A Standard History of Ross County, Ohio, Part 21

Author: Lyle S. Evans
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 549

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True to the religious faith, in which he was reared, Mr. Rice was a member of the German Lutheran Church. Politically he cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, but during the latter part of his life was independent, voting with the courage of his convictions for the best men and measures. Prominent in public affairs, Mr. Rice served on the Chillicothe Board of Education for eight years; was a member of the board of public service two years; and served as president of the city council. He was a member, and past commander of A. L. Brown Post, No. 162, Grand Army of the Republic; a member and past chancellor of Chillicothe Lodge, No. 28, Knights of Pythias; and a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and past grand sachem for the State of Ohio.

Vol. 11-11

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WILLIAM A. FREE. Of the progressive and energetic exponents of agriculture and stock raising, Paint Township may well place reliance upon such enterprising native sons of Ross County as William A. Free, who, with the exception of several years, has passed his entire career within the limits of this county. Since 1910 he has been living on his farm of 213 acres on the Greenfield Turnpike, four miles from Bain- bridge, where he has developed an excellent property, the ownership of which makes him one of the substantial representatives of the agri- cultural element in this section.

Mr. Free was born on Cleft Run, Paint Township, Ross County, Ohio. October 30, 1862, and is a son of Nat and Charity (Parker) Free. Nat Free was born near Rapid Forge, at the mouth of Cleft Run, a son of George Free, who came to Paint Township from Pennsylvania among the earliest settlers, located on a farm, developed a well-cultivated and productive property, and was known as a farmer in comfortable circum- stances and a citizen who had the respect and esteem of his fellows. Nat Free was only two years old when his mother died, but he was well reared and received a good education for his day and locality. He was brought up on Cleft Run, and after his marriage settled on a farm in the vicinity of his boyhood home. In 1866, with his wife and children. he moved to Paint Township and purchased the farm on which his son now lives, here spending the rest of his life. Mr. Free was an energetic and industrious agriculturist, practical in his ideas and ready to try new methods. He started his career with practically nothing, and so well were his efforts directed and so ably were his affairs managed, that at the time of his death he was the owner of about 1,100 acres of good land. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he did not court publicity nor seek public office, his ambitions being realized in the making of a good home and the securing of a good education for his children. Mr. Free married Charity Parker, who was born in North Carolina and came to Ross County when 12 years old. They became the parents of eleven children, of whom nine are now living: Frank, a resident of Mississippi; William A., of this review; John M., a resident of the State of Wash- ington"; Alice, the wife of Jess Mossberger, of Harpers Station, Ohio: Lizzie, the wife of George Crutcher, of Paxton Township; Ed; Carrie, who is now Mrs. Lydon Smith, of Paint Township; George, who died young ; Charles H., of Paint Township; Robert, who died at the age of three years; and Sam, of Paint Township.

The district schools of Paint Township furnished William A. Free with his educational training, and until he was twenty-four years of age he was his father's assistant on the home farm. At that time he entered upon a career of his own, and after three years in Paint Township, went to Jefferson Township, Fayette County, where he rented for two years. was employed by the month for a time, and then rented again. On his return to Paint Township he located on the farm where Charles Free now resides, and on which he remained for three or four years, or until the spring of 1910, when he came to his present farm. He has 213 acres under a high state of cultivation, and has substantial buildings and

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improvements of a modern character. Mr. Free is a believer in up-to- date methods, and the success which has attended his efforts would seem to indicate that he has the right idea. He takes an interest in the affairs that affect the community's welfare and the well-being of its people, and has not been backward in volunteering his aid in progressive enterprises. He exercises his political right of franchise as a democrat.

Mr. Free was married April 27, 1907, to Miss Leona Pool, daughter of Peter and Hannah Pool. To this union there were born twin daugh- ters, September 16, 1908: Hazel, who is attending school, and Ruth, who died July 5, 1909.

EDWARD FREE. It has been the fortune of Edward Free to have realized many of his early ambitions, and through the exercise of good judgment, industry and business sagacity, to have wrested from his opportunities financial and general success. He is now the owner of 400 acres of good land, lying on Bainbridge Rural Route No. 3, in Paint Township, the greater part of which has been self-acquired, and his standing in the community stamps him as a worthy representative of a family that has long contributed to the development and advancement of this part of the county.

Mr. Free was born on his father's farm in Paint Township, July 30, 1867, and is a son of Nathaniel and Charity (Parker) Free, and a great- grandson of a Hessian soldier who came to America to fight against the colonists during the War of the Revolution, but who remained to become a citizen of the new country. . George Free, the grandfather of Edward Free, was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ross County among the early settlers, here establishing a home and developing a fertile and productive farm. He was known for his good citizenship and his sterling qualities of character, and had the unreserved respect and confidence of the people among whom he made his home. His son, Nathaniel Free, was born in 1832, in Paint Township, near Rapid Forge, at the mouth of Cleft Run, and although he lost his mother when he was two years old, was well reared and well educated. He was brought up on Cleft Run, and in 1866, with his wife and children, moved to the farm in Paint Township which is now occupied by his son, William A. Free, where he passed the remainder of his life. An industrious and enegretic agri- culturist, he was practical in his views, although always ready to experiment with new ideas, and from practically nothing at the outset of his career, became the owner of nearly 1,100 acres of valuable land. He was a democrat and somewhat active in local politics, but did not seek public office, contenting himself with cultivating his farm, making a good home and educating his children. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Free married Charity Parker, who was born in 1842, in North Carolina, and was a girl when she came with her parents to Ross County. They became the parents of eleven children, of whom nine are living: Frank, who was a teacher in the local schools for four terms, and now a farmer in Mississippi; William A., who is farming the old homestead of 213 acres, located on the Green-

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field Turnpike in Paint Township; John W., who resides in the West; Alice, the wife of Jefferson Mossberger, of Harpers Station, Ohio; Eliza- beth, who is the wife of George Kretzer, of Bainbridge, Ohio; Edward, of this notice; Carrie, who is now Mrs. Lydon Smith, of Paint Township; George, who died in youth; Charles H., who is farming a fine property of 200 acres in Paint Township; Robert, who died at the age of three years; and Samuel, who is farming in Paint Township.

Edward Free was reared on the home farm in Paint Township and received his education in the district schools, which he attended until he was about nineteen years of age. At that time he began farming for his father, and was employed by the elder man at a salary of $150 per year, feeding cattle. He continued to be so employed until he was twenty-five years of age, when he decided to start farming on his own account, and February 22, 1894, was married to Miss Alice Michael, who was born in 1876, at Roxabell, Ohio, and there educated. Mr. and Mrs. Free began married life with but few resources, but were willing and energetic workers, and soon had a comfortable home and a productive farm. They have continued to add to their property, and at the present time there are 400 acres in the home place, the greater part of which they have accumulated without outside help. Mr. Free has nice build- ings and a good equipment and cultivates his property along modern lines, thus being able to secure a full measure of profit from his labor. He has an excellent reputation in the community for fair and honorable dealing, and as a citizen takes a leading part in all progressive move- ments. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Bainbridge, and politically is a democrat. His public service includes membership on the township board of trustees, a position which he holds at the present time.

Mr. and Mrs. Free are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fruitdale, and have been generous in their support of its movements. They are the parents of three children: Harold E., born in January, 1896; Paul T., born in May, 1902; and Margaret, born in September, 1907.

ALMER HEGLER. Though a resident of Wayne Township, in Fayette County, Almer Hegler has for years been closely identified with Ross County affairs, and represents one of the oldest and most honored names in that part of Ohio. .

The IIegler family settled in Ross County more than a century ago. He is descended from an ancestry who lived near Basle, Switzerland, and came to America in 1746, locating in the Colony of Virginia. While living there he was killed by Indians. A son of this Swiss emigrant was Sebastian Hegler, who was born either in Virginia or Switzerland. In 1763 Sebastian bought a tract of land on the south branch of the Potomac River, but later moved to Greene County, Ohio, where he remained until his death. A son of Sebastian was Jacob Hegler, great-grandfather of Almer IIegler. Jacob was born in Hardy County, Virginia, now West Virginia, and late in life he came to Ohio and settled in Concord Town-

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ship of Ross County. There he bought land, but after some years moved to Greene County and there spent his last days. The maiden name of Jacob's wife was Mary Dice. She spent her last years in Concord Township of Ross County.

The most notable member of the Hegler family in the early days of Ross County was Col. Abraham Hegler, grandfather of Almer Hegler. Colonel Abraham was born in Hardy County, Virginia, was reared and married there, and in 1809 took his bride on a horseback journey to Ohio. It would be difficult to draw an adequate picture of Ohio at that time. Practically the entire state was an unbroken wilderness and the Indians still held large portions as their favorite hunting ground. The Virginia military lands could be bought at that time at prices rang- ing from 25 cents to $2.50 an acre. Colonel Abraham located in Concord Township of Ross County, bought land on Herrod's Creek, and there erected a log cabin which was the first home of the Hegler family in Ohio. He was not an ordinary man. In his business affairs he was known as a very enterprising and progressive farmer of that day, and as he kept investing and reinvesting his surplus means in additional lands until at the time of his death he owned about 5,000 acres in Con- cord Township of Ross County and Wayne Township of Fayette County. His possessions extended along both sides of the Chillicothe and Wash- ington Pike from the north fork of Paint Creek west five miles into Fayette County. He was one of the largest land owners of Ohio. He continued to reside at his home in Concord Township until his death in 1865.

He was equally conspicuous in public affairs and in the inauguration of several important movements which made history and civilization in his part of Ohio. He was commissioned a justice of the peace by Gov- ernor Return J. Meigs in 1813. His grandson, Almer Hegler, has Colonel Abraham's commission as captain in the state militia, colonel and lieu- tenant-colonel. He also served as a member of the State Legislature in 1838-39. Col. Abraham Hegler was a member of the Ohio Importing Company, formed for the purpose of importing Shorthorn cattle. There are still to be found on farms in Ross and Fayette counties cattle that are direct descendants from the Shorthorns imported by this company many years ago. Colonel Hegler was also one of the promoters of the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, now a part of the Baltimore and Ohio system, and was a director of the company that built this road. Col. Abraham Hegler married for his first wife Elizabeth Shobe, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of Rudolph Shobe, also a native of that state. She died in 1813. His second wife was Dolly Stookey, who was born in Virginia, and died in 1858. She was the grandmother of Almer Hegler.

Milton Hegler, father of Almer, was born in Concord Township of Ross County, March 21, 1816. Born 100 years ago, his early advantages were those of the primitive schools existing in Ross County at the time, and he became practiced in those arts of woodcraft and husbandry such as the pioneers developed to a high state of proficiency.

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He always followed farming as his vocation. After his marriage he located on a part of his father's possessions in Wayne Township of Fayette County. There he erected a fine set of buildings close to the county line, and died there after a life of unusual productiveness, in 1897. Milton Hegler married Abigail DeWitt, who was born in Wayne Township, Fayette County, a daughter of Henry DeWitt. Henry De Witt was born in Kentucky, became an early settler in Fayette County, buying 100 acres of land in Wayne Township from Duncan McArthur for $1 an acre. Late in life he returned to Kentucky, and died there. Henry De Witt married Abigail Davis, a native of Kentucky, who died in Wayne Township. Abigail DeWitt Hegler died in 1858. Milton Hegler afterwards married Sarah Jane McCoy. By the first marriage there were two children: Lawson and Almer. Milton Hegler by his second wife had four children, named Dora, Orris, David S. and Iva B.

Almer Hegler was born on his father's estate in Wayne Township of Fayette County, November 17, 1854. With an early training that adapted him for the work of farming, he has made that his regular vocation. After his father's health failed he took charge of the home farm and continued its active management until his father's death. In the meantime he engaged in business at Washington Court House as secretary and treasurer of the M. Hamm Company. This company manufactured fertilizers on a large scale. Though actively identified with the company, Mr. Hegler continued to reside on the old farm. He now owns and occupies the house which his father built in 1870. It is a stately and commodious brick house, a landmark in that part of Ohio, surrounded by an expanse of lawn beautified by shade and ornamental trees and is one of the pleasantest country estates in Southern Ohio.

Mr. Hegler has always been a close student of Ohio history, and has done much to encourage a proper interest in the subject and also to preserve many of the relics of bygone days. During his extensive travels over the United States he has given particular attention to the collecting of Indian relics of all kinds, and is an authority on many phases of American archeology. Evidence of this is found in the fact that he is one of the committee of four in charge of the Archaeological and His- torical Museum of Ohio at Columbus.

At the age of thirty-two Mr. Hegler married Mrs. Laura (McCoy) Thompson. She was born near Good Hope, in Wayne Township, Fayette County, a daughter of Allen and Malinda McCoy.

JOHN WRIGHT is one of the sterling agriculturists of Deerfield Town- ship, and represents some of that sturdy and industrious stock that first peopled this section of Ohio.

He was born in Union Township of Ross County January 1, 1866, a son of Stephen Wright and a grandson of Peter Wright. Peter Wright was a native Virginian. From that state he moved to Ohio, and was one of the early men to establish a home in Ross County. The land he purchased was covered with timber and located in Union Township. His hard work enabled him to clear a farm from the woods, and he lived

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there honorable and upright until his death, November 16, 1861. Peter Wright married Sarah Corbin, who was born in the State of Delaware, a daughter of William Corbin. She died January 28, 1875, at the age of seventy-four, having reared four sons, named Peter, Joshua, John and Stephen, and four daughters, Eliza, Luvina, Nancy and Drusilla.

Stephen Wright was born in Union Township of Ross County in 1833. As a young man he rented land from his father, and his success enabled him to purchase the old homestead, which he occupied and man- aged very successfully until his death, on October 23, 1906. On Feb- ruary 14, 1852, Stephen Wright married Nancy Justice. Mrs. Wright, who is still living, at the age of eighty-three, was born in a log cabin in Newton Township, November 8, 1833. Her father, Lemuel Justice, was a son of Isaac and Mrs. (Evans) Justice, both natives of Virginia and early settlers of Union Township, where they spent their lives. Lemuel Justice as a young man assisted in constructing the Erie Canal. His sons purchased a home for him in Pickaway County, not far from Yel- lowbud, and there he passed away March 11, 1876. Mrs. Stephen Wright was one of four sons and five daughters, namely: William, Matilda, Mary, Jane, Nancy, Sarah, Lemuel, Stephen Corbin and James Polk.

Mrs. Stephen Wright grew up among pioneer scenes. As a young woman she learned to cook by the open fireplace, and there was no stove in her home until she had been married more than a year. She also learned to spin both flax and wool. She still has at her home two beau- tiful coverlets which represent the intricate handiwork of the women of an older generation. Though bearing the weight of many years, she is still possessed of all her mental faculties, and talks very entertainingly of pioneer days in Ross County. She reared nine children, Lafayette, Mary, Peter, Sarah, Douglas, John, Elmer, Charles and William.

Mr. John Wright has always lived at home with his parents. He was the solace and standby of his father and mother in their old age, and after his father's death he and his mother continued to occupy the old homestead until 1912, when he bought a pleasant home in Deerfield Township, where he and his mother still reside.

SIMON R. DIXON. Among the early settlers into Ross County from Virginia came Joseph Dixon. He was a man of good judgment and when he entered 640 acres of land, on section 13, in Liberty Town- ship, he had not only taken into consideration the lay of the land, its valuable patches of timber and the evident fertility of the soil, but had also noted the depth of the water branches and considered the possibility of erecting mills at a later date. The patent for this land is still in the possession of the family, the signature of Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, being as easily deciphered as when "Old Hickory" placed it there. A sturdy, industrious man, he built a cabin and grad- ually improved his property, on which he lived until his death, long before that time having built both a grist and carding mill. In those days these were almost necessities, and proved to be an added source of

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income to the enterprising pioneer. He was survived by two sons, Joseph and Abel.

During the father's lifetime the 640 acres had remained intact. When the sons made an equal division, the south 320 acres fell to Abel's share and the north 320 to Joseph, this being the part on which the mills stood. These mills Joseph continued to operate in connection with farming, and spent his life on that place. To his marriage ten children were born, and one of these, Fulton Dixon, lives in Texas, he being the only survivor. Joseph Dixon, like his father, was an industrious, hon- orable and upright man.

The late Simon R. Dixon, son and grandson of Joseph Dixon, for many years was a man of prominence in Ross County. He grew up on the old homestead in Liberty Township and attended the district schools. His life was mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits, but on many occa- sions he was called to positions of public responsibility because of his sterling character. Liberty Township benefited when he accepted public office, such as township trustee, as did Ross County when he was elected county commissioner. In him the republican party found a staunch supporter.

To the marriage of Simon R. Dixon twelve children were born, eight daughters and four sons. Minnie, Ethel and Mary are deceased. Ella J. is a resident of New York City. Alma is the widow of Charles S. Jones, and Elizabeth is the wife of Lawrence Climer. Charles W. and Edwin reside at home. Vernon W. married Miss Mabel Shook and they live in Cincinnati. Grace married Harford Jenks and lives in Colum- bus. Edith married Robert Jones and lives in Chillicothe. Harry mar- ried Blanch Erath and lives in Liberty Township. Mrs. Dixon, with some members of her immediate family, resides in a beautiful residence, an ideal country home, near Gillespieville, Ohio. The Dixons, through Revolutionary ancestors making them eligible, are members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. For very many years this has been one of Ross County's representative families.

ARSENE J. JONES, whose farm of ninety acres is located on the north- ern edge of the Village of Vigo, belongs to the younger generation of the agricultural element which must be depended upon to preserve the farming prestige of the County of Ross in the coming years. He has passed his entire life within the limits of the county and is a farmer by training and inclination, having displayed already in his career those qualities which go to make up the successful and progressive tiller of the soil. IIe was born on a farm in Liberty Township, Ross County, Ohio, now occupied by his father, September 23, 1884, and is a son of Thomas C. and Martha (Rittenour) Jones.

The Jones family is one which is one of the best known and oldest in Ross County. It was founded here by William Jones, the great- grandfather of Arsene J. Jones, who came to this fertile and productive portion of Ohio at an early date in its history, and here became well-to-do and prominent, as a stock dealer and a citizen. His son, Mason Jones,

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was also agriculturally inclined, was a husbandman all of his life, and accumulated a good property. Thomas C. Jones was born on the farm which he now occupies in Liberty Township, and has never cared to change his locality. Through the exercise of good management and industry and the display of ability in his vocation he has succeeded in the accumulation of a good farm, while as a citizen he has always been progres- sive and public-spirited, fairly winning and holding the respect, esteem and confidence of his fellow men. He and his wife have had three sons: B. G., a graduate of Wilmington College, who lives on his farm in Lib- erty Township; Arsene; and R. E., who resides with his parents.

Arsene J. Jones received his education in the district schools of Liberty Township and Wilmington College, Wilmington, Ohio. Return- ing at that time to his father's farm, he worked thereon until his marriage, November 10, 1909, to Miss Clara May Jenks, a daughter of Truman and Addie (McKinniss) Jenks. Truman Jenks was born in Jackson County, Ohio, and after his marriage went to Sedalia, Missouri, where he remained for about six years. He then returned to Jackson County for fourteen years, following which he took up his residence at Frankfort, and a short time later came to Vigo, Ross County. Here he has since been engaged in business successfully as the proprietor of a tile factory. Mrs. Addie (McKinniss) Jenks is a daughter of Granville and Mary (Cassiday) McKinniss, and a granddaughter of Charles and Martha (Cramer) McKinniss, who in 1802 came from Pennsylvania to Chilli- cothe, Ohio, and then removed to the farm near Coalton, Jackson County. Martha (Cramer) McKinniss was a granddaughter of Robert Fulton, Sr., who was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Hence the Scotch-Irish in the McKinniss family. Mr. and Mrs. McKinniss moved back to Chilli- cothe and then to Coal Township, Jackson County, where the grand- father was engaged in the river trade. Truman Jenks and wife became the parents of eight children, of whom five are living: Harford P., of Columbus, who married Grace Dixon; Clara May; Frank, of Atlanta, Ohio, who married Nannie Argabright; Stella, the widow of D. T. Yoakum; and Granville, of Vigo. The other three children died in infancy.

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A Standard History of Ross County, Ohio, Part 21

Author: Lyle S. Evans Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages: 549

Author: Lyle S. Evans
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 549