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HARMONY TOWNSHIP.
AMOS ALLWORTH, farmer and smith; P. O. Chesterville; was born Nov. 26,1830, in New Jersey, and was married in 1855 to Maria Powell, sister of Thomas Powell; she was born Sept. 11, 1825; they settled after marriage in Chester Tp., and farmed there for four years, and then lived with his mother for three years, afterwards, buying 35 acres, where they now reside, obtained by their labors, except $550, which she inherited; they have improved the land, and now possess one of the finest little farms in the township; he also works some at smithing; he has run a threshing machine for many years. They had two children, Loella and Angeline - deceased Aug. 5, 1866. She is a member of the Baptist Church; he votes the Democratic ticket, His father Samuel, and mother Elizabeth (Bockoven) Allworth, were born in New Jersey, and came to Ohio in 1831, settling in Delaware Co., and soon after came to Chester Tp. Here the father died, Jan. 1, 1864; the mother is still living in this township, with her children, whose names are Margaret, Martha, Sarah, Amos, Samantha, Eliza, Eli, Delilah and John.
THOMAS R. BROWN, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born May 22, 1826, in Knox Co.; his father, Jonathan, was born May 22, 1800, in New Jersey, and his mother, Mary (Larison) Brown, Jan. 3, 1803, in the same State. They emigrated to Knox Co. in 1816, and were married subsequently, and were blessed with-Thomas R., Joel F., James S., Ann E., Jonathan H., Mary J., Phoebe S., Washington (deceased), Clarissa (deceased); the father died Nov. 16, 1879, and the mother, 1867. They were New School Baptists. Thomas R. obtained a limited education; his father being a tiller of the soil, it was quite natural that his son should follow the same
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pursuit. He was married in the fall of 1847, to Jane, daughter of Thomas and Mary Stiers Clark; her parents had eleven children - Aaron, Jane, Mary, Jacob, John, Berryhill, Thomas, Hannah, Moses, Martha and George. Mrs. Brown was born June, 25, 1826. They farmed on his father's farm for four years, and then settled on 50 acres of his present farm, and has improved the same, and now possesses 113 acres of well-improved land. They have four children-Clarissa L., married Charles E. Lewis; Charles, Jacob and Jonathan. Mr. Brown enlisted in the 88th 0. V. I. and was mostly on guard duty, serving about three years. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which he has taken deep interest, and has served as Deacon for eighteen years. He voted the Democratic ticket until the breaking-out of the war, and then joined the Republican party, and has since been an active worker. The farm that he now possesses was purchased from Judge T. W. Powell and Buck.
THOMAS J. BEAM, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born March 15, 1821, in Knox Co. His father, John, was born in Virginia, They had nine children-William, Merit, Eliza, Isaac, Thomas J., John, Sarah J., Phoebe A. and James A. His father served ill township offices, and took a deep interest in the county; Thomas attended school in the old log college and early engaged in the labors of the farm; he was married about 1844, to Rebecca Lafever, and was blessed with two children-Upton and James W.; His wife died about 1849, and he was again married to Phoebe E. Burns, by whom he was blessed with Jennie and Mary B. He settled -for one year in Knox Co., after his first marriage, and then came to this county' and settled on the land now owned by Joseph Sellers, buying at that time 84 acres of B. Warner, and sold the some in 1880. He bought 42 acres where he now resides, in 1870, of Mr. Burns, and has improved the same and made it worth $90 per acre; he has been Township Trustee, and has held other offices. He has always been an active Democrat, and never voted for a man not of that political party. He takes interest in modern improvements, and always helps in any county enterprise that is of value to himself or to his neighbors.
WILLIAM R. BURNS, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Burns; his father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother in the same state; they emigrated to Columbiana Co., Ohio, at an early day, and settled in the green woods; there they raised George, Daniel, Hugh, Benjamin, Mary, John, Hezekiah, Anderson, William R. and Peter R. The father was Justice of the Peace for twenty years. William was born Dec. 25, 1812, in Columbiana Co.; his mother died when he was quite young, and he helped his sisters to keep house for their father; he became quite an adept, and was considered very expert at cooking, patching and washing; he attended school in a log school-house, and there obtained the rudiments of a primary education, which formed a taste for literature, in which he takes much interest; he began working by the month after the death of his father, getting $7.00; was married Feb. 20, 1838, to Sarah, daughter of John and Mary (Peart) Howell; her father was born near Philadelphia, and came to Ohio about 1814; her mother was also born near the same place; they settled in Columbiana Co., and had the following children-Abner, Benjamin, Mary, Sarah, Lewis, Jesse and Maria; her father was a farmer and shoemaker. Mrs. Burns was born Sept. 19, 1813, in Pennsylvania; they settled, after marriage, in Columbiana Co. for two years, and then came to their present farm of 103 acres, buying the same of his brother Hugh; it was entered by David Shaw. They have improved the same, and now enjoy a fine farm, the fruit of their own labors. They had the following children-John, deceased; Ross, born March 3, 1841, married Ann Shaw; Mary E., Feb. 17,1844, deceased; Jane, born Nov. 22, 1847; Anderson, Jan. 27, 1846; Ruth, Nov. 30,1850; Dorcas A., Mar. 22, 1853; Elizabeth, Oct. 15, 1854; Alfred, Jan. 19,1857. He has been Township Trustee, School Director and Supervisor; was once a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. Perhaps but -few have witnessed the scenes that have made up the life of Mr. Burns.
D. M. BEBOUT, farmer; P. O. Marengo. This enterprising farmer was born July 19, 1839, in Licking Co. His father, Solomon, was born in 1811, in Pennsylvania, and his mother, Mary Arbuckle, in Knox Co., in 1815. They were married in Knox Co., and soon
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afterward moved to Licking Co., where they now reside and have eight children-W. A., Sarah, Nancy E., D. M., Charlotte, Mary J., Elizabeth and Lizzie. His parents were members of the Disciples' Church. D. M. attended school some in his younger days, and remained with his father on the farm until past 24, and in May 4, 1864, was married to' Julia, daughter of Levi and Ann (Maqueen) Harrod. Both of her parents are natives of Ohio, and settled where the subject now resides. They had nine children; seven grew up-Minor, Perrah, Delilah, William, Julia A., Lewis and Sarah; Jesse B. deceased and an infant deceased. Her mother died, and her father was subsequently twice married; first to Urenah Main, and afterward to Sarah Burt, and had no children by either. Mr. and Mrs. Bebout have had seven children-Laura, born March 15, 1865, died Nov. 15, 1874; Rosella, born Nov. 10, 1867; two (twins) died unnamed, born Nov. 17,1870; William A., born Aug. 3, 1871; an infant, born. Sept. 2, 1877, deceased; and Moy Z., born Jan. 20, 1877. They rented for one year in Licking Co., and then bought ninety-three acres of John Wright, and sold the same in 1870, and bought ninety two acres, which is the present farm of Lewis Harrod, and they have since made this their home; it is well adapted to stock-raising, being well watered by springs. He is making some specialty in stock-raising, principally in Spanish Merino sheep; he paid off a portion to clear the township draft, and was afterward drafted, but hired a substitute; he has been a member of the Patrons of Husbandry; has been Township Trustee one term, and served several terms in other offices. He and his wife are active members of the Disciples' Church, in which he has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school; he has been prominently identified with the Democratic party.
JOHN W. COOK, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born April 8, 1835, in England. His father, Peter, was born in 1797, and his mother, Charlotte (Preedy) Cook, in 1805, both natives of England. His father was a confectioner and malter; he had fifteen children, by his union with Charlotte, three of whom survive. John W. is the only one in this county. Our subject attended school until he was eight years old, at which time he was compelled to nurse his younger sister; at the age of eleven he began to learn the baker's trade, at which he continued for twenty-one years. In 1854, he came to Morrow County and engaged in farming for Richard Hammond, and continued in his employ for some time, and then engaged with James Auld, and was next employed by Joseph Guage, in Union Co. In the fall of - 1857, he was married to Harriet, daughter of Robert and Mary May; she was born in England. Mr. Cook sent for her to come over when he felt that his means would justify him in taking unto himself a help-mate; this celebration was witnessed by Rev. George Gordon, of Iberia, this county; this companion soon died, in 1859. He was again married in 1862 to Matilda J. Waters; she was born in 1832. They had five children-Mary A., Harriet M,. Charlotte E., James M. and John W. He then rented in Washington Tp., until 1864, when he enlisted for 100 days in Co. A, 13th O. N. G. In 1866 he settled on 40 acres in Gilead Tp., buying the same of Lee Russell, and in 1875 sold the same to James Brown, and bought the present farm of 73 acres. He has been energetic, and has very much improved the farm. He is making a specialty of grain and stock. This is more than likely the best watered farm in the county; he has filled some township offices. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church; they were married by Rev. Mr. Shedd. Mr. Cook is the only member of the Prohibitionist party in this township.
SAMUEL W. CHIPPS, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; was born Nov. 18, 1813, in New Jersey. His father, Joseph, was born in 1795, and his mother, Elizabeth (Woodruff) Chipps, in 1787, in the same, state. They had four children - S. W., John, Cynthia and Harriet. The father was drafted in the war of 1812, but hired a substitute. Samuel W. had but poor opportunities for an education, and at the age of 25 he came to Ohio by way of Ann Arbor, Mich., from which place he walked; he made his settlement at Chesterville, and worked for a while for Dr. Lord, at that place; while there, in 1840, he married Cinderella Struble; he enlisted in the 30th 0. V. I., and died in Keokuk, Iowa, in the hospital; John N., Sarah, Wesley, Melville, Peter, Daniel, Sophronia, George and Joshua, they rented in Chester Tp., for four years,
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and in 1845 they settled where they Dow reside, buying 103 acres. He has now 1.45 acres of well-improved land, attained mostly by their own labor. He has taken a deep interest in township enterprises, especially in the schools; Wesley, Daniel, Joshua and George are all teachers. His wife died Sept. 23, 187 7, and was an active and faithful member of the Methodist Church. He was again married to Mrs. Ruth Woodruff, who had by her former husband (Theodore Woodruff) two children -Kate and George. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church. He has always been identified with the Republican party; he cast his first vote for the Whig party. He paid his portion of the township draft.
JOSEPH DOTY, farmer, P. O., Cardington; was born July 4,1816, in Newark, N. J.; at the age of sixteen he began carpentering, at which he continued the most of his life; he came on foot to Pa., and then to Ohio in 1836, settling at Chesterville, joining his father's family at that place; he soon after returned to Pa., and subsequently came again to this county, and thence back to Pa., where he was married in 1837 to Cecilia, daughter of James and Jane Green; she was born April 25, 1814, in Butler Co., Pa.; by her he had nine children - Joanna married Daniel Beach; Sarah married Jacob Miller, W. D., Joseph S., deceased; James I., deceased; Catharine, deceased; Agnes, married D. R. Hilliard; Mary E., D. G. married Mary McDonald. The family settled on the present farm of 98 acres in 1865; it is owned by the subject and his son, W. D.; it is finely improved and watered by spring, and has orchard and buildings. There are perhaps but few who have experienced the trials of life encountered by Mr. Doty and wife. W. D. was seriously crippled by cutting his knees while raising a building, which has disabled him for life; he is successfully breeding the English Punch horses, being scarcely able to do anything else; he gives his entire attention to this business, and, of course, is very successful; he was engaged in the coal oil business for ten years in Pa. Joseph's wife can remember when her parents were compelled to bar the doors of their house to keep the wolves from entering. Joseph's father was once very wealthy, and once owned 200 acres of land, where now stands the present city of Newark, N. J.
SAMUEL DITWILER, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; was born Sept. 7, 1821, in Franklin Co., Penn., and was married in Dec., 1841, to Jane, daughter of James and Margaret Riddle. Her parents emigrated from Richland Co., this State at an early day, and were the parents of Joseph, Ibbie, Samuel, Polly, Margaret, Lettie, John, Jane, William. -Mr. Ditwiler by his second marriage has the following children-Wilson, Margaret, James, Fannie, Ella, Lettie and Edgar; Mrs. Ditwiler died Oct. 17, 1870; she was a member of the Methodist Church; he was again married in 1876 to Mrs. Mary George, whose maiden name was Pierce; she had nine children, three of whom survive-Curtis E., Lilly A. and Abbie L. Her first husband died May 13, 1868. Mr. Ditwiler owns 66 acres of well improved land, all of which has been attained by his own labors. He is Dow located on 97 acres, which belong to William George's heirs. He paid out a portion of the township draft; has served in township offices. He and wife are Methodists; he votes the Republican ticket. His father, Jacob was born in Washington Co., Penn., May 9, 1792; his mother, April 9, 1793; the father died there, and the mother and her sons, Samuel and John, came to Richland Co. and began anew in the green woods. The sons were young, but helped their industrious mother to improve it and now have a nice little farm. The mother died in 1879; she and her husband were Lutherans.
G. M. ELLIOTT, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born Dec. 28, 1815, in Pennsylvania. His father, James, and his mother, Jane Elliott, were born in Ireland, and came to Ohio when quite young. They came to Knox Co. in 1830, where they died-the father, Oct. 16, 1840, and the mother, 1865. They had seven children-Hugh, Nancy, James, G. M., John, Samuel and Patrick; his parents were Presbyterians. While on their way to this country, they became scarce of water to drink, on the ocean, and had to hold out sheets while it was raining, and would then wring them, and would drink the water thus extracted. Mr. Elliott took advantage of the limited opportunities for getting an education, by
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diligent work at the fireside. He was married in 1849, to Mary Harrod, born Sept. 4, 1819, by whom he had five children-James M., deceased; Judson, deceased; Jane E., married George Nuterman, Wayne Co., Ind.; Samuel, deceased. In 1850 they came to their present farm of eighty-nine acres, and have improved the same. He has been Township Treasurer for twelve years, and Trustee a number of years. He makes a specialty of Spanish sheep. They attend the Disciple Church; he takes a deep interest in any worthy county enterprise.
HENRY FRITS, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; was born March 7, 1829, in Franklin Co., Ohio; son of John and Elizabeth Frits; his younger days were spent in school, and clearing the forests; his life has been one of usefulness. He was married in 1852, to Rhoda, daughter of Nicodemus and Anna Chilcoat; she was born in 1832. They settled after marriage, on the land now owned by John Cook and Charles Jaggers. In 1854 he bought his present farm of 51 acres, of his brother George; they have, improved the same, and now enjoy 120 acres of fine land, attained entirely by their own labors. They had three children-Lavina, born Nov. 20, 1853; married Clinton Acker; Charles, born May 21, 1838, married Alice Fogle; William. He paid out about $500 for this township, to clear a draft, made during the civil war; he has been identified with the Democratic party since he became a voter. Takes interest in all enterprises, is an industrious and accommodating farmer.
JACOB FOGLE, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; was born Aug. 2, 1832, on the farm where he now lives; his father, George, was born in Kentucky, and mother, Mary Sellers, in Maryland; they were married in Muskingum Co., Ohio, and came to Harmony Tp. in 1832, and made their settlement on the farm where the subject now lives, and improved 123 acres; they had two children-John and Jacob. The mother died Jan. 26, 1877, and the father in October, 1868. Jacob attended school some, and worked on his father's farm, early learning the principles of farm labor; he was married Jan. 5,1853, by Rev. Zachariah Thomas, to Mary, daughter, of Joseph and Matilda (Burns) Morris; her father was born in Wales, and came to Chester Tp., this county, when a mere boy; her mother was a native of Columbiana Co., and also emigrated here when young. Mr. and Mrs. Morris had three children that grew up-Mary A., Zelpha and David (deceased). Mrs. Fogle was born Aug. 15, 1835, in this county; they settled at their marriage on the old homestead of his father, where he has since remained; his wife inherited 76 acres, and he 123 acres, all well improved, on which he makes a specialty of stock-raising, in which he is successful. His marriage blessed him with sever children - William, born June 29, 1855, and married Ettie Powell; Alice, born Sept. 10, 1857, married Charles E. Frits; Charles P., born April 13, 1859; Fred. L., born Nov. 6, 1861; Morris, born June 13,1865; infant, Aug. 12, 1863, died Nov. 28,1863; George A., born Jan. 4, 1870. Mr. Fogle hired a substitute volunteer for the war, and also paid a portion of the amount to clear the township draft; he is now serving his fourth term as Township Trustee, and is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry; he has been identified with the Democratic party, and has represented that body as Delegate to County and State Conventions; he takes deep interest in any township or county enterprise.
ISRAEL GORDON, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; this well-to-do farmer was born Sept. 10, 1818, in Greene Co., Pa.; his father, George, was born in Maryland, and his mother Nellie (White) Gordon, born in the same state; the father died Aug. 10, 1830, and the mother in 1850; they had eleven children that grew up-William, John, James, Israel, George, Basil, Isaac B., Mary, Rachel, Sarah and Ellen; Israel attended school in the old pioneer school house until the age of 14, at which time he came to Ohio, settling in Perry Co., and engaged in farming at $6.25 per month, for eight months, amounting to $50; this he invested in forty acres of land in Saltlick Tp., in said county; in one year this industrious boy had increased his means, and added ten-acres more; he soon afterward sold this and bought eighty acres; Feb. 13, 1843, he celebrated a happy wedding with Susan, a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (McCollum) Irvin; her father was a native of Rockingham Co., and her mother of Washington Co., this State, and she had fourteen children, nine of whom survive-William, Alexander,
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Harriet, Susan, Jackson, Robert, Frank, Thomas, and John; her father died in 1853, and her mother in 1846; the former was a Baptist and the latter a Methodist. Mr. Gordon and his bride settled in Perry Co., in a log cabin, and had for a bedstead, poles fastened to the walls; they journeyed along and every moment was used to the best advantage, and they began at. once to increase their little means, and within four years he sold his eighty acres, and bought 400 acres in Saltlick Tp., on which they labored for twenty six years, and then sold the same to William Maholm, and bought 246 acres, where he now lives - of Jeremiah Smith-who was the first settler; on this farm stand two large willows, which sprang from two walking canes stuck there by Smith about 1820; Mr. Gordon has still continued to increase his means, and has now 516 acres of finely improved land, on which he deals in fine hogs, sheep, cattle, and horses; he and his wife inherited together $248.38; their children were-Andrew J. married Rachel A. Lerow; George W. married Minerva McDonnell; Margaret married James Turner; Thomas; Samuel married May Evans; Charles W.; he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and also of the Methodist Church, to which his wife also belongs; he votes the Republican ticket, and has represented that party in county conventions; encourages all modern improvements.
HUGH GREEN, farmer; P. O. Chesterville; is a son of William and Elizabeth (Morris) Green. His father was born Jan. 15, 1789, and died Sept. 8, 1855, and his mother was born Oct. 11, 1792, and died Nov. 7, 186 1. The father came to Licking Co. when 15 years old, and the mother came the same year. They had John, Sarah, Wesley, Daniel, Hugh, Mary, Nancy and Morris. His parents were Methodists. The subject was born April 24, 1820, in Knox Co.; he early engaged in clearing, and has during life cleared about 200 acres; he was married Nov. 12, 1840, to Lucinda, a daughter of Stephen and Jane Ulery; by her he has Mary A., Norman H., Elizabeth, Nancy E., Joseph A., Harriet, Franklin E. and Lafayette. They remained in Knox Co. until 1844, when they came to the present farm of 100 acres, buying the same of Baldwin Johnson; he has in all 130 acres of well-improved land-the fruit of their own labors; he takes great interest in any enterprise belonging to the township; he paid a portion of the township draft. His son, Nor man, was in Co. F, 136th O. N. Q. He has always been a temperance man, is an active Republican, is active and hearty, and 60 years of age; he is dealing in fine sheep, in which he is successful.
WILLIAM T. GEORGE, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born Nov. 1, 1823, in Chester Tp., then Knox Co.; he is a brother of the wife of James Meredith, whose sketch appears elsewhere; his youth was occupied with such duties as he was capable of performing upon the farm, beside attending the district school He enlisted in the Mexican war, and was in the battles of Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepee, and helped to take Mexico. He was married June 3, 1849, to Elizabeth Mettler. They settled for awhile in Chester Tp., and in 1859 came to the present finely-improved farm of 175 acres, where he has since remained; he erected a dwelling at a cost of $2,800, and has other improvements to correspond. They have had five children-Rachel, deceased; Miles M., deceased; Mary E., deceased; Armenia married George, a son of Peter and Permelia (Kimball) Hammond; Eva, deceased. Mr. George has been chosen Township Treasurer for twelve years in succession, and has been Township Trustee. He and his wife are members of the Old School Baptist Church, having united in 1854. He votes the Democratic ticket, and has represented that body in county and congressional conventions; was once a member of the central committee. He assisted in clearing this township of the draft in the civil rebellion.
R. E. GEORGE, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born Aug. 13, 1835, in Chester Tp. Feb. 2, 1837, came with his parents to Harmony, and was married March 12, 1857, to Delilah Burnes; she was born June 14, 1839; they settled after marriage, on his present farm of 105 acres, a portion of which was obtained by his own labors, and the rest by inheritance; his union with Miss Burnes blessed them with five children-Hezekiah, Enoch A., Emma, Charles and one unnamed, deceased; he has been Township Trustee, and is a member of the Old School Baptists, and votes the Democratic ticket; he was also Constable; his father, Edward, was born Jan. 1, 1799, in Bricknockshire, Wales, and came to Penn. in 1804;
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his mother, Jane (Evans) was born in 1796, and came to the same county in Penn. in 1797. They were married in 1826, in Chester Tp., and had nine children-all died but R. E. Edward has been a church member since his 17th year, and the mother since 1838. The parents started life in the wilderness and did their part for the improvement of the country to what it is. The mother is dead; the father is still living, and is hale and hearty at 81 years of age during the spring of 1880, he built over 400 rods of fence. Mr. George paid out $110 to clear the township draft.
JOHN HAYDEN, farmer; P. O. Chesterville; one of the pioneers of this county, was born June 11, 1810, in Licking Co., Ohio. His father, William, was born in New York City, and was raised in Sussex Co., N. J. His mother, Esther (Hoover) Hayden, was born in Fayette Co., Pa. They were married in Pennsylvania, and there the father engaged in burning charcoal until 1808, when they settled near Granville, Licking Co., this State, in 1823, and came to Chester Tp., and there the father died in 1842, and the mother in 1859. Their union gave them eleven children-Samuel, Stephen, Wahala, John, Saloma, Mary, Hannah, Hosea, Ruth, Washington and Ezra. Our subject attended school one term in a barn, and in a log house, in all six months; he engaged in farming early, and has been a hard worker; he has reaped wheat and mowed grass at 50 cents per acre; has gone to mill sixteen miles, once per week, on horseback; he was married Auk. 29, 1833, to Rachel, daughter of William W. and Mary (Rees) Evans, by whom he had seven children (two died when young) - Elias, William, Mary, Hannah and Catharine. His wife died May 7, 1857, and he was again married, June 8, 1858, to Elizabeth Salisbury, a sister of his first wife. Her parents were born in Wales, married in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1810, settling in Licking Co. The following are the children-Mary, Thomas, Elizabeth, Rachel Ann, Catharine, Julia A., Benjamin and Jemima. His last wife was born Aug. 27, 1812. He settled on the present farm in 1835, buying eighty acres of his brother, Stephen, and has since added to it, making in all 196 acres of arable land, which has been mostly obtained by their own labor; he paid $1.62 per acre for the first eighty acres; he has made a specialty of horses; he once raised a horse that was trained to run, and was bought by the government of Massachusetts for $10,000, was once Captain and Lieutenant of a militia company. He and his wife are members of the Chester Baptist Church. He has always been an active Republican, and was a firm man when there were but three votes for this party cast in the township.
AQUILLA JARVIS, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the son of Eli and Rosannah (Faris) Jarvis; his father was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1787, and his mother in Frederick Co., Penn., in 1789; they came to Knox Co. in 1833, and settled in Chester Tp., and has the following children-William, Aquilla, John, Eliza, Sarah, Rosannah, Margaret, infant (deceased) Aquilla was born Sept. 26, 1813, in Pennsylvania, and attended school at what was known as the "bull-frog" schoolhouse. He was married about 1852, to Sarah Slack. He was married a second time in 1863, and was blessed with two children - Flora (deceased), Sarah E., born Aug. 21, 1866. He worked at teaming for many years after marriage, and in 1872 he settled on his pleasant little farm of 50 acres, which is the fruit of his own labors, it is finely improved. He votes the Republican ticket, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church and his wife of the Baptist. He has served in some township offices, where it is all labor and no pay
WILLIAM JONES, farmer, Mt. Gilead; was born Nov. 21, 1831, in South Wales, and is a son of John and Eliza (Watkins) Jones; both were born in Wales and came to Knox Co. in 1837. They have had 12 children, six of whom are living: William, John F., Abram, Henry G., Catharine J. and James M. His parents were Baptists. Mr. Jones was married March 9, 1856, to Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Lavina (Richey) Kelly, both of whom were born in Pa. and came to Ohio in 1845, and finally settling on the farm now owned by William. They have eight children: Rebecca, Ann, Moses, Mary, Sarah, Lavina, Hannah, and Susannah. Mr. Jones has had seven children by this marriage: Catharine J., Benjamin, Mary E., Levina R., Charles W., Eleanor and Cora E. The father was justice of the peace twelve years in succession, and he held office in church.
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He is a member of Chester Lodge No. 28, A. F. & A. M.; has always been a strong temperance man; takes an active part in paying off the township drafts for the last civil rebellion; he votes the Democratic ticket; he represented said party to county and state conventions; he and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Brinzion.
E. R. JONES, farmer; P. O., Marengo; was born Aug. 2, 1833, in Wales; his father, Thomas, and his mother, Mary (Rees) Jones, were born in Carmarthensbire, South Wales; the former in 1799, and the latter in 1810; they emigrated to Ohio in 1842, with a family of seven children-E. R., Ann, Margaret, Rachel, Martha, Mary and Rettie; four of the children died within one week, of scarlet fever. His parents settled for a while in Chester Tp., and in 1854 they bought 104 acres where the subject now lives, and afterward added twenty acres; here the father died, Oct. 8, 1872; the mother is still living. Mr. Jones was married Oct. 18, 1857, to Julia, daughter of John and Agnes (Huddleston) Sellers; her father was born in Bedford Co., Pa., and her mother in Muskingum Co., this State; they settled in Harmony Tp., in 1837, and had nine children-Randall, Julia A., Eva, Wesley, Ellen, John, Mary, Sarda and Martin 1. Mrs. Jones was born July 24, 1838, in Morrow Co., and has these children-Mary E., born July 4, 1858, died March 22, 1873; Albert, born Sept. 12, 1860; Thomas M., Jan. 28, 1865; Judson, June 31, 1867; John, Oct. 3, 1870; Addie A., Aug. 15, 1872; infant died Nov. 5, 1874; Margaret, Feb. 5, 1878. They now possess ninety acres of well improved land, being watered by fine springs; thirty three acres of this amount was inherited. He makes a specialty of fine sheep. He and his wife are Baptists; he votes the Democratic ticket; takes a deep interest in educating his children.
THOMAS KEYS, farmer; P. O., Marengo; was born Aug. 7, 1826; his father, James, was born in 1800, and mother, Jane (Thompson) Keys, in 1805, and were natives of Ireland; the parents are still living there, and have six children-Matilda, married James Eccles, living in Canada; Thomas, Samuel, now in Australia; Henry, in Ireland; Margaret, Sarah E. M., in Ireland. Thomas attended school some in his youth, and in 1851 came to New York, and engaged on a farm at a compensation of $13 to $16 per month, and after paying hi board and wash bills he had $5 left per month in eighteen months he came to Knox Co., this State, and farmed for Robert Ewart, for $120 per year; at the expiration of one and one half years, he entered the employ of a note sheep dealer in Marion Co., and had charge of 1100 head for eighteen months; he then rented of Charles Steinfield for one year, an( in 1856 was married to Rebecca, daughter of Archie and Jane Ewart, and about that time bought 58 acres of land in Lincoln Tp.; in ten years they sold the same and bought the present farm, settling at that time, March 4 1866, and have since remained. This possession is 1041 acres of fine, arable land, being well watered by springs, and is perhaps on of the best stock farms in the county-the product of his exertions; he makes a specialty of horses and sheep, and always gets the premium on his horses at the county fairs; he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, an votes the Democratic ticket.
GIDEON KAUFMAN, farmer; P O., Marengo; is the son of Christian and Chris tina (Groves) Kaufman; his father was born in Virginia, in 1780, and his mother was born in 1786, in the same State. They came to Ohio in 1807, having married prior to their emigration. They settled in Fairfield Co., where his father engaged in farming and the minis try; the latter he followed for over sixty year in the service of the Old School Baptist de nomination. They moved to what is now Morrow Co. in 1834, and settled on the farm now owned by Gideon; here the mother died They had nine children-Anna, Esther, Joel Rebecca, Gideon, Rachel, Frances, Joshua infant deceased. The father was again married, to Sarah A. Biggs, then moved to Ox ford Tp., Delaware Co., and there died Nov 14, 1874; the step-mother died April 3, 1875 Mr. Kaufman was born Sept. 17, 1818, it Fairfield Co; his younger days were spent in attending school and working on a farm He was married Dec. 9, 1845, to Margaret daughter of Jacob and Mary (Edget) Walter mire. Her father was a native of Penusyva nia, and her mother of Delaware, arid he moved into Muskingum Co., this State, an came to what is now Franklin Tp., in 1826 and finally made their permanent home in
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Harmony ; the mother died in 1834; by her marriage with Mr. Waltermire there were six children, but three survive--Margaret, Michael and Franklin. The father was subsequently married to Catharine Long, and with her moved to Hancock Co., where he died about the year 1855, leaving to her seven children, five of whom survive, Mary, Elizabeth, Martha, William and John. The father and last wife were Old School Baptists, and the first wife was a Methodist. Mrs. Kaufman was born Feb. 18, 1828, in what is now Morrow Co. She and her husband settled in a log cabin on his father's farm. By strict economy they have increased their means, and now rank among the well-to-do farmers of the county. They have obtained what they possess by their own exertions except $1,000. He has served with credit in the township offices. He votes the Democratic ticket, and has represented that party in Senatorial conventions. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church; she has blessed him with the following children-Mary E., married; John, Layman, Francis L., Lucinda A., married; Freeman Ulery, Wilbert, teacher; Albert N. James B., deceased; Clement L. V. deceased; infant, deceased.
JOSEPH LEWIS, farmer; P. O., Marengo; was born July 2, 1833, on Lake Erie, while his parents were on their way to this county. His father, John, and mother, Ann (Evans) Lewis, were born in Wales, and came at the time mentioned to Chester Tp., and bought 100 acres, now owned by J. C. Crowl and our subject; here the parents had their children, who were-Ann, Mary, John C., Joseph and Valentine. The parents were Baptists; Joseph attended school some in his younger days, and worked at farming and clearing; he thus early learned to make the best use of his time, he was married in December, 1854, to Clarissa, daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Crawford) Moore; her parents were from New York, and had seven children-Clarissa, Norton, Royal, Little, La Fayette, Burr and Jerome. Mrs. Lewis was born Apr. 27,1835, and had by her union with Mr. Lewis-Norton, born Sept. 18, 1856, died Oct. 31, 1877; Sarah A., born Sept. 21, 1854, died March 8, 1861; Albert, born May 17,1861; Vanda, born May 24,1866. They settled after marriage on a part of the present farm, and began clearing, and made the first rail ever made on the same; he has added until now he is the possessor of 400 acres of fine land, and is dealing largely 'in stock; he began shipping stock at an early day, and has continued the same; he is also breeding fine Clydesdale and Punch horses; he has now one fine dapple-bay stallion, sixteen bands high; he is, perhaps, one of the most successful stock-dealers in the county. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He has always been a prominent member of the Democratic party. He is the builder of his own fortune, having started life's journey with but little means, save fifty acres of land in the woods, which was given him by his father.
WILLIAM LLOYD, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; was born March 31,1828, in Wales; his father, James, was born in 1798, and his mother, Margaret (Jones) Lloyd, in 1800, both in Brockenshire, Wales; the former was of English descent; they came to this county in 1828, bringing with them four children; six more were born in this country; their names were-Ann, James, Thomas, William, David, Mary, Margaret, Jane, Benjamin, Catharine, and George; both parents were Baptists; William early displayed an interest in education, and his parents gave him the advantages of a good school; he attended Mt. Hesper College for one year, and at Chesterville high school, and became very proficient in his studies, and at the age of fifteen he was awarded a certificate, or teachers license; at the age of sixteen he began in his future profession, and followed the same with success and to the satisfaction of his employers, for ten winters; he early embarked in shipping stock, which he continued for many years, in which he was successful; he formed a matrimonial alliance Dec. 30, 1852, with Eliza, a daughter of Moses and Sarah (Jones) Powell, natives of Wales; she was born Sept. 20, 1832; they have nine children - George, Sarah E., Margaret A., Moses P., Benjamin, Hannah, John, Clarence, and Ellis-all living; his wife died Jan. 31, 1877, and he was again married Jan. 22,1880, to Mrs. M. A. Moorehouse, a daughter of William Olmstead; she had one child-Ella, by first marriage; our subject, soon after his marriage in 1852, bought and settled a portion, of land now owned by Joseph Ulrey, and remained there
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one year, and then bought 130 acres of wild land, a part of the present farm of 247 acres, and has improved the same, and now enjoys the benefit of a fine arable farm, the result of his early industry; the people have called him to serve them as Justice of the Peace, for twenty-one years, in which capacity he still serves; has also been Township Assessor, Trustee and Clerk, member of Chester Lodge, No. 238, A. F. and A. M.; he is member of the Baptist Church, and his amiable wife is a member of the Methodist; he votes the Democratic ticket, and has often represented that party in county and State conventions; he paid out $800 to clear the township draft.
MRS. SARAH LYON, widow; Mt. Gilead; was born April 15, 1819; she attended school in the old pioneer school-house, and worked on the farm in her younger days; she was married in Feb., 1839, to Cyrus Lyon, born in 1810. They settled soon after marriage on the present farm of fifty acres; he died in 1868; they had fourteen children, six of whom grew up-Elizabeth, Belle, Margaret, Sarah, Charlotte and Phoebe. The former married C. C. Barber; Sarah married William Roberts, farmer, Knox Co.; Charlotte married William Watkins. Mrs. Lyon has been an active member of the Old School Baptist Church. Her father, John, was born in Pennsylvania, and her mother in Virginia; they came to Ohio about 1816, and made their final settlement in Knox Co.; the father died in Delaware Co., in 1867, and the mother in 1861; they had nine children, seven of whom survive-Ruth, Eliza, William, Sarah, Mary A., Lewis and Elizabeth. Her father was an Old-School Baptist. Mrs. Lyon is pleasantly located on fifty acres of well improved land, the result of her own and husband's labors; in her early days. she shared the hardships of the old pioneers.
J. C. LEWIS, farmer; P. O., Marengo; was born Jan. 15, 1830, in Wales. He attended school in his younger days, and qualified himself to teach, which avocation he successfully followed for eleven years. He began at the age of nineteen. During this time he has saved from his small earnings $1,100, which he applied to the best advantage; he was married Dec. 29, 1859, to Harriet, a daughter of William and Philura (Smith) Brundige. Her father was a native of Ohio, and her mother of Pennsylvania; she was born Jan. 10, 1842, and, was one of four children - Almira, infant, deceased; Bennett and Harriet. Mr. J. C. Lewis settled on the present farm in the winter of 1860, buying first 128 acres; he has by frugality and careful management, added until he has 595 acres of finely improved land, obtained by hi,- own exertions, except $1,200 given him by his father, John Lewis. He has never sought office, but has been chosen by the people to serve as Township Trustee on the Board of Education; he was once a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Marengo, in which he has held the office of Steward; he votes the Democratic ticket; paid off a portion of the township draft. They had four children-Bryant B., Victoria P., William, died Aug., 4,1866; Mary, Dec. 29, 1871.
JAMES MEREDITH, was born Aug. 12, 1811, in Licking Co., Ohio; his school advantages were limited to those of the log-cabin school house; during his early life his time was occupied at home, assisting in clearing and other duties pertaining to the frontier settler's home. He took to himself a wife Nov. 13, 1833; she was Rachel, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Thomas) George, who were natives of Wales, and found a home in Pennsylvania when young. After marriage they emigrated to Ohio, he on foot and she on horse-back, bringing a feather bed the whole distance. They had nine children; the mother died in 1829. Mrs. Meredith was born May 14,1814, in Chester Tp. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Meredith settled on their present farm, containing now about 124 acres, passing through the hardships that only those of pioneer days comprehend. Mr. Meredith cast his first vote for Jackson, with a view to supporting Jacksonian principles, still belongs to the Democratic party. He has been Township Trustee, and both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. Three children have been born to them: William, Aug. 13, 1834; Henry G., June 1, 1837, and Mary, March 13, 1843. Henry G. was married March 7, 1867, to Minerva Ralston, who was born in June, 1849; they had five children, as follows: Addie, born May 30, 1868; Bryant, Aug. 25,1870; Charley, May 25,1872; Laura, Feb. 24,1874, and Emma, Jan. 5,1878. The
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mother died Jan. 29, 1878. H. G. Meredith enlisted in Co. G., 20 O.V.I., and re-enlisted in Co. C., 15 0. V. I.; he passed through many campaigns and hard-fought battles; was taken prisoner at Stone River, and confined in Castle Lightning and Libby Prison; in the latter place he was wounded by a piece of timber falling on him and breaking both hips while asleep, rendering him unable to move for two months; his term of service lasted for four years and thirteen days. Mrs. Jennett Layton, a sister of Mrs. James Meredith, makes her home with the latter. She was married in 1835 to Thomas Maxwell, and had seven children; he died Sept. 3,1852; she was again married to Joseph Layton; he died in 1857; by him she had one child.
THOMAS MEREDITH, farmer; P. O., Cardington; is a brother of John Meredith, of Chester Tp., and was born Nov. 30, 1813, in Licking Co., Ohio; his younger days were spent partly in the old log cabin, and partly on the farm Re was married in 1835, to Hannah, daughter of William and Mary Evans; her parents were born in Wales, and came to Chester Tp., this county, at an early day, and while there had quite a family of children; Eliza, May and Hannah only survive. Mrs. Meredith was born in 1816, in Knox Co.; they settled, after marriage, on his father's farm, and remained there five years, and then bought 100 acres, which is a part of the present farm, and built a log cabin thereon, and began clearing away the forest; he was prosperous, and has added to his purchase until he is in possession of 680 acres of well-improved land, which is the results of their own labors; he began early to deal in stock, and by this means he has obtained his fortune; he bought stock on commission for several years for Dr. Sylvester, Jacob Gurly and Smith Thomas; he afterwards purchased and sold for himself; he has been Township Trustee, and is now serving in the same capacity. His amiable wife is a member of the New School Baptist Church. Their union has given them nine children, six of whom are living-May A., married Minor Herrod, living in Logan Co. this State; Louisa, married L. Kelly; Priscilla, married Marcus Griffith, now in Moberly, Mo. and is rail-roading, Benjamin, merchant in Marengo; James, married Retha Brown, and lives with his father; Emma married John Vroom, artist at Moberly, Mo.; three deceased, Elizabeth, William M. and an infant unnamed. He has always been identified with the Democratic party.
R. C. METTLER, farmer; P. O., Marengo; is a brother of Reuben Mettler, whose sketch appears in Chester Tp., and was born Feb. 26, 1823, in Northumberland Co., Penn; he came to Knox Co. with his parents and several children, walking most of the way, with his head and feet bare. His school days were limited on account of poverty, and he early engaged in the rustic duties of the farm, and became very expert in grubbing and chopping. He was married April 15, 1847 to Lucy M. Bruce, a sister of Joel Bruce of Chester Tp.; she died July 8, 1850, leaving two children - William W., married to Samantha A. Hill, now living in Iowa; Mary E., deceased. Mr. Mettler was again married Feb. 6, 1851, to Martha, a daughter of Japheth and Charlotte 'West. She was born Feb. 28, 1830; they had the following children-two died while young; those living are-Zilpha J., Lucy A., Isaac N., David A., Ellis M. and Burton W. At the death of his first wife, he commenced carpentering, and has continued the same mostly since, and with good success. He bought 50 acres of the present farm of Lewis George, and 12 of Japheth West, and 50 of Win. Bartlett, making in all, 112 acres of well-improved land, the fruit of their industry. He has been Assessor and Trustee, each one term, and served in other offices. He and his wife ore members of the Disciples Church; he, since about 1848, and she since 1850. He cast his first vote as a Democrat, and still belongs to the party.
McWILLIAMS AND GUY, farmers; P. O., Cardington. Mr. McWilliams was born May 5, 1857; his father, Hugh, was born Jan. 6, 1824, and his mother, Mary Denney McWilliams, was born May 27, 1829, both in Knox Co. They had four children-Charles, born May 4, 1848; enlisted in Co. I, 142nd O. N. G., and died Jan. 15, 1861, at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia; Martha was born Nov. 12, 1851; Sarah L. was born Dec. 3, 1849, and died March 7, 1851. They were both Presbyterians. The McWilliams family were among the pioneers of Knox Co., the grandfather having settled there while the wild deer ran through the forest, and the howls of
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the wolf could be heard. Our subject, G. G. McWilliams, celebrated his wedding Dec. 10, 1879, with Marietta, a daughter of Thomas and Phoebe (Brown) West; she was born April 16, 1862. Mr. Henry C. Guy was born Feb. 28, 1848, in Washington Co., Penn.; he had but little advantage of education, on account of the early death of his father. Mr. J. S. Guy was born about the year 1820, in Penn. His mother, Mary J. (Rees) Guy, was born in 1827 in Virginia. In 1851 the parents came to Ohio, settling in Knox Co., where they bought 128 acres; here the father died April 19, 1862. The mother is still living in McLean Co., Ill. They had seven children-Eliza married W. H. Edwards; Margie married James M. Latham; Henry C., Anna. married William McHugh; Adaline married William Lafaver of Knox Co.; others unmarried (deceased). Henry Guy and Mr. McWilliams were married the same day; Mr. Guy to Miss Eva West, born Feb. 8, 1861, and Mr. McWilliams to her sister, attended by Rev. J. W. Wright, of the Baptist Church. Henry enlisted in Co. I, 142nd 0. N. G.; these two young wives are members of the Baptist Church. The boys bought 139 acres in the spring of 1880, of M. Warner, where they are now pleasantly located and are tilling the soil, in which they are successful, as are those who follow their calling and are attentive to it. They both vote the Republican ticket.
JOHN McCONICA, farmer; P. O., Marengo; was born Feb. 4, 1824. His father, James, was born about 1795, in Ireland, and when young engaged in weaving, and in 1811 came to New York, and thence to Trumbull Co., Ohio, and soon afterward enlisted in the war of 1812, in which he remained until the close, and then came to Delaware Co., Ohio, where he was engaged by the month; he was married in 1820, to Hannah, daughter of Ephraim and Elizabeth (Collins) Hubbell; she was born in 1804. They settled on the farm now owned by Jacob Long, of this township, and here the mother of our subject died in 1836; she was the mother of seven children - Benjamin, deceased; John, Elizabeth, Nancy, Alfred, Angeline and Hannah. The father then put the children out, among relatives, and repaired to Illinois, and lived a single and lonely life until 1870, when he died. Himself and wife were active members of the Methodist Church. John- learned tailoring and continued at the same for some time, and then clerked for awhile for G. N. Clark, at South Woodbury. He then merchandised at Galion for some time, under the firm name of Hubbell & McConica. He was married in 1851 to Refilla, a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Madden; she was born Feb. 27, 1830. They settled in Lincoln Tp., and during the same year he bought 84 acres of land of J. Wiseman; he has also 100 acres in Harmony Tp., upon which he resides. He had six children, two of whom are dead. The living are-Wilbert L., married Luella Gardner; Thomas H., Charles C.; Minnie M. married William Fulton. He has served a full share of township offices; is a member of Mt. Gilead Lodge, F. and A. M. Mr. McConica is the architect of his own fortune. He bought and traded stock for many years, in which he was successful, as all are who attend strictly to business. His brother Alfred studied medicine with Dr. I. H. Pennock, and attended the Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio.
ISAAC McCRACKEN, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; this enterprising farmer was born on the farm where he now resides; his father, Charles, was born in Pennsylvania, as was his mother, Jane (Agens). They emigrated here when young, and settled on the farm where Isaac now lives; here they reared ten children, four of whom survive -James, Isaac, Elizabeth and Deborah. The father died May 17, 1872, and the mother in 1848; the father was married a second time, the last wife being Ruth McVay, and had by her three children, two living-Wayne and Wellington; the parents were Old School Baptists. Isaac was married in 1849, to Mary Chilcoat, and had four children - Anna J., Wilbert, Benjamin and James; she died in 1863; he was again married in 1866, to Amena Sellers, daughter of Joseph Sellers; by her he had three children-Alice, George and William. He has 82 acres of well-improved land, obtained by his own exertions; has been Township Trustee, and votes the Democratic ticket. He is an intelligent and enterprising farmer, always encourages any county enterprise, and takes interest in the educational department of the county.
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JAMES McCRACKEN, farmer; P.O. Chesterville. Among the leading farmers of Harmony Tp., is James McCracken; he is a brother of Isaac, whose sketch appears elsewhere, and was born June 4, 1.826, on the present farm; he attended school some in his youth in the old pioneer cabin, and engaged in clearing away the forests; at the age of 18 he began learning the carpenters' trade, at which he remained for ten years. He was married Jan. 30, 1851, to Naomi, daughter of Henry and Mary (Thomas) George; she was born Aug. 31, 1829; they settled in an old log cabin on the present farm soon after marriage, and have remained on this farm ever since, having in their possession seventy-one acres of the old homestead, which is well-improved and finely adapted to stock-raising; they have two children-Uretha J., who is married, James and Milton. He has always been identified with the Democratic party, and has been chosen by that body to represent them in county conventions, and has also served as Township Trustee three terms; he paid a portion of money to clear off the township draft. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.
THOMAS H. POWELL, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the son of Daniel Powell, born in 1805, and Anna (Ayres) Powell, born in 1808, both in Pennsylvania. They were married in 1827 in Ohio, having emigrated to Welsh Hills at an early day, and made their final settlement in this township on what is now the residence of Aquilla Jarvis. He re the father died Dec. 24, 1866. The mother attended a fourth of July celebration at Mt. Gilead, and on the fifth of the month expired, in the year 1876 or 1877. They had seven children-Levi, Eliza J., Sally A., Maria, Thomas, Diana, Elizabeth M.; the parents were Baptists. Thomas was born July 31, 1838, in what is now Morrow Co., and was named for Rev. Thomas Powell, who gave him a horse and $25, He attended school some in his younger days, and worked for his father on his farm, and was married in 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of James and Matilda Gale. Her father was born in Maryland, and her mother in Pennsylvania, and they had eleven children, seven of whom survive - Frederick, Elizabeth, Mary, Abner, Amy A., John and Sarah E. Mrs. Powell was born Oct. 4, 1839, and she and her husband settled after marriage on a portion of his father's farm, and in 1870 he bought the hotel in Chesterville, and kept tavern for eighteen months, in which he was successful. Selling there, he came to the present farm in the spring of 1873. He has now 143 acres of finely improved land; was once Constable, and has been township Trustee. He and his wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church. He cast his first Presidential vote for Douglas, and has since been identified with the party. His union blessed him with eight children - Mary E., married William Fogle; Benjamin F., Eliza C., James A., Murray, Millie, Laura and Hannah.
ELDER PETER POWELL, minister; Marengo; was born Oct. 18,1804, in Fairfield Co., Ohio; his parents, Moses and Rebecca (Meredith) Powell, were natives of Virginia, and about the year 1800, emigrated to this State, locating in Fairfield Co. They had Dine children-Stephen, John, Aaron, Peter, Elizabeth, Prudence, Nancy, Isaac and Moses. The died in 1817 and the father in 1826; they mother were members of the Baptist Church. When Elder Powell was a boy, the opportunities for obtaining all education in Ohio were of the most meager and primitive kind; the country was an unbroken forest, the settlements were but few, and but recently made, and the little community that could boast of a log cabin school-house, was considered highly fortunate; but Mr. Powell made the most of his opportunities, and in the course of events, became a minister of the Gospel. May 3, 1827, he was married to Esther, a daughter of Elder Christian and Christina Coffman; her parents came from Virginia to Ohio in 1808, and become residents of Fairfield Co.; they were the parents of eight children, as followsAnna, deceased; Esther, Rebecca, Gideon, Rachel, Fannie, Joshua and Joel. The father was an Elder in the Baptist Church for over fifty years. Mrs. Powell was born March 29, 1809; after marriage they settled in Hocking Co., and engaged in farming. In 1832 they found a home on a farm in Trenton Tp., Delaware Co., and in 1834 moved to Lincoln Tp., now in this county, where they engaged in the nursery business, which proved a successful enterprise; in this a snug fortune was realized, a portion of which Mr. Powell distributed
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among his children. A few years ago he purchased twenty acres of land in Harmony Tp., where he now resides; he retired from the active duties of life, devoting, however, some of his time to the ministry which he entered in 1843. He now has two regular appointments, one in Westfield Tp., of this county, and the other in Harlem Tp., Delaware Co. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are the parents of six children-Ann, who married George Ulrey, they have two children-Esther B. and Sarah M.; John (whose biography appears in Lincoln Tp.); Rebecca, who became the wife of James S. Dunham, and has seven children - John B., Minerva J., Monroe H., Peter I ., Esther A., Amos M. and Minor B.; Isaiah, who married Elizabeth Long, nine children have been born to them, viz.-John O., William and Allen, deceased, Barton. Emily, Peter J., Manford P., deceased, Tilman and an infant not named; Maria J. married Eli Ulrey, to whom three children have been born-an infant deceased, Delbert D., and Lyman P.; the sixth of the family, Minerva married John W. Porter, they have had two children-Alice F., deceased, and an infant un-named. A party, consisting of Elder Powell' s paternal grandfather and a brother Robert, and the Elder's father, while crossing a ford of Cheat river (afterwards called Powell's ford), in West Virginia, were assailed by the Indians; the grandfather was shot, and his brother Robert was tortured to death by pine sticks being stuck into the flesh of his legs and set on fire. Mr. Powell's father, Moses, escaped.
JOHN RALSTON, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born Feb. 19, 1807, in Pennsylvania, and was married March 12, 1829, to Catharine, daughter of Alexander and Mary (Snyder) Hiddleson. Her parents were married in Belmont Co.; she was one of four children-Catharine, Agnes, Mary and Susan n ah. Mrs. Ralston was born March 15, 1809, in Pennsylvania; she and her husband settled soon after marriage, in Monroe Co., and moved thence to Muskingum Co., and remained there until 1833, when they settled on his present farm of 84 acres; they have improved the same from the green woods; they have had thirteen children-Louisa (deceased) Robert, married Sarah Biggs; Almeda, mar ried Reason Skinner; Alexander, married Sarah Wright; William (deceased), Isaiah, married Caroline Decker; Isabel, married Joseph Potts; Mary A., married Isaac Bockour; Phoebe, (deceased), Minerva, (deceased), Sylvester, married Clara Burk; Laura, married; Anna J., Moore and Silas. John's father Robert, was born Nov. 3, 1780, in Ireland; and his mother, Susannah (Winland) Ralston, was born in 1795, in the State of Delaware. They emigrated to Monroe Co., this State, in 1816, thence to Muskingum Co., 1833, afterward came to this county, where the father died, in 1863, and the mother, May 17, 1858. They were the parents of eight children-William, Jose h, John, Robert, Ann, Thomas, James and Elizabeth. The father was a member of the Disciples Church, and the mother of the New Light.
JOSEPH SELLERS, farmer; P. O. Cardington; was born July 19, 1819, in Pennsylvania, where he attended school. in an old log, school-house, and there learned the rudiments of "readin','ritin','rithmetic." He is a brother of Henry Sellers, whose sketch appears in the biographical pages of Chester Township. Joseph was married in 1841 to Elizabeth, a daughter of John and Mary Sayres. Both from New Jersey, and had six children-Elizabeth, Almira, Harriet, Hulda, Henry and Nancy. They rented of different parties, for many years after their marriage; and in 1853 he bought 128 acres where he now lives, and improved the same, and has added to it since, until he now possesses 358 acres of finely-improved land, adorned by one of the best houses in the township. His father gave him $600, and the remainder of his vast fortune is the product of his own labors; he has long been identified with the Democratic party. Their union gave them two children-Mary J. and Almeda S.
JOSEPH SHORT, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is a son of Adam and Mary (Miller) Short; his parents were born in Pa.; their children were-Elizabeth, married Thomas Scott; Mary married Jacob Sperrer; John, dead; Peter; Jacob married Lavina Maxwell; Joseph; Andrew married Mary Philips; George, deceased; Franklin married a Miss Sumplin; Adam married Marv Miller; Sarah. His parents were Catholics; Joseph was born June 10, 1811, in Pa.; he attended school but little, and at the age of 20 he went to Mary
716 - HARMONY TOWNSHIP.
land and engaged in working on a farm at $80 per year, and continued there five years; he then came to Knox Co., this State, and worked by the year at $100, and continued the same eleven years, and was married in 1841 to Phoebe, daughter of Benjamin and Phoebe Williams; her parents were natives of New York; she died in 1855, having three daughters, who have grown up to make his home happy; their names are-Laura J., Lydia L., Mary E.; their mother was an active member of the Methodist Church, in which faith she died, leaving them to fight the journey of life alone, and motherless; Mary E. also belongs to the M. E. Church; his wife's parents had twelve children, but two survive - Daniel and Ransom. Mr. Short settled on the present farm of 172 acres in 1865; it is finely improved, and is the fruit of his own labor and management, in which he has been nobly assisted by his amiable daughter; he takes interest in township enterprises, and votes the Republican ticket; he paid off a portion of the amount to clear this township's draft; his grandfather Short was in the Revolutionary war; Mr. Short has retired from hard labor, and is enjoying in luxury the proceeds of his early industry.
B. A. SELLERS, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; war born Feb. 3, 1851, and is a son of Henry Sellers, whose sketch appears in Chester Tp. He early began attending school, and became very proficient in his studies, which enabled him to teach school; this avocation he followed for three terms, and was considered the most successful pedagogue of the township. He was married Sept. 21, 1873, to Minerva A., daughter of Joel D. and Abigail (Lewis) Bruce; she was born March 2, 1855. They settled after marriage on the present farm of 84 acres, owned by his father, and has since remained here. Has been prominently identified with the Democratic party, and by that organization was chosen Township Clerk for the year of 1880. He makes a specialty of Poland-China bogs. His wife is a member of the Old School Baptist Church.
ELMER THOMAS, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born June 16, 1852, in Morrow Co., and is the son of Benjamin and Marilla (Westbrook) Thomas; their children were - Wilber, Martin, Elmer and John. Elmer remained at home with his parents until he married, which event occurred Dec. 21, 1876, to Esther, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Wolf) Sellers. Mrs. Thomas was born in July, 1848; she and her husband lived for a short time on the farm of J. C. Swetland, and then rented near Lucerne, Knox Co., transferring from there to Abram Dicker's farm, in Chester Tp. In 1880, he bought fifty acres, being his present farm, and he has improved the same. They had one child-Nora B., born Nov. 25,1877, died Sept. 9, 1878. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church; he votes the Democratic ticket. Mr. Thomas is the architect of his own fortune, and is an industrious and enterprising farmer.
SILAS 0. ULREY, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born April 18, 1838, in this county; his father, Jacob, was born in 1797, and his mother, Christina Alender, in 1800, and were natives of Pennsylvania; they emigrated to Ohio at an early day. They had seven children-Demas, Davis, John A., Lucinda, Elizabeth, Silas and J. W. The father died June 4, 1870, and the mother April 6, 1880; they were Baptists. Silas obtained good common school education and engaged for many terms in teaching school, in which he was successful, proving himself prepared to master all undertakings. He also worked at Ambrotyping for eight months, with V. B. Bean; was married Jan. 14, 1861, to Millie, a daughter of Henry and Jane Letherman Allen, of Kentucky. They have six children -Christina married Lewis C. Healea; Mary, Ida 0., Margaret M., Keturah and August. His wife was born about the year 1832. They settled for awhile after marriage in Kentucky, and Dec., 1869, they came to the place of his nativity, and engaged in farming for his father, who owned 84 acres, which he willed to his four sons 'ere his death. Silas 0. has bought one share and now owns 42 acres of the old homestead, which is fine tillable land. He has faithfully served this township as Clerk nine years, and is Land Appraiser for 1880. He votes the Democratic ticket.
JOSEPH ULREY, farmer; P. O., Sparta. This old pioneer was born March 15, 1802, in Pa.; his father, John, and mother, Elizabeth, (Arnold) Ulrey, were also natives of Pa., and had ten children: Stephen, John, David, Daniel, George, Jacob, Joseph, Agnes, Eliza
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 717
beth and Polly. Our subject attended school some little in his younger days, he also learned to weave, and followed the sues, for many years; was married 1827 to Sarah, daughter of George and Eleanor (Roberson) Hupp; her parents had seven children-Maria. Margaret, Sarah, Ann, Clarissa, Clarinda and George. She was born Sept., 1809. She and Joseph settled in Pa. until 1834, when they came to Ohio, and settled in Harmony Tp., and have improved quite an amount of land; he now has 205 acres of well improved land, the fruit of their own labors. They had, eleven children that grew up: George, Harrison; John, was killed May 13, 1872, by the falling of a beam while raising a barn; was, married to Jane Waltman and had four children: Stephen, Della, Effie and Lily; Maria, Joseph, Ellen, Caroline, Clara, Eli, Freeman and Stephen; the latter married Jane Evans, now deceased; they had one child, Charlie. - Joseph and wife are active members of the Baptist church, with which he has been identified for forty years. He votes the Democratic ticket, and is an intelligent, industrious man; takes interest in educating his children.
E. L. WINTERMUTE,. farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the son, of Abram S., born Feb. 20, 1807, in Sussex Co., N. J.; he attended school in an old log cabin, and worked on the farm, and was married in 1834, to Ellen Lanning. They have two children - Edward L., born April 1.4,1836, and George W., born Aug. 17, 1841; an infant died Feb. 7, 1875; and he was again married in 1876, to Elizabeth Lanning, daughter of Peter I. and Ann (Washer) Struble. She was married in 1844 to Richard Lanning, and had six children (one unnamed)-Delphina, Mary, Electa, Emma and Sylvester. Her first husband died Feb. 10, 1871. The father of our subject settled on the farm, where he now resides, in 1841, buying 40 acres of Mr. Thrailkill; he now owns 81 acres of well-improved land, obtained by his own, labor and energy; he could not borrow $2.50 with which to pay his tax, and he sold clover seed to meet this expense. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Wintermute was married in 1859 to Martha, a daughter of John and Rebecca (Donnelson) Bennett. Her parents are natives of Perry County, and had six children-Malinda, Isaac, Martha A., Samuel H., Mary E. and John L. She was born Oct. 30,1840, and has four children-Abram, born Nov. 5, 1860; Mary E., April 25, 1864; John D., July 23, 1866; Alice R., Aug. 7, 1876 They are also members of the Old School Baptist Church. E. L. settled on his present farm in 1879. They vote the Democratic ticket