History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 89

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

USA > Ohio > Logan County > History of Logan County and Ohio > Part 89

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ZANE TOWNSHIP.

over 10,000 rods every season and finds ready sale for all he can manufacture. Realiz-

ing the truth of the saying: " It is not good for man to be alone," he, on June 19, 1819, was united to Miss Aleda M. Bennett,

of Shelby Co. She is a daughter of Lucius (). and Clarinda Bennett, and was born in Clark Co., Oct. 13, 1863. He has always been a Democrat.

ZANE TOWNSHIP.

WHATIAM BLACKBURN, farmer, stock- raiser and shipper; P. O., West Middleburg; came from that beautiful island across the sea, which has sent so many stalwart and progress- ive sons to Zane Tp. Ireland, and especially King's County, is well and honorably repre- sented in the farming interests of this section, and the industry and zeal of these sons of Erin speak volumes for the Mother Country. William was born in County Kings, Parish of Clarrey, Feb. 1, 1819; his parents, William and An (Allen) Blackburn, raised a family of nine children, of which William was the youngest. The subject of our sketch received a common school education, but was compelled to re- main a large share of his time on his father's farm. However, he had the good fortune to to attend a good agricultural school for two years, and applying himself. with the perse- veranee of one who realized the privilege that he was enjoying, he made most excellent prog- ress, and considers these two years the most beneficial spent while a boy; a short time after he was appointed Superintendent for a rich Quaker, named Robert Goodbody, having from 50 to 100 men under him; he remained with Mr. Goodbody for two years, when he returned to help his father, remaining with him until he emigrated to America in 1849; he came to Zane Tp., and bagan to work at the meagre salary of 50 cents per day, and be- sides not having work more than half the tine, he was compelled many times to accept store bills in lieu of payment in cash; he worked in this desultory manner for two years, and then, having accumulated a small sum of money, bought a farm; he continued to add to his original purchase, until he owned at one time some 335 acres; at present his farm consists of 121 acres, well cultivated, well cleared and well drained, he being the first

man in this township to ditch. Upon his farm, which is well adapted to the the raising of stock, he raises corn and wheat to a consider- able amount, but pays especial attention to his stock, having very fine sheep and as good cattle as can be found in this locality; he has a camp of 1.300 trees which also add to the value of his farm. As an incentive to labor and industry be it known that when he com- meneed he had just 82 in his pocket. In 1846, he married Miss Maria Wilson, who was born March 3, 1825, and the sketch of whose father appears in another portion of this work. From this union one son, Talford, was born Ang. 19, 1848. Talford has followed faithfully in the footsteps of his father, and imitating his industry and prudence, has ar- cumulated considerable property, and with his father does a large agricultural business. They are both good citizens, and although frequently solicited to hold office, have ever kindly but firmly declined.

JAMES. W. BALLINGER, contractor and builder; West Middleburg; was born at Camden, New Jersey, August 21, 1827, and at the age of 18 came with his parents to Perry Tp. His father, William, and mother, Beulah (Ward), were natives of New Jersey. The subject of our sketch received his education partly here, and partly in his native State, but his present broad and liberal culture comes from assiduous reading, and his keen observation of men and facts. His father by trade was a carpenter, and James when 16 years of age, also began to learn the trade, working for his father for several years after becoming of age. On November 12, 1850, he married Angeline Curl, a sketch of whose father appears in another portion of these biographies, and from this union there were ten children-Warren, Joseph, Bulah, Lewis,

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Ulysses. Asy, Ira, Perry, Jose and Maria Gertrude. Although a carpenter by trade, he owns a farm of 42 aeres, good land, well nuproved, and upon which he makes a speciality of raising huit; James W. was in the 132nd O. V. I., under Col. Haines. Hle is a Mason, Lodge 247, Chapter 60, Logan Council, No. 34; he is at present Township Trustee, and is eminently respected by both parties for his honesty and integrity. In polities he is a Repub is :n.

SAMUEL BALLINGER, farmer: P. O., West Middlebury: a son of one of the car- liest settlers of Logan Co. was born Nov. ? , 1×35. His grandfather. Sammel Ballinger, was a native of the Old Dominion. and was one of the pioneer settlers of Logan Co., set- tling in Zane Tp., on the edge of what is now Middleburg, as early as 1810. He raised a family of nine children. Joshua, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia in February, 1803. He married Miss Delilah Inskeep, the eldest daughter of John Inskeep. Ile first settled on the farm upon which Samuel Ballinger now lives in 1826. This farm, consisting of 450 acres, is one of the best farms in Logan Co. Well watered, with an excellent under-drainage consisting 1.200 rods of tile, it is adapted to the raising of all cereals, besides being especially favor- able to the propagation of stock. Samuel Ballinger and his brother Oliver run the farm conjointly, owning and sharing everything in poumon. They are farmers in all that that word at present imples. They are energetic, taking a deep interest in all that appertains to the welfare and growth of agriculture. In 1861 Samuel married Mary Runyon, who, was born in Pennsylvania, April 9. 1839, and came with her parents to Ohio, settling at Troy. lle has a family of six children-two boys and four girls. Jenny, born in 12; Wil- liam, 1863; Edward Everett, 1864: Edith, Je23; Gertrude, IS21; Lydia Jane, 155. 110 has occupied several positions of trust and honor, and in politics is a Republican, having est his first vote for Fremont.

GEORGE W. CREVISTON, farmer: 1. O., Minero; was born Dee. B. 1832 .. and at an als age evinced that deliberation of manner ar Ith geht. now so characteristic of him; hi . tather, John Creviston, was born June IS. Ist, and came to Zane Township as early as

1820. In 1830 John Creviston married Miss Elizabeth Miller. a native of Ohio, who was born April 16, 1806, and at the time of her marriage was living in Champaign Co. John located in the southwestern part of Zame Township in 1810. where he resided the balance of his life. George W., the subject of our sketch, received a common school edu- cation, spending one torm at the Unim School at West Liberty: when he arrived at his majority he " struck out " for himself; Is married, February, 1852, Miss Mary E. Stewart, a native of this county, born in May. 1833, and who is now dead; her parents came to this locality from Virginia at an early date. George located on a part of the same farm that his father occupied immediately after his marriage; he has raised a family of four children. The subject of our sketch is a man held in high respect by his neighbors. and, although often solicited to accept office. has persistently refused to dabble in polities; he is a member of Jericho Grange. No. 217: his daughter Viola Jane, is married to Talford Blackburn. His oldest son, Thomas J., Loro Dee. 31, 1855, is farming in connection with his father: he married Miss Mary A. Connol- ly, Jan. 1, 1818; they have one child-Sylva May, born Jan. 9, 18;9.

HARRISON CURL farmer and harness- maker; P. O., West Middleburg: in the front rank of those who by their labor and in- dustry deserve special and honorable men- tion as progressive citizens of Zane Tp .. stands the above name. He was born in Zane Tp., Oct. 24, 1840; his father. Joseph Stratton Curl, was born on July 28, 19%, in the immediate vicinity of Lynchburg. Va., and moved with his parents to Columbiana to., 1-01. The latter's father's name was Joseph Curl and his mother's name Sarah (Stratton) C'url; they were both natives of Virginia, and purchased the farm now owned by Harrison Curl of Job Sharp in 1809 and located upon it immediately. The father eventually moved to Green Co., where he died, and Joseph bought the home farm; he married Miss Hunt and by her had three children; he next after her death mar- Find Lillah Gregg, one child blessing this union: after her death he married Hulda C'ul- ver, and had the following children- dose 11., Angeline. Iluldah Ann, Harrison, Sarah Re- becca, and Asa. At 30 years of age Joseph

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drove stage from Urbana to Springfield; he was elected Township Trustee, and took an ! active interest in educational matters. Har- rison received a good common school educa- tion, teaching school when a young man for a few years. He remained at home until he was 21, when he enlisted in 1861 in Company (. 17th O. V. I .; he participated in various battles during the war and was slightly wounded at the battle of Chickamauga; he marched also with Sherman to the s.a. The brothers, Jose IJ., Marion and Asa, were also in the war; his brother Marion was especially noted for his bravery; he was one time taken prisoner, but not until he had killed five of his assailants; he was killed at the battle of Winchester, Va. He upon his return from the army went to lowa, but remained there only a short time, and then returned to Zane Tp., and married Miss Arrena MeCamp- bell, whose parents were Robert and Eliza- beth McCampbell: she was born in Union Co., in 1846. Five children bless this union- Alice, Lois, Mary, Robert Bruce, French G. Harrison has an excellent farm and is in every sense a progressive and wide-awake farmer; he has a fine sugar camp, and cultivates choice apples and pears. He is in politics a Republican.

EUREM CARPENTER, carriage and wagon maker; West Middleburg: was born in Randolph Co., Va., April 21, 1813; he is of (ferman descent, and is one of the oldest cit- izens of this place, having come here Dec. ? , 1835, and begun business; he learned the wagon-maker's trade in Virginia with his father, and came to Ohio at the age of 20, and was followed two years later by his pa- rents, Solomon and Catherine Carpenter; he worked a short time in Guernsey Co., and July 9, 1835, married Miss Betsey An Allen -born in Union Co., July 9, 1819-and a few months later located here. Mr. Carpenter owes his success in life to his close attention to business and the superiority of his work, every piece of which, if not made by himself, passes under his close observation, hence the superiority of his work is far-famed. One of the first carriages made by him was for Wal- ler Marshall, one of the earliest settlers, and has been in constant use in the family for about forty years. Can another carriage- maker cite a like example? He continued to

follow his business here with good success until 1868, when he moved to North Lewis- burg, where he remained until 18:5, when he returned to Middleburg, and is now giving bis exclusive attention to his business; he has had a family of five children, three of whom are now living-Franklin, a wood-worker and painter at Watseka, Il .; George, a black- smith, with Warren & Gommer, Urbana, and Albert, foreman in the wheel department of Columbus Buggy Co. His daughter died in her 35th year, leaving four children. He has not aspired to lead in anything except his legitimate trade, in which he has mad . un- common success. He has, in addition to his business, a farm of 18 acres in the outskirts of the village. As a citizen he is highly es- trom d.

JOHN BISHOP COWGILL, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., North Lewisburg; identi- lied himself with the agricultural interests of this county, and by his force of character and honesty of purpose has done a great deal to give his community its present enviable repu- tuition. He was born in Union Co., Sept. 15. 1835. His father, Elisha, was born in Column- biana Co., in 1804, and came to Zane Town. ship with John Cowgill, his father, about 1806. John Cowgill was a native of Culpepper Co., Va. Elisha raised a family of ten children, having married Mary (Bishop). John Bishop received a common school education, and when he was 21, such had been his industry and economy, he purchased 85 acres of land. By careful investment, but more by arduous toil, he added to his original purchase, until he be- came a large land owner. He possesses a farm of 195 acres in Logan Co., with fine water privileges, being well watered by two branches of Darby Creek, besides a number of limestone springs. The land is well ditch- od and under-drained, 500 rods of tiling be- ing used in the latter. He has a good barn and out-buildings. Ile has a fine sugar camp of some 1,500 vessels, and manufactures an- nually about 3,500 pounds of sugar. Besides this farm, John B.shop also possesses 240 acres in Allen Township, Union Co., used more particularly as a stock farm, to which latter occupation he has been devoting more espe- cially his attention. The Logan County farm is rich and very productive, both of wheat and corn. In the spring of 1861, John married

BIOGRAPHICAL SKET. 'ITES.

Miss Anna Sharp, daughter of John and Aley ( Bowker) Sharp. Her parents were na- tives of the East. She was born in 1833. From this union there are two children, Elisha John, bom April 10. 1869, and Mary Aley, barn Sept. 25, 1811.

JORDON DOWNS, retired farmer: P. O .. North Lewisburg: was born Oct. 26, 1824: his father, Joseph Downs, was born in New Jersey, Jan. 23. 1195, and his father's namo w.s sammel, and his mother's name Abigail Downs. Joseph Downs came to Ohio in 1818, and located on Kings Creek. Champaign to .; on March 25, 1819. he married Esther Williams, who was born April 20. 1196, and came to the North Fork of Kings Creek with her parents m 1811: her parents were Silas and Mary (Ilunt) Williams, the latter being of Scotch extraction. Joseph Downs was a farmer by occupation, but by trade was a spinner, and assisted in establishing probably the first carding and spinning mill in either Champaign or Logan Co., and resided in the vicinity until his death. The subject of oursketch remain- ed with his father until his 21th year, when he " struck out" for himself. At the age of 25 he hart but $500 to invest in land in Zane Tp .: be continued to work earnestly and faithfully until he possessed 202 acres of land on the Limestone Belt. a part of the rich wheat and corn land of Zane Tp. a worthy tribute to Ins integrity and hard work. fle is now a farmer inexcellent circumstances, surrounded with a l the comforts of life, and living in the light of a Christian gentleman who has identi- led himself with the progress and improve- ment of his township. February 5. 1852, he married Miss Hester Inskeep, daughter of John Inskeep; she was born Dee. 31. 1828. and has materially assisted him by her counsel and prudence. They now reside in North Lewisburg, in an elegant home, enjoying the fruits of a life of industry, surrounded by all the comforts to which such a life catitles them. They are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.

CHARLES. E. EVANS. farmer; P. O. North Lewisburg: was born in Franklin County, Oh o, March 26, 1839; his parents. Evans and Mehala (tiray) Evans, were natives of Maryland; he remain- " on the form until he was sixteen years of age, when his father having died at the

advanced age of eighty-seven, he came to Logan County, and immediately went to work for ten dollars a month; a year or two after coming to this county, he began to learn the tinuer's trade at Quiney, working at the same some time in DeGraff: in 1858, having served his apprenticeship, he opened a shop in Lewis- burg, and by prudence and economy he was able to add to his stock. until he had a fine store and an excellent line of hardware; he continued in this business until Ists. when not being able to withstand the strong intlu- ence of his earlier training, he traded his stock for the farm upon which he now resides. however, he worked at his trade and remained with his successor for some time. In the spring of Isso, he moved on his farm, and is at present busily engaged in its improve- mont. On Sept. 19, 1862, he married Miss Frances J. Underwood, a native of Ohio, horn May 29, 1811; from this union there were eight children-Sarah Etta. Amos, Emmma. Catherine, Leroy. Fannie. Heury and Edna: of these, Amos, Emma and Catherine are dead. The subject of this sketch served in the 132nd O. V. J., and did garrison duty at Bermuda Hundred, and also participated in the siege before Petersburg. All he is, and all that he possessed, comes from his own individual exertions. A careful business man-he has done much to promote the in- forests of his community.

HIRAM GARWOOD, farmer: P. (., West Middleburg: was born in Zane Tp., Nov. 12, 1821, and began his education in the first schoolhouse built in the township. His father, close 1. Garwood, was born in the County of Culpepper, Va., Sept. 13, 1994, and at the age of 1] he came to Ohio with his father, who stopped near Milford in 1805, and came to Zane Tp. in ISO1. Jose soon after he came to Zane, followed millwrighting until he arrived at his majority, when his father died and he took charge of the farm. I+ early identified himself with the interests of the township .- was the first Postmaster, was Justice of the Peace, etc. He served in the war of JSP!, and on account of his supe- fior mental acquirements was held in high esteem by his neighbors. He married Nov. 12. 1826. Miss Angeline Culver, born in ('lin- ton, N. Y., Ang. 29, 1805, and who came to Ohio, via Pittsburg, in 1810. He was a very

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successful farmer, owning at one time 42; acres of land. He died March 10, 18;9. The subject of our sketch engaged in surveying for some time, but when the "gold fever broke out, he, in 1849. left for California, and was gone for nine years. Ile returned, after a varied experience, to Ohio in 1857. He was booked for the fated ship Central America, but by a Providential accident failed to take passage. On his return he engaged in millwrighting for one year, when he went to Texas, but remained there but a few months, when he went to Missouri, and there located, marrying Miss Mary Smith on Dec. 18, 1859. He engaged in the lumber business for some time, but in December, 1861, he returned to Ohio. He again returned to Missouri, in 1863, but after spending a few months he bade adieu to that country, and, coming back to his old home, located on his farm of 156 acres, and by per- severance he has improved it so that it is one of the best in the township. Mr. Gar- wood is one of the best posted men in pioneer history, and is a worthy son of his most wor- thy father. He is a member of the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 247.

GIBSON GARWOOD, retired; P. O., West Middleburg; was born Nov. 21, 1834, and is the son of Jonathan Garwood, who was born in Culpepper Co., Va., April 1, 1802. His parents Daniel and Polly Garwood, whose ancestors came from the county of Northum- berland. Eng .. in 1698, and located in New Jersey, and in 1268 in Virginia; came to Ohio in 1805 and settled near Milford Centre, and two years later came to Zane Tp., then a part of Champaign Co. Jonathan Garwood married Miss Catharine Spears, Jan. 26. 1834. She was born in Madison Co., Dec. 29, 1815. and her father was a soldier of the Revolu- tionary War. There were two children, the subject of this sketch, and Marion, born Feb. 21, 1846, who joined the 12th O. V. I., Co. C., and died at Chatanooga, Tenn., March 1, 1865, after faithfully serving his country. Jonathan Garwood was a successful farmer and one of the best citizens of the township. He is spoken of as a man of most uncommon pub- he-spiritedness and liberality. He died March 19, 18:5, lamented by all who knew him. His widow still survives. Gibson mar- ried Miss Eliza Euans, a native of this town-

ship, on Sept. 9, 185%. and shortly after moved to Bates Co., Mo. His wife d'ed March 20. 1861. and his only child, Ella Kate. Aug. 20, of same year. He returned to his old home in 1865. and continued to farm until 18 ;! , when he retired from active business, and moved to Middleburg, where he enjoys such a life as his ample means enables him to do. Ilis agreeable ways, and kind and obliging disposition, makes him the friend of every one who knows him, and the writer of these sketches feels particularly indebted for the many contributions of items of history he has given him. He has for many years kept an accurate daily record of such things as came under his observation, which for dates, etc .. is often consulted by others, and has been valu- able in the completion of the history of Zane Township. He has served the township as Trustee, and was the first Superintendent of the Bellefontaine and Columbus Pika. He is a member of East Liberty Lodge F. & A. M., La Fayette Chapter No. 60. R. A. M. and Logan Council No. 34. R. S. M.

AMOS GRIFFITH HUMPHREY, car- penter; West Middleburg. Prominent among the mechanics who have added materially to the interests of this community, may be men- tioned the gentleman whose name heads this sketch; was born in Westmoreland Co .. Pen., Feb. 16, 181 ;; he came to Garwood Mills, now East Liberty, with his parents when he was a babe; his father, Richard, and his mother, Nancy (Evans) Humphrey, were both born in Wales, the former in 1:44, and the latter in 1219. They emigrated to America with two children in 1802, where the father of the subject of our sketch followed farming until his removal with his family to Ohio. Amos remained in the vicinity of Garwood Mills until 1828, when his father dying, he was compelled to seek his own living in other directions. He worked around at farm- ing until 1839, when he learned the carpen- ters' trade, at which he has worked ever since: of his brothers, Richard enlisted in the Mexican War, probably the only man who entered that service from this locality; he enlisted in a regiment organized at Dayton, Capt. King commanding; 1st Lieut. John B. Miller. Richard died at Pariote, Mexico. His brother Jacob was a first lieutenant in the late war, and assisted in raising Company

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

0. 12th O. V. 1 .; he died in December, 1862. AAmos has ra sed a family of three children, only one of which is now living; the oldest daughter, Melissa Ann, married D. R. Sharp, of East Liberty; his son, James Stokes Ilum- phrey. married Bertha Aiken, from which union there was one son, James Allen, born Ang. IS, 1866. Amos Griffith has been a resident of Middleburg for over forty years. and has been complimented by his neighbors with several positions of trust and honor. He was a Whig in the haleyon days of that party, and then joined the Republican party; at present he is a Prohibitionist. lle is a member of the Christian Union Church; he was married Der. 13, 1840, to Hepsabeth Stokes, who was born July 1,

COLONEL JOEL HAINES, merchant; West Middleburg; was born here June 9 1814, and is now the oldest citizen of this township, who was born here, and has al- ways resided here: reared amid the vicissi- tudes of pioneer life, his advantages were limited, but with a natural genius and an indomitable will, he has kept steadily abreast of the times, leading in every advance move- ment for the benefit of Middleburg, and it is safe to say no man shows a more pubhe spirit or has done as much as has Colonel Haines, for the improvement of this thriving village. Being of an inventive turn of mind he early look up the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he has worked with success for many years. Ile started the first woolen mill in the town- ship, but he especially deserves credit for the many useful articles he has invented and patented, and have given him a great noto- rity abroad. The first was a washing machine which gave him a start, and this was followed by about fifteen others, among which were a cheese-box, which will accurately weigh and divide the cheese, and three styles of fruit jars. He has very recently invented agal ap- plied for a patent on a show-box, for exhibit- ing shows on the shelves a contrivance that will commend itself to any in chant. Pre- vous to the civil war be had been a colonel in the militia, and when the rebellion came he raised a company, composed of the very lover of the youth of the township, which was assigned to the lith Best. (). V. I. as L'e. C. under Co. John M. Connell, and was

mustered into service Sept. 2, 1861, at Camp Dennison, and in October joined the Army of the South under Gen. Thomas, and fought Zollicoffer Det. 21 at Camp Wild Cat. Ile served until June 6. 1862, when he was honor- ably discharged at Corinth, Miss., for physic- al debility. On his return home he opened a dry goods and grocery store in Middleburg; he had previous to this been elected Colonel of the 38th O. N. G., and when this regiment was called into the service, he was compelled to leave his business in the hands of one of his sons, who had been with him in the 17th regiment, and accompanied by his other boys he went with the regiment to Bermuda Hundred, where they did garrison duty. Ile married, Dec. 31, 1536. Miss Mary Haines, who was born Sept. 9, 1820, and whose po- ple were among the earliest pioneers of this county; they have raised a family of four sons and one daughter-John W. born Jan. 11. 1838; Ali, Nov. 1. 1841: Isaac W., Ang. :: 1844: William P., Feb. 14. 15-16. an | Clara Burton, June 8, 1504: the latter named after the lady who so kindly and tenderly nursed her father during his dangerous sickness in the hospital. She is a talented and accom- plished young lady, and as a singer possesses a voice of rare sweetness and power. Col. Haines is a prominent Mason, a member of Lodge 211, Lafayette Chapter No. 60, and Logan Council No. 34. of Bellefontaine. He is at present engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at Middleburg. and is Postmaster, a position he has held many years.

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History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 89

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