334 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO
CHAPTER XVIII.
CENTER.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP, 1851 — FIRST ELECTION—CHANGES OF BOUNDARY — PIONEER SETTLERS—FIRST ENTRY OF LAND — BATES MILL—HORSE MILLS — REMINISCENCES BY LEVI DEVOLL OF THE COUNTRY IN 1814 — FURTHER ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY SETTLERS—UNION TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED IN 1822 — TAX-PAYERS IN 1833 — OLD-TIME. HUNTERS—OXEN AS WHISKY-DRINKERS — CORN- HUSKINGS — FAMILY SKETCHES — TOWNSHIP WAR RECORD—THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY— SARAHSVILLE, THE OLD COUNTY SEAT—FOUNDED IN 1829 -- ORIGIN OF THE NAME—THE GROWTH OF THE TOWN — MERCANTILE AND INDUSTRIAL — FIRE AND ACCIDENTS — SCHOOLS — CHURCHES — LODGES.
CENTER TOWNSHIP was erected by the county commissioners May 1, 1851, "so as to include and be composed of the following territory, to wit : " Commencing at . the southeast corner of section thirty-eight,* in township number seven, of range eight ;.thence north along the section line to the northeast corner of section four, in said township seven, range eight ; thence west along the township line to the northwest corner of section two, in township number seven, and range number nine ; thence south along the section line to the southwest corner of section thirty-five, in said township number seven, and range number, nine; thence east along the township line to the place of beginning, containing thirty sections."
The first election in Center Township was held on the 12th of July, 1851, in obedience to an order of the common pleas court, passed June
* No doubt intended for section 28; but section 38 it stands upon the record, and there is no such section.
20, 1851, for the purpose of choosing one justice of the peace. Daniel Pettay was elected to the office, and was duly qualified on the 23d of July.
Sections 32 and 33 of Enoch Township formerly belonged to Center, from which they were set off June 6, 1855. And on the 3d of September, 1855, the northern half of section 31, in township 7, range 8, was taken from Enoch and attached to Center.
The following may be reckoned among the early settlers of the township, though some came much later than others : Arthur Morrison, John Bryan, James Watson, Isaac Hayes, John Keller, William Davidson, Samuel Anderson, Jonathan King, William. Shields, Jeremiah B. Brown, Ephraim Bates, Daniel Bates, Isaac Bates, John McGarry, Jonas Ball, James Noble, and James Dye. James Watson died in Gallia County, Isaac Hayes died in the West, John Keller in Iowa, Jonathan King in the western part of the State; Daniel and Isaac Bates moved to Indiana, James Noble and James Dye died in the
CENTER - 335
West. All the others, so far as is known, died in Noble County.
The first entry of land in the township was made in 1809, on section 12, by Ephraim Bates. James Dye made the, next entry of land. He came from Greene County, Pa., and also settled in the township in 1809. He removed to Illinois.
Ephraim Bates and his sons were among the earliest settlers of Noble County. He was born in New Jersey May 24, 1744. He served in the Revolutionary war, and was one of the first settlers west of the Allegheny Mountains in Fayette County, Pa. He died in Sarahsville January 2, 1834. His wife, Susannah, lived to an advanced age. Their children were Isaac, who lived many years near Sarahsville, but died in Indiana; Polly, who married John Vorhies, and lived in Noble County ; William, who settled in Guernsey County, and thence went west ; Anna, who married William Dilley, and lived in Cleveland, Ohio ; Timothy, one of the pioneer settlers of Seneca Township; Ephraim, also lived in Seneca, Township ; Daniel and Ezekiel, who lived in Center Township.
Ephraim Bates, Sr., had one of the earliest orchards in this part of the country, and some of the trees planted by him are yet standing. He built the first mill in the township—a "corn-cracker" of a rude sort, but a great convenience to the settlers nevertheless. The mill was in operation in 1814. Ezekiel Bates, son of Ephraim, was the founder of Sarahsville.
John and Amos Bates, sons of Ephraim, were drafted into the service, in the war against Great Britain, soon after their arrival.
Before Bates' mill was erected the people of the township -depended mainly for their flour and meal upon two horse mills, owned respectively by Elisha Fogle and Thomas Barry, and situated only a short distance apart, in the southwestern part of the township.
Isaac Bates erected a mill upon his farm, which was so arranged that it could be operated by horse-power when there was a scarcity of water. After the early mills had all fallen into ruin or disuse, a steam mill was erected at Sarahsville by a company of citizens at a cost of $4,000. The company sold out to Frederick Secrest and the mill was burned. Mr. Secrest then erected a grist-mill and sawmill, which he still owns.
Jacob Bates was born in what was then Guernsey County, in 1810. In 1815 his father, Isaac, removed to the farm now owned by William McWilliams, where he was the first settler. He died in the township in 1883. He was a very reputable man and reared a family of eight children. His wife, whose. maiden name was Jane Davidson, was a native of West Virginia. Her parents were among the pioneers ; four of the family reside in the township.
Shortly after the Indian war Daniel Devolld and family emigrated from Washington County, Pa., to Belmont County, Ohio. In 1814 the family, consisting of wife and six children—John, Isabella, Nancy,
336 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO.
Betsey, Richard and Rachael, came to what is now Noble County, and settled in Center Township. Here he purchased from government 160 acres of land for which lie paid $2 per acre, that being the price of government land at that time. On this farm the elder Devolld died at the extreme old age of ninety-two. Levi Devolld was born in York Township, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1804, and came to Noble County with hiS parents. At the time of his father's emigration he states that the nearest neighbor in the north was Mr. Ephraim Bates, who came about the year 1812 and settled where the fair grounds now are in Sarahsville. Mr. Devolld further states that in 1814 there was only one road in the township, called at that time (1814) the Federal Road ; all points north or south from this road had to be cut through. Marietta and Zanesville were the nearest places from which supplies could . be obtained. In 1819 Mr. Devolld says that he packed flour to Marietta on a horse for which he obtained $1.50 per hundred. In 1828 he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Smith, who settled in the township about 1814.
Levi Devolld is probably the oldest resident of the township, having reSided here continuously since 1814. He has been one of the pushing, energetic citizens, and has prospered accordingly. He has always been a farmer, and for a time was also engaged in buying and selling live stock, carrying on the tanning business, etc.
When the Devofids located here, their nearest neighbor on the west was James Lowe, about where Olive now is ; on the east, James Archer, at East Union ; on the northwest Benjamin Thorla, at Belle Valley, and other pioneers of Duck Creek Valley ; and on the south, Elisha Harris. According to the personal recollection of Mr. Levi Devolld, in the fall of 1814 all that portion of Guernsey County which now forms the townships of Noble, Olive, Sharon and Brookfield, voted together in one election precinct. Daniel Devolld brought the kettles which were used in Thorla and McKee's salt works, which were established the year that he came. The Devollds were fond of hunting and were successful woodsmen. Levi Devolld, soon after becoming of age, made a trip through the wilderness to the lake, finding few whites and many Indians in that region.
A tannery was started by Levi Devolld, in the southwestern part of the township. about 1846, and was in operation for about eight years. In connection with it Mr. Devolld manufactured boots, shoes, harnesses, etc. Some rascals stole about $500 worth of stock, and caused him to abandon the business.
In the southwestern part of the township were the following early settlers : Ambrose Merry, David Devolld, Thomas and Benjamin Barry.
The McGarrys were among the most prominent early families. The father, John McGarry, was an Irishman, who moved to Ohio from the vicinity of Philadelphia. His sons were Samuel, David, Reed and
CENTER - 337
John, Samuel read law, became probate judge and was a prominent man in the early history of the county, David died on the old homestead.
David McGarry, one of the best known citizens of Center Township, was born October 19, 1819, within the present limits of Center Township. He passed his early life amid the scenes of pioneer days, clearing land and farming. His educational advantages were very limited, yet through self-cultivation he became well informed. In 1843 he married Catharine Richey. Seven children were born of this union— John C., Thomas R., Andrew, Jane, George M., Margaret and Frank. All are living except Jane, who died in infancy. Mr. McGarry was one of the foremost men in bringing about the organization of Noble County, and spent much time and labor in effecting that result. He was an active Democrat until the formation of the Republican party, then joined that organization and remained a firm supporter of its principles. In 1847 he was elected treasurer of Union Township, an office which he held nine years. In 1871 he was nominated to represent Noble County in the legislature. B. F. Spriggs, Democrat, was his opponent. The result of the contest was a tie vote. In March, 1872, a special election was held and Mr. Spriggs was elected. In 1880 Mr. McGarry was appointed census enumerator for Center Township. He died March 7, 1881. George M. McGarry is a prominent farmer of Center Township.
Township 7 of range .8 of the original survey was organized as Union Township in April, 1822, by order of the county commissioners of Monroe County.
Prior to the formation of Noble County the territory now included in the limits of Center Township belonged to Noble Township, Morgan County, and to Union Township, Monroe County. Union Township was the seventh township of the eighth range, and its territory now forms portions of Center, Marion, Stock and Enoch.
James Archer was lister of Union Township in 1822, and the amount of its county tax, together with that Of Enoch, was only $28. In 1823; the total tax for Union was $37.34. Daniel Bates was collector. In 1824 the tax was $40.29. Oren Lane, collector.
In 1833 the following persons were owners of real estate in the eastern portion* of Center Township, then Union Township, Monroe County.
John Clevenger, section 19, 83 acres, value $104, according to the tax duplicate for that year ; William Capell, section 17, 82 acres, $103 ; John and James Lanam, section 21, 81 acres, $101; Lemuel Anderson, section 8, 85 acres, $48 ; same, 50 acres, $70 ; Daniel Ackley, section 31, 60 acres, $65; Jeremiah Brown, section 5, 80 acres, $105 ; Isaac Bates, section 7, 122 acres, $167; same, section 8, 31 acres, $42; John Ball, section 18, 166 acres, $190 ;
* The names of early taxpayers in the western part of Center will be found in the chapter devoted to Noble Township.
338 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO.
Jonas Ball, section 18, 166 acres, $227; Matthew Ball, section 5, 40 acres, $46 ; Daniel Ball, section 7, 127 acres, $173 ; same, section 5, 40 acres, $45; Eli Curtis, section 7, 81 acres, $101 ; same, section 8, 83 acres, $104; David Davis, section 20, 82 acres, $102 ; James Gibson, section 18, 166 acres, $206 ; Thomas Gourley, section 19, 165 acres, $200 ; David Jennings, section 6, 10 acres, $12; John Keller, section 9, 82 acres, $93; Levi Keller, section 9, 82 acres, $93; Jesse Lanam, section 31, 30 acres, $32; Philip McWilliams, grist-mill and saw-mill, $200; Elisha Morris, section 29, 82 acres, $103 ; Jacob McCollum, section 28, 163 acres, $200; Sanford Morrison, sec tion 6. 70 acres, $80 ; Ambrose Merry, section 30, 83 acres, $95; Andrew Nicholson, section 18, 160 acres, $218 ; John Roberts, Jr., section 28,. 81 acres, $103 ; John R. Stone, section 18, 82 acres, $123 ; James Stranathan, section 17, 80 acres, $100 ; Andrew Secrest, section 19, 165 acres, $206; William Stretchberry, section 7, 40 acres, $56 ; Nathan Wickham, section 31, 55 acres, $60 ; William Willey, section 7, 160 acres, $200.
At that date Union Township was one of the richest and most populous townships of Monroe County. Its valuation was as follows : Real estate, $10,300 ; personal property, $6,958 ; town property, $423; total, $17,681; total tax, $198 91.
Among the owners of personal property in township 7, range 8, in 1833, were the following, in addition to those already named : Thomas Bolis, John Byant, George' Chinch, Robert Crawford, William Davidson, Benjamin Kain, Cramlin Ferens, Henry Haugh ton, Jonathan King, Meshack King, Adam Kindel (Kendall?), Robert Large, Nathan Lincicum, James Lemmax, Brooks Lanam, John Lanam, Andrew Millslagle, Balaam Merrow, Arthur Porter, Daniel Pettay, Thomas Young, William Roberts, George Ross, John Stewart, . Weakfield, John Snider, Benjamin Street, John Stone, Benjamin Teachenor, Thos. Walker, Hugh Waybrandt, Benjamin Wolf.
The early settlers in the immediate vicinity of Sarahsville were Ephraim Bates, John Jones, Isaac Bates and Daniel Bates; all prior to 1820.
Jonas Ball, from Alleghany County, Md., settled in 1818 west of Sarahsville on the farm adjoining that on which his son, James Ball, now lives. Jonas Ball was a soldier in the War of 1812. James Ball, an ex-county commissioner and a prominent citizen, has lived all his life in the township, and has a vivid recollection of the pioneer scenes among which he was reared. He recalls the time when the country was so full of wolves that sheep had to be penned up securely every night, or some of the flock was almost sure to be missing in the morning. In the neighborhood where Mr. Ball lives were the following early settlers : James Noble, James Dye and Levi Lyons.
Matthew Ball, entered 160 acres near Sarahsville, and settled upon the tract in 1818. He died a few years later. He was a man of means, having been successfully engaged in the
CENTER - 339
tanning and milling business in Maryland before he came to Ohio. His son Jonas died here. Two other Sons, Daniel and John, also settled here. The former died in Iowa and the latter in Illinois.
James and George Dye were early settlers. George had a mill on the old McCleary farm on the road from Hiramsburg to Sarahsville. It was a small affair, and was erected by John Farley, millwright, as early as 1833. Dye sold to Cramlett and he to James McCleary.
James Dye originally owned the farm on which the children's home is located. He became quite wealthy, sold out and moved with his sons to Illinois. Dye and his sons were all hunters. In the winter they made enough money on the furs which they captured to enter 160 acres of land where Rochester now is. They always kept about a dozen hounds, and hunted and trapped throughout the surrounding country. James Noble was also a trapper, and a very successful one. In some way he incurred the enmity of the younger Dyes, who committed many depredations upon his property, and on one occasion fired bullets through his door. After years of laving he succeeded in lodging some of them in jail. Elias Gilpin, a Marylander, who married a sister of Jonas Ball, and Jonas Gilpin, his son, were also among the noted hunters.
Alfred Morrison and his brothers, George, Arthur and Sanford, and their father, John Morrison, came to this township about 1818, from Maryland. George removed to Illinois.
The others remained here, and left numerous descendants.
Abraham Miley and Andrew Nicholson were early settlers in the western part of the township. Two of Andrew Nicholson's brothers, John and Thomas, also .settled in the county.
Andrew McCollum, one of the early justices of the peace, a man of prominence and ability, lived in the eastern part of the township. His descendants are still here.
Joseph Davidson, a Virginian, came in 1819, and was the pioneer on the farm now owned by William Arnold. He married Jane Cooper, who -came from Maryland. They had a family of nine children, all of whom were born in this county.
Elisha Fogle, a native of Pennsylvania, came with his father Jacob to Center Township about 1818. He married Miss Miranda Merry and reared a family of ten children, five boys and five girls. The elder Fogle entered a farm on section 26. He was by trade a miller, and for a time operated a horse mill which was one of the first. Elisha entered land adjoining his father's where he lived until he died, aged seventy-three years ; he was a millwright and farmer, and an honest, worthy citizen. Thomas Fogle, was born in Center Township in 1830. He married Miss Matilda Peggs. Mr. Fogle is a prosperous farmer and an enthusiastic pisciculturist. He breeds the German carp, and is the pioneer-in this industry in the county.
Andrew Secrest, where Hugh Cox now lives, was an early settler, and
340 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO.
manufactured gunpowder which he sold to the pioneer hunters for miles around. He reared a large family, all of whom moved west.
Thomas Gourley settled near Se- crest and died here. He was a Christian and a good citizen. He was twice married and reared a large family.
In early years Isaac Bates had a distillery and a saw-mill. He had also a yoke of large oxen which he used to draw logs to his mill. He taught the oxen to drink whisky, using a coffee-pot to pour it down their throats. When the roads were muddy and the load seemed to go hard, Bates would bring out his coffee-pot, the oxen would eagerly elevate their heads, receive their dram, then pull with courage and strength renewed.
At the old-time huskings it was customary to divide the corn-heap into two parts, and the huskers into two parties, each of which chose a "captain." Whichever party first finished its task would; lift their leader upon their shoulders and attempt to carry him around the heap, the other side at the same time attempting to prevent this. The victors also challenged men from the other side to wrestle, and frequently there was an interesting contest, which sometimes terminated in a fight. Whisky was always furnished freely and abundantly at these gatherings.
The Salladays, who bought out James Dye, on the Children's Home farm, were a prominent family. Elias settled in Guernsey County, and Joseph and George in Center Township. None of the name now live here. George resides in Illinois.
James Stranathan, now living in Senecaville, settled quite early on the Henry J. Young farm. While at work clearing on that place he was severely injured in handling heavy logs, and has never entirely recovered.
Calton Merry, youngest child in the family of Ambrose Merry, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, September 27, 1817, and died June 27, 1878. The elder Merry immigrated from the State of New York to Belmont County in the spring of 1817. The journey was made by wagon. The family consisted of nine children Rufus, Rouse, Benson, Calton, Samantha, Maranda, Amanda, Betsey, and Hannah —all born in New York State excepting Calton. For a. time he was employed upon the national pike, then being constructed, and in 1819 came to this township, settling south of Perryopolis, where he lived until his decease, which occurred in 1864, at the age of ninety- four. He. was a typical pioneer, and it is said that he had the first bearing orchard in what is now Noble County. The Merry family are noted for longevity ; his father-in- law died at the age of one hundred and six ; his second marriage occurred at the age of one hundred and two.. Calton Merry entered his first tract of land on section 29, in 1837. He erected his cabin, and, like many other pioneers, found, when his land was surveyed, that his house was on the wrong side of the line. On this farm he lived until he died, experiencing the trials and privations inci-
CENTER - 341
dent to life in a new country. He was obliged to find other employment, in order to support his family and pay for his land. The Muskingum River improvements were then being constructed, and upon the locks he worked until the farm began to yield a return for the labor invested. Although his education in books was limited to four days in a subscription school, still, by reading and observation he acquired a fund of valuable knowledge. He was a consistent member of the Christian church, which he joined at the age of twenty-five. In political belief he was originally a Wing.. His last presidential vote was cast for Hayes. August 11, 1836, he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin Weekley. By this union there were eleven children — Mary,. Margaret, Sally, Josephus, Andrew J., Abby, Levi D., Ada, Maria, Jacob M., and Benjamin H. February 21, 1863, Mrs. Merry died, and in 1864 he married Mrs. Isabella McWilliams. Two children—Rufus E. and William D.- were the children by this marriage. Of the children, five were teachers — Levi D., Ada, Maria, William D., and Jacob M. Andrew J. was a member of Company G, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth. Ohio Volunteer Infantry; and died June 23, 1865. Levi D., the present county surveyor, was first elected in 1881, and re-elected in 1884, He married Sue L. Neyman, of Senecaville : three children, all boys.
Samuel Anderson, from Virginia, came to Belmont County, and thence in 1817 to a farm two miles east of Sarahsville. He was the father of Dr. Anderson, of Sarahsville. William Stretchberry, and Jacob Daily were early settlers in the same neighborhood.
Arthur Morrison came to this county about 1830. He was born in Loudoun County, Va., 1790. He went to Cumberland, Md., about 1815, and in 1830 settled in what is now Noble County, where he bought a farm and remained until his death in 1875. He was a prominent citizen, and reared a family of six sons and two daughters. Only one of the children — Andrew —is now living in this county. His son Joseph married Jane, daughter of John McGarry, one of the pioneers, and reared twe sons—David M. and Charles. The father was a thorough and successful farmer. He took a deep interest in political matters. He served as justice of the peace for many years. He died in 1883. Of his sons, the elder is the present probate judge of Noble County. Charles is a farmer of Center Township. Both are enterprising men and good citizens.
James N. Hedge, one of the substantial farmers and prominent citizens of Center, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 12, 1830. In 1862 he came to this township and bought the farm where he now resides, and which attests his skill and thrift. For thirteen years be has served his fellow townsmen as trustee, besides officiating as infirmary director one term. He married Miss Hannah, daughter of Henry Moore, of Indiana : five children — three sons and two daughters. He
342 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO
is a worthy member of the Christian church.
In 1826 Samuel Stewart and family (consisting of wife and three boys William, Allen and Phillip), came from Belmont County and settled on a new farm in the township of Sharon, where the elder Stewart resided until his decease, which occurred in 1845. His wife, nee Rebecca McGrew, is still living at the advanced age of ninety-two. In 1842 William came to Sarahsville, and is at this time the oldest living resident of the village. He was born in. Belmont County in 1821. He has been a successful business man, a reputable citizen, and a worthy member of the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal church. He has been twice married. His first wife was Matilda Boyd; his present wife, Mrs. Mary E. Day, he married in 1882 : Two children — Norton O., and Harry C.
In 1833 David Gray, with his family of eight children, removed from West Virginia to Noble County, and settled on Dog Run, Noble Township, where he purchased one hundred acres of unimproved land. On this farm he remained until his. death, which occurred in his eighty- first year. He was in every respect a worthy citizen. The old homestead is owned by his son, Clark E., the present efficient superintendent of the County Infirmary.
Joseph Russell, a native of Frederick County, Va., came to Belmont County, Ohio, where he died in 1820. His widow. Elizabeth Russell, came to what is now Noble County in 1823. She died in 1837. The fam ily consisted of nine children. Mrs. Russell not only assisted in clearing the farm, but worked at weaving and spinning. Frequently the food of the family consisted of "roasting ears" of corn ground on a grater. The hand-mill and " hominy block" were also brought into use to furnish a substitute for meal. John Russell, who was born in Belmont County, February 2, 1813, has lived in this county since he was ten years old. He has been a deacon in the Baptist church several years.
Elijah Phelps was one of the pioneers of Guernsey County. John H., a son, was born in Maryland in 1828, and when a child, removed with the family to Harrison County, Ohio; thence to Tuscarawas and to Noble County in 1850. In 1862 he enlisted in Company II, One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war.
Robert Robertson, from Loudoun County, Va., settled in Belmont County in 1826. The family consisted of the parents and ten children. In 1837 they settled in Center Township, where Daniel Robertson now resides. Here the elder Robertson. died. Daniel was born in 1814 and has been a resident since 1837. He married Elizabeth Hayes, whose parents were early settlers in Belmont County.
Frederick Secrest was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1824, and came to Noble County in 1855. May 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was made
CENTER - 343
second lieutenant. He was honorably discharged at Columbus, September 2, 1864. He built the mill at Sarahsville. In political and religious belief he is a Republican and a Methodist.
Perry Kemp was born in Morrow County, and came to Noble County in 1850. In 1864 he enlisted, and was assigned to the One Hundred and Thirty-second Indiana Regiment. He served until the close of the war and was mustered out at Indianapolis May 8, 1865. He is now proprietor of the Sarahsville mill.
Francis R. Perry was a member of Company F, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted in 1861 ; became a veteran in 1864; -was - taken prisoner at Atlanta, Ga., and- confined in Andersonville. After his release he rejoined his regiment. He participated in many of the prominent battles of the war, among them the second battle of Manassas, Antietam, South Mountain,. Mission Ridge and Vicksburg, beside fifteen other minor engagements. He was discharged August 13, 1865, at Little Rock, Ark.
Hugh Cox was born in Ireland, from whence he emigrated to the State of Maine, where he lived until his removal to this county. He bought the farm on which his son Hugh now resides and there resided until his decease in 1875. He was a successful and prosperous farmer and accumulated a well won competency. His son Hugh owns one of the largest farms in this section and is one of the thrifty and successful agriculturists of the township.
Abijah Rossiter came from Pennsylvania to Guernsey County about 1813, where his father, Samuel, entered a tract of land. was a soldier of the War of 1812. In 1843 he came to Noble County and settled where James now resides. Here the old people died at advanced ages, the father aged seventy-two, the mother, sixty-five. Thomas was born in Guernsey County, in 1821, and has been a resident of the county forty- three years.
Daniel Pettay, a native Of the province of Quebec, was born in 1796. In 1825 he came to Belmont County, where he remained six years, when he removed to what is now Noble County. He settled . near Sarahsville. The senior Pettay was a minister, and was beside a lawyer and teacher, which vocation he frequently followed. Possessed of varied attainments, he was regarded as an oracle in most matters. He was an ardent politician, and attached himself to the Whig party, and was one of the prominent leaders in the anti-slavery cause, and one of the projectors of the underground railroad in Noble County.
John Miller was from Pennsylvania, and in an early day settled near Lexington, Noble County. He died at the age of eighty-six. Isaac, one of the sons, married Miss Jane Moore, and reared a family of four children.
William, John and henry Miller were in the service. William and John were in the Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Henry was a member of Company I,
344 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO.
Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. John was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh, and died at Tyler, Tex., in 1863.
Philip McWilliams was one of the early settlers of Center Township. He was born in Ireland and came to this country in 1794. He first settled near Wheeling, but in consequence of the destruction of his crops by storms, he remained but a short time, removing to Richland Township, Guernsey County, in 1808, when he entered land near Gibson's Station. In 1833 he came to Center Township, and bought the farm now owned by his son, William McWilliams, upon which he -lived the re-. mainder of his life. He was the father of twelve children. The elder McWilliams was a representative farmer and a prominent citizen. He was the first treasurer of the county, and in every respect a Christian gentleman. William McWilliams was born in Guernsey County in 1826, and came to Noble with his parents. He is one of the leading farmers, and has held the office of county commissioner. He married Misr Louisa McComb They have five children.
Allen Rutherford came from New York in 1837, and settled in Marion Township. whence he removed to the place where he died. He had a family of seven children. Two of his sons, Robert and James, were members of the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; the latter never returned.
William Davidson came from West Virginia in 1826, and settled on sec tion 16. Two sons, Robert and Joseph, came with him. The latter still resides in the township. He has been identified with the county for sixty years.
S. C. Rogers was born in Washington County, Ohio, December 19, 1838. His father, John W. Rogers, came from Pennsylvania in early life, and settled on the Muskingum River. He reared a family of ten children. He was a soldier in the Mexican war. After his decease his widow moved to Noble County, where she died in 1885. S. C. Rogers enlisted in Company I, Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and served-five years, lacking five days. Among other engagements, he was in the battles of Bull Pasture Mountain, Cross Keys, second Bull Run, Gettysburg, Greenbrier, Lookout Mountain, Chancellorsville, Cheat Mountain, etc. While he was in the service he was wounded in the right arm. Mr. Rogers has served as class-leader in the Methodist Protestant and United Brethren churches.
The conduct of the citizens of Center Township during the war of the Rebellion was such as to demonstrate fully their unswerving patriotism and strict fidelity to. principle. After the first draft, in which a small number were conscripted, the citizens, by organized efforts and the. raising of bounties, managed to fill their quota every time. Many of the best young men of the township volunteered and fell martyrs to their country's cause. Many more were spared and returned to their homes after years of hard service.
PICTURE OF G. W. TAYLOR
CENTER - 345
Center Township has long been prominent in the tobacco industry. Commencing about 1835, the raising of tobacco attracted more attention year by year, becoming most important and most profitable in the war times. Those who engaged in the business and stuck to it generally. made it pay, if they were good managers. Sarahsville was quite a center for the tobacco trade, and large quantities are still shipped from there.
SARAHSVILLE.
Sarahsville, in addition to the distinction of having been, the first county seat of Noble County, can also claim the honor of being one of the oldest villages in the county. It was surveyed and platted June 19, 1829, by Benjamin Thorla, for the proprietors, John Devolld and Ezekiel Bates, and the plat was recorded in Morgan County, September 28, 1829. Additions have since been made as follows : By Samuel Aikens, in 1841, and by James M. Rownd, in 1851 — surveyed by George Bell, June 25, 1851. The latter addition, consisting of nearly seventeen acres, was made to provide for the expected immigration to the place consequent upon the location of the county seat there.
Sarahsville was named by John Devolld in honor of his wife. John Devolld was the oldest son of David Devolld, an early settler in the township. He was the first merchant of Sarahsville, keeping a small stock of goods in a cabin which stood near the site of G. W. Taylor's store. Devolld's cabin was the first building erected in Sarahsville, excepting only the two-story brick house in the lower part of the town, which was erected by Ezekiel Bates as early as 1825.
Devolld was not very successful in the mercantile business and discontinued it after a few years. The second merchant was James Rownd, who had a store on the lot now occupied by W. R. Kirk. In partnership with him was a man named Shank- land. Henry J. Rownd succeeded his father in business. Both did a large business. Next came Henry Taylor, and later Benjamin F. Young and G. W. Taylor, the latter still in business.
George Richey had an early store and for a, time was in partnership with Henry Taylor. Other merchants have been Jonathan Dilley, Jonas and Samuel Danford, Thomas and William Young, and others, most of whom did a large business.
The first tavern in the town was .kept by John Beamer, and not long afterward another was started by George McWilliams. Whisky was sold freely and a bar was considered an indispensable necessity.
William Stewart, who is still a resident of the place, came to Sarahsville in 1842 and began work at his trade, blacksmithing. According to his recollection, eight families then comprised the population of the town. These were the families of James Rownd, Henry J. Rownd, merchant ; George Richey, minister ; James F. Capell, physician ; John Beamer, tavern keeper; Richard Beamer, shoe, maker ; William Kirkpatrick, blacksmith ; Ezekiel Bates, farmer.
346 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO.
In 1854, according to Lippincott's Gazetteer, Sarahsville had a population of 800 and was a thriving business place,. with four general stores and a variety of shops representing various industries. There were then two hotels; the county officials and nearly all the lawyers of the county, as well as several doctors, resided in the town. A few years later witnessed the transfer of the county records to Caldwell, and immediately the town began to decline in population. But it remained a good business place, and its merchants probably transacted a greater amount of business than those of Caldwell until after 1871, when the building of the C. & M. railroad further diverted business toward the county seat. Sarahsville is surrounded by a fine country and its merchants are still prosperous. The population of. the town was 256in 1870, and 249 in 1880.
A small school-house was erected in the village about 1843, afterwards replaced by the building destroyed in the fire of 1884. The present school building was erected in 1885, and cost about $2,000. The school, in two departments, is in charge of H. B. Williams, principal.
At about five o'clock on the afternoon of the 20th of August, 1884, fire broke out in the heart of the business portion of Sarahsville, and before its progress could be stayed, nearly every place of business in the town was destroyed, with the exception of G. W. Taylor's store. In all, about thirty-five, buildings were burned, including stores, dwellings, stables, etc. Among the most valuable structures destroyed, in most cases with nearly their entire contents, were one dry goods store,. one grocery, Hester's hotel, two drug stores, the school-house and the Masonic hall. At least $25,000 worth of property was burned, and there was only about $6,000 insurance on the whole. This fire was a serious blow to the business interests of the town, and the people have not yet fully recovered from its effects, though new buildings are constantly rising to replace the old.
Sarahsville has also been the scene of several painful accidents in recent. years, and one occurrence in particular was startling and terrible. May 14, 1886, the boiler of the engine in James Herron's saw-mill exploded, killing Mr. Herron, Edward Hill, Nathan Butler and Lewis Bates, all men with families. Lafayette Tuttle had a leg- broken, and was otherwise badly injured.
Following are the names of the principal business Men and firms of Sarahsville in 1886:
General Merchants : G. W. Taylor, Mrs. E. Danford, C. R. Snyder, grocers; J. W. Smith, C. L. Hellyer.
Druggist: -Joseph Johnson.
Planing mill: T. H. Bunting.
Grist-mill and saw-mill: Frederick Secrest, proprietor; Kemp & Son, lessees.
Shoemaker : L. Weaver. Blacksmiths: W. R. Kirk, A. N. Dilley.
Wagon maker and undertaker: W. Pettay.
Hotels: Joseph Mercer, Mrs. William Van Meter.
CENTER - 347
Physicians: W. S. Spriggs, J. D. Aldridge.
Milliner: Fannie Robinson.
CHURCHES.
Sarahsville Methodist Episcopal Church.—This church was probably founded as early as the town of Sarahsville, if not earlier. The first meeting-house erected by the congregation stood at the old Nicholson cemetery, south of the town. Later the congregation met in the town in a church (erected for the Presbyterian denomination, about 1845 or 1846, but never occupied by them) which served for its accommodation until 1873. Then the present house of worship, a neat frame building with steeple and bell, was erected. Among the early members of this church were Thomas Barry and William Shaw, leaders ; John Iker, Anderson Jearls, Thomas Gourley Andrew Nicholson, Daniel Bates, Jeremiah Brown, Alfred Morrison, Philip McWilliams. Thomas Large, James Rownd, George Richey, Henry Taylor, and their families. The church now has a membership of 108, and there is in connection an interesting Sabbath school having about one hundred pupils.
The Free Methodists of Sarahsville have recently organized and are about to erect a church.
Wesleyan Methodist Church.-The Wesleyan Methodist Church at Sarahsville was organized in 1842, and the house of worship, a small frame building, erected the following year. Among the earliest members were Philip McWilliams and wife,
Alfred Morrison and wife, and George Richey and wife. The first preachers were George Richey and Joseph Markee. Other early preachers were Richard Horton and Evan Thompson. The church has maintained regular preaching ever since it was organized. Formerly it had quite a large membership, but death and removals have so reduced the number that at present there are only about thirty members.
Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Church.—Near the county infirmary in the northwestern part of the township, a church belonging to the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination was erected as early as 1845 through the efforts of George and Joseph Salladay. For a number of years preaching was maintained by that denomination ; but the church having become reduced in members, the United Brethren next organized and occupied the building. Recently the Methodist Protestants have organized, and in 1885 they erected a neat and commodious frame building to take the place of the old church. They have about seventy members. The present pastor is Rev. Salisbury
The Methodist Church. —There is a Methodist church near the line of the western part of the township. The original organization was Methodist Protestant, and by that denomination the house was built about 1861. Thomas W. Barry was the chief organizer of the church. Recently the church has dropped a part of its name, becoming simply " Methodist." The membership is
348 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO.
Fredericksdale United Brethren Church.-The United Brethren of Fredericksdale have maintained an organization for a number of years. In 1884 they erected a neat frame building in which the congregation now worships. The membership is small. The congregation was organized about 1838, and among its leading members were the Kessner, Byers, Burton and Bates families.
LODGE.
Olive Lodge, No. 210, Free and Accepted Masons of Sarahsville, was chartered December 4, 1851. The charter members were J. Y. Hopkins, W. M.; L. S. Dilley, S. W.; J. B. Heaton, J. W.; M. Beatty, D. Gay, William Tracy, W. R. Gay, James Morrison. The lodge is in a fairly prosperous condition, has a good lodge room and is out of debt, notwithstanding the fact that the hall and all of its contents was destroyed in the fire of 1884, only the lodge record being saved. The present officers are Dr. W. S. Spriggs, W. M.; Wm. J. Johnson, S. W.; Wm. Price, J. W.; J. W. Powelson, S. D.; Levi Davis, J. D.; J. T. Davis, secretary; Ezekiel Dye, treasurer; W. R. Kirk, tyler.
The Noble County Agricultural Society was organized in 1852. Its incorporators were Levi Devolld, W. Stewart, John McGary, Jonas Ball, Samuel and Jonas Danford, Fred. Secrest, James Ball, and others, whose names were not obtainable. The first meeting of the society was held in Sarahsville, in. the autumn of 1852. Hiram Danford was the first president. Present officers are W. S. Spriggs, -president ; J.W. Pettay, vice- president and treasurer; Joseph Johnson, secretary.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
HON. WILLIAM J. YOUNG.— Hon, William J. Young, one of the prominent and successful men of Noble County, was born in a little village called Li ppit's Factory, six miles from the, city of Providence, R. I., in the year 1815, March 27. His father, William Young, was a manufacturer of cotton goods, and was an operative in the first cotton manufactory erected in the United States. His father was of Scotch nativity, and the progenitor of the Young family in this country, .whither he immigrated some time before the war of the Revolution, settling in Rhode Island. In 1825 William removed- to the " Ohio country" with his wife-and seven children. He settled in what is now Stock Township, where he entered a section of land. The early life of the family in the new country waS replete with privations and hardships, which was attributable, in a measure, no doubt, to their being destitute of any knowledge of pioneer life or agricultural operations. William J. at the time of the family's emigration, was a strong, robust lad of ten years ; he was possessed of a large amount of vitality, and even then evidenced the possession of those qualities which in after years contributed so largely to his success. Up to the age of twenty- two he had formed no definite plans for the future, turning his attention to whatever venture presented itself,
PICTURE OF WILLIAM J. YOUNG
CENTER - 349
and invariably he was successful. He was principally engaged, however, in farming and stock dealing during his residence in Stock, where he lived until 1845, when he removed to Sarahsville, where he engaged. quite largely in merchandising and the tobacco trade. In the latter he was very successful. He was a man of sound judgment and keen perception, with confidence in his own ability, and all his undertakings were financial successes. in a few years he found himself. possessed of a competency, which afforded him an opportunity for relieving the wants of his less fortunate neighbors, and for a time he did an extensive business as a broker, and it can be said to his credit that he never took an advantage of a distressed debtor. Shortly after the erection Of the county he began to take quite an active interest in political matters, and soon became one of the leading members of the Whig element of the county. Upon the formation of the Republican party he joined its ranks, but in 1861 he became a pronounced Democrat, and was an influential member of that organization until his decease. He was not a politician, however, in the present definition of the term ; he did not court political preferment, his efforts were solely for what he deemed to be for the best interests of the people. He was one of the leading spirits in what is now known as the People's Convention, held in Sarahsville, in 1851, which was the first political movement of prominence after the erection of the County of Noble.
During the war of the Rebellion he took a deep interest in the cause of his country. His money and time were always at command in the furtherance of any war measure or in the raising of volunteers. Neither did he forget the ".brave boys in blue" after they had left their homes, but with a fatherly care he looked after the interests of their families. In 1872 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent Noble County in the convention to revise the State constitution. As a member of this convention he evidenced that tact, judgment.. and sterling good sense which were the salient features in everything he undertook. Judge L. D. Campbell, of Hamilton, Ohio, one of the prominent members of that convention, spoke of him as "one of the useful and efficient members of that body." Mr. Young was married, in 1836, to Miss Jane McCann. The result of this union was a family of thirteen children, of whom ten are living: Simon K., Martha (Dudley), Elizabeth (Danford), Mary (Ijams), Sarah (McGuire), Nancy (Berry), Jane (Finley), Ella (ljams), Charles and Maria (Brown):
William J. Young was in many respects a remarkable man, physically as well as mentally, and had he had the advantages of education and the adventitious aids accessible in an old country, would have made his name illustrious in almost any calling. lie was possessed of a large amount of versatility. While he never studied law, he was a lawyer. He never had the benefit of a business education, either theoretical or
350 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO.
practical ; still, he was a business man in all that the word implies. Uneducated, still but few men had a larger share of general information. He was finely poised ; his brain was as massive as his body. He was a man of powerful physique and fine presence. Socially he was extremely affable and agreeable, and never failed to interest a large circle of . listeners. He had a large personal following, which was attributable largely to his broad charity and kindness of heart, and his death, which occurred May 25, 1882, was everywhere regarded as an irreparable loss.
Henry J. Young was born at Lippet's Factory, R. I., October 12, 1319, and came to what is now Noble County with his father's family in 1825. His youth- and early manhood were spent in the wilds of the new county. His father was in limited circumstances, and lie learned to rely upon his own resources at an early age. By dint of energy and economy he acquired a sum sufficient to purchase forty acres of new land,. and soon after (1842) he married Miss Mary A. Davidson, who is a native of Washington County, Pa.
In 1840 he removed to the farm, where he now resides. Mr. Young has been engaged in farming and dealing in tobacco, and is one of the most successful men in the county. In his religious affiliations he is a Meth: odist, and for a time was a local preacher. He has reared a family of ten children, seven of whom are living; all have received liberal educa tions, three of the sons being collegiates.
Thomas J. Young was born at Lip- pet's Mills, R. I., in 1813. He was the eldest of the family of William Young, and immigrated with the family, i n 1825, to what. is now Noble County. In 1835 he married Miss Mary Stotsburg, and commenced his on a small piece of new land, which he Unproved. He was successful in business as a stock dealer, merchant, and in the tobacco trade; in the latter he was quite largely engaged. He was in trade in Sarahsville until 1816, In 1857, through the perfidy of a partner, he lost heavily. He died on his farm, in Center, in 1885. He was a kind father, a generous friend, and a worthy citizen. His children were: Adaline (Spriggs), Mary A. (Alexander), Margaret (Teeters), Isabella (Michaels), Ellen (Young), Thomas H., Arnold, Edmund, and Dora.
THE BROWN FAMILY.
Jeremiah Bateman Brown was one of the prominent early settlers. He was born in New York State, of Scotch-Irish parentage. He served in the War of 1812, and after its close removed to Pennsylvania and thence to Ohio, locating at Zanesville, where he worked in the first glass factory ever established west of the Alleghanies. About 1820 he settled within the present limits of .Center Township, Noble County, on a piece of unimproved land which he entered from the government. He married Miss Nancy Gillotte, and reared a large and respectable family.
He was a warm Union man during
CENTER - 351
the late war, and at the time when the Morgan raiders were spreading terror through Ohio, though then over seventy years of age, he shouldered his squirrel rifle and joined in the pursuit of the guerrilla band. Mr. Brown died in 1864. His widow reached the advanced age of ninety years, and died in 1885. The sons were G. W., Admiral N., Jeremiah B. (deceased), and Jason Whitney. The daughters were Sarah A., Eliza J. (deceased), Margaret A. and Mary A. (deceased). The oldest son, G. W., served in the late war in Lanphere's Michigan Battery, and was wounded at Chickasaw Bayou. The fourth son, Jason W., served in an Indiana regiment during the war.
Jeremiah Byron Brown, third son of Jeremiah Bateman Brown, was born in Zanesville. He married Miss Isabella C. Harris, and reared six children: Mary E. (Smith), John II.. better known 'as Judge Brown, of Caldwell; LeRoy D., of Alliance, Ohio, late State school commissioner; Orra A. (Lamley), Amanda (Grim), and Warren B.—the latter a student at the Cincinnati College of Medicine. The father, like his father before. him, was a most earnest and zealous friend of schools, and gave his children the best educational advantages that his means afforded. The sons and daughters have been successful teachers, following that useful vocation for many years, and one of the sons has filled in a highly creditable manner the highest educational office within the gift of the people of Ohio.
Jeremiah Bateman Brown died in 1880, while on a visit to his former home. He was a farmer and lived the greater part of his life in Center Township, removing thence to West Virginia in his later years. His widow is still living.
LeROY D. BROWN, A. M., PH. D. Among the many prominent educators whom Noble County has furnished to the State and country, the gentleman whose name heads this article, stands pre-eminent. LeRoy D. Brown was born in Center Township, -Noble County, November 3, 1848, and his boyhood was passed amid the rugged but beneficial influences of farm life. At the early age of fifteen years, in the darkest days of the Rebellion, he became a volunteer soldier, and for two years bravely bore his part in the stern discipline of civil warfare. He took part in many engagements,- serving under Crook, Sheridan and Grant, and was wounded while with Sheridan in the valley of Virginia. At the close of the war he returned to the farm, and by teaching one year and attending school the next, man aged to fit himself for the Ohio Wesleyan University, which he entered in 1869. From this institution, after several intervals of teaching, he was graduated in the regular classical course. Having decided to make teaching his life-work, he devoted himself closely to his pursuit and gained an excellent reputation as a teacher in eastern Ohio. In due time he was called to time Miami Valley, and became distinguished as a teacher and organizer. He held
352 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO.
the position of superintendent of schools in the city of Hamilton, and proved both popular and efficient in that capacity. He is a close observer and a hard . student. His characteristic energy is shown by the fact that he studied law and was admitted to the bar in the midst of his professional duties.
Since 1873 Mr. Brown has visited many of the best schools in various parts of the United States and Canada, and in 1882 lie traveled in Europe, visiting schools and study ing the educational systems of Great Britain, Germany, France and Austria. He has been styled ` the bent, travelled schoolmaster in Ohio." In 1883 he was nominated by the Demo daltalo party, and elected State commissioner of common schools, by a handsome majority. His labors to improve the educational institutions of the State have been indefatigable and have brought good results. The excellent educational exhibit, sent to the New Orleans Exposition, was prepared under his direction, and won for him the highest praise. In recognition of his scholarship he has received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He has contributed many valuable articles to prominent educational journals.
In a published sketch of Mr. Brown* occur these remarks:
"As the head of the Ohio school system he has proved an efficient officer, and the schools of Ohio were never in a better condition than they are to-dav. * * " * At various times
*Cincinnati Graphic, July 4, 1885.
he has been honored with important .offices in educational conventions and organizations, and he is now the president of the department of superintendence of the National Educational Association. As a vocation, he holds that teaching should be so well remunerated as to induce the noblest young men and young women to adopt it as a life-work. Only thus, he think can the new profession assume its true place among the callings of men ; and to the end that it may assume such a place, he is willing to give to it the greatest energy and the best thought of his life."
Governor Joseph B. Foraker, as a mark of his confidence in the integrity, capacity, and public spirit of Mr. Brown, appointed him as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home, on the 10th day of February, 1887. This appointment, coming as it did from a chief executive of the State, of opposite political views, near the close of Mr. Brown's official term as school commissioner; attests the fidelity and ability with which he has discharged the important duties of his high office at the head of the public school system of his native State.
In 1878 Mr. Brown was married to Miss Esther Emma Gabel, of Eaton, Ohio. Three children have blessed this union. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their home is always open to their friends, and their hands are always ready to do any good work for "family, church or state."
PICTURE OF LEROY D. BROWN
CENTER - 353
John H. Brown, ex-probate judge, was born in Center Township in 1846. He was reared on a farm, attended the common schools, and for a few terms was a student at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. For twelve years he taught in the schools of Noble County, and during seven years of that time was principal of the Batesville schools. While there he served as justice of the peace and as county. School examiner, being twice chosen to the former office and once to the latter. In 1878 he received the Democratic nomination for probate judge, and was elected. He was re-elected and held the office for two terms. This, in a strongly Republican county, is sufficient evidence of his popularity. Judge Brown has been a resident of Caldwell since the fall of 1878. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Masonic order. He was first, married, in 1866, to Miss Louisa Maria Knox, of this county. She died in 1881, leaving four children: Oscar E., Ida M., Carey I, and Miles E. In 1882 he married Mrs. Maria D. Carr, daughter of William J. Young, formerly one of the prominent business men of the county. Two children have been born of this union — Guy B. (deceased), and Simon K.
THE TAYLOR FAMILY.
HENRY TAYLOR, for many years one of the prominent merchants of the county, is a native of Morgantown, Va. The family removed to Ohio in 1831, settling in Senecaville, Guernsey County. At the age of Sixteen Henry commenced life as a clerk in a store. In 1845 he came to Mount Ephraim, where he engaged in general merchandise and the tobacco business. In 1851 he took charge of a co-operative store in, Freedom, and while here was elected county auditor and was the second auditor elected by the people. Upon the expiration of his term he removed to Sarahsville, wbere he resumed the mercantile business, in which he was successfully engaged until 1878, when he retired from active business. During his commercial career he was an active, energetic business man, and a gentleman whose name was a synonym for integrity and moral rectitude. He identified himself with all measures pertaining to the moral welfare of the people, and was a worthy and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He reared a family of seven children: Elizabeth (Young), Noryall, John W., George W., Susan (Saltgaver), Melville E. and Thomas II. Norvall, the eldest son, as will be seen from the civil list, was elected audit& in 1865. During the war he was in command of a company in the regular army. He served with credit until the latter part of 1864, when he was forced to resign his commission by reason of physical disability.
George W. Taylor, son of Henry Taylor, was born in Senecaville, Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1844. He received such advantages for education as were afforded by the common schools of that day, and at the age of eighteen commenced life as a teacher. He followed this vocation for some time, but it not being wholly
HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 354
congenial to his tastes, he entered the store of his father as a clerk, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. For many years he was a member of the firm of Henry Taylor & Son, and upon the retirement of the elder Taylor succeeded to the business, in which he has since been engaged. While paying strict attention to his business, Mr. Taylor has interested himself in all matters of public import pertaining to his township and county. For many years he has been a leading member of the board of education of Sarahsville. Perhaps he is best known as a worthy and sincere Christian gentleman, who practices in everyday life the tenets of his faith. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in him all religious and charitable enterprises find a generous friend and patron. Politically, he is a Republican, but never an aspirant for political preferment, nor a politician, in the usual acceptation of the term. In 1884 --he was sent as alternate to the national convention at Chicago. In 1883, and again in 1885 he was the unanimous choice of the leading Republicans of the county for representative, and was persistently urged to accept the nomination, but declined the honor. On numerous occasions he has represented his party at State conventions. In 1867 Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Dr. Noah Hill, of Senecaville, Ohio. Seven children have been born to them : Lillian H., Myra V., Candace H., Bessie B., Mary H., George H. and Henry DeHass.
JOHN W. ROBINSON.
The Robinson family are of English extraction. Richard J. Robinson, the father of the gentleman whose name heads this article, was born in Virginia in 1812, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Nancy Hook. He acquired the trade of millwright, and was also skilled in wagon making. In 1854 he removed to Noble County, settling in Sarahsville, where he died in 1886, aged seventy-three years. John W. Robinson was born near Winchester, Va., January 28, 1843. Early in life he evidenced a decided aptitude for mechanics, and when but a mere child was able, with the few rude tools at his command, to construct almost anything, from a toy wagon to a miniature steam-engine. His youthful imagination was highly wrought up by some telling him that huge fortunes awaited him if he could discover " perpetual motion." He immediately commenced a series of experiments with wheels, buckets, elevators, etc , only to have his hopes blasted by the information that the same experiments had already been made by others, and that he was laboring with an impossibility. At the age of sixteen his mind was directed toward educational matters. His facilities were, of course, quite limited, but by the aid of private tutors he studied history and the classics. He entered the Marietta College, but ill health prevented him from pursuing a collegiate course. In 1862 he began life as a teacher at East Union, Noble County, where he taught one term. The war was in
PICTURE OF JOHN W. ROBINSON
CENTER - 355
progress, and he was so thoroughly impressed with his duty to his country, that after teaching a second term at his home in Sarahsville he joined Company E, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private soldier. At the expiration of a year he was detailed as clerk in the Commissary Department, where he remained until honorably discharged by special order of General Hooker, when he returned to his home and resumed his former vocation. His profession, however, then as now, was illy remunerated, and not wholly congenial, and he next turned his attention to the introduction of improved textbooks for schools, and for four years he traveled the eastern part of State as the representative of Ingham & Bragg, Cleveland, Ohio, at which time traveling agents in this capacity were discontinued by the "publishers' compact." He next engaged in the drug and book business in Sarahsville, but the business was too slow and tedious for one So impulsive and energetic, and he removed to Indianapolis, where he became associated with Messrs. Martin & Hopkins, State agents for the Northwestern Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, as a solicitor. In this, as in other enterprises, he was successful, and in two years we find him occupying the responsible position of special agent for the same company, working in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan.
In this department he soon evinced his marked ability as an insurance man, and as evidence of their appreciation of his Services the company offered him the State of Kentucky, which he accepted. For one year he took the sole charge of the business. Being ambitious to control the largest agency the company had, he associated himself with General R. Cowen (Assistant Secretary of the Interior during General Grant's administration), taking, under the firm name of Cowen & Robinson, the States of Ohio and Kentucky. This connection was highly successful, and continued for nearly four years, General Cowen retiring.
Under the able management of Mr. Robinson, the company's business has not only been built up from $1,500,000 to over $4,000,000, but has commanded the confidence and patronage of the best men in the State; and it can be truly said that no agency is in a more healthy and prosperous. condition than this. One of the officials of the company, in speaking of. Mr. Robinson, says : "Mr. Robinson has been in the employment of our company for many years, and is likely to continue in such employment much longer. We have found him a thoroughly competent and reliable man and we commend him to you as a gentleman who enjoyS our confidence." December 24, 1867, Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Olive B. Dilley, of Sarahsville. He resides in Louisville, Ky.
The career of Mr. Robinson is one worthy of emulation. Starting in life with only his natural resources as his capital, he has, by individual effort, acquired an enviable position in the business world, and the esteem and regard of all his acquaintances.
356 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO
PICTURE OF CHARLES C. DAVIDSON
CHARLES C: DAVIDSON was born in Noble County, Ohio, February 24, 1844. He worked on his father's farm while a boy, attending school during the winter months. When nineteen years old he entered the Ohio University at Athens, Ohio, where he pursued his studies so vigorously that at the end of two years failing health sent him again to his father's home. Here, under private teachers, he continued his studies and completed the course begun at col lege. For the first few years. his teaching was -in the schools near his home. Dori n g these early years h i s abilities were recognized, and his services were eagerly sought at the various institutes and in the normal schools. In 1871 he was appointed school examiner of Noble County, and with signal success he filled this position until called to the superintendency of the Quaker City schools.
To identify himself more closely with the professional teachers of Ohio, he completed, in 1875, the classical course of study at the Ohio Central Normal School, and in this year obtained a life certificate from the State Board of School Examiners,
In 1876 he took charge of the public schools of New Lisbon, where he remained for nine years, winning for himself and the schools an enviable reputation.
Desiring a wider field of labor, he chose Alliance, and in his new field has added new lustre to his fame as an educator. H is success as superintendent of the schools in this latter place was evidenced in the fact that the Board of Education, unsolicited on his part, at the end of the first year elected him for two yearn, at a greatly advanced salary.
The results of his efforts are a largely increased attendance in the schools, with a correspondingly increased interest, and a visible improvement in " methods ;" a public school library of a thousand volumes from the best authors ; the purchase of the 'vacated college and its valuable grounds as the building
CENTER - 357
suitable for the imperative needs of the city and which, when remodeled, will be one of the finest school buildings and sites in the State.
In 1886 the Ohio University conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts, and most worthily was the honor bestowed. For years he has been a member of both the State Teachers' Association and National Department of School Superintendence, holding various offices in both; and for the past two years has acted as secretary of the National Association of School Superintendents.
HON. WILLIAM VAN METER.
Hon. William Van Meter was born in Belmont County in 1819. He learned the trade of a carpenter a vocation he followed for a livelihood until his removal to Mount Ephraim in 1834. From Mount Ephraim he came to Sarahsville, which was afterward his home. For many years he was engaged in merchandising in different parts of the county. He identified himself with the best interests of Sarahsville, and filled many positions of trust and responsibility. He filled the office of county treasurer for two terms. In 1874 he was elected to the representative branch of the legislature. He served on the State Board of Eq ualization. In 1850 he was married to Miss Sarah A. Stewart, who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1823, and came to this county with her parents in 1831. Six children were born to them : Maggie (Danford), John W., Herman W., McClellan, Leah (Johnson), and Hamilton W. Mr. Van Meter was a Democrat in political belief, and in every way a worthy citizen.
THE BALL FAMILY.
Mathew Ball, one of the prominent pioneers of Center Township, was a native of Wales, where he was born in 1745. He came to this country shortly after the Revolutionary War ; he first settled in Allegany County, Md., where he followed tanning and milling ; he was successful in business, and accumulated what at the time was thought to be a competency. With the desire no doubt of bettering the condition of his family he came to Noble County, and in 1818 entered 160 acres of land near where is now the village of Sarahsville. On this farm he lived until his decease which occurred Dec. 27, 1821 ; he reared a family of nine children- Mathew, Jonas, John, Daniel, Lydia (Gilpin), Mary (Riddle) Susan (Vorhies), Anna and Julia. Jonas was born in Maryland in 1791, and came to the new country with the family. He married Miss Amy Archer, and was the first settler on the farm now owned by Mr. Clay Young. He was a typical pioneer in the fullest sense of the term, strong, robust and resolute, and possessed of unlimited confidence in his own resources and his ability to conquer success under such adverse circumstances. He had a full share of pioneer experiences, narration of which would sound to the present generation more hike fiction than fact. He was obliged to market the produce of the farm in Marietta, a distance of nearly fifty
PICTURE OF JAMES BALL
358 - HISTORY OF NOBLE COUNTY, OHIO.
miles over roads that at this time would be thought to be impassable ; on one occasion he took a load of pork to Marietta, which he sold for $1.50 per hundred, but despite the obstacles, which would have disheartened one less courageous, he was successful in life and at one time owned over 1,200 acres of land. But few men did more than he in the development of the county, and the name of Jonas Ball will al ways be accorded a prominent place among the pioneers of Noble County. He died Oct. 9, 1875, aged eighty-three years ; his wife died in 1865, aged Sixty-three. He had a family of twelve children, four boys and eight girls. James was born in Center Dec. 19, 1819 ; his youth was passed on the farm of his father, sharing the hardships of a pioneer family ; his recollection of the early days is vivid ; he recalls many incidents that took place in his boyhood that illustrate pioneer life in Center. The following is related to show what the pioneers were compelled to endure, and something of the early life of our subject. In 1835, just before harvest, the family got out of wheat, and they were obliged to cut the ripe spots; the sheaves after being sufficiently dried were threshed with flails, cleaned with a sheet and riddle. On this occasion the wheat was boiled in a tea kettle with a little maple sugar to render it more palatable. On this unwholesome diet they subsisted for two days. Many other experiences might be given, but this will suffice as an illustration.
Like his father, he began life upon a new farm, and is entitled to a prominent place among the pioneer farmers of the county.. He married Miss Anna Salladay in 1844. She was born in Buffalo Township in 1824. They reared a family of six children -- Emily (Russell), Israel. Martha (Downey), Angeline (Cox). Jane (Newton) and Annie.
PICTURE OF JAMES BULL