USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals > Part 106
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a farm in Salem township, coming to this region The bar of Muskingum county, Ohio, has no from Pennsylvania with an ox team and a team of more worthy or prominent member than Arthur J. horses, often having to cut a wagon way through Sheppard, for besides possessing a brilliant mind, the woods. The grandfather died on his farm, the great powers of observation and discriminating father in 1839 and the grandmother a short time judgment, he has devoted many hours to the study before. To Philip Shroyer and wife the following of his profession and is, without doubt, one of the children were born: Adam, Philip, Abram, Jacob, best-read lawers of the county. He was born at Elizabeth, Mary, John, Christian, William, An- Irville, this county, to Hon. John B. and Rebecca drew, and Catherine. Christian Shroyer was (Bonham) Sheppard, the former of whom was about six years of age when he came to this county, born at Irville April 7, 1828, and the latter in was brought up on a farm and obtained a fair edu- Jackson township, of this county, in December, cation in the neighboring schools. At the age of 1824. Hon. John B. Sheppard began the prac- twenty-four years he was married, and his union was tice of law in Zanesville in 1868, continuing with blessed in the birth of the following named children: distinguished ability until 1873, when he was Solomon and Jacob, who died when young; Susan elected to the general assembly of the state as a M., (Mrs. S. H. Hardy); Helen (Mrs. Hamilton); democrat, during which time he proved himself Matilda (Mrs. Shrigley); Elizabeth, who died in an able and incorruptible legislator. Since the early childhood; Peter C .; Malinda C. (Mrs. Ed- close of his term of office he has resided upon a wards); Mary A. (Mrs. Stewart); John O., who farm in Licking township, this county. His is a farmer residing in Adamsville, and Eliza J. father, Rev. Lenox Sheppard, was born in West- (Mrs. C. H. Bucker), living on the home place, are moreland county, Penn., in 1784, and was called twins. The father of these children died in this from life in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1849. county in 1867. He was a well-to-do farmer, and He was a "circuit rider" of the Methodist church at his death was the owner of 600 acres of land, and was one of the powerful preachers of his day. all of which was the result of his own endeavors. The Sheppard family first became known in this He was upright and honorable in every particular county in 1815, coming thither from Westmore- and was highly respected by the citizens of Mus- land county, Penn. The maternal grandfather, kingum county. Politically he was a Democrat. Rev. Zachariah Bonham, was born in Virginia, but His wife was a daughter of Peter Werts and was in 1812 became a resident of Muskingum county, an earnest member of the Lutheran church. She Ohio, and, like Lenox Sheppard, was one of the died on the 19th of April, 1888, at which time she pioneer Methodist preachers of this region. He was eighty-three years of age. The paternal grand- died in this county at a ripe old age. Arthur J. father of the subject of this sketch and his eldest Sheppard was given the advantages of the com- sons were soldiers in the War of 1812. Peter C. mon schools and the schools of Zanesville in his Shroyer spent his youth on his father's farm youth, after which he taught school for some time. and in attending the common schools near his After having thoroughly fitted himself for the home, and at the age of twenty-two years he began practice of law, by much desultory study. he was farming on his own account in Adams township. admitted to the bar in 1878 and has since been an In 1859 he was married to Miss Sarah E. Winn, a active practitioner. He devotes the energies of daughter of James and Eliza Winn, her birth his heart and mind to the successful conduct of having occurred in this township January 31, his cases, and never allows the interests of his 1844.
She was about the eighth of fourteen clients to suffer if careful attention to every detail children, only six of whom are living, and in her can prevent it. He is a member of Cyrene com- youth she was an attendant of the common schools. mandery of the A. F. & A. M., and also belongs She has borne her husband two children: Flora to the I. O. O. F. and the B. & P. order of Elks. O., who was born November 2, 1862, and is the Peter C. Shroyer was born in the township in wife of H. N. Slater, of Adams township, by whom
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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
she has a son, Charles William, and Charles T., tannery was also there, owned and operated by who was born July 27, 1876, and is still at school. Stephen White. The little village there continued Mr. Shroyer has been a resident of his present to exist until along in the thirties and for some place since 1864, but only became the owner of time was a rival of Zanesville, and now there is the place in 1872. His land comprises 210 acres, not a vestige to mark the place where many of the well improved, on which he raises a considerable old settlers obtained their supplies. John Sidle amount of stock. Mr. Shroyer is a democrat, is was a good business man and besides his mills active in advancing all interests for the benefit of owned a large farm, to which he continued to add the county, being especially interested in the build- until he became the owner of 800 acres of land. ing up of churches and schools. He and his wife He and his wife were Presbyterians in their relig- are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. ious views but he afterward became a Methodist. He is an excellent business man and strictly honor- Politically he was an old line whig and for many able in every respect. years he filled the position of township trustee. He
David Sidle is one of the most venerable citi- lived to be seventy-four years of age, dying De- zens of Muskingum county, Ohio, having reached cember 11, 1847. His wife died February 3, 1845 the eighty-fourth milestone of his life. John at the age of sixty-eight. He was very energetic Sidle, his father, was born in New Jersey, Sussex and enterprising and became well known to all the county, near New Brunswick, but his father, old pioneers. The millstones for his first mill were Andrew Sidle, was a native of Germany and upon hauled from Cheat river, Va., in 1812 and he coming to this country settled in New Jersey. He was much pleased when he got them. His son, was married to Miss Sarah Brass, and by her be- David, was about four years of age when the mill- came the father of four children: John, Sarah, stones arrived in the night, and he well remembers Annie and Sophia. He was called from life in the the teamster shouting to awaken his father. One state of his adoption. John Sidle, his son, was by of these stones does duty as a step at David Sidle's trade a cooper, but also followed the calling of a gateway. John Sidle was one of those old pioneers farmer. He married Mary Reed, of New Jersey, who bad a hardy spirit and could face with daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Swackhamer) undaunted courage the trials and privations of Reed, who were of English and German descent pioneer life. He succeeded in whatever he under- respectively. Mr. Reed came to Ohio in an early took and his son David says of him that "he made day and settled in Muskingum county, near Zanes- things go or broke something." He left a hand- ville. John Sidle and wife reared nine children: some property to his children. David Sidle was Philip, Sophia, Cornelius, Anna, Sarah, David, born at Wilkesbarre, Penn., November 3, 1807, Jacob, Caroline and Mary. From New Jersey Mr. and was but four years of age on coming to Ohio. Sidle first removed to Wilkesbarre, Penn., and be- Even at that early age he was impressed with the came a teamster from that point to Philadelphia, scenes and incidents of that long journey. They hauling merchandise in one of the immense cones- remained at Zanesville six weeks, crossing the ferry toga wagons drawn by from four to six horses. He and stopping on the Putnam side. Schools were few hauled the first load of goods from Philadelphia and far between and Mr. Sidle gained but little edu- to Zanesville. He lived many years in Wilkes- cation in the old pioneer subscription schools. He barre and there two of his children were born. He early began to work on the farm,and well remembers came by wagon to Ohio, having a four-horse con- when he planted his first hill of corn. When large estoga wagon filled with his effects and a two-horse enough he began to work in the grist and sawmill wagon in which his wife and children rode. In and for seventeen years continued at this work and November, 1811, they arrived at the farm now in this way he became acquainted with many of the owned by David Sidle, and the first winter of their old pioneers and knew all the settlers within a dis- sojourn here they lived in a small log house about tance of fifteen miles. He worked both by night fourteen feet square and in the spring moved into and by day, taking turns with the men to sleep, a double log house which was standing on his land. and although the school in which he was trained In 1812 he built a still house, which he ran for was a rather rough one, it taught him to think and
many years. The following year he built a grist act for himself. At the age of twenty-three he was and sawmill on Licking river, which was one of married to Harriet Thrapp, their union taking the first mills to be erected in the county. Later place May 6, 1830. She was a daughter of Rev. these mills were razed, and in 1827 he built a large Joseph and Jemima (Van Camp) Thrapp, the for- mill with three run of stone and made flour for mer of whom was born within eleven miles of Bal- shipment. This mill was in operation for about timore, Md., on what was known as Gallows Hill. twenty years. When he first came to the state a In 1805 he came to Licking county, Ohio, and the number of mills were running, two being in opera- following year moved to Muskingum county and tion at the falls of the Licking river and a large settled on a farm within sight of the house .where
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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
David Sidle now lives. He was a minister of the nine years three months and twenty-one days. M. P. church and was the first preacher of the The family are all well settled in life and are resi- county and his services were in requisition far and dents of Muskingum county, with the exception of near when funeral sermons or wedding ceremonies two members. Mr. Sidle is a credit to the old were to be performed. He was the father of twelve pioneer stock from which he sprang. His brother children all of whom lived to maturity with one ex- Philip was a great horse racer and was an exten- ception, Adaline dying young. The others were: sive shipper of horses to New York and Philadel- Philander, Israel, Lucinda, Julia A., Harriet, Mar- phia. He once went on horseback to New York cus L., Ellen, John, Joel S., James E. and Martha city to attend a horse race and fair and attracted A. Rev. Thrapp lived to be nearly ninety years of much attention as the noted Western horseman. age, dying May 12, 1863. He was well known Cornelius, another brother, was also extensively en- among the old settlers as an earnest Christian who gaged in horse trading. Many of the Sidles have endeavored at all times to live in the fear of the been noted for the excellence of their horsemanship. Lord. His sons Joel and Israel became Methodist David Sidle was a strong Union man during the Protestant ministers, and aided largely in increas- war and is a stanch republican in politics. He ing the membership of the church which their sent all his sons to the war and all returned with- father had helped to found in this county. To Mr. out wounds. John W. was in Company G, Nine- and Mrs. David Sidle a family of nine children ty-seventh regiment, Ohio Volunteer infantry, were born: Angeline who died at the age of nine which was famous for its many battles, and partici- years, Eliza A. (wife of James E. Tanner), Emma pated in them all. [See sketch of George Vickers, J. (wife of Salem Barrack, deceased), John W., Cor- a comrade, for regimental register.] Cornelius was nelius F., Josephine T. (wife of Wilbur F. Arm- in the 100 days' service and re-enlisted in the One strong), David M. (resides in Winfield, Kas.), Julia Hundred and Ninety-fourth regiment, Ohio Volun- E. (widow of Thomas B. Bland), and Laura S. teer infantry. David M. was in the Ninth Ohio cav- (wife of A. H. Jennings). After his marriage Mr. alry, but was taken sick with typhoid fever and Sidle worked in the mill for four years, then re- was discharged, but afterward re-enlisted in the moved to a farm in Licking township and after- service in the One Hundred and Ninety-fourth regi- ward to Delaware county, where he resided two ment. The war record of all these boys was excel- years. Owing to the death of his father he then lent.
returned to the old homestead, where he has since
Robert Silvey, president of the board of work- lived. He and his wife are members of the Meth- house directors, was born in Blue Rock township, odist Protestant church and he has for many years Muskingum county, Ohio, June 30, 1826, to Robert been one of the trustees of the church. He is well and Pamela (Anderson) Silvey, natives of County known as an honorable man and has served as Down, Ireland, and New Jersey, respectively. township trustee two terms and county infirmary The father came to this county in 1818, and be- director three years. He was for many years a came one of the pioneer farmers of Blue Rock member of the state militia and served as first lieu- township. In 1831 he was appointed by Gen. tenant, then captain and finally as lieutenant-col- Jackson as postmaster of Blue Rock postoffice, onel of a cavalry regiment, which position he held which was prior to the time that stages were used, three years. He has been uniformly successful as and the mail was carried on horseback from Zanes- a farmer, and is now the owner of 646 acres of ville to Marietta, Blue Rock being the only post- land. He inherited $3,000 from his father's estate office between Zanesville and McConnelsville. of which he and his brother Jacob were executors. James Larrison was the mail carrier, and he was The residence in which he lived was built fifty- the grandfather of Robert Silvey Jr's. wife. The seven years since and is still a comfortable home, elder Robert Silvey was postmaster at Blue Rock pleasantly situated in a picturesque locality. At until 1840, but upon Harrison's election to the eighty-four years of age Mr. Sidle is a remarkable presidency he resigned. He was a shoemaker by man, his erect form and elastic step showing that trade, and in addition to this occupation carried he is still possessed of much youthful vigor. He on farming. He was born in 1790, and died in is active in his movements, his eyes are bright and 1868, his wife's death occurring in 1887, at the clear, his countenance is ruddy and indicative of advanced age of eighty-seven years. Her father, good health, his hearing is good, and his wonderful Augustine Anderson, was a lieutenant in the Revo- memory and clear intellect are unimpaired. He lutionary war. She bore her husband eight chil- has always been a man of kindly heart and gener- dren, five of whom are living: Joseph (in Missouri), ous in the use of his means in the interests of John (in Utah), Robert (of Zanesville), Mrs. Met- worthy movements. His wife, Mrs. Harriet (Thrapp) calfe (of Sidney, Ohio), and Mrs. Deaveo (of Osage Sidle, was a gentle and venerable lady, and died City, Kas.). The subject of this sketch was reared February 9, 1892, at the advanced age of seventy- in his native township on a farm, and received
1
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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
such education as the schools of his day afforded. bus, Ga., and Selma, Ala. His company was In 1847-48-49 he taught school. In 1850 he took detailed body guard for Gen. McPherson, sub- a trip to California, going via the isthmus of sequently he was detailed at the same place to Panama. He remained in that state two years carry mail and dispatches from Marietta to At- engaged in mining, but in the fall of 1852 re- lanta and other commanding posts, and per- turned home and embarked in merchandising at formed his duties without mishap and with great Gaysport, subsequently selling out and starting credit. After the siege of Atlanta he went with again at Eagleport, Ohio. At the end of about Sherman to the sea. While on this raid he was fourteen years he returned to this county, and in two days and nights without food. He was a 1869 was elected one of the commissioners of Mus- good soldier and served his country faithfully and kingum county, in which capacity he served effi- well. He received his discharge at Columbus, ciently for three years. In 1872 he was elected Ohio, on September 13, 1865, and then returned county treasurer, was re-elected in 1874, and at the to farm life in his native country, following the expiration of his last term he acted as deputy for same until 1867. He then embarked in the saw- two years under Treasurer George W. Allen. In mill business near Adams Mills, in company with 1880 Gary Bros. & Silvey established themselves his brother Joseph, and continued at this for in the manufacture of furniture, and conducted a about two years. Later he embarked in farm- wholesale and retail business until January, 1891, ing. On December 29, 1870, he was married to when the firm dissolved. Robert Silvey and Rolla Hannah M. King, who was born in Muskingum E. Silvey now carry on business under the firm county on April 27, 1850, and who received her name of Robert Silvey & Son. Mr. Silvey is presi- education in that county. She was the daughter dent of the board of directors of the county work- of Hugh King. [See sketch]. Mr. and Mrs. house, is president of the Home Building & Sav- Skinner have reared seven children: Ira U., at ings company, and is also a director of the Home home, was born August 29, 1871; Adra A., born Insurance company. He was married in 1853 to September 13, 1873; Cora L., born July 23, Miss Emeline Lucas, a native of the county, by 1875; William H., born August 10, 1877; Ar- whom he is the father of six children: Harry K., thur C., born June 19, 1879; Herbert E., born Hattie M., Rolla E., Robert L., Leona and Leota June 24, 1882, and Carrie G., born May 4, 1887. (twins). He and his family are regular attendants Mr. Skinner has followed agricultural pursuits of the Market Street Baptist church, and he is a for the most part since his marriage and has member of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of H., tilled the soil of the farm on which he now lives the A. O. U. W. and the American Legion of for some time. He own sabout 160 acres of well- Honor.
improved land in the southern part of Madison
Harrison Skinner was born in Madison town- township, and will move to this farm in April, ship, Muskingum county, Ohio, March 8, 1841. 1892. He is actively engaged in stockraising and was the youngest of eleven children born to annually raises cattle, sheep, hogs and horses. John C. and Nancy (Garrett) Skinner, early set- In politics Mr. Skinner is a stanch republican, and tlers of Muskingum county. Their children now he is a public spirited citizen, taking an active in- living are named as follows: Mary, now Mrs. terest in all public enterprises of a worthy nature. Post, resides in Morrow county, Ohio; John G. He and family hold membership in the Methodist resides in Columbus City, Iowa; Joseph V. Protestant church and attend the Prospect church. resides in Coshocton county,'Ohio, near Adams Mills;
George W. Slater, of Adamsville, Ohio, is the Margaret, now Mrs. Comin, resides at College son of Anthony and Susannah (Vinsel) Slater, being Springs, Iowa; Sarah, now Mrs. Paisley, resides one of their six sons; Sampson, John, George, in College Springs, Iowa; William, in Louisa William, Harrison, and Solomon, four of whom county, Iowa, and Harrison. the subject of this were born in Ohio. [For complete sketch of the sketch. Those deceased were named:
William, family see sketch of Harrison V. Slater.] George Thomas, Elizabeth and Eliza. The mother of W. Slater was born in what is now Adams town- these children died in 1844, and the father ship, Muskingum county, February 2, 1820, and received his final summons at his son John's received a common-school education in the old log home in Iowa. Harrison Skinner is the only one schoolhouse of those days, known as the Bainters living in Muskingum county, Ohio. He was schoolhouse. Among his teachers were Alph. reared on what is now known as the Samuel King Buker, Jolin Palmer and Samuel Hamilton. He farm, near the center of Madison township; well remembers many of the old pioneer characters when thirteen years of age he left home and whose names and records are now matters of began working on a farm. In 1863 he en- history. He early learned to work on the farm listed in Company B, First Ohio cavalry, and and married December 14, 1848, at the age of his principle battles were Moulton, Ala., Colum- twenty-eight years, Mary C. Wenmer, born April, 33
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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.
1829, in Ohio, a daugliter of Solomon and Malinda county, Va., October 2, 1789, eight miles from (Wurtz) Wenmer. Her father was from Loudoun Harper's Ferry. He received a common school county, Va., and of German descent, coming when education in both German and English, and was a a young man to Ohio, about the year 1825. He soldier in the War of 1812. He married in Lou- was a carpenter by trade and married in Salem doun county, Va., Susannah Vinsel, and to them township. He worked for some years at his trade were born six children: Sampson, John, George, and finally settled in Adams township on a farm. William, Harrison V., and Solomon. In 1816 Mr. He died in the year 1852, about fifty-two years of Slater came to Ohio, bringing his family, which age, and was the father of two children who lived then consisted of his wife and two sons, Sampson to maturity: Mary C., and Elizabeth R., who and John. He first settled in this county five married George H. Vinsel. He was a member of miles north of Zanesville, on the Adamsville road, the Lutheran church, and held offices of trust. living here about one year. He bought land in After his marriage Mr. Slater settled in Highland Adams township, which is now owned by Eliza township, on a farm of 160 acres of land, which Cowden. This land was covered with heavy tim- he bought about this time. Here he lived six ber, and Mr. Slater cut a road from the farm years, and in the spring of 1855 moved to his occupied by Peter Wurtz, to get his house-belong- present farm, which then consisted of 225 acres, ings to his farm. He first built a log cabin and and which joined his father's farm. Later he later a hewed-log house, and here he lived the bought out his father's interest and still resides on remainder of his life, reaching the advanced age this farm having lived here continously for thirty- of ninety-five years. He was a man of powerful seven years. Mr. Slater now owns about 518 acres constitution, and possessing a wonderful hold on in this county and about four acres in Adams- life. He owned a good farm of 160 acres, most of ville. He is the father of seven children: Cidua which he cleared with his own hands. He became J., Solomon O., Frances M., W. H., Susan M., a prosperous citizen, was an early justice of the Howard B. and Carson E. Mrs. Slater died peace, and held the office for twenty-one years. September 6, 1869, aged about forty years. She Besides his farm in Adams township he owned 100 was a devout member of the Lutheran church, a acres in Monroe township, and 160 acres in Iowa. sincere Christian, and affectionate wife and mother. He was well thought of by the old settlers, well In politics Mr. Slater is a stanch republican, he known as Squire Slater, and respected as an honest was county commissioner for six terms from 1861- and Christian man. Both himself and wife were 67, and during the war was a Union man. He has members of the Lutheran church. Harrison V. also been township trustee and treasurer, and a Slater, his son, was born January 2, 1828, on his member of the board of education. He is public father's farm, in Adams township, in the original spirited and in favor of all improvements for the log cabin, and well remembers the building of the good of the county, and was road supervisor. As hewed-log house in which his father passed so a member of the Lutheran church he has held the many years. Young Harrison received the com- office of warden, chairman, and trustee. He has mon-school education of that day, in one of the old all his life assisted with his means and influence to log schoolhouses of the pioneers. He became a maintain the church. He is a practical farmer farmer and married at the age of twenty-four and during his life accumulated quite a library. years, October 16. 1851, Jane Walker (born De- Of the children, Cidua J. married Jonas Bainter cember 8, 1832), daughter of Joseph and Margaret (he is deceased and Mrs. Bainter and the two Alice (Hammond) Walker. Col. Joseph Walker children live with her father); Solomon O. was from Washington county, Va., born June 10, married Ruth. Hanks (he is a farmer of Lucas 1799. His father, Robert Walker, was a mill- county, Iowa, and they have four children); Francis wright of Irish descent. His great-grandfather M. married Belle Keys (he is a farmer of Monroe was a native of Ireland, a soldier in the Revolu- township, they have three children); William H. tionary war. By this wife, Joseph Walker became married Hannah Cone (he is a farmer of Monroe the father of five children: Julia A., John, Agnes, township); Susan M. married Joseph C. Souder, Jane and Eliza.
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