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 73

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 73

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ARCHIBALD H. McCLAIN, son of Abraham and Mary A. (Neff) Mc- Clain, was born in Pitt Township, this county, March 24, 1841. He ob- tained a fair education in the schools of his neighborhood, and remained with his parents on the farm until the opening of the late war when he en- listed in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, September 24, 1862, and participated in eleven severe battles promi- nent among which was that of Winchester 1st, where his company suffered heavy losses, himself being taken prisoner, and detained at Belle Island about thirty days, after which time he was paroled and returned home on fur- lough. He subsequently rejoined his regiment and served till the close of the war, being captured at the battle of Richmond, and witnessing the sur- render of Gen. Lee's army at Appomattox. He was discharged at Columbus, Ohio, as Hospital Orderly, having been a faithful soldier, seldom missing an engagement. He returned to his home in Crane Township, and in 1866 was married to Minerva Waterhouse, of St. Joseph County, Ind. They have four children-Elmore, James, Abraham and Earnest. In 1875, Mr. McClain removed to the West, locating in Washington County, Iowa, in 1877. He owns a farm of 160 acres near Brighton, Iowa, and this he has well-improved, valuing the same at $40 per acre. He has many friends in this county.

DR. JAMES McCONNELL, whose portrait appears in this work, and one of the oldest physicians of this county, was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., March 8, 1802, and is a son of John and Sarah (Armitage) McCon- nell. He was educated in the district schools of pioneer times, and while quite a youth began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. John Henderson. He graduated at the Baltimore Medical College and immedi- ately entered upon the practice of his profession at Lewiston, Penn., where he remained till 1845. He then disposed of his property in Lewiston, sur- rendered his practice in that locality and removed to Upper Sandusky, where he has since resided, and where he established an extensive and profitable practice. He was faithful to his calling till the lapse of years compelled

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

him to abandon it, which, with reluctance, he did in 1868. he has been "upon the retired list," and his son, Dr. Robert N. McConnell, Since that time

has assumed his practice. He has been very successful in his profession,

and has accumulated a large amount of property, lands, lots and business

are Martha S., Jane and an infant. The Doctor was one of the most highly them, two of whom are now living-Robert N. and John B. The deceased garetta Nelson, daughter of Robert Nelson, and five children were born to rooms. Dr. McConnell was married at Columbus, Ohio, in 1842, to Mar-

esteemned of the citizens of Upper Sandusky, having always led an honora- ble life. His character was of the sternest excellence, and his social as well

as his professional career has been marked by the utmost sincerity and can-

Church. In politics, Dr. McConnell was a stanch Republican. His death dor. Both he and Mrs. McConnell were members of the Presbyterian

occurred April 12, 1884, at the advanced age of nearly eighty-two years.

The following notice of his life and character appeared in the Wyandot

Union of April 17: "Another venerable and esteemed citizen has passed away. He died Saturday morning, April 12, at half past 9 o'clock. About a week preceding death, he took a severe cold, which developed into con- gestion of the lungs. Up and until that time, aside from the usual infirmi- ties of age, the Doctor had enjoyed remarkable health. A fine constitution, here during the land sales in 1845. He had faith in the new town and the rarely suffered physical affliction. He was one of our first settlers, coming which he guarded with correct habits, extended to him its results, and he

then surrounding country, and watched their progress with no little interest. He was one of our first physicians, and held in high esteem for his skill and

luctantly retired from practice, but with the proud satisfaction of seeing the the tendency of years required a more inactive life, and even then he re- usefulness in the profession, continuing practice until the year 1868, when

mantle fall upon an able and efficient son. The deceased was somewhat

eccentric, yet this phase in his nature was a pleasing one which endeared the Doctor to all our people. His it was to be enthusiastic and positive, but the silver lining to this peculiar quality was a willing consideration for

interest in everything that affected our people. He had a strong attach- He was ever genial and kind, with a heart full of sympathy, taking a deep the opinion of others, even when he was almost sure to utter a difference.

ment for neighbors and friends, especially for those connected with the early settlement of the town, which was made quite manifest in his every-

ceased contented himself in looking after his valuable landed interests in day walk and conversation. For the past fifteen or twenty years the de-

this city and near it, which was the result of judicious investments at an early day; and made his life and the life of others agreeable by his friendly contact. Until age had brought those infirmities which it seems humanity

seemed to admire the open day, and was one of the few men who rarely found fault with the weather or surrounding circumstances. This pecu- a day passed but his manly form was seen moving upon our streets. He is not permitted to escape, the Doctor enjoyed unusual health, and scarcely

liarity he no doubt contracted by a long and active practice in his pro- fession. His many years within our midst are without a blemish, and al-

though positive in conclusions and never loath in asserting his convictions

of right, he had not an enemy; nor one who did not feel a degree of pleas-

ure in his presence. His social qualities were a little singular, yet not the

less attractive; and above all, he enjoyed a rehearsal of old times in which he would grow animated and intensely interesting. He never forgot his old

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State of Pennsylvania, and seemed to cling to the recollection of his youth with a pleasurable pride. He was one of our best citizens, pure and honest in all his actions, living with a desire of seeing others live to enjoy life; and never negligent in his responses when a friend needed his services or advice. He was an exemplary citizen-living a life worthy of imitation. No one will be more sadly missed that Dr. McConnell, who has been one of us so long, and whose very presence seemed to identify the place. After ap- propriate services at his late residence, by the Rev. S. Fenner, on Monday, at 3 o'clock, his remains were interred in the family lot at Oak Hill Cemne- tery."

ROBERT N. McCONNELL, M. D., was born in Lewiston, Penn., April 29, 1843; son of James and Margaretta (Nelson) McConnell. He came to Upper Sandusky with his parents when but two years of age, and was educated in the public schools of that place, entering the Ohio Weslyan University in 1859, taking a preparatory course, and subsequently entering the Jefferson College at Canonsburg, Penn., with the intention of taking a classical course. This arrangement was thwarted, however, by his enlist- ment in September, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve three years as a private in the late war. He was commissioned as Hospital Attendant, serving until the battle of Winchester, June 15, 1863, at which engagement the entire regi- ment was taken prisoners and confined at Belle Island. After four weeks Dr. McConnell was released on parole and returned home and during his sojourn attended a course of lectures at the Starling Medical College having begun the study of medicine while in the service. He was discharged from the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, by special order from the War Department to accept a commission as Assistant Surgeon in the One Hundred and Thirty third Ohio National Guards, in the spring of 1864, and served with the regiment until the expiration of its term of service in the fall of the same year. He entered the medical department of the Wooster University at Cleveland, and graduated in 1865, in the first class that graduated from that institution Immediately after taking his degree he was appointed Assistant Surgeon General of the State by Gov. Brough, and continued in this office till it was abolished, a year afterward. Dr. McConnell then returned home, and during the winter of 1866-67 attended the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, after which he opened up a drug store in Upper Sandusky in connection with his prac- tice. In 1869, he disposed of his interest in the drug establishment to L. A. Brunner and devoted his entire attention to his profession, attending a course of lectures during the winter of 1870-71 at Belleview Medical Col- lege, New York City. In order to lay the foundation for more complete success in the practice of his profession, Dr. McConnell proceeded to Europe in 1878, and attended the Imperial Medical University at Vienna, Austria, returning to Upper Sandusky after an absence of about one year. He was in 1874, appointed Director of the Ohio Penitentiary under Gov. Allen's administration, serving in that capacity two years with great credit to himself and to the institution. In 1882, Dr. Connell entered into a part- nership with Isaac N. Bowman, which connection still exists. He has established a large practice and is among the foremost of the physicians of this section of the State. He is an honored member of the F. & A. M., having attained the thirty-second degree; also a member of the Knights of Honor and the G. A. R. In politics, Dr. McConnell is a thorough Repub- lican.

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

NELSON MCFARLAND is a native of Belford County, Penn., born October 20, 1839. His parents were of Scotch-Irish descent and came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1843. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, being wounded in the battle of Tippecanoe. He died in Illinois in 1863; his wife's death occurred in 1849. Of their thirteen children but five are living, namely: Andrew, John, Elizabeth, Jane and Nelson. The latter came to this State with his parents and grew up in the counties of Belmont and Guernsey in which he attended school and engaged in farm- ing and teaming. He subsequently spent five years in Illinois returning the first of the year 1860. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at the close of three months' service re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years. He took part in the battles of Moorefield, Winchester, New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snickersford, Martinsburg, Strawsburg, Cedar Creek and several minor engagements. His regiment was captured at Winchester; was paroled and exchanged, and afterward re-organized at Martinsburg in February, 1864. He was subsequently twice captured, the last time three

days before Lee's surrender. He received his discharge in June, 1865, and returned home; farmed rented land a few years; purchased eighty-five acres on which he resided eight years; and in June, 1881, purchased his present farm of 133 acres valued at $70 per acre. Mr. McFarland was married, October, 1865, to Mary A. Moody, who was born in this county October 1, 1835. She is a daughter of Timothy and Susan (Bower) Moody, and has always resided in this county. Mr. and Mrs. McFarland have no children; their adopted son James W., was born October 24, 1875. Mr. McFarland is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R., and is associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HON. ROBERT McKELLY is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and was born April 8, 1815; he is a son of Alexander and Mary (Torrence) McKelly, who were natives of County Antrim, Ireland, from whence they emigrated to America in 1800. They first settled in Lancaster County, Penn., residing there till 1823, then removing to Allegheny County, near Pittsburgh, where Mr. McKelly died in his eightieth year, and Mrs. Mc- Kelly in her sixty-third, the death of the latter occurring September 22, 1845. They reared a family of ten children, of whom but three are now liv- ing, namely: Martha, wife of James Orr, of Barnesville, Ohio; Robert and Elizabeth H. Robert McKelly, the subject proper of this notice, obtained a good education in the schools of Lancaster and Allegheny Counties, where he taught several terms, beginning at the age of fifteen. In 1834, he came to Ohio, and was employed in the schools of Bellville, Lexington and in Knox County; he began the study of law at Mt. Vernon under the instruc- tion of Henry B. Curtis, in 1838, and continued under his regime one year. He then further prosecuted his studies with Col. John K. Miller, and was admitted to the bar in 1842, serving as Deputy Postal Clerk in the mean- time. He began the practice of law at Bucyrus in July, 1842, removing to Upper Sandusky in June, 1845, to assume the duties of Register of the United States Land Office, to which he had been appointed by President Polk. This office having been removed to Defiance. Mr. McKelly resigned in 1848, and returned to Upper Sandusky. In 1851, he was appointed Probate Judge of this county, by Gov. Wood, the election having resulted in a tie vote. In 1854, he was chosen Director of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad (now the P., Ft. W. & Chicago, Railroad), and served in this ca- pacity till about 1870; he was chosen President of the same line prior to

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the consolidation of the three roads, Ohio & Pennsylvania, Ohio & Indiana and Ft. Wayne & Chicago, serving seven months and holding an interest in the road, till it was leased by the Pennsylvania Company. In 1857, Mr. McKelly was elected State Senator and creditably filled the duties of that office one term, since which time he has devoted his attention almost wholly to his profession. In September, 1881, he was appointed by the Court to serve an unexpired term in the office of Prosecuting Attorney, and was elect- ed to the same office in October, 1881; he has practiced the legal profession in this county almost forty years, and his labors have been bountifully re- warded both in a financial and professional sense; he is one of the oldest members of the Wyandot bar and is also recognized as one of its ablest rep- resentatives; he is a man of great force of character, and for keen business sagacity is perhaps unsurpassed by any of his cotemporaries. Mr. Mc- Kelly was married at Bellville, Ohio, to Rebecca J. Ogle, daughter of Enoch and Catharine Ogle, and ten children were born to them, three of whom are all that are now living, namely: Robert A., born May 20, 1843; Roberta A., August 13, 1847, and James M., May, 13, 1851. The mother of these children passed away June 12, 1863, and Mr. McKelly was mar- ried December 31, 1870, to Isabel, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Miles) Snyder. He is a prominent member of the F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., and affiliates with the Democratic party. As a representative citizen of this county we present the portrait of Mr. McKelly in this work.

ROBERT A. McKELLY was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, May 13, 1843; he is a son of Robert and Rebecca (Ogle) McKelly, who removed to Wyandot County in 1845; he was educated in the public schools of Upper Sandusky, afterward attending the Ohio Weslyan University one year; he closed his educational pursuits at the age of seventeen, and engaged as clerk in the Auditor's office, under the administration of Peter B. Beidler, and subse- quently formed a partnership with Thomas Shissler in the drug business. This firm existed one year, when Mr. McKelly purchased his partner's in- terest, and conducted the business independently until 1865; he then re- tired from business one year, but subsequently engaged as clerk in the dry goods store of S. M. Worth until appointed Deputy Auditor, under the regime of Jonathan Maffet. In 1872, he was elected Auditor, and re-elected in 1874, at the expiration of his second term entering into a partnership with C. B. Hare in the hardware business, in which occupation he has since continued. the business being transacted under the firm name of Hare & Mc- Kelly. They have established a good trade, and carry a large stock of goods, consisting of everything usually found in a first-class hardware store. Mr. McKelly was married May 10, 1866, to Mary J. Campbell, of Coshoc- ton, Ohio, and three children have been born to them-Isabel R., born April 27, 1867; Thomas M., September 23, 1869, and Robert C., February 10, 1872. Mr. McKelly has been a member of the School Board for ten years, and was instrumental in the erection of the fine New Union School Building of Upper Sandusky, during the year 1883; he is a distinguished member of the F. & A. M., advancing as far as the Chapter, also a member of the Royal Arcanum. In political sentiment, he is a Democrat.

ROBERT McKELVY, whose portrait we present in this work, and who is one of the county's most esteemed pioneers, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, February 2, 1819. He is a son of John and Mary McKelvy, who were both natives of the same county, where the former died in 1866; the latter in 1864. They reared a family of five children, three of whom- Margaret, Robert and Mary-emigrated to America. Robert McKelvy

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

crossed the Atlantic in 1843, and stopped at St. Thomas, Canada, where he learned the tanner's trade. In 1846, he came to Upper Sandusky and engaged in the tanning business with William Trimble till 1850, when the latter retired, Mr. McKelvy continuing in the business till 1870, when he established a harness shop on the corner of Main and Hick streets. where he conducted a flourishing business. Mr. McKelvy recently erected a large ice house, and this business will claim a portion of his attention in the future. He has been one of the important business factors of Upper San- dusky for nearly forty years, and is well known to the community for his habits of industry and perseverance. In his time he has had a vast busi- ness experience, and his knowledge of the world and its ways is no less ex- tensive. Born and reared amid the brave, hardy and freedom-seeking sons of Erin, schooled among the cautious and skillful Canadians in the rules of his trade, and energized by business contact with the shrewd commercial Yankees, he is well qualified for the strong position which he occupies in the business sphere of his community. By hard labor and persevering industry Mr. McKelvy has accumulated a handsome competence of this world's goods, owning two acres where he resides, ten acres within the cor- poration, and other town property of value. He is a Democrat in political sentiment, and though not an office-seeker, he served two years as Township Trustee, and two years in the City Council of Upper Sandusky. He and his family are associated with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. McKelvy is one of the most thoroughly respected of the pioneers of the county, always having sustained an unblemished character, and kindly regarded by the citi- zens with whom he is associated. He was married, February 14, 1850, to Eliza Ellis, Rev. James R. Bonner, of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, officiating. Mrs. McKelvy was a daughter of Robert and Sarah Ellis, and was born in County Antrim, Ireland, March 9, 1826, emigrating to America in 1847. Seven children blessed this union, six of whom are now living-William J., born March 8, 1854; Mary E., April 6, 1858; Hes- ter J., October 9, 1860; John S., March 10, 1862; Robert E., March 14, 1864; Margaret C., April 7, 1866. Sarah A., eldest, who was born Novem- ber 19, 1851, died February 25, 1881. She was married to James H. Kerr November 19, 1872, and was the mother of one child, Robert Mc. Kerr, who, since his mother's death, has been adopted by his grandfather, Mr. McKelvy.

WILLIAM J. McKELVY, dealer in and manufacturer of harnesses, sad- dles, collars, etc., was born in Upper Sandusky March 8, 1854. He is the son of Robert and Eliza (Ellis) McKelvy, and was reared and educated in the city of his birth. At the age of seventeen he engaged in the harness trade with his father, with whom he remained five years. He subsequently became a partner of his father, doing business under the firm name of Mc- Kelvy & Son two years. At the end of this time he purchased his father's interest, and has since conducted the business independently. He carries a stock of $2,500 to $3,000, employing three to five hands constantly. He owns the building which he occupies, the stock which it contains, and is doing a thriving business. He was married, September 30, 1880, to Miss Rosalind Engel, daughter of Christian and Mary (Hipp) Engel, residents of Upper Sandusky. Mrs. McKelvy was born March 6, 1859. Mr. Mc- Kelvy is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. McKelvy of the German Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. McKelvy is Democratic.

CAPT. HENRY MILLER, son of Henry and Mary (Ziegler) Miller, was born in Union County, Penn., May 1, 1818. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were married in that State about 1814. They removed

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to Juniata County, Penn., in 1820, and resided in that locality until 1845, when they came to Ohio and settled in this county. They were the par- ents of five children, three living-Samuel, Henry and Sarah. John, an infant, is deceased, also Mary, the wife of Michael Depler, who died in 1863. The father died in this county in 1848, aged about fifty-five years. The mother survived her husband a number of years and died in her seven: ty-third year. Henry Miller, the subject of this sketch, was engaged upon a farm during his earlier years, subsequently serving an apprenticeship at the printer's trade, pursuing this occupation five years, and finally abandon- ing it on account of failing health. In 1845, he removed to Ohio and en- gaged in the carpenter's trade with his father till June 3, 1846, at which time he enlisted in Company F, Third Ohio Regiment, in the Mexican war, He enlisted as private, but was commissioned Brevet Second Lieutenant about six months afterward, serving until the close of his term of service- one year. He was discharged in June, 1847, and returned to Upper San- dusky, where he engaged in the butchering business five years. In 1854, Mr. Miller removed with his family to Iowa and engaged one year in agri- cultural pursuits, but returned to Upper Sandusky at the expiration of that time and engaged in various vocations until elected Recorder of the county in 1859. During his term of office Mr. Miller enlisted in the late war, Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years, entering the service in 1861. He was commissioned First Lieutenant and, in 1862, as Captain, participating in the following battles: Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mission Ridge, and the battles of the entire Atlanta campaign. In 1864, he tendered his resignation and returned to his family in Upper Sandusky, engaging in the grocery and provision trade from 1865 to 1878, being then appointed Deputy Auditor, in which capacity he is now serving. He held the office of Township Clerk eight consecutive years, and as member of the City Council a number of years. He was a member of the Union School Board, and a Republican in politics. Himself and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Miller was married January 4, 1849, to Ellen Walker, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Newman) Walk- er, residents of Upper Sandusky, and ten children have been born to them, three now living-Virginia E., Della E. and Mary E., wife of Frank Myers, residents of Upper Sandusky. The deceased are Charles B., Henry Will- iam, McCandlish, Rhoda I., Clara E., Rose May and Harry E.

GEORGE A. MITCHELL was born in Knox County, Ohio, May 30, 1819, son of Joseph and Martha (Carr) Mitchell, the former a native of Washington County, Penn., born January 1, 1782; the latter of Bucks County, Penn., born August 22, 1795; the latter died June 21, 1835; the former August 23, 1865. They were married in Knox County, Ohio, Sep- tember 10, 1811, and were the parents of six children, three-Nathaniel, George A. and James-still living. The family resided in Richland Coun- ty from 1821 till the father's death. George Mitchell came to this county in 1846 and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. He purchased his present farm in 1865 at $40 per acre; this he has improved and provided with good buildings, now estimating its value at $100 per acre. Mr. Mitchell was married November 28,1848, to Catharine L. Duvre, daughter of David and Amanda (Hawk) Duvre, the former a native of Philadelphia, Penn., the latter of Warren County, N. J. The death of Mrs. Mitchell occurred October 20, 1849, and Mr. M. was again married April 6, 1851, to Sarah M. Snover, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hawk) Snover, and one child has been born to them-Joseph O., September 1, 1852. Mrs. Mitchell

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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 73

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

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