USA > Ohio > Morgan County > History of Morgan County, Ohio, with portraits and biographical sketches of some of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 45
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68
BROWN-MANLY PLOW COMPANY.
In the year 1857 W. P. & John Brown commenced the manufacture of a one-horse double-shovel plow with iron beams, at Unionville, in this county. The substitution of iron for wood in the main frame work of the plow was a popular innovation, giving the imple- ment strength, increased durability and a sight appearance, much in contrast
James Manly
349
MALTA.
with the clumsy character of its pro- genitor. The work was carried on by a few hands in an ordinary blacksmith- shop without the use of machinery, and the product-a few hundred per year -were hauled over the country by wagon and peddled through this and adjacent counties by the enterpris- ing proprietors. Finding their location undesirable and that the business could be enlarged under more favorable cir- cumstances, they removed to Malta, in the year 1859. where a building was secured of sufficient capacity to enable them to work twelve to fifteen hands, thus increasing their product so that after the supply of the home demand a surplus was left to be sent to more dis- tant points, and wherever the plow went it found friends. The location occu- pied by their shop at this time was the present site of the new M. E. Church.
In 1864 James and Frank B. Manly associated themselves with the Browns under the firm name of Brown, Manly & Company, for the continued prosecu- tion of the business on a larger scale. The Manly Brothers had previously been engaged in the manufacture of threshing machines, horsepowers, wag- ons, canemills, etc., at Chaneyville, where they had done quite a prosper- ous business since 1848. In removing to Malta they merged their business into that of the new concern, trans- ferring their machinery, patterns, etc .. ete., so that the firm of Brown, Manly & Co., while making the plow their leading manufacture, gave considerable attention to the specialties of the Manlys.
About this time a purchase was made of a patent that had been taken out on the double-shovel plow some time pre- viously. This proved to be a valuable
acquisition, as it enabled the owners to practically control the manufacture of this implement and gave them, in a measure, monopoly of its sale.
The proprietors, finding their quar- ters too straitened for the volume of their business, purchased the foundry and property of Guthrie & Co., where, after some enlargement and modifica- tions of machinery, the new concern opened out upon an extended scale. The business now went forward pros- perously. The plow found ready sale and became a source of considerable profit. The want of capital sufficient to handle the business to the best ad- vantage occasioned some inconven- ience, and to broaden the basis of opera- tions, it was resolved to form a joint stock company. In 1870 articles of in- corporation were obtained, and the con- cern assumed the name of the " Brown- Manly Plow Company," with a char- tered capital of $100,000, a number of citizens of the county identifying them- selves as stockholders.
The officers chosen at the commence- ment of the organization were as fol- lows: President, Joshua Davis ; super- intendent, W. P. Brown : secretary, Moses McDaniel : treasurer, George S. Corner ; W. P. Brown, James Manly. Joshua Davis, John Ilarris, E. M. Stan- bery, W. P. Sprague, and Moses Mc- Daniel, directors.
The concern was now launched for a still more prosperous career. The plant was overhauled, ground extended, build- ing enlarged, new shops erected and old ones improved, additional machinery of modern styles was introduced and nu- merous modifications made to increase the efficiency of the establishment. The company now entered upon the construction of a new article in the
350
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
schedule of their wares- the wheel cul- tivator for two horses. This was a more elaborate machine than the double- shovel and required considerable me- chanical skill to bring it to a degree of perfection which would insure success. This, however, was not wanting, as the heads of the concern were all practical mechanics with a good degree of inge- nuity and constructive genius. The cultivator proved a success and found a ready market, and swelled very largely the value of the annual product of the works.
The general course of the business from this on was properous. The vol- ume of the trade and the amount of the manufactures was steadily on the increase, and the factory never closed its doors for the want of orders or failed to supply its operatives with the usual amount of employment. The de- mand for the goods made has always been up to and sometimes beyond the capacity of the works to produce. The " Malta " goods wherever known are esteemed as good as the best. This has, of course, given them prominence and ready entrance into widely-extended avenues of trade, reaching into two- thirds of the States of the Union, and given the village of Malta, the location of the works, a wide advertisement in the distant regions of the South and West.
The shops now embrace a ground floor area of 25,000 square feet, and are mostly three stories high with a capac- ity of working 150 to 200 men, and two warehouses two stories high with ground area of 5,300 square feet. The power consists of twin engines of 60-horse power each. The personnel of the con- cern has undergone some changes within the ten years of its organization as a
corporation. The present officers are James Manly, president ; John Brown, superintendent; W. P. Sprague, secre- tary and treasurer ; John Brown, James Manly, Frank B. Manly, W. P. Sprague and U. H. Brown, directors.
When it is considered that the loca- tion of this establishment is off the line of any railroad, and dependent wholly upon river navigation for transporta- tion, both in receipt of material and transmission of goods to market, it may excite surprise that they have been able to meet and withstand sharp compe- tition and make a success of the bus- iness. To whatever cause this may be attributed, it must be allowed that while the existence of such an establishment is an honor to the county and of value to its citizens, some credit must be given to the skill, enterprise and management of its proprietors.
CHURCHIES.
Malta Methodist Episcopal Church- Was organized by Rev. James T. Dona- hoo in 1833. The original members were George L. Corner, Sally Corner, Charles Bryan, James Carlin, Mrs. James Carlin, Catherine Barker, Betsy Stone, Elizabeth Davis, Alex. B. Scott and Michael Wiseman. First church officers were Geo. L. Corner, steward ; Alex. B. Scott, class leader. The succession of pastors has been Revs. Donahoo, Milli- gan, Shaw, Dodds, Kellogg, Shelton, Reed, Hill, Meyers, Baird, Parker, Sco- vell, Brown, West, Brown, Cutcheon, Halliday, Ellis, Halliday, Harvey, Cun- ningham, Wilson, Munsell, Dixon, Hamilton, Gurley, Hamilton, Hurd, Fleming, Spencer, Frampton, Shelton, Frampton, Hooper, Ellis, Felton, Ellis, Kelley, Sheets, Greeg, Barniger, Adam- son, Fink, Sowers, Lowe, Woolfe, Jones,
351
MALTA.
Thomas, Gartner, Thomas, Frampton, Stivers, Thurber, Wakefield, Sites, Nay- lor, Fry, Carr, Nast, Cochran, Hixson, Lewis, Sowers and Tibbles. Three of the above, Revs. Spencer, Fry and Nast, were during their pastorates elected to chairs in universities at Athens, O., Bloomington, Ill., and Cincinnati, O.
Rev. Spencer has for many years been consul at Geneva and other European cities. The first church edifice was built in 1846; it was of brick, and cost $1,500.
The present church was erected in 1883. In size it is 60x60 feet, and cost $7,000. Its architecture is pleasing, and it is the most elaborate and commodious church structure in the county. The present membership is 236, with a Sabbath-school attendance of 890.
Christian Church of Malta. - The Christian Church of Malta was first organized in 1859 by Elders Asbury Gard- ner and Enoch Dye. Services were regu- larly held until about 1861, when the society was for a time broken up. April 10, 1865, the church was reorganized with the following members : Susan Tanner, Elizabeth Townsend, Eli Smith, Ellen Smith, Leithey Smith, Thomas Sheridan, Edith Sheridan, A. P. Sheridan, Matilda Shook, Philip Strahl, Rhoda Strahl, Daniel Rusk. Martha Rusk, Susan Riley, J. M. Rusk, Jacob Power, Elizabeth Palmer, Mary Phillips, Mary Paterson, Samuel Miller, Margaret Miller, Alex. Miller, June Hann, Isaac Hoopes, Keziah Ilarding, Ann Harding, T. B. Fouts, Mary Fouts, Enoch Dye, Eliza Dye, Catherine Dunlop and Bicy ; Daniels.
The first elders were: Thomas Sheri- dan and Samuel Miller. Deacons: T. B. Carter, W. J. Sheridan, A. J. Miller. One year from the last organization J.
H. Wheeler was chosen an elder and T. B. Fouts deacon.
The church building was erected in 1868, at a cost of $1,600, including the lot.
The church has a membership of 55, with a Sabbath-school attendance of between 40 and 50. The church em- ploys no regular pastor, but is under the supervision of the eldership. They are assisted in their labors by an evan- gelist. A. R. Pickens has officiated in that capacity since 1883 .- The present officers are : Elders, J. II. Wheeler, Sam- uel Miller and W. A. Dunn ; deacons, William Benjamin, T. B. Fouts, A. J. Miller and Charles Morin; A. P. Sheridan, clerk.
LODGES.
Valley Lodge .- Valley Lodge No. 145, F. & A. M., was organized Novem- ber 13, 1846, with the following charter members: James Cornelius, Joshua Davis, Milton Seaman, Hiel Dunsmoor, Allen Daniels, J. S. McCuskey, II. C. Grimmel, J. G. Shoch and T. D. Cheadle. The first officers were JJames Cornelius, W. M .; Joshua Davis, S. W .: Milton Seaman, J. W .: Allen Daniels, treasurer ; Hiel Dunsmoor, secretary; J. S. Mc- Cuskey, S. D .; H. C. Grimmel, J. D .; T. D. Cheadle, tyler. Of the charter members only Joshua Davis, Allen Daniels and T. D. Cheadle survive. The lodge is in a prosperous condition, and had seventy members in December, 1885. The officers at that date were Israel Hoopes, W. M .; Charles A. Miller, S. W .; J. W. McKee, J. W .; James Manley, treasurer ; J. W. Beckwith, secretary ; Frank C. Miller, S. D .; S. M. Gillespie, J. D .; W. M. Green, tyler.
Odd Fellows. - Malta Lodge No. 287. 1. O. O. F., was instituted June 19, 1855,
352
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
with the following charter members and first officers : William Sillery, N.G .; Sam- uel Swasey, V. G .; W. H. Blundon, Rec. 'Sec .: Geo. E. Halliday, Per. Sec .; Peter Bricker, Treas .; Geo. Weitzell, James Walter, Isaac Walter, George Cain, Jacob Holt and James A. Gillespie. Since organization, 189 members have been admitted. The present member- ship is 85 and the Lodge is in a pros- perous condition, having cash and in- Vestments to the value of $1,600. Among the positions held by members of this Lodge, H. E. Miller was a repre- sentative to the Grand Lodge of Ohio from the 29th district; C. B. Coulson has served as District Deputy Grand Marshal. The officers-elect (June 1886) were J. D. Hoopes. N. G .; B. F. Roney, V. G .; G. M. Black, R. S .; H. E. Mil- ler, P. S .; H. A. Davis, Treas.
WILLIAM SHERWOOD.
Zurial Sherwood, the progenitor of the Sherwood family in Morgan County, was born near Hartford, Conn., in that memorable year, 1776. When a young man he moved to Pennsylvania, settling on the Susquehanna River. There he married Lucy Keeler and for some time kept a tavern and operated a ferry ten miles below Tunkhannock, in the pres- ent county of Wyoming. In Decem- ber. 1809, he decided to remove to Del- ware, Ohio. to which place a brother- in-law, the Rev. Jacob Drake, had pre- ceded him. Accordingly, with his family, consisting of his wife and four children, and his household goods, he started on his journey. They traveled with a span of horses and a yoke of oxen through a wild region, and arrived at their destination without accident. At Delaware they stopped with Mr. Bigs- by, who was the founder of the town.
At the outbreak of the war of 1812, the inhabitants of Delaware became alarmed fearing an attack of Indians, and many of them fled in quest of a place of safety. Mr. Sherwood and his family started out without any definite idea of where his stopping place would be. He passed the site of the present city of Columbus, and between that point and Worthington, met the army of General Harrison. The sight of the army brought a feel- ing of safety, and advancing to Put- nam, Muskingum County, Mr. Sher- wood decided to locate there for a time. During the war he engaged in the trans- portation of army supplies and kept tavern. In 1814 he bought what was known as the Moore farm in the pres- ent county of Morgan, to which he re- moved with his family in the fall of 1818. He was a pioneer salt-maker, and the salt-well which he bored on his farm is believed to have been the first in the county. He continued the busi- ness many years. Mr. Sherwood died at the extreme old age of ninety-five. He was the father of nine children :- William. Raymond. Asa (who died young), Nancy (Conaway), Keeler, Polly (Wells), Sarah (Atchison), Eliza (Robb) and Lucinda (Burgoon).
William Sherwood, a venerable pio- neer, and one of the most worthy citi- zens of Morgan County, was born in Pennsylvania, October 1, 1801. As will be understood from the foregoing sketch, he had his full share of pioneer experiences and hardships. Possessed of akeen, discriminating mind, he was an apt scholar, and made the best use of his limited opportunities. He was reared on the farm, and in the winter of 1818-19 engaged in teaching a school on Oil Spring Run. By various kinds of
Tilium Sherwood
Edwin Sherwood
353
MALTA.
labor he became possessed of a few hundred dollars, which he invested in goods and engaged in the mercantile business in Malta about 1825. After being in trade several years he engaged in salt-making on quite an extensive scale, which he followed successfully. The active business career of Mr. Sher- wood covered a period of more than forty years. During that time he was largely interested in mercantile business, salt-manufacture, farming and dealing in real estate. For a time he was also the largest producer of petroleum in this section. In company with G. C. Devol, for some time he handled nearly all the salt manufactured on the river.
While so extensively engaged in business Mr. Sherwood did not neglect matters of public import. He has al- ways been found willing to encourage and assist every worthy enterprise. In 1852 he was a candidate for member of the constitutional con- vention. He was also nominated for State senator in 1875, but un- fortunately the party to which he belongs has usually been in the minor- ity. He was active in the building of the McConnelsville and Malta bridge, and has ever been in favor of public improvements. He organized the first county agricultural society, and for many years was its president.
Mr. Sherwood was married in 1823 to Rachel Palmer, daughter of Will- iam Palmer, one of the pioneers of Malta. It is a fact worthy of mention that this age:l couple are now living on the spot where they first met over sixty- five years ago. They have reared a family of five children, all of whom are still living-Edwin, Permelia (Pot- ter), Jane (Mortley), William Oscar and Mary (Gage).
EDWIN SHERWOOD.
Edwin Sherwood, son of the vener- able William Sherwood, is a well-known citizen and a leading farmer of Morgan County. He is a native of the county, having been born in Malta Township, November 28, 1823. Reared in the then new country, he had only the ad- vantages for education afforded by the inferior schools of that period. After working on the farm until a young man, he entered the store of Henry Dawes, in Malta, where he acted as a clerk for about two years. In 1843 he became a clerk in the store of his father, who was then doing business in Malta in partnership with Milton Seaman. He continued this employment until 1847. His father having purchased the Union Salt Works, he then moved to them and took an interest in the business. In 1852, the salt industry being dull, he went to California, where he remained for two years mining and working at other business. In 1854 he returned and purchased his father's interest in the salt works. He conducted the busi- ness from that time until 1875, having also a farm and a store besides. He has always been a hard-working man, and often worked day and night about the salt works. Having purchased a part of the Leggett property (about 200 acres), in 1867 he bought the Alexander McConnel farm of 500 acres. His land, which is equal to any in Morgan County in point of excellence, lies together upon the Muskingum River in the southern part of Morgan Township. Mr. Sher- wood is one of the largest and most suc- cessful farmers and stock-raisers of the county. Hle is a man of excellent busi- ness capacity, and withal is self-made. He has the satisfaction of knowing that he has earned what he has-and such
23
354
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
industry as he has shown richly merits success. He is a liberal man, a genial friend and neighbor, and much re- spected. Mr. Sherwood is a republican. Ile has adopted no religious creed. but believes in doing right and doing good. He is a friend to every religious denom- ination and to the cause of temperance. Ile has never sought office, yet has served as infirmary director and as president of the Morgan County Agri- cultural Association. He was married June 2, 1843, to Margaret G. Simpson, daughter of David Simpson. She was boru in London County, Va., and came to Morgan County with her parents when young. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood have six children-Arthur L., William, Eva (Lovell), Charles W., Oscar T. and Edwin M.
JOSHUA DAVIS.
Daniel Davis, the father of Joshua, was of Welsh descent. He was born in Maryland, and resided in that State and Pennsylvania until his removal to Ohio. He was chiefly engaged in farming, though he learned the tailor's trade and worked at it for a few years. He was married in Washington County, Pa., to Sally Carrol, by whom he was the father of five sons and one daughter, all born in Washington County. Mrs. Davis died in Pennsylvania, but all the children settled in Ohio. Mr. Davis died in Union Township in this county in 1859.
.
Joshua Davis, who has been promi- nently identified with the business inter- ests of Morgan County for many years, was born in Washington County, Pa., June 17, 1808. His early life was passed upon a farm and he attended the com- mon schools, having fair opportunities for obtaining an education until he was
ten years of age. Coming to Ohio with his father's family in 1819 he found schools very few and very poor, and for six years he did not see the in- side of a schoolhouse. At the age of sixteen he engaged, in Barnesville, Bel- mont County, in learning the tanner's trade, at which he served until he attained his majority. In July, 1829, he came to Morgan County and for a short time attended school in McCon- nelsville. Thus ended his school educa- tion; but by reading and reflection, aided by keen observation and sound judgment, his mind has become stored with a great variety of facts and valu- able information.
In the spring succeeding his arrival in Morgan County, Mr. Davis entered the store of Francis A. Barker in Malta, where he acted as clerk for a year and a half. In the fall of 1831 he rented a tannery in Union Township, which he purchased in the following year and conducted until 1837. Soon after going to Union Township he taught a winter school of sixty scholars. This was his only experience in teaching.
In 1837 Mr. Davis moved to Malta, where he has since resided. He engaged in the mercantile business, in which he had a successful and honorable career until his retirement therefrom in 1879. Aside from the mercantile business Mr. Davis has had a prominent part in other industrial and commercial enter- prises. He was one of the organizers of the Brown-Manly Plow Company, and served as president of the company until 1883, when he sold his interest. He helped to organize the First National Bank of McConnelsville and was a member of the first board of directors of that institution. He also assisted in organizing the Malta National Bank, of
355
MALTA.
which he has been a director from the beginning. He has ever been found among the encouragers of public im- provements, always ready to promote the best interests of his town and county. In 1855 he was elected to the office of County Commissioner, in which he served for sixteen years. In his exten- sive business career he has formed a wide circle of friends and acquaintan- ces among whom he has maintained the highest reputation for uprightness and integrity of character. He was formerly a whig, but has been a member of the republican party since its forma- tion. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church to which he has belonged for over fifty years.
Mr. Davis was married July 18, 1832, to Nancy Williams, daughter of John Williams, an early settler of McCon- nelsville. She died in 1863, having borne nine children-Catherine, who died young; Perley B., a minister of the Ohio Conference of the M. E. Church; Edwin P., who died at the age of twenty ; Oscar, died, aged three years ; Sarah E., died when five months old; Henry A., now a prominent mer- chant of Malta; Mary E., wife of Rev. Frank G. Mitchell, of the Cincinnati Conference of the M. E. church ; John Francis, of Corner, Walker & Davis, Malta; and Charles W., engaged in the manufacture of spices at Wichita, Kan. March 10, 1864, Mr. Davis was married to his present wife, Mrs. Lucy Wood- mansee (nee Corner).
JOHN E. THOMAS.
Jolm Thomas, the father of the im- mediate subject of this biography, was born in Wales, England, and came to this country in the same vessel that
brought Gen. La Fayette. He settled in Virginia, where he married Miss Sarah Partridge. They resided in Charlestown, Virginia, where John E. was born in 1808. Mrs. Thomas was a daughter of one of the prominent men of that sec- tion and a slave-holder. This fact in connection with business disasters in- duced them to emigrate to Ohio, hoping that in the new country they might be able to retrieve their shattered fortunes. John E. was a lad of eight years at the time of the family's emi- gration, and still retains a vivid recol- lection of the struggles of his father in the new country. Just as better times began to dawn, the mother died (1820), and about two years later the father also died leaving their children to care for themselves. At the age of fifteen John E. was apprenticed to the trade of a woolen manufacturer, with the pro- vision that he was to have three months schooling each year. After the expira- tion of his term of apprenticeship (five years and six months) he engaged in business with his brother in New Lex- ington where they operated a grist and woolen mill. In 1835 Thomas E. came to McConnelsville where he formed a co partnership with General Robert Mc- Connel in the business of manufactur- ing woolen goods. They continued in business for nine years. He next pur- chased the Malta Mill in company with Messrs. Stone and Brown. Two years afterward Mr. Thomas sold his interest and in company with Mr. Seaman en- gaged in the dry goods business in the building known as the Thomas and Rogers store-room. In 1852 he pur- chased the Windsor Flouring Mill which he operated very successfully. He re- tained, however, his interest in the store, and soon after purchased Sea-
356
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
man's interest. The firm was after- ward known as Sprague & Co. In 1855 he bought the farm where he now resides. Since this time he has de- voted himself to the improvement of the property. The life of Mr. Thomas has been a sucessful one. Ile has identified himself with all the leading enterprises of his time. He was one of the incorporators of the First National Bank of McConnelsville and was in- terested for many years in its manage- ment. He was also prominent in the construction of the bridge and was president of the company before its sale to the county. He has been active, thorough, and progressive in all matters.
Mr. Thomas has been married three times. His first wife, whom he married in 1832, was Miss Elizabeth Comly. He was married to his second wife, Miss Mary Ann Sprague, in 1848. In 1879 he was married to his present wife, nee Mrs. Frankie Webb.
JAMES MANLY.
William H. Manly, the father of the subject of this notice, was born in Cecil County, Maryland, in 1804. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah D. Wal- ter, was born in Chester County, Penn- sylvania. They married in 1827 and settled in Chester County, where they resided until 1833, when the family removed to Belmont County, Ohio. Mr. Manley was a miller, and followed that occupation until he came to Ohio, after which he worked at farming. In May, 1839, he moved to Homer Town- ship, now in Morgan County, and about four years later to Penn Township, where he resided until his decease in 1879. His first wife died in 1844, and in the following year he married Re- becca Michener, of Penn Township,
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.