Franklin Twp. –
MORGAN A. KEARNEY, farmer; P. O., Levering, Knox Co.; is the son of Thomas and Jerusha Kearney; his mother’s maiden name was Van Cleve; he was born Dec. 8, 1821, in Bedford Co., Penn.; his father came to Knox Co., Ohio, about 1825, where he remained five years; he then removed to North Bloomfield Tp., then Richland Co.; they hired a man to bring them here from Knox Co., and he unloaded their household goods in the woods, and they were obliged to sleep in a rail-pen, until a cabin could be built; they lived here until 1851, when he removed to Warren Co., Iowa, where he died in the fall of 1852. His parents were married Dec. 4, 1814, and had thirteen children -- Mary A Sarah, Powell, Morgan A., Rebecca, William, Harvey, Simon P., Catherine, Druzilla, Jerusha, Thomas D., and Priscilla; Simon P. and Catharine died when young.  Morgan A. lived with his parents until he reached his majority, attending school only a short time; he then began working by the month at from eight to ten dollars per month. He was married June 12, 1853, to Hannah J., a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Jackson) Stackhouse; her parents came to Ohio, from Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1830. They raised a family of nine children -- Nancy, Silas, Joseph, Stephen, Hannah J., Myrtilla, Sarah, Daniel J., and Benjamin; of these, Stephen, Daniel J., Nancy, and Benjamin, are dead. In the fall of 1853, Mr. Kearney and wife emigrated to Warren Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming, until the fall of 1857, when he returned to the home of his youth, and in the following spring moved into the house where he now lives, having purchased twenty-five acres of land, which he has since made attractive by various improvements. They have raised two children -- Zelma J. King, since married, and Mary, the orphan daughter of Daniel J. Stackhouse, who lives with them now. Mr. Kearney became a member of the Old School Baptist Church in 1859, and he holds unfalteringly to that faith and doctrine; his wife is a consistent member of the Disciple Church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 786-787
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Westfield Twp. –
J. G. KEHRWECKER, farmer and stock raiser; P. O., Cardington.  John G. Kehrwecker was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to America at the age of 22.  He received a good German education, being required by law in that country to attend school from the age of 6 to 14.  In 1830, he landed in New York, and went direct to Lancaster, Pa., where he spent five years.  In 1835, he came to Delaware Co. and located in what is now Westfield Tp., Morrow Co., purchasing ninety acres in the woods, and erecting a log cabin, began the work of making this township what it is to-day, in which none have taken a more prominent part than Mr. Kehrwecker.  It was here that he made the acquaintance of, and subsequently married, Mary Hack, who also was a native of Wurtemberg and came to this country with her mother and located in this vicinity in 1832 and became Mrs. Kehrwecker in 1837.  Thirteen children in all to gladden their hearts, five of whom are dead.  Of their children who now survive -- Christina, the oldest, married George Renz and afterwards Harmon Ruhrmond; Mary married Clay Hardsock; Caroline, the third daughter, married George Karns; Fredrica married William A. Payne; Geo. H., the only surviving son, lives in this vicinity.  The three younger daughters are Sarah, Anna and Ella.  When our country was in peril, Mr. and Mrs. Kehrwecker surrendered two of their three boys a sacrifice to the cause of Freedom.  They bade them farewell, never again to see them, and to-day they sleep beneath a Southern sky.  Frederick joined the 31st O. V. I., for which a company was as raised at Cardington; in 1861; he took part in the battles of Stone River and Shiloh and died at Nashville, Sept, 28, 1862.  John enlisted in the 96th O. V. I. and participating in the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post and the siege of Vicksburg; he was taken sick immediately after the latter, and died at Vicksburg, July 17, 1864.  By careful attention to business, prudent investments and untiring industry, Mr. K. has increased his tract to over four times its original size, and his farm now embraces 380 acres of the finest land in the township, all well ditched and under-drained, everything about his premises denoting thrift and enterprise.  He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics a Republican.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 641
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

J. G. KEHRWECKER. ––Among the representative farmers of Westfield township, Morrow county, Ohio, the subject of this review is clearly entitled to be classified.  He is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, where he was born July 20, 1808, and where he remained until he had attained his majority.  He was twenty-two years of age when he left the fatherland and set sail for the alluring shores of the New World.  After a voyage of seventy-two days he landed in New York city and with his few personal effects tied in a handkerchief, and without money, proceeded thence to Pennsylvania, where he remained for a time, coining to that part of Delaware county that is now comprised in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1835.  Arriving here he found occupation in working by the month on a farm, receiving the minimum wages of $6 per month.
     In 1837 he took unto himself a wife, in person of Miss Anna Mary Hack, who was also born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and who came to America when sixteen years of age, her parents taking up their abode in Franklin county, Ohio.  Shortly after his marriage Mr. Kehrwecker located on his present farm, which at that time was almost entirely unreclaimed.  Here he built a primitive log house and therein established his home, while he gave his attention to clearing up the farm and bringing the same into cultivation.
     Our subject and his wife became the parents of thirteen children, of whom we offer the following brief record: John was a soldier in the late war of the Rebellion, being a member of Company C, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and yielded up his life while in the service; J. G.; Jacob and Henry died while young; Frederick also died while in the service of his country during the late civil war, he being a member of Company I, Thirty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; George is a resident of Westfield township, this county; Christina is deceased; Mary A. is the wife of H. C. Hartsook, of Cardington, this county; Caroline is the wife of George Karn, of Kansas; Frederica is deceased; and Sarah, Anna and Ella still remain at the paternal home.  The devoted wife and mother was called into eternal rest in 1886, having attained the age of sixty-nine years.  She was a woman of noble attributes and a devout member of the Lutheran Church.
     At the present time Mr. Kehrwecker has, as representing the results of his own well-directed efforts, a landed estate in this township of 380 acres, and though he is now an octogenarian he still maintains the supervision of the cultivation of his wide acres, the place being recognized as one of the finest farms in this section of the State.
     In politics our subject lends his influence and support to the Republican party.  Religiously he is identified in an intimate way with the Lutheran Church, of which he is a consistent and devoted member.  Distinctively a self-made man, he has attained his success by honorable methods and has not been narrowed in his sympathies, nor has he ever disregarded the rights of others.  He stands as one of the honored pioneer residents of the county, and in the community is held in the highest esteem as an upright citizen and an honest, true-hearted man.
Memorial Record of the Counties of Delaware, Union & Morrow, Ohio; Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co., 1895, pp. 292-293
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Perry Twp. –
BENJAMIN KEIFER, farmer; P. O., Sbaucks; second son of Peter and Susan (Meister) Keifer, was born Dec. 30, 1846, in this township; he lived at home until 28; he then united his fortunes with Louisa Portner, April 18, 1875.  She is the oldest daughter of David and Margaret (Noward) Portner; born Jan. 17, 1852.  David Portner was born in Switzerland about 1824, and came across the ocean with his parents when about two years old.  His parents settled in Clinton Co., Penn., about 1826, where they lived until 1833, when they moved to Troy Tp., of this county, on 74 acres of land.  David wedded Margaret Noward, Oct. 31, 1849.  She was a daughter of George and Margaret (Radal) Noward.  Both of her parents (grand-parents of Mrs. Keifer) were born in Bavaria, Germany, and came across the ocean in the same vessel in 1819, and settled at Lebanon, Penn., where they were married, and came to Troy Tp. in 1833.  Mr. Noward was born Sept. 2, 1799, and is now eighty-one years old, hale and hearty.  David Partner raised six children -- Louisa, Jacob M., Samuel S., Mary C., Chrissie A. and Hattie B.  After marriage, our subject settled on the present place, where he rents 80 acres of his father’s farm; he votes with the time-honored party of Jefferson and Jackson.  One daughter has blessed this union -- Emma I. Keifer; born Jan. 16, 1876.  His father, Peter Keifer, son of David Keifer, was born Dec. 9, 1804, in Bavaria, Germany; he was sent to school about three years; at the age of thirteen he hired out to work on a farm by the year, which he continued for fourteen years; for the first year’s work he received three dollars, and the highest wages received during that period was eighteen dollars per year; he left home for the United States, May 11, 1834, sailing from the port of Havre, and after an ocean voyage of six weeks, he arrived at New York July 14; he went by rail and steamboat to Philadelphia, and from there to Lebanon Co., Penn., where he worked on the farm some eight months; in the spring of 1835, he joined his uncle, Philip Keifer, who was journeying to Ohio; he walked the most of the way.  They settled in Troy Tp., of this county.  Although unused to chopping, on his arrival he began clearing land at from three to five dollars per acre; in this way he cleared some eighty acres for others; about 1836, he purchased twenty-five acres where his present residence stands; by his own energy and frugality, he now possesses the entire quarter section, on which he has cleared sixty acres and erected substantial buildings; he married Susan Meister, April 28, 1844.  She was born in Switzerland, Aug. 22, 1812, and came over with her parents during the same year as Mr. Keifer.  Her parents settled at first in Wayne Co., Ohio, and afterwards removed to Fulton Co.  Of this marriage three children have been born -- John, born April 23, 1845; Benjamin, Dec. 30, 1846; Sarah, Feb. 22, 1853.  Peter Keifer and wife are members of the Mennonite Church, in which he holds the office of Deacon.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 818-819
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Gilead Twp. –
J. H. KELLY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Gilead Station; is the son of Samuel and Lodemia (Pierson) Kelly; he was born on his father’s farm, adjoining the place on which he now lives, Feb. 12th, 1844; he lived at home for twenty-six years, during which time he worked on the farm and attended school; Feby. 10, 1870, he married Miss N. J., daughter of Samuel and Emily R. (Coe) Ewers; she was born on her father’s farm, in this locality; after his marriage he worked on his father’s farm for about seven years; he then came to his present place and has lived here since. They have four children -- Frank A., born Jan. 27, 1871; Edgar C., born March 17, 1875; Bertha E., Feby. 27, 1877; Ray O., Oct. 9, 1878. He has held no office except those connected with the school and road. He owns 120 acres in this county, located two and one-half miles north of Gilead Station, which he has earned by his own labor and management.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 540-541
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

JAMES H. KELLY. ––Since 1903 has James H. Kelly been a resident of Mount Gilead, Morrow county, Ohio, and his influence and strength of character have always wielded toward progressive lines and for the upbuilding of the county and state.  His success in life is not attributable to any element of chance but to persistency of purpose and a strong determination to forge ahead.
     Mr. Kelly is a native of Zanesville, Ohio, where his birth occurred on the 12th of November, 1867.  He is a son of Peter J. and Mary E. (O’Neal) Kelly, both of whom are now deceased.  Peter J. Kelly was a merchant and he was a faithful and gallant soldier in the Civil war.  Mr. Kelly was reared to adult age in Zanesville, in the public schools of which place he received his education, after which he entered upon a four years’ apprenticeship at the machinist’s trade in the office of the Mansfield Machine Works, at Mansfield, Ohio.  Thereafter he was engaged as a machinist in different cities in Ohio, among them being the Bucyrus Shorel Company, at Bucyrus, Ohio, and the Carroll Foundry & Machine Works, in the same place, of which latter concern he was for a time superintendent.  In 1903, as already noted, he located in Mount Gilead, where he began to operate the old butter-tub factory, which he equipped with modern facilities of the best order and which he has continued to run with considerable success to the present time, in 1911.  In 1908 he established a plant for plumbing and electric and gas fitting in connection with his factory, the offices of the same being on North Main street.  He owns a tract of valuable land on the site of the Short-Line railroad and has other interests of broad scope and importance in Mount Gilead.
     In the year 1894 Mr. Kelly married Miss Anna Linlon, of Bucyrus, Ohio, and they have one son, James L. Kelly, who was born on the 26th of October, 1896, and who is now enrolled as a pupil in the public schools of Mount Gilead.  In religious matters Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are devout communicants of the Holy Trinity Catholic church, at Bucyrus, Ohio, and in the same have been prominent factors in connection with charitable matters.
     By reason of his father’s service in the Civil war Mr. Kelly holds membership in Lemuel H. Breese Camp, No. 64, Sons of Veterans, besides which he is also connected with other social and fraternal organizations of a local character.  In his political convictions he is a stanch [sic] advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and he takes a deep and sincere interest in all matters touching the civic life of the community.  Among his friends he is highly esteemed for his sterling integrity of character and his genial disposition and he has ratified strong friendships by his deference for the opinions of others and his kindly consideration.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 815-816
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Gilead Twp. –
R. L. KELLY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born on his present place June 30, 1832, and has always made his home on the same; he attended the schools of his day, and assisted with his father’s stock, making five round trips to Philadelphia, Pa., with the same; when he became of age, his father bought him a farm in this locality, and, though living at home, he farmed the place on his own accord, and continued for four years, when he sold the place, and engaged in the general merchandise business, in Mt. Gilead, O., and followed the same for 2 years; he then closed out his business and came back to the farm, and has lived here since.  In March, 1865, he married Miss L. J. Meredith; she was born in Harmony Tp., this Co. They have two children -- Blanche M. and Austy B.  Mr. Kelly now lives on his farm, which contains 210 acres, and is located two miles east of Mt. Gilead. His parents, Allen and Miram (Dicus) Kelly, were natives of Pennsylvania and Delaware; they were married in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at an early day; when they came to this neighborhood, they at first camped in a hollow tree, and soon afterwards built a hewed log house, which was considered very fine in those days; they knew of no neighbors, until one calm morning they heard the cocks crow, and, following up the sound, found a neighbor, Ludwick Hardenbrook; in after years, Mr. Kelly started a store and tan-yard, and made an effort to establish a town, which was called Jamestown, and of which he served as Postmaster; but time and more favorable locations have left nothing but memory of this future great city. Out of their family of eleven children, six are living -- William lives in Mt. Gilead; Charles lives in Kansas; Julia A., now Mrs. Dr. S. Newcomb, of Westerville; Henrietta, now Mrs. McCammon, now in Kansas; Keturah, now Mrs. Thomas, of Ada, O.; and R. L., living on the old homestead. In 1865, Mr. Kelly divided his real estate among his children, and retired to Mt. Gilead, where he died.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 541
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Washington Twp. –
ROBERT KELLY, retired farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Nov. 8, 1795.  His father, James Kelly, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and married Miss Ann McCammis, a native of Franklin Co., Penn.  In 1801 the family moved over the mountains to Washington Co., Pa., and farmed there one year, and they there entered 320 acres of land, about 16 miles west of Steubenville, Ohio, which they occupied, living in a log cabin, and cleared the land.  Feb. 13, 1826, Robert was joined in marriage to Miss Jane Young, a native of Ireland.  They lived on his father’s farm.  In 1830 his father died, and in 1832 he moved west by wagons, and settled on his present place, buying out a former settler who had made a slight improvement.  In 1835 his mother and family came West, and settled in his neighborhood.  She lived with her children until her death.  Robert and family lived in a log cabin.  She made home-spun clothes, and he cleared the land.  He also did teaming to the lake for himself and others.  They did the milling below Mt. Vernon.  He assisted in cutting out the road that now passes his house, and in many ways figured with the pioneer characters of this locality.  By the marriage there was ten children, five of whom are living -- James lives in Albia, Iowa; Mary Howard in Missouri; Wm. Y. in Canaan Tp., this Co.; Robert J. farms the old homestead here; John M. lives In Kansas; all are married and pleasantly situated; Sept. 2, 1848, Mr. Kelly was called to mourn the death of his wife.  Robert J. Kelly, farmer, P. O. Mt. Gilead was born on the present place in Washington Tp., Marion -- now Morrow Co., O., -- June 18, 1836, and made it his home until his marriage, July 2, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Galleher, a native of Congress Tp., Richland -- now Morrow Co., O.  After the marriage they moved to a farm located two miles north of Mt. Gilead, and farmed there until Jan., 1874, when they came to the old homestead, having farmed same since.  Of their five children, four are living, Chas. E., Albert C., Alice E., and Anna; Bertha J. died.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 746-747
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Gilead Twp. –
SAMUEL KELLY, retired farmer; P.O. Mt. Gilead; was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, on his father’s farm, July 11, 1804, and lived there twenty-nine years, during which time he attended school in Salem, part of which town his father laid out on his farm; he also worked on the farm and in his father’s grist mill; hit [sic] father died in 1830. The boys carried on the place until 1834, when they sold out, and with their mother and sister came west in a wagon to Marion (now Morrow) Co., and settled in this vicinity; Samuel and his brother had been out the year before and bought the present place; they came on horseback. The family first rented a place, and work was begun on the land purchased, clearing same; shortly after, Miss Kelly married, and her mother lived with her; Samuel lived with a neighbor, and his brother lived some two miles distant.  Feb. 18, 1841, Mr. Samuel Kelly and Miss Lodemia Pierson were married; she was born in Knox Co., Ohio, April 11, 1824, and came to this vicinity in 1828; after his marriage he occupied his farm, and has lived on the same since; of their seven children but five are living -- Elizabeth A., now Mrs. Prof. Sharp, of Delaware, Ohio; James H., Chambers K., Sarah E., now Mrs. Krout, of Morrow Co., Ohio; Margaret S., now Mrs. Campbell, of Fort Wayne. Ind.  Mr. Kelly is one of the old residents of this vicinity; he owns 163 acres of land, located three miles north of Gilead Station; his parents, James and Annie (McCamice) Kelly, were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania; they married in Pennsylvania, and moved to Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1801, where he lived until his death; she came west, and died in this vicinity in 1837; they had seven sons and seven daughters, thirteen of whom lived to be adults; twelve married, and eleven raised families; five are now living -- Rebecca, now Mrs. Moffet, of this county; Robert, of this county; Elizabeth, now Mrs. McCasky, of Carroll Co., Ohio; Samuel, and Margaret, now Mrs. Irwin, of this county.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 540
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Cardington Twp. –
HIRAM KERN, merchant; Cardington; among the old settlers and prominent business men of Cardington, is Hiram Kern. He was born in Berks Co., Pa., Oct. 19, 1828, the son of Joseph and Sarah (Swavley) Kern, both natives of Berks Co., Pa., where they were raised, married and lived until 1831, when they removed to Perry Co., Ohio. They were the parents of fourteen children, six of whom are now living. The father was always engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was noted for his energy, frugality and straight business habits. He died March 20, 1880; his wife died in 1867; she was a niece of the famous Daniel Boon [sic], of Kentucky. Hiram Kern had but few advantages for obtaining an education, as he was “bound out” to a shoemaker at 14 years of age. After four years he began working for himself in the county in which his parents lived. After some time spent near his old home, he took a trip through the South and West, working at his trade to pay his way. After an absence of eighteen months, he returned to his home in Perry Co., where for some time he worked at his trade. He was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Lentz, Sept. 11, 1851; she was born in Perry Co., Ohio, March 26, 1834. From this union there are five children -- Mary E., Margaret C., Adda, Clara I., and Henry S.  In 1851 Mr. Kern came to Cardington and began in the boot and shoe trade. He is the only man who has for a period of twenty-nine years past been constantly and continually in the mercantile business in Cardington; he is an honest, upright business man, and has a good trade. He is a member of the M. E. Church of Cardington; he is a Democrat, and a self-made man in the fullest acceptation of the term.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 575
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

North Bloomfield Twp. –
THOMAS KERR, farmer; P. O. Galion; the history of Morrow Co. would be incomplete without some mention of James Kerr, father of Thomas Kerr. He (James) was born March 18, 1804, in Washington Co., Penn., and during his boyhood emigrated to Knox Co., Ohio, where he lived until his marriage to Susannah Baskins, Jan. 20, 1825, when he moved to what is now Morrow Co., and purchased 200 acres of government land. He endured many of the privations and hardships that fall to the lot of early settlers. With one exception, he had no neighbor nearer than three miles, and had to go to Mansfield to trade. (Alone, and single banded, he cleared the greater part of his farm from the primitive forest, and helped clear and locate some of the early roads.) His wife died Oct. 16, 1838, leaving five small children -- Francis, Joseph, George, James and Rachel. He was again married, Oct. 24, 1839, to Mary, daughter of Isaac and Jane (Carpenter) Barnes. She was born Sept. 19, 1810, in West Virginia; her parents came to this State in 1825, and located in Richland Co., but soon moved into what is now Morrow Co., where they lived until 1847, when they again moved west, living successively in Wisconsin and Minnesota, making the latter their final home. By his last marriage, seven children have been born, three of whom are living -- William, David and Thomas. Mr. Kerr, Sr., died Dec. 6, 1867.  Thomas, the youngest son, was born Oct. 3, 1851, and lived on the old homestead, which he partly owns, and controls. He is the support of his aged mother, and a consistent member of the M. E. Church, to which his parents belonged when it was first organized in the neighborhood.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 626.
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Perry Twp. –
JACOB KING, retired farmer; P. O. Shauck's (Johnsville).  Among the old and influential citizens who settled in the vicinity ere this county was born, stands the worthy gentleman whose name heads this sketch.  He is the son of George and Mary (Blasser) King; was born in York Co., Penn., Jan. 30 1805.  He lived on the farm until he was sixteen, enjoying but few advantages for education; he then worked at milling in his father’s mill about six years.  He married Mary Winters March 27, 1827; she was born in York Co., Penn., June 18, 1809.  After marriage he rented land in York Co. for about two years, when he formed a desire to come to Ohio.  He enlisted the sympathy of his father in the movement, which resulted in their selling out, and ere long two heavily loaded wagons were bearing the King family across the mountains to the Buckeye State.  The family stopped with a brother-in-law in Wayne Co., while Jacob and his father came to Troy Tp., then Richland Co., where they selected three hundred acres of land, on which some small improvements had been made.  Jacob bought 120 acres of John Mitchell in the spring of 1833, on which he built and run a saw-mill some ten or twelve years.  Here he lived and made many improvements on his farm until 1864, when he sold his farm and came to Johnsville to enjoy the rest and quiet which his abundant labors had so richly won.  Here he owns four lots and eight acres of land south of town.  When Morrow Co. was organized, the line dividing Troy Tp. passed through Mr. King’s farm, leaving his residence in the new county.  He was a member of the first Democratic -Convention, which lasted all night, and was solicited to be a candidate for Commissioner, but declined.  He has ably filled the offices of Trustee and Justice of the Peace a number of times during his residence in both counties.  It will be seen by reference to the map of the county that a portion has been severed from the western part of Troy Tp.  In this area Mr. King lived, and desiring to be set back into Richland Co., for sufficient reasons, he quietly raised a petition of twelve men in his school district, and through the influence of Barnabas Burns, a friend of his then in the State Senate, two sections of Troy Tp. were set back into Richland Co.  He was Trustee at the time, and so neatly had the work been done, that they waited until about ten o’clock for him to open the election, not knowing of the change.  Mr. King is a Democrat of the “old time” type -- a faithful and efficient worker in its ranks.  He raised a family of four children -- Leah was born April 8, 1828, in Pennsylvania; married Henry L. Shauck, by whom she has four children living; she died Sept. 26, 1874; Catherine, Sept. 20, 1833, now Mrs. Jason J. Cover (see sketch); Jane, Nov. 8, 1838, was wife of Charles Dise; she died March 21, 1872, leaving three sons; Jerome J., May 4, 1842, and united in marriage with Mary Miller, a daughter of Dr. Miller, of Mansfield, Ohio, where Jerome is engaged in the grocery business at present.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 817-818
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

ORMAN KINGMAN, deceased —The following memoir, which relates somewhat concerning the life history of one who stood as an honored resident of Morrow county for the long span of an active and useful life; one who was a native son of the county, and whose days were part and portion of the indissoluble chain which linked the annals of the early pioneer epoch with those of latter day progress and prosperity, is offered as a slight tribute to a man who stood four square to every wind that blew, and whose strength was as the number of his days.
     Orman Kingman was a lineal descendant of the eighth generation from Henry and Sarah Kingman, who fled from England on account of religious persecution, and settled with the Pilgrim colony at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1630.  He was born in Lincoln township, Morrow (then Delaware) county, Ohio, November 21, 1823.  His father was Joseph Kingman, who was born and reared in the State of Vermont.  In an early day, just after the close of the war of 1812, in which he was a solder, he removed his habitation from among the green-clad mountains of his native State, and took up his abode in the forest wilds of that portion of Delaware county, Ohio, which was subsequently included in the organization of the present county of Morrow.  He settled in the woods, at a point five miles distant to the south of Mount Gilead, the present thriving seat of the county, and here he remained until the time of his death, at the age of sixty-seven years.  He was a son of Alexander Kingman, who likewise was a native of the old Green Mountain State, a member of a prominent family, and one of the brave men who took up arms and participated in the great conflict of 1776, by which the colonies determined their independence from the dominion of the mother country.  He came to Ohio a few years after his son Joseph, and with him settled on the pioneer homestead already noted.  Here he passed the residue of his life, dying October 18, 1849, at the age of eighty-five.
     The mother of our subject, née Susanna Wood, was the daughter of Jonathan Wood, an early settler of this county, and one to whom more specific reference is made in the sketch of his son, Thomas A., as appearing elsewhere in this volume.
     Orman Kingman was the fourth in order of birth of the eight children of Joseph and Susanna Kingman, and all of this number lived to attain mature years.  Orman passed his childhood and youth on the parental farmstead, receiving his scholastic discipline in the primitive log school-houses of the place and period.  He remained on the old farm until the time when he married and assumed for himself the responsibilities of life, thereupon locating on a farm in Lincoln township, where he continued his residence for five years, devoting his attention to general farming.  At the expiration of the period noted he effected the purchase of the place where his widow now abides, in the same township.
     He was a man of broad intelligence, sturdy rectitude of character, progressive in his methods, and honorable in his dealings with his fellow men, ––attributes which must ever eventuate in gaining the respect and esteem of all within a person’s sphere of action and influence.  He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which body he had been prominently and actively identified for a period of nearly a half century, having been a Class-leader, and having held official preferment as Steward for a term of many years.  Fraternally he was identified with the several Masonic bodies, having been initiated into the mysteries of that noble order when a young man.  Politically he was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he transferred his support and sympathy to that party.  He served as Township Trustee, and had also been the incumbent in other minor offices of public trust.  Mr. Kingman was well known in the county, was genial and sympathetic in temperament, and enjoyed a distinctive popularity, being an excellent conversationalist, and a man whose friends were in number as his acquaintances.  He entered into eternal rest on the last day of August, 1891, and in his death the community mourned the loss, not of a great man, for his talents and opportunities were not such as to render possible the achievement of great ends, but of “a good man,” and what higher honor can be accorded than in the recognition of the intrinsic worth of character?
     The widow of our subject, Mary C. (Cunard) Kingman, who lives to bear and reverence his name, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, September 27, 1827, and was a daughter of Stephen T. Cunard, a native of the same county in the Old Dominion State, where he was born February 3, 1803.  He was reared in Loudoun county, receiving somewhat limited educational advantages, and early in life learning the carpenter’s trade.  He was a son of Edward and Edith (Thatcher) Cunard, both of whom dated their nativity in Virginia.  His father, Edward Cunard, Jr., served in the war of 1812, as Lieutenant of his company, and lost his life in one of the engagements of that memorable conflict.  In his later years he had followed the vocation of civil engineer, being possessed of distinctive ability.
     His grandfather, Edward Cunard, Sr., was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and was at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia, in October, 1781.  The family is of English origin, tracing lineal descent from the Hirsts, of Yorkshire.  The original representative of the Hirst family to locate in the New World came here in 1680 and settled near Baltimore, Maryland.  The mother of Mrs. Kingman was Vashti B. (James) Cunard, who was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1805, the daughter of David and Charlotte (Bradfield) James, who were pioneers of Morrow county, having moved to Morrow county, Ohio, in 1835 from Loudoun county, Virginia.  The parents of Mrs. Kingman were wedded in their native State, November 26, 1826, and in 1835 they removed to the forest wilds of Morrow county (then Delaware county), Ohio, where but little had been done in the way of felling the forests, and where the log cabins of the settlers were few and far between.  In 1835 there were twenty-eight votes cast at the general election in Lincoln township, and S. T. Cunard was one of the number of depositors.  At the time of his death, in 1881, there were only three of these voters living, and the last of the number died in 1891.
     When the parents came from Virginia their entire earthly possessions were transported in an old-fashioned carryall, in which the mother rode in state, with her little daughter (Mrs. Kingman) by her side, and the younger child (Ludwell M. Cunard, then a babe of five months, now a prominent citizen of Mount Gilead, this county) in her lap.  The journey was made in this primitive conveyance along the old national road to Wheeling, West Virginia, and thence forward to the destination in this township.  The available cash capital of the family was represented in the sum of $50, which Mrs. Cunard carried in her pocket.  The father walked the entire distance, accompanied by his two faithful watch dogs, Castor and Pollux.  Arriving here he built a diminutive log cabin, in which he installed his family, the place being located five miles south of Mount Gilead, which place was named by Daniel James, an uncle of the mother of Mrs. Kingman.  The father set valiantly at work to clear and improve his little farm of 160 acres, and in time he gained the reward for his industry and good management, being the owner of 1,100 acres of finely improved land at the time of his death.  He was originally a Whig; later a Republican and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Union during the late civil war.  His death occurred March 3, 1881, his wife having passed away in May, 1871.
     They were the parents of six children, namely: Mary C., relict of the honored subject of this sketch; Ludwell M., of Mount Gilead, this county, of whom individual mention is made on another page; Henry Edward, who was killed at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862, as Captain of Company I, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Thomas Corwin, a very prominent citizen of Fulton, this county, having filled many places of trust, including that of Notary Public for many years: the town of Fulton is located on a farm which he bought many years ago, and he has the honor of having erected the first house in the town, and of doing more toward its advancement than any other of its residents; Alexander H., deceased; and Amanda E., deceased wife of Dr. A. E. Westbrook, of Delaware county.  All of the four sons were soldiers in the late war of the Rebellion, the youngest of which (Alexander H.) enlisted at the age of fifteen and served four years.
     Mrs. Kingman was the eldest child, and was seven years of age when her parents came to Ohio.  Her education was received in the log school-houses which obtained in these early pioneer days, and as the eldest child much of her time was demanded in assisting in the domestic duties of the little cabin home, where she waxed strong in health and years, becoming an example of that intelligent, wholesome type of young womanhood which the frontier life produced.
     July 17, 1845, she was united in marriage to Mr. Kingman, and she became the mother of six children, of whom we make record as follows: Ada Ellen died in infancy; Elmore Y. is a prosperous farmer in Lincoln township.  His early education was obtained in the district schools, and he afterward taught in the same school where he had been a pupil.  He then attended the high school in this county for several summers, teaching during the winter months.  By economy he managed to save a part of his small salary, and with a little assistance from his father, he was enabled to attend the Baldwin University for several terms.  He married Belle Smith, a very amiable lady, and they settled on the farm where they now reside.  They have two sons, William Orman and Charles Cunard, both exemplary, promising young men.  Stephen Cunard Kingman is a representative young attorney of Mount Gilead, where he has practiced law for the past twenty years.  He received his early education in the schools of his own district, afterward attending the high school and Baldwin University.  After returning from college he commenced the study of law.  Soon after this he married Ada Eudora Coe, a lady of great moral worth.  She died within a few years, leaving two little girls.  The elder, Mary Letitia, a child of unusual promise, died when eleven years of age.  He remained a widower for two years, when he married Mary Alexandria Ireland, a very talented young lady, and they have four interesting children: Helen Valeria, Elba Nile, Hortense Virginia and Cunard Maxwell.  Joseph B. Kingman is at home.  George Edward died in childhood.  Hortense Vashti is the deceased wife of Professor Henry A. Foster.  She commenced teaching school before she was sixteen years of age, and had pupils who were older than herself.  She was a graduate of the high school at Mount Gilead, and afterward attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, where she became acquainted with Professor Foster.  She was a young woman of beautiful character and high order of intelligence.  After her marriage she removed with her husband to Pontiac, Illinois, where she died only eleven months later.
     Mrs. Kingman is a woman of great memory and “strong common sense,” whose kindly character and genial and sympathetic nature have endeared her to a large circle of devoted friends, while in her gentle graciousness lies the charm of true refinement and the evidence of the born gentlewoman.  She is noted in the community for her devotion to the collecting of interesting relics and quaint family heirlooms, and none are more highly prized by her than the little splint-bottomed chair in which she sat during their journey to this country, sixty years ago; a large tortoiseshell comb of her mother’s, bought sixty-eight years ago, and still in perfect condition, not even a tooth missing, although worn almost constantly by her for thirty years; and a little butter tray made by her father sixty years since.  She has set apart a room in her pleasant home for the displaying of this collection, which constitutes an attractive and veritable museum, concerning whose various articles Mrs. Kingman can entertain one with piquant and diverting descriptions and narratives.  Her home is one which shows culture and refined taste, and is one in which there is always assured a gracious welcome.  She is loved and esteemed by all in the community, where so many yeans of her life have been passed.
     The following poem, composed by L. M. Cunard, son of the late Judge S. T. Cunard, was read September 23, 1892, by his sister, Mrs. Mary C. Kingman, at their mountain home:

MY MOUNTAIN HOME.

With weary pace and saddened heart,
  To this dear spot I come;
While gathering tears unbidden start,
  For ’tis my childhood home;
And six decades have rolled away
  Since first I rambled here,
With bounding step in childish play.
  Untrammelled by a care.

But O what changes! Sixty years
  Have given few pleasures birth:
But disappointments, bitter tears,
  Have quenched the flames of mirth.
Now, from my own loved Ohio,
  Here once again I come;
And mem’ry’s currents backward flow.
  While at my mountain home.

Here will I close my eyes and dream
  I am a child again,
Let old-time scenes, like rushing stream,
  Pass by me, now, as then.
Sweet dream.  O’er grand old mountain heights,
  Again, a child, I roam;
Anon, I soar in joyous flights
  Around my mountain home.

I dream, and while I dream, behold
  The “old home” as it was,
Ere three-score years their tale had told
  Of grief, and death, and wars.
I still dream on; and now I hear
  A song of long ago;
I list, entranced, and still more clear
  The echoing anthems flow.

O, how familiar is that strain:
  How soft each cadence steals,
To soothe and quiet every pain,
  My childish spirit feels.
Old Blue Ridge––lofty, more sublime
  Than polished Grecian dome;
Surroundings change, and men; but Time
  Moves not my mountain home.

Here would I stay and still dream on,
  And breathe thy balmy air,
But oh! the sweet illusion’s flown;
  I wake; old age is here;
But while life lasts, and memories live,
  Where e’er on earth I roam,
My latest thoughts to thee I’ll give,
  Thou clear old mountain home.

Memorial Record of the Counties of Delaware, Union & Morrow, Ohio; Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co., 1895, pp. 330-334
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

ADAM KRATT, who stands as a representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of Morrow county, Ohio, is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of Westfield township.  His father, the late Christopher Kratt, was a native of Baden, Germany, and he grew to manhood in the fatherland, being reared to farm life.  The maiden name of our subject’s mother was Christina Krouse, and she likewise was a native of Baden, Germany, where she remained until she had attained mature years.  The parents came to America about 1830 and were married here, after which they settled near Chillicothe, Ohio, where the father was employed in a factory about six years.  In 1837 they came to that part of Delaware county which is now incorporated in the county of Morrow, and here the father entered claim to ninety-two acres of Government land, the same being entirely unreclaimed and heavily wooded.  He paid for his land at the rate of $1.25 per acre.  On this farm he erected a log cabin and then set valiantly to work to clear and improve his farm, subsequently adding forty-five acres to his place.  In 1861 he erected the present residence.  His death occurred September 23, 1875, and at the time he had brought the farm up to the present high state of cultivation.  The mother of our subject is still living, at the venerable age of eighty-three years.
     Christopher and Christina Kratt became the parents of eight children, of whom seven lived to attain mature years.  Of the children we offer the following brief record: Amena is the deceased wife of Monroe Orcut; Catherine is deceased; Ann is the widow of the late Alpheus Schofield and is the mother of three children; Maggie is the wife of Joel Shaw and they have two daughters; Elizabeth is the wife of F. B. Shaw and is the mother of three children; Jacob enlisted for service in the late war of the Rebellion, entering the Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and while with the same met his death at Arkansas Post; Adam, subject of this review, is the youngest of the family.  The parents early identified themselves with the Lutheran Church and were zealous workers in the same.  In politics the father was a Democrat.
     Adam Kratt, subject of this sketch, was born October 3, 1848, on the old homestead where he now lives, and he received his educational discipline in the district schools.  After the death of his father he assumed the management of the home farm, which he now owns.  He has added to the same until he is now the proprietor of 266 acres, all in one body and all improved.  He has done much in the way of rebuilding and in making the permanent improvements about the place substantial and well kept, while he has also cleared and brought into cultivation a large part of his fine place.  He has about six acres of fine orchard and devotes considerable attention to the raising of graded stock.
     In December, 1873, Mr. Kratt was united in marriage to Miss Sarah B. Phillipy, a native of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of the late John Phillipy.  Our subject and his wife are the parents of two children: Harley J., born September 23, 1875, and Chloe Belle, born May 15, 1883.
     Fraternally Mr. Kratt is prominently identified with the Masonic order, retaining a membership in Cardington Lodge, No. 384, and Mount Gilead Chapter, No. 84.  He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Cardington Lodge, No. 194, in which he has passed all the chairs, and of Ashley Encampment, No. 125.  The list of his fraternal affiliations is completed in his retaining a membership in the Royal Arcanum at Cardington.  He has been one of the most zealous and progressive workers in furthering educational interests, and has been School Director for many years, being the present incumbent in that office.  His interest in the work is unflagging and he is recognized as the prime factor in promoting the educational advantages in his township.  Politically Mr. Kratt is an ardent supporter of the Republican party and its principles, and he has taken an active part in the local councils of the organization.
     A man of marked intellectual force, careful and conscientious in all his dealings, and charitable and kind hearted, he is not only one of the most prominent men in Westfield township, but one honored and esteemed by all.
Memorial Record of the Counties of Delaware, Union & Morrow, Ohio; Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co., 1895, pp. 390-391
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

DANIEL KREIS, a prominent farmer of Cardington township, was born in Richland township, Marion county, Ohio, August 20, 1859.  His father, Jacob Kreis, was born in Baden, Germany, where he remained until sixteen years of age, and then came alone to America, landing at Baltimore, Maryland, with only $1 in his pocket.  He worked on a farm in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, for three years, receiving $5 per month and board.  He was there married, and shortly afterward came to Marion county, Ohio, in a one-horse wagon, locating in Richland township.  He traded his horse and wagon in part payment for a forty-acre farm, on which he built a log house.  Mr. Kreis then left his wife in charge of the place, and began work on the National Pike, near Dayton, Ohio, receiving 50 cents per day, and walked back and forth every two weeks to his home.  In that way he earned the money to pay the balance on his farm.  He added to his place from time to time, until in 1859 he owned 900 acres.  In 1862 Mr. Kreis removed to Cardington township, and located on a farm known as the Brooks farm, east of Cardington city.  In 1870 he erected and moved into a fine brick residence in that city.  His first business venture there was the opening of a hardware store, which he conducted about thirty years, and was also engaged in the dry-goods and clothing business.  At one time he was president of the Cardington Banking Company, and was a stockholder in the National Bank of Galion, and in the First National Bank of Cardington.  Mr. Kreis built what is known as the J. Kreis Block in Cardington, the best business place in the city, and was also owner of a large brick block in Columbus.
     He was united in marriage with Miss Helena Smith, born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.  When very young she was bound out, and but little can be learned of her parentage.  Mr. and Mrs. Kreis were the parents of ten children, namely: Joseph (deceased), Jacob, Elizabeth, Helena (deceased), George (who represented Morrow county in the State Legislature four years), John, Cassius (deceased), Mary, Daniel and Samuel.  Mr. Kreis was a Democrat in his political views, and was a member of the City Council at the time of his death, which occurred in 1884, in his seventy-fourth year.  He was a member of the German Reformed Church.  Mrs. Kreis also departed this life in her seventy-fourth year.
     Daniel Kreis, the subject of this sketch, was three years of age when he came to Morrow county, and his education was completed in the Cardington schools.  He commenced clerking for his father when fourteen years old, remaining with him two years after his marriage.  In 1885 he located on his present farm of seventy-six and a half acres, and, in addition to general farming, makes a specialty of Shropshire sheep.  In political matters he affiliates with the Democratic party, and for four years held the office of Assessor, having been elected in a Republican district of 300 majority.  Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Cardington Lodge, No. 427.
     Mr. Kreis was married in November, 1882, to Anna Smith, who was born and reared in Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of Ferdinand Smith, a prominent business man of that city.  They have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, Earl Ferdinand.
Memorial Record of the Counties of Delaware, Union & Morrow, Ohio; Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co., 1895, pp. 405-406
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Cardington Twp. –
JACOB KREIS, retired; Cardington; was born in Baden, Germany, April 28, 1810; he is the son of Joseph and Eva (Kelber) Kreis, both natives of Germany, and the parents of five children, four of whom are living. When Mr. Kreis was in his 18th year, he left his native land and came to the United States, stopping for eight years in York Co., Pa.; while there, in 1836, he married Helena Smith, and the same year came to Ohio, settling in Marion Co., on a farm of forty acres; he was unable to pay for his land at that time, but leaving his wife and child in the wilderness, he went to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked on the pike until he had secured sufficient money to pay the balance of the indebtness [sic]; he then began to improve his small farm, economizing and undergoing hardships, and, at last, by shrewd management and sagacity, had increased it to 900 acres; he continued speculating in land in Marion Co., laying there the foundation of his fortune. In 1858, while still living in Marion Co., he began in the mercantile business in Cardington, moving on a farm near there in 1864; nine years afterward he came to Cardington to live; he has since been engaged in almost all the enterprises to improve and build up the city; he was one of the men to build the Enterprise Block, the first brick building in Cardington, he was also one of the founders of the First National Bank, being one of its Directors; at this date he is the President of Battey’s Bank, of Cardington, and is a Director of the Citizens’ National Bank, of Galion, Ohio; he has other valuable property in Cardington, owning one of the finest dwellings in the county besides considerable property adjoining the city. He is the father of twelve children, ten of whom are now living -- Joseph, Jacob, Elizabeth, Helena, George, John, Cassia, Mary, Daniel and Samuel, living; and Catharine, and one that died in infancy, dead. When Mr. Kreis arrived in the United States, he had but one dollar; he went to work for Jacob Coover, remaining with him seven years, receiving $4 per month for the first seven months, at the end of which time he pocketed the $28, not having spent a cent. He is a Democrat, though. somewhat liberal in his views. Remembering his own trials in early life, he has managed to give his children a different start. He is one of the most prominent citizens at Cardington.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 575-576
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Perry Twp. –
JOHN N. KROUT, teacher; Woodview; is the oldest son of Jacob and Sarah L. (Rule) Krout, was born Aug. 24, 1850, in York Co., Penn.  He lived upon a farm and went to the district schools of his neighborhood until twelve years of age when the family moved to North Woodbury, and upon examination he was admitted to the higher department of its schools, where he studied until eighteen, when he assumed the duties of teacher.  His success is attested by the fact that he taught thirteen terms in one school.  He has taught twenty-three terms in all, only missing one term since he began.  He has been Principal of the Woodbury schools, where he was formerly a pupil.  He has been a member of the Teachers’ Institute of this county for many years, and has served on its Executive Committee, with efficiency and ability.  March 16, 1875, a large competitive Spelling Match was held in the Court House of Mt. Gilead.  Mr. Krout secured the first prize over a large number of competitors -- a large Unabridged Dictionary -- as the best speller of the he county.  He has gathered quite a collection of valuable books.  Mr. Krout is a member of the New School Baptist Church.  He united his fortunes with Mary Dennis, Dec. 6, 1870.  She is a daughter of Elah Dennis (see sketch); was born April 4, 1853, in this township.  Three children have been born to them -- Emma was born May 9, 1872; Clinton, Oct. 15, 1874; Clara, June 6, 1876.  By frugality and careful management Mr. Krout has purchased a valuable house and lot in Woodbury, and 80 acres of farming land in Kansas, all the fruit of his own labor.  The parents of Mr. Krout are of German origin; his father, Jacob Krout, was born in Baltimore Co., Md., June 18, 1824, and his mother whose maiden name was Sarah L. Rule, was born Jan. 20, 1827.  They were united in marriage June 18, 1847, in Pennsylvania, where they lived a part of the time until March 1858, when they emigrated to Ohio, settling near West Point, where he lived two years working at the carpenter trade in meantime.  He then purchased a farm of 70 acres in North Bloomfield Tp., which he cultivated until 1862.  He came to North Woodbury in March of that year, and engaged in milling for about ten years, and has since worked at carpentering.  They have a family of nine children -- Mary A., now widow of the late Rev. Thomas W. Dye of this township.  She had five children -- Lua E., Elzy A., Clement C., Zila L. and Raleigh B.; John N., subject of this sketch; Elizabeth E., now Mrs. Leander Dennis of this township; Jacob B., was born in Baltimore Co., Md., July 27, 1856.  He came with his parents to this county in 1858.  He attended the higher department of the school at North Woodbury, and began teaching at eighteen; he has taught thirteen terms in all, seven of which he taught in the same district.  He removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where he is still engaged in teaching, and bids fair to stand at the head of his profession.  Charles A., was born March 12, 1862, in North Bloomfield Tp., of this county.  He completed a course of study in the North Woodbury Schools; subsequently he entered the Union Schools of Chesterville. O., under the instruction of Prof. William Morrow.  He went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he began teaching at 17 years of age, and is now bringing to a successful close his “third” term in the district where he was first employed; George F. was born in this county, March 31, 1859.  He received a good education in the Graded School of North Woodbury.  He chose the avocation of farming.  He united his fortunes with Miss Ella Kelly, a daughter of Samuel Kelly of Gilead Tp., where he is now employed in tilling the soil.  The remaining members of the family still at home are Hiram E., Vincent D. and Ida F. Krout; one died in infancy.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 816-817
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.