USA > Ohio > Tuscarawas County > Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio > Part 64
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The paternal grandfather of Mrs. George Lech ner was Jolm Firestone, a native of the Keystone
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State, and one of the pioneers of Stark County. He was a farmer, and passed his last years in Col- umbiana County, Ohio. He reared a family of twelve children, namely: John, Jacob, Solomon, George, Joseph, Mathias, Daniel, Catherine, Han- nah, Margaret, Betsey and Mary. On the maternal side Mrs. Lechner's grandfather was John Worley, who came from the old Pennsylvania state. To himself and wife, whose maiden name was Mary Springer, were born twelve children, who grew to mature years, namely: Polly, Rebecca, Catherine, Nancy, Daniel, Michael, Thomas, Ake, Joseph, John, George and Jacob. With the exception of John and George, these children all married and had families. John died after enlisting in the War of 1812, but before reaching the field of battle.
The union of George and Matilda Lechner was blessed with the following children: Catherine E., who became the wife of Philip C. Furney, of this township; Charity, deceased, formerly the wife of Samuel Cunningham, by whom she had two daugh- ters; Osee, the wife of Emanuel Sweaney; Joseph M .; Oliver P., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; and Matilda J.
ARRETT B. SMITII, one of the popular business men and prominent citizens of New Comerstown, who is at present en- . gaged in mercantile pursuits in that city, is a na- tive of Columbus, Ohio, and was born January 31, 1828. Ile is a son of Anson and Triphena (Smith) Smith, also natives of Columbus. Anson Smith was a carpenter and contractor by occupation, and carried on his trade in his native city until his death, which occurred in 1810. To the union of this couple six children were born, as follows: Ann Eliza, Sarah, William, Frank, Annie and Garrett B.
The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of Columbus, where he spent his time much the same as other boys of his age. At the age of twelve years he was thrown on his
own resources. His father dying at that time left the family with limited means, and Garrett was compelled to start out to make a living for himself. He occupied his time in various ways until he was about sixteen years old, when he began his mer- cantile career. Going to Roscoe, he engaged as clerk in a dry-goods store, where he remained three years. During this time he conducted himself in an honest, straightforward manner, and by his industrious habits, and the interest he took in the firm, he soon won the respect and confidence of his employer. He became very popular in the community, his courteous manners and pleasant ways winning for him many warm and true friends. While engaged as clerk in Roscoe, Colonel Nugen, of New Comerstown, was so attracted to him by his cheerful manner, the interest he took and the skill he showed in the management of the business, that he induced him to come to New Comerstown and take charge of his store at that place. Here he was as successful as in the former place, and in a short time became a partner in the firm.
In 1854 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Elmira, the eldest daughter of Col. R. H. Nu- gen, and to them have been born eight children, namely: Virginia, Marcia M., Robert H., Sarah H., Christina, Howard, Jessie K. and Elmira. Mr. Smith has given his children all good educations, fitting them to fill any position in life wherever their lot may be cast.
Mr. Smith was given the entire supervision of the construction of the Pan Handle Railroad in that section, which was built in 1863, 1864 and 1865, since which time he has given his attention strictly to his own business interests. In connection with his mercantile trade he owns and operates a large farin, to which he gives much of his personal time and attention. Mr. Smith is what may be termed a self-made business man. Ilaving had to look out for himself since a mere lad, he has fought his own way onward and upward, and to-day stands num- bered among the best business men and honored citizens of Tuscarawas County.
Socially our subject is identified with the Ma- sonic order, being a member of Lone Star Lodge. Nugen Chapter, and Mt. Vernon Commandery at Columbus, Ohio. Politically he is a stanch
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Democrat, and takes a deep interest in the success of his party. He was elected to the Ohio Legisla- ture in 1869 and 1871. For twelve years he has been a member of the Board of Education, and was President of the Board for nine years. He is a man whose entire course of life has been in every respect honorable, upright and conseientious, and he is justly entitled to the respeet and esteem in which he is held.
AMES W. KEPLINGER. A native of Tus- carawas County, our subjeet was born May 17, 1859, to Jacob and Annie (Myers) Kep- linger. The mother was formerly the wife of George Riehart. Jacob Keplinger, who is now de- ceased, was a native of Franklin County, Va., his birth occurring March 15, 1817. Ile was the second son of Joseph and Catherine (Snyder) Keplinger, and was educated in his native state, whence lie came in 1837 to this county. Ilis parents also made the removal hither in that year, locating on a farm in Dover Township, where they were en- gaged in general farming until their deeease.
Jacob Keplinger was twiee married. His first union, which was celebrated with a Miss Lower, re- sulted in the birth of four children, namely: Joseph S., living in Dover Township; Mary M., now deceased; John H., who also makes his home in the above township, where he is a farmer; and Aaron, living in Columbus. On the decease of his first wife, the father married Mrs. Richart, and to them were born Sarah, now the wife of Jonathan Davidson, of Dover Township; and the original of this sketch.
James W. acquired his primary education in the schools near his home, supplementing the knowl- edge gained therein by a course at a university at Ada. He afterward returned home and assisted in the work on the farm until attaining his twenty- ninth year, when he began teaching school, follow- ing this occupation for a year. In 1890 lie dis-
posed of his farm, ineluding twenty-two and one- half acres, and two years thereafter sold out his property in Daviess County, Ind .. comprising fif- ty-five aeres.
In 1890 our subject moved to Winfield and es- tablished a general merchandise business. in which he is still engaged. Ilis store is well stocked with a large variety of goods, suited for both the city and country household, and his trade extends over a large territory.
When ready to take unto himself a wife, Mr. Keplinger was married, September 23, 1880, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Rev. D. and Margaret ( Wal- ters) Arbaugh. She was born January 4, 1861, and by her union with our subjeet has become the mother of four children, one of whom died in in- faney. Waldo HI. was born January 25. 1885, and died March 20, 1892; IIomer II. was born November 28, 1888; and Milo M. November 14, 1890. Both Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger are members of the United Brethren Church, of which the lat- ter's father is pastor.
Socially our subjeet belongs to Winfield Tent No. 15, Order of the Maccabees, and also holds membership with the Grange. Ile is a strong Re- publiean in politics, and east his first Presidential vote for James A. Garfield.
T HEODORE R. LEINS was born in Sandy Township, April 7, 1854, and is still living within its boundaries. In the fall of 1893 he located on his present homestead, which com- prises one hundred and sixty aeres, located on sec- tion 7. Both he and his estimable wife are hon- ored and respected citizens in the community where they dwell, and with the history of which both they and their parents' families have been prominently connected.
Joseph and Magdalene ( Robart) Leins, the par- ents of our subjeet, were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and Bishweller, Alsace, respectively.
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The former was one of five children, the others being Sebastian, Charles, Helen and Rose. In 1832 Joseph Leins emigrated to the United States and located at Zoar, this state, where he worked for eight years at his trade of a shoemaker. In 1840 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, sit- uated two miles east of Mineral Point. This he eleared and improved with good buildings, greatly increasing its value. He had landed in the United States with 8800 or $1.000, but at the time of his death owned three hundred and forty aeres and he had besides given to a daughter a traet of sixty acres. He was born in the year 1806, and died September 27, 1876. Though reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, he became a Lutli- eran after coming to this country. Before the war he was a Democrat, but afterward supported the Republican party. October 10, 1840, he was mar- ried to Miss Robart, who bore him seven children, two of whom died in childhood. Those surviv- ing are Sophia, who became the wife of George Meyers, of Canton; Louisa, Mrs. John Sattler; Will- iam, who married Paulina Lebold; our subject; and Simon, who is unmarried. The mother was the daughter of Abraham Robart, a speculator and manufacturer of hemp and ropes. Ilis wife was in girlhood Catherine Shuster, and their three ehil- dren were Abraham, Catherine and Mrs. Leins. The latter was born September 16, 1816, and re- eeived a good German education. In 1840 she set sail for the United States and landed in New York City after a voyage of sixty-six days. She came direct to Zoar, where she has sinee resided. She has been a member of the Reformed Church from the time she was fourteen years of age.
Theodore R. Leins was born and reared on a farm, and remained at home until he reached his majority. He received only a district-school edu- eation, but he became well informed through his reading and experience in the world. In 1875 he began farming on his own account, and in 1881. in company with a brother, bought the old homestead. As his share he took one hundred and twenty acres, and this property he still owns, having since added fifty aeres more. He has placed valuable improve- ments on the farin and thus increased its desira- bility in the market. In the fall of 1893 he re-
moved to his present home, which is situated on a farm comprising a quarter-section of land, which was inherited by his wife from her father's estate.
February 8, 1886, Mr. Leins married Lizzie. daughter of John and Catherine (Maurer) Lebold. Two children have come to grace their union, namely: Nora Estella and Maggie Florence. When seventeen years of age Mr. Leins joined the Luth- eran Church, with which denomination his wife be- came indentified when in her fifteenth year. They are both now active workers in the Reformed Church, and are honored and respected by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
D AVID McBRIDE. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch belongs to a family that has taken an active part in the progress of this seetion. He now resides on a farm in Adams Township, Guernsey County, which yields a goodly amount of both cereals and fruit.
Mr. McBride was born in County Antrim, Ire- land, November 5, 1827, and is the son of Thomas and Agnes (Green) McBride, also natives of the Emerald Isle. They set sail for America in 1849, locating after their arrival here on rented proper- ty near the city of Pittsburg. This Thomas Me- Bride farmed for a twelvemonth, when the rec- ord states that he removed to Jackson Township, Guernsey County, Ohio, and there became the pro- prietor of a good property. This he sold about 1853, and bought a farm in Cambridge Township, on which he was living at the time of his death, in 1861, aged seventy-five years. His good wife pre- eeded him to the land beyond, dying in 1860. She reared a family of twelve children, of whom Thomas B. died in Ireland in 1873. Elizabeth be- came the wife of Benjamin Green, and is now liv- irg in Cambridge; her husband was in the service of the Government for four years during the late
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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war as an artilleryman. James went from Ire- land to the West Indies, and died near Antigo. John left home in 1844, and spent six years in the West Indies, after which he came to America, and is now engaged in farming in this county. IIe too served as a soldier in the Civil War. Our subject was the next in order of birth. Martha is the widow of Jolin Russell, and is living in Pittsburg. Sarah makes her home in this county with her sis- ter Margaret, who is the wife of David McCourt. Mary married John McCourt, and resides in this county. William and the next son, also named William, are deceased; as is also Agnes, the young- est member of the household. Thomas B., the first- named son, served in the British navy for over thirty years, and used to relate how during that country's encounters with China the ignorant Chinese would run to examine the shells which were thrown from the vesseis, and of course were killed when they exploded.
Our subjeet was a lad of seventeen when he ac- companied his brothers on their trip to the West Indies, and was given a position to work in a sugar factory. Taking sick soon afterward, he de- sired to return home. and as he had no money, se- cured a position as steward on a vessel bound for New York, where he boarded another ship which conveyed him to Ireland. The voyage was a very long and stormy one, consuming six months. On arriving home. young David attended school for a year, when the family emigrated to America, and he accompanied them.
On the 1st of September, 1857, our subject was married to Margaret A. Ramsey, and to them was born a family of thirteen children, of whom we give the following: Agnes died in the year 1887; Martha is the wife of George Kirk, and resides in Canal Lewisville, Coshocton County, this state; Thomas B. makes his home in this county; Emma L. married II. Moorehead, and is now deceased; Joseph W. makes his home in Cam - bridge, where he is employed by the Iron Roofing Company; U. S. G. is an employe in the coal mines of this county; and David E., Ramsey A., James L. W. and Charles R. are at home. Three died in infancy unnamed.
In politics Mr. McBride is a true-blue Repub-
lican, and as a Grand Army man does all he ean to make the post one of interest. In religious matters he is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church, among whose members he is highly regarded.
OIIN OGIER, whose accidental death, Janu- ary 13, 1891, was a great shock to the con- munity, was long one of the enterprising business men of Cambridge, and was born only a mile and a-half north of this city August 8, 1826. Among his most prominent characteristics were integrity, fidelity and sincerity of word and deed. For thirty-four years he was one of the mnost faithful members in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and took a most active interest in its wel- fare and progress.
The parents of Jolin Ogier were Thomas and Rachel (Margnand) Ogier. The former was a na- tive of the Isle of Guernsey and one of the pio- neers of this county, he having settled on Cam- bridge as early as 1810. He was an agriculturist by occupation, and for many years was a Notary Public.
The boyhood days of John Ogier were passed in farming and in striving to gain a fair education in the poorly conducted schools of that day. On arriving at man's estate lie married Catherine Kneeland, and their son Charles died in early einldhood. The mother wascalled to her final rest in June, 1882. Subsequently Mr. Ogier married Sarepta, daughter of Lloyd L. and Mary L. Bon- nell, the latter of whom bore the maiden name of Sarchet. The Bonnell family was originally from Virginia, Mrs. Sarepta Ogier was born July 16. 1848, in Cambridge, and was married October 15. 1884. To herself and husband was born one child, Thomas, September 17, 1885.
The cireminstances under which John Ogier met his death were a little peculiar. While he was as-
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sisting to load a wagon of lumber at the Cam- bridge Planing-mill the three o'clock train came thundering by, frightening his horses, which ran away. In his efforts to control them he was thrown to the ground, the wagon passing over his body. Though he was cut and bruised about the head and shoulders, his most serious injuries were probably internal ones. Ile was picked up and carried to the residence of a brother-in-law, where he expired in a few moments. He was a man of few words, but when he did speak it was to the point, and his judgment was generally reliable. He never antagonized his fellows, was a respecter of authority and pre-eminently a man of peace.
LMER S. SLUTTS. The gentleman to whom we call the attention of our readers is one of the prominent and influential young farmers of Fairfield Township, where he operates an excellent estate, all well improved. He is a thorough tiller of the soil, having been reared to that occupation on the place where he is at present residing, on section 4. He was born Fcb- ruary 1, 1866, and is the son of Samuel and Ann (Fromm) Slutts.
Grandfather Jolin Slutts was also a native of Fairfield Township, and was born April 14, 1808. He in turn was descended from William Slutts, whose birthplace was Maryland. His parents, who resided in Maryland in early life, moved to Ohio in an early day.
When ready to begin life for himself William Slutts entered from the Government the southwest quarter of section 3, Tuscarawas County, improv- ing it and making it his abiding-place until his decease, which occurred on the 22d of April, 1845, at the age of fifty-nine years. He added to his acreage as time progressed and his means allowed, until he was the proud possessor of eight hundred acres of the finest land in the county. Alike de- voted to public and private interests, his career as a citizen and farmer was one of which he and his may ever be proud. Ile was a Whig in politics,
and filled many of the responsible offices of the township. His wife, who prior to her marriage was Deborah Gordon, was born in Jefferson County, and became the mother of thirteen children. Those who grew to mature years were: John; Cyrus, who died in Eddyville, Iowa; Theopolis, residing in Kirkville, Wapello County, Iowa; Mary, who mar- ried Joseph Ross and died April 18, 1845; Phebe, who married Joseph Kollar; Jane, formerly the wife of Joseph Kniesly, and who departed this life in May, 1887; Deborah, who married Fred Recd. and died June 25, 1861; and Lavina, Mrs. William Reed, who makes her home in Missouri.
The grandfather of our subject was reared to mature years in his native county, where he was married and began life for himself as a renter. Later he was enabled to purchase one hundred and eighty acres, on which he was residing at the time of his decease, in 1842. He was a Whig in politics. and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he aided to organize in this local- ity. He was married to Abigail Reeves, who was born in Fairfield Township, October 25, 1808. She was the daughter of Aaron and Mary (MeIntyre) Reeves, and her union with Grandfather Slutts was celebrated April 24, 1828. She became the mother of six children, of whom Samuel was born March 28, 1830; Worthington, May 21, 1832; Margaret, June 28, 1834; Abigail, May 21, 1841. Margaret married Joseph Collins, and Abigail be- came the wife of Henry Rucy and on his death married J. C. Buskirk.
The father of our subject was born in the home which is now in the possession of Elmer S. Ile added many improvements to the place and was recognized as one of the well-to-do farmers of the township. He died one month prior to the birth of our subject, his death resulting from an accident while hauling logs. He was a liberal supporter and member of the Methodist Church, and in poli- tics always voted for Republican candidates. His sympathies were with the Union cause during the late war, and although not permitted to serve his country on the battlefield he aided his neighbors in hiring substitutes.
The parents of our subject were married Angust 27, 1863, and to them were born two children.
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of whom Flora, the elder, was born July 30, 1864, and died May 28, 1885. The wife and mother, who still survives, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 28, 1842, and was the daughter of Martin and Catherine (Markley) Fromm, natives of Stuttgart. The former was a weaver by trade, and died in 1843, leaving a widow and two children: Ann, and Rosana, now the wife of Lewis Stanford, of Clay County, Ill. In May, 1850, after a stormy voyage of two months, Mrs. Slutts landed in New York, whence she came by canal and lake to Zoar Station. She received a good education in the English schools, and was given a home with Thomas Will- iams, of that place. Although reared in the faith of the United Brethren Church she joined the Meth- odist denomination in 1863, and has ever sinee been a regular attendantat its services. Sinee the death of her husband she has been engaged in keeping boarders in Zoar Station, which place was platted by Samuel Slutts and his brother Worthington in 1854, at which time the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad was built. The original of this sketch is a well informed young man and his manner is genial and friendly. In politics he is a Repub- lican.
J OSEPII S. HELMICK has been prominently identified with the upbuilding and develop- ment of Tuscarawas County, where he has dwelt for about fifty-five years. He owns a well cultivated and Inghly improved farm on sec- tion 24, York Township. For a period of six years he acted in the capacity of School Director, but with that single exception has never been in- duced to accept office of any description. In manner he is unassuming. but genial, and readily makes and retains friends. In the Lutheran Con- gregation he is a valued worker and member, and for upward of fifteen years has acted as either Deacon or Elder.
The parents of our subject, Joseph and Anna (Strayer) Helmiek, were both natives of Pennsyl- vania. They came to this county at an early day
and were numbered among its sturdy pioneers. Their home was for many years, and up to their death, on the farm now operated by their son Jo- seph. The father, who was born in 1817, died at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife, who was born in the year 1820, also lived to reach the age of seventy-five. Their eight sons and three daughters are as follows: William and John, deceased; Samuel, who is now in the West; An- drew and Mary A., deceased; Elizabeth, wife of C. D. Carnes, a retired shoemaker of North Cum- berland, this eounty; Isaac J., Deputy Marshal at New Philadelphia; Jacob, deceased, and formerly an attorney and banker; Rachel, deceased; James, who is a miner and resident of New Philadelphia; and our subject. The eldest son, William, was for two terms Representative of this district in the State Legislature and was a man of unusual abil- ity. For many years Joseph Helmick, Sr., was Township Trustee, and in the Lutheran Church to which he belonged was a Deacon and Elder for a long period.
Joseph S. HIehmick was born April 10, 1837, and lived with his parents until reaching his major- ity. His first business venture was in renting the homestead, where he was born and reared, and here he still resides. This place he cultivated for seven years and then rented another farm in this county, but at the expiration of four years gave up that place and returned to purchase and oc- cupy the old farm. This place, which comprises seventy-eight and a-half acres, is all kept under good cultivation and has substantial fences and buildings upon it.
In 1857 Mr. Helmick was united in marriage with Miss Susan Mathias. The lady was born in this county in 1840 to Adam and Elizabeth (At- tick) Mathias. Of their other children, Lucinda is deceased. John B. is a merchant of New Phila- delphia. Rosa A. is the wife of A. Shaw, a real- estate man in Colorado. Emanuel is engaged in farming in York Township. James also operates a farm in this township. Daniel and Rebecca are deceased. Mary J. is the wife of II. MeMerter, a farmer near New Philadelphia; and Ellen is the wife of A. Stermer, of New Philadelphia.
The marriage of Joseph S. and Susan Helmick
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has been graced with two sons. Emmet M., who was born in 1859, is a prominent farmer of York Township. Willis E., a college graduate, was a successful school teacher for three years, but is now in the real-estate business at Zanesville, Ohio. In 1891 he married Mamie Watterman, who died a year and a-half later, leaving a little daughter, who is the particular pet and pride of her grand- parents, in whose family she is now living. Po- litically Mr. Helmick supports the Republican party.
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EORGE J. MARKLEY. This gentleman needs no introduction to our readers, as he is one of the most influential and prom- inent residents of Tuscarawas County. Ile makes his home at the present time in Mineral Point, where, January 1, 1887, he opened a general store, which he has conducted in connection with his other extensive interests. Two years after eoming here he bought the Davis Mine, which he works with the aid of about forty men. In 1891 he organized, and became Vice-President and Super- intendent of, the Ohio Coal Mining Company, also organized the Cisco Mining Company in Guernsey County, of which he has been one of the large stockholders since.
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