REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

MARION COUNTY, OHIO

1907 HISTORY

-V-

CAPT. CHARLES R. VAN HOUTEN , a retired farmer who resides at Prospect and a well-known veteran of the Civil War, was born on a farm in New Jersey, August 5, 1830, and is a son of David and Margaret (Lighthipe) Van Houten.

David Van Houten, who was a native of New Jersey, was married in that State to Margaret Lighthipe, whose father came to this country from Holland and served in the Revolutionary War. David Van Houten and wife were the parents of 10 children, as follows : James, John, Peter, David and Jacob, deceased; Anna Maria, who married Russell Winship-both now deceased; Hester, who married A. Darrah-both now deceased; Charles R.; Sarah Jane, who married James Huff, of Sunbury, Delaware County, Ohio; Joseph, who died in infancy.

Charles R. Van Houton was a small boy when his father died. In 1847 he came to Ohio with his mother, who located on a small farm of 10 acres at Sunbury, Delaware County. She died in 1864 at the age of 74 years. Charles attended school at the old log schoolhouse in Delaware County, but the greater part ,of his education has been obtained in the school of experience. Much of his time was spent in working by the month on various farms, in order to assist in supporting his mother.

Mr. Van Houten was first married, in March, 1850, to Susan Roberts, who died one year later leaving one child, H. R. Van Houten, of Prospect, with whom our subject now resides. After the death of his wife, Mr. Van Houten went to California in 1852, remaining there until 1857; he conducted a boarding house and an express office there, and was also interested to some extent in the gold mines. After his return to Delaware County, he was married to Hattie Jones, which resulted in the birth of one child, Julia both wife and daughter died in 1861. In August, 1862, he was married to Mrs. Mary (Simpson) Boyd, widow of James Boyd, and the mother of two children by her first marriage: Elizabeth J. and Clara E. Soon after his third marriage, Mr. Van Houton enlisted as a private in Company B, 121st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and while still in camp at Delaware was made sergeant by order of Col. W. P. Reed, and the following May was appointed 2nd lieutenant by the Governor: he was subsequently promoted to, 1st lieutenant, in which capacity he served for one year. In 1864 he was appointed captain of Company E, 121st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., at Atlanta, Georgia. Captain Van Houten was a valiant soldier and participated in many of the most important battles, including those at Perryville. Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and many less important engagements. During the Atlanta

campaign in 1864 the 121^st Ohio was in a fight almost daily; some of the chief battles were those of Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro and the engagements around Atlanta. The regiment accompanied Sherman in the "March to the Sea," after which Captain Van Houten became ill and resigned, leaving the service at Savannah, Georgia, December 25, 1864. He was never wounded in the service but suffered many hardships and privations, and often was obliged to subsist on one-fourth rations.

Captain Van Houten returned home after the war and settled on a farm of 80 acres in Pleasant township that his wife owned. Prior to enlisting in the army, he had invested in some virgin timberland in Union County, near Centerville; he cleared a portion of this tract, part of which is now owned by his son, who leases the land. Captain Van Houten retired from the farm in 1902, and later traded his farm in Montgomery township, Marion County, for property in Marion on Sharp and West Center streets, which he rents.

Politically, Captain Van Houten has always been a Democrat, but, nevertheless, voted for both Lincoln and Grant, when they were candidates for the presidency. He served as justice of the peace of Pleasant township 11 terms, or a period of 33 years, has also acted as township clerk and was census enmuerator of Pleasant township in 1880. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

H. R. VAN HOUTEN, son of our subject, was born December 6, 1851, in Delaware County, Ohio. He was reared on a farm and after his father returned from California he came to Marion County with him. He was educated in the township schools, after which he taught for several terms. H. R. Van Houten has been a resident of Prospect since December 11, 1902. He has served as clerk of Pleasant township. He was married March 18, 1875, to Martha Nickelson was born on the Nickelson home place in Pleasant township April 2. 1851, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Sanford) Nickelson.

John Nickelson was born on his father's, farm in Pennsylvania, and when two years old, in 1820, came with his father, James Nickelson, to Marion County, Ohio. Here his father entered a farm of 80 acres in Pleasant township, which is now owned by John Nickelson, brother of Mrs. H. R. Van Houten. Mrs. Nickelson was born in Marion County; her grandfather Martin came from New Jersey and entered land where Marion is now located-his wife returned on horseback to New Jersey to settle up his affairs in that State. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nickelson: Ira J.; Martha, who married H. R. Van Houten; Florence, deceased, who was the wife of William Biggerstaff; John H.; and Sarah, who married R. Williams.

CHARLES HOWARD VIRDEN, a prominent farmer of Grand township, residing at Scott Town, has a well-improved farm of 230 acres, situated in sections 26 and 27. He is one of the leading men of his locality and is a member of one of the oldest and most substantial families of Marion County. He was born, in Montgomery township, Marion County, one mile from Scott Town, December 19, 1865, and is a son of,. Henry M. and Josephine (VanArsdall) Virden. The early history of the Virden family, as well as that of some of its collateral branches, may be found in the sketch of our subject's father, which appears elsewhere in this work

Charles Howard Virden has two brothers: Dr. John E.Virden, a prominent physician of New York City, and Maurice A. Virden, a farmer of Montgomery township. He was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the public schools of Scott Town, attending in the winters until 18 years of age, and in the summers, until 14. Since completing his education, Mr. Virden has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and to faithfully performing the duties of the offices, to which his fellow-citizens have frequently elected him. When 2 1 years old he located on his present land, there being 160 acres in the home tract at that time, to which he has added until he now owns 230 acres, contained in two adjoining farms. He manages his estate according to modern methods and raises both grain and stock. All the excellent improvements of note on the property have been put here by himself. His property is valuable from every point of view.

On August 16, 1899, Mr. Virden was united in marriage with Zephyr Jones, a daughter of O. H. and Agnes M. (Mears) Jones, of Custer, Wood County, Ohio. Both parents of Mrs. Virden died in 1895, the father at the age of 57 and the mother at 53; the father was born at Bucyrus, Crawford County, and the mother in Marion County. Mrs. Jones was a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Gardner) Mears, who came to, Marion County from Highland County, Ohio; the former was born in Ireland and the latter in Wales. O. H. Jones, the father of Mrs. Virden. was engaged in a mercantile business, conducting a grocery both at Custer and Bucyrus. He was a strong Democrat and was postmaster at Custer, under the administration of President Cleveland. For 12 years he was a justice of the peace in Milton township and was always a man of high standing wherever he lived. His six children were: Dora, blind since six weeks of age; Datus: Ora; Harry; Fleming and Zephyr, wife of Mr. Virden.

In political sentiment, Mr. Virden has always been a strong Republican and for many years has taken an active interest in public matters in county and township. He has served for three years as township trustee, for five year's as township clerk and has been a member of the School Board: in fact, he has been in office more or less continuously ever since he reached his majority. He is one of the most substantial men of Marion County, and is also a citizen who is of the utmost value to his community, in that he can be relied upon to actively cooperate in every public movement which promises to advance its welfare.

HENRY M. VIRDEN, a most highly esteemed resident of LaRue, is the oldest native born citizen of Montgomery township, where he was born September 7, 1832, in the year following his father's settlement here. He is a son of William J. and Sarah Ann (Vorheis) Virden.

The Virden family is one of the oldest and most prominent ones of Marion County. The earliest family records tell of an ancestor who was a British sea captain, the 19th son of whom was Mitchell Virden, who was the grandfather of Henry M. Virden, of this sketch.

William J. Virden, son of Mitchell, was born December 8, 1804, in Sussex County, Delaware, came to Warren County, Ohio, in 1827, .and to Marion County, in 1831. He settled in section 1, Montgomery township, near the present site of Scott Town, and on this land cleared space for his log cabin. After it was erected, he returned to Warren County, where he was married and then brought his bride to the pioneer home. On this farm, which he cleared of its forest growth and developed into a valuable property, the rest of his life was spent. At the date of his settlement, there were only Indian trails leading from his property to the county road and primitive conditions prevailed. For a number of years after coming here he had many Indian neighbor, with whom, as far as known, he maintained the most peaceful relations. His death took place in 1881, at the age of 77 years.

The mother of our subject was born near Marysville, Kentucky, and died in Marion County, Ohio, aged 74 years. She was a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Hart) Vorheis, and a granddaughter of John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Henry Vorheis died near Marysville, Mason County, Kentucky, and his wife died in Warren County, Ohio.

The Hart ancestry has been preserved as follows: John Hart, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1708 and died in 1780, having performed distinguished services for his country in breaking the bonds of British rule. He married Deborah Scudder, who was born born in 1721 and died in 1776, and they had 13 children, as follows: Sarah, born in 1740; Jesse, born in 1742; Martha, born in 1744; Nathan, born October 9, 1747; John, born in 1748; Susannah, born in 1750; Mary, born in 1752; Abigail, born in 1754; Edward, born in 1755; Scudder, born in 1757; a daughter not named, born in 1761 ; David, born in 1762; and Deborah, born in 1765. Nathan Hart, son of John, married Betsy Stout and they moved to Mason County, Kentucky, in 1795. They had the following children: Sarah, who died aged 68 years; Mabel; Zephaniah, who lived in Warren County, Ohio; Betsy; Charlotte; John, who lived in Warren County, Ohio; Zebulon Stout; and Nathaniel.Sarah, eldest daughter of Nathan Hart, married Henry Vorheis, of New Jersey, and they had the following children: Betsy, born in 1796; Sarah Ann, born in 1804; who died in 1879; Amos, unmarried; and Eli, who moved to Southern Indiana.

The children of William J. Virden and wife were the following: Henry M.; Eliza Ann, deceased, who was the wife of L. J. Demorest, of Hardin County, also deceased; Sarah E., widow of W. M. Henderson, residing at LaRue; James B., who resides at Marion; and one child deceased in infancy.

Henry M. Virden was educated in the district schools of Montgomery township. During his active years he devoted himself entirely to agricultural pursuits, engaging in farming and stock-raising for 39 years. He still retains his fine farm, but in the fall of 1900 he removed to a cottage at LaRue, where he and his wife have since made their home.

On October 31, 1861, Mr. Virden was united in marriage with Josephine VanArsdall, who was born in 1840 and is a daughter of Thomas and Lucy (Bennett) VanArsdall. The parents of Mrs. Virden were both born in the State of New York, and settled in Marion County, in 1839. The father, born in 1807, died in 1876. The mother, born in 18 15, died in the spring of 1895, aged 80 years. Mr. and Mrs. Virden have three children, namely: John E., born in 1862; Charles Howard, born in 1865; and Maurice A., born in 1867.

John E. Virden, M. D., is a physician and surgeon, making a specialty of diseases of the eye, and is a lecturer at Bellvue Hospital Medical College, New York. He was graduated from this institution, the fourth in a class of 143, bearing off many honors. He married Charlotta Austin, of Jersey City, New Jersey, and they have three children: Vara A.. born in 1893; Elmer Austin, born in 1896; and Emerson Hart, born in 1897. Charles Howard, the second son, is a farmer and stock-raiser of Grand township, Marion County. He married Zephyr Jones, who was born in Wood County, Ohio. Maurice A., the third son, owns a valuable farm in Montgomery, township, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He married Mary T. Dodds and they have one child. Charles Lester, who was born in 1895.

Henry M. Virden has always been identified with the Republican party, but he has never been willing to take upon himself the responsibilities and cares of office. He is a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at LaRue.

MAURICE A. VIRDEN, a prominent and prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Montgomery township, residing on his well-improved and exceedingly valuable farm of 270 acres, a part of which is situated in Grand township, was born in Montgomery township, September 2, 1867, and is a son of Henry M. and Josephine (Vandarsdall) Virden, to whom three sons were born: Dr. John E. Virden, a physician and surgeon of New York City, making a specialty of diseases of the eye; Charles Howard, a farmer of Grand township, residing at Scott Town; and Maurice A. A sketch of the father of our subject may be found elsewhere in this volume.

Maurice A. Virden was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the Scott Town schools, alternating study with practical farm training up to the age of 21 years. After his marriage he settled on his present farm of 270 acres, on which he is continually making improvements; his home and substantial farm buildings, however, equal any in the township. This neighborhood is noted for its flowing wells and Mr. Virden has four on his place, the water rising as high as five feet. Mr. Virden has devoted himself to mixed farming and to stock-raising, paying much attention to raising high-grade horses, sheep and hogs.

On November 30, 1893, Mr. Virden was married to Mary T. Dodds, a daughter of Samuel C. and Martha E. (Frame) Dodds. The father of Mrs. Virden was born August 20, 1835, and died August 5, 1904, aged 68 years, 11 months and 15 days. The mother was born August 22, 1841, in Big Island township, Marion County, and died March 17, 1895; she was a daughter of Smith and Lovey (Clark) Frame, natives of Pickaway and Ross counties, Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Dodds had six children, namely: Melvin deceased in 1904, whose widow, Elizabeth (Stout) Dodds, survives, with four children; Lovey J., widow, who resides at Columbus; Owen F., engaged in the hardware business at Belle Center, Ohio, who married Clara Kline; Mary T, wife of our subject; and Samuel C. and Martha E. (twins), the former of whom is interested in a copper mine at Bisbee, Arizona, and the latter of whom died in 1881.

Samuel C. Dodds, father of Mrs. Virden, moved from Union County to Marion County prior to his marriage, which took place August 21, 1860, having also resided in Hardin County. For two years he worked in a sawmill in Montgomery township, Marion County. He was a son of Thomas and Mary (Comer) Dodds, the former of whom was born February 15, 1800, and the latter in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 1, 1810. Thomas Dodds came to Ohio in 1813 with his father, Andrew Dodds, who lived in Delaware County for a few years and then went to Urbana, where he learned a trade; subsequently, in 1831, he settled in Allen township, Union County. There Thomas Dodds lived until 1846, when he moved to Hardin County, where he died in 1866, his wife having died November 24, 1850. Samuel C. Dodds, the third member of his father's family, left home at the age of 18 years. In January, 1868, he bought a farm of 160 acres which he increased to 274 acres, the property. being located in Big Island and Grand townships, Marion County; he had also acquired property at Winchester, Tennessee, where he spent the closing years of his life.

In politics, Mr. Dodds was a Democrat. He was one of Marion County's most enterprising citizens, ready with purse and personal effort to advance the interests of his community. For a period he was a trustee of Montgomery township, in 1880 and 1890 he was land appraiser in Grand township, served two terms as a member of the Board of County Commissioners and for some 20 years was a valued member of the Marion County Agricultural Society.

Mr. and Mrs. Virden have one son, Charles Lester, born January 30, 1895, who attends the public school at Scott Town. Mr. Virden belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mrs. Virden belongs to the Union (Presbyterian) Church, in Big Island township.

Mr. Virden is a member of LaRue Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M., and both he and his wife belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. The Virden home is noted for its pleasant hospitality and its owner, a man of enlightened views and broad mind, is a worthy representative of one of the oldest and most important families of Marion County. Both the Virden and Dodds families have been very closely identified with the progress and development of Montgomery and Grand townships, promoters of their educational and religious enterprises and hearty cooperators in all the public movements which reflect credit upon citizens of a community.