884 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
PERRY TOWNSHIP.
BETHEL BERKSHIRE, farmer, P. O. Gilmore, was born in Perry Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, June 4, 1847, and is a son of Robert and Asenith (Meadley) Berkshire. Robert Berkshire was a native of Maryland, born in October, 1795, and was thrice married, first to Leatita Scritchfield., among whose children are now living Henry. Nancy, Anson, Israel and Joseph. His second marriage was in 1829, to Asenith Meadley, of which union the surviving children axe Leatita, Francis R., Lucretita, Mary A. and Bethel. Asenith died on June 16, 1863, and Mr. Berkshire married Isabella Spencer relict of the late Samuel Spencer, of Belmont County, Ohio, but had no children by this union. He died on April 16, 1880, and his widow in June, 1881. He was a farmer, a sterling pioneer citizen, having filled some of the most important township offices, and at his death owned 126 acres of land. part of which he had patented from Congress. During the course of his long and useful life, he never was sued or had a suit in any of the courts of the land. He was for many years Class Leader in the West Union Methodist Episcopal Church. Seven of his sons served in the war of the rebellion, viz., Anson, Israel, Joseph, R. L., F. R., Eleazar and Bethel. Eleazar died in hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., January 31, 1864. He had in all twenty children, seven by his first wife, and thirteen by the second, thirteen of whom lived to be men and women (some of them have never had children). He came to this county in 1832, and died on the farm he first entered.
FREDERIC CAPPEL, farmer, P. O. Gilmore, was born in Clay Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, August 10, 1853. He is a son of Jacob Cappel. a native of Germany, who married, in 1847, Miss Mary Elizabeth Miller, a native of Prussia, and came to America in 152, settling in Clay Township, Ohio. Their children number eight, of whom Peter died on January 1, 1883. and Charles, Jacob, Frederick, Adam. Lewis Adams, Mary, Elizabeth and Julius are now living. Mr. Jacob Capped, Sr., still resides in Clay Township, at the age of sixty-one years. He has followed farming since coming to this country, previous to which he was a musician in the orchestras of the German and other Continental theaters. He is now a prosperous farmer, owning 140 acres of excellent farm land in Clay Township. His wife is also living, and is fifty-eight years of age. The subject of this sketch was married, October 22, 1874, to Miss Eliza A., daughter of James and Isabella (McCoy) Donahey, of Perry Township. By this union there is one child, Alvin J. B., born November 30, 1877. Mr. Cappel is by trade a shoe-maker, but for the past four years has chiefly pursued farming, and now owns eighty acres of fine land, all under a superior state of cultivation. Although comparatively a young man, he has been for five terms elected Constable of his township. In politics. he is a Democrat.
JOHN CARPENTER, farmer, P. O. Gilmore, was born in Ohio, on January 16, 1823, and is a son of William and Mary Ann (Stewart) Carpenter, both natives of Pennsylvania. His parents came to this State early in the present century. Their family numbered eight, of whom Edward died a soldier in the war of the rebellion, and John, Jane. Andrew, Eliza, James, George and Catherine are still living. William Carpenter was a hardy pioneer in the early days of Ohio, and came to Perry Township in 1824. At that period the
PERRY TOWNSHIP. - 885
township was little better than a wilderness, and abounded in wolves, deer, bears and other game. He, however, soon made him a homestead from the wild forest, and by energy, pluck and economy gained a substantial competency, becoming, eventually, a prominent citizen of Perry Township. He was all his life a farmer, and for many years was elected Supervisor in his district. He died in August, 1863, aged sixty-six years. His widow is still living in Holmes County, Ohio, at the age of eighty-seven years. John Carpenter. our subject, was married, on September 25, 1845, to Miss Juliana, daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Anderson) Gray, natives of Pennsylvania. To this union have been born tour children-Amanda J., born on March 10, 1847, died March 20, 1852; Mary Elizabeth, born July 11, 1849; Hannah Louisa, born Jane 1, 1851; and George W., born October 31, 1860. With the exception of three years which were devoted to a saw mill enterprise. Mr. Carpenter has always followed farming, and he has sound views on all matters pertaining to agriculture. He believes in systematic work. The regular rotation of crops, and a liberal use of manure and fertilizers, instead of the soil-impoverishing system practiced (as he says) by too many of the self-styled farmers of this State in general, and Perry Township in particular. A critical examination of his methods and their effect upon his own farm, which is one of the best in the county, will demonstrate these facts. The farm is well stocked, comprising 262 acres, upon which are erected good farm buildings, and is situated about two miles from the village of Gilmore. George W. Carpenter resides with his father, and is the owner of seventy acres adjoining the home farm.
JACOB H. CLANTZ. farmer, P. O. Cadwallader, was born in Perry Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, February 28. 1841. His father, Charles Clantz, was born October 10, 1786, and in 1825 was married to Mary Ann C. Andes, born February 28, 1801, both being natives of Frederick County, Md. To this marriage were born eight children, of whom John Andes is deceased, and Mary Elizabeth, Catharine, Susanna C., Charles F., Greenberry W., Andrew J. and Jacob H. still survive. The father of our subject was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving under Gen. Andrew Jackson at New Orleans, and participating in the most important events of that famous General's campaigns. For this service he received a land bounty from the Government, and since the passage of the pension act of 1869 was the recipient of a pension granted to survivors of that war. By trade, he was a tailor, and eventually, becoming interested in a flouring-mill enterprise, mastered that trade also. On his advent to Perry Township, in 1827, be took up eighty acres of Government land, but finding his lack of experience as a pioneer agriculturist likely to militate against his success, he again resorted to the needle, and made clothing for the settlers, who in turn remunerated him by clearing up his land. He made the first suit of clothes in the township, and many of his neighbors were fitted out in their wedding toggery in those days by this old pioneer tailor. He continued at his trade until incapacitated by old age and infirmities, and died January 26, 1S 75, his faithful partner following him November 1, 1877. He was a son of Charles Clantz, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and was a hero of many thrilling adventures and hair-breadth escapes in following the fortunes of the patriot army. The subject of this sketch was married, September 21. 1865, to Mary Ellen, daughter of Jonathan and Margaret (Gardner) Meek, natives of Pennsylvania. This union has been blessed with six children; their names and dates of birth are as follows: Annie Elizabeth, September 14, 1866: Margaret M. and Catharine N., October 6, 1867; Mary Victoria, January 2,1870; Laura Ellen, May 7, 1875; Hubert Halcyon, November 29, 1881. Mr. Clantz is a successful farmer, owning a well stocked and well cultivated farm of 204 acres, upon which he has erected farm buildings of a superior order. He has
886 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
just completed a dwelling which is second to none in the township, and his surroundings substantially demonstrate an accurate knowledge of his calling and the requirements of a first-class farm. September 24, 1864, Mr. Clantz enlisted in Company K, Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which joined Gen. Sherman at Atlanta, and was incorporated into Brig. Gen. G. A. Smith's Third Division of Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair's Seventeenth Corps. He participated in the march to the sea, and at the siege of Savannah was wounded in the hand by a rebel sharpshooter. At the time of the surrender of the Confederate army, our subject's regiment was in the vicinity of Raleigh. N. C.. from whence it proceeded to Washington, participated in the grand review. and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. Our subject then returned to peaceful pursuits. Although entering the prime of life, he has already been elected Township Trustee three terms, from 1876 to 1878, and from 1880 to 1881, and since December, 1881, has held a commission of Notary Public for the State of Ohio, and is also correspondent for his township to the State Board of Agriculture. He is a Mason, a Democrat, and, with his family, a member of tho Methodist Episcopal Church.
MILTON S. DEARTH, farmer, P. O. Gilmore, was born in Luzerne Township, Fayette Co., Penn., February 23, 1823, one of nine children. and came in 1830 to this township with his father. who was born in Fayette County, Penn., March 17, 1793, and became the owner of 448 acres of laud in this township, where he died. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, was a County Commissioner, possessed considerable means and more than ordinary intelligence, and his advice was often sought by his friends and acquaintances. George Dearth, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Connecticut, removed when young to Virginia, was a colonial soldier, fought at Braddock's defeat, and there overheard Col. Washington request the commanding General to fight the Indians in their own way; served as Captain in the Revolutionary war, under Gen. Greene, and was promoted to Major, and at the termination of the war settled in Fayette County, Penn., where he amassed a fortune in trading, often to New Orleans. He served in the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. His father, Thomas Dearth, the great-grandfather of our subject. emigrated from England to America in pre-Revolutionary days. Milton S. has never aspired to office, but has been Trustee, Land Appraiser and Clerk of his township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Masonic order.
DAVID T. HARDING, farmer, P. O. Gilmore. was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, August 20, 1820, and came from Guernsey to this county in 1846. He is a son of John D. Harding, a native of Loudoun County, Va. The latter was twice married, first to Margaret Thompson, a native of Pennsylvania, who died February 16, 1824, leaving two children, David. our subject, and Martha. His subsequent union was with Miss Martha Chancy, their issue being eight children, of whom one. Ann, died in August, 1850. The survivors are Charles C., Margaret, Sarah, Melissa, Gerge, Basil and John. He formerly followed shoe-making, but in 1822 turned his attention to agriculture, and settled in Harrison County, Ohio He was a prominent pioneer citizen in his day, and died on November 30, 1869. The subject of this sketch was married, November 17, 1842, to Lucy Longsworth, who was born on August 20, 1817, and is a daughter of Basil Longsworth. Her father was born in Maryland on November 13, 1795, and was a son of Solomon and Luc (Nelson' Longsworth, the former a native of Wales and the latter of English descent. They had a family of nine children, as follows: Nancy. Elizabeth, Catharine, Solomon, Sarah, Mary. Basil, Cordelia and Harriet. Basil married Elizabeth Bozer, a native of Maryland, their union resulting in eleven
PERRY TOWNSHIP. - 887
children, viz.: Lucy, Mary, Elizabeth, Peter, William, Basil N., Warner, Cornelius S., Jesse T„ Nancy C. and Rebecca C., all of whom are now living, Mr. Longsworth followed farming, and for many years was class leader in the Methodist Church. He died in November, 1853; his widow is now a pensioner of the war of 1812, in which he was a soldier in the United States Army. She resides in Perry Township, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. David T. Harding has had a family of eight children, as follows: William H., born September 25, 1843; John Basil, born November 8, 1845; Elizabeth M., born August 27, 1847, died September 10, 1871; Thomas J., born June 29, 1850: Joshua C., born December 1, 1852; Mary M., born March 7, 1855, and died September 20, 1856; Nancy A., born September 20, 1857; and Harriet C., born February 7, 1863. Two members of this family were soldiers in the rebellion-William H., whose biography appears elsewhere in this work, and John Basil. The latter enlisted as a substitute for his father in the Ohio Home Guards, in Capt. Blickensderfer's company of the 100-day men on May 2, 1863. His company was sent to West Virginia, where it passed through considerable hard service, finally reaching Harper's Ferry, Va., and returning to Columbus, Ohio, at the expiration of the term of service, and our subject received his discharge in August. On October 26, 1864, he again substituted for his father, who had been drafted for one year's service in the Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which joined Sherman at Atlanta. With his regiment, he participated in the march to the, sea, and was one of the storming column under Gen. Hazen of that valiantly captured fort, McAllister. At the time of the surrender of the Confederate Gen. J. E. Johnston, the regiment was at Raleigh, N; C.; from thence went to Washington City to the grand review of the army, and at the close of the war it was dispatched to Little Rock, Ark., and August 26, 181)5, was mustered out at Columbus. Private Herding returned home, having honorably discharged his duty to his Government and country. D. T. Harding is now a farmer in' Perry Township, to which he came when it was quite now, and with energy and frugality has made for himself a comfortable homestead. He is the owner of 168 acres of excellent farm land, part of which lies in Perry Township. He raises cattle, sheep and swine, and for forty years has been improving his stock of horses by crossing native horses with pure Norman breed. From 1863 to 1864, and again from 1880 to 1881, he filled the office of Township Trustee. He is a Freemason; with his family, a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a Republican.
WILLIAM H. HARDING, farmer, P. O. Gilmore, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, September 25, 1843, and is the eldest son of David T. and Lucy (Longsworth) Harding, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. He came to Perry Township with his father in 1816, and on October 5, 1865, was married to Sarah Louisa, daughter of George W. and Mary (Carpenter) Parks, of Perry Township. Her mother died on February 10, 1846, and Mr. Parks subsequently married Mary Ann Milliken, of Rush Township, afterward removing to Peoria, Ill., where he died abort the year 1855. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harding has been blessed with four children-William Sherman, born January 5, 1867; Annie Louisa, born September 12, 1868; Western Jonas, born January 16, 1873; and Lucy Ellen, born April 24, 1875. On the 28th of August, 1862. Mr. Harding enlisted as a private in Company K, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the war of the rebellion. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Tennessee, and for two years was detailed for scouting duty and guarding outposts in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama. The first engagement of the regiment was at Jackson, Tenn., after which it was ordered to Corinth, Miss., where it re-
888 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
mained for nine months. It was while on scouting duty here that the desperate skirmish of Mud Run occurred, lasting about thirty-six hours. The Fifth Ohio took part in that engagement, and Private Harding was promoted to -he rank of Second Corporal. In October of 1863, the regiment moved to Chattanooga, and Corporal Harding was appointed Orderly to Gen. P. J. Osterhaus continuing in this capacity during the stirring events succeeding the battle of Chickamauga, and participated in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Ringgold. His regiment having been dispatched to the. relief of Gen. Burnside at Knoxville, Corporal Harding was left behind, but in January, 1864, he was sent to Huntsville, Ala.. in charge of a lot of army horses and mules. Here he remained until the latter part of May, his regiment having in the interim been moved to that post. Subsequently, the Fifth Ohio was merged into Gen. J. Kilpatrick's Third (Cavalry) Division of the Fifteenth Corps, Maj. Gen. J. A. Logan commanding: and from that time to the close of the war Corporal Harding followed the fortunes of his regiment in Sherman's grand march to the sea. At Savannah, he was promoted to the rank of Quartermaster-Sergeant, and at Durham Station, N. C., he personally received the flag of truce from the rebel officers of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. who asked for an armistice to arrange the terms for a surrender to Sherman. Sergt. Harding was mentioned for a Second Lieutenancy while at Newburn. but the great struggle being over, the mission of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry was ended and our soldier subject returned to his home in the full enjoyment of his well-earned honors and the consciousness of having served his country well and faithfully. He was brought up to farming, and on his return home in company with his father, resumed that occupation, continuing until 1871. He then went to Kansas, where be sojourned for eight years, returning to this township in 1879, and is now residing on the Parks farm.
GEORGE M. JOHNSTON, hotel proprietor, P. O. Cadwallader, was born in Washington County, Penn., February 8, 1832, and is a son of John and Mary Johnston. His mother, who is now residing with him. has attained the advanced age of eighty-two years. Our subject learned, before his majority. the trade of carriage-making. and in 1852 came to Cambridge, Ohio. near which place be was working at his trade for his uncle, for about two year; In the spring of 1855. he started across the plains, bound for California. On his way there, he heard Brigham Young deliver a speech at Salt Lake City. on July 4, 1855. He remained in California for about two ,years, and in 1851 returned to Guernsey County, Ohio, where he was married, March 8. 1860, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Simon and Jane Brown. Five children have resulted from this union, all of whom are living: Lola M., wife of Christy O. Brown, born February 12, 1861; Harriet C., born January 14, 1864; Homer D., born March 27, 1871; John B., born September 21, 1862; and George F., born November 4, 1875. During the rebellion, our subject took a company of mechanics to Nashville, Tenn., and served in the trenches, at the siege of Nashville He contracted there typhoid fever, and had a severe sickness. All of his children are members of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal. The family moved to West Chester, Ohio, their present residence, in 1881; Mr. Johnston purchasing the hotel he now occupies. He keeps a comfortable, home-like hotel, which is well patronized.
CORNELIUS S. LONGSWORTH. farmer, P. O. Cadwallader, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, October 31, 1832, He came with his parents. Basil and Elizabeth Longsworth, to Tuscarawas County, in 1852, and has since resided here. On August 28. 1862. he enlisted in the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, and was connected with the Army of the Tennessee. His life in the army was similar to that of most soldiers. While in the swamps of Missis-
PERRY TOWNSHIP. - 880
sippi, he contracted a fever which wrecked his physical life to a great, extent. He was promoted to the rank of Captain for good conduct, but on account of ill health, was unable to take command of his company. He was a soldier on whose services his officers could depend, and was always ready to perform the duties imposed on him. He is now drawing a small pension, which. like that of many of the soldiers, is not nearly sufficient compensation for damages received. Elizabeth Longsworth is also drawing a pension for her father, who was a soldier in the war of 1812. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Longsworth is heir to 160 acres of land, belonging to his mother. and on which he and the family are now residing.
GEORGE W, REESE, merchant, Cadwallader, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, October 17, 1838, and is a son of Rev. A.T. Reese. His mother died when he was but four years old, and he was cast among strangers without an opportunity of receiving more than two months schooling each year. About 1846, he went to Logan County, Ohio. and remained there four years, after which he came to Tuscarawas County, where he stayed till the war broke out. He was teaching school at the time, but responded to the call of his country in 1861, enlisting in the Twenty-eighth Illinois Infantry, and serving with the Army of the Tennessee until September 8, 1864. He was wounded in the left hip at Pittsburg Landing in 1862. He was a the battle of Belmont. Mo. the capture of Fort Henry; battle of Pittsburg Landing; both sieges of Corinth: the siege of Vicksburg and the battle at Jackson, Miss. He was mustered out of service at Natchez, Miss., where he was employed in the United States Custom House, and returned to this county. He had been engaged in farming for about two years, when he was united in marriage to Amanda Bonham, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, by which union there have been six children, viz.: Edwin P., born November 3. 1867; Mary K. and Burt P. (twins), born April 21, 1869; Phillip T., born February 4, 1873; George W., born June 7, 1878, and Wildred C., born August 4, 1881. In 1873, our subject engaged in mercantile pursuits at West Chester, his present place of business. where he has an extensive custom. He is the Postmaster at that point. He belongs to the Masonic order. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WARNER ROGERS. farmer, P. O. Peoli, was born in Nottingham Township, Harrison County, Ohio. January 20, 1824. His father, Warner Rogers, was a native of Maryland, and married Eliza Gregory, also a native of Maryland, and emigrated to Harrison County, Ohio, about 1816, finally locating in Perry Township. Tuscarawas County, in 1846. Their family cumbered eleven children, of whom Pamelia, Nelson and an infant are deceased, and Jane. William, John. Joseph. Warner, Elijah B., Hester A. and Wesley D. still survive. Warner Rogers, the elder, came into the State of Ohio a poor man, but, with the energy characteristic of the times, he settled, and this old pioneer. through honesty and economy, became the owner of 120 acres of as fine a farm as there is in Perry Township. He died in 1853, and his widow followed him on January 28, 1814. The subject of this sketch was married, February 9, 1854, to Miss Comfort A., daughter of Joseph and Jemima Philips, natives of Harrison County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of eight children, viz.: Alice, born March 24, 1855; Almeda, born February 3, 1857: Alfred P., born December 5, 1859; Arzona L., born August 31, 1861; John W., born July 2, 1863; Forest, born January 13, 1867; Eliza Margaret, born July 18, 1869; Emma M., born January 18, 1874. Mr. Rogers is a successful farmer of Perry Township, owning upward of 400 acres of excellent farm land. His residence is one of the finest in the township, and his farm buildings are in keeping with the requirements of a first-class farm, a credit
890 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
to the taste of Mr. Rogers as a farmer. In 1879, he was elected Township Trustee, and in 1881 County Infirmary Director; the latter office he still holds. He is also on the State jury ballot for the United States Court at Cleveland He is a Mason; a Republican in politics; with his family a member of the M. E. Church.
SAMUEL C. TITUS, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Cadwallader, was horn in Harrison County, Ohio, February 25, 1819, and is a son of Timothy and Mary Titus, both deceased. He came to Tuscarawas County in 1841, and settled on the farm he is now occupying. On January 25, 1843, he was married to Martha M. Cope, of Harrison County, Ohio, to which union there have been born two children, viz. : William S., the oldest, who died at the age of four _years and twenty days, and John J., born June 8, 1850, on which day Mrs. Titus died. Our subject was again married, November 27, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Longsworth, of Guernsey County, Ohio, and their family consists of six children, all living. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Nelson C., September 25, 1852: Mary M., February, 1855; Albert T., October 10, 1857; Sigle O., March 30, 1862; Cornelius G., January 22, 1865. and Elizabeth J., February 6, 1867. The entire family are members of a church. Mr. Titus has been engaged in the raising of fine sheep, but is now making a specialty of thoroughbred Clydesdale horses and short-horn cattle, of which latter-named stock he has probably the best herd in Tuscarawas County. He owns 400 acres of well-improved land, with fine farm buildings on same. In politics, he is a Republican. and is an energetic, enterprising business man. He was drafted in the first draft in his county, and, on account of ill health. was honorably discharged by the Governor of Ohio, David Tod. He also aided in supporting his country by his means and words of encouragement.