Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Part 28

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago : C.O. Owen
Number of Pages: 934

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The birth of David Rummell occurred at New Philadelphia, December 26, 1816. When in Ins fifteenth year he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed industriously for the suc- ceeding nineteen years of his life. Ile was thrifty and persevering, and in this time managed to save a large sum of money, which he invested in a farm of one hundred acres in 1850. This place, which is still his home. he has added to until his farm now numbers two hundred and fifty-six acres. Its value has been increased by judicious improve- ments, until it is considered one of the best in the township. Mr. Rummell is a practical business man and thoroughly equipped as an agrieulturist. Dur- ing the last few years he has resigned some of the more active cares of the farm to his son, but is well preserved both in body and mind, though considerably over the threescore years and ten al- lotted to man.

In 1842 Mr. Rummell married Catherine Casebeer. who was born in this county, and who was a daugh- ter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Knisely) Casebeer. The latter were among the first to locate in New Philadelphia, only two families having preceded them-those of John Knisely, father of Elizabeth Casebeer, and George Stiffler, onr subject's grand- father. Mr. and Mrs. Rummell became the par- ents of two children: Alvin. now a resident of New Philadelphia; and Martha, Mrs. Rambo, of Topeka, Kan. Ilis first wife having died, our subject was married in 1848 to Miss Ann Casebeer, a sister of the former Mrs. Rummell. Eight children have been born to David and Ann Rummell: George. who is a resident of Goshen Township. as is also his next younger brother. John; Luther, Mary and Elizabeth, still at home; Nettie, now the wife of Elmer Legget, a farmer of Carroll County, Ohio; Jacob, deceased; and Walter, who lives in Cal- ifornia.

Though the advantages of his early days in an educational way were extremely limited. Mr. Rum- mell, while serving as School Director for a period

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of twelve years, did everything in his power to increase the facilities afforded the children of this day, and used his influence in procuring for them the best schools and teachers. Though frequently asked to accept local offices, he has uniformly re- fused to serve in such capacities, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. In politics he is an ally of the Democratic party. In company with his wife and others of his family, he has for years held membership with the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and has always freely donated of his means for the erection of schools and churches.

H ENRY B. LAFFER, one of the native." sons of Sandy Township, is still living within its borders. He operates a valua- ble farm, but gives his main attention to mercan- tile pursuits, and for upwards of thirty years he has conducted a general store.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Henry Laffer, son of Bartholomew Laffer, who was of German origin, and with his family removed from Pennsylvania to New Philadelphia in the early part of this century, and in 1812 came to Sandy- ville. The grandfather, in company with a neigh- bor by the name of Wright, defended two Indians who were in prison when a company of men from Wayne came with the avowed intention of killing the redmen. This did not meet with a sense of justice in the sturdy old pioncer for some reason, and he was obstinate in the stand he took for their protection. Ile owned and improved about one thousand acres of land at Sandyville, of which place he was the founder. Ile made the first plat of the village, and built the first mill constructed in the northern part of Tuscarawas County. For a short time he also ran a store. He was known as Major Laffer because of his military service dur- ing the War of 1812, when he furnished supplies to the army. A man of prominence in the com- munity, he was elected to represent this district in

the State Legislature, and was in Columbus when he was taken sick in 1834. He returned home and soon afterward passed away, at the age of fifty- four years. To himself and wife, Mary, were born fifteen children, six of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, namely: John, Susan. Margaret, Char- lotte, Mary and Ann.

John Laffer, the father of Henry B., was born May 11, 1806, in Pennsylvania or New Philadel- phia, Ohio (it is not certain which), and was called to his final rest August 28, 1868. Heowned about three hundred aeres at Sandyville, and in addition to operating this tract of land ran the mill which had been built by his father. He was a member of the militia at one time, and was popularly known as "Colonel," on account of his services then rendered. In politics he was a Whig, and in later years a Republican. Religiously he was identified with the Methodist Church. His wife, in maiden- hood Jane Barton, bore him ten children, four of whom died in childhood. Those who survived are: IIenry B .; J. M., a druggist of Akron, Ohio; Mary, Mrs. Raff, who has since passed away; Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Dunbar; Angeline. Mrs. Barnett, deceased; and Eliza J., Mrs. McBride, also deceased. The mother of these children died November 6, 1849. The second wife of John Laffer was the widow of George Fogle. The ma- ternal grandparents of our subject were natives of Ireland, and came to the United States in the early part of this century.

Ilenry B. Laffer was born in Sandyville, October 11, 1833. Hle was early innred to the duties of farm life, and spent his youth as country boy's usu- ally do, his time being divided between attend- ing the district school and lending such assist- anee as was in his power to his father. Hle cou- tinued to live at home until 1854. when he started out to hew his own way. Ile bought one hundred and thirty acres of land, which he cultivated for some nine years, when, a favorable opportunity offering, he sold out, and from that time onward has been mainly interested in commercial lines. The small farm where is located his family resi- dence comprises twenty-two acres.

July 2, 1851, Henry Laffer married Miss Emily Carus, who was born in Pike Township, Stark

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County, in May, 1835. Her parents, John and Mary (Fisher) Carns, had three children, namely: Emily, Andrew and Margaret. Both parents were twice married. John Carns was at one time an extensive landowner, owning upwards of one thou- sand aeres.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Laffer has been blessed with six children, one of whom has been called from the shores of time. Elmer, the eldest surviving, married a Miss Ingleman, and now lives in Anderson County, Kan .; John married Miss Flora, of Mineral Point; Laura is the wife of James D. Cable, of Stark County; Minnie is the wife of Elmer Benson; and Emma, the youngest, resides with her parents. Clara, the first-born of the fam- ily, died when five years of age. Though for years Mrs. Laffer was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, she now adheres to the Lutheran faitlı.

In former years Mr. Laffer was identified with . the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but is not now a member of any secret society. In polities he is a stalwart Republican, and always uses his ballot in favor of his party nominees. A man of uprightness and integrity, just and honorable in his dealings with all, he merits the high respect in which he is held by his friends and neighbors.

EREMIAII P. ARMSTRONG. The success which has crowned the efforts of our subjeet shows conclusively that he is one of the shrewdest and most intelligent of the resi- dents of Jefferson Township, Guernsey County. Hle is a man of much practical business talent and financial ability, and his valuable property is a standing monument to his energy. Ile, in com- pany with his brother James M., has a mercan- tile establishment in Clio, Jefferson Township, Guernsey County, and is also interested in breed- ing full-blooded Morgan horses, having in his possession "Colonel Nelson," who never had a

day's training and can show a 2:50 gait. It is one of the best bred animals in the country, and stands fifteen and three-fourths hands high.

Abraham and Mary C. ( Patterson ) Armstrong, parents of our subjcet, were among the earliest settlers in the county. The mother is still living. aged eighty-five years, and the reader will find her biography on another page in this volume. Jere- miah P. Armstrong was born February 28, 1850. and was given such an education as could be ob- tained in the district school. When twenty-four years of age he was married, August 13, 1874, to Miss M. Agnes McConnell, who died after giving birth to a daughter, Blanche, who now makes her home with her maternal grandparents, who took charge of her when she was a babe of ten days. The wife and mother passed away June 18, 1877, at the age of thirty years.

April 3, 1884, our subjeet was married to Miss Aniec Allender, daughter of George and Margaret (Adams) Allender, who was born January 30, 1862, in Jefferson Township. The lady was one in a family of four children born to her parents, of whom William P. is at home. George M. is en- gaged in the oil business in West Virginia; and Louella, born December 1, 1870, married Wilbert Bonnell October 31, 1894. Mrs. Armstrong has two half-brothers and one half-sister, viz .: John A., David A. and Grace J.

By his marriage with Miss Allender, Mr. Arm- strong has beeome the father of five children: Alvin P., born December 30, 1884; Edna G., June 6, 1887; Naney M., June 20, 1889; Mary L., Oc- tober 9, 1891; and George Clyde, January 31, 1895. George Allender, the father of Mrs. Arm- strong, was born April 27, 1819, in Pennsylvania. and was first married to Jane Anderson, who be- eame the mother of five children, two of whom died in infancy. John A., born July 3, 1831, mar- ried Miss Lavinna Moore, December 12, 1878, and their children are named, respectively, Eleanor. Wilber, Grace and JJennie. David A., the second eluild, was born May 30, 1853, and eliose for his wife Miss Maggie MeKahan, their marriage occurring April 15, 1871. Their children are Walter G., Ida E., Blanche, Robert F., and George M. and Margaret Grace, twins. Grace J. Allender was born April

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1, 1855. The second marriage of Mr. Allender · united him with Miss Adams, who was the daugh- ter of John and Jane (McGuffey) Adams, natives of the Emerald Isle.

Mr. Armstrong worked for seven years in a flouring-mill, and is therefore thoroughly compe- tent to superintend every department in this line of work. Ile has held the position of Trustee of his township for two terms, and would have been the incumbent for a longer time, but he refused to serve, owing to his business interests requiring his entire time and attention. Ile is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, with which his wife is also connected. Mr. Armstrong is a Republican in politics and is greatly honored by all who know him.

ACOB MEYER, JR. The agricultural regions of America have given a foothold to many a poor young man who by reason of his de- termination to succeed, his industrious hab- its and his quiek appreciation of favorable cireum- stances, has overtaken Dame Fortune and won his crown. One of this class residing in Warwick Township is the gentleman above named. who is now numbered among the solid men of his town- ship, in which he commenced his career at the bot- tom round of the ladder. He is living retired upon luis estate of two hundred and forty-six and one-half aeres of finely cultivated land, upon which stands a good set of farm buildings.

A native of Pennsylvania, our subject was born in Berks County, September 20, 1823. IIe is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Miller) Meyer, also natives of the Keystone State. They were well- to-do and respected people of their locality, and both passed away in the year 1851, the father aged sixty-five years, and the mother when threeseore and ten. They became the parents of eleven children, as follows: Elizabeth, Susan, Esther, Tina, Hannah, Samuel, Elizabeth ( the second of the name), Will-

iam, Jacob (of this sketeh), Sarah and John. All are deceased with the exception of our subject and Tina.

Mr. and Mrs. Meyer made settlement in this township in 1843, and were classed among its best residents up to the time of their death. They were farmers by occupation, and although in limited circumstances, gave their children the best advan- tages for securing educations that the locality and times afforded. They were excellent members of the Lutheran Church, and active in all good works.

Our subjeet was trained to a thorough knowl- edge of farm pursuits, and remained under the pa- rental roof until ready to establish a home of his own. In 1847 he was married to Miss Julia Siron, who died seven years later, when in her twenty- seventh year. Their family included a daughter, Eliza A., who is also deceased. The following year Mr. Meyer chose for his second companion Mrs. Susanna B. Siron, the widow of William Si- ron. She was born in Tuscarawas County in 1827, and was the daughter of John and Rebecca (Fair- land) Borway, whose family comprised four chil- dren, of whom she was the youngest. Her only surviving brother is John, residing in Rush Town- ship, Tusearawas County, George and Edward be- ing deceased.

To our subject and his estimable wife were born seven children. Frank, the eldest, is engaged in farming in Warwick Township; Elizabeth is de- ceased; Alice is the wife of E. Munnich, a miner of the above township; Annie married H. Eickel, and makes her home in Trenton, this state; Jacob is living on a portion of the old homestead; and Dollie and Clara are deccased.

When commeneing life on his own responsibil- ity, Mr. Meyer leased a farm which he worked to good advantage for two years, when he was en- abled to make a purchase of twenty-five aeres. This tract he cultivated for eighteen months, and being offered a good price for it, sold out and be- eame the owner of forty acres in the same locality. This was in his possession for five years, when he traded it and paid $1,600 in money for one hun- dred acres of what is now the old homestead. He has always been very successful in all his under- takings, and being a wide-awake and progressive

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agriculturist, made good use of all the latest im- provements in the way of machinery and farm implements, and increased his aereage, until to- day he is one of the large land-owners of the county. Financially speaking he is a self-made man, having begun his career in life with no other capital than that embraced in his brain, his will- power and his physical ability.

Mr. Meyer, politically, is one of the most intelli- gent supporters of the Democratic party in this vicinity. He has always taken an active part in public affairs, and has served in the position of Township Supervisor and also as a member of the School Board. He is an honest, upright man, a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, of which he is Deacon, and is well and favorably known in the county where the best years of his life have been spent.

H ON. SIMPSON HARMOUNT, deceased. Tusearawas County was and is the home of quite a number of men who were thrown upon their own resources at an early age, and whose natural aptness and energy were developed and strengthened by contact with the world, re- sulting in making their lives more than ordinarily successful in worldly prosperity and in winning re- spect. Among this number was HIon. Simpson Harmount, of Canal Dover, who not only obtained a competency, but won an honorable record in legislative halls and as a private eitizen. He was long influential in the social and political life of his state, and was a potent factor in advancing its commerce, agriculture and material interests gen- erally. For many years a resident of Canal Do- ver, he departed this life November 14, 1891, mourned by a large cirele of friends and acquaint- ances.

The paternal ancestors of our subject were Hu- guenots, and were driven by the religious persecu- tions of the sixteenth century from France into

Holland, and thence followed the fortunes of the Prince of Orange into Ireland. On Ins mother's side he was of Scotch origin, his ancestors having settled in County Londonderry, and participated in the defense of that city at the famous siege of 1689. The mother, whose maiden name was Eliza- beth Simpson, was the daughter of William Simp- son, of the town of Coleraine, where her birth took place.

The parents of our subject were united in mar- riage January 15, 1805, and the following year boarded a vessel which conveyed them to the United States, landing in Philadelphia in Deeem- ber, 1806. They made that city their home until 1835, when we find them located with their family in Tuscarawas County, where the father died in March, 1842. His good wife survived him many years, passing away in January, 1870.

In political affiliation Simpson Harmount was always a Democrat, and held many positions of trust and responsibility, in the discharge of the duties of which he exhibited an inflexible integrity of character which early secured for him the en- tire confidence of the people. In 1849, soon after attaining his majority, he was appointed Collector of Tolls on the Ohio Canal at this place, by the State Board of Public Works, and was the efficient incumbent of that position for a period of four years. Later he served the people of Tuscarawas County as their Treasurer, and likewise represented the Eighteenth Senatorial District, comprising the counties of Coshocton and Tusearawas, in the Ohio Senate. ITis great popularity is also indieat- ed by the fact that he served from January, 1869. to the time of his death as a member of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, and during four years of the time was its Treasurer. His record was that of a man interested in public improvements, lib- eral in his views regarding appropriations, but averse to extravagance or fraud. Mr. Harmonnt was admitted to the Bar in 1872, and was at once recognized hy the profession as one of its leading lights.

The marriage of the lon. Simpson Harmount and Miss Isabella Noble was celebrated August 17. 1858. The lady was the daughter of Thomas Noble, of Stark County, this state. Mrs. Har-

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. mount was born in Westmoreland County, Eng- land, February 1, 1833, and was brought to Amer- ica by her parents on their emigration the same year. Mr. Noble located on a farm in Stark Coun- ty, which still remains in the possession of the family.

To our subject and his estimable wife there was born a family of three daughters, bearing the re- spective names of Elizabeth S., Isabella N. and Anna L. The latter died in infancy. The wife and mother departed this life December 9, 1863. Mr. Harmount was a gentleman of very refined sensibilities and polished manner, and was the very soul of honor. Stanch in principle, clear in perception, and decided in character, he deserved the good things which came to him and the high character for probity which years of intimate busi- ness and social acquaintance brought him.

1 OHN DASHWOOD TUDOR BOLD, one of the enterprising lawyers of Canal Dover, is rapidly working his way to the front rank in his profession. His determination is most marked, and his application to the business in hand close and systematic. As a speaker he is forcible, elegant, enthusiastic and at times witty.

A native of England, our subject was born in Boness, Cumberlandshire, August 22, 1859. Ile is the son of John T. J. and Anna ( Lewis) Bold, na- tives, respectively, of the Isle of Wight (Hampshire) and Lancashire. The father was very prominent in his county, and was an officer in the regular army until he exchanged his commission for one in the Excise, when he was sent to Ireland, and for thirty years had charge of the Excise for the Eng- lish Government in the county of Donegal. Can- didates for this position were chosen from among

the gentlemen and scholars of that day. The father died in the Emerald Isle, and his widow was granted a special pension by the English Govern- ment until her demisc.

The parental family included four sons and five daughters. John D. T. was a lad of fifteen years when he made the journey alone across the Atlan- tic. IIe at once found his way to Pennsylvania. and for over two years was engaged in the an- thracite coal-mines at Harleigh, Luzerne County, his duties being to drive a mule hauling the coal to the bottom of the slope inside. In 1877, the mines being compelled to close down, young Bold was thrown out of employment, together with hundreds of men, and at once started out to look for work, tramping through the states of Pennsyl- vania, Maryland, West Virginia and New York, and for three months did not know what it was to sleep in a bed. Having but 88.05 in his pocket when he commenced his long journey, he found himself, ere long, "broke," but, nothing daunted. plodded along, and at the end of several months found work on the Pittsburg Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Broad Ford, Pa., carrying water to the section men, receiving for his labors eiglity cents per day; but he soon got promoted to be section hand at $1.00 per day, and in this position he worked two years and a- half. While in the above place, young Bold got acquainted with the station agent, who employed him to work for him after his day's labor was over. Being very observant and apt in gaining knowledge, while at work around the telegraph office in the evening, he soon "picked up" tele- graphing. His next thought was that he would like to be a locomotive engineer, therefore. com- niencing at the bottom of the business, he was flagman on a freight train, then brakeman, then got wiping engines, and finally was made fireman, taking care, however, to employ his spare time in listening to the click of the messages flying over the wires.

The Master Mechanic took a great hiking to young Bold, because of his sobriety and steadfast- ness, and scoured a situation for him as telegraph operator, in which capacity he worked first as night hand, and was afterward promoted to be day

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operator. Soon after the completion of the Valley Railroad in Ohio, a friend told him he thought he could secure a position on it, which he did, at Botzum, seven miles north of Akron. Ile worked in that place for nine months, when he was pro- moted and removed to Brecksville, sixteen miles from Cleveland, also having his salary increased at this time. After spending six months at the above place, Mr. Bold was again promoted and sent to the freight office in Canton as operator and head bill clerk, holding that position for a period of eleven months. Next, upon the completion of the road southward, he was made agent of the Mineral Point office, where he was stationed for five years, being agent for the American and Adams Express Companies as well.

Although finding his occupation a very pleasant and congenial onc, our subject readily saw there was not much chance for future promotion, and therefore resolved to try some other line of busi- ness. Settling upon the legal profession, he offered his resignation to the company September 1, 1887. He had formerly made the acquaintance of Pros- ecuting Attorney J. F. Wilkin by his being de- layed on one occasion at the station, and who, leaving his address, asked him to pay him a visit at his home in New Philadelphia. The opportun- ity now presenting itself, Mr. Bold went to New Philadelphia, and September 20 of the above year entered the office of Mr. Wilkin, carrying on his legal studies until the following year, when he entered the Union College of Law at Chicago. the law department of Northwestern University. Ile took the junior course in that institution. and during his nine months' attendance did not miss a recitation and always received the mark of perfeet in studies. The following year he at- tended the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated with the Class of '90, and at the final examination.for admission to the Bar by the State Board of Examiners, Mr. Bold stood second in a class of one hundred and three men examined at the time, there being but one-fifth of one per cent. between himself and the gentleman who re- ceived the highest mark. Mr. Bold was one of eight men selected by the faculty to represent the class at commencement, and was much astonished

on hearing his name called first, thus giving him the honors of the class.

When ready to begin the practice of his profes- sion, Mr. Bold located in Canal Dover, in Novem- ber, 1890. IIe has built up a large clientage and ranks high among the learned men in his profes- sion at the Ohio Bar. November 11, 1891, he was married to Miss Lucy, second daughter of James R. Emerson, of New Philadelphia, and to them has been born a son, Harold.

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Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Part 28

Author: Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Chicago : C.O. Owen Number of Pages: 934

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago : C.O. Owen
Number of Pages: 934