The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc, Part 109

Author: Ogden, J. W. (John W.); Beers (W.H.) & Co., pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 926

USA > Ohio > Champaign County > The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc > Part 109

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MATHEW A. WRIGHT, deceased; was born in Virginia Nov. 7, 1809; was a son of Samuel and Sarah (Mason) Wright, natives of Virginia. Samuel was one of the early pioneers of this county, locating here in 1810, on the farm now owned by Hiram Johnson; his wife, Sarah, made the entire journey from Virginia on horseback ; they resided here several years, then went to Missouri, bought a grist-mill there, and he entered upon the milling business. After a few years' residence, he returned to Vir- ginia to obtain some money due him on the sale of property he owned there, perform- ing the journey on horseback. On his return trip, he was taken sick at Springfield, Ohio, and died there. The family remained in Missouri about two years after his death, then came back to Champaign Co., where his wife lived till her death. They had nine children ; five now survive-Elizabeth, Maria, Nancy, Jane and Emily. Our subject was a year old when his parents came to this county; he remained with them till their death. He was married, Dec. 7, 1859, to Flavilla, daughter of Adam and Martha (Barker) Moffitt, natives of Ohio. By this union they had five children-Flor- ence, Martha Alice, Samuel, Charles and Bertie. They located upon the farm where Mrs. Wright now lives. Farming was his honorable business till his death ; he died July 1, 1876. Mrs. Wright, with her family, still resides upon the home place ; she owns 226 acres of land, in excellent cultivation, with good buildings, a mansion house and fine improvements.

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ANDREW BELTZ, proprietor of grist-mill; P. O. North Lewisburg; was born in Pennsylvania in 1815 ; is a son of Henry and Susanna Beltz, who were born in Loudoun Co., Va. ; they removed to Pennsylvania, where they lived till their decease. Our subject was reared in Pennsylvania, receiving his education in the subscription schools. His father was a miller, as was his brother, with whom he learned his trade. In 1840, he came to Ohio, living for awhile in Middleburg, after which he came to this place, and purchased a mill, which he operated for sixteen years, then purchased his present mill seat, which at the time was a factory, but he remodeled it, and converted it into a flouring-mill. The building is three stories in height, 30x50 feet, and constructed of brick. The power is derived from water brought through a race from Spring Creek, giving motion to three sets of buhrs. The mill is fitted up with the best and most approved patterns of machinery ; this, in conjunction with his superior knowledge of the business, commands for him the confidence of his patrons, to whom he gives satisfaction. He is a gentleman well versed in his business, having had the experience of half a cen- tury, and is undoubtedly the oldest miller in the county. He has been twice married ; first with Nancy McClung, who bore him two children, both deceased. His second marriage was celebrated with Margaret Hutchinson, by whom he has had five children, all living-Emma V., James H., Ella, Otto and Ella Belle.

ELIAS P. BLACK, farmer ; P. O. North Lewisburg ; was born on the place where he now lives, in the year 1839, and is a son of Peter and Maria Black ; his father was born in Pennsylvania; his mother in the State of New Hampshire. They, with their parents, came to Ohio, and settled in this township in the year 1809. Maria, mother of Elias, is a daughter of Richmond and Lydia Hilliard. Peter Black's first location was on 106 acres of land, which was covered with a dense growth of timber and underbrush. In the very midst of a wilderness, he erected a small log cabin, into which he moved his family, and began the work of clearing and improving his land. He and his wife had the full brunt of the laborious work to perform, but by perseverance, they overcame the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, and, after years of toil, succeeded in getting their land in shape to receive the improved implements of agricult- ure. They lived many years together, and enjoyed the fruits of their hard-earned labor before the hand of death separated them. He died in 1869, aged 73 years ; his wife is living, aged 75 years. They were parents of seven children, four living, viz., Francis M., Lydia A., Harriet B. and Elias P. The deceased are Benjamin, Elias and Delilah. Mr. B., Sr., was a very energetic man, and, as he had no money to buy land, when he came, he conceived the idea of going to the Scioto Valley to make sugar. He was in great peril, for the blood-thirsty red men at that time were very plenty, yet in their midst he labored three seasons, having many adventures with Indians and wolves. Their sugar was conveyed to Dayton through a wilderness, and sold for 22 and 3 cents per pound, which money paid for his first 106 acres of land. They were members of the P. M. Church, in which he was a prominent member. Our subject was raised where he resides, and owns 196 acres of fine land, all in cultivation and well-improved. Dec. 28, 1871, he was married to Leah, daughter of Samuel White, of Delaware Co., Ohio. He and his estimable wife are members of the P. M. Church, with which they have been connected fifteen years, and take much interest in religious matters. He is also a very prominent member of the church, having served in many official capacities.

PHILO BURNHAM, farmer; P. O. Woodstock ; was born on the place where he now resides, April 14, 1823; he is a son of Erastus and Betsy (Reed) Burnham. His father was born in Connecticut May 13, 1786. His mother was born in the same State Aug. 23, 1783. They were married in their native State March 14, 1814. After their marriage they remained in Connecticut until 1817, at which time

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they emigrated to Ohio by team, their journey occupying about forty days. They located on land now owned by Philo; with them came Anson Howard and family, and together they erected a log cabin, into which they moved their families. Here they resided for some time, after which Mr. Howard purchased other land and moved away. His father only lived long enough to begin and get fairly under way the work of clearing. He died Oct. 26, 1824. His wife survived him and reared their children, and departed this life Sept. 13, 1849. To them four children were born, all living, viz., Mary, now Mrs. Lyon, who resides in Iowa; Roger T., also lives in Iowa; Olive and Philo. Mrs. B. had been previously married to Jasper Woodworth, by whom she had three chil- dren, two of whom are living, viz., Asel and Charles, Sallie (Mrs. Topliff ), deceased. Our subject was reared on the place he now owns. His early boyhood was passed as was usual with pioneer boys, plenty of work, such as clearing, rolling logs, etc. His educa- tion was received in the subscription school, and in which he fitted himself to be able to discharge the business relations of life. He remained with his widowed mother till near manhood, when he took a trip to Massachusetts, remaining one year, and upon his return labored another year, after which he again turned his face toward Massachusetts, where, Sept. 15, 1847, he was married to Charlotte, daughter of William and Jerusha Perkins, by whom he has had eight children, five of whom are living, viz., Annette, William P., Mary, Lotta and Philo. The deceased are Elizabeth, George and Asenath. Mrs. B.'s parents were born in Massachusetts, where they lived and died. To them six children were born, of whom five are living, viz., John, Asenath, George, Levi and Charlotte. Edwin (deceased). Her parents died at about the age of 60 years. After his marriage, Mr. B. returned to his Ohio home, where he has since given his attention to the duties pertaining to the farm. He owns 239 acres of valuable land, which is all in a good state of cultivation and well improved, making a very delightful home. He never has been a political aspirant, yet has held some of the township offices. He was a member of Co. D, 134th O. N. G., of which company he was chosen Captain before leaving home. The regiment was stationed at Bermuda Hundred, where its term of service expired. He returned to his home a mere skeleton of his former self, completely emaciated in bodily vigor. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., order of Woodstock Lodge, No. 167. Mrs. B. was born in Massachusetts in 1826, Oct. 8.

YOUNG BUSSER, farmer ; P. O. Woodstock ; was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1843. He is a son of W. T. and Elizabeth J. Busser, who were also born in the same State, and of whom mention is made in this work. Our subject was reared in Urbana, where he received his education, and, when old enough, assisted his father, who has been an extensive dealer in and manufacturer of tobacco and cigars. He remained with his father till he attained his majority, after which he began life for himself, and continued in the above business till he came on the farm where he now resides, in 1876. He has been twice married, first, in 1868, with Amy Gard, by whom he had one child, Benjamin G. Mrs. Busser departed this life in 1871, aged 25 years. His second mar- riage was with Lucy P., daughter of George P. Howard, in 1873, by whom he has had three children-Howard, Celestine and Cotton. He was a member of Company A, 134th O. N. G., one-hundred-day men, and, at the expiration of his term of service, was discharged. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Urbana. His wife is a member of the Universalist Church of Woodstock. He is an honored member of the I. O. O. F., No. 48, of Urbana.

C. H. CHAPMAN, undertaker and dealer in furniture, North Lewisburg; was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1827 ; he is a son of Ezekiel and Lucretia (Post) Chapman, who were born in New York, where they resided till death ; his father died in November, 1874, aged 82 years; his mother departed this life in 1873, aged 74 ; they were parents of seven children, three of whom are living-Charlotte, Harriet and Charles H .; the deceased are Mary, Moses, Eunice and Olive. Our subject's boyhood was passed in New York, and, while yet young, he removed to Houston Co., Minn., where he remained fifteen years, engaged in the undertaking and furniture business,

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after which he removed to Logan Co., Ohio, where twelve years were passed in the same pursuits. In 1878, he came to North Lewisburg and embarked in his present business ; he carries a fine stock of plain and ornamental furniture, such as meets the demands of his many patrons. In 1857, he was married to Emeline, daughter of Hi- ram and Lydia (Baily) Howe, who has borne him seven children, four of whom are liv- ing-John W., Archie M., Frank J. and Robert L .; the deceased are Don, William H. and Wayne. He and his estimable wife have been members of the Presbyterian Church for twenty-three years, and are exemplary Christian people. He is an honora- ble member and worthy brother of the order of Masonry.

DAVID CORBET, farmer ; P. O. Woodstock", born in this township in the year 1827 ; he is a son of Amasa and Experience Corbet; his father was born in New York State Aug. 17, 1803; he, with his parents, David and Mariam Corbet, removed to this township in the year 1815; they purchased land nearly a mile west of Woodstock, which became their permanent place of abode; their home was hewn from the very heart of a wilderness, and yet, in time, was cleared up and improved, and gotten in shape to receive the implements of agriculture. His grandfather only lived a few years after his com- ing, when he sickened, and, from an overdose of saltpeter taken through mistake, died at the age of 40 years ; his wife survived him, and died at the age of 73 years. His father was only 12 years old at the time of coming to Ohio, and, consequently, saw and did a full share of the great toil that was done in this country. His first purchase was of 173 acres of land, on which our subject now lives ; here he made a permanent home till his decease, which occurred Sept. 7, 1861. His mother died Jan. 6, 1863; she was born June 15, 1804, and was a daughter of John Walburn, who came from Vir- ginia in an early day, locating on the west side of Rush Township, where they resided for a number of years, then moved to Indiana, where they afterward died. To Amasa Corbet and wife, ten children were born, eight of whom are living, viz., David, John, Olive M., Lewis, Benjamin, William H., Marion D. and Amasa T .; the deceased are Martha and Mary. His grandfather and grandmother were parents of three children, all dead-Julia A., Amasa and Horace; the last named was drowned in a well in 1817. Our subject was married to Lorinda, daughter of Henry and Barbara Stough, in 1844 ; to them twelve children have been born, eleven living, viz., Melissa J., Lucy E., Mell- vin G. W., Caroline W., John W., Mary E., Harriet L., David H., Fannie E., Nelson N. and Eddie ; Mellvin, deceased. Mr. Corbet owns 140 acres of land, well cultivated and improved. He and his wife are members of the P. M. Church, with which they have been connected for a score of years.

JOHN CORBET, farmer; P. O. North Lewisburg; was born in this county in 1828, and is a son of Amasa and Experience Corbet ; his father was born in New York and his mother in one of the New England States. His father, with his parents, emigrated to Ohio and settled near Woodstock in a very early day. They purchased 382 acres of land, built a cabin, cleared their land, on which was made a permanent home many years, then moved to an adjoining farm, where they ended their days. His grandfather died soon after coming, his grandmother living to the age of 70 years. His father was only 12 years old at the time of coming to Ohio, consequently saw much hardship. He was a poor boy when he started in the world, but built up a good property. He died at the age of 58 years ; his mother, too, has passed away. They were parents of ten children, eight living, viz., David, John, Lewis, Benjamin, William H., Marion, Amasa and Olive; the deceased are Martha and Melissa. They were members of the Christian Church, and died in the triumphs of a Christian faith. Our subject was reared on the farm, and remained at home till 23 years of age, at which time he was married to Elizabeth Jordan, after which he began life for him- self, and worked rented land for some eight years, when his savings enabled him to buy 100 acres of land in Union Co., on which he lived four years. In 1864, he enlisted in Co. C, 17th O. V. I. Was stationed at Atlanta and vicinity ; started with Sherman on his march to the sea and was taken sick ; afterward laid in the hospital at Jeffer-

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sonville, Ind., one year ; at the close of the war he was discharged. Upon his return, he went to work in Union Co. for one year, and, in 1866, purchased land where he now resides, 35 acres, all in cultivation and well improved. He and his wife have been members of the M. E. Church for many years, he having previously belonged to the Baptist, are exemplary Christian people, and take much interest in religious matters.

LUCIUS CRANSTON, farmer ; P. O. Woodstock ; was born on the old home farm Jan. 25, 1804 ; he is a son of John B. and Betsy Cranston, of whom mention is made in the historical part of this work. In 1856, he was married to Lucy J. Rob- bins, by whom he has had seven children, five living-Amelia M., Fred W., Hattie D., Pearl Z. and Janet H .; the deceased are Lucy, Jan. 2, 1863, aged 1 year 9 months and 10 days ; Lucius B., July 24, 1874, aged 10 years and 8 days. Mrs. Cranston is a daughter of Z. V. and Nancy (Luce) Robbins ; her father was born in Michigan June 5, 1808, her mother in the same State April 27, 1818; they were married in Detroit March 9, 1837 ; her father died in Urbana Aug. 21, 1871 ; her mother died in Dela- ware Sept. 3, 1873. They were parents of eleven children, five living-Lucy J., Milo J., Helen L., Lucius G. and George Z .; the deceased-Charles E., born in Detroit Dec. 20, 1837, died in Taylor, Mich., Jan. 5, 1839 ; Amanda M., born in Detroit Oct. 4, 1841, died in the same place Jan. 21, 1842 ; Richard H., born in Taylor, Mich., Nov. 6, 1842, died in Detroit July 29, 1844 ; Silas S., born Oct. 6, 1844, died in Urbana June 21, 1877 ; Harriet E., born in Brighton, N. Y., Sept. 9, 1849, died in Fairport, N. Y., Aug. 23, 1851; Mary M., born in Woodstock, Feb. 20, 1855, died in Mechan- . icsburg April 6, 1872. Himself and wife have been members of the Christian Church since Jan. 24, 1879. Their children-Amelia M., Fred W. and Hattie D .- have been members of the same church about the same length of time. In early life, Mrs. Cranston's parents were members of the Presbyterian Church. Her father died a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church; her mother of the Christian Church.

EDWARDS CRANSTON, farmer; P. O. Woodstock. The above gentleman is another of the old and prominent settlers of this township. He was born in Rhode Island in 1805, and is a son of John and Phoebe (Edwards) Cranston, of whom mention is made in this work. Uncle Edwards' mother died when he was an infant of but a few hours old. He was reared on the farm in his native State till 8 years old, when his father re- moved to Connecticut, where two years were passed, after which, in 1815, he came to Ohio. He, being only 10 years old upon arriving here, has seen much of the hardships and privations which attend all new settlements. He attended the primitive log school- house, with slabs for seats. He labored with his father until his 20th year, at which time his father died. He continued farming, and resided with a brother till past 30 years of age. Nov. 12, 1836, he was married to Harriet, daughter of Harvey Cush- man, by whom he had three children, two living, viz .: Lora E., now Mrs. Smith; and Lucy A., now Mrs. McDonald, who resides in Kansas ; Allura A., deceased. After his marriage, he purchased a farm in Union Co., on which he lived seven or eight years, then moved to Woodstock, in which he resided some years, being unable to labor on account of failing health. Selling his land in Union Co., he purchased 110 acres where he lives. He has suffered much from ill health for forty years past. Mrs. C. died in 1848, when their eldest daughter was 11 years old, with whom he lived till her second marriage. Since then he has had no permanent home.

JOHN D. CRANSTON, farmer ; P. O. North Lewisburg. The above gentle- man is another of the old and prominent settlers in this township, and was born on the place where he lives, in the year 1826. He is a son of Stephen and Esther (Hammond) Cranston ; his father was born in Rhode Island, and his mother in the State of Con- necticut. Stephen's parents, John and Phœbe Cranston, were also born in Rhode Isl- and, and removed to this county in 1815. Stephen was married to Esther Hammond after coming to Ohio, by whom he had nine children, seven of whom are living, viz., George A., John D., Melissa, James, Julius, Stephen and Edward. The deceased are Phobe and William, the latter a soldier in the late war, who died in the hospital in

aner

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Alexandria, Va. His father, at the time of his settlement on land here, began in the green woods, and, by the aid of his sons, succeeded, after years of toil, in bringing it to its present high state of cultivation. Here his father lived until 1852, when he moved to Union Co. and located near Newton, where he and his aged wife reside, enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. Our subject was reared on the farm and received his educa- tion in the common schools. He remained with his father until 25 years of age, at which time, in 1851, he was married to Elizabeth J. Ellsworth, by whom he had three children, two living, viz., Ella and Warren, the latter Cashier of the North Lewisburg bank ; Lucy is deceased. Mrs. C. died in 1856, aged 27 years. His second marriage was celebrated with Glorvina Tobey in 1857, by whom he has had two children-Wal- ter and Charley. He has resided on his farm continuously since his birth. He was away four weeks once, while teaching in Madison Co. ; he began teaching when 19, and has taught seven terms, six in his native county. He owns 550 acres of choice farming and grazing lands, and deals extensively in stock ; he is one of the stockholders in the North Lewisburg Bank. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church of Woodstock, with which he has been connected for thirty years, she for a period of twenty years.

W. F. CRANSTON, merchant, North Lewisburg ; was born in Woodstock, this county, in the year 1856; he is a son of Peleg and Mary A. (Bland) Cranston ; his father was born in Ohio, his mother in the State of Virginia; his grandfather, John B. Cranston, was a native of Rhode Island, and one of the few surviving pioneers of Champaign Co. Peleg and Mary A., parents of our subject, removed to Union Co., when W. F. was less than one year old; he was reared to mercantile pursuits, and re- ceived the rudiments of an education in the district school, which was afterward devel- open by a four-years course in the Oberlin College. Upon his return from school, he engaged in the dry-goods business in West Middleburg, a point at which he did bus- iness two years. Then, in 1878, he removed to North Lewisburg and embarked in his present business; he carries the best stock in town, from which he supplies the demands of a large and increasing trade. In the autumn of 1876, he was married to Ida M., daughter of Henry Vigor, of Knox Co., Ohio. They have two children, viz., Una M. and Georgie M. His father and mother were parents of four children, of whom he alone survives. He and his wife are members of the M. P. Church, with which they have been connected three years. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor lodge and a worthy brother.

JOHN S. CRAWFORD, M. D., druggist, Woodstock; was born in Maryland in 1808. He is a son of Thomas B. and Elizabeth Crawford. His father was born in the above State, his mother in Virginia. They were married in Maryland, and re- moved to Virginia, where they died during the late war. In 1834, the Doctor, with his family, removed to Mechanicsburg, this county, where he remained three years, dur- ing which time he read medicine under Abner Cheney, a prominent physician, after which he began the practice of medicine in Quincy, Logan Co., Ohio, where his atten- tion was given to the demands of his profession for eight years; he then removed to Carysville, this county, in which he remained long enough to settle up accounts out- standing at his former place. In 1850, he removed to Woodstock, and, up to 1872, was devoted to his practice. The infirmities of age at the above time compelled the Doctor to seek a quieter occupation. He is now engaged in the drug business. In 1831, he was married to Sarah A. Mitchell. They have had six children, all of whom are deceased, viz., Thomas J., Virginia E., Edwin S., William P., Mary A. S. and one dying in infancy. Edwin served in the three-months service, and afterward enlisted in Co. F of the 6th O. V. I. (Guthrie Grays). Saw much active service, having been engaged at Pittsburg Landing and with Gen. Nelson's corps. Was the first to enter Nashville. . He was taken sick in Alabama, and in Nashville died Sept. 3, 1862, aged 24 years. William was a member of Co. G, 95th O. V. I. Served but a few days when he was wounded by a piece of shell in the battle of Richmond, Ky.,

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and died in a private house Sept. 5, 1862, aged 19 years. Thomas was in the- 134th O. V. I., 100-days men ; served his time, returned to his home and died in 1875, aged 44 years. Truly Dr. Crawford has done his share in giving three sons to his- country, two of whom died at the post of duty. His wife is an exemplary member of the Christian Church, though she previously affiliated with the M. E. Church.

G. C. CUSHMAN, merchant, Woodstock ; was born in Vermont in the year 1852, and is a son of George W. and Almeda A. (Jennings) Cushman. His father was born in Boston in 1826; he was a son of Ichabod and Mary (Chase) Cushman, who were also born in Vermont, from which State they never emigrated. Almeda, mother of G. C., was born in Vermont in 1831, and is a daughter of Gideon M. and Rebecca. (Hunt) Jennings, who were also born in Vermont, and came to Champaign Co. at the same time George W. and family came ; both died here, and are buried in the cemetery near Woodstock. He (Mr. J.) was a soldier in the war of 1812. They were parents. of seven children, four living-Elizabeth H., Jennie M., Almeda A. and Carl B .; the deceased-Orlo J., Alonzo P. and William P. George W. Cushman and family came to this county in 1856, locating in Woodstock, where he embarked in the dry-goods and grocery business, which he followed for some years, after which he went to New York, where he was employed as salesman in an extensive carpet house. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. H of the 66th O. V. I., and served about two years in the commissary department. He died in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., May 12, 1864, in the 32d year of his age. They were parents of two children-George C. and Grace F. (now Mrs. Charles Kimball). Our subject's early boyhood was passed in Vermont, and, when 5 years old, he came with his parents to Ohio. When old enough, he labored on. the farm during the summer, and in the winter attended school. Sept. 4, 1871, he entered a store in Springfield, Ohio, in which he remained four years as clerk. He was afterward employed by a Columbus house, as traveling salesman, for one year, after- which he located in Woodstock and engaged in his present business. In 1877, he was married to Carrie, an accomplished daughter of William Kinly, of London, Ohio, by whom he has one child, viz., Blanche G. Mrs. C. was born in Madison Co., Ohio, in 1858.

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The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc, Part 109

Author: Ogden, J. W. (John W.); Beers (W.H.) & Co., pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 926

Author: Ogden, J. W. (John W.); Beers (W.H.) & Co., pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 926