USA > Ohio > Morgan County > History of Morgan County, Ohio, with portraits and biographical sketches of some of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 52
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Adelphi Webster was an early set- tler, a school teacher, and a justice of the peace. He was the first justice in the township, and entered upon the duties of that office May 18, 1819.
John S. Abbott was born August 12, 1783, in the state of Delaware, and married Elizabeth Morey in 1807. She was born at Kinderhook, state of New York, June 20, 1784. They had ten children-Eliza, Sarah, Henry, Henri- etta, Rachel, Silas M., Mary Ann, John S., Richard and Jesse. All lived to man and womanhood. He emigrated to Ohio from New York in 1817, and set- tled in Wesley Township, Washington County, and followed farming until 1846, when he moved to Stockport, Morgan County, where he died July 26, 1867, aged nearly 84 years. His wife died at Stockport March 3, 1858, aged 73 years.
About 1816 Andrew Hosom settled on Meigs Creek in Bristol Township. Hle came from Kennebec County, Maine. About 1830 he removed to Windsor Township, where he died December 6, 1868 in the 90th year of his age. Those of his children who lived to mature years were Lydia (dead), Mar- tha, Grundy County, Missouri ; Sarah, wife of N. B. Henry, born January 4, 1809; Oliver Perry (dead) ; Andrew J., in Missouri ; Elbridge, Noble County ;
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
Lydia (Harper), Manchester Township; Benjamin A., Athens County.
About the year 1820 Jesse Scott and family came from Pennsylvania and purchased what is now the County In- firmary farm. Three of the sons, John, Barney and Dyer, built a saw and grist mill at what is now known as Sher- woodsburg. Jesse and Jesse, Jr., bought farms, one on Meigs Creek and the other on Olive Green Creek, where they built mills. Another son, Daniel, set- tled on the farm now owned by George Thompson. The family adopted the primitive ways of the county, grew their own flax and wool, and made their own clothing. After the improve- ment of the river their mills were ren- dered valueless and abandoned. All were farmers and reared large families. About 1846 Mr. Scott built a boat, to which he gave the name of Noah's Ark. It was 130 feet long with 20-foot beam, and was propelled by horse-power and sails. On this the family, consisting of eighteen, embarked with their stock and household goods, and after a voy- age of ninety days ascended the Rock River, Illinois, where they settled. James H. Scott, of Windsor, is of this family, and was born in Windsor in 1844. He was a member of Co. B, 62d O. V. I., and served four years; is now one of the reputable farmers of the township.
Thomas Mummey was born in Brooke County, West Virginia, Feb. 12, 1807, and settled in Morgan County in 1823, coming from Harrison County in this State. His father, Christopher Mum- mey, first settled in Meigsville Town- ship, and after ten years removed to Windsor Township. His children were Thomas, Ellen, and Elizabeth. Thomas and Ellen are still living. Christopher
died on the place now known as the Hutchins farm. Thomas was married in 1832 to Elizabeth, daughter of John Bell, and has since resided in Windson Township. His children are Philena, John and Ann. Mrs. Mummey was born in 1808 and died October 4, 1879.
The country was very wild when Mr. Mummey came to it, and he had his full share of pioneer experiences. He recalls being chased by wolves on one occasion, and another time by bears. From his father's home in Meigsville Township he was accustomed to go to mill at Luke Chute, where sometimes he would have to wait two days before he could get his milling done. There were then no inhabitants on the route he traveled between Tyson's Run in Meigsville Township and Luke Chute, with the single exception of Thomas Tuft, who in 1823 lived in a cabin on the farm where Mr. Mummey now re- sides.
Lewis D. Sheets, a native of Indiana, married Ann Mummey in 1855. Their children-John T., Eva J., Elmer E., Azelia E., Elfrida P., and Clara A .- are all living. Mr. Sheets died in April, 1872, in the 36th year of his age.
Jesse Blackmer was born in Wash- ington County in 1809 and lived in that county until 1823. Then with his par- ents he came to the farm on the Mus- kingum now occupied by his son Tim- othy. In 1832 Mr. Blackmer married Louisiana Olney and remained on the farm with his parents until their deaths. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Blackmer-Mary (Whitney), died in 1878, Henry and Timothy. His wife died in 1875, and in 1880 Mr. Blackmer went to Missouri and engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. He is a stockholder in the National Bank of Grant City,
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Mo., and is interested in the business of loaning money. Mr. Blackmer held some local offices in Morgan County and was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Stockport.
Henry Blackmer, son of Jesse, mar- ried Sarah Wilson, of Bristol Town- ship, in 1864, and is the father of five children-William, Jesse, Mary, Fannie and Lillie. He is one of the most prom- inent farmers of the county. Timothy Blackmer, who lives on the old home- stead, is also a most successful farmer. He married Thirsia Pugh in 1879, and is the father of Annie, Lucy and Frank.
John McCoy was born in Fayette County, Pa., Jan. 15, 1822, and came with his parents to Jefferson County, Ohio, when eight years old. About 1836 he came to Morgan County and worked two years for Robert Patter- son, teaming and hauling salt. In 1843 he came to Windsor Township, and in 1848 he married Mary Hanson, daugh- ter of Peter Hanson, an early settler and a veteran of the war of 1812. Mr. McCoy has followed various occupations. He has lived on his present farm since 1860, and been engaged in milling op- erations since 1865. His children are Perley (deceased), Martha, Emma, Ham- ilton (deceased), Flora, Lizzie and Charles.
Thomas Dougherty was born in Homer Township in 1834, and remained with his parents until 1855. Ile was then married to Mary J. Ralston, of this county. They have six children living, George C., James A., Monima N., Perley B., William B. and Alice M. Monima N. is the wife of J. R. Keadle, of this township. George C. married Lydia Ellis. James A. married Nancy A. Moody. Perley B. married Amanda E. Geddes. All live in this county. |
The family belong to the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Dougherty has been a deacon. Mrs. Dougherty died in 1874, and two years later he married Mrs. Jane Hooper, whose maiden name was Scott. Mr. Dougherty is a farmer and a successful one.
Alexander Wallace, born in 1827, came to this township with his parents when abont one year old, and has since resided here. In 1848 he married Martha J. Wilson, who died in 1852. Children, three ; two died in infancy and one, Martha Jane, is living. In 1853 he married Miss Mary Ellis. Chil- dren, George and D. Hambleton, de- ceased; John W., Edward C., Willard M., Effie J., Eva D., Martin E., Clara B., Clarence E. and Nora D. John War- ren Wallace married Ennna Burr and lives in Athens County. Edward C. married Nancy Miller and lives in this county. Effie J., wife of Park Kean, also lives in this county.
Barrack Yarnell was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1818. When thirteen years of age lie removed with his parents to Guernsey County, where he remained nntil twenty-one years of age. He then settled in Morgan County, and in 1842 married Margaret Saunders. Children, Sarah, George W., Henry, Annie, Maria J., Warren, John, Caroline. Joseph T., Barrack N., Elwood, Eddie and Charley. Sarah married Elijah Palmer. George W. married Sarah A. Palmer. Annie married Richard Russell. Caroline is the wife of Lemnel Green. Joseph married Linda Russell. George W. Yarnell was married in 1865. Children, John HI., who married Ida Mosher; Ida, wife of Robert Wymer ; Margaret A .. Jesse May, Sarah M .. Mattie and Ed- ward. Joseph Yarnell was married, in 1881. Children, Annie, Clarence and
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
Newburn. The Yarnells are prominent and progressive farmers.
Stephen Milner was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1827. When twenty- seven years of age, lie married Esther Brown, of Belmont County and re- mnoved to Morgan County, where he has since resided. Children, Albertus B., (deceased); John T., Lorenzo D., and Mary Alice. John married Mary J. Brown and lives in Kansas. Lorenzo
married Diantha Ellis and lives in this township. Mary Alice married Dennis Scott and lives in Zanesville. Mr. Mil- ner is a prominent farmer and a mem- ber of the M. E. Church.
One of the industries of pioneer times, elsewhere more fully alluded to, was keel-boating and flat-boating. One of the most successful of the Muskingum River pilots was James McGonigle, who lived in this township. He served some years as a justice of the peace, and while holding that office became blind. He married several couples, and did other business, after the loss of his sight, tak- ing a clerk along to do the writing.
One of the most remarkable seasons of religious excitement cver known in this locality occurred in the fall of 1819. The "New Lights" had appointed a meeting at the schoolhouse at Big Bot- tom, and at the same time Elder William Davis, Baptist, had an appointment to preach at the house of Richard Cheadle. The "New Light" preacher failed to arrive at the appointed time, and Elder Davis was solicited to conduct his meet- ing at the schoolhouse, where many had already gathered, instead of at Cheadle's. To this arrangement he consented. After the meeting had been in progress for a time the " New Light " preacher arrived and took part in the exercises, and soon the entire meeting was being
conducted by the New Lights. The wildest excitement prevailed. Men sang, shouted, and clapped their hands until blistered. There were only brief intermissions to permit those in attend- ance to get something to eat. The meeting was kept up constantly for six weeks. Many professed their faith in Christ during this time; some after- ward became backsliders, but others remained true and faithful Christians until the end of their days.
Probably the earliest schoolhouse in the township was at Big Bottom, where at an early day a neat frame house served as a schoolhouse and as a place where religious meetings were held.
About 1819 Basha Hutchins taught a term of school in Asa Emerson's barn, on the place now owned by Joseph Noyes. The following year a school- house was built on the present J. J. Henery farm, where Amy Edy taught in summer and William Patterson in the winter. This house was of the old style -a log building, with greased-paper windows, slab benches, etc. The second schoolhouse in the Patterson district was built on the hillside, in the vicinity of the present ; and the third near where the present schoolhouse stands. The first elections of the township were held at the second of the above-mentioned schoolhouses.
Elder William Davis, Samuel M. Dyke, William Patterson, H. P. Dear- born, Timothy Eastman and others were early teachers. An early teacher who was well known, not only in the county, but in other localities, was Rial Cheadle. He was a noted character in the days of the underground railroad, and was instrumental in assisting many a poor negro to Canada and freedom. He was a peripatetic rhymster and
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musician, and wherever he visited he was made welcome and his songs atten- tively listened to.
The first schoolhouse in the Coburn neighborhood was built about 1822, on land near where the house of Cyrus Davis now stands. Prior to that time the people of this part of the township had sent their children to school across the river, in what is now known as the Cary district. In 1839 District No. 9 was formed, taking in the lower end of the township and a house built on land now owned by L. J. Coburn. The present commodious schoolhouse in this district was built in 1870.
Six dollars per month were the wages paid male teachers in the days of the subscription schools. Fifty cents per week was considered fair pay for a female teacher ; only the best of teach- ers were paid as much as one dollar.
Probably the first store in the town- ship was kept by Richard Cheadle, on Big Bottom. He sold both dry and wet goods, having a distillery to supply the latter. At early dates a man named Ladd, and a Mr. Swader, who married Deacon Isaac Melvin's daughter, each had small stores on Big Bottom.
As early as 1828 a dry-goods store was opened at Roxbury by a man named Brooks. He was succeeded by John Swader. Hamilton Cheadle was an early merchant at the same locality.
Henry and Bernard Hook opened the first store at Hooksburg, in connec- tion with the salt works. Israel Davis kept a rival establishment for some year's.
The Luke Chute mill, elsewhere men- tioned, was the first milling establish- ment of importance in the township, if not in the county. Another early mill, of the "corn-cracker" type, with a
saw-mill in connection, was built by Paddock Cheadle on Mill Run, very early. Cheadle sold out to Luther Dearborn, who was drowned by falling from the roof of the mill while repair- ing it. Paddock Cheadle afterward operated a saw-mill there for some years. On the same stream, on the Samuel Godfrey place, Balen Smith built a saw-mill for Robert Israel, very early.
On the O. Brokaw farm, " Father " Leppett, who afterward- had a similar contrivance on the river at Malta, ope- rated a floating mill for a short time at a point where there was a swift current.
John White came from Virginia, and in 1822 ran a dam for some distance along the river, building a mill in part- nership with Humphrey K. White, at Big Ludlow, on the west side of the river. This mill was swept away by high water in 1840. In connection with it Samuel M. Dyke operated a carding machine for a few years.
Roxbury was laid out by James A. McConnel in 1843, and has since main- tained a mercantile establishment and been a shipping point of some impor- tance.
Jonathan Wilson and David Sells were soldiers in the War of 1812, and early settlers of Morgan County. The latter emigrated to the county in 1807, with his parents. He was born in 1802, and married Miss Martha Dennis, who was six years his junior. Ile died in 1863, she in 1872. Jonathan Wilson was born in England, and came to Morgan County with his wife, Minerva Munson, in the year 1800. A son, Joseph, was born to them in 1802. He commenced his career as a riverman when 17 years of age, and was engaged in the business until 1841. He married
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
Miss Esther Sells, who was born in 1801. Sarah M. was born in 1834, and married Benjamin S. Ramsey, well known as the mate of one of the steam- ers plying between McConnelsville and Zanesville. He served his country as a soldier in the War of the Rebellion.
John P. Sells was born in Windsor Township in 1805. At the age of 26 he married Miss Isabella Smith. They had a family of children-Elijah S., Sarahı R., Gabrilla, Lyman S., Jose- phine G., John B., and Melissa E. Both are deceased. Mr. Sells departed this life December 17, 1874; Mrs. Sells June 13, 1861; Melissa E. died Sept. 3, 1854; Sarah R., wife of M. W. Outcalt, died in 1873; Lyman S. enlisted in Company D, 63d O. V. I., in 1861. IIe died at Atlanta, Ga., August 3, 1864, from wounds received in battle. Elijah S. Sells was born in Windsor in 1832; he married Miss Abigail M. Patterson in 1853. He served his country as a member of Company F, 189th O. V. I .; was mustered out with the company at Nashville, Tenn., in September, 1865.
James McGlashan was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1793. When a young man he came to this country and settled in Allegheny County, Pa. Thence he removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, where he married Miss Phebe Fisher, and where Cyrus was born in 1827. In 1830 the family re- moved to Morgan County, where the elder McGlashan died in 1872. Cyrus received such an education as was af- forded by the common schools of that day, and learned the trade of a wagon- maker. For some time, however, he was engaged in teaching. For five years he published one of the county newspapers. In 1865 he removed to Noble County, where he published a
paper for a number of years. He mar- ried Miss Margaret A. Brooks, in 1863, and has one child, Emmet G. In his re- ligious belief he is a Presbyterian, and for eighteen years has been a ruling elder.
In contrasting the present with the past, Mr. A. J. Donovan says that in 1833 he sold wheat in Zanesville which netted him, after paying for handling, thirty cents per bushel. In 1850 he sold wheat in McConnelsville for two dollars per bushel. In 1841 he bought a cow for six dollars, and in 1879 sold two at one hundred dollars each. He sold one crop of wool at twenty-five cents per pound, and one at one dollar and ten cents per pound. His first tax in Morgan County was twenty-five cents, from that infinitesimal sum the amount steadily increased until he paid three hundred dollars.
Joseph W. Hambleton and family came from Lancaster County, Pa., in 1831, and settled on Goshen Run, near Elliott's Cross Roads. At this time there were but one or two settlers be- tween these localities and the river. Mr. Hambleton, like most of the early settlers, was in quite limited circum- stances, and was obliged to undergo many privations and hardships. B. F. Hambleton, a son, was born in Lancas- ter, Pa., in 1821. He learned the trade of a blacksmith, which vocation he followed for some years. He died in 1867; his wife in 1882. Charles F. Hambleton was a member of Co. E, 193d, O. V. I.
Seth Andrews was one of the pioneers of Centre Township. The date of his immigration is not known, but it was probably as early as 1809. In 1811 his son Philander, with his wife, Anna (Anders), settled in the township. The former was born in 1772, and died in
ff Montgomery,
1
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1847. The latter was two years the senior of her husband, and died in 1824. Philander was a tanner by trade and for some time after his immigration to Morgan County carried on the business, but, owing to the fact that much of his stock was stolen before he could dispose of it, he engaged in farming. Both he and his wife were typical pioneers. Mrs. Andrews spun and wove all the cloth used by the family, and instructed her daughters in the same art. One of them, Mrs. Pedee Evans, resides in Windsor Township. She was born in the state of New York in 1811, and married William T. Evans, in 1838. A twin sister of Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Amy Swift, resides in Washington County. Of the family of Mrs. Pedee Evans, five of the seven are living.
Brooke County, West Va., furnished a number of prominent early settlers of the township. Among them were Thomas and Esther (Connel) Gatewood, who settled upon an unimproved farm in the autumn of 1835, which they im- proved and on which they resided till the time of their deaths. He died Sep- tember 15, 1875. She died October 30, 1882. They reared a family of eleven children, four of whom now reside in the township. The elder Gatewood was for many years a magistrate, and at a time when the office was invested with an importance that does not now attach to it. For years he arbitrated the difficulties of his neighbors very successfully. His wife was a lady of rare native intelligence and kecn perception, and a fine type of the pioneer housc- wife. Her tomb bears the simple in- scription, " Proud as an eagle, pure as snow." James, the eldest son, went on Sherman's march to the sea, and sleeps at Beaufort, South Carolina.
James McHugh came from County Tyrone, Ireland, 1848. With native shrewdness, tact and industry he has succeeded well in his chosen vocation, farming, and now owns one of the best farms in the township.
James and Mary Black emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1817 and settled in Muskingum County, where they resided until 1835, when they removed to Bloom Township, Morgan County. He died in 1846, his wife in 1866. In company with his son, John Black, he was en- gaged in salt-making from 1835 to 1839, at which time John was apprenticed to a blacksmith. April 9, 1845, he mar- ried Sarah A. Hutchins and moved to Windsor Township in 1862. John Thomas Black, son of John, and grand- son of James, was born in Jeffer- son Township, Noble County, February 14, 1860. He resides in Windsor and is by profession a school teacher.
Jacob Smith and wife were among the early settlers of the county. They came from Belmont County, Ohio, in 1839, and first located in Union Town- ship; thence they afterward removed to Bloom, where they dicd, the father in 1855, his wife in 1880. They reared a large family of children, only three of whom are living-Elwood, Mary E. (Linscott), and James. The latter was born in 1841, was a member of Co. I. 1st Heavy Artillery and served twenty- seven months. After his return he fol- lowed the river for four years. In 1871 he came to Stockport and engaged in the grocery business; was married in 1869 to Miss Maggie Shellhamer, of Malta. His family consists of four chil- dren, Laura, Carrie, Flora and William G; is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and one of the substantial citi- zens of the place.
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
Jackson Geddes was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1829, and came to Windsor with his father's family in 1837. They located about a mile north of the village of Stockport. In 1841 the elder Geddes removed to the farm where he now resides. In the early days he followed shoemaking, and when not engaged in making or repairing shoes devoted his time to the improve- ment of his farm. Jackson Geddes has served the township in several capaci- ties. In 1869 he was township trustee, and for two terms was member of the council of Stockport. He was a mem- ber of Co. E, 184th Regiment, O. V. I. Sept. 23, 1853, he was married to Miss Minerva Wilson, who was born in Washington County, Ohio. There have been born to them seven children, five girls and two boys.
James H. Boomhall came from Bel- mont County, Ohio, to this township in 1841, and for some time was em- ployed as a clerk by John P. Wood, merchant, at Stockport. He was twice married-first to Charlotte Geddes, of Windsor Township (born April 14, 1824, died May 15, 1852), by whom he had two children-George C., now of Parkersburg, W. Va., and Elizabeth (Eisenbise), of Columbus, O. His sec- ond wife was Miss Lucy Baker, of Rox- bury, and their children were Charles W. and Willard H. Mr. Boomhall died Nov. 28, 1879, after a career of more than forty years in the mercantile and shipping business. His son, Charles W., now the popular landlord of the village hotel, was married in 1883 to Miss Hattie A. Gibson, and they have one child.
A. Walker was born in Belmont County, and came to Morgan County in 1852. He was a member of Co. F,
77th O. V. I .; taken prisoner at Marks' Mills, Ark., and was confined in a rebel prison for ten months; was then ex- changed and received a furlough for two months. He then rejoined his reg- iment, was promoted to corporal and was mustered out of the service April 26, 1866.
STOCKPORT.
The village of Stockport, or Windsor as it is commonly called, is one of the most important shipping and trading points on the Muskingum River between Zanesville and Marietta. Its origin was coeval with the beginning of the river improvement, and from the first it has been the marketing place and base of supplies for an extensive territory of excellent farming country. Although the village has but a small population (about 350 at present), there is business enterprise, activity and public spirit among its citizens worthy of commend- ation.
Nathan Sidwell laid out the town on his own land in 1834. The original plat was very small, extending only from the river back to Washington street, and embracing only one row of blocks on each side of Main street. Four additions have since been made to the town.
The first business enterprise at Stock- port was the store of the Beswicks. Samuel, William and George Beswick in partnership opened the first mercan- tile establishment in the place in 1838, in the building now occupied for the same purpose by T. B. Lane. A post- office (Stockport) was soon after estab- lished with Samuel Beswick postmaster.
John P. Wood, another early mer- chant, who also bought and packed. tobacco, carried on a good business for several years. His store was in the
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building now occupied by T. B. Lane as a dwelling.
John E. Thomas had a store in con- nection with his mill. Afterward Jesse and John Thomas succeeded to the same business. Other merchants were George Rice, Arthur Taggart, Thomas and Jacob Rogers, James Gormley, Smith & Lane and many others.
Among the earliest residents of the village were David Eveland and his sons; John Geddes, plowmaker; Wells White, Robert Todd, Moses Eveland, Daniel Norton, George W. Sanborn; Adorus Goering, tailor; James Lemon, blacksmith.
The first mill at Stockport was built about 1842 by Samuel and William Beswick. It was operated only a few years before it was burned. The pres- cnt mill was built by William McCaslin in 1849. Before the mill was wholly completed, McCaslin sold out to Seaman & Thomas. Arthur Taggart bought it from John E. Thomas, in the spring of 1854, and owned it until his death. From 1865 to 1870 the mill was owned by Pierrot & Glenn. It next passed into the hands of Pierrot & Lane, which is the present style of the firm.
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