USA > Ohio > Delaware County > Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th > Part 103
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€ DWARD D. JONES, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Radnor Township, was born at Llangaffan. Breconshire, South Wales, April 16, 1826, and is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Jefferson) Jones.
The father of Mr. Jones was born in Brec- onshire and never left his native place, where he died when aged 69 years. He was a small farmer and was a man of great industry. He married a daughter of Hugh Jefferson, who resided in Radnorshire, South Wales, and they had six children, Edward D. being the youngest member of the family and the only survivor and the only one who came to America. The family was reared in the faith of the Congregational Church.
Edward D. Jones grew up on his father's little farm and attended the schools near his home. He was more ambitious and venture- some than the other members of the fam- ily and when he reached manhood he decided to emigrate to America. where he hoped
industrial opportunities were better than in his own land. He felt unwilling, however, to have the Atlantic Ocean roll between him and the maiden of his choice, therefore he was married January 30. 1852, and on April 12 following, he embarked with his bride on the sailing vessel "States Rights," for the United States, which landed them safely eight weeks later, at Castle Gar- den, New York. Mr. Jones came to Radnor, Delaware County, Ohio, where he found em- ployment and worked industriously until he had accumulated enough capital to purchase 20 acres of land in Radnor Township, near Warrensburg. flere he first built a humble log cabin and then cleared and fenced his property and during the 12 years which he spent on it, put it under a fine state of culti- vation. In 1864 he bought his present farm of a little over 100 acres. 35 of which had been cleared, and a comfortable log cabin stood on the place, in which the family resided until 1884. In that year he built the present fine two-story frame house, which contains 12 large rooms. His substantial barns were erected three years after he took possession of
the farm. Mr. Jones during his active years raised many horses, cattle, sheep and hog's and also sufficient grain with which to feed them. Mr. Jones is a man of independent means but every dollar he has made through his own ef- forts. The only advantage he had over many others who started out in life at the same time he did, was the possession of unusual physical strength and to this he added industry, clean living and continued prudence.
Mr. Jones was married to Mary Davis. who died in 1886, aged 51 years. She was the beloved mother of a large family, three of which died and eight survived to maturity, namely: Miriam, who grew to womanhood, married Joel Griffiths, and died in Radnor Township: Sarah, deceased, who married Evan T. Jones, who resides at Richwood; Isaac, who is deceased: Elizabeth, who mar- ried Stephen Davis, residing in Radnor Town- ship: Mary Ann, who married William Her- bert, residing in Radnor Township; Ruth, who married Edward Hadley, residing in Radnor Township; Alice, who married Griffith Rob- erts, who operates the Jones farm: Martha, who married James Osborne, residing in Rad- nor Township. Mr. Jones and family belong to the Congregational Church, in which he is a deacon. Since the election of President Lin- coln, he has been identified with the Republi- can party, but has prohibition tendencies. He attributes a large measure of his excellent health of mind and body to the fact that he has been temperate in all things and has never used either tobacco or liquor. He is a man who in every way deserves the high regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
OHN COWGILL, one of Delaware Township's substantial agriculturists. who owns and operates a fine farm of more than 200 acres, was born July 18, 1842, in Jefferson Township, Lo- gan County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Mary ( Everett ) Cowgill.
Thomas Cowgill, the grandfather, was
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born in Frederick County, Virginia, July 27, 1777, and died September 16, 1846. He was a blacksmith by trade, an occupation which he followed in his native locality until his mar- riage, and then removed to Columbiana County, Ohio. Mr. Cowgill married Sarah Antrim, who was born September 16. 1780, in Stafford County, Virginia, and died June 6, 1868, and to them there were born the follow- ing children: Ann, born November 27, 1800, in Culpeper County, Virginia, died October 13. 1873; Henry, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 30, 1802, died September 12, 1869: Susanna, born November 1. 1804, died February 8, 1851; Daniel, born October 8, 1806, died April 8. 1896: Sarah, born Sep- tember 3, 1809: Thomas, born June 19, 1812; Joseph, born May 15. 1814: Levi, born April 8. 1816, died June 5. 1859; Lydia, born in Champaign County, Ohio. February 1, 1818; John, born January 4, 1820, resides in Frank- lin County, Ohio; and Eli, born May 27, 1822. The family were Quakers.
Daniel Cowgill, father of John, was born between Lisbon and Salem, in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 8, 1806, and as a boy accompanied his parents to Champaign County, where he received a limited education and learned the trade of cabinet maker and uncertaker. He located in Zanesfield. Logan County, where he established himself in busi- ness, and he always spoke with pride of having made Samuel Kenton's coffin. In 1859 Mr. Cowgill engaged in farming on rented land near Delaware, but two years later purchased the farm now owned by his son John, which he continued to operate until his death. He was first a Whig and later a Republican in politics, and served as justice of the peace of Logan County for nine years, and as trustee for a long period.
Mr. Cowgill was married ( first ) to Hepse- beth Stokes, who was born December 24, 18to, and died August 14, 1836, and they had two children: Deborah, who was born De- cember 15, 1831; and Joseph Stokes, born May 4. 1834. Mr. Cowgill's second marriage was to Mary Everett, who was born Angust 31. 1811, and died May 15. 1875, daughter of
Thomas Everett of Champaign County. Of their children, five grew to maturity: Sarah, born December 29, 1840, is the widow of John Sites and lives at Camp Chase, Franklin County; John: Rev. Josephine, twin of John, for several years was a missionary in Pales- tine, and is now located at Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, where she still carries on missionary work; Ottaway C., born September 25. 1840, died July 31, 1888; and Daniel E., born April 12, 1854. at one time principal of the schools of Delaware, is now located at Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Cowgill were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, Mr. Cowgill having had to leave the Quaker faith to muster in the old militia, as he was unable to pay the fine for not mustering.
John Cowgill received his education in his native township and at Delaware, where he taught school for three terms. farming dur- ing the summer months. IHis parents had es- tablished a small dairy, and this he greatly en- larged, operating a milk route until Septem- ber. 1902, keeping about 30 head of cattle. and raising most of his feed. He now has 20 head of cattle and 125 sheep, and about half of his farm is under cultivation, four acres be- ing devoted to apple trees, although the prin- cipal crops are corn, oats, wheat and hay. The residence and main barn were built by Mr. Cowgill's parents, but the additions and other buildings have been built by him. Fraternally he is connected with the Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order. He is a Republican in politics, and was township trustee for six years and land appraiser two terms.
On May 27, 1875. Mr. Cowgill was mar- ried to Ellen N. Yates, who was born January 15. 1852, in Knox County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Thomas Yates, and to this union there were born five children: John Arthur. born July 27. 1876, resides in Delaware ; Mary Everett, born October 8. 1877. married Wil- liam Griffith, of Delaware; Margaret Elnora, born October 1, 1880, died January 16, 1896; Thomas Elwood, born July 27. 1885, is a member of the class of 1908 at the Ohio State University : and Oliver Clyde, born February 15. 1887.
LYMAN P. MCMASTER
BENJAMIN F. McMASTER
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Mr. Cowgill is a Presbyterian, while his wife is a member of William Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and is very active in church and charitable work, having been for some years president of the Aged People's Home.
1. ADAMSON, of the firm of Schop- pert & Adamson, lumber merchants, at Ostrander, was born in Randolph County, Indiana, April 16, 1867, and is a son of Ira and Nancy ( Will- more ) Adamson.
The Adamson family is of English extrac- tion. The grandfather of J. 1. Adamson was Abraham Adamson, who was a pioneer in In- diana, where he became prominent in public affairs. The maternal grandfather was a na- tive of Virginia. He married Eliza Love. whose mother was a Harrison, belonging to the old Virginia family from which came two presidents of the United States.
Ira Adamson, father of J. I., is a highly respected retired citizen of Winchester, In- cliana. He served as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War and is a member of the Grand Army Post at Winchester. He was a successful farmer for many years and for 15 years prior to retiring from active life, he was engaged in the bee business. He is a Republican in his political views and has frequently held township offices. He married a daughter of William C. Willmore, of Win- chester, who still survives. For 14 years Mr. Willmore was county recorder. Mr. and Mrs. Adamson had To children, namely: Willis A., residing at Saratoga, Indiana: Mary E .; Sa- rah: Jesse W .. residing on the home farm; Alice A .: John W., deceased: J. 1 .: George W., residing at Everett. Washington, was clerk of the court there for eight years; and Hannah and Edith. The parents of this fam- ily are members of the Baptist Church. in which the father has been very active for many years, frequently occupying the pulpit. He is now in his 77th year.
T. 1. Adamson was reared in Indiana and was educated in the Randolph High School
and the National Normal University at Leb- anon, Ohio, remaining in the latter institution for two years, after which he returned to Win- chester and taught in the public schools for the next five years. Failing health compelled him to abandon teaching and for the seven follow- ing years he engaged in farming in Scioto Township. In 1891 he came to Ostrander and entered into partnership with J. A. Hayes, in the hardware line, under the firm name of Hayes & Adamson, which continued two years, when Mr. Adamson closed out his in- ttrest. For some four or five years he then conducted a restaurant. In the fall of 1905. he bought a farm of Albert Huntley, but re- turned to Ostrander in a few months and en- tered into partnership with his present asso- ciate. The firm operates a portable sawmill, deals mainly in hard wood and ships largely to Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Adamson was one of the organizers of the Ostrander Banking Com- pany, at Ostrander, and with the exception of one year, has been one of its directors ever since its beginning.
Mr. Adamson married Minnie Manville, who was born in Scioto Township, Delaware County, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Lois Ellen. In politics, Mr. Adamson is a stanch Republican. He is a member of Os- trander Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Edinburg Lodge, Odd Fellows, of which he is past grand, and has also held the office of district deputy grand master. Ile is one of Ostran- der's representative men.
B ENJAMIN F. AND LYMAN P. MIG- MASTER, extensive land owners and farmers of Brown Township. Delaware County, Ohio, have at- tained a high degree of success and are widely known throughout the county. Operating under the firm name of McMaster Brothers, they have cultivated the tract of 425 acres left by their father, and to this added from time to time until the farm has been al- most doubled in size. In past years they bought, raised and fed stock on an extensive
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scale, making a specialty of high grade Short Ilorn cattle and standard-bred draft horses and roadsters. They have bred and raised some fast horses, which made fine records for speed on various race courses. In Short- Horn breeding they have favored the red, and have a large herd almost uniformly of that color. Substantial men of the public spirited type, the McMaster Brothers have always worked for those improvements which tend to add to the comforts of life, as well as to en- hance the value of property, in Brown Town- ship.
The McMaster family has long been one of prominence in Delaware County. Benja- min McMaster, the grandfather, was born September 24, 1795, in Ontario County, New York, and was the third in a family of four children. He was quite young when his father died, and in 1813 located in Scioto County, Ohio. 'There he operated the first saw-mill in the county, and sawed the humber used in the old State House in Columbus. In 1814 he moved to the village of Worthington, and lived in part of the house in which Colonel Kilbourne kept tavern. In the latter part of the same year, he came to Delaware County and cleared twenty acres for Dr. Warren. In 1817 he went to Champaign County, and the next year married a daughter of Lemuel G. Humphrey, of Liberty Township, Delaware County, who lived but a few years. Shortly afterward he again came to Delaware County and bought 100 acres of land on Elm Creek, upon which he built a cabin of the pioneer pattern, moving into it about ten o'clock one cold December night, when about fifteen inches of snow covered the ground. This is a little evidence of the hardships of the pio- neer days. His worklly possessions at that time were one yoke of steers, one heifer. ten head of young hogs, a dog, a small supply of household goods and provisions, and fifty dol- lars in money. He cleared his farm, which was considered in those days the finest im- proved and richest in Brown Township, it being bottom land, which before the days of extensive drainage was not subject to fre- quent inundation as at present. Benjamin
McMaster resided on this farm until 1851, when he moved to Ashley and erected a ware- house and forming a business partnership, he continued in this business until his death in 1888. By his first marriage, Benjamin had three children, namely: Robert; Horace, who in 1852 bought the farm settled upon by his father and William. His second marriage was with Electa Perry, widow of William Perry, by whom he had three children-AAlvin, El- mina and Philemon Perry. The children of her second union : George. Esther, Hiram and Eloisa. This hardy old pioneer treated his own and the Perry children with the same kindness and consideration, and assisted each to an excellent start in life.
Robert G. McMaster, father of the Mc- Master Brothers, was born December 3, 1818, and grew to manhood on the home estate in Brown Township. He worked out by the month for two years for David Bush, and with the aid of his father bought 100 acres of land which was the nucleus of the large farm of MeMaster Brothers. This place was very little improved and Robert lived in a cabin for some years. He bought and bred stock with good results, financially, and added to his realty holdings until at his death, Febru- ary 28. 1873. he had 425 acres. He was joined in marriage with Mary Worline, who was born in Troy Township, and was a daugh- ter of Ilenry Worline. She died December 10, 1847, five children having been born of their union, as follows: Benjamin F., born September 15, 1842; Lyman P., born April 6, 1844: Theodore D., born October 23. 1845, died June 24, 1889: Mary Emma and Mary Etta. twins, born December 3, 1847. The latter died young and the former is the widow of David O. Jones, by whom she had a daugh- ter, Hattie R. Jones. Mrs. Jones lives on the farm her grandfather settled on and improved. Robert G. McMaster was a Democrat and al- though not active in politics served as township trustee and once was a candidate for county commissioner. Religiously, he was a mem- ber of the Universalist Church. .
Benjamin F. McMaster served nearly three years in the army during the Civil War, having
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the rank of corporal. He enlisted August 13. 1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Twen- ty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was mustered in September 10, and in just 28 days thereafter participated in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. He was with the Army of the Cumberland. He took part in many important engagements, among them: Chick- amauga; Chattanooga, where they had three or four days' fighting ; accompanied General Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta, being in spirited action at Kenesaw Alt .: Rome. Georgia: Red Oak Station, Georgia: and Jonesboro. After arriving at Atlanta, Davis Division, of which the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment was a part, was de- tached and sent to Florence, Alabama, after which they rejoined General Sherman at .It- Janta, and on November 15, began the memor- able march to the sea, arriving at Savannah. on December 10, 1864. On January 20th be- gan the invasion of South Carolina, and then of North Carolina, actions at AAverysboro, Bentonville and Goldsboro, making their ex- pedition. The army arrived at Raleigh, North Carolina, where they were located at the time of General Johnston's surrender. Proceeding northward they participated in the Grand Re- view at Washington, D. C., and were there honorably discharged, June 8. 1865. Al- though passing through the war without seri- ous sickness or injury, he had numerous nar- row escapes. At Kenesaw Mountain, where 164 of the regiment met death in about fifteen minutes of fighting, a piece of shell struck and bent the barrel of Mr. McMaster's gun, ren- dering it useless, but saving him from in- jury and possible death. On June 19, 1865, he returned home to Brown Township, where he has resided continuously since.
Lyman P. McMaster, who has always been recognized as a capable business man, was called upon to serve as commissioner of Dela- ware County, serving three years, one year being chairman of the board, in a most effi- cient manner. He was elected on the Demo- cratic ticket by a majority of 480 votes, ai- though located in a Republican stronghold. He has also served two terms as township trustee.
J F. WILT, a prominent and influential general merchant of Ashley, enjoying an extensive and lucrative patronage from the citizens of this community, was born October 3, 1849. in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of John and Catherine Wilt, both of whom were na- tives of Germany, who located in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Wilt spent the first 17 years of his life in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and on April 6, 1867, when about 17 years old. came to Ashley with James L. Wray, who established a general store on the site where Mr. Wilt's present store is located. lle continued in the employ of Mr. Wray until the latter failed in business, when he sold out the stock for the receivers ; after which he formed a partnership with Mr. Corbett, with whom he continued associated for five years. Ile then sold his interest in the firm and clerked for others for about five or six years. In 1882 he established his present business. He has gained an envi- able reputation as an honest and up-to-date merchant, and his customers always receive prompt and courteous attention. He erected his present two-story building in 1883, having been previously located a few doors west. He carries a full line of dry goods and shoes and also a small line of groceries and notions. Mr. Wilt is a man of more than ordinary business ability, and the success attending his efforts has been well earned.
On October 28, 1877. Mr. Wilt was joined in marriage with Emma Clifton, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, and to them were born the following children : George Clayton, born August 3. 1878, died on December 15, 1880; Merril, born February 16, 1880, died January 2. 1881: Elizabeth Belle. born April 22. 1882, married L. K. Wornstaff, superintendent of the public schools of Ashley: Marie, born February 16, 1884: Marion Muriel, was born April 24, 1885, who is the wife of Ralph Da- vis, a teacher in the public schools ; Genevieve, born August 19, 1889: and Harold. who was born in November, 1892, and died May 3. 1894.
Politically identified with the Republican party, Mr. Wilt served six years as township
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clerk, was six years a member of the School Board. and for four years had charge of the postoffice of Ashley, during President Harri- son's administration. He is a member of the Ashley Lodge. F. & AA. M.
IMOTHY GOMER JONES, general farmer of Radnor Township, was born July 18, 1853. in Radnor Town- ship, Delaware County, Ohio, and is a son of Evan T. and Ellen ( Jones)
Jones.
Evan T. Jones was born in South Wales, in 1818, and died in Ohio, January 18, 1896. lle grew to manhood in South Wales and on coming to America settled in Radnor Township, near the river, where he acquired a farm of 97 acres. At one time he was an active member of the Odd Fellows and as- sisted in erecting the fraternity's building at Radnor. In politics he was a Democrat. He married the widow of his brother Thomas. She was born in North Wales and was a daughter of David Jones. The four children of the second marriage who grew out of in- faney were: Elizabeth, who married James Paulding, residing at East St. Louis, Illinois : Thomas T .. residing at Prospect : Timothy G. : and Mary Ellen, who married Robert Thomas, residing in Radnor Township. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Congregationa! Church.
Timothy Gomer Jones was six years old when his parents moved to the farm he now owns, and his father built the residence and other structures. He secured his education in the district schools and his occupation has always been farming. To the original acre- age of the farm he has added until he now owns 143 acres. This he has under a fine state of cultivation. Like his father, Mr. Jones believes in the principles of the Democratic party.
On February 14, 1878, Mr. Jones was married to Elizabeth Jane Jones, who is a | daughter of John A. and Mary ( Newell) Jones. Three children have been born to
them, of whom one is deceased, the two sur- vivors being: Evan T., residing at Pincon- ning. Michigan, and John A. Mr. and Mrs. Jones belong to the Congregational Church at Radnor, of which he has served as a trustee.
John A. Jones, father of Mrs. Timothy G. Jones, was born in North Wales and died in Ohio in 1895. aged 70 years. He grew to manhood on his father's farm in Wales prior to coming to America with his bride. In 1854 they reached Columbus, Ohio. Here he learned the blacksmith's trade which he followed until within five years of his death. For 21 years he worked in the Miami shops and was also employed in the Panhandle Railroad shops. later going into business for himself. Of his five children four reached maturity, namely : Elizabeth Jane; Mrs. Catherine Williams ; Mary Ann, who is the widow of George F. Twitchell, of Columbus, Ohio; and Emma Gertrude, also a resident of Columbus.
OHN J. MILLER, a progressive farmer of Delaware Township, residing on his valuable farm of 75 aeres, was lorn in Baden, Germany, October 25. 1845. and is a son of Jacob and Eliza- beth ( Wightman ) Miller. The father of Mr. Miller died in Germany, after which his mother came to America, where two of her sisters and a brother had already settled. She located for a few years in Franklin Township and then moved to Delaware Township.
John J. Miller spent the larger part of his boyhood with his uncle, Warner Marquette, of Liberty Township, where he was given school advantages. When the Civil War broke out he was assisting on the farm. He enlisted in Company E. Second Regiment, Ohio Voltin- teer Heavy Artillery, and was statione l' in Kentucky. Tennessee and Georgia. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
After he returned from the army, Mr. Miller rented land for several years, after which he bought about 50 aeres in Delaware Township, which, added to 25 acres inherited
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by his wife, makes a compact farm, large enough for easy handling, and here Mr. Miller has carried on general farming and stock-rais- ing. He cultivates about 60 acres of his land, raising corn, oats, wheat and hay, and as he believes in using fertilizer, he has good crops when many others fail. Ile keeps seven head of cattle, makes high grade butter, has 25 head of thoroughbred Duroc hogs and pays considerable attention to poultry.
Mr. Miller married Mary Elizabeth Lind- ner, who is a daughter of Frederick G. Lind- ner, of Delaware Township, and they have had nine children, the four who grew to ma- turity being: Frank, is married, resides at Delaware: Harry, also married, resides in Delaware ; Katherine, who married George W. Owen. of Delaware Township; and Ellsworthi, who resides at home. Mrs. Miller is a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. Formerly Mr. Miller was identified with the Democratic party, but he has been a Republican since the second administration of President Cleve- land. He is no seeker for office, but always takes an active interest in electing those who have records as good citizens. He is an in- telligent, well-informed man and has adopted modern methods of agriculture, his land show- ing the results of his care. He built the pres- ent comfortable residence.
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