USA > Ohio > Logan County > The historical review of Logan County, Ohio > Part 79
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Not long was it before the name of Judge West became known throughout Ohio and other states as that of one of the most distinguished members of the bar of the central west, and he is to-day a recognized authority on civil and corpora- tion law and in familiarity with these de- partments he is equalled by few and sur- passed by none. It is therefore not a mat- ter of marvel that Judge West also soon came to be looked upon as a leader of public thought and action and a molder of public opinion. His reading, always comprehensive. made him familiar with the great questions which have molded the policy and the history of the nation, and in 1854, following the repeal of the Mis- souri Compromise, whose effect he fore- saw, he was active in calling a convention to meet at Columbus, Ohio, to take action upon the situation. and in the meeting which followed he was one of the leading speakers. listened to with the deepest in- terest and attention. He became one of the organizers of the Republican party of Ohio and has since been recognized as
state. From 1857 until 1861 he was a member of the state legislature and in 1863 was elected to the senate. where he gave to each question which came up for con- sideration his earnest attention and con- sideration, throwing the weight of his in- fluence upon whichever side of a question he believed would contribute to the wel- fare of the commonwealth, and leaving the impress of his individuality upon the laws which were enacted during his connection with the general assembly. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Republican national con- vention of Chicago, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. On his retirement from the senate he was chosen attorney general of Ohio and served so acceptably that he was re-elected in 1867. leaving the office two years later as he has entered it-with the confidence and good will of the entire public. He was then, in 1860. tendered the position of United States consul to Rio Janeiro, but the honor was declined as he preferred to continue in the practice of his profession. Still higher honors awaited him, however. for in 1871 he was elected to the supreme court of Oliio. A man of unimpeachable character, of unusual intellectual endow- ments, with a thorough understanding of the law, patience. urbanity and industry, Judge West took to the bench the very highest qualifications for the most respon- sible office of the state government, and liis record as a judge was in harmony with his record as a man and a lawyer. distin- guished by unswerving integrity and a mas- terful grasp of every problem which pre- sented itself for solution. While occupy- ing the bench a great misfortune overtook him-the loss of his sight, but with it came
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no loss of power. His trained mind and wonderitil memory made it possible for him to continue his work without the slightest diminution of the usefulness of his service. It is interesting to mention that his loss of eyesight while on the bench is responsible in a large measure for the rule requiring all records and briefs to be printed. Since that time he has continued in the practice of law without the least aid from any one, without the slightest pause in the proceedings and without perceptible hesitation he unravels intricate facts and quotes the law applicable to them.
In 1877 Judge West was honored with his party's nomination for governor of Ohio. This was at a critical juncture in history, when the attention of the entire country was centered upon the question of the relation between capital and labor. The great railroad strike was on and the one hundred and fifty thousand miles of roads were inactive. This brought about the issue that was before the people in the year in which Judge West became the nominee for governor. He met the ques- tion fairly and no one was in doubt as to his position. There is in him the same spirit as was manifest in the great Ken- tucky statesman who said: "I would rather be right than president." The views which Mr. West advanced caused him his defeat, but he never hesitated in their declaration; he was merely in ad- vance of his time in the great issue affect- ing the welfare of the nation, and the years have proven his wisdom and demonstrated the correctness of his position. He lost the governorship, but he won the reputa- tion of being an incorruptible patriot and one whose honor would never be sacrificed to power. In 1873 he served as a member
of the constitutional convention of Ohio and his knowledge of jurisprudence made him an active and prominent figure in framing the organic law of the state. In 1884 he again attended as a delegate the Republican national convention, held in Chicago, where he was chosen to present the name of James G. Blaine, who was nominated for the presidency.
In 1851 Judge West was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Williams, who died in 1871, leaving three sons, William A., John E. and Samuel A., and later the Judge wedded Mrs. Clara G. Gorton. who died March 19. 1901. Throughout the greater part of his life he has resided in Bellefontaine, and while he has ever commanded the respect of the distinguished men with whom he has been associated, in his home city-where he is best known -le inspires personal friendships of un- usual strength, and all who know him have the highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind. Perhaps he is best known throughout the state as "The Blind Man Eloquent." for though de- prived of his eyesight, there is no man who has had greater power as a public speaker addressing his audiences upon questions claiming the public thought and swaying them by his oratorical gifts, his logical utterances and his earnestness of purpose. He stands to-day an honor to the state which has honored him.
LAWRENCE C. FREER.
Lawrence C. Freer, who is now success- fully engaged in farming and stock-raising in Harrison township, four miles southwest
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of Bellefontaine. is one of Logan county's his father, and being the only son and next native sons, his birth having occurred on to the oldest child in a family of four chil- dren. he had to take charge of the farm. The others remained at home with him un- til his marriage, when he purheased their interests in the property and to-day has one hundred and twenty-five acres of fine farm- ing land which is under a high state of cultivation. The house upon the place was erected prior to the father's death, but our subject built both barns and has made many other useful and valuable improvements which add greatly to the attractive appear- ance of the place. a farm near East Liberty, June 22. 1857. His parents were Richard P. and Mary J. (Alexander) Freer. His father was born in Virginia, May 2, 1820, of Irish lineage, and was a son of William and Eliza ( Laine) Freer. The paternal grandfather of our subject was also a native of Virginia, and was a slaveholder in 1812. Both he and his wife died in Zanesfield. Ohio. in 1840. In early manhood Richard P. Freer married Mary J. Alexander, who was born in Lan- easter county, Pennsylvania. November 2, 1827, and is still living at the age of sev- enty-five years. Her father. Mr. Alexand- er, was also born in that county, on the 28th of October. 1793. and died at West Middleburg, Ohio, November 18, 1886, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. In 1818 he married Elizabeth Magee, who was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania. April 3. 1800, and for sixty-four years they trav- eled life's journey together, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. Mrs.Alexander died November 23. 1882. when eighty-two years of age. leaving her husband, then in his nintieth year, to con- tinue the journey alone Her mother bore the maiden name of Harrman. The father of our subject. Richard P. Freer. died in Harrison township on his farm in 1877, at the age of fifty-seven years.
When Lawrence C: Freer was a little over a year old the family located on the farm in Harrison township where he now resides, his father having purchased the place about that time, and here he grew to manhood, receiving a good common school education. It was his intention to take up more advanced studies in a higher institu- tion, but when nineteen years of age he lost
On the 21st of December. 1890. near West Liberty, Union township. Mr. Freer was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Newell. a daughter of John and Maria E. ( Harner) Newell. Her father died March 18. 1893. Mrs. Freer was born in Union township. January 8. 1865. and was ed- ueated in the common schools. By her mar- riage she has become the mother of two children: Newell J., born November 10. 1891 : and Lawrence, born May 2. 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Freer are members of the Presbyterian church of Bellefontaine, in which faith they were reared. and he has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party since casting his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. He is one of the most enterprising and progressive farmers and stock raisers of his community and is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity.
EDWARD R. HENNING. M. D.
Dr. Edward R. Henning is a typical American citizen, actively interested in the life work he has chosen and is winning
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advancement therein by reason of close application. determined purpose and energy. He was born in Union township. Logan county. November 19. 1871, and is a son of Robert and Nancy Isabelle (Alcott) Henning. His paternal grand- father was Nathan Henning, a native of Ohio, who removed to Missouri and there spent his remaining days. His father was a native of Missouri and became a farmer of Union township, Logan county, but he died when the Doctor was only five years of age. After his death the widow removed with her family to West Liberty. The Doctor was one of a family of five children. but three of the number died in infancy. The surviving sister is Annetta Belle, the wife of P. W. Carter of Belle- fontaine.
The Doctor obtained his education in the public schools and upon graduation in the West Liberty high school in the class of 1800 with valedictorian honors, the st- perintendent at that time being Professor Frank, he became connected with educa- tional work and was engaged in school teaching for three years in Champaign county, Ohio, but he regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor. It was his desire and inten- tion of becoming a member of the medical profession and to this end he of Pennsylvania.
began reading in the office of Dr. R. M. Fulwider of West Liberty. He spent one year in the Ohio Medical College at Cin- cinnati and three years in the medical de- partment of the University of Pennsyl- vania, where he was graduated as a mem- ber of the class of 1898. Upon competi- tive examination he received appointment to a position in the Allegheny General Hospital and the Chester Hospital, but in-
stead of this he decided to take a two years' trip through Europe for the purpose of travel and Study, and he greatly broad- ened his knowledge of the medical science and methods of practice by visiting many of the hospitals and medical institutions of the old world.
Dr. Henning began the practice of his chosen profession in West Liberty in Oc- tober. 1900, and has since remained with the exception of a short period in 1902. when he made a trip to California. He has already gained an enviable position in professional circles, his ability winning recognition in a liberal patronage which is growing week by week. He takes deep interest in his calling from a scientifie standpoint and from the humanitarian standpoint. and in the practice of his pro- fession has demonstrated the possession of broad knowledge and marked skill.
On the 25th of March. 1902, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Lula May Hamer, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. W. W. Hamer of Bellefontaine, and they now have one child, Anna Belle Ger- trude. born December 25. 1902. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, in which he has taken the degree of the chapter and he also belongs to the Guiteros Medical Society of the University
JOHN F. REXER.
John F. Rexer, a furniture dealer and undertaker of DeGraff, was born in Malm- sheim, Wurtemberg. Germany on the 3d of August. 1834, and is a son of John F. and Mary Jane (Shanhar) Rexer. The father was a cabinet-maker by trade and
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died in his native country after the emi- gration of his son John to the new world. A few years later the mother and her son Lewis and daughter Mary came to the United States. Previous to this time, John F., at the age of nineteen, and his brother Gotlieb, at the age of seventeen. had crossed the Atlantic in 1854 and spent two months in New York. The latter is now a tailor of Bellefontaine. Jacob Rexer came, too, ten years after our subject, and followed the cabinet-making business un- til his death, which occurred in Steuben- ville, but his remains were interred in the cemetery of Bellefontaine. Lewis is now employed in the Pan-Handle Railroad shops in Columbus, in which city he makes his home. The daughter Mary is the wife of Jolm Roman, a resident of Dayton. The mother's death occurred in Bellefon- taine about 1890.
According to the laws of his native country John F. Rexer attended school until fourteen years of age and then be- gan to learn the trade of cabinet-making in his father's shop. He was there em- ployed until nineteen years of age, when. believing that he might have better busi- ness opportunities in the new world, for he had heard favorable reports concerning America, he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the United States. taking passage on a sailing vessel which weighed anchor in the harbor of Havre in 1854. The voyage covered thirty-six days and Mr. Rexer then landed in New York. It was necessary that he should immedi- ately secure employment in order to pro- vide for his daily expenses and he soon obtained work in a garden, where he was set to hoeing. There he remained for a few weeks, when he and his brother Got-
lieb continued their westward journey un- til they had arrived in Bellefontaine. where they had some uncles who had sent them the money to pay their passage to the new world. In Bellefontaine Mr. Rexer se- cured employment on the construction of the dwelling of William Lawrence and followed carpenter work until his mar- riage.
In Urbana, where he was living at the time. Mr. Rexer was joined in wedlock in April. 1861. to Miss Julia Mooney, who was born in Ireland and had come to America with her brothers when but nine or ten years of age, her parents having died on the Emerald Isle. Our subject and his wife began their domestic life in Ur- bana, where he worked as a joiner in the shops and while there he purchased some residence property. In 1868, however, he removed to DeGraff and established his present business in connection with his brother Jacob, who was also a cabinet- maker and had come to America about a decade after our subject's emigration. Mr. Rexer made his own furniture to a large extent and also the coffins which were used in the undertaking department of his business. As the years have passed he has secured a very excellent trade and his financial resources have thereby been greatly increased.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rexer have been born five living children, the eldest being John F., whose birth occurred in Urbana. He is now living with his father in DeGraff and until recently was engaged in the gro- cery business. Isabelle, also a native of Urbana. is at home. Charles L., who was born in Urbana. February 25. 1867. and was educated in DeGraff. occupied a po- sition as salesman in a dry goods store
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between the ages of seventeen and twenty- four years. He then entered his father's store and is now an active factor in the conduct of the business. In 1891 he was graduated in the United States College of Embalming. On the 8th of July. 1880. in this place he wedded Miss Mary Alice Sanders, of DeGraff, who was born in Miami township, Logan county, and they have two children: Delia and Esther. William, the youngest son of Mr. Rexer, was born in Pemberton. Shelby county. Ohio, in which place his parents resided for a short time in 1869. He married Miss Winnie Doane and is engaged in the grocery busines in DeGraff. Ella, who completes the family, is living in this town.
Since casting his first presidential bal- lot for Buchanan in 1856, Mr. Rexer has been a stalwart Democrat, but his sons are Republicans in their political faith. John F. Rexer, Jr., has served as township treasurer for four years, was treasurer of DeGraff for four years and has served on the county election board, while Charles L. is a member of the school board of DeGraff. Mr. Rexer was reared in the Lutheran faith. In 1901 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who died in March of that year and was laid to rest in the DeGraff cemetery. There is in his life record much that is commend- able. With laudable ambition and strong determination to win success he came to America and making the most of his op- portunities since that time he has steadily worked his way upward until he has be- come a factor in the industrial and com- mercial life of Logan county. He is well known as a reputable and honorable busi- ness man and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well.
ELZEY L. HUBER.
Elzey L. Huber, who is now largely engaged in buying and feeding stock and makes his home in Bellefontaine, was born in Bloomfield township, Logan county, February 2. 1857. As the name indicates the Huber family is of German descent. Manasses Huber, the father of our subject. was born in Rockingham county, Virginia. August 10, 1806, and was a son of John and Margaret (Stottlemier) Huber. in whose family were eight children. John Huber died in Virginia in 1827, and his widow, with six of her children, came to Lo- gan county, Ohio, in October, 1832. She purchased a farm one mile east of DeGraff and there made her home until called to her final rest March 18, 1856, at the age of eighty-eight years.
The early life of Manasses Huber was passed in the state of his nativity, and after coming to Ohio he assisted his mother in the development of the new farm, remain- ing at home until his marriage. On the 23d of November, 1837. he wedded Miss Nancy Meckemson, who was born near DeGraff. this county. December 7. 1818, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wallace) Meckemson. At a very early day her father removed here from Ken- tucky and became a successful farmer of Pleasant township. He lived to the ex- treme old age of one hundred and one years. After his marriage Manasses Hu- ber purchased a farm in Bloomfield town- ship and as an agriculturalist he met with excellent success, becoming the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of land. He was also one of the most prominent stock-raisers and dealers in his community and was a Democrat in politics. During
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the days of the early militia he was cap- tain of the Logan County Light Horse Guard and was afterward known as Cap- tain Huber. Both he and his wife were act- ive and influential members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church. being among the first of that denomination in this county. and for many years their home was used as a meeting house. The Captain died on the 31st of January. 1873. aged sixty-six years, honored and respected by all who knew him, and his estimable wife passed away December 13. 1901, at the age of eighty-three years. Of their ten children. six are still living, namely: Allen. Mar- garet. Sarah. Isaiah. Tiry and Elzey L.
To the public school system of his na- tive county Elzey L. Huber is indebted for the educational privileges he received. While at home with his father he became interested in the stock business, in which he has largely engaged throughout his entire life. In early manhood he was as- sociated with his brother Tiry in this busi- ness, but at the time of his marriage the partnership was dissolved and he has since been alone in that trade. Prior to his marriage he had become the owner of one hundred and fifty-three acres of land and. locating thereon, he continued to make it his place of residence until 1901. when he came to Bellefontaine. In the meantime he added to his farm until he now owns two hundred and sixty-four acres all in one tract in Bloomfield township. Upon this place are two sets of farm buildings. While carrying on general farming he de- voted much time to buying, feeding and shipping cattle and hogs and he is now largely engaged in stock-dealing and is well known to stock men throughout this portion of the state. He is an excellent
judge of domestic animals and his judicious purchases and sales have brought to him a good financial return for his labor.
On the 20th of March, 1884. Mr. Huber was united in marriage to Miss Fan- nie MeKinnon, a native of McArthur township, born September 29, 1862. a daughter of William McKinnon, a native of Clark county, who was a farmer and stockman. In Logan county her father married Miss Sarah Denny. He died in 1899 at the age of seventy years, but his widow is still living and makes her home on Sandusky avenue in Bellefontaine. Mr. Mckinnon's death occurred on the old home farm. He was at one time the owner of about one thousand acres of land and was regarded as one of the wealthy men as well as honored citizens of his com- munity. In the Mckinnon family were eight children. six of whom still survive: John, Lucinda. Dennis, Fannie. Willie and Carrie. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Huber has been born one child, Fred, whose,birth oc- curred May 2, 1889, and who is yet in school.
Mr. and Mrs. Huber and their son are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Huber held the office of steward and took an active part in church work at Bloom Center. where with his wife he still holds membership. He owns property on East Brown street in Belle- fontaine. Widely known in his native county, he has gained many friends among the better class of people and he deserves the regard which is uniformly accorded in recognition of sterling traits of character. His business affairs have been prosecuted energetically and diligently with the re- sult that his labors have been crowned with success and at the same time he has had
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due regard for the obligations of citizen- ship and of morality which rests upon every man, giving a generous support to all measures for the social. intellectual and moral upbuilding of his community.
HENRY DORN.
Henry Dorn, who is a retired farmer now living in West Liberty, was born on the ist of January, 1843. in Germany, a son of Peter and Mary Dorn. In the father's family were the following named: Peter. Mary, John. Catherine and Nicho- las.
Henry Dorn spent the first six years of his life in the fatherland and was then brought to America. His education was obtained in this country and at the age of sixteen years he left school and came to West Liberty, where he learned the black- smith trade, which he followed for thirty years. His labors in that direction. how- ever. were interrupted by his service in the Union army during the Civil war. He enlisted in 1861 as a member of Company C. Seventeenth Ohic Volunteer Infantry and served for four years. being under the command of Captain J. D. Anskey. With his command he participated in a num- ber of important engagements, including the battle of Wild Cat Mountain, Ken- tucky. Perryville, Hoover's Gap. Stone . River. Chickamaugua and Mission Ridge. He continued with the Union army until after the close of the war and then received an honorable discharge. He sustained a slight flesh wound, but otherwise he es- caped uninjured and to his country he ren- dered valuable and far-reaching service.
After the close of war Mr. Dorn re- turned to his home and resumed black- smithing, which he followed with success for a number of years. He was an expert workman in that direction and his industry and reliability brought to him a richly merited success. He also turned his at- tention to farming and became the owner of a nice property, including a rich tract. He still owns his farm in Liberty township and in addition has a good residence in West Liberty, which he now occupies. Mr. Dorn is well known in the community where he resides and the sterling traits of his character have gained for him the regard and friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.
U. Z. ROSE.
U. Z. Rose, an honored veteran of the Civil war and one of the representative citizens of Rush Creek township, is a na- tive of Virginia, born in Loudoun county. February 14. 1837, and is a son of Thomas and Hattie (Barber) Rose. During his boyhood he acquired a good practical edu- cation, attending school until fourteen years of age, when he commenced learning the carpenter's trade. but after complet- ing his apprenticeship he resumed farm- ing, which occupation he had been fol- lowing previous to this time. It was in 1858 that he came to Ohio and settled in Logan county:
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