USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 51
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 51
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Mr. Martin is one of the oldest residents of the county, and can remember when Marion was the only town in the county, and when it contained only a cluster of-log cabins. Indians in that early day were more numerous than the white settlers, and often occasioned them a great amount of trouble. He is in the possession of all his fac- ulties and enjoys life, taking an interest in the welfare of those around him as if he were but be- ginning life instead of having climbed almost to the summit. In politics Mr. Martin is a Repub- lican, and has served acceptably as Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee and School Director. He is universally esteemed, and so well known that these few lines will find many interested readers.
ANFORD DEVORE, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 18, Liberty Township, Hardin County, moved in 1860 to this homestead, which at that time was covered with timber, but after putting up a cabin he proceeded to clear and develop a farmi. He has succeeded well in liis endeavors, and the entire farm is now under cultivation and well im-
proved. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Washington County, July 22, 1826.
Our subject's father, Jacob Devore, was born in Washington County in 1801, and in 1832 emi- grated to Carroll County, Olio, but previous to this, about 1820, lie had married Miss Catherine McCartney. In 1836 he became a resident of Col- umbiana County, and two years later settled in Buck Township, near Kenton. His last years were spent in Jackson Township, where he de- parted this life March 25, 1858. He was a weav- er by trade, and served a seven-years apprentice- ship in Pennsylvania and Wayne County, Ohio, whither his master removed. He followed the trade for a number of years in connection with farming, and was prospered. In early life he joined the Free-Will Baptist Church, but after coming to this state became a member of the Christian Church. Politically he was a Whig, and in 1856 voted the Republican ticket. His grandfather, Andrew Devore, was a native of France, and died about 1830, at the extreme old age of ninety-seven years. He was a General in the French army, and was also a soldier and of- ficer in the Revolutionary War. Several of his sons were in the War of 1812, and he was known as "Old General Devore." Our subject remen- bers him as a tall, powerful man, and recollects the old sword which used to hang by his bed. When Pennsylvania was first settled, he and a brother took up a whole township ( Mingo Town- ship, Washington County), but were not allowed to take out patents on more than half of that amount.
Joshua, the father of Jacob Devore, was born in Washington County, and died when Jacob was quite young. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Pernina A. Gibson, was also a native of Washington County, and became the mother of four children. Catherine (McCartney) Devore was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1803, and is a daughter of Jamies and Ann (Sandford) McCartney. The former died in early manhood, but his wife lived to be ninety-nine years, seven months and five days old. She visited our sub- ject's parents in Ohio when in her ninety-fiftli year, and returned to Pennsylvania, where her de-
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mise occurred about 1848. A brother and sister of Ann Sanford were captured by the Indians, and were kept in captivity for seven years. Their father kept a mill on the Susquehanna River, near Lewistown.
Sanford Devore is one of ten children, the others being Lewis, of Huntington County, Ind: ; Joshua, who now lives in Cass County, Iowa; George, who was killed in the war; Robert, a resident of Jackson Township; Jacob, who died in the Un- ion army during the war; Elijah, of Kosciuscko County, Ind .; James, who died in youth; and Elwood and Joseph, who dwell in Forest, Hardin County, the latter being a Mason. Young San- ford attended school in his native state one term before coming to Ohio, and later attended sub- scription schools. He worked for his father until reaching his majority, and for several summers drove stock across the mountains to the eastern markets. Then for two years he traveled with a circus, a part of the time being with the well known old Dan Rice, and visited points in the Central States, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennes- see. Subsequently he was employed on the Wa- bash Railroad for about six months, after which he was variously engaged. For three years after his marriage he rented land in Jackson Town- ship, but for thirty-five years he has lived on his present homestead.
June 1, 1857, Mr. Devore and Martha M. John- son were united in marriage. She was born near Kenton, April 3, 1837, and is a daughter of Jolin and Catherine (Johnson) Johnson, being the sev- enth of their eleven children. The father was born in Virginia, whence his father, John, Sr., had moved at a very early day. Both father and son were soldiers in the War of 1812, and the lat- ter drew a pension until his death, which occur- red in 1887. He was then ninety-two years old, and enjoyed good health until his last year. When he was past ninety-one he walked from Ada to our subject's residence, a distance of about three iniles. Eight children were born to our subject and his wife. The two eldest, John and Jacob, died in infancy; Angeline died when six- teen years of age; the next in order of birth are Delana and James; then follows George, who is
now a resident of Ada and operates a farm; Flora A. died in infancy; and Nanny's death occurred when she was in her fourth year.
The father of Mrs. Devore was one of the first settlers in Hardin County, only two or three families living outside of the forts, as the Indians were still in possession. He cut his way through the timber to Ft. McArthur and built a cabin on land which he entered as soon as it came into the market. For a time he lived in the old fort, and to him was given the first tax receipt ever issued in the county. A copy of this appeared in the Ada paper about 1885. He selected property in the center of the county, as he believed that the coun- ty seat would be eventually located there. This tract of eighty acres was situated two and a-half miles north of Kenton, and after improving it he sold out and bought three hundred and twenty acres. This land he also improved and sold, and at the time of his death lie owned upwards of six hundred acres, which he gave to his children. Mr. and Mrs. Devore are members of the Christian Church. Our subject has always voted the Re- publican ticket, and has frequently served as School Director and Road Supervisor.
ILLIAM M. NEVILLE. Doubtless no citizen of Hardin County is better known in the village and township of Roundhead than the subject of this sketch, who occupies and cultivates a valuable farm on section 33. For sonte years he was engaged in the mercantile bus- iness in Roundliead, and later, elected Sheriff of the county, he removed to Kenton, where he re- mained until the expiration of his term of office. With the progress of the county he has been closely identified, and no mian has contributed more to its development than has he. While a member of the Board of Commissioners, he as- sisted in putting in a ditch that has drained thirty thousand acres, thereby greatly increasing the value of property.
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In the city of Bellefontaine, thii's state, the birtli of William M. Neville occurred January 14, 1840. His parents, Samuel and Maria (Murphy ) Nev- ille, were born in Virginia, the former March 6, 1802, and the latter December 28, 1802. The paternal grandfather was also a Virginian by birth. In 1837 Samuel Neville settled in Belle- fontaine, Ohio, where lie followed the trade of a saddle and harness maker, and also made a spe- cialty of the manufacture of the Neville Horse Collar. In 1845 he moved to Roundhead, where he carried on business in the same line until his deatlı. For a time he was proprietor of the only hotel in the village.
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In the parental family there were four sons and six daughters, all of wliom attained years of ina- turity and eight are still living. Rebecca is the wife of Dr. Leedon, of Quincy, Ohio, formerly Master Mason of the state. Mary married Dr. Parker, of Parishville, N. Y. Lizzie H. is the wife of Hon. Edward Cooper, who represented Shelbyville, Ind., in the State Legislature for two terms. J. S. is a physician; and Matilda R., his twin sister, married G. R. Forsyth, of Louis- ville, Ky. Samuel W., who for some years was a railroad engineer, is now engaged in the lum- ber business in Virginia. Maria M. is the wife of Dr. John Perry, an influential citizen of Shel- byville, Ind. Wesley L., who died May 26, 1870, was a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College and a successful physician. William M. is the ninth in order of birth. Emma V., who died November 12, 1867, married Albert V. Gorgus, a wholesale and retail hardware dealer of Shelby- ville, Ind. The father of these children was a life-long Democrat, and for twenty years filled the office of Township Clerk. Mrs. Neville was a life-long worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her husband died June 3, 1873, but she survived him many years, dying November 2, 1887.
January 19, 1870, at Roundhead, occurred thie marriage of William M. Neville and Laura C. Vandemark. This lady was born February 25, 1845, and is a daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Du Bois) Vandemark, natives of New Jersey, but for many years residents of Middletown, Olio.
The seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neville are still living, namely: Emma V., who was born March1 3, 1871; Clarence E., November 23, 1872; William V., August 14, 1874; Jolin D., Septent- ber 5, 1876; Grace E., November 14, 1878; Les- ter R., January 22, 1881; and Earl Augustus, October 28, 1882.
Since a lad of thirteen years, our subject lias made his own way in the world. In the spring of 1855 lie received a certificate to teach school, and at once entered that occupation, his first term being in Logan County. For eleven consecutive years he taught in Logan and Shelby Counties, after which, in 1867, he came to Roundhead and accepted the position of Principal of the school here. It is worthy of note that during the two termis he taught in this village fourteen were prepared under his instruction for the teacher's profession. He had an average attendance of seventy-six pupils in the school.
Il1 1868 Mr. Neville erected the store he now occupies on Lot No. 8 in Roundliead village, and here he embarked in the general mercantile bus- iness under the firm name of Neville & Pfeiffer. Nineteen months later the partnership was dis- solved, Mr. Neville selling out to his partner, but in a short time lie bought a new stock and moved back to the old, stand. He carried on a profita- ble trade until 1874, when he sold to Robert Lyle. Two years prior to this he bought one hundred and sixty acres, to which he has since added un- til he now owns two hundred and eight acres on sections 32 and 33. In connection with general farming lie has been an extensive dealer in horses and cattle, and has been especially successful in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle.
In the fall of 1883 Mr. Neville was elected Coun- ty Commissioner, in which capacity he served for one terin. In 1889 he was elected Sheriff of Har- din County, and filled that responsible position to the utmost satisfaction of all concerned. In 1868 lie received the appointment of Postmaster, and was again chosen for that position in 1892. Dur- ing the last-named year hie again entered tlie mercantile business, and, in partnership with his sons, carries on a profitable trade among thie peo- ple of the village and the farmers of the surround-
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ing country. He takes an active interest in po- litical affairs, and is a stanch advocate of Demo- cratic principles. In religious belief he is a Pres- byterian. Both as a general farmer and business man, he has been remarkably successful, and justly deserves the honored place he occupies among the best people of the county.
EORGE W. SWALLOW carries on a fine farm in Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County. Hc has made his home here for the past ten years, during which time he has been respected and honored by those with whom he has come in contact, and has made hosts of friends among his, neighbors. A native of the Buckeye State, he was born in Harrison County, February 10, 1836, and with the excep- tion of the time spent in the service on southern battlefields, has always lived in this state.
Wormley Swallow, father of our subject, was born September 2, 1804, in Fauquier County, Va., and removed to Harrison County, Ohio, in 1827. For a period of six years he carried on a farm near New Athens, then went to Logan County, where he purchased a place containing two hundred acres, most of which was timber- land. Building a two-story cabin, he began clear- ing away the forests, and lived there until the spring of 1869. At that time he sold out, and was retired from business three years, his home being in Zanesfield. Later, going to the vicinity of Bellefontaine, he bought a tract of eighty acres of land, which was valued at SSo an acre. On this farm his death occurred in 1885, when he was in his eighty-second year. He was very successful as a veterinary surgeon, and had a large practice.
The wife of Wormley Swallow bore the maiden name of Harrict Riley. She was born in the same county as was her husband, June 7, 1807, and survived him but a ycar, dying at the age of eiglity years. To their union there were born the following children: Presley, who married Sa-
rah J. Ballinger; James, who died in 1886; Nancy J., who died in 1868; George W .; Nathan R., who married Mary Copp; Amanda E., wife of John Blakcly; Martha, unmarried; John P., who wedded Harriet Copp; William M., who married Lydia Lomax; Harriet, who was the wife of Luther Hugh, and died in 1881; and Julia E., Mrs. Shelby Hugh.
The boyhood of George W. Swallow was passed on his father's old homestead. He con- tinued to reside with his parents until reaching his majority, in the mean time learning the car- penter's trade. June 1, 1862, he enlisted in com- pany D, Eiglity-seventh Ohio Infantry, at Ken- ton, under Captain Herrick. Going to Harper's Ferry, he was in General Miles' army at the time of its surrender to the rebels, and was held a prisoner five months. Coming home, he re-en- listed, January 25, 1865, in Company D, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Infantry, un- der Capt. Robert G. Librand, and was honorably discharged, September 1, 1865, at Winchester, Va.
For two years after the war Mr. Swallow oper- ated his father's farm in Logan County, but in the spring of 1866 he rented a place in Hale Town- ship, this county. A year later he returned to Logan County, and was again a renter for two years, and afterward he rented another home- stead near Zanesfield, living there three years. Then he conducted a farm in the vicinity of Ridgeway, Hardin County, for a period of five years, and later rented land of his wife's father for three years, when he went back to Hale Town- ship for a year. The next farm that he managed was near Bellefontaine, and this was his home. four years, after which he took care of his aged father until his death. In 1885 he bought fifty- three acres in Taylor Creek Township, where he has since resided.
May 21, 1863, the marriage of our subject and Sarah M. Bird was celebrated. She is a daugh- ter of Gorham and Arsidelia (Scott) Bird, the former born in New York State, October 21, 1817, and the latter born May 9, 1821. Mr. Bird died June 23, 1891, while his wife died Jan- uary 11, 1891. Their family numbered six chil-
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dren: John W., who died in the service, aged twenty-five years; Sarah M .; Caroline and Emel- ine, twins; Dorwin; and Mrs. Della Sharp. Mr. and Mrs. Swallow have had born to thein two children. Charlie W., whose birth occurred Sep- tember 6, 1864, married Hattie Slonecker, July 25, 1894, in Logan County. Pearl, born July '29, 1877, lives at home and attends school at Ridgeway.
Following his father's example, our subject uses his ballot in behalf of the Democratic party. Mrs. Swallow is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.
PTON K. GUTHERY, Auditor of Marion County, is a leader in the Democratic party of this locality, and is the most popular and painstaking official that the county has ever had in this position. He was made a candidate in 1892, and in the ensuing election received a large major- ity. One of tlie native sons of Marion County, he was born in Bowling Green Township, and within its limits he grew to manhood.
Isaac F. Guthery, father of the gentleman whose name heads this article, was born in 1821, in Scioto County, Ohio, being a son of Joseph Guthery, a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch ancestry. The great-grandfather of our subject, John, was born in the Highlands of Scotland, and emigrated to America in Colonial days, serv- ing in the Revolutionary War and in the succeed- ing war with England. He was a Colonel in the War of 1812, and came to Ohio as an employe of the Government, engaging in the survey of the
Northwest Territory. He made liis place of abode in Scioto and Pike Counties, and was a very prominent figure in those pioneer days. His son Joseph was one of the earliest settlers in Marion County, and was the first Justice of the Peace in Bowling Green Township, serving for somne eighteen years. James Guthery, of Ken- tucky, who was Secretary of State during
Buchanan's administration, was an own cousin of our subject's grandfather. The father, Isaac F., served two terms as County Commissioner of this county, and twice enlisted for the Civil War, but was rejected on account of an injury to one of his arms. He was a prominent farmer and stockman of this vicinity, and departed this life i11 1887. One of his brothers, Jolin D., was a Representative in the State Legislature for two termis, and thus it may be seen that there have been many members of the family who have held influential places in society and in the Govern- ment.
In 1840 Isaac Guthery married Rachel Fred- erick, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Philip Frederick, of German origin. The family was one of the old and prominent ones in Vir- ginia, there having been many of the name who were noted as lawyers, judges and ministers. Philip Frederick emigrated to Oliio in an early day, and became the proprietor of a large flour- ing.mill. Mrs. Guthery is still living, and is now in Clarks, Neb., where the family have extensive possessions. Three of her sons, S. A., W. E. and P. E., are in the ranch business in Neb- raska and Wyoming. The first-named was at one time Sheriff of Marion County, and was Clerk of Converse County, Wyo., for one term. W. E. has been a member of the Wyoming Legislature.
Upton K. Guthery was born July 3, 1851, and is the third in a family numbering seven children. He was reared on his father's farm in this coun- ty, and received liis higher education at Delaware College and at the Lebanon Normal. When he was but seventeen years of age he commenced teaching, and was in charge of a country school for five terms, after which he was Superintendent of the Larue schools for three years, and then tauglit for a year in the State Normal at Medina, Ohio. Going West, lie next embarked in the ranchi business with his brothers, but later be- canie a member of an importing company locat- ed at Lincoln, Neb. He was connected with this firm for four years, during which time he made five trips to Europe on the company's business. In the mean time lie was also connected with an im-
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porting company of Marion, and besides dealt ex- tensively in fine blooded horses. He returned to this locality to make a permanent home in 1888, and has since been thoroughly identified with this section.
In 1879 Mr. Guthiery was married to Sarah J. Moore, of this city, and by their union have been born three sons and two daughters: Charles E., Fred E., Clara L., Isaac F. and Helen Love. Mrs. Guthiery was born in 1841, in Marion, and is a lady of good education and fine social attain- ments.
Many of the leading business concerns of Mar- ion have been glad to have Mr. Guthery give them his influence and support, and in this way he lias been a prominent factor in the upbuilding of the city. At the present time he is President of the Marion Fence Manufacturing Company, and numerous other concerns. He is a Knight Templar Mason, and is also a member of the Benevolent Order of Elks.
R EV. JAMES A. BURNS, rector of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church at Marion, has the reputation of being one of the most popular pastors in the state. Thie zeal lie evinces in his chosen work has lately been shown by the efforts he has made in connection with the building of the splendid new church in his parish, which is one of the finest in the diocese, and the corner- stone of which was laid October 14, 1894. Work- ing hand in hand with his people, ever alive to their best interests, he has come to be regarded by theni as a friend and brother, as well as their spiritual counselor and guide.
Father Burns is a native of Ireland, born in County Dotiegal, although, as he was brought to this country by his parents when an in- fant, lie is to all intents and purposes an Ameri- can. He was one of a family of nine chil-
dren, and the youngest, his birth having taken place June 29, 1843. His parents were poor, but, poor as they were, they still had the ambition which actuates so many Irish fathers and mothers to deny themselves that one of the sons at least shall be a priest. The family located in Cincin- nati on coming to this country, but moved from there in the early '50s to Tennessee, settling near Nashville. However, the disturbed state of the South just prior to the outbreak of the Rebellion again made a removal advisable, and the family returned to Olio.
In the beginning of the war Father Burns threw aside his books, eager like many thousands of other young men to join the fray. He received an appointment under William H. Lape, of New- port, Ky., who had a Government contract to construct powder magazines in the ordnance boats on the Ohio River. He saw little active service, and in 1861, when his kind friend, Mr. Lape, had fulfilled his contract, hie returned to his studies under his pastor, the late Rt .- Rev. Bishop Gilmour, of Cleveland, Ohio. Later he studied in a select school, under the instruction of the reverend and learned William Tappart, u11- til 1863, when he entered St. Thomas' College, near Beardstown, Ky. He was thence transfer- red to the famous "Mt. St. Mary's of the West" at Cincinnati, there remaining until he was or- dained by Archbishop Purcell, April 16, 1872, when not quite twenty-nine years old.
The first duties to which Father Burns was as- signed after his ordination were those of assistant to the pastor of St. Raphael's Church near Spring- field, where he remained until 1876, first under Rev. Father Thisse, and after his death under liis successor, Very Rev. Dean Sidley. During this time his abilities had been recognized by his superiors, and ou leaving Springfield he was sent to organize St. Paul's Mission at Yellow Springs, in Greene County, Ohio. He succeeded in es- tablishing permanently a resident pastor at the church there, and was thence sent to London, Madison County, in this state, as pastor of St. Patrick's Church. After a service of two and a- half years at London, he was finally transferred to this town, February 24, 1881, and has been here
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THOMAS MCCALL.
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ever sinee, a period of fourteen years. In 1891 he had the pleasure of seeing work begun on a fine new church, the parish having grown so un- der his ministrations that a new building was al- most a necessity.
Personally Father Burns is a man who arouses respect and liking wherever he goes. Imbued with a strong sense of his responsibilities, his position is no sineeure, but he is never too busy to take an interest in whatever will benefit the town, regardless of seetional lines. A great reader, and possessed of a genial Irish wit and a wonderful memory, he is a pleasant man to meet, and the confidence reposed in him and the affec- tion with which he is regarded by his parishioners and the townspeople at large find daily expres- sion.
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HOMAS McCALL. Numerous instanees might be eited in Hardin County of men who, by dint of persevering application and energy, have risen from an humble position to one of usefulness and influenee. They furnish proofs of eheerful, honest labor and a zealous de- termination to make the most of every advantage offered. Among this elass of suecessful men, mention belongs to the gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketeh. He was former- ly one of the prominent farmers of the county. but departed this life June 30, 1893.
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