The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 92

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 92

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This strange and cordial coming together made them life friends. They were consequently much together in their social relations, and always respected each other as bro kers. The promptings of a greatful lieart bas caused the strans er a thousand times to exclaim. "God bless C. S. Hamilton." Though dead, his memory is impressed upon the mind as freshly as though these occurrences took place but yesterday. Ile was a man of marked characteristics; be despised meanness of every kind, and bis advice was always in the right direction. A turer, and more warm-hearted man, and a greater sympathizer in the misfortunes of others, Union County never had. He was more than a father to the stranger, in the counsel and aid be Afforded him to get him on his feet again. Thus in the goo I providenceof God, he was en bled in the course of a few years to pay off the balance of his surety debts, and Mr. Hamilton in full for his part of the office. The good benefact r woult often say, seeing the desponder cy of his ward, for such he actually was, "Never mind the debt owing to me; first clear up all your other incumbrances and leave mine till I ask for it." With such encouragement, and such backing, the new proprietor of the Tribune had a heart to work, which he did day and night, till final relief came by the hardest industry and closest economy . His history since he has re. sided in Marysville, is as well known to the citizens of the county as it is to himself. IIe took charge of the Tribune October 1, 1858, and for over twenty-four years has published it contin- uously without missing a number. There are many links in the chain of his experience with men, that might be of benefit to young men who are striving to lay a basis for future business operations ; but the publishers of this history will conclude that quite enough of space has been consumed already by these business experiences. It may be well enough. however, to drop this advice to those young men who contemplate going into business for themselves: Have a definite object in view, and pursue it with energy; and beware above all things of assuming re- sponsibilities for others in whose business relations you have n + interest whatever. Bec ming surety for others never made any man rich. but has brought countless thousands to ruin and poverty. Be obliging where you can be, without injury to yourselves; have a due regard for, the rights of others, and bear in mind that you must have respect for others, if you wish others to have respect for you.

" Honor and shame from no condition rise,

Aci well your part, there all the honor lies."

The subject of this biography published a paper in Somerset for ninefeen years, which added to the twenty-four years of journalism in Marysville, gives a period of forty-three years in the profession as editor and publisher. Ile has been twice married; first to Mat Ida Ream, September 8, 1842, with whom he lived twen'y-two and a half years; she died in Marysville, March 25, 1865. Two children are living by this union-Mrs. Dr. Ziegler, of Columbus, and W. O. Shearer, of the Tribune effice. The second marriage was with Mrs. J. A. Johnson, nee Carson, with whom he lived thirteen years, lacking eight days. She died October 22, 1881. By this union there is one son-Joha II. Shearer, Jr. This last marriage was consummated October 22, 1868. And now in the winding up of this brief narrative, it may be well enough

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to make an open acknowledgement that life at best is a struggle to those who start out without assistance or even friendly advice. It matters little, however, in the end, what the struggle may have been, so it has been ma le honestly. The question after all, that concerns us most is the one that has been askel tens of thousands of times along the earthly journey, " If a man die shall he live again ? "

IIENRY SHERIDAN, proprietor of the Continental Hotel, Marysville, was born in New York City May 23, 1849. His parents, Richard B. and Anna (Hughes) Sheridan, were also nalives of New York City. Mr. Sheridan was a carpenter and joiner by occupation, which trade he learned when seventeen years of age. lle followed it successfully for fifteen years. In 1855, he superintended the erection of the City Assembly rooms, between Nos. 442 and 450 Broad- way, New York. After their completion, he was made manager, and had charge of them until 1865. He was a member of the School Board of the Fourteenth Ward, for six years, and died May 13, 1870, agel fifty years. His wife preceded him April 1, 1863. Henry, the subject of this sketch, was reared in the city, and educated in its public schools. He was associated with his father in the hotel business-managing the City Assembly Rooms till 1865, when they were destroyed by fire. Ile was then engaged in building till his father's death, when he and his brother, Frank Sheridan, took charge of the Central Hotel, corner of One Hundred and Thirtieth street and Third avenue, New York City. Mr. Sheridan remained in business at the Central till 1874, when he came to St. Paris, Champaign Co., Ohio. He conducted the American House till June, 1877, when he leased the Continental Hotel. Mr. Sheridan took charge of the " Con- tinental " when it had a very small business, and by his judicious management he built up and established a large transient trade. The close attention which he bestows upon his guests, com- bined with his genial and accommodating manner, renders him a most admirable landlord. In December, 1882, much to the regret of the people of Marysville, Mr. Sheridan removed to Cir- cleville. Ohio, and opened the New American House, the large-t and most complete hotel in that city. Mr. Sheridan was married, January 4, 1872, to Miss Gussie Vanness, a daughter of George and Anna C. Vanness. Mrs. Sheridan was born in Ilughesville, Warren Co., N. J., July 19, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan were blessed with four children ; of these two are living- Charles Albert and Henry Chester. Harry LeGrand and Earl LaRue are deceased.

ISRAEL SLACK, was born in Chester County, Penn., September 11, 1824. When a boy, his parents, Thomas and Mary (Roney) Slack, died. Ile was taken by his uncle, Charles Roney, with whom he remained till of age. In 1836, he came with his uncle and family to Washington Township, Franklin Co., Ohio. Mr. Slack is the youngest son. He was brought up on a farm, and received his training in the common schools. On April 6, 1848, he was married to Miss Emily J. Urton, daughter of John and Keziah (Bishop) Urton, of Loudoun County, Va. They removed to Franklin County, Ohio, in 1827, where they both died, the former January 24, 1855, and the latter October 4, 1852. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom Mrs. Slack is the third daughter. She was born in Loudoun County, Va., April 7, 1826. Mr. Slack resided near Dublin till the fall of 1849, when he removed to Jerome Township and purchased 1174 acres of land, in 1852, in Mill Creek Township. The following year he located on it and remained a res- ident there until 1880, when he sold and removed to Marysville. He owns a farm of 146 acres in Paris Township, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a leading feature of keeping fine horses. Mr. Slack served as a member of the Agricultural Board of the Fair, six years, and two terms as Trustee of Mill Creek Township. In the spring cf 1882, he was elected to the City Council. Mr. and Mrs. Slack have reared and educated William Il. Morrow, and now have a niece, Miss Fanny Slack. Mr. and Mrs. Slack are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Slack is identified with the society of I. O. O. F.

JOHN S. SMART, one of the old pioneers of Mill Creek Township, was born in Franklin Coun- ty, Ohio, March 20, 1811. He is a son of Isaac and Susan (Swope) Smart, and a grandson of William Smart, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Isaac Smart and family emigrated to Ohio prior to the war of 1812, and settled near Columbus. lle was called out against Great Britian, but peace was declared and the war closed without him serving. He died in llamilton Township, Franklin County, in 1828, leaving six children by his first wife and six by his second wife. Our subject is the youngest of the children by the first wife. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of the day, which were by no means noted for their ex- cellence. Ilis father died when he was but seventeen years of age, and he was left to do for him- self. He spent several years among the farmers working at 25 cents and 373 cents per day, and $7.50 per month. We sometimes worked for three bushels of oats per day, which he sold for 10 cents per bushel, to be taken out in goods. In 1829, he came to Union County, and worked by the month till 1833, when he purchased fifty-three acres of land in Mill Creek Township. Mr. Smart began life a poor boy, but by indomitable energy and perseverance he acquired a hand- some competence. His farm contains 211 acres of land, most of which he cleared and improved himself. He was married, May 20, 1833, to Miss Mary Robinson, daughter of Asa and Cathe- rine (Myers) Robinson, carly pioneers of Union County. Mrs. Smart was born in Franklin County May 16, 1816. Of eleven children born to this union nine are living, viz. : Cath- erine J., wife of Isaac Breckenridge; Joseph T., Olive P., Isaac; Samantha, wife of Charles Richey ; As>, Susau, wife of James McCurgan; William, and Ettie, wife of Silas McKittrick.

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PARIS TOWNSHIP.

John H. and Margaret A. are deceased. In October, 1881, Mr. Smart removed to Marysville, and retired from active pursuits. Ile and his wife are connected with the Presbyter.an Church. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Mill Creek Township two years, besides other local offices of minor importance. Politically, he is Democratic.

ELON E. SMITHI. firm Smith & Converse, livery stable, Marysville. Elon E. Smith springs from an old and respected pioneer family of Union. His father (Edward D.) was born at East Montpelier, Vt., July 26, 1818. Crocker Smith (father of Edmund) was also a native of Vermont, who, with his family, selected a location in Darby Township in 1832, where he cleared a farm and passed the remainder of his life. Edmund was raised on the homestead, and has a well-improved farm of 73 acres near the old location. Hle served the county as Com- missioner one term, and has been Justice of the Peace upward of thirty years. During the late rebellion, he raised a company of horse, but on account of poor health did not enter the field. At this time he is suffering from severe injuries received by a kick from a colt, and is confined most of the time in doors. Ile is connected with the Church Universal of Plain City, and is widely and favorably known He was married January 27, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Dee, who died November 27, 1846. Two children were born to this union, both deceased.1 His second marriage to Lavinia Bailey, a native of Essex County, N. Y., and a daughter of William and Laura McCauley, occurred October 7, 1847. Of the children born to this union four are living, of whom our subject is the eldest and only son, and was born in Darby Township in 1848. He has always followed farming as an occupation until his removal to this city in 1882, and under the copartnership succeeded Snodgrass in their present livery business. The firm, although young in the business, are building up a large and reliable trade. They have good stock, and above all are reliable business men. Mr. Smith was married in December, 1869, to Miss Orinda J., a daughter of Caleb Converse, and a native of Darby Township. One boy (Harry E. ) is the fruit of this union.

J. D. SNYDER, bakery, restaurant and ice cream parlors, Marysville. Mr. Snyder is of German extraction and is possessed of the push and enterprise so prominent in that stock. His birth occurred at Lancaster County, Penn., in 1852, at which place his parents, Burnett and Elizabeth (Sentnor) Snyder, settled in the year of their emigration from Germany, 1832. She died when our subject was three years of age, and his father subsequently moved to Colunibus, Ohio, and was engaged some years at bis trade, a mason. Ile spent the latter years of his life at Dayton, Ohio, where he died in 1871. The subject of this sketch was married May 4, 1879, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Richard and Catharine Ousler, a native of Manchester, Md. One child (Alice) born to this issue is living. Mr. Snyder is a member of the K. P. and I. O. O. F. societies, and the family are all members of the Presbyterian Church of this city.

J. M .. SOUTHARD, physician, Marysville. Among the prominent and successful practitioners in the medical profession of Union County, appears the name of Dr. J. M. Southard. . His birth occurred in Adams County, Ohio, December 16, 1825. He was raised on a farm in Licking County, Ohio, aud received his primary education in the common schools of that county. He read medicine in the office of Dr. Waters and Dr. Rowe, of Newark, Ohio, when he entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, from which he graduated in 1854. After attending two courses of lectures in the same school, he moved to this city and began the practice of his profession. He has established an extensive business and is among the hard workers of the fraternity. His parents, Isaiah and Elizabeth (Painell) Southard, weic natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively, whose families were among the carliest pioneers of Licking County. Both are residents of that county at this time, living in the enjoyment of a ripe old age.

WILLIAM STALEY, farmer, P. O. Marysville, was born in Greene County, Ohio, October 17, 1833, and the following November his parents, Samuel and Catharine (Hall) Staley, removed to this "county and located on the farm now occupied by George Wilbur. His parents were born in the year 1800, his father in January, and his mother in June. Mr. Staley was by occupation a miller, and in 1825 he built a mill on the Miami River. He died December 29, 1880. Our subject was reared by his parents till twelve years of age when he apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith trade with John Cowder, of Marysville. Ile worked at his trade till his marriage, November 21, 1855, with Miss Roxie J. Amrine, a daughter of John and Nancy Amrine. IIe then purchased a farm near the Amrine Mill, which he cultivated eight years, then removed to Marysville and was engaged in the grocery trade with G. W. Donly seven months. In 1864, he bought his present farm, which contains eighty acres. He has since followed the pursuits of his farm and rearing Spanish Merino sheep. He has seven children, viz .: Julia B., Simon L., Walter M., Hattie, George W., Nettie and Jennie. One child (Josephine) is dcccased. Mr. and Mrs. Staley are associated as members of the Amrine Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is an advocate of the doctrines and principles of the Republican party.

S. STERN & SON, clothiers, Marysville. This establishment was opened to the public in August, 1878. The house carries a stock of from $10,06.0 to $20,000, and has a very satisfactory trade. The senior member of the firm was a native of Germany and embarked to the United States in 1847. He located in New York City, and for a short time engaged in the dry goods trade, when he went to Victoria, British Columbia, and opened a large stock of goods, of which

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

he was robbed by the Indians, who carried off the entire stock. IIe returned East and located again in business at Syracuse, N. Y., where he remained twelve years. He then moved his stock to Delaware, Ohio, where for fifteen years he carried on a large clothing business. Subsequently he took up his residence at Philadelphia, Penn., and engaged in business until his health com- pelled him to relinquish all active pursuits. Here he remained until his death, in 1881. He was married in New York City in 1853, to Miss Regina Loewi, a native of Germany. The chif- dren born to this union all are living, as follows: Ralph S., eldest son, is in charge of the store at Delaware, Ohio; Hannah, wife of Lee Reinheimer, of Fairmount, W. Va .; Daniel S., in charge of the store at Marysville, Ohio. Ralph married Minnie Friedlich, of Piqua, Ohio. Lena, residing at home with her mother at Philadelphia ; M. E., also in the Marysville store; Fannie and Satie, both at home.

M. THOMPSON, physician, Marysville, has been nearly a life-long resident of Union County, and his family were among its early pilgrims. His parents, John W. and Sarah (Mc- Clure) Thompson, were natives of Washington and' Beaver Counties, Penn., respectively. They selected a home and moved to Paris Township, Union County, in 1845, where they both lived and died. IIe attainel considerable prominence, and served the county as Recorder six years. The subject of this sketch is the el.lest of five children, and was born in Beaver County, Penn., August I, 1828. He received his primary education in the Marysville Academy, and in 1852 began the study of medicine. He passed a thorough course of studies at the Starling Medical College during 1856-57, and for twelve years was a resident physician of Pharisburg. In

1869, he beenme interested in the growth and a lvancement of Marysville, and further increased its enterprise by forming a partnership with W. L. Miller, and erecting the Marysville Mills. This firm continued in successful operation until 1872, when the hrm dissolved, and Mr. Thomp- son became sole proprietor. The building is 32x52 feet, three stories high, and cost about $12,000. It has a run of four buhrs of stone, and a daily capacity of forty barrels. Mr. Thomp- son has been quite successful in the milling business, which forms one of the largest manufact- uring interests of the city. He was married, May 17, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth C. Hull, a native of Cecil County, Mdl. The children born to this issue are John H., Charles A. and Jennie B. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Masonic order and the family are connected with the Pres- byterian Church.

ALVIN THOMPSON, retired, Marysville. John W. Thompson, the father of Alvin, was a native of Washington County, Penn. His wife, who was Sarah McClure, was born in Beaver County, Penn., where they were married and passed a portion of their lives. In 1845, he moved with his family and settled on a farm three miles north of Marysville, where he resided until 1854, at which time he was elected County Recorder and took up his residence in this city. He was re-elected in 1857, and served in that position six years. They were de- voted and life-long members of the Presbyterian Church, and journeyed together earth's pil- grimage until separated by death. llis demise occurred in 1875; she survived until 1830. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living, as follows: M. Thompson, whose sketch appears in this work; Milton, who marriedl Matilda Amrine, of Peoria, Ohio, and Alvin, youngest son and subject of this sketch, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1837. IIe was educated in the academy of this city, and served as Township Treasurer, and Clerk, and Cor- poration Clerk for some years. At the breaking-out of the rebellion, in 1861, he joined the forces of the Union army, in Company D, of the First Ohio Cavalry, and served in the field over three years. He participated in the battles of Stone River, December 31, 1862; Chattanooga, Tenn., August 21, 1863, and the Atlanta campaign, July 29 to August 1, 1861. He was appointed Postmaster of Marysville under President Johnson in 1867, which position he occupied until 1880. Subse- quently, he engaged in the mercantile trade a short time, when he retired from the active pur- suits of life. He was married in 1865, to Miss Ellen P., danghter of the Rev. James Smith, an eminent divine of the Presbyterian Church, and one of Union County's early pioneers. He officiated in the pulpit of the Presbyterian Church of this city until near the close of his life, and was a pastor who lived in the hearts of his people, belovedl and respectel by all. Mr. Thompson is a member of the 1. O. O. F., the G. A. R., and the father of two children, both of whom are living, viz .: Ella M. and Mary D. The family are connected with the Presbyterian Church.

REV. HOMER THRALL, pistor of the Congregational Church, Marysville, was born in Granville Township, Licking County, Ohio, October 27, 1832. He is a son of Linus G. and Lucy (Walcott) Thrall, the former a native of Rutland, Vt., and the latter of Washington County, Ohio. His father removed to Licking County, Ohio, in 1815, where our subject was born and rearel. He was educated in Kenyon College, of Gambier, Onio, from which insti- tution he graduated in 1853. He took up the reading of law and prosecuted its studies with Buckingham & White, of Newirk, and subsequently with Judge L. P. Marsh, of Zanesville ; he was admitted to the Muskingum County bar in 1855, and the next year he went to Ot- tumwa, Iowa, and tanght school; returning to Ohio, he resumed the profession which he fol- lowed till the rebellion broke out. He recruited Company B, of the Seventeenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the three-months' service. He was chosen its Captain and served

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PARIS TOWNSHIP.

till the expiration of the term, when he returned home and organized Company D, of the Twenty-Second Regiment Ohro Volunteer Infantry. Ile was elected Captain, and acted in this capacity till November, 1862, when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was engaged in the following important battles : Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege and battle of Corinth, and siege of Vicksburg, after which he, with his regiment, were transferred to Ar- kansas, aud accompanied Gen. Steele on his expedition to Little Rock, thence to Brownsville, Tenn., and subsequently to Camp Dennison, Ohio, where he was discharged in November, 1864, with the honors of a faithful soldier and an efficient officer. At the close of his military career Col. Thrall returned home, and in 1867 entered the ministry of the Congregational Church at Alexandria, Licking County. He served on that charge a year and a halt, then went to Litch- field, Me-lina County, where his pastoral labors continued till December, 1879, when he came to Marysville. Rev. Thrall has faithfully performed the duties of his saered calling, and as both minister and pastor he is highly esteemed. On October 7, 1863, he was joined in marriage to Miss Emma Boudinot, daughter of Elisha and Henrietta Boudinot. Of five children born to this marriage two are living-Linus, born December 27, 1868, and Joupha, born February 20, 1878. Ileorietta, Ilomer and Freddie are deceased.

AARON W. TORRENCE, sign and decorative painter, Marysville, was born in Greene County, Ohio, August 14, 1834 and is a son of David and Sarah A. (Finney ) Torrence, the former a Kentuckian by birth, and thelatter was born on Braddock's Field, near Pittsburgh, Penn. His maternal grandparent, John Finney, was a State Pioneer and an early settler of Knox County, Ohio. Subsequently he moved to Greene County, where he died. Ife was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was with the American Army of 2,000 men that were surrendered by the recreant officer, Gen. Hull, at Detroit, August 16, 1812. The subject of this sketch was lett an orphan when a child, and was brought up in Xenia, Greene County, Ohio. Ile learnel the art of sign and decorative painting, at which he became efficient and success- ful. He was married in 1854, at Xenia. Ohio, to Miss Jane . G., daughter of Thomas Kennedy and a native of Virginia. Mr. Torrence came to this city in 1858, established his business, and in the following year located with his family. In December, 1863, he enlisted in the Second Brigade, Sixth Army Corps Band, and served until the close of the war. He was through the battles of the Wilderness, with Gen. Grant, at Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Peters- burg and Monocicy. Returning to the peaceful pursuits of life, he has since industriously worked at his trade. The eldest of his three children, Ida, is the wife of Ira Gordon, a clerk in the Surgeon General's office at Washington, D. C .; Abba and Emma reside at home. Mr. Torrence is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and has been connected with the I. O. O. F. Society for the past twenty years. Politically, he is a thorough and stanch Republican.

GEORGE TRAPP, farmer and brick manufacturer, P. O. Marysville, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, October 20, 1848. He is the eldest son of Frederick and Elizabeth B. (Borger) Trapp, who were natives of Bavaria, Germany. Mr. Trapp was born July 12, 1822, and emi- grated to the United States with his parents in 1842. ITis death occurred in Franklin County, February 20, 1882. Mrs. Trapp was born - and now resides in Franklin County. George was reared to manhood on a farm, and received his education mostly in Cen- tral College. In 1874, he removed to Union County and purchased fifty acres, whereon he now resides. February 25, 1875, he married Anna C. Nicol, a native of Union County, and a daughter of John G. and Margaret Nicol. She was born February 12, 1856. Their two children are Mag- gie M., born February 28, 1876, and Fred W. P., born March 14, 1879. Mr. Trapp is en- gaged in farming and brick-making since the spring of 1875. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat ..

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The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 92

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