History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 91

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 91

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in which he takes so much pride, and in which he has been in the highest sense successful; he has many of the qualities which peculiarly adapts him for this particular calling, as well as the elements which would make him succes- ful in any undertaking. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, of which his father was also a member, and belongs to Lodge No. 241, at East Liberty.

GEORGE W. STORES, farmer and teacher; P. O., North Lewisburg.

" Full many a gem, of purest ray serene,

The dark, unfathomet caves of ocean bear."

We often find persons with taet rather than talent, filling the learned professions, where merit should be the measure, while those whose natural gifts and acquirements really fit them for such positions, quietly pursue a retired life. Of the latter comes to our wind the name of George W. Stokes, whom we first met at college. He early evineed more than an ordinary aptness for learning, which, with a studions disposition, soon placed him far in advance of the boys of his age. Having ex- hausted the curriculum of the country school, he spent two years at the Ohio Wesleyan University, at D Jaware, and oven here what was a task of hours to others was but a few minutes' work to him. such was his power to grasp the most intricate subjects. Indeed, in his mind there is a remarkable combin ation of the power of close mathematical reasoning and an exceedingly retentive memory; hence. it would be ditheult to find on . so familiar as he with the details of ancient and modern history, so accurate is he as to dates and stato- ments. He was born in Union Con Sept. 17, 181%. His Father, John Stokes, was born in Zane Tp., Nov. 18, 1818, and married July 4, 1840, Miss Emma Holly, born in Jef- ferson Co., N. Y., May IS. 1818. Four children blessed the umion-Oliver, George Weaver, Abram Hollyy aud Arminta Jane, The first is a well-to-do farmer of Union Lo; the second is the subject of this hiv- graphy, and the two younger are still with their parents. George, on his return from college in 1868, taught school, which he has followed up to the present time during the winter, exe pting two years, and almost ex- clusively in his home district; such is the attachment of his neighbors among whom he

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has grown up. On Independence Day, 1864, he led to the altar Miss Maria Elizabeth Cow- gill, who was born in Union Co., Nov. 20, 1850, a descendant of one of the pioneers and an accomplished, amiable woman, of more than ordinary intellectual acquirements. Two sweet children came to their home to gladden their hearts-Willard Byron, born Nov. 9, 18:9; Florence Gale, Jan. 20, 1848. Six years of happy married life was given thent, but ere the seventh had begun, carly in the spring of 1880, George Stokes was called to see pass from this life she who had been to him all a true and loving wife could be. The shock was almost greater than he couldl bear, and it was months ere he recovered from the effects of the ordeal. Ilis residence is on the farm originally improved by John Warner in 1809. The Stokes are from the very best families of "Did Virginia," and his grand- father, who had married Phoebe Euans, came to Zane Tp., it is said, as early as 1805, when there were not a dozen white settlers here. He was one of the first to engage in sngar making on a large scale. He served with distinction in the war of 1812, and was a stirring, successful man, and was usually known as Capt. Stokes. He raised a family of three sons and five daughters.

SAMUEL WARNER, retired ; Potters- burg. Of all that noble band of pioneers to whom Zane Tp. owes so much of what she is to-day, none remain of those who came here at the dawn of civilization, except "Uncle Sam Warner." lle was born near the little town, Lumberton, on the Naucopus River in the State of New Jersey, May 28, 1803, and in May, 1809 his parents started for Ohio, then the "Far West," with their family, consisting of Isaac, then fifteen years old, and David and Jesse, younger than Samuel, and daughters Polly, Hannah and Ann, landing at John Warners, in Zane, July 26, 1809, sick and tired. Of what they, in common with other pioneers suffered, we of to-day, surrounded by the luxuries of the 19th century, have no conception. He attended school about two weeks at the old schoolhouse at Inskeep's Mill, with its batten door and puncheon floor, and this completed his schooling, but not his education ; his was too active a mind not to surmount such disadvantages, hence we find

him well informed on all subjects and an en- cyclopedia of pioneer life. In 1812 he moved to the north part of the township and followed shoemaking awhile, but in- his own language, his principal occupation has been to follow the plow. On July 4, 1826, he married Miss Phobe, eldest daughter of Joshua Sharp, born May 29, 1809, and the second female child born in Zane Tp. Ilere he resided over forty years, raising a family of three children; Abaishai 1., born Dec., 12, 1828; Keturah, Oct. 13, 1830; married D. S. Norvill, and died Jan. 25. 1880; and Miller, born Sept. 6th, 1832. In 1873 Sam Warner sold his farm and went to live with his younger son at Pottersburg. The latter married Frances Norvill, Dec. 28, 1854. She was born Dec. 2, 1835, in Medina Co. Her father William, was a native of Connecticut and her mother, Diantha (Holly) Norvill, of New York State, and were married January 1, 1834. Ile fol- lowed farming until 1871, when he moved to Pottersburg and opened a dry goods store the following year, just as the town was open- ing up. Ilis business career, which opened under so favorable auspices, was most seri- ously interfered with by three years' sick- ness. His disease was diptheria, which, after trying many remedies, he found one which effectually cured him, and which he gener- ously offers free to any one. He, however, continued to sell goods, and farmed until 18:5. He then sold his store, and has since then been giving especial attention to farming and breeding thorough-bred cattle, hogs and sheep. He is familiar with the stock busi- ness, having been engaged in that business when a young man. He has a good farm of 100 acres in Allen Tp., Union Co., and town property. He is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, as is also his father, who, like his father Abaishai to whom reference is made in the general history of Zane Tp., was an old line Whig. For generosity and hospitality the War- ners are fine exponents of the customs of pioneer life.

BENJAMIN WILSON, farmer; P. O., West Middleburg. Among the influential and prominent citizens of Zane Tp., whom it is a pleasure to note, have always occupied a front position in the rapid advance of this section,

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Benjamin Wilson, by his energetic application to business, and the promotion of the indus- tries of his community, deserves more than passing notice. Descendant from that good Irish family of Wilsons who have added so much to the wealth of Zane Tp., he of course, necessarily partakes of their signal energy. Ile was born in County Kings, Parish of Gil- len, Ireland, Nov. 2, 1815. The sketch of his father will be found in another portion of this work. In his father's family there were four boys and seven girls. He unfortunately was left fatherless at an early age, and receiv- ing a common school education, he began to work to help support his mother and sisters, and continued to help support them until 1839. when he came to America, and worked in New York about a year. I > then came to Milford Centre. In 1842 he married Elizabeth C'url, daughter of Charles Curl, whose sketch appears in another portion of this work. For about twelve years he rented his land and then, having accumulated a sufficient sum of money, he bought out the farm upon which he now resides. The farm consisted of 100 acres, to which he added until at one time he owned about 400 acres. He has since, however, given to his children and bought land, so that at present he owns 365 acres of excellent land, well watered, with three miles of under-drain- age. The land is well adapted to the raising of corn and wheat; Mr. Wilson being the largest wheat grower in this township; he has "camps" of 1,500 vessels. He started with just $5, and his farms pay homage to his prudence. He has a family of five children -Thomas A., Charles C., John E .. Freeland and Maneti, who married Sylvester Devore. Benjamin is a member . of the Episcopal Church, and is strong in the faith of the Mother Church. He is Ropublican.

THOMAS M. WILSON, retired farmer; North Lewisburg: was born in Parish Grillen, County Kings, Ireland, Dec. 21, 1-19, and by occupation is a farmer; he emigrated to AAmerica at the age of 2;, and after his pas- sagre was paid, had not a cent of money, ow- ing for the clothes he had on his back: he worked his way to Zane Tp., where his brother resided, and worked for him and various other parties for some time. When the " gold fever " broke out he started for the diggings, crossing the plains with a wagon

train, consuming three months and twenty-one days in his passage to California; he remained there for two years, and having accumulated 83,500 in gold, he returned by steamer to New York, and from thence to his home in Zane Tp .; he, true to his instincts, im- mediately bought a farm of 110 acres, to which he has since added as his pecumary condition would allow until he now possesses the best improved and most valuable farms in this locality, where a good farm is the mule and a poor one the exception. Upon his farm is a valuable sugar camp; he has put in 1,000 rods of tiling, which forms an excellent drain, while to add to the attractions of the farm he possesses, in the Big Branch, a sup- ply of water indispensable to a stockman. Sept. 18, 1858, he married Miss Maria L. Moore; she was born in New Jersey, her parents coming to Zane To. when she was a child; her parents were among the pioneers of Zane, and among the first Methodists. and have always identifi d themselves with the growth of the township; her brother, El- mund Moore, and her brother-in-law, Job Bishop, being especially noted for their zeal and progressive spirit, the latter especially being a wide awake, intelligent and enthusi- astic farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are now enjoying their well-earned ease at their home in North Lewisburg, contributing their share to every good work; are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ALONZO P. WEST, farmer; P. O., West Middleburg. In noting among the younger men those who independently. by their in- dustry and strict business principles, have accumulated wealth and added to the reputa- tion of Zane Tp. Alonzo P. West is esper- ially distinguished for the prominent position he has taken in the material advancement of his township. lle was born in Liberty Tp., May 11, 1846: His father was born May 14. 1818, in Massachusetts, and came to Ohio with his father, where he married Miss An Norwill, also a native of Massachusetts. Alonzo received a limited education, attend- ing school about two months in the year until he was 12 years old, when he entered the army. lle joined Co. C., Lith O. V. L., and served two years. He participated in the battles of Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, 1 Resacca, Kenesaw Mountain, and a number of

ZANE TOWNSHIP.

minor engagements in North and South Car- olina. While on picket duty near Atlanta, Ga., he was wounded, and remained one month in the hospital. He relates an amus- ing incident of a foraging expedition soon after his recovery. He and a few others left the camp, and, after scouring the country, re- turned with quite a load of provisions. While crossing the river near Galesville, the boat upset and the men lost all their provis- ions, the heavier articles going to the bottom and the ducks, etc., going down stream with the current. The same night they reached the camp, and for some time the joke was on them. On his return from the war he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he re- mained but a short time, and then attended Northwood College for one term. After this he taught school for four winters. He bought the present farm from his father, in connection with his brother AAllen, and after running it awhile conjointly with him, bought him out and became sole proprietor. Mr. West was married Feb. 5, 1811, to Miss Hettie Inskeep, who was a native of Van Buren Co., Iowa, but whose parents, Edward and Isabelle (Downs) Inskeep, were early settlers in Zane Tp. Mrs. West was a teacher about five years previous to her marriage. Alonzo's farm consists of 120 acres of excellent land, and is one of the oldlest improved farms in Zie Tp., having been settled in 180 ;. The buildings, although built as early as 1820, are in good preservat on, having been built by Joshua Inskeep. There are about 250 rods of hedge around the farm. He has a camp of 1,200 trees, from which he produces about 5,000 pounds of sugar annually. He pays, however, particular attention to stock-raising. lle has two chiklren-Earl, born Jan. 21, 1842, and Fred, Jan. 2, 1880.

JOHN WILSON, farmer; P. O., North Lewisburg; was born in County Kings, Parish of Gillen, Ireland. April 3, 1824. His parents were John and Mary (Murphy) Wilson, and he was reared a farmer; he received a mod- erate education In Ireland, but was compelled to give the greater share of his attention to the farm, upon which he remained until he was 26 years of age, when he emigrated to America on the steamship Silas Greenman; he landed at New York amidst all the be- wildering influences of that bustling city.

Keeping steadily in view, however, the grand purpose of his life, he started for Ohio, reach- ing Zane Tp. about a year after his landing at Castle Garden. In three years after his arrival in Zane Tp., such was his indefatiga- ble zeal and energy, he had saved enough money to purchase a farm of 50 acres, paying $800 down and liquidating the balance by working his farm. Soon after locating in this township he married Ann Lowe, also a native of Ireland. From this union there are six boys and one girl-Thomas, Mary, John, George, Benjamin, James and Edward, aH now living and residing at home. About 1871 he purchased the farm on the Lewisburg Pike, formerly belonging to Widow More, paying for the same $6,000, mostly money down, which he had made on his farm. Aug. 28, 1823, his wife, to whom he was devotedly attached, died. She was an estimable lady, and no small share of his success is attributed to the care, prudence and economy of his faithful companion, and in justice to Mr. Wilson be it said that he ever recognized her character and felt her loss as only a loving husband could. Mr. Wilson's farm is at pres- ent under excellent cultivation. He has a fine home, with all the comforts of a thrifty and well-to-do farmer. His sugar-camp con- sists of 800 trees.

JOHN R. WILSON was born in Ire- land, July 9, 1846, and came to America with his mother when he was 8 years of age. His father, Edward Wilson, was born in County Kings. Parish Gillen, June 11, 1814, The father of the subject of our sketch, in his 26th year, married Margaret Larkin, and in 1851 he emigrated to America, leaving his family at their home in Ireland-compelled to do so from a lack of funds to pay their passage to this. continent. For the first few months after reaching America, he remained in the East, earning by daily labor, money to support his wife and family in Ireland; but gradually working westward, he in October, 1851, reached Zane Tp. After becoming per- manently settled he sent for his family, and theycame over, reaching here about 1854. Set- ting to work with all the ardor and zeal of a man who appreciates the privilege of inde- pendence in America, he soon accumulated quite a sum of money, which unfortunately was lost. . Coming from a stock which knew

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nosuch word as discouragement, he, thanking time for his good health, set to work again, and in Jsol had carnel and saved enough money to buy a farm of 1333 acres, excellent land. now one of the best in the township. Join R. Wilson, partaking of the energetic character of his father, has a fine farm of 15:3 acres, upon which he lives with his wife, a charming lady, whom he married June 6. Isis. Her maiden name was Miss Susan Ann Fox, and her parents came from Penn- >Vivania at quite an early dato. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Lewisburg Lodge of Free Masons, and of Maple Grove Lodge of Grang-

SETH S. WINDER, farmer; P. O., North Lewisburg; was born December 14, 1841. His father, Thomas Winder, was born De- ember 24, 1804. in Ress Co., Ohio. The latter's father, Abner Winder, came from Pennsylvania and was one of the pioneers of the Northwestern territory. settling in Ross Co. about the beginning of the pres- ent century. His wife was a Ballinger. Thomas Winder came to Logan Co. in 1MAI, purchasing 85 acres of land. The only improvements upon the same consisted of a double log cabin, and two oal log stables. He married Hannah Wildman, who was Men in Clark Co. Sept. 12, 1802. By this union there were ten children. Seth S. was reared amidst all the inthiences of a prunal but progressive farming district. He received a common school education, spend- ing six months in the High School, besides one term at Earlom College, Richmond, Ind. Returning home he again entered upon his Luther's farm, remaining with hun until he was Si years of age, when he married Maggio . Linville, who was a native of Champaign l'., and whose parents J. Il. Linville and Inn d'ennington) Linville were respected settlers of that counts. The subject of our Sketch now possesses a farm of Jus aeres. will watered, very productive and adapted als to the rising of stock. He has two children-Adina horn Sept. 2, 15B, and Suma, Jan. 23, 1599. The Wind ers have always been among the first to promote and encourage all those. muprovements which are necessary to the advancement. growth and ultimate wealth of any community. Being Wiker they partake of the integrity and

industry so characteristic of that seet, and their excellent and valuable farms are fitting tributes to industry and perseverance. Thomas Winder is still living, a hale old man of 26. Time has dealt lightly with him and to-day he enjoys the robust health which a long life of temperance and happiness, to- gether with honest toil naturally gives a man. On every hand he heholds his sons, progres- sive and influential farmers. Our Edward Winder has done much to increase the ropu- tation of the county as a breeder of fine wool shopp.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN WIRICK, de- ceased; was born Aug. ; , 1833, in Columbiana to, and came to Logan to. when he was 10 years of age, locating in Zane Tp. On Feb. 4, 1856. he married Mary E. Green, born in Logan Co. Dec. 11, 18B]. She was the daughter of George R. Green, who was born in Kentucky in 1;98, and who came to Logan Co. with his father in 180 i. Cioorgy Green married Ruth Williams, a native of Virginia, who settled in Logan Co, with her parents in 1811, and raised a family of thirteen children. Grotge Green was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was raised a Friend, but joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. The result of the union of B. F. Wirich and Mary E. Green was two children Sarah Jane and Benjamin Frank- lin. Sarah Jane married George Bushong, and had by him two children-one only. Lulu Ellen, surviving. The mother died Jan. 16, Isso. B. F. Wirick was a member of the 150th Reg. O. V. L., and served eleven months to the close of the war. He died Oct. 9. 18; ;. Ilis wife lives on a beautiful farm of 111 :eres, well watered, and contains a fine sugar camp. from which annually about 1 000 pounds of sugar are produced. There is an excellent orchard, producing abundantly fruits in their season, and the buildings show the care of a well regulated farm.

J. W. YOUNG, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., West Middleburg: was born in Columbiana Co., June 11, J835, and came to Logan Co., when he was 12 years of age: his father was of Irish extraction and was born in IsJo. in Beaver Co. Penn .; he followed teaming over the mountains until about his twenty-first year. when he located in Columbiana Co. Ohio, and married Miss Ann Walton, born Ang. 25,

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1813. They raised a family of nine children. of whom four are now living; J. W. Young married Miss Amanda P. Outland, April 13, 1862; Robert, her father, was born in Zane Tp., Nov. 22, 1808, and died Sept. 1, 18:1; her mother, Martha (Freer), was born in Vir- ginia, Dec. 26. 1808, in Gates Co., and came to Ohio with her parents when a small child, and located in Warren Co., and died in Zane Tp., April 21, 1880. The former was raised a Friend and the latter a Methodist. Mr. Young's farm consists of 108 acres, well watered and under-drained, and under the very best state of cultivation, with gool buildings. He belongs to the most advanced

class of progressive farmers, and never hesi- tates to take advantage of any improvement; he has raised as much as seventy-two bushels of eorn to an acre; he has lately turned his attention to fine wool sheep, and has, perhaps, the best flock in the township, the majority of them costing about $100 cach, and are regis- tered in the Vermont Register; he has a choice collection of fruit, especially cherries and phims: he served about four months in the 132nd O. V. I .. and was Township Trustee five years; he is a member of East Liberty Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 247, and Star Chapter No. 126. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.

PERRY TOWNSHIP.

GEORGE ARMSTRONG, farmer: P. (., North Greenfield. Among the jolly, goo l- hearted souls who hait from the Emeraldt Iste is George Armstrong, who was born Feb. 15, 1833, in Ireland. Ilis parents were George and Rose (Smith) Armstrong. George immi- grated to this country in 1849, coming west to Chicago; he remained a short time, and then drifted south, landing in Logan Co. In 1855, he was married to Rachel Supler, who was a daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Campbell) Supler. Samuel Supler came to this township about the year 1822, from Pick- away Co. Ile was one among the first who settled in this part of the township; was an excellent man, and highly respected by all who knew him. He died April 23, 1880; his wife in 1824. Mr. Armstrong resides a short distance cast of North Greenfield, and has 225 acres of land, and is among the enterprising and successful farmers in the township. TTe has a family of seven children -- David B., Martha, George R., Nancy, Mary E., Edward and Sarah. Ile is a member of Wapatomica Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 424.

MRS. SARAH AUSTIN, retired; East Liberty; was born July 21, 1811, in Philadel- phia, Pa .; she was a daughter of Hlenry and Sarah (Custer) Moore, who emigrated to this State in 1821, and finally located in Mount Moriah, where they died-he on Feb. 1, 1850,

and she on Oct. 24, 1869. On July 25, 1869, she was married to Rev. Carlisle A. Austin, who was born in New Jersey, Feb. 6, 1804. and moved to East Liberty, O., in 1820, and for sixty years was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he always took an active part. He was a con- seientious man, and one who never swerved from duty and the truth, and was a man of acknowledged ability; for several years ho held the offices of Justice of the Peace, No- tary Public and Surveyor, and for forty years was a local preacher, and many, through his instrumentality, were brought to the cross of Christ. In matters that pertained to busi- ness, he was sureessful, leaving after him a good farm and personal property; he died in the triumph of faith, April 10, 18:0; he was first married to Rebecca Rea. Mrs. Austin, who survives him, resides on the homestead; she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been since six years of age, when she was converted, and received into the church at the age of seven.

HENRY BALLINGER, farmer; P. O., East Liberty; was born June 17, 1814, in Zane Tp .; is the eldest of a family of two children born to Henry and Patience (Bishop) Ballinger. His father's name was Joshua, who emigrated to this county during its first settlement, and settled in the woods south of

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Middleburg. Henry's father died before he was boro, his mother marrying again. She raised her son to maturity, and Nov. 23, 1837, he was married to Rebecca (. Moore, who was born in New Jersey April 15, 1817. and came west with her parents, Henry and Sarah (U'uster) Moore, when she was five years of Her grandfather attained a ripe old age. Since Mr. Ballinger's marriage he has resided in Perry Tp. When he located, it was one dense growth of forest. Wolves and wild game were in abundance. He first pur- chased eighty acres of Duncan MeCarthy, of Chillicothe, and the surroundings at the pres- ent time give but sjight testimony of the in- conveniences and obstacles that attended the settlement of these now productive lands, that respond annually to the demands of the hus- bandman. Mr. Ballinger is now in the do- eline of life, and is enjoying the fruits of his honest toil in quiet and praceful retire- ment. He has been for two score of years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has endeavored to ornament his profession by a Christian-like walk and conversation. For children have been born to him- Mary, Laynon. Thomas and Henry.

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History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 91

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