Descendants of Henry ZELLERS / SELLERS - Sep 5 2000
COMPILED BY ALLEN L. POTTS
FIRST GENERATION
1. Henry ZELLERS was born on Aug 24 1757 in Washington Co., Maryland. He died on Mar 23 1836 in Friends Cove, Colerain Twp., Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. Will Proven 4 15 1836 Sold property in Washington Cty., Maryland to Isaiah Zell, Jacob Seller, witnessed by John Cellars.
He was married to Catherine. Catherine was born about 1760 in Washington Co., Maryland.
Henry ZELLERS and Catherine had the following children:
+2 i. David SELLERS farmer.
+3 ii. George SELLERS.
4 iii. Joseph SELLERS was born on Jul 25 1794 in Williamsport, Washington Co., Pennsylvania. Zions Lutheran Church, records, Williamsport, Washington Co., Pennsylvania. He died on Sep 21 1867.
5 iv. Sarah SELLERS was born about 1798.
6 v. Susannah SELLERS.
+7 vi. Mary SELLERS.
+8 vii. John SELLERS.
SECOND GENERATION
2. David SELLERS farmer was born in 1782 in Washington Co., Maryland. He died on May 4 1852 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. He was buried in Blackbird Cemetery, Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. He was a farmer in Harmony Township, Morrow Co., Ohio. Marriage: True American Paper, Bedford Cty, Pa. Married August 25 1813 True American - David Sellers and Sarah Snyder daughter of Joseph Snyder of Snake Spring Valley, Bedford County, Pennsylvania Sarah SNYDER was born in 1787 in Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. She died on Oct 29 1866 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She was buried in Blackbird Cemetery, Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
David SELLERS farmer and Sarah SNYDER had the following children:
+9 i. John SELLERS.
+10 ii. Henry SELLERS.
+11 iii. Joseph SELLERS farmer.
+12 iv. David SELLERS.
13 v. William SELLERS was born on Feb 4 1830 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. He died on Jun 5 1891. Buried in Blackbird Cemetery.
+14 vi. Sarah Jane SELLERS.
+15 vii. George W. SELLERS.
He was married to Agnes HUDDLESON (daughter of Alexander HUDDLESON and Mary SNYDER) on Oct 8 1835 in Morrow Co., Ohio. The marriage is recorded in Delaware County, Ohio. (Harmony Township was then a part of Delaware County) Lic issued Oct. 3, 1835 returned Oct 13, 1835. Married by JP Japheth West Agnes HUDDLESON was born on Feb 1 1816 in Muskingum Co., Ohio. She died in Morrow Co., Ohio.
John SELLERS and Agnes HUDDLESON had the following children:
+16 i. Randall SELLERS.
+17 ii. Juliana SELLERS.
18 iii. Eva SELLERS was born about 1842 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
19 iv. Ellen SELLERS was born about 1844 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
+20 v. Westley SELLERS.
+21 vi. John SELLERS.
THIRD GENERATION
9. John SELLERS was born on Jun 22 1814 in Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. He died on Oct 1 1860 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. He was buried in Blackbird Cemetery, Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
He was married to Mary GEORGE on Feb 24 1842 in Harmony Twp., Delaware Co., (Now Morrow Co.) Ohio. Marriage recorded in Delaware Co., Ohio. Lic issue date March 8, 1842 returned May 16, 1842, Married by Rev. Elias George Mary GEORGE was born on Nov 8 1821. She died on Mar 12 1904 in Morrow Co., Ohio. She was buried in Blackbird Cemetery, Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
John SELLERS and Mary GEORGE had the following children:
26 i. William SELLERS died on Jul 4 1839 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. He was buried in Blackbird Cemetery, Harmony, Morrow, Ohio.
27 ii. Eveline SELLERS was born on Jul 12 1848 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She died on Jul 15 1848 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She was buried in Blackbird Cemetery, Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
He was married to Margaret H. WOLFE (daughter of Jacob WOLFE and Priscilla MARTIN) in 1844. Margaret H. WOLFE was born on Feb 26 1824. She died on Jan 25 1917. She was buried in Chester Baptist Cemetery, Chester Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
Henry SELLERS and Margaret H. WOLFE had the following children:
28 i. Nancy SELLERS.
29 ii. Loretta B. SELLERS was born on Jan 4 1847 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She died on Nov 25 1887.
30 iii. Esther A. SELLERS was born about 1849 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
+31 iv. B. A. SELLERS.
Joseph Sellers and Elizabeth Sayre Lic: Apr 19, 1841: Marriage date: Apr 20, 1841: return May 13, 1841 married by Rev John D. Thomas
JOSEPH SELLERS, farmer; P.O. Cardington; was born July 19, 1819, in Pennsylvania, where he attended school in an old log school-house, and there learned the rudiments of "readin', 'ritin', 'rithmetic." he is a brother of Henry Sellers, whose sketch appears in the biographical part of Chester Township. Joseph was married in 1841 to Elizabeth a daughter of John and Mary Sayres. Both from New Jersey, and had six children - Elizabeth, Almira, Harriet, Hulda, Henry and Nancy. They rented of different parties, for many years after their marriage; and in 1853 he bought 128 acres where he now lives, and improved the same, and has added to it since, until he now possesses 358 acres of finely-improved land, adorned by one of the best houses in the township. His father gave him $600, and the remainder of his vast fortune is the product of his own labors; he has long been identified with the Democratic party. Their union gave them two children - Mary J. and Almeda S.
"The Sentinel," Mt. Gilead Feb. 4, 1897 - Thursday
Joseph Sellers, a prosperous farmer of Harmony township, was found dead in his bed, Thursday morning, January 28. Mr. Sellers was born July 19, 1819, in Pennsylvania. He was married in 1841 to Elizabeth Sayers. In the year 1853 he purchased a farm of 128 acres, and by industry and wise management added to it until he acquired nearly 400 acres. Mr. Sellers was much respected not only in the community in which he resided, but through the entire county where he was well known. He was apparently strong for a man of his age, and his sudden death occasioned much surprise among his friends and neighbors.
He was married to Elizabeth SAYRES (daughter of John SAYRES and Mary) on Apr 20 1841 in Morrow Co., Ohio. The marriage is recorded in Delaware Co., Ohio.
Lic issued April 19, 1841 and returned April 24, 1841. Married by Rev. John D. Thomas Elizabeth SAYRES was born on Jun 18 1823 in Sussex Co., New Jersey. She died on Feb 23 1895 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She was buried in a family Moslem in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio.
"The Sentinel," Mt. Gilead, Ohio - Thursday March 7, 1895
Mrs. Elizabeth Sawyer Sellers, died Feb. 23d, 1865 (Should have been 1895; was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, June 18th 1823, and was married to Joseph Sellers, April 20th, 1841, being 71 years, 8 months and 5 days of age, leaving a husband and two children to mourn the loss of a good companion, and a king and affectionate mother. Services were conducted by Lewis Harrod, in the church house near by, to a large congregation, after which the body was taken to Cardington and deposited in the vault. Saying to all one by one, we must go the way of all the earth to answer in the great and coming day. Lewis Harrod.
Joseph SELLERS farmer and Elizabeth SAYRES had the following children:
+32 i. Mary Jane SELLERS.
+33 ii. Almeda S. SELLERS.
THE SENTINEL
MT. GILEAD, OHIO
THURSDAY NOV. 1, 1888
HORRIBLE!
The Crime of Murder and Arson
Shocks the Usual Quietude of
Morrow County.
Who is the Culprt? There
Seems to Be No Positive Clue
-He is Safe From Every-
thing, Save Him Con-
science.
Last Friday morning the residence of David Sellers, who lived in the second house west of "Blackbird," in Harmony township, was burned to the ground. Among the ashes were the charred remains of David Sellers and his wife, who were supposed to have perished in the flames. Subsequent developments, however, make plain the theory that murder was first committed. Although nothing remained of Mr. Sellers, but the body and one arm, the other portions having been entirely consumed, the head of Mrs. Sellers showed too plainly for doubt that some blunt instrument like a hatchet or hammer had been used with deadly effect. Her hair was matted with blood, as was a portion of the clothing.
That such a horrible crime should have been committed in our own community is a revolting thought, but the evidence too plain for disbelief. Why it was committed is a still greater mystery.
The time once was when David Sellers was as neatly and finely dressed as any young man in the community. Later, however, he turned his whole attention to the accumulation of money, and the family has since lived in the most miserable squalor, and miserly condition. Although he was known to be wealthy, owning some four hundred acres of land which was well stocked; etc., he was said, by those with whom he was most intimate, to have at all times but very little money about his house or person, hence the murder could have been committed by any one knowing his habits for the purpose of robbery. Neither could revenge have been a motive, for while no one particularly admired his habits, it may be said that the family had no enemies. What the object was, or who the criminal is, will remain shrouded in, mystery until that terrible accuser, conscience, compels the culprit to give up his secret that justice may be avenged. All the facts which can be learned will be found in the inquisition papers of Coroner James, a verbatim copy of which follows:
TESTIMONY.
WILLIAM F. RHODEBACK - my age is 26 in June I have been working for Mr. tellers since last March; It has been my home since that time; I was there yesterday morning and last evening; I was at Cardington yesterday; I went with family; I returned from Cardington just before dark; I don't know whether he drew any money out of bank or not; he paid me some money recently; I seen Mr. and Mrs. Sellers "about" dark, or little later; the last I seen Mrs. Sellers about half-past eight; "then I retired;" both were in usual health, excepting a bad cold, I went to bed about half-past eight or nine o'clock; I do not know what time Mr. Sellers got home. I went to sleep as soon as went to bed; I wakened up by some person hollowing; I do not know who it was, but suppose it was Miss Sellers; I slept up stairs in the north end of the house; I put my pants and shoes on, and then may vest and coat on; I got my overcoat out of setting room down stairs; the outside door was open; the first thing I thought of was I hollowed; then I opened the sitting room door; then as I came out I got my overcoat; I did not hear any noise in their department; Chloa was not there; when I came down stairs I heard the bell tap as I came down stairs; Mr. Sellers did not drink any intoxicating drink that I know of; the fire seemed to be in their department as far as I could see; they got supper by the fire-place; I don't think the had any fire in the stove from two or three days; I heard no racket after I went to bed; one of the horses was out at that time when I got up: they were in the habit of getting out sometimes; I think the house (If they did not leave any more fire than when I went to bed) the house was set on fire; I don't know whether I smelt chloroform or not; I don't know hardly what I did swell; I thought they had. been chloroformed; these are the best clothes I have; I have a better pair of pants they were burned up; I went to call Mr and Mrs. Sellers, then I went to got my trunk, but was too hot so I went outside of house and threw my shoes and coat over the fence, and then I hollowed fire; than I began to get the things out of the house; the first came was Sam. Gordon, Frank Mateer; I don't know how that door got open unless some one opened it; I don't think the furniture was destroyed that I know of; I have not been keeping company with their daughter at all; been no stranger there lately that I know of; they, in cold weather, generally leave a good fire at might; Mr. Sellers took butter to town, that is all I know about what he went to town for, I met Mr. Sherman in Cardington; was with him awhile; I went to the jewelry store with him; I am not acquainted with him very much; I heard the daughter say she would like to have a new dress for the fair, be said to wait a while and he would get it for her; she did not seem to be offended; Mr. Sellers have not had much money since last July he sold some of his cattle and I seen the man pay him he has not had any money since that time that I know of; I can not say positive that he had any hatchet in the house or not, "but think he had;" I was never in but one room up stairs; I don't know just what he had in there; "the reason" I went to Cardington; was to get my watch fixed, and besides they wanted me to go; I think they locked the door before they went, could not say positive.
CHLOA SELLERS.-Age about twenty-six or seven; we ate supper by candle light about five or six o'clock; last seen of them; David Sellers (her papa) was absent after that time; father and mother was both well when last seen of them; both of them ate heartily as usual; he came home about eleven o'clock p. m. They were sleeping apartment was in the south-east corner of house; my sleeping apartment was in the north-east room adjoining father and mother's my sleeping apartment was in the northeast room adjoining father and mother's room; hired hand slept up stairs; (his name) Wm. Rhodeback; my pa, as usual, waked me up when he came in; I was aroused up about 1 o'clock; supposed, I beard a horse is what aroused me or walking of a man; there was no smoke in my room as I could detect; I dressed as fast as I could, and as I open the door adjoining, the smoke came puffing very fast and thick; I hollered at pa and said, pa get up quick the house is full of smoke he answered, "Yes, yes," that was all he said; mother did not speak at al I; I went to the kitchen door I did not see any fire but lots of smoke; I looked in their room, I did not could not see anything at all for smoke; father's voice seemed as natural as ever; he did not make any effort to get up as I could see, I could not hear him make any noise whatever; I did not notice their breathing was heavy or not; I went out to draw a bucket of water and saw the sash in the south window a fire; I went and rang the bell and thin hollowed fire and run across the fields to Sam Gordon's; the hired hand was up stairs as far as I knew I did not see him until I came back from Gordon's; I did not think of the hired hand until I came back from Gordon 's; I came from Mr. Gordon's to Mr. Fritz's; I went from there home; the house was all in flames when I got home; the first I seen was the hired hand or Mr. Gordon I do not know which; my father's habit was not used to keeping mach money about the house; Mr. Sellers had money in Cardington, but do not know whether he brought it home or not: he came over to Mr. Fritz to pay him a small bill about two or three dollars as near as I can come to it; they have had no fire in the stove since Wednesday, although we keep fire in the fire-place all the time (generally); as far as I know I cannot say but what it was set afire; W m. Rhodeback seemed excited and hollowed fire; Wm. Rhodeback was to Cardington with us yesterday; I observed nothing out of order; all was as usual when I got home; father and mother would quarrel sometimes, but were all in the beat of humor last evening; my pa got me everything I wanted; I carried very little or any money; my father and mother was about; there was no strangers at our house lately; father and mother always slept with their heads one way I have no suspicion of any one that would set it afire; father and mother had some enemies, Mr. Lafe and Frank Green, but I do not say that there was any suspicion on them,
R. S. CORDON -My age is 33 years I live about a quarter of a mile (from) Mr. Sellers, I heard Mr. Mateer hollow for me about 9 o'clock; I went to the door and heard Miss Sellers hollow that their house was on fire, I went as soon as I could and I found that their house was all aflame. As soon as I could get there I began to throw things out of doors; I just thought where was Mr. and Mrs. Sellers; I asked and they did not know and I began knocking and pushing the windows in; I seen Mrs. Sellers but could not see him; all burnt in a crisp but could not get them out; I don't think he was in the bed for I did not see him; I could see the bed was all afire; about his money matters financially I could not say; my opinion about the fire is I could not say; the fire seem to originate from the kitchen; there was no intimacy as far as knew between the daughter and hired hand that I know of.
FRANK MATEER.-Age, 2! years; I was awakened up by someone halloing and seen a blaze in my window; I called Mr. Gordon and we went over; I seen Mrs. Sellers through the window; could not see him; I think they were both dead when we got there; my opinion is that the house was set afire; my opinion about the way they or her, by the marks about her, that there was foul play the covers on her bed was all burnt off, yet the bed was standing at that time.
HENRY FRITZ.-Age, 58; Mrs. Sellers is my sister; I live about a quarter of a mile from where they reside; I don't think anybody would do anything to get them out of the way; I think they had been chloroformed, but of course could not say; I don't think it could catch fire from the fire-place; I think they kept more or less money about the house; I don't think the daughter knew all about money matters; I do not suspicion anyone; when I got there everything was all in a blaze.
WILLIAM RHODEBECK (Recalled).-In regard to the house there was a buttery in southeast corner; kitchen in south-west corner; kitchen bedroom next, north of pantry; the parlor was in the north-east corner of house; the sitting room was in the north-west corner; I was awakened by a noise about two o'clock, or a little before; when I first raised up I saw fire in south part of the chamber; the part that wasn't finished. I hastily put on my pants and took my coat and shoes in my hand and ran down stairs into the sitting room out the front door; and then over the fence; then run back into the sitting room and opened the door into the kitchen, but the fire and smoke rolled in so that I could not see the bedroom door; I shut the door again and threw a few more things out of the sitting room; then I thought ht of my trunk up stairs, in which was thirty dollars of my money and some of my clothes, but could not get up stairs on account of the smoke and fire; then I threw a few more things out; and then I thought I would ring the bell; I ran around the house and grabbed the wire, but I guess the string with which the wire was tied to the bell broke, and I could not ring the bell then as I turned to come back I saw Sam. Gordon coming. When he came up he asked me where Dave and Tena were I did not answer right away; then he broke in the parlor door and I followed him in, and then we threw out s few things; then we went around to the east side of the house and Sam. asked me which was their bedroom window; I told him, but he misunderstood me and first broke in the pantry window; I told him the other window and he broke in the bedroom window, but the room was all afire so that we could not get in; I just got a glimpse of Tena laying on the bed; I might have seen Dave too, I don't know; Sam. said. oh, my God! they are dead then we just stood back and wouldn't do anything but just watch. When we came home from town I helped put the horses away; and then I changed my clothes and we ate supper; after supper Mrs. Sellers gave Dave some money out of her handkerchief, probably two or three dollars; Chloa and I went over across the road where the cows were to milk; Mrs. Sellers come over to help us a few minutes later; when Chloa and I were going over to milk we were talking about the people in town, and I don't know what else could not hear plain, ordinary noises down stairs, but could hear the door squeak when shut sometimes the hatchet and hammers sometimes were laid down by the kitchen door; sometimes on the window cases, just wherever they happen to use them; had three or four hammers, one of which are now used at the wagon shed, and I don't know where the others are. If they were murdered, it is my opinion it was for money.
PHYSICIANS STATEMENT.
We, the undersigned physicians, being duly summoned by the coroner of Morrow county to make a post mortem examination upon the remains of two bodies found in Harmony township, at the old home farm of David Sellers, in Morrow county, state of Ohio: The body of the male was completely charred over the surface, with both lower limbs burned away and the head entirely gone and could not be fund. There was a cut on the right arm, midway between the elbow and wrist, about two inches in length. The cervical vertebra was all there, in original position. No other marks of violence were found on the person The body of the female was completely charred except the head and face. The lower limbs were burned away up to the knees, and the greater part of the upper limbs were also burned away. The abdominal muscles were so burned away that the bowels were protruding through the opening. On the right side of the face the zygomatic arch and superior maxillary were broken through, with several contused wounds on the soft parts. Over the frontal bone, about one and a half inches above the nasal margin, was a wound that indented the bone and about the same distance above the right obit was a wound about one and one-fourth inches in diameter, and almost round that broke through the skull into the brain. Also another wound about the middle of and on the prominence of the parietal bone, about the same size as the wound over the right orbit, and broken through to the brain. The hair was steel gray and the greater part was not burned. There was a small hole in the soft part, just behind the molar tooth, about five-sixteenths of an inch in diameter and round. We also found that a large quantity of blood clots were formed in the axilla, mouth, eyes ears, around the neck and clothing adjacent to the head. The wounds upon the skull were sufficient to cause death; the contused wounds were made with the same instrument, and were inflicted by some person which caused death within a few minutes, and before burning.
Respectfully submitted
J. L. WILLIAMS, M. D.
C. H. NEAL M. D.
The coroner for various reasons has not yet filed a verdict in the case. John T. Norris, the well known detective, was on the ground Saturday evening, but it is reported that he will not be employed in the case. No new developments have been made known.
He was married to Christena FRITS on Apr 13 1854 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Christena FRITS was born on Mar 14 1828 in Franklin, Ohio. She died on Oct 25 1888 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She was buried in Harmony Cemetery, Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
THE CARDINGTON INDEPENDENT
CARDINGTON, OHIO
THURSDAY OCT. 31, 1888
MURDER!
David Sellers and Wife Killed,
And Their House Burned to Cov-
er Traces of the Atro-
cious Crime.
Particulars of the Horrible Harmony
Township Affair.
To hear or read of atrocious crimes in distant parts of the country brings to the average person sense of chill and feeling of awe, but when occurs in our very midst murder most heinous and added carnage, then indeed is the human mind appalled, and wonder comes that the pure air of heaven does not stifle fiend so brutal, when sewer gas would seem the fit breath of life so degraded. A few times in the history of Morrow county has human life been taken by a fellow being, but never before has there been equaled or approached the horrible occurrence of last Thursday night, as outlined in the above and detailed in the lines following. In the north part of Harmony township, about a fourth of a mile west of Blackbird corners resided David and Tena (Fritz) Sellers, their daughter Chloe, and hired man, William Rhodebeck, whose parents reside near Mt. Gilead. The house was about 24 by 24, story and a half, and was situated some thirty rods back on the south side of the road, the building and garden being surrounded by a paling fence. The barn was about 25 rods further south, with a depression between. Mr. Sellers was a man of medium build, sandy hair and whiskers; he was born in Pennsylvania, but came to this section when about three years of age; he was married in 1852 to Miss Tena Fritz, the only offspring being the daughter Chloe, now age about 27 years; after his marriage Mr. Sellers moved to Indiana where he remained but a year and a half, when he returned and settled on the farm where he met his tragic death. He commenced a poor boy, and his whole life was given to the accumulation of wealth, denying himself, and family every luxury, and had possessed himself of an estate of 400 acres of land. He was careless of his personal appearance, with a reputation of being miserly, and was distrustful of banks; however he usually bought land ahead, and made payments thereon, so that the only money he kept about the premises were accumulations therefor, though there is no evidence to show that he had any considerable amount at this time. The family and hired hand came to Cardington on Thursday last and did some trading, though we can learn of no financial transaction worthy of note, and did not visit the banks. They returned home in the evening, ate supper and did the chores as usual. Mr. Sellars then went over to the house of his brother-in-law Henry Fritz, and spent the evening, the balance of the family retiring; before he returned. Following we give a plat of the ground floor of the house:
The hired man slept in the front part of the chamber, the rear portion being unfinished; the daughter Cloe occupied the room termed the parlor as her sleeping apartment, while Mr. and Mrs. Sellers occupied the bedroom off from the kitchen. The well was at the southwest corner of the house, and the bell a little distance from the south east corner. The burden of the testimony indicated the facts of the exciting period to be about as follows: A little before 2 o'clock Chloe was awakened by some kind of a noise, which she at first thought was made by a horse getting in the garden, as one of their equines had gotten In once or twice before. She got up and put on her dress, when she found the house full of smoke; she then went through the sitting room into the kitchen and opened her parent's bedroom door and called her father to get up, as the house was full of smoke; she then went out to the well. Intending to draw a bucket of water; she then saw the flames burst out by the kitchen window, and went and rang the bell, and then ran to awaken the neighbors. W m. Rhodebeck was awakened by the ringing of the bell, saw the fire and smoke running up into the south and unfinished part of the chambers; he put on his pants, took his coat and shoes in his hand and went down stairs, the details of his actions being recorded in his testimony below. When Sam Gordon arrived inquiry was made about Mr. and Mrs. Sellers, their bedroom window was hastily broken in but all too late for rescue of the bodies of the previously murdered couple, as flames enveloped all within the room. However the remains of Mrs. Sellers could he seen in natural position in the bed, while those of Mr. Sellers rested on the floor, with the head to the south, or foot of the bed; there was also observed what appeared to be part of the bed clothes on the floor near the bedroom door. The assembling neighbors were unable to do more than to prevent the burning timbers from-falling upon the unfortunate virtually undergoing cremation When the fire had exhausted energy the remains of Mr. Seller were entirely consumed except the trunk and one army while those of Mrs. Sellers were mostly preserved by the pillows and bedding, and here was furnished the evidence conclusive that the couple had been brutally murdered and the house fired in hope of destroying evidence of the crime. On the head were found three distinct wounds as though made with the pole of a hatchet or hammer breaking through the skull, also what appeared to be a pistol shot wound. The hair, pillows and bedding were saturated with blood, showing beyond question that death had been caused by the wounds previous to the advent of fire. In regard to the particulars of the atrocious crime, there is no evidence as yet to justify an arrest, or even reasonable ground for suspicion, and having given the circumstances we leave our readers to conjecture as to the cause and manner of committing the deed. As soon as possible the remains were removed the old house across the road, the Coroner summoned, and following we give the testimony taken at
THE INQUEST.
Chloa Sellers, sworn : Age about 26 or 7, we ate supper by candle light about five or six o'clock, last seen of them; David Sellers (her papa) was absent after that time; father and mother were both well at last seen of them; both of them ate heartily a usual; he came home about eleven o'clock p. m. There sleeping apartment was in southeast corner of the house; my sleeping apartment was in the north east room adjoining father and mother's room; hired hand slept up stairs, (his name) Wm Rodeback my pa, as usual, woke me up when he came in; I was aroused up about 1 o'clock; supposed 1 heard a horse, is what aroused me, or walking of a man; there was no smoke in my room as I could detect; I dressed as fast as I could and as I opened the door adjoining, the smoke came puffing in very fast and thick; I hollered at pa and said get up quick the louse is full of smoke, he answered, yes, yes, that was all he said; mother did not speak at all I went to the kitchen door, I did not see any fire but lots of smoke I looked in there room, did not, could. not, see any thing at all for smoke; father's voice seemed as natural as ever; he did not make any effort to get up as I could see; I could not hear him make any noise whatever; I did not notice; whether their breathing was heavy or not; I went out to draw a bucket of water and saw the sash in the south window afire; I went and rang the bell and then hollowered fire, and run across the fields to Sam Gordon's; the hired hand was up stairs as far as I know; I did not see him until I came back from Gordan's; I did not think of the hired hand until I came back from Gordon's; I came from Mr. Gordon's to Mr. Fritz's; I went from there home the house was all in flames when got home; the first I seen was the hired man or Mr. Gordon, I do not know which; my father's habits was not used to keeping much money about house; Mr. Sellers had money in Cardington but do not know whether he brought it home or not; he went over to Mr. Fritz's to pay him a small bill, about two or three dollars as near as I can come to it; they have had no fire in the stove since Wednesday, although we keep fire in the fireplace all the time (Generally); as far as I know I can not say but what it was set afire Wm. Rodeback seemed excited and hollowered fire; Wm Rodeback was to Cardington with us yesterday; I observed nothing out of order, all was as usual when I got ; father and mother would quarrel some time, but we were all in the best of humor last evening My pa got me everything I wanted I carried very little or any money my father and mother was about- there was no strangers at our house lately; father and mother always slept with their heads one way; I have no suspicion of any one that would set it afire; father and mother had some enemies, Mr. Lafe and Frank Green, but I do not say that there was any suspicion on them. CHLOE SELLERS.
Wm. F. Rhodeback, sworn: My age is 26 in June; have been working for Mr. Sellers since last March it has been my home since that time I was there yesterday morning and last evening ; I was at Cardington yesterday; I went with the family; returned from Cardington just before dark; I don't know whether he drew any money out of the bank or not: he paid me some money recently; I seen Mr. and Mrs. Sellers, last about dark or little later; the last seen Mrs. Sellers was about half past eight, then I retired; both were in usual health excepting a bad cold I went to bed about half past eight or nine o'clock; I do not know what time Mr. Sellers got home; I went to sleep as soon as I went to bed; wakened up by some person hollering; I do not know who it was, but suppose it was Miss Sellers; I slept up stairs in the north end of the house; I put my pants and shoes on and threw my vest and coat out; I got my over coat out of sitting room down stairs; the out-side door was open the first thing I thought of was hollered, then I opened the sitting room door then as I came out I got my overcoat; I did not hear any voices in their department; Cloe was not there when I came down stairs; Mr. Sellers did not drink any intoxicating liquor that I know of; the fire seemed to be in there department as far as I could see; they got supper by the fire place: I don't think they had any fire in the stove for two or three days; I heard no racket after I went to bed; one of the horses was out at that time when I got up, they were in the habit of getting out some times; I think the house (if they did not leave any more fire than when I went to bed) was set on tire; I don't know whether I smelt chloroform or not, I ,don't know hardly what I did smell; I thought they had been chloroformed; these are the best clothes I have; I have a better pair of pants; they were burned up; I went to call Mr: and Mrs. Sellers, then I went to get my trunk but it was to hot, so I went outside of the house.
WILLIAM F. RHODEBACK.
R. S. Gordon, sworn:-Age 33 years; I live about a quarter of a mile from Mr. Sellers; I heard Mr.
Mateer hollow for me about 2 o'clock ; I went to the door and heard Miss Sellers hollow that there house was on fire; I went as soon as I could; I saw that their house was all afire; as soon as I could get there I began to throw things out of doors; I just thought where was Mr. and Mrs. Sellers; I asked and they did not know; I began knocking and pushing the windows in; I seen Mrs. Sellers but could not see him, all burnt in a crimp, but, could, not get them out. I don't think he was in the bed for I did not see him; I could see the bed was all afire; about, his money matters financially I could not say; my opinion about the fire is, I could not say the fire seem to originate from the kitchen; there was no intimacy as far as I know of between the daughter and hired hand. R. S. GORDON.
Henry Fritz, sworn:-Age 58 yrs.; Mrs. Sellers is my sister; I lived about a quarter of a mile from where they reside; I don't think any body would do anything to get them out of the way; I think they have been chloroformed, but of course could not say; I don't think it could catch fire from the fireplace; I think they kept more less money about the house; I don't think the daughter knew all about money matters I do not suspicion any one; when I got there everything was all in blaze. HENRY FRITZ.
Mr. Frank Mateer, sworn :- Age 24 years; I was awakened up by some one hollering and seen a blaze in may window; I called Mr. Gorden and we went over; I seen Mrs. Sellers through the window; could not see him; I think they were both dead when we got there; my opinion about the way they or her, by the marks about her, that there was foul play; the covers on her bed were all burned off, yet the bed was standing at the time. FRANK R. MATEER.
WM. RHODEBACK (RECALLED).
In regard to the house there was a buttry in southeast corner; kitchen in southwest corner; kitchen, bed room next, north of pantry; the parlor was in the northeast corner of house; the sitting room was in the northwest corner. I was awakened by a noise about 2 o'clock or a little before; when I first raised up I saw fire in the south part of the chamber, the part that wasn't finished; I hastily put on my pants and took my coat and shoes in my hand and ran down stairs into the sitting room and out the front door, and threw them over the fence, then I ran back into the sitting room and opened the door into the kitchen, but the fire and smoke rolled in so, that I could not see the bedroom door; I shut the door again and threw a few things out of sitting room; then I thought of my trunk up stairs, in which was thirty dollars of my money and some of my clothes, but could not get up stairs on account of the smoke and fire; then I threw a few more things out; then I thought I would ring the bell; I ran around the house and grabbed the wire, but I guess the string with which the wire was tied to the bell, broke, and I could not ring the bell; then as I turned to come back I saw Sam Gordon coming. When he came up he asked me where Dave and Tena, were; I did not answer right away; then he broke in the parlor door and I followed him in and we threw out a few things then we went around to the east side of the house and Sam asked me which was their bedroom window, and I told him, but he misunderstood me and first broke in the pantry window; I told him the other window; he broke in the bedroom window, but the room was all afire, so that we could not get in; I just got a glimpse of Tena lying on the bed, I might have seen Dave too, I don't know. Sam said, oh my God they are dead; then we just stood back and couldn't do anything but just watch. When we came home from town I helped put the horses away and then I changed my clothes and we ate supper; after supper Mrs. Sellers gave Dave some money out of her hand-kerchief probably two or three dollars. Chloe and I went over across the road, where the cows were, to milk; Mrs. Sellers came over to help us a few minutes later; when Chloe and I were going over to milk we were talking about the people in town and I don't know what else. Could not hear very plain, ordinary noises down stairs, could hear the door squeak when shut some times. Tie hatchet and hammer some times they were laid down by the kitchen door, sometimes on the window case, just wherever they happened to be used. Had three or four hammers, one of them is now used at the wagon shed, and I don't know just where the others are. If they were murdered It is my opinion It was for money.
WILLIAM F. RHODEBECK.
PHYSICIANS' REPORT.
We the undersigned physicians, being duly summonsed by the coroner of Morrow county to make a post mortem examination upon the remains of two bodies found in Harmony township at the old Home farm of David Sellers, in Morrow Co, State of Ohio. The body of the male was completely charred over the surface with both lower limbs burned away, and the head entirely gone, and could not be found; there was a cut on the right arm midway between the elbow and wrist, about two inches in length; the cervical vertebra were all there in their original position : no other marks of violence was found on the person. The body of the female was completely charred except the head and face, the lower limbs were burned away up to the knees, and the greater part of the upper limbs were also burned away the abdominal muscles were so burned away that the bowels were protruding through the opening; on the right side of the face the zygomatic arch and superior maxillary were broken through, with several contused wounds on the soft parts over the fractures. On the frontal bone, about one and one half inches above the usual margin, was a wound that indented the bone, and about the same distance above the right orbit was a wound about one and one fourth inches in diameter and almost round, that broke through the skull into the brain; also another wound about the middle, and on the prominence of the parietal bone, about the same size as the wound over the right orbit, and broken through too the brain. The hair was steel gray and the greater part was not burned; there was a small hole in the soft part, just behind the last molar tooth about 5-16 inch in diameter and round, all wounds on the female were made with a blunt instrument except the last mentioned which resembled that of a gun shot wound. We also found a large quantity of blood clots in the axillae, mouth, eyes, ears, around the neck and clothing adjacent to the head. The wounds upon the skull were sufficient to cause death the contused wounds were made with the same instrument, and were inflicted by some person which caused death within a few minutes and before burning.
Resp't Submitted,
J. L. WILLIAMS, M. D.
C. H. NEAL, M. D.
The funeral services of David and Christena Sellers were held at Black Bird church at 10:30 o'clock- Saturday morning, conducted by Rev Lewis, and were largely attended after which the remains were interred in the cemetery adjoining.
Detective John T. Norris arrived at Mt. Gilead Saturday evening, and on Sunday visited Miss Chloe Sellers in hopes of obtaining employment in the case, but the lady said she had decided not to employ a detective or offer a reward, so that the prosecution of the case will rest entirely with the county and State.
David SELLERS and Christena FRITS had the following children:
+34 i. Chloe Ida SELLERS.
George W. SELLERS and Mariah HARVEY had the following children:
35 i. Carleton SELLERS was born on Mar 1 1856 in Morrow Co., Ohio.
He was married to Hester METLER on Jul 12 1866 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Hester METLER was born on Jan 24 1846. She died on Feb 7 1927 in Morrow Co., Ohio.
Juliana SELLERS and Evan JONES had the following children:
36 i. Mary E. JONES2 was born on Jul 4 1858 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She died on Mar 22 1873 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
37 ii. Albert JONES3 was born on Sep 12 1860 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
38 iii. Thomas M. JONES4 was born on Jan 28 1865 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
39 iv. Judson JONES5 was born on Jun 30 1867 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
40 v. John JONES6 was born on Oct 3 1870 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
41 vi. Addie A. JONES was born on Aug 15 1872 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She died on Nov 5 1874 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
42 vii. Margaret JONES7 was born on Feb 5 1878 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
FOURTH GENERATION
31. B. A. SELLERS. He was married to M. A. BRUCE on Sep 21 1873 in Morrow Co., Ohio.
Mrs. Mary J. Sellers Pipes was born Feb. 18, 1842. She was married to Harrod Pipes Sept. 1, 1858. To this union there were born eight children, two of whom died in infancy. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour in Harmony church, March 26, 1893, and was baptized April 11, the same year. She lived in the neighborhood of this church most of her life, and was well known by all. She died in Fulton, O., Sept. 29, 1909, at 10:55 p. m. aged 67 years, 7 months and 12 days. She leaves to mourn their loss, one sister, three sons and three daughters, and eight grandchildren.
She was married to Harrod PIPES farmer (son of Isaac PIPES farmer and Elizabeth BIGGS) on Sep 1 1858 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Harrod PIPES farmer was born on Sep 6 1834 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. He died on Jun 20 1903 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. He was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio. 1880 U.S. Census Vol 48 E.D. 127 Sh 9 L 1 Residence: Harmony Twp., Morrow, Ohio
Mary Jane SELLERS and Harrod PIPES farmer had the following children:
+43 i. Eva Alberta "Allie" PIPES.
+44 ii. Alpha L. PIPES.
+45 iii. Joseph H. PIPES.
+46 iv. Jeremiah W. PIPES.
+47 v. Cora PIPES.
+48 vi. Myrtle Belle PIPES.
49 vii. Minnie D. PIPES was born on Apr 5 1881 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She died on Aug 16 1881 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio.
Almeda S. SELLERS and Isaac MCCRACKEN had the following children:
+50 i. Alice MCCRACKEN.
51 ii. George MCCRACKEN.
52 iii. William MCCRACKEN.
Trial of William F. Rhodebeck for the murder of David and Tena Sellers. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
Chloe Ida and William F. Rhodebeck sold property to Geo W. Sellers Vol 46 Page 250 Sep 21, 1891 71A in Harmony Township.
Chloe Ida and William F. Rhodebeck sold property to Wm. Turner Vol 51 P 241 Feb 27, 1897 102 1/2 a. Harmony Twp.
William F. Rhodebeck and Chloe Ida Rhodeback was in court to transfer property in Harmony Township to John G. Russell as a receiver for the Common Pleas Court to satisfy a judgement # 3198. It appears is case was a divorce. It was signed July 1, 1897 received for filing on July 9, 1897 at 4.05 PM for recording. Recorded on July 26, 1897. She was remarried the same day.
There was no record of her in the 1900, 1910 or 1920 under the name of Winebar.
Chloe I. Rhodebeck, plaintiff,
vs No. 3198.
William F. Rhodebeck, defendant-
This, cause came on this day to be heard on the petition, answer of the defendant and the evidence, and on consideration there of the court find :that the plaintiff at the time of filing her petition had been a resident of the state of Ohio for one year :next preceding the same, and was at that time a bona fide resident of this county of Morrow, and that the parties hereto were married. as in petition set forth.
The court further find upon the evidence adduced that the, defendant has been quilty of extreme cruelty towards the said plaintiff, As alleged in said petition, and that. by reason .thereof the plaintiff, is entitled to a divorce , as prayed for.
It is therefore ordered; and adjudged by the court that the marriage contract heretofore existing between the, said Chloe I, Rhodebeck and William F: Rhodebeck be, and the, .same hereby is dissolved, and both patties are released from the obligations of the same.
It is further, by the consent and agreement of both of said parties ordered that the custody, care, education and control of the said minor children of the parties hereto be, until further order, confided to the said defendant William F. Rhodebeck. And plaintiff is hereby; enjoined from, interfering in any manner with said, children, or with his custody of theme until the further order of the court. But said plaintiff is allowed the privilege of visiting said children, once each weekat reasonable hours; and any violation of this privilege may be reported to this court.
And the court coming now to fix the rights of said parties in the property of which the said plaintiff was the owner at; the commencement of this action, find that said parties have agreed to a division of the same as hereinafter follows, and that the same may be entered as the decree of this court. It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed by the court, that the said two minor children of said parties have two beds, and bedding for the same, and two bedsteads of the household goods belonging to the said plaintiff, as their own property, to be left .with the said William F. Rhodebeck for their use. All the rest and residues of the household goods and fixtures including the shot gun is to be and remain the property of the said plaintiff, excepting three bedsteads, the sewing machine and washing machine which are., hereby, decreed to the said defendant. William F. Rhodebeck. All the residue of the personal property of said plaintiff is hereby ordered sold and the proceeds of. the same applied in payment of the debts of the said plaintiff contracted prior to the filing of. the petition herein,. her unsecured debts to be first paid and the residue of said proceeds to be. applied on her Mortgage indebtedness. It is also ordered, adjudged and decreed that the following described real estate. be sold and the proceeds :thereof be applied in payment of her said mortgage indebtedness, to wit; the west half of the north east quarter of section No. two (2), ), township No. seven (7 ) and range No. sixteen (16) of the unappropriated lands of the U. S. Military district subject to sale at Chillicothe, Ohio.
It is further ordered, adjudged and decreed that the defendant William F. Rhodebeck have and possess an estate for life in the following lands towit; the west half of :the south east quarter of section No. two (2 ), township No. seven, (7 ) and range No. sixteen (16) of the unappropriated lands of the U. S. military district, subject to sale at Chillicothe, Ohio. And the remainder thereof in fee is hereby decreed to the said two minor., children Millard Rhodebeck and Jennie Rhodebeck, but upon and subject to the conditions following, to wit;
1" That said William F. Rhodebeck shall pay or cause to be paid any and all residue of indebtedness due and owing by said plaintiff contracted, prior to the filing of the petition in this action, after the proceeds of the sale of the personal property and the real estate herein ordered to be sold shall have been applied thereon, within five (5) years from the entry of this decree, and shall pay the interest thereon, or an amount on the principal equal to such interest, annually, and. in default thereof his rights under this decree shall be forfeited to the said plaintiff Chloe I. Rhodebeck. And if necessary to secure the payment of the above residue of unpaid indebtedness, the said William F. Rhodebeck is hereby authorized to mortgage said tract of land for that purpose, but not to extend or continue the same beyond said period of five years.
2" That the said defendant William F. Rhodebeck shall support said above named two minor children in a comfortable manner, clothe them respectably, give them such education as the common schools of the country afford and such other and better education as his circumstances will permit.
3" That the said two minor children shall have a :home with the said defendant on said lands until they each arrive at the age of twenty one (21) years.
And such real estate shall be first charged with the payment of said unpaid balance of indebtedness in preference to the residue of the lands of said plaintiff not herein decreed.
It is further ordered, adjudged and decreed that the following described real estate to wit; the west half of lot No, eight (8) in the fourth quarter of township eight (8) and range sixteen (16) U. S. M. lands, containing fifty (50) acres of land more or less, be and remain the property of the said plaintiff free from the contingent dower interest of the said defendant therein, and free from lien for the payment of her debts except such as have been contracted by her since the filing of the petition herein, until the residue of her said property in the petition described shall have been exhausted,
It is further ordered that the said plaintiff convey to the said defendant and their two minor children the lands herein decreed to them subject to the above conditions, and in default thereof for five days, that this decree operate as such conveyance
In order to carry this decree into effect and to make the sales of the personal property and real estate herein ordered to be sold, J. G. Russell is hereby appointed receiver herein, with authority to sell the real estate and the personal property herein ordered to be sold, at private or public sale as may be for the best interest of said parties, and to make conveyance thereof; and he is further authorized to sell the same on the following terms towit; one third cash on day of sale, one third in one year, and one third in two years, deferred payments to bear interest at six per cent and be secured by mortgage on the premises so sold by him, if in his judgment it is to the best interest of the said parties so to do and he is ordered to sell said personal property for cash or on time not beyond December 1, 1897.
And the said parties hereto are hereby ordered to convey said real estate so ordered to be sold to him for that purpose, and in default thereof for ten days then this decree to operate as such conveyance, And said receiver is ordered to report his proceedings to this court for confirmation, it is further ordered that said receiver before entering upon the discharge of his duties give bond conditioned according to law in the sum of one thousand dollars with surety to the approval of the clerk of this court.
O. K. /s/Mitchell & Bruce
Attorneys for defendant
IN MORROW COUNTY OHIO
(Filed April 9, 1898)
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.
Chloe I. Rhodebeck,
Plaintiff, No. 3198.
vs
William F. Rhodebeck, Receivers Report.
Defendant.
To Hon. Thos. E. Duncan, Judge of said Court.
As receiver herein I have the honor to submit the following as a first and final report of my proceedings. I took charge of the property designated in the order made herein, have converted all of the same into money at the best price obtainable, and have paid the expenses herein and the balance upon the indebtedness of the parties hereto in accordance with the terms of the order of this court. Vouchers are herewith returned for all disbursements made. The following is a detailed statement of all receipts and disbursements:
1897 RECEIPTS .
July 2 Cash borrowed of the First Nat. Bank, Mt. Gilead $577.49
" 13 19 Fat Hogs sold to B. B. Lewis 95.67
" 22 3 Cows and Calves J. W. Smith 100.00
" Hay Fork and Rope J. R. Clarke .50
Grain Drill W. N. Fritz 3.50
Corn Sheller J. G. McNey 1.75
1 Sap Pan F. A. Rose 1.00
1 " " Wm. Turner .80
1 " " " " .60
1 Storage Tank James Turner 3.00
1 Corn Planter J. R. Clarke 6.00
1 " Plow D. L. Rhodebeck 1.00
Amount Carried Forward $791.31
Amount Brought Forward $791.31
July 22 1 Breaking Plow D. L. Rhodebeck 2.00
1 Riding Corn Plow W. N. Fritz 4.00
1 Hay Rake D. L. Rhodebeck 4.00
1 Bob Sled " " " 2.00
1 Mowing Machine S. M. McGaughey 5.00
2 Barrels W. McCracken 1.00
1 Eng. Harrow D. L. Rhodebeck 1.00
1 Broad Tread Wagon J. C. Criswell 19.00
3 Baskets S. M. MCGaughey .75
20 Sap Buckets Wm. Turner 2.50
120 " " W. L. McGaughey 6.00
1 Two Horse Wagon D. L. Rhodebeck 10.00
50 Bu. Corn J. A. Showalter 14.50
50 " " W. H. Buchanan 13.00
50 " " W. McCracken 12.50
50 " " S. M. McGaughey 13.00
100 " " Loren Stockdale 26.00
50 " " G. W. Wheeler 13.50
50 " " L. J . Vaughan 13.00
48 " and 21 lbs Corn Jas. McCammon 12.08
8 Pigs D. L. Rhodebeck 16.00
7 " J. R. Clark 19.25
13 " " " " 36.40
3 " H. Burns 10.50
2 " H. J. Hull 6.00
5 " J. R. Clark 12.75
1 Brood Sow F. M. Hart 10.00
1 Small " Wm. Turner 10.00
1 Large " F. W. Hart 11.25
1 Sow and 2 Pigs J. R. Clark 4.90
Amount Carried Forward
Amount Brought Forward
July 22 1 White Sow S . C . Kingman 10.00
1 Sow--1st Choice Levi Wright 9.00
1 "---2nd " D. L. Rhodebeck 6.75
1 "---3rd " " " " 7.00
1 "---4th " Loren Stockdale 5.75
1 "---5th " " " 5.50
1 "----6th " " " 5.00
1 Boar S. R. Gordon 5.00
1 Sow and Pigs Lem Weaver 10.00
1 "---1st Choice H. George 10.00
1 "---2nd S. R. Gordon 9.25
1 " ---3rd " " " 8 .75
1 "---4th " " 8.00
1 Gelding--6 yrs old R. Albach 65.00
1 " --2 " " James Turner 30.50
1 " --2 " " D. L. Rhodebeck 18.00
1 " --1 " " Mose Clark 12.75
1 Filly --2 " " --------------- 20.00
Aug 18 55 Bu. and 3 lbs Oats D. E. Thomas 9.92
184 " " 22 " " U. J Cover 27.70
Dec 3 472 Shocks Corn Emswiler & Hand 47.20
279 " " " " " 27.90
20 " " John Morton 1.00
72 " " Marion Hathaway 2.16
70 " " M. J. Biggs 2.80
315 " " T. F. Gordon 14.17
140 " " John Showalter 7.00
1/2 Stack Tim. Hay J. W. Fritz 3.10
" " " John Morton 1.00
" Clover " " " 2.30
Amount Carried Forward $1,495.69
Amount Brought Forward $1,495.69
1898
Feby 7 40 Acres of Land W. H. Edman 975.00
40 " " " S. R. Gordon 1075.00
" 9 Clover Seed U. J. Cover 4.99
Total Amount Received $3,550.68
1897
July 2 D. H. Lincoln Amt. of Judgment $577.49
" 7 D. O. Rhodebeck Labor 10.00
Aug 2 " " " " 5.00
" 2 J. W. & H. S. Griffith Printing 2.00
" 3 Harlan R: Wood Hartpence Bros. Act. 10.03
" 3 " " " Account 33.24
" 3 " " " Osborne & Co. Note 31.73
" 6 J. M. Moody Taxes 34.97
" 16 T. A. Goorley Rent 12.50
" 16 Milton Hathaway Boar Service 4.00
Sept 8 C. D. Russell Clerk of Sale 1.50
" 9 W. G. Beebe Printing 1.00
" 20 Wm. Carlisle Rent 12.00
Oct. 4 M. G. Doty Repairing Binder 1.75
Nov. 1 G. W. Wheeler Threshing 4.92
Dec. 2 J. W. Griffith Printing 1.00
" 4 Wm. Dawson Crying Sale 1.00
" 16 A. L. Pipes, Excr. Note 19.02
" 24 F. A. DeWitt Recorders Fees 1.08
1898
Jan. 3 First Nat Bank Borrowed Money 500.58
" 8 J. R. Clark Crying Sale 6.50
" 8 D. L. Rhodebeck On Labor Account 67.77
Feb 4 D. L. Rhodebeck Cutting Corn 17.45
" 4 D. L. Rhodebeck Bal. On Labor Claim 4.87
Amount Carried Forward $1,361.40
Amount Brought Forward $1,361.40
Feb. 7 S. P. Gage On Mortgage 1900.00
" 7 F. A. DeWitt Recorders Fees 1.00
" 7 First Nat. Bank Bal. of Loan 100.75
" 22 Mitchell & Bruce Attorneys Fees 55.00
" 22 L. K. Powell " " 15.00
" 22 J. G. Russell Receivers " 80.00
Apr 9 D. H. Lincoln Court Costs 10.67
" 9 S. P. Gage On Mortgage 26.86
Total Disbursements $3,550.68
R E C A P I T U L A T I 0 N.
Total Amount Received $3550.68
" " Disbursed $3550.68
Having fully performed the duties assigned me, I submit this my first and final account, and ask that the same may be approve by the court.
Respectfully Submitted,
/s/ J. G. Russell
Receiver as aforesaid.
IN MORROW COUNTY OHIO,
Court of Common Pleas.
Chloe Ida Rhodebeck
Plaintiff No 3198.
vs Journal Entry.
William F. Rhodebeck
Defendant
This day this cause came on to be heard upon the application of the Receiver and the attorneys for an allowance for their services rendered herein, and was heard on the evidence; and the court being fully advised in the premises does allow for services rendered as follows, to-wit:
To John G. Russell, Receiver the sum of Eighty ($80.00) Dollars, for his services as such receiver.
To Mitchell & Bruce, the sum of Fifty-five ($55.00) Dollars, for their services as Attorneys herein.
To L. K. Powell, the sum of Fifteen ($15.00) Dollars, for his services as Attorney herein.
And the said John G. Russell, receiver herein is hereby authorized, empowered and ordered to pay the several amounts above found due to the said parties out of the monies now in his hands.
It is further ordered that the balance of the monies in the hands of the said receiver, after the payment of the above allowances and the costs of this proceeding, and the expenses incident thereto shall by the said receiver be applied to the payment of the mortgage indebtedness existing against the property of the parties hereto; and that of his proceedings herein the said receiver make report to this court.
IN MORROW COUNTY OHIO, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
(Filed April 9, 1898).
Chloe I. Rhodebeck
Plaintiff,
vs
William F. Rhodebeck
Defendant.
This day came J. G. Russell; receiver herein, and filed herein his final report of his proceedings under the order of this court, and of the monies by him received and disbursed in pursuance thereof. And it appearing to the court that the said receiver has fully complied with the order of this court, and that he has made a full and complete settlement of the matters placed in his hands to be settled, it is ordered that the said ######### report be, and the same hereby is approved and confirmed, And it is further ordered that the said J. G. Russell be and he is hereby discharged as such receiver.
She was married to William Frederick RHODEBECK (son of George Willard RHODEBECK and Armasinda JAMES) on Nov 29 1888 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Marriage Lic issued Nov. 28, 1888, recorded Dec 7, 1888 married by W. S. Eagleson She was divorced from William Frederick RHODEBECK on Jul 1 1897 in Morrow Co., Ohio. William Frederick RHODEBECK was born on Jun 1 1863 in Lock, Licking Co., Ohio. He died on Jul 6 1935 in Shiloh, Richland Co., Ohio. Information comes from Dan Rhodebeck He was buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh, Richland Co., Ohio.
1900 US Census Vol 117 ED 101 sheet 6 line 4 W. Born June 1863 Age 36 Birth Place Ohio, Living in Gilead Township. children living with him. Millard - son - Born Aug 1887 10 Ohio daughter - Jennie Born Oct 1891 8 Ohio
1910 Census William Rhodeback 128 - 0078- 0048 Living alone Marion white 46 Ohio widow - Laborer Quarry
1920 Census - Vol 67 ED 79 Sheet 6 Line 18 living with his son in Ashley, Delaware Co., Ohio white 56.
THE SENTINEL, MT. GILEAD
NOVEMBER 29, 1888
$1,000 REWARD
FOR THE ARREST AND CONVICTION OF THE MURDERS
OF THE SELLERS
The mystery of the awful crime recently perpetrated in Harmony township, the murder of Mrs. David Sellers, and possible her husband, is to be unraveled, if possible. The county commissioners acting with the daughter of the murdered people have offered one thousand dollars for the apprehension of the murderer, the same to be paid upon the final conviction of the person or persons so accused. It is to be hoped that the guilty parties to this revolting crime my now be brought to justice, though that is considered doubtful by persons in authority,
JULY 28, 1892
IN JAIL
Chloa and Willliam Rhodebeck Will Wait
UNTIL THE USUAL COURSE IN LAW HAS DECIDED THEIR FATE
Proving and Disproving the Accusations Against them as the slayers of
Woman's Parents
Thursday evening of last week it was announced that on the following afternoon Hon. N. M. Wolfe, a Common Pleas Judge of this district, would be in Mt. Gilead to hear the application to admit to bail William and Chloa Rhodebeck, the alleged murderers of the woman's parents, David and Christena Sellers, the attorney for the defense having appealed to this higher authority from Mayor Fluckey's decision, that the case would admit of no bond for the defendants.
Friday morning a telegram announced that the Judge was unavoidably detained at his home in Mansfield, but that he would be here on the following day, Saturday.
John T. Norris, a detective of considerable repute, arrived, however. Norris was on the ground in 1888, just after the crime was committed, and presumably has some points that will be used when the case is tried. For an hour he was in close conversation with Prosecuting Attorney, J. W. Barry, leaving on the Ohio Central train at noon.
Saturday Judge Wolfe arrived. But there was no hearing or formal gathering at the Court House. The Judge merely announced to the attorneys interested that he was of the opinion that he had no jurisdiction in the matter.
This conclusion means that the last hope for release on bond of the defendants is gone. They must remain in jail until at least October 3d, the opening of the next term of Court. At that time their cause will be considered by the grand jury, though the trial will not likely be called during that term, even should they be indicted.
David Sellers' Head
It has been told in whispers during the past few days that the head of David Sellers had been found.
As the SENTINEL understands it these bones were never lost for any great length of time. It is true that they were not disclosed immediately after the fire and at that time the general belief was that the head had been cast into the well on the place, which since been filled up.
The bones, however, were found in the ashes of the fire in small bits, carefully gathered together and by orders of a certain individual interested in the case, deposited in a secret place so that they might be produced should the occasion ever demand. The remnants of the skull are in such a shape as to lead to the theory that he head of David Sellers was chopped up before the house was fired.
OCTOBER 6, 1892
SIX INDICTMENTS FOUND
The grand jury arose Wednesday forenoon, having found six bills of indictment. But three of these can be given to the public this week, since but three are yet in custody, vis;
Chloe Sellars Rhodebeck, murder in the first degree.
William F. Rhodebeck, murder in the first degree.
Frank Richardson, horse stealing.
October 13, 1892
Judge Wolfe arrived on Tuesday, and is directing Court this week. Tuesday evening Chloe and William Rhodebeck were brought into Court to enter their pleas to the indictment for murder. They arrived with apparent unconcern, but before the reading was finished both were trembling, the husband turning from one shade to another in quick succession, while the wife broke down entirely and cried. The defense asserts that a speedy trial is desired by them. But the condition of the woman is extremely delicate, which should prevent trial this term of Court, though it is a possibility that the case may be called. Other criminal business is set for the 19th. Hon. T. E. Powell, of Columbus, has been employed to defend the Rhodebecks.
NOVEMBER 24 1892
WM F. RHOEDBECK THE DEFENDANT
Having Been Indicted for, the Murder of David Sellers.
A Jury Secured From the First Special Venire; the Judge
Excused One, Then There were But Eleven.
At Which Number the Work is Stuck for Many Weary Hours - Progress of the
Trial up to the Hour of Going to Press.
DECISIONS RENDERED
On Monday last Judge N. M. Wolfe arrived for the purpose of presiding in Common Pleas Court during the Rhodebeck murder case, now on trial. Before calling that criminal action he rendered decisions as follows:
2518 - Louisa J. Squire vs Alice Coile; appearl; decision for defendant with costs adjudged against the plaintiff.
2498 - Louisa J. Squire vs S. B. Lyon; demurrer overruled.
2525 - C. J. Morris, executor, vs. Ruth Milligan, et al; to construe will; decree construing will rendered.
2216 - J. W. Dukeman, administrator, vs. Henry Beringer, etal; equitable relief; decree rendered against plaintiff.
2531 - James M. Meredith, administrator, vs Mary A. Harrod; equitable relief; settled by agreement.
THE RHODEBECK CASE.
305 - The State of Ohio vs William F. Rhodebeck; Indictment for murder. J. W. Barry and John D. DeGolley for the State, and Thos. E. Powell and J. H. Beebe for the defense.
In this case there has been subpoenaed for the State about fifty witnesses, and ninety-seven on behalf of the defendant.
The crime alleged is one revolting almost beyond conception. Rhodebeck was a farm hand employed by David Sellers on his farm in Harmony township. Over four years ago, the community was alarmed by the burning of the Sellers homestead. David and his wife were found in the ruins, burned almost beyond recognition, while their daughter, Chloa, and Rhodebeck escaped unharmed. They were married soon after this occurrence, and lived on the farm inherited by Chloa until last summer when they were arrested. Chloa is now upon sick bed having given birth to a still born child on the 17th. The husband is now on trial for the murder of David Sellers.
When William Rhodebeck was brought into the Court room Monday morning he was pale and evidently very nervous but wore a smile of apparent bravado.
Clerk McCracken called the special venire after which Miss Nettie Hauck was appointed and sworn as Official Stenographer in the case. At this point General Powell arrived bespattered with mud and cold having driven from Marion.
J. L. McAnail was the first man of the special venire to be called. He was examined challenged for cause and excused. Lafayette Gates, Ezra J. Davy, J. W. McMillin, J. A. McAninch and A. M. Eccles were called in turn and each excused for cause. David Hershner was the first to be ordered to take a seat in the jury box, but was peremptorily challenged by the defense. Noble c. Martin was found qualified and ordered into the jury box; Geo. F. Masters was peremptorily challenged by the State; O. O. Higgins excused; John Oberholzer ordered into the jury box; Peleg Purvis excused; Dan Kries was ordered into the box, as were David Feigley, Thomas Hicks and Jefferson Harris; Henry Mooth qualified but was peremptorily challenged by the defense; Clinton Vaughn and George Coleman were excused; G. E. Miller ordered into the box; J. C. Luellen, Samuel Osborn and Jesse Shaw excused; L. J. James ordered into the jury box.
After supper the work of selecting a jury was resumed, and Rev. W. L. Phillips, Leyl Hildebrand and Edward Armstrong were in turn excused; A. J. Greenfield peremptorily challenged by the defense; Jacob Shaffer and Geo. W. Coulson excused; John Richardson and A. P. Porter went into the box; William Willits excused; G. W. Brown was made a juror; Wm. Craven excused; E. A. Talmage, the last man of the venire was found qualified and made the twelfth juror; this completing the panel.
It was remarked with no little surprise that opinions as to the quilt of the accused had been formed in the mind of almost every man examined for jury service.
Tuesday Morning
L. J. James was excused from serving on the jury on account of ill health. To fill the panel D. E. James was selected from the bystanders, examined and challenged peremptorily by the defense; J. W. Wilbourn was peremptorily challenged by the defense; J. W. Ramey excused.
Tuesday afternoon
Wilson Wright was the first talisman called after dinner, examined and excused; Clark Hershner challenged peremptorily by the State; Robert F. Mosher excused; Joseph Watson excused. This exhausted the second list of names and a third was ordered, causing a long recess.
Tuesday Evening.
The third list of talismen was called and the first man introduced was John Smith of Edison, who was accepted as a juror.
This completed the panel and thejury being satisfactory to both the prosecution and the defense, Clerk McCracken administered the oath to the following person who constitute.
The Jury
1. Noble C. Martin, Gilead
2. John Oberholtzer, Perry
3. Dan Kries, Cardington
4. David Feigley, Canaan
5. Thomas Hicks, South Bloomfield.
6. G. Elwood Miller, Gilead
7. T. J. Harris, Canaan
8. John Richardson, Canaan
9. A. P. Porter, Bennington
10. G. W. Brown, Gilead
11. E. A . Talmage, Gilead
12. John Smith, Gilead
The jurors will be assigned to quarters in the jail during the progress of the trial. Sheriff Rinehart has as his assistance; J. W. Wilhelm, Joseph Potts and L. J. Criswell.
Wednesday Morning
Promptly at 9 o'clock the Court was opened and call of the roll of the jury indicated one absent. In the delay which followed, Judge Wolfe granted a divorce to Sadie Alvis from husband William Alvis. A cognovit judgement for $_____ was also given A. Howard against B. T. Baer and others.
All jurors were sworn except Mr. Oberholtzer, who affirmed. J. W. Barry, the Prosecuting Attorney stated the case on behalf of the prosecution, reading the indictment, and expecting to prove that the death of Christena Sellers was the result of a quarrel between Mrs. Sellers, Chloa and William Rhodebeck and that the killing of David Sellers, and the burning of the house over their dead bodies was the result of a conspiracy to hide the killing of Mrs. Sellers. Further statements as to the proof to be introduced were made, all of which will be given as the trial progresses.
For the defense, J. H. Beebe stated that this was the first intimation of the charges specified against William F. Rhodebeck, or his wife Chloa I. Rhodebeck now in jail. He admitted the death of David and Christena Sellers, and the fire. Expected to prove affection of Chloa for her parents was usually great, and that there was wholly no cause for either the defendant, Wm. F. Rhodebeck, or his wife Chloa, to such a crime.
On Behalf of the State
W. E. Miller, a contractor and builder, was the first witness called, testified that he made the chart and diagram of the scene of the Sellers tragedy, exhibited in Court, and described the same.
T. W. Long, Probate Judge of Morrow county, testified as to the date of the issuing and return of the marriage license of Wm. F. Rhodebeck and Chloa I. Sellers, issued Nov. 28, 1888, married November 29, 1888.
Dr. J. L. Williams, physician, testified; Was called to assist in holding a post-mortem on bodies of David and Christena Sellers; found bodies in south part of house of David Sellers, Harmony township, Morrow county; found bodies of two persons, limbs burned off, no head on one, cut on lower right arm of male; of the female the lower limbs burned off, head was wrapped up in a bed quilt; took it off; it was bloody; had a wound on left forehead, one on right middle of head and one on left; two of which had crushed the skull; jaw broken; (Cross-examination by defense as to competency as an expert witness.) Removed quilt in which head of Christena Sellers was wrapped; arms and legs of body were burned; was lots of blood, still red and natural, in the hair and about wounds in the head; wounds made before death, and before body was burned; wounds found were sufficient of themselves to produce the death of Mrs. Sellers; was present at inquest, when Chloa testified; gave complete description of bodies, as minutely as possible; was assisted in examination by Drs. James and Neal.
Cross-examination: Reached scene of fire about noon, unable to tell when cut on right arm of male was made; no part of head or face of female burned, nor no part of hair not exposed was preserved; other parts of female badly burned and charred; head only discolored with blood; would above left eye with rugged edges 1 inches in kilameter; second wound just above and behind left ear, same shape and size as first wound; these wounds the pieces of skull was driven into the brain; left jaw bone was broken; very round clean cut hole in the left check, resembling a bullet hole; another wound above right eye, of oblong appearance, 1 inch long and 1 inch wide, but not through skull. The three wounds on skull evidently made by same instrument but one on jaw by different weapon, found no wound made by a missile which went clear through the head.
The lungs and other organs were not examined; cervical, vertebra of male found perfect. Fully corroborated his testimony before Coroner at postmortem and inquest.
Dr. C. H. Neal, physician testified: Was present at the Sellers inquest, and assisted in postmortem examination. The testimony of his witness was very similar to that given by Dr. Williams, and the two were not contradictory except to minute and important details, the witness also endorsed his testimony before and professional report to the Coroner.
Chloe Ida SELLERS and William Frederick RHODEBECK had the following children:
+53 i. Millard Willard RHODEBECK.
54 ii. Jennie RHODEBECK9 was born on Oct 1 1891 in Harmony Township, Morrow Co., Ohio.
55 iii. RHODEBECK was born on Nov 17 1892 in Mt Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio. He (or she) died on Nov 17 1892 in Mt Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio. The child was still born while his mother was in jail for the murder of her parents.
She was married 2nd to Frank WINEBAR (son of Emmanuel WINEBAR) on Jul 1 1897 in Mt. Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio. License issued July 1, 1897 married by C. S. VanBrimmer JP Recorded July 21, 1897
FIFTH GENERATION
43. Eva Alberta "Allie" PIPES was born on Mar 31 1862 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She died on Feb 12 1920 in Cardington, Morrow Co., Ohio. She was buried on Feb 14 1920 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. !Birth/Death; Death Certificate, State of Ohio Dept of Vital Statistics, Columbus, Ohio Marriages: Morrow County Probate Court, Mt. Gilead, Ohio !General: Records kept by the family now is possession of Allen L. Potts
John Pipes (1830-1902) and Margaret Lloyd Pipes ( 1836-1909)
She was married to Charles Bartley "Bart" POTTS blacksmith (son of Joseph "Joe" POTTS carpenter and Isabel "Bell" RALSTON) on May 5 1880 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. Charles Bartley "Bart" POTTS blacksmith was born on Apr 19 1859 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. He was buried in 1898 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. He died on Oct 27 1898 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. Charles Bartley Potts known as Bart. He was a blacksmith in Fulton, Ohio as was his son Burt Potts. He committed suicide.
Birth; Civil War Pension papers of his father Joseph Potts
Death: Morrow County Probate Court, Mt Gilead, Ohio.
Marriage: Morrow County Probate Court, Mt. Gilead, Ohio !General: Records kept by Luvie Ethel Mulvaine Potts now in the possession of Allen L. Potts.
THE MORROW COUNTY INDEPENDENT, Thursday November 3, 1898.
Found Dead
Bart Potts the blacksmith at Fulton, was found dead on the floor at his home at 4 o'clock last Thursday afternoon. His wife had been visiting a neighbor that day and returned to find her husband dead. It is presumed he expired about 2 o'clock. It was generally supposed the unfortunate man ended his own life as he had been drinking heavily and had so threatened, but Coroner Jackson's verdict was death by strangulation or suffocation.
Eva Alberta "Allie" PIPES and Charles Bartley "Bart" POTTS blacksmith had the following children:
+56 i. Burton Morgan "Bert" POTTS blacksmith.
She was married 2nd to Edward VANCE (son of James VANCE and Sophia SMITH) on Mar 9 1900 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Edward VANCE was born on Apr 15 1857 in Knox Co., Ohio.
He was married to Iona Mae GRAHAM (daughter of Benton GRAHAM and Gandare SELOVER) on Oct 31 1888 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Iona Mae GRAHAM was born on May 27 1865 in Congress Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She died in 1931. She was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio.
Alpha L. PIPES and Iona Mae GRAHAM had the following children:
57 i. Della May PIPES was born on Jul 18 1891 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio.
58 ii. Mable PIPES was born on Jan 31 1894 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio.
59 iii. Pliny Pleutarch PIPES was born on Apr 12 1896 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. He died in Nov 1983 in Sun City, Maricopa Co., Arizona.
He was married 2nd to Orah M. KLEINSCHMIDT.
He was married to Elizabeth KNOWLTON. Elizabeth KNOWLTON10 was born on Apr 28 1879. She died on Dec 25 1917. She was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio.
Joseph H. PIPES and Elizabeth KNOWLTON had the following children:
+60 i. Lola PIPES.
He was married 2nd to Mary V.. Mary V. was born on Mar 22 1869. She died on Jul 10 1892. She was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio.
He was married 2nd to Albina MCKINSTRY (daughter of James MCKINSTRY and Sarah WHITE) on Sep 6 1893 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Albina MCKINSTRY was born on Dec 30 1875 in Knox Co., Ohio. She died on Jan 24 1964 in Cardington, Morrow Co., Ohio. She was buried on Jan 27 1964 in Glendale Cemetery, Cardington, Morrow Co., Ohio. THE MARION STAR: FRIDAY JANUARY 24, 1964 CARDINGTON - Mrs. Albina Pipes, 88, of Cardington died at 6 a.m. today at home. She had been seriously ill six months. Her husband, Jeremiah, died in 1951.
Born Dec. 30, 1875 in Knox County, she was a daughter of James and Sarah White McKinstry. She was a member of the Methodist Church here.
Surviving are her son, Charles J. of Cardington RR 2, a grandson and a great-grandson. A son and two sisters preceded her in death.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2:30 p.m. in the Curl Funeral Home. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. Saturday.
Jeremiah W. PIPES and Albina MCKINSTRY had the following children:
61 i. Charles J. PIPES.
He was married 1st. to Victoria HILL on Sep 11 1889 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Victoria HILL was born on Sep 30 1870 in Licking Co., Ohio. She died on Jul 10 1892 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. She was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio.
She was married 2nd to Ulysses F. HILDEBRAND (son of Amos HILDEBRAND and Mary Market WEBB) on Aug 12 1899 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Ulysses F. HILDEBRAND was born on Oct 24 1873 in York Co., Pennsylvania.
She was married to Lyman Owen ULERY on Sep 28 1898 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Lyman Owen ULERY was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio.
Myrtle Belle PIPES and Lyman Owen ULERY had the following children:
62 i. Kermit ULERY11.
63 ii. Delphos ULERY.
1920 Census living in Ashley, Delaware Co., Ohio House 166 Family 172 Renting Steel Mill worker., Wife Dottie 26, Lyle son - 7; Clara B. dau - 6 Eugene son - 3. His father William was living with the family.
1910 Census he was living with William M. Koch - in Scott Township, Marion Co., Ohio. He was a farm laborer. single
Social Security index show place of residence at time of death Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio
He was married to Loatis SCRIBINER (daughter of Milton SCRIBINER and Leottis WORLINE) on Feb 29 1912 in Morrow Co., Ohio. Married by Daniel C. Wood Loatis SCRIBINER13 was born on Apr 27 1884 in Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio. She died on Feb 16 1977. At time of marriage she was living in Westfield Tp., Morrow Co., Ohio
Millard Willard RHODEBECK and Loatis SCRIBINER had the following children:
64 i. Lyle S. RHODEBECK was born in 1913 in Morrow Co., Ohio. He died on Nov 3 1926 in Harmony Township, Morrow Co., Ohio.14 He was kicked in the head by a horse.
+65 ii. Clara Belle RHODEBECK.
66 iii. Charles Eugene RHODEBECK was born on Mar 2 1917 in Ashley, Delaware Co., Ohio.15 He died on Aug 15 1970.16
+67 iv. Cloe RHODEBECK.
68 v. Milard Milton RHODEBECK was born on Apr 4 1924 in Galion, Crawford Co., Ohio.17 He died on Jan 14 1990.
69 vi. Harley Edward RHODEBECK was born on Aug 7 1926 in Galion, Crawford Co., Ohio. From a letter dated July 30, 2000 from Dan Rhodebeck it stated that Harley was place in the Crawford County Children's home when he was 2 1/2 years of age with his 3 siblings.
SIXTH GENERATION
56. Burton Morgan "Bert" POTTS blacksmith was born on Jan 31 1882 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. He died on Apr 17 1962 in Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried on Apr 19 1962 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. !THE MARION STAR, APRIL 17, 1962. Burton Morgan Potts, 80, of Meeker died at 10 A.M. today at home. He had been in failing health 2 1/2 years. A Meeker resident since 1934, he came from Fulton. He had been employed by the Marion Power Shovel Co. 30 years. Born Jan. 31, 1882, in Mt. Gilead, he was the son of Barton (Charles Bartley) Potts and Alberta (Eva Alberta) Pipes Potts. On March 15, 1902, in Fulton, he married Luvie Mulvain. He was a member of the Fulton Methodist Church and of Cardington Lodge 384, F&AM. Surviving are his widow; a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Oliver of Kenton; a son Gerald Potts of Meeker; 18 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will conducted Thursday at 1:30 P.M. (April 19, 1962) in the Hughes-Hyll Mortuary in Marion. Burial will be at Fulton. Friends may call at the funeral home after Wednesday noon. !Birth: Morrow County Probate Records, Mt. Gilead, Ohio !Marriage: Morrow County Probate Records, Mt. Gilead, Ohio !Death; Article from the Marion Star. State of Ohio, Dept of Vital Statistics Columbus, Ohio !General: Records kept by Luvie Ethel Mulvaine Potts now in possession of Allen L. Potts.
He was married to Luvie Ethel MULVAINE (daughter of David Oscar MULVAIN and Isadora "Dora" BROWNING) on Mar 15 1902 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. Luvie Ethel MULVAINE was born on Feb 9 1883 in Leesburg Twp., Union Co., Ohio. She died on Jan 13 1967 in Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried on Jan 16 1967 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio.
Burton Morgan "Bert" POTTS blacksmith and Luvie Ethel MULVAINE had the following children:
+70 i. Dorothy Alice POTTS.
+71 ii. Gerald Barton "Jerry" POTTS Marion Power Shovel Company.
72 iii. Inf Twins POTTS was buried in Feb 1910 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. He was born on Feb 1 1910 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. He died on Feb 1 1910 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio.
She was married to HUKILL.
She was married to DEVAULT.
SEVENTH GENERATION
70. Dorothy Alice POTTS was born on Jul 19 1905 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. She was buried in Nov 1983 in Marseilles, Wyandot Co., Ohio. She died on Nov 14 1983 in Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio. !Dorothy was very helpful in furnishing information of her family. !Birth: Morrow County Probate Court, Mt. Gilead, Ohio. !Death: State of Ohio, Dept of Vital Statistics, Columbus, Ohio !Marriage: 1st: Morrow County Probate Records, Mt Gilead, Ohio 2nd: Marion County Probate Records, Marion, Ohio !General: Records kept by Luvie Ethel Mulvaine Potts, now in possession of Allen L. Potts
She was married to James Alfred SHOEWALTER (son of Albert SHOEWALTER and Nevada May WALLACE) on Mar 24 1923 in Morrow Co., Ohio. She was divorced from James Alfred SHOEWALTER. James Alfred SHOEWALTER was born on May 22 1901 in Harmony Twp., Morrow Co., Ohio. He died on Mar 18 1982 in Mt Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio. He was buried on Mar 20 1982 in Rivercliff Cemetery, Mt. Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio.
Dorothy Alice POTTS and James Alfred SHOEWALTER had the following children:
+73 i. Foy Leland SHOEWALTER.
+74 ii. Fredia Maxine SHOEWALTER.
She was married 2nd to Kenneth Owen OLIVER (son of Esley OLIVER and Virginia ROLLINS) on Jun 16 1930 in Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio. Kenneth Owen OLIVER was born on Jul 28 1908 in Marion, West Virginia. He died on Oct 30 1977 in Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio. He was buried on Nov 2 1977 in Chandler Cemetery, Marseilles, Wyandot Co., Ohio. Information: Ltr ddtd Dec 11, 1962 fr. Mrs Dorothy Potts Oliver Family Bible, and other family information.
Dorothy Alice POTTS and Kenneth Owen OLIVER had the following children:
+75 i. Janice Argretta OLIVER.
+76 ii. Hilda Lourraine OLIVER.
+77 iii. Freeman Franklin OLIVER.
+78 iv. Kenneth LaVern OLIVER.
+79 v. Vivan Lorretta OLIVER.
+80 vi. Mary Gertrude OLIVER.
He was married 2nd to Rowena Fern SIMS (daughter of Harley Edward SIMS farmer and Eva Martina WALTERHOUSE) on Aug 29 1938 in Montgomery Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. Rowena Fern SIMS was born on Feb 21 1917 in Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio. She died on Jul 15 1993 in Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried on Jul 19 1993 in Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio. !Birth: Records kept by Eva Martina Walterhouse Sims now in possession of Allen L. Potts. State of Ohio Department of Vital Statistics, Columbus, Ohio. !Marriage: Marion County, Ohio Probate Court Records, Marion, Ohio !General: Records Kept by Allen L. Potts Obituary: Saturday July 17, 1993 Marion Star, Marion, Ohio. Death was given as 12:08 AM July 16, but she really passed away about 11:30 PM July 15 at her home in Meeker. She was pronounced dead later at Marion General Hospital. Mom had passed a normal day and appeared to be normal during the day. Matthew James had been at her home baby sitting Brandon and Brock Potts sons of Mark and Carla Potts. Matthew had eaten dinner with mom and the boys. He went home after dinner. About 10:30 mon mentioned she was not feeling well and thought she would go to bed. Carla thought maybe she needed some help and mentioned to her if she felt worse to call her. Carla went up to bed a little later and mon called her asking for help. Mom got up and set in a chair in the front room. She was having difficulty breathing. Carla called 911 and then Cynthia. Cynthia came right down and mom appeared to pass away just after Cynthia arrived. The ambulance took mom to Marion General Hospital, Cynthia rode along in the ambulance. Carla called several of the family members. She call me and I call Harold telling him of mom's problem and asked him to go the hospital. Cynthia, Mark, Stacey, Foy and Genes got to hospital, but mom was gone. Harold arrived just as the other family members were leaving. I made arrangements that night to make the trip to Ohio the next morning. I left Salt Lake City at 8:56 AM and arrived in Columbus, Ohio at approximately 3:30PM. I rented a car from Almo and went directly to Cynthia's. Arrived at Cynthia's about 6:00 PM. Spent the evening with Cynthia and Mark. Slept that evening at Maxine Cluff's in Marion. Spent part of Saturday at Mark's and part of the day doing research at the Marion City Cemetery Office and Marion Public Library on the Family of William Leeper. Spent Saturday night at Mark's. Sunday morning was spent looking for the Cemetery in Southern Knox County were the Harrod's. Bigg's and Pipe's were buried. Didn't find the cemetery. I had left Salt Lake so fast that I had for got to bring the address. Sunday afternoon at 3PM we met at Stofchcek's Funeral Home in LaRue for the Family viewing time. The public viewing started at 4PM. One of the interesting things was that all my brothers and sisters were present at the viewing that evening. I hadn't seen Barbara Potts Stiving since Gene and Jayne's wedding. She is now living with Junior in Shelby. There was many other relatives and friends who came that I had not seen since Dad's funeral. Was able to get addresses of several family members that may be able to help me with my genealogy research. Rob and Beck arrived with their three boys late Sunday Evening from Allentown, Pennsylvania. They did not make it in time for the viewing. I met them at the Travel Lodge in Marion where we were stayed the next two nights. We went over to the Funeral Home at about 1:30 PM. There was about 60-70 people in attendance, mainly family members. I had been asked by my sisters to conduct the funeral. I conducted the funeral, Rob gave the opening prayer and I gave a short talk and Rev. Keith Waller from the Meeker United Methodist Church gave the closing prayer at the service. Rob played "O May Father". Rob dedicated the grave at the Meeker Cemetery. Their was a dinner served by members of the Meeker Church for family members and friends.
Gerald Barton "Jerry" POTTS Marion Power Sho and Rowena Fern SIMS had the following children:
+81 i. Living.
+82 ii. Living.
+83 iii. Living.
84 iv. Living
+85 v. Living.
+86 vi. Living.
+87 vii. Living.
He was married 1st to Elizabeth Irene ANDREWS on Apr 23 1927 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. He was divorced from Elizabeth Irene ANDREWS. Elizabeth Irene ANDREWS was born in 1908 in Morrow Co., Ohio. She died on May 23 1972 in Shelby, Richland Co., Ohio.
Gerald Barton "Jerry" POTTS Marion and Elizabeth Irene ANDREWS had the following children:
+88 i. Living
+89 ii. Living.
+90 iii. Living.
EIGHTH GENERATION
73. Foy Leland SHOEWALTER was born on Jan 31 1924 in Fulton, Morrow Co., Ohio. He died on Jan 13 1995 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. !Birth: State of Ohio, Dept of Vital Statistics, Columbus, Ohio !Marriage: Marion County Probate Records, Marion, Ohio !General: Records kept by Luvie Ethel Mulvaine Potts, now in possesion of Allen L. Potts
1. O.L. Bakin & Co., Historical Publishers. Page 715.
2. Morrow Co. History 1880. Page 709.
3. Ibid. Page 709.
4. Ibid. Page 709.
5. Ibid. Page 709.
6. Ibid. Page 709.
7. Ibid. Page 709.
8. O.L. Bakin & Co., Historical Publishers. page 713.
9. Vol 117 ED 101 Sheet 6 Line 4.
10. Eli Biggs - 1933. A Short History of The Harrod and Biggs Families. Page 10.
11. Ibid. Page 10.
12. Rhodebeck, Harley. E-mail Aug 7,2000.
13. Marriage Records. Marriages Vol 7 page 354 #709.
14. Rhodebeck, Harley. Email Aug 7, 2000.
15. Ibid. Email Aug 7, 2000.
16. Ibid. Email Aug 7, 2000.
17. Ibid. Email Aug 7, 2000.
18. Newspaper - Marion, Ohio. Obituary in the daily newspaper. March 10, 1986.