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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO
CHICAGO:
W. H. BEERS & CO.,
1881
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Wayne Twp. -
JACK M. SALLY was a native of
Virginia, and came to Ohio in 1814. At one time he owned
the Paul Igou farm. He became dissipated in his
habits in the prime of his life. He was charged and found
guilty of stabbing Thomas Blocsom
in a drunken affray, on the way from Urbana. The parties
were in a wagon, and were more or less under the influence of
whisky. They disagreed, quarreled and fought.
Blocsom got the better of Sally, and Sally
drew a pocket-knife and stabbed his assailant in the ribs, from
the effects of which he died in six days. Sally was
tried, found guilty and sentenced to the penitentiary for one
year. Through the efforts of his step-son, Hiram
Durnell, he was reprieved by Gov. Wilson Shannon,
after serving a part of his term. He died at the house of
Elijah Breedlove, about the year 1844.
Source:
History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page
544 |
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Harrison Twp. -
JACOB SARVER, retired farmer; P. O.
Spring Hills. We are pleased to allot a space in the
biographical album of this work to the above-named gentleman.
He is a son of Jacob and Nancy A. Sarver; he was born
Mar. 16, 1779, and she Nov. 15, 1776. They located in
Harrison Township, Champaign Co., in 1808, and entered 160 acres
of land, which he took from its wild state to a good degree of
cultivation. In addition to this and supporting his
family, he, at intervals, made purchases, until he was able to
give to each of seven children 160 acres of land. Nine
children were the fruits of their marriage, two of whom died in
infancy. They were members of the U. B. Church. He
departed this life May 20, 1844, and she in January of 1872.
Jacob Sarver, the subject of this sketch, was born Nov.
6, 1816. He was raised to agricultural pursuits, always
residing on the farm of his nativity. He is one of the men
who have watched the development and growth of this country for
more than half a century, and who have seen the sturdy oaks
yield to the energy of the pioneers. Nor has he been
merely an idle spectator in the scene, but was an actor to the
extent of his ability. He owns 288 acres of land, most of
which is well improved and under good cultivation. He has
also shared the honors of his township, having served as Trustee
for a number of years. Oct. 29, 1839, he was united in
marriage with Barbara Pence, a daughter of Henry and
Elizabeth Pence, who were natives of Virginia, but were very
early settlers in this county. June 5, 1820, is the date
of her birth. To this union eight children were given, of
whom six survive - Samuel C., bon Aug. 12, 1841; John
T., Oct. 11, 1843; Jacob S., June 2, 1847; David
H., June 15, 1849; Isaac J., June 5, 1855, and
William E., Nov. 26, 1857.
Source:
History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page
783 |
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Johnson Twp. -
H. SAYLER
Source:
History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page
765 |
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Johnson Twp. -
MARTIN SAYRE, farmer; P. O. West
Liberty; was born in Union Township, Champaign Co., Ohio.
Oct. 19, 1817; he is a son of Thomas and Isabel (Martin)
Sayre, she a native of New Jersey, born in 1783, and he
of Pennsylvania, born in 1773. They emigrated to Ohio
in 1808, and located on Buck Creek, in the above named
township, where he entered 160 acres of land. In those
times, all families were as one; if one had plenty all had
plenty. Then, too, a quarter of beef paid for a
quarter of similar kind, regardless of the size of the
animal. Wild animals, wild fowl and Indians were
numerous, but they, like the dense forests which they
inhabited, have long since disappeared. Thomas
Sayre was the father of thirteen children twelve grew to
maturity, and five are still living. He died in
1847, and she in 1857. They and several of the
children were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Martin Sayre has always been a farmer. He is also
a stock -dealer, and raises some fine stock. He owns
290 acres of land, with good improvements. Mr.
Sayre has been a member of the School Board for seven
years and Township Trustee six years. He married
Jane Mcllvane Feb. 25, 1847. Five children were
the result of this marriage; three are still livingMoses
M., a prominent attorney of Urbana, and a graduate of
Yale College; Lottie, now Mrs. H. Crouch, of
New York State, and Belle, who is unmarried, and
keeps house for her father. Mrs. Jane
Sayre was born in Salem Township of this county Dec. 25,
1824, and departed this life May 5, 1859.
Source:
History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 783 |
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Johnson Twp. -
J. T. SCHOOLER
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 766 |
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Johnson Twp. -
REV. J. W. SCOTT
Source: History
of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 766 |
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Johnson Twp. -
JASPER SCOTT
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 766 |
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Adams Twp. -
JOHN SHAFER was born in Egtertingen,
Wurtemburg, in the year 1815. In 1846 he was married
to Catherine Howalt. With wife and three
children - Ludwig, Barbara and Christiana - he
left for America in 1852. After a sojourn on the great
deep of forty-two days, they landed in New York. At
Buffalo, death carried off their daughter Christiana,
inflicting a deep wound in the hearts of the weary
travelers. Coming directly to this county, they
purchased a part of Section 15, in Adams Township.
Several children were added to the household, most of whom
reside in this immediate vicinity. Mr. and Mrs.
Shafer have been members of the German Evangelical
Lutheran Church from early childhood. They are now
connected with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sidney,
and although the distance is ten miles, they attend
regularly. Their farm and household verifies the old
adage, "cleanliness is next to godliness."
Source: History of Champaign
County, Ohio - Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page 462 |
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Adams Twp. -
CHRISTIAN SHANLEY, farmer; P. O. De Graff, Logan Co.
He was born Nov. 5, 1826, in the southeast part of
Indiana; he is a son of
John and brother of
Jacob Shanley. He was raised upon his fathers farm,
in the west part of Adams
Township, and never learned any trade, but has
always been engaged in farming. He
married Miss Susan S., daughter of William and sister
of Samuel and Gershom Calland. They had three children, viz.:
Mary C., John William and
Edwin C. He owns several farms in the county;
the one where he lives is located in the northeast part of
Adams
Township, containing 240 acres, with good improvements; his
other farm is located near Spring Hills, Harrison Township, and contains 143 acres, well improved.
Mr. Shanley served in the 100-day service during the late war.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page
776
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Adams Twp. -
DAVID SHANELY, farmer; P. O. Tawawa, Shelby Co. David is a son
of John and brother of
Jacob Shanely, whose biography
appears among the biographies of
Adams Township, in
this work. Was born June 20, 1830,
upon his fathers farm in Sec. 31,
Adam
Township; was raised and educated a farmer, and
has always been engaged in that pursuit.
He has twice been married first, April 26, 1860, to
Miss Sarah J., daughter of
Richard HenryΈa native of this State. From this union they had five
children, of whom four are living John
W., Alice B., Charles M. and
Alvia L. His second marriage was with
Miss Lydia A., daughter of
Michael Wright. From this union they have one child
Tina.
He has a farm of 227 acres, under a good state of cultivation, with good
farm buildings.
Mr. Shanely served in the 100 days service during the late rebellion.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page
776
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Adams Twp. -
JACOB SHANELY, farmer, P. O. Carysville; was born
Apr. 27, 1822, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a son of
John Shanely, a native of Wurtemberg,
Germany, who served as a soldier under Napoleon eight years; deserted and fought
against him three months, and was in the battle of Waterloo. He came to America in the year 1816, and located in Cincinnati, Ohio; lived there seven years, then
moved to Miamistown, Hamilton Co.; from there he moved to Shelby Co.,
Ohio, and lived there until 1830; he then moved
to Adams
Township, in this county, and located on the
farm where Isaac Shanely lives, and
lived there till his death.
Jacob was raised and educated on a
farm. He has followed farming all
his life, with the exception of two years when he was in California, mining; he came home in 1850, with
$3,000. He then purchased a farm of
120 acres (the farm where he now resides).
Since then, by industry and economy, he has added to this farm 305 acres
more. Besides this farm, he owns a
farm in Shelby Co., of 165 acres; one in Fayette Co., Iowa, of 325 acres; and 464 acres in Clay and Davis Cos.,
Kan.
His marriage was celebrated Feb. 12, 1853, with
Miss Caroline, daughter of
Christian Dormire, a native of France.
They had two children David E. and Laura E.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page
775
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Adams Twp. -
JOHN SHANELY, farmer; P. O. Tawawa, Shelby Co.; he was born Aug. 23, 1827, in the southeast part of
Indiana; he is a son of
John Shanely, Sr., and brother of
Jacob Shanely. He was raised and educated a farmer. After he attained his majority, he
learned the trade of a wagon-maker, and followed the business until the late
war. He enlisted in the 42d O. V.
I., and went forward to battle for his country; he was engaged in eleven hard
battles and a great many skirmishes, and served three years. After he returned home, he purchased
the farm where he resides. He was
married Aug. 12, 1861, to Miss F. L.,
daughter of Richard Henry. They had four children
Richard M., David D., Lizzie L. and
Estella B.
He has a splendid farm of 172 acres,
with good farm buildings. The farm
is located in the west part of
Adams
Township, in Sec. 36.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page
776
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Johnson Twp. -
JONATHAN SHAWVER
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 766 |
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Goshen Twp.
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T. E. SHEPHERD, Postmaster, Mechanicsburg;
was born in Mechanicsburg, in 1837, which town has always been
his place of residence; he comes of early pioneers of the
county; his father, John Shepherd, was a native of
Kentucky, and his mother Eleanor McCoy, a native of
Maryland. John emigrated to Ohio with his parents,
Abraham and Mary Shepherd, in an early day.
Abraham and his wife passed the remainder of their days
here, and now lie buried in the old cemetery of this place.
Abraham was a farmer by occupation and a minister in the
Christian Church. John was a miller by trade, and
passed the greater part of his life in a mill; his decease
occurred in November, 1860, and that of his wife one year
previous. They had ten children, of whom our subject, is
the youngest; he was reared and educated in this his native
place, and early apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade, which he
followed for seventeen pr eighteen years of his life. In
1863, he enlisted in defense of his country in the late
rebellion as a member of Co. K. 113th O. V. I.; he participated
in part of the Atlanta campaign; shortly after, was taken sick
and returned to Louisville, Ky., where he remained as clerk in
Gen. Ewing's headquarters till the close of the war.
He then returned home and engaged again at his trade till 1877,
when he received the appointment of Postmaster of Mechanicsburg,
the duties of which he has since discharged with fidelity and
commendable zeal. He finds expression for his political
ideas in the Republican party; he has been Secretary of the
Central Ohio Fair Association since the first year after its
organization; was nine years Township Clerk and several years
Town Clerk. He is a member of the following organizations:
A. F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. and K. of H. He married, March
26, 1861, Amanda, daughter of Udney H. Hyde.
She was born in Delaware Co., Ohio. One son and two
daughters have been issue of this union. W. H. Hyde
deserves special notice as being, in the days of slavery, a
fearless and uncompromising Abolitionist, and the central figure
in the "Addison White Rescue Case," mentioned in the historical
part of this work. He was born in Vermont in 1807 and
emigrated to Ohio in 1834, and, twenty-five years ago, became a
resident of Goshen Township, Champaign Co. In 1840, while
contemplating the question of American slavery, he came to the
conclusion that it was grossly wrong, and incompatible with our
free government, and, with some others, pledged himself to do
all in his power against it, regardless of consequences, and no
pledge was ever more earnestly and determinedly executed than
this on the part of Mr. Hyde; he ran off on the
underground railway, altogether, 513 fugitive slaves from
Mechanicsburg to Delaware. During many of these trips he
encountered many dangers, but pushed on fearlessly on "duty's
rounds." By his connection with the "Addison White Rescue
Case," he was compelled to flee the "Fugitive slave law," and
became a refugee for nine months, thereby entailing a loss of
several thousand dollars. His daughter Amanda,
also, though young, bore a conspicuous part in this case.
To such spirits as these are the freedmen under a debt of
everlasting gratitude.
Source: History of Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page 896 |
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Johnson Twp. -
CHARLES SLACK
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 766 |
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Johnson Twp. -
S. M. SLUSSER
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 767 |
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Rush Twp.
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ANDREW J. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Woodstock;
was born near Woodstock in the year 1832, and is the youngest
son of Sylvanus and Thankful Smith whose sketch appears
in this work. Our subject was reared on the farm,
receiving his education in the common schools; he remained with
his parents till he was 23 years of age, at which time, in 1855,
he was married to Delilah, daughter of William Inskeep,
whose sketch appears in this work. After his marriage, he
remained on the old home farm about three years, after which he
removed to where he now resides. He owns 310 acres of
land, which is all in a good state of cultivation and well
improved. At the time of his locating on this land, there
was very little improvement made, as a portion of the land was
contained in Sullivan's survey, the latest made in this
section. He has, by his energy and perseverance, cleared
up and improved, and now owns, one of the finest farms in this
township. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith nine children have
been born, all living, viz: Jessie, Jossie, Lora,
Fanny, Hattie and Mattie (twins), Eunice, Dale
and Maude. Mrs. S. was born in Union Co., Ohio,
Dec. 31, 1836. He is an honored member and worthy brother
of the I. O. O. F., of Woodstock Lodge, No. 167, with which he
has been connected twenty-one years. He and his estimable
wife are members of the Universalist Church of Woodstock, with
which they have been connected some twenty years.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page 869 |
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Rush Twp. -
C. C. SMITH, Postmaster and dealer in
boots and shoes, custom work a specialty, Woodstock; was born in
Massachusetts in the year 1828, and is a son of Levi and Lucy
Smith, who were born in the same State, in which they were
married and where he lived till his death, which occurred in
1851, aged 65 years. His mother moved to El Paso, Ill.,
where she departed this life in 1878, aged 90 years. they
were parents of ten children, of whom seven are living, viz.,
Philo, Lucy, Angeline, Levi, Larkin, Benjamin F., Courtland C.
The deceased were Courtland, Jonas H., and one in
infancy. Our subject was reared in his native State, his
time being occupied on the bench and farm. At the age of
21, he began business for himself. In June, 1849, he was
married to Adelia E. Smith, by whom he has had two
children - Jennie E. and Lucy M. After his
marriage, he followed his trade in Holden, Mass., until his
removal here in 1854. He located in Woodstock and has
since given his attention to his business. In July 1 of
the first year in Lincoln's administration he was appointed
Postmaster of Woodstock, a position he has since held, to the
entire satisfaction of the patrons of the office. He and
his wife are members of the Universalist Church, with which they
have been connected for fifteen years, he having been Deacon of
the same for ten or twelve years. Their church has a membership
of about 125, and is presided over by the Rev. W. J. Crossley,
an able and efficient minister of the Gospel.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page 870 |
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Rush Twp.
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ERASTUS SMITH, farmer; P. O. Woodstock;
was born on the place on which he now resides in the year 1843,
and is a son of Elias and Huldah (Swift) Smith His
father was born in Stowe, Vt., in the year 1811. Huldah,
mother of Erastus, was born in Rochester, Mass., in the
same year as her husband. They were married in Vermont,
and, in 1836, removed to Champaign Co., locating three-quarters
of a mile west of Woodstock, where Erastus now resides.
He purchased 340 acres of land, on which he lived till his
decease, which occurred Feb. 28, 1871. His mother is yet
living and resides with him. They were parents of four
children, two of whom are living, viz., Philip and
Erastus M. The deceased are Curtis B., died in
1863, aged 28 years, leaving a wife and two children, viz.,
Frederick B. and Orvis E.; one dying in infancy.
His grandparents, Philip and Rosina Smith, came the same
year (1836), living here till their death. He died in 1866
aged 80 years; she departed this life in 1858, aged 73 years.
They were parents of three children; all deceased, viz.,
Susan, Elias and Abel. his parents and
grandparents were members of the Christian Church, and exemplary
people, taking much interest in the cause and development of
religion. Our subject's boyhood was passed on the farm,
and he received his education in the district schools. He
remained with his parents till he was 21 years old, then began
life for himself. May 2, 1864 he enlisted in Co. D, 134th
O. N. G.; served his time and was discharged Sept. 1, of the
same year. In 1877, he was married to Mrs. Laura
(Cranston) Marsh, daughter of Edwards Cranston, whose
sketch appears in this work. To them one child has been
born, viz., Nina H., born June 14, 1880. He owns
147 acres of land, which makes a delightful home.. By his
wife's previous marriage with Charles W. Marsh she had
four children; three living, viz., Mattie, Charles D. and
Lucy; Hattie, deceased. Mr. M. died
in February, 1869
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page 871 |
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Salem Twp.
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JAMES C. SMITH, farmer and stock-dealer;
P. O. Urbana; born in Franklin Co., Penn., Jan. 4, 1813; is a
son of James and Sarah (Donovan) Smith, natives of
Pennsylvania; the paternal grandfather was a native of
Pennsylvania; the maternal grandfather of Ireland. The
father and family became residents of Ohio, locating one mile
west of Urbana, in 1813, he having previously, in 1811, been
here and entered land. He now commenced to make a farm and
a home, where he spent the remainder of his life; he died in
1842; his wife died in 1848. They had a family of seven
children, all being born in Pennsylvania; four now survive-
Matilda, Frances Jane, Joseph W. and James C. Mr.
Smith was a man of more than ordinary ability, and one who
had the confidence of the people. He was township Trustee
many years, and was elected Associate Judge soon after locating
here, which position he held many years. Our subject
remained upon the home place with his father till his death,
after which he kept the home farm, where he resided till 1875,
when he located upon his present place, where he has since
resided. He was married in April, 135, to Miss Jane
Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth Thompson.
They had seven children; three now survive - Sarah Elizabeth,
Emma Adessa and Merrill. His wife died in
December, 1846. Sept. 19, 1849, he married Nancy K.
Thompson, a sister of the first wife. Mr. Smith
has 310 acres of good land, constituting a most beautiful stock
farm, and he is giving especial attention to the buying and
selling of stock. Mr. Smith, like his father, ahs
the confidence of the public, but endeavors to avoid public
office; has, however, been Township Trustee several years.
He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, he having
been such for fifty years, and she for thirty years. He
was Trustee of the church for forty years, and member of the
Sessions thirty-eight years.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page
824 |
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Rush Twp.
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SAMUEL G. SMITH, surveyor and engineer,
Woodstock; was born on the place where he now lives Sept. 5,
1826, and is a son of Sylvanus and Thankful (Kelsey) Smith.
His father was born in Connecticut Oct. 25, 1787;
Thankful, mother of Samuel, was born in New Hampshire
June 29, 1791. Both were reared in Vermont, in which they
were married Apr. 2, 1812. In 1816, they moved to
Champaign Co., Ohio, in a one-horse wagon, and with tme came his
brother Samuel and family, who occupied the same wagon.
Their journey was made in about six weeks, and upon their
arrival they located on leased land in Union Co., where they
remained three years; after which his father purchased 100
acres, where our subject resides. Woodstock was afterward
laid out on a portion of this same land. He erected a
cabin just west of the present site of Woodstock, in which he
moved his family. On this land he made a permanent home;
was successful, and accumulated a good property. He died
July 12, 1872, aged 84 years 8 months and 20 days. His
mother died Dec. 24, 1876, aged 85 years 5 months and 25 days.
They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are living
- Hiram, Myron G., Richard S., Samuel G., Azrow and
Andrew J. Lorana, wife of George Robinson,
died Mar. 11, 1850; was born Jan.14, 1823. Our subject was
reared on the farm till 20 years of age, when he was employed as
clerk in a Woodstock store, a position he held for twelve years.
He afterward embarked in business in the same place for himself,
and after three years of business, removed to Metamora, Ill.,
where he was employed in a store; afterward went to Claremont,
Ill., where he had charge of an extensive mercantile house for
four years. In 1866, he returned to his native place, and
since has given much of his time to surveying and engineering.
His common-school education was developed in a select school
taught by Joseph Smith, who was his preceptor three
years. He has served fourteen consecutive years as Justice
of the Peace, which is ample proof of his executive ability;
also served as Township Clerk a number of years. Dec. 29,
1853, he was married to Hepsie J., daughter
of William Inskeep, whose sketch appears in this
work. No children have been born to them. They
reared True McIlroy from 8 years, and have now a little
girl, Katie, adopted from the Orphan's Home. He is
a member of the I. O. O. F., Woodstock Lodge, No. 167, having
been a member thirty years. He owns 15 acres of land,
which makes him a delightful home.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page 868 |
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Rush
Twp. -
STEPHEN A. SMITH, proprietor of the
Buckeye House, Woodstock; was born in the above place in the
year 1840, and is a son of Cyrus and Lydia Smith.
His father was born in Stowe, Vt., Feb. 24, 1813. With his
parents, Samuel and Phoebe Smith, Cyrus moved to
Champaign Co., in 1816. At the age of 9 years his father
died, after which he lived with Anson Howard on the farm
until 18 years old; then learned the carpenter trade, which he
followed as long as he was able to do manual labor, and was a
fine workman. He was twice married: first with Lydia
Hall in 1836, by whom he had six children, all living -
George W., Stephen A., Sarah L., Willard H., Elisha D. and
Howard. Mrs. Smith died in 1854, aged 39 years.
His second marriage was celebrated with Mrs. Fannie A.
(Smith) Harrington, Apr. 6, 1856. He was a member of
the Odd Fellows' Lodge of Woodstock, and a member of the
Universalist Church. He was a member of Co. D, 134th O. N.
G., 100-day men; served his time and was honorably discharged.
He departed this life, after a long and painful illness, June
25, 1880. Our subject's boyhood was passed in the village,
and, when old enough, he worked on the farm for John McDonald
for four years. In April, 1861, he enlisted for the
three-months service, in Co. K, 2d O. N. G., and was in the
first battle at Bull Run. After his discharge he returned
home, and on Oct. 15, 1862, enlisted in Co. F., 54th O. V. I.,
2d Brigade, 2d Division and 15th Army Corps. He was in the
battles of Shiloh, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson,
Champion Hill, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta,
Jonesborough, and many other lighter engagements; was with
Sherman on his march to the sea. He veteranized Jan.
1, 1864, at Bellefonte, Ala., and was mustered in at
Larkinsville, Ala., Jan. 22, 1864. After his re-enlistement
he did active service till he was discharged, July 25, 1865,
having served four years. July 25, 1867, he was married to
Susan Epps, by whom he has two children- Harvey J. H.
and Laura E. In the fall of 1870, he became
proprietor of the Buckeye House, and is an accommodating and
genial landlord, always attending to teh wants and comforts of
his guests.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page
870 |
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Rush
Twp. -
STEPHEN K. SMITH, farmer and manufacturer
of tile; P. O. North Lewisburg; was born in Woodstock, this
county, Jan. 30, 1822, and is a son of Samuel and Phoebe
(McCutcheon) Smith, who were born in the Green Mountain
State, in which they were married, and, in about 1815, came to
Woodstock, locating where the town is now situated. He
purchased 160 acres of land and built a cabin, into which he
moved his family; he, however, did not live there long, as the
unhealthy condition of the country and carried him to an early
grave Aug. 5, 1822, aged 30 years. His mother died in
1878, aged 86 or 87 years. To them five children were
born, three living - Lois, Amy and our subject; the
deceased, Cyrus (whose sketch appears in this work) and
Jesse. In August, 1862, Stephen enlisted in
Co. G, 95th O. V. I.; was immediately transferred to the front,
and, twenty days after, participated in the battle of Richmond,
Ky., where he was taken prisoner; was shortly afterward paroled,
and returned home; five months after he was exchanged and
returned to the front, and took part in the Vicksburg campaign.
His regiment was sent to Missouri, and, on account of sickness,
he remained in Memphis until the regiment returned, then went
into the ranks, after which the regiment raided through
Tennessee and Mississippi, watching the enemy. He was in
the battles of Guntown, Tupelo, and a number of skirmishes which
happened almost every day, and during the time, got several
scratches which drew blood but did no bodily injury. At
the above first named place, he was cut off from his command and
after him came the volleys of the "Johnnies," which
greatly accelerated his speed, but did him no further harm than
than merely giving him a few scratches. After these
engagements, he was plunged into the battle of Franklin, Tenn.,
after which he went down to Mobile, and, while on the way, was
in the siege of Spanish Fort, and, after rambling around,
finally brought up at Montgomery, Ala., where they were apprised
of Lee's surrender. They were mustered out at Columbus,
Aug. 19, 1865, just three years to a day after enlistment.
His son, John M., served during the war, in the same
regiment and company as his father. After his return home,
he lived on his farm until 1878, at which time he came to North
Lewisburg and put up a tile factory, which is now operated by
his sons, Frank W. In 1842, he was married to
Rebecca Baldwin, and has seven children, six living -
John M., Lora E., Timothy D., Emma O., Velma R. and Frank
M.; Elizabeth, deceased. He owns 74½
acres of land in this township. He is a member of
Woodstock Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 167.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page 869 |
| |
Johnson Twp. -
J. W. SMOOT
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 767 |
| |
Johnson Twp. -
SNAPP SOLOMON
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 767 |
| |
Johnson Twp. -
VALENTINE SNIDER,
retired farmer; P. O. Millerstown; was born in Virginia in 1793,
and raised to farm life. His education was obtained in the
subscription schools. In 1818, he married Catherine
Martz, a native of Virginia born in 1795. They
remained in their native State until 1825, when they moved to
Ohio, locating in Greene Co. Ten years later, they removed
to Champaign Co. and purchased 105 acres of his present farm in
Section 3, Johnson Township, to which he has since added until
he now owns 178 acres, which is mostly under cultivation.
This he cultivated himself, with the assistance of his five
sons, until 1870, when he retired from its duties and is now
entrusted to the hands of his children. Mrs. Snider
died in 1838, leaving eight children. Mr. Snider
has since married his second wife. He is one of the
patriots of the war of 1812, having enlisted in Rockingham Co.,
Va., serving three months through but few difficulties, and is
now one of the surviving pensioners of that war. Mr.
Snider is a son of Valentine, St., and Elizaeth
(Wagner) Snider. She was a native of Virginia, and
he of Germany. He came to America before the Revolutionary
war. His death occurred in Virginia, and his wife died in
Ohio (near Dayton). They were the parents of eight
children, of whom all save our subject are now deceased, he
being the only one left to relate the incidents and genealogy of
the Snider family.
Source:
History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 768 |
| |
Union Twp. -
FRED H. SNYDER,
trader; P. O. Mutual; is a native of Lancaster Co., Penn.
He is a son of Louis and Elizabeth Annie Snyder.
Louis was a native of Baltimore, Md., from which place he
removed to Lancaster Co., Penn., where he married. In 1838
or 1839, he emigrated to this State and located in Clark Co.
He was a resident of Clark and Champaign Counties the remainder
of his life. He was father of eight children, five boys
and three girls, all of whom are living. Fred H. is
the oldest of the family, and has followed various pursuits in
life, having been an extensive dealer in stock for several
years, shipping to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Buffalo, handling
as many as 2,000 hogs and 500 steers in a season. He was
one of the incorporators of the village of Mutual, and its first
Mayor, holding the office of Justice of the Peace at the same
time. He has also been a member of the Council, and held
other offices of trust. He is a genial, social gentleman,
and takes an active interest in the public good. Nov. 20,
1860, he married Sallie E. Harper. Four children
were the result of this union; two only are living. Jan.
22, 1879, Mrs. Snyder was called away. He
and his two children continue to keep house, preferring the
influence and society of home. He is a member of Catawba
Lodge, No. 339, I. O. O. F., to which he is much attached.
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page
913 |
| |
Johnson Twp. -
G. W. SNYDER,
Superintendent of Public Schools, St. Paris; was born in Marion
Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1841, where he grew to the age of 17 on the
farm, and acquired his elementary education in the district
schools. In the fall of 1858, he entered the Hillsdale,
College, Mich., from which he graduated in 1863, having passed
through by his own exertions. In August, 1863, when the
great war of the rebellion was raging, he enlisted in Co. H, 82d
O. V. I., from which he was honorably discharged in the spring
of 1864, on account of poor health. Soon after returning
home, he commenced teaching, and, while teaching a village
school in Allen Co., Ohio, June 19, 1864, he married after which
he returned to Marion, Ohio, and opened a book and stationery
store; this he continued until 1868, when he again took up the
profession of teaching, and has had charge of Springfield
Academy, Whitley Co., Ind., and other schools of the State.
In the spring of 1874, he took charge of the DeGraff schools, in
Logan Co., Ohio, having conducted other schools in the State up
to September, 1877, when he came to St. Paris, where he has
since remained. Mr. Snyder, having passed the legal
State examinations in Indiana and Ohio, has procured
certificates of the same, and can legally teach in either State.
His ability enabled him to raise the schools of St. Paris from a
low standard to a good condition. He has a high-school
course, embracing a good graduating standard, from which eleven
pupils have passed since his coming to St. Paris. The
average attendance of his school the last year was 200 in five
departments.
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page
768 |
| |
Salem Twp. -
JACOB SNYDER,
farmer; P. O. Urbana; was born in the State of New York Jan. 17,
1811; is a son of John and Elizabeth Snyder, natives of
New York. The grandfather came from Germany when only a
youth; the grandmother was a native of New York. John
and Elizabeth resided in New York till their death; he died
Feb. 14, 1848; she died in October, 1864; they were parents of
four children - Mary, Jacob, Irenia and
John. Mr. Snyder lived with his father
till 30 years of age, and was married, Jan. 22, 1834, to Miss
Catharine, a daughter of John and Hannah Cronkhite,
natives of New York, the grandfather being a native of England,
but came to this country when a child; Mr. and Mrs. Cronkhite
were parents of one child - Catharine. Mr.
Snyder and wife have had twelve children; six now survive
- Orlando, John W., David N., Mary,
De Witt C. and Edward C. After their
marriage, they resided in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., till the fall
of 1856, when they removed to Ohio and located in this township
and county, and lived on a rented farm about one and a half
years, then bought and located upon the farm where they now
reside. They have 60 acres of good land, all in
cultivation but 8 acres, and have good buildings and
improvements. Two of their sons, John and David,
went forth to battle for the defense of their country during the
war of the rebellion, serving till honorably discharged.
Mr. Snyder has never held or sought office, but
has quietly and diligently followed his farm pursuits.
Source: History of Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page 825 |
| |
Concord Twp. -
JOSEPH SNYDER,
farmer; P. O. Urbana; was born in Greene Co., Ohio, May 30, 826,
and is a son of Valentine and Catherine (Martz) Snyder,
both natives of Rockingham Co., Va. He was born Dec. 21,
1793, and she Apr. 21, 1795. They came to Ohio and located
in Greene Co., where they remained till 1836, when they moved to
Johnson Township, Champaign Co., where he still resides and owns
199 acres of land. His wife died Dec. 4, 1838, a member of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church. They were the parents of
eight children - Isaac, George W., Mary (now Mrs.
Presly Jenkins), Joseph, John, Delilah (now Mrs.
Levi Bodey), Simon, and Catharine (now Mrs.
Peter Bodey). They are all living, and the youngest
past 44 years old. The subject of this sketch is a farmer,
and owns 160 acres of land in Sec. 21, of Concord Township.
He assisted in suppressing the rebellion; was a member of Co. B,
134th O. N. G. In 1855, Oct. 18, he married Deborah
Harbor a daughter of Jesse Harbor She was born
Nov. 9, 1838; they are the parents of eight children:
Elizabeth C. (deceased), Sarah J. (now Mrs. Elmer
E. Bowers), Mary V., Joseph, Franklin, William H., Rosa
A., John W. and Jesse Hayes.
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 802 |
| |
Wayne Twp. -
WILLIS SPAIN came to Ohio, with
the family of his father, in 1805. He was born in
Dinwiddie County, Va., in 1796. His father, Hezekiah
Spain, who died in 1827, bought one thousand acres of land
on the east line of Wayne Township and on Spain's Creek, paying
$2 per acre. On this farm his son Willis has lived
about seventy years. He (Willis) married Nancy
Spain, a distant relative of the family. They reared
five sons and a daughter - Lemuel, Henry W., Fletcher,
Newton, H. Wright and Elizabeth. These all
married, and, in due time, the name Spain became a very common
one in that locality, and remains so to this day. Mr.
Spain early became accustomed to the rude and remains so to
this day. Mr. Spain early became accustomed to the
rude life of a frontiersman, and as the native Indians
frequently camped on the creek near the farm, he grew familiar
with their mode of life, but never once thought of turning
Indian himself. He embraced religion at fifteen years of
age, under the preaching of Hector Sanford, at the house
of his father, and has been in the church ever since. He
has never been a party to a lawsuit; has gone twenty-eight
miles, to Springfield, to mill; has paid 25 cents postage on a
single letter; has shot wild game from his door-step;
remembers that before the year 1828, they procured salt at
McLain's, on Buck Creek, at $4 a bushel. They depended on
the oak mast to fatten their hogs, and many times they fattened
rather leanly on it. Though poor in purse, in that early
day, it was always his aim to welcome the preachers of the
church of his choice, and no preacher of the Methodist Church
lacked for food, shelter and welcome. He remembers such
preachers as Shaw, Young, 'Sanford, Henkle, Collins, Sale,
Bascom, Trader, Cecil, and others of pioneer reputation.
The worthy old man and his wife still live - more for the next
world than this.
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page
537 |
|
|
Hamilton Twp. -
THOMAS SPEECE, farmer;
P. O. Spring Hills; is a son of William Speece
and a grandson of Peter and Sallie (Princehouse)
Speece. They were both Virginians by birth but
of Herman descent. They came to Ohio in 1814 and
located in Harrison Township. Thirteen children were
the fruits of their marriage, four of whom are still livingWilliam,
Jacob, Peter and Levi. William
was born in Harrison Township, Champaign Co., Dec. 25, 1814.
His education was limited, but, by industry and economy, he
has succeeded in laying up sufficient of this worlds goods
to support himself and wife in declining years and leave an
inheritance to his children. He married Elizabeth
Mclntire, Apr. 3, 1836. She was born Jan. 22, 1816.
Ten children were given to this unionHosanna
(deceased), Thomas, Sarah Ann,
Semantha, Mary Margaret, William H.,
Etna J., David S., Sirene E. and
Jacob P. Mr. and Mrs. Speece and four of
the children are members of the United Brethren Church.
Thomas, the subject of this sketch, was born Mar. 8,
1839. He was raised to farm life and has always been
engaged in tilling the soil. He also deals in stock.
He owns 180 acres of land in this township, forty acres of
which was given him by his father. He is an
enterprising farmer, and does a thriving business. His
marriage with Lydia A. Robinson was celebrated Sept.
6, 1859. Two children are the fruits of this unionWilliam
R. and Thomas N. Mrs. Speece was born Dec.
24, 1838, and is a daughter of Rossiter and Mary
Robinson. She was a native of Pennsylvania,
born July 27, 1816. He was born in this township, Jan.
27, 1817, and died in Indiana, Apr. l7, 1873. Her
death occurred Dec. 6, 1875. Had been members of the
United Brethren Church for over thirty years. Lydia
A. is also identified with the church.
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page
784 |
|
|
Mad River Twp. -
DAVID STEINBERGER,
farmer; P. O. Urbana. Mr. Steinberger is
one of our oldest men, and is now in his 81st year; his
grandparents came from Germany and settled in Shenandoah
Co., Va. Davids parents - John and
Elizabeth Steinberger - were married in
Virginia, and came to this county in 1804, and settled on
Nettle Creek, near where Millerstown is now. This was
at that time an Indian village, and was occupied by the
Miami tribe. Indians were plenty at that day but were
peaceable. The heavy timber was almost unbroken at
that time, and wild game was plenty; raccoons destroyed much
corn, and they had to watch their fields at night to save
it; squirrels were almost as destructive during the day as
the coons were at night. Everybody helped their
neighbors raise their log houses, roll and burn their logs,
and a general feeling of good-fellowship prevailed.
John Steinberger was a prominent man in his day, and was
an enterprising one, having no money when he came here.
When he left the county for Indiana, in 1819 or 1820, he
owned 240 acres of land. His children were named
George, John, Henry, Frederick,
David and Gideon. Elizabeth and
Catharine were the daughters. Only our subject and
Gideon, who lives in Iowa, are living. David
was born in Virginia Sept. 9, 1800, and was married, in
1821, to Elizabeth Pence. Their name figures
extensively in this history. David and his wife
were parents of seven children, only three - Louisa
M., Mary A. and George S. - are living.
Mrs. S. died in 1833, and in 1835 David
married Lucy Gaines, of Virginia, where she
was born, Feb. 22, 1813. By her he had eight children,
five of whom are living - Caroline, Elizabeth,
Amanda, John and Gideon. David
started in life with $50, which was spent in trying to
regain his health, which was very poor in his younger days.
He went bravely to work, married a wife, and commenced life
in earnest. This reminds us of a story which Mr.
Steinberger relates: A man (name forgotten)
with whom David stayed all night, on Little Flat
Rock, Indiana, married his wife when she was only 15 years
of age. They had been married fifteen years and had
fifteen children, whose mother was only 30 years of age.
When they were married, they had not a dollar, and after
rearing this large family they had bought and paid for 400
acres of land, and were then engaged in building a mill.
After sixty years of toil, commencing without any capital,
except a pair of willing hands, Mr. Steinberger
is now the owner of 952 acres of land, worth $75,000, not
counting personal property, etc., and also a residence in
Urbana. All this was gained by honest toil and
economy. Both himself and wife are of the Baptist
faith, and are now living at their ease on the farm, near
the mills that bear his name. Politically, he is
Democratic, one of the substantial kind, and is honored and
respected by the best citizens of Champaign County.
Source: History of Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page 727 |
|
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Adams Twp. -
JOSEPH STEPHENSON, farmer; P. O. Tawawa, Shelby Co.; was born May 16, 1830, in Clark Co.,
Ohio, four miles west of Springfield, and is a son of
Charles Stephenson, a native of
Greenbrier Co., Va., who came to Ohio in the year 1820, and located in Champaign
Co., four miles east of Urbana; he is living at present in Shelby Co., Ohio,
near Pemberton.
Joseph was raised upon a farm, and
has always been engaged in that way.
His farm is located in Sec. 31, containing 60 acres. He was united in marriage, Dec. 16,
1854, to Miss Lydia Johnston; they
had four children; one living
Alexander. Mrs. Stephenson is a
daughter of Walker Johnston, a native
of Fayette Co., Ky., who emigrated to
Ohio in January, 1803, and located in Johnson Township, Champaign
Co. He was the first white settler
in that township. He lived there
fourteen years, then moved into Adams Township,
stopping one year near Carysville.
He had previously entered land in Sec. 31, of this township, upon which he
erected a cabin and moved into it.
Here he began the laborious task of opening a farm in the wilderness. He spent the rest of his days upon
this farm. His grandfather came to America in the year 1720, and located in Virginia.
His father, Silas Johnston, was born in Virginia
in March, 1758; emigrated to Kentucky in the
year 1785, and to Ohio
in 1803.
Mr. Johnston and his father both served in the war of 1812, he being a Lieutenant of a
company and his father the commander of a regiment.
Mrs. Johnston still survives, and is living upon the old homestead.
Source: History of Champaign County,
Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881 - Page
777
|
|
|
Adams Twp. -
THOMAS STEPHENSON, farmer; P. O.
Quincy, Logan Co.
Mr. Stephenson was born Feb.
2, 1830, in Clark Co., Ohio, near
Springfield; was
raised and educated upon a farm. He
is a son of David Stephenson, a
native of Virginia, who came to
Ohio
with his parents in the year 1809; they stopped one year in Greene Co., then
came on to Champaign Co., and located near
Urbana, where they lived two years, but removed to Clark Co. and
remained there sixteen years. He
moved about considerably, but finally located in Logan Co.,
Ohio, where he
lived till death.
Thomas S. lived with his parents
until he was 22 years of age, his father telling him it was time to do for
himself. His father, being in
limited circumstances, could give him no assistance except good advice. He started, with his possessions tied
in a handkerchief, and not a cent of money, to hunt a position or a place to
work, which he found in Clark Co.,
Ohio; he
worked there until Dec. 22, 1853, when he married
Miss Hettie, daughter of
Jacob Whitmer, of Miami Co., Ohio;
they moved to Fountain Co., Ind., and lived there six years. They then removed to
Ohio and purchased 40 acres of timber land in the extreme north part
of Adams Township, Champaign Co. By
industry and economy, he has since added 60 acres more. He has now a farm of 100 acres, with
good improvements, and under a high state of cultivation. They had six children
Clara B., James F., Marion W., Charles D., George E. and
Thomas J.
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 18811 - Page
776
|
|
|
Salem
Twp. -
MATTHEW STEWART, farmer; P. O. King's
Creek; was born in this township and county Aug. 28, 1804;
is a son of Matthew and Elizabeth Stewart - he a
native of Ireland, emigrating to America when about 12 years
of age; she was a native of Pennsylvania. The father
landed in America about 1771, and became a settler of
Champaign Co. in 1802, locating on the Dugan Prairie; in the
spring of 1805, he located upon the farm where our subject
now lives; here he resided till his death, May 5, 1850, his
wife having died Mar. 15, 1830. Mr. Stewart was
one of the early pioneers of this county, settling here in
the wilderness, among the Indians and wild beasts,
witnessing and enduring all the dangers and hardships of a
pioneer's life; they were parents of eleven children, ten
growing up to maturity; three now survive- Eliza, Matthew
and Eleanor. Our subject remained with his
father till his death. He was married, Mar. 21, 1830,
to Miss Lucinda, daughter of John and Hannah
Martin they had nine children; eight now survive -
Sarah, Samuel, William, Elizabeth, Hannah, Thomas, Charles
and Eliza. Mr. Stewart resides upon the old
home place, where he was raised from an infant of 6 months
old; here he has a fine farm of 173 acres, with good
improvements; he also owns other real estate to the amount
of 347 acres, making the entire estate 520 acres; this has
ll been accumulated by his father and himself, from their
own labor and industry. Mr. Stewart has ever
been a leading and prominent man in this township; has been
Township Trustee for many years, and a Justice of the Peace
fifteen years. He lost his wife by death Nov. 5, 1879.
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 825 |
|
|
Rush Twp. -
RICHARD SWISHER, farmer; P. O.
Woodstock; was born in this township in the year 1835, and
is a son of Abraham and Rebecca Swisher, who were
born in Washington Co., Penn. They removed to
Champaign Co. and located in Union Township in 1833, on land
now owned by Simon Rock. Soon after, they came
to Rush Township, and afterward removed to Goshen Township,
where they made a permanent home. He died in 1842 or
1843, aged 43 years. His wife continued on the farm
till 1854, when she removed to Mechanicsburg, where she died
in the spring of 1865, aged 57 years. They were
parents of nine children, viz., John, Joseph, Henry,
Temperance, Abraham, Keturah, Melinda, Rebecca and
Richard, the latter being the fourth son. Our
subject was reared on the farm, and received his
education in the district school, in which he fitted himself
to teach, a profession he has followed four winter terms of
four months each. At the age of 16, he began his
struggle with the world, since when he has battled with the
ordinary ups and downs which beset human experience.
In 1858, Mr. Swisher was married to
Artemesia Dix, daughter of John Dix,
by whom he has had seven children, five living, viz.,
John, Abraham, Link, Margaret R. and Fred.
The deceased are Thomas and one in infancy.
He owns 98 acres of land, on which he located after his
marriage. He farms largely to grain, and gives much
attention to breeding pure Berkshire hogs. In 1864, he
enlisted in Co. D., 134th O. N. G., 100-day men; served his
time and was honorably discharged. He is a
public-spirited gentleman, and has taken an interest in
educating his children, having qualified them for teaching.
He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Woodstock. His
brothers are members of the same order.
Source: History of
Champaign County, Ohio
- Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co. 1881
- Page 872 |
|
