REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

MARION COUNTY, OHIO

1907 HISTORY

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ALBERT OBORN, (PICTURE) a representative and influential farmer of Richland township, residing upon a fine farm of 178 acres located in section 18, was born December 31, 1858, on the farm where he now resides. He is a, son of William and Mary Jane (Emery) Oborn, and a grandson of Joseph and Mary (Smith) Oborn.

Joseph Oborn and his wife who were born in Pennsylvania, were respectively, of Scotch and Irish descent. Upon coming to Ohio, they first settled in Perry County, removing later, in 1835, to Richland township, Marion County, where Joseph Oborn entered land-the farm that our subject now owns. After a short residence here, they returned to Perry County for one year, and then came back to Marlon County, making the trip in wagons, often finding it necessary to cut their way through the timber. Joseph Oborn erected a log house, began clearing the land and with

his wife battled with all kinds of hardships to make a living and raise their family. Upon the discovery of gold in California he joined the fortune-seekers in their journey to the far West. His search for the precious metal not proving successful, he started home in the summer by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He was taker sick while crossing the isthmus, died on the 6th of August, 1850, aged 59 years and 6 months and buried there. By those who remember him, Joseph Oborn is said to have been a good scholar, with an extensive knowledge of surveying and trigonometry by which he could figure eclipses of the sun and moon. He excelled in writing and penmanship. For many years he was school examiner in Richland township: before he would issue a certificate to teacher, the applicant had to satisfy him that he could .make a pen out of a quill and write a good, legible hand. His wife Mary survived him many years, dying April 7, 1880, aged 91 years and one month, and being buried in the Marion Cemetery.

William Oborn was born in Perry County, Ohio, and was the eldest of a family of three children in the parental family, the others being Joseph, and Jane, who married Benjamin Waddel. William accompanied his parents to Marion County in childhood, and thereafter lived on the homestead in Richland township, which he helped to clear and put under cultivation, enduring, many hardships in the first years of his residence here. He married Mary Jane Emery and to them nine children were born, namely Albert; Benjamin, deceased: Elmer; Mary Jane who married Samuel Beringer; Ida C., who married Wesley King; John; Ella, who married Ambrose Myers; Roscoe; and William. The father of our subject died on the home place November 10, 1883; our subject's mother, died January 27, 1898.

Albert Oborn was reared and has always lived on his present farm, having bought the land from his father's estate. The farm which is situated on the banks of the Whetstone River is called "River View Farm" and is one of the best improved and most highly cultivated properties in its section of the county. The house which Mr. Oborn and his family occupy was erected by his father.

Mr. Oborn was married October 19, 1889 to Cora Reber, a daughter of Felix and Harriet (Brobst) Reber. Felix Reber, who was born, reared and educated in Fairfield Comity, Ohio, was connectedwith the well-known Reber and Peters families of Pickaway and Fairfield counties, Ohio.

Felix Reber came to Marion County in 1871 and bought and located on a farm of 320 acres, the greater of which is still owned by his son F rank. Mr. Reber died March 11, 1887, and his widow died November 10,1905, aged 73 years. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reber; Samuel; Sarah, who married George W. King; Ida, who married James Hill; Frank; Eugene, who died September 15, 1897; Cora, the wife of our subject; and Nellie (Holverstott).

Mr. and Mrs. Oborn are the parents of three children: Harold R., Eugene W. and Gertrude. Mr. Oborn is a Republican and ran for county commissioner when the county was Democratic by a majority of over 900, and came within about 100 votes of being elected, which gives evidence of his popularity and good standing among his friends and fellow citizens. He was a director of the Marion County Agricultural Society for six years, and president of the Fair Board two years. He is at present president of the School Board, of which he has been a member for a number of years. He is secretary and treasurer of the Marion County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and has served as class leader, and at different times as superintendent of the Sunday-school since the death of his father, who held that office for many years prior to his death. Mr. Oborn's portrait accompanies this sketch.

JOHN OESTERLE, a representative agriculturist of Big Island township, whose farm of 250 acres, which he recently purchased. is located in section 26, was born in Stuttgart, Germany, April 7, 1859, and is a son of Gottlieb and Caroline (Iseman) Oesterle.

He was reared in his native land, spending his boyhood days in attending school and in assisting with the work on the farm. At the age of 22, in 1881, he came to America, landing in New York City and first located in Rochester, New York, where he worked for a truck gardener from May 15th until December, 1881, when he came to Marlon County and entered the employ of Gustave Hyde, of Richland township, with whom he remained one year. He then worked for the next 16 months for Henry Ulsh. After his marriage he rented a farm of 95 acres located in Pleasant and Richland townships on which he remained for 17 years. In the fall of 1900 he acquired a farm of 120 acres in Big Island township exchanging for an 80-acre farm in Salt Rock township he had previously purchased. He moved upon this farm in Big, Island township immediately after acquiring it and lived upon it until the spring of 1907 when he sold it to the Irvine brothers and purchased his present farm of 250 acres in section 26, on which he has, taken up his residence. Mr. Oesterle raises considerable stock. chiefly horses, also some cattle, sheep and hogs.

Mr. Oesterle was married in 1883 Pauline Fichtner born September 27, 1859 in Wattenweiler, Wuerttemberg, Germany daughter of Gottlieb and Christina Katharina (Fichtner) Fichtner. They have reared a family of five children namely: Nettie. Frank, John, Wilhelmine and Paul. Mr. Oesterle is a member of the Lutheran Church at Marion.

HENRY OLIVER OGDEN, M. D., a leading physician and highly respected citizen of Agosta, was born February 3, 1873, in Brown County, Ohio, and is a son of Alfred and Mary Elizabeth (Hall) Ogden, and a grandson of Alfred Ogden, Sr.

Alfred Ogden, Sr., was a native of Pennsylvania and a Quaker. When a young man, he and his brother Sidney floated down the Ohio River to Cincinnati on a flatboat. They first located on the Turkey or Miami bottoms, but owing to chills and fever prevailing in that section Alfred subsequently removed to the hills in Brown County. Cincinnati was at that time only a small settlement with a few scattered houses. Alfred and his brother were both married while residents of Pennsylvania and both reared families. Alfred was the father of the following children: Leonard; Benjamin; Angeline, who married John Pursley and died in Brown County; Hannah, who married a Mr. Berry and moved to Iowa; Mrs. Elizabeth Hayes, deceasecl; Dean, who resides in Allen County, Ohio; David, deceased; two other children deceased; and Alfred.

Alfred Ogden, the father of our subject; was born in Brown County, Ohio, July 3, 1840, and is now a resident of Clermont County, Ohio, where he owns and operates a farm. His wife, Mary Elizabeth (Hall) Ogden, who was also a native of Brown County, died in 1886 when about 43 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Ogden were born three children: Henry Oliver, the subject of this sketch; Mary Melvina, who married Harry E. White, a farmer of Clennont Countv, and has three children; and a child that died in infancy.

Henry O. Ogden was reared on his father's farm until he was 19 years of age and received his early education in the district and township schools of Brown County. He later attended the Bantam Normal School and also the Amelia High School, after which he entered the office of Dr. Thomas Robinson, with whom he read medicine at intervals for three years. In 1899 he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati and graduated with the class of 1903, after which he practiced with his preceptor until November, 1903, when he located at Agosta, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession and is rapidly acquiring a large and lucrative practice.

Dr. Ogden was married July 29, 1906, to Atta Margaret Bilger, a daughter of David and Hattie Bilger, who have been residents of Agosta for a number of years, having previously lived in New York State. Dr. Ogden is a Democrat.

I. E. OSBUN, who is engaged extensively in the real estate business in Marion, is one of the substantial business men of the city, of which he has been a resident for the past 19 years. He was born March 11, 1853, in Hardin County, Ohio, and is a son of Nathaniel and Joanna (Hartman) Osbun, and a grandson of Isaac Osbun, who was one of the pioneers of Hardin County.

Mr. Osbun was four years old when his father moved to Marion County and settled on a farm in Grand township. He was reared on this farm educated in the township schools, remaining in the country until 1888, when he came to Marion. For two years he was employed by Mr. Wyatt, settling up his accounts. In 1890 Mr. Osbun was first elected township clerk, two years later was reelected to that office and was also made a justice of the peace. He served three consecutive terms as township clerk and at the else close of the third term engaged in the real estate business, in which he has since continued, handling city and farm property. His retirement from office was of short duration, for in 1900 he was again elected township clerk and is officiating as such.

In 1883 Mr. Osbun was married to Mary L. Oborn, who is a daughter of Joseph Oborn, a pioneer of Marion County. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Osbun, Mary M., who married U. H. Landis, of Marion, Ohio.

Mr. Osbun is a Republican in politics and has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of his party. His public services have been entirely satisfactory to his fellow-citizens, his reputation being that of an able, honorable and hard-working official. Mr. Osbun's religious connection is with the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE MICHAEL OSSING, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a fine farm of 160 acres in section 24, Richland township, was born January 20, 1859, an is a son of Frederick and Magdalene (Wamffler) Ossing,

Frederick Ossing was born in Germany where he was reared on a small farm which his father owned. At the age of eight years he came to America with his parents, who located in Marion County, Ohio. After a short time his father bought land in Richland township, where Frederick William Ossing now resides. The tract consisted of timberland that was so swampy in places that it was necessary to make log bridges for the oxen to pass over. Frederick assisted in clearing this land and in 1847 enlisted in the Mexican War, serving until its close. He was in active service through seven battles and returned to Marion County on September 13, 1847. On October 16, 1849, he was married to Magdalene Wamffler, who was born at Columbus, Ohio. The marriage ceremony was performed by the minister who had christened Mrs. Ossing. Nine children were born to Frederick Ossing and his wife: Henry, an attorney at Columbus, Ohio; Mary, who married George Yake; Charles; Hannah, deceased, who was the wife of Henry Burgraff; Frederick William; George Michael, the subject of this sketch; Catherine, who married David Heacock; Mela, who married David Denzer; and Anna, who married George Krise. Frederick Ossing continued to live on the home farm until his death, which occurred February 2, 1896, at the age of 72 years. His widow survived until August 15, 1901, when she passed away at the age of 67 years, 11 months and 18 days.

George M. Ossing was born on the old home place in a log cabin, as were his brothers and sisters. he attended district school in his youth, grew to manhood on the farm and later assisted with the work on the farm. Ever since his marriage he has been engaged in general farming and stock-raising for himself. He first bought 120 acres in section 24 and later added 40 acres more in the same section.

Mr. Ossing was married April 4, 1889, to Mary Roszmann, who was born May 24, 1863, and is a daughter of Charles and Dorothy (Heimlich) Roszmann. Mr. and Mrs. Ossing have two children-Elma and Dorothy.

Charles Roszmann was born in Germany and came to this country with his parents when seven years old. His father, Gottlieb Roszmann, located in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, and was one of the early settlers, of the county. Gottlieb Roszmann had two sons-Charles and Frederick-and a daughter, who died during the voyage to this country and buried at sea. Charles Roszmann was reared in Richland township, he was married to Dorothy Heimlich. Four children were born to them: Anna, who married John Rengert; Mary, wife of our subject; William; and Amelia, who married William Sachs. Charles Roszmann died in Morrow County, February 14, 1883, at the age of 49 years; his widow died February 16, 1899, aged 61 years.

Mr. Ossing has always been a Democrat as was his father, but has never entered actively into politics. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.

JAMES HENRY OSWALD, whose fine farm of 100 acres is situated in section 29, Pleasant township, is a prominent citizen of his neighborhood and one of the successful self-made men of the locality. He was born on his father's farm in Berks. County, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1858, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Engstedt) Oswald.

Both Peter Oswald and wife were natives of Pennsylvania and probably were of German descent. Their whole lives were passed in that State. They had the following children: Alfred, deceased; Thomas J.; Jacob A.; Jonathan; Sarah, wife of Charles Smith; Catherine, wife of William Smith , James Henry, of this sketch; Charles 0.; Peter ; and Ellen, deceased.

James Henry Oswald being one of a large family, had to rely on his own efforts for any advantages in the way of education beyond those afforded by the district schools, Hence, while still voting, he went to work in the mines, adopting a life of the hardest toil in order to gain money with which to cultivate his mind. He thus secured funds with which to prosecute his studies in the normal school at Kutztown for four years, and at the age of 19 was sufficiently prepared to become a school teacher. Alternating with work on the farm, he continued to teach for 30 terms, in the meanwhile coming to Marion County in 1879, where he engaged in teaching in Prospect township, until1893, with the exception of one year, which he spent in similar work in Morrow County. Mr. Oswald met with success as a teacher and during the years he devoted to that profession he made friends in every quarter.

For some time before he purchased his present farm, he was engaged in a real estate business and also was a part owner with his brother Charles, of a 53-acre farm in Prospect township. In 1893 he purchased his farm of 100 acres from his father-in-law, Jacob Almendinger. The residence, a commodious one of 10 rooms. was on the place, but the larger number of the improvements Mr. Oswald has made himself, and, although everything is tidy, convenient and appropriate, he still proposes many more advantageous changes. He takes pride and interest in his, home and surroundings and the property shows it. he engages in general farming and stock-raising and his fields yield large crops of grain, while his sleek cattle, horses and hogs make a good showing.

In November, 1893, Mr. Oswald was united in marriage with Clara Almendinger, who was born in Prospect township, Marion County, Ohio, April 9, 1872, and is a daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Book) Almendinger. Mr. and Mrs. Oswald have four children, namely : May, Mary, Hazel and Clifford. It is pretty certain that these children will enjoy much better educational advantages than were offered their father in his youth.

Politically, Mr. Oswald has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has frequently been called upon to serve in office, having been township clerk for five years, assessor for two years and for a number of years has been a member of the School Board, of which he is the present clerk. Frequently he serves also on the Board of Elections, an office entrusted only to representative men. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and The Modern Woodmen of America.

Mrs. Oswald comes from one of the old pioneer families of Marion County, where her grandfather settled and where her father, Jacob Almendinger. was born and was married (first) to Lydia Book. Mrs. Almendinger was the beloved mother of five children, as follows: Eliza, wife of Lewis Sawyer: John; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of John Augenstein; Clara, the wife of our subject and Samuel, deceased. Jacob Almendinger was married (second) to Tabitha Johnson, and they had these children: Jesse, William, Charles, Laurie and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Almendinger still reside in Prospect township, where his father, David Almendinger, who was born in Germany, settled in 1839. The family has always been one held in high esteem in the township.

FRANK H. OWEN, treasurer and general manager of The Marion Milling & Grain Company, is one of the substantial business men of the city. He was born on his father's farm in Marion township in 1874.

His father, William T. Owen, a well known farmer of Marion township, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, was born in Claridon township, Marion County, Ohio, near the old "Mud" pike, November 23, 1843, and is a son of Charles and Esther ( Brashares) Owen, who were pioneers of Claridon township, where they located in 1882.

Frank H. Owen was reared in Marion township and his primary education, which was received in the country schools, was supplemented by a business course at Delaware. When 17 years old he came to Marion and engaged in the coal and grain business with his father for three years, after which he was in the hardware business for about one year, when he went to Logansport, Indiana, and took a course in stenography. He returned to Marion in 1896 and accepted a position as bookkeeper with The Marion Milling & Grain Company, which position he retained until November 1, 1906, when he became treasurer and general manager of the business.

Mr. Owen was married in October, 1898, to Nellie Reynolds, a daughter of James Reynolds, one of the trustees of Marion township. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Owen: Homer L., Malcolm F., Nellie Lucile and Carmen Esther.

Fraternally, Mr. Owen is a member of Marion Lodge, No. 402, K. of P., and of the United Commercial Travelers, No. 129. He is a member of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church and is assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Owen also takes a very active interest in the Y. M. C. A. work at Marion and has been chairman of the membership committee for about three years.

WILLIAM T. OWEN, a representative agriculturist and well-known citizen, of Marion township, resides on his well-improved farm of 160 acres situated in section 36. Mr. Owen was born in Claridon township, Marion County, Ohio, November 23, 1843, and is a son of Charles and Esther (Brashares) Owen. Charles Owen, father of our subject, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a son of Nathan and Leah ( Hartsall ) Owen, the former of whom died when his son Charles was a boy. The mother accompanied the family to Marion County, where she died in advanced age. Charles Owen was reared and educated in Fairfield County, but came to Marion County the year following his marriage. Here, in 1828, he entered 80 acres of land in Claridon township, to which he subsequently added until he had acquired 440 acres--the amount of his estate at time of death. Of his nine children, the survivors are: Freeman, of Hardin County; Mrs. Jane E. Haley, of Claridon township; William T., of Marion township; Mrs. Leah Margaret Howser, of Claridon township, and Mrs. Sarah A. Lawrence, of Mississippi.

William T. Owen was reared on his father's farm in his native township and was educated in the district schools. After completing his education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, which he attended two years, he began to teach and followed the profession for 15 years, during which time he became widely known and won the reputation of being the most thorough, successful and popular teacher in his part of Marion County. For seven years he served on the County Board of School Examiners. He remained in Claridon township until 1874, when he settled permanently in his present home in Marion township, this property having been the old homestead of the Gruber family and the birthplace of his wife. Mr. Owen carries on general farming, raises his own excellent stock and is interested in all kinds of agricultural activities. For three years he was in a coal and feed business at Marion.

On October 28, 1873, Mr. Owen was united in marriage with Sarah A. Gruber, the estimable daughter of Abraham Gruber, and they have a happy family of nine children, as follows: Francis H., who married Nellie Reynolds, has four children and resides at Marion, where he is treasurer and general manager of The Marion Milling & Grain Company; Eva

May, who is the wife of G. P. Lawrence, of Marion, and the mother of one child; Clara Belle, who is the wife of Frank V. Lawrence, of Marion County, and the mother of two children; William T., Jr., who is in the office of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, at Chicago; Charles A., who is a civil engineer, a graduate of the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, who resides at Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Grace Elizabeth, who married Joseph T. McElree and resides at Santa Ana, California; E. L., a graduate of the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, who is engaged in reportorial work on the Marion Mirror; Anna Marjorie, who is attending the Marion High School; and George Elmer, who is also in school.

For 33 years Mr. Owen has been a member of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church, at Marion, and has held many official positions in the church, beginning when but 17 years of age and continuing until the present time with the exception of probably three years. For many years Mr. Owen has been a zealous supporter of the Prohibition party and during this time he has been gratified by the favorable attitude now shown it by many thoughtful people. He still has hopes of seeing the day when its great principles will be accepted the country over. Personally he is a man held in very high esteem, possessing the sterling traits of character, which command the respect and invite the confidence of his fellow-citizens.