THE HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1883 - By Leggett, Conaway & Co.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
T
(1907 - MARION COUNTY, OHIO - HISTORY- LETTER T)
ADDISON TAVENNER (Pleasant Township) is one of the highly respected men of Pleasant Township. He was born May 2, 1825, in Loudoun County, Va., and is a son of Jonah and Pleasant (Warner) Tavenner, who came to Marion County in 1836, settling five miles east of Marion. The mother died the subsequent autumn, while the father died in 1846, aged forty-eight years, leaving a family of seven children. They are of Scotch-German descent, and the Grandfather Tavenner was a teamster in the Revolution. The common school gave Mr. T. his education, and in 1850 he purchased seventy acres, where he now lives, to which he has added thirty acres more; all rated at $90 per acre. The improvements are good, the barn being built in 1859. May 11, 1848, he married Mary Rupp, daughter- of David and Sarah (Noble) Rupp. Their only child, Almy, is the deceased wife of J. W. Myers. Mrs. R. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject bar, been Justice of the Peace in Pleasant Town-hip for three years. He is still active, though for the past twenty years he has been in declining health.
AMOS TAYLOR, (Salt Rock Township) (1907) one of the substantial men of Salt Rock Township, born December 16, 1836, the son of William and Elizabeth (Davis) Taylor. The former came from Ross County, Ohio, and the latter from Maryland when a child. They settled on the Thomas Thompson farm, entering 160 acres, which was subsequently increased to 400 acres. He reared a family of six children, and died in 1858, aged fifty-nine years, and the mother died in 1851, aged forty-two years. Our subject's education was obtained wholly at the district school, and in his younger days was very active, having frequently mowed two and a half acres of grass in a day with a scythe. In 1866, he purchased thirty acres in Wyandot County, Ohio, which lie still holds. His home farm consists of ninety acres, inherited by his wife, and ninety-two acres purchased by himself. He owns in all 470 acres, 290 in Wyandot County, Ohio. In 1873, he built his residence. December 1, 1859, he married Miss Sarah Martin, daughter of Robert Martin. This union has been crowned with six children-Louisa, Elizabeth, Cora, Kate, Anna and Hortense, the latter deceased. Mr. Taylor is a genial gentleman, a Republican in spirit and practice, and has been prominent in the township officially.
CHARLES H. TERPANY, (Marion Township) of the firm of Terpany & Rhodes, dealers in boots and shoes, was born in Marion December 28,1850, the son of Samuel and Samantha (Randall) Terpany, the former a native of New York and the latter of Marion County. Samuel Terpany was born in 1826, and came to, this county with his parents, settling in Big Island Township. In subsequent years they returned to New York, where they died. Mr. Samuel Terpany married in this county in 1850. He was engaged in manufacturing boots Mad shoes in Marion. September 1, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as Corporal. But, taking sick, bodied at Young's Point, Miss., January 12, 1803. Mr. and Mrs. Terpany had five children, three living--Charles H.; Alice, wife of James Hessen; and Mary, wife of B. F. Runyan. Johnnie and George are deceased. Mrs. Terpany continued to reside in Marion, rearing her children, and died February 16, 1883. Mr. C. H. Terpany acquired a fair education, took up his trade when sixteen with parties at Galion, Ohio, serving two and a half years; he then returned to Marion, working for a firm a brief time. In the autumn of 1870, he became a partner with Michael Stoll, under the firm name of Stoll I & Terpany. In 1881, this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Terpany located where he now is, carrying a stock of $6,000. In 1878, he married Elizabeth M. Zuck, and their three children are Jennie B., Fred and Leroy. Mrs. Terpany is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he of the K. of P. and K. of H.
CHAMPNESS TERRY, (Grand Township) the subject of this sketch, one of the oldest pioneers of Grand Township, was born in Pittsylvania a County, Va., August 24, 1801. His parents, John and Sarah (Hodnet) Terry, were natives of old Virginia. Mr. Terry enlisted in the Revolutionary war, and served eighteen months. He participated in the battle of Guilford Court House, N. C., and was discharged from the rank of Captain. He died at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He was the parent of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only surviving one. He was reared in his native place, and educated in the subscription schools of that day. In 1823, he began the trade of a carpenter, and followed it till the fall of 1831, when he emigrated to the West and located in Grand Township. He purchased 132 acres of land, for which he paid $5 per acre. This whole region of Grand was woods, and Mr. Terry aided in making many of the first roads. He cleared a site and erected a log house, which he occupied till the erection of his present residence. Mr. Terry has made additions to the original purchase till he now owns 250 acres, located in Marion, Hardin and Wyandot Counties. Mr. Terry has cleared and well improved his farm. The "Red Spring" is located a few rods from his home, and not unfrequently have the red men of the forest camped by this ever-flowing fountain. In 1812, Gen. Harrison and his army, while marching to Detroit, camped for the night at this spring. Mr. Terry handled live stock for sixteen years, and during that time kept a house of entertainment for stock-drovers. He furnished provisions to a great many pioneer families who came into Grand Township, and was one of the leading citizens of the township. Mr. Terry was married, March 20, 1829, to Rhoda Ann Thompson, daughter of David and Mary (Anderson) Thompson. She was born in Halifax County, Va., September 1813, and died, leaving five children-Thomas J., Joseph C. and John H.; Sarah J., David D. and William P. are deceased. David served three years in the late war, and was killed in the engagement at Snicker's Gap, while acting as Captain. Mr. Terry again married, February 26, 1843, this time to Rebecca Peters, daughter of Isaac and Mary Peters. Mrs. Terry, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, was born April 15, 1825. Of fourteen children born to this union eight are living, viz.: Mary A. (wife of Wilson Mason), James M., Luke A., George W., Ruth C. (wife of O. W. Bryant), Elizabeth A., Hannah J. and M. C. Zachariah L., Catharine L., Emma M., Susan R. and two infants are deceased .James M. and Luke A. were also soldiers in the rebellion. Mr. Terry is a Friend, religiously, and Mrs. Terry is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Terry is a Republican in his political views. He cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson. He has filled the office of Trustee of Grand Township for eighteen consecutive years. He has been an active and enterprising citizen, and by his energy and economy has achieved success in life.
HENRY THEW (Montgomery Township) is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born June 10, 1815, the son of Richard and Ann (Bothamley) Thew, who emigrated to America in 1824, settling in Richland County, where they resided until death. They brought up eight children, four of whom are living, all in comfortable circumstances. The mother died in 1828, the father in 1831. Henry Thew, having lived with Robert Ralston three years, came to Marion County in 1829. In 1833, he learned the trade of shoe-making, and followed the boot and shoe business in Marion twelve years. Disposing of his stock in 1848, he bought his present farm, comprising 310 acres, valued at $80 per acre. He, too, began life with nothing. January 30, 1839, he married Hannah S. Hayward, daughter of Isaac and Ann (Shephard) Hayward, from England. Their eight children are all living, save Henry C., who died May 31, 1862, from a disease contracted in the army. Mr. Thew's wife died February 11, 1872. He married again October 8, 1874, Emma Bothamley, daughter of John and Mary E. (Thew) Bothamley. They sailed for this country in 1853, settling in Marion County. He died about 1857, and she May 15, 1864. Mr. Thew, the subject of this biography, is one of the oldest and first pioneers of this county, having lived here over half a century. At one time he was a prominent candidate for County Commissioner. He is a leading citizen, an extensive farmer, a prominent member of the F. & A. M., and he and his wife hold a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a charter member of the old Montgomery Church, and for thirty-five years was Circuit Steward of the church, missing only one quarterly conference during that time. As a pioneer and respected citizen of Montgomery Township, we give the portrait of Mr. Thew in this work.
JOHN W. THEW. (Claridon Township) Mr. Thew's father, John H. Thew, was a native of Lincolnshire, England, born in January 1814. His mother, Jane (Hunt) Thew, was born in the same country January 13, 1826. The former came to the United States in 1824, with his parents, Richard and Ann Thew, and married, July 7, 1842, Miss Margaret Bolton, of English descent. Their only son, William, born March 16, 1844, having enlisted November 6, 1861, in Company B, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died in the hospital at Evansville, Ind., May 23, 1862. Then only daughter, Martha Ann E., born July 3, 1846, survives. Their mother's decease occurred November 14, 1849. Mr. Thew married again November 19, 1850, Miss Jane Hunt, five of whose children are living--Mary E., born November 7, 1851; John W. (our subject), born in Claridon Township, October 29, 1853; Joseph B., June 25, 1857; Elizabeth J., March 18, 1862, and Jessie P., March 18, 1867. Henry P. was born October 18, 1859, and died August 7, 1864. John H. Thew, the father of John W., after coming to America, made his home with his uncle, William Thew, lately deceased, until he married. He then engaged in farming, purchasing land. He was a prominent Odd Fellow, having passed all the chairs, and a class leader for a number of years in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died June 23, 1873, and his wife February 17, 1883. John W. Thew gathered a practical education from the common schools, and when nineteen was left in charge of the farm, which he still retains. He married, November 12, 1876, Ruth A. Roberts, a daughter of T. W. and 'Priscilla (Miles) Roberts, who died July 16, 1880. March 15, 1883, he was again united in marriage to Miss Mata E. Barga, whose parents were natives of Ohio, and of German ancestry. John W. resided the first three years of his married life, upon Thomas W. Roberts' farm, but, since the death of his former wife, has occupied the old homestead. He is an enterprising and an energetic farmer; he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, is identified with the IOOF, and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
P. B. THEW (Marion Township) was born in Richland, now Huron, County, Ohio, December 26, 1823. He is a son of Richard and Martha (Bothomly) Thew, who were natives of Lincolnshire, England. They came to America in 1821, and settled in Plymouth Township, Huron Co., Ohio, where he entered eighty acres of land. He went to New Orleans on a business trip in 1832, and died of the cholera. Mrs. Thew had departed this life in 1826. At the death of his father, Mr. P. B. Thew was bound out to Joseph Curtis, a farmer. In 1841, he came to Marion, and learned the shoemaker's trade; in 1840, he engaged in the boot and shoe business, which he followed till April 1, 1881, when he sold out, and with his son, John W., embarked in the grocery trade, under the firm name of P. B. Thew & Son. He was married, in May 1851, to Miss Matilda E. Dutton, daughter of Israel Dutton. Mrs. Thew was born in Marion County September 4, 1832. Of nine children born to this union, six are living, viz., Emma L., Frank D., John W., Kittie, Joseph B. and Susie. William, Bettie and Robert L. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Thew are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican, and was a member of the Board of Township Trustees one term.
RICHARD THEW, (Claridon Township) hardware merchant, is a native of this county, born October 22, 1846; the son of William P. and Susan (Davis) Thew, natives of England and 'Virginia respectively. Having acquired a limited education, he remained upon the old homestead until his twenty-sixth year, when he engaged with the Ashland Machine Company as traveling agent, continuing one year. He then settled permanently in Caledonia, purchasing a half interest in the hardware store of J. F. Apt. They did business under the name of Apt & Thew for two years, when they disposed of their hardware stock and located at Lorain, Ohio, engaging in the lumber and hardware trade (successfully) four our years. Mr. Thew then retired from the firm on account of failing health. After remaining inactive a few months, he, with J. V. Harrison. repurchased the old hardware stock previously sold to Campbell & Rice, and continued one year, when Mr. Harrison retired. Mr. Thew has been sole proprietor since 1879, and has built up a prosperous and profitable trade. He handles the Buckeye Binder, selling, forty in the season of 1882. He is also a partner in the manufacture of the Boughton Buggy Spring, which bids fair to prove a success. Mr. Thew was married, October 14, 1875, to Miss Sarah P. Lawrence, a daughter of Rev. Richard and Sarah (Wilson) Lawrence, residents of Claridon Township. Her father is a native of Lincolnshire, England, and came to America about thirty-five years ago. Mr. and Mrs. T. have two children, Edna L., born April 3, 1876, and Susan P., born May 5, 1878. Mr. Thew has accumulated a handsome amount of property, having a fine frame residence on Main street, and he is active in all the enterprises of the village. He is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM THEW, (Claridon Township) for many years a prominent citizen of Claridon Township, was born near Alford, Lincolnshire, England, April 1, 1791. During the contest between England and France, under the Generalship of Napoleon Bonaparte and Lord Wellington, Mr. Thew enlisted in the service of his country, and received a Lieutenant's commission, signed by the King. His old uniform is now in possession of Mr. Henry Thew. He emigrated to the United States in 1822, and after staying one year in New Jersey with a friend, started on foot to look for a home in the wilds of Ohio. While he was journeying over the mountains, he fell sick, and when in that condition, an attempt was made to rob him of what little money he had. This, he often said was the only time he wished himself home again. In the meantime, his friend secured work in the neighborhood, while Mr. Thew was recovering his health. Then they again traveled westward, until they arrived in Marion County, where he entered land, upon which he afterward made his home, and where he died. After entering this land, he returned to New York, walking the whole distance, where by agreement he soon met his brother Richard, with a considerable family from England; the whole company then started West, halting at Plymouth, Richland Co., Ohio, where they bought land and settled down. While living here, he was married to Elizabeth Woodhouse, April 14, 1825, an amiable lady, with whom he lived until her death, which occurred August 3, 1865. In the fall of 1825, he with his wife moved to their now home in Marion County, he having previously built a log cabin, which they occupied for a number of years. At this time there was not another inclosure between his cabin and Marion. His cabin was frequently a lodging place for the Indians, with whom he was a great favorite. He was often heard to remark that here in this log cabin the happiest days of his life were spent. For many years after his settlement in Claridon Township, the country for miles around was unenclosed, affording a wide and rich range for cattle: of this he availed himself very successfully, owning many cattle. About 1844, the plains were mostly inclosed. In 1837, Mr. Thew made a visit to England. remaining there fifteen months, and on his return brought back with him his aged mother and a maiden sister, who shared his home until their death. Mr. Thew was a man of high-toned moral character, of fine executive ability, and in the early part of his life filled several positions of public trust. His early religious training was in the Episcopal Church of England, but after settling in this county he in 1834, united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he remained a faithful member and a valued counselor in its affairs until his death. He was a cheerful and liberal contributor in support of the church. His religious experience was full I and rich, his Christian life a noble one. His early associations in the church were with such men as Rev. Uriah Heath, J. G. Bruce, John R. Powers, John Quigley, Henry Whiteman, H. Pilcher, R. Lawrence, and many others, who always found a hearty welcome at his house. Mr. Thew and his wife were not blessed with any children of their own, but they always had a large family, which they took pleasure in caring and providing for or-principally nephews and nieces, They were generous to the poor and needy, and they will be preserved in affectionate remembrance by many who were recipients of their generosity, long years after they will have moldered to dust. Mr. Thew died at his home in Claridon Township July 29, 1883. He was very successful in the temporal affairs of life, and left an estate worth $75,000. As a represents. five honored citizen of Marion County, we give the portrait of Mr. Thew in this work.
WILLIAM P. THEW, (Claridon Township) the subject of this sketch, was born in Lincolnshire, England, September 1, 1812. His parents, Richard and Ann (Bothamly) Thew, were both natives of England. the former of Salsby, Lincolnshire, and the latter of Boston. Mr. Thew was born May 3, 1789, and Mrs. Thew in 1788. They crossed the ocean with their children in 1824, landing at the port of New York. They first settled in Plymouth Township, Richland Co., Ohio, where Mr. Thew entered 160 acres of land; on this they resided until 1831. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the following are living: William P., Henry, Martha (wife of Obadiah Miller), Parkinson B. (of Marion) and Jessey (residing at Farmer City, 111.) ; the deceased are John H., Joseph, 'Elizabeth (wife of Robert Douce) and two others, deceased in infancy before immigrating to the United States. These pioneers died only a few years after their immigration; Mrs. Thew died first, her death occurring January 3, 1828; Mr. Thew died in 1832. Mr. Thew, the subject of this notice, was a boy of twelve years when his parents crossed the ocean. He obtained most of his education in his native land; here his advantages were limited. He resided with his father until the latter's death, and in 1834 came to Marion County. He entered the forests of Claridon Township as a pioneer, and purchased a farm, which lie increased by subsequent additions until it now contains 262 acres of valuable land; this farm he cleared mostly from its original state, and all its excellent improvements are the fruits of Mr. Thew's unremitting labor. The forests that covered the land of this township in 1831 have since disappeared before the hand of the pioneer settlers, of whom Mr. Thew is one of the remaining few; he has borne his part in the leading enterprises and improvements of the township as well as in the labors and hardships of the pioneer past. A public-spirited man, he contributed liberally of his means to the enterprises that are intended to enrich the community. He is a thorough and successful farmer, and has by his industry, perseverance and economy acquired a reasonable competence. He served his township as Trustee many years, and as Treasurer one year. Politically, he is a Republican, and always takes a deep interest in the success of that party. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been prominently identified for a great many years; he served as Recording Steward twenty-five years, and as Class-leader for a long period; he is one of the principal members and supporters of the church, and to all benevolent objects he is a liberal giver. He was married in Claridon Township, October 3, 1839, to Miss Susan Davis, a daughter of Zephaniah and Mary (Irey) Davis. They have had six children, viz., Ann, born June 16, 1840, wife of James L. Bell, of Marion; Emeline, born March 18, 1842, wife of Washington Harris, of Morrow County; Sarah E., born October 10, 1844, wife of Jefferson Harris; Richard, born October 22, 1846, hardware merchant at Caledonia; Ida, born August 16, 1849, wife of James K. P. Weber; and Susan, born January 23, 1852, died September 10, 1852. Mrs. Thew departed this life August 9, 1852, Mr. Thew was again married, January 1, 1854, to Mrs. Charlotte (Cherry) Washburne, and their children are William W., born January 18, 1855, and married Zella Taggart August 1, 1883; and Lottie S., born April 29, 1860, wife of Joseph A. Fields. As a representative pioneer citizen of Claridon Township, we present the portrait of Mr. Thew in this work.
B. F. THOMAS, (Prospect Township) brother of the above, was born in Washington. D. C., November 6, 1853, and was married, March 1, 1882, to Hattie O. Detwiler, daughter of John and Mary (Ely) Detwiler, of Thompson Township, Delaware County. They have one child-Harry Earl, born February 18, 1883 Mr. T. is a member of the firm of Thomas Brothers, above referred to.
CHARLES E. THOMAS, (Prospect Township) farmer and stock-dealer, was born in Prince William County, Va., August 31, 1848, the son of Benjamin F. and Sarah A. (Howison) Thomas. He lives on his farm of seventy acres, about one and a half miles east of Prospect Village, and is also a member of the firm of Thomas Brothers, buyers and shippers of stock for Eastern markets. Mr. Thomas was married, December 20, 1876, to Lettie M. Gast, a daughter of William Gast, of Delaware County. He is Superintendent of the gravel road between Prospect and Waldo.
F. H. THOMAS, M. D., (Marion Township) was born in Franklin County, Ohio, September 4, 1853. He is a son of D. W. and Laura (Hutchinson) Thomas, of Franklin County, and a grandson of Col. Griffith Thomas, who was an officer in the late war with Great Britain. Dr. Thomas is next to the youngest of seven children. At the age of seventeen, he entered upon a collegiate course in the Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware, and attended two years. He subsequently took a full course in the Wooster University, and graduated in June 1878. During his senior year, he read medicine with Dr. L. Firestone, of Wooster, and after his graduation he continued his medical studies with Dr. Starling Loving, of Columbus. He attended lectures at Starling Medical College, and received his diploma in February 1880, after which he. entered upon the practice of medicine at Dublin, where he practiced two and a half years. May 20, 1881, while holding a post morteni examination, he received a wound in the index finger of the left hand, and suffered from that dread disease, pyaemia (blood poisoning), but recovered after five months of serious illness In September 1882, he located at Marion, where he has established a good practice and enjoys the confidence of the people. June 20, 1881, he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Theron and Annis (Fuller) Lee, who were prominently identified with the establishment of Central College. Mrs. Thomas was born at Central College, Ohio, February 13, 1854. She graduated at Mount Holyoke Seminary, Mass., in June 1878, and taught one year in the public schools of Marysville and one year in a private family of Philadelphia, Penn. Dr. Thomas is a member of the Masonic order and Royal Arcanum. He is Secretary of the Marion County Medical Society, and member of the State and Central Ohio Medical Associations.
JOHN H. THOMAS, (Marion Township) Clerk of the Courts, was born in Prince William County, Va., May 25, 1846. When seven years of age, his parents, Benjamin F. and Sarah A. (Howison) Thomas, removed to Washington, D. C., and in 1856 to Delaware County, Ohio, where Mr. Thomas was reared to manhood. He acquired the elements of his education in the Prospect Select Schools and in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. He taught during the winters of 1867, 1868, 1869, then engaged in farming and handling stock, shipping to eastern markets. This business he followed successfully till elected to his present position. He is a member of the firm of Wottring & Co., importers of French horses. In October 1881, he was elected Clerk of the Common Pleas Court. and assumed the duties of his office in February 1882. December 19, 1876, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Ella Cook, daughter of Dr. E. R. Cook. Mrs. Thomas is a native of Scott Township, this county, where she was born in 1852. Their two children are both living, viz., Emma R. and Alice A. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Prospect. Mr. T. is also a member of the IOOF, and is a Knight Templar. He owns a well-improved farm, of 180 acres, in Prospect Township.
WILLIAM B. THOMAS, (Prospect Township) farmer, was born in Scioto Township, Delaware Co., Ohio, May 17, 1825, and is a son of Lord and Elizabeth (Brockway) Thomas, the former a native of Now York, and the latter of Virginia. William B., in his early manhood, worked at different kinds of labor. In May 1843, he went to Delphos, Ohio, and worked on the canal, and in the fall of 1843 went to Kenton, Hardin County, where he worked at brick making and as a brick-mason until December 1848; from there he went to New Orleans, La., to work on the United States Custom House, then being built, Three days after his arrival, he was taken with cholera. After recovering he found himself penniless, his doctor and nurse bills having taken his last dollar. He secured employment of a man named Blunt, to work at getting out Cyprus staves, near the month of the Red River, at Atchafalaya Bayou, where he labored with four other men for one mouth, when Mr. Blunt skipped the country, with all his " blunt," if he had any, and Mr. Thomas and his comrades did not receive a cent for their month's labor. While there, a panther attacked some men in a shanty near by, killing one of the men. After this, Mr. Thomas worked at floating out cypress logs, to be rafted down the bayou. In this he had better success, and received pay for his work. Next, he went to Now Orleans, and took passage for Cincinnati on a steamboat. During the trip thirteen of the passengers died of the cholera. He arrived in Marion County -March 13, 1849, and just one year afterward-March 13, 1850-with six others, started by the overland route for California. While the train of which they were a part was crossing the plains, near St. Mary's River, on the bank of the stream they camped. During the night, two mules and a mare were stolen by the Digger Indians. One night, shortly afterward, the two men on guard reported stealing Indians. When Mr. Thomas and three others went out to investigate, they went some sixty rods, keeping about twenty feet apart, till they came to the ridge of a hill, when one of the party fired at an Indian near a sage bush. Immediately some ton or fifteen Indians sprang to their feet, whooping and running. In the melee that ensued, an Indian approached very near Mr. Thomas, when he and his right-hand comrade both leveled their pieces and fired at the same time. The Indian fell dead, and this ended the fight. The rest took to their heels, and from that on the train was not molested by thieving Indians. On his arrival in California, Mr. Thomas worked in the mines until November 15, 1851; during this time clearing about $2,000. He then returned on an ocean steamer, by the way of the Isthmus, and arrived in New York December 20, 1861. Mr. T. was married, July 15, 1852, at Marion, Ohio, to Mary Jefferson, born July 21, 1833, on the Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, and a daughter of William and Phoebe (Dann) Jefferson. Her parents emigrated to the United States when she was but eighteen months old, and settled in Scott Township, Marion County. Her father died the year following, leaving a widow, three sons and one daughter. The widow died in December 1866, in Iowa. December 20, 1852, Mr. Thomas, accompanied by his wife, again started for California, this time by steamer, by way of the Isthmus. They arrived at Panama on Now Year's Day, and were delayed there, by the sickness of Mrs. Thomas, until February 5. They then took passage by the steamer Golden Gate" for San Francisco, where they arrived after a voyage of thirteen days. During this voyage, seventy-two passengers died of fever, eleven dying in one day. On the trip, a fellow who was working his passage affronted one of the ladies on board, when, as a punishment, one end of a pork barrel was knocked out, a hole large enough to admit his head was cut in the other end; with this for an overcoat, his head sticking out, he was obliged to walk on dock one hour each day for the rest of the trip. During Mr. Thomas' stay in California, three of his children were born; Nevada and William Jefferson both died; Angeline, born October 1, 1856, is still living. October 20, 1857, he, with his family, started on their return by steamer, and in due time arrived in Marion County, in possession of $5,000 as the reward for his few years' labor in California. He soon afterward bought an eighty-acre farm in Claridon Township, where he went to reside. He afterward increased this farm to 184 acres. He lived there until 1874. In March of this year, he bought 112 acres in Prospect Township, on the west bank of the Scioto River, where he has ever since lived. The farm is valued at $100 per acre. Mr. Thomas has been the architect of his own fortune, never having anything given to him for a start. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have three other children, born in Marion County--John H., June 16, 1859; Lincoln E., July 18, 1861, and Orrin Ellsworth, October 25, 1867.
ALBERT THOMASSON (Bowling Green Township) (1907) was born in East Virginia October 9, 1814. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Lovin) Thomasson, were of English extraction, but natives of Virginia, where they both lived and died, he at the age of forty-eight, and his wife aged fifty-eight years. Albert Thomasson, at the age of twenty-one years, commenced to work for himself; he served at, apprenticeship to learn the trade of brick mason, and on completing his trade he came to Ohio and settled in Bowling Green Township in 1838, and followed his trade for forty years. He is now carrying on tile works and also owns a farm of 200 acres, valued at $85 per acre. He was married, December 14, 1837, to Emily Manly, a daughter of Richard Manly; from this marriage twelve children were born, seven daughters and five sons, six only are I living. Mr. Thomasson has been Trustee of the township for several years; is a member of the F. & A. M., and is an adherent of the Democratic party.
JOHN D. THOMASSON. (Bowling Green Township) fourth son of Albert and Emily (Manly) Thomasson, was born in Bowling Green Township, November 25, 1847. He was reared to a farmer's life, an occupation he has always followed. He was married, February 12, 1877, to Emma E. McCormick, a daughter ,of James and Minerva McCormick; they have two children-Orlie and Eva. Mr. Thomasson is an energetic and prosperous farmer, and is devoting most of his time to gardening and an apiary, a business he has followed for seventeen years with good success; he is politically Democratic.
RICHARD H. THOMASSON, (Bowling Green Township) first son of Albert and Emily (Manly) Thomasson, was born September 9, 1842, and was reared at his father's homestead in Bowling Green. Township. He enlisted to serve as a soldier in the Union army during the war of the great rebellion, on November 16, 1861, in Company A, Second Battalion United States Infantry and participated in many battles of that war, receiving at the battle of Resaca, May 15, 1864, a gunshot wound in the right shoulder. He served until the close of the conflict, and was honorably discharged July 17, 1865, and returned to his native place, engaging in farming. He was married, December 15, 1874, to Elizabeth, a daughter of John A. Johnson, by whom there have been four children-Samuel H., J. Dalzel and Holden F., that are living; and Albert T. deceased. Mr. Thomasson owns fifty acres of land, on which he resides with his family, and is a substantial citizen of the township.
THOMAS A. THOMPSON (Salt Rock Township) is a native of Salt Rock Township, born September 5, 1830 ; the son of John M. C. and Martha (Alcott) Thompson, the father coming from Virginia and the mother from New Jersey. They settled near where our subject resides about 1820, entering 400 acres, which in later years they have increased to 1,100 acres. Mr. Thompson was prominent in the organization of the township, and was its Treasurer fifteen years. He reared a family of seven children. and died in 1864, aged sixty-six years, while the mother passed away in 1861, aged sixty-four years. Our subject received a common school education. He inherited from his father's estate 200 acres of land. and several thousand dollars. His farm at present consists of 550 acres. He is a cultivator of good stock generally. Mr. T. has ever been a stanch Republican ; and of the township offices, he has held that of Trustee, Assessor and Treasurer. the latter for five years. March 15, 1865, our subject married Miss Isabel Sharp, daughter of Andrew and Ann (Wirts) Sharp. The names of their five children are Emma, John, Dessie D., Anna and Hayes. His grandmother's people came from Ireland, and his great-grandfather fell in the war of the Revolution, while her great-grand father died from wounds received in the same war. The Wirts came from Switzerland.
MAJ. S. N. TITUS. (Grand Prairie Township) This gentleman is a native of Meigs County, Ohio, and born November 17, 1837. At the breaking-out of the civil war in 1861, he volunteered as a soldier, and enlisted at Columbus, Ohio, as a private in Company M, Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was soon sent to Washington, D. C., and thence to Fortress Monroe. The same year of his enlistment, he was promoted to Lieutenancy. He was subsequently stationed at Suffolk, Va., and participated in many of the cavalry raids around Richmond. In the summer of 1863, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and a short time after to that of Major. Maj. Titus took part in many of the engagements in the valley of the Potomac and the Peninsular campaigns. He was at the siege of Suffolk, and with Gen. Butler in his operations around Richmond. and with Grant's army at Petersburg. In the fall of 1864, he was wounded, while in an engagement with the enemy near Richmond, Va., and taken prisoner. He was confined several weeks in Libby Prison, when he was paroled. He returned to his home in Meigs County in the winter of 1864; but returned soon afterward, and was honorably discharged from the service. For meritorious conduct as an officer and soldier, he was brevetted Colonel. In 1868, he was elected, and in 1870 re-elected, as Representative from Meigs County in the Ohio State Legislature, and since becoming a resident of Marion County in 1873 he has served as delegate several times to the Republican State Convention; also as Vice President of the Marion County Agricultural Society, and in other ways taken an active and prominent part in the public enterprises of the day. He is a member of the G. A. R., of the IOOF, and F. & A. M. He was married, November 14, 1872. to Miss E. C. Swinnerton, a grand-daughter of James Swinnerton, a pioneer of Marion County, and resides on the homestead, where James Swinnerton settled in 1819, in Grand Prairie Township. Maj. Titus is the owner of 450 acres of land in this and other counties, and is principally engaged in farming.
JOHN C. TITUS, (Marion Township) foreman of the Huber Works, was born in Kingsville, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, September 22, 1843. His parents, Solon and Rachel (Hoyt) Titus, were natives of New York State and Vermont respectively. They removed to Crawford County, Penn., from Ohio, where Mr. Titus died in 1847. In 1854, Mrs. Titus and her two children removed to Mahoning County, Ohio, where she married Alphonso Hazen, and in 1858 removed to Doniphan County, Kan., at which place she died in October 1879. John C. was brought up on a farm, and March 2, 1862, he enlisted, to serve in Company C, Tenth Kansas Volunteer Infantry. He served three years, and participated in the battles of Camp Clark and Prairie Grove with the Indians on the frontier, and in the engagements at, Franklin and Nashville, Tenn. He was discharged at New Orleans March 1, 1865, while Sergeant. He then returned to Kansas, and made a trip with a team to Colorado, and in 1867 came to Cleveland, Ohio, where, in the McNarian Claffen Bridge and Car Works, he served an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade. In 1868, he came to Marion, and in 1875 was employed as machinist in the Huber Works, and in 1877 was given charge of the machine shop. He has been a stockholder and Director in the company since January 1, 1879. In October 1870, he was married to Miss Barbara, daughter of William Kraner, by whom he had two children, of whom Willie E., only, is living. September 24, 1879, he again married, this time Mrs. Frederica Reiser, widow of John Reiser. She had five children by her former husband-Henry, Hattie Emma, Ida and Bertha. Mr. Titus is connected with the Masonic order and G. A. R.
MRS. DORCAS TOPLIFF, (Montgomery Township) the widow of Louis Topliff, was born in Washington County, Ohio, December 9, 1820, the daughter of Abner and Elizabeth (Dilla) Bent, who were of English descent, natives of Massachusetts and 'Virginia respectively. They had eight children, Dorcas only surviving. The names of the deceased are Lincoln G., Henry C., William H., Susan E., Augusta and Roena. Abner Bent settled in Grand Prairie Township in a very early day, when Marion City was a wilderness. He died in 1840, aged fifty-three years; his wife died in 1856. Mrs. Topliff, was married, March 13, 1850, in Wabash County, Ind., to Louis Topliff, son of Horatio and Sarah (Sargeant) Topliff. He came to Marion County in 1835, stopping in Big Island Township one year, thence he moved to Montgomery Township, purchasing land, which amounted in time to 1,000 acres. He was largely identified with the building up of the thriving village of La Rue. He owned at one time a grist mill, a saw mill and a carding mill here. He was an industrious and enterprising citizen, and was so generally interested in the growth of La Rue that as long as the village stands, so long will his name be remembered. His death took place in 1869, leaving a family of three children, four others having died. The names of the deceased are Susan A., Louis R., Carrie R., and an infant son. The living are Calvin, (1907) born December 13, 1856; Emma J., November 16, 1857, and Princess C. June 8, 1860. Mrs. Topliff, with her husband, was among the first settlers of La Rue, and hence she has seen the forest transformed into a thriving village of 800 inhabitants. At present she is living with her son Calvin at La Rue. She is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and a liberal supporter of the same.
JOHN B. TRAVIS. (Green Camp Township) Mr. Travis' parents, Oscar and Margaret (Humphries) Travis, the former born January 1, 1823, had six heirs-Mary, John B., Jamie A., Albert A., William 0. and Lucy A., the first two living. Mr. Travis survives his wife and resides at Marion, in which county he has lived since his childhood. He is interested in the manufacture and sale of buggies. The subject of this sketch secured a practical education. He enlisted in the civil war, September 24, 1864, in Company F, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. John Simmons and Col. H. H. Sage. He was engaged in the hotly-contested, battle of Nashville, and in several skirmishes. His honorable discharge dates" Columbus, Ohio, June 17, 1865. " He married, April 3, 1866, Mary E., daughter of Francis C. and Charlotte (Cooper) Baldwin. They have had seven children, four of whom died in infancy. The living are Laura X., William 0. and John F. Mr. Travis is a thoroughgoing farmer and a respected citizen. He is a Democrat and a member of the County Agricultural Society; he also belongs to the I.O.O.F. and the Free-Will Baptist Church.
HENRY TREESE, (Prospect Township) farmer, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Berks County (now Lehigh County), November 8, 1811. He came to Ohio as a teamster in 1833. Shortly after his arrival in the State, he located in Delaware Township, Delaware County, remaining there some two or three years, when he went to Radnor Township. same county, where he was married, September 4, 1842, to Jane Cratty. He resided in Radnor Township for a number of years, and in 1852 moved upon the farm of 125 acres where he now resides. Mrs. Treese died September 9, 1866. They had a family of children as follows: Joseph H., John Dunlap (deceased), Samuel C., Nancy Jane and Margaret Isabella. Mr. Treese's farm, when he first bought it, was in a rough condition, the timber only having been cut over; no sign of a fruit tree or other improvements. By his industry, ninety acres of this land has been made subject to the plow, and 100 fruit trees set out. He commenced a poor boy, and on his arrival in Ohio had but $15, and by hard work and perseverance and economy has acquired his property, which is amply sufficient to support him in comfort in his old age. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for twenty-four or twenty-five years, and in politics is a Democrat.
BARTHOLOMEW TRISTRAM, (Marion Township) the subject of this sketch, was born in Liverpool, England, June 1, 1830. In April 1832, his parents, Bartholomew and Ann (Rogers) Tristram, emigrated to the United States, and landed at New York City, where Mr. Tristram died the following July, leaving a widow and four children. Mrs. Tristram, soon after her husband's death, removed to Fairfield County, Conn., where she died in September 1857. Their children were Elizabeth, now Mrs. H. Stevens, of Fairfield County, Conn.; John, of the same county; Catharine, wife of James Corzen, and Bartholomew, the subject of this sketch. When Mr. B. Tristram, the subject of this sketch, was fourteen years of age, he began an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, in New Canaan, Conn., serving three and a half years, At the expiration of this time, he engaged in his trade at South Norwalk, Conn. In 1854, he came to Marion, and formed a partnership with Air. Bouton. He remained here but three months, and returned East, to South Norwalk, where he continued in business till 1860, at which time he came back to Marion and opened a boot and shoe store in the Bennett Block. The following year, W. H. Searles was admitted as a partner, and the firm of W. H. Searles & Tristram continued till 1865, when they dissolved their business relation, and Mr. Tristram took in his brother, John Tristram, and B. Tristram & Bro. did business one year. Then the firm changed, and Mr. B. Tristram was the sole owner till February 1882, when his son, Fred H., took an interest in the business. Mr. Tristram started in life upon his own personal resources, first learning his trade. and continuing as a practical workman until he had accumulated sufficient capital to start a small business; and by his judicious management has built up and established a large and successful trade. Mr. Tristram has served in different important official positions in the town and township, and has worthily discharged his duties. He was two years a member of the City Council, and of the Board of Health ten years, and has also served on the Board of Education. He is now filling the office of Trustee of the township, He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of the Masonic order, and in politics is Democratic. November 2, 1852, he was United in marriage to Miss Frances A. Hanford, daughter of Charles and Eliza (Brown) Hanford the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of New York City. She was born in Fairfield County, Conn., June 13, 1880. Their two children are Fred H. and Estella F.
DR. HENRY A. TRUE (Marion Township) (1907) was born in Knox County, Mo., August 10, 1812. His uncle, John Z. True, was one of the first settlers at Marietta, Ohio. He prosecuted a literary course of study at Bowdoin College, graduating in 1832. He then entered the Boston Medical College, graduating in 1834. He was employed as Surgeon at the Insane Asylum at Somerville, Mass., one year. He then practiced in Now York City until 1839, when he came to Marion. In connection with his practice here, continuing ten years, he was engaged in the mercantile and banking business. In 1843, he became Cashier of the Marion County Bank, occupying this position until 1865, when he was succeeded by R. H. Johnson. He remained a stockholder until his death. He married Elizabeth Reed, who was born January 7, 1821. He was City Surveyor from 1872 to 1875; also an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. his death took place December 12, 1876, and that of his wife September 24, 1881.
HENRY TRUE, (Marion Township) son and only child of the preceding. was born in Marion January 26, 1848. He was educated in the Marion schools and at Harvard University, spending two years at the latter place. In 1871, he engaged in the drug business, continuing ten years, when he was appointed Assistant Cashier in the above bank, he being a stockholder in the same. He has been interested in real estate and active in building; in encouraging railroad, manufactures and all the elements that contribute to the prosperity of the town and county. September 13, 1876, he married Miss Flora P. Bowen, who was born October 19, 1851, a daughter of Judge 0. Bowen, and their two children are Henry A., surviving, and Mary A., who died, aged twenty three months, August 12, 1879. Mr. True is a member of the Masonic order and is a Knight Templar. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
EMANUEL TRUMBO, (Bowling Green Township) deceased, was born October 12, 1822, in Pendleton County, Va. He removed with his wife Hannah (Conger) Trumbo, and children, to Fayette County, Ohio; thence to Marion County, Ohio, settling in Bowling Green Township in 1856. where he purchased a large tract of land and engaged in sawing lumber; his wife died February 16, 1864. By this wife there were five children--William H., Noah L., George 0., Pleasant and Asenath S., all except the last named are living. Mr. Trumbo, was married the second time, December 20, 1864, to Sarah A. Elland, who was born in Bi-- Island Township November 20, 1835. She was a daughter of John and Hannah Elland, who were natives of England. By Mr. Trumbo's last marriage there was one child-Hannah E. -who was born February 20, 1866. Emanuel Trumbo was a man of fine ability and a good scholar. He was elected and served as County Surveyor three terms, and in other ways was a prominent citizen. He died March 0, 1870; his wife and five children still survive him. The widow resides -on the homestead of eighty-seven acres. She is a member of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Trumbo's parents, John and Hannah Elland, came from England to America in 1833, and settled in Big Island Township, where they lived eighteen years, when they moved to Montgomery Township and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1849, aged sixty-seven years. His wife died in 1875. Their children were Hannah, Sophia, Susan, Sarah A. (the widow of Mr. Trumbo) and William, all living. Francis and John are deceased. Emanuel Trumbo's parents were William and Susan Trumbo, of German ancestry, and natives of Virginia. Their children were Anna, Lavina, Elijah, Susan, Mary, George, who still survives; Samuel Rahama, Josephine, Caroline and Emanuel are deceased.
HENRY TRUMBO, (Bowling Green Township) son of Emanuel and Hannah (Conger) Trumbo, was born in Pendleton County, W. Va., June 28, 1846. He received a fair practical education in the schools of Bowling Green Township, and was married, March 16, 1871, to Maggie Sifritt, born in Green Camp Township September 26, 1854, a daughter of Andrew and Nancy ( Bell) Sifritt; from this union there is one child-Myrtie V., born December 14, 1872. Harry H. Hopkins, an adopted child, was born near Saline City, Clay Co., Ind., August 9, 1875. Hannah Trumbo, the mother of Henry, died February 15, 1864, aged forty years; Emanuel, his father, died March 9, 1870 aged forty-seven years. Henry Trumbo, the subject of this sketch, is on of the substantial and well-to-do farmers of the township, has always lived upon a farm, and now owns 115 acres of land, valued at $60 an acre. Politically, he is a Democrat.
CLARK TURNEY, (Marion Township) jeweler, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, December 2, 1842, son of John H. and Harriet (Scofield) Turney, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Now Jersey. He was reared on a farm till seventeen years of ago, when he went to the jeweler's trade, learning with W. A. Turney, of Marion, with whom he remained till the fall of 1867. at which time he established himself in business in a room adjoining the post office; from there he removed to the Conrad Building in 1878, and in 1883 to his present place of business. His stock is made up of a full line of jewelry, silverware, etc. In 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, and served four months. He married, May 16,1867, Miss Susan, daughter of Solomon and Catharine Corn, and a native of Grand Prairie Township. They have had five children, four of whom are living-Carrie, Leo, Florence and Kittie. Mr. Turney is serving his second term as a member of the City Council, and is a member of the K. of P., K. of H. and I00F.
W. A. TURNEY, (Marion Township) the oldest jeweler in Marion, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, August 15, 1823. His parents, Joseph and Margaret Turney, were married in Westmoreland County, Penn., of which county they were natives, and in 1820 removed to Franklin County, Ohio, settling in Mifflin Township, where they resided till 1827, when they removed to Delaware County. Joseph Turney died January 29, 1876, his wife having preceded him October 27, 1859. Their union was blessed with eleven children-four sons and seven daughters. W. A Turney is the third son. July 18, 1838, he went to Columbus, and served a six years' apprenticeship at his present trade with William A. Platt, and July 20, 1846, he came and established himself in Marion with an outfit, of tools, shop fixtures and stock of goods, which amounted to $275. Mr. T. has been continuously engaged in his business, and without an absence of more than two weeks at any time, since 1846. He now carries a lull line of jewelry, silverware, fancy goods, etc., to the amount of $6,000, and enjoys a good trade. His present room he has occupied since 1854. October 18, 1846, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine E., daughter of Richard Williams, of Delaware, Ohio. Mrs. Turney was born in South Wales, Montgomeryshire, England, August 1. 1830. Mr. and Mrs. T. have six children- -Joseph R.; Alice M., wife of M. Thompson; George W., married Flora Page, of Chicago; Henry M., Merrill A. (1907) and Gertrude J. Mr. Turney and family are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. T. has been identified with the I00F for thirty-five years.