The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 150

Author: Durant, Pliny A. [from old catalog]; Beers, W. H., & co., Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1254

USA > Ohio > Union County > The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record; > Part 150

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

AMON DAVIS, farmer, P. O. York. The subject of this sketch was born in Washington County, Penn., July 23, 1819, and when two years of age, with his parents, David and Keziah Davis, he came to HIarrison County, Ohio. In 1833, with them, he came to Union County, where they remained until their decease ; the former in June, 1878, and the latter in December of the same year. Of a family of ten children, eight are now living, viz. : George, Eliza, Amon, David, Washington, Susan, Finley D. and Thomas. On January 18, 1844, our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Roxana Storms, daughter of Gregory and Melinda Storms. To them were born two children-Melinda and Oliver B. She died in October, 1876, and he subsequently married Mrs. Roxaua Brooks, widow of the late James Brooks. Mr. Davis has served as Trustee of York Township and is a member of the United Brethern Church. He is the owner of 160 acres of land.

W. Mr. Skidmore

541

YORK TOWNSHIP.

OLIVER B. DAVIS, farmer, P. O. York, was born in Uuion County, Ohio, December 22, 1847. His parents are Amon and Roxana (deceased) Davis, whose biography appears in this work. In his youth he received but a rudimentary education. In December, 1871, he married Miss Rebecca Van Vorhiss, daughter of Peter and Matilda VanVorhiss, of Logan County, Ohio. This union has been blessed with two children, of whom one is now living, viz .: Oral F., born July 29, 1881. Mr. Davis, as an agriculturist, has been quite successful, having plenty of energy and industrious habits, traits which characterize the Davis family. He has a fine farm of 175 acres, on which he has built a commodious residence.

GEORGE H. DILSAVER (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 20, 1812. His parents were George and Elizabeth Dilsaver, both natives of Virginia. When a boy, with his parents, he moved to Delaware County, where he married in October, 1835, Miss Rachel Deeker, who was born in March, 1813; she was a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Deeker, who were natives of Virginia. To them were born five chil- dren, three of whom are now living, viz .: George T., Joseph and Austin. After his marriage he settled in Delaware County, where he remained until his decease, October 7, 1844. His widow continued to reside in Delaware County until November, 1874, when she, with her son Joseph, came to Union County and settled in the northern part of York Township, where they now re- side and where they have a farm of 145 acres.

FRANCIS M. DRAKE (deceased). Chordy Drake, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in North Carolina, and came to Warren County, Ohio, at an early day. In Logan County he married Miss Sarah James, by whom he had eight children, of whom four are yet living. About the year 1834, he settled in York Township, Union County, near the boundary line of Logan County, where he remained until a short time prior to his decease. After spending a life of usefulness, respected by all who knew him, he quietly passed away in June, 1878, at the home Thomas Skidmore, in York Township. His faithful consort survived him but a short time, she having departed this life in July, 1880. The subject of this sketch was born August 14, 1828, in Warren County, Ohio, and when four years of age, with his parents, came to Logan County and located near East Liberty, where they, however, remained but a short time, when they set- tled in Union County, as aforementioned. On February 28, 1850, he married Miss Mary Har- riman, who was born July 20, 1831, in Logan County, Ohio; she was a daughter of Simpkin and Sarah Harriman, her father a native of Virginia, and her mother a native of Pennsylvania ; they came to Logan County, Ohio, in quite an early day. This union has been blessed with three chil- dren, of whom two are now living-Chordy L. and John T. Shortly after their marriage, they set- tled in the western portion of York Township, on the farm where the widow still resides. He had served as Trustee of York Township, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On May 15, 1880, he departed this life, respected by all who knew him. John T. Drake, one of the sons of our subject, was born October 1, 1853, in Union County, Ohio, and is at present residing on the homestead farm. On December 25, 1875, he married Miss Mary M. Henry, who was born in Lo- gan County, July 30, 1858 ; she is a daughter of George W. and Margaret (deceased) Henry. They have two children-Maggie M. and Perry R. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Chordy L. Drake, also a son of our subject, was born March 1, 1851, in Union County, Ohio, and received in his youth a good common school education. When eighteen years of age, he began teaching school, which he followed alternately for perhaps ten years. On March 13, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Dally, daughter of Isaac and Louisa (deceased) Dally. To them has been born one child-Avis E., born April 22, 1880. Mr. Drake has been Superintendent of the Bethel Sunday School in York Township, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife. Politically, he is a Republican, and he is the owner of ninety-three acres of land. Isaac Dally, father of Mrs. Drake, was born April 19, 1829, in Richland County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Mary A. Dally. In September, 1851, he married Louisa Hupp, by whom he had two children-Sarah A. and John W. (deceased); she died in June, 1858, and in June, 1860, he was married to Mary E. Ballinger, daughter of Caleb and Hannah Ballenger. By this Union there has been an issue of six children-Mary L., Zoah M., Zell B., Rebecca M., Ivory E. and Ivy E. In 1860, Mr. Dally came to York Township, Union County ; he is the owner of about 387 acres of land, and resides in the northwestera portion of York Township.

JONAS FIGLEY, farmer and blacksmith, P. O. York. The subject of this sketch was born in Washington County, Penn., February 18, 1814; his parents were Jonas and Elizabeth Figley. When a young man he learned the trade of blacksmithing, which he followed for forty years. In 1834, he came to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he remained one year and then moved to Carroll County, where he followed his trade eleven years. He was married, October 30, 1834. to Miss Mary Middleswarth, by whom he had ten children, seven of whom are now living, viz. : Margaret M., Emily S., Mary M., Elizabeth M., Rebecca A., Calvin M. and Sarah M. About the year 1846, he came to Union County and settled in York Township, where he now resides. In connection with his farming, he also, until the year 1874, followed his trade. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, the owner of 115 acres of land, and resides in the northern portion of the township.

STEPHEN FLICKINGER (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born, May 4, 1823, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio; his parents were John and Margret Flickinger, natives of Pennsylvania,

542

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

who settled in Tuscarawas County at an early day. He spent his youth on a farm, and received an ordinary district school education. On August 7, 1845, in Tuscarawas County, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret A. Figley, who was born December 23, 1825, in Tuscarawas County, and is a daughter of Jacob and Anne Figley. her father a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of Maryland. By this union there was an issue of eight children, viz. : William E., Jacob M., Eliza J., Margaret O., John W., Mary E., Samuel H. and Joseph F., the latter two of whom are deceased. In October, 1854, with his family, he came to Union County and settled in the north- ern portion of York Township. He died January 22, 1869, leaving to his widow a farm of 153 acres. He was an exemplary man in life, modest in manner, charitable in all things and highly esteemed throughout the community. For many years he was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, taking an active interest in his church duties and leading a true Christain life.

WILLIAM T. FULTON, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek. The subject of this sketch was born October 22, 1818, in Maryland ; in 1836, with his parents, David and Ann M. Fulton, he emigrated to Union County, Ohio, settling in York Towhship, where they remained until their decease. He was from his early youth reared on a farm, and received but a limited education. In January, 1859, he married Miss Harriett A. Neil, daughter of Solomon and Ann H. Neil, of Marysville, this county. This union has been b'essed with five children, viz. : Ulysses G,, Mary N., Will- iam, Jennie 1I. and Joseph H. (the latter two of whom are deceased). Mr. Fulton has for six years served as a Commissioner of Union County, and also as Trustee and Clerk of York Town- ship. Heis of a social, entertaining disposition and quite popular, and the owner of 304 acres of land. He resides in the southeastern portion of York Township.

JOHN M. GUNDER, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek. The parents of the subject of this sketch, Abraham and Magdalena Gunder, emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1834. They first came to Marion County, then to Crawford County, residing several years in each, and finally they moved to Wyandot County, where they remained until her decease in 1868. He died in Union County in July, 1878. They were the parents of nine children, of whom six are now living, viz .: Jonathan, John M., James M., Daniel H., Naney J. and Julia. Our subject was born in Pennsylvania October 18, 1833, and when one year old, with his parents he was brought to Ohio. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received the rudiments of education in a district school. On February 10, 1859, in Wyandot County, he married Phoebe A. Brooks, who was born November 26, 1840; she is a daughter of Joseph S. and Phoebe Brooks, of Wyandot County. To them have been born nine children-Charles E. D., Pinkney B., John B .. Zeddie U., Harry O., Madison H., Frances A., Zeffie U. and an infant son not yet named. Frances A. and Zeffie U. are deceased. In the spring of 1875, with his family, he came to Union County and settled in York Township. After his marriage, according to his own statement, "he had not one dollar with which to begin housekeeping," but by economy, perseverance and hard work he has been by degrees increasing his scanty store until to-day he is the owner of an estate of nearly 300 acres. He is a self-made man in the true sense of the word. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the I. O. O. F. society. He resides in the southern por- tion of York Township.

THOMAS C. HAMILTON, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek. The subject of this sketch was born in Claibourne Township, Union County, July 18, 1849, and when a mere child, with his parents, Cornelius and Louisa Hamilton, both now deceased, he moved to Marysville, where he remained until he reached the years of manhood. On February 27, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Vance, daughter of John and Phoba Vance, of Union County. To them have been born two children, viz .: Cornelius, born February 2, 1873, and Centennial, born July 19, 1876. In January, 187], Mr. llamilton settled in the southern portion of York Township, where he now resides. He is the owner of 109 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, and one of York. Township's energetic farmers.

VIRGIL HARRIS, farmer, P. O. York. Jacob Harris, father of the subject of this sketch, was born Octobor 26, 1810, in Knox County, Ohio, and was a son of Joseph and Rachel Harris, both natives of Virginia, who settled in Knox County at an early day. On June 5, 1834, in Knox County, he married Elizabeth Stults, who was born January 23, 1806, in Licking County, Ohio ; she is a daughter of Adam and Margaret Stulis, early settlers of Lieking County. To them have been born seven children-David J., Virgil, George W., Margaret, Alvira, Mary and Sarah. With his family in 1854, Mr. Harris came from Knox to Union County and settled in York Township where he now resides. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and the owner of 135 acres of land. Our subject was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 23, 1842, and in 1854, with his parents, came to Union County, where, on April 15, 1882, he married Miss Emma Miller. Mr. Ilarris is a young man with good prospects of a successful future. He re- sides on his farm, which is pleasantly located near York Center.

AMOS P. HARVEY, farmer, P. O. West Mansfield. The subject of this sketch was born November 24, 1829, in New Hampshire, and about the year 1837, with his parents, Erastus and Betsy E. Harvey, he emigrated to Champaign County, Ohio. He remained in Champaign County until about twelve years of age, when, with his parents, he located for three years in Logan County. From Logan he went to Clark County, where, on September 20, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret A. Tuttle, who was born in December, 1833, and was a

543

YORK TOWNSHIP.

daughter of John and Margaret Tuttle, of Clark County. This union has been blessed with ten children, viz. : John P., Lanson B., Harry C., Charles E., Willis T., Dennis W., Emma (de- ceased), Edward P., Howard and Ethel. In 1859, from Clark County, Mr. Harvey came to Union County and settled in the western portion of York Township, where he now resides. In February, 1865, enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and continued in the service until the following September. He has served as Justice of the Peace and Trustee of York Township. In the management of his farm he has everything done in the most orderly and advantageous manner. He is the owner of 375 acres of land, upon which is built a fine residence and other commodious buildings, making it one of the finest farms in Union County.

JOHN H. HOOVER, farmer, P. O. York, The subject of this sketch was born June 5, 1827, in Jefferson County, Ohio; his parents were Adam Hoover, a native of Maryland, and Rachel Hoover, who in 1851 or 1852, came from Harrison to Union County, Ohio. Of their family of ten children, five are now living, viz. : James, Charles, William M., Rachel A. and John H. They settled on Bokes Creek, in York Township, where they spent the remainder of their days. Our subject, when three years of age, with his parents, located in IIarrison County, where he married Miss Catharine Hines, who was born August 31, 1826 ; she is a daughter of Christo- pher and Jane Hines. To them have been born one son-William H., born October 15, 1849, in Harrison County ; he was married December 21, 1871, to Miss Lovella Shirk, who was born July 21, 1849 ; she is a daughter of Henson and Nancy J. Shirk, of Union County. About the year 1852, our subject came to Union County and settled in York Township, where he now re- sides. During the war of the late rebellion, he enlisted in the service for a few months. He has served as School Director, is a member of the M. E. Church, and the owner of fifty-seven acres of land.

JOHN HUFFMAN (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Guernsey Connty. Ohio, August 24, 1830; he was a son of Benjamin and Mary Huffman, natives of Pennsylvania, and when fifteen years old, with them, he came to Knox County, Ohio. where his mother died, and where his father still resides. On September 10, 1853, in Knox County, he married Sarah J. Dally, daughter of John and Mary A. Dally, who died about one year after marriage. On September 18, 1860, he married Miss Almina Skidmore, who was born August 30, 1843, in Union County, Ohio ; she is a daughter of Isaac and Sarah A. Skidmore, of York Township, whose sketch appears in this work. By this union there has been an issue of five children, viz. : Dora A., born November 2, 1865; Hamer 1., born July 18, 1868; Bertis, born April 6, 1871 ; Eldon, born February 23, 1874 ; and Mary I., born April 31, 1879. In 1867, he settled in the south- western portion of York Township, where bis widow still resides. Mr. Huffman was a member of the Baptist Church, and left to his widow a fine farm of 164 acres. He was an indulgent father and an affectionate husband, and departed this life March 1, 1879.

JOHN B. HYDE, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek, a pioneer of York Township, was born March 4, 1815, in Harrison County, Ohio. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Hyde, natives of Pennsylvania. In the spring of the year 1832, his father came from Harrison County and bought a tract of land on Bokes Creek, in York Township, and after having cleared it and planted corn and vegetables, he returned to Harrison County for the purpose of bringing with him his family. On their way, in Delaware County, he was taken ill, and shortly after died. Our subject with the rest of the family, however, came and settled on the land, which his father bought. On December 23, 1837, he married Eliza Davis, who was born October 23. 1817, in Pennsylvania; she is a daughter of David and Keziah Davis, of whom we have made mention in another portion of this work. By this union there has been an issue of nine chil- dren, of whom six are now living, viz .: Keziah, Thomas B., Rebecca A., Mary M., William F. and Nancy One of his sons George W. Hyde (deceased), enlisted in February, 1862, in the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in several prominent engagements, but owing to an illness, which he contracted by exposure, he was discharged in the fall of the same year from the service and returned home. He re-enlisted in February, 1864, and was killed at the battle of Resaca, Ga., on May 26, 1864. For two years, Mr. Hyde has served as Trustee of York Township, and for many years he has been a School Director. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, and he is the owner of 130 acres of land.

NESBIT JANUARY, farmer, P. O. West Mansfield. The subject of this sketch was born in Greene County, Ohio, August 4, 1826. In 1829, with his parents, James and Catherine Jan- uary, he came to Marysville, Union County, where, with them, he remained until eleven years of age. From Marysville he went to Logan County, where he remained until 1853, at which time he returned to Union County. On September 21, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Savage, who was born February 28, 1833, in Champaign County, Ohio; she is a daughter of Austin and Irena Savage. To them have been born thirteen children-Irena, Orson, James, Ira, Wickliffe, Mary, Otway, Reuhen, Caroline, Huston, and three who are de- ceased. In 1853, Mr. January settled in the northwestern portion of York Township, where he now resides. He is a direct descendant of a Huguenot family, who with many others were persecuted in France, and came to America, where they gained their religious freedom. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother of Maryland; they were married in Greene

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

County, Ohio, January 22, 1822. By this union there was an issue of six children-Huston, Neshit, Martha, Elizabeth, and two deceased. His father died in 1842, and his mother in 1854, Our subject has been successful in business, and is the owner of 196 acres of land.

JOSIIUA KELLER, farmer, P. O. West Mansfield. The subject of this sketch was born December 4, 1825, in Uniou County, Ohio ; his parents, were Frederick and Rachel Keller, who came to York Township, Union County, about the year 1820. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received but a rudimentary education. He resided with his parents until April 25, 1852, at which time he married Mary 1. Ballinger, who was born in May, 1834, in Logan County ; she was a daughter of Thomas and Patience Ballinger. To them have been born four children, three of whom are now living-Celestia F., Henry N. J., Zylpha G. and Rudy W. (de- ceased). Shortly after the dite of his marriage, Mr. Keller settled in the southern portion of York Township, where he now resides. He has served as School Director, has been successful as an agriculturist, and is the owner of 163 acres of land.

LEVI LANE (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born August 30, 1811, in North Carolina, and, when a youth, with his parents, Benjamin and Mary Lane, he came to Logan County, Onio. On December 10, 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Skidmore, who was born April 21, 1811 ; she was a daughter of William and Mary Skidmore. By this union there was an issue of fourteen children, ten of whom are now living, viz .: Ruth J., Mary, Will- iam, Jasper, Lemuel, Thomas N., John M., Rachel E., Susan S. and Matilda A. He settled in Logan County and remained there until 1855, in which year he came to Union County and settled in the southern portion of York Township. He settled in the woods, comparatively speaking, and by his industry and perseverance succeeded in making for his family a comfort- able home. He died August 31, 1862, respected by all who knew him. He was a kind and loving father and an indulgent husband. His widow survives him, and at present resides with her son William in York Township. William Lane, a son of our subject, was born May 17, 1838, in Logan County, Ohio, and on April 7, 1859, married Emma J. Munsell, who was born October 14, 1843, in Logan County ; she is a daughter of Alvin and Mary T. Munsell. By this union there has been an issue of nine children-Cora L., Calvin W., William T., Benjamin F., Laura L., James W., Ara, Ovid D. and Zella O. He is a member of the Baptist Church and the owner of fifty-seven acres of land.

JOHN M. LANE, farmer, P. O. West. Mansfield. The subject of this sketch was born in Logan County, Ohio, September 6, 1846; his parents are Levi Lane (deceased) and Mary Lane, of whom a biography appears in this work. He was reared to man's estate on a farm and received a common school education. On September 3, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Tobey, daughter of Charles and Mary J. Tobey, of Liberty Township, Union County. To them were born three children, viz., Omar, Estella and Elverta. Mr. Lane has been quite successful in business, and is the owner of forty acres of land in a good state of cultivation. He resides in the southern portion of York Township.

ABEL LINSLEY, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek, was born in Vermont March 31, 1816; his parents were Simeon and Utilla Linsley, who came to Delaware County, Ohio, at quite an early day. He was reared to manhood on a farm and received but a limited education. By his first wife, Nancy (Carr) Linsley, he had three children, two of whom are now living, viz., Alice and Henry N. He married his present wife, who was born in June, 1833, on August 17, 1873. Mr. Linsley is a life-long farmer by occupation, and resides on his farm near Summersville.

WILLIAM MCGINNIS, farmer, P. O. Richwood. The subject of this sketch was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, January 7, 1818, and is a son of Johnson and Margaret McGinnis, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Muskingum County, Ohio, about the year 1817, where they remained until 1854, in which year they came to York Township, Union County, where they spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of nine children, of whom three are now living, viz., William, George and Nancy. Our subject was reared to man's estate on a farm and received but a rudimentary education. In September, 1840, in Muskingum County, he was united in marriage to Mary Hartford, by whom he had four children-Andrew N., Amelia, Albert O. and Jolin (deceased). She died July 4, 1861, and he was again married in April, 1865, to Mary J. Sterling, daughter of David and Mary Sterling. By this union there has been an issue of four children-John S., Agnes G., James H. and David W., the latter two of whom are deccased. In 1865, he settled where he now resides, in the northern portion of York Township. He has been successful in business, and is the owner of 200 acres of land.

ROBERT MCILROY, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek, was born in Washington County, Penn., August 27, 1809 ; his parents were John and Nancy McIlroy, with whom when six years of age he came to Harrison County, Ohio, where his mother died in 1832. Of a family of twelve chil- dren there are now but two living viz. : Robert and George. His father married for his scc- ond wife, Mrs. A. Murphy, who survived him, he having died in 1838. On August 17, 1830, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Dickinson, daughter of George and Anxious Dickinson. To them have been born seventeen children, eleven of whom are now living, viz. : John, Silas, David, Robert D., Samuel S., Thomas M., Eliza, Keziah and Theresa, Hester A. and Susan E. In 1933, with his wife and three children, he came to Union County, where after residing in different parts, he in the spring of 1877 settled in the southern portion of York

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YORK TOWNSHIP.

Township, where he now resides. He attended and voted at the first election held in York Township at the house of Aaron Shirk. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years has officiated as class leader, and is the owner of 153 acres of land.

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The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 150

Author: Durant, Pliny A. [from old catalog]; Beers, W. H., & co., Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1254

Author: Durant, Pliny A. [from old catalog]; Beers, W. H., & co., Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1254