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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
History of
Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing
Co.
1883
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SAMUEL SAGE was born in Bristol, England,
June 11, 1756, and died Apr. 8, 1824, in the
sixty-eighth year of his age. He was a
soldier of the war of the Rebellion and was
present at the surrender of Cornwallis. He
married Miss India Canovan, of Galway,
Ireland, and came to America in 1774. They
first settled in Virginia after peace was
declared, in which State five children were born
to them - Joel, Nancy, Charlotte, and
twin sons, James and Joseph. The
latter lived and died in Elk Township, marrying
Miss Nancy Landfair. Joseph married
Miss Polly Pliner and moved to Iowa,
where he died. Charlotte married
John Boyles, who lived in Athens County, and
Nancy became the wife of James Pilcher,
and the other tour were single. Samuel
Sage came to Ohio in 1806 and settled on
what is known as the Warren farm, but in 1810
removed to Elk Township and purchased the farm
which is now the property of Daniel Will.
His son-in-law, James Pilcher, followed
them and settled in Madison Township, near
Zaleski, and his farm is also owned by Daniel
Will. Mr. Sage's wife died in 1833.
Mr. Sage was a man well educated, of
gentle bearing and steady habits, and in this
country followed the profession of teaching, and
farming, but principally the former. He
ever commanded the respect and confidence of his
neighbors.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1160 - Chapt. XLII |
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A. W. SALTS, Judge
of Probate Court, McArthur, is a son of
Edward Salts, Jr., who was born in Ross
County, Ohio, in 1812, and died in Vinton
County, Nov. 17, 1854, from injuries received
some time previous at a barn raising. He
was brought by his parents to where McArthur
Junction now is in 1816. He was through
life mostly a farmer, although the latter part
he kept a grocery store where the old McArthur
station now stands. He was a man of
industry, economy and good principle, and
accomplished a fair competency. He married
Clarissa, daughter of Harry Cassil,
who died about 1840. She was the mother of
three children, two of whom were twins and died
in infancy. John, the other,
married and died in Minnesota, leaving one child
- Clara Salts. The second wife of
Edward Salts, Jr., was Matilda,
widow of George Morrison, whose maiden
name was Lively. She was born in
Virginia in 1822 and died in Vinton County,
Ohio, Dec. 22, 1877, where she had lived since
1830. She had one child by her first
husband - Martha J., and by Edward
Salts she had five children; by her third
husband, William Landman, none. Her
children by Edward Salts were - Clara,
now Mrs. Jacob Wallace, of Cherokee
County, Kas.; Rebecca, wife of Joseph
Seay, of Missouri. The three sons are
in Vinton County. Of the number, Andrew
W. is the youngest, and was born in Vinton
County, Feb. 6, 1853. He had the benefit
of a common-school education, but by seventeen
was prepared to teach, which he followed
seventeen terms, together with farming. In
1880 he was elected Justice of the Peace of
Richland Township, and in the fall of 1881 was
elected by the Democratic party to his present
position, Probate Judge, and at the time, was
the youngest man ever elected to that position
in the State of Ohio. He was married Sept.
4, 1873, to Maggie Buskirk, of Richland
Township, but a native of Muskingum County,
Ohio. She received a liberal education and
taught several terms. They have four
children - Herbert L., Clara M., Edna M.
and Harry H.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1264 - Elk Twp. |
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JOHN F. SANDS,
son of Joshua and Betsey (Call) Sands,
was born in Elmira, N. Y., Feb. 7, 1841.
His parents came to Hocking County, Ohio, in
1851. His educational advantages were
limited, and he obtained the most of his
knowledge of books by studying after his day's
work was done. June 23, 1863, he married
Sarah J., daughter of Joseph and Julia
A. Lange. They are the parents of six
children, five now living - Frederick A.,
John E., William Peabody, Julia A. and
George N. Clarissa died Dec. 25, 1866,
aged three years and seven months. Mr.
Sands's father was born Mar. 7, 1802, a son
of John Wilkes, and grandson of
Nathaniel Sands, who came to America from
England, being 1725 and 1750, settling on Long
Island. He was a railroad contractor, and
at the time of coming to Ohio was engaged to
construct the Scioto & Hocking Valley, now known
as the River Division of the Columbus, Hocking
Valley & Toledo Railroad. He has seven
children, five sons and two daughters - W. H.
B., Postmaster at Azleski; A. C.,
conductor; James W., track
superintendent; Frank C., clerk, and
John F., station agent and telegraph
operator for the M. & C. R. R. Amelia
M., now Mrs. Mark Horth, resides in
Salamanca, N. Y., and Clarissa A. B. is a
missionary of the Baptist church, now in
Yokohama, Japan. Mr. Sands has been
superintendent of the C. W. & B. depot at
Zaleski twenty-six years.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1302 |
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JOHN
SCHLOTTERBACK, born Oct. 11, 1847, in
Swan Township, Vinton County, is the sixth child
of Henry and Mary Ann (Reynolds)
Schlotterback. In 1861, although young
in years, he enlisted in Company I,
Seventy-fifth Ohio Infantry. They went to
Cheat Mountain, and thence to McDowell, where
they encountered the enemy in a skirmish, and
remained in camp about a week. The next
move was across the Shenandoah Mountains and
there received an attack from the enemy and fell
back to Monterey. At this place they had a
fight; were overpowered and fell back to
Franklin, Va. During this time the
regiment was under command of General Milroy, of
Indiana. At Franklin General Fremont
joined them with his army and took command.
From this place they marched to Strausburg, in
the Shenandoah Valley, and followed the rebel
General Jackson up the valley to the
Kenoyeway Valley. They had a fight at
Cross Keys, which resulted in the defeat of
Jackson's army, which retreated across
Shenandoah River and burned the bridge.
From that place Fremont fell back to Middleton
and then went into camp, remaining two months.
At this camp Fremont resigned a General Pope
took command. The next move was across
Blue Ridge to Sperryville, in Rappahannock
County, where the army lay in camp about three
months. From Sperryville they marched to
Cedar Mountain, and reached there in time to
wind up the fight, with General Banks,
against the reels under Longstreet and
Jackson. The following day the entire
army under Banks marched to the Rapidan River.
The rebels had burned the bridge and the army
went into camp about three weeks. From
this place they marched back to Sulphur Springs
on the Rapidan, thence on the next day a forced
march of twenty-five miles to Freeman's Ford.
At this place the field artillery was called
into action. The next day one brigade of
General Blinker's division crossed the
river and made an attack while Mr.
Schlotterback's company was holding guard
over the ford. The brigade that crossed
was obliged to fall back, which brought Mr.
Schlotterback's company into action with the
rebels, during which two of their men were
killed - Washington Burtnett and
William H. Earnhart, of Vinton County.
From this place they marched up the river to
Bull Run. On the last day of the
engagement at this place the Seventy-fifth Ohio
was called into it, during which Mr.
Schlotterback, received a from a minie-ball
through the left leg. For four days he lay
upon the field where he fell, without anything
to eat or drink. He was then taken to the
hospital on the battlefield, where he lay four
days longer, and then went to the Columbian
College Hospital at Washington, where he lay
about a month, during which time his leg was
amputated. He remained at this hospital about
three months, and was discharged and came home
about Feb. 1, 1863. Mr. Schlotterback
remained at home about a year, then went to
Indiana and remained there a year. He then
returned home, and in March, 1855, was married
to Delia Wing, who was born in
Chillicothe, Ohio, May, 1848. Mr.
Schlotterback then settled down and has
resided in the county since, following the
occupation of a farmer. Mr. and Mrs.
Schlotterback have seven children - H. E.,
born Jan. 10, 1866; Buena Vista, born
Feb. 18, 1868; Philip S., born Dec. 23,
1871; Ellenora, born Feb. 6, 1873;
Hollis B., born May 18, 1875; Lizzie N.,
born Sept. 20, 1877; Estella M., born
Feb. 22, 1880.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1326 |
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CONRAD SCHMIDT,
GROCER, McArthur, son of Michael
Schmidt, was born in Baden, Germany, Oct.
15, 1822, and in 1847 came to America and
settled in Sandusky City, and in 1854 came to
Vinton County. In 1864 he bought a farm
near McArthur of 118 acres on section 27, but in
1882 sold his farm, and in December of the same
year opened a grocery store in McArthur, where
he carries a full line of all articles kept in a
grocery store. His first wife was Mary
A. Myers who was born and reared in Germany.
She was the mother of ten children, eight now
living. He married his second wife,
Fannie (Sprouse) Tracewell, in 1878.
She was born in Albemarle County, Va., Sept. 4,
1837, but since 1869 has lived in Vinton County,
Ohio. She had five children by her first
husband, two living - Cora Ann and
Charles J. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt are
both members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
though Mr. Schmidt was born and reared a
Catholic.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1265 - Elk Twp. |
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STEPHEN SHERWOOD,
farmer, McArthur, is a son of David and Anna
Sherwood, and was born in Fairfield County,
Conn., June 4, 1818. He was reared in his
native county on the farm and acquired a
common-school education. At the age of
twenty he entered upon ocean life which he
followed five years. During this time he
visited England, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey,
Africa, New Zealand, China and Holland. In
1845 he came West and spent some time in
Missouri and other Western States and returned
East to New York, but in 1851 came to Vinton
County, Ohio, and in 1853 married Sarah A.
Aikins. His first purchase of land was
in 1852 and he now owns 400 acres and also some
town property . This accumulation is
mostly the result of his own legitimate efforts.
His land is richly underlaid with coal and ore,
while the surface is good agricultural and
grazing land. He makes a specialty of
breeding fine sheep and cattle. He and
wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
Mrs. Sherwood was born in Muskingum
County, Ohio, in March, 1832, and is a daughter
of Robert and Elizabeth Aikins, who were
both natives of Pennsylvania, but finally became
residents of Vinton County, Ohio, and in 1874 of
McArthur, where he died in March, 1881, and his
widow still lives. Of their eight children
six are now living, all in Vinton County.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1265 - Elk Twp. |
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GEORGE W. SHOCKEY
was born near McArthur, Athens (now Vinton)
County, Ohio, May 5, 1822. At the age of
eight years his father put him on his own
resources financially. He did such work as
he could got to do, and in that way got his
clothing and education. He worked nights
and mornings for his board, and by close
application and hard study made considerable
advancement in his studies, and in 1844 was,
under the new school system established by law
in the State of Ohio, by a Board of School
Examiners, granted a certificate to teach
school, and taught his first school in McArthur
in 1844. He taught in Vinton County many
years, the last term in the winter of 1869.
As a teacher he was well appreciated. In
1848 he studied law with T. A. Plants, a
prominent lawyer in Pomeroy, Ohio, and afterward
reviewed with Judge Hewitt, of McArthur,
Ohio. Instead of going into the practice
of law he went into the mercantile business with
fair success. His health failing he was
obliged to give up his business, and resumed
teaching. June 3, 1852, he married
Harriet Howell, of Harrisonville, Meigs Co.,
Ohio. They lived in McArthur until 1869,
when they removed to Washington, D. C., where
they now live. To them was born only one
child, a daughter - Lucy M., born in
Meigs County, Ohio, July 9, 1853, and married in
September, 1880, to Benjamin F. Shaw of
Washington, D. C. Mr. Shockey was
elected Township Clerk several times, and during
his administration, through his influence and
economy, the township was financially in a
healthy condition. He was a member of the
Town Council of McArthur for several terms, and
of the Board of Election several terms. He
was appointed by the Court of Common Pleas on
the first Board of School Examiners, in Vinton
County, and served about fifteen years in that
capacity. He also took an active part in
organizing the first Sunday-school, in 1837, in
McArthur, and taught the first class in the
school. He was appointed to a position in
the United States Treasury Department, at
Washington, D. C., in 1869, which he has
honestly and faithfully filled, always ready to
do his duty in whatever work is assigned to his
desk. He has been twice examined by the
Civil Service Board, and holds a certificate of
appointment, efficiency and promotions, and has
thus far discharged his duties to the
satisfaction of the officers and the Secretary
of the Treasury. His first vote was cast
in favor of the old Whig party, in 1843, but
since its organization has affiliated with the
Republican party. Mr. Shockey
believed in advocating the teachings of the
Bible. In all his dealings with community
he has been strictly honest, endeavoring to do
by all as he would have them to do him. He
has made it a point to pay all his debts, and
his word is as good as his note.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1266 - Elk Twp. |
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JACOB SHOCKEY,
an early settler of Vinton County, Ohio, was
born in Morgan County, Va., Feb. 15, 1801.
He and his young wife emigrated to Ohio and
settled on a piece of land about one mile east
of McArthur, Vinton County, in 1821. His
family consists of seven children born in this
county, three boys and four girls, all married
and have families. George W. and John
J. are politicians and hold responsible
positions. William M., the youngest
son, was a minister of considerable talent and
ability, and died in McArthur, Apr. 21, 1860, in
the thirty-second year of his age. Mary
Ann, the oldest daughter, died in 1862, in
the forty-third year of her age. Mr.
Shockey was well respected and well beloved,
strictly honest, and a leading spirit in the
community, an honest man and a leading and
active member of the Methodist Episcopal church
about fifty years. He assisted and took an
active first church in Vinton County. He
believed in the teachings of the Bible and the
doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
had strong faith in the divinity of Christ.
He was a licensed Preacher, Exhorter,
Class-Leader, and a man of more than ordinary
ability; had a good strong voice, was a sweet
singer, and was very powerful and able in
prayer. He was a man of even temper and
amiable disposition, kind and affectionate in
his family, loved by his children and his
neighbors. He married Elizabeth Snyder
in Virginia, Aug. 3, 1819. They lived
together nearly fifty years, and after their
children all married and left the old homestead
death separated them. He took considerable
interest in politics; voted for General
Jackson for President in 1828. He
became dissatisfied with the Democratic party
and supported the Whig party until 1852.
He believed that slavery was a sin and ought not
to be tolerated by the Government; and when the
Republican party organized in 1856, he adopted
its platform, and cast his votes with his party
as long as he lived. By occupation outside
of his religious work he was a farmer and
miller. He did much toward clearing up the
heavy timbered land and assisted in chopping the
timber out of Main street in McArthur. He
cleared off the ground and built a tent for the
first Methodist camp-meeting in Vinton County on
the spot where the new brick school-house in
McArthur now stands. He owned and ran a
saw and grist mill one mile east of McArthur, on
Elk Fork of Raccoon - known in early days as the
Dawson Mills. He resided in Vinton County
from the time of his first settlement in 1821
till his death, which took place at his
residence in McArthur, Nov. 21, 1868, in the
sixty-ninth year of his age, in the full faith
of Christianity and the hope of a blessed
immorality
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1267 - Elk Twp. |
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JOHN J. SHOCKEY,
ex-Sheriff, McArthur, Ohio, a son of Jacob
Shockey, whose sketch appears above, was
born in what is now Vinton County, Ohio, July
22, 1824, on section 27, of Elk Township.
He was reared to farm life in the primeval
forest, helping to clear it up. It was in
the days when schools were few, hence the most
of his education was obtained by self-exertions.
In 1840 he engaged to learn the tailor's trade
in McArthur, under David Hummer,
and subsequently devoted eleven years to that
vocation, and from 1845 to 1850 was the
principal tailor in the town. In 1851 he
engaged in the grocery trade which he followed
successfully until 1861, when he saw the
necessity of defending our nation's flag and
entered the service as leader of the band of the
Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers, and remained in the
service until May, 1862; was present at the
battle of Shiloh, Apr. 6, 1862. After his
return he followed teaming two years, when, in
1864, he was elected Sheriff of Vinton County,
and in 1866 was re-elected to the same office by
the largest majority of any one on the
Democratic ticket. He was an able officer
and discharged his duty with fidelity and honor
to himself as well as county. Since 1869
he has been variously engaged in grocery
business, hotel-keeping, etc. During
Sheriff Cottrill's term he served as
Deputy Sheriff four years, but now lives rather
retired. He was married Mar. 16, 1852, to
Phoebe, daughter of Elijah
Porter. Thirteen children were born to
them, of whom nine are living, two married and
seven at home. Mr. Shockey
possesses a musical talent of which his children
partake largely.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1268 - Elk Twp. |
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ISAAC SHRY,
farmer, section 13, was born in Virginia, near
Parkersburg, in 1807, and is a son of Jacob
Shry, an old settler in this county.
Our subject, when a child, came with his parents
to Ohio, where he was reared upon a farm, and
when old enough helped his father to clear up
the farm. He received only a limited
education in the subscription schools, and after
attaining his majority he began life for
himself, and for eight years lived with, his
father. He located upon his present place
in 1840, containing at that time eighty acres in
the woods. He purchased afterward seventy
acres more, and now owns 150 acres of land,
which is well improved, and is engaged in
farming and stock-raising. He was married
in 1828 to Sallie, daughter of Israel
Bobo, one of the early settlers in this
county. To Mr. and Mrs.
Shry six children have been born, five of
whom are living—Melissa, Lorania,
Phoebe, Sylvester and Floretta.
The son was a soldier, serving in the Second
Virginia Cavalry three years and three months.
Mrs. Shry is a member of the
Christian church. Mr. Shry
has been successful in life, and through hard
work and the assistance of his wife he has made
a good home, and is surrounded by all the
comforts of life.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1269 - Elk Twp. |
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ANDREW SHURTZ
was born Oct. 31, 1825, in Muskingum County,
Ohio. He remained with his father till his
death, and after that, when the estate was
settled, he bought all the heirs' claims and now
has possession of the home property. He
was a Whig in politics, and afterward a
Republican. He served as Assessor of Swan
Township in 1864-'65, and was one of the
Township Trustees about four years. His
grandfather left his native country (Germany) to
avoid being drafted into the German army, and
upon reaching this, country was sold to pay his
passage, and after working five years at the
weaver's trade was set free. He died about
1796. John Shurtz, father of
Andrew, was born in Northumberland County,
Pa., Mar. 6, 1790. In 1801 he came with
his mother, Mary Shurtz, to Ohio,
and settled in Muskingum County, where he was
reared to manhood. At the age of
twenty-three he married Elizabeth
Stone, a native of Pennsylvania. She
died in 1831 leaving a family of four sons and
two daughters, of whom the four sons are still
living. Mr. Shurtz was
afterward married to Doretta Louisa Vogeley,
a native of Germany. They were blessed
with two sons. and one daughter, of whom one son
and the daughter survive. In 1837 he moved
with his family to Hocking County (now Vinton
County), and settled on the place where
Andrew Shurtz now resides. Here
he bought 240 acres of land. Mr.
Shurtz's death occurred Aug. 2, 1852, and
his wife died Sept. 12, 1875. He was
Township Trustee for several years. In
politics he always affiliated with the Whig
party.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1327 - Swan Twp. |
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G. L.
SHURTZ, born June 16, 1841, in Swan
Township, Vinton County, a son of John and
Louisa (Fogeli) Shurtz. He is the
youngest of their three children.
Henrietta is the widow of Samuel Wilson,
Philip, deceased, entered the army in the
One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Regiment; was
taken sick from exposure at the siege of
Vicksburg, came home shortly after his discharge
and died. G. L. Shurtz, the subject
of this sketch, was reared on the homestead farm
now owned by Andrew Shurtz. He was
married May 25, 1875, to Kate Specht,
daughter of John and Catharine Specht,
formerly old citizens of this township. A
short time previous to his marriage he bought
his present property, containing 160 acres on
sections 10 and 11, afterward adding to it eight
acres. He also owns 160 acres on section
14, which has been in his possession since 1860.
His fine stone residence, which was erected in
1882, at a cost of between $5,000 and $6,000, is
one of the finest in Vinton County, situated on
the main road, commanding a fine view from all
directions. Politically he is a
Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Shurtz
have three children - Ira, Minnie and
Kie. Mr. Shurtz is one of the
successful farmers of the county. when he
began life for himself he had $300, and by his
own good management, backed up by an indomitable
will and energy, ahs raised himself to the
present prosperous position he now enjoys.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1329 |
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G. W. SISSON,
druggist, McArthur, Ohio, is purely of English
stock, as several brothers emigrated to.
America many years ago. G. W. is a
son of Daniel A., who was born near Fall
River, Mass., about 1795. His parents both
died when he was but a child. He remained in his
native State until about 1818, when he came to
Ohio, settling in what is now Elk Township,
Vinton County, becoming one of the pioneers and
frontier woodsmen. He in 1820 took a trip
up the Missouri River as far as Council Bluffs,
but came again to Ohio in 1824, when he married
Miss Fannie Fuller. He in an early
day devoted considerable time to making the
Raccoon Mill burr. His wife was born in
1803 in Maine, and was the daughter of
Thaddeus Fuller, a Revolutionary
soldier who died in Vinton County, Ohio, just
prior to the war of 1812. He was a land
owner and resident of Maine, but owing to the
probabilities of an invasion by the British he
left the farm with a part of his family and
settled in Vinton County where both died.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1269 - eLK |
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ROBERT
SKELLY, the proprietor of the Bolen
Mills, was born Nov. 1, 1810, in Pennsylvania,
but came to Athens County when he was very
young, and has since made his home in this part
of Ohio. In 1835 he was married to
Almira Porter. They were parents of
eight children - Rhoda B., Eliza A.,
Elizabeth E., Rodney, Axey, Rhoda, Lee and
Harriet His second marriage was to
Mrs. Annie Chime, by whom he has four
children, three now living - Jasper, George
and Jane. One died in infancy.
Mr. Skelly is a very prominent citizen of
Vinton County. He has been Township
Treasurer for about five years.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1296 |
| |
WILLIAM SNOOK,
deceased, was a son of Mathias and
grandson of John Snook. The
latter was an early settler in what is now
Clinton Township, Vinton County, where he
followed blacksmithing and farming. He
died near McArthur Junction. Mathias
was reared in Clinton Township, where he
followed the trade of a stone-mason, but died in
the prime of life. His wife was Sarah,
daughter of William Craig, who
also died on section 31 in Elk Township.
Of their three children John was the
eldest and was born in Clinton Township, what is
now Vinton County, Ohio, Aug. 2, 1821, and died
July 11, 1882. He was reared to farm life
and received a common-school education. He
was a man very decided in his opinion and strict
in the command of his children, yet kind and
agreeable to his family. He was a stout,
hearty man, but died at the age of sixty-one.
His political affiliations were Democratic.
His wife was Martha, daughter of William
Sinclair. She was born in Muskingum
County, Ohio, in 1830. Her father,
William Sinclair, was a native of
Pennsylvania, and his wife, Jane Dawson,
of Ohio. They in 1859 came to section 31,
Elk Township, and bought a quarter section which
he cleared and improved, living here till their
death. Mr. and Mrs. Snook
had nine children, six now living.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1270 - Elk Twp. |
| |
RACHEL SNYDER,
widow of T. Smith Snyder, McArthur, was
born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Mar. 18, 1809, and is
a daughter of George Shry, a pioneer of
Elk Township. She from seven years of age has
lived in and about McArthur. In 1829 she
married T. Smith Snyder, son of Fred
Snyder, also a pioneer of Elk Township.
He was born in Frederick County, Va., in July,
1800, and from 1821 to his death, Mar. 1, 1870,
was a resident of Vinton County. In single
life he worked as farm hand, but after he was
married commenced building and operating saw and
grist mills, which he followed until feeble
health compelled him to live a retired life.
Mr. and Mrs. Snyder
had ten children; five are now living—Isaac
H., Ephraim, Christena, Harriet W. and Sanford.
The latter lives in McArthur and is a mechanic
and a leading member of the I. O. O. F.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1270 - Elk Twp. |
| |
ALMOND SOULE,
born in Kennebeck County, Maine, Nov. 19, 1799.
In 1817 he left his native place with his father
and came to Marietta, Ohio. From 1820 to
1837 he lived in Meigs County, Ohio. In
1838 he moved to Wilkesville, and in 1851 he
left for Jackson County, where he was engaged in
manufacturing pig iron. He returned to
Wilkesville in 1861, since when he has been
engaged principally in farming. He was
married in 1819 to Dollie McClure,
born in Maine in 1799. She died Feb. 11,
1881. There have been nine children sent
to bless this union, only two of whom are living
- Susan, born Mar. 5, 1823, married to
George Watson; Hazen Emerson, born Apr. 25,
1841. Mr. Soule has held the office
of County Commissioner several terms. He
has represented the county in the State
Legislature in 1870-'71.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1364 - Wilkesville |
| |
JOSHUA
J. SPEAKMAN was born in Eagle Township,
Sept. 29, 1832, a son of Joshua and Mary
(Wyckoff) Speakman his father a native of
Pennsylvania, and his mother of Virginia.
His father came to Ohio to Vinton County and
settled where his son now lives. Joshua
J. Speakman was reared to the life of a
farmer and has always followed that occupation,
and now has a fine farm of 203 acres. He
was married Dec. 13, 1855, to Fannie,
daughter of David and Delilah White.
Seven children were born to them - Samantha
J. born Sept. 26, 1856, married David
Burgood in September, 1875; Samuel V.,
born Oct. 21, 1857, married Ida Miller in
March, 1880; Simon E., born July 13,
1860; Sarah L., Nov. 29, 1862, married
William Crider in 1879; William David,
born Jan. 2, 1865; Elizabeth E., Mar. 9,
1867 and Albert N., Feb. 16, 1869.
Mrs. Speakman died in August, 1870.
In October, 1871, Mr. Speakman married
Matilda J. Ramey. They are the parents
of seven children - Cora B., born July
26, 1872; Charles W., May 7, 1874;
Mary A. born Nov. 28, 1875, died Oct. 2,
1876; Calvin L., born July 4, 1877;
George R. born June 7, 1879, and an infant,
born Sept. 14, 1881, died Dec. 23, 1881.
Mr. Speakman is a member of the United
Baptist church at Mt. Zion.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 134 |
| |
JOHN
E. SPICER was born in Jackson County,
Ohio, Apr. 11, 1838, and is a son of G. W.
and Rachel Spicer, who were born in Culpeper
County, Va., in 1814 and 1816. Mr.
Spicer moved to Vinton County in 1857, where
he has lived nearly all the time since. When the
call was made for volunteers he was among the
first to respond, and enlisted in the Twelfth
Ohio Infantry, June 19, 1861. He served
until Jan. 1, 1864, when he re-enlisted in the
same regiment, which was afterward consolidated
with the Twenty-third Ohio, and was afterward
known by the latter name. He was in one of
the first battles of the war (battle of Scary
Creek) in West Virginia, where he was wounded in
the left arm. Aug. 27, 1862, he was in the
second battle of Bull Run, and was taken
prisoner there, but was afterward paroled.
After this he was in the battles of Antietam and
South Mountain, in September, 1862. In
1863 he was in the battle of Fayetteville, W.
Va., and several others of less importance.
In the battle of Cloyd Mountain, W. Va. he was
wounded and taken prisoner, May 9, 1864, and
remained in prison until December, 1864.
He was in the prisons in Andersonville, Savannah
and Millen, Ga. On account of his wounds
and disability he was discharged Mar. 1, 1865,
when he came home, and as soon as he was able to
attend to business was appointed Postmaster at
Oak Hill, Jackson Co., Ohio, which office he
held four years when he resigned, and took the
position as general manager of merchandise at
Maybee's, Jackson Co., Ohio. Two yeas
later he accepted the position as engineer of
the railroad shops for the M. & C. R. R.
Company, which he held four years. During
the panic of 1873 he went into the hardware
busines0 sin Hamden, Ohio. Shortly after
that he became a member of the firm of
Clayton & Spicer, in Zaleski, Ohio, which
business he continued in a year and withdrew.
In 1875 he began work for the Zaleski Company a
s coal-weigher, and continued as such for two
years, when he was promoted to the general
superintendency of the Zaleski Company's store.
Feb. 5, 1865, he was united in marriage to
Miss Emma Heggins, daughter of W. D. and
Martha Heggins, who now live in Zaleski.
Mr. Heggins is Mayor of the town.
They have three children - Clarence M., Ida
M. and Minnie B. Mr. Spicer is
a member of the Blue Lodge, No. 472, Zaleski,
Ohio, and McArthur Chapter, No. 102, Royal Arch
Masons. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and Assistant Superintendent
of Sunday -school. He is also a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and Assistant
Superintendent of the Sunday-school He
is also a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic, T. R. Stanley Post, No. 223. He
is Post Commander.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1296 |
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JOHN
STANLEY, Sheriff of Vinton County, is a
son of William, and grandson of Joseph
Stanley. His great-grandfather was
born in England, came to America prior to the
Revolutionary war and settled in the town of
Philadelphia, Penn., and carried on his trade,
butchering, to which he had served a
seven-years' apprenticeship, but when the
Continental war began he was patriotic and
offered his service to the American army. After
his military career
of seven years he settled in Pennsylvania, where
he died. Of his children, Joseph was one
of the eldest, and was born about the time of
the above war in Pennsylvania. He grew to
maturity and was married in Pennsylvania, and in
1839 he and his wife and family of six children
came to Ohio and settled in Athens (now Vinton)
County, where both died, he in Madison Township
and she in Knox. At the time of coming to Ohio
William, the eldest son, was nineteen,
and has been a resident of Vinton County ever
since, following farming as did his father
before him. He is now a landholder of
about 300 acres, which he has mostly cleared and
improved, having been a stout and. hearty man.
He married Prudence Richey, of
Muskingum County, Ohio, who died in September,
1881. She was the mother of seven
children, of whom six are now living, and the
eldest son is John, the subject of this
sketch, who was born July 27, 1846. He was
reared to farm life and received a common
education. He devoted the falls of about
fourteen years to threshing, which he fully
understood, having the reputation of being a
first-class thresher. In September, 1871,
he married Mary L. Dickson, of Lee
Township, Athens County, where she was born and
reared. Five children are born to this
union. For the past few years Mr.
Stanley has devoted his time to saw and
grist milling. In the fall of 1882 he was
elected Sheriff of Vinton County, which position
he took charge of Jan. 1, 1883. During his
residence in Knox Township he has held the
office of Treasurer several times.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1270 - Elk Twp. |
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WILLIAM
STANTON, dealer in general merchandise,
business organized in the fall of 1882, carries
a full line of goods, consisting of dry goods,
clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps,
queen's-ware, and everything usually found in a
first-class retail house. He occupies two
large rooms, seventy-five feet deep. The
house was built in the spring and summer of
1882, and is one of the finest in the county.
He carries a stock of about $14,000, and does a
good business. Mr. Stanton was born
in Ireland in 1847. He came to America in
1850, and resided in various places for awhile,
finally locating in Berlin, Ohio, where he lived
twenty-six years. He was reared to the
life of merchant, and has been engaged in that
business since residing in the State. He
has been twice married, the last time in 1877,
to Miss Anna McKinniss, daughter of
Charles McKinniss, and old settler of this
county. They have two children - Lizzie
and Leo.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1378 - Clinton Twp. |
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MARGARET
A. STEEL, born Dec. 30, 1828, in Mercer
County, Penn., and June 3, 1847, she was married
to John Steel. Mar. 28, 1850, they
moved to Ohio and settled in the place where she
has since resided with the exception of two
years. She has a farm of 170 acres and a
residence on section 8, Wilkesville Township.
This union was blessed with six children, three
of whom are living - William A., born
Mar. 4, 1848; George M., Jan. 2, 1858;
Rufus P. June 2, 1861. Mr. Steel
died June 30, 1864. Mrs. Stell is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Her son George is living on the farm with
his mother. He was married to Emily
Tannehill a native of Gallia County, born
Apr. 29, 1861. They have two children -
Dora May born May 29, 1881, and George,
Oct. 18, 1882. Mrs. George Steel
is a member of the Christian church.
Thomas Allen the father of our subject, a
native of Pennsylvania, died in his native State
in 1874. Her mother, Sarah (Dundy)
Allen was also a native of Pennsylvania.
She died May 24, 1874. They had eight
children, our subject being the second child.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1364 - Wilkesville |
|
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THOMAS
M. STEVENSON was born in Muskingum
County, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1828. In 1851 he
graduated from the Muskingum College at New
Concord, Ohio, and the following year was
Principal of West Carlisle College, Ohio.
He was then appointed Superintendent of the
Dresden, Ohio, public schools, remaining there
four years, when he went to McConnelsville to
superintend the schools there. He remained
there till the breaking out of the Rebellion,
and in 1861, enlisted in the Seventy-eighth Ohio
Infantry, and was appointed Captain of Company
E. In 1862 he was appointed Chaplain of
the regiment, and served in that capacity till
the close of the war. After his return
home he again assumed the superintendency of the
McConnelsville schools, occupying that position
three years, and at the same time preaching for
the churches of Bristol and Deerfield. In
1868 he was called to the Presbyterian church,
of New Plymouth. In 1877 he went to
Hopkinton, Iowa, and was pastor of the
Presbyterian church two years. From there
he went to Greenfield, Ill., and in July, 1880,
returned to New Plymouth. He was married
in August, 1857, to Mary V. McGraff.
She died Aug. 19, 1864, leaving two children
- Charles W. and Robert E., Sept. 19,
1867, Mr. Stevenson married Mary L.
Cresap. They have two children.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1304 - Brown Twp. |
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DANIEL
BERTINE STEWART is one of the best known
and has been perhaps the most active and
extensively engaged business man in Athens
County. Besides the business of milling,
which he has carried on throughout life, he has
combined with it extensive farming, railroad
projecting, merchandising, and been connected
with a number of large moneyed corporations
operating at Athens and elsewhere. His
parents, Daniel and Ruth (Arnold) Stewart,
were natives of New England, having emigrated to
Ohio from Litchfield, Conn., in the year 1802.
His father was born at Litchfield, Nov. 18,
1762. At the age of fifteen he enlisted in
the Revolutionary army, serving as teamster, and
at eighteen he shouldered a musket and served to
the close of the war. He was paid for his
service in Government Continental scrip which he
sold at five cents on the dollar. Before
coming to Ohio he moved to Sussex County, N. J.,
and lived five years, then to New York City, and
from there to Athens County (then Washington) in
1802. He was oneof the first Commissioners
of Athens County and did much to shape her
politics. He was a supporter of Henry
Clay, John Quincy Adams and
William Henry Harrison; was
a member of the Whig party and helped organize
the Republican party. At the time of his
death, in 1859, he had been a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church for sixty years.
His father’s name was Daniel, born of
Scottish parents. Our subject’s mother was
Ruth Fulford Arnold.
They settled in Athens County while it was yet a
wilderness, where our subject was born, Sept.
26, 1812. His father had purchased a large
tract of land, and the early manhood of the sons
was occupied in the arduous work of preparing it
for cultivation. This duty curtailed the
use of the very few educational advantages then
to be had, and as a consequence our subject had
to be content with a limited education, however
much his inclination might have been to the
contrary. His innate ability, however, has
supplied the deficiency well in after life,
making him well and favorably known throughout
this part of the State as an enterprising and
able business man. At an early age he
formed habits of economy, industry and
perseverance which are prime requisites to
success and which have characterized his entire
life. When sixteen years of age he entered
his father’s flouring mill, took charge of it at
eighteen, and on attaining his majority
purchased the entire mill. In a short time
he disposed of this mill at a large profit and
formed a partnership with his brother,
Alexander, at Rutland, Ohio, with whom he
remained two years when he removed to Coolville,
in Athens County and engaged in the mercantile
business. In 1837 he relinquished this and
removed to his father’s farm where, after
improving the water-power of the Hocking River,
he built a saw-mill. In 1842 he built a
large gristmill near by, and two years later
built a fine woolen mill, the first in Southern
Ohio. The business proved very successful.
In the year 1867, his business having largely
centered at Athens, he removed his family to
that place, where he still lives. He is
universally conceded to be the most active man
in building projects in the county. Since
1837 he has built a large number of' stores,
dwellings, mills and factories, including a
large brick woolen factory, one of the finest in
this section of the State. In later years
railroad projecting has occupied his mind, and
he has figured prominently in railroad measures
well calculated to develop the wealth of the
State. In 1850 he commenced to agitate the
Parkersburg & Columbus Valley Line, which
through unforeseen difficulties was abandoned.
He secured the right of way for the building of
the Baltimore Short Line and officiated as
practical superintendent of construction.
He was a stockholder and director of the road
until its amalgamation with the Baltimore &
Ohio, when his interests merged with that
company. Mr. Stewart is
credited with being the prime mover of the
enterprise which resulted in the construction of
the Baltimore Short Line, and doubtless he
contributed mor6 time, influence and personal
energy to secure its successful inauguration
than any other one man, having devoted four
years to its interests. He was for some
years a director of the Atlantic & Lake Erie
Road, since succeeded by the Ohio Central, being
largely instrumental in securing its final
success. More recently he has been looking
toward the construction of other new roads in
this part of the State, especially one to
connect the great coal fields of this and
adjoining counties directly with the Eastern
markets. His enterprise, however, has not
been confined to milling, building and
railroading. Within the county of Athens,
on the line of the C., W. & B. R. R., his name
promises to be long commemorated in a brisk and
enterprising village of which he is the founder.
For this village “Stewart” was laid out on his
land, the buildings put up at his own expense,
and by his liberal inducements it was soon
populated with a prosperous and enterprising
people. He has never entered actively into
politics and has always been disposed to eschew
office. He was a Lincoln elector in
1860, and was one of his warmest admirers.
He has filled the office of Justice of the Peace
for nearly a quarter of a century, and served on
the Board of County Commissioners for one term.
When he entered upon this latter office the
practice of “bidding off” the county paupers was
in vogue—a method which to him seemed repugnant
and greatly defective. He took pains to
investigate the manner in which the unfortunates
were treated, and found to his satisfaction that
in most cases it was undertaken to make the most
possible money regardless of human suffering.
He therefore strenuously urged that an infirmary
be secured and the poor given comfortable
living. Notwithstanding a strong
opposition from the public, he with the aid of a
few others finally succeeded in carrying his
point. A farm and buildings were soon
procured and the measure carried into effect,
after which the wisdom of the project was
heartily assented to by many from whom
opposition had come. He has acted with the
Republican party continuously since its
organization, and has generally entertained
decided views on the leading public questions.
Before the organization of the Republican party
he was a Whig of the old line, but left the old
party to help organize the new. During the
late war Mr. Stewart supplied
means for establishing a sutler’s shop, and as
it required his attention for a time he went
South. While there his sympathies were
enlisted in behalf of the wounded soldiers and
he devoted his time to their relief.
Although a non-combatant, he was much exposed to
the enemy’s fire and often barely escaped
capture by the enemy. In one instance he
was so hard pressed, being hemmed in on all
sides, that he took refuge in a cluster of
evergreens. Having about $3,000 in money
on his person he concealed it under an old rail
fence, trusting to memory to guide him to its
discovery again when danger should have passed.
He then started on foot and reached Nashville in
safety. After the lapse of several days he
returned to the place and found his money
intact. Mr. Stewart has been
twice married; first to Miss Sarah
Carter, Apr. 7, 1836, who died Oct. 16,
1871. He had nine children by this
marriage, six of whom are still living.
His second marriage was with Mrs. M. E.
Pearce, widow of the late Dr. T. J.
Pearce, of the United States army.
She was well known throughout the war for her
charitable work, and afterward officiated as
matron at the Dayton Asylum for the Insane.
Mr. Stewart has long been an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Stewart’s Chapel, near his old
home, takes its name from him. At the
present time (July, 1883) he continues in active
business, his time being fully occupied in
.looking after his multifarious interests.
He is an extensive land owner and one of the
heaviest tax-payers in the county.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1389 |
Wilford Stiers
Elizabeth Stiers |
WILFORD
STIERS (Mentioned throughout the this
Volume. No Biography)
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883
|
| |
JOSEPH
STRAUSBAUGH, farmer, a native of Harrison
County, Ohio, was born Mar. 22, 1819. He
lived there till 1849 and followed farming,
after which he came to Wilkesville Township and
settled on section12, where he lived till 1870.
He then moved to his present farm on section 6,
which contains sixty-six acres of well-improved
land. He was married Feb. 28, 1856, to
Rebecca Devault, born in Harrison
County, Ohio, June 24, 1828. They have
seven children - Caroline, Ephraim, Almond,
Rachel, Hiram, Sylvester and Emma J.
Mr. Strausbaugh and wife and three of their
children are members of the Presbyterian church
at Wilkesville.
SOURCE: History of
Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing
Co. - 1883 - Page 1365 |
| |
MARY
STRAUSBAUGH, a native of Vinton County,
Ohio, was born Mar. 30, 1844. She was
married Oct. 6, 1869, to Valentine
Strausbaugh, born in Adams County, Penn.,
May 30, 1807. They were the parents of two
children - Ellsworth, born Sep. 12, 1870,
and died Nov. 30, 1870; James V., April
25, 1879. Mr. Strausbaugh died Nov.
13, 1881. James McGaughlin, the
father of our subject, was born in Harrison
County, Va., Nov. 20, 1816, and died Dec. 30,
1873. Her mother, Delilah Gregory,
was born in Greenbrier County, Va., Nov. 23,
1818, and died June 20, 1877. They had
seven children, our subject being the third
child.
SOURCE: History of
Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing
Co. - 1883 - Page 1365 |
| |
PETER STRAUSBAUGH,
farmer, was born Feb. 7, 1806, in Adams County,
Penn. He came to Harrison County, Ohio, in
1816, where he lived till 1846 when he moved to
what is now Vinton County, then a part of Gallia
County. In 1860 he settled on his present
farm on section 6, Wilkesville Township, Vinton
County, where he has 173 acres of land under a
good state of cultivation. He was married
to Elizabeth Devault in 1847, born Dec.
29, 1822. They have been blessed with a
family of eight children, six of whom are living
- Lydia, Nancy J., Peter, Sophia, Lafayette
and Rebecca. Mr. Strausbaugh was
previously married in 1833 to Sophia Grimm,
who died in 1845. By this marriage there
were five children - Abraham, Sarah A.,
Melinda, Catherine and Esther.
He was formerly a member of the Lutheran church,
but there being no organization of that society
he attached himself to the Presbyterian church,
his wife being a member of that church.
His son, Abraham, enlisted in the
hospital at Memphis, Tenn.
SOURCE: History of
Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing
Co. - 1883 - Page 1365 |
| |
HON.
FRANK STRONG, Legislator and
stock-dealer, McArthur, is a son of Silas and
Clarissa (Cook) Strong, and was born in
Meigs County, Ohio, near Wilkesville, Aug. 7,
1828. His youthful days were spent on his
father's farm, and he received such an education
as the facilities of the common schools
afforded. At the age of twenty-eight years
he married, and at once engaged in farming for
himself. In 1857 he became a land-owner
near his birthplace, but in 1865 he sold out,
and the following year moved to McArthur, where
he has since resided. Soon after coming
here he engaged in the general mercantile trade,
which he conducted about eight years, with which
he extensively engaged in handling wool.
This pursuit he still continues, together with
dealing in cattle and sheep. His
jurisdiction and ability gave him rank among the
leading citizens of the county, and in the fall
of 1881 he was (as Republican) elected a member
of the State Legislature in a Democratic County.
During the second term of his career he has
served as chairman on the Committed of
Agriculture; also served second on Committee of
Reform Schools for girls and boys, and Committee
on Mining. Mr. Strong was married
to Miss Eva Temple, of Newport, Ky.
They had a family of three children. One
died in infancy. Cora died aged
eighteen, when just blooming into womanhood, and
the youngest, Edward, is now living in
McArthur.
SOURCE: History of Hocking Valley, Ohio -
Published Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co.
- 1883 - Page 1271 |
| |
JOHN STRONG
was born June 11, 1821, in Meigs County, Ohio
and in 1853 came to the town of Wilkesville,
where he resides. He commenced the study
of law in 1841, attended school at Oberlin,
Ohio, and in 1848 was admitted to the bar of
Athens, Ohio, and followed his profession in the
counties of Athens, Vinton and Gallia until
1862. He was married Sept., 1846, to
Miss Ellen Edmundson, born in Gallia County,
Mar. 14, 1825. They have two children,
viz: Phineas, born June 3, 1847, and
Flora E. born June 12, 1849, now the wife of
Theodore Fluhart, of Jackson County,
Ohio. Daniel Strong, father of the
subject of this sketch, was born in Maine, Sept.
6, 1780, and died in Meigs County, May 4, 1866.
Our subject's mother, Prudence (Wells) Strong,
was born in Canada in 1789 and died in Meigs
County in 1869, at the age of eighty years.
They were the parents of eight children, viz.:
Polly, Harriet, Rufus, Prudence, Daniel, John
(our subject), Newton and
Augustus. Mr. Edmundson, the
father of Mrs. John Strong, was born in
Greenbrier, W. Va., in 1802, and departed this
life in 1831. Her mother, Emily (Lewis)
Edmundson, was born in New York in 1804 and
died in 1878. They had five children,
viz.: Mary, Ellen, William, Matthew and
James. Phineas, son of our subject,
was married to Anna, daughter of Dr.
Strong, of McArthur. They have three
children - Karl, Pearl and Max.
He served his country in the late war, after
which he engaged in the drug and mercantile
business in Wilkesville.
SOURCE:
History of Hocking Valley, Ohio - Published
Chicago: by Inter-State Publishing Co. - 1883 -
Page 1366 - Wilkesville |
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