USA > Ohio > Hardin County > The history of Hardin county, Ohio > Part 114
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WILLIAM H. GOSSARD, farmer, P. O. Belle Centre, was born December 21, 1836, in Fayette County, Ohio. His father, Adam C., was born in Ross County, Ohio, May 1, 1816 ; his mother, in Pennsylvania May 13, 1813. The latter died in 1867, after which Mr. Gossard re-married, and on the decease of
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his second wife he was married for the third time. His present wife is a sister to the wife of our subject ; her maiden name was Sarah Cocklin. Mr. Gossard . has followed farming for an occupation, and is a resident of Logan County, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, September 23, 1863, to Mary C. Cocklin, born in Pennsylvania October 17, 1844, a daughter of Christian and Sarah Cocklin, both living and residents of Huntsville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Gossard are members of the Presbyterian Church. He has filled the office of Township Trustee for three terms, and is now serving his third term, and for ten years he has been a member of the School Board. Mr. Gos- sard is the father of four children, three living-Sarah J., Olive L. and How- ard C. The one deceased was Adam H., born June 25, 1868, died August 20, 1873. Mr. Gossard served in the army from September, 1864, to September, 1865. He is a farmer by occupation, and lives on the home farm of 210 acres of land, which belongs to him and his father.
JAMES HARROD, farmer, P. O. Belle Centre, was born September 3, 1808, in Knox County, Ohio. His parents, Levi and Rebecca Harrod, were natives of Pennsylvania. In 1800, they came to Ohio and settled in Knox County, where they spent the remainder of their years. Mr. Harrod died December 14, 1862, and his wife July 7, 1866. The subject of this sketch moved from Knox County, to Logan County, where he lived for twenty-one years, then moved to McDonald Township, Hardin County. He was united in marriage, July 19, 1828, to Isabella Hull, born in Licking County, Ohio, August 16, 1810, a daughter of John and Sarah Hull, both deceased. By this union there have been nine children, six living, as follows : John B., William T., Amanda, Hamilton, Ferguson and Bunyan. The deceased are Levi, James B. and Harriet. Besides rearing his own family, Mr. Harrod has brought up three orphans. Mr. Harrod and his wife are members of the Disciple Church, where the former has been an Elder for thirty-five years. He has filled the office of Justice of the Peace, also Township Trustee. Since he first started in life, he has sold and traded a great deal of land, and at the present time is the owner of 160 acres of well-improved land, on which he and his family reside
FERGUSON and HAMILTON HARROD (twins), farmers, P. O. Belle Centre, were born in Logan County, Ohio, January 16, 1842. They are the sons of James and Isabella Harrod. Ferguson was united in marriage, March 18, 1869, to Hannah Ashburn, born in Auglaize County, Ohio, September 23, 1845, and a daughter of Jesse and Rachel Ashburn, both deceased. This union has resulted in two children-James B. and Joseph V. Mr. Ferguson and his wife are members of the Disciple Church. The former is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the I. O. O. F. Hamilton was married, September 22, 1870, to Martha Zimmermann, born in Hardin County, Ohio, December 27, 1847, and a daughter of Elijah and Calista Zimmermann, whose biogra- phies appear elsewhere in this history. To this union has been born one child-Clarence W. Mr. Hamilton Harrod enlisted August 9, 1862, in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company B, under Col. Solomon Kramer, and was at the siege of Kingston, Knoxville and Mossy Creek, also in several minor engagements. During the first fifteen months of his service, he was a guard ; was subsequently Chief Ward-Master in the hos- pital, and afterward detailed as clerk in the post office at Knoxville, Tenn., which latter position he held until June, 1865, when he was mustered out of service. Since the war, he has followed farming and stock-raising, and is the owner of 450 acres of land, 200 of which are in Ohio. Ferguson, like his twin brother, is also engaged in farming and stock-raising, and is the owner of 148 acres of land, all located in Ohio.
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WILLIAM H. HATFIELD, farmer, P. O. Belle Centre, was born in Mary- land September 12, 1812. He is a son of John and Mary A. Hatfield, who migrated to Ohio and located in Jefferson County, thence moved to Carroll . County, and subsequently came to Hardin County, where they finally settled. Mr. Hatfield died in 1855, and his wife in 1864. Our subject settled on the home farm, where he and his family are residing. He is a farmer, and has accumulated 186 acres of land, which he has cleared of timber, and which is now under a good state of cultivation. In April, 1838, he was united in marriage to Catharine Hites, born in Jefferson County, Ohio, October 10, 1818, and a daughter of John. and Elizabeth Hites. Mrs. Hatfield belongs to the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield have been blessed with six children, three living-George W., Amanda and Catharine. The deceased are Barbara A., Henry H. and Minerva.
SAMUEL HATFIELD, farmer, P. O. Belle Center, was born in Westmore- land County, Penn., July 1, 1820, and is a son of John and Mary Hatfield. His parents were both natives of Maryland, and moved to Ohio, settling in Jeffer- son County. They subsequently moved to Carroll County, remaining there for some years, and then pressed forward to Hardin County, where they spent the remainder of their days. Mr. Hatfield died in 1855, his widow in 1864. Our subject was twice married-the first time, in 1846, to Nancy Steward, who was born in 1821, and died June 4, 1851 ; subsequently, on July 20, 1853, he mar- ried Mary A., daughter of John and Jane Watson. She was born in Allen County, Ohio, April 9, 1837. Her father departed this life in 1853, her mother in 1848. Our subject is the father of seven children, of whom the three sur- viving are Solon, Olive J. (wife of Hunter Grice) and Ulysses S. The deceased are Francis M., Mellicca, Ethelda E. and Abraham L. Mr. Hatfield came to Hardin County in about 1839, and settled in McDonald Township, where he and his family reside. He has been engaged in farming, and owns ninety-five acres of improved land. He is well known by the neighboring residents, and is respected by all.
SIMON P. HELFINSTINE, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born January 10, 1820, in Darke County, Ohio, on the dividing line between Ohio and Indiana. His father, Peter Helfinstine, was born in Winchester, Va., in 1761. He was twice married; his first wife died in 1802 in Winchester, Va .; his second wife, Elizabeth Helfinstine, the mother of our subject, was born in Maryland in the year 1786. The latter departed this life in Madison County, Ohio, in 1840. Mr. Helfinstine, Sr., moved to Ohio in 1805, and located in Madison County, where he lived with his family until 1816, at which time he removed to Darke County, remaining there till 1823 ; then returned to Madison County, and spent there the remainder of his days. He died in 1841. The subject of this sketch moved from Madison County, Ohio, to Clark County, Ohio, in 1844 ; lived there with his wife and family until 1856, then came to Hardin County, and settled in McDonald Township, where he has since lived. He was married, December 17, 1843, to Elizabeth J., daughter of John A. and Willie M. (Lee) Bateman. She was born November 23, 1826. Her mother died in 1826, her father in 1829. Mr. Helfinstine and wife are the parents of eleven children, of whom the six living are as follows : Minerva, John W., James Q., Louisa, Olive and Rhoda. The deceased are Mary M., Leroy, Simon L., Rebecca J. and Missouria C. Mr. Helfinstine has always followed the occupation of a farmer, and owns eighty-five acres of land, where he and his family reside. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, in which the former has filled the office of Deacon, and is at present Secretary. He has served as Township, Clerk, Trustee, Assessor, and also as Justice of the Peace.
WILLIAM HEMPHILL, farmer, P. O. Belle Center, was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 20, 1826, and is an old pioneer of McDonald Township.
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His parents were Andrew and Anna Hemphill, the latter born in Ross County, Ohio, in the year 1802. The former was a native of Kentucky, born March 24, 1799, and emigrated with his parents to Ohio, settling in Ross County. They were married in the latter named county, thence moved to Highland County, and subsequently came to Hardin County, Ohio, where Mrs. Hemphill died. Mr. Hemphill then married, in Logan County, Ohio, Mary Riley, a na- tive of Wyandot County, Ohio, and lived in Hardin County a few years ; then moved to Logan County, where his wife died. He then returned to Har- din County, where he departed this life February 11, 1879. The subject of this sketch came to Hardin County with his parents in 1833, and has been a resi- dent here ever since. He was married, October 23, 1851, to Mary A. Derr, born in Wayne County, Ohio, November 22, 1827, and is a daughter of Davis and Martha Derr, both deceased, the former on December 6, 1866, the latter on April 30, 1875. Mr. Hemphill and his wife are the parents of seven children, viz. : Joseph S., John D., James, Martha A., Lizzie, Mary F. and William S. Mr. Hemphill first started out in life as a laborer, and, after accumulating a sufficient amount of funds, bought eighty-five acres of land, on which he is now living. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hemphill has filled the office of Township Trustee for two terms, and has been a School Director for nine years in succession.
PETER C. HESSER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, on the 10th of October, 1851. His father, Jacob Hesser, was born in Ohio in 1812 ; his mother, Elizabeth Hesser, also a native of Ohio, was born in 1816. They are still living, and reside in Wyandot County. The subject of his sketch was united in marriage, December 7, 1875, to Miranda J., daughter of Josiah L. and Rebecca Felton. She was born in Sheboygan County, Wis., May 16, 1852. Her father died October 12, 1864, in one of the rebel prisons. Her mother is still living, and is residing with her son-in-law. To Mr. and Mrs. Hesser were born two children-Maud E., born April 9, 1877, and Charles F., born January 25, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Hesser are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hesser has been engaged in the occupation of a farmer, and is the owner of 100 acres of land, well improved, and with good farm buildings. He has been generally successful in life.
GEORGE HITES, farmer, P. O. Belle Centre, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, July 14, 1815, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Hites. His parents were natives of Virginia and migrated to Ohio at an early day. They first lived in Jefferson County, and afterward moved to Carroll County, where they remained for some years, then pressed forward to Hardin County, where they finally settled. Mrs. Hites died in 1840, and Mr. Hites subsequently married Margaret Hubbard, with whom he lived until his death, which occurred De- cember 6, 1876. His widow resides with her son, Benjamin, on the homestead in McDonald Township. Mr. Hites, Sr., was in the war of 1812, and his widow is drawing a pension. George Hites, our subject, was united in marriage, in 1837, to Elizabeth Hatfield, born in Maryland March 20, 1815, and a daugh- ter of John and Mary A. Hatfield. Her parents were both natives of Mary. land, and moved to Ohio, locating in Hardin County. Her father died in 1855, and her mother in 1864. Our subject follows farming, and owns 120 acres of land, where he resides. He has filled the office of Township Trustee and School Director, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Hites have been blessed with six children, only two living-Will. iam and Alfred. The four deceased are Mary E., Katie A., Nancy J. and George. William, the eldest, served three years in the late war, and on his re- turn home was married to Caroline Spencer January 28, 1866. Alfred married Alice Wollard.
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BENJAMIN M. HITES, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born in McDonald Township, Hardin County, Ohio, August 10, 1842. He is a son of John and Margaret Hites, the latter of whom was the second wife of his father. His mother was a native of Ohio. His father emigrated from his native State, Vir- ginia, and located in Hardin County, Ohio, where he died December 6, 1876, His widow still lives, and is residing with our subject. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, October 29, 1868, to Margaret McGinnis, born in Ross County, Ohio, March 8, 1850, and a daughter of John and Catharine McGinnis, both deceased. This marriage resulted in four children, three living, viz .: Jenneatte, Sarah E. and Thomas P. Mr. and Mrs. Hites are members of the Christian Church. He has been a lifelong farmer, and owns the home- stead consisting of sixty acres of improved land, where he is now residing. He has filled the office of School Director for one term.
EMANUEL HITES, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born May 20, 1844, on the farm where Benjamin M. Hites resides, in McDonald Township, Hardin County, Ohio. He is a son of John and Margaret Hites, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Ohio. Mr. Hites died December 6, 1876, his widow, who survives him, is living with her son Benjamin. Our subject was united in marriage, December 6, 1866, to Isabella, daughter of Andrew and Mary Reed. She is a native of Ireland, born December 28, 1843. Her father de- parted this life October 6, 1867; his widow still survives him. Mr. and Mrs. Hites are the parents of four children, viz .: Mary B., John N., Alice E. and Maggie J. Mrs. Hites is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hites has always followed farming, and is the owner of sixty-two and a half acres of improved land.
BENJAMIN HOLT, farmer, P. O. Belle Centre, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, June 5, 1841. He is a son of Jesse and Sarah Holt, natives of Maryland, who came to Ohio at an carly day, settling at first in Sandusky County, thence removing to Hardin County, where, about 1844, they located in McDonald Township. His father died in 1859. After his father's death, his mother was married to Abraham Smith, who is still living, and, since the death of his first wife, remarried, and is now living in Allen County, Ohio. The sub- ject of this sketch was united in marriage, April 12, 1866, to Sarah McClurg, born February 27, 1846, in Hardin County, a daughter of Alexander and Mar- tha McClurg, both deceased. Her mother died in 1873. Of the two children born, one is living, Perry O., born February 25, 1869 ; Celesta, born January 6, 1876, died September 3, 1881. Mr. Holt is still residing on the old homestead. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.
GEORGE HOON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Pennsylvania, in March, 1817 ; his parents, George and Mary Hoon, natives of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 1838, and settled in Portage County, where they remained un- til the death of Mr. Hoon, which occurred in 1848. Mrs. Hoon then removed to Hardin County, where she departed this life July, 1866. The subject of this sketch moved with his wife and family to Hardin County, settling in Mc- Donald Township, where he lias since lived ; he has followed the occupation of farmer, and owns a good farm of sixty-eight acres of land ; he was married November 21, 1848, to Sarah Davis, born in Wales September 29, 1828, and a daughter of Evan and Anna Davis, both deceased, the former in 1835, the lat- ter in 1829. Seven children have been born to them, three living-Mary J., James P. and Martha E. The deceased are Daniel E., William E., Wallace W. and Lewis. Mrs. Hoon is a member of the Christian Church.
WILLIAM J. HOON, farmer, P. O. Belle Centre, was born December 23, 1840, in Portage County, Ohio ; he is a son of John and Ellen Hoon, natives of Pennsylvania, and who moved to Ohio, locating in Portage County, where they remained until the death of Mrs. Hoon. Mr. Hoon then remarried, and
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in 1853 moved to Hardin County, Ohio, where he still resides ; his second wife is Elizabeth Weaver ; he is the father of ten children, all living. The subject of this sketch is a farmer by occupation, and is the owner of 154 acres of cul- tivated land in McDonald Township; he is residing with his uncle, Daniel Deemer, who was married in 1831 to Margaret Hoon ; Mr. Deemer was born in Pennsylvania August 12, 1800, and his wife on August 5, 1808. Their par- ents are deceased. They have had six children, only one, Margaret, surviving ..
ELIAS S. LAYTON, farmer and merchant, P. O. Kenton, was born in Monmouth County, N. J., May 5, 1804; he is a son of Joseph and Mary Lay- ton, both natives of New Jersey. His parents moved to Pennsylvania, where they settled and spent the remainder of their days; his father died in 1843, his mother in 1853. Our subject was united in marriage in 1824 to Mary Street, who departed this life November 14, 1832. On September 29, 1833, Mr. Layton was again married, this time to Eliza A. Caster, born in Pennsyl- vania November 3, 1812, a daughter of William and Hannah Caster, the former deceased in 1847, the latter in 1863. Of the thirteen children born, only three survive-Henry S., Francis S. and Isabella, the wife of William McNellie. Francis was in the late rebellion, a member of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, Company D. In 1854, Mr. Layton came with his family to Hardin County, and located at his present place of residence; he has been en- gaged in farming, and owns a well-improved farm ; he is also occupied in keep- ing a store, of which he is the proprietor; he keeps a fine assortment of goods and is well patronized.
DANIEL R. McARTHUR, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born on De- cember 11, 1849, on the farm where the family resides, in this township. He is a descendant of one of the old pioneer families of Hardin County. His father, John McArthur, was born in the year 1817, died in 1863; his mother,. Margaret McArthur was born in Ohio in 1819, died in 1873. Our sub- ject was united in marriage, December 28, 1875. to Elizabeth Clark, horn August 8, 1855, a daughter of James H. and Catherine Clark, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. McArthur has been engaged, for twelve years, in piking, also in working his farm. His farm consists of 600 acres of land, mostly improved, containing fine farm buildings. He is the parent of two children, one living-Mary L., born on October 9, 1876. Mr. Mc- Arthur is a well-known business man, and is a useful citizen of McDonald Township.
ALLEN C. MCGINNIS, farmer, P. O. Belle Centre, was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 13, 1821. His father, Alexander McGinnis, was born in 1800 in Pennsylvania, and died in Ross County, Ohio, 1875; his mother was a native of Kentucky, born in 1798, died in 1849, in Ross County. They were married in Ross County December 14, 1820. Mr. McGinnis moved to Ohio with his parents in 1803, locating in Ross County. He remarried after the death of his wife Margaret; his second wife was Mary Erwin, also deceased. The subject of this sketch came to Hardin County in 1847, and settled in Mc- Donald Township. His farm, consisting of fifty-five acres, was covered with timber which he has since cleared. The country at that early day was all a forest, and our subject has passed through all the hardships incidental to a new country. He was united in marriage, December, 1841, to Jemima Nelson, born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1824, and who was a daughter of Samuel and Ellen Nelson, both deceased. Jemima departed this life September 7, 1864, and our subject subsequently re-married November 6, 1867. His second wife- was Mrs. Rachel Decker, born in 1826, died July 27, 1876. Mr. McGinnis formed a third union March 7, 1880, with Eliza J. Sirks, who was born on July 31, 1849. Mr. McGinnis is the father of six children, four living-Eliza J., Rachel E., John and James. The two deceased are Thomas W., born
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December 13, 1844, died in 1850, and Alexander Y., born May 6, 1858, died April 27, 1879. Mr. McGinnis and his two deceased wives were members of the P. M. Church.
JOHN MILLER, farmer, P. O. Round Head, was born March 31, 1827. He is of German descent and one of the enterprising farmers of this township. His parents were Adam and Elizabeth Miller, natives of Germany, whence they emigrated, locating in the town of Newton, Hardin County, Ohio, in the year 1835. His father first worked a farm he had rented, then entered 175 acres of land on which he and his children moved, his wife having died soon after their arrival in Hardin County. His decease occurred January 3, 1867. They were the parents of four children, two still living -- Adam, of Goshen Township, and John, our subject. The latter was married, April 18, 1850, to Geneva Poe, born in Fayette County, Ohio, December 28, 1830, and a daugh- ter of David and Elizabeth Poe, both deceased. Of the eight children that resulted from this union, four are living-William H., married; Ada; James A. and Finley P. The deceased were infants. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the church, he of the Lutheran and she of the Methodist Episcopal. He has filled the offices of Township Trustee and Treasurer of McDonald Township, and has been a member of the School Board. He started out in life as a clerk in the mercantile trade in which he continued until, by great economy, he was enabled to purchase a store. Some years after, he disposed of his stock, and bought 200 acres of land, on which he and his family are now residing, and to which he has since added, until it now comprises 303 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Miller is one of those men who start out in life with literally noth- ing and work their way up by energy and perseverance.
HENRY C. NORMAN, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, February 11, 1834. His parents, James and Mary Norman, were natives of Virginia, who moved to Ohio, settled in Jefferson County ; thence, in 1843, removed to Hardin County, where they remained up to the time of their decease. Mr. Norman died about 1855, and Mrs. Norman about 1867. Our subject came to Hardin County, in 1843, and settled in Taylor Creek, then moved to McDonald Township in 1876, where he has since resided. He was united in marriage, March 17, 1858, to Mary J. Collins, born in Hardin County, Ohio, January 30, 1834, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Collins, the former deceased. Nine children have blessed this union, seven living --- Olive, Isabella, William, Minnie M., James, Frank and Nathaniel. The two deceased are Helen M. and Alexander. Mr. Morgan has always fol- lowed the occupation of a farmer. and owns a well cultivated farm of 115 acres of land.
JAMES H. RAY, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, September 25, 1850. He is a son of John W. and Mercy Ray, the for- mer a native of Maryland, the latter of Ohio. His mother died in Adams County, Ind., January 17, 1880. His father is still living and is a resident of Indiana. Our subject was united in marriage, February 29, 1872, with Martha H. Gilpin, born in Adams County, Ind., March 1, 1851 ; she is a daughter of Jonathan and Nancy Gilpin. Mr. Ray and his wife are the parents of five chil- dren, viz .: Leonidas B., born December 18, 1872 ; Leona A., born September 24, 1874 ; Katie O., born July 4, 1877 ; Otto F., born December 8, 1879, and Edna M., born September 19, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Ray are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ray is young and industrious and is one of the rising farmers of McDonald Township.
JOHN SHELDON, farmer, P. O. Jumbo, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, February 6, 1826. He is a son of William and Sarah Sheldon. His father was a native of England, his mother of the State of New York. They emigrated to Delaware County, Ohio, where they were married in 1837, then
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came to Hardin County, and were among its first settlers. Mrs. Sheldon died in September, 1850. Mr. Sheldon remarried, his second wife being Tennie A. Shadley, deceased. Mr. Sheldon departed this life in September, 1870. The subject of this sketch was married, April 17, 1857, to Mary Fuls, she was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1829, and is a daughter of John and Mary A. Fuls. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon are the parents of seven children. Mr. Sheldon has been engaged in farming for a number of years. He owns 176 acres of well improved land, all secured by his own industry as he started out in life with nothing.
HENRY SIRKS, farmer, P. O. Belle Centre, was born in Ohio January 26, 1816. He is a son of David and Ruth Sirks, the former a native of Vir- ginia, the latter of Pennsylvania. They were married in Ohio, and first settled in Ross County, afterward moving to Allen County, Ohio ; here they remained until the death of Mrs. Sirks, which occurred May 15, 1835. Mr. Sirks sub- sequently remarried and lived in Hardin County until his decease, March 4, 1863. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, October 6, 1847, to Elizabeth Fry. She was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 17, 1826, and was a daughter of David and Elvira Fry, both deceased. Her father died August 12, 1847, her mother October 20, the same year. Mrs. Sirks is a mem- ber of the Disciple Church. Mr. Sirks pursues the occupation of a farmer and owns forty-seven acres of land, where he is residing. To Mr. Sirks and his wife have been born ten children, nine living, viz .: Elmira, David, Eliza J., Rachel E., George W., Mary E., Amanda A., William W. and Francis H. Samantha A. was born August 10, 1857, died on January 27, 1867.
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