632 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP

WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP

CYRUS G. BENEDICT, farmer; P. O. Cardington; was born in this township, Nov. 5, 1846. His father, Alfred R., was a native of Onondaga Co., N.Y., and his mother, Cynthia (Aldrich) Benedict, a daughter of one of the first settlers in this township. When a child, Cyrus came with his parents to St. Joe Co., Mich., where he received his education. When the war broke out he had two brothers join the army; Bently joined the 43d O. V. I., and Timothy joined the 26th O. V. I. The latter was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, taken prisoner, and starved to death in Andersonville. Notwithstanding this, the patriotic motives of Cyrus could not be repressed, so he ran away and joined the 153d Illinois Infantry, and with it took part in the battle at Nashville, in the pursuit of Hood, and also the battle of Point Rock, Tenn., where his regiment lost about thirty men. After this they, with the 47th Wisconsin, were assigned to duty in the mountains, to hunt "bushwackers; " while acting in this capacity he witnessed the surprise and killing of' a Captain and Lieutenant of a guerrilla company, the -former while attempting to escape from a house which they had surrounded. He spent about two years in the army, and on his discharge, returned home, and after farming a short time, he engaged in the lumbering business about a year, and subsequently spent about five years in travel. ing, visiting Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Tennessee and Alabama. Returning to Ohio in 1872, he married Lettie Jones, a native of this township, whose parents, Jordan and Rachel Jones, reside here. Mr. Benedict is a Republican, and a member of the Masonic order. He is a generous and liberal man, and of patriotic stock, his grandfather having served in the Revolutionary war, and was with Washington when he crossed the Delaware.

JOSEPH BISHOP, farmer; P. O. Westfield; was born Oct. 8, 1809, near the June. tion of the two branches of Whetstone in Delaware Co. He was the oldest of five children of Elisha and Pherreby (Curren) Bishop, natives of Tennessee, who came to Westfield Tp. in 1811. Being the oldest, the brunt of the work of clearing the farm and providing supplies for the family fell an Joseph. In his 24th year he married Sallie Martha Place, a native of York state, whose parents came here about 1817. They were both familiar .With the scenes of pioneer life and have been spared to enjoy the fruit of their early work. The Bishop family has been a patriotic one his father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and Mr. Bishop furnished two sons


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 633

and a son-in-law for the war of the Rebellion. Henry enlisted in the 121st O. V. I., and after taking part in the battles of Perryville and Chickamauga, died, and his remains repose in the Baptist cemetery. Barzilla W. was a member of the same company, and after taking part with his regiment in several battles, lost his health, which he has never since fully regained. He is now manager of the hardware store of D. Waddell & Co. Levan Van Briminer, to whom Mr. Bishop's daughter Lorinda, was married, lost an arm in the service. Anson, his remaining son, is now a resident of Henry Go., and Loretta, his other daughter, is the wife of Albert Williams, of this township. Mr. Bishop has a nice farm of 57 acres. He is a Republican.

T. J. BENSON, farmer; P. O. Ashley; Thomas Jefferson Benson was born Jan. 10, 1842; his father, Didymus Benson, was born in New York State, June 3, 1818, and came to Ohio in 1836; and when the Mexican war broke out, enlisted, but was soon after discharged, on the cessation of hostilities; he served about one year in the late Rebellion, when he was discharged on account of sickness, which so disabled him that he has been a cripple ever since; his wife, Amy (Foust) belonged to one of the very first families that settled in this township; they had a family of fifteen children, of whom eleven are now living, the oldest being the subject of our sketch, whose youth from his 13th to his 19th year was spent on his father's farm; at the end of this time, he having some time previous made the acquaintance of Miss Mary E. Sipe, decided to get married; to accomplish which, they both being in their minority, conceived and carried out the plan of eloping to Pennsylvania, where they were married; their married life, thus romantically begun, was soon destined to drift back to "stern realities;" on his return to Ohio, he was met with frowns instead of smiles, and found himself the possessor of $2.50, with which to begin housekeeping; setting to work with a will, by careful management and persistent industry be has secured, despite many adverse circumstances, a comfortable home, and reared a family of three children, of whom Melvina Victoria and Clinton Divillow are at home; the oldest daughter, Martha Ellienice, is married, and what is most remarkable, her son is of the fifth generation; all now living; his father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great, great grandfather are All now residing in the same vicinity. Mr. Benson has from the start had to combat adverse circumstances, and to repair the disadvantages of early life in the way of an education; it may be proper here to remark that Mrs. Benson dates her family back to the earliest pioneers, her grandfather arriving here the day that Perry's victory was gained; Mr. Benson's grandfather, Silas Benson, although over eighty years of age, is living with his son, and delights to relate his pioneer life to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

WILLIAM G. BRENIZER, farmer, and stock-raiser; P. O., Westfield; with his parents, Jacob and Mary (Griffith) Brenizer, is a native of Maryland, and was born Feb. 26, 1827. When two years of age his parents moved to this township and settled on a farm then owned by John Elliott, on the Whetstone river; and in 1831, moved to a farm of their own, where they spent the balance of their lives. On arriving at his majority, William went to work in the fanning-mill business, as did many other citizens who have figured prominently in the history of this township after one year here he spent, two years in a factory in Indiana; one year in Newport, Ky., and one in Lima, O., in the same business. He then sold lightning-rods one year. At the age of 26 he married Miss Buly Ann Shaw, who was born Nov. 9,1834. She is the daughter of John Shaw, who was born July 9, 1797, and Pamelia (Messenger,) born Apr. 10, 1807; her father was for many years a prominent man in the township, holding the offices of Trustee, Clerk and Justice of the Peace, and one of the founders of the United Brethren Church; at the time of his death he was the largest land-holder in the township, owning about 600 acres. The death of Mr. Shaw occurred June 6, 1860. Mrs. Shaw had died Aug. 9, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Brenizer have raised two children-Nelson 0., born Apr. 9, 1854; graduated at the Otterbein University, Westerville, O., and the Homoeopathic College of Medicine, Cleveland 0., in 1877, and is now a practicing physician in Prospect, O. William, born Sept. 10 1867, is a youth of rare promise. Mr. Brenizer has a good, well water


634 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP.

ed farm of 100 acres, with good buildings and choice fruit; and besides the home farm another tract of 50 acres. He is now serving the township the third term as Trustee; is a member of Cardington Grange and a Trustee in the United Brethren Church. He enlisted during the Rebellion, and served nearly three years in the 88th O. V. I

SAMUEL BEATTY, retired farmer; P. O. Cardington; was born at Belfast, Ireland, in 1811; son of John and Ann (Hay) Beatty. His father was a merchant in a small town called Ballynure, in the county of Antrim, and kept tavern and had a farm in connection with his mercantile business; the father's fami consisted o four boys-Alexander, William, Samuel an Robert; and three girls -Eliza, Jane and Mary. His parents were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and gave their children a good education. Samuel mastered the common branches, such as reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and English grammar, and at the age of 18 went to join his two older brothers in the West Indies, where they held positions as overseers of plantations. Landing at St. Johns, on the Island of the Antigua, he found a similar situation, which he held one year, and then, with his other brother, joined the third, who, in the meantime, had come to the United States; locating at Pittsburgh, he there learned the chair-maker's trade. After spending a short time in Zanesville, O., and Medina, O., he went to Greersville, Knox Co., Ohio, where he spent three years in teaching school and working at his trade; from this place he went to Fallsburg Tp., Licking Co.; in Dec. 13, 1846, be married Sarah Nichols, of Howard, Knox Co.; born Sept. 22, 1822. Her father, Amos, a native of Virginia, and her mother, Sarah (Davis) Nichols, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio when the Indians roamed through that part of the State; her grandfather, a Frenchman, was killed in the Revolutionary war while on picket; her grand parents Davis were from Germany. In 1847 Mr. Beatty bought the farm where be now lives, consisting of 132 acres, then covered by a dense forest. After one year's residence in Licking Co., and two years in Knox Co., he moved on his land in 1851, which now comes 155 acres. The change wrought by Beatty is wonderful; he cleared up over 100 acres, and now has a model farm, with good buildings and a handsome residence, with delightful surroundings. They have raised a family of six children-Robert Alexander, a farmer, of Cardington Tp.; William John, Franklin L., who died May 8, 1874; Amos Mann, Ann Eliza and Evaline. William John, at the age of 15, enlisted in the 40th and was transfered to the 60th 0. V. I., and was in the battles of Wilderness, Nye River, Spotssylvania, North Ann, Bethesda Church, Shady Grove, Cold Harbor, Gaines' Hill; the battles before Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Yellow House, Poplar Grove, Pegram Farm, Hatchers Run, Fort Steadman., and capture of Petersburg; passing through all these without a scratch. Mr. Beatt Y's youngest brother, Robert, succeeded to his father's business; and in 1866 his sister, Mary, visited him with her husband, the Rev. Robt. Wallace, who was a delegate from the Wesleyan Methodist Conference in Ireland to the Centenary of Methodism in America, but who died in Cincinnati, of cholera, just ten days after his landing. Mr. Beatty is a member of Cardington Lodge No. 384, of Free Masons, and is a Republican.



YELVERTON P. BARRY, farmer; P. O. Cardington; was born near Utica, Licking Co., Ohio, March 12, 1832, and came with his parents to Westfield Tp. at the age of 6 years; his father, Captain Elisha Barry, of the war of 1812, was born in Ann Arundel Co., Md., Sept. 4, 1787, and received a good common school education. He married at the age of 25, Rachel Lucas, who was born Jan. 3, 1798. About 1830 they emigrated to Ohio, where Mrs. Barry died, June 10, 1835. Capt. Barry died at Shaw Town, June 7, 1873, having been a member of the M. E. Church over sixty years, and a class-leader over thirty. Yelverton B. received the elements of an English education in the old log school-house at Shaw Town. At the age of 18 be married Miss Hannah E. Benedict, daughter of Eli and Elizabeth (Shaw) Benedict. They moved to their present home in 1859, then consisting of 55 acres, all in the woods, to which they have since added 50. With his grandfather, a soldier of the Revolution, and his father of the second war with England, it was not surprising that when our country was again in peril that the patriotic fire should burn in the


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 635

heart of Mr. Barry; he turned his back on home and family, and joined the 66th 0. V. I. Co. K, under Capt. J. H. Van Deman, in Oct., 1861, and went to the Eastern army at once. He took part in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Dumfries and Chancellorsville. In the last named engagement, while guarding a battery, he was struck in the arm by, a piece of shell, and permanently disabled for further military duty, and was a few months afterwards discharged. The nature of his wound was such as to preclude his ever doing hard manual labor. His brother Joshua S., who joined the 121st 0. V. I., was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and died in the field hospital, while his arm was being amputated. Mr. Barry has five children-Eli E., John W., Lorinda J., Charles B. and Rachel E. He is at present engaged in general farming and stock raising, and is a Republican of the most pronounced order.

JACOB CLAYPOOL, farmer and stock raiser P. O., Westfield; was born in Ross Co., O., Jan. 23, 1820; his father, William Claypool, and mother Sarah (Sperry), were natives of Virginia, and came to Ohio in 1802, thus giving them rank among the early pioneers. His father served in the war of 1812. He came to Westfield Tp. in 1827, where he spent his declining years, and where he reared a family of eleven children, eight or whom are now living (those deceased lived beyond the age of fifty years). Mr. Claypool's early life was spent amidst the scenes incident to the frontier. He has seen his father shoot wild game from his own door, and when the supply of meat began to run low, he would shoulder his gun and not return until he was well supplied with game, especially deer, which were quite common. Mr. Claypool gained such an education as the times would allow, and began to do for himself before arriving at his majority. He married at the age of 2.5 Miss Martha McDonegal, a native of Delaware Co. His father dying soon after, he began business, for himself; he bought out the other heirs and took the home farm. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Claypool seven children, six of whom are now living, and all are married and settled in life except the youngest. The oldest, Dr. Albert Claypool, is a prominent physician of Toledo Another son is Gen. Agent of the Howe Sewing Machine Co., and resides at Nyack, New York. Mr. Jacob Claypool is one of the wealthiest farmers of Westfield Tp., possessing a farm of 214 acres of the best land in the township, and good buildings thereon, and a farm in Wood Co., and is a careful business man. He has for many years been a prominent member and officer in the M. E. Church. In politics he- is a Republican, and was formerly an Abolitionist, voting the ticket when only one other man in the township had the courage to do it.

FREDERICK CUTLER, deceased; Frederick Cutler was born Dec. 12, 1829, in Vermont, and came to Westfield Tp. when a small I boy, receiving the customary advantages of that day. He went with the great tide to California in '49, and after a year's absence returned with about $1,200 in gold, which he immediately invested in the farm where his widow now resides. At his country's call he early joined the 65th O. V. I., remaining in the service three years; while in the army his first wife died, and he married first a sister of Mrs. Cutler, and after her death, the present Mrs. Cutler, then Miss Maria Peak, a native of Westfield Tp., whose parents, Daniel and Clarissa Peak, came to Ohio from Vermont in 1885, and settled about a mile and a half we&. ..Westfield. Mrs. Cutler received the best education the schools of that day afforded; her parents, with the characteristics of New England people, exercised a pious care for the education of their children. Mr. Cutler, dying in Jan., 1879, left the management and care of the estate and family entirely in her bands, which she is ably conducting, and educating the four children of her own, and four of her sisters', on her fine farm of 200 acres.

STEPHEN H. CURREN, farmer; P. O., Cardington, was born in Westfield Tp., Oct. 11, 1837. He attended school, and assisted his father until of age; his father, Nehemiah Curren, was born in the State of Tennessee, May 18, 1807, and came to Ohio with his parents when a child. His advantages for an education were very limited, having to go four and five miles through the woods to reach the nearest school. His wife, Stephen's mother, was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, in 1814; her parents, whose names were Willey, were from Pennsylvania. Nehemiah Curren was married March 1, 1835, and moved to the place where


636 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP.

he now resides, then entirely in the woods. Of his father's family, which consisted of twelve children, three brothers settled in this county. Of his own, there were ten children; two are now residents of Michigan, one of Delaware Co., Ohio, and five, three girls, and two boys, are in this county. Of the sons, one lives on the home-farm, and the other, Stephen, lives on his own farm, a half mile distant. One brother, George W., was killed at the battle of Arkansas Post. Stephen H. Curren was married to Miss Emily Wood, Nov. 3, 1858, whose parents came here irk an early day from New York State. There were born to them five children, three only-Alice, Estelle and Rosa-are now living. Mrs. Curren, dying Nov. 23, 1872, he married Miss Phebe Brenizer, March 9, 1874, who also was a native of this county. From this marriage, there is one child living-Clay W. Mr. Carren is a member of the Cardington Lodge of Free Masons. He started in rife with only the smallest setting out, that the custom of that day recognized-a horse, saddle, bridle, and a suit of clothes: and has since secured, entirely by his own industry, a good farm and a nice home.

T. J. CURREN, lumber manufacturer; Westfield; was born Jan. 31, 1845. His father, Jesse Curren, was born in Delaware Co., in what is now a part of Marion Co., June 6, 1819, but at the age of 15 he moved to the 'Vicinity of Norton, where, at the age of 21 he married Miss Malinda Stratton, of Vermont parentage. From this marriage there were seven children, five of whom are now living. The oldest son, Francis M., served in the 96th 0. V. I., taking part in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Fort Wagner, Fort Gaines, and remaining until the close of the war. Thomas Jefferson Curren, with his parents, moved to the place where his father now lives, when be was 7 years of age; here be remained until his 27th year, during which time be learned the carpenters' trade. He married Exa Thornburg, a native of Westfield Tp., from which union there were two children-Jessie Estelle, born June 18, 1872, and Emory, Nov. 24, 1874. After marriage he resided nearly four years in Van Wert Co., Ohio, and on his return to Westfield Tp. his wife died, March

16,1877. He is now engaged in the saw-mill business, doing custom work chiefly but also manufactures lumber for the market. He is a good business man, and highly esteemed, and is in politics a Republican.

CHARLES B. COOMER, cooper; P. O., Westfield; was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Apr. 29, 1825; his father was a shoemaker, but carried on a farm, at which Charles assisted when not in school, until his 19th year, when he went to Monroe, Mich., to learn the coopers' trade; after a year he returned to Ohio, where be finished his trade; and worked in different places; at the age of 25, he opened a shop on the home farm, and worked about three years; in 1852, he married Miss Emeline Rogers, of Shawtown, a native of Delaware Co.; after some changes, they settled down in this township in 1861, and Aug. 8, 1862, he entered the army; only a battalion of three companies being formed, they were assigned to garrison duty, and subsequently consolidated with the 88th O. V. I he was mustered out in July, 1865; two years later he engaged in the coopers' trade, in which he has since continued. He has a good business and a pleasant home in Westfield; of his three children, only one, Emerson F., born May 3, 1853, is now living. Mr. Coomer is a member of I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 269, of Westfield, and Encampment No. 125, of Ashley; in politics he is a Republican.

EDWIN M. CONKLIN, farmer; P. O. Westfield; was born Sept. 6, 1835, in this township. His father, Jacob Conklin, was born in St. Alburg Tp., Grand Isles Co., Vermont, June 10, 1782. His father, Abram Conklin, was a soldier in the war of Independence; he came, to Ohio in the fall of 1813, and located in Liberty Tp., Delaware Co., and a year later joined the Light Horse, under Capt. Murray, and served under Gen. McArthur, participating in several skirmishes, suffering the vicissitudes of war, sometimes going three days without food. He was married to Orra Payne, Sept. 17, 1818; she was born in New Hartford, Litchfield Co., Conn., July 6, 1798, and came to Ohio in 1817. They immediately started for their new home in Westfield Tp., as described in the history of the township. Mr. Conklin died March 12,1875, having been a member of the Methodist Church seventy two years, his home being the first preaching place in the township. Edwin had charge of the farm after his fifteenth year, and hence


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHER - 637

was deprived of many school privileges which other boys had, but he has by no means neglected the cultivation of his mind, and is proverbial for his accuracy. He has for more than twenty years kept a journal of every day's transactions, and for the same length of time a tri-daily thermometrical record. He married Lottie Shoemaker, Oct. 15, 1872, who died Jan. 12, 1876. To them was born one son-Edwin J., July 1, 1874. He married Martha Van Brimmer Feb. 11, 1880. Her parents were among the early settlers. Mr. Conklin has been prominently identified with the Odd Fellows; he was Deputy Grand Master for this district about four years, and Representative in the Grand Lodge two years; he passed all the chairs in both branches, joining the encampment at Delaware, and was a charter member, both at Cardington and Ashley, and was one of the charter members of the Myrtle Lodge of the Daughters of Rebecca, at Westfield. He was the first one to take hold of the Grange movement in this locality, and was the first delegate from here to the State Grange, in Xenia, in 1874, and was made Deputy for Morrow Co., and in that capacity organized the Grange at Cardington, Lincoln, Harmony, Canaan, Johnsville, Peru and Marengo. He has always been a Republican, casting his first vote for Fremont in 1856, and has held various township offices. He has a farm of 105 acres, in a good state of cultivation, which is known as the "Pleasant Home Farm."

WILLIAM COOK, school teacher, Cardington; was born in this township, Feb. 11, 1854, near the east branch of "Whetstone." His father, John Cook, who deserves most especial mention as one of the earliest pioneers of this township, was born at Lancaster, 0., Dec. 5, 1811. His parents came from Virginia to Ohio, about four years before the latter became a state-and came to Delaware Co., and settled at Fort Morrow, near Norton, in 1813, and a year later in this township. Of his father, David Cook, especial mention is made in the general township history. His mother's maiden name was Ruth McLung. Mr. Cook married Louisa Nicholas, March 9, 1837, who was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., in 1814. They had a family of eight children, six of whom are now living, and five residents of this county. Mr. Cook has been a resident of this township over sixty years, but nearly twenty years ago the light was forever vanished from his sight, and he became totally blind, and sadly he said to the writer: "Many grandchildren have grown up around me, the face of not one of whom have I ever seen." William is a young man of rare promise, and great energy. He improved his early advantages, although only permitted to attend school in the winter, his services being required the balance of the time. At the age of twenty he went to Cardington, where he spent one year in school, to fit himself for teaching, applying himself closely, especially in the study of languages, making a specialty of German. He intends shortly to enter on the study of medicine, and he will without doubt, make his mark as a physician. His grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812, and his great grandfather of the Revolutionary war.

JOHN B. CULP, farmer; P. O. Westfield; was born in Franklin Co., Pa., June 7, 1838. He was the oldest son of Andrew and Leah (Bean) Culp, who raised a family of eight children. At the age of 20 his parents moved to Waldo Tp., Marion Co., O., where his mother died; his father is now a resident of La Bette Co., Kan. Mr. Culp was for some time engineer in the Richland (now the Willow) Flouring Mills, and subsequently the Waldo Mills. He married Miss Catharine Strine Jan. 15, 1861, and soon afterward entered the army and served in the Quartermaster's Department in Kentucky for about four months. He afterward enlisted in the 174th 0. V. I., Co. I., under Capt. Garrett, and was assigned to the Western army, under Gen. Thomas; he was in the battle of Overball's Creek, and seven days later in the battle of the Cedars, in which he was wounded and obliged to remain in the Hospital six months; he was mustered out at Camp Denison in June, 1865. His wife died Aug. 22, 1865, and in 1866 he married Mrs. Margaret Waddell, widow of Isaac Waddell, who died Nov. 6, 1859, leaving her with three sons-John S. James G, and Benjamin I. She and the first Mrs. Culp were sisters, and their parents were John and Mary (Moneysmith) Strine. Their grand-father, John Moneysmith, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; their brother, Peter Strine, was killed at the battle


638 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP

of Kenesaw Mountain, and another brother died in the army of sickness. Mr. Culp's brother Samuel, was one of the "Lincoln Guard," and died at Washington, D. C. In 1873 Mr. Culp bought the farm where he now lives, consisting of fifty acres, on which he in the fall of 1879 erected his elegant residence. His farm is known as Mt. Pleasant, and is under a good state of cultivation.

MORRIS M. COOMER, farmer and stockraiser; P. O. Ashley; was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 13, 1815. His father, Benjamin Coomer, was born March 22, 1783, in Berkshire Co., Mass., and at the age of 22 married Miss Amy Wood, born in Bennington Co., Vermont, May 11, 1789, who was related to the Hutchinson family, famed as singers, and a cousin to Ex. President Filmore. To them were born Ira W. Jonathan, G. An' sort, Seymour C., Morris M., Julia, married to Joseph Shoemaker; Rachel, married to Ephraim Hubbell, Charles B., and Wilson W. Morris began his education in New York State, but his advantages were limited after his arrival in Ohio. He learned the cabinet-makers' trade, at which he worked one year; afterward in partnership with his brother Jonathan, he manufactured fanning-mills for one year, and worked for fourteen years as journeyman in the same business. At the age of 31 he married Miss Sarah Clark, daughter of Elibu and Mary (Keene) Clark; she was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1816. Her grandfather, as well as Mr. Coomer's maternal grandfather, were Revolutionary soldiers. Her parents came from New York State to Ohio in 1811. Soon after marriage they moved to Oxford Tp., Delaware Co., and six years later to the farm where he now resides, consisting of 74 acres of productive land. They have had four children-Cicero, born in 1847, married to Miss Sarah Pierce, and now Treasurer of Delaware Co.; Monroe, born in 1850, who died at the age of 4 years; Alice, born in 1854, and married to Isaac Hickson, and Ada, born in 1858, and educated at the Ohio Wesleyan Female College, and now engaged in teaching school. Mr. Coomer is a member of I. O. O. F., No. 421, and F. and A. M., No. 407, and in politics a Republican.

LEVI. P. DIXON, farmer, stock-raiser; P. O., Westfield; was born Sept. 29, -1843, on the farm where he now resides. Alexander Dixon, his father, was born in Vermont, in 1807, and at the age of 2 years, he came with his parents to Bourbon Co., Ky. At the age of 21 years he resolved to try his fortune in Ohio, where be engaged in buying horses, which he took to Kentucky and exchanged for sheep, which he sold in Ohio. In this way he for several year! carried on a profitable business. He married Minerva Bartholomew, Jan. 3, 1829, who was born near Bradfordtown, Conn., June. 9, 1804, and came to Ohio with her parents when a child. From this marriage there were eight children, only three of whom, two daughters and Levi, survive. Leander joined the 65th O. V. I., and immediate?; after the battle of Shiloh, was taken sick and died; Lincoln, another brother, joined the 174th O. V. I., and participated in the battles of Overhall's Creek, Cedars, Murfreesboro, and the evacuation and burning of Decatur, Alabama; and returning home died of diseases contracted in the army. Levi enlisted in the 187th 0. V. I., and served with his regiment until the close of the war, when he returned home and took charge of the farm, which he carried on for about five years, and then on account of ill health spent one year in the west. On his return from Kansas, he married Miss Minerva Shaw, born in this county Apr. 2, 1851. They have had three children-W Oscar, born Oct. 2, 1873; Archie, July 31, 1878, and died Sept. 14, of the same year, and Smith, May 8, 1880. His father dying in 1876 Levi came in possession of the home farm, consisting of 164 acres of good land. He makes a specialty of sheep-raising, keeping thorough breds and good grades. His residence is one of the old- landmarks, being the first frame house erected on the "school section." He is a Republican, and of a patriotic family; his grandfather, Alexander Dixon, Sen., having served through the Revolutionary war.

WILSON FOUST, farmer and stockraiser; P. O., Westfield; the only son of Abraham and Almira Foust, was born April 7, 1821, near Winsor's Corner, in Delaware Co.; his father was born April 7, 1796, and came to Ohio when a small boy, and settled first in Pickaway Co., and later in Delaware Co., and settled in this township, 'as noted in the history of the same. He married Mrs. Almira Cone,


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 639

and raised a family of four children, all of whom are now settled in this vicinity. When Wilson was a small boy, his father moved to the farm where he now lives, with limited advantages for an education, most of which was secured in one term; at the age of 18 he went to learn the carpenters' trade, at which he worked some eight or ten years, in the meantime spending three years in Indiana. On his return he married Miss Ellen Claypool, Oct. 14, 1850, leaving the same day for Iowa, with his wife; he remained there two years, during which time was born, Warren M., Oct. 28, 1851, who now resides in Wyoming Territory; on their return to Ohio, two other children were born, Bruce B., Feb. 22, 1852, also now in Wyoming Territory, and Mary E., Oct. 16, 1854. He purchased the farm where he now resides, about this time consisting of 62 acres. Soon afterward his first wife died, and he married Miss Lucy A. Durkee, from which union there were six children, of whom four are living-O. K., born Nov. 8, 1861; Flora L., Nov. 19, 1863; Harriet A., Nov. 20,1865; Kelly O. K., Oct. 3,1868. In addition to the home farm, be has. by careful management accumulated considerable property, including a piece of land of 25 acres, of rich bottom on the Whetstone River; another of 32 acres, a farm of 84 acres, and another of 20 acres in Marion Co. He gives especial attention to breeding cattle, keeping good grades, and has a fine flock of sheep. He is a member of the Westfield Lodge I. O. O. F., and Ashley Lodge of Free Masons.



DR. GEORGE GRANGER, deceased; was born in Vermont, in July, 1815, and attended school at Bethel Gilead, coming to Ohio via. Erie Canal and the lake; he arrived at Huron, from which point he came on foot to this part of the State, walking some days forty miles; he entered the Worthington Medical Institute, and graduated in 1837, and located at Westfield in the following year, where he began the practice of medicine; he married Miss Mary Bishop, who died in 1846, he married again, in 1847, Miss Adah Carpenter, who was born in Galena, Jan. 15, 1825, and whose parents came from Pennsylvania, and were among the very earliest settlers of Berkshire Tp.; her grandfather, Gilbert Carpenter, a Revolutionary soldier, was one of the most prominent men of Delaware Co., and is remembered as Judge Carpenter. Her parents moved to this township when she was 12 years of age; she attended common school, and spent one term at Zanesville, Ohio. About this time Dr. Granger bought an interest in the fanning mill, pump factory and store business of Adam Wolf, and afterward, with Henry Keyser, established a clothing store and merchant tailoring establishment, and finally bought out Wolf and carried on business, managed his large farm and practiced medicine until 1859, when, having been elected to the position of County Treasurer, he moved to Mt. Gilead, where after a residence of little more than a year, he died, in June, 1860. In the fall following, Mrs. Granger, with her family, returned to Westfield, where she manages her farm of 118 acres successfully, and gives especial attention to raising sheep; Mrs. Granger is the mother of three children---S. Granger, whose sketch appears in this work; Mary, married D. D. Booher, a real estate and insurance agent of Mt. Gilead, and Emma, married to Alfred Bishop, and now deceased. Dr. Granger was one. of the Charter members of the Westfield Lodge of Odd Fellows; be began without a dollar, and by his own labor amassed a great deal of property.

ALBERT GOODHUE, farmer and stockdealer; P. O. Westfield, was born in Westfield Tp., June 13, 1831. His father, Josiah Goodhue, was born in New Hampshire, March 19, 1792. His ancestors served in the Revolutionary war, two of whom gave up their lives in that struggle. He was married to Elizabeth Peak, March 23,1825, about eight years after he came to Ohio. They settled on the west bank of the Whetstone, nearly opposite the site of the present town of Westfield; here he early engaged in the ashery business, in which he laid the foundation of his fortune; carrying the products to Zanesville and Cincinnati, and exchanging them for such goods as the settlers needed, which he in turn sold at a profit. This business he carried on for about fifty years, during which time be was in partnership with Henry Lamb, of Delaware, and others; he was the father of ten children, six of whom are now living. One of his sons, John Goodhue, of the 26th 0. V. I., was killed in the battle of Murfreesboro. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years, vigorous


640 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP.

in mind and body. Albert lived with his father until he was thirty years of age, when he was married. He has two children, whom he is giving the very best advantages for securing a good education. He has a good farm, of 104 acres, and his residence commands a fine view. Besides this, he has town property, and an interest in other lands. In stock-dealing, be invests in whatever the market indicates as the most prudent to handle.

WILBERT GRANGER, farmer; P. O., Westfield; was born June 21, 1845, in what is now Westfield Tp., but then a part of Oxford; he is the son of Dr. George and Mary (Bishop) Granger. His father's history is noted elsewhere, and his mother's family were among the first settlers; he received a good common school education, and in 1863 enlisted in the 6th Independent Battalion of Cavalry, serving one year. Before his time of service expired he again enlisted in the 13th Ohio Cavalry, and served three years. He took part in the battles of White House Landing, the Explosion of the Mine, at Petersburg, the battles of Weldon Rail Road, Pegram Farm and Dinwiddie, C. H. During the last named engagement his regiment dismounted; was posted in a wood endeavoring to hold the line, when be was struck in the shoulder by a Minie ball and severely wounded, from the effects of which he still suffers. In March, 1867, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of Benjamin and Abigail (Washburne) Olds. Mrs. Granger was born in this township, in 1844, and her people are among the very first settlers of the township. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Granger three children-Viola O., Audrie Jane and Walter 0. Mr. Granger has a nice farm of forty-five acres, in the outskirts of the village, and his residence is one of the old landmarks. Mr. Granger was a good soldier in the field, and is a good citizen at home. He is in politics a Republican.

SOLON GRANGER, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Westfield. Among the younger class of citizens, who are rapidly coming to the front, none are more prominent than Mr. Granger. He is the son of Dr. George and Adah Granger, whose biographies appear more fully elsewhere, and was born March 10, 1851. At the time of his father's death, which occurred when Solon was 9 years of age, he was attending school at Mt. Gilead, Ohio, where his father was performing the duties of County Treasurer. He returned then to Westfield, and after spending a few years in the village school, and nearly a year in college, at Delaware, he went to Lebanon, O., where he completed a business course and received a diploma. At the age of 20, he took charge of the home farm of 216 acres, forty-seven of which belonged to him ; to the latter he has added forty-seven acres additional, thirty five of which he has cleared and improved. He married Miss Ethlinda Durkee, Nov. 16, 1873., who was a native of this township. From this* union there are two children George A., born Jan. 2, 1875 ; and Emma, born May 14,1879.

CHARLES HOLT, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Cardington. His father, Evan Holt, was a pioneer of Chester Tp., as noted elsewhere, and came to Westfield Tp. about 1827, where be married, and reared a family of eight children, of whom Mr. Holt, the youngest son, was born July 21, 1841. He lost two brothers-one was killed by lightning, and the other by a saw-mill accident. Charles was early obliged to relinquish his school privileges, but says he received the best part of his education in the army. He enlisted Aug. 18, 1862, in the 121st O. V. I., and served to the end of the war, with a record that he may justly be proud of; he took part in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Rome, Buzzard's Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, and the battles in that vicinity, and about Atlanta, and the battle of Jonesboro'. After the last-named battle he was detailed for hospital service, and assigned to duty at Indianapolis, in which capacity he visited all the leading cities of the Union. Mr. Holt relates an amusing incident in which he took part: A few days before the battle of Chickamauga, a detachment to which he belonged made a dash into the enemy's lines, capturing a lot of sweet potatoes, which the rebels were washing for supper, and reached an eminence commanding the station where Longstreet's corps was disembarking, into which they poured a lively fire, and then fell back to make their supper off their recent capture; but by the time they had their fires kindled, and were in high anticipation of a rich sup


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 641

per, a few shells from the rebels warned them to extinguish their fires, and they were compelled to lay on their arms that night, and spelled eat their sweet potato's raw. At one of the skirmishes, at Kenesaw Mountain, while his company was charging the rebels through a thicket, they very unexpectedly came on the enemy intrenched behind railroad ties; a volley from their guns was received, and his companion, Chester Bartholomew, fell, mortal wounded, and died in his arms, his last words being. "Tell my wife I have been a good soldier." On his return from the army he moved to the place where he now reside;. On one of his furloughs home he married Miss Delight H. Mary, born in Westfield Tp., Aug. 4, 1844, whose parents, Edwin and Electa (Aldrich) Mary, came here in an early day. From this marriage there are seven children four boys and three girls. On his return from the army, Mr. Holt had but $200 to start with, purchasing a mill-seat and apiece of land; he has added to this until he has a farm of 63 acres, 25 of which are rich bottom-land, situated on both sides of the Whetstone river. He gives especial attention to the breeding of hogs, taking, in 1879, the first premium at the Morrow Co. Fair, as also, the first premium on drought horses. For the past six years, he has been engaged in buying hogs for the Eastern market, as a member of the firm of Holt & Payne; be has been Township Assessor for three years. Mr. Holt has that energy and decision of character which marks the thorough business man, and is destined to be one of the leading men of the county.

J. G. KEHRWECKER, farmer and stock raiser ; P. O., Cardington. John G. Kehrwecker was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to America at the age of 22. He received a good German education, being required by law in that country to attend school from the age of 6 to 14. In 1830, he landed in New York, and went direct to Lancaster, Pa., where he spent five years. In 1835, be came to Delaware Co. and located in what is now Westfield Tp., Morrow Co., purchasing ninety acres in the woods, and erecting a log cabin, began the work of making this township what it is to-day, in which none have taken a more prominent part than Mr. Kehrwecker. It was here that he made the acquaintance of, and subsequently married, Mary Hack, who also was a native of Wurtemberg and came to this country with her mother and located in this vicinity in 1832 and became Mrs. Kehrwecker in 1837. Thirteen children in all to gladden their hearts, five of whom are dead. Of their children who now survive-Christina, the oldest, married George Renz and afterwards Harmon Ruhrmond; Mary married Clay Hard sock; Caroline, the third daughter, married George Karns; Fredrica married William A. Payne; Geo. H., the only surviving son, lives in this vicinity. The three younger daughters are Sarah, Anna and Ella. When our country was in peril, Mr. and Mrs. Kebrwecker surrendered two of their three boys a sacrifice to the cause of Freedom. They bade them farewell, never again to see them, and to-day they sleep beneath a Southern sky. Frederick joined the 31st 0. V. I., for which a company was as raised at Cardington; in 1861; be took part in the battles of Stone River and Shiloh and died at Nashville, Sept, 28, 1862. John enlisted in the 96th 0. V. I. and participating in the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post and the siege of Vicksburg; he was taken sick immediately after the latter, and died at Vicksburg, July 17, 1864. By careful attention to business, prudent investments and untiring industry, Mr. K. has increased his tract to over four times its original size, and his farm now embraces 380 acres of the finest land in the township, all well ditched and under-drained, everything about his premises denoting thrift and enterprise. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics a Republican.

DR. EPHRAIM LUELLEN, physician; Westfield; was born in Meigs Co., Ohio, Feb. 21,1824; his father, Philip Luellen, was born in Pennsylvania, his mother in New York State. When he was 3 years of age his parents moved with him to lace near Delaware, and two years later to Waldo Tp., then in Delaware Co. It was here the Doctor experienced the vicissitudes of frontier life, his parents moving into the woods, with not a neighbor within a mile. Their home was of the most primitive style, built of round logs " chinked and daubed," with puncheon floor and ceiling, and in fact without any sawed lumber. Thus he began his youth, with few of the comforts of life, but amidst surroundings


642 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP.

which tended to develop those sterling qualities for which our pioneers are noted. When he was 9 years of age his father died, and about a year after, he was enabled to attend the first school opened in that vicinity, a subscription school, even the school-house being built by voluntary contributions of labor. From this time until his 16th year be attended school, occasionally having to go two miles through an unbroken wood. He went to learn the tanner's trade in Westfield, at which he continued to work for about five years. Owing to failing health be undertook the study of medicine with Dr. Granger, and subsequently attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, and then began to practice with his preceptor. He married, Miss Nancy Trindle, Dec. 14, 1853, whose family history appears under the sketch of J. B. Trindle. In 1873 he moved to Delaware, Ohio, to give their two children, Clara Estelle and James C., better advantages for an education. While there he opened a drug store, in which he did a thriving business, and although not designing to practice, he was forced by his old friends, and many new ones, to do so. Yielding to the urgent entreaties of the people of Westfield, among whom he had spent nearly forty years, be returned after an absence of four years. He has a fine residence and 128 acres of most excellent land, and a residence in the city of Delaware. He is a self-made man, and, although public-spirited, he has never aspired to public office. In the practice of medicine he has associated with him Dr. C. L. Morgan, of Alliance, Ohio. He is a Republican, and a prominent member of the M. E. Church.

JOSEPHUS McCLEAD, farmer and stock raiser: P. O. Westfield; was born in Washington Co., Pa., Apr. 25, 1818; his father moved to Athens Co., Ohio, in 1830, where he remained about seven years, be then moving to Westfield Tp. Josephus spent about eight years in the fanning-mill business, traveling and selling; during this time, besides spending a wood deal of time in Ohio, he covered much of Indiana, and spent four years in Missouri, and had an opportunity to observe the early settlements in those states. When the gold fever broke out, he led a company to California, and made his first stand at Hangtown, since called Placerville; after a varied experience of about four years, with good success, taking out in the meantime great quantities of gold, he returned to the more quiet scenes of his early home. He had in 1837, purchased a farm in Westfield Tp., at about $3.00 per acre, unimproved, and this, on his return, be set about improving, which he was now able to do with earnings in the gold regions; after devoting a few years to this work, he decided further to increase his happiness by making Miss Mary Ann Wiley, a lady born and educated in Lincolnshire, England, the sharer of his fortune; they were married in 1856, and have since had six children, all of whom are now living. He is of a family of thirteen children, all of whom are now living, and scattered over four states, the youngest being about 43 years of age; he is of Scotch descent, his great grandfather emigrating from Scotland, the -characteristics of which are plainly marked in Mr. McClead; he is strong in his convictions, fearless in the expression of them, and when he espouses a cause which he believes to be right, you will find him staying by it. He is truly a self made man, but unlike many such, he belongs to the advanced school, and favors education, culture and the improvement of society; he is now quietly enjoying the pleasures of home on his farm, one of the largest in the township, and his elegant residence commands the finest view in that part of the county. He gives especial attention to stock-raising, particularly cattle, of which he keeps a fine herd; in his religious belief be is Deistic.

WILLIAM H. MILLER, farmer and stock raiser; P. O. Westfield; son of Philip and Hannah (Mattux) Millet, was born in Waldo Tp., Marion Co., Ohio, Aug. 17, 1838. He received a common school education, and attended Mount Hesper one term. He joined the 26th 0. V. I., Company C., May 1, 1861, and was the second man in the township to enlist; be served three years, taking part in the battles of Cross Lanes, Cotton Mountain, Raleigh, Kanawha Falls, Scurry and Sewell Mountain, in Virginia. In Feb., 1862, his regiment was transferred to the Army of the regiment and was in at the last of the battle of Pittsburg Landing, taking part in the pursuit of Hood. At Kenesaw Mountain, of the ninety-four who had reported for duty in his company, the morning they went into battle, on bight answered to roll call after the two


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 643

days' fight. While in the service he was detailed for several foraging expeditions; in one of these, while near Nashville he, with a detachment, went out on the Nolanville Pike to secure some corn, and while removing it, was surprised and captured by Morgan, of guerrilla fame, but one of their number escaping, carried the news to camp, and they were recaptured the same day by the 3d Ohio Cavalry and the 17th Indiana Mounted Infantry, Mr. Miller suffering only the loss of his boots, which a "reb " had appropriated; secured his watch and revolver, which he had taken the precaution to hide when be found himself surrounded; he had five brothers in the army, of whom one died at Newbern, N. C. On his return from the army, he read law a short time, which he abandoned to resume farming, purchasing the 'Bijah Wilson farm of 100 acres of good land, valued at about $6,000. In 1868 be married Ellen, daughter of Hartman and Mary (Stinger) Gickhout, born March 29, 1846. Her father came to America from Hesse Cassel when a young man. They have two children-Ollie Varrence and Hartman Gickhout. Mr. Miller gives his attention in the way of stock to fine wool sheep; as a citizen he is generous hearted and public spirited, and has the confidence of those who know him. He is a Republican, and a member of the Ashley Lodge No. 407, of Free Masons.

JACOB MOYER, blacksmith; Westfield; was born in Bavaria, April 8, 1831; a son of Henry and Salomi Moyer. His father was born in 1800 and was brought up to the blacksmith's trade, which Jacob, having spent eight years in school, began to learn at 14 years of age, of his father. In 1847, his parents emigrated to America, with their three boys and five girls; but as they were about to land, their vessel was wrecked on a sand-bar, on Long Island, and soon went to pieces, the passengers barely escaping with their lives, the first mate losing his in his efforts to save them. His family lost all their property, except such as they had on their persons. Coming to Marion Co., where his wife had a brother, Henry Schaaf, his father bought a small farm. Sometime after, Jacob came to Westfield, and worked at his trade about a year, and then went to Columbus, where be worked a year and again returned to Westfield; where, after working six years, be purchased a farm on which be remained seven years. Selling out, be engaged in the provision business, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in which he continued three years. He returned to Westfield again in 1868, and erected his present shop, where be has since carried on the blacksmith trade successfully. He has an improved arrangement for setting tire, which obviates the dishing of the wheel, which has made for him a considerable reputation. In 1853, be married Mary Detwiler, whose parents, Henry and Anna Detwiler, came from Switzerland, in 1847, to Marion Co. They have a family of six boys and two girls, named in the order of their birth, as follows: Henry, Charles, Jacob, Frederick, Dillie, Wesley Adam and Nettie. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1855, and is a member of the German Reformed Church.

JONATHAN McQUISTIAN, farmer; P. O., Cardington ; the son of Thomas and Jane McQuistian, who are natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1812, and settled on Salt Creek, Wayne Co., where Jonathan was born, in 1816, amid the exciting times of pioneer life. His father built the first mill and still-house in Holmes County, which was largely patronized by the Indians. His early advantages were limited; the school-house in which he was a pupil was built of logs, with the ground for a floor and greased paper for windows. At the age of 16, he engaged in teaming from Millersburg to Massillon and Cleveland. At the age of 22, he went to work on Wahlhonding Canal, and a year later he married Miss Sarah Hardman, and three years later moved to Iberia, this Co., and four years afterwards to his present farm, which at that time was in the woods but which he has since made one of the best improved farms in this section, with a good residence. He has been married three times; by his second wife be had seven children -James, Thomas, Rebecca, Peter, Amanda, Jacob and Mary. He is particularly engaged in breeding fine horses, and is the owner of the horse Pride of Normandy, a a beautiful dapple-gray, 16 hands high, and weighing about 1600 pounds. In politics, he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM T. PEAK, farmer and stock raiser; P. O. Westfield. William T. Peak, the


644 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP



only son of Ziba and Amanda Peak, was born June 3,1845. His father was born in Windsor Co., Vermont, Sept. 13, 1802. His grandfather, Daniel Peak, served in the war of 1812, with two of his sons-John and Orrin; he took part in two battles, those of Bridgewater and Stony Creek, and in the latter his son Orrin was killed. Daniel Peak emigrated to Ohio, with his family of seven children, in 1819. The education Ziba gained, was secured before he left Vermont, the hard and incessant labor incident to the new country preventing the further prosecution of his studies. When he became of age, he engaged in business with his father, farming and running an ashery, the. latter probably the first in the township. They found a market for their products in Zanesville, which were exchanged for dry goods, groceries, hardware, etc., which in turn were traded for ashes on their return. In 1834, he married Miss Amanda Torry, a native of Windsor Co., Vermont, who emigrated to Ohio at an early day, and taught school for some time, on what is known as the "school lands," in a double log house, a part of which was used as a dwelling. In 1850, Mr. Ziba Peak joined the Delaware Company of gold-seekers, and went to California. Since then he has carried on farming with more than ordinary success, as his farm of 240 acres of excellent land attests. Mr. Peak has been a member of the Methodist Church for over fifty years, and was one of the first members in this township, while Mrs. Peak traces her family back in the same church for generations, and her father's home in Vermont, as well as Ohio, was also the home of the itinerant preacher. Mr. and Mrs. Peak, although far advanced in the afternoon of life, are still bale and hearty, and are now quietly enjoying the fruits of their early labor, and awaiting the reward of the faithful. Their three daughters are-Eliza, Mary and Julia. William T. relieves his parents of the responsibility of managing the farm, and remains with them. He has also a farm of his own under a good state of cultivation. He was educated in the common schools and spent one term in the Ashley school and six months in Cleveland.

WILLIAM ALBERT PAYNE, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Cardington; was born in Lima, Ohio, June 11, 1840. His parents, Hiram and Adeline (Goodrich) Payne, were born in Delaware Co., and soon after the marriage moved to Westfield Tp. After living for different periods at Lima, Worthington and Liberty Tp., Delaware Co., they again settled in Westfield Tp., on the farm now owned by William. He has one brother and five sisters. Mr. Payne received his education chiefly in common schools, and attended Cardington High School one term. He married Miss Fredrica Kehrwecker in 1873, whose family history forms an interesting part of this work. They have been blessed with five children-two boys and three girls. His farm consists of 152 acres of land, all tillable, and well adapted to stock-raising, which he turns to good account in the rearing of good grades of sheep, of which he has a large flock. Although Mr. Payne is a Democrat in a Republican locality, be is, by all parties, spoken of as one of the foremost and most respected citizens of the township, and as liberal and public spirited in the highest degree. He is a member of No. 269, I. O. O. F., of Westfield.

RICHARD PEAK, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Westfield; was born in Windsor Co., Vt., Jan 19, 1813; his father, Daniel, served in the war of 1812. When he was 6 years' of age his parents moved to Wayne Co., O., and the next year to this township. They were induced to take this step at the solicitation of their son, John, who, having settled in Westfield Tp. after his return from the war, sent back glowing accounts of the productiveness of the country. Richard spent his boyhood in attending the backwoods schools occasionally, as opportunity afforded, and assisting in clearing off the place until his 16th year, when his brother Ziba took charge of the, farm; he then assisted in this, as well as the manufacture of pearlash, cheese, etc.; their nearest market then for the simplest kind of produce being Delaware. After arriving at maturity he worked for several years at farm labor, saving $350 with which to begin business. At the age of 28 be, with his younger brother, George, took charge of the home farm, and cared for their parents during their declining years. In 1851 he married Miss Maggie Himlich, whose parents came from Alsace, Germany, about 1833, and located in Columbia Co., Pa., where Mrs. Peak was born April 4, 1834.


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 615

From there they moved to Marion Co., O., where Mrs. P. received a common school education. Mr. and Mrs. Peak have twelve children, all of whom are now living, and the four oldest are married; they are as follows: George J., born Aug. 17, 1852; Mary, July 1, 1854; Annie, March 30, 1856; Lorinda, Dec. 31, 1858; Ellenore, Aug. 6, 1.860; Luella, March 24, 1862; James, March 18, 1864; Flora, March 5, 1866, Ziba, March 26, 1868; Hawley, April 8, 1870; Elmer, Aug. 17, 1872; Otto, Oct. 1, 1874. Mr. Peak has a farm of about 130 acres of good land, with good stock water, and gives special attention to the rearing of cattle. The buildings on his farm are good, and his residence commands a fine view. Mr. Peak is a member of the Methodist Church, in which his parents lived and died consistent members.

JOHN RUGGLES, farmer.; P. O., Westfield; was born in this township, Aug. 8,1834; his father, Alfred Ruggles, was born in Pennsylvania, and came here when there were very few settlers; his mother, Eliza Ruggles, is a daughter of Elisha Barry, who was a Captain in the war of 1812, and came with her parents to Ohio from Ann Arundel Co., Maryland, about 18306 Mr. Ruggles began his education in an Old log school house, but being compelled to assist his father in clearing up the farm, his advantages were limited; he enlisted in the 121st 0. V. I., in Co. D, under Captain Sharp, in Aug., 1862, and served twenty-eight months; he was in the battle of Perryville, and the skirmishes in and about Triune, Tennessee; in the battle of Chickamauga, he received a Minie ball wound just below the shoulder, on account of which he was eventually discharged; his brother, Almon L., who enlisted in the same company, died in the hospital at Perryville, in Oct., 1862; on his return home he engaged in farming with his father, and in 1867, he married Miss Laura A. Hare, a native of Ohio; they have a family of three children. Mr. Ruggles is a generous, public-spirited citizen, highly respected by all who know him. He is a Republican, and a member of the Westfield Lodge I. O. O. F., No. 269.

OLIVER E. RICHARDSON, merchant; Westfield; was born Aug. 10, 1828, at Caledonia, Marion Co. His parents, Manning and Lucina (Eno) Richardson, were natives of Connecticut, and moved to Ohio about 1820. Mr. Richardson received a good common school education, and attended the Ohio Wesleyan University one year, after which he taught school for four years. He engaged in business in Waldo, O., in 1853, as a member of the firm of French & Richardson. Having disposed of their business there, they opened a store in the Goodhue room in Westfield, in 1857; Mr. Richardson's father bought out Mr. French's interest in 1859, and the firm became O. E. Richardson & Co. In 1862, Mr. Richardson, Sr., dying, the firm became 0. E. Richardson, which was changed to Richardson Bro. in 1864, by the admission of J. B. Richardson. About this time the firm suffered a loss of $700 by robbery. In 1872 he and L. W. Cook bought out the interest of his brother, and the firm continued to be Richardson and Cook for about two years, when he bought out Mr. Cook's interest, since which time the firm has been O. E. Richardson. In December, 1877, in connection with Daniel Waddell, be opened a hardware and clothing store in Westfield, under the firm name of Daniel Waddell & Co. He also has a farm of fifty acres south of Westfield. Mr. Richardson gives his principal attention to his first named business, which consists chiefly of dry goods and groceries, which he has yearly increased, until there are few if any merchants in this line who do a business in excess of his. Handling the large quantity of goods that he does, he is enabled to buy direct from manufacturers and importers, at the very best rates, an advantage he has had the far-sightedness to give his customers, which is one of the secrets of his success. In connection with Charles Milliken, he is largely engaged in shipping butter and eggs, doing a business that yearly aggregates about $7000. He has been Postmaster over twenty years, and served the township as Treasurer for many years. He has at all times been foremost in every thing that pertains to the public interests, and is willing at all times to lend a helping hand to any enterprise that tends to build up the business of the community, showing a remarkable degree of unselfishness in these matters. In 1853 Mr. Richardson married Miss Evaline Drake, a grand-daughter of Captain


646 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP

Drake, of the war of 1812. Mrs. Richardson was born Aug. 9, 1834. They have eight children, one of whom, Clermont, resides in California. Mr. Richardson is a member of the Westfield Lodge 269, I. O. O. F.

EZEKIEL B. SLACK, farmer; P. O. Westfield; was born Feb. 5, 1832. His father, William Slack, was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1804, and at the age of 4 years, moved to Delaware Co., where his younger brother was born, the first male child born in Delaware Co. At the age of 24, he married Rhoda Smith, a daughter of Simeon Smith, a Revolutionary soldier, and a native of New York State. They moved to Oxford Tp., Delaware Co., where were born five children. After receiving his education, Ezekiel married Miss Sarah J. Smith, Sept. 6, 1857, who was born June 5, 1838. He engaged in farming until the breaking out of the war, when he joined the 121st O. V. 1. Co. D. His regiment within a few months went into the battle of Perryville, and then Chickamauga, in the latter losing severely. He went with Sherman on his "march to the sea;" he was under fire almost every day. At the battle of Bentonville, he received a severe gunshot wound which passed through his face destroying the sight of his right eye and hearing of his right ear, notwithstanding which he remained with his regiment until the close of the war. His comrades speak of him as a brave soldier and a generous man, and he now enjoys the esteem of all who know him. He had a nice home, with delightful surroundings and has had four children-Lois (deceased), Lester L., Minnie E. and Rhoda L. He is of very patriotic stock, his grandfather being a soldier of 1812, and his great grandfather of the Revolution.

JESSE SHAW, farmer and stock-miser; P. O. Cardington; was born at Shaw Town, March 30, 1823; his father, Joseph Shaw, was one of the pioneers of this county, and was born in Berks Co., Penn., Aug. 18, 1792, and married Hannah De Witt, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1800; she came to Waldo, Ohio, with relatives, when a small girl. From this union there were eleven children. Joseph Shaw died (where he had settled sixty-eight years before), May 4, 1876. Jesse went to learn the cabinet-maker's trade when 20 years of age, at which he worked for seventeen years. He married Miss Phoebe Pringle, April 5, 1844, who died June 16, 1859; from this union there were three children-Francis C, born July 16,1845, and now a practicing physician of South Woodbury, Ohio; James ., born Jan. 17, 1847, who studied law, but is now engaged in teaching, and Simeon J, born June 19, 1850, now practicing medicine at Marengo, Ohio. Mr. Shaw married, Jan. 26, 1860, Chloe Jane Pringle, born Aug. 27, 1828, daughter of John and Pamelia (Messenger) Shaw, and widow of John Pringle, by whom she had but one son, John H. Pringle, now a resident of Cardington Tp. To them have been born-Emma Minerva, Jan. 10, 1861, now married to Martin Heil; Harrison Orlando, Aug. 27, 1862; Joel Grant, Aug. 19, 1868, deceased, and Rosa Belle, May 25, 1870. In 1862, he enlisted in the service, and his company, with others, was consolidated with the 88th O. V. I., and employed in doing garrison duty; his time was chiefly taken up in guarding prisoners, at Camp Chase, and conveying them to Cincinnati, Chicago and other points. His eldest son, Francis C. enlisted in the 66th O. V. I., and took part in the battle of Port Republic, and other engagements; and although discharged, because of injuries of the severest kind, he enlisted three times afterwards and served in three different regiments, remaining until the close of the war. James L., the second son, enlisted in the 147th O. V. I., and was transferred to the 88th, and also remained until the close of the war. Mr. Shaw purchased the farm where he Dow resides, in 1871, where he gives especial attention to stock-raising, particularly fine wool sheep his farm consists of 158 acres of great fertility, with good buildings and good fruit. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters. His second and third sons have been students in the Otterbein University. He has served as Justice of the Peace and Township Trustee, and is a Trustee in the United Brethren Church, of which he has been a member for about thirty-six years. He is uniformly respected by all who know him.

HENRY STUTZ, grocer; Westfield; among the German citizens of Westfield Tp., none are more highly esteemed than Henry Stutz; he was born in Bavaria, Aug. 27,1838, and at the age of 16, emigrated to the United


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 647

States; he had, previous to this, received a good German education, attending day school eight years, and Sunday school two years: his father dying, left his mother with the care of four children-Emma, Adam, Henry and Frank. When Mr. Stutz landed at Castle Garden, he found himself the possessor of two French sous (about two cents), and after borrowing from a friend $1.50, be went to Albany N. Y., where he remained three years, in the meantime learning the turners' trade; at the end of this time he went to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, where, their being little demand for his trade, he learned the shoemakers' trade, at which he worked about twenty years; he married Mary Sieger, Jan. 26, 1863; of their nine children, only four are now living George, born Nov. 14,1865; Charles F. May 9th, 1867; William, Aug. 30, 1870; Della, Jan. 8, 1878, and Ida May, Jan. 2, 1880. After spending nine years at Upper Sandusky, four he was in business for himself, he of which then came to Westfield in the fall of 1866, find bought the property known as the Westfield Hotel, which he carried on in connection with his shoe-shop for five years, after which he opened a grocery in the hotel; in the spring of 1880, he purchased his brother Frank's stock of goods, and moved into the building formerly occupied by him. By persevering industry and good management he has accumulated a good deal of property, and is one of the influential men in this community.

CHARLES HENRY SHAW, farmer and school teacher; P. O. Cardington; was born Sept. 29, 1854. His parents are Henry John and Caroline (Lewis) Shaw; he is descended from the very best stock, both the Shaws and Lewis families are prominently known. His great grandfather, Lewis, was a Revolutionary soldier. His grandfather, John Shaw, was one of the first families who settled in Westfield Tp., and his great grandfather the first proprietor of land in Morrow Co. His grandfather was for many years the leading man in this township, and his father is now a prominent citizen of Cardington Tp. Mr. Shaw's youth was spent in the locality of this, the first settlement in the county, and at the age of 17 he went to Cardington to school; he also spent one term at Mt. Gilead, under Phil. Roetinger, now a prominent lawyer of Cincinnati. Since this time he has been teaching during the winter and farming in the summer. In 1876 he married Miss Mari Brennan, born Oct. 5, 1854, in this county, whose parents were natives of Ireland, but emigrated to America in their youth. They have one child, Mervin B., born Oct. 23,1877. Although a young man, Mr. Shaw has the elements which will make him respected in any community. He has sold his farm and contemplates removing to Iowa; wherever be goes be will make his mark.



JONATHAN SHAW, farmer and stockraiser; P. O. Cardington; was born Sept. 11, 1821, on his father's farm, the first one settled in this county, where his youth was spent until the age of 17, when he married Mary Ann Barry, born in Ann Arundel Co., Md., Sept. 7, 1822, whose family history is found in the sketch of Y. P. Barry. One week after this event they moved into the woods, two miles north, on forty acres of land, given him by his father. His father, Jonathan Shaw, Sr., who is particularly mentioned in the general history of this township, was born in Bucks Co., Pa., Jan. 24, 1787, and soon after moved, with his parents; to Chester Co., Pa., and in 1804 to a settlement in Liberty Tp., Delaware Co., where be married Miss Ruth Welch, who was born Aug. 12, 1786, and whose parents were among the earliest settlers of Liberty Tp. After the birth of their oldest child, Susannah, they moved to this township, and were the first white settlers in Morrow Co. To them were subsequently born John L., the first white child in the county, Elizabeth, Content, Aaron, Melissa, Jonathan, Jr., Luther and Sylvester. After his father's death, which occurred at the age of 65, Jonathan moved to the home farm, to care for his mother; who six weeks later followed the father. He had, however, after three years' residence in the first-named place, moved farther West, on sixty acres, and from thence to his present residence, occupying nearly the same spot where he was born, a few rods from where the first cabin in the county was built. Here he has raised a family of nine children-three sons and six daughters. The oldest son, Jonathan Waters Shaw, is engaged in the book and drug business, in Cardington, and is also a member of the firm of Lamprecht & Shaw, hardware dealers. The second son, James


648 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP

S., is also engaged in the book and drug business. His youngest son, Lincoln, and youngest daughter, only remain with their parents. He has in all about 300 acres of choice land, 165 of which is a part of the original tract belonging to his grandfather; this is well watered by numerous springs, and by Shaw Creek, which flows through it; it has good building, and most excellent fruit, and for obvious reasons is known by the name of "Old .Homestead Farm;" in addition this he has a fine residence, and five and one-half acres of land, and two business rooms in Cardington. Mr. Shaw has borne a conspicuous part in the township, serving it as Justice of the Peace for fifteen years, and holding other offices, among them Land Appraiser in 1880. He is a member of the Friends, and his wife of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Republican. Few men take as much interest as he does in pioneer history. And he has a very large collection of family portraits.

JOHN SCHORR, farmer; P. O. Cardington; deserves especial recognition in our work as an example of what German industry and thrift has done in this township. Beginning without a dollar, he has, by his own labor and prudent management, worked his way to the foremost rank among the farmers in this locality, and, in fact, his farm is. excelled by none in point of fertility and improvement, brought out by the skillful hand of Mr. Schorr; he was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 14, 1813, of Fredrich and Elizabeth Schorr, and was brought up at farming; he came to America in 1841, landing in New York, from whence he went to Columbus, 0., where he worked as a laborer for twelve years; in 1843 be married Anna Mary Schertzer, also a native of Bavaria, who came here with her parents in 1838. In 1853 be moved to this county, buying fifty-five acres of land at Shaw Town, which he subsequently traded for a farm of the same amount, embracing a part of the tract he now owns, and to which he has since added, at one time, forty-five acres, and another sixty acres; in addition to this he owns a house and lot in Cardington; his farm is well ditched, and has superior buildings, and he is engaged in general stock raising. He has a family of five children-John, Elizabeth, married to Fred Heimlich, and Mary Ann, married to Daniel Beckel, are settled in Richland Tp., Marion Co., on good farms. His oldest daughter, Barbara, is married to Jacob Young, one of the business men of Delaware, 0. His youngest son, Lewis Fredrick, is engaged in farming with his father. Mr. Schorr is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics a Democrat.

L. D. SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Cardington; was born in Westfield Tp., Nov. 22, 1851. His parents, Selah Smith and Esther Smith, were also natives of this township. His father, owing to the condition of the country, received only a meager education in the schools, yet in after life picked up a great deal good practical knowledge. The mother was Esther, daughter of Abram Foust, who figured prominently among the first settlers, and served in the war of 1812, as mentioned elsewhere. These parents both passed through' the experience of. frontier life; they ground their meal with hand-mills, and when all kinds of game, such as wild turkey, deer, bear and hare were abundant, Mr. Smith's youth was spent here, attending school and assisting his father until 1875, when he took charge of the farm. Two years later he married Miss Lydia McConaughy, whose parents were from the West. They have one child. Mr. Smith possesses a farm of 200 acres of most excellent land and about the best buildings in the township. His house, a two story building, consisting of ten rooms, was built in 1876, and his barn a year later. In the rear of his house is a large brick structure, the lower part of which is used as a cellar, the upper as a granary. He has a good orchard of grafted fruit. Mr. Smith confines his attention in stock, entirely to raising sheep, having in his flock 200 fine ewes, shearing from six to eight pounds of wool each. His farm is known as the "Oak Grove Farm," deriving its name from the fact, that there is located on it a 40 acre lot of the best oak timber in the township. He is a member -of the Ashley Lodge of Free Masons.

JAMES B. TRINDLE, farmer and stock raiser; P. O. Westfield; was born Nov. 29, 1831, on the farm where he now resides. His father, James Trindle, of whom mention is particularly made in the township history, was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled first near Norton, Delaware Co., Ohio, about 1806.


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 649

He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and served in the Light Horse, under Gen. McArthur, and besides this, served in some volunteer campaigns against the Indians, who, as allies of the British, engaged in frequent marauding expeditions against the whites. His mother, Annie (Brundage), was a native of New York State, but emigrated first to Virginia with her parents, and subsequently to Ohio, in 1806, and settled near Norton also. His father settled in Oxford Tp., Delaware Co., in the part that is now Westfield Tp., Morrow Co., about 1817, where he was prominently identified with its history, and where he died in 1837, leaving eleven children, of whom James was the eighth, then six years old. His father, although in possession of quite a large tract of land at the time of his death, his estate was found to be considerably involved, and as the family consisted chiefly of girls, the care of it and the management of the farm devolved on his older brother, who survived his father but a few years, when this lot fell to Mr. Trindle, consequently his advantages for school, meager at the best in those days, were circumscribed. With a stout heart, he set about the work of paying off the unexpected indebtedness of the estate, and with the aid of the younger members of the family of carrying on and improving the farm, in doing which he laid the foundation of a successful business career. Jan. 19, 1860, he married Miss Hannah Goodhue, who also was born Oct. 8, 1835, in this township the history of whose family appears under the name of Albert Goodhue. From this union nine children were born, of whom six-three boys and three girls-are now living. Mr. T. has in the tract where he now lives 290 acres, a farm of 80 acres in Kansas, and city property in Atchison of that State. He occasionally buys and ships wool, and gives particular attention to the breeding of fine wool sheep, thoroughbred cattle and French horses. He is a member at the Masonic Lodge, No. 384, of Cardington, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican, and one of the recognized leaders of that party in this township, but commands the respect and good will of all parties.

DANIEL WADDELL, merchant; Westfield; was born in Marion Co., Feb. 6, 1823; his father, John Waddell, was born in Wheeling, in 1797, and the day he was of age, he married Margaret Giffin, born there also, in 1799. His father was well educated, and taught school several years. After the birth of their two older children, Nancy and William in 1821, they moved to Marion Co., Ohio, into an unbroken wilderness, having to cut their way through to their cabin. Here they resided during their lives, and raised a family of ten children, of whom Daniel is the third; he gained his education chiefly under the instruction of his father, who, dying when be was eighteen, left the care of the farm, which was only partly cleared, and the care of the family, to Daniel and his older brother, a by no means light burden. Having remained with the family until the members could care for themselves, he married Miss Celia Richardson, Aug. 19, 1847; from this union there were Lucina, born April 1, 1849; and Mary E., April 13, 1857, now married to Scott Clark, of Caledonia, Ohio. He lived three years in Delaware Co., and then moved to Westfield Tp., where his wife died June 2, 1874. Mr. Waddell soon after took an extended trip through the West, and while at Olathe, Kansas, met Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, whom be married Sept. 1, 1875. Mrs. Waddell is a cultured lady, and a fine artist, and has a choice collection of paintings of her own work. She excels especially on portraits. Mr. Waddell, with 0. E. Richardson, founded the hardware and clothing store of Daniel Waddell & Co., of Westfield, in 1878. He has a beautiful home to which is attached ten acres of land lying t outside of the village. Mr. and Mrs. Waddell are strong supporters of the temperance cause, and are members of the M. E. Church, in which Mr. Waddell has been a class-leader for twenty-eight years.

JAMES R. WEST, farmer and wool grower; P. O., Westfield; was born in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., England, Oct. 9, 1809. His father, William West, was a silk manufacturer, and his mother, whose maiden name was Dorothea Rennison, was a milliner. They emigrated to America when James was 9 years of age, settling first in Hartford Co., and subsequently in Baltimore Co., Md. Young West had attended school in England, which, with the exception of one quarter and an occasional night school, provided for the operatives in the factories where he worked,




650 - WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP.

was all the education he ever received; he learned weaving, working first in the Union Mills, in which his father was manager of the weaving department, and subsequently in the Franklin, in which his father was entire manager. In 1830 his father, wishing to improve the condition of his family, thinking it could best be done by going west, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Muskingum Co., where James remained with him five years, when, on June 4, 1835, he was married to Miss Rebecca Hedges. Mrs. West was born in Virginia Feb. 4, 1816, and came to Ohio with her parents when a small child. After two years Mr. West moved to West Rushville, Fairfield Co., where he carried on coverlet-weaving till 1847, when be purchased and moved on the farm where he now resides, and soon after discontinued his trade. His farm consists of 135 acres, under a good state of cultivation, and well adapted to grazing, which Mr. West turns to good account in raising sheep, in which he is largely interested. He has raised a family of six children-Dorothy Jane, born March 28, 1838, died May 1 1876; Nancy Ellen, Dec. 3, 1839; William E., Dec. 3, 1841, died Oct. 6, 1862; Elizabeth Ann, Oct. 9, 1843, died Dec. 20, 1877; James Taylor, Aug. 8, 1848; Maria Emily, July 23,1853, died July 11, 1877. Few men have made greater sacrifices to their country than has Mr. West; his son, William, the first man to enlist in the township, joining the 26th 0. V. I., was permitted to serve his country but about eighteen months, when, on a severe march he contracted an incurable disease. When Mr. and Mrs. West learned that their son must die, with parental affection they desired that he might close his eyes in his dear old home which he loved so well, and for which he offered his life. Mr. West went to the front and succeeded in getting him on the last train for the north-an hour's delay would have been too late. There, among loving friends, after six weeks of suffering, he went to join the great army above. The spirit of patriotism stirred the soul of the youngest son, James, and accordingly, at the age of 16, he ran away and joined the 187th V. I., remaining until the close of the war; he married Miss Jenny McDonald, a native of Pennsylvania, May 8, 1870, and is now engaged in farming with his father. Mr. West has taken an active interest in all things that pertain to the welfare of Westfield Tp., and the people have shown their appreciation of his worth by electing him to various offices, among which is that of Justice of Peace, which he held for many years. He was one of the charter members of Westfield Lodge No. 269, I. O. O. F., and was one of the charter members of the first Lodge in Morrow Co.

JOSEPH WISEMAN, miller, Westfield; was born in Pennsylvania, May 2, 1821; his father was a shoemaker, which calling be followed as well as farming, in Pennsylvania and Ohio; his parents originally settled in eastern Ohio, and after several removals, they came from Crawford Co. to Lincoln Tp., Morrow Co., where his father died in 1859. His time was spent in Ohio in attending school and in assisting his father on the farm; at the age of 23 he married Miss Christianna Aurand, from which marriage there were five children, three of whom are now living; two are married and one yet at home. Mr. Wiseman came to Westfield in 1849, and bought the mill which he now owns, and in which he began business, learning it as he went along; by an unfortunate partnership, he found at the end of two years the $500 he had invested was entirely gone, and hence he had to begin &new; since that time he has been successful, and has accumulated property; besides owning one of the best mills in the country, he has sixty seven acres of land in the vicinity. The present structure of his mill property was built in 1856; it has two run of buhrs, and does the very best of work, having a large custom trade; Mr. Wiseman has in connection with his flouring mill, also run by water, a sawmill, running an old-fashioned sash-saw which does a superior class of work to the modem and more rapid kinds. Mr. Wiseman has held various positions of trust in the township, and was for fifteen years Justice of the Peace, which attests his popularity among the people of Westfield Tp. Politically, he musters with the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 407, at Ashley.


(RETURN TO THE FRONT PAGE)