OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

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Morrow County,  Ohio
History & Genealogy

South Bloomfield Twp. –
ALONZO RAMEY, farmer; P. O. Mt. Liberty; the grand-son of Peter Kile, one of the oldest settlers in the Tp., was born in South Bloomfield Tp. in 1842; his father is T. A. Ramey and his mother Melinda (KiIe) Ramey, daughter of Peter Kile.  There were ten children in Peter Kile’s family: John, born in Oct., 1815; Reason, Aug., 1817; Melinda, Nov., 1819; Simon, Dec., 1821; Washington, March, 1824; Ransom, Sept., 1826; Harvey, March, 1829; Catharine, Feb., 1832; Mary E., Oct., 1835; and William W., April, 1839.  In T. A. Ramey’s family were four boys and two girls -- Alonzo, Arminda, Washington, Brown, Emmett and Orpha.  Alonzo passed his youth at Mt. Liberty, going to school; at the age of 15 he went on a farm, where he remained until he was 20 years old; in 1862 he enlisted in the 96th Reg., O. V. I., and served ten months, but at the end of that time he was so reduced by disease that he was discharged; after his discharge he remained with his father until his marriage with Sarah A. Mortley, Oct. 4, 1864.  He has two children -- Delma, born July 9, 1865, and Burton, Jan. 4, 1867.  Mr. Ramey owns 100 acres of land, it being the same fractional quarter section upon which Peter Kile lived, when he first settled in the Tp.  He is a Republican.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 675-676
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Peru Twp. –
STEPHEN F. RANDOLPH, farmer; P. O., Ashley. James F. Randolph, Stephen's father, was born at Rahway, N. J., and married Catharine Baker, in 1794, and in 1818 came to Ohio. He had a family of nine children; six sons and three daughters. Cornelius, the eldest son, was born in New Jersey, Susan, Rebecca, Nathan; Mahala, the third daughter, died at the age of 33 years; a lady of unusual attainments; Stephen F., born 1809; James F., a prominent physician, having practiced in the same locality for forty years, is still hale and vigorous; John F., now of Missouri; Gen. Hiram F., now of Iowa. He was a Major of militia prior to the Rebellion, and a Brigadier-General in the civil war.
     In 1841 Stephen F. married Charity Brown, by whom he has one daughter living, viz.: Mary Catharine. In 1848, Charity, his first wife died. In 1851 Stephen F. again married, his wife being Elizabeth Freeman; four sons are the result of this marriage, viz.: William, Dayton, Dwight and Clarke. In many enterprises Stephen has taken an unselfish and prominent stand. As early as 1836 he purchased a fine thorough-bred of the bovine race, in the city of New York and brought him to Ohio; and to him is due the first attempt at the improvement of the stock of the country. In 1839 and 1840 he, in company with his brothers John F., Hiram F. and Geo. Taylor, erected a fine merchant and custom flouring-mill in Peru Tp. The whole business soon passed into the hands of Stephen F., and so remained until the destruction of the property by incendiaries, the night of Sept. 17, 1874. The mill, with $1000 worth of grain, fell a prey to the devouring element. Mr. Randolph is by nature a public man, and always has been since the days of his youth, when, as a stonecutter he was known for ten years as a close and attentive mechanic and business man. He figures in the Township History, which will be noted in its proper connection. His farm is called the Sulphur Spring Farm.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 657
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Washington Twp. –
WM. REED, physician; Iberia; was born in the State of Pennsylvania, in 1824, and is of. Scotch-Irish descent.  When nearly thirty years of age he chose medicine as a profession, and with this in view he took a course of study in the Medical Dept. of Ohio Western Reserve College, located at Cleveland, from which he graduated in 1853.  He came to Ohio in the fall of 1859, and soon after settled in Iberia, where he soon gained a large practice.  At the breaking out of the war he tendered his services to the government, and was appointed Surgeon of the 176th O. V. I.  He married in early life Mary Snodgrass, of Allegheny Co., Penn.  They have five children, all grown to maturity -- one, his daughter Belle, married Dr. Bennett, whom he received into partnership in the medical practice.  By close application to his profession, and not being diverted by political honors, he has gained the deserved confidence and esteem of the community in which he has so long resided.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 750
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

North Bloomfield Twp. –
JOHN RHINEHART, farmer; P. O. Corsica.  Among the many successful farmers of Morrow Co., Mr. Rhinehart deserves more than a passing notice; he is the eighth of a family of nineteen children, and was born Nov. 11, 1813, in Jefferson Co., Ohio. His father, John Rhinehart, Sr., was a native of Washington Co., Maryland, as was also his mother, Barbara (Easterday) Rhinehart. Mr. Rhinehart, Sr., came to this State near the beginning of the nineteenth century, and located in Jefferson Co., he was a minister in the “German­-Lutheran” Church, but not unlike many other pioneer preachers, he was compelled to work on the farm during the week to support his family. John, the subject of this sketch, lived under the parental roof until his 24th year, when he commenced doing for himself; in company with a brother he moved onto a farm west of Galion, where he lived more than twenty years, and then came to Morrow Co., where he has since lived a truly happy and prosperous life. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, and are strong advocates of temperance. He owns nearly 140 acres of good land, has good buildings, and is provided with everything necessary to make life pleasant. He was married May 22, 1838, to Catharine, daughter of Thomas and Mary Scott. She was born Aug. 12, 1812, in Union Co., Pa. They had five children, three of whom are now living – Clementine, born April 13, 1839; Franklin, Nov. 24, 1840; and Angeline, March 1, 1843.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 629.
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Congress Twp. –
CHESTER M. RHODEBECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; is a son of John Rhodebeck, and was born in this township March 22, 1847, remaining with his parents until 22 years of age, he embarked on the matrimonial sea, choosing for his mate, Sarah Ellen McClenathan, who was born in this township, and is a daughter of Mrs. Rachel McClenathan; after their marriage, they lived four years in Washington Tp., then came to this township, where they have since resided, and are engaged in farming; he has a love for fine horses, and is now dealing in the Clydesdale stock, and is breeding the same for the market. They are strictly pure, of all of which he can give a pedigree; his stock having taken the first prize at several stock exhibitions in this State and Canada. They have two children -- Samuel, born May 7, 1873, and Anna, June 12, 1895.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 695
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
JOHN RHODEBECK, Whetstone; prominent among the self-made men and successful farmers in this township, is Mr. Rhodebeck, who was born in Chester Co., Penn., April 13, 1814, the son of Peter and Hannah (Smith) Rhodebeck, both natives of the same county.  John began to learn the wagon-maker’s trade before he was of age, which he followed for four years; in 1834 he came to Licking Co., remaining two years, when he came West; he had an old blind horse, which cost him $20; this was all his earthly possessions, but he had perseverance and a determination to make himself a home; he began first by working out by the day, during the first year, receiving 50 cents per day; he then worked upon his aunt’s farm for two years, and then went to Troy, in Delaware Co., where he purchased eighty acres of land; having made $300, and borrowing that amount from his aunt, he was enabled to pay for his land; after two years, he sold it for $1,000 in gold, and in 1841 came to this township, purchasing 130 acres for $1,600; the year following Sept. 27, 1842, he was married to Margaret Mann, born in Cumberland Co., Pa., and came West when three years of age; her father’s name was John, and her mother’s maiden name was Christina Haugher.  Mr. and Mrs. Rhodebeck have had ten children: Sylvester, Chester, Clinton, William (deceased), Jennie, Webb, Addie, Mary, and two died in infancy.  Mr. Rhodebeck has now 483 acres of land; he has never been afraid to risk his judgment, and in all his business schemes has been successful.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 696-697
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
SYLVESTER T. RHODEBECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; is among the enterprising young men of the township; born July 17, 1844, and is the eldest of a family of eight children, born to John and Margaret Rhodebeck.  Sylvester was raised to farming pursuits, and was 27 years of age when he left his father.  Nov. 22, 1871, he was married to Margaret A. Thomas, who was born Sept. 22, 1848, in Grant Co., Ind.; she is a daughter of Timothy Thomas, of this township; after their marriage they located on the farm now owned by them consisting of seventy acres, which is situated in the northwest side of the township; since his occupancy it has undergone a thorough renovation, and its present condition gives proof of his good management and industry. During the fall and winter he runs a thresher. They have two children -- William W., born Jan. 3, 1873, and Laura J., born Dec. 22, 1874.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 697
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
CAPT. ADAMSON B. RICHARDSON, farmer; P. O., Andrews; was born in Washington Co., Penn., Aug. 30, 1837, and is the eldest child of Sesh Bazzar Richardson, whose wife, before marriage, was Hester Colvan, both natives of the same state and county. Adamson’s father was engaged in commercial pursuits, as well as farming and stock-raising, and ample opportunities were afforded to familiarize himself with the details of active business life; his time was thus employed until the war-cloud burst in its fury over our land, when he was among the first to respond to the call for volunteers, and the week following the bombardment of Fort Sumter his services were accepted; he served three months in the Ringgold Cavalry, an independent company, and upon his return he re-enlisted in the 22nd Penn. Cavalry, for three years, but was mustered out in 1863, on account of disability, caused by a wound received in the shoulder; he was under fire during thirty-four engagements, and for meritorious conduct received a Captain’s commission. Upon his return home he resumed farming and stock-trading. He was married Oct. 14, 1863, to Ella Cotton, born Oct. 9, 1843, daughter of Dr. William Cotton, whose ancestry can be traced to the Mayflower Cotton, a prominent physician, since retired, but now a banker.  In the spring of 1868, Mr. Richardson moved to his present farm, which his father had purchased in ’49, of Mr. Andrews, who entered it. The farm consists of 160 acres which was badly run down, but Mr. Richardson has brought it to a choice state of cultivation, having erected an excellent barn and made general and substantial repairs on the farm; Sept. 12, 1879, his wife, an amiable and cultivated lady, was stricken by death, leaving seven children to mourn her departure -- Annetta B., Mary C., William, Clyde N., Lulu B., Eldora and Adelaide -- the two eldest having charge of the family.  Mrs. Richardson was a Christian lady, and member of the M. E. Church at Mt. Tabor.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 695-696
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Westfield Twp. –
OLIVER E. RICHARDSON, merchant; Westfield; was born Aug. 10, 1828, at Caledonia, Marion Co.  His parents, Manning and Lucina (Eno) Richardson, were natives of Connecticut, and moved to Ohio about 1820.  Mr. Richardson received a good common school education, and attended the Ohio Wesleyan University one year, after which he taught school for four years.  He engaged in business in Waldo, O., in 1853, as a member of the firm of French & Richardson.  Having disposed of their business there, they opened a store in the Goodhue room in Westfield, in 1857; Mr. Richardson’s father bought out Mr. French’s interest in 1859, and the firm became O. E. Richardson & Co.  In 1862, Mr. Richardson, Sr., dying, the firm became O E. Richardson, which was changed to Richardson Bro. in 1864, by the admission of J. B. Richardson.  About this time the firm suffered a loss of $700 by robbery.  In 1872 he and L. W. Cook bought out the interest of his brother, and the firm continued to be Richardson and Cook for about two years, when he bought out Mr. Cook’s interest, since which time the firm has been O. E. Richardson.  In December, 1877, in connection with Daniel Waddell, he opened a hardware and clothing store in Westfield, under the firm name of Daniel Waddell & Co.  He also has a farm of fifty acres south of Westfield.  Mr. Richardson gives his principal attention to his first named business, which consists chiefly of dry goods and groceries, which he has yearly increased, until there are few if any merchants in this line who do a business in excess of his.  Handling the large quantity of goods that he does, he is enabled to buy direct from manufacturers and importers, at the very best rates, an advantage he has had the far-sightedness to give his customers, which is one of the secrets of his success.  In connection with Charles Millikan, he is largely engaged in shipping butter and eggs, doing a business that yearly aggregates about $7000.  He has been Postmaster over twenty years, and served the township as Treasurer for many years.  He has at all times been foremost in every thing that pertains to the public interests, and is willing at all times to lend a helping hand to any enterprise that tends to build up the business of the community, showing a remarkable degree of unselfishness in these matters.
      In 1853 Mr. Richardson married Miss Evaline Drake, a grand-daughter of Captain Drake, of the war of 1812.  Mrs. Richardson was born Aug. 9, 1834.  They have eight children, one of whom, Clermont, resides in California.  Mr. Richardson is a member of the Westfield Lodge 269, I. O. O. F.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 645-646
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Peru Twp. –
JOSEPH D. RILEY, farmer; P. O., Ashley. This gentleman's genealogy runs thus: Dr. Joseph Riley (the first) was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Jan. 30, 1782; and his wife, Mary Smith, was born in the same county and state, May 20, 1782. Their nuptials were celebrated Oct. 18, 1806, and, in 1814, they emigrated to Ohio. The family was one of those hardy pioneer families, and consisted of, besides parents, Elizabeth, born Sept. 24, 1807; Mary Jane, Jan. 26, 1810; William Smith, May 28,1814. The foregoing were born in Pennsylvania: Ezra, born Sept. 22, 1816; Henry, June 1, 1819; Joseph D., (second) Jan. 5, 1822; Alexander, the youngest son, deceased. Again, on the 3d day of October, 1833, William Smith Riley married Eleanor Welch, daughter of Dr. David Welch, and his family chronology stands thus: Mary Jane, born Aug. 16,1837; Elizabeth, Aug. 23, 1840; Louisa, Nov. 7, 1842; William A., May 16, 1845; Joseph D., (third) June 23, 1848; Mattie E., Feb. 9,1851; Rose T., June 16, 1854; again, on the 28th day of May, 1872, Joseph D. Riley (third) married Almaretta Welch, whose birthday occurred May 28, 1854. He is the third who bears the name in a tribal history commencing long prior to the adoption of the Constitution of the United States; yet he has none of his own to bear his name; he does have the attributes of his race which will still hand his name on down through the unborn ages. Like a true born Cincinnatus, he stepped between the handles of the plow and dubbed himself a farmer; he has also taken upon himself the role of a stock raiser, and stands, high above the average in raising good horses and sheep of a fine quality. He occupies the ancient homestead of Joseph (first), and from his doorstep reins the stately Percheron, in strange contrast with the sorrels of his forefathers. Honest in his intentions, modern in his views, unexcited by outside issues, he takes steady and constant steps on the highway to progress, hard by the stream, where, in childhood years (like Webster), he was wont to play.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 657-658
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

South Bloomfield Twp. –
ANDREW JACKSON ROBERTS, carpenter and joiner; Sparta; was born in 1822; he is one of the best carpenters in South Bloomfield Tp., and nearly all the buildings for miles around were planned and built by him; his father, Solomon Roberts, settled near Sparta, in 1830; Andrew had but little schooling, and was subjected to hard work on his father’s farm; at the age of 22 he learned his trade, and while thus engaged worked for $5 per month; his mother’s maiden name was Mary Coleman, who bore her husband a family of ten children -- Almira, born 1816; Ann Eliza, 1818; Adaline, 1821; Andrew, 1822; Curtis G., 1824; one that died in infancy; Mary, born 1828; William, 1831; Perilla, 1833, and Maria, 1835.  Almira married Abraham McNair, and lives in Iowa; she is a widow, and has four children; Ann Eliza married William Roberts, had four children, one of whom is living; Adaline married Thomas Hughes; she has five children, and lives in Missouri; Curtis married Arminda Beebe; he has a large family, and lives in Iowa; Mary married J. C. Cook, lives in Sparta, has one child living; William, married Lydia Ann Swetland; he lives near Sparta, and has four children, three of whom are living; Perilla married George Orsborn, and lives southeast of Sparta, and has five children; Maria married Thomas Orsborn, lives near Sparta, and has nine children.  In 1846, Andrew married Alvira, daughter of Jacob S. Thompson; the next year he moved to Michigan, stopping four years at the capital (Lansing), then containing but two or three houses.  While in Michigan, his wife died, leaving an infant daughter, who is now the wife of Alexander Tims, and lives near Sparta.  Mr. Roberts came back to Ohio in 1851; he remained a widower until 1879, when he married Mrs. S. J. Bradfield, widow of Daniel Bradfield: his father and mother had poor health, and during the long years before their death, were dependent upon their son Andrew for support and protection.  Mr. Roberts is a Demo-Prohibitionist; is not a member of any church; he takes pride in opposing the inconsistencies of church dogma; he has been Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee, Notary Public, etc.; he owns 14 acres of land.  His father died aged 72, and mother died aged 82.  Mr. Roberts is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Sparta, and is one of the prominent men in the township.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 675
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Lincoln Twp. –
G. W. ROBY, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born in Virginia July 11, 1817; son of Thomas and Sarah (Kelly) Roby, who were also natives of Virginia. They came to Perry Co., O., in 1819, where the mother died in 1831. In 1836 the father and his family came to Morrow Co., O., where a number of the family still reside. The father married again and went to Wisconsin, where he died Jan. 20, 1877.  G. W. Roby was raised on a farm and received a common school education. He was married Dec. 17, 1840, to Nancy Fickle, who was born April 3, 1813, in Perry Co., O. Her parents were natives of Perry Co. also. From this union there were four children, one of whom is now dead. Rebecca J. was born Sept. 21, 1841; Sarah H., May 24, 1843; Thomas B., Oct. 20, 1844, and Dortha A., July 13, 1845; Sarah H. died March 6, 1866. Mr. Roby began business for himself entirely upon his own resources, and made all he now possesses by his own bard work and economy; he owns 100 acres of well improved land, all of which was cleared and improved by himself. He had one son, T. B. Roby, in the late war; his family are now all married off and scattered over the country in general, only one, his youngest daughter, remains in the county.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 767-768
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Cardington Twp. -
M. G. ROGERS, farmer and stock-miser; was born near Williamsporte [sic], this Co., Dec. 16, 1839, and lived with his parents until he became of age, when he went to Owen Co., Ind., and learned the cabinet making trade. In June, 1861, he came back to Ohio, and worked, with his uncle until the following October, when he enlisted in the 43d Ohio Reg. Infantry, and served for three years and one month; after the first year he was transferred to the Engineer's Corps; he was in the battles of Corinth, and on the March to Atlanta. In the Spring following his return home he went to Illinois, and worked at carpentering at Cerro Gordo, and from thence to Missouri and Kansas, and finally returned to this county and worked at his trade until 1873, when he came to this present place, which he and his brother J. H., had bought in 1866, and he has lived on the same since, having bought his brother's interest, May 1st, 1873, he married Miss Martha M. Christy; she was born in Belmont Co. Ohio; of their three children, two are living -- Iva A., Dell and Edmond C., he owns sixty acres in this township, located five miles northwest of Cardington. His parents, Wm. H. and Mary A. Curtis Rogers, now live in Canaan Tp., this county.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 582-583
Contributed by a Friend of Genealogy

Cardington Twp. –
JAMES ROSE, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born in Bedford Co., Penn. Feb. 6, 1811. The Rose family originally came from England, and settled in Pennsylvania. Our subject’s paternal and maternal grandfathers, both being Revolutionary soldiers. The founder of this branch of the family, Edward Rose, was born Jan. 22, 1747, and his wife, Drucilla Pierpont, June 14, 1750. Mr. James Rose’s parents were John and Mary (Daulton) Rose, born respectively June 16, 1787, and March 21, 1785, and were both natives of Pennsylvania. In 1814 they came to Ohio, where after thirty years residence, the father died in 1844. His wife survived him twenty-four years, dying Feb. 26, 1868. At the age of three years, James Rose came with his parents to Perry Co., O., where the family settled on a farm near Zanesville; here they remained until 1834. James passing his majority in the ordinary way, dividing his time between the farm and schools as were then afforded. He taught one term of school, but moving to Sandusky, he turned his attention to the sterner duties of clearing a frontier farm. Before moving, James married Miss Nancy Gordon, a native of Perry county, Feb. 12, 1832: Two years later, he started for Sandusky Co. by wagon, consuming eight days in the journey, and settling in an unbroken tract of timber. He occupied a log house, which he had put up a month previous, 26x40 feet, containing but two rooms. Here he cleared twenty-six acres, when he sold out and occupied a piece of land he had previously bought in the same neighborhood. On this place they at first occupied a round log house, containing but a single room, and two years later built a brick house, in which he lived until 1854. During that time he cleared seventy acres; this was near the Indian reservation, and the Wyandots and Senecas were frequent visitors at his place, often staying all night, but always exhibiting a friendly disposition. In this county he served as County Commissioner 3 years, and eighteen years justice of the peace. Selling out in 1854, he brought his family to Lincoln Tp., settling on a farm five miles east of Cardington. During his nineteen years residence here, he served as road and school officer, as well as trustee of the township. In 1873, he moved to Cardington, where he has resided since. Of eleven children born to Mr. Rose, nine are now living -- David C., died in the army at Camp Dick Robinson, Dec. 26, 1861, was captain of Co. E., 31st O. V. I; Mary M., now Mrs. Cunnard, lives in Lincoln, Tp.; Martha A., now Mrs. Mosier, in Cardington; James M., Kansas; Henry N., Nebraska; John M., Kansas; Edward L., died in Illinois; Chas J., Delaware county; Alonzo J., Delaware county; Ferdinand H., Cardington; Eliza S., Cardington. During the late war of the Rebellion, seven of James Rose’s sons were in the army, the eighth son being too young to enlist. Three served in the 31st O. V. I., two in the 13th, O. V. C. and one in the 136th O. V. I.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 583
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Gilead Twp. –
SIMON ROSENTHAL, County Auditor; Mt. Gilead; was born in Germany, Feb. 17, 1826, and is the son of Samuel and Hannah (Hauser) Rosenthal, both of Germany, where they died. Our subject, after receiving a good education, entered the Polytechnical Institute of Stuttgart, where he completed his course of civil engineering, when he was employed by the Government, and worked at civil engineering on the railroads of Germany until 1848, when in November he sailed for America, and landed in New York City, February, 1849; he came direct to Ohio, and located in Cincinnati, where he embarked in mercantile business, which he continued there for a number of years; in 1852, he came to Morrow Co., and located at Cardington, where he started the first hardware store of that place; he continued business in Cardington until 1857, when he returned to Cincinnati, and after remaining there for a number of years, he came again to, Cardington, which has been his home since; he gained friends daily, and was acknowledged to be one of the most popular and thorough business men of Cardington.  In 1875, the Democratic party nominated him for Auditor of Morrow Co., to which office he was elected by a handsome majority of 369 votes. In 1878, he was re-elected to the same office by a rousing vote of 532 majority, and has filled the office with marked ability.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 552
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Chester Twp. –
JOHN E. ROWLAND, hardware; Chesterville; prominently identified among the leading merchants of this county, is Mr. Rowland, who was born June 4, 1840, in this village. His father was born in Wales, in 1797, and emigrated to Cambria Co., Pa., 1809, and at the age of 21 began learning the saddlers’ trade, continuing the same for many years; he furnished harness for Kneb, Moore & Co., the noted mail and stage contractors. During his sojourn in Pennsylvania, he visited Wales three times, looking after the interests of an estate; he also, in connection with a man by the name of Scott, published a history of Wales, which proved a success, both in merit and financially, but afterward Scott became possessor of the greater portion of this amount; and in 1837 Mr. Rowland came to Ohio by team, and settled in Chesterville, and there engaged in harness-making, continuing the same until 1858, when he retired from active labors. He died in 1873, and had eight children; three survive -- L. H., merchant and tailor, Mt. Gilead; D. H., grain dealer, in Union Co., this State; J. E.; the father, served as Sheriff in Pennsylvania; John E. attended school as much as possible, and at the death of his mother he began clerking for Mr. Shurr, a merchant at this place, transferring in two years to the employ of Mr. Bartlett; with whom he continued five years; in 1861, he enlisted in the 20th O. V. I.; in 1863, he engaged in the grocery and livery business, under the firm name of Rowland & Ayers; in the same year they dissolved partnership, Rowland taking the grocery, and Ayers the livery; he then closed up his business, and engaged in a provision store, in Galion, for nine months, and then sold the same for $22,000, clearing $2,800; he then returned and disposed of his grocery at this place, and entered the hardware business, which he still continues, and is having good success, keeping a full line of goods; he has 153 acres of land in Franklin Tp.; he is a member of Chester Lodge, No. 238, A. F. & A. M.; his marriage occurred in Nov., 1866, with Angeline Carr, by whom he has one child -- Katie M., born 1867. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, at this place. In principle he is a Republican.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 614
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Westfield Twp. –
JOHN RUGGLES, farmer.; P. O., Westfield; was born in this township, Aug. 8, 1834; his father, Alfred Ruggles, was born in Pennsylvania, and came here when there were very few settlers; his mother, Eliza Ruggles, is a daughter of Elisha Barry, who was a Captain in the war of 1812, and came with her parents to Ohio from Ann Arundel Co., Maryland, about 1830.  Mr. Ruggles began his education in an old log school house, but being compelled to assist his father in clearing up the farm, his advantages were limited; he enlisted in the 121st O. V. I., in Co. D, under Captain Sharp, in Aug., 1862, and served twenty-eight months; he was in the battle of Perryville, and the skirmishes in and about Triune, Tennessee; in the battle of Chickamauga, he received a Minie ball wound just below the shoulder, on account of which he was eventually discharged; his brother, Almon L., who enlisted in the same company, died in the hospital at Perryville, in Oct., 1862; on his return home he engaged in farming with his father, and in 1867, he married Miss Laura A. Hare, a native of Ohio; they have a family of three children.  Mr. Ruggles is a generous, public-spirited citizen, highly respected by all who know him.  He is a Republican, and a member of the Westfield Lodge I. O. O. F., No. 269.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 645
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Perry Twp. –
HENRY H. RUHL, farmer; P. O., Woodview.  Among the successful farmers of Perry Tp., Mr. Ruhl deserves more than a passing notice; he is the oldest son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hosler) Ruhl; he was born in York Co., Pa., April 14, 1808; his father died when he was seven years old, and as he grew up he worked very hard for the support of the family until he was twenty-five years old.  The mother re-married, and they came as a family, in the spring of 1833.   Arriving, May 10, they rented a house near where Jacob I. Miller lives, and in August of that year they purchased 160 acres of Mr. Ruhl’s present farm, of John Bigham, for $500.  The only improvements made were a small cabin and seven acres underbrushed.  The family consisted of four children -- Henry H. (subject); Polly, who married John Warner, of Pa.; Rachel married John Garberick; and Jacob.  The mother died about 1835; March 20, 1836, he married Catherine Patterson, a daughter of James and Esther (Erstine) Patterson; she was born in York Co., Pa., Sept. 12, 1802; her parents afterwards removed to Maryland, from which they emigrated to Congress Tp., of this county, in the fall of 1825, where the entered eighty acres in the woods; they raised eight children to manhood and womanhood, all of whom were born in the East -- John, Samuel, Peter, William, Catherine, Elizabeth, Mary and Nancy.   Mr. Rhul [sic] has lived on present place since his marriage; he and his esteemable wife, who has been a help-mate indeed; both worked in the clearing together in early days, burning their brush and log heaps at might; Mr. Rhul [sic] and his brother Jacob, went to thirty log-rollings one spring, and about that many in the fall; he has cleared about one hundred acres here, and now owns three hundred and twenty acres, principally the fruits of his own labor; Mr. Ruhl and his entire family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; he has held a membership for forty-eight years, and has filled ably the various offices of Elder and Deacon; he has been Trustee of this township eleven terms, elected frequently, almost without opposition; Mr. Ruhl has raised two daughters, and one died in infancy; Catherine and Leah -- Mrs. Byram Levering (see sketch); Catherine Ruhl was born Sept. 10, 1838, in this township; at twenty-seven she married Jacob Rule, a son of George and Mary Rule (see sketch of Elah Dennis); her husband, Jacob Rule, was born Nov. 28, 1842, in Perry Tp., near Woodbury; he lived on a farm until eighteen, then became a clerk in a store, for some time; subsequently he worked on the farm by the mouth, about four years; after his marriage with Miss Ruhl, he worked for Levering and Merwine about eight months, after which he began farming on the lands of H. H. Ruhl, where he has lived ever since; in 1874 he purchased eighty acres of land.  Four children have been born to them -- Eva, born Sept. 24, 1866; Herma, April 21, 1872; Idella, Nov. 17, 1874; Heilman H., March 2, 1880.  He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 825-826
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
HENRY S. RUHL, farmer; P. O., Andrews; is among the successful farmers in this township; he was born in Sodorus Tp., York Co., Pa., May 13, 1822, and was the third of a family of nine children, born to Henry and Barbara (Steffey) Ruhl, both of York Co.; the Ruhls are of German descent; the father was a farmer, and Henry naturally turned to this occupation; he remained at the family home until after he was 28 years of age; June 15, 1850, he was married to Lydia Winter, and soon after bought a part of his father’s farm, on which he lived until 1856, when he sold out, and bought eighty acres where he now lives; soon after his arrival his wife died; she left one child -- Amos W., born in Aug., 1851; he subsequently married Ellen Snyder, who was born Aug. 31, 1835, and is a daughter of Jacob Snyder; they have had twelve children, of whom nine are living -- Enos S., Edgar W., Martha, Barbara C., Jacob F., Barton H., Mary E., Ida W., and Charles R.; Mr. Ruhl has now 250 acres of land, and is still extending his boundaries; he is among the best farmers in the township, and does not trade or speculate, but confines his attention to the means which will bring him the surest returns; while he is alive to his temporal interests, he is not insensible to the duty he owes to the “Giver of all good,” and to Him ever ascribes the praise for the blessings he has received.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 697
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Perry Twp. –
AMOS RULE, merchant; Woodview; is the third son of John and Susan (Blosser) Rule; was born June 2, 1832, in this township.  He worked on the farm, and received such instruction as the schools of his neighborhood could give.  In 1853, being twenty-one years of age, he became a clerk in the store of Morgan Levering at Woodberry.  In the meantime he devoted his spare moments to the study of medicine.  April 5, 1855, he united in marriage with Caroline Buchner of this township, and soon after emigrated to Nebraska, where he engaged in the practice of medicine for about two years, then returned to North Woodbury.   He entered into a partnership with Allen Levering in the mercantile business.  This partnership lasted about six years, and during that time the first draft for troops was made, and it fell on both partners.  They hired substitutes and continued business until Levering sold his interest to Norman Merwine, and again both Rule and Merwine were drafted on the second call, and escaped by paying $300 each to the volunteer credit fund, to secure the township’s quota.  Subsequently Mr. Merwine sold his interest to Robert Levering, which partnership lasted until 1876, when Levering retired, leaving Mr. Rule sole proprietor.  He carries at present a full stock of dry-goods, groceries, bats, caps, boots and shoes, and in short, everything demanded by a farming community, at prices that favor the purchaser.  Mr. Rule attended lectures at Stirling Medical College, and has been quite successful in practice, but is not actively engaged at present.  He is Post master at present, and has been Treasurer of Perry Tp. for 12 years.  He has a family of twelve children – Benjamin F. was born Jan. 27, 1856; John A., March 28, 1859; Allen V., Aug. 17, 1860; Anna M., Oct. 27, 1761; Emma J., born March 25, 1863; Minnie B., Aug. 17, 1864; Amos M., Dec. 14, 1865; Ellis O. and Rosa M. (twins), Apr. 3, 1867; Robert R., Aug. 16, 1869; Louisa C., Feb. 26, 1871; Isaac N., Nov. 25, 1872; Ohio M., a son, died at the age of five years.  His father, John Rule, was born in Baltimore Co., Md., Dec. 14, 1796; his mother, Susan Blosser, was a native of York Co., Pa.  They were married in Pennsylvania, and came by team to Ohio in 1828.  They cut a portion of the road through from Mansfield, O.  They settled in this township, near Woodbury, living in a covered wagon until they cleared a site and built a cabin.  Their two sons, John and Isaac, were small, and the father toiled in his clearing lone-handed.  He cleared about 100 acres of the 160 which he entered two years before.  A brother, George Rule, and others of the family, came with him.  He became a partner with Morgan Levering in 1836, and this relation lasted until 1851, when Mr. Rule retired.  Has a family of three sons and one daughter -- John, Isaac, Amos and Lovina, now Mrs. Norman Merwine.  He departed this life March 12, 1874, at the ripe old age of 77 years, esteemed and respected by all.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 825
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
B. F. RULE, physician; Whetstone; is a rising young physician, who wag born and educated in this county; he was born in Perry Tp., Jan. 27; 1856, son of Dr. Amos Rule; his mother’s name was Caroline Buchner before marriage. He received his elementary education at the district school, beginning the study of medicine in his 16th year, which he pursued until he graduated, taking three courses of lectures, and graduated at the age of 22, at the Starling Medical College, Feb. 23, 1877; June 18, 1877, he set up in practice in West Point, and has been successful, and has a lucrative practice.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 696
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Congress Twp. –
ABIGAIL RUSH, retired; Andrews; is among the hardy few who braved the hardships incident to the settlement of this township; she was born in Washington Co., Pa., Jan. 20, 1806, and is a daughter of John Brewer, whose wife was Mary Levering.  John Brewer was born Feb. 28, 1765; his wife, Mary, June 15, 1771; Abigail is the youngest of a family of ten children, she being the sole survivor of the family; she was married to William Rush, June 2, 1821. He was born May 13, 1794, in Washington Co., Pa.  After their marriage they emigrated to this township, and settled where she now lives, Dec. 15, 1821, when it was “all woods.”  The “red men” were encamped near them; there were but five families in the township at the time. John Levering, Samuel Graham, Jonathan Brewer, Mr. Bailey and Tim Gardiner, she states, were the number who united together and put up a cabin for Mr. Rush, who subsequently entered eighty acres of land, by borrowing a hundred dollars of a friend; he then bought two colts and paid for them by clearing up timber for others, doing his own work by night; these colts he kept for three years, and sold them for $118, which liquidated the debt, interest and all.  Mrs. Rush had three knives and forks, they sat on stools, and their table was a box; they bored holes in the wall and improvised a bed, having no door or windows, except greased paper, spread over apertures in the side of the cabin to admit the light, yet, notwithstanding all this, they were happy; their next house was made of hewed logs, their third was a frame, now standing in her yard, near her present residence, which is the fourth since her settlement here.  Mr. Rush was in the war of 1812; he died Dec. 23, 1871. Thirteen children have been born to them; eight are living -- John, Enoch, William, Mary A., Elizabeth, Morgan, Benjamin and Ruth.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 697-698
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Gilead Twp. –
B. S. RUSSELL, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born on the farm in Loudoun Co., Va., Sept. 3, 1828; in 1829 his parents moved to Belmont Co., Ohio, where they farmed two years, and then came to the farm where he now resides. At the age of 16 he was apprenticed to the tailor’s trade, with J. M. Talmage, of Mt. Gilead, serving with him for four years and ten months; he then traveled about six months, and returning to Mt. Gilead, opened a custom shop, in which he continued a year; he then, in 1850, went to California overland, being six months on the trip, his object being mining; he remained there fourteen months, and returned via Panama and Now York, walking across the Isthmus. He followed his trade again in Mt. Gilead, and Feb. 27, 1853, married Miss Malinda C. Ackerman; she was born in this county. After his marriage he again opened a custom shop, and in 1859 engaged in merchant tailoring and clothing, which he followed until Feb. 1880, when he turned the business over to his son, Ray C., and Wm. J. Simms, who now conduct it at the old stand.  Mr. Russell now gives his attention to his farm. They have had eight children, six living -- Belle, Ray C., Maggie, Edward, Kate and Blanche. His parents, Charles and Margaret (Ewers) Russell, were natives of Loudoun Co., Va., they came here, as stated, and lived here until their deaths, Dec. 21, 1871, and April 29, 1841, respectively.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 552
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Franklin Twp. –
FRANCIS M. RUSSELL, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead. Francis M. Russell, is the son of Charles and Margaret (Ewers) Russell, and was born Oct. 14, 1820, in Loudoun Co., Virginia. The father was a native of the same Co., and in his youth learned the blacksmith trade. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; was in Baltimore when it was bombarded by the British and remembers seeing Washington, D. C., burning during the same war. In 1830 he settled in Belmont Co. O., and two years afterward came to Gilead Tp., where he bought 568 acres, buying part of it, however, in 1831. His wife bore him ten children -- Francis M., Robert T., William L., Sarah E., Barton, Jasper, Mary A., Burr, Charles P., and John.  Burr 2nd, Rachel, and one other died in childhood. Our subject’s grandparents, Robert and Mary (Leedom) Russell, were born April 24, 1753, in Wales, and Oct. 25, 1759 in Ireland, respectively, and were married Jan. 19, 1779. The husband had $2000 in. Continental currency, and the wife had $1 in silver, and the wife had more money than the husband. These grandparents had the following children -- Letitia, Ann, Samuel, Mary, Martha, Rebecca, Charles, Elizabeth, Sarah and John. The subject of this sketch got his early schooling in the old school-house near the site of Mt. Gilead, where, on the first day, the boys attempted to impose on the new scholar, Francis, but after four of them had been soundly thrashed, there was no further trouble. At the age of 22 he learned the carpenter trade of Harrison Clawson, of Newark, Ohio, a business he followed five years. On the 8th of October, 1846, he married Rose Ann, daughter of James and Margaret (Clutner) Richeson. His wife is a native of Washington Co., Md., and was born Feb. 3, 1827. Our subject, shortly after his marriage, lived on Hog Run, in Licking Co., where he ran a saw mill. At the end of six years he came to Franklin Tp., in 1853, and settled on 168 acres of land; 16 acres were cleared, and were surrounded by a brush fence. He now has about 110 acres cleared, upon which are commodious and substantial buildings. He has three children living -- John G., born Aug 9, 1847; Mary, April 9, 1854, and Charles D., May 22, 1858.  John G. is the present County Treasurer. Our subject has occupied many positions of trust in his township, serving with fidelity and with satisfaction to the citizens. He voted the Democratic ticket until 1860, casting his first vote for James K. Polk; he is also a Universalist. He is one of the most prominent citizens of the county, and is always enthusiastic in public enterprises for the advancement of humanity.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 793
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Cardington Twp. –
JOHN RUSSELL, deceased; was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Aug. 28, 1815, and lived there for twenty-three years. He then came to this locality, and spent his summers in clearing some land his father had formerly entered; he spent the winters in Belmont Co, Ohio. Sept. 17, 1844, he married Miss Sarah Parkins; she was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Aug. 9, 1822, and came West, and settled on a farm adjoining the present place, in 1835, and lived there until her marriage, when they settled on the present place, and she has lived here since. He died Feb. 15, 1867. They had six children, four living -- Hannah K. Strong living in Kansas; Isaac P., at home; Mary N. Dibert, living in this vicinity; and Linneas J. lives on an adjoining place; Louisa J. and Geo. Wm. Died -- the former married Mr. Harmon A. Davis. They had one child  -- Geo. L. Davis; he lives here with his grandmother. Though it was comparatively a late date when Mr. Russell occupied the present place, all was timber. They lived in a log house of the pioneer pattern, and made most of their own clothing. His parents, Samuel and Sarah (Moore) Russell, were natives of Virginia, and settled in Belmont Co., Ohio, in an early day, and lived there until their deaths. They had a family of thirteen children. Mrs. Russell’s parents -- Isaac and Nancy (Schooley) Parkins -- were natives of Virginia. They moved to Belmont Co., Ohio, when young, and married there. They came here in 1835. He died Feb. 20, 1842. She has since lived in this vicinity, and at present in Cardington. Of their eight children, three are living -- Sarah Russell, Jane and Hannah Pervis, Iowa.  Linneas J. Russell, son of John and Sarah Russell, was born Dec. 10, 1853, and lived at home until April, 1880, when he occupied the adjoining farm. Aug. 26, 1879, he married, Miss Laney E. Hissey, of Belmont Co., Ohio. In 1869 he began farming the old homestead, and has looked after the place and family since.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 582
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Congress Twp. –
W. W. RUSSELL, farmer; P. O., Woodview; was born in Muskingum Co., April 13, 1837. There were fourteen children in the family, of which he was the eighth; his father, James, was born in Donegal Co., Ireland, Nov. 8, 1780, emigrating to Pennsylvania with his parents at the age of 21.  Aug. 20, 1822, he married Miss Lydia Burkybile, who was born Nov. 10, 1805. They settled in this township in the spring of 1843; he died in September, 1849; his wife still survives him, and is happy in the hope of the future.  William W. enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. D, 96th O. V. I., and served until the close of the war, participating in all the battles in which the regiment was engaged, with the exception of two, one of them occurring while he was sick, and the other while he was a prisoner in the hands of the enemy, having been captured at Grand Coteau, and was confined seven months in their prison; when upon his return home, he resumed his labors on the farm.  In October of the same year he was married to Elizabeth Smith, who was born July 5, 1844, in Perry Tp., and who is the daughter of John N. and Mary (Baker) Smith. After their marriage they moved to the Russell homestead, where they still live. Six children have been born to them -- Orrie O., Ulysses S. L., Melvin Guy, Wastella G., Arta J. and Orley O., who is the eldest.  Himself, wife and mother are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and his father was a member of the Established Church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 696
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.