REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1907 HISTORY
-U-
EDWARD K. UHLER, senior member of the well known dry goods firm of Uhler & Phillips', at Marion, was born in this city in 1862, and is a son of Ira Uhler, a pioneer merchant of Marion.
The late Ira Uhler was born in Pennsylvania and came to this part of Ohio in 1855, establishing a dry goods business at Marion, which was continued under the firm name of Johnson, Uhler & Company for several years. Subsequently Mr. Uhler formed a partnership with Daniel Yake, under the style of Yake & Uhler, which firm was dissolved in 1883. In 1891 he was one of the organizers of the dry goods house of Uhler, Phillips & Company, but died six weeks later. The firm name continued without change until 1900, when it became, as at present, Uhler & Phillips. Ira Uhler may justly be called the pioneer dry goods merchant of Marion, and one to whom the city is much indebted for the enterprise and progressive spirit that made her progress and growth possible.
Edward K. Uhler gained his dry goods experience in his father's store. In 1891 he entered into a partnership with his father and Mr. Phillips, under the firm name of Uhler, Phillips & Company, which became Uhler & Phillips nine years later. This firm has developed into one of the leading ones of this section, commanding a trade that covers the city and much of the surrounding country. Uhler & Phillips have commodious quarters in which to display their choice assortment of goods, occupying the McNeal & Wolford Block on West Center street, where their three floors give them 15,000 square feet of floor space. They give employment to from 50 to 70 people.
In 1894 Mr. Uhler was married to Lucretia Burke, a daughter of M. E. Burke of Marion, and they have one son, Robert Burke. The family attend the First Presbyterian Church, Mr. Uhler being one of the trustees. He belongs to the Marion Commercial Club. Fraternally he is a charter member of Marion Lodge, No. 402, K. of P., and as a Mason belongs to the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery at Marion.
FRANK G. ULSH, (PICTURE) one of the most prosperous farmers and substantial citizens of Claridon township, is a member of one of the old pioneer families of the northeastern section of Marion County. He was born on the farm of his uncle, Levi Ulsh, one mile west of his present home, May 6, 1862, and is a son of Harrison and Mary (Richey) Ulsh, being their only child.
George Ulsh, the grandfather of Frank G., was born May 15, 1797, in Perry County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Christopher and Lydia A. (Barnes) Ulsh, of German and Irish descent, respectively. The father of Mrs. Lydia Ulsh came from Ireland and served in the commissary department of General Washington's army during the Revolutionary War. He was wounded at the battle of Brandywine, from the effects of which he died a few years later, leaving his widow and children in extreme poverty; after the death of Widow Barnes, the children were sold at auction and among them was the mother of George Ulsh. The latter secured a very meager education. In the fall of 1824, at Liverpool, Pennsylvania, he married Catherine Bunn, who was born July 11, 1800, and died June 6, 1878. She was a daughter of George and Catherine Bunn, natives of Pennsylvania, but of German descent. In 1833 her parents moved to Seneca County, Ohio, where they lived until their decease. George Ulsh and wife had the following children: Samuel, Levi and John, all deceased; Lydia A., who is the wife of Isaac Young; Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of William Lafferty; Eliza J., who is the widow of Isaac Shupp; Harrison; Henry, who resides on the old home place in Claridon township; and David, deceased. George Ulsh died July 31,1893, aged 96 years, 2 months and 16 days. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Lutheran Church.
George Ulsh and wife came with his wife and four children to Marion in the winter of 1830, and lived with his uncle, Major Ulsh, until the following spring, When he moved on the farm on the old "Mud" pike, where his son Henry now lives. It was a portion of what were known as the "Turnpike Lands," which belonged to the Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike Company, established in 1826. Mr. Ulsh was the first settler in Claridon township on that turnpike. His first cabin, intended for temporary use only, was constructed of poles, 12 by 16 feet, with a stick chimney, mud jambs and paper windows. This home proved more lasting than at first intended and the family lived in it for four years and then erected a more substantial dwelling. For over seven years Mr. Ulsh conducted a tavern, the extensive travel on the turnpike making the business then profitable. His homestead of 260 acres cost him $11.37 1/2 an acre, the same now being worth $100 an acre. He bought 700 acres which he divided among his children during his lifetime.
Harrison Ulsh, father of Frank G., was born May 6, 1845, on the old homestead and attended school until he was 19 years old. On October 27, 1865, he married Mary Richey, who died January 7, 1867, leaving one child, Frank G. Mr. Ulsh built a fine home about ,one mile south of the old homestead, where he lived until his decease. This property is now owned by Frank G. Ulsh.
Frank G. Ulsh was reared and educated in Claridon township. He remained on his father's place one summer after his majority and then came to his present farm, engaging a housekeeper for four years, until he married. After the death of his father, the old home place came into his possession, as the only heir. His first purchase was of 40 acres of his uncle's farm of 320 acres, after which he bought 56 acres of the Irey estate and then the place adjoining.. He has carried on farming and stock raising, keeping from 80 to 90 head of cattle all the time. Some winters he has sold three car-loads of cattle in eight weeks. For the past 18 falls he has also run a thresher through this section. he has lost some buildings by fire but has replaced them with better ones and has twice remodeled his residence. His land is divided into three farms-all have been improved with substantial buildings and are well stocked. They present a tidy appearance at all times, because Mr. Ulsh is a firm believer in the beautifying and preservative properties of paint. Evidences of thrift and good management prevail on all sides.
On April 21, 1891. Mr. Ulsh was married to Ella May Kinnamon, who was born on the old "Mud" pike in Marion County, May 1, 1870, and is a daughter of William and Jennie (Weeks) Kinnamon. They have two children, Clarence Ray and Harry Randolph. The former is 15 years old but has had but two birthdays, on account of his birth taking place on February 29, 1892. He is a bright student at the Caledonia schools. The latter was born February 8, 1897, and still attends the district schools.
Politically Mr. Ulsh is a Democrat but he is not a seeker for political honors. He is, however, one of the most enterprising and public-spirited citizens of Claridon township.
A group picture of Mr. and Mrs. Ulsh and their two sons accompanies this sketch, being shown on a preceding page.
JAMES S. ULSH, one of the representative citizens of Marion, who has resided in this city for the past 17 years, was born in April, 1855, in Claridon township, and is a son of Samuel and California (Likens) Ulsh, and a grandson of George Ulsh, who was one of the pioneers of Marion County.
James Ulsh was reared on a farm in Claridon township and obtained his education In the local schools. He continued to reside on a farm until he came to Marion, and still remained interested in farming and also in teaming. He was married in 1880 with Martha L. Search, who was also born and reared in Claridon township. They have one child, Lowell, who resides at home.
Fraternally, Mr. Ulsh is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. He belongs to the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM WINFIELD ULSH, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a farm of 190 acres, of which 82 acres lie in Scott township, and the remaining 108 acres, on which he resides, in Claridon township, was born February 12, 1853, in Claridon township, and is a. son of Samuel and California (Likins) Ulsh.
Samuel Ulsh was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, and when three years old was brought to Marion County by his father, George Ulsh. The journey from Pennsylvania to Ohio was made in the fall of 1828 in wagons. The family lived for a couple of years with George Ulsh's cousin, Jacob Ulsh, in Marion township, the latter having located in Marion township on land northeast of Marion some years previously. George Ulsh secured land in Claridon township Soon after his arrival in the county, purchasing it from "Turnpike" Johnston, a road contractor, who built what is known as the old "Mud" Pike, running from Columbus to Sandusky through Claridon township, and who received as payment from the government every other section of land along the pike through Marion County. George Ulsh and his family settled on this land, where he continued to live until his death.
Samuel Ulsh was reared and educated in Marion County and was later married to California Likins, a daughter of James Likins. They became the Parents of the following children: Frances Catherine, who married James M. Foos and died aged 41 years, leaving, three children ; Princess, who married George W. Harvey; William Winfield; James S., who lives at Marion; Alice, widow of Wilson Terry; Flora, who married Fred Bird; George L., of Marion, who is a blacksmith in the shops of The Huber Manufacturing Company and Irene, widow of Frank Rother. Samuel Ulsh died May 5, 1905, and his wife, November 29, 1871.
William W. Ulsh was reared and educated in Marion township, and has always been engaged in farming and in raising cattle and hogs. He bought his present farm, located on Pole lane just off the Lindsay road, in the spring of 1881 ; the large cement-block house which the family occupy was built by him in 1895. Mr. Ulsh has been twice married; the first marriage, with Mary Daly, occurred January 2, 1881, and resulted in the birth of two children: William Carl, a graduate of the Marion Business College, who is now in Arizona, and George Cleveland, who also lives in Arizona. Mrs. Ulsh died August 13, 1896. His second marriage, with Mrs. Ella Manahan, widow of David Manahan, occurred December 31, 1905.
DANIEL UNCAPHER, now living retired in a pleasant home at No. 119 Garden street, Marion, was for many years a successful farmer and stock raiser in Marion township. He was born December 21, 1837, in this township and is a son of Joseph and Rebecca ( Stoneberger) Uncapher.
Joseph Uncapher was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and came to Marion County in the spring of 1837, settling on land which his father, George Uncapher, had entered in the early '20's, the latter owning 800 acres at one time. Joseph Uncapher engaged in farming and stock-raising in Marion township until a few years before his death. He married Rebecca Stoneberger, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsvlvania and they had eight children, six of whom survive, namely: Daniel; Silas, a resident of Marion; Darius, a resident of Green Camp township; Thomas J., a resident of Marion; John A., of Big Island township; and Hiram L., who resides on the old homestead.
Daniel Uncapher was reared in Marion township and attended the district schools and the Marion Acaclemy which stood on the present site of the pulley works. Like the larger number of the more inteligent young men of his youth, he engaged in teaching school after completing his own education, and while he farmed in the summer time he taught through seven winters. He engaged largely in raising, stabling and feeding, stock, and also conducted a milk business at Marion, this being at a time: when he knew and took a kindly interest in every family he served.
On April 2, 1863, Mr. Uncapher was married to Rebecca J. Riley, a daughter of Elias Riley, who was one of the early pioneers of Marion County. Mrs. Uncapller dried in June, 1906, survived by two sons: J. Herman, residing in Oklahoma; and L. V., who is one of Marion's prominent business men.
Mr. Uncapher has been a very active worker in the cause of Prohibition. He is a cloister member of the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church and was largely instrumental in securing the erection of the present edifice. For 35 years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For seven years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church.
HIRAM L. UNCAPHER, a representative agriculturist of Marion township, residing on his well-improved farm of 70 acres, was born on this farm July 30, 1860. He is a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Stoneberger) Uncapher.
Joseph Uncapher was born July 12, 1809, in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of George Uncapher. The latter, who was an early settler in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, was probably a native of Germany. When Marion County, Ohio, became open for settlement, he made several trips to this section on horseback, and invested in large tracts of land. This was done with the intention of moving to Marion County, but before his plans were completed his death occurred and his remains lie near his old home in Indiana County. Joseph remained in the county of his birth until 1837, his education being secured in the schools of that section. In the above mentioned year he was married to Rebecca Stoneberger. who was born October 16, 1817, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Daniel Stoneberger, a substantial farmer.
Immediately following their marriage, Joseph Uncapher and wife came to Marion County, Ohio, making the journey in a covered wagon, drawn by four horses. In the light of modern demands for comfort, this was not an altogether ideal wedding journey, for the distance was far, the roads were often almost impassable, and when the new home was reached, in April, 1837, there were yet no signs of spring, and even the bedding brought from the old home was covered with snow although inside the wagon. There was an old log house standing on the farm and we can well imagine how welcome was the great fire soon roaring in its wide fire-place. This house was very substantially built but was not used after 1858, when the present fine brick residence on the homestead was built. Joseph Uncapher and wife resided here until they passed out of life the former, April 12, 1894, and the latter, April 24, 1894. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Daniel. born December 21, 1837, who is a retired June 27, 1839, who died May 19, 1841, a babe deceased in infancy; Silas. born February 28, 1841, who is a retired farmer living at Marion; Darius, born January 30, 1843, who is a retired farmer, living in Green Camp township; Thomas J., born June 12n, 1846, who is a retired farmer living at Marion; John A., born August 8, 1850 who is a farmer residing three miles north of Green Camp; and Hiram L.
Hiram Uncapher was reared and educated in Marion township and he has always lived on the homestead farm. His handsome residence attracts attention as it stands just adjoining the corporation line of Marion, on the Bellefontaine road its appearance and surroundings giving evidence of thrift and plenty. Until 1905 Mr. Uncapher carried on farming, and for several years was in the agricultural implement business but a serious attack of typhoid fever caused his retirement from further activity.
On December 21, 1884. he was married to Allie Barks who is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Barks. They have had five children, namely: Oda B., born September 16, 1885 who married Miner Roseberry and lives at Marion; Olive Odella born October 9. 1887, who married William Kellyon and lives on a farm north of Green Camp; Zola Elizabeth, born September 3, 1889; Ella Marie, born January 30, 1892 who died September 17, 1894; and Herbert Hiram, born February 23, 1900. Mr. Uncapher has given his children many educational advantages, the three eldest daughters attended the township High School. Mr. Uncapher is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.
L. V. UNCAPHER, secretary of The Central Ohio Lime & Stone Company, at Marion, and identified with other similar interests, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of this section of Ohio. He was born in 1868 in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Rebecca J. (Riley) Uncapher.
Joseph Uncapher, grandfather of L. V. Uncapher, came to Marion County in 1837, one of its early settlers, and settled on land his father, George Uncapher, had entered in the early 20'S. Daniel Uncapher, son of Joseph and father of L. V., is one of the most highly respected citizens of Marion. He was born in this county December 21, 1837, and for some years engaged in farming, later entered into business at Marion, but has lived retired for some years. He has been very prominent in the prohibition movement.
L. V. Uncapher completed the public school course at Marion and then entered the Cincinnati Law School, where he was graduated in 1889. Upon his return to Marion, he engaged in a general insurance business until 1903, when, in association with other capitalists, he organized The Central Ohio Lime & Stone Company. The officers of this concern are: Henry Ackerman, president; George W. Hill, vice-president; and L. V. Uncapher, secretary. He fills the same position in the Moline Lime & Stone Company, of Moline, Kansas; the Ackerman Oil Company; the Uncapher Oil Company; the Reber Oil & Gas Company: and the North Marion Real Estate Company. His business interests are important and he is recognized as an able man of affairs.
On October 26, 1888, Mr. Uncapher was married to Dora E. Phillips, a daughter of the late John Frank Phillips. Mrs. Uncapher's grandfather, Thomas Phillips, was one of the earliest settlers at Prospect, Marion County. To this union three children have been born, namely: Ethel, Bartelle and Margaret. The family attend the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Uncapher being a member of the board of stewards and also secretary of the Sunday-school.
Mr. Uncapher takes a good citizen's interest in politics, but is not unduly active. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Path-finders and the Elks.
MILLER HARLAND UNDERWOOD, a prominent business man of Caledonia, who conducts a first class general clothing and gentleman's furnishings store and is also with other business interests of this section, was born in Canaan township, Morrow County, Ohio, September 28, 1865, and is a son of Benjamin E. and Isabel (Miller) Underwood.
Benjamin E: Underwood was born in Claridon township, two miles east of Claridon, Ohio, October 19, 1835, and is a son of John and a grandson of Elihu Underwood, one of the earliest settlers in Claridon township, who located here about 1820. Elihu Underwood was of Pennsylvania German stock. His first settlement in Ohio was made in Holmes County, but later he came to Marion County and lived there until his death. John Underwood, son of Elihu, and grandfather of our subject, married Sarah Fisher, who was a daughter of Elihu Fisher, a pioneer settler, who kept a hotel in Claridon. John Underwood owned a farm in Claridon township and for many years, up to his death, was engaged in a dry goods business, in partnership with his son Elihu, The children of John and Sarah Underwood were: Elihu, John and Mrs. Jane Ann Bolinger, all deceased; Benjamin E.; Elizabeth and Sarah Ann, deceased; Susannah, widow of James Owens; Caleb, a soldier in the Civil War, died at Arkansas Post; Jesse, a veteran of the Civil War; Clarinda, who died in childhood; and infant twins, deceased.
Benjamin E. Underwood remained on the home place until he was 26 years of age, when he married and moved to Canaan township, Morrow County, and later to Cardington. In the summer of 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company A, 136th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He was out for four months, going as far south as Alexandria. Although on many occasions his regiment came very near being engaged in battle, it never really was under severe fire, and at the close of his enlistment he returned home safely. He remained in Morrow County until 1872, when he came to Caledonia and after assisting his father for a time in his store, became foreman in a sawmill, where he was engaged for 15 years. Since then he has lived retired.
On February 27, 1861, Benjamin E. Underwood was married to Isabel Miller, who was born in Canaan township and is a. daughter of Frederick and Mary (Linder) Miller, early pioneers of that section. Both parents of Mrs. Underwood were born in Ohio, the father, in Belmont County and the mother, in Muskingum County. The children of Benjamin E. Underwood and wife were: Saben, in the barber business, who married Loretta Hipsher and has one daughter, Sybil; Mary Luella, who married George Douce and has six children; Miller Harland, of this ketch; Emily Arvilla, who married William N. Neff, living northwest of Martel, and has three children-Vivian, Geraldine and a babe; Horace Wilmer, in business at Caledonia, who married Mae Day and has three children-Harry Day, Jessie Isabel and Louis; Daisy D., deceased; and Virginia Spray, living at home The family belong to the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Underwood has been a lifelong Republican. Until the local post was disbanded, he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Caledonia.
Miller H. Underwood was eight years old when his parents came to the village of Caledonia, and here he was reared and educated. For about 12 years he conducted a barber business here and then embarked in his present enterprise in which he has been very successful. He is a substantial citizen of the town, where he owns a fine home.
On December 28, 1892, Mr. Underwood was married to Martha Harvey Hall, who was born near Cleveland, Ohio. They have four children, three sons and one daughter, namely: Heber Lynn, born November 13, 1893; Kenneth Hall, born in May, 1895; Chelsea Everett, born in May, 1896; and Alice Vinita, born July 13, 1904.
Politically, Mr. Underwood is a Republican and he has served for two terms as township clerk. Fraternally, he belongs to Calanthe Lodge, No. 116, K. of P:, at Caledonia
