The historical review of Logan County, Ohio, Part 86

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

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On the 2d of November. 1880, in Union township, Mr. Hinkle was united in mar- riage to Miss Angelina King, who was born in that township. January 1. 1853. a daugh- ter of Moses and Susan (Detrick ) King. For two years they rented the farm upon which they are now living in September. 1882, Mr. Hinkle purchased eighty acres of the land. In 1900 he built his present com- modious house and in 1899 he had built a barn. He also has a wind-mill upon the place and water works for the stock. He has placed many rods of tiling upon his land and otherwise improved the property until he now has one of the most valuable and desirable farms in this section of the state. His fields are well tilled and in con- nection with the cultivation of grain he is successful in the raising and breeding of stock. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle have been born three children, Lester E., who was born February 2. 1881. passed the Box- well examination at the age of twelve years.

He was graduated in the DeGraff . high school at the age of fifteen years and then he went to Ypsilanti. Michigan, where he pursued a two years' business course, be- ing graduated in shorthand and typewrit- ing. He is now a student in the law de- partment of the University of Ohio and will graduate in June, 1893. Surely the par- ents have every reason to be proud of this intelligent son. Lynn O., born May 6, 1883. obtained a good common school edu- cation and is at home. Carrie Fern, born June 10, 1885. is also with her parents. Mr. Hinkle is a Republican in his political views and cast his first vote for Grant in 1868. He belongs to the Evangelical church and has been a teacher in the Sun- day-school of his district where he had a class of five orphan boys. Whatever suc- cess Mr. Hinkle has achieved is the direct result of his own labors and he certainly deserves great credit for what he has accom- plished, having worked his way upward from a humble financial position until he is now one of the leading agriculturists of his portion of the county.

WILLIAM M. DOWNING.

William M. Downing is a native of Lo- gan county. Ohio, and was born near Zanesfield. August 14, 1840. There he re- sided until thirteen years of age. when he removed to Stokes township with his par- ents, Timothy and Rebecca ( Taylor ) Down- ing. His father was born in Ohio, and spent his entire life in this state. At an early day he removed to Logan county, set- tling near Zanesfield, and throughout his business career he carried on agricultural

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pursuits. A few years prior to his death he removed to Roundhead. Hardin county, where his remaining days were passed. He was prosperous and progressive and in his work was energetic, determined and honor- able. Throughout his entire life he gave his political support to the Republican party. He was a member of the United Brethren church and held a number of offices in the church and in the township. \ public spirited citizen. he had the respect and con- fidence of all who knew him. He passed away in January, 1899. at the age of eighty- two years, and his wife died in May. 1902. both being laid to rest in the cemetery at Roundhead, Ohio. In their family were ten children, eight sous and two daughters, sev- en of whom are still living : William, of this review; Jasper Emmons, who operates a planing mill in Bellefontaine: Eliza Janc. the wife of George Tannehill, of Round- head: Bazil B., who was a meat packer and died in Chicago. Illinois : George, a farmer of Stokes township: Zachary T., a grocer of Columbus, Ohio: John, an agriculturist of Hardin county: Isaac, who died at the age of sixteen years: Timothy, a farmer of Hardin county; and Mary, who died in early womanhood upon the home farm in Stokes township.

William M. Downing remained on the old home farm until the breaking out of the Civil war. He enlisted in June. 1861. at Kenton, Ohio, as a member of Company E. Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for four years and four days. He entered the army as a private, but was placed on detail duty. so did not participate in many battles. He was, how- ever, wounded by a home guard while on a foraging expedition and after the close of hostilities he was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio. He is now a member of

the Grand Army of the Republic and finds pleasure in renewing his friendship with his old comrades of the blue.

After the war Mr. Downing returned to his home in this county, but later removed to Hardin county, where he followed the business of an auctioneer for a long period. He has engaged in that line of activity throughout his entire business career and has cried many sales. Sixteen years ago he took up his abode in Belle Center, where he has since remained and is still engaged in business as an auctioneer. In this way he has become widely known throughout the county and has made many warm friends. because of a genial manner, unfailing court- esy and social disposition which renders him popular with those with whom he comes in contact.

In the fall of 1865 Mr. Downing was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Colter. a native of Logan county, and unto them were born six children, all of whom are na- tives of Hardin county, and are still living. Ira, the eldest. is now in the Black Hills, being a civil engineer connected with the railroad construction crew. Alice is the wife Robert Claypool, a farmer of Hardin coun- ty. and they have five children: Bessie. Earl, Jess. Joe and Fred. William, who is a farmer of Mc. Arthur township. married Nancy Humphreys and they have three chil- dren : Robert, Donald and Ralph. James is a boiler-maker of Lima, Ohio. Ray re- sides near Logansville, following farming in Washington township. He married Clara Bird. Harry, the youngest of the family, is employed in a restaurant in Kenton. The mother of these children died in Roundhead. Ohio, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which she was a consistent mem- ber.

Mr. Downing afterward married Ade-

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line Mckinnon, who was born in Belle school. Mr. Downing votes with the Re- Center. a daughter of Benjamin W. and publican party, and while residing in Hardin county he served for a time as deputy sher- iff. He has also been a councilman at Belle Center and in matters of citizenship he is interested, taking an active and helpful part in many movements for the general good.

Ann ( Wilcox ) Mckinnon. Her father was born in Hardin county and spent his life there and in Belle Center. He was a black- smith and followed that trade throughout his active business career. He died Octo- ber 7. 1896, at the age of seventy years, and his wife passed away April 8. 1897.

The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Downing was Jonathan W. Wilcox, who married Roxelina McConkle. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 4. 1814. and about 183! removed to Hardin county. Ohio, where he followed his trade of black- smithing and also engaged in farming for a number of years. About 1852 he took up his abode in Logan county, where he car- ried on blacksmithing until his death, which occurred in February, 1885. He was a hard working and energetic man and one who was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He belonged to the Methodist church. was a Republican in politics and filled sev- eral minor offices. The grandmother of Mrs. Downing was born in 1807 in Fayette county, Ohio, and came to Logan county after her marriage. Her parents lived and died in Fayette county. She, too. was a member of the Methodist church and died at Belle Center in 1879. her remains being placed by the side of her husband in Yel- verton cemetery in Hardin county. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children. but only two are now living. the elder being Anna, the mother of Mrs. Downing.

U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Downing have been born two children: Ethel Ann, born April 29. 1886, in Roundhead, is now attending high school: and Frank, born at Belle Cen- ter, August 15. 1895, is also a student in

JOHN L. REAMES.

John L. Reames is now living a re- tired life in Rushsylvania and the activity. economy and industry of his business career were the qualities which brought to him a competence sufficient to enable him to rest from further labor at the present time.

He was born September 18, 1837. in Allen county, Ohio, his parents being Vin- cent and Mary ( Vassar ) Reames. ITis ta- ther was a native of North Carolina, born on the 4th of May. 1804, and in 1810, he was brought by his parents to this state, the family home being established in Lo- gan county, where he was reared to man- hood amid the wild scenes of frontier life. In 1834 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Vassar, whose birth occurred on the 13th of May, 1815. in North Carolina. Their children were Nancy, John L., Joshua. Minerya. William. Vincent, Leander, Reany, Joseph and Mary Eliza. Of this number Leander is now deceased.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John L. Reames in his. early youth. At the age of six years he entered the public schools and when not engaged with the duties of the schoolroom his time was devoted to farm work, which he followed continuously until . he had attained his majority. Then think-

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ing to engage in some other pursuit. he be- Reames took up their abode in Rushsylva- gan learning the mason's trade which he fol- lowed for many years. He became a good workman and in his business secured many patrons who recognized the excellence of his labor, the honesty of his business meth- cds and his unfaltering industry, and there- fore gave to him their patronage.

In 1863 Mr. Reames was united in mar- riage to Miss Deborah Ricks, who was born April 12, 1846. in Logan county. Her fa- ther, John Ricks, was a native of North Carolina and at a very carty period in the development of Logan county he came to this section of the state. casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers, who laid broad and deep the foundation for the progress and improvement of the county. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Johnson. and their children were Richard. James, Lid- die, Alfred. Deborah, John. Mary. Mattie and Ella. Of these Richard. Liddie. De- borah and Ella are all deceased. Six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Reames. Or- rin W., who was born September 25. 1864. and hves in Rushsylvania, wedded Nora B. Garwood, who was born in Logan county. November 14. 1868. Their childern are Walter C., korn September 4. 1888: Lafay- ette W., born August 6, 1892: and Myrtle B., born January 19, 1897. Mary Alma. born July 26. 1866, is the wife of William Garwood, a resident of Kenton. Ohio, and their children are Ida May. Harry E. and Lola Ann. Pearl A., born September 24. 1868. is in the west. Minerva. born Jan- uary 27. 1871. is at home. Ira A., born December 1, 1873. is living in Harper. Lo- gan county. Cora May, born January 2. 1876, is now the wife of Edward Wagner. a resident of Springfield, Ohio.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.

nia, where they have since resided. For a long period he carried on business as a mason with good success and as the result of his dabors he is now in possession of a comfortable competence. enabling him to rest from further toil. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends to which he has always adhered and in his political views he has ever been an earnest Dem- ocrat. Mr. Reames has a wide acquaintance in the town which has long been his home and as he has never taken advantage of the necessities of his fellow men, or failed in the performance of the duties of life he is to-day regarded as a citizen worthy of the highest respect.

F. N. JOHNSON.

No matter in how much fantastic theo- rizing one may indulge as to the reason of success, a close analysis will always show that it results from certain elements. and that chief among these are close appli- cation. diligence and keen discrimination in business matters. It is along such lines that Mr. Johnson has gained a prominent and leading place in trade circles in Bellefon- taine. He is now controlling important business interests and there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in com- mercial and financial cireles than he. not only because of his success, but also because of the straightforward business policy he lias ever followed.

Mr. Johnson is a native of Monroe township. Logan county, born January 15. 1865. He was reared upon the home farm and when seventeen years of age he went

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to Adrian, Michigan, where he attended the Methodist Protestant College for two years, taking a preparatory and commercial course, the latter including stenography and bookkeeping. For a year he was employed as a bookkeeper in Chicago, acting as book- keeper and private secretary for a large con- tracting company. In 1886 he took up his abode at West Liberty, where he. engaged in the boot and shoe business for about ten years. In the meantime he also became en- gaged in packing maple syrup and in part- nership with I. N. Hite, under the firm name of Johnson & Hite, was also engaged in buying wool. After disposing of his shoe business, which proved a profitable venture. he devoted his attention exclusively to the maple syrup and wool trades. In these two lines he enlarged the scope of his labors and his careful control of his business interests enabled him to build up a large business. In 1899 he became interested in a wholesale grocery in Bellefontaine under the firm name of the Green, Carr Company. This re- lation was maintained until the firm remov- ed to Dayton, in June, 1899, at which time Mr. Jolinson resumed operations in wool and maple syrup. The latter is a very large factor of his business and has become an in- dustry of much importance to the commun- ity, furnishing a market for the product of the local producers. He pays annually to various owners of sugar groves from sev- enty-five to one hundred thousand dollars, so that the enterprise is a direct benefit to the county. This amount also indicates the large volume of his business. He packs sugar under different grades and ships in car lots as well as selling to the jobbing and retail trade. Seventy-five thousand dollars was invested in this business, and January 1, 1903, this was increased to one hundred

thousand, and the stockholders of the com- pany include Clay Huston, W. W. Fisher, G. M. Stevenson, Charles Mclaughlin, Em- il Geiger. F. N. Johnson, J. M. Abraham, Judge J. D. MeLaughlin, E. M. Howen- stine. J. C. Brand. Forest Corey and Wil- liam Barton. In January, 1900, Mr. John- son organized the F. N. Johnson Grocery Company, and was made its president with J. M. Abraham as vice president, and the foregoing named men as stockholders and directors. The business of this house reach- es a quarter of a million dollars annually and the trade is constantly growing. Mr. Johnson is also director in the Union Tele- phone Company and a large stockholder in the Ada Telephone plant. He also owns a business block in West Liberty and was one of the organizers and a director in the Farmers' Banking Company, of West Lib- erty, before coming to Bellefontaine. The nature and character of his business inter- ests indicate that he is a man of excellent business ability and keen foresight. His judgment is safe and reliable and has proved a potent factor in the successful conduct of many interests.

In 1889 Mr. Johnson was united in mar- riage in Adrian, Michigan, to Miss Jennie DeVore, of Zane township, Logan county, who was also a student in Adrian, Michigan, for six years, and after completing her course taught a year in East Liberty. Her parents are both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children : Miriam Louise and Morton. The family home is at No. 402 North Main street.

In his political views Mr. Johnson is a Republican and the character of the man is indicated by the fact of his membership in the Masonic fraternity and the Presbyte- rian church. His life record stands an ex-

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emplification of what may be accomplished in America by strong character, keen dis- cernment and persisteney of purpose. Not- ably prompt and reliable in keeping a busi- ness engagement and fulfilling his obliga- tions he has made for himself a most en- viable reputation and while he has gained a good name he has also won gratifying success which places him among the sub- stantial citizens of Bellefontaine.

ADAM FOULK.

four reached adult age. namely : Adam : Ja- cob, who married Frona Piper, by whom he has two children and lives in Bellefon- taine: Luey. the wife of Wilson Cole, who resides in Bloomfield township and has eight children; and Ann, who has been married three times. Iler first husband was George Brahm, by whom she has two sons, and they are living in Bellefontaine. Her second husband was a Mr. Page and they had no children. By her third husband. Mr. Evans. she has a daughter. The father, George Foulk, was a Republican in his political views. but never sought or desired office. He held membership in the Christian church and his life was one of marked integ- rity, in harmony with his professions.

Adam Foulk is now retired from act- ive farm life but is still the owner of one hundred and one acres of land on the Adam Foulk spent his boyhood days on the old homestead and during the school year was engaged in the perusal of the stud- ies usually taught in the common schools. He also worked hard on the home farm, re- maining there until he had attained his ma- jority, after which he was employed as a Form hand for a short time. He was mar- ried on the 5th of June. 1859. on the farm where he now lives, to Miss Catherine Rudy and his father gave them forty acres of land in Pleasant township. He also purchased forty aeres and thus became the owner of a tract of eighty acres, on which he lived until 1872. when he purchased his pres- ent home in Bloomfield township. Four children have come to bless the mar- riage. Reuben, born April 27. 1860. mar- ried Anna Williams of DeGraff and after her death wedded her sister. Olive Wil- liams. He is now a telegraph operator in the town of Quincy at the tower. Marietta Jane, born September 16. 1861, is the wife of George Wright of Dayton. Ida May, Quincy and Miami extension pike and also on the Hammond and Schultz pike in Bloomfield township. He was born just across the boundary line in Pleasant town- ship on the 14th of February. 1838, and was there reared to manhood. His parents were George and Naney ( Hemings) Foulk. The father was a native of Stark county, Olio, and a son of George Foulk who be- longed to an okl Pennsylvania Dutch fam- ily and probably came to Ohio a single man. He married a Miss Kiser. The mother of our subject was born near Tiffin, in Seneca county, and in that county the parents of Adam Foulk were married. Soon after- ward they came to Logan county where the father purchased land in Pleasant township. living thereon for three years. He then bought the farm just south of Adam Foulk's present farm and subsequently he traded that property for a home in Belle- fontaine, in which he spent his remaining days, there engaged in loaning money. In his family were nine children, of whom born November 28. 1869. died December

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17. 1872. Ira Monroe, born January 14. school education. Throughout his active 1873. married Clara Sawyer, by whom he business life he has followed farming, and has one daughter and they reside in Pleas- ant township where he is farming. In 1898 Mr. Foulk was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who passed away on the 17th of January of that year.

In 1860 Mr. Foulk cast his first pres- idential vote. supporting Abraham Lincoln. He was loyal to the Union cause and to the governmental policy during the Civil war. and in 1863 he became a member of the militia and joined Company G. One Hun . dred and Thirty-second Ohio Regiment. In 1864 this regiment was called out for one hundred days' service and he was sta- tioned at Norfolk and at Bermuda Hundred. He belongs to the Society of Friends, as did his wife, and he has always lived at peace with his fellow men, enjoying the re- spect and confidence of those with whom he has been associated. For many years he was actively engaged in farming. working earnestly and untiringly in order to secure a competence. As the years passed he suc- ceeded in this attempt and now. with a cap- ital sufficient for his needs. he is living re- tired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

CHARLES H. DOWELL.

Charles H. Dowell, an enterprising and progressive agriculturist now residing in Lake township. is a native of Logan county, his birth having occurred in Lake township on the 9th of February. 1869. His father, William .A. Dowell, was born in Virginia. May 22, 1845, and during his boy- hood and youth received a fair common

for many years he has been a resident of Logan county, Ohio, his present home being pleasantly located five miles north of the city of Bellefontaine. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, and religiously he is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. He mar- ried Miss Sarah A. Fitten, who was born in Virginia. February 11, 1852, and they have become the parents of ten children. namely: Emma N .. the wife of Frank Koonze, of Harrison township, this county ; Charles H., of this review: Elsie MI., who married Wash Nichols, a resident of Mc- Arthur township, and died in 1895: Jennie. the wife of John I. Smith, of Lake town- ship: Effie S., wife of Charles Morris, of Stokes township: Mattie, wife of William. Jamison, of MeArthur township: Warner. who is single and resides with William Jamison: George, who is also single and lives in Lake township: and Harry and Vernon. still with their parents.

To the public schools of his native county Charles H. Dowell is indebted for the educational advantages he enjoyed. and he continued his studies until twenty years of age. Since leaving school he has en- gaged in teaming and farming, having early in life become familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He is a wide-awake, energetic young man and is meeting with well deserved success in his labors. Following in the political footsteps of his father, hte votes the Democratic ticket. and in religious faith he is a Methodist.

Mr. Dowell was married in 1896. to Miss Anna B. Stafford, who was born in Bellefontaine. on the 27th of August, 1877, the only child of .A. J. and .Altia D. ( Court-

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ney) Stafford. Her mother, who was born about 1845. died on the 18th of January, 1881. but her father is still living. He was born November 4. 1843, and was educated in the common schools. In politics he is a Republican and is a member of the Luther- an church. Mr. and Mrs. Dowell have three children : Alta May, born April 21. 1897: Mabel Fay, born October 5. 1899; and Glenn Coe. born April 28. 1902. Our subject and his wife began housekeeping on the Zanesfield pike, where they lived for four years and then moved to the homestead farm. Mr. Dowell then purchased ten acres of land in Lake township, one mile from Bellefontaine on the Rushsylvania pike. where they now have a pleasant and attract- ive home.

JOHN GREGORY.

John Gregory is one of the important factors in agricultural circles in Logan county, and his life is an exemplification of the term "the dignity of labor." The pos- sibilities that America offers to her citizens he has utilized, and though he came to this country in limited circumstances, he has steadily and perseveringly worked his way upward and is to-day one of the well-to-do farmers of Jefferson township.

Mr. Gregory was born on the 28th of December. 1834. in Somersetshire. Eng- land, of which county his parents, James and Elizabeth Gregory, were life long resi- dents, and there his parternal grandparents. Henry and Bettie Gregory, also made their home. the father and grandfather being both employed in the Young family. The edu- cational privileges of our subject were very

limited as at the age of seven years he be- gan earning his own livelihood by working for Mr. Young at a penny a day. His duty during the summer was to keep the spar- rows off of a field of wheat. while during the winter months he herded sheep and hogs, being thus employed for one year.

At the end of that time Mr. Gregory came to the new world. His uncle. John Taylor, having decided to come to America. our subject persuaded him to bring him a- long. he having worked for Mr. Taylor seven years in England. He promised to long. he having worked for Mr. Taylor sev- en years in England. He promised to work here three years to pay his passage. Cross- ing the Atlantic, Mr. Taylor proceeded at once to Ohio and purchased a farm in Mesopotamia township. Trumbull county. which our subject assisted to clear and culti- vate for three years without compensation. After that time he continued to work for his uncle for ten years, receiving ten dollars per month for his services, and was subse- quently in the employ of a Col. Tracy also Sabul Ensign, whose business was thresh- ing and moving buildings. Before leaving his uncle, however, he had purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres and in 1854 he sold that place with the in- tention of going to California, but having fallen in love with Miss Catherine Koplin and that lady having consented to become his wife, they were married and he remained in Ohio. The wedding occurred December 23, 1854. in Trumbull county, on the coun- ty line.

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The historical review of Logan County, Ohio, Part 86

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