USA > Ohio > Delaware County > Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th > Part 117
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Mr. Smart bought his first farm after his marriage and during his lifetime owned three different farm, buying a large one at each change. He carried on general farming and raised stock. In his early years of manhood. he voted with the Democratic party but in later years he became a Prohibitionist. He was a kind and affectionate husband, a careful father and on honorable member of his community.
M. AVERY, until recently cashier of R 0 the Deposit Banking Company, at Delaware, which position he resigned April 1, 1908, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Delaware County. He was born at Delaware, Delaware County, Ohio, in 1871, and is a son of the late Jasper Avery. Judge Frederick Avery, the grandfather of R. M. Wvery, was one of the earliest settlers of Delaware County, where he became a man of great prominence. He served as judge on the Common Pleas bench and was one of the political factors of his day. For many years he was an active pro- moter of the "underground railway," making his home a secret station for fugitive slaves. Jasper Avery, father of the subject of this sketch, was engaged in farming through his earlier life. but for a long period preceding his death was associated with the V. T. Hills Company.
R. M. Avery was graduated from the Dela- ware High School in 1888, and in the fall of the same year he entered the employ of the Deposit Banking Company, as a messenger. His fidelity and efficiency were rewarded by consecutive promotions until in 1898 he was elected cashier. Ilis recent resignation from this position has been mentioned above. He is a member of the Board of Directors and a stockholder in the institution. In 1899, R. M. Avery was married to Daisy Seegar, who is a daughter of Dr. Seegar. of Logan County. Ohio. They have one child, Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Avery are members of the William Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Avery being church treasurer. Fraternally, he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Elks.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
A LLEN V. GILLET, general farmer and representative citizen of Marl- borough Township, where he owns an excellent farm of 175 acres, whichi is well adapted to the growing of all the grains of this climate, is a native of Marl- borough Township. Delaware County, Ohio, where he was born February 6. 1857. Ile is a son of Harvey and Elizabeth ( Baker ) Gillet.
The late Harvey Gillet was one of Marl- borough's most prominent and esteemed citi- zens. He was born in Ohio, while his parents were making the journey from Connecticut. His father. Joseph Gillet, was a pioneer set- tler in Marlborough Township, locating in this section before the native forest had been cleared off. Harvey Gillet was reared in the log cabin home and the few educational ad- vantages he had in boyhood, were obtained in
the district schools. llis whole active life was passed in this township, which he served in many offices of responsibility, being a trustee and member of the School Board. He was also a liberal supporter of the church and was ever willing to further plans made for the public welfare. He was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Norton and served as the superintendent of its Sunday school for a long period. His kindness and charity were known far and wide and there are many today who still can recall his helpfulness when they needed assistance. He was a mem- ber of the lodge of Odd Fellows at Westfield. Ohio. He married Elizabeth Baker, who was born in Ohio and who died April 9, 1895.
Allen V. Gillet was reared on his father's farm in Marlborough Township and he ob- tained his education in the common schools. lle las resided on his present farm since 1904. although his whole life, with the exception of a short period passed in Waldo Township, has been spent in Marlborough Township. Like his father and also his brother, Harlos O. Gil- let, who is a large farmer and stock-raiser at Norton Station, Allen V. Gillet is a stanch Republican, having supported the candidates of that party since coming to manhood.
and they have two children: Fay and Cloice .A. For the past 20 years, Mr. Gillet has been a member of Lenape Lodge. No. 29. Knights of Pythias, at Delaware.
RS. EMMAA CHAMBERLAIN- GRIFFITH, residing on her magnificent farm of over 500 acres, situated in Delaware Town- ship, is one of the best-known and highly esteemed residents of this section. Mrs. Griffith was born in Rome Township. Lawrence County, Ohio. October 31. 1866. and is a daughter of John Q. and Sarah Naomi ( Coulter ) Miller.
Mrs. Griffith remained at home with her parents until her marriage, attending the town- ship schools and becoming skilled in all house- wifely arts. On July 21. 1887, she was mar- ried ( first ) to John Henry Chamberlain, who was born in Delaware County, in June, 1839. and who died March 7. 1896. He was a son of William and Mary ( Gardner ) Chamber- lain, and a grandson of Justus Chamberlain. who was a captain in the War of 1812. In the same year. William Chamberlain was born in New England and was seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to Delaware County. The family settled on the farm that Mrs. Griffith now owns. It originally con- tained 135 acres, to which a quantity of land has been added through wise . investments. John H. Chamberlain was the only child of his parents and inherited the home property, which he increased to 375 acres. He was an edu- cated. well-read men. having been a student at the Ohio Western University. He left two children: William Miller, who was born November 29. 1888. Ile was a student in Delaware High School, but had to give up school when within two months of graduating on account of his eyes giving out : and Mary. born December 11. 1891, a student in the Delaware High School, class of 1909.
Mr. Chamberlain took a keen practical interest in agriculture, and was very success- ful. always giving much credit to his capable
On February 6, 1882, Mr. Gillet was mar- ried to Eva B. Smith, who is a daughter of the late Calvin Smith, of Oxford Township. wife for her good judgment and executive
CAPT. ELIAS COLE
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
ability. He was a member of the William Street Methodist Episcopal Church at Dela- ware.
On March 31. 1897, Mrs. Chamberlain was married to Thomas E. Griffith. Mr. Griffith was born in South Wales, August 7, 1807. and was educated in Llandovery College. His father. Thomas Evan Griffith, was a Welsh Esquire, who owned an estate of 2.700 acres. on which he raised sheep, and Thomas grew up in the sheep and cattle business. Prior to 1892, when he came to America, he had been superintendent of his father's estate. After visiting the great Columbian Exposition, at Chicago, Mr. Griffith engaged in farming in Delaware Township, and in 1897. after his marriage with Mrs. Chamberlain, took charge of her many farm and stock interests. The acreage has been increased and 200 acres are given to pasturage, while 300 acres are culti- vated. No products of the farm are sold, ex- cept stock and cattle, milk and wheat. MIr. and Mrs. Griffith keep 75 head of cattle, among them being a number of full-blood Jer- seys, milk about 50 cows and sell to the cream- ery. They have three registered stallions and raise both draft and trotting horses, keeping 20 head on hand all the time. Many Berk- shire hogs are also raised. Only persons of thorough knowledge and much experience could successfully manage so large a stock and dairy farm as this, making it what it is-one of the most successful enterprises of Delaware Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Griffith are members of the William Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics. Mlr. Griffith is a Republican, but he takes no very active interest in public matters.
APT. ELIAS COLE, who was for many years one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Ashley, Delaware County, Ohio. was born in Troy Township, this county. September 4. 1834. His parents were Hugh and Mary ( Main) Cole, both natives 47
of Delaware County. His paternal grand- father was Joseph Cole, a native of Virginia, who fought against Great Britain in the War of 1812.
Elias Cole was reared to man's estate in Delaware County, Ohio, acquiring his literary education in the public schools of Marlborough Township, and at the same time receiving his industrial training on his father's farm. He was married in 1856, and engaged in agricul- ture, gradually turning his attention, however, chiefly to the breeding of merino sheep. the raising of Plymouth Rock poultry, and to bee culture, soon becoming one of the best known apiarists in the county.
The even tenor of his life was, however. interrupted by the Civil War. Feeling his country's call to be paramount to any con- siderations of self-interest. he enlisted, in April, 1861, in Company C. Twenty-sixth Regiment. O. V. 1 .. in which he served for over three years, being honorably discharge.1 in July. 1864, with the rank of captain. Dur- ing his service in the army he kept a journal in which he recorded from day to day all interesting events, and which was subsequently printed. From it we find that he left Ashley, .April 22, 1861, for three months' service, was cletained at Delaware with the other recruits. where the work of drilling commenced. On the 24th, word being received that the requi- sition for three months' men was filled, the company disbanded, and immediately reor- ganized as a company of minutemen, the dril- ling being continued while awaiting orders from the Governor. News of the acceptance of the company was received, and on June 15, after bidding farewell to their assembled friends, they set out for Camp Chase, near Columbus. Here they elected officers and the work of drilling was continued. On the 29th Mr. Cole was visited in camp by his wife and some friends, with whom, having obtained leave of absence, he spent the rest of that day and part of Sunday, the 30th. The interval between this date and August ist was spent mainly in camp. in drilling and doing guard duty. On August 1, the regiment, under com- mand of Colonel E. R. Fyffe, took train for
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
Cincinnati, where late that night they were transferred to the steamer J. Il. Done, bound up the river for Point Pleasant, Virginia, and soon found themselves in rebel territory.
On August 10, while on a march from Charleston, Virginia, to Summerville, James Cole, a brother of the subject of this sketch, lost his life by the accidental discharge of a gun. August 28th the force to which the regiment was attached was attacked by the enemy and several guards were killed. On September 3. another slight brush occurred with the enemy on which occasion, however, the latter were the sufferers. From this time on there were plenty of alarms and skirmishes, and the regiment sustained some slight losses. In the latter part of September the regiment became attached to General Rosecrans' com- mand. About a month later Mr. Cole was taken sick and came under the doctor's care. December 24, Mr. Cole, in company with an- other soldier. John Black, was detailed to go to Ohio on recruiting duty, and accordingly started .next morning, going by way of Cin- cinnati and Columbus and reaching home De- cember 29. Some time was spent in visiting friends and attending parties, and on January 16 the men set out to rejoin their regiment, which had been ordered to Louisville, Ken- tucky. On March &, they marched for Nash- ville, where they arrived on the 12th. On the 29th they left that place, and on April 4. while en route to Savannah, were attacked, with the 17th Indiana by a body of 800 rebel cavalry, whom they routed, taking seven pris- oners. On the 8th they arrived at Savannah, where they saw plenty of evidences of the re- cent battle (of Shiloh ), the ground being cov- ered with dead rebels.
Mr. Cole's journal gives a lively and de- tailed account of each day's experiences-the duties performed, the movements of the regi- ment, with numerous incidents illustrating the fatigues, hardships, occupations, disappoint- ments, and successes of a soldier's life in war time. Here and there is a bit of homely but faithful description of a fine sunset or a pic- turesque landscape, showing in the writer a keen appreciation of the beauties of nature. .
even when seen under adverse conditions. It would be impossible in the space here available, to do more than briefly refer to the more in- portant incidents of Mr. Cole's three years of service. He seems to have attracted the notice of his officers for his capacity and faithful per- formance of duty, for on December 17th he was appointed regimental postmaster. The Twenty-sixth was highly commended by Brigadier-General Wood for its efficiency in marching and manoeuvering and his gallantry in action. It took part in the fighting at Mur- freesboro, during which time, however, Mr. Cole was absent in Nashville on postal busi- ness.
From time to time we read of his forward- ing money home, of company, brigade, and di- vision drills, of reviews by General Rosecrans. On July 7 and 8 salutes were fired in honor of the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. On August 12, we find Mr. Cole, who is still regimental postmaster, writing a letter to the Delaware Gasette. After some long marches and the crossing of the Cumber- land Mountains, in the ascent of which the men had to help in pulling up teams and half- loaded wagons, we find the note: "After crossing the Cumberland Mountains I conclude not to dispute the fact that Bonaparte did cross the Alps, but am well satisfied he never crossed the Cumberland.'
On September 9th they were at Chatta- nooga, where they saw some rebels, and a few days later they lost several men in a skirmish. On the roth the regiment took part in the bloody battle of Chickamauga, in which it was much cut up, losing over 60 per cent. of the men in killed and wounded. Sergeant Cole received a gun-shot wound in the right shoulder. On October 22, he was granted a furlough and started for home. After a pleas- ant month spent in visiting his friends and in recuperating his health, during which time. however, he lost the opportunity of participat- ing with the regiment in the famous assault on Mission Ridge, he set out to rejoin his regiment. Before doing so he visited the bat- thefields of Mission Ridge and Lookout Moun- tain. Some time was spent in camp and then
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
the Twenty-sixth, as a part of Thomas's com- mand. set out with Sherman on the famous march to Atlanta. Previous to this, however. most of the men had been mustered out and had re-enlisted as veterans. Mr. Cole, with a number of others, had not re-enlisted, but they were not yet dismissed, and accordingly started on the Atlanta campaign. They ac- companied the regiment to Resaca, Georgia, and thence to Adairsville. New Hope Church. Picketts Mills, Ackworth, Lost Mountain, Muddy. Creek, Kenesaw, and Marietta. Georgia, which they reached July 3d. soon after coming in sight of Atlanta. On the 12th the order for the return of the non-veterans to the rear. to be mustered out of the service, was received, and on the next day they left the camp. bound for home. On the 25th they were mustered out of the service at Chatta- nooga. and five days later Mr. Cole found himself once more in the bosom of his family. his service in the war for the Union having lasted three years, two months, and twenty- five days. Events now pointed to the ap- proaching dissolution of the Confederacy, and Mr. Cole no longer deemed it his duty to en- gage in further military service. He resumed agricultural pursuits, gradually turning his at- tention more and more to sheep raising, and to bee and poultry culture, as already noted else- ihere in this article. He gained a wide repu- tation for the excellence of his merino sheep and his Plymouth fowls. He continued suc- cessfully engaged in these occupations up to the time of his death, which occurred October 8. 1893.
In his demise the county lost one of its most progressive and respected citizens-one who had always had the best interests of the community at heart. He was for some years one of Marlborough Township's most useful and popular officials, serving at different times as justice of the peace, assessor and town treas- urer. In politics he was a Republican. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order in this vicinity, being made a Mason in Lodge 407. at Ashley, AAugust 18, 1869. Of this lodge he was a charter member. Passing through the intervening degrees, he became a
Roval. Arch Mason in March. 1871. At dif- ferent times he was Master of Ashley Lodge. He kept in touch with his old time military comrades as a member of the Union Veteran Legion of Delaware. and of the Regimental Association, of which he was elected president in August, 1893. In 1890 Captain Cole was elected county treasurer, and after serving one term, was re-elected. His death took place shortly before the close of his second term in this office. For many years Captain Cole was an earnest and consistent member of Marl- borough Baptist Church. The Ohio Soldier of June . 30. 1897. said of him: "Comrade Cole was in some respects a remarkable man. quiet and unassuming, but possessed many ac- complishments. He was a good soldier and a true Christian gentleman. He completed his three years' service, not by inherent strength of body, but by quiet determination to do so, and by carefully abstaining from all excesses, saving his strength for supreme moments of fatigue and exposure. A more careless man, or one addicted to excesses, would have been compelled to yield, or more likely would have clied before the expiration of his term of ser- vice."
For the purposes of reference we append a table of the distances travelled by the Twenty- sixth Regiment. O. V. 1 .: also Captain Cole's Masonic Record :
DISTANCES TRAVELLED BY THE TWENTY-SIXTH
REGIMENT, O. V. I.
Miles.
Camp Chase to Cincinnati (by rail ) .... IIO
Cincinnati to Charleston. W. Va. (wa- .
ter) 270
Charleston to Sewall Mountain 77
Sewall Mountain to Fayetteville. 55
Fayetteville to Loop Creek. 22
Loop Creek to Louisville, Ky. ( water ) . 446
Louisville to Bardstown. 39
Bardstown to Glenbrook.
43
Glenbrook to Munfordsville. 10
Munfordsville to Bowling Green. 42
Bowling Green to Tennessee line 27
Tennessee line to Nashville. 39
Nashville to Columbia, Teun 40
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
Columbia to Savannah, Tenn. . . 80
Savannah to Pittsburg Landing ( water)
IO
Pittsburg Landing to Corinth, Miss. . .
28
Corinth to Alabama line. 30
Alabama line to Florence 30 79
Florence to Huntsville.
Huntsville to Shelbyville, Tenn 57
Shelbyville to Dechard.
35
Dechard to Fayetteville and back
77
Dechard to top of Cumberland Alts ..
73 55
Cumberland Mts. to Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro to Nashville.
30
Nashville to Bowling Green, via Gal- latin
73 42
Bowling Green to Munfordsville.
Munfordsville to Louisville, via West Point
76
Louisville to Bardstown, via Fairfield. . 4,3 51
Bardstown to near Camp Dick Robinson Camp Dick Robinson to Wild Cat. . . Wild Cat to Silver Spring, Tenn., via Crab Orchard
196
Silver Spring to Nashville 20
Nashville to Murfreesboro.
30
Murfreesboro to foot of Cumberland Mountains, via Manchester
53
Foot to foot of Cumberland Mountains, via Tracy
36
Foot of Cumberland Mountains to Chat- tanooga, via Shellmound. 53
Chattanooga to Chickamauga, Ga.
23
Chickamauga to Chattanooga, via Ross- ville I-4
Chattanooga to Knoxville and Straw- berry Plains and return. 357
Chattanooga to Columbus, Ohio, and re-
turn to Charleston, Tenn. (rail ) ..
1310
Charleston to Kingston, Ga.
95
Kingston to Kenesaw, via New Hope, etc. 66
Kenesaw to Camp south of Chattahoo- chee River 20
Chattahoochee River to Marietta. II
Marietta to Chattanooga (rail)
Chattanooga to Columbus and Ashley, Ohio (rail ) 659
Total 5202
SUMMARY.
Marched 2273
By rail 2203
By water 720
Total 5202
The above is exclusive of all scouts, forag- ing expeditions, etc., of the Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in its three years' service. Trips by rail were made in freight and cattle cars, and by water were deck passage.
CAPTAIN COLE'S MASONIC RECORD.
Aug. 18, 1869-Was this day made a Ma- son in the E. A. M. degree in Lodge No. 407. Ashley, Ohio: J. F. Doty, acting W. Mas- ter.
Sept. 29, 1869-Was this day passed to Fellow Craft degree : Brother J. F. Doty, act- ing WV. M.
Nov. 3. 1869-This day raised to the sub- lime degree of Master Mason, with Brother Worshipful Master Sidney Moore in the East.
Feb. 3. 1871-Promoted to the more hion- orable degree of Mark Master, and passed to the degree of Past Master. Brother Sidney Moore, Most Excellent High Priest.
March 3, 1871-Admitted to the degree of Most Excellent Master: Brother Sidney Mcore, Most Excellent High Priest.
March 14, 1871-Exalted to the sublime and honorable degree of a Royal Arch Mason. Comrade Sidney Moore, Most Excellent High Priest.
Mr. Cole was married January 31. 1856, to Catherine Black, who was born in Marl- borough Township, Delaware County, Ohio, June 4. 1835, a daughter of Christian and Phebe ( Elliott ) Black. Mrs. Cole's father was a native of Pennsylvania. and her mother of Delaware County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cole were the parents of nine children, of whom there are six now living. They are as fol- low's :
Charles, who is a resident of Novinger. Missouri: Milo, residing at Queen City, that
46
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
State: Burton, who is a resident of Marl- borough Township; Lois, wife of Eugene Nash, of Delaware, Ohio: Katie, wife of Wil- liam Cooper, residing at Marion, Ohio; Elias J .. who is a resident of Alton, Kansas. The three deceased are Fred. Mary and Velorus.
Mrs. Elias Cole still survives her husband and resides in Marlborough Township, where she owns over 70 acres of excellent land. She is a member of Marlborough Baptist Church. to which her husband belonged and has taken an active part in its works of charity and Chris- tian usefulness. The mother of a worthy family, all the members of which show the re- sults of her careful training. she has well performed her part in the most sacred relations of life. and now lives honored and respected as she is widely known in the community where she has so long had her home.
RAY H. CARR, president of the Os- strander Banking Company, and a prominent citizen of Ostrander. was born on the old Carr home- stead in Scioto Township, Dela- ware County, Ohio, September 20, 1860, and is a son of Gideon S. and Elizabeth (Ander- son ) Carr.
The paternal grandfather was Solomon Carr, born in 1775, who came to Scioto Town- ship in 1817, and in company with James Lig- gett and George Bean, also from Hardy County, Virginia, now West Virginia, in- vested in 600 acres of wild land. The first night after completing this purchase the friends spent with a fourth friend named Hin- ton, who suggested that he be appointed to apportion the land. and the plan was accepted and the land was divided by him into four parts. Solomon Carr received 150 acres, and that part of Ostrander lying north of North Street stands on a portion of the original Carr place. Solomon Carr died in 1847. lle mar- ried a sister of George Bean and they reared a number of children and through marriage and inter-marriage, the Carr family is connected with many of the leading ones in this section.
Solomon Carr was born in 1775 and died in 1847. Priscilla Carr was born in 1783 and died in 1862.
Gideon S. Carr was born on the farm which his father settled, in [821, and died on the same place in 1898. He followed an agricultural life. Most of the improving was done during his possession of the property, nearly all of the substantial buildings having been planned and erected by him. He mar- ried Elizabeth Anderson and they had four children, namely: Emma, who married J. C. Faulkner; S. T., residing at Ostrander ; Wray H. : and Homer, who died in infancy. Gideon S. Carr and wife were members of the Baptist Church and were active in all its helpful agencies.
Wray H. Carr supplemented the education he received in the public schools of Ostrander with a business course at a commercial college at Delaware. He continued to operate the home farm in Scioto Township, which became his own property, until 1906, carrying on ex- tensive operations. Since January, 1904. he has been president of The Ostrander Banking Company, of which he was one of the organ- izers. This institution is in a prosperous con- dition, at the present time ( 1908) having re- sources of $50,000, with savings deposits of about $75.000. The business has always been conducted along conservative lines and flurries in Wall Street or in other financial centers have no power to disturb its usual quiet and safe business course.
Mr. Carr was married ( first) to Lillie Crayton, who was a daughter of J. A. Cray- ton, of Westerville. She is survived by two children : Howard, residing at Columbus, and Lillie, at home. Mr. Carr was married ( sec- ond) to Elizabeth Crayton, also a daughter of J. A. Crayton. Mr. and Mrs. Carr are members of the United Brethren Church at Ostrander, in which he is a trustee.
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