USA > Ohio > Logan County > The historical review of Logan County, Ohio > Part 45
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After being honorably discharged in 1864 Mr. Patterson returned to his home, and with his brother James, purchased his father's two farms, William becoming the owner of the old homestead. Subsequently he purchased fifty acres adjoining, so that he now has two hundred and sixteen acres. He continued to engage in farming with suc- cess until 1871, when he removed to Belle- fontaine and liere carried on contracting and building until 1875, also prospering in this endeavor. He then purchased the marble works of J. K. Stewart and has been en- gaged in marble, granite and monumental work since that time, being longer in busi- ness in this line than any other represen- tative of the trade in Bellefontaine. He car- ries a large stock and does an extensive busi- ness in cutting and manufacturing marble and granite, and he has placed much work throughout Logan and adjoining counties. his patronage coming as far as from Hamil- ton. Tiffin, Fostoria and other Ohio cities. He confines his attention to his marble busi- ness and farming interests and has made a success of each. He is sagacious and far- sighted in the control of his business affairs and his careful management and up-to-date workmanship have been the means of bring- ing to him a liberal patronage in this line.
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man, a daughter of Douglas Zimmerman, derground Railroad, sometimes by wagon if and they have two children : William I., who the number was great, or on foot if there were only one or two. At one time Mr. Pat- terson witnessed what to him (then about sixteen years of age ) was a very amusing in- cident. There had been a reward of a thous- and dollars offered for the capture of a large negro who had been hiding at different houses in the neighborhood for over a week. but finally, on Sunday, Thomas Scott, David Patterson, Isaac Patterson, William Collins, David Wallace and our subject, met at the home of Mr. Milligan to make arrangements to take him away. While at play in the front yard with Maggie Lapart, who was being reared by Mr. Milligan, our subject saw Sheriff Cork Ackles and Isaiah Shafer coming down the road from Richland, and at once ran into the house to give the alarm. is now in partnership with his father, and Alberta, the wife of Roy Kerr. Mr. Pat- terson has built a fine home at No. 212 South Main street. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and he belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to Eugene Reynolds Post G. A. R., in which he has held all the offices, and is now past com- mander. As a business man he has gained recognition as one whose probity is above question and whose honorable methods commend him to the confidence and good will of all. In everything he has been em- inently practical and this has been manifest not only in his business undertakings, but also in social and private life. His service as a soldier, if nothing else, would entitle him to distincton as a representative citizen of Logan county, but in trade circles and all life's relations he has manifested ster- ling traits of character that have won for him friendship and esteem.
Mr. Patterson and all his relatives were abolitionists prior to the Civil war and be- lieved in freeing the slaves, many a poor black man being hid in the caves on his uncle Isaac's farm, as high as thirteen at one time. Our subject often carried food to these slaves but was not allowed to go near the cave until after he had given the pass- word or countersign, such as was used in the army. Sometimes the colored people would climb out of the cave by means of a ladder and after eating would return to their hiding place as the officers of the county were on the watch constantly, a reward. often as high as five hundred or a thousand dollars, being offered for the return of a run- away slave. At night these slaves were con- veyed to another station on the famous Un-
Mr. Milligan spoke up at once, telling the darky to lie down near the door, and when his wife opened it for him to run into the cornfield. He then turned to the men that were present and told them that if the sheriff and his companion came up the lane toward the house they must all stand up. and he would lead in prayer. Our subject's father, standing near the door. opened it when the sheriff knocked, but when the lat- ter noticed they were seemingly holding a prayer meeting he remained standing on the steps. When the door was closed out shot the darky into the cornfield. After the prayer was finished Mr. Milligan went to the door and invited the sheriff in, but the latter said he was in a hurry, and would not disturb the meeting. as he was on the track of a slave who. he understood, was hiding there. Mr. Milligan said there was no colored man there, and so the sheriff and his companion departed. If they had un- dertaken to capture the darky there would
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probably have been blood shed. . The slave amid the wild scenes of frontier life. was taken away that night by our subject's uncle, David Patterson, and Mr. McAle. who took him to Sandusky and put him on a boat bound for Canada. Mr. McAle was then a student at Northwood College, and afterward became a United Presbyterian minister.
MARION G. BELL.
Marion G. Bell, a promising young attorney of Bellefontaine, was born near West Mansfield. Logan county, Ohio, on the 13th of August. 1865. a son of Cyrus and Sarah J. ( Hamilton) Bell. His pater- nal grandfather. John Bell. was born in Ireland in 1781, and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling in Virginia, where he was married and made his home until his removal to Guernsey county, Ohio. He there re- mained for a few years, after which he came to Logan county, Ohio, in 1835. lo- cating in Bokes Creek township among its pioneer settlers. There he secured a homestead from the government and be- ginning the improvement of his land, he continued its cultivation throughout the remainder of his life. He passed away in 1846 and his wife, Mrs. Susan Bell, died on the 30th of May, 1866. They were of Scotch-Irish descent, and they left a family of five sons and two daughters, of whom Cyrus Bell was the youngest son. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 9th of January, 1825. and was ten years of age when his parents removed to Logan county. He acquired his education in the primitive schools of his day and was reared
When he was twenty-one years of age his father died and he then purchased a tract of land and began stock raising and gen- eral farming on his own account. As his means increased he added to his land from time to time, until he owned twelve hun- dred acres in Bokes Creek and Perry townships. His home was in the former. and there he made splendid improvements upon his property. developing one of the best farms of that portion of the county. He was extensively engaged in the raising, feeding and shipping of stock, and his busi- ness interests were important and remun- erative.
In his political views Cyrus Bell was first a Whig and afterward a Republican, and he held various local offices, serving for many years as township trustee and as a member of the school board, yet he was never a politician in the sense of office- seeking. A valued citizen, he took a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, and as far as possible co-operated in movements for the general good. Furthermore, his personal characteristics endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. for he was a man of genial temperament, widely known for his kind deeds in behalf of friends and neighbors. He died August 31, 1899, at the age of seventy-four years. In 1857 he had married Miss Sarah J. Hamilton, who was born in Uniontown. Pa .. April 19, 1837, and came to Logan county in 1855. This union was blessed with nine children, all of whom still survive, and it is also a remarkable fact that of the twenty-five grandchildren all are yet living. The mother passed away September 23. 1902. The children are: George; Lewis C .; Mary
1
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E., the wife of W. D. Humphrey: Emma: Having always lived in Logan county, he Marion G., Dora. the wife of Charles Ma- gee ; Omer T., Cary E. and Ira.
At the usual age Marion G. Bell en- tered the district school near his home and later became a student in the Ohio Nor- mal University, at Ada, Ohio, in which he was graduated in the class of 1800, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Hav- ing resolved to make the practice of law his life work, in October of that year he became a student in the law-office of West & West, of Bellefontaine. He had, how- ever, previously read law to some ex- tent. and upon examination at Columbus. he was admitted to the bar in December. 1891. At once he opened an office in Bellefontaine and has since secured a rep- resentative clientage, having a good gen- eral law practice. The zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession. the careful regard evinced for his clients and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases have brought him a large business and made him very successful in the conduct of the same. He was admitted to practice in the United States courts June 4 1901, and has since conducted legal business therein.
On the 12th of July. 1892, Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss CarriesBeel- man, a daughter of Jacob and Caroline Beelman, of Bellefontaine. She is a grad- uate of the high school of this city and for a number of years prior to her marriage was a teacher in the high school. Mr. and Mrs. Bell now have an interesting little daughter, Frances. They are members of the First Presbyterian church and he is a stalwart Republican, but not an aspir- ant for office. He is, however, an active worker and speaker during campaigns.
has a wide acquaintance, and the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Bell is justly cele- brated for its generous and gracious hos- pitality.
JACOB SHERER.
Jacob Sherer, now deceased, was a resident of Bloomfield township. Logan county, where he died April 29. 1896. at the age of fifty-seven years, nine months and twelve days. He was born in Ger- many, and when but eight years of age came to America with his parents, who located on a farm in Stark county, Ohio, and there lived until called to their final rest. Jacob Sherer was reared in that county and after arriving at years of ma- turity wedded Miss Catherine Barnhart. who was also born in the fatherland, and had come to America with her parents when a little maiden of eight summers. The young couple began their domestic life in Stark county, where they lived for a time. Mr. Sherer starting out a poor man. He went in debt for eighty acres of land. labored hard to make the payments upon the place. and to gain a good start. After living upon that farm for some time he sold it and removed to Shelby county, set- tling near the village of Montra, where he purchased eighty acres of land, residing thereon for several years. Again selling out. he then turned his attention to mer- chandising in Montra. which he followed for a year with good success. On dispos- ing of his store he purchased one hundred and sixty acres near that place. living thereon for five years, and when he again sold he came to Logan county. Here he
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bought two hundred and thirty acres of the Lutheran faith and his life was guided land, which was only partially improved. by honorable principles. Energetic and industrious, he worked hard to acquire a competence and because of his persever- ance and diligence. he became one of the substantial citizens of his community. and with characteristic energy he began its further development and cultivation. Here he engaged in dealing in horses, buy- ing, feeding and shipping them. He owned imported stallions and on the farm which his son named the Pleasant View Farm, he kept a number of fine draft horses. On the farm where his death oc- curred he also had six draft horses of various breeds, and he owned at one time as high as one hundred and thirty head of horses. Mr. Sherer was well known as a dealer in horses, his business in that line Leing extensive and of an important char- acter. He was an excellent judge of stock and he thus made his purchases judiciously and realized a good profit from his sales.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sherer were born seven childre , four of whom reached adult age. while three passed away. These were Ellen Jane. who died at the age of six years ; Cena Ann, who died at the age of three years, and Sarah E., who passed away at the age of ten years. Those still living are John, who married Ida Wright. and has two children, their home being in Shelby ; Matilda. the wife of George Clay- ton, of Bloomfield township, by whom she has four children ; George F., who is men- tioned later in this connection, and Or- lando C., who makes his home in Bloom- field township.
George Franklin Sherer, to whom we are indebted for the information concern- ing his father, was born upon what is called the Pleasant View Farm, in Bloom- field township, Logan county. November 13, 1873. and in his youth attended the common schools. He remained with his father until he reached man's estate, when he left home and began work by the month for his brother-in-law. George Clayton. in whose employ he remained for a year. His father then died and he re- turned to the home farm, of which he took charge. caring for his mother until her death, which occurred August 14. 1896. He has since devoted his energies to agri- cultural pursuits and is one of the most progressive and enterprising farmers of the county. At the time of his death the father owned over fourteen hundred acres of land, lying in Auglaize, Shelby and Lo- gan counties. In his will he left to his son. George F., two hundred and forty acres in Anglaize county, and in 1901 this son pur- chased the Pleasant View Farm of ninety- eight acres. in Bloomfield township. Lo- gan county, to which he has since added forty-two acres of the old Lippincott farm. Here he has made good improvements, has remodeled the residence and the barn, has inclosed the place with cut wire fences and has secured all the modern equip- ments which facilitate farm work in its various departments.
Jacob Sherer voted with the Demo- cratie party. He had no desire for office. however, but by reading kept informed concerning the questions of the day. He had but limited educational privileges in his youth, but by reading he added to his knowledge, keeping in touch with the On the 28th of November, 1901, progress of the times. He was reared in George F. Sherer was united in marriage
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in Bloomfield township to Miss Carrie Bruner, who was born and reared in this township. a daughter of Noah and Louisa (Pence) Bruner. She acquired a good ed- ucation, passing the Boxwell examination. and both Mr. and Mrs. Sherer are widely known in this locality and have many warm friends. Mr. Sherer cast his first presidential vote for Bryan in 1896, and is an ardent endorser of Democratic prin- ciples.
HARVEY SUTHERLAND.
At an early epoch in the development of Logan county the Sutherland family was established within its borders and Harvey Sutherland was born near Hunts- ville, in MeArthur township. His parents were natives of New Jersey and. emigrat- ing westward, took up their abode in Lo- gan county at an early day. They lived upon a farm near Lewistown for a time and afterward removed to another farm near Huntsville, where the father carried on the work of the agriculturist through- out his remaining days. Both he and his wife died in Me.Arthur township.
To the common school system of his native county Harvey Sutherland was in- debted for the educational privileges which he received. He was three times married, his first imion being with Miss Nancy Harrod, who died a few years later. For his second wife he chose Miss Anna Shelby, of Huntsville, and unto them were born five children, Charlotte. Eleanor and Rachel, all of whom are de- ceased; and two who died in early infancy. After the death of his second wife Mr. Sutherland married Miss Sarah D. Seegar, the record of this estimable woman and of
a native of Champaign county, Ohio, born April 9. 1819. and a daughter of David and Ann (Spry) Seegar, who removed to Lo- gan county from Champaign county at an early day and settled six miles south of Bellefontaine on what is now known as the old Seegar farm. There they resided throughout their remaining days, the father devoting his time to the improve- ment and cultivation of his land. By the third marriage of Mr. Sutherland there was one child, James, who died at the age of eighteen years.
At the time of his first marriage Mr. Sutherland took his bride to his farm near Huntsville, in McArthur township, where he remained until 1882, when he came to Bellefontaine and lived retired in this city until called to his final rest. One day while driving for pleasure, his team ran away and he sustained injuries in the acci- dent which caused his death a week later. He was justice of the peace of MeArthur township for several years and his fidelity and fairness "won golden opinions from all sorts of people." His political support was given to the Democracy, and he was ever fearless in support of what he be- lieved to be right. His life record proves the force of industry and enterprise in the active affairs of life, for it was along these lines that he attained ereditable and grati- fying success. His widow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Belle- fontaine. She now owns a nice home at No. 514 East Columbus avenue, and she is also interested in her father's estate, known as the old Seegar homestead farm, south of Bellefontaine. Like her husband. she has many friends here, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers
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Harvey Sutherland, who was long a re- spected and honored citizen of this com- munity.
JAMES W. RUDISILL.
Among the brave men who went from Logan county, to aid in the preservation of the Union at the time of the Civil war was James W. Rudisill, and this fact alone would entitle him to mention in this vol- ume, but he also deserves mention as a pro- gressive agriculturist. He was born No- vember 16, 1839, in Urbana, Ohio, and is a son of Michael and Mary S. ( McMillan) Rudisill. His father was a native of Little York, Pennsylvania, born May 7, 1796, and when a youth of sixteen years, he left the Keystone state, and became a resident of Champaign county, Ohio. When the sec- ond war with England was begun, he joined the American Army, and after serving for two years in defense of the rights of this country, he returned to Champaign county. taking up his abode in Urbana. There he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Me- Millan, February 2, 1819, and in order to provide for his family he followed the shoe- maker's trade. They had seven children : William, Hannah, Nancy, Charlotte, Henry, J. W. and Eunice R., and with the exception of our subject and Henry, all have passed away.
Under the parental roof James W. Rudi- sill spent the days of his boyhood and youth, much of his time being devoted to the mastery of the branches of learning taught in the public schools until he was eighteen years of age, when he began learn- ing the mason's trade. He continued to follow that pursuit until the 13th of August,
1862, when he offered his services to the government enrolling his name as a mem- ber of Company E. Ninety-fifth Ohio In- fantry. He went to the front under the command of Captain . Thomas Cogal and served for three years, during which time he experienced many of the hardships of war, not only taking part in a number of hotly contested engagements, but also un- dergoing the suffering incident to life in the southern prison pens. He was captured on the roth of June. 1864. at Guntown. Mississippi, and was taken to Andersonville prison, where he was incarcerated until the following February, when he was paroled at Savannah, Georgia. He was then granted a furlough and returned home. At the ex- piration of his leave of absence he rejoined his regiment, with which he continued until mustered out.
Rejoicing in the victory of the Union arms. and glad, too, that the war was over, and he might resume the pursuits of civil life. Mr. Rudisill returned to his home and on the 18th of April. 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss A. E. Glendenning, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, about IS47. They became the parents of two chil- dren : Maude, who was born August 16, 1868 : and L. W., born September 29. 1871. The wife and mother died October 21. 1877, and on the 4th of September. 1878, Mr. Rudisill was again married, his second union being with Miss Donnal, who was born May 6. 1851. in Logan county. Their marriage has been blessed with three children : Hen- ry E., born October 30, 1881: Louvene. born June 23. 1888; and Mary B., born February 13, 1892.
Mr. Rudisill resides in Jefferson town- ship, not far from the village of Zanesfield. and his attention is given to agricultural
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pursuits. He exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and he holds mem- bership in the Lutheran church.
GEORGE McCOLLOCH.
No history of Logan county would be complete without the life record of George MeColloch. He is nearing the ninetieth milestone on life's journey and has wit- nessed the remarkable advance that this country has made in the nineteenth cen- tury. He has lived to witness the dawning of a new century of prosperity and prog- ress, and yet takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the national welfare and to local improvement.
This venerable gentleman was born in Jefferson township, on Mad River, April 2, 1813, and is a worthy representative of one of the oldest and most honored pio- neer families of Logan county, six genera- tions having resided here. The founder of the family in this county was Samuel MeColloch and his wife, who in her maid- enhood was Miss Nancy MeMehan. Both were natives of Virginia, and from that state came to Ohio in 1800, making the journey in a "prairie schooner." Besides their family they brought with them some negro servants. After spending three years near Columbus, the family located on Mad river, near Zanesfield, where they remained until the fall of 1805, and then removed to Stony creek, near the present village of DeGraff. It was there the wife and mother died in January, 1806, and in the spring Samuel McColloch returned to Mad river, having previously sent his
younger children to the home of their unele. John Boggs, by whom they were reared. Mr. McColloch continued to live on the Mad river farm until he, too, was called to his final rest in 1814. On locat- ing here he cleared a tract of timber land and erected thereon a double log house, containing an old-fashioned fireplace. with a mud and stick chimney and greased pa- per windows, and here he lived in true pio- neer style. At a very early day his brother. Captain William MeColloch, who married a daughter of Isaac Zane, had lo- cated in this county, and Samuel McCol- loch determined to take up his residence near him. He accordingly moved here in 1803, as previously stated. His father was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and his unele, Major McColloch, served with disti .: etion in the same struggle. Many of the descendants of the latter are now liv- ing in Wheeling, West Virginia, and have long been identified with the progress of that state. Samuel McColloch was also in the military service of his country and lost an arın either in the war of the Revolution or some of the Indian wars. He was one of the first to enter the army from either Logan or Champaign counties at the outbreak of the war of 1812, and was made commissary sergeant of his regiment. His brothers, William and Silas, were also in the service. the former being killed at Detroit and the latter at Fort Meigs. Samuel McCol- loch became well acquainted with the In- dians, their customs and language, and traded with them. He was personally ac- quainted with the great chief, Tecumseh, and knew the Prophet. being present at a council near DeGraff in 1805 when the Prophet addressed the tribes, endeavoring to incite them to war against white men.
GEO. McCOLLOCH.
16
ELDER GEO. MCCOLLOCH.
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Elder George McColloch, father of our known as Thorp Run, Rush Creek and subject, was a native of that part of the Miami, and preached regularly for about forty years and occasionally for ten years afterward, and if any poor sinners were comforted or fed. it was the Lord did it, not I. and He should have all the glory. In the year 1835 a man named Ivans. claiming to be a mission . man and intro- ducing the Fuller doctrine. practiced by the "Fullerites." came to the church and caused a great deal of contention. finally causing a split in 1837. the names being changed to the old and new school Bap- tists. The former claimed to be the primi- tive church, and in that I still retained my membership." Throughout life Elder McColloch was a most earnest and active worker in the Master's vineyard. and through his instrumentality many were brought to Christ. It is to such men that Ohio is indebted for her early settlement and rapid growth. as well as the prosperity and Christianity it now enjoys. He, too, was a soldier of the war of 1812. and al- ways took a deep interest in the welfare of his country, for which he and his ancestors had fought. He had a large relationship, numbering over one hundred. and during his declining years he spent much time driving about the country, visiting rela- tives and friends. He was a great favorite with the children, having a fund of curious stories to tell them of the Indians and early pioneer life, and in addressing them always used "my son" or "my daughter." instead of their Christian names. He usually ended all conversation with them by a story or lesson on morality. His es- timable wife died on the 19th of March, 1869, and he passed away at 3 p. m., August 5, 1886, at the advanced age of ninety-six years three months and four Old Dominion now comprised in West Virginia, being born in Ohio county, May I, 1790, and came to Ohio with his parents in 1800. After the death of his mother he remained in Logan county, while his father took the other children to the home of their uncle on the Scioto river. 'as pre- viously stated. Near Circleville, on the 8th of June. 1809. he was married to Miss Nancy Henry. a native of Culpepper county, Virginia, and the eldest daughter of George and Permelia Henry, who came from Virginia and settled in Zanesfield in the year 1807. This marriage ceremony was performed by Thomas Davis, a jus- tice of the peace, and for nearly sixty years they traveled life's journey together. Thirteen children were born to them, eight of whom lived to be grown and were married. these being Samuel, George, Wil- liam, Margaret, Benjamin. John. Mary and Solomon. Silas died in childhood, and Mary, wife of Newell Marquis, is now de- ceased. Those still living are George. Benjamin. John and Solomon. Much of the above is taken from a letter dictated by Elder McColloch, and from it we quote the following in his own words: "In the year 1822 we (meaning himself and wife) presented ourselves to the church known as the Thorp Run church ; were received by the church, and baptized on the fourth Sabbath in June, 1823. by Elder John Guthridge, one of the first settled minis- ters of the gospel in this part of Ohio. In 1829 I was ordained by Joseph Morris, Daniel Beaver and Haines Parker, then at Liberty, to proclaim the riches of Di- vine grace, and by the request of the churches, I took the pastoral care of three, 23
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