History of Shelby County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 101

Author: R. Sutton & Co.
Publication date: 1883
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 427

USA > Ohio > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 101

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WESLEY COLE

was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, November 28, 1808, where he spent his minority on a farm. On the 13th day of September, 1837, he mar- ried Miss Mary A., daughter of George W. and Nancy Glaze. Miss Glaze was born in Maryland, September 19, 1816, and came to Pickaway County, Ohio, with her parents in 1827. In November, 1837, Mr. and Mrs. Cole came to Shelby County and settled on a farm in Franklin Township, and remained a number of years. In 1853 they moved on the farm south of their old farm, where they now reside. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Nancy P., Dennith A. and Mary M. (twins), Elizabeth I., Rosa A., George W., and S. Emma. Nancy P. is now dead. His father, Shadrach, was a soldier of the war of 1812.

GEORGE FOGT,

deceased, was a native of Germany, where he was born in 1805. He married Miss Julia A. Holfbearer, born in Germany Feb. 10, 1810. In 1844 they emigrated to America in company with Michael Shiff and family, and located in Shelby County on 160 acres of land, on which he lived many years, and followed farming as his vocation. They reared a family of eight children, Sarah, Jacob, Rachel, Catharine, Julia, George, John, and Frederick. In June, 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Fogt left their farm and moved to Sidney, where he died May 24, 1873. Mrs. Fogt then moved to Anna in the fall of 1873, where she died Jan. 20, 1878.

JOHN FOGT,

son of George and Julia Fogt, was born in Franklin Township, on the farm where he now resides, October 14, 1846. January 9, 1869, he married Miss Lydia A., daughter of John M. and Leandea Shiff, born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, October 13, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Fogt settled on part of his father's home farm, where they now reside. They have three children, one son and two daughters. In 1878 he began the erection of his fine brick residence, which he completed in 1879.

PHILIP W. YOUNG, Postmaster at Anna and Dealer in General Hardware, etc. etc.

Mr. Young, a son of Adam and Mary Young, was born in Mercer County, Ohio, December 10, 1842. In the beginning of the year 1843 he was brought to Shelby County by his parents, who located in Dins- more Township, where his minority was spent on the farm with his pa- rents. He received a common school education. On the 13th day of September, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 20th O. V. I., served three years, and was discharged from the service Sept. 27, 1864, at the expira- tion of his term of enlistment. On the 22d day of July, 1864, while engaged in the battle of Atlanta, a musket ball entered his right chest, penetrating the Inng, and passing out through the shoulder blade. After returning from the army he attended school two years. In the fall of 1865 he began teaching school, which he followed during the winter sea- son four years. In March, 1869, he came to Anna, where he formed a partnership with Lewis Kah, the firm name being Lewis Kah & Co., dealers in general merchandise. In the fall of 1872 he withdrew from the firm, and he, in company with J. D. Elliott, formed a partnership, erected a building 20 by 40 feet, two stories high, in which they engaged in deal- ing in general hardware, under the firm name of Elliott & Young, who have since conducted the business with success. October 30, 1869, Mr. Young married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Wesley and Mary Ann Cole, by whom he has two children, Mary E. and Adonis C. . In the fall of 1872 he was appointed postmaster at Anna. In April, 1881, he was elected a justice of the peace of Franklin Township. He has filled the office of mayor of Anna since the fall of 1878.

RUSSEL B. DILL,

son of James C. and Martha A. Dill, was born in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Sept. 5, 1852. In 1872 he began as an apprentice at the brick and stone mason trade; also plain and ornamental plastering. After serving three years to learn the trades, he formed a partnership with James Williamson in 1875, to carry on the business of plain and orna- mental plastering, bricklaying, and to do stone-mason work, under the firm name of Williamson & Dill. Nov. 3, 1875, he married Miss Emily P., daughter of Robert and Henrietta Brown, by whom he has two sons. Mr. and Mrs. Dill now reside in Anna.

JAMES H. WOODDELL,

son of Lesley and Lucinda Wooddell, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Aug. 5, 1852. He came to Shelby County with his parents in Oct. 1862, and located on a farm near Botkins, where he spent his minority. In September, 1880, he came to Anna, where he engaged in dealing in buggies and wagons, which business he has since been conducting. In June, 1881, he became the successor of Lewis Applegate, in the firm of Mede & Applegate, dealers in agricultural implements, and the firm name was then changed to Mede & Wooddell, who are now conducting the business. In Sept. 1881, Messrs. Mede & Wooddell erected their pre- sent building, in which they carry on their business of dealing in agri- cultural implements ; they also conduct a livery and feed stable.

RICHARD D. MEDE,

son of Eber F. and Amanda Mede, was born in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Aug. 5, 1851. He remained on the farm with his father until i871, when he came to Anna, where he engaged as a clerk in the dry goods store of Kah, Stork & Co., with whom he remained two years. On the 23d day of November, 1873, he married Miss Alice Lip- pincott, daughter of William and Martha Lippincott. Mr. and Mrs. Mede settled on his father's farm in Dinsmore Township, and remained two years. In 1975 they moved on a farm near Anna, where they lived two years. In 1877 they moved to Anna, where they now reside. They have two children, one son and one daughter. `In 1877, shortly after his removal to Anna, he engaged in dealing in agricultural implements in company with Lewis Applegate, to which they have added reapers and binders combined, mowers, sulky corn-plows, hay-rakes, etc., also light and heavy wagons, under the firm name of Mede & Applegate, who conducted the business until in June, 1881, when James H. Wooddell became Mr. Applegate's successor, and the firm name has since been known as Mede & Wooddell. In Sept. 1881, they erected their present building, in which, in connection with their other business, they are carrying on the business of livery and feed stable.

JOSEPH D. ELLIOTT, of the firm of Elliott & Young,

dealers in general hardware, Anna, Ohio. Mr. Elliott, son of Samuel and Jane Elliott, was born in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, O., Oct. 29, 1839. He received a common school education. In October, 1860, he entered the dry goods store of James H. Thirkield as clerk, with whom he remained three years. In 1863 he began as a clerk in the employ of Mr. Thirkield's brother, with whom he remained five years. In 1868 he formed a partnership with Lewis Kah & Co., under the firm name of Kah, Elliott & Co., dealers in general merchandise. He remained as a partner in the firm until the fall of 1872, when he withdrew from the old firm and formed a partnership with P. W. Young, the firm name being known as Elliott & Young, who erected their present business room, 20 by 40 feet, two stories high, in which they have since been conducting the business of dealing in general hardware. Nov. 13, 1869, he married Miss Sarah J. Baker, daughter of Moses E. and Lucretia Baker, born in Shelby County, Ohio, October 21, 1845, by whom he had two children, Girthie and Charlie; Girthie is dead.

LEWIS APPLEGATE, Dealer in all kinds of Lumber, Anna, O.

Mr. Applegate was born in Monmouth County, N. J., Feb. 5, 1832. He was brought to Ohio by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Applegate, in 1837. They settled in Shelby County, on a farm one mile west of where Plattsville is located, in Greene Township, where young Apple- gate grew to manhood. He received a common school education. In June, 1858, he married Miss Ann, daughter of David and Amy Dicken- sheets. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Applegate settled on his father's home farm in Greene Township. In the spring of 1873 he sold the home farm, purchased and moved on a farm in Franklin Township, near Swander's Crossing, remaining three years. In 1876 he sold his farm in Franklin Township and moved to Anna, where he engaged in the undertaking business, which he conducted with success four years. In 1880 he retired from the business and purchased a farm in Franklin Township near Anna, which he owned until in the spring of 1881, when he sold his farm and engaged in dealing in all kinds of building material-lumber, both hard and soft wood, doors, sash, blinds, etc .- of which they keep a good assortment and a large stock constantly on hand. He and his partner make contracting and building a specialty. He served as justice of the peace of Franklin Township four years. In Oct. 1880, he was elected justice of the peace of Dinsmore Township, which position he is now filling. He served as coroner of Shelby County two terms, or six years. He served as mayor of Anna one year, when he resigned the office. He has five children, three sons and two daughters.

THOMAS C. LEAPLEY

was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Sept. 13, 1845. He is a son of Jacob and Louisa Leapley, who were early settlers of Franklin Township. He remained 'on the farm with his parents until 1860, when he began working at the carpenter trade, which he followed

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G.E.ALLINGER

PORT JEFFERSON

Residence

MILLS.

RES. & MILL OF G . E . ALLINGER , PORT JEFFERSON.

187

W. H. Price. Pres. H. C. Roberts. Sec. M.J. Winget

SCHOOL BOARD.

PORT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL .

SCHOOL BOARD. J.B. Nettleship J. Haney G. E. Allinger

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331

HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.

one year, until September 16, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, 20th O. V. I., and served until Aug. 11, 1862, when he was discharged from the service on account of disability. He returned home, remained until Jan. 10, 1863, when he re-enlisted in same company and regiment, served until March 9, 1864, when he was again discharged on account of disability, and has since then drawn a pension from the government. After his return from the army in 1864 he was unable to performn labor of any kind for several years. In 1868 he again began working at the carpenter trade, which he followed until the spring of 1881, when he formed a partnership with William Johnston-the firm name known as William Johnston & Co .- who at once began the erection of a building in Anna suitable for the manufacturing of spokes and bent wood for wagons and buggies. They completed their building and commenced operations in Aug. 1881, which they have since conducted with success. Aug. 8, 1871, he married Miss Eva, daughter of William N. and Martha Skidmore, by whom he has four children, two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Leapley was born in New York State Dec. 9, 1844, and came to Sidney, Shelby County, with her parents in 1853.

DANIEL. CURTNER, Dealer in General Merchandise, Anna, O.

Mr. Curtner was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Aug. 7, 1837. He is a son of Peter and Sophia Curtner, who came from Montgomery County, Ohio, to Shelby County in 1833 or '34 and settled in Franklin Township, where Mr. Peter Curtner died in 1844. His com- panion married a man by the name of Young, and is now living in Dins- more Township, Shelby County, at the advanced age of seventy-six years. Mr. D. Curtner, the subject of this sketch, is the fifth of a family of six children, viz., Eliza, Silas, Delila, Henry, Daniel, and Sarah J. Eliza Curtner is now dead.

Daniel Curtner is what we can truly call a self-educated man, the greater part of his education being acquired by close application to his books at home on the farm. In the fall of 1860 he began teaching school, which he followed as a profession five years, or until 1865, when he, in company with H. Cargill, engaged in the mercantile business in Port Jefferson, which they conducted successfully until March, 1876, when, by mutual consent, they dissolved partnership, and Mr. C. came to Anna, where he engaged in general merchandising, dealing in dry goods, ready- made clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, and groceries. In 1866 he mar- ried Miss Cynthia E., daughter of James Shaw, by whom he has had three children, two of whom are now living, one son and one daughter.

DANIEL STALEY

was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in the year 1816. His father (Joseph Staley) was born in North Carolina in 1780, emigrated to Mont- gomery County, Ohio, in 1802, when there were only four houses in Dayton. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought the British and Indians in northern Indiana. He died in 1867. Daniel, the sub- ject of this sketch, was raised on a farm. His mother died when he was but nine days old. When thirteen years of age he was put out among strangers, and from that time to the present he has fought the battle of life without any aid. He received his education at the common schools of his neighborhood. After arriving at manhood he followed teaching school during the winter, and worked on the farm in the suinmer. In 1851 he married Miss Margaret J. Jackson. After marriage he continued to work on a farm until 1858, when he went to Dayton and entered the Recorder's office as Deputy Recorder, at which he continued until 1861, when he enlisted in the army in the 74th O. V. I. and served over two years, when he was discharged on account of disa- bility and returned home to Dayton. In 1864 he was elected Treasurer of Montgomery County, and was re-elected in 1866, serving two full terms. Again in 1868 the party to which he belonged nominated him for the third term, but he was defeated at the election. The balance of the ticket was defeated by over one thousand votes, while Mr. Staley only fell short between two and three hundred. In politics Mr. Staley has always been an unflinching Republican. In 1879 his name was brought forward by his friends for Treasurer of the State, and at the Con- vention had the unanimous support of several counties, but on account of his geographical location-other candidates for other offices being from the same part of the State-he withdrew his name from the Con- vention. Mr. Staley in 1869 moved with his family to Shelby County and located two miles N. E. of Sidney, in Franklin Township, where he owns a farm of six hundred acres. On this farm Mr. Staley makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred cattle as well as the grades. He has among his herd quite a number of registered cattle, whose records are to be found in The American Herd Book. His aim is to improve the stock of cattle through western Ohio. His sales of stock extend for many miles.

Mr. and Mrs. Staley have raised a family of three children, whose names and date of birth are as follows: Joseph P. born 1852; Cerenia J. born 1855; and Daniel W. born 1861.

SALEM TOWNSHIP

was organized June 5, 1826. It was ordered by the Commissioners at their meeting of the above date, that all that part of Perry Township lying on the northwest side of the Miami River be created a new town- ship by the name of Salem, and that the qualified electors of Salem Township meet at the house of John Hathaway on Saturday, the 24th day of June, for the purpose of electing officers for said township.

The following addition was made to the township June 5, 1837, viz., all of fractional township No. 1 in range 14 which was in Perry Town- ship. This addition was some years later again attached to Perry Township.

Location.

Salem is in the eastern tier of townships. It is bounded on the north by Franklin and Jackson townships; on the east by Logan County; on the south by Perry and Clinton, and on the west by Clinton and Frank- lin townships.

'The surface is generally rolling, and along the streams somewhat broken and hilly.

The soil is varied; in some parts clay predominates, and the soil is rather thin ; while in other parts it consists of a rich black loam, and is well adapted to the growing of grain and grass.

There is an abundance of gravel for road purposes. The township is well supplied with springs and streams. . The south part is bordered by the Great Miami River; the east is crossed by Rum Creek ; the central part by Counts' Run; along the extreme west is Plumb Creek ; all of which empty into the Miami. These streams are all fed and supported by springs. The system of gravelled roads is quite complete, there being not less than twenty-five miles of free pikes in the township.

First Settlers.

The first white settlers in Salem Township (by Salem Township is meant the territory now included in the township) was John Hathaway or - Gilbert, who located here in 1814 or 1815. It is claimed by Mr. Dingman that the first white settler in the township was Charles Weeks, on section 20, on what is known as the Bryan farm. This settlement was made in 1810 or 1811. He built the first house and made the first improvement. The land was owned by Daniel V. Dingman. These were followed by Jesse Jackson, Alex. Jackson, Elisha Kirtland, and Caleb Goble, who were all here previous to the spring of 1818. In 1818 Adam Counts and Jacob LeMasters came. From 1x18 to 1820 we find that Wm. Roberts, Samuel Taylor, George Morrison, Benj. Beden, Joseph Donaldson, and Wm. Skillen had settled here. The first log cabin was built by John Hathaway at the big spring where Ogden's store now stands. The first hewed log house was built by Alex. Jackson. The first frame house by John Johnston.

The first road surveyed was the Sidney and Bellefontaine Road, and was surveyed by - Thompson.

The first school-house was built on the land of Elisha Kirtland ; the second was on the land of Wm. Skillen, which was afterward burned; then one was built on the land of Wm. Roberts.

Perhaps it would not be out of place here to give a description of a primitive school-house. It will be remembered there was no school fund or tax at that time; schools were supported by private subscription. When they desired a school-house the neighbors would gather together, select a site, then cut logs and build a house, usually about 12 by 16 ft .; the floor and ceiling were split puncheon; the door was made from split boards hewed with an axe and put together with wooden pins, hung on wooden hinges, with wooden latch, opened by a string. The benches or seats were made from saplings hewed flat on one side, with wooden pins for legs. The desk for the scholars to write on was a puncheon fastened to the wall by pins. The fireplace occupied one end of the house. The chimney was made of sticks plastered with mud. The roof was of clap- boards held to their place with round poles. To make a window, one log was cut out of each side of the house, a frame was made with sticks crossing each other; over this frame they pasted paper, and greased it with coon oil, which made it seem transparent. The whole structure was made without a nail or particle of iron in or about it. The youth of to- day will ask why such houses were built? and why they did not use sawed lumber, and nails, and glass? The answer is, there was not a saw-mill within many miles of them, or a hardware store at which to get the glass and nails. Even if there had been, they had no money to buy them with. The teacher at that day was sometimes just as primitive as the school-house. He received for his wages ten dollars per month and boarded with the scholars. They were only required to teach reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic. Their text-books were, the New Tes- tament, U. S. Spelling-book, and Dayboll's Arithmetic. Steel pens were unknown ; goose-quill pens made by the teacher were all the kinds they used. It was no uncommon thing to see the teacher with a dozen pens sticking in his hair waiting to be mended. The beech rod was in daily use, the teacher always kept a supply on hand ready for any emergency

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IIISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.

that might arise. The buckskin pants the boys used to wear and the beech rod brought in contact, would make lively music nearly every day. An incident is related by one of the scholars who attended the first school taught in Salem Township; the teacher was Daniel Goble. It was the custom of the school to read a chapter in the Testament each day. The teacher took the privilege to expound the Scriptures to the school as he understood them. In the lesson one day the word sepulchre occurred ; he asked what it meant; no one seemed to give the correct definition, so he told the school it was an animal that lived in the sea and upset ships. But this class of schools soon gave way for those of a higher grade, and we find at their head occasionally a man of more than ordi- nary qualifications. Such was Daniel G. Hull, who taught school here about 1832; he was a superior teacher and instructor, and also practical surveyor. It was under him that Col. J. Counts received his principal education and knowledge of surveying and civil engineering. Of the scholars who attended the first.school in Salem Township only two are left in the county, viz., Col. Jonathan Counts and Wm. Skillen.

List of Justices of the Peace.

A. K. Hathaway, Jan. 26, 1836.

II. M. Stout, April 22, 1862.

S. Gamble, April 28, 1837.

A. K. Hathaway, Jan. 11, 1839.

April 23, 1864.

Theodore McGinnis (resigned May 20, 1842), April 16, 1840.

James Gilfillen, May 9, 1840.

Thomas Robbins, Feb. 1, 1842.

Elias LeFevre, April 12, 1843.

Robert Simpson, April 12, 1849.

Jno. P. Forsythe, April 8, 1870. Jacob LeFevre, April 11, 1871. Wm. Dunlap, Oct. 18, 1871.

H. M. Ailes, April 5, 1872.

Joseph Comer, April 10, 1849.

Vincent Guerin, Sept. 4, 1851.

Reason Butt, April 17. 1852. James Haney, April 17, 1852. George J. Mitchell, April 14, 1853. G. J. Mitchell, April - 1856.

Joseph Comer, April 16, 1858.

A. A. Dunson, April 11, 1878. R. B. Conklin, April 17, 1879.

V. McCormick, April 18, 1881.

S. L. Manning, April 18, 1881.

PORT JEFFERSON,

a thriving village in Salem Township, is situated on the northwest bank of the Great Miami River in section 15. It was surveyed and platted Aug. 11, 1836, by Jonathan Counts, deputy surveyor for Ezekiel Thomas and Abner Gerrard, proprietors. The original plat contained 93 lots and fractional lots.

The village is pleasantly situated at the head of the Miami extension canal feeder, and has about 500 inhabitants. It was incorporated in 1842.

The first officers were: E. H. West. Mayor. J. Knox, L. A. Davis, Wm. B. Miller, J. F. Fry, and Saml. Rice, Trustees. S. B. Musselman, Recorder. J. H. Hathaway, Marshal.

The town was named by Col. Jonathan Counts. There being another post-office in the State by the name of Port Jefferson, the P. O. at this place was named Pratt, after Dr. Pratt of Sidney. The first P. M. was Alex. Jackson. The mail was carried on horseback from Sidney to Marysville, Union County.

The first settler on the present town plat of Port Jefferson was John Hathaway, in 1814 or '15, who also was the first in the present limits of the township.

The first store was kept by Albert K. Hathaway on the lot east of the Staley Hotel. He was followed by John Ogden.

The first hotel was kept by Samuel Anderson.

The first physician was Dr. L. A. Davis.

Present Business of Port Jefferson.

Dry Goods and General Merchandise, L. C. Ogden & Son, Henry Cargill, and S. T. Thirkield. Groceries and Provisions, E. B. & E. M. Honnell, J. Apgar, White & Lowe, and J. Staley. Stoves, Hardware, and Tinware, R. J. Deweese. Boots and Shoes, E. L. Kraft & Son. Furniture and Undertaker, Owen Conner. Hotels: Staley House, J. Staley; City Hotel, E. O. Gump. Livery and Feed Stables, J. Staley and E. O. Gump. Millinery and Dress Makers, Mrs. Putt and Mrs. Dutton. Grain Elevator, E. B. & E. M. Honnell. Port Jefferson Flour- ing Mills, G. E. Allinger. Saw Mill, J. B. Nettleship. Wagon and Carriage Manufacturer, E. L. Harrison. Blacksmiths, B. C. & N. S. Epler, Geo. Johnston, and S. R. Johnston. Tannery, John Cargill. Cooper Shop, Cargill Bros.

Two churches, M. E. and Disciple. One F. and A. M., and one I. O. O. F. Lodge.

TILETON.

Tileton, Maple Wood Post-Office, is located in town. 2 north, range 8 east, and was laid out for W. H. Mitchell, proprietor. Main Street follows the section line between sections 30 and 31, and is 75 links wide. Ohio Street is located on the quarter section line, runs north and south, and is 75 links wide. East Lane is 50, and West Lane is 58} links wide. All alleys are 1 rod in width. All lots are 5 by 62 rods in width except lots 14 and 32, which are 3 by 6} rods. Lots numbered 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are off the west half of the southeast quarter of sec- tion 30, and contain 1.9 acre. Lots numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are off the east half of southwest quarter of section 30, and contain 1.96 acre. Lots 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 are out of the east half of the northwest quarter of section 31, and contain 4.22 acres. Lots 14, 13, 12, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and 42 are out of the west half of the northeast quarter of section 31, and con- tain 5.82 acres.

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History of Shelby County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 101

Author: R. Sutton & Co. Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Number of Pages: 427

Author: R. Sutton & Co.
Publication date: 1883
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 427