THE FAMILIES: 1820 - 1900

Ross County Biographies

Contributed by various individuals

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Written and contributed by: Charles Weidinger, great-great-great grandson of Johann ALBRECHT

JOHANN ULRICH ALBRECHT was born in Engelhardtsberg, Bavaria on 10 Nov 1824, the son of Ulrich ALBRECHT and unknown mother. About 1844, he married a young lady named Magdalena in Engelhardtsberg, and left Germany for America in 1845, settling for a time in Baltimore, Maryland. Their first child, Barbara Albrecht, was born in Baltimore in 1846. In 1847, the family left Maryland and traveled to Ohio, settling in the Ohio and Erie Canal village of Yellow Bud, Union Township, Ross County. What pointed them in that direction is not definitely known, but there was another ALBRECHT family in Union Township who may have been related. While living on a small farm just outside Yellow Bud, Johann ALBRECHT ran a grocery and general store in the little town.

On 27 Mar 1848, a son, Johann Georg ALBRECHT was born. This man later took the Americanized name John George ALBRIGHT, and from 1873 until 1931, became both wealthy and famous as a leading citizen, journalist, and real estate owner in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A daughter, Anna Margaretha ALBRECHT, was born in 1851. The records of the Reformed Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chillicothe, Ohio, shows that Magdalena ALBRECHT died in 1852, the exact date not recorded. Her burial site is also uncertain, which is a subject which touches many early residents of Union Township, Ross County.

On 20 Jun 1853, Johann married Barbara MEINFELDER. This marriage was short lived, for on 4 Jul 1858, Barbara remarried. On 6 Jul 1858, Johann ALBRECHT married Elizabeth Och SHAFFER, a widow from Cincinnati, Ohio. This marriage may not have been a "by chance" affair, for Elizabeth Och was born in 1828 in Kandorf, only about 10 kilometers from Engelhardtsberg, Johann ALBRECHT's home village. They may have, in fact, known each other as children in either of the small Bavarian farming towns. Of interest is the fact that the records of the Reformed Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chillicothe also revealed that a funeral was held on 16 Feb 1868 for one Catherina Och WOLF, who had married Johann WOLF in Bavaria on 21 Apr 1849. This lady was likely Elizabeth Och's sister, having been born in Kandorf on 11 Oct 1824.

On 5 Mar 1859, John George Albright's half-brother, George Frederick ALBRECHT, was born near Yellow Bud, Ohio. In the summer of 1863, Johann ALBRECHT and his wife Elizabeth adopted a baby girl born in Kansas on 28 Jun 1862. On Martha Ione ALBRIGHT's death certificate of 1938, her mother's maiden name was listed as "OBISH." My research revealed that no such person or family immigrated into the State of Kansas. Martha Ione ALBRIGHT turned out later to be my paternal great-great grandmother.

Johann Ulrich ALBRECHT died on 29 Jan 1866 of "Intemperance," per the records of the Reformed Evangelical Lutheran Church. His general store also included a saloon, which may mean that Johann may have drank himself to death, interpreting the meaning of "Intemperance" in that era. To this day, I have no clue as to what may have led Johann ALBRECHT to such a disastrous death. He was buried in the old Western Methodist Cemetery in Chillicothe on 01 Feb 1867.

About 1900, portions of this cemetery were relocated to Grandview Cemetery to make way for a new hospital which was to be built. Many graves were relocated, and that of Johann Ulrich ALBRECHT was one of them. However, no headstones were allowed to accompany them, an irrational move which remains unexplained to this day. Of the grave stones left behind, many were used by local residents as sidewalk pavement, and a few remain visible today.

In the Special Census of June 1870, Elizabeth ALBRIGHT was shown still living at age 42 in Dwelling No. 168, Union township, Yellow Bud. With her was her son, Charles SHAFFER at age 21; Anna, age 19; George, age 11; Martha, age 7; and two farm laborers, William Robson and Charles Litter, ages 23 and 19.

In 1880, Elizabeth ALBRIGHT was living with the farming family of Francis T. KENDRICK, at Dwelling No. 72, in Wayne township, Pickaway County, very near the Ross County Line. Solution to this mystery was provided by data from Latter-Day-Saints Records sent to me by Mrs. Thelbert Kendrick of New Market, Iowa on 05 Jul 1997. In Call No. 288391, Charles Curtiss KENDRICK, son of Francis T. KENDRICK was listed as Charles' father, and his mother was listed as Barbara ALBRIGHT. It is obvious that Elizabeth Och Shaffer ALBRIGHT lost a step-daughter in 1878 or 1879, and was drawn to help raise her children.

In 1911, Elizabeth ALBRIGHT accompanied her son-in-law, who had married her adopted daughter, Martha Ione ALBRIGHT, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. She died there in 1912, and was buried at Fairview Cemetery in a large plot belonging to John George ALBRIGHT. I visited this site in 1997, and found it a very emotional tribute to the memories of both Johann Ulrich ALBRECHT and John WEIDINGER.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, p. 825
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Hugh B. Cochran, farmer, section 10, Wea Township, was born on the farm where he now resides 26 Mar 1842, son of William K. Cochran. He was reared in his life's calling, and received an education in the district schools of this county and at Wabash College.

03 Sep 1861, he married Miss Mary E. Shrotridge, of Tippecanoe County, daughter of Morgan and Clarissa Shortridge. They have had three children: William M., of Colorado; Emma S. and Mary G.

Mr. Cochran owns 220 acres of the best soil in the county. His residence, erected in 1850, is one of the best dwellings to be found in the township. He is a Republican in his political views, and has served his township as trustee in a worthy manner. He is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in LaFayette, as was his father before him. His wife and eldest daughter are also members of the same church.

Mr. Cochran is one of the leading citizens of the township, always taking an active part in everything pertaining to the advancement of education, religion, and the best interests of the community.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pp. 386-387
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Thomas Daugherty, one of Shelby Township's prominent and enterprising citizens, is a native of Ross Co OH, born 19 Feb 1824, a son of James Daugherty. The latter was born near Harrisburg PA, and was of Irish parentage, his parents being natives of County Cork, Ireland. When he was a lad of ten years, his parents removed to Ross Co OH, and there he was reared to manhood, and married Miss Mary Wood, who was a native of Kentucky. James Daugherty and wife lived in Ross Co OH until their deaths. They were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom Thomas, the subject of this sketch, was the fifth child.

Thomas Daugherty grew to manhood in his native county, his youth being spent in agricultural pursuits, and his education was received in the common district schools. He made several trips to New York, assisting in driving stock, frequently driving 100 head of cattle and 200 head of hogs to the New York markets, the trip usually taking two months.

In 1852 he became a resident of Tippecanoe Co IN, and two years later he bought the land in Shelby Township, where he now resides.

09 Mar 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Sappington, who was born in Shelby Township, a daughter of the late Stephen Sappington, who was one of the old and honored early pioneers of Tippecanoe County. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty are the parents of nine children, named John, Charles, Mary, William (residing at Lincoln, Nebraska), Stephen, Kate, Thomas Frank and Myra.

The Daugherty farm contains 280 acres of Tippecanoe County's best soil, well improved, a good substantial residence and farm buildings; in fact the entire surroundings of the place indicate the care and thrift of the proprietor. In politics Mr. Daugherty affiliates with the Republican party. He has held office of justice of the peace for years, serving as a just and wise judge. He has also served as a member of the school board. He has always taken an active interest in the advancement of the causes of education, religion and temperance, and enterprises having for their object the public welfare have his encouragement and support. He has been a worthy and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church since 1856, and since 1877 has served as a local preacher. He is a man of genial disposition, and fair and honorable in all business transactions, and is numbered among the most repected men of Shelby Township.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pg. 396-397
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Allen DeHart, an active and enterprising farmer of Wea Township, is a son of Adam DeHart, who was one of the prominent pioneers of Tippecanoe County IN.

Adam DeHart was born in Rockingham County VA 24 Oct 1785, and was reared in his native state. He was married to Mary Howard in Rockingham County VA, who was also a native of Virginia, and to them were born four children, as follows: John, the eldest, died in Illinois in August 1885, aged seventy-two years; Abner died at the age of forty-five years; Elizabeth is now the widow of Thomas Waters; and Allen, the subject of this sketch.

In 1825 the father immigrated with his family to this county, and made a settlement on section 25, Wea Township, on the land now occupied by the subject of this sketch. A part of his land he entered from the Government, and a part he purchased at $2.50 per acre, becoming the owner of about 400 acres. He improved this land, and here he made his home until his death, which occurred about the year 1848. He was a member of the United Brethren church, and was esteemed by all who knew him for his honorable and upright dealings with his fellow-men. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife survived him several years, and died on the old homestead.

Allen DeHart, whose name heads this sketch, was born on 05 Jan 1825 in Ross County OH, the youngest child in his father's family, and was a mere infant when brought to this county. He has always lived on the old homestead in Wea Township, where he was reared amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life. He is a thorough, practical farmer, and is the owner of 320 acres of well improved land, and everything about his farm exhibits signs of care and thrift. His farm buildings, which were erected in 1887, at a cost of $2,500 are among the best in his township. His present residence was erected to replace his house which was destroyed by fire 06 Jun 1887.

Mr. DeHart has been twice married, taking for his first wife Miss Maria Holiday, a daughter of John Holiday, who was one of the county's pioneers. She left at her death one daughter: Rachel, who is now the wife of John W. Cann. The maiden name of his present wife was Emeline Williams, formerly of Pike County OH, and to his union one son has been born named Lewis M.

In his political views Mr. DeHart is independent, always voting for the man whom he considers best fitted for office.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, p. 517
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

WILLIAM J. DeHART, retired farmer, is a native of Tippecanoe Co IN, born in Wea Township 26 Mar 1844, a son of Abner and Margaret A. (Trotter) DeHart, both now deceased. The father of our subject was a native of Ross Co OH, and in his boyhood was brought to this county by his father, Adam DeHart, locating here as early as 1825, being one of the old and honored pioneers of the county. The mother was a native of Virginia.

To the parents of our subject were born seven children, only three of whom are now living: William J; Lavina Ellen, wife of Dr. George W. Kirkpatrick, of Wea Township; and Stephen, living in Wea Township.

William J. DeHart was reared a farmer, a vocation he has always followed, becoming a thorough, practical agriculturist. He received but limited educational advantages, being obliged to work from an early age. He has always been a hard worker, and by his industrious habits, persevering energy and good management he succeeded well in life and is now the owner of 410 acres of valuable land. In connection with his general farming he was also engaged in stock raising, making a specialty of raising short horn cattle.

In Aug 1886, he retired from active duties of life, moving to Stockwell, where he has since made his home, being surrounded with all the necessary comforts of life.

Mr. DeHart was married 24 Dec 1869 to Miss Alameda Anderson, a daughter of Samuel Anderson, deceased, who was living near Frankfort, Indiana, at the time of his death. Two children were born to this union, of whom only one is living, a daughter, Eva.

In politics Mr. DeHart is a Republican. Mrs. DeHart is a member of the Christian church of Wea Township.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pg. 364-365
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

James H. Dunlap, a prominent citizen of Tippecanoe Township, was born in Ross County OH 09 Oct 1822, a son of Robert and Zeruha (Mitchell) Dunlap. In 1829 the family came to Indiana, and located on Mitchell's Branch in Carroll County, where the father died in the year 1844. The mother died in Tippecanoe County in 1847. They were the parents of nine children, of whom six are deceased. The names of three yet living are James H., Mrs. Harriet Northcut and Mrs. Melvina Severson.

James H. Dunlap, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood in Carroll County, amid the scenes and incidents of pioneer life. He was first married in June 1845 to Miss Lucinda Chamberlain, who died in 1857, leaving at her death the following children: Mollie, Dexter, Hattie (now a successful teacher), Melinda and Mattie. Mr. Dunlap was married a second time, in 1863, to Mrs. Harriet (Cowdry) Gerard, and to this union three children were born: Jerome, Ora and Jane, the latter now deceased. Mr. Dunlap was a second time bereaved by the death of his wife in 1879.

Mr. Dunlap served a year in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in September 1861 in Company G, Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the engagements at New Madrid, Island No. 10, Fort Pillow and St. Charles. After receiving an honorable discharge he returned to his home. In 1867 he located on his present farm on section 5, Tippecanoe Township, where he has a pleasant home, and fifty acres of choice land. In politics he is a Republican. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 825-826
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Joseph Fidler is one of the intelligent and enterprising farmers of Wea Township, who has been identified with the growth of the county ever since the year 1829. His father, Jacob Fidler, was born in Rockingham County VA, and married [01 Aug 1819] in Ross County OH to Elizabeth Storms [Stone], a native of Ohio and of German ancestry.

In October 1829, he came with his family, consisting of wife and four children, to Tippecanoe County IN, in a wagon drawn by three horses, and located in Perry Township three miles northeast of Dayton, where he entered eighty acres of land. Here he resided some four or five years, and then removed to Sheffield Township, and after a residence of three or four years there he finally settled in Wea Township, where he died in 1851. His wife died in 1871, and they were both buried in Wildcat cemetery.

Seven of their children are living. Joseph, whose name heads this sketch, was born 01 Oct 1825 in Ross County OH, and was four years old when his parents came with him to the wilds of Indiana, and here, in the primitive log cabin schoolhouse, did he receive his education, and on the pioneer farm, his agricultural training. He located upon his present farm in the spring of 1851, a portion of which is the old homestead of his father. Here he has ever since resided; and the story-and-a-half residence, substantial farm buildings, and other improvements, show how skillfully and industriously he has enhanced the value of the place. The farm comprises 500 acres.

In his political sympathies he is a Democrat, as was his father -- has served on executive committees of his party a number of times. In April 1886, he was elected township trustee. 13 Feb 1846, he married Miss Hannah Holliday, a daughter of John and Rachel (Jeames) Holliday, who were early settlers of this county.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pp. 536-537
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

Isaac L. Garrott, one of the intelligent and enterprising men of Tippecanoe Township, is a native of Indiana, born in White County, 29 Oct 1849, a son of John C. Garrott, who was one of the early settlers of this county, coming here in the fall of 1831.

John C. Garrott was born in Ross County Ohio, 22 Jun 1821, a son of Joseph Garrott, a native of Delaware, who removed to Ross County in early manhood. Joseph Garrott was married [05 Feb 1817] in Ross County to Miss Mary Cox, and in 1831 came with his family to Tippecanoe County, Indiana. He spent several years in this county when he removed to White County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in the year 1871, his wife dying in 1875. They reared seven children, of whom four are living: Isaac, John C., Joseph and Mary.

John C. Garrott was reared a farmer, which he has made the principal avocation of his life. He was married in 1846 to Miss Sarah A. Russell, a native of Wayne County Indiana, and a daughter of Samuel Russell, and of the six children born to them five still survive: Isaac L., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, Elden, John and Arthur. Mr. John C. Garrott, after spending several years in Tippecanoe Township, bought land in White County, on which he settled in 1848. Here he lived a number of years, when he returned to this county, where he has since made his home. In politics he is a Democrat, as are his five sons. Mrs. Garrott, the mother of our subject, died in October 1881.

Isaac L. Garrott, whose name heads this sketch, was, like his father, reared to the vocation of a farmer. He completed his education at Brookston Academy in his native county, and at the age of nineteen years he began teaching school, following that pursuit for thirteen years. He was united in marriage 27 Feb 1878 to Hannah I. McAfee, a daughter of John R. McAffee of Tippecanoe Township. Three children have been born to this union, of whom only one, named I. Floyd, is living. Their only daughter, Nellie, died in infancy, and a son named John McAfee, for his grandfather, died 29 May 1887, aged six years. He was an uncommonly bright and interesting child, and his death was a sad bereavement to his parents. Mr. Garrott is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Grand Prairie Lodge, No. 164, at Brookston. He is a member of the United Brethren church.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pg. 509
Kingman Brothers, 1878

Contributed by: Ralph Cokonougher

Edward Landolin Hess, for twenty-two consecutive years the efficient and popular manager of the telephone company at Chillicothe, is a native Ohioan of German parentage. His father, Landolin Hess, was born in Germany, June 28, 1819, and in early manhood joined the tide of emigration to America. On arriving in the United States he selected Chillicothe as his abode and there spent the remainder of his days engaged in working at his trade as cabinetmaker. In September, 1846 [Oct 19, 1846], he was married to Mary Anna, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth Lind, natives of Germany who came over in 1836 and two years later settled at Chillicothe. Mr. Hess died in 1864, but his widow and seven children survive. Of the latter, Mary Ann, the widow of Joseph Brosemer, resides in Columbus, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of John Schroth, and Christian live in Chillicothe; Jacob F. is a citizen of Cincinnati, while Margaret S. and Peter G. reside in Brooklyn, New York.

Edward Landolin Hess, fourth in age of the living children, was born in Chillicothe June 8, 1858. He obtained a common school education and in 1880 entered the employment of the Central Ohio Telephone company as acting manager of their interests at Chillicothe. From that day to this Mr. Hess has held this position regardless of changes in ownership which have converted the old organization into the Central Union Telephone company. Nor is it too much to say that during all these years he has so discharged his duties as to retain the full confidence of his different employers and gain the good will of the company's numerous patrons. He has so thoroughly mastered all the details of the telephone business and become so well known to the public who patronize the instruments that he has become a valuable man in his position. Mr. Hess has his nation's fondness for fraternal fellowship and gratifies it by membership in various associations, including the Modern Woodmen of America, Catholic Order of Foresters and Benevolent Order of Ignatius.

January 9, 1883, he was married to Josephine, daughter of Charles Rudmann, who came to Ross county in 1852. This union resulted in the birth of three children: Olandolin Ernest, Petronella Mary, and Paul Edward.

GEORGE LUCUS

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

George Lucus, a prominent and successful citizen of Sheffield Twp, was born in Ross Co OH in 1825, a son of Luther Lucus, who was born and reared in the State of Maryland. Luther Lucus left his native State for Ohio in company with his twin brother Martin, and there he was married to Miss Ellen Kellingberger, who was also a native of Maryland. He settled and improved a new farm near Chillicothe OH, where he lived until his death. His widow subsequently became the wife of William Howard, and in 1833, came with her husband and children to Tippecanoe Co IN, and the year following Mr. Howard bought a farm in Lauramie Twp, a part of the present village of Stockwell being on this farm. Mr. Howard paid for this land, which was but slightly improved, $5 per acre, and converted the same into a good farm, and here he spent the rest of life, his wife dying some two years later.

Luther Lucus and wife had born to them five children, only two of whom, George and James, are now living; the latter in Richland Co WI. Of the deceased, Elizabeth married Nathan Westlake, and died at her home near Stockwell, leaving a family of six children; Margaret married Joel Fuller, and after living in Sheffield Twp about twenty years, they removed to Macon Co IL, where both died, leaving five chldren; Luther died in White Co, leaving a wife and six children, all of whom are deceased. By her marriage with Mr. Howard the mother of our subject had four children--Martin, Mary, Ellen, Nelson and Eliza Jane, all now deceased except Martin, who resides at Stockwell.

George Lucus, whose name heads this sketch, came to the county with his mother and stepfather in 1833, and here he was reared from childhood amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, and from an early age was inured to hard work.

He has worked on the farm he now owns for his uncle Martin, for $9 a month, he having purchased this farm from his uncle's heirs for $60 an acre, paying for the whole over $12,500. The farm contains 208 acres of well improved land, and is considered one of the best tracts of land to be found in Tippecanoe Co, and his residence, erected in 1880, in English cottage style, is among the finest dwellings in Sheffield Twp. His barns and out-buldings are substantial and commodious, and his farm is well watered, and is well adapted to both stock and grain raising. Mr. Lucus may be called a self-made man, he having commenced life a poor boy, and by his own persevering energy and industry, accumulated his fine property, and has become one of the prosperous men of his township. Besides his fine home farm he owns land in Lauramie Twp, and also valuable village property in Stockwell.

Mr. Lucus was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Waddell, whose father, Alexander Waddell, was one of the first settlers in Sheffield Twp. Mr. and Mrs. Lucus have six children living: Frances is the wife of Charles Emmons, of Stockwell, and they have two children; Charles Lucus married Mary Bowman, and they have a family of three children; Viola J., wife of Frank Heavilon, has two children; Emma, wife of J.W. Stinson, of Washington Co KS, has three children; James Howard Lucus married Media Storms, and they are living near his father's homestead, and Annie, wife of Thomas Conroe, living near the village of Concord. Four children are deceased -- Charles, Viola J, Insco and Luella. In politics Mr. Lucus affiliates with the Republican party.

LIEUT. DANIEL McFARLAND

Contributed by:  Kyle Condon

LIEUT. DANIEL McFARLAND, City Marshal, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1842. In 1855, he emigrated to Kansas, locating at Leavenworth. In 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Second Kansas Infantry; at the end of five months he was discharged on account of wounds received at Wilson Creek, Mo. After recovering from his wounds he was mustered in as recruiting officer, and in August, 1862, was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company D, Seventy-ninth United States Colored Troops, serving two years. in 1869, he took a claim in Howard Township, Howard County. He was the first settler on Snake Creek; improving the place remained their (sic) eight years, and located at Howard in 1879. In 1880, was appointed City Marshal, and has held the position continuously since, and is an efficient officer and well qualified for the position. He was married in 1864, to Miss Lizzie Hobbs, of Roseville, Ark. They have four children - Belle, Archy, Austin and John. He is a member of Hope Lodge, No. 155, A., F. & A. M., Howard Chapter, No. 49, of Howard.

William Nagle Jr., one of the representative men of Shelby Township, was born in Reading, Berks County PA, 23 Aug 1830. When about three years old he was taken by his parents to Ross County OH, where he spent seven years of his life, and in 1839 his parents settled in Tippecanoe County IN, and here he was reared to manhood amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, his youth being passed in assisting with the work of the farm and in attending the pioneer schools of Shelby Township.

20 Feb 1855, he was married to Miss Camantha M. Holloway, a native of Ross County OH, and a daughter of Joseph and Sally (Timmons) Holloway, who were among the early pioneers of Tippecanoe County, they having settled on section 23, Shelby Township, in 1831, where the father died in 1875. The mother of Mrs. Nagle still survives her husband, and makes her home with her children.

Mr. and Mrs. Nagle are the parents of five children -- Ida, wife of Dr. James Gray, of Otterbein IN; Eva, wife of Charles Sutton, of Shelby Township; Drusilla, wife of Ed. Baker, of Shelby Township; John J.J., who resides on the old Nagle homestead in the same township; and Sally, also at home.

Mr. Nagle located on his present farm the year of his marriage which he had partly improved, he having owned the land some two years previous to his marriage. By industry and good management he has met with success in his agricultural pursuits, and has now one of the finest farms in Shelby Township, consisting of 372 acres of choice land, substantial house and farm buildings, and other valuable improvements. Besides this farm he also owns valuable property in Otterbein. In politics Mr. Nagle is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in which he is class leader adn steward. He is a member of Lodge No. 605, I.O.O.F., at Otterbein. He has always taken an active interest in the advancement of religion and education, and is numbered among the leading men of his township. p. 386

JOSEPH H. O'NEILL

Contributed by:  Kyle Condon

JOSEPH H. O'NEILL, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Howard, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1840. In 1858, at the age of eighteen, he came to Kansas, locating in Topeka. In 1861, he enlisted in the Second Kansas Infantry six months; he then enlisted in Second Cavalry, serving three years; was scouting on the frontier the most of the time. In 1867, he came to Howard County and took a claim on the Elk River. There were but two other claims in the township at that time. The survey was not made and the treaty with the Indians was not completed. He was forty-five miles from a post office and twenty-three miles from a mill or blacksmith shop. There were a great many Indians, and several times he was obliged to watch his property with a gun and a large dog. He has 200 acres in Section 11 and 120 on Section 14, Township 30, Range 10; 120 acres under the plow and all fenced but forty acres; has sixty acres of timber, plenty of fruit, 150 apple, 300 peach and a variety of small fruits, good house and a fine stone quarry on his place. He has also a good coal mine which eventually will be a big thing, as he is only half a mile from Howard. He has done well since coming here. He was married in 1866, in Topeka, Kansas, to Miss Wendel. They have four children - Annie L., Alvin B., Della and Harvey. He is a member of the E. M. Stanton Post, No. 23, G. A. R.

Montgomery E. Sherry is a native of Tippecanoe County [Indiana], born in Wayne Township, August 6, 1835.

His father, John Sherry, was one of the first settlers of the county. He was born in Kentucky, in 1799, a son of Hugh Sherry, a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish and Welsh ancestry. When he was a child John Sherry removed with his parents to Ross County, Ohio, where he was reared. In 1828 he came to Tippecanoe County, and entered a tract of land near Farmer's Institute, and also two sections in Wayne Township. He married Jane Weaver, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, her father, Peter Weaver, settling in that county in 1807, and removing thence to Tippecanoe County in 1824. After his marriage Mr. Sherry settled a mile and a half south of the present homestead, where he lived until 1848, when he moved to the old Weaver homestead, which he had bought the year before. The house, which is still standing, was the second brick house in the township, and is still in a good state of preservation. He engaged in agricultural pursuits and also followed milling, both saw and grist, being one of the first millers in the county. His wife died in 1844. They had five children, three of whom are living--Martha, wife of Milton H. Beason, of Randolph County; Nancy, wife of Jeptha Hunt, of Portland, Oregon, and M.E. He afterward married Jemima Bishop, and to them were also born five children; but three are living--Mary, wife of Amos Welch; Anna, wife of R.S. Johnson, and Maria, wife of Louis Clemens. Mr. Sherry died in April 1857. In politics he was a Democrat.

M.E. Sherry remained at home until his father's death, assisting him in the work of the farm. He has always been very successful, and now owns 700 acres of valuable land. His residence, which is one of the best in the township, was erected in 1883. Mr. Sherry was married June 3, 1874, to Adelaide Eugenia Jackson, a native of Michigan, daughter of William Jackson. They have one child--Montgomery E., Jr. In politics Mr. Sherry is a Democrat.

BURTON STEEL

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

John Thomas, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Pottawatomie County, has been a citizen of this State since 1875, when he came from Indiana and secured eighty acres of land in Mill Creek Township, subsequently obtaining an additional eighty, and improving the whole and making thereon a very comfortable home. The farm is well watered by good springs and is a fertile and productive tract of land. Mr. Thomas is of English descent, his grandfather having come from the mother country to America during the War of 1812, as barber to an English General. After the war he married a Pennsylvania lady of the old Holland stock, who after his decease married again, her second husband being a Mr. Gray.

To this couple was born a son, Samuel, the place of his birth being Ross County, Ohio. He learned the trade of a shoemaker but before many years abandoned this occupation and acquired the cooper's trade under his step-father, Mr. Gray. In his native county he was married to Miss Asenath Odel, who was born in the Buckeye State, Jan. 13, 1800, and was a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Odel, who after having lived many years in Ohio, in their later life moved to Warren County, Ind., dying there when about four-score years of age. After his marriage Samuel Thomas continued to reside in his native State until after four children had been born to himself and wife, when they went to Warren County, Ind. There our subject was born Dec. 25, 1829. The parents purchased a new farm in Adams Township, being among the early settlers in the county, and after having made some improvements upon the land and lived upon it for a time, they removed to the town of Independence, where the father followed his trade until his death, Feb. 8, 1843. At the time of his decease he was about forty-six years old. His widow survived until September 1873, when she died in Pine Village, being then about three-score and ten [70] years old. Both the parents were members of the Methodist Church and took an active part in every good work, their home being a stopping place for the itinerant ministers for many years.

Our subject is one of a family of seven sons and six daughters, of whom seven reached mature years and married. Of the entire family, only five sons and four daughters are now living. The early years of our subject were spent on his father's farm and his education was obtained in the district schools. He was married in his native county to Miss Eliza A. Taylor, an intelligent and estimable lady, who was born in Sussex County, Del., March 24, 1833. Mrs. Thomas is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Wadkins) Taylor, who were natives of the same State in which she first saw the light, and were members of Pennsylvania families of the old Holland stock. After the birth of two children, of whom Mrs. Thomas is the eldest, Robert and Elizabeth Taylor moved to Ross County, Ohio, and there the mother died Nov. 30, 1844, at the age of thirty-four years. The father afterwards went to Indiana and in Warren County married his second wife, Mrs. Agnes Worley Timmons, nee Smith. Mr. Taylor and his second wife subsequently located in Tippecanoe County (Ind.), where the former followed his trade as a carpenter until his death at the age of forty-four years. His second wife survived him some years.

The rites of wedlock between our subject and Miss Eliza Taylor were celebrated Feb. 15, 1855, and their union has been blessed by the birth of thirteen children: Elizabeth, James, Francis and Arthur died while quite young; Mary A. is the widow of John F. Gibson and lives in this township on a part of her father's farm; Eliza J. is the wife of George W. DeGraw, a farmer in this township; Charles E. married Miss Nellie Porter and their home is on a ranch in Arapahoe County, Col.; David S. owns a claim in Colorado on which he is living; John H. is still at home; William E. is a telegraph operator; Albert C., Emma, and Hattie A., complete the group around the family hearth.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas take quite an active interest in everything which will tend to the improvement of the township, and in the education of their children have done all that parental love and pride could compass and their means would allow. Mr. Thomas is a Republican. Intelligent, enterprising, kindly and of good principles, he is regarded with respect by neighbors and fellow-citizens, and his wife shares in their good will.

The Truitt Families of Knox and Fulton Cos IL are descendants of Jarman TRUITT of Sussex Co DE. Jarman TRUITT is listed in the Reconstructed 1790 census of Delaware as living in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex Co. He died after the 8th of October, 1823, the date on which he signed his will. The will names the following children: Elijah, Littleton, Sarah LEWIS, Nancy LITTLETON, William and Jarman; and his son-in-law Nehemiah JONES.

Rev. ELIJAH TRUITT of Ross Co OH was a son of Jarman Truitt. He died in Concord Twp, Ross Co OH on the 7th of May, 1853, aged 88 years, 2 months, and 9 days. He is said to have married (1st) Tabitha JILES (or GILES) , daughter of William JILES of Delaware. He married (2nd) Elizabeth BOWDLE, daughter of Henry BOWDLE, of Union Township, Ross County, Ohio. Both are buried in the Bowdle Graveyard, Union Twp. [ NB: Other sources indicate that this Elijah Truitt was actually married 3 times. The name of the 2nd spouse is omitted from this record.]

Elijah TRUITT was in Ohio by 1812 as he is listed in the 1812 Tax List of Twin Twp, Ross Co. Solomon TRUITT, who may be his son, was married in Ross Co in 1812. The Ohio Conference of the Methodist Church has very little information on the ministry of Rev. Elijah Truitt. He may have become what was called a "local preacher" and did not have a circuit or charge. He did, however, perform marriages in Ross Co from 1819 until at least 1828. He is listed in the 1850 U.S. Census of Ohio in Union Twp, Ross Co; and his age is given as 77 and place of birth Delaware.

Gilead TRUITT, a son of Elijah and Tabitha, was born April 29, 1793 in Delaware. He married (1st) Nancy DAVID on Jan. 12, 1828. After her death he was married to Angeline BOWEN on Oct. 7, 1828 by his father, Rev. Elijah TRUITT. Gilead TRUITT served in the war of 1812 from Ohio under Capt. David ELLIOTT and Col. John McDOWELL. He and Angeline were buried in the Lattaville Cemetery, Concord Twp, Ross Co.

A deed in the settlement of Gilead TRUITT's estate in Ross Co names the following heirs: Elijah TRUITT and wife Eliza of Knox Co IL.; Angeline TRUITT; John TRUITT and wife Phoebe Ann; William TRUITT; John WILKINS and wife Jemima WILKINS; Nancy ROSE; Sarah E. TRUITT; and Dorothy A. TRUITT.

Elijah TRUITT, son of Gilead and Nancy (DAVID) TRUITT, was born Oct. 14, 1817. He married Eliza Jane TAYLOR Nov. 4, 1841 in Ohio. They moved to Knox Co IL about 1855 and located in Elba Twp. He died July 2, 1898 at Yates City.

Jemima TRUITT, a daughter of Gilead and Angeline (BOWEN) TRUITT was born Aug. 1, 1834 and died March 4, 1904, Miltonville KS. She married John WILKINS Feb. 24, 1853. A daughter, Sally Estelle WILKINS, married Joseph ULM. They lived in Fulton Co IL, and were both buried in East Midway Cemetery, Young Hickory Twp.

 

References:
 

1. Calendar of Sussex County, Delaware Probate Records 1680-1800, Leon DeValinger, Jr.
    

2. Reconstructed 1790 Census of Delaware, Leon DeValinger, Jr. , 1954.
    

3. 1800 Census of Delaware, Gerald and Doris Ollar Maddux, 1964.
    

4. Standard History of Ross County, Ohio, Lyle S. Evans, Ed., Chicago. Lewis Pub. Co., 1917. Vol. 2, p. 791.
    

5. Early Vital Records of Ohio. Comp. by NSDAR. Tombstone Records of Ross County, Ohio. Persons born in 1800 or earlier. Pages 16, 74.
    

6. Ross County, Ohio Marriage Records. Vols. 1 & 2.
   Ross County, Ohio. Deed Book 77, pp. 303 - 305, July 29, 1872.
   Bounty Land application from National Archives. Blwt 9761-160-55.
    

7. History of Knox county, Ill., Chas. C. Chapman. 1878, Page 731.
    

Contributed by : [illegible].

Note: A volunteer genealogist at the Galesburg (IL) Public Library identified the author of this article as Mrs. Ada Reganos. According to the genealogist, Mrs. Reganos is now deceased.

 

Jarman Truitt Record, Sussex Co., Delaware, Vol 9, Issue 1, pg. 2
Knox County Genealogical Society Quarterly, March 1981

Judge Edwin Winship, deceased, was one of the most prominent citizens of Tippecanoe County [Indiana], and a history of the county and its citizens would be incomplete did it not contain some mention of him.

He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, September 14, 1812, his father, Winn Winship, being a native of Chillicothe, but the family originally came from Virginia. Judge Winship was reared in Ohio, receiving a collegiate education. Descending from a family of lawyers he was given the benefits of the best schools and was thus prepared to enter the same profession.

In an early day he accompanied his father to Indiana, and assisted him in milling and other pursuits. He was married November 19, 1839, to Jemima Hawkins, a native of Butler County, Ohio, daughter of James and Susanna (Jones) Hawkins, who came to Tippecanoe County in the fall of 1829, and entered land in Union Township. After his marriage, Judge Winship settled in Thorntown, Boone County, where for four years he was engaged in the mercantile business. He then moved to the old homestead in Clinton County, and followed agricultural pursuits and milling for twenty-two years. During this time his fellow citizens, recognizing his ability elected him to the office of Probate Judge, a position he filled creditably for three years. He also represented his district in the State Legislature a number of years. In 1865 he moved to Tippecanoe County, and located on the farm now occupied by his widow and son, where he spent the last years of his life, dying November 14, 1872.

Judge and Mrs. Winship had two children: James H. and Nancy Elizabeth. The daughter died when nineteen years of age. Their son, James H. Winship, is one of the representative men of Wayne Township, and is worthy of the esteem in which he is held by all who know him.