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HARRISON TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAM M. BEAN, proprietor of Spring Hills Flouring Mills; P. O. Spring Hills; born in Virginia Feb. 2, 1837. The early part of his life was spent on a farm. At the age of 19, he went to learn the milling business, which he has followed principally ever since. He served in the confederate army about twelve months, entering under the conscript act, in July, 1862. Being all the while dissatisfied, he deserted in August, 1863. He, in company with a young man by the name of Perry, went out from the Shenandoah Valley, through Maryland, into Pennsylvania, where they got employ meat on a farm for a short time. By the aid of friends, they then pushed farther West. They came to Clark Co., Ohio, where Mr. Perry had an uncle and where he remained till the close of the war. Mr. Bean, in a short time, went to Illinois, and remained until 1865, when he returned to Virginia. In the fall of the same year he moved to Champaign Co., Ohio, where he was engaged in running the Arrowsmith Mill, on Mad River, until 1869. He then, in company with a brother-in-law, emigrated to Southern Missouri and purchased 400 acres of land. After farming about three years, they were engaged in the milling business for nearly two years, when they were burned out, and then returned to Champaign Co. Again our subject was destined to suffer misfortune. In shipping his goods, the car took fire and the contents burned, leaving him with nothing but a small amount of money and what baggage they had with them. However, by rigid economy, and adopting the cash system where at all practicable, he has advanced step by step, until he now owns the Spring Hills Flouring Mill and is in a fair way to free it from debt; he is doing a flourishing business. In 1862, April 6, he married Isabella Kesler, a native of Botetourt Co., Va., born Nov. 17, 1843. Three children are the fruits of this union; two of these, Rosa V. and Ira E., are still living. Mr. Bean and wife are members of the German Baptist Church.
HEZEKIAH M. BURNS, farmer; P. O. Spring Hills; born in Virginia May 22, 1830; is a son of Peter and Elizabeth Burns, both natives of the above-named State. She was born in April, 1798, and he March 31, 1797. They were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom survived their infancy and grew to maturity; seven are still living, three sons and four daughters. Peter Burns departed this life June 17, 1877. She survived till Feb. 18, 1880. H. M. was raised to agricultural pursuits, and is still engaged in that business. He emigrated to Ohio in November, 1859, and located in Champaign Co., where he has since resided. He has recently purchased a farm in Sec. 30, of Harrison Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, on which he will soon locate. Mr. Burns participated in suppressing the rebellion. He was a member of the 134th O. N. G., Co. B, served four months, and received an honorable discharge. On May 26, 1853, he married Mary L. Bradshaw, also a native of Virginia. She was born Oct. 25, 1836. Three children are the fruits of their marriage-Ida B., Charles V. and Bertha B. Mrs. Burns is a member of the M. E. Church.
PERRY DANIEL, retired farmer; P. O. Spring Hills; born in Harrison Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, Jan. 8, 1814; is a son of Thomas and Sarah Daniel. She was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., March 29, 1785, and be in Virginia Feb. 2, 1777, but was taken to Kentucky while quite young. In 1808, he moved to Ohio and settled in Pickaway Co., Ohio, then went to Champaign Co. in 1810. To depart from what is truly biographical, his great-great-grandfather was a native of Wales, and a carpenter. His great-great-grandmother belonged to the nobility of Wales. Her maiden name is not known. It was contrary to the laws of the country for any of the nobles to marry among the common people. He loved this lady, and, as love is not to be defeated, he made a chest, in which he carried her out of the country, and married her. In early life, Thomas " picked up " the carpenter trade and built several houses for the father-in-law of Henry Clay. For several winters following his settlement here, he engaged in
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teaching. His principal occupation, however, was farming. He owned 317 acres of land. The subject of this sketch has been a life-long farmer, but has retired from active farm labor within the last year. He owns 157 acres of good land under good cultivation. In 1849, Nov. 5, he married Mary E. Barkshire. She was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 6, 1825. Her ancestors on both sides of the house were of Irish and Welsh blood, the latter predominating. Eight children are the fruits of their marriage -Allen G., Sarah, Alice, Margery, Adelia, William T., Maggie R., Minnie E. and Anna May. Mrs. Daniel and one daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Five of the children are members of the Presbyterian Church. Allen G. is a minister of the latter, and is officiating in the State of New York.
J. W. DEMORY, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. West Liberty; was born in Clark Co., Ohio; April 22, 1832, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Neer) Demory. They were both natives of Virginia, but were early settlers of the above-named county. Four children were the fruits of their union-John W., Sarah Ann (now Mrs. George Irven), Susan (now Mrs. Benjamin Long, of Indiana) and Matilda (the deceased wife of William Stephens. After the death of William Demory, his wife married Michael Couchman, by whom she had eight children. Mr. Couchman is also dead. The subject of this sketch was bred a farmer. In his 19th year, he went to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed till 1867. He then bought a half-interest in 160 acres of land, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, and dealt in stock. He handled about $20,000 worth of stock in the past year, and expects to do more in the future. He has recently sold his interest in the farm, and expects to locate in the vicinity of West Liberty. Mr. Demory is a live business man, and will do well wherever he may locate. In 1854, Oct. 5, he married Susan Earsom, by whom be has had the following children: Joseph W., Jacob M., Nannie L., Lula L., Flora and Katie. The latter is deceased. Mrs. Demory was born April 1, 1836, and is a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Earsom. They were also natives of Virginia, but came to this State about 1837, and located in Champaign Co. Mr. Demory and two of the children are members of the M. E. Church.
JOHN C. EBY, proprietor of Eureka Hotel, Spring Hills, was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Aug. 1, 1825, and came to Ohio in 1851. He located at Terre Haute, Champaign Co., where he remained about six years, and carried on blacksmithing, which he had learned in the East. In 1857, he moved on a farm then known as the Judge Taylor farm, but now owned by Valentine Russell. Here he remained two years, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He then moved to Northville and worked at his trade until the death of his wife, Julia Eby. She was a native of, this State, born March 23, 1827, and was left an orphan when quite young. Her death occurred Aug. 12, 1862. Mr. Eby, having no children to comfort him, then went East, and spent the winter at Harrisburg, Penn. In the following spring, he returned to this State and located at Spring Hills, and for eight or nine years followed his trade. He was engaged in the mercantile business a few years, but for the last sixteen years has been keeping hotel. He owns 38 acres of land near town, which he cultivates. he has served his township as Justice of the Peace over six years, and is now filling his third term. He has also been Township Clerk, and is Mayor of the town the present year. He married Mrs. Harriet Cretcher July 16, 1.863. She was born in Logan Co. July 12, 1829, and is a daughter of Joseph Tavadell, a prominent teacher of his day. Her first husband, Mathew Cretcher, departed this life March 1. 1853, the father of one child-Thomas W., residing in Kosciusko Co., Ind. John C. and Harriet A. are the parents of five children. One-Oscar E. survived his infancy, and is still living with his parents. They are all members of the Presbyterian Church.
REUBEN A. ELEYET, blacksmith, Spring Hills ; was born at Kingston, Champaign Co., Nov. 1, 1846, and is a son of Levi and Eliza Eleyet ; she, a native of Kentucky, born in August of 1818, is still living. and resides at Mutual. of the above named county. He was a native of Virginia, and came to this State in 1840. He
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served in the civil war, a member of the 113th O. V. I., Co. K. Having been in the five days' fight at Rossville, under Sherman, and over-exerting himself, he was sent to the hospital, where he died of heart disease, Aug. 22, 1864 His children, four in number, are Reuben A., Nathan 0., Franklin and William. The subject of this sketch, at the age of 14, engaged as mercantile clerk, but, in the course of several months, returned to his father and kept books for him, in a manufacturing establishment. He then worked by the month on a farm, and afterward rented a farm and carried on the business for himself. In 1864, he left his farm in the care of a brother, and entered the service, a member of Co. E, O. N. G. They were first sent to Parkersburg, Va., where they were ordered to report at Washington, whence they were sent to Grant's headquarters. Grant commanded them to Bermuda Hundred, under Gen. Butler, who pushed them through lively, for inexperienced men, unused to the hardships of army life. At the expiration of his term, he returned and took care of his crop. In the fall he went to Madison Co., Ohio, where he spent the winter, and returned in the following spring. He has since been engaged in various pursuits, farming, mercantile business, and finally blacksmithing, at which be has been engaged for the last ten years. In 1866, May 10, he married Josina Roland, a native of Fairfield Co., Ohio, born Oct. 22, 1848, but raised in Madison Co. Three children are the fruits of their marriage - Levi W., Otis N. and Quinn Y. Mr. Eleyet and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
T. T. HALE, physician, Spring Hills; was born in Wayne Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1848, and is a son of John D. and Irene W. Hale. She is a native of New York, born Sept. 19, 1809. He was born in this State, and for several years was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was the father of six children ; five grew to maturity and three are still living-David B., Joshua A. and Thomas T. John D. Hale departed this life in the fall of 1852. She afterward married Rev. James L. Smith, whose death occurred in 1862. Mrs. Smith is now residing with her son, Dr. D B. Hale, in West Liberty, Logan Co. Thomas T. Hale was bred in the country, where he remained till about 14 years of age. He has since been engaged in various pursuits, carpentry, harness-making, etc. In the fall of 1866, he engaged as clerk in a drug store, and commenced the study of medicine. He attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical College, at Cincinnati, during the winters of 1869, 1870 and 1871, when he received a diploma, and, in the same year, went to Dublin, Ind., where he practiced nearly two years. He then went to Indianapolis, where he remained until 1875, when he came to Mechanicsburg, Champaign Co., Ohio, and went into the drug business; here he also practiced some. In 1877, he located in Spring Hill, where he is engaged exclusively in the practice, and is meeting with good success as a physician. On the 12th of July, 1875, he married Salena Morris, a native of Virginia, born September, 1845. To this union one child has been given-Thomas, born May, 8, 1876.
HENRY H. HANGER, farmer; P. O. West Liberty; is a son of Adam Hanger, and grandson of Peter and Susan Hanger. They were natives of Virginia, but came to Ohio in 1830, and stopped for the first summer in Ross county. They then moved to Champaign County, and settled in Harrison Township, where he afterward purchased 80 acres of land, on which the remainder of his life was spent. He was the father of eighteen children-thirteen survived their infancy, and ten are still living, the youngest now 48 years old. Peter Hanger departed this life in about 1850, and his wife in 1870. Adam Hanger was born in Augusta Co., Va., Sept. 20, 1816. He has always followed farming, and now owns 252 acres of land under good cultiva tion, with excellent improvements. In 1840, Feb. 13, he married Sarah Millholland, of their children, two died in infancy, and three have followed since. The survivors are Henry H., Laura J. and Charles F. Sarah Hanger's death occurred Jan. 1, 1860. On the 19th of October, 1862, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Girard. To this union two children were given- Walter G. is the living one.
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Mrs. Mary Ann Hanger is a native of New Jersey, born March 13, 1839. They are all, except the youngest child, members oŁ the Christian Church. Henry H., the subject of this sketch, was born Nov. 18, 1840. He served three years in the war of the rebellion; was wounded at Ringgold, Ga., a flesh wound in the thigh; next, slightly, in the knee, at Cedar Mountain, Va., and again, near Peach Tree Creek, Ga., in the head. His marriage with Sarah Jane Girard, was celebrated Dec. 26, 1869. Three children were the issue of this marriage-Cora, Loretta (deceased) and Edna. Mrs. Hanger was born in New Jersey, March 18, 1844, and came to this State in 1858.
JOSEPH HEWLINGS, farmer; P. O. West Liberty. To another of the pioneers of Harrison Township we are pleased to allot a space in this volume. He is a son of Joseph and Margaret Hewlings, both natives of New Jersey. He was of the proper age to enter the army of the Revolutionary war, but was exempted on account of infirmity caused by sickness. It was owing to this, also, that he learned the tailor trade. About 1796, he was united in marriage with Margaret Johns. She was an own cousin to Commodore Perry, the hero of Perry's victory. They emigrated to Ohio about 1800, and located near Cincinnati, at Waynesville, where he carried on his trade a year or two, when they moved to Champaign County. He entered a half-section of land, and thenceforward was engaged in clearing away the forests and tilling the soil. He was a man of a very quiet disposition, and never sought popularity nor aspired to office. In his younger days, to New Jersey, he read some medical works, but never with a view to practice. When he came here he found it necessary to administer medical aid to the members of his own family. He was soon called on by others, and thus saved them many doctors' bills. They were both noted for being ever ready to minister to the wants of the sick in the neighborhood. and are still held in remembrance for their services in that direction. Mrs. Hewlings was well known as being an excellent nurse, and a good hand to treat the diseases of children. They were the parents of eight children-Maria, Edwin, Eliza, Amos, John. Joseph, Abel and Margaret. All grew to maturity and lived to be past 24 years of age. Eliza, Joseph and Abel are the survivors. Joseph Hewlings, Sr., departed this life March 29, 1836, aged 73 years 2 months and 29 days; Margaret, his wife, survived till Feb. 11, 1865, and died at the age of 86 years 5 months and 18 days. Joseph Hewlings, the subject of this sketch, was born in this township Feb. 9, 1812. He was raised to farm life, and has always been engaged in tilling the soil. He owns 160 acres of land within half a mile of where he was born. His farm is under good cultivation, and has excellent buildings on it. In January of 1833, he married Anna Hall, who lived about ten years after her marriage. in 1844, Feb. 6, he married Sarah Hancock. Three children were given to this union -Nancy Ann (deceased, wife of John Zeigler), Quincy, born Sept. 16, 1848, and Margaret E., Feb. 23, 1859, now Mrs. William Demory. Mrs. Sarah Hewlings is a daughter of Major and Elizabeth Hancock, who were early settlers here. Oct. 20, 1820, is the date of her birth. She is a member of the Christian Church.
ABEL HEWLINGS, farmer; P. O. West Liberty; was born in Harrison Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, May 31, 1814; he is a son of Joseph and Margaret Hewlings, of whom mention is made in the biography of Joseph Hewlings ; he was raised to farm life, and is one of the most extensive farmers of this township, and also raises stock; he owns 503 acres of land in one body, a part of, which is the homestead where he has always resided. In 1864, Jan. 14, he married Euphemia Ross, a daughter of John and Christina Ross: she was born June 10, 1844; seven children are the fruits of this union-John G., Elizabeth, Anna Maria, Joseph C., Margaret J., Abel W. and Alice R.
JOSEPH HOFFMAN, retired farmer; P. O. Spring Hills; was born in Pennsylvania Aug. 28, 1814, a son of Joseph and Susan ?VI. Roffman, who, in 1815, moved to Baltimore, Md., and, in 1817, to Fairfield Co., Ohio; after a stay of six years in Fairfield Co., they moved to Montgomery Co., near Dayton, where they remained about fifteen years, and then moved to Euphemia, Preble Co.; fifty-six years of his life were
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spent as a minister of the Gospel in the U. B. Church; he was the father of eleven children-Valentine, Barbara, Eli, Enoch, John and Henry (twins), Joseph, Susannah, Solomon and Jeremiah (twins), and Kumler; five of the sons were also ministers of the Gospel; of the family, five survive Eli, Henry, Joseph, Susannah and gumler. Joseph's education was received in the common schools; be was licensed to exhort, with privilege to preach, in 1840, and he has been laboring in the cause of Christianity, as a local minister, ever since, but, for the last five or six years, has not done much active service. He owns 190 acres of land in Harrison Township, on which he is living rather a retired life. His marriage with Matilda Sarver was solemnized June 9, 1836 ; to this union eight children have been given, seven of whom survived their infancy and are still living William R., Mary Ellen, Elizabeth Jane, Nancy Ann, Martha Matilda, Francis E. and James E. Mrs. Hoffman is a sister of Jacob Sarver, and was born Dec. 14, 1814; in his sketch, proper mention is made of her parents. Mr. Hoffman and family are all members of the U. B. Church.
DENNIS McCROSKY, farmer; P. O. Spring Hills; is a son of James and Nancy (Clark) McCrosky; she was born in Concord Township Aug. 6, 1811, and is a daughter of Marcus Clark, a very early settler in the above-named township. James McCrosky was born in Kentucky Sept. 2, 1808, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 1812; on account of the war, they went back, but returned in 1818 and located in Adams Township, Champaign Co.; he departed this life Sept. 20, 1852, having been the father of nine children-Mary Jane, Sarah Ann (deceased), Margaret, Dennis, Lydia, Isabel, Phidilla and Philena (twins-the former deceased), and Marion. Mrs. McCrosky is still living, and resides on the home farm, in Adams Township, where Dennis was born Sept. 10, 1840; his education was obtained in the common schools; he has always been engaged in farming, residing on the farm of his nativity till the spring of 1876, when he purchased 124 acres in See. 24 of Harrison Township; he is an enterprising farmer, and is rapidly bringing his land under good cultivation. His marriage with Janetta Duncan was celebrated June 11, 1868; she is a native of the Lowlands of Scotland, born Oct. 19, 1844, a daughter of James and Isabella Duncan, who came to America in August of 1855 and located in Champaign Co., Ohio. Dennis and Janetta McCrosky are the parents of four children-James H., Charles S., Mary Belle, and Alvan A. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. McCrosky are members of the Presbyterian Church.
JOHN McINTIRE, farmer; P. O. West Liberty. Was born in Harrison Township, Champaign Co., Dec. 13, 1824, and is a son of John and Jane McIntire. She was a native of Ireland, but came to America with her parents when quite young. They located in Frederick Co., Va. Here John was born, and here also they were married. about 1813, he and his family of six children, with two other families, those of Thomas McIntire and Jacob Dick, came to this State in one wagon. The company consisted of eighteen or nineteen persons and their effects with them. They stopped in Pickaway Co., Ohio, where the family of Mr. Dick remained. The other two families came on to Harrison Township, Champaign Co. The subject of this sketch was bred a farmer, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He also deals in stock to some extent. He has served his township as Assessor and Treasurer. On the 15th of October, 1847, he married Rosanna Zimmerman. To this union one child was given -Minerva Jane, born July 5, 1848, now Mrs. Isaac N. Hite. Mrs. McIntire, born Aug. 25, 1817, ,is a daughter of Andrew and Rosanna Zimmerman, both natives of Virginia. They came to Ohio in about 1829, and settled in Logan Co., but, in the following year, moved to Champaign Co. and located on the farm where Mr. McIntire resides.
CHARLES A. OFFENBACHER, physician, Spring Hills; born in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., Dec. 8, 1845; is a son of Aaron and Mary Offenbacher. He was a native of Virginia, and was first married to Elizabeth Cave, by whom he had eight children. Two still survive. For his second wife he married Mary Alexander, a
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native of Pennsylvania, born July 7, 1817. She now resides in De Graff. He died Jan. 1, 1859. Our subject was raised in the country and worked at farming. He received a good common-school education and commenced teaching when about 18 years of age. He followed teaching six years, and read medicine the greater part of the time. In 1870, he completed a course at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery and received a diploma. He then commenced practicing at Sidney, Shelby Co., but remained only a short time, when he came to Spring Hills, and is a very successful physician. He has been Township Clerk for three years, and is now filling his fourth term. His marriage with Sarah C. Smoot was solemnized Aug. 11, 1870. She was born Sept. 26, 1850. Four children are the fruits of this union-Minnie F., James V., Charles Franklin and William Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Offenbacher are members of the M. E. Church.
ALEXANDER PIATT (deceased). Mr. Piatt was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Aug. 22, 1814. The early part of his life was spent in farming. At about the age of 30 he began the harness trade, which he followed in Spring Hills till the time of his death. In 1848, April 10, he married Aurelia Tennery, a native of Troy, Miami Co., born Jan. 11, 1825. She is a daughter of Zephaniah B. and Sarah (Shyrigh) Tennery, who were early settlers there. Alexander and Aurelia Piatt were the parents of six children, two of whom preceded him to eternity. The other four are still living -Fidelia Ann (now Mrs. J. M. Terrell), Joseph Edwin, Mary Effie and John Charles F. Alexander Piatt departed this life Sept. 10, 1874, having been a member of the Baptist Church for over thirty years. Mrs. Piatt and her children are members of the M. E. Church. Joseph E. carries on harness-making and lives with his mother. He is a patron of this work. Mary E. has been clerking in a store for about three years. She commenced teaching in the spring of 1880. The youngest son is learning the blacksmith trade with Mr. Eleyet, of this place.
JACOB SARVER, retired farmer; P. O. Spring Hills. We are pleased to allot a space in the biographical album of this work to the above-named gentleman. He is a son of Jacob and Nancy A. Sarver; he was born March 16, 1779, and she Nov. 15; 1776. They located in Harrison Township, Champaign Co., in 1808, and entered 160 acres of land, which he took from its wild state to a good degree of cultivation. In addition to this and supporting his family, he, at intervals, made purchases, until he was able to give to each of seven children 160 acres of land. Nine children were the fruits of their marriage, two of whom died in infancy. They were members of the U. B. Church. He departed this life May 20, 1844, and she in January of 1872. Jacob Sarver, the subject of this sketch, was born Nov. 6, 1816. He was raised to agricultural pursuits, always residing on the farm of his nativity. He is one of the men who have watched the development and growth of this country for more than half a century, and who have seen the sturdy oaks yield to the energy of the pioneers. Nor has he been merely an idle spectator in the scene, but was an actor to the extent of his ability. He owns 288 acres of land, most of which is well improved and under good cultivation. He has also shared the honors of his township, having served as Trustee for a number of years. Oct. 29, 1839, he was united in marriage with Barbara Pence, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Pence, who were natives of Virginia, but were very early settlers in this county. June 5, 1820, is the date of her birth. To this union eight children were given, of whom six survive-Samuel C., born Aug. 12, 1841 ; John T., Oct. 11, 1843; Jacob S., June 2, 1847; David H., June 15, 1849 ; Isaac .J., June 5, 1855, and William E., Nov. 26, 1857.
MARTIN SAYRE, farmer; P. O. West Liberty; was born in Union Township, Champaign Co., Ohio. Oct. 19, 1817; he is a son of Thomas and Isabel (Martin) Sayre, she a native of New Jersey, born in 1783, and he of Pennsylvania, born in 1773. They emigrated to Ohio in 1808, and located on Buck Creek, in the above named township, where he entered 160 acres of land. In those times, all families were as one; if one had plenty all had plenty. Then, too, a quarter of beef paid for
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a quarter of similar kind, regardless of the size of the animal. Wild animals, wildfowl and Indians were numerous, but they, like the dense forests which they inhabited, have long. since disappeared. Thomas Sayre was the father of thirteen children ; twelve grew to maturity, and five are still living. He died in 1847, and she in 1857. They and several of the children were members of the Presbyterian Church. Martin Sayre has always been a farmer. He is also a stock-dealer, and raises some fine stock. He owns 290 acres of land, with good improvements. Mr. Sayre has been a member of the School Board for seven years and Township Trustee six years. He married Jane McIlvane Feb. 25, 1847. Five children were the result of this marriage; three are still living-Moses M., a prominent attorney of Urbana, and a graduate of Yale College ; Lottie, now Mrs. H. Crouch, of New York State, and Belle, who is unmarried; and keeps house for her father. Mrs. Jane Sayre was born in Salem Township of this county Dec. 25, 1824, and departed this life May 5, 1859.
THOMAS SPEECE, farmer; P. O. Spring Hills; is a son of William Speece and a grandson of Peter and Sallie (Princehouse) Speece. They were both Virginians by birth but of German descent.' They came to Ohio in 1814 and located in Harrison Township. Thirteen children were the fruits of their marriage, four of whom are still living - William, Jacob, Peter and Levi. William was born in Harrison Township, Champaign Co., Dec. 25, 1814. His education was limited, but, by industry and economy, he has succeeded in laying up sufficient of this world's goods to support himself and wife in declining years and leave an inheritance to his children. He married Elizabeth McIntire, April 3, 1836. She was born Jan. 22, 1816. Ten children were given to this union-Rosanna (deceased), Thomas, Sarah Ann, Semantha, Mary Margaret, William H., Etna J., David S., Sirene E. and Jacob P. Mr. and Mrs. Speece sad four of the children are members of the United Brethren Church. Thomas, the subject of this sketch, was born March 8, 1839. He was raised to farm life and has always been engaged in tilling the soil. He also deals in stock. He owns 180 acres of land in this township, forty acres of which was given him by his father. He is an enterprising farmer, and does a thriving business. His marriage with Lydia A. Robinson was celebrated Sept. 6, 1859.: Two children are the fruits of this union-William R. and Thomas N. Mrs. Speece was born Dec. 24, 1838, and is a daughter of Rossiter and Mary Robinson. She was a native of Pennsylvania, born July 27, 1816. He was born in this township, Jan. 27, 1817, and died in Indiana, April 17, 1873. Her death occurred Dec. 6, 1875. Had been members of the United Brethren Church for over thirty years. Lydia A. is also identified with the church.
W. H. TERRELL, farmer; the father of the subject of our sketch, William Terrell, was born in Harrison Co., Va., Jan. 23, 1794, and emigrated with his father to Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1810. In 1820, he married Annie Hayes, who was born in New Jersey. By their marriage they had twelve children, seven boys and five girls; eight of them now live. Four served in the Union army; one of them, Hamilton, lost his life at Vicksburg. W. H. Terrell, the subject of our sketch, the youngest son of the family, was born July 31, 1843. In 1861, at the first call for soldiers, he enlisted in the three months' service; was discharged, and re-enlisted in Co. G, lst O. V. G. Was in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. Was taken prisoner at Stone River, but made his escape. Was wounded and taken prisoner in a battle near Knoxville, Tenn ; was taken to Libby, in Richmond, and Belle Isle, where he remained five months; was then removed to Andersonville, Ga., where he remained six months. Was taken to Atlanta to be exchanged; was within our own lines, but yet under rebel guard, as there were only 2,000 included in the agreement of exchange, and his term of service was six months expired. He was sent back to Macon, Ga., where he remained one month; from there he was removed to Millen, Ga., but the uncertainties of Sherman's then future famous "march to the sea" caused the rebels to send the prisoners to Savannah, Ga. Was sent down the Savannah on the boat R. E. Lee, where he was, with 300 others, received on our Government boats and taken to
HARRISON TOWNSHIP. - 785
Annapolis, Md., from which place he returned home on the 7th day of November, 1867. He married Sarah Melhorn ; they have by their marriage four children, two boys and two girls- Kate, Von, Dan and Ida. In 1867, he was elected Township Trustee, with seven majority, while the opposite party had a majority of eighty-seven. He is now serving his twelfth term, and his second term as Justice of the Peace. Has been on the School Board for eight years. Was instrumental in creating a new sub-school district. Has some local reputation as a correspondent and country lawyer. His main occupation is farming. He owns a part of the old homestead. Is plain and positive in matters of business as well as all other subjects that he deals with; ask him, and you will quickly learn his views.
JAMES WILSON, farmer; P. O. Crayon; is a son of William and Rebecca Wilson, and a grandson of James and Rebecca Wilson, who emigrated from Ireland in 1794, landing at Philadelphia in the time of the "plague." They located in Greenbrier Co., Va., where they remained till 1807, when they moved to Ohio and settled on the ,Ward farm, about two and a half miles from Springfield. In the following spring they moved further north, within six miles of Urbana, where the remainder of their lives was spent. William Wilson, the father of our subject, was born Sept. 25, 1780. Shortly before the war of 1812, he moved to Harrison Township, Champaign Co., but on account of difficulty with the Indians, returned to his former residence till 1814, when he entered a quarter-section of land in Sec. 19, and, in the following year, purchased the quarter-section joining him on the east. He cleared up and improved his land, and made it his home till Nov. 11, 1836, when his eyes were closed in death. He had long been a member of the Associate Reform Church (now called the United Presbyterian). Rebecca, his wife, was also a native of Ireland, born June 3, 1787, a daughter of James and Mary Humphreys, who came to America in 1789. She survived till Sept. 27, 1849, and was also a member of the church. Eight children were the fruits of their marriage-Mary, James, Andrew, William, Margaret, Rebecca, John H. (deceased), and Adams. James, the subject of this sketch, was born June 5, 1811. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1839, he located on his present farm of 160 acres. He has been Township Assessor five years, Township Trustee eight years, six years in succession. He married Mary Zimmerman, Oct. 22, 1835 ; she is a native of Virginia, born Nov. 25, 1814, and came to this State with her parents, Andrew and Rosannah Zimmerman, in 1830. James and Mary Wilson are the parents of seven children, six grew to maturity and are still living-William A., Thomas J., Andrew J., Mary M., James G. and George.
ANDREW WILSON, farmer; P. O. Spring Hills; is a son of William and Rebecca Wilson, and a brother of James Wilson, in whose biography proper mention is made of their ancestry. He was born about six miles south of Urbana, Dec. 3, 1813. He now owns 157 acres of land in Harrison Township, and does a thriving business as a farmer. In 1846, March 12, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Jane Wright, a daughter of Benjamin and Margaret Jane Wright, who came from Virginia in 1837. She was born April 4, 1829. This union has been blessed with ten children-Sarah Jane, Rebecca V., William H., Margaret S., Martha I., Mary Ann, Benjamin W., Har rison A., Ellen E. and Charles F. The latter died in infancy. Mrs. Wilson and two daughters are members of the Presbyterian Church, one daughter of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
MILES WILSON, farmer; P. O. Spring Hills; was born in Washington Co., Penn., April 11, 1817, and is a son of Joseph and Eleanor (Fullerton) Wilson, both natives of Pennsylvania. He was born Feb. 24, 1792; and she some time in the year 1796. They came to Ohio in the fall of 1817, and settled amid the forests of Harrison Township, Champaign Co., where he entered 160 acres of land, which he reduced to a state of cultivation. Indians were numerous, but not troublesome. They were the parents of eight children. She died July 30, 1832. He afterward married Amanda Spencer, with whom he had eight children. As the general history of this township
786 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
will show, he was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church. His decease occurred Aug. 22, 1866. Amanda departed this life Jan. 2, 1862. The subject of this sketch was raised to agricultural pursuits on the farm where he resides. At the age of 21, he left home and worked by the month on farms at different places for about five years, when he rented a farm and began the business for himself. In 1838, he purchased 80 acres of land in Adams Township. This was in a wild state, but, by his indomitable energy, he has brought it under a good state of cultivation with good improvements, when he disposed of it in 1867 and bought the old homestead. He has also made considerable improvement in various ways, but principally in building a house. In 1847, April 6, he married Amanda Taylor, with whom he had two children-Jane V. and Joseph F.; the latter deceased. Amanda was born in' 1825, and died June 27, 1850. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His marriage with Elizabeth Remley was solemnized Sept. 2, 1851. April 28, 1826, is the date of her birth. The fruits of their marriage are four children-Sarah Bell, now Mrs. J. Calland ; James H., Solomon D. and E. N. Mr. Wilson and family are all members of the Presbyterian Church.