JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 797
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
ANDERSON, WILLIAM W., clergyman; he is A son of Rev. James Anderson, who was born in Pennsylvania, and was Pastor of the Lexington (Ohio) Presbyterian Church from the spring of 1854 to the spring of 1864. The subject of this sketch was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, and was brought up in a village; during his early life, his mother taught a female boarding-school ; in 1854, he came with his parents to Lexington, Ohio, and attended the high school of that place; in the fall of 1855, he entered Washington College, Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1859, and then entered the theological seminary of Allegheny City, Penn., where he finished his course in 1862; his first charge was in Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio, where he remained six years and a half; his next charge was at Shelby, Ohio, at which place he remained eight years, and than came to Bellville Jan. 1, 1877, and took the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church of that place, which position he now fills. Mr. Anderson was born Nov. 6, 1839, and was married to Miss Elisabeth H. Urie, of Ashland; Ohio, June 29, 1865; their children are Urie, born March 23, 1866, died in infancy; Clara L., born June 2, 1867; Dora E., Dec. 4. 1872; Mary, July 30, 1879. Mr. Anderson is a most estimable citizen, an able minister,
798 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
scholarly, selects his expressions with great care, is pathetic, modest, refined and mild.
ALEXANDER, HARRISON, was born in Waldo Co., Me.; he worked on a farm and in a saw-mill until he came to Bellville, in the fall of 1850; here he worked in a foundry three years, and then commenced to deal in paper, which he continued until 1866; since then, he has given his attention to farming, and the variety of business conducted under the name of Alexander & Zents. He was born Feb. 12, 1823, and married, Aug. 18, 1850, to Amanda Weymouth, who was born July 27, 1829: children- Miller was born July 19, 1852; Hannah. Dec. 6, 1854; Harry, Nov. 15. 1866.
ARMSTRONG, HEZEKIAH, farmer, resides on a part of Section 29, where he owns over 200 acres of land; he is a son of James Armstrong, who landed in this township Dec. 25, 1817; he died Oct. 20, 1850, and was almost 75 years old. Mr. H. Armstrong was born Nov. 5, 1819, and was brought up on the farm he now owns; his companion, Rosan Flook, was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Oct. 17, 1820, and came with her parents to Ohio in 1828. Mr. Armstrong was married Nov. 10, 1845 ; children-Alvina, barn Sept. 9, 1847 ; John, May 18, 1849; Elizabeth, Aug. 11, 1851; Eli C., Aug. 12, 1853; Mariah, Dec. 16, 1854; Eliphalet, Feb. 9,1857; Sarah, Aug.1,1859; Leva, Apri1 8, 1862. Mr. Armstrong built a fine barn on his premises in 1871, and, in later years, remodeled his residence, so that his farm is well improved, and by diligence to his avocation, he has made himself independent.
AUNGST, SAMUEL S., farmer. He is the son of George Aungst, who was born in Pennsylvania, and in boyhood moved to Virginia; here he married Elizabeth Zimmerman, and Samuel was born April 11, 1805. When 6 months old, his parent moved to Pickaway Co., Ohio; and after the war of 1812, moved to Jefferson Township; there were two sons and seven daughters in the family. Samuel married Catherine Spayde Nov. 9, 1829, and five sons and seven daughters were born to them; a son died in infancy, the remaining are yet living. Mrs. Aungst was born in Pennsylvania March 26, 1811.
AUNGST, GEORGE W., farmer. He resides on a part of Sec. 15, Jefferson Township; he is a son of Samuel Aungst., and was born in Richland Co. July 17, 1830. He was married, Dec. 29, 1859, to Samantha Swank, a daughter of John Swank, and was born in Jefferson Township May 12, 1840; they have two children- Anna Eliza, born Dec. 11, 1860, and Lewis D., born March 26, 1866 ; Mr. Aungst commenced to keep house near where be now lives; he built a barn on his farm in 1867, and a neat dwelling-house in 1872-73; he was Township Assessor in 1868-89, and Land Assessor in 1880. Mr. Aungst is one of Jefferson Township's valuable citizens.
AUNGST, DANIEL, former. He was born on the northeast quarter of Sec. 8, and has lived on it since birth, excepting eight years that he resided in Bellville ; he was born March 5, 1824, and is the only survivor of his father's family. He was married, Nov. 7, 1848, to Elizabeth Langham; daughter of Robert Langham and Sarah Kinney; she was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Sept. 1, 1820; they had eight children, all of which died in infancy but one, Marcellus ; she was born Jan. 17, 1858. Mr. Aungst held the office of Township Trustee one term.
BEACH, ABIJAH L, M. D., was born in New Haven Co., Coon., Oct. l6, 1804, and brought up on a farm at a proper age he was placed in an academy, and in March, 1825, he took the degree of M. D.; he visited Ohio is 1820, and in 1826, came to Bellville, and has made it his ostensible home since; he was engaged with Judge Jackson in various mercantile enterprises, and enterprises on his own responsibility until 1850; since then he has led an active life in the field of speculation, and practiced medicine extensively. In 1857, he traveled over the most important countries of Europe and visited the most noted cities and extensive hospitals ; in 1868, he opened a hospital in Bellville, and enjoyed s good patronage until he retired in 1877. He is now leading an active business life, having a large grocery and notion store in Bellville, under his supervision, and giving some attention to the practice of medicine. He was married to Elisabeth Jackson May 15, 1831; she was born May 15, 1816, and died Aug. 5, 1875.
DAY, CYRUS, retired farmer, Bellville; his parents emigrated from Washington Co., Penn., in the year 1815, and located in Troy Township Mr. Day is one of a family of twelve children, and is the seventh in order; he was born May 18, 1819; he received such an education as these limes afforded, which was quite meager. He was married in 1846, and remained one year on the home place, when he removed to Jefferson Township, on a farm known as the Shultz farm, where he remained about four years; he then moved on the farm with his father-in-law, John Markey, and shortly after his arrival here, he bought the farm, and remained on it about five years, when he sold and bought a farm of F. M. Fitting, adjoining the corporation of Bellville ; he resided here about five years, and then sold out and purchased the property where he now resides. Mr. Day has raised a family of six children, five of whom are living.
BELL, ROBERT, deceased ; he was a descendant of English and Scotch parents, and was born about 1755 ; in 1781, he resided in Sussex Co., N. J., and in 1796, moved to Belmont Co., Ohio, and between 1813 and 1815, moved to where Bellville now is, and purchased a quarter-section of land of James McCluer. Robert Bell, Jr., came the same year, and settled on the site of Bellville, whose children, in the order of their births are John, William, Zephaniah, Sarah, Mary, Nancy, Peter, Robert F., Jonathan W. and Aaron, by his first wife, and Frank, by his second wife. William Bell was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1805, and came to Richland County with his father, and was his main assistance in clearing up his farm, a part of Section 7, on which he moved soon after 1815. He was married to Susan Strong Dec. 6, 1831 ; he resided in Jefferson Township till he moved to Hancock Co., Ohio, in 1840, where he died in the fall of 1847 ; the family returned to Bellville, and Mrs. Bell died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Dewey, of Omaha, Neb, in 1875, while on a visit, aged 66 years; she was born in Frederick Co., Md., July 4, 1809; their children are George S., born Nov. 14, 1832; Rezin W., Aug. 25, 1834; Eliza A., July 4, 1837; Sarah Jane, March 14,
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 799
1840 ; Emeline M., Jane 2d, 1843 ; Susan, May 10, 1845. George S. followed a mercantile life in Bellville till 1875, when he was chosen Clerk in the Ohio Penitentiary; in 1876, Steward of the Central Ohio Insane Asylum ; in 1877, he resigned this position to accept a very important Federal one at Washington. He was married to Eliza M. Morrow in 1863, and has one child-Gracie. Rexin W. served an apprenticeship at the turner's trade in Mansfield, Ohio, and worked two years at the trade in Missouri ; has returned to Bellville in 1858, and went to California, where he worked at his trade six months, and than went to mining on Moquelumne Hill ; he followed this about three years, and spent the remainder of eight years in the hardware business; during the war, he was the leading man in raising the Moquelumne Hill Rifle Company, that tendered its service to the Federal Government ; in 1866, ha formed a partnership with his brother, in the dry-goods business, in Bellville, and continued till 1876, when they retired. He received an appointment as an officer in the United States Senate, which he filled till 1879, when the Senate became Democratic ; he resided is Bellville in 1880. He was married to Catherine Bonor July 31, 1872, and has one child-Bertha, who was born Aug. 15, 1874; Mrs. Bell was born March 31, 1843. The four daughters were all school-teachers; Elise was Postmistress in Bellville over twelve years, which position she resigned in 1877, voluntarily.
CASSEL, HENRY B., farmer; he was born is Montgomery G., Penn., in April, 1809, and came to Jefferson Township is 1842, end has since lived in it. He was married to Sarah Price June 25, 1825 ; she was born in 1806; their children are Abraham, Samuel, Yellis, Daniel, Henry, Harrison, Caleb, Sarah and Rolandes. Caleb went to the army, in the 18th O. V. C., and was wounded is the right knee at the battle of Petersberg, on July 28, 1864, and died is the hospital Aug. 30, 1864. Mr. Caret's first wife died when quite aged, and he was married to Mary A. Adams March 29, 1877.
CHARLES, WILLIAM F., carpenter and farmer; he was born near Cleveland Aug. 7, 1825 ; his father, John Charles, was born in Chester G., Pence., and from there moved near Cleveland, where he was married. He moved to Richland Co., in February, 1841, and settled is Washington Township; the subject of this sketch commenced to work at the carpenter trade in 1847, and followed it more or less of the time to the present; he was married March 15,1849, to Christeann Mowry, who was born in Franklin G., Penn., Feb. 6, 1828, and came with her parents, Jacob and Catherine (Teeter) Mowry, W Richland G. when 1 year old ; her parents died in Richland Co. Children-Melissa, was born Dec. 19, 1849 ; Sarah Frances, July 30, 1852; Willard Benton, Dec. 1, 1856; Luella May, Nov. 27, 1859. Sarah F. died Sept. 19, 1858. Melissa was married to Theodore Dean Aug, 22, 1872; he was born is Jefferson Township, Dec., 19, 1847 ; they have two children. In 1857, Mr. Charles moved to Licking Co., and kept store in Homer till 1861, when he returned to Bellville, and has made it his home since ; he owns a farm just south of town, and devotes his time to agriculture, carpenter work, threshing grain in its season, and dealing in stock; the last named business he commenced about two years ago.
CRAIN, WILLIAM P., was born in Morris Co., N. J., Jan., 11, 1796, and came to Steubenville, Ohio, in 1818; after remaining about two years he returned to his native State, where he lived till 1840, at which date he came to Mt. Vernon, Olio, and engaged in coopering ; at the end of about five years he moved to Fredericks town and opened a grocery ; he next moved to Palmyra, and is the fall of 1853 to Bellville ; in the fall of 1855, he moved on a small farm south of Bellville, where he has since lived. He was first married to Mary Jane Haines, and six children were born to them; she died in 1849, and on Aug. 17, 1851, he was married to Lucinda Walker, who was born Jan. 4, 1812;, two sons were born to them-William L., May 25, 1853, and George Edwin, March 31,1855. Edwin married Jennie Garber, daughter of David L. Garber, deceased, Nov. 13, 1879.
DIVELBISS, GEORGE WASHINGTON, farmer; born in Jefferson Township Dec. 15, 1850 ; a year or two after his birth his father moved into Worthington Township, where he grew to manhood. He was married to Mary E. Kanaga, third child of John F. Kanaga, Jan. 16, 1872 ; she was born Sept. 1, 1851 ; they moved near his father's where they remained one year; then on his farm near Mt. Carmel Church. Children-Charles S., bom Jan. 26,1875, died Nov. 21,1875 ; Harry, born Aug. 31,1876 ; Hattie, July 18,1878. He united with the Evangelical Church in 1872, his wife in early life ; Mr. D. at times has held church offices, and superintended the Sabbath school ; he built his residence in 1872.
DONAUGH, WILLIAM, born in Mercer G., Penn„ May 22, 1829; he name with his parents to Williams G., Ohio, when yet young ; from there his parents moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, where they lived a few years and then emigrated to Jefferson Township. He was brought up a farmer, which occupation has always received his attention. He was united in matrimony to Sarah Garber Den. 21, 1854, she being the oldest living child of David Garber, and was born Feb. 20, 1833; their children, is order, are as follows: Amos W., born Nov. 26, 1855; Samuel Benton, Feb. 16, 1858; David Milton, Aug. 7, 1860; Susan Samantha, Jan. 17, 1863; William Henry, Sept. 17, 1866; John Clinton, Feb. 27, 1869; Levi Elroy, Nov. 23, 1871. Mr. Donaugh and wife united with the United Brethren Church about the year 1861. He commenced house-keeping with a few dollars of his own earnings, and is now the owner of a well-improved farm, a part of Sec. 27.
DONAUGH, AMOS WILSON, farmer; was born in Jefferson Township Nov. 26, 1855, and brought up on a farm. He entered the matrimonial relation with Mary Alice Gerber Aug. 23, 1876; she is the oldest child of Lewis Garber, and her mother's maiden name was Mary Mock; she was born in Jefferson Township March 16, 1858 ; they lived on the farm with her father about two years; they then lived a short time in a building one half a mile away, and, in October, 1879, moved about two and a half miles east of Bellville. They remained there the following winter, and, in the spring, came upon the homestead his father bought, being a part of Sec. 26, Jefferson Township.
800 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
DURBIN, SCOTT (deceased), was born in Washington Co., Penn., in 1791, and moved to Fairfield Co., Ohio, in 1804, and soon after to Knox Co. and took a job of clearing 25 acres for Amos Rice, near Ankneytown, for 160 acres near Bellville. He was married to Margaret Davis in 1812, and moved in a small cabin he built about one and a half miles south of Bellville. He assisted in driving the Greentown Indians and served in the war a short time. From this first cabin, he built one on his own land and moved into it. He next moved southwest of Bellville three miles, then two miles south of Mt. Vernon, then near Ankneytown, Where he discontinued housekeeping. He died in Williams Co., Ohio, in November 1863. Mrs. Durbin was born in Virginia, near the Warm Springs, in 1792, and moved to Mt. Vernon when 17 years of age. At this date, March, 1880, she is alive and in the 88th year of her age. His children are George W., born July 14, 1813 ; John, Sept. 10, 1815; Mary H., Oct. 6, 1817 ; Samuel, Sept. 17, 1819 ; Lorenzo, Sept. 7, 1821 ; Elizabeth, Sept. 23, 1824; Simeon, May 19, 1827 ; Isabel, Aug. 14, 1829; Scott, Sept. 5, 1833; Thomas, May 27, 1835; William, April, 1837.
DURBIN, JEHU, was born in Jefferson Township Sept. 14, 1824, and is a son of Thomas Durbin; he was brought up on a farm. He was married Feb. 20, 1849, to Nancy Aungst; they commenced to keep house in Jefferson Township, and have lived in it to this day ; Mrs. Durbin was born in the township also, on Dec. 17, 1822, sad is s daughter of George Aungst, who migrated to Jefferson Township in an early day ; their children are Lorenzo D., born Dec. 10, 1849 ; Sarah Jane, Aug. 6, 1851 ; George W., March l4, 1853; Samuel, Dec. 26, 1854 ; Joseph J., Dec. 1, 1856; James C., Jan. 28, 1859; Arabella, March 4, 1861; Aaron, April 25, 1863; Lorenzo was married to Mary Elisabeth Teeter, Dec. 23, 1875, and has two sons; George W. was married to Elisabeth Garber in 1879. Mr. Durbin has held the office of Township Trustee, and other local offices. Farming has been his main occupation through life; when young, be did some teaming to and from the lake, and of late years has given his attention largely to stock-growing He was in the war of the rebellion as a teamster. Samuel, his third son, has been successfully teaching school for several years.
ELLER, JACOB, farmer; was born is Jefferson Township Sept. 5, 1851, and was married Jan. 10, 1875; she is a daughter of Samuel Hamilton, and was born in Jefferson Township Aug. 5, 1856; their oldest child was born Jan. 30, 1876; Almira Ellen was born Sept. 22, 1877, and Minnie Alice April 1, 1879. Mr. Eller is Joseph Eller's oldest child; he has made his residence in Jefferson Township since his marriage.
EVARTS, REUBEN, was born near Hamilton, Canada, Dec. 12,1809, and came with his father to Richland in February, 1816, who settled in Jefferson Township in March, 1817; is 1834, he purchased the east half of the northwest quarter of Sec. 16. On Apri1 5, 1840, be married Rebecca Howard, who was born in Somerset Co., Penn., April 12, 1818, and made said purchase their home during their married life ; the children born to them were twelve-Andrew, Cyrus, Eli and Levi, Annette, Reuben, Comfort A., Alverda, Robert, Rebecca J., John H. and Sarah C.; Eli and Levi are twins, the former born late in 1843 and the latter early in 1844; Cyrus died Feb. 8, 1844; Mrs. Evarts died Sept. 21, 1876. Eli was married to Sarah Lafferty Dec. 22, 1868 ; Reuben, Jr., to Annette Rhodes Dec. 22, 1870; Andrew to Mariah Stanton Feb. 20, 1871; Alverda to Peter born Sept. 17, 1874 ; Comfort Ann to James M. Reed Sept. 24, 1874 ; Levi to Ella C. Ridenour Dec, 2, 1874; Annette to Adam H. Zimmers Dec. 28, 1875; Robert to Abbie B. Cutting Oct. 10, 1877 ; Rebecca to Joseph Shelly Feb. 20, 1879. Mr. Evarts is a descendant of two families of Massachusetts : his grandfathers, Gilbert Evarts and Joel Bigelow, moved to Addison Co., Vt., is 1765; here Timothy Evarts was born, brought up, and married. Before the war of 1812, he was engaged in the business of transportation on Lakes Ontario and Champlain, and had his home near Hamilton, in Canada; here Reuben was born. At the opening of the war, Timothy Evarts, with others, were requested to take the oath of allegiance in support of the British, and upon their refusal, were persecuted, arrested and paroled; at the close of the war, he was destitute, by confiscation of property and other privations, and he, in company with others, procured two row-boats and commenced a journey for Ohio: by much tribulation and braying many dangers, be succeeded in reaching the new purchase, and in March, 1817, arrived in Jefferson Township; in 1818, he entered the west half of the southeast quarter of Sec. 22. He was the first Clerk of Jefferson Township as now constituted, taught school, and became a valuable citizen in many respects; be died on the northeast quarter of Sec. 16, in 1846. Reuben Evarts, whose name heads this article, commenced to teach school in 1827 or 1828, and taught fourteen winter terms in succession, excepting 1836-37, when he took a journey to Iowa; in 1828, be commenced to work on the Ohio Canal, and labored on it two summers; in 1831, be commenced to make pumps, and for twelve years it was his exclusive summer occupation. Mr. Evarts has filled all the township offices; in 1848, be was elected Justice of the Peace, and continued in the office thirty-six years, during which time be solemnized over three hundred marriages, settled thirty-six estates, wrote many wills in Richland, Knox, Morrow, Ashland, Sandusky and Ashtabula Cos., and no decision of his was ever reversed on appeal or error; he was an agent of the Washington Sanitary Commission during its existence. Mr. R. has taken an active interest in preserving the pioneer history of Richland Co., and is one of the best-informed men on this subject. He resides on his farm south of Bellville, and is yet vigorous in body and mind, and spending his days in the enjoyment of home end social surroundings.
FARQUHAR, ALBERT O., farmer; born in Frederick Co., Md., May 20,1804 ; he came with his father to Ohio in 1805, and the next year to Knox Co., in which be lived until after marriage. He was united is matrimony to Hannah Gibson on the 11th of December, 1837; she was born May 15, 1808, and came with her parents to Knox Co. in 1818. He still resided in Knox Co. after marriage until December, 1852, when he bought a part of Sec. 31, in Jefferson Township, where he has since lived. Children - Mary Elisabeth, born Jan. 1, 1832; Ruth Ann, July 5, 1834; Amanda Malvina, June 19, 1840. The mother died Dec. 8, 1871. Mr. Farquhar
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 801
was Assessor at one time ; he has always led a harmless and peaceable life.
FISHER, IRWIN D., merchant, Bellville, Ohio; he was born is Bellville Dec. 5, 1844, and, during his early, assisted his father in managing a meat market; he received his education in Bellville, with the exception of one year at the Ohio Wesleyan University and one year at Elyria, Ohio. He was married to Barilla Elston, who was a daughter of William Elston, Sr., and she was born in Andover, Mass., Sept. 11, 1845; she came with her parents to Ohio in 1845 ; they were married Nov. 14,1866, and the following are the names of their children: Burke, born Aug. 26, 1867; Willie, Jan. 23, 1869; Addle, Sept. 17, 1872; Fred, March 8, 1874; Rose, May 2, 1876; Mary E., Dec. 12, 1878. In 1867, Mr. Fisher formed a business relation with J. Weaver and embarked in the produce and grocery business; after they dissolved partnership, one of his brothers became his partner, and this firm to turn was succeeded by Fisher & Neily ; in 1876. Mr. Fisher assumed control of the business and has successfully conducted it to the present, and the house of Irwin D. Fisher is one of the first groceries in the village; he was Village Clerk three years and Councilman four, and is a member of the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Fisher's father, Daniel Fisher, was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., Oct. 24, 1816; he learned the tanner's trade; in 1840, be commenced to butcher in Bellville and continued in the business about thirty years. He was married, Feb. 13, 1844, to Mary E. Poppleton, who was born in Knox Co. June 18, 1824, and the children born to them were the subject of this sketch, Julia, Samuel and Frank.
FITTING, FREDERICK M ,was born in Knox Co., one-half a mile south of Ankneytown, Oct. 27, 1810. His father came to this place in 1802, and, is 1813, moved into Jefferson Township, on Sec. 33 ; a few years later, he purchased land adjoining this on the west, on which he died. Casper Fitting came from Chester Co., Penn., to Knox Co. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and agriculture has been his main occupation in life, and he has made Bellville his home, with one or two exceptions, to the present; in 1830, he commenced to deal in Western land and has given his attention to it ever since; he now owns about 1,000 acres; in 1838, he became interested in a dry-goods store in Bellville, and continued in this line here and in Worthington Township about ten years; in 1847, he built the mill west of Bellville ; in 1850, he took the contract of building the S., M. & N. R. R. from Mansfield to Bellville; he commenced work in January, 1850, and arrived at Bellville in August of the same year ; he did a greater part of the grading, built the bridges and laid the iron ; he also furnished the ties for the road six miles below Bellville; Mr. Fitting never received but a small amount of his dues, losing about $20,000; in 1875, he built an excellent residence in Bellville. He was married to Ruth Markey July 28, 1838, and to them two daughters were born, one of whom is living.
FREDERICK, CHRISTIAN. Mr. Frederick's parents, Jacob Frederick and Esther Prinkle, moved from Bedford Co., Penn., to Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in 1813, where he was born. In 1828, he came with his parents to Knox Co.: his father died in Knox Co., in the 79th year of his age, and his mother is yet alive (1880) and is 85 years old. Mr. Frederick was brought up on a farm, and at the age of 29 began work at carpentering, laboring six months under instruction, after which he contracted jobs on his own responsibility; for thirty-five years it was his principal employment, during which time he constructed ten bridges over the Clear Fort, fifteen large barns and a large number of dwelling houses and other buildings After marriage, he resided sixteen years in Knox Co., and then moved into Jefferson Township and assumed control of the Greenwood mill, in which he put a carding machine, and in connection operated a saw-mill ; in 1865, he bought a farm, being a part of Sec. 12, on which he moved and has lived to this date. He was born Nov. 16, 1817; Esther Divelbiss was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Oct. 30, 1822 ; her father's name was Michael Divelbiss, and her mother's Margaret Swank. Mr. Frederick was married Oct. 11, 1840; children-Lydia was born Sept. 17, 1847; Eli, born Aug. 24, 1843; James, born Dec. 31, 1845; Thomas, born Oct. 7, 1848; Marilla, born March 8, 1851; Mary E., born Jan. 27, 1853 ; Margaret A., born Sept. 1, 1855 ; Amanda J., born March 4, 1858 ; John M., born May 13, 1860, Calvin E., born Oct. 21, 1862 ; Lucinda, born Nov. 12, 1866 ; Marilla died Oct. 4, 1851 ; Lydia married John Wareham ; Mary, William S. Charles ; Margaret, Jacob B. Leckron ; Elise, James and Thomas went to the army as substitutes; James was in the Potomac army, and the remaining two in the Cumberland; Elias was in many battles, and had eight bullet-holes put through his garments and had his hat shot off once.
FRY, AMOS, firmer; resides on a part of Sec. 28. He was born in York Co., Penn., where he was raised and remained until 1850; he then moved to Blair Co., in which he lived till 1863, when he prepared and came to this county, arriving at Bellville the 3d of March; he at once settled on the farm he now owns, and has given his attention almost wholly to farming and stock growing; he is a charter member of the Jefferson Grange, and has been an active member of the Order; he is also a surveyor of the Patron's Mutual Relief Association. Amos Fry was born Feb. 4, 1830; Elizabeth Hetrick was born March 10, 1836; they were married June 26, 1852; children-Daniel wan born Feb. 27, 1854; Jacob, born June 15, 1856; Levi, born June 10, 1858 ; Sarah born April 11, 1860 ; Jonathan, born Nov. 25, 1861; Mary Elisabeth, born March 23, 1864; Ulysses G., born Jan. 17, 1866; Eli C., born Sept. 5, 1868 ; Manda, born July 16, 1870 ; Manual, born April 3, 1874; Verde May, born Sept. 4, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Fry are members of the Lutheran Church.
GARBER, SAMUEL ; the progenitor of an industrious and well-known family of Garbars. His father probably resided in York Co., Penn., when the subject of this sketch was born, and possessed an extraordinary taste for hunting; he usually kept a large number of horses and hounds, which worked in well with this sort of life ; the horses were likely not kept solely for the purpose of hunting, as he made a business of purchasing "old skeletons," which he fattened upon a mixture made of red-ant hills, and some kind of forage boiled together. He enlisted during the war of 1812, and his
802 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
relatives never again heard from him. He had three sons, named respectively John, Samuel and David. John moved to Iowa in an early day, where he died. David resides in this township, and his biography is elsewhere given. Samuel whose name heads this sketch, was born May 8, 1804, and, during his early boyhood, his mother moved to Bedford Co., Penn., when he was placed in the care of a relative named Mock. He was then about 12 years of age, but the cruel treatment that he received could not be endured, and he returned to the care of his mother, who was then married to Samuel Brawlier. He remained in Pennsylvania, working on the shoe-bench and teaming over the mountains until 1821, when he emigrated with Jacob Mock to Ohio. He worked at shoemaking a short time in this country. He finally engaged himself as a laborer to John Leedy, and made his home with him, where he remained until he was married to Catharine Leedy, his daughter. This transpired Sept. 17, 1825. Their first years were spent on Sec. 28, Jefferson Township, 80 acres of which he entered. Selling this, he bought a part of Sec. 34, on which he lived until the fall of 1851, when he moved upon his father-in-law's farm. In 1863, he bought 192 acres of the northwestern part of Sec. 13, on which he has since lived. His wife, Cstharine Leedy, was born April 9, 1809. Children-John was born Dec. 11, 1826; Levi, March 13, 1828; David; April 3, 1831; Lewis, June 11, 1833; Jehu, Oct. 29, 1835; Elisabeth, Jan. 10, 1838; Jackson, Jan. 17, 1841; Washington, April 12,1843; Theodore, Aug. 9, 1845; Mary E., Feb. 14, 1848; Benton, April 16, 1850; Mina, Sept. 5, 1854. Deaths-Levi died April 27, 1850, of spotted fever, while attending school in Bellville, and was buried before his friends knew of his death; Mina, June 30, 1855; David, April 5, 1865. The mother died Oct. 24, 1879. Mr. Garber and wife passed their lives in industry, and they leave an exemplary record, as citizens and parents.
GARBER, LEWIS L., farmer; resides on a part of Sec. 33, four miles south of Bellville ; he is a son of Samuel Garber, ; was bought up a farmer ; worked at the carpenter trade from his 21st to his 25th year, and in 1873 commenced bricklaying as a trade, in connection with farming. He did the brickwork on the Jefferson Hall, and half on the Town Hall in Bellville; he built a fine residence on his farm in 1863, and rebuilt it in 1878 ; he was born June 11, 1832, and was married to Mary, daughter of John Mock, April 24, 1856: she was born Dec. 17, 1837. Children-Calvin, born Feb. 12, 1857, died six days after ; Mary Alice, March 16, 1858; Hortense, Feb. 16, 1862; Alwilda, June 4, 1864; Luella, July 4, 1866; Jerry, Feb. 12, 1872; child not named, July 24, 1879. After marriage, they first lived on his father's farm; in 1860, he bought his present homestead. Mr. Gerber was s shorter member of the Jefferson Grange, No. 256. He and his wife are communicants of the Universalist Church.
GARBER, JOHN L., farmer: resides on a part of Sec. 33; he was born in Jefferson Township, and brought up on a farm. At the age of 20 years, he commenced to work at the carpenter trade, In 1848, he went with others to Iowa and worked at millwrighting. In 1851, he returned, and, in Richland and Knox Cos„ built fourteen dwelling-houses, besides numerous other buildings. Mr. Garber was born Dec. 11, 1826. His companion, Mary Swank, was born Oct. 21,1830 ; they were married Aug. 27, 1854; children-Zeruiah was born March 24, 1855 ; Elizabeth, Feb. 5, 1857 ; a son, Dec. l5, 1858 ; Samuel M., Nov. 29, 1859; Catharine E., Apri1 16, 1861; Florence, Feb. 15, 1865 ; Verde, March 6,1867 ; Charles, Feb. 23, 1869; Elvyra, Apri1 27, 1871; Walter, July 11, 1873. Deaths - a son, died Jan. 2, 1859; Catharine, March 20, 1862; Charles, Dec. 10, 1870; Elvyre, May 24, 1872. After marriage, Mr. Gerber bought a farm in Worthington Township, and moved on it in March, 1855. The next fall, he returned to Jefferson Township, and, in 1856, purchased the farm on which he now resides. He has been a successful farmer, and is well fixed. He built his dwelling-house in 1861. He is a charier member of the Jefferson Grange. Be and his wife united with the Universalist Church shortly after marriage.
GARBER, DAVID L., deceased ; be was born April 8, 1831, in Jefferson Township, in which he resided till death ; he was married to Susan Leedy, April 8, 1852, who was a daughter of Abraham Leedy, and was born June 7, 1830; their children are Aaron, born Jan. 18, 1853; Elihu, Oct. 6, 1854 ; James Franklin, Oct. 12, 1856 ; Martha E., June 17, 1858 ; Jennie A., July 19, 1860; Levi, Sept. 19, 1862; Ezra, Aug. 15, 1864. Ezra died Jan. 10, 1865, and his father April 5, 1865. Mr. Gerber pursued the avocation of agriculture and stock-growing during his life ; he was member of the church of Christian Brethren. The four sons cultivate the farm known as the John Leedy farm, containing over 230 acres, and are the editors and proprietor of the Richland Star, published at Bellville. Jennie was married to Edwin Crain, Nov. 13, 1879.
GARBER, JEHU L., was born and brought up in Jefferson Township, on a farm ; in early life he taught a few terms of school, and from that time he occupied no position to bring his name prominently before the public until he arrived at middle age; in 1873, the Grange movement commenced to receive the attention of farmers, and he became interested and took a prominent part in establishing Jefferson Grange, and became its first Secretary ; he was also the first State Deputy ; he was active in the formation of the Patrons' Mutual Relief Association, prepared its constitution, and the success of the institution is largely due to his efforts and to this time he has been its Secretary ; he moved on a part of Sec. 34 in 1864, and giving his attention to stock-growing and agriculture. He was born Oct. 29, 1835, and his wife, Susan Rebecca Wallace, March 20, 1837; she was a daughter of George Wallace, and her birthplace was Dauphin Co., Penn. ; her parents settled in Knox Co., Ohio, about the year 1852 ; they were married June 19, 1856, and their children are Ella, born Dec. 27, 1856 ; Irene, Dec. 18, 1858 ; Clara Alice, Sept. 17, 1860: Ida May March 27, 1862: Horatio S., July 5, 1864; Charles, Oct. 15, 1866; William J., March 6, 1868; John M., June 7, 1870; George Wallace, July 7, 1874 ; Mertie E., April 16, 1876; Mamie Della, Sept. 3, 1878. Charles died April 16, 1867. Mrs. Gerber became a member of the United Brethren Church when young; they both became members of the Universalist Church
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 803
about ten years ago : Mr. Garber erected a large brick residence on his farm in 1875.
GARBER, JACKSON L., a son of Samuel Garber, was born in Jefferson Township, and brought up on a farm; he attended the Bellville High School during the winters of 1860 and 1861; the following winter he taught school, and, during the summer of 1862, traveled in Michigan, Canada West, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Indiana; he kept a grocery and bakery in Mt. Gilead a part of 1865 and 1866 ; he sold out and came to Bellville and entered into partnership with Markey & Garber, changing the firm name to Markey, Garber & Co.; he continued this relation till 1867; after marriage, he moved to Pierceton, Ind., where be opened a shoe store ; after being there a short time, he had to contend against a severe spell of the typhoid fever, which was followed by ague ; he returned to Ohio in December, 1869. and followed school teaching several years; in the summer of 1871, he visited Florida in search of a home, but without finding a desirable place; in March, 1873, he moved to Missouri, and is now cultivating a fruit and vegetable farm in St. Louis Co.; he then taught ten terms of school. Mr. Garber was born Jan. 17, 1841 ; Mary E. Rummer, daughter of David J. Rummel, was born in Tiffin, Ohio, Oct. 24, 1847; they were married Nov. 24, 1867: they have one child -Harley D., who was born Feb. 12, 1879.
GARBER, W. L., was born in Jefferson Township April 12, 1843 ; he grew up on a farm; when arriving to manhood, he attended the high school at Bellville a short time; in the winter of 1860-61, he taught school in Knox Co.; he kept a few terms afterward ; he continued to work at farming till 186, when he formed a partnership with A. J. Markey and opened a dry-goods store in Bellville ; they continued doing business a short time under the name of Markey & Garber, and then Jackson Garber entered as a third partner; the firm dissolved in 1868, and the subject of this sketch was on his father~in-law's farm and cultivated it four years; Oct. 10, 1872, 2, he embarked as a salesman or wholesale agent for a powder house, at which he is yet engaged, traveling over the south part of Ohio and a portion of Indians: he moved his family to Columbus in November, 1872. He was married to Ann Amanda Rummel, daughter of David J. Rummel and Mary Klise, April 7, 1867; she was born June 12, 1841 ; children-Alberta D., born March 15, 1869; Edith Z., Feb. 13, 1872. Mr. Garber and wife are members of the Universalist Church ; he is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity.
GARBER, THEODORE: resides about two and a half miles east of Bellville, on Sec. 13 ; he was born in Jefferson Township and brought up on a farm; he attended school at Bellville a few terms and commenced to teach in the fall of 1864 and taught five terms. He is an active and official member of the Universalist Church. He was a charter member of the Jefferson Grange, in which he has held various offices; and an industrious and successful farmer; his house upon his well-improved homestead was built is 1870, and the barn in 1878. Mrs. Garber's maiden name was Martha Celestia Lee, and she is a daughter of Ebenezer Lee and Jane C. Long ; her parents lived in Wayne Co. at the time of her birth, and removed to Richland Co. in 1852; Mr. Garber was born Aug. 9, 1845; they were married Oct. 14, 1869 ; children-Lee, was born April 14, 1871; Elbert Glenn, June 20, 1872; Lloyd M., in April, 1876; a girl, July 24, 1879; Lee died Sept. 10, 1871. Mrs. Garber is also a member of the Universalist Church and Jefferson Grange.
GARBER, BENTON L., farmer. He was born and brought up in Jefferson Township, and upon a farm; after attending several terms of high school in Bellville, he taught during the winter of 1871-72. On Oct. 12, 1872, he was married, and for some time resided with his father; he then purchased some thirty acres adjoining his father's farm, on which he moved and improved; in November, 1879, he again moved on his father's farm; he was born April 16, 1850; his wife, Lizzie E. Elston, was born June 6, 1854; her birthplace is Provincetown, Mass., from which State her parents came to Bellville in 1855; her father was born in England; their children are Edna, born Aug. 19, 1873; Catharine, born Nov. 22, 1875; J. Heber, born Nov, 21, 1877. Mr. Garber and wife united with the Universalist Church in 1873; they are also charter members of Jefferson Grange.
GARBER, DAVID, farmer; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Sept. 26, 1806, and came to Ohio in 1823; he worked at the shoe trade some when young. He married Eve Kusard is the fall of 1827 ; she was born April 7, 1806, and came from Pennsylvania with Daniel Hetrick ; Mr. Garber's first investment in real estate was made in Worthington Township,. where he bought 70 acres and paid for it out of earnings made with a hoe and ax after marriage, he moved the first time on a one-horse sled ; they were fortunate enough to have a bed, a knife and a fork apiece, but no chairs or table; blocks of trees served as chairs, and an old chest as a table; he is now well fined; the greater number of their children are dead ; the living are Sarah, born Feb. 20, 1833; Samuel R., born March 21, 1842: Susan, born July 29, 1845.
GARBER, SAMUEL K., farmer, was born in Jefferson Township March 22, 1842. He was married to Eunice Carpenter, in Crestline, Ohio, Oct.. 17, 1863 she was born Sept, 16, 1841; her parents came to Holmes Co., this State, from New York, and lived but a short time afterward, and she was brought up by Hugh Oldfield, living near Crestline. She united with the Baptist Church early in life, and from that she received letters to the Evangelical Church, of which she is yet a communicant; Mr. Garber is a member of the Universalist Church, to which be united in the fall of 1870 ; he was also a charter member of the Jefferson Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. Children-Mary Celinda was born May 5, 1865; David Oliver, born July 28, 1868 ; an infant born and died in 1875.
GEDDES, JOHN W. He commenced life as a brickmaker and teamster; in 1852-53, he filled the position of an engineer in Indiana. He married Elisabeth Zent Nov. 3, 1855, and then went to Noble Co., Ind„ where they commenced to keep house, and has purchased a share in a steam saw-mill, after managing a farm one year; he retained his interest in the mill about three years, and then went to farming; after giving this his attention for about thirteen years, he then returned to Richland Co., and in 1876 he bought a part of Sec. 22,
804 -BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
in Jefferson Township, on which he now lives. Mr. Geddss' father was born in New York State. He was born March 3, 1837; his wife, Elizabeth Zent, was born May 22, 1836; children - Mary Lodema was born Sept. 2, 1856; Sarah Lovina, born Sept. 16, 1858 ; Isaac Alonzo, born June 13, 1861; Susan L., born Sept. 16, 1864; Emma Louisa, born Feb. 14, 1866; George Orville, Dec.. 28, 1874; he died Sept. 11, 1875.
GIBBON, HIRAM E., farmer, carpenter and machinist; he owns a part of Sec. 31, on which his residence is located; he came from Frederick Co., Md., to Jefferson Co., Ohio, with his parents, in the year 1815 ; in 1818, his parents moved to Knox Co., near the Richland Co. line, and subsequently bought land in both counties. He commenced to work at the carpenter trade about the age of 20 years and made it his exclusive occupation for nearly twenty years, and at times employed three or four hands; in the winter season, he gave his attention to the manufacture of furniture; in 1849, he took a position in a machine-shop in Fredericktown, where he remained about three years. Mr. Gibson was born Oct. 1, 1812, and was first married to Elizabeth Elliott, in the fall of 1835; her parents came from Frederick Co., Md., and settled in northern Knox Co.; she was born in February, 1813; they resided first in Richland Co. one year, and then in Knox until the death of his wife, which occurred July 17, 1843 ; he moved his family to his father's, where it remained until his death, he then built a house on his present farm and moved in it the fall of 1853; he built a steam saw-mill on his premises soon after. The second time he was married, Feb. 27, 1855, to Hannah Woodward, who was born Aug. 1, 1815, is Montgomery Co., Md., and immigrated to Richland Co. in 1833; his children were five in number and none except the youngest one is living ; his last wife is a member of the Church of England ; he was brought up in the Quaker faith ; Mr. Gibson has frequently been Township Trustee, and on jury; be was a juror in the famous Lunsford-Robinson murder trial.
GILMORE, ELIZA. She was a daughter of Christian Swank ; he was born in Pennsylvania June 9, 1791; Susannah Downey was born Jan. 4,1800; they were married in March, 1822 ; Mr. Swank came to Knox Co., Ohio, in 1818 ; their children are Eliza, born Feb. 19, 1824 ; George, born April 13, 1825 ; H. D., born April 9, 1827 ; Mary, born Jan. 11, 1829 ; Susannah, born Oct.. 5, 1835; father died Oct. 19, 1869; mother died Oct. 5, 1857. Eliza Swank was married to Nathaniel Gilmore June 9, 1859, and had one child, namely, Casper Nathaniel, born July 22, 1860; Nathaniel Gilmore died July 22, 1860, at the age of 38 years
GURNEY, OLIVER H., was born in Waldo Co., Me., and is a son of Samuel Gurney, and his mother's name before marriage was Jane Cross; his parents moved to Jefferson Township in 1839; at the age of 16, he commenced to work on the Sandusky, M. & N. Railroad as a brakeman, and in three months became a baggage-master, and is three years conductor ; he was agent four years at the station of Bellville, and in 1862 and 1863, he embarked in the manufacture of rakes and again did the station business some time; he again went on the road as conductor, and ran the first passenger train out of Chicago on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; he retired from the road April l, 1878. In 1876, he and his son opened a hardware store in Bellville; he is now leading rather a retired life, in the enjoyment of home and social surroundings; he was born June 10,1835, and was married, May 10,1855, to Louisa E., daughter of George and Betesy (Walker) Howard ; was born in Jefferson Township; children -Howard Worth was born April 23, 1856; Leonard B., born May 26, 186; Carrie May, born March 26, 1873; Leonard died Dec. 22, 1863, and Carrie May died Dec. 17, 1878 ; Worth was married to Hattie R. Reed Feb. 27, 1878; she was born Sept. 23, 1857 , and is a daughter of N. S. Reed and Cordelia (Geddes); a son was born to them March 29, 1879, and he was named Rexford W.
HAMILTON, JACOB, farmer; he is a son of John Hamilton and Sarah Colley, and was born in Washington Township, Richland Co., July 15, 1835. He married Elisabeth Jane Holland, daughter of William Holland; she was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, March 24, 1837. Mr. Hamilton has resided in Jefferson and Washington Townships since marriage, which took place Nov. 9, 1854. Births-Hannibal V. B, was born Feb. 7, 1855; Clarence, April 4, 1856; Abijah, June 3, 1859; Angeline, Jan. 8, 1860; Florence, Nov. 9, 1862; Sarah, June 30, 1871.
HARDESTY, NELSON, farmer ; is a son of Francis H., and was born in Knox Co. Ohio, Sept. 27, 1816; he was brought up a farmer, but worked at brick-making some years afterward. He was married to Mary A. Durbin Oct. 9, 1845, and sat up housekeeping in Mt. Vernon; he moved on a part of Sec. 28, in 1852, where he has since lived ; one child was born to them-John S., July 25, 1846, in Knox Co. He was married to Missouri Teeter March 4, 1869; she was born March 7, 1849; their children are Scott, born Jan. 26, 1870; Albert, July 4, 1871: Eddie, June 11, 1876 ; Mary Iowa, Feb. 1, 1879, and died when 15 days old. John S. resides on his father's farm, pursuing the avocation of agriculture.
HARRINGTON, WILSON S., manufacturer; he was born in Bellville June 22, 1838 ; at the age of 13, his father moved on a farm, where the subject of this sketch lived, engaging with his father in buying, selling and raising sheep until 1864, when he moved to Bellville and became a partner in the foundry; this firm continued two and a half year and was succeeded by L. F. & W. S. Harrlngton ; in 1875, Mr. Harrington became the sole proprietor, and to this time has continued the manufacture of bells, plows, besides doing a general line of casting. Mr. H. is a son of Albert L. Harrington, and his mother's maiden name was Hannah Fickle; they were married in Bellville in 1832, and are still citizens of the village; he came to Bellville in 1827. W. S. Harrington was married, Dec. 26, 1865, to Ester E. Calhoun, who is a daughter of Thomas Calhoun, and was born in Ashland Co. April 6, 1844. Children-Hallie B. was born Oct. 24, 1867 ; Loward W., March 17, 1872. Mr. Harrington built an excellent brick residence in Bellville in 1878; he has held various municipal offices, and was Township Treasurer two terms. Mrs. H. taught several terms of school before marriage. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and worthy and respected citizens.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 805
HINES, PHILIP, deceased ; he was born in Frederick Co., Md., Dec. 1, 1785; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, and in this connection went through Richland Co. He settled near Fredericktown after the war, where he resided a few years, and then moved into Jefferson Township and remained through life. He was married to Lydia Root in 1815. She was born Aug.. 20, 1796; children; Daniel was born Oct. 30, 1817; William, June 6, 1820; Thomas, June 2, 1822; George W.; Sept. 9, 1824; Phillip, March 26, 1827; Benjamin F., Sept. 26, 1829 ; Washington, June 25, 1831; Hezekiah, Aug. 27, 1838; Henry J., Feb. 18, 1836; Joshua, April 2, 1839; Mary Jane, Sept. 6, 1845.
HINES, BENJAMIN F., farmer and dealer in boots and shoes, Bellville, Ohio. He was born in Jefferson Township, and brought up on a farm ; he commenced to work at the shoe trade in 1840, laboring on a farm in the summer and on the bench during the winter. He located in Bellville in 1844, where he remained several years he then went to Mansfield and worked on the bench about one year, where the First National Bank is located; he finished his trade. He then returned to Bellville, and has kept a shoe store a greater part of the time since, For years, when he was acquiring a competency, he would labor hard upon the farm and make boots and shoes about half of the night. He was unexcelled as a rapid workman, and could make three pair of common boots in a day, and do it every day in the week. He is now doing an extensive business in the sale of boots and shoes, and considerable manufacturing. Besides the shoe business, he continues to give his farm careful attention, and maintains the position as one of the progressive farmers of the community. He commenced life with an industrious hand and economical habits, and gathered here and there until his property valued many thousand dollars; being economical, he was also generous, and wherever a united effort was made to do a charitable work, or a work depending upon donations, he was ready to render valuable assistance. Mr. Hines was born Sept. 26, 1829, and was marred to Mary Jane Armstrong Aug. 6, 1850; they have one child, C. Burton, who was born Feb. 16, 1860.
HEINDEL, GEORGE MATHIAS, clergyman ; was brought up on a farm in York Co., Penn.; he attended a union school until the summer of 1869, when he entered the Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, and finished the classical course in 1874, and graduated in the theological department in 1876. In November, 1876, he came to Bellville and took the Salem Lutheran charge, which consists of three congregation, two of which are now is this county and one in Morrow. He came to Ohio with his parents in 1851, who settled near Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Heindel was born Feb. 28, 1851, and married June 21, 1877, to Marthie Wise, who was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, and brought up then. They have two children, Mary Estella, born March 9, 1878, and one in 1879. Mr. Heindel is a lover of study, and applies himself diligently to the profession that he has chosen. He is logical and argumentative in his speaking, and reverence to the Supreme Being characterizes all his religious labor.
HISHEY, ENOCH, born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Sept. 30, 1814 ; he came with his parents to Perry Township in 1839, and settled. He was brought up on a farm, and gave his attention to agriculture. On June 25, 1840, he was united in matrimony to Nancy A. Shuler; she was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Aug. 28, 1820, and came to Ohio in 1840; they then moved on Sec. 11, Perry Township, where they resided until 1875, when they moved into a dwelling which he erected near the Salem Lutheran Church is Jefferson Township. Mr. Hickey united with the Salem Lutheran Church. In 1860, and his wife a few years after. Their children, in the order of their ages, are Margaret Ann, born April 9, 1841; George S., Dec. 8, 1842; Jeremiah, June 12, 1847; Sarah Samantha, Jan. 10, 1850; Mary A., March 13,1853; Ann Eliza, Aug. 6, 1855; Oliver, Sept. 29, 1858. Jeremiah died Oct. 14, 1860; Sarah S., April 21, 1851. Mr. Hiskey owns 158 acres of land in Perry Township and 181 in Jefferson. In 1879, he erected another dwelling-houes on his Perry Township farm.
HOOVES, SIMON, farmer ; he owns 218 sores of land, which he has under the best cultivation, and is well improved, His farm is a part of Sec. 1. He was born in Maryland, where his father, Henry B., and mother were also born, and when be was 4 years of age they migrated to Ohio and settled first in Washington Township. They next moved on the land where the subject of this sketch now resides, which was then all under timber. In an early day, a tree fell upon one of his brothers and killed him, which his father had chopped off ; it was near the present site of his residences. Mr. Hoover's father was born Sept. 29, 1790, and died on his birthday in 1856. Mr. Hoover was born Sept. 19, 1828. Louisa Timanus was born in Mansfield, Ohio, April 5 1829. They was married March 20, 1851; their children are Emeline, who died in childhood; Albert, born Nov. 7, 1852; Hulbert and Charles (twine), Sept. 23, 1854; Hulda, Aug 5, 1857 ; Lincoln, April 10, 1860; William, May 8,1862; Sheriden, March 28, 1865; Cyrus, Nov. 22, 1867 ; Samuel, May 29, 1869; Jennie, Sept. 11, 1872. Cyrus died June 28, 1868 ; Samuel, Oct. 10,1878. After marriage, Mr. Hoover lived upon his grandfather's farm six years, and then upon the farm he now owns. He, his wife and two children are members of the Lutheran Church, and he is an Elder. Two of the sons attended the Mansfield Normal School the winters of 1878-80, and the elder one is preparing to teach. Mr. Hoover is a member of a family of eleven children, six boys and five girls. His mother died June 20, 1879, aged 79 years and 17 days.
HOWARD, OTIS. Was born in Waldo, Me., March 23, 1817; he there learned the carpenter trade; in the fall of 1838, be came to Jefferson Township, and for some time worked at wagon-making and house carpentry; he then engaged in agriculture, and continued at it until 1860, when he commenced to manufacture chairs, which received his attention about five years; in the year 1865, he came in possession of the saw-mill across the street from the depot in Bellville, and in connection operated a planing-mill and turning machinery; he gave this his attention till 1875, when his son succeeded him, and he again took to making chairs, and doing a line of miscellaneous carpentering. Mr. Howard entered into the matrimonial state with Rebecca
806 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Whitnah Dec. 25, 1844; she was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., April 5, 1828; they commenced to keep house in Jefferson Township and have since lived in it. They had two children-Henry W., born Sept 13, 1845 ; Emma R., Feb. 11, 1836. Mr. Howard has held various corporation and township offices, and his official career has been creditable and straightforward ; he was elected Justice of the Peace in his township in 1879; he was also prominent in the society known as the "Franks," which was organized in Bellville by Rev. John Lamb, in 1849; he filled the chair as President during its existence, which was till 1855; mental improvement was the main feature of the body, and it was in this society that Congressman Judge Geddes, now of Mansfield, made his first adventure as a speaker or debater.
KANAGA, JOHN F. He was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., and came with his parents to. Richland Co. when in his 11th year, in the spring of 1834, and settled where Plank's mills now stand ; he remained there until one year after marriage; milling had been his occupation from boyhood up. He was married, March 26, 1846, to Sarah Donaugh, who was born in Mercer Co , Penn., and came to Richland Co. in 1833 ; she is the oldest one of the family living, and had three brothers and one sister, two half-brothers and two half-sisters. After marriage, Mr. Kanaga ran the mill one year, and then bought a part of Section 26, on which he has resided since, with the exception of a short time in Bellville; in 1849, he built a dwelling-house on his farm and a barn in 1853. Mr. Kanaga and wife united with the Evangelical Church is 1849, and have done much for the advancement of the cause. One of his sons, Amos, is now a lawyer, and Joseph is preparing for the ministry. Mr. Kanaga was born July 1, 1824; and Mrs. Kanaga in June, 1822. Children-Nancy Elisabeth, born June 22, 1847; Elmira Jane, Dec. 24, 1849; Mary Emily, Sept. l, 1851; William Henry, April 18, 1853; Amos Ream, Nov. 14, 1854; John Israel, Jan. 13, 1857; Joseph Benton, Jan. 13, 1859; Jeremiah Clinton, March 10, 1861, and died in the 4th year of his age.
KELLY, JOSEPH H., tinner, Bellville, Ohio; he was born in Indiana Co., Penn., Jan. 20, 1823; before his marriage, he worked at various places in Ohio, and in 1848, assisted in taking a drove of hogs to Lancaster Co., Penn.; in 1849, he returned to Bellville, and commenced working in a tinshop ; in 1851, he removed to Lexington, where he remained seventeen years, and then returned to Bellville. He was married, in Bellville, May 29, 1852, to Harriet Baker; she was born in Windsor Co., Vt., June 12, 1831, and came to Ohio when 9 years old. J. Wesley Kelly, Mr. Kelly's oldest child was born Sept, 16, 1854.
LAFFERTY, SAMUEL, farmer; he was born in Washington Co., Penn., and brought up on a farm; he came with his parents to Harrison Co., Ohio, where they resided from 1816 or 1817 to 1833; the subject of this sketch worked at the carpenter trade a few years in Harrison Co. His father first stopped on Sec. 16, in Jefferson Township, and the following year (1834) located on a part of Sec. 11. On October 7, 1834, he was married to Lovina Johnston, daughter of Joseph Johnston; they commenced to keep house about two miles south of Bellville, in which locality he lived a number of years; in the spring of 1878, he moved near Bellville. His first wife had one child, who was named Lovina Melissa, and was born Nov. 7, 1835; his second marriage was to Margaret Riddle, who was a daughter of William Riddle, and was born Jan. 15, 1818; she became the mother of the following children: John L., born Sept. 18, 1840; Sarah E., Jan. 2, 1842; Norman S., Sept. 12; 1843; Mary J., March 18, 1845 ; Ann M., Jan. 20, 1847; Josephine, Feb. 14, 1852 ; Eliza E., June 26, 1857; deaths-Norman died Feb. 11, 1852 ; Eliza E., Dec. 5, 1861, and the mother, Aug. 1, 1865; his last marriage was to Rebecca J. Miller, daughter of Samuel Miller, March 4, 1867, and one child was born, named George, Nov. 7, 1871 ; Mr. and Mrs. Lafferty are members of the Seventh Day Adventists, and he is an Elder in the church.
LAFFERTY, JOHN, wan born in Washington Co., Penn., and remained with his parents till after they came to Jefferson Township in 1833. He first married Jane Marshall; they lived in Washington Township three years, and then moved to Marion Co., now Morrow, and remained there nine years. The next move brought them back to the old homestead, which he has since owned, a part of Sec. 11, Jefferson Township. Farming and stock-growing have always been his occupation. John Lafferty was born Jan. 1, 1815. He was married March 4, 1839 ; children-Wilson was born March 31,1846; John M., Nov. 28,1847. Jane Lafferty died May 8,1860. Mr. Lafferty was married, Oct. 7,1861, to Mary L. Anderson, who was born Oct. 30,1840 ; Abbie B. Lafferty was born June 15, 1863. Mr. Lafferty has lived in Bellville the past two years. He has filled the office of Township Trustee, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he now holds official positions. His first wife was, and his present wife is, a member of the same church.
LANEHART, WILLIAM A., furniture dealer, of Bellville; is one of the most live business men of Bellville, and a worthy citizen. At present, he is extensively engaged in manufacturing furniture of nearly every class, and constantly has his large storeroom packed in both stories. Mr. Lanehart was born in Prussia, near the Rhine. He commenced to work at cabinet work when 15 years old as an apprentice. His employer died when he had been at the trade two years. This placed him upon his own responsibilities to find work, and he labored in the principal cities of Germany - Frankfort, Hamburg, Cologne and other places. In the fall of 1847, he left the old country and came direct to Mansfield. Failing to find a situation there, he came to Bellville, and succeeded is getting work with H. Cowen. He remained with him three months, and then formed a partnership with J. Philips. This arrangement continued one and a half years, at the end of which time Mr. Lanehart commenced to manage a business for himself. in 1865, he discontinued the furniture business on account of ill health, and the next year moved on a farm about one mile east of Bellville. He remained on this farm about six years, and than purchased another, a part of Sec. 13, on which he lived five years. In 1876, he again opened a furniture store in Bellville, and, in 1877, built his fine storeroom. After Mr. Lanehart, arrived in this part of the country, he became greatly discouraged, and would
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. -807
have returned to Europe had money been at his command to do so. Mr. Lanehart has held the office of Township Trustee, and is now Treasurer. William Lanehart was born Feb. 19, 1824, and was married to Margaret Eggleman Nov. 14,1850.
LEEDY, JOHN (deceased). The progenitor of the Leedy family now in the United came from Switzerland, and settled in Maryland; his name was Abraham Leedy, and there were five children in his family; one son, named Abraham, after his parent, is the father of the Leedys residing in Ohio. John, the subject of our sketch, was born in Maryland Sept. 10, 1770, 79, and, when a few years old, his father moved to Bedford Co., Penn., and settled in Morrison's Cove; be was brought up a farmer, but early learned the art of distilling. On March 4, 1806, he was married to Elisabeth Keith, who was born near Coffee Run, Penn., and she was then 17 years old; her father's name was Lewis Heath, and her mother's Mary Saltsman. In 1810, Mr. Leedy visited Richland Co., and, in 1811, moved, landing upon Sec. 35 June 6 : his wagon was used as a residence until a log cabin was erected ; in 1812, he set up a still and commenced the manufacture of spirits, which was the first one put in operation in the county. The excitement caused by the Zimmer tragedy prompted him to leave his habitation in 1812, and he removed to the block-house at Fredericktown, where he remained about nine days. The forest was rapidly cleared away around his dwelling, and the ground devoted to agriculture; the still, which he operated in connection, proved a valuable auxiliary, as the grain could be converted into liquor, which met with a ready sale to the Indians; he remained upon the farm until 1836, when he left it and opened a hotel in Bellville, occupying the building is which the Exchange Bank is quartered; here he remained about six years, and then returned to his farm, and died Sept. 6, 1851. He owned 640 acres of land; was one of the first Trustees of Jefferson when it embraced three townships; bold and resolute, knowing no fear, and, in his years of age, weighed 360 pounds. His children are Lewis, Catharine, Susan, Mary, Abraham, Samuel, Margaret, Rosan, John, Sarah and David ; they all grew up and were married, except David; who died young ; the daughters all moved West after marriage, with the exception of Catharine, who married Samuel Garber, and died in Jefferson Township. Mother Leedy died in Indiana at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Spayd, and was interred with the remains of her husband near Ankneytown, Ohio.
LEEDY, LEWIS K., resides on and owns a part of Sec. 35; he was born in Bedford Co., Penn., March 12, 1807; he came with his parents to Jefferson Township is 1811, and has made it his place of residence ever since; he participated in the toils and hardships incident to a pioneer life, and also enjoyed its pleasures; when he arrived at the age of manhood, he commenced to teach music, using the system known as the "Buckwheat Notes ; he was pre-eminently the pioneer music teacher of the southern pert of the county. He has held the office of Township Trustee several times, has been an active member on the Board of Education of the township, and a useful man generally. Mr. Leedy was married, Aug. 13, 1829, to Hannah Myers ; children - Jacob M., born May 9, 1830; Catharine Ann, Jan. 17, 1834; Samantha, Nov. 5, 1840; Sarah, Dec. 30, 1842; Simon, Jan. 26, 1845; Alonzo, Jan. 3, 1847: two children not here mentioned died in infancy; Hannah Leedy died June 6, 1849; Mr. Leedy was married to Delilah Simmons April 24, 1852, and three children were born unto them, two of whom are deceased; Della was born Aug. 7, 1853; Delilah died Feb. 8, 1879.
LEEDY, DANIEL (deceased) ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Aug. 18, 1794. He was married to Susannah Holsinger April 13, 1817; she was born April 18, 1798. He emigrated to Richland Co. and settled on Sec. 26, Sept. 27, 1824, where he spent the remainder of his days. To his first wife five children were born -Abraham, born March 1, 1818; Catharine, Dec. 12, 1819 ; John, Nov. 30, 1821; Daniel, Aug. 28, 1823 ; Susan, Dec. 19, 1825 ; Susannah Leedy died Dec. 21, 1825, and Mr. Leedy married Saloma Brown March 26, 1826 ; she was born Oct. 16, 1807; her children are Isaac, born Dec. 20, 1826; Elisabeth, Jan. 17, 1828 ; Ann, July 2, 1829 ; Jacob, April 13, 1831; Elias, June 15, 1836; Martin, Nov. 17, 1834; Sarah, Dec. 15, 1836; Aaron, Oct. 18, 1840 : Savilla, Nov. 17, 1842 ; Levi, Sept. 26, 1845 ; Abraham, John, Jacob, Elias, Martin and Savilla are dead ; Isaac, Jacob, Martin and Levi were in the late war ; Martin was killed in the battle of Shiloh, by a fragment of a shell April 7, 1862; Jacob died of disease at Fortress Monroe; Daniel, Jr., was in the Mexican war. Father Leedy died Jan. 16, 1873, and his wife, Saloma, April 7, 1866.
LEEDY, AARON B., farmer; is a son of Daniel Leedy, one of the first settlers of the southern part of Jefferson Township ; he was born Oct.. 18, 1840, and brought up on the farm where he now lives. On the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, he enlisted and went to the front with the 102d O. V. I., and served to the close of the war ; he left home Aug. 1l, 1862, for the battlefield. At the close of the war, he returned, and, on March 24, 1857, was married to Mary Oldfield, daughter of Richard Oldfleld, born the 28d day of May, 1844 ; they moved on the farm of his father; their children are as follows: Ann Della, born Sept. 18, 1869, and died ten days after; Elma, born Sept. 27, 1871; Silas, Oct. 12, 1873 ; Lieutellas, Dec. 23, 1875; Melvin, June 19, 1878. Mr. Leedy as yet is not identified with any religious order or secret society ; his companion is a member of the Universalist Church, having united several years past.
LEEDY, LEVI B., farmer, is the youngest son of Daniel Leedy, and was brought up on his father's farm, of which he now owns a part. On the opening of the rebellion, he enlisted in the three-years service, and went to the front with the 13th O. V. C ; he belonged to the Army of the Potomac, and remained in the service until the close of the war, when he returned to his native place, and turned his attention to agriculture. He was born Sept. 26, 1845, and was married to Nancy Kanaga, daughter of John Kanaga, Nov. 23, 1871; children-Perly Ann was born Sept. 13, 1872; Sarah Blanch, Dec. 25, 1873; Lennia Franklin, Sept. 5, 1875; Bertha Florence, Aug. 7, 1877, and one May 23, 1873, not named. Mr. Leedy and wife are living members of the Evangelical Association, she having joined
808 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
early is life: in about the year 186, he became a member of the society, and since then has taken a deep interest in religious affairs, and has been a devoted worker in the Sabbath-school cause.
LEEDY, AARON A., farmer; resides in the southern part of the township, near the south line; besides his avocation as a farmer, in former days he gave some attention to teaching music, and for years has been at times engaged in operating a saw-mill ; in early life, he learned the carpenter trade and worked at it several years ; he has been very successful in life, and now owns an excellent farm with the best of improvements; in 1873-74, he built a residence, which is the most complete and costly in the township. Mr. Leedy is the youngest of Abraham Leedy's family, and was born April 21, 1832, and reared near Ankneytown, Ohio; his wife, Elizabeth Garber, was born June 10, 1838, and they were married the 13th of March, 1856. Their children in order are as follows: Byron G. was born Marsh 1, 1857 ; Elmina, June 28, 18b9, and died Feb. 22, 1888 ; Eugene, born Feb. 18, 1881 ; Clement L. V., July 5, 1883 ; Albert Odell, Feb. 7, 1867; Berths Estelle, March 30, 1871; Albert Tennyson, Juae 2, 1818; Herbert, Aug. 6, 187b; Maud, Dec. 28, 1877. In the spring of 1857, they moved into Knox Co., where they remained until 1860, when they returned to this township; they united with the Universalist Church at Bellville, under the pastorship of the Rev. W. B. Woodberry, in the fall of 1866, end have continued faithful members of this society ; Mr. Leedy was the first Master and a charter member of Jefferson Grange, No: 251 ; has been prominent in encouraging societies for the intellectual improvement of the young ; at times has held township offices ; Mr. L. is also Treasurer of the Patrons' Insurance Company.
LEEDY, BYRON G., was born March 1, 1857, in Knox Co., and was bought up a farmer. On Sept.. 2, 1878, he was united in matrimony to Flora Young, daughter of D. L. Young ; she was born July 28,1857; Rev. Woodberry performed the marriage ceremony ; they have one child-Harry Leedy, who was born Nov. 15, 1879. Mr. Leedy end companion are both members of the Jefferson Grange, is which they have held official positions. They an also members of the Universalist Church. After marriage, Mr. Leedy moved on his father-is-law's place, on which they lived till April, 1880, when he moved on the northeast quarter of Sec. 28, Perry Township.
LETT, JACOB, farmer; a son of Jacob Lett, an early settler of the southern part of Jefferson Towaehip, where he entered a part of Sec. 38 Sept. 20, 1824, on which he lived until his death. He was married to Catharine Linsey, and their childnn in order are Joanah, Jackson, Caroline, Alexander, Tilitha, David, Ruthanna, Jacob and Mary Ellen. The subject of this sketch was born April 13, 1838; he grew up on his father's farm, and worked at the blacksmith trade two years in Palmyra, Knox Co., 1857 and 1858; in the winter of 1862, he lived in Williams Co., Ohio. He was married, Jan. 21, 1866, to Lydia Garver; their childnn an Nancy EIleynette, born Sept. 28, 1867; Wilson Monroe, March 25, 1869; Louis Harry, May 17, 1871. Mr. Lett's father was a soldier in the war of 1812.
LEWIS, J. BRYANT, M. D., physician and surgeon ; he came to Bellville April 13, 1875, and commenced the practice of medicine, and by close attention to business and continual research for medical knowledge, he has informed himself to his calling and commenced a useful life in his sphere; successful from the commencement, his practice is increasing, and in connection he teaches the principles of the healing art to others; his first labor in this channel commenced in the fall of 1879, when several young men took up medical studies under him. Mr. Lewis was born Sept. 13, 1851, in Knox Co., Ohio, and was brought up on a farm; at the age of 17, he commenced to attend school with the object of preparing himself for the medical profession; in 1871, he began to read under Dr. Hall, of Fredericktown, Ohio, and, in the fall of 1872, entered the Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital College, when he graduated the 17th of February, 1875. He was married to Edith Brown Oct. 25,1876. Mr. Lewis united with the Masonic Lodge of Bellville in the year 1876.
LONG, ABRAHAM, farmer; his father, John Long, was born in Maryland, near Hagerstown, Jan. 8, 1780, and was married to Susan Leedy, in Bedford Co., Penn., in 1802. He came to Ohio in 1816, and settled in Knox Co. near Ankneytown, where he spent his life. He was the father of twenty-one childnn, ten boys and eleven girls, three of whom died when young. Abraham was born in Bedford Co., Penn., June 9, 1805, and came with his parents to Knox Co., and grew up at the ax - handle and the grubbing hoe. He was married June 14, 1827, to Elisabeth Jamison, who was born Oct. 23, 1807 ; she had one son named William, born Sept. 8, 1828, and died May 23, 1830; she died Sept. 28, 1828. On Nov. 3, 1831, he was married to Catherine Teeter, who was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Aug. 9, 1813 ; they lived in Knox Co. till 1839, when he moved on the southeast quarter of Sec. 36, Jefferson Township, which has since been his home. Children-Elizabeth, born Sept. 19, 1832 ; Jacob, March 9, 1834 ; Margaret, Jan. 23, 1836; Malinda, March 7, 1838; George W., Nov. 28, 1839; Jackson, June 9, 1842; Nancy, Dec. 2, 1844; Edward, April 22, 1847; John, July 1, 1849; Leah C., May 14, 1852. Elizabeth, died Dec. 8, 1834 ; Nancy, June 18, 1849; Margaret, in July, 1875. Jacob was first married to Mahala Hammond ; and his second wife was Mary Mishey. Margaret married Isaac Shanabarger ; Malinda, Jacob Stickler ; George, Mary Halferdy; Jackson, Sarah Hissong; Edward, Mary McClelland ; John, Mary Fisher; Leah, John Swank. Mr. Long and wife have been worthy members of the Church of Christian Brethren many years, and an most estimable citizens.
LONG, SAMUEL, deceased ; was a son of George Long and Barbara Booth. He was married to Eliza McKinney ; her maiden name wm Bowersox, being a daughter of Jacob Bowersox and Nancy Johnston, and was born in Adams Co., Penn., April 22, 1815. Five children was born to them : Thomas, born March 14, 1851; Lovina, May 21, 1852; James, Sept. 27, 1853 ; Mary Catharine, Dec. 24, 1856; Sarah Ann, Nov. 17, 1859. Thomas was married to Emma Shaffer, in April, 1872, who was born Feb. 10, 1852; she had one child, Orion, born Aug. 1, 1874, and died Aug. 9, 1875.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 809
James was married to Mary Pheil, Oct. 25, 1874 ; she was born Jan. 6, 1856. Children-Honorah was born Jan. 21,1875; Bertha Bell, Nov. 11, 1877. Thomas and James Long reside on a part of Secs. 19 and 20, and follow farming and thrashing, the latter pursuit they commenced in 1878.
LONG, DAVID, deceased. His father, George Long, resided within thirty miles of Baltimore, Md., where the subject of this sketch was probably born ; he was one of a family of six children, named, respectively, Samuel, Lydia, Hannah, David, Matilda sad Sarah. Soon after coming to Jefferson Township, he was married to Calhrine Sowers, who was born in Richland Co.; she became the mother of eight children-Ezra, William H., Samuel, John W., Sarah, Jane, Jeremiah and Anna Mary. He was married Iast to Fanny Eller, and to them were born the following children: Joseph, born Aug. 17, 1853; Jacob, Sept. 27, 1854; Lorenzo, July 3, 1856; Matilda, May 19, 1858; Ellen, Feb. 12, 1861. Mr. Long died Aug. 15, 1862, aged 48 years 6 months and 27 days; his first wife died Aug. 2, 1848, aged 28 years 9 months and 8 days; his last wife died about six years after he died. Mr. Longs records are lost, and the births of his first children are not all on record. He followed farming as his main occupation in life.
McMAHON, WILLIAM T., physician; was born in Knox Co. Sept. 19, 1828, and was brought up on a farm; at the age of 18 years, he commenced to go to school at Gambier; when 20, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Landecker; after remaining with him three years, he commenced practice, having his residence in Ankneytown, Knoz Co.; this was in 1846 ; the next year, he located at Millwood, where he remained thirty years ; in 1875-76, he took a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical College, of Columbus, and came to Bellville in 1876 ; he practices the eclectic system. Mr. McMahon is a member of the Universalist Church, the Sons of Temperance and Odd Fellows. His parents came from Maryland to Knox Co., about 1814. He was married, Oct. 22, 1845, to Mary E. Walker.
McDONALD, JOSEPH Z., was born in Berlin Township, Knox Co., Oct. 4. 1848, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Zink) McDonald ; be was brought up a farmer, and has always followed it. He was married to Ruth S. Bowman, who was born in Chesterville, Ohio, April 16, 1841; their first child died in infancy ; Morris B. was born July 7, 1872, and died Feb. 19, 1874 ; Verda A. was born Dec. 7, 1874. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. McDonald went in the war with the 121st O. V. I., and was in the battles of Mission Ridge, Chickamauga, Perryville, Ky., is other, and in the march to Atlanta. Mrs. Bowman's father, Jacob Bowman, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Jan. 16, 1813, and, at the age of 4 years, moved with his father to Mansfield ; he followed carpentering till 1861, when he went to farming. He was marred, Feb. 27, 1840, to Amanda M. Woodward, who was born in New York City Dec. 2, 1818, and came to Richland Co. in 1820; they commenced housekeeping in Chesterville ; they moved to Bellville in 1876 : children-Ruth S.; Elizabeth, born Dec. 14, 1843; Horace W., born July 1, 1848; Elizabeth died at the age of 9 months, and Horace at the age of 10 months.
MEASEL, PETER, nurseryman; is located upon the declivity, a few steps north of Bellville, where he has resided since 1860, and given his attention to growing nursery stock; he makes no pretensions of excellency in his avocation, but it is a well-known truth that the trees he sells are most hardy, and always bear the fruit called for on the label. Nicholas Measel, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born to Frederick Co., Md., and was married to Mary Ann Hoover ; to them nine children were born, namely: Elizabeth, Jacob, Lyda, Margaret, Peter, Joshua, John, Mary and Susan. The second, fourth, seventh and ninth are dead. Peter Measel was born in Frederick Co., Md., May 27, 1820; at the age of 18 years, he moved with his parents to Wayne Co., Ohio, where he remained until 1833; in December of this year, he removed to Richland Co.; in 1846, he commenced coopering, at which he worked till 1857, living in Worthington Township ; in the spring of 1857, he turned his attention to the care of a nursery, and has continued at it since. He entered the connubial relation with Ann Long June 4, 1843; she was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 18, 1825 or 1826, Mr. Measel and wife are members of the Disciple Church.
MASTERS, MARGARET, MRS., daughter of Henry Savant, was born in Jefferson Township Feb. 28, 1818; in early life she received such an education as the subscription and district schools of that time afforded, and remained at home with her parents until her marriage with Mr. Masters, which occurred March 5, 1839; they commenced life in Palmyra, in Knox Co., Ohio, where they resided about two years, and then moved to Mount Vernon, where they lived about seven years; then they came to Bellville, and shortly after their arrival Mr. Masters went to California, where he remained until his death, Feb. 6, 1879. Mrs. Masters remained in Bellville until the year 1869, when she went to California to her husband, but, in consequence of her health, she returned to Bellville the following year, and took care of her father until his death. They had a family of five children, one of whom has deceased; the surviving ones are all married, and live in California.
MONTIS, GEORGE, was boon is York Co., Penn., April 5, 1823; he came to Jefferson Township in 1823; his father's name was Jacob Montis, who was married to Nancy Steel; the subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, which avocation he still pursues. He was married, Dec. 5, 1844, to Rosan McGarvey, a daughter of Patrick McGarvey and Elizabeth Buterbaugh, and she was born Jan. 10, 1818; children - Sylvester A., born Jan. 3, 1847 : John William, Jan, 22, 1849; Mary Elizabeth, June 22, 1852; Martha Jane, July 28, 1864: the two daughters are deceased; Sylvester married Ellen Drew, a daughter of Joseph Drew, and, in 1868, moved to Iowa, where he now resides.
MOODY, ISRAEL K., dealer in boots sad shoes ; he was born in Jefferson Township and lived in Bellville the greater part of his life; his grandfather, John Moody, came to Bellville in a very early day, and was one of the best citizens that ever lived in Jefferson
810 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Township, and was a minister in the Church of Disciples. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 15, 1846, and was a son of Miller Moody. In 1861, be enlisted and went to the front with the 59th N. Y. V. I., and remained is the service three years; in 1864, he re-enlisted and went in the 178th O. V. I., and served to the end of the war. He went to St. Joe, Mo., in September, 1865, and second a position as a clerk in as wholesale and retail clothing establishment ; from then he went to Allegheny City, Penn., in 1867, and learned telegraphy, and followed it at the outer depot till 1870, when he moved to Gallitain, a place is the State, when he ran trains though the tunnel at that place by telegraph; he went to Terre Haute, Ind., in April, 1872, and surveyed the Middleberry Division of the C. & T. H. R. R.; he was called home in March, 1873, by the death of his mother, and remained, engaging in the livery business, till October, 1874 ; he opened a shoe store in Beliville in March 1875, and did an extensive business till April, 1880, when he moved to Upper Sandusky and became its leading business man in this line of trade. Mr. Moody has maintained a reputation for honesty and veracity thought out his business career. He was the leading spirit of the Beliville Cornet Band during his stay in the village. He was married to Miss Regina H. Christy.
NIMAN, JAMES. He was born is Lancaster Co., Penn., and was brought up near Harrisburg, Penn.; he remained then till the spring of 1837, when he came to Ohio ; he learned the carpenter trade in the East; at the age of 28 years, he was called to the ministry in the United Brethren Church; when 80 years old, he was ordained, and traveled in Maryland and Virginia until he left for Ohio; he filled the position of a local preacher for a number of years since residing in Jefferson Township. He settled on a part of Sec. 17; commenced in the woods, and cleared the farm on which he now resides; he improved his farm, building a house in 1853 and a barn in 1852. Mr. Niman was born March 7, 1801. His companion, Catherine Shively, was born May 20, 1809; they were married Sept. 29, 1833, and had four children - Mary Ann, born June 12, 1836; George S., June 7, 1838; Leander J., March 5, 1841; Sarah C., July 7, 1846: deaths Mary died Oct. 12, 1854; George, Aug. 4, 1870, and the mother, Aug. 27, 1875. His son Leander was in the war of the rebellion; he went to the army first in the three - months service, then with the 102d O. V. I. Leander was married to Sarah C. Rhodes, daughter of Samuel Rhodes, Nov. 26, 1868; she was born March 27, 1848; their children are Cora Viola, born Feb. 18, 1873, and Ellsworth, July 2, 1878. Father Niman died May 7, 1880.
OLDFIELD, JONATHAN (deceased) ; he was one of the first white settlers of Jefferson Township; he came with James McClure, in 1808, and assisted in building the first cabin in the township. He was born in Washington Co., N. Y., June 7, 1788, and emigrated with his parents to Ross Co., Ohio, in 1803; the family a few years later, moved to Pickaway Co. He was married to Elizabeth McClure Feb. 11, 1812, by Esquire Coffinbury, which was the first marriage in the county with its present boundaries. Births: Mary, born Sept. 5, 1814; James, July 6, 1816; Hugh, Sept.. 26, 1818; Rebecca, Oct. 8, 1820; William, Aug. 8, 1822. Mother Oldfield died Aug. 4, 1824, and Mr. Oldfield married Nancy Fiddler Oct. 14, 1824. Births: Nathan, born March 11, 1827; Noah, Jan. 2, 1829; John, June 15, 1830; Mary Jane, March 5, 1832; Abner, Dec. 5, 1834. His father, William Oldfield, was born in 1750.
OLDFIELD, RICHARD (deceased) ; born in Orange Co., N. Y., May 14, 1801 ; came with his parents in 1803, end first to Richland Co., in 1812, and helped to pull corn to feed the Greentown, Indians. His wife, Elmina Phelps, was born in Grafton Co., N. H., and came to Richland Co. Aug. 7,1815; they was married Dec. 21, 1824, and, in three days after, moved on a farm two and one-half miles southeast of Beliville, where he lived until his death, Nov. 11, 1872. When they moved, they carried all their goods in their arms and dove the cow ; their children an David P., born Sept. 23, 1825; Anna, Jsn. 25, 1827; Matilda, Sept. 24, 1828 ; James F., June 4, 1830; Reuben, June 27, 1832 ; Cordelia, April 17, 1834 ; Lovina, March 6, 1836, died May 2, 1836; Elizabeth, July 28, 1837; Martha, April 26, 1839; William, June 21, 1841; Mary and Silas, May 23, 1844. William died in the service at Rome, Ga.; Silas was also in the service.
OLDFIELD, ABNER, farmer; owns the northwest quarter of Sec. 22; he was born in Jefferson Township, and was bought up on a farm. In 1857, he followed thrashing, in connection with farming, which he followed about six years. After marriage, he lived a few years in Jefferson Township, and then went to Morrow Co.; he remained about two years, and then returned to Jefferson; he moved on the place he now owns in 1874. Mr. Oldfield was born Dec. 5, 1834. Ann Tinkey was born Nov. 17, 1831. They were married Aug. 28, 1855. Births: Mary Elizabeth, born June 16, 1856; George, Sept. 24, 1860; Susie V., Oct. 23, 1869. George died July 31, 1879. He united with the Presbyterian Church about eight months before he was called away ; he was an industrious and dutiful son, and exemplary in character. Mr. Oldfield has taken an active part in Christian works, and has superintended Sabbath schools many terms. Be united with the church before marriage, and his wife did also. Mr. Oldfield is a charter member of the Jefferson Grange.
RIDDLE, MARGARET, MRS., daughter of Abram and Ann Gasser; Mr. and Mrs. Grosser were natives of Frederick Co., Md., and emigrated to Beliville in October, 1827, and occupied a cabin that stood on the lot now occupied by the residence of John Zent ; they had a family of three children-Henry, Margaret and Zillman; they occupied the cabin home for about one year, when they bought a lot and built a more comfortable abode; Mr. Grosser was a carpenter by trade, and, while engaged in getting out timber for a residence for Dr. Beach, he was struck by a limb of a falling tree and instantly killed, Dec. 24, 1830. Margaret was born April 18, 1827, and was married to James Riddle April 21, 1861: Mr. Riddle was among the first to respond to the call for volunteers to suppress the rebellion, and enlisted in Co. I, 16th O. V. I., in the three-months service, and was commissioned 2d Lieutenant; when his term of service expired, he returned
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 811
home, but his patriotic spirit would not allow him to long remain ; he enlisted in the three-years service on the 7th of August, 1862, in Co. E, 102d O. V. I., and was commissioned 1st Lieutenant of his company, and served in that capacity until his death, Sept. 27, 1863 ; he was killed by falling from a train that was transporting troops from Nashville to Murfreesboro, and is interred in the National Cemetery at Murfreesboro. Mrs. Riddle resides with her mother, who is in her 77th year. Henry Grosser is engaged is the grocery business in Bellville. Her brother, Zillman Grosser, died during the Mexican war, at Puebla, Sept. 3, 1847; he was a member of Capt. Weaver's company, 16th O. V. I., commanded by Col. Sutton.
ROBINSON, JOHN, deceased ; was born Feb. 1,1782, in Ireland, and came across the ocean with his parents when 5 years of age, and they settled in Westmoreland Co., Penn. He was married in this county, to Margaret Nelson, who was also born in Ireland. In 1809, the family removed to Mercer Co., Ohio, and in the fall of 1815, to the southwest quarter of Sec. 11, Jefferson Township; he entered three quarter-sections for himself and brothers. The following children were born to his first wife: James, John, Alexander, William, Thomas, Nancy, Ester, Margaret and Hamilton; of whom James, Thomas, Nancy, Ester and Margaret are dead. He was married to Jane Stewart after the death of his first wife, and four children were born to her - Susannah, Ellen, Samuel and Sarah; the first and third are dead. Father Robinson was "the bear-hunter" of his day and locality.
ROBINSON, WILLIAM, farmer, son of John Robinson, was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn.., Oct. 7, 1807. He was married, Dec. 17, 1835, to Mariah Lafferty, a daughter of John Lafferty. She was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, May 13, 1817. They resided with his father one year after marriage, then three years on a part of Sec. 10, after which they moved on the southeast quarter of Sec. 22, where they yet reside. Mr. Robinson and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. They have one child, Calvin, who was born Jan. 25, 1837. He united in matrimony with Elizabeth Leedy, Samuel Leedy's daughter, Jan. 19, 1865. She was born in Jefferson Township, Aug. 7, 1843. He commenced to keep house near where he now resides, which is one and a half miles south of Bellville. He was a soldier in the 100-day service, and held the office of corporal. He has been Township Trustee two terms. Their children are William, born Jan. 3, 1866; Margaret, Oct. 20, 1867; Mary, Aug. 7, 1869; John, July 8, 1872; Frederick, Nov. 24, 1879.
RUMMEL, DAVID J., was born in Frederick Co., Md., Aug. 19, 1817 ; he and two of his brothers settled in Seneca Co., Ohio, near Tiffin, and engaged in clearing land; some time afterward, he commenced milling as an apprentice, and worked at it a few years in Seneca, and awhile in Crawford Co. On Sept. 8, 1840, he entered into matrimonial relations with Mary Z. Klise, who was also a native of Frederick Co., Md., and was born Feb. 5, 1822 ; Mr. Rummel also engaged in millwrighting more or less before marriage, and again engaged at it after, doing an extensive business in erecting mills in Seneca and Crawford Cos.; the miasmatic air of these counties at last began to tell on his health, and to seek a more healthy locality, he came to Richland Co. and located near Independence in 1850; he soon recovered his health, and built mills in this and Seneca Cos.; in 1852, he erected a residence about a mile east of Independence, and the next year built a mill; in March, 1854, it was ready to run, and for more than a decade he did an extensive business in custom work and shipping flour ; about the year 1868, the mill property was sold, and since then he gave his attention more to agriculture; during the year 1879, he resided in Bellville, and in the fall he again purchased the favorite mill. Mr. Rummel's children are Ann Amanda, born June 12, 1841; Albert Josiah, Jan. 5, 1843; Orlandus B., Aug. 18, 1845 ; Mary Elizabeth, Oct. 24, 1847; Luella Z., Feb. 29, 1864. The parents united with the Universalist Church of Bellville, about the year 1851, and since then have taken an active interest in the affairs of the society.
RUMMEL, O. B., dealer is hardware, Bellville; was bom in Tiffin, Ohio; he commenced to work in his father's Souring-mill while growing up; in 1867, he commenced a business course in the Poughkeepsie College, of New York; the next year, he took the degree of Master of Accounts; he then traveled some time looking for a mill, and not finding one that was satisfactory, he returned home and engaged to operating his father's mill. In September, 1871, he purchased the hardware store then operated by A. J. Markey, and has continued at this business till the present; Mr. Rummel was born Aug. 18, 1845, and was married Nov. 24, 1867, to Mary E. Garber; their children are Nellie E., born Oct.. 25, 1868; Zomara, Aug. 2, 1874; and a daughter, Sept. 2, 1879.
SHAFFER, BENJAMIN, carpenter and farmer; he was a son of George Shaffer and Catharine Fissel, and was born in Perry Township, Richland Co.; he was brought up on a farm; at the age of 17, he commenced to work at the carpenter trade, which he made his exclusive occupation until 1863; he then enlisted, and went to the Army of the Potomac ; since his return, his attention has principally been given to agriculture. During his carpentry, he erected upward of sixty houses and forty-five barns, besides numerous smaller buildings. Mr. Shaffer was born May 2, 1825. He was first married, July 2, 1846, to Julia Ann Albaugh, who was a daughter of William Albaugh and was born Jan. 4, 1823; children-Franklin, born April 1, 1849 ; Delphine, May 3, 1854; Mrs. Shaffer died in September, 1854; he then married Sarah Spayd, a daughter of Henry Spayd ; Delphine married Francis Borden ; Franklin married Frances Tidd, a daughter of George Tidd and Margaret Armstrong, and she was born July 22, 1855; they were married Dec. 10, 1871; children -Verde, born Feb. 10, 1872; Charles, July 9, 1874; Margaret April 11, 1878. Mr. Shaffer lives near his father's residence, on a part of Sec. 31.
SHAFFER, BENJAMIN, carpenter and joiner; he commenced to work at carpentering when 14 years old, and has given his attention to it almost wholly since; for several years, he has been doing an extensive work in the erection of houses and barns, and at times employed eight or ten hands; during the war, he was a teamster a short time in the Cumberland Army. Mr.
812 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Shaffer was born in Palmyra, Knox Co., Ohio, Dec. 4, 1845, and, on Feb. 12, 1865, he was married to Albina Files, who was born Dec. 9, 1844, and was the daughter of Nathan Files, who was born July l2, 1796, and, in 1835, settled in Ohio ; he was married to Rebecca Walter, and had nine children, five sons and four daughters ; he died in August, 1878 ; after marriage, Mr. Shaffer lived three years in Jefferson Township first; then in Perry four years, then in Jefferson again; his children are Oscar Elmer, born May 19, 1866: Ettie Senora, May 12, 1875; Nettie Olive, Sept. 16, 1876; Wealthy, July 13, 1879. Mr. Shaffer and wife are members of the Disciple Church.
SHAFFER, MARGARET; she resides on a part of Sec. 18: she was a daughter of Samuel Hoke and Elisabeth Weast ; her father died in Pennsylvania, and she came to Jefferson Township with her mother in 1830, James Shaffer, her husband, was a son of George Shaffer and Catharine Fissel. After marriage, they resided two years in Perry Township, and then moved on the place where Mrs. Shaffer now lives. Mr. Shaffer went to the war in the 102d O. V. I. and never returned; he left home in September, 1862, and, contracting a disease, was sent to Louisville, Ky., and from there to New Albany, Ind., where he died; he was born in March, 1821. Margaret Hoke was born June 3, 1826. They were married Nov. 30, 1843; children-a son was born Jan. 22, 1845; Louisa, March 17, 1847; Emanuel, Aug. 13, 1849; Emma, Feb. 10, 1852; a son, Nov. 28, 1853 ; Franklin, Oct. 25, 1854; Mary, July 12, 1857; a son, in June, 1859; William, Aug. 12, 1860; James Sherman, April 19, 1863; Mary died when about 4 years old ; Emma, Aug. 9, 1875; the father, Nov. 15, 1862 Franklin was married, Nov. 11, 1875, to Charlotte Hadesah Pheil, daughter of Abraham Pheil, and was born in Franklin Co., Penn.; she was born Sept. 12, 1857; she has one child-Arthur Beach S. Emma was married to Thomas Long; Louisa married Jeremiah Long May 2, 1865; he was born Oct 15, 1846; their child, Florence C., was born Dec. 27, 1866. James and Margaret Shaffer were members of the United Brethren Church.
SHAFER, ADAM, house painter; his father, Adam Shsfer, came to Jefferson Township in 1816, where he was born and brought up a farmer, which occupation he followed until 1870, when he turned his attention to painting. He formed matrimonial relations with Margaret Miller, daughter of John Miller, and she was born in Washington Co., Md., and came to Richland Co. in 1834. Mr. Shafer has made his home in Jefferson Township since marriage, with the exception of six months that he resided in Lexington, Ohio; be was born April 20, 1828; Mrs. Shafer was born Feb. 28, 1830; they were married Nov. 7, 1850; children-Henrietta was born Jan. 18, 1853; Sarah, Feb. 4, 1855; Candace B., Sept. 28, 1857; Calvin D., Nov. 17, 1859; Carson M. Jan. 21, 1862; Horace M., July 26, 1864. Henrietta was married to J. D. Ranson and lives in Le Sueur Co., Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Shsfer are members of the Lutheran Church.
SCHROEDER, DANIEL, farmer, and has worked at chair-making and painting; was born in Fredericktown, Knox Co., Ohio, where he grew up to manhood; he commenced making chairs when about 14 years of age. He was married, Oct. 7, 1865, to Susan Garber, daughter of David Garber; she was born July 29, 1845; they first lived is Knox Co. one year, then moved to Wood Co. and remained there eighteen months; returned to Richland and remained two years, then in Knox two years, and then moved on his father-in-law's farm. Their children are George: William, born Sept. 23, 1866; Charles Clinton, Dec. 20, 1868; Sarah Ellen Eve, July 25, 1871; Alwilda May, July 25, 1875; Lenie Nevada, Oct. 14, 1878.
SPAYDE, JOHN, farmer; he was born in Richland Co. June 30, 1830, and commenced to work at coopering when about 16 years old, and made it his occupation for twenty years; his father, William Spayde, came to the county when a boy; his mother's maiden name was Catharine Huston. He was married, Jan. 2, 1851, to Catharine Secrist, a daughter of Henry Secrist, and she was born in Richland Co. in 1834; they commenced to keep house in Washington Township, and lived in that and Worthington Township till about 1875, when he bought a part of Sec. 5, in Jefferson Township. He and part of his family are members of the Evangelical Church. He was in the late war with the 100-day men, and was Second Lieutenant. His children are William H., born is 1853; Charles L., in 1856; John W., in 1858, died in 1860; Sanford L., born is 1860; Daniel M., in 1863. William married Mary E. Rider in 1874; she was born in the county in 1854, and has two children. Mr. Spayde's grandparents came to this country in 1808. His mother died in 187 7, aged 67 years, and his father is still living sad is is his 72d year.
STEWART, EDWARD: his father came from Ireland, and mother was born in Pennsylvania; they came to the north part of Richland Co. in 1812 or 1813. The subject of this sketch was born in Richland Co., and was brought up a farmer. He was married, Jan. 30, 1868, to Statira McKinley, daughter of Alexander McKinley, a farmer of Perry Township. Mr. Stewart was born Feb. 1, 1833, and Mrs. Stewart Feb. 21, 1837; children-Myna A., born June 8, 1870; Marcellus A., May 31, 1871; Nora Bell, Sept. 15, 1877. He now resides about two miles south of Bellville, devoting his attention to agriculture. In 1879, he was elected Trustee of Jefferson Township.
SWANK, HENRY, deceased; born in Franklin Co., Penn., Jan. 18, 1790; he came to Sec. 34, Jefferson Township, in the spring of 1817, and cleared a small spot of ground ; the following fall he moved his family; the log cabin which he built had no door, and for some time entered it by crawling under the wall on the lower part of the hillside; he shared the destitute surroundings of pioneer life, and worked his way from abject poverty to wealth ; he learned the blacksmith trade in Pennsylvania, when 22 years of age, and the old stone shop in which he took his first lessons, in Loudonville, Penn., is yet standing; he moved to Fredericktown three years after settling here, and worked at his trade three years, then to his farm again. He was married to Elizabeth Study March 22, 1814; she was born in the county he was; children-John, born Dec. 11, 1816, now is the father of twenty-two children; Margaret, Feb. 28, 1818; Elisabeth, born Feb. 29, 1820, died Sept. 4, 1851; Susan, born May 30, 1822-she
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 813
became blind in the fall of 1866-she gave us this sketch of her father's life, and dates, all from memory, without hesitation; Christian, born April 16, 1824, died April 29, 1850; Daniel, born Sept. 22, 1826; Hannah, born Dec. 20, 1828, died Sept. 13, 1858; Mary, born Oct. 27, 1830; Henry, Feb. 3, 1833; Jackson, March 21, 1835; Casper, Nov. 8, 1837. The father died April 1l, 1876, and the mother April 17, 1859. He spent his final days with his daughter in Bellville.
SWANK, CASPER, farmer. Was born in Franklin Co., Penn., June, 1873, and was a son of Christley Swank. He was brought up on a farm, and in April, 1833, came to this county. On April 23, 1840, he united in matrimony with Catharine Leedy, daughter of Daniel Leedy, who was born Dec. 12, 1819; and, after living a short time at several places, in 1849, moved on the farm in the Leedy settlement, where they now reside. He commenced in the woods, and has borne the toil and privations of a pioneer life, together with its romance and pleasure, and now numbers among those who, by prudence, perseverance and economy, have lifted themselves from a position of poverty to a comfortable place and surroundings is life. He never made a religious profession, although being possessed of a fine moral character; his wife united with the German Baptist Church in the 25th year of her age. Their children is order are as follows: Daniel was born May 15, 1841, and died as a soldier of the rebellion, at New Albany, Ind., Jan. 7, 1865. He and his brother Elias went out in the 102d O. V. I., and was connected with the Cumberland Army. Elias L. was born Dec. 16, 1842; Jacob L., Nov. 30, 1844; John L., Oct. 14, 1846; Christian, June 16, 1851.
SWANK, ELIAS L., owns and resides on a part of Sec. 23. He was born in Knox Co., near Ankneytown, and brought up on a farm. He commenced to work at carpentering when about 19 years of age, which he has continued at, during intervals, to the present time. He enlisted Aug. 11, 1862, and went to the front with the 102d O. V. I. He was placed on detached duty, and assisted in building a large block-house in one of the Southern States ; and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. Mr. Swank was in the hospital about two weeks during his soldier life. He was discharged July 7, 1865. Daniel Swank, a brother of the subject of this sketch, enlisted at the same time, and filled the office of corporal, in Co. E, 102d O. V. I. He was seized with flux at Decatur, Ala., and after being moved five or six times, he was placed in the hospital at New Albany, Ind., where he died. After returning, Mr. Swank gave his attention to carpentering for some time. After marriage, he lived at various places is this township, till 1869, when he purchased the farm on which he now lives. He was born Dec. 16, 1842. His wife, Lovina Lett, was born May 29, 1839; children-Catharine L. was born Sept. 28, 1867; Lyman, Oct. 12, 1868; Romilda, Feb. 28, 1870; Wilbert, Oct. 24, 1871; Elizabeth, July 8, 1873; Mary Ann, April 14, 1875.
SWANK, JACOB, farmer; was born near Ankneytown, Nov. 26, 1844. He was married to Mary Yarger, Oct. 20, 1872; she was born July 31, 1853; children - Harry M., born Dec. 3, 1873 ; Viola E., July 28, 1875; Jessy Bloom, May 2, 1878. In 1867, Mr. Swank bought a partial interest in a thrashing-machine, which he retained three years; he then went to buying butter and eggs ; he continued this two years, and then began firming.
SWANK, JOHN L. Was born is Knox Co., near Ankneytown, and was brought up on a farm; when he was yet a young man, he was accidentally shot with a pistol, in the hands of William Brown; the ball entered his right hip, and came out on the inside of the leg; the ball took a downward course; Mr. Swank followed threshing a number of years in the employ of others, which he commenced when about 20 years of age; is the winter of 1868-69, he taught school; he also taught a term after that; after marriage, he lived on rented farms, until April, 1877, when he moved in a house thus he erected on a lot he bought in the Leedy settlement ; he bought an interest is a saw-mill in Feb ruary, 1877, which is located near his residence. Mr. Swank was born Oct. 14, 1846; Leah C. Long was born May 14, 1852; she is Abraham and Catharine Long's daughter; they were married Dec. 31, 1871. Children - Edward N., was born Nov. 8, 1872; Charlie, Dec. 8, 1873; Sylvia C., Jan. 5, 1875; Samuel J. T., June 23, 1876; Myrta L., Jan. 22, 1878; Alonzo L., Aug. 31, 1879; Charlie died Nov. 27, 1875.
SWANK, CHRISTIAN L., was born and brought up on a farm, and has given his attention to farming most of the time since. After marriage, he lived with his father one year, then in a house belonging to Mrs. Oldfield, and, in 1872, he commenced to farm for L. S. Leedy ; he lived with him two years, and then purchased twenty acres of Sec. 23 ; after farming this two years, he sold out and bought a few acres of A. B. Leedy; after remaining on it a short time, he sold, and since then has been renting farms: C. L. Swank was born Jan. 17, 1849. Adeline Stealts, his wife, is the oldest of Phillip Stealts' daughters, and was born Nov. 7, 1851; they was married Jan. 22, 1870 ; children - Mariah, born June 24, 1870; Elmer, Nov. 28, 1872; Verda, Sept. 29, 1873.
SWANK, CHRISTIAN GABRIEL, a son of Henry Swank ; he was born in Franklin Co., Penn., and came with his parents to Jefferson Township in 1868, when he has to this time lived ; he was born April 19, 1851, and married Rebecca Hartman, a daughter of Daniel Hartman, Feb. 1, 1876; children-Leutenny son, born Sept, 3, 1876, and Tency, Aug.. 27, 1878.
SWONGER, GEORGE (deceased) ; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., July 15, 1808. He came to Richland Co. with his parents in 1841, and located in that part of Richland that now constitutes a part of Morrow Co., where he resided eleven years, and then removed to Belleville, where he resided until his death, which occurred Jan. 10, 1860. Mr. Swonger was married twice; his first wife died June 8, 1848. He married for his second wife Mrs. Sarah Claudy ; they had a family of three children, one of whom is deceased. After Mr. Swonger's death, the family moved into the building they now occupy, and engaged in keeping grocery and boarders ; they continued in this business about one year, when they closed out the grocery and engaged in the hotel business, in which they still continue with favorable success, with Thomas A. Swonger as proprietor.
814 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
TARRES, WILLIAM, farmer; owns the southwest quarter of Sec. 11. He was born in Scotland Jan. 14, 1812. When he was 6 years old, his parents emigrated to this country, and made Washington Co., Penn., their place of residence. In 1826, they moved to Richland Co. and purchased a homestead within three miles of Mansfield; then, the subject of our sketch grew up and was married, which took place on the 11th of October, 1836. His companion, Jane D. Smith, is a daughter of John Smith, and her mother's maiden name was Rebecca McAllister; she was born Sept. 18, 1811. Children-Nancy Jane was born Aug. 15, 1837; Rebecca, Oct. 28, 1838 ; John, April 25, 1840; George, Nov. 18, 1841; Margaret, Nov. 9, 1844; Isabel, Dec. 4, 1846: William, June 25,1848. Nancy died July 30, 1838; John, July 26, 1840. Rebecca was married to James P. Henderson, and Isabel to Thomas Appleman. George went to the army in the 102d Ohio V. I., and William in the 196th Ohio V. I. Mr. Tarres commenced to keep house in Worthington Township, where he remained until 1855. In this year, he moved into Jefferson; in 1868, into Monroe; and, in 1872, on his present homestead.
WALKER, DANIEL, farmer; he was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, July 18, 1828, and is a son of James Walker, who migrated from Maine to Seneca in 1835; his mother's maiden name was Sarah Smart. He was married, Oct. 21, 1860, to Mary M. Teisley, daughter of Henry Teisley, and was born in Jefferson Township Feb. 2, 1838; they commenced keeping house in Monroe Township, and have since resided in the county; they moved on a farm about one mile southeast of Bellville in 1864, and have lived then since; children - Benjamin, born Dec. 28, 1861; William, Nov. 20, 1863; Sherman, July 15, 1866 ; Albert H., Nov. 15, 1867; Lewis, Oct. 19, 1869; Flora, Nov. 9, 1871; Lilly, June 6, 1875; Levi, Aug. 27, 1877; Thomas, April 20, 1879; Benjamin died Jan. 4, 1878. Mr. Walker went into the army with the 178th O. V. I. He and his companion are members of the Universalist Church and the Jefferson Grange.
WAREHAM, JOHN E., blacksmith; he was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Jan. 26, 1831, and was brought up in Canton, Ohio ; in early life, he worked in a printing office; when about 16 years of age, he commenced to work at smithing, which he has followed the greater part of his life; when near 28 years old, he learned the molding trade, and worked at that about one year. He enlisted and went to the army from Loudonville, Ohio, in 1861, in the 23d O. V. I., and remained away about one year; in 1862, he again returned to Richland Co., and was married; he commenced housekeeping near the Greenwood Mill, remaining until 1868, when he bought a few acres of land, a part of Sec. 13, on which he now lives. Lyda Frederick, his wife, is a daughter of Christian Frederick, and was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Sept. 17, 1841; their oldest child was born and died in 1863, and was named Mary; George F. was born Aug. 9, 1864 ; Emma Ettie, Aug. 6, 1866 ; Albert E., Oct. 4, 1868. Mr. Wareham was married May 4, 1862.
WHITCOMB, NILES D., physician; was born in Cuyahoga Falls, Summit Co., Ohio, July 23, 1822, and was brought up in town; he worked with his father at wagon-making until he commenced studying medicine. In 1842, he placed himself under Dr. Tenny, then of North Amherst, Ohio, as a student; in 1845, be went with Dr. Tenny to Iowa, when he finished his course. He located with his brother in Palmyra, Knox Co., Ohio, in 1847, and remained there two years. In June, 1849, he removed to Bellville, when be remained, practicing medicine and at times interesting himself in other avocations. He purchased the Bellville Mills in 1864. He was first married to Mary A. DeShong, daughter of Stephen A. DeShong, Oct. 2, 1849 ; she was born Nov. 1, 1832; children - an infant, died July 26, 1850; Lee, born Sept. 28, 1850 ; Flora, born Feb. 22, 1853; Lucy, born Nov. 28, 1855; May, born Jan. 8, 1859. Mrs. M. A. Whitcomb died May 29, 1860. He was again married, to Sarah P. Gallaher, daughter of Alexander Mensie, Oct. 2, 1865. Lee died March 18, 1852, Mr. Whitcomb practiced medicine successfully many years.
ZENT, JOHN (deceased) ; he was about the third settler of Jefferson Township; he came from Harrisburg to Wheeling, then to Fairfield Co., then to Jefferson Township, and settled west of Bellville a short distance. His children were Jacob, Daniel, John, George, Martin, Elizabeth, Catharine and Mary. George Zent was the father of a large family. He was born Oct. 15, 1793. His children are Jacob, born July 28, 1824 ; John, Aug. 10, 1825; David, March 9, 1827; Susan, July 4, 1828; Sarah Ann, Jan. 30,1830; Mary, March 10, 1831 ; Sophrona, Aug. 14, 1832 ; George, Oct. 7, 1833; Sampson, Jan. 23, 1835; Elizabeth, May 22, 1836; Isaac, Oct. 5, 1837 ; Emma, April 14, 1839; Emmina, May 6,1840; Lodema, Sept. 3, 1841; Catherine, Nov. 3, 1842.
ZENT, JOHN W., resides in Bellville, Ohio ; he was born in Jefferson Township, and worked on a farm until 19 years of age; in the spring of 1844, he went to Wellington, Ohio, and engaged himself as a clerk in a store, and remained there about five years. On May 11, 1850, he started to California, taking the overland route, and, after a long and perilous journey, arrived in the land of precious metals; he and his company at once commenced mining, meeting with only ordinary success; the party opened some of the richest mines in the State, but, being impatient and lacking experience they were abandoned too soon to tap the hidden treasures; he remained then about four years-working in mines three, and owned a hotel the fourth ; during his stay, he was poisoned by contact with live-oak, and was dangerously ill about two months ; he returned to Bellville in 1855, and, the next spring, made a trip through Iowa and Missouri ; in 1856, he again went to Iowa, for the purpose of dealing in and herding cattle, but, the state of things not being satisfactory, he entered eighty acres of land and returned ; in 1857, he and his brother David bought the warehouse and commenced to buy grain, and in connection, the next year, managed the depot business and express; he has made Bellville his ostensible home since, but, in connection with David Zent and H. Alexander, has bought and sold a large amount of Western land, operated a woolen factory east of Independence, and the stone quarry at Bellville, and manages the Bellville Exchange Bank. Mr. Zest was born Aug. 10, 1825, and
MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 816
was married to Helen Ordway Dec. 7, 1865; she is a daughter of Alpheus Ordway and Caroline Dewey; children - Charles and Willard, twins, born May 24, 1869; Nellie and Jennie, twins, March 22, 1874; Willard died Aug. 9, 1869, and Jennie Dec. 28, 1877.
ZENT, DAVID, banker; he was born is Jefferson Township, and labored on a farm until about 21 years old; he then went to Wells Co., Ind.; he was one of the first four white settlers of the county, and was the first Clerk of Jefferson Township; he pre-empted land is this part of the county, and gave the township its name, after Jefferson Township, in Richland ; he returned is 1849, and worked at carpentering about seven years; he brought the first telegraphic instrument to Bellville, and learned to operate it. In 1857, he and his brother John purchased the elevator to Bellville, of Taylor Moody, and from that time he has made Bellville his home, and his career runs parallel with that of his brother, whose sketch precedes this. Since the organization of the Exchange Bank, he has filled the position of cashier, and has confined himself to it closely. Mr. Zent was born March 9, 1824, and was married to Mary Ann Olin Dec. 25, 1856; she was born Nov. 6, 1838, in Manchester, Vt., and came with her parents to Richland Co. in 1838; children-Lura, born May 28, 1861; Schuyler W., Aug. 21, 1863; Wilbur D., Oct. 10, 1867; Jessie Gertrude. Sept. 1, 1872. Lura died Sept. 11, 1864.
YEARIAN, THOMAS, farmer; resides in Bellville; he is a son of George Yearian, who was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., married in Belmont Co., and came to Bellville, in 1812, for the purpose of buying-out James McCluer for Robert Bell; he went on to Mansfield and cut a few logs for a cabin, after which he was frightened by the murder of Mr. Jones, and returned to Belmont, where he was drafted and went into the service; he moved to Bellville in 1815, and, in 1837, died at the age of 82 years; he was the father of eleven children, ten of whom grew up and seven are now living. Thomas was born in Richland Co. Oct. 26, 1821, and has always been a farmer. He was married, April 22, 1847, to Mary Ann Lockhart, daughter of William Lockhart, who came to Jefferson Township in 1822; she was born Feb. 3, 1824; they set up housekeeping in Worthington Township, and then moved to Bellville in 1861. He was Justice of the Peace and held corporation offices, and is a Deacon in the Disciples' Church. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Bell.
YOUNG, DAVID LEWIS, was born and brought up in Jefferson Township, and worked on his father's farm until 1848; in this year he went to Iowa and worked at millwrighting until 1850 (in the fall), when he commenced to teach school; at the close of the term, he returned home and taught a term of school in Sub-District No. 8; he assisted in the manufacture of fanning-mills and did some work at millwrighting during the summer of 1851; in 1852, he moved on the place he now occupies, which is about two miles south of Bellville; while he was in Iowa, he entered land, and now owns 527 acres in that State and 130 in Jefferson Township. He is a charter member of Jefferson Grange, a member of the Odd Fellows, has a large interest in Jefferson Hall, Bellville, and has filled various township offices. He went to the rebellion in the 163d O. N. G., and was Second Sergeant in Capt. Leedy's company. He was born March 31, 1824; Mary Sites, a daughter of Robert Sites, was born April 25, 1832; they were married Jan. 1, 1852; children - John F., born May 28, 1853; Sarah, Aug. 9, 1855; Flora, July 28, 1857. Deaths-John F. died March 24, 1862; Sarah, March 30, 1862; mother died March 26, 1878. Mr. Young was married to Eliza Watson in 1879, and a son was born to them Jan. 21, 1780.
YOUNG, A. M., dealer is dry goods ; is a member of and has the entire management of the business conducted under the firm name of Maxwell & Young, Bellville, Ohio ; the associate, R. B. Maxwell, came from Scotland in 1852, to New York, and, in 1872, located in Mansfield, where he has an interest in a store also; Mr. Young came to Bellville in January, 1878, with the object in view to open a dry-goods store; not long after a store was opened, and from the commencement a fair, honest business has been conducted, and the store is rapidly growing in esteem as a place to purchase all kinds of dry goods and notions properly belonging to that branch of industry; Mr. Young was brought up a salesman, having been placed behind the counter in the city of New York, from which place he came to Bellville ; as Mr. Maxwell, of this enterprise, is interested in similar business in Mansfield, all the articles they offer for sale are marked at the same figures as in the city store, thus offering unusual advantages to the buying public.