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OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS
A Part of Genealogy
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Welcome to
Richland County,
Ohio
History & Genealogy
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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
History of Richland Co., Ohio -
from 1808 to 1908
Vol. I & II
by A. J. Baughman -
Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co.
1908
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David L. Garber |
DAVID LEEDY GARBER.
When Richland county was a frontier district the Garber
family was established in this section of Ohio, and in
both paternal and maternal lines David L. Garber was a
representative of early families of this section who established
their homes here on the frontier.
David Leedy Garber was born in
Jefferson township, Richland county, Ohio, Apr. 3, 1831.
His parents were Samuel and Catherine (Leedy) Garber, who
were pioneer residents of the southern portion of Richland
county. They were prominent in the early days of the
county and the father followed the occupation of farming.
Mrs. Garber was the daughter of John Leedy, who
was the first settler in that section of the country, arriving
there in 1811. He took an active and helpful part in the
early development of the county as the wild land was transformed
into beautiful farms, while here and there a village sprang up,
and the work of improvement and development was carried steadily
forward. John Leedy was a man of gigantic
proportions and at one time weighed four hundred and fifty
pounds. His mother weighed three hundred and fifty pounds,
and some of her daughters weighed between three hundred and
three hundred and fifty pounds. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Garber were of Swiss descent and they were married in 1825.
As the years passed they assisted largely in the early
development of the county, and among pioneer surroundings and
environments David L. Garber was reared. He
acquired his education in the early district schools, although
opportunities of that day were very limited. The school
buildings were often constructed of logs and were furnished in a
very primitive manner. Comparatively few branches
were taught at that date, but Mr. Garber was naturally a
bright student and soon mastered the courses that comprised the
curriculum' at that time. He early learned what hard work on the
farm meant as he assisted in agricultural pursuits, developing
and cultivating new land. He carried on general
agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. He was a
very successful farmer and made more than usual progress in his
choosen occupation.
On the 8th of April, 1852, David L. Garber was
married to Susan Leedy, his mother's cousin. She is
still living, having long survived Mr. Garber, who passed
away Apr. 5, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Garber reared a
large family, who have been a credit and honor to their
name. Their eldest son, Aaron Leedy Garber,
was married to Mary Ella Myers and resides in Ashland,
Ohio. He is editor, publisher, author and minister, and is
well known and honored by reason of his life of general
usefulness. Unto him and his wife were born one son and
two daughters. Elihu Leedy Garber, the second son,
married Ida Ritter, and has one son. He deals
in musical instruments, teaches music and was for a number of
years editor of the Bellville Star. Franklin Leedy
Garber married Lovina Carpenter. He has
five sons and four daughters, and is now engaged in farming and
stock-raising, making his home upon the old farm which was
originally the property of John Leedy. He
also is known as a writer on agricultural subjects.
Levi Leedy Garber wedded Alma Mooman, by whom he had
one son and two daughters. For years he has been at the
head of the normal department of the Ashland College, of
Ashland, Ohio, and is the author of a series of study outlines
for use in schools and colleges. Martha Elizabeth
Garber is the wife of Mr. Shireby, by whom she has
two children, and they make their home near Butler, Ohio.
Jennie Alice Garber is the wife of Edwin Crain and
the mother of eight children. Ezra, the next member
of the family, died when six months old. Mrs. Susan
Leedy Garber, the mother, some years after the death of her
first husband, became the wife of Stephen P. Dyer and had
one son, who is now deceased, and one daughter, Mrs. Bell
Keyser, who is living in Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Dyer
is still living and enjoying good health at the age of
seventy-seven years. Her first husband, Mr. Garber,
is well remembered in Richland county, where he spent his entire
life and where he was widely known as a representative of the
agricultural interests. He enjoyed the full respect of all
with whom he came in contact.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 1092
SHARON WICK'S NOTE: See David L. Garber in History of Richland Co., Ohio
-
Past and Present -
Illustrated - Publ: Mansfield by A. A., Graham & Co.
-
1807 - 1880 (CLICK
HERE) |
| |
H. S. GARBER.
H. S. Garber, who now owns and operates two hundred and
twenty acres of valuable land on section 34, Jefferson township,
was born on this farm on the 5th of July, 1864. His
parents, J. L. and Rebecca (Wallace) Garber, also natives
of Richland county, Ohio, were of German and Scotch descent
respectively. Their children were as follows: Ella,
the wife of John Watson, of this county; Irene,
deceased; Clara, the widow of S. A. Oyster, who
likewise makes her home in this county; Ida M., at home;
H. S., of this review; J. W., of Richland county;
J. M., who is a civil engineer of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania; George Wallace, Myrtle E. and Mamie D.,
all of whom have passed away. Mr. Garber is one of
the two survivors in a family of six children and now lives with
her daughter, but the death of the father occurred in 1903.
He always took an active interest in politics as a champion of
the democracy, and served nearly seven years as county
commissioner. He was identified with the Knights of
Pythias and the Grange.
H. S. Garber remained on the home farm until he
had attained his majority and supplemented his preliminary
education by a course in Ashland College, and a course in the
St. Louis College of Pharmacy, of which he is a graduate.
He was engaged in teaching school for fifteen eyars, and for a
period of four years, was located in Missouri, but, returning to
Ohio in 1896, has here since resided. He now owns two
hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land on section
34, Jefferson township, and in addition to the tilling of the
soil makes a specialty of feeding stock, both branches of his
business returning to him a gratifying annual income.
In 1898 Mr. Garber was united in marriage to
Miss Sylvia Swank, who was born in Jefferson township,
Richland county, Ohio, in 1874, a daughter of John and Leah
Swank, natives of this state4. They have become the
parents of five children, namely; Lucile C., Leora E., Gladys
M., J. L. and Vance W.
Mr. Garver gives his politician allegiance to the
democracy and has served on the school board, the cause of
education finding in him a stalwart champion. His
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
Universalist church, while fraternally he is connected with the
Maccabees and the Grange. Natives of this county, both he
and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the
community by reason of their genuine personal worth and sterling
traits of character, having gained the respect and regard of all
with whom they have been brought in contact.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 689 |
Jehu L. Garber |
JEHU
GARBER - See REBECCA GARBER
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 572 |
John L. Garber |
JOHN L. GARBER.
There is particular interest in reverting to the life history of
the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this
review, for his mind bears the impress of the historical annals
of the state of Ohio from the early pioneer days to the present
time. For a long period he was identified with the
agricultural interests of this section of the state but now at
the age of eighty-two years he is living retired, having in
former years accumulated a competency that now supplies him with
all the comforts of life.
John L. Garer was born near the present home,
Dec. 11, 1826, a son of
Samuel and Catherine (Leedy) Garber, the former born in
York county, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1804. His father entered
the war of 1812 as a civilian employee and was never heard from
afterward. The mother then removed to Bedford
county, Pennsylvania, where the son Samuel was placed in
charge of a relative, who mistreated him and he returned to his
mother, who in the meantime had married Samuel Brawler,
Samuel Garber remained in his native state until 1821, when
he made his way to
Richard1 county and for a time worked at the
shoemaker's trade, after which he was employed by John Leedy,
a farmer. It was there that he formed the acquaintance of
the daughter, Catherine Leedy, whom he afterward made his
wife. He then began farming on his own account and spent
his remaining days in Richland county. His family numbered
twelve children, of whom our subject is the eldest.
John L. Garber was reared on his father’s farm,
assisting in clearing the wild land and developing the fields
into a cultivable tract. During those early days the
family had to endure many hardships, the methods of farming
being quite unlike those of the present day, and the family had
to go to Sandusky to do their trading. Mr.
Garber remained under the parental roof until he attained
his majority, at which time he went to Cedar county, Iowa, to
join an uncle, who was a millwright by trade. He worked as
a millwright in that state for three years, when he once more
returned to Richland county and engaged in repairing mills along
the Clear fork. He also assisted in building a steam mill
in Wyandot county, Ohio. About that time his father
erected a brick house, the first in this section of the state,
and Mr. Garber roofed the dwelling. This
induced some of the neighbors to solicit his services in the
erection of houses and in all he helped to build sixteen
dwellings. He then engaged in farming, having purchased
sixty acres in Worthington township, which he farmed for one
year. Disposing of that property, he then bought one
hundred and sixty acres in partnership with a brother but this
was later divided, our subject taking eighty acres on section
33, Jefferson township. To this he later added from time to time
as his financial resources increased until he possessed three
hundred and twenty acres. For a long period he continued
to carry on agricultural pursuits on an extensive scale and
accumulated quite a comfortable fortune. About a year ago
he divided his land among his children and since that time has
lived in well earned ease.
On the 27th of August, 1854, Mr. Garber
was united in marriage to Miss Mary Swank,
who was born Oct. 21, 1830, and still survives. Their
union was blessed with ten children, namely: Zeriah, who
was born Mar. 24, 1855; Elizabeth; Samuel, who
owns a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Knox county;
Catherine; Florence; Alvira; Charles;
one who died in infancy; Walter; and two who
died in infancy.
Mr. Garber has strong prohibition
tendencies but casts an independent vote, regarding men and
measures rather than party ties. He served as trustee for
two terms and also filled the office of school director.
He is a charter member of Jefferson Grange, while both he and
his wife are members of the Universalist church.
Mr. Garber is accorded a place among the
pioneer citizens of Richland county, for he belongs to that
class of men whose enterprising spirit has been used not alone
for his own benefit but for the advancement of the community in
which he has always made his home. He is widely and
favorably known throughout the county and receives that respect
and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has
advanced thus far on the journey of life.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 632
1Should this be Richland? |
| |
REBECCA GARBER.
Mrs. Rebecca Garber, residing on section 13, Jefferson
township, on a fine farm near Bellville, was born in
Pennsylvania, Mar. 20, 1837, but was brought to Richland county
by her parents in 1841, when about four years of age. She
was one of a family of seven children, but only two are now
living, her brother, George Wallace, being a
resident of Knox county, Ohio. Her father, George
Wallace, who was born Feb. 6, 1805, in the Keystone
state, died July 18, 1879, and her mother was born Mar. 12,
1808, in Pennsylvania, and died Sept. 12, 1878.
Their daughter Rebecca spent her girlhood days
under the parental roof, where she was carefully trained in the
work of the household, so that she was well qualified to take
charge of a home of her own when on the 19th of June, 1856, she
gave her hand in marriage to JEHU GARBER. Her
husband was born in Jefferson township, this county, Oct. 29,
1835, representing one of the old pioneer families. His
father was
Samuel Garber, who came to Richland county,
Ohio, at a very early epoch in its development. In early
life Jehu Garber engaged in teaching school, but
in later years devoted his time and energies to farming with
excellent results. He was the first secretary of the
Grange in this county and was always interested in everything
that pertained to the agricultural development of the community.
In his own farming operations he displayed a spirit of
enterprise and progress and brought his land under a high state
of cultivation. In 1864 he took up his abode upon a farm
on section 34, Jefferson township, and there year after year he
tilled the soil and carried on the work of the fields, his
labors making him one of the prosperous agriculturists of the
community, and the beautiful brick house, one of the finest
houses in Jefferson township, and the home of the Garber
family, was built by Mr. Garber.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Garber were born ten children:
Eleanora, the wife of John Watson, of this
county; Irene, deceased; Clara A., the widow of
Douglas Oyster, residing in Jefferson township;
Ida May, who is at home with her mother; Horatio C.,
also on the home farm; James William, of Jefferson
county; John M., who lives in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania;
and Wallace, Merta E. and Mamie D.,
all of whom have passed away. The death of the husband and
father occurred Feb. 6, 1903, and was the occasion of deep and
widespread regret, for he had won the respect and sincere regard
of many with whom he came in contact. He was also a
prominent and influential citizen of the community and served as
county commissioner for seven years, discharging the duties of
the office in a prompt and able manner, his fidelity being
indicated by his long continuance in the position. He was
a member of the Knights of Pythias and was well known for his
good traits of heart and mind. He lived to the age of
almost sixty-eight years and his entire life was passed in this
county. Mrs. Garber still survives her
husband and is well known in Bellville and this locality.
She is a member of the Universalist church, and both in the
church and outside of it she has gained many warm and sincere
friends.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 572
SHARON WICK'S NOTE: See
1880 Biography of Jehu Garber |
| |
THEODORE
L. GARBER. The
agricultural and industrial interests of Richland county find a
worthy representative in Theodore L. Garber, who is a
native son of Jefferson township, his birth having occurred
there Aug. 9, 1845.
He was the eighth in a family of twelve children, nine
boys and three girls, and was reared to the occupation of
farming, assisting in operating the home farm during boyhood and
youth.
His education was acquired in the district and
Bellville high schools, which he attended a few winter terms,
and he took the four-year Chautauqua course, graduating in the
Pansy class of 1878.
He is a great reader and his home is always well
supplied with the best literature. He taught five winter terms
of school in Jefferson township and worked on the farm in
summer.
He taught in 1868-9 in District No. 1, the average
attendance being fifty-five in all grades. He chose for
his companion and helpmate Martha Celestia Lee, who was
born in Wyandot county Apr. 7, 1851, a daughter of Ebenezer
and Jane C. (Long) Lee, who moved to Richland county in
1852. Mr. Garber and Miss
Lee were married Oct. 4, 1869, and their union has been
blessed with seven children: Lee, who was born Apr. 14, 1871,
and died on the 10th of September following; Elbert
Glenn, born June 20, 1872; Lloyd M., born Apr. 27,
1876; Harry Zeyn, born November 10, and died Nov.
29, 1882; Mabel C., born July 24, 1879; Louise,
born Mar. 24, 1884; and W. Carlton, born Dec. 20, 1887.
E. Glenn, eldest of the family now living, was
educated in the district school and Bellville high school, after
which he attended and graduated from the Spencerian Business
College of Cleveland. He taught two terms of winter school
and worked on the farm in summer.
In 1890, in partnership with his father, he established
the Valley Earm Creamery on his father’s farm. It
prospered so well that in 1892 it was moved to its present site
in Bellville. In 1896 they bought the Bellville electric
light plant and are running it in connection with the creamery.
He is the efficient manager and half owner of both plants and
has an excellet excellent reputation for fair
dealing and quality of creamery products.
He married Miss Grace Swineford in September,
1902, and they now have a son and daughter, Paul S. and
Margaret. He is identified with the Universalist
church and Grange and supports the prohibition party.
Lloyd M. was educated in the district and
Bellville high schools and taught winter terms for several
years. He bought a half interest in the hardware store of
Remy & Kochheiser & Garber, Bellville. He married
Susie Oberlin, had a son, Ray, who died in
September, 1903, in his second year. He is a member of the
Universalist church, of the Knights of Pythias and is town
treasurer. Mabel C. was educated in district and
Bellville high schools; spent one year in Buchtel College,
Akron, and at Ashland College. She taught three years in
country schools in Ashland county and one each in Bellville and
Loudonville Union schools. She married Rev. William H.
Beachler, and they have a son, John Russell.
They are now located in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania.
Louise attended the district and Bellville high school and
its at home.
W. Carlton, who attended the district school and
graduated from the Bellville high school at seventeen years of
age, is at home engaged in teaching and farm work.
Theodore L. Garber has been a member of the
Universalist church since 1865 and has served many years as the
superintendent of its Sunday school. He is now and has
been for many years a trustee and deacon and held the office of
treasurer of the Ohio Universalist convention for two years.
He was a charter member of Jefferson Grange and has held many of
its offices and is a trustee at present. He has been a
member of Richland County Pomona Grange ever since it was
organized and has held the office of master frequently. He
has been president of the Richland County Fanners’ Institute for
several terms, held the office of treasurer of the Ohio Mutual
Cyclone, Tornado and Wind Storm Insurance Association for two
years and is treasurer of the Federation of Mutual Insurance
Associations of Ohio now. The Federation is composed of one
hundred and twenty-one associations, carrying risks amounting to
over $200,000,000.00. He succeeded his brother, J. L.
Garber, as secretary of the Patrons Mutual Relief
Association of Bellville Jan. 4, 1892, and holds the office now,
and is its treasurer also, having been elected to that office on
the 1st of October, 1901. At the time he took charge there
were five hundred and eight members, carrying risks to the
amount of $1,080,442. On Jan. 1, 1908, there were two
thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight members, carrying
$6,102,420.00 insurance. His duties in this office occupy
all of his time except what is necessary to oversee the farm
operations.
He began housekeeping in October, 1870, where he now
lives, eighty rods north of Gatton Rock station, on the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
The house he now occupies was built in the spring of
1870 and rebuilt in 1902. It is a comfortable habitation,
arranged with furnace for heating water on both floors, has bath
room, and is supplied with natural gas for light and fuel.
The main barn was built in 1888, to which there has been several
additions, until the farm is unusually well supplied with
buildings.
He is a progressive farmer, having built the first silo
in the county and he raised the first alfalfa and soy beans.
He was the first to make the milk business in Bellville a
success; used the first farm cream separator, the first manure
spreader, and hitched his gas engine on his horse hay fork in
1906.
His special pride is in the increasing fertility of his
farm and in his family.
The Garber-Leedy settlement is situate in
the southern part of Jefferson township. The locality was
formerly called “Leedy’s Swamp,” but the swamp is now a
thing of the past, for as the country was cleared and drained
what was once a swamp is now rich, arable land.
The Leedys, with their kinsmen, the Garbers,
are a numerous people, and the Leedy Association,
which holds annual reunions, has a membership of over seven
hundred. As a people the Leedys and Garbers
are agriculturists. Several, however, are ministers, and
one - Aaron Leedy Garber - is a publisher
and author as well as a minister. A few of their number
are politicians, and one - John Leedy - has been governor
of the state of Kansas.
As a people the Leedys and their kinsmen are
upright, honorable and prosperous and have done much to give
tone and character to the township in which they live.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 1164 |
| |
CYRUS
GATTON, residing on his farm on section 12, Jefferson
township, was formerly an extensive landowner of this county and
was also engaged in the stock business to a considerable extent.
He was born in a log house in Jefferson township, Aug. 28, 1838,
his parents being Isaac and Hettie M. Gatton, who came to
Richland county in 1812. He obtained a common-school
education, pursuing his studies in a log schoolhouse, and he
remained with his father until he attained his majority.
Mr. Gatton began farming upon a part of his
father's home place. At the age of sixteen years he
commenced breeding Merino sheep, starting with only three, and
has since devoted considerable attention to that industry.
During his boyhood wool was worth sixty cents per pound and
during the Civil War sold for one dollar per pound. He
entered his sheep at the first fair held in Mansfield and
carried off the first prize. His fine Merino sheep have
been shipped all over the country, and he has also bought and
shipped cattle and hogs as well as sheep, starting in that
business in 1865 and continuing it for nearly twenty years.
He handled about fifty carloads annually, Bellville and Butler
being his shipping points.
Since then Mr. Gatton has engaged in farming and
at one time was the owner of seven hundred acres of valuable
land, all in Richland county, but is now farming only one
hundred and sixty acres on section 12, Jefferson township,
having distributed the remainder among his children. He
has placed many improvements upon his farm and is well known as
one of the county's most successful and prominent
agriculturists. Adjoining his place there is an Indian
graveyard, called the Mound, in which seven Indians and seven
white people are buried.
On the 3d of January, 1867, Mr. Gatton was
united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Hines, a native of
this county, while her parents were born in Maryland. Unto
our subject and his wife were born ten children, namely:
Isaac, a resident of Bellville; Nettie, the wife of
William Swagert, of Monroe township; Annie, at home;
Wilbur, of this county; Marilla, the wife of
Webster Tucker, of Monroe Township; George Clinton,
of Cleveland, Ohio; Floyd, at home; Daisy the wife
of Alvin Reeder; and Ella May and Albert,
who were accidentally shot at school. On the 28th of
December, 1902, Mr. Gatton was called upon to mourn the
loss of his wife, her demise being deeply regretted by many
friends as well as her immediate family.
Mr. Gatton gives his political support to the
republican party and has served in the position of supervisor.
Throughout his entire life, already covering more than the
Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he has
been a resident of this county and that his career has ever been
honorable and upright is indicated by the fact he has the
respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact
through business or social relations.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 1105 |
| |
PATTERSON
T. GATTON, successfully engaged in the livery business in
Mansfield, was born in Washington township, Richland county,
Nov. 24, 1865. His father, Aaron Gatton, was
likewise born in Washington township, Richland county, his natal
day being Aug. 27, 1845, while his parents were Thomas and
Sarah (Gatton) Gatton. The former was born in
Muskingum county, Ohio, and was but five years of age when his
father, James Gatton, who had come from Maryland, was
called to his final rest. Thomas Gatton was bound
out to a man named Beavers, who misused him, and for this
reason his brother brought him to Richland county about eighty
years ago. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted for service in
the Civil war as a member of Company C, Sixty-fourth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, and died from blood poisoning resulting from
a wound which he received at the battle of Stone River,
Tennessee. His wife, however, still survives, having now
attained the age of eighty-eight years. Their family
numbered four children: David who is a practicing
physician located in Mahaska county, Iowa; Rachel, who
resides with her mother; Aaron; and John.
Aaron Gatton was educated in the common schools of
Washington township and remained at home until the time of his
marriage to Miss Mary J. Shively, of Richland county.
This union has been blessed with five children, namely:
Patterson T., of this review; James A., born August
27, 1870, who is a dealer in horses and is also engaged in the
livery business in Mansfield; Harry, a horse dealer of
Bellville, Ohio; Nancy A., at home, and Sadie, the
wife of Charles Grice, a street car conductor of
Mansfield. Aaron Gatton gives his allegiance to the
democracy where national questions and issues are involved, but
at local elections casts an independent ballot.
Patterson T. Gatton acquired a common-school
education, and began dealing in horses when but fifteen years of
age, having continued in this line of activity to the present
time. He has met with a gratifying and well merited
measure of success in his undertakings and is widely recognized
as one of the most prominent and best known dealers in the
county, making extensive shipments.
In 1887 Mr. Gatton was united in marriage to
Miss Etta Muttis, of Richland county, by whom he has two
children: Carl who is engaged in the livery business in
Mansfield in connection with his uncle; and Beatrice,
at home.
Mr. Patton casts his vote for the men and
measures of the republican party and gives stalwart support to
every movement calculated to advance the general welfare or
promote the upbuilding of his native county. He has gained
many friends throughout the community and is well known as an
enterprising and public-spirited citizen, an honorable and
upright business man and a devoted husband and father.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 1140 |
C. N. Gaumer |
CHARLES N. GAUMER
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 504 |
| |
GEORGE
W. GEDDES.
There are few men whose lives are crowned with the
honor and respect which was universally accorded Judge
George W. Geddes, but through long connection with the
history of Richland county, and the state his was an an
unblemished character. He was one of the world's workers,
assisting materially in laying the foundation for the stability,
progress and substantial growth of his home locality and the
commonwealth.
George W. Geddes was born July 16, 1824, in Knox
Co., Ohio, but in his childhood days was brought to Richland
county by his father, James Geddes, and was here
reared to the age of fifteen pursuing his education in the
public Schools. On putting aside his text-books he
returned to Mount Vernon, where he accepted a clerkship in the
employ of James Huntsberry, a prominent merchant of that
city, and that he was most faithful and capable is indicated by
the fact that he remained there for about six years, or until
nearly twenty-one years of age. He did not care to make
merchandising his life work, however, for it was his desire to
become a member of the bar and to this end he devoted all of the
hours which are usually termed leisure to familiarizing himself
with the text books of that profession. He had thereby
gained considerable knowledge of the law when he entered the
office of Hon. Columbus Delano as a
student. Under his direction he made rapid progress in his
studies, so that at the end of a year he was admitted to the bar
and well qualified, entering upon active practice.
In November, 1845, Mr. Geddes came to
Mansfield to begin his professional career and had his first
trial brought before a justice of the peace, with James
Stewart, then one of the leading lawyers of Mansfield.
Mr. Stewart was so favorably impressed with his young
opponent's skillful management of the case that he urged Mr.
Geddes to locate in Mansfield. This he did and for two
years had his office with Mr. Stewart, after which he
became his law partner in 1847. The relation was
maintained until 1850 and was then terminated by the fact that
Mr. ST\tewart was elected judge of the court of common
pleas. Mr. Geddes then entered into partnership
with Jacob Brinkerhoff, with whom he was associated until
Mr. Brinkerhoff was elected to the Supreme bench of Ohio,
in 1855. The following year Mr. Geddes received the
democratic nomination for common pleas judge, with his former
law partner and benefactor, Judge Stewart, as his
opponent. The election showed that Judge Geddes was
the choice of the people, and in 1861, at a district convention
of the democratic and republican parties, he was re-nominated
and re-elected without opposition. In 1866 he became a
candidate for the third term, but at this election was defeated
by seventeen votes, although he ran five hundred votes ahead of
his ticket - a fact which indicated his personal popularity and
the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. Not
long after this the legislature created an enactment providing
for an additional judge in this judicial sub district and
Judge Geddes was again nominated and elected in 1868.
Upon the expiration of his third term he retired permanently
from the bench and resumed the practice of law. His course
on the bench had been in harmony with his record as a man and
also distinguished by the utmost fidelity to duty and by a
comprehensive understanding of the legal principles involved.
In 1872 he was placed in nomination by the democracy of Ohio for
supreme court judge, but the entire state ticket was defeated
that year.
When Judge Geddes again took up the practice of
law he formed a partnership with Mosts R. Dickey and
John W. Jenner, under the firm style of Geddes, Dickey &
Jenner. Mr. Dickey was later elected to the
common pleas bench while Mr. Jenner became a judge on the
circuit bench of this judicial district. On the expiration
of Judge Dickey's official term the partnership relations
between him and Judge Geddes were resumed. The firm
was a very strong one and enjoyed a most extensive clientage.
Few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon the bar of
the state, both for legal ability of a high order and for the
individuality of a personal character which impresses itself
upon a community. Of a family conspicuous for strong
intellects and indomitable courage and energy, Judge Geddes
entered upon his career as a lawyer, and such was hsi force
of character and natural qualifications that he overcame all
obstacles and wrote his name upon the keystone of the legal arch
of his district.
Judge Geddes was, moreover, a man of marked
influence in political circles in Ohio. In June, 1878, a
democratic convention of the fifteenth congressional district,
comprising the counties of Coshocton, Holmes, Knox, Richland and
Tuscarawas, met at New Philadelphia and after a session of three
days failed to nominate a candidate. An adjournment was
taken and the convention reassembled at Mt. Vernon, July 31, and
after a deadlock continuing through that day and the day
following, reconvened Friday, August 2, and resumed balloting
with the one thousand one hundred and eleventh ballot.
Colonel R. Burns was the Richland county candidate.
After the twelve hundredth and fiftieth ballot had been taken
Judge Geddes was brought out as a compromise candidate and
he received the nomination on the twelve hundredth and
fifty-fifth ballot and was elected by a large majority over
G. A. Jones. In 1880 he was nominated in the
fourteenth congressional district and was elected over
Colonel S. E. Fink. In 1882 he was again nominated in
the fourteenth district and overcame a large republican
majority, defeating Rollin A. Horr, while in 1884 he was
nominated in the sixteenth district and defeated the
Honorable H. C. Hedges. While a member of congress he
took an active part in all the work that was in the council
chambers of the nation, gave careful consideration to each
question which came up for settlement and opposed or
supported every measure, as he saw fit, with the whole strength
of his nature.
In 1848 Mr. Geddes was married to Miss Nancy
Lemon, of Ashland county, and to them were born three sons:
S. L., now deceased; James I., living in Joplin,
Missouri; and George M., deceased. After the death
of his first wife, which occurred December, 1880, Mr. Geddes
married Mrs. Amelia B. Gass, the widow of Colonel
Isaac Gass, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
The death of Judge Geddes occurred November 9, 1892, and
thus passed away one of the most honored, respected and valued
citizens of Richland county. He gained distinction as a
lawyer and jurist and also as a statesman, striving to build up
for the benefit of the people and to insure the country's
national progress, believing that nations, like men, cannot
stand still; they must go forward or backward; they cannot go
backward without decay, therefore it is imperative that they go
forward. Judge Geddes was conspicuous as a public
officer who was always at his post of duty and always at work,
and no public official has been more faithful to the trust
reposed in him by the people. His manly characteristics
are of the solid and practical, rather than of the ostentatious
and brilliant, order. He was especially strong in
intellect and capable of reaching safe, reasonable and prudent
conclusions. His life was varied in service, constant in
honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 598 |
Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Gribben |
ROBERT
GRIBBEN.
A well developed and highly
improved farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres, situated on
section 12, Plymouth township, is the property of Robert
Gribben, which is known as the old Gribben homestead.
He was born in Plymouth, Richland county, September 24, 1833, a
son of Isaac and Mary (Ralston) Gribben, both of whom
were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Chester county,
in1796, while the latter was born in Washington county in 1802.
Mrs. Gribben was a daughter of Robert Ralston, who
served in the war of 1812 and came to Richland county in 1815.
He and his wife lived to be over eighty-six years of age.
They were the parents of ten children, five sons and five
daughters, and with the exception of three, all lived to be over
eighty-four, while the three were over seventy-three years of
age at the time of their deaths.
Isaac Gribben, the father of our subject, came
to Richland county from the Keystone state in 1823, and became a
resident of Plymouth township in 1829, settling in 1834 on the
farm which is now the home of our subject. It was at that
time all wild and unimproved, but he at once set to work to
clear the land, and in due course of time placed it under a high
state of cultivation. His entire life was devoted to farm
work. Both the parents are now deceased, the father having
passed away on this farm in 1880, while the mother survived for
about eight years, her death occurring in 1888. Their
family numbered four children, two sons and two daughters,
namely: John who died at the age of two years; Almira
Jane, who died in 1875; Mary, who died when young;
and Robert, of this review.
Robert Gribben, the second youngest and only
surviving member of his father's family, was but one year of age
at the time of the parents' removal to his present farm.
He was early trained to the duties of farm labor, assisting his
father in the development and improvement of the home place, and
in the cultivation of crops throughout the period of his boyhood
and youth. During the winter seasons, when not busy on the
home farm, he pursued his studies in the district schools near
his father's home. He is now the owner of this valuable
property of one hundred and sixty-seven acres, located on
section 12, Plymouth township, which is improved with good
buildings. Everything about the place has a neat and
thrifty appearance. Mr. Gribben is engaged in
general farming and his labors are attended with excellent
success.
In 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Martha E.
Shutt, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio, a daughter of
John and Susan (Bell) Shutt. The father was born in
Maryland, while the mother claimed Pennsylvania as the place of
her birth. They were married in the former state, after
which they made their way to Holmes county, Ohio, the year 1833
witnessing their arrival there. There the father engaged
in farming until his death, which occurred in 1865. The
family removed to Richland county in the fall of 1865.
Mr. and Mrs. Shutt had five sons and six daughters,
of whom nine reached years of maturity.
Mr. Gribben's study of the political questions
and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to
the democratic party. He has never been active as an
office seeker, however, preferring to give his time and
attention to his private business affairs. He finds his
greatest social enjoyment at his own fireside, where his wife
and intimate friends know him to be a delightful companion.
He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone of life's journey,
his entire life having been passed in Richland county, so that
few men have more intimate knowledge of its history or of events
which have left their impress upon its annals.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 1122 |
| |
CHARLES GRIFFITH.
In the early part of the nineteenth century the grandfather of
Charles Griffith settled on section 23, Plymouth township, on
the farm which has since been divided and is now occupied by
Milton W. Griffith and Charles Griffith, who are cousins.
It is upon this farm that Charless Griffith, was born
Apr. 11, 1855, his parents being Levi and Nancy (Kelley)
Griffith. The father was born Sept. 13, 1826, on the
old homestead, and spent his entire life as a farmer. He
had one hundred and twenty-seven acres of land, which he brought
under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He died
in March, 1899, while his wife, who was born in January, 1828,
passed away in July, 1896. She was a daughter of
Charles Kelley, who was a native of Ireland and came to the
United States in his boyhood days, where he cast in his lot with
the pioneer settlers of Crawford and Richland counties.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Levi Griffith were born four children:
Benjamin F., who is now living at Granville, Ohio;
Charles, Ida Amanda, the wife of Professor H. B. Adams,
of Lima, Ohio; and Wilbur, who is living in Crestline,
Ohio.
Charles Griffith spent the days of his boyhood
and youth on the home farm and acquired his education in the
public schools. He continued to assist his father until
1889, when he rented a farm of eighty acres in Auburn township,
Crawford county, and continued its cultivation for five years.
He then removed to Tyro and worked in a gristmill for four and
one-half years. He then returned to the farm, where he has
remained since 1899. He has ninety acres here in section
23, Plymouth township, of which fifty acres was entered by his
grandfather, Benjamin Griffith, who secured the
northwestern quarter of the section as a claim from the
government, and it has always since remained in possession of
the family. Levi Griffith purchased the adjoining
tract of forty acres, and Charles Griffith is now
conducting the place as a grain and stock farm. He has the
place well improved and everything about the farm is indicative
of his faithful supervision and practical methods.
In 1883 Mr. Griffith was married to Miss
Laura Caldwell, who was born in Athens county, Ohio, Feb.
13, 1861, a daughter of Captain D. B. Caldwell, of
Vickery, Sandusky county, Ohio. He served as a soldier in
the Mexican war, running away from home and enlisting under
another name. He was also a captain in the Civil war and,
being taken prisoner, was incarcerated for eighteen months in
Libby prison. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have one child,
Cleo Caldwell, who was born in Tyro, Ohio, June 29, 1899.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church in Tyro, in which
Mr. Griffith is serving as deacon. His political
allegiance is given to the democracy and he has served as school
and road officer and also on the election board.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 1046 |
| |
M. W. GRIFFITH.
Milton W. Griffith, who is living on section 23, Plymouth
township, was born in Crawford county about three miles west of
this present home, Dec. 19, 1852. His parents were John
and Elmiro (Trago) Griffith. The father was born on
the farm where his son Milton now resides and represented
one of the old Ohio families, his parents being Benjamin and
Priscilla (Hultz) Griffith, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania. Benjamin Griffith was born in Bedford
county, that state, and came to Ohio in 1819, entering from the
government one hundred and sixty acres of land. He
afterward returned to Pennsylvania, was married, and with his
young wife came to Ohio the following year. He had built a
cabin on his first visit and it is still standing upon the
Griffith farm, one of the mute reminders of the many changes
which have occurred as the county has taken on all of the
evidences of a modern civilization. He lived in true
pioneer style, occupying the log cabin, while a log barn was
used to shelter the cattle and horses. He took an active
and helpful part in the development and upbuilding of this
portion of the state and was prominent in community affairs.
He became one of the first justices of the peace in his township
and so served until his death. His family numbered five
children: John; Levi who died in this
county; Mrs. Lucilla Kirkendall, deceased; Mrs. Jennie
Pattent, of Mount Pleasant, Michigan; and David who
died of fever in Cincinnati while attending school there.
John Griffith, the father of our subject, was
born on the old homestead farm and his entire life was spent
upon this place, with the exception of about seven years passed
in Crawford county after his marriage. His wife was a
native of Crawford county. His death occurred at the age
of sixty-four years, while Mrs. Griffith passed away in
1877 at the age of fifty-five years. An earnest Christian
man, he held membership in the Baptist church, and the cause of
education found in hi a faithful friend who did active service
in its behalf while filling many school offices. His
political allegiance was given to the republican party.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Griffith were born four children:
Milton W., Sarah, wife of J. C. Werchkeel,
of Portland, Oregon; Orissa, the wife of Otis Moore,
of Middletown, New York; and Howard, of Crawford county,
Ohio.
Milton W. Griffith was reared to farm life,
spending his first seven years on the far where he was born and
then coming with his parents to the farm upon which he now
resides. It has since been his home with the exception of
a period of two years passed in Ellsworth Kansas, where he
engaged in the hardware business soon after his marriage.
He now owns and cultivates seventy-five acres of land on section
23, Plymouth township, which is a part of the claim that was
entered from the government by his grandfather, but in addition
to the tilling of the soil he also works at the carpenter's
trade and leads a life of activity and enterprise.
In 1876 Milton Griffith was married to Miss
Amanda Morse, a native of Crawford county, Ohio, and a
daughter of Amos and Mahitable (Carlisle) Morse, both of
whom were natives of New York. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Griffith have been born four children: Frank;
Bertha, wife of Henry Oswiler, of Shelby; and Lucy
and Harry, both at home.
Mr. Griffith is now filling the office of
justice of the peace and has been the only one in the southern
part of the township for twenty-eight years. His decisions
are strictly fair and impartial. He has been president of
the board of education of Plymouth township and has held various
school offices, the duties of which he has discharged with
promptness and fidelity. In politics he is a republican
and socially he is connected with Paris Lodge, I. O. O. F. of
Plymouth. All who know him esteem him for his genuine
worth, as he is classed with the representative agriculturists
of the community and is always loyal ot the work of public
progress here.
Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by
A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 -
Vol. II - Pg. 1055 |
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