The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 93

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 93

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).

GEORGE H. TURNER, farmer, P. O., Marysville, is a native of Clark County, and was born January 20, 1822. His father, Aquilla Turner, was born in Harford County, Md., January 20, 1802. His parents, Thomas and Jemima Turner, migrated to the West, and settled in Clark County about 1807. They removed to Madison County in 1824-25, and in 1837 to Paris Township, Union County, where they both died in old age .. Aquilla married Frances Judy, a native of Greene County, Ohio, and had ten children-five sons and five daughters. Mr. Turner died in January, 1871, and Mrs. T. is deceased. George is the eldest child. He was brought up on ' a farm and received his training in the common schools, and followed the pursuit of teaching five years. He was married October 18, 1859, to Mercy Barker, a daughter of John and Polly Barker. She was born near Marysville January 7, 1832. Of seven children by this marriage five are living: Henderson, Olive A., a teacher ; James M., Merey S. and Frances. Mr. Turner assisted his father in clearing up a farm of 191 acres of land, which was situated in woods when they first located it. In 1847, our subject bought seventy-five acres, and has occupied it since 1860. IIe has added to his first purchase till he has become the owner of 220 aeres of well im- proved land. Ilis occupation has always been that of the independent farmer. He and wife are associated as members of the Christian Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

H. C. VOSBURY, furniture dealer, Marysville. This gentleman springs from the Empire State, and was born in Broome County, N. Y., in 1847. In the pursuit of business he started Westward in 1865, finding a location in this city, where he became engaged with a produce mer-

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

chant. Two years afterward, he embarked in the same business at Columbus, Ind., which he pur- sued until 1871, when he returned to Marysville, and in 1875 opened a furniture store in the Husten building. In the spring of 1878, he occupied his present commodious quarters, which he has thoroughly stocked with a complete assortment of furniture, caskets, etc. He carries on un- dertaking, in which department he has invested considerable capital. He has an eye to business, and has succeeded in securing a large patronage. Ilis father, Ambrose S., was a native of Broome County, N. Y., where he died in 1862. liis mother, Harriet E. Tyrrell, was born in the same county, where she resided until the fall of 1882, when she moved to Nebraska. Mr. V. was mar- ried in 1870 to Miss Mary J., daughter of R. L. Partridge, of this city. He is a member of the Masonic order and I. O. O. F. society.

DWIGHT WEBB, Postmaster, Marysville. Genial. social Dwight Webb is a fine type of New England stock. Ilis parents, William R. and Harriet (Clark) Webh, were both natives of Connecticut, and among the pioneers of Clark County, Ohio. In 1850, the family moved and set- tled near Milford Center, Union County, Ohio, where they are at this time living. The subject of this sketch is the oldest of five living children, and was born in Clark County, Ohio, November 2, 1841. Ile was raised on a farm, and learned to labor with his hands. In August, 1861, he joined the ranks of the Union army, in Company B, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was returned home from Vicksburg January 25, 1864, to recruit for a commission as Second Lieutenant, which was received February 5, 1864, and was again promoted First Lieutenant Oc- tober 12, and placed in charge of Company F. July 18, 1865, he was promoted to a Captaincy, and was serving in that rank at the close of the war. He was a participant in twenty bat- tles and skirmishes. Among the principal battles were Harper's Ferry, Va., May 28 and Sep- tember 12, 1862; rear of Vicksburg and siege of that stronghold, May 18 to July 4, 1862; Mary- land Heights, Va., July 4 and 7, 1864 ; siege of Atlanta, July 22 to September 2, 1864, and in the grand march with Sherman to the sea. He was taken prisoner while on a reconnaissance at Pocotaligo, S. C., and sent to Charleston, S. C., and, with four comrades, was placed under the charge of William J. Gayner, an attorney, and at that time Provost Marshal of that city. They were confined in a room over his office, and were well cared for by this gentleman, who undoubtedly entertained Union sentiments and was loyal at heart. They were afterward removed to the resi- dence of his mother, and when paroled, February 16, 1865, left their cozy quarters, where they were found by the Union soldiers. James E., a brother of Mr. Webb, was killed at Har- per's Ferry. Returning to peaceful pursuits, Capt. Webb engaged in the mercantile trade for six years at Milford Center, at the expiration of which time he disposed of his stock in trade, and, with a purchase of horses, crossed the ocean to England. After three months absence he returned, and visited the oil regions of Pennsylvania. Ilere he made unfavorable investments, and returned to this city in 1872. In the spring of the same year he formed a copartnership with B. W. Keyes in the grocery business, with whom he was associated until his appointment as Post- master of Marysville, in 1880. In this capacity he has proved himself worthy of the important position, and as a citizen, a public officer, a tried soldier and a man, he is highly esteemed. He was married in 1863 to Miss Daphne, a daughter of Andrew Keyes, a pioneer of Union County, of which she is a native. Three children were born to this issue, two of whom are living, viz. : Clara A. and William A.

CONRAD WEIDMAN, farmer. P. O. Marysville, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, April 11, 1833. His parents, Louis and Elizabeth (Gates) Weidman, emigrated to the United States when he was but five years of age, and settled in Paris Township, this county, where Mr. Weidman died in March, 1863. Mrs. Weidman's death occurred February 15, 1882. Conrad remained on his father's farm till eighteen years of age, when he took up the saddler's trade and worked at it five years, then learned carpentering, which he followed till 1876, when he removed near Dover, and in April of 1877, he took possession of his present farm which con- tains 104 acres. October, 1858, he was joined in marriage to Mary Van Drow, who bore him eight children-Lizzie, Theodore, Lu Tell, James, Charlie, Tillie, Trusilla and Luther, deceased. Mrs. Weidman is a daughter of John and Margaret Van Drow. Mr. W. and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. W. is a Democrat.

EDWARD WELLER, tile manufacturer, Marysville. The first tile manufactured in Union County, was produced by Edward Weller in about 1855. He learned the trade of his father, Thomas, who was a native of Sussex County, Eng., and emigrated to the United States in 1827. He selected his home in Seneca County, Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his life; his wife's maiden name was Mary Rumnens, who died in the mother country when our subject was eight years of age. Ile (Elward) was born in Sussex County, Eng , in 1808. When twenty- two years of age, he sailed to America, and stopping two years at Schenectady, N. Y., he pushed on westward to Franklin County, Ohio, and to this county in 1834, locating at. Watkins. In 1852, he ocenpied his present location, which at this writing embraces ninety acres of land. The tile manufactory is located convenient to his residence, where he is almost constantly employed; he has built up an immense business, and turns out on an average 100,000 tile per year. Personally, Mr. W. may be regarded as a self made man. He was almost destitute of means, but was possessed of strong ambition, a good constitution, and the natural elements of character and disposition to succeed. His hair is silvered with the frosts of seventy-five win-

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ters, yet he may be found always at work with his men, making every moment valuable through life. In addition to his business he owns in various townships in this county, 533 acres of land, most of which is under cultivation. He was married in Sussex County, Eng., in 1828, to Miss Philadelphia Burgess, a native of that county. To this issue ten children have been born, eight of whom are living-Thomas, who married Finira Layman, and resides in Pennis County, Mo. ; Harriet, wife of Nelson Hyland, resides at Kenton, Ohio; Betsey, married Asa Carter, who enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Zouaves, was promoted to Captain, in which capacity he was acting when killed on the field at Winchester; Belinda, wife of David Moore of this county : John, who married Emma Judy, and are residents of this county; Edward, who married Vina Brown- ing, resides at the homestead, and has three children-Ada, Tillie and Nellie ; Mary, who mar- ried William Guy, and resides in Marion County, Ohio; and Melissa, wife of G. D. Hawley of this county.

J. B. WIIELPLY, retired, Marysville. This gentleman added one to the population of Union County March 24, 1827. His father, Joseph, was a native of Montpelier, Vt., who came to this county in 1813, and located in Union Township (at that time Ross County). He was one of the early pilgrims of Union County, and quite an early settler in Madison County, where he subsequently moved, and died in 1837. His wife, Mary Morrow, was a native of Syracuse, N. Y., whose family founded a home in Union County in 1817. Her death is recorded in February, 1882. The subject of this sketch was brought up on the homestead farm. In 1852, he became engaged in the mercantile trade at Milford Center, which he pursued successfully at that point and at Marysville for twenty years, when he retired from the active duties of life. He served the county as Sheriff four years, and was appointed County Treasurer to fill an unexpired term caused by the death of J. R. Russell in 1873. He was elected County Commissioner, in the fall of 1876, and is occupied in that position at this time. He had the entire supervision of the erection of the new court house, the duties of which position he discharged to the entire satisfaction of the people. He entered the ranks of the Union army in 1861, as First Lieutenant in Company B, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the field until February, 1862, when he resigned on account of disability, and returned to his home. The same year he was appointed United States Assessor, which position he occupied until 1865. His life has been one of con- tinued activity, and with energy and sagacity he has made life a success. His marriage to Miss Aspe C., daughter of Marova and Sophia Beach occurred in 1849. Her mother was a native of Vermont, and was brought with her parents to this State when seven years of age. They set- tled in Madison County where she survives the death of her companion. This union has borne them three children, two of whom are living-Hylas H. and Lizzie.

A. J. WHITNEY, retired, Marysville, was a representative business man of Marysville seven years, and was born in Susquehanna County, Penn., November 23, 1829, and is a son of Everett and Julia (Merriman) Whitney, natives of Connecticut, and pioneers of Pennsylvania. Mr. W. came to this city in 1859, and soon after engaged in the dry goods trade. In 1862, he formed a copartnership with E. S. Pyne, under the firm name of Whitney & l'yne, and the con- eera pursued an extensive trade until 1876, when the firm dissolved, and Mr. W. retired. The same year he organized the Peoples' Bank of Marysville, of which he was appointed President, and occupies that position at this time. Mr. W. is considerably interested in stock, and is asso- ciated with Mr. Winget in the introduction of Jersey stock, having made the first importation and sale of this choice breed in Union County. Mr. Whitney was married in February, 1858, to Miss Ruby Tuttle, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in 1870, leaving two children. He was again married to Miss Kate Peck, a native of Milford, Conn. Three children were born to this union, two of whom are living. The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE WILBER, farmer, P. O. Marysville, was born in Madison County, N. Y., August 8, 1811. His father, Owen Wilber, was born near Newport, Conn .; served in the war of 1812, and died in Madison County, N. Y., His mother, formerly Sarah Pierce, was also a native of Connecticut, and died at the birthplace of our subject. George was reared to manhood on a farm, and acquired his education in the common schools. In 1829, he married Margaret Miller, a daughter of Joseph Miller. She died in 1833, and left no issue. In 1834, he married for his second wife, Susan Cole, with whom he lived two years and two months, when she died. He celebrated his third marriage, November 28, 1860, with Mrs. Annette Marshall, widow of Joshua Marshall and daughter of James and Fanny Coolidge, who were natives of Massachusetts and Vermont, respectively. The former was born July 24, 1792, and served in the war of 1812. He came to Union County, and died March 19, 1846. Mrs. Coolidge was born June 16, 1800, and came to Union Township, this county, in 1816. She died January 29, 1865. Mrs. Wilber was born in Allen Township, December 8, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Wilber, have one ehild, George M., born July 3, 1862. Mrs. Wilber was the mother of nine children by her former husband ; of these five are living viz. : James C., born January 26, 1840; Ai, born April 2, 1847; Emily E., born April 25, 1851; Victor A., born September 28, 1853, and Sarah F., born March 14, 1856, wife of Lewis Demorist. In 1827, Mr. Wilber, removed to Lucas County, Ohio, and took con- tracts on the Wabash & Erie Canal on which he done $ 50,000 worth of work. Subsequently, he returned to York State and in 1860 came to this county and located in the northern part of

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Paris Township. During the period in York State before coming to Union County, he was en- gaged on canals. He Superintended the construction of the aqueduct over the Erie Canal, at Syracuse, N. Y., and was Superintendent of the Chenango Canal for a number of years. During his residence in Union County, he has been engaged in the pursuits of farming and stock-raising. He bought, and shipped live-stock to the Eastern cities for a number of years. Since 1862, he has devoted especial attention to keeping fine French horses, in which he has been successful. In 1866, he located on his present farm. He has been an active and useful citizen since he lo- cated in the county. He served as Superintendent of gravel roads of Paris Township, two years, and as Infirmary Director three years. He was a member of the Agricultural Board eight years, and one year he filled the office of President. He has been active in many of the more impor- tant improvements of the county, and has always performed a creditable part. Ile is identified with the Masonic Order and in politics is Republican. He is the owner of a valuable farm of 150 acres, besides property in Marysville. Mrs. Wilber's first husband, Joshua Marshall, was a son of James and Charity Marshall. He was born February 28, 1807, and reared to manhood in Columbus. He came to Union County in 1840, and served his township as Treasurer four years, and also as Justice of the Peace. He filled the capacity of Commissioner of the county two terms, and died September 3, 1858. He was connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was an able member. He was a member of the Masonic society. While in Column- bus, he superintended the erection of the Insane Asylum, which was burned in 1878.

N. C. WILCOX, firm of Wilcox Bros., dealers in clothing, boots and shoes, and wholesale notions, Marysville. This enterprising house established business in this city in 1879, suc- ceeding J. W. Wilcox. The firm carry a full and complete stock of goods, with an investment ot $12,000 to $15,000, and have created a Incrative and enjoyable trade. The subject of this sketch was born in Noble County, Ohio, in 1815. For fourteen years prior to his coming to this city. he was engaged in the same business at Aliensville, Vinton Co., Ohio. Ilis father, Joseph Wilcox, was a native of Delaware, and settled in Vinton County, where he passed the remainder of his life. His mother, Mary J. MeClenahn. was born in Ireland, and is a resi- dent of Vinton County, at this time. They raised a family of nine children, eight of whom are living. Robert S., the senior partner of this firm, is a native of Noble County, Ohio, and was engaged in business at Hampdon, in that county, for some years. Both brothers enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in July, 1864, and served until the close of the rebellion. The firm possess good business qualifications, and are able at all times to be courteous, gentlemanly and obliging.

J. M. WILKINS, dry goods, Marysville. We take some pride in the perpetuation of the Wilkins family, worthy as the present generation are, and possessing the persevering qualifi- cations transmitted from its venerable head, for he, the father, was characterized by the luster of honor, nobleness and integrity. Alfred F. Wilkins, the father of our subject, was a native of Saratoga County , N. Y., from which point he made his way to Union County, and settled in the north part of the county, being among its primitive pioneers. He was a professional sur- veyor, and was elected Surveyor of the county in 1854. His competency and valued services re-elected him to the same position in 1857 and 1860. He was a faithful officer and discharged the duties of that office until January, 1864. He was Deputy County Treasurer, under David D Welch, from October, 1861, to the close of 1865. As Mayor of the city several years, he gave unbounded satisfaction, and during his eventful career, won the esteem of his fellow- citizens, wbich, cherisbed in memory, will last as long as life and reason endure. He became widely and favorably known while proprietor of the American House, and at the time of his death, in 1876, was Justice of the Peace. His wife, Harriet J. (Stewart) Wilkins, who survives, was & native of Saratoga County, N. Y., and bore him six children, alt of whom are living, as follows: J. C, married Nannie Bradley, and resides in Springfield, Ohio; Beriah, married Emma J. Robinson, of this city ; Keziah, wife of Hon. A. B. Robinson ; Charies F., married Josie M. Buxton ; John M .; and Joseph S., who was married, July 30, 1881, to Miss Min- nie, daughter of George Camp, of this city, by whom he has one child.

C. F. WILKINS, third son of Alfred F. and Harriet J. Wilkins, was born in York Town- ship October 7, 1852. When four years of age his parents moved to Marysville, where he was reared to manhood. Ilis education was principally received in the public schools of the town. From 1861 to 1866, he kept a fruit stand on Main street ; he was then employed as clerk for the firm of J. C. and Beriah Wilkins, merchants, till March, 1870, when he took the same posi- tion in the factory store of Robinson & Robinson. In June, 1876. he became a partner in this establishment, and is an active member of the firm. In 1877-78-79, he was associated with Robinson & Robinson in the manufacture of woolen goods. In November, 1882, he purchased the book and stationery store of Joe S. Wilkins, but soon after disposed of it. Mr. Wilkins was married August 17, 1876, to Miss Josie M. Buxton, a daughter of Darius Buxton of this place. Mr. Wilkins i+ identified with the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. Politically, he is Democratic.

W. M. WINGET, Justice of the Peace and dealer in Jersey cattle, Marysville, was a son of Calvin Winget, a native of Marietta, Ohio. His wife, Cynthia II. Irwin, was a daughter of Squire John Irwin, who was the father of a large family, and became well known among the pioneer families of Union County. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in

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this work, was born in Union Township, Union Co., Ohio, June 1, 1829. Ile acquired his edu- cation in the schools of this city, and located at Pleasant Valley, learning the saddlery and harness-making trade. He was marriel at Milford Center, Union County, November 29, 1853, to Miss Cynthia H. Culver, a native of this county, and soon after established himself in business at that place. lle served Union Township as Clerk, fourteen or fifteen years, and in 1875, was elected Clerk of the Courts, of Union County, which office he filled two terms. Ile was Mayor of the. city of Milford four terms, Justice of the Peace many years, aud at this time acts in that capacity. He enlisted, May 2, 1864, as Commissary Sergeant, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio National Guards, and served until the expiration of his term of service in August, 1864. He re-enlisted September 2, of the same year, as Commissary Sergeant of the One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged as such May 29, 1865. During his long cireer among the business men of this city, he has become popular as a citizen, honored as a friend and neighbor, and respected by all. He has passed all the degrees in Masonry but one, and is an eminent officer of that fraternity, and also is a member of the G. A. R. His living children are Hattie, wife of C. W. Newman, of Madison County ; William E., a student of medicine in the office of Dr. Blinn ; Lizzie, a graduate of the high school in the class of 1882, and Mary E.

DAVID C. WINGET, retired, Marysville. This aged and respected pioneer is a native of Union Township, where he was born October 22, 1803. Ilis father, Stephen, was a native of Washington County, Penn., who in company with Calvin Carey the maternal grandparent of our subject, crossed the Alleghanies on horseback with all their worldly goods, and located in Union Township in season to plant a crop in the spring of 1801. Returning to Pennsylvania in the fall, they brought their families and selceted a home on the waters of the Big Darby. Carey made the first clearing where Franklin now stands, but afterward moved to Champaign County. Stephen lived to enjoy pioneer life but about seven years after his coming. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, but in early life served three years' apprenticeship at the carpen- ter's trade in Urbana, Ohio. He was a thorough and natural workman, and pursued his avoca- tion until unable to do so, when he retired to the enjoyment of his long life of labor and re- ward. His mother, Hannah Carey, was a native of Washington County, Penn., and the mother of six children. Of this generation but two are living-David C. and one sister, Phebe, wife of Capt. James Curry. Mr. W. was married in 1827, to Miss Rhoda, a daughter of Alex Reed, of this county ; of the children born to this union, four are living, as follows: Marion A., who married Anna Converse, and reside at Columbus; Curry, married Sarah Pratt, and reside in Dakota Territory ; J. Preston, married Lizzie Phillips, and Harvey II., who is in the regular United States Army, located at Washington Territory. The second child, Calvin R., enlisted in the Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infintry, and was Adjutant of that regiment when killed on September 20, 1863, on the field of Chickamauga. Also Curry, J. P. and Harvey, served in the Union army during the rebellion. Mrs. David C. Winget died in August, 1857, and he was again united to Miss Lucinda, daughter of James Reed, a pioneer family. Two children are the fruits of this union, one of whom is living-David F. at this time. July, 1882, engaged as telegraph operator at Catawba, Ohio. Mr. W. was at one time Mayor of Plain City, Madison County, and for some years served as Justice of the Peace, and in other important offices of trust. Ile numbers among the oldest living residents of Union County.

SAMUEL B. WOODBURN. The genealogy of the Woodburn family proves their descent, in the paternal line, from the old Scotch-Irish Covenanters. The first of the name in the United States was Robert Woodburn, who emigrated about the year 1776. He effected a permanent settlement at Carlisle, Penn., where he was married to Miss Mary Laidley, a, native of Ken- tucky; who died leaving three sons. Ile again married, this time to Miss Sarah Barr, of Wash- ington County, l'enn., by whom he had ten children-Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret, Sarah, Samuel B., the subject of this sketch, Martha, John, Jane. James and William. Samuel B., whose name heads this sketch, was born in Mercer County, Penn., January 22, 1812. In 1816, his family moved to Gallipolis, Ohio, and the following year to Greene County, where his father died in 1825 Samuel, being the eldest son, the charge of the family fell to him. IIe sought a location near Xenia, Ohio, and for six years was diligently engaged in hauling merchandise from that point to Cincinnati. By rigid economy, he was enabled in 1841 to join his brother John in the purchase of 110} acres of land in Jerome Township. Subsequently he bought his brother's in- terest, and laid out the village of New California. He served eight years as Commissioner of the Marysville, New California & Franklin County Free Turnpike, built under the free turnpike law, passed by the State Legislature in 1842. It has since become a gravel road, and Mr. Wood- burn continues to act in the capacity of Commissioner. For eighteen consecutive years, he served Jerome Township as Justice of the Peace. During the rebellion, he was an active worker in raising money and men to fill the quota from Jerome Township, and it was largely if not en- tirely due to his efforts that his township escaped the draft. His hair is silvered with the frost of threescore and ten years, yet his active energies predominate, and he is enabled to bear his part in the walks of men with the full vigor of his prime. ITis marriage to Miss Lovinia, daughter of John and Anna Henderson, occurred February 8, 1843. Of the ten children born to this union, seven are living-Robert L., Clois C., Florence A., Emma A., Louella, Hamer C.

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The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 93

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