The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 133

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 133

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After coming to this State Mr. D. followed his trade in connection with farm- ing for a year or two, after which he devoted his entire attention to the farm until his mechanical head planned and his once skilled hand wrought out a wire horse rake. Of these he made and sold between five and six thousand, they being the first in this section of the country. For a number of years past he has spent his time quietly on the farm and only wrought out such inventions as his active genius could invent for his own comfort and use, such as farm implements, self- opening gates, etc. Some fourteen years ago Mr. D. was afflicted with dropsy in the severest form. He tried unsuccessfully the different modes of treatment which the most skillful physicians could offer, with no good results. He then determined on a regular cold water treatment, which he continued for three

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years, and effected a perfect cure, since which time he has enjoyed excellent health. Mr. D. was reared among the Friends in Pennsylvania, and though not a member of the sect still leans fondly toward that faith.

A. A. DENLINGER, farmer; P. O., Trotwood, was the son of Abraham and Margaret Denlinger. Born Feb. 25, 1836, in Montgomery Co., Ohio. Acquired his education in the common schools, starting out in life at the age of 21 years. He married Miss Sarah Garber, an accomplished lady. They are the parents of eight children : Lonoina, Clara, Ira, Anna, Liza, Laura, Edgar and Elmer, who are all living. The mother departed this life March 1, 1872, leaving the father and eight children to mourn the loss. He lived a widower for three years, then married a lady by the name of Anna Bowman. They have three children, Austin. Stella, Sybilton, who are all living at the present writing. Our subject was elected Trustee of Madison Township in the year 1868, and has retained the office every year except one up to the present writing. He has been a member of the school board for over twelve years, and takes an active part in the way of educating the youth. He now owns a farm of 100 acres, beautifully situated and well cultivated. He is also an active worker in the Democratic party, and is well situated for enjoy- ing the pleasures of this life.

WILLIAM GILLIAM, retired farmer; P. O., Trotwood. Was born in the State of Kentucky, Dec. 2, 1807. He is a son of Richard Gilliam, deceased of Champaign Co., Ohio. Richard was born in Virginia, where he was united in mar- riage to Martha Hodge, of Virginia. By this union there were born to them five children, William, the subject of this sketch, the only one now living. Richard and family emigrated to Kentucky, and from there he moved to Ohio and settled in Clark Co., in a very early day. He then moved to Champaign Co., where he died. His widow, Martha, and family returned to Virginia, where she died. Wil- liam was left an orphan when quite young. He had to make his home with strangers. He, however, by "pluck and energy," pushed himself along in life. He learned the tanner and currier trade; served three years as an apprentice; worked five years as a journeyman. He then engaged in the business two years for himself in Rockingham Co., Va. He was united in marriage Feb. 26, 1833, to Miss Anna Rife, of Rockingham Co., Va. By this union there has been born to them ten children, six of whom are now living, viz .: Mary A., born Dec, 17, 1835; Andrew, born April 21, 1840. He is married to Miss Elizabeth Nicely, a daughter of Jacob Nicely, of Randolph Township. Andrew now resides in Miami City, Ohio. Frances, born April 20, 1844, now the wife of William Gunther, of Madison Township. Jonathan, born Nov. 2, 1850; he is married to Miss Martha Seybold, a daughter of David Seybold, of Randolph Townshiv. Amanda, born Nov. 6, 1852, and Sidney, born Oct. 27, 1859. William emigrated to Ohio and settled in Madison Township, Montgomery County, in 1835. In the same year he moved to Perry Township, where he remained some four years, when he returned to Madison Township, where he has since lived. He taught school in Virginia, and after having come to Ohio, he taught in Perry and Madison Townships.

Mr. Gilliam has served as a School Director a number of terms in his school district. He was elected Township Trustee one term. Was elected a Justice of the Peace, but refused to serve. He was elected Township Clerk in-1854, and continued in the office until 1874, in all twenty years in Madison Township. Mr. Gilliam owns a farm of 146 acres of land where he lives adjoining Trotwood. His wife, Anna, is a member of the German Baptist Church and has been since 1836. Mr. Gilliam, on account of his age, has quit farming. His son Jonathan is living on the old home place, engaged in farming it. Sidney E. is a school teacher. She has taught school for the past two or three years.

LEWIS C. KIMMEL, County Commissioner; P. O., Dayton. This gentle- man belongs to a family of this county of distinguished Revolutionary fame. David Kimmel, the great grandparent and founder of the family in America, was

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born among the mountains of Switzerland. He came to this country in 1760, settling in what is now known as York Co., Pa. At the breaking out of the Revo- lutionary War, David, his son and grandparent of the present family, quickly embraced the cause of the patriots. The principles of liberty instilled in his heart, in his own native Republic, and the remembrances of the songs of freedom he had from infancy listened to in his Alpine home, were enough to guide his arm in the struggle of his adopted country. He was with Washington in his marches and engagements in New York and New Jersey. He was among those who made the famed and perilous trip across the Delaware in midwinter, and as a result of the undertaking capturing Trenton and the Hessian soldiers. He participated in the victorious battle of Princeton, fought in the terrible and disastrous battle of Brandywine, witnessed Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, and suffered with co- patriots the miseries and privations of Valley Forge. For seven years he fought the good fight as one of the heroes of '76, and at last witnessed and participated in the culmination of that grand struggle for liberty and independence, the sur- render of Cornwallis at Yorktown. After the war this old hero returned to his home to quietly and peacefully engage in the pursuits of his life, and henceforth enjoy the liberty he had so gallantly fought to win. Lewis Kimmel's grandparent, on his mother's side, Samuel Niswonger, from whom the Niswongers of this county descended, also greatly distinguished himself in the Revolution, being in almost all the principal battles fought in the North.

David Kimmel, the grandparent, had six children, and with Lewis, the father of our subject, came to Ohio in 1817, settling in Madison Township, this county. Lewis lived on this farm up to the time of his death, about five years ago. Samuel Niswonger came to this country in 1791. He belonged to the River Brethren, a branch of the Dunkard Church. David Kimmel belonged to the Dunkard sect proper. The remains of both of these Revolutionary soldiers rest in the burial ground of the Dunkard Church, seven miles west of Dayton. Lewis, Sr., had twelve children, eleven now living, of whom Lewis, Jr., our subject, was born in 1848. His boyhood career was that of a farmer boy, working on the farm in sum- mer and attending school in winter. In politics he is a Democrat, following the example of his father, who had marshalled under Jackson and the earlier Demo- cratic fathers. Up to the time of his election to the office of County Commissioner, he had never sought office. The office he now occupies is one of much importance to the people, involving, as it does, the supervision and control of all the monies of the county, and Mr. K. was triumphantly elected to it only after a bitter partizan fight. It is but just to say that Mr. Kimmel has always received the hearty co- operation of his colleagues in an effort to maintain the dignity and economically administer the business of this high and responsible office. He was married on the 12th of September, 1872, to Miss May Miller, daughter of John Miller, on the Eaton Pike, in Jefferson Township, Montgomery County. By her he has had two children, both living, a boy 6 years old and a girl 8 years old.

M. LANDIS, farmer; P. O., Trotwood. Mr. Landis is a farmer and tobacco raiser. Our subject was the son of Abraham and Mary Landis, was born in Mad- ison Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1836, June 10. Attained his education in the common schools. Started out in life at the age of 19 years; mar- ried Mary Schock in the year 1861. Bought seven acres of his father's old home farm, living on it 'till 1865, he then bought the farm he now owns of 51 acres, which is well cultivated in raising grain and tobacco. He is an active politician in the Democratic party, and has been a Township Trustee since 1878, he is also a member of the school board, and takes an active interest in education.

PHILIP STETTLER, retired farmer; P. O., Trotwood. The subject of this memoir was born in Miami Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, Feb. 4, 1813. His father, Daniel Stettler, was a native of Berks Co., Pa. He was born in June, 1773. His grand father, George V. Stettler, emigrated from Pennsylvania, and settled in Miami Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1804, where he lived until

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his death, April 23, 1815. Daniel Stettler, was united in marriage about the year 1810, to Catharine Gehres. She was born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio in 1805. She lived in Butler Co., Ohio, at the time of her marriage. This union was blessed by the birth of four children, two of whom are now living, viz: Philip, the subject of this memoir, and Hannah, wife of Jacob Schen, of Miamisburg, Ohio. Daniel was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in Miami Township, June, 1853, in his 80th year. His wife, Catharine, died Nov. 27, 1863. She was born in the year 1783. Philip was reared on his father's farm in Miami Township, until he was married, excepting a part of the time when he learned and worked at the cooper trade. He was united in marriage July 3, 1838, to Mary Ann Bertels, a daughter of John Bertels, of Jefferson Township. He was born in Hamburgh. Prussia, Oct. 20, 1788. He emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania, in the year 1800. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He was married to Catharine Elizabeth Moyer, of Berks Co., Pa. He emigrated to Ohio in 1884. and settled in Jefferson Township, Montgomery Co. He died Jan. 30, 1853. His widow died April, 1851, she was born July 22, 1802. By the marriage of Philip and Mary Ann, there have been born to them four children, two of whom are now living, viz: Monroe D., born Nov. 1, 1846. He is united in marriage to Mrs. Dr. Patten. He resides in Madison Township, and Francis C., born Nov. 6, 1856. Mr. S. is a member of the German Reformed Church, and his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Stettler moved to Madison Township, March 31, 1864. He is the owner of a farm where he lives, near Trotwood, of 158 acres. Mr. S. served one term as a Township Trustee in Madison Township. He is a man who does not seek political preferment, but prefers to follow the more certain and quiet life of a farmer. He is now in the declining days of his life, reaping the reward of an industrious and economical career.

STEPHEN ULLERY, farmer; P. O., Trotwood. The subject of this memoir was born in Randolph Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, June 11, 1831. His father, Samuel Ullery, was a native of Huntington Co., Pa. He was born in the year 1794. The father of Samuel, Stephen Ullery, emigrated to Ohio from Pennsylvania, and settled in Montgomery County in 1811. Samuel was united in marriage to Miss Susan Miller. By this union there was born to them one child, viz : Susan, now the wife of David Beechley, of Madison Township. His wife, Susan, died and he was united in marriage to his second wife, Susan Whitehead, a daughter of Valentine Whitehead, of Madison Township, deceased. By this union there were born to them ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz: Moses, who lives in Madison Township; Aaron, who lives in Randolph Township; Stephen, of Madison Township; Mary, now wife of David Cripe, of Madison Township; Samuel of Madison Township; Christopher of Madison Township, and Valentine of Dakota Territory. Samuel Ullery lived and died a member of the German Bap- tist Church. He departed this life Jan. 23, 1865. His widow is still living, and is a member of the same church. Stephen, the subject of this memoir, was reared a farmer, and has since followed the choice of his youth. He was united in. marriage May 23, 1850, to Maria C. Mumma, a daughter of Samuel Mumma, cf Harrison Township, deceased. She was born April 1832. The marriage cere- mony was performed by Rev. Priser, of the Lutheran Church. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of eleven children, of whom eight are now living, viz: Samuel, Susan, wife of Perry Holler, of Madison Township, Stephen E., Katie J., now the wife of Greely Pfoutz, of Madison Township, Ira C., Amos S., Monroe D. and Harry C. Mr. and Mrs. Ullery are members of the German Baptist Church. Mr. Ullery has been a resident of Montgomery County since his birth, in 1881. He is the owner of a farm of 97 acres of land, where he lives, near Trotwood, in Madison Township.

JOHN VANIMAN, farmer; P. O., Trotwood. The subject of this memoir was born in Madison Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 2, 1823. His father, Jacob Vaniman, was born in the year 1793, in the State of Pennsyl-

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vania. He emigrated to Ohio from Pennsylvania, in the year 1803, and settled in Madison Township, Montgomery County. Jacob Vaniman was united in marriage to Miss Polly Bowman, a daughter of David" Bowman, of Jefferson Township, deceased. This union was blessed by the birth of ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz: John, the subject of this memoir; Elizabeth, now the wife of Jacob Garber, of Madison Towhship; David, who lives in Illinois; Jacob of Illinois; Daniel of Illinois; Polly, wife of Samuel Teter, of Madison Township; Barbara, wife of Samuel W. Stutsman of Illinois. Jacob Vaniman was a member of the German Baptist Church. He departed this life in the year 1861. John, the subject of this memoir was reared a farmer, and has since followed the choice of his youth. He was united in marriage March 27, 1844, to Elizabeth Landis, a daughter of Samuel Landis, of Jefferson Township, deceased. By this marriage there have been born to them nine children, all of whom are now living, viz: Mary, the wife of Martin Niswander, of Madison Township; Catharine, wife of Daniel Garber, of Darke Co., Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of Noah Eby of Illinois; David, of Madison Township; Samuel of Washington Township; Daniel W., Sarah, Barbara and Rachael. Elizabeth departed this life, Sept. 7, 1870. She was a member of the German Baptist Church. Mr. Vaniman was united to his second wife, Barbara Cripe, (nee Brandt,) a daughter of Abraham Brandt, deceased, May 17, 1873. Mr. Vaniman united with the German Baptist Church in the year 1843. The baptis- mal service was performed by John Brower, a minister of the church of his choice. His wife, Barbara, united with the same church in the year 1844. Mr. Vaniman moved upon the farm which he now owns, of 134 acres of land, in Mad- ison Township, in 1864, where he has since continued to reside. Mr. Vaniman has been elected a number of terms as a school director in his district.

MRS. SARAH WEAVER, P. O., Mummaville. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, June 2, 1822. She is a daughter of James Oliver, late of Jefferson Township, deceased. James Oliver was a native of Rockingham Co., Va. Sarah was united in marriage June 6, 1843, to George Weaver. He was born Nov. 8, 1808, in Rockingham Co., Va. By this union there was born to them one child, who is still living, viz: Mary Ann, born Jan. 16, 1844. In the year 1846, George Weaver settled in Madison Township, where he lived until his death, March 28, 1880. His widow, the subject of this memoir, is still living on the old homestead in Madison Township. Mrs. Weaver is a member of the German Baptist Church. She united with the church in 1880, The baptismal services were performed by John Smith, a minister of the church of her choice. Her daughter, Mary Ann, was united in marriage Jan. 22, 1860, to Dr. C. Patten of Union, Randolph Township. By this marriage there was born to them one child, viz: George O., born March 19, 1862. Dr. C. Patten died May 1, 1863. His widow, Mary Ann, was united in marriage to her second husband, Monroe D. Stettler, May 1, 1863. By this union there has been born to them one child, viz: Harry N., born Feb. 26, 1876. (For a history of Monroe D. see sketch of Phillip Stettler.) Monroe D. lives on the "old" Weaver homestead.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

JOHN ALLEN, farmer; P.O. Brandt, Miami Co., was born in Monmouth Co., N. J., Nov. 19, 1797, of parents, William and Sarah (Johnston) Allen, natives of the same county and State, the latter dying when our subject was only four years of age, and ten years later he was an orphan, his father dying in 1811, soon after which he was bound as an apprentice to a blacksmith, until 21 years of age. During the lifetime of his father he received the usual rudimentary training that the schools of

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the period afforded, and in the indenture it was stated that four months schooling should be given him. It was under these circumstances that Mr. Allen began life. After reaching his majority, and having served his time as an apprentice, he left the State of his nativity on foot, in the month of August, bound for Ohio. Arriv- ing at Franklin, Warren County, that same month, he at once found employment, and worked in that village at ironing wagons until the middle of December, when he returned to New Jersey, and on the 15th of the following June, was united in marriage with Margaret Johnes of Middlesex County. On the 4th of June, 1830, he emigrated to Ohio, having then three children, namely: Sarah, Andrew J. and Stephen J. He stopped for a while in the vicinity of Franklin, then removed (Sep- tember 15,) to his present farm in Section 18, in the extreme northern part of Montgomery County, (Wayne Township,) near the Miami County line, where he has since resided. There have been added to his family here, William and Alice. Of the five children, Andrew J. and Stephen J. are still living, the latter now serving as County Treasurer. The wife's parents were natives, the father, Stephen Johnes, of New Jersey, and the mother, -Titus, of Berks Co., Pa. The wife of our sub- ject died Dec. 14, 1871. Mr. Allen has served the people of Wayne Township as Trustee for twenty-three years. He is an intelligent and practical man, and one of considerable business tact, which in connection with great industry, has enabled him to amass quite a fortune. He and his sons now possessing in the neighborhood of 1000 acres of land. In politics he is a Democrat, and at one time was nomi- nated on that ticket with Peter P. Lowe, of Dayton, for Representative in the State Legislature, but was defeated. He is genial, kind-hearted, and has been a use- ful man to the citizens of the township and county, and his home has ever been hospitable, "the latch string ever out."

DAVID BASKINAN, retired farmer; P. O., Osborn, Greene Co., was born Oct 6. 1822. He received a common school education. When lie attained the age of nine years his father died, and he was thrown out to battle with the cruel world. He was bound out to his uncle, but ran away, after being cruelly treated and over-worked for two years He went home to his mother who had previously gone to house- keeping; remained with her, following agricultural pursuits, until he joined his brother in tilling the soil for themselves. His brother sickened and died the same year, and passed over the golden shore to the other side of the Jordan, from whence no traveler returneth. David then rented land, tilled the soil for himself, and boarded with his mother until his marriage in 1849, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Peggy Garber. He continued the occupation of farming, renting land until 1851, when he purchased 100 acres where he now resides, and by untiring industry and close attention to business, temperate and industrious habits, he Las obtained a large amount of property. Mr. Baskinan is one of the staunch ener- getic men that has raised Montgomery County to its present standard. He was elected to the offices of Township Trustee and Supervisor, and discharged the many responsibilities incident to his official duties to the entire satisfaction of all con- cerned. He has never identified himself with any religious organization, but is moral in his deportment, honest, a kind and indulgent parent and husband, kind and hospitable to all that come under his roof. He has won the respect and con- fidence of all with whom he is brought in contact. He was the father of two children, one of whom is living, John H., born Sept. 15, 1851.

JACOB BEYL, retired farmer; P. O., Osborn Greene Co. The gentleman whose name heads the following sketch, was one of the early settlers of this county, and is now classed among its most prominent citizens. He is one of the staunch, energetic men that have made the Buckeye State what it is to-day. He was born in Northampton Co., Pa., Aug. 6, 1806, and for twenty-one years aided his father in the care of the home place. His education was very limited, being only such as could be obtained in the district schools of the county, which were then not the best. In 1827, at the age of 21 years he married Magdaline, the daughter of Jacob and Aney Hartman. As a result of this union they had born to them seven children,

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of whom four are now living, viz: Elizabeth, Solomon, Catharine and Matilda. After marriage he rented land of his father, and lived near the old homestead until his father's death, when he purchased the liome farm. Here he made his home umtil 1838, when he came to Ohio, locating in Fairfield, Green County, and engaged in the business of grocer. Not making a success of the new business he sold out, went to Indiana, and again became a tiller of the soil on a farm he had previously purchased. Tiring of his new home he disposed of his Indiana farm and returning to the "Buckeye State," opene a grocery in Dayton, where he carried on success- fully for nine months, at the expiration of which time he disposed of his stock and made an extended visit to the place of his nativity. In 1846 he returned to Ohio and purchased the farm where he now resides, which contains 147 acres. At the time of his taking possession there were but 30 acres of it under cultivation, but with his usual untiring zeal he commenced the clearing of the balance, and now it is all, with the exception of 15 acres, being tilled by this sturdy farmer's son, who is caring for his father's farm. The improvements on the farm consist of a large two-story brick residence, a large barn, and such other improvements as will be found surrounding the model farmer of to-day. In closing this sketch we will say Mr. Beyl has lived a life of honesty and integrity, and is now reaping the reward in the respect of his fellow men and the happy family that surround him. He and his worthy wife have both been connected with the Lutheran Church for sixty years past, and in the bright hereafter they are sure to receive the merited blessing for their fidelity to the Master's cause.

JESSE F. BOOHER, farmer; P. O., Taylorsville. Among the prominent farmers of this county is Jesse F. Booher, who was born Feb. 24, 1836. He ob- tained his education in the district schools of the county, and was brought up to farm labor. He was united in marriage with Lovina, daughter of John and Eliza Sintz, in 1860, and rented land and set out with an indomitable will to gain some of the comforts of life. He purchased a farm in Indiana, containing 80 acres, and moved his family on to it. He remained there three years and disposed of it, and returned to this township and purchased the farm where he now resides, contain- ing 80 acres in 1877, about 60 acres is under cultivation and improved. They are the parents of two children, viz: John D. and Clark L.

JAMES CAMPBELL, farmer: P. O., Osborn, Greene Co. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, is a man who deserves a place in the front rank of the old pioneers. He was born Oct. 28, 1811. His father, John D., was a native of Washington Co., Pa., and came to Ohio in 1805, and settled in this township. He was united in marriage with Margaret Grimes. They were the parents of seven children, of whom two are living, viz: Samuel A. and James, the subject of this memoir, was educated in the common schools. He was not permitted to attend school regularly, but by applying himself diligently to his studies he obtained a good understanding of the English language, and assisted his father in tilling the soil. He celebrated his marriage with Ruth, daughter of Daniel and Elanor Kiler, May 11, 1842, and moved on to the farm where he now resides, which he had pre- viously purchased, and by hard labor and industry, has added 51 acres, making in all 1013 acres, of which about 80 acres are under cultivation. Mrs. Campbell was summoned out of this world by the angel of death in 1864. She was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of five children, of whom four are living at the present time of writing.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 133

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