OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

A Part of Genealogy Express
 

Welcome to
HENRY COUNTY, OHIO
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
History of Henry & Fulton Counties
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co.
1888.Transcribed by Sharon Wick

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N OPQ R S T UV W XYZ

< CLICK HERE to RETURN to 1888 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX >
< CLICK HERE to RETURN to LIST of BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES >

JAPHIA W. GALLAGHER, Washington, Texas p. o., was born in Milan, Erie county, Mar. 22, 1833, and was a son of William and Frances (Smith) Gallagher, who were born in Pennsylvania and married in Canton, Stark county, O., and settled in Washington township, Henry county, at Colton, in 1845.  They purchased a farm where the village of Colton now stands and there they resided until the time of their death.  William died Dec. 31, 1851 at the age of fifty, having been born in 1801.  Francis his wife, was born in 1800 and died Apr. 13, 1858.  They had a family of seven children, all of whom are now living:  John, Japhia, Charlotte, Alanson, Catharine, William and Isabella.  Four sons enlisted and served in the late war; J. W. in Company A, 103d Ohio, in February, 1864, served under Colonel Butterfield and was discharged at Winchester, Aug. 9, 1865;  Alanson, in the 14th Ohio, served three years and William in the 14th Ohio, from 1863 to the close of the war.  While in the war he was taken prisoner and held at Andersonville.  Japhia W. Gallagher was married in October 1861, to Rebecca Hendricks, who was born in Sandusky.  They had a family of eight children: Florence, Ida, Davis, Frank, Charles, Minta, Jennie, and Frederick Mr. Gallagher commenced business as a farmer in 1862.  He erected the present hotel at Colton, and ran the same; sold it in 1865.  He built the steam saw-mill in 1866 and sold it in 1872.  Purchased his homestead of 100 acres in 1875 and now has over 100 acres well improved.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties - edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 665
G. W. GARDNER, Napoleon, was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1829, and was a son of Dyark and Rachel Gardner, who settled in Seneca county, O., in 1832 and came to Henry county in 1865.  Mr. Gardner became engaged in the daguerrotype business in 1850, which he carried on for several years, and in 1874 he in company with his son G. W. jr., opened their present photograph parlors in Napoleon.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 666
CHRISTOPHER GEARHART, Napoleon, a general grocer and provision dealer, and also farmers' supplies, was born in Crawford county, Dec. 14, 1834, and was a son of John and Elizabeth Gearhart.  Christopher was married in 1861 to Mary E. Sprow, who died in 1874 leaving four daughters:  Sarah A., Catharine, Ella and Tilla.  He settled in Napoleon and became engaged in the mercantile business in 1873.  He was again married in 1875 to Mrs. Miranda Carter.  He has been a supervisor and school director of Monroe township.  Sarah A. married Fred Horing and Catharine married Richard Horn.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 666
HENRY GEHRETT, JR., Freedom, Napoleon p.o., a leading and influential citizen of his township, was born in Fairfield county, Sept. 12, 1833, and was a son of Henry and Susanna Gehrett, of Berks county, Pa., who settled in Ohio at an early date.  Henry, jr., married Lydia Valentine, in Fairfield county, in 1853.  She died in 1865, leaving a family of five children: Theodore, Ella, Wilson S., Jennie, and Jacob H.  He then married his second wife, Mrs. Angeline (Harman) Ziegler, who was born in Ashtabula county, and was a daughter of Daniel and Rosanna (Mark) Harman.  They were married in 1866, and have had four children: Laura A., Ida M., Charles, and Anna.  Angeline had by her first husband, one daughter, Rosa Ziegler.  Henry settled in Henry county in 1865, and purchased his present homestead, now owning a fine farm of 1843 acres.  He has held several of the township offices, among them being that of justice of the peace, supervisor, and treasurer for twelve years, and also other minor offices.  Mrs. Angeline's parents settled in Henry county in 1850, where Daniel died in 1870.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 666
DR. T. M. GEHRETT, Bartlow, Dreshler p. o., physician and surgeon, was born in Fairfield county in 1854.  HE fitted himself for and attended Hiram College of Portage county, where he taught for many terms.  He read medicine at Bluffton, Ind., and was a graduate from the Cincinnati Medical College in the class of '79.  He commenced the practice of medicine at Trenton, Ind., in 1879, and settled in Dresher, O., in 1880.  He was married Mar. 13, 1879, to Alice Thrapp, of Napoleon.  They have had two children: Coral and Madge.  Dr. Gehrett has been town treasurer for four years.  He enjoys a fine practice, and has teh confidence of the people of this section.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 666
CHARLES H. GIDLEY, Napoleon, of Napoleon, was born in Bristol county, Mass., in 1834, and was a son of Charles and Basheba Gidley, who settled in Crawford county, O., in 1852, and came to Henry county in 1865.  Charles died in January, 1879.  Charles H., was reared as a farmer, and was engaged in that business up to 1880.  He was elected county treasurer and served four years, justice of the peace for five years in Damascus, and also held other town offices.  He was married in 1860 to Barbara Jenkins of Virginia.  They have had one child, Florence, who was born in 18t65.  Mr. Gridley became engaged in the marble and granite business at Napoleon, and is now a member of the firm of Halter and Gidley.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 667
EBENEZER GILLETT, Pleasant, Holgate p. o., a general merchant, was born in Lucas county, O., in 1850, and was a son of Rudolph and Harriet (Kent) Gillett.  She was born in New Jersey, and her husband in N. Y. State.  They were married in Lucas county, O., and had ten children, five of whom are now living: Theodore, Eben, Oscar, Ida M., and Rudolphus, jr.  Ebenezer Gillett was married Jan. 10, 1878, to Lovina Jackson, of Indiana.  they have one daughter, Bessie B.  They settled in Holgate in 1883.  He, to-day, has the leading mercantile business of Holgate, and is a strong advocate of small profits and speedy sales.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 667
BOSTON GILSON, Napoleon, was born in Holmes county, O., in 1842, and was a son of Richard and Sophia (Cline) Gilson.  Sophia was born in Northampton county, Pa., in 1813, and Richard was born in Wayne county, O., in 1809.  they were married Nov. 1, 1832.  Richard died in 1870.  They had a family of eleven children, seven sons are now living.  They settled in Napoleon in 1844.  Five of their sons enlisted: William, in the 68th Regiment in 1861, remained in service to the close of the war, was wounded and now receives a pension; Thomas served in the same regiment and was discharged on account of disability in 1863; Davis and Reese also enlisted, and Boston enlisted in Co. G, 124th Ohio regiment, and served to the close of the war as a corporal.  He was married in 1876, to Maria Rhodes, of Stark county.  They have had five children, two sons and three daughters.  The four brothers settled in Napoleon in 1844, and purchased farms.  They were Richard, Hugh, David and James P.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 667
JAMES P. GILSON, Napoleon, was born in Wayne county, in 1818, and was a son of William Gilson.  James was married in Holmes county, O., in 1842, to Mary Denning.  They adopted one daughter, Mary Ellen who was married in Holmes county in 1872, to Isaac R. Thrapp.  She died in 1881, leaving a family of three children: Earl Howard, J. Raymond, and Carrie Alice.  Mr. and Mrs. Gilson have adopted three children.  Mr. Gilson settled in Napoleon in 1874, and was a constable for three years.  Three of his brothers settled in the county about 1844, Hugh, Richard, and David.  James R. is the only one now living.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties - edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 668
JEREMIAH GLASS, Harrison, Napoleon p. o., was born in Trumbull county, in 1837, and was a son of John and Margaret (Fox) Glass, who were born and married in Pennsylvania, and settled in Trumbull county, O., in 1836, and that same year came to Napoleon.  They had a family of five children, three of whom are now living:  Jeremiah, Maria and Louisa.  Margaret who was born in 1805, died in 1844.  John was born in 1800, and died in Napoleon, in September, 1854.  There was but five settlements in Napoleon at the time of their settlement here.  John was county treasurer, justice of the peace, and also held other minor offices.  He was a mason by trade.  His son,  Jeremiah, learned the carpenter and joiners' trade, and became a contract builder.  Jeremiah married Nancy A. Christy, of Wyandotte, who was born in 1833.  They were married in 1853, and have had a family of three children: Grantly M., Harry, and Ada, who was graduated and is now a teacher of music.  Grantly M., was married in 1884 to Dolly E. Palmer.  They have one child, Mott.  Jeremiah settled on his present farm of 240 acres in 1865, at which time he retired from the building business.  His wife was a daughter of Andrew J. and Sarah (Cooley) Christy.  Sarah was born in Goshen, N. Y., and her husband in Strassburg, Germany.  They settled in Carey, Wyandotte county, in 1853, and came to Napoleon in 1851.  Andrew died in 1853, and his wife died in California in 1870.  Three of their children are now living:  A. J., Oran, and Nancy A.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties - edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 668
JOHN CONRAD GROLL, Flat Rock, Holgate p. o., was born Mar. 14, 1841, in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, and was a son of John and Frederica (Eckert) Groll, who emigrated from Germany and settled in Marion, Henry county, in 1852, and in 1861 they settled in Pleasant township.  John sr., died in 1885, at the age of seventy-years leaving a widow and six children: John C., Christian, William, Frederica, Magdalene and Joanna.  John Conrad enlisted in Company K, 107th Ohio Volunteers, Aug. 22, 1862, and was discharged July 10, 1865, at Charleston, S. C.  He served much of the time, as wagon master in detached service.  He was married in 1867 to Mary Yetter.  They have had six children: John J., George C., Julius D., Amelia C., Emma J., Martha M.  Mr. Groll has held the office of trustee for four years.  He purchased his present farm of 320 acres in 1865, which was then heavily timbered land.  He now has 200 acres of highly improved land and has erected first class buildings.  His grandfather, John Eckert, served in Napoleon I's army during the invasion of Russia.  Mary was a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Hermann) Yetter, of Wurtemberg, Germany, who emigrated to Liverpool, Medina County, O., in 1831, and settled in Henry county in 1850.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 669
CHRISTIAN GROLL, Pleasant, Holgate p. o., was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1842 and was a son of S. J. and Frederica (Eckert) Groll who emigrated to America with a family of five children and settled in Marion township, Henry county, in 1852.  They had a family of seven children, six of whom are now living: J. C., Christian, Frederica, Magdalena, Joanna and William. They settled in Pleasant township in 1862,where Mr. Groll died in 1885 aged sixty-nine years.  He was born in 1816 and his wife, who was born in 1820 is living yet.  Christian Groll was married in 1870 to Catharine Knipp  They have had a family of six children: Charles, Elizabeth, Anne, Mary, David and AlbertCatharine was a daughter of Tobias and Margaret (Keil) Knipp, who were born in Germany and married in Crawford county, O., July 4, 1839.  They had a family of three sons and two daughters and settled in Henry county in 1848.  Their children were Catharine, Elizabeth, Peter, Fred and JohnMr. Groll has been township treasurer for two terms, trustee two terms, and has been a supervisor.  He was engaged in carpentering and building in early life, but later became engaged in farming.  He now owns a farm of 240 acres under fine cultivation and also has some fine farm buildings.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 769 (669)
HON. H. C. GROSCHNERHerman Christian Groschner, the subject of this sketch, was born in Baddelaben, Prussia, on the 4th day of February in the year 1844.  He was one of the younger children of Jaob C. and Dorothy Groschner, who will be remembered among the highly respected German families of Napoleon.  The family emigrated from Prussia when Herman was but seven years of age, and took up their residence at Buffalo, N. Y., where the father found employment at his trade, that of a blacksmith and carriage maker.  They lived in that city but one year, when they moved to Defiance county, O., only to remain there six months; thence to Florida, in this county, and, a little later, to the county seat of Henry county, at which place he lived up to the time of his death.  Herman C. was employed in assisting his father in the shop.  He proved an apt helper, and soon became conversant with the English language.  At the age of fifteen years he became clerk in a hardware store at Defiance, and remained there four years, during which time he learned the detail of the business, and, being able to speak both German and English, soon became a valuable employee.  When about twenty-one he accepted a managing position in the hardware store of Henry Kahlo, a pioneer merchant of Napoleon, with whom young Groschner remained until the proprietor sold to Imber & Gillis, when the young man was given the management of the business.  Soon after Mr. Groschner became an actual partner, being for two or three years associated with the junior member of the former firm; and from that until the present time he has held an interest, either as part or sole owner.  He was connected with the business under the several firms of Gillis & Groschner, Groschner & Hellers, and Groschner & Reddderson, but in May, 1887, he purchased his partner's interest in the stock and became sole proprietor.
     It must be remembered that when our subject commenced his business life he was wholly without means, and whatever of success has attended his efforts has been the result of his own personal energy and industry.  His position, for some years, was taht of a clerk, but by the interest he showed in the welfare of his employer's business, he gradually became entitled to more than a clerk's position.  Of course, with advancement, there came increased salary and greater responsibility on his part; step by step has he advanced, until now he is sole proprietor of a large and well-stocked hardware establishment, added to which are special branches, and all requiring close and careful attention.  Mr. Groschner's store on Perry street, in Napoleon, is in the business center of the town, and his trade is large and constantly increasing.
     It would seem that a man whose business cares are so great would find but little opportunity to indulge in the worry and labor of politics; nevertheless, he in not wanting in political zeal and ambition, both in local and State affairs.  In Napoleon he has served in several capacities; first, he was treasurer, and later a member of the board of education,  holding in the last named office for nine years, and being on the most important committee of that body.  He was the successful candidate for the office of representative in the Legislature of Ohio, and took his seat in 1879.  At the expiration of his first term he was renominated in convention, and again became a member of that body, serving in all, four years.  Again, at the earnest solicitation of friends, he became a candidate for senatorial honors, but was twice defeated in convention; but in 1885, he was the nominee of hte Democracy of the 33d Senatorial District, comprising the counties of Lucas, Hancock, Putnam, Henry, Fulton and Wood, and was elected by a good majority.
     As a member of each branch of the Ohio Legislature, Mr. Groschner served with credit to himself and with satisfaction to his people; he originated no special measures, but identified himself with such acts as seemed for the general welfare.  It was his policy to acquaint himself with the duties of his position, and then act understandingly.  During his two years in the Senate he was a member of the following important committees: Finance, board of public works, labor, roads and highways (chairman), ditches and drainage, fish culture and game, board of public survey.
     In the fall of 1887 Mr. Groschner was renominated by the District Senatorial Convention, but owing, in a measure, to the extraordinary efforts of the opposition party in behalf of their candidate, he was defeated at the polls.
     At the age of twenty-three years, in 1867, soon after having become a resident of Napoleon, Herman C. Groschner was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Darrah, of Toledo.  Of this marriage there has been born seven children, six of whom are still living - two girls and four boys.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 625
LUCIEN B. GUNN, Napoleon, now a resident of Toledo, was born in Cleveland, O., in 1814, and was a son of Squire Charles and Elizabeth (Matthews) Gunn, who were married in Cleveland in 1812 and settled in Napoleon township in 1814.  They had a family of seven children six of whom are now living: Lucien B., Louisa, Elliott, Edward, Elijah and Minerva, and Mary Ann (deceased).  Squire Charles  died April 30, 1832; his wife, Elizabeth, died April 10, 1832.  Charles was a son of Elijah, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to America while a young man and in revolutionary days.  Llucien B. Gunn was married in 1845 to Harriet Jenison, of Lucas county, O.  They have had four children: Sophia, Alice, Minerva and Loraine.  Alice Victory was married May 7, 1884, to Charles Van Hyning, of Napoleon, and Sophia married William L. MarionLucien B. settled in Toledo in1862.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 670
WILLIAM W. GUNN, Flat Rock, Florida p. o., was born in Flat Rock township in January, 1835, and was a son of pioneer Elijah and Elenor (Grant) Gunn.  They were born in Massachusetts, he in 1794.  They died in Ohio, she in May, 1838, aged thirty-one years.  They had a family of five children, four of whom are now living: Catharine, Lucretia, William and Julian.  Elijah married for a third wife, Mrs. Dorcas Watterman.  They had three children: Cyrus, Cornelius and Cornelia.  She died in November, 1869, aged 69 year; he died in January, 1875, aged 81 years.  Two infant sons died in 1843.  Cyrus died August, 1864, aged twenty-three years, a soldier in the late war.  Elijah settled in Flat Rock in 1827, coming there from Waterville, Lucas county.  He was the son of Elijah Gunn, who was born in Scotland and was a soldier in Washington's army, a pioneer of Ohio July 4, 1796, and of the Maumee Valley in1815; died September 1855, aged ninety-five years.  Elijah jr., was a soldier in the war of 1812.  All three soldiers are buried in the family burying ground on the Gunn Farm in Flat Rock township, on the north bank of the Maumee River.  William W. Gunn was married in 1858 to Arastine Lowry, a daughter of Washington and Mary (Naggle) Lowry; she was born in December, 1840.  They had a family of five children, four of whom are now living: Charles W., born January, 1860; Mary 'E., born March 1863, and died December 1868; George W. born September, 1869; Lillie B., born September, 1872; Ida M. born July, 1877.  Charles W. was married to Clara S. Warsner in1882.
Source:  History of Henry & Fulton Counties -
edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich - Syracuse NY - Publ. D. Mason & Co. 1888. - Page 670

-----

CLICK HERE to Return to
HENRY COUNTY, OHIO
CLICK HERE to Return to
OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS
FREE GENEALOGY RESEARCH is My MISSION
GENEALOGY EXPRESS
This Webpage has been created by Sharon Wick exclusively for Genealogy Express  ©2008
Submitters retain all copyrights