The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc, Part 127

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway
Number of Pages: 1072

USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 127

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).

JOHN WESLEY STINCHCOMB, son of James and Priscilla (Wed- dle) Stinchcomb, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and was born Sep- tember 8, 1826. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and Holland descent respectively. They were married in Monongahela, Penn., and moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1824. His father had been a well-to-do boat builder, but lost all his wealth in securities, and located in the above county poor. He rented land till 1831, and then moved to Seneca County, where he entered eighty acres, which he and his

1021

SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP.

sons " cleared from the sprout," doing work for others in the meantime to obtain sustenance. He subsequently purchased eighty acres more, but sold the whole in 1865 and purchased property in old Sycamore, where he lived till the death of his wife, which occurrred in 1872 in her seventy-sixth year. Mr. Stinchcomb died in his eighty-second year in 1879. Four of their seven children survive-James W., John W., William R. and Elizabeth. Having taught school several years, our subject had about $200 at the date of his marriage, April 24, 1849. He continued teaching till about 1856, and then began farming, which he has since followed. He purchased eighty acres in Eden Township, but soon after sold out and bought 103 acres in this township. In 1859, he disposed of this farm, and in 1860 purchased of Allen Hudson 160 acres, where he now resides. In 1872, he erected an elegant frame residence at a cost of $5,000, and this was de- stroyed by fire in 1881. On the same foundation and in the same year, he erected a fine brick residence, and in this he still resides. He owned 380 acres, but has disposed of 160 acres, still owning 220. valued at $100 and $110 per acre. Mr. Stinchcomb took an active part in the construction of the Ohio Central Railroad, and in 1864 became a member of a stock company known as Biles, Baker, Gibson & Co., organized for the purpose of conduct- ing a general merchandising business in Sycamore, the capital stock being about $200,000. He withdrew from this firm a few months later, the enter- prise not promising to be successful. Mr. Stinchcomb's wife was Miss Han- nah C. Little, of this township. and native of Ross County. She was a

daughter of James and Mary (Anno) Little, the former born in Ireland, the latter in this State. Her parents were married in Ross County, and moved to Wyandot in 1829, entering land in this township. They had four chil- dren. Mrs. Little died in October, 1855, and Mr. Little was married to Martha Braum in 1859. One child-George A .- was the result of this un- ion. Her father died in 1855, owning 423 acres of land. His widow still survives. By his second wife, Mr. Stinchcomb had eleven children-James S., William A., Louisa S., Josie A., Frank L., Scott W., Elmer E., Estella, Nellie, Maggie J. and J. Johnson-all living but the latter and Louisa S. Mr. S. has served as Treasurer of the township, and Justice of the Peace about eight years. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, Ohio Nation- al Guard, and served three months, being discharged in August, 1864. He is a Republican, and was a delegate to the convention at Cincinnati in 1870, nominating Charles Foster for Governor. He is a prominent member of the F. & A. M., and both he and Mrs. S. have been life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Stinchcomb has been a local lawyer for twenty years. In 1883, he and part of his family went to Dakota and pur- chased 480 acres of land, which he attended to one season, and then left in charge of his son.

PETER K. SHEAFFER, born in Dauphin County, Penn., August 6, 1846, is a son of Solomon and Sarah E. (Keiter) Sheaffer, who were natives of Pennsylvania, married in Dauphin County. In February, 1853, his father died leaving four sons and four daughters-Isaiah W., Isaac C., Lydia A., John D., Peter K. and Sarah E. Two are deceased. After th father's death, the rest of the family moved in the same year to Crawford County. Ohio, where Mrs. Sheaffer died in February, 1883. Mr. Sheaffer, our subject's father, by his first marriage had one child-William W., who now resides in Crawford County, his mother having died while he was very young. Peter K., the subject of this notice, was obliged to shift for himself at the age of seven. He worked from place to place as

1022

HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

best he could till 1858, when he moved with his mother to this township. He then worked three years for Jehiel Konkle; at fifteen, went to Indiana; returned to Crawford County in 1864; worked one year for Jacob Heistand; rented same farm two years, and was married in 1868 to Miss Sarah E. Cow- gill, a native of Bucyrus and a daughter of Elisha and Balinda (Clapper) Cowgill, who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were married in Bucyrus, her father being engaged in the woolen mills of that place. He died there in 1852, his only child being Sarah E., born June 26, 1847. At the age of six years, she was placed in the care of William Griffith, of this township, and with him she lived till her marriage. Her mother died in July, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Sheaffer are parents of three children, namely, William W., born August 29, 1870; Nellie A., born June 12, 1874, and Charley C., July 26, 1879. William W. was drowned in a spring April 6, 1873. Mr. Sheaffer has devoted most of his life to farming. In 1882, he moved to the town of Sycamore, and purchased property, where he now lives. He and Mrs. Sheaffer are members of the United Brethren Church; he is a Republican in politics.

PHILIP SMITH was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., November 22, 1806. He is a son of Abraham and Mary (Bellows) Smith, natives of the same State, and of German descent. He was married, September 17, 1833, to Levinah, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Hazen) Rice, all natives of New Jersey. Mrs. Smith was born in Sussex County August 3, 1812. Mr. Smith migrated to Ohio in 1839, and located in this county, of which he has ever since been a resident. He has reared two daughters-Eleanor and Catharine-who are both yet living. He and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Belle Vernon, and highly esteemed in their community. Mr. Smith has been a lifelong Democrat, and is still strong in the faith.

JAMES F. SNODGRASS was born February 5, 1830. He is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and son of Samuel and Mary (Peterson) Snod- grass, also natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His par- ents were married in Lancaster County, and reared the family there. There were nine children-four now living-Robert, Samuel S., Hannah E. and James F. The latter migrated to Ohio in February, 1867, and located at Sycamore, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine fourteen years, having first graduated at the Medical University of Philadelphia, Penn. In 1879, he purchased 225 acres of improved land in this township, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits, giving but little attention to his profession. He was married, July 20, 1869, to Mary Saffeil, of Sycamore, daughter of Augustus and Parmela (Kitchen) Saffell, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass have six children -Mary, John, -- , Arthur, Charles and Edith. Mr. Snodgrass is one of the leading farmers of the township, and an earnest supporter of Republican principles.

SAMUEL SPENCER is a son of Nathan and Catharine (Speaks) Spen- cer, and a native of Jefferson County, Va., where he was born November 11, 1812. His parents were also natives of Virginia, and of Scotch descent. They emigrated to Ohio about 1816, and located in Zanesville. Catharine Spencer died in 1823 in Zanesville. After her death, Nathan Spencer emi- grated to Missouri, and died in 1847. Samuel Spencer was married, in March, 1843, to Barbara Lane, a native of Muskingum County, and daugh- ter of John and Mary (Millirone) Lane, natives of Maryland, and of Ger- man descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1815. John Lane died in 1854,

1023

SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP.

aged eighty-four years; Mary Lane died in 1837, aged fifty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have three children-Charles I., born November 13, 1844; Marietta, December 11, 1846; Celestia I., November 26, 1849. Charles was married, in May, 1868, to Mary McCan, of Muskingum County; Mari- etta was married, in July, 1867, to Joel H. Bland, of Licking County ; Celestia was married, in October, 1868, to T. F. Blair, of Wyandot County. Mr. Spencer is a Republican in politics, and a Prohibitionist in sentiment from youth up. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as also is Mrs. Spencer.

ANDREW STAFFORD, born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in March, 1811, is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Stewart) Stafford, who were natives of Maryland. They emigrated to Ohio in an early day, and settled in Jef- ferson County, where they purchased a farm, and reared a family of nine children, five of whom are now living, namely, Nathan, Andrew, Robert, Mary and Christina. The parents both died in Jefferson County. They were of Irish descent, their parents being natives of Ireland. Andrew Stafford, the subject of this sketch, began life a poor boy. He worked at farming from place to place for some time; spent some time at the black- smith's trade, forging sickles; also made several trips on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers as bowsman. In 1838, he purchased 120 acres of land in Sycamore Township, and this land he cleared and improved, subsequently making several trades in real estate. Mr. Stafford was married, in October, 1854, to Barbara Walter, of Wyandot County, daughter of Daniel and Su- sanna (Baum) Walter, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in this county. In 1856-57, Mr. Stafford purchased forty acres, and afterward eighty acres, all in Sycamore Township, where he engaged exclusive- ly in farming. He was married, June 1, 1868, to Mrs. Hannah Whisler, wid- ow of J. K. Whisler, by whom she had one child, Mary E., who still resides with her mother. Mrs. Stafford is a daughter of Thom and Mary (Cole) Moore, and was born August 19, 1832. Her parents were of Irish descent, and were married in Richland County, where they lived about seven years, then moving to Seneca County, where they reared six children, namely, Hannah, Jane, Mary A., Parthena, James C. and Benjamin W., all living but Jane and Parthena. The father of this family died August 11, 1844, but his wife still survives. Jacob K. Whisler, Mrs. Stafford's former hus- band, was born October 16, 1832, and died January 10, 1860. He was the eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Kehl) Whisler, who were natives of Penn- sylvania, and of Dutch descent. Mr. Stafford improved his farm in various ways, and in 1872 sold 120 acres. In 1873, he built a fine frame residence on the remaining eighty, at a cost of $3,000, also a barn costing $1,700. In 1882, he sold this farm at $100 per acre, and moved to Sycamore, where he purchased a residence and three lots at $2,200, and now lives a retired life, He also owns six other joining lots, and eighty acres of land, which is val- ued at $70 per acre. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and favors temperance. His wife and daughter are active workers in the Women's Christian Temperance Union.

WILLIAM B. STARR, grain dealer, Sycamore, was born at Carey, Ohio, May 14, 1859; his parents were Hiram J. and Ellen G. (Brown) Starr, na- tives of Ohio, his father born in Franklin County, Ohio, his mother, the first white child born in Crawford Township, this county. They were mar- ried in Carey and reared five children-Laura P., Lydia, Ellen G., James H. and William B., twins. Lydia is deceased. The mother was formerly the wife of Napoleon Carey, by whom she had one child, Emma, who died

1024

HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

at the age of seventeen. William B. Starr was married, September 21, 1882, to Anna McClure, of Carey, born in Jefferson County, N. Y., daugh- ter of Russell and Milea (Joy) McClure, natives of New York also. Her parents had seven children-Abbie W., Neuton C., Emma J., Herbert R., Thurston W., Anna and Ada B. The deceased are Abbie and Herbert. Mr. Starr has been engaged with his father in the live-stock business for several years, dealing in fine grades of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. Since 1878, he has dealt considerably in grain at Carey, and in 1881 began the business in Sycamore. In 1882, he purchased the large elevator built by George Taylor in 1881, and this he has since operated, doing an extensive business. His line includes all kinds of grain, wool, seeds, live-stock, with coal, salt, etc. In 1882, he erected a fine frame residence in which he now resides. Mr. Starr completed his education in the Spencerian Business College, Cleveland, in 1880. He and Mrs. Starr are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, Mr. S. holding the office of Trustee in the same. In politics, Mr. Starr affiliates with the Republican party.

WILLIAM C. STEVENS, son of James M. and Alice (Skinner) Ste- vens, was born in Erie County, N. Y., March 25, 1821; his parents were na- tives of New York and Canada respectively, and of mixed ancestry-Scotch, Irish, Dutch and English. They moved to Ohio in 1827, and settled in Seneca County; built the first grist mill in Eden Township and reared a family of five children-Elizabeth A., James M. and Mary A., William C., and Samuel C., all living but Elizabeth A. The father died January 8, 1829; the mother in August, 1841. William C., the subject of this notice, began merchandising in the town of Melmore at the age of twenty, contin- uing in this occupation till 1865. He then sold out his stock of goods and purchased 161 acres in Crawford County, this tract now being valued at $75 to $100 per acre. He now resides on 133 acres in this township, the farm being owned by his wife and valued at $100 per acre. Mr. Stevens was married, September 21, 1842, to Mary Dean, a native of New Jersey and resident of Seneca County, daughter of John and Sarah (Dougherty) Dean. Three daughters have blessed this marriage-Laura A., Ann D. and Mary J. Mrs. Stevens died May 15, 1862, and our subject was married, June 13, 1865, to Mary Rogers, of this county, daughter of John and Ra- chel (Smith) Rogers. Two children resulted from this second marriage, their names are Rolla R. and Myra. Since abandoning mercantile pursuits, Mr. Stevens has turned his attention exclusively to farming and stock- raising. He clings to the Republican faith in politics; is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Melmore, and, with Mrs. Stevens, is associated with the Presbyterian Church.

REVERDY STOKELY, son of William B. and Charlotte (Lamon) Stokely, was born in this county February 14, 1856. His parents were na- tives of Pickaway County, Ohio, and York State, and reared a family of five children in this county; the father died in 1856, the mother May 11, 1883. Our subject lived with his mother till his maturity, but while a mere boy was compelled to do for himself. He was married, September 30, 1880, to Elnora Lupton, a native and resident of this township, and daughter of John K. and Barbara A. (Pontius) Lupton, natives of Virginia and Ohio re- spectively. They reared a family of four sons and eight daughters, the father dying May 3, 1882, the mother February 11, 1882, aged seventy and seventy-six respectively. In 1883, Mr. Stokely purchased the old homestead of forty acres, on which he now resides. Mrs. Stokely also owns 80 acres, the whole tract of 120 acres being valued at $75 to $85 per acre. Besides

1025

SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP.

this, Mr. Stokely owns a house and lot valued at about $800 in the village of Petersburg. He gives his attention exclusively to agriculture and stock- raising. In politics, Mr. Stokely is a live Republican.

GEORGE TAYLOR, sou of Matthew and Mary (Freeburn) Taylor, was born in Dauphin County, Penn., August 16, 1812. His parents were na· tives of the same county, and of Irish and English descent respectively. They were married in their native locality about the year 1800, their chil- dren being as follows: James, William, Elizabeth, George, Samuel and Matthew, the latter dying in infancy. The mother died about 1821, aged forty-five years, the father in 1859; both are interred in Halifax Cemetery, Dauphin County, Penn. Our subject served four and one-half years as an apprentice as a millwright, beginning at the age of fifteen. In 1832, he moved to Ohio, and worked one year in Henry St. John's mill in Seneca County, and with Anthony H. Arnold in Tymochtee Township, this county, six months. He was afterward engaged in Crawford, Morrow, Marion and Seneca Counties in the same work. He was married, June 3, 1841, to Mary C. Fitz Randolph, of Delaware County, Ohio, a native of Brooke County, Va., daughter of Cornelius and Julia A. (Congleton) Fitz Randolph, na- tives of New Jersey and Virginia respectively. Mrs. Julia A. Fitz Randolph was a daughter of Moses Congleton, who was Major General in the war of 1812, and whose wife lived to the advanced age of one hundred and four years, their marriage ceremony having been performed by Rev. Alex. Camp- bell. Ten of thirteen children of this family are still living, namely: Mary C., Maria, Thomas, Adaline, Charlotte, Rachel, John, James, Hiram and George. The deceased are Congleton, Jefferson and Rebecca. The father of the family died October 7, 1878. The mother is still living in Morrow County in her eighty-fourth year, without a gray hair. Mr. and Mrs. Tay- lor's children were James, Mary J., Minerva, Thomas, Freeburn, George, Julia and Charlotte, all living but George and Freeburn. In 1843, Mr. Taylor purchased twelve acres of timber land in this township, and soon after erected a fine frame residence, and a large three and one-half story flouring mill on the same. This mill is yet in good repair, with three run of buhrs, and operated by his son, Thomas. Our subject purchased sixty- three acres adjoining his twelve-acre lot in 1850, and has since owned sev- eral different tracts. He gave up the milling business in 1855. He now owns 200 acres of land in this and Eden Township and has given 180 acres to his children. In 1881, he erected in Sycamore a large grain elevator, which he sold to Mr. Starr in 1882. He also built a fine large brick res- idence in Sycamore in 1882, and is now (1884) completing a large five-story brick flouring mill. He owns 160 acres in Missouri, and is an active business man of good character. He has taken considerable interest in Re- publican politics since 1861.

GEORGE VAN GUNDY, son of Michael and Hannah Van Gundy, was born August 1, 1831. He is a native of Ross County, Ohio, and was reared a farmer. In 1857, he became the owner of 160 acres of partially improved land in this township, where he still resides; he has always given his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits; he was married, December 26, 1858, to Mary E. Swinehart, a native of this township, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Mil- ligan) Swinehart, of German and Irish ancestry; her parents had eight chil- dren-Nancy A., Rebecca J., Mary E., Hannah C. and Laura A., the only surviving. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy ten children were born-Sabina A., born October 11, 1860; Louisa J., March 11, 1862; John U., Septem- ber 26, 1864; Myrta, October 25, 1866; Hettie, November 15, 1868; Dettie,

1026

HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

April 19, 1871; Cecil R., September 27, 1873: Harry, February 17, 1877; Willie, February 9, 1878; infant daughter, May 18, 1881. The deceased are Willie, Dettie and the infant. Mr. Van Gundy is a strict Republican of the temperance turn. He and part of his family are associated with the United Brethren Church.

WILLIAM VAN GUNDY was born in Ross County, Ohio, September 21, 1821. His father, Michael Van Gundy was a native of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch descent, and his mother, Hannah (Eyestone) Van Gundy, was a native of Ohio, and of German ancestry. They were married in Ross County, and moved to this township about 1836; he first entered 320 acres, and 160 a few years later. Their children were William, Elizabeth, Abra- ham, George and Susan; Abraham and the latter deceased. The father died in 1859; the mother in 1848. William Van Gundy, our subject, was mar- ried, February 25, 1844, to Elizabeth Patten, of Crawford County. She was a native of Virginia, and daughter of William and Mary (Bishop) Patten, natives of Ireland and Virginia respectively. They resided for some time at Martinsburg, and then removed to Baltimore, where he was employed as a weaver till 1823, in which year he died, leaving one child (the wife of Mr. Van Gundy), who died in this township December 9, 1882. Mrs. Pat- ten returned to Virginia, after the death of her husband, and about 1831 came to Ohio with her brother, and married in Ross County and moved to Crawford County, where she died August 8, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy had nine children-Lewis W., Laura A., James A., Josephine A., George F., H. Mary, Alwilda A., Lucretia and Ruth. Lewis, George, Lucretia, an in- fant, and Mrs. Laura Lee, when twenty-five years of age, are deceased. In 1850, Mr. Van Gundy purchased 160 acres, on which he resided about three years, purchasing eighty acres in 1853, and residing on the latter farm till the present time. In 1860 to 1865, he purchased 160 more, now owning 400 acres, valued at $80 to $120 per acre. He has his farm well improved, and is now completing an elegant brick residence at a cost of $4,000; he formerly dealt somewhat in blooded horses, and is now giving considerable attention to the raising of thoroughbred Spanish Merino sheep, and blooded hogs, their stock all being registered. Mr. Van Gundy has held the office of township Treasurer for several years, and is a prom- inent member of the United Brethren Church at Sycamore, his wife also having been a faithful member till her death. Prior to her marriage, she was of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion. Mr. Van Gundy was a Dem- ocrat for his first few votes, but favored Republcanism for many years; he is now an active Prohibitionist. His son, James A., is his partner in the stock-raising business, in which they are extensively engaged.

DAVID G. WATSON was born August 9, 1835, in Eden Township, Seneca County, Ohio, and is a son of James B. and Mary (Glenn) Watson, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish descent. His parents were married in Center County, Penn., and migrated to Ohio in 1831, locating in Seneca County. There were four children in the family-William A., James G., Ann E. and David G. In 1857, our subject went to California, returning in 1860. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Eighth Reg- iment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was subsequently three years in the service. He participated in the battles of Winchester, Chancellorsville, Get- tysburg and many others. Was all through the Wilderness under Gen. Grant, and also took part in the siege at Petersburg, receiving his discharge in July, 1864. Returning from the war he went to the Rocky Mountains, where he was engaged four years in prospecting and mining. In 1870, he

1027

SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP.

returned home, and March 28, 1871, he was married to Rachel A. Dunlap, a native of this township, and daughter of James K. and Mary (Cummins) Dunlap, natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents were married in Richland County, Ohio, and moved to this township in 1840. Their children were William H., Rachel A., Jane, Laura, Sylvester and James H., all living. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have four children-James D., born December 18, 1872; Glenn C., November 11, 1874; Mary G., July 5, 1877; Anna E., May 2, 1883. In 1876, Mr. Watson purchased 128 acres of land, on which he has erected an excellent frame residence, where he now lives. His farm is mostly improved land, and valuable. He is a Republican, and warmly attached to the interests of his party. Mrs. Watson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

EVAN T. WILLIAMS was born in Licking County, Ohio, December 1, 1846. He is a son of William and Mary (Evans) Williams, natives of Cardiganshire, Wales. His parents were married in Licking County, and had six children, namely: Evan T., Zachariah J., Margaret S., Sarah J., Phoebe A. D. and Susan E., all living but Margaret. The mother died April 30, 1882. Evan T. Williams has always pursued the vocation of an agriculturist. He attended the common schools of his native county, and spent one term in Granville College. In 1881, he moved to this county, and purchased eighty acres of land, which with his improvements he values at $75 to $85 per acre. Mr. Williams was married, March 23, 1876, to Ida M. Keller, native of Licking County, and daughter of Eli and Fidelia (Holler) Keller, also natives of Licking County. Her parents were of Ger- man descent, were married in their native county, and reared a family of eight children, namely: Martha J., Lorena, Philo J., Ida M., Ætna, Eli W., Ira C. and Eber A., all living at the present date. The father died December 3, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two sons, namely: Eber K., born September 10, 1877, and Earl R., August 9, 1879. Mr. Williams is a good farmer, and a stanch Republican of the temperance persuasion.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc, Part 127

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway Number of Pages: 1072

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway
Number of Pages: 1072