The history of Hardin county, Ohio, Part 120

Author: Warner Beers & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : Warner Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1076

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JEREMIAH NIXON, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born January 18, 1817, in Virginia. He is a son of William and Phœba (Wood) Nixon, the former of Irish and the latter of English descent. His father, a farmer, died be- fore our subject was five years old. His grandfather, Jeremiah Wood, was in the Revolutionary war. Our subject lived with his mother until nearly

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five years old. After his father died, his uncle took him to Virginia and kept him two years. His mother then brought him back to Ohio, and he lived with her four years. After she married again, he lived with her brother until he (our subject) married, when he went on a farm on his own account. He was reared on a farm and attended the common schools. He selected the occupation of a farmer for his living. In 1836, at the age of nineteen years, he married Jane Eliza Boyd, who was born in 1816, and is the daughter of John and Susan (Oyster) Boyd. Her mother died when she was but two years old. Two children have blessed this union-John B., a farmer, married, living on his farm in Allen County, and Samuel W., in Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Nixon are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where the former has been Steward and is still a Class Leader. In 1852, Mr. Nixon came to this county and settled on Section 5 in Liberty Township. He took the farm in the rough, and after hard work succeeded in clearing it, and now owns a well-improved farm. He had to go thirty miles to the mill. In politics, he is a Republican.

JOHN NOGLE, harness-maker, Ada, was born April 10, 1840, in Stark County, Ohio. He is a son of Jacob and Rebecca P. (Powel) Nogle, both nativos of Pennsylvania. His parents came to Ohio at an early day and settled in Stark County, where his father followed farming; the latter died in 1844. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm, receiving his education at the common schools of Stark and Columbiana Counties. At the age of nineteen years, he went to Plymouth, Ind., where he com- menced learning his trade of harness-maker, and then proceeded to South Bend, where he was employed at the trade. In 1861, he went into the bus- iness, but left the same year and enlisted in the Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company I, and served the full term. On his return from the war, he re-opened in his business, and has continued at it successfully ever since. He now owns an extensive stock for a town the size of Ada. Mr. Nogle married in 1864, Laura A. Urich, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio. They have five children-S. W., Cara A., Myrtle L. and Lenette. Mrs. Nogle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Nogle is a Republican in politics; was Councilman of Ada at one time, and is now fully occupied with his business.

A. F. NYE, barber, Ada, was born November 24, 1850, in Wyandot County, Ohio. His mother was Lucinda Cushman, who was born in Ohio and was of English descent. His father, George A. Nye, was born in Vir- ginia and was of German lineage. The latter came to Ohio when a mere lad and settled in Wyandot County with his father, Rev. Adam Nye, a pi- oneer preacher, who was a Captain in the war of 1812. The father of our subject was a soldier during the rebellion, and is still living, residing in Carey, Ohio. Our subject was one of a family of four; he was reared on the farm until fourteen years old, receiving a common school education and then learned the photograph business. In 1868, he left his former busi- ness and learned the trade of a barber, which he has followed since. He is in business with his brother, E. E. Nye. Our subject came to Ada in 1871, since which time he has had the misfortune to be burned out of his shop twice. In 1872, he married Anna, daughter of John Cunningham, of English descent. Four children have blessed this union, viz., Earl, Roy, Mabel and Sylva. Mr. Nye is a Republican in politics and is a Knight of Honor, and has filled all the chairs in Lodge No. 1882.

N. R. PARK, grain merchant, Ada, was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 8, 1840. He is a son of William and Mary (Riley) Park,

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the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. His mother was of German and his father of Scotch descent. Mr. Park was a farmer, and came to Ohio in 1836, settling in Knox County, where he married and brought up a family of eight children, all living. He was one of the con- tractors at the building of the Ohio Canal. Our subject received his edu- cation in the common schools of Hancock County and the High School of Findlay. He chose farming for his occupation, and to the eighty acres of land which he owned before the war he added until he owned 240 acres, all now sold. In 1861, he enlisted in the Western Sharpshooters, Sixty- sixth Rifle Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. At first a private, he was soon appointed Orderly Sergeant in Company H; then, in 1862, Second Lieu- tenant, and in 1863 he served as Ordnance officer of the left wing of the Sixteen Army Corps, on Gen. Dodge's staff. On his return home, he en- gaged in farming. In 1878, he came to Ada, and went into the grain bus-

iness with his brother. He also has an interest in the Ada City Mills. In 1859, Mr. Park married Miss S. E. Crawford, a daughter to E. S. and Lin- nie George, of Ohio, of German descent. They have six children, viz., W. R., Eva A., at high school, Mary L., Mina J., Almira E. and Roy J. Mr. and Mrs. Park are members of the Christian Church. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, a membership in the Blue Lodge, No. 344, and Ada Chapter, No. 138, of Ada, Ohio, and of Shawnee Commandery, No. 14, Knight Templars, of Lima, Ohio, and is a well-known citizen of Ada.

JOHN GAMBLE PARK, professor, Ada, was born in Orange Township, Hancock County, Ohio, September 20. 1849. His father is a wealthy farmer, who is well informed on almost all subjects, especially on Biblical history. The early years of the son were spent on the farm, attending the district school during the winter months; the fall of 1868, he entered the Normal Department of the Ada Union School. At the organization of the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, he entered into partnership with H. S. Lehr and B. F. Niesz, forming the faculty of the . Northwestern Ohio Nor- mal School. After the first building was completed, he began to teach, while at the same time he continued his studies. He was a close student, mastering every branch as he advanced. He is noted to-day as being broad and general in his views and education. In the fall of 1872, he entered Eureka College, Illinois, where he remained seven months. His work as a student in that college was highly commented on by the faculty. He finally completed his education in the school where he was a partner and a teacher. As a teacher, he has few equals. He is methodical and ana- lytical in his instruction, possessing that peculiar power which every true teacher should have of drawing and holding the pupil's attention. He married Miss Lida Wilson, an amiable and accomplished young lady stu- dent of the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, and daughter of H. H. Wil- son, a prominent and wealthy farmer of Hardin County, Ohio. In the winter of 1879, he entered into partnership with his only brother, N. R. Park, buying a large brick warehouse, since which time he has been a member of the firm of Park Brothers, and is now doing a thriving business. In the spring of 1882, he bought an interest in a Jarge flouring mill. He at- tended to his interest in all this business without slighting his work as a teacher in the Normal. Prof. Park is an active and prominent member of the Christian Church of Ada, an excellent instructor, a good business man and a gentleman of unblemished reputation and excellent moral character.

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HUGH PETERSON, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born in Adams County, Ind., July 7, 1852. He is a son of D. S. and Harriet (McDowell) Peterson, both natives of Ohio. His father has spent the greater part of his life in this State and Indiana, where he farmed until 1860, since which time he has been on the P., Ft. W. & C. Railroad, at present having charge of the line from Crestline to Lima. Hugh was educated at the schools of Fort Wayne and Lima. He spent a few years on the railroad, and then, in 1872, came to this county and bought, in connection with his father, 460 acres of land in Liberty and Washington Townships. He is a partner with his father, and takes the whole management of the farm, at which he has been unusually successful. He makes a specialty of grain. In 1882, he raised and shipped 3,900 bushels of wheat (they having a siding at their farm), and shipped 103 car loads of straw. On November 4, 1875, he was married to Mathilda Dearth, a native of Liberty Township, of which her father was a pioneer. They have three children-D. S., E. W. and May Prudence. In politics, Mr. Peterson is a Republican.

C. PUGH, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born in Highland County, Ohio, October 28, 1832. He is a son of Eli F. and Mary (Fenner) Pugh, both natives of Virginia and of German descent. Eli Pugh came with his fam- ily to Ohio and settled, in 1828, in Highland County. In 1837, he moved o Liberty Township. He brought up a family of five children, four sons; and one daughter. All the former are farmers, three living in this town- ship. The father of our subject died in 1878, but his mother is still living at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Our subject was brought up on the farm, on which he learned to work early in his youth, and has followed that occupation over since. He bought the first ten-horse power threshing machine, sold by Mr. Pitt, and then went into debt for eighty acres of land, determined to make the machine pay for the land. He finally suc- ceeded in his design, and he often relates the laughable incident that, at about the very day he accomplished his object, he left the machine in the field and he has never seen or heard of it since. Mr. Pugh is now a suc- cessful farmer, and owns 180 acres of land in this township. He was mar- ried, in 1860, to Huldah J. Runser, who was born in 1840, and is a daugh- ter of Andrew and Isabella (McDowell) Runser. Her parents now reside in Marion Township. Four children have blessed this union-Frank C., Wilbur G. Idella B. and Hattie P. Mr. Pugh has been Township Trustee for three years, and a member of the School Board for sixteen years. Mr. Pugh does not belong to any political party, but votes according to his idea of the best candidate, be he Democrat or Republican.

HENRY PUGH, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born in 1841 in Logan Coun- ty, Ohio. He is a son of Eli and Mary (Fenner) Pugh, both natives of Vir ginia and of Welsh descent. His father, a farmer, came to Ohio in 1842 and settled on Section 32, in Liberty Township. He had a family of eight children, of whom five are living. He died in 1879. Our subject learned farming for his occupation, and has followed it through life. He was mar- ried, in 1861, to Elizabeth Hullibarger, a native of Perry County, and a daughter of Morgan Hullibarger, of German lineage. Three children re- sulted from the union-S. A., Ella and William. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The latter is a Democrat in politics, and has been Trustee of the township for three years.

MARTIN V. PUGH, farmer, P. O Ada, was born March 14, 1843, in Logan County, Ohio. He is a son of Eli and Mary (Fenner) Pugh, of whom notice is made in the sketch of Henry Pugh, a brother of our subject. His

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mother, who is in her eighty-fourth year, is residing with Martin. She had a family of eight children, five of whom grew up, viz., Catherine, wife of Jacob High, a farmer in Illinois; Cornelius, a farmer in Liberty Town- ship; James, Justice of the Peace, residing in Iowa; Henry and Martin V. Our subject received his education from the common schools, and learned farming for his occupation. In 1864, he married Lydia Klingler, of Perry County, a daughter of George and Emeline (Overmire) Klingler, both na- tives of Ohio and of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Three children have blessed this union-Mary Jane, George E. and Mertle. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Pugh owns 155 acres of good land in Liberty Township. In politics, he is a Democrat.

A. REAM, manufacturer, Ada, was born December 10, 1821, in Stark County, Ohio. He is a son of Philip and Mary (Altman) Ream, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, George Ream, was in the Revolutionary war, under Gen. Washington; he was also one of the number sent out to quell Shay's whisky rebellion. The father of our subject came to Ohio at a time it was a Territory, and settled on Bull Creek, Columbiana County. In 1806, he moved with his family to Stark County. At the time of his death, in 1852, he was the owner of 350 acres of land. Our subject was one of a family of thirteen, and received, with his brothers and sisters, an education from the common schools. He lived on the farm up to the age of twenty-five years, spending the winters of the last two or three of these years in teaching school. He then em- barked in mercantile business and opened a general store, which he con- tinued for thirty one years with great success. He then went into man- ufacturing business, in company with others, in which he failed in a few years, losing nearly the whole of his property. In 1846, he was united in marriage with Anna E. Miller, of German descent. They have seven chil- dren-Phillip W., a telegraph operator and also a teacher of telegraphy; Henry D., who is well off and owns an extensive planing mill in Ottawa; Mary C., wife of R. S. Shanks, a farmer and school teacher; Isaac Newton, working with his brother at Ottawa; Jacob B., carriage builder; Levi O., and Anderson W., teacher of telegraphy. Mrs. Ream is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

W. L. REECE, banker, Ada, was born April 8, 1833, in Highland County, Ohio. He is a son of William Reece, of Welsh and English de- scent. Our subject received his education from the common schools. Up to the age of seventeen years, he was on the farm, working by the month in the summer, and in winter chopping wood and clearing off land; all at the salary of $10 a month. In 1850, he went to Iowa, where he was engaged as a clerk in a general store, at a salary of $6 per month. Remaining there for several months, he left for a situation at brick-making, receiving $15 monthly and board. He afterward returned to Ohio, where he remained until 1857. The winter following was spent in hunting, during which he passed through many narrow escapes, at one time having his horse shot from under him by the Indians. In 1858, he came to Hardin County, and, in company with Nathan Ahlefeld, opened a general store in Ada, but shortly after dis- solved partnership and continued alone till 1859, when he was joined by H. J. Gilbert. After the war began, he and his partner enlisted in the Ohio National Guards. Mr. Reece served most of the time in West Virginia. He was Third Sergeant in his company, and then was promoted to Orderly Sergeant. He was always a faithful soldier, never fleeing from danger or duty. In 1864, on his return home, he re-opened in mercantile trade, and

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continued in the business until 1869, when, in company with I. McJunkin and E. Sanford, he organized and opened the Exchange Bank, in which he now takes full charge. In 1858, he married Henrietta V. Bodge, a native of Franklin County and daughter of John Bodge, a prominent farmer. Of the five children that have blessed this union, three are living-Lenna A., wife of S. S. Clayton, a prominent merchant; William, at school, and Ear- nest H. Mr. and Mrs. Reece are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former has been Class Leader and Trustee in the church most of the time since 1865, and for twelve years he was Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sabbath School. Altogether, Mr. Reece is a noted man in Ada. For six years he served as Postmaster, having been appointed by President Buchanan; was a freight agent for four years; was a Town- ship Treasurer and Corporation Treasurer; is a charter member of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 344, and is a member of the School Board in Ada. In business, he is prudent and cautious, and his success is shown by the hand- some fortune he has accumulated.

ROBERT REEDY, butcher, Ada, was born April 13, 1845, in Fair- field County, Ohio. He is a son of Samuel and Isabella (Works) Reedy, both natives of Ohio, the former of Dutch, the latter of English descent. He received a common school education and learned the trade of butcher, which occupation he has followed through life. In 1864, he enlisted in the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company B, in Logan County, and was discharged at the close of the war, after being in several battles and skirmishes. In 1878, he married Miss M. E. Redman, a daughter of Robert Redman, of English descent. They have one child-Albert. Since Mr. Reedy has been in Ada, six years, he has amassed several thousands of dollars, and is partner in two butcher shops, and is also the owner of some town property, all secured by his own exertions.

LEONIDAS RICHESON, manufacturer, Ada, was born July 17, 1848, in Clinton County, Ohio. He is a son of William and Martha (Darbyshire) Richeson. His mother was born in Pennsylvania, and was of English de- scent; his father was born in Virginia, and is of English and Irish line- age. His father was brought up on a farm, and is still following that hon- orable calling, and now resides in Logan County, Ohio. Our subject was raised on the farm, and attended the common schools of Logan County. At the age of fifteen years, he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and fought in several battles under Gen. Sherman and Gen. Thomas, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio. At the close of the rebellion, he commenced to manufacture bricks, and was em- ployed in Logan County and other portions of the State of Ohio. In 1873, he came to Ada and commenced the manufacture of bricks and drain tiles, which he is still manufacturing in large quantities. In 1873, he married Eliza J. Matheny, a daughter of Charles and Verlinda (Morgan) Matheny. They had seven children, four of whom are living- Armilda M., Verlinda I., William E. and Lillie E. Mr. Richeson is a member if the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows and Encampment.

C. F. RIES, stove dealer, Ada, was born June 30, 1836, in Germany. In 1854, when eighteen years of age, he emigrated to America and went to Kenton, Obio, unable to speak a word of English. At first, he worked by the month on a farm, and then, being better able to converse in English, he went to Cincinnati, whence he proceeded to Kentucky, where he remained for five or six years. Returning to Ohio, he stayed until 1861, at which time he enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company D, in

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which he served until 1864, having been a hero in several hard-fought bat- tles. On his return to Kenton, he was appointed Provost Marshal, in which position he remained until his removal to Ada in 1865, where he opened a grocery store in company with Ben Elberson. A year after, he bought out his partner, and continued by himself until 1874, when he sold out and proceeded to Kenton, and engaged in the hardware business for one year, at the end of which time he returned to Ada, and there started a hardware store. In 1881, Mr. Ries sold out a part of his business and has since carried on the remainder. He is the owner of 320 acres of land in Hardin County, of four business houses in Ada, and also his house and some town lots in Ada, all of which are owing to his unaided exertions. On Decem- ber 28, 1875, Mr. Ries married Emma Stivers, who is of German descent and a native of Hardin County. They have one child-Laura Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Ries are members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Ries was formerly a Democrat, until he went to Kentucky, where his political sentiments changed, and he has since been a Republican. He has been a member of the Town Council of Ada, and is regarded by his friends as being thorough- ly sincere in all his opinions and a citizen of great worth.

WILLIAM ROWLES, born in Alleghany County, Md., March 14, 1837, emigrated to Allen County, Ohio, with his parents in the year 1847. Here he resided until the late war broke out, when he enlisted, August 19, 1861, for three years, or during the war. He participated in the battles of Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and in all the campaigns from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and was discharged Sep- tember 21, 1864, returning to Ada, Hardin Co., Ohio, where he has since resided up to this date-July 9, 1883.

C. E. ROWLEY, minister, Ada, was born August 25, 1843, in Warren County, Ohio, near the village of Red Lion. His father, Enos Rowley, a carpenter and farmer, was born August 25, 1795, near Albany, N. Y. He is still living, and resides with the subject of our sketch. The mother of our subject was of German lineage, 'and was a native of New York; her maiden name was Susan Montgomery, and she died in 1852, having been suddenly killed by being thrown from a buggy while on her way to visit a sick daughter in Summit County, Ohio. Our subject received the rudiments of his education in Ashland County, and attended the school at Mount Union and also Oberlin College. S. H. Lehr, the President of Ada Normal College, was his room-mate at one time. After leaving school, he went West, where he engaged in holding musical conventions in Iowa and Illi- nois, remaining five or six years in the West. In 1872, he returned to Ohio, and accepted a position in the Ada Normal School, where, for five years, he was Instructor in Elocution and Vocal Music. Since 1876, he has been a minister, and has organized two churches during his service. He is now a regular minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church at Ada. In 1866, he married Miss Hattie L. Munn, of Massachusetts and a daughter of Charles Munn. Her mother's maiden name was Mary A. Barlow. Mrs. Rowley is a teacher in the Normal School, of Instrumental and Vocal Music. She is remarkably successful as a teacher, and showed a talent for music when a child. In politics, Mr. Rowley is a Prohibitionist, and has become a member of the Masonic fraternity since he has been in Ada, but a renunciation of which fraternity he made in 1875, soon after his conver- sion to God. The Rev. Mr. Rowley has very pleasant manners, and his voice is clear and impressive. He. possesses great weight and decision of character, and is beloved and esteemed by all of his congregation.

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JOHN RUNSER, deceased, was born August 26, 1819, in France, and died April 5, 1875, in Hardin County, Ohio. He was a son of Serphen Runser. He emigrated to America in 1830, and settled in Stark County, Ohio, where he followed his trade of shoe-maker. He afterward moved to Liberty Township, and settled on a farm of eighty acres on Section 34. He carried on farming, and was a teacher in the schools. In 1858, he mar- ried Elizabeth, daughter of George Epley. To this union there were born four children -- Leonidas Andrew, Hulda Jeannette, Francis L. and Mary Ida. Mrs. Runser is a member of the Reformed German Church. In politics, Mr. Runser was a Republican, and served as Trustee of his township. He died of a disease contracted in the army. He was in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, Company I, and fought in only one bat- tle. Mr. Runser was a scholarly man, and during the time he was teach- ing was adding to his library, in which he had a choice collection of books. He left a farm of eighty acres, which is being worked by his sons.

B. W. RUTLEDGE, farmer, P. O. Ada, was born December 24, 1826, in Hardin County, Ohio. He is a son of Richard and Mary (Lewis) Rut- Jedge, the latter a native of Kentucky and of English descent. Richard Rutledge is also of English descent, and is a native of Maryland; he was a pioneer of Hardin County, where he was a farmer. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and received a common school education; for his oc- cupation he chose farming, which he followed all his life, and from which he has now retired. He was also a merchant in Ada for several years. He owns a farm of 200 acres. In 1847, Mr. Rutledge married Caroline Mc- Ginnis, who bore him six children, four of whom are living, viz., Clara, Laura, William Henry and Richard A. Mrs. Rutledge died in 1864. Mr. Rutledge was united in marriage a second time, in 1865, to Mrs. Schockey, a widow, whose maiden name was Catherine Patterson. She is a daughter of Samuel Patterson, a farmer, who came to Hardin County in 1836, Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former is a Royal Arch Mason.

P. K. SALES, dry goods merchant, Ada, was born December 17, 1841, in Xenia, Ohio. He is a son of Richard and Harriet (Kirk) Sales, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Dayton, Ohio. Richard Sales, his father, was a pioneer of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He came to Ohio in 1804, and settled in Greene County. He was a farmer and a merchant, and for years did business in Dayton. The sub- ject of this sketch received his education from the graded schools. At the age of twenty, he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Ohio Zouaves, Company F, and served three years and four months. He fought in ten battles, and was always on duty. At the end of the war, he traveled through the Territories for two years. He then carried on farming, and in 1873 came to Ada and opened in the dry goods business, in company with John F. Reed, which partnership continued up to 1876, when he carried it on by himself. His place of business is now in the Young Block, on Main street. In 1868, he married Anna Maynard. They have three children- Carrie, Lara and Ralph R. Mr. and Mrs. Sales are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sales is a Trustee of the church, is a member of the Masonic order and also member of the Ada Town Council. In politics, he is Republican.

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The history of Hardin county, Ohio, Part 120

Author: Warner Beers & co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago : Warner Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1076

Author: Warner Beers & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : Warner Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1076