1034 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
BUCK TOWNSHIP.
JOHN S. ALLEN, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Pleasant Township, Hardin County, Ohio, May 21, 1836. His parents were Abel H. and Rebecca (Mackey) Allen; the former a native of Hardy County, Va., born November 7, 1803, and the latter a native of Franklin County, Ohio, born July 12, 1810. They moved to Hardin County in 1833, and settled two miles east of Kenton, where Mr. Allen entered 100 acres of land. All was wild forest, and not a house marked the site of the city of Kenton. He cleared his farm, added forty acres, and in 1852, sold; then bought eighty acres in the same township, and 125 acres in Buck Township. He died December 24, 1873, and in 1876 his widow removed to Kenton. Of the eight children born to them six are living. The subject of this sketch was the eldest member, and was reared on the homestead, aiding in clearing up the land. On October 16, 1860, he was married to Isabella S., daughter of Henry G. Johnson, and born in Logan County, Ohio, September 11, 1838. They have three children-Edith L., born September 14, 1861; Hallie C., born September 22, 1866, and Tressie B., born December 3, 1875. Edith L. is the wife, of Henry Bishop. Mr. Allen located on his present farm November 13, 1860, and owns 120 acres of land, and also gave his daughter, Edith L Bishop, a farm of fifty-six acres. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and had marked success in exhibiting his fine stock at the fairs. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a Republican.
ENOS H. ALLEN, farmer, P. O Kenton, is the second son of Abel H. and Rebecca Allen, and was born in Pleasant Township, Hardin County, Ohio, December 25, 1843. He was raised on a farm and remained on the homestead until he married. In 1864, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment of the Ohio National Guards, but was subsequently transferred to Company G, of the same regiment. He served in the Shenandoah Valley, and took part in the skirmish with Gen. Early's troops at John Brown's Schoolhouse. He was discharged August 1, 1864. On December 24, 1868, he was married to Susan A. Lee, widow of Lewis Lee, and daughter of Alexander and Grace Morrison Mrs. Allen was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, May 4, 1846, and had one child by her former husband-Princess A., born August 1, 1864. Mr. Allen had charge of his father's farm from 1868 to 1874, when his father gave him 125 acres of land, and he located on it the same year. He now owns 227 acres, 101 of which are located in Goshen Township. Mr. Allen is engaged in farming and rearing thoroughbred short-horn cattle, Southdown and Spanish merino sheep. He is a regular exhibitor at the Hardin County fairs, and is now serving his second term as member of the Agricultural
BUCK TOWNSHIP. - 1035
Board. He and his wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Republican; has served twice as Township Trustee, and is a man of public spirit and enterprise.
ABE BAKER. farmer, P O. Kenton, was born in Kenton, Ohio, March 6, 1841, and is a son of Levi and Sarah (Delp) Baker. His father was born in Virginia, June 5, 1812; his mother in Pennsylvania, October 1, 1818. They were married in Seneca County, Ohio, in October, 1836, where their parents had moved in the year 1834. In 1840, Levi Baker and family came to Kenton, soon after removed on a farm, and in 1845 came to Buck Township, where he lived on the Mentzer farm until 1848, when he removed to the Price farm, and finally, in 1859, settled on the farm now owned by our subject. He died at the last-named place in June, 1861. He had cleared fifty-two acres of land which he had purchased on first coming to the township. For twenty years he belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the nine children he had six are living. The subject of this sketch is the eldest and only son living. He was reared on a farm, and assisted his father in clearing up the farm. On November 7, 1861, he enlisted in Company B. Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served on the Potomac until 1863, when he was transferred to the Cumberland Army. He fought at Gettysburg under McDowell was detailed as wagon master, in which position he remained until the close of the war. He was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign and on the march to the sea, and received his discharge July, 1865. On his return home he engaged in farming. On July 12, 1866, he was married to Louisa E., daughter of David and Rebecca Cline, and a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born January 5, 1847. Five children blessed this union-Rebecca P., Clara B., Otis F.. Loretta R. and Lester A. Mr. Baker and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Baker is a Democrat, and has never held office. He is occupied in farming and stock-raising, making Poland-China hogs a specialty of the latter.
DANIEL W. BENTON. farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio. August 10, 1832. His parents are Elias and Elizabeth J. (Caldwell) Benton. Daniel is the youngest son of six children, three sons and three daughters. He remained on the homestead till of age, and educated at the common schools, Mount Pleasant Academy, at Kingston, Ohio, and also Kenyon College. at Gambier, Ohio. When nineteen years of age, he began teaching, and during the winters of the three years following, taught in Pickaway and Fairfield Counties. He subsequently took up farming, and has pursued that occupation ever since. In November of 1857, he accompanied his parents to Hardin County, located one mile north of Kenton, but sold out in August, 1859, and came to Buck Township. He purchased 212 acres of his present farm, which he has since cleared and improved. On September 18, 1855, he was married to Harriet M., a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Winters) Wharton, of Clermont County, Ohio. Mr. Wharton was an itinerant minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty years. He traveled over Southern Ohio and Virginia, and aided in organizing pioneer churches. He died September 14, 1864. at the age sixty years. Mrs. Wharton was born August 30, 1809, and now resides in Delaware, Ohio. Mrs. Benton was born in Ross County, Ohio, February 9, 1836, and has reared six children out of a family of eight----Henry Willard, burn May 10, 1857; Elias, born April 11, 1859, died December 29,1859; William Horace, born January 14, 1861, died August 18, 1864; Guy Potter, born May 26, 1865; Clarence Daniel, born September 16, 1868;
1036 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
Eva Maria, born October 17, 1870; Mary Elizabeth, born November 10, 1873, and Sarah Marguerite, born May 27, 1877. Henry Willard graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1881; also graduated from the Cincinnati Law School, May 1883, and is now practicing law in Minneapolis, Minn. Guy Potter is a Sophomore in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Mr. Benton owns 340 acres of well-improved land, and gives some of his attention to raising thoroughbred Spanish merino sheep. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and his wife and children of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors for three years, and was Township Treasurer and Clerk one year each. He has been County Agent of Hardin County Grange, with which he has been prominently indentified since its organization.
EARHART BLOOM, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Hesse, Germany, September 14, 1818, and is a son of Michael and Barbara (Calip) Bloom, who were natives of the same place. His mother died when he was six years old, and in 1833, he emigrated with his father to the United States, settling near Shellsburg, Penn., thence moving the following year to Tiffin, Ohio. His father died there the same year, 1834, leaving five children, two of whom also died that year. John died in 1839, leaving Andrew and our subject the only survivors. The former is a resident of Tiffin, Ohio. Our subject is the youngest child, and was reared principally on a farm. In 1841, he began working at molding in a foundry in Tiffin, and staid here three vears. In October of 1844, he came to Kenton, built a foundry, and was the first in Hardin County to make a plow: it was cast on the evening of the 3d of May, 1845. In 1856, he erected his present foundry, and remained in the business until June of 1877, employing at the commencement, eight hands, and closing with a force of fifteen hands. He manufactured plows and machinery, and kept a general repair shop. His foundry cost him about $4,000 and is situated on the corner of Main and North streets. The property is still owned by him, but he retired from the business in June, 1877. In February 1879, be removed to his farm of 213 acres of land wich he had purchased in 1864 and 1865. His brick residence was erected in 1879, at a cost of $3,000. He was married, April 18, 1844, to Julia A., daughter of Lewis and Louise Faulhaver. Ten children resulted from this union, four living, viz.: John B., Matilda, Callie L., wife of David Newcomb, and Lewis P. Mr. Bloom's family attend the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a Democrat; has held the office of Township Trustee for four years; has been a member of the School Board for three years, and of the City Council six years. He helped to found the savings bank, of which he was a stockholder, and, with J. S. Robinson, built the first two miles and a half of pike ever made in Hardin County. He owns 213 acres of land beside, the foundry buildings and town property, all secured by his own energy and exertion.
DWIGHT CALHOUN, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Litchfield County, Conn., July 4, 1823. His parents were Justus Truman and Lucy (Hitchcock) Calhoun, both natives of the same county. His mother was born April 23, 1790, and died in Troy, Ohio, December 31, 1867. Justus Truman Calhoun was born January 1, 1789, and was the son of Truman and Mary Calhoun, natives of Washington, Conn. The former was born in 1770, the latter in 1773. Truman's father, George Calhoun, with five brothers, Calvin, John, Joseph, James and Reuben, served in the Revolutionary war, and settled in Washington, Conn. The descendants of Reuben, Burt and Abel are the only representatives of the family now living
BUCK TOWNSHIP. - 1037
in Connecticut. Justus Truman Calhoun, the father of our subject. removed with his family to Delaware County, Ohio. in 1833, settling in Berkshire Township, where he purchased a farm, and occupied it until his death, on October 5, 1848. He and his wife were the parents of five children four living--Henry, a Presbyterian minister of Ironton, Ohio; Mary J wife of Elijah W. Fenton, of Iowa City, Iowa; Dwight, our subject and Lucy A., widow of John W. Weiser. Justus Truman Calhoun died October 5, 1848. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and educated at East Blendon Institute. At the age of sixteen, he engaged in teaching, and followed it during the winters, until 1859. He was married, October 29, 1848, to Elizabeth J., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Monnett) Caldwell, the former a native of Huntingdon County, Penn., and the latter of Pickaway County, Ohio. Mr. Caldwell was born in the year 1800, and his wife in 1805. Mrs Calhoun was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, February 23, 1829, and has blessed her husband with six daughters, five living, viz.: Anna E., wife of Robert McCurdy, of Kenton, Ohio; Myra J., wife of D. Longfellow, of Minneapolis. Minn.; Henrietta, Bessie Monnett, and Helen D. The eldest. Emma M. (deceased), was for several years a missionary to the Indians. Of the six children, Emma, Anna, Myra and Henrietta were educated in the Western Seminary at Oxford, Ohio. In 1859, Mr. Calhoun removed to his present location in Buck Township. He is a member of the Episcopal Church. He takes an active interest in Sabbath schools, having been Superintendent for thirty years in different schools. Mr. Calhoun devoted his attention for several years to keeping Italian bees, and was the first person to introduce them in Hardin County. Emma Maria, the eldest daughter, was born in Berkshire, Delaware Co., Ohio, March 27, 1850. In early childhood, she exhibited those beautiful traits of character which were so greatly developed in her maturer years of Christian life and work. She received her early training in the union schools of Kenton. When fifteen years of age, she taught her first school on the Bellefontaine pike, near her home. Her strong desire to do good prompted her to organize a Sabbath school in the schoolhouse, and, with outside assistance, the enterprise proved a success. She continued an active worker for some time. Being anxious to obtain an education requisite for mission work, she went to Troy, Ohio, in the spring of 1868, and continued her studies with her uncle, Rev. Henry Calhoun, preparatory to entering the seminary at Oxford, Ohio. The following fall she entered on a course in that institution, and graduated in 1871. She then became a teacher in the union schools of Evansville, Ind. In the spring of 1872, she returned home, and, October 8, 1872, started for Yankton Agency, Dak., to assume the duties of assistant teacher to Rev. J. P. Williamson. She taught English, while studying the language of the Dakota Indians, in which she became very proficient. In 1874, she returned to Kenton, bringing an Indian boy to be educated by the Presbyterian Church. On account of ill health he was obliged to return to his tribe, and soon after died. Miss Calhoun returned after a brief visit, and February 15, 1876, was married to Rev. C. L. Hall, formerly of New York City, then a missionary at Springfield, Dak. The same spring the two devoted missionaries went to Fort Berthold, 1,000 miles up the Missouri River, and devoted their Christian work to 2,000 Indians, remnants of the once powerful tribes of Mandans, Arickarees and Gros Ventres. In 1877, they visited her parents and were accompanied on their return by Myra J., a sister of Mrs. Hall, who became a mission teacher for three years. In 1879, Mrs. Hall attended the annual mission
1038 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
meeting at Brown Earth Dak., and addressed the meeting in the Sioux language. She was probably the first of her sex to address the Indians in their native tongue. Mrs. Hall was an earnest and devout missionary, and devoted her entire womanhood to the cause of advancing Christianity and enlightening the Indians of the far West. After nine years of missionary usefulness, unsurpassed by any of her sex, she died at the post of duty, April 17, 1881, leaving two children. She was buried by the side of her oldest boy, Harry, who died July 17, 1878.
CORNELIUS CHAMBERLIN, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Monroe County, N. Y., March 30, 1825. He is a. son of David and Hannah (Bridge) Chamberlin, of New York State. His paternal grandfather was an officer in the Revolution, and died in New Yoik. Our subject's parents were married in their native State, whence they emigrated in 1837, and settled in Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, Ohio. Mr. Chamberlin bargained for 200 acres of land at $2.50 an acre; after paying a part, the title proved void, and the land was taken away after his decease. He died in November, 1838; his widow followed him in May 1865. They were the parents of twelve children, five living. The subject of this sketch was the sixth child and second son. He was brought up on a farm and obtained a fair education from the common schools. When fourteen years of age. he began working out by the month for a period of ten years. On November 18, 1846, he was married to Miss Catharine Irwin. born in Logan County, Ohio, October 20, 1828, and a daughter of Michael and Mary Irwin: When eight years of age, she came with her parents to Union County, Ohio. Mr. Chamberlin and his wife are the parents of ten children, viz.: William A., Alice (wife of John L. Collins), Charles E., Stephen A., Martin V., Clara, John and Henry. James and Jennie are deceased. Jennie was the wife of Henry McCullough, and at her decease left two children-Ora C. and Asa. In 1857, Mr. Chamberlin located on his present farm, which consisted originally of 110 acres. He has since cleared the land, and has acquired 163 acres of land, all well cultivated. When he was married, he had but $15, and all that be has since obtained has been clue to his industry and enterprise. In 1864, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in June, 1865. He served principally in Tennessee, under Gen. Thomas, and was in the battle of Nashville. At the last named place, he contracted a sickness, and was confined at the post hospital of that town. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics, Mr. Chamberlin is a Republican, and has never held public office.
JAMES M. CHAVIS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Mecklenburgh County, Va., May 17, 1813. His father, William Chavis, was born February 22, 1776, his mother September 11, 1784, both of Mecklenburgh County, Va. They were married in January, 1806. His mother's maiden narne was Priscilla Drew. His grandfather, Jacob Chavis, served all through the war of the Revolution; he died in his native place. The father of our subject was drilled for the war of 1812, but was not called in active service. He died in Virginia January, 1848 ; his wife died in September, 1867. They had nine children, two living. The subject of this sketch was reared in Clarksville, Va., and when seventeen years old commenced a four years' apprenticeship at the wheelwright trade with his father. When of age, he worked at his trade in his native place, followed it until 1857, then sold out and came to Pickaway County, Ohio. He farmed there by renting until 1864, when he removed to Hardin Coun-
BUCK TOWNSHIP. - 1039
ty, bought eighty-five acres of his farm, which he has since cleared and improved In 1867, he purchased sixty-five acres for his son Alexander. He was married, December 17, 1835, to Nancy, daughter of Archer and Jane Stewart, and a native of Mecklenburgh County, Va., born October 1, 1811. Her grandfather served in the Revolution, under Gen. Washington, and died in Virginia. Mr. Chavis and his wife had ten children, three living-Alexander R., Matilda and Drury. Alexander enlisted at Circleville, Ohio, September 14, 1864, in Company E, Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was transferred to Company E, of the Sixteenth United States Colored Troops, and served in the Army of the Cumberland. He was on garrison duty, principally, and was honorably discharged September 14, 1865, at Chattanooga. He then returned home and engaged in farming. He was married, in July, 1860, to Mary Davis, and had nine children, six sons and three daughters-Inez J., William H., Martha A., James A., Enos E., Orin, Laura A., Horton and Clark.
JOHN L. CLARK, farmer, P. O. Kenton. was born in Logan County, Ohio, October 16, 1835, and is a son of Alvan and Mary (Laughlin) Clark. His father was born in Beaver County, Penn., March 5, 1809, and his mother in Erie County, Penn., March 3, 1809. Their parents had removed to Guernsey County, Ohio, during the early settlements of that State. Alvan Clark's parents were Thomas B. and Nancy Clark. The latter died in Guernsey County, Ohio, leaving a family of five children, and Mr. Clark subsequently remarried and in 1832 removed to Logan County. He had five children by his second wife. He died in 1851, aged seventy-one years. Our subject's maternal grandparents were John and Deborah Laughlin, also Pennsylvanians, who removed to Guernsey County, Ohio, prior to the war of 1812. The father of our subject was married, in 1834, in Guernsey County, whence he removed in the fall of the same year. He died there on the farm of his settlement, August 10, 1878. Mrs. Clark died September 18, 1881. They had six children, three living, of whom our subject is the eldest. The subject of this sketch was reared on the homestead, and educated at the academy in Washington, Guernsey County, Ohio. On leaving school, be engaged in buying and shipping stock, in which business he remained for ten years. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the eastern division. He fought in the battle of Port Republic. He was a member of the band of engineers, from which he was discharged by order of the Secretary of War August 4, 1862. On May 10, 1864, he was enrolled as First Lieutenant of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio National Guards, and was engaged on garrison duty in Virginia. He received honorable discharge at Columbus, Ohio. in September, 1861. His father also served in the late war; in September, 1861, he recruited Company D, of the Sixty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was Captain of Company D, of the same regiment. He was discharged, on account of disability, in October, 1862, and died from troubles contracted in the service. His son, Robert S., was a member of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment Ohio National Guards. Our subject, on his return from the war, lived in Logan County, Ohio, until 1876, when he purchased and settled on 220 acres of land in Buck Township, Hardin County. He has since been occupied in farming and stock-raising. He was married, January 15, 1867, to Elsie J., a daughter of William and Martha Ritchey, and born in Logan County, Ohio, February 11, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the parents of five children, viz.: William B., Alvan L., Walter H., James P. and
1040 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
Mary J. Mr. Clark and his wife are connected with the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Clark is a member of a Masonic order. In politics, he is a Republican, and for one year was Trustee of Buck Township, and several years of Richland Township, Logan County.
ISAAC COOK (deceased) was born in New Jersey May 3, 1801 ; he was a son of Mordecai and Sarah (Havens) Cook, natives of New Jersey and New York respectively. In 1802, his parents removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, purchasing near Lancaster over 300 acres of land. Of this land Mr. Cook cleared a portion, then sold the greater part, retaining forty acres ; be died in the fall of 1847, aced seventy-five years ; his father was an emigrant from France before the Revolution. Mrs. Cook. the wife of Mordecai, died about 1852. Isaac served a three years' apprenticeship at the wagon-maker's trade in Newark. He then married and settled on a farm in Fairfield County, where he farmed till 1830; then removed to Hardin County, and the following year to Marion County. He was there three years, and in 1848 removed to Kenton, where he resumed his trade, following it to within two years of his decease: he died December 28, 1871. He was married. in 1825, to Sarah, a daughter of John and Mary Ice, and born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1804. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were the parents of ten children, six living, viz.: Nathaniel, John P., Isaac. Emily, Lila (the wife of Warren Kellogg) and Samantha L. Nathaniel was born in Marion County, Ohio, October 14, 1835; was brought up on a farm until thirteen years of age; he followed milling for four years, then learned the trade of a blacksmith, followed it for one year. and was subsequently employed as foreman on the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railway. He continued in that position till March 1873, when he removed to his present farm in Buck Township. He was married, October 14, 1862, to Huldah, daughter of Leonard and Mary Richards, and born in Ross County, Ohio, July 16, 1841. Of the three children born, one is living-Willie L.. born December 28, 1863; Eddie and Katie are deceased. Mr. Cook is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and owns eighty-six acres of land. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Kenton. Mr. Cook has filled the office of Township Trustee for two terms, and is politically a Democrat.
CAPT A. P. CUTTING, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, December 18, 1832, and is a son of Linus and Eliza (Conklin) Cutting. His father was born in Shoreham, Vt., April 20, 1794, and his mother in Fort Hamilton, now Cincinnati, Ohio, December 18, 1802, and died January 13, 1871. They were married January 14, 1821. Linus Cutting's parents, Elijah and Lucy (Douglas) Cutting (the latter an aunt on the paternal side to Stephen A. Douglas), were natives of Vermont. On the death of Lucy Cutting, Elijah Cutting married Betsey Hale, whose mother died at Fort McArthur and was the first white person that died in Hardin County. Our subject's father came to Miami County, Ohio. where he followed his trade of millwright. He was a member of Capt. James Bigger's Mounted Rangers Company, and served one and a half years, principally in the frontier service. He then returned to Miami County, lived there two years, and then removed to Wyandot (then Crawford) County in 1823. At this time he was employed by the Government to construct the Indian Mills on the Sandusky River. He subsequently bought 160 acres of land, on which he built a mill of his own. In the fall of 1833, he removed to Logan County, and in March, 1854, to Buck Township, Hardin County, where he died February 19, 1874. He and wife had reared eight
BUCK TOWNSHIP. - 1041
out of their nine children, all still living. Four of the six sons were Union soldiers. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, receiving a comon-chool education. On November 16, 1861, he enlisted in Company Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served two years in the Army of the Potomac, and one and a half in the Cumberland Army. He was at first Second Sergeant, the following year First Sergeant; on July 15, 1863, was promoted to the Second Lieutenancy, then First Lieutenancy, finally reached the rank of a Captain. He fought at McDowell, Chancellorsville, Wauhatchie, New Hope Church, Peach Tree Creek; at latter engagement, he received a bullet wound in the right shoulder, July 20, 1864. He was confined in the officer's hospital at Nashville, Tenn., and received his discharge April 4, 1865. He is now drawing a pension. On October 2, 1860, he was married to Mary A., a daughter of Henry Anna (Hayward) Thew. To this union there have been born nine children, five living, viz.: Henry T., Emma B., Don D. and Mary A. and Clara E., twins. The deceased are Martha J., James H., Luella M. and Daisy A. Mr. Cutting and family are members of the Universalist Church of Kenton, and Mr. Cutting is a member of the Masonic order. He is now retired from business, and is the owner of 123 acres of land. He is a Republican in politics, and has filled the office of County School Examiner of Hardin County six years.
JOSEPH O. DODDS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Union County, Ohio, July 7, 1845; his father, John Dodds, was born in Erie County, Penn., February 3, 1806; his mother, Nancy Gary, was a native of Champaign County, Ohio, born April 17, 1820. James Dodd, the grandfather of our subject, moved with his family in 1818, to Delaware County, Ohio, where he died. John Dodd subsequently went to Union County and married Nancy Gary at North Lewisburg. Her father, James Gary, was the founder of Lewisburg, the name of which town had been formerly Garysville. Our subject's parents were married, December 3, 1840, and resided in Union County till 1847, when they removed to within three and a half miles south of Kenton. Mr. John Dodds owned a small farm, now belonging to George P. Frame, and died in McDonald Township, Hardin County, in October, 1872; his wife died November 4, 1868. They had eleven children, of whom our subject is the third son. He enlisted, October 16, 1861, in Company K, Thirty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Cumberland Army. He fought in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain. He received a slight flesh wound at Mission Ridge, which disabled him for six months; he veteranized February 3, 1864; came home on a furlough, and then rejoined his regiment at Camp Dennison, and returned to the South; he was disabled from duty and was detailed to guard the baggage. On July 8, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio. On his return home, he resumed farming, which he has since followed. In 1870, he settled on his present farm. which. at the time, was in the woods, and has cleared and improved the land. Under his farm he has 360 rods of tiling. On March 17, 1870, he married Amelia, a daughter of Henry and Anna E. Battles, and a native of Germany, born January 1, 1851. The four children that resulted from this union are as follows: George H., James O., William O. and Anna M. Mr. Dodds and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Kenton. He is politically a Republican. His father was Treasurer and Clerk of Buck Township two years and one year respectively.
LEWIS DUNSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born in Logan
1042 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
County, Ohio, September 22, 1828; he is a son of Thomas and Beulah (Patrick) Dunson, natives of Virginia and New Jersey respectively, and married in Logan County, Ohio, of which their parents were the earliest pioneers. Our subject is the eldest son and second child of a family of eleven children, six living; he was reared principally on a farm in Hale Township, Hardin County, to which his father had moved when the former was six years old; his education was derived from the common schools. On August 22, 1862, he enlisted in the Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Company F; served in Tennessee, and fought in the battle of Stone River and several other minor engagements; he was wounded at Stone River, and discharged on that account February 20, 1863. He received a gunshot wound in the right knee, and is now drawing a pension of $6 per month. In the spring of 1865, he purchased his present farm, and has cleared and improved it. Besides farming, he raises stock and keeps Poland-China and Chesterwhite hogs. He was married, in June, 1849, to Miss Margaret Plews, born in Northumberland County, Penn., July 16, 1827, and a daughter of William and Mary Plows, Of the nine children born, eight are living-Beulah, wife of John W. Thompson; John O., Benair fit'.. Thomas, Alice M., Temperance, W. Mark and Rush. Mr. Dunson's paternal grandfather, Thomas Dunson, served in the Revolutionary war, in which he was wounded; he removed from Virginia to Logan County, Ohio, before the war of 1812: married Miss Corbing, and both died in Logan County; Johnson Patrick, the maternal grandfather of our subject, came to Logan County shortly after the war of 1812. Mr. Dunson and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is now serving his second term of office as Justice of the Peace.
JOHN ESPY was born in Beaver County, Penn., March 2, 1811, there grew to manhood, and in August, 1836, was married to -Miss Jane Anderson, a native of the same county. To this union one son, Thomas, was born, who for many years has been one of the leading business men of Kenton. From Beaver County, Penn., Mr. Espy and family removed to Taylor Creek Township, Hardin Co., Ohio, arriving at their destination September 1, 1838. Here he lived upon a farm until the autumn of 1840, when he removed to Kenton, and engaged in the manufacture and sale of wooden pumps until the year 1844, when he entered a distillery on the present site of the Slow Cloud Mills. During the ensuing year the grinding for the distillery was done by the old Ross horse mill. which was operated, as its name implies, by a horse tread-wheel. The insufficiency of this mill for the growing demands of the day was soon recognized fey Mr. Espy, and in 1846 he erected the present. Snow Cloud Flour Mill in connection with the distillery. The erection of this mill marked a new era in the milling operations of the community, for this was the first steam flour mill erected within the county. Mr. Espy continued the operation of this mill about eight years, when he sold it, and purchased a saw mill on the south side of the town. With this enterprise he was connected about twelve years. In 1865, the Marseilles Flouring Mill was purchased, but. at the expiration of the first year Mr. Espy returned to Kenton, and at once erected the present Espy Mill, which went into operation March 30, 1867. To this enterprise he devoted his attention until 1872, when he withdrew from all connection with milling operation. From this date up to within about a month of his death, his whole time and attention were devoted to the improvement of the home farm on the south side of town. During the last month of his life, he had purchased the old woolen mills property, and
BUCK TOWNSHIP. - 1043
planned the erection of another large flour mill which should supply the growing demands of the old mill, whose increased patronage had outrun its capacity. The death of Mr. Espy, November 28, 1878, brought this undertaking to a close for the present. Such were the leading events in the business affairs of Mr. Espy that he justly earned the title of "the pioneer miller of Hardin County." Beginning with empty hands, by persistent application to business, he was enabled to achieve some of the greatest milling operations of the county and period. In his capacity as a pioneer, he contributed to the development of the public interests of the community, always an advocate of all measures of advancement. and a champion of every project of improvement. Although deeply interested in public affairs, he would never allow his name to be used in connection with any office beyond those of his own township, always giving as a reason for his aversion to office--the urgent demands of his private affairs. Thus, while a partisan of strong convictions, and deeply devoted to the interests of the Democratic party, he would never sacrifice his personal interests "by attending to the business of others." His party received his sympathy and influence; his private affairs, his energy and time. In business he was a man of strict integrity, rigid in exaction of all obligations, and unswerving in his plans. Possessed of a high sense of justice, and an indomitable will, no question of expediency could allure him aside from what he considered the line of duty. In private life he was kind, forbearing and affable. With a plan unwavering, an energy untiring, and a will unflinching, he rose to afuence; but this success not only failed to produce pride or coldness, but rather served to enlarge its sphere of usefulness. as generosity and liberality were prominent traits of his character. Although having reached the advanced age of sixty-eight, his death came suddenly and unexpectedly and was deeply deplored by the whole community, for the public recognized in his demise an almost irreparable loss.
JOHN EVANS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Cardigan, Wales, February 12, 1803. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Davis) Evans, both natives of Wales. His father was born in October, 1782, his mot' on February 12, 1783, and were of Welsh stock. In 1818, they emigrated from their native country in a sailing vessel, and were fifty-two days on the voyage. They landed at Baltimore in June, and then went to Pittsburg. They subsequently proceeded down the Ohio River in a flatboat. to Gallipolis, Ohio. Mr. Evans entered eighty-four acres of land in Gallia County, lived there till 1824, then removed to Delaware County, purchasing a farm of 200 acres in Thompson Township. He died in October, 1828. For seven years he was a sea captain. He started out a poor boy, and with energy, combined with a good practical business mind, acquired his large and valuable property. His estate was estimated to be worth $40,000. The subject of this sketch inherited 100 acres of land in Delaware County, of which he cleared sixty acres. He then sold out, and bought 207 acres in Buck Township, Hardin County, to which he added until he had acquired 477 acres. He divided this land among his children, retaining 217 acres, worth $75 an acre. He was married, January 29, 1829, to Maria Cochran, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Cochran, and a native of Ohio, born December 3, 1809. Mrs. Evans died July 28, 1860, leaving a family of twelve children, four living-Thomas, John E., David C. and William E. In politics, Mr. Evans was formerly a Whig, but now belongs to the Democratic party. He held the office of Township Trustee for five years. David C. Evans, the third son living, was born in Thompson Township, Delaware
1044 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
County, Ohio, January 7, 1847. He was reared on the homestead. and obtained a limited education from the common schools. On April 25, 1871, he was married to Miss Varena, a daughter of .John and Mary Fry. She is a native of Switzerland, born December 17, 1851. The four children born are Emery D., Willis J., Charles E. and Earl. Mr. David Evans owns ninety-six acres of land. and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs.
DAVID EVANS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Wales, June 20, 1813. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Jones) Evans. (See sketch of John Evans.) David was the youngest of five children, two living John and David. The deceased are Marv, Margaret and Magdalena. Our subject was reared on the homestead, and obtained a fair education from the common schools. At an early age, he began providing for his mother and a sister. In April, 1852, he sold his farm in Gallia Countv. Ohio, and came to Hardin County. Here he bought 202 acres of land at $14 an acre. He has since cleared the land, and has 125 acres under cultivation. He assisted in cutting out and making the roads in his section of Buck Township, and also gave a helping hand in founding churches and schools. He was largely instrumental in the organization of the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church. with which he has since been connected. In 1878, he erected his brick residence, at a cost of $2,200. On January 9, 1833, he was united in marriage to Lovina, a daughter of John Price, and born in Union County, Ohio, in September, 1816. This union has been blessed with fourteen children, nine living, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of James Bailey; Margaret, wife of Paul K. Sieg; Bethany, wife of Ira Richards; Mary, wife of Thomas McElree; Thomas P.; Nancy A., wife of Edward Moy; Phebe, wife of Charles White; William H., married to Mattie Weiser; and Magdalene, wife of J. B. Jackson. The deceased are John, William H., Maria and two infants. Mr. Evans and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Evens is a Democrat, but has never sought office. Thomas P. Evans, the eldest son of David Evans, was born in Delaware County, Ohio. March 20, 1845. He was married, March 7, 1867, to Laura E., a daughter of John and Saloma Tyler. She was born in Orleans County, N. Y.. March 13, 1846. The six children born are Saloma L., Arthur, Lovina E., Asher T., Gertrude L. and Alta M.
JOHN E. EVANS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born on the old homestead, in Delaware County, Ohio, January 7, 1847. He is a son of John and Maria Evans, with whom he had come to Hardin County, where they settled. He is next to the youngest son living, and twin brother to David C. Evans. He was reared on the homestead, in Back Township, and secured a fair education from the common schools. On February 22, 1876, he married Miss Jennie, a daughter of Francis B. and Nancy (Conner) Slagle, and a native of Ross County, Ohio, born March 3, 1852. No children have blessed this union. Mrs. Evans' parents had settled in Pleasant Township when she was three years old, and where she attained womanhood. Mr. Evans resided on a part of the homestead until November 30, 1881. He owns 160 acres of land besides eighty-one and a half near Silver Station, given him by his father. He is engaged in farming and stock. raisin-, making sheep a specialty of the latter. Mrs. Evans is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Grant Station. Mr. Evans is a Democrat in politics, and is now serving as Township Trustee and School Director.
BUCK TOWNSHIP. - 1045
DAVID O. HATCHER, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born near Zanesfield, Logan Co., Ohio, May 15, 1847. He is a son of Daniel and Hopy (Garwood) Hatcher, of Loudoun County, Va. His father died in Logan County, Ohio. when he was eight years old, and his mother when he was thirteen. His mother, when five years old and a cousin, aged about ten years. were captured in Logan County by the Indians, who carried them into Champaign County, where they were followed by a darkey named Anthony Blanks, who unbound the prisoners while the Indians were asleep, and escaped with them. Our subject lived with his brother, Nathaniel O., in Hale Township, until of age. When sixteen years of age, he worked out by the month until he had reached his twentieth year, then farmed with his brother for one year. In 1869, he married, and the following winter purchased 100 acres of land. most of which was in the woods, which he his since cleared, and now has sixty acres under cultivation. He was married, March 31, 1869, to Louisa, daughter of Conrad and Mary M. (Moore) Harpel, born September 3, 1843, in Jefferson Township, Logan Co., Ohio. Of the seven children born, six are living, viz.: Alonzo O., Benabille O., George E., Minnie M., Ona F. and Grace E. An infant son is deceased. Mr. Hatcher and his wife are members of the Christian Church, of which he is a Trustee. In politics. he belongs to the Democratic party. His brother, Isaac H., enlisted. September 20, 1861. at the age of sixteen years, in Company C, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. and was killed in the battle of Chickamauga. Nathaniel O. was a member of Company I. One Hundred and Twenty-first. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served from August, 1862, to June, 1865. He was in several battles; was with Sherman on his Atlanta campaign, and was imprisoned a few days in the Andersonville Prison. He returned home, and died from physical disability, March 3, 1881.
HENRY G. JOHNSON, farmer. P. O. Kenton, was born in Flaming County, Ky., April 17, 1813, and is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Green) Johnson. He is next to the youngest of the children living; was reared on his father's farm and educated in the common schools. His first schoolhouse was a log cabin, with no floors, furnished with a fire-place, slab seats and greasedpaper window lights. When sixteen years of age, he left home, going twenty-one miles to Champaign County to obtain work at $6 a month, $1 in cash and the remainder in goods. For four years he worked by the month, receiving from $6 to $9 per month; then cropped one year and worked by the job one year; after which he married, and, in 1841, bought 100 acres of land. where Rushsylvania now stands, paying $1,000. It was largely covered with timber, and he has since cleared half of the farm and lived on it seven years. He then lived on the Mays farm on the old Sandusky road, remaining there one year. He accommodated pioneer travelers, although not keeping a public house. He cleared three farms in Logan County, and on March 25, 1850, purchased his present farm of 100 acres, paying $8 an acre. In 1853, he added 103 acres, paying $6 an acre; subsequently, in 1856, he added fifty-four acres more, and is now the owner of 247 acres, 150 of which he has cleared and improved himself. He started a poor boy, and by his energy and ambition secured all he now has, and his pursuits in life have been generally successful. He has been a great reader, acquiring considerable knowledge. On April 28, 1836, he was united in marriage to Martha, daughter of Robert and Isabel (Burnsides) Smith, and a native of Logan County, Ohio, born October 10, 1813. Ten children resulted from this union, nine living, viz., Jacob R.; Isabel S., wife of J.
1046 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
S. Allen; Robert H.; Savilla ; Victoria, wife of Nathan Clark; Henry O., Philip G., Mary E., and Paulina, wife of Kendrick Kennedy. Mr. Johnson and his wife are, members of the M. E. Church, to which be has belonged for sixty yea-s and she for forty years. Mr. Johnson has also been a local minister for twenty-five years. In politics, he was formerly a Whig, but is now a Republican. He served as Township Trustee for eight years. Jacob R. Johnson, the eldest son of our subject; was the first to enlist in Hardin County; he responded to the call for 75,000 men, and enlisted in Company -- Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the army of the Potomac, and fought at Romney. After a service of nine months, he was discharged on account of disability. He then returned home, and is now residing in Leesburg, Kosciusko Co., Ind. He was married to Margaret J. Pooder.
HOSEA JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Monroe Township, Logan Co., Ohio, December 11, 1817. His father. Jacob Johnson, was born in Monmouth County, N. J., March 15, 1779. His mother, Rachel Green, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1784. His grandfather was Andrew Johnson, who came from Holland before the Revolution, settled in New Jersey, and in 1780 removed with his family to Boone County, Ky. The following year Daniel Boone left that county. Mrs. Johnson, wife of Jacob Johnson, was of English and Welsh descent. Her father, George Green, worked his way across the ocean on a sailing vessel when nineteen years of age. He settled in Bourbon County, Ky., and, in 1811, came to Logan County, Ohio, where he died. Our subject's parents married July 12, 1802. His father was an old hunter, and followed that occupation in Kentucky, where bears were so numerous that people could hardly keep their hogs, and had to pen them up. Mr. Johnson, early one morning, was aroused by the squealing of some hogs, and suddenly started out in pursuit of the bear. He followed the noise, and soon found the object of his search. The bear was biting and cuffing the hog, which he held up, but on seeing the hunter he fled. Mr. Johnson, knowing the bear would soon return, secreted himself behind a log, and shortly after bruin came back and perched himself with his fore feet on the log, snuffing around, upon which the hunter shot him in the region of the heart. The animal was found to weigh 500 pounds. When Jacob Johnson came to Logan County, he "squatted" on 1,000 acres of land, which he occupied seventeen years. He then bought eighty-seven acres of land at $2 an acre in Rush Creek Township, which land hecleared of the timber covering it. His father's home was used as a church for twenty-five years, and his house was the home of the itinerant. He was first identified with the old Calvin Baptists, and afterward with the Methodist Church, in which he labored until his death. He died in August, 1868, and his wife preceded him, September 18, 1850. They had twelve children, ten sons and two daughters, five living. Our subject. the youngest child, was reared on a farm and given a common school education. He aided his father in clearing the farm, and lived with him until twenty-two years old. On January 2, 1840, he was married to Nancy Rosbrugh, born in Logan County, Ohio, February 11, 1817. Her parents, Hilkiah and Susan (Deardeff) Rosbrugh, were natives of Virginia, whence they moved and settled in Logan County, Ohio, near West Liberty, where their daughter Nancy was reared to womanhood. Mrs. Rosbrugh was born May 18, 1787, died May 2, 1851, in Logan County; her husband was born October 30, 1782, died April 17, 1828, in Bedford County, Va. They had eleven children, ten living, viz., Susan, wife of James Morrison;
BUCK TOWNSHIP. - 1047
Elizabeth, wife of H. N. Smith; John C.; Sophromia, wife of P. F. Latimer; George F. ; M. Micajah; Jane, wife of Milton Davis; Margaret, wife of Milton Lee; Peter F. and Mollie C. Henry G. died at the age of two years. In 1850, Mr. Johnson removed to his present farm and bought 100 acres, to which he has since added, until he is owner now of 540 acres; the homestead contained 330 acres. He has given 200 acres to his sons, George and Micajah. In politics, he was formerly a Whig, but now belongs to the Republican party.
JOHN C. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Union County, Ohio, August 26, 1843. He is a son of Hosea and Nancy Johnson, who removed to Logan County, Ohio, when our subject was one year old. In 1850, they settled in Buck Township, Hardin County, where John was reared and educated. On January 17, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Cumberland. On May 2, he started on the Atlanta campaign, and fought in the battles of Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and all the battles on the approach to Atlanta, including the bombardment of that city. He was taken sick at Atlanta, of typhoid fever, and was subsequently transferred to Nashville, where he participated in the battle there. He followed Hood's army to Florence, Ala., and was then formed into a battalion of Sherman's soldiers, and rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro. He then marched to Raleigh, and was finally taken by water to Fort Schuyler, N. Y.. where he was mustered out, and was discharged at Columbus July 7, 1865. On his return home, he resumed his occupation of farming. He rented land until 1872, when he bought sixty-five acres in Buck Township, to which he has since added, and now owns 224 acres, on which he has made improvements and cleared nearly the whole of it. He built his residence in 1877 at a cost of $2,000, and has also added all the barns. He is employed in farming and stock-raising, keeping a good grade of cattle. On November 23, 1869, he was united in marriage to Anna E. Rarey, born in Franklin County, Ohio, January 10, 1848, and a daughter of Nicholas and Sarah Rarey. This union has resulted in six children, five living, viz., Nora I.. Annetta, George P., Nicholas P. and John W. Walter A. died when four years old. Mr. Johnson and his wife are connected with the M. E. Church. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Grange, and has filled the offices of Master, Overseer and Chaplain, each two terms. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as Township Trustee for one term.
FRED MACHETANZ, tanner, Kenton, was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1849. His parents, Gotleib and Catherine (Freyman) Machetanz, are natives of Germany, whence they emigrated in 1826, settling in Auglaize County, Ohio. His father died there when our subject was but seven years of age. The mother again married, and is still residing there. Our subject came to Kenton in 1878, and, in the same year, erected his present business house, situated on the south side of the Scioto River, in South Kenton, where he has established and built up a successful trade. He employs a force of three men, and his business is rapidly increasing. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Minnie, daughter of A. Traeger, of Kenton, to which union there have been born two children-Charles and Augustus. Mr. Machetanz was elected Clerk of Buck Township in the spring of 1883, where he is how residing, and the same season was elected to the City Council. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church, and he is one of Kenton's busy manufacturers.
1048 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
SAMUEL MENTZER. deceased, was born August 3, 1806. In 1834, he removed to Mansfield, Ohio, where he wintered, and then came to Kenton and engaged in merchandising, following it for two vears, and thin took a contract for building the Erie Feeder. This was not successful. and, after a year and a half, he returned to Kenton and built the National Hotel, where now stands the Bank Block. Two year; after. he traded the hotel for 100 acres of land, and got $1,000 besides. He then moved on his farm, and, in 1847, was elected Auditor of Hardin County, by a majority of one vote. After serving one term, he was oblige-d to decline a re-election on account of his ill health, and returned to his farm. which be worked up to within twelve vears of his death. He added to his farm until he owns 222 acres, besides sixty acres adjoining, all of which he cleared and improved. He was married to Susan Lipley, by whom he had seven children, three living-Lvdia, wife of James Baker ; David and John. Mrs. Mentzer died, and he then married Eliza Whiteman, deceased. by whore there was one child, also deceased. For his third wife he tuck Sophia A. Benjamin, daughter of Nathan and Mary (Nulse) Benjamin. and a native of Athens County, Ohio, horn Ootober 1, 1848. Of the six children that blessed this union, four are living-Mary C., wife of Hezekiah Rohr : Louisa D., wife of Isaac Cock ; M. D. L. and William M. Mrs. Mentzer's maternal grandparents cause from Holland. and were eighteen weeks on the voyage, during which her mother was born. Her paternal grandparents were Rebea Clendenen and John Nulse, her grandfather a native of Scotland, and her grandmother of Ireland. Her grandfather, while holding her father in his arms, was shot by the Indians, who took her grandmother and seven children prisoners, retaining hem for eight months, when peace was declared. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin, grandparents of Mrs. Mentzer, on first coming to this country, located in New Jersey. thence moved to Pennsylvania, and from there came to Muskingum County, Ohio. Mr. Samuel Mentzer and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. He served several terms as Township Trustee and Township Clerk. and died August 10, 1882. He was a man of great enterprise, and did much for the public improvements of Hardin County. He laid out Mentzer's Addition to Keuton, consisting of five acres.
M. D. L. MENTZER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio, February, 23, 1848. He is a son of Samuel and Sophia (Benjamin) Mentzer, whose sketch we have given in this history. Our subject was reared on the homestead and educated at the common schools. On September 29, 1870, he was united in marriage to Rhoda A., daughter of William and Rebecca Smith. ands native of Union County. Ohio, born December 24, 1850. Three children have resulted from this union-Iona, born December 29, 1871; Anna M., born May 26, 1873 and George A., born March 31, 1883. Mr. Mentzer owns 216 acres of land of the homestead, and fifteen acres adjoining. He is a thoroughly scientific and successful farmer and stock-raiser, and in connection with his business keeps a system of book-keeping, in which he has a full account of his receipts and expenditures, and at the end of the year is able to ascertain the profits and losses. He weighs his cattle every month, and records the gain or loss. Politically, he is a Democrat. He served as Township Clerk the first year after his majority.
JAMES PAYER. deceased, was born in Maryland November 18, 1801. When about two years old, his parents, John and Betsy Paver, removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, and settled near Lancaster, where they lived one
BUCK TOWNSHIP. - 1049
year, thence removed to Union County, where they died. James was the eldest of a family of nine children, and was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1826, he came to Hardin County, bought land in Dudley Township, where he settled in 1827. He added to his farm until he owned 320 acres, having cleared about half of it himself. In 1847, he removed to within two miles of Kenton, on the farm now owned by Joseph Hoover, and, about 1858, located on the farm belonging to John Paver, which contained 312 acres, and on which he lived until his death, June 22, 1880, aged seventy-nine years. He was married, and had three children-Harvey, Mary (wife of Alpheus McConnell) and John. Mr. Paver was one of the three or four men who built the first schoolhouse in Buck Township. John Paver, the youngest child, was born on the Hoover farm March 25, 1850, and was brought up on a farm and educated at the common schools. On January 19, 1873, he married Mollie Cline, born June 10, 1849, in Fairfield County, Ohio. Five children have been born to them, viz.: Jimmie, Orie, Dora, Charlie and Anna May. Mr. Paver owns 104 acres of the old homestead, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He cleared up most of his land. and also aided his father on his farm.
JOHN PFEIFFER, deceased. son of Michael Pfeiffer, was born in Germany in 1813, and, at the age of seventeen, left his native land to avoid going into the army. Emigrating to Pennsylvania, he remained there two years, thence came west to Springfield, Ohio, where he followed his trade of boot and shoe making. In 1834. he removed to Hardin County, bought a piece of land east of Kenton, and while spending his days in clearing off the timber, much of the night was put in working at his trade. In 1836, he went back to Germany, and brought out his father, five brothers and two sisters, his mother dying ere starting for the New World. He settled on his farm east of town, and, in 1839, was married to Eva Elsasser, who came from Germany with the Pfeiffer family. They resided on the old homestead until 1852, when he removed to Kenton, and purchased the grist mill and distillery of Nelson Miller, which he operated until 1865, then sold it and settled on a farm in Round Head Township, where he followed farming, piking and mercantile business until 1872. He then returned to Kenton, but, in the spring of 1877, removed to a farm in Buck Township, where he died October 12, 1880. To John and Eva Pfeiffer were born the following children: Elizabeth, George (deceased), Barbara, Margaret, John, Henry (deceased), Lewis, Henry. and George (deceased), being nine in all, two having been called after those previously deceased. Mr. Pfeiffer left an estate of over 800 acres of land, besides town and much personal property. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. and Druid societies, and adhered to the Lutheran Church.
A. RAMSEY, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Pleasant Township, Hardin Co., Ohio, October 8, 1844. He is a son of George and Elizabeth (Pfeiffer) Ramsey, who came to America with their parents when children. His mother was from Pleasant Township, and bore her husband four children, viz., our subject, George, Lizzie (wife of William Shingle) and Margaret (wife of Allen Garbow). Mr. Ramsey died in Pleasant Township in August, 1850, and his widow subsequently married Adam Lutz, by whom she had two children-Barbara (wife of Lewis Woods) and Callie (wife of Joseph Felty). Our subject was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and at the age of fifteen left home and worked out by the month, obtaining 25 cents a day. When twenty-three years of age, he had accumulated $500, with which he began trading in stock in the States of
1050 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. He drove and shipped to eastern markets, and has been engaged in that, with other business, aver since. From 1876 to 1879, he was a member of the firm-Kenton Packing Company-which proved to be an unfortunate enterprise, and he has since continued in trading and shipping, doing an extensive business. Up to 1882, he has been the leading stock-dealer and shipper in Hardin County, and he ships annually from 2,000 to 3,000 cattle, and sometimes as high as 25,000 head of sheep. In 1881, he admitted Frank Stewart as a partner, and the firm is now Ramsey &, Stewart. He has also been engaged in the retail meat business for the past five years, and is a member of the firm of Ramsey & Fall. He gives some attention to farming, and owns 190 acres of land adjoining the corporation. Mr. Ramsey has formed two marriages during his life; his first union was with Mary, a daughter of George, Stern, who died in 186-, leaving one child-Callie. His second wife is Rosa Huffurgue, a native of Hardin County. They have two children-Hattie and Anna E. Mr. Ramsey was a member of the Agricultural Society Board for eight years, and in politics is a Democrat.
JOHN P. RICHARDS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Seneca Countv, Ohio, February 27, 1827. He is a son of James and Matilda (Pearl) Richards. His father was born in New Hampshire August 10, 1791, his mother in Virginia July 27, 1797, and were married in Pike County, Ohio, December 21, 1817. His maternal grandfather, John Pearl, with his family, removed to Pike County, Ohio, in 1800, and died there. The parents of our subject located in Seneca County, Ohio, about 1825, in 1830 removed to Pike County, thence, in 1834, to Ross County. and finally, in 1848, came to Hardin County and lived for two years in Pleasant Township. In 1851, they came to Buck Township and bought fifty acres of land, on which they resided till their decease. Mr. Richards died December 4, 1868, and his wife on March 31, 1872. Mr. Richards was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-five years. He was the father of ten children, five living, of whom our subject is the fifth. Our subject was married, March 27, 1851, to Sarah M. Harbison, born September 18, 1832, a daughter of Matthew and Sarah (McCoy) Harbison. Her father was born in North Carolina December 12, 1796; died in 1849, aged fiftythree years. Her mother was born in South Carolina April 23, 1800, and is still living. They removed to Greene County in 1835, and to Hardin County in 1842. settling in Pleasant Township, where Mr. Harbison died. Mr. and Mrs Richards have had two children. one son living-Marion F., born October 20, 1858, married to Viola Butler, by whom there are two children, Neva Blanche and Pearl; and Jessie B., born January 19, 1873, died May 5, 1879. Mr. Richards and his wife have belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church fur forty years. Mr. Richards is a member of the Grange, with which he has been prominently connected since its organization. He has served as Township Trustee and Treasurer for one year.
FRANK SCHWARTZ, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 20, 1839. He is a son of Frank A. and Barbara Schwartz. In 1847, when seven years of age, he emigrated with his parents to America, and the following year settled three and a half miles north of Kenton, Ohio. Our subject is the eldest of four living children; was reared on the homestead from his seventh vear until he reached his majority, and was educated at the common schools. He learned the alphabet in the log schoolhouse with slab seats and puncheon floors. He aided his father in clearing up the land, and in 1863 went across the plains to
BUCK TOWNSHIP - 1051
Nevada, where he spent four years in mining and other work. In 1867, He returned to Hardin County, and on September 22, was married to Margaret Bishop, born in Hesse, Germany, March 31, 1843, a daughter of John G. and Catherine E. Bishop, who came to Hardin County in 1850. Nine children were born, seven living--Frank A., George H., William F., Gustave O., Carl A., Edward J. and Margaret E. John L. and an infant are deceased. In August, 1868, Mr. Schwartz bought 100 acres of land, which he has since cleared, and has got half of it well under cultivation. In 1877, he erected his residence at a cost of $1,500. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and is generally successful. Mr. Schwartz is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and his wife of the Lutheran Church. He is, politically, a Democrat, and has served one term as Township Trustee.
WILLIAM J. SCOTT, farmer, P. O. Kenton. was born in Franklin County, near Columbus, Ohio, September 18, 1824. His father, James Scott, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, September 10, 1799. His mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Walker, was born in Virginia, October 22, 1801. Mr. James Scott's parents were Joseph and Elizabeth Scott, natives of Westmoreland County, Penn., who removed to Franklin County, Ohio, prior to the war of 1812. Joseph Scott served in the war of 1812. He settled eleven miles southeast of Columbus, at which time the capital was a mere hamlet. In 1830, he removed to Hardin County, Ohio, locating on Taylor Creek, Buck Township and purchased 200 acres of land, a good portion of which he cleared. He died in Fulton County, Ind., in 1853; his wife had died several years previous, in Franklin County. Our subject's father was reared and educated in Franklin County. He married February 17, 1819, and had thirteen children--Elizabeth J. (deceased), Elias A., Matilda S., Williarn J., Joseph, Cynthia A., Seymour (deceased), Mary A., Nancy J., Charles E., Mark (deceased), Luke W. and Lucy S. L. In April of 1836, he settled on Taylor Creek, Hardin County, and in 1847 removed to Jackson Township, where he bought eighty acres of land. He died April 3, 1850; his widow is still living in Logan County, and has attained her eighty-third year. The subject of this sketch is the second son and fourth child, and was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools. His advantages were very limited, as he was obliged to attend school two and a half miles distant. On April 18, 1849, he was married to Elmira J., daughter of Eleager J. and Mary E. Rose, and born in Union County, Ohio, October 8, 1831. Of the seven children born, three are living-Mary E., wife of W. H. Brown; George W. and Jennie, at home. In 1849, Mr. Scott, bought fifty acres on the township line, and lived there until 1872, when he came to his present farm. He owns in all 212 acres of land, and is occupied in farming and stock-raising. He enlisted during the late war, August 27, 1864, in Company B, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Cumberland. He was on patrol duty at Nashville, where he witnessed the battle there. At the close of the war, he was honorably discharged June 13, 1865, at Columbus. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as Township Trustee for two terms, and School Director for twelve years. He is a member of the Grange, and for two years served as its Treasurer.
HON. DAVID SNODGRASS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Mercer County, Penn., February 23, 1815. He is a son of Jesse and Jane (Atchison) Snodgrass, natives of County Donegal, Ireland, and Washington County, Penn., respectively. His father was born February 1, 1784, emigrated to the United States about 1809, and settled in Mercer County,
1052 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Penn., where he was married in 1812, and the same afternoon was called into the military service, to prevent the British troops from crossing Lake Erie. He served six months as private and then returned home and engaged in farming. He lived in Pennsvlvania until 1825, when he removed to Muskingum County, Ohio: thence, in 1846, located in Monroe County, Iowa, where be followed farming for about ten years and in 1856, he sold his farm and went to Albia and engaged in merchandising. He died September 8, 1876, aged ninety-two years. He and his wife belonged to the United Presbyterian Church, of which he was an active and prominent member. Mrs. Snodgrass died in August, 1862, aged seventy years. Our subject was the second son of a family of eight children, and was brought up on a farm, and received a common school education. He helped his father in clearing two farms. He was married in Harrison County, Ohio, December 20, 1838. to Catharine, daughter of Enoch and Catharine (Anderson) Philips, a native of Washington County. Penn., born March 24, 1817. They have five children. four living-.Jessie. Alfred P., Park, married to Jennie Bebout, of Washington County, Penn., and M. Maud, wife of B. Moore, of Kenton. Otis B. died, aged eight years and six months. In 1845, Mr. Snodgrass came with his family to Kenton, and resided there until 1864, then came to Buck Township on his present farm. He was engaged in the boot and shoe trade in Kenton until 1861. He and William Gilmore started the first boot and shoe store in Kenton. In 1851, he was elected to represent Hardin and Wyandot Counties in the Ohio Legislature, and served one term. He was solicited to be a candidate for a second term, but positively declined to serve. In 1870, he was elected member of the Board of County Commissioners, and served one term. In June of 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served as Corporal, and was discharged in February, 1862, to receive a promotion. In January previous, he was home on thirty days' furlough, and recruited Company H, of the Seventy-fourth Regiment. going out as First Lieutenant, serving as such until the battle of Stone River, when he was promoted to the rank of Captain for "gallant and meritorious service on the field." He served until April 26, 1864, when he resigned on account of a wound received at Chickamauga. While in the Fourth Regiment, he fought at Rich Mountain and Romney, and in the Seventy-fourth Regiment he was at Stone River. and then Chickamauga, where he received his wound by an artillery wbeel running over his right foot. On his return home, he took up the occupation of a farmer. He owns 168 acres of land, most of which has been cleared and improved. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He is, politically, a Republican, and while serving as County Commissioner was one of the principal instigators of the pike enterprise, carrying the first pike petition that was circulated in Hardin County, and where the County Infirmary was being built.
BENEDICT STEINER, farmer. P. O. Kenton, was born in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, March 6, 1828. His father, Jolin Steiner, was born in June, 1794; his mother, Anna Hani, in 1792, died in 1832 ; both were natives of the Canton of Berne, Switzerland. They were married in their native place in the year 1818. On the decease of his wife, Anna, Mr. Steiner married Anna Dick, and, in 1837, left Berne and crossed France to Havre in wagons, the journey occupying twenty-one days. He then embarked with his wife on the ship Albany, crossed the ocean, and landed at New York October 31. They went to Pittsburgh, where they remained till spring, then came to Hardin County and settled in Pleasant Township,
BUCK TOWNSHIP. - 1053
where Mr. Steiner purchased and cleared eighty acres of land. He died in 1860; he had seven children by his first wife, and seven by the second. Our subject is the fifth child by the first marriage, and was brought up on a farm, obtaining a very limited education at the common schools. In the spring of 1850. in company with six others, he went to the gold mines of California. He followed mining, packing and farming in the Trinity Mountains until 1861, when he returned to his home; he made a trip to Switzerland in 1863, on account of ill health, and returned the same year. The next vear he bought 158 acres of his present farm, and added to it until he has acquired 238 acres. In 1878, he built his barn, at a cost of $2,500, and in 1881 his residence, at a cost of $5,000. He was united in marriage August 24, 1865, to Mary A., daughter of Benedict Moy, and born in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, December 17, 1833. To this union four children have been born, two living-Carl H. and Olga M. Laura M. and an infant son are deceased. Mr. Steiner is occupied in farming and stock-raising. In politics, he belongs to the Republican party.
SILAS STEVENSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, is a son of James and Unity (New) Stevenson, and was born in Champaign County, Ohio, October 23, 1822. In 1827, his parents settled on the line between Logan and Hardin Counties. In 1834, they removed to Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, where he bought a farm and resided until their deaths. Mrs. Unity Stevenson died March 10, 1864. Mr. Stevenson died June 6, 1865. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm. On May 24, 1849, he was united in marriage to Ruby, a daughter of John H. and Selina Tyler. She was born in Orleans County, N. Y., October 27,. 1827. Mr. Stevenson was married and lived there four years, and in 1858 removed to his present farm in Buck Township, Ohio. He has acquired good property, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He and his wife have been faithful workers in the Methodist Church for thirty-nine years.
C. A. STEVENSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Orleans County, N. Y , January 5, 1853 : he came with his parents, Silas and Ruby Stevenson, to Hardin County in October, 1853, and lived on the homestead until of age; he is the second son of a family of nine children, and received his education from the common schools. On March 9, 1875, he was married to Miss Annie, a daughter of Clark L. and Sarah (Finity) Newcomb, and a native of Knox County, Ohio, born November 28, 1852. She obtained a common school education, and for four years was a teacher in Buck Township. She removed with her parents to Hardin County in 1853. Mr. Stevenson is employed in farming and stock-raising, and is a member of the Agricultural Society of Hardin County. In politics, he belongs to the Republican party, but has never held office.