Twentieth Century History of Findlay and Hancock County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Part 34

Author: Jacob Anthony Kimmell
Publication date: 1910
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1189

USA > Ohio > Hancock County > Findlay > Twentieth Century History of Findlay and Hancock County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens > Part 34

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Charles C. Dukes at an early age was left an orphan and afterward made his home with George Stow, who resided on the old Heimho- fer farm about three miles north of Findlay. His educational advantages were very limited, as he was obliged to assist with the farm work, and at the age of eighteen years he left the Stow household and began working out by the month. He later rented the Robert Thornburg farm of 115 acres in Allen Township for three years, then operated the George Stow farm of eighty acres for six years, and the George Sny- der farm of 174 acres for three years, and he and his son also operated the Goodman farm of 174 acres for about six years. In 1890 he purchased his present farm of eighty acres from the Coons estate, and has since added many improvements to the place.

Mr. Dukes was first united in marriage with Ida Wagner, and they had one son, Clyde, who was born June 8, 1883. He assists his father in operating the farm. Mr. Dukes formed a second union with Elizabeth Giltz, a daughter

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of Peter and Jane Giltz, of Defiance, O., and they have one daughter, Dora, who was born June 23, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Dukes are mem- bers of the Baptist church. He is politically a Democrat, and is affiliated with the Order of Ben Hur at Findlay, O.

LEROY E. GARBER, of the firm of Garber & Garber, proprietors of the Garber Seed & Wool Company, with business quar- ters at No. 109 E. Sandusky Street, Findlay, O., was born on a farm in Big Lick Town- ship, Hancock County, O., eight miles east of Findlay, November 21, 1876. He is a son of Christian and Elizabeth F. (Leonard) Garber.

Christian Garber was born in France in 1848 and when five years old was brought to America by his father, Peter Garber. The latter settled first on farming land in Marion Township, Hancock County, O., and later moved to Big Lick Township, where he died in 1892. Christian Garber continued to live in Big Lick Township until 1893. when he came to Findlay, but still retains a forty- acre farm. He married Elizabeth F. Leonard, who was born in Big Lick Town- ship, a daughter of Samuel B. Leonard, who was a native of Columbiana County.

Leroy E. Garber was reared on the home farm and attended the country schools and later taught one term of school in Paulding County, O. He was twenty-two years of age when he left the farm and came to Find- lay, and on October 2, 1899, started the pres- ent business. The company handles all kinds of seed and wool. The business is in a prosperous condition and Mr. Garber is numbered with the successful young busi- ness men of the city.

Mr. Garber married Miss Aura D. En- field, who was born and reared in Big Lick Township, a daughter of James A. Enfield, who was a prominent farmer of that section and whose death took place in October, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Garber have three chil- dren: John Wilbur, Frances Emma and Howard, aged respectively, eleven, nine and four years. Mr. Garber has been identified with Lodge No. 400 Knights of Pythias for some years.

BATEMAN B. POWELL, formerly county commissioner of Hancock County, O., and a leading farmer of Blanchard Town- ship, where he owns 170 acres of valuable land, was born in Fairfield County, O., May 14, 1833. His parents were Daniel and Eliza (Beatty) Powell.

Daniel Powell was born in Union County, Pa., and was seven years of age when his parents brought him to Fairfield County, in 1814. He grew to manhood there and in 1832 was married to Eliza Beatty, who died at the age of sixty-eight years. They had eight children: Bateman B .; Peter, who is deceased; Mary, who married Jacob White- hurst; Sarah, who married Samuel Raney; Daniel, who married Mary Cheesebrough; Elizabeth, who was married twice, first to Charles Weisner and second to James Wells; Alexander, who married Rebecca Jackson; and John, who married a Miss Shoeman. After marriage, Daniel Powell and wife lived for a time in Fairfield County and then moved to Wyandot County and there both he and wife died, he surviving to the age of seventy-seven years. He was a farmer and in early manhood had visited Blanchard and Eagle Townships in Hancock County and

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had entered several tracts of land but had never lived on them. He was a stanch Jacksonian Democrat and so impressed his sons with the justice of those principles that all have followed in his political footsteps. Both he and wife were members of the United Brethren church.

Bateman B. Powell remembers the first school he attended, the log cabin in which it was held being at Greencastle, in Fair- field County. The trustees had not ex- pended a great deal of money to fit the building with many luxuries, the seats being of rough slabs and a fireplace at one end affording the heat necessary. However, at that time, many of the pioneer homes were no better equipped and the stern discipline of those days certainly produced a type of men and women which the present genera- tion can regard with pride and in many cases, may profitably emulate. After his marriage, in 1857, Mr. Powell and wife re- mained on a farm in Fairfield County until the spring of 1860 and then came to Blanch- ard Township, Hancock County, where they have lived ever since and have the distinc- · tion of being the oldest married couple in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Powell went to housekeeping in a cabin of two rooms, on a tract of twenty acres. Gradually he increased his possessions until he had ac- quired 400 acres, this land having been en- tered from the Government in 1833. Mr. Powell has been generous to his children, church and neighborhood, having given all his land away except 170 acres. He cleared about 300 acres himself, put in the drainage and erected the substantial buildings.

In Fairfield County, O., in 1857, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Elizabeth

Whitehurst, a daughter of John Whitehurst, and they have four children: Margaret V., who married Charles Heckman and they live in Blanchard Township; America Belle, who is the wife of John Kisseberth, a farmer in Blanchard Township; Sherman E., who married Ella Faller, now deceased; and Henderson E., who lives at Findlay, mar- ried Daisy Wells. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he assisted liberally in the erection of the brick edifice at Benton Ridge. He served as county commissioner from Decem- ber 6, 1880, to December 3, 1883, retiring from office with the confidence of his fellow citizens to accompany him into private life

HARLEY CLIFTON ELSEA, a general farmer in Jackson Township, where he owns seventy-eight acres of excellent land, was born in Eagle Township, Hancock County, O., August 18, 1881, and is a son of I. N. and Jane (Line) Elsea.

I. N. Elsea and wife were both born in Hancock County and they live retired on North Lincoln Street, Findlay. During his active years he operated a livery stable for two years but with that exception, devoted himself to farming. He is a survivor of the Civil War and during his months of service was with the troops that were active in pre- venting the cooperation of the forces under Gen. Lee and Gen. Johnson.

Harley C. Elsea was educated in the pub- lic schools and his business has always been farming, with the exception of the year 1901. when he was associated with his father in a livery business, on West Crawford Street, Findlay. He then returned to the home- stead and rented it for five years, after

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which he purchased his present farm of his father and has been engaged in its cultiva- tion and improvement ever since.

On September 14, 1905, Mr. Elsea was married to Miss Rose Glaspie, and they have one child, Edna Flora, who was born March 4, 1907. Mr. Elsea votes the Republican ticket but has never aspired to office, find- ing both profit and contentment in devoting himself to his agricultural interests.

LYMAN M. CONINE, who is the owner of what was long known as the old D. C. Warner farm, containing ninety-nine acres, situated in Section 15, Portage Township, Hancock County, O., was born in Blanchard Township, Hancock County, March 20, 1860, and is a son of James Harvey and Elizabeth (Greer) Conine.

James H. Conine was born in the State of New York, a son of Peter Conine, but was reared in Licking County, O. He mar- ried there and then came to Hancock County and settled on a farm in Blanchard Town- ship. When civil war broke out he enlisted for service and remained in the army for three years and then returned to his farm of 120 acres. He subsequently sold it and his death occurred at McComb, in January, 1908, his wife having passed away February 8, 1901.

Lyman M. Conine was reared and edu- cated in Blanchard Township and has been engaged in farming since the termination of his school days. After marriage he bought forty acres of farm land in Blanchard Town- ship, Putnam County, and also owned forty acres in Blanchard Township, Hancock County, and for seventeen years he and family lived on the former farm. He then

moved to the old farm in Hancock County and operated it for two years, moving from there to a farm north of Duke's church, con- taining eighty acres, which he sold six years later and came to his present place in Jan- uary, 1909. He makes no particular specialty but is a first class all round farmer. His place contained 100 acres before one acre was given as the site for the Pleasant Hill schoolhouse.

On March 13, 1884, Mr. Conine was mar- ried to Miss Jennie Nelson, who was born in Wood County, O., a daughter of Calvin and Mary Ellen (Ragan) Nelson. Calvin Nelson was born in Hancock County, O., a son of Thomas Nelson, one of the early pioneers, who lived in Cass Township. The mother of Mrs. Conine died when she was but two years old and the father when she was eight years older. Four children were left orphans and for a time she was cared for by an aunt, but later was taken by a family of no relationship, with whom she lived until her marriage. Her own four chil- dren have had a happier fate, having been reared in a home of plenty and given every advantage within the power of loving and tender parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Conine three daughters and one son have been born, namely: Ivy Estella, who is the wife of Rollo Sheidler and they have one son, Lloyd Raymond; Trudy, who is the wife of William Ireland, and they have one daughter, Helen Conine; Josiah Ray, and Bessie A.

REV. CHARLES I. BROWN, D. D., who since 1904 has been president of Findlay College, an institution of learning of which the citizens of Findlay, Hancock County, O., are

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REV. CHARLES I. BROWN. D. D.

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justly proud, is a man who has already done much to advance the educational and material interests of the college. He was born at Wood- bury, Bedford County, Pa., December 11, 1861, and is one of a family of eleven children born to his parents, Abraham S. and Mary (Keifer) Brown.

Dr. Brown was reared on his father's farm, his early environment being that of the aver- age country boy, and his opportunities for de- velopment the best that could be afforded in a home of industry, thrift and Christian govern- ment, where there were many brothers and sis- ters. He was mentally gifted and his ambition spurred him on to secure a collegiate educa- tion, and in 1888 he was graduated from Dick- inson Seminary, at Williamsport, Pa. Having made his choice of a profession, he then en- tered into the ministry of the Church of God, in which he proved acceptable, and served dif- ferent charges for sixteen years. He has been a delegate to the General Eldership on five dif- ferent occasions, and has served on important boards, such as the Board of Missions and Board of Publication. He was assistant edi- tor of the Church Advocate from 1899 to 1904, and he represents the Churches of God in the United Society of Christian Endeavor as a trustee. He is, in fact, probably as well known as any man in the Churches of God today.

In 1904 Dr. Brown was called to Findlay to become the recognized head of Findlay College, an educational institution which had been founded here in 1882 by the religious body with which he has been identified since early manhood. The history of this college is one of great interest, and is deserving of more ex- tended mention than we can here give it, for it is a record of earnest effort and personal sacri-

fice by good and pious people, many of whom have now passed away, leaving this as a great and lasting memorial of their useful lives. Since Dr. Brown has taken charge of the insti- tution a most encouraging period of prosperity has set in, and with each year the future grows brighter. Under his presidency the courses have been greatly strengthened, the student body increased and the finances built up. The college has been cleared of debt, over $10,000 has been expended in improvements on the property. Two new properties have been added -the "Carrothers' Home" for the president and the "Henderson Home" for dormitory pur- poses. Aside from the regular income of the college, President Brown has collected over $12,000 for running expenses and the Endow- ment Fund has been increased over $50,000. It is thus apparent that Dr. Brown is a man well fitted for his present responsibilities, and he enjoys the respect, confidence, and esteem, not only of the college trustees, but of the citizens of Findlay generally who are interested in the promotion of their higher education.

Dr. Brown was married at Woodbury, Pa., to Miss Susie Hoffman, a daughter of Chris- tian Hoffman, and they have had three chil- dren, Ruth, Harry, and Frances. The death of Mrs. Brown occurred September 9, 1909. The family residence is at No. 1113 N. Main Street, Findlay.

MORRIS A. DARBYSHIRE, M. D., who has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at McComb. O., since 1895 and is identified with the various in- terests of the place as becomes an earnest and public spirited citizen, was born in Sugar Creek Township, Putnam County, O., May

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19, 1863, and is a son of Jesse C. and Lydia died August 25, 1860. Eliza J. and Samuel A. (Pierce) Darbyshire.

Jesse C. Darbyshire was born December 5, 1817, in Fayette County, Pa., and died in Putnam County, O., August 14, 1894. His father, Thomas Darbyshire, was born in Ireland, of English parentage, and came to America and died in Clinton County, O. Jesse C. Darbyshire was a farmer. He was a boy when his parents came from Pennsyl- vania to Guernsey County, O., and from there to Clinton County, and he grew to manhood in the latter, married there May 22, 1844, and moved into Putnam County in 1845. He was a man of character and local im- portance to some degree but was never willing to accept office although he ever dis- charged the duties of citizenship, voting first with the Whig party and later with the Republicans. He was a member and liberal supporter of the Christian church. He mar- ried Lydia A. Pierce, who survives and is a resident of Columbus Grove. She was born in Logan County, O., December 2, 1825, and is a daughter of James and Margaret Pierce who moved in her girl- hood from Logan to Clinton County. There were nine children born to Jesse C. Darby- shire and wife, all of whom survive with one exception. The family record stands as fol- lows: Mary M., born May 5, 1845, is the wife of Jacob Deffenbaugh, of Columbus Grove. James T., born September 17, 1847, is a resident of California, where he is en- gaged in growing fruit. John W., born May 13, 1850, resides at Deadwood, S. D. Benja- min M., born November 23, 1852, lives near Rimer, in Putnam Conuty, O. David D., born March 20, 1855, is in business at Bluff- ton, Ind. Harvey N., born August 20, 1857,

J. are twins, born September 28, 1860. The former is the wife of Albert C. Wood, of Rimer, O., and the latter is a practicing physician at Lima, O. Morris A. is the youngest of the family.

Morris A. Darbyshire attended the public schools until qualified to become a teacher and for eight years he alternated teaching school and attending the universities at Leb- anon and Ada, O., and received the degree of B. S. from the latter institution. He turned his attention to the study of medi- cine, at Fort Wayne, Ind., in the office of his brother, and after due preparation en- tered Starling Medical College of Columbus, O., and on March 6, 1890, was graduated 'from that institution with honorable men- tion for scholarship. After practicing for a short time at Gilboa, in Putnam County, he established himself at Ottawa, but in 1895 he came to McComb and has made this place his permanent home. He has built up a large practice and the care of it oc- cupies his time almost exclusively. He is a member of the Hancock County Medical Society, the Northwestern Ohio District, the Ohio State and the American Medical Asso- ciations.

Dr. Darbyshire was married February I, 1893, to Miss Mary M. Matthias, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A. C. Matthias, of McComb, O., and they have three children: Hobart M., who was born at Gilboa, October 29, 1895; Miriam G., who was born at McComb, May 3, 1900; and Pauline L., who was born March 15, 1908. Mrs. Darbyshire was edu- cated in the public schools of Gilboa and at Findlay College and is a talented musician.

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Dr. Darbyshire is an active Odd Fellow, having represented the 18th District in the Grand Lodge of Ohio from 1902 to 1906. He is a member of McComb Lodge No. 354, Ashdor Encampment No. 195, and Pleasant Rebekah Lodge No. 375, I. O. O. F.

He is also identified with Findlay Lodge No. 227, F. & A. M., Findlay Chapter No. 58 R. A. M., Findlay Council No. 50, R. and S. M., and McComb Court, No. 103, Tribe of Ben Hur. Dr. and Mrs. Darbyshire and son Hobart are members of the Church of Christ at McComb.

SOLOMON SNIDER, a substantial citizen of Big Lick Township, Hancock County, O., who owns 182 acres of valuable farm land sit- uated in Sections 6 and 7, on both sides of the Tiffin turnpike road, about eight miles east of Findlay, was born in the old log house on his father's farm in Findlay Township, Hancock County, March 8, 1839. His parents were Samuel and Catherine (Spangler) Snider.

Samuel Snider was born in 1811, in Perry County, O., and moved from there to Fairfield County, where he married and then came to Hancock County and entered 160 acres of land in what was then Findlay but is now Marion Township. He erected a primitive dwelling, a shanty of poles, which sufficed for a time, and then began the clearing of his land. He became a man of standing in his neighborhood and received, as he deserved, the consideration of his fellow men. He died about the time he reached his seventy-third year and his wife, born in 1812, did not long survive him. They had nine children born to them, namely : Isa- bella, Louisa, Solomon, Mary, William, Eman- uel, Rebecca, Emma and George, and all sur- vive except the three eldest daughters.

Solomon Snider grew to manhood on the home farm and attended the old log school- house sessions when opportunity offered. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Co. G, 118th O. Vol. Inf., and dur- ing his service of four months was stationed in Kentucky. He is identified with the G. A. R. Post at Findlay. Mr Snider has always car- ried on general farming and in late years has shared his responsibilities with his son, Edgar, who is now the practical manager The fam- ily home is a handsome brick residence set well back on the south side of the highway to Tiffin. Its surroundings are particularly at- tractive, the shade trees, shrubbery and choice flowers presenting a beautiful picture and in- dicating refinement and taste.

On March 27, 1860, Mr. Snider was mar- ried to Miss Ruth Davis, a daughter of Daniel and Jane Davis, and they have had five chil- dren: Lewis, who married Rose Helm, lives in Chicago; Lucetta, who is the wife of A. Rus- sell, of Big Lick Township and they have four children-Floyd, Ethel, Arnot and Ruth; Em- mett, who resides in Marion Township, mar- ried Martha Adams and they have four chil- dren-Otto, Frank, Inez and Dorothy; Edgar, who married Jennie Wisley and they have four children-Chauncy, Glenn, Kenneth and Clif- ford; and Olive. In politics, Mr. Snider is a Republican, one from conviction, never having any political aspirations or permitting his name to be put forward for office.

LEMUEL McMANNESS, one of Find- lay's stable business men, manager of the Mc- Manness Milling and Grain Company, has been identified with many important interests in both city and county and in 1884 was elected to the important office of sheriff. Mr. McMan-

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ness was born in 1846, at Plainsfield, Cumber- in 1884 he was elected sheriff of Hancock land County, Pa., a son of John and a grand- son of James McManness, the latter of whom came from Ireland to America, in 1776.

Lemuel McManness was ten years old when his parents came to Ohio and settled at Find- lay, where his father engaged in business as a cabinetmaker. In 1862, before his school days were over, he obtained a position as clerk in the sutler's department of the 57th O. Vol. Inf., and after efficient service in that position for more than a year, he was made clerk in the office of the quartermaster of the Army of the Cumberland, and one year later was given a clerical position in the office of the medical de- partment. When the war closed, Mr. McMan- ness returned to Findlay and for about five years engaged in clerking for Davis & Green, after which, in 1870, he embarked in the gro- cery business for himself, which he discontin- ued thirteen years later in order to enter into the manufacture of linseed oil. In 1889 he bought the Findlay flour mill and conducted it until it was destroyed by fire in November, 1891. In 1895 he resumed business in the gro- cery line which he continued until 1898, when he also became interested in a stone quarry, and in 1905 he became identified with the mill- ing and grain business which bears his name and of which he is the capable manager. The McManness mill is equipped with improved machinery and its capacity is 150 barrels per day, employment being given to eight men. The special brands of flour manufactured are the "Bob White" and the "Calla Lily."

Mr. McManness' activity in commercial life has been supplemented by his interest in public matters, for he has been a public-spirited and progressive citizen. In 1870 he was elected city clerk, to which office he was reelected, and

County. In his public life as well as in his pri- vate affairs, Mr. McManness has followed out practical, common sense ideas and his whole career has been one to reflect only credit upon him.

Mr. McManness was married in 1875, to Miss Amanda E. Kimmons, of Findlay, and they have two children. The family home is located at No. 838 South Main Street, Find- lay. In his political affiliation he is a Republi- can and he has been an important factor in party councils.

CORY E. MOSIER, whose fine farm of 160 acres is situated in Section 9, Marion Township, Hancock County, O., lying on both sides of the Tiffin turnpike road, is one of the representative men of the township. He was born September 11, 1855, on the old home farm in Marion Township, and is .a son of Henry M. and Catherine (Swab) Mosier.

Henry M. Mosier was born in Virginia and left his native state in early manhood and came to Fairfield County, O., moving from there to Hancock County after his first marriage. In his earlier years he worked as a carpenter and builder and some of the structures he erected are still standing in Hancock County, but later he devoted himself entirely to farming and stock raising. He died in March, 1881, at the age of seventy-one years. He was married the first time to Catherine Davis, who, at death, left three children: Samuel; Mary, who mar- ried George Wolfe; and John P. His second wife, Catherine Swab, was born in Pennsyl- vania and died in February, 1883, aged sixty- nine years. They had one son, Cory E. Henry M. Mosier was well known all through this section of Hancock County. When he came

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to Marion Township the forest was so dense that he had to clear a place before he could build his round log house and barn. His son, John P. Mosier, resides on the old homestead.

Cory E. Mosier grew to manhood on the home farm and obtained a district school edu- cation. He early turned his attention to agri- cultural pursuits and farming and stock rais- ing have mainly occupied him ever since. In 1885 he bought his present farm which was then known as the Amos Stover farm, and has improved and enriched it to a large degree.

On July 10, 1881, Mr. Mosier was married to Miss Mary E. Harold, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., a daughter of Da- vid and Margaret (Bear) Harold, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mosier have two sons : Clyde and Lester. The former is the home farmer. He married Ada Conway and they reside across the turnpike road from his father. Lester is a student in the Findlay Business Col- lege. Mr. Mosier and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican. He has served his township as a member of the school board and as super- visor.

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Twentieth Century History of Findlay and Hancock County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Part 34

Author: Jacob Anthony Kimmell Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1189

Author: Jacob Anthony Kimmell
Publication date: 1910
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1189