USA > Ohio > Tuscarawas County > Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio > Part 9
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located at San Francisco, Cal., served sixteen years in the regular army of the United States.
In the summer of 1866 Philip A. Garver reluct- antly severed Ins enviable and luerative connec- tion with Meyer Bros. & Co., who begged him to remain with thein at any salary that would satisfy him. But on account of ill health in his family, and the urgent persuasions of relatives and friends, he removed to Strasburgh, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and started a general store. Ile commenced on a small scale what was then, probably, the first real department store in that section. His idea was that to do a successful business in a small country village, there should be kept on sale any and every thing which enters into the daily wants of the general public. In futherance of this idea, he succeeded in establishing a good and fairly re- muncrative trade. In connection with his mer- cantile interests he also served sixteen years as Justice of the Peace of Franklin Township, Tusca- ra was County, Ohio; sixteen years as Postmaster at the village of Strasburghi, and also held the of- fices of Township Treasurer, Clerk, School Direc- `tor and Notary Public. Among his official souv- enirs are commissions issued to him as Justice of the Peace and Notary Public by the following- named Governors of Ohio: S. P. Clase, David Tod, R. B. Hayes, Edward F. Noyes, W. Allen, Charles Foster, Richard M. Bishop, George Hoadly, J. B. Foraker and William Mckinley.
Born and raised in the Democratic faith, our subject was an ardent adherent of that party until the War of the Rebellion. Under the indignation caused by the secession of states from the Union, and the patriotism aroused by the commencement of actual war, old party ties were for the time cast aside by the loyal people of the North, and all were merged into the Union party. The purpose was to unite men of all political shades into one compact organization in support of the Govern- ment until the rebellion was suppressed and the Union saved. He was Chairman of the first Union convention held in Stark County, Ohio, which was a large and enthusiastic assemblage of the most prominent citizens of all parties. The Union par- ty was organized with the unanimous resolve of firm cohesion till the end of the war, but this did
not suit the politicians, the office-seekers and the partisan press, and it was of short duration. The old parties were again reorganized as Demoerats and Republicans, and he felt constrained by pat- riotic motives to affiliate with the Republicans, and has remained a stanch Republican ever since.
In the year 1886 Mr. Garver retired from active business, and was succeeded by his sons. George Ru- dolph and Gustave Albert, who, in partnership with their cousin, E. P. Kapizky, are conducting the business, under the firm name of Garver Bros. & Co., and have greatly enlarged upon his idea of the department feature in country stores. Modest and unassuming in all the relations of life, conten- tious only for what he believes is right, his philos- ophy sees in the steady progress and elevation of the human race the final consummation of the uni- versal brotherhood of man, the triumph of right over wrong, peace, love and virtue everywhere, and the merging of all beliefs and creeds in the one sentiment of the highest good, happiness and liberty to all.
RANK L. SCHICK, one of the enterpris- ing and successful young business men of Cambridge, is engaged in partnership with his brother John in operating an establishment which is known as the Cambridge Steam Laundry. The fine work which is turned out here is its own recommendation, and is gaming for the brothers a large and increasing trade. In social as well as business circles our subject is popular and well liked by all.
Frank L. Schick, Sr., was born in Germany, Jan- mary 24, 1827, received a good common-school education in his native land, and in early manhood learned the mason's trade. Under his country's laws he was pressed into the army. and served un- der General Siegel. About the year 1849 he emi- grated to the United States, and, settling near Montreal, Canada, plied his trade for a short time.
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For the next two years he lived in various eastern cities, and in 1853 removed to Barnesville, Bel- mont County, Ohio. Here he met Miss Harriet Dorsey, who became his wife the following year.
After his marriage our subject's father located in Cambridge, where he continued to dwell dur- ing the remainder of his life. He was a workman possessed of muchi skill, and was foreman in the stone-masonry construction department of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company for many years. Under his supervision the tunnel near Cam- bridge on this railroad was built, and he was also foreman of masonry in the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad shops at Newark. Ile was actively engaged in business until about two years before his death, which occurred June 13, 1892.
Frank L. Schick, Jr., was born September 29, 1861, and is one of seven children, the others being as follows: Joseph L., born August 23, 1855; Julia, January 6, 1857; William, February 13, 1860; John B., September 25, 1866; Saralı, June 30, 1864; and Fredericka M., October 7, 1870. William died March 10, 1860; and Sarah was called to her final rest October 14, 1875. The youngest daughter became the wife of Adamn Rit- ter, of Cambridge. The mother of these children was born in Calvert County, Md., May 7, 1828, and is a daughter of Talbert and Sarah (Barker) Dorsey, likewise natives of Maryland. Frank L. Schick, Sr., was a Democrat, and fraternally was a Mason of the Thirty-second Degree, and identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, but his wife belongs to the Presbyterian denomination.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Cambridge, and learned from his father the mason's trade, which he followed for a number of years. Ile then turned his attention to the laundry business, which he is now operating, and in which he has prospered. As did his father before lim, he uses his ballot in support of the Democratic party, and is also a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity.
November 18, 1881, Mr. Schick married Lillie B. Porter, who is a daughter of John and Ruth (West) Porter, and was born in Belmont County,
in April 1863. To Mr. and Mrs. Schick have been born five children, four sons and a daughter, namely: Charles L., Frederick P., Harry A., Lillie R. and Frank.
P ROF. ALVA B. HALL was called to accept the principalship of the Cambridge High School in 1891, and is still serving in that position. Though a young man, he has had con- siderable experience as an educator, and has met with distinet success in his chosen life vocation. Under his direction the high school of this city has fully sustained its excellence and fine system. Professor Hall is a Republican in politics, and is now serving his sixth year as County Examiner.
A native of Guernsey County, A. B. Hall was both near Spencer's Station, August 8, 1859. Ilis parents, Amos and Deborah ( Webster) Hall, were likewise natives of this county. Nathan, father of Amos HIall, was born in North Carolina, and came to Ohio in 1826. At that time he was seventeen years of age, and at his death, which occurred February 8, 1880, he was in his seventy-second year. Ilis wife bore the maiden name of Deboralı Parry. The great-grandfather of our subject, Ca- leb Ilall, was a farmer and a pioneer of the Buckeye State. Mrs. Deborah ( Webster) HIall was a daugh- ter of Thomas and Anna Webster, natives. respec- tively, of Westmoreland County, Pa., and Loudoun County, Va. Thomas Webster located near the site of Quaker City at a very early day. Amos HIall and his wife had but three children, of whom the Professor is the eldest, and the others are Clar- ence W., an employe of the Cambridge Roofing Company; and Clayton T., a physician, who is practicing in Warren County, Ohio. Amos Hall died in 1882, aged forty-five years, while his wife, who survived him about five years, was fifty-two years old at the time of her demise.
Alva B. Hall was reared to farm life, and re- ceived a district-school education in his boyhood. Ile added to this by a course of training at the
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Friends' Boarding School at Barnesville, Ohio, and at the Central Normal at Danville, Ind. In 1877 he commenced teaching in the country schools of Noble County, Ohio, and taught for forty-five months in that locality. For sixty-three consecu- tive months he was Principal and Superintendent of the Quaker City Schools. In 1891, as we have before stated, he came to this place and assumed his present responsible position. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias, and of the Masonic order is a Knight Templar. Religionsly he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination.
April 6, 1882, Professor Hall married Ella Lay, and three children, all daughters, have come to bless their home, their names being as follows: Laura Grace, Edna Bertha and Ethel Goldie.
D AVID L. MACKEY. On section 8, Adams Township, Guernsey County, lies a fine farm of about one hundred and seventy . acres of fertile land, one of the most pleasant homesteads in the county. On this property the owner, our subject, was born January 15, 1840, and since then it has come into his possession. IIe uses great care and judgment in the cultivation of the soil and has placed the entire estate under good improvement.
The parents of our subject were Richard and Margaret (Duff) Mackey, the former of whom was born in Allegheny County, Pa., March 17, 1814, while his wife was a native of Ohio. Grandfather Richard Mackey was a native of the Emerald Isle, born there in 1762. He emigrated to the United States and, making his way to the state of l'enn- sylvania, lived there for a number of years; then coming to Ohio, he entered a tract of four hun- dred acres from the Government, This of course was in its primitive state, but by the aid of his sons he cleared and improved a portion during his life- time. Ilis family consisted of seven children. Robert, the eldest, is now deceased; Margaret
married John Vincent, and died near the old home place; Mary's death occurred on this farm, as did also those of Nathaniel, Fannie, Eleanor and Richard.
On the death of his father and other brothers the old homestead fell to the father of our sub- ject, who lived upon it and cultivated it with great success during his life. Ile was married to Miss Duff in 1839, and of the nine children granted to them David L. is the eldest. Fannie married John Wires, and resides just south of the city of Cambridge; Jane C. married James Mackey, and died in Pawnee City, Neb .; Richard married in Iowa, and on returning home died, being fol- lowed to the better land by his wife, who only sur- vived him a few weeks; Margaret married Alex- ander R. Neal, and departed this hfe in Belmont County, Ohio; Thomas is a resident of Superior, Neb., where he is well known as a photographer; Robert died in Adams Township, this county; and Sarah married George Borden, and makes her home in Morgan County, this state.
One year after reaching his majority, the Civil War being in progress, our subject volunteered his services to the Union army, and being accepted was mustered in as a member of Company B. Ninety-seventh Ohio Infantry. This was in August, 1862, and October 8 of that year he participated with his regiment in the battle at Perryville. Ky. This was followed by the fight at Stone River, which was in progress from December 31 to Jan- uary 2. IIe also was in active service in the bat- tles of Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Adairsville, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, and, in fact. in nearly all of the well known engagements fought by the Army of the Cumberland. In the last- named contliet he was wounded through the right shoulder by a minie-ball, which passed through the upper part of his right Inng and came out at the lower portion of the shoulder-blade. Being thus incapacitated for service, he was given a thirty- days furlough and, returning home, received good nursing and was ready to rejoin his regiment at the expiration of Ins furlough. They were stationed at that time at Atlanta, Ga., and soon after Mr. Mackey arrived there they were ordered back to
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Chattanooga in pursuit of the rebel, General Hood. They overtook him at Springfield, Tenn., when occurred the fight at that place, November 29. 1864. This was followed by the engagement at Franklin, that state, on November 30, when oe- curred one of the hardest-fought battles of the war. The boys in blue were then ordered to Nashville, participated in the battle there, and were again sent after Hood, whom they followed to Hunts- ville, Ala. For the second time they were ordered to Tennessee, and while there received the news of Lee's surrender, which practically ended the war. Mr. Mackey, with his regiment, was sent to Nashville, and was mustered out June 10, 1865, receiving liis honorable discharge at Columbus.
March 31, 1870, our subject was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary J. Hammond, a native of Guernsey County. The young couple at once be- gan farming on the old homestead, which has been their home ever since, and where Mr. Mackey has spent all the years of his life, with the exception of the time in the service of his country. He has been very active in the affairs of his community, and was elected to the positions of Township Clerk, Treasurer and on the School Board. He is a Republican in politics, and on that ticket was elected Director of the County Infirmary, which position he has filled in a most creditable manner since 1866.
S AMUEL M. BELL. A traveler through the farming lands of Guernsey County will observe with pleasure that the signs of prosperity are on every side, and the well im- proved farms far outnumber those which are neg- lected. The highly improved farm of the gentle- man whose name introduces this sketch will attract the notice of the visitor. It is located on section 19, Adams Township, and when it came into his possession only thirty-five acres were cleared.
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A native of this county, our subject was born March 26, 1836, and is the sou of George and Elizabeth ( Mehaffey) Bell. The father was of
German descent, and was born on the east side of the Allegheny Mountains, in Pennsylvania. His parents died when he was young, and George and one of his brothers had to look elsewhere for homes. One day they were put one in cach end of a big sack, which was thrown over the back of a packhorse, and conveyed across the mount- ains to their future home. Our subject remained with the people who reared him until attaining his majority, and so kind did he find his foster- parents, that when he left them he stole a smaller brother, John, from the people with whom the latter was living, and placed him in the home he himself was leaving.
George Bell emigrated to this state at an early date, and entered land in Guernsey County, while it was almost in its primitive state, and wolves howled through its trackless forests. He had left in Penn- sylvania all his brothers, of whom there were five, and his four sisters. His brother William, some time later, came West and settled on a farm which he had purchased in Muskingum County, this state. Some time later the two brothers returned to the Keystone State on a visit to their relatives, and while there William started alone to see some brothers who lived at a distance, but was never heard from afterwards. Robert lived and died in Alleghany City, Pa .; Samuel was a farmer by oc- cupation, and spent his entire life in the Keystone State; John, who was also a farmer, died in the above state, where he also followed carpentering and was a speculator in oil to some extent; James came to this state after having passed many years as captain of a steamboat, and, purchasing a farm, was engaged in its cultivation until his death, which was occasioned by a runaway team in Morgan County. Of the girls, three of the four married and lived and died in Pennsylvania.
When starting out in life for himself, George Bell came to Guernsey County, and was varionsly employed until establishing a home of his own. Hle married Miss Elizabeth Mehaffey, and the young couple immediately settled upon a tract of eighty acres of wild land. On this Mr. Bell had previously erected a rude log cabin, and in it lived with his wife for several years, without even a floor to the hint. He spent his time in clearing
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and improving liis tract, and as his means would allow added to it, until he became the proprietor of five hundred and ninety-three acres of as fine land as can be found in the county. This record is remarkable, when we learn that he started out without a dollar, and his wealth had been accumu- lated through the exercise of his own energies and the help which was given him by his good wife. He died October 5, 1865, aged sixty-eight years. His wife survived him eleven years, dying October 31, 1876, aged seventy-three years.
The parental household included nine children, namely: Margaret, who married Joseph Wilson, and died in Iowa some years after her marriage, aged forty-nine; Mary, now deceased; Elizabeth, who makes her home in Adams Township, this county; John, living on the old homestead, un- married; Samuel, of this sketch, who was the next in order of birth; Sarah, who died when young; George, who moved to Missouri, where he is still living, engaged in farming; and Jane, who makes her home on the old place, which is also the abid- ing-place of William. George served during the ' late war in the one hundred days' service.
The original of this sketch remained under the parental roof until thirty-five years of age, in the mean time aiding his father to. carry on his large estate. During these years he received a thorough training in agricultural affairs, and was also given a fair education in the common schools. IIe was married in 1872 to Miss Margaret, daughter of Hugh and Jane (Cox) Woodburn, soon after which event he purchased the place upon which he is now resid- ing. It included then about thirty-five acres of · land which was cleared, and was adorned with a rude log cabin and primitive stable. Ile immedi- ately set himself to the arduous task of improv- ing the place, and has made of it a well cultivated and productive farm. Like his brother George, he also served in the one hundred days' service dur- ing the Civil War.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bell there have been born four children, viz .: Maude, who is the wife of Oscar Oliver; Anna, who married Robert Jirls, and lives in Muskingum County, this state; George; and one who died in infancy. In his political views Mr. Bell is a straightforward Republican, and takes
great pride in the success of the grand old party. Ile is very influential in the ranks in his neighbor- hood, and on numerous occasions has been sent as a delegate to the county conventions. Ile has held the office of Township Trustee, and during his incumbency thereof gave full satisfaction to the people.
DWARD B. WESTAFER, holding the re- sponsible position of Commissioner of Tus- carawas County, is a native of this state, and was born in Rush Township, December 25, 1843. Ile is the son of Henry and Susan (Ilar- mon) Westafer, the former of whom was born in this county, September 12, 1807. IIe is still liv- ing, making his home with his children.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, by name Conrad Westafer, came from his native Ger- many to this country in an early day, locating first in Pennsylvania, whence he later came to Ohio and made his home on a tract of land near Gnadenhutten. Ilis son Henry was also an agri- culturist, and during the construction of the Ohio Canal was employed thereon, of which fact he is very proud. He is a strong Democrat in politics, and during his earlier years was very active in public affairs. The Methodist Episcopal Church finds in him one of its most earnest and consistent members. Ile is a man greatly honored by all who know him, and many true friends greet him in his comings and goings about the streets of the city.
The mother of our subject was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and came to this state many years ago with her parents. She, too, was a member of the Methodist Church, in the faith of which she passed away in 1868, greatly mourned. She had become the mother of ten children, seven of whom grew to mature years. They are: Eli, a resident of Cleveland, this state; Susan, the wife of John Tracy; Salina, now Mrs. Peleg Wardell, living in Iowa; Lorana, who married Joseph Browning, and
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makes her home in Dennison, this state; Washing- ton H. a farmer near Tracy; Edward B., of this sketch, and Stephen C., a farmer living in Nebraska.
The early life of Mr. Westafer was spent in aid- ing his father in carrying on the home farm and in attendance at the district school. When twenty years of age he enlisted in the Union army, May 1, 1864, in Uhrichisville, as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-first Oho Infantry, and was mustered into service at Camp Chase. The regiment was soon afterward ordered to the front, operating most of the time in the Shenandoah Val- ley. The first engagement in which our subject participated was near Harper's Ferry, at which time he was under the command of General Sigel. In September, 1864, he was mustered out and returned home.
When fully recuperated from his army life, our subject entered the mercantile establishment of his brother in Tracy, Ohio, in the capacity of clerk. He remained only a twelvemonth, however, when we again find him on the home farm. He tilled the soil for his father that year and then rented a tract in Mill Township, which he worked for about three years with fair success. Returning at the end of that time to the old home, he assumed the management of the place until 1873.
In the above year Mr. Westafer embarked in a business at Tracy which he carried on for about four years in partnership with his brother Eli, dur- ing that period building up a large and profitable trade. He subsequently purchased one hundred acres of the homestead in Rush Township, and later a sixty-five acre tract adjoining, which he operated until 1889. That year he was elected County Commissioner, and so well did he discharge the duties of the position that on the expiration of his term of office he was re-elected.
In the fall of the following year our subject moved into the city, having previously erected a residence on North Broadway. He was married, August 21, 1865, to Miss Olive Roth, daughter of John Hawk, of Indiana. Their union has been blessed by the birth of five children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Westafer are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political affiliations the former is a Democrat. Ile has always taken a
very active part in public affairs and is known as an adept politician.
Mr. Westafer still retains possession of his farm, which is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the county. It is thoroughly improved, and contains a substantial dwelling and all the buildings neces- sary for the storing of grain and the shelter of stock. In social affairs he is prominent, belonging to Mystic Tie Lodge of Uhrichsville; Cyrus Chap- ter No. 114, at the same place; and Commandery No. 51. Ile is also a Knight of Pythias, holding membership with Relief Lodge No. 257, at Gna- denhutten. As an ex-soldier he belongs to Welch Post No. 222, G. A. R.
OHN WALKER ARMSTRONG. Guernsey County is justly proud of her native-born citizens, who are honorably bearing their share in sustaining her interests and extend- ing her wealth. Among these is the subject of this biographical review, who is engaged in farming on seetion 24, Jefferson Township, and is one of the most progressive and enlightened farmers. ITis es- tate, which comprises one hundred aeres, is piaced under substantial improvements, the fields are well tilled, and a neat set of farin buildings adorns the place.
Mr. Armstrong was born January 13, 1847, in Cambridge, but was reared on the farm of his grandfather, John Armstrong, in Jefferson Town- ship, until thirteen years of age, when he went to live with his father, and assisted in the flouring- mill which the latter owned on section 24, Jeffer- son Township, and which was kept running day and night through the busy season. Ilis attend- ance at school was limited to a few months in each year, but on becoming his own master, in 1868, he determined to become well edneated, and with the little money which he possessed entered Muskin- gum College, carrying on his studies in that institu- tion for one term. The tuition he next received
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