History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 62

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

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

the world. He had but one brother, Henty Clay Spren- gle, present treasurer of Washington county, Kansas, and a prominent citizen of that State. Also two sisters, Frances S. Locke, wife of Josiah Locke, of Indianapolis, a poetess and a lady of rare talent, and Mrs. I. P. Coates, of Chi- cago, Illinois. On the first of January, 1852, Mr. Spren- gle married Miss Sophia W. Coffin, of Ashland, Rev. Dr. John Robinson performing the ceremony. Of this union six children, all living, have been the issue, viz .: Ella A., wife of Joseph E. Stubbs; Jessie F., wife of William G. Stubbs; May Caroline, William Marston, Mattie F., and David S. During the war for the union, he was a 'strong supporter of the government, and a member of the safety of military committee for Ashiand county. In 1862 he was appointed by President Lincoln provost marshal, with the rank of captain, which position he held until 1863. During the war his pen was eloquent in de- fence of the flag, and the union of the States.

WILLIAM BEER

was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, near the New jersey line, in 1794. His father, Thomas Beer, served as 'a soldier in the American Revolution, and brought home from New Jersey a relic highly prized by his children, and exhibited by Mr. Beer with especial interest. It was an English bayonet, and had the words, "29 reg. 5 division, King George III," en- graved on it. It had evidently been left by one of the British soldiers, whe fled or was killed during the battle. His father removed with his family to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1Soo, where he resided twelve miles below Pittsburgh, about thirty years. Mir. Beer wo, of Irish descent.

In 1825 he married Miss Mary Mann, and removed to Montgomery township, Richland (now Ashland) county, in 1832, and located on a quarter of land ad- joining his brother Richard. Here he resided about forty years, and cheerfully submitted to all the toils of a pioneer in clearing up and preparing his homestead. In 1867, he had the misfortuite to lose, by death, his excel- lent Indy. His family consisted of Thomas, Quincy, Henry, Calvin, Serena, Sherman W. and B. F. Beer. Mr. Beet died October 3, 1879. The entire family, except Sherman W., preceded Mr. Beer to the grave.

Mr. Beer possessed, to the last, all his mental faculties. He was noted as retaining a most retentive memory for dates and events, and loved to dwell upon the border scenes of seventy or eighty years ago. From the grav- ity of his manner and personal dignity, he was familiarly called "Judge." Indeed, he was much more worthy such a promotion than many "limbs of the law," who preside over our courts. He had long been a zealous and worthy member of the Presbyterian church, and illustrated the goodness of his heart by many acts of Kindness to the poor and the orphan. Though . . Bed suddenly to bid adieu to time and the scenes of earth, we cannot doubt his heness for another and, we trust, a better world. His cheerful face and kind words will

greet us no more, but be embalined in memory, The tide waits for no inan. Soon the bell will toll a last farewell to the aged pioneers. May they rest in peace.

JAMES ALBERSON

was born in Harrison county, Ohio, July 7, 1822, and moved with his parents, Thomas Alberson and wife, to Orange township the fourth of April, and landed April 7, 1837. He attended school at eight square, district live, until seventeen years of age. His father died about 1856, aged about fifty-nine years. His mother died in Novem- ber, 1870, aged seventy-six years. Her name before moor- riage was Fanny Campbell. There were four boys and three girls -- Mary, James, Sarah, Anne, William C., Eliz- abeth, Robert W., and T. C. They are all living except Elizabeth Somers, wife of Jacob. Mr. Alberson was manied to Rachel Andrews, December 10, 1844. She died june 4, 1853. He again married, January 10, 1854, Miss Susan C. Bowlby. His first wife had W. T. Alber- son and A. N. Kelso; bis second wife, Alice C. and j. K., son and daughter. Mr. Alberson is serving on his eighth term as justice of the peace, having been elected in Oct- ober, 1854, and again in October, 1861, and continuously since then. His terin will expire in 1882. He also served as constable several terms. He now resides within one mile of where he settled in 1837.

CHARLES WILLSON

was bom in Baltimore county, Maryland, August :c. 1795, and came to Perry township, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1810. In isty he married Mary Anderson. He has two sons, William and Joseph, and four daughters includ- ing Mrs Z. Greenwald. When a youth he resided with his parents in Jefferson county, Ohio, eight years, from whence he came to Perry township, and theace to Mont- gomery.

RICHARD BEER

was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, Novem- ber zi, 1796. His father, Thomas Peer, of Irish er- traction, settled in that county in 1764. In iSoo be located in Allegheny county, where he resided, engaged in farming, twenty-one years. During this time be ailed in clearing the Ohio river of drift, and other obstructions, to the month of the Beaver. In rSzt be located in Montgomery township, about two miles southwest of Uniontown, now Ashland. He was accompanied by a cousin, Richard Aten. He and Mr. Aten kept bache. lor's hall about six years, doing their own cooking and housework. In the meantime, he made considerable improvements on his homestead, by creating a contorta he d'selling, a far and out buildings and creating some forty acres of land.

In 1527 be manied Miss Jane Anderson, by whole lie hod seven children: Enina, Adeline, Willinto A ..

JOHN DONLEY.

John Donley was born near Orange village, Ashland county, March 20, 1817. His parents, Thomas and Susan Donley, came to Ohio from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in February. 1817, and when he was two weeks of age, located on the farm where they passed the remainder of their lives, and where the subject of this sketch lived and died. John Donley attended the first subscription school in the township, which was taught by Elijah Penning, in a log cabin situated on a corner of the Donley farm. This school was established in IS30. He grew to manhood on the farm, in early life partaking of the hardships of piorcer life, and livel to see fruitful farius take the place of the rugged forests of his boyhood days.

March It, 1845, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Alberson, and soon after marriage removed to Nashville, Holmes county, where they remained one year, when they returned to Ashland county, and for the four succeeding years lived on i farm at that time owned by Major George W. Urie. In 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Donley removed to the old home farm in Orange township, where they ever after lived, and where he died June 26, 1880, of general debility, at the age of sixty-three years, three months and six days.

A family of eight children was the result of this union, of whom seven are now living, as follows: Calvin, Susan, Edward, Jennie, Rachel, Lizzie, and Carrie. Frances died when a small child.

John Donely was a man of strict integrity, and one who loved his family well. No one with whom he had business or friendly associa. tion ever had cause to charge him with double dealing. His was hottest to a built and scorned deception. Ile was widely known as a man ot more than ordinary ability and intelligence, with strong likes and dis I on the adjoining farm.

SARAH A. DONLEY.

likes, but when apologies were offered, was ever ready to forgive. His life was that of a Christian, and he died with a Christian's hope. For many years he had been a leading member of the Orange Presbyterian church, and for the past fourteen years held the responsible office of ruling eider. Through storm and shine he went to his beloved church, and never faltered in its support. In the course of his life he amasstd a comfortable competence, which was acquired by his own hard Libor, seconded by that of bis wife, who has proved for nim a helpmect in- deed. The greatest prize he left his family was that of a pure char- acter, an unblemished reputation and an unsullied record. Thex by his family are more prized than all else.

Thomas ard Fannie Campbell Alberson, the parents of Mirs John Donley, were born in Pennsylvania -- he in the city of Philadelphie. and his wife. Fannie Campbell, in Westmoreland county. The Car phell family removed to Harrison county, Oato, in 18:7, and about the same time Mr. Alberson came to the same place, where they were married in 1819. They moved to Ashland county in :837. and settled ia Crange township, where they passed the remainder of their lives Str. Alber- son was a ruling eller of the Presbyterian church, and by occupation was a farmer.

Sarah . Alberson was born in Archer township. Harrison county, February 12, 1825, and was married to John Dentey, Match rt, 18.45. She became a member of the Presbyterian church of Orange in 1953. and has since remained in its commuitoun. Since the death of ler Lessand, she has occupied their obl brutte we 're tive day Store and son, William Edward. Another son, Thomas C., is married, and ines

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

Amanda, Thomas M., James, and Kate. James was killed in Virginia during the late war. The remaining members of the family, most of whom are married, re- side in the vicinity of Ashland.

When Mr. Beer arrived, in 1821, his nearest neigh- bors were Michael Thomas, C. Wheeler, Benjamin Shearer, Henry and Daniel Vantilburg, Joshua Brown, and Daniel Carter. Log-rollings, cabin-raisings, corn- huskings, flax-pullings, and scutchings, as well as linsey- woolsey clothing, corn-bread, pork, and venison, were the occupations, the clothing and the food, of the hardy > pioneers. It was not uncommon, the first few years, to be so occupied five or six days each week at such gath- erings. The nearest mill was Newman's, on the Black fork, to which Mr. Beer often resorted. He occasionally visited a mill, subsequently owned by Armstrong Meaner, in Green township. For many years wheat was cut with a sickle, and all the pioneers were expert in its use. In fact, it was not uncommon to find women in the field using the sante instrument. In those days the fields were carefully gleaned and very little grain was left stand- ing. When the stumps began to disappear, sickles were invaded and were gradually substituted by the grain- cradle. Mr. Beer says he owned the first grain cradle used in Montgomery township, over fifty years ago, on the farin of Joseph Sheets, where South Ashland now stands. It created quite a sensation among the old reapers, because he could cut a swath, equal to that of three reapers, with much ease. The surplus grain of this region was hauled to Milan for a market until about 1861, when the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio railroad was completed, and a home market furnished.

Mrs. Beer died in 1859, and Mr. Beer, now ( 1875,) aged seventy-nine years, resides in Ashland. He is quite vigorous; his mind is clear and vivacious; he loves a joke and abounds in humor. Like all his Scotch-Irish ancestors, he is much attached to the Presbyterian church, of which he is a member.

JOIIN DONLEY

was born in Orange township, March 20, 18 7, on the old Wertz farm, and married Miss Sarah A. Albersou, March 11, 1845. He then removed to near Nashville, Holmes county, where he remained one year and came back to Ashland county. He moved to his present home in 1850, and has resided there ever since-thirty years. He was the father of eight children. Seven of them, Calvin, Susan, Edward. Jennie, Rachel, Lizzie and Clara are living. Francis died when but a small child.

In 1830 the school-house was built in Donley's dis- trict, and he and his brother Thomas were the first scholars ; Elijah Banning the first teacher.

The principal old citizens in the district were the Mc- Connells, the Clarks, the Flukes, the Hesters, the Mur- phys, the Mackerels, Robert Mickey, Peter Biddinger, William McConnell, Thomas McConnell, John Burge, Isaac Mickey, Daniel Summers, Thomas Donley, Robert Culberson, John Bishop and Jacob Hiffner.

John Donley died June 26, 1880. He was a man of strict integrity, and a man who loved his family. No man, with whom he associated, ever had cause to charge him with double-dealing. He was honest to a fault, and scorned deception. He was widely known, for he was a man of more than ordinary ability and intelligence. He had strong likes and dislikes, but when apologies were made none forgave more quickly. His life was that of a Christian. For many years he had been a lending member of the Orange Presbyterian church. and for the past fourteen years has been a ruling elder. Through storm and shine he went to his beloved church, and never faltered in its support. He amassed a good competency by his own hard work. But the greatest prize he left was that of a pure character, an unblem- ished reputation and an unsullied record. These, to his sorrowing wife and children, are far more prized than all else. He was followed to his last resting place by all his neighbors and friends, who thus testified their appre- ciation of his goodness and worth. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Kelly, of Savannah, assisted by Revs. Cummings and Jones. Peace to his ashes.

THOMAS DONLEY

was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 17So, and deceased, on his homestead in Orange township, Ashland county, Ohio, October 21, 1850. He caine to the township in 1817, and resided there until his de- cease. His first wife died before he did, when he mar- ried, in 18.44, Miss Mary Mckinney, of Milton township, who still survives at an advanced age, supposed to be near one hundred years, there being no record of her birth. Her health is good, and she retains a good mem- ory of the past. Her sight and hearing are gradually failing. Her father, Patrick McKinney, died when she was young, in Cumberland county. Pennsylvania. She emigrated with her mother and Ross Mckinney to Mil- ton township, 'S16, and resided near the old Hopewell church, where she deceased and was buried many years ago.

CAPTAIN ROBERT BEER.

In the correspondence of the Pittsburgh Herald, we find the following concerning Captain Beer, who accom- panied the expedition of Colonel Robert Crooks, in the war of 1812, to Upper Sandusky. The captain died about May 4, ISSo, aged nearly ninety years.

I've just had a conversation with Captain Robert Brer, une of our oldest and most respected citizens, who served his country in the war of 18re. In answer to my inquiries, he gave the following account of his trip from this city to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and his return on foot the following winter of 1812-13:

"About the list of November, 1812, the Government advertised for volunteer teamsters, having some thirty corriges (without cannon. however) and forty covered wagon, to apply with drivers. as small is a volunteer would sign the roll, he was ordered to go into a large sard, on Garrison alley, and budle four horses. I was along the vol- untiers, being then and nowplast, ated wamtry bay of twenty wars (You will observe that I am now old enough to wow.) Iwas direct

.. .

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

to hitch a team to a cannon-carriage, and drive over to the ground where the western penitentiary now stands. Here we were encuenped for three weeks before we were ready to start. The road wagons were loaded with cannon-powder, clothing, and all kinds of government stores. Thise wagons were drawn by five, and sometimes by six, horses. All being in readiness, we started for General Harrison's win- ter quarters, at Upper Sandusky, Obic. Colonel James Anderson was wagon-master; James McHenry, a bricklayer of our city, assistant wagon-master; Paul Anderson, forage-master; and Captain Gratiot had command of the train. To guard the teams and property, we had Captain Johnson and his company, from Greensburgh. now called Darlington, and half a company from Beaver county, under command of Lieutenant Walker, who was subsequently killed by the Indians.

"The journey was through an almost unbroken wilderness, and its difficulties cannot be appreciated by the people of to-day. Ten miles was considered a good day's travel, and when the route was bad, as was frequently the case, we did not make more than six miles. It took us three days to go through Haben's swamp, and had hard work to do it in that time. We would often stop for a day, and, mounting our horses, go miles away along paths, there being no wagon road, and re- turn with our horses loaded with forage.

"At. Canton we lay a whole week, repairing the wagons, shoeing the horses, and giving them much needed rest, and procuring a supply of foliage.

"From Canton to Wooster it was thirty-five miles. At the latter place we found the first picketed fort. Mansfield, it may be said, ended the settlements in this direction. The only buildings were a fort, one tavern, one store, and one private house. We remained three days in Wooster to recruit our horses, repair damages and gather forage. Between Wooster and Mansfield we had a good deal of new road to cut, the old one being impassable for the train. This was slow work, as you can judge.

"We were about two months on the road, and finally reached Upper Sandusky on New Year's day-and as cold a day, by the way, as Í ever experienced. We never saw a fire from sunrise till sunset, and to make the matter worse, we were but thinly elad at best. On our arri- val we were ordered to ungear our horses and start with them for a small town on the Scioto river, called Franklinton, just across the river from Columbus. Corn was plenty and cheap in that neighborhood, and they wanted their horses to recruit there for the spring service.

"Next day we started back to Upper Sandusky to get onr morey and be discharged from the service. There was no money there to pay us with-not a dollar in the treasury -so they furnished us with tents and rations. We pitched our tents just outside the military lines, and for three weeks had nothing to occupy our time but eating and step- ing. At the end of this time Colonel Piatt, of Cincinnati, who was treasurer of the army, gave us our discharge and an order for our pay at the barracks in Pittsburgh. We hadn't a dollar towards paying our way home. They gave us rations to put in our knapsacks, but they got stale and unfit for use.

"Of course, after we left our horses at Franklinton, we did all our traveling on foot. I cannot tell the distance from Franklinton to Up- per Sandusky, but from the latter place to Mansfield was thirty-five milles. We all arrived in Pittsburgh safe and well, after a very fatigu- ing journey.

"The Captain Gratiot I have mentioned was one of the engineer corps of the regular army. and an officer of high standing. Captain Whenton was the paymaster; and a cross old chap he was. He carried a canteen of brandy slung round his neck, and sometimes he absorbed the brandy too freety.

" I suppose I am entitled to a pension for my services in 1812, but I have not yet applied for one. I observe that some are drawing pen- sions whose term of service lasted only fourteen days. In 1356 ! got a land wariant for cas hundred and sixty acres of land."

During a great part of his life: he was engaged in building and run- ning steamboats, and it is hardly necessary to say that his long record was spotless and unbk mished. He retired from active businees several years ago, and since then devoted hus time to his private affairs.

JOHN SMITH

was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 1, 1822. Hle learned the trade of a carpenter in Stark county, in 1843-4. In 18.45 he married Rebecca Fettehoff, and in

18 .; 9 removed to Troy township, Ashland county, and purchased a small farm. He became a farmer-mechanic for some years, and finally abandoned his trade to be- come an agriculturalist.

Mr. Smith is of German descent. His father, Frederick Smith, came from Germany in 1821. He died in Stark county, Ohio, in 1854, at an advanced age. His children were: Frederick, who died in Troy township, Ashland county, in 1864; John, of Troy; Savilla, wife of Jacob Hipp, of Troy; Mary, wife of Michael Auer, of Indiana ; Christian and Andrew, of DeKalb, Indiana.

The family of John consists of Elizabeth, wife of Michael Merkel, of Michigan; Jacob F., married to Sepbrona Fast, of Huron county, Ohio; James Smith : Hannah, wife of Oran Chapman, of Lorain county; and Mary, William, Loretta, Pheba, Lydia, and Emma, un- married.

Mr. Smith is a good business man, and noted for his strong common sense and frankness. He has been elected trustee of Troy township five times, although the party with which he affiliates is in the minority. At the spring election of 1876, he was elected a justice of the peace. He is very active in propagating his politica! ideas, though always courteous to his political opponents.

When he entered Troy township, the primitive forest, with here and there a small clearing, and a few cabins, covered the township. It is now greatly improved.

MR. SAMUEL SMITH

was born in New Milford township, Litchfield county. Connecticut, May 23, 1800. At the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed to learn the trade of carpenter and house joiner, and served six years. At the expiration of his apprenticeship he married, and followed his trade for ten years, in his native State. In 1832 he removed to Lorain county, Ohio, where he again resumed his trade. While a citizen of Lorain county, he took an active part in military organizations, and was elected captain, and subsequently promoted to lieutenant colonel, and finally colonel of his regiment. In 1837 he located in Milton township, Richland, now Ashland, county. While a citizen of Miron, he served twelve years as justice of the peace, and acquitted himself to the satis- faction of his friends. Milton was largely Democratic, and Colonel Smith was an old Whig. His integrity and uprightness elevated him above party bias, rendered hin personally popular, and hence, he was re-elected to the same position twice. In 1860 he disposed of his farm and removed to Ashland, where in 1863, his excellent lady deceased, aged sixty-three years. He again mar- ried. Mr. Smith for many years was an active and influential member of the Presbyterian church. His family consisted of Orlow, Riley, Charles, Nelson, Au- gustos, Lemon and three daughters. Orlow served in the late war, and was promoted to brigadier general. Nelson fel! at the sanguinary battle of Chickanru;ga. The rest of the family, we believe. all survive.

Mr. Smith died September 22, 1876. The funeral

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

services were conducted by Elder N. P. Lawrence, of the Disciple or Christian church, at the late residence of Colonel Smith, South Ashland, at two o'clock p. m., Sabbath, September 24th, when his remains were con- ducted to and deposited in the cemetery of Ashland.

ISAAC DAVIS

was born in New Holland, Lancaster county, Pennsylva- nia, August 10, 1802. When quite young he was ap- prenticed to learn the art of weaving. In coasequence, his education was neglected, and he could neither read nor write. At the age of nineteen years he went to Ju- niata county, where he remained some years working at his trade. In the year 1823 he married Miss Fanny Stoner, of that county. That lady survived until 1876, when she deceased, aged about eighty years. In 1834 Mr. Davis came to Mifflin township, then in Richland county, and purchased a farm of eighty acres in section one, of Benjamin Hershey. The land at that time was nearly all in its native forest. He and his sons in after years cleared the land and reduced it to a state of excel- lent culture. Mr. Davis made weaving a business for many years. In this respect he was a useful citizen. He was a good weaver, and by his industry and skill made sufficient to support and educate his sons and pay for his farm. When he arrived at Mifflin township he found John Howey, William Hewey, Henry Roland, Peter Brubaker, John Brubaker, Solomon Wertman, Abraham Doty, James Andrews, Leonard Croninger, Benjamin Hershey, and Father Gongwer, who had preceded him as pioneers. Nearly half a century has passed since he arrived. Great changes have taken place. Nearly all these pioneers have paid the debt of nature. Only one or two of his old neighbors yet live. For several months the health of Mr. Davis has been gradually failing, and finally terminated in consumption of the lungs. In his prime he weighed about three hundred pounds. He be- came greatly emaciated before death. He was a mem- ber of the River Brethren church, abont thirty-five years, and was an exemplary Christian. He died on Friday, evening, December 18, 1879, and was buried at the Mennonite church, in Mifflin township, on Saturday, De- cember 20th.

The family of Mr. Davis consisted of nine children- Susannah, single; Samuel, married to Catharine Roland; Mary, wife of Dillian Switzer; George, single; John, married to Margaret C. Day; Isaac, married to Sarah Hilburn; Abraham, married to Mary Kagey; William, married to Rebecca Sechrist, who is deceased, and again to Barbara Callen; Fanny, married to jacob Hetler. Mr. Davis had forty-four grandchildren, and nine great grand- children.

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History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 62

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