USA > Ohio > Noble County > The county of Noble; a history of Noble County, Ohio, from the earliest days, with special chapter on military affairs, and special attention given to resources. > Part 26
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sister of L. D. Merry, and to them have been born three children. Lizzie Caroline is the eldest, and has been a teacher in the public schools of Noble county since her sixteenth year. She and her brother Henry are students at Ada Normal University, and Mary, the youngest, is a student in the public schools. Mr. Brown has been a leading Republican in his township for many years, always active and zealous in the interests of his party. In 1896, he was elected one of the Board of County Commissioners for a term of three years. and was re-elected in 1899, serving six years, and being president of the Board two years of the time. He was an active and influential mem- ber of this Board, and was always found on the side of the tax-payer's interests. He has taken great interest in the improvement of the pub- lic highways, and during his six years term has seen completed more miles of macadamized road than existed in the entire county before. During his term of office the extensive improvements were made on the public square at Caldwell, and it is only fair to say that Mr.
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Brown had as much to do with the improvements as any other member of the Board. At the same time the county indebtedness was reduced, and taxes were not increased. In the item of the county printing, Mr. Brown took aggressive grounds, and succeeded in reduc- ing that item of public expense very materially, thus incurring the censure of the brethren of the public press. Mr. Brown is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, of the Lodge at Macksburg, being a Past Worshipful Master of that Lodge.
THOMAS R. HARPER, merchant and postmaster at the village of Gem, Enoch township, was born within two miles of his present loca- tion, December 19, 1867. He is a son of George W. and Eliza Ann (Mendenhall) Harper, the father a native of Noble county, and the mother also a native of Ohio. The father is a well-to-do farmer in Enoch township, and the mother has been dead for some time. The family incuded nine sons, all living: William D., a farmer in Enoch township; Thomas R. ; Okey M .; Leonard A .; James M .; George M. ; Charles D. ; Samuel J. ; and Worthington C., all engaged in the oil business near the place of their birth. Mr. Harper was educated in the public schools at Salt Run near Caldwell, and spent his early years on the farm. After attaining his majority he followed farming as a vocation for six years, and in December, 1892, he started the village of Gem, by securing the establishment of a post office. He erected a store building and stocked up with a full line of general merchandise, and whereas Gem village was an unknown quantity nine years ago, now it is an enterprising and prosperous little place. The develop- ments along Buffalo Run have made it necessary for many operators, and they have aided its growth very materially. Mr. Harper was married January 7, 1887, to Mary A. 'Matheny, a native of Noble county, and a daughter of Theodore and Mary Matheny, the mother now deceased. The Matheny family consisted of four sons and six daughters ; Mary A .; Alice, now Mrs. George Luke, of Jefferson township; Andrew J., a farmer in Wood county ; Deborah J. ; Nellie A. and John M., twins; Norwesta, now Mrs. Mendenhall of Zanes- ville : Josephine, at home ; Clyde and Clarence, twins ; and an infant daughter. The mother was Mary A. Brothers, a native of Center township who died at the age of fifty-three, and the father is a pen- sioner by reason of wounds received in the army. The father's father, Andrew Matheny, was one of the early settlers of Noble county, and prominently identified with its early history. He was well known among the pioneers as a progressive and useful citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Harper have had four daughters born to them, Althea E., Ivy M., Orpha M., and Vesta M., Orpha dying at the age of two; the others being of the ages, fifteen, thirteen, and two years respectively. Mr. Harper has been a Democrat all his life, though
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not aggressive in politics, and not controlled by party lines in local matters. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
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WESLEY NEPTUNE, deceased, was one of the prominent early set- tlers of Noble county, and was born in Loudoun county, Va., April 14, 1824. At the age of four years, he came with his parents to Ohio, and located on a farm near Malaga, in Monroe county, where he grew to manhood. He was educated in the public schools there, learned the tanner's trade at Summerton, and followed that business for many years. He was married in Monroe county, August 21, 1849, to Mary Ann Beardmore, who was born in Monroe county, January 2, 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Neptune were reared on adjoining farms, and were school-mates in their childhood days. In the fall of 1849, Mr. Neptune bought six lots in the village of Middleburg, and brought his bride to the new home, where he established a tanyard, and after following this business for a number of years, engaged in merchandis- ing and hotel keeping, to the time of his death, September 5, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Neptune were the founders of the well known Exchange Hotel in Middleburg, a popular hostelry still conducted by his widow. Mr. Neptune was a staunch Republican in his politics, and in war time an Abolitionist. He was postmaster at Middleburg during the Civil war, and contributed liberally of his means to the preservation of the Union. Mr. Neptune was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Neptune has been a member of the Methodist church for the last forty-five years. They had a family of eleven children born to them, nine of whom are living. Of these, George B. is the oldest, a farmer near Garden City, Kansas; Felix O. is a practicing physi- cian at Sharon ; Everett W. is in Omaha ; Laura, now Mrs. Ashton Ogle, is in Licking county; Edward Lincoln, of Salina, Kansas, is a merchant there; Charles, of Rollins, Wy .; John W., is a physician in Salina, Kansas; Lydia, is the wife of Dr. James A. MeCowan of Middleburg; James Albert is a merchant in Middleburg. Mrs. Neptune assumes charge of the hotel and conducts the same with the energy and success of former years, and though she feels the loneli- ness, she chooses the active life rather than the rest she so well deserves.
PROFESSOR C. V. CAIN, superintendent of the schools at Middle- burg, was born upon the farm where he now resides, July 7, 1863. Hle is a son of James and Rosanna (Racey) Cain. A full genealogical history of the family was given in the sketch of Dr. L. F. Cain. Mr. Cain was educated in the public schools and by private study. He began teaching in the country schools when a boy of six- teen, and has followed that profession as a means of livelihood ever since. He owns the old homestead where he was born, comprising
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one hundred thirty acres in Enoch township. He cultivates this in part, engages to a great extent in stock raising, and besides his farm life and school interests, he finds time to look after the agency of several fire insurance companies. Mr. Cain was married in 1886 to Alvena Webber, a daughter of W. W. Webber of South Olive. Her grandfather, John Webber, was one of the early settlers in the county and enjoyed the distinction of starting the first mowing machine in Duck Creek valley. Her parents are both living, and the family comprises one sister and two brothers, Frank M., John W., and Nora, now Mrs. Schuyler Ellison of Crooked Tree. Mr. and Mrs. Cain have five children, Thurman B., Homer R., Emmett A., Layton W., and Ada Doris, all at home. In politics Mr. Cain is a Democrat. He served a term of three years as county school exam- iner, and was nominated for the office of probate judge in 1899. Mr. Cain is a member of the Caldwell Lodge No. 280, Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Cain is a member of the United Brethren church.
EDGAR EARLEWINE LEE, merchant and hotel proprietor of Middle- burg, is a native of Harrietsville, and was born December 4, 1861. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Enochs) Lee, the father a native of Germany; Henry Lee emigrated to America at the age of eighteen, and located at Pittsburg, where he was employed for a time in the glass factory ; his father, John Lee, came to America with his family to avoid his sons being impressed into the standing army of Germany ; the grandfather came to the vicinity of Harrietsville, and took up government land, living there the remainder of his life. The family of Henry Lee was a large one of twelve children, nine of whom are living, most of them in Noble county, and some in West Virginia. They are named: William, Louisa, Frederick, Martha, Russell, Mary, Henry, Sarah, Edgar E., Elizabeth and Albert. John, Mar- tha, and Louisa are now deceased. Mr. Lee was educated at Har- rietsville and attended various Normal schools in preparation for a career of teaching. He began this at the age of eighteen, and fol- lowed the profession continuously for about twenty-two years, teach- ing both country and village schools. During the summers Mr. Lee and his brother conducted Normal schools at South Olive for several years, having the best of success as educators. Their students were mostly young people, either teachers or those desiring to fit them- selves for that profession. The Lee brothers were rated among the successful teachers of the county, the brother Albert being now the superintendent of the Ripley schools in West Virginia, and holding a life certificate in Ohio and West Virginia. He is especially dis- tinguished as a mathematician. Mr. Lee is better known as an edu- cator in Noble county, than in any other capacity, though he is very prominently associated with other interests, and has probably turned
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his back upon the school room for the rest of his days. In 1900, while teaching at Ashton, he purchased a stock of general merchan- dise, his wife conducting the store at Ashton, while he continued teaching as superintendent of the Middleburg school. A year later, Mr. Lee purchased a store and residence at Middleburg, where he is conducting a flourishing business. In recognition of the demands for better hotel accommodations in the village, due to the influx of oil men in the vicinity, he converted his two story brick residence into a hotel for the accommodation of the public. In connection with the mercantile business, Mrs. Lee also conducts an extensive millinery department. Mr. Lee was married on July 26, 1886, to Nancy A. Bonar, a native of Noble county, and a daughter of Vincent and Emily Bonar, and to them have been born three children: Clara May, Leonard Roscoe, and Harry Raymond. The two first named assist in the store and attend school. Mr. Lee served several years as clerk of Elk township, and is at preent treasurer of Jefferson township. He has served as a member of the Central committee of Noble county Democrats. Mr. Lee, wife and daughter hold to the Methodist church. Mr. Lee is a prominent member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and has served as D. G. M. for two years.
GEORGE W. EICHHORN, merchant and postmaster at Middleburg, was born in Allegheny City, Pa., December 10, 1865, and is a son of George and Kate (Musher) Eichhorn; the father is a native of Germany; he came to America before the Civil war, and, entering the service, as cavalryman, served five years ; he is now living near Garden City, Kansas. The mother was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestors, and was the mother of ten children, eight were: George W .; Belle, widow of Charles Wolfe, living at Dighton, Kan- sas ; Henry, a farmer of Garden City; Jacob; Frank, and Chris at home; Mary, living in Kansas; Clara, at home. The parents removed to Kansas in 1884 and took up a goverment homestead, becoming well-to-do. The father is a pensioner by reason of a disease contracted in the army. After leaving school, Mr. Eichhorn learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, and followed that business in Middleburg for about ten years. In 1895 he purchased a stock of general merchandise, and now conducts a first-class business. He was commissioned postmaster on December 17, 1897, and still holds that position. Mr. Eichhorn is interested in the oil business, being a lease holder in the Middle Creek territory with fair prospects of ultimate success, as the territory is the most productive in Noble county. Mr. Eichhorn was married August 29, 1884, to Anna L. Tarleton, a daughter of Thomas B. and Martha Tarleton. The Tarleton family consisted of eight children, Eva, Grant, Anna L.,
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William, Licy, Eulalie, Creed and Luther. The brothers are engaged in farming, except Grant, who operates a custom mill at Olive. Mr. and Mrs. Eichhorn have six children, Nora, Clifford, Martha, Harry, Harley, and Leland. All except the youngest are attending school. - Mr. Eichhorn has always been an ardent supporter of the Republican principles ; he has served as constable, school director, member of the Representative County Central and Executive committees and is now serving his fourth term of three years cach as township trustee of Jefferson township.
JAMES A. McCOWAN, M. D., a regular practicing physician and surgeon of Middleburg, was born at Moss Run, Washington county, January 19, 1876. He is a son of I. S. and Mary R. (Dye) Mc- Cowan ; the father was born in Philadelphia in 1844; he came with his parents to Washington county, at the age of ten years, and that has since been his home. He is principally engaged in mercantile pursuits, owns and conducts a large general store and undertaking establishment at Moss Run, and owns and operates a large farm. The paternal great grandfather was Dr. W. L. McCowan, a physician during most of his mature years, and an early settler at Moss Run, where his descendants now live. Mary R. (Dye) McCowan, the mother of James A., was born at Moss Run in 1843, and was the mother of three sons and two daughters, all living. William, the eldest, is Superintendent of the West Virginia State Normal School at Fairmont, and has the Ph. D. degree from Marietta College; Dr. James A .; Pome, the youngest of the family, is a student preparing for college. Dr. McCowan was educated at the public school of Moss Run, Beverly Normal School, Starling Medical College, of Columbus. He graduated in 1902, had two years experience each in St. Francis and Mt. Carmel, and St. Anthony Hospitals. He had access to numerous others, the Ohio penitentiary and the Insane Asylum. He left college after four years of study very thoroughly equipped for the practice of medicine and surgery. He located at Moss Run immediately after graduating, but home environments were distasteful to him, especially in practicing among friends and relatives, so he left a good practice to start in a new and strange locality. Dr. McCowan came to Middleburg in October, 1902, and has established a fine and constantly increasing practice, being the only physician in the town. Dr. McCowan married Lydia Neptune, daughter of Wesley and Mary A. Neptune, on September 7, 1903. Politically the doctor is an active and zealous Republican as were all his ancestors, of whom he knows anything.
SAMPSON HARRIS, a prominent farmer of Enoch township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, August 19, 1841, and is a
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son of George and Elizabeth (Archer) Harris, the father born in Virginia, and the mother a native of Pennsylvania. They were married in what was then Monroe county, that part which has since become a part of Noble county ; the father was a soldier in the War of 1812, entering the service from Belmont county, and served about six months at the close. He was among the first settlers of the terri- tory now embraced within Noble county, and was a prominent char- acter in that early day. Mr. Harris, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest and the only survivor of a family of twelve children, all of whom lived to years of maturity, were married and had fam- ilies, except one brother, who was accidently killed. Sampson and David M. Harris were soldiers in the Civil war, the former enlisting in 1861, in Company K, Thirtieth Ohio volunteer infantry, where he served three years. He was in the Army of the Potomac until after the second battle of Bull Run and in the East participated in the battles of Second Bull Run, South Mountain, and Antietam. He was then transferred to the southwest, and there participated in the siege of Vicksburg, in which he was a member of the "forlorn party," a detachment detailed to build a bridge; eighty-five per cent of the hundred and fifty losing their lives; also in the battle at Jackson, Miss. By reason of Mr. Harris' gallant services at Vicksburg', he was awarded by Congress, a Medal of Honor, a most distinguished honor shared by only about fifteen hundred men in the Union Army. Mr. Harris received a disabling wound in the battle of Missionary Ridge, from the effects of which he was in the hospitals at Chatta- nooga, Nashville, Louisville, Ky., Madison, Indiana, and Dennison, Ohio, during the balance of his term of service. His wound did not heal for ten years. Long after his discharge, he resumed his agri- cultural pursuits, inheriting a part of the old parental home, and lived there until he built his new brick residence in 1882. Mr. Har- ris has a very fine farm near Ashton comprising now two hundred fifty-five acres, much of it being in a high state of cultivation, part of it in fine orchards, coal and natural gas, the latter supplying for some time, all purposes of lighting and heating. Mr. Harris was married June 6, 1866, to Caroline Brown, a sister of Edward C. Brown, whose sketch appears in another part of this work. To them have been born eight children: George W., a merchant at Rock Island, Ill. ; James S., a merchant at Olive ; Meribah, now Mrs. A. M. Harris ; Daisy D., wife of C. O. Martin, of Bainbridge; Eve, now Mrs. O. H. McBride, of Marietta ; Bernice, wife of W. W. Archer of Columbus ; Maggie, at home; and DeWitt Dare, a student in the public schools. Mr. Harris is one of the leading Republicans of Noble county, always active and zealous in the advocacy of his party's principles. He has held some of the minor offices of his township, but never sought public office. He was school director for over
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twenty years. He is a member of Noble Post, G. A. R. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harris are members of the United Brethren church, Mr. Harris being one of the builders of the church in that neighborhood, and a liberal supporter of the gospel.
HENRY MILLER, a practical farmer and stock raiser of Enoch township, was born in West Virginia, and came with his parents to Noble county, when a child of two years. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Stehbach) Miller, natives of Germany; the father locating on a farm in Enoch township, where he now lives; to them were born four children, all of whom are living, and of these Henry is the eldest. The father is now living at the age of eighty-six. Mr. Henry Miller was born October 24, 1840, and received a limited education in the schools of his native township, supplementing it by a life time of reading and study. He has always followed farming as a vocation, having inherited the nucleus to his present possessions from his father. He has given special attention to the sheep industry and has realized better profits from that source than from any other. Of late he has gone out of that business, attending more to the raising of fine cattle and horses, his stock always commanding the highest prices either in private or public market. Mr. Miller is a progressive and enter- prising citizen who stands among the leading farmers in the county. Mr. Miller has been twice married, first to Elizabeth Michael, in 1859, and by whom he had twelve children, all living but one. They are: Mary Ann, wife of Jacob Schott; Hannah, wife of John A. Bruler; Maggie, wife of John Hartman of Braddock, Pa .; Lewis, in Pittsburg; Kate, now Mrs. Schockling, of Noble county; Edward, in Pittsburg; Gertrude, wife of Prof. Hooker; Anthony of St. Henry; Matilda, wife of Mangus Hohmann, of Pittsburg; Clara, wife of Lewis Guertis ; Leo and Ignatz at home. Mrs. Miller died in 1887. Mr. Miller was married in 1889 to Mary Bender, a native of Fair- field county. Mr. Miller has been a life-long Democrat, has served three years as township trustee, as supervisor, and many other minor offices. He and his family are members of the Catholic church at Fulda.
JAMES WESLEY MOSELEY, a retired farmer and oil producer, was born at Middleburg, on January 6, 1850, and is a son of Captain William L. and Jane (Hessen) Moseley, both natives of Ohio. The father was the first white child born in the town of Summerfield, now in Noble county. At that time there were but three log cabins in the town. The paternal grandfather was Charles Wesley Moseley, a native of Ohio, of English ancestors and one of the first settlers in Summerfield. He was a hotel keeper all his life, in. Marietta, Cald- well, and Cambridge, where he died. The maternal grandfather was
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James Hessen, a native of America but of Irish extraction. The grandmother was Elizabeth Lamp, a native of Pennsylvania; the descendants of both of these families being very numerous in this county. The father was a soldier in the One Hundred Sixteenth Ohio volunteer infantry of Company H; he was promoted to the rank of Captain of Company I, soon after enlisting, and it was with this company that his principal service was rendered. He was wounded near Winchester, being disabled for future duty. He was discharged by reason of his wounds, but lived thirty-six years after, a constant sufferer, his death occurring in 1899. The widow resides on an adjoining farm, at the advanced age of 78. There was a family of four sons and one daughter. the latter dying at the age of three years. The sons are all married and well-to-do: Leonard Ogle, a farmer near Dexter City, Emerson B., a dentist in Dexter City, John Henry, in the oil business, and Jame's Wesley, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Moseley received a good education in the public schools at Middle- burg, but has followed farming all his life. He owned and operated a portable saw mill for about seventeen years and became interested in the oil business about fifteen years ago, and has been perhaps more instrumental in developing that interest than any one else in the vicinity. He was a partner of his brother for a long time, but at present they are operating separately. Mr. Moseley has now three producing wells on leased ground, which produce fifteen barrels daily. He has good oil territory on his own farm but it is only partially developed. Mr. Moseley was married December 4, 1869, to Susanna Farley, a daughter of Isaiah Farley, an old resident. To Mr. and Mrs. Moseley have been born four children now living, and one who died in childhood. These are: Jennie, wife of Charles S. Sebach, a merchant at Dudley ; James Worthington, in the oil business with his father; Henry Clyde, an oil man in Dexter City; and Ernest Everett at home. Mr. Moseley is an active Republican, and a leader in local politics, and has served a number of years as trustee of Enoch township, being elected three times in a township that is 180 Demo- cratic, a fair example of his local standing. He is not a member of any secret societies or church, though he is a believer in the Christian religion, and a liberal supporter of churches. Mr. Moseley believes in the doctrine of the Golden Rule, and has not an open enemy in the world.
HERMAN A. WERNECKE, a general merchant in Harrietsville, was born in that town on February 12, 1850, and is a son of John C. and Sarah (Lambert) Wernecke. The father was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, May 10, 1807, and came to America alone at the age of eighteen. He was on the Ohio river for a time as a flat- boat man, finally locating at Malaga, Monroe county, where he was
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employed in a tobacco house, and later as a clerk. He was married while there, and in 1849, moved his bride to Harrietsville where he ended his days. The mother was a native of Ohio, and a believer in the Quaker faith. They both died in the town of their adoption leaving three sons, Herman A., Theodore, a fur merchant in Seattle, and William Giles, a farmer on the old farm where the grandparents lived and died. Mr. Wernecke's first wife died when the son Herman was ten years old, and the father married for his second wife, Mrs. Temperance Ogle, who also died leaving one child, now Mrs. Louisa Sutton, of Mt. Sterling, Ky. Mr. Wernecke, the subject of this sketch, was educated in his native town, and at Osnabruck, Germany. He has been engaged in mercantile pursuits all his life, beginning with his father and then succeeding him. He has also been a very extensive dealer in tobacco until recently, and is interested in various other lines, being a stock holder in a machine shop at Sistersville, W. Va., a small holding in a similar enterprise at Ironton, W. Va., and real estate in South Dakota. Mr. Wernecke was married to Albertina Werlitz, a native of Hanover, Germany, and six children have been born to this union, five now living. They are: Christian, a jeweler and general merchant at Middlebourne, W. Va .; Otmer E., a farmer on the old homestead; Minnie, wife of Rev. Earhard of Milwaukee ; Freda Lizetta, and Mark Abraham, at home. Mr. Wer- necke is also postmaster at Harrietsville, being a successor to his father who held that position for thirty-five years. In political views Mr. Wernecke is a staunch and uncompromising Republican and a recog- nized leader in local politics. Wr. Wernecke's family are members of the German Lutheran church.
WILLIAM G. WERNECKE, a prominent and wealthy farmer of Elk township, was born on a farm near Harrietsville on March 17, 1856, and is a son of J. C. and Sarah (Lambert) Wernecke, and a brother of H. A. Wernecke, whose sketch appears above. Mr. Wernecke was educated in the schools of Harrietsville, and has always followed farming as a vocation. He has a fine farm of one hundred sixty acres overlooking the town of Harrietsville, upon which are very good buildings and a beautiful modern residence. Mr. Wernecke has never given prominence to any particular feature of farming, but conducts it in a general way. Mr. Wernecke was married to Hes- ter Ann Dickerson, April 5, 1877, a native of Morgan county, and a daughter of Greenberry Dickerson, a well known citizen and ex-sol- dier. The Dickerson family comprised twelve children, the sur- vivors of which are scattered. To Mr. and Mrs. Wernecke four children have been born, three of whom are living; they are: Olga, wife of Harry LeGoullon, of Marietta ; Bernice, a stenographer ; and Blanche, a student of music at Marietta. Mr. Wernecke has been
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a life-long Republican and a leading man in the community, and has never been connected with any church or secret society. He is one of the most successful agriculturists in Noble county, and is also a man of progressive ideas and sterling integrity, whose word is as good as his bond. He is a quiet, unassuming man who claims but little for his accomplishments. His little family are happy in their beautiful home, which to them is a synonym of love, peace and plenty.
REV. ADOLPH DENGLER is the pastor of St. Henry's Roman Catho- lic church at Harrietsville, Ohio. The parents of Rev. Dengler died in Germany and he is the only representative of his family in America. He received his elementary education in his native country in the schools of Baden, and came to America in 1892, to continue his studies at the college of St. Meinrad in Indiana. He studied the- ology at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary at Cincinnati, and was ordained to the ministry of the Holy Catholic church at Columbus, September 21, 1901. He was assistant pastor of Holy Cross church at Columbus for one year, and came to St. Henry's in November, 1902. The church is a very beautiful one and was erected of dressed stone at a cost of $20,000, in 1894. In connection is the parsonage, a modern residence, very handsome and appropriate. The parishioners com- prise about forty German families. Two outlying missions are also served by the pastor, one at Berne, in Noble county, and the other at Hohman, Washington county. One visit to his missions necessi- tates a ride of 17 miles, yet he holds two services each Sunday, one at his home church and one at one of the missions, alternating between them. A school is in connection with this church, which is taught by a layman, and where proper instructions are given in all details of religious and educational work. Father Dengler is a young man of progressive ideas and broad culture, an honor to his high calling and also to those who confide their spiritual training to him.
WILLIAM R. MALLETT, Justice of the Peace of Jefferson township. was born in Stock township, on November 15, 1858, and is a son of Alonzo and Mary Ann (Curtis) Mallett, both natives of that town- ship. The father was born in 1835, and the mother in 1841; the mother is now living in Guernsey county; the father died Febru- ary 26, 1904. The father served in an Ohio regiment during the Civil war, and was disabled, receiving a pension. His productive vears were spent in farming, and he retired in good circumstances. The Mallett family trace their ancestry to Scottland, first established in this country in Connecticut, whence the paternal grandfather's family emigrated to Ohio. The Curtis family came from Maryland to Ohio, and both were among the early pioneers of Noble county. They located on the Elk fork of the East fork of Duck Creek, before
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the general settlement of the county, and were obliged to go to mill on horse back to Barnesville in Belmont county. They were among the organizers of Southeastern Ohio, and had much to do with the early civilization of that region. Noble county did not exist for many years after the Malletts and Curtises occupied the territory. The family of Mr. Alonzo and Mary Ann Mallett comprised two sons and three daughters, all of whom are living; they are: William R., of Middleburg, O .; Charles M., on the old home farm; Mary, wife of James Hughes ; Laura, now Mrs. Clark L. Eaton, of Martin's Ferry ; Emma, wife of Thomas Morrison of Senecaville. Mr. Mallett, the subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and was licensed to teach, but did not engage in the work. He was married December 18, 1878, to Euphrasia L. Horton, a native of Noble coun- ty, and a daughter of Moses I. and Elizabeth Horton, who have lived in Stock township the greater part of their married lives. The father was among those who sought a fortune in the gold mines of Pike's Peak, Colorado, in the excitement of 1858, but returned to farming. Mrs. Mallett is a representative of a family of eight children, seven of whom are living, and are named as follows: Euphrasia L .; Rich- ard W., an attorney and farmer in Stock township; Mary, wife of Willard Smith, a farmer; Welcome, a farmer; D. B., a physician at Ava ; Gales, a farmer; and John, a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Mallett have a family of three children, all living, the oldest of whom, is Idella, a teacher for the last four years ; Wales W., also a teacher, and both graduates of the Middleburg High School; Carlos W., who is at home attending school. For a few years after his marriage, Mr, Mallett farmed his father's place, and in 1882, purchased a farm adjoining the town of Middleburg, which he has since made his home. The farm contains one hundred acres, devoted to general farming and stock raising. The most of it is situated on an undulating table land, his buildings occupying an elevated position overlooking the town of Middeburg. Mr. Mallett has been prosperous in his life's work, and is now retired from active labors. In political views, an active working Republican, he is a member of the County Central Committee and has held many other places of honor in the party. He usually attends the conventions and is otherwise prominent in the party's deliberations. He has served twelve years as Justice of the Peace, and is the only one in the vicinity of Middleburg. Mr. Mal- lett is not connected with any religious organization or secret society. His is a prominent and well known family, enjoying the confidence of all who know them.
DAVID WILSON PHILLIS, a farmer and ex-soldier, was born in Center township, on October 12, 1839, and is a son of John and Isabel (Wilson) Phillis, the father a native of Licking county, and
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
the mother of Noble county. They lived in Morgan county, after their marriage, taking up government land to the amount of six hundred acres, which was divided among his children. There was a family of fourteen, ten of whom lived to the age of maturity ; those living are: Jane, married and living in Kentucky; David W .; Catherine, wife of George Slater; Sarah, married and lives in Ross township; Martha, who died in middle life; Isabel Spicer, widow, living at Zanesville ; John R., a farmer in Morgan county ; George K., a farmer; and James Franklin, also a farmer. Mr. Phillis, the subject of this sketch, was reared to farm life, attending the public school as all farmer lads. At the President's first call for troops in the Civil war, he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-Second Ohio vol- unteer infantry, and served three months. Then for three years he engaged in farming, enlisting again in February, 1865. He was wounded in the foot, and while in the hospital under treatment for his wound, he was prostrated with intermittent fever, receiving his discharge at Camp Nelson in May, 1865. He returned to his family in Morgan county, where he had left a young wife, Patience Curtis. To them was born one daughter, Louisa Jane, now Mrs. Robert Her- man, of Kewanee, Ill. Mrs. Phillis died in 1891. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Sarah E. Preston, who also died in 1902, after a lingering illness. Some time after the death of his wife, Mr. Phillis married for his third wife, Mrs. Maria L. (Masters) Law- rence, a native of Noble county, and an only daughter of Benjamin and Mary E. (Evans) Masters, a well known and prominent family in the county. By reason of the services of Col. Dudley Evans in the Revolutionary war, Mrs. Phillis is eligible to membership in the Daughters of the Revolution. Col. Williams, known as the "Brave Col. Williams" in the War of 1812, was a grand uncle of Mrs. Phillis. Her grandfather, Benjamin Masters, was a New Englander, and one of the first settlers of Guernsey county. Mrs. Phillis has one brother, Benjamin Franklin, a bookkeeper in Chicago. Mrs. Phillis is a member of the Church of Christ, as were her parents. Mr. Phillis is a member of Ridge Grange No. 709.
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