History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 128

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Ohio > Crawford County > History of Crawford County and Ohio > Part 128

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reward will be given with the words of Script- ure, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joys of thy Lord."

CHARLES A. BROWN, farmer ; P. O. Sul- phur Springs ; was born in Wittenberg, Ger- many, Nov. 13, 1831, and is the son of John and Rosanna (Gruber) Brown, or Braun, as it is in the original German. His parents came to the United States in 1832, and were thirty days in crossing the ocean. They first set- tled in Columbiana Co., and the following year removed to Crawford Co. and settled in this township, where Mr. Brown's father lived till his death in 1856. Here our subject was reared and schooled, and has always followed farm- ing. He has been a successful farmer, and has, by hard work and shrewd business habits, amassed considerable property. He is living now near the center of the township, and has a fine farm and pleasant home, being blessed with a good family of loving and bright chil- dren. He was married in 1871 to Lavinia Eas- terday, of Vernon Township. They have four children-Wilson, Albertus, Milton and one unnamed.

WILLIAM COX, retired farmer ; P. O. Lib- erty Corners ; is the son of Emmor and Eliza- beth (Hough) Cox, and was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Ang. 12, 1805. His father was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, and was raised in Chester Co., where he lived throughout the Revolution. The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm in Franklin Co., eight miles southeast of Colum- bus. Here he received his education, his first teacher being Rhoda Goodrich, of Delaware Co. While a young man, Mr. Cox commenced teaching, and himself and brother were among the first school-teachers in Franklin Co. He

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also continued at farming, and was married in 1829 to Sarah Ward, of Franklin Co., who was born on Blennerhasset's Island. Two years after this marriage, in 1831, he came out to Ohio, and settled in Sandusky Township, thus being one of its oldest living pioneers. Here he followed farming, and also for several years was school-teacher during the winter, so that he is also one of the pioneer school-teachers of the county. Mr. Cox lived with his first wife a little over fifty years, and of this union there were eight children-Hannah Eliza dying at the age of 8, leaving the following now living and doing well : G. W. Cox, living in Paulding Co. ; Lydia Jane, Greenwood, Mo. ; Margaret, near Upper Sandusky; Emmor, in Crestline ; Sarah, Seymour, Indiana ; John, in Paulding Co., and Mary, the wife of Obadiah Fry, liv- ing in Sandusky Township. Mr. Cox was re- married, July 16, 1878, to Eliza Walter, widow of Antony Walter, of Sandusky Township, and they are now spending their last days in ease and retirement, honored and respected by all who know them.

J. C. COLE, farmer ; P. O. Biddle ; was born in Auburn Township, this county, on April 17, 1824, and is the son of Barnett Cole, who was one of the very earliest settlers of that section. Mr. Cole, the subject of our sketch, is one of the first white children born in Auburn, and is, therefore, one of the oldest living pioneers of the county. A short time after his birth, his father removed into Vernon Township, and settled below what is now called Liberty Corners. Mr. Cole was brought up amid the difficulties incident to pioneer life, and was, like many others, educated in a rude schoolhouse, contrasting greatly with the com- modious structures of to-day. He was reared on a farm, but after reaching manhood he learned the trade of weaving faney coverlets, and followed this trade for a number of years with good success. Since then, he has paid considerable attention to farming, and is now running a eider press on his place. By habits of industry he has gathered around him a nice property, and is one of the most respected citi- zens of his township. He was married in 1858, to Miss Mary A. Warner, of Vernon Township, a sister of Esquire Warner, of Liberty Corners, whose history oceurs elsewhere. This union was blessed with nine children, three of whom, Amos, Sarah, and an infant, are dead. Those

living are Samuel F., George, John B., Clara, Alexander and Albert.

ANDREW DICKSON, Sr., farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs. Andrew Dickson, Sr., one of the prominent members of his family, is a son of Andrew Dickson and Sarah Frazer, and was born in Indiana Co., Penn., June 24, 1811. He removed to this county at the age of 20, and has since resided here. He was married, first in 1833, to Mary T. Cummins in this county, who died in 1834, leaving one child, Sarah J., who is the wife of J. D. Brown, of Tiro. Mr. Dickson was re-married in 1841, to Mary Clemons, who is still living. Nine children are the fruits of this union, three, how- ever, being deceased. Those living are Mary Ann, wife of Geo. Johnson ; John Andrew, Eliza Catharine, Maria Celina, Elizabeth E., Hannah J. Mr. Dickson has been one of the prominent men of Crawford County, and by his integrity has won for himself a high place among his fellow-citizens. He has been en- gaged principally in stock-raising and farming, and it is said that his farm is one of the finest in the county. He has been Justice of the Peace for several years, and served two terms as County Commissioner. He was also Presi- dent for three years of the Crawford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In 1871, he was a member of the State Board of Equaliza- tion, of which Hon. W. S. Groesbeck, of Cincin- nati, was President. Mr. Dickson has been a prominent man in the affairs of his county, and his ability and good judgment entitle him to a front place among Crawford County's citizens. His family is one of the oldest in the county. Seldom have so large families been found where Christianity has been ever a controlling element, and whose members take delight in the ways of righteousness and paths of peace.

A. D. GROGG, farmer ; P. O. Biddle ; was born April 25, 1847, in Liberty Township, this county, and is the son of Abraham and Anna (Bowers) Grogg, who are still living and highly esteemed residents of Liberty Township. Her father is a native of Pennsylvania, and came to this county from Stark Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch was reared in Liberty Township, and received a good education, fitting him espe- cially for business life. His father has always been a fariner, and his son is now one of the most successful young farmers in Sandusky Township. He was married on Nov. 28, 1867,

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to Eliza Jane Cobb, of this county. They have three children living-Drusilla A., Daniel E. and Abraham L .; two other children dying when very young. Mr. Grogg is a life-long Republican, but is a man universally respected in his township, and, although it is strongly Democratic, he was recently elected Justice of the Peace, but refused to serve. He is a man of enlightened opinions, and of that agrecable disposition that makes him popular with all.

JOHN KNISELY, farmer ; P. O. North Robinson ; was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, near what is now New Philadelphia, Jan. 20, 1822 ; he is the son of Samuel Knisely, who was a native of York Co., Penn., and who was one of the earliest settlers in Sandusky Town- ship, coming here in 1828. Ile settled on the place now owned by Joseph Knisely. The sub- ject of our sketch was reared on a farm amid the privations of frontier life, and denied the educational privileges that now exist ; he, how- ever, being a man of considerable natural tal- ent and love of knowledge, improved himself as time and circumstances would allow, and ac- quired thereby a good self-education. He has a fine farm, well improved, and a fine residence which is an ornament to the neighborhood. He has served in several township offices, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his neigh- bors. He has been identified with the stock trade to a considerable extent, and is now one of the most efficient agents of the Mutual In- surance Company of Norwalk, Ohio, for which he is doing valuable work. He was married, June 10, 1846, to Elizabeth Esterline, of Ver- non Township ; they have four children living -Lydia Jane, Mary Louisa, William J. and Rosa Lucinda, all of whom are married and doing well.

PHILLIP KELLER, farmer ; P. O. Sulphur Springs ; was born in January, 1818, in North- ampton Co., Penn., and is the son of John H. and Maria (Engler) Keller. The family record can be traced back to the great-grandfather, and, being interesting, we have copied the record from the family Bible, as follows : Joseph Kel- ler, born March 15, 1719 ; died, Sept. 17, 1800. His consort, Maria E. Good, born Sept. 15, 1718 ; died April 22, 1802. Phillip Keller, born March 29, 1763 ; died Oct. 2, 1842 ; first wife, Sarah Miller, born Sept. 27, 1763 ; died, Oct. 16, 1804 ; second wife, Susanna Niemeier, born Nov. 22, 1770 ; died, Dec. 4, 1859. John

H. Keller, born Dec. 24, 1786 ; died Sept. 10, 1867. Maria Engler, born July 4, 1797 ; still living in Bucyrus, aged 83. The family history of the Kellers is very interesting. Two broth- ers of Phillip (grandfather to our subject) were in the Revolution, and in most of the hard-fought battles under Gen. Washington. In the family of Mr. Keller's father, there were six brothers and two sisters, of whom Phillip is the oldest. Two brothers, Amos and Aaron, were killed at the battle of "Stone River," dur- ing the late war. His father removed from Northampton Co., Penn., to this State in 1856, settling in this county, and Mr. Keller has been engaged in farming ever since. He was mar- ried in 1845, to Hannah Stocker, in Pennsylva- nia. Most of his life has been spent in farm- ing, except some four years in which he taught school. He has living, seven children-Maria B., Sabina E., John Henry, Ellen S., Abbie L., Lydia Ann, Francis Amos. Those deceased are Susanna and Sarah Ann. Mr. Keller has been Justice for some time, and is now Presi- dent of the Crawford Co. Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He has a fine home, is surrounded by a loving family, and has gathered around him the requirements and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. Keller is a Republican, and a man held in high esteem throughout the county.

JOSIAH KELLER, farmer ; P. O. Tiro ; was born in Northampton Co., Penn., Oct. 14, 1846, and is the son of Joseph and Lavinia (Kline) Keller. He received a good education, and at the age of 11, he with his parents removed to this State, settling where the son now lives. The father is now a respected and esteemed citi- zen of Annapolis. The subject of our sketch has lived on a farm, and has been a successful farmer. He was married in May, 1871, to Miss Maggie Reynolds, of Kansas. Of this mar- riage there have been three children-Lillie D., born Dec. 22, 1873; Lavinia B., born April 7, 1877, and died Nov. 30, 1879, and an infant born on the 8th of January, 1880. Mr. Keller is an enterprising, successful farmer, a man of enlightened views, and a Christian gentleman. He is a Republican in politics, and has always clung to that faith. He is a member of the church, and in every way an upright and sub- stantial citizen.

LEWIS LITTLER, farmer ; P. O. Leesville ; was born in Hardy Co., Va., Dec. 13, 1811. and is the son of Abraham and Sarah (Moore) Lit-

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tler. His father was a farmer, and remained in Virginia nntil 1832, when he removed to Craw- ford Co., Ohio, and settled in Jefferson Town- ship, where he lived until his death. His father, Thomas Littler, was engaged in the Revolution under Washington. Lewis' father was born June 24, 1780, his wife, Sarah Moore, was born Nov. 9, 1783. They were married the 11th of

June. 1803. The fruits of this union were eleven children, as follows : Nathan, born Jan. 12, 1804 ; Mahala, April 19, 1806 ; Joel, Jan. 31,1808 ; Scotty, Nov. 26, 1809 ; Lewis, Dec. 13, 1811; Elizabeth. Nov. 30, 1813; Isaac, Oct. 30, 1815 ; Magdalen, June 3, 1817 ; Dor- sey, March 21, 1819; Cecelia, May 16, 1821 ; William, Oct. 9, 1823. Lewis was one of the pioneers of Sandusky Township, and was obliged to work very hard in order to succeed ; he has always been a farmer, and a successful one. Mr. Littler has been a prominent citizen of the county, and has served in several posi- tions of trust ; he was County Commissioner for two terms, and is counted as one of the best Commissioners that the county ever had. He was married Oct. 14, 1841, to Mary Cham - bers, of Jackson Township, who was born in Washington Co., Penn., March 21, 1812. They have had six children-William S., born Nov. 3, 1842 ; Abraham D., July 29, 1844 ; Sarah E., May 3, 1846 ; Emeline C., May 30, 1848 ; John W., April 1, 1850; Frank P., in December, 1852. Mr. Littler is one of the most substan- tial citizens of his township, and has a fine home, surrounded by all that makes life pleas- ant.

R. B. McCAMMON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Ohio Co., W. Va., Sept. 19, 1841, and is the son of James and Mary (Blayney) McCammon. His father is still living on the old homestead, where he was also born and raised. Mr. McCammon removed to this State and county in 1867, and settled in Sandusky Township. He was a soldier in the 12th W. V. I. under Hunter and Sigel, and, later, under Sheridan and Grant, at the surrender of Appomattox. He was married in this township Oct. 13, 1838, to Sarah E. Stephenson, whose father, John Stephenson, was one of the most re- spected citizens of the community; he died Sept. 2, 1879 ; his wife died in March of the same year. Mrs. McCammon is now the only child living, a brother being dead. Mr. McCammon is one of the enterprising business men of his town-

ship, and, although young, has control of more land than any man in it, his farm compris- ing 607 acres of as good land as there is in the county. He has been successful as a farmer, and has a great amount of energy. He is a gentleman that one likes to meet, and has a pleasant, hospitable home, in the very center of the township. They have four children-Lee Anna, Edmund, Francis Milton and John Ste- phenson.

OLIVER P. McKEEHEN, farmer ; P. O. Sul- phur Springs ; is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Anderson) McKeehen, and was born in Indiana Co., Penn., May 27, 1838. His father removed to Ohio when our subject was quite young, and settled in Richland Co., and then near De Kalb. He next removed to near Leesville, and then to Londonville, and from there to Sandusky Township and located on the farm now owned by his son Oliver P. Here our subject lived till he was 22, and worked on the farm. After one more year spent in work for his father, he commenced buying and shipping stock, and followed this until after the war, being very successful. He then rented his father's farm and farmed it for three years, after which he bought 60 aeres opposite his present farm, and lived there three and a half years, when his honse was burned to the ground. He soon after bought the farm where he now lives, of his father, and has been living there ever since, having built upon it a fine brick residence and otherwise improved it, so that it is one of the best and most desirable in the township. He was married Nov. 29, 1865, to Martha J. Smith, daughter of Alexander Smith, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work ; they have six children-Laura Etta, Charles Edgar, Clara Edith, Anna Eurilla, Oliver Francis and Smith Leroy. Mr. McKeehen has been one of the most enterprising and successful farmers of his vicinity, and is a man held in high esteem by all who know him.

JAMES NAIL, farmer ; P. O. Sulphur Springs ; is the oldest living settler of Craw- ford Co., and is one of those noble-hearted pioneers who are quickly passing away, and who will soon be gone, leaving only history and tradition to tell the tale of their suffering and privations. James Nail came to this county, and made a settlement in 1817, in the south- east corner, near Galion. Here he lived until 1822, when he married Susan Brown, this mar-

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riage being the first ever solemnized in the county, Mr. Nail being compelled to go to Del- aware for a license. His son, Henry Nail, now living in Grant Co., Mo., was perhaps the first white child born in the county. Mr. Nail tells strange and interesting stories regarding early times. He was born in 1797, and is conse- quently at this time at the advanced age of 83. He is one of the grand old gentlemen of his township, being genial and hospitable, with a kind word for everybody, and has always been a man who commanded the respect of all who knew him.

AARON RADER, farmer ; P. O. Sulphur Springs. One of the most prosperous farmers of Crawford Co., is Aaron Rader, who, with his family has been a resident of the county since 1856. He was born, May 29, 1817, in North- ampton Co., Penn., and is the son of Peter Rader and Catharine Fried. Mr. Rader, during the early days of his manhood, learned milling, and followed the business for a number of years, and later engaged in farming. He was mar- ried 8th of September, 1840, to Sabina Baner and their union has been blessed with several children, eight of whom are yet living, one hav- ing died recently. They are as follows-Owen Henry, James Peter (deceased), Enos G., Franklin, Maria Catharine, Jacob Thomas, John David, William Benjamin Francis Owen. Owen H., James P. and Enos George were in the late war, enlisting in the 49th O. V. I., and were in the battle of Stone River along with the Keller boys, of whom mention is made in the history of Phillip Keller. Mr. Rader's children have all been well educated, and are now all in splendid circumstances. They are all of them young men of estimable worth and ability. Two are in Clyde, Ohio, engaged in business; Jacob is agent for the Clyde Nursery, and the others are engaged in var- ious pursuits, James B. was at one time Post- master at Bucyrus, and afterward was a Gov- ernment clerk in the Treasury Department at Washington. He was an estimable young man of promise. He died at Bucyrus, Jan. 7, 1880, of consumption, in the very prime of his man- hood. He was born April 1, 1843, being, at the time of his death, 36 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Rader are estimable people, who stand high in their community. They have a pleas- ant and beautiful home, and are in possession of a fine farm. Mr. Rader is a man of noted

integrity, is a steadfast Republican, as are also his sons.

WILLIAM A. ROBERTSON, farmer ; P. O. Leesville ; was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, May 27, 1809, and is the son of David and Sarah (McCune) Robertson. His father and mother were both natives of Pennsylvania. He settled in Ohio in 1793, and was married in that State in 1796. William lived in Jefferson Co., Ohio, for many years, and was engaged there in the woolen mills. With his family he removed to Jefferson Township, Crawford Co., in 1856, where he now owns a farm. He is now living in Sandusky Township, on the farm of his brother, who died about a year ago. He was married, in 1834, to Sophia Dean, in Jefferson Co. She is a native of Pennsylvania. There are now living the following children : David, Robert, Abbie J., Elizabeth and Margery. Mr. Robertson and all his family are earnest Chris- tians, and are well educated and well read. Mr. Robertson is a stanch Republican and a hospit- able Christian gentleman. His son, David Rob- ertson, is one of the best read and informed men in the township, possessing a large and comprehensive library, and being also a great lover of art and literature.

ALEXANDER SMITH, farmer ; P. O. Sul- phur Springs ; was born in Washington Co., Penn., June 2, 1821, and is the son of Joseph and Jane (Hogan) Smith. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1797, and came first to Ohio in 1821. He entered 160 acres of land and settled on it permanently in 1825, being one of the earliest settlers in the township, there being but five families then there. He settled on the land now owned by his son. He lived here and exerted himself to improve his land until his death, in 1843, at the early age of 46. The subject of our sketch was left, as the eldest of six children, to look after the interests of both farm and family, which he did in a creditable manner, working hard and being economical. He early took a lively interest in religion, and has been, throughout his life, a consistent, earn- est Christian worker, who has devoted much time and means to the advancement of Christ's cause. He was one of the earliest residents of his township, and is now probably the oldest living settler. He was married, in 1843, to Nancy Jane Dicks, of Columbiana Co. Of this marriage, there are five children living-Martha Jane, Joseph Marion, Porter Willis, Ada and

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Alexander. Phobe Murilla and Tabitha Ann are dead. Mr. Smith has been one of the most successful farmers of the township, and is one of its most prominent men.

WILLIAM R. STONE, farmer ; P. O. Tiro; was born in Washington Co., Penn., Jan. 2, 1826, and is the son of Adam and Mary Love (Robinson) Stone. His father was born in Jef- ferson Co., Ohio, seven miles from Steuben- ville, on Island Creek. His mother was born on Cross Creek, Washington Co., Penn. Mr. Stone removed to this State with his parents when he was 5 years old, at a time when it was as yet in its infancy, being wild and unculti- vated. Here Mr. Stone endured all the priva- tions of pioneer life in bringing up the land to its present state of cultivation. His father lived here until his death, dying at the age of 75, his wife having died some time previous. He was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and learned his trade with Barney McNutt, of Pennsylvania. He made the first coffin in this township, and also one of the first barns. In 1850, Mr. Stone went to California, remaining there two years. and returned to his farm in Sandusky Township. He was married, in Feb- ruary, 1854, to Mary Ann George, of Pennsyl- vania. Her folks are at present residents of Clarke Co., Mo. Of this union, there were four children : Viola, the eldest, is married to George W. Cole, and living in Sandusky Town- ship ; Amanda Eleonora and Eva Esther are those that are living ; James, the only son, was born in 1858, and was a young man beloved by all who knew him. He was taken sick May 27 with typhoid pneumonia, and died June 8. He was a young man of whom any father might well be proud. His death was greatly lamented, and he was laid to rest in Sandusky burial-ground, followed by the largest con- course of any funeral ever held in the town- ship. Peace to his memory, for peaceful is his rest, as he awaiteth the day of final meeting in the land where partings shall be no more.

SAMUEL STONE, farmer; P. O. Tiro ; was born on the place where he now lives, June 25, 1832. He is the son of Samuel and Mary (Robinson) Stone, who came from Pennsylvania in 1831 and settled in Sandusky Township. At the time of their settlement, there were few

residents of the township, and the subject of this sketch was consequently inured to the hardships and privations of pioneer life. He was reared on a farm, and received a fair edu- cation. His life has been spent in tilling the soil, and all but four years has been on the farm of his father. He was married, Sept. 14, 1858, to Elizabeth Dickson, of Vernon Town- slip, a daughter of Jonathan Dickson, on l sis- ter of James Dickson, Jr., whose biography ap- pears elsewhere in this work. Of this union there are three children-Lottie Elizabeth, Ella and Clifton. Mr. Stone is a man of enlight- ened views, and his family has been given the advantages of education, so that their home is one of liberal culture and refinement.

ADAM WERT, farmer ; P. O. North Robin- son ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., June 5, 1817. He is the son of one of the earliest set- tlers in Sandusky Township, his father coming here in 1826, when Mr. Wert was but 9 years old. He has ever since been a resident of the township. His father was a man of religious principles, and much devoted to the success and furtherance of the cause of Christ. To his honor it may be said that he inaugurated the first Sunday school ever held in the county. He was one of the first to help in the organiza- tion of a church, and was throughout his life an Elder, and a devoted worker and worshiper in the vineyard of his Master. Twenty-five years ago he died, an old man, yet honored in his old age, and respected by all who knew him as a man who loved righteousness and eschewed evil. His sons all followed in his footsteps, and are of those who are living faithful and upright Christians. The subject of our sketch was mar- ried, in 1840, to Mary McMannis, a native of Pennsylvania. There were nine children of this union, all of whom are living-William H. is in Putman Co .; Sarah Elizabeth in Sandusky Co .; Peter F. in Richland Co .; Matilda Ann in Sandusky ; A. J. in Williams Co., while Nicholas B., John A., Mary Emeline and Belle are at home. His children are all doing well, and have been brought up in accordance with those principles of religion and right which have governed che lives of their father and father's father before them.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 128

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034