USA > Ohio > Tuscarawas County > Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio > Part 63
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The original of this sketch was given a good education in the schools of the neighborhood, and remained under the parental roof. caring for his parents and assuming the management of the farm until their decease. He then fell heir to one hun- dred and fifty-eight acres of land, on which he is at present residing. A portion of this was found to be fine coal land, and for a number of years past Mr. Forbes has been engaged in mining.
Robert S. Forbes and Miss Hettie Stocker were nnited in marriage in the year 1883. The lady was born in this township, in September, 1856, and was the daughter of Joel and Malinda ( Price) Stocker, who were also natives of Tuscarawas County. The father died in September. 1894. while his good wife, who is still living, makes her home on the old farm. She is now seventy-three years old. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Forbes were Andrew and Barbara Stocker, natives of Pennsyl-
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vania, whence they emigrated to this county at an early day, and were classed among its most worthy and respected pioneers. Her parents were married in this county in 1848, and to them was born a family of seventeen children, twelve of whom are deceased. Those living are: Adam C., who makes his home in Port Washington, this state; Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Kuhn, of Columbus, Ohio; Mary F., now the wife of Samuel Daney, of Den- nison, this state; Daniel F., a resident of Uhrichs- ville; and Mrs. Forbes. The deceased members of the family were Anna, Rosa, Clara, Frank. Sarah, Louisa, Julia, William, Edward, Magdalene, Jeffer- son and Joel W.
To our subject and his estimable wife there has been born one child, Mamic, who is attending school, and it is their intention to give her the best educational advantages. The coal mines of our subject are managed in such a manner as to bring him a handsome income. His farm is oper- ated on shares, and, although retired from the active business of life, he still looks after his af- fairs, and is thus kept busy. He is a stanch Dem- oerat in polities, and his influence is used to advance the interests of his party. Mr. and Mrs. Forbes are in all respects sincere-minded and straightforward people, and stand well in the com- munity, numbering among their friends the best residents of the county.
BENEZER WILLIAMS. To his skill in handicraft, his thorough knowledge of the materials and modes of usage best adapted for various kinds of buildings, Mr. Williams adds the personal qualities which win the respect and friendship of those with whom he associates. IIe is now living in Bridgeville, Guernsey County, and was born in Washington Township, March 23, 1826.
William and Rachel (McGiue) Williams, the parents of our subject, were born respectively
in the state of Virginia and Monroe Township, this eounty. The father died in the year 1884. at the advanced age of eighty-three years. IIe was the son of Charles and Sarah Williams, also natives of the Old Dominion, who, after living there for many years, decided to try their fortunes in this then territory. The journey hither was made in the year 1806, and on locating in their new home they passed the balance of their lives in cultivating the soil. Mrs. Williams was forty- five years of age at the time of her deeease, in 1837. Her parents were James and Rachel McGrue, natives of New York State, whence they came overland to Ohio in 1812. Her father, who all his life followed the business of a miller in his native state, erected a mill in this section, and during the remainder of his life carried on a pay- ing trade.
William and Rachel Williams were married in this county, and to them were born four daugli- ters and four sons. The eldest of the family, James, is deceased. Mary Ann is the wife of James McDonald, and lives in McDonough County, Ill. Josepli is a resident of Iowa. Ebenezer is the subject of this sketch. Sarah married Isaiah McGee, a business man of Peoria. Ill. Rachel is the widow of John Saunders, a resident of Good Hope, Ill. William, Jr., is deceased. The fa- ther of this family was a carpenter by trade, and, coming as he did into an unsettled portion of the county, had all the work he could do in erecting houses for the new-comers who later located here.
Ebenezer Williams began to make his own way in the world when a lad of fifteen years, his first work being as an apprentice to a carpenter. As the years passed he became thoroughly informed in all details of the trade, and has continued to make it his calling in life. He has also an honor- able record as one of the vast number who devoted several years of their lives to the preservation of the Union and the upholding of those institutions dear to all true patriots. HIe enlisted. in 1861. in Company 11, Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, and going with his regiment to the front. remained for three months, or until his term of service had expired. Returning home, he again offered his services in defense of his country's flag, this time becoming a
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member of Company H, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, with which he remained until the establishment of peace. During that period he suffered all the hardships and privations of a soldier's life, and took part in many of the important battles of the war.
Mr. Williams was married, in 1842, to Miss Catherine, daughter of James and Ruth (Johnson) Fuller. She was born in this county, March 1, 1830, and received a fair education in its district schools. Her father was born in Maryland, and died in 1885, aged seventy-two years. His parents were Thomas and Lydia Fuller, who came to this county from Maryland about the year 1820. Ruth Johnson was born in Belmont County, this state, and her demise occurred in 1845, when sev- enty-two years old. Her parents were Ephraim and Catherine Johnson, also natives of Maryland, whence they came to Guernsey County in 1820. The parents of Mrs. Williams reared the follow- ing-named children: Ann, who is residing in Coshocton County, this state; Thomas and Maria, deceased; Jane, the widow of William Douglas, liv- ing in Iowa; Rueham, who inarried Abraham Mar- latt and makes her home in Guernsey County; Catherine, now the wife of our subject; and Mar- garet, who lives in Iowa. James Fuller was a well-to-do farmer, and at the time of his decease left a valuable estate of one hundred and twenty well improved acres.
The ten children who have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams are: William, de- ceased; Isaiah, living in Oklahoma; Preston, a resident of this county; Harriet, the wife of James Sickman, a farmer of Nebraska; Daniel, who makes his home in Kansas; Elmer E., who is a resident of this state; Sherman, living in California; Sheri- dan, engaged in business at Bridgeville, this state; Grant. a carpenter of the last-named place, which is also the home of Ebenezer, Jr.
On his return from the war, Mr. Williams again tcok up the work of carpentering, and was among the first to purchase property in this place, which he later lost on an election bet. Hle now has in his possession sixteen lots, besides his comfortable residence, which is one of the best in the village. Hle is now living practically retired, as he has
accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods to enable him to pass the remaining years of his life in the ease which he so well deserves. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for James K. Polk. He is not identified with any religious organization, but gives liberally of his means toward the support of all denomina- tions.
1 OSEPH SCHALIFI is one of the sterling old pioneers of Tuscarawas County. For over half a century he has lived in Goshen Town- ship, and now after a busy and active life he is, in a measure, retired from agricultural labors, and is enjoying a well earned rest. He is a native of Switzerland, having been born in that country July 18, 1814.
The parents of our subject were John J. and Annie (Barbree) Schalifi. They were also born and passed their entire lives in Switzerland. The father, whose birth occurred in 1775, died in 1815; and his wife. Annie, born in the same year, lived until 1829.
Joseph Sehalifi passed his boyhood and early manhood in his native land, but in 1839 set sail for America. On arriving in New York City, he remained there for a short time, thence coming to this county. For six months he worked on a farm near Stone Creek, and in 1840 came to this town- ship. The same year was celebrated his marriage with Barbara Switzer, who, like her husband, was a native of Switzerland. She was born in 1820, and with her parents became an inhabitant of Tuscara- was County in 1833.
Soon after the young couple's marriage they came to the homestead owned by the father of Mrs. Schalifi. For the next four years our subject engaged in farming on that place, after which he purchased a tract of one hundred and forty acres. which he has since cultivated, and thereon made his home. The land was little improved, and much had not yet been cleared at the time of his pur-
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chase, but is now in good condition and considered a valuable piece of property. It lies along the coal belt, and this useful mineral having been dis- covered in paying quantities on the place, our subject recently sold a part of his farm, receiving therefor $11,000.
Nine children were born to Joseph and Barbara Schalifi. Morris lives in Canton, Stark County, Ohio; John and Simon are residents of Wayne County, this state; Joseph lives in this county; Andrew is at home; Frank has his abode in Stark County; Sarah is the wife of Jacob Shoemaker, of Goshen Township; Rose is Mrs. Rudolph Scherril, of this township; and Amanda is the wife of B. Murray, whose home is also in Goshen Township. The mother of these children died January 9, 1892.
The home farm owned by Mr. Schalifi is now operated by his son Andrew, an enterprising young agriculturist. In politics our subject af- filiates with the Democratic party, and in his rc- ligious belief he is connected with the Moravian denomination.
A LEXANDER F. OLIVER, Mayor and Po- lice Magistrate of Barnhill, Goshen Town- ship, is also a general merchant of this place. He is one of the old pioneers who helped years ago to lay the foundations of this county's usefulness and prosperity, and has always been a man of public spirit. He has held various respon- sible positions, and at all times acquitted himself with fidelity and a high sense of the trust reposed in him. For six years he served as Postmaster, having been appointed by President Cleveland. He has been for a like period of time Township Supervisor, and has been Mayor and Magistrate of Barnhill for four years. For a period covering two years he was Township Clerk, and officiated as Constable for four years.
Mr. Oliver was born April 22, 1822. His par- ents were William and Jane (Oliver) Oliver. The
former was born in New York City, while his wife was a native of County Down, Ireland. In her girlhood she emigrated to America and became a resident of Jefferson County, Ohio. She was a scholarly woman, and before her marriage was a school teacher in this county. William Oliver went to Jefferson County in 1812, and there met his fu- ture wife, to whom he was married in 1820. They became the parents of three sons and a daughter, namely: Alexander F .; Henry, now deceased; Mar- garet J., deceased; and William, a farmer of this township. William Oliver was a distiller and farmer by occupation, and in a financial way was on the road to success when he died, in the year 1828.
Alexander Oliver was only six years of age when death deprived him of his father's guidance and protection. The boy continued to make his home with his mother until he was in his twenty- fifth year. In 1835 the latter become the owner of a farm of eighty acres in Union Township, Tuscarawas County, and there she continued to dwell until her death, which occurred September 16, 1848, being then a little over fifty-eight years of age. By those who knew her she was much beloved for her sterling qualities and her brave. struggle to provide for her children. Our subject attended the district schools of his day, but is mainly self-educated. His boyhood was familiar with a school room supplied with slab seats, punch- eon floor, and other rude accessories.
In 1846 Mr. Oliver left his mother's roof to em- bark m the business of life for himself. He was married September 24 of that year to Mary Keip, and soon after the young couple settled in Union Township. To them were born the following chil- dren: Jane, Mrs. James Heins, of Rush Township; Ann, now deceased; William, a farmer near Barn- hili; Maggie, wife of Samuel Waddington, a farmer in Custer County, Neb. Mrs. Oliver died Sep- tember 29, 1858. October 5, 1861, our subject married Marinda Buckms. Four children graced this union, namely: George B. and Henry S., who are engaged in mining at Barnhill; Edward T., who was born at this place February 14, 1872; and Marinda A., born February 16, 1867, and whose death occurred July 14 of the same year. The
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present wife of our subject, formerly Retta J. Mc- Cue, was married to him July 6, 1892.
For many years Mr. Oliver has held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of the most earnest workers in the congregation to which he belongs. He has frequently been num- bered among the board of officers of the church, and has been a liberal contributor to its support.
S AMUEL McMILLEN. The Keystone State has given to Ohio many estimable citizens, but she has contributed none more worthy of notice, or more highly esteemed, than the sub- `ject of this sketch, who is one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of the state. He is at present residing in Wheeling Township, Guernsey County, of which community he is one of the hon- ored pioneers.
Mr. McMillen was born in Washington County, Pa., November 3, 1817, and is the son of John and Mary ( Marshall) McMillen. The father, who was born in Ireland, emigrated to this country, and lived until the advanced age of ninety-four years, dying in Guernsey County in the year 1875. His parents, John and Margaret ( McGill) MeMil- Ien, were born in the Emerald Isle, whence they crossed the Atlantic many years ago, and at once settled in Pennsylvania, thereafter living in Washi- ington County. Mrs. Mary McMillen was also born in the same county in Pennsylvania, and died in July, 1874, at the age of eighty-six years. Her parents were natives of Ireland, but lived in Vir- ginia after coming to America.
The parents of our subject were united in mar- riage in their native county, and to them were boru four sons and four daughters. As follows: Jolin, William and David, deceased; Samuel, of this sketch; Mary, Margaret, Eliza and Susanna, all of whom are deceased. The father of this fam- ily came to Guernsey County in the year 1837. He was a well educated man, and for a number of
years after locating here taught the district school, and at the same time carried on the operations of his farm with fair suceess. ITis son Samuel lived at home, giving his attention to the home farm until reaching his thirtieth year, when he was mar- ried and established a home of his own. In the mean time he was well educated under the instruc- tion of his honored father, and trained in the de- tails of farm work, so that when he came into pos- session of an estate of his own he was thoroughly competent to manage it.
Samuel McMillen and Naney Rawlstein, also a native of Washington County, Pa , were united in marriage in 1849. The lady became the mother of three children, and departed this life in 1858. Her family comprised Mary, the widow of Robert Aiken, living in Muskingum County, this state; James W., engaged in farm pursuits in Kansas; and Adeline, who makes her home with her brother James in Kansas, and is unmarried.
In 1859 Mr. McMillen was a second time mar- ried, the lady on this occasion being Eliza A. Aiken, who was born in Columbiana County, this state, May 18, 1828. She is the daughter of George and Martha (Patten) Aiken, the father a native of Ire- land, and the mother a native of Pennsylvania. They died in that state after following agricult- ural pursuits there for many years. George Aiken was the son of John and Jane (Thompson) Aiken. natives of the Emerald Isle, who, on emigrating to this country, made their future home in the Key- stone State, where the father of Mrs. MeMillen died in 1863, aged eighty years. Mrs. Martha Aiken was the daughter of Hugh and Eliza ( Han- nah) Patten, the former born in Ireland, and the latter in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Aiken were married in the year 1816, and had ten children. Of these, Jane, the eldest, is deceased; IIngh P. is a farmer of Muskingum County, where John also lives; William is deceased; George is farming in Logan County, Ohio; Eliza A., now Mrs. McMillen, is the twin sister of Mary. the widow of James Neal, of this county; Martha is deceased: James is cultivating land near Birmingham, this state; and Margaret, the widow of John Smith, makes her home in Logan County, this state. The father of this family served in the War of 1812, being Lieu-
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tenant of his company under the command of General Harrison. ITis business in life was that of a farmer, in which he was more than ordinarily successful, being thoroughly informed in all de- partments of farm work.
To our subjeet and his estimable wife there have been born five children, as follows: Mattie, the wife of D. F. Kennedy, a farmer of Monroe Town- ship, Guernsey County; John P., engaged in the mercantile business in Colorado; Millie. the wife of Robert Grimes, a farmer of this township; and Annie and George, still under the parental roof.
Soon after his marriage Mr. MeMillen took up his present homestead, which now comprises one hundred and thirty-seven broad and well culti- vated acres, on which he has made his home ever since. As might be expected, he is widely known throughout this portion of the county, and num- bers as his friends its best people. He is honest and upright in all his transactions. and, although never aspiring to office-holding, has benefited his community by upholding all moral and social re- forms which have been set on foot. He is a con- sistent and worthy member of the United Presby- terian Church, and is interested in all religious enterprises. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren as Pres- ident. Those who know Mr. MeMillen esteem him for his sterling worth, and, with his good wife, he is universally liked by the entire community.
AMES CASEBEER. Among the enterprising and successful young farmers of York Town- ship is the subject of this sketch. Since 1892 he has been engaged in running the homestead which he owns on seetion 14, and which contains one hundred and twenty-one acres.
The parents of James Casebeer, George and Lu- cinda (Atkins) Casebeer, were natives of Pennsyl- vania and England, respectively. The latter's parents were Joseph and Lucinda Atkins, who
lived in England during their early married life, but later emigrated to America, becoming resi- dents of Tuscarawas County, this state. The mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. George Casebeer was cele- brated in New Philadelphia, and some time later they emigrated to Missouri, where the husband worked as a carpenter and also carried on a farm. They died in 1860, at the same honr, as the result of being poisoned. They were very prominent people in Missouri, well thought of by all who knew them, and their unfortunate death was a blow to the whole community. They left five children to mourn their loss. David, the eldest, is a carpenter in New Philadelphia; William F. is the second of the family; George is engaged in farming in Can- ada; Alice is the wife of William Clark, a merchant of Virginia; and James is the youngest.
The birth of our subject occurred in Missouri March 4, 1860, and on his parents' untimely de- mise he was adopted into the family of George and Rosanna Smith, of York Township, this county. These worthy people became very much attached to the lad, and were as kind and loving toward him as if he was their own child. Young Casebeer continued to live on the Smith homestead until the death of his kind friends, who left the prop- erty to him by will. For twelve years he worked in a sawmill, but since 1892 has devoted his atten- tion to farming. The homestead comprises one hundred and twenty-one acres, all of which is kept under good cultivation. Though his experi- ence as a farmer has been somewhat limited, our subject is a man of praetieal mind and industrious characteristics, which qualities lead to success.
May 14, 1891. James Casebeer was married to Miss Flora Metzger, who was born at Lockport, Ohio, June 31, 1871. Mrs. Casebeer is a daughter of Isaac and Susan (Metzger) Metzger, who were cousins. They were the parents of the following children: Fiora, Cora, Ellen, Lorenzo and Mary. Isaac Metzger is a prominent farmer and highly esteemed in Warwick Township, where he resides.
To our subject and his wife have been born two daughters: Grace, Inly 1, 1893; and Carrie, October 6, 1894. Mrs. Casebeer is a lady of good education and enlture, well received in social cir- cles, and both she and her husband have many
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friends, who often partake of their genial and kindly hospitality.
In his political belief Mr. Casebeer is liberal, and usually uses his right of franchise by voting for the candidates of the People's party.
FORGE LECHNER, deceased, was one of the founders of Mineral Point, which, in company with Alfred Davis, he surveyed and platted. Ile served as Trustee of Sandy Town- ship for about twenty years, and improved several farms in the vicinity. A man of publie spirit and a power for good in the vicinity in which he dwelt, his loss was deeply felt by all who had the pleas- ure of his acquaintance, and his memory is cher- ished by a host of life-long friends.
The Lechner family is of German origin, but the members of it settled at a very early day in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a tanner by trade, and his son, John Michael, the father of George Lechner, followed milling. In 1827 the latter removed to Stark County, Ohio, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1833. He was forty years of age when he married Miss Elizabeth Rider, who was born in Baltimore. and who by her first marriage had three children: George, Jeremialı, and Joseph, who is in Elkhart County, Ind. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Lechner be- came the wife of Joseph Young. She died in In- diana, in December, 1880, and was buried in the cemetery at Mineral Point. Michael Lechner was reared in the doctrines of the Reformed Church, but subsequently became identified with the Dis- ciples, and the same thing was the case with his wife, Elizabeth.
George Lechner was born November 30, 1820, in Manheim Township, York County, Pa., and was brought up to farm life. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was but thirteen years of age, his mother's support fell on his young
shoulders. Mareh 21, 1844, he married Matilda Firestone, of Waynesburg, Stark County, Ohio. For a time thereafter he operated a rented farm, but in the spring of 1847 he removed to this county and settled on the place where his widow is now living, near Mineral Point. He first rented one hundred and sixty acres, but in 1855 had ac- cumulated a sufficient sum of money to become the owner of the place. As the years passed he invested in additional land, and owned a farm of one hundred and sixty aeres, which he sold just before his demise. Through his own exertions and good business ability, he not only made a good livelihood for his family, but accumulated a sub- stantial fortune. In politics he was during his early life a Whig, and after the formation of the Republican party espoused its principles. IIe was a member of the Baptist Church in his youth, and was a man of high morals, integrity and ster- ling character. He was called to the home beyond June 3, 1889.
Mrs. Lechner was the daughter of Mathias and Catherine (Worley) Firestone, natives of Colum- biana and Stark County, Ohio, respectively. The former was a millwright, and also conducted a farm near Waynesburg, Ohio. He died May 3, 1875, when in his seventy-eighth year. He was twice married, having ten children by his first union. Nine of the number lived to maturity, namely: Mary, Mrs. Nesbit, of Indiana; Hannah. Mrs. Hutch- inson, of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; Matilda; George; Har- rie. who married Peter Snider, of Middleport, Ohio: Daniel; John, now in Nebraska; James, of Ada, Ohio; and Catherine. Daniel and George were in the service during the late War of the Rebellion. The mother of these children died in January, 1847, at the age of fifty years. The second wife of Mathias Firestone was Mrs. Ann, widow of Isaac Wilson. She had five children, namely: Louisa, Corvin, Lillic, William and Haddon. Mr. Firestone was a Whig in politics. and afterward a Republican, and served as Township Trustee on one occasion. Ile was a member of the Masonic fraternity and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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