REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1907 HISTORY
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JOHN M. LANIUS, a well-known dealer in general merchandise at Green Camp, was born January 6, 1868, in this village, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Anselman) Lanius.
Henry Lanius was born in Germany, where he learned the shoemaker's trade. At the age. of 19 years he came to America and worked at his trade in various cities and towns, among which were New York City, Pittsburg, Galion, Ohio; Radnor, Delaware County, Ohio; and also one year in Marion, Ohio. In 1859 he located at Green Camp where he opened a little shoe-shop in one room of his house; a few years later he built a store on the site where his son's store is now located. This store was later remodeled and added to to meet the demands of the growing business, which Mr. Lanius finally sold to his sons, by whom it was conducted for some years. This is the business now owned and conducted by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Lanius' wife, Maria Christina Anselmen, was born April 3, 1824 Ersingen, Baden and reared in Pleasant township, Marion County, and was a daughter of Baldesser and Maria Viktoria (Reiling) Anselment, was born in Ersingen, Baden, one of the early settlers of the county. Henry Lanius and wife had seven children, namely: W. H., a resident of Green Camp township; Anna, who died aged six years; Jacob, of Green Camp, who is a painter by trade; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of C. H. Knickel; John M.; Mary, who married Wellington Slack; and Ida, who died aged 13 years. Henry Lanius died January 5, 1901, and his widow survived him until March 12, 1904.
John M. Lanius was reared in Green Camp and very early in life began working in his father's store. In 1889 he and his oldest brother purchased the store from their father and continued in partnership for nine years; since then our subject has been sole proprietor of the business, which has continued to expand until his establishment is now one of the leading ones of Green Camp. he carries a full line of merchandise-groceries, boots and shoes. men's furnishings, dry goods, etc. Mr. Lainus is a man of energy and enterprise. Mr. Lanius was married January 6, 1892, to Ida F. Slack. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
WILLIAM P. LARUE, a representative citizen of Montgomery township, and one of its leading agriculturists, resides on his well-improved farm of 190 acres, which is situated two and a half miles northeast of LaRue. He was born in Ringgold County, Iowa, May 10, 1856, and is a son of Luther R. and Ann (Keech) LaRue.
The LaRue family is of French extraction and the name has been one of prominence in this part of Ohio for many years. The memory of one of its early settlers, Maj. William LaRue, is perpetuated in the prosperous village of LaRue, of which he was the founder.
Luther R. LaRue, the father of our subject, was born in Athens County, Ohio and was reared by his uncle, Maj. William LaRue. He died in 1896, at the age of 68 years, on his farm south of Agosta, which he had purchased in 1868, upon his returning from Iowa, to which State he had gone in 1854. In Marion County he married Ann Keech, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in Marion County in 1884, aged 56 years. They had seven children, as follows: David H., who died near Green Camp, in May, 1905, leaving two daughters and three sons; Albert N., a dealer in musical instruments at Richwood, Union County, who has one daughter; William P.; Oliver Perry, born in Iowa, who died in Marion County, Ohio, aged about five years; Mary C., who married Croft Bauer, a farmer and has one son, and two that died in infancy. During the Civil War, the father of this family served for a time in the Home Guards of Iowa.
William P. LaRue attended the district schools in his native locality until the family came to Marion County, after which he spent two years as a student in the LaRue High School and three terms at the Ohio Normal University, at Ada. For some 20 years afterward, Mr. LaRue alternated between teaching through the winter seasons and farming through the summer. In 1881 he purchased 100 acres of land in Bowling Green township, which he subsequently sold. In 1901 he bought his present valuable farm of 190 acres. He now has the greater part of this property well improved, through industry and good management having developed its resources and added to its productiveness until he now owns one of the best farms in Montgomery township.
On March 23, 1882, Mr. LaRue was united in marriage with Maggie Bain, a daughter of Hon. John and Eliza (Scribner) Bain, the former of whom was born in Scotland. He served in the Ohio State Senate. His death occurred in 1897, at the age of 68 years. The mother of Mrs. LaRue died in the fall of 1881, aged 47 years. Mrs. LaRue is a granddaughter of Samuel Scribner, who was a prominent citizen of Morrow County. Mr. and Mrs. LaRue have had five children, as follows: Harley G., who is in the bee business at Medina; Clarence H., who is attending the Ohio Northern University at Ada; Alvin B.; Mabel, deceased; and Flora Jeanette. The eldest son took a business course at Ada and both he and Clarence are graduates of the LaRue High School. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. LaRue is an ordained local preacher. Politically he is a Republican, but takes little part in politics aside from performing the duties of a good citizen.
FREDERICK S. LAUER. a leading agriculturist and prominent citizen of Prospect township, residing on his fine farm of 250 acres located on both sides of the Prospect and Waldo turnpike, was born November 4, 1856, on the old home place in Prospect township. He is a son of Englehardt and Catharine (Schweinfurth) Lauer, both natives of Wiesloch, Baden, Germany.
Englehardt Lauer was reared in Germany and later engaged in farming. He married Catherine Schweinfurth and about 1853 they came to America with their family of three children and located in Marion County, Ohio, making the trip from the East overland in wagons. He first bought a tract of 40 acres which he sold shortly afterward and purchased a larger tract of 110 acres, to which he added at various times, at his death owning about 300 acres of land, after helping his children to obtain farms Mr. Lauer endured many of the hardships common to pioneer life and often mowed hay all hay by hand, for which he received but 25 cents. His success in life was entirely due to much hard work, combined with good honest business management Politically he was a strong Democrat. His death occurred on the home place in Prospect township, February 12, 1891, at the age of 69 years. His widow died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John P. Almendinger of Prospect, May 12, 1905 aged 82 They were the parents of nine children, as follows : Catherine, born in Germany, who married Joseph Almendinger and after his death married his brother William: Susan who is the widow of David Almendinger Barbara, also born in Germany who married John P. Almendinger; Anna who married Adam Hecker and resides at Atlanta, Georgia: Frederick S.: Adam, a resident of Marion County; John who lives in Allen Comity, Ohio: Mary, who married Charles Dutt and resides near the old home place in Prospect township; and Jacob who died February 10, 1904.
Frederick S. Lauer received his first two years of schooling from an old German teacher, from whom he learned to read and write German, after which he attended the district schools. and as he was the only German speaking boy in the school it was some time before he could talk with any of his playmates. When still a boy in years he commenced assisting his father with the work and was soon able to do a man's Share, a after which he gave more of his time to the work and less to his schooling. All kinds of small game were very plentiful but there was no time to spare for hunting , though our subject remembers his father killing a small deer. Mr. Lauer continued to live at home until after his marriage when he came to his present farm, having bought about 84 acres of the Marlow estate some months before. This was originally obtained by Dr. Marlow from the government. Mr Lauer has continued to add to this farm until he now has
250 acres of highly cultivated land. He is a general farmer, raising grain, stock, etc.,and is one of the most successful farmers of the township. The house on the land at the time of his purchase was a small, one-story, frame building, which he has remodeled into a modern, nine-room house.
On December 25, 1879, Mr. Lauer was united in marriage with Caroline Huffman who was born March 4, 1861, in Waldo township, Marion County, Ohio, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Haberman) Huffman. Margaret Haberman was born February 1, 1827 in Huttengesass, Hessen-Nassau the daughter of John and Barbara (Brock) Haberman. Peter Huffman, a native of Germany, and a miller by trade, came to America at an early period and was one of the pioneers of Waldo township. and was one of the first in the township to engage in the milling business. Four children were born to his and his first wife, Christina Gearhiser, as follows : Catherine, widow of William Graner; Elizabeth, who married Michael Kaile; Mary who married Henry Wertsbacher; and John. The second union of Peter Huffman with Margaret Haverman, the mother of Mrs. Lauer, resulted in the birth of six children, namely : Minnie, who married George Neidhardt: Peter; Philip: Jacob; Caroline and Henry. Mr. Huffman died on the old home farm in Waldo township: his widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Frederick S. Lauer
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lauer, as follows: Joseph, Samuel, John, Edward and Daniel, all of whom are still at home. Mr. Lauer is a Democrat and is at present serving his second term as township trustee he has also served as school director and in other local offices. Mr. Lauer and his family are members of the Lutheran Church. of which he was for nine years an elder and is at present a trustee.
EDWARD D. LEACH now living retired at Green Camp, for years was one of the most active and successful business men of this section of Marion County. Mr. Leach was born in Madison County, New York, October 17, 1839, and is a son of Ephraim and Anna (Isabell) Leach.
Edward D. Leach is a lineal descendant of Capt. Miles Standish, who sailed with the "Mayflower" colony to Massachusetts in 1620. In 1632 he settled at Duxbury, Massachusetts, where a statue has been erected in his memory from boyhood Mr. Leach was accustomed to hear his father speak of Captain Standish and relate his history as given in prose and poetry, and to see the sword of his ancestor, which was one of Ephraim Leach's most prized possessions.
Ephraim Leach was born at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, where he remained until 1820, when he moved to New York. In Massachusetts he was married to Sarah Conant, who died in New York. There were seven sons and three daughters born to this marriage. Ephraim Leach was married (second) to Mrs. Anna Isabell, who was the widow of Ely Isabell, and by her first husband had three children. Edward D. is the only child born to his parents. Both Ephraim Leach and his second wife died in New York.
Edward D. Leach was reared on the home farm in Madison County, New York, where he remained until he was 18 years old, when he learned the carpenter's trade. In the spring,, of 1862 he left home and went to Elmira, New York, to work at his trade, going from there to Piermont, on the Hudson, where he was employed for six months in the Erie Railroad shops, and then was engaged on construction work on the same road between Meadville, Pennsylvania, and Dayton, Ohio. In 1863 he came first to Green Camp, being employed to work on the bridge across the Scioto River. Two years later he was married and he has ever since made his home at Green Camp.
Mr. Leach was engaged, for several years after his marriage, in a mercantile business with his father-in-law, but sold out his interest to his partner in 1868 and then resumed work at his trade for some years. Mr. Leach then purchased a third interest in the grist milling firm of Hopkins & Burke, the firm name being changed to Burke, Leach & Porter. This interest he retained for three years and again returned to his trade for several more years and for a short period operated a sawmill in partnership with D. H.. Sears at Owen station. Following this he was engaged for three seasons in a lumber and planing mill at Marion and for one year was in a lumber business at Green Camp, with A. L. Slack. In 1894 Mr. Leach was appointed receiver for the Haines & Wolford Flouring Mill Company which engaged his attention for two and a half years, when he sold the property to John J. Hane, of Marion. Subsequently the firm of Hane & Leach was formed for the operation of this mill, Mr. Hane owning the property from June to December, when Mr. Leach bought a one-half interest and they continued as partners until the death of Mr. Hane. The business was then organized into a stock company, Mr. Leach taking one-half interest and continued in the business under these conditions for four years, when he bought the other half from Mr. Hane's heirs. After running the business alone for two months, he sold out to The Marion Milling & Grain Company, which still owns it. Mr. Leach owns a fine farm of 103 1/2 acres in Green Camp township, which is under rental.
In December, 1863, Leach was married to Effie F. Davis, a daughter of John J. and Sarah J. Davis. They have had three children : W. B., who is in the insurance business and resides at Green Camp; Sarah J., who married A. F. Bricker; and John who died aged 13 Months.
Mr. Leach has always been interested more or less in politics and has been prominent in public affairs. For one year he served as assessor and as clerk of Green Camp township, and has been mayor of Green Camp
CYRUS P. LEE, whose death occurred October 21, 1906, was for many years one of the most highly respected citizens of Scott township, where he spent his entire life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was born September 11, 1843, on the farm in section 25, Scott township, where his widow now resides, and was a son of Noah and Sarah Ann (Reeder) Lee.
Zebulon Lee, the grandfather of our subject, came from Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Hancock County, Ohio. Two of his sons, however, John C. and Noah, came to Scott township, Marion County, Ohio. Each had 200 acres of land; John C. Lee owned the Silas Hill farm, on the opposite side of the road from Noah's land. Noah Lee was single at the time he settled in Scott township. Subsequently he married Sarah Ann Reeder, who was born in 1808 and came to Scott township when 18 years old, or about two years after Mr. Lee settled here. Noah Lee spent the remainder of his life on this farm, his death occurring about 1854. He reared a family of four children, namely: Hiram; Cyrus P.; Elizabeth Ann, who married Jacob Martin and lives in Caledonia; and Amanda, who married Solomon F. Rosencrans-both now deceased.
Cyrus P. Lee was reared and spent his entire life on the farm on which he was born. He was married November 19, 1868, to Lucretia Hipsher, who was born in Marion County, near her present home, and is a daughter of Lemma and Eliza Ann (Garberson) Hipsher. She has one brother, Andrew J., who resides on part of the home farm, and a sister, Mrs. Rhoda Osborn, who also lives on a part of the home farm. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lee, as follows: John C., living in Marion, who married Rosa Clutter and has two children-Laura and Edson;. George W., a resident of Union County, who married Rosa Rosencrans and has one child,- Victor; Hiram Francis, who resides on the home farm; Hezekiah, deceased at the age of two months; Ira Alfred, who married Pearl Tinson and lives at home; and Hazel Zuree, who also lives at home. Mr. Lee was a Democrat in politics and served one term as school director.
CHARLES W. LEFFLER (LOEFFLER), a prominent business citizen of Marion, is a member of the firm of Leffler & Bland, leading contractors in all kinds of stone and brick work, and dealers in sewer-pipe, fire brick, fire clay, sand, brick, cement and builders' supplies. He was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, November 1, 1854, and is a son of Godfried Leffler, a large contractor and well-known citizen of Marion, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Leffler was an infant when his parents came to Marion, where he was reared and attended the public schools and then went into the retail grocery business, with his father. Later he took a full commercial course at Delaware, Ohio, resuming the grocery business upon his return. In the fall of I872 he learned the stone and brick-mason's trade and worked under his father until I879, when he ran a billiard room until September, 1888, at which time he became deputy treasurer of Marion County. In 1892 he was elected county treasurer and in 1894 was reelected, serving two terms to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. For some time prior to 1897, Mr. Leffler was general manager of the Marion Electric Light & Power Company. In the above mentioned year he bought his father's interest in the old contracting and building firm of Leffler & Bland, a business that was originally established in 1857. No change was made in the firm style when our subject entered the firm, and the business has continued on the same lines on which its large trade was built up, business integrity having been its foundation stone from the beginning. In association with his father and other capitalists, Mr. Leffler built the Marion Street Railway. He is interested as a director, in The Marion Manufacturing Company and The Prendergast Lumber & Coal Company.
On November 1, 1883, Mr. Leffler was married to Anna M. Gottschall, of Columbus, Ohio. They have three children, namely: Mildred C., Hazel E. and Carl W. Mr. Leffler is a member of the Elks.
GODFRIED LEFFLER (LOEFFLER), (PICTURE) president of The Marion Brewing & Bottling Company, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, has been identified with the business interests of this city since 1854. He was born in Gruenwettersbach, Baden, Germany, October 15, 1829.
Mr. Leffler not only secured a good education in his own country but before he was 21 years of age had prepared for future independence by learning the stone-mason's trade. Thus equipped he came to America and in the city of' New York learned the trade of bricklayer, and for a number of years he worked at these trades, first in the East and after 1854, at Marion. In 1858 he entered into partnership with his employer, William Culbertson, under the firm name of Culbertson & Leffler. Later, when James Culbertson was admitted to partnership, the name of the firm was not changed and the business was continued until 1871. In that year the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Leffler continued alone until 1880, when he admitted William Bland, one of his skilled employees, to partnership, and a general building and contracting business was carried on under the firm name of Leffler & Bland, until 1897, when Mr. Leffler retired from the firm. He was succeeded by his son, C. W. Leffler and the business was continued under the former name. During his active years in this line, Mr. Leffler erected many of Marion's handsomest and most substantial buildings, including the Court House, the Jail, the Opera House, a number of schoolhouses and many private residences. His work has contributed largely to the attractiveness of the city of Marion.
Since retiring from the above business connection, Mr. Leffler has interested himself in looking after a number of real estate investments and other business enterprises. He is president of The Marion Brewing & Bottling Company and is a stockholder in The Marion National Bank, The Prendergast Lumber & Coal Company, and The Marion Manufacturing Company. He owns a large amount of valuable property in city and county.
On December 14, 1851, Mr. Leffler was married to Louisa Wissinger, in the city of New York. She was also born in Baden, Germany, and came to America in 1847. They have five surviving children, namely: Jacob Gottlieb, a retired business man of Marion; Charles William, the leading builder and contractor at Marion; John F., also engaged in business at Marion; Louisa, wife of Fred J. Gottschall, of Columbus; and Bertha W., wife of Oswald Wollenweber, a prominent manufacturer and lumber and coal dealer of Marion.
Formerly, Mr. Leffler took a very active interest in politics, being a Democrat, but worked entirely for the success of his friends and his party, never being willing to accept office for himself. He is a leading member of the Evangelical Protestant Church. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow. His residence is located at No. 252 South Greenwood avenue.
JACOB G. LEFFLER (LOEFFLER), capitalist of the city of Marion, and a prominent and representative business citizen, was born in the city of New York, September 17, 1852, and was three years of age when his parents, Godfried and Louisa (Wissinger) Loeffler, came to Marion. A sketch of Godfried Leffler appears elsewhere in this work.
Jacob G. Leffler was reared in this city and completed his education at Delaware, Ohio, and Poughkeepsie, New York. Upon his return to Marion, he engaged in a retail grocery business, which he carried on for a period of 33 1/2 years, being alone with the exception of five years when he was associated with his father. For some two years in his early life he was a clerk in a drug-store, but the greater part of his business career was identified with the grocery line. After retiring from the retail trade, he was manager for the Mezger-Court Company, wholesale grocers, for two years, and since then has been engaged in handling securities and looking after his own real estate. Mr. Leffler is one of the directors of the Marion National Bank and of the Marion County Bank; is a director and one of the executive officers of the Home Building, Savings & Loan Company; and a director of the Central Ohio Loan & Trust Company.
Mr. Leffler has been twice married. In 1886 he was united to Laura H. Buchsieb of Columbus, Ohio, and they have four daughters, namely: Mabel Louise, a student at Oberlin College; Clara Helen, also at Oberlin, Alma Amalia, a student in the Marion High School; and Ruth Violette. Mr. Leffler and family belong to Salem Evangelical Church, of which he has been a member of the official board for many years. Formerly he was very active In city affairs and served acceptably on the City Council. For many years he has been prominent in the Masonic fraternity, being a member of the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery at Marion, and is past thrice illustrious master of the council and past eminent commander of the council.
MICHAEL LEFFLER (LOEFFLER) patriot, soldier and farmer, residing in Green Camp township, where he owns 100 acres of some of the most valuable land in Marion County, was born January 9, 1836, in Deitlingen, Baden, Germany, and is a son of Michael Leffler, Sr and Justina Eberle, who died in Germany.
Michael Leffler was reared in Deitlingen, Baden, Germany to the age of 19 years and obtained a good education in the public schools. He was not trained to agricultural pursuits, his time being employed for two years in a velvet factory and for two more in works where gold articles were manufactured. After coming to America he settled in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, and was employed as a farm hand by Jacob Jacoby. When the Civil War broke out, Mr. Leffler became interested and soon was imbued with a feeling of loyalty to a section which had given him a welcome when he came to it alone and unknown, and he joined other young men of the township who put themselves under the instruction of Jacob Schoenlaub, a veteran of the Mexican War. Mr. Schoenlaub drilled the young men and when Mr. Leffler enlisted on November 30, 1861, he already knew something of military tactics. He entered Company D. 82nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Contracting to serve three years, and at the end of this time veteranized and served until the end of the war - a total service of three years and eight months.
During this long period of army service, Mr. Leffler endured many hardships, participated in a great many battles and skirmishes and in the first one, at McDowell, West Virginia, came near being killed. A bullet struck within a half inch of his left eye, tearing through the flesh and taking away a part of his ear. The injury was severe enough to send him to the temporary hospital, but when his regiment was ordered to retreat, in spite of his wound he accompanied it rather than be left to fall into the hands of the enemy. Company D gave a fine account of itself during its long service. It was mustered into the United States service December 31, 1861, at Kenton, Ohio, broke camp there January 25, 1862, and on the following day crossed the Ohio River and on January 27th went into camp at Grafton, (West) Virginia. The 82nd Regiment participated in the following battles: McDowell, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, second battle of Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wauhatchie and Mission Ridge. The skirmishes were: Franklin, Virginia; Port Republic; Freeman's Ford; Rappahannock Ford; Sulphur Springs and Waterloo Bridge. During the campaign in Virginia the regiment marched over 2,500 miles, while the southern campaign included a still larger amount of marching, Mr. Leffler was appointed 2nd corporal of this company and at the battle of Gettysburg was shot through the leg, on the first day of this memorable battle, July 1, 1863. On July 5th he was sent to the hospital and rejoined his regiment on the day preceding the battle of Mission Ridge; he was then appointed 4th sergeant. He marched to the sea with Sherman and participated in the fighting around Atlanta. Company D was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, at which time Mr. Leffler held the rank of 2nd sergeant; the company was paid off and finally discharge at Columbus.
After the close of his long and honorable career as a soldier, Mr. Leffler returned to Richland township and worked for three months as a farm hand. In December, 1865, he bought his present farm in Green Camp township and took possession of it April 10, 1866. Anold log house stood on the place and scarcely any attempt at improving had been made; the present condition of the farm indicates that Mr. Leffler has put a great deal of time and money into the many improvements that make the place a valuable property. Mr. Leffler has retired but his sons carry on general farming and stock-raising, taking pride in operating one of the best farm in the township.
On April 5, 1866, Mr. Leffler was married to Angeline Ullmer, a daughter of Bernard Ullmer and they have had four children, as follows: Mary Christina, who married Louis Mechler; Margaret Angeline, who married Jacob Lill; William B., who resides at home, assisting in the management of the farm; and Clara Louise Loretta, who married Rentzer Butz. In 1879 Mr.Leffler married Catherine Schlenker, a daughter of Jacob Schlenker, of Montgomery township. Three children were born to this union, namely: Michael Jacob, who married Mary Dell Harris; Amy Catherine, who married R. D. Cleveland; and John Frederick.
Mr. Leffler is a member of the Grand Army,of the Republic and with his old comrades enjoys recalling the many experiences which filled almost four years of his life. He is widely known in this section and enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
JAMES K. LEEPER, president of the Hoover Grain Company, is one of the leading agriculturists of Grand Prairie township. He owns 188 acres of highly cultivated farm land, consisting of two tracts, one of 40 acres, which is the home place, and the other of 148 acres, both of which are located in section 25. He was born February 14, 1869, in Marion township, Marion County, Ohio, and is, a son of Francis and Elizabeth (McPherson) Leeper.
Francis Leeper was born April 12, 1833 in Kilteevogue, Welchtown, Donegal, Ireland, where was reared to manhood on a farm. He and his brother William came to America in 1856 on board the Superior landing in Philadelphia and located in. Marion township, Marion County, Ohio, where he resided for a number of years, and then sold his farm and bought a farm in Wyandot County, on which he lived for about 10 years. His wife then bought the old home farm in Marion township, Marion County, to which the family returned.
He was married December 21, 1859 to Elizabeth McPherson, who was born in Ireland and came to this country in youth, her parents having died in Ireland. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Leeper, namely: James.K.; Mrs. Sarah Montgomery, of Big Island township; Mrs. Belle Cluff, deceased; John, deceased; George, who lives in Marion township; and Martha, deceased. Mr. Leeper died in 1891 in Grand Prairie township.
James K. Leeper attended the district schools of Marion township until he was seven years of age, when his parents moved to Wyandot County, where he completed his education. He has always lived on a farm and been engaged in agricultural pursuits and is regarded as one of the most successful farmers of the township. The fine large frame house which Mr. Leeper and his family occupy was erected in 1903.
Mr. Leeper was married January 13, 1892, to Frances E. Lucas a daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Search) Lucas, of Marion County. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Leeper, but two of whom are living, namely: Lelah Gail and Roland Lucas. Two children died in infancy, unnamed, and one, Lowell, died aged five months. Politically, Mr. Leeper is a Democrat, for several years was a member of the Democratic County Central Committee and served as trustee of Grand Prairie township for a period of six years. He ran for county commissioner in 1905, but was defeated by 170 votes. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
JAMES H. LEONARD, (PICTURE) vice-president of the LaRue Bank Company at LaRue, president of the LaRue Telephone Company, and prominently identified with, other important business enterprises in this section, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, August 19, 1842, and is a son of William and Mary (Vanort) Leonard.
The Leonard family originated in France. Daniel Leonard, the grandfather of James H. Leonard., was born in New Jersey and removed to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where William Leonard, father of James H.. was born in 1803. The latter died in 1882. The mother of our subject was born in 1804 and died when about 64 years of age, her death being the first break in the family circle, which included nine children. The brothers and sisters of our subject were: Edmond, who died at Uniontown, Pennsylvania: Isaac. who resides, in Washington County,
Pennsylvania; Daniel, who lives in Taylor County, Iowa; Lydia, deceased, formerly the wife of Charles Shafer, a resident of Kansas; William, who resides in Kansas; Joseph, whose home is in Oklahoma: Mary J., wife of John Strine, residing at Waldo; and Thomas L., who lives at Lorain, Ohio.
When James H. Leonard was about 12 years of age, the family moved to Delaware County, Ohio, settling on a farm there in the fall of 1854. Our subject's education was obtained in the district schools and he remained at home assisting his father until he was about 22 years of age. After one year spent at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in the fall of 1864 he came to LaRue, where he worked for a year in a grain elevator and for two years clerked in a store and then entered into the mercantile business, in which he remained for some 20 years. After disposing of his mercantile interests, Mr. Leonard engaged in banking and has also invested a large amount of capital in various financial enterprises in which he holds large interests.
In 1882 the LaRue Bank was opened for business and for some years was operated as a private bank, but later was incorporated by James H. Leonard, who conducted it for some 10 years. In 1892 it was incorporated as a State bank, with a capital stock of $30,000, its officers being: W. L. Raub, president; G. C. Allinger, vice-president; James H. Leonard, cashier; and M.. A. Taylor, assistant cashier. Its board of directors were as follows: W. L. Raub, James H. Leonard, Milton Morral, G. C. Allinger and Charles F. Stahle. In the course of years some changes have come about in the officers and directors of this very prosperous institution, and the following capitalists now make up the officers and directing board: W. L. Raub, president; James H. Leonard, vice-president; Lincoln G. Copeland, cashier: and D. H. Clement, assistant cashier. The directors are: W. L. Raub, James H. Leonard, Lincoln G. Copeland, Milton Morral, C. F. Stahle, W. L. Guthery and W. L. Morral.
Mr. Leonard has been a far-seeing business man and has been particularly alive to local opportunities. He was one of the main movers in the organization of the LaRue Telephone Company, which is capitalized at $50,000 and of which he is president, and is also the vice-president of the Union Portland Cement Company, of Rushsylvania, Ohio, which has a capital stock of $600,000. Other less prominent enterprises enjoy his favor and profit by his advice.
Mr. Leonard was united in marriage with Mattie Wilson, a daughter of Samuel and Lovina Wilson, of Marion County, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Mrs. O. E. Keyes, wife of Dr. W. J. Keyes, of Marysville, Ohio.
In political life, Mr. Leonard has been an active supporter of the Republican party since young manhood and is something of a county leader. He is a 32nd degree Mason, holding membership in the blue lodge at LaRue and the consistory at Cincinnati. He is one of LaRue's most representative men. Mr. Leonard's portrait accompanies this sketch.
JUDSON LEWIS, a highly respected and prosperous farmer of Prospect township, residing on his farm of 125 acres, was born in Columbus, Ohio, December 25, 1860, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Gallant) Lewis and a grandson of John and Sarah Lewis.
Samuel Lewis was born in August, 1831, in Wales and came to this country at the age of four years. with his parents, who located in the Welsh Hills of Licking County, Ohio, where his father died at the age of 65 years, His mother subsequently died in Delaware County When 75 years of age. Samuel Lewis was one of a family of six children, as follows: Daniel; Samuel, father of our subject; David: Mary, who married L. Nickols; Eliza, widow of William Williams, and Jane who married John Arnold. Samuel Lewis was reared on his father's farm and remained at home assisting with the work until about 17 years old, when he went to Columbus, and served an apprenticeship as a plasterer, after which he engaged in contracting remaining in Columbus for about 18 years. He was a soldier in the Civil War, being a member of Company A, 145th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. In 1863 he located on a farm in Radnor township, Delaware County, and lived there until he retired to Radnor village, where his death occurred February 21, 1901. he was married December 25, 1856, to Mary Gallant, who was born July 6, 1836, in Delaware County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Elisha and Elenor Gallant, who, were among the earliest pioneers of that county. Five children were born to Samuel and Mary Lewis, namely: Ella, who married Edward Jones, of Richwood, Ohio; Judson; Minnie, who married Walter Cox, of Radnor township; Dollie, who married Edward Campbell, of Knox County; and Elizabeth, who married Charles Peel, of Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Lewis died August 26, 1900. Samuel Lewis was a Republican in politics, and in 1893 was elected as a Representative to the Ohio Legislature from Delaware County, and was reelected to that office in 1895.
Judson Lewis was reared on his father's farm in Delaware County and, being the only son, much of the work on the farm was done by him. He received his education in the country schools and in a business college at Delaware, after which, when about 19 years old, he taught for one term. He was married November 14, 1882, to Mollie E. Grigsby, who was born July 17, 1863, and is a daughter of Fenton and Elizabeth Grigsby, of Prospect township, a full sketch of whom is found elsewhere in this work. One son was born of this union: Earl, who was born on our subject's present farm July 4, 1892. Mr. Lewis purchased his present farm from Fenton Grigsby in 1886. It lies one mile east of Prospect village and is the old John Philips farm, which was entered from the government by a Mr. Pettibone. Mr. Lewis has always been engaged in general farming and stock-raising and resides in a large 10-room house, which was on the farm at the time of the purchase. Politically, he is a Republican but has never sought office. He is a member of Durward Lodge, No. 155, K. of P., of Prospect, has served through all the chairs and has represented the lodge in the Grand Lodge for two years. He was deputy chancellor of Durward Lodge for six years, and has held all of the offices in the local camp of the Modern Woodmen of America.
MARTIN LEWIS, who owns and operates a farm of 93 acres situated in section 19, Richland township, is one of the township's substantial and progressive citizens. He was born February 14, 1863, on the home place in this township, and is a son of Samuel and Harriet (Barnhard) Lewis, and a grandson of Eben Lewis.
Eben Lewis was born in Vermont and came with his parents to Marion County and settled in Waldo township in the early period of the county's development. He continued to live on the farm in Waldo township the remainder of his life, his death occurring in his 65th year; that of his wife, Hetty, occurred November 14, 1906, when 84 years old.
Samuel Lewis, the father of our subject, was born in Richland township, where his father operated a mill, and it was here that he was reared and learned to be a miller, later taking charge of the mill, which subsequently burned down. He was married to Harriet Barnhard, who was also born in this township. They had three children, namely: Martin, the subject of this sketch; Frank; and Hattie, now deceased, who married Philip Firstenberger. The mother of our subject dying, the father married Mrs. Catherine Bridge, a widow, and had three children by this marriage: Benjamin; Carrie and Wesley. Samuel Lewis' second wife had one child by her former marriage--George. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis lived for about 14 years in Auglaize County, Ohio, but returned to the old home place in Marion County, where they are still living.
Martin Lewis was reared until his seventh year on his father's farm. His mother dying then, he went to live with his uncle, Samuel Smith. who lived east of Marion. He remained with his uncle for 10 years, when he returned to the southeastern part of the county and worked out by the month In 1896 he purchased from George Rupp his present farm, which was the old Joseph Oborn farm. He resided on this farm for a period of six years, removing in 1902 to his brother-in-law's farm of 83 acres, where he has since lived, operating this farm in connection with his own farm. He has always been engaged in general farming and also feeds a large number of cattle of all kinds.
Mr. Lewis was married March 14, 1893, to Matilda Augenstein, who was born on their present farm and is a daughter of Frederick and Juliana (Beringer) Augenstein. Mr. and Mrs. Augenstein. who are now living in retirement in Waldo are both natives of Marion County the former having been born on the old Augenstein farm his father having been one of the pioneers of the county,. The mother was born on the Beringer farm in Richland township. They were the parents of four children: Matilda, the wife of our subject; John; Fred and Bertha.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis: Harley, John, Daisy and an unnamed infant. Mr. Lewis is a Democrat but has never sought political preferment. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is connected with the German Reformed Church.
RALPH T. LEWIS, manager of R. T. Lewis & Company, the leading and most up to date grocers of the city of Marion, has been a resident of this city since 1899. He was born in 1877 in Leetonia, Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was reared. He graduated from the Leetonia High School and also studied medicine for one year, after which he became associated for one year with Dr. Rhodes in the management of the latter's pharmacy at Lorain, Ohio, known as the "Steel Plant Pharmacy." He then engorged in the wholesale and retail ice cream business for one year, after which for two years he was city salesman for The Haserot Company, wholesale dealers in groceries and canned goods.
Mr. Lewis came to Marion in 1899 and was associated for eight months with Mr. Gunder, under the firm name of Gunder & Lewis. He then ])ought out Mr. Gunder and in January, 1900, established the firm of R. T. Lewis & Company, which is one of the most prosperous and up-to-date grocery concerns of the city. Mr. Lewis is also interested in various other business enterprises of Marion and is one of the directors of the Marion Savings Bank.
Mr. Lewis is a 32nd degree Mason, being a member of the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery at Marion, and the shrine at Columbus. He is also a member of Marion Lodge, No. 402, K. of P. Socially, he is a member of the Marion Commercial Club, a director of the Tally Wag Club, and president of the Marion Retail Merchants' Association. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion.
ROBERT C. M. LEWIS, M. D., (PICTURE) a prominent physician and surgeon at Marion, with finely equipped offices on South Main street, whose portrait accompanies this sketch,, came city to this after years of successful practice at Centerburg, Knox County, Ohio. Dr. Lewis was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, August 20, 1857, and is a son of Samuel Lewis.
Dr. Lewis comes of Revolutionary stock and military ancestry. His great-grandfather, Andrew Lewis, served with General Washington, and his grandfather, Capt. John Lewis, was an officer in the War of 1812, and was wounded at the battle of New Orleans. It is a matter of family history that he was offered a colonel's commission but refused this mark of appreciation because it would separate him from the comrades, who had been his companions in danger. Samuel Lewis, father of Dr. Lewis, was a boot and shoe merchant prior to enlisting in the Civil War. He was wounded at the battle of Winchester and died from his injuries.
Robert C. M. Lewis was reared and educated in Coshocton County, attending Bakersville Academy, and at the age of 17 years entered the St. Louis Medical College, where he was graduated in 1878, at the age of 20 years. In spite of his youth he entered into practice, a few years later going to New York where he took a special course, in 1890, at Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the New York Post-Graduate College. He then returned to Centerburg. In 1898, after a course at the Ohio Medical University, he received his medical degree from that institution. For 20 years Dr. Lewis continued in successful medical practice in Knox County and then came to Marion. For the past 12 years he has been a member of the American Medical Association and of the Ohio State Medical Society. He belongs to the auxiliary legislative committee of the Marion County Medical Society and has been sent as a delegate to the Ohio State Medical Society. Dr. Lewis was surgeon of the T. & O. C. Railroad for 12 years and of the Columbus, Sandusky & Hocking Railroad at Marion until the latter became a part of the Pennsylvania system. He is physician to the Old Ladies' Home at Marion. Dr. Lewis has had a long medical experience and has always been a great student. His contributions to medical publications have been frequent and valuable.
In 1882 Dr. Lewis was married to Lucy C. Holmes, who was born in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Lewis is an accomplished musician, a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music and prior to her marriage had engaged in teaching music. Dr. and Mrs. Lewis have one child, Nancy Lillian, who has been educated at Oberlin College. The family belong to the First Presbyterian Church.
Fraternally, Dr. Lewis has been a Knight Templar Mason for many years. In early manhood he became identified with the Odd Fellows.
S. B. LEWIS, the capable foreman of the machine shops of the Huber Manufacturing Company, at Marion, was born at Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, 1864, and he is a son of the late G. F. Lewis.
Mr. Lewis was four years old when his parents moved to Galion, where he completed his education and then entered the shops of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad (now the Erie), where he served an apprenticeship of four years as a machinist, which had been his father's trade. From there he went to the C. & E. I. shops, at Danville, Illinois, and one year later the Louisville & Nashville shops at Mobile, Alabama, during a portion of this time being foreman. His next engagement was with the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, at Memphis, and then he returned to Galion, and after two more years in the Erie shops came to Marion. Since January, 1890, Mr. Lewis has been with The Huber Manufacturing Company, with the exception of a few months and fills the very important position of foreman of the machine shops, one for which his long experience has particularly fitted him.
During his residence at Mobile, Mr. Lewis was a member of the local military organization known as the "Lomax Rifles." He belonged also to two of the mystic societies which took part in the Mardi Gras celebrations.
In 1888 Mr. Lewis was married to Dora Kendig, a daughter of Abraham Kendig, a farmer of Crawford County, and they have two sons, Chester Alton and Guy Frank. Mr. Lewis and family belong to the Epworth Methodist Eoiscopal Church
Politically, Mr. Lewis is identified with the Republican party and he has served as a member of the City Council for two terms. He has given his party good service as a member of both the County Central and the Executive committees. Fraternally, he belongs to Canby Lodge, No. 51, Knights of Pythias, at Marion; he is also a member of Company No. 15, Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, of which he was captain for five years, and now fills a position on the regimental staff.
JACOB LICHTENBERGER, a substantial citizen and representative farmer of Pleasant township; whose finely cultivated home farm of 40 acres is located in section 25, owns 117 3/4 acres of excellent land in Marion County. He was born September 1, 1859, in a primitive log cabin on his father's pioneer farm in Pleasant township, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Bower) Lichtenberger, who were natives of Gruenwettersbach, Baden, Germany. The early history of the family, including the story of the hardships encountered by the parents of our subject, is given in the sketch of Samuel Lichtenberger which appears elsewhere in this work.
Jacob Lichtenberger, who bears the name of his honored and beloved father, grew to manhood on the home farm and gave his assistance in clearing and bringing the land under cultivation. Being the elder of the two sons, he was his father's main dependence, and in youth and young manhood responsibility fell heavily on him. He continued to work the home farm until he was married, in 1880, when he purchased his farm from Benjamin Waddel. He owns 40 acres in Waldo township, and 37 3/4 acres in Pleasant township, west of his present home farm, which, as noted above contains 40 acres. He carries on general farming, raising a great deal of grain, the management of this part of his work being mainly attended to by his capable sons. Ever since coming to the farm, be has been more or less interested in raising draft horses and he has a large business in raising, handling and selling. He is fond of good horses, understands all their fine points, is deeply interested in producing and selling first-class animals and it has been said of him that he would rather examine for purchase an extra desirable draft horse than eat a fine dinner. He sells all the horses he can handle to a large dealer in New York a Mr. Stein. At the present writing, Mr. Lichtenberger has 14 head on hand, having recently disposed of 12 head which averaged 1,918 pounds per head.
On March 31, 1880. Mr. Lichtenberger was united in marriage with Christina Hoch, a daughter of Andreas William and Eliza (Gross) Hoch. Andreas William Hoch was born June 1, 1832 in Hohenwettersbach, Baden, Germany the son of George Jacob and Augusta Catharina (Winch) Hoch. They have five children, namely: Jacob, Carolina, Grover, Herbert and Harvey, all at home. Mr. Lichtenberger is a good Democrat and he named his second son for the man for whom he voted, the child having been born on the day that Grover Cleveland took his seat as President of the United States.
Mrs. Lichtenberger, wife of our subject, was born on her father's farm in Pleasant township, June 26, 1859. The grandparents of Mrs. Lichtenberger were George Jacob and Augusta Catherine (Winch) Hoch, who came to America from (Hohenwettersbach) Baden, Germany, and located at Marion, Ohio, when only a few buildings marked it as a settlement. From there they made their way by wagon to Pleasant township and settled right in the woods as early pioneers. they died there, leaving eight children.
Andreas William Hoch, father of Mrs. Lichtenberger, was born in (Hohenwettersbach) Baden, Germany, in 1833, and until young manhood his time was taken up in going to school and in performing farm labor. He accompanied his parents to America and settled with them in Pleasant township, Marion County. Here he married Eliza Gross, who was born in Waldo township, Marion County, and they had eight children, as follows: Christina; Lucy, deceased, who was the wife of Charles Almendinger; William, who married Elizabeth Price; George, who married Emma Almendinger; Emma who married H. W. Johnson; Catherine, deceased; Mary, who resides at Prospect, with her mother; and Clara, who is also at home. The father of Mrs. Lichtenberger died in July, 1899, aged 48 years.
The old homestead of the Hoch family is now the property of Williani Hoch, a brother of Mrs. Lichtenberger He was. born March 6, 1863, on that farm, which consists of 114 acres, located in Section 29, Pleasant township. He was reared to manhood here and assisted his father in developing the fine farm, which he subsequently bought from the other heirs-34 acres at the time of his marriage and 80 acres in 1905. The residence is a large eight-room, frame dwelling which was built by his mother after the death of her husband. Other improvements also were on the place. Mr. Hoch carries on general farming and is one of the township's substantial men.
On December 24, 1889, William Hoch was married to Elizabeth Price and they have five children, namely: Harry William, Roy Elsworth, Irene, Carl Frederick and Edmond Eugene. With his family, Mr. Hoch belongs to the Lutheran Church, in which he is one of the deacons and has also served as church trustee and church treasurer. Politically he is a Democrat as was his father; he has served as township trustee and as school director, having refused to accept the office of supervisor. He is a man who has always resided on a farm and there is little about agricultural life with which he is not perfectly familiar. In every way he is a good citizen of Pleasant township,
As mentioned above, Jacob Lichtenberger has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He has led too busy a life to engage very actively in politics or to accept many offices, but he has acceptably served one year as constable and one term as township trustee. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran Church and is liberal in his support of the same.
Mr. and Mrs. Lichtenberger have a very pleasant home, an eight-room, frame residence, which he built in 1898. At different times he has added barns and other buildings and now has every convenience for comfortable living and for carrying on his large business.
SAMUEL LICHTENBERGER one of the trustees of Waldo township, resides on his valuable farm of 102 acres situated in section 33, and owns also 40 acres of equally good land in Prospect township. He belongs to one of the prominent pioneer families of the county and was born in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, August 24, 1863. His parents were Jacob and Catherine (Bower) Lichtenberger.
Jacob Lichtenberger was born July 25, 1829 in Gruenwettersbach Baden, Germany and came to the United States in young manhood. He had one brother and two sisters,. In German shops he had learned the shoemaker's trade and thus was prepared to earn his living in the new land to which he came a stranger. The sailing vessel on which he took passage was on the ocean 42 days before landing her passengers at the port of New York, and during that time Jacob Lichtenberger had become acquainted with Catherine Bower a young woman who was also coming to America secured work at his trade in New York and prospered to such an extent as to finally become the owner of his own shop, but he was not satisfied with city life, desiring to become a farmer and the owner of lands which would make his children independent.
With his family, wife and two children, Jacob Lichtenberger then came to Marion County, where he bought a tract of 15 acres of timberland, on which he cut down the first tree and made a clearing large enough to enable him to build a hewn-log cabin. While clearing off his land, he also worked hard at his trade, all the neighborhood coming to him for footwear. He added more land to his little farm but sold the property when Samuel was about five years of age, and moved to a partly cleared farm in Pleasant township, on which stood a log house. He continued to work at his trade as long as he found it profitable, but the time came when he could not compete with factory made shoes and he then turned his attention entirely to farming. His land was situated, far from any established roads, paths through the forests in many directions being avenues to the outside world. Indians were not often seen but wild game of all kinds still abounded and savage animals were yet found in the depths of the forest.
With the help of his wife, and his children. Jacob Lichtenberger cleared his land. His wife was a frugal, hard-working German woman and took many of the hardest tasks on the farm on her own shoulders and much of the material success which came to the family was brought about through her efforts. She lived to the age of 72 years, dying September 11, 1901. After her death, Jacob Lichtenberger made his home with his son Samuel until his death April 4, 1904, at the age of 72 years. Both he and his wife were worthy members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he was a strong Democrat.
The children of Jacob Lichtenberger and wife were: Caroline, deceased, who was the wife of William Tron: Catherine, who married John Weber; Jacob, who is known all over Marion County as an experienced farmer and horse dealer; and Samuel.
In 1868 the parents of Samuel Lichtenberger settled on their second farm in Pleasant township and he remained at home until his own marriage. He had attended school, off and on, for some years, whenever farm work did not press too hard, and thus secured a fair education, subsequent reading and mingling with others, participation also in public affairs in his township, all contributing to make him a very well-informed man. He went into the fields to work as soon as he was able to handle a plow, and in the days before the introduction of much labor-saving
machinery performed all the various tasks on the farm by hand. The wheat was cut with a sickle when he was a lad, and when it was superseded by the cradle, general opinion was that the latter article could not be improved upon for the purpose for which it was designed.
After their marriage, Samuel Lichtenberger and wife came to their present farm, which was then owned by his father, and which he rented for the next 17 years. At the death of his father, Mr. Lichtenberger bought the property and has lived here ever since. The house was standing when they first came here, but many improvements have been made all over the place. Mr. Lichtenberger has carried on general farming and has also given attention to the raising of first-class stock.
On March 31, 1887, Samuel Lichtenberger was united in marriage with Clara Isler (formerly spelled Issler), who was born on her father's farm in Prospect township,, Marion County, Ohio, March 30, 1868. Her parents were Caleb and Mary Margaret (Winegardner) Isler. Caleb Isler was born in Prospect township, Marion County, Ohio, and was a son of Samuel and Rosina Isler, who came to Ohio from Hafnerhaslach, Wuertemberg, Germany and died in Prospect township, the parents of 10 children. Caleb Isler married Margaret Winegardner, who was born in Marion County, but lived with her parents through young womanhood on a farm in Illinois. The seven children born to Caleb Isler and wife were as follows: Clara; Nora, who married Oliver Harpel; Charles; Samuel;
Princess, who married Harry Dennis; Anna, who married John Roush; and John. The grandfather of Mrs. Lichtenberger was killed by the falling of a tree, a not uncommon accident in those days. His son Caleb was then but a boy of 12 years and as the family was large he had few advantages and grew up entirely dependent upon his own resources. He still resides on his well-improved farm in Prospect township. There his wife died, August 22, 1901, aged 52 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Lichtenberger are leading members of the Lutheran Church, of which the former has been a trustee. Like his father, he has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and by this party was made township trustee, in 1904, in which office he has given faithful and efficient service ever since. While Mr. Lichtenberger has only reached middle life, he has witnessed wonderful changes in Marion County, with many of which he has been closely identified, notably the improvement of the schools and the public roads.
JAMES F. LIKINS, who operates 540 acres of fine, productive farm land divided into three separate tracts, was born May 26, 1856, on the same farm on which he resides, in Marion township. He is the only child of Sylvester and Sarah A. (Burtsfield) Likins, and the grandson of James Likins, who was one of the very earliest pioneers of Marion County.
Sylvester Likins came of Scotch-Irish ancestry his grandmother having been born in Scotland and his grandfather in Ireland. He was reared and educated in Marion County, and in 1855 married Sarah A. Burtsfield, also a native of Marion County, whose parents, however came from Pennsylvania. After his marriage Mr. Likins moved to Marion township, where he bought and settled on the farm above mentioned.
James F. Likins was reared and educated in his native township, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, growing grain and raising stock. The farm on which he resides is owned jointly by himself and mother, Mrs. Sarah A. Likins, and consists of 220 acres; the farm of 200 acres, which lies in Scott township, was the old homestead of his grandfather, James Likins, and is also owned jointly by Mr. Likins and his mother and is occupied by his oldest son; the third farm of 120 acres in Marion township, lying directly opposite the home place, is owned solely by Mr. Likins and is occupied by his youngest son.
Mr. Likins was married November 29, 1877, to Malinda Bird, who is a daughter of Simon and Mary Ann Bird, the former of whom is a native of Knox County, Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Likins was one of a family of 12 children, eight of whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Likins were born two children: Claude Raymond, who married Cora Gallaway and has one child, Ethel Lucile; and Thurlow Sylvester, who married Zelma Foos. In politics, Mr. Likins is a Democrat. Mrs. Likins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JACOB LINN, a prosperous farmer and highly respected citizen of Scott township, where he has resided since November 20, 1884, was born December 19, 1844, in Holmes township, Crawford County, Ohio, and is a son of John Philip and Christina Marguerite (Holcker) Linn.
John Linn and his wife were of French and German descent, and came from Alsace-Loraine to this country about 1832 or 1833. They located on a farm in Crawford County, Ohio, where they continued to live the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of eight children, namely: John, a resident of Crawford County; William, deceased; Mrs. Mary Green, who lives in Crawford County; Henry, a resident of Crawford County; Philip, who has been a resident of Marion for about 35 years; Jacob, the subject of this sketch; and Charles and Elizabeth, who live at Bucyrus, Ohio.
Jacob Linn grew to manhood on his father's farm in Crawford County and learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for several years and then purchased a farm in Crawford County and engaged in general farming. He subsequently disposed of this farm and came to Marion County, locating on his present farm November 20, 1884, and has since followed farming and stock-raising. He built a comfortable commodious home on his farm, which adjoins Letimberville, and cleared the 15 acres of timberland and has one of the best improved farms in the township.
Mr. Linn was married (first) to Mary E. Lichtenwalter. After her death be married (second) Mary Corell, by which union he had two children: Effie B., who married J. Aurand. lives in Tully township and has three children---Mary Clarice, Cleo Adeline and Delmar Linn: and Candace, who married Edward Jones, lives at Fruitland, Iowa, and has one son, Harold Linn.
Mr. Linn's third marriage occurred Angust 26, 1880, Mary Jane Martin, a native of Crawford County and a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Martin, becoming his wife. Henry Martin was born east of Bucyrus and his wife, in Marion County. Mr. Martin located in 1856 in Crawford County, where he remained until his death in 1891. Henry and Elizabeth Martin were the parents of 10 children, as follows: George, a resident of Wyandot County; Mrs. Alice J. Linn , of Crawford County; Mary Jane, wife of our subject; Mrs. Annie S. Munson, of Indiana; Mrs. Ellen Quaintance, of Crawford County; Mrs. Ida Booze, of Knox County, Ohio; Viola, wife of J. H. Bone, of Knox County, Ohio; Charles, a resident of Wyandot County; Harry J., who resides on the home place; and Blanch, who married Dr. Harvey, of Long Branch, California.
Three children were born to our subject and wife: Agnes E., who married Sheldon Wert and resides in Crawford County; Vellah Iola, who married Welcome Llewellyn and lives at Ada, Ohio; and Minor J., who lives at home. Mr. Linn is a Democrat in politics and has been township treasurer for 14 years. He is a member of the Disciple's of Church of Letimberville, being a deacon and the treasurer of that church.
O. P. LINN, one of Marion township's successful agriculturists, residing on a highly cultivated farm of 178 acres, situated in section 4, was born May 10, 1871, in Scott township, Marion County, Ohio. He is a son of Philip and Mary (Kerr) Linn, and a grandson of Philip Linn, Sr.
Philip Linn, Sr., was born in Baden, Germany, where he was also married, after which he and his wife came to America and located in Crawford County, Ohio, where he lived until his death. Philip Linn, his son, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, where he spent his early boyhood days on his father's farm. He was 14 years of age when he came to Scott township, and for a number of years he was mainly engaged in clearing land, the country at that early period being covered with timber. Mr. Linn was married in Scott township to Mary Kerr, a daughter of Robert Kerr, who in his day was one of the most prominent citizens of Marion County, as well as one of the wealthiest men and largest land-owners. Mr. Kerr was a man of public spirit and enterprise, and was prominently identified with many of the improvements of Marion and Marion County. Among other things, he built the well-known Pilgrim Inn at Marion, which
has been for a number of years, one or the leading hotels in this part of the State. Philip Linn and his wife reside at Marion. They had three children: Minnie, who died an infant; 0. P.; and Charles, who is one of Marion township's prominent young farmers.
O. P. Linn was 10 years of age when his parents settled on the farm where he now resides and where, he remained until after his marriage, when he located on a farm of 160 acres in Scott township, which he had bought two years previously. Here he remained until March 22, 1904, when he returned to his father's farm, which he had purchased. Here he has resided ever since, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. The commodious brick house, which Mr. Linn and his family occupy, was erected during the winter of, 1880-81 by his father.
Mr. Linn was married October 31, 1895, to Olive Monnett, who is a daughter of Josephus and Malinda (Carmean) Monnett, and they have one child, Wallace M. While a, resident of Scott township, Mr. Linn served as township trustee for four years, having been elected on the Democratic ticket, and prior to this he served on the School Board of Marion township, to which position he has been reelected since his return. He is a member of the Y. M. C. A. arid is fraternally connected with Marion Lodge, No. 402, Knights of Pythias.
A. F. LINSCOTT, D. D. S., who has been a resident of Marion for the past seven years, enjoys a large measure of public confidence and is a leading member of his profession in this section. He was born in 1877 in Athens County, Ohio, where he was reared, entering the Ohio University from the public schools. He took the biological course, which was equal to two years in the medical course, and left the university in his senior year. He then entered the dental department of the University of Maryland, at Baltimore, where he was graduated in 1900, being fifth in his class. Before beginning practice, he took a post-graduate special course in bridge work, and then located at Marion. He is a member of the Ohio State Dental Association.
On September 19, 1900, Dr. Linscott was married to Mary G. Dunbar, of Amesville, Athens County, Ohio. Dr. and Mrs. Linscott attend the First Presbyterian Church. Fraternally Dr. Linscott is a member of Canby Lodge, No. 51, K. of P., Marion Lodge, No. 70, F. & A. M.; and is prominent in-Marion Lodge, No. 32, B. P. 0. E., having been the Marion representative to the annual meeting of the Fraternity, which was held in 1906 at Denver. He retains membership in his Greek letter college fraternities, in which he was active during university life.
In addition to controlling a large and lucrative practice, Dr. Linscott looks after his interests in The Fairbanks Steam Shovel Company, of Marion, and the Sanitol Chemical Laboratory Company, of St. Louis, Missouri. His finely fitted offices are at No. 138 1/2 East Center street.
CHRISTOPHER S. LIPPINCOTT, (PICTURE) senior member of the real estate firm of Lippincott Brothers, one of the leading business concerns of its kind at Marion, is one of the progressive business men and valued citizens of this community. He was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1851, and was a babe of two months, when his parents, Andrew Jackson and Caroline (Wood) Lippincott, moved to DeGraff, Logan County, Ohio.
Mr. Lippincott remained on his father's farm in Logan County until 1871 when he located on a farm in Montgomery township, Marion County, on which he resided for nine Years, alternately. engaged in farming and teaching school. he then moved. to LaRue, where he embarked in a real estate business. While a resident of LaRue he served as justice of the peace one term and was twice elected a member of the Village Council, resigning, however, before the expiration of his second term. because of his removal to Marion. He came to Marion in 1895 and here resumed his real estate dealing first alone, but later in partnership with his brother-in-law, John Bain, the firm being, Lippincott & Bain. In 1898 Samuel B. Lippincott. a brother, purchased Mr. Bain's interest, and since then the firm style has been Lippincott Brothers. The firm does a general real estate business including some platting and building, and controls a large part of important realty dealing in this section. Mr. Lippincott is vice-president of the American Real Estate Company and is a stockholder and director of The Marion Manufacturing Company.
In 1874 Mr. Lippincott was married to Flora A. Bain, and they have had six children, viz: Harry R. and Mary D, both deceased: Arthur J, a resident of Marion, who married Ruah Sweet, of Agosta; Clara; Jessie G. and Mildred.
Mr. Lippincott has never taken an active part in politics-merely performed the duties of a good citizen. He is a mernber of the First Baptist Church at Marion, being also a trustee and one of the deacons. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons at Marion. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
SAMUEL B. LIPPINCOTT, (PICTURE) a member of the real estate and loan and investment firm of Lippincott Brothers. at Marion, and one of the prominent business men of this city, was born in 1856, at DeGraff, Logan County, Ohio, and is a son of one of the old families of that section His father, the late Andrew Jackson Lippincott, was one of the substantial citizen of Logan County. His mother, Caroline (Wood) Lippincott, was a daughter of Christopher Wood, who was a pioneer of Allen County, Ohio.
Mr. Lippincott was reared on his father's farm, which adjoined the corporate limits of DeGraff, so that he enjoyed good educational advantages. He remained on the farm, following farming and stock-raising, engaging also in buying and selling of stock quite extensively until 1888, when he went into the implement business. He continued trading in stock up to 1898, when he came to Marion and joined his older brother, Christopher S, in the real estate business purchasing the interest of John Bain in the firm of Lippincott & Bain. The name was changed to Lippincott Broters and very successful business career has been the result. The firm deals in both city and farm property, doing some platting and considerable building. Both brothers have other interests and Samuel B. Lippincott is president of the American Real Estate Company, vice-president of the Ivondale Real Estate Company and was formerly one of the stockholders and a director of the Central Ohio Lime & Stone Company of which he was one of the promoters
In 1886 Mr. Lippincott was married to Carrie F. McCracken of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Not having children of their own, they have adopted a little one who will be reared as their own son. Mr. and Mrs. Lippincott are members of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, Mr. Lippincott has been identified with the Knights of Pythias for the past 20 years, has passed all the chairs of this order and has been a representative to the Grand Lodge. He is also a Knight Templar Mason. His portrait is shown on a preceding page in proximity to this.
WILLIAM C. LONG, who is engaged in general farming on a tract of 121 acres located in sections 1 and 12, Green Camp township, also, owns 69 acres in, Westfield township, Morrow County, just half a mile from the Marion County line. He was born May 18, 1847, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of John and Madeline (Hagerty) Long, natives of that county, Pennsylvania.
William C. Long was reared in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and obtained his education in the district schools. In 1865 when 18 years old, he came to Morrow County, Ohio, with his parents, who located on a farm in Westfield township, part of which he now owns. Both parents died on this farm. They reared a family of five children, of whom our subject is the only one residing in Marion County.
Mr. Long remained on his father's farm until 21 years of age, when he returned to Pennsylvania and married Mattie Wolf, of the town of Washington, and a daughter of Jacob and Martha Wolf, both of whom died in Pennsylvania. Mr. Long returned at once to Morrow County with his bride and engaged in farming for eight years, and also operated a sawmill. In the spring of 1896, he moved to his present farm, which is a highly cultivated property, on which he has made many improvements.
Mr. and Mrs. Long have two children: Leonard Lemoine, who married Sophronia Miley, and has three children-Ernest, Sperry and Oscar-and resides on our subject's farm in Morrow County; and Stella M., who married A. H. Lowe, of Green Camp township, and has two children-Harry and an unnamed infant son.
SHERMAN ALLEN LONGACRE, a progressive farmer living in Scott township, was born in Bowling Green township, Marion County, Ohio, March 14, 1860, and is a son of Levi and Nancy (Boynton) Longacre.
Daniel Longacre, grandfather of our subject, came from Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to Ohio in 1834, settling near Wyandot at the old Indian Mill, which he conducted. It was one of the first grist-mills in this part of the State. He subsequently moved to a place south of Agosta and milled for some years, after which he retired and located on a farm.
Levi Longacre, the father of our subject, was born November 5, 1832, in Pennsylvania, and was two Years old when he came to Marion County with his parents. During his boyhood days he worked in his father's mill and also in a mill in Richland County. He then learned the trade of a carpenter, which he has followed almost continuously ever since. He works at his trade in Marion at present, and although getting pretty well along in years is able to do the work of a man many years his junior he moved West to Kansas about 1870 or 1871, but returned to Marion County in 1873. He married Nancy Boynton, who was born in Marion County, November 16, 1833, and died February 4, 1864. She was a daughter of Amos Allen Boynton, a pioneer resident of the county, who was a native of Vermont. Upon coming to Ohio Mr. Boynton located first in Delaware County, later removing to Tully township, Marion County, where he bought a farm; still later he located in Claridon township on the farm now owned by W. H. Likens. Levi and Nancy (Boynton) Longacre had three children, as follows: Sherman Allen, our subject, George E., who recently moved to Seattle, Washington: and Charles, who died at the age of nine months.
Sherman Allen Longacre was 13 years old when he went to live with his grandfather, with whom he remained for one year, after which he engaged in work for himself. working during the summer months and attending .school in the winter. He rented 140 acres from his grandfather in 1883 and lived on the same for several Years. Upon his grandfather's death, he inherited 40 acres, on which he resided until 1889, when he purchased 40 acres in Scott township where his house is located; to this he has since added 80 acres, making 120 acres in Scott township. He still retains the the 40-acre farm in Claridon township. He has always followed general farming.
Mr, Longacre was married April 20, 1886, to Ann E. Lindsay, who was born in Claridon township, Marion County, July 13, 1865, and is a daughter of Oliver and Mary Lindsay, of Claridon township. Five children have been born to our subject, and his wife, as follows: Mary Hadessa, born October 2, 1887; Milo Oliver, born October 27, 1892; Glade Arthur, born November 30, 1895; Merle F., born November 17, 1898: and Harry R., born October 17, 1904. Mr. Longacre is one of the most enterprising and progressive men of Scott township, and has worked hard for the improvement of the roads of the township. He was one of the commissioners of the Letimberville improved road, and is at present commissioner of the Longacre turnpike. He is a member of Calanthe Lodge, No. 116, K. of P.. of Caledonia.
JACOB LOUDENSLAGER, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a well-improved tract of 84 acres, located in section 26, Salt Rock township, was born September 17, 1849, in Essen, Hessen-Cassel, Germany and is a son of John and Elizabeth Loudenslager, both of whom were natives of Germany
Jacob Loudenslager was 10 years old when his parents moved to America in 1859, and leased a farm in Salem township, Wyandot County, Ohio. There Jacob was reared, and he attended the district school and worked on the farm until he was about 18 years of age. He then came to Marion County and worked for two years as a farm hand for Samuel Morral, of Salt Rock township, after which he rented a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself. Mr. Loudenslager continued to rent a farm for several years after his marriage, finally buying 52 acres of land in Big Island township about one mile south of his present home. He remained on this farm for about five years, when he bought the farm, on which he lives which at one time had been the home of his wife. Mr. Loudenslager had made a great many improvements here, including the building of a large frame house, barns and other necessary buildings.
Mr. Loudenslager was married to Mary Elizabeth May, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Thomas) May, of Wyandot County, Ohio. Mrs. Loudenslager had been a resident of that county but a short time, having been reared in Marion County. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Loudenslager: Elizabeth, who, married Edward Campbell and lives in, Grand Prairie township; Alfred, who married Velma Riece, and lives in Big Island township; Ivy, who married Bert C. Riace of Union County, Ohio, and has one child, Ossie; Beulah; May; Ella; Harley; Sarah and Bernice. Mr. Loudenslager is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENRY J. LOWER, M. D., physician and surgeon at Marion, was born April 20, 1860, in Coshocton County, Ohio. He attended school at Millersburg and later at Lebanon, Ohio, and was graduated from the Ohio Normal University before he was 17 years of age. He then engaged in teaching and completed 31 terms of school, during this time serving for one year as superintendent of the Louisville schools, and for five years as superintendent of the Spring Mountain schools. He was a popular and successful educator. His medical reading was done under the direction of Dr. Winslow and Dr. J. Hilton Buker, both of Spring Mountain, and he was graduated from Starling Medical College, Columbus, in 1891. In March of that year he settled at Irwin, Union County, where he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession until April, 1905, when he came to Marion. During his residence there he built up a reputation as a skilled medical practitioner and as a public-spirited citizen. He is a member of the Union and the Marion County Medical Societies, and of the Ohio State Medical Society, as well as the American Medical Association.
In 1880, Dr. Lower was married to Nannie M. Hammontree, and they have five children: Clifton, a graduate of the Ohio Normal University and a registered pharmacist, who is in the drug business at Troy, Ohio; Albion E., also a graduate of the Ohio Nonnal University, who is engaged in a cigar business at Marion; Dallas G., who is a drug clerk; Florence F., bookkeeper for the Gem Pharmacy, who was educated at Woodstock and Marion and resides at home; and Starling A., who is attending the Marion High School.
Dr. Lower is prominent in Masonic circles and belongs to the council and commandery at Marion and the blue lodge and chapter at Mechanicsburg. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows and the Red Men. With his family he belongs to the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM A. LUCAS, a prominent citizen and a successful farmer of Grand Prairie township, residing upon a fine farm of 40 acres, situated in section 26, also owns a tract of 70 acres, directly across the road. Mr. Lucas was born in Grand Prairie township on the farm he now owns, January 23, 1865, and is a son of Abraham and Catherine (Search) Lucas.
Abraham Lucas, father of William A., was a son of Abraham Lucas, and was born in Ross County, Ohio, where the family lived until the father of our subject was 11 years of age. In 1833 the grandparents of William A. Lucas moved to Marion County, when the present city of Marion consisted of a few dwellings with one store. In 1835 the grandfather entered 80 acres of land in section 35, Grand Prairie township, the same being now the property of Mrs. Emma E. Baker, a sister of William A. Lucas. Prior to this they lived on rented land, but since the grandfather settled. in Grand Prairie township, this farm has never been out of the family, and the grandparents both lived on it to a good old age, and died on it. They were laid to rest in the cemetery at Marion. They had nine children and Abraham was the youngest son and next to the youngest child.
Abraham Lucas, father of William A., had received a small amount of schooling prior to coming to Marion County, where he attended school for nine months more. From his youth he was trained as a farmer and lived on the same farm for 56 years, his death occurring May 2, 1891, aged 69 years. His widow survived until February 10, 1904, dying aged 79 years. They were held in the highest respect by all who knew them. The mother was a daughter of Charles Search, who came to Marion. County from Ross County in 1835, settling in Marion township on a farm which is still in the possession of his descendants, and is now owned by Mrs. Josephine Ross, a granddaughter of Charles Search, who has recently returned to live on it after a six-years' residence in Marion. The children of Abraham and Catherine Lucas were: Curtis, residing in Marion township; Alpha, who is the wife of Isaac Mason of Grand Prairie township; Mary, who is the wife of Thomas Mason, of Grand Prairie township; Alice, who is the wife of Barton Miller, of Marion township; Charles, residing in Grand Prairie township; Ella, who died aged two years; Mrs. .Emma E. Baker; William A.: and Frances who is the wife of J. K..Leeper.of Grand Prairie township.
William A. Lucas may be said to really belong to Grand Prairie township as his interests have always been centered here, and, with the exception of a week at a time, he has never been out of his school district. His life has been wholly an agricultural one and he has assisted in the developing of the fine farms owned by the Lucas family. He has done a great deal of improving on his place, his commodious frame dwelling having been erected in 1900, and other buildings of a substantial nature completed.
On February 14, 1891, Mr. Lucas was married to Nora Stearns, who was born one mile north of Cardington, Morrow Co and is a daughter of John and Lenora (Clough) Stearns, the former of whom was born in Maine and the latter in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas have had three children namely: Edith, who died aged two years; Glade and Verne. Mr. Lucas is township treasurer and a member of the School Board and served two terms, a period of four years, as township clerk. He is a man of standing in the community and in every way is a representative and reputable citizen,
WILLIAM H. LUNDERGAN, a leading citizen of Big Island township, where he owns 110 acres of fine farming land, operates a firstclass general store at the village of Big Island, satisfactorily combining merchandising with farming. Mr. Lundergan was born in Salt Rock township, Marion County, Ohio. December 10, 1857, and is a son of James and Mary (Dwyer) Lundergan.
James Lundergan was born in County Tipperarv, Ireland. When about 25 years of age he emigrated to America, and after several years in New York State came to Marlon County, Ohio, and went to work for Colonel Messenger, in Salt Rock Township, just across the line from Big Island township. He had little capital but he was a thrifty, industrious man and he made friends and also acquired land. At the time of his death, in September, 1904, he owned 180 acres, 90 acres of which, lying in section 14, Big Island township, directly across the road from William H. Lundergan's home and store, are owned by the latter, while the homestead of 90 acres belongs to his son, James K. Lundergan. James Lundergan was married in Marion County to Mary Dwyer, who, was born in Ireland and died June 19, 1902. She came to America at the
the age of 20 years. They had seven children, namely: William H. ; Mrs. Sarah Molloy; Mrs. Bridget Molloy, deceased: John, residing at Marion; James A., residing at Marion: Thomas F., of the firm of Lundergan & Gray, at Marion, dealers in buggies and farm implements, and Mary, who died aged 14 years.
William H. Lundergan was reared in Big Island township, being three years old when his parents removed from Salt Rock township. He has always given close attention to agricultural matters and for a number of years operated a farm of 53 acres in section 10, Big Island township, which he sold when he, bought his present farm. His residence and store are located on a tract included in the 90 acres mentioned and he owns also a farm of 20 acres in section 15, one and one-fourth miles west of his other land. Since 1886 Mr. Lundergan has conducted his general store at Big Island, successfully carrying it on in connection with his other interests.
On September 13, 1899, Mr. Lundergan was married to Anna B. Bliss, who was born in Virginia and is a daughter of Asel and Sarah A. (Hord) Bliss, the former of whom was born in Vermont and the latter in Virginia. Mrs. Lundergan resided for a short time at Elyria, Ohio where her parents located in her girlhood and there her father died. Subsequently her mother married Isaac Swartz, who was also born in Virginia and had been her schoolmate in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz moved to Wyandot County and from there to Marion County, and the daughter accompanied her mother. She is a lady whose name is known all over this section of Ohio, on account of her artistic success. Although circumsstance never permitted Mrs. Lundergan to take any lessons in art she has produced paintings which would do credit to a. skilled artist. She has a wide range of subjects, Including still life, landscapes, historical subjects and portraits. Prior to her marraige she won two silver and one gold medal for paintings exhibited at the State Fair. She has several works of art of great merit on exhibition; one of these, "The Parting of Ruth and Naomi," shown at the Y. M. C. A. Building, at Marion, has elicited great and continuous admiration.
Mr. and Mrs. Lundergan have one son, Thomas Francis, who was born August 31, 1900, and is a very bright student at school. The family belong to St. Mary's Catholic Church at Marion. While Mr. Lundergan has never been particularly active in politics, he has alwavs taken a good citizen's interest in public affairs. For several years he served as postmaster at Big Island, being the first incumbent.
JACOB D. LUST, (PICTURE) a substantial and highly respected citizen of Grand Prairie township, whose home farm of 151 acres is situated in section 23, also owns another farm of 80 acres in section 14. He was born August 8, 1851, in Hohenwettersbach, Baden, Germany and is a son of Jacob and Anna M. (Hoch) Lust.
Jacob Lust and his family came to this country in 1853 and settled on a farm in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, on which they resided for 17 years. Jacob Lust then sold the farm and bought another farm of 160 acres in Marion township, where he lived until his death, which occurred September 15, 1880. Mrs. Lust, who is still living at the advanced age of 81 years, makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Frederick Gorenflo, of Pleasant township. Mr. and Mrs. Lust were the parents of seven children, as follows: Mary, who married Frederick Gorenflo; Jacob D.; Charles, who died aged 25 years; John W., who resides six miles south of Marion; Magdalena, deceased; James L., a resident of Marion; and Kate E., who married Chester G. Riley, of Hardin County, Ohio.
Jacob D. Lust was but a year and a half old when he accompanied his parents to this country. He was reared on his father's farm in Pleasant township and attended the district schools of the township. He was about 19 years old when he moved to Marion township with his father, with whom he made his home until after his marriage. He then lived for eight years on a farm of 70 acres in Marion township that he owned. In 1882 he sold this farm and bought his present farm of 151 acres in Grand Prairie township. Here he has made many improvements and increased the value and productiveness of his acres. He later bought another tract of 80 acres in section 14, Grand Prairie township. He has always followed general farming but is particularly interested in raising fine hogs.
On March 30, 1874, Mr. Lust was united in marriage with Rosa Myers, a daughter of John and Rosa Myers, and they became the parents of seven children, namely: Albert C., who married Ida Rush, and resides on his father's farm of 151 acres in section 23; Tilden, who died of typhoid fever January 8, 1891, at the age of 14 years after an illness of only eight days; Ida, who married William Reeder, lives in Tully township and has three children -Herbert, Mildred and Clayton; Harry, residing in Marion township, who married Vina Bowser; Earl, deceased at the age of 7 months and 28 days; Emma, who married Edmund C. Kennedy, and has two children-Helen and Edmund; and Roma, wife of Carl Ulsh, living in Arizona.
Mr. Lust is a Democrat politically and has served his township in various offices, having been township trustee several terms, was for three years assessor of the township, was director and clerk of his school district, has been a member of the School Board for the past 21 years, and for six year was a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors of Marion County, Ohio. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Lust accompany this sketch.
JOHN F. (JACOB) LUST, (PICTURE) president of The John F. Lust Company, wholesale manufacturers and dealers in confectionery, at Marion, is a leading business man of this section and is identified with many important and successful business enterprises. Mr. Lust was born in Hohenwettersbach, Baden, Germany, December 1, 1847, and is a son of Johann Karl Frederick and Margaretha (Hoch) Lust.
The parents of Mr. Lust came to America in 1853 and soon after settled on a farm in Wyandot County, Ohio. The father, who became a prominent citizen and man of substance, died in 1883, at the age of 68 years. For the last 35 years, John F. Lust has been a resident of Marion. He was six years of age when he accompanied his parents to America and was reared and educated in Wyandot County, remaining on the home farm until 20 years of age. He then served a two years' apprenticeship at the baker's trade, at Upper Sandusky, going from there to La Salle, Illinois, where he worked one year in a bakery, coming then to Marion. After working here one year, he decided to go into business for himself and on April 1, 1872, he opened up a first-class bakery. After becoming well established, about 18 months later, he purchased the business of a local confectioner, and engaged in both a wholesale and retail bakery and confectionery business, in a moderate way, until the spring of 1884, when he disposed of both his bakery and retail confectionery business and engaged in the manufacture of confectionery on a large scale, disposing of the product of his candy factory to jobbers and retailers. To the special line of confectionery he has added cigars and other specialties; but the main business is the manufacture of choice confectionery.
Up to 1894, the business was carried on under the name of John F. Lust; in that year the style was changed to John F. Lust & Son, his eldest son, Frank A. Lust, becoming a partner. On March 7, 1904, they incorporated under the style of The John F. Lust Company, for $100,000. The president of the company is John F. Lust, its founder, with William S. Probst as vice-president, and Frank A. Lust, as secretary and treasurer. The plant occupies a building which has a frontage of 66 feet and a depth of 165 feet, which gives 18,000 square feet of floor space. During almost the whole of the year this is a place full of.bustle and business, employment being given to from 40 to 50 employees, while nine representatives are kept on the road. Mr. Lust is also a stockholder in the City National Bank of Marion, and in other enterprises.
On November 14, 1872, Mr. Lust was married to Mary A. Fetter, a daughter of George Fetter, who was one of the earliest permanent settlers in Marion County. Mr. and Mrs. Lust have three children, namely: Frank A., secretary and treasurer of The John F. Lust Company; Harry W., who travels out of Chicago, covering Western territory; and Edith Florence, who is the wife of William S. Probst, who is vice-president of The John F. Lust Company and is also an officer in the Prendergast Lumber & Coal Company.
Mr. Lust is one of the leading members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Marion, which he was instrumental in organizing, many years since. Through a long and honorable business career, Mr. Lust has retained the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
ALANSON THOMAS LYON, a prosperous farmer of Scott township, residing in what is thought by many to be the finest country home in Marion County, first came to this county some 30 years ago. He was born in Sussex County, New Jersev, May 7, 1847, and is a son of Alanson Lyon, and a grandson of Samuel Lyon.
The Lyon family came from Germany in Colonial times and some of the family participated in the Revolutionary struggle. They settled in New Jersey, which continued to be the Lyon home State for many generations.
Alanson Lyon, father of our subject, first married Fannie Grimsted, by whom he had two children: Mrs. Martha Beardsley and Mrs. Frances Heisley. After the death of his wife, be married her sister, Elizabeth Grimsted, by whom he bad the following children: Henry of Cameron County, Pennsylvania; Alanson Thomas; Mrs. Harriet Malott, of Martin County, Indiana; Warren, of Martin County, Indiana; Joel, of Martin County, Indiana; Alfred, deceased; James Orlando, of Spokane County, Washington; Cynthia, deceased, who was the wife of Albert Cox, and lived in Tuscarawas County, Ohio; and Nancy, living in Evansville, Indiana, who became the second wife of Albert Cox and is now widowed. Alanson Lyon. was a Democrat in politics and served several years as a justice of the peace.
Alanson Thomas Lyon was 15 years old when he came to Ohio in 1852, locating in Morrow County, near Denmark About five months later he returned to New Jersey, and still later came back to Morrow County, Ohio, where his 18th birthday was spent. He again went to New Jersey and was 20 years of age when he accompanied his parents to Martin County, Indiana, remaining there eight years, during which time he was married and had two children. After the death of his wife, he came to Crawford County, Ohio, and rented land for two years , farming in the summer and lumbering in Pennsylvania in the winter. While in the latter State he was married a second time. Upon returning to Ohio, he located in a house owned by T. W. Monnett, one and a half miles south of Letimberville. At that time Mr. Lyon's worldly goods consisted of $127, which he had accumulated. This sum be had intended expending for household furnishings, but misfortune overtook him. His house was entered, the money stolen and it was necessary for him to borrow $25 with which to start up housekeeping. He remained, in that house two years, then moved to Morrow County, one mile east of Caledonia, later moving to the Roberts farm, three miles south of Caledonia. While there he bought 32 acres of land in Scott township, and also a house and lot in Caledonia, in which 'he lived for three years. He next sold his farm and traded the town property for 93 3/4 acres in Tully township, to which he later added 82 acres.. It can be seen by the progress be made, that Mr. Lyon employed his time to good advantage and was ably assisted by his wife. Working hand in hand, they have seen their property grow until they are now enabled to live in comparative ease. They lived on this place in Tully township for 13 years and then purchased what is generally conceded to be the finest country residence in Marion County. It is a magnificent three-story brick mansion in Scott township, on the old M. E. Monnett farm, It is large and roomy, has 38 large rooms and is equipped throughout with acetylene gas for lighting; on the third floor is a large ball room. Mr. Lyon has 80 acres of land and follows general farming and stock-raising
Mr. Lyon's first marriage was with Jane Swayze, by whom he had two children: Mary Etta, living in Columbus, Ohio who married William Albright, formerly of Marion, and has two children-Helen and Robert Alanson; and Swayze Alpheus, engaged in the furniture business, who married Fannie King, of Toronto, Canada. Mr. Lyon was married a second time December 23, 1878, to Mary Elizabeth Kautz, who was born in Sullivan County, New York, and is a daughter of George and Mary (Etel) Kautz, both natives of Germany. Mrs Lyon's mother, who was born August 11, 1817, is now living with our subject and his wife., She and her husband were married and had two children before coming to this country. They located first in New York and later in Cameron County, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Kautz had the following children: George, deceased; Fred, living in Randolph County, West Virginia; John,, who lives in West Virginia; Rose, wife of George Bessmer, living in Harvey County, Kansas; a daughter deceased in infancy; Jacob, who lives in Kentucky; Mary Elizabeth; and Margaret, wife of Richard Bliss, living in California.
Mr. Lyon and wife have three children, as follows: Bessie Elizabeth, wife of E. J. Rogers, of Emporium, Pennsylvania; Scott Ray, a resident of New Mexico, where he has preempted a farm; and Grace Levonia.
Mr. Lyon is a Democrat in politics and is now serving as justice of the peace, having succeeded the late Solomon F. Rosencrans. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Letimberville, and was formerly an active member of the Grange and Farmers' Alliance.
