The history of Hardin county, Ohio, Part 89

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

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FAYETTE SCHOONOVER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Tioga County, N. Y., in 1825. His parents were Joseph and Margaret (Decker) Schoonover, natives of the State of Delaware, and who came to Hardin County in 1838, settling on the Saylor farm, and were among the first to pay a tax on land. Joseph Schoonover resided in the same neighborhood until his decease in 1804; he had been preceded by his wife in 1853. They reared a family of ten children, five of whom are now living, the sub- ject of this sketch being the next to the youngest. In 1846, Mr. Fayette Schoonover was married in Hardin County to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Richard F. and Catherine Holmes, pioneers of Hardin County in the year 1839. Mr. Holmes died July, 1852; his widow is still living, and has at- tained the eightieth year of her age. Mr. Schoonover and his wife have had a family of fifteen children, four of whom are living, viz., Mary, wife of Calvin Hickernell, resident of Ada, Iva, Richard H. and Frank. Mr. Schoonover has held various offices of trust, and is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Class Leader for thirty years.

HENRY W. SENEY, attorney, Kenton, was born in Tiffin, Ohio, in 1847, and is a son of Joshua and Ann (Ebbert) Seney, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. His parents were pioneers of Seneca County and early settlers of Tiffin. Joshua Seney was a lawyer, as well as his father before him, whose name was also Joshua. The latter was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland. Joshua, father of our subject, at the early age of fifteen years, was private Secretary to Albert Gallatin, who was Secretary of the United States Treasury under Jefferson. Joshua Seney was a graduate of Columbia College, New York, and was a practic- ing lawyer in Seneca County, Ohio, where he died in 1854. He served the county as Treasurer and Clerk of the Courts. The subject of this sketch attended the common schools of Tiffin, also the Notre Dame University at South Bend, Ind., and Heidelberg College at Tiffin, Ohio. He took a com- mercial course at Cleveland, Ohio, proceeding thence to Cincinnati, where he was engaged in the Merchants' Union Express office. He was subse- quently engaged as book-keeper by Patterson Brothers, with whom he con- tinued for three years. In 1871, he came to Ada and read law under his brother's instruction at Tiffin for two years. He was admitted to the bar in September, 1873, by the District Court at Kenton, and commenced to prac- tice in partnership with Mr. Johnson, of Kenton. On January, 1880, this patrnership was dissolved and Mr. Seney has since pursued his calling alone. His name was presented in the Convention for District Judge in 1880, and again in 1882, but he withdrew his name. Mr. Seney was mar- ried in January of 1870 to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Allen Cullum, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Two children have been born to this union-Allen J. and Elma B. Mr. Seney's brother at Tiffin, Ohio, is a Congressman, and was elected Judge of the common Pleas Court when in his twenty-seventh year. He ranks among the prominent practitioners of the State. Another brother, Joshua R., of Toledo, also a lawyer, was elected Judge when thirty-one years old, in a Republican district. He is a graduate of Union College, New York, and is widely known as a talented scholar and a suc- cessful lawyer. In politics, Mr. Seney is, like his father before him, a Democrat. The Hon. George I. Seney, of New York, is a cousin of our subject.

W. H. SEYMOUR, grain and produce merchant, Kenton, was born in Susquehanna County, Penn., in 1822. His parents, John and Sarah

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(Thatcher) Seymour, were natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts re- spectively, and moved to Ohio in 1825, settling in Ridgefield Township, Huron County, and were among the earliest pioneers there. Here, in the wilderness, our subject was stolen by the Indians when a child and hidden in a log, but was afterward bought by his father and taken home. His parents both died at the same time, in the spring of 1882, at the ages of ninety and eighty-six years, respectively. Our subject came to this county in 1851, and engaged in merchandising and stock-raising in Jackson Township, and, since 1860, has dealt in produce and stock. He is the senior member of the firm of Seymour & Son, and formerly did business in an old building on the site of his present elevator, which succeeded the old structure in 1881. The new elevator is seventy-five feet high, fifty-eight feet long and twenty- three feet wide, with a capacity of 33,000 bushels. Our subject was married in Huron County, Ohio, in 1844, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Elijah Bemis, a native of Huron County. To this union have been born four children, all of whom are living, viz., Eliza M., John, the junior member of the firm, Hattie and William H. Mr. Seymour is an Elder of the Presbyterian Church, and is an esteemed citizen and active business man of Kenton.

CHARLES H. SHANAFELT, merchant, Kenton, was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1855. He is a son of Henry and Catherine Shanafelt, natives of Hagerstown, Md., who settled in Stark County over fifty years ago, and were among the early pioneers of that county, where they ended their days. His father, although a lawyer, chiefly followed farming. He served the county as Sheriff, besides filling other offices of trust. Of the nine children born to him five are living, our subject being the youngest. The latter was reared on the homestead until twelve years of age, after which he traveled around extensively, finally coming to Kenton, Ohio, which he has since made his home. He is senior member of the firm of Shanafelt & Kuert, in the manufacture of the Kenton Pressed Brick, in which the firm has invested about $10,000. They have built up a reliable trade, and have a complete stock of china, earthen, glass and plated ware, etc. Our subject was formerly of the firm of the same name in the "China Hall," which was established in 1876, and carry a stock of about $10,000 in the store. He disposed of his interest in this business in March of 1882, and has been succeeded by John Reely. Mr. Shanafelt has been largely engaged in real estate transactions during his connection with this firm, and as a business man has made a host of friends who will regret his de- parture from the business field of Kenton.

THEODORE SHINDEWOLF, furniture dealer, Kenton, was born in Hesse, Germany, in the year 1840. He is a son of Ferdinand Shindewolf. When fourteen years of age, he emigrated to the United States, having, at the time, an elder brother, William, in New York, also one, Philip, in Kenton, both of whom are now residents of this county. Our subject came to Kenton and learned cabinet-making of Mr. Dorn, who was at that time in the business. He worked at his trade until 1868, when he established himself in business in Ada, Ohio, residing there until 1874. In 1878, he erected the building and store he is now occupying. He carries a stock of from $3,000 to $4,000, manufacturing all kinds of furniture, besides car- rying on an undertaking business. He was married in Kenton in 1864 to Miss Barbara Pfeiffer, a native of Hardin County, of which her parents were early settlers. From this union there have resulted three children, George, John and Minnie. In 1863, Mr. Shindewolf enlisted in the Ohio National Guards, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth regiment, serving four

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months. He was in the skirmish on Maryland Heights, near John Brown's Schoolhouse, where the regiment remained until the expiration of service. For two years, Mr. Shindewolf has filled the office of Township Treasurer, being re-elected by a large majority for the second term. He is Secretary of the Reformed United Lutheran Church, and a member of the Independ - ent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Shindewolf is one of the stanch business men of Kenton, and is a popular and esteemed citizen.

H. M. SHINGLE, Superintendent of the Kenton Milling Co.'s Flouring Mills, Kenton, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1840. His father came with his family to Hardin County in 1853, and is now a resident of Cessna Township. Our subject was engaged in the grocery business in Kenton for some fifteen years, subsequent to which he was elected County Treasurer and re-elected in 1871; at the close of his second term of office, he bought an interest in the Kenton Milling Company, of which he has now the general supervision. For one year, he was cashier of Hardin Sav- ings Bank (now the First National), succeeding Mr. Espy May 10, 1877. During the rebellion, he was a member of the Eighty-second Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, serving on the field for one year. He afterward enlisted as First Sergeant in Company A, of the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, served four months and was promoted to the Second Lieutenancy. He fought in the battles of John Brown's Schoolhouse and Maryland Heights. In July of 1866, Mr. Shingle was married to Miss Nancy A., daughter of Jonas Combs, a pioneer of Hardin County and res- ident of Pleasant Township. There has resulted from this union six chil- dren, four living, viz., Bertie M., George O., Clara E. and Mabel V. The eldest and youngest of the children, H. Clay and Frank M., are deceased. Mr. Shingle and his family are members of and attend the Episcopal Church. He is at present a member of the Council from the First Ward.

REV. ANTHONY STANISLAUS SIEBENFOERCHER, Kenton, was born in Matrei, Tyrol, Austria, February 16, 1844, and is a son of Anthony and Anna (Seitz) Siebenfoercher, natives of Tyrol. The town of Matrei lies fifteen miles south of Inspruck, and hidden in the Alps, is one of the most romantic spots in Europe. In 1855, our subject left the scenes of his childhood, and with his parents emigrated from his fatherland to Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio. Prior to leaving his early home, he had attended the village school, and after coming to Ohio went a few terms for the pur- pose of becoming familiar with the English language. For the next seven years, he followed the ordinary avocations of life in earning his living, but from his earliest years he had a longing desire of one day entering the priesthood and devoting his life to God. At last the auspicious time ar- rived, and, in the spring of 1863, he entered St. Thomas Seminary, Nelson County, Ky. After remaining in that institution one year, he entered Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he diligently applied himself for seven years and six months. His efforts and sacrifices were at last crowned with success, and on the 21st of December, 1871, he was or- dained a priest of God's church by the Most Rev. John Baptist Purcell, the father of the Catholic Church in Ohio. Father Siebenfoercher was imme- diately appointed pastor of the "Immaculate Conception Church," Kenton, Ohio, where he has since labored zealously in building up the church of God. It would be impossible in this brief sketch to recount the good work accomplished by Father Siebenfoercher during the past twelve years, as the success attained has been beyond the most sanguine expectations of bis congregation. Suffice it to say that he found the church in debt and he

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paid it off; the congregation was divided and many had grown lukewarm in the faith, but he has united and solidified his flock and brought back to the fold most of the erring souls. No school existed when he took charge of the church, but in 1872 he established one, and bought St. Mary's Cemetery during the same year. In 1880, he erected a handsome brick residence for the Sisters, who teach the school, and, in the spring of 1883, added another valuable lot to the church property. With the passing years, many im- provements have been made that cannot be mentioned here, but through out his ministry he has displayed that same perseverance and determina- tion of character that was exhibited in his seminarian struggle of nine years, without money and possessing few friends, ere he reached the goal of his ambition, viz., the priesthood. The large number of his converts alone demonstrates that God has blessed his labors, while the comparative harmony and good will existing between the pastor and his flock is an in- vincible proof of the wisdom that has governed his actions during his long and fruitful pastorate.

JOHN R. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., in 1807. His parents, Peter and Catherine (Rhidenower) Smith, are both of German descent, and moved to Ohio in 1813, settling in Guernsey County, where they were the pioneers of the county and State. Mrs. Smith died in 1855, after rearing a family of twelve children, all liv- ing to attain maturity, nine now surviving, of whom our subject is the eld- est child. In 1833, the subject of this sketch went to Franklin County, Ohio, where he was a pioneer; moving thence to Groveport, near Columbus, but subsequently returning to his early home, coming to Hardin County in 1857 or 1858. In 1830, he was married in Guernsey County to Miss Mar- tha Hannah, a native of that county, to which union five children were born, all living, viz., Mary A., Catherine, Elizabeth, John and Andrew. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN SMITH, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, in 1835, and is the eldest son of Robert and Catherine (Houser) Smith. His mother is a daughter of John Houser, who erected the first saw mill, subsequently known as the Geary Mill, and which is now de- stroyed. He came in 1831 to Hardin County, where he was among the early manufacturers, and owned a farm one mile and a half east of Kenton. Our subject's parents were pioneers of Union County, Ohio, coming thence to Hardin County in 1831 and locating in Kenton. Four or five years after, they moved on the farm now occupied by our subject, consisting of 160 acres, which Robert Smith had entered at Bucyrus, Ohio, and for which he had paid $1.25 per acre, and he also purchased 120 acres in Noble County, Ind., in 1860, at present resided on by Thomas Smith. He died on this farm on January 16, 1862; his widow. who still survives, is in her sixty- seventh year. They had three children, our subject being the eldest, Thomas, residing in Noble County, Ind., and Mary A., who died in her fourth year. The subject of this sketch has always lived on the homestead which he had assisted his father in clearing. He was married January 1, 1865, to Miss Rannie M., daughter of Reson W. Myers and a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. This union has resulted in three children, two living, viz., Earl and Flora. The deceased is Willie. Mr. Smith has been identified in the prominent offices of the county, and served for twelve years as Clerk and School Director. He is a member of the Grange, as well as his wife, who is associated with the Church of the Disciples.

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JESSE SNODGRASS, physician, Kenton, emanates from one of the oldest and esteemed families of Hardin County. He is the eldest son of David and Catherine Snodgrass and was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1841. He began the study of his profession under the preceptorship of Dr. Philips, of Kenton, during which time the rebellion broke out and he enlisted, in 1862, as a private in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infan- try. He was subsequently detailed on the medical staff, serving for thir- teen months, and was afterward appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Eighth Tennessee, in which he labored to the close of the war. He did service on the battle-fields of Stone River, siege of Knoxville, Resaca, Atlanta cam- paign, Franklin, Nashville, Goldsboro, Raleigh, and other engagements. Returning to peaceful pursuits, he entered the Bellevue Hospital in New York City, graduating in 1867. The same year he began the practice of medicine in Kenton, where he has since been almost continuously engaged. During his practice, he has devoted much of his time in pursuance of a thorough medical education, taking several courses of study in the best in- stitutions of learning. He was Secretary of the Hardin County Medical Society, and during 1879 to 1880, filled the chair of Assistant Secretary of the Ohio State Medical Society. The Doctor was married, in 1869, to Miss Emma, daughter of William Cogshall, of Springfield, Ohio. She died in 1877, leaving one son, William.

W. W. SNODGRASS, druggist, Kenton, came here in 1867 and estab. lished the third drug store, where he has since been continuously and suc- cessfully engaged, and enjoys a growing and lucrative trade. He carries a complete assortment of drugs, and is a merchant and business man highly esteemed.

EDWARD SORGEN, furniture dealer, Kenton, was born in Switzerland in 1842, and is a son of Nicholas and Mary A. Sorgen. His father came to this country and located in New York, thence moving to near Morristown, N. J., where he was joined by his wife and two children in 1849. He died there in 1852, and, in 1855, our subject, with his mother and one sister, came to Hardin County. His mother married in Hardin County, Christian Kahly, by whom she had two children, one living, John, residing in Ken- ton. She died in 1878, leaving two children by her first husband, viz., our subject, and Mary, wife of William Keisler, of Chicago, Ill. In 1861, our subject enlisted in Company G, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving to the close of the war. He fought in the battles of Rich Mountain, Winchester, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In the last-named battle, he was taken prisoner and confined eight months at Belle Isle, Richmond, whence he was transferred to Andersonville, thence to Melon, near Augusta, Ga., thence to Savannah, and then to Black Shear, Florida, from which place he was returned to Andersonville on account of Sherman's marching through. He was then removed to Jackson, Miss., where he was paroled and sent to Vicksburg. At this place, he was put on board the steamer Sultana, which exploded near Memphis. Our subject was fortunately among those saved, and was picked up from the wreck, sent home and mus- tered out at Columbus, Ohio. On his first coming to Kenton, he followed his trade of cabinet-maker. He established a business in furniture in 1871, under the firm name of Doyne & Sorgen, which connection was severed five years after, and for three years subsequently he operated in company with J. Schindewolf. Since April, 1878, he has conducted his business alone. He manufactures furniture, carrying a stock of about $5,000, and has an established trade. He is also in the undertaking business, but

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makes furniture a specialty. In 1867, he was married in Hardin County to Miss Catherine M., daughter of Mrs. May Fink. This union has resulted in five children, four living, viz., Edward H., Mary C., Clara and Eloise. Mr. Sorgen is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias.

ROBERT W. SOUTHARD, hotel proprietor, Kenton, was born in Lo- gan County, Ohio, in October, 1838. He is a son of Increase Southard and Leanah Willgus, the former a native of Champaign County, Ohio, the lat .. ter of Philadelphia, Penn. The grandfather of our subject was William Southard, who was a native of Pennsylvania and settled in Champaign County at an early day. He was in the war of 1812, and afterward moved to Logan County, Ohio, where he died. The father of our subject reared a family of nine children, two living, our subject being the eldest; the other is Elliott, a resident of Union County, Ohio. Robert W. was reared on a farm, and, working out, soon secured means by which he purchased land in Union County, Ohio, where his father and family had moved when he was five years of age. In 1861, he enlisted in the first call for volun- teers, and was one of the first to offer his services at Bellefontaine, Ohio. He served four months in Company A, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and re-enlisted in Company K, Forty-second, Garfield's Regiment, serving three years and two months. He fought in the battles of Middle Creek, Ky., Cumberland Gap, Thompson's Hill, Arkansas Post, Black River, Champion Hill and Vicksburg. In the last charge of the siege he was wounded in the left thigh, and was confined five months in the Memphis Hospital, where, on his recovery, he served on guard for three months more from 9.o'olock A. M. to 4 A. M. every night. He was then given charge of a lot of prisoners, conducting them to Iuka, Tenn., where he handed them over to Gen. Dodd, of the Union forces. He returned to Memphis, thence went to New Orleans and joined the forces at Plaquemine. A fight occurred near this point and at Baton Rouge. He then fought at the battle on the Red River, the troops thence proceeding to Memphis, thence to Columbus. where they were discharged in 1864. On his return home, our subject farmed for five years and spent the following year in a grist mill. In 1867, he opened a hotel and livery at West Mansfield, Oh io where he carried on the Mansfield House for four years. He then returned to his farm, where he farmed two years, and afterward moved to Mount Victory, Hardin County, where he opened a hotel. Here he was successful as a landlord for two years, and, in April of 1882, he sold his farm and came to Kenton and began the erection of the Southard House, which was completed and opened to the public November 27, 1882. This structure is three stories high with basement, and cost about $10,000. It has thirty- five rooms, large and well ventilated. with wide, light, airy halls, and is handsomely furnished throughout. Mr. Southard is married to Miss Ma- linda, daughter of Amon Davis, of Union County, Ohio. She was born in York Township, Union County, Ohio, in 1845, and has one son. Chester F. Mr. Southard is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

JOHN STILLINGS, attorney, Kenton, was born near Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, May 14, 1831. His parents were natives of Maryland. His father, James Stillings, moved with his family to the West in 1828, locating a farm from the military land in Clark County, Ohio. Five years after, he removed to Allen Township, Union County, where he died, Sep- tember 16, 1863, aged seventy nine years. His widow died in February, 1866. Of the several children born to them, seven are now living. The

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subject of this sketch was brought up on the homestead until nearly twenty- one years of age, obtaining his early education at the schools of Marys- ville, Ohio. He entered Oxford College, Butler County, Ohio, in 1853, coming to Kenton in 1855. Here he studied law with Edward Stillings, his brother, now a resident of Leavenworth, Kan., and was admitted to the bar in Greene County, Ohio, in August, 1857. The same year, he began his practice in Kenton, where he has since remained. In May, 1877, he took A. L. Allen into partnership, and the firm is at present one of the strong and reliable arms of the profession. Mr. Stillings was married in. March, 1865, to Miss Jennie, daughter of Col. Cantwell, a native of Mans- field, Ohio, and an officer of the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the rebellion. Two children have been born to this union, James Ray and Mark. Mrs. Stillings departed this life September 10, 1872, and Mr. Stillings was subsequently united in marriage to Lou Stambaugh, daugh- ter of Isaac Atkinson, of Carrollton, Ohio. Our subject has filled the office of Prosecuting Attorney for one year, and since 1873 has been a member of the School Board.

JOHN A. STEINER, grocer, Kenton, was born in Kenton, Hardin County, in 1852, and is a son of John and Margaret Steiner, both natives of Germany. John, Sr., emigrated with his parents to the United States about 1837, and after a short stay in Pennsylvania came to Kenton and with his father opened and cleared a farm in Pleasant Township. He fol- lowed farming a short time, and then learned the blacksmith's trade, buy- ing out his employer and pursuing the business for some years. He sub- sequently opened a grocery store, which he conducted to the time of his decease, .December 24, 1865. His wife had preceded him in August, 1860. They were married in Hardin County and had seven children, five of whom are living. The subject of this sketch is the third child, and from his boy- hood was always engaged in his father's store. After the latter's death, he learned the printer's trade with L. T. Hunt in the office of the Republican, and after a service of three years went West to Leavenworth, Kan., where he was engaged as salesman in a hardware house. He returned to Kenton in 1874 and opened his present store in October of the same year. He en- joys the good will and trade of the city and county. In February of 1873, he was married to Miss Belle, daughter of R. V. Flora, of Leavenworth, Kan. The three children born to this union are all living, viz., Frank, Flora B. and George. Mr. Steiner is now serving his second term of office as City Treasurer.

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The history of Hardin county, Ohio, Part 89

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