History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 42

Author: Hill, George William, b. 1823; Williams Bros
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: [Cleveland] Williams
Number of Pages: 896

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DR. SAMUEL GLASS

was born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 14, IS:8. In early life be possessed no advantages of education beyond the district schools. The first eighteen years of his life were occupied in clearing the forests and in farin labor. Wages were low, and it took a long time to accumulate sufficient money to enter upon a course of study. He grew up in habits of industry and frugality, and these habits became a part of his maturer years. His fust effort was at school teaching. In ISqe. he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Harrison Armstrong, of Hayesville, in this county, and in 1842 attended medical lectures at Cincinnati. In 1843, he opened an ofice in Millin, of this county, where he remained three years. Ir April, 1845, he married Miss Amanda AA. Armentrout, of Hayesville, and opened an office in that place. In the winter of 1847-8, he attended a second course of

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

"lectures at Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia, where . he graduated, Shortly after his return, Dr. H. Arm- strong retired from practice, and his son, Dr. David Arm- strong, and Dr. S. Glass entered inte partnership. This continued until the decease of Dr. Armstrong, which oc- curied in 1852. Dr. Glass continued in practice, a part of the time with Dr. Yocum, until he was elected State senator in 1861-2. He again resumed practice and continued until 1865, when he removed to Ashland, and formed a partnership with Dr. D. S. Sampsell in 1866, with whom he continued until his last illness. In the meantime he became a member of the Ohio State Med- ical association, and president of the Medical society of Ashland county. He died of congestion of the brain, February 26, 1873. Dr. Glass was a large, well- developed man, full six feet high, and would weigh about two hundred pounds. He had a large brain, a strong will, and tremendous endurance. He performed.an un- common amount of labor, in his practice, which was always quite extended. Hc accumulated a handsome fortune, and was esteemed a very thorough and success- ful physician. He was childless. His widow resides in Ashland.

DR. OLIVER C. MCCARTY

was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, December 29, 1816, and moved with his father, Job McCarty, to New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, when young, and resided there nntil 1826, when they settled in Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio. He began his medical studies in 1829 with Dr. Joseph Watson, of Massillon, Chio, and continued there .until 1833, and then located at Albion, now Ashland county, Ohio, where he continued in prac- ticc until 1841, when he attended a fall course of lec. tures at the Ohio Medical college at Cincinnati, and graduated at the Hudson Medical college, Cleveland, in 18.46. He continued in practice at Poik, Ohio, until 1863, at which time he was commissioned as assistant surgeon in the army, by Governor John Brough, and re- maincd in the service until the close of the war. At the close of the war, he was examined and co nmissioned for five years in the regular United States service as surgeon; but declined to remain, and returned to his fonper loca !- ity and again entered into active practice. He has, with the exception of his absence in the army, practiced med- icine over forty years in Jackson township, in this county. He is an attentive observer, a close student, and a suc- cessful physician. He possesses inventive talents of a high order, and has patented a number of inventions for the benefit of agriculturists. He has strong tastes for natural science, and has repeatedly delivered a course of lectures before the students of Vermillion institute, of Hayesville. He married Miss Eleanor B. Pancoast, daughter of Hezekiah Pancoast, of Wayne county, in 1836. His family consists of his wife, self and Gve chii. dren, all of whom survive but one son, H. W. McCarty, who died in the army. The doctor is quite vigorous, and may survive many years.

MAJOR R. P. FULKERSON

was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, February 11, 1807. In his youth he attended the country schools of that State, and made fair progress in the elementary branches. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a blacksmith. He also learned, at the same time, the art of making augers. In 1829 he inar- ried Miss Sarab Ann Wicoff, and in the spring of 1830, removed to Ashland, Ohio. Upon his arrival he opened a shop and commenced business. In addition to coun- try work, such as shoeing horses, repairing and fitting plows, he ironed many road wagons and carriages, and repaired guns. Being remarkably ingenious in working iron, he was able to turn his hand to many branches of the art. When gas was first introduced into Ashland, he engaged in fitting and preparing burners, pipes and other fixtures, and his books contain drawings showing the labyrinths concealing gas throughout most of the lead. ing buildings and private residences of Ashland. In 1866 he retired from the toil and worry of his trade and entered upon the horticultural business, for which he had strong tastes and many qualifications. He was fond of the study of botany, and his green-house gave evi- dence of his fine taste in the floral kingdom. He also succeeded in introducing many fine varieties of fruit, flowering shrubs, and plants. He was industrious in his researches into the habits of the honey-bec, and in fact, took a lively interest in everything that could contribute to the prosperity and happiness of his race. He was ex- tremely fond of the sport of hunting, and generally kept a "pointer" or "setter" of the best blood. Few of the best hunters could excel bim in shooting quail or pheas- ants on the wing. He was particularly successful in en- snaring, in the spring time, wild pigeons, and in taking ducks. He was buoyant in spirit, and a great favorite with his associates There were but few subjects that he could not illustrate and explain. In 1875, when the State Archeological society was formed at Mansfeld, he became a member, and about the some time he became a member of the Pioneer and Historical society of Ash- land county. He took a deep interest in the topics dis- cussed in those organizations. His tastes were strongly military, and in his younger years he was promoted from a company officer to be major of a regiment. He is said to have been a good drill officer, and could he have been educated at an institution such as West Point, would have made an accomplished officer in the engineer department.

He was a strong friend of the school system of Ohio, and when the old academy was under the superinten- dency of the lamented Lorin Andrews, gave his time and attention to the encouragement of that institution. lle was frequently a member of the Ashland! council, and was acting as such at his decease. He was also a trustee of the cemetery association and added in prepar- ing that beautiful site for the dead.

In 1873 his excellent lady deceased. since whi h time he resided with the younger members of his family.

In 1870 be visited the Centennial at Philadelphia, and upon his return, expressed his gratification and astonish-

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

ment over the wonders in art and invention beheld by him on exhibition on that occasion.

Early in the winter he was attacked with pneumonia and other complications, and gradually failed until he died, May 21, 1877. He was buried in the cemetery at Ashiand.

The usual resolutions were adopted by the obituary committee of the Historical society, of which he was a member.

HON. JAMES E CHASE

was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 19, 1824. Ie was educated in the common schools of the neighbor- hood, and grew up a farmer. His ancestors were Scotch- English. His father, Seth Chase, was born in Massa- chusetts, and his mother, Syena Wood, in Vermont. Bishop Chase, and Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, were a branch of the same family. Seth Chase removed, with his family, to Massillon, Onio, in 1825, and remained one year, but finding bis health greatly impaired by the malaria of that region, returned to Vermont, and in 1836 again came to Ohio and located in Massillon. Here he died in 1852, aged fifty-eight years. His wife died in 1856, aged fifty-six years. His family was composed of James E., Emily V., wife of Jacob Colopy, Laura T., single. James E. Chase became an active farmer, and in 1857 was elected, by the Democracy, a member of the Ohio legislature, and was re-elected in 1859. In 1 86t he sold his form and removed to Jackson township, Ashland county. In 1869 he was again elected, by the Democracy of Ashland county, to the Oblo legislature, and was re-elected in 1871. In 1873 he was elected treasurer of Jackson township, and again in 1874. He has been regularly a delegate to State conventions for over twenty years. He married Mrs. Jane Daughman, of Stark county. Their children are James B., Orlan b., Sherwood M., Nelson H., Mary I., wife of Jacob Moor, of Illinois, Ellen S., wife of David Wise, of Ashland county, and Samantha, single.

ROBERT NEWELL,

a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, is be- lieved to have located in the cast part of Montgomery township in 3311. He had resided for two or three years on White Eyes plains, near the present site of Newcomerstown, in Tuscarawas county. Chio. He is believed to have crected the first cabin in Montgomery township. It was situated on what has since been known as the Hugh McGuire farm, some five miles southeast of Ashland. In the fall of 1812, after the Ruffner-Zimmer-Copus tragedies on the Black fork, the cabins of Mr. Newell, Mi. Cuppy, and Mr. Fry, further up a branch of the same stream, were borned by the Indians, while the families of the above-mentioned pioneers sought safety at the fert or Jerome : place; non the village of Jeromeville. After pence had been de. cared, Mr. Newell re-erected a cabin and continued to

improve his farm, which he Snally sold to the late Hugh McGuire, and located one mile north of Olivesbargh, in Richland county, where he deceased in rSS, at an ad- vanced age. Wher Montgomery township was associ- ated with Vermillion township for civil purposes, from 1814 to 1816, Mr. Newell, from Montgomery, and James Wallare, from Vermillion, were elected justices of the peace. Upon the cryanization of Montgomery in 1816, Mr. Newell lost his office. He is represented as having been a clever, whole-souled pioneer, but in point of education quite illiterate. He could not write, and consequently kept no docket. There was but littie liti- gation in those days, and it was the habit of Squire Newell to appoint a day and cite the plaintiff and de- fendant to appear before him. When the parties had assembled, he required them to state, under oath, the nature of their claims, and having partially heard both sides, required an equitable and peaceable adjustment of the dispute. It is related, that on some occasions, money being exceedingly scarce, and whiskey being a "legal tender," it was decided that a gallon of that . article should be provided by the winning party for the crowd, and the case be dismissed, with the injunction that in the future the litigants should be neighbors and friends. Mr. Newell was a very liberal officer. He rarely charged for his services. Constable Kline, who served under him, being a poor man, bad to exart bis fees.

The sons of Mr. Newell were: Absalom, Franklin. Samuel, Zachariah, and Jesse. The daughters wore two --- Mrs. Jonathan Body and Mrs. Lloyd Ddy, of Richland county. The sons all moved west, most of them to Towa, where some of them yet reside. Like Robert Newell. their father, they were all large, rugged men, and preferred the rough and tumble of a per country. Like the Lattas, the Mackleys, the Uric., and hundreds of others of the carly sett'ers, they were formidable men at a military muster, a cabin raising, a political meeting or any other gathering where physiat force was brought into question. The days of the giants are no more ! The race of backwoodsmen has departed. Feebler men occupy their places.

JACOB H. GRUBB.

Jacob Grubb was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, October 18, rSoo. His ancestors were Franco Cherman. In his youth he attended the schools of his neighim- lood, and obtained a foit knowledge of the English branches. After arriving at the age of about sixteen years, he served an apprenticeship to learn the trade of cabinet-maker. After completing his trade, be married Miss Hannah Roliison, daughter of David Robinson, ot Unich county, Pennsylvania. In 1823 he removed, with his wife and infant danghter Mary, now wife of Para J. Rice, to Uniontown, now. Ashland, Ohio. At that time the villag : was quite staff. He rented a small ing cabir of Christopher Mykrantz, situated in the rest of what is now the town hall, where he resided and worked at the

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

cabinet-making business; he was the second cabinet- maker who settled in Uniontown, the late Alexander Miller being the first. After residing there some years, he removed to his late residence, on the north side of Main street, where he continued to work at his trade. He carried on business continuously for nearly fifty years, and retired from active labor some four or five years since. Many of the pioneers yet possess bureaus made by him more than forty years ago. His work was of the most substantial character and finish, and was noted for its durability.

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Mr. Grubb stood high among his fellow-townsmen in consequence of his integrity and moral worth. In 1823 he and his excellent lady assisted in the organization of the first class of the Methodist Episcopal church of Ash- land. The class long met at the residence of John Smith, which stood on the lot subsequently occupied by the residence of the late Christopher Mykrantz. His membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Ash- iand was, there fore, continuous for a period of fifty-four years, during which he adorned his profession by an up- right and exemplary Christian life. He passed through all the inconveniences and hardships of pioneer Method- ism; having for many years worshipped in a cabin, and in the great assemblies in the forest, known as camp- meetings, and freely expressed the opinion that the plain- ness of primitive Methodist manners was greatly condu cive to true picty. Mr. Grubb and all the members of his family possessed fine musical taste, and delighted to join in the exercise of singing, as well as to take part in instrumental music.

The family of Mr. Grubb consisted of five sons ---- John, Frank, Burr, and who deceased; and six daughters -- Mary, wife of D. J. Rice; Lorilla, wife of Samuel Davis; Rosanna, wife of Henry McCormick, and thres deceased, and his aged wife, Hannah. He died January 9, 1878, of paralysis, aged seventy-seven years, two months, and twenty-one days.

CAPTAIN ALANSON WALKER.

He was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 1, 18og, and emigrated to Uniontown, now Asn- land, Ohio, in 1822. Shortly after bis arriva! he ap. prenticed to Robert Ralston, jr., of Orange township, to learn the trade of a carpenter, and served about four years. Upon the completion of his trade, in Jannary, 1827, he married Esther Robison, of Clearcreek town- ship, and located in Ashland, where he has continued ever since as a carpenter. In the earlier years of his pioneer life, he endured all the privations and hardships incident to the settlement of new countries. He re- . tained a vivid recollection of the early settlers, and their adventures, to the last. Very few of the carly mechanics attended more house raisings, log rollings, ora husk ings, and early military trainings, than he. From ar .. tive forest, he lived to see the site of Asbland develop into a prosperous and handsome county sent. Of the first inhabitants of the town, Le retained a very chea.

recollection, and could relate many anecdotes concern- ing their social habits and customs.

In the palmy days of the old militia, he was elected captain of a company that more than forty years ago trained at Mansfield, and the prairie west of the town of Mifflin. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, though well advanced in years, he volunteered and was attached to the Eighty-second Ohio regiment, where he served until he was accidentally injured, by having the wheel of one of the baggage wagons run over his foot, which so disabled him that he asked his discharge.

Of late years, he quietly pursued his trade, and was noted for his industry and inoffensive habits. It was quite a treat to hear him relate the rough-and-tumble habits of the pioneers, their feats of strength and per- sonal courage, and insist that we would never see their like again ; for all countries have but one set of pioneers, and, when they disappear, new men, and new manners, succeed them. The hardy men that prostrate forests, construct roads, build cabins and log barns, and add wealth to communities, soon seck other localities for a renewal of old excitements, or die early.

In politics Captain Walker had settled opinions and adhered faithfully to the party of his choice, though he never pressed his claims to official promotion. He had no affinity for the tricks of political office-seekers, and concurred in the idea that a man should evince as much integrity in office as in the private stations of life.

On the morning of His decease, May 7, 1878, he felt it to be his duty to engage, as usual, at his trade. He had just ascended to the roof of a one-story building. rear the shop of Mr. Fasig, between Second and Third streets, to make some change in the roof, when he was noticed to be somewhat confused in manner, and, by the time aid reached the roof, he had become uncon- scious. He was assisted to the ground, and carried home-only a short distance -- but never rallied. In about four hours from the attack (apoplexy), he died in great distress, aged seventy-four years, two months and four days.

He was the father of eleven children, seven of whom survive- David, Mary, Hannah, Belle, Esther, Nora, and

His excellent lady yet retains a good deal of physical and menta! vigor, though she is far advanced in life, and saw Ashland county when it was mostly forest.

JAMES DOTY.

Mr. Doty was bern near Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1852, and was of Scotch-Irish descent, his ancestors having settled in that region prior to the close of the American Revolution. His father, Abraham Doty, expe- rienced many of the terreis of Indian invasion during the border wars from rySo to 1795, Fort lienty at Wheeling, being a forat for attack by the Showniet and Wyandots.

In 1815 Abrahan Doty removed with his family to what is now Milton township, Ashland county, then 1"

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HISTORY OF ASHILAND COUNTY, OHK)

Richland county, and settled about four miles from Uniontown, now Ashland, on an unimproved farm in the woods. There were at that the but few settlers in Milton and Mifflin townships, and the pioneers had to endure many hardships. Here James and other mem- bers of the family grew up amid the wilds of the new country.

The war of 1812 had ended propitiously, and cmi- grants began to flow into this region, and the woodman's axe could be heard in every direction, leveling the forests in the preparation of log cabins, and in preparing fields for culture.

The institutions of the older settlements were rapidly planted in these wilds. The log school house and hewed log church ere long were found wherever new settlements appeared. The minister followed the a lventurers, and for a time, organized congregations, that met and wor- shipped in the cabins of the pioneers. About 1817, Abraham Doty assisted in the erection of "Old Hope- well," one and a half miles west of Ashland, and was soon elected and ordained an elder of the church. James, and other members of the Doty family, attended this church for several years, though residing nearly four miles from it, in the south part of Milton township.

Abraham Doty gave bis influence in the erection of school-houses, for the spread of education, and intelli- gence among the rising generation, and instructed his own children that intelligence, morality and integrity gave all men influence among their companions and neighbors; and society prospered in proportion to its support of these maxims and ideas.

In 1834, James Doty, having grown to manhood amid the wild forest scenes around him, and having ob- tained a fah knowledge of the English branches, con- cluded to engage in preparing a future home for himself. He married Miss Sarah Croninger, daugh- ter of Leonard Croninger, of Mifflin township, and settled on an unimproved farm near the present home of Joseph Charles. He improved his homestead, and soon was elected to a number of minor townslip offices by his neighbors. He also was elected justice of the peace three successive terms. He often related an amusing circumstance that occurred when justice. At one time a young man and lady called at h's cabin de- siring him to perform the marriage ceremony. He did so, after which the young man stated that he had no money, but would see that the 'squire should be paid for his ser- vices. The 'squire said it was all right. Several months after this occurrence the 'squire was greatly surprised to see the aforesaid party appear at his office with a fine puppy, declaring that he could not rest contented while he owed so sacred a debt as that held by the 'squire, and begged him to accept the puppy in lieu of the money, and thereby -remove the debt. As the 'squire was a gen- crous man, and good dogs were useful in expelling wild animals, he accepted the puppy, and his friend departed in the best of spirits.

In 1846, Ashland county was erected principally out of territory belonging to Richland county. The first officers were nominated from all parties, by common

consent, and elected and served for six months, or until their successors were elected and qualified. Mr. Doty was elected sheriff in the spring, and re-elected at the October election for two years. He was, therefore, the first sheriff of Ashland county. His deputies were Matthew Clugston and Isaac Stull. Mr. Gates became his successor. Mr. Doty made an accommodating and pleasant sheriff. He declined a nomination for his sec- ond terin, and retired to his farm, where he remained until 1856, when he disposed of his home, and removed to Plymouth township, Richland county, since which time he has lived the agreeable life of a fariner. The personal appearance of Mr. Doty is well remembered by many. In disposition he was genial and kind. His weight was near two hundred and fifty pounds in his prime. In business, he was regarded as above reproach, and was much respected by all. In religious opinion he was a Presbyterian in sentiment and practice. He was one of the useful and solid pioneers, and will long be re- membered by his old neighbors. He was the father of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, eight of whom (five sons and three daughters) survive him. The pio- neers of Ashland county sincerely condole with his nu- merous relatives, in the loss of so valuable a friend and relative. He died near Plymouth, Richland county, Ohio, January 4, 1879, aged seventy-seven years.

JOHN CHARLES

was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July :3. 1802. He was the youngest of a family of three chil- dren. His early educational opportunities were quite limited. At the age of twenty-four, he came over to Ohio, and settled in Mifflin township. He married in Lancaster. Mr. Charles was engaged for many years in farming. He owned the farm upon which Martin Raff- ner had settled in 1812, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, near the village of Mifflin, He exchanged this property, a few years since, for the Kauffman mill property on the Black fork, some three milles southwest of Mifflin. This is one of the best water-mills within the county, and is kept in constant motion. Mr. Charles has a large circle of friends, and has been repeatedly elected to township offices by the citizens of Mitlin. Ile has served as justice of the peace, and acquitted himself to the satisfaction of all. He was originally an old line Whig; but on the disbandment of that party after the campaign of 1852, he became an upholder of the princi- ples of the Democratic party. He has passed through all the scenes of the early pioneers, and retains a vivid recollection of the "rough and ready" habits of the early settlers of the Black fork. He has aided scores of the settlers in the creation of cabins - in rolling logs -- at cern huskungs, and other gatherings. He has asisted in opening woul improving most of the highways in the north part of the township. He is genial and agreeable to all, and a friend to the poor. He is the father of sty children, font of whom sufl sinvive, three redding in Mifflin township, and one daughter in Indiana. Mir.

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

Charles is a member of the Pioneer and Historical soci- ety of Ashland county. He is yet vigorous and cheerful.

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History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 42

Author: Hill, George William, b. 1823; Williams Bros Publication date: 1880 Publisher: [Cleveland] Williams Number of Pages: 896

Author: Hill, George William, b. 1823; Williams Bros
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: [Cleveland] Williams
Number of Pages: 896