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VINTON COUNTY,  OHIO
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
1883

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
  SAMUEL SAGE was born in Bristol, England, June 11, 1756, and died Apr. 8, 1824, in the sixty-eighth year of his age.  He was a soldier of the war of the Rebellion and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis.  He married Miss India Canovan, of Galway, Ireland, and came to America in 1774.  They first settled in Virginia after peace was declared, in which State five children were born to them - Joel, Nancy, Charlotte, and twin sons, James and Joseph.  The latter lived and died in Elk Township, marrying Miss Nancy Landfair.  Joseph married Miss Polly Pliner and moved to Iowa, where he died.  Charlotte married John Boyles, who lived in Athens County, and Nancy became the wife of James Pilcher, and the other tour were single.  Samuel Sage came to Ohio in 1806 and settled on what is known as the Warren farm, but in 1810 removed to Elk Township and purchased the farm which is now the property of Daniel Will.  His son-in-law, James Pilcher, followed them and settled in Madison Township, near Zaleski, and his farm is also owned by Daniel Will.  Mr. Sage's wife died in 1833.  Mr. Sage was a man well educated, of gentle bearing and steady habits, and in this country followed the profession of teaching, and farming, but principally the former.  He ever commanded the respect and confidence of his neighbors.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1160 - Chapt. XLII
  A. W. SALTS, Judge of Probate Court, McArthur, is a son of Edward Salts, Jr., who was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1812, and died in Vinton County, Nov. 17, 1854, from injuries received some time previous at a barn raising.  He was brought by his parents to where McArthur Junction now is in 1816.  He was through life mostly a farmer, although the latter part he kept a grocery store where the old McArthur station now stands.  He was a man of industry, economy and good principle, and accomplished a fair competency.  He married Clarissa, daughter of Harry Cassil, who died about 1840.  She was the mother of three children, two of whom were twins and died in infancy.  John, the other, married and died in Minnesota, leaving one child - Clara Salts.  The second wife of Edward Salts, Jr., was Matilda, widow of George Morrison, whose maiden name was Lively.  She was born in Virginia in 1822 and died in Vinton County, Ohio, Dec. 22, 1877, where she had lived since 1830.  She had one child by her first husband - Martha J., and by Edward Salts she had five children; by her third husband, William Landman, none.  Her children by Edward Salts were - Clara, now Mrs. Jacob Wallace, of Cherokee County, Kas.; Rebecca, wife of Joseph Seay, of Missouri.  The three sons are in Vinton County.  Of the number, Andrew W. is the youngest, and was born in Vinton County, Feb. 6, 1853.  He had the benefit of a common-school education, but by seventeen was prepared to teach, which he followed seventeen terms, together with farming.  In 1880 he was elected Justice of the Peace of Richland Township, and in the fall of 1881 was elected by the Democratic party to his present position, Probate Judge, and at the time, was the youngest man ever elected to that position in the State of Ohio.  He was married Sept. 4, 1873, to Maggie Buskirk, of Richland Township, but a native of Muskingum County, Ohio.  She received a liberal education and taught several terms.  They have four children - Herbert L., Clara M., Edna M. and Harry H.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1264 - Elk Twp.
  JOHN F. SANDS, son of Joshua and Betsey (Call) Sands, was born in Elmira, N. Y., Feb. 7, 1841.  His parents came to Hocking County, Ohio, in 1851.  His educational advantages were limited, and he obtained the most of his knowledge of books by studying after his day's work was done.  June 23, 1863, he married Sarah J., daughter of Joseph and Julia A. Lange.  They are the parents of six children, five now living - Frederick A., John E., William Peabody, Julia A. and George N.  Clarissa died Dec. 25, 1866, aged three years and seven months.  Mr. Sands's father was born Mar. 7, 1802, a son of John Wilkes, and grandson of Nathaniel Sands, who came to America from England, being 1725 and 1750, settling on Long Island.  He was a railroad contractor, and at the time of coming to Ohio was engaged to construct the Scioto & Hocking Valley, now known as the River Division of the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo Railroad.  He has seven children, five sons and two daughters - W. H. B., Postmaster at Azleski; A. C., conductor; James W., track superintendent; Frank C., clerk, and John F., station agent and telegraph operator for the M. & C. R. R.  Amelia M., now Mrs. Mark Horth, resides in Salamanca, N. Y., and Clarissa A. B. is a missionary of the Baptist church, now in Yokohama, Japan.  Mr. Sands has been superintendent of the C. W. & B. depot at Zaleski twenty-six years.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1302
  JOHN SCHLOTTERBACK, born Oct. 11, 1847, in Swan Township, Vinton County, is the sixth child of Henry and Mary Ann (Reynolds) Schlotterback.  In 1861, although young in years, he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-fifth Ohio Infantry.  They went to Cheat Mountain, and thence to McDowell, where they encountered the enemy in a skirmish, and remained in camp about a week.  The next move was across the Shenandoah Mountains and there received an attack from the enemy and fell back to Monterey.  At this place they had a fight; were overpowered and fell back to Franklin, Va.  During this time the regiment was under command of General Milroy, of Indiana.  At Franklin General Fremont joined them with his army and took command.  From this place they marched to Strausburg, in the Shenandoah Valley, and followed the rebel General Jackson up the valley to the Kenoyeway Valley.  They had a fight at Cross Keys, which resulted in the defeat of Jackson's army, which retreated across Shenandoah River and burned the bridge.  From that place Fremont fell back to Middleton and then went into camp, remaining two months.  At this camp Fremont resigned a General Pope took command.  The next move was across Blue Ridge to Sperryville, in Rappahannock County, where the army lay in camp about three months.  From Sperryville they marched to Cedar Mountain, and reached there in time to wind up the fight, with General Banks, against the reels under Longstreet and Jackson.  The following day the entire army under Banks marched to the Rapidan River.  The rebels had burned the bridge and the army went into camp about three weeks.  From this place they marched back to Sulphur Springs on the Rapidan, thence on the next day a forced march of twenty-five miles to Freeman's Ford.  At this place the field artillery was called into action.  The next day one brigade of General Blinker's division crossed the river  and made an attack while Mr. Schlotterback's company was holding guard over the ford.  The brigade that crossed was obliged to fall back, which brought Mr. Schlotterback's company into action with the rebels, during which two of their men were killed  - Washington Burtnett and William H. Earnhart, of Vinton County.  From this place they marched up the river to Bull Run.  On the last day of the engagement at this place the Seventy-fifth Ohio was called into it, during which Mr. Schlotterback, received a from a minie-ball through the left leg.  For four days he lay upon the field where he fell, without anything to eat or drink.  He was then taken to the hospital on the battlefield, where he lay four days longer, and then went to the Columbian College Hospital at Washington, where he lay about a month, during which time his leg was amputated. He remained at this hospital about three months, and was discharged and came home about Feb. 1, 1863.  Mr. Schlotterback remained at home about a year, then went to Indiana and remained there a year.  He then returned home, and in March, 1855, was married to Delia Wing, who was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, May, 1848.  Mr. Schlotterback then settled down and has resided in the county since, following the occupation of a farmer.  Mr. and Mrs. Schlotterback have seven children - H. E., born Jan. 10, 1866; Buena Vista, born Feb. 18, 1868; Philip S., born Dec. 23, 1871; Ellenora, born Feb. 6, 1873; Hollis B., born May 18, 1875; Lizzie N., born Sept. 20, 1877; Estella M., born Feb. 22, 1880.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1326
  CONRAD SCHMIDT, GROCER, McArthur,  son of Michael Schmidt, was born in Baden, Germany, Oct. 15, 1822, and in 1847 came to America and settled in Sandusky City, and in 1854 came to Vinton County.  In 1864 he bought a farm near McArthur of 118 acres on section 27, but in 1882 sold his farm, and in December of the same year opened a grocery store in McArthur, where he carries a full line of all articles kept in a grocery store.  His first wife was Mary A. Myers who was born and reared in Germany.  She was the mother of ten children, eight now living.  He married his second wife, Fannie (Sprouse) Tracewell, in 1878.  She was born in Albemarle County, Va., Sept. 4, 1837, but since 1869 has lived in Vinton County, Ohio.  She had five children by her first husband, two living - Cora Ann and Charles J.  Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, though Mr. Schmidt was born and reared a Catholic.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1265 - Elk Twp.
  STEPHEN SHERWOOD, farmer, McArthur, is a son of David and Anna Sherwood, and was born in Fairfield County, Conn., June 4, 1818.  He was reared in his native county on the farm and acquired a common-school education.  At the age of twenty he entered upon ocean life which he followed five years.  During this time he visited England, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Africa, New Zealand, China and Holland.  In 1845 he came West and spent some time in Missouri and other Western States and returned East to New York, but in 1851 came to Vinton County, Ohio, and in 1853 married Sarah A. Aikins.  His first purchase of land was in 1852 and he now owns 400 acres and also some town property .  This accumulation is mostly the result of his own legitimate efforts.  His land is richly underlaid with coal and ore, while the surface is good agricultural and grazing land.  He makes a specialty of breeding fine sheep and cattle.  He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church.  Mrs. Sherwood was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in March, 1832, and is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Aikins, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, but finally became residents of Vinton County, Ohio, and in 1874 of McArthur, where he died in March, 1881, and his widow still lives.  Of their eight children six are now living, all in Vinton County.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1265 - Elk Twp.
  GEORGE W. SHOCKEY was born near McArthur, Athens (now Vinton) County, Ohio, May 5, 1822.  At the age of eight years his father put him on his own resources financially.  He did such work as he could got to do, and in that way got his clothing and education.  He worked nights and mornings for his board, and by close application and hard study made considerable advancement in his studies, and in 1844 was, under the new school system established by law in the State of Ohio, by a Board of School Examiners, granted a certificate to teach school, and taught his first school in McArthur in 1844.  He taught in Vinton County many years, the last term in the winter of 1869.  As a teacher he was well appreciated.  In 1848 he studied law with T. A. Plants, a prominent lawyer in Pomeroy, Ohio, and afterward reviewed with Judge Hewitt, of McArthur, Ohio.  Instead of going into the practice of law he went into the mercantile business with fair success.  His health failing he was obliged to give up his business, and resumed teaching.  June 3, 1852, he married Harriet Howell, of Harrisonville, Meigs Co., Ohio.  They lived in McArthur until 1869, when they removed to Washington, D. C., where they now live.  To them was born only one child, a daughter - Lucy M., born in Meigs County, Ohio, July 9, 1853, and married in September, 1880, to Benjamin F. Shaw of Washington, D. C.  Mr. Shockey was elected Township Clerk several times, and during his administration, through his influence and economy, the township was financially in a healthy condition.  He was a member of the Town Council of McArthur for several terms, and of the Board of Election several terms.  He was appointed by the Court of Common Pleas on the first Board of School Examiners, in Vinton County, and served about fifteen years in that capacity.  He also took an active part in organizing the first Sunday-school, in 1837, in McArthur, and taught the first class in the school.  He was appointed to a position in the United States Treasury Department, at Washington, D. C., in 1869, which he has honestly and faithfully filled, always ready to do his duty in whatever work is assigned to his desk.  He has been twice examined by the Civil Service Board, and holds a certificate of appointment, efficiency and promotions, and has thus far discharged his duties to the satisfaction of the officers and the Secretary of the Treasury.  His first vote was cast in favor of the old Whig party, in 1843, but since its organization has affiliated with the Republican party.  Mr. Shockey believed in advocating the teachings of the Bible.  In all his dealings with community he has been strictly honest, endeavoring to do by all as he would have them to do him.  He has made it a point to pay all his debts, and his word is as good as his note.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1266 - Elk Twp.
  JACOB SHOCKEY, an early settler of Vinton County, Ohio, was born in Morgan County, Va., Feb. 15, 1801.  He and his young wife emigrated to Ohio and settled on a piece of land about one mile east of McArthur, Vinton County, in 1821.  His family consists of seven children born in this county, three boys and four girls, all married and have families.  George W. and John J. are politicians and hold responsible positions.  William M., the youngest son, was a minister of considerable talent and ability, and died in McArthur, Apr. 21, 1860, in the thirty-second year of his age.  Mary Ann, the oldest daughter, died in 1862, in the forty-third year of her age.  Mr. Shockey was well respected and well beloved, strictly honest, and a leading spirit in the community, an honest man and a leading and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church about fifty years.  He assisted and took an active first church in Vinton County.  He believed in the teachings of the Bible and the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church, and had strong faith in the divinity of Christ.  He was a licensed Preacher, Exhorter, Class-Leader, and a man of more than ordinary ability; had a good strong voice, was a sweet singer, and was very powerful and able in prayer.  He was a man of even temper and amiable disposition, kind and affectionate in his family, loved by his children and his neighbors.  He married Elizabeth Snyder in Virginia, Aug. 3, 1819.  They lived together nearly fifty years, and after their children all married and left the old homestead death separated them.  He took considerable interest in politics; voted for General Jackson for President in 1828.  He became dissatisfied with the Democratic party and supported the Whig party  until 1852.  He believed that slavery was a sin and ought not to be tolerated by the Government; and when the Republican party organized in 1856, he adopted its platform, and cast his votes with his party as long as he lived.  By occupation outside of his religious work he was a farmer and miller.  He did much toward clearing up the heavy timbered land and assisted in chopping the timber out of Main street in McArthur.  He cleared off the ground and built a tent for the first Methodist camp-meeting in Vinton County on the spot where the new brick school-house in McArthur now stands.  He owned and ran a saw and grist mill one mile east of McArthur, on Elk Fork of Raccoon - known in early days as the Dawson Mills.  He resided in Vinton County from the time of his first settlement in 1821 till his death, which took place at his residence in McArthur, Nov. 21, 1868, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, in the full faith of Christianity and the hope of a blessed immorality
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1267 - Elk Twp.
  JOHN J. SHOCKEY, ex-Sheriff, McArthur, Ohio, a son of Jacob Shockey, whose sketch appears above, was born in what is now Vinton County, Ohio, July 22, 1824, on section 27, of Elk Township.  He was reared to farm life in the primeval forest, helping to clear it up.  It was in the days when schools were few, hence the most of his education was obtained by self-exertions.  In 1840 he engaged to learn the tailor's trade in McArthur, under David Hummer, and subsequently devoted eleven years to that vocation, and from 1845 to 1850 was the principal tailor in the town.  In 1851 he engaged in the grocery trade which he followed successfully until 1861, when he saw the necessity of defending our nation's flag and entered the service as leader of the band of the Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers, and remained in the service until May, 1862; was present at the battle of Shiloh, Apr. 6, 1862.  After his return he followed teaming two years, when, in 1864, he was elected Sheriff of Vinton County, and in 1866 was re-elected to the same office by the largest majority of any one on the Democratic ticket.  He was an able officer and discharged his duty with fidelity and honor to himself as well as county.  Since 1869 he has been variously engaged in grocery business, hotel-keeping, etc.  During Sheriff Cottrill's term he served as Deputy Sheriff four years, but now lives rather retired.  He was married Mar. 16, 1852, to Phoebe, daughter of Elijah Porter.  Thirteen children were born to them, of whom nine are living, two married and seven at home.  Mr. Shockey possesses a musical talent of which his children partake largely.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1268 - Elk Twp.
  ISAAC SHRY, farmer, section 13, was born in Virginia, near Parkersburg, in 1807, and is a son of Jacob Shry, an old settler in this county.  Our subject, when a child, came with his parents to Ohio, where he was reared upon a farm, and when old enough helped his father to clear up the farm.  He received only a limited education in the subscription schools, and after attaining his majority he began life for himself, and for eight years lived with, his father.  He located upon his present place in 1840, containing at that time eighty acres in the woods.  He purchased afterward seventy acres more, and now owns 150 acres of land, which is well improved, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.  He was married in 1828 to Sallie, daughter of Israel Bobo, one of the early settlers in this county.  To Mr. and Mrs. Shry six children have been born, five of whom are living—Melissa, Lorania, Phoebe, Sylvester and Floretta.  The son was a soldier, serving in the Second Virginia Cavalry three years and three months.  Mrs. Shry is a member of the Christian church.  Mr. Shry has been successful in life, and through hard work and the assistance of his wife he has made a good home, and is surrounded by all the comforts of life.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1269 - Elk Twp.
  ANDREW SHURTZ was born Oct. 31, 1825, in Muskingum County, Ohio.  He remained with his father till his death, and after that, when the estate was settled, he bought all the heirs' claims and now has possession of the home property.  He was a Whig in politics, and afterward a Republican.  He served as Assessor of Swan Township in 1864-'65, and was one of the Township Trustees about four years.  His grandfather left his native country (Germany) to avoid being drafted into the German army, and upon reaching this, country was sold to pay his passage, and after working five years at the weaver's trade was set free.  He died about 1796.  John Shurtz, father of Andrew, was born in Northumberland County, Pa., Mar. 6, 1790.  In 1801 he came with his mother, Mary Shurtz, to Ohio, and settled in Muskingum County, where he was reared to manhood.  At the age of twenty-three he married Elizabeth Stone, a native of Pennsylvania.  She died in 1831 leaving a family of four sons and two daughters, of whom the four sons are still living.  Mr. Shurtz was afterward married to Doretta Louisa Vogeley, a native of Germany.  They were blessed with two sons. and one daughter, of whom one son and the daughter survive.  In 1837 he moved with his family to Hocking County (now Vinton County), and settled on the place where Andrew Shurtz now resides.  Here he bought 240 acres of land.  Mr. Shurtz's death occurred Aug. 2, 1852, and his wife died Sept. 12, 1875.  He was Township Trustee for several years.  In politics he always affiliated with the Whig party.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1327 - Swan Twp.
  G. L. SHURTZ, born June 16, 1841, in Swan Township, Vinton County, a son of John and Louisa (Fogeli) Shurtz.  He is the youngest of their three children.  Henrietta is the widow of Samuel Wilson, Philip, deceased, entered the army in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Regiment; was taken sick from exposure at the siege of Vicksburg, came home shortly after his discharge and died.  G. L. Shurtz, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the homestead farm now owned by Andrew Shurtz.  He was married May 25, 1875, to Kate Specht, daughter of John and Catharine Specht, formerly old citizens of this township.  A short time previous to his marriage he bought his present property, containing 160 acres on sections 10 and 11, afterward adding to it eight acres.  He also owns 160 acres on section 14, which has been in his possession since 1860.  His fine stone residence, which was erected in 1882, at a cost of between $5,000 and $6,000, is one of the finest in Vinton County, situated on the main road, commanding a fine view from all directions.  Politically he is a Republican.  Mr. and Mrs. Shurtz have three children - Ira, Minnie and KieMr. Shurtz is one of the successful farmers of the county.  when he began life for himself he had $300, and by his own good management, backed up by an indomitable will and energy, ahs raised himself to the present prosperous position he now enjoys.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1329
  G. W. SISSON, druggist, McArthur, Ohio, is purely of English stock, as several brothers emigrated to.  America many years ago.  G. W. is a son of Daniel A., who was born near Fall River, Mass., about 1795.  His parents both died when he was but a child. He remained in his native State until about 1818, when he came to Ohio, settling in what is now Elk Township, Vinton County, becoming one of the pioneers and frontier woodsmen.  He in 1820 took a trip up the Missouri River as far as Council Bluffs, but came again to Ohio in 1824, when he married Miss Fannie Fuller.  He in an early day devoted considerable time to making the Raccoon Mill burr.  His wife was born in 1803 in Maine, and was the daughter of Thaddeus Fuller, a Revolutionary soldier who died in Vinton County, Ohio, just prior to the war of 1812.  He was a land owner and resident of Maine, but owing to the probabilities of an invasion by the British he left the farm with a part of his family and settled in Vinton County where both died.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1269 - eLK
  ROBERT SKELLY, the proprietor of the Bolen Mills, was born Nov. 1, 1810, in Pennsylvania, but came to Athens County when he was very young, and has since made his home in this part of Ohio.  In 1835 he was married to Almira Porter.  They were parents of eight children - Rhoda B., Eliza A., Elizabeth E., Rodney, Axey, Rhoda, Lee and Harriet  His second marriage was to Mrs. Annie Chime, by whom he has four children, three now living - Jasper, George and Jane.  One died in infancy.  Mr. Skelly is a very prominent citizen of Vinton County.  He has been Township Treasurer for about five years.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1296
  WILLIAM SNOOK, deceased, was a son of Mathias and grandson of John Snook.  The latter was an early settler in what is now Clinton Township, Vinton County, where he followed blacksmithing and farming.  He died near McArthur Junction.  Mathias was reared in Clinton Township, where he followed the trade of a stone-mason, but died in the prime of life.  His wife was Sarah, daughter of William Craig, who also died on section 31 in Elk Township.  Of their three children John was the eldest and was born in Clinton Township, what is now Vinton County, Ohio, Aug. 2, 1821, and died July 11, 1882.  He was reared to farm life and received a common-school education.  He was a man very decided in his opinion and strict in the command of his children, yet kind and agreeable to his family.  He was a stout, hearty man, but died at the age of sixty-one.  His political affiliations were Democratic.  His wife was Martha, daughter of William Sinclair.  She was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1830.  Her father, William Sinclair, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife, Jane Dawson, of Ohio.  They in 1859 came to section 31, Elk Township, and bought a quarter section which he cleared and improved, living here till their death.  Mr. and Mrs. Snook had nine children, six now living.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1270 - Elk Twp.
  RACHEL SNYDER, widow of T. Smith Snyder, McArthur, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Mar. 18, 1809, and is a daughter of George Shry, a pioneer of Elk Township. She from seven years of age has lived in and about McArthur.  In 1829 she married T. Smith Snyder, son of Fred Snyder, also a pioneer of Elk Township.  He was born in Frederick County, Va., in July, 1800, and from 1821 to his death, Mar. 1, 1870, was a resident of Vinton County.  In single life he worked as farm hand, but after he was married commenced building and operating saw and grist mills, which he followed until feeble health compelled him to live a retired life.  Mr. and Mrs. Snyder had ten children; five are now living—Isaac H., Ephraim, Christena, Harriet W. and Sanford.  The latter lives in McArthur and is a mechanic and a leading member of the I. O. O. F.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1270 - Elk Twp.
  ALMOND SOULE, born in Kennebeck County, Maine, Nov. 19, 1799.  In 1817 he left his native place with his father and came to Marietta, Ohio.  From 1820 to 1837 he lived in Meigs County, Ohio.  In 1838 he moved to Wilkesville, and in 1851 he left for Jackson County, where he was engaged in manufacturing pig iron.  He returned to Wilkesville in 1861, since when he has been engaged principally in farming.  He was married in 1819 to Dollie McClure, born in Maine in 1799.  She died Feb. 11, 1881.  There have been nine children sent to bless this union, only two of whom are living - Susan, born Mar. 5, 1823, married to George Watson; Hazen Emerson, born Apr. 25, 1841.  Mr. Soule has held the office of County Commissioner several terms.  He has represented the county in the State Legislature in 1870-'71.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1364 - Wilkesville
  JOSHUA J. SPEAKMAN was born in Eagle Township, Sept. 29, 1832, a son of Joshua and Mary (Wyckoff) Speakman his father a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Virginia.  His father came to Ohio to Vinton County and settled where his son now lives.  Joshua J. Speakman was reared to the life of a farmer and has always followed that occupation, and now has a fine farm of 203 acres.  He was married Dec. 13, 1855, to Fannie, daughter of David and Delilah White.  Seven children were born to them - Samantha J. born Sept. 26, 1856, married David Burgood in September, 1875; Samuel V., born Oct. 21, 1857, married Ida Miller in March, 1880; Simon E., born July 13, 1860; Sarah L., Nov. 29, 1862, married William Crider in 1879; William David, born Jan. 2, 1865; Elizabeth E., Mar. 9, 1867 and Albert N., Feb. 16, 1869.  Mrs. Speakman died in August, 1870.  In October, 1871, Mr. Speakman married Matilda J. Ramey.  They are the parents of seven children - Cora B., born July 26, 1872; Charles W., May 7, 1874; Mary A. born Nov. 28, 1875, died Oct. 2, 1876; Calvin L., born July 4, 1877; George R. born June 7, 1879, and an infant, born Sept. 14, 1881, died Dec. 23, 1881.  Mr. Speakman is a member of the United Baptist church at Mt. Zion.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 134
  JOHN E. SPICER was born in Jackson County, Ohio, Apr. 11, 1838, and is a son of G. W. and Rachel Spicer, who were born in Culpeper County, Va., in 1814 and 1816.  Mr. Spicer moved to Vinton County in 1857, where he has lived nearly all the time since. When the call was made for volunteers he was among the first to respond, and enlisted in the Twelfth Ohio Infantry, June 19, 1861.  He served until Jan. 1, 1864, when he re-enlisted in the same regiment, which was afterward consolidated with the Twenty-third Ohio, and was afterward known by the latter name.  He was in one of the first battles of the war (battle of Scary Creek) in West Virginia, where he was wounded in the left arm.  Aug. 27, 1862, he was in the second battle of Bull Run, and was taken prisoner there, but was afterward paroled.  After this he was in the battles of Antietam and South Mountain, in September, 1862.  In 1863 he was in the battle of Fayetteville, W. Va., and several others of less importance.  In the battle of Cloyd Mountain, W. Va. he was wounded and taken prisoner, May 9, 1864, and remained in prison until December, 1864.  He was in the prisons in Andersonville, Savannah and Millen, Ga.  On account of his wounds and disability he was discharged Mar. 1, 1865, when he came home, and as soon as he was able to attend to business was appointed Postmaster at Oak Hill, Jackson Co., Ohio, which office he held four years when he resigned, and took the position as general manager of merchandise at Maybee's, Jackson Co., Ohio.  Two yeas later he accepted the position as engineer of the railroad shops for the M. & C. R. R. Company, which he held four years.  During the panic of 1873 he went into the hardware busines0 sin Hamden, Ohio.  Shortly after that he became a member of the firm of Clayton & Spicer, in Zaleski, Ohio, which business he continued in a year and withdrew.  In 1875 he began work for the Zaleski Company a s coal-weigher, and continued as such for two years, when he was promoted to the general superintendency of the Zaleski Company's store.  Feb. 5, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Heggins, daughter of W. D. and Martha Heggins, who now live in Zaleski.  Mr. Heggins is Mayor of the town.  They have three children - Clarence M., Ida M. and Minnie B.  Mr. Spicer is a member of the Blue Lodge, No. 472, Zaleski, Ohio, and McArthur Chapter, No. 102, Royal Arch Masons.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Assistant Superintendent of Sunday -school.  He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday-school  He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, T. R. Stanley Post, No. 223.  He is Post Commander.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1296
  JOHN STANLEY, Sheriff of Vinton County, is a son of William, and grandson of Joseph Stanley.  His great-grandfather was born in England, came to America prior to the Revolutionary war and settled in the town of Philadelphia, Penn., and carried on his trade, butchering, to which he had served a seven-years' apprenticeship, but when the Continental war began he was patriotic and offered his service to the American army. After his military career
of seven years he settled in Pennsylvania, where he died. Of his children, Joseph was one of the eldest, and was born about the time of the above war in Pennsylvania.  He grew to maturity and was married in Pennsylvania, and in 1839 he and his wife and family of six children came to Ohio and settled in Athens (now Vinton) County, where both died, he in Madison Township and she in Knox. At the time of coming to Ohio William, the eldest son, was nineteen, and has been a resident of Vinton County ever since, following farming as did his father before him.  He is now a landholder of about 300 acres, which he has mostly cleared and improved, having been a stout and. hearty man.  He married Prudence Richey, of Muskingum County, Ohio, who died in September, 1881.  She was the mother of seven children, of whom six are now living, and the eldest son is John, the subject of this sketch, who was born July 27, 1846.  He was reared to farm life and received a common education.  He devoted the falls of about fourteen years to threshing, which he fully understood, having the reputation of being a first-class thresher.  In September, 1871, he married Mary L. Dickson, of Lee Township, Athens County, where she was born and reared.  Five children are born to this union.  For the past few years Mr. Stanley has devoted his time to saw and grist milling. In the fall of 1882 he was elected Sheriff of Vinton County, which position he took charge of Jan. 1, 1883.  During his residence in Knox Township he has held the office of Treasurer several times.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1270 - Elk Twp.
  WILLIAM STANTON, dealer in general merchandise, business organized in the fall of 1882, carries a full line of goods, consisting of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, queen's-ware, and everything usually found in a first-class retail house.  He occupies two large rooms, seventy-five feet deep.  The house was built in the spring and summer of 1882, and is one of the finest in the county.  He carries a stock of about $14,000, and does a good business.  Mr. Stanton was born in Ireland in 1847.  He came to America in 1850, and resided in various places for awhile, finally locating in Berlin, Ohio, where he lived twenty-six years.  He was reared to the life of merchant, and has been engaged in that business since residing in the State.  He has been twice married, the last time in 1877, to Miss Anna McKinniss, daughter of Charles McKinniss, and old settler of this county.  They have two children - Lizzie and Leo.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1378 - Clinton Twp.
  MARGARET A. STEEL, born Dec. 30, 1828, in Mercer County, Penn., and June 3, 1847, she was married to John Steel.  Mar. 28, 1850, they moved to Ohio and settled in the place where she has since resided with the exception of two years.  She has a farm of 170 acres and a residence on section 8, Wilkesville Township.  This union was blessed with six children, three of whom are living - William A., born Mar. 4, 1848; George M., Jan. 2, 1858; Rufus P. June 2, 1861.  Mr. Steel died June 30, 1864.  Mrs. Stell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Her son George is living on the farm with his mother.  He was married to Emily Tannehill a native of Gallia County, born Apr. 29, 1861.  They have two children - Dora May born May 29, 1881, and George, Oct. 18, 1882.  Mrs. George Steel is a member of the Christian church.  Thomas Allen the father of our subject, a native of Pennsylvania, died in his native State in 1874.  Her mother, Sarah (Dundy) Allen was also a native of Pennsylvania.  She died May 24, 1874.  They had eight children, our subject being the second child.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1364 - Wilkesville
  THOMAS M. STEVENSON was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1828.  In 1851 he graduated from the Muskingum College at New Concord, Ohio, and the following year was Principal of West Carlisle College, Ohio.  He was then appointed Superintendent of the Dresden, Ohio, public schools, remaining there four years, when he went to McConnelsville to superintend the schools there.  He remained there till the breaking out of the Rebellion, and in 1861, enlisted in the Seventy-eighth Ohio Infantry, and was appointed Captain of Company E.  In 1862 he was appointed Chaplain of the regiment, and served in that capacity till the close of the war.  After his return home he again assumed the superintendency of the McConnelsville schools, occupying that position three years, and at the same time preaching for the churches of Bristol and Deerfield.  In 1868 he was called to the Presbyterian church, of New Plymouth.  In 1877 he went to Hopkinton, Iowa, and was pastor of the Presbyterian church two years.  From there he went to Greenfield, Ill., and in July, 1880, returned to New Plymouth.  He was married in August, 1857, to Mary V. McGraff.  She died Aug. 19, 1864, leaving two children - Charles W. and Robert E., Sept. 19, 1867, Mr. Stevenson married Mary L. Cresap.  They have two children.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1304 - Brown Twp.
  DANIEL BERTINE STEWART is one of the best known and has been perhaps the most active and extensively engaged business man in Athens County.  Besides the business of milling, which he has carried on throughout life, he has combined with it extensive farming, railroad projecting, merchandising, and been connected with a number of large moneyed corporations operating at Athens and elsewhere.  His parents, Daniel and Ruth (Arnold) Stewart, were natives of New England, having emigrated to Ohio from Litchfield, Conn., in the year 1802.  His father was born at Litchfield, Nov. 18, 1762.  At the age of fifteen he enlisted in the Revolutionary army, serving as teamster, and at eighteen he shouldered a musket and served to the close of the war.  He was paid for his service in Government Continental scrip which he sold at five cents on the dollar.  Before coming to Ohio he moved to Sussex County, N. J., and lived five years, then to New York City, and from there to Athens County (then Washington) in 1802.  He was oneof the first Commissioners of Athens County and did much to shape her politics.  He was a supporter of Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams and William Henry Harrison; was a member of the Whig party and helped organize the Republican party.  At the time of his death, in 1859, he had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for sixty years.  His father’s name was Daniel, born of Scottish parents.  Our subject’s mother was Ruth Fulford Arnold.  They settled in Athens County while it was yet a wilderness, where our subject was born, Sept. 26, 1812.  His father had purchased a large tract of land, and the early manhood of the sons was occupied in the arduous work of preparing it for cultivation.  This duty curtailed the use of the very few educational advantages then to be had, and as a consequence our subject had to be content with a limited education, however much his inclination might have been to the contrary.  His innate ability, however, has supplied the deficiency well in after life, making him well and favorably known throughout this part of the State as an enterprising and able business man.  At an early age he formed habits of economy, industry and perseverance which are prime requisites to success and which have characterized his entire life.  When sixteen years of age he entered his father’s flouring mill, took charge of it at eighteen, and on attaining his majority purchased the entire mill.  In a short time he disposed of this mill at a large profit and formed a partnership with his brother, Alexander, at Rutland, Ohio, with whom he remained two years when he removed to Coolville, in Athens County and engaged in the mercantile business.  In 1837 he relinquished this and removed to his father’s farm where, after improving the water-power of the Hocking River, he built a saw-mill.  In 1842 he built a large gristmill near by, and two years later built a fine woolen mill, the first in Southern Ohio.  The business proved very successful.  In the year 1867, his business having largely centered at Athens, he removed his family to that place, where he still lives.  He is universally conceded to be the most active man in building projects in the county.  Since 1837 he has built a large number of' stores, dwellings, mills and factories, including a large brick woolen factory, one of the finest in this section of the State.  In later years railroad projecting has occupied his mind, and he has figured prominently in railroad measures well calculated to develop the wealth of the State.  In 1850 he commenced to agitate the Parkersburg & Columbus Valley Line, which through unforeseen difficulties was abandoned.  He secured the right of way for the building of the Baltimore Short Line and officiated as practical superintendent of construction.  He was a stockholder and director of the road until its amalgamation with the Baltimore & Ohio, when his interests merged with that company.  Mr. Stewart is credited with being the prime mover of the enterprise which resulted in the construction of the Baltimore Short Line, and doubtless he contributed mor6 time, influence and personal energy to secure its successful inauguration than any other one man, having devoted four years to its interests.  He was for some years a director of the Atlantic & Lake Erie Road, since succeeded by the Ohio Central, being largely instrumental in securing its final success.  More recently he has been looking toward the construction of other new roads in this part of the State, especially one to connect the great coal fields of this and adjoining counties directly with the Eastern markets.  His enterprise, however, has not been confined to milling, building and railroading.  Within the county of Athens, on the line of the C., W. & B. R. R., his name promises to be long commemorated in a brisk and enterprising village of which he is the founder.  For this village “Stewart” was laid out on his land, the buildings put up at his own expense, and by his liberal inducements it was soon populated with a prosperous and enterprising people.  He has never entered actively into politics and has always been disposed to eschew office.  He was a Lincoln elector in 1860, and was one of his warmest admirers.  He has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for nearly a quarter of a century, and served on the Board of County Commissioners for one term.  When he entered upon this latter office the practice of “bidding off” the county paupers was in vogue—a method which to him seemed repugnant and greatly defective.  He took pains to investigate the manner in which the unfortunates were treated, and found to his satisfaction that in most cases it was undertaken to make the most possible money regardless of human suffering.  He therefore strenuously urged that an infirmary be secured and the poor given comfortable living.  Notwithstanding a strong opposition from the public, he with the aid of a few others finally succeeded in carrying his point.  A farm and buildings were soon procured and the measure carried into effect, after which the wisdom of the project was heartily assented to by many from whom opposition had come.  He has acted with the Republican party continuously since its organization, and has generally entertained decided views on the leading public questions.  Before the organization of the Republican party he was a Whig of the old line, but left the old party to help organize the new.  During the late war Mr. Stewart supplied means for establishing a sutler’s shop, and as it required his attention for a time he went South.  While there his sympathies were enlisted in behalf of the wounded soldiers and he devoted his time to their relief.  Although a non-combatant, he was much exposed to the enemy’s fire and often barely escaped capture by the enemy.  In one instance he was so hard pressed, being hemmed in on all sides, that he took refuge in a cluster of evergreens.  Having about $3,000 in money on his person he concealed it under an old rail fence, trusting to memory to guide him to its discovery again when danger should have passed.  He then started on foot and reached Nashville in safety.  After the lapse of several days he returned to the place and found his money intact.  Mr. Stewart has been twice married; first to Miss Sarah Carter, Apr. 7, 1836, who died Oct. 16, 1871.  He had nine children by this marriage, six of whom are still living.  His second marriage was with Mrs. M. E. Pearce, widow of the late Dr. T. J. Pearce, of the United States army.  She was well known throughout the war for her charitable work, and afterward officiated as matron at the Dayton Asylum for the Insane.  Mr. Stewart has long been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Stewart’s Chapel, near his old home, takes its name from him.  At the present time (July, 1883) he continues in active business, his time being fully occupied in .looking after his multifarious interests.  He is an extensive land owner and one of the heaviest tax-payers in the county.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1389

Wilford Stiers


Elizabeth Stiers

WILFORD STIERS (Mentioned throughout the this Volume.  No Biography)


SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883

  JOSEPH STRAUSBAUGH, farmer, a native of Harrison County, Ohio, was born Mar. 22, 1819.  He lived there till 1849 and followed farming, after which he came to Wilkesville Township and settled on section12, where he lived till 1870.  He then moved to his present farm on section 6, which contains sixty-six acres of well-improved land.  He was married Feb. 28, 1856, to Rebecca Devault, born in Harrison County, Ohio, June 24, 1828.  They have seven children - Caroline, Ephraim, Almond, Rachel, Hiram, Sylvester and Emma J.  Mr. Strausbaugh and wife and three of their children are members of the Presbyterian church at Wilkesville.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1365
  MARY STRAUSBAUGH, a native of Vinton County, Ohio, was born Mar. 30, 1844.  She was married Oct. 6, 1869, to Valentine Strausbaugh, born in Adams County, Penn., May 30, 1807.  They were the parents of two children - Ellsworth, born Sep. 12, 1870, and died Nov. 30, 1870; James V., April 25, 1879.  Mr. Strausbaugh died Nov. 13, 1881.  James McGaughlin, the father of our subject, was born in Harrison County, Va., Nov. 20, 1816, and died Dec. 30, 1873.  Her mother, Delilah Gregory, was born in Greenbrier County, Va., Nov. 23, 1818, and died June 20, 1877.  They had seven children, our subject being the third child.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1365
  PETER STRAUSBAUGH, farmer, was born Feb. 7, 1806, in Adams County, Penn.  He came to Harrison County, Ohio, in 1816, where he lived till 1846 when he moved to what is now Vinton County, then a part of Gallia County.  In 1860 he settled on his present farm on section 6, Wilkesville Township, Vinton County, where he has 173 acres of land under a good state of cultivation.  He was married to Elizabeth Devault in 1847, born Dec. 29, 1822.  They have been blessed with a family of eight children, six of whom are living - Lydia, Nancy J., Peter, Sophia, Lafayette and Rebecca.  Mr. Strausbaugh was previously married in 1833 to Sophia Grimm, who died in 1845.  By this marriage there were five children - Abraham, Sarah A., Melinda, Catherine and Esther.  He was formerly a member of the Lutheran church, but there being no organization of that society he attached himself to the Presbyterian church, his wife being a member of that church.  His son, Abraham, enlisted in the hospital at Memphis, Tenn.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1365
  HON. FRANK STRONG, Legislator and stock-dealer, McArthur, is a son of Silas and Clarissa (Cook) Strong, and was born in Meigs County, Ohio, near Wilkesville, Aug. 7, 1828.  His youthful days were spent on his father's farm, and he received such an education as the facilities of the common schools afforded.  At the age of twenty-eight years he married, and at once engaged in farming for himself.  In 1857 he became a land-owner near his birthplace, but in 1865 he sold out, and the following year moved to McArthur, where he has since resided.  Soon after coming here he engaged in the general mercantile trade, which he conducted about eight years, with which he extensively engaged in handling wool.  This pursuit he still continues, together with dealing in cattle and sheep.  His jurisdiction and ability gave him rank among the leading citizens of the county, and in the fall of 1881 he was (as Republican) elected a member of the State Legislature in a Democratic County.  During the second term of his career he has served as chairman on the Committed of Agriculture; also served second on Committee of Reform Schools for girls and boys, and Committee on Mining.  Mr. Strong was married to Miss Eva Temple, of Newport, Ky.  They had a family of three children.  One died in infancy.  Cora died aged eighteen, when just blooming into womanhood, and the youngest, Edward, is now living in McArthur.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1271
  JOHN STRONG was born June 11, 1821, in Meigs County, Ohio and in 1853 came to the town of Wilkesville, where he resides.  He commenced the study of law in 1841, attended school at Oberlin, Ohio, and in 1848 was admitted to the bar of Athens, Ohio, and followed his profession in the counties of Athens, Vinton and Gallia until 1862.  He was married Sept., 1846, to Miss Ellen Edmundson, born in Gallia County, Mar. 14, 1825.  They have two children, viz: Phineas, born June 3, 1847, and Flora E. born June 12, 1849, now the wife of Theodore Fluhart, of Jackson County, Ohio.  Daniel Strong, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Maine, Sept. 6, 1780, and died in Meigs County, May 4, 1866.  Our subject's mother, Prudence (Wells) Strong, was born in Canada in 1789 and died in Meigs County in 1869, at the age of eighty years.  They were the parents of eight children, viz.: Polly, Harriet, Rufus, Prudence, Daniel, John  (our subject), Newton and AugustusMr. Edmundson, the father of Mrs. John Strong, was born in Greenbrier, W. Va., in 1802, and departed this life in 1831.  Her mother, Emily (Lewis) Edmundson, was born in New York in 1804 and died in 1878.  They had five children, viz.: Mary, Ellen, William, Matthew and James.  Phineas, son of our subject, was married to Anna, daughter of Dr. Strong, of McArthur.  They have three children - Karl, Pearl and Max.  He served his country in the late war, after which he engaged in the drug and mercantile business in Wilkesville.
SOURCE:  History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 - Page 1366 - Wilkesville

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