The historical review of Logan County, Ohio, Part 43

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

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Jonathan Plum, Jr., the father of our subject. was born in Virginia in 1808 and when a child was brought to Ohio, the family locating in Clark county. In early manhood he came to Logan county, set- tling near Lewistown, where he engaged in farming and as the years passed he be- came an extensive and prosperous agri- culturist, adding from time to time to his possessions until he was the owner of four- teen hundred acres at the time of demise. This property he had acquired through energy, ability and unfaltering industry and the reputation which he bore in busi- ness circles was unassailable. In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a Re- publican, but he was never an office seek- er, although he kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and gave to the party of his choice his untal- tering allegiance. His interest in church work was deep and sincere. He was con- nected through membership relations with the Methodist Protestant denomina- tion and gave to the church a liberal sup- port while in its work he took an active and helpful part. About 1834 he wedded Sallie Mckinnon, a danghter of Judge William McKinnon, the first probate

Upon the home farm Walter S. Plum spent the days of his boyhood and youth, enjoying such educational privileges as the country schools then afforded, but de- siring to further prepare for life's practical duties by a more advanced education, in September. 1874. he became a student in Wittenberg College, at Springfield. Ohio, where he remained for one year. In 1875 he entered the college at Adrian, Mich., where he was graduated in June, 1878, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. During the periods of vacation he had en- gaged in farm labor and in the fall suc- ceeding his graduation he entered the of- fice of Judge William Lawrence at Belle- fontaine, Ohio, as a law student. Two years later, upon examination before the supreme court at Columbus, he was ad- mitted to the bar and began the practice of law in his native county. In 1882 hie was elected city attorney of Bellefontaine and after acting in that capacity for two years he was elected prosecuting attorney for Logan county. serving in that office for six years, from 1885 until 1891. Again he was called to public office in 1893. being elected upon the Republican ticket to rep- resent the thirteenth district of Ohio in the state senate during the seventy-first session. He was an active working mem- ber of the upper house and served on a number of important committees, includ- ing the committee on judiciary. He took a deep interest in everything bearing upon

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the welfare of the state, and to each ques- been connected. and his worth and work tion which came up for settlement he gave have been potent elements in winning him creditable success and high standing at the Logan county bar. his earnest consideration. opposing or supporting with equal force any measure which he believed would prove detri- mental or beneficial to the welfare of the state. When not engaged in the duties of office he has devoted his attention to the practice of law and has had a distinct- HUGH A. HILL. ively representative clientage. On the 7th of November. 1902. he was elected pro- bate judge of Logan county to succeed J. D. McLaughlin and is now serving in that position.

Hugh A. Hill is the president of the Farmer's Banking Company, of West Lib- erty, and a leading representative of finan- cial interests in this part of Logan county. On the 9th of November. 1882. was celebrated the marriage of Judge Plum and Miss Myrtie R. Bunker, a daughter of Harvey L. Bunker, of Bellefontaine. This marriage has been blessed with six chil- dren, who are yet living, namely: J. Bun- ker. Harry F., Fred. Margaret. William and Mary. The Judge and his wife have a wide acquaintance in Bellefontaine and have won favor and friendship among those with whom they have been associated socially. Their home is celebrated for its generous and charming hospitality. where both the Judge and his wife are entertaining and companionable. His name is a synonym for honor and in- tegrity in business circles and his success is a just recompense of earnest labor. He is one of Logan county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Monroe township, May 21. 1842. His parents were John and Eliza- Leth ( Smith ) Hill, the former of Pennsyl- vania, and the latter of Virginia. On com- ing to Ohio the father settled near Mount Tabor. Champaign county, about 1826, and there resided during his early manhood, but soon after his marriage he removed to a tract of timber land in Monroe township, Logan county, where, in the midst of a wilderness he hewed a fertile farm, clearing The Judge has long been recognized as an active, earnest and effective supporter of the Republican party of Logan county and has served as a member of the cen- tral and executive committees. Early in life Judge Plum determined to win suc- cess by methods which always insure it. one hundred acres of land which he had secured from the government. In due course of time this was developed into rich fields which returned to him golden har- vests and upon the home farm he resided continuously until his death, which occurred in 1864. when he was sixty-four years of He prepared for his profession carefully., age. His wife survived him until 1880, and since entering upon practice he has passing away at the age of seventy-five always devoted himself assiduously to the years. Of their children. eleven in number, only two are now living: Hugh A., and Harvey, a resident of Bond county, Illinois. mastery of every case intrusted to him. With much of the important litigation tried in the courts of his district, he has

In the common schools Hugh A. Hill ac-

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quired his knowledge of the branches of inaugurated for the bank have been impor- English learning usually taught in such in- tant elements in its successful career. stitutions, and at the age of twenty years he volunteered for service in the Union army for one hundred days, being mustered in on the Ioth of May. 1864, as a member of Company G. One Hundred and Thirty- second Ohio Infantry. When that term had expired he re-enlisted in the Ohio National guards for five years, joining the troops as a private, but ultimately winning advance- ment to the rank of captain, in which capac- ity he was serving at the time he was mus- tered out.

Returning to the home farm Mr. Hill there continued to reside until 1880. his la- bors and efforts being directed to the further improvement and development of the land until he decided to take up his abode in Lib- erty township. Accordingly he located on a farm on the Bellefontaine pike. where he remained until the spring of 1897. when he removed to the city of West Liberty and has since continued in the banking business. in which he had become interested in 1892. In September of the latter year the Farmers' Banking Company, of West Liberty, had been organized and was incorporated with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. It entered upon a prosperous career and is now one of the substantial and reliable bank- ing institutions of Logan county.

Its officers at the time of the organiza- tion were H. A. Hill, president, and George F. Bailey, vice-president. with J. R. Black, J. A. Weidman, A. J. Surface, Banjamin Elliott, Charles Scott, Mack Green and. D. S. Yoder as directors. From the beginning Mr. Hill has been retained as president of the institution, and his careful consideration of the business conditions of the country and the safe conservative policy which he

In 1868 was celebrated the marriage of Hugh A. Hill and Mary E. Culberston, a daughter of Alexander Culberston of Lib- erty township. They now have three chil- dren, of whom Allie A. is the wife of H. M. Kiser, by whom she has three children, Charles. Herman and Mary. Alpha and Clarence are the younger members of the Hill household. Fraternally Mr. Hill is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is a director of the Building and Loan Association of West Lib- erty. A man of kindly disposition he has many friends and he has never allowed the accumulation of wealth to in any way af- fect his actions to those less fortunate. He is a firm believer in the worth of character and his recognition of the good in others is an indication of the good in himself.

GABRIEL KROUSE.

Among the prominent and progressive farmers of Lake township none stand high- er in the public esteem than Gabriel Krouse, who has spent his entire life in this county, and as an agriculturist has been an impor -. tant factor in its development and prosperi- ty. He was born here April 3, 1842. a son of John and Mary ( Moon) Krouse. His father was a native of the Keystone state. his birth having occurred in Dauphin coun- ty, Pennsylvania, in 1809. He was the father of seven children, namely: Adam married Margaret Hoofman and resides in Loganville, this county. Of his six chil- dren four are now deceased. Jacob, a resi- dent of Lewistown, first married Barbara

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Ann Longbrake, who died leaving one child. Thomas, who wedded Ida Hearnton and re- Mary Ann, now the wife of Edward Naylor sides in Sante Fe, Ohio: George, who mar- ried Elizabeth Nogle, and makes his home in Champaign county, Ohio; Noah, who married Sylva Hodge and resides near Bloom Center, Logan county. of Dayton, Ohio. For his second wife Ja- cob Krouse married Margaret Brown, by whom he had three children. Harriet. Clara, and James. Gabriel, of this review, is the next of the family. Sarah is the wife of John Longbrake, whose home is near Lew- istown, and they have three children living. Charles, Daniel W. and Allen. Philip wed- ded Mary Ellen Longbrake, by whom he has three children. Johnston. Joseph and David, and they reside in Missouri. Joseph and Mary MI. are both deceased.

During his boyhood Gabriel Krouse pursued his studies in the local schools, and after leaving school at the age of twenty years he worked at the carpenter's and join- er's trade for about twelve years. Since then he has devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, and is accounted one of the most skillful and successful farm- ers of Lake township. For one year after his marriage he lived in Logansville, but at the end of that time he purchased his pres- ent farm, which has since been his place of residence. It is conveniently located near Bellefontaine, and is one of the most desir- able farms of its size in the county, being highly cultivated and well improved with good buildings.

On the 3d of January. 1864. Mr. Krouse married Miss Elizabeth Notestine, who was also born in Logan county. April 14. 1842. her parents being John and Catherine (Neer) Notestine. Her father was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1820. There were ten children in his family: William, Perry and Susan. all three deceased ; Nancy, wife of Lewis Walcott, whose home is near Quincy. Logan county: John, who married Matilda Stiles and also lives near Quincy;

Mr. and Mrs. Krouse have become the parents of four children: John F., born March 3, 1864. married Emma Snyder and resides in Bloom Center. They have three children, Cleo, Lela and Phiarel. Cordella Isadora, born January 26, 1866, is the wife of John Himmelberger, of Bellefontaine, and they have one child, Ora Gny. Thom- as E .. born June 4, 1872. married Cora Bishon and resides in Harper. Logan coun- ty. Ira Glenn, born October 28. 1879, mar- ried Nora Dickinson, and lives with his parents. The family stand high socially, being widely and favorably known, and in their pleasant home hospitality reigns su- preme. Mr. Krouse votes the Democratic ticket and is an earnest member of the Chris- tian church, in which he has held a number of offices.

JOHN MUSSELMAN.

John Musselman was an enterprising farmer. who for many years devoted his life to agricultural pursuits in Rush Creek township. He was born in Marion county, Ohio. February 6, 1816, a son of Michael and Sophia Musselman. He pur- sued his education in the common schools. such as existedl at that early day in Ohio, and when sixteen years of age he put aside his text-books in order to become an act- ive factor in agricultural circles. He al- ways followed farming and thoroughly un- derstood his work in every department,

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so that his well tilled fields returned to Ashby married Clara Robison and they re- him a good income.

In February, 1849. Mr. Musselman was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Rollins, a native of Logan county. Joseph Rollins, the father of Mrs. Musselman, was born in the year 1812. and at a very early day removed from Virginia to Ohio, settling in Logan county. He married Matilda Golden and their children were Norris, Ashby. Washington and Con. Mr. and Mrs. Musselman began their domestic life near Harper. where they lived for fif- teen years. Mr. Musselman there carrying on agricultural pursuits. At the end of that time they removed to the old home- stead farm in Rush Creek township. and as the years passed their family had in- creased until their children reached the number of twelve: Serepta \ .. born April 5. 1850; Marion F., born August 27. 1852: Lucretia Ann, born March 21, 1854: John Henry, born September 7. 1855; Cora Jane, born December 15. 1857: Matilda Alice. February 27. 1860; Andrew Jack- son, April 18. 1862; Ida Ellen, January 5. 1864; George Washington. March 23. 1866; Jerry Roberts. August 21, 1868; Ashby Stanard, September 21, 1871, and James Fisher. August 28. 1873. Of this number Lucretia became the wife of Jo- seph Morrie, and they reside in Belleton- taine with their two children, Maggie and Lula. John Henry married Miss Emma Hague and is a farmer residing in Rush Creek township. Cora Jane is the wife of Isaac Kearns. a resident of Logan county, and they have seven children. Andrew Jackson married Laura Kesling and is em- ployed in the cement factory at Rushsyl- vania. Jerry R. married Clarissa Rose and is also employed in the cement factory.

side upon the old homestead, caring for his mother. James married Laura Rich- ards. and with their one child they reside at Rushsylvania.

For many years John Musselman re- mained a resident of Rush Creek township and the land which he purchased he placed under a high state of cultivation and made his farm a profitable one. He lived a quiet and uneventful life, yet was always interested in the welfare of his community and commanded the respect of his fellow men by reason of his sterling worth. In his political views he was an earnest Dem- ocrat, and his life was at all times in con- sistent harmony with his professions as a member of the Disciples church.

JOHN WAGNER NEER.

John Wagner Neer, deceased, was for forty years one of the most honored and highly esteemed citizens of Harrison town- ship, having come to this county in 1848. Ile was a native of Ohio. born in Licking county. January 22, 1822, and was a son of John and Sarah ( Davis) Neer. His father was born in Pennsylvania, March 9, 1801, and prior to his marriage came to the Buckeye state, locating first in Licking county. About 1850, however, he removed to Logan county. and purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of land in Harrison township, about one mile east of the in- firmary, on which he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of his life, bis occupation being that of farming. His father. Adam Neer, who was a representa-

THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

369

tive of a good old Pennsylvania family, also died in Logan county, Olio.

The subject of this review grew to man- hood upon his father's farm in Licking coun- ty, in the meantime receiving a good con- mon school education and acquiring an ex- cellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits. On the 18th of December. 1845. he was mar- ried in that county to Miss Elizabeth Snare, who died February 28, 1847. leaving a lit- tle daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, now the wid- ow of James McCurdy, and a resident of Huntsville, Ohio.

In 1848 Mr. Neer came to Logan county, in company with his brother Anderson, both buying land near the present home of Noah S. Neer. Our subject purchased a tract of eighty acres in Harrison township. two miles and a half west of the infirmary. where John C. Shawver now lives, and there he made his home for six years. At the end of that time he bought one hundred and sixty-eight acres adjoining the infirmary, and continued to reside there until called to his final rest. on the 14th of January, 1888.

Mr. Neer was again married, September 23, 1849, his second union being with Miss Anna Miller, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, August 24. 1829, a daughter of Ja- cob B. and Catharine ( Neer ) Miller. Aft- er her husband's death she continued to live upon the farm which he left until De- cember 1899, when she sold that place and purchased her present farm. consisting of seventy-seven acres.

The nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neer were as follows: Mary M., born June 6, 1850, died in childhood. Jacob MI., born March 9. 1852. first married Olive Williams and after her death wedded Elizabeth Tem- plin. He was a farmer of this county,

where he died July 21. 1901. his remains being interred in the Hector cemetery near DeGraff. Eliza C., born June 20. 1854, is the wife of Ransom Baldwin, and lives near Middleburg Logan county. Anna L., born December 17, 1856, married Morgan Ted- erick and died October 21, 1900, being buried near Huntsville. Noah S. Neer, whose sketch follows this is the next of the family. Sarah Emma, born April 26, 1862. is the wife of Samuel Swank, of Union township. Nettie F., born March 18. 1865. and Ella M., born May 29. 1868, are at home with their mother. J. Andrew, born October 30, 1872, married Ida Kaylor and lives in Union township.

Mrs. Neer and most of her children are members of the German Baptist church, but her husband held membership in the Chris- tian church. He voted the Democratic tick- et and served his fellow citizens as town- ship clerk and trustee, but was never a pol- itician in the sense of office-seeking. He was a man of sterling worth and strict integ- rity. who gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact either in business or social life, and in his death the community realized that it had lost a valued citizen.

NOAH S. NEER.

One of the prominent and representative farmers of Harrison township, is Noah S. Neer. whose home is five miles northwest of Bellefontaine on the Bellefontaine and Lewistown pike. He was born in the same neighborhood on the 16th of October, 1859. and is a son of John Wagner Neer, whose sketch precedes this. His boyhood days were

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spent upon the home farm in much the usual of the German Baptist Brethren church, at manner of farmer lads, and to the common Stony Creek, and are among the most highly esteemed people of the community. school he is indebted for his educational privileges. He remained under the paren- tal roof until about twenty-five years of age, operating the farm on the shares for his father.

On Christmas day. 1884, in Washing- ton township, this county. Mr. Neer was united in marriage to Miss Emma Irene Shawver, who was also born in Harrison township. December 6, 1861, and is a daughter of Samuel and Anna ( Mohr) Shawver. Her father was born in the same township in 1839, but her mother's birth occurred in Montgomery county. Ohio, August 22. 1835. though she was quite young when she came to Logan county with her parents. She is still living. Our sub- ject and his wife have one child, Edna Anna, born June 17, 1876.

In 1888 Mr. Neer purchased his present farm, comprising one hundred and twenty three acres of land, lying partly in Harrison and partly in McArthur townships. He has lived upon this place since his marriage, it having previously belonged to his father-in- law, Mr. Shawver, and to its improvement and cultivation he has devoted his energies with marked success. When he first lo- cated here there was a two-story hewed log house upon the place, but in 1891. he built the main part of his present substantial res- idence, and in 1902. he erected a nice, large barn, forty by sixty-four feet, with eighteen foot posts.

After attaining his mapority Mr. Neer cast his first presidential vote for General Hancock in 1880, but is now independent in politics, supporting the men and measures he thinks are for the best interests of all the people. He and his wife are members

GEORGE F. BAILEY.

There is no line of activity in West Liberty which has not felt the stimulus of the aid and influence of George F. Bailey. Business, political. social, intellectual and moral endeavor have profited by his co- operation, and affairs of the city and indi- vidual interests have benefited by his wise counsel. The advice of probably no other man of West Liberty has been as widely sought and the counsel which Mr. Bailey gave always proved a source of help. but while his activity in public life would well entitle him to distinctive representation in this volume. it was his deep sympathy and sincere and abiding interest in his fellow men that endeared him to all. He re- joiced in the good fortune and happiness of others and no man was more ready in sympathy in time of distress or propor- tionately more liberal in charity when sub- stantial aid was needed. His friends were almost numberless, and more than one has echoed in his heart the sentiment :

"He was a man. take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again."

Mr. Bailey passed away November 24. 1901, after nearly fifty years of identifica- tion with West Liberty, her upbuilding and her welfare. George F. Bailey was born January 13. 1826. in Harford county, Maryland. The Bailey family was estab- lished in that state at an early day. His parents were Josias and Catherine Bailey,

GEO. F. BAILEY.

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and with them came to Ohio in 1839, settling at Cambridge. There is one sur- viving son of this family. Edwin Bailey, of Urbana, and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Ly- man, of Bussey, Iowa. and Mrs. Sarah Wells, of Des Moines, Iowa. In the year 1844 the family removed to Alexandria, Licking county, Ohio.

At the age of fifteen years the subject of this review began learning the cooper's trade with his father and received there thorough and practical training in the work. On attaining his majority he went to Roscoe, Ohio, where he followed his trade until the 22d of November, 1849. when he became affected with the prevail- ing gold fever and joined an emigrant train. He landed in that far-off country with but five dollars in his pocket. This was soon almost exhausted and he and a partner, with only one dollar between them, erected a rough board shanty, in which they worked at the cooper's trade during the winter season and during the summer months were engaged in placer mining. For many years he carried in his pocket pieces of gold which he had mined on French bar fifty years previous. In 1851 he returned by way of the isthmus route and walked across Panama, for in those days there were no railroads. Such a journey at that time involved many hardships.

On again reaching Ohio Mr. Bailey re- sumed work at the cooper's trade in Ros- coe, and on the 2d of September. 1852, he removed from that place to West Liberty, where he conducted a coopering establish- ment for about twenty-five years. He prospered in his undertaking, his business growing in scope and the returns there- from materially increased his income, July 17, 1900, and Mr. Bailey passed away 22

making him one of the substantial citizens of the community. His labors, however, were interrupted by his service as a sol- dier of the Civil war. He responded to his country's call when rebellion threat- ened the destruction of the Union, enlist- ing in Company G, One Hundred and Thir- ty-second Oliio Volunteer Infantry. He did valiant service for the nation and never faltered in the performance of his duty, whether it called him to the picket line or into the thickest of the fight. After his return he always maintained a deep inter- est in military affairs, pleasant relations with his fellow comrades who wore the blue, and was one of the organizers of the Poysell Post, G. A. R., never failing to re- spond to the roll-call at its meetings. He was at one time secretary of the Mad River Building and Loan Associatio.1, which was one of the pioneer organiza- tions of that character, and at the time of his death he was attorney for the People's Saving and Loan Company and the vice- president of the Farmers' Banking Com- pany. His keen judgment, integrity and discrimination were integral factors in the successful conduct.of many leading enter- prises here.

On the 28th of June, 1853, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage to Miss Susan Van Buskirk, of Alexandria, Licking county, Ohio. Unto them were born four chil- dren, two of whom are still living: Mrs. Oleeta Gribble and Don C. The wife and mother died January 12, 1859. and on the 22d of July, 1860, Mr. Bailey was again married, his second union being with Ann M. Van Buskirk, a sister of his first wife One child was born of this union, Van B., who still survives. The second wife died

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The historical review of Logan County, Ohio, Part 43

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