USA > Ohio > Morrow County > History of Morrow County, Ohio; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Vol. II > Part 37
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
The father of George A. Shaw came to Bennington township as a. boy of eleven years, 1833 marking the time when he commenced to do his share in helping along the family and making himself generally useful to everybody. In 1844 he married Kezia, daugh- ter of Robert and Fannie Allum, who was born at Deepen Fens, England, January 23, 1823, and was brought by her parents to the United States in 1829. After an ocean voyage of sixty-four days the family landed at Baltimore, Maryland. When Kezia was sixteen years of age she accompanied her parents to Knox county, Ohio, and in her twenty-second year became the wife of James Shaw. Of the seven children who were the fruits of this marriage these three have survived to the present time: Mary E., who is now the wife of Abram Bellis, of Bennington township ; Issacar A., who lives at Ashley, Ohio; and he whose life-story has been commenced in this sketch.
George A. Shaw was reared on the Bennington township farm, but received his education in the common schools of Peru town- ship, which he attended until he was sixteen. At that period of his life his father died, and as he was thrown completely on his own resources he applied himself as a monthy farm laborer until he reached his majority. The 'succeeding six years were spent as a locomotive fireman on the Erie railroad, from Galion to Dayton, Ohio. Such confining work was so distasteful to him that he re- turned to Peru township and was there employed in the threshing and saw mill business until January, 1898.
By economy and self-denial Mr. Shaw had saved sufficient money to venture into an independent field, and at the time men- tioned came to Marengo and purchased an interest in C. S. Dun- ham's hardware business. The partnership continued until January 1, 1911, when Mr. Dunham withdrew from the business and II. R. IHicks became the junior partner with Mr. Shaw. They still con- duet the business with old-time energy and sound judgment. Al- though a pronounced Democrat in a strong Republican precinct, Mr. Shaw's personal record and character have inspired such con- fidence among all classes that he is a man of public affairs, as well as a business leader. He has served for several years as assessor and is now a member of the city council. Ile is also a prominent Knight of Pythias, being the keeper of records and seals of the Mareugo Lodge, No. 216.
839
HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY
In 1885 Mr. Shaw was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Martin, who has borne him three children: Glenn, Charles and Gertrude. Their daughter, who was born December 22, 1890, graduated from the Marengo High School and is teaching in Ben- nington township. Mr. Shaw's present wife, whom he married April 22, 1896, is a native of Limaville, Stark county, Ohio, where she was reared and educated. They are both earnest members of the Methodist church.
RAY L. MCFARLAND .- As a citizen of the younger generation of Mount Gilead Ray L. McFarland is early acquainting himself with the intricacies of local politics. At the present time, in 1911, he is ably filling the position of deputy auditor of Morrow county, to which he was appointed in April, 1907.
Mr. McFarland was born on a farm in Marion county, near Iberia, Ohio, on the 16th of September, 1887, and is a son of Willis C. and Florence M. (Crane) McFarland, both of whom are now residing at Mount Gilead. The father is an auctioneer by occupation and served two terms as auditor of Marion county, from 1902 to 1909. Ray L. McFarland was reared to the age of eleven years on the home farm, attending the district schools until he moved to Iberia, a small village in the northern part of Marion county, where he attended the graded schools. In 1901 he located in Mount Gilead, the county seat, whither the family had come, to allow the father to assume his duties as county auditor, the follow- ing year. He immediately enrolled as a student in the public schools at Mount Gilead, from which he was graduated as a mem- ber of the class of 1904. After graduating Mr. McFarland worked in his father's office as a clerk until September, 1905, when he was matriculated in the University of Wooster, at Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio. After completing the college year, 1905-6, he sought his fortune as a book agent in the state of Indiana, from whence he returned to Mount Gilead at the urgent request of his father to again take up work in the auditor's office in July, 1906. In April, 1907, he was promoted to the deputyship, which position he held during the remainder of his father's term of office, at the ex- piration of which, in October, 1909, he was reappointed deputy under the present auditor, Mr. Clifton Sipe.
In politics Mr. McFarland accords a stalwart allegiance to the principles and policies of the Republican party. He has been an active participant in political affairs since attaining to his majority and is now secretary of the County Central Committee. In July. 1910, he was a delegate to the Republican state convention, which nominated the Hon. Warren G. Harding, of Marion, for governor.
Fraternally Mr. McFarland is affiliated with Charles H. Hull, Lodge, No. 195, Knights of Pythias, and he is also a valued and appreciated member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 1191, Galion, Ohio. He is a conscientious member of the
840
HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY
Presbyterian church. He is a young man whose energy is on a par with his ambition and one for whom the future holds forth bright promises. His genial, accommodating personality is one of his best assets and as a citizen of Mt. Gilead he is accorded a high place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow men.
JAMES H. PLACE .- Morrow county, Ohio, figures as one of the most attractive, progressive and prosperous divisions of the state, justly claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enter- prise which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked advancement in the material upbuilding of this section. The county has been and is signally favored in the class of men who have contributed to its development along commercial and agricultural lines and in the latter connection the subject of this review demands recognition, as he has been actively engaged in farming operations during practically his entire life thus far. HIe has long been known as a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist and one whose business methods demonstrate the power of activity and honesty in the business world.
James H. Place is a native son of Morrow county, his birth having occurred in Westfield township, on a farm near his present home, on the 27th of August, 1839. He is a son of Ethan F. and Charity (Smith) Place, the former of whom was born in the state of New York and the latter of whom claimed Germany as the place of her nativity. Ethan Place was a son of John Place, who was likewise born and reared in the old Empire state of the Union, in which place was solemnized his marriage and whence he re- moved to Ohio in an early day, location having been made on a farm in Westfield township. His cherished and devoted wife, whose christian name was Sally, was summoned to the life eternal in Westfield township in 1836, and John passed away in 1848, at Caledonia, where he spent the closing years of his life. To them were born the following named children : John, Sullivan, Ethan, Anson, Margie, Sallie and Elizabeth, all of whom are now deceased. To Ethan and Charity Place were born: Lydia E., whose birth occurred on the 22nd of November, 1833; Philo D., born March 5, 1836; George P., March 3, 1838; James H., August 27, 1839; Henry and Henrietta, twins, born June 27, 1841; and Mary E., born October 13, 1849. Ethan Place died on the 3rd of May 1881, and his noble wife was called to her reward on the 8th of May, 1885. He was a stanch Republican in his political convic- tions and he was ever on the alert to do all in his power to advance the general welfare of the community in which he maintained his home. The father was a Baptist and the mother a devout member of the Presbyterian church in their religious faith, and they were active and zealous participants in all benevolent and charitable movements advanced in the township.
Mr. Place, the immediate subject of this review, was reared
James, H. Place
843
HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY
to the invigorating discipline of the home farm, in the work and management of which he early became associated with his father. During the winter terms he attended the district schools in West- field township and there managed to eke out a fair education, which he has since supplemented with extensive reading and varied experiences. In 1867 he initiated operations as an independent farmer and he has resided upon his present splendid estate, com- prised of one hundred acres, since 1867. In the midst of highly cultivated fields are beautiful and substantial buildings and the general atmosphere of thrift and prosperity which pervades the place is indicative of good management on the part of its practical owner. The Place farm is eligibly located six miles distant from Cardington and it is accounted one of the finest estates in Morrow
county. In his political convictions Mr. Place accords an uncom- promising allegiance to the cause of the Republican party and while he has never manifested aught of ambition for the honors or emol- uments of public office he is always willing to contribute his share to all matters projected for progress and development. He is affiliated with the social organizations of representative character and while he is not formally connected with any religious organiza- tion, he has the highest feeling of respect for Christianity and at- tends and gives his support to the United Brethren church, of which his wife is a devout member.
On the 25th of April, 1867, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Place to Miss Ruth R. Shaw, who was born in Westfield township, this county, on the 13th of November, 1845, and who is a daughter of Jonathan Shaw, born in Pennsylvania, and of Mary A. (Barry) Shaw, born in Maryland, whence they came to Westfield township at an early period, they having been the first white settlers in this section of Morrow county. Jonathan Shaw, the father of Mrs. Place, lived and died on the old farm entered by his father and he was summoned to eternal rest on the 19th of November, 1901. Mrs. Place is a scion of one of the most worthy families in Mor- row county and a lady of most pleasing address and personality. Her parents, Jonathan and Mary A. (Barry) Shaw, were the parents of the following children: Susanna, who is the wife of William Curl, a prominent citizen of Cardington, Ohio; Rachel, who was the widow of Andrew Redd prior to her marriage to T. J. Holloway, of Morrow county, Ohio; Sarah J., who was the wife of Oliver Sharp at the time of her death, on the 9th of September, 1902; Ruth R., who is now Mrs. Place, wife of the subject of this review; J. W. Shaw, a successful business man at Cardington, was twice married, first to Eva Ensign, who is de- ceased, and second to Miss Imo Shunk; James S ... who married Miss Alma Lewis, is a resident of Carthage, Indiana, where he is the proprietor of a jewelry establishment and where he also con- duets an undertaking business; Aaron is deceased, as are also Mary E. and Alfred A .; Melissa is the wife of Loran Curren, of
844
HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY
Westfield township; John L. wedded Minerva Oliver and they reside in the northern part of Morrow county, near the city of Galion, Ohio; Martha E. is deceased; and Dorothy is the wife of W. C. Brenizer, one of the prosperous farmers of Westfield town- ship. Mrs. Place was reared and educated in what is now Shaw- town, Ohio, and prior to her marriage she was one of the success- ful and popular teachers of Morrow county. Mrs. Place, as well as her husband, came from sterling families and there has never been a blot on the escuteheon of the family name. To Mr. and Mrs. Place have been born two children : Walter W., whose birth occurred on the 17th of May, 1872; and Carrie M., born November 4, 1874. The son was married on the 25th of October, 1893, to Miss Ada Cecil and they are the parents of three children; Ralph L., Ivan L., and Irene E. The daughter, Carrie M., was married to Lewis Howard on the 25th of February, 1897. and they reside in Westfield township.
Mr. Place is a man of fine mentality and broad human sym- pathy. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally accord him the highest esteem. Mr. and Mrs. Place's lives have been exem- plary in all respects and they have ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while their own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.
W. ODELL MASTERS .- A man of enterprise and ability, W. Odell Masters, of Canaan township, ranks well among the practical and business-like farmers who are so ably conducting the agricul- tural interests of Morrow county. A native of Ohio, he was born in Morrow county January 6, 1873, and was reared on the home farm. His father, Jonathan Masters, was twice married. To him and his second wife, whose maiden name was Eveline Rolen, five children were born, namely: W. Odell, the special subject of this brief biographical sketch; Lillian M., of Marion, Ohio; Maude, Claude, a twin brother of Maude, has passed to the life beyond ; and Delta Vivian, who died at the early age of two years.
Obtaining his first knowledge of the three "r's" in the district schools, W. Odell Masters completed his early education in the high school at Edison. Becoming a farmer from choice, he subsequently resided for a number of years on the home farm, and then moved to the present farm for three years, and then lived in Denmark, Ohio. Returning to his farm in December, 1909, Mr. Masters assumed possession of his acres in Canaan township, and in its management has been highly successful. He carries on general agriculture, and is specially interested in the breeding of Scotch Polled cattle, Humphrie hogs and horses, owning two fine registered road horses and keeping a large flock of Delaine sheep. He finds both pleasure and profit in stock raising, and keeps in touch with
845
HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY
the more modern methods used in that branch of his industry. His farm is well improved and well kept, and among his buildings is a large circular barn, conveniently arranged, the only barn of the kind in the entire county.
Mr. Masters married Miss Ruby Swickheimer, who was born February 25, 1882, in Delaware county, Ohio, a daughter of John Jacob and Anna (Basiger) Swickheimer. She is a Delaware High School graduate and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Denmark. Their only child, Wilton Thurlow Masters, was born July 10, 1908. Politically Mr. Masters is a steadfast Republican and has served as township clerk. Fraternally he belongs to Gilead Lodge, No. 169, Free and Accepted Masons; to Morrow Chapter, No. 59, Royal Arcanum Masons; and is a mem- ber and past chancellor of Edison Lodge, No. 434, Knights of Pythias.
LAFAYETTE T. TURNEY .- One of the oldest native-born citizens of Bennington township, Morrow county, Lafayette T. Turney was born on the farm which he now owns and occupies, November 19, 1838, a son of John Turney. During his many years of residence in this community he has witnessed wonderful changes in the face of the country, and likewise in the methods of farming and carrying on business of all kinds. In his boyhood days sub- stantial school buildings, churches, and costly residences were un- known in the county, while railways, telegraph and telephone lines were conspicuous by their absence, few, if any, evidences of the present civilization existing. In the grand transformation that has taken place he has been actively interested, many of his best years having been spent in helping to redeem a portion of this beautiful country from its original wildness.
John Turney, a native of Pennsylvania, was born May 19, 1802, in Westmoreland county, and died, about 1900, in Morrow county, Ohio. In Franklin county, Ohio, April 27, 1838, he mar- ried Rebecca Ayers, who was born, December 13, 1808, in Sussex county, New Jersey. Of their three children, one, Thomas L., died in infancy, and two are living, as follows: Lafayette T., the special subject of this brief review, and George A., born Septem- ber 27, 1842, in Delaware county, Ohio.
Beginning when young to perform his share incidental to life on a farmn, Lafayette T. Turney became familiar with the theory and practice of agriculture, and continued to follow this branch of industry throughout his active career. Meeting with good sue- cess in his undertakings, he is now living on his farm retired. however, from active pursuits. His farm contains sixty-seven and one-half acres of land, and is under a good state of cultivation, yielding profitable harvests each season.
Mr. Turney married, Jannary 4, 1866, Lavina Cox, a native of Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio, born December 6, 1845, and
846
HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY
into their household three children have been born, namely : Viola, wife of Lyman Ashley, of Mount Gilead, Ohio; Debbie, wife of John Pinder, of South Bloomfield township, Morrow county; and May, wife of Arthur Sipes, of Bennington township, Morrow county. Politically Mr. Turney is a sound Republican, loyal to the interests of his party, and religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Tur- ney are members of the Advent church.
CHARLES B. SMITH .- A prominent and prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Morrow county, Charles B. Smith is the owner of a large, well-appointed and well-managed estate in Bennington township, where he holds a good position among the active and pro- gressive men who are contributing largely toward the development of the industrial interests of this part of the state. A son of David Smith, Jr., he was born in Peru township, Morrow county, October 20. 1864, of pioneer ancestry. His paternal grandfather, David Smith, Sr., a native of Pennsylvania, married Fannie J. Moore and settled in Bennington township, Morrow county, in pioneer days, and was here engaged in clearing and improving his land for many years, residing here until his death.
David Smith, Jr., was born on the parental homestead in Bennington township and was educated in the pioncer schools of . his day. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, he became a tiller of the soil from choice, and having bought land in Peru township when ready to settle in life, was there successfully en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. He was a quiet, unassuming man, and enjoyed to a high degree the respect and estecm of the neighborhood in which he so long resided, his in- fluence as an honest, upright citizen being felt throughout the community. He married Martha Powers, a daughter of Reverend Erastus Powers, a preacher in the United Brethren church, and of the five children born of their union, one child, a son, lived but six months. The four now living are as follows: Fannie J., Mary I., wife of Hamilton Butters; Lucy, wife of Samuel Smith. of Peru township ; and Charles B., the subject of this brief personal record.
Charles B. Smith received excellent educational advantages. attending school much of the time until twenty years old. Thor- oughly enjoying the pleasures of rural life, he early turned his attention to agriculture, and when ready to establish a home of his own bought land in Bennington township, where he has since been extensively engaged in general farming, stock raising and dealing and in poultry growing. in each and all branches of industry re- ceiving satisfactory returns for his labors. Mr. Smith now has title to one hundred and ninety acres of land, all in his home farm, from which he reaps abundant crops each year. He is a farmer of well known ability, and his extended practical experience has made him an authority on the various branches of agriculture. He is a man of sound judgment, upright in his dealings, and is
847
HISTORY OF 'MORROW COUNTY
often called upon to settle estates, and has served several terms as justice of the peace. He is a Republican in politics, and an earnest worker in party ranks.
Mr. Smith married, November 25, 1886. Miss Minnie Conn, who was born March 15, 1856, in Delaware county, Ohio, where her father, B. F. Conn, was a well-known farmer. Two children have blessed their union, namely : Stanton, born July 29, 1889, was graduated from the Marengo High School, and is now devoting his energies to general farming; and Anna, born March 19, 1891, was graduated from the Marengo High School, was a student in the Ada Normal School, and is now a teacher in Bennington town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are trustworthy and valued members of the Wesleyan Methodist church at Fargo, Ohio, and are active in its work, Mr. Smith being one of the trustees of the church and its treasurer.
DAVID BRATTON .- One of the best known and most highly respected residents of Canaan township, Morrow county, is David Bratton, who is distinguished not only for his manliness and good citizenship but for the brave service which he rendered his country during the Civil war, taking active part in many of its most hardly contested battles, willing, if need be, to sacrifice his life to save the honor of his country's flag. A son of James Bratton, he was born March 22, 1843, in Delaware county, Ohio, coming on the paternal side of old Virginia stock.
A farmer by occupation, James Bratton lived in Delaware county, Ohio, until 1853, when he removed with his family to Marion county, Ohio, where he bought land and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. He married Mary Kyle, a life-long resident of Ohio, and she proved a true help-mate, sharing with him the toils and privations incidental in those days to farm life and assisting him in training their children to habits of in dustry and thrift.
Brought up on the parental homestead. David Bratton assisted on the farm during seed time and harvest, attending the long winter terms of the district school, where he acquired a practical education. In the early part of the year 1863, although a beard- less boy of eighteen years, his patriotic ardor was aroused, and he enlisted as a private in Company D, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to General Sherman's army. Under command of this brave general he fought in numerous engagements, being with his company in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Peach Tree Creek, Franklin and many others of note, fearlessly meeting the foe whenever opportunity occurred. At the close of the con- flict, being honorably discharged from the service, Mr. Bratton returned to Ohio and continued work on the home farm for about three years after being mustered out on December 3, 1865.
Coming to Morrow county in 1868, Mr. Bratton settled in
848
HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY
Canaan township, about six miles northwest of Mount Gilead, where he owns and occupies a finely improved and productive farm of eighty acres. Here he is carrying on general farming with good results, his estate comparing favorably in its appointments with any in the vicinity.
Mr. Bratton married, in 1868, Charity Reed, who was born February 28, 1852, in Morrow county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Margaret ( Linder) Reed, who owned and occupied a farm in Canaan township. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bratton, namely : Ida, who died in 1894; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Martin ; Fremont ; Oscar ; and Hannah L., living with her parents on the home farm.
A stalwart Republican from his youth up, Mr. Bratton takes an intelligent interest in local and national affairs, and is a loyal supporter of the principles of his party. He is still as true to the interests of his country as in those days when the dark elouds of war overshodawed our fair land, and is a faithful member of Hurd Post, G. A. R., of Mount Gilead, a patriotic organization whose members are every year decreasing in numbers, each season death claiming many veterans of the Civil war.
WILLIS C. MCFARLAND .- From the participation of Willis C. McFarland in the varied affairs of Mount Gilead and Morrow county, the well-sustained inference may be drawn that an honest, able, progressive busines man is the best timber for the efficient and faithful public offieial. Mr. MeFarland has made a worthy and prominent record in both fields of activity, as will be fully maintained by the following facts, which constitute but an outline of what he is and what he has done.
A native of Morrow county, he was born January 5, 1859, the third child in a family of three sons and three daughters. His father, Newton McFarland, who was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Morrow county, is deceased; the mother (previous to her marriage, Caroline Burton) is a resident of Iberia. She also came to this seetion of Ohio at an early day. She was born at Manchester, Vermont, April 24, 1830, and moved to Ohio in 1838. Six children were spared to the worthy widow, as follows: Ada, who is now herself a widow, formerly the wife of M. H. Henderson and a resident of Iberia, Ohio; Charles N., who also lives near that place and is an agriculturist; Willis C., of this sketch; C. W., of Mount Gilead, who is a prominent farmer, presi- dent of the Ohio State Fair Association in 1910 and one of the oldest and most active members of the organization; Ella B., who married Charles F. Noble, a leading grain and eoal dealer of Hawarden, Iowa; and Clara M., who beeame the wife of J. H. McClarren and died September 27, 1896.
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.