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SANDY TOWNSHIP.
ALLEN D. BLACK, merchant, Mineral City, was born August 27, 1854, and is the son of Philip and Rose (Render) Black. Philip was a native of Ohio and died in 1876. His wife, Rose, was a native of England. Their three children were Angeline (wife of C. E. Brothers), Alice (wife of M. B. Skeels), and Allen D. the subject of this sketch. He was married in 188'? to Miss Mary daughter of John and Christina Freitchley. To Mr. and Mrs. Black one child, Lottie P., has been born. Mr. Black has been engaged for years in the dry goods trade, at first with his father, and at present he is a member of the
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firm of Black & Graham Bros. Mr. Black is Treasurer of the village, and in politics is Democratic.
AARON BORDNER. farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born January 5, 1842, son of John P. and Sarah Bordner, whose family consisted of thirteen children. Ten of these are vet living, viz. : Ann Eliza, Josiah, John W., Hamon, Harriet, Levi. Daniel, William, Joseph and Aaron. John Bordner was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Bolivar, and was largely instrumental in its success. Aaron Bordner was married, January 5, 1869, to Mary, daughter of Mathias Umholts. They have four children-- Lillie L., Laura, Eda and Ariminta. Mr. Bordner has a fine farm of eighty acres in Sandy Creek Valley, where he resides. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics is a Republican.
JOHN BRICK, coal miner. P. O. Mineral Point, was born in Germany, where all his relatives yet remain. He is a son of Anthony and Lena (Cooper) Brick, and emigrated to America in 1834. For eight years he resided in Columbiana County, Ohio; then came to his present place in Sandy Township, after spending four years in Sandyville. He owns forty acres of fine coal land on the C. & P R. R., and is engaged in extensive coal mining. Mr. Brick was married in 1835 to Miss Mary Stutzel. She died, leaving him eight children, viz.: Lyreneus. George, John, Catherine, Lena, Henry, Charles and Elizabeth, all of whom are married. Mr. Brick was again married in June, 1867, to Mary, daughter of Anthony Hughes. Their children are Edward. James and Anthony. Mr. Brick received a good education in Germany, and has a pleasant family about him.
BENJAMIN CABLE, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born April 14, 1817, in Pike Township, Stark County. Ohio. His parents, Jonathan and Elizabeth (Crise) Cable, came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1811 and settled at Carlton, near Yellow Creek. He kept a tavern during the war of 181G; moved to Sparta, Pike Township, Stark County, in 1813, and there died. Jonathan Cable was twice married. By his first wife, Barbara Specht, he had three children, all deceased. By his second marriage, there were seven children, six of whom survive, viz.: Barbara (wife of the late Dr. B. S. Belknap), Samuel, Benjamin, David, Mrs. Elizabeth Hawser. of Richland County, Ill., and Silas. Benjamin was married, March 22, 1842, to Susan, daughter of Jacob Welty, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1817. His family consisted of seven children, three of whom. Nancy, Susan and Samuel Welty, survive. The family of Benjamin Cable consists of six children-Elnora C., John W. (married to Mary W., daughter of Stephen A. Martin, resides in Maryland and has two children-John Welty and Alice B.), Alice E. (wife of Jacob Mickley, has five children-Edith C., Dwight S., Nellie M., Benjamin C. and Welty J), Hiram (married to Cora, daughter of Washington Guest) and Welty B. (at home). Benjamin Cable came to Sandy Township from Stark County in 1842. He owns a beautiful farm in the Tuscarawas Valley, well improved and adorned with new and commodious buildings. He is one of the most substantial farmers of Sandy Township.
ALFRED DAVIS, merchant and .farmer, Mineral City, was born in Harrison County January 2, 1824, and is a son of William and Maria (Kail) Davis, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Steubenville, Ohio, and afterward settled at Romley. William Davis had four children-Alfred, Jane, George (who died young), and Martha, wife of Edward Stewart, and mother of six children. Mrs. Maria Davis, twelve years after the decease of her husband, married Joseph Saltzgiver, and died, leaving four children by this marriage. Alfred Davis, the subject of this notice, resided with his grandparents till ten years of age, his father having died when Alfred was three years old; then
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went from Harrison to Carroll County and remained five years. He then removed to Sandy Township and has been here since. He followed millwrighting until his marriage, May 6,1846, to Deborah, daughter of Nathan McGrew, of Fairfield Township; then began farming. Of his eight children, six are living. viz.: William L., Anson A., Annie E., Martha E., Mary M. and Nevada V. Mr. Davis owns 130 acres of land near Mineral City and resides here. He was one of the founders of Mineral City, and has probably contributed more to its welfare than any other man. He has been engaged in mercantile life during most of the time in the past twenty-one years, and in 1882 went into partnership with his son. William L., and his son-in-law, W. F. Walter. They are also the proprietors of an extensive furniture factory and planing mill at Mineral City. Mr. Davis owns a great amount of property in this village. He has filled most of the township offices; is influential and commands the respect of his wide acquaintance.
A. A. DAVIS. physician and surgeon at Mineral City, was born \larch 10. 1852, in Sandy Township. He is a son of Alfred and Deborah Davis, of Mineral City. Dr. Davis commenced the study of medicine in 1876, with Drs. Seldon & Brashear, of Dover, Ohio. He attended lectures at the Medical Department of Wooster University, Cleveland, Ohio, and commenced practice at 'Mineral City in the spring of 1879. He is a member of the Tuscarawas County Medical Society, and was, in 1882, elected one of the Censors and Committee on Ethics, an unusual occurrence for a member so young. He was also a delegate to the State Medical Society at Cleveland June 5, 1883. Also, on March 15, 1882, he received a degree of medicine from the Western Reserve Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Davis is the leading physician of :Mineral City; he is also engaged in the drug business and has charge of the post office for his father. The Doctor was united in marriage November 22, 1881, with Mary A., daughter of Gotlieb Broat.
ANDREW W. DAVIS; dentist, Mineral City. was born in Carroll County. Ohio, May 14, 1857, and is a son of Joshua and Angeline (McQueen) Davis. Joshua Davis was a son of Joshua and Isabel (Logan) Davis, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ireland. They settled in Carroll County in 1823 or 1824. They had lived on the frontier many years, and the father of Joshua Davis, Jr., was once pursued by Indians, and only escaped their by leaping over a high precipice. Joshua Davis, Jr., was a dentist, and his family consisted of nine children, viz., Samuel A. (of Carroll County), Barbara I. (wife of William Robe, of this township), Mary M. (wife of William Andrew, of Carroll County), Emma C. (wife of A. F. Stoneman, of this county). Samantha R., Nancy F. wife of J. Hevlin, of Dover. Ohio), Louisa A., Malinda and Andrew W., the subject of this sketch. The latter was married Jane 24, 1882, to Nannie J., daughter of James Cross, a native of Virginia. They have one child. Mr. Davis was educated in Harrison County. He commenced the study of dentistry in 1879, and is now engaged in the practice at Mineral City. In politics, he is Republican.
ALLEN D. DAVY, undertaker, Mineral City, was born October 25, 1826, in Carroll County. son of William and Phebe (Gorden) Davy. William Davywas born in Maryland in 1798, and emigrated with his father's family, about 1813. to Warren Township, and settled on One Leg Creek. William is deceased; he was one of eleven children, four of whom -Ezra, Henry. Emanuel and Edward yet survive. William Davy was twice married, first to Phebe Gorden, by whom he had nine children, five of whom-John D., James. Rachel (now Mrs. William May), Ruth (now Mrs. John Newhouse) and Allen D. are still living. By his second wife, Mrs. Ann Eliza Shackliss, William Davy had five children, three of whom survive-Solon. William and Matilda
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(now Mrs. Daniel Wise). Allen D. was married November 11, 1852, to Catherine, daughter of John Black, who was a prominent -business man of this county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Allen D. Davy are six in number. Five survive, viz., Milan T., John W., Robert V., J. P I. and Maggie M. Three of the children are married Mr. Davy followed farming until 1872, when he came to Mineral City. In his early life, he taught school. He is Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is at present Trustee of the township. Mr. Davy has witnessed the development of the township, and is one of the substantial citizens of today.
G. W. DEVORE, farmer and teacher, P. O. Zoar Station, one of the intelligent young men of the township, was born July 23, 1859, only single son of Samuel and Sarah Devore. He is a good Christian, and a smart, intelligent young man. far beyond his years; one of the best writers of his age in the county: contributor to the I. V. Reporter and T. T. Advocate, etc., and Corresponding Secretary of the Home Missionary Society. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Devore are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living-Clara E, born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, July 3, 1864, died September 2, 1881), Mary A. (born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1846, married to S. J. Knepp September 21, 1865, and mother of two sons-Milo and Ora; they reside near North Liberty, Ind.), B. F. (born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, July 17, 1847, married to R. A. Putt, April 22, 1875; have one boy, Freeman Loyd). Lucinda L. (born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. April 17, 1849, married to Joseph Strome in 1866; they have three boys and one girl-William, Callie, Nora and Arthur), Thankful A. (born in 1851, married to Joseph Nisler September 11, 1870; has one girl-Ellen Ora), J. N. (born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1853, married to Emma Seneff in November 1882), Samuel (born in Harrison County in 1822, married in 1845 to Sarah Rhodes, daughter of George Rhodes).
FRANK DIERINGER, farmer, P. O. Mineral Point, was born in Sandy Township March 10, 1854, and is a son of Mathias. and Catherine (Stroble) Dieringer, who emigrated from Germany in 1847, and settled in this township. Mathias Dieringer's children are Andrew S., Gervasius, John, Franziska, Frank. Jacob and Theodore. He owns 105 acres of land near Mineral City, and his youngest son. Theodore, born March 28, 1860, assists in its management. Frank Dieringer was married, May 30, 1878, to Regina, daughter of Daniel and Barbara Striebel. Mr. and Mrs. Dieringer have three children Emma Barbara. John Franklin and Charles Edward. They have charge of the old homestead of Daniel Striebel, where they reside.
SAMUEL C. DIVER, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born in Gnadenhutten, this county. October 1, 1827, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah C. (Walton) Diver, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Pennsylvania. His maternal grandfather emigrated to near Gnadenbutten in 1802, and of his eight children, Mrs. Sarah C. Diver is the only survivor. Samuel Diver settled in Portage County in 1798, and here his brother was shot blind by the Indians. Samuel was a physician, and had charge of the ferry at Gnadenhutten. when he died in 1832. He had three children--Almyra, who married Hiram Christie, and left one child, Diver Christie; Rejacea, now Mrs. B. Price, of Hardin County, and Samuel C. His mother was married, the second time, to Josiah Price. Samuel C. Diver was married, June 6, 1848, to Pbcebe, daughter of John Farber. Their family consists of three children - Elden L.. married to Irene, daughter of Samuel Flickinger; Clara C., married to B. F. Rice. and Cecelia, who died in infancy. Mr. Diver resides in the northeast part of Sandy Township, where he owns a farm of 145 acres. He is a man of strong constitution, and in 1840 commenced to carry the mail
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on horseback from Now Garden, Columbiana County, to Millersburg, Holmes County. Four days were required to make the trip, and he often rode ten miles after dark. This occupation was a perilous one in those early times. Samuel C. was once stopped by two strangers, who seized the mail bag, which they knew contained money, but the courageous mail boy broke away, and saved his charge. Again in crossing a bridge over Sugar Creek. during high waters. the horse went through, the planks having washed away. Samuel saved himself by grasping a string piece, and his horse swam ashore, but there was a wet mail that day. At another time in fording Sandy stream, the horse got into deep water, and the mail boy received a bath. It grew intensely cold soon after, and he was almost frozen. He was once thrown from his steed, and lay insensible on the frozen earth a long time before regaining consciousness. All this happened while Mr. Driver was carrying the United States mail, in his thirteenth year. He has also seen many hardships since those eventful days.
JOHN EAKIN. farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born October 16, 1802, and is a son of James and Nancy (Jackson) Eakin. natives of Pennsylvania, Mrs. James Eakin was a cousin of President Andrew Jackson. There were but two families in Sandy Township when the Eakins arrived from Pennsylvania.1 Godfrey Huff's and Philip Farber's. James Eakin moved his family on horse back, for there were no roads, only an Indian trail. They settled in the midst of the forest and there built a cabin. Mr. Eakin returned once to Pennsylvania for flour. and the first night after his departure the wolves gathered in such numbers about the lonely cabin that the inmates kept afire burning all night. and drove off the animals with burning brands. For seven years the family killed neither beef nor pork, but wild game was plenteous. James Eakin, from September till Christmas, one year, killed 82 deer. He was a skilled hunter. and once shot three bears without moving a rod, killing each at the first. shot. The first schoolhouse was without floor or windows, and the boys sat on logs in school, and stood on the ground to recite. James Eakin was one of the first Trustees of the township, and Assessor. He had nine children, three of whom yet survive-Benjamin A., Mrs. Teresa Nancy Young, of Cadiz. and John, our subject, who, at the age of eighty-one, is still a hale and hearty old gentleman. He has never used tobacco or whisky. He has been thrice married: first, to Mary, daughter of John Exline. His second wife was Mrs. (Hartline) Pfersick. His present spouse is Lucinda. daughter of Nathan Cape. Though he has no chidren of his own, he cares for the two children of his second wife, by her first marriage, Matilda and Emma Pfersick, as he would his own. Mr. Eakin was elected Constable and Assessor for a series of years, and has also been Overseer of the Poor and Justice of the Peace for two terms. He has a large farm near Sandyville, and is one of the leading, most respected citizens of the township. In politics. he is Republican.
EMANUEL EXLINE, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born in Bedford County, Penn., May 29, 1816. His father came to Ohio in the spring of 1837, acid tarried for a time at Sandyville. He then proceeded to near Upper Sandusky, and remained till autumn, when the scarcity of food induced him to return to Sandyville. In 1845, he removed to Van Wert County, and there died. Of his six children, four survive--Margaret, widow of George Speaker, of Stark County; Mahala, widow of Henry Shell, of Russell County, Kan.: George A., of the same. county; and Emanuel, our subject. Emanuel was married, October 23, 1839, to Rebecca, daughter of Jesse Wright, a miller by tirade, who came to Ohio in 1837, settled near Rockford, and died in 1841. Mr. Exline's children are four in number-James Williain, a physician in Dover. Martha J., Martin Lnther and a deceased infant. Martha J., widow
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of George Van Lehn, lives with her father. She has one son-Leroy. George Van Lehn was a soldier in the late war, and there contracted an illness, from the effects of which he never recovered. Mr. Exline is a Republican and a Lutheran. He owns a fine farm near Sandyville, on which he now resides. He has witnessed the rise and progress of his township from a wilderness, and in business has been successful.
JAMES D. FARBER, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born November 4, 1848, son of John J. and Elizabeth Farber, who died leaving seven children, six of whom survive, viz., James D., Mary (married to E. Hensel), William F., Benjamin M., Caroline and Emma. By a second marriage, to Rebecca Luper, daughter of an old pioneer of Sandy Township, John J. Farber had two children-Etta and Kate Orelia. James D. Farber was married, September 1, 1874, to Melissa Sweaney, daughter of William and Sarah (Beghtel) Sweaney. The fruits of this marriage are four children-John W., William, Emanuel and Ira M. Mr. Farber and family reside on the old homestead of William Sweaney, whose widow, Mrs. Sarah Sweaney, is living with them. William Sweaney, prior to his death, divided his estate among his children, and this portion of it fell to his daughter, Mrs. Farber.
PHILIP C. FURNEY, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born October 24, 1833, in Bedford County, Penn. His grandparents settled in Sandy Township at an early day, and his grandfather died here at the age of ninety-two years. They had ten children, of whom Mary and Adam survive. David, the father of our subject, was born in 1811. He had but two children-Philip C. and Catherine, now Mrs. A. J. Crullins, of Fairfield Township, who has three children living. David Furney came to Ohio in 1836; was a Trustee of Sandy Township for three years. He began life with nothing, and has been successful. A shoe-maker by trade, he has engaged chiefly in' farming. In 1850, be made an overland trip to California, and endured great privations on the way. He walked from Bowman's Ferry, on the Missouri, to Ringgold, Cal., and was reduced to the extremity of eating grasshoppers and even mule meat. Across the Great American Desert, they fed the mules on prepared hay, moistened with water. One of the mules gave out when within fifty miles of Ringgold, and David Furney drew its burden forty miles, then fell exhausted. He was left to die by his companions, but regaining strength pressed on. He bound his swollen feet with his wool hat cut into strips, and after intense suffering reached his destination. Remaining in California three and a half years, he came home on a visit; returned to California by water; was shipwrecked, and came very near losing his life. There he staid three and a half years longer, and then returned to his home in Muskingum County, Ohio, and afterward removed to Sandy Township. He died September 12, 1883, aged seventy-three years. He was one of the first to obey his country's call in 1861, and served three years, returning in ill health.
MARSHALL C. GRAHAM, merchant, Mineral City, was born March 15, 1856, and is a son of William and Melissa (Miller) Graham, natives of Ohio. Marshall C. was united in marriage, on the 25th day of June, 1877, with Miss Matilda Fischley, daughter o€ Frederick Fischley, a native of Germany. Their family consists of two children-Edith M. and Florence L. Mr. Graham is engaged in the dry goods trade at Mineral City, a member of the firm Black & Graham Brothers, They are enterprising merchants, and keep a general line of goods, taking in exchange produce of all kinds. Their store room is located near the depot of the C. & P. road.
C. EDWARD HOLDEN, proprietor of the extensive fire-brick works at Mineral City, was born July 23, 1829, at New Haven, Conn. He is a son of Austin Holden, and grandson of William Holden, of Weathersfield, Mass.,
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whose father was one of five brothers who came to America from England prior to the Declaration of Independence, and most of whom were in active service during the Revolutionary war. The family name is traceable back to the eighth century, in the Holdens or Halfdanes of Northumberland or Cumber land, one of the descendants, Sir Isaac Holden, being at this date (1583). a member of the British Parliament, a resident of Oakworth House, Reighley. whose coat of arms bears the motto-Extant Recte Factis Premia. C. Ed wards Holden, our subject., passed his early life in the schools of Tompkins and Broome Counties, N. Y., and finished his education at Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y. He wits engaged in printing and publishing for several years, and then embarked in mercantile pursuits. He established a real estate, money and stock brokerage office in New York City, about 1859, and in 1863 established an extensive coal business, doing a large and prosperous trade. He made investments in 1865, at Mineral Point, and there discovered valuable deposits of superior fire-clay. He re-opened the abandoned coal mines, au and in 1812 erected the extensive Fire Brick Works. which now constitute one of the leading manufacturing industries of the county. He was largely instrumental in securing the location of the Valley Railway at Mineral City and promoting its rapid development. In 1880, he erected one of the finest mercantile buildings in the county. Mr. Holden has platted extensive additions to Mineral City; has established it library and given liberal encouragement to all industrial pursuits.
JOHN KNOTTS, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born in Stark County in 1813, and is a son of William and Hannah (Vanmeter) Knotts, the former . native of Delaware, the latter of Westmoreland County, Penn. William Knotts settled in Ohio, near the site of Steubenville, in 1800, and died at his son's residence in Carroll County. Of his eleven children, three survive - John, William and Rebecca. John was married, June 5, 1832. to Margaret daughter of Walting Miller, who had eight children, of whom are now living Mrs. Lydia Cameron; Mary, now Mrs. James Evans; Catherine, note Mrs John Croat; Charlotte, now Mrs. D. Walls; and John 'tiller, of Marshal: County, Ind. To John and Margaret Knotts were born ten children. of whom four are living-Jane, Rachel, Diana and Mary M. Mr. Knotts has been successful in life, and owns a fine farm of 400 acres, where he is living in u the enjoyment and comfort of old age.
JOHN LAUGHLIN, farmer, P. O. Mineral Point, was born October 30, 1815, and is a son of John and Nancy (Burns) Laughlin, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Dublin, Ireland. Of their seven children but two are living-Matthew and John, the subject of this sketch, who was mar ried, in December, 1841, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Phifer. Alr Laughlin died in 1847, leaving three children-Laura A., Dorlesky and Julius. Mr. Laughlin was again married to Mrs. Mary (Furney) Shriner, a widow with three children-Adam, Elizabeth and Martin L. Shriner. Mr. Laughlin bad by this marriage two children-- John W. and Mary M. Mr. Laughlin began life for himself with none of this world's goods, but by his industry and good judgment has acquired a fine farm of 488 acres. He is and has been for several years Trustee of the township; is a member of the New Philadelphia Masonic Lodge.
GEORGE LECHNER, farmer, P. O. Mineral Point, was born in Pennsylvania November 30, 1820. and is one of the three sons of John M. and Elizabeth (Rider) Lechner, his brothers being Jeremiah and Joseph. They came to Stark County, Ohio, in the winter of 1827-28. John M Lechner died here, and his wife died at the residence of her son Joseph in Indiana. George Lechner was married, in March, 1844, to Matilda, daughter of Ma-
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thias Firestone, who had a family of ten children. The children of George and Matilda Lechner were six in number, viz.: Catherine E., wife of Philip C. Furney; Charity, who was Mrs. Cunningham, and died July 5, 1873, leaving two children, Anna L. and Alice M.; Joseph M., married to Flora, daughter of Adam Stansbury; Osee A., wife of Emanuel Sweaney Oliver P., married Isabell, daughter of Michael Frantz, September 6. 1883, and Matilda J. Mr. Lechner has been Township Trustee twelve years, resigning at the expiration of that time. He is a Republican; began life without means, and has amassed a handsome property of 300 acres, well stocked and improved.
THOMAS C. LUPER, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born June 16, 1830 on the spot where he now lives, and is a son of Henry and Hannah (Vanmeter) Luper, the former a native of Crawford County, Penn. The latter is a daughter of Morgan Vanmeter, a native of Carolina. Mrs. Luper's grandfather., John, came from Germany to America about the year 1788. Our subject's father moved to Ohio in 1817. He was a blacksmith by trade. He was first married, in 1819, to Mary Smith, by whom he had four daughters, viz. : Catharine, wife of J. Norman; Margaret, wife of David Trieble; Susan, died in infancy, and Mary, wife of M. Milor. Mr. Luper, on the death of his first wife, married, in 1824, Hannah Vanmeter, and by this union there were three children-Rebecca, now widow of the late J. J. Forber; John, deceased, and our subject. Two children were also adopted, one of whom was a waif girl found in the barn, and who was proved, after her death, to be of noble parentage. Our subject was married, March 17, 1853, to Nancy, daughter of Jacob and Susan Miller, of Stark County. Their family numbered ten, of whom seven are living, viz.: Susan M., John W., James C., Cora B., Emma J., Ada Hate and Bertha B. Mr. Luper has served as Assessor of this township. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, our subject is a Republican.
REZIN W. MYERS, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born in this State October 31, 1812, son of George and Susan Myers, who at a very early day emigrated from Pennsylvania and settled on Croxton's Run, near Steubenville, where they died. They had twelve children, and of this large family Rezin W. is the sole survivor. Two of the older boys served in the war of 1812. Rezin W. Myers was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Lewis Runyan, a native of New Jersey. They were married, June 27, 1833, and their six children, Sarah Ann, Lucinda A., Caroline, Lorin, Jennie and Minerva are all living. He was married, the second time, in 1861, to Bertha, daughter of J. C. Moore. She is the only survivor of eight children. She is a lady of intelligence and judgment. By this second marriage, our subject has one son--Rezin Myers, Jr. Mr. Myers possesses a hardy constitution; is of strong physique, and has advanced with the times. He owns an excellent farm of 370 acres near the Sandyville depot, well stocked, and adorned with the handsomest brick residence in the township. He has been Trustee of the township; is a member of the Disciple Church and of the Democrat party.
D. K. NIXON, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania in 1810. When a lad of five summers, he came to Sandy Township with his mother, Mary Anna (Lewis) Nixon. Our subject had three sisters, only one of whom is living -Mary Anna Perdue, of Newcastle, Penn. D. K. Nixon was married, October 3. 1833, to Lizzie A. Exline, daughter of Bernard and Julia A. (Beltz) Exline. Bernard Exline settled in Coshocton County in 1826, and there remained until death. His children were six in number, of whom three survive, Valentine, of Van Wert County; Solomon, of Hancock, Md. ; and Mrs. Nixon, widow of D. K. Nixon. The six children of Mr. and Mrs. D. K.
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Nixon are George, Orintha, William L. and Amanda, twins, Almon C. and Julia A. William L., is married to Dora E. Mahan, and lives in Abilene. Kan.; Amanda, died in 1875; Julia A. is married to Calvin G. Hawk, and lives in Abilene, Kan.; Almon C., who has charge of the home farm, and with whom his mother and his sister Orintha reside, was born March 7, 1848. He was married, December 3, 1873, to Rachel, daughter of John and Margaret (Miller) Knotts, early settlers of Stark County. The family of Almon C. and Rachel Nixon consists of William E., born January, 1874; Ralph K., born June 9, 1876; John K., born July 7, 1878; and Anna, born February, 1881. Mr. Nixon is a Mason, and has a pleasant, intelligent, family.
GEORGE NIXON, nurseryman and farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born in Sandyville February 25, 1836, and is a son of D. K. and Lizzie (Exline) Nixon. He received his education at Sandyville, Hagerstown Academy and Mount Vernon, all of Ohio. On the 5th of June, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of Canton, Ohio, under Capt. James Wallace, serving for three years. He was engaged at Rich Mountain, at Romney. Blues Gap, and at the first battle of Winchester. Part of his term of enlistment. he served on post duty near Washington, D. C. He was married, October 26, 1865, to Margaret, daughter of Joseph Painter, of Stark County. Of his seven children, six are living--Daniel K., Jessie L., Genevera G., Annie W., Harold A. and Donald. Mr. Nixon has an excellent nursery near Sandyville, filled with all kinds of shade and fruit trees. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is a member of Caldwell Lodge, No. 330, at Bolivar.
ROBERT RENDER, farmer and coal and fire clay miner, P. O. Mineral Point, was born in Sandy Township March 17, 1841, son of Francis and Elizabeth (Suttle) Render, natives of England. Francis Render was a fuller by trade, and in England lost a thumb in a picking machine. He emigrated to America and on the voyage two of his sisters died Robert was married. September 6, 1861, to Mary J., daughter of Henry Sparks. They have had ten children, seven of whom are living-Sarah, Margaret A., Cora B (died September 20, 1867), Alice A., Lillie M., Simon W., Mary E. (died February 8, 1879), Amanda E,, Rebecca (died in 1871) and Robert C. Margaret A. was married March 9, 1883, to Theophilus Gordon, and has one child-Clara I. Mr. Render resides on his farm of 120 acres near Mineral Point. On his land is found an abundance of coal and fire clay. which he is continuously mining and shipping. In politics, he is Republican.
HUGH RUSSELL, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born December 17, 1809, in Wanesboro, Penn., and is a son of Hugh, Sr., and Nancy (Webb) Russell, who moved to Ohio in May 1815, and settled in Stark County, afterward moving to North Industry. From there they came to Sandy Township in the fall of 1817. There our subject's father and mother died. Their family numbered four children, of whom three are living, viz. -. Pointon, John and Hugh. The subject of our sketch was married three times. The first union was with Catharine, a daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah Shafer. natives of Pennsylvania. She died leaving four children, two of whom are living - William H. and Nathaniel. His second marriage was with Hannah Sowders, and by this union there were eight children, two of whom are living-Margret N. and Harriet B. His second wife dying, Mr. Russell married, May 23, 1871, Sarah J. McMurray, of Bolivar. By this union there was one child- Cora W. H. Russell was married to Frances J. Frelich. and their children are Samuel H., Nathaniel, Catharine, Martin O., Elizabeth, Hugh F. and Effie. Nathaniel has charge of his father's farm. He was married to Maria A. Stansbury. They have three children-William S.. Hugh G and Mary L. Harriet B. keeps house for her father. Our subject has been Township Trust-
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ee. Township Clerk and Treasurer for several years. His brother, William Russell, who died in 1819, was the first one buried in Sandyville Cemetery.
JOHN SATTLER, farmer. P. O. Mineral Point, is a son of John and Elizabeth (Brodt) Sattler. John Sattler, Sr., was born in Germany in 1808, son of Jacob and Rosena (Yeagey) Sattler. He came to America in 1831, landing at New York May 11, after a voyage of forty-two days. His wife's father, Jacob F. Brodt, emigrated from Germany in 1833, and settled near Sandyville, where he died. Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. John Sattler. Sr., three are living, viz., John, William and Charles E. John, the subject of this sketch, was married March 30, 1861, to Louisa, daughter of Joseph and Magdalena Liens. They have five children living, viz , Elizabeth, Jennie, Ida, Mary and Theodore. His brother William was married May 5, 1868, to Mary, daughter of Jacob bugler, deceased. They have three children Emma N., Maud E. and William F. Charles E., the other brother, was married in June, 1881, to Elizabeth Faltzley. They have one child-John Oscar. John, William and Charles all reside with their families on their father's homestead of 400 acres, which is excellent land and abounds in minerals. John Sattler. Sr., has in his possession a German Bible 156 years old, also a copy of Milton's "Paradise Lost" 169 years old, both leather bound with brass clasps, and of peculiar shape.
MARION D. SKEELS, of Mineral City, Ohio, is a son of Samuel and Matilda J. (True) Skeels, natives of Maryland, whose family consisted of twelve children, of whom the following survive, viz., Elizabeth, Henry C., Marion D., William O., Nancy J., Charles W., Mary E., Samuel E. and Ida. Marion D. was married, January 8, 1882, to Alice, daughter of Philip Black. They have one child-Curtis O. Mr. Skeels received a collegiate education; he is engaged in the practice of law, and is also Justice of the Peace. He is an active and safe dealer and enthusiastic in business. He is six feet in height, of strong physique, and has dark hair and eyes. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics affiliates with the Republican party.
DAVID SPEAKER, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born in 1802, son of David and Mary (Yeiser) Speaker, who died in Pennsylvania. David, our subject, was married July 1, 1828, to Jane Riehey. Of their eleven children eight are living, viz., Mary A., Eliza J., Sarah A., Matilda E., Harriet, Benjamin F., George W and Margaret E. Mr. Speaker in 1840 came from Pennsylvania to his present farm. After the death of his wife, he was again married, May 27, 1852, to Mrs. Abigail Weaver, widow of B. F. Weaver, and daughter of John and Elizabeth Farber, who were among the oldest and best pioneers of the township. By her first marriage to B. F. Weaver, Mrs. Speaker had four children, two of whom, Joshua and John D., are living. The marriage of David and Abigail Speaker was blessed with two children--David F. and Annie E. (wife of Noah Fry). Mr. Speaker has served his township as Trustee and School Director. He has been successful in life, and owns 260 acres in the Tuscarawas Valley, near Sandyville. David F., his son, born June 8, 1862, resides at home, and assists in the management of the farm. Mr. Speaker is an intelligent old gentlemen, with blue eyes and of ordinary size, and . has had no education save what he received in the primitive log schoolhouses, lighted through greased paper windows. John D. Weaver, son of Franklin and Abigail (Farber) Weaver, was born April 15, 1849, and was married, November 3, 1868, to Mary, daughter of Samuel Cable, of Stark County. Their children are Samuel E., Bertha A., Julia B., Beatrice and Liew.
LEWIS SUMMERS, farmer. P. O. Magnolia. was born April 22, 1823, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Judd) Summers, who settled in Stark
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County in 1826, and here died, the former in 1841. the latter in 1827. Of their seven children, five are living, viz., Daniel, John, Solomon, Ambrose, and Lewis, our subject, who was married March 8, 1849. to Elizabeth Weaver. born September 19, 1827. Her father, Jacob Weaver, settled near Oneida, Carroll County, in 1840, and five of his seven children are now living-Philip. Jacob, David, Henry and Elizabeth. Lewis and Elizabeth Summers have been blessed with ten children--Emeline (now Mrs. B. Hunt), Amanda (now Mrs. P. Seaman), Philip (who married Mary Dewal). John, Margaret (now Mrs. H. Stahl), Daniel, Elizabeth (now Mrs. Charles Kugler), Sarah H., Phebe and Benjamin. Mr. Summers has lived in Sandy Township thirty-two years. and owns a fine farm of 200 acres, with an abundance of coal, the reward of his own industry, for he commenced life with nothing. In politics, he is Democratic.
EMANUEL G. SWEANEY, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born February 1843, the eldest son of William and Sarah (Beghtel) Sweaney. William Sweaney was born July 7, 1823, son of John and Loesa (Gump) Sweaney, who were natives of Maryland, and emigrated to Ohio, settling near Sandyville, where they lived for many years, and died leaving seven children. William was married October 17, 1839, to Sarah, daughter of John and Mary Be htel. who had nine children, four of whom are living. The family of William and Sarah Sweaney consisted of seven children, five of whom are living -. viz. Emanuel G., William M., Sarah M. and Mary T., twins. and Amanda A.. wife of Jefferson Newhouse. Mary T. is the wife of F. Weaver. Emanuel G.. our subject. enlisted in 1864, for three years. or during the war, under Capt. Charles Harger. He participated in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain. and at Nashville. Tenn. He passed through the conflict without a wound. and received an honorable discharge in 1865, but like most of his comrades the constant exposure injured his health, and he suffers from an affection of the throat. He was married, May 5, 1870, to Oseeania, daughter of George and Matilda Lochner. They have but one child. Emmet Grant, born January 23, 1871. Mr. Sweaney is a Republican in politics. His father was successful in business, and left ample means for his children. Emanuel G. possesses a portion of the old homestead, in the beautiful Tuscarawas Valley, upon which he has erected a neat and commodious residence.
WILLIAM K. SWEANEY, farmer, P. O. Sandyville, was born December 18, 1844, and is a son of William and Sarah (Beghtel) Sweaney. He was mar ried, March 2, 1870. to Margaret Cable, daughter of Samuel Cable. Four children have been born to them, viz. : Olive, born September 3, 1870: Ervin S., born January 26. 1873: Clyde C.. born November 12. 1876, and Clementine A., born March 2, 1880. Mr. Sweaney also owns and occupies a portion of the rich inheritance received from his father, with its fine location, its substantial, modern buildings, and its high state of cultivation and beauty: his farm is a delightful country seat, supplied with all conveniences and natural advantages. In politics, Mr. Sweaney is Republican.
WESLEY M. TRACY, Mayor of Mineral City, was born September 10, 1841, son of Nelson and Lucinda (Welch) Tracy, natives of Ohio. The family of Nelson Tracy consisted of twelve children. Wesley M. Tracy, in the fall of 1861, enlisted in the Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in service eighteen months, receiving his discharge on account of a lingering disease. He was married, May 4, 1865, to Sarah, daughter of John Christ. Their family consists of three children-William E., Ada M. and Minnie A. Mr. Tracy was elected Justice of the Peace in 1868, and has served since. He is also clerk of the township, and Mayor of the village, and is a successful and leading citizen of Sandy Township. He owns a farm south of Mineral City whereon is an abundance of iron, fire-clay and coal, which he is now mining.
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E. VANKIRK, merchant, Mineral City, is the son of William and Lucinda (Wiley) Vankirk, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Washington County, Penn. The early part of William Vankirk's life was spent in Wayne County, Ohio. He now lives in Medina County. His children were Eben, the subject of this sketch; David H., of Topeka, Kan. ; Mattie E., of Canal Fulton, Stark County; and Sarah, of Denver, Colo. Eben was married, November 26, 1867, to Nancy E., daughter of John A. Ebey, who came to Ohio in an early day, and had in his family four children-John D., Mary C., Samuel and Nancy E. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Vankirk are Effie L., Talithia H., Orlando D. and John W. Mr. Vankirk has been engaged for nine years at Mineral City in general merchandising, and has an excellent trade. He has been Township Treasurer for three years, and himself and wife are members of tho Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of the leading, enterprising citizens of the growing village of Mineral City.
W. F. WALTER, farmer and proprietor planing mill, Mineral City, was born December 23, 1841, son of George and Elizabeth (Wilson) Walter. George Walter is a native of Germany, his wife of Ohio. They reared a family of nine children--Mary. Louisa, Harry, Frank, Anna, Ada, John, Henry, and W. F., the subject of this sketch, who was married, December 31, 1876, to Anna E., daughter of Alfred Davis. Mr. Walter is one of the founders of the Mineral City Planing Mill, and is also a proprietor in the furniture manufactory. He is an enterprising young business man of Mineral City.
JOSHUA WEAVER, farmer, P. O: Magnolia, was born May 2, 1840, son of R. F. and Abigail (Farber) Weaver, of whose four children two are living. Joshua and J. D. Mrs. Abigail Weaver is now the wife of David Speaker. Joshua Weaver was married, August 28, 1873, to Mary, daughter of William and Sarah Sweaney. Their children are William F. Sweaney and Milan Mr. Weaver has a fine farm of 147 acres. In one corner of it is the old family graveyard, walled in with cut stone three feet in height. John Farber and wife, the maternal grandparents of our subject, lie buried here. On the farm is an excellent coal mine, from which coal has been taken for fifteen years. Mr. Weaver is of average height. His farm possesses good, modern buildings.