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JOHN ANSTINE, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania, May 20, 1842. When quite young, his father, Henry Anstine. removed to Champaign County, Ohio, where they remained some time, when they moved to Logan County, where John was reared and educated. He was a farmer by occupation, and, in 1872, came to Round Head Township, and, on February 11, same year, was married to Maggie Pfeiffer, a native of Kenton, Ohio. His farm contains 250 acres of land. He was a very industrious man and a good financier, and was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred October 13, 1880. He is buried just opposite the farm residence, where his widow has erected over his grave a handsome monument. Mr. Anstine was a Democrat in politics the greater part of his life. Two children were born to him, both living--John H. and Willis. Mrs. Anstine is a consistent member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Kenton. John Pfeiffer, Mrs. Anstine's father (deceased), was born in Germany, September 17, 1813. When seventeen years of age, he emigrated to Pennsylvania, and six years after returned to his native land and brought over his parents, and family to this country, locating at Kenton, Round Head Township. He was a millwright by trade, and ran a steam grist mill at Kenton for about fifteen years. In 1863, he came to Round Head Township, purchasing 303 acres of land on the Kenton pike. He afterward bought 172 acres more. He farmed until 1872, during which time he served several years as Township Treasurer. In the latter year he returned to Kenton, where he died October 12, 1880. He was a Republican in politics. He was married to Eva Elsassar, also a native of Germany, by whom he had nine children, six living. Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer were members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Pfeiffer still reside, in Kenton.
SOLOMON ARBOGAST, deceased, was an early settler of Round Head Township, and was born in Green Brier Township, ---- County, Va., August 10, 1804, and died in Round Head Village, April 24, 1870, age sixty five years. His father, Adam Arbogast, was a native of German and emigrated to Virginia at an early day, he was married to a Miss Buzzard, also a native of Germany. They came to Ohio about 1818, and 1ocated on Buck Creek, Clark County, where they both died. They were: the parents of probably six children, one now living, Betsy, wife of Thomas McKinnon, of Somerford, Madison County, Ohio. Solomon Arbogast was fourteen years of age when his parents came to Ohio, and was reared mostly in Clark County. He came to Round Head Township with John F. Henkle, and settled on the Scioto Marsh. He did not enter any land, but resided there eight years. He then rented the Mathew Mahan farm for ten years, and subsequently took a ten years' leave of a farm in the Bowdle settlement, owned by Wesley Yoe. At the expiration of his lease he went to Round Head Village, and was there engaged in teaming until his death. He was a member of the Bowdle Society and of the Bowdle Church, and connected with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. He was a Whig and Republican in politics, but no office-bolder. He was of robust constitution and had splendid health. He married Mary Barrington, a native of Virginia, who was the mother of four sons and five daughters, seven now living, four in Round Head Village. Mrs. Arbogast
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died November 25, 1879, aged sixty-nine years. Both are buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. G. W. Arbogast, contractor and builder, and a farmer in the southwest part of this township, was born in Clark County, Ohio, October 5, 183 7. He was one year old when his parents came to this town and obtained but a limited education. In 1861, he enlisted in Company G Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served four years and twenty-one days. He was taken prisoner at Spottylvania Court House, Va., May 12, 1864, and was sent to Andersonville Prison, where he remained until March 1, 1865. During this time his health was good, but when released, he was so worn and starved that he could not walk. He received an honorable discharge at Annapolis. Md., June 21, 1865. Previous to the war he had partly served an apprenticeship with John Wilson at the carpenter's trade. After the war, he finished his apprenticeship with Joseph Martin, at Round Head, and worked with him until 1873. Since that time he has been engaged in contracting anal building, and has met with good success. In June, 1873, he bought his present farm of forty acres, then all in timber. He has cleared about thirty acres of this in his leisure time. On the 8th of May, 18573. he was married to Sarah A. Waren, a native of Champaign County, Ohio. They hive three children. two living, Gurney and Leander. Charlie is deceased.
JOSEPH W. BOWDLE, deceased, was a native of the eastern shore of Maryland, and moved to Ross County. Ohio, in June of 1800. This was originally the Northwest Territory, out of which Ohio was formed in 1802. He there married Lucretia Brown. a native of Delaware. In October, 1831, he came with his family to Round Head Township and took up one section of timber land, half of it being what is now Wayne Township, Auglaize County. This land Mr. Bowdle labored the greater part of his life in clearing and cultivating. He was one of the pioneer settlers of his township and died in November, 1855. In early life he was a Whig, but no politician. When Hardin County was organized in 1833. he was elected one of the three Associate Judges of the county (under the old constitution) and served seven years. He was licensed exhorter of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was the organizer and Class Leader of "Bowdle Society," which met for worship at his own house near Round Head, and was a member of that. society up to the day of his death, in 1855. The old log church was burnt in 1860, nearly five years after Mr. Bowdle's death, and the present church, which is called Fletcher Chapel, was built on the same site during the same year. His wife departed several years previous to his decease. Judge Bowdle and his wife were the parents of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, five living. The eldest. Squire J. B. Bowdle, residing on Section 19, was born in Ross County, Ohio, May 8, 1808. He was reared to manhood in his native county, obtaining a limited education. On February 17, 1831, he was married to Elizabeth Reed, a native of that county and the following October accompanied his father's family to Round Head Township. He was presented by his father with eighty acres of land, and after the death of the latter he purchased the old homestead of 160 acres. Squire Bowdle is one of the honored and respected pioneers of Round Head Township. He is a member of the Hardin County Pioneer Society, and was its President for one year. He was formerly a Whig and is now a Republican in politics. When the county was first organized, he was elected Constable of his township, serving one year. He was subsequently elected Township Treasurer, which position he held for about twenty years; was Justice of the Peace for six years, and Town-
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ship Trustee for two years. He has been a member of the Bowdle Church and Fletcher Chapel, and is now a Trustee of the latter. He was once a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. Eleven children were born to Squire Bowdle and wife, only three living, Joseph, a farmer in Missouri; William T., residing in the Bowdle settlement, and Mary F., at home with her father. The deceased children are Sarah Jane, Margaret Ann, John W., David, Nancy, Serepta, Caroline M. and twin infants. Mr. Bowdle died September 14, 1856. She was also a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. W. B. Bowdle, the other son residing in this township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 15, 1830. He was brought to Hardin County by his parents and has always resided in Round Head Township. He assisted his father on the farm until the death of the latter in 1855. On February 22, 1856, he married Miss S. J Thompson, a native of Maryland, but raised in Hardin County. He lived on the old homestead till the winter of 1861 or 1862, and than removed to his present farm. Like his brother, he was given eighty acres of land by his father, and has since added 160 acres. In August, 1862. he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was elect ed Corporal and, in the spring of 1865, was made a Sergeant. He was taken sick in East Tennessee in September, 1863, and was subsequently sent to Louisville, Ky., where he remained till February 22,1864. He vas then transferred to Company H. Sixteenth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, and remained with them until his discharge at Harrisburg, Penn., July 5, 1865. Mr. Bowdle has served as Constable of the township for one year, also as Road Supervisor; he has frequently been offered more trustworthy positions, but has declined acceptance on account of lack of times and a disinclination for office holding. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Fletcher Chapel and Class Leader in the latter body. Six children have been given Mr. and Mrs. Bowdle, three of whom are living, viz., Eva J., wife of Lorenzo D. Davis, a farmer of Round Head Township; .John A. L. and Edwin T. Mrs. Bowdle and her eldest son are also members of the Fletcher Chapel.
JESSE BOWDLE deceased, one of the first settlers of this township, was born in Maryland March 28, 1787. His parents, Henry and Sarah Bowdle, came to Ohio about 1799, locating on a farm near "Dry Run,'' seven miles from Chillicothe, Ross County. They died on that farm. They were the parents of three girls and four boys, all now deceased. Jesse Bowdle was raised on the farm in Ross County, receiving a limited education. He remained with his father until November 3, 1811, when he was married to Lillie Bowdle, a second cousin. He became a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, but carried on farming in Ross County until the fall of 1832, when he loaded up his family and furniture in a large four or six horse wagon and came to Round Head Township. He went to Bucyrus and bought 160 acres of land on Section 18, at $1.25 per acre, where he lived the rest of his days. He preached on Sundays when able to do so, and was well known and respected by all. He died December 10, 1862. and was buried in Allen (now Auglaize) County. He and his wife were the parents of four boys and one girl, two sons living, David and Henry S. The former resides at Rockport, Allen County, Ohio. Mrs. Bowdle was born March 28, 1789, and died August 8, 1850, aged sixty-one years. Jesse Bowdle was connected with the Indepandent Order of Odd Fellows, was a Whig and Republican in politics, and assisted in the organization of both the Bowdle Society and Bowdle Church. Henry S.
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Bowdle, the youngest surviving child and son, and the fourth child and son, was born in Ross County, Ohio, May 21, 1822. He was but eleven years old when his parents came to Round Head Township, and has resided on the home farm all his life, inheriting a farm of eighty acres north of there and trading this for the homestead with a sister now deceased. He was taught to read at home, and never attended school but one quarter. He was married, April 12, 1849, to Jane Martin, a native of Carroll County, Ohio, and daughter of George and Mary Martin. Mr. Bowdle was formerly a Whig and "Know Nothing," but is now a Republican. He has been Supervisor and School Director; is a member of Fletcher Chapel also a Trustee of the latter, and is connected with the patrons of Husbandry. He has four children, as follows: George M., married to Hattie Graham and residing in Johnson County, Mo. Jesse T., at home, Mary C., wife of John May; and Alice J., wife of Edward Mertz. Both sons-in-law compose the firm of May &, Mertz. Mrs. Bowdle died March 16, 1857, aged twenty-eight years four weeks and nine days, and is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Jesse T., youngest son of Henry S. Bowdle. was born on the old homestead June 1, 1852. He attended the Hill Schoolhouse in early life, and has always lived on his father's farm. He was married, January 8, 1879, to Ella T., daughter of James Ford, of Round Head Township. They have one daughter, Florence Gertrude Pearl. Mr. Bowdle and wife are members of the Fletcher Chapel.
SAMUEL P. BOWDLE, deceased. an early and well respected farmer and pioneer settler of Round Head Township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 4, 1815. He was a son of Jesse and Lillie Bowdle. (See sketch of Jesse Bowdie.) The subject of this sketch was one of five children, four boys and one girl, and was sixteen years of age when he came to this county. He resided with his father until twenty-seven years of age. and, on February 24, 1842, was married to Harriet, daughter of Richard and Mary Rutledge. After marriage, he settled on the farm given him by his father, and succeeded in clearing about forty acres of it previous to his death, which occurred November 26, 1866. He is buried on the G. W. Rutledge farm, in Round Head Township. In early life he was a member of Bowdle Society, Bowdle Church, and afterward of the Fletcher Chapel (all of the Methodist Episcopal Church). He officiated as Steward, Class Leader and Superintendent of the Sanday school, and for ten or twelve years previous to his death was a local preacher. In his younger days, he was a Whig in politics and subsequently a "Know-Nothing " and Republican. He once filled the office of Assessor of Round Head Township. Mr. and Mrs. Bowdle were the parents of five daughters and seven sons, five of whom are living. viz., John R., an attorney at law, Columbus, Ohio, married to Clara Cummins, October 12, 1880; Lewis H., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, residing in Bates County, Mo. married May 18, 1883, to Dora Graham: Mary I., married January 16, 1883, to J. Lincoln Walters, a farmer of Round Head Township; Charles Wesley, married January 18, 1883, to Lavinia Kellar, a native of Wyandot County, Ohio, and Martha Caroline, single. Of the seven deceased, six died in infancy and one, Richard W., in mature years. When twenty-two years of age, he enlisted in the service of the Union and returned home at the close of the rebellion, where he married Elizabeth Shockey January 1, 1870. He died April 21, 1879. Mrs. Bowdle still resides on the home farm with her son Charles, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. Her living children are also members.
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ROBERT BREECE, deceased. was born in Wales August 1, 1794. When three years of age, his parents came to this country, located in Baltimore, Md., and subsequently in Logan County, Ohio. Our subject was raised in the latter county, and there married Lydia, daughter of George and Permelia Henry. About 1828 or 1830, Mr. Breece removed to Shawneetown, near the present site of Lima, with his wife and five children, lived there about one year, and then came to Round Head Township. He went to Bucyrus May 28, 1835, entered eighty acres of land three-fourths of a mile west of Round Head Village, on the Scioto River. He also bought thirty-seven acres of one Carrington and located on the latter place, where he resided until his death. He died July 19, 1849, aged fifty-four years, eleven months and twelve days. He was the father of nine children, their names and dates of births as follows: Jane, August 11, 1823; Nancy. March 8, 1826; John, May 9, 1828; George, June 24, 1830; William, May 12, 1832; Griffith, April 4, 1834; Margaret, September 29, 1837, Mary, February 15, 1840, and Amanda May 14, 1846. Mrs. Breece died November 9, 1866, aged sixty-three years seven months and thirteen days. Mr. Breece was a Whig in politics, and served as Trustee of Round Head Township. William Breece, the fifth child, was quite young when his parents came to this county. He was reared on the old homestead and lived with his father until the latter's death. He learned the cabinetmaker's trade at Urbana, Ohio, and subsequently traveled extensively over Ohio, parts of Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, part of the time engaged in mercantile pursuits and in trading. Some years after the war closed, he came to Round Head Township and settled on the home farm. He inherited one ninth of his father's land, and purchased the remainder of the homestead of the other heirs. Since that time he has added to his possessions, and now owns nearly 600 acres, and is the largest land owner in Round Head Township. He was married in March, 1847, to Sarah Axtell, a native of Knox County, Ohio. Of the six children born to them two are living, Fannie B. and Lydia E. Mr. Breece is a Democrat in politics, but has never held public office.
JESSE CLAYPOOL. farmer, P. O. Round Head. was born in Champaign County, Ohio, May 10, 1826. His father, Jacob Claypool, was a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and a soldier in the war of 1812. He was married in Campaign County, Ohio, to Elizabeth Logan, a native of Mason County, Ky. After marriage, he farmed in Champaign County until March, 1838, when he came to Round Head Township and took a "squatter's right" on the Huntsville road, where he lived about two years, and died in 1840. He was the father of eleven children, eight living, two in this county, Jesse and Martha. The latter is the widow of George C. Borders, deceased, of McDonald Township. Mrs. Claypool died suddenly of heart disease, about 1852, and both parents are buried in Round Head Cemetery. The subject of this sketch was but eleven years of age when his parents came to this township. After the death of his father, he accompanied his mother to a farm in Logan County, owned by H. Stamats, and subsequently to McDonald Township, where his mother died. In early manhood, he engaged in wood chopping in winter and farming in summer. He finally rented the John Ward farm,one mile east of Round Head Village, and two sisters kept house for him until September 23, 1855, when he was married to Nancy Breece, daughter of Robert Breece. He afterward rented the Breece farm, where he lived for six years. He then bought 111 acres of land, his present farm, on the " J. Smith Survey." No. 10, 300. Wapakoneta pike, and
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moved thereon. He paid $8 per acre for his tract, and has since added to it until now he owns 189 acres, 165 of which are under cultivation. He had just $100 in cash to pay down on his purchase, and his present farm is the result of his own and wife's labor and energy. He resides in a commodious and neat dwelling, everything about proclaiming the owner to be a thrifty and enterprising farmer. Mr Claypool was a member of the Sons of Temperance for fourteen years in early life, and is now connected with the Prohibitionists. He was Trustee of this township for several year;. Mr. Claypool has two children, Clementine, wife of Oran Colter, on the home farm, and Robert. Mrs. Claypool and daughter are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Round Head.
D. C. MCCOMSEY, farmer. P. O. Round Head, was born at Urbana, Champaign Countv, Ohio, June 19, 1836. His grandfather, Alexander McComsey, a native of Scotland, located in Pennsylvania and subsequently in Kentucky. He was married to a Miss Mercer Gray, who died in 1858, aged eighty-seven year. One son, Mathias, the father of our subject, was born in Mill Creek, near Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a carpenter by trade. He was married to Phebe Logan, a native of Champaign County, Ohio. Her father was Samuel Logan, a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and son of Col. Logan, of Virginia, who went to Kentucky with Boone and Herod. Mathias McComsey and his wife, had nine children, three living, two residents of Hardin County, Cyrus B . a farmer of McDonald Township and our subject. The latter was reared and educated at Urbana, Ohio, and, when twenty-one years of age, learned the trade of a plasterer, which he followed for about fifteen years. In 1858, he came to Round Head Township, rented a farm of William Breece, resided there two years, thence back to Urbana, lived there eight years and returned to Round Head Township, where, in 1868, with George Breece, he erected a saw mill on the Scioto River, which he operated till 1871. His wife then died and he went back to Urbana; but, in 1876, returned again to Round Head Township and bought seventy-six acres of his present farm. He afterward sold thirty-six acres. His wife's father had given her twenty-two and one-half acres just across the pike, which makes his entire farm of sixty-two and one half acres. Mr. McComsey still works at his trade in summer time, only stopping to harvest his crops. He is a member of the Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church and Superintendent of the Sabbath school. In politics, he is a Democrat. He was married, December 28, 1858. to Mary Breece, of Round Head Township. This union has resulted in five children, three living, Fannie B., Gertrude and Mary. His wife died April 9, 1871, and Mr. McComsey was again married in May 1872, to Lydia Ritchey, youngest daughter of Andrew Ritchey an aged pioneer settler of Round Head Township. Five children have been born to them, Melinda, Sarah, Rebecca and Davidson C., Jr. Mrs. McComsey is also a member of the Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN W. DETWILER, farmer. P.O. Round Head, was born in Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio, October 24, 1857. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Nessley) Detwiler, the former a native of Franklin County, Penn., the latter, who died in 1865, of Seneca County, Ohio. In April of 1850, they came to Cessna Township, Hardin County, where they have since resided. Mr. Detwiler, Sr., is a Republican in politics and served one term as County Commissioner. He was the father of twelve children, eight now living. Mrs. Detwiler died about 1858. The subject of this sketch was raised on the home farm, and lived with his father until twenty
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years of age. He then went to Seneca County, Ohio, where he farmed for a year and a half and then returned to Hardin County, and, in 1880, rented 120 acres of land of Theodore Shendewolf. He subsequently rented 130 acres of Margaret Anstine, carrying on altogether about 250 acres. He was united in marriage March 4, 1880, with Rosa Buckingham, a native of Seneca County, Ohio. They have one son, Samuel Nathan. Mrs. Detwiler is a member of the Disciple Church. Mr. Detwiler is an earnest worker, and bids fair to prosper with this world's goods. He is a member of the Church of the Disciple, and Republican in polities, but has never held an office.
W. M. DOWNING, auctioneer, Round Head, was born in Logan County, Ohio, on August 14, 1840. He is a son of Timothy Downing, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, His father owns three good farms in Logan County, whence he removed to Round Head in 1882, where he now resides, aged sixty-four years. He married Rebecca Taylor, a native of Pennsylvania now in her sixty-second year. They are parents of ten children, eight living, two, our subject and Zachery T., residing in this township and county. Our subject was reared on a farm in Logan County, obtaining a fair common school education. Upon coming of age, he and his father rented the McBride saw mill, in Stokes Township, Logan County, which they operated for twenty-eight months. Mr. Downing then enlisted. in 1861, in Company E, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served four years and four days, being in charge the greater part or this period of a wagon train. After the war, he returned to Logan County, and was married September 11, 1865. to Angeline Colter, by whom he has had five children, viz., Ira, William, Ida A., James and Ray. Mrs. Downing is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Huntsville, Logan County. After his marriage, Mr. Downing removed to Auglaize County, where he farmed for a year, and, in the spring of 1867, he came to Round Head Village and was engaged in the grocer business for two years and a half. He then kept a hotel for six months and afterward took the agency of the Milburn wagon and a variety of agricultural implements. About this time, he commenced auctioneering, and succeeding beyond his expectations, has since followed it for his occupation. He travels over the greater portion of Hardin, Allen, Auglaize and Logan Counties, and is well known. He probably makes more sales than any other man northwest of Columbus in this State, and is highly esteemed by all of his acquaintances. Mr. Dow ning is a Republican in politics; has been Deputy Sheriff of Hardin County for six consecutive years and also Constable of Round Head Township for thirteen years.
JACOB FORD, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born in Maryland, December 23, 1811. His father, Charles Ford, native of Maryland and farmer by occupation, removed to Perry County, Ohio, in 1832, and lived there until his death. He died June 6,1848, aged fifty-eight years and two months. He was married to Harriet Fling, a native of Maryland. They had six boys and three girls, all living except the youngest child. Mrs. Ford died April 19, 1857. Jacob was reared in Maryland, received a common school education and lived with his father until November 18, 1833, when he married Nancy Bowers, a native of Perry County, Ohio. He then enraged in farming for himself, and, in 1864, came to this township and purchased 170 acres of land in the Bowdle settlement, which he sold ten years after, and in the spring of 1875 bought his present farm. This farm consists of 120 acres on Section 8, Ada and Round Head pike. He has bought and distributed
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among his children over 200 acres more. He had nine children by his first marriage, seven living, viz., Jacob, an independent citizen, of Forest City, Mo.; Hester, wife of Robert Lyle, of Round Head; John H.; Harriet E., wife of Joseph Ward; William A., farmer, of McDonald Township; Jasper, farmer, of Round Head Township, and Nancy J., wife of John W. Ward. Mrs. Ford died April 25, 1849, and is buried in the Methodist Episcopal Churchyard, Uniontown, Ohio. Mr. Ford was again married, July 25, 1849, to Rachel Rockhold, a native of Maryland. Of their three children, only one survives, Robert M., married to Luella, daughter of J. R. Hill, residing on the farm with his prents. They have two children, Rachel D. and Jessie P. Mr. and Mrs Ford are members of the Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ford has always been an admirer of Andrew Jackson and his party. Was Justice of the Peace of Round Head Township for two terms (six years) and Director of School District No. 6.
WILLIAM FORD, deceased, was born at Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio. November 6, 1825. He was a son of Thomas Ford, born probably in Virginia, who came to Ohio at an early day. He was married to Rebecca McGill, now resident of Champaign County, day, whom he had fifteen children. nine surviving. Thomas Ford died in 1851, at a ripe old age. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, in Champaign County receiving a limited education. He was married in his native county, September 1, 1853, to Mary J. McCroskey, also a native. of that county born October 4, 1833, and a daughter of James and Nancy (Clark) McCroskey. In the spring of 1859, Mr. Ford came to Round Head Township, buying eighty acres of timber land on Section J, clearing about fifty acres, and resided there until his death, December 30, 1867. He was a Republican in politics, but no politician. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, Adams Township, Champaign County, but is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Round Head Township. Mr. Ford and his wife were the parents of three children, two now living, Clarissa A., wife of Oscar Thatcher, head sawyer in a saw mill at DeGraff, Logan County, Ohio, and Daniel Webster, married October 15, 1882, to Emma Barger, a native of Champaign County, Ohio. Mrs. Ford and son carry on the farm.
FRANK GIVEN, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born in McDonald Township, within sight of his present residence, April 28, 1846. He is a son of Alexander Given, native of Ross County, Ohio, who located in Round Head (now McDonald) Township as early as 1831 where he has since resided. He was the first white man married in Round Head Township. His wife's name was Mary A., daughter of David Campbell, an early settler of Hardin County. Our subject, the youngest of five children, three living, was reared on the homestead. receiving a fair education. He assisted his father on the farm until May 11, 1865, when he was married to Elizabeth Mormon, a native of Hardin County and daughter of Solomon Mormon. After marriage, he located on his present farm of 130 acres, situated on Sections 21 and 28, adjacent to the Kenton and Round Head pike, which he had previously bought. Mr. Given is a member of Bell Center Lodge, No. 347 (Masonic) and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge, at the same place. He has always been Republican in politics, and, in April, 1868, was elected Township Clerk, serving two terms and then was Treasurer for a like period. He has since officiated as Justice of the Peace, which office he still holds. By his first marriage, Mr. Given had seven children, four living, viz.. Walter, Boyd, Eva, Blanche and Rob-
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ert A. Mrs. Given was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and departed this life April 2, 1879. Mr. Given was married for the second time, January 8, 1882, to Melinda Slaybaugh, a native of Hardin County, and reared in Indiana.
JOHN GOSLEE, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 11, 1818. His father, Joab Goslee, a native of Delaware, came to Ohio just previous to the war of 1812, in which war he was a soldier four or five months before its close. In 1820, he bought 160 acres of land in the north part of Champaign County, Ohio, where he lived until his death, in the fall of 1869. He was married in Pickaway County to Elizabeth Messick, a native of Delaware. They had ten children, seven still living. Mrs. Goslee died previous to the civil war. The subject of this sketch lived in Champaign County until twenty-five years of age, receiving a fair education. He was married February 20, 1842, to Mary Ann Kenton, born in Champaign County, and a descendant of Simon Kenton, the great hunter and warrior. On April 13, 1842, Mr. Goslee and family came to Hardin County and purchased sixty acres of land in Round Head Township, which farm was soon after increased by a gift of 100 acre, from Mrs. Goslee's father. Mr. Goslee built a rude log house and the family moved into it on May 3, 1842. The farm was timbered land, an Mr. Goslee hired it to be cleared at the rate of 37 1/2 cents per day and per $3 per 1,000 for mauling rails. At one time, he was the owner of 700 to 800 acres, of which he sold and gave away a good portion, and now owns about 550 acres located on Sections 3 and 4, all secured by his own industry. He has had six children by his first wife, four living, viz., James, farmer ; Marion Township; Elizabeth, wife of James R. Hill of Round Head Township; Mary, wife of Spencer Messick, farmer of Marion Township and Melissa, wife of Jerry M. Alexander, farmer of McDonald Township; Mrs Goslee died October 1, 1851, and Mr. Goslee again married September 9, 1852. Diana Prouse a native of Maryland. They had six children, two, living Chancey W. and .Margaret I. Mrs. Goslee died November 7, 1876, and Mr. Goslee was married the third time, May 28, 1878, to Henrietta Prouse. sister to his former wife. Mrs. Goslee is a member of the Pleasant Hill Church, and Mr. Goslee's two previous wives were also members of this church during their lifetime. Mr. Goslee was formerly a Democrat in politics, but has lately become a Prohibitionist. He has served several terms as Director of School District No. 3.
REUBEN HENKLE, deceased, a well-known farmer of Round Head Township, was born in Virginia in January, 1807. He was one of a family of five boys and two girls, whose parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Forse) Heukle. They came to Ohio about 1817, locating in Clark County, when, the parents died. Our subject was reared in Clark County, living with his parents until twenty-two years old. He was married August 27, 1829, to Elizabeth Yeazel, a native of Clark County. After marriage, he engaged in farming, and on February 13, 1837, brought his family to Round Head Township, settling in the southeastern quarter of Section 20. The greater part of his life was spent in clearing off the timber and improving the land. He died Octobor 23, 1856, and is buried in the Henkle graveyard, a portion of his farm. He was a Whig and Republican in politics, took an active interest in the welfare of the township, county, State and nation, and at the time of his decease was serving as Trustee of the township. He was the father of five sons and five daughters, six living, three sons residing in this county, Isaac N., Ambrose D. and R. L., all farmers
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of Round Head Township. Mrs. Henkle is living at the age of seventy-two years, and resides on the homestead. Isaac N., the eldest son, farming on Section 18, near the Newton Road, was born near Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, May 11, 1835. He came to this county with his parents, and was here reared and educated. He lived with his father until twenty years old, and then farmed for two years on his father's land near the Ada pike. He rented land and was engaged in cultivating it until August 6, 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until May 25, 1865. He was wounded at the battle of Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864, and is now drawing a small pension. After his return home, he lived on the "John F. Henkle farm," east of the Ada pike, for three years. He fell heir to forty acres of land, and afterward bought of the heirs forty acres more of the same tract, and, October 6, 1868, settled on his present farm. He is a Republican in politics, but has never held office. He was married June 22, 1856, to Elizabeth Queen, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, by whom he had one daughter, deceased. Mrs. Henkle died in April, 1859, and Mr. Henkle was again married June 19, 1861, to Abigail Huffman. a native of Logan County, Ohio. She was the mother of four children, all living, Wilbur E., Mary A., Stella C. and John C. Mrs. Henkle departed this life December 8, 1878, and Mr. Henkle was married. November 19, 1879, to Mrs. Sally (Walters) Barlow, widow of Lawrence Barlow. She had two daughters by her first marriage Norah and Dora. Ambrose D., the seveuth child and fourth son, was born on the old homstead May 22, 1848, and was reared on the home farm, obtaining a moderate education. He has always lived on the home farm and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He inherited forty acres of the homestead, subsequently bought forty more of the heirs and has lately purchased twenty acres more making his entire farm to consist of 100 acres. He was united in marriage February 2, 1871, with Mary, daughter of J. W. Stinson. a prominent farmer and stock-breeder of Round Head Township. Of the five children born to them, three are living, Frank, William and Boyd. Mrs. Henkle died December 22, 1881. and is buried in the Henkle graveyard, where a blue granite monument marks her last resting place. Mr. Henkle is a Republican in politics, and is serving his second year as Constable of the township.
JAMES HILL. the founder of a branch of the Hill family in Hardin County, was born in Maryland June 22, 1763. His father served in the continental army during the revolutionary war, and was killed during that strife or died soon after. His wife also died soon after, leaving James an orphan, who resided in his native State until 1812, when he came to Ohio, locating in Logan County. Soon after, he became a soldier in the war of 1812, and during his absence from home his wife and family were obliged to seek protection in a block house, and there remained, safe from marauding savages, till the war ended. James Hill married Sarah Tidd, probably a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Round Head Township in 1825, and located forty acres of land on Section 20, where lie carried on farming the remainder of his life. He died September 24, 1862, aged ninety-nine years, two months and three days. His wife died about 1851, aged seventy-seven or seventy-eight years. They were the parents of eight children, one now living, James, residing in Cessna Township, Hardin County. James Hill was one of the organizers of the early Methodist Bowdle Society and, later of the Bowdle Church. He was a Democrat in politics. His physical condition was excellent, as, during his long life of a century
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(lacking one year), he never had need of a physician. One son, Samuel Hill, was born in Logan County, Ohio, April 23, 1812. He accompanied his parents to Hardin County in 1825 and lived with his father until the latter's death. He was the fourth and youngest son. He bought forty acres of land adjoining his father's, and at the latter's death, inherited the whole homestead of forty acres. He farmed on this land till his death, which occurred May 27, 1872, his age being sixty years one month and four days. He was married to Priscilla Scott, a native of Pennsylvania. who bore him two sons, Hamilton and James. The latter was drowned when two years of age. Mrs. Hill died January 2, 1869, aged fifty-four years, eleven months and twelve days. Samuel Hill was also a member of the Bowdle Society, and subsequently a Class Leader in Pleasant Hill Church. He was probably a member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics. he was a Democrat, and served his neighbors and friends as Township Trustee and in several minor offices. He and his wife are buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Hamilton Hill, the surviving son of Samuel Hill, was born on the old homestead August 17, 1840. He obtained a fair education, and when seventeen years old secured a position as teacher in a neighboring school. He taught for 720 days in succession in District No. 3, and followed that profession till thirty years of age. Since that period, he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of a fine farm of 100 acres, seventy of which are well improved. He was married on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1862, to Ann M., daughter of Andrew Poe, an early settler of Round Head Township. They have three children. John L., school teacher in District No. 3; Ida L. and Stella B. Mr. anal Mrs. Hill are members of the Fletcher Chapel. Mr. Hill is a Democrat. and was Township Clerk for several years, declining a re-election in the spring of 1878, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
JAMES R. HILL. farmer, P. O. Round Head. was born December 18, 1835, in Round Head Township. He is a son of James Hill, native Trumbull County, Ohio, a pioneer of this township and now a resident Cessna Township. He was married to Eveline Spencer, a native of Logan County, Ohio, who bore him two children, both living. His second marriage was with Elizabeth Richards, a native of Champaign County, by whom he had ten children, five living, our subject being the only one a resident of Round Head Township. Mrs. Hill died in July, 1872, and Mr.Hill on June 8, 1883, and was buried at Pleasant Hill. The subject of this sketch was reared on the homestead obtaining a fair education, and remained with his father until twenty-four years of age. On October 4, 1860, he was married to Marietta White, a native of Logan County, Ohio. He then purchased his farm, which now consists of 100 acres of land on Section 8, on the Ada pike. It is under a high state of cultivation, with good farm buildings, and Mr. Hill has since erected a fine farm residence He is a member of the Pleasant Hill Church, where he is a Class Leader, and in politics, is a Prohibitionist. Mr. Hill has two children by his first wife-Luella, wife of Robert Ford, residing on the adjoiuing farm; and Francis Alonzo, deceased. Mrs. Hill died November 12, 1858. Mr. Hill was again married, September 18, 1870, to Elizabeth Goslee, a native of Round Head Township, and daughter of John Goslee, whose sketch appear elsewhere. Four children have been born, two living, James Vernon and Effie Louisa. Marietta E. and an infant are deceased, the former being but six years of age at the time of her death, but very intelligent. She left instructions how to be buried, with verses to be sung at
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her funeral, and was the first to be interred in the new Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Hill is also a member of the Pleasant Hill Church. In early life, Mr. Hill attended school at Bellefontaine, and subsequently taught school in Round Head Township, at different periods in ten years.
C. W. HURLBURT, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born in Vermont, March 28, 1810. He is a son of Joseph and Eliza (Cisco) Hurlburt, natives of Vermont. The latter died in this State, and the former subsequently removed to Canada, where he passed the remainder of his life. They were the parents of eight children. The subject of this sketch remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and then went to Pendleton, N. Y., and two years later removed to Ohio. He obtained employment as steersman on the canal, and during this time made his home at Newark. He then went to Utica, Licking Co., Ohio, lived there two years and next was employed in laying the "mud sills " on the Lake Erie and Mad River Railroad (now Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western),, the first railroad built in this State. He subsequently took a lease of land near Fort McArthur, this county, and nine years later bought eighty-seven and a half acres near by. He sold this farm and bought a tract of land of eighty acres near Ada, to which he removed and lived on about seven years. He finally sold that farm and bought his present farm of seventy-six and one-half acres in the western part of Round Head Township, near the Scioto river, removing thereon October 1, 1869. He was married, July 26, 1856, to Patience, daughter of William Lawrence, an early settler of Hardin County, locating one mile south of Marysville, near Allen County line. Mr. and Mrs. Hurlburt have had ten children, eight living-Uriah, John R., Augustus, A. I., Elizabeth, Alfred, Mary L. and Rose Ella. Mr. Hurlburt and his wife, while residing near Ada, were members of the Methodist Church at that point. On February 10, 1864, be enlisted in the Eighty-second Regiment, Company B, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served eighteen months. He was severely wounded in the head and knee at Dallas, May 24, 1864, and taken to the hospitals at Nashville, Tenn., and Jeffersonville, Ind. He was afterward taken to Camp Douglas, Chicago, Ill., and there guarded prisoners until his discharge. The wound in his head has seriously interfered with his hearing, and the wound in his left. leg was the direct cause of his lameness. Mr. Hurlburt is Republican in politics, but, has never held office.
Thomas Irwin born July 1849 (son of Robert Irwin
ROBERT IRWIN, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born, near Woodstock, Champaign Co., Ohio, September 7, 1814. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Thomson) Irwin, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Kentucky, and both deceased. Robert Irwin was reared in Champaign County and farmed there until about 1838, when he came to this township. He located on 115 acres of land, given him by his father, and afterward bought another tract of seventy-eight acres, thirty-eight of which he gave to his daughter. This land was all covered with timber, and during the forty-five intervening years, Mr. Irwin has cleared about ninety acres. He has always been engaged in farming, with the exception of last year, when poor health caused him to desist. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Round Head, and an Elder in that body; is a Republican in politics and has been Supervisor and School Director. He was married about forty-one years ago to Henrietta Roliason, a native of Kentucky. They have had four children, two sons and two daughters, one son and one daughter living-Mary, wife of James Graham, a school teacher, residing in Nebraska, and Thomas H., at home with his father. Mrs. Irwin depart-
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ed this life January 4, 1881, aged sixty years. She is buried in Round Head Cemetery. Thomas H. Irwin, farmer and manufacturer of tiling, was born on the old homestead July 26, 1849. He received a fair education and has always resided on the farm. In 1872, J. Q. Herford and Robert Irwin erected tile works on the latter's farm and carried on their manufacture for ten years. Then James Graham bought out Mr. Herford's interest in the business, and, in 1882, Thomas Irwin purchased the entire business of the two partners. He employs a force of four men and three horses, and, in the summer of 1883, manufactured about 3,800 tiles, ranging from two to eight iuches in diameter. The clay for these tilings is found on the farm. Sales are made mostly in this county, but large amounts are disposed of to dealers and farmers in Logan and Auglaize Counties. Mr. Irwin was married October 17, 1872, to Estella Mowry, a native of Auglaize County, Ohio. By this union there are four children, three living, Annie M., Ella C. and Ida A. Mrs. Irwin died in 1880, and is buried in Round Head Cemetery. Mr. Irwin is a member of the Summit Orange, No. 526, Knight of Honor, in Auglaize County, and is connected with the Republican party.
JOHN W. McNEAL, farmer, P. O. Round Head. was born in Fayette County, Ohio, August 24, 1820. His father, Archibald McNeal, probably a native of Ross County, Ohio, where he was reared, was married to Sarah Newland, a native of Virginia. They had two children, our subject and one sister, deceased. Mr. McNeal died in Ross County in 1832, and his widow in 1862. The subject of this sketch was reared in Fayette County,and served an apprenticeship at the stone and brick mason and plasterer trade, which he followed from 1840 till 1861. In 1845, he went to Auglaize County and was there until 1850. On November 30, of that year, he was married to Susannah Mahan, daughter of Mathew Mahan, a pioneer of Round Head Township. Of the seven children born to this union two are living, Mary A., wife of James Lawrence, a resident of Jaggar, Marion Township, and William Archibald. Two years after his marriage, Mr. McNeal removed to Paulding County, where he bought land. The continued ill health of his wife forced him to sell out and remove back to this county. When the late war commenced, he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly three year. He was honorably discharged, July 8,1864. but with the loss of his health. Since then, he has farmed, as far as his health would permit. He has lately rented his farm, and with his son is engaged in the manufacture of drain tiling. In politics, Mr. McNeal is a Republican, and served eighteen years as Township Constable. He is now Road Supervisor.
WILLIAM MARSH, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania. He was a son of Enoch Marsh, also a native of the Keystone State. When quite young, his parents came to Ohio and located in Guernsey County, where he was reared and married Nancy Dillen, a native of Belmont County, Ohio. After marriage, he was engaged in farming in Belmont and Guernsey Counties, and, about 1838, came to this county, taking up eighty acres of land in Elder Creek, Round Head Township, where he remained a short time. He then removed to Round Head Village, engaged in the grocery business for some years and lived there until his death. He was a Whig in politics, and for several years Justice of the Peace of Round Head Township. Mr. Marsh and his wife were the parents of eleven children, three living, one of whom is a resident of this county. Frank M. Marsh, farmer, residing on the J. Smith tract, No. 10,300, south of the Wapakoneta pike,
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was born in Elder Creek, this township, May 8, 1812. He was mostly reared in Round Head Township, and, after his father's death, went to school at Cleveland for a year. He was engaged in farming on rented land until 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served as a non-commissioned officer and was discharged about three years after date of enlistment. After the war, he was engaged in the manufacture of tobacco at Cincinnati for a short time, and then purchased his present farm of sixty acres. Mr. Marsh is Republican in politics, has been Township Trustee and is now Director of School District No. 5. He was married April 10, 1854, and his family consists of five children, two boys and three girls, the latter living, viz., Martha E., Fannie May and Emma B. Mrs. Marsh is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Round Head Village.
F. W. MOESINGER, manufacturer of budgies and wagons, horse shoeing and general repair shop, Round Head, was born in Baden, Germany, March 8. 1849. His father was Michael Moesinger, also a German. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native land, and when fourteen years of age learned the wagon-maker's trade. In 1861, he came to America, worked in New York and Connecticut for about a year and then worked at his trade at the following named places: Lima, Ohio, one summer; Louisville, Ky. one year: Evansville. Ind. one year; Denver. Col. and other points, three years: Missouri, St. Joe and other places, four years. He then made a visit to his native land (in 1877), and. in 1878. returned to this State, locating at Lima for one year. In the spring of 1879, Mr. Moesinger came to Round Head Village anal was employed by William Moore for three months. He then established himself in business in the north end of the village and remained there two years, at the expiration of which time he bought two lots and erected his present shop. The building is of frame, 42x40 feet in size, two stories high, with a paint shop addition, 16 x 40 feet one story. Mr. Moesinger employs two hands for help, and manufactures all kinds of vehicles, sleighs. etc., also does horse shoeing and general repairing. He commenced business with a small capital, and his success, which has been excellent. was obtained only by persistent efforts and tireless energy. Mr. Moesinger owns a dwelling house adjoining the shop, which he rents. He is a Democrat in politics, but has never been an office-holder.
SAMUEL W. NEVILLE, proprietor of saw mill, Round Head, was born in Monroe County, Va., near the white sulphur springs. October 22, 1834. His father, Samuel Neville, was born in Fincastle, Botetourt Co., Va., in 1801. He was a son of John Neville. Samuel Neville, Sr., a sadler by trade, came to Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 1836. lived there nine years, and, in 1845. came to Round Head Township. He married Maria Murphy, by whom he had six daughters and four sons, all of whom reached maturity; the youngest died at the age of twenty-four years. Eight of this family and the mother are still living, the latter residing in Round Head Village. The subject of this sketch was but four years old when he came to Ohio, and thirteen years of age when he came to Hardin County. He first attended the school kept. by "old father'' Henshaw, a rather eccentric old man, who always pronounced his words in the old fashioned drawling style. In June, 1851, Mr. Neville went to work on a locomotive on the Lake Erie & Mad River Railway. the first railway built across this State. He remained on this road for about ten years, advancing to the position of fireman and engineer, and deserves the credit for having "fired" the first locomotive that
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entered the city of Dayton. Since that time, he has been engaged mostly in running saw mills in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia. In January, 1883, he leased and commenced operating his present mill. He was married March, 1862, to Addie, daughter of Squire William Marsh. One son was born to them, William P., now engineer at the saw mill and a natural musician and fine pianist. Mrs Neville died in 1868, and Mr. Neville was again married, July 9, 1870, to Genoa, daughter of Andrew Poe, an early settler of Round Head Township. They have five children, three son; and two daughters, three living, viz., Burns L.. Blanche L. and Ray. Leona (three years old) and an iufant are deceased. Mr. Neville was formerly a Democrat in politic, has always been in favor of temperance and of late years has been a strong prohibitionist.
ANDREW POE, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 1, 1815. His father David Poe, was a native of Kentucky and came to Ohio about 1812. He enlisted in the Light Horse Guards, but was rejected on account of a blind eye. He settled in Pickaway County, subsequently in Ross and Fayette Counties, and, in 1830, removed to the "Patron's Survey." McDonald Township, Hardin County, taking up 200 acres of land, where he lived till the death of his wife and then came to Round Head. where he died. He was married to Elizabeth Ritchey, a native of Ireland. who came to this country when a year old. They had twelve, children, five living. The subject of this sketch came to Hardin County when seventeen, and lived with his parents until twenty-one years old. On February 11, 1837, he married Levina Zimmerman, a native of Twin Township, Ross County, Ohio. After his marriage, he bought eighty acres of land in McDonald Township, but never lived on it. In the fall of 1839, he purchased eighty acres on Section 32, Lima Road, on which he resides, and which he has increased to 203 acres, besides owning 102 acres of the Clark Survey, in the south part of Round Head Township. He has owned altogether about 543 acres in this county, all secured by his own efforts, and of which he has given away 238 acres to his children. He has never hired an acre cleared and never went into debt. In politics, he is Democratic. He has seven children living, viz., William; Milton, a farmer,, of Lenawee County, Mich.: Ann M. wife of Hamilton Hill, of Round Head Township; Genoa, wife of S. M. Neville, of Round Head; Samantha, wife of James Smith, a farmer of McDonald Township; David, who married Martha Harrod and lives on the home farm, and Douglas, at home. Mrs. Poe is a member of the Presbyterian Church. William,the eldest son, a farmer on Sections 16 and 17. Ada & Round Head pike, was born on the homestead December 18, 1838. He was raised in Round Head Township, obtained a good common school education and remained with his father until twenty-five years old. On March 24, 1863, he was married to Helen M., a sister of C. N. Buffenburger, of Kenton, and has had six children, as follows: Florence, Marquis, Ada N., Byron B., Leotta and Vesta. Mr. and Mrs. Poe and their daughter Florence are members of the Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church. After marriage, Mr. Poe bought eighty acres of land on Section 5, Round Head Township, resided there one year and then returned to the homestead, where he farmed for seven years. He then purchased 100 acres of land on Section 17, on which he has since resided. In September, 1882, Mr. Poe bought eighty acres of land on Section 16, and has purchased twenty acres of land on the Robert Stevenson section, also forty acres of the Edward Mahon farm, on Section 4, making, in all 240 acres. He has lately erected
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a neat and substantial residence on his farm. Mr. Poe is a hard worker and a good financier, and deserves credit for his success in life. He is a Democrat in politics, but has never had time to hold office.
A. RIPLEY, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, July 26, 1832. His father, Jacob Ripley, was probably a native of Rockingham County, Va., and came to Ohio about 1815. He located about three and a half miles northwest of Urbana, where he lived till just before the Mexican war, when he removed to Sangamon County, Ill. He died at the latter place, the same year. He was thrice married. His first wife was a Miss Boswell, by whom there were five children, one living, a resident of Brookston, White County, Ind. His second marriage was with Sarah Scott, a native of Champaign County, Ohio (mother of our subject). They had eleven children, four living. Mrs. Ripley died about 1842. His third marriage was with Elvira Owens, also a native of Champaign County, Ohio. They had one child, now deceased. The subject of this sketch assisted his father on the farm till the latter removed to Illinois. He then hired out to do farming until 1856, when he came to Round Head Township and bought forty acres of timber land. He has since added 120 acres. and now owns a farm of good, productive land and has good farm buildings. Mr. Ripley attributes his success to the motto "pay as you go." In politics he is a Republican, and has served two terms as Township Trustee. He was once connected with the Patrons of Husbandry. On August 12, 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company B, and was subsequently appointed Sergeant. He participated in the battle at Mossy Creek, in the two days' fight at Franklin, Tenn., and at the two days' fight at Nashville. He was at Fort Anderson on Cape Fear River, and was honorable discharged at Salisbury, N. C., June 24, 1865. Mr. Ripley was married in Hardin County, August 9, 1865, to Letitia Moore, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of William and Sarah (Sampson) Moore, who early settled on the farm adjoining that of our subject. Of the, eleven children born, eight are living, viz., William, David, who married Elizabeth Effingham, Sallie, Van Bert, Mary, Ida, Joseph and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Ripley are members of the Pleasant Hill Church, of which the former has been Steward and Trustee for many years.
ANDREW RITCHEY, one of the earliest pioneers of Round Head Township, a retired farmer, residing on Section 9 Ada & Round Head pike, was born in Mercer County, Penn., October 16, 1809. His father, John Ritchey, a native of Spain, came to America about the first part of the present century. He was a farmer, and, about 1814, located in Logan County, Ohio, where he died a few years later, and was buried near the present site of Bellefontaine. He was married to Mary Hill, probably a native of Ireland, who bore him seven children. Of this family, only two are living, our subject and his brother Samuel, residing in the western part of Round Head Township. Mrs. Ritchey died about 1824. Our subject came to Hardin County with his mother and two brothers, William and Sainuel, about 1817. They first lived in what was afterward known as the Bowdle settlement, where they remained until the death of the mother. The two oldest boys subsequently went back to Logan County, where both married. Our subject early learned the blacksmith trade with Samuel Tidd, grandfather of Alexander Tidd, working for him three years. He was then employed by the month in clearing land, and finally resolved to own some land. He entered two tracts of forty acres each, one of which was in the Bowdle set-
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tlement, and lived on the latter place till abut twenty-five years ago. He then sold his land and bought forty acres of his present farm on Section 9. He afterward added seven acres to this purchase, but in the winter of 1882 and 1883, he divided his farm between two of his children. Mr. Ritchey was one of those who organized the Bowdle Society and afterward Bowdle Church, and in later years the Pleasant Hill Church, of the same denomination. He served as Trustee of the latter body three years. His maiden vote was cast for Andrew Jackson, but he subsequently became a Whig and Republican in politics. He was married May 8, 1832, to Sarah, daughter of Samuel Tidd, by whom there were five children, four living, viz., Mary Jane, Widow of Robert Colvert, who has five children and now lives with her parents; Sarah, wife of Jefferson Rutledge, of Ida; Charles H. and Lydia , wife of D. C. McConsey, whose sketch appears elsewhere. Mr Ritchey is still living and enjoys good health. Andrew Ritchey never enjoyed the advantages of a good education, but has always been a hard working and earnest citizen, and deserves credit for his labors in helping to clear and develop this township. The fourth child, Charles H., a farm on Sections 9 and 4, of Round Head Township, was born September 1,1840 in the Bowdle settlement. He was reared and educated in Round Head Township, and remained with his parents until the war commenced. In 1862, he enlisted in Coinpany B, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served as a private for nearly three years, being honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky. When he came home, he purchase, forty acres of his present farm, subsequently bought another tract of forty acres adjoining, and in the winter of 1882-1883, his father gave him twenty-four acres, which increased his farm to 104 acres. The greater part of his two first purchases was timber land and by bard labor he has succeeded in clearing about forty acres of his farm. He is a member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church and a Republican in politics but has never held office. He was married, November 8, 1865, to Martha J. Bell, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio. They have one son, James Oliver, attending school in the Hill District. Mrs. Ritchey is a member of the Pleasant Hill Church.
RICHARD RUTLEDGE. deceased, late farmer, was born in Maryland, July 28, 1798. He was a son of Thomas and Mary (Burton) Rutledge, natives of Maryland, who located in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1810. They subsequently removed to Champaign and Logan Counties, and, in 1833, settled on Section 17, Round Head Township, where both died. Richard Rutledge was married when nineteen years old, in Champaign County. to Mary Lewis, and there engaged in farming, and afterward moved to Logan and Hardin Counties, locating a farm on Section 17, in the Bowdle settlement, where he lived till May, 1860. He had previously bought forty acres of Government land on Section 20, and afterward purchased forty acres more and another forty of his son, B. W. He removed to this farm and lived there till his death, on January 12, 1875. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and early connected with the Bowdle Society, subsequently the Bowdle Church, and Fletcher Chapel. In politics, he was a Republican, and, while a resident of Logan County, served seven years as Justioe of the Peace. He filled the same office in Round Head Township for twenty-one years and was also Township Assessor. He had sixteen children by his first wife, three living. Mrs. Rutledge died in 1845, and he was again married in June, 1846, to Mrs. Sarah (Hill) Lay, a daughter of James Hill, a native pioneer of Round Head Township. They had one
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son, Sampson. Mrs. Rutledge died in 1873. Sampson M. Rutledge was born on the "G. W. Rutledge farm " April 10, 1847, and has always resided in Round Head Township. He obtained a limited education and remained on his father's farm until the latter's death, when he was willed the old homestead, then consisting of 128 acres of land. He was married March 19, 1869, to Amanda Walters; a native of Auglaize County, Ohio, by whom be had five children, four living-Richard B., John F., Benjamin W. and Marion R.; one, an infant, is deceased. Mrs. Rutledge is a member of the Fletcher Chapel. Mr. Rutledge is a Republican in politics.
T. J. SPENCER farmer, P. O. West Newton, Allen County, Ohio. was born in Round Head Township October 23, 1841. His father, Watson Spencer, was a native of New Antioch, Clinton County, Ohio, where he lived until nineteen years of age and then went to Logan County, Ohio. Four or five years later, he came to Round Head Township and took a lease for some years. He afterward rented a farm of Thomas Rutledge for four or five years, where he farmed and lived until his death, in February, 1878. He was a strong Republican, but never held office, except Constable of the township. He was married about 1838, to Ellen Rutledge, a native of Logan County, Ohio. by whom he had eight children, three living. two being residents of this county, Mrs. Spencer died about 1851, and is buried in the Henkle graveyard. Mr. Spencer subsequently took, for his second wife, Nancy Mead, by whom he had a family of six children, all of whom excepting one are living. The subject of this sketch was reared in Round Head Township, remaining on the home farm until November 13, 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Company E, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until June 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He has never held rank except that of a Corporal and was wounded once at Savannah, Ga. After coming back to Hardin County, he was married, September 29, 1868, to Mary A., daughter of John Gossard, of Wayne Township, Auglaize County, Ohio. They have six children, Francis, Nora E., Hiram F., Elizabeth J., Thomas J, Jr., acid Wilbur F. After marriage, Mr. Spencer raised one crop in Auglaize County, where he lived on William Poe's land one year and on John F. Henkle's place, four years. About 1875, he bought his present farm of forty acres on Section 6 near West Newton Road. and, in 1879, purchased the old homestead of forty acres of the heirs. Sixty-four of these eighty acres are cleared and in good condition for farming. Mr. Spencer is a Republican and has served both as Sapervisor and Township Trustee.
JAMES W. STINSON, farmer and stock-breeder, P. O. Round Head, was born in Champaign County. Ohio, June 17, 1824. His father, Morris Stinson, a farmer, was born on Walnut Creek, near Hillsboro, Highland County, but removed to Champaign County, Ohio, about 1823, and died there early in the year 1829. He was married to Melvina Williams, a native of Virginia, who died in March 1868. They were the parents of three children, one daughter and two sons, our subject being the only surviving member. James W. Stinson was reared in Champaign County, obtained a fair school education and. at the age of sixteen years, taught school for six months in Middletown. The following summer, he was farming, then taught the next winter, alter which he married and lived on a rented farm for four years. His next venture was in the grocery business at Middletown, but, four years later, he sold his stock of goods and removed to a farm near Middleburg, Logan County, where he resided for fourteen years. In October or November of 1866, he came to Round Head Township and
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bought eighty acres of land on Section 9, on which his son settled. He then purchased forty acres on Section 17, Ada & Round Head pike, where he has since resided, his entire farm consisting of 120 acres. He was married, August 13, 1844, to Selina Brenton, a native of Birmingham Township, Chester County, Penn. Twelve children were born to them, seven living, viz., James, a resident of Adams County, Ill. ; Susan, Hope, Fannie, Paulina, Levi, who married Emma Tidd, and Joseph, attending the' Ada Normal School; Mary, Phelina T., Jefferson and Franklin are deceased. Mr. Stinson is an extensive breeder of short-horn cattle and Poland-China hogs; is successful and deserve, credit for trying to better the condition of the stock in this county. He is a Democrat, in politics, served one terms as Justice of the Peace in Logan County, Ohio, and was elected to the same office in Round Head Township, which is strongly Republican. He has also served as Trustee of the township and Director of School District No, 6, He was a member of the Hardin County Agricultural Society for eight years and was Township Assessor in 1882.
HUGH H. TIDD. deceased, an early and well-known citizen of Round Head Township, was born in Logan County, Ohio, in December 1816. He was a son of Samuel Tidd, an early settler on Mad River, in Logan County, and who was married to Rebecca Hill. They came to Hardin County in 1828, locating on Section 21 in Round Heal Township, where Samuel Tidd died at a ripe age. The subject of this sketch was reared in Hardin County since his twelfth year, receiving a very limited education. At his father's death, he inherited 100 acres of the homestead, and subsequently bought 153 acres more and lived on this farm of 253 acres until his death He died, February 18, 1878, aged sixty-two years. He helped to organize Pleasant Hill Church and was one of the Trustees for many years. In politics, he was a Republican. He first married Mary, daughter of William Given, of McDonald Township, by whom he had nine children, six living. Mrs. Tidd died in December, 1862, and Mr. Tidd was again married a few years later to Sarah J. Caseman, a native of Allen County, Ohio. They had seven children, six of whom are living. Mrs. Tidd departed this life February 6, 1878. Alexander G., the third son of Hugh and Mary (Given) Tidd. was born on the old homestead, April 24, 1838. He lived on the farm until twenty years of age, and then bought eighty acres of land adjoining the homestead, where he lived six years. He then sold that farm and purchased 102 acres in McDonald Township, on which he lived until July, 1881, when he sold it and bought the old homestead of 253 acres, where he has since resided. Mr. Tidd is a member of a Methodist class in McDonald Township, is a member of the Republican party, and was Trustee and School Director in McDonald Township for two terms each. He was united in marriage September 20, 1860, with Margaret R., a native of Marion Township, and daughter of Isaac McElhany. They have had four children, three living, Frank M., Albert L. and Hollister S. The eldest child, Rilla Allen, died in 1874, aged thirteen years, two months and nine days Mrs. Tidd is a member of the Pleasant Hill Church. Isaac McElhany, deceased, was born in Ireland. May. 1799. He was the only child of James McElhany and Margaret Stewart both of whom died in Ireland, and came to Pennsylvania when twenty-one years of age. He labored in the iron works there for two or three years, then came to Licking County, Ohio, where he worked by the month for a short time. He was there married to Margaret Kirkland, a native of that county, and after marriage came to this county. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Marion Township,
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entering 160 acres of land, on which he lived until his death. He died April 5, 1871 , aged seventy-two years. He also owned forty acres of land, a portion of which is now covered by the Northwestern Normal School, at Ada. He had four children by his first wife, two living. Margaret R. Tidd and John, the latter residing at Ada. Mrs. McElhany died in 1852, and Mr. McElhany was again married a year later to Rebecca, daughter of Hamilton Scott, a pioneer settler of Hardin County. They had one daughter, still living, Mr. McElhany's third wife was a distant relative, named Margaret McElhany, a native of Ireland, and by whom he had several children, all but one deceased. Mrs. McElhany still survives.
H. W. WALTERS, farmer, P. O. Round Heal, was born in Berkeley County, W. Va., March 21, 1840. He is a son of Michael Walters, blacksmith, also a native of West Virginia, who, in the spring of 1855, came to Ohio, locating near Springfield, where he was engaged in farming for several years. About 1873, he came to Hardin County and resided with our subject till his death, on June 12, 1881. He was married to Catherine Rightstine, a native of Jefferson County, W. Va. They had five children, all of whom are living. Mrs Walters died about Christmas, 1869. The subject of this notice lived in his native State until fifteen years of age. then came with his father to Ohio, remaining with him on the farm until January, 1867, when he married Josephine Stewart, a native of Champaign County, Ohio. Four children have resulted from this union, Lillie, Alma, Frank and Lenori. They have also reared a boy, Melvin Lile. In March, 1873, Mr. Walters came to Round Head Township and bought his present farm of eighty acres on Section 5, west of the Ada; Round Head pike, which he bought of James Moore a son of William Moore. a pioneer settler of Round Head Township. Mr. Walters raised all the stock his farm can afford and has been fairly succeessful in life. He is a member and Trustee of Pleasant Hill Church, and Mrs Walters is connected with the Zion Baptist Church in Allen County. Mr. Walters is a Democrat in politics, and has served one term as Township Trustee.