The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 130

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214

USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county > Part 130

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DAVID D. LANDIS, farmer, P. O., Clayton, is the son of John Landis, who was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., born Nov. 17, 1804. He served an apprentice- ship under his father, learning the carpenter and cabinet trade. He was united in marriage with Sarah Daugharty, a native of Pennsylvania, born Dec. 9, 1809. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz: Mary, Anna, Catharine, Sarah, Ezrael, John, David D. and William. Mr. Landis emigrated to Ohio in 1833, and purchased a farm, containing 80 acres, in this (Montgomery) county, which he cultivated, in connection with the butchering business. By temperate and industrious habits increased it to 144 acres. Mr. Landis was summoned out of this world by the angel of death Sept. 15, 1868. He was an esteemed member of the German Baptist faith for a number of years. David, the subject of this sketch, was born in this (Randolph) township Nov. 11, 1845. He acquired an ordinary education, and at the age of 21 years commenced life for himself by renting a piece of land and giving his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1866 he married Miss Eliza Christian, daughter of John C. Christian. In 1869 he moved to Illinois and rented a piece of land near Lincoln, Logan Co., remaining two years, wlien his health failed and he returned to Ohio and rented the farm he now resides on. Mr. and Mrs. Landis have both been worthy and con- sistent members of the German Baptist Church since 1870.

FURMAN K. PAULY, farmer, P. O., Clayton. Samuel Pauly, his father, was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Dec. 24, 1804. Mr. Pauly was one of those staunch, energetic pioneers whose father had dared to place himself out on the frontier when the war-whoop of the then hostile redman rung through the woods

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and carried terror to the few families that had settled in the deep forests of the Buckeye State. Samuel Pauly passed through the usual routine incidents of a pioneer's boyhood days, and was united in marriage with Arminda Snook, daughter of John Snook, a native of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Pauly were the parents of ten children, of whom five are now living, viz: Arminda, Rebecca, Phoebe, Anna and Furman, the subject of this memoir, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Aug. 14, 1832. He obtained a common-school education and assisted his father until 1857, when he went to Kansas and was taken down with fever; he returned home and remained until he regained his health, and then went to Missouri and located at Hannibal, engaging in the grocery business until 1858, when his health again failed him and he returned home and turned his attention to farming, which he continued until 1863, when he enlisted in the 37th Regiment Ky. V., as 4th! Corporal. During his term of service he participated in the battle at Mt. Sterling, Cynthiana, Ky., and was honorably discharged in 1864, with his health very much: impaired from exposure. He came back to Lebanon, Warren Co., and associated himself with his cousin, Mr. John Pauly, in the grocery business, remaining until the summer of 1866, the time of the breaking out of the oil fever. He disposed of his interests in the grocery and went to Petroleum Station, West Va., remaining several weeks, prospecting and boring without success, and came to Montgomery County in the spring of 1867. He was appointed Storekeeper at several of the distilleries for the Government. Mr. Pauly was united in marriage with Phoebe Turner, and as a result of this union had four children, of whom two daughters are now living-Myrtle I. and Naomi.

GEORGE W. PURCELL, manufacturer, P. O., Union His father, Thomas, was a native of Prince William Co., Va., and was united in marriage with Auna R. Young. Eight children were born to bless this union, four sons and four daughters. James and George W. are living at the time of this writing. Thomas emigrated to Ohio in 1852, locating in Morrow County, where he remained until his death in 1857. George W., the subject of this sketch, obtained a fair educa- tion, and assisted his father with the duties of the farm until he arrived at the age of 19 years. In 1861 he answered the call of Lincoln for 75,000 men and enlisted in the 20th Regiment Ohio V. I. in the three months service. At the expiration of this term of service, he re-enlisted in the 43d Regiment Ohio V. I., and was promoted to the position of Corporal and subsequently to the position of Duty Sergeant, Orderly Sergeant and Sergeant Major, after which he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant; from that to Captain in command of his company. During his term of service he was engaged in the battles at New Madrid, Shiloh, Corinth, Island No. 10 and Resaca, and was with Sherman in his marchi to the sea. In 1864 he was appointed Hospital Commissary by Gen. McPherson, where he remained until he received his discharge, after which lie came to Union, Montgomery Co., and associated himself with Dr. S. Hawkins and commenced the manufacturing of tile. He took for wife Anna Hawkins, daughter of Dr. S. Hawkins, and celebrated their marriage in 1865, and as a result of this union had four children, viz: Samuel B., Charles F., George V., Albert H. As an evidence of the popularity and esteem with which he was held in the com- munity where he lived, he was elected a member of the School Board in a special district, and was elected Treasurer of the Board. He filled that position to the satisfaction of all concerned for a term comprising a period of six years, after which he was elected Assessor of his township. In 1878 he was elected Commissioner of Montgomery County, and discharged the duties of that office to the public acceptance and credit to himself for one term.

MARY RASOR, farmer, P. O., Iamton, is the widow of David Rasor and daughter of Samuel Herr, whose biography appears in this work. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Oct. 6. 1819; came to Montgomery County with her parents in 1880, who purchased a farm in the vicinity of Harrisburg; her early life was passed at home in assisting her mother with the household duties. A spinning

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wheel then graced the home, and the daughter was apt in the art of spinning and weaving. She was united in marriage to Mr. Rasor Nov. 20, 1838, and to them were born the following children: Lavinia, Aug. 31, 1839; Samuel, June 6, 1841; Josiah, Dec. 8, 1844; Daniel B., March 16, 1848; David, Sept. 1, 1851 and Harvey, March 14, 1856. Her husband was a native of Montgomery County, born March 30, 1817; learned the cooper's trade, which occupation he followed for many years in the manufacture of barrels for the numerous mills and distilleries then located on the banks of the Stillwater. In later years, after his marriage, he operated, in connection with his father, a sawmill, owned by the latter, and in a few years. through habits of industry and economy, became possessor of the mill. He was success fulin this line of business, and later purchased the farm belonging to his father. Both our subject and her husband were members of the Church of the United Brethre: in Christ, to which organization she still clings, worshiping at the Riverside Church, Her husband died May 1, 1863, beloved by all who knew him. The widow now resides in the town of Harrisburg, where she has erected a fine residence, leaving the farm in the spring of 1880, having rented it to her sons.

DANIEL RINEHART, farmer, P. O., Union. His father, Jacob, was a native of Virginia, and came to Ohio in 1815, and settled in Preble County, near Win- chester. He was united in marriage with Susanna Brown. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four sons and three daughters are now living, viz: Enoch, Jolın, Daniel, Elizabeth, Fannie, Susanna and Mary. Mrs. Rinehart departed this life in 1854, and Mr. Rinehart soon followed. They were both members of the German Baptist Church. Daniel, the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia, August, 1812. He obtained an ordinary education, and at the age of 23 years he commenced life for himself by renting a piece of land and giving his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he continued three years, paying liis rent by giving a share of the products. In 1839 he celebrated his marriage with Esther Bran- denbaugh, daughter of Henry Brandenbaugh. They had ten children, of whom six are now living, viz: Jacob, John, Henry, Noah, Sarah and Hannah. Mr. Rinehart continued farming, renting land of his brother, remaining four years, and purchased a farm, containing 104 acres, and has since added by hard labor and industry and the assistance of his good wife, 50'acres, making in all 154 acres, all under a high state of cultivation, and has added many material improvements, and they are now enjoying the comforts and luxuries of life, earned by many years of toil. They are both worthy members of the German Baptist Church, and the children have been co-workers with the parents in the cause of religion.

WILLIAM M. ROGERS, farmer; P. O., Clayton. Among the descendants of the old pioneer families, that we are pleased to mention in the pages of this work, is William M. Rogers, born in Pendleton Co., Ky., August 15, 1835. His father, Jacob, was a native of New Jersey, born Dec. 19, 1808. Jacob's educational advantages were very limited, but by devoting all his leisure time during his early life to his studies, and by profound reading and continued reflection, gathered a mass of information. In 1820 his mother was left a widow, and Jacob worked on the neighboring farms, and contributed his small earning to the support of his mother. They moved to Pennsylvania and remained eight years, when they were persuaded by the excellent advantages and inducements that were offered by the Buckeye State, to settle within its boundaries. They found a location that pleased them in Clermont County, and entered a small farm covered with timber, and erected a new log cabin of round, unhewn logs, and soon had part of their ground under cultivation. Mr. Rogers was married to Mary A. Tuston, in 1829. Nine children were the result of this union. Mrs. Jennie Miller, George, Joseph, Charles and William, are now living. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Rogers moved down into Kentucky, and settled in Pendleton County, where he accumulated quite a large amount of property, both personal and real. In 1843 he moved far out into the frontier, and settled in Missouri, remaining two unsuccessful years, and returned to Clermont Co., Ohio, in 1848. He continued there until 1864,

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when he located where he now resides, in this (Montgomery) county. Our subject, William, was educated in the common schools, and brought up to farm labor, remaining with his father until he was 18 years of age, after which he followed varions pursuits until 1860. He was united in marriage with Maria L. Turner, August 10, 1860. This union was blessed with four children, of whom [two are living, viz: Renna and Effie. Mr. Rogers continued in the occupation of farming until 1868, when he engaged in the general merchandise business, which he fol- lowed two years, disposed of his stock, and came to Dayton, and carried on the wholesale tobacco and liquor business, until he was compelled to sell out on account of having endorsed a note for a friend, and had it to pay. He came to Salem, and again engaged in farming, which he has continued in until the present.

DAVID SHAW, grain dealer; P. O., Union. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch, is the son of Solomon Shaw, who was a native of Cumberland Co., Pa., and emigrated to Ohio, and located in Montgomery County, near Union, Randolph Township, in 1848. By occupation was a stone mason, which he followed in connection with the farm, until 1857, when he moved to Iowa. Mr. Shaw took for wife, Susan Strone, daughter of George Strone. Two sons were the result of this union, viz: George and David. The subject of this memoir was born in Pennsylvania, March 15, 1833, and came to Ohio with his father, at the age of 15 years. He obtained a common school education, and in 1851 he went to work at the carpenter's trade, which he continued in until 1856. He was united in marriage with Sarah Herr, in 1855. Seven children were born to bless this union, of whom two sons and two daughters survive, viz: Mary J., Frances, Edwin and William. Soon after his marriage he purchased his father-in- law's farm, which he sold in a short time, and purchased 80 acres in Darke County, where he remained five months and disposed of it at a small advance, and located his family near Harrisburgh, and went to Iowa to try and find a genial opening for business. Failing to find any point that he looked on with favor, he returned liome and cultivated rented land until 1864, when he purchased a farm near Union. In 1866 he re-visited the West, traveling in Kansas and Iowa, with the hope of finding a good location. Being disappointed the second time, he returned home with the intention of spending the balance of his days in the Buckeye State. In 1880 he built a grain elevator, with a capacity for 20,000 bushels of grain, and is running a saw mill in connection with it, and is doing a large and extensive business.

SAMUEL SHELLABARGER, farmer; P. O., Union. The subject of this sketch was born in Juniata Co., Pa., Feb. 23, 1809, and is a son of John and Salona (Rush) Shellabarger, who were the parents of eight children, of whom our subject is the only one now living. His early life was devoted to farming, remain- ing upon the farm of his father until 20 years of age, during which time his schooling was limited to two months each year, his leisure hours being devoted to a close application to his studies, the scriptures being one of his favorite studies. At 20 years of age he was apprenticed to learn the trade of tanner, serving until he mastered the same. In 1832 he came Ohio, locating in Clark County, where he followed the business of tanning successfully for six years. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Covington, Miami Co., for several years, and in 1844 closed out his dry goods business and purchased his present place, where he has since resided. He now owns 183 acres of land, the productiveness of which can be estimated by the large crops of wheat, corn and other products raised by him each year. Mr. Shellabarger |was united in marriage to Elizabetlı, daughter of John Ward. She was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Shellabarger were the parents of twelve children, of whom six now survive, viz: Enos, Malon, Newton, Margaret, Mary and Harriet. In 1846 Mr. Shellabarger united with the German Baptist Church, of which he has been an exemplary member for a period of thirty-five years, having for many years served the same as deacon and teacher. WEBSTER S. SMITH, physician; P. O., Clayton. The gentleman whose

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name stands at the head of this biography was born in Montgomery County, Nov. 13, 1856. His father, Isaac, was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., and emigrated to Ohio and settied in Dayton, engaging in the business of contracting and building, which he followed until 1861, the breaking out of the rebellion. Mr. Smith was among the first volunteers, enlisting in the 66th Regt., Ill. Vol. Inf., known as "Burgs' Sharp Shooters," and served three years. Soon after receiving his discharge was united in marriage with Phoebe Wellbaum, daughter of Christian Wellbaum. They were the parents of two sons, viz: Harry and Webster S. Our subject received huis primary education in the common schools, and graduated in the high school of Dayton. He engaged in teaching school and spent the days of vacation in the office of Dr. John Davis, preparing himself for the medical profession. He attended the lectures of the Ohio Medical College, receiving his diploma March 2, 1880, and commenced the practice of medicine in the village of Salem.

SAMUEL SMITH, farmer; P. O., Kinsey Station; was born in Lebanon Co., Pa., Dec. 17, 1810. His father, Christian, was a native of the same county, and spent his early life as miller. After his marriage with Barbara Gingerrick, he engaged in farming, which he has continued in since. He was the father of eight children, of whom six survive, viz: Cliristina, Catherine, Henry, Christian, Abra- ham and Samuel, the subject of this biography. Samuel's educational advantages were limited. He worked on the neighboring farms until he was 18 years of age, when he apprenticed himself to a shoemaker to learn that occupation, and served three years, when he returned to his farm and remained two years. In 1833 he started for Ohio. and located in Wooster, engaging at his trade, serving Jonathan Montgomery. After remaining in Wooster a few months, he came to Dayton, and located in Miami City, and commenced business for himself. In 1837 he was united in marriage with Catharine Farney. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living, viz: Emaline, Amanda, Adaline, Mary, Mahala, Eliza, Joseph and Charles. By economy and industry Mr. Smith pur- chased 80 acres of land in Mercer County, covered with timber. He moved from Miami City to Randolph Township, and purchased five acres in what was called at that time the Warner settlement, where he built up an excellent trade, and remained eight years, when he disposed of his property at an advance and moved to Indiana and settled in Wayne County, on 13 acres of land that he had previously pur- chased. He run the farm in connection with his trade five years, disposed of it. and returned to Montgomery Co., and purchased the farm where he now resides, containing 43 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have both been members of the church since 1844.

EMOR E. SMITH, farmer; P. O., Union. The father of our subject, Thomas J. Smith, was born in Lexington, Rockbridge Co., Va., Aug. 16, 1815. Being deprived by death of his father when quite young, like many others, was left to make the best he could of life. When he became old enough, he bound himself as an apprentice to the trade of harness and saddle making for five years; serving his time, he emigrated in company with his mother and sister to Ohio, in 1838, locat- ing in Montgomery County, and commenced to manufacture harness and saddles in connection with keeping hotel. Was united in marriage July 26, 1841, to Miss Nancy E. Sheets, born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, July 1, 1823, daughter of Martin Sheets, one of the first settlers of Randolph Township, who cut his way through from Dayton, clearing the underbrush and trees, to where he located on the banks of Stillwater river, one-fourth of a mile from Union. By the union of Mr. Smith and Miss Sheets there were born unto them two children, one son, the subject of this sketch; one daughter, Lora A., at this writing Mrs. Guye, born Aug. 9, 1850. Wishing to change his occupation after he became the head of a family, Mr. Smith embarked in the distilling business, remaining in it for eight years. The price of highwines commenced to decline, and Mr. Smith again took up the first pursuits of his life, that of manufacturing saddles and harness. He departed this life March 8, 1879; his widow still survives him at this writing,

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residing at the residence Mr. Smith built, northwest corner of Main and First streets. The subject of this sketch was born in Union, Montgomery Co., Ohio, May 11, 1842. Having had the advantage of a common school education in the days of his youth, and was putin charge of his father's distillery at the age of 15 years, under trying circumstances, financially. By shrewd management young Smith soon had the business placed on a sound financial basis and entered into business for himself, stocking his pens with hogs and his distillery with grain. In 1862, during the days of the Rebellion, with the uncertainty of the government taxes, in seven months' time realized $22,000; having at one time to raise $10,000 at three days' notice, for government taxes. Mr. Smith raised the sum required, which was considered quite an effort for one so young in business, being under age. Donated $800 to the government and furnished a substitute to help carry on the war. Mr. Smith has been connected with many of the projects of public improvements throughout the county and township in which he resides, being one of the first seven men who proposed the Toledo, Delphos & Burlington R. R. He has been chosen to serve in several offices in his township, and at this writing is serving his community as Clerk of Township, representing the county in Con- gressional convention. Was united in marriage May 12, 1864, to Miss Amanda Smith, born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Dec. 21, 1839, daughter of Samuel Smith. By their union there was born unto them one daughter, Wealthy, born Feb. 11, 1868, and departed this life Nov. 11, 1870. After the death of their daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Smith adopted Minnie M. Shanck, born March 5, 1868, having been with them at this writing seven years. Mr. Smith is in the prime of life, and possesses the business knowledge and qualifications of a man of 60 years.

JOHN W. SOLLENBERGER, minister and farmer; P. O., Union. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin Co., Pa., March 7, 1823. His father, Jacob, was a native of Pennsylvania and was married to Anna Wingard. They were the parents of two children, viz .: Elizabeth and John W. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the district schools of the county. He emigrated to Ohio with his father and settled in this county at an early day, and was soon after left an orphan by the death of his father. His mother married John Miller, whom our subject assisted on the farm until he was 19 years of age, at which time he was presented with sixteen acres of land by his stepfather, located in Elk- hart Co., Ind. Not feeling inclined to cultivate such a small amount, he went to work with an indomitable will to add more to it, first engaging at the carpenter trade, which he continued working at two years. In 1844 he was married to Cath- arine Peffly, the daughter of Jacob Peffly, born Nov. 7, 1823. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living, viz .: Jacob, John J., David P., Aaron, Moses, William, Henry P., and Elizabeth. In 1845 Mr. Sollenberger moved onto his farm in Indiana, which he had increased, but was yet covered with timber. He erected a cabin and commenced clearing off the timber, preparatory for cultivation. He remained until 1850, when he disposed of it and moved to St. Joseph County, where his health failed him and was he advised by his physician to locate in a healthier clime.

He disposed of his farm in 1853 and moved back to Ohio and settled where le now resides. In 1876 the residence of Mr. Sollenberger was visited by the messenger of death, who carried off his esteemed wife. She was a worthy member of the German Baptist faith for a number of years. Mr. Sollenberger married his second wife, Sarah Stouffer, Aug. 17, 1879. Mr. Sollenberger has been indentified with the German Baptist Church since 1859, and has taken an active interest in the cause of Christianity, and is at present one of the deacons of the church.

ABRAHAM STOKER, deceased. Among the old pioneers that we are pleased to mention in the pages of this history is Abraham Stoker, born April 10, 1815, in this county. Mr. Stoker was deprived of the privileges of attending school, as he was left in the world an orphan at the age of 14 years. He continued working at farm labor until the time of his marriage with Nancy Johnston. He was the

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father of five children. Catharine, James, Levi and Owen are now living. Upon his marriage he became the owner of a farm of fifty acres, which he soon increased to 150 acres. Mrs. Stoker departed this life in 1856. Mr. Stoker married his second wife, Evelena A. Davis, March 26, 1857. She was a native of England and emigrated to America with her parents in 1855. They had mine children, seven of whom are living, viz .: Martha, Ellen N., Elizabeth A., Lenora A., Effie, Clemet L., Albert V. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Stoker disposed of his farm and purchased 300 acres in Madison Township near Posttown. He remained on it five years and exchanged it for the farm adjoining, which he was compelled to sell to pay off a note he had endorsed, and located at Harrison Station, Green County. Mr. Stoker, not being very strongly constituted, retired from active labor, remaining well until 1878, when he passed quietly into the next world, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. Mrs. Stoker, soon after the burial of her husband, purchased thirty acres near Vandalia, which she exchanged for the hotel she is now proprietress of.

DANIEL TATE, tanner; P. O., Iamton. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is the son of Isaac Tate, who was a native of Adams Co., Pa. Daniel, our subject, was born in Adams Co., Pa., Aug. 24, 1841, and moved to Maryland with his parents, where he attended school until he was 15 years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter and cabinet trade, serving three years. He worked journey work and by his economy accumulated enough to commence business for himself in Carrol Co., Md., where he continued two years and came to Ohio and located in this (Montgomery) county. April 15, 1867, he took for wife Mrs. Catharine Wolf, born Jan. 13, 1828, and widow of David Wolf. Soon after his arrival in Ohio, he engaged in the manufacture of hubs, spokes and felloes, which he followed until 1870, when he exchanged for a stock of dry goods and groceries, which he converted into cash and turned his attention to farming, which he has continued in until the present with good success. Mr. Tate has never been an aspirant for office, but has been identified with several of the township offices. Mrs. Tate is a worthy member of the German Baptist Church, and is endeavoring to bring up her children in the fear of the Lord.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 130

Author: W.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1214

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214