USA > Ohio > Clark County > The history of Clark County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, V. 2 > Part 52
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
ANDREW NICHELSON deceased. The progress, growth, development and present prosperity of Clark County is in a great measure unquestionably due to the enter- prise, energy and foresight of her pioneers, and few of this class are more kindly remem - bered than the old patriarch whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He come, of Irish ancestry, his father, John Nichelson, having emigrated from Ireland to the United Statess in 1783, settling in Pennsylvania, where he was married to Ann Haney, a native of that State, to whom were born the following children : Isabel, Mary, Samuel, Andrew, Nancy, John, James and William. In 1806, John and family came to Clark County, Ohio, and settled in See. 23, Harmony Township, where he and wife spent the balance of their days. The subject of this sketch was born in Fayette Co., Penn., April 5, 1803, and grew to manhood in Harmony Township, receiving a very meager education, even for those days, and was there married, in 1825, to Rachel Hammond, daughter of Nathan and Hopy Hammond, natives of New York, who were early settlers of' Clark County. Mrs. Nichelson was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 1806, and had born to her nine children, viz., Hopy, Ann (the wife of Amaziah Judy ), Roxy J. ( deceased wife of John Smith ), Isabel (deceased wife of Charles Stew- artı, James W. (deceased), Andrew, John, Nathan, Rachel ( wife of Oscar Stewart), Margaret (wife of Jeremiah Yeaze!), and Lemuel. Mr. Nichelson was a member of
964
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Christian Church of Plattsburg, and died in 1852. He was again married March 6, 1854, in Pleasant Township, to Mrs. Angeline Yeazel, widow of Isaac Yeazel, and daughter of Nathan and Abigail ( Rice) Spencer. natives of Otsego Co., N. Y., who came to Clark County in 1811, where they remained until death. Mrs. Nichelson was born in Harmony Township of this county May 20, 1819, and by her first marriage had six children, and by the second two. Amaziah and George. About 1837, .Mrs. Nichelsou became a member of the Christian Church of Plattsburg, and ever after strictly adhered to this denomination. He was a Deacon in the church most of this period, and died full of honor July 23, 1880, in his 78th year. His widow still sur- vives him, and is a member of the same church. He began life a poor man; and his success is one of the most noted cases in Clark County of what pluck and. industry can accomplish when coupled with steady habits and rigid economy. He was an earnest advocate of temperance, but covered the faults of his neighbor with the Chris- tian mantle of charity. To most public measures he gave his influence and active sup- . port, and was a warm upholder of religion and the religious cause. Some of the most prominent traits of his character were his unerring judgment, his unswerving rectitude for adhering to his promises and his wonderful tenacity of purpose in following up a business venture until ultimate success was reached. Shrewd and careful to the utmost degree, he seldom made mistake-, and in this manner laid the foundation upon which his handsome fortune was afterward bnilt. Early in life he bought and improved 80 acres of land for his father, and in youth exhibited and earnestly cultivated those habits of industry, sobriety, morality, prudence and economy which so strongly marked his character in more mature years. He was charitable to the poor and needy, and his honesty and integrity in all things was never questioned. He accumu- lated over 2,000 acres of land, all of which he made by hard determined labor and shrewd business sagacity, and his children are now enjoying the fruits of his foresight and industry. His services were in constant demand in settling disputes between his fellowinen ; and he was ever anxious to shield his neighbors from the curse of litiga- gation by arranging their differences by private arbitration. His advice was sought by old and young, and he seldom failed to help those who sought his aid. His mind was clear to the last, and he constantly exhorted all with whom he came in contact to live good, moral lives, and to practice as well as preach the great truths of Christianity. Thus passed away one of nature's noblemen, leaving behind a name and record that are the brightest pages in his history ; and his descendants may well feel proud of this up- right old pior eer, who, living a life of morality, with justice and charity toward ail men, died the death of the just, inspired by an unquenchable faith and firm hope in a bright and happy future.
JOHN AND ANDREW NICHELSON, farmers; P. O. Plattsburg. These two brothers are sons of the late Andrew Nichelson, deceased, who was one of the oldest pioneers of Harmony Township. In his day he was one of the leading men of his township. Hc was a man who became very wealthy before his death. Andrew, Jr., is a native of Har- mony Township, having been born on the " old Nichelson homestead," Feb. S. 1835 ; he has continued to live in the township since. He was married, Nov. 20, 1866, to Miss Sina Smith, a daughter of Win. Smith, of Union Co., Obio; they have had three chil- dren born to them-Augusta, born Aug. 28, 1867 ; Jessie, Aug. 8, 1869, and Charles, July 23, 1873. Andrew is a man who has devoted his time entirely to farming and stock-raising. He is the owner of between 600 and 700 acres of land in Clark and Madison Cos. There are but few farmers in the county who are so comfortably sit- uated as he is. Andrew is the oldest of the family. John Nicholson is also a native of Harmony Township, he having been born June 11, 1837. John, like his brother Andrew. made choice of farming, and has contintied at it. He is one of the few who believe in single blessedness, he having never taken a partner for life. John. like his brother, is the owner of a large farm of some 700 acres of land. in Clark and Mad- ison Cos. There are five brothers of the Nichelsons in Harmony, and they are all large land owners ; besides the above-named, there is Nathaniel. Lemuel and George. When the late war was going on, the father of the above-named sons was living, but
----
965
HARMONY TOWNSHIP.
very old-not liable to service-but his patriotism was such, that, as he was too old to fight, he sent a substitute in his place, and three of his sons, who were hable to service, sent three men in their place to fight, that our country might be preserved. Andrew and John were in the Kirby Smich said on Cincinnati, and responded to the call for vol- unteers at the time of the Morgan raid.
LEMUEL NICHELSON, farmer ; P. O. South Charleston. The subject of this sketch is a native of Harmony Township; he is a son of the late Andrew Nichelson, Sr., who was one of the earliest pioneers in Harmony Township, and one of its most hon- ored citizens. Lemuel was born Sept. 19, 1846. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura Little, of Madison Township, Jan. 1, 1867. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children (now living )-Minna Maude, born Nov. 4, 1867 ; Clifford L., Feb. 28, 1869, and Nathan R., Dec. 10, 1871. Mrs. Nichelson is a member of the Christian Church of Plattsburg, Ohio. Mr. Nichelson is the owner of a very fine farın adjoining the town of Lisbon.
GEORGE NICHELSON, farmer ; P. O. Plattsburg; was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, May 30. 1856, and is the son of Andrew and Angeline Nichelson, whose history will be found in this book. He grew up on the home place, receiving his education in the common district school. He was married, Dec. 15, 1880, in Green Township. to Jane E. Stewart, daughter of Perry and Rhoda Stewart, one of the prominent families of Clark Co. Mrs. Nichelson was born on the farm where her parents now reside, and received a good education and careful moral training. Mr. Nichtelson is a Republican. At his father's death he received the old homestead and 150 acres of land as his share of the landed estate. This property is located close to the town of Plattsburg, and is well improved, and the prospect before this young couple looks bright and promising.
GEORGE W. OLINGER, merchant; was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, May 27, 1857, near Brighton ; his father, Joseph C. Olinger, is one of the large land owners in Harmony Township, owning over 700 acres of land. His father came to Ohio in 1846, from the State of Virginia. His father was born in 1819 George was raised on the farm, and continued to be a farmer until Oct. 1. 1880, when he gave up farming and commenced a mercantile life. He purchased the stock of gro- ceries, etc., owned by Mr. A. T. Wilson. of Brighton, Ohio. Mr. O. keeps quite a stock of goods such as is usually kept in a country store. Mr. Olinger is a young man of in- dustry and energy ; should be follow in the footsteps of his father, in the way of econo- my, he will be one of the wealthy men of the township. He is a young man of steady habits, and is much respected in the community in which he lives.
HENRY OXTOBY, retired farmer ; P. O. Springfield. This old and respected citizen belongs to another generation, having been permitted by Divine Providence to live longer than is usually allotted to man ; but while he has grown old in years, he has also grown honored and reverenced ; and while his hair has been whitened by the frosts of many winters, it is but emblematical of the pure life which he has lived. He was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 24, 1801, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Cook) Oxtoby, natives of the same place. In 1803, his parents embarked at Liv- erpool for the United States, and settled close to Geneva, N. Y., afterward removing to a farm ou the Genesee River, where they were living during the war of 1812, also own- ing at the same time 30 acres on which the city of Rochester has since been built. In the fall of , 1814, they sold the land and came to Clark Co., Ohio, whither Henry's father had previously been. to look at the country. He entered 160 acres of land in Sec. 33, Harmony Township, upon which he and family settled, and where his wife died April 11, 1836, aged 67, and himself Oct. 23, 1838, at the same age. both dying, . as they had lived. faithful adherents of the M. E. Church. There were four children in the family. three daughters and one son, and Henry was but 18 months old when his parents came to America, and but 13 years of age when they settled in Clark Co., Ohio. - He grew to maturity on the old homestead, attending school at the early log schoolhouse four or five winter terms of three months each, which completed his edu- cation. He was married, in December, 1825, in Harmony Township, to Harriet New-
966
BIOGRAPHICAL · SKETCHES:
love, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Brown) Newlove, natives of England, who settled in this county in 1821. Mrs. Oxtoby was born in England May 2, 1799, and had the following children : Marianna, the deceased wife of William J. Hudson ; Robert and John, who reside with their father. Mrs. Oxtoby died March 10, 1848, a sincere be- liever in the truths of the Gospel. Ile was again married, Dec. 12, 1858, to Ann B. Newlove, a sister of his first wife, also a native of England, born Sept. 10, 1804. She joined the M. E. Church in 1817, and remained a true and consistent member until her death, Aug. 24, 1875. She was a kind, charitable woman, and Mr. Oxtoby was fortu - nate in his married life, as both wives were ever faithful helpmeets. In 1848, Mr. Ox- toby joined the M. E. Church, and has been sexton of "Fletcher Chapel " for twenty- seven years, giving his services, and " would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in the palaces of kings." He has now retired from active life, and, with his sons, resides on a farm of 200 acres. Robert is engaged in sheep-raising as a specialty, having now 300 ewes on the farm, some of which are thoroughbred merinos. John is at present engaged in the lumber business in Ross Co. Politically, Mr. Oxtoby was a Whig, and afterward a Republican, and has always been in favor of all classes of public improvements, lending his influence and means to the support of schools, churches. and everything the object of which was the benefitting of the community of which he has been so long an honest, upright, worthy and respected member.
MALCOMB H. PATTERSON. farmer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads; he was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, 1839. His father, Charles C., was one of' the leading carpenters of Dayton, Ohio. Malcomb went to Illinois in 1859, and Aug. 10, 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 123d I. (mounted) V. I., having served in the famous Wilder's Brigade, which, according to history, was never whipped. He was discharged at the close of the war at Springfield, Ill. He was one of the few who came out with- out a " sear," but he had a bullet to go through his boot-leg, one through the top of his hat, and one to glance and strike him over the left eye. In 1865, he went to Missouri. There he was married to Miss Anna Beales, of Virginia. While in Missouri Mr. P. was engaged in farming. Nov. 18, 1869, he returned to Clark .Co., Ohio, and located in Springfield, Ohio. In 1870, he settled in Harmony Township. As the result of his marriage to Miss Beales, four children have been born to them-Carrie, born in Mis- souri May 23, 1868; Nettie was born in Harmony Township July 23, 1870 ; Charles was born in Harmony Township Oct. 1, 1873, and Howard Lee was born in Springfield April 28, 1875. He is situated on a beautiful farin one mile west of Vienna-a man of fine social qualities ; in politics, a " stalwart " Republican.
REI RATHBUN, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, March 22. 1849. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna M. Reynard, was also born in this township Feb. 22, 1851. They were married Sept. 11, 1872. They have four chil- dren-Netum, aged 6 years ; Lena, 1 years ; Pern, 3 years ; Clarence, 1 year. Mr. Rath- bun is an extensive agriculturist. He also deals in stock of various kinds. John Rathbun, father of Rei, was born in-Butler Co., Penn. Removed with his parents to Ohio in 1811. Thomas Rathbun, father of John, was born in Rhode Island, of English descent. John's mother, was whose maiden name was Elizabeth Cochran, was born in Pennsylvania of Irish and Welsh parentage. They were the parents of five children-Mary, John, Jeffrey H., Clark and Amos, none of whom are living except John, the father of our subject. John Rathbun and Mary Curl were married Dec. 27. 1829. As a result of this union, eleven children have been born-Thomas, Jeremiah, Cyntha, Elizabeth. Mary, George W., Azubah, John, Rei, Nancy J. and Beda. Thomas, George W. and Rei are all that are living of this once large and happy family ; in the year 1856, Mr. Rathbun purchased 139 acres of land in Harmony Township, upon which be resided and cultivated with his own hands until the year 1875, when he purchased what was known as the MeArthur place, where he now lives. This is a beautifully situated tract, lying one-half' mile cast of Vienna. His post town is ten miles east of the city of Springfield. county seat of Clark Co., Ohio. The living children are married. George W. lives in Missouri ; Thomas lives in Harmony Towu-
-----
967
HARMONY TOWNSHIP.
ship, on what is known as the Yost farm, while Rei, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, occupies the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun, although well advanced in years, enjoy a fair degree of health, and are spending the afternoon of life in a very contented and peaceful condition of mind.
DR. EDWARD H. SMITH, physician, Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Feb. 15, 1855. In 1875-78, he attended Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, one of the leading medical colleges of the State. In 1878, he graduated, and, after practicing a short time with his preceptor, Dr. Gardner, of Harrisburg, Ohio, he came to Vienna, Clark County, Ohio, and com- menced the practice of medicine. June 4, 1879. he was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Ellinger, grand-daughter of the late Col. Foreman, one of the early settlers of the county, and a man of considerable prominence, having served as a Colonel in the war of 1812. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of one child (a daughter). Dr. Smith, although practicing in the county a short time, has built up quite a practice. He is a man of skill, and is very industrious. As a gentleman, he is quite pleasant and affable.
DARIUS SPRAGUE, farmer ; P. O. Springfield, Ohio. The subject of this sketch is the son of the late James Sprague, who came to Clark County in a very early day and died in 18-16. The subject of this sketch was born March 31, 1817, in Har- muray Township on the "old Sprague homestead," adjoining the farm upon which he now resides. Darius made choice of farming when young, and has since followed it successfully. He was united in marriage Feb. 8, 1837, to Sarah Rice, daughter of Edward Rice (deceased), who was one of the early pioneers of Clark County, having come to Ohio from the State of New York. There has been born to Darius and Sarah, twelve children, five of whom are now living, viz., Lucina E., now the wife of Dr. Ban- well, of South Charleston ; James E., who was born March 15, 1814; Sarah, now the wife of Corwin Price, of Springfield ; Darius A. and William S., of Springfield. Mr. Sprague is the owner of a beautiful farm of 700 acres, all of it being in Harmony Township, excepting 160 in Madison Township. Mr. S. has retired from farming, aud his son, James E., has the farm rented. Mr. Sprague was at one time very exten- sively engaged in farming and stock-raising, having as many as 5,000 sheep on his farm, and cattle in proportion. James, who has the farm rented, was united in marriage, May 9, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Burk, of Harmony Township; there has been born to them one child -- Mabel C .. born June 28, 1879.
JOHN A STEWART, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg. Jobu A. Stewart was born in Green Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in April 11, 1855. and is the son of Charles and Isabel (Nichelson) Stewart. His mother died when he was quite small, but his father is one of the leading farmers of Springfield Township .. His education was obtained principally in the schools of Springfield, and Lebanon, Ohio. When about 13 years old, he was accidentally shot, by which misfortune he lost his right arm. Politically. he is a stanch Republican, and resides on a farm of 150 acres. close to Plattsburg, where he is just beginning the battle of life, with everything in his favor toward future success.
ROBERT THORPE, SR. (deceased). In the early settlement of Harmony Township, a number of English families chose it as their home in the New World, and, among those worthy English folk, Robert Thorpe was one who undertook the laborious task of making a farm in the dense forest of Ohio. Born in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1773. He was raised to farm life, and there married to Elizabeth Raley, a native of the same shire, born in 1773, and the daughter of William Raley, an English physician of much skill in his profession. Of this union were born the following children-Mary Aun, Elizabeth, Jane, Margaret, Robert, Raley, Harriet, John and Thomas H., five of whom are now living-Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Jane, Raley and Harriet. In 1819. Robert and family, accompanied by his mother and father-in-law, came to the United States, the latter dying at Philadelphia soon after landing. They came down the Ohio River on a flat-boat, and, ou reaching Portsmouth, his mother died, and was buried in that town. He bad started from England with the purpose of locating in Clark Co., Ohio, where
1
968
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
he had some friends who had previously settled here, and, on reaching this county, he purchased 200 acres of land in the southwestern part of Harmony Township, paying 89 per acre for the same, which was a high figure for that early day. He was not a poor miau, bat brought considerable means with him from England, and being a good, practical farmer, soon made his new home comfortable for those pioneer days. His wife being the daughter of a physician, learned from her father many of the secrets of medi- cine, and by the use of his medical books which he left her at his death, and which she had recourse to in the treatment of diseases, she practiced the art of healing, and was loved and trusted by all who knew her, people coming from long distances to get her assistance and medicines in their troubles and sickness. For about thirty years Robert Thorpe lived and labored on his farm in Harmony Township, and. on the 18th of April, 1849, peacefully breathed his last, dying as he had lived, a faithful adherent of the Episcopal Church, having passed the allotted time of man, being 76 years of age, when death claimed him as its victim. His wife was raised in the Presbyterian faith, and lived and died a firm believer in that church, passing away Oct. 22, 1852, aged 79. Robert Thorpe and wife were true representatives of " Old England," and their lives were marked by that outward, open-handed, generous hospitality in their home and genuine good nature, which are well-known traits of English character. No member of suffering humanity was ever turned from their door hungry, and the poor or oppressed never pleaded in vain to them for relief. At the time of Robert Thorpe's death he was the owner of about 470 acres of good land, and this John took charge of, with the exception of 100 acres, which Robert received at his father's death, the balance of the children remaining at the old home as one family. John Thorpe was one of the lead- ing stock men of Clark Co. ; was a man of energy and ability, who, by good manage- ment and the help of his brothers and sisters at home, added to the estate year after year, until, at his death, the family owned about 700 acres of first class land. He died Sept. 7, 1877 ; Margaret, Aug. 31, 1878; Thomas, Sept. 6, 1878, and Robert, Feb. 1, 1881. The last mentioned is the only one of the children who married, and he raised a family of four daughters and two sons. The family have always adhered to their father's church and those who have passed away. died faithful Christians, with a strong and abiding faith in a blissful immortality. The Thorpe family are of Republican pro- clivities, have always stood among the upright citizens of Clark Co., and they have ever been noted for integrity of character and honesty of purpose.
WILLIAM TROXELL, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg. The grandfather of this gentleman was Peter Troxell, a native of the Keystone State, of German descent, who was married to Rachel Chambers, a native of Chambersburg, Ind., to whom were born ten children, George, the father of William, being the second in the family. Peter Troxell was a Revolutionary soldier, and soon after marriage moved to Augusta Co., Va., where he and wife spent the balance of their days. And there George was born, grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Miller, of that county, and daughter of Adam Miller, a native of Germany, who had settled in Virginia. George was a soldier in the war of 1812, fighting the same old foe whom his father helped to whip in the Revolu- tionary struggle. To George and Elizabeth Troxell were born the following children- Daniel, Andrew, Jolin, William, Hettie, Eli and Elizabeth, all of whom are living, with the exception of the two oldest. William Troxell was born in Augusta Co., Va .. Dec. 16, 1816, and was raised to farm life, his boyhood being spent among strangers, labor- ing on a farm at from $1.50 to $8 per month, his small earnings going to help support his father's family. His advantages for an education were very poor, and in 1836. when but 20 years old, he came with his brother Daniel to this State. Remained about one year in Pike Township, Clark Co., Ohio, and, in 1837, removed to Harmony Town- ship, working as a farm hand. He here had the chance to attend school about four months, during which time he learned the rudiments of reading and writing, which have helped him to manage his affairs through life. In 1846. he went to Ilinois, where. with money saved previously from his own earnings, he bought 160 acres of land ; then returned to Ohio, and, Feb. 17, 1847, was married to Mrs. Margaret Brooks, born in Ontario Co., N. Y., June 6, 1800, and daughter of Nathan Hammond, a pioneer of
---
969
HARMONY TOWNSHIP.
Clark County. Mr. Troxell finally settled permanently on his wife's farm, on which he had formerly worked as a farm hand, and afterward, by buying out the heirs, became owner of the property, and has since lived upon it. His wife died July 26, 1873, 3 sincere member of the Christian Church of Plattsburg, and he was again married July 28, 1874, to Dora V. Shryack, daughter of John and Matilda Shryack, natives of Ohio, and residents of Harmony Township. Mrs. Troxell was born in this township Jan. 18, 1849, and has had the following children : Pearl C., George W. and Jessie M., and she and husband belong to the Christian Church of Plattsburg. The fall ut their marriage they went on a visit to Virginia, there to view the scenes of his child- hood and ponder over the changes that time had made, as well as interview the friends of his youth. Mr. Troxell is a Republican, has held the office of Township Trustee for about ten years ; been School Director a number of times, and has taken a deep inter- est in the building of roads, of which he has been Supervisor about twelve years. When he came to Clark County he was not worth $25, but by constant toil and persistent industry, he has accumulated 550 acres of land, besides paying over $15,000 security debts. He has always been a friend to the poor man, and ever anxious to help his struggling neighbor. He and his step-son, A. N. Brooks. did an extensive business as stock dealers and shippers for about twelve years. Mr. Troxell is strictly temperate in his habits ; is one of the energetic, enterprising farmers of Clark County, and stands as one of i's most successful inen in farm life. He is respected for his honest and upright character, " hus word being always considered as good as his hond."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.