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CHAPTER IV.
EDEN TOWNSHIP.
THE TOWNSHIP AS ORIGINALLY SETTLED-EARLY SETTLERS-REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE TOWNSHIP IN 1845-EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS SINCE 1845-BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THIS township when originally erected was a part of Leith, a township of Crawford County, and was created by the Commissioners of that county in March, 1838. It lies east of Crane Township, and between Sycamore on the north and Antrim in the south; the east being bounded by Crawford County. On the 2d day of June, 1845, the first Commissioners of this county, Stephen Fowler, William Griffith and Ethan Terry, ordered " That Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36 of the original surveyed township, of Range 14 east, No. 2 south, be attached to Township No. 2 south of Range 15 east, and the same be designated as Eden Township. " These boundaries continue to the present time. The township derived its name from the heavy growth of excellent timber, poplar, walnut and other varieties, and the fertility of its soil, which qualified it for the operations of husbandmen, and not, perhaps from the " fig leaf attire " of its original inhabitants, the red men. It contains thirty sections, about three-fourths of which are drained by Peter Run, Negro Run, and its tributary, Kiser Run, and a few others, all of which empty into the Sandusky River. The Southeast quarter is drained by Indian Spring Run and its tributaries, which in Antrim Township take the name of Broken Sword Creek.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The first white man who established himself in this township was, perhaps, Isaac Miller, a native of Rockingham County, Va., who, with his family of five to seven children, located on Section 29, near the present town of Nevada, in 1836. He was familiarly known as Congress Miller, and for Seven years leased laud of Jacob Young, a Wyandot Indian. In 1837, Mr. Miller was joined by George W. Leith, better known as Judge Leith, who settled on a quarter-section of Section No. 10, and John Horick on Quarter-section 27. Judge Leith was a man of considerable prominence in the early history of the county, having served as Justice of the Peace in Crawford County, and as Associate Judge of Wyandot County for a period of eight years. In 1839, John Welsh, Morgan Carter, Zaccheus Lea, Mr. Hill, Charles Caldwell, Samuel Snyder and a Mr. Cook were added to the list on Sections 34, 10, 10, 3, 34, 28 and 27 respectively. In 1840, 1841 and 1842 these were re-enforced by others who followed in rapid succession till quite a settlement was formed.
The taxable inhabitants of Eden Township in 1845, were as follows:
OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE
Adams, Demas, Sections 5, 15, 22 and 27, 375 acres; Akins, H. G. C., Section 34, 80 acres; Bartoon, John L., Section 15, 62 acres; Cook, Joshua,
812 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY
Section 27, 54 acres; Culver, Ebenezer, Section 10, 63 acres; Garrett, George, Section 3, 66 acres; Howland, Augustus, Section 15, 80 acres; Horick, John, Section 27, 120 acres; Kiser, David, Section 10, 142 acres; Lemon, Joel, Section 3, 42 acres; Lauck, George, Sections 5, 15 and 22, 279 acres; Lea, Zaccheus, Section 10, 80 acres; Leith, George W., Section 10, 80 acres; McElvain, John, Sections 5, 3, 10 and 12, 281 acres; Mitten, Miles, Section 3, 80 acres ; Neeley, William, Section 27, 80 acres; Slocum, Ezra, Section 34, 132 acres; Stokely, Robert, Sections 3 and 22, 223 acres; Smith, William Section 15, 80 acres; Smith, Daniel, Sections 5, 27 and 34, 303 acres.
OWNERS OF PERSONAL ESTATE.
Charles Caldwell, Joshua Cook, Levi Bunn, William Hartman, John Horick, David Kiser, George W. Leith, Zaccheus P. Lea, Isaac Miller, Lair Miller, Miles Mitten, James B. Robinson, Samuel Snyder, John Welch, Jr., James Welch, John Welch, Sr., Jacob Weeks, William Welch.
The first road regularly laid out in the township extended through Sections 34 and 27, and was opened in 1839, though prior to this the Indian trails and "blazed tracks" were, no doubt, quite numerous and considerably used. The Oceola road from Indian Run to Rock Run was opened by the Wyandot Indians, under the supervision of Isaac Miller, who at this date resides in Antrim Township. Some of these earlier roads or " trails " led to the Indian resorts, one of which was the locality of the Springs, which were supposed to be medicinal in their qualities, located in Section 22, and two others on the farms now owned by Henry and Samuel Aten on the Oceola State Road. On the farm now owned by Tilman Balliet, an Indian burying ground is located, and here from the healing fountains, they repaired to chant the death songs over their stricken dead. Orchards were planted, and among these, as well as in other places, they have left their records in the implements of war and the chase, stone hatchets, spear heads and arrow heads, and besides these the crude domestic utensils, such as the mortar and pestle by which they ground the corn, that served to make their bread or thicken their skunk and 'possum broth. For the greater part of their supplies the earlier settlers of this township, as well as of other townships went to Sandusky City and Fremont, and up to date Eden Town. ship cannot claim the honors of a grist mill. In 1849, the first saw mill was erected by Crawford & Lance, and seven mills are now in operation in the township-one owned by Samuel Bever at Nevada; one by Turney & Yohe, Edenville; one by Joseph Paulin, Little York; a fourth by John Kreechbaum on Section 6; a fifth by James Spangler, Eden Center; another by Martien Brothers, Section 25. and the seventh by Conger & Co., at the Fish Pond, Section 15. The mercantile interests of Eden were somewhat thwarted by the establishment of a store in the; village of Wyandot in an early day, and later by the sudden appearance and growth of Nevada (which, however, is partially Situated in this township), after the construction of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. There are at pres. ent, however, two stores in the township outside of the villages, one situated on Section 20, conducted by Conrad Haas; the other on Section 17, conducted by Daniel T. Warner. The first store was kept by William Jobs on Section 9. The first dwelling log cabin, 14x18, by Congress Miller.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first schoolhouse erected in Eden Township was constructed of logs and very small in dimension. Nancy Steele was the first to wield the peda-
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gogic wand, she being succeeded by Mary Chambers, Isaac Stinebaugh, William Jobs and others. The first school building was built on Section 10, the land being owned by Zaccheus P. Lea, and as the forests were cleared away and the inhabitants increased in number, others followed, till there are now eight districts established and provided with good school buildings. They are located on the following sections respectively: Sections 4, 7, 8, 22, 24, 27, 32 and 39. The schools of Eden Township are conducted as well, perhaps, as those in other townships in the county, yet there is still much room for improvement in this direction, and, as regards attendance, the field for improvement is equally ample. Since the organization of the first crude classes, under the instruction of Nancy Steele, at $6 per month, wages have increased, till the prices range from $35 to $45 per month. The school rooms are provided with books, charts, and most of the modern conveniences, and with these should come the best of educational results.
RELIGIOUS.
While the temporal and material interests of the people of Eden Township were being carefully guarded and developed, the spiritual and eternal were not forgotten. The first church building was erected on Section 3 by the combined forces of the Methodist, United Brethren and Congregational denominations in 1851.
Union Church.-At a meeting of the citizens of the township, held at the Case Schoolhouse, in District No. 2, January 14,1859, it was decided that a union church should be erected, and the site and size (30x4O feet) of the building were also agreed upon. John Paulin, Jacob Beery and Jacob Boroff were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions, the latter gentleman agree. ing to donate one acre of land on the southeast corner of the southeast quarter of Section 12 on which to locate the building. At this first meet. ing, M. B. Case was made President and A. Mackey, Secretary. A second meeting was hold February 25, 1859, at the Center School, in District No. 3, for the purpose of effecting an 'organization, in order to take the benefit of an act passed by the Ohio Legislature April 9, 1852, providing for the incorporation of religious societies. At this meeting, of which M. B. Case officiated as President and John Mackey, Jr., as Secretary, an organization was effected, the society being entitled the Union Church Association. Five Trustees were elected to take charge of a house to be built by said association, M. B. Case, Warner Osborn and Christian Kinsley for one year, and John Paulin and J. G. Hilderbrant for two years. Benjamin Morris, Warner Osborn and Benjamin Ulrich were appointed as building committee. Forty-seven persons became members of the organization, and on the 2d day of March, 1851), a report of said organization was filed and recorded in the religious records, page 10, by Henry J. Flack, Recorder of Wyandot County. The building was erected in the fall of 1859, by Warner Osborn, and dedicated January 1, 1860, by Rev. Day, who was then stationed at Upper Sandusky, in the ministry of the United Brethren Church. The house has been occupied since its founding by the following denominations: United Brethren, Protestant Methodist. Church of God, Evangelical, Christian Advent and German Baptist. The United Brethren and Methodist denominations are now the only sects using the church, the former society consisting of twenty-nine members, the latter thirty. The list of pastors who have been engaged in this field of labor is as follows: United Brethren-Revs. Faus, Long, Aultman, Jacoby, Hepler, Berry, Holden, Mathers, Hart, Bender, Moore, Downey, Paul, Lea, Easterbrook and Leonard. Of
814 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
the Protestant Methodist-Revs. Selby, Brown, Williams, Carnes, Yates, Clancy, Grimes, Gray and Sampson. Of the Evangelical-Revs. Rinehold, Baughman, Faus, Swartz, Wonders, Blazer and Pfeiffer. Of the Church of God-Ackerman, Coats, Shriner, McCormick, George, Bolton and Ensminger. Of the Christian Advent Church-Revs. King, Stetson, H. M. and E. M. McCulloch. Of the German Baptist-Rev. Billhardt. The present officers of the Union Church Association are Henry Brown, F. Kinley, W. H. Case, M. B. Case and J. W. Millington, Trustees; B. Morris, Treasurer; and A. Mackey, Secretary. There is a Sabbath school kept in operation the year round, which is bringing out good results, and is said to be one of the most successful of the county.
German Baptist Church. -Although the Union Church building was the first erected in the township, it must not be supposed there were no religious services being conducted within its limits prior to 1859. As early as l848, the German Baptista, of whom there were about fifteen members at the time, held a meeting at the house of Peter Ulrich, and many subsequent meetings were hold prior to the thorough organization of the society by Revs. Isaac Hartsough and Aldarfer-the latter having conducted the first meeting referred to above in 1850. In 1879, this society erected a comfortable brick building 31x4l. feet in dimensions, on a half-acre lot in the northeast quarter of Section 20, the structure costing $1, 100. Rev. Isaac Hartsough was installed as first pastor, which charge he retained four years; J. Billhardt was five years in the work; Michael Stats, eight years; Jesse Sellers, two years; Elias Wickerd, two years; Isaac Thomas, three years; Isaac Aukney, seven, years; Samuel Ulrich, two years; Jacob Heistand, One year. The society now enrolls sixty members. The present officers are Michael Ulrich, John Kaughman, M. Masters, Joseph Camrine and Isaiah Heistand.
OFFICIAL.
The following is a complete list of the officers who have served in the township since the organization of the county: Trustees. -1815, John Welch, Miles Mitten, Samuel Snider. 1846-John Welch, George W. Leith, John Caldwell. 1847-James Anderson, Oliver Beard, Peter C. Ulrich. 1848-James Anderson, Oliver Beard, Peter C. Ulrich. 1849-James S. Cummins, Peter 0. Ulrich, Thomas Heugher. 1850-James S. Cummins, Jacob Ulrich, James Anderson. 1851--Miles Mitten; James Anderson, Benjamin Marshall. 1852-James L. Armstrong, George Eyestone. 1853-Miron B. Case, James L. Armstrong. 1854-George Eyestone, Miron B. Case. 1855-James Anderson, David S. Wolf. 1856--John Welch, Peter C. Ulrich, Reuben Lowmaster. 1857-William Goodbread, Peter C. Ulrich. 1858-Jacob Weckler, L. W. Smith. 1859-Michael Lambright, Jacob Weckler. 1860-L. W. Smith, Michael Lambright. 1861-J. L. Armstrong, Reuben Lowmaster. 1862-Henry Spiker, J. L. Armstrong. 1863-Jacob Gilliland. Thomas Lanker. 1864-Jacob Gilliland, Thomas Lanker. 1865-Michael Lambright, Jacob Weckler. 1866-Michael Lambright, Jacob Weckler.
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1867-Reuben Lowmaster, Tilman Balliet. 1868-James Welch, Samuel Althouse.
1869-Peter Traxler, Harrison Baum.
1870-Jesse Edgington, Joseph Kauble.
1871-Jacob Miller, Jesse Edgington.
1872-J. L. Armstrong, Peter Traxler.
1873-Elijah Imler, Peter Traxler.
1874-S. M. Sigler, S. R. Bell.
1875-Jacob Weckler, S. R. Bell.
1876-Conrad Haas, Michael Lambright.
1877-Reuben Lowmaster, Conrad Haas.
1878-Samuel Bever, Reuben Lowmaster.
1879-Michael Lambright, Jesse Edgington, Isaac Hourfman.
1880-Jesse Edgington, Isaac Hourfman.
1881- Tilman Balliet, Conrad Haas, Isaac Rochenour.
1882-Thomas Lanker, Isaac Rochenour, Tilman Balliet.
1883-J. W. Sigler, J. F. Richardson, Thomas Lanker.
Clerks-1845-47, James B. Robinson; 1848, Jesse Edgington; 1840, John Welch; 1850-51, Jesse Edgington; 1852, David Swank; 1853; Harris Beemis; 1854, Jesse Edgington; 1855, David Swank; 1856, Jesse Edgington; 1857-58, John Maskley; 1859, Isaac Kaufman; 1860-62, E. F. Elliott; 1863-70, John Maskley; 1871, C. H. Canan; 1872-74, I. O. Osborn; 1875-77, C. 11. Canan; 1878-79, T. B. Armstrong; 1880-81, T. D. Lanker; 1882-83, J. N. Paulin. Treasurers-1845, John Harick; 1846-47, Jesse Edgington; 1848-54,
George W. Leith; 1855, Jacob Buroff; 1856, Daniel Whitmore; 1857-58, J. L. Armstrong; 1859-60, George W. Leith; 1861-69, David Balliet; 1870-75, Tilman Balliet; 1876-77, B. J. Ulrich; 1878-79, R. W. Pool; 1880-82, C. S. Swank; 1883, Samuel Althouse.
The following list of Justices of the Peace were recorded on the township books: 1847, William R. DeJean; 1850, 1853, 1856, James S. Cummins; 1859, William R. DeJean; 1862, Godfrey Blaser; 1867 and 1870, Jacob Gilliland; 1873, James S. Cummins; 1876. John A. Amlin and William B. Miller; 1878, John Bender; 1879, Israel Hart; 1880, B. J. Ulrich; 1881, T. D. Lanker.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHER.
SAMUEL ALTHOUSE is a native of Holmes County, Ohio, born May 12, 1838; son of Christian and Magdalene (Garber) Althouse, natives of Canton Berne, Switzerland, the former born in January, 1789; the latter in February, 1800. They emigrated to America about 1835, and located in Holmes County, Ohio, where they resided twelve years, removing to this county in 1847, purchasing 160 acres of land in this township, where they reared a family of nine children -Magdalene, Christian, John, Barbara, Elizabeth, Peter, Samuel, Mary Ann and Sophia. John, Barbara and all infant are deceased. The father died February 23, 1875; the mother is yet living. Mr. Althouse resided on the home farm till his marriage to Miss Sophia Kuenzli, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ramseier) Kuenzli, natives of Switzerland. Mrs. Althouse was born in Holmes County, Ohio. Her parents emigrated to the United States, and reared a family of twelve children-Samuel, Christian, Anna E., Gotlieb, Frederick, Rosanna, Fannie, Henry, Sophia, Caroline, Henrietta and John. The deceased are Gotlieb, Fannie and Henrietta. The father died in 1864; the mother in
816 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
1876. In February, 1867, Mr. Althouse purchased the " home farm," consisting of .160 acres, of his father, and on this he has since resided. He is the father of ten children--Edward G., Henry 0., Franklin U., Frederick E., Albert W., Ida M., Addella A., Lewis A., Nora A. and Bertha V. Henry 0. is deceased. Mr. Althouse now has 180 acres of land, valued at $80 per acre; and gives some attention to improved stock. He has served in several township offices, now Treasurer; he favors the Democratic party, and his wife holds a membership with the Evangelical Church.
GEORGE ARMSTRONG, son of John and Mary (McCay) Armstrong, was born in Clarion County, Penn., June 3, 1835. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and Dutch descent, and came to this county in 1844. They had eleven children-James J.; Isabel and Susan, both died in infancy; Thomas L., William W., George M., John M., Jeremiah G., Sam. uel W., Nancy and Rebecca R., the latter and Samuel W. deceased. The father died February 18, 1870, the mother September 9, 1883. George Armstrong resided with his parents till October 2, 1866, at which date he was married to Lucy Morris, daughter of John and Sarah (Lea) Foster, natives of Pennsylvania and of English and Dutch parentage. Mrs. Armstrong's death occurred January 26, 1876, and our subject was married Feb. ruary 24, 1880, to Miss Sara Ann Lea, native of this township, daughter of Thomas and Polly (Miller) Lea, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1835 and 1837; their births occurred in December 16, 1811, and September 18, 1822, respectively. They had ten children -Sarah A., Catharine A., Eliza J., Henry A., Isaac P., James D., Martha A., Adella P., Carolina E. and Lucretia L.; the latter died in infancy, Martha A. and Eliza J. died at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. Armstrong has been a farmer all his life; he has bought and sold several tracts of land, now owns 120 acres, valued at $75 to $90 per acre. He is 'a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which also each of their parents were adherents, his wife at present not being a member of any denomination. Mrs. Armstrong was educated in the common schools and began teaching in 1860, engaging in this profession principally till her marriage in 1880, in all seventeen terms.
SAMUEL ARMSTRONG, son of James and Nancy (Leman) Armstrong, was born in Armstrong County, Penn., April 29, 1819. His parents were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively, the father emigrating about 1775, and settled in Armstrong County, where he followed farming forty or fifty years. He married Nancy Leman, of Westmoreland County, and they were the parents of fourteen children-John, James, David, Andrew, Thomas, Lenon, Elizabeth, Daniel, Mary, Margaret, Samuel, Joseph, Robert and William. Daniel, Joseph, Margaret and Samuel are the only ones now living. The parents died in Armstrong County, Penn. Samuel, the subject of this notice, came to this county in 1847, and purchased eighty acres of land in Eden Township, where he has since resided. He was married Jan. uary 27, 1851, to Mary Jane Mosters, daughter of Joel and Martha (Dun. lap) Mosters, and a native of New Jersey They had eight childrenLucy, Warner E., Frank, Avilla, Martha, Thomas, Nellie B. and Dalba. The deceased are Lucy, Frank, Thomas and Dalba. Mrs. Armstrong's death occurred March, 1871, and her husband was married in June, 1872, to Julia Mosters, sister of first wife, and one child was born to them, Fonie, now nine years of age. His second wife died in May, 1874, and Mr. Armstrong was married September 19,1875, to Maria Van Gundy, daughter of Michael (Ford) Van Gundy, and a native of this county. Her
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parents were natives of Ross County, Ohio, and had three children-Theodore, Maria and Enoch, the latter deceased. The father died in 1848, and the mother in 1856. In politics, Mr. A. is a Democrat. His land is valued at $80 to $90 per acre. His first wife was a member Of the Methodist Epis copal Church; his second of the United Brethren Church, and himself and third wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
URIAH L. BACHTELL, son of Joseph and Anna M. (Moore) Bachtell, was born in Stark County, Ohio, August 3, 1837. His parents were natives of Frederick County, Md.; married November 5, 1829, and removed to this county in 1845, purchasing 100 acres, on which they reared a family of eight children- Susan, Samuel, Henry, Uriah L., Mary L., Sarah E., Adah and Emmet E. Henry is deceased, died August 2, 1836. The mother died February 9, 1872, aged sixty-one years; the father July 30, 1883, aged seventy-eight years. Our subject enlisted in Company 1, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, September, 1864, and served nine months in the late war, being discharged at Nashville, Tenn., June 17, 1865. He returned home in the fall of the same year, and purchased eighty acres of land, on which he still resides. He was married November 16, 1865, to Rachel Bowlby, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, daughter of Emanuel and Sarah (Stall) Bowlby, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in this county in 1852. Their family consisted of twelve children-Samantha, Rachel, Doctor W., Rester A., Lydia, Wellington, Nelson, Marshall, Alice M., William S. and James, all living but Marshall and an infant son. Mr. and Mrs. Uriah Bachtell are the parents of three children-Cyrus F., Thomas and Huldy. The first is deceased, his death occurring September 7, 1874. Mr. Bachtell has always been a farmer, and now owns 100 acres, valued at $80 per acre. In politics, he is a Republican.
LEONARD BALLIET was born in Northampton County, Penn., December 21, 1815, son of Stephen and Catharine (Zehner) Balliet, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Richland County, Ohio, in 1837, where he engaged in milling, and reared a family of eleven children-Benjamin, Joseph, Stephen, Henry, Leonard, David, Jonas, Nancy, Tilliena, Catharine and Mary. Benjamin, Joseph, Jonas, Nancy and Tilliena are deceased. The mother died in 1866, aged seventy-seven; the father in 1878, aged ninety-four. Mr. and Mrs. Balliet reared six children, viz., Catharine Ann, born June 9, 1839; Josiah, December 18, 1840; Amanda M., February 26, 1843; Stephen, July 5, 1844; Emanuel, April 12, 1846; Leonard Henry, April 5, 1854; Emanuel died October 9, 1867, aged twenty-one years five months and twenty-three days. Mr. Leonard Balliet engaged in blacksmithing several years, and powder making in his native county, where he was married, April 3, 1836, to Judy Happes, of Schuylkill County, Penn., daughter of Michael and Magdalene (Kistler) Happes, natives of same county. They had eleven children-John, Catharine, Salomi, Magdalene, Hester, Judy, David, Elizabeth, Joseph and Nathan (twins) and Michael. Four are deceased-Catharine, Salomi, Magdalene and Joseph. The mother died in 1821; the father in 1855. After his marriage, Mr. Balliet removed to Ashland County, Ohio, where he resided six years, after which time he removed to Richland County, where he resided a number of years, engaged in milling, moving to this county in 1865, and purchasing his present farm of 148 acres. He served two terms as Township Treasurer; is a member of the German Reformed Church, and votes for Democracy. Mrs. Balliet is a member of the German Lutheran Church.
818 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
J. ADAM BEER was born in France J June 6, 1840, son of Nicholas and Elnora (Wier) Beer, also natives of France, who came to America in 1845, and settled first in Crawford County, removing to this county in 1851, and purchasing land in Eden Township. They had six children-Catharine, Nicholas, J. Adam, Caroline, Henry and Peter A.-all deceased but Catharine (now Mrs. J. B. Armstrong) and J. Adam. The latter enlisted in Company H, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 28, 1862, and at once want into active service, participating in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Pine Knob and others. He was wounded in the hip by a shelf fragment at Pine Knob, but recovered, and engaged in the battle of Atlanta, and was with Sherman on his march through Georgia; was wounded again at Bentonville, N. C., March 19, 1865, and sent to the hospital; witnessed Sherman's grand review at Washington, where he was discharged June 18, 1865. He was, married, October 19, 1871, to Sarah A. Edgington, daughter of Jesse and Charlotte (Koons) Edgington, natives of Pennsylvania. They have four daughters: Elnora F., Charlotte, Blanche, Hettie and Susie. Mr. Beer has 132 acres, which he values at $90 to $100 per acre. He is a member of Masonic Lodge 343 at Nevada, and also of G. A. R. at the same place. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Republican in politics.
SAMUEL BEVER, proprietor of the Nevada Planing Mill and Lumber Yard, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, August 30, 1833. His parents were George and Sabina (Bretz) Bever, the former a native of Rockingham County, Va.. born March 22, 1800; the latter born in Pennsylvania. There were eleven children in the family, the only living at present being Melissa A., Samuel, Joseph, Adaline, Sarah A., Gideon and Amanda. The father died in Seneca County in 1869, the mother in 1874. Samuel Bever, our subject, resided with his parents on the farm, attending the district schools. January 11, 1860, he was married to Christina Miller, born in Wayne Coun. ty, Ohio, October 1, 1835, daughter of Daniel and Lovina (Stratton) Miller. By this marriage three children were born-Ross A., October 12, 1860; Earl R., May 15, 1863; and Sabina E., July 19, 1873. In 1867, Mr. Bever removed to Nevada, and established himself in the saw mill business, which he conducted four years. He next engaged in the walnut lumber trade one year, and erected his planing mill in 1872. He now does a flourishing business, manufacturing to order all kinds of doors, sash, store fronts, etc., usually employing six workmen. Mr. Bevor served one year as Trustee of Eden Township, and four years in the Council. He is a charter member of the Knights of Honor, and is 'Post Dictator. His father, George Bever, settled in Seneca County in 1824.
HENRY BROWN was born in Sycamore Township, January 4, 1830 - son of Abraham and Frances (Coon) Brown, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. They came to this county in an early day and reared a family of eleven children-Mary A., Luticia, Henry, Elizabeth, Sarah, John U., Susan, Hester A., William, Jacob and Catharine. Mary A., Luticia and Susan are deceased. Their mother died August 26, 1870; their father died January 26, 1880. Henry Brown lived with his parents till his marriage, May 6, 1852, to Nancy A. Swinehart, daughter of S. P. and Jane (Milligan) Swinehart, parents of nine children-Nancy A. and William (twins), John, Elizabeth, Hannah C., Sarah and Laura, Martha A. and Rebecca. Martha, William, John and Sarah are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have five children -Frances Jane, Sarah E., Elmer, Delbert and Ellis. Sarah E.
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died July 30, 1861. After his marriage Mr, Brown farmed five years, and since engaged in carpenter's work. Is now about to retire from active service. He owns 130 acres of land, valved at $75 per acre. He was a member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guard, and served in the " one-hundred day " call; is a member of the Grange, and himself, wife and son are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics, he is a Republican. Mr. Brown has a fine brick residence, and is one of the influential farmers of Eden Township.
MARTHA CALDWELL, widow of John Caldwell, deceased, was born in Barnett, near London, England, December 17, 1809. Her parents were James and Sarah (Hawks) Martin, natives of England, who emigrated to America in 1820, and after several removals settled near Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1822. Her father was a minister of the Church of Scotland, and engaged in his profession till his death, August 21, 1839. The family consisted of five children-Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, Caroline and Joseph. Elizabeth, Caroline and probably Joseph are deceased; the location of the latter not being known. Their mother died June 3, 1847. Mrs. Caldwell resided with her parents till her marriage to John Caldwell, December 15, 1829. He was born April 23, 1799, in Huntington County, Pennsylvania, son of Charles and Isabel Caldwell, who died in Mercer County, Penn. He engaged in turnpike building and dry goods business in Wayne County for several years, and was subsequently appointed to fill a vacancy in the Auditor's office, in Crawford County, being elected to the same office three successive terms. He was appointed Land Receiver by President Jackson, serving six years, and was Sheriff of the county two years. In 1846, he located in this township, purchasing eighty acres of land, and in July of the same year he organized a company of 100 men to join the Mexican Army; the company was rejected and disbanded at Cincinnati, and Mr. Caldwell was appointed Commissary, in which office he served till the close of the war, in 1848. In 1849 he went to California and was employed as mail carrier over the mountains, where it is supposed he was killed. He was a member of the F. & A. M., and in politics a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell were the parents of thirteen children-Sarah, Isabel, James, Charles, Martin Van B., Jane, Catharine, Andrew J., John, Knox D. and Elizabeth (twins), David T. and Fremont; of these, five survive-Sarah, Jane, Fremont, Charles and James. Three sons gave their lives to the service of their country, Andrew J. dying in Andersonville prison.
MYRON B. CASE is a native of this township, born February 22, 1850. His parents were Myron B. and Lucinda (Goodrich) Case, natives of Ohio and Connecticut respectively. His father settled in Trumbull County. he was married November 5, 1835, in Loraine. County, Ohio, and subsequently removed to Trumbull County where they resided twelve years, after which they came to this county, where they located permanently. Their children were Sarah, Augustus B., William H. H., James G., Joseph E., Francis O., Myron B., Anna M. and George G. Joseph was killed in the battle of second Bull Run, August 30, 1862, aged seventeen years; James G. died June 7, 1863, at home, aged twenty years; Augustus was killed in the battle at Resaca, May 15, 1864, aged twenty-seven years. The father died March 11, 1859; the mother is still living, residing with her son Myron. Our subject was married January 16, 18716, to May Bowers, daughter of J. S. and Mary (Mower) Bowers, whose parents were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively (see sketch). This marriage resulted in two children-Mabel, born April 16, 1879, and Beulah, born August 31,
820 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
1882. Mr. Case inherited an interest in his father's estate, upon which he now resides; he finished his education in the Normal School at Republic, Ohio, and engaged in teaching for nine successive winters. He is now Secretary of the Wyandot Mutual Relief Association; is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Case is a Republican.
BARNET COLE was born in Crawford County, Ohio, February 23, 1836. His parents were Barnet and Charity (Swisher) Cole, the former a native of Washington County, Penn. The children by his first marriage were John C., David, Eliza J. and Margaret. David is deceased. The mother died in 1833, and the father was again married in 1834, to Charity Swisher, a native of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. Ton children resulted from this marriage-Samuel S., Barnet, Isaac, Mary, Rebecca, Lovina, Sarah Jane, George W., Lucinda C. and James C. George W. and Rebecca are deceased. The mother died October, 1864; the father May 1, 1872. Barnet Cole, Jr., came to this county in 1861, and purchased forty acres of land, upon which he erected a saw mill, following this business ten years. He was married, December 31, 1863, to Rachel Brauns. daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Witz) Brauns, natives of Pennsylvania, and who reared a family of twelve children, five living-Sarah, Margaret, G e, Rachel and Henry. Their mother died in 1849; the father August 31, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have two children-George F. and Minnie M. Mr. Cole disposed of his mill in 1871, And purchased 120 acres of land, upon which he now resides; he owns in all 160 acres, valued at $80 per acre; he rears the best bloods of stock; is a Democrat; member of the IOOF., and, with his wife, of the United Brethren Church.
WILLIAM H. COLE was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 14, 1835. His parents were James and Eleanor (Moore) Cole, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, who were married in Crawford County, Ohio, May 5, 1832. Their children were as follows: Jemima, William H., Maria S., Mary A., Martha J., James J. and Daniel H. Jemima is deceased. The mother died April 12, 1881, and the father, March 19, 1882. William H. Cole, our subject, remained with his parents till May 1, 1859, at which date his marriage to Nancy J. Culver occurred; she was a native of Van Wert County, Ohio, and daughter of Cummings and Melkiah (Heath) Culver, natives of Champaign and Madison Counties respectively. They were married in Van Wert County, where they resided ten years, subsequently removing to Mercer County, and thence to this county; their children areNancy J., Franklin, John, Ozias, Mary E., William F., Asahel and Ebenezer, all living. The mother died May 31, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Cole were the parents of two children, eldest (son) deceased, an infant and Lottie Belle (still living) born April 9, 1866. They have reared one child-Ettie Osborn, whom they took at the age of five months, from the Seneca County Infirmary; she was born April 7, 1861. October 28, 1861, Mr. Cole en. listed in the war, joining Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of John C. Lee. He was engaged in many o the leading battles; was in the Atlanta campaign with Sherman in his march to the sea, and met with several hairbreadth escapes. He partici. pated in the " grand review " at Washington, and was discharged with honor at Cleveland, July 20,1865, having served nearly four years. His only wound was in the shoulder, the result of an exploded shell in the battle of Atlanta, Ga. He has since engaged in farming, and now resides on the old homestead purchased by his father in 1852.It consists of 105 acres, well.
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improved land, valued at $70 to $75 per acre. Mr. Cole is a member of the IOOF, and G. A. R., and in politics a Republican.
FREDERICK H. CHATLAIN is a native of Canton Berne, Switzerland, born October 18, 1847, to Samuel and Elizabeth (Loyman) Chatlain of the same nativity. His father died in Switzerland, and his mother emigrated to the United States in 1853 or 1854, and located in this county in 1861. Their children were Frederick H., Edward, Caroline and Adaline. Mrs. Chatlain was married in 1856, to John Letrick, of Holmes County, Ohio, and two children were born to them-John and Louisa. Mr. Chatlain enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Kemp and served nine mouths in the late war. He returned home in 1865, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits, being now located on the "home farm" having purchased the interests of the other heirs; he now owns 147 acres in one body, valued at $75 per acre, and house and lot in Edenville. He was married, January 23 ' 1873, to Emma Alban, a native of Eden Township, and daughter of John and Jeannette (Corr) Alban, natives of Richland and Stark Counties, respectively. They had five children-Emma, Charles, Rachel, George M. and William. Emma and the two latter are deceased. Mrs. Alban died An. gust 18, 1874, and Mr. Alban was married, April 23, 1875, to Mrs. Ella Watts, widow of Landon Watts, who died September 12, 1874. She bad two children.-Hillis and Landon, by her first husband, and five by the second, viz.: Charles, Lewis, Clarence, Myrtle and Nettie. Their mother was a daughter of Ranson and Drusilla (Armstrong) Carr, natives, of Armstrong County, Penn., and who had one child-Ella. The mother died October 12, 1840; the father January 16, 1875. Mr. Chatlain is a Repub. lican politically, and member of the 0. A. R., at Nevada.
HENRY C. CROSS, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, was born May 7, 1842. He is a son of John L. and Eliza (Boraff) Cross, natives of Virginia and now residents of Seneca County. Their children were Mary E., Newton, Henry C., Hamilton J., Franklin, Lewis, Eliza J. The deceased are Franklin, Eliza J. Henry C. Cross enlisted August 9, 1862, in Company H, One Hundred and First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Shriver and met his first engagement at Perryville, Ky., thence to Crabtree Orchard, Rolling Fork, Bowling Green, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Stevenson, Chickamauga, participating in the principal battles, and being discharged at Nashville, June 1, 1865. He purchased land in Missouri and spent five years in that State, returning in 1873, and locating on land in this county, where he still resides. Mr. Cross was married, December 31, 1867, to Mary R. Geary, daughter of Byron and Nancy A (Mathers) Geary, natives of Richland County, where they reared a family of six children-Newton L., Miranda, Drusilla, Franklin, Mary R. and Algie. Miranda, Drusilla and Algie are deceased. The mother died, and the father married a second wife, Susan A. Davis, their family consisting of eight childrenEdith, Elsworth, Elton, Emma, Dellis, Murdie, Eva and Gracie. Mr. and Mrs. Cross have four children-Charles S., Maud A., Myrtle A. and Floyd H. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and he is a Republican in politics.
JAMES S. CUMMINS, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania in 1816. He is a son of William and Amanda (Simpson) Cummins, with whom he came to Ohio in 1825, and located in Richland County. In 1847, he came to this county and located in what is now Eden Township, on a farm of 104 acres, purchased of the Government at $1.25 per acre, in 1846. This
822 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
land was covered by a heavy growth of timber, and upon it Mr. Cummins built a log cabin, which was without doors or windows for at least six months after its first occupancy, and in which he lived till about 1856. In the family there were five children, namely, Mary A., William, James A., Hulbert T. and George L. Mr. Cummins passed away while residing on the above farm July 13, 1876; his wife, Amanda, still surviving, and residing on the old homestead. He was an estimable citizen, and held in high esteem by the people of his community.
WILLIAM CUMMINGS (originally Cummins), son of James S. and Amanda (Hamilton) Cummins, was born in Richland County, Ohio, June 27, 1843. He resided at home till eighteen years of age, enlisting April 21, 1861, in Company G, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until discharged, August 9, 1861. He then re-enlisted September 13, 1861, in Company K, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, through the Atlanta campaign, battles of Franklin and Nashville. He was honorably discharged November 25, 1865, and returned home, where he engaged in farming about one year. In 1867, he purchased eighty acres of land in Eden Township, where be still resides, and which he has improved in various ways, having erected a fine barn in 1881. His land is now worth $90 per acre. He keeps good stock, and does a general farming business. Mr. Cummings was married, December 11, 1866, to Miss Mary Reynolds, who was born in Crawford County, August 17, 1847, daughter of Erastus and Martha (Martin) Reynolds, natives of York State, Cuyaga County. Her parents were married in Crawford County, Ohio, and reared three children, namely, Mary, Helen and Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Cummings have three children, namely, Zaidee, James and Flossie, all living. Mr. Cummings is a member of Nevada Lodge, No. 625, IOOF. and Knights of Honor, 277. He is a Democrat in politics, but cast his first vote for Lincoln. He is a substantial farmer, and well respected as a citizen.
JESSE EDGINGTON, a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, was born November 27, 1811. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Alban) Edgington, who were natives of Maryland, and were married in Jefferson County, where they resided until about 1815, when they removed to Richland County, and reared a family of ten children, viz., Margaret, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Johon, Jesse, George, Thomas, William and Daniel-all deceased but Elizabeth. Daniel and Jesse. The parents died in Richland County. Jesse Edgington was married, November 27, 1834, to Charlotte Koontz, a native of Franklin County, Penn., and daughter of Abraham and Susanna (Shrader) Koontz, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch parentage. They had thirteen children-three now living, John, Susan and Charlotte. The parents both died many years since, the father in Crawford County, Ohio, the mother in Franklin County, Penn. Mr. Edgington settled in this township in 1846, and has reared a family of six children Margaret, Susanna, Mary, Joseph, Sarah A., Adaline and William A. Susanna and Mary are deceased; Margaret lives at home; Sarah A., wife of Adam Bair, resides in this township, and William and Joseph reside on the home farm. Mr. Edgington has served as Township Trustee, Clerk, Assessor and Treasurer, and was elected County Commissioner, but was "counted out." He is a Democrat, a Freemason, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
NATHAN EKLEBERRY was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, November 8, 1820, son of Ezekiel and Mary (Tobridge) Ekleberry, natives of
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Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. His parents settled in this county in 1833. Their children were Jacob, John, Ezekiel, Nathan, Jane, David, Isaac, Lydia, Levi and Margaret (twins). John and Ezekiel are deceased. Their mother died in 1862; the father in April, 1868. Nathan Ekleberry resided with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he purchased land in La Grange County, Ind., having earned his money by days' work. He subsequently purchased a tract in this county, and at present owns ninety acres in Eden Township. He is an efficient agriculturist, and gives considerable attention to blooded horses and sheep. Mr. Ekleberry was married, January 16, 1842, to Eliza Wolverton, daughter of Lewis and Margaret (Anderson) Wolverton. Their children were Mary E., Levi, Lewis, Abigail, Nathan, Lawrence and Hester. Levi and Lewis are deceased. Mr. Ekleberry was again married, June 11, 1868, to Miss Isabel Baker, widow of Joseph Baker, who died August 13, 1867, leaving four children-Mary T., Arthur E., Addis E. and Harry W. By his second wife, Mr. Ekleberry has three children-Laura J., Jessie S. and Daisy L.; the eldest, Laura J. being deceased since December 6, 1873.
EPHRAIM GAVER was born in Frederick County, Md., February 5, 1820. His parents were Peter and Barbara (Miller) Gaver, natives of the same county, married May 16, 1815. In 1832, they moved West, and located near Tiffin, where Mr. Gaver engaged in carpenter's work and reared his family of eight children-Mary, Harriet, Ephraim, Rebecca, John, Rachel 0., Ezra and David. Mary and Harriet are deceased. The mother was born February 14,1795, and died April 21, 1845, her remains are interred at Sycamore; the father was born January 1, 1792, and died October 30, 1868. Ephraim Gaver, our subject, engaged as a farm hand in 1833, and continued in this occupation with one employer sixteen years, and for two years thereafter had his home with the same family. He obtained some education in different schools, and by industry and economy was enabled to purchase eighty acres of timber land in this county in 1845. September 21, 1856, he was married to Felinda M. Smith, daughter of Dennis and Abigail (June) Smith, a native of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, born January 20, 1839, her parents natives of York State. They came to Ohio in 1836, removed to Hillsdale County, Mich., in 1845, and afterward to Eaton County Mich., where the father died January 21, 1880. They had eight children-James L., Thursa L., William H., Martin Van B., Felinda M., Catharine R., Mary A., Eliza D., Alonzo D. and Lucinda. Thursa, Mary A. and Lucinda are deceased. In 1876, Mr. Gaver erected a good residence on his farm and removed the log cabin. He is the father of ten children, viz., Charles S., Arvilla L., Cassius M. and Adelaide (twins), Ezra E., Mary F., Laura A., Barbara E., Jessie T. and Chancey W. Barbara E. and Jessie T. are deceased; the former died November 8, 1870, the latter October 3, 1872. Mr. Gaver is liberal in his religious views, regarding the Scriptures as history only, and in political sentiments is a Republican.
ISAIAH GIBSON, son of Isaiah and Elizabeth (Cudney) Gibson, was born in Tymochtee Township June 23, 1837. His parents were natives of Ohio and Now York State respectively. They settled in Tymochtee Township and reared a family of seven children, viz.: Mahala, Robert, Isaiah and Eliza (twins), John, Theodore and Emily A. Eliza and Emily are deceased. The father died August 29, 1878; the mother September 29, 1881. Isaiah Gibson was married February 1, 1858, to Ann Limer, a native of Checkley, England, daughter of William and Beatrice (Beabmer) Limer, also natives
824 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
of England, where the latter died; the former emigrating to America in 1855, and marrying Clarissa Dumm December 15, 1959, and soon after removed to Missouri. His family consisted of four sons and five daughters -William, John, George, James, Anna, Mary, Sarah, Jane and Elizabeth; the latter two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have eight children-Emily A., born December 15, 1858; Herbert, January 8, 1860; Mary S., December 20, 1861: James William, October 13, 1863; George W., January 15, 1866; Cora J., January 10, 1870; Princess U., September 7, 1873; and Orley Adory, January 30, 1880. Mr. Gibson purchased seventy-eight and a half acres of land in Eden Township in 1879, where he still resides. He is a stanch Democrat and has always been a farmer.
WILLIAM GILLILAND was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, April 3, 1836. He is a son of James and Susan R. (Stewart) Gilliland, natives of Jefferson County, Ohio, and Maryland. They removed from the former locality to Tuscarawas County in 1834, and to Crawford County in 1846, entering 240 acres and soon after purchasing 1.60 acres more. There were ten children in the family-Lucinda, Jacob, Edward, David, Susan, William, James L., John, Madison, Margaret and George. Three are deceased -David, shot in the battle of Bull Ran Second, 1862; George, who died in 1847; and Susan, who died in 1875. The death of the father occurred November 13, 1877. William Gilliland was married May 6, 1855, to Catharine Thoman, a native of Saltzenheim, Germany, and daughter of Coonrod and Magdalene (Bucher) Thoman, also natives of Germany, where the latter died between the years 1840 and 1843. They had six children-Mary, Catharine, Magdalene, Ann M., Coonrod and Henry; all living but Ann M., who died in Germany; the others emigrated to America in 1842, and settled in this county with their father, who subsequently married a Mrs. Hess, by whom no children were born. William and Catharine Gilliland have nine children-James, Susan M., Levi, Henry, Madison, Jacob, Lucinda, Elizabeth and Alby. In 1864, Mr. Gilliland enlisted for one year, or till the close of the war, in Company 0, Seventy-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service till July 11, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky. After several transactions in the purchase and sale of small tracts of land, he secured eighty acres in this townbhip, where he now resides. In political sentiment Mr. Gilliland is a Democrat; his wife is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.
FREDERICK KINLEY was born in Baden, Germany, July 2,1839. His parents were Frederick and Susan (Shonabarger) Kinley, also natives of Baden, and who emigrated to the United States in 1846, settling in this county, where the father died in 1875; the mother is still a resident of Upper Sandusky. Their children were Frederick, Mary, William, Henry J. Lewis, Caroline and John H. Frederick, our subject, resided with his parents until big twenty-first year; he then " worked out" two years, after which he engaged in the carpenter's trade, which he continued eighteen years. In 1863, he enlisted as an Ohio National Guard, and was called into service in 1864, being discharged in August of the same year. After buying and selling several different tracts, he established himself on his present farm of 120 acres in 1878, and has since devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. Mr. Kinley was married November 25, 1862, to Esther Ann Brauns, a native of this county, (laughter of Abraham and Frances (Coon) Brauns. They have two children-- William E. and Nora S.; and both are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Kinley is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and a Republican.
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MICHAEL LAMBRIGHT was born May 31, 1817. He is a native of Richland County, Ohio, and son of John and Catharine (Smith) Lambright, born near Hagerstown, Md., where they were married and resided about ton years, moving to Richland County, Ohio, in 1811-12. John Lambright was drafted and served a short period in the war of 1812, receiving an honorable discharge. He reared a family of nine children, viz.: John, Pagie, Levi, Catharine, Henry, Michael and David twins), Rachel and Elizabeth. David is deceased. The father died in 1830; the mother in 1850. Michael Lambright was married in 1837 to Polly Kidwiler, of Hagerstown, Md., native of Jefferson County, Va., and to this union four children were born Emanuel, Susan, Levi and Mary. Susan and Levi are deceased. The mother died in Eden Township in the year 1855, and Mr. Lambright was married in December, 1856, to Maria Bowlby, of this township, and native of Somerset County, Penn., daughter of James and Sarah Bowlby, natives of Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents had thirteen children, nine now living-Joseph, Emanuel, Jacob, James, Hannah, Elizabeth, Manah, Catharine and Sarah. Their mother died in March, 1859; the father in 1870. In 1942, Mr. Lambright purchased eighty acres in this township, selling the same five years later and purchasing 134 acres, where he now resides. In 1878, he added forty acres to this farm, now owning 174 acres, valued at $100 to $125 per acre, the farm joining the corporation line of Nevada. Mr. Lambright has always devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He is a Democrat and has served the township in various ways.
REUBEN LOWMASTER, son of John and Ann A. (Schultz) Lowmaster, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 11, 1819. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and settled in Fairfield County in an early day. Their children were Mary, John, Sarah, Susan, Ellen, Alexandra, Reuben, Henry, Rebecca, William R., Jefferson S., Amelia and Jacob, all living but Mary, Ellen, Alexandra, Jefferson S. and Henry. The father died in 1832, the mother in 1872. Our subject has engaged in carpenter's work to some extent in connection with farming. He purchased forty acres in 1846, which he traded for the eighty acres on which he now resides. He owns 100 acres, valued at $75 per acre. In 1848, in partnership with Henry Boraff, he erected a saw mill, which he subsequently traded for land. He has had some dealing with the Indians, being a Trustee he kept a negro (Sam Welles) pauper two years, which negro had been waiter and hostler for the notorious renegade and traitor, Simon Girty. Mr. Lowmaster was married June 24, 1838, to Isabel Summers, of Fairfield County, Ohio, born January 2., 1821. Their children are Margaret L., Jacob S., Isaiah, Catharine M., Sarah E., Levi A., William T. and Mary E. Margaret is deceased. Mr. Lowmaster was Township Trustee several years, is now Infirmary Director.
ABRAHAM MACKEY was born in Belmont County, Ohio, July 31, 1829, son of John and Jane (Nesbit) Mackey (see sketch). He resided with his parents till his marriage to Mary Jane Price January 3, 1857. She was a native of Now Jersey and daughter of George B. and Anna Price. They have five children--Annie Jane, John E., George B., Emory E. and Ray. Mr. Mackey inherited eighty-six acres of land from his father's estate, and upon this farm he has established a comfortable home. He has engaged in agricultural pursuits about thirty-one years, and has his farm stocked with the best grades of stock. He favors Republicanism, and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.
826 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
JAMES McLAUGHLIN is a native of Carroll County, Ohio, born July 8, 1825. He is a son of James and Mary (Bare) McLaughlin, the former born near Strasburg, Va., in 1798; the latter near Glades, Penn., in 1788. They were married in Harrison County, Ohio, and were the parents of five children, namely: Daniel, James, John, Abraham and Samuel, the latter deceased since April 16, 1848. The parents removed from Carroll County to Wyandot in 1848, and purchased 320 acres of land, which they improved and which is now worth $100 per acre, being still in the possession of the McLaughlin family, save twenty-four acres sold to the corporation of Nevada. The father died in June, 1853; the mother June 8, 1849. James McLaughlin was reared and educated in Carroll County, and came to this county with his parents, with whom he remained until his marriage February 8, 1850, to Miss Anna Harrison, daughter of William J. and Lydia (Capper) Harrison, born January 25, 1822. By this wife two children were born-Mary E., February 17, 1851, and Nancy J., September 10, 1853, the former deceased since February, 1857. Mrs. McLaughlin's decease occurred June 13, 1857, and our subject was again married January 28, 1858, to Ellen Walker, three children resulting from this marriage, two of whom are living, namely: Millard F., born December 8,1858, and Miles H., born August 9, 1860. Elmore (twin to Millard) died December 18, 1858. After his marriage Mr. McLaughlin settled upon his present farm, where he has resided more than thirty-three years. He owns 254 acres, more than half within the corporation of Nevada, and valued at $100 per acre. He inherited eighty acres from his father's estate, also about $1,000 from the same, and has earned the remainder by hard and persistent toil. He rears considerable stock of good grades and is one among the sub. stantial farmers of Eden Township. He is a Republican, and with his family is associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
GEORGE W. MILLER, son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Walder) Miller, is a native of this county, born February 22, 1854. His parents were natives of Germany, and emigrated to this country in 1846, locating in Bucyrus, but subsequently residing ten years in thi s county, and returning to Crawford County, where they now live, Their children were nine in number, three now living, viz., Jacob F., John G. and George W. The latter was married April 3, 1873, to Susan A. Wilson, a native of Richland County, Ohio, daughter of William and Sarah (Knodle) Miller, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively, and of Scotch descent. They came to Richland County in 1832, removing to this county fourteen years later. They had eight children, three now living-Barbara A., Levi and Susan A. To George W. and Sarah A. Miller six children have been born: Lillie May, December 16, 1873; Margie, May 23, 1875; Carrie, January 22, 1878; Herman L., January 28, 1880; Charles I., March 7, 1882, and Arthur J., August 31. 1883; all living but Lillie, who died January 7, 1875. After obtaining and disposing of several different tracts of land, Mr. Miller purchased 160 acres in this township, where he now resides. His farm is valued at $100 per acre, and is a very desirable, location. Mr. Miller is a Republican and a substantial and worthy citizen.
JOHN W. MILLIGAN was born in this county December 24, 1835. He is a son of James and Susan (Weddel) Milligan, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and Westmoreland County, Penn., respectively. They settied in this county in 1828, and were the parents of Dine children-Richard E., Joseph, Keturah, Priscilla, Mary, William, Abraham, John W. and Sarah E. The deceased are Richard, Joseph, Keturah, Sarah E., Mary and Abra
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ham. Their father spent his life in the Episcopal ministry and died in Sandusky County, August 1855; the mother died April 16, 1878. John Milligan was married December 12, 1858, to Mary A. Cole, a native of Crawford County, daughter of James and Eleanor (Moore) Cole (see sketch of William H. Cole). Eight children have resulted from this union, viz.: Amanda E., born October 15, 1859; Rosella, December, 22, 1860; Emma J., August 8, 1863; Sarah E., December 22. 1865; Samantha A., September 19, 1867; Julia A., December 2, 1868; Jay. August 6, 1870; Guy, April 13, 1872; Florence J., April 18, 1875; Dow, October 20, 1879. The deceased are Rosella and Julia. Mr. Milligan has always been a farmer, though in May, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty fourth Regiment Ohio National Guard, and remained during the "100 day" service, being mustered out at Columbus September 2, 1864. In 1865, he purchased eighty acres, to which he has since added thirty acres, where he now resides. He is a Republican in political sentiment, himself and family being members of the Methodist Protestant Church.
BENJAMIN MORRIS was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, August 5, 1823; son of Joseph and Lydia (Jacobs) Morris, natives of Delaware and Virginia respectively, married in 1821. They moved to this county in 1830, purchased land in Tymochtee Township, and bad seven children Benjamin, Margaret, Elias, Elizabeth, John, Caroline and Charles. John and Caroline are deceased; the mother died in October, 1861, the father in April, 1863. Benjamin Morris was married March 9, 1854, to Eleanor Walton, daughter of John and Casander (Ritter) Walton, of this county. They had five children-Belinda, Albert H., Janette, Finley and Sherman G. Mrs. Eleanor Morris died October 27, 1867, and Mr. M. was remarried December 31, 1868, to Mrs. Jane Bowers, daughter of James S. and Hettie Harper, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and who had four children-Samuel M., Jane, Ellen and James F. Mrs. Bowers had three children by her first husband, viz., Brink W., Cora E. and Waltie J. Mr. Morris made a trip to California in 1850, but returned two years later and settled on his present farm, purchased in 1848, and 'which he has thoroughly improved. He now owns 240 acres, valued at $75 per acre. How as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty- fourth Regiment Ohio National Guard, and served 100 days; was in the skirmish with Mosby's guerrillas, the most important engagement. Sir. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Methodist Protestant Church and highly esteemed as citizens.
JOSEPH NEWMAN, only living son of John and Mary Newman, was born in Perry County, Ohio, July 17, 1822, his parents natives of Connecticut. Mr. Newman purchased eighty acres of land in this township in 1860, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits; prior to that time he was engaged a few years in the blacksmithing trade. He was married in 1848, to Mary Jane Weller, daughter of Thomas and Charlotte Weller, natives of England, and nine children have blessed their union--John, Cyrus, Rhoda, Aldo, Emily, Frank, Charlotte, William and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Newman are highly esteemed as citizens and have a comfortable home.
ROBERT W. POOL was born in Richland Connty, Ohio, August 13, 1837. His parents were Ira and Margaret Pool, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1814. They were married in Richland County, and roared six children-Robert W., George W., Horey L, Almond M., Sarah A. and Elizabeth J. George W. and Almond are deceased, the former dying in the army, the latter in Upper Sandusky from disease contracted in the war. Mrs. Pool died July 28, 1848, and Mr. Pool located in this county in
828 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
1850, marrying Lucy A. Dille, of Richland County, a native of York State, four children resulting from this union-Frank M., Sherman Ira, Rosetta M. and Jesse F. Their father died December 24,1864, his widow now the wife of Mr. Kenan, of Upper Sandusky. Robert W. Pool was engaged in teaching about five years, attending high school at Upper Sandusky and the Baldwin University in the meantime. April 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving this call; re. enlisted September 20, 1861, in Company H, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was raised from private to Captain of Company A; participated in the battles of Bull Run, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg and many others; transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and in all the battles till the capture of Atlanta, being discharged on account of ill health. Mr. Pool was married March 26, 1863, to Rachel E. Armstrong, of Eden Township, a native of Pennsylvania, and after his discharge served as Provost Marshal at Lima, Ohio, till the close of the war. He engaged in the lumber business at Milton Center a short time, and moved to his present home in 1868. He is a member of the G. A. R., himself and wife attending the Grange, and holding membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has served as Township Treasurer, and as Steward and Leader in his church.
GEORGE B. PRICE, son of Robert and Jane (Payer) Price, was born in Warren County, N. J., June 18, 1812. His parents were natives of New York and Now Jersey, and bad nine children- -John, Jonah H., George B., Samuel, Daniel F., Darius H., Sarah A., Jane and Catharine. Jonah, Samuel and Sarah A. are deceased; the mother died in August, 1.832; the father in 1860, both in Warren County, N. J. George B. Price resided with his parents till 1832, being married September 8th of that year to Anna Manning, of Warren County N. J., a native of Now York, and daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Reed) Manning, who were natives of Warren County, N. J., and who were the parents of five children-Amos, Isaac R., Mary M., Hannah and Anne, all deceased, including the parents. To George B. and Anna Price were born ten children-Isaac M., Aaron R., Mary J., Sarah E., Margaret A., Hannah M., Eliza C., John M., Laura, Ellen and George W. Isaac M., Aaron R., George W. and John M. are deceased; the mother died March 22, 1877. Mr. Price migrated to Ohio in 1838, settling first in Hancock County, removing to this county some time after. He purchased 120 acres of land where he now resides, and which is tilled by his son-in-law, Mr. George F. Rapp, who was married to Laura E. Price July 11, 1870. They have five children-John F., Ida Belle, Rosa May, George R. and Maggie A. Jay is deceased-died September 18, 1880. Mr. Price has suffered many hardships, but has accumulated considerable property, having given liberally to his children. In 1846, he began life in the woods with a large family, cleared thirty-five acres for the use of it seven years, and then moved to his present place of residence. He has served as Constable several years, and is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, of which his wife also was a faithful member.
JAMES E. SANKEY, son of Eli and Amelia (Walker) Sankey, was born in Huntington County, Penn., January 9, 1853. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and settled in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1854. Their children were Mary E., Ann E., Lemuel S., David, Martha, John W., Agnes K., James E. and Genevra E. The deceased are Mary E., David and the mother, who died June 12, 1883. The father still resides at the old homestead, where he has followed agricultural pursuits about twenty-one years.
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James Sankey resided with his parents till March 2, 1876, at which date he was married to Susan Coon, widow of J. R. Coon, who died March 28, 1874, leaving three sons-Jacob, Charles E. and Edwin E., the latter deceased. Mr. Sankey followed the carpenter's trade till his marriage, since which time he has engaged in farming. He is a Democrat politically, and with his wife holds a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Nevada.
CASPER S. SWANK was born in Richland County, Ohio, October 8, 1837, to Henry and Elizabeth (Study) Swank, natives of Franklin County, Penn., Where they were married March 22, 1814. They came to Richland County in 1817, and were the parents of the following children: John, Margaret, Elizabeth, Susan, Christian, Daniel, Hannah, Henry, Mary, Jackson and Casper survive. The mother died April 17, 1859; the father April 11, 1876. In 1858, our subject went to California, and enlisted in Company I, Third Regiment, California Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Lewis in command. Marched to Salt Lake City and thence to Fort Bridges, being discharged in October, 1863. Came to Richland County, and again enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Cockby, serving about three years, passing through without a sear, and returning home in August, 1864. In the same year he came to Eden Township, purchasing eighty acres, on which he resided eight years, subsequently buying 103 acres where he now resides. He was married, March 13, 1865, to Caroline Larick, a native of this township, and daughter of George and Margaret (Lea) Larick, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America in an early day, settling first in Tuscarawas County, then in Eden Township, this county. Their children were Andrew, Catharine, Henry, William, Caroline, Levi, Louie and Lovina. Smilda and Melissa are deceased. The father died in 1858; the mother is still living in her sixty-seventh year. Mr. and Mrs. Swank are the parents of seven children-Lester 0. R., Louie T. V., Valeria A., Jacob G., Lovina C., Elzie L. and Mary Z. Lovina C. is deceased. Mr. Swank is the owner of 133 acres (thirty acres within the corporation of Nevada), valued at $85 per acre. He has served as Township Treasurer, is a member of the F. & A. M., and a Democrat politically.
JAMES TAYLOR, the subject of this sketch, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, August 20, 1844. His parents, George and Mary C. Taylor, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, came to Ohio in 1840, and settled first in Crawford County, where he was married in 1843 to Mary E. Randolph, and engaged in the willing business till 1845, when he removed to Sycamore Township, this county, where he is still engaged in operating a flouring mill. James Taylor resided with his parents till 1869, when he purchased eighty acres in Eden Township, where he has since engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock dealing, operating eighty acres of his father's land adjoining his own. Mr. Taylor was married, October 30, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth Hall, of Benton, Crawford County. Her parents were Edward and Ann (Fielding) Hall, natives of Ireland and England respectively. The names of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor's children are George E., born September 26, 1874; Bessie L., September 16, 1875; Randolph H., December 27, 1876; Arthur F., May 18, 1878; Roscoe A., January 30, 1880. George E. is deceased-died September 8, 1875, aged eleven months fifteen days. Mr. Taylor is well respected as a citizen, and votes in the interest of Republicanism.
PETER TRAXLER was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 13, 1825. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Cramer) Traxler, were natives
830 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
of Cumberland County, Penn., were married there, and subsequently moved to Stark County, Ohio, where they reared a family. Their children were Catharine, Elizabeth, George, Daniel, Peter and John, all deceased but the three latter. Our subject, Peter, was married, March 25,1846, to Catharine Conkle, of Crawford County, Ohio, native of Columbiana County, Ohio, daughter of Adam and Mary (Wyerbaugh) Conkle, natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents were married in Columbiana County, Ohio, and moved to Crawford County about 1837, their children being Nicholas, Catharine, Elizabeth, Jason, Jacob, Sarah J., William H., Samuel S., Adam and Mary. Their father died May 7, 1872; the mother January 8, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Traxler have eleven children, viz., Daniel C., Adam W., Peter P., Nicholas C., Jacob J., Mary E., John N. R., Cicly Jane, Ida L., Jason W. and Francis L. Mr. Traxler lived with his parents till twenty-one years of age, and attended the common schools. In 1851, he purchased eighty acres of timber land, on which he built a frame house, in which he lived till 1873, when he completed a fine brick. residence. He owns 120 acres of good land, valued at $75 per acre, his wife owning five city lots in Bucyrus, valued at $2,000. Mr. Traxler is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
LEMAR WALTON was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 8,1822. His parents were John and Casander (Ritter) Walton, natives of Now Jersey and Kentucky respectively. They were married in Ross County, September 19, 1819, and removed to this county in 1833, where the father died August 25, 1835. They had nine children-Henry, Lemar, William H. and John W. (twins Samuel A., Melinda A., Eleanor, Nancy and Nelson. Lemar, Samuel A. and Melinda A. are the only ones living; the mother died August 5, 1849. Lemar Walton was married April 3, 1849, to Magdalene Hufford, daughter of Christopher and Catharine (Corfman) Hufford, of Tymochtee Township; her parents were natives of Maryland and Ohio respectively. They settled in this county in 1828, where Mr. Hufford still resides; his wife died August 20, 1851, Mr. and Mrs. Hufford are the parents of nine children-Magdalene, George W., Catharine, Barbara, Conrad, Mary, Lydia, Elizabeth and Sarah M. Elizabeth is deceased. Mr. Walton has always engaged in farming: be purchased his present farm of eighty acres in 1851, and has reared a family of ten children --Samuel A., Isaiah W., Mary E. and Sarah E. (twins), Willis C., Eliza Ann, Levi F., Jasper N., Allen L., and Florence J. Sarah E. is deceased, died September 26, 1872. Mr. Walton owns 218 acres in this county, and in 1873 purchased 160 acres in Kansas, which he gave to his sons; he and wife are members of the Evangelical Church, of which faith their son, S. A. Walton, is a minister in Madison County, Iowa.
FRANK M. WELCH was born in this township, March 19,1855; his parents, James and Isabel (Hicks) Welch, were natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively, and were married in this county, their children being Frank M., Ransom H. and Edward M. The father died May 7, 1869; the mother July 26, 1880. Frank M. Welch was married October 18,1881, to Lillian N. Maskey, of this township, native of Crawford County, Ohio, born May 8, 1863, daughter of Eli and Nancy C. (Wert) Maskey, natives of Ashland and Crawford Counties respectively. Her parents were married at Bucyrus, and resided many years in Crawford County, their children Lillian N., Dora V., Newlove G., and Orland C., all being born there; the parents now reside in Eden Township. Mr. Welch has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and owns an interest in an undivided estate of 271
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acres, valued at $75 to $100 per acre. He has had charge of the home farm since his father's death, and is an energetic farmer, and of the Dem. ocratic persuasion in politics.
REUBEN YARK, son of Solomon anti Catharine (Bower) Yark, was born in Mahoning County, -0hio, January 2, 1837. He remained with his parents till March 3, 1864, at which time he was married to Miss Ellen E. Neville, born in London, England, March 1, 1844, daughter of John F. and Elizabeth (Baker) Neville, natives of London and Barkway, England, and who emigrated to the United States about 1850, and settled in Philadelphia, where Mrs. Neville died in 1855. Their children were ton in number, Ellen E. being the only surviving. The father was a book binder by trade, and engaged in that occupation in Philadelphia and Buffalo till 1859, when be went to St. Louis where he still resides, He was forced to leave St. Louis in 1861 by the Union-Secession riot, and accordingly went to Sedalia, Mo., where he assisted in organizing, and was commissioned Major of the Seventh Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war when he returned to St. Louis; he is now the father of three children-William, Reuben and Eliza, by a second wife. Our subject being a carpenter by trade followed this occupation about twelve years after his marriage. In 1876, he engaged in the poultry and country produce business, sold out in 1884, and turned his attention to farming; he is the father of three children-John N., born July 3, 1865; Emma A., March 17, 1868; and Reuby E., September 29, 1877. Emma A. is deceased; her death occurring August 6, 1870. Mr. Yark is a member of the Knights of Honor, Nevada Lodge, No. 277, and a Democrat politically.