History of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio, Part 21

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 21
USA > Ohio > Carroll County > History of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio > Part 21

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(Lemmon) Morgan, both likewise natives of that

WILLIAM T. SHIELDS has not found is neces- county and the latter a daughter of Griffith and .. sary to leave his native township in order to Mary (Shirdon) Lemmon, of whom incidental find opportunities and advantages essential to successful achievement, and he is to-day one of the vigorous representatives of farm enterprise in Short Creek Township, Harrison County, where he holds the position of farm superin- tendent for the Short Creek Coal Company and has supervision of the operations of a fine farm property .of about 1,200 acres. In the sketch of the career of his older brother, Milton M., on other pages of this volume is given ample record concerning the family history. record is given in other sketches appearing in this work, as is also additional data concerning the Morgan family. Levi Morgan, a son of George and Catherine (Jenkins) Morgan, was born and reared in Wheeling Township, Belmont County, the date of his nativity "having been March 1, 1829. . He continued to be identified with farm enterprise in his native county until 1860, when he came to Short Creek Township, Harrison County, where he continued to be en- gaged in farming until 1863, when he returned to Belmont County and became a farmer in Colerain Township, where he passed the residne of his life, his death having occurred on the 17th of April, 1892, and his widow having sur- vived him by several years. Both were zealous members of the Presbyterian Church. They be- came the parents of six children : James S., Lindley J. (who died October 24, 1917) ; Ross L. (died at the age of three years) ; John H., Mary E., and Elizabeth L.

James S. Morgan acquired his early education in the district schools of Colerain Township, Bel- mont County, and spent two years at the Hope- dale Normal School of Harrison County. In Belmont County was staged his initial activity as an independent farmer. He there continued operations until 1901, when he purchased and established his residence upon his present farm in Harrison County. He has never desired the honors or emoluments of public office but is a staunch supporter of the principles of the demo- .crat party, and both he and his wife hold mem- tership in the United Presbyterian Church.

On the 9th of September, 1890, was solemnized the marriage of. Mr. Morgan to Miss Margaret D. Rusk, daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth C. (Yost) Rusk, of Belmont County. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have four children: Edna Vinora, Mabel L, A. Rusk and Margaret Elizabeth. Edna V. is the wife of Delbert Spragg, and they' have three children, Mildred Irene, Helen Eliza- beth and Marion Lester. A. Ruck Morgan was one of the gallant young men who represented Harrison County in the nation's military serv -. ice in the World war. He entered the service on the 17th of May, 1918, and received his tech- nical training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, near Indianapolis, Indiana. He became a member of Company B, Forty-Eighth Engineers, in which he was made a sergeant of the first class. On the 31st of July, 1918, he embarked with his command for France, where he landed at Brest on the 12th of August. He continued in active service in connection with the American Expe- ditionary Forces for eleven months, in the con- struction of railway lines and terminals-a most essential part of military operations in the zone of conflict, and he remained abroad until June, 1919, on the 30th of which month he arrived at Brooklyn, New York, his honorable discharge having been given on the 18th of the following month. He honored his home county and state by his loyal service, and he is now in the em- ploy of the Pennsylvania Railway Company at Cambridge. Ohio. He married Pauline Lixle Minto, of Cambridge, on November 21, 1919.

William T. Shields was born in Short Creek Township on the 14th of April, 1873, and is a son of Joseph and Lucinda (Ruth) Shields, the former of whom died in 7880 and the latter in 1905. The subject of this review was afforded the advantage of the district schools of his native township and was seven years old at the time of his father's death. Thereafter the fam- ily resided about five years in Belmont County, where William continued his studies in the pub- lic schools, and after the return of the family to Short Creek Township he here eventually engaged in independent farm enterprise. He continued his farm activities, besides giving con- siderable attention to teaming, until the autumn of 1906, when he removed to the village of Georgetown, where he has since maintained his home. Here he conducted a general store for three years, and for five years thereafter was here engaged in the livery and teaming busi- ness. Since 1916 he has held the responsible office of farm superintendent for the Short Creek Coal Company. Mr. Shields has never manifested any ambition for political activity or preferment, but is aligned in the ranks of the republican party and is a loyal supporter of its cause. Both he and his wife hold mem- bership in the Presbyterian Church.

Adda M. (Barr) Shields, wife of the subject of this review, was born and reared in Har- rison County and is a daughter of David and Mary Barr. Mr. and Mrs. Shields have two children : Carrie M., who was born Septem- ber 22, 1896, is the wife of Clement Dorsey, and they have two children, Craig and Donald. George C., who was born August 2, 1898, is with the Short Creek Coal Company. The maiden name of his wife was Nettie Woods and they have one child, Adda May.

JOHN E. McPECK. It is specially gratifying to be able to present in this publication a review of the career of the venerable and honored na- tive son of Harrison County whose name initi- ates this paragraph, for his life has been marked by worthy thoughts and worthy deeds. He has not only been a prominent representative of farm industry in his native county but also went forth as one of the gallant young defend- ers of the Union when the national integrity was jeopardized by armed rebellion. He made a valiant record as a soldier in the Civil war and the same loyalty and integrity of purpose have characterized him in all of the relations of life. Mr. McPeck remains on his fine farm in Arches Township with his two older daughters, Misses Jane and Mattie, as his devoted companions.

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John E. M. Pek

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John E. McPeck was born in the village of Hanover, Harrison County, August 1, 1832. He is a son of George and Jane (Endsley) McPeck, the former of whom was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, October 24, 1808, and the latter was born in Archer Township, Harrison County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Jane (Blaine) Endsley, her father having come to Harrison County from Pennsylvania in 1808, and having become one of the sterling pioneer farmers of Archer Township, where he died April 29, 1835, his widow passing away January 29, 1848. The old Endsley farm is the home- stead now owned and occupied by John E. Mc- Peck, who came into possession of the property In 1870. George McPeck's parents passed the closing years of their lives in Harrison County. Their children were nine in number, six sons and three daughters. George McPeck came to Harrison County in 1829, and here he followed the trade of brick mason for fourteen years thereafter. October 6, 1831, recorded his mar- riage to Miss Jane Endsley, whose death oc- curred August 22, 1852, and who was survived by seven children. In 1853 Mr. McPeck wedded Mrs. Barbara Endsley, whose death occurred about one year later and who was survived by one child. In 1857 Mr. McPeck contracted a third marriage, when Mrs. Catherine A. Caldwell became his wife, her death having occurred July 10, 1883, and one child having been born of this union. Mr. McPeck, who had become a representative farmer in Archer township, died on the 24th of March, 1886, at the age of seventy- seven years and five months.

John E. McPeck acquired his early education in the pioneer schools of Harrison County and later attended the academy at New Hagerstown and also Richmond College in Jefferson County. As a young man he was a successful and popu- lar teacher in the rural schools and after his marriage he continued his association with school work and farm enterprise until the out- break of the Civil war gave the call of higher duty. Leaving his young wife and their two small children, he enlisted on the 11th of Au- gust, 1862, as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, in which he was made first lieutenant of his company. The regiment proceeded to Vir- ginia and took part in the battle of the Wilder- ness, in which the captain of Company C was killed, Mr. McPeck succeeding to command of the company. He was commissioned captain on June 27, 1864, and thereafter commanded his company in numerous battles and minor engage- ments, including the battles of Spottsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor, the siege of Pe- tersburg, and in the turning back of the Confed- erate forces under General Jubal A. Early. On the 9th of July, 1864, after having been severely wounded in the left leg, Captain McPeck was captured by the enemy, his comrades having sup- posed him dead and having thus reported to the people at home. At the same time that Captain MoPeck was wounded in the battle of the Mo- nonacy, Colonel Taft of the "Heavy Ninth of New York," was also wounded and lay on the field but a short distance away from where Captain McPeck lay. Captain McPeck requested

that he be taken to the wounded colonel. Both of the wounded officers were taken by ambulance to Frederick City and placed in hospital and given especial attention, a fact which Captain McPeck was at a loss to understand. The ex- planation which later came to him proved that Colonel Taft was a Mason, and that their cap- tors were likewise members of that order. Cap- tain McPeck was soon taken from his captors, In connection with the activities of the Union forces, and after remaining in a field hospital two months he received leave of absence. He received his honorable discharge on account of disability December 12, 1864, and returned home about the time of the Christmas holidays. After recuperating his health he served two terms as sheriff of Harrison County, and after his re- tirement from office he made a trip through the west, but his investigation but led to increased appreciation of his native county, with the result that he returned and in 1870 purchased the fine farm on which he has resided during the long intervening years. He is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he is affiliated with the post at Cadiz, and though venerable in years he retains splen- did physical vigor, the while his mental alert- ness is undiminished and is shown in his lively interest in community affairs and the questions and issues of the day. He is a zealous member of the Ridge Presbyterian Church, as was also his loved and devoted wife, who passed to the life eternal on the 7th of December, 1904, and whose memory is revered by all who came within the sphere of her gracious influence.

On the 8th of September, 1858, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. McPeck to Miss Mary David- son, daughter of Rev. Lewis H. and Lucy (La- tham) Davidson, who were at that time resi- dents of Washington Township, Harrison County, the father having been a clergyman of the Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. McPeck became the parents of five children : Jane and Mattie remain with their venerable father; Dr. Elmer F. was graduated from Starling Medical College at Columbus as a member of the class of 1889, and is now engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Cleveland. He married Miss Lillie S. Crowe, and they have two children, John Kendall and Mary Frances James, who was born November 2, 1865, died October 11, 1866. Lewis, who has the manage- ment of the old home farm, is individually men- tioned on other pages of this volume.

WILLIAM MAFFETT is giving a characteristically careful and effective administration as judge of the Probate Court of Carroll County, and is a representative of a sterling pioneer family of the Buckeye State, being a scion of staunch old colonial stock in Virginia, that gracious cradle of much of our national history. Judge Maffett was born in Center Township, Carroll County, February 27, 1874, and is a son of Alfred and Lucinda (Champer) Maffett, the former of whom was born in Columbiana County, this state, in 1825, and the latter was born in Car- roll County in 1838. William Maffett, grand- father of Judge Maffett, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, as was also his wife, whose

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maiden name was Catherine Lodge. They be- came pioneer settlers of Columbiana County, Ohio, whence they came to Carroll County about the year 1828. William Maffett took up a tract of heavily timbered Government land in Center Township, and to the reclamation, Improvement and cultivation of his pioneer farm he contin- ued to devote his attention during the remainder of his active career. He was well advanced in years at the time of his death, and his widow. who attained to the very advanced age of ninety-seven years, remained on the old home- stead until her death.

Jacob Champer, maternal grandfather of Judge Maffett, likewise was a native of the his- toric Old Dominion state, where was solemnized his marriage to Elizabeth Earnst, and they were numbered among the earliest settlers in Carroll County, Ohio, where they established their home long before the organization of the county under its present name. They developed a farm in Center Township, and there passed the residue of their lives. George Champer, a brother of Jacob, was one of the first surveyors in northeastern Ohio, and another brother. Leo Champer, made the original survey of the village of Carrollton. Jacob Champer not only became a representative farmer but also a pioneer miller in Carroll County, his mill having been one of the first established in this section of the state, and he was the second incumbent of the office of county surveyor of Carroll County. Both the paternal and maternal great-grandfathers of Judge Maffett were patriot soldiers of the Con- tinental Line in the War of the Revolution. Al- fred Maffett was reared on the old home farm in Center Township, and made good use of the advantages afforded in the common schools of the locality and period. He eventually became the owner of the old homestead, and he con- tinued as one of the substantial exponents of agricultural industry in Center Township until his death in 1885. He was a man of fine mental- ity and sterling character, commanded unquali- fled popular esteem and was influential in com- munity affairs, his political allegiance having been given to the democratic party. His widow survived him by more than a quarter of a cen- tury and passed to the life eternal in 1912, as one of the venerable and revered pioneer women of Carroll County. They became the parents of six children : Jonathan, Martha (deceased), John J., Catherine, William and Elmer.

The environment and influence of the ances- tral home farm compassed the childhood and youth of Judge Maffett, and after having com- pleted the curriculum of the local schools he entered the Ohio Northern College at Ada, in which he completed both classical and law courses, receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1899. Proving himself well fortified for his chosen profession, he was admitted to the bar of his native state in 1899, and In the following year opened a law office at Carrollton, where he built up a substantial and representative general law practice, to which he continued to give his undivided attention until his election to the office of judge of the Probate Court in 1912, the estimate placed upon his administra- tion having been shown in his re-election at the

expiration of his first term. His present term expires in 1921. The Judge was twice elected mayor of Carrollton, served two terms as prose- cuting attorney of his native county, and has secure status as one of the representative mem- bers of the bar of this section of the state, as well as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. He is an uncompromising advocate of the prin- ciples of the democratic party and has been in- fluential in its councils in this section of the state. He is affiliated with the Masonic frater- nity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his family hold membership in the Christian Church. Though Carrollton is a rock- ribbed republican stronghold, yet Judge Maffett, a democrat, was twice elected its mayor, besides he served a few years as city solicitor and also as clerk of the election board of the county. These statements bear significance as testifying to the inviolable place he has in popular con- fidence in his native county. As a young man he was a successful teacher in the district schools of Center, Union and Washington townships, and in the pedagogic profession likewise he made an excellent reputation, besides cementing the staunchest of friendships in the districts in which he taught. During the World war Judge Maffett was chairman of the Carroll County War Savings Committee, and in connection with the various loans he was influential in causing the county to go "over the top." As chairman of the committee mentioned he was gratified when the county gave subscription for war-sav- ings stamps in excess of $400,000. A memorial tablet is to be placed in the Court House to commemorate the splendid response made by Carroll County in support of war activities.

In 1915 was solemnized the marriage of Judge Maffett to Miss Anna Morrow, who likewise was born and reared in Carroll County, a daughter of William F. Morrow, a respresentative farmer in Fox Township. Judge and Mrs. Maffett have two children, Martha E. and Elizabeth L.

ALBERT SINGER still resides on his well im- proved farm of about ninety-three acres in Short Creek Township, Harrison County, but the ac- tive management of the place is now vested in his son Milton S., who rents the property. It is specially interesting to record that the name of the Singer family has been linked with agricul- tural enterprise in Short Creek Township since the year 1808, though at the time when John Singer came to Harrison County from Virginia be found no fields awaiting cultivation, but was compelled to make a clearing in the virgin forest before a place could be made for his primitive log cabin. Then followed the herculean task of reclaiming land for cultivation, and John Singer and his wife endured the full tension of frontier life, with increasing prosperity attending them as the successive years brought advancement in civic and industrial affairs in this section of the Buckeye State.

John Singer was born in Virginia, where the family was founded in the colonial days, and his name is enrolled on the list of honored pioneers who aided in the initial development of Har- rison County, Ohio, where he and his wife re- mained until their death. Of their seven chil-

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dren the eldest was James, who was born in Virginia in 1806, and who was thus about two years old at the time when his parents made the overland journey and established a home in Harrison County, Ohio. Here he was reared under the influences of the early pioneer days, and as a young man he engaged in the over- land hauling of merchandise and other com- modities from Philadelphia and other eastern points, to which he took the produce from the farms of Harrison County. He made many of these tedious overland trips through a wild and sparcely settled country, and made the business a success. Finally he purchased a tract of land near the old homestead of his father, and he continued as one of the prosperous farmers and honored and influential citizens of Short Creek Township until his death in March, 1880, his wife having passed away in August, 1872. In politics he was originally an old-line whig, but he united with the republican party at the time of its organization and ever afterward supported its cause. He and his wife held membership in the Presbyterian Church. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom three sons and one daughter are living at the time of this writing, in 1920. In 1838 Mr. Singer wedded Miss Tacy Goodwin, who likewise was born and reared in Short Creek Township, a daughter of Jesse Goodwin, an honored pioneer who was a member of the Society. of Friends.

Albert Singer, the seventh in order of birth of the twelve children of James and Tacy ( Good- win) Singer, was born on the old homestead farm of his parents in Short Creek Township, and the date of his nativity was June 22, 1851. Here he has maintained his home during the long intervening period, and as a farmer and citizen he has effectively upheld the honors of the name which he bears. His early education was obtained in the district schools, and he was a young man when he began his independent enterprise as an agriculturist and stock-grower. He continued in the active management of his farm until about 1911, since which time he has here remained, with his son Milton S. in active charge of the farm operations. He is a repub- lican in his political proclivities, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyte- rian Church in the neghboring village of Adena. Jefferson County.

On the 31st of October. 1872, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Singer to Miss Cynthia E. Shields, who likewise was born and reared in Short Creek Township, and who is the only sur- viving child of Joseph and Martha (Stires) Shields the latter of whom was born in Har- rison County, a daughter of John Stires, another sterling pioneer. Joseph Shields was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1825, a son of Benoni and Lydia ( Woodward) Shields, who came from the old Keystone State to Har- rison County, Ohio, in 1829 and settled on a pioneer farm in Short Creek Township, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Their eleven children were all born prior to the family migration to Ohio. Joseph Shields was about four years old when the home was established in Short Creek Township, where he was reared to manhood and where he continued a prosperous

farmer until his death, June 16, 1880. His first wife died in 1854, as did also her first two chil- dren, and the one child who attained to matur- ity is Cynthia Eleanor, wife of Mr. Singer of this review. Mrs. Lucinda (Ruth) Shields, the second wife of Joseph Shields, survived her husband by several years, both having held membership in the Presbyterian Church at Adena. They became the parents of nine chil- dren, and of their son Milton M. individual mention is made on other pages, with further data concerning the family.

In conclusion is entered brief record concern- ing the children of Mr. and Mrs. Singer: Iva Grace, who was born in 1873, married Preston Dickerson, of Short Creek Township; Emma L., born in 1875, is the wife of Robert Hendershot, and they have seven children, Waneta, Irene, Floyd, Foster, Carrie Marie, Grace May, and Fay Eleanor. Joseph Oscar, who was born in 1878, married Miss Grace H. Reppart, and they have two children-Lloyd A. and Delbert Ray. Walter A., who was born in 1881, married Miss Mabel Mercer, and they have three children- Hazel May, Dorothy Adell and Frances Isabel. Milton S., who was born in 1883 and who now rents and operates his father's farm, married Miss Irma W. Reppart, and their two children are Mildred Edna and James Louis. Harvey H. was born in 1888 and died in 1891. Carrie Odessa, who was born in 1892, is the wife of Horace S. Heaton, and they have one child, Helen Leona.

JOHN R. SERGEANT, who is still identified with farm industry in Short Creek Township, Harri- son County, has been a resident of this county from the time of his birth, and when it is noted that he has now passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten it becomes evident that he is a representative of a family to which pioneer distinction applies. He was born on the 25th of December, 1848, and thus became a welcome Christmas arrival in the pioneer home of his parents, Charles and Tabitha (Strodes) Sergeant. Charles Sergeant likewise was born in Short Creek Township, and thus emphasis is given to the pioneer honors which touch the family name. He was a son of Amos and Elizabeth Sergeant, who were num- bered among the earliest settlers in Short Creek Township, the father having been born and reared in the State of New Jersey. The chil- dren of Amos Sergeant were six in number- Redden, Amos, Mary. Rainey, Catherine and Charles.

Charles Sergeant was reared under the condi- tions that marked the pioneer era in the history of Harrison County, and in Short Creek Town- ship he continued his farm activities until about 1870, when he removed to Missouri. Later he settled in the State of Kansas as a pioneer and there he remained until his death, his wife also having died in that state. They became the parents of seven children-Elizabeth, Amanda, Charlotte, David, William, Vanselis and John R.

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History of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio, Part 21

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