Allen County, Ohio - Chapter 21: Conclusion, 1906 (part 4 of 4)

When our subject was five years old, his parents came to the United States and located for a short time in Milwaukee. Later they moved to Stevens Point, Portage County, Wisconsin, where young Hill acquired his education. As soon as he was old enough to begin learning- a trade, he was apprenticed in the Wisconsin Central shops, where he served four years to master the machinists' trade. After working in the shops by the day for six or eight years, he was promoted to the position of foreman of the Waukesha railroad shops. His fidelity and ability were rewarded one year later when he was transferred to the St. Paul Division of the Wisconsin Central as division foreman, having jurisdiction over both the St. Paul and Minneapolis roundhouses. He has risen steadily from one post of trust to another by the loyal and faithful discharge of his duties and when, one year, later, he accepted the position of foreman of the Chicago & Calumet Terminal Railroad repair shops in East Chicago, he was advancing a step higher in the confidence and regard of his employers. Three years later, in 1896, this company was merged into the Chicago Terminal Transfer Company, and Mr. Hill was placed in charge of the locomotives and cars of the company as master mechanic. Six years later, he resigned this position to become foreman of the shops of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway at Elkhart, Indiana, where he remained 18 months, going then to Kankakee, Illinois, as general foreman of the Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Railroad. A year and a half later he accepted his present post and moved to Lima, where he has ably filled the duties of his position.

Mr. Hill was married November 4, 1896, to Mary Edgar, daughter of the late Thomas Edgar, of Leesburg, Indiana. They have one child, Eloise. Mr. Hill is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is also a prominent Knight of Pythias.

representative agriculturists of this locality, resides upon his well-improved farm in sections 9 and 10, a fine location along the Auglaize River. Mr. Post is a worthy member of a fine old family of this portion of the State and one which has many representatives, and through marriage, is connected with a number of other substantial and prominent families of Allen and adjacent counties. Charles C. Post was born in 1858, on his father's farm in section 9, Amanda township, and is a son of Leonidas and Eliza J. (Stewart) Post, a grandson of Charles Post and a great-grandson of Jeremiah Post.

This great-grandfather was of German parentage and inherited many of the sturdy characteristics of the Fatherland. He was born in New York, but moved to Washington County,. Pennsylvania, during the Revolutionary War, and it is quite probable he participated in the struggle for freedom.

Charles Post, son of Jeremiah Post, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1800. In 1822 he came to Ohio, settling, first in Knox County and later at Shelby, in Richland County, but removing later to Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County. There he constructed a grist and sawmill, and also a council house for the Wyandot Indians. He had much commerce with this tribe, by whom he was held in high regard on account of his just dealings with them. In March, 1841, he removed to Allen County, settling in Amanda township, and building the old Post mill on the Auglaize River. This he operated until 1849, when he took possession of his farm of 540 acres, located in sections 8 and 17, and removed about one and a quarter miles from his former location. Here Mr. Post resided until 1883, and then went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Cyrus Hover, where he died March 27, 1884, when within two months of being 84 years old. Charles Post was a man well fitted for his times, strong of will and firm of purpose, the soul of old-time integrity. As such he was selected by his fellow-citizens to represent them in the State Legislature. He married Elizabeth Bryant, who was born March 13, 1801, and died February 22, 1886, aged 85 years. Of their nine children, but four survive, namely : Martha, widow of Cyrus Hover, of Lima ; Adam Clark, of Carthage, Missouri; Isaac B., and Charles G., of Missouri.

Leonidas H. Post, son of Charles Post and father of Charles C. Post, was one of the representative farmers, esteemed residents and substantial citizens of Amanda township. He was born at Fredericktown, Ohio. August 9- 1832, and died October 3, 1904, in Amanda township. His father as a man in easy circumstances, afforded him excellent educational advantages. He was sent to Oberlin College, while in his home, from childhood to young manhood, he came in contact with gentle influences and with men of intelligence who were his father's friends. He also broadened his mind by travel. In 1852 he removed to New York and there took passage for California, where he remained two years, and then returned by way of New Orleans. On this and other trips he gained a very fair idea of many sections of the country.

After his return to Ohio, Mr. Post was married, after which, until the close of his quiet, peaceful, busy and useful life, his home continued to be in Amanda township. Among other agricultural interests he devoted much time and attention to the careful breeding of draft horses and probably to his interest and work in this direction is due the excellence of this stock in Amanda township. He took an immense pride in his fine Shorthorn cattle, and is credited with introducing this breed into the township. His farm of 200 acres in section 9, Amanda township, is probably the most fertile as to soil, and certainly one of the best improved and most scientifically cultivated in the township.

On August 2, 1854, Leonidas H. Post was married by Elder, Thomas J. Price to Eliza J. 'Stewart, the estimable lady who survives him and who still resides on the home farm, a property which her father, Samuel Stewart, had entered from the government in 1824. Mrs. Post was born October 13, 1830, in Allen County, Ohio, but was reared and married in Champaign County. Her parents were Samuel and Mary (Thomas) Stewart, and her grandparents, Matthew and Elizabeth Stewart. Samuel 'Stewart was born January 31, 1796, and died April 26, 1873. Mary Thomas was a daughter -of Capt. Arthur Thomas, who was killed by the Indians in Logan County. They cut his body into pieces, put it in sacks and carried it on horseback to Ur.bana. The children of Samuel Stewart were: Thomas, Elizabeth, Eliza J. and Matthew. Mr. Stewart is recalled as a man of exemplary life and noble character, -generous and charitable, and possessed of those admirable attributes which make his name venerated by those who still survive. In this connection special mention must be made concerning his benefactions to the Amanda Baptist Church. In 1865 he gave five acres of land for the church, parsonage and cemetery, and in 1870 contributed the sum of $500, to be used in erecting a parsonage. He was not a member of the church, but believed in its influence and contributed to its work, on account of his wife's devoted membership and interest in it.

Both Leonidas H. Post and his wife were also very active in all that concerned Amanda Baptist Church. Mrs. Post was baptized November 15, 1849, at King's Creek. Mr. Post was converted and was baptized November 21, 1869, by Rev. D. D. Spencer, and united with the Amanda Baptist Church, but before becoming a member, was one of the prime movers in erecting the building, not only contributing very largely, but superintending the erection of the structure. Mrs. Post has been a trustee of this church since its organization. Through his whole life Mr. Post kept the needs of this church in timely remembrance. In his political opinions, he was a Republican, and, on account of the known integrity of his character, was chosen on many occasions to assume the duties of office. As long as his health permitted he took an active interest in both local and outside affairs. He was the father of seven children, namely : William Stewart, Samuel

A., Charles C., Edward G., Mary and Jennie (both deceased), and Leonidas H., Jr. Samuel A., deceased, left five children. Edward G. is a farmer in Champaign County, Ohio. He was married in 1886 to Jennie Florence Whetstone, and their surviving children are: Edna, Ada, Ruth and Naomi. Leonidas H. Post, Jr., farms with his brother, Charles C. He married Altha Moorman, and they have two children - Martha and an infant.

Charles C. Post, our immediate subject, was educated in the public schools of Amanda township, which has always been his home. He carries on extensive farming and stock-raising, follows modern methods of agriculture, and believes and proves that no man is so independent and well-placed as the prosperous agriculturist. His herds dot many meadows, his grain ripens in many fields, and his barns and other, buildings provide storage for his abundant crops and shelter stock worth many thousands of dollars. His home is one of modern luxury.

Mr. Post was married (first) to Ida Crites, who was a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Crites. , She was born February 22, 1862, and died March 24, 1889, leaving two children: Clarence B., who is now in California; and Ida G., who is attending Lima College.

In the spring of 1905, Mr. Post married (second) Martha Post. She was born in Pennsylvania and possibly belonged to the Post family established by Jeremiah Post, which had many branches. Mr. Post takes only a moderate interest in politics, voting independently.

There is an old landmark on Mr. Post's farm that has an interesting history. It is an old buckeye tree, under which our subject's maternal grandfather, Samuel Stewart, trapped a ribbit which provided the first meal the pioneer family enjoyed when they settled, forlorn and hungry, on the banks of the Auglaize River, in 1824.

BAMES C. KELLEY, one of Lima's most successful and enterprising merchants, came to Allen County in 1897, and opened his grocery store at No. 790 St. John's avenue, Lima, where he is still located and enjoying a prosperous trade. He was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1863 and is a son of James Kelley, deceased, who was a farmer and in addition to that occupation also worked at coopering.

Our subject was born, reared and educated in the country, and engaged in farm work until 1893, when he located in Mowrytown, where for three or four years he conducted a furniture store. Leaving that town, he came to Lima and established his present business. He has secured not only an excellent patronage, but the warm friendship and esteem of those with whom he has been associated, both in business and social circles.

B. KLAY, one of the leading business men of Lima, is superintendent of the National Roofing Tile Company, which is one of the important industrial plants of the city. He was born in 1858 in Switzerland, and his educational training was secured in his native land, where he lived until he was 26 years of age.

Mr. Klay learned the roofing tile business in Switzerland. In 1883 he came to America, locating first at Berne, Indiana, where many of his countrymen form a prosperous community. Not finding a good opening there in his special line of work, he remained but 18 months and then came to Ohio, locating at Bluffton, Allen County, where he engaged in a contracting business until 1891. He secured a farm and for some years carried on agricultural work during the summers and spent his winters in close study of matters pertaining to his special trade, during which period he perfected many designs for machinery to be used in the manufacture of roofing tile. In 1897 the accuracy of these plans he put to the test, erecting at Ottawa, Putnam County, the first roofing tile factory in this section of the State. He successfully operated the factory there until 1901. In the fall of that year, upon the organization of the National Roofing Tile Company, at Lima, he same to this city as its superintendent.

This company was incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000, and its officers, all wellknown capitalists, are as follows: J. R. Sinclair, president ; J. F. Andrews, vice-president ; Davis J. Cable, secretary; Charles Stolzenbach, treasurer, and A. B. Klay, superintendent. The board of directors is composed of the following men of stability: J. D. S. Neely, William H. Duffield, C. H. Cory, J. A. Bendure, A. B. Klay and John Kerr. The late T. J. Morris was one of the original directors.

In this company he is also a member of the board of directors and one of the largest stockholders. He is one of the practical tile men and these factories are operated with dry kilns and machinery of his invention. As this factory is now in successful operation, Mr. Klay anticipates erecting more factories in the near future, to be operated under the A. B. Klay patents.

Mr. Klay was married in 1880, in Switzerland, to Mary Knuss, and they have eight children, all of whom are now living, as follows : Emil, for three years foreman of the National Roofing Tile Company, who married a daughter of the late John Barr; Emma, who is the wife of Rudolph Moser, of Lima; Bertha, who is the wife of Herman Moser, of Lima; Jacob, formerly designer for the National Roofing Tile Company, who is still interested in the business; and Menno, Sarah, Albert and William, who are attending school.

Fraternally Mr.. Klay is an Odd Fellow. He takes no very active interest in politics beyond supporting those candidates who in his judgment will best work for good government. The attractive family home is located at No. 817 East Elm street, Lima.

A. McLAUGHLIN, oil purchasing agent, representing Joseph Seep, and one of the thoroughly experienced oil men of the country, has been a resident of Lima since 1886. He was born in 1840, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

Mr. McLaughlin was reared in Pittsburg and attended the schools of that city. Before he had acquired business experience, he enlisted in the service of his country, in August, 1861, entering Company I, 13th Reg. U. S. Vol. Inf., in which he served one year.. The Governor of Pennsylvania then claimed the regiment as a part of the Pennsylvania contingent and consequently it was transformed into the 102nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol. Inf. His regiment participated in all the great battles of the Army of the Potomac and at the battle of Williamsburg, Mr. McLaughlin had the expcr-

' ience of being struck by five bullets without being seriously wounded. He was not always so fortunate, however, for at the battle of the Wilderness he was shot through the thigh. From the field hospital he was conveyed to the hospital at Fredericksburg and later to the one at Georgetown, and while still under treatment his term of enlistment expired. Entering the army as sergeant, his personal bravery rapidly won him promotion and at the time of his honorable discharge he was wearing a captain's epaulets.

After his return from the army, Captain McLaughlin became first a clerk on a steamer on the Allegheny River, running between Oil City and Warren, Pennsylvania, for, a few months and then he embarked in a hotel business at Oil City. He soon became interested in oil himself, and after running his hotel for three years he engaged in the oil business as a broker with Owston & Sowers, and continued with that firm from 1867 until 1873. He next became agent for the Devoe Manufacturing Company and later was buyer for J. A. Bostwick & Company from 1878 to 1882. From the latter year until 1886 Mr. McLaughlin again was an oil broker at Oil City until 1886. Since then he has been oil purchasing agent at Lima for Joseph Seep.

Mr. McLaughlin helped to organize the first oil exchanges in the oil country - at Titusville, Oil City and Parker, Pennsylvania. He was president of the Parker Oil Exchange, and afterward president of the Oil City Oil Exchange when it was the leading one in the United States. He was elected to the Select Council of Oil City and was president of that body for three years; by virtue of his office he was the presiding officer of the select and common councils when in joint session.

I11 1878 Mr. McLaughlin was married to Ella Gray, then of Philadelphia, formerly of New York City, and they have three children, viz : Warren J., Thomas D. and Laura G. The eldest son is a graduate of Columbia Law School of New York City and is now in the practice of his profession at Lima. Thomas D. is also a graduate of Columbia College and is an architect. The only daughter is a student

Mr. McLaughlin is a Mason of high degree, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Council, Chapter and Commandery at Lima and to the Shrine and Consistory at Pittsburg.

Lima and Allen County as the proprietor of one of the neatest and most extensive grocery stores in the city. Mr. Kindell was born in 1861 in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of J. H. Kindell who has been an honored resident of Lima for the past 30 years and who was for many years one of the leading contractors and builders here.

Our subject received his education at various points, finally learning telegraphy under C. B. Rice, at Elida, Ohio. Having been appointed assistant postmaster and mailing clerk at Delphos, he engaged in that work for eight months when he was tendered the position of night operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Lima, and came here to take up his new duties. He remained at this station about two and a half years and then made a tour of the South and West, including Old Mexico, which covered about the same length of time. During this period he was employed in various telegraph offices at the points visited. On returning East he was with the Standard Oil Company one year, after which he was employed at the LaFayette car shops for a short time and then went back to telegraphing. He was operator and agent at VanBuren, Ohio, two and a half years when he came to Lima as operator for the C., H. & D. Railway, holding that position for more than seven years. The next four years was passed in the C. & E. Railroad telegraph office. In 1902 Mr. Kindell purchased the grocery stock of Aaron Albert and has conducted the business at the old stand on West Wayne street ever since. He is a thorough business man and has built up a large patronage among the best class of people. He makes it a point to cater to the wants of his customers and, as this fact is recognized and appreciated, he does a thriving business.

Mr. Kindell was first married to Ida M. Mc- Clellan who was a daughter of John McClelland, of Lima. They had one child, Edna M. In September, 1895, he married Ella Gillette, a daughter of E. V. Gillette, who was formerly engaged in the general merchandise business at Prospect, Ohio, and is now living a retired life at Kieferville. - Mr. Kindell is a member of Grand Division, Order of Railway Telegraphers, of which body he was one of the organizers, on the C., H. & D. Railway.

ILLIAM G. FOWLER, a prominent agriculturist residing in section 6, Bath township, has been a resident of Allen County since 1859. As he came here a poor man, he has gained his present prosperous condition only by hard and persistent labor. He was born in Tuscarawas County, this State, near New Philadelphia, January 13, 1834, his parents being James and Mary (Gifford) Fowler. His paternal grandfather, John Fowler, came to this country from Ireland and first settled in Pennsylvania. Later he went to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he entered 160 acres of land located between Jefferson and Salem. Here he passed the remainder of his life.

James Fowler was born in February, 1804, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1812, remaining in Jefferson County until he reached his majority, when he located in Tuscarawas County. He later moved to Knox County where he died at the age of 81 years, eight months and one day. He was a farmer, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a stanch Republican in bis later years, although formerly a Whig. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of William and Barbara (Horn) Gifford, the former a native of England. She was born in Guernsey County. Ohio, and had passed her Sotli year when she died at

William G. Fowler was reared on a farm and remained at home until his marriage, when he came to Allen County. As he possessed but little money, he rented a farm for the first five years. The first night in Allen County he and his wife slept on a floor and ate their supper and breakfast from a box. Many were the hardships and privations endured while they were earning a home here. He first purchased 80 acres in Sugar Creek township and later he sold this and bought his present homestead of 1 15 acres, 35 of which is in Monroe and the balance in Bath township. He also owned at one time 80 acres in Monroe and 60 in Sugar Creek townships, which he gave to his children, as well as an adjoining farm of 41^2 acres, which is occupied by his son. He has erected substantial and attractive buildings and otherwise improved his premises, more than doubling .their value. He is engaged in stock-raising and general farming.

Mr. Fowler was married in August, 1858, to Isabella McClurg, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, August 11, 1840, and is a daughter of John and Jane (Robison) Mc- Clurg, both natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Ohio. Their family consisted of 16 children, namely: Mary J; John S., a resident of Martin's Ferry, Ohio; William R., of Nevada, Ohio; Aetna Estella; James L., of West Cairo, Ohio; Lizzie Minnie; Jude H. ; Charles E., who died in infancy; Laura B., wife of Bert Mossholder, of Ottawa, Ohio; Montezuma, who died at the age of 1 1 months; Edward M. ; Alfonza, wife of E. Crawford, of Columbus Grove, Ohio; Millard D., of Akron, Ohio; Josephine, wife of Ernest Witteberg, of Columbus Grove, Ohio; Roscoe C. ; and Zoe, wife of Glen Hooper, of West Cairo, Ohio. Several of these children are married and have families. Mr. Fowler is a member of the Christian Church and has served as trustee for a number of years. He is a Republican and was one of the "boys in blue" who went to the front in 1864 as a 100-day man, belonging to Company

C, 151st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Colonel Marble and Lieut. -Col. Richard Hughes. His company was stationed near Washington at the time of Early's raid.

LBERT W. COXE, manager of the Lima Sash & Door Company, has been a resident of Lima but a short time, having but recently moved from Chicago to take charge of the new industry. He was born in 1873 i'1 Buffalo, New York, and is a son of Charles A. Coxe, manager of the Schroth & Ahrens Company and a director of the First State PawnerS' Society, both of Chicago.

When Albert W. Coxe was a lad of about eight years his parents located in Chicago, where he attended tire public schools and took one year of the high school course. He then secured work in the shipping department of Alexander H. Revell & Company and finished his education at a night school. After remain-- ing in the furniture store one year, he accepted a position with Marshall Field & Company, which he held for five years. During the next two years he was shipping clerk for the General Electric Company, of Chicago, and from there went with the Schroth & Ahrens Company of the same city. He was estimator for this sash and door company for eight years, until he accepted his present position and came to Lima. The Lima Sash & Door Company was organized January 1, 1905, with a capital stock of $20,000. It was incorporated under the laws of Illinois, as the officers and stockholders are Chicago capitalists, and is exclusively a jobbing enterprise. The manager, Mr. Coxe, is a young man of push and energy, whose practical business training has made him thoroughly familiar with the requirements of the enterprise which he has already placed among the leading industries of Allen County. During his short residence in the city, he has made many strong friendships both in social and business circles and has identified himself with the progressive element who are striving for the upbuilding of the community.

etta Cline, daughter of Plenry Cline, deceased. They have one child, Walter Albert. Mr. Coxe and his wife are members of the Millard Avenue Congregational Church, of Chicago. He is a member of the "Hoo Hoos" and the American Guild.

N. HALLER, the enterprising grocer, 'has been long and closely identified with the city of Lima. He was born in June, 1851, in German township, this county, where he was reared and educated. His father was Samuel Haller who located in Allen County about 1840 and died in Lima in i860. Both the father and grandfather, who was named Samuel, were brickmasons and built most of the brick buildings which were erected here prior to their death.

J. N. Haller learned the trade of mason and was engaged in that work for a number of years, giving special attention to plastering. He spent three years in the South, one in a printing office at Singerglen, Virginia, and two in the shipyards of Baltimore, Maryland. Returning to Lima, which had been his home since his third year, he engaged in the newspaper business, and for eight years had charge of the advertising and the subscription list of the old Republican. Being appointed patrolman on the police force of Lima, he served three years in that capacity, and then was promoted to the position of chief of police of Lima, in which capacity he served two years. In 1897 he worked at his trade, and the year following embarked in the grocery business which he still conducts. He erected the fine business block at 613 West Wayne street, where he is located and meeting with merited success.

Mr. Haller was married in 1873 to Emma Smith, daughter of Judge Smith who was surveyor of Paulding County for several years and, later, probate judge. Mr. and Mrs. Haller have have one son, C. C. Idaller, who in the November election of 1903 was the Republican nominee for sheriff of Van Wert County. He is a prominent Mason and a Knight 1 emplar. J. N. Haller has taken an active interest in the good government of the city and was formerly a member of the City Council. He is a zealous member of the Disciples' Church and a man who is esteemed for his uprightness and honor. Mr. Haller was made a Knight in Concordia Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Baltimore, Maryland, 36 years ago and was a prime factor in organizing Lima Lodge, No. 91. He has passed through all the offices and has twice represented the local lodge at the Grand Lodge.

RANK SIEBER, president of The Lima Brewing Company, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 25, 1862, and is a son of Frank and Caroline (Elses) Sieber.

The father of Mr. Sieber was born in Germany. By trade he was a cabinet- maker. He married Caroline Elses, also of German extraction, and they had a family of three children.

Frank Sieber was reared through the yearsof childhood in his native county, where he attended the local schools and gave particular attention to music, for which he has great talent. In 1884 he engaged in hotel-keeping and continued in that line until 1899 when he became president of The Lima Brewing Company. The officers of this company are: Frank Sieber, president ; Gus Spannagel, vice-president ; and E. W. Charles, secretary and treasurer. The Lima Brewing Company manufactures lager beer and malt extract, its products being of fine quality and possessing healthful tonic properties. Employment is given to 26 men. The plant is the largest of its kind in Allen County.

Mr. Sieber was united in marriage with Mary Knarr, a daughter of John Knarr, and' they have a family of six children. Their comfortable home is situated at No. 402 West Market street. The family belongs to the Catholic Church.

Fraternally Mr. Sieber is an Elk and has always taken a great deal of interest in the order. He is one of the city's well-known citizens, a man of charitable instincts, energetic and public spirited, who enjoys the esteem of a very wide circle of friends.