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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
History of Allen County, Ohio
Containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns,
Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, etc.; Portraits of
Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies;
History of the Northwest Territory;
History of Ohio; Statistical and
Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc.
- Illustrated -
Publ. Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co.
1885
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Marion Twp. -
CHARLES S. DAVIS, of the firm of Weger
& Davis, manufacturers of all kinds of hoops, states,
headings and lumber, Delphos, was born in Oakville, Canada, Nov.
10, 1844. At the age of fifteen he went to New York State,
where he remained for several years. In 1869 he came to
Delphos and engaged in his present business, and has since been
actively connected with it here. He was married, in 1869,
to Miss Mary Jane, daughter of G. W. Hall of this
place. They ahve one son and two daughters: Jessie
Belle, George Ray and Grace Rebecca. Mr. Davis
in an active Mason and Odd Fellow and has held official
positions in both societies here. He is also a member of
the J. W. F. Hook and Ladder Company.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ.
Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 626 |
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Perry Twp. -
FRANCIS Y. DAVIS, farmer P. O. Lima, was
born in Orange County, Vt., Oct. 29, 1827, a son of Francis
and Lydia (York) Davis, who moved from Coshocton County,
Ohio, and settled in Parry Township, this county in 1845, where
they cleared and improved a farm. Our subject's father was
twice married, and by his first wife, nee Lydia York,
he had eleven children, four of whom grew to manhood and
womanhood: Roxana (deceased), Francis Y.,
George E., and Fanny (deceased; his second wife was
Elizabeth Gilbert, of Logan County, Ohio.
Francis Davis served in the war of 1812, was at Plattsburg,
and after an honorable discharge, received 160 acres of land
from Congress for his services as a soldier. He lived in
Perry Township, this county, up to 1863, when he removed to
Defiance County, Ohio, and there resided until his death; he
died in March, 1875, at the age of eighty-seven years and
twenty-four days. Our subject was reared in Coshocton
County, Ohio, from six years of age. He was educated in
the common schools, and early in life taught school during the
winters. After he became of age he followed brick-making
as an occupation two years. He then bought a farm on
Section 3 in Perry Township, this county, which he cleared and
improved, and where he resided up to 1864, when he removed to
Section 16, on an eighty acre tract, part of which he also
cleared and improved. In 1882 he located on the farm of
160 acres he now occupies on Section 19, same (Perry) Township.
Mr. Davis was married May 5, 1852, to Sarah,
daughter of Rufus and Nancy (Dawson) Coats, who settled
in Wayne Township (then Allen County) in 1836, and removed to
Perry Township in 1842. By this union there were nine
children: Lydia wife of Jefferson Shade,
Ira E., Albert E., William F., Clara B., Charles, L., Harmon C.,
Daniel E., and an infant daughter (deceased). Mrs.
Davis' parents reared a family of nine children, of whom
three besides herself are now living: Aurilla, wife of
Henry Parker; Lucinda, wife of B. L. Underwood; and
Albert - (two brothers were in the late war of the
Rebellion; Albert, who was a colonel in the regular army
several years, served his country two terms of five years each,
a part of which was in the late war, and Rufus E., who
died in Andersonville prison). The father of Mrs.
was twice married, his second wife being Mrs. Rosella Jacobs,
by whom he had four children, of whom two are now living:
Martha Jane, wife of William Perrill and Rosetta,
wife of Fred Cribley. Two half brothers of Mrs.
Davis, Daniel and Charles W. Coats, were in
the late war. The former was a captain in the Union Army
during the war, and later moved to Arkansas and became editor of
the Madison Arkansas Free Press. He was a member of
the convention to form a constitution for that State, and was
the Republican nominee for Congress in the Republican district
in which he resided at the time of his death in 1869; the latter
died of disease contracted in the army. Our subject was
also in the late war, having enlisted in September, 1861, in
Company D, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was in the
battle of Shiloh, where he was paralyzed by the explosion of a
shell, and was discharged on that account in July, 1862.
He re-enlisted in September, 1864, in Company A, One Hundred and
Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was honorably discharged in
July, 1865. Mr. Davis is a leading farmer of Perry
Township. In politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ.
Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 737 |
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Monroe Twp. -
ROBERT E. DAVIS, general merchant, and
ex-mayor of West Cairo, was born Nov. 10, 1852, on Paddy's Run,
Butler County, Ohio, 1821, in Wales, immigrated to America in
1842, settling in Butler County, Ohio, where he married
Elizabeth Evans, a native of that county and daughter of
John and Sarah (Nicholas) Evans, the former a native of
Wales, the latter of native of America, and sister of Squire
Nicholas, of Gomer, Ohio. The subject of this sketch
received a common-school education in this county, remaining on
the farm until sixteen years of age, after which he received
three months' schooling. At seventeen years of age
he engaged as clerk in the dry goods store of J. H. Dague,
of Lima, where he remained for a time, when he was employed in
the store of J. C. Thompson, remaining until the spring
of 1878, when he came to West Cairo, and engaged in
merchandising in partnership with John B. Morris, until
early in the year 1882. In June of that year he formed a
partnership with N. M. Johnson, with whom he continued
until Jan. 1, 1884, since which time he has carried on the
business himself. Mr. Davis was married Dec. 14,
1875, to Esther Neff, a native of Lima, this county, and
daughter of Elsie May, and Donald Our
subject was a member of the town council for a term; was chosen
to fill the office of mayor, made vacant by the resignation of
David Hartzog, and at the expiration of that term, he was
elected to the office, which term expired Apr. 1, 1885. He
was also president of the township school board, and assistant
chairman of township committee. In politics he is a
Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 665 |
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Ottawa Twp. -
G. DAY, a member of the firm King & Day,
Lima, was born May 31, 1832, in Wilbraham, Mass., son of
Alvin and Olive M. (Stebbins) Day. He was married in
1857, to Martha Oldershow, a native of England, by whom
he has three children: Ella M., Leila L. and Alfred
Mott. Mr. Day served as a member of the city council
two years and of the school board four years, and advocated the
graded school system of the city which carried. The
firm of which he is a member is the oldest in Lima, and is known
as one of the solid and essential houses. Mr. King
established himself here about 1845, and Mr. Day came
from Connecticut and became a partner in 1855, since which time
the firm has been King & Day. After Mr. Day's
arrival a warehouse was built, size 40x60 feet, and the firm
handled grain, eggs and butter, only for a short time, when they
went into the pork business, slaughtering about 1,000 hogs each
winter. Business increasing they were compelled to build a
pork-house 30x50 feet, and in a short time still another
was built 15x50 feet, and two years later they erected another
brick pork-house 30x50 feet. They have also a double
smoke-house 20 feet square, with a capacity of smoking 3,000
pieces at a time, and being compelled to enlarge their
facilities to meet the demands of their increasing trade, they
erected a second and larger slaughter house on the creek below
the paper mill, which is supplied with every improvement, and
has a capacity of killing 500 hogs per day. For several
years this firm killed from 7,000 to 10,000 per winter.
Most of the pork packed is shipped to Eastern cities, except
their jobbing trade in hams and leaf lard, which finds a ready
market at home. Their grain business is good, and they
have a capacity for handling 1,000 bushels per day. All
kinds of seed and grain are dealt in, and they have done much
toward helping the farmer dispose of his product. In the
butchering season they employ from thirty-five to fifty hands.
They also run a retail meat market where they supply beef and
other meats to the city trade. Outside of their grain and
pork business they are manufacturing wood stirrups, and in the
shop a large force of hands find employment. Mr. King
is located at Xenia, engaged in the powder business, and Mr.
Day assumes control of the business here. Both of
these gentlemen are well known in this county, and for a third
of a century have enjoyed a reputation in the business and
social circles for honesty, enterprise and reliability that is a
monument which time will not efface. They have aided in
the growth and prosperity of Lima, by employing many workmen and
running a business here which is to the interest of the city,
and keeps money in circulation at home, and Lima can point with
pride to this as one of her oldest and leading enterprises.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 689 |
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Richland Twp. -
CHARLES S. DAY, of the firm of Day & Hilty,
proprietors of grocery and bakery, Bluffton, was born in Putnam
County, Ohio, Jan. 31, 1861; son of R. B. and Mary (McBride)
Day, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of New York,
who were parents of two children, of whom our subject is the
elder. His father enlisted during the late war of the
Rebellion, in the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was
killed in battle in 1864. Charles S. received his
schooling in his native county and came to Bluffton, Ohio, when
sixteen years old, and for six years was engaged as a clerk, the
first two years with R. F. Cahill, the last four with
Vernon & Steiner. He was married, June 5, 1882,
to Catherine Keim, to which union has been born
one child—Hallie. In politics Mr. Day
is a Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 760 |
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Marion Twp. -
JOSEPH DERWORT, hardware, stoves and
tinware merchant, Delphos, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Mar. 19,
1849, son of Marcus and Catharine (Reider) Derwort,
former of whom was born Apr. 25, 1822, in Sachsen, Weimar-Eisenach,
Amt Grisa, Germany, and came to America Aug. 17, 1839, latter
born at Geismar, Germany, Nov. 25, 1826. They were married
Oct. 8, 1844, and are still living in Delphos, this county.
They had a family of thirteen children: Elizabeth;
Elenor, died July 17, 1847; Joseph; Mary; John;
Marcus, died Nov. 21, 1865; Henry; Sophia; Rosalia;
Francisca, died July 19, 1862; Anna; Theresia and
Josephine. Our subject's education was limited to four
years in the common schools. He came to this county with
his parents, in 1860, and first worked at the cooper's trade
with his father, then he learned the tinner's trade, and engaged
in same line at Delphos, in 1870. His business has
steadily increased, and he has added in proportion to the
demand, a complete line of hardware, stoves, etc., employing
five men. He now occupies a two-story brick building, and
a large warehouse for surplus stock; his success is the result
of his own efforts. In 1872, having lost nearly all by
fire, he had to commence again. Our subject was married
Aug. 1, 1882, to Miss Annie Klier, who has borne him one
son, Joseph, born Nov. 23, 1883, and one daughter,
Theresia, born May 11, 1885. He is a member of the
Catholic Church; politically a Democrat.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ.
Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 626 |
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Marion Twp. -
JACOB DIENSTBERGER, wagon and
carriage-maker, Delphos, was born in Baden, Germany, July 4,
1831, and learned the trade of blacksmith there. At
eighteen he immigrated to this country and completed his trade
at Norwich, Conn. In September, 1851, he came to Delphos,
this county, followed his trade a short time, and then worked in
the iron foundry. In April, 1860, he began business for
himself as wagon and carriage-maker, and has accumulated a
handsome competency. Mr. Dienstberger married here,
in 1853, Miss Caroline, daughter of the late
Christopher Gessner, a farmer of Washington Township,
Van Wert County, and by this union are two sons and two
daughters: Charles (blacksmith, with his father),
Christopher (painter, with his father), Amelia (wife
of Tobias Foster, a blacksmith of Spencerville), and
Mary. Our subject has served in Delphos city council,
and has filled other local official positions of honor and
trust. He is interested considerably in the coal and iron
trade, from which he derives a handsome revenue. During
the late Rebellion he did active service in Company I, Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, from which he received an honorable
discharge at the close of the war.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ.
Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 627 |
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Marion Twp. -
JONATHAN DILLSAVER, farmer and
stock-breeder, P. O. Elida, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio,
Feb. 8, 1828, son of Simon and Elizabeth (Winstead) Dillsaver,
former a native of Shenandoah County, Va. ( he was in the war of
1812, died in 1880, aged about eighty-three years), latter a
daughter of Griffin and Magdalene (Smith) Winstead.
The Dillsaver and Smith families are of German,
the Windsteads of English extraction. Simon and
Elizabeth Dillsaver had four children, who became heads of
families: Nancy (deceased wife of Solomon
Moyer, she left a family in Sugar Creek Township, this county),
Jonathan, Mary A. (wife of Benjamin Sigman,
living in Van Wert County, Ohio); Matilda, (wife of
Jacob Nitler born deceased, leaving no family). Our
subject came in 1834 to Sugar Creek Township, this county, with
his parents, who entered land and experienced the trials of
pioneer life in clearing up the country. Here he remained
till 1860, when he came to his present home. He was
married Dec. 14, 1851, to Miss Melinda Shope a native of
German Township, this county, daughter of William and
Elizabeth (Tester) Shope, early settlers of this county from
Fairfield County, Ohio. By this marriage there were
thirteen children: Elizabeth, William and Rachel,
all deceased; those living are: John, born Dec. 24, 1852,
now in Delphos, Ohio; Matilda, born Jan. 8, 1854;
Rebecca, born June 26, 1856 (wife of John M. Garvey);
Simon, born July 31, 1857; George, born Nov. 19,
1858; Mary E., born Apr. 18, 1860 (wife of Joseph
Seitz), in Putnam County, Ohio; Lucinda, born Sept.
22, 1864 (wife of Charles Stemen), in Sugar Creek
Township, this county; Amanda, born May 13, 1867;
Susan, born May 20, 1868; Noah, born Aug. 12, 1871.
Mrs. Malinda Dillsaver was born Feb. 27,
1831, and died Nov. 23, 1873. Our subject then married
July 30, 1874, Melinda E. Manker, who was born Jan. 12,
1830. Mr. Dillsaver joined Company A, Thirty-third
Regiment, Sept. 24, 1864, in which he served until June 8, 1865,
when he was discharged at Camp Dennison. He was severely
wounded in a skirmish near Gillsboro, Mar. 16, 1865. The
family are members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been
deacon and trustee.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ.
Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 627 |
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Marion Twp. -
SIMON DILLSAVER, farmer, P. O. Delphos,
son of Jonathan and Melinda (Shope) Dillsaver, was born
in Sugar Creek Township, this county, July 31, 1857. He
remained on farm with his parents until after arriving at
maturity, receiving a common school education, and entered on
his career in life as a farmer. Although young in years,
Mr. Dillsaver is considered one of the most enterprising
young farmers of the township. He makes no specialties
other than general farming and stock breeding. He
was married, Nov. 15, 1879, to Mary E. Ridenour, who was
born in Marion Township, this county, May 1, 1862, daughter of
Alex and Ann (Hover0 Ridenour, natives of Fairfield
County, Ohio, and early settlers of this county, and to this
union was born, July 30, 1881, one daughter - Rhoda Bell.
Mr. Dillsaver is a consistent member of the Lutheran
Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ.
Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 628 |
| |
Ottawa Twp. -
G. W. DISMAN, superintendent of the Lima
Machine Works, Lima, was born in September, 1831, near
Philadelphia, Penn. His parents, Joseph and Anna
(Matthews) Disman, was descendants of the noted Swayne
and Butler families, of William Penn's days, and who
were among the early settlers of Philadelphia and the
surrounding country. Joseph Disman was a farmer by
occupation. Our subject, who is the oldest of nine
children (all of whom are living: G. W., John, Sarah,
Rachael, Hannah, Joseph, Elizabeth J., Anna and Israel),
was educated in common schools of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and
early learned his trade (machinist). In 1847 he came to
Ohio, some time before his father's family. He was married
in 1865, to Miss Washburn, by whom he had three children:
Charlotte I., Marion and G. W. the two latter
deceased. Mr. Disman, sixteen years ago, began as
superintendent, and has been since in the machine works of which
he is now manager, employing in the busy season about 130 hands.
He is an energetic business man and is well fitted for the
position he occupies.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 690 |
| |
Marion Twp. -
DAVID W. DITTO, farmer and bee keeper, P.
O. Delphos, was born Nov. 16, 1846, in Brown County, Ohio, son
of William W. Ditto, also a native of Brown County, Ohio,
born Oct. 23, 1823, died May 13, also a native of Brown County,
Ohio, born Oct. 23, 1823, died May 13, 1884, and Mahala
(Brown) Ditto, born Aug. 12, 1822, in Brown County, Ohio,
and still living. They were parents of eight children:
Melvina, wife of J. Irick; Rebecca (deceased);
David W.; William H. (deceased; Caroline (deceased);
Benjamin D. (deceased); wife of S. D. Crites and
Samuel F. The paternal grandparents of our subject
were Richard and Rebecca (Dunham) Ditto, former a native
of North Carolina, latter of Brown County, Ohio. His
maternal grandfather was William Brown of New Jersey, and
one of the earliest settlers of Brown County, Ohio. In
1849 our subject's parents moved to this county, locating on
section 9, Marion Township, and there David W. Ditto grew
to maturity, his earliest recollections being of pioneer scenes
and industries. From the common schools he entered the
normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, and has taught five terms of
school in connection with his farming interests. He is now
one of the most extensive bee keepers in the section, and in
this line he has been successful. He is also interested in
breeding graded stock. Mr. Ditto came to his
present farm in 1871, and has since erected a substantial
residence and barn. The appearance of this farm denotes
him to be an enterprising man and a practical farmer.
During the war he was a member of Company A, Thirty-third Ohio
National Guards. Mr. Ditto's marriage occurred Dec.
25, 1870, with Elizabeth Burkholder, who was born Feb.
12, 1851, and died Aug. 22, 1872. Her son, Charles
Albert, died at same date aged four months and twenty-five
days. Our subject married, on second occasion, Sept.
18,1873, Miss Florence B. Harris, who was born in
Hamilton County, Ohio, Jan. 7, 1849. She is the mother of
four children: Clifford, born Nov. 12, 1874, died twelve
days later; Theodore Walter, born Apr. 28, 1883.
Mrs. Ditto is a daughter of Calvin and Edith
(Dunn) Harris, early settlers of Amanda Township, this
county. Mr. Ditto is a F. & A. M., a member of
Marion Grange. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, an active part in the sabbath school. Politically
he is identified with the Republican party.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ.
Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 628 |
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Ottawa Twp. -
GIDEON DITTO, attorney at law, Lima, was
born Dec. 1, 1836, in Brown County, Ohio, son of Richard W.
and Rebecca (Dunham) Ditto, natives, the former of North
Carolina, the latter of Ohio. Richard W. Ditto, was
born in 1799, and came to Ohio in 1814 with an older brother,
Col. William Ditto, who had served through the war of 1812.
Returning to his native State in 1821, on horseback, he brought
his father back with him to Ohio in 1822. Our subject's
grandfather, Zebulon Ditto and Gideon Dunham were
both Revolutionary soldiers, and the latter settled near
Maysville, Ky., at the close of the Revolution, and participated
in several engagements with the Indians. Richard W.
Ditto was blessed with eleven children, six now living:
Elenor J. (wife of Peter Vondervort), Gideon,
Sarah (wife of H. Longwell), Ruth, (wife of
A. Poling), Almira, (wife of A. Leist) and
Richard M. The father died in February 1884, the
mother Feb. 8, 1875. Our subject received his education in
the early schools of this county, and taught school for several
terms in different parts of the county, up to the time of the
breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he enlisted Apr.
27, 1861, in Company F., Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Militia,
serving three months. He again enlisted in Morton's
Independent Rifle Regiment, afterward the Eighty-first Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, Company B., serving three years. He
was present at the battles of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing,
Corinth (first), Iuka, Town Creek, Corinth (second), where he
was wounded October, 1862, was also wounded May 14, 1864, at
Resaca, and again at Atlanta July 22, 1864, and in October,
1864, was discharged. Our subject was married in 1861
while on a short furlough to Miss Susanna, daughter of
Andrew Linn. He attended the school at Lebanon from
1871 to 1873 and then graduated. He taught school for
several years at Spencerville, Ohio. He was admitted to
the bar in 1877, and commenced practice in Delphos, Ohio, but
became engaged in other business and retired from practice.
In 1882 he opened a law office in Lima, and in April, 1883, was
elected justice of the peace. He was a charter member of
Mart Armstrong Post, G. A. R. and its commander during the year
1883.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 690 |
| |
Marion Twp. -
SAMUEL F. DITTO, farmer, P. O. Delphos,
was born Feb. 16, 1858, on the homestead farm, where he still
resides; son of William W. and Mahala (Brown) Ditto.
He received his education in the common and high schools of the
county, was brought up a farmer and has followed agriculture all
through life, in connection with which he takes a practical
interest in graded stock. Mr. Ditto was married,
Dec. 27, 1879, to Miss Sarah Isabel Strayer, who was born
Sept. 27, 1858, in Amanda Township, this county, daughter of
Samuel K. and Sarah A. (Elliker) Strayer, early settlers of
Amanda Township. To our subject and wife have been born
three children: Zelmer, born May 1, 1880, died Aug. 23,
1880; Jeanetta, born Oct. 22, 1881; Wilmer, born
Nov. 11, 1883. Mr. Ditto is a consistent member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a
Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 629 |
| |
Shawnee Twp. -
JOSEPH
DIXSON, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Muskingum County,
Ohio, Oct. 22, 1827; son of Jacob and Mary (Hardin) Dixson,
former a native of Virginia, latter of Bedford County, Penn.
His paternal grandfather was Joseph Dixson, a Virginian
and a pioneer of Muskingum County, Ohio, where he lived and
died; he was a teamster in his early days, and later a farmer.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was William Hardin,
a native of Pennsylvania, who lived and died in Bedford County,
that State. Our subject was reared in Ohio, and acquired a
limited education in the country schools, prior to his being
eight years of age. His father at one time was a resident
of Shawnee Township, this county, where he located in 1835, and
lived three years; then removed to Franklin County, and from
there to Licking County, where he resided until his death; he
had eleven children; Mary A. (deceased), Dorcas
(Mrs. Jacob Ridenour, Jr.), Joseph, Julia A. (Mrs. William
Keester), John, Jacob, George, Enoch (deceased), James,
Seth and Austin. Our subject came to this
county in 1848, locating in Shawnee Township, and in 1849
settled on the farm now owned by H. C. Kemper, which he
cleared and improved and resided on until 1874, when he removed
to the farm he now occupies. He was married Oct. 24, 1850,
to Barbara E., daughter of Mahlon and Sophia (Nye) Moninger,
of Fairfield County, Ohio, by whom he has had fifteen children:
John, Joseph (deceased), Mary S. (Mrs. A. E.
Brown), Laura (Mrs. J. S. Franklin), Jacob
R. (deceased), an infant son (deceased), Clara E.
(deceased), Melva H., James S., Francis L., William C., Henry
O., Harvey L., Holmes C. and an infant son (deceased).
Mr. and Mrs. Dixson are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He was in the late war of the Rebellion
in the one hundred days' service. In politics he is a
Republican.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 790 |
| |
Ottawa Twp. -
T. W. DOBBINS, lumber dealer, Lima, was
born Apr. 26, 1834, in Poland, Mahoning Co., Ohio, son of
Joseph Dobbins, Scotch and Welsh origin. His paternal
grandfather came to America from the north of Ireland in 1797,
and first settled in Maryland, afterward moved to Washington
County, Penn., and subsequently became a pioneer of Ohio, and
settled in what was then Trumbull (now Mahoning) County, where
he was killed by the falling limb of a tree May 18, 1819.
His family are all now deceased. Our subject's maternal
grandfather, Thomas Williams, was an early settler of
Maryland. Our subject began the pursuits of life teaching
in the common schools during the winters, and laboring at
carpentering during the summers for five years. He then
taught school two terms and engaged in surveying Government
lands in Missouri, returning to Ohio in 1859. He was
married in 1861 to Jane, daughter of William Fenn,
by whom he has six children, Ollie J., Carrie (wife of
J. Ralston) William F., Grant, Arthur and Emma.
During the late war of the Rebellion in 1862, Mr. Dobbins
was appointed provost-marshal, which position he filled for a
year. He enlisted in 1864 and served as a member of
the One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry until the
close of war. He came to Allen County in 1863 settling on
a farm and serving as justice of the peace of Shawnee Township
for three years.. He has followed bridge building to some
extent, and in 1880 embarked in the lumber business, which he
has since carried on in Lima. He is a K. T., a member or
the lodge of Lima, also a member of the G. A. R.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 691 |
| |
Jackson Twp. -
ISAAC DOTSON, farmer, P. O. Herring, was
born in Shawnee Township, this county, July 31, 1859, son of
Thomas and Susanna (Betz) Dotson. He received a common
school education and entered upon his career in life as a
farmer. He has resided on his present farm six years and
bears the reputation of being an enterprising young man, and is
regarded as one of the rising young farmers of Jackson Township.
He makes no specialty other than the usual crops and stock.
Mr. Dotson married, Feb. 20, 1879, Miss Mellie May
Shipley, who was born May 30, 1862. They have one
child, Pearly Lewis Delino, born Aug. 20, 1880.
Mrs Dotson is the only survivor of the five children of
Benedict and Samantha (Durbin) Shipley natives of Knox
County, Ohio, and who came to this county in 1863. Mr.
Shipley died Aug. 19, 1880; his widow survives. Our
subject is a consistent member of the German Reformed Church.
In politics he is an active Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 604 |
| |
Jackson Twp. -
THOMAS DOTSON, farmer, P. O. Herring, was
born in Ross County, Ohio, Mar. 20, 1836, son of Charles and
Mary M. (Debenbaugh) Dotson, former a native of
Pennsylvania, who in his younger days was a teamster, making
nine trips over the Rocky Mountains, once with a drove of hogs.
Although of a quiet nature he was a public-spirited man and took
an active part in public improvements. He died July 4,
1862, aged fifty-eight years, seven months, eight days.
His wife was born in Pennsylvania, reared in Fairfield County,
Ohio, died Jan. 28, 1847, aged thirty-seven years, eleven
months. They had twelve children: Rufus, Catherine,
Samuel, Daniel, Thomas, Hannah, Caroline, Stephen, Charles,
Mary, Isaac and Sarah. Mary and Thomas
are the only residents of Allen County at present. Our
subject was but six years of age when his parents removed to
this county, locating in Shawnee Township, where he grew to
maturity. He obtained a common school education, and at
the age of eighteen years entered upon his career in life as a
farmer, which he has made the occupation of his life. From
the date of his marriage till 1871, he rented a farm, but in
that year purchased the property where he now lives. He
has been a hard-working, energetic man, and as a result of
hardships and exposure suffers more or less from inflammatory
rheumatism, but his farm is carried on under his management by
the assistance of his children. Having been early in life
thrown upon his own resources, his property is the accumulation
of years of labor, and the appearance of his farm denotes him to
be a practical farmer. September 28, 1854, Mr. Dotson
married Susanna Betz, who was born in Ross County, in
1833, and came to this county in 1842. She was reared by
Isaac Heffner, her mother having died while she was an
infant. To our subject and wife were born eleven children:
Caroline (deceased), Clara (wife of J. W> McClure),
Isaac, Eliza, Stephen, Thomas, Mary, Albert, Katie, Jacob
and Milly.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 603 |
| |
Spencer Twp. -
JOHN H.
DUNATHAN. merchant and mayor, Spencerville, was born in
Sidney, Shelby Co., Ohio. March 13, 1836! eldest child of
Robert H. and Mary E. (Porotzman) Dunathan, the former
a native of Franklin County, Penn., the latter of Montgomery
County, Ohio. They were the parents of nine children, four now
living: John H. David P., Jacob B. and Edmond P.
Robert H. Dunathan came to Mercer County in 1840, died in
1873, his wife having preceded him in 1855. Our subject was raised
on a farm, and made agriculture the principal occupation of his
life until 1873, when he embarked in mercantile business at Deep
Cut, Auglaize Co., Ohio, dealing more or less extensively in grain
and produce. In the spring of 1882 he removed his business to
Spencerville, and a year later took in as partner J. H. Taft,
under firm name J. H. Dunathan & Co. Our subject was
married, October 13, 1858, to Mary A., daughter of
Thomas Upton, of Mercer County, born in April, 1842, by
whom he has eight children: Elizabeth F., Margaret B.,
Hettie A., Thomas R., Harmon, Susan, Edna and
Clarinda. While a resident of Auglaize County Mr.
Dunathan served as justice of the peace twelve years, and as
county commissioner five years, offices he filled with honor to
himself. In the spring of 1883 he was appointed to fill the office
of mayor of Spencerville, and was duly elected to that office at
the ensuing election. In politics Mr. Dunathan is a
stanch Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 803 |
| |
Ottawa Twp. -
JAMES M. DUNGAN, hardware merchant, Lima,
was born June 13, 1841, in London, Madison Co., Ohio, son of
John and Susan (Blue), Dungan, natives of Ohio, and who had
a family of ten children, six now living: Almyra (wife of
S. .Watson), Jesse W., Johiel G., James M., Martin W.,
Elizabeth J., Eliza C. (wife of Frank Beebe), Le
Roy S., Debora and Flora. John Dungan was a
hardware merchant for forty years in London, Ohio. Our
subject acquired his education in his native town, and began for
himself in the hardware business when seventeen years old.
When the war of the Rebellion broke out, he enlisted in 1861,
served ninety days and returned home. Subsequently he
re-enlisted, was appointed first lieutenant, and assisted
Capt. James Watson in organizing Company D, which was placed
in the Fortieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served
until September, 1862, and then entered the One Hundred and
Fifty-fourth Ohio National Guards, serving 100 days.
Mr. Dungan was united in marriage Jan. 8, 1863, with
Sarah C., daughter of Thomas J. Poteet, natives of
Virginia and Kentucky, respectively, and to this union were born
the following children: Flora, James (first) deceased,
Lee, Paul, Jesse, James (second). Mr. Dungan
came to Lima in 1881 and opened out a full stock of hardware on
east Public Square. He is a thorough-going business man.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 691 |
| |
Bath Twp. -
JOSHUA L. DUNLEVY, superintendent of
County Infirmary, P. O. Lima was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., Nov.
4, 1834, and is a son of Moses and Jane (Ledlie) Dunlevy.
He was reared in his native city until eighteen eyars of
age, where he received an academic education. He then went
to California where he remained five years, being engaged in
mining and stock herding. In 1858 he returned to
Pittsburgh, and in 1859 located in Delaware County, Ohio, and
engaged in farming, which he continued in up to the breaking out
of the late war of the Rebellion. Our subject enlisted
Sept. 30, 1861, in Company D, Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
going out as orderly sergeant, and was in the battles of Fort
Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill,
the Siege of Vicksburg and many other engagements, and was
honorably discharged at Vicksburg in September, 1864, after
three years' service. He then returned to Delaware County,
remaining there until the fall of 1866, when he located in Bath
Township, and in the spring of 1867 purchased a farm and engaged
in small fruit culture. Mr. Dunlevy was married
Sept. 30, 1861, to Mary E., daughter of Moses and
Eliza (Smith) Torrance of Delaware County, by whom he has
four children: Yuba, Force, George and Grace.
Mr. Dunlevy has served Bath Township twelve years as justice
of the peace, and in the spring of 1879 was appointed
superintendent of the Allen County Infirmary, which position he
now holds. In politics he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 578 |
| |
Jackson Twp. -
E. LINCOLN DURBIN, hardware merchant,
Lafayette, was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 3, 1860, third in
the family of ten children of Samuel and Rachel (Shipley)
Durbin, natives of Knox county, Ohio, and are now living in
Auglaize Township, this county. Mr. Durbin was
married Sept. 21, 1882, to Miss Mary F. Cook, daughter of
William H. Cook, and born in Putnam County, Ohio.
Nov. 27, 1861. Their only boy, Charles Elsworth,
was born Aug. 1, 1883. Our subject's earliest
recollections are of Allen County, his parents having located in
Auglaize Township in 1866. He finished his education a the
Normal School at Ada, Ohio, and embarked upon his business
career at Lafayette in June, 1882, purchasing the hardware
stock of S. W. Merchant. By close attention to
business, and through his courteous manner in attending to the
wants of his customers, his trade steadily increased,
necessitating an increase of stock, which he has made in
proportion to the demand, his sales amounting to nearly $4,000
per year. In connection with his other stock Mr. Durbin
also hands a line of agricultural implements. He and his
wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Durbin is a member of the Council; politically he is a
Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 604 |
| |
Auglaize Twp. -
SAMUEL DURBIN, farmer, P. O. Herring, was
born in Knox County, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1831; son of John and
Sarah (Braddock) Durbin, natives of Knox County, where the
latter died. They were parents of thirteen children, eight
of whom are now living: Elizabeth (wife of H. Kettle),
Samuel, Sarah (wife of William Winters),
Samantha (wife of G. B. Growdon), John, Olive
(wife of H. Barker), Philena (wife of B.
Blatchley), and Mansoneta (wife of L. Lewis).
John Durbin, married for his second wife Mrs.
Elizabeth (Wright) Trimble, by whom he has one son,
Wright. He is at present a resident of Fredericktown,
Knox Co., Ohio, and although well-advanced in years he enjoys
robust heath, and is vigorous and strong. He has made
large accumulations of property through a life of industry; for
years he was one of the prominent members of, and exhorters in,
the Methodist Episcopal Church. The subject of this sketch
was brought up on a farm, and has followed agriculture all his
life. In 1852 he went by way of the Isthmus of Panama to
California. After prospecting three years, he returned to
his native land (spending five months in doubling Cape Horn),
well satified with the reward of his industry. His
present farm now consists of 220 acres, upon which he has made
many improvements in way of buildings, etc. Mr.
Durbin was united in marriage, Apr. 3, 1856, with Miss
Rachel, daughter of Adam and Isabel
Shipley (both deceased in Allen County), and a native of
Knox County, Ohio. Her family were early settlers of
Howard Township, Knox Co., Ohio. Their children now living
are Eliza (wife of Henry Coles), Rachel
and Emily (wife of Benjamin Austin).
To our subject and wife were born ten children, of whom seven
are now living: Emery L. (married to Miss Mary F. Cook,
have one child, Charles E., they reside in Lafayette,
this county, where Emery L., is largely engaged in
hardware trade), Willie H., Finley, Lizzie B.,
Emma O., Samantha and Samuel. The family
are refined and intelligent, the eldest children being vocalists
of merit. Mr. Durbin in the late war of the
Rebellion, served in the One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio
National Guards and saw active service at Petersburg, Va., and
other points. He has been trustee and steward of the
Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty years.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: by Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 570 |
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