USA > Ohio > Logan County > History of Logan County and Ohio > Part 97
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Met'olloch family came to locate where they did. Four of the MeColloch family were in the war of 1812. Samuel was a contractor ; William was captain of a com- pany of scouts, and was killed near Detroit : Silas was killed at Ft. Meiggs by the bursting of a shell : George was for a time stationed at Ft. MeArthur, and afterwards a "min- ute man." until the close of the war. Capt- McColloch represented his constituents in the Legislatme when held at Chillicothe ; Solomon was in the Legislature also, and served as County Commissioner when his compensation was only three dollars per year. At the age of 19, on June S, 1809, our subject was married to Nancy Henry, eldest daughter of George and Par- media (Fiddler) Henry was born in Culpepper Co., Va. in 1989. She came west in 101. She died in her 39th year, having given birth to thirteen children-five of the number now living-George, Benjamin, John, Mary, and Solomon. Since 1800 "Parle George" has been a constant resident of the township. In 1819 he and wife joined the Church at " Tharp's Run," was baptized on the fourth Sabbath in June, 1823, by Eider John Gut- teredgo, one of the first ministers of the coun- try : he was ordained in 1829 by Joseph Morris, and at the request of the membership took pastoral charge of Tharp's Run Church. lle preached in several adjoining counties, regularly for forty years, and occasionally for fifty years. Elder MeColloch has been instru- mental in doing much good in the different fields of labor m which he has been called to work, and through his instrumentality many souls have been brought from darkness to light. I'nele George is now in his !1st year, and has many friends both on the other shore and on this. His name and memory will long be cherished in the community. He has for several years retired from active life, and his farm, which consisted of about 200 acres, he divided among his children. For many years he has lived with his son John, who was born in January, IS2%, and was married to Susan Gable, who was born in Columbiana Co., in 1835 ; has one child. Nancy M., born in Fub. rnary, 1st. John and wile are members of the Lutheran Church.
JOIN MOOTS. farmer: P. O., West Lib- erty; was born in Monroe Tp., April 16.
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1825. Ilis parents were George and Mar- garet (llall) Moots. He settled on the farm now owned by John II., about the year 1812, and he (John ) thinks that he was a teamster at that time. John H. was married Feb. 5, 1847, to Elizabeth Smith, who was a daughter of Robert and Isabel (Burnside ) Smith. Began poor, having one horse and $15 in money, and renting land after mar- riage. After living four years on his father's farin, he moved to Paulding County. His wife dying, he was subsequently married to Eliz- abeth Randle, born in 1831, in this township; she is a danghter of Err Randle. After a so- journ of nearly three years in Paulding Coun- ty, he returned to the place he left, trading his land in Paulding for some that he now owns. Came on the plaer he now owns in 18;9. Ile has six chilchien -- Henry R., Benjamin E., Err R, Jennie E., Ida E., and Johnnie. Mr. Moots has now 133 acres of land as his re- ward for industry and perseverence. He has been a hard worker, and obtained what he has by honesty and good management. Ilis fa- ther died in 1858; he was a member of the Lutheran Church, John HI. being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
SAMUEL L. MARMON, farmer; P. O., Pickereltown; was born Sept. 3, 1851, in the northeast part of the township; is the only son and second child of a family of three chil- dren, who were born to Amos P. and C'ynthia Aun (Outland) Marmon. Samuel L. was mar- ried April 30, 1815, to Elizabeth Watkins. who was born in this township, April 30, 1851, and was a daughter of Robert J. and Lydia (Cowgill) Watkins. After their marriage they located on the farm where he now resides, situated three-fourths of a mile north of Pick- ereltown, consisting of 19 acres. Two children have been born to them-Evaline, born June 20, 18 **; Francis, November, 1819. He and wife are members of the Society of Friends.
PHILIP MOOTS, retired farmer; P. O., West Liberty; is a son of Conrad Moots, who was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1115. and was married to Anna E. Linkswiler, who was born in Germany in 1:26. This venerable couple emigrated to this State in 1798, locat- ing in what is now Ross Co., in which locality our subject was born, Oct. 12, 1805, and removed with his parents in 1810; they set- tled on the banks of Mad River, in this town-
ship, in March of the same year, on the land now occupied by Piper's factory, living for some time in a tent, until a rude cabin could be constructed, and they lived in the same without floor, doors or windows until circum- stances afforded them better accommodations. Their nearest store at this time was at Urbana, where there were but three business houses- Reynolds', Ileclan's and Gwynn's. Indians at this time were more plentiful than the whites. Conrad, his father, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Philip attended the first school that was taught in the township; it stood on the bluff, near where Mrs. Martin resides, and was taught by one Ellis Minchell prior to the war of 1812. This primitive seminary was built of rough logs, with no floor; the light was admitted through greased paper, and the desks constructed of split slabs, held against the wall with wooden pegs; the seats were of the same material, which served the double purpose of seats and sleds for coasting. At the outbreak of the war, Mincholl returned to his home in Madison Co. The mode of trav- eling at this time was mostly on horseback. One Oliver Cox at that time enjoyed the lux- ury of a wagon, with wooden wheels, four inches thick, with not a particle of iron about them. Its owner's coming was heralded in the distance by its discordant creaking. At this time there were 400 Indians quartered at Zanesfield. Many instances are related by Mr. Moots which occurred in that carly time, the recital of which must be omitted for lack of space, the substance of which will probably appear in the general history of the | township. Conrad Moots died in 1853; he was an excellent citizen, and for many years a member of the Lutheran Church; Philip's father was a blacksmith, but later in life turned his attention to farming pursuits. Philip remained at home until 32 years of age, and was then united in marriage to Eliza Moots, daughter of Philip and Catharine (Goodman) Moots. After marriage, he re- mained near the homestead until 1862, when he moved a short distance east of the home- stead, on the bluff, and built a house, where he has since resided. Of three children born to him, but one is living-Oliver C., born Nov. 4, 1849. Daniel L. went out in 1862, in the 96th O. V. I., Co. I, and after serv- ing all through the war, died May, 1865, at
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Mobile. Ala. Mr. Monis has been a valuable citizen and worthy Democrat, a consis et member of the Baptist Churchand a zealous member of the Masonic Order, Mad River Lodge, No. IG1, A., F. & A. M.
W ... MeDONALD, deceased. Among the earliest settlers of this county was Wil- ham MeDonald, whose early companions and associates were Zane, Simon Kenton and Daniel Boone. Ile was born in Boone's Fork. Harrison Co., Ky., March 10, 1:81. The MeDonalds, as the name implies, are from Scotland. The father of our subject was named William, whose father was An- drew, who was an officer in the war of the Revolution, and whose sword is now in the possession of his descendants. The Melon- alds came first from Scotland to Virginia. Thence they migrated to Kentucky, before the present century, and were among the brave and hardy pioneers, who not only con- tended against the dense forests and wild beasts, but were many times forced to take refuge in forts, and other places of refuge. from the treachery and fury of the Indians. lle rano, with his parents, to what was then Clarke Co .. in 18 . lle lived for several vears in Urbana, and helped to dig the first well in the place. He was married to Anna Moats, who was of German descent, and s 4- tled. in 180 ;. on Mad River bottom, in the southwest part of Monroe Tp. During the war of 1812-as related by his descendants- be was a " minute man," and acted in the ca- Tricity of scout. He remained on the land he first settled up to the time of his death, which ofured on Oct. 21, 146 ;. His wife, AAmma, died Jan. 10, 1859. He was a success- fil man in his business relations, leaving at his death many broad acres, as a result of his industry and business sagacity. Of the chil- dren born Im, were l'bilson, born Sept. 28, ISIS; Charles, July 5. 1820: Are Ann. Sept. 16, 1822; James. Jan. 20. 1825; Elizabeth, July 20, 1821; Harriet, Aug. 20, 183% and Eliza J .. Frb. 23. 1835, all of whom are liv- ing. Those who died were : Elizabeth, Ang. 1. 1820, and Harriet, July 10, 1860. Philson. James and Are Ann yet remain on the home- stead, and have 208 acres of land.
JOIN NASIL, farmer; P. O, West Liber- ty: was born in Limerick, Ireland. April 2;, 1525, son of Michael and Mary (Gahegan)
Nash. He emigrated to this country with his parents when a lad of It. His mother died m 1859 and his father in February, 18;3. Our subject, during his career thus far, has had a varied and somewhat checkered one. Soon after his arrival in this country he was engaged as a clerk for some time in New York City. afterwards keeping books two years for a firm in Philadelphia. Then coming to Ohio, he lived with Judge Piatt two years. For the next twelve or fifteen years he was book-keeper for Keck & Davenport in C'in- cinnati. Ile then set up in business for him- self: was engaged in carrying on a foundry for several years, which, unfortunately for Mr. Nash, was not successful financially. Since that time he has been engaged in farming. having a large farm consisting of several Imindred aeres one mile east of West Liberty, which is well improved, having now and ele- gant buiklings thereon. Oh Ort. 25, 1845, ho was married to Ellen Corncha, a lady of culture and refinement. She was born on the sea, Feb. 22, 1835, while her parents were en route to this country. Her parents were Thomas and Mary (Burk) Cornelia. He was horn near Cork, was finely educated, and was a prominent manufacturer of farm imple- ments. She was born in Spain, and d'ed when Mrs. Nash was but 4 years of age. She was then raised up by Mrs. Elizabeth Piatt. Mr. Nash and family came to the farm they now occupy in 1860. Seventeen children have been born to them, and of that mumber one died. Those living are Bessie, Bell, Alice. Nellie, Fannie, John, Kittie, Sallie. Maggie, Edward, Benjamin, Carroll, Mattie, Hannah, Fred and Paul. Some of the girls have al- ready graduated and are interesting and amiable ladies.
JAMES OUTLAND. farmer: P. O .. Pick- ereltown: is the tenth child of a family of six- tren children, who were born to Josiah and Kesiah ( Marmon) Outland. James was born on the homestead. in Zane Tp., Nov. IS, IN21. At the age of 22, he was married to Rebecca Stratton. This event was duly celebrated Nov. 24. 1843. She was born in this town- ship. March, 1820, and was a daughter of Joel Stratton, whose ancestors were from Virginia. AAfter Jamos was married, he bought 10 acres of land at $10 per acre. previously owned by James Watkins, a small portion of which had
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Y been improved. This piece was soon after augmented by an addition of 10 acres. About the year 1842, he returned to the homestead farm, which he and his brother rented for seven years, when he returned to his first pur- chase, and soon after added 58 acres more. In 1856, he moved to his present place of residence, located in the northeast part of the township. On Dec. 18. 1869, his wife was removed by death, leaving him two children. His present wife was May Watkins, born in this township, daughter of Robert J. and Lydia (Cowgill) Watkins. Since his location in 1856, he has been a constant resident. Ilis career has been a successfulone. Aside from enjoying the esteem and merited respect of his- neighbors, he has accumulated a suffi- ciency of this world's goods, having over 400 acres of land, aside from other pecuniary con- siderations. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; also of that institution whose principal supports are " Wisdom, Strength and Beauty." Mr. Outland is an enterprising and progressive man, strongly in favor of good sehoo's and pikes, and any on- terprise which is beneficial to the people.
R. J. PIATT ; is a son of Gen. A. S. Piatt, born Feb. 22, 1843, in Boone Co., Kv., and came to this state with his parents, when he was but two years of age. Raised up at home, to farming, and attended the common schools, also one year at Mt. Saint Mary's, under Bishop Rosencrantz; then re- mained home until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in the 13th Regiment, and went out for three months; was commissioned i Lieutenant by Gov. Todd, and was detailed for staff duty on his father's staff, where he served until after the battle of Fredericks- burg, when he resigned and returned home. On July 12, 1865, he was married to Anna Higgins, born 1846, in Ireland; after marriage he stayed three years in Pulaski Co., Ill., where he was engaged in the lumber business. In 1821 he returned to Monroe Tp., and has since remained; six children are the result of this marriage.
MAHLON PICKRELL, farmer; P. O., Pickereltown. Thisworthy representative of Monroe Tp., was born in what is now Jefferson Tp., Oct. 1, 1810, and was the youngest of the family born to Heury and Axie (Paxton) Pickrell. Henry Pickrell was born in Gray-
son C'o., Va., and emigrated West in the fall of 1805, and settled in Champaign Co., re- inaining a short time; he then came to what is now Logan, and settled on land he had ob- tained by virtue of a tax-title, which he had to restore to the owner atter he had made val- uable improvements, for which he was never recompensed. The grandsire of our subject was named John, and emigrated from Eng- land before the Revolutionary War. He raised several boys, among whom was Nicho- las Pickrell, the first Sheriff of the county. At the age of 23, Mahlon was married to Ra- chel Wiliams, who was born Dec. 2. 181%. in Champaign Co., daughter of Silas and Susan (Cox) Williams, both of Grayson Co., Va. She died in 1843, leaving four children- Henry, now in Delaware Co .; Hannah, now Mrs. M. V. Blackburn: Susan, now Mrs. 1. ITyatt, of Jowa, and Esther, now Mrs. Clark Terrill, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Pickrell's see- ond marriage was to Esther Williams, who was born April 20, 1818; she died, leaving no issue. ITis present wile was Mrs. Susanna Harney, a lady of cuture and of a fine fami- ly, who was born in Warren Co. Soon after his first marriage, he located on the farm he now owns, and since 1833 has been a constant resident of the same. Of the farm of 230 acres, he has reserved eighty acres for his own use. His parents were members of the So- ciety of Friends, of which Mahlon is a mem- ber also. Pickereltown, which bears his name, was named after his father. Mr. Pickrell is one of the staneh men of the township. His sojourn of seventy years in the county, his upright and manly character, his exemplary and Christian bearing, have won for him the high regard and esteem with which he is held in the community where he resides.
GEN. A. S. PIATT, farmer; P. O., West Liberty. Among the most prominent farmers and business men of this township is Gen. A. S. Piatt, who was born May 2, 1821 in Cincin- nati; being the son of Benjamin F. and Elz- abeth (Barnett) Piatt. He was born in New Jersey, and moved to Kentucky in 1:96. Gen. Piatt was raised to farming pursuits. In November, 1840, he was married to Anna Piatt, who was born in Kentucky, and was daughter of Abraham and Mary Ann (McCoy) Piatt. She died in 1860, having seen children - Benjamin. Oak, Abraham.
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(deceased), William, Arabella, (now Mrs. Rich- ard Warrington, of Chillicothe); Jacob, Wykoff aud Charles, who is now in France, a Consul. The present wife of A. S. Piatt, was a Miss Ella Watts, of Chillicothe, daughter of Dr. Arthur Watis. Gen. Piatt owned at one time about 1,500 acres of land, and has now about 600 acres, and is engaged in farming and milling. In Is61 he took an active part in raising men for the service. He raised and equipped one regiment himself. For a more extended account of Gen. Piatt, the reader is referred to the general history of the county.
ERR RANDEL, farmer; P. O., West Liberty. The Randel family are among the first settlers of this township, of which For is the oldest representative now living; was born Jan. 2, 1807, in Pickaway Co .; he came to this township in 1810, with his father, Za- bad, who was born in York State, 1789. and was married to Mary Corw.n, and emigrated West about the year 1800, mak- ing their first stopping place at Frankle- town. and finding the agne so prevalent, they moved down the river, but finding the change no better, moved to the mouth of the Darby, and finally to Monroe Tp. in 1810, locating just across the bottom from where Err's bonse now stands; he was a drummer for the militia, and when the war of 1812 broke out, was a participant in the same, and died soon afterwards. Err, remaining on the home- Strad, was married Dec. 2, 1830, to Celia Williams, who was born in Fayette Co., ()., Jan. 15, 1810; her parents were Virginians, who came to this county in 1814, and settled on the Machachack; sine . his marriage Err has been a constant resident of this town- ship, having been on this farm seventy years. The land was purchased of one Thomas Worthington, at $2 per acre, and was at that time considered worthless. Mr. Randel may be justly ranked among the pioneers, having hved in those days when they plowed the ground with barshears and wooden mould-boards cut the wheat with sickles, threshed it out with a "nig rer fail," cleaned the ram with a sheet and then handed it to San- disky City or Dayton (which trip would re- quire about two weeks), and then sell it for fifty to - six cents per bushel; then pay it out for necessaries salt, $5 per barrel: calico. Sugar, to fler and other things in proportion.
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Wages at that time were from twenty-five to darty-five cents per day. Such was the con- dition of things when Mr. Randel started in life. Four children have been born to him, who are-Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Moats, boru Jan 5, 1832; Susan, now Mrs. Benjamin Grimes, May S. 1835; Henry D., March 22, 1541, and Luther C., May 2, 1853, all of whom are married and settled near him, all adjoining. Mr. Randel has been long and favorably known in the community, and has been contented through life to make a good living: he has not been eager after the vain things of this world, but his chief object has been to live an upright life, to act well his part, and secure a reasonable competence for himself and family, all of which he has alt- complished, and though not a member of any church or society of any kind, yet his hfe has been characterized by honesty. sobriety and all that goes to , constitute a worthy citizen, and one who will be long remembered.
REV. JAMES RANDLE, West Liberty; was born Feb. 21, 1838, on the fart now owned by his uncle, Err Randel; James was the oldest child of a family of a family of three born to Eilot and Nancy Ann (Kelly) Randel; she was a daughter of Col. Kelly of Champaign Co., who married Nancy Ann Gilland, both of whom came from Virginia. Elliot Randle was born in this township Oct. 5, 1810, and his wife, Nancy Ann, in Champaign Co. Aug. 26. 1820. Her father, Col. David Kelly, was born alan. 9. 1;83, and his wife, Nancy Ann, June 25. 1185. They raised a family of seven children. Elliot Randle, from his birth, was a constant resident of this township until 1865, when he moved to Lewisburg, where he died two years afterward, on Nov. , 18, his consort hav- ing passed over on Feb, 6, 1841. James was raised to farming, having had only the usual common school advantages afforded him. At the age of 22 he was united by marriage to Em- ily Willits, who was born in this township. Feb. 2, 1832, and was a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Jones) Willits, L'pon arriving at minhood, our subject having been converted. Lecame deeply impressed that it was his duty to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to his follow-man, and, at rated by this feeling, in Late be engaged in the ministry, and two year fa er he was regularly ordained, since
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which time he has labored faithfully in his Master's vineyard, and through his instru- mentality many souls have been led to turn from the error of their ways and find conso- lation through the atoning merits of the Sav- ionr. He is connected with the Mad River As- sociation, his field of labor being mostly in Champaign Co. He has charge of one of the largest churches in the association. Brother Randle, with but the meagre advantages be- fore spoken of, has, by close study and appli- cation, risen from a farmer's boy to one among the ablest and most effective ministers in the association. He has two children, Nancy A., born in 1861, and Mary E., born in 186 ?. The farm of 100 acres he carries on in con- nection with his ministerial labors. He is a member of Mad River Lodge, A., F. & A. M., No. 161.
JOHN SIDESINGER. farmer; P. O., Zanes- field; born Feb. 20, 1825. in Adams Co., Penn .: his parents were Leonard and Nancy (Elrook) Sidesinger. He was born lune 6. Hah, in the Keystone State, John emigrated to this State with his parents in 1834, who settled in Miami Co. John has been a resident of this county since he began , loing for himself. May 28, 1857. he was married to Catherine Mellvain, born in this county, Union Tp .. Nov. 24, 1823; daugh- ter of John and Ellen B. Meilvain, who were born Jan. 23, 1801, and May 12, 1806, res- pectively, and were married April 2, 1829. In April, 1857, John and his brother Wesley began buying out the logue heirs' interest in a tract of land consisting of nearly 300 acres, and finally succeeded in paying for it: since, it has been divided, John owning 136 acres, where he now lives, bordering on the north part of the township. His father died Oct. 1, 1812. John has two sons, Alva F., born Feb. 16, 1858; and Alfred G., born Nov. 3, 1859.
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ROBERT SMITHI, farmer; P. O., West Liberty; December 3, 1824, on the Donn Piatt farm, in the southeast part of the town- ship, was the time and place where our sub- ject first began taking his first observations. His paternal ancestors were Robert and Isa- bella (Burnside) Smith. The former was born in Greenbrier Co., Va., and emigrated to this state previous to the Indian war. The Smiths and Burnsides are descendants of the | Emerall Isle. Robert, Sr., died in 1836; his
wife in 1851. Our subject was raised to hard labor, and early in life was taught the lesson of frugality and self-dependence. In 1846 he was married to Mary Williams, born in Vir- ginia in 182 ;; daughter of lesse Williams, whose wife was a Ill. Since 1849 he has been a constant resident of this township. His first earnings were invested in a small tract of land to which he has added until he now has 142 acres of land, and is to-day one of the best kept and managed farms in the township, its owner approximating as near the "model farmer" as any in the coun- tv. His farm has been recently adorned by one of the best barns in the township, all of which, including fences and other improve- ments, give ample testimony of the thrift of the owner. Ilis early education was much neglected-his school having been one of hard labor, and a life of persistent economy. It has been his rule in life never to go in debt, and has never had his farm encumbered hy weeds or mortgages. His wife died in March, 1875. leaving ton children (twelve were born) .. Those living are William J., Jesse, Lucy A (Mrs. L. D. Davis), John A .. Robert, James and Henry (twins), Emma D., Mary E. and Ethe B.
MRS. LYDIA WATKINS. farmer; P. O., Pickereltown ; is the reliet of Robert J. Watkins, who was one of the prominent and successful farmers of this township. Mrs. Watkins' maiden name was Cowgill; she was born Feb. 1. 1818, in Wayne Tp., Champaign Co., the youngest of a family of eleven chil- dren who were born to Thomas and Sarah (Antrim) Cowgill. Thomas Cowgill was born July 6, 1216, in the Old Dominion, and they were married in 1:99, and came west to Columbiana Co., in 1800, and to Champaign Co., the year Mrs. Watkins was born. They raised a family of eleven children, all of whom lived to the age of 40 before there was a death in the family; he died in 1845, and his wife survived him until 1859. Both of them were members of the " Friends." On April 19, 183%. Mrs. Watkins was married to Robert J., her husband, who was born Feb. 22, 1814, in Southampton Co., Va .; son of John W. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Watkins. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Watkins located in Monroe Tp., first making a purchase of 100 acres, then all covered
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