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JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 99 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CROSS CREEK TOWNSHIP. David Call, a highly respected citizen of Cross Creek township, was born in Jefferson county, July 12, 1828. His father, David Call, was a native of Beaver county, Penn., and came to Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1802, becoming 0ne of the pioneers of the region. He did military service as a private in the war of 1812, and subsequently served several years as a captain of militia. He made his home near Hammondsville, and on December 16, 1817, was marrid to Catherine Buysher, a relative of the famous Adam Poe. To this union were born twelve children, eight of wh0m are living. The father died in 1883 at the age of ninety-three years, and the mother died January 7, 1881, at the age of eighty-six years. Both were well known, and from their long residence in the county and many estimable qualities, were highly regarded by all. The subject of this mention, now one of the prominent farmers of the county, was married July 8, 1850, to Ellen Long, of Jefferson county, and they have had twelve children, as follows:. George W. Winfield S. John S., Carrie, Millard F., Emma, Annetta, Ella, Rex D., Daniel S., Hattie B. Katie F. Mrs. Call is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Call has always taken the part of a good citizen, and during the dark days of rebellion, served 00 days, from May 15, 1864, in Company E, 0f the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Ohio. For over ten years he has served as school director of his district with efficiency. In politics he is a republican. John Cassell, a venerable and well-known citizen of Cross Creek township, was born in Washington county, Penn., October 17, 1809, the son of William Cassell and his wife, Elizabeth McKnight, who were among the early settlers during the present century. Both were born in Pennsylvania, whence they came to Jefferson county about 1810. There the father died about 1859 and the mother about 1866. For over ten years William Cassell was one of the commissioners of the county, and prominent as a citizen. John Cassell was reared on the farm, and received his education in the common schools. He took up first the trade of a carpenter, and also worked as a millwright with his father, but the greater part of his life has been spent in farming, in which he has met with success. Of the ten children of his parents: Joseph, Mary, John, Eliza, Ellen, William, Robert, Esther, Sarah and Jane, none survive, but he and his sister Jane, with whom he has made his home for many years, being unmarried. In politics, Mr. Cassell has been a lifelong democrat, having cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson. John Ekey, one of the early settlers of the upper Ohio valley, was born in Ireland, and came to the United States about the year 1787, settling first in Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Jefferson county 100 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. in 1798. He was a farmer by occupation, and was engaged in the toils of pioneer life in Jefferson county among the first. Previous to leaving Ireland he was married to Mary Simpson, by whom he had ten children, all of whom are now deceased. He died about 1835, and his wife passed away about 1841. One of the sons of the latter was John Ekey, Jr., who was born in Ireland, January 28, 1785, and came to this country with his parents. He was reared in Jefferson county, and there became a farmer and prosperous in his calling. January 21, 1806, he was married to Nancy Riddle, a native of Jefferson county, who bore to him nine children, two only of whom survive. One 0f these is Thomas Ekey, now one of the leading farmers of Jefferson county. The latter was married in 1858, to Sarah Jackman, daughter of Adam Jackman, deceased, f0rmerly of Jefferson county, and by this union he is the father of five children, Joshua M., Hamilton, Albert B., Eliza J., and Ella A., the last two of whom are deceased. Mrs. Ekey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which her husband is an earnest supporter. In politics he is democratic. Another son of the pioneer, John Ekey, Was Andrew Ekey, who was born in 1791, in Washington county, Penn. He came to Jefferson county with his parents, and there was educated and reared as a farmer, an occupation which he followed through life. On August 31, 1817, he was married to Nancy Howden, daughter of Andrew Howden, of Washington county, Penn. and to this union was born nine children, five of whom are living. Penn., wife passed away February 5, 1890, and the father in 1873, at the age of ninety-0ne years. Rev. J0hn H. Ekey, a son of the above, was born in Cross Creek township, August 19, 1832. He was reared in Jefferson county and began his education in the common schools, continuing the same in the colleges at Richmond and Allegheny. At the completion of his studies he entered the ministry, and in 1859 he was licensed to preach. After acting as a supply f0r several years, he was sent to Pennsylvania in 1863, but two years later he returned to Ohio, and was subsequently on the circuits of Westchester, Deersville, Moorefield, Unionport, Finley Chapel, Warrington, Kent, Thompson and Finley. Since 1883, he has retired from ministerial duties, and has been occupied with farming. He has been an ardent and effective worker in the cause of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a member for over forty years. In 1864 Mr. Ekey was married to Emily Ricketts, by whom he had one child which died in infancy. The mother died in 1871, and in 1876 he was married to Maria Shull, by whom he had five children: Mary A., Andrew W., John B., Emma M. and Mabel B. Uriah B. Gould, a respected citizen of Cross Creek township, was born at Jones Falls, Maryland, November 30, 1817, the son of William and Mary (Ray) Gould, who were both natives of Chester county, Penn. When he was a year old his parents brought him to Jefferson county, Ohio, whither the father had come temporarily in 1813 and purchased land. William Gould was a machinist by trade, and for fifteen years was foreman of the Washington cotton factory at Jones Falls. By his marriage, which occurred March 12, 1807, he had ten JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 101 children, four of whom survive. He died March I, 1862, aged eighty- one years, and his wife died March 30, 1866. Uriah B., after his school days were over, was occupied in a store and also in boating in the position of clerk, and in 1847 was engaged in the gulf traffic between Galveston and Houston. In 1850 he began an engagement with the P. C. & St. L. railroad, and was occupied in the survey of the road and its construction. In 1855 he removed to Henry county, Iowa, and resided there until 1860, when he returned to Ohio, and after the death of his parents bought the home farm, where he now resides. He is prosperous, is with his wife associated with the Presbyterian church of Mingo, and by reason of his long residence and worthy character, is one of the influential men of the community. March 2, 1854, he was married to Mary J. Thomas, of Hancock county, W. Va., and they have had nine children: Mary H., John L., Emma J. (deceased), Alice G., Sarah A., William C., George M., Elizabeth M. and Harry E. James A. Gracey, of Cross Creek township, one of the enterprising farmers of Jefferson county, was born on a farm which is his present residence, February 3, 1847. His father was Joseph, a son of William Gracey, who came from Ireland, his native land, about the time of the close of the Revolutionary war, and settled in Jefferson county, where he remained until his decease, about 1853, aged eighty-eight years. Joseph Gracey was born in Cross Creek township, March 20, 1814, and on October 8, 1841, was married to Catherine A. Hook, by whom he had four children, one of whom besides the subject of this mention, survives. Joseph was a butcher by trade, but was also engaged in farming to a considerable extent. He died February 28, 1855, and his wife still survives. James A. Gracey was reared as a farmer, receiving his education in the common schools, and he has given his attention almost wholly to agriculture, giving some time also to stock-raising and dealing, and having dealt quite extensively in horses. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is his wife also, and of the I. 0. 0. F., and is esteemed as an industrious and worthy citizen. He was married January 23, 1877, to Sarah, daughter of James Bear, of Cross Creek township, and they have five children: Joseph H., Mary E., Annie B., Lizzie F., and Catharine M. William G. Huscroft, a prominent florist of Steubenville, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, September 11, 1832, the son of William and Margaret (Watson) Huscroft, both of whom were natives of England. The father came to the United States in 1828, and settled in Jefferson county, where he engaged in farming and butchering until his decease, in 1857. His widow survived until 1884. Their children were eight in number, and five of these are living. William G. was reared and educated in the common schools of the county, and then in early manhood removed to California, where he remained about five years, being there engaged in butchering at Weaverville, Trinity Co. Returning home in 1857, he followed the same pursuit a short time in Jefferson county, and then engaged in farming, at which he was occupied until 1871, when he bought a farm near Steubenville, and embarked in the dairy business. The latter occupation he aban- 102 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. doned in 1884, to take up that at which he is now successfully engaged. Mr. Huscroft was married in 1858, to Martha Edgington, of Jefferson county, and by this union eight children have been born: Ada, who died in 1879, aged nineteen; George L. Frank M., John C., William A., Mattie E., Minnie M. and Charles D. John Loyd, a native of Cross Creek township, and one of its prominent citizens, was born on the farm where he now resides, August 9, 1817, the son of John and Mary (Miller) Loyd. The latter were both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Lancaster county and the mother of Washingt0n. The senior Loyd was engaged before coming to Ohio in burning charcoal, but after making his residence in this township in 1805, he was occupied in distilling for many years, carrying on that industry in connection with farming. About 1806 he was married to Mary Miller, and by this union had six children, of whom John Loyd is the only survivor. The father and mother died in 1857 within a period of two weeks. John Loyd, the subject of this mention, has given his attention to farming and stock-raising, having at one time been extensively engaged in sheep raising, and at present owning considerable herds of cattle. On October 1, 1840, he was married to Myra J. Gould, a sister of Uriah B. Gould, and by this union has twelve children, Caroline, William C., Mary, Sarah A., Stephen P., John M., Jonathan A. Nancy E., Josephine, Catherine, George A., and Myra J., of whom A., and Catherine are deceased. The mother of these children died in 1865, and in 1867 he was married to Jane Scott, who died in November, 1868. As one of the old residents and influential men, he is highly regarded by all. In politics Mr. Loyd is a democrat. Frank C. Mansfield, of Cross Creek township, was born in Wayne township, Jefferson county, Ohio, November 13, 1861. Of this county his parents, Jacob and Caroline (Chamber) Mansfield, were also both natives. The father was a farmer by occupation, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an influential man. The mother, a devoted member of the Christian church, is still living. Frank C. Mansfield received his education in the schools of the county, and when a young man went to Canton, Ohio, where he was employed as a clerk in the establishment of Debow Brothers, and other prominent merchants for about eight years. In 1882 he came to Steubenville, and engaged in the grocery trade, but a year later, retired from mercantile pursuits and purchased the farm he now owns, and which he has since cultivated with much success. In December, 1881, he was married to Ella G. McCleary, daughter of Ephraim McCleary, of Harrison county, and five children have been born to them: Vesta R., Clarence C., John F., Nellie G., and John A., of whom John F. is deceased. Mr. Mansfield and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is in politics a republican. He is regarded as one of the leading and enterprising citizens of the township. Joseph McConnell, an honored and influential citizen of Cross Creek township, was born April 23, 1824, where he now resides. He is the son of Robert and Jane (Hawk) McConnell, of Irish descent. Robert JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 103 was born in Chester county, Penn., September 17, 1803, the son of Joseph and Jane (McConnell) McConnell, natives of Ireland, who were married in that land, and subsequently emigrated to America. They settled first in Pennsylvania, then in Virginia, and in 1811 came to Cross Creek township, where Joseph McConnell followed the vocation of farming until his death, February 5, 1814. Robert, after receiving his education in the public schools, also engaged in farming, which was his life occupation. He was married April 3, 1823, to Jane, daughter of Robert Hawk, a native of Ireland, and to them seven children were born: Joseph, Robert H., Hannah R., Eliza J., Nancy E., Thomas, now deceased, and one that died in infancy. Robert McConnell died October 13, 1875, and his wife survived until February 23, 1883. Joseph McConnell, first mentioned above, after his school days were over, engaged in farming in the township of which he has been a life long resident, and that is still his 0ccupation. He was, first married on June 24, 1858, to Mary E. Thompson, daughter of Isaiah and Ellen G. Thompson. She was born about 1823 and died September 14, 1869. To them were born four children: Robert T., Jane R., Ellen G. and Joseph W. Subsequent to her death Mr. McConnell was married to Rebecca, daughter 0f James and Martha (Ramsey) McClure, born November 24, 1836. Mr. McConnell is a member of the United Presbyterian church of Steubenville, and in politics is a democrat. John McCullough, a venerable citizen of Cross Creek township, who is well-known throughout the county, was born in the t0wnship in which he resides July 2, 1807. He is the son of Hugh McCullough, a native of Ireland, who came to the United States in 1792, and settled in Fayette county, Penn., where he remained until about the year 1797, when he removed to Jefferson county, and made his home in Cross Creek township, where he resided until his death, several years later. About the year 1802 he was married to Isabel Cunningham, a native of Ireland, by whom he had eight children, of whom two survive. The mother passed away in 1863. John McCullough was reared amid the scenes of the early settlement, with such education in his childhood as was available at that time, and in his youth he devoted himself to farming, which has been his occupation through life. He has been a witness of the growth of the county from very nearly the days of its beginnings, and has taken an honorable part in the development of the present civilization. For sixty years he has been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, serving as trustee, steward and class leader. In politics he was a whig, and since the organization of the latter party, a republican. Mr. McCullough was married December 26, 1833, to Jane, daughter of Joseph Hanlin, of Cross Creek township, and by this marriage five children were born: Walter H., Joseph, Isabel J., Elizabeth E., and Margaret A., the latter being now deceased. The mother of these children died March 18, 1866, and Mr. McCullough was subsequently married to Jane White, whose maiden name was Dean. She has since died.
104 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Wesley Permar, who was born on the farm in Cross Creek township where he now resides, January 3, 1823, is one of the worthy and enterprising farmers of the county. He is the son of John Permar, a native of Maryland, who came to Jefferson county in March, 1805, and settled upon the farm his son Wesley now lives upon, where the father died July 15, 1846. John Permar was a carpenter by trade, but devoted the major part of his life to farming. He opened the first coal bank which was operated in the county, and was probably the first to sell coal at Steubenville from local mines. He was married February 26, 1796, to Mary Offett, who bore him seven children, all of whom are deceased. This wife died May 12, 1812, and on December 13, of the same year he was wedded to Margaret Shaw, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are living, including the subject of this mention. Their mother died October 28, 1872. Wesley Permar was reared upon the old homestead, gaining his education at the common schools, and his life has since been spent in his boyhood home. December 20, 1855, he was married to Mary Scott, by whom he has had seven children: Ida M., Frank A., Oella, Henry G. C., Asa S., Irene and Mary, the first of whom is deceased. Mr. Permar and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is in politics a republican. Rev. James A. Rutledge, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of Wintersville, was born in Jefferson county, near Richmond, September 27, 1853, the son of Thomas and Mahala (Skelley) Rutledge, both natives of Jefferson county. Thomas is of the second generation of the family native to this county, his father, James, Jr., having been born on Yellow creek, where the latter's father, James, a native of Ireland, settled about 1780. There were seven sons in the family of the elder James Rutledge. James, Jr., a farmer by occupation, was married to Dorcas Fulton, by whom he had nine children, eight of whom survive. Thomas Rutledge was born in April, 1827, was reared as a farmer, and has followed that vocation. March 11, 1852, he was married to Mahala Skelley, by whom he has six sons and three daughters. Four of the sons are ministers of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the parents are also members. James A., with mention of whom this sketch opens, received his early education in the common schools of Jefferson county, and completed his studies in Richmond college. He then began his study for the ministry in 1883, being licensed to preach in the same year, and he has ever since been in the work. He has served on the Mingo and Warrington circuits, and was assigned his present charge in 1887, and here has labored quite satisfactorily and effectively. March 13, 1878, he was married to Celia A., daughter of Amos Albaugh, and they have one child, Clara B. James G. Stark, of Cross Creek township, born June 17, 1849, in Island Creek, is a son of Robert and Eliza (Winters) Stark, early residents of Jefferson county. Robert was born in 1823, the son of James Stark, a native of Scotland, who came to the United States about 1809 or 180, and soon afterward settled in Jefferson county. JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 105 Robert Stark was educated in the common schools of the county, and then engaged in agriculture, which is still his vocation. About 1846 he was married to Eliza Winters, by whom he has had nine children, four of whom are still living. Their son, James G. Stark, has also devoted himself to farming, and in this pursuit has been quite successful. In November, 1878, he was married to Minerva Ekey, daughter of Robert Ekey, deceased, and they have five children: Nannie B., Cora B., Edwin E., Paul E., and an infant. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church of Cross Creek, and in politics, though not an active partisan, he is a stalwart republican. He is active in public matters, influential in the best interests of the community, and warmly regarded by his friends. James D. Tweed, a prominent citizen of Cross Creek township, was born in Washington, Penn., January 5, 1828. His father, William Tweed, a native of Washington county, was the son of Samuel Tweed; who was born in the same county, and passed his life there. William Tweed was born in 1798, and was reared upon the farm, becoming a practical and intelligent farmer. About 1825 he was married to Eliza Doves, who bore to him six children, all but one of whom survive. While a resident of Ohio, he was a member of the Pennsylvania militia, rising from the grade of private to that of major-general of the state. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and in Harrison county was a ruling elder and served ten years as superintendent of the Sunday-school. William Tweed died in 1853, and his wife April 23, 1880. Three of the sons in this family served their country in the war of the rebellion. Samuel enlisted in the Thirteenth Ohio and served four years and seven months, William enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-first Ohio and served three months, and James D. enlisted in August, 1862, in the Ninety-eighth Ohio, and served until June, 1865. James D., the subject of this mention, was reared as a farmer, and followed that vocation before enlisting. At the close of the war he remained at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and in company with other comrades, engaged in growing cotton, and continued in that business until 1868, when he returned to Harrison county, Ohio, and resumed his former occupation. For fourteen years from 1869, he was a resident of Belmont county, and in 1883 he became a citizen of Cross Creek township, settling on the old Sherrard farm. Here he opened a coal bank in connection with farming, and is now producing about 150,000 bushels per year. He is a prosperous and influential citizen, a member of the Presbyterian church, of the Grangers and the G. A. R., and in politics is a republican. January 1, 1856, he was married to Laura J. Randall, and they have had eight children: John A. B., William S., Oliver R., Mary L., deceased, Laura, Ella M., Frank E., James H. John Underwood, of Cross Creek township, a member of the board of county commissioners of Jefferson county, was born in East Springfield, Ohio, January 17, 1831. His father, Andrew Underwood, came to St. Johns, New Brunswick, about 1820, from Ireland, his native land, and two years later removed to Philadelphia, whence a short 106 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. time later he migrated to Jefferson county. He made his home at East Springfield and there opened a shoe shop, which he conducted until 1839, turning his attention then to farming, which was his vocation during the remainder of his life. He was married in 1830 to Nancy Dunley, who was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and six children were born to them, three of whom survive. The father died in July, 1852, and his wife died in 1878. He was one of the founders of the McCullough church of East Springfield, and an active member of that until its dissolution in 1867, when he became a member of St. John's Episcopal church. J0hn Underwo0d, the subject of this mention, after receiving his education in the pioneer schools of the days of his childhood, became a farmer, an occupation to which in connection with the operation of a threshing machine and a sawmill, he has given his attention through life. He has been prominent in public affairs, has served efficiently as land appraiser and township trustee, and now holds the position of president of the board of education in addition to membership in the board of commissioners. In politics he is an ardent republican and he has several times had the honor of sitting as a delegate in congressional conventions. He and wife are members of St. James church of Cross Creek, and he is a member of the Masonic. fraternity. In 1857 Mr. Underwood was married to Mary, daughter of Jacob Mansfield, and they have had six children: Edwin M., deceased; Julia, Agnes J., Carrie, and two who died in infancy. Obadiah J. Williams, of Cross Creek township, well known among the farmers of Jefferson county, was born within a mile of his present residence, July 30, 1820. His father, John Williams, an early settler of Jefferson county, was born in Irelands and came to the United States in company with two older brothers in 179o. After remaining in Delaware seven years, they removed to Lancaster county, Penn., and there resided until 1801, when they all came to Cross Creek township, and made a permanent settlement. Here John Williams became popular and prominent in the affairs of his time. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, was one of the leading members of the Presbyterian church, and active in various directions for the general good. He was married in 1814 to Margaret Crawford, who bore to him eleven children, two of whom beside the subject of this mention, survive. The mother died August 8, 1848, and the father married again in 1851, Eliza, widow of Jacob Hill, by whom he had one child. John Williams died in 1866 and his .widow in 1872. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, and in 1862 was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew Decker, of Jefferson county. By this union eight children have been born: Margaret A. Annie, .Clarissa, Minnie, John, Dora, Andrew and Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the First Presbyterian church of Steubenville, of which his father was one of the founders, and in politics he is a republican. His long and honorable life in this community has given him many friends, and he occupies a high place in the estimation of all. Dr. Leonidas White, a prominent physician of Wintersville, Jeffer- JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 107 son county, was born in Beaver county, Penn., March 20, 1851, and was there also reared and educated in his youth. He attended the common schools and subsequently the Freedom academy. For several years thereafter he was occupied as a carpenter and also in painting, but deciding to take up the profession of medicine, he began to study in the fall of 1873, under Dr. Hood, of Beaver county, with whom he remained eight months. He then entered the Cleveland medical college, and was graduated there in the spring of 1877. In the fall of the same year he came to Jefferson county and began the practice at New Alexandria, where he remained until March, 1878, when he made his residence at Wintersville. He has here gained a creditable rank in his profession, and is a valued and active member of the community. He has held the office of township clerk for five terms, has served as infirmary physician since residing at Wintersville, and in 1889, was appointed a member of the United States examining board for pensions. In 1887 the doctor was married to M. Anna Shane, daughter of John Shane, of Mansfield, Ohio, and they have four children: Xenophon N., Deverile J., Leonella and Fred L. The doctor and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. |