The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 134

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > Ohio > Madison County > The history of Madison County, Ohio > Part 134

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1823, deprived the mother and family of a support, and the sons -- three in number-stood up manfully, and although young in years, bore the farm burdens with fortitude. When the two elder were married, the du- ties of the farm devolved upon our subject. He supported his mother until her death, residing on the home farm. When fifteen years of age, he had left home, and hired to work on a farm at $4 per month. He remained at this for two years, and subsequently bought 107 acres of good land. Being of an industrious and economical nature, he steadily increased his landed possessions until he once owned 1, 200 acres. He has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising. but of late years has somewhat retired from active labor. He was a Whig, subsequently a straight Repub . lican, and can justly be termed a Prohibition- Republican. He served one term as County Commissioner, and is now one of the Township Trustees, having held the latter position for many years. In early life, he was a member of the " Washingtonians," and " Sons of Temperance." and when forty years of age, he became connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In this latter organization he is now serving as Trustee, Steward and Class-Leader of the Newport Church. He is also a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity. No man is better known in Paint Township, and no fam- ily is better respected than that bearing the name of Withrow. Mr. With- row was united in marriage January 27, 1833, to Catherine, daughter of Martin and Catherine (Gillett) Trumain, and a native of New York. She

accompanied her parents to this State when six years of age. Her father

Mr. and Mrs. died in 1823, and her mother in her ninety-fourth year. Withrow have been blessed with twelve children, seven of whom grew to man and womanhood, and five now reside in this county, viz .: Margaret (widow of Albert G. Rankin, and second wife of Isaac Kemp, a farmer of Union Township), William. James, John (married to Elizabeth Ross, and residing in Osage County, Kan.), Lucy (wife of James McDonald, a farmer of Deer Creek Township, in this county). David, and Fannie (wife of Richard Arsmtrong. of Ocoya. Ill.). Three of the above are more fully men- tioned in the following: William Withrow, of Withrow & Sifrit, proprie- tors of the Newport Tile Works, and of Roland & Withrow, dealers in general merchandise, was born in this township August 3, 1840. He grew to mature years on the old homestead, and obtained a fair common school education. He remained with his father on the farm until October 3, 1861, when he married Mary J., daughter of Calvin Morris. After marriage, he went to Indiana, where he was engaged in farming and trading for four vears. He then came back to Paint Township, locating in a portion of the home farm, and four years later rented a farm, where he lived two years. In 1876. in company with a Mr. Durkee, he built the Newport Tile Works. Soon after, Mr. Withrow bought Mr. Durkee's interest, and rented the works to the latter for a period of three years. He then operated them him- self until the spring of 1882, when Martin Sifrit first became a full partner, the firm being now known as Withrow & Sifrit. In the winter of 1881-82, Mr. Withrow, with T. H. Roland, purchased the grocery stock of Charles Doug- lass, and in both these business operations. Mr. Withrow has been very successful. He is a member of the Sons of Temperance Lodge, of New- port, the Republican party, and has officiated as School Director. Himself and wife are the parents of five children -- Allie (wife of Albert Buel, a farmer of Union Township). J. Russell (a clerk in the store), Minnie, Wash ington and Fern. Mr. Withrow and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. James Withrow, farmer, stock raiser and dealer, resi-

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dence London, was born in Paint Township January 18, 1842. Like his brothers, he was reared amid rural scenes, obtaining only a common school education. He remained at home until July 22, 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and was mustered out a non-commissioned officer, JJuly 21. 1864, having served a three years' term. At the battle of Mission Ridge, he was severely wounded

in the left arm, from the effect of which he has since suffered. After re- turning home, Mr. Withrow engaged with bis father in farming and stock- raising for five years. He then purchased 100 acres of the home farm, where he has since been engaged in farming. He also raises and deals in live stock. In December, 1880, he removed his family to London, where he resides. He is Republican in politics, but has never been an active poli- tician. He was married, October 2, 1865, to Clara, daughter of Gideon and Deborah (Kilgore) Peck, the former a native of Ross County, Ohio, died in September, 1879, latter of Fayette County, Ohio, now living in her sixty. seventh year. Mr. and Mrs. Withrow had three children born to theni. two living-Addie and Sarah: Jennie is deceased. Mr. Withrow, wife and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. David M. With- row, farmer and stock-raiser, on the Danville pike, was born on the Wash. ington & Charleston pike, and has resided in Paint Township during his life. He grew to manhood on the home farm, and in early life attended the dis trict schools, and subsequently the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. He is now residing on a portion of the old homestead, and succeed- ing admirably in life. Mr. Withrow is a Republican in politics. He was married in March, 1874, to Miss V. H. Ham, native of this county. Her grandfather. John Ham, was a native of Maryland, and died in 1859. They have one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Withrow are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.

OAK RUN TOWNSHIP.

JAMES CLARK. farmer, P.O. London, was born in Anne Arundel Coun- ty. Md., August 16, 1826; he is the son of Henry and Mary (Collier) Clark. His mother dying when he was very young. he was taken in charge by an uncle. Henry J. Sothern, a resident of Guernsey County, Ohio, with whom he came to this county in 1840. settling in Somerford Township. He was married February 28. 1861. to Miss Martha Jane Poster, and has a family of four children, viz .. Miranda, Kimball. Ada and Dellie.

DANIEL B. FOSTER. P. O. London, a well-known farmer of this township, was born in Ross County, Ohio. March 7. 1525. His grand- father. John Foster, was a native of Virginia, and came to Ross County. Ohio, about the commencement of the nineteenth century. One son. John Foster. Jr., was born in Ross County. Ohio, March 1. 1502. He was there reared. and in 1833 came to Madison County. locating ou the present farm of our subject, which then comprised $75 acres. He was an early settler of Oak Run Township. a Whig. and subsequently a Republican, but never took an active part in politics. He was an honest and industrious citizen, and departed this life November 19. ISSO. He married Eliza Bowyer. a na- tive of Pike County. Ohio. and daughter of Daniel Bowyer . There were ten children born to them eight now living. Mrs. Foster is still living.

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Daniel B. was the eldest son, and was reared mostly in this county. He received a good common school education, and has resi l on his present farm through life. He has been engaged in agricultu pursuits during this time, also the raising of all kinds of stock, principally sheep. His land consists of 515 acres-in three farms. Mr. Foster is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years has been a Class Leader in the congregation that meets in "Foster's Schoolhouse." He is also con- nected with Bradford Grange of Range Township, Sons of Temperance of Divison No. 4, and the Republican party. He has been twice married. His first union occurred January 22, 1852, when he was united to Miranda McClimans. Three children were born to them, two living-Bernard, and Jennie, wife of John Van Wagner, of London. Mrs. Foster died August 13, 1860, and Mr. F. married for his second wife Margaret Johnston, daughter of George Johnston, and born January 1, 1837. They have eight children-Jessie, Allie, Kemper L., E. Bruce, Eva, W. Irvin, Frank E. and Maud.

T. C. FOSTER, farmer, P. O. London. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Oak Run Township, Madison County, Novem- ber 12. 1849. His parents were Jolin Foster and Elizabeth (Bowyer) Fos- ter. On December 25, 1874, he was married to Ida F. Clingan, a daughter of A. J. Clingan, an old settler of Somerford Township. By this marriage three children have been born, viz., Forest, Blanche and Belva. Mr. Foster was reared on a farm, and receiving such an education as the surrounding schools afforded, and has spent his life as an agriculturist. Though compara- tively young, he is energetic and industrious, and has gained for himself, the respect and esteem of his fellows.

CARLTON E. GREGG, farmer, P. O. London, was born at Browns- ville, Fayette County, Penn., September 18, 1813. His parents were John and Margaret (Allan) Gregg, the latter being a daughter of Nathan B. Allan, an old Indian fighter of Hampshire County, Va. Our subject came to this county with his mother and two younger brothers in 1829, and set- tled in the township, where he has since resided. He was three times mar- ried. By his second wife he has two children, John and Mary, and by his last wife, Minnie (Plimell) Gregg, he has had three children -- Carlton A., Amy and Noah. Mr. Gregg owns a water-power grist-mill on Oak Run, which he has operated for twenty years. It was built in 1831 or 1832, the site having been chosen two or three years before. Mr. Gregg is well known and generally respected for his many good qualities.

THOMAS LADLEY, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Union Town- ship, in this county, November 1, 1829. He is the son of Andrew Ladley, an old pioneer of the county, who came from Preble County, in this State, and settled here in about 1828, locating first in Union Township, and finally settling in Oak Run in 1854.

ACHILLES C. MOORMAN. farmer, P. O. London, was born in Lynchburg, Va., February 7, 1833. He is the son of Thomas and Martha Jane (Jennings) Moorman. They emigrated to this State in 1836, settling at Galloway Station, Franklin County, where the subject of this sketch was raised and educated. On November 12, 1854. he was married to Miss Elizabeth Hambleton, daughter of Stephen G. Hambleton, by whom he has a family of four children living, viz., Thomas A., Delos B., Lillian and E. W .; and one dead-Frances Mary. In 1855, he moved to Washing- ton County, Iowa, and after a residence there of three years, removed to Franklin County, where he remained until 1864, when he moved to his

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present home in ladison County. His educational facilities were, to a certain extent, li. ed; he had the good fortune however to spend the win ters of 1851 -52 and 53, attending the Otterbein University at Wester- ville, where he studied the profession of land surveying. He owns a very extensive farm in Oak Run Township, consisting of 650 acres, and is recog. nized as one of the leading men in his neighborhood.

CEPHAS PANCAKE (deceased) was born in this county February 21, 1819. He was the son of Joseph and Susan (Linton) Pancake. The family emigrated from Virginia and settled in Range Township this county, at a very early day. Our subject's early days were passed on his father's farm, during which time he managed to secure a moderate education. He was first married, February 4, 1841. to Miss Nancy Cooper, daughter of Peter Cooper; she died July 29, 1855. The children by this marriage were as fol- lows: Margaret (deceased). William (deceased), Mary Jane (deceased). Thompson (deceased), John and David S. (deceased). On November 21, 1855, he was again married to Miss Caroline V. Mahoy, daughter of JJoseph Mahoy. by whom he had five children, viz., Joseph, Edmund B .. E. Iva. Aquilla T. (deceased) and Cephas Pearl. In 1860, he moved into Oak Run Township where in course of time he became a large land-holder. He was a very pop ular man and was known throughout the county as one of the most enter- prising farmers and stock-raisers. His death took place October 12. 1874.

JOHN PANCAKE. fariner, P. O. London. This well-known citizen of Oak Run Township was born in Paint Township, this county. November 15, 1851. He is the son of Cephas and Nancy (Cooper) Pancake. He was married, December 9. 1875, to Ann L. Rea, daughter of Robert Rea. He is a live, energetic farmer, and has, by his gentlemanly demeanor. ac- quired quite a prominence in the section in which he lives.

MATTHEW REA (deceased) was born in Rockbridge County. Va., June 22, 1793. His father. Joseph Rea, was of Irish and Quaker extrae- tion, and was born near Philadelphia. In 1810. young Matthew emigrated with his parents to Ross County. Joseph Rea's family consisted of nine children: Robert, who was a stock-dealer at Coshocton, and died in middle life; Matthew. Joseph, John and Jesse, all farmers and stock-raisers of Madison County: Sarah, who married John Lindsley and removed with him to Marion County; Elizabeth, who was the wife of Richard Wilson, a blacksmith of this county, and who late in life went to Indiana; Nancy. wife of William Jackson, a farmer of Madison County, and Mary. who married William B. Slyh, and settled in Wyandot County. When hostili- ties began in 1812, young Matthew was a member of a militia company which was called into service. He served six months, commencing in Au- gust, 1812, on the Ohio frontier, under Gen. Harrison. While marching to the front he passed through the site of London, which locality he then saw for the first time. A few years later. he began the business of stock-rais- ing, which became his life pursuit. For a few years in early life he was engaged in buying pork and shipping it by flat-boat from the mouth of Deer Creek to New Orleans. This proved remunerative at first, but a decline in the market value afterward resulted in losses to him, and de. stroyed his previous profits. His father came from Ross County to Madison in 1818, settling about a mile sonth of London. Matthew preceded him several years in the occupancy of Madison County soil. having been engaged in herding cattle on the prairie land south of London. He was married. in 1823, to Ann Amos, whose father had emigrated to Madison County from Maryland. Soon after this important event in his history. he settled on the

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site of London, and there remained until 1835. He then removed to his large farm in Oak Run Township and lived there till his decease, which occurred September 23, 1873, in his eighty-first year. He had been an active man in business affairs and remained in charge of his extensive business until within a short time of his death. He was fond of the saddle, and when engaged in superintending the management of his stock always rode horse- back. His wife preceded him to the grave about sixteen years. Of their seven children, but four grew to maturity-Jeremiah. of Oak Run Town- ship; Joseph, who died in November, 1873. Robert. of London; and Mar - garet, wife of F. M. Chenoweth. of Fairfield Township.

JEREMIAH REA. P. O. London. is a life resident of Madison County, and a prominent stock-raiser and farmer of Oak Run Township. His grandfather, Joseph Rea. was born in January. 1754 (probably in Penn- sylvania). He was married. January 16. 1783, to Elizabeth Conn, who was born January 27. 1762. They were residents of Rockbridge County, Va .. and removed to Ross County, Ohio, in 1810. They came to Madison County about 1818, locating on Walnut Run. in Union Township, where both died about 1829. They were the parents of nine children, all reach-

ing maturity, but none now living. One son, Matthew Rea, the father of our subject, was born in Rockbridge County. Va., June 22, 1793. He came to this county with his parents in 1813. and resided in Union Town- ship until 1835. when he removed to a farm on Deer Creek. in Pleasant (now Oak Run) Township, where he resided till his death, September 23, 1873. He was a man highly respected and enjoying the full confidence of all his acquaintances. He took a deep interest in stock matters. and the prosperity and advancement of Madison County. He married Ann Amos, born in Harford County. Md., November 15, 1802. They were mar- ried in London by Squire Patrick McLene. Mrs. Rea departed this life February 22. 1857, aged fifty-four years. They were the parents of seven children, three dying in childhood, one at the age of forty-four, and three now living-Robert, in London; Margaret. wife of Marion Chenowith, of Fairfield Township; and Jeremiah. Mr. Rea was a large land-holder, once owning 2,000 acres, and at his death leaving an estate of 800 acres. Bothi parents are buried in Kirkwood Cemetery, Union Township. Jeremiah Rea was born on the home farm in Union Township (now within the corporate limits of London). August 19. 1824, and remained with his father till twenty-six years of age. On August 23, 1550, he was married to Ca'herine Leach, a native of Pleasant Township, and daughter of Benjamin Leach. The following winter his father gave him some land (a portion of his present farm), where he has since resided. He had 260 or 270 acres at first, in herited some, azd purchased over 500, his present farm, consisting of over 1.400 acres. Mr. Rea resides in a very handsome residence, and his land is supplied with all the conveniences necessary to successful farming. He is Democratic in politics, and has served as Trustee and Clerk of Oak Run Township. Seven children have been given to himself and wife, two living -Matthew A. and Sarah L., both residing at home. Mr. Rea has about retired from active life, and his son has entire management of the farm. J. C. SMITH, P. O. London. a prominent farmer and influential citi- zen of Oak Run Township, was born in Christian County. Ky .. April 7, 1817. He is a son of William W. Smith, a native of Virginia, who emi- grated to Kentucky about 1815. After the birth of our subject. he went to Rockingham County. Va .. where he died in 1837. He married Elizabeth Chrisman, a native of Virginia, and daughter of Jacob and Barbara Chris_

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man. Mrs. Smith was the mother of only one child, our subject, and de- parted this life when he was but a few months old. The father then re turned to Virginia, as previously stated. and Jacob C. lived with his grand- mother till ten years of age. He was then taken by an uncle, with whom he remained till of age. He obtained only a limited education, and when twenty-three or twenty-four years of age, came to Ohio and engaged in inercantile pursuits at South Charleston, Clark County. He remained there nine years, and then came to Oak Run Township. He purchased what was known as the " Oak Run Mill." running it for eighteen months. 'The mill was then destroyed by fire. and Mr. Smith subsequently removed to London, and was there engaged in business for six or seven years. He then bought 228 acres of the old Chrisman land, and since added to it until it now comprises 260 acres. Mr. Smith formerly traded in stock. and deals largely in cattle and sheep. He has on the farm about sixty head of cattle and 1,100 head of sheep. He resides in a very neat and comfortable resi- dence on the farm, and is a man well esteemed by his neighbors and friends. He is Republican in politics, and has officiated as Trustee and School Direc- tor in his township. He was married. March 14. 1844. to Amanda J. Evans, a native of Clark County. but reared in this county. and a daughter of Robert Evans (deceased). Nine children have been born to them, only two surviving-Peyton R .. a farmer and stock-raiser of Douglas County. Kan .. and William P., at home. Peyton R. married Mrs. Myra Clark. They have one child-Maud. Mr. Smith and wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.

JOHN WALTERS. farmer. P. O. Big Plain, was born February 18, 1841. in Ross County, this State. He is the son of Levi and Sarah (Riley) Walters. In his seventh year he lost his father, and the family then moved into Pickaway County. May 26. 1861. He enlisted in Company B. Thir- teenth Ohio Infantry, and followed the fortunes of that regiment until July. 1864. sharing in the engagements of Shiloh. Stone River. Chicka - mauga and Mission Ridge. He then returned to Pickaway County, where, in October 11, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary E. Robison, daughter of Thomas Robison. The family now consists of five children. viz., Effie Florence. Thomas F., Carrie, Sarah A., Daisy Ellen. He first located near Antioch. in this county, in 1872. residing there some two years, then re- turned to Pickaway County, and finally in 1878, moved back to this county. He now rents the Wilson farm, in Oak Run Township, which consists of about 1.200 acres. In politics, he is a Republican.

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The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 134

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1180