The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 151

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 151

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).

ANDREW McNEIL, farmer, P. O. Richwood. The subject of this sketch was born in Ches- ter County, Penn., March 23, 1811. His parents were Andrew and Margery McNeil. In November. 1838, he emigrated to Ohio, and came to Tuscarawas County, where he remained nearly one year. In September, 1839, he came to Union County and for several years located in Claibourne Township. In October, 1848, he was elected Auditor of Union County, and entered upon the duties of his office in March, 1849, serving until March, 1853. During the term of his Auditorship, he resided in Marysville, with his family. In 1853, he removed to Claibourne Township, where he resided until 1862, in which year he settled in the northeastern portion of York Township, where he now resides. For his first wife, he married in Pennsylvania, Mary Criswell, daughter of Isaac and Martha Criswell, by whom he had seven children, two now liv- ing, viz .: Samuel A. and Mariam R. She died in October, 1861, and he was married on June 16, 1862, to Mrs. Catherine N. Patterson, widow of the late John Patterson, of Adams County, Ohio ; she was born July 5, 1812, in Saratoga County, N. Y. In October, 1857, Mr. McNeil was elected a Commissioner of Union County, and discharged the duties of that office with credit six years. He has also served as Trustee of Claibourne Township and as Clerk of York Township. He is Elder of the Presbyterian Church, and has a fine farm of 120 acres of land, under a high state of cultivation.

WILLIAM H. McPECK, retired farmer, P. O. Richwood. The subject of this sketch was born February 27, 1817, in Westmoreland County, Penn. ; his parents were John and Sarah McPeck. In the spring of 1838, he emigrated to Harrison County, Ohio, and began the trade of brick-laying and stone-cutting, which he afterward followed for about forty years. On July 22, 1841, in Tuscarawas County, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Speck, who was born May 20, 1820, in Washington County, Penn .; her parents were William and Margaret Speck, who came to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, about the year 1834. To Mr. and Mrs. McPeck, have been born six children-George M., Margaret J., Isabel A., Stephen S., Sarah A. and Mary E. For ten years after his marriage Mr. McPeck resided in Harrison County, and from there he moved to Washington Township, Union County, where he remained until April, 1872, at which time he located in the northern portion of York Township, where he at present resides. He has served as Trustee of Washington Township, is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He owns 224 acres of land located in Washington Township.

JAMES F. MEDDLES (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born May 2, 1813, in Harrison County, Ohio. He was a son of John and Parmelia Meddles, with whom, when a young man, he moved to Tuscarawas County, where he married, on April 16, 1835, Miss Sarah Horn ; she was born October 25, 1815, in Delaware, and was a daughter of Moses and Sarah Horn, who came to Harrison County, Ohio, about the year 1815. By this union there has been an issue of five children, viz .: Gary, Sarah, Rebecca J., John W. and Mary J., the latter two of whom are deceased. About the year 1850, Mr. Meddles, with his family, came to Union County, from Tuscarawas County, and settled in the eastern portion of York Township, where he died July 25, 1880, and where his widow now resides. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, and left to his family 142 acres of land. In his death, York Township lost one of her best citizens, and his family a loving parent and husband.

MILEY G. MEDDLES, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek. The subject of this sketch was born July 29, 1818, in Harrison County, Ohio. His parents were John and Parmelia Meddles, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Harrison County, Ohio, about the year 1801. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. On September 13, 1842, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Yantiss, who was born January 2, 1816, in Maryland ; she is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Yantiss, who emi- grated from Frederick County, Md., to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, at an early day. To them have been born three children, viz .: Jacob C., James F. and Joseph J., all of whom are deceased. Mr. Meddles resided in Tuscarawas County until 1852, in which year he came to Union County, and settled in the eastern portion of York Township. He is the owner of 225 acres of land, which he has acquired mainly by his determination to succeedl and by hard work. For several years his health has been on the decline. With his faithful wife, who has shared his joys and sorrows for forty years, he resides where he first settled.

ANTHONY MIDDLESWORTH, farmer, P. O. Byhalia. The subject of this sketch was born November 8, 1818, in Columbiana (now Carroll) County, Ohio. His parents were Abraham and Margaret Middlesworth, who emigrated from Virginia to what is now known as Carroll County, about the year 1815 or 1816. In his youth Mr. Middlesworth received but a meager education, the school advantages in his day being far more limited than to-day. In August, 1840, in Car- roll County, he married Miss Jane Dennison ; she was born in Pennsylvania, and is a daugh- ter of Andrew and Elizabeth Dennison, who emigrated to Carroll County probably in the year 1835. To them have been born eight children-William, Elizabeth, Margaret, Andrew J., Joseph F., Robert B., Mary M. and Emily J., the latter two of whom are deceased. In 1845, with his family, he came to Union County, and settled in the northern portion of York Town-

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ship, where he still resides. He has served as School Director many years ; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the owner of 3031 acres of land.

JAMES C. MILLER (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Chenango Coun- ty, N. Y., October 12, 1806. When twelve years of age, with his parents, Joseph and Jemima Miller, he emigrated to Franklin County, Ohio, where they remained several years, when they came to Union County, and settled in York Township. In October, 1828, in Franklin County, he was united in matrimony to Roxy Anu Wason; who was born May 22, 1806; she is a daughter of Thomas and Keziah Wason, who accompanied our subject's parents on their way to Ohio. In 1820, with his wife, he came to Union County and settled in the northeastern portion of York Township, where his widow now resides. To them were born seven children-Justice J., Eveline E., Jane K., Keziah J., Daniel D., Jonathan G., and Martha E., the latter four of whom are deceased. Mr. Miller was a member of the United Brethren Church, a kind and affectionate father, and loving husband, andI departed this life in October, 1878. He left to his family 180 acres of land.

ROLIN H. MONTGOMERY, farmer, P. O. Byhalia. The subject of this sketchi was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 31, 1846, and when about two years old, with his parents, Joseph Montgomery (deceased) and Emily Montgomery, he removed to Knox County, where his father died, February 28, 1880, and where his mother still resides. On February 16, 1869, he married Miss Sarah E. Headington, daughter of James and Ruth Headington, of Knox County. This union has been blessed with one child, viz., John H., born February 16, 1871. In April, 1876, he came to Union County, and for five years located in Washington Township, from thence coming to York Township, in the northern portion of which he settled. Mr. Montgomery is a self-made man, having acquired all he possesses by industry and hard work. He is the owner of 1023 acres of land, pleasantly located and in a gool state of cultivation.

JOHN A. MORROW, farmer, P. O. York. Charles Morrow, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Bucks County, Penn., April, 1810. His parents were Charles and Rachel A. Morrow, his father, a veteran of the war of 1812, who served as a First Lieutenant, was a native of Ireland and his mother a native of Wales. Prior to the war of 1812, with them he came to Belmont County, Ohio, where he remained until, perhaps, sixteen years of age, when he went Wheeling, W. Va., to learn the trade of stone-cutting, which he followed several years. In 1831, he married Esther McElroy, by whom he had five children, four of whom are now living, viz. : John A., Charles W., William M. and Sarah E. Abont the year 1839, from Belmont County he came to Summersville, Union County, and began the practice of medicine, to which he adhered until 1874, when he moved to Mount Victory, Hardin County, where he died in July, 1879. 1Iis widow survives him and resides at the latter place. The subject of this sketch was born May 20, 1832, in Belmont County, Ohio, and when about seven years old, with his parents he came to York Township, Union County. Having received a rudimentary education for one year, he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. In March, 1864, he enlisted in the Thir- teenth Ohio Cavalry, Army of the Potomac, and participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, White House Landing, the siege of Petersburg, and the surrender of Gen. Lee with his army at Appomattox Court House. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865. In October, 1854, he was joined in matrimony to Miss Elizabeth Storms, a daughter of Gregory and Melinda Storms, of whom we have made mention in this work. They have four children- Esther M., Jessie D., Charles G. and Samuel J. Mr. Morrow is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; he is the owner of ninety-six acres of land and resides in the northern portion of York Township.

WILLIAM M. MORROW, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek, was born in Union County, Ohio, January 25, 1839, and is a son of Charles Morrow (deceased) and Esther Morrow, of whom we have mentioned in John A. Morrow's sketch. In his nineteenth year he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, which institution he attended alternately for about five years. In March, 1864, he enlisted in the Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry, Army of the Potomac, and he partici- pated in many engagements a few of the leading ones being White House Landing, Cold Harbor and the siege of Petersburg, where he received a spinal injury occasioned by a fall into a rifle pit while crossing the battle-field under cover of darkness, after which he was confined in the Washington Hospital several months and honorably discharged in June, 1865. On February 22, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Lemenda J. Langstaff, daughter of James II. and Catherine Langstaff, of Union County. To them have been born five children-Florence L., Anna L., Carrie L., Lizzie R. and Flora (deceased). Mr. Morrow resides in the eastern portion of York Township, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the owner of ninety- three acres of land.

JONAS ORDERS. farmer, I'. O. Bokes Creek, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, August 18, 1844. His parents were Joshua and Frances Orders. He was from his youth trained to the pursuits of agriculture, andi received but a rudimentary education. On October 10, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Knagi, who was born February 19, 1843, in Switzerland : she is a daughter of John and Elizabeth Knagi, who emigrated to America in 1850. After spending two years in Brooklyn, N. Y., came to Franklin County, Ohio, where they now reside. By this union there has been an issue of two children-Flora and Mary L., the latter of whom

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is deceased. In the autumn of 1881, Mr. Orders with his family came from Franklin County, Ohio to Union County and settled in the eastern portion of York Township where he now re- sides. He is a member of the Christian Church, has been successful in business and is the owner of sixty-eight and a half acres of land.

CHRISTOPHER OVERHOLSER, farmer, P. O. York. The subject of this sketch was born in Clark County, Ohio, December 2, 1842, and is a son of Christian Overholser (deceased) and Rebecca Overholser, natives of Virginia, who settled in Clark County perhaps in 1835. On February 8, 1866, he was united in marriage to Huldah C. King, who was born September 15, 1846, in Licking County, Ohio ; she is a daughter of Tilleson King (deceased) and Mary F. King, now of Auglaize County, Ohio. To them have been born three children-Earnest T , Nona L. and one that died in infancy. In September, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighty-first Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Dallas, Jonesboro, siege of Atlanta and the whole of Sherman's campaign, including the grand march to the sea. He received in June, 1865, an honorable discharge having served his country faithfully. In April, 1880, he came to Union County and settled near York Center, in York Township, where he now resides. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a republican, and the owner of fifty acres land.

JOHN PENHORWOOD, farmer and minister, P. O. York, was born in England September 20, 1820; his parents were John and Jane Penhorwood. In 1840, he took passage at Bristol, and after a voyage of more than six weeks, during which they encountered variable weather, he arrived in New York. From the latter city he came to Knox County, Ohio, where he spent four years at blacksmithing and a few years at farming. On January 6, 1842, he married Miss Elizabeth Lyle, who was born May 12, 1817; her parents were John and Susan Lyle. To them have been born eight children, viz .: John H., William F., Elizabeth J., Annie L., Sarah H., Ida A., Mary S. and Rebecca, the latter two of whom are deceased. From Knox County Mr. l'enhorwood removed to Delaware County, where he resided until 1865, in which year he came to Union County, York Township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for fifteen years has devoted himself to preaching. He is the owner of 285 acres of land.

WILLIAM PERKINS, farmer, P. O. West Mansfield, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 8, 1825, and is a son of John and Phœbe Perkins. With his parents when about fourteen years ofage, he came to Union County, and settled on the farm now owned by Wesley Southard, in the south western portion of York Township, where his parents remained until the fall of 1864, at which time they went to Allen County, Ind., where they remained until their decease. Of a family of eight children three are now living-our subject, George W. and Melissa J. On Oc- tober 7, 1854, our subject married Caroline M. Rea, who was born January 7, 1833, in Logan County ; she is a daughter of David and Ruth Rea, early settlers of Logan County. The fruits of this union were three children, of whom two are now living, viz .: Franklin W. and French W. Shortly after the date of his marriage, Mr. Perkins began keeping house in a log cabin near where he now resides. In 1874, having built a house of more modern architecture, which was better suited to t the tastes and wants of the family, he moved there- in. In May, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio National Guards, and continued in the service until the following September. He has been successful as a farmer, owing mainly to his industry and skillful management, having everything done in the most or- derly and advantageous manner. He is a member of the Disciples Church, and the owner of 161 acres of tillable land. He resides near where his father settled.

WILLIAM II. PLOTNER, farmer, P. O. West Mansfield, was born August 1, 1828, in Fair- field County, Ohio, and when but a few months old was taken by his parents, John Plotner, a native of Virginia, and Julia Plotner, a native of Ohio, to Jefferson County, where they located for perhaps twelve years. From there with them he went to Harrison County, where they re- mained until 1851, in which year they removed to Illinois, where they remained until their de- cease, he in 1855, and she in 1863. Our subject in his youth received but an ordinary district school education, but being of studious habits and having a love for good books; he has made him- self familiar with many important topics of this day and age. In July, 1852, he was married to Miss Mary A. White, who was born March 24, 1833, in Virginia, and when three years of age, with her parents, John F. and Belinda White, she came to Tuscarawas County, Ohio. This union has been blessed with seven children-John W., Robert L., George F., William N., Laura J., James A. and Alonzo G. (deceased). After his marriage he resided in Tuscarawas County until 1863, in which year with his family he came to Union County. In 1864, he settled in the northwestern portion of York Township, where he now resides. He has served as Justice of the Peace thirteen years, and is still serving. Mr. Plotner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the owner of a fine farm of 100 acres.

GEORGE W. POTTS, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek. The subject of this sketch was born March 25, 1836, in Ross County, Ohio ; he was a son of James and Ruth Potts. In December, 1857, having reached the years of manhood, he married Miss Catherine J. Potts, by whom he had five children, four now living, viz .: John A., Lasco, David W. and Ida J. Mrs. Potts died May 18, 1876, and on September 27, 1876, Mr. Potts was married to Miss Jane Clark, a daughter of John and Jane Clark, of Carroll County. By her he has three children-Arthur, Cora B. and Ernest. In 1859, he came to York Township, this county, and settled near where he now resides. He

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is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and the owner of a fine farm, located south of Summers- ville.

JOHN G. RICE, farmer, P. O. Bokes Creek, was born April 2, 1833, in Union County, Ohio : his parents were Payn and Margaret Rice, who in 1830 came to Union from Hamilton County, and located in Liberty Township for twelve years, and then moved to Logan County, where they remained until 1863, in which year they returned to Union County, and made their home in York Township, where they remained until their decease, he in September, 1865, and she in September, 1863. When eighteen years of age, our subject began to learn the trade of a cabinet maker in Marysville, which business he followed for about ten years. On Febru- ary 21, 1860, he married Miss Ellen Essex, who was born February 9, 1827, in Ross County, Ohio: she is a daughter of Joseph and Cynthia Essex ; four of their children are yet living, viz .: Jonathan P., Sarah A., William O. and Dora A. Subsequent to his marriage he located in Logan County three years, when he came to Union County, and in 1868 he settled about one mile southwest of Summersville, York Township, where he now resides. Mr. Rice has been quite successful in business, having had but comparatively little with which to start in life. He now owns fifty-four acres of land on which he as at present building a new and more modern house than the cabin in which he resides. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty- seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and continued in the service till the following January, when he was honorably discharged.

ANDREW J. RICHARDSON, physician and surgeon, P. O. Bokes Creek, was born September 21, 1829, in Cayuga County, N. Y. When teu years of age with his parents, Richard S. Richard- son, a soldier of the war of 1812, and Susan Richardson, he came to Summit County, Ohio, where they remained five years. From Summit they moved to Licking County, where they re- mained until 1855, in which year they came to York Township, Union County, where they re- mained until their decease. Our subject spent his youthful days on a farm, receiving a fair English education. During the latter part of 1867 and the beginning of 1868, he attended Starling Medical College at Columbus for five months, and again attended the same institution the following fail and winter and graduated in March, 1869. However, for five years prior t . attending college, he had read and practiced medicine. Ile located at Summersville, York Town- ship, and enjoys a good practice. On October 15, 1857, he was united in marriage to Mis ‹ Susan M. Smith, daughter of the late Judge James R. Smith, of Union County. By this union there has been an issue of four children-Albert J., Elmer O., Ethel C. and Effie C. (deceased ). Mr. Richardson is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M. societies, and a member of the. M. E. Church.

DANIEL M. RUSSEL, farmer, P. O. York. The subject of this sketch was born in Dela ware County, Ohio, September 30, 1819, and is a son of Joseph and Betsy Russel, natives of Connecticut, who came to Delaware County, Ohio, in 1817. From his early youth Mr. Russe has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he has been successful. On November 20 1843, in Delaware County, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Lavender ; she was born October 16, 1825, in Knox County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Thomas Lavender, an English- man, and Maria Lavender, a native of Massachusetts. This union has been blessed with six children-Thomas L., Louisa, Joseph M. and three who are deceased. In 1870, he came to Union County, and settled in the northern portion of York Township, where he still resides He served as Clerk of Thompson Township, Delaware County, and also as Treasurer. He is " member of the M. E. Church, and the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres.

MILTON M. SHIPLEY, farmer, P. O. Richwood, was born in Fayette County, Penn., August 31, 1822 ; when fourteen years of age with his parents, Benedict and Abigial Shipley, he came to Knox County, Ohio, where his parents located until about 1857, when they moved to Warren County, where they located ten years. In 1867, they came to Claibourne Township, Union County, where they remained until their decease, he in August, 1874, and she in Febru- ary, 1870. They were the parents of thirteen children-Milton M., Agnes, Adam R., Sarah, Matilda, Mary, Ruth, Elizabeth, Emily, Maria, Henry, George and Laura. On October 13, 1845, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Ann Adams, who was born December 3, 1822; she is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Adams, of Knox County, Ohio. This union

has been blessed with eight children-Joseph A., William, John J., Henry, Charles G., George, Kingsley and Julia. the latter three of whom are deceased. Mr. Shipley resided in Knox County until 1861, in which year he moved to Madison County, Ky., where he located until 1865. when he came to Union County, and settled in the eastern portion of York Township, where he now resides. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the owner of 535 acres of land.

AARON SHIRK, farmer, P. O. York. A pioneer of York Township, was born June 12, 1810, in Virginia ; his parents were John and Sarah Shirk. In 1818, with them he came to Ross County, Ohio, where they remained until 1820, in which year they came to Union County and settled in Liberty Township, where they remained until their decease, both having reached a ripe old age. Of a family of fourteen children, nine are now living, Betsy, Henson, Isaac, John. Silas, Lucinda, Sarah A., Jemima and Aaron. On May 9, 1834, our subject was mar- ried to Rosanna Tobey, daughter of Heman and Hannah Tobey, of whom we have made men-

Amon Davis

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YORK TOWNSHIP.

tion in this work. They are said to have been the first couple married in York Township after its organization. To them were born five children-Sarah A., Hannah R., John H., Heman T. and Melinda S. (deceased). After enjoying a life of domestic peace and happiness for nearly half a century with his faithful consort, she was suddenly called away on May 29, 1879. Mr. Shirk cast the first vote in York Township; the first election having been held in his house, he claimed the right to cast the first vote. He is the owner of sixty-two acres of land, and resides near York Center. He is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

WILLIAM SIGLER (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Maryland, in August, 1812 ; his parents were William and Grace Sigler. When a young man, with his mother, his father being deceased, he came to York Township, Union County, and settled near Summersville, where she lived but a few years. On October 24, 1839, he married Miss Mary A. Cork, who was born in May, 1819; she is a daughter of John and Rebecca Cork, of Ross County, Ohio. To them were born eight children, viz., Minerva, Isaac J., Washington, Rebecca, Susan, Sylvester John T. and William M., the latter two of whom are deceased. In the spring of 1843, he set- tled where his widow now resides. He served as Assessor and Treasurer of York Township, and discharged the duties of the offices in a creditable manner. He was a kind and loving father and affectionate husband; his widow and children feel their irreparable loss, but we trust their loss is his gain. He departed this life in May, 1865. Isaac J. Sigler, one of the sons of our subject, was born in Union County, Ohio, August 24, 1844. From his boyhood he has de- voted his attention to agricultural pursuits. In December, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until December, 1864, at which time he re- ceived an honorable discharge. He participated in the battles of Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, the second battle of Bull's Run, and many other engagements. For his first wife he married Emma B. Waits, daughter of Iliram and Sarah Watts, whose sketch appears in this work; she died January 1, 1879. He then married Miss Eliza J. Flickinger, daughter of Stephen Flickinger, (deceased), and Margaret A. Flickinger, whose sketch appears in this work. They have one child, Forrey O. He has served as Clerk of York Township two years, and as Assessor, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 151

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