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AARON BENEDICT, farmer; P. O. Bennington, is the second son of William Ben edict, who came from Peru Tp., Essex Co., New York, and settled in Peru Tp., (then Delaware Co.) in 1812. Aaron was born in the year 1817, and was one of the first persons born in Peru Tp. He has twice been married, his first wife being Caroline Dague, his second, Louisa M. Meeker. The children by the first marriage, are as follows: Adessa, Linton, Margaret Jane, (Wyman deceased), Direxa, Lester P., William, Frederick, and Addison, deceased. By the last marriage there is but one child Preston Benedict. By occupation Mr. Benedict is a farmer, uniting many and varied characteristics. For fifteen years he has applied himself assiduously to the propagation of bees, especially the Italian bee, queens of which variety he has sent to all parts of the Union, and was the first party who was able to send !an Italian queen to the Sandwich Islands alive and in good condition. He has a particular penchant for the breeding and rearing of wild animals and fowls, especially the American wild turkey, and at the date of this writing, there is in his hands an order from California for a pair of these fowls, to be shipped thence. As a woodsman, Aaron has always been considered in the foremost rank, and recognized by his associates as the most expert of hunters, possessing in an eminent degree, even from boyhood, a knowledge of the habits of the game which he sought to capture. He is a member of the Society of Friends, the oldest church organization in the township.
THEODORE K. BENEDICT, farmer; P. O. Bennington. Theodore, as were his ancestors, is a member of the Society of Friends; a man of modern ideas and notions of reform; a farmer by preference, and strongly attached to his business; he is sparing neither pains nor expense in rendering his home pleasant and attractive; he is a cattle dealer and breeder, and enjoys the business more than any other branch of stock raising; he cultivates music in his household, discourses on the questions of public policy, and allows himself a wider range for reflection than has hitherto usually been accorded to, or by, the society of which he is a member. He is a good, reliable, intelligent, and hospitable citizen a business man and useful citizen who lives in the enjoyment of his family. His parents were Ezra Benedict, born in the State of New York, June 21, 1803, and Miss Ruth Gridley, born in Saratoga, Saratoga Co., New York, July 3, 1807, and were married Oct. 4, 1827, in Peru Tp. Theodore was born June 6, 1835, in Lincoln Tp., Morrow Co. His wife, Susan H. King, was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, June 27, 1837, and on the 18th day of November, 1856, they became man and wife. Mrs. Benedict's parents were the Rev. Win. King, and Mary Ann Eastwood, of Columbus, Mr. King being a resident of Franklinton. Theodore's family is as follows: Ruth Millicent, born Aug. 25,1858; George, Dylwin, Aug. 1, 1860, and died Aug. 30, 1865; William H., born March 28, 1863; Mary Lillian, Nov. 2, 1866; Reuben G., Sept. 29, 1870.
W. W. COOMER, farmer; P. O. Ashley. In the State of Rhode Island, Benjamin Coomer took his first peep at the light of day, in the year 1747; passed through the revolutionary war, and having attained his three score and ten, died Oct. 26, 18174 in Niagara Co., N. Y. Benjamin Coomer, Jr., was born in the State of Mass, on the 22d day of March, 1783. His wife was Annie Wood, born in Bennington Co., Vt., May 11, 1789. They were joined in wedlock, Jan. 13 1805, and for two-thirds of a century they met and battled with the cares and woes incident to life. Their family, like many of the pioneer families, was large, as will be seen by the following record : Ira W., born Nov. 2, 1805, died March 1, 1865; J. G., born May 8. 1808; Anson H., born June 26, 1810, died Sept. 18, 1819; Seymour C., born July 4, 1812; M. M., Jan. 13, 1814; Julia, April 24, 1817; Rachel, Dec. 14, 1820; Cynthia, born Nov. 18, 1823,
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died Nov 28,1824; Charles B., born April, 29, 1825, Wilson W., June 25,1827; Stephen L., Jan. 29, 1831, died Dec. 6, 1834; the subject of this biography, who is Wilson W. Coomer, the proprietor of Hickory Grove Farm, born in Niagara Co., N. Y., June 25, 1827, was one year old when his parents came to Ohio in 1828. His wife, Lucinda McClish, was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, on the 24th day of December, 1829, and their marriage occurred March 13, 1850. Their first-born, Benjamin Third, dates April 4, 1853, died Feb. 2, 1875; Amy, born Oct. 18, 1856; Alexander, July 5, 1858; George S., March 31, 1863. Although, by occupation, Mr. Coomer is a farmer, yet he is a man possessed of rare mechanical genius, and might have played the role of master mechanic. He enters upon this part of farm economy with zeal and a constant hope of reward, and has devoted some attention to the mysteries of Spiritualism. He has paid much attention to relics of the past ages, and his cabinet now contains a stone hammer, a hatchet, a stone pestle; shuttles, one of which bears the appearance of petrified wood, the grains of wood being distinctly visible; darts and such like of more than ordinary interest.
WILLIAM COOMER, farmer and carpenter; P.O. Ashley. Benjamin Coomer was born in the State of New York and came to Ohio in 1820. His son Ira was born in the year 1806, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. In the year 1829, he led to the altar Mary Ann Houston, daughter of one Thomas Houston, a pioneer emigrant from the State of Delaware, and who settled near the present site of the village of Ashley. The subject of this sketch, Mr. William Coomer, son of Ira and Mary Ann Coomer, was born Sept. 13, 1830 ; his wife, Barbara Place, was born Jan. 15, 1838. They were married the 21st day of May, 1853, the Rev. Mr. Nickey officiating. Sept. 28, 1855, Elmore, their first son, was born; Ira, their second son, was born April 19, 1858 ; Lenora, born Feb. 21, 1860 ; Irena, born May 16, 1862; Emma J., born April 5, 1865 ; Frederick, May 5, 1867, and Wellington, April 10, 1874. Mr. William Coomer is a carpenter and joiner, practical and competent. At present, however, he has turned his attention to farming, and is rapidly developing the productive, qualities of the rich, alluvial deposit, of which his farm is composed. Like most intelligent farmers, he has learned that the raising of stock is most compensating to the husbandman.
DAILEY BROTHERS, carpenters; P. O., Ashley. The father of Edward Francis and John Dailey his brother, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1824, and came to America in 1842; in 1852, he married Susan Rountry, of the city of Taunton, Mass.; she was born in 1832. Edward Francis Dailey was born Sept. 6, 1854; his brother, John Dailey, Dec. 11, 1855. The history of the Dailey brothers is nearly identical. By handicraft they are mechanics of a high order, and this seems almost wholly the sport of nature, as neither ever learned a trade or served an apprenticeship, but were naturally possessed of that genius that enabled them to calculate correctly, and handle tools with precision and certainty.
REUBEN B. GARDNER, farmer; P. O. Bennington; grand-son of John Gardner, who was born Aug. 5, 1759, in Scotland, was a soldier under Lord Cornwallis, and surrendered by him Oct. 19, 1781. Settled in the District of Columbia; in 1800 came to Zanesville, Ohio, thence to Delaware in 1812, or what is now Morrow Co., Ohio, purchasing the lands of one Munson, one of the very earliest settlers in Peru. His son, Robert Gardner, who was born Nov. 20, 1792, in the city of Washington, D. C., emigrated with his father to the Buckeye State, and in 1816, July 1st, married Polly Benedict, who was born in the State of New York, June 11, 798. They had the following children: Nelson, born Aug. 9th, 1817; Sarah, Feb. 23, 1819; Reuben, June 18, 1820; Anna, March 23, 1822; Rebecca, Sept. 4, 1823; Phebe J., March 22, 1825; James, born. Nov. 23, 1826, and died same year. Hannah C., born Nov. 15, 1833. December 8th, 1853, the nuptials of Reuben Gardner and Hannah O. Wilson were celebrated by the Rev. Win. King. Hannah's birthday occurred Sept. 3, 1831; she was therefore over 10 years his junior. Their family names are-Alice Eugenia, born Aug. 3 1854, and died Oct. 24. 1878: Albert Nelson, born Feb. 4, 1859; Eva Bell, May 10, 1863; Nevada Alaska, Oct. 4, 1870. Cora Alaska, his grand-child, and whose home is with her grand-father Reuben, was born
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May 8, 1875. On the 18th day of Feb., 1866, Eva Bell died, making two deaths, that have occurred in Reuben's family. By occupation Reuben Gardner is a farmer, but largely engaged in stock-raising, the buying and selling of stock, etc. He has held the office of Township Trustee for 12 years, Trustee of Church and Parsonage, School Director for 20 years, Treasurer of the Odd Fellows Society for 3 years, with numerous other trusts. In religious opinions he is of the Methodist Episcopal caste. A member of that church. In his agricultural purposes, sheep husbandry forms his strongest bias, and that of cattle his next, and one thing must always be observable with regard to him, and that is his remarkable power to remember names and dates.
SAMUEL HEVERLO, farmer; P. O. Ashley; was a Marylander, born April 8, 1785; came to Pickaway Co. in 1799, and to Delaware Co. in 1805, where he married Mary Smith in 1817. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and located land by the warrant which he obtained from the government. His death occurred Nov. 30, 1836. Samuel, his first child, was born Sept. 25, 1818; Ann was born Dec. 6, 1820; Almira, July 8, 1824; Harriet, June 22, 1829; Smith, June 20, 1832; William, July 1, 1834. When Samuel Heverlo was born in Berlin Tp., Delaware Co., Sept. 25, 1818, it was the blockhouse era, and when the Byxbes, of Berkshire, and the Cellars, of Liberty, were the nearest neighbors, the red man excepted. When six years old his parents settled in Peru Tp., where now is the village of West Liberty. Aug. 29,1848, he married Roxanna R. Grant , who was born June 22, 1831; commencing operations as a farm laborer, he applied his earnings to the purchase of land, and after some changes of real estate, settled down on what is now Longview Farm, selected for the many facilities which it afforded for the management of cattle and sheep. The principles of finance have been correctly shown in transforming the forest to a field, and pasture to gold. He has patiently and unremittingly labored, and sold stock and laid by for the evil day, should it ever come. In sheep raising he has overtaken and passed many who had considered themselves established in the business; in conj unction with his own efforts, be is nobly seconded by his son Clarence Heverlo and Isaac Heinlen, who have brought sheep raising to a high standard, both in size and quality, and made Longview Farm one of Peru's business centers. He has but two children, Clarence F., born Feb. 28, 1852, and Cora G., Oct. 28, 1861.
GEORGE S. HARRISON, farmer; P. O. Pagetown; born Oct. 2, 1825, in the State of New Jersey, and is the son of Aaron R. and Mary (Condit) Harrison. George's wife was Eliza Ann Hunt, born June 26, 1826, in Ohio; she was the daughter of a Presbyterian clergyman, who received his education at the oldest college in the State, and after graduating, became a Professor in the same college. George's family consists of five children, as follows: Mary Sophia, Emma Dell, George Elwood, Zenas Albert, deceased, and Luella. His two oldest daughters both married the same day, one marrying Dr. Ballard, the other Mr. I. N. Cox, a merchant. The children were born as follows: Mary Sophia, born Sept. 25, 1849; Emma Dell, Oct. 25, 1851; George Elwood, Oct. 18,1857; Zenas Albert, May 23, 1860, and died Sept. 3, 1861; Luella, born Oct. 24, 1862. Long prior to the formation of Morrow Co., the Harrison family were settled where the sons now reside, owning nearly eleven hundred acres of land. The family history on Mr.Harrison's side is connected with the early settlement of the State, near Athens, Ohio, whilst Mrs. Harrison traces down through the lapse of time, connecting with Miles Standish and the Mayflower. In education George has patronized the Lebanon school, and has at this time a son in attendance there. The family library and cabinet are of an order seldom met with among farmers; in the cabinet are specimens of the stone age and aboriginal ingenuity rarely met with in more pretentious collections; specimens evineing a much higher attainment in the use of tools than is usually accorded to the age in which they are supposed to have been made; rare stones from different states and countries, mosses, lichens, petrified specimens, and among the many things, a cross made of olive-wood taken from a tree which grew on Mt. Olivet, near Jerusalem, the name of the historic city being on it; also a rare specimen from Lookout Mountain. In George's family resides the relict of the Rev. Mr. Hunt, de
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ceased, her mother being a sister of President Whelock. By occupation George S. Harrison is a farmer, but associates many of the comforts of city life with this mode of living. The family are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and live up to the privileges and Christian duties which that respectable denomination permits and enjoins. As a farmer, Mr. Harrison directs his energies and efforts more especially to sheep-husbandry, although, like the practical farmer, he includes all departments of stock usually embraced within the nge of farming. Since his marriage, which occurred Oct. 25, 1848, Mr. Harrison has resided in Morrow Co.
JESSE S. HARKNESS, teacher, Bennington was born in Cheshire Co., N. H.. July 27, 1813, and Sept. 21, 1841, married Cynthia H. Tabor, of Bedford, Canada East, who on the 14th day of Jan., 1818, was born in Addison Co., Vermont. In the fall of 1842 they arrived in that part of Marion Co., now included in Morrow, and for six ensuing months taught school to-ether in the house of Samuel Peasley. In the spring of 1842 moved to Aden Benedict's house, teaching meanwhile in the old brick church belonging to the Society of Friends, which stood near by. In 1844' they began the erection of the present college building, which was not completed and occupied until in 1845, when it was dedicated under the name of Hespermount Seminary. The school first opened in connection with the district school, and under the most favorable auspices, the scholars from the district attending, and the funds from the state being applied therefor, and one week was the longest vacation which occurred for twenty years, making an average of four terms per annum. In consequence of ill health, Mr. Harkness was forced to discontinue the school for five years, since which but three terms per annum have been held. For many years the average attendance was from 40 to 75 scholars, and the real maximum was an attendance of 109 scholars. It has been of inestimable value to the citizens in the immediate vicinity and surrounding country. The school will be treated in its appropriate place in the history of the township. It has been a source of profit to the originators. Being from 'New Hampshire, Mr. Harkness of course would have his marked New England proclivities, and very naturally turned his attention to the importation of the so-called Vermont fine sheep, and their introduction into Morrow Co., and to him is mainly due much of the improvement see n in the country in sheep husbandry. He was the first to introduce steam as a motor into Peru Tp., and which he for three years employed in the manufacture of spokes and hubs, for wagons and carriages. He also completed wagons and carriages for sale Jesse S. Harkness has never had any children of his own, yet with true magnanimity, he has reared and educated many poor and indigent children, and in many cases has admitted such to the privileges of the seminary, free. The children thus cared for embrace all ages, from twenty months to thirteen years of age. And thus the advantages of home, parents, Christian training and education, have inured to these unfortunates through this individual instrumentality. He is a member of the Quaker Society, and a man of advanced ideas, but in educational matters, or matters of finance and sound political economy, he is somewhat radical. Hespermount Seminary lies about one mile south of the village of South Woodburg, and the Ashley and Marengo Road.
JONATHAN JENKENS, farmer and stockdealer, P. O., Ashley. Jonathan's father was Martin Jenkens, born in Culpeper Co., Va., in 1796. His wife, Mary M. Brown, was a native of the same county, and born March 4, 1800. They were married in 1835. Their son Jonathan was born Oct. 19, 1842, in Delaware Co., Ohio. His wife, Josephine Salome Grant, was born Feb. 13, 1852, in Delaware Co., Ohio. They have but one child-Horace Montfort Jenkens, born Sept. 8, 1874. By occupation Jonathan Jenkens is a farmer, stockdealer and shipper of the different stocks in the market-the only recognized dealer in the township who ships stock, and by his indefatigable energy, and constant application to this business, he is known to all as an unselfish and accommodating business man. Mrs. Jenkens' parents were Horace Grant, born Aug. 25, 1826, and his wife, Delilah Dunham, a few years his Junior.
SAMUEL LEVERING, farmer; P. O. Ashley; the grandfather of Samuel Levering was Griffith Levering, a ship carpenter in Philadelphia; his grandmother was Hannah
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Griscom. His son, Thomas Levering, was born in Philadelphia in 1781, and Thomas' wife, Rachel Ann Schofield, was born in North Carolina, in 1798; their marriage occurred in December, 1814, after which they resided in Washington City, D. C., engaged in the grocery business. In 1832 Thomas came to Ohio, and located on lands purchased from Jacob Van Deventer (a still earlier pioneer), near the site of West Liberty. The same year Thomas purchased five quarter sections, whose titles bore the signature of General Andrew Jackson. In 1839 he again went east, locating in Cecil Co., Md., until 1847, when he again came to Ohio. Thomas Levering had two sons, Griffith and Samuel. Griffith born Aug. 10, 1818; Samuel born Sept. 22, 1828, in the City of Brotherly Love. Samuel, the subject of this sketch, settled on what was known as the Joseph Keane farm, in 1850, and the next year made additional purchases. On the 20th of Nov., 1852, he married Miss Ada R. Hathaway, born Jan. 13, 1830, near Milan, Erie Co., Ohio. Samuel has the following children-Rachel Ella, Thomas Henry, a teacher in the Industrial Boarding School, Wyandotte Mission, Indian Territory; Mary Alice, Clara Maria, Laura Letitia, Susanna Matilda, Jennie Eva, Fanny Esther, Ralph Griffith and George Canby. Rachel Ella is the Principal in Alum Creek Academy. In 1856 Samuel erected the stately family mansion he now occupies, he himself being a carpenter by trade. He is an extensive farmer and stock breeder, especially of fine Durham cattle and fine wooled sheep, the latter of which he handles in large quantities. He has paid unusual attention to family education, several members of his family being graduates. He also, in connection with Dr. Townsend, has erected and put into successful operation Alum Creek Academy, which, however, will be treated of in the history of the township at large. He has bestowed great care and expense in beautifying his grounds and surroundings, rendering Sunny Slope, (the name of his home) one of the most attractive in the country. He is a devoted member of the Society of Friends, a church organization which has existed in his locality from the earliest settlement.
HARRY EATON LONGWELL, farmer; P. O., Ashley; represents the Longwell, the Eaton and Potter families. Ralph Longwell, his grandfather, a soldier of the war of 1812, emigrated from Kentucky shortly after the war. His grandfather, Joseph Eaton, (who was son of Isaac Eaton, who was son of David Eaton, who was son of John Eaton, who was son of Joseph Eaton, who was son of John Eaton, who came from Wales in 1686), was born in Newark, Delaware, Oct. 20, 1798; came to Ohio in the earlier settlement, and finally to Delaware Co., and on the 20th day of June 1824, was married to Ursula Potter, daughter of Asahel Potter, who came from Connecticut to Lancaster, Ohio, thence to Franklin Co., Ohio, and finally to Delaware Co., in 1821, dying at Leonardsburg, March 10, 1869, at the ripe old age of 93 years. His wife, Anne Benton, was a native of Litchfield, Conn. Doctor Albert Longwell was the son of Ralph Longwell; his wife, Cordelia G. Eaton, daughter of Joseph Eaton, was born June 12, 1836. Fernando Cortez Eaton, brother of Mrs. Longwell, who was born April 11, 1830, was drowned at Stratford, in Delaware Co., June 17, 1851. Dr. Albert Longwell was a practicing physician in the city of Delaware, and during the civil war was appointed surgeon of the 88th Regt. O. V. I., and Post Surgeon at Camp Chase; he died after a very brief illness, on the 19th day of March, 1865, and in four days was followed by his devoted wife. Their marriage occurred Feb. 22, 1859. They had two children, viz : Charlie Eaton Longwell, born Nov. 23, 1860, and Harry Eaton Longwell, born April 3, 1862, who is the landlord of Fairview farm. Deprived of his cultured and intelligent parents, almost ere he bad learned to lisp their names, be was doomed to meet life's cares and responsibilities almost unaided and alone. He enters into the breeding and handling of horses and fine sheep, with an ability betoken ing a more advanced age. His attention is being directed to the handling of sheep as a farm stock, and to this every energy is being directed.
McDONALD BROTHERS, farmers; P. O., Ashley; the brothers, John F. and Charles S., are the sons of Lawrence McDonald, whose birth occurred Oct. 3,1825, in County Carlo, Ireland; he was two years of age when he arrived in America, and for six years was a resident of New York State, and the remainder
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of his life a resident of Ohio, locating where he now resides, in 1845. The 13th day of Oct., 1850, Phoebe A. Morehouse, who was born in Peru Tp., and whose birthday was Nov. 2, 1830, united her fortunes with Lawrence McDonald in marriage. In addition to these (the parents) the family consists of the following members, viz.: the brothers, John F., born July 7th, 1851, and Charles S., May 7th, 1853; Emma C., Feb. 1, 1855; Alice M., March 11, 1857; Clara T., Jan. 1, 1839; Rosa E., March 28,1861. The brothers, whose interests are thus identified, are farmers by pursuit, practical and energetic, and of that class who, by close and constant application to their profession, can confidently expect to thrive. Family education has been well maintained, and Clara T. and Rosa E. are teachers of more than ordinary reputation and qualifications; the brothers naturally incline to the rearing of sheep and fine horses, and enjoy a location affording fine facilities for both departments of business, situated at the junction of two roads, on high, commanding grounds. Avondale (the name of his home) naturally blends with many pleasant surroundings.
MOREHOUSE BROTHERS, farmers; P. O., Ashley. In 1830, Stephen Morehouse, who was born in Essex Co., N. J., left the scenes of the Revolutionary past, and came to Ohio. He had seven sons, and four daughters. The sons were-James, Caleb, Daniel, and Stephen Jr., Charles, William and Abraham. The daughters were-Maria, Eliza, Abigail and Julia. Elizabeth Steinbeck joined hands with Stephen for better or worse, and was the mother of the eleven children above named. Stephens birth occurred in 1771, and his death in 1855. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in 1775, and died in 1868, being nearly ninety-four years old. Daniel Morehouse was born Sept. 2, 1799, in Essex Co., N. J., and came to Ohio in 1830. July 1, 1820, in the city of New York, he married Mary Force, who is the mother of the following children to wit: Albert, born July 10, 1821, died March 27, 1828. Sylvester F., born March 27,1825. Catharine E., July 12, 1827. Isabella R., Aug. 23, 1829. Susan C., Dec. 3, 1834. Alfred, Nov. 1, 1838. William F., Nov. 14, 1841. On the 18th day of February, Mary, the wife of Daniel Morehouse died, in her seventy-sixth year. Alfred Morehouse, born Nov. 1, 1838, married Margaret Chadwick, whose birth occurred June 23, 1836, and their marriage Aug. 6, 1858. The children are Estelle, born June 19, 1859, Daniel S., born March 1, 1861, and died Oct. 20, 1865; Albert S., born Feb. 17, 1869. Alfred Morehouse is a carpenter, but by present occupation is a farmer, and, like most farmers of eastern antecedents, strongly and devotedly attached to the rearing and management of horses, but deals in all the usual appointments of farm stock. Alfred Morehouse served two years in the war of the Rebellion. On the 13th day of August, 1862, was in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and was wounded Sept. 20, 1863, in the celebrated battle of Chickamauga, was disabled thereby, and discharged in consequence. The other brother, William Francis Morehouse, was born Nov. 14, 1841, in Delaware Co., Ohio (now Morrow Co.,), and on the 16th day of April, 1863, married Mary Jane Riley who was born Aug. 16, 1837. Their nuptials were celebrated by the Rev. Mr. Frye. William Francis has but one child, a son, Francis E., born June 1, 1876 William F. Morehouse is also a farmer, and general stock-raiser, with horses as a specialty. The brothers move much together in a business way' and both reside in the immediate vicinity, and contiguous to each other; they are the representatives of a once numerous, but now nearly extinct, family, as regards name.
MARCUS PHILLIPS, farmer; P. O. Pagetown. The parents of Marcus Phillips were Asa Phillips and Rhoda Hazleton, both of Essex Co., Mass. Marcus Phillips, Esq. was born in Windham Co., Vt., January 16, 1806; in 1817 Marcus' parents settled in Erie Co., N. Y. Marcus is one of a family of nine children, consisting of four sons and five daughters. In 1832, the he 11th day of October, Marcus married Asenath Herrick, of Ontario Co., N.Y.; and in April, 1834, removed to Medina Co., Ohio. The following children were born: Alvan C. Phillips, born February 14, 1836; Joseph H., Nov. 30,1837; Mary Emma and Mary Etta (twins) Jan. 1842. Sept. 26, 1846, Mrs. Asenath Phillips died; and on the 29th day of Dec. 1847, Marcus again. married. His wife (Miss Fidelia Potter) was descended from one of the earliest pioneer families and was born May
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12, 1818, in Franklin Co., Ohio. By the second marriage there were born Francis Preston Phillips, March 18, 1850; and Charles Sumner Phillips, April 15, 1856. In 1837, Squire Phillips settled in Peru Tp.; although a farmer by profession, he has held the office of Commissioner for three terms, of Magistrate for twelve years, and Notary Public for nearly nine years; has been a member of the M. E. Church for four years and of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for thirty two years, and Recording Steward of the same for thirty years. As early as 1828, Marcus came to Columbus, and remained for some time, with Doctor Horton Howard of that place, after which he returned to the State of New York. Now in his 75th year he is again removing and purposes locating in Bennington Tp., in the same county.
STEPHEN F. RANDOLPH, farmer; P. O., Ashley. James F. Randolph, Stephen's father, was born at Rahway, N. J., and married Catharine Baker, in 1794, and in 1818 came to Ohio. He had a family of nine children; six sons and three daughters. Cornelius, the eldest son, was born in New Jersey, Susan, Rebecca, Nathan; Mahala, the third daughter, died at the age of 33 years; a lady of unusual attainments; Stephen F., born 1809; James F., a prominent physician, having practiced in the same locality for forty years, is still hale and vigorous; John F., now of Missouri; Gen. Hiram F., now of Iowa. He was a Major of militia prior to the Rebellion, and a Brigadier-General in the civil war. In 1841 Stephen F. married Charity Brown, by whom he has one daughter living, viz.: Mary Catharine. In 1848, Charity, his first wife died. In 1851 Stephen F. again married, his wife being Elizabeth Freeman; four sons are the result of this marriage, viz.: William, Dayton, Dwight and Clarke. In many enterprises Stephen has taken an unselfish and prominent stand. As early as 1836 he purchased a fine thorough-bred of the bovine race, in the city of New York and brought him to Ohio; and to him is due the first attempt at the improvement of the stock of the country. In 1839 and 1840 be, in company with his brothers John F., Hiram F. and Goo. Taylor, erected a fine merchant and custom flouring-mill in Peru Tp. The whole business soon passed into the bands of Stephen F., and so remained until the destruction of the property by incendiaries, the night of Sept. 17, 1874. The mill, with $1000 worth of grain, fell a prey to the devouring element. Mr. Randolph is by nature a public man, and always has been since the days of his youth, when, as a stonecutter he was known for ten years as a close and attentive mechanic and business man. He figures in the Township History, which will be noted in its proper connection. His farm is called the Sulphur Spring Farm.
JOSEPH D. RILEY, farmer; P. O., Ashley, ley. This gentleman's genealogy runs thus: Dr. Joseph Riley (the first) was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Jan. 30, 1782; and his wife, Mary Smith, was born in the same county and state, May 20, 1782. Their nuptials were celebrated Oct. 18, 1806, and, in 1814, they emigrated to Ohio. The family was one of those hardy pioneer families, and consisted of, besides parents, Elizabeth, born Sept. 24, 1807; Mary Jane, Jan. 26, 1810; William Smith, May 28,1814. The foregoing were born in Pennsylvania: Ezra, born Sept. 22, 1816; Henry, June 1, 1819; Joseph D., (second) Jan. 5, 1822; Alexander, the youngest son, deceased. Again, on the 3d day of October, 1833, William Smith Riley married Eleanor Welch, daughter of Dr. David Welch, and his family chronology stands thus: Mary Jane, born Aug. 16,1837; Elizabeth, Aug. 23, 1840; Louisa, Nov. 7, 1842; William A., May 16, 1845; Joseph D., (third) June 23, 1848; Mattie E., Feb. 9,1851; Rose T., June 16, 1854; again, on the 28th day of May, 1872, Joseph D. Riley (third) married Almaretta Welch, whose birthday occurred May 28, 1854. He is the third who bears the name in a tribal history commencing long prior to the adoption of the Constitution of the United States; yet he has none of his own to bear his name; he does have the attributes of his race which will still hand his name on down through the unborn ages. Like a true born Cincinnatus, he stepped between the handles of the plow and dubbed himself a farmer; he has also taken upon himself the role of a stock raiser, and stands, high above the average in raising good horses and sheep of a fine quality. He occupies the ancient homestead of Joseph (first), and from
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his doorstep reins the stately Percheron, in strange contrast with the sorrels of his forefathers. Honest in his intentions, modern in his views, unexcited by outside issues, be takes steady and constant steps on the highway to progress, bard by the stream, where, in childhood years (like Webster), he was wont to play.
JOSEPH RILEY, Jr., farmer; P. O., Ashley; is the son of Dr. Joseph Riley, who was born in Bucks Co., Penn., Jan. 30, 1872, and Oct. 18, 1806, married Mary Smith, who was born in Northumberland Co., in the town of Milton, May 20, 1782. In 1814 Dr. Riley removed to Ohio. Joseph Riley Jr., was born Jan. 5, 1822, in Marion Co., Ohio, and Sept. 1, 1853, married Lucy L. Slawson, who was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., in 1834. The children by this marriage are-George H., born Oct. 1, 1854; Mary A., March 28, 1856; Arthur, Dec. 13, 1857; March 26, 1859. Mrs Lucy L. Riley died, and Oct. 4, 1863, Mr. Riley married Eveline C. Johnson, who was born Aug. 4,1833, in Highland Co., Va. Her father was Adam Johnson; her mother's maiden name was Sarah Haslett. Both were natives of Highland Co., Va., and came to Porter Tp., Delaware Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1833. The children by the last marriage are -Elva S., born Aug. 14,1864; Elmer Edson, Sept. 21, 1866; Lulie Josephine, Dec. 22, 1872; Joseph Riley, the landlord of Hillsdale farm, is a farmer by pursuit; a carpenter by trade. Upon settling upon Hillsdale he entered largely into sheep husbandry, and in the management of she and swine. He displays both skill and energy. Sometime since he turned his attention vigorously toward fruit culture, and is pushing this department with a determination sure to bring success. Hillsdale is one of the pioneer farms, and was occupied by Asahel Potter in 1821, being one of the first settled on the Eaton Section. Hillsdale is 4 miles from Ashley, on the Worthington and New Haven road.
LEWIS D. SHERWOOD, farmer; P.O., Ashley; is the son of David and Margaret Sherwood. David was born October 27, 1802, in Smyth Co., Va., and died Jan., 1873, and his wife, died July, 1876, in Delaware Co., Ohio. Oct. 22, 1828, Lewis D. Sherwood was born, and in the following year (1829) his parents removed to Ohio. In 1851, June 5, Lewis married Laura J. Ashbrook, born October 23, 1832. August 18th, 1857, his daughter, Lucy A. Sherwood, now the wife of Wellington M. Shoemaker, was born; she alone being the only representative of Mr. Sherwood's family union. By occupation Lewis D. Sherwood is a farmer, tidy and economical in all his operations, and consequently gives evidence of thrift in all his surroundings; naturally of a high social order, be of course is one of that class that ever constitutes the basis of good society.
FRANCIS E. WHIPPLE, farmer; P. O., Ashley; has this line of descent: commencing with Reuben Whipple, who was born Nov.5, 1774, and Sallie Cooper, his wife, born Aug. 12, 1777, both of Providence Co., R. I. The former died June 13, 18,54, and the latter Dec. 5, 1862; their son Noah, of same nativity, born July 7, 1811, and Margaret Ann (Elliott) Whipple, born Jan. 19, 1813, are the parents of Francis E. They were married Feb. 21, 1833, and had the following children, viz: Edwin A., born Dec. 19, 1833, who married Mary Chadwick in Oct., 1836; Rachel A., born Oct. 6, 1838, and married George W. White, Dec. 3, 1856; she died Oct. 11, 1874; Phoebe S., born April 29, 1841, and married Charles Kohler, Dec. 20, 1866; Mary E., born Feb. 22, 1845, and married John B. Wallace, Nov. 15, 1866; Albert Reuben, born Nov. 12, 1847, and died March 20,1851; James C., born Jan. 28, 1850, and married Jennette Dodge, Sept. 25, 1873; Francis E., born Nov. 6, 1853, and Flora J., who was born Jan. 6, 1858. The father of these children settled with his people on Alum Creek, in 1818; his wife's parents, Archibald and Phoebe (Jameson) Elliott, were natives of Virginia; the former was born in Greenbrier Co., Nov. 27,1771, and the latter in Rockbridge Co., Feb. 27, 1782, and were married March 11, 1802; they came to Franklin Co., Ohio, and in 1826 to Delaware Co. The father died May 14, 1843, and the mother, May 14, 1858. The home of the Whipple family is appropriately called the "Alum Creek Farm." Francis, like his ancestry, is an agriculturalist, and deals largely in stock, cattle taking the lead; at present, however, sheep, and especially those of a finer quality, receives a great share of his attention. He, like his forefathers, is of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 659
eastern proclivities, and attached to their ways in habits and business.
WILLIAM WESTBROOK, farmer; P. O., Bennington; born June 12, 1831, in Bloomfield Tp., Knox Co., Ohio; is one of those farmers and stock-dealers whose energy and industry have placed him in easy and comfortable circumstances. The 4th day of July, 1852, he married Miss Emeline Wiseman, who was born Oct. 8, 1833. The children of this marriage are--Vanda, born July 6, 1854; Frank, Dec. 23, 1855; Albert, Jan. 13, 1858; William H., Jan. 28, 1860; James C., born Jan. 17, 1862, and died March 13, 1868; Laura D., born Sept. 27, 1865, the same year in which James C. died. Mrs. Emeline Westbrook died July 27, 1868. Dec. 19, 1873, William Westbrook married Rosa Besse for his second wife, and 1874 their first child, Berton Westbrook, was born. He is earnestly devoted to stock-raising, more especially horses and sheep; William Westbrook has made marked improvement in stock, more especially sheep, and like his brother Lafayette, though some may outrival him in numbers, few will excel him in quality. It is now twenty-four years since Mr. Westbrook came to the farm where he now resides. He having in the meantime purchased, and now owns the farm on which that remarkable prodigy, the double babes were born, whose history, though brief, was world-wide.
SAMUEL WAUGH, farmer; P. O., Ashley; Samuel Waugh was born in Scotland, but came to America about 1800. His wife, Nancy Douglass, daughter of Lord Douglas, was born in Scotland, joined -Samuel in. America, and they were married shortly after her arrival. Samuel took his nativity in Cumberland Co., Pa. Sarah Davidson, his wife, was a native of the same county. They were married in 1827. His son, Samuel, is the subject of this biography; born August 28, 1828, in Cumberland Co., Pa. His wife, Elizabeth Laughrey, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1840. Their marriage took place Feb. 11, 1858. Samuel's parents died as follows: His father, Saturday, May 21, 1836; his mother, May 15, 1840. Mr. Waugh has had the following children, to-wit: Sarah Ann, born Nov. 6, 1858, and died Nov. 2, 1863; Mary Avonia, also deceased; William Erastus, born Jan. 9, 1862; Samuel Charles, March 27,1866; Elizabeth Viola, Dec. 24, 1868; Nancy Rosella, Jan. 27, 1875. By occupation Samuel Waugh is a farmer-is engaged in horticulture and sheep husbandry, With thirty acres in an orchard. He has taxed every region for varieties, and qualities of fruit, determined to make this department complete in its way, and profitable in its results; he has left nothing undone, and can, to-day, boast of having the leading orchard in the township, if not in the county. In sheep husbandry he is careful, attentive, and eminently successful. He is truly a Pennsylvanian-hospitable, and of proverbial integrity.
LAFAYETTE WESTBROOK, farmer; P. O., Ashley; son of Solomon and Marthena (Crawford) Westbrook. The former was born in the State of New York Feb. 3, 1798, and died June 11, 1872. His wife was born in the Empire State, March 20,1792, and died Jan. 1, 1879. In Johnstown, Licking Co., O., April 17,1822, they were married. He became a citizen of Peru Tp. in 1840. His family was Mary Ann, Anne, Lafayette, William, Jane, and Dr. Albert E. Westbrook, now of Ashley. Lafayette Westbrook was born July 28, 1829, in Johnstown, Licking Co., Ohio; he moved to Morrow Co. in 1840; in 1849, he married Miss Harriet Hubbell, a sister of the Hon. J. R. Hubbell, who was born Oct. 29, 1829, and who met an untimely death May 1, 1868. His children are-Rosedell, born Oct. 24, 1849, now dead; Kate, born Dec. 17, 1851; Orville, March 10, 1834; Mary R., July 14, 1857; Flora E., March 3, 1860; Shadrach, Nov. 22, 1862, and Pruda, Dec. 17, 1867. Nov. the 26th, 1868, Lafayette was again married to Phebe Randolph, born Oct. 2, 1839, the daughter of Nathan and Sarah Ann Randolph. From this union, he has one child, Minnie E., born June 27, 1870. The vicissitudes of his life have been varied; at 14 years of age, he was apprenticed to a tailor and served 3 years; and then learned the wagon-making business. He has played the role of hotel keeper, also, and at last settled down as a farmer, delighting in good horses and fine-wooled sheep, occupying one of the oldest establishments in the township, the Randolph Farm. With him life has had many fitful changes, but withal he has made it a success.