USA > Ohio > Clark County > The history of Clark County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, V. 2 > Part 38
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HERMAN L. KOBELANZ, farmer; P. O. Springfield; is the son of Frederick and Margareta M. Kobelanz, and was born on the old homestead, near Springfield, March 4, 1844; grew up on the farm where he now lives. and received a common-school education. He was married, July 29, 1874, to Anna M. Gram, daughter of Cornelius and Martha Gram, of which union three children have been born, viz., Clara Belle, Edwin and Blanche. Mr. Kobelanz is engaged largely in farming and raising stock, and is one of the stirring, intelligent and enterprising young men of the county; he is an unas- suming. retiring man. yet fully alive to the spirit of the nineteenth century, and keeps well apace with the events of the day.
JOHN H. KOBELANZ. farmer; P. O. Springfield. He was born in Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, March 15, 1839; he has always lived at home, and now occupies the old homestead, which is located in the northwestern part of Springfield Township; he is a son of Frederick and Margaretta M. Kobelanz. He was married. Dec. 21. 1871, to Annie M. Snyder, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Kunkle) Snyder: their children are Elva May, Charles E. (deceased at the age of 2 years), John H., Daisy A. and Anna M .. Mrs. Kobelauz was born in Pennsylvania July 11, 1841: she came to Clark Cc, Ohio, in 1861, on a visit. and was so well pleased with the country and people that she concluded to make this county her future home.
WILLIAM L. LAFFERTY, grocer, Springfield, Ohio. Among the repre- sentative business men of Springfield, none are more worthy of mention than. Mr. Lafferty, of the firm of Burns & Lafferty. He was born in this county Aug. 13, 1844; is a son of Samuel J. and Catherine (Carson) Lafferty, Samuel a native of Pennsylvania, and Catherine a native of Ohio. In 1850, they moved to Iowa, and in less than one year death called them to the spirit land, within three weeks of each other. William, being left an orphan by the death of both father and mother, his grandfather, William Lafferty, then a resident of Clark Co., Ohio, brought our subject and his brother Samuel back to this county. When William was 13 years old, he emigrated with his grandfather to Illinois; shortly after their arrival in Illinois, the grandfather died. when William re- turned to Springfield, Ohio, within six months from the time he had left. He was engaged on a farm until 1863, when he enlisted in the SBth O. V. I. and served a three-months' term of service, and in 1864 went out with the 146th O. N. G .; after his return from the army, he clerked in a clothing store ten years, and in a hat, cap and shoe store two years; was a partner in the shoe store part
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of the two years. He entered into partnership with his present partner. Mr. Burns, in November, 1875, and started their grocery on High street, where they keep a full line of first-class family groceries; they are not only gentlemen of integrity, but polite and pleasant to all their customers: a leading virtue of this firm is honorable and upright dealing. Mr. Lafferty was married, Oct. 3, 1871, to Miss Katie Jayne, daughter of Gabriel and Sarah (Feigley) Jayne; they have two promising boys-Frank J. and George M. Mrs. Lafferty was born in this county Dec. 21, 1851. Mr. Lafferty has risen to his present financial position from that of a poor boy, saving his money from year to year when a boy. instead of spending it foolishly. He is a P. C. and Master of Exchequer of Moncrieffe Lodge, No. 33, K. of P .; he was District Deputy G. C. two terms of said organ- ization; he is also a member of Division No. 6 of the Uniform Rank of K. P. During the time Mr. Lafferty was clerking, he took a commercial course by re- citing at nights.
STEWART A. LASLEY, iron manufacturer, Springfield. Among those who have adopted the "Champion City " as their home, and contributed to its wealth and social attractions, is the family of S. A. Lasley. He is a native of this State: was born in Gallia County in 1803: his youth and early manhood were spent on a farm. In 1825, he married Cynthia MeCumber, of Cheshire, Gallia County. he continued farming until about 1835, when he began mer- chandising; he started in a modest way, in Vinton, in his native county, and continued in business there about eighteen years: his business was prosperous, and he had in the meantime purchased an interest in the Buckeye and Iron Valley furnaces, and has since, with the exception of a single short interval, owned an interest in some one or more of the iron furnaces of that section. In 1856, he removed to Portsmouth, where he acted as agent several years for the productions of the Buckeye furnace. In 1861, he removed to Gallipolis, where he resided during the war, being associated with Col. Moulton in furnishing supplies for the army. After the close of the war, he spent about two years at the Buckeye furnace, then came to Springfield, and, having purchased his hand- some residence property, southwest corner of High and East streets, which he then christened "Lincoln Heights," adopted this city as his home. This prop- erty is in the form of an oblong square, fronting on High street, and contains about 2 acres; is handsomely improved, and presents a very attractive appear- ance. Mr. Lasley's first wife died in 1846. having borne him five children, two of whom died in infancy: a son, Hiram G., resides at Welliston, Jackson County. and is also connected with the furnaces of that section: one daughter is the wifesof Amos Wilson, M. D., a resident of Iowa; another daughter is the wife of David Stephenson. of Clifton, W. Va., who is also connected with the mining interests. Mr. Lasley's present wife, nee Miss Rachel E. Dunlap, of Antram, N. H., was a teacher in younger days, and is a lady of intelligence and social culture: their marriage was celebrated June 8, 1848: they have two chil- dren, a grown-up son and daughter-John F. and Mary E., both of whom are at home, and are accomplished members of Springfield society. Mr. Lasley now owns an interest in the Milton furnace, and is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Chattanooga. Tenn., of which his nephew, W. P. Rathburn, is President. Although advanced in years and retired from active business. Mr. Lasley takes a deep interest in public affairs. His first vote for President was cast in 1824, and he has not failed to vote at each succeeding Presidential con- test; he was a Whig in early days, and has been an ardent supporter of the Republican party since its organization. In 1861, although nearly 60 years of age, he volunteered as a member of a company of about sixty who were organ- ized by and under the command of Lewis Newsom, a General of militia: this company was for the protection of the vast Government stores then at Gallip-
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olis, and were afterward handsomely complimented for their "valuable serv ices," by the Governor, and were again called into service as "squirrel-hunters" during Morgan's memorable raid.
HENRY C. LAYBOURN. Posimaster and grocer, Lagonda. Mr. Lay- bourn was born in this county March 3, 1844, and lived bere until 1856, when he moved with his parents to Champaign, where he remained till 1873, when they returned to this county and located in Lagonda; he was married, Oct. 2. 1873. to Sarah L. White, daughter of James. H. and Harriet White, who were early settlers of Champaign Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Laybourn have two chil- dren, Alberta and Charles W. Mr. Laybourn is an active member and a Past Grand of Ephraim Lodge, No. 146; also a Patriarch of Mad River Encamp- ment, No. 16, I. O. O. F., and a member of the Uniformed Patriarchs of said Encampment: he is also a leading member of the United Brethren Church of Lagonda, and is one of the Stewards of said church. In 1863, during the late rebellion, he enlisted in the 66th O. V. I. and served to the close of the war. when he was honorably discharged; he was wounded at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. After his location in Lagonda, he worked two years in the shops and then started the grocery under the firm name of John C. Laybourn & Sons. His wife was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, June 29, 1852. Jonn C. Laybourn, Henry's father, was born in this county in ISIS. Jolin C.'s wife, Alvira McCollum. was born in Kentucky and came to Clark County in 1820. John C. and Alvira have had but two children, Henry C. and John M. In 1878, Henry was appointed Postmaster at Lagonda, being the first Postmas- ter of that place: he is an honorable, upright gentleman, of good moral and religious habits. They keep a full line of staple groceries, and are gentlemanly and polite to all.
JOHN E. LAYTON .* City Wood Measurer and Infirmary Director, Spring- field. Mr. Layton is one of Clark County's oldest and most worthy landmarks. having been for many years identified with the interests; born 10th of August, 1822, seven miles west of Springfield, in Bethel Township: at 18 he commenced farming on his own account, having lost his father at the age of 8 years: he abandoned farming for the Shrievalty of Clark County, which was tendered him by his friends in 1856, which office he held until JJan. 1, 1861; he then, with two associates. established a nursery business, under the name of Miller. Swan & Layton. in which he continued until 1864, serving in the meantime 100 days in the Union army. in Company E, of the 153d O.V. I .; from 1864 to 1868 he farmed again, when he sold his farm and came to Springfield, where he has for twelve years held the offices of City Wood Measurer, County Infirmary Di- rector, and for awhile Township Trustee. Mr. Layton married Miss Mary Ann. Swinhart, of this city, in 1844: they had a son and daughter. The son is a widower with one child, and the daughter, Mrs. Latta, has one child and lives in Noble Co., Ind. Mr. Layton is a member in good standing of Reed Commandery of Knights Templaf, of Dayton, Clark Lodge A .. F. & A. M., No. 101. of Springfield, and Springfield "Chapter" and "Council." Mr. Layton has vivid recollections of Jo Smith and his band of Mormons, when they came through this section of the country in 1835, and camped for several days near his home. Being a boy of 13, he was in their camp every day, and says his impressions of them were most favorable. Their thrift. cleanliness and unity was, he says. especially noticeable. Mr. Layton is getting to look venerable, his long iron gray beard and benign features, and no one can be found who will say anything against John Layton. He comes down from honest times and has not forgotten his early principles.
JAMES LEFFEL, deceased. Springfield. The career of James Leffel cuts an important figure in Springfield history, and although he passed * Since writing this biography Mr. Layton has died.
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from earthly scenes fourteen years ago, he is as fresh in the recollec- tion of many as if he had but died a month ago. He was one of those positive natures that makes itself felt in whatever sphere it may happen to exist. He was born in Botetourt Co., Va., April 19, 1806, hence was, at death, June 11, 1866, just turned three score; came with his parents to Ohio when 9 months old; fought his own way in life. On July 4, 1830, he cele- brated this National holiday by his marriage with Miss Mary A. Croft, born Nov. 7, 1813, and a native of Ohio. Of six sons and three daughters, only two sons now survive: Warren Leffel (born March 25, 1851), partner in the " Leffel
water wheel" interest, and Ed C. Leffel (July 4, 1957). Their daughter Eliza (now deceased) married Mr. John W. Bookwalter, who is now the head of the extensive water wheel interest: Frederick Loffel was a member of the military organization known as the "Squirrel Hunters" during the war, and died July 30, 1865; their oldest son was lost at sea. Mr. James Leffel was a natural mechanic and an inventive genius, and to him is due the credit of erect- ing the first foundry in the vicinity of Springfield, which was situated near Buck Creek bridge, two miles west, and completed on Jan. 1, 1840. So great was the increase of his business he found it necessary to build another, which be located north of Springfield, and completed in the spring of 1846. The same year, in company with one Richards, he built the Leffel & Richards ex- tension cotton mill on Barnett's water power; 1552 found him extensively in- terested in several manufacturing and mechanical enterprises, among which was the manufacture of stoves on his own patent-" The Buckeye" and the "Double Oven" stoves-both of which were very popular in their "day and generation." The foundry, which was a separate interest, was carried on under the name of Leffel, Cook & Blakeney; the stove interest was Leffel & Harrison. He had already, at this early date. gone into the manufacture of horse-power threshing machines, a patent lever jack and a patent water wheel, which was the early ancestor of the present celebrated turbine water wheel, which was perfected about the year 1862. and was subsequently put into a stock company of which James Leffel, James S. Goode. John Foos and John W. Bookwalter (his son- in-law), were the proprietors. Several minor changes occurred before his death which left his family abundantly provided for. His widow, Mrs. Mary Leffe!, retained, within a year or two. her interest in the manufacturing concern, but this important industry as now constituted, is conducted under the name of James Leffel & Co., and consists of John W. Bookwalter, Warren Leffel, Frank Bookwalter, and others, a fuller description of which will be found in the in- dustrial department of the history proper. Mr. Leffel was a man of unflagging, undeviating integrity, and a valuable element in any community. Mrs. Leffel is an unpretentious motherly woman, charitable and generous, and is only spoken of in terms of kindness and esteem. Such people as this worthy couple have made Springfield what it is.
JOSEPH LEFFEL. fruit and vegetable dealer, Springfield. There are few persons in Clark County who have not heard of Col. Joe Leffel, he being the smallest business man in Ohio, and, in fact, we might say, the United States, but his size has not been a bar to his success in life, as he has always been recognized as successful in everything he has undertaken. He was born in this county Sept. 21. 1533, and is the son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel. aud when an infant he was attacked by a disease which impeded his growth. and now in his 45th year he is but three feet ten inches in height. He was married March 16. 1576, to Sarah B. Meade, daughter of Alfred and Mary (Hatcher) Meade, who was born in this county Feb. 14, 1557, of which union two children have been the issue, viz., Joseph F. and Gilbert W. In 1865, Mr. Leffel opened a photograph gallery, in which he engaged one year, then went
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into the grocery business, at which he remained about the same time; was also in the bee culture for many years, and is at present engaged in the fruit and vegetable trade on West High street. His parents were large robust people, his father being over six feet in height, and the family are among the promi- nent pioneer farmers of Clark County.
ED C. LEFFEL, manufacturer, Springfield. This young enterprising manufacturer is the son of James (the inventor of the water wheel) and Mary Leffel. He was born in the city of Springfield, Ohio, July 4, 1557: he received his primary education in the public school of this city, then attended school in New Haven, Conn .; was also a student in the Highland Military Academy, of Worcester. Mass. He was married, Nov. 7, 1877, to Miss Lillian G. Horr, daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth (Morgan) Horr, who were one of the first families of Springfield. One bright, promising boy, James Calvin, has blessed the home of Ed C. and Lillian. In July, ISSO, Mr. Leffel began the manu- facture of the Croft Wind Engine, an invention which has been received by the public with great favor, and under Mr. Leffel's management bids fair to be a profitable invention to the manufacturer, as well as a blessing to the public, by supplying a long felt want. Mr. Leffel. although a young man yet, has seen much of the world, having visited all the principle cities of the East. His handsome brick residence is located on South Limestone street.
JAMES P. LEFFEL, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. "Father" Leffel is one of the few remaining pioneers who are yet left to relate the scenes and incidents of early pioneer life in this county. He was born March 29, 1799, on the banks of the Potomac River. in Berkeley Co .. Va. Of John and Margaret's eleven children. James is the only surviving one. When James was but 2 years old, his father died, when the care of the elever children de- volved upon the mother: at the age of 15, James hired out at $6 per month, to work on a farin, and at the age of 18 came to Ohio and to this county, bringing with him his mother and one brother. the rest of the children having come some three or four years before. On his arrival here he hired to his brother John to work in the mill. and at the end of four years went into partnership with his brother, and built the mill now owned by Henry Snyder: and after running this mill eight years, his health failed so much that he was obliged to quit mill- ing. He then sold his interest in the mill to his brother John and moved to Medway, where he remained two years, when he removed to his present home. He started for himself with no fortune except a good character and willing hands, and has maintained the same without a blemish. He owns 1,600 acres of land, besides a considerable amount of city property. He was married in 1822 to Elizabeth Miller: she departed this life Sept. IS, 1874. Of their ten children, six are now living, viz .. Michael. Martin. Joseph. Reuben, Elizabeth and Scott. He has twenty-five grandchildren.
MICHAEL LEFFEL. farmer: P. O. Springfield. Michael Leffel, son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel, was born in this county March 20, 1822, and was married June 6. 1844. to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Mary Cosler. They have had eight children, viz., Xarisa. James H .. Winfield. Antionetta, Leonidas, Mary. Adison and Elizabeth. Marisa was married. July 5. 156S. to James H. Drake: she died April 18, 1578: James was married, Jan. 1, 1574. to Rebecca L. Turner: they enjoyed their union but four short months. when death called her home: Antionetta was married. Sept. 10, 1974. to Joseph t.
Mary was married. Nov. 18. ISSO, to Milton Crabill. Mrs. Michael Leffel was bern Dec. 5, 1522, in Montgomery C., Ohio: her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio and to this county in 1806. Mr. Leffel fol- lowed farming all his life and has always resided in this county, except eight years that he lived in Miami Co., Ohio. He now lives three and a half miles
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south of Springfield on the Yellow Spring Pike, where he is engaged quite ex- tensively in farming and pays special attention to the raising of Poland-China breed of hogs. James is a Patriarch of Springfield Encampment, No. 16, I. O. O. F., and is at present, traveling for one of Springfield's enterprising manu- facturing establishments.
REUBEN W. LEFFEL, farmer; P. O. Springfield; son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel; was born in this county May 9, 1836; he lived with his parents until 1862, when he moved to his present home. He was married Jan. 21, 185S. to Rachel, daughter of John and Mahala (Myres) McClelland. They have four children, viz .. Adda M .. Hester A., Charles R. and Stella E. Mrs. Leffel was born in Greene County July 28. 1822: her parents were natives of Kentucky, and came to Ohio in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Reuben W. have a pleasant home and a fine family of children; the girls take great delight in ornamenting the home to make it not only cheerful and pleasant, but attractive. Mr. Leffel engages largely in farming and stock raising, and makes a specialty of breeding Jersey cattle; he is a member in good standing of Springfield Lodge. No. 33, I. O. O. F .: also a Patriarch of Mad River Encampment, No. 16, I. O. O. F .; he and his good wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN LECTY. baicher and tallow chandler, Springfield. John Leuty is a sturdy. whole-souled Englishman, hailing from Murton-Cum Grafton, York- shire, where he was born in 1808, coming to Springfield in 1832, previous to his departure. however, being united in marriage with Miss Mary Anderson, which occurred on April 14. 1832, at Masham, in Yorkshire; by this union there was but one child. a son, named John, whom they lost. By Mr. Leuty's second marriage to Miss Sarah Grant (Jan. 7, 1839), he has had a large family of ten sons and two daughters, one-half of which number have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Leuty's living children mentioned in order of their ages, are: George, born Jan. 8, 1843: Henry, born Feb. 1, 1845; William Houseman, born-June 25, 1850; Sarah Jane, born August 14, 1856; Albert Livingston, born March 6, 1860; and James Lewis, born July 10, 1862. All the sons, save the youngest, are associated with their father in business, Henry and William being partners. Sarah Jane married Samuel Kilpatrick Oct. 18, 1875, and is the mother of a son and a daughter. Three of Mr. Leaty's sons were in the army; John was a member of Capt. Spark's Company of the 45th O. V. I., and died at Urbana since the war; Henry was one of T. Kilby Smith's regiment of zouaves, of the 54th O. V. I., and George belonged to the "Squirrel Hunters." so well remembered as an organization having its origination in the alarm created by the approach of John Morgan and his threatened invasion of Ohio. Mr. Leuty learned his trade with John and William Williamson, of Mashaw, Eng., from the age of 14 to 21. He married in 1832, after which he emigrated to America, spent one night in Springfield on his way to Dayton, where he worked in various capacities. Returning to Springfield in March. 1838, he- worked for William Middlebrook, awhile afterward forming a copartnership with William Grant, who subsequently became his brother-in-law. and this partnership continued for a quarter of a century. After its dissolution he estab- lished business alone, taking in his sons as they got old enough, until it has be- come quite a family affair. Now at advanced age. he and Mrs. Leuty live in er- "ort in their pleasant home. 252 West Columbia street. surrounded by a lange, interesting and harmonious family: they are a cordial, whole-souled couple, and most highly respected by all who know them. He is a member of Ephraim Lodge, No. 146. I. O. O. F .. and of the leading temperance . organiza- tion; he has no brothers or sisters but two half-brothers by the family name of Houseman.
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JACOB B. LISLE, foreman of Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly's machine works; is a son of Lemuel Lisle, who was one of the pioneers of Ohio; he was a native of North Carolina. but went to New Orleans about the time the war of 1812 began, and there enlisted for eighteen months and came North and joined the forces under Gen. Harrison: was at the battle of Lower Sandusky and iden- tified with other operations of the army in Northwestern Ohio: after the close of the war he went to Pennsylvania, and there married Anna Dearinger, iu 1816; soon after came to Ohio by Pittsburgh and coming down the river to Portsmouth. then to the vicinity of Chillicothe, where he resided until 1829, in which year he pushed on to the frontier locating near the source of the Miami. in Logan County, then an almost unbroken wilderness. There the subject of this sketch was born. in 1830, and reared amid the scenes and incidents of pio- neer life; his youth was spent in the usual way of farmers' sons; after he be- came of age he entered a machine shop in Urbana as an apprentice, in which he served the usual three years and worked in the same shop as a hand six years; subsequently worked in the Leffel works here: in 1865, he became a part- ner in a plow works at Urbana, but sold out the following year and returned to Springfield and took charge of E. P. Beckel's water wheel works. where he remained until the spring of 1569, when he accepted the position of foreman of initery, Females a Kelly's shops, which he has since continued to hold, being pre-eminently fitted by his experience, skill and ability to assume the responsi- ยท bilities consequent upon so extensive a charge; he has enjoyed in a marked degree the confidence of his employers and the respect of the men under his charge; he is a gentleman of good general information and respected as a citizen; his . residence is No. 97 West High street, and is a neat, commodious property which, by its furnishings. indicate refinement and comfort. He married July 2, 1857, Alma J. Cochran: she is a native of Union County: her parents were James and Elizabeth (Reed) Cochran: both the Cochran and the Reed families were among the earliest of the Big Darby settlers. This union has been blessed with three sons -- Justice D., Lemuel B. and Howard C .; th , first named is just arriving at majority, and is now attending medical lectures at Philadelphia.
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