History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 50

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

USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 50

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Andrews was, for mun verts, a memberof the Sexede durch Like his Scotch-Irish ancestors, he accepted, in good faith, the doc- trines ats I discipline of that chitch.

204

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

the grave of his father, mother, and sister, on the old farm, since which time he has resided in the west. Mr. Culler cultivated his land for two or three years, stopping most of the time with John Lambright, who was a rel- ative.

Returning to Maryland, he married, abou. the year 1818, and moved to the Zimmer farm, where he has re- sided ever since. . He lived two or three years in the old Zimmer cabin, which still showed marks of the tragedy of 1812. He was in Circlevile in 1812, when the Zimmer murder took place, and is conversant with the whole affair, having heard all its details repeatedly from John Lambright and Philip Zimmer. He says:

"Martin Ruffner was a stout, frolicsome sort of man, and went to Zimmer's more to capture the Indians and have a little fun, than to Fring on a fight, and believes that if Philip Maud remained at home, instead of going for J.unes Copus, the whole disaster would have been averted, for Philip was a very rugged and active young man, and the two would have deterred the Indians from the attack."

Mrs. Cuiller died in the summer of 1873. Mr. Culler died at his residence in Mifflin township, July 28, 18;4, aged eighty four years, four months, and three days. Two or three of his sons reside in this county.

Mr. Culler was benevolent and kind to the poor, and his donations to religious and benevolent institutions very liberal. He was regarded as quite wealthy, but was always humble, and seldom referred to his worldly pos- sessions, believing it better to lay up his treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt. He was followed to his last resting place by a large number of people, who said in their hearts, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

JOHN McCONNELL,

brother of Mrs. Solomon Urie, located in Orange town- ship about the same time that the Uries came. He was an accomplished backwoodsman and Indian fighter. He was a relative of the famous Alexander McConnell, of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and also a relative of Colonel Williamson. He had many encounters with the Indians in the border wars, and in the Miami and Wabash courtry; and is believed to have settled a num. ber of accounts with the Green and Jerometown Indians after he came to this county. Being a bachelor, while a resident of Orange township, he spent a good deal of time in his forest camps, hunting deer, bear, wolves, and other game. He had lost many dear friends in the border wars; and hence had no very strong attachments for his red neighbors. He never hesitated, when threat- ened with danger by the Indians, as he roamed through the forest, to face his for, and resent impending attacks; particularly when he met savages who had made thera- selves conspicuous in murdering the border settlers.

Some thirty five years since, when game had grown scarce in this region, McConnell sought a new home in the wilds of Wood county, where he remained a few years, and then located in Paton coanty, Michigan, where he died.

Hardy, frank and fearless, he seemed to enjoy a lonely

hut in the wilderness, like Boone and Kenton, more than the restraints of civilized society.

FREDERICK SULTZER

was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1762. From the time he was ten years old, he was compelled to handle fire-arms. From the period of his childhood, until the close of the war of 1812-15, the border settlers of western Pennsylvania were menaced by Indian maids. He became very expert as a backwoodsman, and when a deer, a bear, or any other species of game, came within range of his riffe, it was sure to fall a victim to his uner- ring aim. He visited what is now Milton township, in the fall of 1815, and located the tract of land upon which he settled. In the spring of 1816, he brought a c: ered wagon and four good horses, with a plow and other farming utensils. He slept four months in the wagon, doing his cooking in a sort of camp but. In the fall, after having put up a cabin and secured liis crop of corn, he returned to Pennsylvania and brought on his wife. At that time, the Indians were quite numerous along the Black fork, engaged in hunting, though they were harmless. The next spring they encamped near him and made sugar. Mr. Sigler, who married Mr. Sultzet's daughter, informs us that the old gentleman retained his vision and his steadiness of aim to the last. When he was ninety-two years old, he shot a hawk, off- hand, on a very high tree, near his residence, to convince Mr. Sigler thet his sight and air were as accurate as in the days of his prime. He never wore glosses. He was a consin of the famous Louis Wetsel, and in his boy. hood often hunted with Wetsel, who tried to teach him how to run and load his gun. He never became a pro- ficient in that mode of loading. He possessed much admiration for the achievements of his noted cousin as a border warrior and spy. He was a man of very even temper, genial, and warm in his attachments. Mr. Sul- zer voted for Washington and the ten succeeding pres- idents. In his later years, he became a member of the denomination known as Christians. He died childless, at his farm, on the Mansfield rond, in Milton township, March 30, 1857, aged wear.y ninety six years. His wife died in 18.13. Mi. Sultzer had drawn a pension of ninety-six dollars per annum, for many years prior to his death, as a compensation for his border services in west- ern Pennsylvania in his yoath. He was the last of the border men in this county, and deserved the esteem of his countrymen.

JOSEPH SHEETS

was born in New Jersey, about thirty miles below Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1792. He learned, in l is native village, the trade of tailor, which he followed for many years When he had completed his trade he went to Philadelphia and sought employment a short tinte, and then, in :Sit, passed over the mountains to Steubenville, Olio, where he remained at his trade for

---------

-- ---

-----

Michael Culler

BARBARA CULLER.

205

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

about six years. Being a young man of good habits. he soon began to accumulate money. In the meantime he formed the acquaintance of Miss Nancy Harper, daugh- Her of William Harper, of Fairfax county, Virginia, who had settled in Jefferson county, Ohio, about the year ISo6. They were married. The result of the marriage was, that Mr. Harper and family concluded to accom- pany Mr. Sheets and his wife to, and locate in, Richland. now Ashland county. In the spring of 18/7 these fam- ilies started across the country, through the forest, over rough roads, for their new homes. After a fatiguing journey of several days they arrived safely a: Uniontown. Mrs. Sheets states they first put up in a very inferior cabin that stood somewhere near the northeast corner of what is now known as Kellogg square, there being only three or four other cabins in town, one of which was that of Mr. Montgomery, and the other that of Mr. Groff, the tanner, where the old residence of George Swineford formerly stood. Early in the spring they resided for a short time with Mr. Montgomery, where the hardware store of Stull & Charles now stands. Mr. Sheets put up a house nearly opposite, known now as the Weisenstine building, for a small store and tailor-shop, and moved into it. This was the first store. Mr. Harper located about one mile northwest of the present site of Hayes- ville, where he lived until 1832, when he was accident- ally killed by his team, near Plymouth, Richland county. Mr. Sheets continued to occupy his new home some years, engaged at his trade, keeping a house of enter- tainment, and making himself useful as a citizen. He finally disposed of his Ashland property. and purchased of Mr. Montgomery the ninety acres of land upon which South Ashland was subsequently laid out. About the year 1847 Mr. Sheets sold this tract of land to a cor- poration known as the South Ashland company, and re- moved to Veimillion township. About the year 1864 he returned to Ashiand to reside on a part of his old prop- erty, and died March 6, 1866, aged seventy-four years. Mrs. Sheets still survives, aged seventy-nine years. Her memory is unimpaired, and very few persons of her age possess a more acurate recollection of the pioneers and their times. William Sheets, her oldest son, is believed to have been the first male child bern within the limits of Ashland. Mrs. Sheets states that William was born January 1, 1819.

Mrs. Sheets says during the time they resided in the village it was a very lively place, especially on public days and Saturday evenings. She states it was not un- common in those days to see five er six fights in an even- ing. The strong armed pugilist who could "tan two or three dog skins," claimed high honors. On one occasion, Mrs. Sheets states, the clans had gathered for a little settlement, and prior to opening the ball, visited the dis- tilleries to fit and prepare them for the task. In their ab sence, just after dark, Mrs. Sheets, butcher knife in hand, visited all the hitching posts, and cut the horses loose. She says that in fifteen or twenty minutes the village was cleared of roughs. She thinks it was a "little rough," but a work of necessity.

ALANSON ANDREWS.

Mr. Andrews was born in Massachusetts in 1784. He emigrated to Ohio in the spring of 1817, and located in the village of Uniontown, now Ashland. His cabin stood near the spring west of Center street, in the rear of the present residence of David Whiting. Mr. An- drews resided there but a short time, and then completed a new cabin about where the Whiting blacksmith-shop now stands, and moved into it. He resided in that locality two or three years, and carried on a distillery just below the present residence of David Whiting, in - company with a Mr. Palmer. During his residence in this cabin, Lorin Andrews, the second male child of Ashland, was born. This event took place April 1, 1819. A short time after, Mr. Andrews purchased the farm of David Markley adjoining Ashland on the south- west, and moved upon it. Mr. Andrews was a good farmer, and soon had an abundance of this workl's goods to reward liim for his toil. He put up a fine residence, barn, and other out-buildings at an early day, and his orchard, fields, fences, and improvements indicated thrift, good judgment, and industry.

He was a mian of fair education, close observation and of strict habits. Like all New England people, he was the friend of educational institutions, and took a deep interest in the establishment of advanced schools in the village of Ashland. He was one of the founders and props of the old academy, where so many young men commenced a career of usefulness and honor. He was a warm patron of the school from its commence- ment, and every member of his family passed through its various grades of classification. Mr. Andrews stood high among his neighbors for his truthfulness, integrity, and personal worth.

It has often been remarked in the presence of the writer of these sketches, that being one of the best judges of the value of personal and real estate, that he had, perhaps, assisted in the appraisement of more es- tates than any other citizen in the township.

In politics he was a Whig, and always cast his influ- ence in favor of the prevalence of the principles of that party. He never sought office of any kind, although his fitness was admitted by his neighbors.

He was tail and well formed; his face, though not handsome, impressed itself upon the recollection. In the general way he was reticent, and rarely revealed his plans. In temper, he was decidedly firm and resolute. All in all, in his intercourse with his nelghbors, he was pleasant, and noted for his hospitality and kindness to the poor. Ile died after a brief illness, May 11, 1350. and sleeps in the cemetery west of Ashland. His widow and numerous family reside in the west. But three of his sons reached manhood - Lorin, Lyman, and Levi. Lorin is deceased, Lyman resides in Indianapolis, In- diana, and Levi in California. His widow, at an ad- vanced age, resides with a daughter in Genesco, Hlinvis.

206

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

FRANCIS GRAHAM

was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, in 1792. He removed with his parents to Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1805. Here he entered a mercantile establishment and learned the business, and remained until the close of the war. In 1815 the form for which he was employed was left in possession of a large stock of unsold goods. Hard times followed the war, and the firm concluded to transport a part of their goods to Detroit, in the hope of finding a readier sale. In November, 1815, the com- · pany dispatched Mr. Graham overland with five large sled loads of goods. He and those who accompanied him passed leisurely up the southern shore of Lake Erie, until they reached the mouth of Huron. Here they were stopped by the melting of the snow, and compelled to abandon the trip to Detroit. The goods belonged to Sanford & Reed, of Erie, Pennsylvania, a firm that has since accumulated its millions. Mr. Graham was com- pelled, under the circumstances, to rent a house at Huron and open a store there. He succeeded well in the sale of the goods, and one of the partners visiting him, sanctioned all that he had done. He remained here four years. In 1819 he settled in Sandusky City, prior to that time known as Ogontz's town and Portland. In 1821 Mr. Graham arrived in Uniontown, from San- dusky City. He rented and occupied the room where Joseph Sheets had had a small stock of goods, and boarded with Mi. Sheets. This lot was what is now known as the Weisenstine property. Mr. Graham con- ducted business in this establishment some time, and then put up a store-room where Millington's drug store since stood, now the Schneider bakery. He continued to do a thrifty business until the financial crash of 1837 to 1844, when, owing to the pernicious effects of the credit system, he was compelled to wind up his affairs. For years he had done an extensive business, and ex- erted himself to find a market for all the surplus pro- ducts of this locality. Financial panics are remorseless. Many a good man has been crushed that would have survived if time had been given. Although he had fur. nished a market for nearly everything, many times against his own interest, when hard times came, the un- feeling grip of the law seized the little that had been left him, and left him in distress. He never recovered from the blow.

Shortly after opening his store the necessity of a post-office was felt. Mr. Graham sent a petition to Judge Sloan, the member of Congress from this district, ask- ing the crection of a post-office at Uniontown. The post-office directory showed that there was already a post- office by that name in Ohio. The name was then changed to Ashland, and the village with it, after the home of Henry Clay, and the office created; and MIr. Graham was made the first postmaster.

Mr. Grahamn, some years since, after his retirement from business, was elected justice of the peace of Mont- Homery township, and acquitted himself ably.

In September, 1875, when the Pioneer and Historical wwiety of Ashland county was organized, Mr. Graham was elected the first president.

He is now about cighty-three years of age. Heresides in a comfortable little home, and, in company with his excellent lady, is spending the evening of his days re- flecting calmly npon the past and preparing to pass to a better and a happier land.

WILLIAM HAMILTON

was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1777, and about the year 1800 removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he remained until December, 1820. He was of Irish descent. He married in Fayette county. In 1820 he purchased, of his brother Hugh Hamilton, the northeast quarter of section three, in Perry town- ship, Wayne county, Ohio, and removed to it. He erected a cabin and other buildings, and improved his farm. At that period, the Delaware Indians made an- nual visitations during the seasons for making sugar and hunting. They were harmless and friendly, and often exchanged the products of the chase for corn and other food. Game was abundant in the forests, and the wolves were very destructive upon sheep, young swine and poultry. A premium was offered for scalps at the county offices in Wooster, and large numbers of wolves were caught in traps. By industry, economy and care, Mr. Hamilton soon surrounded himself by all the com- forts that result from agriculture. In the year 1834 he undertook the erection of a valuable farm-house, and in excavating for the cellar, dug down an Indian mound which stood upon the spot selected. An oak tree grew upon the top of it, which was some two feet in diameter. When the greater part of the mound had been removed they came upon a triangular stake, the upper part of which had decayed. It was embedded in a grayish sind, which Mr. Hamilton proceeded to remove. When he had dug down some two feet, he came upon an In- dian skeleton. Continuing to excavate, he soon reached another. Proceeding, he soon came upon a third one of unusual size, which was almost entire. Near it was found a lot of red paint, and a bluish stone somewhat like a scythe stone, highly polished. The thigh bone of the giant was much longer than that of the tallest man in the neighborhood. The inferior maxillary or lower jaw bone would pass cver that of the largest person. Here relics were kept several years. There was also another small mound a little cast of the former, which was never thoroughly examined. Northeast of these mounds, about one mile, was an ancient intrenchment, square in forin, which contained something near an acre of land. it was upon the highest point of land in the neighborhood, and overlooked the valley. It was not a great way from the Muddy fork of Mohican. These reminiscences of an extinct race are quite interesting, and evince the fact that the occupants of this region not only understood the arts of military defence, but hon- ored their braves by a monument of earth erected over then remedios. Mr. Hamilton survived long crough to see his family comfortably situated in life. He was the friend of the Ohio school system, and gave his children

--- ------

----

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

207

all its advantages. He was an active member of the Presbyterian church for over a half century, and was the uncompromising opponent of every demoralizing vice. He deceased in 1850, at the ripe age of seventy-three years. His family consisted of Ann, John M., William H., Joseph, Daniel K., Mary J., Rebecca J .. Alexander and Louisa. Of these, Ann, John M., William H., Jo- seph and Rebecca, are deceased. The balance of the family reside in Wayne and Ashland counties.

RICHARD WINDIGLER

was born in Frederick county, Maryland, near Frederick City, in 1782. Ile grew to manhood and married in his native State. In 1818 he concluded to cast his lot among the pioneers of the branches of Mohican, in Ohio, where many other Marylanders found homes. He emigrated with his family, and located about two miles southeast of Jeromeville. Mr. Winbigler deceased some twenty years since, over seventy years of age. At his decease, his family consisted of Mary Anne, Henry, Elizabeth and William, all of whom are dead, except Henry.

Henry Winbigler was born in Frederick county, Mary- land, June 4, 1868. He accompanied his father's family to Mohican township in ISIS, and has a very distinct recollection of the pioneer days of that township. He attended the common schools of that period, and ob- tained a fait knowledge of the elementary branches. In 1832 he married Jane, daughter of John Hootman. He has filled several township offices in Mohican, and been elected justice of the peace four times, or twelve years. Mr. Winbigler is a gentleman of intelligence and undis- puted integrity. His family consists of Richard M. and Elizabeth, wife of Josephus Newbrough, of Jackson county, Michigan Mr. Winbigler is an industrious farmer, and in possession of a valuable homestead, where he lives quietly and contentediy.

HON. GEORGE W. BULI ..

One of the leading pioneers of Hanover township was Hon. George W. Bull. He was born in the city of Hartford, Connecticut, September 7, 1799. His father was the owner of two or three vessels which were con- stantly on the ocean, engaged in the West India trade. When only eleven years old, young Bull was placed on one of his father's vessels to learn the art of a sailor. He continued on the ocean until about the year : 816, when, owing to commercial difficulties, and the dangers attend- ing ship owners in the trade with the West Indies, the line was discontinued, and his father's family located in Canton, Ohio.

About the year 1518 George W. Bull visited the site of the flourishing town of Loudonville. It was then a mere village, having been lail ont by Joines Louden Priest and Stephen Butler, four years prior to that time. He remained bu a short time. In his brief apprentice- ship in the West India trade he formed a strong at.

tachment for a life on the ocean. The rugged hills of Hanover township were destitute of novelty and excite- ment. His mind dwelt continually upon his maritime adventures of other days. He soon became restive, and longed to renew his seafaring exploits and excitements. By the permission of his father he went to the city of New York and engaged as supercargo on a commercial vessel (packet Canton), commanded by Captain Jack Wheaton. This merchant vessel sailed between the city of New York. and Liverpool. He remained in the em- ploy of Captain Wheaton about three years, during which time his ardor for a life on the ocean had been somewhat cooled; and he resolved to retire from the dangers and uncertainties attending such an occupation. In 1821 he again visited Loudonville, and found that during his absence many new settlers had located in and about the village. The town began to show signs of future growth and improvement. The great stage line from New Lisbon, Canton, Wooster, Mount Vernon, and Columbus, passed through Loudonville. At that period there was a good deal of travel by stage, as well as by road wagons, and the village hotels, and the few dry goods establishments in the town, were busy.

Mr. Bull determined to make Hanover township his future home. He purchased a quarter section of land adjoining the village, and commenced to improve it. At that time there was a surplus of grain, hogs and cattle maised in Green and Hanover townships, which, owing to the want of a suitable market, commanded but low prices. Mr. Bell had sufficient New England sagacity to perceive that if these surplus articles could be con- veyed to a market, the enterprise would be remunera. tive. He had been tossed upon too many rough seas to shrink from a vigorous encounter with pioneer life; so he determined that while he could find a market that would profit himself, he couldl, at the same time, be a benefactor to his neighbors. In 1821, a short period after his return, he constructed a flat-boat, and loaded it with wheat, corn, pork, whiskey, and cherry; lumber, and passed down the Black fork to the Wallonding; thence, into the Muskingum; thence, down the Ohio and Mis- sissippi, to New Orleans, where he sold his cargo and boat for cash. He returned on foor to Nashville, Ten- nessee, by the main road, where he purchased a horse, and from thence made the balance of his journey on horseback. The trip to New Orleans and return took about three months, and was attended with many haz- ards. The river travel and trade gave employment to a hardy and during class of men. The boatmen and gamblers on the river at the time were proverbial for reck- lessness and contempt of danger. The bowie-knife and the pistol were the chief weapons of defence, and were often called into requisition. Mr. Bull was a large man, and possessed ui:common strength and activity. and was as courageous and fearless as he was athletic. The rough boatman that courtel an encounter with him gen- erally bowune satisfied before he got through that he had inet a man, in all respects. While thus capable of de- funding himself against the assaults of the wild and rock- less boatmen of the Ohio and Mississippi, he was genial.

1 1-

------------

20$

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

whole-souled and courteous, and never provoked ill-will or sought a quarrel with any one. The trip he took to New Orleans in 1821 is believed to have been the first attempt at navigating the Black fork and the Walhond. ing. Hle subsequently conveyed two or three other flat- bottomed boats, similarly laden, to New Orleans, return- ing on foot by Nashville, and from thence homeward on horseback, in each instance consuming about three months to the trip.

In 1822 Mr. Bull married Miss Mary Farquher, daugh- ter of Amos Farquher, who resided near Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio; and located on his farm near Lou- donville. In 1825 he constructed a keel-boat one hun- dred and twenty feet long, which he named the "Ben Franklin." He freighted this boat with the surplus prod- ucts of the country, and conveyed it down the same streams to Louisville, Kentucky, where he met a ready market, and procured a load in exchange, which he brought to Cincinnati and sold at a profit. These trips were occasionally renewed until about the year 1832, when he abandoned the business and gave his attention to farming. Ile was very industrious as a farmer, and few could surpass him in endurance. He was of a class of men who always make an impression, and seem born to lead. In his intercourse with men he was frank, out- spoken and independent. His spirit of candor always made him liberal and charitable. In 1839 he was elected one of the justices of the peace for Hanover township; and was subsequently re-elected to the same position four times. While acting as justice, many characteristic anecdotes are related of him. He had a strong dislike for that class of the legal fraternity known as "pettifog- gers." He regarded such fellows the pesis of society, because their occupation led them to encourage strife and litigation. Some years after his election two neigh- bors engaged in a heated suit before him, urged on by such legal gentlemen, that they might obtain a fee. The fact was, the neighbors should have refrained from litiga- tion; but a lawsuit was a novelty, and pride of opinion, apparently, unconquerable. Quite a crowd of spectators gathered to see the fun. as it was understood a lawyer from Mansfield, and one from Millersburgh, were to take the lead in the case. A number of witnesses were ex- amined, during which all sorts of technical difficulties were raised and discussed by the attorneys. Thus sov- eral hours were consumed, much to the annoyance of the justice, in a wordy legal combat ; and the patience of the 'squire was severely tried. The examination of wit- nesses was finally concluded, and 'Squire Bull turned to his docket and made a brief entry, and again faced the attorneys. The plaintiff's attorney proceeded to make a iong, wordy, foggy argument, in which he belabored the defendant's witnesses and concluded that the cause should be given to the plaintiff. The defendant's attor- ney followed in an equally diffuse address, criticising the plaintiff's claim, the character of his witnesses, and the attainments of his attorney. At the conclusion of the arguments, there was a profound silence in the court- toom, during which the rival attorneys fixed their eyes on the justice. After some time, one of the lawyers said :

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 50

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