USA > Ohio > Guernsey County > Portrait and biographical record of Guernsey County, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 31
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On New Year's Day, 1878, Daniel Defenbacher married Miss Sarah Ella, daughter of Frederick Gintz. Of their union four children have been born: John Frederick, William Edward, Emma Florence, and Herbert Daniel, all bright and apt pupils in the public schools. The parents are act-
ive and enterprising members of and workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place, and take great interest in assisting the needy with prac- tical help and sympathy.
In his social relations our subject is identified with the Junior Order of United American Mechan- ics, and with the Knights of Pythias. Educational measures find in him a good advocate, as he is Sec- retary of the Board of Education, and takes a com- mendable interest in the public schools of the city, as well as in everything calculated to advance the interests of the community. His first Presidential ballot was cast for Rutherford B. Hayes, and in his political views he is a pronounced Republican. Under his supervision the Iron City House is well kept in every department, and its many patrons are made to feel thoroughly at home.
R OBERT GORLEY, who is living a retired life in Uhrichisville, is one of the oldest residents of the place. He was born in Washington County, Pa., October 20, 1819, and was reared to manliood on a farm, his education being received in the district schools. In 1845 he emigrated to Tuscarawas County; locating in the town now known as Uhrichisville. For about twenty years he was engaged in running a tan- nery, after which he was employed as a painter in the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad shops at Dennison, Ohio. In that place he made his home for a quarter of a century, but on his re- tirement from active business life in 1888 he con- cluded to make his permanent home in this city. Ilis residence is surrounded by thirty-four acres of land, and is a most desirable and well improved place.
The parents of our subject were Thomas and Catherine (Gardner) Gorley, natives of Virginia. The former was an agriculturist during his entire life. In 1857 he emigrated to Iowa, where he afterward died on a farm of which he was the
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owner. Of his ten children, Margaret is the widow of David Russell, of Montgomery County, Iowa; Robert is the second in order of birth; Thomas, is engaged in farming in Montgomery County; James died in infancy; Jane is the wife of John Rich- ards, of Zanesville, Ohio; Jolin conducts a farm in Montgomery County; Rachael is the wife of William Steward, of Feliska, Iowa; Nancy is the wife of Zed Cooney, a buggy-maker by trade, and a resident of Montgomery County, Iowa; IIenry is deceased; and Joseph is living in Montgomery County.
May 4, 1847, Robert Gorley married Miss Sarah Uhrich, daughter of Michael and Ann Mary (Baltz- ley) Uhrich, whose marriage was celebrated March 9, 1812. They were the parents of eight children. Plnlip, born May 18, 1813, died July 8, 1864. William, born April 4, 1815, died in Van Wert County. Lydia, who lives at the home of our subject, is the oldest living native of Uhrichs- ville, of either sex, as she was born here October 15, 1818. Daniel, born February 22, 1821, died September 10, 1824. Anna M., who was the wife of Capt. E. A. Parrish, and was born August 2, 1823, died May 14, 1889. Sarah. born May 14, 1826, is the wife of our subject. George is a black- smith of Hayworth, Ill .; and Elias is a carpenter of Mill Township, Tuscarawas County. Michael Uhrich, the grandfather of Mrs. Gorley, came to Mill Township in 1801 and bought fifteen Inın- dred acres of land. On this place he took up his abode the following year, and there all the chil- dren of the generation to which Mrs. Gorley be- longs were born.
To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gorley were born four children, the eldest of whom, Mary A., whose birth occurred on the 13th of September, 1849, married Samuel Rownd, October 27, 1870, and their daugh- ter, Margaret, was born October 24, 1871. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rownd is in Urbana, Ohio. John B., the only son of our subject, was born August 20, 1853, and in April, 1889, was married to Annie Fisler, their home also being in Urbana. Laura M., whose birth occurred January 15, 1867, married Frank Ford, Probate Judge of Muskingum County, in October, 1881. Alice Uhrich, who was born May 19, 1859, married George Dent, Septem-
ber 6, 1888, and their only child, Winefred S., was born October 9, 1889. Mr. Dent was called to his final rest in Colton, Cal., March 9, 1892, and his widow is now living at home with her parents.
The first Presidential vote of Robert Gorley was cast for William II. Harrison, and since the or- ganization of the Republican party he has been one of its stalwart allies. Mrs. Gorley holds mem- bership with the Presbyterian Church.
D E WITT CLINTON WARNE. Men who live in our daily sight, and from an hum- ble position work out a truly noble char- acter, are the most valued teachers. The life of Mr. Warne is full of lessons of self-help and self- respect, and shows the efficacy of these characteris- tics in gaining for a man an honorable position, competence and solid reputation. He is at present one of the largest land-owners in Guernsey Coun- ty, having under his control over nine hundred acres of valuable farming lands, a portion of which he operates, while many acres are leased; and again he has tenants who work the soil, giving him half of the crops raised.
Mr. Warne was born on the old homestead in Centre Township, March 10, 1830. His father, Jonathan Warne, was a native of New Jersey, com- ing to Ohio in about the year 1802, in company with his parents. They located in Wills Town- ship, Guernsey County, remaining there but a short time, when they removed to Muskingum County. In 1811 they returned to this county, settling on a portion of the farm now owned by our subject. The grandparents, Thomas and Ann (Pursley) Warne, were influential among the pio- neers of this then territory, and contributed largc- ly to its upbuilding. Their son Jonathan was · born in New Jersey, October 30, 1791, and died July 19, 1855, after a long and useful life. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha Luzader,
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was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born De- cember 17, 1797, and followed her husband a year later to the better land. They were married in 1815, and became the parents of mine children, three of whom are deceased. Those living are Elijah, Mary Ann, Jonathan, Nancy, our subject and John.
De Witt C., of this sketch, was given very lim- ited opportunities for 'acquiring an education, at- tending but a few winters the old log schoolhouse in the district, where the pupils were seated on benches made in the crudest possible manner, and so high that many of the smaller pupils were un- able to let their feet touch the floor. The room was heated by a huge fireplace in one end of the building, and when ready to take their writing les- son the scholars were sent to a long desk running around the sides of the room.
Mr. Warne was married, December 15, 1871, to Miss Jane Willis, and the happy couple went on their wedding tour to visit Mary A., Mrs. Corzine, a sister of our subject, who lived in Illinois. After a short stay with her, they journeyed to Springfield to view Lincoln's monument, and from the capital city went to St. Louis. The newly wedded pair next visited Cincinnati and Colum- bus, whence they returned to their home in this county, locating upon a farm of two hundred aeres, one-half of which had been left to our sub- ject by his father. He has been very industrious in pursuing his chosen calling, and as his means would allow, added to his original tract, until, as before stated, he is one of the largest tax-payers in Guernsey County. He is a large dealer in live stoek, which industry he finds to be a very profit- able one. Ile remembers in the early days before railroads were built through the county that farm- ers were obliged to drive their stock to the various towns, and for many days at a time, when look- ing down the main road, one could see the drov- ers driving the animals to various sections of the country.
Mr. Warne lived to be forty-one years of age before taking unto himself a wife and helpmate. During many years of this time he lived alone, but after a serious sick spell, when he had no one to look after and care for him, he determined that he
would become a Benediet, and soon thereafter was joined in marriage with the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth ( Maberry) Willis, Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Warne: Jonathan, who died in infancy; and Edward, Jennie Florence, Charley Ross, Agnes Bell, De Witt Clinton and Francis Clarence, the last-named having died when a year old. The five living children are all resid- ing at home with their parents.
The father of Mrs. Warne was born in the southi- ern part of Ireland, while his wife was born near the lakes of Killarney. Mrs. Warne remembers hearing her mother tell how in the olden days, in hier native land, she could carry a bucket of water in each hand, one on her head, and at the same time have a baby tied on her back. Mr. Willis first inet his wife on the streets of their native town in Ireland, and at once falling in love with her, followed her to her home and called upon her. From this there sprang up a friendship which soon ripened into love on the lady's part, and a con- sent to become his wife. Many years after, about the year 1867, Mr. Willis had gone to Washing- ton, this county, to purchase some furniture for his daughter Elizabeth, then recently married, and he met with an accident which cost him his life. He was walking along the streets with a looking- glass under his arm, which cast a reflection in such a manner as to frighten a team of horses which was passing. In endeavoring to catch the runaway team, he was thrown under them and killed. His family numbered mine children, namely: George, Edward, William, Margaret, Rebecca, Ann, Eliza- beth, Catherine and Jane. George died after com- ing to America, in California; William departed this life in Jefferson Township, this county, when fifteen years of age, his death being caused by the accidental discharge of a gun; Margaret, Rebecca and Ann died in this county.
Our subject, when Morgan's men passed through Washington, this state, during the late war, mount- ed his horse, and, in company with many others, went to the scene of battle, witnessing the conflict between the Union and Confederate forces, at which time three of the enemy were killed. It was here Mr. Warne lost a valuable horse and sad- dle; the Union soldiers simply borrowed it, but
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forgot to return it, and he was compelled to walk home. Mr. Warne during the war contributed very freely of his money to furnish substitutes for the draft. There were so few men left in the county that the women were compelled to do or- dinary labor on the farms.
Coming here in an early day in the history of the state, the father of our subject has told his chil- dren of a time in 1812 when the Indians were so hostile that often the inhabitants were obliged to flee to block houses, which they had erected for the protection of their families, when the male resi- dents would try to lessen the nun of redmen by the use of their rifles. Wild game was very plentiful at that time, and the family never wanted for fresh meat of any kind, as almost any time ouc could step to the door and bring down a turkey or deer. Mr. and Mrs. Warne are members in excel- lent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
AMES DICKSON, M. D. The calling of a physician is not only one of the most ardu- ous, but one of the most responsible, pursuits in which man can engage, and he who at- tains a high reputation in this profession must necessarily be endowed with physical endurance, keen intelligence and excellent judgment. The subject of this sketch is one whose extensive prac- tice and high standing in professional cireles prove conclusively his physical and mental endowments, his careful culture, and his painstaking efforts to continually add to his theoretical knowledge and practical skill. As a private citizen he is highly esteemed for his public spirit, personal example, and interest in all that is of benefit to the members of the community and the county at large.
Our subject was born July 2, 1837, in Huron County, this state, to James and Anna (Miller) Diekson, natives of Pennsylvania. The father followed the occupation of a farmer all his life, . and was very successful in this industry. By his union with Miss Miller there were born eight chil-
dren, only one beside our subject living, Emily, now Mrs. Edward Gifford.
The primary studies of Dr. Dickson were car- ried on in the public schools of his native county, after which he attended the normal, pursuing an extended course of study and being thoroughly drilled in the various branches which he under- took. Choosing the medical profession for his life work, he began reading under the instruction of Drs. Keith & Vail, prominent physicians of Hu- ron County.
The medical studies of our subject were inter- rupted by the call for volunteers during the late war, and May 2, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and was mustered into service in the Twenty-second! Army Corps, Second Division, then stationed in Virginia. Ile was appointed Third Sergeant of his company, and participated in all the engagements in which they were ordered un- til his honorable discharge, September 9, 1864.
After his return from the army Dr. Dickson be- gan the practice of medicine. Several years later he took a course in the Homeopathie Hospital College at Cleveland, this state, from which he was graduated in 1875. That year we find him located in Jerry City, Wood County, making his home there and engaged in practice until the fall of 1875, when he removed to Leesville. Carroll Coun- ty, where he remained until 1881, in which year he located in Canal Dover.
The lady who became the wife of Dr. Dickson bore the maiden name of Barbara Pearch. and the ceremony which made them one was celebrated February 22, 1861. Mrs. Dickson was the daughter of Joseph Pearch, of Carroll County. She has be- come the mother of three children: Arael Adra, now the wife of John Adams, of Columbus; Jen- nie E. and James Berta, at home. Mrs. Dickson, although not a practicing physician, is well versed in the science of medicine, and has always been of the greatest aid to the Doctor, encouraging him in every effort, and when necessary taking upon her- self the entire management of home affairs. In social affairs the Doctor belongs to Rickseeker Post No. 469, G. A. R., of which he has been elected Commander, the National Union and Protected
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Home Circle, the two latter insurance orders. IIe is medical examiner for the various insurance companies located in this city, which position he has held for many years. In politics he is a be- liever in Republican principles, and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. Under President Har- rison's administration he was appointed a member of the Pension Board of Tuscarawas County, of which body he has also been President.
The Dicksons are of Scotch origin. The Doctor has in his possession a Bible printed in London in 1573. It has been handed down in the family from generation to generation, always descending to a person by the name of James. It contains many of the family records, including a church letter bearing date of June 7, 1784.
P ATRICK DOUGHERTY, one of the ex- tensive farmers of Warren Township, is a native of County Derry, Ireland, and his birth occurred in 1825. His paternal grand- father, Charles Dougherty, was a farmer by occu- pation. His three sons and two daughters all grew to maturity, were married, and had families. Religiously the father was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
The parents of our subject, William and Rosa (McCliaster) Dougherty, were natives of Counties Derry and Antrim, Ireland, respectively. The former was a weaver by trade in early life, but later turned his attention to farming. Eight of his children lived to maturity, namely: Charles, a physician, who went to Scotland; Hugh, a farmer in Ireland; Ellen, Mrs. Mullin; Nancy, Mrs. Mc- Cliaster; Ilugh; Patrick; Mary, Mrs. Kailay; and Rosa, who died unmarried. Bridget died in infancy.
Patrick Dougherty received limited school ad- vantages in his native land. After a voyage of six weeks he landed in New York City, April 26, 1847, and remained in the metropolis for the fol- lowing year. Thence he proceeded to New Or-
leans, and until 1855 was a watchman on Mis- sissippi and Ohio River steamboats. During this time his home was at different points, but in 1855 he permanently settled in Warren Township. The farm which he has since cultivated comprises one hundred and sixty-four acres, which were formerly the property of his father-in-law.
September 26, 1852, Mr. Dougherty married Elizabeth Sherrod, who was born in Carroll Coun- ty, Ohio, July 22, 1828. Her parents were Charles M. and Amy (Seran) Sherrod. The former was born in 1804, in Carroll County, and died in this county in 1864. In his early days he was a black- smith by trade, but his first genuine start on the road to financial independence was by making "ground-hog" threshers. At the time of his de- mise his estate numbered about nine hundred acres. He served as Justice of the Peace, was a supporter of the Democratic party, and was a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he was an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason. To himself and wife were born four children, the eldest of whom is Mrs. Dougherty, and the others are: Ma- rinda, who has been three times married; Ann M., Mrs. Bartholomew; and Amanda, Mrs. McCartney.
William Sherrod, the grandfather of our sub- ject's wife, was a pioneer of Carroll County, this state, wlicre he entered and cleared a farm, and where he had some unpleasant experiences with the Indians in early days. Ile was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a most estimable man in every respect. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Mary Bilderback, bore him seven sons and six daughters. Micajah Seran moved to Ohio in the early years of its history. Coming in ad- vance of his family in order to secure a suitable location, he landed in Cadiz and was unfortu- nately taken ill, and the doctor who was called in to administer to the sick man, not being master of his profession, gave him a dose of medicine which resulted in his death. His widow and her thirteen children afterward took up their abode in Cadiz.
To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Dougherty were born twelve children, and all but two have lived to be- come worthy and respected citizens of the com- munities in which they dwell. In order of birth they are as follows: Charles W .; David B .; Amy
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A., Mrs. Jacob Croy; Rosa E .; IIugh, now of Ken- tucky; Mary E., Mrs. Scott Pearch; Patrick, Clen- ent L., James S. and Rebecca M.
Our subject is the owner of a homestead com- prising one hundred and eighty-eight acres, though in former years his possessions amounted to fully three hundred and sixty acres. He is a Catholic, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and they enjoy the confidence of all.
S QUIRE WILLIAM A. LEWIS. The name with which we head this biography needs no introduction, its possessor being well known as the efficient Postmaster of Guernsey, in which place he is also engaged in the mercantile business. lle is a citizen of high repute, and as an official gives entire satisfaction to all concerned.
Our subject is a native of Wheeling Township, and was born August 13, 1816, to John and Cath- erine (Schwyhart) Lewis, the former of whom was born in Maryland, and died in 1852, aged thirty- four years. He was the son of John, Sr., and Eliz- abeth Lewis, natives of the Emerald Iste, whence they emigrated to the United States about 1830. Having heard much about the fortunes to be made in the Buckeye State, they came hither, and soon thereafter the grandfather was drowned by the capsizing of his canoe on Wills Creek, in Liberty Township. Ilis wife then removed to Tuscara was County, and later returned to Virginia, where she died at the advanced age of eighty years.
The father of our subject followed the business of a shoemaker until his decease. Like his father, he was drowned in the lock at New Comerstown, while drawing water to assist in extinguishing a fire. Mrs. Catherine Lewis was born in Belmont, Olno, and died in 1875, at the age of fifty-five. She was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Schwyhart, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania
and Virginia. They removed from Guernsey Coun- ty to Belmont about 1837, and there passed the rest of their lives, engaged in cultivating the soil.
The parents of our subject were married in Wheeling Township, in 1840, and to them was granted a family of six children, three sons and three daughters, namely: Joseph F., deceased; Sa- rah E., the wife of John Fulkert, a farmer of this township; William, the subject of this sketch; Mary J., now the wife of John Berry, of Kimbolton, this state; David, deceased; and one who died unnamed in infancy. The family was well and favorably known in this locality, its members be- ing honest, hard-working and God-fearing people.
The subject of this sketch began the battle of life at the age of seven years, at which time he was deprived of the care of his father. He worked in the tobacco fields, receiving from six and one- fourth cents to eighteen cents per day and his board. In the mean time, being anxious to obtain a good education, he attended the district school during the dull seasons of work, and, although the subjects taught there were very incompetently handled, yet he gained a good understanding of the common branches.
When only fifteen years of age, young Lewis enlisted in the War of the Rebellion, becoming a member of Company 1. Eightieth Ohio Infantry, and, although in the army until the close of the war, was never wounded or taken prisoner. On his return home he rented a farm in this township. which he operated successfully for a year, dur- ing which time he resided at Kimbolton. At the expiration of that time he made a purchase of a small tract of land, also in Wheeling Township, on which he moved, and was engaged in its oper- ation for five years. In addition to this, he rented other land, and was occupied in cultivating the soil on quite an extensive scale.
Mr. Lewis continued to follow the occupation of an agriculturist until 1880, when he purchased a portable sawmill, and for the succeeding four years traveled through the county doing work. He then rented a farm after selling this property, and again followed the fortunes of farm life until the year 1892. That year he came to Wheeling, and began clerking for the lirm of which he is now the
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junior member, his partner in business being W. E. Case. They do a large business, and are widely known for their progressiveness and courteous treatment of customers. Mr. Lewis has been Town- ship Clerk, and at the present time is holding the office of Justice of the Peace. IIe was appointed Postmaster in 1894, and is discharging the duties of the position in a capable and efficient manner. Ile is a member in good 'standing of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, and in political affairs is a straightforward Republican, casting his first vote 'or U. S. Grant. As a citizen, he is always on the ide of every social and moral reform; as a neigh- jor he is kind, and as a friend stanch and truc. The poor and distressed find in him a cheerful velper, to whom no appeal is made in vain.
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OL. ZACCHEUS A. BEATTY. This gen- tleman, who figured prominently in the early history of Guernsey County, was the son of Jolin Beatty, who came to the present site of Cambridge in April, 1803, making the journey hither from Loudoun County, Va. Ilis family in- cluded three sons and three daughters. During the year 1805 the survey of Cambridge was made, and the first house built on the town plat was oc- cupied by him.
The brothers and sisters of our subject were Capt. Cyrus P., John, Susan, Elizabeth and Sarah. Colonel Beatty, in partnership with Jacob Gomber, at one time owned the entire site of Cambridge. Ile was born in Frederick County, Md., in 1774, and became a citizen of Ohio soon after it was ad- mitted into the Union as a state. Hle first located at Steubenville, and was for a period connected with the land oflice. He was a member of the Town Council at its organization, and was Repre- sentative from Jefferson County in the second
Legislature of Ohio. In the year 1807 he located at Cambridge, then in Muskingum County.
Our subject and his brother-in-law, Mr. Gomber, were extensive land-owners in this section, having purchased a quarter of the township in which Cam- bridge was located, besides other large tracts. lle too took an active part in the organization of Guernsey County, which was so called for the Guernsey settlers of 1806. He was the first repre- sentative to the state Legislature after its forma- tion in 1810. lle was afterward elected to the Senate from the district of which this county formed a part.
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