USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 81
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ANDREW MORE was born in the State of Pennsyl- vania, Conter county, in the year 1794. He was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Stover in the twenty-fourth year of his age. To them were born twelve children, seven sons and five daughters: Jacob, Catharine, Christinie, Harriet, Andrew, Adam E., Elizabeth, Samuel, Philip. Henry, Enoch, and julia Anne, all living but Andrew. He came to Ohio May 22, 1828, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Jacob. This worthy pioncer departed this life in the year 1858, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. The wife and mother survived bim un- til the year 1877, dying at the age of eighty years. jacob, who now resides on the old homestead, was born June 22. 1817. He lived with his parents and abied his father and the time of his marriage, in the year 13440, August 27th, to Miss Sarah Dundore. The hvit of this union was seven children, four sons and three daughters. Their names are May E., Andrew 1'.,
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HISTORY OF ASHILAND COUNTY, OHIO.
Malinda, Adaline, Benton S .. Jacob W., and Stephen A., all living but Adaline and Benton, who died in early childhood. Those married are, Mary to David Weiker; Andrew to Mary Jone Weikre, who died after five years of married life -- he was afterward married to Miss Mary R. Ambrose; Malinda to Lemon Schnaders. The other members of the family reside at their father's home. Mr. Morr and his family are members of the Trinity church, and have been among its most liberal sup- porters. Andrew, the pioneer father of the Morr fam- ily, was one of the organizers of the Trinity church of Perry township, and was leader and exhorter in the clairch for over twenty-five years. His wife was born in 1797.
DAVID WEYANT, eldest son of Jacob and Margaret Weyant, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, Wash- ington county, in the year 1815; he made his home with his parents until after he had reached his majority; he then left the parental roof, and came to Ohio in the year 1838, and took up his abode in Doylestown, where he purchased property, and there resided until the spring of 1848. He was married in the year 1838, September 26th, to Miss Rachel Nowland. To Mr. and Mrs. Wayant were born five children, three sons and two daughters; their names are as follows: Margaret A., Jacob H., Martha S., Noah I., and Harvey I .; all of whom are living and married -- Margaret, to Henry Morr; Jacob, to Lizzie Scott; Martha, to Solomon Mouser; Noah, to Lizzie Fridline; Harvey, to Catharine Jackson. Our subject is grandparent to eleven grand- children. Mr. Weyant lost his wife in the year 186.4, February 26th. She left a family of five children. Our worthy subject was married again September 27, 1866, to Miss Rosanna Gallwitz. Himself and wife are carn- est members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church General Synod, and have always been its staunch supporters; he has been repeatedly elected to the office of trustee. His parents are both deceased; his mother is buried at Gin- ger Hill, Pennsylvania, and his father sleeps in the old Meng cemetery in Perry township. He has been elder in his church for almost forty years, and never shrank from what he thought a duty.
JOHN RUDY was the eldest child of Frederick and Elizabeth (Smith) Rudy, of Dauphin county, Pennsyl- vania, and was born October 18, 1806. His father died when John was but a boy of seven years. His widow survived him, and was married again, to Jacob Jennings, by whom she had two children. One, a son, is one of the wealthy and prominent men of Ashland, and is en- gaged in the banking business. After the death of his father, John was "put out " by his guardian, and served his first master two and one-huf years. when he again returned to his inother. His guardian then bound him out the second time, to a man to learn the weaving trade, as that was then a paying business. He remained at this until he was eighteen years old, when he again re- turned to his mother, where he lived until he was thirty- two years of age. He was then married to Sophia Spangher, by whom he has had four children, two boys and two girls, as follows: Elizabeth. jacob S., who died
in infancy, Jennie, and John Edward. Two only are living -- Elizabeth and Jennie, both married, leaving both the old people alone. John Rudy, our subject, removed to Ohio in the year 1833, and first settled on the farm now owned by Murray & Ewing. His first purchase of land was one hundred and thirty-seven acres. This he traded for a farm of ninety-one acres, upon which a saw- mill was located. This business he followed success- fully for twelve years, when he exchanged it for the fine property on which he now resides. Although not a member of any church organization, his sympathies and inclinations are with the Church of God, of which his wife is an earnest and consistent member. Mrs. Rudy is a lady of very youthful appearance for one of her years, and has withstood the ravages of time, and although having worked hard all through life, she shows but few traces of it. Mr. Rudy is a staunch Republican, and firm advocate of the party measures and principles. Although well advanced in years he has kept pace with the times, and is a farmer of advanced ideas. Mrs. Rudy has been a kind and judicious mother and loving wife. This old couple live in a pleasant home, sur- rounded by every comfort, and can look back over the past with satisfaction at what they have accomplished. Every one has a good word to say of "Uncle John Ru- dy," as he is familiarly known. He is one of Perry town- ship's most respected citizens.
ALEXANDER ALLISON, second son of James and Elizabeth (Smith) Allison, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 180g. They first settled in Jefferson county, Ohio, on a rented farm, where he remained for a period of nine years, when he again started with his little family to seek a more desirable home, which he found. on coming to Ashland (then Wayne) county. He made a permanent settlement in Perry township, where he re- mained until the time of his death, in 1839, surviving his wife about thirteen months. Their children were. Jane, Catharine, and Alexander. The only representative of the family is Catharine, who resides in Wayne county. near Wooster, performing a duty that seems to her a pleasure, that of caring for the orphan children of her deceased sister. Alexander, the subject of this sketch, was twice married, first to Miss Alice Firestone, in 1830, and settled on the farm where we now find him, adjoin- ing the old homestead of his father. His home, at that time a rude cabin, was situated almost in the woods, with no improvements whatever to give any token of civiliza. tion. Here he reared his little family, and the dense forest that so closely surrounded him was soon made to yield to his strong will, and waving fields of grain soon gave evidence that his determination had been earnestly put into execution. In fact, the means with which he purchased his pioneer home he earned by clearing and chopping. To Mr. and Mrs. Allison were born seven children, two sons and five daughters, viz .: Nancy, Eliz- . abeth, John F, Rachel, Mary Ann, Eliza J., and . Vev- ander C -- all living but Eliza J., who died post after developing into womanhood - John F. died in infancy. The wife and mother was taken from her earthly home
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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.
July 9, 1844, at the age of thirty-one years. Mr. Allison married for his second wife Miss Elizabeth White, in 1851. To them were born six children, three sons and three daughters, viz .: William W., john P., Alice Cath- arine, Ann Isabel, Margaret Edith, Thomas B .--- all living but Margaret Edith, who died at the age of one year and ten days. Mr. Allison still resides on the old home place. He is a gentleman advanced in years, but is in his full strength and vigor, and a man remarkable for his memory and accuracy. Scarcely too much can be said of this worthy pioneer. Himself and wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and have always been among its most liberal supporters.
LEVI H. KIPLINGER was born February 12, 1832, in Jackson township, Ashland county, and was the fourth son of Henry and Elizabeth (Switzer) Kiplinger, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They moved to Ohio about the year 1825. By trade he was a blacksmith, and worked at his trade the greater part of his life, al- though he combined farming with it. His experience was similar to that of all other pioneers of that day. He could remember when the entire cash capital of the community was a half-dollar piece, which was sometimes in his possession, and then in others. In his trade he was an expert, and was sought out by people far and wide to do their work. In the year 1872 he died, in his eighticth year. His wife survived him two years, and died at the age of cighty years. Our subject lived with his father until sixteen years of age, when he learned the cabinet trade, which he worked at for fifteen years, when he went into the army, and had the honor of serving under that gallant commander, General James A. Garfield. He served with honor and distinction until he lost his arin at the battle of Thompson Hill. He went all through the fight until about four o'clock in the cven- ing, when the fight had just about closed, when he re- ceived the shot that cost him his aim. He received the wound the first day of May, 1863. A complete record of the fight is given in a history of the Forty-second regiment. Mr. Kiplinger was married to Lucinda Dei- bler, September 29, 1853. To them have been born seven children --- five boys and two girls. He has led at active life, and since his discharge from the service of his coun- try he started in the mercantile business, which he has carried on successfully. He has served his county as sheriff one term, he being the first and only Republican sheriff ever elected in the county, carrying the election by the bare majority of four votes. He is an ardent Re- publican and a staunch supporter of its principles and measures. He served his county as he did his country - with honor and distinction. He has been a faithful officer, a conscientious and law-abiding citizen, and a man who enjoys the confidence and estecm of all his neighbors and citizens. He is well preserved, and being comfortably situated in a pleasant home, he is freed from the care, and anxiety of business; and he can look back with satisfaction and contentment to his record of the past, which has been full of activity and danger as well as honor. To mea of his character our country owes a debt of gratitude, and they should ever be held in re-
membrance for the deeds they have accomplished. Too much cannot be said in their praise. He has been post- master of Redham ever since the expiration of his term as sheriff.
AMos FUNK was born in Franklin county, Pennsylva- nia, February 5, 1823, and was the oldest son of Benja- min and Elizabeth Funk. They both removed to Wayne county, Ohio, in the year 1831, where he lived until his rensoval to Indiana, where the father died in 1873. His son Amos, and the subject of our sketch, moved into Ashland county about the year 1850, Previous to his removal from Wayne county, he was married to Matilda Jane Kramer, of Ashland county, May 23, 1844. To him have been born eight children, five of whom are living: Elizabeth, deceased; Benjamin; John, who died in infancy; Christian, who died in infancy; William F., Lewis A., Stanzie E., and Abner W. Mr. Funk's first purchase was twenty acres of land, where he now lives. He has increased his possession now until he is the owner of a tract of one hundred and forty-four acres. Mr. and Mrs. Funk have been consistent members of the Church of God, and have been liberal supporters of the same. Mr. Funk is one of the substantial farmers of Perry township. He is a man of a very strong phys- ical organization, and has been able to endure the great labors that have been necessary for him to undertake. In connection with his farming, he carried on a saw-mill, which he has operated successfully for twenty-five years. Mr. Funk gencrally acts with the Republican party, and is a firm advocate of its measures and principles. For one of his years, he is a well preserved man, and is sur- rounded by a family of intelligent children, and in a pleasant home.
DAVID BUFFENMIRE, fifth son of Henry and Mary Buffenmire, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1814, and emigrated to Ohio in 1826, in company with his parents and their family of ten chil- dren, coming in a wagon with five horses. M .. Buffen- mire first made a settlement two miles south of Rows- burgh, iimicdiately in the woods. Here he soon erected a rude log cabin in which to shelter his little family. and herc he began life in carnest. The forest which completely surrounded him was soon made to give way to his determined will. Here Mr. Buffenmire reared his family and remained until the time of his death in the spring of 18.49. His wife survived him until the year 1867, when she, too, was taken from her earthly home, leaving seven children. David, the subject of this sketch, cared for his aged mother through her declining years, from and after the death of his father. He was twice married, first in 1835, to Miss Phobe Ann Meng. by whom he had four daughters: Mary Ann, Amanda. Elizabeth and Annetta. The wife and mother died in the spring of 1838. Mr. Buffenmire married for his second wife, Miss Sarah Otto. To them have been born five children, three sons and two daughters, as follows : Franklin, Emma, Harvey, E. Stanton, and Martha. Franklin died in infancy, and Finma in early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Buffenmire are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Buffenmire, by careful management, wise
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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.
economy, and sound judgment, has acquired quite a fine property.
ELIJAH EBERT, third son of Joseph and Leah Ebert, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in the year 1848, March with. He lived with his parents until the time of his mariage, in 1866, to Miss Christiann Sweitzer. The fruit of this union was five childien, four sons and one daughter -Ira, Irvin, Oscar, Alonzo, and Doia D .; all living but Alonzo, who died in carly childhood. Mr. Ebert came to Ashland county in the year 1863, and located on a farm near Lafayette, where he resided until the year 1867, when he came to the town of Lafayette, and there established himself in the general mercantile business, making boots and shoes a specialty. He is one of the enterprising business men of the county; respected and esteemed. A valiant soldier in the war of the Rebellion, he went forth in the discharge of his duty to his country. In August, 1864, he enlisted with Captain George Streby, of Wayne county. He served until the war closed, when he was honorably discharged, and returned to his home in .Ashland county, and since that time his life has been taken up in business pursuits.
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WILLIAM MAURER was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1813, and was the son of John and Barbara (Rotharmal) Maurer. They removed to Ohio in 1822, and took up a piece of land containing eighty acres, on which they built a rude log cabin, where they commenced pioncer life, and inany are the inci- dents that can be related of these early times that were common to the lot of the pioneer. Wild game abounded, and the forests were filled with deer and other ani- mais. The beautiful fields of Perry township, now teeming with the rich waving grain, were then covered with a dense forest of trees, out of which must be carved a home for our pioneer settlers. With courage 'and fortitude they entered upon their work, and to-day their posterity are reaping the benefit of the labors of these hardy old pioneers. The wife and mother lived to the remarkable age of one hundred years and a few months. She was a woman of great endurance, re- markable for her courage and fortitude, and possessing her faculties up to within a few years of her death. She was the mother of eight children, five boys and three girls, whom she reared with care. Three only have sur- vived her -- Isaac, who lives in Fremont; Mrs. Jackson, and William, the subject of this sketch, both of whom reside in this county. William Maurer lived with his parents until he became a man, and then took it upon himself to care for his aged parents. Now that they have passed away, the dutiful son can look back to it as a duty pleasant to have been permitted him to perform. He was married to Catharine Garn, a native of Guil- ford, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, who moved to Ohio in 1872, and settled in Ashland county. Here her father died upon the old homestead, the mother having died before their removal fiom Pennsylvania. The marriage of Mr. Maurer occurred March 12, 1839. To them were born four children, three boys and one girl -Wil- liam: G., Adam R., John D., and Mary A., who died when just blosoming into womanhood. This loss was
a severe stroke to the fond parents. She was the only daughter, and much beloved by all who knew her. Mr. Maurer's occupation has been that of a farmer, and has followed it successfully. Although he has passed the age allotted to man he is still well preserved, and pre- sents a hearty and rugged appearance, and seems able to withstand many years more the ravages of time. Both Mr. and Mrs Maurer have been for over thirty-five years consistent members of the German Reformed church, and have been faithful followers of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. He has never aspired to political posi- tion, although he has served his township in various ca- pacities. He has been an honest and industrious man. commencing life in poverty, and, after meeting with re- verses, he has steadily pursued his course through life, and has now surrounded himself with every comfort necessary to his happiness. The oldest son has been driven to the far west by the breaking down of lis health. " He is a young man of more than ordinary bus- iness abilities, and has occupied many positions of trust. Mrs. Mauer has been a fond and judicious mother, loving her children as only a mother knows how, and has been a loving companion to her husband for forty-one years. This old couple are pleasantly located in a nice home, and enjoy the esteem and good will of all who know them. He is one of Ashland county's pioneers.
ARTHUR CAMPBELL, JR., is the oldest son of Arthur and Lydia (Ecker) Campbell, and was born September 20, 1833, in Perry township. Mr. Campbell commenced his trade, that of carpenter and joiner, when he was twen- ty years of age, and has followed it continuously up to the present time (ISSo). On December 9, 1856, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Swartz, of this county. The fruits of this union are eight children, six living : Cassius Clay, Elmer (dead), Minnie May, Clara, Jane twin of Laura E., who is dead, Owen Grant, Arthur Herman, and Elizabeth L. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Eris- copal church. He is a firm advocate of the principles and measures of the Republican party, and his vote is generally cast for the men who represent it. He has been trustee of his township one terio, and notwith- standing the township is strongly Democratic, he was elected to fill that office by the aid of Democratic votes, who broke away from party and veted for the man. Mrs. Campbell is a careful and judicious mother and loving wife. They are pleasantly situated in a comfortable home near the town of Rowsburgh. Mr. Campbell still continues at his trade, besides cultivating a farm of eighty acres.
JOHN A. CAMPBELL was the only son of John and Agnes Campbell, and was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1803. He removed to Ohio with his father in 1833, and settled on the farm where his widow still resides. Previous to his removal to Ohio he was married to Margaret Clark, of Somerset, Penn- sylvania. The year 1849 brought to him a great aflie. tion, in the loss of his father, adopted son and wite. He and his father had never been accustomed to a life on the farm. having devoted their time, while in Pennsyl-
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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OIDO.
vania, to business matters, and, although not under- standing much of the manual labor that is common to the lot of a farmer, the father and son carried on farm- ing extensively. The mother died in 1835. There was a family of six children. Ann, Margaret, Isabella, Jane, Matilda, bad John A., whose name is at the head of this sketch. The only surviving member of the family is Matilda, who is well preserved and has an astonishing memory for one of her years. She has reached the age of seventy-nine, and is a highly esteemed old lady. She came from a funily noted for their longevity and hardy constitutions. Our subject was married the second time to Mary Jane Hamilton, a native of Green county, Pennsylvania, whose father came to this county in 1820. "This event took place November 4, 1852. To them have been born two children: Josephine M., who mar- ried Henry Dorland, and Walter H., who resides with his mother. Mr. Campbell died June 21, 1866, after a brief illness. He and his wife were earnest, consistent members of the Presbyterian church. He was a man of delicate constitution, of large experience, of a geral and social disposition, a worthy citizen, and highly es- teemed as a citizen and a Christian man.
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BENJAMIN FUNK is the oldest son of Amos and Ma- tilda Funk, a sketch of whose life will be found else- where in this work. Our subject was born May 1, 1847, in Wayne county, Ohio. At the age of twenty-one, he attended school at Smithville, and there completed his education. Following this, he taught iwo termes of school in his home district. After working a part of his father's farm on shares for three years, he was married to Eliza E. Foltz, a native of Wayne county. This event oc- curred April 10, 1873. To them have been born three children, all boys: Captain Perry, Adelbert R., and Charles H. Mr. Funk is a young and promising farmer, of good habits, is industrious, enterprising, and pleas- antly situated in a nice home, and is very happy in his family. Upon his place he has put a nice and commo- dious house, and his faun is well improved. In religious belief, his sympathies are with the Church of God, that branch of the church best exemplifying his view of the Christian religion. In politics he is a staunch Republi- can, and an advocate of ics measures and principles. Mr. Funk devotes his attention to the breeding of a su- perior grade of stock, making a specialty of the Berk- shire pig. Besides this, he owns a fine stock of sheep, and devotes some attention to the raising of grain. He is a farmer of advanced ideas, careful and prudent, and thorough in everything he undertakes. Mr. Funk served his country during the war a terin of four months, going out to its aid at the early age of seventeen. His chii- dren will ever look back with pride at this part of their father's career in life. He was a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio volunteer infantry.
SvyUxt. SHEETS was born September 9, 1706, in the . State of Maryland, and came to Ohio in the year :805, and settled in Columbiana coanty, where he resided un- til he reached his majority. Soon after arriving at man's estate he was married to Miss Elizabeth Wolf, in the year 1319. The same year he moved to Congress,
Wayne county, Ohio, where he lived until the staing of 1832, when he again moved to Montgomery township, Ashland county, and began settlement immediately in the woods, with no improvements whatever save a lonely rude cabin. By carnest labor and perseverance, Mir. Sheets was soon able to erect a more commodious home in which to place his little family. By economy, indus- try and good management, he succeeded in acquiring quite a fine property. He died in the year :872, at the ripe old age of seventy-five years eleven months and twenty three days, leaving a wife and seven children. The wife and mother survived him six years, when she was called away. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sheets were car- nest members of the Lutheran church, and strong advo- cates of the cause of Christ.
JACOB SHEETS, fourth son of Samuel Sheets, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, December 12, 1829. In 1832 he came with his parents to Ashland county, and re- mained with them until the year #868. In 1866 he was married to Miss Emeline Jacoby. He is one of the most substantial farmers of Perry township; is a prom- inent citizen, respected and esteemed. He served as trustee for four terms. Both himself and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
JACOB KREADY Was born in Lancaster county, Penn- sylvania, in the year : 819, and immigrated to Cho in the year 1855, and settled in Perry township, Ashland county, where be purchased a beautiful farm of one hun- dred and sixty-nine acres, which he at once set about to improve. Afterwards, he bought seventy acres, com- prising in all two hundred and thirty nine acres. Twice he was married. First, in the twenty-fourth year of his age, to Miss Nancy Musser, by whom he had six chil dren- thice sons and three daughters: Lizzie, May, Henry, Benjamin, and Frances, one dying in infancy, unnamed. In the year 'S51 his companion was taken from him, leaving four affectionate children. M. Kready was married again in the year 1855, to Miss Rachel A. Baird, of Adams county. The fruit of this second union was six children-three sons and three daughters: Alikasiah, William Clayton, Laura E., Ed- ward B., Tratia Ann, and Samuel F., all living but li- kasiah and William Clayton. Mr. Kready still lives on the old homestead where he first made settlement.
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