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CONCORD TOWNSHIP. - 741 CONCORD TOWNSHIP. ARCHIBALD BUTTS, farmer; born in Concord Township Nov. 2, 1827, and the son of Isaac and Effa (Hamilton) Butts; the former was born in Virginia in 1797, and, in 1826, came to Ohio, locating in this township ; worked at Cryder's mill on the Scioto River for two or three years. It was at some time during this period that the marriage with Miss Hamilton took place; about the year 1829, he purchased and moved on the farm adjoining, where Archibald Butts now lives; here he remained until his death in July, 1877, at which time he was the owner of about five hundred acres of land in one body, his wife having died some twenty-five years previously. Archibald Butts obtained a fair education in the manner that most farmers' boys do, by attending the neighborhood school in the winter, the summer being spent upon the farm in honest toil. Nov. 3, 1849, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Nancy Blomer, and commenced life on the farm where they now live ; ten children, and all living, gladden their hearts; they are named Mary U., Isaac, Jessie, Sarah, Caroline, Matilda, John, Harmon, Louise and Bertha L.; farming and stock-raising have occupied Mr. Butts' attention through life. He has served his township as Supervisor for seven terms with satisfaction to all. CICERO T. CARSON, farmer; P. O. Delaware; is a son of W William Carson, who was born in 1802, in Pennsylvania, and in 1806 came to Ohio with his parents, who located in Ross Co., and, in 1821, came to Delaware Co., where he bought 1,100 acres of land, of which the present homestead is a part. April 16, 1833. William Carson married Eliza T. Thompson, whose parents located in what was known as Delaware Run neighborhood in 1820. At the age of 20, Eliza commenced teaching school in Genoa Township, for which she received 75 cents per week ; she was the first lady teacher in a district school in Delaware, which school was held in a stone building that stood on the south of Winter street, at the corner of Franklin. The summer following this, she taught a select school in the same house; among her scholars were R. B. Hayes and his sister Fannie; Miss was then 9 years old. , After Miss Thompson's marriage to Mr. Carson, they moved on the present homestead, when he died, May 9, 1873, in his 72d year; she is living with her son, and is in her 75th year. Cicero T. Carson was born Feb. 23, 1837, on the farm where he lives; at the age of 14, he commenced attending school at Delaware, where he remained three years; in 1855, he entered the Shelby High School, at Germantown, Tenn., remaining one year, going from there to the Center Hill Academy, Mississippi. In 1857, he accepted a position as book-keeper in the Marysville Bank, at Marysville, Ohio, which he held for two years; he then attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, for one year; he then went to Kansas, and taught a select school in Atchison for two years; returned home in 1861, and took charge of the farm. In 1864, he served as Sergeant of Co. K, 145th O. N. G., for five months. Dec. 24, 1874, he married Carrie Yeend, who was born April 21, 1845, in Gloucestershire, Eng.; when 7 years old, she came with her parents to Ohio ; she taught district and high school five years, and for five years more was teacher in the Girls' Industrial Home. In 1868, Mr. Carson bought the homestead of 177 acres. They are members of the Liberty Presbyterian Church. AURELIUS DEPP, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Jerome, Union Co. His father, Abraham Depp, was a native of Virginia, and a blacksmith by trade, having worked for forty years in one shop, commencing when 9 years old; in 1834, he came to Ohio, stopped in Columbus, where Miss worked some at his trade, being the second smith to work in that place. In that year, he purchased the present homestead, at that time containing 400 acre. Having returned to Virginia for his family, he started with them for Ohio, in 1835 ; before reaching their destination his wife died. About three years after settling here, he married Chaney Ellis. At his death, his property was valued at $30,000 ; this, excepting 100 acres of land on which his widow lives and holds during her natural life, was divided among his children Aurelius Depp was born near Richmond, Va., Oct 20, 1831 ; his boyhood days were divided between work on the farm and attending school ; at the age 742 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of 22 years, he entered Oberlin College, which he attended for two years; his father being in ill health, he was compelled to return home and take charge of affairs. Sept. 9, 1858, he was married to Catharine Letchford, daughter of Pleasant Letchford, an early settler of Columbus, who was the owner of 226 acres of land within a mile of the city, and was a prominent colored man of the county of Franklin ; at his death his property was valued at about $25,000. After Mr. Depp's marriage, he moved on to his present place, which contains sixty acres ; he also owns seventy-seven acres within a mile of the city of Columbus ; nine children are the fruit of their marriage. Ardemian, Mary E., Abraham L., Freeman W., Catherine and Queen Victoria are still living; Martha E., Aurelius and Victor Emanuel are dead; the latter and Queen Victoria were twins. In September, 1864, Mr. Depp enlisted in the 12th U. S. C. I.; he was in the two days' battle of Nashville, also at Franklin, Tenn., and Decatur, Ala.; since the war. he has been a successful farmer and stock raiser ; he has filled some of the township offices, and is an active man in his neighborhood. WILLIAM D. DUNLAP, farmer; was born in this county Nov. 16, 1836. He was married, June 28, 1855, to Miss Susan Evans, when himself and wife, together with his parents, David and Sarah Dunlap, removed on to the place where he now resides, occupying the house and living as one family; after his father's death, his mother continued to make her home with her son. Nine children have been born to Mr. Dunlap and wife, all living ; their names and dates of birth are as follows: Sarah. R., born Aug. 16, 1856: Joseph A., March 4, 1858.; James F., March 12, 1860 ; Charles E., Jan. 10, 1862 ; Richard A., Oct. 13, 1863 ; John W., May 24, 1865 ; Thomas J., July 2. 1869 ; Ida E., March 29, 1873 ; Harrie E., May 30, 1879. Mr. Dunlap's farm contains 95 acres, and is situated three and one-quarter miles southwest of Delaware; he is a member of Olentangy Lodge, No. 53, I. O. O. F, of Delaware. LEWIS EDELBLUTE, farmer; P. O. Delaware; was born April 18, 1840, in Delaware Township; he is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Edelblute; his boyhood days were divided between work upon the farm and attending school; however, at the age of 17 he commenced to work out by the month, dividing his wages with his parents. Aug. 19, 1859, he married Mary A. Peck. In August, 1862, he entered the army as a member of Co. I, 82d O. V. I. ; the December following, he was taken prisoner while with a provision train en route from Fairfax Station to Dumfries, Va., and held as such for three months, being confined in Castle Thunder until paroled in the spring of 1863 ; on July 1 of that year, during the first day's battle of Gettysburg, he was shot through the head, the ball passing in just below and taking off the lower tip of the left ear, coming out under the right eye, taking out the upper jaw bone ; he fell into the enemy's hands, but was recaptured the next day ; with this wound he barely escaped death, and for some time the only sustenance he received was through a tube ; he has to this day been compelled to subsist on semi-solids and fluids ; Mr. Edelblute remained in the hospital for seven months ; coming home as soon as able, he took charge of his farm affairs; his homestead consists of 40 acres. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Edelblute, of whom Mary P., Elizabeth J., Lewis S., Eveline and George A., are living ; two-Lucy and an infant-are deceased. Mrs. Edelblute is a member of the Baptist Church. BENJAMIN FRESHWATER, farmer; his father-Christopher Freshwater, a carpenter by trade--came to Ohio in 1812, in company with the Hills of this township ; on his journey hither from Pennsylvania, he carried his gun and broad-ax on his shoulder ; upon their arrival here, he purchased 50 acres of land on the west side of the Scioto River, in what is now known as the Hills settlement, and erected his cabin upon it; at that time, there were only two settlements in what is now Concord Township. Not long after arriving here, having made some preparations for a home, he married Miss Elizabeth Hill. Subsequently, he exchanged his little farm of 50 acres for 100 acres on the east side of the river, and to this additions were made, until at one time he was the possessor of 950 acres. His demise took place Oct. 14, 1865, leaving twelve children. Prior to the maturity of the children, his family had received but one professional visit from physicians. Benjamin Freshwater was born April 9, 1829, within a mile of where he now lives. The usual duties of a farmer's boy devolved upon him during his earlier days, receiving his schooling from the local schools ; in connection with a brother and with the assistance of two dogs, some years ago, he killed the largest wildcat that was ever captured in the county. Dec. 18, 1852, he united in marriage with Miss Mary Harriott; she died July 9, 1863 ; they had seven children ; Mary E., Sarah M., Henry O., Lerow and Adelia A., are living. In CONCORD TOWNSHIP. - 743 September, 1868, Mr. Freshwater married Mary J. Cunningham; they have four children--Louella, George, Malinda and Frances. For twenty-eight years, he has lived on his present farm of 86 acres, being recognized as a kind and friendly neighbor. For fifteen years from the time he was 19 years old, he was a member of the United Brethren Church ; he then joined the Christian faith, and so remains to this time. The gun brought to this county by his father in 1812, and by which it is reputed over four hundred deer have been killed, is still in his possession. THOMAS S. HALL, superintendent of gas and water works, Girl's Industrial Home; was born Sept. 10, 1842, in Liberty Township, where the village of Powell now stands. Thomas S. remained at home till 19 years old, when he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, where he attended only three months ; from this institution he went into the army ; he had previously made an attempt to enlist, but could not pass muster, on account of a broken limb; his first term expired in September, 1862, and in May, 1864, he enlisted a second time, in Co. K, 145th O. V. I.; shortly after, was promoted to the office of Sergeant, and from that office to Second Lieutenant, which position he held till he was discharged, at the close of the rebellion ; there were sit brothers in the army, two of whom sleep under Southern soil. After coming home, Thomas S. worked one year at the Powell mill ; he then went to Orange Station, where he was railroad agent ; he at the same time had charge of J. Pennel's store, and was Assistant Postmaster; remained there one year, when he in company with his brother E. J., bought an interest in the Powell mill, where they manufactured laths, shingles and broom handles; he remained there five years, till 1871, at which time he accepted the position of night watchman at the Girls' Industrial Home; also had charge of the mail and passenger travel, to and from Delaware, till the water and gas works were put up, since which time he has had charge of them; he is the oldest employee at the home, and has gained quite a reputation for capturing and bringing back escaped inmates of the home; has been in the employ of the State eight years, and has in that time been off duty only twenty days, ten days of which were given him by Dr. Nichols and the same by Dr. Hills, as a reward for his close attention to business. Nov. 12, 1863, he was married to Miss Frances A. Topliff ; she was born Jan. 1, 1843, in Franklin Co , Ohio, They have six children, all living-William F., Lettie A., Ernest E., Harrie I., Mabel D. and Ollia A. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the M. E. Church; he is a prominent Sunday school man ; for four years he was Superintendent of the Powell Sunday School, keeping it alive through the year, something never done in that place before.; for the last two years, has been conducting a Sunday school in Concord Township. WILLIAM H. HEATH, blacksmith and wagon-maker; P. O. Delaware; lives in Concord Township; he was born Dec. 18, 1844, in New Jersey. His parents, Benjamin and Pamelia Heath, came to Ohio when William was but a child, and located on the present family homestead ; here the father lived with his family until his death in October, 1879, at the age of 84 years; he had been a leading member of the Baptist Church for forty years, and was, at the time of his demise, a member of the Concord Baptist Church ; his widow and a son, Othia J., are living with Mr. Heath in the old homestead. Although never having served as an apprentice, Mr. Heath is a good mechanic and has a shop on his place. Oct. 4, 1864, he was married to Susan Jones ; they have had eight children, of whom Isaac, born Oct. 2, 1865 ; Sarah E., May 12, 1869 ;William H., Aug. 15, 1871, and George, March 2, 1874, are still living; Abraham and three infants are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Heath are active members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Heath has a brother, Richard R., living in Red Oak. Iowa, a brother, George G., and sister Mary, deceased. Mrs. Heath's parents, Abraham and Sarah Jones, came to Ohio at an early day and purchased 300 acres of land. Mr. Jones became a member of the Baptist Church in early life, and so remained until his death in February, 1866, having served as a Deacon for forty years. Mrs. Heath lived with her parents until her marriage. SOLOMON HILL is a farmer, living in Concord Township, where his grandfather came as one of the earliest settlers, who purchased 1,300 acres of land; which he divided among his children, seven sons and three daughters, 115 acres of which was given to Mr. Hill's father, whose name was Stephen, the mother's name being Susan; on this farm they lived until the father's death, passing the later years with his son Solomon, who still resides on the farm, and where he was born, May 28, 1825. Mr. Hill received his education in schools held in two different schoolhouses, built upon the old homestead some of the lumber that entered 744 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: into the construction of the first house built upon the farm is still upon the place. Mr. Hill is the only grandson of Stephen Hill, Sr., now living in Delaware Co. At the age of 26, he was married to Miss Rachel Kilbery. They have had two children-Asa and Melvina, both deceased. Soon after the death of the last child, Mr. Hill was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. From the time of her death until Dec. 15, 1859, Mr. Hill lived at his father's. On that date, he was married to his present wife, who was Miss Mary J., daughter of William and Catharine Jackson; she was born Sept. 28, 1836, in Concord, Township; they have had three children, of whom Ruth and Murtlo are still living Susan having died, Ruth is now Mrs. Kilbery ; her husband is a brother of her father's first wife. Mr. Hill is proprietor of the Hill pleasure grounds, on which he has given a Fourth of July picnic dinner each year, for sixteen years, and during that time he has given from six to ten public parties, each year. The grounds are nicely arranged and highly ornamental ; an excavation for a lake in the grounds has been commenced, but is not yet completed. Aside from his other duties, Mr. Hill has been for years, and is still, engaged in the manufacture of brick, having furnished all that has entered into the construction of the Girls' Industrial Home, excepting for one story of one of the buildings. WILLIAM JACKSON, farmer; P. O. Jerome, Union Co.; was born Jan. 27, 1813, in Stark Co., Ohio, and, at the age of 11 years, hi: parents, Francis and Elizabeth Jackson, moved to Licking Co. Mr. Jackson's great-great-grand. father on his father's side was one of a number of men who drew their wives by lot out of a ship load of women that came to the New World as help. mates for the brave men who had preceded them this ancestor drew a "little fat Dutch girl" who proved to be a helpmate indeed, making him true wife and their children a loving mother; when our subject was 15 years of age his father died; he remained at home about one year thereafter, after which time he was employed on public work until he reached the age of 22. He was then married to Miss Kittie McKitrick ; they have had twelve children, eight of whom are living--Mary A., Elizabeth L., Susan M., James A., Arthur F., Marcella A., Emma O. and Harvey D.; those deceased being Emily, William H., Francis L and Smith A.; two of their sons were in the army during the late war; William H. died in Missouri; his body was brought home and buried. In Mr. Jackson's family, there is a little girl who was born on his farm ; her father and mother's name was Hamlin ; the mother died soon after the child's birth; her maiden name was Jackson; she claimed to have come from Texas; the whereabouts of the father is not known. Mr. Jackson has a good farm of 236 acres adjoining the State farm on the south, the Scioto River forming its eastern boundary. DANIEL L. KELLY lives in Concord Township on a farm which be owns and operates; it consists of 124 acres; besides this, he is the possessor of property in Delaware City; he was born Jan. 12, 1823, in Champaign Co., Ohio; lived with his parents until 5 years of age, when William Shockley, his grandfather, took him to Fleming Co., Ky., with whom he lived about nine years ; he then came to Brown Co., Ohio, and lived with his brother, John Kelly, two years ; the following seven years, excepting a year and a half spent in Kentucky, he made his home with an uncle in this county. Sept. 26, 1847, he married Miss Annie C. Kooken, who was born in this township May 15, 1820 ; her father died when she was quite young ; she lived with her mother until her marriage with Mr. Kelly ; the latter's father, Thomas Kelly, came to Ohio from Hot Springs, Va., in 1809, when a young man; for about twenty years, he made his home in this section of the country, and then went West ; the next thirty years he lived in Iowa and Missouri ; in 1860, at the age of 75, he returned to this county, where, at the home of his son, Daniel L., he shortly afterward died. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are the parents of nine children ; those living are Margaret K., Mary S., George E., William A. and James. Mrs. Kelly died Sept. 17, 1863, three of her children having died before her. The first year after his first marriage, Mr. Kelly lived in Belle Point, moving on to a farm in 1848 ; in 1851, he bought and moved on to what is known as the Sugar Grove farm, remaining until his second marriage, April 21, 1867, to Mrs. Louisa Freshwater; she had one child-Mary F. E., born June 24,1864 ; by this wife, Mr. Kelly is the father of two children-Charles «'., born Aug. 5, 1868, and Jessie I., Nov. 5, 1879 ; shortly after his second marriage, he sold his old place and purchased and moved on to the farm where he now lives. In his younger days, Mr. Kelly helped cut out and open up for travel the present pike from Belle Point to Delaware, and, when living with his uncle, often CONCORD TOWNSHIP. - 745 went with wagon-loads of grain to Sandusky City, a distance of 125 miles. He has filled most of the public offices of his township, and figures prominently in his locality; in 1859, be accepted the position of Land Appraiser, and again in 1879. ELIJAH KENT was born Jan. 14, 1824, in Madison Co., Ohio; he is the son of Silas and Olive Kent; they moved to Union Co. when Elijah was but a child; Aug. 12, 1831, the father died ; Elijah remained with his mother until he was 24 years old, when, Aug. 23, 1848, he married Miss Charlotte Norris, who was born in Harrison Co. March 23, 1828 ; her parents took up their abode in Union Co. when Charlotte was about 12. years of age, she living with her parents until her marriage with Mr. Kent ; from this union there have been born to them eleven children ; of these, Ellen, Dudley and two infants are deceased ; Emily J., born Sept. 23, 1849 ; George, Sept. 9, 1853 ; Edward, Nov. 2, 1856 ; Andrew D., Oct. 12, 1858 ; John, Nov. 12, 1860 ; Silas, Dec. 27, 1862, and Benjamin F., Aug. 14, 1865, are still living; Emily and George are married, the others live at home. In 1865, Mr. Kent purchased and moved on to his present farm ; it contains 338 acres ; in addition to this, he owns a fifteen-acre lot in this township and 349 in Liberty. As a stock-raiser and shipper, Mr. Kent has been recognized for some years as one of the most extensive in the county ; he has also dealt considerably in real estate, and in a general way is prominently identified with the business interests of the township. D. W. C. LUGENBEEL, teacher, Belle Point; was born Feb. 7, 1831, and is a son of John and Pamelia Lugenbeel, who moved to Ohio when our subject was a child ; they located in Delaware Township, where they remained until the subject was about 20 years old, when they moved away; he, however, remained in Delaware, attending the university, and was one of the four first students in that institution. Mr. Lugenbeel attended the university three years, and then spent some time with his parents ; returned to the university, where he remained one year, being in the class with Mrs. Hayes and her brothers ; in 1850, he left the school, and connected himself with the Delaware -Democratic Standard, on which he worked till 1862 ; in May, he enlisted in Co. C, 86th O. V. I, and remained with the company until the expiration of his term, about eighteen months ; after returning home, he worked on the paper he had formerly been connected with ; while in the army, he corresponded for seven different papers, of which two were in Cincinnati, two in Delaware, one in Marysville, one in Springfield, Ohio, and one in Lancaster, Ohio. Mr. Lugenbeel has a large newspaper experience, having been sole proprietor of four, and partner in two other, papers, and for several years has been correspondent for all the Delaware papers from the townships of Concord, Liberty and Scioto; he has been in thirty-three of the thirty-eight States, having spent several years in traveling; and in that time he gave considerable attention to collecting curiosities, and now has quite a museum; about 1864, Mr. Lugenbeel commenced teaching, to which he has since devoted his time and attention ; he has taught fifty-five terms of school in Delaware Co., has filled the office of Township Clerk one year, and Township Constable three years; is a member of the Reform Church, and is now prominently identified with the Sunday; school interests of Concord Township. As a poet, Mr. Lugenbeel has gained quite a reputation, writing poetry on any subject he may choose. REV. JOHN C. MERCHANT, farmer; P. O. Jerome, Union Co.; a son of Yammer and Edith Merchant ; born July 10, 1838, in Columbus, Ohio, where he remained with his father until he was 7 years old; the family then moved on to a farm; the father, who was a devout Christian, died Aug. 13. 1875. At the age of 17, John C. entered the Union Seminary in Franklin Co., where he attended two years ; when he arrived at the age of 36, Mr. Merchant was ordained for the ministry, having become a Christian when only 13 years old, at which time he joined the African Methodist. Church, of which he has been an active and earnest member. At the age of 23, he was married to Miss Sarah Jackson, and to them were born three children-Sandy E., John W. and Susan F., all of whom are still living. The mother died in 1866, leaving the care of the children to the father and his people. In 1874, Mr. Merchant came to Delaware Co., settling in this township. Since his citizenship here, he has married Keziah Depp, who lived but a little over a year, leaving an infant child, Ids E. R. Mr. Merchant owns a nice little farm one and a half miles south from the Girls' Industrial Home. He is a prominent man among the colored people. JOSIAH MARSH, farmer; P. O. Jerome, Union Co. Mr. Marsh was born May 12, 1841, within a mile of where he now lives ; he is the son of Joel and Rachel Marsh ; the father came 746 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: to Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1813 ; in 1821, he married Miss Hill, daughter of Stephen Hill, of Concord Township, this being the first marriage in that township; after living awhile in Franklin Co., they settled near her father's; here they lived something over fifty years, when she died ; he survived her but a short time, dying Jan. 3, 1874, both having been faithful Christians. Joel Marsh was a man of influence in his locality, having been a Justice of the Peace for twelve consecutive years, then declined further honors tendered him in that line ; however, some years subsequently, he was persuaded to assume the mantle of that office again, performing the duties for three years more; he has filled other positions, among which may be mentioned that of Township Trustee, which he held for several years. Josiah Marsh and his sister, Mrs. Layman, are living at the old homestead ; Mrs. Layman and her husband moved to her father's home in September, 1867, and on Oct. 8 of the same year, Mr. Layman died from the effects of an injury received a short time previously. The homestead farm contains 117 acres, and is situated just north and adjoining the State farm of the Girls' Industrial Home, on the Belle Point pike. On account of ill health, Mr. Marsh has traveled considerably ; in 1863, he took a tour around the lakes; in 1876, he took in the Centennial at Philadelphia, and during this trip visited other Eastern cities. H. W. NEWELL, contractor and builder ; is a native of Delaware, in this county, where he was born Feb. 14, 1846, the son of John and Eliza Newell; at the age of 13, he took a position as clerk in a confectionery store in Delaware In April, 1861, at the age of 15, he ran away and enlisted in the 4th O. V. I; his mother caused his return but in a few days he joined his company in Cincinnati, remaining at Camp Dennison until the expiration of his three months' enlistment; the September following, he enlisted in the 20th O. V. I; Feb. 14, 1862, his 16th birthday, was in the battle of Fort Donelson, subsequently took part in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Jackson, .Raymond, Grand Gulf, Champion Hill and the siege of Vicksburg; then re-enlisted and served through with Sherman to the sea, and discharged in August, 1865, at Columbus ; the last two years he was Sergeant Major. May 11, 1867, Mr. Newell married Miss Hattie McCowly ; they had three children-Harris H. and Nettie M., living; Freddie W., deceased; Mrs. Newell died May 31, 1876 - Jan. 31, 1878, Mr. Newell married Miss Annie McCowly, a sister of his first wife ; she died Jan. 31, 1879, just one year from marriage; he, with his sister and two children, are living in Columbus. In 1867, he took a trip to California and Colorado ; has studied medicine, and attended lectures; has been Superintendent of Hospital at State Penitentiary, and is now contracting and building, and constructing two buildings at the Girls' Industrial Home. O. PEASLEE, boarding-house; Girls' Industrial Home; was born Jan. 5, 1828; is a son of Joptha and Barbara Peaslee, of Union Co., Ohio the father died about three months before the subject was born ; he remained with his mother till 17 years old, when he commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked three years; he then went to Morrow Co. and entered a Quaker school, which he attended three years ; he then taught school one year, when he went to Eden and opened a shoe-shop, remaining there eight years. Here he married Ruth Gardner; they had one child-Marcus G., who graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University, only living a few months thereafter; in 1859, Mr. Peaslee moved to Delaware and ran a boarding-house for eight years at the female college; then opened what is now the Central Hotel : after the death of his son, he, with his wife, went South, to Post Christian, Miss., where he opened a large hotel, and remained there until Mrs. P.'s death, Dec. 26, 1878, when he closed his house and brought her remains back to Delaware. Mr. Peaslee is now running a boarding-House at the Girls' Home in Concord Township. JOHN F. PENROD is a Constable of Concord Township, where he was born Dec. 13, 1850 ; he is a son of Henry and Sarah J. Penrod ; previous to 1860, they lived in the county on one of several farms which they owned ; in the year 1860, having sold their property, they emigrated to Lyon Co., Kan., where they purchased a farm, which, in 1869, they exchanged for property in Emporia, Kan., whither they moved, and where they still reside. John F. remained with his parents until 16 years old, when he returned to Ohio, and for the three subsequent years, worked on a farm during the cropping season and attended school in winter; the following three years be worked in a saw-mill, acting most of the time as engineer. Oct. 3, 1872, he was married to Rosetta Hinkle, daughter of William and Matilda Hinkle; she was born in Morrow Co. Oct. 3, 1851. Most of the time since his marriage, Mr. CONCORD TOWNSHIP. - 747 Penrod has lived on a farm ; during this time, however, he has done some clerking in a store. He was elected Constable of his township in the spring of 1879, and still holds that honorable position. JOHN ROBINSON is afarmer living in Concord Township, with post office at Belle Point ; he was born near London, England, and is a son of William D. and Rebecca Robinson. The father was a carver and gilder of picture frames, at which he worked until his marriage, after which he opened a tobacco and cigar store, which he conducted until 1833, when he came to America, landing in New York City on the memorable night of the falling stars; he remained in New York about one year, removing to Ohio with his family in 1834, locating in this township, on the farm where his wife still lives, he having died Aug. 24, 1871 ; John remained at home until he was 21 years of age; he then commenced business for himself by traveling through the country with a wagon containing a general stock of goods; this he followed for seven years; he then bought in interest in a store in California, Union Co., where he remained for two years, when he moved on to the farm where he now lives. He was married in 1852, to Sarah Hill; they had three children-John A., Rebecca and Mary, all living. Mrs. Robinson died in January, 1862. In November, 1862, he married Nancy Goodin; they have four children-Sarah B., Thomas G., Flora J. and William D. Mr. Robinson has been Road Supervisor for nineteen years, and School Director for twenty years ; the farm on which he lives belong; to his son, John A., and consists of 317 acres upon which there is a greenhouse. JAMES E. ROBINSON, farmer; P. O. Hoytville, Wood Co.; was born May 5,1834, in Virginia and is the son of James and Annie M. Robinson Mr. Robinson's father was born on the ocean whip his parents were on their way from London, England to New York ; he came from this State from Virginia, locating in Delaware County, when Mr Robinson was but a child ; the latter remained a home until of age, receiving a liberal education spending two and a half years at the normal school in Delaware; he then went into the machine - shops at Springfield, where he remained about three years ; he then accepted a position on the railroad, with which he was identified for about seven years, dividing his time between the positions of roadmaster, conductor and contras tor. At the age of 22, he married Miss Julia A. Ross, daughter of Rev. John Ross, of Delaware, who was prominently identified with the building of the William Street M. E. Church, of that place. Mr. Robinson is a descendant of Mary, Queen of Scots, and his wife of Martin Luther; they have seven children, of whom Arlington A., John C., Ralph W., U. S. and Mary H., are still living; those deceased are Newton E. and Weldon E. In 1864, Mr. R. enlisted in the U. S. naval service, and for two years thus served his country, since which time he has devoted' himself to farming and the manufacture of brick; in 1875, he moved to Wood Co., where he owns 135 acres of land; he also owns 22 acres in Henry Co., at the junction of the D. & M. and B. & O. R. R's. ; Mr. Robinson is now engaged in the brick business in this county. JAMES ROSS, farmer; P. O. Belle Point; was born in 1847, in the State of Tennessee, at which time his mother was owned by one Myers; at the age of 15, he was sold to a man named Ross, and assumed his name ; in 1862, he ran away from his master and entered the Union army as teamster ; after a little over two years' service, he came to Ohio and located in Berkshire Township, Delaware Co.; here he remained for about. six years, after which he purchased an outfit and traveled through the country with a huckster wagon for about a year; the following year he worked for a Mr. Armstrong, who lived near Delaware City. Nov. 23, 1871, Mr. Ross took unto himself a wife, Adelaide, whose maiden name was Whyte; she is the daughter of Dr Samuel Whyte, of Concord Township; for a time previous to her alliance with Mr. Ross, she had followed the very creditable calling of school teaching ; they farmed, after their marriage, the first two years near Delaware, and then in Scioto Township for the next two succeeding years; in April, 1876, having rented the farm where the; now reside, they moved on to it, and in 1878 purchased it. Two children-Gertrude A. and Clentie A.-live to bless their home, and one-Casley died in April, 1879. The father and mother are both members of the M. E. Church of Delaware and he a member of the White Sulphur Lodge, No. 10, A. F. and A. M. WILLIAM T. ROPP, M. D.; was born Dec. 9, 1833, in West Virginia, where he remaine until about 1858, when he came West and locate in Delaware City; after attending the Ohio Wesleyan University for three terms, he commence the study of medicine in the office of Dr. C. Welch, 748 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of Delaware, after which he practiced a short time at Belle Point; the Doctor then attended lectures for three terms at the Ohio Medical College, in Cincinnati, graduating June 6, 1863, resuming practice in Belle Point, where he continued until Jan. 1, 1864, when he received the appointment of Assistant Surgeon of she 33d O. V. I. ; during the most of his army service, the Doctor performed the duties of Regimental Surgeon ; in 1865, he returned to Delaware and associated himself in his profession with Dr. Welch ; in June, 1867, he went West to Kansas; returning, he traveled on horseback as far as Illinois; upon arriving in Delaware, he entered upon his professional duties ; in 1870, he engaged in farming and stock-raising, two miles south of Belle Point, on the west side of the Scioto River ; in 1874 removed to his present residence, two and one-half miles southwest of Delaware, on the Delaware and Belle Point pike, devoting himself to his profession. March 31, 1870, he was married to Mrs. R. D. Cutler; one child has been born to them Annie M., May 27, 1879. Their present place contains 47 acres; he also has 8 acres adjoining the corporate limits of Delaware ; Mrs. Ropp holds a life interest in 106 acres two miles south of Belle Point. Dr. Ropp has recently been appointed medical attendant of the Girls' Industrial Home, where they have over three hundred inmates. The Doctor gives considerable attention to bee culture, having at this time 67 stands. Jacob M. Ropp, the father of the Doctor, died Dec. 11, 1851 ; about three years later his mother, Mrs. Harriet Ropp, joined the spirit of the departed father. They were both members of the M. E. Church. REV. NATHAN SMITH is a native of Clark Co., Ohio, and was born on the same farm as his mother, July 28, 1828. He is Superintendent of the Girls' Industrial Home; his appointment to this position took place soon after the death of Dr. Hill (former Superintendent) in September, 1879. At the age of 13, Mr. Smith became a Christian and united with the church ; his early life was spent in attending and teaching school, and he was licensed to preach at the age of 23, being ordained the same year ; Mr. Smith entered upon his calling in Ross Co., and the greater portion o his labor has been in this State, having, however, served as Pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church at Fort Wayne, Ind., for six years. The church was organized under his ministry, becoming self sustaining and thrifty, when, in 1873, Mr. Smith located in Delaware, Ohio, where he served as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church for five years, when he removed to Chillicothe temporarily. He has been honored with the degree of D. D., conferred by the University of Wooster (Presbyterian). At the age , of 23, Mr. Smith married Rachel Elsworth, who died in Cincinnati in 1858 ; three sons born to them are also deceased. Mr. Smith was again married in the year 1861 ; this time to Cornelia Tarlton, of Chillicothe; they have no children. His parents are natives of Ohio, the father, James S. Smith, having been born in 1804, at College Hill, Hamilton Co.; the mother, in 1805, in Clark Co.; the former was a minister of the Protestant Methodist Church, having joined the church at the age of 20, and ordained to the ministry about ten years later. The greater portion of his life was spent in preaching in Clark and adjoining counties. GEORGE STOKES, farmer; P. O. Delaware ; is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Stokes, natives of Somersetshire, England; Thomas Stokes was a farmer, maltster and brewer, and for some years devoted a portion of his time to the cheese trade; George Stokes was born in his f'ather's native shire Nov. 24, 1829, remaining with his parents until Aug. 8, 1849. He became the husband of Annie, daughter of George and Elizabeth Hill, also of Somersetshire, where she was born Oct. 16, 1832; shortly after their marriage, they located in London, he as weighmaster in the commission house of his cousin, where he remained until April, 1854, when he sailed for America, coming, to Ohio the same year and locating in New California, Union Co., as a merchant, where he remained until 1861, five years of which time he was Postmaster of the place. In 1860, he visited his people in England, leaving his wife and a Mr. Allen in charge of his business; in 1861, he returned. A steamer that Mr. Stokes had intended to take passage on for his return went down, and all on board were lost, and he reported among the number. He, however, took passage on the Nova Scotia, informing his family by a previously written letter that he should do so; she-was ten days overdue and reported lost with all on board, his name appearing among the number. The first paper he saw on his arrival had an account of his loss with the rest, his family supposing him dead until the joyous re-union upon his arrival home; soon after this, he sold his business in New California, and accepted the position of steward at the White Sulphur Springs Hotel of this township, then run by a Mr. Wilson, and acted as such for CONCORD TOWNSHIP. - 749 six years; a Mr. Ferry then took the place of Mr. Wilson, when Mr. Stokes took charge of the livery stables, continuing in this capacity for over three years; during this time, he purchased sixty-nine acres of his present place, which now contains 155 acres. In 1869, the springs became the property of the State, and the Girls' Industrial Home was established there ; Mr. Stokes accepted the position of farmer for the institution, and continued in this capacity until June, 1879, his wife being housekeeper for the home during this time. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stokes, five of whom died when quite small ; the two living are Sarah A., born Jan. 14, 1851, in London, England, and Thomas M., May 22, 1857, in Union Co.; the former attended school in Delaware in 1867-68 ; in 1873, Thomas entered the high school at Piqua, Miami Co., which he attended for two years, at the same time utilizing his evenings by taking a course in a business college. He is a member of Powell Lodge, No. 465, I. O. O. F. This son and the daughter ran the farm for the past two years, and now they all live together on the place, the father and mother both having given up their positions at the home. Mr. Stokes has been a member of the School Board for years. SAMUEL W. WHYTE, physician and surgeon, was born April 20, 1815, in Chesterfield Co., Va.; is a son of Samuel and Amy Whyte. At his birth, his parents were in slavery; his mother being owned by one McCray ; his father arranged with his owner for his time by paying therefor, at the rate of $150 per year. By hard work and the closest economy, he succeeded, by the time young Whyte was 2 years old, in saving sufficient money with which to buy from slavery the son and mother, paying for the former $300, and for the latter $500 ; two years later, his master died, and he was sold; he eventually succeeded in buying his own freedom for $1,220 ; then, with a free family, he moved to Manchester, Va., where he engaged in shipping cotton and tobacco, from 1819 until 1836, when he came to Ohio, buying and improving the farm of 100 acres, where the Doctor now lives, for which he paid $1,120; here he remained until his death, Aug. 2, 1852, his wife having died before him ; both had been earnest Christians. The Doctor received a liberal education, passing three years at Brown's High School, and three college years at McKennon's University, from which he graduated. He soon commenced the reading of medicine, in the office of Dr. Rolin, of Lynchburg, Va.; completing these studies, he practiced in his profession for a short time, then returned to Ohio, where he turned his attention to farming and blacksmithing. Since 1860, however, the Doctor has devoted himself to his profession. Oct. 22, 1836, he was married to Miss Louisa Robingood, who was born July 8, 1812 ; they have had thirteen children, of whom Addie L. V., Thomas A., Oscar B., Jeredemia F., William S. and Georgiana H. are still living. Those deceased are Archy, Amy E., Margaret R., Samuel J. Q. A., Samlyn C., Clarkson W. and Maud Elberta. Miss Georgian, is a graduate of Wilbermer College, and is now engaged as a teacher in a university, at St. Louis, Mo. The Doctor has, at three different times, been a delegate to State conventions. He is the owner of a nice little farm, one-half mile south of the Girls' Industrial Home. Besides his office at his residence, on the farm, he maintains one in Delaware. He is one of only three colored doctors in Ohio. THOMAS A. WHYTE, farmer and blacksmith ; P. O. Jerome, Union Co.; is a son of Dr. Samuel W. Whyte, and was born April 19, 1845, in Concord Township, where he remained with his father, working at blacksmithing and attending school, until 22 years of age. After leaving ' home, he attended school in Delaware two terms, and from that time until in the year 1873, he traveled and worked at his trade in the following. places: Columbus, Grove City, Indianapolis and Richmond, Ind.; Springfield and Bates, Ill.; Marysville, Springfield, Xenia and Flint Station, Ohio. June 5, 1873, he was married to Miss Lucinda Depp, daughter of Abraham Depp, who, at his death, was the wealthiest colored man in the county. They have three children-John Q. A., Erena K., Rilla L. After his marriage, Mr. Whyte located in Jerome, Union Co., and opened a blacksmith-shop, where he has a good business ; in addition to this, he owns a good farm, in Con' cord Township, of 112 acres. In 1876, he visited some of the Eastern cities. Mr. Whyte is a zealous Sunday-school worker, and is now an official in two Sunday schools. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church. GEORGE W. WILLISON, carpenter; was born July 18, 1841, in Shelby Co., Ohio, and is a son of Elisba Willison, who died in Missouri in 1849, while in the regular army; George was then in his 8th year ; he was then bound out to one J. B. Douvil, of Franklin Co., with whom he 750 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: remained until he was 19 years old, in the mean time working on the farm, and receiving some school privileges; he then went to work on his own responsibility. Aug. 2, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, 18th U. S. I., serving for three years, being with his command in all the battles in which it was engaged, among which were those of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, New Hope Church and Atlanta. Mr. Willison was discharged at Lookout Mountain at the expiration of his term of service, and returned to his former home, and followed farming until 1867 ; he then went to work at carpentering; in 1871, he came to Liberty Township, and in the spring of 1879, he was appointed as carpenter at the Girl's Industrial Home, which position he still fills. Dec. 23, 1874, Mr. Willison was married to Miss Rachel Boxton, who was born Feb. 11, 1837 , in Union Co., Ohio; they have two childrenJames H. and George F. Mr. Willison is a member of the M. E. Church. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) |