Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States, Part 36

Author: Chapman Brothers
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 894


USA > Ohio > Fayette County > Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 36
USA > Ohio > Madison County > Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 36
USA > Ohio > Pickaway County > Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 36


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Mr. Lowe was admitted to the Bar in 1866 by the Supreme Court of Ohio, at which time he be- gan practicing the profession which he is so sue- cessfully engaged in at the present time. Soon after launching out in business for himself, he formed a partnership with a Mr. Sage, which con- nection lasted for two years. He then conducted his practice alone until 1870, when he took in as partner a Mr. Welton, of New York, the firm name being Lowe & Welton. They carried on a suc- cessful and growing practice for two years, since which time our subject has managed his own af- fairs. He stands at the head of his profession.


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In 1884, he of whom we write was elected Mayor of Circleville for a term of two years. So well and faithfully did he perform all the duties connected with that responsible office that he was re-elected in 1886 for the following term. In 1888, he was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Bolin, whose decease occurred nine months previous to the expiration of his term. Our subject was again, in 1890, made the incum- bent of that office, to which he devotes considera- ble time and attention. He has shown himself capable of close application to the duties which lie before him, and his judicious decisions and wise course when bringing about any worthy ob- ject are well known to those who are acquainted with he history of this county.


In 1865, Mayor Lowe took a Western trip, visit- ing Nebraska, Colorado, and many other States, and in 1888 spent a month in New York. He was married in Williamsport, in 1861, to Miss Jennie Sweetman, who was born in Perry County in 1836. To them have been granted a family of three chil- dren, namely: John W., May and Charles. In his political relations, Mayor Lowe is strongly Democratic, and bears the good-will of the entire community where he is so widely known.


OIIN D. VAUSE. For many years this highly honored pioneer of Harrison Township, Pickaway County, Ohio, has been identified with the interests of this county, and ranks as a noticeable illustration of that indomitable push and energy which characterize men of will and determination. He was born in Clarke County, Ohio, on the 10th of March, 1818, and his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Decker) Vause, were na- tives of the Old Dominion, both born in Hamp- shire County, of that State. Grandfather William Vanse was a native of England, and was either a Captain or a Colonel in the American army during the Revolutionary War.


Thomas Vause, father of our subject, emigrated to Ohio early in the present century, about 1817, and settled in Clarke County, where he made


his home until 1823. Then, with his family, he moved to Hamilton Township, Franklin County, where he was among the pioneers, and settled in a rude log cabin, later building a good frame house, where he passed his last days, his death occurring in 1852. His worthy wife also passed away that year. Thomas Vause had served as Captain in the militia of Clarke County when Ind- ians were making trouble, and he was always ac- tive in enterprises that had for their object the progress and development of the county. To his marriage were born a number of children, but only two besides our subject are now living: James I. and Thomas B.


The original of this notice passed his carly days in Ohio, amid scenes of pioneer life, and it may truly be said of him:


"Ile chopped, he logged, he cleared his lot, And into many a dismal spot He let the light of day."


Ile attended school in the primitive log cabin, plastered with clay, and with an enormous fire- place in one end. Ile swung his youthful legs from slab seats, and his writing desk was a board resting on pegs driven into the wall. The window lights were merely greased paper, and in this rude place he was taught the three R's. After leaving school he followed the occupation to which he had been reared, farming, and this he has continued to follow up to the present time.


On the 14th of September, 1847, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E Perrill, a native of Madison Township, Pickaway County, Ohio, born on the 1st of January, 1822, and the daughter of Nathan and Christina (Stump) Perrill, both natives of Virginia. In 1816, her parents emigrated to the Buckeye State and settled in Pickaway County, where they were among the pioneers. They ex- perienced all the privations incident to the early settlers of a region, but they came to this State with the intention of staying, and here they re. mained, becoming prominent and successful in their chosen occupation. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Perrill, only one besides Mrs. Vause is now living, Mrs. Catherine A. Moore, a widow.


The children who have blessed the union of Mr.


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and Mrs. Vause are named as follows: Mrs. Thomas Rathmell, Mrs. Seymour Van Metter, Mary, Nathan, Baldwin, Thomas W. (deceased), Mrs. Dr. Henry Blake and Annie L. For five years after his mar- riage, our subject resided on rented land in Harri- son Township, Pickaway County, and then pur- chased the fine farm on which he is now living. Hle resided in a rude log house from 1853 until 1869, when he built his fine brick residence, which is at once a monument to and a reward of patient continuance in well-doing, hard toil and sober liv- ing. He owns three hundred and eleven acres of land, and is a self-made man in every sense of that much-abused term, for all of his property is the re- sult of industry and economy on the part of hin- self and wife. While not a church member, lie contributes liberally to the different denominations, and is prominently identified with all enterprises worthy of notice. He is a Republican in politics, and held the position of Trustee of Harrison Township, Piekaway County, for some time, dis- charging the duties of the same in a very credit- able manner.


He and his estimable wife are among the repre- sentative pioneers of the State, and are held in high esteem in the community in which they re- side. They are hospitable and social and all find a warm welcome in their pleasant home.


OPE GREGG, one of the prominent law- yers of Jeffersonville, Fayette County, is a native-born eitizen of this eounty, hav- ing had his birth on the 3d of July, 1862. Ile is a son of John F. Gregg, who is also a native of Ohio. Our subject was reared to farm pursuits and attended the public schools. He spent some time at Buchtel College, at Akron, Ohio, taking a special course, and at the age of twenty-three years began the study of law with his brother, Judge Ace Gregg, of Washington C. H.


He of whom we write was admitted to the Bar in the fall of 1886, and began the prac- tice of his profession in Jeffersonville, at which place he has since resided and has built for him-


self an extensive and profitable practice in Fayette, Madison and Greenc Counties. Ile is a bright and thriving lawyer and understands his profession thoroughly. Socially, he is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, the Indepedent Order of Odd Fel- lows and the Encampment.


Mr. Gregg besides his legal business is also inter- ested to some extent in agriculture, having charge of his father's estate, a nice tract of land consist- ing of one hundred and ninety-five acres in this county.


AVID MOCK. Jefferson Township, Fay- ette County, has its full quota of vigor- ous, enterprising, thorough-going business men, whose popularity is based upon their well-known integrity and progressiveness. None among these is better liked by those who have dealings with them than is he of whom we now write. Ife is the proprietor of a fine estate, in- cluding one hundred and fifty-three acres, which bears all the improvements which stamp it as a first-class farm. Mr. Mock is practically retired from aetive life, and rents his farm to a tenant.


He of whom we write was born in Fayette County, April 15, 1841, and is a son of Daniel Mock, a prominent resident of this section. Our subjeet was reared to man's estate in this county, receiving his education in the common schools of his district, where he acquired a sufficient know !- edge to give him an impetus to go on by him- self. He aided his father in the cultivation of a home farm until the outbreak of the late war, when, in 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Nine- tieth Ohio Infantry, and served his country faith- fully until the close of hostilities, being mustered out as Corporal. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Nashville, Franklin, Chickamauga, At- lanta, Jonesboro, Kenesaw Mountain, and numer- ous skirmishes. He passed through all the hard- ships and privations of a soldier's life during his three years of service, and after being discharged returned home and engaged in the peaceful pur- suits of farm life.


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Mr. Moek purchased a farm in 1867, upon which he removed and made it his home ten years. Ile then became the proprietor of another tract on the Pike, and which is his present abiding-place. In 1883, he erected thereon a comfortable frame house which is presided over by his estimable wife. While superintending the cultivation of his farm, in addition to raising cereals he bred fine grades of cattle and swine which he shipped to the city markets, and for a number of years was exten- sively engaged in buying and selling stock. As before stated, Mr. Mock is now retired from active work on his estate, and rents his property.


In 1867, Miss Asenath McKillip became the wife of our subject. Mrs. Mock is a very intelligent lady and noted housekeeper, and is the daughter of Talley MeKillip. The original of this sketeh is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is recognized by all his fellow-townsmen as a most estimable gentleman.


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SHAM A. JONES, who is known in politieal eireles as one of the leaders of the Democracy in this section, is likewise prominent as a far- mer, having valuable farming interests and a beau- tiful home in Jackson Township. Ile is a native of Logan County, Ill., and was horn August 27, 1851. Stephen A. Jones, his father, was a Penn- sylvanian by birth, and was reared to the life of a farmer in his native State. He settled in Logan County at an early day, and soon became thoroughly identified with the most active and enterprising pioneers of that section of Illinois. Ilis life began in poverty, but by diligence, careful management and shrewd investment of his money after he had obtained a start, he accumulated wealth. He had served in the War of 1812 as Captain of a company, and subsequently engaged extensively in buying and selling land, purchasing many land warrants that had been given to soldiers of the War of 1812. His son now has several of these warrants for land in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. 1


The father was of strong natural ability, and his death at the age of sixty-eight, November 3,


1855, was a serious blow to the county where he had lived and labored so long, and where he left an estate of between six hundred and eight hun- dred acres. He was of the Methodist persuasion in religion, and in polities was a Democrat. He married Airy Adna Wear, who was of Scotch de- scent, and had been previously married to a Mr. Ham, by whom she had one child, Jason. She died at the age of forty-eight years. She was a faithful and conscientious Christian, and a Methodist in her religious belief.


Our subject is the only child of his mother's second union. He was three years old when his father died, and four years of age when he was bereft of a mother's care by her untimely death. Thus sadly left an orphan, he was cared for by his half-brother until he was thirteen years old, pass- ing his boyhood on a farm and in attendance at the local district school. His brother then died, and after that our subject lived with a nephew, James B. Dunham, until he was twenty-one years old, when he began life for himself as a farmer. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits until he was twenty-eight years of age. His next venture was to open a hardware store at Waynesville, De Witt County, Ill., which he conducted the ensuing seven years. At the expiration of that time, he resumed farming, and owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Barnard Township, De Witt County.


In the year mentioned, Mr. Jones came to Ohio to take up his residence in Jackson Township, his wife having fallen heir to four hundred acres of ex-Gov. McArthur's estate, which had been in liti- gation for two or three generations, and finally had been settled by the United States Supreme Court. Our subject has control of four hundred and twenty acres here, besides owning ninety- seven acres in Clarke County and some land in Union County. Ile rents some of the land, and farms the remainder, devoting it to mixed husbandry, raising grain and other produce, and a fine class of stock. His farm is well conducted after the most approved modern methods and in a methodi- cal manner, and its appointments are of the best, including a handsome residence, one of the larg- est and finest in Jackson Township, a view of which may be found elsewhere in this volume.


" LONE ELM FARM" RESIDENCE OF I. A. JONES, JACKSON TP, PICKAWAY CO., OHIO.


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Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Miss Effie McArthur, December 12, 1873. Three children have been born unto them, whom they have named Flora T., Susie Van B. and Stephen A., respectively. Mrs. Jones is a native of this county, born September 22, 1844, and is a daughter of Allen C. and Olive ( Whit- ney) McArthur. Her father was born on old Fruit IFill, in Ross County. while her mother was a native of New York State. The father was a surveyor and a farmer by occupation, and surveyed the Marion & Circleville Railway. He died at the age of fifty-four, and his wife when past sixty years of age. They reared five of their eight children: Adora, Ettie, Flora T., Susan N. and Allan C. Mrs. Jones' paternal grandfather was Gen. Duncan McArthur, who was originally a farmer, also served as an offi- cer in the regular army, and was Governor of Ohio in the early history of the State.


Mr. and Mrs. Jones stand high socially, and re- ligionsly are inclined to the Presbyterian faith. He is a man of large public spirit, and in him the Democratic party of this section of Ohio finds one of its most efficient workers. He has been a mem- ber of the County Central Committee two terms, and has been State Delegate to several conven- tions.


3


n ORMAN MCLEAN. The subject of this sketch is at present residing on his fine tract of land in Union Township, Fayette County. Ile was the son of Joseph McLean, who was born in this county in 1803. The latter- named gentleman was the son of Duncan and Elizabeth McLean, who emigrated from Pennsyl- vania in an early day and first located in Ross County, this State, where the grandfather died a year later. They were the parents of for chil- dren, those besides the father of our subjeet being Mary, who became the wife of Norman Jones Stogdal, who died in early manhood, and Daniel, who afterward became the famons Judge MeLean.


After the death of her husband, Mrs. Dunean MeLean was again married, and removed in 1810 with her family to Fayette County, locating on


Sugar Creek, Union Township. There Mr. Wad- dle, hier husband, entered a tract of land and con- tinued to reside upon it until 1812, when they re- moved to Washington C. II. It was there that the father of our subject was educated. When eighteen years of age, he went to Ross County and served an apprenticeship at the cabinet- maker's trade. After attaining his majority, he returned to the above-named city and worked at his trade for about eight years. He then located upon the farm, which is the property of our sub- ject, and there he continued to make his home until his death, April 15, 1887.


Joseph McLean was married in 1829 to Miss Lucinda Shobe, who had been orphaned by the death of her father when quite young. The Shobe family hail from Virginia, and on removing to this State were among the early settlers of Ross County. To them were born a family of eight children, four of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and of whom only three are living, viz .: Mary E., Mrs. George A. Jenkins; Margaret, who resides with our subject; and Norman. In polities, the father of our subject was a Whig, but on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks, in which he was an active worker. He was very prominent in township affairs and served efficiently as Trustee of Union Township for many years. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the County Infirmary, and in church matters was an adherent of the Method- ist Episcopal faith.


The original of this sketch was born September 26, 1843, on the farm where he is at present resid- ing. His limited education was received in the district schools, and, when old enough to be of service to his father, he worked on the home farm. During the Civil War, he participated in the Mor- gan raid through the southern portion of the State. November 15, 1866, Miss Lucinda, daugh- ter of James W. and Amelia Garlinger, became the wife of our subject. Her father was one of the prominent farmers of the county and resides in Union Township.


The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. MeLean: James, who resides at home; Ora M., who is the wife of John P. Merriweather, a


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carpenter, resides in Jasper Township, Fayette County; Early, engaged in teaching school in Union Township, this county; Robert, Fanny, Walter and Howard, who reside at home with their parents. Mary died when two years old.


He of whom we write owns a fine one hundred and eighty-acre farm, upon which he has placed the best of improvements, believing that the best methods always bring in the largest returns. Ile does a general farming and stock-raising business, giving especial attention to the raising of grain and broom corn. With his estimable wife, he is connected with the Methodist Protestant Church, in the Sunday-school of which denomination they are active workers. Mr. McLean has been the in- cumbent of the position of School Director in his district, and at the present time is president of the Board. The family are highly esteemed in this locality, where Mr. McLean is regarded as an up- right man and good citizen.


ARTIN ROWE is at present residing on a fine traet of land in Concord Township, Fayette County, of which he is the owner. He was born January 8, 1813, in Greene Township, and is the son of John and Frances (Anderson ) Rowe, natives of Virginia. The father was a patriot in the War of 1812, and was the son of Jesse Rowe, also a native of the Dominion, and a soldier in the Revolutionary army.


The parents of our subject came to this State in 1807, and located on Wabash Creek, near Bowen- ville, where they made their home for two years. Then they came to Fayette County, where they were among the earliest pioneers. The father en- tered a farm in the wilderness and set himself in- dustriously about its improvement. Wild animals were plentiful in that early day, and thus the family were always supplied with choice meats, although they were denied many of the necessities in other directions. The elder Mr. Rowe died in 1865, in his eighty-third year, having been pre- ceded to the better land by his wife, who passed away in 1828. He was twice married, having by the first union four sons and one daughter, only


two of whom are living, and by the second, four sons and two daughters. He was prominent in township affairs and voted the Democratic ticket.


Martin Roe was reared on the old home farmn, and remained at home aiding his father in its cul- tivation until reaching his twenty-fifth year. In the fall of 1838, he was married to Sophia M., daughter of William and Jane B. (Dowden) John- son, the father born in Maryland in 1781, and the mother, who was a native of Virginia, was born in 1789. They were the parents of thirteen children, six of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson came to Fayette County in 1816, and located in Greene Township, on a wild farm. The father was, in early life, a Whig, and fought in the War of 1812. He was progressive and wide-awake where his township was concerned, and served in the capacity of Supervisor and Trustee. He passed from this life in 1833, and his good wife in 1880.


Mrs. Rowe was born in Greene Township, this county, March 16, 1819. After her marriage with our subject, the young couple came to Concord Township and located on a wild tract of land com- prising one hundred aeres. Like many of the pio- neers, they began subduing nature, erecting cabins, clearing the land, etc., but with all that, were so- cial and happy, and had a care for the education and morals of their children. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are among the few who are left to tell the experi- ences and hardships of that early time.


Our subject has added to his landed estate from time to time, until he is now the possessor of two hundred and sixty-four acres of valuable land, all of which, with the exception of eight aeres, is un- der the plow. He erected his present substantial residence in 1848, which was at that time the only brick structure in the township. He has placed good buildings on his estate, and is living in the quiet enjoyment of the fruits of his early toil, surrounded by a host of warm friends and ac- quaintances. Ilis home is located in what is now known as Hankins' Run, which was named by his father in an early date. They have been residents of this section for fifty-four years, and celebrated their golden wedding August 14, 1888, on which occasion two hundred guests were pres- ent.


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Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are the parents of eight chil- dren, all of whom are living, namely : Melinda .J. Van Pelt, Amanda A. Mark, Isaac N. Newton, Mary F. Mark, Eliza E. Stucky, John William, Virgil Clark and Martin Elmer. During the late war, Isaac was a soldier in the Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and, being captured at Atlanta, was imprisoned at Andersonville for seven months and twelve days, during which time he was cruelly treated.


Our subject and his estimable wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a period of fifty years, in which denomination Mr. Rowe has served as Class-leader nearly all of that time. He has also been Trustee of the parsonage and church, and for many years was Superintend- ent of the Sunday-school. In polities, he was in early life a Democrat, but now votes the Republi- can ticket. He has been greatly interested in township affairs, and has served his fellow-towns- men as Trustee and Supervisor, giving entire sat- isfaction. He has been Director and Superintend- ent of Schools, and has done effective work for his district. The youngest son of Mr. Rowe is Town- ship Treasurer.


Before his marriage, he of whom we write had earned $100 in the employ of his grandfather, with which he took an extended trip of six months, and, coming home " broke, " was then married. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are widely and favorably known in this county, where they have lived lives of use- fulness and uprightness.


ARCUS L. YATES, who devotes his entire time and attention to cultivating the soil in Range Township, Madison County, was born August 25, 1832, in Deer Creek Township, Pickaway County. His birth occurred in what is now Gill's Mill, which building was erected by his grandfather, David Yates, who came from Shenandoah, Va., in an early day. The lat- ter-named gentleman was a son of Robert Yates, also a native of the Old Dominion and came to Ohio when a young man, where he was married.


John Yates, the father of our subject, was born December 26, 1805, in Ross County, this State, where his father was married to Miss Christina Edmonson and resided until removing to Pickaway County. He inherited twenty acres of land from his father's estate and was so successful as a farmer that he was enabled to give each of his eleven chil- dren one hundred acres of land. Politically, he was a Democrat and served as Justice of the Peace for many years. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Blue occurred September 4, 1828; she was born May 1, 1808, and departed this life November 5, 1885. IIer husband preceded her to the better land, having died in Pickaway County, July 16, 1878.


Our subject was the third in order of birth of the parental family of eleven children, his brothers and sisters being David R., Emily, De Witt Clinton, William, John N., Francis Marion, Socrates, Marinda, Roland B. and Townsend. Ile of whom we write grew to manhood in Pickaway County, where he attended the first school held in the Everett build- ing in Circleville. When twenty-two years of age, he went to Paint Township, Fayette County, and took charge of a farm of four hundred and sixty- five acres, which belonged to his father. He was thus engaged for a number of years, and in the meantime was married to Miss Angeline C., daugh- ter of Benjamin and Martha (Reeves) Harrison, whose sketch will be found on another page of this volume.




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