History of Richland County, Ohio : (including the original boundaries) ; its past and present, containing a condensed comprehensive history of Ohio, including an outline history of the Northwest, a complete history of Richland county miscellaneous matter, map of the county, biographies and histories of the most prominent families, &c., &c., Part 148

Author: Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Mansfield, O. : A. A. Graham & co.
Number of Pages: 968

USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio : (including the original boundaries) ; its past and present, containing a condensed comprehensive history of Ohio, including an outline history of the Northwest, a complete history of Richland county miscellaneous matter, map of the county, biographies and histories of the most prominent families, &c., &c. > Part 148

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).

895

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

FINNEY, JOHN, a resident of Springfield Township, and well known throughout the county, came into Ohio in 1804. He was born in Fayette Co., Penn., in the year 1801; three years later, his father constructed a flat- boat, and with his family and possessions, floated down the river to Wellsburg, bought a section of land in Harrison Co., Ohio, and put up a cabin 18x20 feet ; there Mr. Finney had his first experience in pioneer life. The country was wild and unimproved ; wild animals and game of all kinds were plenty, and the comforts and conveniences of life scarce ; especially was this the case with schools ; Mr. Finney at one time went to live with his grandfather, six miles from home, that he might go to school ; but, as he was the oldest one of the children, he was needed at home, and his educa- tion was neglected to such a degree, that when at the age of 24, he was married, he could not read a news- paper. His father moved to Richland Co. in 1820, and settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Finney ; in 1823, the family moved to Madison Township, but con- tinued to farm the place in this township ; three years afterward, they returned to Springfield Township, where Mr. Finney has continued to reside since. On the 26th of September, 1825, he was married to Elenor Marshal ; by this union he had twelve children, only four of whom are now living; Mr. Finney was married, the second time, to Isabelle Alban, July 14, 1858, his first wife having died Dec. 22, 1857 ; his second wife died Jan. 9, 1874. Mr. Finney has been a great reader in his life, and an active worker in such causes as he conceived were for the public good. He signed the first temperance pledge in the township, and in company with David Trimbal inaugurated the first temperance movement. He was an active Antislavery man, and has labored con- tinually in opposition to secret societies. As a member of the United Presbyterian Church, he has always en- deavored to live consistent with his professions. A more extended account of his work may be found in the his- tory of this township.

FREED, JOSEPH, deceased, came to this county in 1833 ; formerly lived in Pennsylvania, where he was born 1808. In 1827, he married Hanna Snider; they had fifteen children, seven of whom are dead. The young- est son, Isaac Freed, was born in 1849, and lives on a farm of 123 acres, a part of the southwest quarter of Sec. 19. Joseph Freed died Feb. 6, 1873.

FURGESON, JOHN P., farmer ; P. O. Mansfield.

HOUT, CHARLES, farmer ; P. O. Crestline; he was born in Springfield Township March 22, 1841. He was married in 1872 to Hester S. Barnes, who was born in this county. They have the following family : Harlon Wesley, born May 25, 1875, and one infant child. He owns an improved farm with good buildings.

HOUT, JOSEPH, farmer; P. O. Crestline ; he was born in Mifflin Township Feb. 9, 1845. He was mar- ried in 1866, to Amanda Kurtz; they had the following family : Eddie C., Ellie, Levi and Charles. Mrs. Amanda Hout died in 1878. Mr. Hout married Jennie Pool, who was born in this county.

LAMBERT, WILLIAM, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, in 1850 ; in the spring of 1879, he removed to the south- ern part of Springfield Township. He was married in the year 1877, to Caroline Jackson ; they have three children.

HOUT, JOHN (deceased) ; he was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio ; he came to Mifflin Township April 4, 1820, Married, April 30, 1844, to Fanny Boals, who was born in Harrison Co. Oct. 30, 1816. They have a family of three children-Joseph, born Feb. 9, 1845 ; Charles, born March 22, 1847; John, born Jan. 2, 1855. Mr, Hout died April 3, 1878, in Springfield Township, at his residence; in the spring of 1846 he removed to Springfield Township, and remained there until his death. His son, John Hout, Jr., remains with his mother, and is engaged in farming ; during the winter season, he is engaged in teaching.

McCONNELL, CURTIS, farmer ; P. O. Ontario.

MATSON, J HN, S. B., was born in the year 1828 in Jackson Township, one half mile north of his present residence. Ilis father, Uriah Matson, was one of the early pioneers, having come into the county in 1815. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. He came from West- moreland Co., Penn., to the vicinity of Lebanon, Ohio, in 1812, and three years later to Richland Co., where he spent the remainder of his life. As a woodsman he had, probably, no equal in the county, and did a great deal of work at chopping and clearing. It is said to have been the custom of a firm of Mansfield, which manufactured axes, to give, at meetings of the citizens of the county, an ax as a premium to the oldest man, the oldest pioneer, etc. At one of these meetings, it was suggested that an ax be given to the man who had done the most work with an ax. It was decided that Uriah Matson was entitled to the award, which he accordingly received. Although he was a great worker, he was very fond of books, and did a great deal of reading. He was born in 1793, and died in 1873, His wife was Elizabeth Beech, whom he married in 1822. She is still living at the age of 81 years. Their children were six in number and were born as follows ; Albert F., in 1824 ; U. J., in 1826; John S. B., in 1828; Araminta, in 1831; Charles C., in 1833; Mel- vina, in 1836. Albert, Araminta and Charles are now dead. John S. B. Matson was brought up in the neighborhood of where he now lives; and when 21 years of age, began work on the railroad. In 1856, he married Mary A. Finfrock, and moved on his farm in 1860. In 1862, he enlisted in the 120th O. V. I., and was ont nearly three years, over one year of which time he lay in a rebel prison. He has one daughter who is now married. Mr. Matson has taken great pains in collecting archælogical specimens and Indian rellos, and has a large, rare and valuable collection, of which he may justly be proud. Many of his best specimens were on exhibition at the Centennial, in the archa- logical exhibit from this State.

MARSHALL, JAMES, Sr. (deceased). He was born Feb. 22, 1796, in Pennsylvania. He was married June, 18, 1828, to Jane Edgington, who was born July 28, 1805; in Jefferson Co ; they had the following family : David, born April 6, 1830; Thomas, 1832; Alexander T. 1834; John, March 22, 1835; George, Nov. 7, 1837; James, June 21, 1839; William Franklin, April 16, 1842; Samuel, April 22, 1844; Gilbert, Feb. 1, 1847; Amanda Jane (deceased), 1849, James Marshall, Sr., died Feb. 11, 1877; Mrs. Jane Marshall, Jan. 21, 1876; Thomas, died in 1833 : Alexander T., died in 1856. David Marshall was

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

896

married to Mary Gray (now deceased), they had six children: John Marhall married Mary A. Cookston. George Marshall married Sue Finfrock, they have one child, Harry. James Marshall married Hattie Patter- son, they have one daughter, Nora. William F. Mar- shall married Rebecca Will, they have two children, Flora and Hermon Roy. Samuel Marshall was mar- ried to Maggie A Cook Feb. 14, 1878 ; she was born in Wyandot Co. April 3, 1859; they have one daughter, Arvada, born Jan. 29, 1879; they reside on the home farm. Gilbert Marshall was married to Ellie Hann Dec. 29, 1875; they also reside on the the home farm. David, John, George and James Mar- shall, Jr., were in the late war. David Marshall (father of James), was one of early settlers of this county. He came from Pennsylvania, also the parents of Mrs. Jane Marshall. Thomas Edgington and wife emigrated from Jefferson Co. to this county, at an early day, and were among the pioneers of Richland Co.

MAY, LYMAN A., farmer ; P. O. Crestline; he was born in Huron Co. Nov. 31, 1837; married April 17, 1866, to Sarah A. Seamon, who was born in Spring- field Township March 30, 1845; they have the follow- ing family: Jennie E., born March 31, 1867; Dora F., June 4, 1868 ; Hattie E., Sept. 11, 1870 ; Ella, March 15, 1872: Annie, Oct. 1, 1874; William A. and Francis J., Oct. 22, 1877 ; George, Feb. 25, 1880. Mr. May en- listed in the late war. He was first a member of the 25th O. V. I .; served in this capacity for one year, then was transferred to 12th Independent Ohio Battery ; re- mained in the service during the war and was honor- ably discharged.

MILLIKIN, WILLIAM B., resides one mile and a half southwest of Ontario. His grandfather was one of the first settlers in this part of the county. He came from Washington Co., Penn., and entered the south- east quarter of Sec. 33. Mr. Millikin's father was born in 1812; was married to a daughter of Jeremiah Bow- ers, who was a pioneer of this county. He moved to Allen Co., Ohio, in 1836, where William was born Dec. 2, 1837. He lived with his father until he had reached his 19th year, when he came to this county. In 1861, March 13, he was united in marriage to Eliza- beth Walker. The next year, a call for volunteers was made. Mr. Millikin enlisted Aug. 11, in the 120th O. V. I., and marched South as a private, but subsequently rose to the rank of Second, then First Lieutenant. He was along with the disastrous Red River expedition, and was captured and taken to Camp Ford, Texas, where he was held as a prisoner twenty-four days. At the close of the war, Mr. Millikin returned and moved to Ontario. He was engaged in teaching for awhile and, in the spring of 1866, formed a partnership with J. T. Woods and S. A. Walker, and kept a store in Ontario about six months. About this time, he purchased a piece of land in Sec. 29, known as the old Mitchell farm, where he moved, Nov. 7, 1866. This place was in very poor repair when it came into his possession. A small log house and log barn constituted the farm buildings. The farm is now in good condition, and has all the buildings necessary to a farm, built with particular reference to convenience and durability, and at the same time presenting a very fine appearance. It is such men of enterprise and energy as Mr. Millikin,

who improve our lands, bring up the market value of property, and exert about them a prosperous influence. He has two sisters living and one dead. A brother died Feb. 27, 1862, at Lebanon, Ky. He was 16 years old, and at the time of his death, was a member of the 64th O. V. I. Mr. Millikin's children are named Luemma, Mary, Laura and Stella. His father is still living in Allen Co., Ohio, at the age of 67 years. His land consists of his home farm and 120 acres of im- proved land in Shelby Co., Ohio.

MUNNELL, JOSEPH H., farmer; P. O. Ontario ; he was born in Sharon Township in 1840. Was mar- ried in 1863 to Rosetta Nazor, who was born in this township March 7, 1844. They have the following children : Edward, born Aug. 3, 1864 ; John, Jan. 1, 1865 ; Kittie May, born in Wells Co., Ind., July 17, 1871 ; Claudy C., born in Jefferson Township, Wells Co., Ind., April 7, 1874. Harry was born in Shreve, Wayne Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1877 ; died on the 25th of March, at the age of 3 years I month and 1I days.

RACE, JOHN, L., harness-maker, Ontario. He was born in Columbiana Co. in 1833, and came to this county in 1853. He was married, June, 2, 1866, to Urilla J. Hackedorn, who was born in this township in 1846; they have the following family : Olive L. born Sept. 4,1867 ; Emma G., March 18, 1869; Lizzie G., May 20, 1872; Walter H., Sept. 10, 1876; Della B., Oct. 25, 1877; Howard C., Nov. 27, 1879. Mr. Race enlisted in the late war in the 2d O. H. A; remained till the close of the war, after which he located in Ontario, and engaged in the harness business. He is a practical mechanic, is doing an extensive business, and is one of the leading and enterprising men of this township.

REINHART, WM. H., SR, came with his father, from Greene, Co., Penn., in 1830. He is of German descent, his great-grandfather, it is thought, having come from Germany. His father lived for many years in Greene, Co., Penn. In 1829, he came out and pur- chased a farm in Green Township. Ashland Co. (then Richland ). The next year, he moved his family to this state, and settled on a farm in Mohican Township, which he leased for a term of seven years. At the expiration of this lease, he moved to his farm in Green Township, at which time Mr. Reinhart was 14 years old ; and as that township was then in Richland Co., he came into this county in 1837. His father's family sustained all the hardskips incident to pioneer life after their removal to this State. The part in which they settled was heavily timbered, and many years of hard labor at clearing were spent, and that, too, with but poor accommodations in the way of living. When Mr. Reinhart was about 20 years of age, he left home to learn the carpenter trade with an older brother. After working four or five years at the trade, he was married, Nov. 8, 1848, to Rebecca Ewalt, and began housekeeping in Loudonville in the spring of 1849. He lived there one year; he then bought his wife's old homestead, in Lake Township, Ashland Co., and lived on that farm four years. Having sold this place he removed to Wooster, and worked while in that town at his trade ; but soon after going there he pur- chased a farm east of Wooster, one mile, and lived there two years. His next removal was to the vicinity of Shreve, Wayne Co. He purchased a farm there which

897

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

he held until the year 1862, when he came to Mansfield. soon after coming to Mansfield, he purchased a farm in the eastern part of Springfield Township, on the Galion road, but continued to reside in Mansfield until the year 1867 ; at this date, he removed his family to that place, and lived there until the fall of 1879, when he made another exchange, and removed to the vicinity of Spring Mills, where he still resides. In all of these removals, Mr. Reinhart has invariably taken property in exceeding poor repair, and left it well improved, and with the value greatly enhanced. He is known as a skillful workman as a carpenter and builder. He is the seventh one of a family of nine children. Four of these are still living : J. Hughes Reinhart, still retains the old home in Green Township, Ashland Co .; B. F. Reinhart, a younger brother, has attained to high emi- nence in art circles as a portrait and landscape painter ; and an aged sister, Mrs. Eliza Dalley, resides in Han- cock Co., Ohio.

RINGER, ELIAS, merchant, Ontario. He was born in Stark Co. Jan. 28, 1825. He was married in 1849 to Mary A. Hohenshil, who was born Oct. 7, 1826. They have the following family : Caroline, born Feb. 18, 1850; Parven M., Oct. 30, 1852 ; Lydia R., March 14, 1861. Mr. Ringer came to this township in 1853, engaged in farming till 1878, then engaged in the mercantile business in Ontario, where he is doing a prosperous and successful business.

ROE, JOSEPH, farmer ; P. O. Ontario. His parents, Thomas D. and Elizabeth Roe, were married in Orange Co., N. Y., in November 1802. His father's ancestors emigrated from England some generations previous ; on his mother's side from Ilolland. His mother's father, Judge Holmes, was from Ireland and settled in Newton, N. J., and his mother was a native of New Jersey. His parents came from Jefferson Co., Ohio, 1804, and lived a few years about seven miles west of Steubenville. When the war of 1812 com- menced, his father was drafted, and went to Mackinaw and other points under Col. Cotgrove ; William Alban was his Captain, and Lient. Solomon Gladden, late of Monroe Township in this county, his Orderly Sergeant ; he went for six months, and while absent Joseph was born, May 18, 1814; when his father returned from the army, the family moved to Richland Co. in July, 1815, and settled in Vermillion Township, two miles northeast of llayesville. In July, 1835, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Jane Woods, and moved to Springfield Township, where he commenced improving a new farm, then in the woods, the south- east quarter of Sec. 19, one and a half miles west of the village of Ontario. After many years of toil, he succeeded in getting this land under a good state of cultivation. His wife died in April, 1838, leav- ing a daughter who survived her but a few years ; he was again married in December, 1839, to Miss Margaret Chambers, who died in August, 1840. In October, 1843, he was married to Miss Martha Ann Lorimor, of Guern- sey Co., Ohio. They have been permitted to raise nine children; the oldest, J. A., married Miss Crooks, and is a farmer ; the second, Maggie M. J., married A. F. Sawhill, a druggist, and lives in Pittsburgh, Penn. ; the third, J. C., is a minister and lives in Beaver Co., Penn. ; the fourth, Sarah M., married J. Q. Codding,

an attorney, and lives in Marion, Ohio ; the fifth, T. S., married Miss Gibson, is a farmer, and lives in Madison Co., lowa ; the sixth, C. M., is a dentist in Mansfield ; the seventh, Susannah L., the eighth, Lewis W., the ninth, Lillian May-the three younger-are at home. Mr. Roe has been active and prominent in his neighbor- hood both politically, and otherwise. In an early day he was prominently identified with the " underground railway," and with his hands, his influence and vote, worked against slavery until it went down in the great war of the rebellion. In the history of Springfield Township, his movements in this and all public interests are fully given.

ROE, G. W., was born in Ashland Co. Aug 16, 1825, and came to Richland Co. when a boy 7 or 8 years old ; soon afterward he went to Sandusky, where he lived two years with a brother ; he then returned to this county. and lived with his brother, Joseph Roe, until he became of age. He married Susanna Offineer, and by this marriage had nine children, one of whom is dead. They are members of the Methodist Church Mr. Roe owns a part of the southwest quarter of Sec. 30 : he has been engaged for some years in selling medicines, prepared by Dr. U. C. Roe, for which he claims superior healing properties, especially for chronic diseases.

SEIBERT & BRO., blacksmiths ; are following their trade, two miles south of Ontario, where they are ready to do all kinds of repairing, whenever wanted; horse- shoeing is made a specialty. They are of German des- cent, their father, Adam, having been born in Germany, in the year 1812 ; he came over in 1830, and settled in Washington Co., Penn .; removed to Mansfield in 1839, and, in the fall of 1879, to Springfield Township, when his sons erected their shop, and began work at their trade, which they had previously followed in Mansfield.

SHAFER, J. M., an emigrant from Bavaria, Ger- many, Sept. 29, 1823 ; his parents were wealthy, and gave him an education necessary for a veterinary sur- geon. After attending the public schools for some time, he continued his studies at home, under the instruction of a tutor; when he was 24 years of age. he obtained permission from his father to visit the United States, promising to return in two years ; he came here in 1847, and worked one year at blacksmithing in a carriage-shop at Mansfield. In' 1848, he was married to Verone Divel, and removed to Washington Township, where he lived a short time, when he bought a piece of land in the southern part of Springfield Township, and moved there ; he soon sold this place, and purchased the southwest quarter of Sec. 9, where he now lives. Mr. Shafer has living nine boys and six girls ; four of whom are mar- ried. Farming and stock-raising are his occupations.

STEWART, ROBERT, resides in the south part of Sec. 3, on a farm of 143 acres ; he was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, and came into this county in 1816, with his father, who settled on a piece of land near where Mr. Stewart now lives. The land was, at that time, almost entirely covered with timber. The mill to which they carried their corn-on horseback at first-was thirty or forty miles distant. Mr. Stewart was married in 1844, and now lives with his family, on the farm he cleared, and in the county whose varied steps of improve- ment he has observed since the days of the early pio- neers.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

WALKER, ROBERT; he was born in Knox Co. (now Morrow) in 1809, on the John Walker farm, one-half mile north from Chesterville ; remained there till he was 25 years of age. He was married, May 1, 1834, to Mary Mettler, who was born in Northumber- land Co., Penn., Dec. 13, 1813 ; they had the following family : Elizabeth, born July 18, 1835; Smith A , born Aug. 15, 1838; William W., born March 17, 1841; John L., born July 10, 1844; S. Findley, born Sept. 11, 1848; Mary E., Feb. 13, 1851; Robert Miles, Aug. 26, 1854. Elizabeth married William B. Millikin; Smith A. Walker married Sarah Gass ; William W., died near Pana, Ill., Feb. 16, 1873; John L. Walker married Laura Brown ; S. Findley married Anges E. Mitchell; Mary Walker resides with her par- ents ; Robert Miles died March 11, 1858. Mr Robert Walker came to Richland Co. in May, 1834; located in Springfield Township, and engaged in the tannery business ; continued till within a few years. His father, John Walker, settled in Knox Co. in 1807; settled seven miles west of Fredericktown; his nearest neighbor resided three and a-half miles; they were surrounded by Indians ; Mr. Walker was drafted in the war of 1812; the night after the zimmer family slaughter, Mrs. Walker took up her family of small children and went to the block house for shelter; she took three children on horseback, and wrapped them up in blankets ; they were compelled to make this retreat for their safety ; the country, at that time, was a dense forest, infested with wolves, bears, panthers and wild

cats. Robert Walker's grandmother was taken prisoner at one time by the Indians, and made a very narrow escape. Smith A. Walker enlisted in the 15th O. V. I., under Capt. Dawson, in 1861 ; he was taken prisoner at Stone River ; was held by the rebels sixteen days ; he then came home ; was exchanged and returned to his regiment on the march to Atlanta, Ga. ; he was wounded in the left arm ; when his time expired he returned home ; he afterward went as substitute and remained during the war.

WALKER, JAMES P., farmer ; P. O. Ontario ; he was born near Iberia, Morrow Co., Jan.6,1851; married Sept. 3, 1872, to Margaret H. Sipes, who was born in Mor- row Co. March 4, 1850 ; they have two daughters- Ella, born Oct. 22, 1875; Ada, born Aug. 16, 1879 ; Mr. Walker has been engaged in farming, is the owner of a good farm and is an enterprising and active man.

WARK, R. F., physician, Ontario ; he was born Dec. 25, 1831, in Zanesville, Ohio. He was educated in Dis- trict No. 1, Highland Township, Muskingum Co .; he commenced teaching school at the age of 16 years, in Sub-District No. 3, same township, and continued teach- ing in the same neighborhood thirteen years. He studied medicine with Dr. J. W. Craig, of Mansfield, and attended the Cleveland Medical College in the winters of 1862-63, and graduated in 1864; then went to Sago, Muskingum Co., Ohio, and remained there for ten years engaged in the practice of medicine. He then returned to Ontario and resumed his practice, has a family of two daughters and two sons.

TROY TOWNSHIP.

ABERNETHY, ALEXANDER, M. D., Lexington ; Dr. Abernethy is the oldest resident physician of Troy Town- ship. He was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1810 ; graduated at Jefferson College in Philadelphia in 1831 ; preached in Ferry Co., Penn., for six years ; he then came to Ohio and settled in Lexington in 1836; at that time, Lexington had about fifty dwellings, three churches, two stores, one mill and one hotel; the country was sparsely settled, the roads in a bad con- dition, and the Doctor visited most of his patients on horseback, riding many weary miles through the country for small compensation. In 1843, he married Katharine Fulton, by whom he had four children. When the gold fever of California struck the Eastern States in 1850, the Doctor, like thousands of others, started for the Pacific coast; he arrived safely, he stayed in California about eighteen months, when he again returned to his home in Lexington. Previous to his trip to California in 1850, he served two terms in the Ohio State Legislature. The "Doctor according to his quaint expression, has "seen much of the dark as well as the light side of life," his medical practice having extended over a period of more than thirty years; he is now living a retired life in the vil- lage of Lexington, kuown and respected by all.

BEVERSTOCK, A. B., retired merchant, P. O. Lexington. Allen B. Beverstock was born in the State of Vermont in the year 1804 ; in 1819, he removed to New York, remained there until 1821, when he turned his face westward and emigrated to Ohio, settling in Monroeville, IIuron Co .; here he clerked for the Hollister Company; trading for furs and pelts from the Indians was a large source of in- come to this company; he remained in Monroeville until 1832, when he removed to Lexington, Richland Co .; here he engaged in the dry-goods business and also other business enterprises, by which he amassed a goodly fortune. Mr. B. was married in 1828 to Miss Reed of Monroeville, by whom he had one child ; his first wife having died, he married Miss Underhill in 1837, by whom he had six children ; Mr. B. continued in business until 1864, when he retired. When the late rebellion broke out, two of Mr. B.'s sons, Frank and Bar- ney, went to the war; Frank served the interests of his country faithfully, sharing in all the marches, battles and skirmishes for nearly two years, when he was cap- tured and languished in the rebel prison-pens for fifteen weary months ; he escaped once, but was recaptured, and was finally exchanged through the influence and money of his father. Barney's experience was not so

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Author: Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848- Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Mansfield, O. : A. A. Graham & co. Number of Pages: 968

Author: Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Mansfield, O. : A. A. Graham & co.
Number of Pages: 968