The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 98

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 98

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JACOB MARTIN, superannuated minister of the Methodist Episco- pal denomination, was born near Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, April 3, 1806. His father was Charles H. Martin, a native of England, who came to America previous to the Revolutionary war. He served in the Colonial army, and subsequently drew a pension for services rendered. He was a single man, and in 1789 removed to Marietta, Ohio, one year after its first settlement, and where he met and afterward married Mary M. Gayler, a native of Pennsylvania. The date of their marriage was 1797. Soon after their union, they located on the Muskingum River, about six miles above Marietta, and in 1815, to Licking County, Ohio. where both passed the re- mainder of life. The father was a member of the Seceder Church in early life, but subsequently let his thoughts turn to things of a more worldly nature. He was again converted through the ministration of his own son, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in August, 1833, and died in the full faith of a blissful immortality, in November, 1838, aged eighty years. His wife became a member of the Baptist Church in 1821 or 1822, but for conven- ience, joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1848, living in that faith

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till her death. December 8, 1860. She was born March 31, 1777. Jacob Martin, born 1806, was in his tenth year when his parents in 1815. re- inoved to Licking County. His educational facilities, like those or all " pi- oneer boys." were limited, he receiving only fifteen months' schooling in all his life (outside of his theological studies), and that at scattered intervals, between the ages of five and twenty years. He remained with his father until he entered the university. He first thought of taking the step when twenty-one years of age. and in 1831 joined the Ohio Conference when twenty-five years of age. He was first assigned to the Wilmington (Clin- ton County) Circuit, and his subsequent locations are as follows: In 1832 , to the Tiffin Circuit; in 1833, to Fort Defiance, and thence to Logan County, W. Va .. one year, his circuit covering 600 miles; thence to Gallipolis; in. 1836, to London Circuit; next to Franklinton Circuit, one year: Granville Circuit, a like period. At close of that year, superannuated on account of failing health, and removed to Range Township, in this county, and was there engaged in farming for fourteen years. He then returned to the reg- ular ministry again, and, in 1853, was assigned to the Dublin Circuit; thence to Groveport two years, and two years later to Worthington. where he had formerly bought property: two years later, was assigned to the Darby- ville Circuit, in Westport, Franklin County. while family remained at Worthington; was there one year: thence to Mount Sterling, this county, and then to Johnston, Licking Co., two years: Baltimore. Fairfield Co., one year: thence, again to Mount Sterling, one year; Bloom- ingburg, Fayette Co., one year: Frankfort, Ross County, two years, and fi- nally, in 1867, again superannuated, and purchased his present property in London, where he has since resided. Rev. Mr. Martin has been an able and efficient worker in the Lord's vineyard, having traveled a great deal in the State of Michigan, doing missionary work, and prior to his entering the regular ministry. In the latter, he has labored over a period of twenty-two years, averaging over 3,000 miles traversed each year. and probably a grand total of 75,000 miles, or three times the circuit of the globe. He is now resting from his labors, amid pleasant surroundings and hosts of admiring friends. Before long his bark will pass over the river to the great beyond, and where a crown of righteousness awaits him at the last day. Mr. Mar- tin was married in March, 1836. to Johanna C. Leonard, a native of the District of Columbia, now a portion of Fairfax County, Va. Three sons were sent to bless this union, two living. The elder. James D., has been in Washington, D. C., in a dry goods house, part of the time as partner. Near the end of the rebellion, he was sent to Savannah. Ga .. as Post Office Agent; thence to Charleston, S. C., where he remained in charge some six months, after which he returned to Washington. . He was then appointed one of the " Tax Commissioners " of the South, with headquarters at Beau- fort, S. C. At the end of eighteen months, he returned to Washington, D. C., where he still is, in single blessedness. The younger son, Joseph S., is a farmer and stock-raiser of Range Township, where he was born and reared. He married Isabel. daughter of Benjamin Harrison (deceased). They have three children-James F., Benjamin H. and Joseph S. The youngest son of Jacob Martin, John Wayland, died September 23, 1845, aged fourteen months. Mrs. Martin is still living, aged seventy-three years. Like her husband. she has also been a faithful worker, and with her husband, will enjoy the Gospel sweets of the great eternity.

WILLIAM McCABE McCLOUD, London, the oldest son and oldest liv- ing child of J. C. McCloud, is the junior member of the firm of J. C. & Mac

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McClond, druggists. He was born at Milford Center, Union Co., Ohio. June 25, 1855. He was but a year old when his parents removed to Madison County, and was reared and educated here. In early life, he was employed as clerk in the grocer trade, and, in 1875, entered the employ of Abram Smith, a prominent druggist of London. He remained in this position for five years. and then, in company with his father, established his present busi ness, August 7. 1880. His trade has slowly increased, and his business proven profitable. He is a member of the Republican party. Mr. McCloud was married, September 22, 1877, to Josie B., daughter of William G. Jones (deceased).

L. G. McCOLLUM (deceased), formerly of Squires & McColluni, grocers, was born at Marysville. Union Co., Ohio, March 17, 1840. His father, John McCollum, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and came to America in 1812. He was a pioneer of Clark County, and there resided a number of years. He subsequently lived in both Union and Madison Counties, but now resides at South Charleston. Clark County, in his seventy-fourth year. He was a cabinet-maker, and later a carpenter, through active life. He married Margaret Irven, a native of London. They are the parents of thirteen children, all living but two. Mrs. McCol lum is still living, and is seventy-two years of age. The subject of this notice was the fourth child, and was reared mostly in Clark County. He learned telegraphy when quite young, and worked at it eight years. On

August 22, 1865, he came to London in the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company, and took charge of their office, remaining in that position four years. He was then engaged in agricultural pursuits for two years, and when the C. S. & C. (now the I., B. & W.) Railway was opened to Georgesville, Franklin County, he was put in charge of the office. He was subsequently employed for Fitch & McCorry, coal dealers, two years. and then accepted a position as passenger conductor on the C., S. & C. Rail- road, which he held for nine years. On May 9, 1882, in company with W. S. Squires, he purchased stock and trade of Isaac G. Peetrey, grocer, of London, and was a member of the firm of Squires & McCollum until it was dissolved, August 26, 1882. He died September 9, 1882, and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, near London. He was a member of the Odd Fellow fraternity, a Thirty-second degree Mason, a member of Mount Vernon Com. mandery, No. 1, Knights Templar, of Columbus, also connected with the Railroad Conductors' Union and the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was Republican in politics. Mr. McCollum was married, June 13, 1867, to Laura B. Squires, daughter of W. H. and Catherine (Phifer) Squires. There were three children given them-Louise G., Reed S. and Harry K. Mrs. McCol- lum and the two oldest children are also members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.

ERNEST MCCORMACK, London, Clerk of the Courts of Madison County, was born in London. December 31, 1853. His father, Edwin McCor- mack, was born in this county in 1819, and resided here during life. He was Deputy Assessor of Internal Revenue of this district, for many years, and once served as Sheriff of Madison County. He died in 1875, aged fifty- six years. He married Adelia Webb, a native of Connecticut, who bore him six children. Two of these yet survive-our subject and brother Edward, a clerk in Jordan's coal office, London. Mrs. McCormack is still living and resides in London. Ernest McCormack attended the public schools of his native place, and subsequently the Commercial College of Dayton, Ohio. Upon leaving the latter institution, he secured a position as book-keeper for

Som Allen [DECEASED]

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I. G. Peetrey in the mercantile trade. He remained there five years, and was then appointed Recorder of Madison County, to fill an unexpired term of six months. Upon the expiration of this time, he entered the Auditor's office as a clerk, remaining there one year. In the fall of 1981, he was the Republican candidate for Clerk of the Courts of this county, and was elected for a term of three years, commencing February 9, 1882. Mr. McCormack is connected by membership with Mystic Lodge, No. 36, Knights of Pythias, of London.

W. H. C. McCOY, London, a life resident of Madison County, and a resident of London, was born in Deer Creek Township August 10, 1828. A sketch of his father is well worth a place in our work. William McCoy (deceased), was born in Washington County, Penn., January 30, 1785; his father, Daniel McCoy, emigrated to Kentucky in 1787, and there resided till 1806. He then removed to Clark County, Ohio; he departed this life in Highland County. He married a Miss Sutherland; on March 10, 1815, William McCoy came to Madison County, locating in Deer Creek Township, one and a half miles east of the present site of La Fayette; he was a farmer and stock-raiser through life, and took great interest in the breeding and raising of horses. He owned 300 acres of land at the time of his death. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; a Whig in early life, subsequently a stanch Republican, and for many years was a Justice of the Peace in Deer Creek Township; he was one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church of London, and among its first Elders. He died September 3, 1869, aged eighty-four years eight months and three days. His wife was Ann Tweed Fielding, who was born in Washington County, Penn., January 17, 1793; they were the parents of nine children, six daughters and three sons, two now living-Mrs. M. M. Davidson, of London, and our subject. Mrs. Mc- Coy departed this life March 28. 1854. Both parents were buried in the cemetery, two and a half miles east of La Fayette. Our subject was the eighth child, and grew to mature years on the old home farm. In early life he walked two and a half miles to district school, and subsequently at- tended an academy at Jefferson; he has been engaged in farming the most of his life, having inherited 100 acres of the home farm, and after- ward buying the other 200 acres, and then adding 140 more to it; he came to London February 23, 1873, and sold his farm in December, 1879; since his removal to London, he has been working at the carpenter's trade, which he learned abont 1855. Mr. McCoy is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 138 (Masonic), Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. F.), and has been a mon- ber of the Methodist Episcopal denomination for twenty eight years; he was class leader of the church at La Fayette, and has held the same position in the church of London; he is Republican in politics, and has served as Justice of the Peace of Deer Creek Township. He was united in marriage, March 6, 1853, to Elizabeth Simpson, a native of Nottingham, Eng., who came to America when but ten years of age. Four children were born to this union, three living -- William, in A., T. & S. Fé Land Office. Topeka, Kan., who married Jennie McCoy; Henry C. and Celestia B .; Lydia T., the oldest child is deceased. Mrs. McCoy departed this life February 7, 1880; she was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The full name of our subject is William Henry Clay, and the manner in which it was given him will be of interest. When his parents lived in Kentucky. they were well acquainted with Henry Clay, and when our subject was born, he was named for the Kentucky statesman. When he had attained the age of two and a half years. Henry Clay stopped at the Gwynne farnı,

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and sent word to the parents to bring his namesake over. He then pre- sented the child with a five dollar gold piece. This money was taken charge of by an elder brother, and used in the purchase of calves. At the time of the latter's death, the sum amounted to $200. This money was put on interest for two or three years, and then the father saw a chance to buy forty-one acres of land adjoining the homestead, which he purchased. When our subject grew of age, he was presented this piece of land, and kept it till he finally disposed of the whole farm.

GEORGE G. McDONALD, London, is a retired farmer, and has been a resident of Madison County for three-quarters of a century. He was born in Washington County, Tenn., on Christmas Day of 1803. He is a son of James McDonald, a native of Botetourt County, Va. He left his native State when quite young, and emigrated to Tennessee, where he mar- ried Nancy Cook, a native of New Jersey. They came to Ross County, Ohio, in the winter of 1806-7, and the following spring came to Madison County. He located on a farm 'in Union Township, six miles from the present site of London, and on the Georgesville pike. He was a farmer by occupation, and a pioneer of that part of Madison County. There was only one house in what is now the village of London when he came to this county, and Indians and wild beasts were entirely too plentiful for comfort. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, six living, and their ages are as follows: daughter, eighty-one; our subject, seventy-eight; daughter, seventy-six; daughter, seventy-four; daughter, seventy-two; and son. fifty-nine, an average of over seventy-three years each. This is prob- ably the highest average of any family in Madison County. Our subject was the third child and second son. and in early life assisted his father in the general duties of the farm. He was accustomed to clearing land, and burning up the walnut timber to get it out of the way. His mother was a good scholar, and taught him what early education he possessed. He married Melinda Ferguson, a native of Lexington, Ky., and a resident of Franklin County, Ohio. He remained with his father three years after marriage, and then purchased 335 acres of land in Deer Creek Township, where he resided until 1878. In the meantime, he had increased his farm to 623 acres. His original farm he gave to his daughter, and now owns and farms the remainder, 288 acres. In 1878, he removed to London, where he now resides. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal de- nomination fifty-five years, probably as long as any present resident of Madison County. He was formerly a Whig, but became a charter member of the Republican party on the date of its organization. He has always enjoyed perfect health, and to use his own language-" When I am a little indisposed, I don't take any medicine, but just starve the sickness away. I find that the best plan." Thirteen children have been given to him, only one living -- Mary A., wife of "Judge" Robert C. Fulton, of Columbus. "Uncle George," as he is familiarly known to the greater part of our readers, possesses a most remarkable memory. He can relate many stories of " days gone by," when the little band of pioneers in this county had all they could do to keep body and soul together, and wait for the day when the white settlers would predominate. He has been a " tiller of the soil" for three-quarters of a century, honest in every action, and enjoys the true esteem and respect of every citizen in the county.

W. H. McKINNON, London. is a member of the firm of Mckinnon & Watts, the well-known saddlers and harness-makers. He is a native of Lisbon, Clark County, Ohio, and a son of Theophilus Mckinnon, who came

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to Ohio in 1802. He was born in Harrison County, Ky., in November, 1774. His father came to Ohio with his family in 1802, and settled on Buck Creek, a few miles north of Springfield, Ohio, he being the first settler on that stream above the site of Lagonda. He also planted the first apple-orchard in that part of the country. At the time the family settled in Ohio, this entire region of the State was inhabited by many Indians. Mr. McKinnon, in his younger days, witnessed a number of councils of Indians, at which the "pipe of peace" figured prominently. He once heard the famous Indian chief and warrior, Tecumseh, make a speech at a council in Springfield. He was married to Pricilla Houston, sister of Dr. J. T. Houston, of London, January 2. 1823. Mrs. McKinnon departed this life July 24, 1872. Nine children were born to them, all of whom lived to the years of maturity, and six of them are now living-Mrs. Reed Marquart and Mr. J. Q. Mckinnon, of Atlanta, Ill .; Mr. J. T. McKinnon, of Washington Territory; Hon. J. H. McKinnon, of Ashland, Neb .; Mrs. E. R. Watts and W. H. McKinnon, of London. For almost thirty years Mr. McK. was a resident of Madison County, with the exception of a short time of residence at Xenia, spending the last fourteen years of his life in London. Mr. McK. possessed a remarkable memory, and, with his mind stored with the numerable facts gained from many years of diligent reading, he was a veritable living history of Madison County. Always interested in the affairs of the nation, he kept himself posted upon all subjects of importance, so that it was a pleasure to hear from him through his knowledge of affairs seventy and seventy - five years ago. During the last thirteen years of his life, he was blind, and it seemed to be true in his case. that the loss of one of the powers strengthens the remaining, for up to within a short time of his death his mind remained perfectly clear and ready, and his memory surprisingly accurate. During the years of his blindness, he was kept informed upon all matters of interest by friends reading to him, and he continued to manifest a great interest in matters of daily concern. For nearly sixty years, he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, having been converted while a resident of Lisbon, Clark County, Ohio. He was active in his church relations, and made his house a home for ministers, delighting to entertain and keep them with him. His days of life reached from the days of George Washington to the present. He lived under every administration since the organization of our present government. His first Presidential vote was cast for James Monroe, in 1820, after whom he voted for President at every election for that office, making in all, for him, sixteen such votes. He said that he had crossed the Alleghany Mountains twelve times on horseback, a feat that few would care about performing at the present day. He was a grandson of Maj. Harrison and a great-grandson of Col. Crawford, both of whom were tortured to death by the Indians, the former having been " squibbed " to death with powder, at a place near the present site of Zanesfield, Logan County, Ohio, and the latter having been burned to death at a stake, near Upper Sandusky, Wyan- dot County, Ohio. Mr. Mckinnon passed away from earth the evening of Friday before Easter Sunday, in 1882, aged eighty-eight years, being, with possibly two exceptions, the oldest man in the community. He sleeps the sleep that knows no awakening in Oak Hill Cemetery, east of London. W. H. McKinnon was reared in Clark and Madison Counties, and served a four years' apprenticeship at his present trade with an uncle, Thomas Houston, of South Charleston, Ohio He worked at his trade in Logan County, Ill., for two years. and then returned to South Charleston. After a short time, he went to Catawba, Clark County, and subsequently to

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Jefferson, in this county. In 1865, he came to London with his uncle, and three or four months later the present partnership of Mckinnon & Watts was formed. They are among the oldest merchants in the village, have met with very good success, and both members of the firm are highly esteemed. Mr. McKinnon is Republican in politics, and once served two years as a member of the County Central Committee.

ABRAM MILLER, of Lohr & Miller, undertakers, London, was born in Virginia January 24, 1817. He is a son of John Miller, a native of that State, and a farmer by occupation. He came to Ohio about 1822, locating near New Lancaster. Ho resided there a year or two, and then, becoming dissatisfied, went back to Virginia, where he died about 1831. He married Mary Groves, also a native of Virginia, and daughter of John Groves. They were blessed with eight children, three living. Mrs. Miller subsequently married Thomas Lang, but there were no children born to this union. She died about 1862. Our subject was the third child of the first union, and the only one residing in this county. He lived in Virginia until twenty-one years of age, and in April following came to Urbana, Champaign County. where he learned the wagon-maker's trade. He worked at it there for ten years, and in 1848 came to Madison County, locating at Midway, Range Township. He still worked at his trade, but about 1862, commenced keep- ing hotel, which latter business he followed for ten years. During a portion of this time, he worked at his trade. In 1869, he came to London, and was landlord of the old Miller House for nine years. In September, 1879, he became associated in business with George W. and James Lohr, in his pres- ent business. Mr. Miller is a good undertaker, and thoroughly understands the embalming process. The firm has met with good success in business. Mr. Miller is a Prohibition-Democrat in politics. He was married, in Oc- tober, 1841, to Harriet Minshall, a native of Madison County. Of their three children, two are living-Ella, wife of Robert Morris, and Theodore W. Mrs. Miller departed this life in January, 1848. He was again mar- ried, November 2, 1848, to Sophronia Chappell, daughter of William P. Chappell, who was born in Virginia January 28, 1804. Ho accompanied his father, George Chappell, to this county, when quite a small boy. Five children were born to this second marriage, four living -- Leora A., wife of Isaac N. Fisher, of Midway, Range Township; Fannie, wife of W. H. H. Williamson, of Danville, Madison County; Amanda B. and Vincent C. Cordelia J. is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JAMES Q. MINSHALL (deceased) was born in Paint Township, this county, March 7, 1815, and died in London August 28, 1878. His parents. Jonathan and Eleanor Minshall, came from Virginia to Ross County, Ohio, in 1806. and moved from there to Paint Township, Madison County, one year later. James Quinn Minshall began life for himself at twenty-one years of age, by accepting a position with a Mr. Anderson, who kept a stage sta- tion near, and subsequently a hotel at La Fayette, in this county. After re- maining three years with Mr. Anderson, during which time he accumulated about $300, he engaged in farming and stock-dealing, renting the John Creamer farm in Range Township, in connection with Jesse Watson. In this business he continued until his death, accumulating property which, clear of all indebtedness, was worth not less than $200,000. During his lifetime, he paid, interest included, not less than $70,000 as security for others. He was the owner of between thirty-four and thirty-five hundred acres of land in Range, Paint and Union Townships, and was a large stock owner in the

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Madison National Bank, of which he was President for a long time prior to and until his death. He was married to Hannah Watson, danghter of Sam- uel Watson, and by her had five children, viz., Wyatt, Clarestine (de- ceased), Leon, Sarah and Ada. Mrs. Minshall died in June, 1866. after twenty-seven years of happily married life, and in April, 1867. Mr. Min- shall married Lydia Powell. by whom he had no children. Mr. Minshall was one of the best known, most influential and wealthy citizens of Madison County. From a penniless boy, he gained his high position in the world by his own personal efforts, and though he lost a great deal of money, dur- ing his life, his business ability and untiring energy enabled him to over- come all reverses, and to reach a position of the highest honor in the com- munity. Some time before the beginning of his residence in London, in 1865, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was ever afterward a steadfast, working Christian. Tireless in doing good, and unbounded in his charity, with a warm heart and sympathetic nature, he never turned a deaf ear to the cry of want, but always stood ready to help the deserving poor. In his death the community mourned the loss of one of its most noble members.

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The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 98

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