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SANDUSKY TOWNSHIP - 877 SANDUSKY TOWNSHIP. REV. JOHN B. BLAYNEY, retired clergyman, Tiro. Rev. John B. Blayney, well known to the citizens of Crawford Co., was born March 29, 1811, and is a native of the "Old Dominion." He is the son of George Blayney and Margaret Buchanan. His father removed from Virginia to Morrow Co., Ohio, where he died at the age of 70, John B. is a graduate of Washington College, Pennsylvania, and was licensed to preach in 1840. He first commenced his labors in Delaware Co., where he served various stations for about a year, when he was placed in charge of the new church at Iberia. He was the first Pastor of this Presbyterian Church. and so continued for twenty years, during which time, by his labors. the church grew to be self sustaining. Mr. Blayney did excellent work in this vineyard of Christ. and, as an instance of his good work, we may say that he never held a communion service but what some were admitted to the church. He was married. in 1840, to Tamer Elliott, who died in 1848, leaving two children-David B. and Tamer. Mr. Blayney was remarried. Oct. 30, 1851, to Mrs. Catherine Stockton Extell. Five children are of this marriage - John B., a Presbyterian clergyman: Francis S., a graduate of Wooster. who is also a minister, and who in August, left for Omaha to commence his labors in the Master's vineyard; Anna Mary, Martha, Margaret, Sarah Catherine. The three last-named daughters are at home. Mr. Blayney was one of the gentlemen who organized the Central College at Iberia, which is now quite an institution. He has now retired from the pulpit and is living on his farm, surrounded by all that tends to make life pleasant, and enjoying the respect of his neighbors. He has been distinguished as a devoted worker in the cause of Christ, and his reward will he given with the words of Scripture, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joys of thy Lord." CHARLES A. BROWN, farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Wittenberg, Germany, Nov. 13, 1831, and is the son of .John and Rosanna (Gruber) Brown, or Braun, as it is in the original German. His parents came to the United States in 1833, and were thirty days in crossing the ocean. They first settled in Columbiana Co., and the following year removed to Crawford Co. and settled in this township, where Mr. Brown's father lived till his death in 1856. Here our subject was reared and schooled, and has always followed farming. He has been a successful farmer, and has, by hard work and shrewd business habits, amassed considerable property. He is living now near the center of the township, and has a fine farm and pleasant home, being blessed with a good family of loving and bright children. He was married in 1871 to Lavinia Easterday, of Vernon Township. They have four children - Wilson, Albertus, Milton and one unnamed. WILLIAM COX, retired farmer; P. O. Liberty Corners; is the son of Emmoe and Elizabeth (Hough) Cox, and was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Aug. 12, 1805. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and was raised in Chester Co., where he lived throughout the Revolution. The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm in Franklin Co., eight miles southeast of Columbus. Here he received his education, his first teacher being Rhoda Goodrich, of Delaware Co. While a young man, Mr. Cox commenced teaching, and himself and brother were among the first school-teachers in Franklin Co. He 878 - BIOGRAPHICAL. SKETCHES: also continued at farming, and was married in 1829 to Sarah Ward, of Franklin Co., who was born on Blennerhasset's Island. Two years after this marriage, in 1831, he came out to Ohio, and settled in Sandusky Township, thus being one of its oldest living pioneers. Here he followed farming. and also for several years was school-teacher during the winter, so that he is also one of the pioneer school-teachers of the county. Mr. Coy lived with his first wife a little over fifty years, and of this union there were eight children - Hannah Eliza dying at the age of 8, leaving the following now living and doing well; G. W. Cox. living in Paulding Co. ; Lydia Jane, Greenwood, Mo. ; Margaret near Upper Sandusky.; Emmor, in Crestline, Sarah, Seymour, Indiana ; John, in Paulding Co., and Mary, the wife of Obadiah Fry, living in Sandusky Township. Mr. Cox was remarried. July 16, 1878, to Eliza Walter, widow of Antony Walter, of Sandusky Township, and they are now spending their last days in ease and retirement, honored and respected by all who know them. J. C. COLE, farmer ; P. O. Biddle; was born in Auburn Township, this county, on April 17, 1824, and is the son of Barnett Cole who was one of the very earliest settlers of that section. Mr. Cole, the subject of our sketch. is one of the first white children born in Auburn, and is. therefore, one of the oldest living pioneers of the county. A short time after his birth, his father removed into Vernon Township, and settled below what is now called Liberty Corners. Mr. Cole was brought up amid the difficulties incident to pioneer life and was, like many others, educated in a rude schoolhouse, contrasting greatly with the commodious structures of to-day. He was reared on a farm, but after reaching manhood he learned the trade of weaving fancy coverlets and followed this trade for a number of years with good success. Since then, he has paid considerable attention to farming, and is now running a cider press on his place. By habit; of industry he has gathered around him a nice property, and is one of the most respected citizens of his township. He was married in 1858, to Miss Mary A. Warner, of Vernon Township a sister of Esquire Warner, of Liberty Corners whose history occurs elsewhere. This union was blessed with nine children, three of whom Amos, Sarah, and an infant. are dead. Those living are Samuel F., George, John B., Clara, Alexander and Albert. ANDREW DICKSON, Sr., farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs. Andrew Dickson, Sr., one of the prominent members of his family, is a son of Andrew Dickson and Sarah Frazer, and was born in Indiana Co., Penn., June 24, 1811. He removed to this county at the age of 20, and has since resided here. He was married, first in 1833. to Mary T. Cummins in this county who died in 1834, leaving one child, Sarah J., who is the wife of J. D. Brown, of Tiro. Mr. Dickson was re-married in 1841, to Mary Clemons, who is still living. Nine children are the fruits of this union, three, however, being deceased. Those living are Mary. Ann, wife of Geo. Johnson; John Andrew, Eliza Catharine, Maria Celina, Elizabeth F.., Hannah J. Mr. Dickson has been one of the prominent men of Crawford County, and by his integrity has won for himself a high place among his fellow-citizens. He has been engaged principally in stock-raising and farming, and it is said that his farm is one of the finest in the county. He has been Justice of the Peace for several years, and served two terms as County Commissioner. He was also President for three years of the Crawford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In 1871, he was a member of the State Board of Equalization, of which Hon. W. S. Groesbeck, of Cincinnati, was President. Mr. Dickson has been a prominent man in the affairs of his county, and his ability and good judgment entitle him to a front place among Crawford County's citizens. His family is one of the oldest in the county. Seldom have so large families been found where Christianity has been ever a controlling element, and whose members take delight in the ways of righteousness and paths of peace. A. D. GROGG, farmer : P. O. Biddle ; was born April 25, 1847, in Liberty Township, this county, and is the son of Abraham and Anna (Bowers) Grogg, who are still living and highly esteemed residents of Liberty Township. Her father is a native of Pennsylvania; and came to this county from Stark Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch was reared in Liberty Township, and received a good education, fitting him especially for business life. His father has always been a farmer and his son is now one of the most successful young farmers in Sandusky Township. He was married on Nov. 28, 1867, SANDUSKY TOWNSHIP. - 879 to Eliza Jane Cobb, of this county. They have three children living - Drusilla A., Daniel E. and Abraham L. ; two other children dying when very young. Mr. Grogg is a life-long Republican, but is a man universally respected in his township, and. although it is strongly Democratic. He was recently elected Justice of the Peace, but refused to serve. He is a man of enlightened opinions and of that agreeable disposition that makes him popular with all. JOHN KNISELY, farmer; P. O. North Robinson; was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, near what is now New Philadelphia, Jan. 20, 1822; he is the son of Samuel Knisely, who was a native of York Co., Penn., and who was one of the earliest settlers in Sandusky Township, coming here in 1828. He settled on the place now owned by Joseph Knisely. The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm amid the privations of frontier life, and denied the educational privileges that now exist he, however, being a man of considerable natural talent and love of knowledge, improved himself as time and circumstances would allow, and acquired thereby a good self-education. He has a fine farm, well improved. and a fine residence which is an ornament to the neighborhood. He has served in several township offices, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his neighbors. He has been identified with the stock trade to a considerable extent. and is now one of the most efficient agrents of the Mutual Insurance Company of Norwalk, Ohio. for which he is doing valuable work. He was married, June 10, 1846. to Elizabeth Esterline, of Vernon Township; they have four children living -Lydia Jane, Mary Louisa, William J. and Rosa Lucinda, all of whom are married and doing well. PHILLIP KELLER. farmer : P. O. Sulphur Springs: was born in January, 1818, in Northampton Co., Penn., and is the son of .John H. and Maria (Engler) Keller. The family record can he traced back to the great-grandfather and, being interesting, we leave copied the record from the family Bible, as follows: .Joseph Keller, born March 15, 1719 ; died. Sept. 17, 1800. His consort. Maria E. Good. born Sept. 15, 1718 ; died April 22, 1802, Phillip Keller born March 29, 1763 ; died Oct. 2, 1842; first wife, Sarah Miller, born Sept. 27, 1763 ; died Oct. 16, 1804 ; second wife Susanna Niemeier, born Nov. 22, 1770; died, Dec. 4, 1859. John H. Keller, born Dec. 24, 1786 ; died Sept. 10, 1867. Maria Engler, born July 4, 1797 ; still living in Bucyrus, aged 83. The family history of the Kellers is very interesting. Two brothers of Phillip (grandfather to our subject) were in the Revolution, and in most of the hard-fought battles under Gen. Washington. In the family of Mr. Keller's father, there were six brothers and two sisters, of whom Phillip is the oldest. Two brothers, Amos and Aaron, were killed at the battle of "Stone River," during the late war. His father removed from Northampton Co., Penn., to this State in 1856, settling in this county, and Mr. Keller has been engaged in farming ever since. He was married in 1845, to Hannah Stocker, in Pennsylvania. Most of his life has been spent in farming. except some four years in which he taught school. He has living, seven children-Maria B., Sabina E., John Henry, Ellen S., Abbie L., Lydia Ann, Francis Amos. Those deceased are Susanna and Sarah Ann. Mr. Keller has been Justice for some time. and is now President of the Crawford Co. Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He has a fine home, is surrounded by a loving family, and has gathered around him the requirements and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. Keller is a Republican, and a man held in high esteem throughout the county. JOSIAH KELLER, farmer; P. O. Tiro ; was born in Northampton Co., Penn., Oct. 14, 1846 and is the son of Joseph and Lavinia (Kline) Keller. He received a good education. and at the age of 11, he with his parents removed to this State. settling where the son now lives The father is now a respected and esteemed citizen of Annapolis. The subject of our sketch has lived on a farm, and has been a successful farmer. He was married in May, 1871, to Miss Maggie Reynolds, of Kansas. Of this marriage there have been three children-Lillie D. born Dec. 22, 1873: Lavinia B.. born April 7, 1877, and died Nov. 30, 1879, and an infant born on the 8th of January, 1880. Mr. Keller is an enterprising, successful farmer, a man of enlightened views, and a Christian gentleman. He is a Republican in politics. and has always clung to that faith. He is a member of the church, and in every way an upright and substantial citizen. LEWIS LITTLER, farmer ; P. O. Leesville; was born in Hardy Co., Va.. Dec. 13, 1811. and is the son of Abraham and Sarah (Moore) Lit- 880 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: tier. His father was a farmer, and remained in Virginia until 1832, when he removed to Crawford Co., Ohio, and settled in Jefferson Township, where he lived until his death. His father, Thomas Littler, was engaged in the Revolution under Washington. Lewis' father was born June 24, 1780, his wife, Sarah Moore. was born Nov. 9, 1783. They were married the 11th of June 1803. The fruits of this union were eleven children. as follows: Nathan, born .Jan. 12, 1804; Mahala, April 19,1806: Joel, Jan. 31, 1808: Scotty, Nov. 26, 1809 : Lewis, Dec. 13, 1811: Elizabeth. Nov. 30, 1813: Isaac. Oct. 13, 1815; Magdalen. June 3, 1817: Dorsey, March 21, 1819: Cecelia. May 16. 1821; William. Oct. 9, 1823. Lewis was one of the pioneers of Sandusky Township, and was obliged to work very hard in order to succeed; he has always been a farmer, and a successful one. Mr. Littler has been a prominent citizen of the county and has served in several positions of trust: he was County Commissioner for two terms, and is counted as one of the best Commissioners that the county ever had. He was married Oct. 14, 1841, to Mary Chambers, of Jackson Township, who was born in Washington Co., Penn., March 21, 1812. They have had six children-William S., born Nov. 3, 1842: Abraham D.. July 29, 1844; Sarah E., May 3, 1846 : Emeline C., May 30, 1848: John W., April 1, 1850 ; Frank P.,in December. 1852. Mr. Littler is one of the most substantial citizens of his township. anal has a fine home surrounded by all that makes life pleasant. R. B. McCAMMON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Sulphur Springs : was born in Ohio Co.. W. Va., Sept. 19, 1841, and is the son of James and Mary (Blayney) McCammon. His father is still living on the old homestead, where he was also born and raised. Mr. McCammon removed to this State and county in 1867, and settled in Sandusky Township, county was a soldier in the 12th W. V. I. under Hunter and Sigel, and later under Sheridan and Grant, at the surrender of Appomattox. He was married in this township Oct. 13, 1838. to Sarah E. Stephenson, whose father, John Stephenson, was one of the most respected citizens of the community: he died Sept. 2, 1879 ; his wife died in March of the same year. Mrs. McCammon is now the only child living, a brother being dead. Mr. McCammon is one of the enterprising business men of his township, and, although young, has control of more land than any man in it, his farm comprising 607 acres of as good land as there is in the county. He has been successful as a farmer, and has a great amount of energy. He is a gentleman that one likes to meet, and has a pleasant., hospitable home, in the very center of the township. They have four children - Lee Anna. Edmund, Francis Milton, and John Stephenson. OLIVER P. McKEEHEN, farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs: is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Anderson) McKeehen, and was born in Indiana Co., Penn., May 27, 1838. His father removed to Ohio when our subject was quite young. awl settled in Richland Co., and then near De Kalb. He next removed to near Leesville and then to Loudonville, and from there to Sandusky Township and located on the farm now owned by his son Oliver P. Here our subject lived till he was 22, and worked on the farm. After one more year spent in work for his father. He commenced buying and shipping stock, and followed this until after the war being very successful. He then rented his father's farm and farmed it for three years, after which he bought 60 acres opposite his present farm and lived there three and a half years, when his house was burned to the ground. He soon after bought the farm where he now lives, of his father, and has been living there ever since, having built upon it a fine brick residence and otherwise improved it. so that it is one of the best and most desirable in the township. He was married Nov. 29, 1865, to Martha J. Smith, daughter of Alexander Smith, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work: they have six children - Laura Etta, Charles Edgar, Clara Edith, Anna Eurilla. Oliver Francis and Smith Leroy. Mr. McKeehen has been one of the most enterprising and successful farmers of his vicinity. and is a man held in high esteem by all who know him. JAMES NAIL, farmer ; P. O. Sulphur Springs; is the oldest living settler of Crawford Co., and is one of those noble hearted pioneers who are quickly passing away, and who will soon be gone leaving only history and tradition to tell the tale of their suffering and privations. James Nail came to this county, and made a settlement in 1817, in the southeast corner, near Galion. Here he lived until 1822, when he married Susan Brown, this mar- SANDUSKY TOWNSHIP. - 881 riage being the first ever solemnized in the county, Mr. Nail being compelled to go to Delaware for a license. His son, Henry Nail, now living in Grant Co., Mo., was perhaps the first white child born in the county. Mr. Nail tells strange and interesting stories regarding early times. He was born in 1797, and is consequently at this time at the advanced age of 83. He is one of the grand old gentlemen of his township, being genial and hospitable, with a kind word for everybody, and has always been a man who commanded the respect of all who knew him. AARON RADER, farmer ; P. O. Sulphur Springs. One of the most prosperous farmers of Crawford Co., is Aaron Rader, who, with his family has been a resident of the county since 1856. He was born, May 29, 1817, in Northampton Co.. Penn., and is the son of Peter Rader and Catharine Fried. Mr. Rader, during the early days of his manhood, learned milling, and followed the business for a number of years, and later engaged in farming. He was married 8th of September 1840, to Sabina Bauer and their union has been blessed with several children. eight of whom are yet living, one having died recently. They are as follows - Owen Henry, James Peter (deceased), Enos G., Franklin, Maria Catharine, Jacob Thomas, John David, William Benjamin, Francis Owen. Owen H., James P. and Enos George were in the late war, enlisting in the 49th O. V. I. and were in the battle of Stone River along with the Keller boys, of whom mention is made in the history- of Phillip Keller. Mr. Rader's children have all been well educated, and are now all in splended circumstances. They are all of them young men of estimable worth and ability. Two are in Clyde, Ohio. engaged in business; Jacob is agent for the Clyde Nursery, and the others are engaged in various pursuit, James B. was at one time Postmaster at Bucyrus. and afterward was a Government clerk in the Treasury Department at Washington. He was an estimable young man of promise. He died at Bucyrus. Jan. 7, 1880, of consumption, in the very prime of his manhood. He was born April 1, 1843, being, at the time of his death, 36 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Rader are estimable people, who stand high in their community. They have a pleasant and beautiful home. and are in possession of a fine farm. Mr. Rader is a man of noted integrity, is a steadfast Republican, as are also his sons. WILLIAM A. ROBERTSON, farmer; P. O. Leesville ; was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, May 27, 1809, and is the son of David and Sarah (McCune) Robertson. His father and mother were both natives of Pennsylvania. He settled in Ohio in 1793, and was married in that State in 1796. William lived in Jefferson Co., Ohio, for many years, and was engaged there in the woolen mills. With his family he removed to Jefferson Township, Crawford Co., in 1856, where he now owns a farm. He is now living in Sandusky Township, on the farm of his brother, who died about a year ago. He was married. in 1834, to Sophia Dean, in Jefferson Co. She is a native of Pennsylvania. There are now living the following children: David, Robert, Abbie J., Elizabeth, and Margery. Mr. Robertson and all his family are earnest Christians, and are well educated and well read. Mr. Robertson is a stanch Republican and a hospitable Christian gentleman. His son, David Robertson, is one of the best read and informed men in the township, possessing a large and comprehensive library, and being also a great lover of art and literature. ALEXANDER SMITH. farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs; was born in Washington Co., Penn., June 2, 1821, and is the son of Joseph and Jane (Hogan) Smith. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1797, and came first to Ohio in 1821. He entered 160 acres of land and settled on it permanently in 1825, being one of the earliest settlers in the township, there being but five families then there. He settled on the land now owned by his son. He lived here and exerted himself to improve his land until his death, in 1843, at the early age of 46. The subject of our sketch was left, as the eldest of six children to look after the interests of both farm and family, which he did in a creditable manner, working hard and being economical. He early took a lively interest in religion, and has been, throughout his life, a consistent, earnest Christian worker. who has devoted much time and means to the advancement of Christ's cause. He was one of the earliest residents of his township, and is now probably the oldest living settler. He was married, in 1843, to Nancy Jane Dicks, of Columbiana Co. Of this marriage, there are five children living Martha Jane, Joseph Marion, Porter Willis, Ada and 883 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Alexander. Phoebe Murilla and Tabitha Ann are dead. Mr. Smith has been one of the most successful farmers of the township, and is one of its most prominent men. WILLIAM R. STONE, farmer; P. O. Tiro: was born in Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 2, 1826, and is the son of Adam and Mary Love (Robinson) Stone. His father was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, seven miles from Steubenville, on Island Creek. His mother was born on Cross Creek, Washington Co., Penn. Mr. Stone removed to this State with his parents when he was 5 years old at a time when it was as yet in its infancy, being wild and uncultivated. Here Mr. Stone endured all the privations of pioneer life in bringing up the land to its present state of cultivation. His father lived here until his death, dying at the age of 75, his wife having died some time previous. He was a carpenter and cabinet-maker. and learned his trade with Barney McNutt, of Pennsylvania. He made the first coffin in this township, and also one of the first barns. In 1850, Mr. Stone went to California, remaining there two years. and returned to his farm in Sandusky Township. He was married. in February, 1854, to Mary Ann George, of Pennsylvania. Her folks are at present residents of Clarke Co., Mo. Of this union, there were four children; Viola. the eldest, is married to George W. Cole, and living in Sandusky Township ; Amanda Eleonora and Eva Esther are those that are living ; James, the only son. was born in 1858, and was a young man beloved by all who knew him. He was taken sick May 27 with typhoid pneumonia and died June 8. He was a young man of whom any father might well be proud. His death was greatly lamented, and he was laid to rest in Sandusky burial-ground. followed by the largest concourse of any funeral ever held in the township. Peace to his memory, for peaceful is his rest, as he awaiteth the day of final meeting in the land where partings shall be no more. SAMUEL STONE, farmer; P.O. Tiro, was born on the place where he now lives, June 25, 1832. He is the son of Samuel and Mary (Robinson) Stone, who came from Pennsylvania in 1831 and settled in Sandusky Township. At the time of their settlement, there were few residents of the township, and the subject of this sketch was consequently inured to the hardships and privations of pioneer life. He was reared on a farm, and received a fair education. His life has been spent in tilling the soil, and all but four years has been on the farm of his father. He was married, Sept. 14, 1858, to Elizabeth Dickson, of Vernon Township, a daughter of Jonathan Dickson, and sister of James Dickson, Jr., whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. Of this union there are three children - Lottie Elizabeth, Ella and Clifton. Mr. Stone is a man of enlightened views, and his family has been given the advantages of education, so that their home is one of liberal culture and refinement. ADAM WERT. farmer; P. 0. North Robinson ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., June 5, 1817. He is the son of one of the earliest settlers in Sandusky Township, his father coming here in 1826, when Mr. Wert was but 9 years old. He has ever since been a resident of the township. His father was a man of religious principles, and much devoted to the success and furtherance of the cause of Christ. To his honor it may be said that lie inaugurated the first Sunday school ever held in the county. He was one of the first to help in the organization of a church, and was throughout his life an Elder, and a devoted worker and worshiper in the vineyard of his Master. Twenty-five years ago he died, an old man Net honored in his old age, and respected by all who knew him as a man who loved righteousness and eschewed evil. His sons all followed in his footsteps, and are of those who are living faithful and upright Christians. The subject of our sketch was married, in 1840, to Mary McMannis, a native of Pennsylvania. There were nine children of this union, all of whom are living - William H. is in Putman Co.; Sarah Elizabeth in Sandusky Co.; Peter F. in Richland Co.; Matilda Ann in Sandusky; A. J. in Williams Co., while Nicholas B., John A., Mary Emeline and Belle are at home. His children are all doing well, and have been brought up in accordance with those principles of religion and right which have governed the lives of their father and father's father before them. |