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PLEASANT TOWNSHIP - 971 PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. AARON ALLEN, physician, Catawba. He is a son of Aaron, Sr,, native of Plainfield, N. J., who came to Ohio in 1812, and located at Cincinnati; was a machinist by trade; he afterward went to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he was engaged as foreman in the building of the first steamboat that sailed down the Ohio River to Cincinnati; he was engine r of the boat on the first trip. He worked in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati until 1832, at which time he moved to Clark County and located in Green Township, where be purchased land; he erected a saw-mill, and put in the first steam works that were run north of Cincinnati; be was engaged in the milling business for thirty years. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 22, 1824, in Cincinnati; lived in the city until 8 years of age; when 15 years old, he began the study of medicine, and when he attained his manhood he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and received his diploma in 1850 ; began practice in Frankfort, Ky.; he is now living in Catawba. He was twice married; first, in 1844, to Sarah Shickle. His second marriage was celebrated Oct. 3, 1853, with Miss Lydia Baker. They had four children-Emma, Aaron T., Charles R. and Oliver E. 972 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: L. BIRELY, retired farmer ; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Philip and grandson of Lewis, who was a native of Germany ; came to America and located in Lancaster Co., Penn., in the year 1730 ; he served in the Revolutionary war. Philip was born Feb. 24, 1780, in Franklin Co., Penn.; came to Ohio and landed in Springfield Oct. 28, 1839. In February, 1840, he moved upon the farm owned now by the subject of this sketch, and lived there until his death, which occurred Dec. 17, 1844. Lewis was born Oct. 2, 1803, in Shippensburg, Cumberland Co.. Penn.; was raised and educated in the town ; when 15 years old, he learned the trade of a shoemaker, and worked at it till his parents came to Ohio ; he came with them and began farming, and has been engaged in that way since with exception of the last ten years ; he lives retired from hard labor. He was married, May 19, 1829, to Miss Sarah Shank, of Maryland. They had eleven children, of whom nine are living-Philip, Rebecca, Lewis R., Charlotte C.. Elizabeth, Margaret, Sarah, Eliza and Henry C. W. E. BLOYER, physician and teacher, Catawba. Among the physicians of Catawba, who, by a successful practice have established a reputation for skill and ability as a physician, is Dr. Bloyer, who is a native of Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn.: born Feb. 13. 1853 ; was raised until 13 years of age in the town, when his parents moved upon a farm in that county; when 16 years old he began teaching school, and has been engaged in that avocation most of his time since. He came to Ohio in 1871. and located first in Moorefield Township, this county, where he engaged in teaching; he began reading medicine under Dr. H. F. Wildasin, of Plattsburg, this county, in 1874. He married Miss He!en A., daughter of William Pinckney, of Vernon, N. Y. Their marriage occurred Nov. 2, 1876 ; ,they have one child-Maude G. Mrs. Bloyer had been teaching school several years previous to their marriage. He attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohip, and graduated from there in June, 1879, and located in Catawba in September following. He has been dependent upon his own resources in the procuring of his medical education. He is a son of Joseph Bloyer, a native of Germany, who came to America with his parents when quite small and located in Chambersburg, Penn., where he is living at the present time. JASPER BODKIN, farmer; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Charles Bodkin. native of Virginia, who came to Ohio with his parents in an early day and located near Cincinnati, where he lived a short time previous to the lute rebellion ; he moved to this county and located in Pleasant Township, where he lived till his death; he served in the war of 1812, and was at Hull's surrender. The subject of this sketch was born July 29, 1843, upon the farm where he resides ; was raised and educated a farmer. During the late rebellion he enlisted in the 16th 0. V. A., and served to the close of the war. After his return home, he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and still continues in the business. He owns the old homestead containing 132 acres. WILLIAM COFFEY, Catawba. The first white man who settled within the borders of Pleasant Township, was Joseph Coffey, a native of New Jersey, born Nov. 15, 1776, whose father, Joseph, was a native of the same State, of English descent. The family moved to Pennsylvania, where Joseph, Jr., met and married Jane McCoy, born in the '° Keystone State" March 15, 1771, and daughter of John McCoy, a native of Scotland, who, when a young man, emigrated to Pennsylvania and served throughout the Revolutionary war. Joseph Coffey, Sr., and wife, resided in Pennsylvania until death. and the family were members of that peace-loving society known as Quakers. Joseph, Jr., with his wife and one son, Tatom, in the spring of 1802, started for the Western wilds, coming down the Ohio River on a flatboat as far as Cincinnati where they remained until the following spring; Joseph in the meantime taking a trip of observation to what is now Clark Co., at which time he decided to settle in this portion of the State. In the spring of 1803, he started through the dense wilderness with his family and worldly effects in an ox-cart, arriving upon the farm which he made his future home May 6, of that year; here he built a "camp," which was a rude three-sided structure of logs with an open front, and thus began his pioneer life in Ohio ; he soon afterward erected a cabin, the foundation stones of the large fire-place being yet visible, and, in 1807. built a hewed log house which had a brick chimney, glass windows, sawed-lumber floor and door, and, PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. - 973 in fact, was the finest house in the township at that date; this building is yet standing, is in a good state of preservation and is yet used by William Coffey for general purposes; here Joseph and wife labored year after year clearing up the land and trying to make a home, and although it was a severe struggle for mere existence for the first few years, yet time and constant, unremitting toil, made a visible change in the dense forest, and comfort came with the passing years; their children were Tatom, born in Pennsylvania ; Joseph, near Cincinnati; John, Sarah and William in this county; the two last mentioned are the only survivors; Sarah being the wife of Enos Neer, of Catawba. Joseph Coffey, although raised a Quaker, died a member of the M. 1'. Church, Sept. 2, 1838, his wife dying Oct. 2, 1845, dying as she had lived-a sincere member of the Presbyterian Church. Joseph Coffey was well fitted by nature for the life of a pioneer, being a man of large, muscular frame, of an iron constitution, and possessed of an invincible courage and determination, which carried him through the trials and dangers of those early days. He served as Township Trustee a number of years; was a much respected citizen, and ever took an active part in all public matters pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he was so long a prominent factor; his wife was always a faithful helpmate, and often in the early days, when his courage would fail him, she would encourage him to still greater efforts, and prompt him onward to success. The subject of this sketch was born in the hewed-log house heretofore mentioned, Jan. 11, 1811, and grew to manhood on the home farm of 280 acres, receiving a very meager education, and helping constantly to fell the forest and clear up the land, which has ever since been his home. He was married, Dec. 15. 1831 to Nancy Curl, daughter of Jeremiah and Cynthia (Romine) Curl, the former being born upon the south banks of the Potomac River, in Virginia. Feb. 14, 1778, and his wife, in Loudoun Co., of the same State, Oct. 15, 1783; her grandfather, Jeremiah Curl, was also a native of the " Old Dominion," his father being an Englishman, who settled in that State. Mrs. Coffey's parents came from Virginia to Clinton Co., Ohio, in 1803. coming to Clark Co. in 1811, and settling about half a mile southeast of where Catawba now stands ; they had fourteen children, nine of whom lived to maturity; the family being Samuel (deceased), William (deceased), James (deceased), Daniel (deceased), Elizabeth, Mary, Nancy, Jeremiah (deceased), Benjamin (deceased), Cynthia, George, Temperance (deceased), Sarah (deceased) and Lewis. Mrs. Coffey was born within sight of her present home Feb. 28, 1811, and has had four children-John, who now resides in Iowa; George, who lives on a portion of the home farm ; Mary, the wife of Thomas Roberts ; and Jeremiah, who. while a soldier in the rebellion, took sick at Milliken's Bend, dying in March, 1863, his remains now resting in the National Cemetery at Vicksburg, Miss. Mrs. Coffey, like most of the pioneer women, is well versed in the use of the spinning-wheel, having spun flax-tow, cotton and wool, and she has woven hundreds of yards of all classes of household fabrics, and yet spends her leisure moments at the old wheel. Politically, Mr. Coffey is a Republican, and has served as Township Trustee twelve years, and Township Treasurer three years; he has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity since Aug. 24, 1 847 ; he witnessed the Presidential election of 1820, in Pleasant Township, and the law requiring the ballots to be strung on a thread, but the clerk of the election being out of thread, he used a timothy straw for that purpose, an incident which demonstrates the shifts often necessary in those early days. Mr. Coffey began in life a poor man, inheriting less than $800 from his father's estate, but by buying out the heirs, he became the owner of 196 acres of the old homestead, which the family yet own, besides 176 acres in Iowa. In his home, he is kind, generous and the soul of hospitality, and all will find there a hearty welcome-free from cold formality on the one hand or utter neglect upon the other; in every public movement, he has been looked up to as a safe adviser, and all good citizens trust, honor and respect him for his moral integrity, his invincible honesty and his unswerving rectitude in all the relations of life. For nearly fifty years, he and the partner of his joys and sorrows in life's battle, have walked hand in hand, and now in their declining years are as trusting as in the days of their youthful vigor, while the lingering sunset of life casts its shadows back over long years fruitful of good and usefulness. GEORGE W. COFFEY, farmer; P. O. Catawba. George W. Coffey was born July 26, 1837, upon his father's farm in Pleasant Township; was raised and educated 974 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: a farmer, and has been engaged in that way and raising stock most of his life. After he attained his manhood, he went West and taught school several terms while there. He returned and enlisted in Company D, 3d O. V. I., and went forward to battle for this great and glorious Union. He was engaged in a great many hard battles, and was in the Belle Isle Prison a short time. After his return from service, he married Miss Margaret A., daughter of Joseph and Jane Furgason, of this county. Their marriage was celebrated Oct. 24, 1865; they have had three children, viz., Bert, Mary and Kemp. He owns a nice farm of 42 acres one mile south of Catawba. He is a son of William Coffey, whose sketch will be found in this work. GEORGE C. DAVIDSON, farmer; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Lemuel Davidson, a native of this county; was born Nov. 23, 1843, in this township; was raised and educated as a farmer, and has always been engaged in that way. He was married, Oct. 24, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth J. Jones; they had six children-John M., Lawrence E., Minnie, Myrtie, Lou, Nettie and Elmer. He owns a good farm in the eastern part of the township, containing 75 acres under good cultivation, with good improvements upon it. ISRAEL EVERHART, retired farmer : P. O. Catawba. He is is son of William Everhart, of Loudoun Co., Va., where he lived and died. Israel was born May 6, 1811, in Loudoun Co., Va. ; was raised and educated there; when 18 years of age, he learned the trade of a carpenter, and worked at it over thirty years. He was married, Dec. 8, 1`836, to Miss Maria Ropp, of his native county; they had seven children, of whom six are living, viz.: William C., John A., Thomas F., Edgar S., George H. and Elizabeth M. In 1861, he came to Ohio and located two miles south of Catawba, in Pleasant Township, Clark Co. He owns a good farm of 120 acres, with good. farm buildings upon it. Mr. Everhart is a highly respected citizen; he and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. S. C. GILBERT, retired farmer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads; a son of Allen Gilbert, a native of New York, who came to Ohio in the year 1814, and located in Harmony Township, this county, where he lived till his death, which was caused by milk sickness in August, 1819. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 6, 1811, nine miles southeast of Albany, N. Y.; was raised upon a farm ; when 18 years of age, he learned the blacksmith trade, and worked at it all his life, with exception of the last ten years, he has paid more attention to farming. He was married May 29, 1832, to Miss Elizabeth Clark, of Harmony Township; they had nine children. Mrs. Gilbert died Feb. 18, 1879, leaving seven children living-Allen, William, Mary, Lydia A., Austin, George and Charles. His farm is located near the south line of Pleasant Township, with good improvements. WILLIAM HARDMAN, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Catawba. His father, Jonathan Hardman, was a native of Clarksburg, Va., who came to Ohio in the year 1806, and located in Greene Co., near Fairfield; lived there until death. Was a minister of the M. E. Church. He was connected with the military; was Colonel of a regiment. William Hardman was born Feb. 28, 1831, in Pleasant Township; was raised and educated upon a farm; has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married Oct. 29, 1856, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Lewis Birely, whose biog raphy appears in this work. They had four children, viz., Miner W., Belle, and a pair of twins, Eddie and Ella. He has 94 acres in his farm, under good cultivation. W. L. HOUSTON, farmer and stock raiser; P. 0. London, Madison Co. Is a son of Thomas F. Houston, who was born Oct. 7, 1818, in Clark Co., Ohio; was a saddle and harness maker. He carried on the business in South Charleston for twenty-six, years; afterward moved upon his lands in the eastern part of Pleasant Township, and lived there five years. He then moved to Springfield and embarked in the harness and collar business. and continued in it until death, which occurred June 28, 1874. Mr. Houston was well-to-do; most of his wealth he made while in business in South Cbarleston. He was a kind husband and father, and a consistent member of the M. E. Church. Those who knew him longest knew him best, and his death was an irreparable loss to the community in which he lived. W. L. Houston was born Dec. 25; PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. - 975 1843, in South Charleston, this county. Was raised and educated in the town until he was 18 years old, at-which time his father moved on his farm. He then bean tilling; the soil, and has been engaged in that way since. He was married, June 1, 1871, to Miss Jennie, daughter of Colvin Bales, of Madison Co. Mr. Houston, though raised in town, is strictly temperate-never tasted intoxicating liquors of any kind, or tobacco. He has been very successful in farming and stock-raising ; owns a farm of 375 acres, under a high state of cultivation, with a fine residence and other good buildings. They had two children-Lawrence C. and Maurice. Mr. and Mrs. Houston are members of the M. E. Church. MILTON R. HUNTER, physician, Catawba. Of the great number who represent some profession, and especially that of the medical, there are comparatively few who, by hard study and constant devotion to their practice, have reached a more perfect degree of security in their profession than that already attained by Dr. Hunter. His grandfather, Jonathan Hunter, was a native of England, who emigrated to Philadelphia, where he learned the tailoring business, afterward moving to Virginia, where he remained until 1805, when he removed with his family to Pleasant Township, Clark Co., Ohio, and entered Sec. 22, in the western part of the township, where he resided until his death. Jonathan, Jr., the father of Milton R., was one of his sons, and was born in Loudoun Co., Va., March 14, 1786; came to Ohio with his parents, and served in the war of 1812, which broke out a few years after their coming to this State. He followed farming all his life; came into possession of the old homestead, and continued to live in the same section until his death, Nov. 18, 1845. Milton R. was born upon his father's farm, in Pleasant Township, March 24, 1817, and his early life was spent assisting; in the farm labors and in attendance at the district school. Upon attaining manhood he began teaching, and in his leisure time read medicine, studying under Dr. J. S. Howell, of Springfield, Ohio. He began the practice of his profession at Catawba, in 1840, and, after attending lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincin nati, Ohio, he graduated in 1852. He was married, Dec. 27, 1842, to Miss Nancy J. Goodlove, daughter of C. Goodlove, she dying April 3, 1852, leaving two children Mary C. and Franklin C. The Doctor was again married, Nov. 6, 1860, to Mrs. Sarah McConkey, the daughter of D. C. and Sarah Skillman, from which union they have had three children born to them, viz., Mary, Frederick M. and Sallie C. Dr. Hunter has now been practicing medicine in Catawba more than forty years, and has always done the biggest portion of the professional work in his vicinity. He is a well read, well-informed gentleman, courteous and generous toward all with whom he comes in contact, pleasant and affable in his manners, and enjoys the confidence of a large circle of the warmest friends, who respect his ability as a physician, and admire his manly integrity in all things. Has been a member of the M. E. Church for forty-one years; believes in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and that the Bible is a revelation of God. L. HUNTER, retired farmer; P. O. Catawba. Mr. Hunter was born in Pleasant Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1814, and is the son of William and Blanche (Hendricks) Hunter, natives of Virginia, he being born in Loudoun Co. Sept. 9, 1777, and died Oct. 4, 1862; and she born in Jefferson Co., Feb. 28, 1.787, and died March 26, 1860. William's parents, Jonathan and Nancy Hunter, were born in Maryland, where they were married, and then moved to Virginia, from whence they came to this county in 1805, settling in Pleasant Township, where both died. They had the following children: John, William, Jeremiah, Jonathan, George, James, Elizabeth, Nancy, Mary and Rachel, all of whom are now dead. Blanche, the mother of our subject, was the daughter of William and Susan (Tayloi) Hendricks, natives of Virginia, who settled in Sec. 28, Pleasant Township, in 1804. Here she died, and her husband moved to Champaign Co., where he remained until death. William came with his parents, and here married Blanche Feb. 1, 1807, and had by her the following children: John W. (deceased), William (deceased), James M. (deceased), L. Jonathan, Vincent, Mary Ann (the wife of Nathan Neer) and Miranda (the deceased wife of John Sager, of Union Co., Ohio). Both belonged to the M. E. Church, and 976 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: died in that faith. The subject of this sketch grew up in his native township, attending the primitive log schoolhouse of early days, farming and using his strength for the work of clearing and breaking the new ground. He was married, March 1, 1838, to Nancy Marsh, who was born on the farm where Mr. Hunter now lives, Oct 6, 1816. She was the daughter of Israel and Sarah Marsh, natives of New Jersey, who moved to North Carolina where they were married, and from whence they moved to Champaign Co, Ohio, in an early day. They came to Pleasant Township in 1811, where they died, he Sept. 5, 1842, aged 71 years, both being in the Baptist Church until their death. They had five children-Noah, Samuel, Susan, Sarah and Nancy ; all are now dead but Samuel and Mrs. Hunter. Mrs. Hunter has had seven children Mary Ann (the wife of J. M. Hodge), William, Lewis (deceased), Sarah J. (the deceased wife of James H. Yeazell), Eli, Miranda E. (also deceased wife of James H. Yeazell) and Bruce (deceased). Mr. Hunter has always lived iu this township. In politics he is a Republican, and has been Township Trustee two years. He owns 700 acres of land in Pleasant Township, and 290 in Moorefield Township. He is an extensive stock-raiser, and the largest portion what he now owns is the result of his own industry, economy and shrewd business sagacity. He is a man of few words, but many deeds. His honesty, integrity and worth are verified by a large circle of friends . and acquaintances. W. P. JACKSON, minister; P. O. Catawba; was born Jan. 16, 1835, in Warren Co., Ohio, was raised and educated upon his father's farm, midway between Pleasant Plain and Level. He attended the Lebanon, Normal, Mainville Academy, and the Ohio Wesleyan University. When the late war begen he enlisted in the 12th O. V. I., and went forward to fight for his country. He was engaged in a great many severe battles; served three years and three months. After the close of the war, he entered the Cincinnati Conference, in September, 1865; was ordained as local Deacon; was transferred to the Holston Conference in 1866, and labored in the traveling connection in Tennessee. In 1870, he was retransferred to the Cincinnati Conference; was ordained minister in October, 1869. He is at present Pastor of the M. E. Church at Catawba. He was married, Nov. 27, 1867, to Miss Maggie E., daughter of James Richards, of Brown Co. Ohio. They had five children, four living. WILLIAM JOBES, Justices of the Peace and Postmaster. He is a son of Richard Jobes, native of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Indiana in the year 1819, and located in Wayne County, and lived there ten years, then moved to Warren Co., Ohio, and located near Lebanon. While living there he served fifteen years as Justice of the Peace. He afterward returned to Wayne Co., Ind., and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1866. William, the subject of this sketch, was born June 17, 1829. in Wayne Co., Ind. ; was raised and educated near Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio. There he attained his manhood. He returned to his native State, taught school and clerked in stores in different towns in the State until 1866. He moved to Champaign Co., Ohio, and began farming near Mechanicsburg, and continued there five years ; he then came to this county and farmed until 1876. He then quit farming and began clerking for Joseph Pearson, and holds that position at present. Since he came to Catawba he was elected Justice of the Peace, and is serving his second term. He was appointed Postmaster in 1877, and still holds the position. He was married, Jan. 13, 1852, to Miss Sarah J. Silvers ; they had four children, viz., Alonzo, Joel, Luther and Luella M. J. W. LANE, proprietor of saw-mill, Catawba. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 17, 1831, at Danville, N. H.; was raised mostly in the town ; he worked some on a farm, then went to Rockland, Me., and worked there a short time in shipyard. Afterward went to Lowell, Mass., and began the trade of a machinist, and worked at it until the spring of 1854. He then came to Ohio, and located in Champaign Co., July 31, 1854. He married Miss Princess A. Rollins ; they had nine children-Sarah J., Ida E., Willie 0., Charlotte M., Drucilla M., Jacob W., Princess C., Alva D. and Sylvester L. September following his marriage they returned to Massachusetts, and remained there until 1861. They came back to Ohio and located in Pleasant Township, this county. He PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. - 977 has been engaged in the milling business in Champaign, Madison and Clark Counties since his return. Since 1873, be has been stationary in Catawba. A. S. McCLINTOCK, farmer ; P. O. Catawba He is a son of Alexander McClintock, a native of Westmoreland Co., Penn., who came to Ohio in 1822, and first located in Licking Co.; lived there four years; then moved to Knox Co., and from there to Delaware, and from Delaware to Marion Co., where he lived until his death, which occurred May 23, 1880, at the age of 87 years. The subject of this sketch was born Sept. 21, L824, in Licking Co., Ohio. He was raised and educated upon a farm. His marriage was celebrated March 21, 185'2, with Eliza, daughter of Henry Curl. They had five children-Lucinda J., Mary M., Wm. H., Clara A. and Ulysses G. Mr. McClintock came to this county in the spring of 1845. He has a beautiful term of 98 acres, located two miles southeast of Catawba. NATHAN M. McCONKEY, farmer and superintendent of the Orphans' Home ; P. O. Springfield. This well-known citizen of Clark Co. was born in Pleasant Township April 6, 1827, and is the son of Daniel and Matilda (Neer) McConkey, he a native of Kentucky, and she of Virginia. He is the grandson of Archibald McConkey, who settled on the farm yet owned and lived upon by Nathan M., in 1805. He grew to manhood on the old homestead, and was educated in the common schools of his township, afterward attending a select school at Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and began teaching at the age of 19, and has taught in the schools of Clark Co. about thirty years. He was married Oct. 19, 1848, to Mary J. Cartmell, daughter of Thomas J. and Amanda (Fisher) Cartmell, of Pleasant Township, to whom has been born three children Mary F., Milton M. and Thomas G. In August, 186'2, Mr. McConkey went into the army, but before going to the field was elected 1st Lieut., Co. G, 94th O. V. I., serving until mustered out at the close of the war, in 1865. He served through Rosecrans' campaign in 1862-63, went with the Fourteenth Army Corps in Sherman's march to the sea, participating in all the battles in that noted campaign, and what was singular, in his service of nearly three years, was never wounded. He was at the grand review at Washington, in 1865, and at that time was Senior Captain of his regiment. He, wife and family are members of the M. P. Church, and he has represented his church in several of the Annual Conferences, in 1867; was a delegate to the General Conference at Princeton, Ill., and also a member of the General Conference in 1880, at Pittsburgh, Penn. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he was a Whig, but since the formation of the Republican party, he has voted that ticket; he has filled the office of Township Clerk one term, Trustee several terms, Justice of the Peace one term and was one of the County Commissioners from 1870 to 1876. In the fall of 1879, he was elected to the Legislature,. and took his seat in the Sixty-fourth General Assembly, and in April, 1880, he was appointed Superintendent of the Orphans' Home, which position be is now filling. Mr. McConkey is a well informed, pleasant gentleman, who has hosts of friends throughout his native county. NATHAN NEER, farmer; P. O. Catawba. The above-named gentleman was born in Pleasant Township, close to the present sent site of Catawba, Aug. 15, 1822. He is the son of Amos and Sarah (Cunard) Neer, natives of Loudoun Co., Va. He was born March 3, 1787, and she June 9, 1794. Amos was the son of Henry Neer, who was born in Virginia in 1748, and came to Clark Co. at an early day, locating land where Catawba now stands. He died Feb. 3, 1828. Amos and wife came to this township in 1817, and first settled on the land entered by his father, but about 1825 he bought a small tract, where his son Nathan now lives, adding to it from time to time, until he owned 160 acres. They were members of the M. E. Church. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and died April 25, 1843, aged 56 years. His first wife died Feb. 25, 1828, in her 33d year. They had seven children-Jonathan, Elizabeth, Ann,. Susannah, Jane, Nathan and Matilda. After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Hannah Golden, who was born Jan. 30, 1799, by whom he had three children - Joseph H., Amelia (deceased) and Hannah (deceased). His second wife died April 1, 1835, and he was again married to Nancy Toland, born May 18; 1791, by whom he had 978 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: no issue. The subject of this sketch grew up in the pioneer days, receiving the average education at the time, and enduring all the trials and hardships incident to, pioneer life. He was married, April 25, 1845, to Mary A. Hunter, daughter of William and Blanche (Hendricks) Hunter, whose sketch will be seen in L. Hunter's biography. She was born March 1, 1823, and has had the following children: Levi (deceased, from disease contracted in the army), William H., Miranda E. (deceased), Luther, Charles F., Alonzo and Laura. Mr. Neer, when a young man, received from his father's estate $180, which was his starting-point in life. Two years after marriage, fire consumed what little he and his wife had accumulated. Since that time, by well-considered economy, he has gathered together, year after year, most of the property he owns to-day. He now has 400 acres, which he made for himself, and 100 that his wife got from her father's estate. Politically, Mr. Neer is a Republican, and, although he has been Township Trustee one term, yet he neither desires or has sought official position. He and wife have been members of the M. E. Church most of their lives. Mr. Neer has always been in favor of schools, churches, and all classes of public benefits. He is an affable, pleasant gentleman, and the soul of honor. And it is said by those who know him that his word is as good as his bond, and nothing could tempt him to violate either. In his views he is keeping pace with the progressive spirit of the nineteenth century, and by his example is one of the leaders of his township, although in his unassuming modesty he does not care to be recognized as such. J. H. PAGE, farmer; P. O. Catawba. Was born April 10, 1827, in Moorefield Township, Clark Co., Ohio. Was raised and educated a tiller of the soil, and has always been engaged in that pursuit, with the exception of three years that he taught school when a young man. He was married, March 25, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George Runyan, of Catawba. They were blessed with four children - Joseph W., Charles B., Isaac C. and John W. Mr. Page owns a splendid farm of 120 acres, with good farm buildings upon it. He held the office of Trustee for three terms. He is a son of James C. Page, native of Kentucky, who came to Ohio in an early day and located in Moorefield Township, this county. JOSEPH PEARSON, hotel and merchant, Catawba; son of William Pearson, a native of England, who came to America in the year 1832, and located in Catawba. At that time there were only two cabins here, Mr. Pearson erecting the third on the site where the M. E. Church stands. When young he learned the carpenter and cabinet trades, serving seven years as apprentice. He followed his business in the town until death. Joseph was born Feb. 12, 1827, in England; came to America with his parents when small; was raised in Catawba. When 16 years old, he engaged in carrying the United States mail between La Fayette and Urbana, and also several other long routes for two years. He then went to Cincinnati, Ohio; was employed as clerk on a merchant boat that run from Cincinnati to New Orleans; was engaged in that business three years. After he began for himself, he learned the cooper trade, and worked at it twenty-.three years in Catawba. When the late rebellion broke out, he enlisted in the 44th O. V. I. He held the office of Sergeant; re-enlisted in the 8th 0. V. C. as veterans at Knoxville, Tenn. He was engaged in some of the hardest battles of the war. He was four times married; first, April 8, 1848, to Miss Nancy Golden. His second marriage occurred Jan. 30, 1849, to Miss Mary Pliner. From this union they had six children-Joseph W., F. B., Elizabeth J., George F. and Charles L. Mrs. P. died Dec. 10, 1862. Her death was caused by her clothes catching fire and burning her so severely that death soon followed. His third marriage was celebrated Feb. 11, 1864, with Mrs. Elizabeth A. Palmer. From this union they had two children-Ettie May and Elizabeth A. Mrs. Palmer had three children by her first marriage-Jonathan C., Charles and Laura E. Palmer. Mrs. Pearson died Dec. 24, 1868. Mr. Pearson was married the last time Sept. 30, 1869, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Benjamin Porter. They have one child-Levi Thomas. Mr. Pearson embarked in the hotel and mercantile business in 1875. He is doing a good business in both branches of his occupation. He has held several public offices, such as Trustee, Corporation Treasurer; Council, and member of the Republican PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. - 979 Central Committee for the last nine years. He owns a nice farm a short distance north of Catawba, and also the hotel and business room in Catawba. HENRY RUNYAN, retired; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Abraham Runyan, a native of Harrison Co., Va., who came to Ohio in the year 1806, and located in Warren Co., lived there until 1811, when he with his family moved to Clark Co., and located in the southwest part of Pleasant Township. With the assistance of his children he opened and improved a farm, the one where H. L. Runyan now lives When he came the advantages for making a living were very limited. He died in November, 1836. His death was caused by a cancer. Henry was born March 15, 1809, in Warren Co., Ohio. Came to Clark Co., with his parents when 2 years old ; was raised and educated, we might say, in the woods. When he attained his manhood he began farming. He was married, June 28, 1832, to Miss Rachel, daughter of John Jones, Sr. They had eleven children, of whom six are living. Mrs. Runyan died Oct. 23, 1853. He was again married, July 3, 1854, to Mrs. L. M. Chapman, daughter of William Eaton. From this union they had three children-Charles H., Lucretia M. and Cora B. When he began farming he continued at it four years ; then for one year he engaged in oil-cloth manufacturing, at which time he embarked in the mercantile business in Catawba, and continued until 1842. He disposed of his goods and purchased a farm in Sees. 19 and 25 ; moved upon it and lived there two years. He was engaged in the mercantile pursuit twice afterward in Catawba, selling his stock of goods and purchased a farm each time. He has retired from business now about fifteen years. By industry and economy he has gathered considerable wealth. He owns several farms in Pleasant Township, and some town property. H. L. RUNYAN, farmer; P. O. Catawba. A son of Abraham, and brother of Henry Runyan, whose biography appears in this work. He was born Dec. 10, 1816, upon the farm where he now resides; was raised and educated a tiller of the soil, and has always been in that way. He has been very successful at it, owing to his economy and industry; has 475 acres in two tracts in the southwestern part of the Township. He was twice married; first, June 17, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Wright, native of Virginia. Mrs. Runyan died April 24, 1852, leaving two children Amanda and Peter L. He was again married Jan. 5, 1854, to Miss Mary E., daughter of John Melvin. From this union they had eight children, of whom six are living, viz., Monroe, Mellissa, Etta, Nelson L., Amos and Fred. A. R. RUNYAN, retired farmer; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Abraham, and brother of Henry Runyan. He was born Oct. 15, 1821, in this township; was raised and educated as a farmer, and has always been engaged in that pursuit. He was married March 5, 1843, to Miss Matilda, daughter of Amos Neer, native of Virginia, and one of the pioneers of this county. Mr Runyan lives in Catawba, and has retired somewhat from hard labor. He has several farms in the township. He is a local minister in the M. E. Church. THOS. W. RUNYAN, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of George Runyan, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio, May 15, 1808; came to Clark Co. with his parents in 1811, and located in Pleasant Township, where he has always lived. Ho is living at present in Catawba retired from all business. He is a son of Joseph Runyan, a native of Harrison Co., Va., who came to Ohio in the year 1806, and located in Warren Co. Moved to Pleasant Township in the year above mentioned, and opened a farm in the wilderness, and lived upon it until death. Thos. W. was born May 26, 1837, in Pleasant Township; was raised and educated a farmer. When he attained his manhood, he began for himself. He was married Feb. 25, 1858, to Miss Phebe A., daughter of Jacob Demory, of Virginia. After his marriage he started a blacksmith shop; hired hands and learned the trade with them. He worked at the business ten or twelve years; three years in Catawba, and the rest of his time on his Farm he had purchased in the southwest part of this township. He afterward sold this farm and purchased the one where . he now resides, located in the southern part of the township, containing 217 acres under a high state of cultivation, with good improvements. He is one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of this county. They 980 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: have had two children-Chas. R. and Hattie. Mr. Runyan claims to be the inventor of the hand corn-planter. hen only a small boy, he made a planter which was obtained by some men of Springfield, which gave them the idea and led them to put out the first planters. J. MILTON RUNYAN, milling; P. O Catawba. A son of Henry, whose sketch appears in this work. J. M. was born June 20, 1841, upon his father's farm, in this township; was raised and educated as a farmer, and was engaged in that way until he was 26 years old. He then enlisted in the 16th Ohio Battery, and served one year ; then returned home and farmed until 1864 ; he went out in the 100-day service. He was married March 4, 1866, to Miss Mary J., daughter of John McClennen, of Virginia, now living in this township. In 1867, his father purchased the mill, and J. M. began working it, and in three months he took the mill in charge, and has run it since. He ran the mill some time in partnership with his father. He afterward purchased the mill and site and assumed full control of the business, at which he has made it a success. He makes a very fine grade of flour; it will compete with any made in the county. He a is wide-awake citizen and business man, and enjoys a very large patronage of the citizens of this part of the county. The mill is known as the Willow Grove Mills. They had six children, viz., J. Arthur, Clarence L., Eddie G., Percy E., Chas. L. and Maudie R. SAMUEL WATSON, retired farmer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. A son of William Watson, a native of Maryland, who came to Ohio in 1837, and located in Green Township, Clark Co., and lived there until 1849, when he sold his farm and moved to Greene Co., and purchased a farm and lived upon it until within a short time previous to his death, which occurred in January, 1863. He served in the war of 1812. His wife was a daughter of Samuel Dunham, of New Jersey. Samuel Watson was born April 9, 1813, in Frederick Co., Va. ; was raised and educated a tiller of the soil. When 18 years old, he learned the shoemaker's trade, and worked at it there three years. He, with another young man, started for Ohio on horseback, and arrived at New Lisbon in July, 1834. He then engaged in working as a farm hand, and also engaged in horsetrading, at which he was very successful. He was twice married; first, Jan. 10, 1838, to Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob Kiser, of this county. After his marriage he leased two acres of ground and began working at his trade. He lived there four years; then purchased thirty acres of land and began farming, with his trade. He afterward added to this until he had 153 acres. He lived upon this farm until the fall of 1864, when he sold it and purchased the one where he now lives, located in the south part of Pleasant Township, containing 390 acres, with good improvements. Mrs. Watson died Jan. 19, 1874. He was again united in marriage April 11, 1876, with Miss Jennie Steward, daughter of Samuel F., of this county. THOMAS WINGATE, merchant; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Peter Wingate, native of Cecil Co., Md., who moved to Delaware in 1834, and emigrated to Ohio in 1844, and located in the eastern part of Pleasant Township, Clark C'; lived there ten years; then moved to the southern part of Missouri, and lived there until his death. Thomas was born Jan. 24, 1827, in Maryland; came to Ohio with his parents; was raised and educated a farmer. When he attained his majority, he learned the trade of a carpenter and followed the business six years. In 1856, he went to Missouri, and while there be engaged in farming six years. He returned to Ohio in 1865, and embarked in the mercantile business in Catawba. He keeps a fine general merchandise store, with a good assortment of the best grade of goods; is a liberal, wide-awake citizen and business man, and enjoys a good paying trade, and the confidence of a large number of warm friends. He was married Jan. 16, 1853, to Miss Mary Lafferty. They had six children, five of whom are living, viz., Laura, Ella, George, Burton and Maude. Mr. Wingate has held the office of Township Treasurer for eight years. WILLIAM YEAZELL, farmer: P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. A son of Jeremiah Yeazell, late of this county, and grandson of Abraham, a Dative of Virginia,. who came to Ohio at a very early day and located in Moorefield Township, and lived: MOOREFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 981 there until his death. Jeremiah was born in Moorefield Township, was raised and educated there and lived there until his death. The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 24. 1829, in Moorefield Township, upon his father's farm. Was raised and educated a tiller of the soil, and has always been engaged in that calling. He was married. Jan. 27, 1850, to Miss Lydia A., daughter of Erastus Bennett, a native of New York. Mr. Yeazell has been very successful in his vocation. He owns the valuable farm where he lives, in Pleasant Township, and also a farm in Champaign Co., Ill. They had six children, five living-James, Jane, Ellen, Elizabeth and Mary. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) |