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 80

Author:
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642

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 80

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George and Edward Ellis belong to one of the candidate for colonel of a regiment raised in this original pioneer families of Muskingum township, part of Ohio, and when the men were being must- and from their ancestors inherit Welsh, Scotch and ered in at the old town of Putnam, now the Ninth Irish blood. William Ellis, the great-grandfather, ward of Zanesville, Squire Ellis swore in the officers came to America from Wales when a young man, rapidly, who then immediately voted for Cass as before the war of Revolution, and settled on a farm colonel, this being before the other candidates for near Baltimore, where he married. He assisted colonel were aware of the plan. Mr. Ellis was the colonists in their struggle for independence intimately acquainted with Gen. Cass and many and served nearly through the entire war. Soon acts of friendship passed between them. About after peace was declared he removed to Washing- 1810 Mr. Ellis moved to the farm now occupied by ton county, Penn., where he settled on a farm John Collopy, which he rented for ten years. He and reared a family of sons, Amos, William and moved several times, making advantageous trades Elias being the only ones now remembered. The and finally spent his last years in Licking township, father of these children died in Pennsylvania after between Irville and Nashport where he died on he had attained to the age of ninety years.

Game July 31, 1833, at the age of sixty-four years. His being very plentiful in those days he became a wife died August 2, 1833, at which time she was noted hunter. Elias Ellis, his son, was born in fifty-eight years of age. They were members of Washington county, Penn., and was married there the Presbyterian church, which he assisted in found- to Jane Caldwell in 1792. He farmed there until ing in Muskingum township, and he was one of the about the beginning of the present century when first church trustees and assisted in clearing the he removed to Limestone county, Ky., but not land where the church now stands. He was a man liking the country on account of the drouth, which of good character and although an old backwoods- was very severe that year, he returned to Pennsylva- man, always observed the Sabbath and led an ex- nia. His wife and two children, David and Thomas, emplary life. He was a Jeffersonian democrat. accompanied him, and the journey down the Ohio To such men as Mr. Ellis we owe the development

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

of the township and county as well as the great man in the county. He and his wife became the state of Ohio. The names of his children are as parents of seven children: Orville N., who became follows: David, Thomas, Hannah, William, Elias, a physician and died in Kankakee city, Ill., October Eliza and Jane. Elias Ellis Jr., his son, was 14, 1891; Andrew J., a farmer living in Newton born in Baltimore county, Ohio, July 11, 1805, and county, Ind .; Eliza C., died in infancy; George, received the limited schooling of those days. The residing on the home farm; Thomas died in in- year following his birth he was brought to this fancy; Mary J. resides near Glendale, Hamilton county and here passed nearly all the remainder county, Ohio, and Edward residing on the home of his life, being reared on a pioneer farm. Sep- farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ellis were members of tember 24, 1833, he was married to Susan Nash, the Presbyterian church and he was quite active daughter of Thomas and Mary Horton Nash, the politically, and in 1854 was chosen by popular vote Horton family being of Revolutionary stock. Capt. to the position of county treasurer, but did not Thomas Horton, the maternal great-grandfather, fill the office on account of a complication which served throughout that war and was a participant in the battle of White Plains. Helived near where this battle was fought, and Gen. Washington was decided against him. In 1863 he was nomi- nated for the Ohio state senate, but was defeated. He served eight years in the Ohio legislature, 1869, visited his house and obtained a glass of milk. 1873-74 in the house, and four years in the senate. After the battle Capt. Horton was concealed under In the early days of the state militia he was a the floor and his wife went to bed to conceal his colonel for some years. Socially he was a member hiding place, which was directly under the bed. of the Old Dresden lodge of the I. O. O. F. He The British soldiers came to the house and were became very wealthy, and was at one time the owner about to pull Mrs. Horton from the bed without of 3,000 acres of land in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. ceremony, when one of the officers said, "Damn it, He was a man or excellent business ability, honor- dont bother a sick woman." Thomas Nash was able in his dealings and had the good will of all the founder of Nashport. He was of French de- who knew him. He died on the home farm May scent and came with his family from New York 14, 1888, at the age of eighty-three years, his wife city in 1818. He was a sea captain and the owner

having died March 3 of the same year. He was a of small vessels. He settled on a farm where Nash- man of strong character, possessed a naturally port now stands and for some time kept a hotel. quick and intelligent mind and was of a disposition He was born February 25, 1770, and died at Nash- to assist every good cause and was a fine example port July 27, 1830. He was the father of fifteen of the best class of Ohio pioneers. The home children, two of whom died in infancy and the place is a magnificent farm of 700 acres, mostly remainder lived to maturity: Gertrude, Orville J., Muskingum river bottom land and very fertile. Jonathan H., George W., Thomas M., Susan, Mary George Ellis, his son, was born December 24, E., Abraham, Caroline. Job M., Lorenzo D., Mar- 1842, and received a common-school education.

garet A., and Thomas J. Mr. Nash was a gentle- man of the old school and was a man of sterling traits of character. Elias Ellis, after his marriage

Being a capable boy he learned the details of farm- ing and when twenty-eight years of age took full charge of the home farm. He has become a prac- settled on the Sidle farm, and here he lived for tical and successful farmer and stockraiser, and some time. He was a farmer and land speculator probably understands the business as well as any and followed this calling in various parts of the man in the state, for it has been his life work. county. He was at one time the proprietor of the Like his father he is a democrat, and has always farm now owned by William Cox and afterward been interested in the cause of education and has lived on the "school lots," now occupied by the been a member of the board of education in his Widow Bell. In 1849 he bought the farm now oc- township for eight years. He is well read, has cupied by his sons, but from 1854 to 1860 resided many fine 'books in his library, and is well versed on the farm occupied by H. J. Summers near in history, especially the history of Ohio. His Zanesville. He was a democrat politically, and brother Edward, joint owner of the home farm during the Civil war was a strong Union inan. He with himself, was born February 15, 1854, and in offered his services to his country but was refused addition to receiving a common-school education, on account of his age. His son, Andrew J., served attended business college. He learned the ma- in Company E, Sixteenth regiment Ohio Volunteer chinist's trade in Zanesville and invented a steam infantry and served three months. He was in engine with new valve motion. He is now on the the battle of Cheat Mountain, Garret's Ford and farm, his health not permitting him to pursue his others. He lost his health from measles contracted trade. He married Matilda Eschman, daughter of while in the service and returned home. Mr. Ellis Henry and Margaret Eschinan. of Dresden, and assisted with his means the soldier and soldier's they are the parents of two children: William N. widow, and without doubt did as much as any one and Elias E. Mr. Ellis is a democrat politically,

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

and is a young man of intelligence and ability. ship, September 11, 1840, and remained there un- The Ellis family is descended from the best Ameri- til her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Elsea's marriage can pioneer stock, and members of it have been has been blessed by the birth of two children: soldiers, hunters, pioneers, farmers for generations. Nevada O., now Mrs. Hinch, resides on a farm in

William D. Elsea was born on a farm in Union Union township, and Lillie A., now Mrs. Moore, is township, Muskingum county, Ohio, September 26, a resident of Perry township. Nevada has two 1813, and was the third in order of birth of a fami- daughters, Stella and Letha, and Lillie has a son ly of nine children reared by John and Nancy and daughter, Denie and James D. Mr. and Mrs. (Self) Elsea, both natives of Frederick county, Va., Elsea are associated with the Methodist Episcopal the father born July 4, 1787, and the mother church, and are prominent members of the same. April 7, 1789. The paternal grandfather, William In politics he is a democrat. He owns the farm of Elsea, was also a native of the Old Dominion. 160 acres in this township, and a comfortable home John Elsea and Nancy Self were married in their in Norwich. For forty years he has been a mem- native county, and after one child was born, or in ber of the Masonic fraternity.

1809, they immigrated to Muskingum county,

Among Muskingum county's esteemed and en- Ohio, making the journey in a two-wheeled cart terprising citizens, none deserves more favorable drawn by two horses. They had to cut their way mention than the subject of this sketch, John through the wood, and on their arrival settled on a Elsea, farmer, Adamsville, Ohio, who was born in farm bought by John Self, father of Mrs. Elsea, in Union township, Muskingum county, near Norwich, 1804. He had purchased the farm, but never on the 15th of October, 1824. His parents, John lived on it. On this tract of land Mr. and Mrs. and Nancy (Self) Elsea, were natives of Virginia, Elsea passed the remainder of their days, the for- the father born about 1787, and the mother in mer dying on the 3d of December, 1846, and the lat- 1789. The latter was the daughter of John Self, ter in 1870. Both were members of the Methodist who lived and died in Warren county, Va. She Episcopal church. Mr. Elsea was a prosperous had two brothers and a sister settled in Union farmer, and a man interested in all good move- township, this county. John Elsea Sr. was the ments. He affiliated with the democratic party, son of William Elsea, who was of Scotch descent. and was justice of the peace in Union township for The former left his native place, Frederick county, a number of years. Their children were named in Va., and settled in Union township, Muskingum the order of their births as follows: Alcinda, county, in 1809. He followed farming all his life, Sarah, William D., Mary, Louis, Harriet, John and was quite successful. In politics he was a and Nancy (twins) and Angeline. Mr. and Mrs. whig, and later a Jackson man. He held mem- Elsea experienced all the privations of new settlers, bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, as did but prospered in their new home, and became sub- also his wife. Mr. Elsea died in 1846, and his stantial and worthy citizens. William D. Elsea wife in 1870. They were the parents of nine chil- has passed all his life, with the exception of the dren: Alcinda, Sarah, William D., Mary, Louis, past six years, on the farm in Muskingum county, Harriet, Nancy and John (twins) and Angeline, the and was educated in the district school, which was youngest. John Elsea Jr. divided his time in taught in a log cabin with puncheon benches and youth in assisting on a farm in Union township, desks. At the age of twenty-one he began learn- and in attending the common schools of the day. ing the carpenter's trade, but in 1850 he took the In 1852 he started out for himself, and was mar- home place, which he successfully cultivated until ried to Miss Catherine Armstrong, daughter of within the last few years, since which time he has William Armstrong, and a native of Union town- retired from the active duties of life, and is now a ship, Muskingum county, born March 4, 1833. To resident of Norwich. Mr. Elsea was married on them were born three children: John W., Louis the 4th of March, 1862, to Miss Jane Elliott, a H. and Nevada C., only John W. now living. The daughter of Thomas and Ann (Elliott) Elliott, and mother of these children died in February, 1861. granddaughter of John Elliott, on the father's side. She was a worthy member of the Methodist Epis- The parents were natives of Washington county, copal church. On the 8th of October, 1862, Mr. Penn., and there their nuptials were celebrated. They Elsea enlisted in Company E, Second Ohio Volun- came to Perry township, Muskingum county, Ohio, teer infantry, and was in the Fourteenth Army at an early date, settled on a farm, and there the corps. He participated in the following battles: father died in 1857, and the mother one year later. Stone River, Perrysville and Chickamauga. He Both held membership in the Presbyterian church. was taken sick in August, 1863, and was sent back They were the parents of nine children, named as to the hospital in Nashville, and from there to the follows: Andrew, John, Nancy, Charity, Hugh, hospital in New Albany, Ind. On account of ill Simon, Belle, Thomas and Jane. The last named, health he was discharged in September, 1863, after wife of subject, was born on a farm in Perry town- being in the service about a year. Returning to

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

Muskingum county, Mr. Elsea engaged in agricult- Madison township, Ohio; John settled in Cheshire, ural pursuits, which occupation he has followed Gallia county, Ohio; Thomas settled in Ironton, ever since. Mr. Elsea was married in 1865 to Miss Ohio, and Margaret, who married Thomas Davis, Sarah Lindle, a daughter of John and Martha also settled in Ironton, Ohio. Jane's son, David, Lindle, the former now a resident of Licking coun- settled in Topeka, Kas., and is a prominent law ty, Ohio, but the mother deceased many years ago. partner of ex-Gov. Martin; another son, Evan, Mrs. Elsea was born in Washington township, Mus- is a prominent contractor of Pittsburg; and Dan- kingum county, Ohio, in 1843. To Mr. and Mrs. iel, her youngest son, is a resident of Jackson Elsea were born two children, Olive J. and Clar- county, Madison township, Ohio. Daniel Evans ence C. The former is the wife of D. J. Davis, of Jr., father of the subject of this sketch, was the Highland township. Mr. Elsea has a farm of 100 eldest son of Daniel and Margaret Evans, and was acres of excellent land, and is one of the represent- named for his father. He was born in South ative men of the county, being public spirited and Wales about 1807, and received the usual com- enterprising. He has traveled a great deal in his mon-school education in that country. He was day, and is well posted on all subjects. In 1849 reared to farm life and was married in Wales to he went overland to California, and was among Miss Ann Evans, of the same name but no rela- the first to visit the gold regions of that state. He tive, and the result of this union was eight chil- was 105 days in making the journey. After dren: Jenkin, David, Richard, Morris, John A., reaching that state he was successful for a time, Margaret, Frederick and Mary A., all born in the but in 1851 he was taken sick, and returned to the Buckeye state, except the three eldest. Daniel East by water.

Evans Jr. settled in Madison township, Jackson

Capt. John A. Evans, mill owner, Frazeys- county, Ohio, cleared a farm and there remained burg, is one of the representative citizens of Mus- until 1851, when he moved to a farm in Gallia kingum county, Ohio, and inherits many admira- county, dying there in the fall of the same year ble qualities from his sturdy Welsh ancest- from an acute abscess. He was of the same re- ors. His grandfather, Daniel Evans, came from ligious belief as his father and was a deacon for South Wales to America in 1839, and brought his many years. He had many traits of character like wife, Margaret, and six children with him. The his father, and was an honorable, upright citizen. latter were named as follows: Daniel, Nathaniel, His wife, who was a lady of a very religious char- John, Thomas, Jane and Margaret. His son, acter, died in 1877 at the age of seventy-five years. Daniel Jr., was a married man at that time and Capt. John A. Evans, son of the above worthy his wife, Ann, accompanied him with their three couple, was born in Jackson county, Ohio, Septem- children: Jenkin, David and Richard.

The ber 8, 1843, and learned farming in his youthful

daughter, Jane, was also married, and her hus- days. He was early instilled with religious views band, David Jones, came also with their three and principles and these have ever remained with sons: David, Evan and Daniel. Daniel Evans Sr. him. After the death of his father, and when was born in South Wales in the latter part of the only twelve years of age, he was thrown on his last century, and was reared to farm life and edu- own resources and he first began work about the cated in the common schools. He was well read, iron works at Gallia, remaining there five years. was thoroughly posted on all Biblical questions, and On July 22, 1861, when but little over seventeen was a strict Calvanistic minister, bringing up his years of age, he enlisted in Company E, Ohio Vol- children to the same faith. After coming to unteer infantry, as a private, and on the same America he settled on a farm in Jackson township, date four years later, in the evening of that day, Muskingum county, Ohio, and cleared up his land he returned home. His register is as follows: which was covered with heavy timber.

There was "Entered service as a private, August 1, 1861; ap- a large Welsh settlement there and Mr. Evans as- pointed corporal and sergeant and transferred to sisted in establishing a church of his denomina- the quartermaster department on May 1, 1864; tion. His strong constitution enabled him to per- promoted to first lieutenant and R. Q. M., Jan- form the vast amount of hard labor incident to uary 28, 1865; captain, Company C, May 31,

1865; mustered out with regiment July 11, 1865. History of service-participated in the battle of

pioneer life, and he lived to be over ninety years of age. He was noted for his strength of purpose and his steadfast adherence, all his life, to his re- Blackwater, Mo., December 18, 1865; New ligious principles. His wife lived to be ninety-six Madrid, Mo., March 13, 1862; Island No. 10, years of age, thus showing the great vitality of the Tenn .; Corinth, Miss., October 3 and 4, 1862; sterling Welsh stock. After coming to America Iuka; Tuscumbia, Ala., April 4, 1863; Atlanta Mr. Evans' children settled in different parts of campaign; Resaca, Ga .. May 13 and 16 1864; the country. Jane, with her family settled in Dallas; Kenesaw Mountain; Ruffs Mills, Ga .; At- Pittsburg: Nathaniel settled in Jackson county, lanta, Ga., siege of Savannah, Ga., December 10

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

and 21, 1864; Carolina campaign, from February dren by two wives, the mother of Mrs. Evans being to April, 1865." His first enlistment having ex- the second wife and the mother of nine children; pired, he reenlisted at Prospect, Tenn., as a vet- Margaret, Armenia, America, Virginia, Melvina, eran for three years, and was then allowed a fur- Mary I., Sarah L., Thomas E. and Harrison. Mr. lough for thirty days. Capt. Evans was the Dickerson died June 10, 1879, when seventy-five youngest soldier of his company, being but seven- years of age and his wife died April 6, of the same teen years of age when he enlisted at Keystone year. Both were devout members of the Method- Furnace, Jackson county, Ohio, in answer to the ist church and Mr. Dickerson was much respected president's call for 300,000 men to serve the coun- as a straightforward, enterprising citizen. Seven try for three years. He was among entire of his daughters married soldiers and two of Mrs. strangers at the time. Upon the organization of Evans' half sisters also married soldiers. All are the company he was appointed third corporal and living to-day, Milton McMillan, the husband of soon after sergeant, then commissary sergeant, Margaret, died from the effects of wounds four then quartermaster-sergeant. On January 28, weeks after his discharge. In 1874 Mr. Evans 1865, he was promoted to first lieutenant and as- moved to Frazeysburg with his family and here signed to regimental quartermaster and then on he has since resided. He came in the interests of May 21, 1865, he was promoted to the rank of the Ohio Iron company of Zanesville, was after- captain, serving on Maj .- Gen. Fuller's staff ward engaged in merchandising, and in 1885 he Thus we find him, at the age of twenty-one years, engaged in the manufacture of tile, with James a captain in the army of the United States and en-

W. Frazier, he organizing a stock company, "The gaged in actual battles. Capt. Evans, being Frazeysburg Mill company." Mr. Evans has neither sick nor wounded, lost no time from been generally prosperous in business and is the service and was present at all the battles in which owner of his mill property, a handsome residence his regiment was engaged, his record being that of and other property. He is a member of the G. a brave soldier and a gallant officer. He was with A. R., Griffe post No. 331, and has held the office Sherman during the Atlanta campaign and was in of commander for three terms. He is a repub- the famous march to the sea. From Savannah he lican in politics and has been a member of the went through the Carolinas and was in Raleigh, council. He is interested in educational matters, N. C., when Johnston surrendered. He then went and has been a school director. In his religious to Washington, D. C., and was present at the belief Capt. Evans is a member of the Methodist grand review. From there he went to Louisville, church as is also his wife, and has been trustee, Ky., and was mustered out July 11, 1865, receiv- steward and Sunday-school superintendent. He ing an honorable discharge. Our young soldier has contributed liberally of his means to build the witnessed some of the most stirring scenes in his- Methodist Episcopal church in Frazeysburg, and tory and letters from prominent men, high in office, was chairman of the building committee. To testify as to his brave and gallant conduct. He Captain and Mrs. Evans have been born six chil- was used to adversity, for he was obliged to face dren: Melville, Bert, Ernest (died at the age of the battles of life at an early age, and he pos- five years), Erfee, John B. and Ruth. Capt. Evans sessed the natural qualities to make a good sol- has a remarkable record. Beginning life when a dier. After the war Capt. Evans attended the poor boy of twelve years, with but little education, Ohio university at Athens, Ohio, for six months, he, by his indomitable will power and many other and subsequently engaged as a clerk at Keystone, estimable qualities, overcame every difficulty, and that state, in the office of an iron furnace. He re- has made a success of life. As a soldier he was mained in this office as clerk, book-keeper and man- rewarded by promotion for bis bravery and fear- ager for eight years, and became interested in the lessness, and as a citizen he won a host of warm business as a partner his natural inclination to rise friends by his upright, honorable conduct. He showing itself in business as in military life. He was and Mrs. Evans have a very comfortable home and married, at Keystone, Ohio, December 1, 1867, to a liberal library bespeaks the literary taste of the Miss Sarah L. Dickerson, of English descent. Her family. Capt. Evans' brother, David Evans, was a grandfather, John Dickerson, was a native of the man of fine physical development. He was mor- "Old North state," and came to Ohio and settled tally wounded at the battle of Champion's Hill, and on the line between Gallia and Jackson counties in died July 16, 1863. Another brother, Richard 1803. He brought his family with him. His son, Evans, was also a soldier in the war. Thomas Dickerson, the father of Mrs. Evans, was

Judge E. E. Evans, attorney at law. In this but eighteen months old when he was brought to comprehensive work it is fit and proper that the Ohio by his parents. He grew to manhood on a profession of law should be duly represented, for farm and passed all his life near where his father Zanesville has every reason to be proud both of her first settled. He was the father of thirteen chil- law courts and the members of the bar who sup-

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

port them. Among the leading firms of the city Welsh descent, the family being old colonists. is the well-known one of Evans & McHenry, the David Evans came from Shenandoah county, Va., junior member of which studied law with Judge April 4, 1808, and brought his family, then con- Evans. The latter is a native of Belmont county, sisting of his wife (Nancy Smith) and two sons, Ohio, born March 5, 1816, son of Eleazer and John and James. Leander, father of our subject, Mary (Nichols) Evans, the former of whom was was born three days after the family arrived, April born in 1775 and died in Belmont county, Ohio, 7, 1808. The family came in wagons over the in July, 1848, the mother's death occurring in Zane trace, by way of Zanesville. The father was 1856. Judge E. E. Evans was a resident of his single handed, his sons being but four and two native county until eighteen years of age, during years, respectively, and settled on the south bank which time he acquired a practical education in of the Wakatomica creek in the unbroken wilder- subscription schools, and during his nineteenth ness.

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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 80

Author: Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 642

Author:
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642