USA > Ohio > Morgan County > History of Morgan County, Ohio, with portraits and biographical sketches of some of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 54
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Mr. Buck possessed sound judgment, a strong and active mind and an ener- getic will. Foreseeing that land upon the river would becoinc valuable after the improvement, he purchased a large tract which included some of the very best land in the township. He devoted himself to agriculture with the same diligence and care that had characterized him in other pursuits, and became one of the most prominent and successful farmers of the county. Surrounded by his family and friends he passed the later years of his life in the peaceful enjoyment of the fruits of his industry. No man was better known in the county or more highly cstecmed. He was charitable, liberal and public- spirited. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian.
Mr. Buck was twice married-first in 1828 to Miss Jane Wier, of Pennsylva- nia. Of this marriage, three children were born-Thomas, Samuel W. and
Margaret. Mrs. Buck died October 13, 1834. In 1839 Mr. Buck married Miss Esther Hunter, who was born in West- moreland County, Pa., June 21, 1811. By the second marriage he had three children-Jane (Tucker), Hettie, wife of Thomas Muse, of Windsor Township, and John, who resides on the old home- stead.
EUGENE PIERROT.
Eugene Pierrot was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, No- vember 24, 1823. He is the son of Joseph Pierrot, the youngest of four brothers who served at the same time under Napoleon. He entered the army in 1812 and served till the downfall of his "Grand Napoleon." The undying love of liberty characteristic of the Swiss turned his thoughts to the young American republic. In 1825, with his then small family, he started for New York, but was stricken with paralysis before he reached the sea and obliged to return to his mountain home. Still dauntless he started again in 1827. He was again delayed by the illness of his wife. After a tempestuous voyage of one hundred and four days they reached New York sick, discouraged, destitute -strangers in a strange land, under- standing only French and German. Without a teacher they acquired En- glish under dire circumstances. The family proceeded at once to Rahway, N. J., where, by the aid of a kind rela- tive who preceded him to America, they obtained employment for a short time, being reduced to want by sickness and the dishonesty of an unscrupulous em- plover.
They then went by the way of Hudson River, Erie Canal and the lake to the place now called Sandusky City. Suf-
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fering greatly from want and sickness, they obtained the shelter of a miserable room and remained a short time, mainly trying to regain health and strength to procecd. Through an accident that happened to Eugene, some kind ladies learned the condition of the family and promptly relieved them. They then proceeded by wagon to Wayne County, Ohio, passing through the " Black Swamp." Though but four years old, the events of those terrible days were ineffaceably stamped on his mind and permanently impressed him with the necessity of rigid economy, industry and frugality.
Obtaining a few acres of land, they spent several years in clearing and in- proving it. At the age of eleven Eu- gene was apprenticed to a saddler in Mount Eaton. In 1836 this engagement was canceled, the small farm sold and the family moved by wagon to Morgan County. A tract of unimproved land was bought and the family again en- gaged in subduing the wilderness, while Eugene was "hired out" in various capacities to different parties at Water- ford, Washington County. Among these was the highly respectable and influential Bowen family, whose confi- dence, esteem and encouragement he earned by his industry, steady habits and trustworthiness. Doing an almost incredible amount of hard labor, work- ing at times for many successive days from eighteen to twenty-one hours per day at the carding-machine and saw- mill, his opportunities for education were very limited. His entire school- ing did not exceed three months.
At nineteen, his father being infirm, he took charge of the farm and family, re- jecting the offer of a collegiate education by Dr. Bowen. Ile filled the place of
father and brother to the younger members of the family, and discharged the manifold duties and complex re- sponsibilities thus incurred with char- acteristic fidelity, ability and self-abne- gation. The ensuing cleven years were devoted to this self-imposed task.
In the autumn of 1853 he visited his native land with his mother, both re- turning in the spring of 1854. This re- markable woman shared alike the trials, labors and vicissitudes of the family with heroic fortitude and amazing en- durance. She reared eight children, threc sons and five daughters, perform- ing at the same time hard outdoor labor, the fatigue of which she treated with the supremest scorn. She re- tained her mental and physical vigor till the close of her life. She died in 1875, aged seventy-four. Her husband died of paralysis in 1856, aged sixty-five.
Returning from Europe, Eugene re- paired to the old homestead and pur- sned "the even tenor of his way" till 1857, when he married Amy R. Brown. In 1865 he purchased an interest in the Windsor Mill, inaugurating a new regime, which gave vigor and efficiency to the enterprise and ensured its contin- uous success. His industry demanded a new field, and in 1874 he removed to a large farm on the river, one mile below Stockport. Here he erected a fine man- sion and continued his tireless round of farming and improving till 1884, when he sold and removed to Stockport, since which his time has been devoted to bus- iness and travel.
His crowded life has been stormy, but eminently successful. He is still the child of toil and entertains a pro- found respect for the genius of labor. The most careful personal supervision is given to the smallest details, Without
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collegiate culture, few men are so thor- oughly informed. Native force, proud and persistent purpose, with executive ability of a high order, stamp them- selves upon all his undertakings. He is a close observer, a careful, vigorous and independent thinker. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he is a cheerful companion, a warm-hearted and gener- ous friend, a magnanimous foe. Strong in his attachments, conservative in his views, sincere and honorable in his motives, he commands the respect of all who know him. The simplicity of his language and the modesty of his garb are in perfect accord with the strength and solid singleness of his character. His proud independence and excessive sensitiveness of spirit are nicely bal- anced by profound gratitude and a keen appreciation of the smallest kindness. His love of home was the star of his destiny. Always dominant, it ruled his ambition.
Still vigorous in body and mind, con- templating his past eventful life with the serene satisfaction of one who faith- fully followed the tortnous and difficult paths of duty to noblest results, he stands a living monument of proud achieve- ment and acknowledged usefulness.
Amy Rowena Pierrot, wife of Eugene Pierrot, was a lineal descendent of a renowned race. She was the daughter of Samuel Brown, one of the earliest settlers and the builder of the first mill in Washington County. He died June 17, 1872, aged ninety-one. His father was a captain in the Revolutionary War. She was born February 12, 1836. A part of her girlhood was devoted to teaching school. In 1857 she was mar- ried to Eugene Pierrot, by whom she bore three children. She entered heart- ily into the spirit of her husband's
struggles, ambitious and purposes, evinc- ing the most profound judgment, sagac- ity and fertility of resource. Though subjected to the most crucial tests at an carly age, with multiform cares and tasks, delicate and difficult beyond ex- pression, she discharged the responsi- bilities of her station in the most mas- terly and admirable manner. Her wonderful executive capacity and per- fect familiarity with the smallest de- tails of business ; her exact, thorough and careful methods ;. her literary abil- ity; her business tact-all combined to render her an invaluable helpmate and companion. To these valuable qualities of mind were added the noblest attri- butes of heart. She lived for others. She followed the fortunes of her hus- band with a devotion scarce short of idolatry. With cheerful devotion and forbearance she united the generous graces of Christian charity and benev- olence. Her heart and hand were al- ways open. With the native capacity to rule a realm, she sought not the bridge of gold or bar of steel, but gov- erned her home with wisdom and love -" the unbought grace of life." HIer friends were all who knew her. In manner, dress and action she was a model of striking simplicity and grace. Time, the destroyer, only served to soften and enhance the golden glories of her character. In her decline she grew nobler, and the smile of "Aunt Amy" was a passport to happiness. She died a martyr to her own generous heart, September 11, 1877, loved and admired by all. She sleeps in the old Palmer cemetery.
"Green be the grass above thee, Friend of my better days ; None knew thee but to love thee, None named thee but to praise."
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
ARTHUR TAGGART.
Arthur Taggart was one of the most prominent and valuable citizens of Mor- gan County and died at Windsor in No- vember, A. D. 1864, aged sixty-seven years. He was the son of Patrick Tag- gart, and was born near the village of Drumqueen, County, Tyrone, Ireland. He left Ireland when he was about eighteen years old, accompanied by his sister, Mrs. McAleer, and her husband, and they all settled at Little York, Pennsylvania. From thence he walked to Pittsburgh, making his living by honest labor as well as he could until about the time of the construction of the National Pike, when he came to Pittsburgh and thence to Wheeling. There he became a contractor on the National Turnpike Road in some small part of the line. The contracts had been taken too low and the contractors generally were not able to execute their contracts and abandoned them without paying the laborers. Taggart refused to abandon his contract until his hands were paid, though it exhausted his means and almost his credit. The result was that he was placed in charge of the abandoned contracts at a remunerative price, his contracts extending at differ- ent points from St. Clairsville to Colum- bus. Subsequently he settled at Nor- wich, Muskingum County, and was thereafter largely engaged in public contracts, until he finally settled at Windsor in 1837. His motive in com- ing to Morgan County was to engage in the Muskingum River improvements. He constructed the dams and locks at Windsor and Duval's, five miles from Marietta, and was interested in other parts of that improvement. Gen. Samuel Curtis was engineer of the im- provements, and during the rest of their
lives he and Arthur Taggart were strong personal friends. After the completion of these contracts he invested largely in lands, and for a time was the largest land-owner in Morgan County. For a long time after, he was engaged in buy- ing and shipping, doing a very extensive milling, shipping and speculating bus- iness in all the large and heavy products of the country-his principal shipping point being New Orleans. It was be- fore the day of railroads, and the Mus- kingum River, thus placed as it now is, gives us direct water communication to the ocean world. At the time of his death he was engaged in farming and milling.
While living at Norwich he was married to Margaret Cornyn, daughter of Peter Cornyn. She died in 1852, leaving six children-two sons and four daughters-all of whom are still living. Four reside at Omaha, Nebraska, one is a nun at Columbus, Ohio, and the oldest daughter, Mary, resides at New Lexing- ton, Ohio.
About 1859 he was married to Mrs. Hannah Shields, by whom he had one son, who also resides at Omaha, Nebraska. His widow still survives him and resides at Zanesville, Ohio.
JOHN M'DERMOTT.
This gentleman. the oldest merchant of Morgan County, and who for nearly a half century has been prominently identified with its interests, was born in York County, Pa., December 16, 1820. He was reared by an uncle, Patrick McAleer, a merchant and hotel keeper of that place, with whom he remained until he attained his eighteenth year, when he came to Windsor. An uncle, Arthur Taggart, had settled in the township the previous year and opened
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a stock of general merchandise a short distance below Hooksburg. Young Mc- Dermott entered the employ of his uncle as clerk in this store and remained with him until 1841, when he came to Stock- . port, then known as Windsor, where his uncle had another store. In 1849 he went into business for himself, and, despite many obstacles, he did a pros- perous business. Merchandising at that time was attended with many difficul- ties unknown at present, and the record of Mr. McDermott is an exceptional one, in that during the thirty-seven years he has been engaged in business, his paper has never been at a discount nor pro- tested. This fact is largely attributable to the unlimited confidence placed in him by his trade and those with whom he has had business connections. The life of Mr. McDermott has been com- paratively uneventful, but evidences the result of persistent application and integrity of purpose. Commencing life as a clerk in a small country place, he has not only secured a well-won com- petency but a foremost position among the progressive and enterprising citizens of the county. He is one of those open- hearted courteous gentlemen whose identification with any community is always productive of good results.
In 1857 Mr. McDermott was married to Miss Mary J. McGuigan, who was born in York County, Pa. Five chil- dren have been born to them-Thomas J., Charles I., John, Harry E. and Frank. The eldest son is one of the prominent young lawyers of the Mns- kingum County bar.
CAPTAIN CHARLES J. GIBSON.
The people of Windsor take a just pride, and evidence a commendable interest, in the perpetuation of the
names and records of her brave boys, who for four long years fought for the maintenance of the patriotic principles taught them by their fathers. Among the number entitled to special mention is the gentleman whose name heads this article. He was born in Windsor, May 31, 1841, and was the son of George W. Gibson, one of the reputable farmers and pioneers of the township. He received a good common school education, and at the breaking out of the war was engaged in teaching. Aug- ust 22, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. C, 122d Regiment, O. V. I., an or- ganization in which his township was largely represented. He served with the regiment until the battle of Win- chester, Va., when he was taken prison- er and confined in Libby prison. A graphic description of his experiences there is given in Chapter XII to which the reader is referred. After an incar- ceration of many months he was paroled and sent to Annapolis, Md., from whence he escaped and returned to his home. After a brief visit he reported for duty at Camp Chase, Ohio. He ยท was placed on recruiting service, and in October of 1863 was promoted to Sec- ond Lieutenant, and in March, 1864, he rejoined the regiment and was assigned to Co. A. At the battle of Monocacy, Md., he was in command of that part of the regiment that was engaged, and soon after he was promoted to First Lientenant and assigned to Company D. In the battle of Opequan. Va., he again distinguished himself and was promoted to Captain, and placed in command of Company G, with which he served until the close of the war. He participated in all the battles of the Wilderness campaign, was with Sheridan in the Valley of the Shenandoah, and
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
in many of the hard-fought engagements in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged, in all over fifty battles and skir- mishes, the more prominent being Win- chester, Cold Harbor, Spotsylvania Court House, Monocacy, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek and Peters- burg. At the battle of Spotsylvania he was severely reprimanded by Colonel Ball for his reckless bravery. At the capture of Petersburg on that memo- rable day, April 2, 1865, he was in com- mand of the advance skirmish line of the division, which was the first to break the enemy's lines. Later in the day, when one of the forts was being charged on three sides, he saw that its capture was inevitable, and his com mand being the nearest he resolved to distinguish the regiment by being the first to place its colors upon the works. On his way to the rear for the regi- mental flag under which he had fought so many battles, he met his divis- ion commander, Gen. Keifer, who rep- rimanded him severely for leaving his post. He obtained the colors, however, and returned to the front and, giving the command "double quick," and in ad- vance of the entire line, he sprang into the fort and planted the banner of the 122d. For this gallant act he was bre- vetted Major by the President, an honor conferred upon only one other officer from Morgan County (Gen. F. B. Pond). It is needless to say that Gen. Keifer apologized for the reprimand and that Captain Gibson was the hero of the day.
At the close of the war he returned to his home and engaged in agricultural pursuits. October 17, 1866, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of Hiram Lane, of Washington County, Ohio. She died in June of 1885, leaving five children,
Myrta D. (Naylor), Jessie L., Thomas B., Clara May and Mary M. In the spring of 1877 the captain came to Stockport and began merchandising, in which business he is now engaged. He has taken a landable interest in all mat- ters affecting the welfare of the town- ship or county. He is a pronounced temperance man, and in every respect a valuable citizen.
JOAB J. MONTGOMERY.
Joab J. Montgomery, a prominent business man of Roxbury, was born in Morgan County, Ohio, August 31, 1829. His parents were William and Lydia Ann (Jones) Montgomery. His father was a farmer, and for a time was engaged in the manufacture of salt on the Muskingum, and died at the resi- dence of his son June 2, 1880. When our subject was about four years of age, the family moved to Illinois with an ox team, and lived in Waynesville, De Witt County. When J. J. Mont- gomery was about ten years old, they went to Iowa, and resided in that State until the mother's death. At the age of about 17 he returned to Illinois and for two years lived on a farm. He next came to Ohio for the purpose of attending the high school at MeCon- nelsville. Here he was greatly assisted in his efforts to obtain an education by his uncle, Eli Shepard. At the age of twenty, being then without funds and $30 in debt, he began life for himself, enter- ing the employ of James A. McConnel. His salary for the first year was $60. Mr. Montgomery entered upon his duties in September, 1848, and for nineteen years remained in Mr. McCon- nel's employ, never losing any time in all those years. For the first six months he worked in the mill office at
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McConnelsville, and afterwards in the store at Roxbury. On the death of the superintendent he was given the entire charge of Mr. McConnel's business at that place, and continued in that capac- ity until 1868. Ile then moved to a farm in Palmer Township, Washington County, where he remained until 1873. Not finding farming congenial to his taste, he quit the work, and soon after sold his farm. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Roxbury, which he has continued up to the present time. He has been moderately successful, and is popular with his wide circle of cus- tomers, and much respected as a neigh- bor and a citizen. Mr. Montgomery has gained all that he has through his own individual efforts.
He was married December 22, 1853, to Miss Frances A. Salmon, of Cam- bridge, Guernsey County. Of this union six children were born, four of whom are living. Lelia is the wife of Francis S. Dickey, of Chillicothe. Will- iam Edwards, who married Miss Belle Harrison, is engaged in the jewelry business in Beverly. Carrie B. lives with her aunt in Cambridge, O. Mil- ton F. is at home, assisting his father in business. The two children who are deceased were Oella D., who died when about two years of age, and an infant son. Mrs. Montgomery died December 19, 1869. April 13, 1872, Mr. Mont- gomery married Miss Sarah Pugh of Barlow Township, Washington County, who is still living. They have had two children, both of whom died in infancy. In politics Mr. Montgomery was bred a whig, early became opposed to the slavery system and was a strong aboli- tionist. Since the formation of the republican party he has acted with it. During the Civil War he contributed
liberally of his time and means to the work of raising troops and assisting in their support. He has never held any public office. He was a candidate for county treasurer, and came within one vote of being nominated in the con- vention-a nomination being equivalent to an election. He was among the heavy losers in Morgan County by the river flood in 1884.
OBADIAH BROKAW.
Obadiah Brokaw was born in Bel- mont County, Ohio, in 1822, and came to Morgan County, Ohio, in 1828, with his father, who settled near Neelys- ville. In 1830 he removed to the Mus- kingum river near Big Ludlow where he lived two years, and then moved back into the wilderness where he remained two years, and in 1834 re- moved to the Brokaw Hill, one mile east of Hooksburg. During the en- suing four years he assisted in clearing two farms. He then concluded to learn a trade and chose that of blacksmith with the intention of making edge tools, at that time a very important industry. To this he gave his constant attention and soon rose to the first place among his tradesmen. His am- bition and industry have held this place with easy mastery. In 1841 he came to Hooksburg and engaged in the mixed business of blacksmithing and salt making during the spring, summer and autumn, and in winter went flat- boating to New Orleans. He often said his " deepest pleasure was sitting with his morning pipe on deck of a broad-horn and watching the sun rise out of the water."
He married Czarina Fletcher, April 23, 1844. This estimable lady still sheds the sunlight of domestic bliss
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and genial grace on his hearth and home. The typical housewife of the pioneer, she blends the unbought grace of cultured life with the solid comforts and accomplishments of her pleasant and beautiful home. As her name implies, she is an empress. Her realm is her home and she governs it with regal grace, dignity and wisdom. Six children, four boys and two girls are the fruits of this happy union.
In 1846 Mr. Brokaw established his own shop in Hooksburg which he car- ried on for twenty years, farming at same time. His perfect mastery of his business secured him a large patronage while the systematic and thorough man- ner in which he performed his agricul- tural labors soon earned for him the position of "best farmer in the valley."
In 1863 he sold out at Hooksburg and removed to the Block House farm on Big Bottom where he still resides. For eight and forty years this Son of Vulcan has been a pillar of industry and usefulness, and during this time the almost daily ring of his anvil has said to his neighbors, "Obe is at home." His industry and prudence have secured a competence which, with rare judg- ment. he knows how to enjoy. He is still a veritable son of toil, and as of yore insists on seeing the sun rise. In the enjoyment of the happiness and pleasures of a sunny home which their own hands have made, this amiable couple glide smoothly on in the current of time gracing their way with hospi- tality, generosity and charity to all.
JESSE D. LANE.
The subject of this notice is a descend- ant of one of the pioneer families. John Lanc and family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1806, first set-
tling near the Muskingum river in what is now Windsor Township, Morgan County ; then Roxbury Township, Wash- ington County. Some years later, he removed south to land which he had purchased within the present limits of Wesley Township, Washington County. He was a prominent man among the early settlers; held the office of justice of the peace several years, and was serving in that capacity at the time of his death.
Hiram Lane, son of John, was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents when a child. He was reared a farmer and followed that occu- pation through life. He was an influ- ential and worthy citizen. For several years he served as trustee of the old township of Roxbury. He died March 9, 1878. His widow is still living on the homestead farm, that on which John Lanc settled after his removal from what is now Morgan County. Her maiden name was Drusilla Davis .* She was born in Washington County. Iliram and Drusilla Lane were the parents of six children, three of whom are living. Their names are as follows : Richard, now a farmer in Wesley Township, Washington County ; Jesse D., the subject of this notice ; Nancy, deceased, married William Miller, was the mother of eight children, died in Harrison County, Ohio; George, who died in infancy ; Mary A., deceased, who was the wife of C. J. Gibson of Stockport ; and T. B. Lane, now a mer- chant of Stockport.
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