History of Ashland County, Ohio, Part 90

Author: Baughman, A. J. (Abraham J.), 1838-1913. cn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1012

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wounded in the left lung and from the effects he never fully recovered. He received an honorable discharge at Trenton, New Jersey, in August, 1865, after which he returned home and resumed the pursuits of peace in Lake township. He had served for almost three years, making a creditable record as a defender of the Union cause. Throughout his life he was most loyal to the country and its best interests, ever manifesting public-spirited citizenship.

In 1867 Mr. Eberhart was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Young, who was born near her present home in Lake township, January 12, 1847. She is a daughter of James and Eliza (Stoner) Young. Her father was born in Virginia in 1815 and in 1836 came to Ohio with his father, John C. Young, who was born in Virginia, and in 1817 brought his family to Ohio, settling in Lake township, Ashland county. He was a cooper by trade but after coming to this state gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits. During his residence in Lake township he served as justice of the peace for eleven years and was township treasurer for several years. He was always interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community and his labors were effective in promoting the growth and upbuilding of the county. His religious faith was indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church, while his political belief was that of the democracy. He married Rebecca Mathews of Virginia, who died in 1845. They became the parents of seven children, including James Young who, having arrived at years of maturity, was married in this county to Miss Eliza Stoner. He was reared here amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life, being but two years of age when he was brought by his parents to Ohio. Following his marriage he gave his time and energies to general agricul- tural pursuits and was a man of diligence and industry. He belonged to the Reformed church and his political views were in harmony with the principles of the democratic party. His wife died in September, 1879. In their family were nine children, five of whom are yet living: Catharine, the wife of Tobias Wessel; Mary E., the wife of Henry Coble; Mrs. Eberhart; Sarah A., the wife of Truman Cross; and Jane, the wife of Joshua Anderson.

Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John M. Eberhart located on the farm where the latter is still living. He gave his time and energies to the development and cultivation of his fields, his place comprising one hundred and fourteen acres on section 10, Lake township, bordering the Mohican creek and pleasantly located about a mile west of McZena. He not only owned a farm but was also engaged in the lumber business for over forty years, having a saw mill on his place, to the operation of which he gave his time and energies,

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while his son carried on the work of the fields. There are two dwellings on the farm, one of which is occupied by Mrs. Eberhart and the other by a married son.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eberhart were born seven children: Harry, who is living in Loudonville and married Miss Mary Bone; Otis Emmet, who wedded Carry Welty and resides in Wayne county; Melvin, who married Araminta Pierce and makes his home in Loudonville; Charles, who died at the age of twenty-one years ; Montford, who married Ettie Farris and is living on the home farm; Clyde and Roy, who are at home with their mother.

The death of the husband and father occurred November 26, 1908, at his home in Lake township, whereon he had resided continuously for more than forty years. At the time of his death one of the local papers said: "Mr. Eberhart was a kind neighbor, a good citizen and a man of unswerving integrity. Fond of a harmless joke his word was a perfect guarantee of any agreement he made. Thus one by one the survivors of the struggle from '61 to '65 fall before the relentless reaper that no human power can stay and soon the last one will come with faltering steps and with quavering voice answer to the last roll call-'here.'"'

OSCAR SNYDER.

Oscar Snyder resides on a farm on section 15, Green township, and he and his father are the only white men that have ever been possessors of the property. Years ago undoubtedly Indians roamed over what are now the fertile fields of the Snyder farm, but the land at that time was covered with a dense forest growth. It was upon this farm that Oscar Snyder was born August 2, 1850, his parents being David and Mary (McManus) Snyder. The father's birth

occurred in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1803, and he remained in the place of his nativity until his removal to Ashland county, Ohio, in 1832. Here he spent the remainder of his life and from the government entered the land which is now the home of his son, Oscar. He continued his

residence in this county throughout his remaining days, his life's labors being terminated on the 9th of November, 1877. In connection with farming he had operated a blacksmith shop on the old home place, having learned the trade in Pennsylvania before his removal to this state. When he arrived in Ohio and took possession of his farm not a stick had been cut nor an improvement made. He built a little cabin and at once began clearing the land, cutting down the trees, burning the brush, grubbing up the stumps and thus preparing the fields for cultivation. After a time he replaced the first cabin by a larger and more substantial one that is still standing on the place, and in 1854 he built the farm residence to which his son, Oscar Snyder, has made additions. He led a quiet, uneventful but useful and honorable life, meriting and receiving the respect and good will of his friends and neighbors. He was a member of the Lutheran church and his life was in harmony with his professions. His po- litical support was given to the democracy. In early manhood he wedded Mary McManus, who was born in May, 1809, and died on the 19th of July, 1873.

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Her mother was a niece of Alexander Hamilton. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. David Snyder were eleven children, nine of whom lived to years of matur- ity. Their first-born, Harriett, died in infancy. Humphrey and David are

also now deceased. Rebecca is the widow of Peter Leidigh and is living in Mohican township. Charlotte died in infancy. Mary E. is the widow of Levi Leidigh, a brother of Peter and resides in Mohican township. Lucinda is the widow of John Stephens and also lives in Mohican township. Sarah is the widow of James Crone and is a resident of Green township. Ella died at the age of fifty-nine years. Loving is the widow of L. P. Gladden, of Perrysville, Ohio.

Oscar Snyder, who is the youngest of the family, has always resided upon the farm which is now his home, having here eighty acres of which constitutes the west half of the northeast quarter of section 15, Green township. All of the improvements upon the property were made by him or his father, the farm having been in possession of the family since 1832. It is now well developed, the fields responding readily to the care and labor which is bestowed upon them, so that Mr. Snyder annually harvests good crops. He displays a spirit of undaunted energy in his work and his sound judgment and keen business dis- cernment are manifest in the success which now attends him.

On the12th of October, 1879, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Jennings, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 3, 1855. She came to Ashland county in 1875 to visit an aunt and here formed the acquaintance of Mr. Snyder, to whom she eventually gave her hand in mar- riage. She is a daughter of David and Margaret J. (McNeil) Jennings, the former born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1818, while the latter was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and spent her entire life there. Mr. Jen- nings went to that county when twenty years of age and continued to reside there throughout his remaining days. He was a shoemaker by trade. In the Jenning's family there were nine children. Unto Mr. and Mrs Snyder has been born one son, Arthur, who is now a teacher in the schools of Green town- ship. Having spent his entire life here. Mr. Snyder is widely known and his substantial qualities have gained him the warm friendship of all with whom he has been brought in contact, while his carefully directed business affairs have gained him a substantial measure of success.

E. A. KAUFFMAN.

E. A. Kauffman, now serving as health officer and superintendent of sewers of Ashland, is a native of Bryan, Williams county, Ohio, born March 24, 1858, a son of John and Eva (Oxender) Kauffman. His father, who was born near Berne, Switzerland, in August, 1836, came to the United States about the year 1854, locating in Nankin, Ashland county, where he learned the trade of blacksmithing. After becoming a journeyman he removed to Williams county, where he remained for two years, returning in 1860 to this county, taking up his residence at Polk, where he has since resided and follows his occupation as

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a smithy. The mother a native of Pennsylvania, departed this life in 1900 when sixty-six years of age.

E. A. Kauffman is indebted to the public schools for his education and he remained at home until he was nineteen years of age at which period of his life he began his career as a railroad man, securing work on the repair gang of the Erie Railroad. He followed this occupation for about three years, at the end of which time, owing to his excellent services, he was promoted to foreman of the gang, the duties of which responsible position he performed for sixteen years. In 1902, owing to his experience and ability in construction work, he was selected to assist in building the Ashland sewer system and on account of the superior judgment he evidenced in this line of work he was appointed sup- erintendent of sewers and supervised the construction of the city's present sewer system, which stands as a monument to his skill in this class of engineer- ing. In 1905, Mr. Kauffman was appointed to the position of city health officer, in the duties of which he is now engaged, his services in this line being greatly to the advantage of the municipality.

In 1880, Mr. Kauffman wedded Miss Ada Shaffer, a native of Polk, Ashland county, and to this union were born four children, two of whom survive, namely : Nathan Waldo, who is employed in sewer construction here; and James A., a moulder of this city. Mr. Kauffman's political affiliations have always been with the democratic party, to the candidates of which he has always been loyal and he belongs to Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., and Ashland Chapter, R. A. M., and is also a member of Montgomery Lodge, No. 355, K. of P., and of Excelsior Camp, No. 3287, M. W. A. He is one of the most popular and efficient officials of the city whose congenial manner and superior abilities justly rank him among the city's best men.

ROOMFIELD. J. WHARTON.

Roomfield J. Wharton, who is engaged in general farming in Montgomery township, was born April 30, 1860. His education was acquired in the common schools and he spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm and assisted him in the work of the fields up to the time of his marriage. He then rented land, which he cultivated for about five years, during which time his industry and his careful expenditure enabled him to save some capital." This he invested in about two hundred acres of land, upon which he now resides. In the inter- vening years he has devoted his time and energies to its further development and improvement, converting the place into a fine farm, supplied with all the modern conveniences and accessories. In 1892, he repaired his barns and everything about his place is complete, bespeaking the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. In 1895 he erected a fine residence, which is tastefully and comfortably furnished. He deals quite extensively in sheep and hogs and also handles fine coach horses in addition to carrying on general farming. Each year he gathers rich crops, while his sale of stock also adds

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materially to his yearly income. He has thus won a substantial competence and is today one of the men of affluence in Ashland county.

On the 29th of March, 1882, Mr. Wharton was united in marriage to Miss Jennie May Vantilburg, who was born December 25, 1860, and is a daughter of Francis A. Vantilburg, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Wharton have two children : Mrs. Floy Olive Shidler, born January 13, 1887; and Ray Edwin, who was born October 23, 1895, and is now attending school.

Mr. Wharton votes with the democracy and in his religious faith is a Methodist. He displays many of the sterling qualities of progressive citizenship, withholding his support from no measure or movement which he deems will prove of value to the community. His life in all of its prominent phases meas- ures up to the full standard of honorable manhood and he is in touch with the ·progress which each day should bring forth and which is conserved by each generation as the years are added to the cycle of the centuries.

MELANCTHON FARNSWORTH.

Melancthon Farnsworth who since February, 1903, has been numbered among the representative and substantial residents of Nankin, gives general supervision to his farm of one hundred and fifty-seven acres in Orange town- ship, devoted to the raising of grain and stock. He was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on the 24th of February, 1856, his parents being Howard and Nancy (Cronin) Farnsworth, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The Farnsworths were from Pennsylvania, whence a removal was made to Monroe county, Ohio, David Farnsworth, the grandfather of our subject being the first to arrive. He cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers and took up land from the government, transforming it into a well cultivated farm as the years passed by. In 1856 he again emigrated westward, this time with Iowa as his destination and in that state he resided until his death. His entire life was given to general agricultural pursuits and he was a man of great force of character, who left the impress of his individuality for good upon the community.

Howard Farnsworth, the father of our subject, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, and became a prominent and influential citizen in religious and educational circles, at all times giving loyal aid and support to any movement or measure that tended to promote the intellectual or moral progress of the community. Moreover, he was a prosperous farmer and was highly respected by all who knew him. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability frequently called him to public office and he served for many years as township treasurer, being a most faithful custodian of the public funds. His life record was at all times honorable and upright, constituting an example well worthy of emula- tion. He died April 8, 1859, at the age of fifty-nine years and was laid to rest at Reedhouse, West Virginia. His wife, Mrs. Nancy Farnsworth, had died

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during the infancy of her son Melancthon. In their family were five children, four sons and a daughter, two of whom are now deceased.

Melancthon Farnsworth was reared to agricultural pursuits and attended the district schools of his native county in the acquirement of an education. He was identified with general farming in Monroe county until 1892 and subsequent- ly began the operation of a saw mill there, being thus engaged until 1902, since which time he has lived retired from active business, though he still gives super- vision to his interests. On the 9th of February, 1903, he took up his abode in Nankin and has since looked after his excellent farm of one hundred and fifty- seven acres in Orange township, where general farming and stock raising is successfully and profitably carried on. In addition to his farm he owns an excellent residence in the village.

Mr. Farnsworth has been married twice. On the 7th of September, 1873, he wedded Miss Sarah J. Markley, a daughter of Jacob and Mahala (Hupp) Markley, of Monroe county, Ohio, the father being an agriculturist. By this union there were born five children, namely: Lucetta F., the wife of Albert Stockhouse; Emma A., now Mrs. James Steed; Oliver F .; Mary Bernice, the wife of William Matheny ; and Alma E., who is the wife of Frank Rose. The mother of these children passed away June 13, 1894, and on the 26th of March, 1898, Mr. Farnsworth was again married, his second union being with Miss Lydia A. Pryor, a daughter of Euphronius and Susanna (Ruble) Pryor.

In his political views Mr. Farnsworth was formerly a democrat and served as trustee in Wayne township, Monroe county, but for the past fifteen years has taken no active interest in politics. He is, however, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, favoring all movements and measures for the advance- ment of the general welfare along material, intellectual and moral lines. He and his family are devoted and consistent members of the Disciple church, in which he has served as an elder for many years and has also acted as Sunday school superintendent, being helpfully interested in all departments of the church work. He is a genial and courteous gentleman and his position in public regard is one of prominence.

SAMUEL P. EBY.

Samuel P. Eby, a successful and well known farmer and stock raiser of Orange township, was born on the 25th of December, 1848, in Milton township, Ashland county, Ohio, a son of John and Martha (Hiller) Eby, both of whom are now deceased. They came as children from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio with their respective parents, who made the journey westward in wagons, settling in Ashland county when this district was almost entirely covered with timber. John Eby, the father of our subject, carried on farming and stock raising throughout his active business career and reared a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, namely: Catherine, Jeremiah, Samuel P., Eliza, Harriet, Lavina, Jacob, Martha, Angeline, John and Emanuel, all of whom still survive.

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Samuel'P. Eby received his education in the district schools and remained on his father's farm until he had attained his majority. At the age of twenty- four years he was married and subsequently spent two years on the old home- stead farm, on the expiration of which period he came to his present place in Orange township, where he has since been engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock raising, meeting with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in his undertakings. He likewise followed threshing for twenty- four years and also baled hay and the success which has attended his efforts is but the well earned reward of his untiring industry and unfaltering energy.

On the 9th of December, 1872, Mr. Eby was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Beam, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Ganguer) Beam. The father, an agriculturist of Milton township, came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eby have been born six children, as follows : Alice, the wife of Frank Hazlett, of Ashland; Lester, a resident of Nankin; Harriet, who became the wife of Herbert Gurey, of Lodi; Bertha, who is the wife of Byron McFadden; Emma, who passed away at the age of three years; and Frank M.

Politically Mr. Eby is a stalwart democrat and an active worker in the local ranks of the party, being a member of the county central committee and a frequent delegate to conventions. He was elected infirmary director in 1900, thus serving for two terms or six years, has likewise been township trustee for a period of six years and is now a member of the school board. His aid and influence can ever be counted upon to further any measure instituted to advance the general welfare and he is a strong champion of public improvements along educational, moral and other lines. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as trustee and is also a Sunday-school worker, acting at one time as superintendent. His entire life has been passed in this county and his fellow townsmen know that his record has been characterized by fidelity to duty and by honor in all his relations with his fellowmen.

SAMUEL YOUNG.

Samuel Young is the owner of a well improved farm, supplied with good buildings, his attention being given to general farming and stock raising. His specialty in the latter line is Shropshire sheep and Jersey cattle, and his busi- ness is well conducted and is bringing him a substantial return. He was born in Mifflin township, Ashland county, August 20, 1843, and there resided until he came to his present farm in 1870. He is a son of Michael and Katharine (Berlean) Young, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania as were the paternal grandparents, Mathias and Mary Young. The latter couple, removing to this state, spent their last days in Ashland county. The maternal grand- parents of our subject were John and Mary Ann Berlean, who were likewise born in the Keystone state and died in Ashland county. Mathias Young was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, while John Berlean served his country in

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the war of 1812 and was at Baltimore during the hostilities there. The Berlean homestead, upon which the mother of our subject was born, was situated in Pennsylvania on the Maryland state line.

The birth of Michael Young occurred in Union county, Pennsylvania, after which he removed to Center county and later to Huntingdon county in the same state. From that point he accompanied his parents on their removal to Mifflin township about 1820 and Katharine Berlean arrived about a year later. They were married here and became residents of Mifflin township, taking up their abode on a farm within its borders immediately after their marriage and re- maining there until called to their final rest. Their home was pleasantly located about two and a half miles northeast of the village of Mifflin. £ The father passed away in 1869 at the age of sixty-nine years, while the mother died in July, 1900, at the age of eighty years.

In their family were eleven children : Mathias, who died in infancy ; Mary, who died at the age of nine years ; Samuel, of this review; John, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Elizabeth, who passed away when twelve years of age; Katharine, who died at the age of ten years; Martha, the wife of Sam Eighinger, of Arkansas; Michael, who was but four years old when he passed away; Jacob, who died at the age of two and a half years; Cyrus, living in Bowling Green, Ohio; and Michael, who is the second of the name and now resides in Mont- gomery township. Of these Elizabeth, Katharine, Michael and Jacob all died of scarlet fever and diphtheria within four days' time.

In his boyhood days Samuel Young learned the carpenter's trade and was in the employ of the United States government in Tennessee and in Georgia in 1863-4, being connected with the commissary department. He was not, how- ever, a regularly enlisted man. The remainder of his life has been spent upon the farm on which his birth occurred and on the farm which is now his home. On the latter place he has lived for thirty-nine years, having here one hundred and fifty-six and three-fourths acres of rich land, pleasantly situated a mile and a half west of Jeromeville on section 1, Vermillion township. Its good build- ings and well tilled fields make it a highly improved farm. All of the buildings were erected by Mr. Young and include a large barn, forty by one hundred feet, with twenty feet posts. There were log buildings on the place when he took possession but one by one he has replaced the pioneer structures by commodious and modern ones, which indicate his progressive spirit. His residence is a fine home, attractively furnished and its hospitality is one of its most pleasing features. Mr. Young devotes his time to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and is also meeting with success as a raiser of Shropshire sheep and Jersey cattle.

In 1870 occurred the marriage of Mr. Young and Miss Elizabeth Kelley, who was born August 15, 1853, in Vermillion township, a daughter of Luther and Sarah (Wolf) Kelley, who were natives of Pennsylvania but came to this county in the spring of 1850 and spent their remaining days here. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Young has been blessed with three children: Herbert A., a farmer living in Montgomery township, who is married and has four children, Ralph, Nellie, Raymond and Samuel; George Leslie, at home; and Stella Olivia, who is the widow of Dr. William H. Dennis and lives on the old homestead.

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She has one child, Roscoe Harold. Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Lutheran church at Jeromeville and are people of genuine personal worth, their many good qualities winning for them the esteem and confidence of all who know them.

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History of Ashland County, Ohio, Part 90

Author: Baughman, A. J. (Abraham J.), 1838-1913. cn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1012

Author: Baughman, A. J. (Abraham J.), 1838-1913. cn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1012