The historical review of Logan County, Ohio, Part 42

Author: Kennedy, Robert Patterson, 1840-1918
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1586

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In the public schools of his native city Mr. Roebuck of this review pursued his education. Obtaining the consent of his parents, he enlisted in the Union army as a musician at the early age of fourteen years, becoming a member of Company L, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery. This was in June, 1863, and he remained at the

the war in August, 1865. Although he enlisted as a drummer boy he carried a musket throughout much of his service and upon the field of battle he manifested loyalty and bravery equal to that of many a soldier of twice his years. He is today the youngest member of the Grand Army Post of Bellefontaine and has served as its commander. being called to this office by his comrades who entertain for him warm regard.

After the war was over Mr. Roebuck learned the printer's trade in the office of the Republican. of Bellefontaine, and when three years and three months had thus passed he left his native town and worked at his trade in different cities, including five years spent in Washington. where he was employed in the government print- ing-office from 1874 until 1879. In the latter year he purchased a half interest in the Index office of Bellefontaine and has since been connected with the publication of that wide-awake. enterprising evening daily. For many years the practical man- ager of this journal, he made it a paper of which the county has every reason to be proud and the patronage extended to the Index is well merited. In 1897 he was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of county clerk of Logan county. in which capacity he capably served, dis- charging the duties of the office with dis- patch and skill.

In 1872 occurred the marriage of Mr. Roebuck and Miss Mattie Kulp, of Springfield, Ohio, and unto them have been born five children: Lee J., Charles, Florence, Edwin and Carl. Our subject is identified with the Knights of Pythias, with Eugene Reynolds Post, No. 441, G.

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A. R., the Independent Order of Odd Fel- Harriet, Hiram, Rebecca. Alfred and Gor- lows, the Royal Arcanum, and the Ma- don. Only three of this number are now living : Leonard W., Hiram and John.

sonic fraternity. in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. Progress and patriotism might be considered the keynote of his character. for throughout his career he lias labored for the improve- men of every line of business or public interest with which he has been associated and at all times has been actuated by a fidelity to his country and her welfare.

JOHN SIDESINGER.

This gentleman is one of the leading citizens and representative farmers of Monroe township, where he now carries on his chosen occupation with good suc- cess, being one of the well-to-do men of his community. A native of the Keystone state, he was born in Adams county, Penn- sylvania, on the 20th of February, 1825. and in 1832 accompanied his parents. Leonard and Mary (Elcook) Sidesinger. on their removal to Miami county, Ohio. After a short stay in that locality the fam- ily removed to Champaign county and in the early '40s came to Logan county. Our subject's father was also a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Germany being the birthplace of the grandfather. who came to this country in early life and was married in Pennsylvania. In 1858 Leonard Sidesinger. the father. located on the farm now owned by our subject and there made his home until his death, which occurred December 21. 1869. The mother died many years before. They reared a large family, namely: Sally. Alvina. Samuel. Leonard W., James, John.

John Sidesinger was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day. his time being divided between the schoolroom and work in the fields. He continued his studies during a part of the year until eighteen years of age and then devoted his entire time to farm work, giv- ing his father the benefit of his labors until he attained liis majority. During the fol- lowing year he worked for others as a farm hand, and at the end of that time be- gan farming on his own account. In 1857 he and his brother Leonard W. purchased a farm of two hundred and sixty-six acres in Monroe township, which they operated in partnership for about twenty years and then divided the property, our subject tak- ing the homestead and one hundred and thirty acres of the land, which he still owns and occupies. He has made many good improvements upon the place, including the erection of a house and barn, and in his farming operations has been quite suc- cessful.

On the 28th of May. 1857, Mr. Side- singer was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Mellvain, of Liberty township. a daughter of John L. and Eleanora ( Baird) Mellvain. Her father was born in Kentucky but was brought to Champaign county, Ohio, when eight years old by his parents. Moses and Florence McElvain. There he grew to manhood and married Miss Eleanora Baird, who lived near West Liberty. They settled on a farm in Mon- roe township. Logan county, which was then covered with timber, but Mr. Mc- Ilvain at once began to clear and improve his place. There they lived until Mrs.

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Sidesinger, who was born November 4, of an unbending integrity. unabating 1833. was eighteen years of age, when they energy and industry that never flags. sold the farm and removed to Wabash county, Indiana, making their home there until their deaths. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom Martha A., Su- san, George. Sarah, Amanda and Flor- ence are deceased. while those living are Mary E., John, Eliza. Katherine, Mar- garet and Naomi. Mr. and Mrs. Side- singer have two children: Alva Frank, born February 16, 1858. married Indiana Miller and has two children living. Erma and Florence, and two sons deceased : Alfred G., born November 3. 1859. mar- ried Ella May Fawcett and has one child, Paul.

Since the formation of the Republican party Mr. Sidesinger has been one of its stalwart supporters and has ever taken an active interest in public affairs, giving his support to all measures which he be- lieved calculated to advance the moral, social or material welfare of his commun- ity. He attends the Christian church.

JOHN M. HAMILTON.

Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Bellefontaine than John M. Hamilton, who at the bar has secured a distinctively representative clientage, while in other walks of business life he is known for his ability in forming and executing plans ter- minating in successful conclusions. He has been an important factor in business circles and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics

Mr. Hamilton is one of the native sons of Bellefontaine, his birth having here occurred on the 6th of November, 1854. his parents being James G. and Isabella (McLaughlin) Hamilton. The father is now living retired in Bellefontaine, where he and his wife have a pleasant home. He was born in January. 1827, in Greene county, Ohio, and throughout much of his business career he carried on farming. but at the time of the Civil war he put aside business and personal considerations in order to aid in the preservation of the Union. He had served as marshal in 1860 and in 1861 he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of the Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was connected until August. 1864, when on account of physical disabil- ity he received an honorable discharge. He had been advanced from the ranks to the position of first lieutenant and served as captain and regular quartermaster. After his return home he resumed agri- cultural pursuits, which he carried on con- tinuously until 1890, when he removed to Bellefontaine, where he has since lived in honorable retirement from further labor.

John M. Hamilton is the second in their family of nine children and in the public schools he acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented in the Normal school at Ada, Ohio. Having de- termined to engage in the practice of law he prepared for the bar, being graduated in the Cincinnati Law School in May, 1882. after which he returned to his native city. opening a lawoffice in the Peoples' Bank building. Five years later he removed to his present location and has remained here

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continuously since. In 1883 he entered into partnership with his brother, Ernest M. Hamilton, which arangement still con- tinues.

The younger brother was born in Belle- fontaine March 16. 1860, and is a graduate of the Cincinnati Law School of the class of 1890. They have enjoyed a large and growing patronage and their clientage is of a distinctively representative character. Both are gentlemen of broad knowledge and thorough understanding of the law. . earnest and careful in the preparation of their cases and skilled in the manipulation of facts, evidence and points of law in the courtroom. John M. Hamilton has ar- gued many cases and lost but few. His course in the courtroom is characterized by calmness, dignity and decorum that in- dicates reserve strength, and he is always courteous and deferential toward the court. kind and forebearing toward his adversaries, and while he examines a wit- ness carefully and thoroughly he also treats him with the respect that makes the witness grateful for the treatment re- ceived. His analysis of facts is clear and exhaustive, and he seems to see without effort the relations and dependence of facts, so grouping them as to enable him to throw their combined weight upon the point they tend to prove.

In 1898, associated with his brother, Mr. Hamilton organized the Bellefontaine Limestone Company, which was capital- ized for sixty thousand dollars and of which he is the president, while his partner and brother is the secretary. They also re- cently organized a similar enterprise at East Liberty, Logan county, and the capi- tal stock of the new concern is likewise sixty thousand dollars. John M. Ham-

ilton is a valued member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and in his political views is a Republican. He is a man of considerable influence in political affairs, widely and favorably known, and his standing in professional circles is in- dicative of his superior ability.

NICHOLAS V. SPEECE, M. D.

Nicholas V. Speece, a successful prac- titioner of medicine and surgery of Quincy, was born in Adams township, Champaign county, Ohio, October 26, 1838. his parents being William and Elea- nor (Tilbury) Speece. Upon the home farm he was reared and acquired a good education in the school of his native county. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching, which profession he fol- lowed successfully for nine years and then lie began the study of medicine with Dr. J. C. Leedon of Tawawa, Ohio. He pur- sued a course of lectures in the Starling Medical College, in which he was gradu- ated in 1868 and he began practice in Quincy, where he has now been located for more than thirty-seven years. Dur- ing this time he has formed a very wide acquaintance and his ability in the line of his chosen calling has long given him lead- ership in the ranks of the medical frater- nity of this portion of the county.

The Doctor was married on the 24th of December, 1861, to Miss Mary E. Stevens, of Champaign county. The Civil war was at that time in progress and the Doctor afterward became a member of Company H. One Hundred and Thirty-

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fourth Regiment of Home Guards. He Episcopal church, is one of its active work- was called into the United States service ers and is also prominent in Sunday on the 2nd of May, 1864. and with his command was sent to Petersburg, where he was under fire. He did not. however, see much active service and on the 3Ist of August of the same year, by reason of the expiration of his term. he was honor- ably discharged and returned to his home and family in Ohio. school. He became a member of Krider Lodge. No. 53. F. & A. M., and he is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Professionally he is con- nected with the Ohio Medical Society and the Northwestern Ohio Medical Associa- tion and has prepared and read papers be- fore these organizations. He is also a member of the Logan County Medical Society and the Shelby County Medical Society, and of the former he has served as president. Throughout long years of practice Dr. Speece has demonstrated his capability and his broad knowledge. and though many years have passed since he completed his collegiate course he has always kept abreast with the progress of the times through reading, investigation and research and is today one of the best informed physicians of his part of the county.

Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born two sons. William C., born in 1862, is a graduate of the Starling Medi- cal College of Cincinnati, Ohio, of the class of 1884. In November. 1887. he went to Australia, where he has since been located. his home being near Sidney. During that time he has visited his parents . on one occasion. He has attained pres- tige in his profession and is now in charge of a hospital at Tilboobuna in New South Wales. He has been surgeon for a line of steamers running between Sidney and Hong Kong and he is a well known writer of medical literature. He was the author of a treatise concerning the incurable in- sane of Australia, which was translated into both German and French. T. H. Speece, the younger son of Dr. Speece of Quincy, is a graduate of the Ohio Dental College of Cincinnati and is now located in Quincy in the practice of his profession. He married Miss Allie Kellison and unto them were born two children. Rex and Ruskin. 1

The Doctor is a Republican in his po- litical affiliations and he served as mayor of Quincy for one term and has also been a member of the village council. He was likewise a member of the pension examin- ing board during the Harrison administra- tion. He belongs to the Methodist

SILAS R. KAUFFMAN.

Silas R. Kauffman is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Logan county, and was born February 13. 1841, in a log cabin, in Harrison township, three miles west of the city of Bellefon- taine. His father, James M. Kauffman, was a native of Maryland and wedded Elizabeth Roberts, who was born in Greene county, Ohio. In the year 1836 they became res- idients of Logan county, Mrs. Kauffman here inheriting four hundred and eight acres of land from her father. Her father was at one time numbered among the wealthiest men of Ohio, and was a very prominent and influential citizen. He died in Xenia in

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1864. and Mrs. Kauffman inherited a fourth interest in the estate which included several hundred acres of land in Greene and Logan counties. When Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman came to Logan county, there were few roads within its borders and the Indians we're just leaving this portion of the state for reservations farther west. The land was all covered with a heavy growth of timber and the work of progress and civilization seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Kauffman was for eighteen years infirmary director and he took an active part in the promotion of measures and movements for the general good. His political support was given the Republican party, and he was a valued member of the Masonic Lodge of Belle- fontaine, which he joined upon its or- ganization. In 1867 he took up his abode in this city in order to give his attention to his official duties as infirmary director, liv- ing retired from further business cares, his son. Silas R., of this review, relieving him of the management of his property interests. He died in 1894. while his wife, surviving him several years, passed away in August. 1901. They were the parents of eight chil- dren, namely : Kassandra: Silas R., of this review : Frank S. : Emmazetta A. : Alice, de- ceased: Kate; James, who has also passed away ; and William.

Silas R. Kauffman was reared upon the home farm, and pursued his education in a log schoolhouse nearby. In 1864. in re- sponse to the call for troops to serve for one hundred days, he enlisted in the One Hun- dred and Thirty-second Ohio National Guards, and with his regiment went to the vicinity of Petersburg. Virginia, in which place they could hear the roar of battle. For more than two months he participated in engagements between Richmond and Peters-

burg, and was under the command of Cap- tain B. Nevin and Colonel Haynes, the reg- iment being assigned to the Army of the Potomac. under General Butler.

At the expiration of the term of service Mr. Kauffman returned to Logan county, and resumed farming. remaining upon the old homestead until thirty-one years of age. He then carried on agricultural pursuits for himself for five years, after which he took up his abode in Bellefontaine, where he lived for five years. He then assumed the man- agement of his mother's farm. of four hun- dred acres, but continued to reside in the city. He managed the farm work and own- ed an interest in the stock and equipments of the place. Since sixteen years of age, he has been a well known horse fancier, and has always owned some of the finest horses. He has raised many colts, and he has pur- chased, fed and sold cattle to the exporters, some of his cattle averaging two thousand pounds each. He also sold two hogs weigh- ing fourteen hundred and eighty-five pounds. He is an excellent judge of stock and his purchases and sales have been ju- dicionsly made, so that he has realized a good financial result from his investments.

On the 6th of April, 1871, in Bellefon- taine. Mr. Kauffinan was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Campbell, of Columbus. Mississippi, born in January, 1848. Unto them were born two children : Laura Alice, who died in 1893, at the age of twenty-one years ; and Avery C., who married Daisy Dillon, and lives in Bellefontaine.

Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman hold member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal church, and he gives his political support to the Re- publican party, of which he is a staunch ad- vocate. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and he aided in organizing

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the Grange in Harrison township. He is well known to the citizens of Logan county, for his entire life has here been passed, cov- ering a period of more than sixty years. His business interests, as well as his social life, have brought him into contact with many of the people of this part of the state, and he has ever been found reliable in busi-

subject's father, married Miss Rachel Pim. who was born in Chester county, Pennsyl- vania, on the 9th of May. 1794. Her father, John Pim. bought property near Zanesfield, Ohio, in 1840 or 1841. and car- ried on an extensive milling business for that day, manufacturing lumber and grind- ing wheat and corn for the pioneers. this ness, loyal in citizenship and faithful in. being at that time a new country. He was friendship. Such qualities have made him a valued resident of his native county, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers this record of his career.

THOMAS E. PENNOCK.

A fine farm of one hundred and fifty- five acres in Jefferson township is owned and operated by Thomas E. Pennock, a practical and progressive agriculturist. He was born October 29, 1834. in Columbiana · county, Ohio. His father. Thomas Pen- nock, was a native of Pennsylvania. born in London Grove. Chester county. April 3. 1797, and was a son of John Pennock. who was born July 16. 1764. and wedded Rachel Starr, whose birth occurred Octo- ber 31. 1764. To this worthy couple were born ten children. whose names and dates of birth were as follows: Sarah, Novem- ber 23. 1786; Hannah, December 16, 1788; Joseph. December 13, 1791 ; Esther. April 30. 1794: Thomas. April 3. 1797: Rachel. June 24. 1799: John. November II, 1801 ; Lydia, February 5, 1804; Sarah, September 29. 1806, and Lee. November 17, 1808. The father of these children died April 25. 1845. and his wife departed this life January 7. 1822. On the 20th of November. 1822. Thomas Pennock, our

a man of much prominence in the con- munity and wielded considerable influence among liis circle of friends. Unto Thomas and Rachel (Pim) Pennock were born the following children: John Pim, born Janu- ary 18. 1826: Lydia P .. born August 14. 1827; Maria E., born January 11, 1830; S. S., born June 13. 1832. and Thomas E., born October 29. 1834. Three of this family are still living, namely: John Pim. a resident of Urbana, Ohio; Lydia P., the widow of Charles J. Folsom, and a resident of Bellefontaine, and Thomas E.

Mr. Pennock of this review was reared in the manner of most lads of the age and locality in which he lived, his attention being given to the duties of the home farm, while he also found great delight in the pleasures of the playground. At the age of twenty-one years he entered upon his business career. For a time he fol- lowed farming and later was employed as salesman in a store, while subsequently he drove a peddler's wagon, selling goods throughout the district in which he made his home and also throughout the Darby Plains and north along Boggs creek in Logan county. Later, however, he re- sumed farming. He has been a resident of Logan county since 1842 and owns a valu- able farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres, which is well improved and is equipped with all modern accessories and

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conveniences for the successful conduct of S. Plum has gained distinction as a lawyer a farm.

On the 20th of April. 1870. occurred the marriage of Thomas E. Pennock and Miss Rebecca Yearsley, who was born in Chester county. Pennsylvania, on the 19th of December. 1850. Her parents were Robert and Sarah Yearsley, in whose fam- ily were three children: Mary. Rebecca Mr. Pluim was born near the village of Lewistown. Logan county, November 26. 1852. and comes of German ancestry. The record of the family can be traced back to John Plum, who was born in 1740 and about 1765 married Rachel Temple, whose and Sallie. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pennock have been born the following named: Elsie. born January 31, 1871. taught school in this county for five years, and on the 25th of August. 1897. married R. H. Dunaway, a resident of Cincinnati, by . birth occurred while her parents were whom she has one child. Vera. born May 22, 1898; Leila, born May 4. 1873. is now a teacher in the public schools of Bellefon- taine: Thomas R., born December 7, 1875, is at home. Avis, born March 3. 1878, was married October 21. 1902. to E. H. Shaw, a laundryman of Bellefontaine ; Mary, born September 5. 1880. Clara, born August 26, 1883. and Edwin Lee, born July 8. 1886. are at home with their parents. The family home is in Zanes- field, from which place Mr. Pennock super- intends the operation of his farm and the care of his crops. He and his family at- tend the services of the Society of Friends. and he votes with the Prohibition party.

JUDGE WALTER S. PLUM.

The qualities which win distinction at the bar are inherent in the individual. They cannot be secured by gift or pur- chase, but may be developed through strenuous effort, persistency and close ap- plication. It is along this line that Walter

of broad and sound learning. He is strong in the courtroom as an advocate. his argu- ment being logical and indicating careful preparation, and as a counselor he is wise and reliable. his decisions showing broad and thorough understanding of the prin- ciples of jurisprudence.

crosing the Atlantic ocean. The mother died a few days afterward and was buried at sea. John Plum and his wife lived in Hampshire county. Virginia, abont ten miles west of Romney on Patterson creek. Unto this union were born four sons and four daughters. all of whom were married in the Old Dominion, but subsequently John Plum and all of his family came to Ohio in the fall of 1812. with the exception of his sons Jonathan and Abraham, who remained in Virginia. In this State Mr. Plum purchased two hundred acres of land in Hamilton town- ship. Franklin county, now known as the William Riley and Frank Stimmel farms, and upon his newly acquired property he and his wife spent their remaining days and were laid to rest in what is now known as the Riley graveyard. Mr. Plum passing away in 1815 at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife departing this life in 1838 at the very advanced age of ninety- five years. Jonathan Plum, a son of John Plum. the emigrant, and the grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia about 1768 and married Elizabeth Crabill. They

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became the parents of three sons and judge of Logan county. They became three daughters: Isaac. Jonathan, Jr., the parents of six sons and four daughters, the subject of this review being the fourth son. The father died January II. 1879. and the mother passed away Novem- ber 19. 1872, at the age of fifty-seven years. John. Nancy, Susan and one whose name is forgotten. The father of these chil- dren died about 1815, and his widow with her children afterward came to Ohio. settling in Clark county in what is known as the Buck Creek valley. Some years later the family came to Logan county. where the mother died about 1835. Her eldest son Isaac Plum was united in mar- riage to Sarah A. Stanage and they have one son and six daughters.

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The historical review of Logan County, Ohio, Part 42

Author: Kennedy, Robert Patterson, 1840-1918 Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1586

Author: Kennedy, Robert Patterson, 1840-1918
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1586