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 86
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HOWARD W. CONRAD, farmer and plasterer; P. O. Terre Haute. Mr. Con- rad is an enterprising man, to whom we are pleased to give a place in the history of Champaign Co .; his native State is Pennsylvania ; he was born in Gettysburg in 1838, and emigrated to this county in 1858; he is a plasterer by trade, and, when he came to this township, he had no money-was without a cent, away from home, among stran- gers; yet, notwithstanding all this, he went to work with an earnestness that soon found him friends, and to-day he ranks among our prosperous men. He worked ten years at his trade, saving each year $100, which was judiciously invested in land. During this time, he became engaged to and married Miss Amelia J., a daughter of William and Susannah Lee; the marriage was celebrated in 1861 ; housekeeping was commenced in a cabin on Mr. Lee's farm, and they afterward moved to the house now occupied by them. They have six children-William A., Firman O., Charles V., Arta A., Allie G. and Jacob A. Mr. Conrad still works occasionally at his trade, but turns his attention mostly to agriculture ; three years ago, he purchased the " Bell farm," one of the first farms opened in this neighborhood ; it was entered by Mr. Bell in 1813; he had no neighbors near at that time, and, hearing a rooster crow one morning, started to find what afterward proved to be a new-comer by the name of Davis; blazing the trees with his ax as he walked, this family was found a quarter west of what is now Terre Haute ; the distance was fully two miles, and neighbors were welcome. We know of no young man who has, in the same period, accumulated more property by his own exertions than Mr. Conrad, and his children should ever feel a just pride in the excellent business qualifications of their parents, backed by honor and integrity, which none possess more fully. He has, for a number of years, been connected, in an official capacity, with the public schools, and has served the public well ; he ranks to-day among the intelligent men of his neighborhood, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
CALVIN COOK, farmer ; P. O. Terre Haute. Lewis Cook was a native of Ver- mont, and lived in that State until he was 21 years of age, at which time he went to Western New York, and there married Annie Peck, a native of that State; her par- ents, accompanied by Lewis and his wife, started for Ohio on a flatboat down the Ohio River ; they passed Cincinnati and stopped at North Bend, fifteen miles below ; here Lewis engaged with Gen. Harrison to work his farm, and continued in his employ four years ; he then, in company with his brother-in-law, Ethmore Warren, came to this county and entered the quarter-section where Mr. Cook now lives ; they all came to this neighborhood about 1817, and, in 1823 or 1824, the Peck family moved to Lake Co. Lewis Cook's wife died in 1823, leaving five children-Percy, William, Jane, Calvin and Melinda ; in 1825, Lewis again married Boadicea Fay ; they were parents of Clar- issa, Louisa and Lewis; she died in 1830 or 1831, and Lewis was again married, in 1833, to Mrs. Mary Hartwell ; they had no children. Of the whole number of chil- dren, only Percy, Louisa and Calvin are living. He was reared on the farm upon which
he was born and still lives. He married Miss Elizabeth Hupp in 1842; she was a na- tive of Virginia, and was born in that State April 23, 1819, and Calvin, April 12, of the same year ; he purchased the 80-acre tract of his father, who went to Hancock Co., Ill., where his son William was living, and died there a few months later. Calvin and his wife were parents of eleven children, of whom Amanda, William, Raper, Lewis, Wesley, George, Mary and Samuel are living ; all but two are married, and live in this neighborhood. Mr. Cook has traveled extensively through Kansas, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, but still remains true to his old home in Champaign Co .; he has been one of our most successful farmers, and owns a large tract of land, which has been accumulated
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by his own industry ; he is a man noted for his correct business habits, and to his chil- dren will leave a patrimony of which they may well be proud-a name unsullied by fraud, which has never been brought into disrepute. He is still actively engaged in farming, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
HENRY FOLTZ, farmer ; P. O. Terre Haute. The parents of Henry Foltz, David and Christina Foltz, were natives of Shenandoah Co., Va., and came first to Clark Co. in 1835. They have three children living that were born in Virginia-Mar- tha, Sarah and Nathaniel ; Henry was born in Clark Co. David Foltz was a tailor by occupation, and worked at his business in Virginia previous to his removal, and subse- quently carried on the business. He came to Mad River Township in 1848, where he had previously purchased a farm, and has principally engaged in agriculture since living here. His children are all living near him except Martha, who wedded Noah Zerkle ; they reside in Clay Co., Ill. Sarah married Elias Neese. Nathaniel is the husband of Sarah C. Leonard, and Henry married Sarah A. Zerkle ; they reside on the home farm with the old people, and the farm is managed by the two sons. All the children have married into the old families of the township, most of whom are represented in the his- tory of this county. Henry and his wife are parents of Hester Alma, Emory Harlan and Charles Anson. The boys are bright little fellows, and give promise of much in- telligence ; Hester will soon complete her studies. The farm has been cleared since Mr. Foltz came, and the substantial improvements have been made by him. His sons have been of much service, and are now reaping their reward. They are substantial men, and enjoy the confidence of the community in which they reside. They are ardent Democrats, and are strong advocates of the party principles. They are all members of the Lutheran Church, and are prominent in the furtherance of every good work.
HENRY GIDEON, retired. Henry Gideon lived a number of years in Mad, River Township, but for many years has resided in Iowa. He was a native of Loudoun Co., Va .; was born in 1796, and came to this county in 1822, being soon after married to Miss Nancy, daughter of Valentine and Sarah (Conrad) Miller. They lived in Mad River Township, on part of the land owned by his father-in-law. Their children were eleven in number-Jacob, Alfred L., Joseph, Peter, James, Ann, Valentine, Sanford, David, Oliver and Elizabeth. All these were born in Mad River Township. Valentine Miller's descendants are numerous in this county, of which he was an early settler. The father of Henry, Peter Gideon, was a Revolutionary soldier, serving during the entire campaign. His eldest son, George Gideon, came to this township in 1818, and was married to Elizabeth Miller, a sister of the wife of Henry, his brother. George, with his family, emigrated to Clinton, Dewitt Co., Ill. They reared a large family of children-Armstead, George W., John W., Jacob, Samuel, Kitty, Ann, Sally and Elizabeth. Henry Gideon, with his family, emigrated to Illinois in 1845, settling near Mechanicsburg, Sangamon Co. In 1854, he again emigrated, to Madison Co., Iowa. His son James wedded Kitty Blue, of Sangamon Co. Ann, the eldest daughter, mar- ried Samuel Garvey, and Alfred L. wedded Elizabeth Clark. Henry Gideon is still living, being now 84 years of age. George, his brother, died in May, 1880, having reached the ripe old age of 91 years.
David C., the only child of Alfred L. and Elizabeth Gideon, was born Nov. 27, 1848, in Sangamon Co., Ill. ; he was reared in Logan Co., where his education was completed. He afterward studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. John Clark, who was one of the pioneers of Logan Co., and whose continuous practice in Mt. Pulaski extended over a period of forty-five years. He died in January, 1877, leaving behind the record of a life pure and blameless. David C. graduated with honor at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati in February, 1873, and engaged in the practice of medicine in Illinois ten years. In March, 1880, he moved with his family to Troy, Ohio. His marriage to Miss Sadie, youngest daughter of Jacob and Sarah Row, was celebrated Sept. 27, 1868, Dr. John Clark officiating. They have two sons, Alfred L. and Clark Mckenzie, both intelligent boys, promising to do credit to their family name. Jacob and
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Sarah Row were natives of Fickaway Co., Ohio, and were the parents of John, George, Mary, Jacob, Carrie, Lydia and Sarah. They emigrated to Logan Co., Ill., in Septem- ber, 1865, purchasing a fine faim near Mt. Pulaski. Jacob's death occurred in August, 1871, and his wife's death in February, 1879. Alfred L. Gideon, Sr., was a soldier during the Mexican war, under the command of Gen. Winfield Scott. He participated in the battles of Cerro Gordo, New Orleans and Vera Cruz. His wife, Elizabeth, died Aug. 10, 1875. She was a cultured lady, of sterling social qualities, and a Christian in precept and example, beloved by her neighbors, and noted alike for her hospitality and efforts to advance the educational and moral interests of society. She rests in a lovely spot in the beautiful cemetery near Mt. Pulaski. Her parents, Rev. David Clark, and his wife, Sally Winans, were pioneers of Sangamon Co., emigrating from Miami Co., Ohio, to that county, in 1833. Their children-Winans, John, Carman and Elizabeth are all deceased, leaving many descendants bearing their name. Rev. David Clark and his wife were natives of New Jersey. He was born in 1776.
ELIJAH HANNA, farmer; P. O. Westville. Mr. Hanna is not one of the oldest settlers, but has lived in Champaign Co. long enough to have a representation in its history. His parents, Nathan and Elsie Hanna, were natives of West Virginia, but the only representatives of the name here are of the family of his elder brother, Andrew, who came to this neighborhood in 1838. He died in 1876, and his family reside on the home farm. Elijah came from Virginia in 1850, and purchased the farm where he now resides. His marriage to Miss Emily J. Haller was celebrated in 1851. She was born and reared on the farm now owned by her husband. Her parents were ranked among the early settlers, her father, William Haller, being born here sixty-nine years ago. His father was John Haller, whose arrival dates back to the first settlements in the Mad River Valley. Discovering that his large family could hardly be supplied with homes (as he was not very wealthy), he sold his farm and emigrated to Defiance Co., Ohio, where there was still Government land, and all his children could be provided with a home. Mr. Hanna had three children by his first wife-William, Sarah J. and Fletcher. Mrs. Hanna died in 1861, and in 1863 his marriage with Miss Mary Arrowsmith was celebrated. She was the daughter of Mason Arrowsmith, who died in 1879. Ezekiel Arrowsmith was her grandfather, of whom prominent mention is made in other parts of this work. They have four children-Charles, Frank, Edward and Laura. Sarah J. and Fletcher, children of the first marriage, are not living. Mr. Hanna came to this county a poor man, and by hard work and careful management, aided somewhat by others, he purchased his first farm. Later, he has added 124 acres of splendid land to his possessions, which was paid for by his own exertions, and com- pletes a valuable homestead. His reputation is second to none in the neighborhood, and he, together with Simeon Taylor, Lemuel Hoah, and one or two others, have been the means of sustaining the Methodist Episcopal Church at Westville, through a long period of depression. Through their united efforts, the new church was built, which will be a monument to their memory for many years to come. Mr. Hanna is a prosper- ous, intelligent gentleman, and has done much for the society in which he lives.
WILLIAM S. HUNT, physician and surgeon, Terre Haute. Dr. Hunt is a resident physician of Terre Haute, and enjoys an extensive practice and excellent repu- tation. His father, Isaac W., and his wife, Jane Mars, were parents of four children -John M., Cynthia E., William S., and his twin sister, who died in infancy. Cynthia married John McCroskey, and her death occurred in 1866. John is living in Adams Township. The mother of Dr. Hunt died in 1848, and Mr. Hunt married Emmeline Wooley in 1850; their children were named Nancy A., Hannah H., Mary E., Clara A. and Ulysses S. G. Three are living-Nancy is the wife of Robert Street, Hannah of Lewis Hines, Ulysses is still single, and the other two are dead. The father was a native of New York, and both his wives of Ohio; all the children were born in Ohio. Dr. Hunt commenced teaching school in 1866, during which time he began the study of medicine, and continued his teaching during the winter for five years. He attended
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lectures and graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in 1870. He commenced practicing medicine at Terre Haute in March, 1871; he was Postmaster in 1877-78. His marriage to Miss Nancy L. Lee was celebrated May 23, 1872. She is the daughter of John G. and Mary Lee, who represent one of the old families who settled here long ago, and have done their part in developing this country that is now so beautiful. Dr. and Mrs. Hunt have one child-Lillian. He has a good library ; his knowledge of medicine is extensive, and his reputation as a physician is an enviable one.
BARNET JENKINS, farmer ; P. O. Westville. One of the most interesting biographies will be that of Barnet Jenkins, not only from the fact of his being one of the prominent men of the township, but also that his reminiscences of incidents related by his ancestors and others of the occurrences taking place in the early settlement of Champaign County, can be correctly given. Among the earliest settlers of this county were Thomas Jenkins and his wife, Nelly Sisk. They were natives of Virginia, emi- grating from that State in 1806. He entered a quarter-section on Owen's Creek, in this township, and was one of the first to erect a cabin. There were only a few settlers, with cabins miles apart. Dense woods, wild deer and Indians were plenty. Indians would frequently pass the cabins in squads, and sometimes would show signs of committing depredations, although they never did any actual violence. Somewhere about the year 1812, a number of the settlers from this locality were called to do duty at the block- house that was built at Defiance, to which many of the people had taken their wives and children for safety. Horses running loose in the woods during that winter became almost famished for want of food, and, when squirrels were killed and their skins thrown away, they were greedily eaten by them. This is remarkable, but could be vouched for by numbers of men whose veracity was beyond question. One of the first churches built was known as the Nettle Creek Baptist Church. The children of Thomas and Nelly Jenkins were nine in number-Philip, Elijah, Jesse, the father of our subject, Edin, Thomas and Russell, Milly, Ellen and Dica. All of these children are numbered with those that sleep the sleep that knows no waking. Jesse was married in 1815, to Annie Pence. The Pence family were numerous, and will be spoken of at length in this history. Jesse was next to the youngest child, and, during the lifetime of his par- ents, lived on the home farm and cared for them. Shortly before their death, he pur- chased a farm in Jackson Township. They had seven children-Barnet, Presley, Elijah, Thomas, Rhoda, Elizabeth and Rebecca. The three eldest were born in Mad River Township. The death of Thomas, the grandfather of Barnet, occurred in 1830, and his wife, Nelly, long before that period. Jesse died in 1869, and his wife in Sep- tember, 1868. They had done much toward the development of this county, and lived long and useful lives. Six of the children are yet living, the four sons in Champaign Co., and they well represent the name of the man who first settled in the beautiful valley of Mad River. Barnet is one of the influential and wealthy men of this township, and resides near Westville. Thomas Jenkins, after the death of his first wife, married Mrs. Susannah Maggert. Her maiden name was Pence.
GABRIEL KENTON, farmer; P. O. Urbana. The name of Kenton is familiar to every school-boy in the land, and the services of Simon Kenton were invaluable during the war that existed in his time. Gabriel Kenton, of whom we write, was nearly related to him, Simon being his grandfather's brother. The grandfather of Gabriel came to Champaign Co. from Kentucky in 1801 with his family, and settled near Springfield ; afterward moved to Urbana, and from thence to the farm now owned by Harvey Kenton. The family were accompanied from Kentucky by Thomas Kenton and family. Soon after their arrival, other families came and settled near them. The lands they settled on were not open for sale and were not surveyed until 1806. The nettles grew so high on the bottoms that when they wanted to go from one place to another, they had to har- ness a horse to a brush and drag a road through them. The Indians were plenty in Gabriel's time, and they frequently camped near his father's farm. Mad River and its tributaries were favorite hunting and fishing grounds of the Indians, and they watched
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the new settlers with a jealous eye, but in this immediate neighborhood never resorted to actual violence. The customs of the people were of the primitive type, every one try- ing to help his neighbor, and their opening up of the heavy-timbered lands required a hearty and united effort on their part. William Ward was a partner of Simon Kenton, and was one of the first settlers. Three grandsons represented the family name. Ezekiel Arrowsmith was another of the first settlers, and his descendants will be repre- sented in this work. Mark Kenton married Susannah Markley Aug. 31, 1814. They had seven children, four of whom are living, our subject being the oldest, Harvey next, Samuel lives in Illinois, and also their only sister, Sarah J. Caraway. Harvey is still a bachelor, with one of the finest residences in the township. Our subject, Gabriel Kenton, was married to Mary A. Bryan July 18, 1854. They were parents of one child that died in infancy. They have reared several children, but have adopted none. The parents of Gabriel died-the father May 6, 1851, and the mother Sept. 12, 1858. They were very energetic people, commencing life in poor circumstances, but by energy accu- mulated considerable property. Both Harvey and Gabriel are very wealthy men, and are noted for their good qualities. They have both engaged largely in the stock busi- ness, Harvey in Ohio and Gabriel in Illinois, where he has a large farm. He superin- tends his large business and rarely makes a mistake. The family are mostly Republican in politics, and have always been numbered among our most influential citizens. Elisha Harbor, William Harbor, Mark Kenton, Sampson Talbott and William Custar entered the land in the north part of Mad River Township. The land Westville was built on was virtually entered by Arch McGrew.
JOHN KISER, retired farmer; P. O. Tremont City, Clark Co. The Kiser family were natives of Switzerland. Jacob and his wife emigrated from there pre- vious to the Revolutionary war; they settled in Virginia and reared a large family, of whom Philip, the father of John, our subject, was one. He came to this county in 1805 and settled where the old Kiser mills were located. He was a very wealthy man, and when he left Virginia he purchased a flat-boat and loaded his things, intending to locate near Cincinnati. The river was high, and Mrs. Kiser being very timid, induced her husband to land near Gallipolis, and she afterward refused to board the boat, and Mr. Kiser was therefore forced to unload his goods and rent a cabin. He lived here only a few months and then came to the property previously purchased by him. This was the best mill site on Mad River, and he built a new mill, which did a good business. During the war of 1812, he built a fort near his house, and people came from every direction for security. Philip was Captain of a company during this war, and did duty on the frontier. He was one of the first Justices in the county, and was a good official ; he was a very prominent man, and was one of the largest land- owners ; he died in 1817. His widow lived until 1837 and reared her family ; she was one of the best business women of her time-buying stock, superintending the mill and attending to many other duties that are usually performed by men. John Kiser was given a good education and graduated at Urbana, in 1825 ; he studied medicine one year, but, upon his mother's account, gave up the idea of practice and commenced the agricultural business. He was born Sept 7, 1809, and was married, Jan. 31, 1831, to Elizabeth Yarnell, of Champaign County ; she was born in 1815, in Virginia. They were parents of ten children, two of them died in infancy; the living are Lucinda, Philip, Annie, Jane, Victoria, Emma E., Lewis C., the inventor of the celebrated air motor, and Thomas. Mrs. Kizer died in 1875, since which time his daughter Emma has been his housekeeper; she was married, in 1878, to Adam Frantz. Mr. Kiser has been liberal in giving information of the early life of their family, and we are glad to assign them a place in the history of this county. He is owner of 1872 acres of choice land, that brings him a nice income. He is 71 years of age, and has plenty of this world's goods to enable him to live at his ease.
GEORGE W. KITE, retired farmer ; P. O. St. Paris. George Kite represents one of the oldest families in Mad River Township ; his father, Adam Kite, emigrated
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in 1807, from Rockingham Co., Va., and from him has sprung the large number bear- ing his name in this county ; he entered a part of the farm now owned by our subject, of which a portion (a pre-emption claim) was purchased from a party who had previously settled upon it. Mr. Kite has in his possession the patent granted, bearing the signa- ture of Thomas Jefferson. A large number of Indians were still in the neighborhood, and an Indian town was located a half-mile west of Millerstown, on a tract of land now owned by Brubaker. Adam and Elizabeth had four children born in Virginia, and six in this county, three only are now living-our subject, his sisters, Sarah and Margaret, the wife of Dr. Thomas, of Pleasant Hill, Ind. George was reared on the farm ; his first school-teacher was named Sutton, and the log schoolhouse was located where David Frank's house is built. The light was admitted by having one of the logs taken out and the space covered with oiled paper ; slab seats were used, and the teacher knew well how to use the birch. One of the tricks the boys were in the habit of practicing was that of barring the teacher out during holidays. This happening during a term of George's attendance, the teacher compromised by treating the scholars to a quart of whisky. Our subject was married to Peniah Fusson, in 1831 ; their children were ten in number, all living to adult age ; three are now deceased. Mrs. Kite died in 1877, and Mr. Kite married Mrs. Overhulse, in 1878; they now reside a half-mile west of the Myrtle Tree Church. Mr. Kite has helped build three churches on the site of the elegant one now completed, which will ever be a monument to his memory. He is one of our most influential and respected citizens, and enjoys the confidence of a large circle of ac- quaintances, When George was first married, his father-in-law, Rev. William Fusson, made him a present of a bedstead made of fence-rails, their first article of furniture. Their cooking utensils consisted of one skillet, and their dishes were few and of the cheapest kind. There were none poorer financially, but, being well mated, the young couple went to work with a will, and their labors were crowned with success.
WILLIAM LEE, retired farmer; P. O. Terre Haute. One of the noble pioneers who still live in this township is the man whose name heads this sketch ; he is so well known in the county that his name is familiar to all; his life has been of that energetic sort that was characteristic of the first settlers, who have contributed the best years of their life to the development of this country. His father, John Lee, emigrated to Ohio with his family, from Virginia, in 1810; he purchased a tract of land of William Copps, and settled upon it, soon after which he died, and, his widow not being able to pay for it, Copps again took possession ; she rented a little tract, which was cultivated by the chil- dren for two years, when she purchased 80 acres in the vicinity of Mr. Lee's present residence ; this was paid for, and the children, five in number, thereby obtained their start in life ; they were named James, Richard, William, Fanny and John. The mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Lowman; she was born in Maryland; she after- ward married Philip Stout; her death occurred in 1846. Four of the children are still living, William being the only one residing in the vicinity of the old home. His mar- riage to Miss Susannah Blose was celebrated in 1832; they started in life on a cash capital of $100; by hard work and economy, William managed to pay for 24 acres, which was constantly added to, until he is now one of our large land-owners, having a half-section of valuable land, nicely improved, most of which was done under his super- vision. His children, John, Philander, Mary A., Elizabeth, Milly J., Susannah, Henry, Dica, James A., Margaretta L., Eliza E. and Iva are living ; two are dead. All live in Ohio except Susannah, who lives in Iowa. Mrs. Lee died June 15, 1880, after living to see her children grow up to be useful men and women ; Margaretta manages the house since her mother's death. Mr. Lee is a cousin to the late Gen. R. E. Lee, one of the ablest Generals the United States ever produced; his life has ever been characterized by strict integrity, firmness of purpose, economy and strict adherence to business principles ; he is now 71 years of age, as genial as when a boy of 20, and lives on his farm, caring little for the winter's storm, as he is well provided for. We are glad to record his name among those deserving of having their names perpetuated in history.
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