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BERLIN TOWNSHIP - 697 BERLIN TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM BEARDSLEE, farmer; P. O. Constantia ; born in Bradford Co., Penn., April 1, 1827; the son of Tolman and Mahala (Knapp) Beardslee. The mother was born in Bradford Co., Penn., and her husband in Connecticut. William is the seventh of a family of thirteen children, all of whom lived to maturity. The family emigrated in 1839, locating at first in Dublin, Franklin Co.; after one year, they moved to Orange Township, this county, where they lived three years; then to Genoa, and after a sojourn of two years, removed to Orange Township ; after one year's residence there, they went to Berlin, residing eight years ; thence to Orange again, residing six years ; then returning to Berlin, where they have since remained. When Mr. Beardslee was 19 years old his father died ; he lived with his mother until she married. At the age of 22, 698 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he bought forty-eight acres of land in the southern part of Berlin, for which he was to pay $8 per acre; he ran in debt for the entire amount; cleared up part of the land and soon paid for it. In his 26th year, he was married to Mary E. Thompson; born in 1831 in Trumbull Co.; daughter of John and Lucy (Leonard) Thompson, natives of Massachusetts. In March, 1864, they located on the farm where they now live, east side of Berlin Township ; he has 144 acres of land ; when he began in life, he was without a dollar, but owed $10, instead, for a suit of clothes ; yet, from this beginning, is to-day one of the well-to-do farmers and self-made men. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church; they have had nine children-Andrew (deceased), Isadore, now wife of A. H. Osborne, of Berlin Station, Darwin, Riley, Walter, Lucy, Alleward, Emma and Ancil. WILLIAM F. CARNS, farmer; P. O. Berkshire; was born April 13, 1844, in what is now Morrow Co.; the son of William Carns, a native of York Co., Penn., who emigrated to this State with his parents when he was 3 years of age ; his minority was spent in Guernsey and Belmont Counties; in the spring of 1845, he moved to this county, settled in Porter Township, and died in 1876. William's mother's name was Jane Harris before marriage; she was born in Virginia, and came to this State when she was 15 years of age, and was married to Mr. Carns in Morrow Co. Mr. Carns' grandfather was in the Revolutionary war, was taken prisoner at the battle of Bunker Hill, and was one of three of his company who survived. His father was a participant in the war of 1812. Aug. 6, 1862, Mr. Carns volunteered his services in the war of the rebellion, in Co. G, 96th O. V. I., and served until the close; he was in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Coteau, Sabine Y Roads and Fort Morgan. March 4, 1869, he married Nancy Hopkins, born in 1848 in Porter Township, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hopkins, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Carns moved to this township in 1872. He has 119 acres of land both are members of the M. E. Church ; he is a member of Sunbury Lodge, A., F. & A. M., No. 400. C. RIPLEY CAULKINS, farmer; P. O. Constantia; born Dec. 25, 1822; the sixth child of a family of eight, of Lovell and Jerusha (Smith) Caulkins, who were among the prominent families of Connecticut. The elder Caulkins came out in 1809, returned to Connecticut on foot, and came out afterward with several families, and located permanently; he was in the war of 1812 ; a carpenter by occupation, and assisted in building the residence of Bishop Chase, the uncle of Salmon P. Ripley is a cousin of the noted Gen. Ripley , of Confederate fame. In the early part of Mr. Caulkins' life he was engaged in teaching; he has quite a reputation as teacher of penmanship, having at one time 500 scholars under his care ; was for several years in the (fine) stock business with parties in Kentucky; traded also in mules; was two years in business at Lewis Center, in the grocery and grain trade; since that time has been engaged in farming and stock-raising; in 1848 was united in marriage to Catharine Thompson, born in Franklin Co. ; she died in 1865, leaving six children-Henry E., Edwin C., Abein, Mary G., Charles L. and Orril; he was married a second time to Mrs. Sarah Standish (maiden name was Preston) ; they have one child, Josie. Mr. Caulkins, during the war, was appointed as enrolling and recruiting officer ; was out in the three-months service as 2d Lieutenant Co. H, 145th O. N. G. ; his grandfather was in the battles of Bunker Hill and Monmouth, and had two of his comrades shot down at either side. Mr. Caulkins has a set of stone bullet-molds used by his grandfather at that battle. They have 132 1/2 acres of land. JONATHAN DUNHAM, Alum Creek; is a representative of one of the early settlers, and has been a resident of the county since his birth, 65 years; was born in Berkshire Township Nov. 4, 1815, and is a descendent of Puritan stock. His father, Jonathan Dunham, was born in 1783, in Northampton, Conn., and married Lydia Butler and moved to this county in 1807, subsequently to Berkshire, where he died in September, 1858 ; his mother April 13, 1869. Jonathan remained at home until he was 25 years of age, when he married Elizabeth Hardin, born in Pennsylvania in 1823 ; came here with her parents when a child ; after their marriage, they lived several years on the homestead, and, about the year 1855, came to this township and located on the pike, where they have since lived on his farm ; they have had ten children, all living-Avis, now Mrs. Davenport ; Linn M. and Laurens R. (twins); Ampudia A., Hamer, Silas P., Err H., Ernestine, Elizabeth and Alice. Mr. Dunham is now serving his third term as Justice of the Peace ; was recently elected Land Appraiser. He is a man that is well read BERLIN TOWNSHIP. - 699 in history, and is a liberal patron of good literature. WILLIAM H. DUCKWORTH, Lewis Center; was born in Harlem Feb. 22, 1840 ; son of James and Rebecca (McClara) Duckworth, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter from Licking Co., Ohio; they located in Harlem, where they still reside. William received good school advantages, completing the same at Central College ; began teaching at 16, which he has continued at intervals up to the present time, having taught in all forty-four terms; was two years in Columbus in charge of one of the wards in the insane asylum; also some time in the employ of one of the prominent publishing houses as general agent, introducing school-books. Nov. 8, 1863, was united by marriage to Miss Vinnie Brighton, born in April, 1846, in Shelby Co., Ill., daughter of James and Rebecca (McClara) Brighton ; natives of New York ; in 1865, Mr. Duckworth moved to Union Co., remained until 1874, where he was engaged in teaching and farming ; since that time, he has been a resident of this township; has 100 acres of land, which is under first-class improvements, has two children -Minnie R., born July 20, 1866 ; James, Oct. 11, 1870. Mr. Duckworth is Democratic ; has served as Township Trustee, and was a candidate for County Commissioner and was only beaten by a small majority, the county giving a Republican majority. He and wife are members of the Christian Union ; is a man, generous and social in his nature, a liberal patron of the public journals, and well posted on the issues of the day. JACOB EKELBERRY, farmer; P. O. Alum Creek ; was born in this county Sept. 13, 1841, the youngest child of Jacob Ekelberry, and a namesake of his father's ; he was raised up under the care of his parents, and in December, 1863, he was united in marriage to Maria E. Redman, born in Brown Township; since their marriage, they have resided in the northern part of Berlin ; he has 255 acres of land sixty-seven acres in Berlin, and the remainder in Brown. Mr. Ekelberry has served as Township Trustee four terms; is a member of the Grange, and the Order of Red Men, Lodge No. 95. Has three children -Stephen, Joanna and Bertha. MRS. MARTHA C. GEARY, Constantia; was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., March 15, 1807, daughter of John Cochran, who married Martha Thompson, a native of Pennsylvania. The Cochrans are descended from Lord Cochran, of Scotland. John Cochran was a soldier in the war of 1812 ; came to this State, locating in Knox Co., afterward bought land and improved the same; remained there until his death, which occurred in 1846. Mrs. Geary was married to William Geary (cousin of General and afterward Gov. Geary, of Pennsylvania) ; their marriage occurred April 1, 1830 ; after its consummation, they moved to Brown Township, in this county, remaining there about twenty years; he died April 14, 1869 ; they had seven children-Mary at home; John and William in Buffalo, stock-dealers; Frances E: (deceased); Joseph T. (deceased) was an M. D., Samuel D., in Mattoon, Ill.; Tina E., clerk in Delaware. Mrs. Geary is a sister of S. D. Cochran, professor of languages, and a prominent minister in Missouri; has recently written an able work on theology. Mrs. Geary purposes leaving the farm and moving to Delaware. EDWARD JACOBUS (deceased); was one among the prominent and successful farmers in this county, who was born May 22, 1821, in Essex Co., N. J., and emigrated to this State when he was 17 years of age; his parents settled in Trenton Township June 7, 1842. He was married to Mary C. Condit, who was born in Essex Co., N. J., daughter of Joseph and S. Condit, the former a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Jacobus and wife remained in Trenton where he was engaged in farming; in 1864, they moved to Shelby Co., Ill., but the climate not being satisfactory, they remained but one season, and returned to Delaware Co., locating in the northern part of Berlin on the pike; his death occurred Dec. 24, 1879; he begun life poor, yet was a very successful farmer; had accumulated at the time of his death, about 600 acres of land, which was clear of any incumbrance ; they have had nine children, eight living, all married but one, and doing for themselves. Mr. Jacobus and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church ; Mrs. Jacobus resides on the homestead with her son Charles. M. T. JANES, farmer; P. O. Constantia ; started West in the spring of 1833, a lad of 19 years of age, with his earthly possessions encased in a pocket-handkerchief; wended his way on foot from Franklin Co., Vt., to Pittsfield, Mass., where he took the stage to Albany; then by canal, he came to Buffalo, and by lake to Cleveland, and by stage again to Sunbury ; he was born March 15, 1814, in the county and State from which he made his start West, the son of Elijah and Anna (Baker) Janes, Nov. 14, 1833 ; same year of his 700 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: arrival in Sunbury, he was married to Marcia Caulkins, who was born in Berlin Oct. 9, 1812, the fourth child of Lovel Caulkins ; after their marriage, they located on Alum Creek, in Berlin. In 1837, they made a visit to Vermont, where they remained unto 1840; while there, Mr. Janes was drafted in the Canada rebellion, and afterward, at the hands of Abraham Lincoln, received a land warrant in consideration for his services; after their return to this county in 1840, they located on the place Mr. Janes now owns, which he bought for $4 per acre built him a cabin and began work in earnest. They have had seven children, but five of whom are now living-Elbert, now of Knox Co.; Charles M., of Delaware; Alfred T., now practicing medicine at Pettis Co., Mo.; George L. and Willie, in Delaware. Mr. Janes did his part in furnishing men to put down the rebellion-sent three sons, Elbert, Alfred and Lester, the two first were in the 43d O. V. I., and served three years or more; Lester was in the 100-day service. All of his boys have left him and are doing for themselves. Mr. Janes has 107 acres of land, and is a well-to-do farmer. He is a stanch Republican, and one of Berlin's substantial citizens. DANIEL B. JANES, farmer; P. O. Constantia; was born Nov. 30, 1837, on the farm where he now lives, located in the southeast part of Berlin, east of Alum Creek; the son of Harry Janes, who was born on Grand Isle, Vt., in 1799 ; he started West with his parents in 1812, got as far as Massachusetts, and anticipating trouble with the Indians, they remained there three years, and arrived here in 1815 and settled on the west side of Alum Creek in Berlin Township ; Daniel's father was engaged in his early manhood in the manufacture of potash, and acquired enough means to enable him to enter 100 acres of land ; he built him a cabin. He married Alma Dickerman, sister of Benoni Dickerman, and came with the family in 1815 ; he remained on the place where he settled until his death, Feb. 14, 1865 ; his wife died the year following. Daniel was raised at the old homestead, and was married, Oct. 25, 1860, to Sarah Adams, born March 1, 1839, in Berkshire Township; she was the daughter of Rev. Bartholomew and Helen (Van Nostrand) Adams, both natives of New York ; since the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Janes, they have remained on the farm where they now live; they have two children-Lurie A., born in November, 1864 ; Harry, May 17 , 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Janes are members of the Presbyterian Church ; he has 207 acres of land; Mr. Janes' great-grandmother was a convert under the preaching of George Whitefield (of John Wesley's time); she lived to the age of 103 years. WILLIAM H. McWILLIAMS ; P. O. Tanktown ; was born in Sussex Co., N. J., Dec. 29, 1839; son of Marshall and Clarissa (Smith) McWilliams both natives of New Jersey; they moved to this State when William was but 5 months old, and remained a short time in Genoa ; in March, 1841, came to Berlin, and located on the land now occupied by William, which, at the time, was unimproved, where the father died in 1876, after his return from the Centennial. He was a member of the Protestant Methodist Church. His widow still survives him. William enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, in Co G, 45th O. V. I., and served until the close of the war ; fourteen months of the time, was in Confederate prisons at different points. March 26, 1868, was united by marriage to Prudence McIntosh, born July 16, 1848, in Champaign Co.; they have three children-John S., born Feb. 13, 1869 ; William E., born May 2, 1871, and Emma G., born Nov. 23, 1878. Since remained on the homestead. GEORGE NEILSON, farmer; P. O. Delaware ; was born in Fairfield Co. Sept. 12, 1824 ; the fourth child of a family of ten children ; his father, John, was a native of Luzerne Co., Penn., and came to this State in 1818, locating in Fairfield Co.; his father was a British soldier in the Revolutionary war; deserting, he was pursued by hounds, and escaped to the American side. George's mother's name was Elizabeth Raudbaugh, from Berks Co., Penn.; came to this State in 1805. George remained in Fairfield Co. until 1826 ; his father moved to Berkshire Township, and located ; he was a millwright by trade ; lived there until his death, in 1854 ; the family are of Scotch descent ; George was raised on the farm until his 16th year, when he went to learn the trade of a brickmason. Oct. 26, 1847, he was married to Sarah Sharer, born May, 1829; in Maryland ; daughter of George and Caroline (Sykes) Sharer, who were of Yankee descent ; they came to this State when she was 3 years of age; after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Neilson settled in Delaware City; where he engaged at his trade up to 1854 ; then moved to the northern part of Berlin Township, on the pike, in which place has since remained ; he has 118 acres of excellent land, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation through his own efforts ; when he came here, it was entirely unimproved "all woods" his land is now BERLIN TOWNSHIP. - 701 under-drained, and, for, the size, is one of the best farms in the county; they have had five children, four living-Caroline, now the wife of H. Miller, of Troy Township, Wilmer G., Edward J. and Carper W., at home. Mr. Neilson was out in the late war; served in Co. H, 145th O. V. I. Has served the county in several official capacities; was a member of the Agricultural Board for twenty years; now a member of the Central Ohio Board ; also as Infirmary Director for nine years ; is also a zealous advocate of the Masonic Fraternity, being a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 18, and Delaware Chapter, No. 52. His father was a Jackson Democrat, but he has been identified with the Republican party, and is a strong temperance man. ANDREW H. OSBURN, tile manufactory, Tanktown ; was born in Sussex Co., N. J., Dec. 1851 the son of Henry and Mary Osburn, whose maiden name was Havens; came to this county when he was about 1 year old, and located in this township, where he has since lived. Jan. 15, 1874, Mr. Osborn was married to Isa dore Beardslee, eldest daughter of William Beardslee, of this township. Since he married, he had been engaged in farming, until March 24, 1879, when he associated with J. T. Cartnell, in the tile business, since dissolved. They have one one child-Anna Mary. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is now associated with Ancyl Stanforth, in the tile manufactory-the firm name of Osburn & Stanforth ; they are now prepared to make all sizes of tiles, from 2 1/2 inches to 14, of superior quality, which they furnish at bottom prices to those who patronize them ; those who are in need of tile will find it to their advantage to call on this firm. W. S. PIATT, farmer ; P.O. Tanktown ; born in Augusta Co., Va., Nov. 3, 1818 ; the seventh son of James and Mary (Donahue) Piatt; on his father's side, his ancestry hail from France, and his mother's, from Ireland ; William emigrated to this State when he was 10 years of age ; his parents located in Marlborough. William left home at the age of 15, and began for himself ; commenced driving stage, which he followed for about ten years, in the employ of Othel Hinton (stage agent) ; during the latter part of the time he was engaged in this business, he ran an opposition line against Neal, Moore & Co., and after a lively competition they were =lad to buy him off. After a successful career in staging, he railroaded, as baggage-master, for three years, on the Mad River & Lake Erie Road. In 1840, he bought fifty acres of land, in Berlin Township, at $4 per acre ; moved on it in 1850, and began improvements; built a cabin, deer and turkey often visiting their primitive dwelling. Nov. 3, 1839, was married to Betsey Fowler, born March 12, 1820, in Winsor, N. Y., daughter of James B. and Polly (Clauson) Fowler; they came to this State in 1833 ; were twenty-six days upon the road. They have had five children-Phoebe L., George A., Francisco and Frank (twins), and Charles W., all living in this township but George, who is in McHenry Co., Ill. Mr. Piatt has been successful in life ; began poor and has accumulated a good deal of property, and ranks among the most affluent in this part of the township. Mrs. Piatt's father first settled in Orange, and had a truly pioneer experience. MRS. MARGARET ROLOSON ; P. O. Tanktown ; was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., Feb. 16, 1814. Her father was born Feb. 4, 1763 ; her mother's maiden name was Catharine Kirk, born in August, 1769 ; both natives of Pennsylvania ; they emigrated to this State in 1817 ; located first in Berkshire, afterward moved to Berlin, where they died-the mother April 5, 1831, the father April 13, 1842. Mrs. Roloson was married in September, 1837, to Joseph Roloson, born April 20, 1800, in one of the Middle States ; his father lived to the age of 102 years. Early in life, Joseph learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for many years; he died in July, 1877, on the farm they located about the year 1852, and where Mrs. Roloson now lives. Five children were born to them-Simon, the eldest, lost. his life in the battle of Gettysburg, as a member of the 4th O. V. I, his term had nearly expired ; Henrietta, or "Nettie"; Lemuel, served one year in Co. G of the 96th O. V. I. lost his health and was discharged, and died at Columbus while on his way home ; Louisa, note wife of W. H. Smith, of Kingston, and Fidelia at home. Nettie was the wife of Chauncey W Smith, son of Rodney Smith ; C. W. was out it the 96th O. V. I., Co. G, served until the close of the war, and was a true and valiant soldier ; ha was taken prisoner at Atlanta July 22, 1864 and spent several months in rebel prisons, when his health was seriously impaired, which was the probable cause of his death-May 6, 1879; he kept a series of interesting accounts during hi term of service. They were married August 30, 1865. During his life served as Township Clerk 702 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and other official stations, and was, at the time of his death, a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church, of which the family are all members. Mr. Roloson had been one of the Elders for twenty years. Mrs. Smith has 100 acres of land. UTLEY ROLOSON, farmer; P. O. Alum Creek ; was born in the northeast corner of Berlin Township Dec. 30, 1826, in the same house where he now resides ; he is the fifth child of Nathaniel Roloson, who was a native of Essex Co., and emigrated to this State in the year 1816, remained in Kingston one year, and the year following came to Berlin. His wife's name was Phoebe Rosecrans, cousin of Gen. Rosecrans, of military fame ; he was a permanent resident of this county, with the exception of two years spent in Marion Co.; he died in 1877, and his wife in 1865. Utley, at the age of 21, launched out for himself, and the May following, was married to Griscilda Myres, born in Berlin Township May 26, 1829 ; she is a daughter of John Myres, of Harrison Co., Va.; her mother's maiden name was Grace Roush, a native of this State; after their marriage, they located on the place where he now lives. Mr. Roloson was out in the three-months service; is a member of Co. H, 145th O. N. G. They have had seven children-Arthur (deceased), Alvin (an artist), Stephen, Byron (law student), Grace, Elmer and Lester. Mr. Roloson has a good snug farm, well managed and has acquired a competency for himself and family; is a man of good information, and loyal to the principles of Republicanism. GEORGE W. RIDGEWAY, Constantia; was born in Putnam Co., N. Y., in October, 1823 ; a son of Isaac Ridgeway, who died when George was 7 years of age. The Ridgeways are of English descent ; three brothers came from England one settled in New Jersey, one in Utica, and Isaac, the grandfather of George, after his return from the Revolutionary war, where he served eight years and one month, settled in Putnam Co. In the spring of 1836, George came out to this State, located in Berlin Township, on the farm where Mr. Saunders now lives. He left his stepfather, when a lad in his teens, to carve out his own destiny; began at $6 per month, and worked four years by the month, and at no time did his wages exceed $10 for a month's work ; subsequent to this, the Taylor land was offered for sale ; he bought and traded in real estate, and was successful in his investments, and as time advanced, became one among the prominent landholders of the township. At the age of 22, he was married to Essie Andrus, born in this county; her parents were , from New York; her father's name was Timothy and her mother's name, prior to her marriage, was Naamah Andrus ; after the marriage of Mr. Ridgeway, he located on the farm where he now resides; his wife died July 2, 1864 ; two children were the result of their marriage-Cynthia, now the wife of C. J. Slough, of this township, and Josephine, at home. Mr. Ridgeway has been, for the last thirty years, one of the most prominent stock-dealers and trades in the county; his bank- !, ers assert that for many years he has done business to the amount of $200,000 annually; his farm consists of 350 acres of land. Was commissioned as Captain, from Gov. Todd, during the late war, but, on account of sickness of his wife, he never served. WILLIAM B. SHAW, farmer; P. O. Tanktown; is the son of James L. Shaw, who was born in Prince William Co., Va., in March, 1795 ; he participated in the war of 1812, and emigrated to this State in 1817, stopping at Hamilton Co. where he remained until 1829, when he moved to Delaware City and married Sarah Shaw, who was born in 1800, and came to this State in 1811 with her people ; the senior Shaw was a cooper by trade, at which he worked until his settlement in Berlin in 1852. William B. was born Feb. 1, 1835, and received his elementary education in the common schools; he subsequently attended two years at the university. Aug. 23. 1866, he was married to Josephine Gardiner, daughter of R. C. Gardiner, who , came to this State from New Jersey in 1842 ; she died in December, 1873, leaving four children-Jessie M., Lydia I., Alfred and Alice ; Mr. Shaw was married the second time, his last wife being Irene Merrick, sister of his first wife, Aug. 5, 1874 ; they had two children-Charles H. and Paul ; his present wife had been a teacher for several years. After leaving Delaware, his father made several moves-first to the northwest corner of Berlin Township, remaining about four years, then had a residence of eleven years in Brown Township, and then settled in Berlin, where he has remained; his mother died in December, 1877 ; she had been a member of the M. E. Church for many years, of which William and wife are also members. Mr. Shaw has sixty-four acres of land; he has always been "a tiller of the soil." ANCYL H. STANFORTH, tile manufacturer; P. O. Tanktown; is a son of G. B. Stanforth, BERLIN TOWNSHIP. - 703 of this township. He married Mary B. Osburn, daughter of Henry and Mary Osburn ; the ceremony was celebrated in December, 1877 ; he has been, for three years past, a resident of Radnor Township; he recently bought J. T. Cartnell's interest in the tile manufactory, associating with his brother-in-law, Andrew Osburn, in the same business, under the firm name of Osburn & Stan forth. Mr. and Mrs. S. have one child-Pearl Sumner; he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church; he is a member of Olentangy Lodge, I. O. O. F. CHARLES E. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Tanktown ; born in this township Jan. 1, 1836, and is the fourth son of Rodney Smith, one of the old settlers in this township ; he received an elementary education at the district common school, and completed it at the college in Delaware ; he taught school several terms during the winter, and, in the summer, turned his attention to farming. Aug. 27, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 32d O. V. I., and reenlisted Dec. 25, 1863, and served until the close of the war ; he participated in twenty-one engagements, and escaped without a wound ; some of the more important were McDowell, Harper's Ferry, Fort Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Black River, Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Jonesboro'; he kept a diary during the entire term of his service, which makes a valuable record of events during an interesting part of his life; Mr. Smith received his discharge July 27, 1865; upon his return, he resumed farming. Nov. 15, 1866, he was married to Anna Twining, who was born Sept. 11, 1838, in Licking Co.- she is the daughter of Hiram Twining, a pioneer of Licking Co.- her mother's name was Lovey Pease; she was a native of Maine, and her father was a native of Massachusetts ; Mr. and Mrs. Smith lived on the homestead one year, and then moved to their present place of abode; they have two children-Edward and Ernest. Mr. Smith and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church ; they have a good home and eighty acres of land. RODNEY SMITH, farmer; P. O. Alum Creek ; is a native of Massachusetts, born in the town of Washington, Berkshire Co., March 11, 1801 ; son of William Smith, from Connecticut, his mother's name was Lucinda, of the Witters family. Mr. Smith came out with his parents in a wagon, in 1816 ; the trip occupied thirty-five days ; first settled in the north of Berkshire; they brought with them four horses; a small cow and three pigs ; what horses he has since raised, are descendants from one of the number brought. Rodney always remained at home. At about the age of 28, he was married to a Miss Reynolds, born in New York ; she died April 19, 1866. For many years after he came to the county, money was very rare indeed; everything went by barter; salt about $4 per barrel ; corn they could not sell; would sometimes get it distilled into whisky, getting about three quarts to the bushel, which would sell for 25 cents per gallon ; has sold steers at less than 1 cent per pound, and sold dressed hogs at $1.25 per hundred, part pay in money and the balance in orders; made their own clothes out of wool and flax; yet they were sufficient for the time. After his marriage, Mr. Smith settled on the place where he now lives. They have had eleven children ; six now livingAlbert C., Lucius D., in McLean Co., Ill., Charles E., Thomas, Rose B. and Ralph. Several of his boys were in the late war-George W., in Co. G, 96th O. V. I. (died at Memphis); Chauncey W., in the 20th O. V. I.; Albert, in the 121st O. V. I.; Charles, in the 22d O. V. I.; Lucius, in the 100-day service. Mr. Smith cast his first vote for Harrison, and has never missed voting at an election when able to go. He has a large farm under good cultivation. GEORGE B. STANFORTH, farmer ; P O. Tanktown ; born Oct. 12, 1824, in Rockingham Co., Va; the youngest of a family of two children, born to William and Helender (Matheney) Stanforth, both natives of the "Old Dominion" State. Geo. B. was 5 years of age when he came West with his parents, arriving in Morrow Co. in 1829 ; stayed Nvith his parents until 24 years of age. Oct. 11, 1848, he was united in wedlock to Minerva Gibson, native of Delaware Co.- daughter of Robert Gibson, from Pennsylvania. After his marriage, he located in Berkshire, where he lived six years ; in 1864, sold out and moved to Pike Co.; in 1872 moved to Berlin, near the Pike, where he has since lived ; has five children -Mary (now Mrs. Colflesh Ancyl H., Emma. Frankie and George. Has been for many years member of the M. E. Church, and is now Trustee of the township. GEORGE SACKETT, farmer and stock-raiser P. O. Tanktown; born in this township Feb. 27, 1840 ; only son of Augustin Sackett, a native of Delaware Co.; his mother's name, before marriage was Mary E. George, a native of New Hampshire born July 22, 1813, and came to this State when 704 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: she was but 6 years of age ; they located in this township in 1837, on Alum Creek, and two years later came to this place; his father died Oct. 13, 1862 ; George had good educational advantages. In August, 1862, enlisted in the 96th O. V. I. for three years; he remained out one year, and was discharged on account of disability. April 10, 1864, he married Mary E. Roloson, daughter of Joel Roloson; she died June, 1871, leaving two boys-Francis and Howard ; his second marriage took place July 13, 1876, with Anna Emerson, who was born Aug. 2, 1856, in this township, daughter of Capt. Silas Emerson, who lost his life in the late war as commanding officer of Co. K, 121st O. V. I. ; her mother's maiden name was Nancy A. Farris. Mr. Sackett has served two terms as Sheriff of this county, with due credit to himself and marked satisfaction to the people ; is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, both Lodge and Chapter, at Delaware ; has 285 acres of land, well improved, and is a successful farmer. ELIJAH SHADE, farmer; P. O. Tanktown ; was born in Frederick Co., Va., Jan. 25, 1823 ; is the second child of a family of fourteen children, born to Phillip and Catharine (Shorky) Shade, who were natives of the Old Dominion ; Elijah came to this State, with his parents, in the year 1828, who located in Loran Co. : his father entered the land upon which he settled and lived until his death ; at the time of their settlement, Indians were to be seen in considerable numbers ; no roads, except the Indian trail and the pathway blazed with the tomahawk. Mr. Shade remained with his parents until he was in his 24th year, when he was married to Emeline Potter, May 26, 1846 ; she is a daughter of Edward and Abigail (Denison) Potter, who were natives of Connecticut, the former of New London, and the latter of Saybrook ; he came out in the year 1821, and is now a resident of Delaware. After the marriage of Mr. Shade, they located in Logan Co., and, in 1852, moved to this county, locating permanently in Berlin Township, where he purchased land; they have had four children-Harriet, Leroy, Francis and Phillip. Mr. Shade was out. in the 100 day service, Co. H, 145th O. N. G. ; he has acquired what property he has through his own exertions, having been reasonably successful. LEWIS SLACK, farmer; P. O. Constantia; born in Galena Berkshire Township, Dec. 5, 1824 ; son of Capt. Henry Slack. who commanded a company in the war of 1812 : he was a native of the Wyoming Valley, Penn.; came here in 1807, and afterward located at Galena ; he commanded the first company of light infantry formed in this county; he died at Galena in 1830. Lewis' mother's name before marriage was Mary Denton ; she was a native of Orange Co., N. Y.; came here in 1805 ; died Dec. 25, 1875, at the age of 83 years Lewis was the second of the family of four living children ; he was raised up at Galena, and was 5 years of age when his father died ; he remained with his mother until he was 25 years of age, then made a trip to California, where he worked in the mines ; was zone nearly two years, returning in December, 1851. Nov. 15, 1853, was married to Minerva Utley, who was born in Berkshire in 1830 ; she is a daughter of Hon. Amos Utley born in Windham Co., Conn., in 1793, and emigrated to this State in 1820 ; he filled several offices of trust in his time, as Justice of the Peace Township Trustee, Treasurer, and represented this county in the Legislature in 1830 ; now living with his daughter, Mrs. Slack. Before marriage, her mother's name was Sarah Stark, a native of Orange Co., N. Y.; came here in 1815 ; born in 1802 died in Berkshire, February, 1872. Mr. Slack has two children-Howard and Clara. Mr. Slack moved to this township in 1872; has 116 acres o land. G. W. STOVER, farmer and trader; P. O. Lewis Center; was born in Fairfield Co. Aug. 25, 1826 youngest but one of a family of five children born to Benjamin and Sarah (Chilcutt) Stover, both natives of Hardy Co., Va.; they moved to Fairfield Co. in 1811. Benjamin was a participant in the war of 1812; remained in Fairfield Co. until the year 1856, when he moved to Berlin and lived until he died in 1860. George commenced teaching school before he became of age. which he continued, during the winter season, for several year; in all eighteen terms-working on the farm during the summer. In his 24th year, was married to Elizabeth Green, born in Licking Co. in 1830 daughter of Benjamin and Mary Malone. He moved to Berlin Township in the year 1856, and bought 146 acres of land, and has since been engaged in cultivating the same. October, 1872, he began business in Lewis Center, in the grocery and grain trade, being the. only gain-dealer in the place ; buys and ships about 30,000 bushels an nually ; he also carries on his farm ; has four children-Melissa, Mary E., Benjamin F., Samantha N. Mr. Stover is a member of the United Brethren Church : has been prominently associated witl that body since its organization in that locality BERLIN TOWNSHIP. - 705 the church building is located on land which he donated for its site. STEPHEN P. THRALL, farmer; P. O. Constantia. Stephen was born in this township April 25, 1843 ; the son of Arza and Mary G. (Chandler) Thrall ; the former came to this State from Chenango Co., N. Y., about one-half century ago, and since has been a resident of the county. At the age of 18, Stephen enlisted in Co. D, 20th O. V. I., and, at the expiration of three years, reenlisted at Atlanta, Ga., serving until the termination of the war. He was wounded at Raymond, and, while in hospital, the Confederates captured them; after thirteen days they were paroled and sent into the lines at Vicksburg; his first engagement was at Fort Donelson ; while there, and assisting in guarding 1,400 prisoners on the boat, they formed a plot to overpower the guard and escape, but the secret leaked out just as they were about to execute it, when Maj. McElroy, with pistol, covered the pilot, and ordered him to "pull for. the middle of the stream," and, with sixty-five heavily loaded guns, with bayonets bristling at them, the. prisoners were prevented from consummating their plan of escape. In March, 1866, Mr. Thrall was married to Evaline M. Gilson, born in Geauga Co. ; they have five children-Rose A., Myrtie L., Annie M., Charles E., George W. They moved to the homestead in 1878. GEORGE WHITMAN, farmer; P. O. Constantia ; was born Feb. 8, 1846, the son of Ezra and Lydia (Fairbanks) Whitman ; Ezra was a native of Maine, and came West about the year 1838-39, and settled in Franklin Co., where Georae was burn ; he being the third of a family of eight children ; he remained with his parents until he enlisted in Co. K, 121st O. V. I., for three years, and served about one year, when he was discharged on account of disability, when he came to this county and was united by marriage to Mary Cole, born Nov. 22, 1849, in Franklin ; is a daughter of Alonzo and Sarah (Caldwell) Cole ; subsequent to his return from service, he was engaged one year, at Cheshire, in the mercantile business; then moved his stock to Licking Co. and sold out ; in 1870, he went to Putnam Co., where he was for five years engaged in the sawmill business ; then moved to this township, and subsequently bought 114 acres of land, the place being known as the Eaton farm, situated on the pike near the town house ; has four childrenCarrie A., Charles, Rolland and Florence. He is a member of the Baptist Church. CHARLES WILCOX, farmer; P. O. Constantia; born in Licking Co. Oct. 30, 1834 ; is a son of Martin Wilcox, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., who married Charlotte Aller, born in Virginia. Charles was the eldest of a family of eight children; he had poor school advantages; remained with his father until his 23d year. July 9, 1857, married Hannah Williamson, born in Franklin Co. in 1838, daughter of Jonathan and Clarinda Williamson; lived in Union Co. eleven years, where he bought and improved a farm ; in the spring of 1870, moved to Berlin Township on the State road, and bought the Kelsie farm of 100 acres, which has on it an adobe house, the only (known) one in this country ; they have had five children, three living-Chloe J., Annie C. and Lizzie Z.; Lizzie (the second) and Leonard, deceased. Leonard died with putrid sore throat while visiting his uncle in Franklin Co., he it seems had a presentiment of his death many months ere it occurred, he was very patient during his painful illness, and manifested a fortitude surpassing his years; his death occurred Oct. 24, 1873, lie was about 8 years of age. Mrs. Wilcox is a member of the Wesleyan M E. Church. Mr. Wilcox is favorably disposed to all civil and religious societies. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) |