. Fertig, who keeps house for her father, is a lady of pleasant and quiet man - ners, and a charming hostess.
ILLIAM H. KEPLINGER who is num- bered among the best citizens of Do- ver Township, has been active in ev- erything relating to its welfare and upbuilding sinee he reached mature years. In the cause of education he has been especially interested, and for about a quarter of a century has served in the capacity of School Director. In the Republican party he is recognized as a leader in this locality. For three years he has been a member of the Central County Committee, for four years has served as Supervisor of Elections for the county, and for a . part of this time was President of the board. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being identitied with Ricksecker Post
No. 469, at Canal Dover. He was commander of the same for five years, and was Adjutant for two years. Ile is likewise a member of the Union Veteran League No. 51, of New Philadelphia, and is now a member of the County Soldiers' Relief Commission.
The birth of our subjeet occurred in Franklin Township, this eounty, September 24. 1842. ITis parents were John II. and Catherine ( Knappen- berger) Keplinger. Young William was reared un- til he was twelve years old as a farmer's boy, and obtained his primary education in the district school. In 1854, when his father removed to Win- field and engaged in the mercantile business, our subject entered the store, and was there employed until the war broke out. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty- sixth Ohio Infantry, with Col. B. F. Smith in eom- mand. He participated in many important battles and engagements, and among others were the fol- lowing: Martinsburg, Wapping Heights, Culpeper Court House. Bristow Station, Bealeton, Rappa- han nock Bridge. Kelly's Ford, Loeust Grove, Mine Run, Wilderness, Alsop's Farm, Spottsylvania, Charleston, Smithfield and Opequan. At the bat- tle of Spottsylvania he was severely wounded in the abdomen, and in the engagement at Opequan he was wounded in the left leg, between the ankle and the knee joint. On account of the injury last mentioned he was discharged from the service at Columbus, Ohio, May 2, 1865, and for two years thereafter he was obliged to use erutches.
On his return from the battlefields of the South. Mr. Keplinger re-entered the mereantile business, and devoted his attention to mercantile pursuits until 1872, though he retained his interest in the store some six years louger. In 1872 he removed to the farm, where he now owns ninety- four aeres. The first Presidential vote which he had the pleasure of casting was in favor of Abraham Lin- coln, and he has ever since been an ardent sup- porter of the Republican party. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Evangelical Church, and are highly respected by all who have the pleas- ure of their acquaintance.
March 23, 1865, Mr. Keplinger married Selec- ta Haley, who is, like her husband, a native of
177
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Tuscarawas County. Her parents are Jefferson and Elizabeth (Penrod) Haley. To our subject and his estimable wife have been born four chil- dren. Homer, the eldest, is at home; Arthur is court stenographer of this county, at New Phila- delphia; Minnie M. is the wife of E. E. Kuhns, of Mt. Union, this state, and the mother of a little daughter, Beulah May; and Ruby G. Keplinger, who resides with her parents, is engaged in teach- ing school in the adjoining district.
DWARD L. JONES. It is universally con- ceded that the distribution of food prod- ucts constitutes the most important factor in the long list of a city's industries, and, such be- ing the case, the grocer must be accorded the palm as the most important contributor to the develop- ment of this fact, his wares covering almost every article of daily consumption known to man. This branch of mercantile activity is admirably repre- sented by Mr. Jones, who also has a bakery and confectionery, and who is now not only a promi- nent business man of Mineral Point, but is also an Alderman.
Our subject is a native of Wales, having been born in Mold, Flintshire, Wales, August 1, 1844, and is the son of Robert and Elizabethi ( Lewis) Jones. Grandfather Thomas Jones was also a na- tive of Flintshire, and during most of the active years of his life followed the business of a brewer. During the Napoleonic Wars he was pressed into the service of the English, and saw much suffering on the field of battle during his army experience. Ilis wife bore the maiden name of Margaret Davis, and to them were born five sons and four daugh- ters: Edward, Robert, Samuel, Thomas, Jolin, Mary, Margaret, Elizabeth and Esther.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.