History of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio, Part 107

Author: H. J. Eckley, William T. Perry
Publication date: 1921
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 678

USA > Ohio > Harrison County > History of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio > Part 107
USA > Ohio > Carroll County > History of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio > Part 107

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).

John C. Lyons was a boy at the time of the family settlement in the forest wilds of Harri- son County, and here he was reared under the conditions that marked the pioneer era in the history of the county. At the age of twenty- three years he married Susanna Forbes, a daughter in another pioneer household, and they settled on a farm in Monroe Township. Many years later they removed to the Village of Bowerston, and there Mrs. Lyons died on the Sth of February, 1883. Of this union were born one son and three daughters, all of whom are now deceased. The only son. John F., was a gallant soldier of the Union in the Civil war. as a member of Company A. Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. and he was still in service at the time of his death. in 1865. at Resaca, Georgia, as the result of illness contracted while with his command. In 1886 John C. Lyons wedded Miss Jennie Coons, who was

born in Licking County, Ohio, where her par- ents. James M. and Mary Ann (Van Dorn) Coons, were early settlers. James M. Coons was born in Virginia and was about five years old when his parents settled in Franklin County, Ohio, in the early pioneer days. His wife died April 22, 1873, aged fifty-one years, her parents having come to Ohio from the State of New Jersey. John C. Lyons became the owner of a large and valuable farm property in Monroe Township, where he had a fine farm of 320 acres, besides an additional tract of twenty acres lying adjacent to the Village of Bowerston. He was one of the honored pioneer citizens of the county at the time of his death. February 8. 1901, and his widow now resides in the Vil- lage of Bowerston. Mr. Lyons was a man of fine mentality and sterling character, was a democrat in politics and served many terms as township trustee. Of his second marriage James C. in the only child.

James C. Lyons continued his studies in the public schools until his graduation in the Bow- erston High School. as a member of the class of 1907. and before the close of that year he assumed the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Bowerston. On the 12th of January. 1909. he was advanced to the position of assistant cashier, of which he continued the incumbent until August 11. 1913, when he was made cashier of this substantial and important financial institution of Harrison County. an office in which he has continued to serve with characteristic efficiency and in such a way as greatly to advane the prosperity and influence of the bank of which he is a valued executive.

Mr. Lyons has had no desire for political ac- tivity but is a loyal supporter of the cause of the republican party and is progressive and public-spirited as a citizen. He is affiliated with Orange Lodge No. 406 Free and Accepted Masons of Leesville and is a member of Cyrus Chapter No. 114 Royal Arch Masons: Gebal Council No. 56, Royal and Select Masters and Saint Bernard Commandery No. 51, Knights Templar, the three latter of Thrichsville. Both he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bowerston, as is also his mother, who is now residing in this village. as previously noted.

November 23. 1911. recorded the marriage of Mr. Lyons to Miss Agnes Griswold. daughter of John C. and Susan Griswold. of Harrison County. and the one child of this union is a daughter. Eloise. horn October 13. 1913.

JOSEPH T. PHILLIPS is one of the progressive citizens who is carrying forward in Harrison County the successful farm enterprise which is made possible under modern conditions, with improved facilities and methods, and he has maintained practical and business policies that have enabled him to gain the maximum returns from his excellent farm of 168 acres. in Wash- ington Township. He was born at New Frank- lin. Missouri, on the 9th of November. 1876. but is a representative of a prominent pioneer fam- ily of the county in which he now maintains his home.

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Mr. Phillips is a son of John and Mary Eliza- beth ( Fletcher) Phillips, the former of whom was born in Washington Township, Harrison County, Ohio, June 14. 1843, and the latter in the State of Kentucky, August 17, 1847, a daughter of James and Nancy (Nell) Fletcher. John Phillips is a son of Joseph and Jemima (Johnson) Phillips, the former of whom was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, on the 14th of Janu- ary, 1803, he having been twelve years of age at the time of the family removal to Washing- ton Township, Harrison County. where he was reared to manhood and became a prosperous farmer, besides which, as a young man, he was a successful teacher in the pioneer schools of the county. After his marriage, in 1833, he settled on the farm now owned by his son Amasa, in Washington Township, and there he passed the remainder of his life. Joseph Phillips died April 19, 1886, and his widow died September 3, 1888. both having been venerable pioneer citizens of the county at the time when they passed from the stage of life's mortal ac- tivities. Of the nine children John was the fifth in order of birth, and his youthful education was acquired in the pioneer schools of Washing- ton Township, besides which he here learned the trade of shoemaker. In 1862 Mr. Phillips went to the State of Iowa and engaged in the work of his trade. He there remained three years, and in that state his marriage was sol- emnized. At the expiration of the period noted he returned, with his family, to Ohio and for two years maintained a shoe shop at West- chester, Tuscarawas County. It should be noted that while a resident of Iowa he drove a team of four yokes of oxen from that state to Pike's Peak. Colorado, where the gold excite- ment was then at its zenith. In 1867 Mr. Phillips went to Denver. Illinois, and after there working at his trade one year he removed to Smithton, Missouri, where he was similarly en- gaged for the ensuing five years, at the expira- tion of which he established his residence at New Franklin, that state. There he remained in charge of his shoe shop until 1877, when he returned with his family to Westchester, Tus- carawas County, Ohio, where he conducted a shoe shop until about 1895, when he purchased the small farm upon which he has since main- tained his home, in Washington Township, Har- rison County, his wife having passed away on the 8th of January, 1888. They became the par- ents of nine children, whose names and re- spective dates of birth are here recorded : James G., April 13. 1866, died when about forty-one years of age; Della, November 5. 1867; Alcanie. September 3, 1869: John E. died in infancy ; Minnie, July 29. 1873: Nancy died in infancy : Joseph T., November 9. 1876; Maude. February 28. 1879; and Frank, November 12, 1881.

Joseph T. Phillips gained his early education principally in the public schools of Tuscarawas and Harrison counties, and he initiated his en- dependent career when he was a youth of seven- teen years. During the greater part of the in- tervening period he has been actively associated with farm enterprises in Harrison County, and since his marriage. in 1906. he and his wife have lived on their present farm, comprising

168 acres of the excellent land of Washington Township.

On the 1st of April, 1906, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Effie Green, who was born and reared in Harrison County and who is a daughter of George and Hannah (Jen- kins) Green. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have two children-Dane W., born November 9, 1906; and Myron, born March 30, 1908.

C. PERRY DICKEY. There is no other occupa- tion so important as that of farming because the man who tills the soil is the one who pro- duces the raw materials without which the world cannot go on. Therefore upon his indus- try and success rests the prosperity. the life even, of humanity. Ohio has always had among its citizens some of the best farmers in the country, and the finely cultivated fields and sleek cattle. together with the sanitary and modern buildings and machinery bear witness that the present generation is not falling behind. but is keeping up the reputation already gained. One of these representative farmers of Harri- son County. who has the distinction of having spent his life upon his present farm. is Perry C. Dickey of Franklin Township.

Perry C. Dickey was born in Franklin Town- ship, April 16, 1874. a son of William W. and Cecilia (Barrett) Dickey. and grandson of Benny Dickey. William W. Dickey was born in Harrison County, Ohio, and spent his life in agricultural pursuits. After reaching man's es- tate he began farming in Franklin Township, and became the owner of 160 acres of land. His death occurred in 1914, but his widow survived him until 1917, when she too passed away. Their children were as follows: Alice A .. Nancy Jane. Mary and C. Perry. The family all be- longed to the Christian Church. During the war between the North and the South William W. Dickey was a soldier in the Union army, and for eighteen months served in the Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

C. Perry Dickey received his educational training in the public schools of Franklin Town- ship, and his practical knowledge while work- ing on the homestead under his father's super- vision. He has spent all of his time and efforts on developing and cultivating his farm which contains 155 acres, and here he is now engaged in a general farming and stock-raising business with very satisfactory results.

On August 29, 1896. Mr. Dickey was married to Amy McGill, a daughter of Thomas and Esther ( West) McGill and a niece of Robert McGill. Thomas McGill died March 15. 1920, and his widow still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Dickey have two children, twins, Ralph W. and Doris Wilma. Ralph W. Dickey married Guilah Patterson and they have two daughters, Doris Jane and Marjorie June, and live at Dennison, Ohio. Doris Wilma Dickey married Bryce Smith and they live at Deersville. Ohio. and have two children. Ralph Dwight and Elda Madeline. The Christian Church of Franklin Township holds the membership of Mr. Dickey and his wife, and they are highly regarded by the congregation.

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WARNER PHILLIPS. In reviewing the various personal sketches appearing in this publication one can not fail to be impressed with the pleas- ing revelation that a goodly percentage of the representative farmers of the present day in both Carroll and Harrison counties are native sons of this favored section of the Buckeye state and scions of honored pioneer families. Such conditions apply in the case of Warner Phillips, who is one of the substantial devotees of farm industry in Washington Township, Har- rison County, and who is a member of the fourth generation of the Phillips family in this county. He was born in Washington Township. June 15, 1868, and in the same township his father, Amasn Phillips, was born on the 22d of September. 1838, a son of Joseph Phillips, who was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, January 14, 1803. and who was twelve years of age when his parents became pioneer settlers in Washing- ton Township. Harrison County, where he passed the remainder of his life. Joseph Phillips was one of the successful. and popular teachers in the pioneer schools of this county, and in the meanwhile he carried forward the work of reclaiming a farm in Washington Township. May 9, 1833, he married Jemima Johnson, and they immediately afterward set- tled on the farm now owned and occupied by their son Amasa, now venerable in years. They became the parents of nine children: Comfort Ann (Mrs. Warner Rogers), Sophia. Amasa. Almeda (died in childhood). John. Elihu. Mar- garet, Joseph and Jemima. Joseph Phillips died April 19. 1886, and his widow passed away Sep- tember 3. 1888.

Amasa Phillips was reared on the old home farm. which has continued to be his place of residence during the long intervening years and which is one of the fine old places of Washing- ton Township, with an area of 166 acres. He has specialized in the raising of live stock and though now venerable in years he still gives a general supervision to the affairs of his farm. He has given long and effective service as town- ship trustee and member of the school board, is a democrat in politics and is one of the hon- ored and influential citizens of his native town- ship. June 5. 1862, recorded his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hogue. a daughter of the late Mark Hogue. and she passed to the life eternal on the 30th of May, 1880. Of this union were born five children-George. Warner. Joseph. Mark and Elizabeth. February 19, 1885. Amasa Phillips wedded Mary Ellen Crouch, whose death occurred on the 30th of the following August. On the 26th of May. 1886, he married Miss Elizabeth Mears, daughter of William Mears, and they still maintain their home on the farm which was the place of his birth. They have one son. Amasa Alonzo.

The early youth of Warner Phillips found him with no dearth of demand upon his time and attention. for he assisted in the work of the home farm and made proper use of the advan- tages afforded in the district schools of his na- tive township. At the age of seventeen years he went to the State of Illinois, where he was employed at farm work for three years. He then returned to his native county and has ever

since been actively identified with farm indus- try in Washington Township, where from the time of his marriage he has resided on his present well improved farm, comprising 175 acres. He is a democrat in politics and he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Westchester.

April 27, 1901, is the memorable date in the career of Mr. Phillips, since he was then united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Elizabeth Gal- braith, who was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, a daughter of William H. and Eliza (Harding) Galbraith, the former a native of Perry Township, Tuscarawas County, and the latter of Guernsey County, her parents having been Wesley and Rebecca (Carson) Harding. William H. Galbraith was one of the gallant young men who went forth in defense of the Union when the Civil war was precipitated. He volunteered shortly after the inception of the war and, as a member of Company M. Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, he took part in the many engagements that marked the record of this valiant command. including the historic battle of Gettysburg. He continued in service until 1864, when he received his honorable dis- charge. Mr. Galbraith was a man of superior intellectuality and devoted about twenty-five years to teaching in the public schools of Ohio. His death occurred on the 13th of December. 1889. His widow still survives, and makes her home with Mrs. Simpson. They became the parents of six children-Emily Ginevra. Frank B .. John H. (died in early childhood), Rebecca Elizabeth. Harry B., and Cornelia Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have two children-Wil- liam Vernon and Mary Lucille.

Amasa Alonzo Phillips, only child of Amasa and Elizabeth (Mears) Phillips, and half- brother of him whose personal sketch precedes this paragraph, was born on the old homestead farm, in Washington Township. December 20. 1801. and he has remained continuously with his parents on the old home place, though he has taught eight terms of district school. with a record of effective and popular service in the pedagogic profession. Greater. however, was the service which he gave in connection with the nation's participation in the late World war. In July. 1918, at Camp Sherman, Ohio, he was assigned to the One Hundred and Forty- ninth Hospital Unit, and eventually he was transferred to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. where he remained until his discharge. in January, 1919. In May, 1918, Mr. Phillips married Miss Lucille Ross, and he now has the active man- agement of his father's farm.

WILSON E. MOGONAGLE, a prosperous general farmer and stockraiser of Franklin Township. has brought his farm of 155 acres into a high state of cultivation, and through his enterpris- ing methods set a dependable example to his neighbors. He was born in Franklin Town- ship, Harrison County. Ohio, October 10. 1862. a son of Thompson McGonagle, grandson of Thomas McGonagle, and a descendant of one of the sturdy families of Scotland, in which coun- try the grandfather was born. Coming to the United States at an early day Thomas McGon-

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agle became one of the pioneers of Franklin Township, and developed into one of its repre- sentative men. He married Mary Thompson, a daughter of Andrew Thompson, born in Ireland, and they had the following children : Thompson, Wilson, Samuel, William, Martha and Eliza- beth. After the death of Thomas McGonagle, his widow married Samuel Hitchcock.

Wilson McGonagle, son of Thomas McGon- agle, and uncle of Wilson E. McGonagle, served in the Union army during the war between the states as a member of the Thirtieth Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, and served for three years. On account of conspicuous bravery during the siege of Vicksburg, he was awarded a medal.

Thompson McGonagle, the father of Wilson E. McGonagle, was a farmer of Franklin Town- ship and continued to be engaged in this line of industry until his death, which occurred in 1909. He was first married to Asenith Vickers, born in Franklin Township. a daughter of John and Eliza ( Howard) Vickers, and half-sister of John and James L. Vickers, successful farmers of Franklin Township. She died in 1887, hav- ing borne her husband two children : Agnes, who died when twenty-seven years of age: and Wil- son E .. whose name heads this review. After the death of his first wife. Mr. McGonagle was married to Catherine Phillips, but they had no children. For many years they were active as members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Franklin Township.

Wilson E. McGonagle received his educational training in the public schools of Deersville, Ohio. Until 1888 when he was married, Mr. McGonagle remained at home, and during that period acquired a useful fund of knowledge relative to the best methods of carrying on agri- cultural operations. With the exception of three years when he was away. Mr. McGonagle has lived on his present farm since 1888, and is now recognized as one of the best farmers in his neighborhood.

On September 6, 1888. Mr. McGonagle was married to Alice White. a daughter of Joseph and Meheliah (Johnson) White, and their chil- dren are as follows: Jesse, who married Ada Birney, a farmer of the State of Wyoming : Harry L., who married Gladys Eslick, is en- gaged in farming with his father; and Melvin, who is at home. Mr. McGonagle belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church and his wife is a member of the Christian Church. Since Janu- ary, 1918. Mr. McGonagle has served as trustee of Franklin Township. For two years he was a member of the township School Board, and for four years he was assessor of Franklin Township, proving himself as capable in public office as he has always been when conducting his private affairs, and he stands very well in public esteem.

GEORGE J. BUTLER. The good citizenship and the enterprise of the Butler family have been a steady growing influence in the community of Carrollton almost from the very beginning of that pioneer village. One of this notable family was the late George J. Butler, a veteran mer- chant and influential citizen, whose record may be trusted to remain long cherished in the hearts

of his fellowmen. His life work was well done when death overtook him early in 1920. after a half a century of continuous association with his native city as a merchant. He had been in business at one location from the year 1879.

George J. Butler was born in West Main Street, Carrollton, February 10, 1849, and his life was a part of the village and city until his death on February 14, 1920.

He was a great-grandson of Rev. John George Butler, a native of Germany, who came to America when a young man and subsequently enlisted and served as a soldier in the American Revolution. After that war he gave many years of earnest and consecrated service as a minister of the Lutheran Church in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. . He was a resident of Cumberland, Maryland, at the time of his · death in 1823. He married a Miss Mills, and they had five sons and one daughter. The names of the sons were George William, Paul, Gideon, George Whitefield and Jonathan.

George Whitefield Butler, representing the second generation of the family in America. and the founder of the honored name in Carroll County, was born and reared in Maryland. and at the age of twenty-five came to Ohio and at Carrollton established the first tannery in Car- roll County. his enterprise being an important' asset and a stimulus to the industrial character of the pioneer village. This tannery was con- ducted by him for a number of years. He also bought land and developed and improved sev- eral farm properties in the vicinity of Carroll- ton. Before coming to Ohio he had served as a lieutenant in a Pennsylvania regiment in the War of 1812. Many years later he was post- master at Carrollton during the Civil war. He died in 1873 and his wife in 1868. All of their twelve children are now deceased. Their names in order of birth were Washington, Franklin, Jonathan, Morgan, Lafayette. George. Adams, Amanda, who became Mrs. Miles O'Connor. Harriet, who was Mrs. Benjamin B. Moore. Elizabeth. Cynthia Ann and Jefferson. Of those to grow up only Washington remained a resi- dent of Carroll County to the end of his life.

Washington Butler was born at Carrollton April 6. 1819. and obtained the education of a pioneer village. His associations were with his father's tannery until he was elected to the office of county auditor. He filled that position for two terms and afterwards for many years was deputy auditor. In partnership with L. D. Rowley he embarked in 1864 in the mercantile business at Carrollton, was a dealer in men's furnishing goods and also a merchant tailor. He continued in business until his death in April. 1883. at the age of sixty-four. Washing- ton Butler was an uncompromising republican and was a delegate to the national convention which nominated General Grant for President in 1872. Washington Butler married Susanna Van Buskirk, who survived him many years and passed away June 6. 1905. at the age of seventy-nine. He had seven children : William F., of whom more is said on other pages of this publication : Ann Elizabeth, who died the widow of James W. Cellars. of Carrollton; George J .: Mary F .. who was married to Rev. Absalom T.

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Aller and they removed to Kansas; Marshal J., widow of George H. Aller, of Carrollton, Carroll County ; Joseph C., whose record also finds place elsewhere in this publication; and Harry Sumner, now deceased. The latter, long iden- tified with the mercantile establishment of his brother, George, was born January 12, 1864. and as a youth had the distinction of being the first newsboy at Carrollton, distributing Cleve- land and Cincinnati papers. He married in 1886 Miss Mary Morris and was the father of one child.

George J. Butler acquired a substantial com- mon school education at Carrollton. In 1868 he became a clerk in the drygoods store of James Huston. This store was in the building now occupied by the Carrollton Laundry. During 1869 he again attended school at Car- rollton, and in 1870 began work as clerk in the general store of Isaac Crumrine. Mr. Crum- rine had one store in the present City Laundry Building and another in the old McCook Build- ing. It was in the latter establishment that Mr. Butler was employed. In 1879 he bought the business, and thereafter for forty-one years until his death he kept it one of the most pro- gressive and popular of the general mercantile establishments of the city.

The late Mr. Butler gave an unwavering allegiance to the republican party. His good citizenship was attested by the ability with which he filled such offices as city treasurer. city councilman, and member of the Board of Education. . He and his wife were both active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

April 26, 1873. Mr. Butler married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Skeeles. She was born in Tuscara- was County. Ohio, daughter of Maj. David and Rhuhama Skeeles. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Butler is Gertrude A. She is the wife of Paul H. Kemerer. formerly business manager of the Carrollton Freepress Standard, and now one of the owners of the Western Lyceum Bureau at Waterloo. Iowa. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Kemerer are Elizabeth, Alice Delo. George Duncan and Virginia Ruth. Elizabeth Kemerer is now the wife of Vance T. Grimes of Claysville, Pennsylvania, and their son. Vance T., Jr., is the only great-grandchild of Mrs. Butler.

George J. Butler died after a brief illness. There has been a tangible vacancy in the busi- ness community where he functioned for so many years. His friends and associates ad- mired not only his success but also the regu- larity and methodical promptness and faithful- ness, the best evidence of his love for his work. It is said that he was at his place of business 313 days in the year. Personally he was quiet and unassuming, and outside business hours his life was lived for his home and family and the public honors bestowed upon him were not of his own seeking. He was liberal to church and charity, but his real generosity was expressed in many unremembered acts of love that were unknown even to his most intimate friends. Mr. Butler owned one of the finest homes in the city, and he had long realized the worthy am- bition to provide well for his family.

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History of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio, Part 107

Author: H. J. Eckley, William T. Perry Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Number of Pages: 678

Author: H. J. Eckley, William T. Perry
Publication date: 1921
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 678