History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 94

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 94

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DANIEL SKIDMORE, JR., farmer; P. O., West Mansfield; was born April 12, 1830, on the homestead, the eldest of a family of ten children. His father was born in Virginia, Sept. 2, 1803, and came West when thirteen years of age. On July 23, 1827, he was married to Hope Ballinger, who was born in New Jersey, Dee. 17, 1802, and who was a daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Walker) Ballinger, who came West about the year 1809, and settled in Zane Tp. After the marriage of Joshua and Hope, they settled in the Skidmore settlement, where his widow still survives bim. He died April 21, 1849. Daniel, our subject, was married April 17, 1851, to Rachel McDonald, who was born in 1832 in this township, and is a daughter of John and Rebecca (Fitzsimmons) MeDonald. The MeDonalds are from Scotland and emi- grated to Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1863, Daniel moved to White Co., Ind., and lived there until 1870, and then returned to the

homestead. He has three children-Elmira E., Rachel E. and Dora. Daniel and h's brother John H. now farm the homestea l. John was born Nov. 30, 1845; is the ninth child of the family. At the age of twenty- three, April, 1868, he was married to Eliza- beth Inskeep, who was born in February, 1843, in this township, daughter of David and Martha Inskeep. But one child is living- Earl I., born in October, 18:5. The home- stead consists of 216 acres. Daniel and his family are members of the Disciples Church. John is of the Baptists.

JOSEPH SKIDMORE, farmer; P. O., West Mansfieldl. Among the old and highly- respected residents of this township, whose interests have been identical almost since its beginning, is Uncle Joseph Skidmore, who was born March 23, 1:99, in Bedford Co., Va .; son of William and Mary (R ndall) Skid- more; he was born in Virginia, May 9, 148; she in Pennsylvania Oct. 1, 1:14. They emi- grated to this State, locating where East Lib- orty now stands, abont the year 1813: remain- ing here a short time, they soll out and moved towards the north part of the township, and remained here until removed by death. There were eleven children in the family, Joseph being the second. Soon after attaining his majority, he was united by marriage to Re- becca Garwood, who was born in this county, daughter of Thomas Garwood; she died July 18, 1835. When Joseph began farming on his own account he bought seventy-two aeres, at $3 per acre, and cleared the same. Six chil- dren were born to him by his first wife, five living-William, Thomas, Hope, Isaac and John. His present wife was Rebecca Whit- aker, born Sept. 12, 1819, in Clarke Co .; daughter of Josiah and Hannah Rudisill. They were among the early settlers. The Whitakers are from New Jersey. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore, who are-Lydia J., Nancy, Joseph, Rebecca, Franklin Il., Lavina and Josiah C. For forty years, Mr. Skidmore has been a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, and for many years a deacon, and now stands ready for h's Master's call.

WEBB L. THOMAS, farmer; P. O., East Liberty; was born May 10, 1822, in Adams Co., Pa. This branch of the Thomas family are descendants of Abel Thomas, a prominent

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Quaker preacher, who was contemporaneons with William Penn and others of his time. W. L. is the fifth child of Isaac and Hannah (Starr) Thomas, who were born in Adams Co., Pa., April 2, 1684, and July 2, 1:90, respect- ively. Of the family of ten children born, nine came to maturity. In 1824, the family moved to Warren Co., this State. Early in life we lind Webb engaged in a woolen fac- tory, where he labored about ten years. Ho then learned the wagon-making trade, which he followed six years. On Oct. 21, 1814, he was married to Mary Vail, who was born in Butler Co., Pa., Dec. 16, 1825. She was a daughter of Aaron and Eleanor (Siddons) Vail. The Vails hail from the State of New Jersey. The Webbs are from the Empire State. Isaac Thomas died in 1833; his wife died in Madison Co., Ind., March 4, 1862. In 1851, Mr. Thomas lett Warren Co., and re- moved to Ler Co., low, and after one year's residence, came to Logan Co., and purchased 112 acres of land in Perry Tp., where he now resides, one mile and a half northeast from East Liberty. The land was formerly owned by Henry Else. He has since his purchase erected all the buildings that now grace and adorn the premises. He has three children- Albert D., born Sept. 28, 1845; Edwin A., barn Sept. 23, 1850; Rolla F, born Aug. 27, ISIS. Mr. Thomas has merited the success that has crowned his efforts in a business way. Beginning poor, he has attained a good.home and a reasonable competence for his declin- ing years.

GEORGE P. VERNON, farmer; P. O., East Liberty: was born in Chester Co, l'a., June 22, 1511; son of George and Hannah (Baldwin) Vernon, both of whom were natives of same county and State. Mr. Vernon emi- grated west with his parents to Columbiana winty, near Salem. Here his parents died, his father in ISIS, and mother afterwards. Upon the Vernon side of the House, the family came from England; upon the Bild- win, or mother's side, they came from Ireland, in October, 1813. Mr. Vernon cime to 1. Can Cos and located in Perry Tp., March 9. 155 ;. While in Columbiana County he intel in marriage to Matilda Dixon, daughterof Hours and Roth (Jackson) Dixon, both ratives of Red Stone, Pa. Her mother was the daughter of Samuel Jackson, who , hun; he lost one son, David, who died near

was an extensive manufacturer at Red Stone. Mrs. Vernon died, leaving him nine children, all of them living -Minerva (Mrs. George Harper) of Polk Co., lowa; Mary E. (Mrs. Richard Dickison); Ralph, at home; Levi, in Washington Co., Kan .; William, in Green Co., Jowa; Lucinda (Mrs. C. Johnson); George, in Green Co., lowa: Emily (Mrs. William Brockerman), M. D., in Harper: Erastus, at home. His present wife was Miss Sarah Harshfield, born 1835, in Richland Co .; daughter of David and Elizabeth (Bickley) Harshfield. They have one child, Litta, born June 18, 1815. Mr. Vernon began poor, with nothing but his hands, but is to-day among the stanch and able farmers of the township; he has 321 acres of land. He still carries on his farm, but resides in East Liberty, and is in a manner retired; was raised a Quaker, but is now a member of the Christ an Church.

WHATAM WEATHERBY, farmer; P. O., North Greenfield; was born mi Burlington Co., N. J .. Nov. 16, 1809, Salem Tp. There were eight children in the family, he being the third of those that were born to Benjamin and Sarah (Mathis) Weatherby, who omigrated west to this State in the year 1816, and located in Columbus, remaining there two years. While hore William drove a team which was hauling rock to be used in extending the walls of the Penitentiary building. About the year 1818, he moved with his parents to, Zane 'Tp., and settled near Middleburg. William began poor: he first hired out to work at $9 per month: then worked three years at the car- penters' trade. On Ang. 25, 1836, he was united by marriage to Ann K. Faulkner, who was born in Greene Co., O., March 30, ISTS; her parents were lesse and Hannah Shop- heard, who came from West Virginia. Mf- ter William married. he began renting. His first purchase was 280 acres of land. at $1.50 per acre, in the "fireon Woods." which he paid for by renting. Before mak- ing his permanent settlement where he now resides, he made several changes, but during all this time kept steadily at work, doing a great deal of pioncer labor. located near North Greenfield, purchasing 1174 acres of land, and has accumulated 2:2 acres. He has but one child -- Mary E ... born in ISH. Four children were both

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Vicksburg; he was a soldier in the 96th O. V. I. JOHN S. WILGUS, farmer; P. O., New Jerusalem; was born in Sussex Co., Dela- ware, Sapt. 9, 1818. His father was Sumuel Wilgus, born July 20, 1282, and married a Dorsey, who was the mother of Jolm. The Wilgus family came originally from England; John's mother's mother was Delilah Wright; his father's mother was a Taylor. John was I? when his parents came to this country and settled in the "woods." John was the eldest of a family of nine children; his father purchased 100 acres in this town- ship-not a stick had been cut on the place. John remained with his father until 25 years of age. In 1843 he was married to Patience Haines, born in this township, and daughter

of Joseph and Rachel Ballinger. She died in 18:0. Fifteen children were born, several of whom are dead; those living are-Nar- cissus, now Mrs. Jas. Blake, of Madison Co .; Henry A., in Union Co .; Emeline, Mrs. John Hughs, of this county; Lorenzo, in Union; Mary E., Mrs. T. Godman, of Madison Co .; Rachel J .; Hester J., Mrs. J. L. Farrington; Rachel A., Mrs. A. Davis, of Madison; David W., John B. and Charles L., at home. Mr. Wilgus' first purchase was 12 acres; he then added 44 and has now 100 acres. In 1872 he was married to Cynthia Bliss, whose mother's name was Miller, born in Indiana March 10, 1821. All of Mr. Wilgus' family have been, and those living are, identified with the Methodist Church.

BOKES CREEK TOWNSHIP.

CHRISTIANA BATES, widow; West Mansfield; was born in Washington Co., Pa .. in 1825. In 1842 she married Gardiner Bates, of Rhode Island; her maiden name was Christiana MeDonald; her grandparents were from Scotland, and came to the United States prior to the birth of her father, which occurred in 1 ;; 8, and his death, in 1844. ITer mother was born in Washington Co., Pa., in 1:93; was married in 1812, and died in 1863. The McDonald family consisted of eleven children-right of whom are now living- George, James, Daniel A., William G., Mary, Christiana, Rachel and Caroline. The last is the wife of a Mr. Ballinger, of Elkhart, Ind. Christiana, the widow of Gardiner Bates, is the mother of five children, three of whom are now living, whose names are Clara, Christiana G. and Albert G. Her eldest daughter, whose marriage occurred in 1862, died, leaving one child, a daughter. Mrs. Bates is a member of the United Brethren Church, and has sustained a membership for thirty years.

MILTON BUSHONG, farmer; P. O., West Mansfield; was born Oet. 23, 1826, in Perry Tp., this county; his father James Bushong, was born in Ross Co., O., but his mother came from South Carolina with her father's family

when she was about 13 years old; they settled near Chillicothe. Shortly after their marriage Mr. Bushong and his young wife moved to Logan Co., and settled on Mill Creek, Perry Tp., in 1821; and there Mr. Bushong died, leaving a widow and three children, besides Milton, who was born a short time after his father's death; here the widow and fond mother clung to her home and children as none but a mother could, and supported and educated them as well as circumstances would permit; soon as the older ones became of age and married they sold out their interest in the estate, but Milton kept his, and with him their mother always made her home until the time of her death, which occurred Nov. 25, 1869. While Milton was living on the old homestead he learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it, as well as conducting his farm; and at his trade he procured means enough to purchase 12 acres, which is now in the corporation of West Mansfield. Subse- quently he purchased 18 acres more and then sold the 30 acres of the old homestead and bought a piece of unimproved land in the northern part of the township, all of which he traded for the farm of IIS acres where he now resides, which is a beautiful location and well improved; adjo ning and partly in the

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

corporation of West Mansfield; to which he moved April, 1861. He has been twice mir- rind; first with Louisa Moore, June 32, 1850. She was born March 9, 1832, in Carroll ('o., ( .: her death occurred Sept. 12. ISit, leaving five of her eleven children: William and Summel C. (deceased); Mary (,, married Jas. M. Ruchlen, of this township, Dec. 25, 18;3, and died Feb. 15, 1858, leaving one child, Chloe E .; Milton T. (deceased); Emma L. (is now Mrs. Wm. Ballinger, of I'nion to .; they were married March 11. ISCR: Clinton and John W. (deceased); Sarah E., Charles W' .. Edwin l., at home with their father: Aibert .I. (decreased). His second marriage was cole- brated March IS, IS;S. with Almira Hatha- way. She was born S .pt, 2%, 1832. in Digh- ton, Mass,, and was a widow of the late John Elliott; he loft three children: Elmer W., N. Vi and Flora S. Mr. Bushong was elec- tel Justice ot Peace April, 1865, and served continuously until this spring; making 15 years in that office. With the exception of the 30 aeres, which he got out of the old homestead, he has made all the rest of his comfortable home by his own industry and economy. He has been a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church since 1550-as is also his wife a member of the same Church.

LEWIS DICKINSON, farmer: P. O., Ridgeway: is a native of Logan Co., born Nov. 20, 1821; he has twice been married. his first marriage occurring on March t, 1832; by this union there were six children-Joshua N .. Delilah AA., Lyd a M .. Henry E., St. Leger and Mary C. By his second marriage he has three children -- Mmmte, Ella and Robert. Mr. Dickinson is a farmer by pursuit and one of the sons of honest toil and industry. In the raising of stock his attention is more particu- larly directed to that of sheep. but includes the usual stock of all well-to-do agriculture ists. He is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, Ridgeway Circuit.

11. 11. ELLIOTT, farmer: P. O .. Rushyl- Van; was born Nov. 29, 1831, in Stark I'm,. Chio; He is the son of Joseph and Mary (S ater) Elliott, who were natives of Poun- sylvania, an lean . to Stark to, when young, where they were married. and reared five children; they all moved to Login to. in 1-89. 1. H. hoved with 1 parents until of age, and was engaged in farm pursuits. His

marriage was celebrated Ang. 12, 1865, with Nancy, daughter of Moses Bell; she was born in this county June 29, 1843. They are mem- hers of the Congregation of Friends at Zanes- field. They have four children-Lena \'., Carrie B., Ley E. and Martie M., and one deceased. William L. Mr. Elliott enlisted in the late rebellion Aug. 11, 18/2, in Co. IT, 96th O. V. L., and participated in many severe conflicts during his three years' service, of which we mention the following: Arkansas Post, Chickasaw Bayon, Port Gibson, Ray- mond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Black R ver, Siege of Vicksburg, Jackson (again), Grand Coteau, Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan, Spanish Fort. Fort Blakely and capture of Mobile; throughout the campaign, in all these engage- ments, he was singularly fortunate, as he never received a scratch, with the exception of a slight bruise (but not sufficient to cut) by a piece of shell; and being of a strong and hardy constitution, he was not sick a single day, and never took three doses of medicine during his three years' service; the war being closed, he got an honorable discharge, and. returned home July 22. 1865. They own a well-improved farm of 100 acres, with good buildings, all of which he has made by his own economy and industry.

JOHN HATCHER, farmer: 1. 0. West Mansfield: was born Jan. 1. 1813, in the gos - erument fort, Mount Vernon, Knox Co., where his mother, an older child, and others, had taken refuge during difficulty with the Indians. At same time his father (William Hatcher) was engaged in the force endeavor- ing to subdue them; his parents were natives of Virginia, and came to Ohio, locating in his native county in 1811. His grandfather (Isaac Hatcher) came from Virginia shortly after- ward, and purchased about 1.000 acres near East Liberty, in this county, and divided it with his family; this induced William (John's father) to come to Logan when John was about five years old; there the family settled, and also purchased some land besides what he got of the old gentlemen's estate, and subsequently soll all and moved with his family to southern Illinois, where he ( William) thed of cholera in 1555. When John grew up to manhood he traveled considerable over the Western and Southern States, and saw nothing Considering the condition of health with

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agricultural interests) that suited him any Let- ter than Ohio; he concluded to push his way back, and accordingly arrived in Logan Co. in 1834; here he married Catharine Hess, and shortly after they rented a farm, as he had no means to purchase with; in 1851 his wife died leaving six small children-Rebecca J .. Nancy, William H., Lucinda, Sarah A., and Lydia V. He married his second wife, Ann Peterson, but was unfortunate to lose her by death on Jan. 1, 1869, she also leaving six young children-Cordelia, John H., Abbey, Hopey A., Abel and Elizabeth A. His third mar- riage was celebrated with Artlissa (Leonard) Bennett, widow of the late John Bennett; she has one son living by her first husband. Mr. Hatcher has 130 acres of well improved land, which he has gathered by his own hard work and industry, notwithstanding his many drawbacks by death and the care of a very large family.

JACOB KELLER, fariner; P. O., West Mansfield. Jacob Keller's grand-parents on his mother's side were from Virginia, and on his father's side from Germany, emigrating to this country about the year 4800. On his father's side were four children, he being the eldest; on his mother's side there were cleven, she being also the eldest. Jacob's parents were married in 1815, in Columbiana Co., O. They were among the earliest settlers of Champaign Co., when it also embraced what is now Logan Co. The family consisted of fourteen children, Jacob being the second. The names of the children are Mary, Jacob, Fannie, Shady, William, John, Joshua M., Joseph A., Amelia A., Rachel, Barbara, Re- becca, Lucetta and Ruth, twelve of whom are now living. Jacob Keller was born in Logan Co. in the year 1812; he lived with his parents until 1840, when he commenced business for himself, and was married in 1839 to Mary Davis, who was born in Pennsyl- vania in 1812, and came to Logan ('o. in 183%. They are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are now living-Miranda, Amanda, Ra- chel S., Mary J., Frederick D., John A. and William M. Jacob Keller's father was twice married. By the last marriage he had two children-a son and a daughter. The son was killed at Johnson's by the falling of the barracks.

JOSEPHI A. KELLER, farmer; P. O.,

West Mansfield; was born Oct. 12, 182%. in Perry Tp., this county: is a son of Frederick and Rachel (Skidmore) Keller, both natives of Virginia, but moved when vonng to Penn- sylvania, thence to Columbiana Co., O., and in 1816 they came to Logan Co. When about 18 years of age Joseph A. began to work out, and a year or so later he married Nancy A. Mun- sell, which event was celebrated in February, 1842; she was born Oct. 14, 1828, in Huron Co., O., and came here with her father's fam- ily, who settled a little north of where West Mansfield is located; shortly after their mar- riage they rented the farm of his mother-in- law, Widow Munsell, and as the Munsell heirs became of age, he purchased their inter- est in the farm, and also purchased 150 acres west of West Mansfieldl. He and three brothers opened a store in the new town of West Mansfield, which was the first establish- ment of the kind in the place, which they carried on successfully for about two years, when they sold out the store. He then de- voted his attention to dealing in live stock and farming for some time. And in 1866 he purchased the stock of general merchandising goods of James S. Robinson, and kept store again in Mansfield: when he had been in about 18 months he sustained a heavy loss, the store and all the goods being consumed by fire on Feb. 5, 1868; the stock invoiced between $7,000 and $8,000, and all without being insured; an ohl adage that "troubles never come singly " seems to be verified in his case; just following this loss were parties who had failed, for whom he had gone secur- ity for a considerable sum, which he had to pay, and with some bad accounts amounte:] to about 86,000, for which he got nothing in return. They lived in the village one year and then moved to the farm west of town, which was then in his possession, where they resided two years; which he sokl, with a view of straightening up his accounts well as possible, and also to move to 140 acres of un- improved land, which he had bought in 1862, to which he subsequently added by purchase of 150 acres, in alf 290 acres, which constitute his present farm, to which he moved in the spring of 1871; it is very good soil, and con- sidering the heavy timber and inconveniences -not even a road open to it when he moved here-they have done much in a short space

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,

of tine toward clearing and putting it in good agricultural condition. Before the fire swept hus stock of goods out of his hand he was worth in property about $20,000. Shortly after he found himself in poor circumstances, with a large family, but he did not sit down an : think of what he once had, and ropine over the loss, but struck vigorously and hard to get another start, and with much satisfac- tion, he may say, " Ihave succeeded." Eight of their twelve children are living Oliver N. (deceased): Martha E. (married L. T. Win- ner, but died in 18:2): John M. (resides on a farin given him by his father, near by); Edwin II. (now in Kansas); Frederick K .: Emma (deceased); Elenora (now Mrs. Thomas Wal- Jace); Emily F., Clarence E .. Clara M., Frank .A. and Crete. Mr. Keller enlisted in the fall of INie, in 130th U. S. Battery, and arrived just in time to participate in the battle of Shiloh; he was then transferred to the 100th Battery, but was taken sick with jaundice and got a furlough home; after nine months service he was discharged and never returned to the field. In 1869 he was elected County Com- missioner from this Township, and hold that offic .. three years, giving good satisfaction.

J. J. LAV ALLY. farmer; P. O., Ridgeway. The Levally family had their origin in France. The grandfather of J. J. Levally was a French soldier, and was under ('onimo- dore Perry at the time of his great victory on Lake Erie. The grandmother was born in Virginia, near Blue Ridge. Both his parents were natives of Virginia, and removed to Greene Co., Ohio. J. J. Lovally was born in Greene Co., Ohio, June 1. 1823, and came with his parents, when quite young, to Logan Co., Ohio, and was married Feb. 21, 1542, to Miss Wilklow, of ticanga Co., Ohio. They have in all nine children, six of whom are living- divorce W., Joseph H., John W., Jonathan R .. Clark W., and Lavinia A. J. J. Lovaly was Justice of the Place in Bakes C'rock for six years, Township Clerk for fifteen years, I'mstable for one year, and Land Appraiser for lash there being but few years since . he In coune a voter in which he has not held som . jupdie trust, and has attended every election Intere since being a voter; then sickness prevented. He and his wife are consistent mmb eof the Prot . tant Math alist Church. to which they have And meat for thirty-one

years. Mrs. Levally's parents wer . amongst the earliest settlers, her father being &1 years old and her mother 78. They came in 1826. Mr. Levally is a member of White Swan Grange, No. 512: also a member of Rush Lodge, I. O. O. F .. the number of the Lodge being 381. He was a teacher for twenty-four years, commencing at the age of 11. By occupation a farmer, and one who follows the business both for satisfaction and profit, believing industry to be honorable, and labor well directed to be remunerative.

MARTIN MCADAMS, farmer; P. O., Ridgeway; was born March 23, in the year 184%, in Logan Co .. O .; he, ever since his birth, has been a citizen of the county, and in October, 186 ;. Mr. MeAdams was married to Lucretia Bower: their family consists of the following children-Cora Tidcha, Curtis Adams, Clarence Wilson, Carrie Amanda and Covert. all of whom are now living. By oc- cupation Mr. MeAdams is a farmer, practical in the management and appointments of his farm and stock. He is a member of White Swan Grange, No. 512; his wife is a member of the Disciples Church, one of the progres- sive and enlightened Christian organizations of the present time.

WILLIAM G. MCDONALD, farmer; P. O., West Mansfield. The ancestors of Wil- liam G. McDonald were Scotch-Irish. The time of their emigration to America is, how- over, unknown. The date of his father's birth is also unknown, but is supposed to be about 1:84. He was married in 1813 to Rebecca Muysimmons. Their family consisted of eleven children-George. Elizabeth, Mary, William (i., James, Daniel A., Rachel J., John (do- reased). Christiana, Rebecca (deceased) and Caroline. In 1842, William G. McDonald married Ellen Whittaker. of Clarke to., () .; they have five living children and one dead- Hamilton, Josephin , William A,, Jane and Gertrude A .; the name of the deceased was Josiah. In 1810, William ti. settled in Logan Co., and paid for his first purchase of land with the proceeds of sugar sold at 5 cents per pound. The entire family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Hamilton, the eld. st son, served three years in the civil war, under his country's Hag, for the suppression of the role Hion.

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History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 94

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