History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 155

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 155

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

for the practice of dentistry : Erma B .. who married David Dutton, and resides in Liberty township; and Lola, Jane, and John, who are still at home. Mrs. Warren is active in the work of the Methodist Church, of which she is a devoted member.

Dr. Warren is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in political matters. Both he and his son, Justus MI., belong to Masterton Lodge, No. 429. of Masons. The family is well known and universally esteemed in Liber- ty township, where for so many years both father and son have enjoyed the confidence of the community. through their faithful and efficient professional labors.

REDERICK WILLIAM BODE, a general merchant at Germantown, Washington County, Ohio, and post- master there, was born at the old family homestead in Bethel township, Monroe County, Ohio, in 1859. His parents were Henry F. and Phoebe ( Kimnach ) Bode, both of whom were born in Germany.

Henry F. Bode came to America. from Germany, when he was a lad of 16 years, and for a long period he has been an extensive farmer and tobacco and wool merchant in Bethel township, Monroe County, Ohio. Both he and his wife have reached the age of 68 years. They are among the most respected residents of the township, and are leading members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Bode is identified with the Democratic party. Of the 12 children born to them, they reared nine, viz: Lizzie, who married Frederick Ull- man, of Monroe County: Henry P., who is treasurer of Washington County, Ohio: Fred- erick W .. the subject of this sketch: Jacob, who lives at Rinard Mills, in Monroe County; Caroline, who married Charles Greeschner, and lives in Scotts Landing, Washington County: George E., who resides at Rinard Mills: Charles J .. who resides at Sycamore Valley. Monroe County: Herman O., of Germantown, who is in partnership with

1012

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

his brother, Frederick W. ; and Erwin R., who resides in Monroe County.

In 1887, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Mary Ullman, who is a daughter of Jacob and Maria Ullman, and was born in 1863. in Noble County. Four children were born to this union, namely : An- nie, who died in 1890: Nora, who died in in- fancy; Freda P., who was born March 18. 1892 : and Clarence E., who was born January 8, 1895. On April 6, 1898, Mr. Bode was appointed postmaster and still retains the office. He is identified with the Republican party, and with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Masterton Lodge, No. 429, of Masterton, Ohio.

HERMAN O. BODE, deputy-postmaster at Germantown, and associated with his brother in business, was born in 1872, in Bethel town- ship. Monroe County, Ohio, and has been a resident of Germantown for the past five years. On May 20, 1899, he married Maggie Flem- ing, a daughter of Thomas and Polly Flem- ing. Mrs. Bode was born in Bethel township, in 1876. Two children have resulted from this union, the one surviving being a little daughter, Gertrude B., who was born June 28, 1901. Mr. Bode has interests in the Ri- nard Mills and Graysville oil lands, and is one of the substantial business men of this vicinity. Like his brother, he is identified with the Re- publican party. The Bode family has been connected with the German Lutheran Church since its establishment in Ohio, and has liber- ally contributed to its support.

farmer, he possessed a legal mind, and had he turned his attention to the law, would doubt- less have succeeded in that profession. His judgment was considered so good, and his re- liability and honesty were so great, that he was constantly called upon by his neighbors to at- tend to their legal matters. His superior mind could grasp a situation and see the unraveling of a tangle, while many others would feel dis- couraged and incapable. He had been reared by a Quaker mother, and he adopted many of the simple ways of the Society of Friends. From the organization of the Republican party. he was one of its most earnest supporters and most active workers. Although he never sought office, he was shown the appreciation in which he was held by his fellow-citizens, by election as trustee and school director in his township, and through many years he held the office of justice of the peace. His mother was Sarah, a daughter of William and Mary ( Hays) Hillis, and she was born in Columbi- ana County, on July 8, 1818. Her father was a native of Harrison County, Ohio, her mother of Loudoun County, Virginia, and her moth- er's father of Fauquier County, Virginia. The seven children born to Israel Underwood and his wife were as follows: William H. ; Mary, the wife of George Whaley, deceased ; Phoebe, deceased: John Wesley Taylor; Hannah, de- ceased, who was the wife of Wilders D. Jones ; Elizabeth, deceased : Horace Greeley ; and Newton. The last named resides in Missouri. and is an agent for the Missouri Pacific Rail- way Company.

The subject of this sketch celebrated Christmas Day, 1878, by his marriage with Emily C. Alger, who was born in Decatur township, Washington County, in 1858, and is a daughter of James and Harriet ( Thomas ) Alger. Two children resulted from this un- ton, namely: Frances L .. born in 1889, who died at the age of six years; and Molly, who was born in 1895, and died at the age of nine months. Mrs. Underwood is a valued mem- ber of the Methodist Church. By trade Mr. Underwood is a harness maker, and has a shop

ORACE G. UNDERWOOD, one of the well-known farmers of Wesley township. Washington County, Ohio. was born in 1851, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and came to Washing- ton county with his parents, in 1803. They located in Wesley township and there Mr. Un- derwood resides upon a fine farm of 150 acres. Israel Underwood, his father, was born in 1814. in Columbiana County, Ohio, and died in 1881. Although he was a plain, sensible ; on his farm, but he is much interested in the

RUFUS A. UNDERWOOD.

1015

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

cultivation of his land. Few of his posses- sions are as highly valued as is his noted horse, "Pontiac," whose sire was imported. Its fine breeding is shown in its magnificent appear- ance, its mane being eight feet long and its tail dragging on the ground.

Mr. Underwood is one of the most intelli- gent and up-to-date farmers of this section. In his earlier days, he taught school, and has always been interested in educational matters. Fraternally he belongs to Cutler lodge of Odd Fellows, while politically he is an ardent Republican.

TEPHEN NEEDHAM, a prominent farmer in Dunham township, who has gained a strong position in his local- ity on account of his ability and in- dustry. was born in Washington County, Ohio, November 29, 1833, and is a son of Stephen and Margaret ( Hawkins) Needham.

Stephen Needham, the father, was a native of Massachusetts, in which State the name of Needham is an old and honored one. The family trace their ancestry through Jasper Needham, who was born in 1708, in Pea- body, Massachusetts, and died in 1794, at the age of 86 years. In 1731, he was united to his wife Mary, who died February 16, 1788. aged 81 years. They had three sons, namely : Stephen, Daniel and Benjamin. The eldest married Elizabeth Moulton ; he died December 28 1801, and his wife died December 4, 1827. Their children were,-Daniel: Jasper; Ste- phen ; Mary and David. On October 22. 1783. Daniel, of this family, married Ede Flint, who was born April 18, 1764. Their . children were three daughters .- Betsey. Sally and Polly.

Jasper Needham, grandfather of the sub- ject of this sketch, was born in 1763, and in 1793, was married to Mary Twiss, who was born in 1773, in Massachusetts. Their chil- dren were,-Stephen; Jasper: Elias; Eliza- beth and Mary. The mother of the subject hereof was a native of Virginia, and was born

July 26, 1805. Her husband was born March 8, 1794. They had the following children : Mary A., born June 29, 1829; Barton, born May 11, 1831; Stephen, born November 29, 1833; and John, born September 8, 1839.

The subject of this sketch has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, developing the property which was settled upon him by his father. Through constant application, he has made steady progress in the accumulation of the fruits of his toil, and in every way deserves the great measure of success which he has at- tained. On November 12, 1862, Mr. Need- ham was married to Caroline Schooner, who was born January 15, 1840, and is the daugh- ter of Henry and Eunice ( Hopkins) Schoon- over, of whom the former was born in Penn- sylvania, and the latter in Connecticut. Three sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Need- ham, namely: Adolphus H., William J., and Dana R. Mr. Needham is an excellent farm- er, who thoroughly understands the practical side of his business, and who is also one of the upright men and useful citizens of his neigh- borhood.

R UFUS A. UNDERWOOD, a success- ful lawyer, and senior member of the well-known law firm of Underwood & Ludey, of Marietta, Ohio, was born in Wesley township, Washing- ton County, Ohio, November 3, 1869. He is a son of William H. Underwood, and comes of a very prominent old Ohio family.

The first of the family to come to this country was William Underwood, who, it it said, came over with William Penn. Jesse. his youngest son, was the father of William Underwood, Rufus A.'s great-grandfather. who was born in York County, Pennsylvania, and removed to Lisbon, Columbiana County. Ohio. Among his oldest sons was Israel Un- derwood, grandfather of Rufus A. Israel Underwood moved to Washington County, Ohio, in 1863, and bought a large farm in Wes- ley township. He was also an attorney-at-law. and served as justice of the peace until his

1016

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY.

death in August, 1883. at the age of 67 years. He married Sarah Hillis, after whom one of the children of Rufus A. is named.

William H. Underwood was born in Co- lumbiana County, Ohio, December 27, 1839. He served more than three years, during the Civil War, as first lieutenant in Company D, 19th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in the Army of the Cumberland. He was a stanch Republican, in politics and succeeded his father as justice of the peace. He married Mary Ann Guinn, who was born in Augusta County, (West ) Vir- ginia, September 16, 1841, and died in July, 1900, at the home of her son, in Marietta. Two children blessed this union,-Rufus A., whose name heads this sketch; and Maggie, wife of George G. Phipps, of Wesley town- ship.

Rufus A. Underwood attended the public schools and Bartlett Academy, and completed Latin and scientific courses at the National Normal University, from which he was gradu- ated in 1891. He then taught grade schools in Ohio and Tennessee, was superintendent of schools at Alexandria, Tennessee, and finally became principal of the high schools of Wesley township and Vincent. During school vaca- tions, he attended Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tennessee, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1896, having read law with Judge W. B. Loomis, deceased. He then began the practice of law at Marietta, in partnership with Charles A. Ludey.

Charles A. Ludey was born in Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1874, and was grad- uated from the high school at Woodsfield. He then attended Marietta College and the Uni- versity of Ohio, graduating from the law de- partment of the latter institution, in 1895. He was admitted to the bar the same year, and in June, 1896, formed a partnership with Mr. Underwood under the firm name of Under- wood & Ludey. The firm represents some of the strongest independent oil companies, and has been most successful in practice. Mr. Ludey married Miss Mooney, of Woodsfield. Ohio. Socially, he is a member and president of the Marietta Club, and is a member of the

Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Odd Fellows. Religiously, he is a member of the Christian Church.

Rufus A. Underwood married Florence Cross, of Marietta, a daughter of James M. and Eliza Cross, who moved here from Mary- land. They have two sons-Arthur Kent and Hillis. Politically, Mr. Underwood is a Re- publican, and takes an active part in political affairs. He is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias ; and a member of the Odd Fel- lows; Elks: Sons of Veterans : Knights of the Maccabees ; Marietta Club and Board of Trade. Religiously, he favors the Methodist Episcopal Church, although he is of Quaker descent.

E PHRAIM HARRIS PALMER, a worthy representative of one of the oldest families of Palmer township. Washington County, Ohio, was born June 22, 1847, in this township, and. is a son of Harris and Annie ( Houghland ). Palmer. It is 100 years since Joseph Palmer, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, settled in Palmer township and gave it its name, and a centennial anniversary celebra- tion of this event by his descendants will take place, at Brown's Mills. The family has been identified with the progress, growth and ma- terial development of this section, its members liave founded and fostered its institutions, and it is very meet that such a public demonstra- tion should be held.

Joseph Palmer, above mentioned, was born on January 13, 1761, at Scotland, Windham County, Connecticut, and seems to have been a man of excellent judgment and business in- stinets. He was engaged for a time in mer- cantile pursuits at Poultney, Rutland County, Vermont, but returned to Windham County for a wife, and there married Hannah Fox, on February 7. 1785. They had the following children : Joseph, born November 24. 1785; Jabish Fox, who was born August 31. 1788. and taught the second term of school ever taught in Palmer township: Benjamin Frank-

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

1017

lin, born November 10. 1791 : Jerusha Perkins. born August 12, 1795 : Isaac Lazel, born Jan- uary II. 1797 ; Ephraim, born August 4, 1799 : and Betsy, born February 4. 1803, at Brown's Mill. Palmer township, who never married. All but Betsy were born in Poultney, Vermont.

Joseph Palmer ( 2), grandfather of the sub- ject hereof, was born in Vermont, and married Sarah Martin, in the fall of 1808. Their

children were as follows: Harris, who was the father of Ephraim Harris Palmer : James. Martin, whose children were .- David, Mary. Lydia, Dudley, Hiram and Laura: Sheldon. whose children were,-Alfred, Hannah. Dan- iel and Ellen; and Elizabeth, whose children were,-Sarah, Jane, Nancy, Lydia and Mary,

Harris Palmer was born on the old, origi- nal farm of his grandfather (now owned by John Stollar ), located north of the present farm of A. F. Breckenridge, on July 16, 1809. On April 3, 1834. he married Anme Hough- land, whose birth took place on February 5. 1817. Harris Palmer died November 8, 1855. and his widow passed away on January II. 1897. Their children were as follows: Sarah Houghland, born February 27. 1835, deceased December 9. 1861 : Edward Rowe, born Janu- ary 8, 1837, deceased February 17, 1901 ; Jo- seph Franklin, born August 13, 1839, deceased October 9. 1840; Ruth Annie, who was born April 24. 1842, married E. A. Chapman, and had two children .- Merrill, and Anna M., who died January 31, 1902; Ephraim Harris, born June 22. 1847 ; and John Edwin, who was born May 8, 1850, and died November 25, 1861. Sarah married George Camp, on October 25. 1855 and her two children were Alice and Elmer. Edward Rowe married Mary Jane Thornberry, on August 12, 1858, and their children were .- James Abner, Emma and May. Ruth Annie lives near her brother, Ephraim.

On December 28, 1870, Ephraim Harris Palmer was married to Sarah Jane Stollar, and the children born to their union were as fol- lows : Nancy Annie, born January 22, 1873: Ruth Adella, bern January 27. 1876: John Leslie, born April 18, 1880, deceased May 21. 1895: and Lucy Arena, born June 18, 1883.

The birth of Mrs. Palmer occurred on March 4. 1847. in Washington County, Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of Daniel and Nancy Stollar, who had the following children: Isaac; Ka- tie: Margaret: Jemima: Sarah Jane: John; Phebe: Aden and Mary. This family, also. has had a numerous progeny. Isaac's chil- dren are Wilma, Clair and Floyd. The children of Katie ( Wood ), are Charlie. Omer. Lester and May. Those of Margaret ( Ai- kens ). are Nellie, Annie and William. The children of Jemima ( Daugherty) were .- Dora : Dennis ; Frederick M. : Alice : Jesse Dot ; Bertha; and Landen. John's children were: James, Jennie, and Lizzie. Those of Phebe ( Breckenridge ) were,-Flora Ethel ; Harvey Brooks; William D .; and Clarence. Aden's children were,-Vernie; Grace; Charm; Ma- bel : Letha ; and Paul Stewart. Those of Mary Blind (Zumbro) were,-Fred Knapp: John Leonard; and Alva D.

The subject of this sketch owns one of the well-improved and productive farms of Palmer township, and his 127 acres yield large re- turns. His handsome and substantial build- ings testify to his ample means and excellent management, and show plainly that an agricul- tural life in this locality brings with it many pleasures and advantages. In political action, Mr. Palmer is a Republican, and has accepta- bly filled the offices of school director and town- ship supervisor. For many years he has been a leading member of the Methodist Church.

CLAY WEST. a respected and es- teemed citizen of Reno, Washington County, Ohio, is regarded as one of the most progressive farmers in Mari- etta township, which is his native place. He was born in 1843, and is a son of John A. and Cynthia B. ( Racer ) West.

John A. West was a native of West Vir- ginia, and followed agricultural pursuits for a livelihood during his entire life. His death took place in 1892. His wife was a daughter of Benjamin Racer, and was born and reared in Marietta township.

1018

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

Mr. West grew to manhood in the locality where he still lives, and received his scholastic training in the public schools. In 1861, he enlisted in the 36th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served three years in that famous regiment. He participated in the battles of Lewisburg, South Mountain and Antietam, and was color guard in the last-named engagement. He was mustered out of service in 1864, having made an honorable record.

Mr. West was joined in matrimony with Phoebe A. McKibbon, who was born in 1844. and passed to her final rest in 1894. She was a daughter of Henry Mckibbon, a farmer by occupation, and was one of a family of six children. Several are now deceased. The names of other members of the family are, -- Edward, a farmer in Kansas; Susan, a widow, residing in Colorado; and William, deceased.

Mr. West has two children : Mary Z. and Elizabeth C. The former is the wife of Jo- seph Greene, a business man of Newport, Ohio. The latter still resides with her father on the home farm. In politics, Mr. West is a pro- nounced Republican, strictly adhering to party principles. He stands well in his community, and has hosts of friends.

ORACE D. GAGE, a prominent farm- er and successful stock raiser of Washington County, Ohio, owns, oc- cupies and operates a fine farm in Wesley township, comprising 193

acres. His birth occurred in 1843, in what was then Wesley, but is now Fairfield, town- ship, Washington County, and he was the third of nine children born to James H. and Mary A. (Cook) Gage.

James H. Gage was born in 1815, in Rock- ingham County, New Hampshire, and died in Washington County, Ohio, in 1895. He was just 18 years of age when he came to this lo- cality and secured land in Fairfield, then Wes- ley, township. Here his life was spent in ex- tensive farming and stock-breeding. He made a specialty of growing fine sheep, as long

as that industry was profitable in the East. In his political belief, he was a sound Democrat, and served the township in many of the local offices, being trustee and treasurer for a long period. His wife was a daughter of Salmon and Polly ( Drew ) Cook. She was born in Vermont in 1813, and died in Ohio, in 1897. In former years, she was a member of the Methodist Church, but later united with her husband in the Universalist belief. They had a family of nine children, viz .: Caroline and Lucius, deceased ; Horace D., of this sketch ; John, of Fairfield township, former county commissioner ; Mary Ann, Mrs. Waldo Smith, of Columbus, Ohio; Polly, deceased ; Flora, Mrs. J. T. Dunbar, of Watertown, whose hus- band was formerly a merchant there; George, of Bartlett, Ohio; and Myron, a farmer in Fairfield township.

Mr. Gage was reared in his native place, and attended the district schools. In early manhood, he learned the milling business and during several years worked in a flouring mill at Stockport, Ohio. For five years he oper- ated the Pattin Mills, in Wesley township. Later, he began farming and stock raising on a well situated tract thice miles north of Bart- lett. In his business ventures, Mr. Gage has always used good judgment, and has been em- inently successful.

In 1861 the subject of this sketch was unit- ed in marriage with Margaret J. Cody, who was born in 1844, in Fairfield township, Wash- ington County, and is a daughter of Ansel and Lydia ( Nixon) Cody. Eight children have been born to this union, namely: Ransom, who is a physician located at Carroll, Fairfield County, Ohio ; Alice, who married Jordan Bur- field, of Palmer township: Alva, who resides at Bartlett ; May, who married Saul Metzger, and resides in Chesterfield : Jay, a licensed en- gineer, who lives in the State of Washington ; Lucy, who married Alvin Pugh, and resides in Stockport, Ohio; and Lena and James, who are at home. In politics, Mr. Gage main- tains an independent attitude. His family be- longs to the Methodist Church, in which they are highly valued. He is liberal in religious

DR. SIMEON D. HART.

CAPT. AND MRS. GEORGE B. BARTLETT.

1021

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Views. For a long period he has been con- nected with the Masonic fraternity, as a mein- ber of Webb Lodge at Stockport. Mr. Gage has been prominent in township affairs, has served as assessor of Fairfield, and has always performed the duties of an honorable and law- abiding citizen. The family and its connec- tions belong to what is known as the best so- cial circles of this locality, and are universal- ly esteemed.

APT. GEORGE B. BARTLETT. a representative farmer of Waterford township. Washington County .. Ohio, was born on the farm where he now resides, one mile and a half southwest of Waterford, in 1842. He is the youngest son of Wyrum Bartlett, and a grand- son of Benjamin D. Bartlett.

---

Benjamin D. Bartlett and his wife came from New York and settled on the farm now owned by George B. Bartlett. He was a sol- dier of the Revolutionary War. Wyrum Bart- lett was born June 29, 1793, in St. Lawrence County, New York, and died in 1855. At an early day he ran keel-boats, and later operated a flouring mill on his farm, selling the product in New Orleans. He owned 120 acres of land and also followed farming. He was an old- line Whig, and later, a Republican, and, it is supposed, interested himself in the "Under- ground railroad." Religiously, he was a mem- ber of the Universalist Church. He married Sarah Kinney, who was born in the block- house at Lowell, Ohio, May 12, 1798, and died in 1854. Her father was born in London. Eng- land, went to Nova Scotia, and came to Lowell. Washington County, Ohio, at an early day. where he located near the mouth of Wolf Creek. He and a son met death by drowning in this ereek. Wyrum Bartlett and his wife had eleven children, as follows: William, de- ceased: Oscar, who was a member of an Illi- nois regiment, and was killed during the Civil War: Rosina. Mary and Miles, deceased : James, a wagon maker of Coal Run, Water- ford township; Frank: Sarah Prudentia, who married Andrew J. Hart, a florist and gardener

at McConnelsville, Ohio: Almira, deceased : Marion, who died in infancy ; and George B.

George B. Bartlett enlisted October 1. 1861. at Beverly, Ohio, in Company D. 63rd Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., under Col. John W. Sprague. His regiment was in the first advance down the Mississippi River, and had engagements at New Madrid and Corinth. In the Battle of Corinth, the regiment sustained a loss of 62 per cent. of its men. After this battle, Mr. Bartlett was detached as assistant in the quar- termaster's department of the engineering corps, and all of the materials used in the construction of the canal at Vicksburg passed through his hands. He enlisted as a private. and was made a corporal upon the organiza- tion of his company. He then was advanced to be sergeant, second lieutenant, and first lieu- tenant, and then became captain of Company A, of the same regiment. . He was in Sher- man's "March to the Sea." and at the grand review at Washington. He was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 8. 1865. The day before the disbandment of the regiment. his comrades in arms presented him with a handsome gold-mounted sword, sash and belt. On the scabbard of the sword is the following inscription : "Presented to Capt. G. B. Bart- lett. Company .\, 63rd Regt., O. V. I .. by the members of his company." The sword is still in his possession and is most highly prized.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 155

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490