USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Ohio : containing a history of the county, its townships, towns portraits of early settlers and prominent men, biographies, history of the Northwest Territory, history of Ohio, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc > Part 77
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DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
THOMAS WILSON ARNOLD, farmer, P. O. Forest, Hardin County, was born January 24, 1829, in Athens County, Ohio. His parents, Thomas and Rachel Arnold, moved to Delaware County, Ohio, about 1831 or 1832, where they resided until their death, an event that left our subject at the age of fifteen years to take care of himself, and he came the following year to Delaware Township, this county. Here he lived with William Moore, and afterward purchased a piece of land in Pleasant Township, this county, and in June, 1851, he married, in Pleasant Township, Miss Rachel Nicholson, who had been a resident of Wood County, Ohio, from girlhood. They sold their property in Pleasant Township, and located where they now reside, in Delaware Township, Hancock County, in 1853, where they have a farm of 160 acres of land, after having given eighty acres to their sons. The chil- dren of our subject and wife were Mrs. Amelia Reigle, Aaron (killed in 1864, at the age of twenty years, by falling from a tree), Francis M., Mrs. Eliza Malone, Stephen A., Rebecca, Thomas W., Mary and Rachel. Mrs. Arnold died in September, 1870, and in 1873 Mr. Arnold married, for his second wife, Mrs. Sarah A. Martin; they have one son, William Alton. Mr. Arnold, formerly a Whig, has been a Republican in politics ever since the organiza- tion of. the party. He is an enterprising and successful farmer, and one of the leading citizens of Delaware Township. In August, 1862, in response
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
to the President's call for 600,000 troops, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and took part in many of the battles of the campaigns in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. He received an honorable discharge from the service in August, 1864, on account of disabilities. His record in the army is that of a brave and faithful soldier, who was always ready for the discharge of his duty.
AARON FENTON BURSON, retired physician, Mt. Blanchard, was born August 27, 1812, in Loudoun County, Va., son of George and Susanna (Kent) Burson, who settled in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1818. They reared a family of nine children, the Doctor being their seventh child. After receiving a literary education our subject entered upon the study of medi- cine, in 1829, under the celebrated Dr. George McCook, Professor of Sur- gery in the University at Baltimore, Md., and father of Gen. McCook. Dr. Burson completed his course in the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and in 1832 began the practice of his chosen profession at Mt. Blanchard, this county, where he has since resided. He was the first physician in Delaware Township, and also the first physician in this part of the county. He was widely known for his skill and success in treating milk-sickness and the nu- merous malarial troubles which afflicted the pioneers of the early days. He built up a very large practice, which extended into parts of several of the adjoining counties, and, on retiring, in 1862, he found it very difficult to relinquish his connection. But, having acquired a competency, and finding that, after having practiced medicine for over thirty years, fur- ther active interest in the profession would be injurious to his health, he re- tired, and for years has devoted himself to experimental chemistry. Dr. Burson has discovered a process for producing engravings by light and elec- tricity, a process by which a reproduction of photographs, drawings, en- gravings, etc., can be produced in the most minute detail, and either in relievo or intaglio, as desired. A brief outline of his process, which the Doctor has named " Helio-chemical Engraving," may be here given: A metal plate is first highly polished, then sensitized to light and placed under the drawing, photograph or other object desired to be reproduced. It is then exposed to the light for a short time, and after certain manipulations, the plate is placed in the decomposition cell of a galvanic battery, and left there long enough to receive a metallic deposit, which elevates the lights and leaves the shades sunken, so that the shades will hold ink, and impressions can be taken from the plate by means of a press; or, after silver or gold has been deposited on the lights, the plate itself may be framed and kept, the same as a photograph, engraving or other picture.
JEREMIAH DRAKE, JR., farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born May 15, 1848, in Southampton County, Va. His father, Jeremiah Drake, Sr., was born in Southampton County, Va., October 15, 1804, of English descent; married, January 5, 1830, Miss Priscilla Williams, a na- tive of North Carolina. They lived in Sussex County, Va., from 1853 to 1860, then came to Madison Township, this county, and finally settled in Delaware Township, this county, in 1862. To them were born the follow- ing named children: Benjamin, residing in Marion County, Ohio; John W. and William Allen (they were soldiers in the One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment Ohio National Guards, and died at New Creek, Va.), Henry (de- ceased), Eliza (Mrs. Priscilla Osborne), Mrs. Temperance Eldert and Jere- miah, Jr. Our subject came to this county with his parents when twelve
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DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
years of age. June 8, 1871, he married Miss Tamsen R. Harris, and to them was born one son, who died in infancy. They have adopted and reared in their family Wilbert L., son of William Warner, of this county. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Drake have lived one year in Morrow County, and five years in Marion County, Ohio. They purchased their present farm in Delaware Townhsip, this county, in 1883. Mr. Drake devotes a great deal of attention to buying and shipping live-stock. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
DAVID M. DREISBACH, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Mount Blanchard, Ohio, was born September 28, 1845, in Pickaway County, Ohio. His father, Rev. Abraham E. Dreisbach, a native of Berks County, Penn., was a son of Rev. John Dreisbach. one of the first preachers of the Evangelical Association and the founder of their present extensive publishing interests. Rev. John Dreisbach will be remembered as having done a large pioneer work for the church in Ohio, at Cleveland, Circleville, Dayton and other points; he died August 20, 1871, in his eighty-third year. While living in Pennsylvania he was twice elected to the Legislature. Rev. Abraham E. Dreis- bach married Miss Marianna Miesie, in 1840, and they moved to Seneca County, Ohio, near Tiffin, about 1852. He made that place the center of his work in the ministry nearly all the remainder of his life. He was well known as a popular preacher in many of the churches in this county, where he traveled for four years as a presiding elder. He died August 28, 1876. Of his ten children four are now living in this county: Cornelius M., Gabriel M., Marianna M. and David M. The mother died February 9, 1857. David M. Dreisbach, the subject of this sketch, gave ten months of his time (from February to December) in 1865 to the service of his country, after which he carried on a grocery business and a grist-mill at Benton Ridge, Ohio, for two years. He married, October 15, 1867, Miss Caroline Wagner, who was born May 6, 1846, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Wag- ner. Our subject and wife resided in Findlay Township, this county, for ten years, and settled on their present place in Delaware Township, this county, in 1881. Here they have a fine farm of 240 acres of well improved land. Mr. Dreisbach is a successful breeder of fine stock and has a fine flock of French merino sheep, a herd of thorough-bred short horn cattle and several Poland China hogs. The children born to our subject and wife are Lillie W., Silas W., Helena W., William H. W., Aaron W., David W. and Arthur W. Mr. and Mrs. Dreisbach are members of the Evangelical Association. He is an earnest Republican in politics and takes a deep in- terest in public affairs. He pays a great deal of attention to the education of his family, and has one of the finest private libraries in Delaware Town- ship. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. and is a F. & A. M.
ISAIAH EAIRLEYWINE, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born October 25, 1836, in Knox County, Ohio, ; son of George and Susan (Dyal) Eairleywine, early settlers of that county, the former a native of southern Pennsylvania, and the latter a native of Fairfield County, Ohio. They came to Delaware Township, this county, in November, 1836, purchased a tract of land and began clearing up and developing a farm. They reared a fam- ily of nine children: Aaron, in Kosciusko County, Ind .; Mrs. Mary A. Wolfort; Mrs. Sophia Davis; Lewis: Uriah; Isaiah; Mrs. Celina Hook; Mrs. Lovina Aurand and Adam. George Eairleywine, now ninety years of
37
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
age, resides in Mount Blanchard, this county. He is one of the oldest and most highly respected of the pioneers of Delaware Township, this county. His wife died March 4, 1869. Isaiah Eairleywine responded to the Presi- dent's first call for troops, and enlisted, in March, 1861, in defense of his country, serving faithfully as a soldier. October 22, 1863, he married Miss Margaret Weir, and they then settled in Delaware Township, this county, where they have a fine farm of eighty acres of land. Their chil- dren are Robert W., Mrs. Eleanor Gordon, Elizabeth and Thurman. In politics Mr. Eairleywine is a Democrat. He has filled the office of town- ship trustee. He is a member of the Disciples Church, his wife being a Presbyterian.
ISAAC F. ELDER, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born in Del- aware Township, this county, January 21, 1846, on the farm on which he now resides. Josiah Elder, his father, a famous pugilist in early times and a typical pioneer of the old school, married, September 27, 1832, Miss Sarah Ann Cessna, who was born in Bedford County, Penn., January 17, 1813 (her father, John Cessna, a soldier in the war of 1812, moved to Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1814, and to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1831). She was very strong and active, and could handle an ax as skillfully as a man. She and her sister, Rebecca, cut all the logs for their cabin while their father was gone to Bellefontaine to mill. Josiah Elder and his wife cleared up a large farm on Blanchard River. Of their eleven children four are now living: Franklin, in Missouri; Jonathan, in Kansas; Mrs. Sarah Ann Pugh and Isaac F. Josiah Elder died May 1, 1868. His widow now resides in Mount Blanchard, this county. Isaac F. Elder married, January 1, 1874, Miss Charlotte Greer, daughter of John Greer. They have six children: Muzetta, Zoa, Zeller, Squire, Zana and Frank. August 7, 1879, Mr. Elder and his two daughters were struck by an express train as they were attempting to drive across the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railway track near Forest, their wagon and team being literally torn to pieces. The girls es- caped with slight injuries, but Mr. Elder received injuries from which he has never fully recovered. Mr. and Mrs. Elder are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.
GEORGE SILAS FAHL, farmer, miller and manufacturer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born May 25, 1840, in Delaware Township, this county. He received his education' in the schools of the home district, and his boy- hood was spent at work on the farm and in the saw and grist-mill owned by his father. February 22, 1861, our subject was united in marriage with Mary C. Hempy, born in Hancock County, O., January 14, 1844, daughter of Henry and Anna (Hall) Hempy. Since their marriage our subject and wife have resided on their present farm of 3993 acres of well improved land on the Blanchard River, in Delaware Township, this county. Their chil- dren are Monroe, Emma E., Bertha Gay, Arizona Jay, Owen H., Theron I., Marvin H., Clarence S., Edson E. and Allie G. In 1862 our subject came into possession of the mill which was established by Godfrey Wolford, and now operates it as a grist and flouring-mill with a saw-mill addition. In 1872 he established a steam planing-mill, shingle-mill, lath factory, etc., to which he added, in 1880, the cider-mill which took the premium at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Penn., and he makes over 75,000 gal- lons of cider per year. Mr. Fahl is an energetic business man, highly respected by the entire community.
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DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
ABDIEL GOBRECHT, farmer, P. O. Arlington, was born January 14, 1831, in York County, Penn., son of William and Elizabeth Gobrecht, who resided in Pennsylvania until their death. Our subject married, March 8, 1852, Miss Caroline M. Hinch, and they then came to Delaware Township, this county, in the fall of 1853, and bought a tract of eighty acres of land, where they now reside, and which they have improved and developed, mak- ing it one of the finest farms in this part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Gobrecht reared eight children: Mrs. Elizabeth Lackey (deceased), Mrs. Mary Treece, Mrs. Emma Bowman, William E., Oliver T., Etta May, Jacob W. and Carrie Myrtle. Mr. Abdiel Gobrecht is a Democrat in politics. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.
SAMUEL FORD GREER, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born in Delaware Township, this county, July 8, 1851, son of John Greer, who was born May 15, 1812, in Stark County, Md. His parents moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1816, finally settling in Delaware Township, this county, in the spring of 1825. Here John Greer married, in 1836, Miss Mary Brown, who was born in June, 1813, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and came to this county about 1832; they settled on a farm in Delaware Township, this county, near Mount Blanchard. which they afterward sold, and then entered another place of 168 acres, one mile east of Mount Blanch- ard; they reared twelve children: Joshua (who died in California). John (residing in California), Mrs. Sarah Armstrong (in Missouri), Henry (in California), Eliza (in California), William, Nathan (in California), Mrs. Ellen Cole, Mrs. Charlotte Elder, Samuel Ford, Mrs. Harriet Messimore, and Jefferson (in California). The father died . October 24, 1882; the mother now resides in Mount Blanchard, this county. The subject of this sketch married, February 16, 1871, Miss Catherine Corbin, and after resid- ing for five years in Amanda Township, this county, they located in Dela- ware Township, where they now reside and own 112 acres of land. Their children are Darwin, Jefferson, Elmer, Virgie, Bertie and John. Mr. Greer is a Democrat in politics. He is a successful farmer and an enter- prising man, enjoying the respect of the entire community.
MELANCTHON S. HAMLIN, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born July 29, 1818, on the present site of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. At the age of six years he came with his parents to Crawford County, Ohio, and in March following (1825) they started for this county, landing in Delaware Township after a three days' trip with oxen and wagon, and here they endured the hardships and privations peculiar to pioneer life in those early days. The mother died in this county in 1837 and the father afterward moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, and there died in 1854. At the age of nineteen years our subject purchased, of Henry Green, a tract of eighty acres of land: this was his first venture in real estate. January 30, 1840, Mr. Hamlin was married to Miss Mary Marshall, and they settled down to their life work in Delaware Township, this county. Our subject engaged in farming and buying and selling stock, and adding to his farm until he now has, in and adjoining the town of Mount Blanchard, 720 acres of as good land as there is in the county. In 1854 he established a general merchandise store which he carried on until 1861. In 1882 he began the erection of a brick edifice on his place; this he has completed and it stands to-day one of the largest, best constructed and finely finished residences in northwestern Ohio. To Melancthon S. Hamlin and wife
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
have been born one son, John M., residing in Findlay, Ohio, and one daughter, Mrs. Eliza J. McVay, residing in Mount Blanchard, this county.
JACOB HARRIS, EsQ. (deceased), was born June 26, 1828, in Colum- biana County, Ohio, and came to this county with his parents, William and Nancy (Sterling) Harris, about 1836. Both his parents lived to an advanced age and died in this county. Jacob Harris completed his education under the Rev. Emerson, in Mt. Blanchard, Ohio. He early engaged in teach. ing, a profession he followed for about twelve years. He married Miss Susan E. Chase April 22, 1852, and they moved at once to their farm in Delaware Township, this county, where they went to work in the woods clearing up and developing a fine farm. They retired from this in Novem- ber, 1879, and moved to Mt. Blanchard, this county, where Mr. Harris died August 23, 1880. He was a life long Republican and was prominent in public affairs. He served as township clerk for seven years and justice of the peace for twelve years, being elected unanimously the last term. Mr. and Mrs. Harris were parents of four children: Mrs. Tamsen R. Drake. Chester M., Judah E. (deceased) and Luella A. Mrs. Harris now resides in Mt. Blanchard, this county; she and her entire family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHESTER M. HARRIS, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Mt. Blanchard, was born October 7, 1856, in Delaware Township, this county, on the farm on which he now resides. After completing a course in the home district school he attended three terms at Mt. Blanchard school and then engaged in teaching for two terms in Marion County, Ohio, in the intervals attend- ing the Marion High School. September 9, 1879, Mr. Harris married Miss Lizzie A. Lee, daughter of Martin Lee, of Marion County, Ohio, and they then settled on the old homestead farm, where they still reside. They have two sons: Earl C. and Clark J. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are consistent mem . bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an earnest Republican and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He is an enterprising and energetic young farmer, enjoying the respect of the community in which he lives.
JOHN W. HUGHES, of the firm Hughes Bros., Mt. Blanchard, was born August 21, 1849, in Franklin County, Ohio, and married Miss Emma Coleman, in 1872. He spent two years in Monroeville, Ind., prosecuting his business as a harness maker, and several years in North Baltimore and Fostoria, Ohio, carrying on the butchering business. He finally, in 1883, formed a partnership with his brother, Barrett J., in the dry goods busi less, which partnership still continues. Their store is located at Mt. Blanchard, this county, where they carry a large stock of dry goods, groceries, etc., and are doing a thriving business. Mr. Hughes has two children: Charles and Bernice. The Hughes Bros. are among the solid and reliable business men of Mt. Blanchard, and their success speaks well for their enterprise and energy.
BARRETT J. HUGHES, of the firm Hughes Bros., Mt. Blanchard, was born November 28, 1852, in Franklin County, Ohio. His parents, James B. and Miriam (Dougherty) Hughes, both natives of Ohio, came to Amanda Township, this county, in 1860, and remained there on a farm until 1867, when they removed to Vanlue, Ohio, and finally settled perma- nently in Mt. Blanchard, this county, in 1869. Here our subject began clerking for J. H. Biddle & Co. in 1871, remaining with them until March, 1883, with the exception of six months spent with E. & A. Thompson,
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DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
Mansfield, Ohio, in 1874. In March, 1883, Mr. Hughes, in partnership with his brother, J. W., established a store in North Baltimore, Wood Co., Ohio, and in March, 1884, they moved to Mt. Blanchard, this county, and located in the building formerly occupied by Biddle & Co. Here Hughes Bros. have a complete stock of dry goods, groceries, hats and caps, boots and shoes, clothing, millinery and notions. Their thorough acquaintance with the people and their uniform courtesy have enabled them to build up a large and flourishing trade.
SAMUEL HUMPHREY, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born June 27. 1811, in Columbiana County, Ohio. At the age of eighteen years he began running a boat from Cincinnati, Ohio, to New Orleans, La., which occupa- tion he followed until 1834. He married Miss Susannah Dorrow in 1841. He had previously walked out to Delaware Township, this county, in com- pany with his father, and entered land, and after his marriage he and his wife at once located on this property, which is now the family homestead, and which he added to until he finally owned 400 acres. There is now only one other man living in Delaware Township who entered land from the Government. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey were parents of nine children: Mary A., Margaret C., Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Woods and Susan Louisa Scott are deceased; and William D., John J., Samuel E., Mrs. Mollie A. Ballard and Ida S. are yet living. Mrs. Humphrey died November 13, 1883; she had been a member of the Christian Church since 1841. Mr. Humphrey has also been a member of that church since same date. He now resides on the homestead, enjoying the peace and quiet of an honored old age.
WILLIAM D. HUMPHREY, teacher and farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born April 2, 1853, in Delaware Township, this county, son of Samuel and Susannah (Dorrow) Humphrey. William D. Humphrey was reared on his father's farm, and after completing a course in the schools of the home district, he attended a short term each in the high schools at Mt. Blanchard, Findlay and Dunkirk, Ohio. He then taught a term of four months near Forest, Ohio, and afterward entered upon a course of instruction in the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, Ada, Ohio, in 1874. He continued this course, alternating with terms of teaching, until 1881. December 29, 1881, he married Mary Bell, of Logan County, Ohio. They purchased 160 acres of land, a part of the homestead farm, and located in Delaware Township, this county, where they now reside. They have one daughter, Bertha Bell, and an infant son. Mr. Humphrey has taught school, in all, thirty nine terms in Hancock, Hardin, Allen and Logan Counties, Ohio, including two years in the Union School of Mt. Blanchard, and the same length of time at Scott's Crossing, Allen Co., Ohio, and six years in home school. He has made thorough preparation for the profession of teacher, and has a fine record as a faithful and efficient instructor. Our subject is a Republican in politics; he takes a deep interest in public affairs, and is regarded as one of the leading citizens of Delaware Township.
GEORGE KETCH, farmer, P. O. Mount Blanchard, was born April 16, 1824, in Columbiana County, Ohio, son of Thomas and Ann (Bilger) Ketch, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of whom died in 1832; the latter brought her family to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1836, and died in Delaware Township, this county, in 1868, while living with her son Thomas. George Ketch, the youngest in a family of six children, lived in Hardin County, Ohio, until his marriage with Miss Adeline Warner, March 16, 1848, when
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
they at once moved to their farm in Delaware Township, this county, which he had then owned for several years, and on which they still reside. Here they went to work in the woods, clearing up and improving their farm, and they now have 120 acres of fertile and well improved land, after having given their children 160 acres. Mrs. Ketch died in October, 1859, leaving three children: Thomas E., Clark and Sarah, who afterward married W. F. Cook, son of Dwight Cook, a well known pioneer. After the death of his first wife Mr. Ketch married Miss Adeline Johnson, who died in February, 1871, leaving a daughter, Laura; and for his third wife our subject then married Mrs. Paulina Switzer; she has one daughter, Lula Clare. Mrs. Ketch is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ketch cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce, and has been a supporter of the Democratic party ever since. He is an enterprising and successful farmer, an upright and useful citizen, highly respected by the entire com- munity.
CLARK KETCH, farmer, P. O. Wharton, Wyandot County, was born May 1, 1852, in Delaware Township, this county, son of the well-known pioneer, George Ketch. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the schools of the home district. He was married, September 4, 1873, to Miss Ellen F. Chase, and to them were born two children: Ora, who died at the age of three years, and Merle, who died when three months old. Mr. Ketch has a fine farm of 224 acres of land, in Delaware Township, this county, where he devotes considerable attention to live-stock. He is an enterprising and successful young farmer, and enjoys the respect of the entire community. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
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