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 47
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 47
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 47
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LLAN CAMPBELL MCARTHUR, farmer and stock-raiser of Pickaway County, and one of the progressive, thoroughgoing men of his section, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on the 4th of March, 1854. His father, Allan McArthur, was also born at that place, on the large estate known as "Fruit Hill Farm," owned by his father, ex-Gov. Duncan McArthur, who was of Scotch parentage.
The latter was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1772, and when eight years of age Ins father removed to the frontier of Pennsylvania. Ilis parents being in poor circumstances, Duncan soon hired out as a laborer, and when eighteen years of age was a volunteer in Gen. Harman's campaign. In 1792, he was a private in the company of Capt. William Enoch and displayed so much bravery and intrepidity in the battle of Captina that he became a great favorite. After this, for some time he was a laborer at some salt works in Mays- ville, Ky., and in the spring of 1793 engaged as chain-bearer to Gen. Nathaniel Massie and pene- trated with him and others into the Scioto Valley to make surveys, at a time when such an enter- prise was full of danger on account of hostile Indians. He was afterward employed as a spy against the Indians on the Ohio River, and had some thrilling adventures with the red-skins. He was again with Gen. Massie, and after the treaty at Greenville he studied surveying, became assist-
ant surveyor to Gen. Massie and aided him to lay out Chillicothe. While thus engaged, he was interested in the purchase and sale of lands and in this manner became the owner of much landed wealth.
In 1805, he was a member of the State Legisla- ture from Ross County, Ohio, and the following year was elected Colonel, and in 1808 Major-Gen- eral of the State Militia. In May, 1812, he was commissioned Colonel in the Ohio Volunteers, afterward marched to Detroit, and himself and regiment were included in Hull's surrender. He was second in command on this unfortunate expedi- tion, but such was the energy he displayed, that, notwithstanding his return as a prisoner of war on parole, the Democratic party elected him to Congress in the fall of 1812 by an overwhelming majority. In March, 1813, he was commissioned Brigadier-General in the army, and having been regularly exchanged as a prisoner of war, soon after resigned his seat in Congress to engage in active service. He served all through the war, and when Gen. Harrison resigned, he took command of the New York army, and was at Detroit when peace was declared.
In the fall of 1815, he was again elected to the Legislature, and in the next year was appointed commissioner to negotiate a treaty with the. Indians at Springwell, near Detroit. He acted in the same capacity at the treaty of Ft. Meigs in September, 1817, and also at the treaty at St. Mary's the succeeding year. In 1817, he was chosen Speaker of the Legislature, and in 1819 was again elected to that body. The year 1832 saw him again chosen to Congress and he became an undeviating supporter of what was then called the " American System." While Gen. McArthur re- mained a member of Congress, he wielded consider- able influence in that body. His persevering in- dustry, energetic mind, sound judgment and prac- tical business habits rendered him a very efficient member.
After having served two sessions in Congress, Gen. McArthur declined re-election, being deter- mined to devote all his efforts to arranging his domestic affairs. However, in 1830, he was elected Governor of Ohio by the anti-Jackson party, and
RES. OF MRS. NANCY STEELE, SEC. 25. PICKAWAY TP, PICKAWAY CO.,O.
RESCENT TERRACE" RES. OF ALLAN C. Mº. ARTHUR, JACKSON TP., PICKAWAY CO., OHIO.
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at the close of his term of office retired to private life. By an unfortunate accident in June, 1830, he was horribly bruised and maimed, and from this severe misfortune his bodily and mental powers constantly declined until several years later, when death closed his career. So ended the life of one of the brightest men of the State-a man in whom the qualities of genius and common sense were strangely blended. He was prudent, far- sighted and resolute; thoughtful, calm and just; patient, tender-hearted and great. From obscurity, he rose to the highest office in the gift of the State.
Allan McArthur, father of our subject, was reared in his native city, studied law, and became an attorney at the Ohio Bar. Like his father, he studied surveying but did not put it to much practical use, preferring to follow his profession. He resided in Scioto County, Ohio, for some time, then moved to Pickaway County, and thence back to Chillicothe, where he practiced his profession and surveying until his death in 1858, when fifty- two years of age. Ile was a member of the Epis- copal Church. His wife, the mother of our subject, was formerly Olive Whitney, and was born in Portsmouth, Ohio. Her grandfather, Rulaff Whit- ney, was of English deseent, born in New York State, near the Lakes, and was a successful business man, owning large briek and lumber yards, and also a store in Portsmouth as early as 1821. The mother of our subject died in Pickaway County in 1884.
Of the eight children born to this worthy couple, seven daughters and one son, our subject was the seventh in order of birth. Only three are now liv- ing: our subject, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Morris, of this county. Allan Campbell McArthur was reared in Chillicothe until six years of age and then went to Covington, Ky., where he attended school until fifteen years of age. After this, he went to De Witt County, Ill., near Clinton and worked for his brothers-in-law from that time until 1877. Part of the time, he was with his brother in-law, Van Bibber, of Cincinnati, manufacturer of the Printer's Roller Composition, and was in partnership with him for some time. At the last-mentioned date, .he located on his mother's farm of three hundred and sixty-five acres, in Jackson and Wayne Town-
ships, four miles west of Cireleville, and managed the place for nine years, or until his mother's death. After this, the "McArthur Will Case Suit" took up a great deal of his attention, for he deter- mined to have what rightfully belonged to him and although the case was of twelve years' stand- ing, he bore all the expenses for the last eight years and finally obtained his rights. Mr. MeAr- thur is the owner of a vast amount of real estate, and has three hundred and twenty-five acres in Jack- son Township, fine bottom land on Darby Creek, on which he has erected a fine residence at a cost of 85,000, and fine barns, etc. He owns extensive farms in Union, Clark, Ross and Scioto Counties and is one of the prominent and most successful young business men of the county. A view of his elegant residence is shown elsewhere in this work.
At Des Moines, Iowa, in November, 1886, Mr. MeArthur was married to Miss Teresa, daughter of William Whitney, who was born at Portsmouth, Ohio. He was a large owner of canal boats, and an extensive grain shipper, and a very prominent and successful business man. His death occurred in 1890, when seventy-eight years of age. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Elcy Van Vor- hees, was born in Kentucky, and was a daughter of Jacob Van Vorhees, of the Keystone State, but an early settler of Kentucky. Later, he moved to Portsmouth, Ohio, and was a prominent capitalist there. In 1888, our subject and his wife removed to Knox County, Tenn., near McMillan, and there bought five hundred aeres, which he began cul- tivating, but on account of his wife's ill health he returned to Pickaway County, in December, 1890. They have one child, Dorothy. Mr. McArthur is a Democrat in politics, and served as Treasurer of Jackson Township for one year. besides filling other positions of trust.
G EORGE R. HASWELL, Superintendent and Secretary of the Cireleville Water Supply Company, and also agent at the Main Street Depot of the Scioto Valley Railroad, is a prominent young man. and stands well both in so- cial and business circles. Ile is Secretary of the
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Pickaway Rod and Gun Club, and is prominently . identified with all movements that have for their object the welfare of the town and county.
Our subject was born in Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, on the 22d of February, 1867, and his father, Joe Haswell, was also a native of Circleville, where he was in the hardware business for some time. The latter died in this town in 1874. The mother, whose maiden name was Emma E. Bolin, was born and educated in Circleville, Ohio, and the daughter of John P. Bolin, a native of Virginia. (See sketch of A. R. Bolin.)
W. E. Bolin, the umele of our subject, was born in Virginia, and came to Circleville, Ohio, when a child. He received a good practical education in the common and select schools, and subsequently tilled the soil on his father's farm. Ile drove large herds of cattle East, and became thoroughly familiar with farming and stock-raising. Later, he located in the town of Circleville, and was Con- stable there when less than twenty-three years of age. He was subsequently appointed Deputy Sheriff, which position he held for four years, and was then elected Sheriff, discharging the duties of that office in a fearless and capable manner for two terms. This was during the war. At one time, he went to Illinois and arrested the desperate mur- derer Smith, whom he brought back with him. Af- ter this, he was engaged in tilling the soil for some time, and from 1881 to 1888, was engaged in grain dealing from his farm in Wayne Township. Dur- ing this time, he was on the council for ten years, and he worked the water-works through, being subsequently appointed by the New York firm as Superintendent of the same. IIe started the Frank- lin Street sewer, but it was defeated by the peo- ple. In politics, he affiliated with the Democratic party, and was a public-spirited citizen. He was appointed Mayor of the town, held this position fifteen months, and died in July, 1890, when an incumbent of that office. Ile was one of the county's best citizens, and was universally re- spected.
The subject of this sketch was reared and edu- cated in Circleville, and in 1881, he entered the employ of W. E. Bolin, in the warehouse, where he remained until 1888. He soon became Mr. Bolin's
book-keeper, and continued as such until the above- mentioned date, when he became book-keeper for Bell & Coldwell, for one year. In the year 1887, he became ticket agent for the N. & W. Railroad, and that position he still holds. On the 1st of July, 1890, he became Superintendent and Secretary in place of W. E. Bolin, and had done all the business of that office before being appointed by the New York corporation. Socially, he is a Knight of Pyth- ias, and is Sir Knight Lieutenant of the Uniform Rank. In polities, he is an ardent admirer of the Democratic party, and advocates the principles of the same.
ACOB MILLAR. This well-known pioneer, who is everywhere respected for his ster- ling worth, makes his home in Madison Township, Pickaway County, Ohio, where he has a fine farm of four thousand acres, all the result of industry and good management. He was born in this township and county on the 5th of November, 1817, and here he received the training of pioneer life and of the log schoolhouse.
His parents, Isaac and Susan (Decker) Millar, were natives of Hampshire County, Va., and in that State they remained until about 1812, when the fertile soil of Ohio tempted them to make a settlement within its borders. They made the trip from Virginia to the Buckeye State on horse- back, and carried all their worldly goods with them. In two weeks' time they reached Pickaway County, made a settlement on the farm where our subject now resides, and, although the land was wild and the implements they used on it rude and uncouth, the soil was rich, and as the work of clear- ing progressed and the crops were put in, it yielded a rich return. This worthy couple began house- keeping in a log cabin in the woods and experi- enced more than the usual hardships of pioneers. They had very little to begin with, everything was new and strange, settlers were very few and far between, but they never became discouraged, and worked early and late to make a home in the wilderness. As the years passed, Mr. Millar added
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greatly to the value of his place in the improve- ments he placed upon it. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Millar, two beside our sub- ject are now living: Elizabeth, Mrs. Musselman, a widow; and Mrs. Hannah Brown. The father was called from the scenes of his earthly cares in the year 1881, when ninety-eight years of age, and in his death the county lost not only one of its typical pioneers, but an honest, industrious and much-esteemed citizen.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the land where he now lives, and his earliest memory is of assisting his father to clear the farm of the brush and timber with which it was covered. IIe remembers the rude farming implements used at that time, and relates many interesting aneedotes of those early days. He attended the log cabin school and generally subscribed for about three months a year, although a pupil who attended regularly was considered fortunate indeed. In- stead of the easy patent seats of to-day, slabs, resting on four wooden legs, served the young pioneers for seats, and puncheons for flooring. Although educated in this rude way, our subject improved every opportunity offered and is now a well-informed man.
On the 12th of November, 1854, he was married to Miss Florentine Kaufman, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born August 24, 1831, and the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Ebert) Kauf- man, natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Berks and the mother in Lehigh County. Both parents came to Ohio when young people and after marriage settled in Fairfield County, of that State. The seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Millar are as follows: Susan E., wife of Edwin Peters, of Franklin County, Ohio; Dewitt C., of Madison Township, this county; Mary F., wife of Joseph O. McCray, of Fairfield County, Ohio; Hannah Rebecca, wife of Franklin Baum, of Harrison Township, this county; Cora B., wife of Seymour Smith, of Harrison Township, this county; Lucretia, wife of Charles Snyder, of Pickaway County, Ohio; and John D., at home.
Mr. Millar is a Republican in politics and is in favor of everything to promote the welfare of the county. Perhaps being a native-born resident of
the county he takes more interest in its progress and development than the average man. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, as is also his worthy wife, and he has served as Elder in the same for some time. Since the spring of 1889, Mr. Millar has been afflicted with rheumatic gout, the joints of his limbs being paralyzed, rendering him practically helpless. He is well known all over the county as a man whose word is as good as his bond, and whose honesty and uprightness have never been questioned.
R OBERT WORTHINGTON is engaged in farming and stock-raising on his homestead in Concord Township, Fayette County. He is the second son of Joseph C. and Harriet (Shields) Worthington, natives of Ross County, this State, the father's birth occurring February 8, 1804, and his mother's June 28, 1807. They are at present residing in Highland County. well advanced in years.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Virginia. With his brother Thomas, who later became Governor of Ohio, he emigrated to this State in 1800. Hle was drafted into the War of 1812, but his two sons, Ephraim and John, served in his place. Joseph C. Worthington was a self-educated man, and began in life empty- handed. He has resided on his present farm in Highland County since his marriage, and possesses one of the most beautiful estates in his neighbor- hood. His estimable wife has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past fifty years. She is a most excellent lady and well be- loved in her community. Although not connected with any religious denomination, Mr. Worthington contributes cheerfully of his means toward their support. In politics, he votes the Republican ticket.
The parental family of our subject included four sons, all of whom are living, with one excep- tion. Robert, of this sketeh, was born September 28, 1831, in Ilighland County. He was given a common-school education, which knowledge he has
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since supplemented by a systematic and thorough course of reading and study. Mr. Worthington has always followed the occupation of an agri- culturist.
In March, 1853, Miss Catherine, daughter of Elias and Hannah (Ayers) Cox, became the wife of our subject. Her parents, who were early settlers in Highland County, were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and well-to-do in this world's goods. Mrs. Worthington was born in 1830, and by her union with our subject became the mother of one son, Joseph W., who married Annie Reed and makes his home in Concord Town- ship. Mrs. Worthington passed from this life March 17, 1854, and our subject, December 10, 1863, was again married, the lady of his choice being Jennie S., daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Murry) McDowell, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Worthington was born June 22, 1840, and bore her husband two children: Margaret, Mrs. Spencer Calvert, makes her home in Hilisboro, this State, and has two children, and William, who re- sides with his parents. Miss Margaret is a graduate of the Female College of Hillsboro, completing her studies with the Class of '86. They also reared another child, Rhoda Tobin, who came to them when but four years old, and remained with them until her marriage, which occurred when she was twenty-two years old, November 5, 1885, when she married Elmer Rowe. She has always had the high- est regard for her foster parents, as she was treated as one of the children. William attended for four years the Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal School, from which institution he was graduated in 1891.
After starting out in life on his own responsi- bility, our subject worked for a time on his father's farm. His persistent industry has been rewarded, however, as to-day he is the proprietor of an es- tate numbering twelve hundred and twenty-three acres, only two hundred acres of which are in tim- ber, the rest being placed under excellent improve- ment. Ilis estate is supplied with all the necessary buildings, not the least among which is his com- fortable and spacious residence. Ile has three tenant houses on his land, which bears all other modern improvements.
Mr. Worthington gives his attention almost ex-
clusively to stock-raising, handling two hundred head of cattle and between four and five hundred head of sheep. With his estimable wife, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Staunton, being one of the influential and liberal contributors to its support. He has been Steward of lus denomination for the past seventeen years and has held the office of Trustee. Mr. Worthing- ton is greatly interested in Sunday-school matters. He and his good wife have been teachers for years.
In politics, our subject is a Republican and was Trustee of Concord Township, where he has been a resident for over forty years. He was called upon to participate in the Morgan raid in 1863, and on going to Chillicothe the company was sta- tioned in a cooper-shop. Mr. Worthington not be- ing able to eat his meals with his comrades, bought them wherever he could. He finally was quartered with the father of Mrs. Worthington, and it was at that time that he met his future wife. During the following summer, Miss Jennie visited relatives in the neighborhood of Sabina, and our subject was of course attentive to her out of consideration for the friendly treatment he received when an in- mate of her home. They are both greatly respected in their community, where their friends are as numerous as their acquaintances.
OSIAH WARD is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 17, Walnut Township, Pickaway County. His estate is well kept, and by a proper rotation of crops brings its owner handsome returns. Mr. Ward was born September 2, 1830, in the above-named township, and therefore takes a greater interest in this section than he would were it otherwise.
The parents of our subject were James and Elizabeth (Brobst) Ward, natives of Virginia. His grandfather, William Ward, hailed from England, and was a nephew of Commodore Ward, of the American navy, with whom he crossed the ocean. On locating in America, he chose Virginia as his abiding-place, where he remained until May, 1802, when he took up his abode in this State, settling
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in the woods of what is now Walnut Township, Pickaway County. There he entered land from the Government, erected a log cabin, and prepared to cultivate the primitive soil. Our subject has in his possession the original patent, issued under the administration of President Thomas Jefferson. Here William Ward died in 1814.
The father of our subject accompanied his father on the removal to the Buckeye State, and on re- turning to his native State, to celebrate a very in- teresting and important event, he walked the en- tire distance, numbering three hundred miles, in six days. After his marriage, he came to his new home, the young couple making the journey on horseback. They became the parents of a large family of children, of whom we mention the fol- lowing: Eliza, Mrs. James Anderson; Peter, Jo- siah and Daniel. Mr. Ward passed from this life in 1863, and his estimable wife, who survived him a few years, died in 1877.
Josiah Ward, of this sketch, was reared to man's estate among the pioneer scenes of Walnut Town- ship, the privations and hardships of which time have made a lasting impression upon his mind. He has performed his share of clearing and im- proving the land for those who should come after and now ranks among the well-to-do and progres- sive agriculturists of this township. His education was very limited, being confined to a few months' attendance at the subscription schools, the temple of learning being constructed of logs, with punch- eon floor, slab seats, and with boards set on pin-legs placed around the room for writing-desks. He keeps thoroughly posted upon all topics of general interest, and is a very entertaining conversation- alist.
July 4, 1866, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Paulina Smith, by whom he became the father of five children, four of whom are living, namely: Charles A., Oscar P., Ida M. and Woodford S. Jennie is deceased. Mr. Ward's second wife was Mary B. Smith, who died five weeks af- ter her marriage. His third wife, Anna Huber, was the mother of two children, who bear the re- spective names of Minerva P. and Mary E.
The original of this sketch enlisted in the Union army in May, 1864, joining Company C, One IIun-
dred and Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry. His regiment served under Gens. Butler and Grant, operating nine days in front of Richmond, when they moved with Grant's army around to Petersburg. They were sent to Norfolk, Va., where they assisted in making a raid into North Carolina. Our subject was honorably discharged August 27, 1864, at Camp Dennison, after which he returned to Ohio, and resumed the peaceful pursuits of agriculture.
Mr. Ward was for a number of years a member of Nebraska Post No. 70, G. A. R., serving as its Chaplain. In politics, he is a stanch Repub- lican, and takes a warm interest in all measures which have a tendency to elevate and upbuild his community. He is identified with the Grange, oc- copying an honored position in that body. Mr. Ward owns a splendid estate of one hundred and seventy-six aeres, one hundred and fifty-one of which are included in the home farm. Ile has placed the entire amount under gocd cultivation, and gives his entire time and attention to raising the cereals and good grades of stock. He has seen the gradual evolution of the land in this county from its original wild state to its present pros- perity and productiveness, and is thus numbered among the pioneers of Pickaway County.
E ZRA HYRE is an excellent farmer, who thor- oughly understands his calling, and is do- ing his share to promote the agricultural interests of Fayette County by the careful cultiva- tion of his farm in Union Township. He is a son of Amzi Hyre, who was born in one of the early homes of this township, in the month of April, 1813. The latter married Elizabeth Miller, who was a daughter of George Miller, who had come to Union Township from Pendleton County, Va. The Hyres reared a family of eight children, of whom seven grew to manhood and womanhood, and five of them are yet living, namely: Mary, wife of T. J. Thompson, of Jasper Township; Aaron, a resident farmer of Jasper Township; our subject; George, a farmer who lives near Springfield, in Clarke County; and Louis G., a farmer of Jasper Town-
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