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 82

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 82

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EMANUEL BOWLBY was born in Somerset County, Penn., Septem- ber 19, 1821; he is a son of James and Sarah (Gross) Bowlby, natives of Hunterdon County, N. J., and Somerset County, Penn., the former born September 11, 1796, the latter April 1, 1801. His parents were married in Somerset County, Penn., and resided there till March, 1831, moving to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1852, the father dying there in 1870, the mother in 1859. His father died of apoplexy, falling in the Nevada Depot. There were fourteen children in the family, nine living-Emanuel, James, Joseph, Jacob, Hannah, Elizabeth, Maria, Catharine and Sarah. Mr. B. resided with his parents till of age; he then rented land, and farmed two years in Wayne County, and seven years in Stark County, moving to Wyandot, and locating on his present farm of eighty acres in 1852. This farm was pur. chased while covered by a dense growth of timber, but has been cleared and improved by Mr. Bowlby till it is now valued at $75 per acre. Mr. Bowlby was married April 7, 1842, to Sarah Stall, native of Wayne County, Ohio, born November 11, 1822, daughter of Michael and Sarah (Bowers) Stall, natives of Somerset County, Penn., the former born in 1792, the latter in 1795. They had eleven children, six living-Abraham, Henry, William, Elizabeth, Sarah, Barbara. The deceased are George, Michael, Jackson, John and Susan. The father died in 1841, the mother in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Bowlby have ten children living, namely: Samantha, wife of Levi Lawbright, deceased, born October 22, 1843; Rachel, wife of U. L. Bach- tell, born December, 1844; Dr. W., July 4, 1846; Hester A., wife of Mitchel Sigler, born September 5, 1848; Lydia, wife of Lewis Dinkle, born March 7, 1850; Wellington, July 27, 1851; Nelson, October 18, 1854; Mar-

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shall, May 9, 1858; Alice, wife of James H. Traxler, October 16, 1860; William Sherman, April 15, 1864; James, January 11, 1868; Marshall and an infant are deceased. Mr. Bowlby has a comfortable home, and is well respected throughout his community; a Republican, politically.

ABRAHAM BROWN was born March 3, 1822. He is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Nitz) Brown, natives of Pennsylvania. His father was born February 22, 1798, was mar- ried in Pennsylvania, and removed to Wayne County, Ohio, about 1818. In 1826, he brought his family to this county, and located near Wyandot Vil- lage. In 1828, his first wife died, and in 1830 he was married to Elizabeth Nitz, of Fairfield County, Ohio; he subsequently moved to Belle Vernon, residing in this county till his death in August, 1881. By his first mar- riage there were five children, three living-David I., Lucretia and Abra- ham, the former a prominent lawyer in Ottawa, Ohio; Lucretia, now Mrs. Johnson, resides in Minnesota. Abraham Brown, the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents till eighteen years of age. He then paid his father $95 for the remainder of his minor years, and began business for himself, working four years by the month for S. Bretz. He continued in this work till twenty-four; then rented land one year, purchasing fifty-three acres in 1845. on which farm he lived twenty-five years. By subsequent purchases, Mr. Brown has increased his possessions till he now owns 685 acres, valued at $60 to $75 per acre. He has done an extensive farming and stock bus- iness; his operations having all been confined to this county; he has done considerable in the sheep business, and usually keeps good grades. Mr. Brown was married March 20, 1845, to Mary J. Ekleberry, a native of Mus- kingum County, born May 4, 1826. Her parents were Ezekiel and Mary (Towbridge) Eckleberry, and were married in Muskingum County, subse- quently moving to this county, and locating near Belle Vernon about 1830; her father and mother are both dead. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had eleven children, seven living, namely: Ezekiel, born January 24, 1850; Mary A., April 12, 1854; Ella, April 3, 1856; Kate, December 29, 1857; Effie C., January 12, 1860; Abraham L., March 5, 1862; Charles F., March 3, 1863. Mr. Brown has been a resident of this county fifty-eight years, and has done considerable for its development; he was one of the first settlers, having worked one year on the old Mission farm, and is quite familiar with the Indian language and customs. He is ranked among the foremost farmers of the county, and one of its most worthy citizens.

JOSEPH A. BROWN was born in Ashland County, Ohio, July 16, 1844. He is a son of James S. and Rebecca (Zimmerman) Brown, the former a native of Ross County, Ohio, the latter of Huntingdon County, Penn. He was reared to manhood in his native county and educated in the district schools, enlisting May 1, 1861, in Company G, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Gen. Rosecrans. His regiment at length halted on the banks of the Monongahela, West Virginia, from whence Mr. Brown made his first trip as scout, engaging in an action near Fort Pickens with a party of " bushwhackers," and on his return to camp at Camp Scott, his father, who was a teamster in the same company, was fatally seized with typhoid fever. He was afterward moved to Camp Look- out, where he died October 1, 1861, at the home of a colored family. In this situation, Mr. Brown had the trying experience of making his own father's coffin, of boards torn from an old corn crib, and burying him with his own hands in an old graveyard near by. He then joined his regiment, and in the winter of 1862, with a scouting party of twenty, captured

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twenty prisoners, and fired but three shots, after which he was ordered East in August of that year. He subsequently participated in the battles of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, and others. Being wounded at the latter place, he was kept at the hospital several weeks, joining his regi- ment at Charleston, where he re-enlisted December 13, 1863. He was afterward engaged as scout under Capt. Blazer for Gens. Crooks and Sheri- dan, and passed through some thrilling experiences. On the morning of October 4, 1864, he was captured by four of Mosby's rebels, disguised as Union soldiers, while on his way to Cedar Creek, and escaped only by shoot- ing three of the guards, this being done by the assistance of a fellow-pris- oner. The history of this capture and escape is replete with incident and interest, but the limits of this sketch will not admit its thrilling details. Besides the battles enumerated above, Mr. Brown was engaged at Opequon, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Snicker's Gap, Fisher's Hill, Cloyd's Mountain, Lynchburg, Petersburg and Fredericksburg. He was honorably discharged August 5, 1865, and returned to Wellington, Lorain County, where he en- gaged in the tinner's trade one year. He then removed to Ashland, where he engaged in the same business till 1867, when he came to Nevada, and went into the employ of David and William Balliet, with whom he remained five years. Mr. Brown was married, August 4, 1867, to Miss Mary J. Smith, whose letters addressed to him in "care of Capt. Blazer, commanding scouts," had so nearly betrayed his position to his captors. She is the daughter of Wilson and Eliza (Simmons) Smith, early settlers of Crawford County. This marriage has been followed by four children, viz., Iona (born July 27, 1870), Adella (November 15, 1872), James W. (September 10, 1874), Daisy (November 10, 1878). Mrs. B. was born in Crawford County December 3, 1846. Mr. Brown has been chief of the fire department in Nevada since its organization in 1870; was Marshal one term, and now a member of the Council. He is a member of the K. of H., I. O. O. F., and G. A. R., having passed all the chairs of the respective orders.

BENJAMIN F. BRYANT, son of Isaac Bryant (see sketch), was born in the house where he now resides May 29, 1858. He resided with his par- ents till his father's death, his mother subsequently removing to Bucyrus, where she still lives. He was educated by a governess in his own home, the truant tricks of the average school boy being unknown to him. After abandoning his studies, he engaged two years in the dry goods and grocery trade with his brother, Charles Bryant, carrying a stock of goods val- ued at $4,000 to $5,000, but has since devoted his time to agricultural pur- suits and stock-raising, doing an extensive business. Mr. Bryant was inar- ried, March 17, 1880, to Ella De Lancy, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Deardoff ) De Lancy, now residents of Bucyrus. She was born in Rich- land County, Ohio, January 3, 1863. Mr. Bryant is a young man of large business experience, good character, and genial disposition, commanding the respect of his entire community. He controls considerable property, assisted in his efforts by an accomplished wife.

SAMUEL BURBAUGH, son of Conrad and Mary (Beckman) Burbaugh, natives of Germany, was born in Marion County, Ohio, March 25, 1846. He resided with his parents till twenty-two years of age; then farmed rent- ed land two years, and purchased his present farm of eighty acres in 1875. Since that date, he has been engaged in this county farming and raising stock, doing a good business. Mr. Burbaugh was married, January 19, 1872, to Barbara Weist, a native of Morrow County. born October 4, 1853, daughter of Christopher and Mary (Wilt) Weist, natives of Germany and

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Pennsylvania respectively. (See sketch of C. Weist, Pitt Township.) The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Burbaugh has been blessed by five children, namely: Anna C., born March 27, 1872; Mary L., March 7, 1874; Lena, July 25, 1876; Bertha E., April 5, 1878; and Frank J., May 27, 1881. Lena is deceased. In politics, Mr. Burbaugh is a Democrat. He and Mrs. Burbaugh are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CHARLES W. BURKE was born in West Haven, Vt., November 30, 1832. He is the son of Sirenve and Tirza (Wheton) Burke, natives of Hubbertown and Fair Haven, Vt., respectively, the former born April 2, 1795, the latter October 31, 1802. His parents were married by Rev. Daniel Kent March 19, 1818, and in 1850 settled in this county, where Mr. Burke died February 8, 1882, aged nearly eighty-seven years. Mrs. Burke still survives. Charles W., the subject of this notice, was brought to Ash- land County by his parents in 1834, and was there reared and educated. In 1850, he came with them to this county, where he has since made his home. He was married, January 1, 1867, to Miss Henrietta A. Cavens, a native of Knox County, born January 9, 1834, daughter of John and Rachel (Paxten) Cavens, both natives of Loudon County, Va., the former born September 22, 1790, the latter August 22, 1800. Her parents were early settlers of this county, the father dying April 8, 1867, the mother April 12, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Burke have four children living, viz .: Milo W., born April 27, 1869; Mary P., February 16, 1871; Clara T., November 8, 1873, and Hattie A., May 24, 1876; Bennie F., born February 20, 1879, died July 14, 1879, and an infant son is also deceased. Mr. Burke served as Justice of Antrim Township nine years, and as Mayor of Nevada six years. He spent two summers in Colorado, and has since established a cat- tle ranch in Kansas, owning, with Mr. Shepherd Martin, 1,500 acres of land and 1,000 head of cattle. He is a live business man, and an active Repub- lican, highly esteemed in his community.

JAMES BURNSIDE was born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 3, 1827. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Vanette) Burnside, who were natives of Butler County, Penn., and Essex, N. J., the father born September 20, 1804, the mother January 26, 1809. His parents were married in Seneca County, and resided there most of their lives, his father having located in that locality in 1817. Their children were James, Joseph W., John, Nancy J., Isabel, Rebecca and Abigail, living, and Martha, Tabitha, Benjamin F. and Abel, deceased. The father died May 6, 1875, the mother January 16, 1854. James Burnside, the subject of this notice, resided with his parents till near twenty-seven years of age. In November, 1853. he purchased 120 acres of his present farm, to which he has since added eighty acres, and has since been engaged here in tilling the soil, his farm being valued at $90 per acre. Mr. B. was married, May 1, 1855, to Catharine Neikirk, a native of Seneca County, born June 11, 1830, daughter of Michael and Christina (Smith) Neikirk, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were married in Pennsylvania, and soon after removed to Seneca County, Ohio, where her father died May 17, 1880, her mother August 31, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Burnside had seven children, namely: Emmet T., born April 4, 1856; Sarah A., December 11, 1857; John O., May 7, 1859; Kate F. I., June 20, 1860; Michael W., October 4, 1862; James E., Decem- ber 16, 1867; Estie L., November 14, 1870. Mr. Burnside is a member of the United Brethren Church, a Democrat in politics, and one of the honor- able, successful and well-respected farmers of the township.

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REV. DAVID S. CALDWELL was born in Washington County, Md., December 22, 1820. He is a son of William and Susanna (Curfman) Cald- well, the former a native of Cumberland County, Penn., the latter of Fred- erick County, Md. He was reared to manhood in Hagerstown, Md., and was there educated. In 1848, he removed to Seneca County, Ohio, and en- tered the ministry of the United Brethren Church, with which he was con- nected from 1857 to 1883. Since the latter date, he has been connected with the Tiffin classes of the Ohio Synod of the Reformed Church, and is at present date pastor of the congregation at Berwick, Seneca County, and Zion's Bloom, Hancock County. He labored in Upper Sandusky during the years 1865, 1866 and 1867, and was four years Presiding Elder of the United Brethren Church, taking up his abode in Nevada in April, 1882. Mr. Caldwell was mustered into the service at Monroeville, September 24, 1862. and recruited Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being commissioned First Lieutenant September 24, 1862, and promoted to Captain in the following February, 1863. As one of the casualties of war, he became a prisoner June 15, 1863, in a three days' engagement with rebel forces of Gen. Ewell's corps at Winchester, W. Va .; was taken to Richmond, and after eight months' confinement in Libby Prison he, with others to the number of over 100, escaped by means of a tunnel from said prison February 9, 1864, and with fifty-seven of the 100 succeeded in reaching the Union lines, the balance being re captured and re imprisoned. Mr. C., as a result of the fortunes of war, is very much broken in constitution, but is still engaged in the ministry upon the before- mentioned charge to the extent of his ability. He was married, August 8, 1843, to Sarah Creager, four children blessing this union, viz., Susan J., Henry C., Sarah J., and Laura B. Mrs. Caldwell passed away June 1, 1859, and Mr. C. was re-married, September 20, 1860, to Sarah J. Doyle, four children being born to this union, namely, James E., Angie M., Blanch D. and Alpha O. Rev. Caldwell is held in high esteem by the people of his community both as a citizen and a public minister.

JAMES P. CHANCE was born in Harrison County, Ohio, March 31, 1841. He is a son of Aaron and Jane (Beall) Chance, the former born in Jefferson County, Ohio, May 27, 1816, the latter in Washington County, Penn., January 6, 1817. They were married in Harrison County, Ohio, March 26, 1840, where they resided till 1852, when they moved to Crawford County, Ohio, where they still live. Their children were James P., born March 31, 1841; Sarah I., June 20, 1843; Minerva J., June 12, 1845; Zephaniah B., May 26, 1855; William A., July 10, 1859; the first three of these were born in Harrison County, the others in Crawford County. Sarah I. died September 18, 1877, and Minerva J. April 23, 1869. James P., our subject, resided with his parents till twenty-one year of age. He obtained his first start in business by procuring a sheep, which has increased its value many fold. He was engaged in farming and stock-raising in partner- ship with his father three years, and was at home more or less till his mar- riage, except the years 1868-69, since then transacting his business inde- pendently. After his marriage, Mr. Chance rented land two years in Craw- ford County, purchasing eighty acres in Fulton County, Ind., in 1872, and residing there till 1878, at which time he traded for his present farm of sixty acres, where he has since been engaged. He was married October 27, 1870, to Elizabeth J. Pendry, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born November 3, 1848, daughter of James J. and Jane (Andrews) Pendry, the former born January 25, 1823, the latter June 16, 1820. Her parents were married in

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Richland County, December 3, 1846, and their children were Elizabeth J., born November 3, 1848; Mary A., November 25, 1849; Ada A., December 23, 1850; James F., December 17, 1852; Sarah E. R., January 5, 1855; Thompson G., February 28, 1857; Robert F., January 17, 1859. The in- fant daughter died July 16, 1847; Ada A., May 12, 1852; and Robert F., February 26, 1860. Mrs. Chance's grandfather was born February 20, 1787, and her grandmother, Elizabeth (Duncan) Pendry, October 10, 1790, their children being Margaret A., Elmer J., James J. and Clarkson S. Mr. and Mrs. Chance have had six children-James M., born in Crawford County, July 30, 1871; Herbert, born in Fulton County, Ind., March 9, 1873; Louis E., born in same county April 13, 1875, died May 13, 1876; Edna E., born October 25, 1877; Sarah O., born in this county September 3, 1879; Elmer, September 6, 1883. Mr. Chance's paternal grandfather, a native of Mary. land, moved to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he married and had two children, the youngest of whom was Aaron. Mrs. Chance was a daughter of James P. and Sarah (Leonard) Beall. Mr. Beall was born March 3, 1795, and his wife March 22 of the same year. They were married January 6, 1817, and had two children, Jane and Zenas; the latter was born Septem- ber 28, 1818. Mrs. Beall died September 28, 1818, and Mr. Beall married for his second wife Minerva Huff, December 9, 1819. This union was blest with eleven children, three of whom are living-James P., born May 13, 1828; Minerva, August 28, 1839; and Zephaniah, born February 19, 1847. James P. Beall, Sr., died in Crawford County, Ohio, February 24, 1869. His widow survived him about six years, her death occurring January 15, 1875.

JAMES L. COOK, of the firm of Cook & Morris, Nevada, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, March 1, 1830. He is a son of Joshua and Eliza- beth (Larkins) Cook, the former born in Steubenville, Ohio, September 6, 1800. His father's residence was then the only building in that place, and he removed with his parents two years later to Virginia, where he spent his early years, coming again to Ohio in 1824. He was married in Carroll County in 1826, and subsequently purchased 160 acres in this county, where he died. December 15, 1860. The decease of his wife (born May 4. 1806) occurred in November, 1878. They were the parents of seven children- Solomon, James L., John W., Joshua and William H. surviving. The de- ceased are Nancy and Catharine. James L., our subject, obtained a fair education in the district schools of Seneca County, closing his educational pursuits at the Hayesville Academy at the age of twenty-four. At nineteen he began teaching in the old log schoolhouses, continuing this in connection with farming for several years, teaching fifteen terms. In 1855, Mr. Cook gave up farming and spent two years in the West, returning two years later and establishing himself in a general store at Nevada, where he has since been engaged in mercantile pursuits. He is the oldest merchant of Nevada, having begun as clerk in the employ of William McJunkin in 1854. He has been quite successful in business, now owning 100 acres of good land and thirteen town lots. Mr. Cook was married May 24, 1860, to Miss Jane Gregg, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Berrington) Gregg, six children having been born to them-Elizabeth F. was born March 17, 1862; Edith M., May 23, 1864; Alice B., April 22, 1866; Martha R., August 17, 1868; Elvaretta J., September 19, 1871. The deceased was an infant son, born March 9, 1861. Mr. Cook is a Republican. He served as Justice of the Peace in this township six years, as Notary Public twelve years, and several years as a member of the Town Council-being now a member. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor, and highly esteemed.

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LOUIS CRANER, son of Christian and Elizabeth (Smith) Craner, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, May 27, 1836. His parents were natives of Germany, and emigrated to America when quite young. They located near Galion, where they resided most of their lives, the father dying Octo- ber 10, 1867, the mother in January, 1879. They had eight children, namely: Henry, Louis, Mary, Elizabeth, Christian, Caroline, Rose A. and Anna-all living but Caroline. Mr. Craner remained the allotted time with his parents and then worked out by the month, four years, at $10, $11, $12 and $15 per month respectively. He then farmed rented land seven years, and purchased 127 acres, his present farm, in 1867. His farm is in good condition, and valued at $85 to $100 per acre. Mr. Craner was mar- ried October 29, 1865, to Mary J. Beach, of Crawford County, Ohio; born April 9, 1847, daughter of Peter and Magdalene (Myers ) Beach, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were married in Crawford County, where her father was a prominent farmer, owning 420 acres of land. He died in October, 1865. His wife is still living in Craw- ford County, in her sixty-fifth year. Their children were Rebecca, Mary J., Levi, Samuel, Laura A., Charley E., Elizabeth, Henry, Catharine, Isaac, Anna and an infant-the latter tive deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Craner are blessed with five children, namely: Amanda M., born March 8, 1867; Charles W., March 24, 1870; Levi H., November 10, 1873; Magdalena M., May 14, 1875; Emma, October 23, 1881. Harry A., born July 19, 1880, died August 11, 1880. Mr. Craner began life a poor boy, but by honest in- dustry has accumulated an excellent farm. He is a good Democrat, and is, with his wife, a member of the Lutheran Church.

EPHRAIM W. DAVIS, son of George N. and Eliza (Rogers) Davis, was born in Bedford County, Penn., January 14, 1834. His parents were married in the above county, and the children resulting from the union were Rebecca, Ephraim W., Charles M. and an infant daughter, deceased. Charles M. enlisted in Company H, Fifty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, October 11, 1861, and was shot by a sharpshooter at Cold Harbor June 5, 1863. Ephraim W., our subject, was reared to manhood and edu- cated fairly in his native county. He taught school a few terms, but was chiefly engaged at the shoe-making trade till October 11, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and entered the service for three years, participating in the skirmishes at North Edisto Island, where his regiment was more or less engaged two weeks; in the bat- tle of Pocataligo, W. Va., being honorably discharged by reason of disability at Port Royal, S. C., July 25, 1862. In 1865, Mr. Davis removed from Bedford County, Penn., to this county, where he has since resided, having been engaged at his trade at Little York, Kirby and Nevada, at different periods, and being now engaged as druggist clerk in the latter place when his state of health will permit. Mr. Davis was married in Bedford County, Penn., June 3, 1858, to Miss Sarah A. Blackburn, their only child being Charles S., born March 3, 1859. He was re-married, October 15, 1865, to Mary L. Fisher, and this union has been blessed with four children-Ann E., Grant B., George H. and Harry F .- all living. Mr. Davis lost his health in the service. He is a member of the G. A. R. and affiliates with the Democratic party. He owns a comfortable home and other property in Nevada, and is in good standing as a citizen.

ANDREW DOTTS was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, December 2, 1829. He is a son of Simon and Margaret (Reeder) Dotts, natives of Vir- ginia and Columbiana County respectively, his parents having married in

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

the latter place. They subsequently moved to Stark County, where Mrs. Dotts died in August, 1853. Mr. Dotts was married a second time and moved to Owens County, Ind., where he died. Andrew Dotts, the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents till twenty-one years of age, and attended the district schools, more or less, during that time. He then worked by the month five years, operated a threshing ma- chine two years, purchasing his present farm in March, 1857, moving on the same in 1859. He first purchased this farm with his brother-in-law, who afterward sold out his interest to Mr. Dotts. He erected a fine brick residence in 1874, at a cost of $3,000, and has made many other improve- ments. Mr. Dotts was married, January 1, 1856, to Ellen Slack, a native of Stark County, Ohio, born June 10, 1837, daughter of Abraham Slack. Three children have been born to this union, namely: William H., born June 4, 1858; Jesse, February 24, 1862, and Mary, September 12, 1875. Mr. Dotts is one of the most substantial farmers of this township, and is well respected as a citizen. He has an excellent farm and is very successful in his management of the same.

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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 82

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

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