USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Portrait and biographical record of city of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the locality, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 11
USA > Ohio > Wood County > Portrait and biographical record of city of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the locality, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 11
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Establishing the Fostoria Daily Journal, Mr. Runneals continued its publication for nine months, when he sold out to the Democrat. He then went to Colorado and engaged in compiling a histor- ical review of the city of Trinidad, associated with A. L. Clark, his former partner. Thence he went to Marysville, Kan., where, with Mr. Clark, he pur- chased the True Republican, and afterward the name of the paper was changed to the People's Ad- vocate, making it a stanch advocate of the doctrines of the People's party. After two years he sold the concern to a stock company. Associated with Mr. Clark, he leased the Marshall County Democrat, which he conducted for a year. In February, 1893, he settled in Deshler, Ohio, and, with his brother, leased the Desliler Flag, which they continued to publish for one year.
Temporarily retiring from the printing business, Mr. Runneals accepted the position of Deputy Great Commander of the Knights of the Macca- bees in Ohio, which office he held for a year. Meantime he made his home in Nortlı Baltimore. In October, 1894, he removed to Bradner, and the
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following month founded the Advocate, which he still owns and controls. As an editor, he is quiek, far-seeing, intelligent and diseriminating, and his editorials are spicy and forcible. His paper has an inereasing cireulation, and is a welcome guest in many of the best homes of the community.
At Manhattan, Kan., February 9, 1892, Mr. Run- neals married Miss Nellie I. Barksdale. This lady is the third in the family of Madison and Mary Barksdale, who are now living upon a farmn in Bigelow, Kan. She has five brothers and six sis- ters, of whom all but two survive. By their union Mr. and Mrs. Runneals have a son, James Madi- son, who was born in Okcto, Marshall County, Kan., January 13, 1893. In national issues Mr. Runneals is a Republican, but in local affairs he gives his support to the candidate whom he bc- lieves best qualified for the offiee in question. So- cially he and his wife are identified respectively with the Knights and Ladies of the Maceabees, and he also belongs to the uniformed rank of the . same order.
T HOMAS N. BIERLY. No eitizen of Pem- berville has contributed more to the devel- opment of its highest interests than has the subject of the following paragraphs, who is well known throughout northwestern Ohio as an able attorney and a man of superior business qual- ifieations. With but limited means, when a young man, and with no influenee to assist him, he never- theless, by indefatigable energy and tireless deter- mination, has gained a position of prominence among the professional men of the locality, and occupies an influential place in the legal fraternity of Wood County.
Before presenting in detail the cvents that have given character to the life of Mr. Bierly, somc mention of his ancestors may appropriately be made. The family has been identified with the history of America for a number of generations, and its members have invariably been patriotie
and honest men. He traces his lineage to Prussia. His great-great-grandfather, who was born in that country, participated in the conflict usually known as the Thirty Years War, in which he was severe- ly wounded. On coming to America, he settled in Pennsylvania, though it is not known whether his home was in Bueks or Laneaster County. For many years he led a secluded life, and his last days were passed in a cabin on the top of Blue Mount- ain, where he died unattended by any friends.
Anthony Bierly, the great-grandfather of Thomas N., was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serv- ing through the entire period of the conflict. His house and all of his property were destroyed by the Indians; but, undaunted by the misfortune, he worked his way onee more to prosperity and sue- eess. He was a man of some education, and was looked up to as a leader among the early settlers of Center County, Pa. His son Nicholas was born near Sunbury, Pa., in 1775, and married Miss Lueinda Buchtel, a native of Center County, and a deseendant of German aneestors. Her father was obliged to work seven years in payment for his passage from his native eountry to America. Aside from this faet, but little is known of the early history of that branch of the family. The last days of Nicholas Bierly were spent in the home of his son, George, to whom he bequeathed his farm.
The father of our subjcet, George Bierly, was born in Center County, Pa., July 17, 1819. His character is in some respects unique. Possessing no educational advantages exeept four months in school during his boyhood days, he nevertheless bceame one of the best posted men in his locality. He has been a thoughtful reader of ancient and modern history, and is particularly posted eoneern- ing current historical topies. In early life he learned the trade of a wheelwright, but later adopt- ed the occupation of an agrieulturist. Possessing the brave and patriotie spirit of his aneestors, he cnlisted in the army during the Mexican War, but saw no active service. For seven years he was connected with the Pennsylvania Militia.
In 1857 Mr. Bierly eame to Ohio and settled on the farm near Bradner, where he still makes his home. A Republican in his political belief, he has
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advocated the principles of that party since the time of President Lincoln's first election. Among the pioneers of Wood County he was a leader, and by his fellow-citizens he was often selected to oc- cupy positions of trust and honor. His wife, Sa- rah, was born Jauuary 21, 1821, and is a daughter of James Magee, who was born in Londonderry, Ireland, but was of Seotch deseent.
'Two years before the family removed to Ohio, the subject of this notice was born in Center Coun- ty, Pa., February 21, 1855. He grew to manhood in Wood County, and has known no other home than this. Even in boyhood he was prominent among his schoolmates on account of his superior talents and recognized ability. Being a diligent student, he availed himself of every opportunity to acquire knowledge, and early laid the found- ation of the broad fund of information lie possess- cs to-day. At the age of seventeen he took the examination for a West Point cadetship, and stood fourth in a class of twenty-three, with an average of over seventy-scven per cent. He attended the Normal School at Republic, Ohio, and taught sev- cral terms of school.
When the time came for him to select a life oc- cupation, Mr. Bicrly chose the profession of law, and carried on his readings with the late Hon. James R. Tyler, of Perrysburg. Immediately aft- er his admission to the Bar in 1877, he opened an office in Pemberville, where he has since conducted an increasing and profitable praetiee. As a mem- ber of the Democratic party he has been active in local politics, and is a leader in the councils of his party. Hc has served as Mayor several terms, has been President of the School Board, and was can- didate for Prosecuting Attorney, to which he would undoubtedly have been elected had it not been for the large Republican majority in the county.
The landed possessions of Mr. Bicrly are cxten- sive and valuable, including residences in Pember- ville and three well improved farms in Wood County, besides thic Crystal Hotel at Bradner and other real-estate interests. His dwelling, one of the most attractive homes in Pemberville, is sit- uated on the cast side of the river and is a sub- stantial frame structure, a model of architectural
beauty, and surrounded by a wide spreading and well kept lawn. Into their pleasant home Mr. and Mrs. Bierly welcome their hosts of personal friends, and extend a cordial greeting to the stranger with- in their doors. Mrs. Bierly was in maidenhood Miss Jennie Furbush, and is a native of Wood County, where her entire life has been spent. Four children bless the happy home, Clarenee, Lu- lu, Everett and Neva.
Possessing a generous and philanthropic nature, Mr. Bierly has made a fortune, not for the pur- pose of hoarding it, but that he may do good and render the lives of others happier. He contributes liberally to the support of his parents, whose de- clining years are made comfortable through his thoughtful attention; and he is also generous in aiding other members of the family who need as- sistance. His benefactions, however, are not lim- ited to the circle of his relatives, but extend to all worthy enterprises. The public library of Pember- ville is a standing monument to his generosity; most of the books and shelving were donated by him, and he has taken the liveliest interest in the success of the work. On Christmas of 1894 lic presented each of the Sunday-schools of the city with one hundred books as a free gift. Frater- nally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the Royal Arch Masons, and for some time served as Master of the Masonic lodge at Pemberville.
ILLIAM FISH has lived retired from business cares for the past five years, though he is still making his home on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres located on scetion 20, Freedom Township, Wood County. As a veteran of the late war and one who suffered while defending the Old Flag, he is especially en- titled to credit, and it is with pleasure that we give liim a place in this record with the worthy old settlers and representative men of the county. He comes from a line of patriots and men devoted
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to the cause of freedom. His grandfather partici- pated in the War of 1812, and for some time was stationed at Ft. Mcigs.
John Fish, the father of our subject, was a na- tive of Maryland and was one of the pioneers of Ohio. In 1818 he came to this state alone, and for several years followed his trade of blacksmith- ing. Later he bought land in Wood County, which he continued to cultivate until shortly be- fore his death, which occurred in 1869. The lady whom John Fish chose for his companion and helpmate on life's journey was a Miss Sarah Con- ser, and of their union cleven children were born.
The birth of William Fish occurred May 11, 1832, in Columbiana County, Ohio. His early years were spent in working on the home farin and in obtaining an elementary education in the neighborhood schools. When twenty-three years old he started out to make his own way, aud about six years later enlisted for the Civil War in Company K, Twenty-first Regiment of Ohio In- fantry, under Capt. S. S. Canfield. He was at once sent to eastern Kentucky, and took part in the battle of Ida Mountain, after which he went to Louisville, and was subsequently sent to Baking Creek, where he was stationed until the follow- ing spring. After Ft. Donelson, he fought in the battle of Shiloh and in that of Stone River. He was also in many lesser engagements and skir- mishes, but was finally taken sick at Stephenson and confined in the hospital for a month. On his release from there he started for the front, but was captured by General Wheeler in his raid through Eastern Tennessee, after which he was paroled and returned to the Union army. He then took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge, Dallas, Kenesaw Moun- tain, Vining Station, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro. His final discharge from the serv- ice occurred at Atlanta, Ga., September 18, 1864, since which time he has been a member of Bene- dict Post No. 26, G. A. R., of Pemberville.
June 29, 1867, occurred the marriage of Mr. Fish and Euphemia Housholder, the ceremony being performed in this township at the home of the bride's parents. Mrs. Fish was born July 12, 1845, and is a daughter of Daniel Housholder, a re-
spected early settler of this county. Three chil- dren, a son and two daughters, came to gladden the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Fish. Nellie, the eld- est, died at the age of five years; but Harry, born November 7, 1875, and Gertrude, born July 27, 1878, are still living at home and attending school. The family are members of the United Brethren Church and are always active in religious and be- nevolent work. Politically Mr. Fish is a Repub- lican, but prefers to look after his business rather than accept any official position.
S OLOMON FAYLOR is one of the old and respected residents of Wood County, with- in the limits of which he has dwelt for the past half-century. In 1882 he moved to the farm where he now lives, this being located on section 26, Center Township. After a very active and energetic life, he is now, in a measure, retired, and has given up much of the responsibility of the farm management to his son, who is a practical and worthy young man.
The parents of Solomon Faylor were George and Esther (Brothers) Faylor, both natives of Penn- sylvania. Solomon Faylor was born in Stark Coun- ty, Ohio, March 1, 1820, and was reared to agri- cultural pursuits. When he was a lad of twelve years he removed with his parents to Portage County, where he remained until 1845. On reach- ing his majority, he began the active battle of life for himself in earnest, and from that time up to the present has relied entirely upon his own ef- forts. Some fifty years ago he located near Pem- berville, Wood County, and purchased sixty acres of land, only about one acre of which had been eleared. It was first necessary for him to build a log cabin, and this humble structure of one room was his home for seven years. He cleared about fifteen acres of the thick forest with which the land was encumbered, but finally sold the farm
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six years later, and after that until 1882 was en- gaged in running a sawmill, etc. His school ad- vantages were very poor, but were as good as those early times afforded. He lias added to his knowledge by observation in the outside world, by reading and by experience, until he is to-day well informed on questions of general interest.
January 16, 1843, Solomon Faylor married Re- becca Walters, who bore him three children: Eliza Ann, and William and Eveline (twins). After the death of his first wife, Mr. Faylor married Harriet Finley, and they became the parents of three chil- dren: Jennie, Robert and Mary. Mrs. Harriet Faylor died March 9, 1895.
In politics Mr. Faylor was in early manhood a Whig, but when the Republican organization was effected lie transferred his allegiance to it, and has ever since been faithful in the discharge of his du- ties as a citizen, voting for its nominees and sup- porting its principles.
J OHIN FISH, one of the native sons of the Buckeye State, has lived for over forty years in Freedom Township, Wood County. His first purchase of land was a tract of eighty acres, on which he erected a log cabin, which was his ouly place of slielter for several years. In time lie purchased more land, and now owns two hundred and forty acres of fertile and desirable farm land. In 1892 he leased liis prop- erty to George W. Barnes, of Toledo, wlio put down eight oil wells, all but one of which are pay- ing good dividends. Mr. Fish hasfrequently been called upon to serve in the township offices and is a loyal Republican.
The fatlier of our subject was born October 23, 1803, and died in March, 1869. On arriving at a suitable age lie married Sarah Conser, who was born October 18, 1805, and departed this life in April, 1861. Their marriage was celebrated Au- gust 5, 1823, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and the
following children were born of their union: David, whose birth occurred December 30, 1824, and who died August 1, 1830; Nancy, born April 24, 1826; John, of this sketch; Daniel, born Sep- tember 30, 1830; William, May 11, 1832; Hester, September 13, 1834; Mary, April 15, 1838; George, April 22, 1841; Elizabeth, April 5, 1844; James, February 14, 1846; and Henry, March 12, 1848. Nancy married Isaac Brandyberry, a farmer of Perry Township, Wood County, and has eiglit children. Daniel has been thrice married, his first union being with Jane Youse, by whom he had two children. His second wife was a Miss Har- riet Pember, and seven children graced their mar- riage. His present wife was Mrs. Hannalı Forres- ter, by whom he had one child. William married Miss Euphemia Housholder and has three children. Hester, who was the wife of Samuel McCrury and the mother of one child, was called to hier final rest January 28, 1855. Mary, wife of Samuel Kyes and the mother of four children, died Sep- tember 8, 1864. George was accidently killed by a tree falling on him in the woods, May 6, 1863. Elizabeth, who married George Markel, a carpen- ter of Asliland, Ohio, and had three children, is now deceased. James married Caroline Smith, by whom he has two children; and Henry wedded Maria Adams and is the father of two children.
John Y. Fislı, the father of our subject, settled in Ohio in a very early day, and to some extent worked at his trade as a blacksmithi. On his ar- rival in Wood County in 1833 he bought a tract of heavy timber-land, on which he built a log cabin. In 1837 he sold out and purchased eighty acres in the same township. By 1848, when lie disposed of this property, he had cleared over fifty acres. Moving to this township, lie settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of forest land, and here lie continued to dwell until his deatlı.
The birth of John Fisli, whose name heads this narrative, occurred March 16, 1828, in Columbi- ana County, Ohio. He lived at home until his marriage, but three years prior to that event had invested in eighty acres of land, a portion of his present homestead. His humble home was for years a log cabin, and to this he brought his bride.
HON. RICHARD MOTT.
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Their marriage was celebrated October 14, 1855, the lady being Margaret, daughter of William and Jane (Baird) Tefft. The father was born January 18, 1819, and the mother October 19, 1818. Mrs. Fish's birthi occurred August 12, 1839, and by her marriage she became the mother of five children. Jennie, born September 25, 1857, married Mieliael Long, a farmer of Sandusky County, in September, 1875, and has three children. Ella, born July 21, 1860, married Alexander Bandine, a farmer of Center Township, Wood County, December 24, 1879, and is the mother of three children. Laura, born November 16, 1863, died June 20, 1865. William, born March 23, 1868, married Miss Mat- tie Wight, February 14, 1895, and now makes his home in Webster Township. Orrin, born July 3, 1870, married Edith Wight, March 24, 1892, and has two children. He is a resident of Center Town- slip, this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Fish are members of the United Brethren Church and enjoy the good-will and friendship of all who know them. The father has started each of his children in life by presenting to them a farin of one hundred aeres each.
H ON. RICHARD MOTT. The thrilling scenes through which the pioneers of Ohio passed in the settlement of the state must ever awaken emotions of the warmest regard for them. To pave the way for those who followed, and to secure the prosperity of generations to eone, they stemmed the flood-tide wave of eivili- zation and endured hardships innumerable. But few of the pioneers now survive; they have passed away full of years and honors, leaving their de- scendants and strangers to enjoy the fruits of their toil, privations and hardships.
"Life with them is o'er, labors all are done, And others reap the harvest that they won."
Among the early settlers of Toledo who have passed to eternal rest we present the name of Richard Mott, one of the venerated and well re- membered citizens of this place. He was of Quaker parentage, and his ancestors on both sides were
among the early American converts of George Fox, the descendants having adliered to the same faith. His father, who owned a flouring tide-mill on Long Island Sound, was bankrupted by the effects of President Jefferson's embargo poliey, from which the foreign commerce of the country suffered greatly.
The subject of this sketeh was born in Mamar- oneck, Westchester County, N. Y., July 21, 1804, and from his seventh to his tenth year attended a boarding-school, to whieli only Quakers were ad- mitted. Afterward lie began to aid in the work of carrying on the home farm, and when but eleven years old plowed with a double team. In 1815 he accompanied the other members of the family to New York City, where for some time lie attended school. At the age of fourteen he secured a elerk- ship in a store, and two years later taught selool, after which he resumed his clerical work. From twenty until thirty-two years of age he clerked in a bank. At the age of twenty-four lie married Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Capt. Elihu Smith, formerly of New Bedford, Mass., and a member of a Quaker family.
In February, 1836, Mr. Mott left New York, and on the 1st of March arrived in Toledo, where he at once embarked in the commission and grain business, thus continuing until 1860. Aside from this he was extensively interested in real estate and had charge of the property interests of Gov. Washington Hunt and the Hieks estate. In 1845- 46 he served as Mayor of Toledo. He was among the most active Directors of the Erie & Kalamazoo Railroad Company, and succeeded in advancing its interests, together with those of Toledo. The free-trade principles advocated by the Demoeratie party met his warm approval in early manhood. In 1848 his strong anti-slavery sentiments led him to support Martin Van Buren against Lewis Cass for the Presideney. In arranging for the "Free Soil" Convention held at Buffalo in 1848, he was most active and interested.
When what was known as the "Kansas-Nebraska" poliey of the national administration had drawn the lines more distinctly between pro-slavery and anti-slavery, Mr. Mott espoused the latter cause. Against his wishes he was made the "Anti-Nebras-
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ka" candidate for Congress in 1854 and was elected, receiving the support of the old Whig party and of the anti-slavery Democrats. In 1856 and 1858 he was re-elected, and served with credit to himself and the entire satisfaction of his con- stituents.
In 1855 Mr. Mott was bereaved by the death of his wife, and two years later his elder daughter, Mary, also passed away, leaving his younger daugh- ter, Anna C., to chcer and brighten his home after its double bereavement. In 1873 he erected the elegant residence on the corner of Monroe and Nineteentli Streets, where he afterward made his home. His views were advanced, and he advocated the Woman's Rights reform movement in its pio- neer days, when its friends were few. In 1869 Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were in Toledo, when the formation of an associa- tion for the political enfranchisement of women was discussed. Mr. Mott at once gave the plan his enthusiastic support, and a few months later ten- dered the association a permanent home in his Ft. Industry Block, where for eighteen years its monthly meetings were regularly held.
Until shortly preceding his death, Mr. Mott re- tained almost unimpaired the wonderful mental vigor that had characterized him in his prime. After a short illness he dicd, January 22, 1888, and was buried at Rochester, N. Y., January 27, by the side of his wife and daughter, in the same cemetery where his father and mother and other relatives also slept. Expressions of regret throughout tlie city and state indicated the high regard in which he was held by his associates. Many societies at- tended his funeral, and all the prominent organi- zations of the city passed resolutions of respect -and condolence.
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P ROF. FREDERICK H. BOWERS. A man who has the interests of the place of his residence at heart, whether it be in a hum- ble or prominent way, always commands the re- spect of loyal, progressive citizens. In an educa- tional direction there is an additional degree of
deference paid to the promoters of advancement, for it is universally admitted that the nation is largely indebted to the public-school system for many of its greatest statesmen and legislators. The gentleman whose name is placed at the head of this sketch is a well known educator of north- western Ohio, and, though scarcely yet in the prime of life, has gained a prominence and dis- tinction among other teachers to which his talents justly entitle him. Since accepting his present position, that of Superintendent of the Bradner Schools, he has promoted the standard of scholar- ship and systematized the method of instruction, so that the institution ranks among the best free schools in the county.
Referring to the history of the family, we find that our subject's father, Jacob Bowers, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1844, his birthplace being but a short distance from the farm where he now resides. His father, Hartman, was a German by birth, and came to this country about 1832, so- journing for a time in Buffalo, N. Y., and a few years afterward removing to Ohio. Though his trade was that of a carpenter, he devoted his at- tention principally to farming after coming to America, and this occupation he followed in San- dusky County until his death.
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