Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Part 31

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

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Our subject was born in Wheeling. W. Va., January 24, 1859, and is the son of Oliver T. and Eliza (O'Hara) Blackburn. The former, a native of Ohio, was born near Steubenville, the mother at Wheeling, W. Va. The father was a mason by trade, which occupation he followed during the active years of his life. He was living in Bellaire, Ohio, at the time of his decease, which ocenrred in 1890, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife, who also departed this life in the above year, was in her sixty-fourth year.

Of the five children born to Oliver and Eliza Blackburn our subject was the youngest. The other members of the family were Eliza. who mar- ried John Donaldson, of Carrollton. this state. and is now deceased; Miranda, who became the wife of Joseph Heatherington, and makes her home in Bellaire, Ohio; William, deceased; and Elizabeth, who is the wife of II. G. Hardenstein, a resident of the World's Fair City.

The original of this sketch was educated in the publie schools of Bellaire, to which place his par- ents removed in 1868. When ready to start out for himself, he began working in a nail factory in that place, operated by the Bellaire Steel and Nail Company. After a stay of six years with that company young Blackburn left, and in 1882 was given a position in the box room of a window- glass factory at Bellaire. He was very observing, and, being eager to learn the business, applied himself to the work and soon became familiar with all the details of glass-making. Having accu- mulated a snug sum of money, he, in 1894, organ- ized a joint-stock company, as we have already

recorded, and began the manufacture of window glass in Quaker City. Ile is a very sharp, shrewd business man, fair and honorable in all his deal- ings with his fellow-men, and will without doubt acquire a handsome property by the capable and efficient manner in which he manages the affairs of the company.

Mr. Blackburn was married, December 21, 1879, to Capitola McCann, a native of Middlebonrne, W. Va., who was born March 17, 1859. Mrs. Blackburn was the daughter of Jolin and Martha (Swan) McCann, and by her parents was given a good education. She is a most estimable lady, and is training her children to fill useful and hon- ored positions in life. Edna is deceased; and Effie, Oliver and William are at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (to which he is a lib- eral contributor), and manifest a deep interest in all good works. Although he takes no active part in politics, other than to cast a ballot in favor of Republican candidates, he contributes much to the general welfare of the community, which holds him in high esteem. Socially he is a Mason and a member of the chapter in excellent standing, and is also an Odd Fellow, belonging to the encamp- ment. He is identified with the Senior Order of United American Mechanics and the Knights of Labor, in all of which orders he takes an active part, and has passed through many of the chairs.

D ANIEL DEFENBACHER, the genial land- lord of the Iron City House of Canal Dover, is eminently worthy of a place among the honored and representative men of this county. Ile claims old Tusearawas as the county of his birth, as he was born in Franklin Township. September 14, 1855.

In order to better his condition, and being in- fluenced by stories of America, our subject's fath- er, John Deffenbacher, as he spelled his name, left

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Baden, Germany, and crossed the Atlantic in 1838. After reaching the New World the journey west- ward was made by way of the Hudson River, the Erie Canal to Buffalo, Lake Erie to Cleveland, and thence by canal to this county. Arriving here, the father engaged in farming operations, which he combined with the trade he had learned in Ger- many, that of a stonemason. To himself and his wife, whose maiden name was Fredericka Hoo- ver, was born a large family of children: Eliza- beth, the wife of F. Wolf, of Huntingdon. Ind .; Hattie, who married II. A. Grim, of West Vir- ginia; Ilannah, who became the wife of Noah Hulderman, of Ashland County, this state; John T., a resident of New Philadelphia; Catherine, Mrs. Andrew Homan, of Canal Dover; Daniel, whose name heads this article; Gideon, a harness-maker of New Philadelphia; and John T., of the same city, who is a grocer by occupation. The two other children of the family died in early child- hood. The father departed this life April 11, 1892, but his wife preceded him to the silent land by many years, as her death occurred in 1860.

Daniel Defenbacher obtained a fair education in the common schools, and upon arriving at a suit- able age learned the trade of harness-making, which he followed for about four years only. Subse- quently he engaged in the hotel business, for which nature pre-eminently fitted him. His first venture in this line was at Dresden, Ohio, from which place he went to Uhrichsville, where he followed the same vocation. Then going to Bowerstown, he kept a hotel for two years, afterward engaging in mercantile pursnits for a period of four years. As he had a fancy for farming. he tried that oocu- pation near Stillwater, but only made a short stay there, when he acquired his present property, the Iron City House. This hotel he has successfully operated since 1889. In connection with manag- ing his hotel, he is interested in a livery business, in which he has a half-interest with JJ. W. Crothers.

On New Year's Day, 1878, Daniel Defenbacher married Miss Sarah Ella, danghter of Frederick Gintz. Of their union four children have been born: John Frederick, William Edward, Emma Florence, and Herbert Daniel, all bright and apt pupils in the public schools. The parents are act-

ive and enterprising members of and workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place, and take great interest in assisting the needy with prac- tical help and sympathy.

In his social relations our subject is identified with the Junior Order of United American Mechan- ics, and with the Knights of Pythias. Educational measures find in him a good advocate, as he is Sec- retary of the Board of Education, and takes a com- mendable interest in the public schools of the city, as well as in everything calculated to advance the interests of the community. His first Presidential ballot was cast for Rutherford B. Hayes, and in his political views he is a pronounced Republican. Under his supervision the Iron City House is well kept in every department, and its many patrons are made to feel thoroughly at home.

R OBERT GORLEY, who is living a retired life in Uhrichsville, is one of the oldest residents of the place. He was born in Washington County, Pa., October 20, 1819, and was reared to manhood on a farm, his education being received in the district schools. In 1845 he emigrated to Tuscarawas County, locating in the town now known as Uhrichsville, For about twenty years he was engaged in running a tan- nery, after which he was employed as a painter in the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad shops at Dennison, Ohio. In that place he made his home for a quarter of a century, but on his re- tirement from active business life in 1888 he con- cluded to make his permanent home in this city. His residence is surrounded by thirty-four aeres of land, and is a most desirable and well improved place.

The parents of our subject were Thomas and Catherine (Gardner) Gorley. natives of Virginia. The former was an agriculturist during his entire life. In 1857 he emigrated to Iowa, where he afterward died on a farm of which he was the

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owner. Of his ten children, Margaret is the widow of David Russell, of Montgomery County, Iowa; Robert is the second in order of birth; Thomas is engaged in farming in Montgomery County; James died in infancy; Jane is the wife of John Rich- ards, of Zanesville, Ohio; John conduets a farm in Montgomery County; Rachael is the wife of William Steward, of Feliska, Iowa; Nancy is the wife of Zed Cooney, a buggy-maker by trade, and a resident of Montgomery County, Iowa; Henry is deecased; and Joseph is living in Montgomery County.

May 4, 1847, Robert Gorley married Miss Sarah Ulrich, daughter of Michael and Ann Mary (Baltz- ley) Ulirich, whose marriage was celebrated March . 9, 1812. They were the parents of eight children. Philip, born May 18, 1813, died July 8, 1864. William, born April 4, 1815, died in Van Wert County. Lydia, who lives at the home of our subject, is the oldest living native of Uhrichs- ville, of either sex, as she was born here October 15, 1818. Daniel, born February 22, 1821, died September 10, 1824. Anna M., who was the wife of Capt. E. A. Parrish, and was born August 2, 1823, died May 14, 1889. Sarah. born May 14, 1826, is the wife of our subjeet. George is a black- smith of Hayworth, Ill .; and Elias is a carpenter of Mill Township, Tuscarawas County. Michael Ulrich, the grandfather of Mrs. Gorley, came to Mill Township in 1801 and bought fifteen hun- dred acres of land. On this place he took up his abode the following year, and there all the chil- dren of the generation to which Mrs. Gorley be- longs were born.

To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gorley were born four children, the eldest of whom, Mary A., whose birth occurred on the 13th of September, 1849, married Samuel Rownd, October 27, 1870, and their daugh- ter, Margaret, was born October 24, 1871. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rownd is in Urbana, Ohio. John B., the only son of our subject, was born August 20, 1853, and in April, 1889, was married to Annie Fisler, their home also being in Urbana. Laura M., whose birth occurred January 15, 1867, married Frank Ford, Probate Judge of Muskingum County, in October, 1881. Alice Uhrich, who was born May 19, 1859, married George Dent, Septem-

ber 6, 1888, and their only child, Winefred S., was born October 9, 1889. Mr. Dent was called to his final rest in Colton, Cal., March 9, 1892, and his widow is now living at home with her parents.

The first Presidential vote of Robert Gorley was cast for William II. Harrison, and since the or- ganization of the Republican party he has been one of its stalwart allies. Mrs. Gorley holds mem- bership with the Presbyterian Church.

D E WITT CLINTON WARNE. Men who live in our daily sight, and from an hum- ble position work out a truly noble char- aeter, are the most valued teachers. The life of Mr. Warne is full of lessons of self-help and self- respect, and shows the efficacy of these characteris- tics in gaining for a man an honorable position, competence and solid reputation. Ile is at present one of the largest land-owners in Guernsey Coun- ty, having under his control over nine hundred aeres of valuable farming lands, a portion of which he operates, while many acres are leased; and again he has tenants who work the soil, giving him half of the crops raised.

Mr. Warne was born on the old homestead in Centre Township, March 10, 1830. His father, Jonathan Warne, was a native of New Jersey, com- ing to Ohio in about the year 1802, in company with his parents. They located in Wills Town- ship, Guernsey County, remaining there but a short time, when they removed to Muskingum County. In 1811 they returned to this county, settling on a portion of the farm now owned by our subject. The grandparents, Thomas and Ann (Pursley) Warne, were influential among the pio- neers of this then territory, and contributed large- ly to its upbuilding. Their son Jonathan was born in New Jersey, October 30, 1791, and died July 19, 1855. after a long and useful life. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Martha Luzader,

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.was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born De- cember 17, 1797, and followed her husband a year later to the better land. They were married in 1815, and became the parents of nine children, three of whom are deceased. Those living are Elijah, Mary Ann, Jonathan, Nancy, our subject and John.

De Witt C., of this sketch, was given very lim- ited opportunities for acquiring an education, at- tending but a few winters the old log schoolhouse in the district, where the pupils were seated on benches made in the crudest possible manner, and so high that many of the smaller pupils were un- able to let their feet touch the floor. The room was heated by a huge fireplace in one end of the building, and when ready to take their writing les- son the scholars were sent to a long desk running around the sides of the room.

Mr. Warne was married, December 15, 1871, to Miss Jane Willis, and the happy couple went on their wedding tour to visit Mary A., Mrs. Corzine, a sister of our subject, who lived in Illinois. After a short stay with her, they journeyed to Springfield to view Lincoln's monument, and from the capital city went to St. Louis. The newly wedded pair next visited Cincinnati and Coluni- bus, whence they returned to their home in this county, locating upon a farm of two hundred acres, one-half of which had been left to our sub- jeet by his father. He has been very industrious in pursuing his chosen calling, and as his means would allow, added to his original tract, until, as before stated, lie is one of the largest tax-payers in Guernsey County. He is a large dealer in live stock, which industry he finds to be a very profit- able one. Ile remembers in the early days before railroads were built through the county that farm- ers were obliged to drive their stock to the varions towns, and for many days at a time, when look- ing down the main road, one could see the drov- ers driving the animals to various sections of the country.

Mr. Warne lived to be forty-one years of age before taking unto himself a wife and helpmate. During many years of this time he lived alone, but after a serious sick spell, when he had no one to look after and care for him, he determined that he

would become a Benediet, and soon thereafter was joined in marriage with the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth ( Maberry) Willis. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Warne: Jonathan, who died in infancy; and Edward, Jennie Florence, Charley Ross, Agnes Bell, De Witt Clinton and Franeis Clarence, the last-named having died when a year old. The five living children are all resid- ing at home with their parents.

The father of Mrs. Warne was born in the south- ern part of Ireland, while his wife was born near the lakes of Killarney. Mrs. Warne remembers lrearing her mother tell how in the olden days, in her native land, she could carry a bucket of water in each hand, one on her head, and at the same time have a baby tied on her back. Mr. Willis first met his wife on the streets of their native town in Ireland, and at once falling in love with her, followed her to her home and called upon her. From this there sprang up a friendship which soon ripened into love on the lady's part, and a con- sent to become his wife. Many years after, about the year 1867, Mr. Willis had gone to Washing- ton, this county, to purchase some furniture for . his daughter Elizabeth, then recently married, and he met with an accident which cost him his life. He was walking along the streets with a looking- glass under his arm, which cast a reflection in such a manner as to frighten a team of horses which was passing. In endeavoring to catch the runaway team, he was thrown under them and killed. Ilis family numbered nine children, namely: George. Edward, William, Margaret, Rebecca, Ann, Eliza- betli, Catherine and Jane. George died after com- ing to America, in California; William departed this life in Jefferson Township, this county, when fifteen years of age, his death being eansed by the accidental discharge of a gun; Margaret, Rebecca and Ann died in this county.

Our subject, when Morgan's men passed through Washington, this state, during the late war, mount- ed his horse, and, in company with many others, went to the scene of battle, witnessing the conflict between the Union and Confederate forces. at which time three of the enemy were killed. 11. was here Mr. Warne lost a valuable horse and sand- dle; the Union soldiers simply borrowed it, but

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forgot to return it, and he was compelled to walk home. Mr. Warne during the war contributed very freely of his money to furnish substitutes for the draft. There were so few men left in the county that the women were compelled to do or- dinary labor on the farms.

Coming here in an early day in the history of the state, the father of our subject has told his chil- dren of a time in 1812 when the Indians were so hostile that often the inhabitants were obliged to flee to block houses, which they had erected for the protection of their families, when the male resi- dents would try to lessen the number of redmen by the use of their rifles. Wild game was very plentiful at that time, and the family never wanted for fresh meat of any kind, as almost any time one could step to the door and bring down a turkey or deer. Mr. and Mrs. Warne are members in excel- lent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

AMES DICKSON, M. D. The calling of a physician is not only one of the most ardu- ous, but one of the most responsible, pursuits in which man can engage, and he who at- tains a high reputation in this profession must necessarily be endowed with physical endurance, keen intelligence and excellent judgment. The subject of this sketch is one whose extensive prac- tice and high standing in professional circles prove conclusively his physical and mental endowments, his careful culture, and his painstaking efforts to continually add to his theoretical knowledge and practical skill. As a private citizen he is highly esteemed for his public spirit, personal example, and interest in all that is of benefit to the members of the community and the county at large.

Our subject was born July 2, 1837, in Huron County, this state, to James and Anna ( Miller) Diekson, natives of Pennsylvania. The father followed the occupation of a farmer all his life, and was very successful in this industry. By his union with Miss Miller there were born eight chil-

dren, only one beside our subject living, Emily, now Mrs. Edward Gifford.

The primary studies of Dr. Dickson were car- ried on in the public schools of his native county, after which he attended the normal, pursuing an extended course of study and being thoroughly drilled in the various branches which he under- took. Choosing the medical profession for his life work, he began reading under the instruction of Drs. Keith & Vail, prominent physicians of Ilu- ron County.

The medical studies of our subject were inter- . rupted by the call for volunteers during the late war, and May 2, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and was mustered into service in the Twenty-second Army Corps, Second Division, then stationed in Virginia. He was appointed Third Sergeant of his company, and participated in all the engagements in which they were ordered un- til his honorable discharge, September 9, 1864.

After his return from the army Dr. Dickson be- gan the practice of medicine. Several years later he took a course in the Homeopathic Hospital College at Cleveland, this state, from which he was graduated in 1875. That year we find him located in Jerry City, Wood County, making his home there and engaged in practice until the fall of 1875, when he removed to Leesville, Carroll Coun- ty, where he remained until 1881, in which year he located in Canal Dover.

The lady who became the wife of Dr. Dickson bore the maiden name of Barbara Pearch, and the ceremony which made them one was celebrated February 22, 1861. Mrs. Dickson was the daughter of Joseph Pearch, of Carroll County. She has be- come the mother of three children: Arael Adra, now the wife of John Adams, of Columbus; Jen- nie E. and James Berta, at home. Mrs. Dickson, although not a practicing physician, is well versed in the science of medicine, and has always been of the greatest aid to the Doctor, encouraging him in every effort, and when necessary taking upon her- self the entire management of home affairs. In social affairs the Doctor belongs to Ricksecker Post No. 469, G. A. R., of which he has been elected Commander, the National Union and Protected

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Home Cirele, the two latter insurance orders. He is medical examiner for the various insurance companies located in this eity, which position he has held for many years. In politics he is a be- liever in Republican principles, and east his first vote for John C. Fremont. Under President Har- rison's administration he was appointed a member of the Pension Board of Tuscarawas County, of which body he has also been President.

The Dieksons are of Seotch origin. The Doctor has in his possession a Bible printed in London in 1573. It has been handed down in the family from generation to generation, always descending to a person by the name of James. It contains many of the family records, including a church letter bearing date of June 7, 1784.

P ATRICK DOUGHERTY, one of the ex- tensive farmers of Warren Township, is a native of County Derry, Ireland, and his birth oceurred in 1825. Ils paternal grand- father, Charles Dougherty, was a farmer by oecu- pation. Ilis three sons and two daughters all grew to maturity, were married, and had families. Religiously the father was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

The parents of our subjeet, William and Rosa (McCliaster) Dougherty, were natives of Counties Derry and Antrim, Ireland, respectively. The former was a weaver by trade in early life, but later turned his attention to farming. Eight of his children lived to maturity, namely: Charles, a physician, who went to Scotland; Hugh, a farmer in Ireland; Ellen, Mrs. Mullin; Nancy, Mrs. Me- Cliaster; Ilugh; Patrick; Mary, Mrs. Kailay; and Rosa, who died ummarried. Bridget died in infancy.

Patrick Dougherty received limited school ad- vantages in his native land. After a voyage of six weeks he landed in New York City, April 26, 1847, and remained in the metropolis for the fol- lowing year. Thence he proceeded to New Or-

leans, and until 1855 was a watchman on Mis- sissippi and Ohio River steamboats. During this time his home was at different points, but in 1855 he permanently settled in Warren Township. The farm which he has since cultivated comprises one hundred and sixty-four acres, which were formerly the property of his father-in-law.

September 26, 1852, Mr. Dougherty married Elizabeth Sherrod, who was born in Carroll Coun- ty, Ohio, July 22, 1828. Her parents were Charles M. and Amy (Seran) Sherrod. The former was born in 1804, in Carroil County, and died in this county in 1864. In his early days he was a black- smith by trade, but his first genuine start on the road to financial independence was by making "ground-hog" threshers. At the time of his de- mise his estate numbered abont nine hundred aeres. He served as Justice of the Peace, was a supporter of the Democratie party, and was a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he was an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason. To himself and wife were born four children, the eldest of whom is Mrs. Dougherty, and the others are: Ma- rinda, who has been three times married; Ann M., Mrs. Bartholomew; and Amanda, Mrs. MeCartney.

William Sherrod, the grandfather of onr sub- jeet's wife, was a pioneer of Carroll County, this state, where he entered and cleared a farm, and where he had some unpleasant experiences with the Indians in early days. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a most estimable man in every respect. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Bilderback, bore him seven sons and six daughters. Micajah Seran moved to Ohio in the early years of its history. Coming in ad- vanee of his family in order to secure a suitable location, he landed in Cadiz and was unfortu- nately taken ill, and the deetor who was called in to administer to the sick man, not being master of his profession, gave him a dose of medicine which resulted in his death. Ilis widow and her thirteen children afterward took up their abode in Cadiz.

To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Dougherty were born twelve children, and all but two have lived to be- come worthy and respected citizens of the com- munities in which they dwell. In order of birth they are as follows: Charles W .; David B .; Amy

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A., Mrs. Jacob Croy; Rosa E .; Hugh, now of Ken- lucky; Mary E., Mrs. Scott Pearch; Patrick, Clem- ent L., James S. and Rebecca M.

Our subject is the owner of a homestead com- prising one hundred and eighty-eight acres, though in former years his possessions amounted to fully three hundred and sixty aeres. He is a Catholic, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and they enjoy the confidence of all.

S QUIRE WILLIAM A. LEWIS. The name with which we head this biography needs no introduction, its possessor being well known as the efficient Postmaster of Guernsey, in which place he is also engaged in the mercantile business. Ile is a citizen of high repute, and as an official gives entire satisfaction to all concerned.

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Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Part 31

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