USA > Ohio > Knox County > Past and present of Knox County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 46
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Mr. Allen was married about 1868 to Julia Ann Ashcraft, a native of Butler township, Knox county, where she was reared and educated. She was the daughter of Jesse Ashcraft, an old settler, having come to Butler town- ship from Coshocton county. There Mrs. Allen grew to womanhood and at- tended the public schools.
To the subject and wife three children have been born, namely : Mary Ann, wife of Manuel Rine, who lives in Butler township and is the mother of two children : Philip and James Allen are both single and living at home, operating the farm and they are young men of much promise in a business way.
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J. E. MISER.
Another of the honored veterans of the great Union army who, when Fort Sumter was fired upon by the hosts of treason on that memorable day in 1861, unhesitatingly forsook his hearthstone and all the sacred things of home and went bravely to the sanguinary fields of the Southland, there to "do and die" in the cause of right, "that the nation under God might live," was J. E. Miser, one of Knox county's well known farmers and stock men, whose finely improved landed estate lies in Butler township. He has always enjoyed the good will and respect of a wide circle of friends and acquaint- ances as a result of his public spirit, his industry and upright character ; so, for divers reasons, there is peculiar consonance in giving his life record specific position in this volume.
Mr. Miser was born in Chili, Coshocton county, Ohio, on February 15, 1842. He is the son of John and Julia Ann (Leathrow ) Miser. The pa- ternal grandparents, Jacob and Margaret Miser, were natives of Pennsyl- vania, from which state they came to Coshocton county, Ohio, in a very early day and here spent the balance of their lives. The maternal grandpar- ents, John and Elizabeth Leathrow, were born in Harrison county and they came to Coshocton county in a very early day and there lived and died and are buried at Keane.
The parents of the subject were both born in Coshocton county, and there they grew to maturity and were married. Jacob Miser devoted his life to farming and became the owner of one hundred and twelve acres. Politically, he was a Democrat. His family consisted of five children, four sons and one daughter, three of whom are living, namely: J. E, of this sketch; A. L. and Jacob, of Fulton county.
J. E. Miser was educated at the Whip-poor-will school house, Crawford township, Coshocton county, Ohio, and he was reared on the home farm where he made himself generally useful as he was growing up. When a young man he began life by renting land for two years, then bought three and one-fourth acres. Two years later he bought sixty acres in Coshocton county, to which he added ten acres. In connection with farming he began operating a threshing machine, later selling out and began dealing in land, which he has continued at intervals ever since. He has been very successful as a general farmer, stock raiser and trader, and he is now the owner of one of the choice farms of his township, consisting of two hundred and fifty- seven and one-half acres, in Butler township, which he has brought up to a high state of improvements and cultivation. He makes a specialty of sheep
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raising, also horses. He has a good home and convenient outbuildings, everything about his place denoting thrift and excellent taste.
Politically, Mr. Miser is a Republican and he has served as supervisor of his township. He has long been a member of the Lutheran church, but is not active in the same. He is a member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, which he has served as commander. He has a long military record, having served most faithfully as a soldier in the Federal army for five years and four months, having enlisted in Company G, Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1861. He was in the Pioneer Corps, of the Thir- teenth Division, and he was with General Sherman on his march to the sea and saw during his term of enlistment much hard service.
Mr. Miser was married on December 26, 1866, to Mary Vote, a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, the daughter of Peter Vote and wife, but Mrs. Miser was reared by an uncle. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miser, named as follows: The eldest child died in infancy ; William, Milan, Emma Jane, Flora Ellen, Alfred, Martin, Lulie, Ed., Dugg and Lee.
WILLIAM SNYDER.
Butler township, Knox county, has few more scientific farmers than William Snyder, who has been wise enough to remain in his native commun- ity, knowing that few better could be found for his vocation, and here he has not only labored well in his field of endeavor, but he has done his share in promoting the general welfare of the people in a public way, never with- holding his support from measures calculated to advance the good of all, and therefore he is held in high esteem by his neighbors and friends.
Mr. Snyder was born in Union township, this county, on November 3. 1857, and is the son of Samuel and Grace ( Workman) Snyder. The paternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania and it was about 1845 that they came to Ohio, locating in Knox, where he farmed and here they spent the balance of their lives. The maternal grandparents were also very early set- tlers of this county.
The father of the subject was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio with his father and here engaged in farming. The mother was born in Cosh- octon county. They were the parents of five children, namely : William, of this review ; Ollie died when one year old; James L., Samantha and Emily. The father lived a quiet, retired life, giving his attention to his farm and his family. He and his wife were members of the Disciples church.
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William Snyder was educated in the public schools of Union township and was reared on the home farm, where he worked when a boy. He began life for himself by working on a farm by the month, later rented land and he is now renting one hundred and sixty acres, his brother's farm. He is at this writing contemplating buying a good farm in this vicinity. He carries on general farming and breeds Belgian horses, which he occasionally exhibits at the Mt. Vernon county fair. He is a good judge of live stock, especially horses. Politically, he is an independent voter, and he and his wife belong to the Disciples church.
Mr. Snyder was married in 1881 to Matilda Tope, by whom two children were born, one dying in infancy : Matthew grew to manhood and married Minerva Lepley.
William Snyder was twice married. His last wife, in 1887, was Re- becca Tope, a sister of his first wife, and by her he had one son, Curtis. This wife dying about 1893, Mr. Snyder was again married, about 1904, to Minnie Meredith, a native of Knox county, and to this last union one son was also born, Clyde Meredith.
J. B. BUSENBURG.
Upon the roll of representative farmers of the eastern part of Knox county consistently appears the name of J. B. Busenburg, a man who seems to have inherited from his sterling Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestors many qual- ities that make for success in any field of endeavor, such as perseverance, close application, unflagging industry and unswerving honesty, and he has there- fore won and retained the good will and respect of all his neighbors and friends.
Mr. Busenburg was born in Knox county, Ohio, September 15, 1861. He is the son of Peter and Caroline (Woods) Busenburg. The parental grandparents, Isaac Busenburg and wife, were natives of Pennsylvania, and they came to Knox county, Ohio, in a very early day, locating in Butler town- ship and there entered land from the government, and there they spent the balance of their lives. The maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Woods, the latter's maiden name having been Riley, were also natives of Pennsyl- vania, and early settlers in Knox county. The parents of the subject were both born in Knox county, and here they grew to maturity and were mar- ried. Mr. Busenburg was a farmer and became an extensive land owner and one of the substantial and well known citizens of this part of the county.
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His home farm consisted of about two hundred acres. His family num- bered seven, five of whom are still living. Politically, he was a Democrat, but not a public man, never seeking office. His death occurred about 1896. His widow, a worthy member of the Disciples church, is still living, having passed her eighty-third birthday on September 9, 1911.
J. B. Busenburg, of this sketch. was educated in the public schools and reared on the home farm, and early in life he took up farming for a liveli- hood and has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He first worked by the year, then rented land, and about 1901 he bought a farm of one hundred acres in Butler township, and here he has since resided. He keeps good live stock and has a pleasant home, and his place is modernly improved.
Politically, Mr. Busenburg is a Democrat, but he has never aspired to public offices. His wife belongs to the Baptist church.
Mr. Busenburg was married in 1883 to Eliza Jane Wharton, a native of Knox county and the daughter of William Wharton, who came from Eng- land and here became very well established. The subject's wife grew to womanhood and was educated in her native county. To this union four chil- dren have been born, namely: Bessie, Dora (the wife of Robert Rodehef- fer). Bart and Walter.
JAMES WALTER SCOTT MITCHELL.
A very creditable and worthy representative of one of the sterling old families of Knox county is James Walter Scott Mitchell, successful young farmer of Union township, a man who has succeeded at his chosen life work because he has not depended upon anyone to do his work, believing in being self-reliant, honest and straightforward in all the relations of life and he is therefore deserving of the confidence and good will of his fellow men.
Mr. Mitchell was born on the farm he now owns in Union township, January 26, 1881, and is the son of W. O. C. and Sarah Ellen ( Boyer) Mit- chell. The paternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers in Allen county. He was a farmer and there spent the rest of his life. dying many years ago. The maternal grandparents were natives of England and early settlers in Auglaize county and there spent the rest of his life. The father of the subject was born in Allen county, Ohio, in 1831 and the mother in 1839. He was a carpenter by trade and a stock shipper, which he followed until 1876. when he came to Knox county and engaged in the milling busi-
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ness at Millwood. About four years later he traded the mill for a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Union and Butler townships and there spent the balance of his life, having sold about fifty acres of his farm prior to his death to the Millwood White Sand Company. His death occurred in March, 1907. The mother is still living at the age of seventy-two years. Politically, he was a Democrat, and a man who took an active part in political and public affairs. He was the man who founded the special Millwood district and made it possible to have a high school here. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church, having joined the Millwood church soon after com- ing to this locality. They were the parents of seven children, namely : Moses Mac McCoy, John Marion Alfonso, Charles Delmont, Minnie Milinda Rose, Mary Jane Eugene is deceased : Royal Noble Desmond, and James Walter Scott, of this review.
James W. S. Mitchell, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm and received his education in the Millwood and Danville high school, graduating in the year 1902. Early in life, while living at Sand Plant, he learned the machinist's trade, but he took up farming, which has been his chief life work. He and his brother, Moses Mac, bought one hundred and twenty-five acres of the home place, and the subject also owns twenty acres in Butler township. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock man, being widely known as a breeder of Delaine sheep and Percheron horses, also has bred Welsh ponies, and because his stock has been of superior grade they have found a very ready market.
Politically, Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat. He has filled a number of town- ship offices, such as trustee for one term, and is now school director in Mill- wood, a special district. During camp meeting seasons Mr. Mitchell rents the "Caves" (a resort) to religious societies for revival purposes. His wife is a member of the Disciples church. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Patrons of Industry and the Maccabees.
Mr. Mitchell was married in 1902 to Alma Beal, a native of Knox county, where she grew up and was educated. She is the daughter of Benja- min and Phoebe (Stricker) Beal, he a veteran of the Civil war and still living. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, namely: Rob- ert Ottowa, Charlotte Rosale and Benjamin Gordon.
The father of the subject was one of the best known and most influen- tial men in this section of Knox county. In connection with farming, which for years he superintended, while his sons did the actual work, he conducted a general store at the Caves, enjoying a good trade.
864
KNOX COUNTY, OHIO.
HODGSON WILSON.
We are much indebted to England for what she has done toward our civilization, the influence she has had on our institutions, literature and ma- terial progress. Most of us are descended from English people, our progeni- tors having left that country and taken up their abode in the New World some time during the past four hundred years. They have proved to be good citi- zens in whatever locality they have settled, for they are, as a rule, people of clean habits, industrious and ambitious, and they are also loyal to our flag. while of course never failing to revere the Union Jack, and large numbers of them have fought in our wars.
One of the worthy representatives of this great people is Hodgson Wil- son, a farmer of Butler township, Knox county. He was born in England, March 10, 1847. He is the son of Walker and Jane ( Hodgson) Wilson, both natives of England, where they grew up and were married, and from there they came to America in 1851, locating in Knox county, Ohio. The elder Wilson was a farmer and he came to own about one hundred acres of land in Ohio and one hundred and sixty acres in Illinois. They reared a family of eight children, of whom three are living, Hodgson, of this sketch, Chapman and Mrs. Margaret Lipley.
Politically, Walker Wilson was a Republican and was active in party affairs. He was born in December, 1823, and his death occurred on May 18, 1871, his widow surviving until 1878.
Hodgson Wilson received his education in the common schools of New- castle, Ohio, and in the school at Fostoria, Missouri. Early in life he devoted his attention to teaching in Knox and Coshocton counties and was very suc- cessful as an educator for a number of years, but finally, tiring of the school room, he turned his attention to farming and was very successful in this voca- tion here and in Effingham county, Illinois. About 1881 he bought thirty-two and one-half acres in Butler township, Knox county, though prior to this he had inherited eighty acres in Illinois. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-two and one-half acres in Knox county and eighty acres in Okla- homa. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock man, and is well known as a breeder of Jersey cattle.
Politically, Mr. Wilson is an independent voter, believing in progress in public affairs as well as material and social. He has been a member of the school board and for two years has been justice of the peace, filling this office in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned, his decisions being characterized by a profound knowledge
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of the law and by fairness to all concerned. He is a member of the Grange and the Patrons of Industry. Mr. Wilson has never married.
On February 29, 1864, Mr. Wilson proved his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served gallantly until the 30th of June, 1865. He did a great deal of guard duty and special detail work, and was in the battle of Nashville.
NEWTON S. CESSNA.
One of the leading farmers and stockmen of eastern Knox county is Newton S. Cessna, whose fine landed estate lies in Butler township, a man who has had a varied and interesting career which has been fraught with a large measure of success all along the line, for he has shown rare adaptability, foresight and general business acumen He has lived an exemplary life in all its relations and has therefore merited the good will and esteem which are freely accorded him by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Cessna was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, July 9. 1860, and is the son of John W. and Harriet E. (Carson) Cessna. The maternal grandpar- ents, George and Nettie Carson, were residents of Berlin Center, Mahoning county, Ohio, where he was justice of the peace for a period of twenty-five years, and there they both died. The paternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania and were of old Pennsylvania German descent. and they spent their lives in Ohio.
The father, John W. Cessna, was born in Mahoning county and there, too, his wife, Harriet E. Carson, was born; there they grew up and were married. He was a contractor for stone and brick work. After living in their native county for a few years after their marriage, they moved to Trumbull county. where he continued the same business. There he built his home and reared his family and both parents died there, the father about 1901 and the mother in October, 1909. John W. Cessna was a soldier in the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry during three years of the Civil war. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and politically was a Republican. His family consisted of three children: Melinda, wife of James Kerr, who lives in Niles : Clara lives in Warren, Ohio; and Newton S. of this sketch.
Newton S. Cessna was educated in Niles, Ohio, and at the Mineral Ridge high school. He began life for himself by teaching school one year.
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then was employed by the Erie railroad as trainman for a year, then went to Cleveland for the same road and there he later bought out a teaming in- terest, delivering goods and working for the Variety Iron Works for a period of ten years He then took a position with A. List & Son, poultry dealers, taking charge of their wholesale house, which he continued to manage with his usual success for a period of three years. In the spring of 1903 he went to New Mexico and engaged in sheep raising, which he continued until 1909. He met with uniform success in this new field and operated on an extensive scale. In the fall of 1908 he had as many as ten thousand sheep on his ranch and he shipped over fifty-one thousand pounds of wool to Boston. He sold out in 1909 when wool and sheep were high, and returned to Cleveland and there engaged in building and selling houses and lots, and soon had a very flourishing business. In the spring of 1911 his father-in-law, William B. Butler, died, and, as per his will, Mr. Cessna came here to take charge of his property, and the subject and family now own by inheritance and will two hundred and sixty-eight acres of as choice land as the county affords. This has been brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation, and on it stand a commodious and attractive home and large convenient out- buildings. It is Mr. Cessna's intention to make a specialty of raising Merino sheep in connection with general farming.
Mr. Cessna was married on October 14, 1905, to Mrs. Mary W. Hauger, a native of Knox county, where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a lady of many estimable characteristics which has rendered her popular with a wide circle of friends. She is the daughter of William R. and Martha E. Butler, he being an old and highly respected resident of Knox county, and the son of George Butler and the grandson of Benjamin, who laid out Mt. Vernon. This, the Butler family, has been more or less prominent in Knox county history for more than a century. The union of the subject and wife has been graced by one daughter, Ruth Elizabeth. born April 14. 1907.
JOHN FREDERICK AMOS.
The enterprise of John Frederick Amos, one of the progressive farmers and stock raisers of Middlebury township, Knox county, has been crowned by success, as the result of rightly applied principles which never fail in their ultimate effect when coupled with integrity, uprightness and congenial dispo- sition, as they have been done in the case of Mr. Amos, judging from his high standing among his neighbors and friends.
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Mr. Amos was born in Perry township, Richland county, Ohio, August 26, 1850, and is the son of Frederick and Margaret (Shafer) Amos. The paternal grandparents, Frederick and Elizabeth Amos, were natives of Mary- land, and in 1836 they came to Richland county from Pennsylvania, where they had first located. Here they bought a farm and spent the balance of their lives in Ohio. The maternal grandparents, Frederick and Eve Shafer, were natives of Pennsylvania and in 1830 or 1832 they came to Ohio, locating in Richland county, where they became large landowners and there they spent the rest of their lives.
The father, Frederick Amos, was born in Hartford county, Maryland, June 16, 1809, and the mother, Margaret Shafer, was born about 1819 or 1820 and she came to Ohio in early life. These parents were married about 1841 or 1842. The father took up farming and owned good land. In 1869 he came to Knox county and bought ninety acres in Middlebury township and on this he and his wife spent the balance of their lives, his death occurring in 1891. His first wife dying in 1859, he re-married in 1861. His family con- sisted of six children, four sons and two daughters, namely : Amanda M., Joshua, Mary E. (deceased), John T., Albert D. (deceased), and Frank P. The father was reared a Baptist, while the mother belonged to the Lutheran church.
John F. Amos was reared on the home farm and there worked hard as a boy, and he received his education in the common schools and the Frederick- town high school. He began life for himself by teaching, which he continued very successfully for eight years during the winter months, farming in the summer time. Tiring of the school room, he turned his attention exclusively to farming. In 1891 he bought the home place of ninety-one acres in partner- ship with his brother Frank P., and here he has lived to the present time. meeting with continued success as a general farmer and stock raiser, adding to his original holdings until he now owns one hundred and sixty-one acres of excellent land, well improved and under an excellent state of cultivation. as choice a farm, in fact, as Middlebury township has to offer. In connection with general farming he makes a specialty of raising and feeding sheep. He has a good home and well kept outbuildings.
Politically, Mr. Amos is a Republican and he has been township trustee and a member of the local school board. He always supports any measure looking to the general development of his community. Fraternally, he belongs to Lodge No. 170, Free and Accepted Masons. He formerly belonged to the Baptist church at Fredericktown.
Mr. Amos was married on October 8, 1874, to Mary E. McNutt, who
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was born near Canton, Stark county, Ohio, the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah MeNutt, from Zanesville, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, respectively, who later moved to Knox county and here they spent the rest of their lives, be- coming well established and highly esteemed here. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Amos, namely : Howard T., who is still at home.
J. W. CALLIHAN.
There is now taken under review the career of one of the sterling citi- zens of Milford township, Knox county, J. W. Callihan, who has passed his long and industrious life in this excellent section of the Buckeye state and where he has ever commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem. The name which he bears has been prominently identified with the annals of the locality since the days when the work of redeeming the sylvan wilds of this section of the state was inaugurated, the Callihans having ever stood ready to do their full share in the work of pushing forward the car of civilization. The subject is numbered among our upright and progressive citizens; thus it may be seen for many reasons that he is peculiarly worthy of representation in a work of this character.
Mr. Callihan was born near Croton, Licking county, Ohio, on October 27. 1839. He is the son of Stephen and Susan ( Morehouse) Callihan. The paternal grandparents, Thomas and Hannah Callihan, were natives of Rock- ingham county, Virginia, his father having been a native of Ireland. Thomas and Hannah Callihan came to Licking county, Ohio, about 1811 or 1812 and bought a farm and there reared their family, a large one, and there these parents spent the balance of their lives.
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