Logan County, Ohio History

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CAPT. THOMAS AXTELL, Superintendent of Reservoir; Huntsville; was born in Washington Co., Penn., April 6, 1812; was the son of Lincoln Axtell, who moved to Ohio in 1819, and settled in Martinsburg, Knox Co. Capt. Axtell was married to Miss Mary Jule in 1831. They have five children-Sarah, married to Will Breese; Julie, married to G. Breese; John, married Miss Abbe J. Cherry; Sarretta Jane, living at home. Capt. Axtell was among the many men who volunteered to put down the rebellion, and joined Co. D, 118th O. V. I., and was promoted First Lieutenant of his company, and served until he was disabled and discharged. He has been at work for the State as Superintendent of the Miami Reservoir since 1864. He is a pleasant and hospitable gentleman of the old school; is a Democrat in principle, and fond of a good race-horse.

WILLIAM BRUNSON, farmer; P. O., Lewistown. Among the many wide-awake and enterprising farmers of Logan Co., Mr. Brunson ranks A. 1; he was born in Kentucky, Dec. 2, 1822; son of John Brunson and Elizabeth (Ellis). John Brunson was in this county during the Indian war of 1812, and, after peace was declared, moved to the county in 1823, where the subject of this sketch was raised; he has lived in the county fifty-seven years, and remembers when the old Long's Mill was built, and says it ground so slow that the dogs would hark at the meal as it came out; he was married in 1847 to Miss Madge, daughter of Michael Kearns, one of the first settlers of this county. They have been blessed with the following children - John J., George W., Jonathan L., Louisa .J., Frank M., Mary Rosetta, Will C., L Leonidas and Milton R. are living; Hannah E. and Sarah died in infancy. He owns 212 acres of good land, all well improved, and has lived in Washington Tp. twenty-seven years; he belongs to the Christian Church, and has been a representative to the General Conference for twenty years; he is Republican in politics.

THE CHERRY FAMILY. The ancestry of this pioneer family cannot be correctly traced farther back than Abraham Cherry, who was born of German parents, in Northumberland Co., Penn., in 1763, and died in 1852, at the ripe old age of 89, having lived nearly a score of years more than is allotted to man. In 1804 Mr. Cherry, who was naturally ambitious and possessed of many of the qualities which were necessary to make a successful pioneer, determined to join in the rush to Ohio. Accordingly, everything was sold, and the family removed to the present site of Springfield, which, at that tune, contained a small number of inhabitants. When he arrived, pork was selling at $1 per cwt., and salt at $5 per bushel or 10 cents per pound; nearly all business was transacted through a system of traffic. In 1833; after an extended western tour, he returned just as the sale of the land in the Indian Reservation around Lewistown was about to take place. He set out immediately for Logan Co., selected and bought a portion of the land now owned by his son Amos, and was the first white settler on the Reservation. The removal of a family from Springfield was a very difficult task, for, instead of railroads and broad, level turnpikes, there was scarcely anything but narrow wagon tracks through the woods, and that part of the road lying between McPherson's and the Cherry farm had never been traversed by team. Three wearisome days were spout in making long, circuitous routes around impassable swamps, and in bridging these that

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could not be avoided before their wilderness home was reached. As they arrived in the early part of winter, many privations were to be endured. They were alone in the midst of a primeval forest, in which the track of the departed Indian was yet plainly visible. Of , course, there were no schools or churches and no neighbors; therefore, corn-huskings and log-rollings were not known until a later day, and they must clear the ground and make it ready for the plow without any assistance. The nearest mill was on the site of the one now owned by John R. Long, near Logansville, and the fact that when spring opened, owing to the swamps, it was impossible to get through with a horse, made milling a difficult problem. Not daunted by the many difficulties found in the way, active minds and willing hands went to work and soon devised and executed a plan by which breadstuff was obtained. An ordinary hand-sled was constructed., Amos Cherry and, Harrison Hopkins, son and son-in-law of the principal character of this sketch, would put on a set of harness made fur the: purpose, hitch themselves to the sled and "set out" through swamps and thickets to mill. What was still worse, the country was infested with wolves, which killed all but five or six, of a flock of 150 sheep, brought from Clarke Co. This was a severe loss, as the wool was depended upon for clothing the entire family, being carded, spun and woven by the wife and daughters. Amos Cherry, the subject of this sketch, was born in Clarke Co., O., Sept. 21, 1820, and removed with his father, in 1833, to Logan Co. When he arrived rived at the age of manhood, he commenced the struggle of life for himself, being possessed of many sterling qualities, among which were honesty, industry and sobriety. He was naturally successful in business enterprises, enabling him to add many more acres to the home faun, which subsequently fell into his hands, having bought the interest of the other heirs. Mr. Cherry is now the owner of nearly a section of good land, most of which is in excellent condition, and is composed of four farms. He is one of the most enterprising and respected citizens, as has been repeatedly attested by the fact that he has been elected to various offices of the Township, and is at present filling the office of Land Appraiser. Although he is not connected with any church, he is a. conscientious, moral man, ever ready to help those who are in need, and is extremely compassionate toward those whom adversity has overtaken, and find him their creditor, having lost several hundred dollars at one time, which he could easily have obtained, but refused to do so, because it would have worked injury to the debtor, who had a large family to support. A gentleman who has been somewhat financially embarrassed was recently heard to remark that "he had owed Mr. Cherry for over ten years, and had never been asked for the money." He was married in 1844 to Elizabeth Smith, with whom he is now living, and has a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, as of whom are now living, and all but one have reached the age of maturity.

T. R. CURL, farmer; P. O., Lewistown; was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1833; was the son of John Curl, who, with his father, William Carl, moved to Ohio in 1804, and settled in Champaign Co. William Curl was one of the Revolutionary soldiers, and his son, John Curl, was a soldier of 1812:, and J. H. Curl also enlisted in the late war as private in Co. E, 132d O. V. I. He was married to Miss Martha A. Hammond in 1854; they have five sons-Lewis H., Reuben O., William A., Wilbur W. and Avery B. They came to this county in 1855, and settled and improved the place they now own, so that from a wilderness it is like a paradise. He owns 100 acres of good land, well improved. He is a Republican, and both he and his excellent lady are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THOMAS DOWNS, farmer; P. O., Lewistown; was born in Champaign Co., O., Oct. 18, 1827; was the son of Capt. Daniel Downs and Mary (Fitzpatrick) Downs, who came from Delaware to Ohio in 1806, and settled in Champaign Co. Capt. Downs was commissioned Captain of a Company, and led them all through the war of 1812, after which he again went back to his former avocation that of farming-and in 1833 moved to Washington Tp., and entered the land now owned by his son, where he lived till 1860. Mrs. Downs died 1848. Thomas Downs spent his boyhood days here, and has often seen the deer running through the woods, thirty or forty in one drove; at the breaking out of the late war, he left his farm and enlisted in Co.

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F., 119th O. V. I, and was with the army at the time of the great surrender at Appomattox; was married in 1853, to Miss Eliza McFarland, of Hardin Co., O. They have four children-Mary R., W. H., Alice A., Eliza beth E. Mr. and Mrs. Downs are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE FUSON, farmer; P. O., Huntsville; was born in Champaign u Co., Ohio, Sept. 11, 1818; was the eldest son of Isaiah Fuson and Elizabeth Cummins Fuson, who came from Virginia to Ohio at an early day, and settled in Champaign Co., where Mr. Fuson was a county officer for twenty-one years. He died in July, 1861. George Fuson and Miss Virginia Slagle, of Virginia, were married May 14, 1846. To them have been born twelve children-Martha, James M., David, Nancy, Emma, Ada F., Minnie F., Mary J., died July 23, 1862; Sarah E., Jan. 4, 1864; Daniel, Jan. 4, 1864; George E., Sept. 22, 1870; Edgebert, Dec. 29, 1870. Mr. Fuson came to this township in the fall of 1850, and settled, and has improved the place, and stow has as good buildings as any in the township; his farm consists of 208 acres of good and well-improved land, which he has bought and paid for by his own work and good management. Coming here with only $300, he has Maid for his farm, educated his children, never sued any one, nor has he ever been sued, or even dunned. He was one of the Trustees for Washington Tp. for fifteen years: has always voted the Republican ticket since the organization of the party. Mr. and Mrs. Fuson are members of the Evangelical Association since 1852.

HENRY HANFORD, farmer, late Washington Tp., was born Dec. 22, 1784, at New Canaan, State of Connecticut; emigrated to Hamilton Co., O., in 1806 ; made his home with his brother, Thaddeus Hanford, who had preceded him to the then new country, and settled at Columbia, on the Ohio river, the site of Cincinnati, and while living at Columbia he was engaged in running a provision boat from Columbia to Natchez. In 1810 he married Miss Harriet Chamberlin, daughter of Judah Chamberlin, who had come out to the new country some years previously from Chatauqua Co., N. Y., and settled at Marietta, Ohio. She was born July 18, 1791. After their marriage in 1812, he and his father-in-law, with their families, moved to what was then Champaign Co., now Clarke Co., O.; settled on Congress land five miles east of Springfield, where they continued to reside until the Indians disposed of their reservation on the Miami river, in Logan Co., Ohio. Mr. Hanford then sold his farm in Clarke Co., and purchased a large tract of land at the government sales at Wapakannetta, a part of which is now owned by his youngest child, Lottie ( Hanford) McKinnon - the homestead-and where Mr. Hanford lived until after the death of his estimable wife, which occurred on the 27th of November, 1865, aged 74 years 4 months and 9 days, after which Mr. H. spent much of his time visiting among his children, and finally died at the house of his son-in-law, Robert Newell, at Lebanon, Indiana, on the 31st day of December, 1866, aged 82 years and 9 days. He never sought for public office, and thoroughly despised the tricks of the professional politician; He was an "Abolitionist " when the name was odious, and continued to battle against negro slavery till it was abolished. Then he was conservative, desiring peace between the sections, and was in favor of the most liberal terms to those who had rebelled against the government. His politics consisted only in a desire to see the negro free, and when that was accomplished he said, "There was nothing more in politics worth contending, save the loaves and fishes," for which he cared nothing.

J. C. KAYLOR, farmer; P. O., Huntsville; was born Dec. 1, 1842, in Logan Co., Ohio. His father, John Kaylor, came to this county from Virginia in 1823, and settled in Harrison Tp. His mother was Miss Kesiah Tracy of this county. J. C. Kaylor spent his boyhood in this county and married Miss Adeline Baughman, also of this county, Nov. 25, 1869; they have three children. Mr. Kaylor owns 72 acres of land, and is one of the best farmers in this township. He is a successful breeder of horses being the owner of a French Percheron ; he was a member of Co. C, 132d Ohio Vol. and went with that regiment to Petersburg; Norfolk and other points in Virginia; he has been a Republican from his boyhood, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864.

ABRAHAM KEARNS, farmer; P. O., Huntsville; was torn in Licking Co., O.,1832,

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and moved with his parents to Washington Tp., the same year. Michael Kearns, his father, was born in Virginia, and emigrated to Licking Co. in 1830, where he lived till the Indians left Washington Tp., when he came and settled here. Abraham was raised here, and married Miss K. E. Logan in 1858. They have five children-Walter N., Alferetta F., Mary E., Emma, Katie N. Mr. Kearns has resided on the place he now owns since his marriage, and by hard work and good management has acquired a goodly portion of this world's goods, and has been Township Supervisor; owns and runs a first-class steam thresher, and is considered the "boss" in that line in his neighborhood; he is a Democrat.

A. J. KNIGHT, farmer; P. O., Huntsville; was horn in Virginia, Aug. 8, 1832, and came to Ohio with his parents at an early age and settled in Logan Co. in 1845. A. J: Knight and Miss Mary Strickland, daughter of George Strickland (whose biography appears in another part of this work), were married Nov. 3, 1859; they have six children-George W., William T., Sarah E., Laura M., Eliza G. and Pearl L; both of the latter died in infancy. Mr. Knight volunteered at his country's call, and was assigned to Co. E, 132d O. V. I. Is a thorough-going, wide-awake farmer; was reared by a Jackson Democrat, and still sticks to the faith. Mr. and Mrs. Knight are both members of the Evangelical Church, at Huntsville.

SETH McBRIDE, farmer; P. O., Lewistown, Among the self-made men of this township, who have come up from small beginnings, is Mr. McBride, who came to this county without a dollar, and hired out as a farm hand at $10 per month, at which low wages he worked for the same man for five years, and from that small beginning has obtained a home and a competency after several years of patient industry. He was born in Columbia Co., O., March 27, 1829. His parents were Samuel and Jane (Funk) McBride. They emigrated to Ohio from Virginia in 1812, and settled in this county, where Mr. McBride died, leaving his family without much of this world's goods, owing to his partner cheating them out oŁ what had been made by years of toil in the construction of the Beaver Canal. Seth McBride was married March 22, 1855, to Miss Mary J. Plumb, of this township. They have seven children living. They now own 418 acres of good land, with good houses and barns, and everything about his premises gives ample proof of the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He left his farm and went, at his country's call, to be a soldier; he joined Co. E, 132nd O. V. I., and was sent to Virginia. Both Mr. and Mrs. McBride are members of the Protestant Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a Republican in politics since 1852; at that time his cousin, Rev. Ezra McBride, was sent as a missionary from Massachusetts to South Carolina, and for distributing tracts and teaching the slaves to read he was arrested and sent to the Penitentiary, where he contracted disease, which soon ended his career.

DR. BENJAMIN T. McKINNON, physician and farmer; Lewistown; was born in Clark Co., O., Oct. 24, 1834; was the youngest son of Judge McKinnon, of Clark Co., O.; moved to Bloomfield Tp. when a boy, and has spent his life in Washington and Bloomfield Tps.; on the 29th of February, 1860, me married Charlotte, youngest daughter of Maj. Hanford, the first white settler of the tillage of Lewistown. Mrs. McKinnon, was born at the same place they now live, June 14, 1839. The doctor has attended to the two-fold duty of physician and farmer, and here the many friends and relations of the family meet and renew old friend ships. Among the relatives is a brother-in-law, Dr. McWorkman, principal of the St. Louis School for the Blind, and an old resident of the county, who is a regular visitor. Dr. and Mrs. McKinnon have two children-Hattie Pearl and Willard L. The center building of the house now occupied by Dr. McKinnon was built before the war of 1812, and was occupied by a noted friendly Indian, named Lewis, from whom the town of Lewistown was named. The house was also used as a " council chamber" by the Red men, and many are the tales of blood its old walls could relate, were they gifted with speech. Lewis lived there at the time of the cruel murder of Thompson and his son, but he was away at. the time. The murderers were hid there during the day and night succeeding that affair by Lewis' squaw, who was hostile to the whites, and when a party in pursuit of the redskins asked her if she had

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seen any hostile Indians, declared she had not. But, after the war, the whites were told by Polly Kaiser, a little white girl, a captive from Kentucky, who was living with Lewis' squaw at the time, that five of the red devils were in the upper room when the white pursuers were there. Mrs. McKinnon has in her possession a plaster cast, or "false face," as it is called, supposed to have been taken from a famous Indian named Babtista. A gentleman of good authority says he has seen Babtista, and that it is not ugly enough for that savage: he thinks it is a likeness of the famous "Big Turtle."

JAMES B. McKINNON, farmer; P. O., Lewistown; was born August, 1814, in Clark Co., O., and was the eldest son of Daniel McKinnon, who emigrated to Clark Co., O., in 1802. Daniel McKinnon, Sr., the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was the first Sheriff of Champaign Co., O.; was also Representative and State Senator several terms from Clarke Co. James B. was married to Miss Elizabeth F. Miller, Feb. 23, 1836, in Clarke Co ; they have had eleven children Elijah J., died 1860; Alfred M., died at Chattanooga, Tenn., from the effects of wounds received in battle at Mission Ridge; was a member of the 1st O. V. I; Julia, Mary C., John T., Austin (died in infancy), Elizabeth, James (died in infancy), Frances, William M., Irene; John T. was in the army a member of 132nd O. I.; he has held the offices of Treasurer, Clerk and Justice of the Peace for several years, and was the first assessor of Washington Tp., and has assessed the township oftener than anyone else, and to the satisfaction of the entire people; he owns 191 acres of highly improved land; he has been a stalwart Republican. Mr. and Mrs. McKinnon are members of the Protestant Methodist Episcopal Church.

NOAH MILLER, farmer: P. O., Lewistown, Among the many enterprising men of Logan Co, is Mr. Noah Miller, who was born in 1844, in Logan Co., O., and spent his boyhood in farming. For five years he lived in Bellefontaine, clerking in one store, and then went to Cincinnati, where for one near he followed the business of a clerk, and then for three years, the same occupation in Indianapolis, Ind., but not being satisfied with working for others, he decided to go into business for himself. So he started a country store at Bloom Centre, when he sold out and moved to Lewistown, where he kept " the store " and post-office for eight years, when he sold out in order to improve his farms, of which he owns two as good ones as there are in the State. He has over 2,000 yards of tiles on his farms, and several springs that are " never failing." He was married Sept. 6, 1872, to Miss Sarah Huber, of this county, who was born in 1848; they have three children-Cora Estelle, Tiry H., Homer Tennyson. Mr. Miller started out when a boy with the intention of owing a farm of his own, and has already succeeded in realizing his most sanguine expectations. He and his wife are both members of the Protestant Methodist Episcopal Church, of Lewistown, and are identified with all the charitable and benevolent enterprises of the community. Is a stalwart Republican in politics.

A. JUDSON MONROE, Justice of the Peace; Lewistown; was born, Dec. 6, 1828, in Delaware Co., O., and moved to this county in 1844. Was married to Miss Martha A. Brown Dec. 22, 1852. They had three children- Alferetta, wife of Samuel Patrick; Isodora, wife of Frank Wilson. Mrs. Monroe died in January, 1857, and Dec. 6, 1857, he was married to Miss Susan Wagoner, of this township. They have five children-Sarah E., died aged 3 years; Jennie O.; Frank D., died aged 12 years; Eva D.; George Etta, died, aged 1 year. Mr. Monroe's grandfather, Leonard Monroe, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; his father, L. F. Monroe, was also a soldier in the war of 1812, and he volunteered in the 183d O.V. I., and was wounded at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864, and is now drawing a pension; he has been twice elected Justice of the Peace, which office he now holds. He was Census Enumerator of his township this year; he is a Republican, and belongs to the A., F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 209, Bellefontaine, O.

PLUMB BROS., farmers and stock dealers; P. O., Lewistown, among the pioneer families none are better known or more highly respected than the Plumb family. Their father, Jonathan Plumb, wars from on Feb. 8, 1808, in Hampshire Co., Va., and moved to this township in March, 1837. He was married to Miss Sarah A., the daughter of Judge McKinnon, in Clarke Co., O., April

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2, 1835. They were blessed with ten children: Nancy J., born Jan. 14, 1836, Elizabeth, March 20, 1838, John A, July 4, 1840, Kitty, Sept. 1, 1842, Will H., Feb. 18, 1845, Elijah A., Feb. 21, 1848, Isaac, Sept. 24, 1850, Scott, Nov. 26, 1852, Milton, April 15, 1855, and Lewis L., Nov. 21, 1857. Elizabeth married Seth McBride on March 22, 1855, William H. married Louisa Renick, Nov. 19, 1869, and Isaac married Clara Makeinson. Jonathan died on Jan. 11, 1878 ; Mrs. Sarah A. died on Nov. 23, 1873, and Kitty died on June 24, 1853; Lieut. John A. was killed at Resaca, Ga., on May 14, 1864. Mr. Plumb commenced life with a small capital, but by industry and honesty he accomplished much, leaving when he died over 1,200 acres of land to his family. He was a consistent member and one of the leaders of the Methodist Church at Lewistown. Scott is studying law at Bellefontaine; Milton and Lewis L. are farming and trading in stock under the style of Plumb Bros. They are all Republicans.

ISAAC PLUMB, farmer and banker; P.O., Lewistown; was born in West Virginia, Jan. 5, 1806; came to Ohio in 1820, and settled in Hampshire Co., O., where he lived till 1837; when he moved to Logan Co., and settled where he now lives; was married to Miss Sarah J. Stanadge, April 24, 1849, by which union they have seven children, all living- James H., Emma, Alice, Eleanora, Lillie, Julie E. and Sallie Grant. He has held several county and township offices, where he always gave satisfaction, but has never sought public trust, believing that the best and happiest way to live was to attend to his own business; by doing so he has accumulated a large share of this world's goods, consisting of 545 acres of beautiful and well-improved laud, good houses, fine horses and cattle, and bank stock. In politics, he was a follower of Harry Clay, till the slave power attempted to spread slavery into the Territories, since when he has been a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Plumb belong to the Protestant Methodist Episcopal Church of Lewistown.

PETER SHADE, farmer; P. O., Lewistown; was born in Washington Tp., Feb. 24, 1831, and was probably the first child born in this township. His father and mother, Philip and Catharine Shade (nee Shocky) came from Virginia in 1827, and entered the land now owned by him, where he was born and has always lived. Mr. Shade is still a bachelor, and owns one of the best farms in the county. He enlisted in Co. E, 132d Ohio Inft., and served on the Potomac and under Gen. Butler, at the famous campaign around Petersburg, Va., he was also a member of the 191st O. I., and was stationed at Winchester, Va., for several months; he was in at the final "wind up" at Appomattox. His sister is now living with , him, and he is taking care of and educating her two daughters. He is a Republican.

W. T. G. SNYDER, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O., Lewistown; was born in Page Co., Va., March 16, 1852; a son of John W. and Cinderella Snyder. Mrs. Snyder died in Virginia, 1861; Mr. Snyder moved to Champaign Co., O., in 1867, and died January 19, 1870. The subject of our sketch was married to Miss Mary E. Loudenback, of Champaign Co., Nov. 10, 1872. They now have two children -Carrie E. and Imogene May. Mr. Snyder is one of the enterprising, go-ahead !. men of this township; he owns 162 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings upon it; he has been elected Clerk of the Township and is now the popular Justice of the Peace of the Township. He is an enthusiastic believer in the Democratic party.

GEORGE STRICKLAND, retired farmer; P. O., Huntsville; was born in the State of New Jersey in 1794 and moved to Ohio in 1830, and settled on the farm he now owns. He was married March 24, 1824, and he and his wife lived together forty-two years; they had twelve children, of whom eight are now living; the eldest, Dr. John of Lincoln, Neb.; is one of the wealthiest men in that young and prosperous state. Mr. and Mrs. Strickland settled on their farm several years before the Indians left the neighborhood, but, by always treating them fair, were always friendly and never had any trouble with them. When he settled his place it was a good day's work to go to Bellefontaine over the Indian paths, as there were at that time no roads. They had to go to Sandusky to mill. He is now living with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Al. Knight; he is a member of the Dunkard Church, and has always been a Jackson Democrat, but believes in voting for the best men.

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HARMON TROUT, shoemaker; Lewistown; was born in Washington Tp., Logan Co., O., Feb. 12, 1843. Among the steady men of Lewistown, Mr: Trout ranks among the best. His mother says that when he was born snow was drifted in and was a foot deep on the bed. Mr. Trout is still a bachelor living with and taking care of his mother; be owns good property, and is one of the strong Democrats of this township.

JOHN TROUT, farmer: P. O., Lewistown. John Trout was born in Rockingham Co., Va., on Oct. 30, 1825, and was a son of Alexander and Margaret (Armentrout) Trout, of Virginia. They came to Ohio in 1831, and settled in Licking Co., and removed to this township in 1840. Alexander Trout died in August, 1842, and Mrs. Trout in 1874. John was married to Sarah, daughter of J. A. Means, Esq., of this county, but formerly of Kentucky, and her mother was Catherine Peck, of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Trout have two children-Albert L. and Milton C. He owns 232 acres of the best improved land in Logan Co., is a Methodist and has been one of the officers of the township whenever he would accept it. His father, Alexander Trout, was a Captain in the war of 1812. The family have always been Jackson Democrats.

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