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Morrow County,  Ohio
History & Genealogy

Canaan Twp. -
EDWARD S. JACKSON, farmer; P. O., Caledonia; was born Feb. 23, 1849, in Canaan Tp.; he is the youngest of a family of ten children, who were born to Henry and Lydia (Long) Jackson. Henry Jackson is of Irish birth and parentage, born in Rockingham Co., Va., and came west in 1829. His wife, Lydia Long, was born in Maryland, in 1806; after they came to this county they entered forty acres in Gilead Tp., and remained two years; they then sold out and entered eighty acres, on what is now the McKeene farm; they remained there two years, then traded for forty acres, one and one-fourth miles north of Denmark, and resided on the same about fifteen years. He departed this life March 17, 1869, on the place where Israel now lives; his wife two years previous, Jan. 6, 1867. Edward was married at the age of 25, to Hannah Richardson, born in this township, in 1854, daughter of John and Mary A. Richardson. Since his marriage he has resided on the Jackson homestead.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 730
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Perry Twp. –
ABEL JAMES, farmer; P. O., Andrews; is the second son of Henry W. and Hannah (Jones) James; he was born in Chester Tp., of this county, Sept. 8, 1819.  He was eight years old when his father removed to the woods of Congress Tp., where he was engaged in clearing.  He went to subscription school but a short time, his services being required at home for the support of a large family.  At 21 he went to South Bloomfield Tp., where he cleared land for three crops on the same, and at the expiration of three years he married Rebecca McClain, March 23, 1843.  He then returned to his father’s, taking charge of the farm for six years.  He next removed to Wright Tp., Ottawa Co., Mich.  Here he owned 83 acres in the green woods.  He cleared 37 acres of his own land, and slashed 53 acres into windrows for others; his skill and endurance enabled him to split six hundred rails in a day.  He was here nine years and four months, and in the meantime his wife died, leaving him with four little children.  Archibald, born Oct. 2, 1844, married Lovina Furston, and was in the army three years and wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness; he now lives in Muskegon Co., Michigan; Charity J., born Jan. 2, 1846, now Mrs. Levi Myers, and lives in Northern Michigan; Adelbert J., born June 27, 1850; Mary, April 3, 1855, died when nine months old.  He united in marriage with Eliza McClain, June 16, 1855.  She is a daughter of John Harris, of South Bloomfield Tp., and widow of the late Evan McClain.  Of this marriage two daughters were born -- Rebecca, July 6, 1857; Hannah R., Oct 24, 1859, died at the age of five years and twenty-two days.  Mr. James returned to this township in September, 1858, and during the same month he purchased the home place, where he has lived ever since.  He united with the Free Will Baptist Church about 1852, but withdrew from that church, and with others formed a Regular Baptist Church while in Michigan.  He is now a member the Harmony Baptist Church.  His father, Henry W. James, was born in September, 1781, in Pemrockshire, South Wales; his father died when he was six years old, and he went to live with an uncle by the name of Henry David, where he was employed in carting coal and lime until his eighteenth year.  In Sept., 1799, he took shipping for America.  The ship was carried by a head wind far to the south, and prolonged their voyage to nine weeks and three days.  They landed at Philadelphia, where he engaged in sawing and dressing marble for some time; from there he went to New York, and tarrying but a short time in the city, he went to Steubenville New York, and there learned the double trade of miller, and millwright.  He remained here about eight years, and owned a small farm.  His brother, Elder David James, who had emigrated some fifteen months before Henry, lived here, and they both concluded to emigrate to Pennsylvania.  They settled in Alexandria Co., where Henry found employment with a wealthy miller, by the name of Lowry.  He united in marriage with Miss Hannah Jones, Oct. 30, 1807.  She was born in Cardiganshire, South Wales in December 1788.  She came over in 1801, after a journey on the ocean of six weeks and three days, and the family settled in Alexandria Co., Pa.  After marriage, Mr. James remained in the mill until 1811, except for a short period in 1809, when he and a relative, by the name of Elder John D. Thomas, set out on foot for Ohio.  They journeyed across the mountains and swam the Ohio river, and entered land in Chester Tp.  While they were thus wandering in the wilderness of Knox Co., strange and sad events were transpiring at home.  Before setting out Mr. James had moved his family, and household goods in the house of Mr. Thomas, where the two ladies lived together.  One Sabbath they made preparations for going to church, carefully securing the smouldering embers in the fire-place, as they supposed; but on their return from church, the house was in flames, and everything was lost, including over three hundred dollars in silver, for which Mr. James had sold his land in New York; all that remained was sixty dollars, which he had loaned, As the silver could not be found in the ashes, it is supposed that the house was robbed, then burned to conceal the crime.  On his return, Mr. James labored in Pennsylvania, until the fall of 1811; when he, with his wife and two little girls, set out for Ohio, with an ox team.  They landed at Licking Co., O. in September, where his brother, Elder David James, had preceded him some months; they remained here two and a half years; while here the Indians became very troublesome, and at one time fired at his cabin in the night, and he returned their fire, aiming where he saw the flash of their guns, while his wife guarded the door with a large knife, and the Indians finally dispersed; he served in the war of 1812, under General Meigs, he and six others being detailed as scouts; they captured two hostile Indians, which were sent as prisoners to Delaware, O.  At one time during this campaign, the soldiers’ rations were reduced to one pint of meal to three men, and Mr. James came home nearly starved, and his wife was obliged to give him food in small quantities at first; during his absence the wife often took her little ones and hid out to avoid the scalping-knife of the savages.  After the war, probably about the spring of 1814, he removed forty miles west, to the fifty acres of land which he had entered in 1809, in what was then Chester Tp., Knox Co., O.; hardly had surrounded his little family with a few of the necessaries of life, when the devouring element swept away all again.  It was in 1815, when he lived in a log cabin whose “bat and clay” chimney was built up but a short distance, and to prevent fire from blowing across the floor, it was covered each night with boards; on this particular morning he had gone to a log rolling, while the mother had gone to a neighbor’s with her babe, leaving four little girls, the oldest being six, at home; by some means the clap-boards had not been removed, and when the children built a fire, they caught and communicated a blaze to the roof; the youngest child was sleeping on the bed, and the other three heard the roaring of the flames and were bewildered, not knowing what to do; they were leaving when they suddenly remembered their little sister; the flames were creeping around the bed, when they went in and dragged her, sleeping, from the bed, out of the door, just as the roof fell in with a crash; they went to the woods, sobbing and frightened; they hid, and the little one, not conscious of her great danger, went to sleep again near the foot of a large tree; in the meantime, the news of the fire was borne to the men at the log-rolling, and the distracted father, wild with grief at not finding his little ones, would have rushed into the flames, saying, “Let me find my children’s bones,” but they restrained him, and diligent search was made, and there was great rejoicing when the little wanderers were found.  Men came seven miles to raise them a cabin, and in three weeks they had another house, and received many contributions from the large-hearted settlers of that day.  He attended ten log rollings with his ox team on ten succeeding days.  In every community in that early day, some means of grinding their grain was the most pressing need; hence, his services as millwright were sought far and near.  In the absence of any other material., he used the common country stone or “Nigger Head” for burrs, which required great labor and patience to dress them.  He built or repaired many of the earliest mills in the country, among which may be mentioned Joseph Coles of Delaware Co., Judge Young near Lucerne, Kesslers of Marion Co., and the Waterford Mills; also many others in Knox and Richland counties.  He rented his farm and was away from his family most of his time.  He purchased two lots in Mt. Gilead, and erected the first frame ever built in that place about 1824; he moved his family there in April 1825, and took charge of Mr. Eustick’s mill for two years.  He then removed to the new land in Congress Tp., where he lived until March 1836, when he moved to the present place of eighty acres, where he lived out the remainder of his days.  He was a stone mason and brick-layer, and built many chimneys in this country.  In constructing mills he was often required to work in the water, and this, with the many other hardships he underwent, began to manifest itself in broken health during the last thirty years of his life, in which he suffered very much.  He and his faithful wife were both consistent and devoted members of the Regular Baptist Church during their lives.  He united with the church in Wales at sixteen.  He served the church as deacon for thirty-one years, to the full satisfaction of all.  The companion of his joys and griefs, departed this life Sept. 20, 1855, and he passed away in the triumphs of a living faith July 2, 1864, at the ripe old age of eighty-three.  On his death bed he said: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”  Twelve children were born to them, but two, Henry and John died young, while ten grew up to manhood and womanhood -- Frances, widow of Hiram A. Hilliard, and resides in Harmony Tp.; Mary, widow of Thomas J. Hilliard, now resides in Ottawa Co., Mich.; Rachel, from whom this sketch was obtained, was born in Licking Co. O., Nov. 19, 1811.  She lived in her father’s family until his death, caring for him in his declining years.  She has always had delicate health, and her father secured her a life interest in the homestead, where she now lives, with her brother Abel.  In her fifteenth year she was received into the Bryn Zion Baptist Church, by her uncle David James.  She had been previously carried to the water for baptism, and even amid her infirmities, rejoiced in a Savior’s love.  The church met at her father’s in Mt. Gilead, on account of her ill health, and five candidates received the right hand of fellowship.  Phebe, wife of James M. Hilliard of Knox Co.; Anna, now Mrs. Nelson Smith, of Knox Co., O.  David now resides in Ottawa Co. Mich.  Abel, subject of this sketch; Abigail, widow of John Parks, and lives in Crawford Co. O.; Samuel, (see sketch, among those of Franklin Township); Daniel T. farmer, of Congress Tp.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 814-816
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
DANIEL JAMES, farmer; P. O., Andrews. The James family are natives of Wales, of whom James is a near relative; his father, Henry, his mother also, whose maiden name was Hannah Jones, emigrated from that country to Pennsylvania many years ago, and after several years residence there, drifted to the West, locating in this county, where they remained until their death. Daniel was born in this township, April 25, 1830; is the youngest of a family of twelve; he did not leave home until he attained near his 26th year; about this time he formed a matrimonial alliance with Marinda Fiddler, of this county, daughter of Thomas Fiddler, their marriage occurring Oct., 1855.  When he married he had nothing; his stock in store was a willingness to work, and to adapt himself to circumstances, hoping by this course to some time place himself in better condition; he began first by renting, which he continued for some time; afterwards purchased some land, making several changes and removals, finally locating permanently on the land he now owns, having 160 acres in all. He has six children -- Louis R., Marcus N., Hannah J., Clarke W., Clinton E., and Barton W.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 690
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Chester Twp. –
DAVIS E. JAMES, farmer; P. O. Chesterville; was born in 1837, and is the son of Edmond and Esther (Griffith) James, while young he attended school, and performed his duties on the farm. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. 46 “G,” 85th O. V. I., and in a few days received an appointment in the quartermaster’s department as commissary sergeant; he was discharged in Nov. 1864; he then engaged to the Wilson Sewing Machine Co. for some time, also in selling a history of the Civil Rebellion, in both of which avocations he was successful. He entered into a matrimonial alliance Nov. 1, 1866, with Gem, daughter of Emness and Elizabeth (Evans) Salisbury; she was one of eight children, and was born in 1846; they settled, after marriage, on the present farm of 114 acres, purchased from the Emness Salisbury heirs; he is a member of Chester Lodge, No. 204, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all offices; for two years he was representative of the Grand Lodge, and was once a member of the Encampment at Cardington. He and his wife are members of Chester Baptist church, in which he has held office of clerk, and been superintendent of the Sabbath School. He is an active Republican.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 603
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Chester Twp. –
E. R. JAMES, farmer; P. O. Chesterville; was born Nov. 10, 1814, in Licking Co., this State; his parents, Edmond and Esther (Griffith) James, were natives of Wales, and emigrated to Licking Co. when young. The father was one of five children -- Edmond, Thomas, James, Joseph and Eliza. The mother one of seven children -- Mary, Ann, William, Hannah, John and Catharine. This parental union was celebrated Jan. 28, 1814, by ’Squire John Philips. They remained in Licking Co. about one year, and then settled in Chester Tp., in a log cabin 18x18 feet; here they toiled to prepare homes for those of the world’s riper years to enjoy.  January 2, 1850, the father was stricken from life’s roll on earth, and gathered into life eternal, leaving behind the companion of his joys and sorrows, with whom he had shared for over thirty-six years. He was the father of eleven children -- infant dead, E. R., William, Mary, Ann, Thomas, David, Joseph, Davis E., John H. and Benjamin. The mother is still living, and bids fair for many more years of usefulness.  E. R. attended school but little, but during his younger days he took advantage of every opportunity, and became, in due time, an efficient school-master. On April 27, 1837, he chose a companion in the person of Phoebe, a daughter of Joel and Mary (Potts) Bockover; her parents emigrated to Ohio in 1831, and had two daughters -- Phoebe and Susan. Her father was married prior, to a Miss Kymer, by whom he had -- George, John, Esther, Mary, Peter, Henry, Elizabeth and Jonathan. Both of her parents were active members of the Baptist church. The wife of our subject was born Aug. 11, 1819; she settled with her husband, subsequently, on the present farm, they buying at the time fifty acres of John Booher, which was entered by Ayers. They have, by industry and frugality added; and the family now possess 140 acres of well improved land.  E. R. James hauled wheat from this farm to Cleveland to secure the means to liquidate his indebtedness for his first forty acres of this farm.  His children are Flora A., graduated at Granville, O., College, in 1862, and has taught seven terms of school; Wesley K., cattle dealer, now of Kansas; infant, deceased; Lewis J., graduated at the O. W. U., at Delaware, O., in 1868, and has taught school at Chesterville, Sparta, Waterford, Cardington, Iberia, and enlisted in Company F., 136th O. N. G. His brother Wesley enlisted in Company G., 85th O. V. I., and served in the battles of Corinth and Sherman’s raids.  Mr. James served a full share of those small offices where it is all labor and really no pay -- such as trustee, clerk, and was once elected justice of the peace, but he did not take up his commission. His early political career was with the free soilers, but as “time rolled on,” they began to develop, and at the beginning of the war he joined the Republican party, in which he takes a very active interest, having represented the township many times as a delegate. He and his son, Lewis J., are members of Chester Lodge No. 238, F. and A. M.  He was secretary of the old Washingtonian temperance movement for eight years. He is one of the three voters in his minor district, whose endorsements were for the R. R. in this part of the county. Himself and family are members of the Baptist church, at Chesterville.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 604-605
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Lincoln Twp. –
F. M. JAMES, farmer; P. O., Bennington; was born in Virginia, Feb. 6, 1823; son of David and Charlotte James; the father was a native of Virginia, and the mother of Maryland; they came to Morrow Co. in 1836, where they resided until their death -- the father May 24, 1858, and the mother Sept. 19, 1869. Mr. James’ youth was spent at home, and at the age of 19 he went to learn the wagon-makers’ trade -- a business he followed for about ten years, after which he purchased a farm in Lincoln Tp., and has been following farming and stock-growing since. He was married about 1844, to Miss Anna Barnard, whose parents were natives of Vermont, and came to Ohio about 1836, and are both living. From their marriage they have three children -- Elizabeth, George B. and Edmund. Mr. James owns a farm of 100 acres, most of which he cleared and improved; he has resided in Lincoln Tp., about thirty-one years; previous to coming here he lived in Peru Tp. twelve years, making 43 years in the county; being but a wilderness at the time of settlement, they have seen it improved to its present civilized condition. Mrs. James is a daughter of Edmund and Laura Barnard; she is the eldest of a family of seven children. Mr. and Mrs. James are members of the M. E. Church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 766
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Franklin Twp. –
SAMUEL JAMES, carpenter and farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville. Among the worthy self-made men of Franklin, stands the gentleman whose name heads this sketch; he is the third son of Henry W. and Hannah (Jones) James, born in what is now Gilead Tp., March 1, 1828. At seventeen he went to Mt. Vernon to learn the carpenters’ trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years; he has worked at his trade principally in this county since that time; he united in marriage with Miss Ellen Carrothers, May 11, 1851. This union has been blessed with four sons and two daughters, Maggie J., born Feb. 21, 1852, died May 18, 1873; James C., born Oct. 26, 1853; Robert B., born Dec. 28, 1855; John W., born Aug. 3, 1858; Sarah A., born June 2, 1862; Samuel Ellsworth, born June 20, 1864. After marriage Mr. James lived three years on the farm of his father-in-law, then purchased thirty acres in this township of Wesley Martin for something over six hundred dollars, going in debt for a large portion; they worked early and late until the home was theirs. They sold this about 1865, and after renting some two years they purchased his present home of fifty acres in 1867, on which he erected a substantial frame residence in 1872. His farm is well improved and embraces a fine sugar camp, and valuable farming lands under good cultivation.  Mr. James had few advantages in early life for education, but making the most of what came to him, he has solved the problems of life as they were presented, doing much to repair early loss; he began life with no capital but stout hands and daring purposes, and has by force of will attained a handsome property, and reared a family such as any father might be proud to own. The wife and mother of his children has aided much by her wise counsels to form and fashion their character; she still presides over the home where taste and neatness adorns, with pictures, music, and literature crowned with hospitality make it worthy of that sacred name.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 786
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Harmony Twp. -
WILLIAM JONES, farmer, Mt. Gilead; was born Nov. 21, 1831, in South Wales, and is a son of John and Eliza (Watkins) Jones; both were born in Wales and came to Knox Co. in 1837. They have had 12 children, six of whom are living: William, John F., Abram, Henry G., Catharine J. and James M. His parents were Baptists. Mr. Jones was married March 9, 1856, to Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Lavina (Richey) Kelly, both of whom were born in Pa. and came to Ohio in 1845, and finally settling on the farm now owned by William. They have eight children: Rebecca, Ann, Moses, Mary, Sarah, Lavina, Hannah, and Susannah. Mr. Jones has had seven children by this marriage: Catharine J., Benjamin, Mary E., Levina R., Charles W., Eleanor and Cora E. The father was justice of the peace twelve years in succession, and he held office in church. He is a member of Chester Lodge No. 28, A. F. & A. M.; has always been a strong temperance man; takes an active part in paying off the township drafts for the last civil rebellion; he votes the Democratic ticket; he represented said party to county and state conventions; he and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Brimzion [Bryn Zion].
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 708-709
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist