USA > Ohio > Delaware County > Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th > Part 106
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Mr. White was joined in marriage with Helen Blayney, a daughter of George Blayney. of Porter Township. Delaware County, Ohio, and she died in 1878, leaving two children : Homer E., who died in 1892; and Anna W .. a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University. who is wife of Edward D. Jones, professor of Economics at the University of Michigan. Mrs. White was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He formed a second mari- tal union with Miss Eliza Frey, who was born in Porter Township, Delaware County, where her father. Rev. James Frey, a Baptist min- ister, had a charge for many years. One child was born to them and died in infancy. Re- ligiously, they are members of the Broad Street M. E. Church at Columbus, in which Mr. White has filled all the offices save that of president of the board of trustees. He is at present serving as secretary and treasurer. He has been a Christian for more than 50 years. At East Liberty he was a member of the Pres- byterian Church, was elder three years, and was superintendent of the Sabbath School all
the time he resided there except for a part of the first year. Politically, he has always been a Republican.
HERMAN FAIRCHILD, a well- known citizen of Westerville, who is a retired farmer of Harlem Town- ship, was born in Delaware County. Ohio, March 9, 1832, and is a son of Benjamin Mosley and Mary Ann ( Lydey) Fairchild.
Benjamin Mosley Fairchild was born in Bennington County, Vermont, May 24. 1783. Ilis father died when he was a child and he was reared by an uncle who lived in the Green Mountains. In 1808 he came to Granville. Ohio, and was in the employ of Benajah Cook for one year and then purchased a farm of 175 acres in Harlem Township, which he cleared and somewhat improved, and on which he lived until the close 'of his life, his death taking place December 27. 1871. He was mar- ried in Harlem Township to Polly Bud, who was reared in Delaware County, and who died after the birth of four daughters and one son. He was married secondly to Mrs. Mary Ann (Lydey) Johnson, a widow with four sons and two daughters. Three children were born of the second marriage. Mr. Fairchild is the eldest of the children and the only survivor. Benjamin M. Fairchild built a saw-mill and a grist-mill on Duncan Run and he became a man well and favorably known all through this section.
Sherman Fairchild was reared on his father's farm and went to school in an old log building used for this purpose. On March 20, 1853, he was married to Phebe Jane Wil- liams, who was born in Plain Township. Franklin County, Ohio, January 26. 1836, and was a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Wil- liams, of Plain Township, who had come from New Jersey and settled there at an early day. with their nine children. He traveled over 600 miles with his family, in a wagon, finally settling in Plain Township, where he became a man of much prominence. He owned land and
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took part in public affairs, serving 14 years as a justice of the peace on the Democratic ticket and filling other township offices. Two more children were born to him after coming to Ohio. Mrs. Fairchild being one of the two sur- vivors of the family.
For several years after his marriage. Mr. Fairchild rented the home farm and then bought 55 acres in llarlem Township, which he subsequently increased to 139 acres. This land he greatly improved, building three resi- dences and making it very valuable. Ife carried on general farming, operated a stone quarry on his land and raised a large num- ber of sheep, which he exhibited at the agri- cultural fair in Delaware County. In young manhood, Mr. Fairchild was somewhat noted for his athletic feats and was a champion jumper in the friendly contests engaged in by the young men at that time, having a record of a jump of 211/2 feet.
Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild had three sons and one daughter, namely : Frances Fredonia, who married John Rhodes; Benjamin Sher- man: Richard Lee; and James Loved, all of whom were born in Harlem Township. In his political views he has always been a Republi- can. His father served as a captain in the War of 1812.
A LBERT P. RODEFER, general farmer, owning 841/2 acres of excel- lent land in Troy Township, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, No- vember II, 1867, and is a son of Silas and Martha ( Wallace) Rodefer.
Silas Rodefer was born in Belmont County, Ohio. in 1844, and came to Delaware County with his family in the spring of 1867. settling in Troy Township, where he became a well- known and respected citizen. A Republican in politics, he has served as trustee and in other capacities. For some years past he has resided in Lincoln, Nebraska. He married Martha Wallace, who died in August. 1896. His sur- viving children are: Albert P. ; Harry E ..
residing at Columbus; and John W., residing at Prospect, Ohio.
Albert P. Rodefer was reared and edu- cated in Troy Township, and here his chief interests have always been centered. Ilis lite has been mainly devoted to agricultural pur- suits, and he is a successful farmer as well as enterprising citizen. He is a Republican and has served four years as trustee of Froy Township. On June 29, 1898, Mr. Rodefer was married to Ella F. Schaaf, who is a daughter of the late Peter J. and a sister of Peter J. Schaaf, of Troy Township. They have two surviving children, namely : Ralph and Ielen. Mr. Rodefer and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church.
OHN P. JONES, a prominent citizen of Radnor Township, who is serving in the office of township trustee, is the owner of an excellent farm of 134 acres. He was born February 19. 1854, in Radnor Township, Delaware County. Ohio, and is a son of William W. and Eleanor ( Evans) Jones.
John P. Jones, grandfather of John P .. was a native of Wales who came from that country to America in 1818, and settled in Radnor Township, Delaware County, Ohio, where he died in 1864. His son William W. Jones was born in Radnor Township, and mar- ried Eleanor Evans, by whom he had six chil- dren : Margaret \ .. the wife of Evan Price. of Radnor Township; John P., subject of this sketch; Frank C., who resides in Radnor Township: Elizabeth, wife of David L. Prich- ard of Union County: Charles F., of Radnor Township: and Ella, who is the wife of Perry J. Griffith, of Radnor Station, Ohio. William WV. Jones has served as a trustee of Radnor Township, and is rated as one of its oldest citizens and stanchest Republicans.
John P. Jones was educated in the public schools of his native locality, and since early manhood has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns a fine farm of 134 acres
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in Radnor Township, which includes the 65- acre tract on which he resides, and his opera- tions have been most successful. Mr. Jones is one of the township's leading Republicans, and is now serving in his sixth term as town- ship trustee, having been president of the board. He is a member of the Baptist Church at Radnor, with which his family is also con- nected. Mr. Jones married Sarah Prichard, who was born in Radnor Township, and who is a daughter of the late William Prichard. Of this union there were born five children, of whom four survive, namely: William P., Mabel E., J. Arthur, and Rossford.
ERDINAND J. BURKARD, one of the representative men of Delaware County, Ohio, whose fine farm of IIO acres is situated in Delaware Town- ship, was born on his present prop- erty July 25. 1838. and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth Miller ( Wightman ) Burkard. Adam Burkard was born December 8. 1817. in Baden, Germany, where he served in the German army and received his honorable discharge. When 27 years old he came to America, and for a short time followed the trade of cooper, later engaging in wood-cut- ting and teaming in New York State. In the early fifties Mr. Burkard came to Ohio and set- tled first at Columbus, but later removed to Delaware Township. where for two years he was in the employ of John Owen. He then purchased 19 acres of land to which he later added 12 acres. On this property Mr. Burk- ard spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring November 14. 1904. He was mar- ried to Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, at Columbus, Ohio, who was the daughter of Anthony Wightman and widow of Jacob Miller, and of this union there were born ,five children, three of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Anna, who is the wife of Emil Fritchy of Fairfield. Illinois: Ferdinand J .: and Sarah, who married John Grotty, of Delaware. Mrs. Burkard died in 1885, aged 60 years, in the
faith of the Catholic Church, of which her husband was also a member.
Ferdinand J. Burkard received his educa- tion in the common schools of his native local- ity, and remained at home until he went to Delaware to learn the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for two years and a half. He then returned to the home farm, where he worked with his father until his 30th year. when he purchased the Matthias Smith farm of 80 acres. Ile now owns altogether about 110 acres, of which about 70 acres are under cultivation, being devoted to the raising of corn, oats, wheat and hay, and he also engages in the raising of hogs, sheep, cattle and horses.
Mr. Burkard was married to Mary M. Phillips, who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, and is the daughter of Theophilus Phil- lips, a native of New York State. Three chil- (Iren have been born to this union: F. Earl. who lives at Columbus, Ohio; Dolly L., and Raymond Arnold. Mr. Burkard is a Catholic while Mrs. Burkard is a member of the Bap- tist Church. In political matters Mr. Burkard is a Democrat, and he has been much inter- ested in the success of his party in his com- munity. He is one of Delaware Township's enterprising agriculturists, and his many ster- ling qualities of character have won the re- spect and esteem of his fellow-townsmen.
OUIS B. JACKSON, a prominent citi- zen and representative farmer and stock raiser, of Troy Township, where he owns a valuable farm of 260 acres, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, January 4, 1853, and is a son of James B. and Sarah (Bush ) Jackson.
The late James B. Jackson, whose death took place in March, 1904, was born in New York and was 16 years of age when he accom- panied his parents to Delaware County, where he lived to the venerable age of 80 years, pass- ing away at Delaware. He is survived by his widow, who resides in Delaware and who has reached her ist year. Mr. Jackson was a
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valued member of the Presbyterian Church. He was well and favorably known all through Troy Township and is kindly remembered by old friends of many years standing.
Louis B. Jackson was reared in Troy Township, where he obtained his early educa- tion, and he later attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. Since completing his studies he has given his attention to agri- cultural pursuits. The present farm was for- merly the property of his maternal grandia- ther, Hon. David Bush, who was a man of large fortune and of political prominence, serv- ing in the Ohio State Legislature. lle died in 1867.
On May 3, 1888. Louis B. Jackson was married to Ida Ford, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late Thomas Ford, a former resident of Delaware County. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have two chil- dren-Jennie J. and Walter F.
In politics, Mr. Jackson supports the can- didates of the Republican party and he has served as township clerk. He is one of the leading members of Troy Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church and has served as a trus- tee of the same. He takes much interest in school advancement and in public improve- ments and in all that concerns the best wel- fare of his community, at the same time set- ting an example along the lines of progressive agriculture.
5 ENRY D. YATES, a leading business citizen of Delaware, who is located at No. 50 North Henry Street, where he deals in coal and all kinds of ma- sons' supplies, retains also his farm of 190 acres, located in Delaware and Berlin Townships, Delaware County, which he con- tinued to operate until 1900. Mr. Yates was born in Knox County, Illinois, in 1855, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret ( Cunning- ham) Yates. Thomas Yates was an extensive farmer and large raiser and dealer in stock. He carried on an extensive business for many years, buying and shipping to eastern markets.
He was well known for his pronounced prohi- bition views. He died in 1892, and is sur- vived by his widow.
Henry D. Yates was reared on his father's farm, and after completing his education en- gaged in agricultural pursuits and gave much attention to raising thorough-bred Holstein cattle, an industry in which he continued until 1900, when he left the farm and has since made his home at Delaware. His ancestors came from Virginia, and his grandfather. John Yates, was one of the earliest settlers in Delaware County, where the family has ever since been one of substance and local promi- nence. In 1884, Mr. Yates was married to Cornelia Thome, of Holmes County, Ohio. and they have four children: T. Ray, Editli, Zaidee Lois, and Pauline. Mr. Yates is a Ma- son and a Knight of Pythias.
HOMAS BURNSIDE, formerly a representative farmer and stockraiser of Genoa Township, where he owned 240 acres of very valuable land, was born in Ireland in 1836. and was quite small when he accompanied his parents to America.
The parents of Mr. Burnside settled in Muskingum County, Ohio, where Thomas Burnside was reared and attended the district schools. He married Sarah E. Clements, who was born in Muskingum County. September I, 1835, and is a daughter of Andrew and Margaret ( Collins) Clements. They were both born in England but were reared and married in Ireland. They had seven children, one of whom was born in Ireland. Andrew Clements acquired 360 acres of land in Mus- kingum County and was one of the extensive farmers of his section. He took considerable interest in public matters and voted with the Republican party. He died December 23. 1884, his wife having died in the previous October. Mrs. Burnside's brother, William John Clements, served four years in the Civil War.
In 1865, two years after their marriage.
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Mr. and Mrs. Burside came to Delaware County and located on the present farm. They were accompanied by Mr. Burnside's brother, who assisted him in making the improvements which render this one of the finest farms in the township. Mr. Burnside took much com- fort in his pleasant home and had great pride in his family. He died at the age of 40 years and is survived by his widow and one son, Thomas Edwin. the latter residing on a part of the farm where he also has made many im- provements. Mr. Burnside was a member of the Episcopal Church, in which faith Mrs. Burnside was reared.
EREDITH MEREDITH, who is serving his second term as county commissioner of Delaware County, resides on his excellent farm or 120 acres, which is situated in Radnor Township, where he has carried on farming and stock-raising, since 1870, and is engaged in the manufacture of Radnor White Lime. Mr. Meredith was born in December, 1846. in South Wales, and is a son of William and Anna Meredith, who spent their lives in that country.
Meredith Meredith acquired a fair educa- tion as lie was growing to man's estate, in his native country, where he remained until after his marriage and the birth of one child, when he came to America, accompanied by his fam- ily. Reaching Marion, Ohio, early in 1868, he remained there until the following May, when he settled in Radnor Township, Dela- ware County. Since taking up his residence in this county, Mr. Meredith has proved his good citizenship; through industry and perse- verance he has acquired valuable property, and by honesty, intelligence and public spirit, has secured the confidence and esteem not only of his neighbors, but of the inhabitants of the county in general. He has creditably filled a number of local offices and his re-election to a second term as county commissioner is proof that he made a satisfactory record during his first incumbency of that office.
Mr. Meredith was married in Wales to Gwenny Rees, and they have had nine chil- dren, seven of whom are still living, namely : Maria M .; Annie Rachel, who married Wil- liam Disbennett, the well-known tile manufac- turer, at Radnor Station; Daniel, residing at Radnor; Mary, who married William Lug- ger. and resides in Delaware: Sadie, and Ed- ward. The two deceased are William and Elizabeth. Mr. Meredith and family belong to the Congregational Church. He is a mem- ber of Radnor Lodge, No. 250, Odd Fellows, at Radnor.
PERRY WORNSTAFF. a well known resident of Ashley, has been a life long resident of Oxford Township. He has a valuable farm of 298 acres about one-half mile west of the vil- lage and also operates the public stock scales at Ashley. He was born on the old home farm which he now owns, May 15, 1856, and lived there until 1890, when he purchased his pres- ent home and moved to Ashley. He is a son of Lewis and Sally Ann ( Bartholomew ) Wornstaff, and a grandson of Daniel Worn- staff, who about 1827 moved from Ross County, Ohio, to Westfield Township, Mor- row County, being one of the pioneer settlers in this vicinity.
Lewis Wornstaff was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1822 and was about five years of age when his parents moved to Westfield Town- ship. There he grew to man's estate and early in life moved to Oxford Township, purchas- ing a small tract of land. To this he added from time to time until at his death he had about 290 acres. He made most of the im- provements on the place, followed farming and stock-raising extensively, and met with much success as a stock dealer. He lived in Ashley during the last few years of his life. He married Sally Ann Bartholomew, who was born in Oxford Township, Delaware County. September 23, 1827, and is a daugh- ter of Milton Bartholomew, one of the pio- neers of the county. He came from Vermont
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and his wife from Quebec, Canada. Three children were born to Lewis and Sally Ann Wornstaff, namely : Chesley, mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Chaun- cey, who died in infancy ; and Sperry, the sub- ject of this sketch. Mrs. Wornstaff is now residing with her son Sperry.
December 13. 1877. Sperry Wornstaff married Mary E. Wiser, who was born in Westfield Township, and who died January 28. 1900, leaving one son, Lloyd K., of Ash- ley. Mr. Wornstaff is a Republican, and was formerly quite active in politics. He served four years as mayor of the village, five years as a member of the Village Council, and one year as land appraiser. Ile is fraternally a member of the . Ashley Lodge. F. & A. M.
SRAEL POTTER, who was promi- nently known throughout Delaware County, was for many years a resident of Leonardsburg. Brown Township. He was born September 29. 1806, in Chenango County, New York, and was a son of Asahel and Ann ( Benton) Potter.
.Asahel Potter and his wife were both na- tives of Connecticut and at an early date moved to Chenango County, New York, where their son Israel was born. In February, 1817. they emigrated to Ohio in a covered wagon, drawn at first by a yoke of oxen and one horse. Crossing mountains and streams, and over bad roads, their progress was very slow and attended with great difficulty. The horse gave out and it was necessary to re- place him. After 47 days of hardship and privation, they reached Fairfield County, Ohio, with a few household goods and ten dollars in money. After one year they moved to Franklin County, and three years later to Peru Township, then a part of Delaware County, but now Morrow.
Israel Potter grew to maturity in Morrow County, and gave evidence of great energy . and ability in his youthful days. He had but limited educational advantages, but through- out his life was a student of economic ques-
tions and matters of national import. lle taught school when he was about 21 years of age. When matters of public interest arose, he gave public expression to his views, his articles appearing in many journals. He was a thinker and a leader, and in the days of slavery was an important factor in the under- ground railroad. He identified himself with the first organization opposing the liquor trat- fic, and was an earnest advocate of temper- ance. In his early manhood he engaged in selling books for a Cincinnati firm, receiving as compensation $30 per month and expenses, a good salary for those days. He then turned his attention to farming and stock dealing. and many were the interesting accounts of his trips which he recalled in his later years. He made sixteen trips with cattle to Michigan, and was in the city of Adrian when the first train ran through there in 1841. In 1858 he moved from the old place in Peru Township to Leonardsburg. where he became possessed of large landed interests, and where he resided until his death on November 4. 1895. His widow survives him and resides with daugh- ters at Leonardsburg.
Mr. Potter was an active member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and his death was a sad loss to the community in which he labored so long and faithfully. A broad- minded, thinking man, he did much in the way of making public improvements and elevating the moral tone of the community.
SCAR A. PETERS, residing on a fine farm of 83 acres one mile west of the village of Ashley, is a prosperous farmer and one of the substantial citizens of the community. He was born October 23, 1857, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of Abram and Isabel ( Kin- more ) Peters.
Abram Peters was born in Fairfield County. Ohio, and was a son of Daniel Peters, who came to Fairfield County from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Abram was a black- smith and followed his trade with success until
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
he moved to Delaware County in 1859. He first located on the W. C. Durkee farm in Ox- ford Township and afterward purchased a tract of fifty acres in the same township. Here he lived and farmed until his death. He was joined in marriage with Isabel Kinmore, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Adam Kinmore, a native of Ireland, who upon coming to the United States located in Pickaway County at a very early period. This union was blessed with the following children : Salema, wife of Dr. J. E. Herriott, of Union County, Ohio; Belle R., wife of W. M. Stephens, of Ashley: May S .. who died unmarried ; Oscar A., subject of this sketch; and Charles L., who died of injuries received in a street car accident in Chicago.
Oscar A. Peters was two years old when his parents came to this township, and here he has resided continuously since. He attended the public schools and lived on the home place until 1893, when he purchased a tract of 83 acres west of Ashley, which comprises the farm on which he now lives. It was then only partly cleared, Mr. Peters clearing fully half of it and tilling the entire place. He has made all the improvements, erecting a barn and other necessary outbuildings and remodeling the house. He has followed general farming and has been very active in raising sheep, cat- tle and hogs. Enterprising and public-spirited. he has made a success of his work, and enjoys the goodwill and esteem of his fellow-citizens to a marked degree.
April 1. 1883, Mr. Oscar A. Peters was joined in marriage with Miss Zana Foust, who was born in Westfield Township, Morrow County. She is a daughter of Wilson and Lucy (Durkee ) Foust, and a granddaughter of Abram Foust, who was one of the pioneers of Weshield Township, having come from Pennsylvania early in the Nineteenth century. Wilson Foust has been a life long resident of Westfield Township, where he now lives at the advanced age of 87 years. Ilis wife is past 73 years, and both are active minded and in good bodily health. They became parents of the following children: Warren, of Chey- enne, Wyoming; Bruce, who lives near Buf-
falo, N. Y. ; Ella ( Barber ), of Westfield : Rev. O. K. Foust, of Westfield; Zana, now Mrs. O. A. Peters; Myra ( lligh), of Westfield ; and K. K., of Westfield. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have one daughter, Lola, wife of Arthur Boyer, and a granddaughter. Natella Boyer.
RCHIBALD II. RUTHERFORD, a leading citizen of Concord Town- ship, owns about 512 acres of fine Ohio land, 100 of which is situated in Morrow County, 262 acres in Liberty, and 150 acres in Concord Township. Delaware County. Mr. Rutherford was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 23, 1833, and is a son of Henry and Ruth ( Van- mitre ) Rutherford. His paternal grandfather was Archibald Rutherford, who settled in Fairfield County prior to 1821. Archibald served as a sollier in the War of 1812.
Henry Rutherford was born in Virginia in 1801, and grew to manhood in that State, where he married Ruth Vanmitre, who was born there in 1804. After removing to Ohio, they settled in Fairfield County, where they remained for a number of years. Subsequently they removed to Delaware County, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1892. His wife was aged 82 years at her death in 1890. Their children were: Mary Ann, who married Thomas Hess, is deceased ; Abraham, who is deceased. is survived by his widow; Isaac, who married, first. Sarah Webster and, secondly, a Miss Merrill; and Archibald H.
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