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BIOGRAPHIES Source:
History of Madison County, Ohio
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.
1883
1159 pgs.
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Union Twp. -
J. W. MACKINNON,
Superintendent of the London Public Schools, London, was born in Logan
County, Ohio, Feb. 13, 1850. His grandfather, William MacKinnon,
located in Logan County in an early day, and there became an Associate
Judge of the Courts. One son, Daniel W., the father of our
subject, was born in Clark County, and was a farmer and stockraiser
through life. He died at a son's house in Auglaize County, Ohio,
Mar. 16, 1864. He was united in marriage to Phebe Hogge, a
native of Clark County, and daughter of John Hogge, a native of
Ireland. Mrs. MacKinnon still resides in Logan County, is
fifty-three years of age, and in the enjoyment of good health. Our
subject is the elder of five children, four living. He grew to
manhood on the home farm, and when nineteen years of age entered
Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, where he remained five years, and
graduated in June, 1874. Soon after he was made Principal of the
Bellefontaine High School, holding that position three years. He
then came to London to accept his present position, tendered him by the
School Board of the latter place. Prof. MacKinnon has had charge
of the London schools for 6 years, and their high standing among the
graded schools of the State is due in a great measure to his energetic
and tireless energy in their behalf. Mr. MacKinnon is a
member of and Secretary of each of the Ohio State Teacher's
Associations and the Central Ohio Teacher's Association. He is
also a member of the Madison County Teachers' Association, the Knights
of Honor, American Legion of Honor, and the Presbyterian Church.
Previous to coming to London, Prof. MacKinnon was a member of the
Logan County Board of School Examiners, and since his residence here has
held a like position in Madison County for the past five years. He
was married, July 23, 1874, to Clara E. Wallace, a native of
Logan County, Ohio, and daughter off Dr. John P. and Emeline (Hover)
Wallace, of that county, both now deceased. They are the
parents of one son - Lee. Mrs. MacKinnon is also a
member of the Presbyterian Church
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
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Monroe Twp. -
EDWARD S. MANN, farmer,
P. O. Mechanicsburg. Benjamin W. Mann (deceased), father of
the subject of this sketch, was born Mar. 1, 1797, in Vermont.
About the year 1815, with his parents, Samuel and Sarah Mann, he
emigrated to Madison County, Ohio. On Mar. 24, 1824, he married
Jane Gray, born May 20, 1807; she is a sister of Mr. William Guy,
whose sketch appears in this history. To them were born twelve
children, seven of whom are now living. Mr. Mann departed
this life Apr. 12, 1861; his widow survives him and resides at present
with his son, Dewitt C. Mann, in Monroe Township. Edward
S. Mann, subject of this sketch, was born Aug. 19, 1836, in Madison
Co., Ohio, and in his youth received rather a limited education.
On Nov. 8, 1859, he married Harriet Howard, daughter of
William and Nancy Howard, of Union County; she died Jan. 1, 1861.
On Mar. 31, 1862, he married Miss Mary J. Hoyt, who was born May
16, 1840, in Batavia, N. Y. Her parents are Hubbell
and Elmira Hoyt. To them have been born five children, four
of whom are now living - Helen A., born May 18, 1863; Lily G.,
born Aug. 28, 1865; Freddie, born July 25, 1867; Charles C.,
born Mar. 26, 1874, and Dora M., born June 14, 1879.
Lily G. departed this life Apr. 17, 1872. Mr. Mann has,
with the exception of eighteen years (eight years in Henry County and
ten years in Fulton County), been a resident of Madison County, all his
life. In 1880, he returned to Madison County and settled in the
western portion of Monroe Township, where he now resides. His
political views are Republican, and he is the owner of 200 acres of
land.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
1167 |
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Union Twp. -
JACOB MARCH, dealer in
foreign and domestic marbles, and proprietor of the London Marble and
Granite Works, London, was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 25, 1839. He
is a son of Daniel March, also a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer
in early life, and subsequently a merchant. He lived in
Pennsylvania until his death, about seven years ago. He was united
in marriage to Rebecca Sparh, also a native of Pennsylvania, who
became the mother of ten children. Four of these are now living
and two residents of Madison County. Mrs. March died over
thirty years ago. Mr. March was reared in his native State,
and after his mother's death went to live with a drover, remaining with
him over two years, and assisting in driving stock to Baltimore.
He then learned the drug trade at East Berlin, Penn., where he was
employed for four years. In 1858, he came to London, and learned the
marble cutter's trade with Samuel Menter, remaining with him
until his death, in September, 1861. He then carried on the business for
his employer's widow until 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, One
Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. Wilcox
commanding. He was in the service three years, serving as a private the
greater part of the time, and was honorably discharged July 11, 1865. Upon coming back to Ohio, he engaged in business at Springfield until
June, 1866, when he returned to London, and bought a half interest in
the marble trade of M. M. Hutchinson. He became sole proprietor a
year later, and has remained such, with the exception of six months,
when his brother Levi was a partner. Mr. March is an
enterprising business man, and has succeeded in building up a good
trade. He is a member of all the organizations in London pertaining to
the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, the American Legion of Honor,
and is a member of and Treasurer of the Board of the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. March is also Treasurer of the Homestead Aid Association, of
London. Politically, he is Democratic. He was married, Nov. 27,
1867, to Katy Crawford, a native of this county. Of their
five children, four are living - Arabell, Ida May,
Kittie Z. and Algeraus C. Mrs. March and daughter
Arabell are also members of the Presbyterian denomination.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page |
Philip Markley |
Somerford
Twp. -
PHILIP MARKLEY, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was
born in Somerford Township, Madison County, Ohio, Aug. 12, 1825, and
is a son of Jonathan and Mary Markley. Philip, at
twenty-one years of age, engaged in farming; he bought fifty acres
of land, and his father gave him fifty acres more, to which he has
since added until he owns, at the present time, 413 acres of fine
land, in a high state of cultivation. He has been married
three times; his first wife was Catharine Kiskeder to whom he
was married in 1847. She died Sept. 12, 1849, and in October,
1851, he was united in marriage with Eliza J. Atcheson, by
whom he has five children living, viz., William A., Jacob M.,
Jonathan F., Marin and Eliza Jane. His second wife
died May 20, 1861, and he was united in marriage with his third wife
Oct. 6, 1862, and by her has five children living, viz., Philip
M., John G., Harry K., Bertha R. and Rosa. Mr.
and Mrs. Markley are church members, he belonging to the
Christian Church and she to the Methodist.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 1113 |
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Darby Twp. -
BENJAMIN H. MARSHALL, blacksmith, Plain City,
was born Aug. 24, 1824. He is a son of Joshua and Sarah
(Hague) Marshall, natives of Loudoun County, Va., the former of
Scotch and the latter of Irish descent. Our subject has plied
his trade in Madison County nearly half a century, and has operated
a shop in Plain City for thirty-five years. He has made a
study of horse shoeing and other important parts of his trade, and
does his work on purely scientific principles. He was married,
in 1846, to Abigail Ann Adgate, a native of Boston and a
daughter of Theodore Adgate, a merchant in that city.
They have three children - Malinda A., Willie C., who married
Sally Wiley, in 1876, and Minnie M. Mrs. Marshall
is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr.
Marshall is a Democrat and a member of the M. E. Church, in
which he has been Trustee. He stands at the head of his trade
in this vicinity, and enjoys a liberal patronage.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
973 |
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Darby Twp. -
L. M. MARSHALL, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was
born in Madison County June 20, 1838. He is a son of G. W.
Marshall, a native of Virginia, of English descent. Our
subject attended the common schools of his native county, and early
adopted the occupation of a farmer, which he has followed all his
life, with the exception of a few yeas spent in Illinois as a
merchant. He now owns 164 acres of good land, which he
cultivates in the most approved manner. In 1858, he married
Melissa Domminy, a native of Madison County, by whom he has four
children - Electa (wife of George Van Doren), Etta
May, Jerry H. and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are
members of the Universalist Church. Mrs. Marshall's
parents came to this county from New York in 1811. Her father
was a prominent Whig, and for twenty years a Justice of the Peace.
He was a parent of twenty children, twelve by his first wife and
eight by his second. He owned 1,500 acres of land.
Mrs. Marshall was one of the youngest by his second wife.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
974 |
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Darby Twp. -
ANDREW JACKSON MARTIN, attorney at law and
Mayor of Plain City, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Dec. 8,
1826. He is a son of John and Sally Martin, natives of
Virginia, the former of English and the latter of German descent.
He received his education in the common schools of his native
county, and, until of age, worked with his father at farming and
carpentering. After he reached his majority, he purchased a
small farm, which he operated until forty-five years of age, when he
became connected with the railroad and superintended the
construction of the Columbus Dummy Railroad. On Independence
Day, 1852, he married Sarah Ann Stagg, a daughter of
Abraham and Rebecca Stagg. They had six children, four now
living Mary L., Florella J., Charles and Frank,
of whom three are married and one is in Mexico. Mrs. Martin
died in 1872, and, in 1878, he married Margaret (Shafer) Davis,
widow of Henry Davis; she is a devoted member of the
Congregational Church. Mr. Martin has been through life
a hard student. He studied law and was admitted to the bar
at Columbus, where he practiced for some years. In 1879, he
came to Plain City, and, in 1882, was elected Mayor of the village.
He is a Democrat in politics, and for several years was Justice of
the Peace in Columbus.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
974 |
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Union Twp. -
JACOB MARTIN,
superannuated minister of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, was
born near Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, Apr. 3, 1806. His father was
Charles H. Martin, a native of England, who came to America previous
to the Revolutionary war. He served in the Colonial army, and
subsequently drew a pension for services rendered. He was a single man,
and in 1789 removed to Marietta, Ohio, one year after its first
settlement, and where he met and afterward married Mary M. Gayler,
a native of Pennsylvania. The date of their marriage was 1797. Soon
after their union, they located on the Muskingum River, about six miles
above Marietta, and in 1815, to Licking County, Ohio, where both passed
the remainder of life. The father was a member of the Seceder
Church in early life, but subsequently let his thoughts turn to
things of a more worldly nature. He was again converted
through the ministration of his own son, and joined the Methodist
Episcopal Church in August, 1833, and died in the full faith of a
blissful immortality, in November, 1838, aged eighty years.
His wife became a member of the Baptist Church in 1821 or 1822, but
for convenience, joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1848,
living in that faith till her death, Dec. 8, 1860. She was
born Mar. 31, 1777. Jacob Martin, born 1806, was in
his tenth year when his parents in 1815. removed to Licking County. His
educational facilities, like those or all "pioneer boys," were limited,
he receiving only fifteen months' schooling in all his life (outside of
his theological studies), and that at scattered intervals, between the
ages of five and twenty years. He remained with his father until he
entered the university. He first thought of taking the step when
twenty-one years, of age, and in 1831 joined the Ohio Conference when
twenty-five years of age. He was first assigned to the Wilmington
(Clinton County) Circuit, and his subsequent locations are as follows:
In 1832 , to the Tiffin Circuit; in 1833, to Fort Defiance, and thence
to Logan County, W. Va., one year, his circuit covering 600 miles;
thence to Gallipolis; in 1836, to London Circuit; next to Franklinton
Circuit, one year; Granville Circuit, a like period. At close of that
year, superannuated on account of failing health, and removed to Range
Township, in this county, and was there engaged in farming for fourteen
years. He then returned to the regular ministry again, and, in 1853,was
assigned to the Dublin Circuit; thence to Groveport two years, and two
years later to Worthington, where he had formerly bought property; two
years later, was assigned to the Darbyville Circuit, in Westport,
Franklin County, while family remained at Worthington; was there one
year; thence to Mount Sterling, this county, and then to Johnston,
Licking Co., two years: Baltimore, Fairfield Co., one year; thence,
again to Mount Sterling, one year; Bloomingburg, Fayette Co., one year;
Frankfort, Ross County, two years, and finally, in 1867, again
superannuated, and purchased his present property in London, where he
has since resided. Rev. Mr. Martin has been an able and efficient
worker in the Lord's vineyard, having traveled a great deal in the State
of Michigan, doing missionary work, and prior to his entering the
regular ministry. In the latter, he has labored over a period of
twenty-two years, averaging over 3,000 miles traversed each year, and
probably a grand total of 75,000 miles, or three times the circuit of
the globe. He is now resting from his labors, amid pleasant surroundings
and hosts of admiring friends. Before long his bark will pass over the
river to the great beyond, and where a crown of righteousness awaits him
at the last day. Mr. Martin was married in March, 1836, to
Johanna C. Leonard, a native of the District of Columbia, now a
portion of Fairfax County, Va. Three sons were sent to bless this union,
two living. The elder, James D., has been in Washington, D. C, in
a dry goods house, part of the time as partner. Near the end of the
rebellion, he was sent to Savannah, Ga., as Post Office Agent; thence to
Charleston, S. C., where he remained in charge some six months, after
which he returned to Washington. He was then appointed one of the "Tax
Commissioners" of the South, with headquarters at Beaufort, S. C. At the
end of eighteen months, he returned to Washington, D. C, where he still
is, in single blessedness. The younger son, Joseph S., is a farmer and
stock-raiser of Range Township, where he was born and reared. He married
Isabel, daughter of Benjamin Harrison (deceased).
They have three childrenJames F., Benjamin H. and
Joseph S. The youngest son of Jacob Martin, John
Wayland, died Sept. 23, 1845, aged fourteen months. Mrs.
Martin is still living, aged seventy-three years. Like her husband,
she has also been a faithful worker, and with her husband, will enjoy
the Gospel sweets of the great eternity.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 902 |
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Union Twp. -
WILLIAM
McCABE McCLOUD, London, the oldest son and oldest living
child of J. C. McCloud, is the junior member of the firm of J.
C. & Mac McCloud, druggists. He was born at Milford Center, Union
Co., Ohio. June 25, 1855. He was but a year old when his parents removed
to Madison County, and was reared and educated here. In early life, he
was employed as clerk in the grocer trade, and, in 1875, entered the
employ of Abram Smith, a prominent druggist of London. He
remained in this position for five years, and then, in company with his
father, established his present business, Aug. 7, 1880. His trade has
slowly increased, and his business proven profitable. He is a member of
the Republican party. Mr. McCloud was married, Sept. 22,
1877, to Josie B., daughter of William G. Jones
(deceased).
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 903 |
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Darby Twp. -
A. McCAMPBELL, baker, Plain City, was born in
Union County Oct. 1, 1840. He is a son of John and Margaret
(Tate) McCampbell. His father was born in Virginia Jan. 19,
1812, and his mother in Warren County, Ohio, Jan. 1, 1812. His father
was the fourth child of a family of thirteen children, and was a cooper
until his arrival in Union County, since which he was a farmer.
His parents were married in Jerome Township, in 1835, where his father
died Jan. 4, 1878. Our subject is one of a family of nine
children, eight of whom reached their majority and six became school
teachers. It is said of them that they never applied for schools,
but always had them proffered to them. Two of the boys served in
the late rebellion - J. L., enlisted in 1862, in the Ninety-sixth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but after ten months' service, was discharged
on account of disability; he re-enlisted, Feb. 4, 1864, in Company 'C,
Ohio Heavy Artillery, and was finally mustered out of the service in
1865. Our subject enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry for one year, and was honorably discharged at
the expiration of his term of service. His father during life was
a strong friend of education, and was the prime-mover in having the High
School established at California. He was an Old-Line Whig until
the formation of the Republican party after which he espoused the cause
of Republicanism. He was a good Christian and for many years an
active member of the United Presbyterian Church.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
974 |
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Pleasant Twp. -
SAMUEL McCLINTICK, physician, Mt. Sterling.
The subject of this sketch, a leading physician of Madison County, was
born Feb. 1, 1821, in Pickaway County, Ohio. His parents were
Joseph and Elizabeth McClintick, his father a native of Ireland, and
his mother of Pennsylvania. They came to Pickaway County in an
early day. Our subject was reared in Pickaway County.
Although he engaged in agricultural pursuits until he was twenty years
of age, he succeeded in acquiring a liberal English education. At
the above age, he began the study of medicine, spending a portion of the
time with his brother, William McClintick, then at Mt. Sterling,
and the other portion with J. F. Wilson, then located at New
Holland, Pickaway County. During the latter portion of 1844, and
the beginning of 1845, for five months he attended the Ohio Medical
College at Cincinnati. In April, 1845, he located at Mt. Sterling,
and began the practice of his profession, in which he has met with
abundant success. He is reliable and conscientious in the
discharge of his duties, and for many years has enjoyed a large
patronage. In connection with his professional duties, he also has
under his control and management, a fine drug store which is largely
patronized. He has served as Treasurer of Pleasant Township three
years, and as such still officiates. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and of the F. & A. M. society. On May 20,
1846, he was united in marriage with Louisa C. Kauffelt. By
this union there has been an issue of four children - Elizabeth A.,
Francenia, Letitia and Lorena.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
1032 |
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Darby Twp. -
HON. RODNEY C. McCLOUD, druggist, Plain City, was
born in Madison County Mar. 25, 1842. He is the son of Dr.
Charles and Mary Jane (Carpenter) McCloud. His grandfather
McCloud came to Ohio in 1814, and settled in Union County; he was a
native of England and a local preacher. Dr. Charles McCloud
settled in Canaan Township in 1831, and for twenty years was engaged in
the active practice of medicine. He was a prominent man in
politics and an active worker in the Whig party. He represented
his county in the Ohio Legislature, in the session of 1844-45, and was a
member of the Constitutional Convention that framed the present
constitution of Ohio. He was born Feb. 2, 1802, and, in 1832,
married Mary Jane Carpenter, who was born Aug. 29, 1813.
They became the parents of four children, viz., Mary, now the
wife of Dr. E. C. Robinson, of Plain City; Smith N., a
druggist at Marysville, Ohio; Sophronia, wife of Dr. Milton
Lane, of Lincoln, Neb., and our subject. The latter was the
second child of the family. He began life as a farm hand, but soon
obtained a position in a whole sale hardware store, at Columbus, where
he was employed as a clerk for five years. He was then engaged as
a traveling salesman for the same firm until he purchased his present
business at Plain City, which he did in connection with his brother,
Smith N., who is still a partner in the business the firm owning two
stores in different towns, each of which is under the management of one
of the firm. Mr. McCloud is a Democrat in politics; he has
had the offices of Mayor and Councilman of Plain City, and Trustee of
Darby Township, and represented Madison County in the Ohio Legislature
in 1874-76. He was married, in 1874, to Nancy E. Noteman, a
daughter of Zachariah Noteman.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
975 |
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Union Twp. -
L. G. McCOLLUM
(deceased), formerly of Squires & McCollum, grocers, was
born at Marysville, Union Co., Ohio, Mar. 17, 1840. His father, John
McCollum, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and came to America in
1812. He was a pioneer of Clark County, and there resided a number of
years. He subsequently lived in both Union and Madison Counties, but now
resides at South Charleston, Clark County, in his seventy-fourth year. He was a cabinet-maker, and later a carpenter, through active life. He
married Margaret Irven, a native of London. They are the
parents of thirteen children, all living but two. Mrs.
McCollum is still living, and is seventy-two years of age. The
subject of this notice was the fourth child, and was reared mostly in
Clark County. He learned telegraphy when quite young, and worked
at it eight years. On Aug. 22, 1865, he came to London in the employ of the
Western Union Telegraph Company, and took charge of their office,
remaining in that position four years. He was then engaged in
agricultural pursuits for two years, and when the C. S. & C. (now the L,
B. & W.) Railway was opened to Georgesville, Franklin County, he was put
in charge of the office. He was subsequently employed for Fitch &
McCorry, coal dealers, two years, and then accepted a position as
passenger conductor on the G, S. & C. Railroad, which he held for nine
years. On May 9, 1882, in company with W. S. Squires, he
purchased stock and trade of Isaac G. Peetrey, grocer, of London,
and was a member of the firm of Squires & McCollum
until it was dissolved, Aug. 26, 1882. He died Sept. 9, 1882, and is
buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, near London. He was a member of the Odd
Fellow fraternity, a Thirty-second degree Mason, a member of Mount
Vernon Commandery, No. 1, Knights' Templar, of Columbus, also connected
with the Railroad Conductors' Union and the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He was Republican in politics. Mr. McCollum was married, June
13,1867, to Laura B. Squires, daughter of W. H. and
Catherine (Phifer) Squires. There were three children given
them - Louise
G., Reed S. and Harry K. Mrs. McCollum and the two oldest
children are also members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 904 |
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Union Twp. -
ERNEST McCORMACK,
London, Clerk of the Courts of Madison County, was born in London,
Dec. 31, 1853. His father, Edwin McCormack, was born in this
county in 1819, and resided here during life. He was Deputy Assessor of
Internal Revenue of this district for many years, and once served as
Sheriff of Madison County. He died in 1875, aged fifty-six years. He
married Adelia Webb, a native of Connecticut, who bore him
six children. Two of these yet survive - our subject and brother Edward,
a clerk in Jordan's coal office, London. Mrs. McCormack is
still living and resides in London. Ernest McCormack
attended the public schools of his native place, and subsequently the
Commercial College of Dayton, Ohio. Upon leaving the latter institution,
he secured a position as book-keeper for I. G. Peetrey in
the mercantile trade. He remained there live years, and was then
appointed Recorder of Madison County, to fill an unexpired term of six
months. Upon the expiration of this time, he entered the Auditor's
office as a clerk, remaining there one year. In the fall of 1881, he was
the Republican candidate for Clerk of the Courts of this county, and was
elected for a term of three years, commencing Feb. 9, 1882. Mr.
McCormack is connected by membership with Mystic Lodge, No. 36,
Knights of Pythias, of London.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 904 |
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Union Twp. -
W. H. C. McCOY,
London, a life resident of Madison County, and a resident of London, was
born in Deer Creek Township Aug. 10, 1828. A sketch of his father is
well worth a place in our work. William McCoy (deceased),
was born in Washington County, Penn., Jan. 30, 1785; his father,
Daniel McCoy, emigrated to Kentucky in 1787, and there
resided till 1806. He then removed to Clark County, Ohio; he departed
this life in Highland County. He married a Miss Sutherland;
on Mar. 10, 1815, William McCoy came to Madison County,
locating in Deer Creek Township, one and a half miles east of the
present site of La Fayette; he was a farmer and stock-raiser through
life, and took great interest in the breeding and raising of horses. He
owned 300 acres of land at the time of his death. He was a soldier in
the war of 1812; a Whig in early life, subsequently a stanch Republican,
and for many, years was a Justice of the Peace in Deer Creek Township;
he was one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church of London, and
among its first Elders. He died Sept. 3, 1869, aged eighty-four
years eight months and three days. His wife was Ann Tweed
Fielding, who was born in Washington County, Penn., Jan. 17,
1793; they were the parents of nine children, six daughters and three
sons, two now living - Mrs. M. M. Davidson, of London, and our
subject. Mrs. McCoy departed this life Mar. 28, 1854. Both
parents were buried in the cemetery, two and a half miles east of La
Fayette. Our subject was the eighth child, and grew to mature years on
the old home farm. In early life he walked two and a half miles to
district school, and subsequently attended an academy at Jefferson; he
has been engaged in farming the most of his life, having inherited 100
acres of the home farm, and afterward buying the other 200 acres, and
then adding 140 more to it; he came to London Feb. 23, 1873, and
sold his farm in December, 1879; since his removal to London, he has
been working at the carpenter's trade, which he learned about 1855.
Mr. McCoy is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138 (Masonic), Madison
Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. F.), and has been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal denomination for twenty-eight years; he was class leader of
the church at La Fayette, and has held the same position in the church
of London; he is Republican in politics, and has served as Justice of
the Peace of Deer Creek Township. He was united in marriage, Mar. 6,
1853, to Elizabeth Simpson, a native of Nottingham, Eng.,
who came to America when but ten years of age. Four children were
born to this union, three living - William, in A., T. & S. Fe Land
Office, Topeka, Kan., who married Jennie McCoy; Henry
C. and Celestia B.; Lydia T., the oldest
child is deceased. Mrs. McCoy departed this life
Feb. 7, 1880; she was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The
full name of our subject is William Henry Clay, and
the manner in which it was given him will be of. interest. When his
parents lived in Kentucky, they were well acquainted with Henry
Clay, and when our subject was born, he was named for the
Kentucky statesman. When he had attained the age of two and a half
years, Henry Clay stopped at the Gwynne farm, and
sent word to the parents to bring his namesake over. He then presented
the child with a five dollar gold piece. This money was taken charge of
by an elder brother, and used in the purchase of calves. At the time of
the latter's death, the sum amounted to $200. This money was put on
interest for two or three years, and then the father saw a chance to buy
forty-one acres of land adjoining the homestead, which he purchased.
When our subject grew of age, he was presented this piece of land, and
kept it till he finally disposed of the whole farm.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 907 |
| |
Darby Twp.
DAVID McCUNE,
retired farmer, P. O. Plain City, is a brother of Dr. John E.
McCune, and was born in this county Aug. 20, 1824. He
was reared on a farm and received a limited education. In
1847, he married Harriet Kent, a native of Union County, and
a daughter of Daniel Kent, a soldier of 1812. In
1861, Mr. McCune enlisted in the army, and served for the
full term of his enlistment. He was also in the "hundred days"
service. He is a life-long farmer, but has latterly retired
from all active work. He is a partner with his brother in the
possession of 400 acres of land and in a fine business block of
Plain City. He also owns a neat brick house, now occupied b
him as a residence. He started with nothing, but is now
possessed of a comfortable competency. He is a Republican, and
has been Township Trustee. He and wife are members of the M.
E. Church.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
975 |
| |
Darby Twp. -
JOHN E. McCUNE, M. D.,
Plain City, was born in Madison County, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1826.
He is a son of John and Polly (Hager) McCune, the former of
Vermont, of English ancestry. His grandparents came to this
county in 1802. Our subject attended the common schools of his
native township, after which he taught school to obtain the means
for further educating himself. His literary education was
obtained at the Central College, in Franklin County, and his
professional education at Starling Medical College, Columbus.
After leaving college, he located at Palm City, and engaged in
practicing his profession, and, with the exception of one year spent
in the West, he has remained here ever since. He was married,
in 1850, to Anna Barlow, daughter of Edmond W. Barlow,
a Major in the war of 1812, who came to this county in 1833.
Dr. McCune is a courteous, affable gentleman, of studious
habits and an enthusiast in his profession. During his many
years of practice at Plain City, he has wrestled very successfully
with some very difficult cases, and has built up for himself an
enviable reputation and a lucrative practice. He is a
prominent member of Plain City Lodge, No. 193, I. O. O. F., and a
highly esteemed citizen. He is always to be found on the side
of morality and temperance, and takes a deep interest in the welfare
of his community. He has a farm of 100 acres of good land, an
interest in a fine business block in Plain City and other property.
He is a self-made and well-made man.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
975 |
|
|
Union Twp. -
GEORGE G. McDONALD,
London, is a retired farmer, and has been a resident of Madison County
for three-quarters of a century. He was born in Washington County,
Tenn., on Christmas Day of 1803. He is a son of James McDonald, a
native of Botetourt County, Va. He left his native State when
quite young, and emigrated to Tennessee, where he married Nancy Cook,
a native of New Jersey. They came to Ross County, Ohio, in the
winter of 1806-07, and the following spring came to Madison County.
He located on a farm in Union Township, six miles from the present site
of London, and on the Georgesville pike. He was a farmer by
occupation, and a pioneer of that part of Madison county. There
was only one house in what is now the village of London when he came to
this county, and Indians and wild beasts were entirely too plentiful for
comfort. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McDonald,
six living, and their daughter, seventy-six; daughter, seventy-four;
daughter, seventy-two; and son, fifty-nine, an average of over
seventy-three years each. This is probably the highest average of
any family in Madison County. Our subject was the third child and
second son, and in early life assisted his father in the general duties
of the farm. He was accustomed to clearing land, and burning up
the walnut timber to get it out of the way. His mother was a good
scholar, and taught him what early education he possessed. He
married Melinda Ferguson, a native of Lexington, Ky., and a
resident of Franklin County, Ohio. He remained with his father
three years after marriage, and then purchased 335 acres of land in Deer
Creek Township where he resided until 1878. In the meantime, he
had increased his farm to 623 acres. His original farm he gave to
his daughter, and now owns and farms the remainder, 288 acres. In
1878, he removed to London, where he now resides. He has been a
member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination fifty-five years,
probably as long as any present resident of Madison County. He was
formerly a Whig, but became a charter member of the Republican party on
the date of its organization. He has always enjoyed perfect
health, and to use his own language - "When I am a little indisposed, I
don't take any medicine, but just starve the sickness away. I find
that the best plan." Thirteen children have been give to him, only
one living - Mary A., wife of "Judge" Robert C. Fulton, of
Columbus. "Uncle George," as he is familiarly known to the
greater part of our readers, possesses a most remarkable memory.
He can relate many stories of "days gone by," when the little band of
pioneers in this county had all they could do to keep body and soul
together, and wait for the day when the white settlers would
predominate. He has been a "tiller of the soil" for three-quarters
of a century, honest in every action, and enjoys the true esteem and
respect of every citizen in the county.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
908 |
|
|
Darby Twp. -
A. C. McDOWELL, telegrapher, Plain City, was born
in Delaware County, Ohio, May 25, 1844. He is a son of Theodore
and Elithia (Sharp) McDowell, natives of Vermont, the former of
French and the latter of German descent. Our subject received a
common school education, and since twenty-one years of age, has been a
telegraphy operator. He worked on the Pan-Handle Railroad two
years, and has held the position in Plain City seventeen years. In
the late war, he enlisted in Company, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Robb, and participated n
several engagements, but was a detached duty part of the time. On
Feb. 21, 1875, he married Eoline G. Smith, of Wayne County, Ind.
by whom he has two children - Grace F. and Helen G. Mr.
McDowell is a member of the Grand Army, and owns a neat and
substantial residence where he now resides.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
976 |
|
|
Darby Twp. -
GUS A. McDOWELL, carpenter, Plain City, was born
in Darby Township Jan. 4, 1832. He is a son of L. and Elitha
(Sharp) McDowell, the former a native of New Hampshire, of Scotch
descent, and the latter of New York, of Dutch descent. Our subject
received a good education in the English branches, and being a constant
reader, is now a well-posted citizen. He owns two acres of land
adjoining Plain City, on which he recently erected his residence.
In 1862, he enlisted in the United States Regular Army, and was one of a
band of unfortunates captured by the rebels and inhumanly forced over a
precipice, two of them being kilied outright, and our subject
with many others seriously injured. He was discharged in 1864,
after two years' service. In 1854, he married Miss S.
Douglass, a native of Darby Township, and a daughter of Cyrus
and Lucy (Sherwood) Douglass. They have had five children,
viz., Lucy A., wife John Truss; Ada L., wife
of M. Brown; Hester M. and Elitha. Mrs.
McDowell died Oct. 20, 1874.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
976 |
|
|
Union Twp. -
W. H. McKINNON,
London, is a member of the firm of McKinnon & Watts, the well-known
saddlers and harness-makers. He is a native of Lisbon, Clark County,
Ohio, and a son of Theophilus McKinnon, who came to Ohio in 1802. He was
born in Harrison County, Ky., in November, 1774. His father came to Ohio
with his family in 1802, and settled on Buck Creek, a few miles north of
Springfield, Ohio, he being the first settler on that stream above the
site of Lagonda. He also planted the first apple-orchard in that part of
the country. At the time the family settled in Ohio, this entire region
of the State was inhabited by many Indians. Mr. McKinnon,
in his younger days, witnessed a number of councils of Indians, at which
the "pipe of peace" figured prominently. He once heard the famous Indian
chief and warrior, Tecumseh, make a speech at a council in Springfield. He was married to Pricilla Houston, sister of Dr. J. T.
Houston, of London, Jan. 2, 1823. Mrs. McKinnon departed
this life July 24, 1872. Nine children were born to them, all of
whom lived to the years of maturity, and six of them are now living - Mrs.
Reed Marquart and Mr. J. Q. McKinnon, of Atlanta, Ill.;
Mr. J. T. McKinnon, of Washington Territory; Hon. J. H. McKinnon,
of Ashland, Neb.; Mrs. E. E. Watts and W. H. McKinnon, of
London. For almost thirty years Mr. McK. was a resident of
Madison County, with the exception of a short time of residence at
Xenia, spending the last fourteen years of his life in London. Mr.
McK. possessed a remarkable memory, and, with his mind stored with
the numerable facts gained from many years of diligent reading, he was a
veritable living history of Madison County. Always interested in the
affairs of the nation, he kept himself posted upon all subjects of
importance, so that it was a pleasure to hear from him through his
knowledge of affairs seventy and seventy-five years ago. During the last
thirteen years of his life, he was blind, and it seemed to be true in
his case, that the loss of one of the powers strengthens the remaining,
for up to within a short time of his death his mind remained perfectly
clear and ready, and his memory surprisingly accurate. During the years
of his blindness, he was kept informed upon all matters of interest by
friends reading to him, and he continued to manifest a great interest in
matters of daily concern. For nearly sixty years, he was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal denomination, having been converted while a resident
of Lisbon, Clark County, Ohio. He was active in his church relations,
and made his house a home for ministers, delighting to entertain and
keep them with him. His days of life reached from the days of George
Washington to the present. He lived under every administration since
the organization of our present government. His first Presidential vote
was cast for James Monroe, in 1820, after whom he voted for
President at every election for that office, making in all, for him,
sixteen such votes. He said that he had crossed the Alleghany Mountains
twelve times on horseback, a feat that few would care about performing
at the present day. He was a grandson of Maj. Harrison and
a great-grandson of Col. Crawford, both of whom were
tortured to death by the Indians, the former having been "squibbed " to
death with powder, at a place near the present site of Zanesfield, Logan
County, Ohio, and the latter having been burned to death at a stake,
near Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, Ohio. Mr. McKinnon
passed away from earth the evening of Friday before Easter Sunday, in
1882, aged eighty-eight years, being, with possibly two exceptions, the
oldest man in the community. He sleeps the sleep that knows no awakening
in Oak Hill Cemetery, east of London. W. H. McKinnon was reared
in Clark and Madison Counties, and served a four years' apprenticeship
at his present trade with an uncle, Thomas Houston, of
South Charleston, Ohio He worked at his trade in Logan County, Ill., for
two years, and then returned to South Charleston. After a short time, he
went to Catawba, Clark County, and subsequently to Jefferson, in this
county. In 1865, he came to London with his uncle, and three or four
months later the present partnership of McKinnon & Watts
was formed. They are among the oldest merchants in the village, have met
with very good success, and both members of the firm are highly
esteemed. Mr. McKinnon is Republican in politics, and once
served two years as a member of the County Central Committee.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 908 |
|
|
Deer Creek Twp. -
ALEXANDER B. McMURRAY,
farmer, P. O. La Fayette, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., Aug. 3, 1820. He is a son of Alexander and Ellen McMurray; he was born
in Cumberland County, and she in Allegheny County, Penn. The
grandfather, John McMurray, was a native of Scotland, and when a
young single man emigrated to America about 1774, and served in the war
of the Revolution, after which he married and located in Pennsylvania,
and finally died in Westmoreland County. Alexander, the father of our
subject, married Ellen Simpson and located in Westmoreland
County, where they lived till 1826, when they emigrated to Ohio and
located in Highland County, where they lived two years; after which they
lived two years in Ross County, and in January, 1830, they removed to
Madison County and located in Deer Creek Township; here his wife died
May 9, 1854, aged seventy-three years. He died Oct. 5, 1867, aged
ninety-six years. They had eight children, six now survive - John,
James, Ellen, Isabel, Sarah and Alexander,
our subject, who was ten years of age when they came to Madison County,
and here grew to manhood, fully acquainted with the early pioneers and
the hardships and trials of those days. He was married to Mary
Houser, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Oct. 16, 1838;
she was a daughter of George and Barbara (Miner)
Houser, he a native of Virginia and she of Ohio. Their marriage was
celebrated July 4, 1854. Mr. Houser and wife had
five children, four now living - Dorotha, Jane, Elizabeth,
Mary and Ann Maria. Mrs. Houser died
in 1840; he still survives and resides in Indiana, aged seventy years.
Mr. McMurray and wife have had ten children, seven
now survive - Alexander, born Mar. 18, 1855; Louisa, Apr. 16, 1859; George
Nov. 17, 1863; Ella, July 17, 1868;
Robert, Feb. 4, 1870; Sallie, Mar. 22, 1877; and
Florence, born June 26, 1879. Mr. McMurray has made
farming his occupation through life, and all in this township, but three
years, from the fall of 1855 to the fall of 1858, during which he lived
in Iowa. In September, 1861, he bought and located on the place where he
now lives and has since resided. This farm consists of fifty-two and a
half acres, which he purchased of Mrs. Rogers. Mr.
McMurray has served his Township as Trustee, and is one of the
early settlers of this county.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 1024 |
|
|
Pleasant Twp. -
WILLIAM F. MERCER, druggist, Mt. Sterling, was
born Feb. 27, 1847, in Ross County, Ohio. He is a son of James
M. Mercer, who served in the war of the late rebellion, and died of
hemorrhage on the James River, Virginia, in December, 1864, and
Elizabeth Mercer, who still resides in Ross County. The
earlier portion of his youth was spent in Bainbridge, Ross County, where
he received a liberal English education. In May, 1862 he enlisted
as a private in the Mississippi Squadron, Federal service, and served
for a period of four months. On Sept. 9, 1870, he was united in
marriage with Miss Lizzie Van Buskirk, daughter of Peter and
Rebecca Van Buskirk. They have one daughter - Belle,
born Jan. 25, 1878. Since 1864, Mr. Mercer has been engaged
more or less in different branches of trades. In March, 1882, as
senior member, he formed a copartnership in the drug business with W.
A. Basore, of Mt. Sterling, under the firm title W. F.
Mercer & Co. Our subject has been moderately successful in
business. He is a clever and agreeable gentleman, and a good
salesman. He has established for himself a reliable business, and
is a member of the Christian Church.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
1033 |
|
|
Union Twp. -
ABRAM MILLER, of
Lohr & Miller, undertakers, London, was born in Virginia
Jan. 24, 1817. He is a son of John Miller, a native of
that State, and a farmer by occupation. He came to Ohio about 1822,
locating near New Lancaster. He resided there a year or two, and then,
becoming dissatisfied, went back to Virginia, where he died about 1831.
He married Mary Groves, also a native of Virginia, and
daughter of John Groves. They were blessed with eight
children, three living. Mrs. Miller subsequently married
Thomas Lang, but there were no children born to this
union. She died about 1862. Our subject was the third child of the first
union, and the only one residing in this county. He lived in Virginia
until twenty-one years of age, and in April following came to Urbana,
Champaign County, where he learned the wagon-maker's trade. He worked at
it there for ten years, and in 1848 came to Madison County, locating at
Midway, Range Township. He still worked at his trade, but about 1862,
commenced keeping hotel, which latter business he followed for ten
years. During a portion of this time, he worked at his trade. In 1869,
he came to London, and was landlord of the old Miller House
for nine years. In September, 1879, he became associated in business
with George W. and James Lohr, in his present
business. Mr. Miller is a good undertaker, and thoroughly
understands the embalming process. The firm has met with good success in
business. Mr. Miller is a Prohibition-Democrat in
politics. He was married, in October, 1841, to Harriet
Minshall, a native of Madison County. Of their three children, two
are living - Ella, wife of Robert Morris, and
Theodore W. Mrs. Miller departed this
life in January, 1848. He was again married, Nov. 2, 1848, to
Sophronia Chappell, daughter of William P. Chappell,
who was born in Virginia Jan. 28, 1804. He accompanied his father,
George Chappell, to this county, when quite a small boy. Five
children were born to this second marriage, four living - Leora A., wife
of Isaac N. Fisher, of Midway, Range Township; Fannie, wife of
W. H. H. Williamson, of Danville, Madison County; Amanda B.
and Vincent C. Cordelia J. is deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 910 |
|
|
Darby Twp. -
JOHN W. MILLHOLLAND, brick-maker, Plain City.
William Millholland, the father of our subject, was born in
Pennsylvania; he was a son of Thomas and Maria (Overmeyer)
Millholland, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of
Germany. They married in Pennsylvania, and, coming West at an
early day, entered 160 acres of land, three miles northwest of West
Liberty, Champaign County, where two of the daughters now reside.
William remained at home until about 1868, when he came to
Madison County. He married Rachel Ann Nichols, by whom he
had ten children, four boys and six girls, two boys and three girls of
whom survive. The parents are both also living. The subject
of this sketch was the second child and second son. He was born in
Champaign County June 16, 1844, and remained at home until 1865,
when he went to the far West and engaged in herding cattle in Kansas, at
which he continued eighteen months, after which he moved to Illinois and
engaged in farming. About fourteen years ago, he came to Jefferson
Township, where, in 1871, he married Clara McCauley, who was
born, raised and educated in that township; she was a daughter of
Edward and Cynthia (Webster) McCauley, the latter a descendant of
Daniel Webster. By this union four children have been born,
one boy and three girls, of whom Edith is the only survivor.
In 1875, Mr. Millholland engaged in brick-making at Plain City,
at which he still continues. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and
in politics formerly a democrat, but latterly a Prohibitionist.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
976 |
|
|
Canaan Twp. -
J. S. MILLIKIN, farmer,
P. O. West Canaan, a native of this county and township, was born Aug. 13, 1841; he is a son of James Millikin, Jr. and Rachel (Carey)
Millikin, the father a native of Washington County, Penn., and the
mother of Ohio. His grandparents were James Millikin, a
native of Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth (Cook) Millikin. He
emigrated to Ohio in 1830. Our subject was married, Jan. 1, 1874,
to Mattie E. Flennekin, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, and a
daughter of Samuel and Mary (Wilson) Flennekin. By this
union two children were born - Francis Wilbur, born Oct. 27,
1875, and Lulu May, born June 11, 1876.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 1079 |
|
|
Canaan Twp. -
J. F. MILLIKIN, farmer,
P. O. West Jefferson. The subject of this sketch was born in
Washington County, Penn., Aug. 18, 1842; he is a son of John and
Rachel (Bane) Millikin. He came to Darby Plains, Madison
County, in 1856. His father was born Aug. 15, 1807, and died in
Feb., 1882. He owns ninety-one acres of land five miles northwest
of Jefferson and a half mile from the Alder farm. He makes
farming his business, and in politics is a Democrat. He has filled
several township offices. He was married, Mar. 27, 1873, to
Elizabeth M., daughter of Rowland and Almira (Hall) Thomas, a
native of Ohio, born Nov. 28, 1850. Her father was a native of
Wales, her mother of Ohio. By this union there were three
children, viz.: Charles Rowland, born June 28, 1874; Wyat
Lester, born Sept. 28, 1875, and Marvin Stanley born Aug. 27, 1877. Mr. Millikin's grandfather, James Millikin,
emigrated to Ohio at an early day and died at the age of eighty-eight
years.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 1079 |
|
|
Darby Twp. -
JACOB MILLIKIN, retired farmer, P. O. Plain City,
was born in Washington County, Penn., Oct. 11, 1809. He is a son
of James and Elizabeth (Cook) Millikin, natives of Pennsylvania,
of Scotch-Irish descent, his father purchased 1,500 acres of land for 75
cents per acre. He was a surveyor, and died in 1870. Our
subject received only such education as could be acquired in the
district schools, but, by dint of hard study, he succeeded in laying by
a good store of information. His father had a family of nine
children, viz., Samuel, deceased; Martha, wife of James
Boyd; Daniel; John; Jacob; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Alder,
Ann, wife of Solomon Cary; James, a retired farmer,
and Andrew. Jacob was married in 1835, to Sarah
A. Carey, a daughter of Abijah Carey; she was born where they
now live in 1813. They have two children, William and
Sarah. Mr. Millikin owns 500 acres of land. He is
a Democrat, but has never aspired to official honor of any kind.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
977 |
|
|
Darby Twp. -
WILLIAM MILLIKIN, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O.
Plain City, is a son of Jacob Millikin, whose sketch appears in
this work. He was born in Canaan Township and received his
education in the common schools of this county. He has chosen the
occupation of a farmer, and now has entire charge of his father's farm.
He deals extensively in cattle, and sells some of the finest stock
brought into market. He is a Democrat in politics, following the
leadership of his father, who cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson.
Our subject was married, in1861, to Elizabeth E. Slyh, a native
of this county, and a daughter of Matthias Slyh.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
977 |
|
|
Union Twp. -
JAMES Q. MINSHALL
(deceased) was born in Paint Township, this county, Mar. 7,1815, and
died in London Aug. 28, 1878. His parents, Jonathan and
Eleanor Minshall, came from Virginia to Ross County, Ohio,
in 1806, and moved from there to Paint Township, Madison County, one
year later. James Quinn Minshall began life for
himself at twenty-one years of age, by accepting a position with a Mr.
Anderson, who kept a stage station near, and subsequently a hotel
at LaFayette, in this county. After remaining three years with Mr.
Anderson, during which time he accumulated about $300, he engaged
in farming and stock-dealing, renting the John Creamer
farm in Range Township, in connection with Jesse Watson.
In this business he continued until his death, accumulating property
which, clear of all indebtedness, was worth not less than $200,000.
During his lifetime, he paid, interest included, not less than $70,000
as security for others. He was the owner of between thirty-four and
thirty-five hundred acres of land in Range, Paint and Union Townships,
and was a large stock owner in the Madison National Bank, of which he
was President for a long time prior to and until his death. He was
married to Hannah Watson, daughter of Samuel
Watson, and by her had five children, viz., Wyatt,
Clarestine (deceased), Leon, Sarah and Ada.
Mrs. Minshall died in June, 1866, after twenty-seven years of
happily married life, and in April, 1867, Mr. Minshall
married Lydia Powell, by whom he had no children. Mr.
Minshall was one of the best known, most influential and wealthy
citizens of Madison County. From a penniless boy, he gained his high
position in the world by his own personal efforts, and though he lost a
great deal of money, during his life, his business ability and untiring
energy enabled him to overcome all reverses, and to reach a position of
the highest honor in the community. Some time before the beginning of
his residence in London, in 1865, he joined the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and was ever afterward a steadfast, working Christian. Tireless
in doing good, and unbounded in his charity, with a warm heart and
sympathetic nature, he never turned a deaf ear to the cry of want, but
always stood ready to help the deserving poor. In his death the
community mourned the loss of one of its most noble members.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 910 |
|
|
Union Twp. -
LEON
MINSHALL, of Armstrong & Minshall, dealers in
furniture and queensware, London. He was born near Midway, Range
Township, Apr. 7, 1847, and is a son of James Q. Minshall and Hannah
Watson. Our subject was reared and educated in Madison County, and
in 1866 located in London. He was first engaged in the grocery business
with Watson, Cowling & Co., and in 1870, went to
Bloomington, Ill., where he was engaged in the transfer business with
William Armstrong, the firm being known as Armstrong &
Minshall. He continued there in business for two years, and then
returned to Ohio. His next step was taking a course of study at Dickison
College, Carlisle, Penn. In 1878, he engaged in the boot and shoe
trade, and three years later, Nov. 1, 1881, sold out to William
Ronemus. In June, 1882, he formed a partnership with Edward
Armstrong, in his present business, and the firm have so far
secured a very substantial and encouraging trade. Mr. Minshall
is Republican in politics. He was married Mar. 15, 1877, to Mary
Ganlin, a native of England. They have two children - Imo
and Elsie. Mr. and Mrs. Minshall are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 911 |
|
|
Union Twp. -
CHARLES MINSHALL, with W. S. Squires & Co., grocers, was born
in Range Township, Madison County, Ohio, July 30. 1859. His grandfather,
Jonathan Minshall, was a native of Maryland, and came to
Madison County about 1805 or 1806. He was an early and honored pioneer
of this county, and a very successful man in business. He died at the
age of eighty-eight years. One son, W. W. Minshall (deceased),
the father of our subject, was born in Paint Township, on the farm now
owned by David Watson, Dec. 25, 1810. He was a
stock-dealer through life, and late in life removed to London, where he
died, Oct. 18, 1873, aged sixty-three years. He was probably the
first white child born in Madison County. He was twice married, his
first wife bearing him six children, all of whom are living. His second
wife was Mrs. Hannah (Littleton) Beers, daughter of Thomas
and Sarah Littleton, natives of Virginia and
Maryland. They had three children, our subject the
oldest and only one living. Mrs. Minshall is still living,
resides in London, at the age of sixty-two years, and in the enjoyment
of splendid health. Charles Minshall lived in this county
till fourteen years of age, and then spent three or four years in the
States of Missouri, Texas and Iowa, being engaged during this period in
the stock business. He then came back to Madison County, and since
Mar. 17, 1882, has been engaged in his present business. He was united in
marriage, Feb. 7,1882, to Florence, daughter of Seth
McCollum, grocer, of South Charleston.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 911 |
|
|
Deer Creek Twp. -
JOHN MINTER, farmer, P.
O. La Layette, was born in Harrison County, Va., Oct. 12, 1804: he is
a son of William and Mary Minter, natives of
Virginia. The grandparents were John and Elizabeth
Minter, also natives of Virginia, who removed to Kentucky, and
were among the early settlers of that State; they located on military
lands, which, from the uncertain and imperfect titles which then
existed, he subsequently lost. About 1802, they removed to Ohio, and
were among the pioneers of Delaware County, where they lived and died.
William Minter married Mary Stevenson, and
resided in Kentucky till the spring of 1829, when they removed to this
county and located in Deer Creek Township, on the tract of land still
owned by his son John, our subject, at a point about one mile
north of La Fayette. This tract of land he obtained on a military claim,
which called for 6,666-2/3 acres, of which he obtained about one-third;
the balance being absorbed by fraud and expenses of surveys, and in
locating the lands. This land was then all in its natural state, with no
improvements, and here Mr. Minter spent the active portion
of his life; thence he removed to the town of La Fayette, where he
passed the last years of his life. He died in August, 1858, aged
eighty-two years; his wife died in February, 1868, aged eighty-seven
years. Mr. Minter was one of the active, leading men of
this community, and held many offices of trust in the township, and as
stated in the history of Deer Creek Township, he was the founder of the
town of La Fayette. He was always ready with his means and influence to
aid in all public improvements for the general good of the community;
and many of his neighbors and acquaintances were the recipients of his
kindness and financial aid, even to the great injury of himself, and in
his death the community lost one of her kindest and best citizens. He
was the father of nine children - four now surviving - John,
Sallie (now Widow Quinn), William, Crawford
and Ann (now Widow Rogers). Our subject grew to
manhood in Kentucky, and was in his twenty-fifth year when he came to
Madison County with his father. He was married, Sept. 7, 1837, to
Mary Delaney, who was born in Urbana, Ohio, Nov. 18,1818,
a daughter of David and Sarah Delaney, a
native of Champaign County, Ohio. They had but one child - Mary.
Mr.
Delaney died ; his wife died Jan. 22,18.68. Mr. Minter
and wife have had six children - Salome and Saline (twins)
born Apr. 12, 1839; the former died Jan. 12, 1857; the latter June
2, 1857; Walter, born Apr. 12, 1842, died June 15,1844;
Sallie Ann, born Oct. 11, 1846, married W. H. Jones;
Lewis K., born June 25, 1852; and Benjamin Franklin,
born Apr. 9, 1855. Mr. Minter resided upon the old home
place of his father till about 1857, when he moved to La Fayette for the
purpose of convenience to school, to educate his children. He has now
lived fifty-three years in Deer Creek Township.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 1024 |
N. Mitchel |
Somerford Twp. -
NEWMAN MITCHELL, one of the men who helped make a
history for Madison County, was born Apr. 29, 1811, on the banks of the
Ohio River, forty miles above Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the son of
Ensign and Lucy (Hubbard) Mitchell. His father moved to
Madison County, Ohio, and settled on a farm about four and a half miles
southeast of Mechanicsburg in the year 1815. In about the year
1826, his father moved to another farm, near Rosedale. This farm
consisted of 600 acres, bought from one Galloway. Newman
and his brother, Abizar bought 450 acres of this farm from their
father, and succeeded in paying for it; he married, Jan. 1, 1837.
Miss Cassandra Bradley, daughter of David and Nancy Bradley,
born Mar. 17, 1818, sister to Lawson, David M. and Shelton
Bradley. He made subsequent purchases until he owned over 400
acres of land in that settlement; and in 1853 he bought the "Tom
Morris farm," near Tradersville, on to which he moved in that same
year. In 1865, he bought to Nathaniel Griffin farm, 433
acres, for which he paid $20,000. He afterward assisted his
son-in-law, David Bales, in buying out the heirs in the Bales
farm, one mile north of Somerford, consisting of about 355 acres; he
then added, by three different purchases, nearly 1,000 acres from the
D. W. C. Sawyer farm, adjoining his home farm. His later
purchases, made after the war, were in conjunction with his son,
Charles Mitchell, as an equal partner. With what he has given
to his children, he now owns about 2,200 acres, all of which is well
improved; he has always been diligent, industrious and honest. "Uncle
Newman's" word has always passed at par value. For many years
he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he
has made his money in legitimate enterprises. He never indulged in
any "wild cat" speculations. He dealt in cattle and other live
stock, and has generally been an extensive farmer, employing hired help
to quite an extent; he has been a good husband, a good father, a good
neighbor, a peaceable and law-abiding citizen, and a good example for
both young and old. What more need be said of any man?
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
1114
Portrait found on Pg. 896 in Chapter on Union Twp. |
|
|
Darby Twp. -
R. MOONEY, merchant, Plain City, was born in
Jefferson County, Ohio, Mar. 4, 1850, and is the son of Jacob and
Rosanna (Winters) Mooney, natives of Ohio, of Irish descent.
Our subject was raised on a farm, and followed farming until 1876, when
he engaged in his present business in Plain City. He was married,
in 1872, to Electa Lane, by whom he had two children - Ida
and Walter. Mrs. Mooney died in 1876, and, on June 20,
1877, he married Emily Bigelow, a daughter of Dr. D. K.
Bigelow, and by her has one child - Otto. Mr. Mooney
is a Democrat of the old Jacksonian school. He is a prominent
member of the Masonic order, of the Scottish Rite degree. He is a
thorough and successful business man, and stands high in the community
where he lives.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
977 |
|
|
Union Twp. -
ELISHA MOORE
(deceased) was a native of Virginia, born near Winchester in 1797. His
father, John Moore, was also a native of the "Old
Dominion," and came to Ohio about 1811. He located in Ross County, and
a year later came to Madison County, settling on 300 acres of land
belonging to the Littler family, in Union Township. He was a farmer by
occupation, a quiet and unobtrusive citizen, and a great lover of fun. He was a "Jackson Democrat " until 1840, then joined the Whig party and
remained that way till his death. He was twice married. His first wife
was a Miss Smith, who bore him two children, both now
deceased. His second wife was Sarah Littler. They were the
parents of nine children, probably two now living. Our subject was about
fifteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to this county. He
farmed two or three years in early life, in Ross County, raising wheat
and floating it down to New Orleans to market, on a flatboat. He then
located on his father's land, in Union Township, and resided there till
1840. He then removed his family to Noble County, Indiana, and there
departed this life in 1861. He was also twice married. His first wife
was Annie Cooms, a native of Virginia or Maryland, and daughter of
Jacob Cooms. They had four children, three living. Mrs.
Moore died in the fall of 1836, and Mr. Moore
married for his second wife Nancy Scott, a native of
Madison or Clark County, and daughter of Robert Scott. No
children were born to this union. Mrs. Moore is still
living, and resides at Pearson, Kosciusko Co., Ind. Politically, Mr.
Moore was a Whig, a "Know Nothing," and subsequently a
Republican. Robert Moore, a carpenter of London, and the
only member of the family now residing in this county, was born on the
old home farm, in Union Township, Apr. 17, 1828. When twelve years of
age, he went to Noble County, Ind., with his parents, and assisted in "clearing up " a large "patch of timber" which then covered the farm. Wild beasts and Indians were very plentiful then, and Mr.
Moore remembers a day when his father killed three deer and brought
them home. Wolves and wild turkeys were numerous, and the former were so
bold as to steal close to the log cabin, attack and kill the dog which
stood on guard. Mr. Moore's father was in rather poor
health after going to Indiana, and his two sons were engaged in doing
all the work of the farm. At twenty-two years of age, Robert
Moore left the old fireside, and that summer assisted on another
farm in the same county. The following winter he came to this county,
and the next summer worked in a saw-mill. He was then employed to drive
100 head of cattle from London over the mountains to Philadelphia. He
returned to London, and then to his father's. He rented the home farm,
remained there two years, and then returned to London again. He was then
engaged in different occupations, visiting both the East and the West,
for some time, but was principally employed in working at his trade in
London and Madison County. F ailing health has caused a cessation of
active labor for the past seven or eight years. Mr. Moore
united with the Masonic fraternity in 1855 or 1856, and is a member or
Chandler Lodge, No. 138, of London. He is a stanch Republican, but has
never been an office-holder. He was married in the last week of 1863 to
Thoressa Lohr. a native of London, and daughter of John
Lohr. Of their five children, three are living - Annie,
Mary and Clara. Mrs. Moore is a member
of the First Presbyterian Church of London, and Mr. Moore
is a regular attendant on its services.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 912 |
|
|
Oak Run Twp. -
ACHILLES C. MOORMAN,
farmer, P. O. London, was born in Lynchburg, Va., Feb. 7, 1833. He
is the son of Thomas and Martha Jane (Jennings) Moorman. They
emigrated to this State in 1836, settling at Galloway Station, Franklin
County, where the subject of this sketch was raised and educated. On
Nov. 12, 1854, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Hambleton,
daughter of Stephen G. Hambleton, by whom he has a family of four
children living, viz., Thomas A., Delos B., Lillian and E. W.;
and one dead - Frances Mary. In 1855, he moved to Washington
County, Iowa, and after a residence there of three years, removed to
Franklin County, where he remained until 1864, when he moved to his
present home in Madison County. His educational facilities were, to a
certain extent, limited; he had the good fortune however to spend the
winters of 1851-52 and '53, attending the Otterbein University at
Westerville, where he studied the profession of land surveying. He owns
a very extensive farm in Oak Bun Township, consisting of 650 acres, and
is recognized as one of the leading men in his neighborhood.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page 1162 |
|
|
Darby Twp. -
A. S. MORGRIDGE, retired farmer, P. O. Plain City,
was born in Darby Township, Sept. 6, 1822. He was the youngest of
nine children, of whom three survive. He received a rather limited
education in a log schoolhouse, and has worked on a farm all his life,
with the exception of two winters, in which he taught school. He
has never belonged to any church or secret society, is neutral in
politics and now owns about 600 acres of land, which he farms and on
which he raises cattle, but unfortunately he is a bachelor. His
father, Richard Mordridge, was born in Amesbury, Mass., Nov. 18,
1771; his father died when he was about nine months old, and he lived
with his mother and in different places until sixteen years of age, when
he was bound to a Mr. Coffin until of age. While in
service, he and some others hired a teacher, and formed an evening
school, where Mr. Morgridge obtained his little education.
He afterward obtained some knowledge of surveying, and followed it a
little. When of age, he left Massachusetts and worked at $5 per
month in Vermont until he bought 100 acres of land. He married
Sallie Emerson May 1, 1800, left Vermont for Ohio June 10, 1816, and
arrived in Licking County in August or September. In 1819, he came
to Madison County, bought land of Walter Dunn, and built a cabin,
in which he lived until his death, Aug. 10, 1843. He was the
youngest of six children. Samuel Mordridge, our subject's
grandfather, was born in Newburyport, Mass., and was the oldest of three
sons. He followed ship-building until he fell and was much
injured, after which he taught school. HE married Ruth Silvers,
and died at Amesbury, Mass., June 26, 1772. John Mordridge,
the great grandfather of our subject, emigrated from England among the
early emigrants, and settled in Newburyport, where he worked at
ship-building. He had three children - Samuel, William and
John. Sallie Emerson, the mother of our subject, and the
eldest of ten children, was born at New Salem, N. H., Aug. 18, 1781, and
was married at Berlin, Vt. Her father, Jonathan Emerson,
was born in Haverhill, Mass., May 7, 1756, and married Rhoda Bailey
Jan. 11, 1781. She was a daughter of Joshua Bailey, who
married Elizabeth Chase Sept. 4, 1734. Jonathan Emerson
was in the Revolutionary war, was taken prisoner and carried to England,
where he was kept fifteen months before he was exchanged. He moved
to Vermont in 1787, to Ohio in 1815, and died in September, 1823, in
Butler County, Ohio. Sally Emerson's grandfather, Jothan
Emerson, settled in Massachusetts and married Elizabeth Mitchell,
daughter of Andrew and Hannah Mitchell, by whom he had one child.
He died in the French war. During the three days previous to
Richard and Sally Morgridge's leaving Vermont, it snowed
continuously; this was the 7th, 8th and 9th of June, 1816.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
980 |
|
|
Darby Twp. -
J. B. MORGRIDGE, Plain City, was born in
Washington County, Vt., Aug. 2, 1814, of parents Richard and Sallie
Morgridge. Less than two years later, the parents resolved to
emigrate to the West, and, June 4, 1816, found them together with their
earthly possessions, all of which were contained in a wagon, especially
built for the occasion, termed a mover's wagon, en route for Ohio, which
State they believed afforded the most promising field of labor and the
surest reward for industry, the only legacy they could hope to transmit
to their children. The distance was great being 900 miles, and the
roads new, and in some places almost impassable, yet with a determined
purpose, the pioneer leading the way, the journey was accomplished, and
the 18th of September found the family sheltered in a small cabin in
Licking County, every member of which was afflicted with the ague.
Our subject says that one of his earliest recollections was the first
shake in the above-mentioned cabin. A year later, the father by
way of availing himself of hte convenience and benefit of Western
institutions, sold all his chattel effects, which, together with some
currency, he converted into bills of the Muskingum Bank, located at
Marietta, then the leading bank of the State. Four days later,
when in Newark, where he had gone to make some purchases, he learned
that the bills were worthless, the bank having broken two days prior.
It was then that the inheritance above referred to was fully realized
and possessed. It had been their intention to locate in Hamilton
County, but the sickness referred to prevented. In the fall
of 1820, the family removed to Madison County, settling on land upon
which the subject now resides, which had previously been bargained for
with Walter Dunn, then in Chillicothe, to whom the early settlers
of this county will ever be grateful for the kind and long indulgences
extended to them on over-due payments. The father in moving to
this county, impoverished as he was, was compelled to contract some
debts in procuring on fit in the way of a team and implements to begin
farming. For two years a general sickness prevailed in this
locality, and the seasons were unfavorable for crops, which, together
with great scarcity of money in the country at the time, the year 1824
still found him in debt, and with the expenses incident to a large
family, unable to pay. He was sued by his creditors who, in their
eagerness to collect, sold him out, letting articles go at far less than
their value, thus depriving him of the only means he possessed, and
which would have enabled him, in the near future, to have canceled their
claims. When all was gone and the creditors unsatisfied (there
being then no chattels or homestead exemption too sacred to be attached
by execution as now), and while explaining to the creditor that he had
no more property or money with which to pay, and in the presence of his
family the creditor said: "If that be so, I demand that you, Mr.
Constable, lay upon the body of this debtor, Richard Morgridge,
and take him forthwith into the jail of this county, as is my right and
pleasure to do, and there keep him till my claim be fully satisfied."
Says the subject of this sketch: "I was then ten yeas of age, but
at no subsequent time in my life have I ever felt such intense
indignation as I did at these proceedings, but whether the officer or
the law was at fault was not so clear in my mind then, but that
creature, that creditor, from that moment, was a brute in my mind and
sight and of life-long abhorrence." The mother passed the
remainder of the day and evening with tears in her eyes. At 5
o'clock in the morning on the day following, Richard Morgridge,
the debtor, tired, wet and hungry by walking all the way from London in
mud and rain, knocked at the door, and was unexpectedly, but joyfully,
admitted. He not having provided for the expense to the county as
the law required, was released. Under the hardships of a new
country, the cares and wants of a large family and misfortunes beyond
his control, his health and resolution gave way never to revive.
Our subject says: "The purposes and fixed resolution of my life
rushed and sprang to my mind at the scene just related. I then
most fully realized that poverty was most humiliating and inconvenient,
that debts and creditors were the king of tyrants, and have ever since
strove to be free - and would here say to every young man, avoid debts
if you value your comfort or hope for freedom." Our subject with
the encouragement and assistance of his mother from this period until
about 1833, and jointly with her became the real owner of 130 acres of
the land bargained for by his father with Mr. Dunn, and under
circumstances not to fear old creditors. About this time Mr.
Morgridge was invited to te4ach the neighborhood backwoods district
school at $9 per month, which was then the customary salary for that
honored position. Of books, up to this period, he had seen few,
and hardly owned any, his mother having been his principal instructor,
he never having carried a slate, arithmetic, geography or atlas, history
or grammar into a schoolroom; the little he had mastered had been
accomplished by the hickory-bark fire-light at home. An
examination was required to test his fitness for the position, which
ordeal he passed, paid the required fee of 25 cents to the Board of
Examiners, took charge of the school and remained employed in that
capacity for eight or ten quarters, and among his pupils have been
farmers, mechanics, inventors, machinists, surveyors, engineers,
architectural draftsmen, merchants, Sheriffs, County Commissioners,
lawyers, doctors, Legislators, and, says Mr. M.: "I remember of
one minister, which, perhaps, was an accident." Previous to and
about the period of his teaching, Mr. M. passed the summer
seasons in herding cattle in droves of from 200 to 250 head on the then
unfenced and unimproved wild prairie in the northern part of this
county, and in this employment he made the acquaintance of many of the
pioneer drovers, among whom were Comstock, Williams, the
Weavers, Guy Buel, Pool & Miner, as well as the large
grazers, Gwynne, Wilson, Fullington and the Wildmens.
Mr. M, believing that estates were, in most instances, largely the
result of growth, directed his attention in main to the growing of young
stock, and purchased, as he was able, small parcels of land. His
first venture as a drover was in the year 1840, when he purchased 1,400
head of sheep, and drove them to the State of Wisconsin, and there
disposed of them to the pioneer settlers of that region stopping ten or
twelve days at Chicago to graze the herd on the wild prairie, worth then
only from $5 to $10 per acre. During the decade beginning with
1840, he was engaged in the cattle business, buying West and driving to
the Northern and Eastern markets, and to the feeders in Pennsylvania,
having to cross the mountain and ford and swim the intervening rivers.
In 1850, he drove cattle which he purchased in Iowa through on horseback
to the city of Philadelphia and returned to Ohio on the same horse.
He has driven cattle in herds of 150 to 250 from Illinois to
Philadelphia, requiring a period of about twenty-five days to Ohio, and
from thence, through the State of Pennsylvania, to Philadelphia about
forty-five days, at an expense of from $2.50 to $3.50 per head, swimming
such rivers in the course of the drive as the Sangamon, Kankakee,
Illinois and Ohio. After 1850, Mr. M. turned his attention
more closely to his farm, which, in the meantime, he had increased in
number of acres, but added not much to its productiveness. The
lawfully established roads in this locality were few, and at once steps
were taken by our subject in petitioning for such, and he became
instrumental in the laying out and establishment of some three county
roads, in all about fifteen miles, which have been found to be on such
useful routes that the county has since improved a part and taken steps
to improve the remainder by piking and graveling them. The most
needed improvement was to drain the lands, which was not so easily
accomplished, though quite a large tract of country was similarly
situated, including a large portion of three townships, Darby, Canaan
and Monroe, the topography of which was little understood, and so
peculiarly was this body of land situated that any place or location of
ditches less comprehensive than a system that would drain the whole,
must have been a failure. To reconcile the view of some 1,600
persons owning not less than 20,000 acres of land, of which some of them
were non-residents of the county, but none the less watchful and
jealous, but mainly all neighbors, and no easy task. Especially as
each one, in justice, law and equity was to contribute or be assessed,
if the needed improvement was to be made. Without draining, this
large tract of land was not only unhealthy, but almost useless for
agricultural purposes. Notwithstanding the difficulty and
unpleasantness of the task, the individual, as well as the public or
common interest, Mr. M. had in this matter compelled him to draw
up and present petitions to the Commissioners of the county at different
times, though all in aid of the same object, a complete system of this
most useful and necessary improvement, and by the co-operation,
assistance and topographical observations and the engineering skill of
Dr. J. Converse, the work was accomplished, which includes a public
county ditch of twenty-two miles in length, with more than that length
of tributary private ditches, at a cost of nearly $200,000, which,
however, has not been without its benefits, as the lands drained have
enhanced in value from $20, -75 to $90 per acres, and the land has
become second to none in any part of the State. All unkind
neighborly feeling and difference of opinion and grievances of unequal
assessments and benefits have been about reconciled, and this, too,
without any deplorable or fatal results, except in one instance.
Mr. Morgridge is truly grateful to Providence for what he has
received, and proud, too, of the improvement the county has made, but
prouder, he says, "of that representative of our county who was mainly
instrumental in the repealing of that barbarous law that sent my father
to the jail of my county for no crime but debt." He is now
reposing in a comfortable home, on an extensive tract of between 2,000
and 3,000 acres of most excellent land, located in Darby Township, in
the northern part of the county, some of which is the reclaimed land,
which must be almost sacred to the possessor. He began life under
the most trying circumstances, as is seen in this sketch, but with the
early and fixed and determined purpose above related, as expressed in
early youth; he has become possessed of a large estate. May the
evening of his life be passed in happiness.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
977 |
|
|
Monroe Twp. -
JOSIAH MORRIS, farmer,
P. O. Rosedale, David Morris, father of the subject of this
sketch, P. O. Rosedale. David Morris, father of the subject
of this sketch, was born Nov. 24, 1807, in Kentucky. With his
parents, Joseph and Levinah (Drake) Morris, about 1812, he came
to Clark Co., Ohio. On Jan. 14, 1831, he married Sarah Weaver,
daughter of George and Elizabeth Weaver. To them were born
six children, five of whom are now living - John W., Benjamin
F., Solomon, Josiah and Surrilda. Directly after his
marriage, Mr. Morris located for five years in Logan County,
Ohio. From thence he came to Madison County, Ohio, and settled in
the Northern portion of Monroe Township, where he now resides. His
wife died Mar. 10, 1881. He has served as Trustee, Treasurer and
Justice of the Peace in Monroe Township. Politically, he is a
Republican, and the owner of 300 acres of land. Josiah Morris,
subject of this sketch was born Mar. 23, 1837, in Madison Co., Ohio.
He was reared to manhood on a farm, and received but a rudimentary
education. On May 26, 1862, he enlisted in the eighty-fourth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three months, the regiment, however,
was not called into active service, and he received an honorable
discharge Sep. 20, 1862. On July 4, 1863, he was elected Captain
of Company E, Second Regiment Ohio Militia, for a term of five years.
On Feb. 21, 1865, he married Miss Orpha Sidebottom, born Nov. 10,
1846, and daughter of John H. and Elizabeth Sidebottom. By
this union there has been an issue of two children- Carrie and
Rosa. About the year 1859, Mr. Morris went on a Western
tour to Missouri, where he spent three years. He then returned to
his home in Madison County. He is a member of the F. & A. M.
Lodge, No. 311, at Plain City, and the owner of 181 acres of land.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
1168 |
|
|
Pike Twp. -
WILLIAM A. MORSE, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was
born Sept. 17, 1831, at Milford Centre, Union Co., Ohio. His
parents were Ray G. Morse, a native of Rhode Island, and Sarah
Morse, a native of Pennsylvania. The former, when a boy, with
his parents, emigrated to Union County, Ohio. Our subject remained
in Union County until he reached the years of manhood. On Jan. 18,
1857, he married Miss Caroline McAdams, born Feb. 9, 1835, and
them have been born four children, one now living, Wallace C.,
born Nov. 7, 1857. The parents of Mrs. Morse were
Archibald Neadam, born Jan. 27, 1812, in Champaign County, Ohio, and
Almira (Kimball) McAdams, born in Vermont June 8, 1806; they were
married in December, 1832, in Champaign County, where they remained
until their decease. They were the parents of eight children, four
of whom are now living, viz., Caroline, Nathaniel, Perry and
Almira. Mrs. McAdams died July 19, 1846, and in October, 1847,
he married Catherine Dean, by whom he had one child, Maria.
He departed this life in February, 1848. Our subject after his
marriage settled where he now resides, in the northeastern portion of
Pike Township, Madison County. Politically, he is a Republican,
and he is the owner of 150 acres of land.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
1058 |
|
|
Pike Twp. -
JOSEPH F. MUMMA, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg.
The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 2, 1856, in Montgomery County,
Ohio. His parents are Joseph and Mary Mumma, of Champaign
County. His parents are Joseph and Mary Mumma, of Champaign
County. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and received a good
common school education. When ten years old - with his parents -
he came to Champaign County, and located in Union Township, where they
remained several years, when they moved to Goshen Township and located
near Mechanicsburg, where his parents now reside. They had nine
children, eight of whom are now living - Sarah J., Ella, Caroline,
William, Mattie, Elizabeth, Abraham and our subject. On Dec.
10, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Callie Davis, an
estimable lady, and the daughter of Samuel C. and Jane Davis,
of Champaign County. In April, 1881, Mr. Mumma settled
where he now lives in the western portion of Pike Township.
Source: History of
Madison
County,
Ohio Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1883 -
Page
1058 |
|
