History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 105

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; O.L. Baskin & Co
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, O.L. Baskin
Number of Pages: 798

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THEODORE F. MILLER, West Liberty, is of the firm of O. S. Miller & Co., wholesale johbers in notions, hosiery and gents' furnish- ing goods, and manufacturers of the Nonesuch

overalls, jackets and shirts. He was born on Aug. 26, 1844, in Fredericksburg, Wayne Co., O. He took advantage of the common schools until 14 years of age, when he began mer- chandising, which he has since continned. He was married Sept. 12, 1822, to Anna B. Good- win, who was born May 16, 1851, by whom he has two children-Bessie G., born Aug. 27, 1867, and Albert T., born May 8, 1880. John Goodwin, the father of Mrs. Miller, was a na- tive of Virginia and emigrated to Clark Co., O., when young; he was born in 1822, and died in 1867; was married in 1847 to Mary Scheller (the mother of Mrs. Miller), who was born Nov. 6, 1829, in Clark Co., and is a daughter of Adam and Mary (Hleastand) Scheller. The father was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., in 1:89, and her mother in Hagers- town, Md .; she was the mother of twelve children, nine of whom are living-Emanuel M., Adam, Daniel, Elizabeth, Henry, Anna N., John, Mary and Lydia. She died in 1845, and the father is now living in Green Co., this State. Mrs. Miller is one of six chil- dren, three of whom survive-Orrin, Anna B. and Willetta. The grandfather Scheller came from Germany when 4 years old. The father of Mrs. Miller was a dry-goods mer- chant for many years, and during his latter days he owned a nursery, and finally he kept the noted Goodwin Hotel at Dayton, where he was killed by falling out of a buggy.

DR. J. ORDWAY, retired physician; West Liberty. The data that we have been able to obtain of Dr. Ordway is of exceeding brevity, but his early residence and identifica- tion with the early history of Logan Co. scatters his name on many pages of this book. lle was born in New Hampshire, June 22, 1800. His father, John, died when he was three years old, and he was thrown out on life's current without the care of a father; hence, his school days were limited, as he must care for the necessaries of life. He re- mained with his mother until the age of 8, and then went to live with his grandfather Ordway, who sent him to one of the old pioneer log cabins, where he learned his A. B. C.'s; at the expiration of two years he re- turned to his mother, she having, in the mean- time, married Robert Christie; he remained at home until 16, during which time he was engaged on the farm, but his active mind

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sought other labors, and he left the parental roof and began attending school at Spring- field, O. (the family having moved to Clark Co. some time prior to that time). Extreme poverty brought this young student to want. and he readily sought night employment in a cooper shop, and during the day would attend his recitations; his labor at night would bring him enough means to pay his board; this he continued for two years; he became very apt in his classes, and found some moments for extra labors, which he improved by reading medicine; at the age of IS he began teach- ing school in the country at $20 per month, and during his spare time was reading medi- cine with Dr. Lawrence, of Springfickl; the latter he continued for three years, which was the requirement of the law; he then went be- fore a board of censors at Dayton, Ohio, and was examined, and got an excellent grade; he at once began practice with his preceptor for a short time, and then, May 28, 1828, began at West Liberty, being then the first and only practitioner at this place; he soon gained a wide practice, and made himself known as a skilled and efficient physician; during a period of three months, he rode down three horses, and enjoyed only nine nights sleep during that time; his extensive practice be- gan to injure his health, and he began to withdraw about 1844 or '45, and finally book- ed the last account in 1849, and devoted his entire time to merchandising, which he had entered prior to that time. In this vocation he was successful, and accumulated quite a little fortune; he retired from business in Iste, on account of ill health, and since that time has turned his attention to farming 250 acres of land in Logan and Champaign C'o.s; he owns three lots 50x 150, 13 acre lot in the north part of town, two other lots and build- ings, all in West Liberty, making in all, 10- gether with his lands, a valuation of $10,000 to $50,000, all of which is the fruit of los own labors. Tto was married, Jan. 4, 1830, 10 Sabrina E. MeGruder; she died in 1848; he was again married, March 8, 1849, to Man- dane S. Fish; she is still living, and has been of great assistance in accumulating their fortune. Dr. O. was always eager to witness anything of inter st, and one time he walked tuils miles to see an elephant, perhaps the first that ever came through this country in a

show. He has served in some small township offices, as Treasurer and Town Councilman. The present Mrs. Ordway was born in 1822, in Randolph, Orange Co., Vt. Her father, James Fish, died when she was nine months old, and her mother, Achsah (Lamson) Fish, was married again in 1835, to Washington Granger, a local Methodist Episcopal minister. She had by her former marriage six children, four of whom survive. Her mother died in 1868, and was a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Ordway came in Oct., 1845 to Urbana, with William Harbach (an uncle). She there taught school until married: she was educated at the academy at Randolph Corners, in Vermont; she early took an in- terest in singing, and became a very efficient alto singer; she was often selected as an alto representative to musical conventions in the East; at her ripe old age, now, she has a very distinct and sweet voice, and is the leading ako singer in the Methodist choir at this place. She and the doctor have been identi- fied with the Methodist Episcopal Church for two score or more years, the financial interest of which denomination has been benefited by their relationship, as well as their connection morally and otherwise. The doctor cast his first vote for John Q. Adams, for President, and has always taken an interest in the official selections, yet, during all this, he has never sought office. In Dr. Ordway we find a marked instance of a self-made man, talented, energetic and careful; educated by his own energies and perseverance: sociable and af- fable in his intercourse with all. of good he- gal abilities, fine physical organization. The hand of time has touched him gently. I. B. MeGruder, the father-in-law of our subject, came to Clarke t'o. O., in 1821, was transfer- red soon after to Champaign Co., and thence to Logan Co., in 1830; he was a large share- holder in the east, and brought with him Maria Hawkins (one of his old slaves) and three children-Windsor, Margaret and Stacy; her husband was taken south. She now lives in Washington, D. C. Father MeGruder was an early merchant at this place, and had his business room where is now the present site of Woodward's boot and shoe store. Wo elip the following from a Logan Co. paper: " We have the melancholy duty of announ- cing the death, by suicide, on the night of

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Tuesday last, 1850, of the Rev. J. B. Mc- Gruder, of West Liberty, in this county. The deceased was an elderly man, but had enjoyed remarkably good health until within a comparatively short period, when he sank into deep melancholy, and in a fit of derange- ment put an end to his existence by hanging. No event, we presume, has ever produced so deep a sensation among the citizens in the vicinity in which he lived, and where he had resided for more than twenty years. He was universally respected and beloved. He has been, we know not for how long, but we pro- sume for the greater part of his life, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and adorn- ed its doctrines by his daily walk and conversa- tion. Ile was one of the most earnest and most devoted Christians that we have ever known. Whenever good was to be effected, whenever anything was to be done, promo- tive of the temporal and eternal welfare of his fellow man, father MeGruder was found among the most earnest, efficient and un- wearying laborers. But his earthly carcer is now ended, and he is gone to his reward. He leaves many sad hearts to mourn his unfor- tunate and melancholy death."

A. J. SCOTT, livery; West Liberty; was born Aug. 9, 1829, in Champaign Co., O. His father, Zachariah, was born Nov. 18, 1800, in the same county, as was also his mother, Maria (Lake) Scott, her birthday be- ing Oct. 22, 1805. These parents began life in the green woods; wild game was then plenty, and the father obtained the greater part of their meat by hunting. During this time the Indians were plenty, yet the father had some dislike for them, and never traded with them, as did many of the pioneers. His grudge against them was caused by a combat between his brother Joseph and some red men in Wisconsin, during which engage- ment Josephi killed one of them, and had to flee for his life, and was only saved by being placed in a block house, and kept there through the entire winter. In the spring was let out, at which time he sought the wilds of Ohio, working the way on foot. Mr. Scott's father and mother had five children-Jane, de- ceased; Eliza, Margaret, A. J. and Thomas .I. The mother died in 1832. The father was again married to Mary Lake, a sister of his former wife, by whom he had-David, John,

Maria, Matilda, Lovena, George, Charlie, Chloe, Zachariah and Belle. The father died in 1862; his widow survives and is living at Heyworth, Ill. A. J. remained with his parents until 22 years old, during which pe- riod he shared with his brothers in laboring on the farm and attending school in the log cabin; also going to mill on horseback, following along the snake paths. Ho was married March 20, 1850, to Martha .1. Saltkill, a native of Pennsylvania; by her he has five children, all living-Maria E., Laura, Mary, Zachariah and Addie B. He devoted his life to farming un- til March 7, 1880, when he formed a co-part- nership with John Steelman in the livery, sale and feed business at which: he is doing first-class; and as he and Mr. Steelman give their entire personal attention to the same, of course merit the patronage they receive. He owns a nice residence in this little village, votes the Democratie ticket, and has always voted for the party, save one vote, which was east for Abraham Lincoln.

PRESTON W. SEARCH, Superintendent of West Liberty School, and Associate Editor Gazette; is a son of Thomas and Matilda Search; was born at Marion, O., April 10, 1853. At this writing he is the Superintend- ent of Schools at West Liberty, O. The early education of Prof. Search was obtained in the Marion Union Schools. At the age of 16 years he entered Dr. H. A. True's Private Classical School, under whose instruction he continued three years, and afterward at- tended the University at Wooster, where he completed his school life, extending over a period of fifteen years. Talented, enthusi- astie, his success in college is an earnest for his future life. P. W. Search was not the man to leave the future to the direction of impulse, but with a definiteness that at once revealed his maturity of character. With a singularly rare appreciation of the value of commencing life with positive aims, he condensed his con- vietions into this beautiful maxim; " To thine oin self' be true," and this he has faithfully observed. It moulded his character, exer- cised a restraining influence on his daily life, and lent it the beauty of moral strength, the peace of contentment, unfailing courtesy, steady, conscientious industry, unostentatious charities, genial habits, and the sincere polite- ness of a Christian gentleman. Ever since

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leaving college Prof. Search has been a close student; he is a self-made man, and a self- educated man. He supported himself in college by traching three winter schools, and hearing private classes. He has spent sever- al summers, also, in teaching, writing, com- mercial, and music schools in different parts of the State. On the 4th of March, 1874, he made a favorable response to an application made by the citizens of Millersburg, O., to the faculty of the University of Wooster, urging him to take charge of the Millersburg Academy, as its Principal. In this important position he was assisted by the talented Mrs. D. W. Van Evera, Lady Principal, and Mrs. (). J. French, who, for eighteen years, was President of the Female Seminary at L'an- nonsburg, Penn., and other distinguished in- structors. We learn much of the popularity of Prof. Search as an instructor at Millers- burg, from the citizens and the public press thereof, as well as the catalogues of the In- stitution : we also learn that the Academy was supported by a liberal attendance of students. From this position the subject of our sketch retired to open a music store at Marion, O., in which business he continued nearly three years. During this time, with that indomita- ble perseverence that characterizes the man, he prepared students for college, and at the same time he was ably filling the position of Prinei- pal of the Marion Commercial School, being a skillful bookkeeper, as well as a master of the beautiful art of penmanship. Prof. Search has a fine reputation as a director and com- poser of music, and is to-day largely engaged in the publication of his own compositions, as well as that of other music directors, the copyright of which he owns. He was born to instruct, to charm, to elevate the human soul, to furnish his fellow mortals with some of the instrumentalities of a pure, high on- joyment. Epon several occasions he has conducted musical conventions in neighbor- ing places. On the first Monday of Septem- ber, INE, Prof. Search took charge of the West Liberty I'mon Schools, which needed a thorough re-organization badly, and it re- quired the services of just such an one as he to place it upon a solid foundation. Being a teacher of the highest order, practical in edu- cation and in the esthetic. he sought, by natural gravitation of his faculties, to blend

the two elements, thus making him capable of rendering the task attractive to himself as well as pleasing to the pupil, and this happy combination, together with his ability as a methodizer, planner and organizer, rendered him peenliarly the "right man in the right place." That he has proven himself pre- eminently "master of the situation" is a notorious fact, and we base his success not only on the accomplishments we have already mentioned, but also upon his remarkable ex- ecutive ability, his earnestness, his power to command the respect and affection of his pupils, his singular facility of rapidly impart- ing what he knows to others, his faculty for bringing order out of chaos, and the peculiar ability which he has of causing the pupil to feel that the spirit of his instructor pervades the whole school-room. He is never boister- ous, never displays anger in the presence of his pupils, but when he speaks he is promptly obeyed. He is autocratie in the school-room, vet his pupils take pleasure in obeying him. They love and do not fear him, and they are made to feel that he is their devoted friend, and yearns for their growth in mental strength. "Endowed with these superior graces, what else might the people of West Liberty expect but such eminent success as has attended the labors of Prof. Search among them? His work has been so highly appreciated that, in the summer of 1880, the Board of Education re-elected him to the Sup rintendency for a term of three years at a salary of $1,200 per year, the highest amount paid by any place of equal size in Ohio, and the maximum of Logan Co. Prof. Search has spent several months of his vaca- tions in traveling to refresh his historical and geographical knowledge of this country, and the many readers of the West Liberty Gazette. with which he is associated as publisher, have enjoyed largely the benefit of his ob- servations and power as a descriptive writer. Ilis pen is facile, gifted and eloquent, capable even of soaring into the beautiful realms be- vond. Prof. Search is a gentleman of sterling worth, high moral endowments, an esteemed citizen of West Liberty, and being, compara- tively, a young man yet, he gives promise of enlarged usefulness.

GEORGE SECRIST, farmer; P. O., West Liberty; was born Dec. 4, 1811, in Rockingham

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Co., Va. His father, Henry, was born in the same county, in 1282, and his mother, Dorothy Coon, in Botetourt Co., in 1785. The parents came to Ohio in 1816 with five chil- tren-Jacob, John, Michael, George and Maria and in this county were born-Sarah, Dorothy, Samuel, Nathan, Rebecca, Henry and Rose Ann. The parents rented for a few years in this township after settling here, and then bought where Henry Secrist and Walter Howell now reside, and there remained until the death of the father in 1868. This claim was entered from the government by John Watts, who received the patent from J. Q. Adams. The father paid $5 per acre for the same. Here the old pioneer began life with scarcely anything save two horses and two cows; the former caught the glanders and both died, and the latter became foundered on chopped feed and also died which left him with nothing. He managed to trade a rifle- gun for an old gray horse, which served them in going to the mill, etc., and in a short time two calves grew up, which they yoked and with them plowed the soil. Oar subject re- mained with his father until 21 years old, when he began working for himself, by rent- ing ground of the neighbors, and made his home with his father until he was married, in 1839, to Hannah, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Collins. She was born Oct. 10, 1821, in Lancaster Co., Pa., and by her he had eleven children, eight of whom are now living-Margaret, Maria, Eliza .l., Dorothy J. (dead), Savina E., Adolphus M., Sarah E. (dead), John L., Mary E., Henry and Frances R. (dead). Mr. Scerist settled after marriage on the farm now owned by D. D. Yoder, for one summer, and then rented of John Smith for some time. Ife then bought 128 acres where he now lives, going in debt for the greater part of it, which was a source of great anxiety to him until liquidated, but, by care- ful management and strict economy, he has made himself a happy home. He has held the office of Township Trustee. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church in Liberty Tp., called the MeKee's Creek Church. He votes the Republican ticket.

AUGUSTUS B. SIEG, merchant; West Liberty. The gentleman whose name is at the head of this article is not an old resident of this place, but one whose talents and abili-

ties have prominently identified bim in the literary and business interests of the town. He was born July 14, 1832, in Augusta Co., Va .; he early manifested an interest in edu- cation, and attended the academy of that county until 18, when he entered Roanoke College, where he completed a course in 1851; he then returned to his parents, and, in 1859, went to Marshall, Saline Co., Mo., and there merchandised under the firm name of Gorham & Sieg, continuing about three years; during the war, they lost almost all they had, and Mr. Sieg came to West Liberty and entered the dry goods business as a silent partner in the hrm of Pennock & Cruzen. In three years, he withdrew, and entered his present business with H. J. Miller, whose daughter, Mary, he had married, Oet. 3, 1865, by whom he had one child -- l'aul M. Himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church at this place, of which denomination he has been deacon since his connection therewith, in 1865. While in Virginia, he was Captain of an infantry regiment from 1858 to 1859. Paul, the father of our subjeet, was born in Augusta Co., Va., and there married, in 1816, Eliza- beth Haines, also a native of the same county; she blessed him with twelve children, eight of whom survive-Henry, Julia, Elizabeth, Carrie, Kate, Eva, Angie and Augustus B. Our subject's great-grandfather, Paul Sieg, was born in Germany, and at the age of 20 years he published an article severely criticising the government, and emigrated to this coun- try for safety, settling in Lancaster Co., Penn. Here he married, and raised two boys-Henry and Paul; the latter was born in 1:53, and married Susannab Fauber, in 1781; in 1788, they moved to Shenandoah Co., Va., with their children-Susannah, John, Jacob and Paul. They here bought a fine farm, and lived upon it for nineteen years. Here Valentine and David were born. In 1807, he moved with his family to Church- ville, Augusta Co., and bought the "Rose Isle " farm; he died Sept. 22, ISIt. Paul, the father of our subject, came into possession of this last-named farm, partly by inheritance and partly by purchase. He died Sept. 12, 1846, of typhoid fever, at 59 years of age, being born July 13, 1787. He was a wise and prudent man of business, and soon added a number of valuable farms to his possessions,

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and also owned at one time the noted "Oak- land Hotel" property, of Augusta Co. He was a great advocate of liberal education, and did a great deal toward establishing Roanoke College, and was the leading spirit in estab- Fishing a classical school in his own neighbor- hood. When Augustus went to Roanoke College, Dr. Bittle, President of the institu- tion, greeted him very warmly, and said: " Your father was the best man I ever saw, and the best friend I ever had, and I prom- ised him before his death that I would see you liberally educated." Elizabeth, the wife of Paul, was born in Virginia, Oct. 28, 1690, and died, his widow, Aug. 4, 1864, in her 44th year.

STANTON BROTHERS, merchants; West Liberty. Prominently identified with the leading merchants of West Liberty are the Stanton brothers, whose firm name beads this sketch. James, the oldest, engaged in teaching school for four winters, and after- wards was engineer at the Phoenix Iron Works in Chicago, and then kept books for some time for Jones & Co., job printers, at the same place. In 1827, he, in partnership with his brother William, engaged in the present business, having a full line of dry goods and notions. They devote their entire attention to the business, and employ one steady clerk. They make a specialty of ma- ple sweet, having handled during last season over 15,000 pounds of sugar and molasses. Their father, Daniel, was born Aug. 30, 1808, and was the son of James and Ann (Newby) Stanton-the former a native of Virginia and the latter of North Carolina. He was married in 1832 to the present Mrs. Angeline Stanton, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Johnson) Watkins; the father was born in Sussex Co., Va., June 1, 1;81, and the mother in Isle of Wight Co., Va. Her father taught school in his younger days, and was elected County Surveyor, in which position he served for over twenty years. Her parents then came to Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Co., O., in 1831. and for some time engaged in the mercantile busi- ness. He was soon after chosen President of tha Bank at that place, retaining that position for many years, and also served as a director of the sune; he had ten children, five of whom survive-Lambert. Angelino, William, Elizabeth and Lydia. Both of the parents

were members of the Friends' Church. The parents of our subjects came to Logan Co., ()., in 1832, and began life with only willing hands and stout hearts. They settled in the green woods in a "squatter's" eabin, made of round logs, stick chimney, puncheon floor, and doors hung on wooden hinges. Here they enjoyed many happy hours among the thick forests and wild animals, but no time was lost, and soon the timber began to fall, and ere many years had elapsed they had prepared a beautiful farm of 45 acres, and ere the father died they possessed 191 acres. They sold wheat at 30 cents per bushel and butter at 6 cents per pound, to pay off their debts and to obtain the necessaries of life. They onee sold a large fatted calf for $4, with which they liquidated their tax, it being that amount. On Dee. 16, 1870, the father was stricken from life's roll on earth, and gathered into life eternal, leaving behind him the com- panion of his joys and sorrows, with whom he bad shared for over thirty-eight years. They had been during all of their lives members of the Friends' Church. Mrs. Stanton is now pleasantly located in West Liberty with a part of her pleasant and intelligent family of eight children, who grew up to call her blessed. A short time ago she was struck with paralysis, which may, ore long, waft her from the shores of time, but she will leave a record of having been a faithful Christian and a kind and loving mother and companion. Her sur- viving children are-Elizabeth (married Isaac James); John, now in Rice Co., Kan .; James; Deborah (married E. Brown); William and Lydia. The great-grandfather, James Stan- ton, was the son of Samson, born Aug. 7. 1836, and Ruth. They had James, John, Sarah and Daniel. The grandmother, Ann (Newby) Stanton, deceased Sept. 12, 1854, and was the last of the Newby family. Her father. Thomas, was the son of Thomas and Mary Nowby, and was the grandson of Thomas and Rebecca Pretlow. Mary Newby was a daughter of John and Martha Lawrence. and was born Oct. 9, 1745.

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History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 105

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; O.L. Baskin & Co Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago, O.L. Baskin Number of Pages: 798

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; O.L. Baskin & Co
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, O.L. Baskin
Number of Pages: 798