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CHAPTER VII.
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP.
ORGANIZATION AND BOUNDARIES-PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS-ROADS, ETC. FIRST SETTLEMENTS- INHABITANTS OF THE TOWNSHIP IN 1845-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS MISCELLANEOUS-BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THIS township. which embodies Township 3 south, Range 13 east, was under the civil jurisdiction of Crawford County before the erection of Wyandot, though it was within the reservation. The township assumed its resent dimensions in 1845, the sale of the reserve taking place in 1843. It is bounded on the north by Salem Township, on the east by Pitt and Crane Townships, on the south by Marseilles, and on the west by Jackson. The Wyandot Reservation line in Mifflin ran from the north, parallel with and about a mile and a quarter from the western boundary line of the township, through Sections 5, 8, 17, 20 and 29, as far as Tymochtee Creek in Section 32, thence eastward, parallel with and about three-quarters of a mile from the southern boundary of the township through Sections 32, 33, 84, 35 and 36.
The topography of this township and general quality of the soil are much in common with the surrounding townships, and its productiveness in crops and farm stock is in nowise behind, corn, wheat, grass and all root crops being well up to the average, besides abundance of cattle, sheep and bogs, all fully testifying to the prosperity of the husbandmen. More clearing, perhaps, of the timber may have been effected than can be said of some of the neighboring townships, though in the northern part the growth is somewhat heavier.
The township is well favored in being possessed of a multitude of streams, brooks and rivulets, which through many a field and fallow fret their mossy banks, as, babbling onward on their way, in trilling cadences, like "the swell of some sweet tune they never ceasing seem to sing:
For men may come and men may go
But I go on for ever."
The main stream of all is Tymochtee Creek which enters the township from Marseilles on the farm of H. and P. H. Haner, in Section 32, and, after describing some eccentric convolutions, one time swift, another time slow, as it meanders through Sections 32, 31. 32 again, 29, 28, 29 again, 28 again, 21, 16, 21 again, 22, 15, 16, 15 again, 10, 9, 10 again, 3, 4, and 8 again, it bids adieu to Mifflin and hastens away to mingle with the Sandusky River. Of the many tributaries that purvey to the channel of the Tymochtee in this township, Warpole Run is the chief, connecting with it from the southeast in the northwest quarter of Section 10, and the several veins that contribute toward its existence have their sources in Sections 34, 26 and 25 respectively, and in Pitt Township, from which latter, two streams, one named St. James' Run, emanate. Sugar Run rises in Section 17, flows nearly due north and unites with the Tymochtee in the extreme west of Section 3. Oak Run has its birth in Jackson Township, one arm
884 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
entering Mifflin in Section 18, and another in Section 19. A small reenforcement meets Oak Run just as it is about leaving Mifflin for Salem Township in the northwest corner of Section 4. Besides these tributaries mentioned, there are some seven or eight streamlets, all adding their individual modest modicum.
ROADS, ETC.
The old Bellefontaine road, which was cut by the troops under Gen. Harrison in 1812, enters Mifflin Township from Pitt Township, on Section 13, through a corner of which it passes, thence through Sections 24, 23, 26 and 27, and enters Marseilles Township at Section 33, after traversing in about a southwest direction. Another road enters on the east, on Section 36, leading duo west into Jackson Township at J. 0.- Vanorsdall's farm, Section 31. From this highway a branch strikes off on Section 32, leading north and northwest, and also entering Jackson on Section 30. Other roads traverse the township to and from all the cardinal points of the compass. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad crosses Mifflin in a west by South direction, penetrating from Salem Township at the extreme northeast corner of Section 4, which it passes through, also Sections 5 and 6, thence through Kirby Village, in the northeast corner of the township, where there is a station.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS.
Samuel Stansberry, born in 1806, in Massachusetts, came to this township in 1830, and entered eighty acres of land. He died in 1852, having accumulated considerable property. James Halstead, also one of the early pioneers, was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1797. He married, in On. tario County, N. Y., Anna Irwin, and settled in this township in 1830, remaining a resident of the township till 1850, when he removed to Indiana, and four years later to Piatt County, Ill., where he died in 1873. John Clinger moved with his family to this county in 1830 and settled in Mifflin Township, whore he purchased eighty acres, which he cleared and occupied till his death, which occurred November 18, 1880.
Others that came about this period were: Wilford Whaley (born August 25, 1822), Andrew J. Kail, John Haner (born in New York), John Farmer, Daniel and Israel Straw, Abram Clark, William Bowsher, Hanson Hooker, Henry and Philip Haner, David Young, James, William and John Irvin, Alexander McCleary, John Hankins, Wolford Whaley, John Farthing, Andrew and Isaac Farmer, John Henry, Jacob Leonard, John Ackley, Rich. ard Parlet, Thomas Hendrickson, James Gibson, Martin Dickens, Daniels and his son Julius, David Bowen, Sr. (a native of Pennsylvania; moved to this county in 1835, and June 17, same year, settled in Mifflin Township; on the farm on which he located stood an old Indian tavern; his son, David Bowen., still resides in this township). From 1835 to 1839 came Wesley Davenport and Mr. Brown (who laid out Brownstown), Richard Leo, Will. iam Lee. James O'Neil, Tunis Ton Eyck, Adam Smith, Moses Ricker, John A. Swartz, Jacob Hollanshead, Daniel Pierson, Walter Simerson, Thomas Snider, Abraham Clark and Cornelius Young.
The following were the owners of real and personal estate in the township of Mifflin in 1845:
OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE.
Jedidiah Allen, Sections 35 and 36, 482 acres; William Bowsher, Section 32, 50 acres; Jesse Bowsher, Section 36, 40 acres; George G. Baker, Sections 8, 7, 18 and 19, 425 acres; Lucretia Curtis, Section 32, 35 acres;
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Shadwick Chandler, Section 18, 40 acres; James B. Cook, Section 31, 84 acres; Abraham Clark, Section 30, 83 acres; William Carey, Section 81, 160 acres; Sarah Davenport, Section 33, 25 acres; Martin Dickens, Elections 32, 33, 34 and 35, 309 acres; Charles Ely, Sections 6 and 7, 416 acres John Farmer, Sections 30 and 32, 116 acres; Abner Farthing, Section 33,40 acres; Charles Graham, Sections 17 and 18,183 acres; Henry Huber, Section 30, 40 acres; William Halstead, Section 34, 62 acres; Hanson Hooker, Section 18, 160 acres; James Halstead, Section 29, 85 acres; Henry Jones, Section 30, 40 acres; Orange Johnson, Section 7, 160 acres; Elizabeth Knouse, Section 30, 40 acres; Isaac Longnecker, Section 19, 80 acres; George Lauck, Section 18, 81 acres; Richard Lee, Section 33, 41 acres; Henry Leonard, Section 31, 83 acres; John Maine, Section 18, 40 acres; Charles Merriman, Section 30, 243 acres; Alexander McCleary, Section 33, 160 acres; John R. Osborn, Section 34, 40 acres; James O'Neil, Section 82, 35 acres; John Y. Pettys, Sections 20 and 29, 115 acres; Horace Potter, Section 19, 163 acres; Thomas Perkins, Sections 5, 7 and 33, 248 acres; Daniel Pierson, Section 31, 83 acres; William Pierson, Section 31, 84 acres; Benjamin Price, Section 6, 163 acres; George Sinn, Section 20, 100 acres; Henry St. John, Sections 5, 6, and 7, 354 acres; Israel Straw, Sections 33 and 34, 120 acres; Daniel Straw, Section 33, 1 acre; State of Ohio; Basil Young, Section 31, 40 acres; John Young, Section 29, 100 acres; John Yeager, Section 30, 163; Moses Richey, Sections 18, 34 and 35, 340 acres; Thomas S. Perkins, Sections 8 and 29, 100 acres; James Irvin, Section 17, 100 acres.
OWNERS OF PERSONAL ESTATE.
John S. Bunker, Ebenezer Baker, William Bowsher, Henry Bowsher, Abraham Clark, Abraham Clark, Jr., Henry Cregalow, SOLOMON Cook, James Cook, Catharine Davenport, James Dearinger, Martin Dickens, Jonas Dennis, David Eggleston, John Eastwood, Thomas L. Farthing, Murrillo H. Gillett, Thomas B. Hendrickson, Thomas H. Hawkins, Timothy Hawkins, Lewis Hawkins, James Halstead, William Halstead, Henry H. Haner, Philip H. Haner, John Hauer, Anthony Hall, James 1. Irwin, John M. Irwin, William Jones, Charles Jones, John Jones, Alexander Mc Cleary, Robert McCleary, William McCleary, Thomas Moore, James O'Neil, William P. Pierson, Philemon Pierson, Daniel Pierson, Nicholas Rumble, Samuel M. Stansberry, Daniel Straw, Lewis Straw, Israel Straw, David Straw, Jr., Samuel C. Straw, John Stevens, John Shaw Henry Swartz, Jacob A. Swartz, Royal Shuman, David G. Turner, Eli Vanorsdall, George Williams, James Young, Lewis Young, Cornelius Young, John Yeager, Ebenezer Zane.
SCHOOLS.
The first school held in the township was in the traditional primitive "temple of learning," located in this case on the land of Martin Dickens, two miles east of Brownstown. Among the early teachers may be mentioned William Harrison, Benjamin Olney, William Jones and Nancy M. Swartz. The number of school buildings now in Mifflin is eleven, established one in each of Sections 1, 4, 6 (in the village of Kirby), 7, 17, 15, 21, 23, 25, 30 and 34.
CHURCHES, ETC.
Previous to any church building being erected in Mifflin, early services were held either in the schoolhouse or in the cabins of the settlers, truly humble in an architectural point of view, but in the sight of high 40
886 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
Heaven, as noble as the proudest and grandest cathedral, for, the words of the poet :
"God attributes to place No sanctity, if none be thither brought By men who there frequent."
Methodist Episcopal Church, Wesley Chapel.-The first meeting of this society was held in the winter of 1858-59, at Swartz's schoolhouse, by L. D. Rodgers and William Bivens, and was first organized in the winter of 1859, at Mifflin Center. by Rev. L. D. Rodgers, missionary, on which occasion were present some forty members, among whom were J. A. Swartz and wife, U. S. Craiglaw and wife, B. F. Parlett, D. H. Parlett, R. J. Craiglaw and wife, M. A. Parlett, Miss Parlett, Mrs. Sarah Ewart, John Parlett, Lewis Young and wife. The first church building, and the very first of any denomination in the township, was the Wesleyan Chapel, a frame structure 36x40 feet, erected in 1860 at a cost of $800, located in the southeast corner of the southeast quarter of Section 15. The pastors who have served this society from its organization are as follows: Revs. L. D. Rodgers and Jacob Hoopner, three years; William Close, one year; Smith, one year; James Deheal and Cable, one year; Samuel Barig, one year; Solomon Lindsey, two years; Jabez Blair, one year. There is at present a membership of sixty, and the church officers are as follow: Leaders, J. A. Swartz, W. C. Keller, S. P. Kail; Trustees, W. C. Keller, B. B. Wentz and Samuel Clinger.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Salem Chapel.-In 1857, this society held its first meeting in this township in a log schoolhouse near Parlett's Corners, presided over by L. D. Rodgers, and the initial organization was completed in 1858 in the same log schoolhouse by L. D. Rodgers. There were, on that occasion, present about twenty members, the names of some of whom we are enabled to give, as follows: Robert Parlett and wife; Matthew McCleary and wife; W. F. Smith and wife; H. D. Parlett and wife; W. W. Whaley and wife, and Elizabeth Smith. The first church building erected by this congregation in this township was named Salem Chapel; it stands in the northwest corner of S ection 32. It is of brick, 32x40 feet, and cost $2,000. The pastors who have served this society from its organization are as follows: Revs. L. D. Rodgers, two years; J. H. Close, two years; J. S. Delille, two years; J. N. Calb, one year; - Smith, one year; S. M. Boggs, two years; J. J. Finlay, one year; - Miller, one year; J. S. Blair, two years; S. Lindsey, one year; W. W. Lanze, three years; J. C. Clemens, three years; William Dunlap, three years; and W: M. Lucas, present pastor, in his second year. There is a present membership of fifty souls, and the existing officers of Salem Chapel are as follows: Trustees, J. P. Bear, John A. McCleary, I. Johnson, H. Parlett and M. A. Parlett; Steward, A. G. Fox; Leaders, Joshua McCleary, A. G. Fox and F. M. Fox. The largest revival meeting held in connection with this society was under the guidance of Rev. W. W. Lanze, at which time thirty souls were converted; Rev. J. C. Clemens also held a revival and succeeded in accomplishing twenty-five conversions; Rev. William Dunlap secured about twelve conversions; and Rev. W. M. Lucas, on occasion of his grand revival meeting of 1883, some twenty-five.
There are now five church edifices in Mifflin Township, established as follows: Church of God, Kirby Village; Methodist Episcopal Church, in Section 15; Methodist Episcopal Church, in Section 32; Christian Union Church, in Section 31; and Union Church, at Brownstown. There is a
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cemetery in each of Sections 31, 32, 33, 23 and 18, besides some private burial places.
OFFICIAL.
Trustees. 1845, Henry Swartz, James Halstead, John Hankins. 1846-James Halstead, John Hankins, Lewis Young. 1847-James 1. Irvin, Charles Jones, Alexander McClain. 1848-Andrew Vanorsdall, John Maybee, James I. Irwin.* 1849-James I. Irwin, Alexander McCleary, Thomas B. Hendrickson. 1850-Alexander McCleary, Thomas B. Hendrickson, William Snider.
1851-Alexander McCleary, William Snider, Timothy F. Young.
1852-James 1. Irwin, Henry Swartz, Henry F. Haner.
1853-James B. Cook, Alexander McCleary, Comfort Gillett.
1854--James B. Cook, Alexander McCleary, Jacob Hollanshead.
1855-Jacob Hollanshead, James B. Cook, David Bower.
1856-James I. Irwin, Timothy F. Young, David Bower.
1857-David Bower, James I. Irwin, Timothy H. Young.
1858-Timothy H. Young, R. W. Hammond, Robert McCleary.
1859 -Timothy F. Young, R. W. Hammond, Joel Straw.
1860-R. W. Hammond, Joel Straw, Timothy F. Young.
1861--Joel Straw, Timothy F. Young, R. W. Hammond.
1862--Joel Straw, Timothy F. Young, John Selover.
1863-A. J. Kail, David Bower, John Selover.
1864-A. J. Kail, David Bower, John Selover.
1865-A. J. Kail, P. W. Kiser, Jacob Hollanshead.
1866-A. J. Kai], Jacob Hollanshead, J. A. Swartz.
1867-J. A. Swartz, James A. Kail, Morgan Simerson.
1868-Andrew J. Kail, James A. Kail, Aaron D. Snider.
1869-Andrew J. Kail, A. D. Snider.
1870-Andrew J. Kail, A. G. Fox, Aaron D. Snider.
1871-Andrew J. Kail, J. B. Dean, Isaac Mann.
1872-J. B. Dean, Andrew J. Kail, Peter Kotzenmeyer.
1873-James F. Lindsay, J. B. Dean, Peter Kotzenmeyer.
1874-James A. Kai], Asa Quail, Hamilton Dean.
1876-Hamilton Dean, Asa Quail, Andrew J. Kail.
1876-Andrew J. Kail, Asa Quail, Hamilton Dean.
1877-Andrew J. Kail, John Selover, John Justice.
1878-John Selover, David Bower, Peter Kotzenmeyer.
1879-Timothy F. Young, George Thiel, S. T. Jaqueth.
1880-Jobn Wright, Charles H. Bradley, Peter Kotzenmeyer.
1881-John W. McCleary, Asa Quail, Jacob P. Bear.
1882-John W. McCleary, Asa Quail, Andrew J. Kail.
1883-John R. Young, William Smith, Lewis Wagner.
Clerks-1845, Lewis Young; 1846, James Jackson; 1847-48, Lewis Young; 1840, Charles Jones; 1850, Lewis Young; 1851-52, George Adams; 1852-54, Lewis Young; 1855-57, Lewis Young; 1858, Wesley Kiser; 1859, P. W. Kiser; 1860-62, Wesley Kiser; 1863, Jacob A. Swartz; 1864-65, John D. Shaw; 1866-67, J. J. Schwallick; 1868-60, Jacob A. Swartz; 1870, John S. Demarest; 1871, M. L. Rowland; 1872, John S. Demarest; 1873-74, J. J. Schwallick; 1875-76, Wesley Kiser; 1877-80, William A. Foucht; 1881-82, Jacob C. Miller; 1883, Byron B. Wentz.
*Appointed to fill vacancy caused by the death of Andrew Vanorsdall. tAppointed in place of William Jones.
888 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
Treasurers- 1845 -47, Daniel Straw; 1848, Thomas B. Hendrickson; 1849-57, Daniel Straw; 1857, Jacob Hollanshead (appointed to fill vacancy); 1858-69, Jacob Hollanshead; 1870-71, James H. Lindsay; 1872, Charles Bradley; 1873-77, Jacob Hollanshead; 1878, David R. Maxwell; 1879-80, Samuel A. Hale; 1881-82, Orrin F. Straw; 1883, John W. McCleary.
Justices of the Peace-1845, Daniel Straw, David Pierson, William Jones; 1846, Daniel Straw; 1848, Lewis Young; 1849, Daniel Straw; 1851, M. Gillett; 1853, Thomas Gatchell; 1855, Daniel Straw; 1856, Jacob Hollanshead; 1858, David Haines; 1859, Jacob Hollanshead, Thomas Gatchell; 1863, Morgan Simerson; 1867, Jacob Hollanshead; 1868, Alfred Ansminger; 1870, Jacob A. Swartz; 1871, Alfred Ansminger, 1874, La Fayette Rowland; 1876, Jacob A. Swartz; 1877, La Fayette Rowland; 1879, Ephraim Stansbury; 1880, La Fayette Rowland; 1882, Ephraim Stansbury; 1883, La Fayette Rowland.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The first elections in Mifflin were held at Brown's Comers, now known as Brownstown, never regularly laid out, where there was in days of yore an inn in which refreshments for man and beast, more especially man, were dispensed, and it was no unusual thing at the organization of the township, at which time there was a great deal of travel, to find the " Corner Inn" and the trading-house that also stood there crowded with wayfarers on their way to Henry, Hancock or Hardin Counties. The first settler at Brownstown was the individual after whom it was named, and who lived there about three years, then moved away. Early settlers had to go to Upper Sandusky and Tiffin for their supplies, until the first store in Mifflin was opened out, which was in Brownstown, kept by Daniel Straw.
The first saw mill erected in the township was on Tymochtee Creek, in Section 28. There are now four mills in Mifflin-one in Kirby Village, owned by Jacob Shuler; one in Section 18, owned by Joseph Daugherty; one in Section 15, owned by Mr. Myers; and one in Section 21, owned by Mr. Haner. The first physician is said to have been Dr. Cover, and the first cabinet-maker Daniel Straw.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
C. P. BRICHER, an enterprising merchant of Kirby, was born October 22, 1856, in Seneca County, Ohio. He is the son of Stephen and Anna (Dunnersbough) Bricher, both of German nativity and descent. Mr. Bricher came with his parents to Wyandot County when but two years of age, and was engaged with them in farm labor till his nineteenth year. He received a good English education, and in the year 1878, entered upon the grocery business as a clerk for Mr. Carter, in Kirby. This position he retained about eighteen months, when the establishment was turned over to Mr. Switzer, and Mr. Bricher was placed in full charge of the same. Here he remained till the year 1880. when he purchased a stock of general merchandise, and opened up an establishment of his own, where he is still engaged. Mr. Bricher is a member of the Catholic Church, and is Democratic in his political views.
DANIEL CLINGER, born in this county, January 28, 1839, is a son of John and Barbara Clinger, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. His parents located in this county about 1830, and purchased eighty acres of land, on which they afterward resided, his father dying November
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18, 1880. He was a member of the Albright Church. Daniel Clinger was reared on the farm. He enlisted for three years, or during the war, in the .Third Ohio Cavalry, in December, 1861, and joined the army of the Cumberland, participating in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Berryville, Stone River, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Resaca, Mumfordville and many minor engagements. He served his fall time and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn Returning home, he engaged in farming, and in the course of a few years purchased fifty acres of land where he now resides. Mr. Clinger was married July 15, 1860, to Miss Eliza Young, daughter of Lewis and Christina Young, and born August 1, 1844. They have three children: James A., born August 24, 1861; Ida J., December 28, 1865; Elliott E., November 15, 1867. Mr. Clinger is a Republican, and both he and Mrs. Clinger are 'members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HAMILTON DEAN was born in this county, April 30, 1844. He is a son of Abraham and Nancy (Simmerson) Dean, natives of New York; the former born August 10, 1808; the latter July 20, 1805. They were married January 11, 1827, and eight children were born to them-Mary, Isaac, Sophia, John, Martin, Edward, Hamilton and Eliza. Clarinda M. is deceased, having passed away July 6, 1835. The father came to this county in 1836 and died October 20, 1873, leaving 100 acres of land as an estate. The mother is still living, in her seventy-eighth year. Hamilton Dean, the subject of this notice, was reared on the farm and early learned the lessons of industry. He was married March 3, 1866, to Miss Ruby Vanorsdall, daughter of Andrew and Katie Vanorsdall, and three children are the fruits of their union-Clemmie L., born April 2, 1870; Perry L., May 80, 1872; Orra E., June 23, 1878. Mrs. D. was born November 21, 1843. Mr. Dean resided with his father till 1870, and then purchased his present farm of eighty acres, which he has placed in excellent repair. He is a member of the Christian Union Church, and well respected by the citizens of his community.
JAMES GIBSON was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 6, 1805. He is a son of Robert and Rhoda (Donavan) Gibson, natives of Delaware and New Jersey respectively. They were married in the former State, in 1798, Mrs. Gibson dying in 1808. Their children were John, born in 1799, James and a daughter who died at one year of age. Mr. Gibson subsequently married Mrs. Amelia Reed, widow of Meyer Reed. and the following children were born to them: Joseph, David, Benjamin, William, Eliza and Robert. In April, 1821, Mr. Gibson came from Fairfield County, and entered 160 acres in Tymochtee Township, where he died in 1861. James Gibson, the subject of this sketch, returned to Fairfield County, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he engaged in many years in this State and Michigan. He was married March 31, 1838, to Mary Ann, daughter of John Beam, a native of Maryland, and a miller by trade. Their children are Joel W., born December 15, 1842; Delilah, November 19, 1844; Emma December 5, 1846, Cornelius, December 22, 1848; Julia, December, 1850. The deceased were Eliza, born February 11, 1839, died 1839; Louisa, born December 16, 1852, died 1856. Mrs. Gibson's demise occurred in December, 1853, and Mr. Gibson was married in 1858, to Mrs. Rachel Corderey, widow of Andrew Corderey, and daughter of Mr. Carpenter, of Marion County. She died in 1872. Mr. Gibson resides on his farm of 132 acres, eighty of which were entered before the land sales of 1845. He also owns forty acres near by. He is a Democrat, and member of the Universalist Church.
890 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
JOHN HANER was born near Albany, N. Y., August 27, 1822, and is the son of Henry H. and Sarah (Strope) Haner. His parents came to this county in March, 1838, and purchased 111 acres in the township, where they resided until 1863, when they emigrated to Kansas, where his father died in 1879. John Haner, our subject, came to this locality when quite young. In 1858, he bought eighty-two acres of school land, which he has cleared and transformed into a pleasant home. He was married November 9, 1847, to Miss Lovina A. Vanorsdall. daughter of Andrew and Kate Vanorsdall, and three children were born to them-Darwin G., September 1, 1848; Cynthia A., September 23, 1850; and Henry A., October 26, 1852. Mrs. Haner departed this life October 30, 1852; and Mr. Haner was married in 1863, to Miss Sophia Dean, daughter of Abraham and Nancy Dean, six children resulting from this marriage -Dorleska J., born September 16, 1864; Alfred B., February 28, 1866; Ella M., May 1, 1866; John, January 26, 1870; George E., July 16, 1872; and Mary E., December 26, 1876. Mr. Haner still resides on his first purchase, having lived in the same place about thirty-three years.
J. E. HEALY was born November 21, 1830, in Stark County, Ohio. He is the son of Horace and Elizabeth (Brumel) Healy-the former born February 24, 1808-natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania respectively, and of Scotch and German lineage. Ten children were born to them, three brothers and three sisters still surviving, namely: John E., Stephen and William; Catherine, Philinda and Elizabeth. While a youth, when not in school, Mr. Healy was engaged in blacksmithing and farming till his marriage on June 5, 1855, to Miss Minerva Hazen, daughter of Jacob and Mar. garet (Crottinger) Hazen. She was born May 26, 1836, and is the mother of five children, four living Isaac N., born September 29, 1856; Stephen E., December 7, 1857; Alice, February 28, 1859; and William, March 27, 1861. After his marriage our subject engaged in blacksmithing, carpentry, clerking and general labor until 1864. September 26, he enlisted in the service of his country, joining Company C, One Hundred and Eightieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he was mustered in at Camp Chase, and started immediately for Nashville. He was assigned to the Twenty third Army Corps and took part in the three days' battle at Wiges Cross Roads, this being his first engagement. Besides this he was engaged in a few skirmishes with Bragg, Lee and Johnson till the surrender of the latter General. He was then sent to Charlotte, N. C., where he received his dis. charge, and afterward to Columbus, Ohio, where he was mustered out in September, 1865. He then returned home, where he still resides, and is reckoned among the pioneers of the county. He has a vivid recollection of the Indian, and is familiar with his treacherous character, In politics, Mr. Healy is a Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R., and highly esteemed as a citizen.
RUSSELL B. HENDRICKSON was born in this county July 8, 1834. and is the son of Thomas B. and Mary (Martin) Hendrickson. His father was born in Delaware August 12, 1794; and was married in Cumberland in 1812, to Mary Martin, daughter of Robert Martin, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were-Maria, John W., Henrietta, Sophia, Lennox, Elizabeth and Michael C.-all living but Lennox, who died in 1834. In 1838, the father moved to Marseilles Township, where he purchased 160 acres, and where he died August 14,1875. The mother died May 6, 1860. Russell B., our subject, was educated in the old " Tranquilly " Schoolhouse, now called Pleasant Grove. He was married October 31,
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1866, to Theresa Ann, daughter of James B. and Hannah (Corwin) Cook. Their. children are Lilly May, born September 25, 1868; and Julia May, March 17, 1872. Mr. Hendrickson owns 160 acres of good land and is a thorough farmer. He is quite a sportsman, and makes an annual trip to the deer haunts of Michigan. He is a Democrat, and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his eldest daughter. Mrs. Gibson, after an illness of many years, passed away January 20, 1884.
JACOB HOLLANSHEAD was born in Frederick County, Va., January 7, 1815, son of Thomas and Iva (Deal) Hollanshead, the former of whom died the same year. The latter remarried in 1819 to William Stayner of Pickaway County, their children being Maria, Thomas and Susanna B., wife of David Bower. Mr. Hollanshead came with his stepfather to Marion County in 1824, and resided there till 1846. He was married to Jane Conrad, daughter of Jacob and Eve (Van Devander) Conrad, January 4. 1838. She was born May 23, 1917, after the death of her father. This union was blessed by eleven children Mary Ann, born March 10, 1839; Maria, December 13, 1840; William H., November 3,1842; Jacob S., March 5, 1847; Orrin F., February 24, 1849; Milton M., August 3, 1853; Matilda J., October 14, 1855; Julia V., July 5, 1858; Emma, September 10, 1861.The deceased are Thomas, born April 2, 1845, and missing after the battle of Stone River in 1862-63; and Elizabeth, born March 6, 1857, died March 81, 1865. In the spring of 1846. Mr. Hollanshead came to this county and located on the farm where he now resides, his log cabin giving place in 1857 to his present comfortable frame dwelling. His first land purchase was made at the Government land sales in 1845, and to this he has added, by subsequent purchases, till he now owns 360 acres valued at $75 per acre. He is quite extensively engaged in stock- raising, his annual product usually amounting from $1,500 to $2,000. Mr. Hollanshead served as County Commissioner three years and in the minor offices of Trustee, Treasurer, Justice, etc., many years. He is a thorough and life-long Democrat, and has been officially connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-five years.
.MILTON M. HOLLANSHEAD, son of the above, was reared in the rural districts, educated in the district schools, supplementing this by several terms in the Normal School at Ada, Ohio. He has since engaged, to a considerable extent, in teaching, and at present is a member of the Board of Examiners of this county. In connection with his pedagogic labors Mr. Hollanshead is largely engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, making a specialty of fine sheep, having one of the best flocks in the State. He was married September 13, 1882, to Miss Annie L., daughter of John R. and Hannah (Bennett) Layton, the date of her birth being September 11, 1862. He and Mrs. H. are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former a Democrat, rocked in a hickory cradle.
ANDREW J. RAIL was born in Harrison County, Ohio, January 28, 1821. His parents, Adam and Anna (Capper) Rail, were natives of Virginia and of German and Irish lineage. They located in Harrison County in an early day and purchased eighty acres of land, on which they resided nineteen years. He then moved to Carroll County and purchased 160 acres, where the father died in October, 18,52, Andrew J., the subject of this sketch, was brought up on a farm and early inured to the hardships pertaining thereto. In 1853, he bought 160 acres in this county, where he has since resided. He subsequently added to his possessions and owned at his death 240 acres in excellent condition, valued at $80 per acre. He was married December 20, 1849, to Julia V. Lindsay, daughter of Samuel and Mary
892 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
Lindsay, and three children were born to them-Samuel P., January 30, 1853; William, December 13, 1854; Anna E., November 24, 1856. Mrs. Hail's death occurred November 30, 1856, and Mr. Hail was married May 1, 1860, to Miss Sarah McHugh, daughter of William and Sarah (Culberson) McHugh. She was born October 9, 1828. Three of their six children us living--Julia V., born November 7, 1861; Scott, September 3, 1865; Frank I., October 5,1870. Andrew J., James A. and John C. are deceased. Mr. Hail died suddenly while in Upper Sandusky March 12, 1884. The Wyan. dot Union, in noticing his death, says: " Mr. Hail was one of our most substantial and influential farmers, owning and occupying one of the finest farms in Mifflin Township. He was a man of many excellent qualities, en. joying the high esteem and respect of all who knew him, and his many friends will learn of his unexpected death with much sorrow and regret. He was admired and respected by every one for his kind and cheerful disposition, integrity and honor. He started in life with a limited capital, but by his excellent business qualities, devotion to his affairs and great indus. try, he prospered in everything he undertook and amassed a handsome estate. He was one of the representative Democrats of Wyandot County, and always took an active part, in politics when any important office was to be filled, and in other matters of importance he was generally consulted his neighbors and those directly interested." For many years he was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and was always active in the promotion of its interests and welfare, and few men were more liberal in aiding religious and benevolent enterprises than he.
SAMUEL P. KAIL, son of the above-named gentleman, was born January 30, 1853. He is a native of Carroll County, and came to this locality when but one year old. He obtained a fair education in the district schools and subsequently attended the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, five terms. This culture he has turned to advantage by teaching, having taught seven terms. He was married October 21, 1879, to Miss Matilda J. Hollanshead, daughter of Jacob and Jane (Conrad) Hollanshead, and two children have been born to them-Clarence C., born November 24, 1880, and Ira J., Au. gust 6, 1882. Mrs. Hail was born October 14, 1855. In 1879, Mr. Hail purchased seventy-nine acres of land in this township, where he now re. sides, farming during the summer and teaching during the winter seasons. Since the death of his father he has taken charge of the old farm and of settling his estate.
HARMON R. LESLIE was born in Marion County, Ohio, March 27, 1848. He is a son of John and Esther (Smith) Leslie, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and German ancestry respectively, the father born May 15, 1808, the mother December 13, 1813. The dates of their respective deaths are September 21, 1851, and September 2, 1861. Six of their seven children are living-Louisa, James S., John J., Martha, Samuel D. and Harmon R The latter, who is the subject here considered, was brought up on the farm, and obtained a good education in the district schools and the high schools at LaRue and other points. He engaged in teaching eight years; kept a drug store two years, and afterward studied medicine under Dr. Hardy and attended one course of lectures at the Cleveland Medical College. He was married August 4, 1880, to Miss Sarah Lindsey, daughter of James and Elon (Stiverson) Lindsey, natives of Ohio, and of Scotch and German parentage respectively, the former born November 23, 1814, the latter July 29, 1814. The dates of their respective deaths are February 19, 1881, and November 1, 1882.Mrs. Leslie was born Decem.
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ber 8, 1849. She also attended medical lectures with her husband, in view of graduating in the profession. They have one child, James W., born October 24, 1882. They are jointly the owners of 160 acres of land, which they inherited from Mr. Lindsay and eighty acres by purchase. Of the Lindsey family four are living-Robert, Ann M., Sarah and Mary. The deceased no: John, killed in battle at Moulton, Ala., May 29, 1864; David, killed at Monocacy, July 10, 1864, and James, who died at home June 16, 1858.
HUGH MASON, a native of Frederick County, Va., was born September 11, 1833. His parents were natives of Virginia and of German and Scotch lineage, his father, William, born October 8, 1799; his mother, Mary M. (Cameron) November 5, 1799. They came to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1834 and resided there till the death of the father, February 11. 1841. The mother died December 16, 1878. Hugh. the second son of the above parents, was left an orphan at eight years of age and was compelled to labor diligently for many years to aid in supporting himself and mother. He was married December 31, 1857, to Miss Jane E. McLain, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Neff) McLain, born August 25, 1835. They have no children. In 1864, Mr. Mason enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and joined the Army of the Potomac. On account of physical disability he was not placed in active service, and on leaving the hospital at Washington was discharged. In 1874, he moved upon his farm of forty-four acres in this county, having purchased the land in 1872. This farm he has placed in good condition, having earned all that it now contains or promises by bard, honest toil.
JOHN W. McCLEARY is a native of Franklin County, Penn., born February 2, 1840. His father, Mathew, was born March 8, 1812, and died in February, 1879. His mother, Susanna, was born June 13, 1816, and still survives. Seven of the nine children are yet living-John W., Martha J., wife of Charles Hunter; Sarah, wife of Morris Owens, Leah, wife of George Hawkins; Isaiah, Joshua, Jemima, wife of Daniel Fox. The parents came to this county in 1847, and purchased 200 acres of land on which they resided till Mr. McCleary's death. John W., our subject, was brought up on the farm above mentioned. In 1865, be purchased 100 acres, to which he has since added forty acres, all in good condition as to soil, buildings, etc. He married July 18, 1861, Miss Anna D. Englehart, of Terre Haute, Ind., daughter of Martin and Christina Englehart, born April 4, 1843. Their six children are Eliza J., born April 19, 1862; Silas W., August 9, 1863; Amanda E., October 22, 1867; Sylvia J., December 9, 1869; Herschel V., December 22, 1871; Marietta C., July 1, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. McCleary are members of the Christian Union Church, and also of the Patrons of Husbandry.
ASA QUAIL was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, January 27, 1838, is a son of Henry and Barbara (Pepple) Quail. He was reared to farm labor, and after obtaining his majority worked by the month and rented land until he had acquired a sufficient sum to purchase forty acres of land, to which he has since added forty acres more. He was married May 28,1863, to Miss Mary R. McLain. daughter of Abraham and Mary (Neff ) McLain. She was born May 14, 1843. Their six children are all living Sylvia J., was born April 19, 1865; Martha E., June 4,1871; Mary A., June 11, 1873; George A., April 29, 1876; Iva B., September 3, 1878; Asa A., May 1, 1882, Mr. Quail is a member of the Church of God, and a Republican politically. He has a comfortable home, most of which he has earned by the " honest sweat of his brow."
894 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
JOHN QUAIL is a native of Marseilles Township, son of Henry and Barbara (Pepple) Quail, born May 4, 1840. He grow up on the farm in this county, and is familiar with the various steps of its progress. In 1866, he purchased eighty-five acres of land, and by subsequent purchases has increased this number to 125. His land is in a good state of cultivation and provided with comfortable buildings. Mr. Quail was married March 8, 1865, to Miss Mary Reubins, and one child was born to them-Frank E., born August 29, 1867. Mrs. Quail departed this life March 15, 1868, and Mr. Q. was again married November 4, 1869, to Miss Ida Kiser, daughter of Wesley and Malinda (Reid) Kiser, five children blessing this union - George H., born March 2, 1871; Guy P., November 11, 1872; Virgil K., February 19, 1875; Rollo V., August 30, 1881; Victor Q., November 13, 1883. Mr. Quail obtained such an education as the ordinary district schools afforded. He has ever been a hard laborer and commanded the esteem of his community.
MARQUIS L. ROWLAND, son of John and Catharine (Ady) Rowland, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, March 10, 1844. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, born May 4, 1804; his mother, of Ohio, born August 9, 1817. They were of German and Irish descent, and came to this county in 1855, purchasing 100 acres of land in Mifflin Township. He died April 13, 1857, in his fifty-third year, a member of the Disciple Church. Marquis L., our subject, grew up on the farm of his father. At thirteen, he was left an orphan, and thereafter labored hard to help support his widowed mother (who now resides with him). and obtain an education. He has taught several terms of school, was elected Township Clerk in 1871, serving one term, and April, 1874, Justice of the Peace, in which office he is now serving his fourth term. Mr. Rowland was married November 29, 1866, to Miss Atty A. Ludwig, daughter of Gabriel and Eliza A. (Johnson) Ludwig, and six children have resulted-Francis L., born January 9, 1868; Willis P., born September 7, 1869; Dora A., July 4, 1871; illen T., May 25, 1873; Ira T., April 30, 1875; Curtis M., June 11, 1879. Mrs. Rowland was born October 12, 1845. Mr. Rowland is a member of the F. & A. M., owns 120 acres of land and is highly esteemed as a citizen.
GEORGE RIESER is a native of Baden, Germany, born May 11, 1824, and son of George and Raekina Risser, also natives of Germany. He came to this county with his parents in 1846, and established a brick-kiln in Upper Sandusky, where he resided about six years, when he purchased eighty acres of land in Mifflin Township, where be still follows the occupation of a farmer. His farm was once timber land and has been hewn into a valuable home by the greatest industry and perseverance. Mr. Rieser was married, October, 1847, to Elizabeth Fehter, who was born in Switzerland, December, 1828. Their union has been blessed with one child-William H., born September 10, 1848. Mr. Rieser was a soldier of the standing army, in Germany, and has passed a life of many vicissitudes, but finds himself in good circumstances in his declining years.
WILLIAM F. SMITH was born in Bedford County, Penn., January 18, 1833. He is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Wehen) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. There were eight children in the family, four living -Henrietta, wife of Ferdinand Switzer; Elenor, wife of Jacob Switzer; William F. and Sophia, wife of William Rieber. The deceased are Margaret, Caroline, George A. and Reuben, who enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the battle of Winchester. After engaging in brick-making a
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number of years in various localities, the father came to this county in 1851, and purchased 120 acres of land, where he died a few years later. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in good standing. William F., the subject of this notice, was reared on the farm, and, after his father's death, aided in supporting the family. He was married, December 26, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Stevens, daughter of John and Sarah Stevens, and the following are the names of the children born to them: Josiah J. October 20, 1855; George W., Sept. 7, 1857; John A., April 2, 1859; Rueben E., December 28, 1860; William V., March 20, 1863; Elenor M., May 26, 1868. Mr. Smith purchased and inherited 120 acres, on which he resided fourteen years. He then removed to Bucyrus to burn brick for the new Union School building, at that place sold his farm, purchasing one of 480 acres (the Renick farm), which he afterward disposed of in small lots, and purchased his present property. Besides 159 acres in this township, also owns forty acres in Marseilles Township, and is ranked among the best farmers of the county.
ORRIN F. STRAW was born on the farm where he now resides, July 29, 1846. He is a son of Joel and Mary (Swayze) Straw, the former born near Waterbury, Vt., August 11, 1811; the latter in Sussex County, N. J., December 5, 1808. They were married in this county, August 11, 1836, their children being Rachel, born May 29, 1839; Orrin F., July 29, 1846; Amanda, November 15, 1849; Augenette, September 7, 1852, and four others deceased. The father died January 28, 1867, aged fifty-six; the mother is still living at the ripe age of seventy-five years. Our subject was married April 9, 1873, to Miss Maria M., daughter of Barnett and Catharine (Woodcock) Hughes, and a native of this county, born March 27, 1849. Their children are George W., born April 5, 1874; Iva E., October 27, 1878; Anna B., July 25, 1881; and William S., who was born July 19, 1876, and died May. 11, 1880. Mr. Straw owns 307 acres of good land, and is one of the substantial farmers of the township. He is a Republican and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, formerly a Treasurer of the township
GEORGE THIEL was born in Luxemburg, Germany, Nov. 11, 1828. He is a son of Lawrence and Catharine (Wynande) Thiel, who were the parents of eighteen children. Our subject was married to Susanna Bricher in Echternach, August 11, 1849. In 1854, he emigrated to America, being 114 days at sea with half rations for many days, and three days with nothing to eat or drink. His wife and two children crossed the water in the fall of the same year, suffering shipwreck, from the effects of which the children both died. Mr. Thiel located first in Seneca County, but six years later purchased land in this county, now owning 258 acres. His children by his first wife are Ferdinand, born November 1, 1858; Stephen, March 22, 1861; Henry A., November 16, 1863. Mrs. Thiel died August 1, 1865, and Mr. Thiel was married, November 24, 1865, to Anna Bantz, daughter of John and Mary A. (Lusch) Bantz. The children by this marriage are George S., born August 28, 1866; Edward, March 11, 1870; Catharine, November 25,1871; Mary, May 28, 1873; Paul, July 18, 1875; John, March 3, 1878; Susanna, January 30, 1880; Peter, April 11, 1883. Mr. Thiel is a Democrat and member of the Catholic Church.
JONATHAN O. VANORSDALL was born in Cuba, Allegany Co., N. Y., January 13, 1836. He is a son of Andrew and Katie Vanorsdall, was reared on a farm, and educated in the district schools. He came to this county with his parents in 1846, and on February 24, 1860, was married to Mar
896 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY
garet Simmerson, daughter of Walter and Mary (Snyder) Simmerson. They had six children, three now living - Ida M., born May 14, 1864; Charley O., December 10, 1866; Clara B., September 26, 1869. Mrs. Vanorsdall was born September 26, 1833. Being a shoemaker by trade, Mr. Vanorsdall followed this occupation till 1870, when he moved upon his farm, since engaging in agricultural pursuits. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and highly esteemed by the citizens of their community.
W. W. WHALEY was born in this county April 15, 1862. He is a son of Wilford and Juliette (Parlett) Whaley, his father having been born August 25, 1822, and died June 11, 1883. Before his death he had acquired by hard labor and good management 145 acres of well - improved land, with all the comforts of a pleasant home. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his widow, who still survives in her fiftieth year. W. W. Whaley was an only son. He resided with his father till the death of the latter, at which time he inherited 100 acres of the homestead, where he still resides with his mother and aged grandmother, who was born February 15, 1800. His farm is in a good state of cultivation, and well provided with all the buildings necessary to comfort and convenience. Mr. Whaley is counted among the best farmers of his community, and is well respected as a citizen.