USA > Ohio > Logan County > The historical review of Logan County, Ohio > Part 38
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Jacob Troyer, the father of our sub- ject. was born in Somerset county and ac- companied his parents on their removal to Ohio. About 1839 he became a resi- dent of Wayne county, this state, where he made his home until called to his final rest in 1876. His political support was given to the Whig party in early manhood and upon the organization of the new Re- publican party he joined its ranks. Reli- giously he was connected with the Amish Mennonite church, in which he served as a deacon. He married Fannie Yoder, who was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. their marriage being celebrated near Wooster. Ohio, and in that locality they made their home upon a farm. In 1878. following the father's death, Mrs. Troyer removed with her son. Jacob Y., to Lo- gan county, where she passed away in 1885. In her family were eleven children. ten of whom reached years of maturity. Eight of the family are still living, namely : Peter, who is a farmer of Oregon; Mar- tha, who is the widow of Eli Kauffman. and resides near West Liberty ; Mary, who is living with the subject of this review : Sarah. the wife of Noah Yoder. a farmer near Ludlow. Ohio; Levi, who carries on
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farming in Wayne county; Michael, a hand of death. Amos, born January 18, farmer of Cass county, Missouri; Jacob Y., of this review, and Lydia, the wife of D. D. Smucker, of West Liberty.
Jacob Y. Troyer was educated in the country schools of Wayne county. Ohio, where he remained until twenty years of age, and during that period he assisted in the work of the home farm. In 1878 he accompanied his mother to Logan county and purchased a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres in Liberty township, for which he paid one hundred and ten dollars per acre. Here he has since lived and is one of the leading, progressive and pros- perous agriculturists of his community. He is engaged in the raising of high- grade stock for market purposes and for twenty-five years he lias also engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery.
On the 16th of December, 1869, Mr. Troyer was united in marriage to Eliza- beth E. Smucker, who was born October 24. 1846, in Wayne county, Ohio, a daugh- ter of Jonathan Smucker, whose birth oc- curred in Pennsylvania. Her mother bore the maiden name of Catherine Eshleman and was born in Switzerland, coming to ABNER COLLINS. this country in a sailing vessel, which was seven weeks in making the voyage. Sev- Abner Collins is now living a retired life in Bellefontaine, having made judi- cious investments in real estate which re- turn to him a good income. He resides at No. 511 South Mad River street, and his residence in the county dates from 1840, at which time his parents came with their family to this section of Ohio and es- tablished a home in Liberty township. Mr. Collins was born in Belmont county, Ohio, March 31, 1831, a son of Thomas native of Maryland, but during his early eral storms were encountered, and at one time the captain of the ship lost his bear- ings because of the severe storm. At length, however, the vessel safely reached the harbor of New York and Mrs. Smucker afterward became a resident of Wayne county, Ohio. Mr. Smucker was a farmer by occupation and died during the early girlhood of his daughter, Mrs. Troyer. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four children, and the and Margaret Collins. The father was a family circle yet remains unbroken by the
1879. is engaged in the restaurant busi- ness in Illinois. Fannie Catherine, born April 5. 1880; Mary Ann, born June 18, 1883, and Levi J., born May 16. 1885, are all at home ..
Mr. Troyer is a stanch Republican, but has never held public office. He and his wife are members of the Amish Mennonite church. He has in his possession a clock purchased by his grandfather in Reading. Pa .. in 1800. It yet keeps good time and probably will do so for another century. His wife's brother also has a clock which keeps good time and which was brought from Switzerland about one hundred and seventy-five years ago by John George Smucker. Mr. Troyer is well known in Logan county, where for a quarter of a century he has carried on agricultural pur- suits, being the owner of one of the best and well-improved farms in this portion of the state.
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boyhood accompanied his parents on their removal to Pennsylvania, where he was reared upon a farm. Subsequently he took up his abode in Belmont county. Ohio, where he remained until 1840, and in the meantime he was married. He then brought his wife and children to Logan county and secured a tract of land in Lib- erty township, whereon he was engaged in general farming through the remainder of his active business career. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and was ever a loyal and devoted citizen. He passed away September 22. 1870. at the age of eighty-five years, and his wife also died on the home farm in Liberty township. They were the parents of nine children. of whom three are still living, namely: Han- nah, the wife of George Seekers. of Belle- fontaine; Jacob, who follows farming in Lake township. and Abner, of this review. Those who have passed away are Mary Ann. Sarah, Rachael, Margaret, Eliza and Elisha. All were educated in the common schools of this county.
After completing his school life Abner Collins worked on different farms in Lib- erty township and was also employed in saw-mills in this part of the State. He was married in 1860 to Miss Rebecca Jordan, who was born in Ireland in 1836. a daugh- ter of Andrew and Sarah Catherine (Stew- ard) Jordan. both of whom were natives of County Fermanagh. Ireland. The father came to this country with his father in 1842 and settled in Canada, where he was engaged in the dairy business for four years. In 1845 he removed to Logan county, Ohio, establishing his home on a farm in Union township, where he re- mained for two and one-half years. He then removed to Liberty township, where
he engaged in farming up to the time of the death of his wife. in 1870. He then took up his abode in Bellefontaine and made his home with his children until he. too, was called to his final rest on the 4th of July. 1877. In the Jordan family were eight children-Charles. Robert and Wil- liam. all of whom are now deceased; Jane, who is the wife of Mathew Gillespie, of In- dianapolis. Ind .: Mary and James, who have also passed away ; Rebecca, now Mrs. Collins, and Joseph, deceased. Of this number James was a prominent merchant and citizen of Bellefontaine. He wedded Mary Doyle, who still resides in this city.
After his marriage Mr. Collins was em- ployed on different farms in Liberty town- ship until 1867. when he removed to the city and was employed as a laborer for a number of years. He then rented a room on Main street and established a saloon, conducting a retail liquor business for six years. He then sold out and was after- ward variously employed in this city until his retirement from active business life. In the meantime he had saved his money and made judicious investments in real estate. He purchased six acres known as the Spring Valley addition to Bellefon- taine. made improvements thereon and sold building lots. From this he realized a good return and he still has valuable property interests here. and also owns a fine home at No. 511 South Mad River street. In his political views Mr. Collins is a Republican, having always supported his party, but he has never been an office- secker, content to do his duty as a pri- vate citizen. He is now well-to-do and as a representative of one of the old families of the county he is well known in Belle- fontaine and in this part of Ohio.
ยท
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FRANK E. MILLIGAN.
Bellefontaine has been favored in the class of men who have filled her public of- fices and administered her affairs. Frank E. Milligan, a gentleman of public spirit and unquestioned loyalty, is now serving as county auditor for the second term, but not alone in office has lie labored for the wel- fare of Logan county. Perhaps his best public service has been done as a private citizen-in instituting and controlling im- tant and successful business enterprises whereupon depends the growth and pros- perity of every community.
Mr. Miligan was born in Bokes Creek township, Logan county. September 16. 1862, and is a son of William and Sarah A. (Heminger )' Milligan. The father was born in Union county, Ohio, and there spent the days of his youth. He early learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed un- til 1875, and in 1877 he located in Ray- mond. Union county, where he conducted a general mercantile business for about twenty years. Then disposing of his commercial interests he has since lived retired in Ray- mond. His wife, who was born in Lib- erty township, Union county, is a daughter of George and Susan ( Phillips) Heminger. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Milligan were born seven children, of whom Frank E. is the second in order of birth.
Having acquired his preliminary educa- tion in the public schools, our subject next entered the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, where he completed a thorough course and was graduated in 1883 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. After his graduation he was engaged in teaching school in Raymond until he re- moved to East Liberty, Logan county,
where he became interested in general mer- chandising, conducting his store with suc- cess until 1892. In that year he took charge of the flouring mill there and conducted that industry until 1894. In the meantime the Ohio Central College, of East Liberty, which had once been quite a prominent school, but had lost much of its prestige as an educational center, was largely through the instrumentality of Mr. Milligan re- vived and again placed in a flourishing con- dition. He became president of the board, and its financial manager, as well as one of the instructors in the institution, and his labors resulted in again advancing it to the high standard which it had formerly main- tained. In 1894 upon the organization of the Perry township high school, the town- ship purchased the college building and con- verted it into the high school. Mr. Milli- gan was chosen the first principal of the high school and held that position for three years,-from 1894 until his election to the position of county auditor in 1898. for a term of three years. In 1901 he was again chosen for the position in which he is now serving in a prompt and capable manner, hiis loyalty to the public good being above question.
Mr. Milligan was also one of the or- ganizers of the East Liberty Stone Com- pany, which was incorporated in 1902, and of which he is now the secretary. The quar- ries are located at East Liberty, and a good business has already been establishedl. Mr. Milligan is likewise a director of the Belle- fontaine Coal and Ice Company, and be- came a member of its first board. The company is capitalized for thirty thousand dollars, and has large ice houses at Silver lake, where the ice is cut, ready for the sum- mer consumption.
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In 1891 was celebrated the marriage of sive maple sugar manufacturer of Logan Frank E. Milligan and Miss Etta H. Morse, a daughter of C. P. Morse, of East Liberty. Unto them have been born five children : Morse, who died at the age of eight years ; William, at home; Wanda, who died at the age of five years ; and Hugh and Mary, who are still with their parents.
Mr. Milligan is a member of the Chris- tian church, and he was made a Mason in Newton Lodge, No. 249, F. & A. M., of Raymond, where for eight years he served as master and also represented his lodge in the grand lodge several times. Later he demitted to East Liberty Lodge, No. 247. in which he still holds membership. He is also connected through membership rela- tions with the Knights of Pythias, the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and he is a worthy exemplar of these civic fraternities which are based upon a spirit of brotherly kindness and helpfulness. In politics he lias always been a staunch Republican, but never sought or held office until elected county auditor. He has, however, been a member of the county central committee for a num- ber of years, and chairman of the executive committee for one year. His life and labors have had marked bearing upon business, in- tellectual and political activity, resulting in progress along all lines and while he claims no special credit for what he has done the county acknowledges its indebtedness for effective and helpful effort on his part.
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ISAAC INSKEEP.
Isaac Inskeep. now deceased, was at one time a well-known farmer and exten-
county. He was born March 5. 1827. in this county, a son of Job and Sarah (Sharp) Inskeep. At the usual age he en- tered the public schools, where he contin- ued his studies until he reached the age of sixteen. He afterward turned his at- tention to farming and became a success- ful agriculturist, owning several hundred acres of land. He also engaged in the manufacture of maple sugar and maple syrup on an extensive scale. He had a sugar grove of two thousand trees, and the product was of such excellent quality that it always found a ready sale upon the market and brought to him a good finan- cial return.
Mr. Inskeep was united in marriage to Catherine Irvine and unto them were born four children. His first wife died in 1872 and he afterward married Mrs. Grizella Spaine, who was born February 2, 1837. in Canada, whence she came to Ohio. She was a daugliter of Hugh Wilson, who was born in 1818. and married Eliza Irvine. whose birth occurred in 1829. They were both natives of Ireland and during child- hood came with their respective parents to America, settling in Canada. Seven chil- dren were born of their union, namely: Mary Ann. Grizella, Eliza. Jane S., La- vena, Robert J. and Jemima. Mrs. Ins- keep first married Robert M. Spaine, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and by that union she had three children, Eliza Belle, Thomas O. and Robert W. By her marriage to Mr. Inskeep she also became the mother of three children. J. Adolphus, who wedded Belle Shellabarger and re- sides in Middleburg; Homer I., and Al- ford C.
Mr. Inskeep gave his political support
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to the Republican party, and in his re- of industry and perseverance which he ligious faith was a Methodist, who long learned in early life have been characteris- tic of his entire business career and led to the success which now enables him to live retired. held membership in that church and was loyal to its best interests. He died May 12, 1899, leaving to his family the price- less heritage of an untarnished name. Mrs. Inskeep still resides upon her place at Mid- dleburg, where she has a good home. Mr. Inskeep was a man of strong moral prin- ciples, of marked activity in business and of enterprise in citizenship. and was held in the highest regard throughout the com- munity in which he lived.
LONSON PERRY HAMMOND.
Lonson Perry Hammond, a retired farmer of Bloomfield township, is a native son of Clark county. Ohio, born Septem- ber 28, 1823. his parents being Nathan and Submit (Muson) Hammond, who were pioneer settlers of this state. The father was a cabinetmaker by trade and also fol- lowed farming, and during the boyhood days of our subject he removed with his family to Champaign county, Ohio. where he purchased one hundred and ten acres of land situated in Adams township. Upon that farm Lonson P. Hammond was reared. His environments were such as most farmer boys of the period knew. He had perhaps more privileges than some and less than others. but his time was largely given to the work of the farm and to the duties of the school room, with oc- casional hours for play and relaxation. His father erected a mill on Lee's creek and when a young man Mr. Hammond worked in the sawmill. he and his brother operating it for many years. The lessons
When about twenty-seven years of age. while still living in Champaign county, Mr. Hammond was married in Shelby county on the 6th of February, 1851. to Elizabeth Johnston, who was born and reared in the latter county, her natal day being November 6. 1824. They began their domestic life in Champaign county, where they lived for several years, and there some of their children were born. William M., the eldest, was born August 9. 1853. The parents removed to Shelby county, living for a short time about a mile north of Pemberton, and there was born their son Charles Nathan on the Ist of April. 1859. In 1864 Mr. Hammond purchased one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm and that year took up his abode upon the place. About two weeks after his arrival in Logan county he joined the army for one hundred days' service, going to the front as a member of Company H. One Hundred and Thirty- ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This regi- ment was assigned to do guard duty in Petersburg, on the Appomattox river. and on the expiration of the term of service he returned to his home.
Upon the farm in this county the third child was added to the family. Jesse Elmer, who was born August 28, 1867. but he only lived for three days, passing away on the 3Ist of August. There was an old house upon the farm when Mr. and Mrs. Hammond came to this county, and in it they lived for a few years. The only im- provement on the site of his present
L. P. HAMMOND.
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buildings was the well: the residence, barn and other outbuildings now standing and which add to the value of the place having all been erected by Mr. Hammond, who has put forth great effort in developing his place and making it one of the fine farms of this locality. The first ditching was done by putting in rails and covering these with split pieces of wood. By the time these had ceased to be efficient for the purpose intended tile was being manu- factured, and he laid a large amount of tiling. He was ever a progressive farmer, following advanced methods, and in his work he was very successful, so that in the course of years he acquired a handsome competence that now enables him to en- joy a well earned rest. It was through his efforts and the labor of George Shultz that the Hammond and Shultz pike was built between the years of 1887-8.
In his political views Mr. Hammond was a Whig, and took an active part in what was known as the log cabin cam- paign of 1840, although he had not yet at- tained his majority. He cast his first pres- idential vote for Henry Clay in 1844 and in 1856 voted for Fremont, the first candi- date of the Republican party. He has since given his unswerving allegiance to that party, but has never been a seeker for office. He belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal church, as did his wife. both being active members. He was also at one time a member of Boggs Lodge No. 292, F. and A. M.
His son, Charles Nathan Hammond. who now operates the home farm, ac- quired a good English education in the public schools and was married on the 26th of October. 1884. to Miss Jennie Carr. of Pemberton. Shelby county. She
is an estimable lady and like her husband is widely and favorably known in this lo- cality. They now have one child, Louie, born in March, 1886. Like his father, Charles N. Hammond is an earnest Re- publican, but he, too, prefers to devote his attention to business affairs rather than to seek office. He and his wife and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the family is prominent in the community, the members of the household being respected by all who know them.
Lonson P. Hammond is one of the re- vered patriarchs of Logan county, whose residence in the State covers four score years. and his nfind bears the impress of the early annals as well as the history of later-day progress and improvement. He has seen Ohio emerge from pioneer condi- tions to take its place among the greatest states in the Union, and events which are to many simply matters of history are to him matters of personal experience and knowledge. He certainly deserves repre- sentation in this volume, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers his life record.
JOHN H. HARROD.
After many years' connection with business interests John H. Harrod is liv- ing a retired life, but is serving his fellow townsmen in public office, being now the mayor of Huntsville, a position which he has occupied since 1902. He was born in McArthur township. Logan county, on the 17th of February, 1832. His paternal grandfather. Thomas Harrod, was born in Kentucky, and at an early day came to
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Ohio, settling on Harrod's creek, in Ross county, where he engaged in farming. This state was then largely in its primi- tive condition. the forests stood in their primeval strength. the prairie tracts were uncleared, and all was wild and unim- proved. With the work of development and cultivation Thomas Harrod became identified and took an active part in the advancement of the county in which he made his home until his death, which oc- curred in the spring of 1803. He was shot while plowing his fields, and it is believed that the deed was done by an Indian. al- though the red men were in a state of peace at that time. The grandfather was a captain of the militia and he was active in looking after Indian affairs and prevent- ing the red men from rising in an attack upon the white settlers. He lies buried in Ross county near what was then called Bush's mill.
The parents of John H. Harrod were Samuel and Elizabeth (Carder) Harrod. The father became a resident of Logan county in 1820, locating in McArthur township, where he purchased a small farm and engaged in its cultivation. He had previously resided in Ross county, where he had carried on agricultural pur- suits for a number of years. He continued to make his home in McArthur township until his death, which occurred on the old homestead in 1852. Throughout his en- tire business career he had carried on gen- eral farming and stock-raising. and also assisted Governor McArthur in surveying townships, both before and after locating here. Prior to his coming to Logan county his labors were interrupted by the service which he rendered his country in the war of 1812. He was a prosperous
and progressive man of his day, and was very generous and kind-hearted, and one who enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. He made many friends and had no enemies, and his life was ever in consistent harmony with his professions as a mem- ber of the Disciple church, which he aided in organizing. This church was the first of the denomination in Logan county, and he labored earnestly for its upbuilding and growth. He also held some of the minor offices in his township. His wife, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, lived there until the time of her marriage, which was celebrated in that county. She was also a member of the Disciple church and a devoted Christian woman. She survived her husband about six years, passing away in 1858. A devoted wife and a kind and loving mother. her loss was deeply mourned. She was laid to rest by the side of her husband in Harrod's cemetery, in McArthur township, and thus passed away two of the leading and honored pioneer settlers of the community. In their fam- ily were eight children. of whom John H. is the seventh and the only one now living.
Jolin H. Harrod obtained his early ed- ucation in the schools of McArthur town- ship, and in his youth assisted in the culti- vation of the home farm. Before he had attained his majority he engaged in teach- ing school, and after reaching man's es- tate he accepted a clerkship in a store in Huntsville, where he remained for a num- ber of years. In 1860 he was appointed by President Lincoln to the position of postmaster, there serving continuously un- ti! 1866, when he resigned. In the mean- time, in 1857, he engaged in the grain trade. which he followed in connection with the discharge of his official duties un-
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til 1866. He also held the position of rail- lage and justice of the peace of McArthur road agent much of that time. During the township. period of the Civil war he served as cap- tain of Company C. One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with his regiment did service at White House Landing prior to being on picket duty during the summer of 1864 from the James river to the Appomattox. . He was mustered in on the 2d day of May. 1864. and mustered out on the toth of September following.
Mr. Harrod was married in 1855 to Miss Emily M. Lewis, of Huntsville. Her mother is still living, being the eldest of five generations of the family. She makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Harrod. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children, of whom one died in infancy. Ida. a native of McArthur town- ship, became the wife of M. D. Ditzler. and unto them were born two children, Ida. who is now the wife of John Stephen- son, and has a son. Albert M., and Willis J., who is a printer of Bellefontaine. Ida Ditzler is now the wife of A. M. William- son, of Huntsville, who is connected with a sawmill. Willis E. Harrod, born in Huntsville, is now engaged in painting and paperhanging in Huntsville. He has been twice married and is again a widower. By his second marriage he had a son, John R.
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