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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
SOLOMON APPLE, farmer; P. O. St. Paris; born in Jackson Township Champaign County June 11, 1835; is a son of Solomon and Catharine Apple. He was born in Pennsylvania Sept. 14, 1804, and came to Ohio with his parents when quite young; they settled in Montgomery County, where he grew to maturity and married Catharine Snapp, a daughter of Rhinard Snapp. Immediately after marriage they came to Champaign County and entered 160 acres of land in Jackson Township, on which they located, and which they took from a state of nature and made a comfortable home. They afterward purchased 80 acres joining their quarter-section and 100 acres in Johnson Township. Eight children were born to them-David, William, Sarah, Solomon, Mary, Noah, Simon and Daniel; the first and the last are deceased. Solomon Apple, Sr., departed this life Sept. 3, 1861 ; Catharine, his wife, survived till March 31, 1868, and died at the age of 58 years 6 months and 26 days; both had been members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church from youth, and were faithful Christian people to the last-rearing their family in the church. Solomon, the subject of this sketch, was raised a farmer and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is an enterprising farmer and owns 132 acres of land, 55 of which is a part of his father's farm. On Sept. 25, 1861, he married Frances Kesler; she was born in this township, June 11, 1837. One child is the issue of this marriage-Perry, born Oct. 12, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Apple are consistent members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
NOAH APPLE, farmer; P. O. St. Paris; was born in Jackson Township, May 20, 1840. He is a son of Solomon and Catharine Apple, who is mentioned in the sketch of Solomon Apple. Noah was also bred a farmer; he owns 92 acres of the home farm, which is in a high state of cultivation with excellent buildings, erected at a cost of $3,000. On June 22, 1865, be was united in marriage with Catharine Sivert; she was born in Johnson Township Aug. 16, 1842, and is a daughter of Joseph and Mary Sivert, who were early settlers in that township. They were the parents of five children; three are still living-Elizabeth, Catharine and John. Mrs. Mary Sivert de-parted this life May 18, 1868, at the age of 51 years 5 months and 19 days; Joseph, her husband, is still living. Noah and Catharine Apple are the parents of two children -Emanuel, born Dec. 10, 1866, and Ada D., Oct. 13, 1873; Emanuel has not been able to walk for about seven years the result of a hereditary disease, something like spinal affection. Mr. and Mrs. Apple are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
OBADIAH BAKER, farmer; P. O. St. Paris; was born in Clark Co., Ohio, March 1, 1833; his parents, John and Barbara Baker, were both natives of Virginia, but came to Ohio before they were married, and were early settlers in Clark County, where he still resides at the age of 85; as nearly as is known, there is no record of his birth; his wife's decease occurred Nov. 6, 1876, at the age of 72 years. They were the parents of nine children; one died in infancy, the other eight are all living and have families, ex cept the youngest. Obadiah was raised on the farm; his education consisted mainly in learning to handle the ax, the maul and the plow; although he has, by his own efforts, succeeded in getting a sufficient knowledge from books to transact business successfully; he owns 80 acres of land in Jackson Township, which be took from the green woods, and on which he has spent many a hard day's work in the twenty-one years of his occupancy. On the 25th of August, 1859, he married Elizabeth Bowers, a native of this county; she was born Feb. 2, 1842. To this union seven children have been given; six are still living-William, Alma, Jacob, Sarah, Irvin and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church from their youth.
E. E. BAILEY, farmer; P, O. Christiansburg ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Jan. 20, 1838, and is a son of Henry and Rachel Bailey, both natives- of Maryland. She was born Jan 3, 1808, and he about 1794. They were the parents of six
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children-Elizabeth (deceased), Edgar E., Henry C., Isabella, Amanda and Rachel. Mr. Henry Bailey died in 1848. His widow is still living, and resides in Miami Co., where she located in 1856. Edgar E. worked on the farm for his mother till 21 years of age, when for two years he was engaged in the dry-goods business in Southern Illinois. He has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the spring of 1871, he moved to his present residence, in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., near Addison, having purchased 100 acres the fall previous. In the spring of 1861, he met with a misfortune that will render him a cripple all his days. His left knee is perfectly stiff from a bruise occasioned by a fall. Notwithstanding his lameness, he is an enterprising farmer, and does a thriving business. His farm is well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He has served as Trustee of the township for three years. On the 26th of November, 1870, he married Elizabeth M. Peck. She was born in Miami Co., Ohio, Aug. 1, 1837, a daughter of Joshua and Mary (McCullough) Peck, who were early settlers in Miami Co. Mrs. Bailey is a member of the Christian Church.
BENONI BARNS, retired farmer; P. O. St. Paris. To the gentleman whose name appears above, we are pleased to give space in the pages of this work. He is one among the oldest natives and continuous residents of the county, now living, having been 75 years old the 25th of March last (1830). His grandfather, Robert Barns, was of Irish descent, and came from Kentucky to this State about 1803. He settled in Champaign Co., near its present southern limit. Benoni was raised a farmer, and lived with an uncle till 31 years of age. His uncle aided him in procuring eighty acres of wild land, which he set to work to improve. He had about thirty acres cleared and a brick house erected, when, in 1834, he traded it for the east eighty of his present farm. He then purchased the eighty west of him, and built a saw-mill on Chapman's Creek, which runs through his land. For about twenty-seven years he ran the mill in connection with his farm. At one time he owned about five hundred acres of land, but distributed all but about one hundred and forty-five among his children. In 1826, April 15, he married Sarah Latta. She was born in the eastern part of this State, June 3, 1809. This union has lasted for more than fifty-four years, and has been blessed with four children-Margaret L, Levi C., Johnson L. and Isabella O. Mrs. Barns is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
L. C. BARNS, farmer, P. O. St. Paris; was born in Mad River Township, Dec. 25, 1830. He is a son of Benoni Barns. He was raised a farmer and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning at the present, 230 acres of land. On the 16th of March 1851, he was united in marriage with Paulina Stephenson. She is a native of Greene Co., Ohio, born Oct. 20, 1831. To this union three children have been given-Charles F., born Dec. 8, 1852. ; Edward L., born Sept. 8, 1854 ; Sarah E., born Dec. 4, 1856, and departed this life July 1, 1861. Charles F. is a member of the M. E. Church.
SAMUEL BATDORF, deceased. He was born in Berks Co., Penn., Feb. 20, 1811. His early life was spent in various occupations, but principally farming. About 1840, he came to Ohio and settled in Greene Co., where he followed farming for ten years. He then came to Champaign Co. and purchased 159 acres of land in Jackson Township, near St.. Paris. In connection with his farm labor, he carried on butchering, furnishing meat for the town for a number of years. On the 12th of January, 1835, he was united in marriage with Susan Neff. She was a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., born April 25, 1811. For over thirty-eight years this union lasted, and was blessed with eight children, viz., Mary, now Mrs. Samuel Bollinger; John H.; Elizabeth, deceased; David; Susan, now Mrs. Franklin Snapp ; Elmine, now Mrs. Asa Brelsford ; Samuel N. and Belle. Samuel Batdorf departed this life Sept. 26, 1873. His widow resides on the farm. She is a member of the Lutheran Church. Several of the children are identified with other churches.
JAMES L. BUTCHER, retired farmer; P. O. Christiansburg; born in Champaign Co. (the part which now f,- forms Clark Co.) May 20, 1813 ; is a son of Joseph and
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Letitia (Lowery) Butcher. She was born in Pennsylvania about 1764, and had been twice married before she became Mrs. Butcher. Joseph Butcher was born in Virginia about 1783, and came to Ohio before his marriage in 1809. They were married in Champaign Co., and settled in the neighborhood of Danielsville, where they lived till the fall of 1816, when they moved near Addison. It then consisted of two houses-one dwelling and one schoolhouse, the style of which, and its school, will be treated in the general history of the township. Here James spent his first school-days. On coming to Addison, Joseph purchased 180 acres of land, which he sold in 1846, and bought 244 acres further east, a part of which James now owns, being the 84 acres on which he made his home. They were the parents of three children-Sarah, Eliza and James L. Letitia Butcher departed this life Sept. 22, 1854, and Joseph just two years later. James L. began life for himself at the age of 22, but at the same time lived with his father. On the 13th of December, 1835, he married Elizabeth Cayho. She was born in Virginia Jan. 10, 1813, and came to Ohio in 1833. To this union nine children have been given ; eight died in early life of lung disease. Joseph, the survivor, was born Oct. 11, 1839. In October, 1867, he married Mary Jane Halvie. She was born in October, 1842. James L. and wife are members of the Christian Church.
SAMUEL DEATON, farmer; P. O. Christiansburg ; was born in Botetourt Co., Va., March 30, 1813, a son of George and Susannah Deaton. She was a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., born in 1787, a daughter of Andrew and Mary Ream. Andrew was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, enlisting at the age of 15. George Deaton was born in Amelia Co., Va., about 1791. He died at the age of 37, the father of nine children -William (deceased), Samuel, George W., Andrew J., Nathan (deceased), Mary, Martha, Susan and Levi. In the summer of 1828, Mrs. Deaton and family moved to Ohio and located near Northampton, Clark Co. She died in Champaign Co. in 1867. Samuel was raised a farmer, but after coming to this county he worked by the month, and, like Abraham Lincoln, got his start in the world by making rails. The first money he ever earned for himself was on Christmas Day, 1830. He made 101 rails before break fast when the snow was four inches deep. Wages then were 25 cents per hundred. He gradually worked along, saving what he made until he was able to purchase a house. Although severely afflicted with rheumatism for nineteen years, he has succeeded in being comfortably situated for declining years, besides assisting his children. At the age of 16, he was unable to read, but by his own earnest effort he qualified himself for the business of life, and taught school eighteen or twenty terms. He has served his township as Assessor two years, Trustee seven years and Constable six years. On the 29th of June, 1841, he was united in marriage with Nancy Carmin. She was born June 4, 1814, and died June 21, 1856, the mother of ten children. Six grew to maturity-William C. (now deceased), Samuel H., Charlotte L, James M., Martha V. and A. B. C. Mr. Deaton married for his second wife Juretta Priest, a daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah Priest, born in Miami Co. June 11, 1833. Mr. Deaton and wife and three children are members of the M. E. Church.
GEORGE W. DEATON, farmer; P.O. Christiansburg; was born in Virginia April 3, 1815. Is a son of George and Susannah Deaton, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Samuel Deaton. George W. was left an orphan at the age of 12, and from that time he made a living as best he could. His mother being poor, he worked by the month till he was married. He then rented farms till he was able to buy one of his own. His first purchase was a piece of wild land in Indiana, which he sold, and, in the fall of 1850, he purchased his present home. In the spring following, he moved on his farm and completed the improvements. He now has a comfortable home of 117 acres under good cultivation. On Oat. 26, 1837, he was united in marriage with Hannah Leffel. She was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Dec. 13, 1818. Her parents, Thomas and Margaret Leffel, were natives of Virginia, but were early settlers in Clark Co. George W. and Hannah Deaton are the parents of nine children - Mary Ann (deceased wife of
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Jonathan Verity, and mother of two children), Susan (now Mrs. John Tullis), Jennie (now Mrs. John Marrett), Levi (deceased), Ezra, John, Milton, Willis and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Deaton and several of the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN A. DEATON, farmer; P. O. Christiansburg; was born in Pike Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Nov. 5, 1835, and is a son of William and Catharine Deaton. She was a native of Clark County; born about 1813. He was born in Virginia in the early part of 1812; a son of George and Susannah Deaton, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Samuel Deaton. William's principal occupation was saw-milling. In later life he also engaged in farming, and owned 153 acres of land. He died Dec. 15, 1855, the father of eight children-George W. (deceased), John A., Mary, Elizabeth, Susan, Calvin B. (deceased), James L. and Eliza. John A. worked on the farm with his mother until 22 years of age, when he commenced life for himself, renting farms in Clark, Miami and Champaign Counties. He now owns about eighty-seven acres of land in Sec. 30 of Jackson Township. In 1857, Feb. 7, he married Lucinda Fuller. She was born in Clark Co., Feb. 10, 1837. Seven children are the fruits of this union - Dora, William L., George W., Levi Morley, Maggie C., Granville M. and Frances. Mr. and Mrs. Deaton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
L. C. C. GILLE (deceased), physician. To the writer it is a pleasant task to record the history of a noble person, and posterity will long hence be gratified to peruse the biography of an honored ancestor. Lewis C. C. Gille was born in Germany, Feb. 22, 1807. He was a descendant of families of rank on both sides. His father's people were ministers, and his mother's officers in the army. He was named and educated by the King. He graduated at the medical college at Hesse-Cassel, and in 1834 came to America. He practiced in the hospital at Washington in 1836, when the cholera was raging. In 1837, he married Catherine Dorshimer; ten children were the fruits of this union ; six grew to maturity and are still living-Elizabeth A., Catharine A., Lewis A., Maria, Mary M. and Edward F. Dr. Gille is still remembered by the people of this county, especially those of Westville and vicinity, where he lived. His death occurred March 12, 1857. Catharine, his wife, was born in Harrisburg, Penn., May 6, 1813, and is a daughter of Andrew Dorshimer. He was born in Amsterdam about the year 1766. Hearing so much said of America, he concluded it was the country for him. At the age of 16, with only $16, which had been given him for spending money while at school, and without saying anything to his parents, he started. He was soon missed, and his parents, suspecting his designs, made search for him. His father and friends overtook him at Liverpool just as they were about ready to set sail. He pleaded to be allowed to go on. His father yielded, and gave him money to defray his expenses. After landing at Philadelphia, he engaged in the mint until old enough to go to a trade. He won the confidence and esteem of all around him; was an especial friend of Lady Washington, who generally bade him adieu by presenting him with a $5 bill. He afterward learned the blacksmith's trade, which he carried on very extensively and successfully in Harrisburg, where at one time he owned a square of brick buildings, besides other property. At the time of the building of the bridge across the Susquehanna, he indorsed for the contractors to the amount of $40,000, which he had to pay. He then went to Mechanicsburg, Penn., where he again accumulated considerable wealth. His first wife died in Philadelphia, leaving one child, Ann. He then married Mrs. Elizabeth Sidle (formerly Miss Elizabeth Ebright), by whom he had four children-Andrew, Jacob, Maria and Catharine. She was the mother of nine children in all, five by her first husband and four by her last; all grew up together as if but one family. He died in 1842.
ARTHUR GUTHRIE, blacksmith and manufacturer of wagons and buggies, Christiansburg ; was born in Clark Co., Jan. 15, 1850. He is a son of Albert and Margaret Guthrie. Margaret is a native of this State, born in 1827. Albert Guthrie was born in Virginia, about 1823, and came to Ohio with his parents when about a
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year old. His occupation was farming; he located in Champaign Co., in 1860, but resides in Shelby Co. at present. He is the father of three children-Cornelius, Arthur and Louise, deceased. Arthur commenced an apprenticeship at blacksmitbing in Millerstown, in this county, with Asa Brelsford, who soon after moved to Addison, where Arthur completed his trade. He then worked in Sidney, Shelby Co., one year; then went to Tennessee for a short time, and then back to Sidney; finally, he returned to Addison, purchased the shops of Mr. Brelsford, and has since been doing a thriving business at blacksmithing and manufacturing wagons and buggies. In 1878, Feb. 19, he was united in marriage with Sarah J. Shinier. She died in January following, and her daughter, Earnest, died in August of the same year. On the 2d of November, 1876, Mr. Guthrie married Miss Ida S. Roberts. One child, Charlie, is the fruit of this union. Mrs. Guthrie is a daughter of G. W. Roberts, one of the Commissioners of this county. Oct. 31, 1859, is the date of her birth. Charlie was born March 17, 1879.
E. C. HOLLIS, butcher, Christiansburg, the senior member of the firm of Hollis & Bro., was born north of Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, Oct. 16, 1840; is the son of Benoni and Lydia Hollis. She is a native of Virginia, born May 2'3, 1822, and came to Ohio with her parents, who settled in Miami Co. Benoni Hollis was born in England, July 13, 1814. He emigrated to America in early life, and, in 1839, married Lydia Duffey. He was a wheelwright, or wagon-maker, and followed his trade in Piqua, where he died July 10, 1848, leaving his wife and three children to mourn his departure ; one daughter, Elizabeth A., preceded him in death. The survivors are Edmund C., Mercy E. and John B. Mrs. Lydia Hollis afterward married Mr. C. D. Boyden. They were the parents of four children-Harry, George, Harriet J. and Cyrus D. Mr. C. D. Boyden departed this life Oct. 24, 1857. His widow is still living, and resides in Addison. E. C. Hollis, the subject of this sketch, learned shoe-making with his step-father, and afterward worked as journeyman at the trade about six years in all, but in the meantime spent about three years in the civil war, a member of Co. A, 2d O. V. I. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Resaca, Buzzard's Roost, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and many others, in the Atlantic campaign. He received an honorable discharge and returned to his home at Addison, bearing the mark of one slight flesh wound. In 1871, he commenced butchering on a small scale, learning the business as he progressed. In 1875, he took his brother John B. in as an equal partner. They are now doing an extensive business in fresh and salt meats, furnishing three villages beside Addison and the surrounding country with meat. Their annual sales amount to over $5,000. They pack about 110 head of hogs each year. In short, they are straightforward, thorough business men. On the 13th of November, 1864, E. C. Hollis was united in marriage with Emily J. Overton. Two children are the fruits of this union-Herman and Anson G. Mrs. Hollis was born in Addison Oct. 17, 1839. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN B. HOLLIS, butcher, Christiansburg; was born in Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, Aug. 17, 1848. He is a son of Benoni and Lydia Hollis, of whom proper mention is made in the sketch of E. C. Hollis. John B. was born an orpban, and started out in the world when quite young to make his own fortune. He was a day laborer until five years ago, when he became a partner with his brother in the butchering business. He is a self-made, enterprising young man, and has won the respect and confidence of the people, as they have shown by electing him to the office of Township Clerk at the last spring election. His marriage to Minnie Spence was celebrated April 6, 1875. She is the only daughter of William and Eliza Spence, born in Clark Co., June 14, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Spence were also natives of Clark Co. He departed this life in 1859.
L. R. HOWELL, dry goods merchant, Christiansburg; was born in Addison, Champaign Co., Dec. 23, 1839. He is a son of Manoah and Ann Howell, both
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natives of Virginia. Daniel Howell, the father of Manoah, came to Champaign Co. about 1810, and entered eighty acres of land just west of Addison, on the line of Champaign and Miami. Here Manoah spent his boyhood days, and got such an education as the schools then afforded. He afterward, by a practical business life, acquired a good business education. On reaching his years of majority, he went into business in Addison, keeping a general store. This was his principal occupation through life. He also owned several farms, of which he had the control. Manoah and Ann Howell were the parents of seven children; five grew to maturity-Louisa C. (wife of J. L. Long), Zilpah A. (now Mrs. E. F. Warner), Rebecca (now Mrs. L. D. Marshall), Levi R. and Mary S. (deceased wife of R. R. Marshall). Manoah Howell departed this life Aug. 18, 1878, aged 70 years, lacking two months. His widow is still living, and is in her 75th year. The subject of this sketch was brought up in the store, and has always been engaged in mercantile pursuits, except three years spent in the service during the civil war. He was a member of Co. A, 2d O. V. I.; enlisted Aug. 27, 1861, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Ky., Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, besides several others of less importance. He passed through safely and received an honorable discharge. Mr. Howell is an enterprising business man, commanding the respect of the people of the community. He has served his township one term as Treasurer. In 1865, May 4, he was united in marriage with Ellen N. Codding. Two children are the fruits of this union-Berths, May and Roma Hand. Mrs. Howell was born in Summit Co., Ohio, March 1, 1843. She is a member of the Baptist Church.
JOSEPH KELLEY, retired farmer; P. O. St. Paris. Among the pioneers of Jackson Township, our subject deserves place in the front rank. He is the oldest native of the township now living, and said to be the first white male child born in it, although he doubts it himself. He is a son of Sampson and Margaret Kelley, whose history is noted in the sketch of William Kelley. Joseph was born Dec. 14, 1808. He remembers seeing Hull's army as it passed through this country. His mother died when quite young, and his father when be was about 18 years of age. He learned brick-laying in early life, which he followed till health and strength failed. He entered eighty acres of land, and began right in the woods, working at his trade during the summer season, and clearing after night and through the winter. He worked for 25 cents per day, when they had to pay 371 cents per yard for calico. Although times were very hard, by honest industry and economy they kept themselves above want, and never suffered for the necessaries of life. They still occupy their first home, and are comfortably situated for old age. For over fifty years they have enjoyed each other's society in wedded life, having married May 11, 1830, Mrs. Susan Kelley, formerly Miss Susan Downey, was born in Virginia Aug. 4, 1806. This union has been blessed with four children-Tabitha A., Sampson E., Frances M. and Mary E. Tabitha and Frances M. both died of scarlet fever when young. Mrs. Kelley is a member of the M. E. Church.
WILLIAM KELLEY, retired tanner and harness-maker; P. O. Christiansburg. Among the pioneers of Champaign Co., the gentleman whose name heads this sketch deserves mention in this work. He was born April 18, 1810. His parents, Sampson and Margaret (Brown) Kelley, came to Jackson Township, Champaign Co., from Virginia, about 1806. According to the best information we can get, they have the honor of being the parents of the first white male child born in Jackson Township. Sampson was a weaver by trade; he entered eighty acres of land, and set to work to subdue the forest and secure a comfortable home. During the fall and winter seasons he worked at his trade. Mrs. Margaret Kelley departed this life in 1814, and he in 1829, but had married for his second wife Mrs. Rebecca Pence (formerly Miss Rebecca Davis), by whom he had four children; one only survives at present. Eight children were the issue of the first marriage. One died in infancy, one about 45, and another upward of 50. Five are still living, the youngest being past 69 years of age. At the
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age of 15. William commenced an apprenticeship at tanning, which trade he followed for about twenty-five years where he resides, in Addison. In 1847, he commenced harness-making, which he followed till about twelve years ago ; he quit his trade and bought a farm, and has since lived rather retired. He has served his township as Trustee four years, and has been Postmaster for about eleven years. His marriage with Nancy Strain was celebrated Aug. 11, 1831. For almost half a century this union has lasted, and has been blessed with eleven children; eight survived their infancy and grew to maturity, viz. : Edwin, Semantha A., Margaret E., Angeline, Isabel, Louise and Emma (both deceased), and Oliver H. Mrs. Nancy Kelley is a native of Virginia, but the date of her birth is not known. It is supposed to be in the year 1813.
WILLIAM B. MCCREA, retired farmer and merchant; P.O. Christiansburg. To the gentleman whose name appears above, we are pleased to allot a space in the biographical album of this work. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Belle) McCrea ; she was of Irish parentage, born on the ocean about 1770; he was born in Ireland, but the date of his birth is not known exactly; the first definite account we have of him after his arrival in America is that he was residing in Catskill, N. Y., where he carried on plastering and masoning ; he afterward moved to Cayuga Co., in the same State, where he assisted in erecting some of the public buildings. In 1817, he emigrated to Ohio and located at Cincinnati; he was the overseer of the masonry for the original part of the water-works of that city. He entered a half-section of land in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, and settled on it in 1820; during the panic which followed, he forfeited the east quarter, and made his improvements on the west quarter; in connection with his clearing and farm labor, he continued to work at his trade a portion of the time; his death occurred in 1838, being about 67 years old; Elizabeth, his wife, survived till 1856. William B. McCrea, the subject of this sketch, was born in the State of New York, Sept. 6, 1806; he received a common-school education, and learned the mason's trade with his father; while living in Cincinnati, he assisted his father at the trade during the summer seasons, and worked in the glass works, white-lead factory or woolen factory in the winter; for four years after their arrival in Champaign Co., he assisted in clearing and working at the trade, when he returned to Cincinnati and engaged as clerk in a store; at the end of six years, he purchased a stock of goods and started a general store at Addison, Champaign Co.; he was engaged in the mercantile business for twenty years, at different places; shortly after commencing business at Addison, he purchased. a piece of land adjoining town, a part of which is now his summer residence; for the last twenty years, he has been spending his winters in Dayton, Montgomery Co., Ohio. In 1830, he built the first frame house erected in Jackson Township. He has served as Magistrate, and has represented his county in the Legislature two terms. Mr. McCrea is one of our self-made men, and, although his form is bending with the weight of years, his intellect seems to be unimpaired. On the 31st of May, 1831, he was united in marriage. with Sarah Hall; seven children are the issue of this marriage-Charles T., Rollin H., W. W., Frank, Julia C., Bell H. and Emma. Mrs. Sarah McCrea was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1809; she and four of the children are members fo the Presbyterian Church.
WALLACE MCCREA, retired farmer; P. O. St. Paris. To another of the early settlers of Jackson Township, Champaign Co., we are pleased to allot a space in the biographical album of this work. He was born in Catskill, N. Y., July 11, 1810; he is a son of John and Elizabeth McCrea, of whom proper mention is made in the sketch of W. B. McCrea. With the exception of about six years, Wallace has made his home on the farm that his father entered, and which he now owns; his occupation through life has been farming and dealing in stock; for the last seven years, he has given the charge of the farm to his son, but has continued to deal in stock till within the last year; he never aspired to office, but has served township as Trustee for twelve years. In 1832, March 22, he married Jane Steapleton ; to this union five
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children were given; three grew to maturity; one only-George G.-survives to the present. Mrs. Jane McCrea was born July 8, 1808, and died in the latter part of June, 1871. George G. McCrea was born July 17, 1836; he served three years in the civil war, a member of Co. E, 113th 0. V. I., entering as a private, but mustered out as Captain. He married Ellen Richards Jan. 1, 1872; one child-John W.-is the fruit of this union; Mrs. McCrea died in less than four years after their marriage.
GEORGE McCULLOUGH, farmer and dealer in fruit-trees; P. 0. Christiansburg ; was born in Greene Co., Penn., June 5, 1817, and is a son of William and Susan (Shidler) McCullough, both natives of Pennsylvania. She was born May 7, 1797, and he Aug. 19, 1793. In 1823, they came to Ohio and settled in Lost Creek Township, Miami Co., where the remainder of their lives was spent. He was a well-to-do farmer and had been identified with most of the offices of his township. Seven children were the issue of their marriage ; all grew to maturity, and five are still living-George, Catharine (now Mrs. Aaron Lane, of Missouri), Mary (now Mrs. David Puterbaugh, of Indiana), Peter (now a prominent minister in the Christian Church, entering the ministerial office at the age of 18), and Susan, wife of Rev. T. A. Branden, a prominent minister of the Christian Church, of Union City, Ind. Susan McCullough departed this life, Jan. 15, 1849 ; he survived till Jan. 11, of the following year. They had been zealous, exemplary Christian people, and brought their children up in the Christian Church. George worked at home for his parents until 28 years of age, and assisted in clearing up 200 acres of land. He remembers how the deer used to take their little crop almost entirely. Wild turkeys were also numerous and destructive to crops. In 1849, George moved to Addison, and engaged in the mercantile business, handling a general line of goods. For some time he has been a dealer in fruit-trees. He also owns 121 acres of land, in two separate tracts, all in a high state of cultivation. He served as Revenue Assessor about five years, and was Postmaster several years. On the 18th of November, 1849, be was united in marriage with Amanda S. Warner. She was born at Springfield, Clark Co., May 5, 1830. Four children have been born to them, viz., Derostus M., Emma C., Lillia F. and George W. They are all members of the church. D. M. is a prominent grocer, of Troy, Ohio : Emma C. is now the wife of Rev. H. E. Smith, of Blanchester, Ohio.
JOHN McMORRAN, farmer; P. O. St. Paris. To the gentleman whose name appears above we are pleased to give more than a passing notice. He is the son of Samuel and Barbara (Heaston) McMorran, who were among the pioneers of this county. She was a native of Virginia, born in 1789; he was born in 1785, in Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. About ten years of his life were spent in the State of New York, where he was engaged in clearing up a farm. In 1811 or 1812, he emigrated to Ohio, and settled near Dayton, Montgomery Co., then went to Champaign Co. three years later. In 1815, he entered a quarter-section of land in Johnson Township, and set about clearing up a farm ; and, of course, had to contend with the hardships and inconveniences of the times. Cincinnati was their principal market. Thither, over roads that to-day would be considered impassable, they took their produce, flour and bacon, and there procured their salt and iron-about the only two articles they were compelled to buy. Time works mighty changes. The pioneers lived on plain food and enjoyed life; their descendants gormandize and die premature deaths from the effects. Mr. McMorran has served as Township Trustee in both Johnson and Jackson Townships, and was a juror in the Common Pleas Court for many years. He was the father of eight children, six of whom survived their infancy and grew to maturity - John, Christian, Eliza (now Mrs. Simeon Pence), Samuel, Jacob and James. The latter died at the age of 22, shortly after marriage. John, the subject of this sketch, was born in Johnson Township, Champaign Co., Oct. 5, 1815 ; was raised to agricultural pursuits, which has been his occupation through life. He has divided something near 500 acres of land among his children, and still owns about 118 acres. He married Sidney Wiant in 1838. She was born in December, 1819, and departed this life Aug.
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25, 1849, the mother of three children-Sarah Jane, now Mrs. T. Schooler ; Samuel, and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Strock. In 1852, he married Amy Riker. She was born in October, 1824. The issue of this marriage were three children, two of whom grew to years of maturity-Mary, now Mrs. William H. Jones, and Eliza, now Mrs. Garehart. Mr. McMorran and wife and three children are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
WILLIAM MARSHALL, dealer in stock and real estate; P. O. Christiansburg. Lemon Marshall, his father, was born in Virginia June 28, 1801. He attended medical lectures in Cincinnati, where, in 18'35, he married Amy Johnson ; she is a native of Kentucky, born Nov. 4, 1805. They located in Springboro, Warren Co., Ohio, where he practiced medicine till 1834, when they moved to Addison, Champaign Co. Becoming afflicted with rheumatism, he was obliged to decline riding, and then followed school-teaching as his principal occupation. He also served as Justice of the Peace several years. Five children were the issue of his marriage; one preceded him in death ; the other four are still living, viz. : Lindsey A., Nancy (now Mrs. Robert Wood), William and Lemon D. Lemon Marshall departed this life June 7, 1841. His widow is hale and sprightly, and apparently not more than 50 years old; she still bears the name of her departed husband. William, the subject of this sketch, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, April 11, 183'3. When but 9 years old, he commenced an apprenticeship at the tailor trade, but, before his trade was learned, and, when about 12 years old, he commenced trading; this has been his chief occupation through life dealing in stock of all kinds, and in real estate. His home consists of 6 acres adjoining Addison, with good buildings, especially the house, which is very commodious and comely, and which is surrounded by forest trees ; he also owns '3'20 acres of land in two other tracts, in Jackson Township. On the 25th of July, 1851, he was united in marriage with Savannah Gorsuch ; she was born in Dayton, Ohio, Sept. 3, 1835, and died Aug. 25, 1867 ; three children were the fruits of this union ; one died in infancy; the living are Lemon E. and William C. Mr. Marshall celebrated his second marriage Oct. 1, 1868, with Mary 11. Gille (a daughter of Dr. L. C. C. Giile, who is mentioned in this work). July 14, 1849, is the date of her birth. One child-Savannah-is the fruit of this union.
ISAIAH MILLER, farmer; P. O. Christiansburg; was born in Virginia June 1826, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents, John and Jane Miller, about 1834. They settled in Miami Co., south of Troy, where they purchased 160 acres of land, on which they spent the remainder of their days. Twelve children were the issue of their marriage-Zachariah. John V., Jacob, Mary, William, Samuel, Sarah, Levi, James, Elizabeth, Jane and Isaiah. Samuel, James and Elizabeth are deceased. Mrs. Jane Miller departed this life in about 1853, and he about 1858. Isaiah, the subject of this sketch, worked on the farm for his father till about 16 years old, when he went to learn the tailor trade. He followed tailoring at different places, in all about eight years; he also served as dry-goods clerk for some time, and was in the grocery business at Troy for about eight years. In 1873, he purchased a farm of 74 1/2 acres in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., where he has since resided, following agricultural pursuits. He has since added 71 acres to his original purchase, and now has a beautiful home. His farm is well improved, and in a good state of cultivation. At the last spring election. he was elected Township Treasurer, which office he is filling with credit. On the 24th of December, 1854, he was united in marriage with Orphia Amanda Culbertson ; she was born Nov. 16, 1834 ; to this union three children have been given-John C., Luther A. and Elmer I.
J. F. OVERTON, dealer in boots and shoes, Christiansburg; was born in Addison, Champaign Co., Feb. 25, 1850, and is a son of Silas B. and Elizabeth J. Overton ; she was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, June 28, 1818; he was born at Henderson, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1808. His father was a blacksmith, and he learned the trade of him. After reaching his majority, he spent several years in different places in different States,
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 741
working at his trade. He came to Champaign Co. in about 1831, and worked as journeyman for Mr. John Herd, of Urbara. He afterward located at Addison and carried on his trade. His death occurred March 18, 1880. He was the father of nine children; one died in youth, eight grew up, and seven are still living-Sarah Belle, Emily J., Darwin N., Harriet N., Orville D., John F., Charles H. and Willard E.; Charles H. deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Overton is still living, and resides at Addison. John F. occupied his time in early life by working at day labor in the summer season and attending school through the fall and winter. At the age of 21, he learned the shoemaker trade, which has since been his occupation. In addition to the maufacture of custom-made work, he is now handling a stock of ready-made boots and shoes. He has recently been appointed Postmaster. On the 7th of November, 1878, he married Charlotte B. Light; she was born April 25, 1861 ; to this union one child has been given-Maurice Glenwood.
WILLIAM IRVIN PENCE, farmer and manufacturer of drain tile; P. O. St. Paris; born in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., Sept. 8, 1836; is a son of Aaron and Rebecca Pence. She is a native of Pennsylvania; he of this State and county. He entered 200 acres of land in the above-named township, which he improved. He was the father of ten children, one died in infancy and one accidentally shot himself when about 13 years. of age. The remaining eight are still living. Aaron Pence departed this life March 6, 1869. His widow is still living and resides on the home farm. William I. was raised a farmer's boy, and received a common-school education. With the exception of six years spent in Hardin Co., Ohio, has resided in his native county and township. He is still engaged in agriculture, and also has an interest in a steam thresher. In 1874, he and two brothers built a the-mill and commenced the manufacture of drain tile. After operating three years, one of the brothers withdrew from the firm, leaving William I. and Jason P. to conduct the business, which they do very successfully. They put out about thirteen kilns annually, each kiln containing 800 rods. On the 22d of April, 1860, he was united in marriage with Catharine W Wolgamuth ; eleven children are the fruits of this union-seven sons and four daughters, all living and enjoying good health. Their names are as follows: Stephen A. D., Elmer S., Miles M., Rose E., Hattie E., Charles F., Emmet C., Fletcher M., Clara A., John and Emma R. Mrs. Pence is also a native of this township, born April 17, 1837. She is a member of the Myrtle Tree Baptist Church.
I. P. POND, merchant tailor, Christiansburg ; is a son of Jonathan F. and Mary S. (Parker) Pond, both natives of New Jersey. She was born Feb. 24, 1802; and he Oct. 11, 1795. They came to Ohio with their parents in 1816, and settled in Clermont Co. They were married Sept. 21, 1820, and soon after moved to Warren Co. In 1832, they came to Champaign Co. and located in Addison. He had learned shoemaking in his younger days, and here as well as elsewhere he carried on his trade. They were the parents of nine children, three are still living-Mary Ann, now Mrs. W. M. Darnell; Isaac P. and John F. Jonathan F. Pond departed this life May 9, 1848; and she June 27, 1875. Isaac P., the subject of this sketch, was born in Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, Sept. 29, 1828. He worked at shoemaking with his father till he reached his majority, when he commenced an apprenticeship at tailoring. After completing his trade, he went to California and was engaged in mining four years. In about two years after his return, he engaged in the shoe trade, which he carried on about eighteen years and then went back to tailoring, which he has conducted for the last four years. He has served three years as Justice of the Peace; is filling that office at the present. He has been Secretary of the Pioneer Association ever since its organization in 1868, except the first year. In 1854, Sept. 10, he married Mary Darnell, by whom he had one child-Lillia May (deceased). Mrs. Mary, Pond departed this life Oct. 21, 1860. On the 5th of May, 1862, he was again united in marriage, with Mary J. Whitmore. She died April 10, 1864. His third marriage was solemnized Sept. 14, 1865, with Margaret E. Ross. She was born Aug. 25, 1840. Two children are the fruits of
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this union-F. Ross and Jessie ( deceased.). Mr. and Mrs. Pond are members of the Baptist Church.
GEORGE W. ROBERTS, farmer and stock-dealer P. O. Christiansburg, was born in Bellbrook, Greene Co., Ohio, April 10, 1833; he is a son of Nathan and Elizabeth (Clark ) Roberts, both natives of Pennsylvania ; she was born in 1807 and he in 1804. They came to Ohio in 1832, and settled in Greene County; the next year they moved to Miami County, where they remained two years, then moved to Addison and kept hotel one year; they then moved on the farm where G. W. now resides ; it has been his home ever since. Nathan was a nail-cutter in early life, but after coming to this State was chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was the father of seven children ; one died in infancy; the names of the others are Ann Eliza, William, Samuel (deceased), George W., Mary Jane and Lewis (both deceased); Nathan Robert departed this life in 1842, and his wife in 1871. G. W. was raised a farmer and worked for his mother until 16 years of age, when he took charge of the farm for her. Being left an orphan at the age of 9, he learned very early to take care of himself, in which he has been very successful. He is an enterprising farmer, owning 96 acres of good land, which is in a high state of cultivation. He is one of the best grain-growers m the township, and also deals in stock. He has been Trustee in the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years ; he has also been identified with the principal township offices-Trustee and Treasurer, and is County Commissioner at the present time. Sept. 25, 1856, he was united in marriage with Diantha Corbly ; she was born in Champaign County June 12, 1836. They are the parents of nine children-E. F., I. S., L. E., F. C., Carrie, Mirta, Wilbur, Lizzie and Mabel. Mr. Roberts and four of the children are members of the M.. E. Church.
DANIEL SNAPP, SR., retired farmer; P. O. St. Paris. To another of the early settlers of Jackson Township we are pleased to allot a space in, the biographical. album of this work. He was born in Berks Co., Penn., Sept. 7, 1804, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents at a very early age, probably not quite 3 years old ; they settled in Montgomery County, within about four miles of Dayton. Daniel was raised to farm life, and shortly after his marriage he entered 80 acres of land in Jackson Township, Champaign County, on which they located in March of 1827. For some time they were busy in battling with the monarchs of the forest, but succeeded in converting the wilds into a comfortable home, and have since added many acres to their possessions. He now owns a quarter-section, having distributed the other among his children. His marriage with Rebecca Barnhart was solemnized Jan. 1, 1825; she was also a native of Pennsylvania. The following children were the issue of this marriage: Solomon, Rhinard (deceased), Daniel, William and Leonard (both deceased), Benjamin, Simon, Catharine, Philip (deceased), and Franklin; these all lived to marry and have families, except Philip, who died at the age of 17 ; Rebecca Snapp departed this life in June, 1859, having been a member of the German Reformed Church from youth. Daniel has been a life-long member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Several of the children are also identified with the same.
DUNCAN THACKREY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Dialton, Clark Co. To the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch we are pleased to allot a space in these pages. He was born in Yorkshire, England, Dec. 10, 1813 ; his parents, John and Elizabeth Thackrey, were natives of the above-named place. They, with their family of. six children, emigrated to America in 1829 ; they stopped for a short time in Clark Co., Ohio, but in October of the same year they came to Jackson Township, Champaign County, and settled in the woods, without a house to shelter them ; he was without means himself, but a friend of his, a Mr. Patterson, entered 80 acres of land for him and waited till he could repay him. Commencing right at the bottom, as we may truly say, by hard work, energy and economy, they in time succeeded in subduing the forest and making a comfortable home here, besides purchasing a quarter-section of land in Iowa. One child was born to them in this country, making seven in all, of
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 743
whom five are still living. Duncan, the oldest, lived at home and worked for his father till about 25 years of age, when he began life for himself; for three years he worked by the month at $10 per month; at the death of his father, he went home and conducted the farm for his mother for three years. In the meantime, in December of 1844, he married Susan Ray; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1820. To this union nine children have been given-Ann J., Sarah E., Mary, John, William, Finley, Arabell, Joseph and Emma. Mr. Thackrey is an honest, straightforward, hardworking man, and owns 360 acres of land in this county, and 411 1/2 acres in Clark County. His home farm consists of 280 acres, which is well improved and in a high state of cultivation-all the fruits of his industry. Mrs. Thackrey and four of the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM WEST, farmer; P. O. St. Paris. To the gentleman whose name heads this sketch we are pleased to yield a space in this work; he is a son of Stocket, and a grandson of Basil West. Basil was a slaveholder, and lived successively in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and, finally, Ohio. They located in Mad River Township, Champaign Co., about 1808, but soon entered land in Jackson Township, and settled on it. Stocket was born in South Carolina about 1790; he was raised a farmer, but was a good blacksmith and carpenter, and could spin and weave. In April, 1816, he married Elizabeth Merritt. She was born in Virginia July 13, 1792, a daughter of John and Margaret Merritt, who came to Ohio about 1818, and settled in Jackson Township. Stocket and Elizabeth West were the parents of nine children-John, William, David, Sarah, James, Henry, Jerry, Mary and Jane. William, Henry, Jerry and Jane are the only survivors; the others died of lung disease. Stocket was identified with the principal offices of the township-Trustee, Treasurer, etc.-for a number of years; he owned 210 acres of land, which he and his family cleared up and improved, except about 10 acres. His death occurred in July, 1852; his wife survived till October, 1876. Both had been members of the Honey Creek Baptist Church for a number of years. William, the subject of this sketch, was born in Jackson Township, July 13, 1818; he formerly dealt in stock considerably, and made a start in the world by dealing in horses. He now devotes his time to farming almost entirely. He owns 160 acres of land in a high state of cultivation, with excellent buildings and other improvements. On the 3d of February, 1848, he married Hester C. Grafton, a native of this township, born Nov. 18, 1822. Three children have been born to them-John, born Jan. 18, 1849, and died at the age of four years ; George W., born Jan. 16, 1855; and Henry C., born July 17, 1857. Mrs. West is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On the 17th of October, 1878, George W. was united in marriage with Ellen A. Breslin ; she was born in St. Paris, March 21, 1856
WILLIAM WHEATON, farmer and grain dealer; Allen's P. O., Miami County; was born in Warren Co., Ohio, March 10, 1830. The early part of his life was spent at various kinds of work; his father being very poor, he learned at an early age to rely upon his own efforts to gain a livelihood; the first contract he ever took was to cut twelve cords of wood at 20 cents per cord; when the work was completed, he received payment for eleven and a half cords, on the plea that it was not properly put up; he has made rails at 18 cents per hundred. Thus he toiled on; after awhile he began to farm, and saved some little money, which he came near losing. To save himself, he took a warehouse at Lena, Miami Co. He was then without a cent of money to do business on. He engaged to buy grain on commission for Achholtz, Payne & McGrew, of Urbana, which he did very successfully. This was in 1870, when he was also made freight agent, receiving a free pass from Piqua to Columbus as compensation. After one year, he sold a half-interest in the building, and formed a partnership with I. M. Wolcot ; they continued to buy for the firm in Urbana for two years, when they concluded to do business for themselves. Although Mr. Wheaton had never attended school but eight days in his life, the principal part of the business devolved upon him, as his partner was a young man, and was otherwise engaged. Since the
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spring of 1880, Mr. Wheaton is alone in business, and is dealing in New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. He owns several farms, and is a live business man. His marriage with Jane Williams was celebrated Sept. 14, 1852. To this union seven children were given-John M. (deceased), Thomas B., Mary Rowena, Elroy, Sarah J., Jacob F. and Charles L. (deceased). Mrs. Jane Wheaton is a daughter of Jacob and Patience Williams. She was born in Montgomery County, March 27, 1827.
CASPER M. ZERKEL, farmer; P. O. St. Paris; was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., May 27, 1838 ; he is a son of Michael and Susannah (Pence) Zerkel, both natives of the above-named State and county. C. M. was left motherless at the age of 6 months, and his only brother died in youth. His father afterward married for his second wife, Elizabeth Pence. Casper M. was raised by his grandfather, Lewis Zerkel with whom he lived till nearly 21 years of age, when he came to his present residence, and lived with his father, who died in 1870. He, being the only child, now owns the farm of 214 acres, except the widow's dower. In 1863, June 25, he was united in marriage with Mary Angeline Kesler. She was born in Clark County, July 20, 1845. To this union three children have been given-Sarah C., born Aug. 18, 1866; Lewis I., born March 13, 1869; and John F., born Jan. 12, 1879.Mr. and Mrs. Zerkel are members of the German Reformed Church.