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JONAS NOGGLE, a life-long farmer and useful citizen of Scioto township, for several years owner of the well-known Squire Wilkins farm of 90 acres, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 27, 1833. He is a son of Samuel and Sophia (Herron) Noggle. His father resided for 33 years on the John Reber farm in Walnut township, dying of paralysis in 1894, aged 83 years. His mother, who died in 1882, lived to be 79 years old. Besides Jonas, two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Noggle--George and Samuel, both deceased.
Jonas Noggle resided in Fairfield County until 1858, working hard as a farmer's boy for a moderate education, and becoming a thorough master of his life avocation. In that year, when 25 years of age, he married Angelina DeLong, a daughter of David DeLong, of
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Fairfield County, and with $30 his pocket commenced married life in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County. There he resided for six years, and then lived for 16 years in Walnut township, Pickaway County, and for 15 years in Wayne township. Through persistency, intelligent work, close application to business and economy, Mr. Noggle succeeded in comfortably rearing a large family, educating his children and saving sufficient to purchase a good property. In September, 1904, he located in Scioto township, purchasing the Squire Wilkins farm, a pleasantly located and valuable tract of 90 acres. Here he conducts general farming operations and raises some live stock, being the owner of eight head of horses, 30 head of hogs and 12 head of cattle.
Mr. Noggle's first wife died in 1893, and his second marital union was with Mrs. Susan Krueger, daughter of David Good, of Fairfield County, this State.
By the first marriage there were the following children : W. Clinton, who married Annie McCune, a daughter of John McCune, and runs a foundry in Circleville; Samuel, married to Effie Hoffhines and employed in the Ashville corn canning factory; Mary, wife of Henry Allen Hedges, who resides in Scioto township, north of Commercial Point ; Benton, who married and became the father of two children--both parents are now deceased; Charles, residing on the farm of Jacob Thorne, who married Amanda Milligan, of Fairfield County; and Chester, engaged in farming in Scioto township, who married. Effie Hoover, daughter of William Hoover, of Clinton County, this State. Ralph and Grace (twins), now 12 years of age, are children of the second marriage, and are living at home, attending school.
J. D. HUMMEL, senior member of the firm of Hummel & Plum, well known in insurance lines, at Circleville, was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio. October 14, 1876, and is the youngest son of Sylvester and Mary (Dunkle) Hummel.
The father and mother of Mr. Hummel spent 23 years of the first part of their married life on the farm on which was formerly located the Southeastern Fair Grounds; after the death of the former owner, Mrs. Hummel's father, they together with G. B. Armstrong purchased the farm, afterward selling their interest to Mr. Armstrong and purchasing the Wilson Heffner farm near String-town, which they retained for to years at which time they purchased a farm in Jefferson township, Williams County, Ohio, to which they removed in the spring of 1902. Mrs. Hummel died at the last named place November 8, 1904; Mr. Hummel is still residing on the farm.
J. D. Hummel is one of die successful business men who was reared on the farm, spending two years learning the blacksmith's trade. After completing his education in the common and high schools, he taught for some six years in the schools of Salt Creek township. Pickaway County, and one year in Jefferson township, Williams County, Ohio, becoming a popular educator.
In July, 1904, Mr. Hummel came to Circleville, purchasing the interest of E. S. Hockman in the Hockman & Plum Insurance Agency (formerly the Van Heyde Agency, established in 1868), the new firm taking the style of Hummel & Plum. They represent the following old-line companies : Home, of New York ; National Fire, of Hartford, Connecticut.; Hartford Fire, of Hartford, Connecticut; Aetna, of Hartford, Connecticut; Royal, of Liverpool, England ; Liverpool & London & Globe, of Liverpool, England; North America, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Mutual Benefit Life, of Newark, New Jersey; and New York Plate Glass, of New York.
On January 1, 1901, Mr. Hummel was married to Ada Sonora Mowery, eldest daughter of John F. and Marye (Wolf) Mowery, of Salt Creek township, Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Hummel have one daughter, Marye Ruth, born October 25, 1902. While not devoting himself unduly to politics, Mr. Hummel, as an intelligent citizen and progressive business man, keeps thoroughly posted on both out-side and local affairs. He stands as one of the county's representative business men and does his part in promoting its general welfare.
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CAPT. EDWARD R. BLACK, a prominent resident of Salt Creek township, and an honored veteran of the great Civil War, resides on a well-cultivated farm of 172 acres, to the value of which he has materially added by the placing of excellent improvements. Captain Black was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, on August 22, 1836, and is a son of William and Elizabeth Burget) Black.
The father of Captain Black was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He came to Pickaway County from his native State, in 1811 and during the War of 1812 he served as a soldier on the frontier. He settled at Circleville. then a village, and as he was a carpenter and contractor he had much to do with the construction of what is now Pickaway County's metropolis. He erected the first Court House here and buildings stand in good preservation --in various sections of town and county--which testify to his honest work. Later he removed to a farm in Pickaway township, on which he resided until his death, in 1868, in his 83rd year. He married Elizabeth Burget, who was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, and accompanied her parents to Circleville in 1802. Thus on both sides of the family, Captain Black represents old pioneer families.
Edward R. Black was educated in the best local schools of the neighborhood in which his parents then resided, and was mainly reared on the farm, receiving the practical training in farming and stock-raising which proved valuable later in life. He was 26 years of age when the Civil War spread its blighting influence over the country. On every side volunteers were answering the call for national defenders and Pickaway County was prompt in showing loyal sentiment. On November 8, 1861, Edward R. Black enlisted as a :private in Company A, 61st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which became subsequently a part of the Army of the Cumberland. His period of service covered the remainder of the Civil War, he being honorably discharged on August 27, 1865. From the ranks, through personal valor, he rose, step by step, to the captaincy of his company, from the battle of Stone River until the close of the war being captain of Company H, 69th Reg., Ohio Vet. Vol. Inf. He participated in the larger number of the great battles of the war and bravely endured the privations and hardships inseparable from the life of a soldier. At the last battle of Nashville, he was detailed as an aide to General Cruft and served as one of the latter's inspectors for several months, and then rejoined his regiment, at Raleigh, North Carolina. With thousands of his comrades and thousands more of admiring and enthusiastic fellow-citizens, he enjoyed the Grand- Review at Washington City, a pageant which will always be remembered by those who took part in its glory or who were permitted to view it.
After the close of the war, Captain Black returned to Pickaway County, prepared to become as good a private citizen as he had been a brave soldier. He resided in Pickaway township until 1886, when he removed to Salt Creek township and in 1892 he settled on his present farm. Here he carries on large agricultural operations, raises large crops and breeds fine stock.. During his residence in Pickaway township he served seven years as a justice of the peace. He has been more or less prominent ever since coming to Salt Creek township. Always a stanch Republican, he has frequently been selected as his party's standard-bearer, has been its candidate for the General Assembly and also for county treasurer. He has the confidence and esteem of his party and has a well earned popularity with all classes.
On February 11, 1869, Captain Black was married to Susan Shoemaker, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late Daniel .Shoemaker, and a granddaughter of Judge Jacob Shoemaker, who was an early settler of Salt Creek township. Captain and Mrs. Black have two daughters--Annie E. and Helen S. The farmer is connected and identified with the Civil Service Department of the government, at Washington, D. C.
Captain Black is a valued member of Groce Post, G. A. R., at Circleville. There are comrades there who remember the gallant service
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performed by Captain Black and his brothers of Company H, on the evening before the battle of Chickamauga, in the burning of Reed's bridge, which brought out the statement from General Thomas that this strategic act saved the Union Army from utter destruction.
ABRAHAM C. HIBBENS, a prominent and successful farmer of Wayne township, who owns a well-improved farm of 150 acres in Wayne township and another of 144% acres, partly in Wayne and partly in Deer Creek town-ships, was born March 9, 1836, in Waverly, Pike County, Ohio. His parents were James R. and Mary (Chenoweth) Hibbens.
The children of James R. Hibbens were : Cranville C., Samuel R., William, Abraham C. and Rebecca Ann.
Abraham C. Hibbens attended school in his youth in a pioneer log schoolhouse, but later had better advantages at Waverly, his father having located in Waverly, Pee Pee township. At the death of the father, Abraham C. inherited his present farm in Wayne township, later purchased 144 1/2 acres and now owns 294 1/2 acres. His property is finely improved and the greater part of it is tinder cultivation.
On November 19, 1861, at Portsmouth, Ohio, Mr. Hibbens enlisted for service in the Civil War, joining Company I, 56th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under command of Capt. Thomas Kinney and served until April 7, 1866, in which period he saw service at Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Vicksburg and in many minor engagements. He was mustered out at New Orleans, April 7, 1866, and just one month later received his honorable discharge at Columbus, Ohio.
On March 22, 1870, Mr. Hibbens was married to Juliet Hard, a daughter of Daniel T. and Lemira (Puffer) Hard, the latter a daughter of Richard and Clarissa Puffer. Mr. and Mrs. Hard had these children : Mary Louise and Addie, both deceased; and Mrs. Hibbens and her twin sister, Helen, now the wife of R. A. Nessmith, of Columbus.
Mr. and Mrs. Hibbens have two daughters --Helen and Flora May. The former has been a successful teacher in the schools of Columbus for years. The latter remains with her parents. The whole family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount Pleas-ant. Mr. Hibbens is a Mason, belonging to Heber Lodge, No. 501, at Williamsport. He is a well-known and highly respected citizen. In politics he is a Republican.
JAMES STRODE SWEARINGEN, a representative of one of the oldest families in Pickaway County, and a prominent farmer of Jackson township, where he owns a valuable farm of 180 acres on the Florence Chapel turnpike, was born August 19, 1857, in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio. He is a son of Henry Bedinger and Elizabeth (Nesbitt) Swearingen.
Our subject is in the seventh generation of his family established in America. The founder, Zachariah Swerengen, as the name was formerly spelled, was born in Holland. married Barbara De Barette, lived in the Province of Brabant and emigrated from there to America in 1654. He settled in Maryland, of which he was made a freeman in 1669.
Zachariah Swearingen, son of Zachariah, the immigrant, probably married in Maryland. He reared four sons: Thomas, Van, John and Samuel.
Thomas, the eldest son of Zachariah Swearingen (2), also married in Maryland and had two sons--Thomas and Van. According to old records these sons, in 1734, settled along the Shenandoah River, in the vicinity of Sheperdstown: The second son was later a lieutenant of militia, in Berkeley County, Virginia. He seems to have been a man of military tastes as the records show that he later became a colonel of militia and doubtless had much to do with the civilizing of that locality. He had five children. Josiah Swearingen, the eldest son of Thomas Swearingen, was born March 28, 1744, in Virginia, and died August 9, 1795.
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He also became a military man, .becoming a captain under General Lewis, during Lord Dunmore's War. On January 5, 1777, he married Phebe Strode, who was born December 8, 1747, and died July 6, 1786. Their children were : Thomas, James S., Samuel and Eleanor. The last named became the wife of Governor Thomas Worthington.
James S. Swearingen, the second son of Josiah Swearingen, was born February 3, 1782, in Berkeley County, Virginia. He was a youth of quick perceptions as the family annals tell that when he was but 16 years old he was made a clerk in the office of the county clerk at Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia. A change of climate being suggested to him, on account of his delicate health, he concluded to become one of the great body of pioneers who were seeking homes and lands in what was then the wilderness of Ohio, and succeeded in exchanging his Virginia estates for land near the village of Chillicothe. He also possessed his family's military spirit as we learn that in 1800 he was appointed an ensign in the army, two years later made a lieutenant and was considered so good a soldier and so reliable a man that he was called to guide a party through the wilderness from Chillicothe to Lake Erie; and when he reached Detroit, he was entrusted with the command of a company which was hurried to the relief of the settlement at Chicago. There he remained in command during the building of Fort Dearborn and later was stationed at Fort Mifflin in the vicinity of Philadelphia. Later he was sent to various points to quell disorder, the greater part of his life being spent on the frontier.
In 1814, after deserved promotions, General Swearingen was stationed at Chillicothe, where he remained until the close of the War of 1812. After the cessation of hostilities, he decided to make that place his home, although, through his father-in-law; he had become the possessor of the Bedinger tract of land in Jackson township, Pickaway County, of which our subject's farm is a part. General Swearingen died at Chillicothe on February 3, 1864.
On November 4, 1811, while stationed at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, he was married to Nancy Bedinger, who was born January 7, 1787, and was a daughter of Capt. Henry and Rachel (Strode) Bedinger. The Bedingers were German Protestants who fled from persecution to America. They landed at Philadeldelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1734 and subsequently settled in York County, Pennsylvania. Henry Bedinger, son of Adam the immigrant, married Magdalena Slagle and they moved to Sheperdstown, Virginia, in 1762. The father of Mrs. Nancy Swearingen, Henry Bedinger, was born there October i6,. 1753. He became a captain in the Patriot Army during the Revolutionary War, was taken prisoner at Fort Washington and for four years was confined on Long Island. He survived the horrors of the British prisons, and in 1796 located the land in Jackson township, Pickaway County, which was given him for his services as a soldier. This land has remained in the family, never having been either bought or sold. He was a member of the Order of the Cincinnati.
The children of James and Nancy (Bedinger) Swearingen were seven in number, three of whom died in infancy. Those who reached maturity were : Henry Bedinger, Eleanor, Sarah B. and Virginia. Virginia died unmarried. Eleanor married twice ; first, John H. Grant of Covington, Kentucky, and second, Maj. Edward Clarkson, also of Covington. She died in 1879. Sarah married N. W. Thatcher.
Henry Bedinger Swearingen, father of our subject, was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, on November 16, 1814, and in 1848 he settled on what was known as the Bedinger survey, although he has been a resident of Pickaway County from 1837. On January 3, 1850, he married Elizabeth Nesbitt, who was born June 3, 1827, at Xenia, Ohio, and died in 1881. He died October 15, 1889. Their children were : Eleanor V., James Strode, Nancy N., Robert N., John Grant, Henry B., Thomas T., and Mary S. Eleanor V., born in 1854, married W. Vernor Grant, of Covington, Kentucky (now a resident of Circleville), in 1882, and died September 26, 1890, leaving a son--Henry. Nancy N., born in 1858, died in 1887. Robert N., born in 1859, died in 1865. John Grant,
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born February 24, 1863, married Fannie Dent on November 13, 1888, and they have one daughter--Virginia Dent. Henry B. is connected with government official life, with headquarters at Louisville, Kentucky. Thomas T., born in 1868, is in business at Columbus. Mary S., a graduate of a private seminary at Columbus, married William Hail, resides in Houston, Texas, and has three children.
The father of the above named family was a graduate of Kenyon College, ,at Gambier, Ohio, and was a man of scholarly tastes and wide information. He numbered among his intimate friends many of the prominent men of his day who were attracted to him by his sterling character, his genial hospitality and his social accomplishments. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, connected with St. Philip's parish, and through life was a true churchman. His liberality to his church and to educational and philanthropic objects was notable.
James Strode Swearingen was given good educational opportunities which he took advantage of in his youth. Declining a professional life, he chose agriculture as his occupation and has continued in the cultivation of the patrimonial acres. The farm is a highly cultivated one and is well improved. In 1890 Mr. Swearingen remodeled the family residence. introducing many modern features, making it an ornament to the township and a pleasing, comfortable home to the owners.
On November 12, 189o, Mr. Swearingen was married to Minerva Anderson, who was born October 15, 1861, in Wayne township, Pickaway County. Ohio, and she is a daughter of James H. and Elizabeth (Fleming) Anderson. The children born to the above union are: Henry B., named for his_ grandfather, born August 31, 1894; William F., born September 13, 1895 ; and Sarah, born February 10, 1897. Mr. Swearingen, with his family, belong to St. Philip's Protestant Episcopal Church at Circleville.
For a number of years Mr. Swearingen has been prominently identified with the Republican party in Pickaway County and has served many times as a delegate to important convenetions. He belongs to the Foresters lodge at Circleville, and for a long time was active in the local Grange.
As a closing paragraph to the record of a notable family of Pickaway County, Ohio, we add an extract from a daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois, under date of September 20, 1903:
"In 1803, Capt. John Whistler and Lieut. James S. Swearingen, with a company of United States Regulars, infantry, built and established Fort Dearborn." On account of this fact, our subject and his cousin, Edward Strode Thatcher, were made honorary members of the Chicago Historical Society.
J. A. McLAUGHLIN, of the firm of J. A. McLaughlin & Brother, proprietors of the McLaughlin buggy, carriage and wagon works at Circleville, was born in this city, May 1, 1862, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Kramer) McLaughlin.
William McLaughlin was the founder of the present extensive business carried on by his sons. He was born in Pennsylvania and came in 1842, to Circleville, where his death occurred in 1892. In 1866 he embarked in a general blacksmithing business and also in the manufacture of wagons and carriages, being one of the pioneers in this line in Circleville. He became a man of substance and prominence, took an active` interest in civic affairs and served two terms as a member of the City Council. He married Elizabeth Kramer and they had two sons--J. A. and W. G.
J. A. McLaughlin was educated in the public schools and was graduated at the Circleville High School in 1880. He at once became an employee under his father and in 1888 he became a member of the firm, the style then as-assumed being William McLaughlin & Son. This continued until the death of the older member in 1892, when the second son entered the business and the firm name became J. A. McLaughlin & Brother. Their output covers all kinds of vehicles; they build carriages, bug-
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gies, and delivery and transfer wagons and stand at the head of this line of business in Circleville. Both are practical workmen,. understanding every detail themselves. They employ a large amount of skilled help.
J. A. McLaughlin is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows.
W. G. MCLAUGHLIN, the second member of the above mentioned firm, was born in 1868, in Circleville, where he was educated. He was trained in his father's carriage works and is a capable mechanic. He was married in February, 1897, to Ora Valentine, who is a daughter of Noah Valentine, of Fairfield County, Ohio.
HENRY GREEN, who resides on a well-cultivated farm of 40 1/4 acres in Scioto township and who is well known as a Prohibitionist and an upholder of public education, is a son of John Mordecai and Mary (Conrad) Green. He was born in Goodhope township, Hocking County, Ohio, February 17, 1847, and obtained his early education in the district schools of that county. In 1865, with his parents, he removed to Pickaway County, locating in Muhlenberg township, on what was then known as the Renick farm, now owned by Scott Carpenter. There he resided for three years, after which he settled on the Gantz estate, an adjoining farm, where he remained for two years. His father at that time was engaged in teaching, which vocation he followed both in Pickaway and in Hocking County, farming often in the summer months. In his earlier years, the subject of this sketch himself taught eight winter terms, being engaged in agricultural labors in the summer season.
John M. Green, the father of our subject, served for two terms as justice of the peace in Scioto township, was a very intelligent and highly respected citizen and died more than 25 years ago at the age of upward of 60 years; his widow survived him until January 12, 1905, when she passed away at the age of 84 years, having spent her last years in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio. In the family of John M.
Green were four sons and five daughters, of whom two sons and all of the daughters are still living. The record is as follows: Ephraim, who is a resident of Nemaha County, Nebraska; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Sarah Jane, wife of James P. Tipton, living in Shadesville, Franklin County, Ohio; William, deceased; Joseph, who never married, residing in Scioto township; Lucinda, who married John Meeker and lives in West Jefferson, Madison County, Ohio; Almeda, wife of Seymour Tipton, residing in Scioto township; Mary Ann, who married William H. Sullivan and resides at Lancaster, Fairfield County; and Barbara Ellen, who is the widow of Frank Hoover.
On March 23, 1873, Henry Green was married to Sarah Jane Murphy, daughter of Francis Charles and Lucinda Murphy, of Scioto township, her patents at the time being residents of Muhlenberg township. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Green, viz.: Mary E., widow of Jonas Hoover, Jr.; John Otis, a farmer of Scioto township ; Charles Russell and Margaret A., both deceased; Laura May, who lives at home; Leslie Wayne, who is married and a resident of Ashville, employed in a brickyard; Henry Clifford, a third year student at the Ohio State University, Columbus; Bertha and Shirley, the former of whom died when 18 months old and the latter, at the age of six months; and Alice and Tessa, living at home.
Mr. Green lives simply, but comfortably, and his farm although not large is improved to the utmost. He engages in general farming, and raises such stock as is required. For seven years Mr. Green has served as a member of the School Board for Scioto township, but otherwise has had little to do with public affairs.
JOHN B. STEIN, whose well-improved farm of 118 acres is situated in section 11, Circleville township, was born February 8, 1842, in Pennsylvania, and is a son of David and Mary Ann (Billig) Stein.
David Stein was born in Pennsylvania and
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owned a farm there which he sold when he decided to move to Pickaway County, Ohio. The long journey was made in wagons, the whole family, including his father and his wife and children, constituting the party. The money realized on the Pennsylvania farm was packed in a wooden bucket and was thus transported to the new home. The grandfather of our subject, John Stein, had entered a large tract of land here as early as 1832. To this David Stein added until at one period he owned 400 acres, all in Circleville township. David Stein died in 1888.
John B. Stein was practically reared on the farm he now occupies and his education was secured in the district schools. He has always engaged in agricultural pursuits and has been very successful. He has made many improvements on his property and in 1881 he erected the present, commodious and comfortable dwelling and large barn. During the Civil War he joined the Ohio militia and did his part in suppressing the raids made by the Confederate general, Morgan.
Mr. Stein married Lydia Morris, a daughter of James Morris, of Walnut township, and they have had four children--three daughters and one son. The latter died at the age of six years. The daughters are : Anna, who married Charles Bell, resides in Circleville township and has two children--John and Ralph ; and Florence and Fannie, who reside at home.
Politically Mr. Stein is a Democrat and on numerous occasions he has been elected to office. During a period of seven years he resided in Jackson township and was one of the trustees a large part of that time. He is a deacon in the Lutheran Church.
HON. NELSON J. TURNEY. Among the many men of prominence produced by Pickaway County, the late Nelson J. Turney, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was conspicuous. He was born November 7, 1820, and died March 4, 1883, both events taking place in the city of Circleville. His parents were Daniel and Jane (Denny) Turney.
The Turney family was of French extraction and the direct ancestors of Nelson J. Turney were French Huguenots--Daniel, Peter and Adam Turney, three brothers, escaping to America in the latter part of the 17th century and landing in Philadalphia in 1668.
Henry Turney, son of Daniel, the emigrant, was the grandfather of Nelson J. Turney. From Philadelphia he removed to Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia, where he subsequently married a Miss Embly. They had six children, none of whom survived infancy except Daniel, who became the father of our subject.
Daniel Turney was born at Shepherdstown, Virginia, August 16, 1786. His father removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1800, and there died 12 years later. Daniel Turney studied medicine, was graduated from the Medical College of Philadelphia and in 18o6 settled at Jefferson, Ohio, for the practice of his profession. On November 5, 1816, he married Jane Sirling Denny, who was born at Marietta, Ohio, April 11, 1798, and was a daughter of Gen. James Denny, one of the most prominent pioneers of the Northwest Territory. He was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, September 11, 1767. He married Isabel Barr, of Wheeling, Virginia, in 1797 and, in a keel boat, moved to Marietta, Ohio. In 1799 General Denny moved to Chillicothe and in 1807 came to Pickaway County. He was a government surveyor and owned the Freedom newspaper, which was the first one ever published in Pickaway County. In 1813 he was clerk of the court .in this county. In the second war with Great Britain, he rose from the rank of .major to that of major-general. He died in Philadelphia, November 23, 1815.
The members of the Turney family became prominent in their various lines of activity. Dr. Turney practiced as a surgeon in the War of 1812. Until his death in 1827 he was ranked with the eminent professional men of his day and his decease was looked upon in the light of a calamity in his immediate locality. His children were : Henry, Nelson J., Isabella and Samuel D. The last named, Dr. Samuel D. Turney, who died in 1878, was widely known for his skill in medicine and
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surgery; during the Civil War he served as medical director and was also surgeon general of Ohio under the administration of Governor R. B. Hayes. He became a very popular member of the faculty of the Columbus Medical College.
Nelson J. Turney had many educational advantages but very early in life he was thrown upon his own resources. He completed his education, at Dr. Washburn's academy in Franklin County, Ohio, and then, at the age of 15 years, he became a clerk in the post-office at Columbus, under Postmaster Belah Latham. From 1837 to 1840 he was in the employ of Fay, Kilbourne & Company, of Columbus, but in the latter year he accompanied his mother to Circleville, where he was in the employ of H. W. Bell until he was appointed collector of tolls for the Ohio Canal at this point. A change in the political administration of the State removed him from this position and in 1845 he entered the employ of Neil, Moore & Company, the extensive stagecoach proprietors. During his association with this firm a difficulty arose with a Missouri company and Mr. Turney was chosen to start an opposition line in the Missouri territory, with a full equipment of coaches and horses. This move brought the Missouri company to terms. From Indianapolis Mr. Turney was at once ordered north with his outfit and he distributed the coaches and horses along the lake shore between Sandusky and Detroit. He established his headquarters at Toledo, where he remained in charge until the spring of 1844, when he returned to Columbus.
In 1845 Mr. Turney removed to Philadelphia, where he was employed for one year by the house of Miller, Cooper & Company, wholesale merchants, after which he returned to Ohio, married and embarked in a mercantile business for himself at Circleville. Some time later he sold his interests here and removed to Chillicothe, but in 1850 he returned to Pickaway County and entered into farming. For the next 20 years Mr. Turney was an extensive farmer and stock-raiser ; at the close of this period, he sold out his country interests and moved to Circleville, where he erected a beautiful residence.
During his long residence on his farm, Mr. Turney took the deepest interest in all agricultural subjects, utilizing every modern method of approved utility and purchasing agricultural machinery of the best pattern. His farm was scientifically conducted and every part of it was made to yield to its utmost. He was a very active member of the Pickaway County Agricultural Society from its organization and served for many years as its president. From 1862 until 1870 he served as a member of the State Board of Agriculture and was its valued president from 1862 until 1863. He was one of the early champions of good roads; he took a great deal of interest in the turnpike system and assisted in the building of the turnpike from Circleville to Darbyville, superintending its construction. Mr. Turney also was superintendent in charge of the erection of the Masonic Temple in Circleville and was made chairman of the committee on arrangements on the occasion of its dedication, on June 2, 1879, a notable event in the city's history.
In public life and in military affairs, when his country was in danger, Mr. Turney was an important factor. In 1864 he was appointed a member of the military committee of Pickaway County by Governor Brough, the duties of which office he performed in the most faithful and efficient manner. He was active in providing for, raising and equipping troops, and in *every possible way, to the extent of his influence and ability, he aided in assisting his State through the trying years of the Civil War. His services were invaluable but he was never willing to accept any compensation for the pecuniary losses thus incurred by him. In 1859 he declined a nomination for the State Legislature, but in 1868 the Republican party made him its congressional candidate. He was not elected, the Democratic party in that year sweeping all before it. In 1872 he was delegate to the Republican National Convention, which nominated General Grant for a second term. In 1871 Mr. Turney was selected by the Secretary of the Interior to go as a special agent to investigate the affairs of the Indian agencies of the Upper Missouri River, and in the fall of the same year, in company with
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Hon. B. R. Cowen, Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and Col. J. J. Woods, of Kansas, he appraised the Cherokee land strip in the Indian Territory. During this inspection he visited Sitting Bull and his people and as an evidence of how thoroughly he was equipped for this important and delicate diplomatic mission, he remained in safety, without an escort, in Montana among the Sioux for three months. At the end of this time, he led away 3,000 of Sitting Bull's warriors and accompanied 30 of the most influential chiefs to Washington, to make their appeal. In 1871 he was appointed by President Grant a member of the celebrated "Brotherhood of Indian Commissioners," composed of men noted for their philanthropy. Mr. Turney remained a member of this board until failing health caused his retirement in 1875. He was appointed by Governor Hayes a trustee of the Cincinnati Asylum for the Insane. A mark of confidence was the choosing of him as assignee in the bankruptcy of Lemuel Steele's estate, which was one of the largest in the Scioto Valley.
Mr. Turney married Dorothy Renick, who was a daughter of George Renick, formerly of Chillicothe, Ohio.
Pickaway County has awarded Nelson J. Turney the title of "a man among men." Its citizens honored him through life and cherish his memory. He possessed the unassuming manner which usually accompanies greatness, but underneath was the strong will and firm conviction of right, which caused him to never swerve an inch from the path of duty and justice. Among his associates by whom he was best known he was dubbed "Old Honesty," a name he cherished and one which many men of affairs of the present day would give millions to leave to their descendants.
ELKANAH HUMBLE, whose home farm of 240 acres of valuable, well-improved land is but a part of that possessed by him in Pickaway County, is one of the substantial men and prominent, farmers of this locality. His land is thus divided : 240 acres, on which his home stands, are situated in section 4, Walnut township; 213 acres are near St. Paul, in Madison township, and 162 acres are in Scioto township. Mr. Humble was born September 20, 1826, near Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of Custer and Deborah (Creviston) Humble.
Uriah Humble, grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia, moved from there to Kentucky, then removed to Adams County, Ohio, and thence to Madison County, where he died. In 1813 he built the first log Court House at London, Madison County, Ohio, which he constructed of hewed logs and for which he was paid the sum of $145.
Until he was 14 years of age, Elkanah Humble lived in Delaware and Franklin counties. In the fall of 1840 he came to Pickaway County and settled in Walnut township. In 1849 he attended school at Delaware, Ohio, having taught school the previous year, and for the following 15 years he continued teaching through Walnut, Harrison and Madison townships. He is well known all over the county and many of the successful men in various positions of life in this section were once his pupils.
Mr. Humble was married (first), in 1851, to Rhoda Miller, who was a daughter of Joseph Miller. She died in 1852, leaving a babe of two weeks. The child was named Albert and is a well-known citizen of Madison township. He graduated from college at Delaware, Ohio, receiving his degree of A. B., following which he taught school for four years at Wilmington, Ohio. Later he taught in Texas, Indian Territory, Colorado and Oregon. He has never married.
In the fall of 1854 Mr. Humble married his sister-in-law, Catherine Miller, and they had three sons, Gilbert, Joseph and Frank. The eldest married Eliza Ann Brinker and has had four children, namely : Frank, deceased at the age of seven years; Edna May, a graduate of the Ashville High School ; and two that died in infancy. Gilbert Humble resides with his father on the home farm. Joseph Humble worked on the home farm into young manhood and then went West, visited the Pacific Coast, and engaged in gold mining at Victor, Mon-
602 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
tana, where he received injuries from which he died in 1896. Frank, the third son, went to Colorado in 1886. There he served for six years as clerk and recorder of Montezuma County. He has large gold mine investments at Cripple Creek and resides at Denver. Mrs. Humble died in February, 1880. Mr. Humble is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM H. PERRILL, a representative farmer and prominent citizen of Madison township, whose fine farm of .176 acres is situated in section 29, was born in Berkeley County, Virginia (now West Virginia), April 29, 1839, and is a son of John T. and Hannah (McFarland) Perrill, both of whom were natives also of what is now West Virginia.
William H. Perrill was reared in Berkeley County, where his education was obtained under difficulties, as he had to walk from four to six miles to school. This was mainly in the winter seasons, his summers being occupied on the farm. He remained in West Virginia until 1864, when he came to Ohio and located in Madison township, where he has been engaged in. agricultural pursuits ever since. Since 1871 he has resided on his present valuable farm, which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation.
Mr. Perrill was married on December 8, 1868, t0 Sarah J. Wheeler, who was born October 22, 1843, in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Benjamin G. and Lucinda J. (Lane) Wheeler.
Benjamin G. Wheeler was six years old when he accompanied his parents to Pickaway County from Maryland. He was reared in this county and after reaching man's estate settled in Madison township, in 1839. He followed agricultural pursuits all his life and died in 1869. His wife survived until 1886. Of their children, these survive : Mary A., wife of D. A. Lane, residing near Commercial Point; Sarah J. (Mrs. Perrill) ; Martha C., wife of James Lane, of Toronto, Ontario; and George E., of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Wheeler was one of the leading men of his time in Madison township. He was a stanch Democrat and could have been elected to any office in the gift of the people had he cared for political prominence. He was a friend of the public schools and a supporter of religious bodies and was ever ready to contribute for the furtherance of township improvements.
In politics, our subject is a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Madison Presbyterian Church, in which both are active. Mrs. Perrill being a useful member of the Ladies' Aid Society. They have many attached friends and are welcome participants in all the pleasant social affairs of the neighborhood.
WILLIAM H. SILBAUGH, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of medicine at Ashville, was born October 21, 1867, at Lawrence Furnace, Lawrence County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Mary (Everly) Silbaugh.
William Silbaugh was born in the Duchy of Nassau, Germany, July 10, 1835, and came to this country in 1851, locating in Ohio, where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages. He died March 3, 1883. Our subject's mother, who is of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction, was born in Morgantown, Virginia: (now West Virginia), June 7, 1839, and is still living, at the age of 67 years.
William H. Silbaugh attended the Ironton (Ohio) High School, and then worked at carriage building in order to secure funds to complete his education. In 1891 he entered Miami Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1894-95. After his graduation he first located at Royalton, Fairfield County, Ohio, where he had read medicine with his brother, Dr. John J. Silbaugh, and here practiced for two years. On April 7, 1897, he moved to Ashville where he has since been successfully engaged in the
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practice of his profession. Dr. Silbaugh spent a portion of the years 1891 and 1892 in Philadelphia in the German Hospital under such eminent specialists as Dr. John Dever and Dr. Joseph Price, of Price's Hospital; and Dr. William H. Rodmon, professor of surgery in the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia. Dr. Silbaugh also took a post-graduate course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York and is excellently equipped for the practice of his profession. His brother, Dr. John J. Silbaugh, is a leading physician and surgeon of Lancaster, Ohio, and another brother, Leroy G. Silbaugh, is a prominent attorney of Lancaster, of which city he was mayor in 1892-93.
Dr. William H. Silbaugh was united in marriage on June 13, 1895, to Anna E. Creed, a daughter of George and Alice Creed, of Royalton, Fairfield County, Ohio. Mrs. Silbaugh was a granddaughter of the late Andrew Peters. She was a student at Delaware College for three years. Dr. and Mrs. Silbaugh have had two children : George Creed and William Harold.
Fraternally, Dr. Silbaugh is a member of the Masonic lodge at Circleville and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows lodges at Ashville.
THOMAS FLEMMING CARPENTER, a resident of this county for a period of 23 years, is the owner of 117 acres of well-improved land in Darby township. He comes of an old Kentucky family and is a son of John R. and Betty (Hopper) Carpenter and grandson of Simon P. Carpenter. The mother is dead, but the father still lives in his native State.
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Carpenter were the parents of 10 children, as follows : Robert, deceased, who married Jennie Kilpatrick; Channie, also deceased, who married Mannie Yantis; Anna, who became the wife of Simon Julick and has passed away; Abraham, who married Lizzie Belt, both now deceased; John S., who married Julia Hughes ; Elias P., who married Julia Flemming, since deceased ; Ida, the widow of Charles Kilpatrick; Alice, unmarried, who lives in Kentucky with her father, and T. F., our subject.
Thomas F. Carpenter was born in Kentucky on the 19th of March, 1856, and when a young man located in Monroe township, this county, where he married Maggie Cardiff, daughter of C. F. Cardiff, who died at Derby. When Mr. Carpenter first came to Darby township, in 1880, he farmed on rented land, but in 1891 he located on the fine tract which he has since so greatly improved. His principal crops are corn and wheat.
Our subject has no children of his own, but a little girl, Hazel, shares the pleasant family home and cheers his life. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Carpenter belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Derby.
WILLARD M. JUSTUS, a successful farmer of Jackson township, operator of a fine farm of 106 acres known as "Oak Dene," which is located on the Goosepond turnpike, three and a half miles from Circleville, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, June 6, 1872. He, is a son of Jacob and Cynthia Ann (Marion) Justus.
The parents of Mr. Justus were also natives of Pickaway County. They still survive and are respected residents of Five Points, Pickaway County. Of their family of seven children, Willard M. is the third in order of birth.
On June 6, 1900, Willard M. Justus was married to Margaret Caldwell, who was born in Jackson township on a farm some two miles distant from the home residence, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Start) Caldwell, the former of whom was born in Jackson and the latter in Harrison township, Pickaway County. Mr. Caldwell spent his whole life here, dying in February, 1875, at the age of 57 years and leaving an estate of 250 acres of land. In politics he was a strong Democrat.
604 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
The Caldwell family is one of the oldest and most prominent in the county. It was founded in Ohio by Alexander Caldwell, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Justus, who was born in Ireland and was accompanied to America by three daughters and one of his sons, Alexander. Grandfather Alexander Caldwell was seven years old when his father came to Pickaway County and he became one of the leading men of Jackson township. He was married three times and had five sons and one daughter--all born to his first union. Mrs. Justus was the eldest of her parents' family, the others being: Rachel Alice, wife of John Shipley, of Jackson township; and Mary Ida, wife of Louis Shipley, also of Jackson township.
By a former marriage to George Darst, Mrs. Justus had these children : Mary, wife of William Reid, of Duvall, Ohio; William, of Danville, Illinois; Harold, of Columbus, Ohio; Janet, wife of Harry Shockley, of Columbus; Josephine, of Columbus ; and Chetwynd, also of Columbus.
Mr. Justus was reared to agricultural pursuits and has always been regarded as a very competent manager, excellent farmer and exemplary man. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles at Circleville and is past chancellor in the former order. The farm of Mr. and Mrs. Justus lies in the belt which is of historic interest on account of the mounds still observable, these formations never having been satisfactorily explained, although many scientists have visited them.
LEMUEL L. STEELY, a successful farmer and stockraiser of Pickaway township, was born in this township, October 11, .1863, and belongs to one of the old pioneer families of this section. His parents are John P. and Mary Elizabeth (Ludwig) Steely.
Lemuel Steely, the grandfather of Lemuel L., was a very early settler in Pickaway township. On the old Steely homestead John P. Steely, father of our subject, was born; many of his active years were spent in this part of Pickaway County. With his wife he now resides in Fairfield County, Ohio. The surviving children of John P. Steely and wife are : Lemuel L.; Evaline G., wife of W. F. Fleming, residing in the Indian Territory; Arthur H., of Circleville; Charles D., of Pickaway township; George, of Circleville township; Jacob, of Franklin County; John, of Circleville township ; and Mary, of Fairfield County.
Lemuel L. Steely' was reared and educated in Pickaway County and in the normal school, at Lebanon, Ohio. He has always found his pleasure and profit in following agricultural pursuits, devoting his main attention to the raising of stock. He is well known all over the county and is considered an excellent judge of stock and an unusually successful raiser. He also carries on a general line of farming.
Mr. Steely was married September 16, 1896, to Mary W. Gill, who is a daughter of William Gill, a prominent resident of Salt Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Steely have one daughter, Alice E., who was born October 5, 1897, and is attending. schools.
Politically Mr. Steely is affiliated with the Republican party. He takes a lively interest in all local matters, as becomes a good citizen and is not indifferent to the schemes of public improvement which continually add to the advancement of his township. He believes in good roads and m good schools.
HARRY J. BOND, D. D. S., a leading dentist of Ashville, whose offices are situated in the Squires Building, was born at Sandy Lake, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Hunter) Bond. Joseph Bond, who was born in England 65 years ago, came to this country in 1853 and located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where he has since been engaged in farming. The mother of our subject was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where she still lives.
Harry J. Bond was for a number of years a student at the McElwain Institute and also attended Grove City College. He left school at the age of 21 and entered the Ohio Dental
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College at Cincinnati, where he remained as a student for three years, graduating in the class of 1895 on April 2nd. He located in Ashville on April 3rd, just one day after his graduation, and here has met with much success. He commands a large and increasing practice and devotes his whole time to his profession.
Dr. Bond was married April 15, 1896, to Luella Huey, a daughter of David and Mary Huey, of Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Bond, namely : Howard, Donald and a daughter that died during infancy. Dr. Bond's residence is located on East Main street, Ashville. He is a member of the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America and of Palmetto Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Ashville. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ashville.
PHILIP G. GRIFFIN, deceased, was one of the prominent farmers and highly respected and useful citizens of Salt Creek township. He was born May 4, 1831, in Brunswick County, Virginia, and was a son of Samuel and Mary (Wesson) Griffin. His death took place on his farm in Salt Creek township, near Stringtown, on June 1, 1905.
The Griffin family is one of age and local prominence in Brunswick County, Virginia, the ancestry of the late Philip G. Griffin being traced to a certain Captain Griffin, who settled in that part of Virginia in colonial days. He was of Scotch and English ancestry. On the maternal side, Mr. Griffin came of Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, Isaac Wesson, having served with the American Army as a member of the Harry Lee Light Horse.
The late Philip G. Griffin was nine months old when he was brought to Ohio by his parents, the long trip being made overland, in a wagon, which served as the family home until their safe arrival in Ross County. The Griffins lived. first at Frankfort but later. removed to Londonderry, where Philip G. Griffin was reared. He was educated in the district. schools and in an academy at Kingston, and then entered his father's store at Londonderry, the latter having been one of the pioneer merchants there. Philip G. Griffin continued in the mercantile business for a number of years, was appointed postmaster, and was a very successful and respected citizen. Politically he was very prominently identified with the Democratic party in Ross County and for many years held office. In 1866 he was elected clerk of the County Court and was re-elected to this office in 1869. In 1874 he was elected auditor of Ross County and served through two terms, a period of six years, in this responsible office.
For 10 years Mr. Griffin resided at Chillicothe, but at the close of his second term as auditor he returned to Londonderry, where he lived until 1889. In that year he settled on his fine farm in Salt Creek township, where the last 16 years of his life were passed. During this period he engaged in large agricultural operations, and through his enterprise and public spirit made his influence felt in the community. For a number of years he was active in promoting educational matters in Salt Creek township and was a valued member of the Board of Education.
On April 6, 1858, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage with Susan A. Cryder, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, June 18, 1835, and is a daughter of George and Mary (Bowsher) Cryder. The father of Mrs. Griffin was born in Virginia, and the mother in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs.. Griffin had three children, viz.: Hattie W., deceased; Georgia E. and Susan W. The family still reside on the farm to which they removed from Ross County, in 1889. It is valuable property and ranks with the other productive farms of Salt Creek township.
Mr. Griffin was a prominent member of the Improved Order of Red Men and was a charter member of the tribe at Adelphi and served as its first prophet. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Adelphi and belonged also to the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mr. Griffin was a man of the highest integrity and his character was recognized by his fellow-citizens who entrusted large interests to him. The confidence thus given was never violated and his public service only tended to make him more highly respected in the county where his memory is still preserved.
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ADAM GROVE, one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Jackson township, who owns 212 acres of valuable land, resides on a tract of 57 acres, which is divided by the Jackson and Scioto township line, 25 acres being in the latter township. Mr. Grove was born near Clarksburg, Ross County, Ohio, May 10, 1829, and is a son of Abraham and Barbara (Weir) Grove.
The Grove family is an old pioneer one of Ohio. Henry Grove, the grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania and came from that State at a very early day and settled in Ross County, Ohio. About 1835 he purchased 200 acres of land on the west side of the river in Pickaway County, near South Bloomfield, and an additional tract of 114 acres, which our subject now owns. He lived to an advanced age.
Abraham Grove was probably a babe when his parents came to Ohio, and he was reared and married in Ross County. He died October 23, 1854, in Jackson township, Pickaway County, on the place where our subject now lives. Abraham Grove married Barbara Weir, who was born December 26, 1806, and died February 7, 1879. Her father, Obadiah Weir, owned a fine farm in the neighborhood of Chillicothe. Their children were : Adam, the subject of this sketch; Drusilla, deceased; Samuel P., deceased in youth; Adeline, who died in Illinois ; Louisa (Coonrod), of Missouri ; Henry M., deceased; Thomas, now a resident of Illinois, who served all through the Civil War as a member of the 45th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. ; Willard T.; Abraham S., of Missouri; and Sarah, who died in infancy. Willard T. Grove married Alwilda Rowe and has two children, Ollie Myrtle and Grace R. They reside with our subject, who has never married.
Adam Grove has been a resident of Pickaway County longer than he can remember. His parents settled on his present farm when it was still a wilderness, when game of all kinds still abounded and when a dinner of wild turkey was secured very easily. Deer came to the doorstep and wild animals were still in the near by forests. Our subject's father had 57 acres of land, to which our subject added 57 acres more just south of the first piece, that had formerly belonged to his uncle. Then Mr. Grove bought 57 acres of the Johnson Colwell farm and 40 acres of another party, making a total of 212 acres, a large portion of which has been cleared and put under cultivation by Mr. Grove himself. He devotes his entire attention to the management of his property, raising grain and stock, making a feature of hogs and also of fine cattle.
Politically Mr. Grove is a Republican. In 1863 he was a member of the Ohio National Guard and when they were called into the service he assisted in chasing Morgan across the border. In 1864 he enlisted in Company H, 155th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Colonel Sage and Capt. John D. Mundell, and was out four months. During this time the company participated in no engagements but had long marches and considerable hardship, traveling through Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Grove was finally discharged at Camp Dennison. Since then he has led a quiet home life, devoted to his business and taking much pleasure in his brother's little children. He is a man very well known and very highly regarded in the community.
Mr. Grove's handsome home presents a fine appearance on Goosepond turnpike, the substantial character of the buildings and their trim surroundings being very attractive. His property is nine and a half milyes from Circleville and six miles from Ashville.
JOSEPH CLARK TIMMONS, a successful farmer and extensive stock-raiser of Perry township, who owns 224 acres of excellent farming land, situated on the Circleville turnpike, was born October 1, 1862, on the old Timmons home farm, which is situated just across the road from his present home. His parents were Benjamin and Marian Gladstone (Templin) Timmons.
The Timmons family was founded in this section by Stephen A. Timmons, the paternal grandfather, who was a native of Maryland
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and a Methodist preacher. At a very early day he settled in Ross County, Ohio, where he passed the rest of his life, acquiring land both in Ross and Pickaway counties. The family still possesses the government patent issued to Stephen A. Timmons, for 1,600 acres of land. The children of Stephen A. Timmons and Lucretia, his first wife, were : Wesley, Thomas, Frank and Prior, the last named of whom was imprisoned at Libby Prison during the Civil War and was never again heard from. The children of Stephen A. Timmons and his second wife, Lydia Comiford were: Benjamin; Joseph, who died from wounds received at the battle of Gettysburg; William, who moved to Indiana and died in Greene County; James Finley, who lives at Kansas City; and Jennie, also a resident of Kansas City, who is the wife of George Betts.
Benjamin Timmons was born near Greenland, Ross County, Ohio, and moved to Perry township, Pickaway County, after his marriage, settling on the Circleville turnpike, where his son, James T. Timmons, now resides. He lived almost continuously here on his farm of 180 acres until 1886, and also owned 90 acres in Ross County. He died July 19, 1893, at Clarksburg and was buried from Brown's Chapel. He married Marian Gladstone Templin, of Ross County, who was a daughter of James and Mary (Aflick) Templin. She now resides at New Holland, Ohio, and is in her 64th year. Through the Aflick side of the family, Mr. Timmons is closely related to that distinguished English statesman and man of letters, William E. Gladstone, whose services reflected such glory on the reign of the late Queen Victoria. The children of Benjamin Timmons and wife were : Harrison Edgar, who resides at Eagle Mills, Vinton County, Ohio; Mary A., wife of D. G. Shifflett, of Meadsville, Missouri; James T., who resides across the road from our subject; Joseph Clark, of this sketch ; Samuel, who died in childhood ; Stephen A., who is a farmer in Missouri ; Gladstone ; Ella F., who married Elmer Peck and resides in Deer Creek township; and Luetta, who is the wife of Aden Dick, of Mount Sterling, Ohio.
Joseph Clark Timmons was reared on the home farm, where he remained until he was 26 years old, obtaining his education in the meantime in the district schools. After his marriage, he located on his present fine farm of 224 acres, where he has continued general farming and stock-raising ever since. He raises many excellent draft horses and a large number of hogs. He pays much attention to cattle and his herds compare favorably with any in the neighborhood. He carries on farming along modern lines, intelligently taking advantage of new methods and utilizing the best kinds of machinery and has the reputation of getting from his land the very best it will produce.
Mr. Timmons was married October 13, 1887, to Emily Becker, who was born at Cincinnati and is a daughter of Julius and Louisa (Ernst) Becker. Her father was born in Germany and came in young manhood to America, locating at Nashville, Tennessee, where he worked at his trade of saddler. He there married and later, with his wife, removed to Cincinnati, which city was his wife's native place. He died aged 39 years and was interred at Pomeroy, Ohio. The mother of Mrs. Timmons still survives and resides in West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Becker had these children : Addie, widow of L. H. Morgan; Charles ; Rose (Hamilton) ; Mary, deceased; and Emma (Timmons).
Mr. and Mrs. Timmons have had these children : Benjamin Arthur; Juanita Grace; Lora ; Glen, who died in infancy ; Frances ; Lillian; Mildred and Joseph.
Mr. and Mrs. Timmons are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at New Holland. They reside in a beautiful, modern home, which Mi. Timmons built in 1903, one which for comfort and convenience cannot be excelled in the county. It is piped all through with both hard and soft water and is lighted by an acetylene gas system. With all the pleasures of rural surroundings, Mr. Timmons and family are thus enabled to enjoy city comforts.
Politically Mr. Timmons is a Republican. He has served as cemetery trustee. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at New Holland.
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JOHN COCHRAN O'HARRA, who successfully operates a farm of 162 acres, situated in Scioto township, is one of the honored survivors of the Civil War, in which he was an officer, receiving promotions on account of personal valor. Mr. O'Harra was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 11, 1836, and is a son of Hugh and Ann (Corn) O'Harra.
The O'Harra family is probably of Irish extraction, but it has been established in America for a number of generations. John O'Harra; the grandfather, was born in Virginia, was an early settler in Franklin County, Ohio, and during the War of 1812 he conducted a hotel at Franklinton. His son, Hugh O'Harra, was born in Virginia, in 1798, and was but a child when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. Hugh O'Harra died in 1856, at the age of 58 years, his mother having preceded him in 1852.
The children of Hugh O'Harra and wife were : Margaret, born in 1833; Priscilla, who died young; John C., of this sketch; Hugh, deceased ; Mary E., a resident of Lockbourne, Ohio; Melissa Jane, of Franklin County, Ohio ; William H. and Elias T , both deceased ; Thomas J., of Findlay, Ohio; and Gustavus, who died in childhood.
John C. O'Harra enjoyed such educational advantages as were afforded by the district schools of his ,native township. He had assisted his father on the farm until the latter's death in 1856 and continued farming until the outbreak of the Civil War. Mr. O'Harra, who was among the first farmers of this township to offer his services to his country, enlisted in Company E, First Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., which was organized at Circleville, August 8, 1861. The officers were Capt. B. B. Eggleson and Colonel Ransom.
The First Regiment left Camp Chase in December, 1861, for Louisville, Kentucky. It went from there to Nashville, Tennessee, and from then on Mr. O'Harra participated in nearly all the engagements in which the Army of the Cumberland was concerned. The list is a long one and the annals of the Civil War tell a tale of its accomplishments. The first engagement of Mr. O'Harra's company was at Liberty, Kentucky, in January, 1862, and the record continues : Siege of Corinth, April and May, 1862; Farmington, Mississippi, May 28, 1862; Booneville, Mississippi, May 30, 1862; Black Land, Mississippi, June 4, 1862; Russellville, Alabama, July 1, 1862; Courtland, Alabama, July 25, 1862; Bardstown, Kentucky, October 4, 1862; Perryville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862; Franklin, Tennessee, December 12, 1862; Nolensville, December 26, 1862; Stone River, Tennessee, December 31, 1862, January 1, 1863; Tullahoma, Tennessee, July 1, 1863; Elk River, Tennessee, July 2, 1863; Alpine, Georgia, September 11, 1863; Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863; Wheeler's raid through Tennessee, from October 1 to 9, 1863; Cottonport, Tennessee, September 30, 1863; McMinnville, Tennessee, October 4, 1863 ; Murfreesboro, Tennessee, October 5, 1863; Shelbyville, October 7, 1863; Farmington, Tennessee, October 9, 1863; Paint Rock, Alabama, October 30, 1863; Mission Ridge, Tennessee, November 25, 1863; Cleveland, Tennessee, November 27, 1863; Charleston, December 28, 1863; Tunnell Hill, Georgia, February 25, 1864; Buzzard's Roost, February 27, 1864; Decatur, Alabama, May 26, 1864; Moulton, Alabama, May 29, 1864; McAfee's Cross Roads, Georgia, June 12, 1864; Noonday Creek, June 15, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, June 12, 1864; Chattahoochee River; July 12, 1864; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, July 19 and 20, 1864; Atlanta, Georgia, July and August, 1864; Kilpatrick's raid around Atlanta, from August 18 to 22, 1864; Fairburn, Georgia, August 19, 1864; Jonesboro, Georgia, August 19, 1864; Lovejoy's Station, August 20, 1864; Rome, Georgia, October 13, 1864; Smoke Creek Gap, October 15, 1864; Little River, Georgia, October 20, 1864; Coosa River, October 25, 1864; Wilson's raid through Alabama and Georgia, March and April, 1865; Montevallo, Alabama, March 20, 1865; Ebenezer Church, April 1, 1865; Montgomery, Alabama, April 12, 1865; Columbus, Georgia, April 16, 1865; West Point, Georgia, April 16, 1865; surrender of Macon, Georgia, April 20, 1865; Ir-
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winville, Georgia, and the capture of Jefferson Davis, May 10, 1865.
A consideration of the above remarkable record will show that during the whole term of his service Mr. O'Harra was in daily danger and that he should have escaped injury is a matter to marvel at. Once, at Perryville, a spent ball struck him, and on another occasion one passed on its swift way through his coat, but he was able to return to his home and the paths of peace, entirely unharmed. He. was the witness of many historical events and vividly recalls the capture of the President of the Confederacy. The value set upon his faithful performance of duty was shown in his promotions, in one year having held commissions as 2nd lieutenant, 1st lieutenant and captain. After a seivice covering three years and three months, Mr. O'Harra was mustered out under Order No. 75, at Louisville, Kentucky, on November 25, 1864.
After the close of the war, Mr. O'Harra returned to Pickaway County, Ohio, and resumed farming, an occupation he has followed to the present time. After his marriage, in 1871, he continued to farm in Harrison township, Pickaway County, until 1884, in which year he removed to Scioto township, taking charge of the farm he has operated ever since. He devotes it to corn, wheat, oats, and hay and to the raising of cattle, horses and hogs.
On January 26, 1871, Mr. O'Harra was united in marriage with Amanda Poland, a daughter of John Poland, of Hocking County, Ohio. Four children were born to this union, the three survivors, all of whom have married and have domestic ties of their own, being: Hattie Leonora, who married James P. Coe, resides in Union County, Ohio, and has one child--Olive; Cora May, who married Key Reed, a prominent farmer of Scioto township ; and John Leonard,_ a resident of Commercial Point, Scioto township, married Mary Goebel and has one daughter--Eva Elizabeth.
Mr. O'Harra has been a lifelong Republican and has taken a good citizen's interest in the affairs of the country at large and has always, to the best of his ability, promoted laudable enterprises at home, especially those directed to the improvement of agricultural conditions. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and enjoys the reunions of this organization, where old comrades are greeted, old battles are refought and won and the brave deeds of the living and dead are recalled. He is a well-known and highly respected citizen and in the evening of life is able to enjoy many of the comforts which, unaided, he has won in peaceful pursuits.
ELAM FLETCHER KNEISLEY, who, as farther and educator, is one of the best known men of Muhlenberg township, now operates the stock farm of J. M. Lunbeck, of Chillicothe, which is a finely cultivated tract of 431 acres largely located along Darby Creek. He was born near Bainbridge, Pike County, Ohio, on October 9, 1862, and is a son of Joseph and Isabelle (Watt) Kneisley.
The parents of Mr. Kneisley were natives of Pike County, Ohio, and later residents of Fayette County, where the father died in 1893, aged 70 years. The mother, who has reached her 78th year, is a resident of Jasper Mills. Ohio. Joseph Kneisley was a soldier in the Civil War and accompanied Gen. W. T. Sherman on the memorable "March to the Sea." During peaceful times he was a farmer. His 10 children were : Ellen, wife of William Vince, of Jasper Mills, Ohio; Albert C., for 10 years a teacher in Fayette County, now owning and operating a fine farm ; Elam Fletcher, of this sketch ; J. Allen, of Jasper Mills, Ohio; Mary (widow of J. D. Lynch), who makes her home with her aged mother at Jasper Mills; Elizabeth, wife of C. C. Creamer, of Fayette County; and three sons and one daughter who died in infancy.
Our subject was 10 years old when his parents moved to a farm near Jasper Mills, and was a resident of Fayette County until 1900, when he took charge of the farm he now operates, which was originally the old home farm of Josiah Renick. It is a very picturesque place, consisting of both high and low land,
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300 acres of the farm lying in the first bottom of Darby Creek. The fine old residence stands on a gentle eminence which gives an outlook over a wide extent of beautiful country. There are eight never failing springs on this farm and this makes it especially well fitted as a stock farm. All kinds of stock are raised here, including horses, Shorthorn cattle and hogs, but a specialty is made of Poland China swine. At present Mr. Kneisley has over 300 head of hogs, 100 of these being registered, and some 22 head of horses. His herd of cattle include a large per cent. of registered Shorthorns. It is considered one of the best farms in the county. Mr. Kneisley invested $1,800 in improvements last year.
After completing the common school course, Mr. Kneisley, in early manhood, entered the scientific department of Northwest-ern University and continued a student there until he was attacked with illness when within 16 weeks of graduation. After recovery he did not return, having been offered a fine position as a teacher. Although from 1883 until 1900 Mr. Kneisley engaged in teaching and literary pursuits, he always kept a little in touch with agricultural operations, having had a natural inclination in this direction. He taught school for seven years in various districts of the county, and for two years was superintendent in the Staunton public schools, for four years was a teacher in the High School at Washington Court House, and had other important positions. In the meantime he studied both medicine and law and had he not been called to look after his parents, who were then in failing health, he might have continued his legal studies and been admitted to the bar.
On November 24, 1887, Mr. Kneisley was married to Eliza J. Brown, who was born near New Holland in Fayette County, and is a daughter of James and Jane (Cook) Brown, who were pioneers in that County. They have three sons, viz.: Herbert Brown, who is a graduate of the township high school ; and Joseph Howard and James Fletcher, who are students in the township high school. They are all bright, intelligent young men, who show appreciation of the excellent advantages afforded them. Both parents having been successful teachers, they find much encouragement at home.
Politically Mr. Kneisley has always been an active supporter of the Republican party. He is now serving as one of the trustees of Muhlenberg township; he formerly held office in Fayette County. A group picture of the Kneisley family accompanies this sketch.
JOHN P. NOECKER, a well-known citizen of Madison township, settled north of and near St. Paul, residing on his well-cultivated home farm of 147 acres, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 5, 1850, and is a son of Henry and Maria (Kroninger) Noecker.
Henry Noecker was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in young manhood, settling in Walnut township, where his long and useful life was spent. Of his children, these survive : Sylvester and Nathan, both residents of Piatt County, Illinois; Henry H., of Barnes, Kansas ; John P., of this sketch ; Daniel, of Indiana; and' Mary, wife of Emanuel Berger, of Walnut township. Both Henry Noecker and his wife have passed away. They were kind, generous, honorable people and those who knew them as neighbors unite with those of the domestic circle in recalling pleasant memories of them both. In politics Henry Noecker was affiliated with the Republicans party. Both he and his worthy wife were among the founders of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Madison township.
John P. Noecker was reared in Walnut township and obtained his education in the, public schools. His ,life has been mainly devoted to farming and stock-raising. He owns a large amount of valuable property consisting of two farms, one of these being the home place and the other--143 acres of fine land in . Walnut township--on which his eldest son resides. Mr. Noecker is a successful agriculturist and the pride he takes in his property is shown in its fine appearance. Madison
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township has few more productive farms than his.
On October 16, 1874, Mr. Noecker was married to Sarah C. Baum, who was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, November 30, 1851, and is a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Roof) Baum, the former a native of Pickaway County and the latter, of Maryland. Mrs. Baum died in 1900, but Mr. Baum still survives, being one of the most venerable of the early citizens of Madison township. His father, Christian Baum, came here as a pioneer from Pennsylvania, when savage beasts and Indians still roamed through the forests. Mr. Baum is one of the oldest members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Noecker have two sons--Clarence B., of :Walnut township, and Howard H., who manages the home farm. The family lived in Walnut township until 1896, having prior to that lived in Harrison township. Since 1896 the home has been in Madison township. They are well known over a large part of the county and their friends are legion. Both are consistent members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Noecker is a deacon, an office he has faithfully filled for years. In politics he is a Republican.
SAMUEL H. HOLLIDAY, one of Muhlenberg township's successful agriculturists, who operates a farm of 204 acres in one of the best portions of the township, was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, July 11, 1855, and is a son of George P. and Alice (Hudson) Holliday.
George P. Holliday was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, and came to Pickaway County in 1849, accompanied by his wife and three children. This was his second trip here as he had made a prospecting one at an earlier date, covering the whole distance on foot with the exception of a short distance when he rode on a canal boat., After working as a farm hand for one year, he went back for his family and returned, this time in a comfortable wagon. The remainder 0f his life was passed here, his death taking place on October 17, 1891, at the age of 78 years. He married Alice Hudson, who was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, January 6, 1816, and died in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 25, 1896. They had these children : William and Louis, both deceased; Betsey, residing with our subject; Joseph, of Indiana; George, of Circleville; Richard, of Ashville; Nancy (Dornsife), of Circleville; Mathew, deceased; Samuel H., of this sketch; and two babes that died in infancy.
Samuel H. Holliday remained with his parents until his marriage and they spent their last years with him. Mr. Holliday has devoted his whole life to farming and enjoys the reputation of being a thorough-going, practical and successful agriculturist. He rents the 204-acre farm of Stephen Miller, paying, the rent in grain and stocking the land himself. Every evidence in sight goes to show that the land is carefully cultivated and made to produce to the limit of its capacity.
On June 17, 1879, Mr. Holliday was married to Ada Bethard, who was born at Darbyville, Pickaway County, Ohio, November 30, 1861, and is a daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Plumber) Bethard, the former of whom was born at Darbyville and the latter at Yellow Bud, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Holliday have had seven children, as follows : Alice Edna, Della Caroline, William Hadley, Elizabeth Leona, Arthur Stephen (who died aged to years and to months), Thomas Miesse and Noah Ned.
In politics Mr. Holliday has been a life-long Democrat but he does not seek office, his preference being the cultivation of the soil, the raising of stock, the education of his children and the careful promotion of their best welfare. He votes as becomes a good citizen, but leaves the cares of office to others.
WILLIAM THRAILKILL, who owns 258 acres of fertile farming land, situated in what is now known as Scioto township, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and is a son of Toliver and Elizabeth (Kios) Thrailkill.
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Toliver Thrailkill was born in Muskingum County, Ohio. He was one of a large family, some of the members being: Elijah, who married Susan Weekly--both now deceased; Cyrus, who died in young manhood ; John, deceased; Elizabeth, who married Adam Hennis--both now deceased; Lucinda (Carnes) ; and Toliver, who was the second son. The father of this family died from injuries received in the construction of the first bridge built at Zanesville, Ohio. Toliver Thrailkill settled in Franklin County, Ohio, when 22 years of age. He married Elizabeth Kios, who was born on the Scioto River and was a daughter of Henry Kios. She had two brothers--William and Miles, both of whom are deceased--and four sisters, namely : Mary, deceased; Christine, deceased, who was the wife of Jacob Haughn; Catherine, wife of Samuel Morris, of Franklin County; and Nancy, who married Peter Lingby, of Illinois. The mother of our subject was the eldest of the family. The children of Toliver and Elizabeth (Kios) Thrailkill were : George H., who married Emma Burke ; Marshall E., who married Laura Haughn ; Frances, who married James V. Fuller; Clara, who married Frank Ditrick; Adam, who died in infancy; Oma, who married Britt Strader; and William, who was the second eldest in the family.
William Thrailkill accompanied his father from Franklin to Pickaway County and settled on his father's farm in 1882. On November 12, 1884, he was united in marriage with Alice Rush, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 20, 1858, and is a daughter of Francis N. and Matilda (Rayn) Rush. The father of Mrs. Thrailkill was a son of Francis and Nancy Rush, natives of Virginia. Her mother is a daughter of John and Huldah Rayn, of Maryland. Francis N. Rush died in 1886, and his wife in 1899. They had one daughter--Mrs. Thrailkill--and three sons, viz.: Austin, who married Martha W. Mitchell ; Homer Virgil, who married Caroline Maris ; and Eugene B., who married Emma Mundell.
The first year of their wedded life was passed by Mr. and Mrs. William Thrailkill on the former's father's farm, following which Mr. Thrailkill rented a farm of E. W. Gibson, at Commercial Point. In the spring of 1887 they removed to the present home farm, of 176 acres, which was a part of Mrs. Thrailkill's father's estate. Later Mr. Thrailkill purchased 82 acres, which farm is situated on the King's Church new road. This land, known as the Buckley farm, he bought from A. R. Brown. Mr. Thrailkill has made extensive improvements on both his properties. The family residence is a comfortable, seven-room dwelling, which is surrounded by a neat lawn, the whole enclosed by a fine iron fence and presenting. a most attractive appearance. In the near distance can be seen the large barn, indicative of extensive agricultural operations, while a modern windmill provides an abundance of clear, cold water. In every respect this is an ideal rural home.
Mr. and Mrs. Thrailkill have one son, Frederick, who was born August 23, 1888, and is one of the promising students at the Commercial Point High School.
Mr. Thrailkill takes only a moderate interest in political matters. He is interested in local affairs, especially in educational matters and has served as school director. The greater part of' his time is devoted to his farm. For some years he has made the breeding of choice poultry a feature and his collection of Plymouth Rocks,. Black Spanish and White Leghorn fowls is very valuable.
WALTER NEWTON McCOY, one of Williamsport's most successful business men, is head of the firm of W. N. McCoy & Company, which carries on an extensive furniture and undertaking business. Occupying one of the most desirable business blocks in the town, they carry a complete line of furniture and make a good display of their goods. Mr. McCoy was born in New Holland, Pickaway County, Ohio, November 23, 1878, and is a son of Joseph D. and Irene (Haggard) McCoy.
Joseph D. McCoy was born in Blooms-
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burg, Ohio, and removed to Frankfort with his father, who had the distinction of making the first steel plow in this part of the country. Joseph D. McCoy, who is now located at Frankfort, is engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies and does a general blacksmithing business. His vehicles have an established reputation in this part of Ohio. He married Irene Haggard, who was born in Frankfort in the house in which she now lives, which house was built by her father, Solomon Haggard. Three children were born to this union: Walter Newton, our subject; Lucy, who lives at home ; and Mary, who died in infancy.
Walter N. McCoy was about six or eight months old when his parents .returned to Frankfort, where they remained a year and a half.. They then located at Washington Court House, Ohio, for about 12 years, after which they again returned to Frankfort, Ohio. He then worked in the establishment of his father, in manufacturing buggies and blacksmithing. It was while thus engaged that he drifted into the undertaking business, assisting Thomas Irving. He continued at this business some four years prior to his removal to Williamsport. He came here in 1901, on January 4th of this year, becoming junior member of the firm of Murray & McCoy, furniture dealers and undertakers. In September of the same year he purchased Mr. Murray's interest and the business has since been conducted by W. N. McCoy & Company, the firm being composed of Mr. McCoy and his wife.. Mr. McCoy has attended a number of institutions in order to perfect himself in his profession, among them being the Clarke Cincinnati College of Embalming; Eckel's Philadelphia Training School of Embalming, and Myers' College of Embalming at Columbus. In 1902 he was granted a license by the State. He is a member of the Funeral Directors' and Embalmers' Association of Ohio.
Mr. McCoy was married July 19, 1899, to Mary V. Cory, a native of Frankfort, Ohio, and a daughter of O. A. and Ella B. Cory. Her father is a prominent man of affairs. Mr. McCoy is a Republican in politics and is serving as councilman. Fraternally he is connected with Heber Lodge, No. 501, F. & A. M.; Williamsport Lodge, No. 478, K. of P.; Winifred Temple, No. 219, Rathbone Sisters, at Williamsport; and Camp No. 4475, M. W. of A., at Williamsport. Both Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
MILTON FRANKLIN MAY, whose reputation as an excellent farmer and successful stock-raiser extends all over and beyond Muhlenberg township, justifies this favorable opinion in his capable management of a farm of 426 acres. Mr. May belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Pickaway County and was born April 1, 1867, on the May homestead, in Walnut township, Pickaway County. His parents were George J. and Mary (Heim) May.
Mr. May comes of French and German ancestry. His grandparents were John A. and Magdalena (Rohrer) May, the former of whom was a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. On the maternal side the great-grandfather was a native of Germany and an early settler in Maryland. The family was founded in Ohio in 1836 by John A. May, who settled in Walnut township, Pickaway County, when the country was still a complete wilderness. Since then the May family has been intimately identified with the progress and development of Pickaway County. John A. May lived until 1887, leaving behind him a good name and a fine estate which he had wrested from the dense forest which surrounded his little log cabin for years after he had settled here.
George J. May, father of Milton Franklin May, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, June 1, 1832, and still survives, residing on his farm near East Ringgold. He was four. years old when his parents came to Pickaway County, where he has spent his long and useful life. He was united in marriage with Mary Heim on March 21, 1858. She was born in
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Pickaway County, Ohio, July 31, 1840, a daughter of John and Susanna Heim. They were very early settlers in Walnut township and at death left a comfortable estate. Mrs. May died November 12, 1898, at East Ringgold. The children of George J. May and wife were: William, John L., Nelson H., Milton Franklin, Calvin M. and Lyman. Mr. May is a prominent member of the United Brethren Church and has long been one of the trustees. In politics he is a Republican.
Milton Franklin May was reared in Walnut township and attended the common schools. Until he reached his majority, he remained at home assisting his father, and then started into business in partnership with his brother, John L. May. They embarked in a grocery business at East Ringgold, which they continued for four years under the firm name of May Brothers. John L. May then bought our subject's interest and the latter returned to the management of the homestead farm, where he remained for three years. Then he embarked on his own account in a grocery business at Circleville and continued there until he rented the large farm which he so ably manages. This property belongs to Mrs. Ida L. Rife. Mr. May operates it as a grain and stock farm, working it on shares. He has done his own stocking and owns some 40 head of cattle, too hogs and 50 head of sheep. He does not breed horses but uses some 14 in the operation of this. large body of land.
On November 28, 1889, Mr. May was married to Carrie Rife, who was born July 9, 1868, in Pickaway County, and is a daughter of John and Miranda (Minshall) Rife. John Rife was a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, while his wife was born in Ross County, Ohio. Jacob Rife, father of John, was from Pennsylvania and settled in Fairfield County at an early day. William Gilmore Minshall, grandfather of Mrs. May, was born in Virginia and came to Ross County, Ohio, with his parents when only one year old. He married Elizabeth Jones, of Ross County, Ohio. John Rife and wife had seven children, as follows : Alice; John E., a contractor at Columbus ; Charles M., a grain dealer at Circleville; Carrie, wife of our subject; Cora, wife of W. L. Wells, of Columbus; Samuel Tilden, a farmer of Circleville township; and Emanuel J., a resident of Ashville, Ohio. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. May, as follows : Tracy R., Clyde F., Ida A., Mary M., Grace C., Georgie M. and Kenneth M.
In political sentiment, Mr. May is a Republican. He has been a member of the School Board of Muhlenberg township for the past five years and for two years has been its president. He is a leading member of his party here and has served four years as a member of the Republican County Central Committee. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America.
WILLIAM COLBOURM ADKINS, a prosperous farmer of Monroe township, who is operating the farm of W. M. Heath, of Mount Sterling, owns a farm of 105 acres, which is also located in Monroe township. Mr. Adkins was born January 3, 1873, in Fayette County, Ohio, and is a son of Leonard and Ellen (Clariadge) Adkins.
The Adkins family was established in Ohio in the time of the great-grandfather of our subject, Stanton Adkins, who came from Virginia and died in Monroe township, Pickaway County, many years later. He purchased a farm in the vicinity of Mount Sterling and another large tract of land near Five Points. He was the father of 20 children, one of whom was Elijah, who became our subject's grandfather.
Elijah Adkins was born on his father's farm, in Monroe township. He married Nellie Adkins, who so far as known was not a. relative, and they had these children : Leonard, Amelia, Kendall M., Susan, Alice and Marion. Elijah Adkins was a well-known man throughout Pickaway County. He ran a livery stable at Mount Sterling and he also operated a mill. He was one of the pioneer mail carriers and made the trip from Mount Sterling to Circleville and Washington Court House and back
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to Mount Sterling and then to Columbus, on horseback. The greater part of his life was spent at Mount Sterling.
Leonard Adkins, father of William C. Adkins, was born at Mount Sterling and attended school there, assisting his father, as he grew older, in carrying the mails. In 1861 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, and after three months of service returned to his father's farm in Monroe township. Later he reenlisted and served with the rank of 1st lieutenant until the close of the war. He took part in many important engagements but survived all dangers and returned safely to the old farm. He had married after his first return from the army, and now he and his wife took up their residence on the home place and remained until after the birth of two children--Maggie and Flora. The former married Elmer Beal and they live in Madison County. The latter died in 1901.
Leonard Adkins then settled on the William Jones farm in Monroe township and while the family lived there, one daughter was born, Emma, who married Harvey Keller and lives in Fayette County. Later the family removed to the Isaac Moor farm in Fayette County, and there three children were born, namely : William C., of this sketch; Anna, who married Smith Dennis and lives at Detroit, Michigan; and Omer, who resides at Columbus. Leonard Adkins then settled on his farm of 124% acres in Monroe township, which he had bought five years previously, where both he and wife still reside, most highly esteemed residents of the locality. Two children were born to them : Lora H., who married Johnnie Davis and lives in Darby township; and Ross, who lives at home with his parents.
William C. Adkins has been an agriculturist all his life. After reaching man's estate, he was united in marriage with Emma Owen, a daughter of Frederick and Mary A. (Davis) Owen, the former of whom is a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent citizen of Monroe township.
Frederick Owen was born on his father's farm in Marion County, Ohio, in May, 1843, and is a son of Jesse ant Barbara (Hoffman) Owen, who were early settlers in Ohio. The father of Mr. Owen was a farmer and also a carpenter. He died in Marion County, when Frederick was four years of age. In the following year, with his mother and four brothers, Frederick Owen came to Pickaway County, settling in Muhlenberg township, with his mother's parents. After their death, he and his mother lived at Darbyville and there she died and he became a member of the family of Joseph Merrill, for whom he continued to work for his board and clothing until he was 19 years of age, when he entered the army.
The date of Mr. Owen's enlistment was July 19, 1862. He served as a private in the 90th Regiment,. Ohio Vol. Inf., from that date until the close of the war, being discharged on June 16, 1865. Mr. Owen participated in many serious battles, including Stone River, Chickamauga, Nashville and Atlanta, and being so often at the post of danger he did not altogether escape injury. He suffered a bullet wound in his right leg which confined him to a hospital for three months.
At the close of the war, after receiving his honorable discharge, Mr. Owen returned to Pickaway County and worked for William Davis, who had married his cousin, and made his home with Mr. Davis until his marriage, which took place on September 9, 1868, to Mary A. Davis, who was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Davis. A few years later, Mr. Owen purchased his first farm, a tract of 102 1/2 acres, paying $55 per acre for the same, and with his family moved into the log house that stood on the property. Soon after, he added 50 acres more and still later bought the farm on which he now lives, which has been the family home since 1886. He owns 540 acres of land in all, the greater part of which is under a fine state of cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. Owen have had eight children, namely: Amanda, who married Smiley Hughes and at her death left two children--Sylvia and Mabel; Sarah Jane, deceased, who was the wife of D. M. Hampsheer; George W., deceased; Millard F., a twin brother of George W., deceased in July, 1905; Roscoe, deceased at the age of three years ; Emma, who
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is the wife of the subject of this sketch; John W., who married Theo Glasskell and lives in Monroe township; and Bessie, who married Roy McCoy, of Fayette County, and lives on a farm adjoining that of her father.
After marriage, our subject and wife started to keep house on the farm of William Wolfe, in Monroe township, where they remained for one year and then removed to the farm of Leo Evans. Mr. Adkins operated that farm for three years and then moved to the Van Buskirk farm, which he managed for 14 months. He then rented the farm on which he resides. It is a tract of 101 acres, on the Clark's Run road, which belongs to W. M. Heath, of Mount Sterling. Mr. Adkins also has a farm of 105 acres which he devotes to general farming and the 'grazing of cattle. This property was given Mr. and Mrs. Adkins by Mr. Owen, his father-in-law.
Mr. and Mrs. Adkins have had two children, Frederick and Leafa. The former was born November 25, 1894, and died July 1, 1902. The latter was born May 29, 1896, and is a bright little maiden at school. Mr. Adkins has served in numerous township offices, has been supervisor for two terms and a member of the School Board for two years. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. With his wife he is a member of the Christian Church at Five Points. The family and its connections are among the most highly esteemed citizens of Monroe township.
DAVID HALL, one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Madison township, residing on his fine farm of 120 acres, was born in this township on February 28, 1865, and is a son of Peter and Lavina (Solt) Hall.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, David Hall, was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied his parents to Pickaway County, Ohio. He was reared in Madison township, but after his marriage removed to Walnut township and developed a fine farm. Both parents of our subject were born and reared in Pickaway County.
David Hall grew to manhood on his father's farm in Madison township, the family having settled here in his boyhood. He attended the public schools for some years and then enjoyed the advantages offered at the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, for a time, but ever since completing his education he has been engaged exclusively in agricultural efforts. He owns a large amount of excellent land, consisting of the farm above mentioned and another which contains 121 1/2 acres. The latter he rents.
In 1889 Mr. Hall was married to Hattie Wilson, who is a daughter of the late John Wilson, of Madison township, and they have two sons, Clarence D., who was born June 16, 1896, and Robert R., who was born February 28, 1899.
Mr. Hall is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He is one of the leading members of Trinity Lutheran Church, at Marcy. He is one of the township's reliable, honorable men and a thoroughly representative citizen.
JOSEPH W. SCHLEICH, who has a fine, well-improved farm of 182 acres, which is situated in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 20, 1864, and is a son of William C. and Margaret (Work) Schleich.
The parents of Mr. Schleich removed from Fairfield to Pickaway County in 1876, locating in Monroe township, where the father purchased a farm. William C. Schleich died on this farm on October 8, 1879, leaving a family of five children.
Joseph W. Schleich remained on the home place in Monroe township until 1896, when he bought what was known as the Manley place, in Deer Creek township. This farm is well adapted to farming and stock-raising and, since Mr. Schleich has completed his many improvements, is very' valuable. One of these improvements was the erection of a substantial residence to take the place of the old Manley home, which was erected 90 years ago and is still standing. Mr. Schleich will utilize the
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old house for other purposes than a residence, having occupied the new one since 1903.
In 1893 Mr. Schleich was married to Nettie Tarbill, who was born in Deer Creek township, and is a daughter of Wesley and Nancy (Grimes) Tarbill, residents of Deer Creek township. One son has been born to this marriage, Charles Wesley.
Politically Mr. Schleich is a Democrat. He takes considerable interest in township affairs and has served as school director. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHRISTOPHER C. HANAWALT, whose fine farm of 202 acres, all in one body, is situated on the Foster road in Monroe township, belongs to one of the pioneer families of Ohio and lives on land which was settled on by his maternal grandfather when all this country was the abode only of wild beasts and Indians. Mr. Hanawalt was born on this farm, on March 10, 1853, and is a son of Christopher and Rebecca (Corry) Hanawalt.
The story of the development of any new section has much to interest any true lover of his country, and it is both pleasant and profitable to recall the efforts of the indomitable pioneers who, through their courage and industry, converted this beautiful part of Ohio into the land of peace and prosperity which is exemplified on every side. The Hanawalt family originated in Germany, where Henry Hanawalt, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born and married. As his family increased, he was led to think of establishing a home across the Atlantic, where many of his countrymen had found comfortable homes awaiting their industry and where conditions were less difficult than in Germany at that time. The Hanawalts came to Ohio and settled in Ross County, and there with German thrift they prospered until the father was accidentally drowned in Paint Creek. He had a numerous family but all the names preserved to us are : Samuel, George, John and Christopher.
Christopher Hanawalt was born in Ross County, Ohio, and his boyhood and youth passed as do those of children who are early bereft of a father. That he grew into an exemplary young man is sufficiently proved by the fact that his father-in-law, Stephen Corry, so highly thought of him and had such confidence in his ability and honesty, as to will him one of his most valuable farms, this being the property on which our subject now resides. To the original tract Christopher Hanawalt added until he owned 202 acres. His death occurred October 30, 1869. He married Rebecca Corry, who was born in Ross County and was a daughter of Stephen and Rhoda Corry.
Stephen Cony was a very early pioneer in Ross County, Ohio. He came to America from England with his wife and two brothers, and settled first on the present site of the newer portions of Chillicothe. Here he cleared a number of acres of land, which he later exchanged for 300 acres in what is now Frankfort. Mr. Corry assisted in building many of the early homes in Chillicothe, many of these being of logs, and he nailed on the first clapboard roof ever used in that city. When he removed his family to Frankfort, the trip was made in an ox cart, through an almost unbroken forest. It was' partly the result of an obstruction in the path that caused the Corry family to locate just where they did. A great elm tree had been blown down and when Mr. Corry saw that it would furnish sufficient bark with which to construct a shanty that would provide shelter for the night, he hastened to utilize the building material at hand and that night the family slept under a roof. The light of the morning showed the location a desirable one and Mr. Cony decided that it would be unnecessary to go further and began to make preparations to establish here a permanent home.
The whole extent of this sketch might be filled with interesting incidents relative to the establishing of this pioneer home, including visits of many curious but not otherwise offensive Indians, while the father was on a trip to the distant mill, and the unwelcome visits
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to the bark shanty at night of hungry wolves that came out of the forest when the father's musket slaughtered a deer. The family records speak very kindly of the Indians, who at the time of Mr. Corry's settlement were very numerous. This may be explained by his attitude to them, for he learned their language and always dealt fairly and kindly with them. They appreciated this generous treatment by the white man and returned it. In this connection may be repeated a touching little story that Mr. Corry used to tell. Some 15 years after he had settled on his farm, when an Indian was an unusual sight, Mr. Corry met a solitary warrior one day. in the woods. At his invitation he sat down on a log and as their conversation on the past was carried on, the Indian kept asking Mr. Corry, continually to "move over" until at length, when the end of the log was reached, Mr. Corry protested, saying : "I am at the end of the log and there is no more place for me to rest." The Indian sadly replied: "That is just the position you whites have placed the Indians in, by making us keep moving."
The time came when Mr. Corry replaced the bark hut with a fine brick residence, which now stands on the Westfall road. Here he and his wife died. The old home is occupied by the younger daughter, Huldah, who is now 85 years of age and is the widow of Richard Johnson. The children of Stephen Corry and wife were : William and Thomas, who were born before the family settled on the farm ; Sarah, Sallie, Bettie, Isaac, Levi, Rebecca and Huldah. Mr. Corry owned a great deal of land and the farm in Monroe township, Pickaway County, he bought from an earlier settler, a Mr. Maddock.
Christopher and Rebecca (Corry) :Hanawalt had the following children : Rhoda Jane, born April 20, .1833, who died March 31, 1886, the same year as her mother; Stephen Henry, born October 3, 1835, who married Mary Cheetham and died October 30, 1865; Mary A., born July 17, 1839, who lives with our subject; Huldah E., born October 26, 1838, who is the widow of I. N. Fisher and lives in Monroe township; Levi T., born January 9, 1841, who married Retta Adams, now deceased ; Nancy C., born February 12, 1844, who married Samuel Maddox, and died March 10, 1875, on the birthday of our subject; William, born December 10, 1845, who died December 13, 1845; Sarah M., born December 17, 1846, who died October 17, 1847; Rebecca, born March 6, 1851, who resides with our subject ; Christopher C.; Isaac, born April 12, 1854, who died May 23, 1863; and Laura A., born June 11, 1857, who died May 12, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Hanawalt also reared a nephew, John, who was born August 29, 1853, but a few months later than our subject. He married Eliza Maddox.
After the death of Christopher Hanawalt, there was some legal difficulties on account of his having left only a verbal will, by which his widow should inherit all his property. After adjustment was made the widow received but 66 acres and the rest of the land was sold, our subject receiving the sum of $675. He was then but 15 years old and the resolve that he then made he has carried out, that being to purchase the whole of his father's former estate. When 18 years of age he gave his note, payable when he came of age and thus came into possession of his mother's 66 acres, on which she made her home until her death on July 5, 1886. Since that time Mr. Hannwalt has persisted until now he owns the whole of .the old estate of 202 acres, the farm on 'which he has lived all. his life. This is good land, responding to the excellent cultivation it receives, with abundant crops of corn and wheat. Mr. Hanawalt also deals in horses and raises many Shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs. At present writing he has 17 head of horses, 31 head of cattle and 75 head of hogs. His land is well watered, Foster Run, a never failing little stream, running through one corner of it. His comfortable residence of six rooms he built himself and there are other excellent improvements.
Mr. Hanawalt was married first to Nancy Anderson, who died May 13, 1888. She was a daughter of M. M. Anderson. The two children born to this marriage were : Cora and William E. The former, who was a successful
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teacher, married Ansel Crownover, and they have one son--Vincent L. The latter married Bertha Crabill. On March 30, 1890, Mr. Hanawalt was married (second) to Anna Grice, ',ho died January 6, 1896. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Grice. They had three children, Cecil C., Ray and Ethel, all of whom reside with their father.
Mr. Hanawalt has always been a citizen who took a commendable interest in public affairs. He has held a number of important county and township offices, including that of infirmary director, constable and for six years was township trustee. He is one of the leading members and liberal supporters of the Christian Church at Five Points. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
HORACE B. McCORD. Among the old residents and prominent farmers of Scioto township, was the late Horace B. McCord, whose long, useful and exemplary life closed on October 2, 1905, in his beautiful home situated on his farm of 235 ½ acres, not far distant from Lockbourne. Mr. McCord was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, July 16, 1825, and was a son of James and Sidney (Brown) McCord.
The McCord family originated in Ireland where the grandfather, William McCord, was born. He became a true and loyal citizen of America and served as a member of the American forces in the War of the Revolution before he was 18 years old, continuing in the service through the battle of Brandywine. He subsequently settled in Virginia, in the rich lands of Albemarle County.
James McCord, the father of the late Horace B., was born June 10, 1802, in Albemarle County, Virginia, and was both a farmer and carpenter. In the fall of 1834 he sold his farm of 48 acres in Virginia, and came to Ohio, traversing a distance of 600 miles, partly over the mountains, in wagons, being three weeks on the way. He settled first in Scioto township, Pickaway County, but later moved to Franklin County, where he remained for four years, and then returned to Scioto township and built a log cabin in the woods. He soon acquired land, buying first a tract of 115 acres and adding to it from time to time until, at his death, he owned an estate of over 400 acres. He was always a hard worker and literally carved his home out of the wilderness. In politics he was a Democrat. In religion he was a Methodist. He married Sidney Brown, who was also, a native of Albemarle County, Virginia, born in March, 1807. The children born to them were : Horace B., the subject of this memoir; William, who died aged eight years; John Andrew, who died in his second year; Mary (Brown) ; and James A. James McCord died in February, 1875, and his wife in July, 1884.
Horace B. McCord was nine years old when he accompanied his parents from Virginia to Ohio and could easily recall many events of the long journey, for they made a strong impression on his memory. He had been in school for six months before leaving Albemarle County, and as soon as expedient he started to school in Scioto township, walking long distances to reach the little log schoolhouse in the clearing. His attendance was mainly in the winter seasons as the summers were devoted to work on the farm. He remained at home until he was 21 years old, working for his father.
In after years Mr. McCord would often tell how he earned his' first money. When he came of age, he entered the employ of a neighboring farmer and cut corn, receiving two cents per shock for his labor. For five successive seasons he worked for $10 a month for his father, who held to the old principle that high wages were apt to turn young men into spendthrifts. James McCord was a man of ample enough means to have provided well .for his surviving children, all of whom profited by his will with the exception of his eldest son, our subject, who received nothing and who earned every dollar that he subsequently possessed. In the year preceding his first marriage, Mr.
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McCord purchased his first 50 acres of land, this being in 1856, and in 1864 he bought 124 acres located on the line of Franklin County, on which property he lived for three years. In 1871 he both bought and sold and in 1874 he bought 207 acres, later sold 50 acres and bought his farm on which his widow still resides, in Scioto township. Here, in 1883, he built his commodious, elegant brick residence, the comforts of which he was permitted to enjoy for many years.
On March 26, 1857, Mr. McCord was married (first) to Mary Callahan, who was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and died March 8, 1867, leaving no issue. On January 21, 1871, Mr. McCord was married (second) to Mrs. Elizabeth (Wade) Deneen, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 13, 1839, and is a daughter of Abner and Anna (Gorell) Wade.
Mrs. McCord's grandfather Gorell was born in Ireland and when a boy was stolen by a sea captain. He remained on the water for many years and in time became the captain's mate. Finally the vessel was wrecked and he gave up a sailor's life. He located in Pennsylvania, where he subsequently married Mary Van Cleaf and together they came to Ohio and settled as pioneers in the woods on the present site of Mount Vernon. During the War of 1812 he was sheriff of a county in Pennsylvania, and during ' this period of time the mother of Mrs. McCord was an infant just learning to walk. It was a part of Pennsylvania law at that time that debtors should be confined in prison until they had discharged their indebtedness and Mrs. McCord remembers hearing how the prisoners taught her mother to walk, carefully guiding the little feet while the busy young mother was concerned in her housekeeping tasks. Both grandparents died at Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Abner Wade, father of Mrs. McCord, was born at Mount Vernon, Ohio, and continued to live in Knox County until the Civil War, when he moved to Columbus, where he lived until 1894, dying at the age of 82 years. Mrs. McCord's mother died when she was a child. They were buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery, at Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Abner Wade had a large family, as follows : Elzy and Joseph, of Knox County ; James, who died in 1905 ; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of J. M. Blocher; Emeline, deceased, who was the wife of Clark Clemmens; Abner, deceased; Anthony, a resident of Galloway, near Columbus; Matilda, wife of Seymour Jewett, of Pickaway County; Josephine, wife of Clark Worthington, of Pleasant Corners, Franklin County; and Elizabeth (Mrs. McCord).
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McCord, four of whom survive, namely : Laura, who married Jacob C. Borror, a wealthy farmer, resides in Jackson township, Franklin County, and has two children--Blanche and Malcolm ; Chauncey, engaged in farming near Ashville, who married Metta May Cromley, a daughter of Hon. Thaddeus E. Cromley, and has one son--Harold Cromley; Horace Miner, who has an office with the National Cash Register Company, of Dayton; and Daisy Irene, who lives at home with her mother. Mr. McCord afforded his children many advantages in an educational way and surrounded them with all that pertains to a cultured home. With him the welfare of his family came before everything and as a father he was kind and indulgent and as a husband, tender and appreciative.
In political sentiment, Mr. McCord was a Democrat but he never aspired to office. For many years he was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church at Commercial Point and in his life and bearing he was a consistent Christian. He took comfort in the fact that in all his business life, even when closely pressed himself, he never sued a man nor was ever sued and that no one, after he passed out of life, could claim one cent of indebtedness. He was scrupulously just and honest in every particular and no needy person ever applied to him in vain.
The immediate cause of Mr. McCord's death was heart trouble, from which he had long been a sufferer. The funeral services over his remains were conducted by Rev. Albert Brewer, of Columbus, who had formerly been Mr. McCord's pastor at Commercial
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Point. A beautiful and touching address was delivered and listened to by a large concourse of sorrowing friends, who had gathered to show respect to one who had lived so blamelessly and usefully among his fellow-citizens.
EDWARD DAVIS, who has been a resident of Wayne township, Pickaway County, for the past two years, was born in Ross County, Ohio, on August 4, 1863, and is a son of John and Matilda (Edgington) Davis.
John Davis was born in Pennsylvania and his wife was born in Ross County, Ohio. They were the parents of four children : Frank, who went to the Klondike and never returned ; Edward, our subject ; James; and a daughter who died in infancy.
Edward Davis was married July 4, 1886, to Emma Lynton, a daughter of Isaac Lynton, of Ross County. After his marriage, Mr. Davis continued to live in Ross County for 18 years, and then located in Wayne township, Pickaway County. Mr. Davis owns a home at Yellow Bud, Ross County, which he purchased in 1888 and which is now occupied' by his brother James. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had three children : Elmer, Ralph and Frank. Mr. Davis was for a time supervisor of the road of District No. 7, Union township, Ross County. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family attend the Evangelical Church.
WILLIAM ALDENDERFER, whose well-cultivated farm of 80 acres is situated in Salt Creek township, is a well-known, respected citizen of the township. He was born in this township, July 25, 1852, and is a son of Henry and Mary Aldenderfer.
Henry Aldenderfer was born and reared in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where he obtained his education. In young manhood he came to Ohio, and after a short residence at Findlay came to Salt Creek township, Pickaway County. Here he married and reared two of his four children, these being: William, of this sketch, and Sarah, who is the wife of Jacob Huffman, of Fairfield County, Ohio. Henry Aldenderfer died March 17, 1889. By trade he was a carpenter and this he followed, more or less, all his life until his later years, which he devoted to farming. In politics he was a Democrat. In religion he was a Lutheran.
The mother of our subject was Mary Aldenderfer, who was a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Markel) Aldenderfer, who were early settlers in Salt Creek township. Both families were of German extraction. It is an interesting fact that both the father and the maternal grandfather of our subject bore precisely the same name. Mrs. Aldenderfer died April 12, 1892.
William Aldenderfer was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the Salt Creek township schools. As a boy he began to be useful on the farm and as he grew older he took a still greater interest and more responsibility and finally assumed the sole management. His land is valuable and he carries on general farming and raises stock. The home is comfortable and the buildings are commodious and substantially built.
On October 14, 1875, Mr. Aldenderfer was married to Martha Weaver, who was born September 11, 1856, in Hocking County, Ohio, and is a daughter .of Levi and Sarah A. (Frease) Weaver. Her father was born in Hocking County and her mother in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County. Both the Weaver and, Frease families were very early settlers in Hocking and Pickaway counties. Levi Weaver, who died in the former county in 1896, was a son of Jacob Weaver who came to Ohio from Berks County, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Aldenderfer has one brother and two sisters, viz.: John, Ellen (wife of George Cox), and Leah (wife of Charles Waites)--all residents of Salt Creek township.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldenderfer have four children, as follows : Nelson O., of Summit Coun-
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ty, Ohio; Edward C., at home; Stella E., wife of Edward O. Butterbaugh, of Fairfield County; and Wallace, the latter deceased.
In politics, Mr. Aldenderfer is a stanch Democrat. Both he and his wife are worthy members of the Lutheran Church at Tarlton, Ohio. They are well known throughout the township and are held in very high esteem as Christian people and good neighbors.
ABRAHAM W. KIRKPATRICK, one of Perry township's best known citizens and representative farmers and stock-raisers, resides on the old home farm to which his father came in 1851, not far distant from the one in this same township, where he was born on January 9, 1834. His parents were Abraham and Elizabeth (Marrett) Kirkpatrick.
The Kirkpatrick family, as well as the Marrett family, was of Irish extraction. The paternal grandfather, Samuel Kirkpatrick, settled in Ross County, Ohio, where Abraham Kirkpatrick, our subject's father, was born and where he resided until his marriage, when he moved to Perry township, Pickaway County. In 1851 he settled on the farm on which his son, our subject, has lived until the present time. He died in 1874, aged 82 years.
Abraham W. Kirkpatrick was reared and educated in Perry township. His . farm is a very valuable one, well located and finally managed. Mr. Kirkpatrick does not farm himself, having a capable agriculturist to carry out his ideas.
Mr. Kirkpatrick is one of a family of nine children, namely: Sally Ann (Cannon), Ruth (Watson) and Jane (Motter), all deceased; James, a resident of Illinois ; John M., who died at the. battle of Pea Ridge, during the Civil War; Marcus, who lives in Illinois; Abraham W., of this sketch; Joseph W., who lives on the old Kirkpatrick place; and Martha, wife of John Porter, living in South Dakota.
In politics, Mr. Kirkpatrick is a stanch Republican. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is counted with the township's most worthy citizens and is held in very high esteem
DANIEL EBERT HOSLER, formerly director of the Pickaway County Infirmary, owns a valuable farm of 144 acres in Washington township. He was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, May 9, 1832, and is a son of Isaac and Sarah (Ebert) Hosler.
Isaac Hosler was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and removed with his parents to Logan County, Ohio, when he was a boy. They spent their lives in Logan County. Isaac Hosier came to Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, in young manhood and after his marriage bought a small farm. This he improved and here both he and his wife died.
Daniel E. Hosier was reared in Salt Creek township and has spent his whole life in Pickaway County, where he has gained the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. His life has been mainly devoted to farming. His wife inherited the present place from her father and the family has been settled here since 1856.
Mr: Hosler was married to Mary Hitler, who was a daughter of George Hitler. She died March 24, 1876, the mother of 12 children, the five survivors being : George T., Marshall O., Oscar Franklin, Mrs. Ellen Denny and Dora Belle (wife of George Thomas, of Circleville).
In politics Mr. Hosler is a Democrat. He served one term as infirmary director and for 30 years has been a member of the School Board. He is one of the best-known residents of the township..
THOMAS ANDERSON, one of the large grain farmers of Pickaway County, and also one of hear substantial and self-made men, resides on his fine farm of 146 acres in Jackson township. Mr. Anderson was born at Rockport, County Down, Ireland, and is a son of David and Hannah (McKee) Anderson.
The parents of Mr. Anderson were also natives of County Down, Ireland. The father was the first of the family to come to America, and after he had secured a home in the new land the rest of his family followed. The
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PAGE 628 - PICTURE OF MR AND MRS THOMAS GOODMANAND FAMILY
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father died in Jackson township, this county, at the age of 69 years, and the mother when she was 70 years of age. They had five children, namely : James, who died aged 40 years; Ellen, deceased, who was left a widow with one son and spent her last days at the home of our subject; Thomas, of this sketch; John, a farmer of Scioto township, near Commercial Point; and Agnes, deceased.
Thomas Anderson was born September 26, 1824, and was 24 years of age when he came to America, accompanying his mother and a part of the family and joining the father and the others, who had been residents of Pickaway County, Ohio, for two years. Mr. Anderson has lived in this neighborhood ever since and has always followed farming. He has been a very hard worker and through industry and wise investments he has become a man of substance, owning not only his home farm in Jackson township but also another valuable farm of 87 1/2 acres, located about two miles distant. He makes a specialty of the growing of grain.
Mr. Anderson was married to Sarah Davidson, who was born in Ireland, a daughter of James Davidson, and was three years old when she was brought by her parents to America. She died aged 30 years, leaving these children : James, of Jackson township; William, living at home; Ella, widow of Andrew Hall, residing with her father; Mathew, of Scioto township; Joseph, of Adelphi, Ohio; and Anna and Elizabeth, both living at home. Mr. Anderson was married (second) to Mrs. Elizabeth Reid, widow of John Reid, and daughter of John Morris.
For the past 58 years Mr. Anderson has been a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, but he has never consented to hold any political office. He was reared in the Presbyterian Church and has always been liberal in his support of this body and, while never uniting .with it, has encouraged his family to do so. They are members of Renick Presbyterian Church in Jackson township.
Mr. Anderson is a very highly respected man. He has made all he owns through honest toil and has reared his family in comfort, given to education and religion and helped in all public improvements. He cared with the greatest kindness for his parents in their declining years and to him all members of the family turn when in trouble or perplexity, knowing the generosity of his nature.
THOMAS GOODMAN, who owns 80 acres of excellent farming land in Walnut township, has been settled here since 1894. He was born in Hocking County, Ohio, March 13, 1843, and is a son of John and Sarah (Weaver) Goodman.
John Goodman was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and became a resident of Hocking County, Ohio, in boyhood. He married Sarah Weaver, of Hocking County, and they reared a family of 12 children. John Goodman died July 18, 1877, and his wife in April, 1885.
Thomas Goodman was brought up on the home farm in Hocking County, attended the district schools and when the Civil War broke out was a strong, well-developed youth of 17 years. One year later, in 1862, he succeeded in enlisting from Hocking County, as a private in the 73rd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. His term of service covered the remainder of the war and during this time he participated in many of the hardest fought battles and the longest and most wearying marches. His command was sent to Virginia and reached the front just after' the first battle of Bull Run. The first engagement in which he took part was the battle of Chancellorsville and this was followed by all the various battles, including Gettysburg, in which his regiment was engaged, until after the fall of Atlanta, when an