USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 40
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Mr. and Mrs. Craiglow are both earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he belongs to the Masonic lodge at Shelby, in which he has served in several official positions. His political support is always given the republican party, for he believes that its principles are most conducive to good government. He owes his success entirely to his own efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been a faithful helpmate on life's journey. When they first located on the farm where they now live there was only a small log cabin eighteen by twenty feet, and in it they lived for seventeen years, after which they erected their present modern and comfortable farm residence. Other improvements have been added from time to time and the best machinery has been secured to facilitate the work of the fields, until the farm is today one of the well improved properties of Spring- field township. Everything about the place indicates the careful supervision of the owner, whose labors are carefully directed by sound judgment and who in all of his work has been actuated by an honorable purpose and laudable ambition.
T. P. PATTERSON.
T. P. Patterson, who carries on general farming on section 26, Spring- field township, was born in this township November 7, 1850. His father, Robert Patterson, was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and on coming to the United States, at the age of fifteen years, attracted by the broader busi- ness opportunities of the new world, he established his home in Harrison county, Ohio, near Cadiz, where he learned the tanner's trade. After follow- ing that occupation for about ten years he removed to Holmes county and invested the capital, which he had secured through his industry and diligence, in eighty acres of land, thus becoming identified with general agricultural pursuits. After operating the farm for three years he sold that property and removed to Springfield township, Richland county, arriving about 1830. Here he purchased two hundred and sixty-five acres of land, a part of which constitutes the farm now owned and operated by his son, T. P. Patterson. In 1824 Robert Patterson had been married to Miss Mary Himes, who was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and was of Irish lineage. They became the parents of thirteen children. William H., the eldest, born November 29, 1829, served for twenty-one months as a soldier of the Union Army in the war of the Rebellion, and was wounded three times in the battle of Shiloh, and yet carries one ball in his foot. At length he was honorably discharged on account of disabilities resulting from the injuries he had sustained at the front. He was afterward for thirty years baggage master on the Pennsylvania Railroad, but is now living retired in Mansfield. Dr. Alexander Patterson, the second son, was born April 9, 1831, and died in 1893, at which time he was one of the oldest medical practitioners in Richland county in years of continuous connection with the profession here. He, too, did valuable aid for his country in the dark days of the Civil war, serving first as first sergeant of
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the One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, while later he was promoted to post sergeant, holding that rank at the time he was discharged. Sarah Ann Patterson, the third member of the family, was born June 23, 1832, and is the wife of Job Race, a retired contractor and builder of Trenton, Grundy county, Missouri. Jane, born February 7, 1834, died in 1853. John, born July 22, 1835, is living in Topeka, Kansas. James, born May 1, 1837, is now engaged in the hardware business in Denver, Colorado. Robert, born January 10, 1839, died at the age of sixty-eight years. He served for three years in the First Ohio Independent Battery, and at the close of the war returned to Springfield township, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death. Elizabeth, born July 7, 1842, is the widow of Brown Stewart, and is located at Trenton, Missouri. Henry Clay, born May 14, 1844, also served in the Civil war, and laid down his life on the altar of his country, dying at Dalton, Georgia, in the army hospital from a complication of diseases brought on by exposure and the hardships of war. Mary Malissa, born April 17, 1846, was married October 20, 1870; to Marion Francis Young, a carpenter of Mansfield, Ohio, but after a short married life of three years the husband died. He had previously served for three years in the First Ohio Independent Battery, enlisting when but fifteen years of age. After his death Mrs. Young returned to the old homestead and has since lived with her brother, T. P. Patterson. Emma Loretta, born October 22, 1847, is the wife of James B. Patton, of Trenton, Missouri. T. P. Patterson is the youngest of the family.
Robert Patterson, the father of these children, lived a life that was beyond criticism. He was a faithful, consistent and helpful member of the Methodist Protestant church for fifty-six years, and died in that faith January 13, 1887, being laid to rest in Marlow cemetery in Springfield township. His life was characteristic of all that is noblest and best in manhood and of him it might be said, as it was of the man of old, "Behold an Israelite in whom there is no guile." His good wife and faithful companion followed him to the grave five years later.
In taking up the personal history of T. P. Patterson we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Richland county, for his entire life has been passed in Springfield township. He pur- sued his education in the district schools, and the occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and as the years have passed has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits. He has also made a specialty of raising blooded horses and cattle and bred Charles Vogle, the Hambletonian colt which later sold at Jersey City, New Jersey, for five thousand dollars. He now has upon his place some valuable stock, and at present owns and cultivates one hundred and fifteen acres of rich and productive land situated on section 26, Springfield township.
On the 3d of October, 1883, Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Keller, a resident of this township. His political views are in accord with the republican platform, but while he has never sought nor desired office, he has always been loyal in citizenship and interested in the welfare and
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progress of his native county. The family is an old one here, having been represented in the county for seventy-eight years, and its members have taken an active part in the development and progress of this locality.
HIRAM W. HILDEBRANT.
Carlisle has said "biography is the most interesting, as well as the most profitable, of all reading." There is no history which the American public holds in higher esteem than that of a man who, without special advantages at the outset of his career, wins for himself an honorable name and place in the business world. This Hiram W. Hildebrant has done, recognizing the fact that while opportunity is open to all there must be in the individual the power and desire to utilize this opportunity. A native of New York, Mr. Hildebrant was born in Lockport, Niagara county, in 1844, his parents being Frederick and Cornelia (Snyder) Hildebrant, also natives of that state. Both are now deceased, the former having died in October, 1848, at the age of forty-four years, while the mother's death occurred in January, 1872, when she was sixty-six years of age. Their family numbered eight children, and the subject of this review was but four years old at the time of his father's demise. The removal of the family to Shelby, Ohio, enabled him to pursue his education in the public schools, and passing through con- secutive grades he at length completed the high-school course. Early in his business career he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for five years, beginning in 1868. He has engaged continuously in the real- estate and insurance business since 1872 and stands as one of the foremost representatives of these lines in Richland county. He became one of the organizers of the Plate Glass Insurance Company, and at that time was chosen vice president, in which position he continued until elected to the presidency in 1896. He was also chosen the chief executive officer of the Building & Loan Association of Shelby and was elected to the presidency of the Shelby Stove Company upon its organization in May, 1900. This company was organized for the purpose of manufacturing gas and gasoline stoves and was capitalized for fifty thousand dollars. These interests, however, do not cover the extent of Mr. Hildebrant's connection with business affairs in Shelby. He is a man of marked fertility of resources, who has the ability to plan and to perform and to associate into a harmonious whole many complex and even diverse business interests. He is well known in financial circles as the vice president and director of the Citizens Bank, having been associated there- with in those official capacities since its organization in 1895. He is also a stockholder in the Ohio Seamless Tube Company, the Shelby Electrical Com- pany and the Sutter Furniture Company. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion, knowing that industry and perseverance constitute an excellent foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of success. His plans, too, are always well defined and he prosecutes them with a determination formed of unfaltering energy.
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Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Hildebrant was married in December, 1869, to Miss Adelaide Gamble, whose father, Judge Hugh Gamble, of Shelby, was one of the pioneer residents of this portion of the state. Of their three children, the eldest, Carlos M., who was born in December, 1871, was thrown from a horse and killed in October, 1885. Hugh G., born in August, 1873, is now cashier of the Citizens Bank. Bessie Fay was born in 1882 and is the only daughter.
Mr. Hildebrant has always been deeply interested in municipal affairs and while his business interests have contributed in substantial measure to the material progress and welfare of the community he has also aided in many other and more direct ways in promoting the city's growth and interests. The cause of education found in him a stalwart champion during his eighteen years' service on the school board, of which he continuously served as clerk with the exception of one year. He filled the office of justice of the peace for twenty-four years, and his decisions have "won golden opinions from all sorts of people." He was elected city clerk about 1874, and when he had held the position for about a half term was chosen by popular suffrage to the office of mayor, wherein he was retained by general election for three consecutive terms. His administration was characterized by needed reforms and improve- ments and won for him the thorough confidence and regard of the public. Fraternally Mr. Hildebrant is connected with the Masons and with the Knights of Pythias, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. While it is a common thing to point to the lives of those who have lived many years ago that one may gain inspiration and encouragement therefrom, it is needless to go to the past for examples that are worthy of emulation. Such a career as Mr. Hildebrant's proves con- clusively what can be accomplished through intense and well directed activity. He has learned to make the best use of his opportunities and powers, and to weave into a composite, but harmonious whole, the different threads of activity, at all times placing his dependence upon unremitting diligence, honorable purpose and unfaltering integrity.
MARTHA CROUCH.
Martha Crouch is a representative of one of the old families of Richland county, Ohio. She is a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and came with her parents to this county in 1850. Here her father, Boyd Mercer Crouch, purchased the farm upon which his two daughters now reside, and the old buildings still stand that were erected here over eighty years ago. They have been mute witnesses of the many changes which have occurred, and are landmarks in the locality. For a long period the father carried on general agricultural pursuits, bringing his land under a high state of cultiva- tion, and converting it into very productive fields. In his family were the fol- · lowing children: Maria, now the wife of Rev. Charles Knepper, a resident of Pennsylvania; Martha, who is living on the old homestead; James, deceased ;
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and Belle, who resides with her sister Martha. There was also one child who died in infancy.
Mr. Crouch was accounted one of the worthy farmers and reliable busi- ness men. He worked diligently year after year in cultivating his crops and as the years passed he won a fair measure of success. In relation to com- munity affairs he also manifested a progressive spirit, always desiring the welfare of the county. In his dealings he was ever reliable, and those who knew him entertained for him warm regard in recognition of his sterling worth. He died in 1902 and his wife passed away about the same time, both being in their eightieth year when called to their final rest.
The two daughters, Martha and Bell Crouch, still reside upon the old · homestead and give personal supervision to the operation of the farm of eighty acres, manifesting good business ability in its control. They are both members of the United Presbyterian church, and are held in high esteem in the community where they have now resided for more than a half century.
MRS. SOPHIA JANE PARKER.
Among the ladies of Richland county who have extensive and valuable property possessions and display marked business ability and keen discern- ment in their control is numbered Mrs. Sophia Jane Parker, who is living on section 24, Perry township. Here an excellent farm of two hundred and twenty-one acres pays tribute to the care and labor which are bestowed upon it under her direction, so that she deserves a gratifying annual income from the property. She was born in Noble county, Indiana, November 25, 1849, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Amos Black. Her father was born in Mary- land, while her mother was a native of Pennsylvania. Removing from the east to the middle west, they became residents of Indiana, where they lived for many years, but are now deceased.
Their daughter Sophia was one of a family of seven children and her girlhood days were spent under the parental roof, where she early became familiar with the work of the household, while in the public schools she acquired a good education. On the 15th of April, 1880, she became the wife of George W. Parker, who was born in Perry township, this county, July 17, 1838, a son of Robert and Elizabeth Parker, both of whom were natives of Maryland. They came to Ohio in the '20s, settling in Richland county, and here they reared their family of eleven children. George W. Parker early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He worked in the fields through the summer months, and attended the district schools in the winter season. After attaining his majority he engaged in farming on his own account, and throughout his entire life he carried on the work of tilling the soil. He made many substantial improve- ments upon his place, cultivated the fields in accordance with modern methods and annually gathered rich crops, which found a ready sale on the market and brought to him a good financial return.
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Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parker were born three children: Blanche, who died at the age of four years; Florence E., the wife of Harry E. Cook, now a resident of Morrow county, Ohio; and Harry A., at home. The son is living with his mother, and operates the home farm, which he has done since his father's death. Although but twenty years of age, he displays good business ability and enterprise, and is meeting with success in his business undertakings.
Mr. Parker was a democrat and took an active interest in politics, keeping always well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He desired the upbuilding of the county along substantial lines, and gave his cooperation to many movements for the public good. In his business affairs, too, he was found thoroughly reliable as well as energetic and he made for himself a creditable name in agricultural circles. He died June 11, 1904. Mrs. Parker now owns and occupies the farm of two hundred and twenty-one acres in Perry township. The land is splendidly improved, being equipped with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. She is a member of the Lutheran church, and her Christian faith guides her in all her acts and duties.
WILLIAM GILCHRIST.
William Gilchrist is classed among the representative farmers and stock- raisers of Richland county, owning and operating a tract of eighty acres, situated on section 10, Jackson township. He was born near Savannah in Ashland county, this state, October 7, 1839, and in the maternal line comes of Irish ancestry. His parents were Robert and Martha (Gregg) Gilchrist, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ireland. The family removed from Ashland county to Mahaska county, Iowa, in 1847 and there the mother passed away in 1850, while the father survived for only one year, his death occurring in 1851. Their family numbered three children, two daughters and a son, the sisters of our subject being, Mrs. Elizabeth Quinn, who is now deceased ; and Mrs. Jennie Forbes, a resident of Ashland.
William Gilchrist was a little lad of eight years at the time of the parents' removal from Ashland county, this state, to Mahaska county, Iowa. He was only eleven years of age at the time of the mother's death and was left an orphan at the age of twelve. Following his parents' demise he and his two sisters were taken to Ashland county to make their home with an uncle, James Gregg, with whom Mr. Gilchrist remained until the fall of 1862. He then enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of the Tenth Ohio Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland, the regiment being under the command of Kil- patrick. He took part in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Buzzards' Roost, Tunnel Hill, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Chattahoochie River, but was on scout duty the greater part of the time. In the fall of 1864 he was taken prisoner at Campbellton, Georgia, and was sent to Macon, where he was retained for about one month, and was then sent to the Lawton prison, where he remained for five weeks, susbequent to which time he was sent to
WILLIAM GILCHRIST.
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Florence, South Carolina, where he was kept for three months. He was then paroled at Richmond and was discharged, June 12, 1865.
Returning to Ashland county, Mr. Gilchrist sought and secured employ- ment on a farm, being thus employed until 1878. In the spring of that year he invested his money in the present homestead property, comprising eighty acres of land, situated on section 10, Jackson township. He has improved the place with good buildings, has tiled and fenced the land and has made it a model property. He is here engaged in general farming and stock-raising and in both branches of business is meeting with excellent success.
Mr. Gilchrist has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Almira M. Dunlap, whom he wedded in 1875. She was born in Richland county and died July 8, 1894, leaving five children, namely: Thomas O., of Ashtabula, Ohio; Mary M., the wife of Riley Bricker, of Shelby, Ohio; Nellie, the wife of George Funk, of Sharon township; Mrs. Lizzie Bell, who died in 1894; and Ruth, at home. For his second wife Mr. Gilchrist chose Margaret J. Brown, their marriage being celebrated in 1900. Her birth occurred in Ashland county, this state.
Mr. Gilchrist supports the men and measures of the republican party, but has never been active as an office seeker, for he has found that his time has been fully taken up by his private business affairs. He is a member of the Lutheran church at London. He may truly be called a self-made man, for he started out in life as a penniless orphan and in the years that have since come and gone has worked his way up in the business world until today he is num- bered among the substantial citizens of Richland county, having won the confidence of all with whom he has had business dealings, for he ever adheres strictly to honest and honorable methods.
WILLIAM B. MILLIKIN.
William B. Millikin, a retired farmer and traveling man, now residing in the village of Ontario, is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth hav- ing occurred in Allen county, December 2, 1837. His father, Daniel Millikin, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1812, and was a farmer and merchant. The grandfather, John H. Millikin, was also a native of the Keystone state, and for a time resided in Frederickstown, Ohio, while just prior to the war of 1812 he removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania. After the outbreak of hostilities between this country and England he joined the army and did valiant service for the American cause. Upon his return from the war he removed to Springfield township, Richland county, Ohio, taking up his abode near what is now the site of the village of Ontario. Here he spent his remaining days and was closely associated with the pioneer development and progress of the locality. His son, Daniel Millikin, father of our subject, was reared in Springfield township, amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life. He built the first house in Ontario, and after living for some time there, removed to Allen county, Ohio, in 1836. He
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continued to make the latter county his home until called to his final rest in 1883. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Minerva Bowers, was a native of Richland county and died in the year 1849. They were the parents of five children : William B., Hannah, Anna, Jerry, and Malissa. After losing his first wife the father married again in 1850, his second union being with Sarah Musser, who passed away a few years later. For his third wife Daniel Millikin chose Rachel Van Meter, whom he wedded in 1858. They had two children : Daniel Perry, who resides in Illinois; and Thomas B., who is living in Mansfield, Ohio.
William B. Millikin spent the first nineteen years of his life in the county of his nativity, and then arrived in Richland county with little education, and with a dollar and a half as a cash capital. He was ambitious for further intellectual development, however, and fitted himself for teaching in the district schools, after which he followed that profession in the winter seasons, while in the summer months he worked in the fields. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call, enlisting at Mansfield on the 11th of August, 1862, as a member of the One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. For three years he was at the front and was hon- orably discharged as second lieutenant of his company, August 27, 1865. He took an active part in some of the most sanguinary battles of the war, includ- ing the engagements at Chickasaw Bluff, December 8, 1862; Arkansas Post in January, 1863; and the siege and capture of Vicksburg in the same year. Later he was transferred to the department of the gulf and went to New Orleans. Later with his command he proceeded to Texas in the fall of 1863 and spent the winter at Plaquemine in Louisiana. In the spring of 1864 Mr. Millikin, then a commissioned officer, was sent down the river in charge of a company of men to build a mile of dyke. This work he successfully accomplished and the experience which he there acquired in the line of con- struction has been of marked benefit to him in his later years. In referring to this Mr. Millikin might well use the words of the late William Mckinley, who said: "The time spent as a soldier was, I consider, the best schooling of my life, as it gave me an opportunity to learn men and affairs." After com- pleting the dyke Mr. Millikin took part in the Red River campaign. While a part of the command was down the river on the steamboat City Bell, about forty miles below Alexandria, they were attacked by General Taylor and the vessel was captured, the troops being made prisoners of war. Mr. Millikin was among this number. The prisoners were taken to Alexandria and thence marched overland, a distance of one hundred and ten miles, to Camp Ford, near Tyler, Texas, where Mr. Millikin was incarcerated from May 23, 1864, until May 27, 1865, when the war was ended, and he was set free, being released on that date at the mouth of the Red river, and for the first time learned of the surrender of Lee, and the assassination of President Lincoln- events which had occurred in the middle of April, but no news thereof had been allowed to reach the Union soldiers. Mr. Millikin did not complain of his one year's incarceration, for he said that the conditions at Tyler were far superior to those at Andersonville or Libby; that they had plenty of good
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