The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 118

Author: W. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1880
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051

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JOHN H. COATE, farmer and dairy man ; P. O. West Milton; born on the place where he now lives Sept. 24, 1825 ; is a son of Henry and Rebecca Coate. John's early boyhood days were spent in a manner incident to youth, and, after he had attained age and strength, became a valuable auxiliary to his father in the labors of the farm, on which he labored until he obtained his majority. May 20, 1850, he was married to Miss Jane Coppock, who is a daughter of Joseph and Rachel Coppock, who were born in Ohio; Joseph in the year 1805, Rachel Hollingsworth, his wife, in 1806. They were married in 1824, and settled on a farm in this township, just west of Ludlow's Falls, on which they lived and reared their family of ten children, seven of whom are living, viz., Ephriam, Sampson, Jane, Isaac, David and Elizabeth (twins), and Sarah ; the deceased are Eunice, Mary A. and Benjamin. Joseph Coppock died in March, 1862, very suddenly, from the bursting of a blood-vessel. After his marriage, John engaged in farming and dealing in stock, on the place where he now resides ; he purchased 226 acres at the time, but has since added 40 acres, which makes his farm a very desirable one, and it is well adapted to the use he is making . of it; he also owns a fine property in West Milton, which consists of business houses and dwellings. Owing to the superior advantages of his location, he estab- lished a dairy in 1877, which he is successfully operating. In October, 1879, he purchased one of Cooley's Creameries, which should, perhaps, be spoken of; it con- sists of a rcetangular box, about 10x3 feet, containing 14 cans, each holding seven- teen quarts ; the milk, after being heated to a temperature of 120° is placed in the cans and reduced to a temperature of 45°; on this plan not more than half the

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time is consumed to raise the cream, and the products are far superior to the old way of butter-making; no skimming is required, as, by the aid of a syphon, which is a patent arrangement, the milk is drawn from under the cream, which is left in the bottom of the can. He uses Davis' swinging churn, which is without dash, and we can describe it only this way : the butter is rocked from the cream, and not pounded out. The products of this dairy are much sought after, and for three years Mr. C. has supplied hotels, restaurants and the officers of the Soldiers' Home with choice butter, supplanting all competitors. His cows are selected with great care, among which he has some of the favorite dairy breeds, thoroughbred, in all thirty in num- ber. He is assisted by his son, and their combined experience, and superior knowledge of stock, assure to them a complete success in the enterprise. His large and productive farm affords ample provender for his stock, and, as he is the first gentleman to establish a dairy in this part of the State, we feel an extended sketch of this enterprise is not out place. They are parents of four children, three of whom are living, viz., Henry, Warren and Loretta; Orlestus, deceased. They and their children are members of the Friends' Church, and are every-day Christian people, taking a lively interest in the welfare of their church.

HENRY W. COATE, merchant, West Milton ; is another of the old and permanent settlers of this township ; he was born here Sept. 16, 1818, and is a. son of Henry Coate, who settled here in 1800 ; was a native of South Carolina,. and by occupation a farmer and sicklesmith ; his ingenuity and skill in the manu- facture of the latter gave him much prominence among the farmers, as his work was very superior. Our subject was reared on the farm, and for four years assisted his father in the shop ; at the age of 21 years, he began life for himself, and chose farming as an occupation, at which he labored for thirty-eight years ; he then, in 1867, engaged in the mercantile business, in West Milton, and for thirteen years has catered to the wants of his customers from a full and perfect stock of goods, which includes everything usually found in a first-class retail house ; by fair deal- ing and an experience of years, he has won the confidence of the people, and is fully entitled to the patronage he receives. He was united in marriage with Rebecca Miles in 1838. They were the parents of two children, viz., Samuel and Elizabeth, the latter dying at the age of 11 years. Mrs. Coate departed this life in 1841. His second marriage was celebrated with Phoebe Cathron, in 1843. To this union four children were given, viz., Rachel, Phoebe, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Coate died in 1846. He celebrated his third marriage, with Hannah Pierce in 1851, and to this union two children were given, viz., Clarkson and Will- iam, the latter deceased. Our subject has filled the office of Supervisor many terms; thus proving his constituents have confidence in his executive ability. He has three children married, viz., Samuel, Rachel and Phoebe ; each was endowed at marriage with a handsome portion, amounting to $3,500, which, with a father's blessing, was a great encouragement to young mariners on the sea of life.

WILLIAM COMPTON, farmer ; P. O. West Milton; was born in this town- ship, on Sec. 24, in 1832, and is a son of Henry and Rachel Compton. His father was born in Warren Co., Ohio, in 1806 ; his mother in Miami Co., in 1810; both are living, and have resided in this township for more than half a century .. They are the parents of nine children, of whom six are living, viz., Martha, Pheres, William, Anna, Semantha, Lydia and Isaac. The deceased are Samuel, Nancy A. and one dying in infancy. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, where he assisted in the labors of the same until his 26th year, when he began life for him- self, and chose farming as a vocation. His marriage with Sarah J. Hutchins was celebrated in 1861 ; she was a daughter of Daniel H. Hutchins, a resident of Montgomery Co., Ohio. To their union one child was given, viz., Orilla E. Mrs. Compton departed this life April 1, 1872, aged about 36 years. She was a minis- ter of the Friends' Church, and died in the triumphs of her faith, and in the promises of her blessed Savior. His second marriage was celebrated with Sarah J. Gregg, in 1874 ; she is a daughter of William Gregg, a resident of Montgomery Co. After his first marriage he came to the place where he now resides. His

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land he cleared of the dense growth of timber that covered it, and fitted it for the implements of agriculture ; he has 734 acres of fine land, all in a high state of cultivation, and his buildings are good in every particular. He is a member of the society of Friends, and a very exemplary Christian gentleman.

ISAAC COMPTON, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; born on Sec. 24, in this township, Feb. 24, 1839 ; was the son of Henry and Rachel Compton, natives of Ohio, in which State they have lived all their lives, and now reside in their resi- dence on Sec. 24. Isaac was reared on his father's farm, on which he labored till his 26th year, when not in attendance at school, at which he was very regular ; he obtained a good common-school education, which enabled him to teach, a profes- sion he followed for some time, and then abandoned on account of the pressing duties arising from the farm. On the 26th day of November, 1864, he wedded Rachel J., a daughter of Henry W. Coate, whose sketch appears in this work, and who is at present one of the leading and successful business men in West Milton ; after the celebration of his nuptials he located on the place where he now resides ; he owns 75 acres of choice farming land, well improved ; to their union three children have been given, of whom two are living, viz., William, born Aug. 29, 1866 ; Omar C., born Dec. 16, 1872 ; Alice, born May 7, 1875, departed this life Nov. 8, 1878. He, and his amiable wife are members of the Friends' Church, and are every-day Christian people. Mrs. Compton was born in this county, April 14, 1845.

JOHN COPPOCK, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; born in Monroe Township, Miami Co., in the year 1823; is a son of Moses and Lydia Coppock, who were born in South Carolina, and with their parents came to Ohio in 1806 ; they first settled below Dayton, where they remained for awhile, then came to Munroe Township, in which he lived till 1840, when he removed to a farm near Laura, on which he lived a number of years, then, old age creeping on, took up his abode with John (our sub- ject), with whom he lived till his decease, which occurred in February, 1877, at the age of 89 years and 10 months ; his wife, Lydia, departed this life when her son was a mere child; they were parents of eight children, of whom five are living, viz., Elizabeth, James, Samuel, John and Mary ; the deceased are Hannah Jane and an infant. John was reared on his father's farm, and labored thereon until he attained his majority, at which time he began life for himself. His marriage with Susan Inman was celebrated in 1844 ; she was born in 1826, and is a daughter of Eli Inman, who was one of the early settlers. After his marriage he remained on his father's farm for some years, then went to Monroe Township, in which he remained three years, then returned to the place where he now resides ; he has 160 acres of good land, of which over 100 acres are under cultivation ; the balance he is improv- ing and bringing to the same condition ; they are the parents of seven children, of whom four are living, viz., Wesley, Moses, James E. and Alice ; the deceased are Eli, Mary E. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Coppock are members of the denom- ination of Friends, as are their children, which is a source of satisfaction to their parents. His grandparents were James and Hannah Coppock, who came to Miami Co. in 1806.

ZIMRY COPPOCK, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; was born in Union Town- ship in the year 1819, and is a son of William and Charity Coppock, who were born in South Carolina, and, with their parents, came to Ohio in the year 1806 ; they purchased land of Isaac Hasket ; also entered a tract of land adjoining, on which Grandfather Coppock made his permanent home until his decease, which occurred at an advanced age. William Coppock, father of Zimry, made his home on the land purchased from Hasket ; he was married to Charity Hollingsworth, by whom he had eleven children, of whom three are living, viz., James, Rachel and Zimry ; the deceased are Henry, Isaac, Eli, Sarah, Delilah, Esther, Jane, and an infant; William Coppock departed this life in the 66th year of his age, his wife at the age of 41 years 1 month and 23 days ; he was born on the 10th of 3d month, 1797, she the 25th of 12th month, 1797. Zimry's early days were spent on the farm, where he labored till his 21st year. He was married to Mary Coppock in the year 1845; she is a daughter of Moses Coppock, who was a native of South Carolina, and

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settled in Ohio at a very early day. Mr. and Mrs. Z. Coppock have had four chil- dren, three are living, viz., Eunice, Lydia and Almeda ; Martha (Mrs. Kunkleman) died, leaving three children. After his marriage, Zimry removed to Newton Town- ship, where he owned a farm of 80 acres, upon which he lived some time, then re- turned to the old home place, where he has since resided ; he owns 113 acres of fine land, which is all in a good state of cultivation, with average buildings erected thereon. He and his wife belong to the denomination of Friends, and are exem- plary Christian people. The Coppock family, in connection with the Coates, trace back to the colony established by William Penn, thus giving them a record of which they may well be proud.

HARVY COPPOCK, miller, West Milton ; born in this township in the year 1838; is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Coate) Coppock, who were born in this county ; his grandfather, Benjamin C., and his grandmother, Susana, were natives of South Carolina; they settled in this county in 1806. Mrs. Isaac Coppock de- parted this life in 1857, aged about 45 years ; they were the parents of six children, four of whom are living, viz., Harvy, Mary C., Susana and Jesse ; the deceased are Henry and Benjamin. Harvy was reared on his father's farm, on which he labored till his 21st year ; then began life for himself, and, for a short time, labored on the farm. His marriage with Mary J. Coate was celebrated March 1, 1859 ; she was born in 1841, in this township, and is a daughter of Thomas Coate, who was one of the old settlers here; he now lives in Kansas. After his marriage he became a partner of the above gentleman, and together they operated the flouring-mill south of Milton for three years; then he returned to the farm, on which he labored three years, after which he purchased the mill he is now operating. He has a good loca- tion, with a never-failing power, and all work is done in a scientific way, as his long experience in milling has well fitted him for the business ; he makes a specialty in fine flour, which commands a liberal patronage from the public. They are parents of three children, viz., John W., Henry, and Clara. He and his amiable wife are exemplary members of the Christian Church, and take a lively interest in the cause and development of the Christian religion ; she was born in this township in 1841.

CLARK COPPOCK, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; born on the place where he now resides, April 13, 1832 ; is a son of James and Jane Coppock. His father was born in South Carolina in the year 1799 ; his mother was born in 1804. James Coppock came with his widowed mother, from their native State, to Miami Co., in 1805 ; their journey was made across an almost impassable wilderness with a very light team, and the elder children were obliged to walk almost the entire distance. Upon their arrival, she entered the northeast quarter of Sec. 7, where Clark, her grandson, now resides. On this land she lived until her death, which occurred when at an advanced age. She had seven children, six sons and one daughter, viz., Eunice, Aaron, Isaac, Layton, John, Joseph and James, who was married to Jane Huntsman, by whom he had twelve children ten living, viz., Chesley D., Calvin, Aaron, Isaac, David C., Lydia, James, Jane, Eunice and Avilla ; the deceased are Marajah and Isaac, the latter dying in Missouri. James Coppock departed this life in March, 1867. His wife survived him, and for several years previous to her death was utterly helpless from palsy. The 9th of March, 1875, her spirit winged its flight, aged about 71 years." Clark's boyhood days were spent in a manner usual to youth, and, as years developed his frame and toughened his muscles, he grappled with the difficult physical labors incident to the farm. On the 7th day of January, 1855, he led to the marriage altar Miss Emiline B. Niles, a daughter of Ephraim and Fanny Niles, who were among the early settlers in this county. After the celebration of his nuptials, he removed to a farm of 160 acres in Franklin Township, Darke Co., on which he remained two years, and then embarked in the mercantile business in Laura, this county, where he was engaged for four years. Aug. 22, 1862, he responded to the President's call for troops to suppress the rebellion, and enlisted in Co. G, of the 110th O. V. I., after which he was transferred to the vicinity of Petersburg, Va., where the regiment was placed in the Third Corps, but was soon after transferred to the Sixth, which was commanded by the

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noble Sedgwick, and after his death by Gen. Wright. He passed through the battle of Winchester, where the boys of the 110th were severely pressed ; he took shelter behind a small sapling, which was only large enough to afford a central protection, thus leaving his body exposed on either side. There he remained only long enough to make a few shots ; but the tree was struck three times, two of the balls glancing, scattering the splinters right and left. one of which passed into his hand. He was at Cedar Creek, Cold Harbor (called by the boys of the 110th Hot Harbor), and was in the ranks during the terrific and ever-to-be-remembered battle of the Wilderness, in which the roar of guns, hissing and screeching of the missiles of death, were incessant for forty-two consecutive days and nights. There he was fired on by a rebel in such close proximity that the powder from the dis- charge burned his face and almost blinded him ; the bullet whizzed past his head, clipping the tip of the left ear. Here he saw the lamented and brave Sedgwick fall ; heard him say, " I do not apprehend an attack on this part of the line," which were probably the last words he ever uttered, as he fell almost immediately after- ward. At Monocacy Junction, his division stood the brunt of the battle, and for awhile held Early's whole army in check ; at Cedar Creek, the rebels made a charge on their lines and captured thirty-two pieces of artillery, which they held till noon, at which time the boys from Ohio returned the compliments of the morning, and captured eighty pieces, besides what they lost in the morning. Here he received a wound from a piece of shell in the right shoulder, which alnost straightened him out, but refused to go to the hospital, staying on the field until able to take his place in the ranks. This regiment is deserving of more than a passing notice; but our space forbids, and our ability will only permit us to say, none did their duty more bravely, or passed through greater hardship, than the 110th O. V. I., which came home with thinned ranks, and with battered and battle-torn banners. He was discharged from the service of his country June 25, 1865, having served nearly three years. Upon his return home, he engaged principally in stock-dealing, which he followed until 1875, at which time he removed to the old home farm, where he now resides. In offices he has been well represented, having discharged the duties of Constable, Supervisor, Trustee and School Director. Mr. and Mrs. Coppock are the parents of five children, of whom four are living, viz., Francis M., Angeretta, Lewis N. and Susana P. ; Eldora, deceased.

HAVILAH COPPOCK, broker and dealer in stock, West Milton ; born in 1843 ; is a son of James Coppock, one of the early pioneers of Miami Co. Havilah was reared on his father's farm, his early days being spent in a manner incident to youth, and, after years had developed his strength and frame, he became a valu- able auxiliary to his father in the labors of the farm. At the age of 20, he began life for himself, and engaged in farming and dealing in stock till 1879. at which time he rented his farm, which consists of 83 acres, and moved to this place, since when he has dealt largely in stock. Dec. 29, 1868, he was married to Mary, a daughter of John Porter, by whom he has had three children, all of whom are liv- ing, viz., Wilson, born Oct 17, 1869 ; Louis, born Aug. 9, 1871 ; Leon A., born Ang. 15, 1874. He was Assessor of the township in the years 1878 and 1879. Mrs. Cop- pock was born May 23, 1847.

HENRY CAVENDER, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; born in Staunton Town- ship in the year 1825; is a son of John and Rachel Cavender, who were born in the State of Maryland. They came to Miami Co. about 1804 or 1805. and at the time of settlement Indians were plenty, but all dangers were faced, and a settle- ment effected. For a number of years he labored on leased land, having had all his money, $700 in gold, stolen while he was on the move from Maryland. Through hard work and frugality, he was soon able to purchase 80 acres of land. on which he made his home till death, in 1840, called him hence, aged 60 years ; his wife departed her life in the 63d year of her age. They were the parents of eight children, of whom four are living-Robert, Abigail, John and Henry ; the deceased are Wesley, Samuel, Mary and Thomas. At the age of 13, our subject was deprived of his father by death, but he remained with his widowed mother on the

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farın until he was 22 years of age. In 1854, he was married to Louisa Hearn, by whom he had six children, of whom three are living, viz., Charles W., Clara M. and Sylvester G. ; the deceased are William H., George F. and Edward M. Mrs. C. departed this life June 8, 1875 ; was born June 30, 1833. His second marriage was celebrated with Elizabeth Amlin, Nov. 13, 1878 ; she is a daughter of Samuel and Hannah Amlin ; he was born in New Jersey, she in West Virginia ; they came to Ohio about 1830. and settled in Richland Co. Mr. A. died in 1872, aged 90 years, 5 months and 11 days. Her mother is still living at the advanced age of 83 years. He was the father of thirteen children by three marriages ; the latter with Mrs. C.'s mother, by whom he had four children, viz., Amy A., Alfred. Samuel and Elizabeth. Alfred was a member of Co. A, 35th O. V. I., and fell in the battle of Mission Ridge, pierced in the breast by a ball ; Samuel died at the age of 13 months. Mr. C. moved to the place where he now resides in 1861 ; he has 50 acres of fine land, which is situated west of Milton, all being in a good state of cultiva- tion, and his improvements are number one in every particular. The beautiful grounds, commodious house and barn, in conjunction with other improvements of more than ordinary character, tend to make his home a very desirable one. He and his most estimable wife are exemplary church members, and are consistent Christian people, taking a lively interest in the cause and development of the Christian religion. He is one of our self-made men, having begun life without a dollar, but, by hard work and good management, he has accomplished the great object in life-made a good home, which is the fruit of toil and frugality. where his declining years are being spent, surrounded by all the comforts of life.

WELLER B. COX, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; born in Darke Co. Aug. 6, 1840 ; is the son of Henry Cox, born in 1802, and Anna (Long) Cox, born in 1810, and both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Cox, Sr., removed to Missouri in 1843 or 1844, and departed this life in Miami Co., aged 60 years ; Mrs. Cox is still living at the advanced age of 70 years. They were the parents of nine children, of whom five are still living, viz., Joseph, Harb D., Alice, W. B. and Minerva ; the deceased are Elizabeth, Peleg, Sarah J. and Elizabeth E. Our subject was reared on the farm, which he assisted his father in cultivating until he was 19 years of age. In 1859, he was united in marriage with Louisa M., a daughter of Lloyd N. and Sarah N. Conaway, born March 16, 1842 ; her father was a native of Maryland, and was born in 1815 ; he came to Ohio alone, when 16 years of age ; he departed this life in Miami Co., aged 26 years. Her mother, Sarah N. (Aldrich) Conaway, was born in Rhode Island in 1818, and removed to Darke Co. with her parents in 1830 ; they are living where they settled fifty years ago, at a ripe old age. Mrs. Cox's mother departed this life in Miami Co., in 1871. Her second marriage was celebrated with Joseph Coppock, and to their union three children were given, viz., Amanda J. and Albert A. (twins), the latter deceased, and Francis. After our subject's mar- riage, he engaged in farming in Franklin Township, Darke Co., for two years ; then moved to the place where he now resides, in 1861 ; he has 75 acres of choice farming land, all in a good state of cultivation, and his buildings are of more than ordinary character, which, in connection with the beautiful grounds and shrubbery, makes the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cox a pretty and most desirable place. He is a member of the Board of Agriculture in the county, and has filled the office of Supervisor for two terms. He and his wife have been connected with the Christian Church for nine years, and are exemplary Christian people. They are the parents of two children, viz., Ada Belle, born May 6, 1860 ; Lloyd, born Oct. 26, 1861. His daughter was married to Frank Huffman, Aug. 8, 1878 ; they have one child, viz., Nelson B.

M. CREW, farmer and merchant ; P. O. West Milton ; born in West Milton in 1831 ; is a son of Dr. Benjamin Crew, who was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1799, and departed this life in West Milton in 1833 ; his mother was born in 1808. On Aug. 6, 1827, she was married to Benjamin Crew ; two children were the results of their union-Casper and our subject. She was afterward married to John Coate, by whom she had four children, two living, Robert and Benjamin,

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and two dying in infancy. Our subject's boyhood was passed in West Milton, and at the age of 7 years, he removed to the farm ; at the age of 20 years, he began life for himself, and followed farming till 1853, when he entered mercantile life, and for five years carried on a general store, after which, he returned to the farm where he has since resided. In 1852, he was married to Susan Syler, by whom he has had four children, three living-Angeline, Harvey and Emma ; Laura, deceased. Mrs. Crew is a daughter of David and Eliza Syler, who were among the early set- tlers. Mr. Crew owns 80 acres of land, which is all in a good state of cultivation and well improved. His daughter, Angelina, is one of the prominent and success- ful educators of the county, having taught for several years. In the spring of 1880, he, in partnership with Oliver Hahn, embarked in the mercantile business in West Milton ; they carry an elegant stock in their line, consisting of everything usually found in a first-class retail house. Mrs. Crew was born in this county in 1833. He and his estimable wife are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been connected twenty-one years, and are exemplary Christian people.

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The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 118

Author: W. H. Beers & Co. Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1051

Author: W. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1880
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051