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 91

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 91

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ISAIAH MILLER, farmer ; P. O. Christiansburg ; was born in Virginia June 20, 1826, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents, John and Jane Miller, about 1834. They settled in Miami Co., south of Troy, where they purchased 160 acres. of land, on which they spent the remainder of their days. Twelve children were: the issue of their marriage-Zachariah, John V., Jacob, Mary, William, Samuel, Sarah, Levi, James, Elizabeth, Jane and Isaiah. Samuel, James and Elizabeth are deceased. Mrs. Jane Miller departed this life in about 1853, and he about. 1858. Isaiah, the subject of this sketch, worked on the farm for his father till about. 16 years old, when he went to learn the tailor trade. He followed tailoring at different places, in all about eight years ; he also served as dry-goods clerk for some time, and was in the grocery business at Troy for about eight years. In 1873, he purchased a farm of 742 acres in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., where he has since resided, following agricultural pursuits. He has since added 71 acres to his original purchase, and now has a beautiful home. His farm is well improved, and in a good state of cultivation. At the last spring election, he was elected Township Treasurer, which office he is filling with credit. On the 24th of December, 1854, he was united in marriage with Orphia Amanda Culbertson; she was born Nov. 16, 1834; to this. union three children have been given-John C., Luther A. and Elmer I.

J. F. OVERTON, dealer in boots and shoes, Christiansburg; was born in Addi- son, Champaign Co., Feb. 25, 1850, and is a son of Silas B. and Elizabeth J. Overton ; she- was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, June 28, 1818; he was born at Henderson, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1808. His father was a blacksmith, and he learned the trade of him. After reaching his majority, he spent several years in different places in different States,.

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working at his trade. He came to Champaign Co. in about 1831, and worked as jour- neyman for Mr. John Herd, of Urbana. He afterward located at Addison and carried on his trade. His death occurred March 18, 1880. He was the father of nine chil- dren ; one died in youth, eight grew up, and seven are still living-Sarah Belle, Emily J., Darwin N., Harriet N., Orville D., John F., Charles H. and Willard E .; Charles H. deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Overton is still living, and resides at Addison. John F. occu- pied his time in early life by working at day labor in the summer season and attending school through the fall and winter. At the age of 21, he learned the shoemaker trade, which has since been his occupation. In addition to the maufacture of custom-made work, he is now handling a stock of ready-made boots and shoes. He has recently been appointed Postmaster. On the 7th of November, 1878, he married Charlotte B. Light ; she was born April 25, 1861 ; to this union one child has been given-Maurice Glenwood.

WILLIAM IRVIN PENCE, farmer and manufacturer of drain tile; P. O. St. Paris ; born in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., Sept. 8, 1836 ; is a son of Aaron and Rebecca Pence. She is a native of Pennsylvania ; he of this State and county. He entered 200 acres of land in the above-named township, which he improved. He was the father of ten children, one died in infancy and one accidentally shot himself when about 13 years of age. The remaining eight are still living. Aaron Pence departed this life March 6, 1869. His widow is still living and resides on the home farm. Will- iam I. was raised a farmer's boy, and received a common-school education. With the exception of six years spent in Hardin Co., Ohio, has resided in his native county and township. He is still engaged in agriculture, and also has an interest in a steam thresher. In 1874, he and two brothers built a tile-mill and commenced the manu- facture of drain tile. After operating three years, one of the brothers withdrew from the firm, leaving William I. and Jason P. to conduct the business, which they do very suc- cessfully. They put out about thirteen kilns annually, each kiln containing 800 rods. On the 22d of April, 1860, he was united in marriage with Catharine Wolgamuth ; eleven children are the fruits of this union-seven sons and four daughters, all living and enjoying good health. Their names are as follows: Stephen A. D., Elmer S., Miles M., Rose E., Hattie E., Charles F., Emmet C., Fletcher M., Clara A., John and Emma R. Mrs. Pence is also a native of this township, born April 17, 1837. She is a member of the Myrtle Tree Baptist Church.

I. P. POND, merchant tailor, Christiansburg ; is a son of Jonathan F. and Mary S. (Parker) Pond, both natives of New Jersey. She was born Feb. 24, 1802; and he Oct. 11, 1795. They came to Ohio with their parents in 1816, and settled in Clermont Co. They were married Sept. 21, 1820, and soon after moved to Warren Co. In 1832, they came to Champaign Co. and located in Addison. He had learned shoemaking in his younger days, and here as well as elsewhere he carried on his trade. They were the parents of nine children, three are still living-Mary Ann, now Mrs. W. M. Darnell; Isaac P. and John F. Jonathan F. Pond departed this life May 9, 1848; and she June 27, 1875. Isaac P., the subject of this sketch, was born in Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, Sept. 29, 1828. He worked at shoemaking with his father till he reached his majority, when he commenced an apprenticeship at tailoring. After com- pleting his trade, he went to California and was engaged in mining four years. In about two years after his return, he engaged in the shoe trade, which he carried on about eighteen years and then went back to tailoring, which he has conducted for the last four years. He has served three years as Justice of the Peace; is filling that office at the present. He has been Secretary of the Pioneer Association ever since its organization in 1868, except the first year. In 1854, Sept. 10, he married Mary Darnell, by whom he had one child-Lillia May (deceased). Mrs. Mary Pond departed this life Oct. 21, 1860. On the 5th of May, 1862, he was again united in marriage, with Mary J. Whit- more. She died April 10, 1864. His third marriage was solemnized Sept. 14, 1865, with Margaret E. Ross. She was born Aug. 25, 1840. Two children are the fruits of

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this union-F. Ross and Jessie (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Pond are members of the Baptist Church.

GEORGE W. ROBERTS, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. O. Christiansburg ; was born in Bellbrook, Greene Co., Ohio, April 10, 1833 ; he is a son of Nathan and Elizabeth (Clark) Roberts, both natives of Pennsylvania ; she was born in 1807 and he in 1804. They came to Ohio in 1832, and settled in Greene County ; the next year they moved to Miami County, where they remained two years, then moved to Addison and kept hotel one year; they then moved on the farm where G. W. now resides ; it has been his home ever since. Nathan was a nail-cutter in early life, but after coming to this State was chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was the father of seven children ; one died in infancy ; the names of the others are Ann Eliza, William, Samuel (deceased), George W., Mary Jane and Lewis (both deceased); Nathan Robert departed this life in 1842, and his wife in 1871. G. W. was raised a farmer and worked for his mother until 16 years of age, when he took charge of the farm for her. Being left an orphan at the age of 9, he learned very early to take care of himself, in which he has been very successful. He is an enterprising farmer, owning 96 acres of good land, which is in a high state of cultivation. He is one of the best grain-growers in the township, and also deals in stock. He has been Trustee in the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years ; he has also been identified with the principal township offices-Trustee and Treasurer, and is County Commissioner at the present time. Sept. 25, 1856, he was united in marriage with Diantha Corbly ; she was born in Champaign County June 12, 1836. They are the parents of nine children-E. F., I. S., L. E., F. C., Carrie, Mirta, Wilbur, Lizzie and Mabel. Mr. Roberts and four of the children are members of the M. E. Church.

DANIEL SNAPP, SR., retired farmer; P. O. St. Paris. To another of the early settlers of Jackson Township we are pleased to allot a space in the biographical album of this work. He was born in Berks Co., Penn., Sept. 7, 1804, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents at a very early age, probably not quite 3 years old ; they set- tled in Montgomery County, within about four miles of Dayton. Daniel was raised to farm life, and shortly after his marriage he entered 80 acres of land in Jackson Town- ship, Champaign County, on which they located in March of 1827. For some time they were busy in battling with the monarchs of the forest, but succeeded in converting the wilds into a comfortable home, and have since added many acres to their possessions. He now owns a quarter-section, having distributed the other among his children. His marriage with Rebecca Barnhart was solemnized Jan. 1, 1825; she was also a native of Pennsylvania. The following children were the issue of this marriage : Solomon, Rhinard (deceased), Daniel, William and Leonard (both deceased), Benjamin, Simon, Catharine, Philip (deceased), and Franklin; these all lived to marry and have families, except Philip, who died at the age of 17; Rebecca Snapp departed this life in June, 1859, having been a member of the German Reformed Church from youth. Daniel has been a life-long member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Several of the children are also identified with the same.

DUNCAN THACKREY, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Dialton, Clark Co. To the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch we are pleased to allot a space in these pages. He was born in Yorkshire, England, Dec. 10, 1813 ; his parents, John and Elizabeth Thackrey, were natives of the above-named place. They, with their family of six children, emigrated to America in 1829 ; they stopped for a short time in Clark Co., Ohio, but in October of the same year they came to Jackson Town- ship, Champaign County, and settled in the woods, without a house to shelter them ; he was without means himself, but a friend of his, a Mr. Patterson, entered 80 acres of land for him and waited till he could repay him. Commencing right at the bottom, as we may truly say, by hard work, energy and economy, they in time succeeded in subduing the forest and making a comfortable home here, besides purchasing a quarter-section of land in Iowa. One child was born to them in this country, making seven in all, of

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whom five are still living. Duncan, the oldest, lived at home and worked for his father till about 25 years of age, when he began life for himself; for three years he worked by the month at $10 per month ; at the death of his father, he went home and con- ducted the farm for his mother for three years. In the meantime, in December of 1844, he married Susan Ray ; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1820. To this union nine children have been given-Ann J., Sarah E., Mary, John, William, Finley, Arabell, Joseph and Emma. Mr. Thackrey is an honest, straightforward, hard-work- ing man, and owns 360 acres of land in this county, and 4112 acres in Clark County. His home farm consists of 280 acres, which is well improved and in a high state of cultivation-all the fruits of his industry. Mrs. Thackrey and four of the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM WEST, farmer; P. O. St. Paris. To the gentleman whose name heads this sketch we are pleased to yield a space in this work ; he is a son of Stocket, and a grandson of Basil West. Basil was a slaveholder, and lived successively in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and, finally, Ohio. They located in Mad River Township, Champaign Co., about 1808, but soon entered land in Jackson Township, and settled on it. Stocket was born in South Carolina about 1790; he was raised a farmer, but was a good blacksmith and carpenter, and could spin and weave. In April, 1816, he married Elizabeth Merritt. She was born in Virginia July 13, 1792, a daughter of John and Margaret Merritt, who came to Ohio about 1818, and settled in Jackson Township. Stocket and Elizabeth West were the parents of nine children-John, William, David, Sarah, James, Henry, Jerry, Mary and Jane. William, Henry, Jerry and Jane are the only survivors ; the others died of lung dis- ease. Stocket was identified with the principal offices of the township-Trustee, Treas- urer, etc .- for a number of years ; he owned 210 acres of land, which he and his family cleared up and improved, except about 10 acres. His death occurred in July, 1852; his wife survived till October, 1876. Both had been members of the Honey Creek Bap- tist Church for a number of years. William, the subject of this sketch, was born in Jackson Township, July 13, 1818; he formerly dealt in stock considerably, and made a start in the world by dealing in horses. He now devotes his time to farming almost entirely. He owns 160 acres of land in a high state of cultivation, with excellent buildings and other improvements. On the 3d of February, 1848, he married Hester C. Grafton, a native of this township, born Nov. 18, 1822. Three children have been born to them-John, born Jan. 18, 1849, and died at the age of four years ; George W., born Jan. 16, 1855; and Henry C., born July 17, 1857. Mrs. West is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On the 17th of October, 1878, George W. was united in marriage with Ellen A. Breslin ; she was born in St. Paris, March 21, 1856 ·

WILLIAM WHEATON, farmer and grain dealer; Allen's P. O., Miami County ; was born in Warren Co., Ohio, March 10, 1830. The early part of his life was spent at various kinds of work ; his father being very poor, he learned at an early age to rely upon his own efforts to gain a livelihood; the first contract he ever took was to cut twelve cords of wood at 20 cents per cord ; when the work was completed, he received payment for eleven and a half cords, on the plea that it was not properly put up; he has made rails at 18 cents per hundred. Thus he toiled on; after awhile he began to farm, and saved some little money, which he came near losing. To save himself, he took a warehouse at Lena, Miami Co. He was then without a cent of money to do business on. He engaged to buy grain on commission for Achholtz, Payne & McGrew, of Urbana, which he did very successfully. This was in 1870, when he was also made freight agent, receiving a free pass from Piqua to Columbus as compen- sation. After one year, he sold a half-interest in the building, and formed a partner- ship with I. M. Wolcot ; they continued to buy for the firm in Urbana for two years, when they concluded to do business for themselves. Although Mr. Wheaton had never attended school but eight days in his life, the principal part of the business devolved upon him, as his partner was a young man, and was otherwise engaged. Since the

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spring of 1880, Mr. Wheaton is alone in business, and is dealing in New York, Phila- delphia and Baltimore. He owns several farms, and is a live business man. His marriage with Jane Williams was celebrated Sept. 14, 1852. To this union seven children were given-John M. (deceased), Thomas B., Mary Rowena, Elroy, Sarah J., Jacob F. and Charles L. (deceased). Mrs. Jane Wheaton is a daughter of Jacob and Patience Williams. She was born in Montgomery County, March 27, 1827.

CASPER M. ZERKEL, farmer ; P. O. St. Paris; was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., May 27, 1838 ; he is a son of Michael and Susannah (Pence) Zerkel, both natives of the above-named State and county. C. M. was left motherless at the age of 6 months, and his only brother died in youth. His father afterward married for his sec- ond wife, Elizabeth Pence. Casper M. was raised by his grandfather, Lewis Zerkel with whom he lived till nearly 21 years of age, when he came to his present residence, and lived with his father, who died in 1870. He, being the only child, now owns the farm of 214 acres, except the widow's dower. In 1863, June 25, he was united in marriage with Mary Angeline Kesler. She was born in Clark County, July 20, 1845. To this union three children have been given-Sarah C., born Aug. 18, 1866; Lewis I., born March 13, 1869; and John F., born Jan. 12, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Zerkel are members of the German Reformed Church.

JOHNSON TOWNSHIP.

J. M. ABBOTT, retired blacksmith, Millerstown. The grandfather, William Abbott, was one of the early pioneers of Johnson Township, and the father was also one of the pioneers, but died when our subject was 6 years of age; he was born in Johnson Township July 30, 1847. After his father's death he was brought up to farm labor among strangers until 15 years old, when he enlisted in the United States Army, in Co. E, 113 O. V. I., in which he served until Sept. 23, 1863, when he received four gunshot wounds at the battle of Chickamauga, at which he was also taken prisoner, but paroled on the field nine days after the battle. He was then transferred to the Vet- eran Reserve Corps, in which he served until the close of the war, and was mustered out and discharged at Harrisburg, Penn., July 21, 1865. After his return, he engaged as farm laborer until 1866, when he commenced blacksmithing with Jeremiah Bair, of St. Paris. Two years later, February, 5, married Angeline Evernham, and by this union three daughters have been born-Lizzie, Anna and Emma A. Mrs. Abbott was born in Johnson Township May 19, 1848, and is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Evern- ham. After J. M. completed his trade, he at once set up shop in Lena, Miami Co., where he successfully conducted his business until 1870, when he changed to his present location ; there had a favorable patronage, but, in the spring of 1880, was appointed, in company with J. W. Weller, as Prospector for the "Nettle Creek Mining Company," which was shortly before organized. They spent the summer in Gunnison Co., Colo., searching into the prospects for the company. Here they remained until Oct. 19, 1880, and, while West, witnessed grand and magnificent mountain scenery. Operated on a mountain that was 13,882 feet above sea level, with flattering promise of financial success for the company.

JACOB AMMON, farmer ; P. O. St. Paris; was born in 1821 in Rockingham Co., Va., and is a son of Peter (born in 1785) and Elizabeth Ammon, born in the same year, both of German parentage and natives of the same county as Jacob. They grew to maturity and married. During the war of 1812, Peter acted as substitute for another man. About 1827, he, with his wife and nine children, emigrated West, locat- ing in Mad River Township, Champaign Co., where the tenth child was born to them. Peter purchased eighty acres of land, which he cultivated until his death, in 1851. His

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wife survived until 1857. Our subject has been a resident of Champaign Co. since 6 years of age. During his boyhood days, but few school privileges were enjoyed, hence education was limited with Jacob, who, during his early life, learned the black- smith trade, and first set up shop in St. Paris. One year later he located in Millers- town, where he had learned his trade. There he conducted his business a period of twenty years, with a satisfactory patronage. At this time, ill health caused him to seek other labor, and he engaged in the general merchandise trade in the same village. In 1866, he sold this and purchased his present farm of eighty acres in Sec. 26, Johnson Township, where he has since been located, cultivating it with success. In 1847, he married Eliza Strickler, a native of Champaign Co., born in 1826. Their children, six in number, are all living. +

REV. W. M. ANDREWS, Pastor of Reformed Church, St. Paris; a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Andrews, was born in Medina Co., Ohio, March 4, 1848, and raised to farm life until 19 years of age, during which time he received a limited education. At the above age, he entered the Heidelberg College, located at Tiffin, Ohio, from which he graduated in the classical course in June, 1873. On the 21st of the same month he married Miss Mary V. Craig, an accomplished lady of Tiffin, Ohio. After which, he took a two years' course of theology, and was ordained in the ministerial work in 1876. His charges have been New Philadelphia, Ohio; Reedsburg, Ohio, and his present one, St. Paris. Rev. Andrews is a man of good ability ; height, six feet two inches ; weight, 225 pounds, and possesses perfect health. They have two children, a son born in 1874, and a daughter in 1879.

WILLIAM APPLE, farmer; P. O., St. Paris; was born in Champaign Co .; in 1830, and is a son of Solomon and Catharine (Snapp) Apple; he was born in Union Co., Penn., and came to Ohio in an early day with his parents. Catharine was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, where she grew to maturity and married. Soon after their marriage they settled in Jackson Township, Champaign Co .; locating in the dense forest; passing through the pioneer days in opening out a fine farm of 240 acres, where they both died. The issue of this union were eight children, of whom six are now living, our subject being the eldest. He was raised to farm life, and remained at home until 30 years of age, at which time he married Mary A. Lyons ; rented his present farm, which he afterward purchased from his father, and has added to the original until he now owns 247 acres in Johnson Township. He is an enterprising farmer ; has his farm in a high state of cultivation and finely improved. Mr. Apple has served as Township Trustee and member of the local School Board a number of terms. Mr. and Mrs. Apple are the parents of five children, of whom three are now living.

JOHN BAKER, physician, St. Paris; born in 1812, in Germany; is a son of Casper and Barbara Baker, who were both of German birth. They and family emi- grated to the United States in 1834, locating in Somerset Co., Penn., where they lived and died at an old age. Their children were six in number, of whom John is the only surviving one to put upon record the untold history of the Baker family. He was raised to European life, where he received his literary education and primary knowledge of medicine, and was engaged in a pharmacy store, from which he was pressed into mil- itary service one year. In the meantime, was in the city of Darmstadt, where Gen. Garfield's ancestors originally lived. At the expiration of his military duty, he imme- diately emigrated to America. In 1839, he arrived in Ohio and studied medicine, chiefly at Wooster, where he prepared himself for his profession. In 1841, he began practicing in St. Paris, where he has since been favorably known. He is now nicely located and almost retired from the profession. His marriage with Elizabeth Pence, was celebrated in 1842. The issue of this union is two children, Frank and Mary C. Mrs. Baker was born 1822, in Champaign Co., Ohio.

MICHAEL BARNS, retired farmer ; P. O. Millerstown ; is a son of Henry Barns, who was born in Virginia July 11, 1785, and was of German parentage. He was raised to farm life, and, Nov. 6, 1806, he married Charlotte Cramer, of Virginia.

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Their union lasted about one score years, when death seized Charlotte, and she was con- signed to the silent tomb, leaving eight children. Mr. Barns afterward married Susan Kizer, also a native of Virginia. In after years they emigrated to Illinois, locating in Calhoun Co., where he died about 1852. Our subject was born in Virginia, April 15, 1815, where he grew to maturity on his father's farm, and obtained a common educa- tion in the subscription schools. April 2, 1844, he married Catherine Strayer, a native of Virginia, and, Oct. 8, 1845, death severed their union. One child, John H., was born to them. Michael married for his second wife Margaret Kreglow, also of Virginia, born in 1828. After this marriage Mr. Barns again engaged in his previous trade, coopering, which he continued until 1849, when he emigrated to Ohio, locating at Urbana. Soon after, he purchased his present farm of 120 acres in Sec. 10, Johnson Township, where he has since resided and cultivated his land. Mr. Barns is finely located and well situated, and now entrusts the place to his four sons, who are industrious and bid fair to be useful men. They have three daughters-Mary E., wife of John H. Offenbacher ; Margaret C., now Mrs. Joseph Cisco, and one who remains at home.

ELISHA BERREY, farmer ; P. O. St. Paris; is a son of Elijah and Mary (Jones) Berrey, who were both natives of Virginia; they came to Champaign Co. in an early day, with their parents, and were among the first settlers. About 1825, their marriage was celebrated in Mad River Township ; they were the parents of five children, of whom three are now living; Elijah's death occurred in 1835, and the widow now survives. Our subject was born in Champaign Co. Sept. 24, 1830, and raised to farm life ; his education was procured in the log-hut schools of his native county. In 1849, he com- menced life for himself by engaging as farm laborer. Seven years later, he married Barbara M., daughter of Absalom and Sarah Pence, after which he lived on a rented . farm ; one year later, he emigrated to Missouri; not liking the country, he returned, in 1858, and rented what is now his farm, in Sec. 26, Johnson Township; there he has since resided and cultivated his farm on a systematized plan. Mr. Berrey has been favor- ably known as a township officer and School Director, which place he filled for eighteen successive years, but refused to accept in the spring of 1880. Mr. Berrey, though not possessing a first-class education, is interested in the educational welfare of the vicinity. In May, 1872, Mrs. Mary Berrey was called hence, leaving her husband and five chil- dren to mourn her loss; one had passed away previous to her. Mr. Berrey afterward married Sarah Poorman, a native of Ohio; by this union they have had three children ; two are dead.

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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 91

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