Ross County Biographies

Contributed by various individuals

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JOHN ANNO and Family

Contributed by: Charles Carter

John Anno was one of the five Annos married in Mason County, Kentucky between 1795 and 1803. John Anno was most likely born in Maryland, and his parents were probably Joseph and Esther Anno. However, I have found no records to confirm these facts. The first record of John Anno is his marriage to Hannah Arrowsmith on December 27, 1796 in Mason County, Kentucky. Hannah was the daughter of Samual Arrowsmith and Mary Millard. Henry Anno, most likely John's brother, married Elizabeth Arrowsmith sister to Hannah. If John was at least 20 years of age he was born before 1776. John Anno was a farmer all of his life, and he was among the early pioneers of Kentucky and Ohio. He and his family moved from Mason County, Kentucky to Ross County, Ohio and finally Wyandot County, Ohio.
In the late 1790s, Samuel Arrowsmith, John's father-in-law, and Henry Anno moved from Kentucky to Pickaway Plains East of the Scioto River. The Arrowsmith-Kenton Family Record states that Samuel Arrowsmith moved from Mason County to Ohio about 1798, and to Ross County about 1801. The Scioto river was used to move north into Ross County, Ohio from the Ohio river. This was one of the main trails north into Ohio.

The obituary of Elisabeth (Arrowsmith) Anno wife of Henry Anno was published in the Western Christian Advocate on December 31, 1847. The article states that Elizabeth moved to Kentucky with her parents in 1788, to Ohio with her husband in 1798, and to Illinois in 1835. There is a strong probability that John Anno and family also moved to Ohio in 1798.

By 1804 the Annos were living in Ross County, Ohio. The Scioto river runs from the Ohio river through Ross County, Ohio. Green Township where they lived is close to Chillicothe. Both John and Henry Anno are listed in the 1807 tax list for Green Township, Ross County, Ohio. John Anno and family may have lived elsewhere in Ohio from 1798 to 1804. It is approximately 70 miles from Mason County, Kentucky to Ross County, Ohio.

John Anno of Ross County purchased 85 acres of land in section 27 of Green Township from Samuel Arrowsmith of Champaign County, Ohio on April 11, 1810 for $200. On the same date, Henry Anno purchased 115 acres for $200 from Samuel Arrowsmith of Champaign County, Ohio. On August 28, 1834 John Anno of Ross County sold 85 acres to Thomas Anno, Henry Anno's son, for $950. This looks like the same farm that John purchased 24 years earlier.

The History of Ross and Highland Counties, Ohio published by the William Brothers in 1880 contain the following excerpts. In the year 1804, Rev. James Quinn, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, was by his own consent, transferred from the Baltimore conference to the Western conference, and stationed on the Hocking circuit. Green Township, Ross County, Ohio was included in this circuit. In that year, he gathered the people in the southeastern quarters of the township, together with others in the townships adjoining on the east and south, and formed the organization known as Bethel Methodist Episcopal church.

Meetings were held in a log cabin on the Arrowsmith property, section twenty-seven for the first few years, than in a schoolhouse, and than a log cabin was built. The log cabin was used until 1827, when it was torn down and a brick building erected in its place. Among the early members of the church were the Delays, Crouches, Annos, Arrowsmiths, Ritters, Hugh, Andrew Little, Samuel Little, Timothy Brown, John Beattie, the Bunns, Senffs, and others, who contributed to the formation and perpetuation of the society by their spiritual and temporal influence. In the graveyard adjoining the church repose the ashes of many of the early members.

In Ross County, Ohio, section thirty-five was settled by Samuel Little, who came about 1800, the Barnhart family, Thomas Wheeler, and Mr. Pyle, all of whom were early in Ross County. John Anno settled on the southwest corner of section twenty-seven, about 1810, and improved a lot, which he afterwards sold, and with his family removed north (Wyandot County). Wyandot County is about 100 miles north of Ross County. Henry Anno settled next north of John Anno , where he made a clearing, which he afterwards sold and removed to Illinois with his family. Samuel Arrowsmith joined Henry Anno on the east. He remained on this property until about 1840, when he sold and went to Illinois. John Ritter came at the same time, and located on the southeast corner of section twenty-seven. He remained on the farm until an old man, and died there. His son Richard bought the land, and also died there. Sarah Anno married Richard Ritter in Mason County, Kentucky. John and Richard Ritter were probably brothers.

John Anno lived in Green Township, Ross County, Ohio from at least 1804 until 1835. A list of letters left at the Chillicothe post office in April 1806 includes a John Anno. This list was in the Pioneer Ohio Newspapers 1793-1810, Genealogical and Historical Abstracts, by Karen Mauer Green, the Frontier Press, 1986. Henry and John Anno are listed on the Ross County tax lists from 1807 to 1818. Both families are listed in the 1820 and 1830 Federal Censuses for Green Township, Ross County, Ohio. John Anno is also listed in the 1835 Ohio duplicate tax lists. John sold his farm to Thomas Anno in 1834, but taxes are collected the following year.

The Arrowsmith-Kenton Family Record lists the children of John and Hannah as William, Samuel, Mary and Elizabeth. In 1820, there are six people living in the John Anno household. Two of the six people are farmers. John and his wife are listed as 45 years of age or older. This puts John and Hannah's birth before 1775. There is one male age 16 to 26 years born 1797 (after marriage) to 1804. This is probably William Anno. The second male is 10 to 16 years of age born 1804 to 1810, and this is probably Samuel. There are two females age 10-16 years born 1804 to 1810.

The following marriages took place in Ross County, Ohio. William Anno married Annah Bunn on August 29, 1827. Mary Anno married James Lyttle on May 18, 1829. Samuel Anno married Mary Ann Mitchell on June 16, 1831. Elizabeth Anno married William Brown on November 9, 1826.

In the 1830 Federal census a John Anno is living in Ross County, Ohio. He and his wife are listed as 50 to 60 years of age. This puts their birth between 1770 and 1775. There is one male 20-30 years of age, probably Samuel. There is one female 30 to 40 years of age, probably Elizabeth.

Hannah Anno died June 26, 1832 at 57 years of age, 6 months, 20 days. This puts her birth in January 1775. She is buried in the Bethel Cemetery, Ross County, Ohio. Also, buried in this cemetery is Samuel Arrowsmith 1741-1826, John Arrowsmith, Sr. 1782-1806, Mary Millard Arrowsmith 1806-1824, daughter of John and Rebecca, Richard Anno 1799-1817 son of Henry and Elizabeth, Nancy Bunn 1817-1838 daughter of Ezekial and Mary, Ezekial Bunn 1781-1834, Richard Ritter 1787-1843, and Ann M. wife of Richard Ritter, 1798-1855.

About 1835 John Anno moved from Ross County, Ohio to Wyandot County, Ohio. Wyandot County is about 100 miles north of Ross County. His sons William and Samuel Anno both owned land in Wyandot County. The estate of John Anno was probated in Wyandot County, Ohio in September 1845.

 

Contributed by: Skye Sonczalla-Driggs

Henry Bishop came to Ohio from Berkely county, VA., in 1805. A year later he purchased land in Huntington township, upon which he lived until his death in 1820, at the age of ninety-eight years. His son Robert, who was a lad of seventeen when he accompanied his father to Ohio, lived in Huntington until his death in 1875. Robert married Sarah Hill, a native of Maryland, who came to the county in 1807. They had a large family of children, of whom nine grew to maturity. Two of these remained in the township. Mr. Bishop was a sergeant in Captain Yoakem's company in the war of 1812.

State Centennial History of the County of Ross (Ohio) Vol.II (1902; reprint)

JOSEPH COCHRAN

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

 

Joseph Cochran, a farmer of Wea Township, was born in Ross County OH 08 Apr 1815. His paternal grandfather, who was of Scotch ancestry, moved from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, in Boone's time, thence to Ohio, where John Cochran, father of Joseph, was reared, and married to Mary Flood, a native of the State of Delaware, and probably of Irish descent. They lived in Ross County until their death, John Cochran dying in 1819, and his wife about 1880 at a very advanced age.
Joseph, our subject, was brought up in his native county, and in 1836 immigrated to Tippecanoe County IN, buying a quarter section of land the next year. The land was then partly fenced, and a small portion had been cultivated, and an old brick house was on the premises. In 1848 or 1849, Mr. Cochran put up his present brick residence, and has occupied the place of his first purchase up to the present time, prospering as a well managing farmer should. He has about 460 acres of land in several tracts. The grounds about the residence are tastefully set off with natural groves, which were mere patches of underbrush when Mr. Cochran first settled here, and all the improvements are of a handsome and substantial character. Having lived here for more than half a century Mr. Cochran is very prominently identified with the growth of the county.

He was married in this county in 1838 to Miss Maria Carr, a native of Fayette County OH, and daughter of William and Elizabeth Carr, who settled in Tippecanoe County during its primitive days on the land adjoining west of Mr. Cochran's present farm. They lived in this county until their death. Mrs. Cochran died in 1860, and was buried in the old Thorp graveyard.

Of the eleven childen born to Mr. and Mrs. Cochran the following seven are living: William, in Wea Township; Martha Jane, wife of Cornelius Callahan, of LaFayette; Jackson and David, residents of Wea Township; Elizabeth; Nettie, wife of Wilbert Holmes; and Dora, who married Stephen Brady and resides with her father. The deceased are: Charles, Mary and two who died in infancy unnamed. William was a soldier in the late war, serving in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Indiana Infantry. Since the war Mr. Cochran, the subject of the foregoing biography, has been a Republican.

Source:  Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pp.380-381
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

WILLIAM COCHRAN

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

William K. Cochran, deceased, was one of the early pioneers of Tippecanoe County IN, who located in Wea Township in the spring of 1826. He was born near Chillicothe, Ross County OH, 28 Aug 1807, a son of James Cochran, who was also a native of that state, of Scotch-Irish ancestry; he died 05 Sep 1836, aged fifty-eight years. The wife of James Cochran died 30 Sep 1837, aged fifty-four years and ten months.
William K. was nineteen years of age when he came to this county. His father entered a large tract of Government land on section 3, Wea Township, and this became the home of the family. When twenty-one years of age the subject of this sketch married Miss Rachel Stockton, a native of Ohio, who afterward died. His second marriage was to Miss Nancy A. Hummer, a native of Indiana. By this union were three sons and three daughters. Three of the children are now living, namely: Martha E., wife of L.M. Sanford, of Des Moines IA; Hugh B., and Nancy A., wife of H.A. Felton. Their mother died 11 Apr 1851, and Mr. Cochran, for his third wife, married Mrs. Emeline B. (Booth) Hummer, who was a native of New York, and is now residing at Leroy IL.

Mr. Cochran was a Republican in his political views, taking an active interest in public affairs; and in religious matters he was a worthy, consistent and active member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of LaFayette, having been elected at the organization of the church at that place.

He came to his death 30 Aug 1864 by his team running away and throwing him out of the wagon while on his way to LaFayette.

Source:  Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pp. 394-395
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888
 

NANCY CUNNINGHAM
1798 - 1881

Written and contributed by: Larry Cornwell

Nancy Cunningham was born Dec 27, 1798 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and died on Jan 14, 1881 in Ross County, Ohio at the age of 82.

She married James Elder Kerr, Sr. on Aug 6, 1816 in Ross County, Ohio. He was born Nov 4, 1786 and died Feb 21, 1870 at the age of 83. He was the son of Robert Kerr and Agnes Elder.

The history of Buckskin Township, Ross County, as outlined in a history of Ross County written in 1880, reflects that "James Kerr married one of Robert Cunningham's daughters and lived north of Lyndon Station in Buckskin Township."

The 1870 Census for Greenland, Buckskin Township, Ross County, Ohio (roll 1262 or 1263, typed page 428, page 5 in pen), reflects Nancy Kerr, born in Pennsylvania, age 72, as head of household containing the following members: Jeremiah, 27, Robert Lewis, 15, and Stuard Wesley, 27. Her occupation was housekeeper, Jeremiah's was farmer, Robert's was domestic servant, and Stuard's was farm laborer. Her real estate was valued at $14,000.

The 1880 Census for Buckskin Township, Ross County, Ohio (roll 1062, page 44), reflects Nancy Kerr as a member of the Jerry A. Kerr household. Her age is shown as 82, relationship as mother, and profession as boarder. Both her parents were shown as being born in Ireland.

Her obituary reads:

Jan. 14, 1881, Nancy Kerr, widow of the late James Elder Kerr, aged 82 years and 18 days.
Nancy Kerr's maiden name was Cunningham. When near two years old her parents emigrated to Ohio from Huntingdon Co., Pa. In early life she united with the Presbyterian Church of South Salem, O. On Aug. 6, 1816, she was married to James Elder Kerr. During nearly forty years of their married life, which lasted up to 1871, she and her husband were members of the Greenfield Presbyterian Church. During the remainder, and since her husband's death, she was a member of the Pisgah Church. 'Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.'

She was buried next to her husband's grave in the cemetery now known as the old burying ground in Madison Township, Greenfield, Ohio. Her tombstone reads, "Nancy wife of James E. Kerr died Jan 14, 1881 aged 82 yrs 18 days."

The children of Nancy Cunningham and James Elder Kerr, Sr. are listed under James Elder Kerr, Sr.
 

ROBERT CUNNINGHAM
1761-1829

Written and contributed by: Larry Cornwell

Robert Cunningham was born in 1761 in Ireland and died Jul 15, 1828 around the age of 67.
His wife was Nancy (Agnes) Ross. She was born in Feb, 1757 in Ireland and died on Aug 5, 1841 at the age of 84. She was the daughter of Robert Ross.

According to the obituary of Robert's daughter Nancy, "when near two years old (or 1796) her parents emigrated to Ohio from Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania."

Robert Cunningham moved into South Salem, Buckskin Township, Ross County, Ohio in 1806. He and his wife were admitted to the South Salem Presbyterian Church on Aug 11, 1811. The history of that church (1801 to 1901) states that "His daughter was married to Mr. James Kerr, the father of Rev. Samuel C. Kerr and ancestor of other excellent people in the Pisgah church."

The 1820 Census for Buckskin Township, Ross County Ohio, recorded on roll 92, page 311, reflects Robert Cunningham as head of household containing the following: one male aged 26 to 44, one male 45 or older (Robert was 70), one female aged 16 to 25, one female aged 26 to 44, and one female 45 or older (Agnes was 83). The household also contained two free colored males under 14.

Robert Cunningham wrote his will on June 1, 1821.

On Aug 2, 1829, the following document was filed. [Will probated.]

The 1840 Census for Buckskin Township, Ross County, Ohio, recorded on roll 424, page 383, records Samuel Cunningham as head of household, neighbors to the Wallace and Hixson families. This household consisted of one male 50 to 59, one female 30 to 39, one female 50 to 59, and one female 80 to 89. This likely was Nancy, age 83.

Robert Cunningham and his wife Nancy (Agnes) Ross had the following children:

i Jeremiah, b. ca. 1780, m. 1st, Martha Spencer ca. 1800; 2nd, Eleanor Bowers on Jul 7, 1807, d. Apr 24, 1839 at age 59

ii Rebecca, b. ca. 1781, unm. in 1821, d. Oct 9, 1851 at age 70

iii Margaret, b. ca. 1784, m. -- Hixon, d. Jan 17, 1808 at age 24

iv Samuel, b. Oct 1787, d. Jun 9, 1845

*v Nancy, b. Dec 27, 1798, m. James Elder Kerr, Sr. on Aug 6, 1816, d. Jan 14, 1881

vi Hannah, b. 1800, m. John Dean, d. Apr 19, 1828

vii Catherine, b. Sep 15, 1802, m. Alexander B. Grier on Mar 23, 1857, d. Jun 20, 1882

 

CALVIN DILL

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

Calvin Dill is one of the well-known citizens of Perry Township, and a representative of one of the old and respected pioneer families of Tippecanoe County [Indiana]. He is a native of Ohio, born in Ross County, February 23, 1829, the youngest in a family of seven children. His father, Robert Dill, was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1785, a son of Thomas Dill. The Dill family are of Scotch and Irish origin, some of the members coming to America in an early day, and participated in the war of the Revolution. When Robert Dill was a lad of thirteen years his parents removed to Kentucky, and about four years later went to Ross County, Ohio, Thomas Dill making his home in that State until his death. Robert Dill was married in Franklin County, Ohio, near Columbus, December 13, 1810, to Miss Martha G. Harrison, who was born in New Jersey, October 22, 1787. Of their seven children, but three are now living: Thomas, the eldest, was born October 11, 1811, and is now a resident of Cass County, Indiana; William H.,who now lives in Nebraska, was born February 13, 1815; and Calvin, the subject of this sketch. Rebecca, who was born March 27, 1817, and Charlotte, who was born November 30, 1824, died after reaching maturity; Robert was born November 9, 1819, and died October 18, 1826; and Eleanor was born March 22, 1822, and died October 22, 1826.
Robert Dill came with his family to Tippecanoe County in 1829, and entered a tract of Government land in Perry Township, out of which he made a homestead, living there until his death, which occurred May 8, 1855. His wife died January 18, 1840. He was a man of great industry and energy and a highly respected citizen. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. In politics he was an old line Whig. Both he and his wife were faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian church.

Calvin Dill, whose name heads this sketch, was but a few months old when his parents settled in this county, and his home has always been in Perry Township. He now owns and occupies the old homestead, where he played in his childhood, and where he grew to manhood. Here he has lived for a period of fifty-eight years, and has witnessed the surrounding country change from a wilderness to its present prosperous condition. He is classed among the enterprising and progressive farmers of his township, and is respected by all who know him. He is the owner of 355 acres of choice land, 160 acres being the old homestead. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Dayton Lodge, No. 103. Mrs. Dill was formerly Miss Elizabeth Ghere, and is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Dauphin County in the year 1832. She is a daughter of David Ghere, who settled in Clinton County, Indiana, in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Dill have had born to them nine children, two of whom died in infancy. The names of their children who yet survive are--Martha G., Laura, Edwin S., Emma F., Marietta, Robert H. and Wallace C.

Source:  Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pp. 498-499
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

JAMES EARL

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

James Earl, deceased, formerly a resident of Wea Township, was born in June 1795, on the eastern shore of Maryland, and while a young child his mother died. At the age of nine years he came with his father, Thomas Earl, to Ohio, moving in a cart drawn by four horses‹one in the shaft, two in front of it and one in the lead. Descending mountains, they had to hitch a tree to the wagon for a rub lock. In Ohio they settled near Chillicothe, Ross County, when that county was comparatively new, the father entering land there. He, however, was a weaver by trade. He lived there the remainder of his life, dying at the age of eighty three years, still young in his movements and with the hair of his head as black as a raven. He was of English ancestry.

James Earl, the subject of our sketch, grew to manhood in Ross County, where he married [31 Dec 1816] Mary A. Adams, who had been reared in that county, though probably born near Cincinnati. From Ross County they removed to Seneca County, same state, and after seven years residence there removed to Tippecanoe County, in 1831, coming by team, and settling upon a tract of 211 acres adjoining Wildcat Prairie, purchased by Mr. Earl the year before of John I. Davison, in what was then Fairfield, but now Wea Township. They had intended to come in the spring of that year, but were delayed by sickness and postponed their journey till October. They were on the way twenty-one days, eighteen days of which time they had almost constant rain--on only three days could they see the sun. In a slough on Twelve Mile Prairie the ground was so soft that the horses sank down, carrying down with then under the water one of the boys who was riding him, and it was with considerable difficulty that they rescued themselves from this disagreeable situation. The prairie portion of the land upon which Mr. Earl located was fenced and broken. The farm was improved by him until 1840 when he removed upon an adjoining farm, on account of malaria from the low ground in the original purchase. In 1838 the sickness prevailing in this section of the country surpassed every epidemic that has visited it. There was not a sufficient number of well persons to take care of the sick. Mr. Earl was a successful farmer and stock-raiser, excelling in the latter capacity. In his political views he was an old-line Whig, and later a Republican, and was an active man in public affairs. He was more than once put forward by his party for public office. In one campaign he was a Whig nominee for judge, but not being anxious for the office he made no personal effort for his election. In 1838-1839 he was a Representative to the Legislature. He had been keeper of the poor house in Ross County, Ohio, four years, and frequently remarked that the two best days' work he ever did was when he went into that poor house and when he came out. In religious connections he was an active Presbyterian, belonging to Dayton congregation, of which his wife was also a member. He died in February 1864, his wife surviving him four years. Both were buried in the cemetery on the Black farm in Wea Township.

Thomas Earl, third son and fifth child in the above family, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, 07 Jan 1826, and has lived in Tippecanoe County since five years of age. He received his education in an old-fashioned hewed-log school house, where sixty scholars would sometimes be in attendance at once, and half of them would have to pass the day without an opportunity of reciting. He was brought up to farm life, and remained with his parents until his marriage, 16 Apr 1850, when he commenced housekeeping on a farm he had received from his father, on section 21, Wea Township, on the banks of the Wea, where he has since resided and where he had made most of the present buildings and other improvements. When he came here the place had on it an old unfinished farm house, the oldest in the county. After occupying it ten years he built his present handsome residence. Mr. Earl is a Republican in his political views; has served as supervisor, and was once elected justice of the peace, but declined to take the office. He has been delegate to county conventions several times. At present he has 316 acres of land, all but fifty acres of timber land located on Wea Creek being under cultivation. Mrs. Earl was formerly Sarah Ann Culver, and is a native of Ohio, born near Middletown. Her father, Michael Culver, removed to this county shortly before 1840, and resided here until his death. Her mother is also deceased. Both were buried in Dayton cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Earl have had three children ­ Edward W., deceased; Frank C., and Melville W., residing with their parents. Frank C. married Virginia Taylor, who died leaving one child, named Edward.

Source: Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pg. 655-656
Kingman Brothers, 1878

 

JOHANN ADAM EBENHACK

Written and contributed by: Charles Weidinger

JOHANN ADAM EBENHACK was born in Kandorf, Upper Franconia, Bavaria, on 06 Feb 1799, at the close of the Hapsburg Empire. His family were show horsemen and farmers. Married about 1820, his wife remains unknown. He brought his grown family save his wife and one son from the Port of Bremen to Ross County, Ohio, in 1854, likely to join an old family acquaintance or relative from Bavaria, Robert ZUHRMELEY, who owned land in northern Union Township. A portion of the original ZUHRMELEY farm still operates today, known as "Z-Acres." With them, they brought Anna Catherine Crouse, who later married John HENRY, and settled in the town of Yellow Bud.

Note: While Johann Adam EBENHACK and all but four of his sons are not related to me, those four became 2nd great uncles as a result of their marriage to DISTLER sisters. It was because Anna K. DISTLER's sisters lived in Ross County that Johann Tobias WEIDINGER and his wife chose this area as their settling point when they fled Germany in 1860.

Johann Adam EBENHACK made the trip with the following children and for those who were married, their wives, as stated:



Elizabeth Barbara EBENHACK (1823-1909)
Married Johann Albright in Ross County.

Unknown son (c. 1830)

Johann Georg EBENHACK (1829-1900)
Married Elizabeth Barbara DISTLER in Bavaria in 1854.

Andreas EBENHACK (1832-1913)
Married Maria Van Flech 03 Apr 1856 in Ross County.
This family is buried at Springbank Cemetery under the
names "Andrew and Maria Flea EBENHACK (d. 1931).

Georg EBENHACK (1833-1914)
Married Joanna Kunigunde DISTLER in Bavaria in 1852.

Johann Conrad EBENHACK (1838-1901)
Married Katherina DOERRES 29 Jan 1866 in Ross County.

Johann George EBENHACK (1844-c. 1914)
Married Margaret Anna DISTLER on 06 Apr 1863 in Chillicothe.


Note: The arrival of Margaret Anna DISTLER in Ross County is part of a complex story. In short, the parents of my great-great grandmother, Anna K. DISTLER and her sisters, Johann and Anna K. SEBALD DISTLER, traveled to America in 1870 at rather advanced ages. They brought their remaining daughter with them, and later died in Ross County, sometime before the 1880 Federal Census.

About 1857, Johann Adam EBENHACK bought a section of land from Robert ZUHRMELEY. On 06 Nov 1867, he died as the result of injuries received from a fall from his horse. I tried for several years to find his grave site, to no avail. Even Mr. Robert Cassari, Correspondence Secretary of the Ross County Genealogical Society, guessed that he was buried on the family farm. While this may be so, there is more than an equal possibility that he was buried at the old Western Methodist Cemetery in Chillicothe, which was nearly destroyed about 1900 to make way for a new hospital. A reading of my biography of Johann Ulrich ALBRECHT will reveal what happened to his grave, and likely that of many, many other pioneers of Ross County.

In his will, Johann Adam EBENHACK left "all real estate and rest of the estate" to his son, then known as John George EBENHACK, and his wife, Margaret Anna DISTLER. He also left a stipend of $50 to George EBENHACK, "the younger."

As one drives south along U.S. Route 104, a right turn onto Lutz Road will reveal a narrow road leading to the north. It is EBENHACK ROAD.

 

Henry Ely, deceased, was born in Berks County PA 18 Dec 1797, a son of Henry and Ann Maria (Apple) Ely, who were natives of Germany. His mother died when he was a lad of nine years, and his father subsequently married again. Unable to endure the treatment of his stepmother, he left his home, and soon made his way into Ohio, and in 1825 he left that state for Tippecanoe County IN.

The following year he married Miss Mary Isley, who was born in Montgomery County OH 09 Jul 1810, a daughter of Daniel Isley, with whom Mr. Ely came to Indiana. He shortly after settled on a heavily timbered quarter section of land in Fairfield Township, which he improved and lived on until his death, which occurred of heart disease 07 May 1864. He was a man highly esteemed throughout the community in which he lived, and was ever noted for honesty and uprightness of character.

In early life he was a member of the Lutheran church, but on coming to this county he found no church of his choice, and became connected with the United Brethren, and later became a member of the Christian church, and died in that faith.

Mrs. Ely died 10 Jul 1887 of paralysis, after a lingering illness. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ely will long be remembered for their Christian and benevolent virtues.

Of their eleven children ten are still living, eight being residents of Tippecanoe County. The names of their children are as follows: John, Catherine, Philip, Henry, Mary Ann, Sarah Abigail, Susan, Daniel, Jonas, Maria Jane and Jacob E.

Daniel Isley, the father of Mrs. Ely, was born in one of the Carolinas of English parentage, but reared in Tennessee. He was married in Ohio, to Catherine Schnepp, a lady of German ancestry, and in the fall of 1825 settled in Tippecanoe County IN.

Daniel Ely, son of Henry Ely, is one of the substantial men of Fairfield Township, and one of its most respected citizens. He was born on the old homestead of his father, where he has always lived, the date of his birth being 28 Sep 1844. He was united in marriage to Miss Letitia Dumm, a native of Ohio, born in Ross County 05 Nov 1847, and to them have been born six children, of whom five yet survive: Jacob S., Miles W., Anna May, Sarah E. and Grace G. A daughter named Mary C. died aged six months. John Dumm, the father of Mrs. Daniel Ely, was a native of Pennsylvania, but reared from his twelfth year in Ohio, and was married in that state to Sarah McCabe. They came to Tippecanoe County IN about 1852, and settled in Perry Township, living there until their death. Mr. Dumm was a Lutheran in his religious faith, his wife being a member of the United Brethren church.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pp. 385-386
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Contributed by: Skye Sonczalla-Driggs

James Finley and family emigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1811. They landed in New England, whence they continued their migration until finally reaching Huntington township a few years later. The family consisted of seven children. Isaac J. Finley was probably the best known of their descendants. He was for many years a justice of the peace in Huntington township, and held other positions of trust and responsibility. He was a carpenter by trade, a vocation which be followed in early life. In 1868 he was a member of the Ohio legislature from Ross county, serving one term. The Pioneer Record of Ross County appeared in 1871, as the product of Isaac J. Finley and Rufus Putnam. Though it contains less than a hundred and fifty octavo pages, it nevertheless records much valuable pioneer history, which should have been lost but for its timely appearance in this little volume. Other members of the Finley family were prominent in the early days in Huntington. William was a soldier through the Mexican war. He died of cholera in Cincinnati. Moses was township treasurer of Huntington for many years. John, who married Mary Wentworth, died in 1858. These were the parents of Isaac J., mentioned above.

State Centennial History of the County of Ross (Ohio) Vol.II (1902; reprint)

Herein is given a view of the Cave of the Scioto Hermit and the following account:

About eleven miles south of Chillicothe, on the turnpike road to Portsmouth, is the cave of the hermit of the Scioto. When built, many years ago, it was in the wilderness, the road having since been laid out by it. It is a rude structure, formed by successive layers of stone, under a shelving rock, which serves as a back and roof.

Over it is a monument, bearing the following inscription:

But little is known of the history of the hermit. He was, it is said, a Virginian, and married early in life into a family of respectability. Returning one night from a journey, he had ocular proof of the infidelity of his wife, killed her paramour, and instantly fled to the woods, never to return or associate with mankind. He eventually settled in the Scioto Valley and built this cave, where he passed a solitary life, his rifle furnishing him with provisions and clothing, which consisted of skins of animals. As the country gradually filled up he became an object of curiosity to the settlers. He was mild and inoffensive in his address, avoided companionship with those around, and if any allusion was made to his history, he evaded the subject. Occasionally he visited Chillicothe, to exchange the skins of his game for ammunition, when his singular appearance attracted observation. In person, he was large and muscular; the whole of his dress from his cap to his moccasins, was of deerskin; his beard was long and unshaven, and his eye wild and piercing. In passing from place to place, he walked in the street to prevent encountering his fellow-men. Many anecdotes are related of him.

He planted an orchard on government land, which afterwards became the property of a settler; but so sensitive was he in regard to the rights of others, that he would no pluck any of the fruit without first asking liberty of the legal owner. While sitting concealed in the recesses of the forest, he once observed a teamster deliberately cut down and carry off some fine venison he had placed to dry on a limb of a tree before him, and as he came up, hr suddenly sprang from behind some bushes beside the road, and presenting his rifle to his bosom, with fierce and determined manner bade him instantly return and replace the venison. The man tremblingly obeyed, receiving the admonition, "Never again to rob the hermit." A physician riding by stopped to gratify the curiosity of his companions. He found the hermit ill, administered medicine, visited him often, gratuitously during his illness, and effected a cure. The hermit ever after evinced the warmest gratitude.

In the above account, William Hewitt is stated to have refused to associate with mankind, a result of the infidelity of his wife and killing of her paramour. This fact was related by the hermit to the father of Colonel John McDonald. Honorable James Emmitt, who knew Hewitt intimately, states that the cause of his solitary life was a quarrel with other members of his family over the disposition of his father's estate. Disgusted by the avariciousness of his relatives, he sought the solitude of the Western wilderness. This occurred about 1790, when Hewitt was twenty-six years old. He first located in a cave in what is now Jackson County, Ohio, but as the game upon which he subsisted began to grow scarce with the advent of the settler and trader, he removed into what is now Pike County.

Mr. Emmitt gives many interesting reminiscences of Hewitt, from which we extract the following:

THE HERMITS CAVE -- Almost at the base of the Dividing Ridge's gentle slope to the southward, he found a cave in a lowly hillside, This cave was nothing more than a great ledge of rock, projecting out eight or ten feet over a shelving bank, and forming a one-sided room of fair dimensions. The rock-ceiling was so low, however, that at no point could a man of ordinary stature stand erect. He enclosed the cave's open front with a loosely laid up wall of rock. At one end of the cave, he erected a heavy oaken door, which he had hewn out with his little tomahawk. This door was swung on very clumsy wooden hinges, and was fastened by driving a peg through its outer board and into a crevice in the rocky wall.

A MAGNIFICENT PHYSIQUE -- When Hewitt first came into this section, and took possession of his cave, he was a splendid specimen of a man. He was six feet two inches in height, broad and deep-chested and as straight as a nickel-tipped lightning rod. He weighed something over 200 pounds and was as strong and active as a gladiator. Clad from head to foot in buckskin, -- moccasins, leggins, hunting shirt, belt and hat -- and always armed with gun, tomahawk and knife, Hewitt, the hermit, was a very picturesque citizen to suddenly meet in the woods.

AN OHIO ROBINSON CRUSOE -- When he took possession of his cave, be it remembered, there were very few people in this section, and the only road traversing this country from north to south, was known as Yoakum's Trace. It was merely a wagon trail, and passed Hewitt's cave at a point about 100 yards distant from the present curve-beautified turnpike [now U.S. Route 23]. When the travellers up and down Yoakum's Trace first became aware of the fact that there was a sort of buckskin-clad Robinson Crusoe skulking about the woods, armed to the teeth, they were much alarmed, and their alarm was heightened when it became evident that the Recluse of Dividing Ridge didn't seek their company. But this fear gradually diminished as they became more familiar with his appearance and manners, and managed to strike up an acquaintance with him. There was this peculiarity about Hewitt, while he never sought any man's company, he never acted the fool about meeting people, when a meeting was unavoidable. When brought into contact with his fellow-man, he always bore himself with striking native dignity; rather with the air of a man who felt himself to be a trifle superior to the ordinary run of citizens.

THE HERMIT'S ANTECEDENTS -- One day in 1832, Mr. Emmitt, while at the Madeira Hotel in Chillicothe, was accosted by a gentleman who introduced himself, and said that he was from Virginia. He came to Ohio, he said, to look up a man named William Hewitt, who years before had disappeared from his Virginia home, and had been lost to the knowledge of his friends until a few months before.

Mr. Emmitt heard the story of Hewitt's flight from home -- related above -- and then proffered to accompany the stranger to the cave, knocked, and were bidden to enter. They found Hewitt comfortably seated on his fur-carpeted floor. He did not get up to receive his visitors, but in a friendly way made them welcome. He did not at first recognize the stranger, but when told who he was he said:

"How are you, Bill," as though it had only been yesterday that they had met.

The stranger sought Hewitt to acquaint him with the condition of his property back in Virginia, and how it had been abused by those who then had unlawful possession of it. Hewitt heard him through, with but little show of interest, and when urged by the stranger to return and claim his property, he answered, with some vehemence: "Never mind; I'm going back some of these days, and then I'll give 'em hell." He didn't seem to care anything about the value of his property, toward those on whose account he had renounced civilization and home. The stranger went back to Virginia, a dissatisfied and rather disgusted man.

A PITIABLE CONDITION -- Hewitt, as he grew old, became very careless in his personal habits, and for two years preceding his death never changed his buckskin garments. He had grown fat and lazy, and made no exertion that was not a necessity. And as he grew old, he became more sociable. One day, in the winter of 1834, he stopped at the house of a widow woman, named Lockhard, with whom he ate a hearty dinner.

After dinner he was taken violently ill with a chill. Mr. Emmitt, who was then one of the Poor Commissioners of Pike County, was notified of Hewitt's illness, and he had the old man removed to a frame building in Waverly. Dr. Blackstone was summoned and gave the man needed medical assistance. The Hermit was stricken with pneumonia.

His person was in absolutely filthy condition. The dirty buckskin garments were cut from his person, and he was given a thorough bath -- the first he had had for three years or longer. He was newly and comfortably clothed by Mr. Emmitt, was provided with a male nurse, and made as comfortable as possible. The ladies of Waverly were very kind to him, and daily brought him many delicacies. He began to improve, and one night, about a week after he was taken ill, his nurse, a man named Cole, left him alone, and went up to Downing's Hotel to spend the night. When he returned in the morning, Hewitt was dead.

THE HERMIT'S SKELETON -- Hewitt was buried in the old graveyard at Waverly, about one square southeast of the courthouse. But he was not allowed to remain long in his grave. He was resurrected by Dr. Wm. Blackstone, and carved up in artistic shape. A portion of Hewitt's skeleton -- the entire skull, and the bones composing the chest, ribs and backbone -- was mounted by Dr. Blackstone. No one knew what became of the remainder of the skeleton until 1883, when they came to light in a most unexpected way. One day, while some of Mr. Emmitt's workmen were digging a cellarway to a house he owned, adjoining what had been Dr. Blackstone's office, they came upon a pile of bones, buried four feet below the surface of the ground, and close to the stone foundation wall. The bones were evidently those of a victim of the Doctor's dissecting-table, and Mr. Emmitt promptly concluded that they were a portion of Hewitt's skeleton. This opinion found its way into print, and a few days later he received a letter from Dr. Blackstone, of Circleville, making inquiry about the discovered bones. He said that he was in possession of what he believed to be the other portion of Hewitt's frame, bequeathed to him by his uncle, Dr. Wm. Blackstone. Mr. Emmitt boxed and sent him the bones, and they exactly fitted the upper half of the skeleton in Dr. Blackstone's possession. This was a remarkable reunion of bones after a separation of a half-century.

HEWITT'S MONUMENT -- The Columbus & Portsmouth turnpike [now U.S. Route 23] was built past the mouth of Hewitt's cave in 1840, and in 1842, Mr. Felix Renick, the first President of the company, had a respectable freestone monument erected on the shelving rock forming the roof to the cave, to mark the gruesome home that Hewitt occupied from 1820 to 1834. The erection of this monument was a wise, money-making scheme, and has paid for itself a hundred times over. Thousands of people have driven up or down that pike -- and paid their toll both ways -- in order to see the monument, and the cave where the old Hermit lived, slept on a bed of finest deerskin, ate his choice venison, and laughed at the cares of the struggling feverish world. He always ate his pawpaws in peace.

Note: The monument which stood at the entrance of Scioto Trail Forest on U.S. Route 23 was relocated in 2002.

In August, the Scioto Trail Forestry, ODOT, and Scioto Trail State Park came together and decided to relocate the monument due to several reasons: it was in a place where it was not easily accessible for viewing by the public; it was a possible road hazard and considered unsafe by ODOT due to the fact it weighed around 8,000 pounds; and it was getting struck by objects thrown from road traffic. Thus it was relocated to Scioto Trail State Park Campground beside the historic log church. Here it is protected from road traffic and in an easily-accessible area. The park has added old pictures which they enlarged and framed for display inside the log building, along with a booklet on the hermit for the public to view, and now has a regular weekly program during the summer season which tells the history of the hermit, along with the old log church.

Source: Historical Collections of Ohio in Two Volumes, Henry Howe, LL.D. C.J.Krehbiel & Co., Printers and Binders, Cincinnati OH
(© 1888, Henry Howe)
Annotations, illuminations and complimentary material by Allen Richmond
© 1999 Allen Richmond, all rights reserved.

ABSALOM HOFFMAN

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

Absalom Hoffman, who has been identified with the interests of Tippecanoe County IN many years, was born in Ross County OH 20 Jan 1815, a son of Jonas Hoffman, who was a native of Kentucky, and an early settler of Ross County.
Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits until fourteen years of age when he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed several years.

He was married 08 Nov 1840 to Miss Nancy Conrad, a daughter of Joseph Conrad, deceased, and of the eleven children born to this union eight still survive: Martin A., who was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion; William, David, Owen, Edward, Sophia, Mary and Easter. Two sons, named Silas J. and Absalom, died after reaching maturity.

Mr. Hoffman came with his family to this county in the fall of 1840, and settled on section 28, Lauramie Township, where he has since made his home. His land when he settled on it was almost entirely unimproved, but by hard work he has brought his farm under a fine state of cultivation. He has hauled much grain to LaFayette, and one time took a load of corn there which he sold for 12-1/2 cents a bushel, receiving for the load just 75 cents less than he was paid for hauling a load of pork for another party the same year. He sold wheat there for 30 and 35 cents per bushel, receiving his pay in trade. He received $35 for a horse; sold cows for $6 each, and calves for $1. He bought eighty acres of land at one time, paying for the same but $40. He has met with success in his agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of a fine farm of 116 acres. In connection with his general farming, he devotes some attention to stock-raising. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and among the respected citizens of Lauramie Township.

Source: Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pp. 524-527
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

Written and contributed by: Charles Weidinger, fourth great-grandson of Benjamin Hill

BENJAMIN SHAUGH HILL was born on his father Robert Hill's farm on 04 Nov 1753. This land was then part of a large estate called Carroll's Manor in Frederick County MD. On 05 Sep 1788, Benjamin married Sarah Scaggs at Apple's Reformed Lutheran Church in the town of Thurmont, ten miles east of Hagerstown.

When my third great-grandfather, John Benjamin Hill, was christened in 1786, the godfather was one John Balfield, who owned land in both Frederick County MD and in Scioto Township, Ross County OH. Balfield later played an important role in the Hill family move to Ohio in 1807. After their sixth child was born, a baby girl named Dorcas in 1793, Sarah Scaggs Hill died, and was likely buried on the family farm.

During the period from about 1796 to 1806, a series of letters held at post offices at both Hagerstown and Frederick MD, showed that a writing courtship was taking place between Benjamin S. Hill and Sarah Scaggs Hill's widowed sister, Elizabeth Scaggs Compton. Benjamin and Elizabeth were married on 30 Sep 1806 in the town of Frederick.

In the spring of 1807, Benjamin Shaugh Hill took his entire family and unspecified others down Zane's Trace by horse cart and flat boat from Maryland to near Chillicothe. I believe the family settled down on a farm owned by John Balfield in Scioto Township for a period of about seven years. Shortly after they arrived, on 16 Jul 1807, Dorcas Hill married Robert Bishop (Bischoff) of Martinsburg VA (later WV), and settled atop a high hill above the little village of Bourneville in Twin Township. This marriage generated a near-dynasty of the Bishop family at their estate, including a church, called Bishop's Hill.

On 22 Feb 1814, Benjamin S. Hill purchased a large tract of land (Plat No. 6837) in Deerfield Township from Henry Massie, son of Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Massie. The Massie family had been granted huge tracts in both Ross and Pickaway Counties by the federal government for their service in the war. By 1819, some of this land had been deeded to Benjamin's son, Robert Hill. In 1825, a portion was sold to his son John Benjamin Hill.

On 28 Apr 1828, the following article appeared in the Scioto Gazette, published in Chillicothe:

"Died on the 15th inst., Mrs. E. Hill, a respectable and pious lady of the county."

Elizabeth's burial site has not been located. Following her death, Benjamin Shaugh Hill left Ross County, and moved onto his son William's farm in Pleasant Township, Fairfield County, north of Lancaster. He died there on 7 Dec 1831, and was buried at the McNamee-Hite family cemetery, near the town of Thurston. His grave stone remains visible against a fence at that site today. In part, this stone reads:

Do Not Cry for Me,
Nor shed your tears in vain,
My face you will not see,
Till called to Rise Again.

JOHN BENJAMIN HILL

Contributed by: Charles Weidinger

JOHN BENJAMIN HILL, my paternal third great-grandfather, was born in Frederick Co MD on 05 Nov 1786, the son of Benjamin Shaugh HILL and Sarah SCAGGS. Following birth of their youngest child, Dorcas HILL, in 1793, Sarah SCAGGS HILL passed away.
Benjamin, his second wife Elizabeth Scaggs COMPTON (widow, and Sarah's sister), and family traveled Zane's Trace to near Chillicothe. In 1814, Benjamin purchased a tract of land in Deerfield Twp from Nathaniel Massie, and settled into farming there.

On 13 July 1809, John Benjamin HILL married Kitturiah BOADLEY, whose surname appears only in Ross Co marriage records, and remains a mystery.

In 1822, John moved his growing family onto a farm about three miles east of New Holland, Pickaway Co. Of their children, only one was born in Ross Co. He was Samuel HILL (1818-1897), the subject of a separate biography.

Other children were: William HILL, who (according to his brother, Samuel) died in US Army service in 1843; Sarah A. HILL (Unknown); Mahala HILL (m. John EVANS); Elizabeth HILL (m. John PENNIWELL); and John Fletcher HILL (m. Mary KEARNY of Deerfield Twp).

John F. HILL was a heroic and wounded member of Co. K., 89th OVI, during the Civil War. His biography will also appear at this site.

John Benjamin HILL was both farmer and teacher, having taught basic reading, writing and arithmetic in schools in the New Holland area. He died on his farm on 6 Sep 1842, and was buried at the old Cedar Grove (Grimes) Cemetery on Judas Road (off Egypt Pike), south of New Holland. His wife Kitturiah BOADLEY died on 23 Nov 1855, and was buried beside her husband. Amazingly, both their headstones exist at the cemetery site, and are mostly readable today.

Mahala Hill EVANS is also buried at Cedar Grove, as is Dorcas Hill GODFREY, daughter of Benjamin Shaugh HILL, the widow of Elisha GODFREY.

Benjamin Shaugh HILL's wife, Elizabeth, died in Deerfield Twp in 1828, whereupon Benjamin relocated to his son William's farm in Pleasant Twp, Fairfield Co. He died there on 07 Dec 1831, and was buried in the McNamee-Hite Cemetery. His gravestone is also readable today.

 

EVAN JONES

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

Evan Jones, a representative of one of the old and respected families of Tippecanoe County [Indiana], resides on section 10, Jackson Township, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was born where he now lives, May 24, 1853, a son of Dr. Stephen and Sidney (Boggs) Jones. He was reared on the home farm which he now owns and occupies, and which contains 320 acres of well-improved land, under a fine state of cultivation. He devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, making a specialty of short-horn cattle, and Norman and English shire horses and has at present three fine imported stallions.

The father of our subject was born in Ashby, Massachusetts, January 29, 1818, and was reared on his father's farm until reaching the age of seventeen years, when he entered an academy as a student. In 1838 he entered the Medical department of Harvard University, from which he graduated in 1842. After his graduation he went immediately to Mudge, New Hampshire, and there formed a partnership with Dr. Shurtleff, with whom he was associated in the practice of medicine in that rough country for three years. Thinking to better his fortune in the then far West, he, in 1845, bade farewell to his native land, and traveled by rail and stage to Albany, thence by canal to Buffalo and from there by steamboat to Cleveland, where he again took the stage for Chillicothe, Ohio. He located at the latter point, and became one of the most extensive and prominent practitioners in the Scioto Valley. He was married in Chillicothe, May 1, 1849, to Miss Sidney Boggs, and to them were born five children, named Edgar T., Sallie M., Evan (the subject of this sketch), Lydia and Charles. Edgar married Fannie Sloan, who died leaving two children, named Helen and Francis. Salli E is the wife of Dr. J.C. Webster, of Lafayette. Evan married Clara Kendle, and to them was born one son, Stephen, who is now deceased. Lydia is the wife of C.M. Lang, of Lafayette, and they are the parents of four children named Clara, Sidney, Charles and Fannie. Charles, who lived in Union Township, married Effie Cowan, and they have three children, named Charles, Stephen and Mary.

Dr. Jones came to Tippecanoe County, in 1852, and settled on the land now occupied by the subject of this sketch, and here he engaged in farming and stock-raising. He acquired a large property, and at his death, which occurred January 2, 1879, he left his family in comfortable circumstances. His widow survived until January 2, 1883, dying at the age of sixty-three years.

Source: Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pp. 605-606 Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

MARK JONES

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

MARK JONES

Mr. Jones was born in Kanawha County [W]VA 14 Jan 1814. He is the son of William and Elizabeth (Jarrett) Jones. During his boyhood he enjoyed no educational advantages beyond those offered by the subscription schools of his neighborhood, whose teachers were generally men of imperfect attainments, and scarcely qualified to impart a knowledge of the rudiments of an education; but , possessed of a naturally bright intellect, and a desire to acquire knowledge, the faint glimpses of learning here received only heightened his ambition to acquire more; and thus every spare moment was employed in conning the contents of some volume placed within his reach.

From early youth, his inclination was toward the study of law; and, although uncertain as to how his purpose should be accomplished, he was still firm in his resolve that it should be so.

Until 21 years of age, his time was employed on his father's farm, where, in the discharge of his daily duties, little opportunity was afforded him for the pursuit of his studies, and thus he did not begin the study of his chosen profession until later years.

While yet a child, he removed with his father's family to Cincinnati OH, floating down the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers in a flat-boat. From Cincinnati, the family removed to Wayne Co IN, where they continued to reside until 1824. In that year, the father again moved his family, this time locating in Tippecanoe Co.

Here, in a new and sparsely settled country, young Mark had much to discourage him in his pursuit of learning; but he persevered, despite his disadvantages, and a grand triumph crowned his efforts in the end.

As he grew to manhood, his abilities began to make themselves manifest, and were recognized by his fellow citizens. He was first elected Constable in LaFayette, afterward serving as Clerk of the Court of Tippecanoe Co. In 1856, he was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in which capacity he served two years. After retiring from the latter office, he engaged in the collection of soldier's claims, and finally engaged regularly in the practice of law.

On the 23 Jul 1835, he united in marriage with Miss Nancy Wolfe, who was born 19 Nov 1819 in Ross Co OH, removing to Tippecanoe Co IN, in 1825 with her parents, Jonathan and Jane (Hays) Wolf.

By this marriage, Mr. Jones is the father of three children, one of whom died in infancy. The surviving children are both married. Mary J. is now the wife of Mr. Page B. Severson, and Emily G. the wife of Mr. John M. Kerper.

In religion Mr. Jones has ever been favorable to the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been a member of that denomination for a number of years.

Until 1854, he acted and voted with the Democratic party, but in that year voted the People's ticket. In 1856, he embraced the principles of the Republican party, and continued to act with them until 1874, when he became identified with the National or Greenback party.

During the excitement caused by the reported approach of a band of Black Hawk Indians, many years ago, Mr. Jones joined a regiment for the protection of the settlement. They were not called into active service, and beyond this, he has had no military experience.

During the war of the rebellion, he served as Commissioner of Draft for this county.


Source: Combination Atlas Map of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pg. 32 Kingman Brothers, 1878

 

Written and contributed by: Larry Cornwell

George W. Kirkpatrick, one of the pioneers of Tippecanoe County IN, was raised in Ohio. His parents, Samuel and Ruth (Wier) Kirkpatrick, removed from Kentucky to Ohio in an early day and settled in Ross County. They reared a family of five sons and two daughters. George W., their third son, was married in 1821 to Catherine, daughter of William and Margaret (Clinton) Porter, who were natives of Ireland.

Six years later he removed by team to Indiana, and purchased land from the Government in Sheffield Township, Tippecanoe County, improved and remained on the same until 1843. He then removed to Wea Township, where he resided until his death 21 Aug 1865. He was of Scotch ancestry. In his political views he was formerly a Whig, but became identified with the Republican party in 1856. His wife died 30 Nov 1878.

They reared to mature years a family of five sons and two daughters.

Porter, the eldest, was born in Ross County OH 11 Aug 1822; was reared in Tippecanoe County IN as a farmer, in which vocation he was very successful; served as justice of the peace a number of years; was married to Rosella McClain in 1858; died 15 Nov 1878, leaving a wife, one son and two daughters.

Samuel, the second son, was born in Ross County OH 23 Dec 1824; reared in Tippecanoe County IN; was married in 1845 to Louisa Heaton; was treasurer of Tippecanoe County, warden of the Northern Indiana State prison, Lieutenant Colonel of the Seventy-second Indiana Regiment; died 04 May 1874, leaving a wife, who has since died, and five sons.

James N. Kirkpatrick was born in Tippecanoe County IN 01 Dec 1832; was Captain of Company A, Fortieth Indiana Infantry during the war of the Rebellion; was promoted Lieutenant Colonel of the same regiment at Shiloh, and lost his life by drowning while crossing a stream in the state of Mississippi 08 Jun 1862.

George W. Kirkpatrick Jr. was born 21 May 1835 in Tippecanoe County IN; enlisted as Assistant Surgeon in the Seventy-second Indiana Regiment, remaining with the regiment until the close of the war, when he returned to Wea Township and engaged in the practice of medicine at Culver; was married 06 Sep 1866 to Lovena E. DeHart, daughter of Abner and Margaret (Trotter) DeHart. They are the parents of two sons -- James N. and Milo D.

Margaret A. Kirkpatrick was born 17 Jun 1838; married to John Waters in 1858, died 26 May 1863, leaving one child -- George Everett Waters.

Eliza C. Kirkpatrick was born in 1841 and married Jefferson Trotter in 1879.

Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana,, pp. 561-562
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888

BRANDON LEWIS

Contributed by: Adina Dyer

Brandon Lewis, and enterprising businessman of Lafayette, where he is engaged in the boot and shoe business, was born in Alcester, England, 02 May 1838, a son of Brandon and Sarah J. (Ludgate) Lewis. The father was also born in Alcester, England, and was reared and married in his native country. In 1849 he brought his family to America, locating at Portsmouth, Ohio, where he was engaged as a hotel steward. He resided at Portsmouth four years, when he removed to Chillicothe, Ohio. He followed steamboating in the South a number of years, being thus engaged at the breaking out of the war. He served through the war in Company A, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry. He is now retired from active business at Chillicothe, aged seventy-four years; his wife is now sixty-nine years of age, and both are active and in good health.
Brandon Lewis Jr., the subject of this sketch, was ten years of age when brought by his parents to America. He was reared and educated in Portsmouth and Chillicothe, and his first employment was as a clerk in a shoe store in Chillicothe. He followed steamboating from 1856 until 1865, being first employed as cabin boy and later as a steward, holding the latter position on the Louisville & Cincinnati Mail Line a number of years. He has visited all the western rivers and lakes and has traveled extensively in thirty-one states and territories. At the opening of the war he was steamboating from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jacksonport, Arkansas, carrying troops to the front down South, and afterward was on a boat carrying troops to the front in the North.

He was married at Chillicothe Ohio, 14 Mar 1864, to Miss Margaret E. Wambach, a daughter of Adam and Jane Wambach. She was born at Chillicothe, where her parents lived until their death, her father at the age of seventy years, and her mother at the age of eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have four children living: Frank A., Mamie E., Margaret E. and Jennie B. Three children are deceased, named Mary A., Amy and Jennie.

In 1865 Mr. Lewis came to this county, and engaged in the restaurant business at Lafayette, which he followed until 1872. In that year he established his present business, which he has since followed with success. Mr. Lewis is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a high priest of Lafayette Chapter, R.A.M., and has filled the office of worshipful master of Lafayette Lodge for five years. He is a grand lecturer of the Masonic Fraternity of the State of Indiana, and in 1885 he was eminent commander of Lafayette Commandry. He is also a leading member of both the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias orders. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

Mr. Lewis is one of the pioneer bicyclists of America. The following extract is taken from the Bicycle Record:


Mr. Lewis can claim the honor of being the first bicycle rider in Indiana. In 1872 he visited England, and for the first time saw the bicycle. His cousin whom he was visiting, was a cycler, and occasionally he would tempt Mr. Lewis to mount the treacherous animal, and be trundled around in the garden, but the machine was too big, and the rider too badly frightened to make any great progress. Mr. Lewis returned home, and in 1876 his father visited the same relatives, and both agreed that it would be a good idea to buy a wheel for the young heir of the family, Frank Lewis. So the wheel came. It was a forty-six inch Challenge, and was too large for the boy. Obviously it would not do to let a good bicycle go to waste. Some one must ride it, so Mr. Lewis offered himself in the good cause. In the vacant room over the store the would-be rider wrestled with the obstinate machine until he was its master. Meanwhile a cruel rumor had got started in the town. It was to the effect that somebody had rigged up a shop and was doing drop forging in the room over Lewis's shoe store. Finally Mr. Lewis appeared on the streets mounted on his novel carriage, and for two years thereafter rode it between his residence and place of business. By that time his son, Frank, had grown some, and was able to reach a forty-six inch wheel, so that the old machine went to him, and the father sent to England for a forty-eight inch Mazeppa. The old original is still in service at Pittsburg, Indiana. Mr. Lewis is now mounted on a Columbia roadster, and takes a run occasionally as far as Indianapolis. Mr. Frank Lewis has considerable reputation as a fancy rider.
Mr. Lewis takes an active part in the National Retail Dealer's Association, of which he is vice-president. He is somewhat of an elocutionist, and his services are in demand at most of the entertainments in Lafayette.


Source: Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 495-496 Kingman Brothers, 1878

 

David Shotts was a Revolutionary hero who came to Huntington township in 1809. He was also in service during the suppression of the Whiskey insurrection. He was killed by lightning in 1825, and left a family of ten children.

Source: State Centennial History of the County of Ross (Ohio) Vol.II (1902; reprint) Contributed by: Skye Sonczalla-Driggs

L. Neborgall brought his wife and six children to Ross county in 1808, was an active pioneer in the days of township organization, and some of his children were prominent citizens of Huntington for over sixty years. Their names were Jacob, John, Catherine, George, James and Henry. Mr. Neborgall, Sr., was one of the earliest sheep raisers in the township, in which industry he found much difficulty in protecting his flock from the depredations of wolves. High and strong pens were constructed of logs or poles, in which the animals would instinctively seek shelter whenever alarmed, even in daylight, and they were always tightly shut in at night.

Source: State Centennial History of the County of Ross (Ohio) Vol.II (1902; reprint) Contributed by: Skye Sonczalla-Driggs

Jacob Selig, born in Lancaster, Pa., came to Huntington township with his family before 1808, and being a gunsmith by trade, he was the armorer under Captain Richardson at the state armory at Chillicothe during the war of 1812, and he was also on arsenal duty at Columbus and Newport, Ky. His son, Joseph Selig, made his home upon the original farm in later years.

Source: State Centennial History of the County of Ross (Ohio) Vol.II (1902; reprint) Contributed by: Skye Sonczalla-Driggs

BARTON O'NEALE

Contributed by: John W O'Neal II, with assistance of Beverly Crowe, Larry Duane O'Neal, Mary Macfarlane, Larry Duane O'Neal

It was a frigid winter day in February of 17581 when Barton O'Neale was born in Montgomery County, Maryland to a gentleman farmer and his wife. Barton was the seventh child of 11 children born to John and Margaret Barton O'Neale2, 3. Surrounded by such a large family he must have led an idyllic childhood on the O'Neale Manor, but as he grew to adulthood he would have to face some hard times indeed.

When he reached 18 years of age it was 1776 and Barton's world was being torn asunder by political strife and the War of the Rebellion was in full swing. Barton was among the legions of our American kindred who bravely responded to their country's call to arms. He took the Oath of Fidelity and Support4 and shortly afterward left the security of his comfortable country manor to join the Revolutionary Army. He served as a Private in the Montgomery County, Maryland Militia, 1st Company under Colonel Zadock McGruder, in his upper Battalion5.

After being mustered out, Barton took a job with the Forbs Company, who built the Forbs Road to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania6. Barton then returned one last time to Maryland. In 1785 his father died7, and a few months later, on January 09, 1786 he took a wife, Mary Dyson8, and they began a family. This was surely a bittersweet time for Barton and Mary. Then in 1801 Mary's father, Samuel Dyson died, leaving them his 186 acre estate and plantation. What a shock it must have been to the family when Barton and Mary sold the Dyson estate, gathered up their children, and set out for locations unknown.

And we'll never truly appreciate in this modern day and age, the discomforts and hardships they must have endured on their perilous journey. Vigilance was required, for hostile Indians still roamed the Ohio Territory during this time and must be constantly scouted for, lest an ambush abruptly cut short their journey, and alas, their lives.

Then there was the danger of the wilderness herself, fraught with perils sometimes subtle, sometimes glaringly menacing. Crossing mountain passes and fording torrential rivers were obstacles they surely faced and apparently overcame.

We'll probably never know what scenic vista caused Barton and Mary and their children to pull up their reigns and unload their wagons in Colrain Township in Ross County, Ohio. But stop there they did and Barton settled into this untamed territory with his bride to continue raising their family, which upon completion amounted to a total of seven sons and four daughters. This pioneer spirit must have been passed on to some of his children, for they, like so many of their time, upon reaching adulthood, continued the westward migration. Some of his children, however, could not bear to abandon the lush fertile farmlands of the Ohio Valley and reside there yet today.

Barton fared well and his family prospered in the newly formed state of Ohio. He was noted as the first Blacksmith and Carpenter in Colerain Township9. In addition he did quite well at land speculation. Land records show Barton purchasing and subsequently selling over 400 acres in and around Ross County10.

Barton lived 72 years, 7 months and 18 days and departed this ethereal plane on October 10, 1838. His beloved wife Mary followed him in short order in 1839. They are resting together today and for eternity in the Old Methodist Cemetery in Adelphi, Ross County, Ohio, where their marble stones, although faded with the passage of time remain today, reminding us of their, and indeed our proud heritage in Ohio11.

Barton's grandson, Barton O'Neal, was born Jan. 5, 1827, in Ross County, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Martha Cowgill O'Neal, both natives of Ross County, where they grew up to maturity and married in 1851, then moved to Hardin Co., Ohio.

Our subject is the second of a family of eight children; he was raised to farm life, and in 1846, married Miss Elizabeth Moots. In 1852, they located in West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, and December, 1861, in Urbana, where Mrs. O'Neal died in 1863. She was a native of Ross Co., Ohio, and left five children and a husband; the latter married Emma E. Strayer, a native of Logan Co., Ohio.

After settling in Urbana, he was engaged in saw-milling and lumber dealing until 1867, when he purchased a mill, and since has had a pecuniary interest in the business. In March, 1877, he sold his mill and formed the partnership of Sayman, Colwell & O'Neal, which association conducted business until the death of Mr. Sayman, Sept. 23, 1879, since which the firm has been as already indicated. Mention is made of this firm in the sketch of C. F. Colwell, in this history. 12

The only photographic evidence of this family is an old photo of Barton and Mary's Grandson Eleazer and his wife, Margaret Jones O'Neal. The original is in the possession of Larry Duane O'Neal.

Sources:
1 Tombstone Inscription
2 Census of Sugar Land Hundred, Frederick County, (now Montgomery Co.) Maryland, September 2, 1776
3 Marriage License of Fredrick Co. 1778-1810 by Margret E. Myers Family Line Publications page 111.
4 Montgomery County, Maryland 1778 per returns of Edward Burgess, Revolutionary Records', Brumbaugh and Hodges, pp.4,6.
5 Revolutionary Records, unpublished, p. 133, No. 4 of Margaret R. Hodges, DAR Library
6 Mary McFarlane, a direct descendant from her Family files.
7 The Will of John O'Neal, Montgomery County, Maryland, Liber B, Folio 201, 247, Liber D, Folio 324, 325. Will dated April 1, 1785, probated April 3, 1785.
8 Marriage License of Fredrick Co. 1778-1810 by Margret E. Myers Family Line Publications page 111.
9 Pioneer Record of Ross County Ohio, I. Finley and R. Putman, Robert Clark Co. , p.1019 Cincinnati, OH
10 Electronic: Ross County Web Page, http://www.usgwarchives.net/oh/tombpics/ross/coleraintwp/oldmethodist/oldmethodistcem.htm, OLD METHODIST CEMETERY Row 6.Note: Inscriptions difficult to read.
11 The History of Champaign County, Ohio, 1881, Page 685, sent to the Author by Beverly Crowe, 4/1/2001

 

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Children of BARTON O'NEALE and MARY DYSON are:

   i.   ANN5 O'NEAL, b. May 12, 1788, Maryland; m. ZADOCK DAWSON, August 11, 
        1805, Colerain Twp. Ross Co., Oh.
  ii.   CHARLOTTE O'NEAL2, b. September 06, 1790, Frederick Co., Maryland; d. 
        May 06, 1856, Kendall County, Illinois; m. ABRAHAM HALDERMAN3,4, 
        January 13, 1807, Ross County, Ohio4; b. February 08, 1781, Chester 
        County, Pennsylvania5,6; d. May 08, 1861, Kendall County, Illinois7,8.   
 iii.   BARTON O'NEAL, b. Abt. 1791.
  iv.   JUDA O'NEAL, b. Abt. 1792; 
   v.   THOMAS O'NEAL, b. Abt. 1793; m. SUSAN CLASSPILE, October 23, 1816, 
        Ross County, Ohio.
  vi.   CHARLES O'NEAL, b. Abt. 1794; m. ELEANOR CLOSE, January 07, 1817.
 vii.   FELLIX O'NEAL, b. Abt. 1795; m. CATHERINE THOMAS, April 19, 1818, Ross 
        County, Ohio.
viii.   JOHN O'NEAL, b. Abt. 1796; m. NANCY ABERNATHY, August 04, 1818, Ross 
        County, Ohio.
  ix.   MARY O'NEAL, b. Abt. 1797; m. LANDY SHOOTZ, January 27, 1820, Ross 
        County, Ohio.
   x.   SARAH O'NEAL, b. Abt. 1798; m. JOSEPH ANDERSON, May 04, 1820, Ross 
        County, Ohio.
  xi.   SAMUEL O'NEAL9, b. May 13, 1798, Virginia; d. September 04, 1865, 
        McLean County, Il.; m. MARTHA COWGILL9, October 20, 1823, Ross County, 
        Ohio; b. February 10, 1799, Ohio; d. October 08, 1861, McLean County, Il..

 

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Addendum:

The only surviving written record from this era that we have been able to locate as of this writing is a letter from Barton's nephew, Bennet O'Neale. Written in 1859, the letter provides a glimpse into the migration of members of the O'Neal family from Maryland to Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio.

What follows is a reproduction of that letter. I have tried to ensure all grammar, spelling, etc. was reproduced exactly as it appeared in Bennet's original letter.

Edmunton, Barren County, Kentucky May 9, 1859

Dear nephew,

I received your letter of March the 3 it gives me much pleasure to hear from you once more and to learn where you are living for its bin a good many years since I heard from any of the relations. I am still living in Edmunton, Barren Co; Kentucky. my family consists of myself and one daughter about 18 years of age, she has bin sickly many years and never would marry. I must let you know about my last 5 years my house burnt down and nearly every thing I had, I have bought an old house weather boarded it and sealed it which makes it quite comfortable, we are both tolerable well at the present we both are afflicted with what is called asthma. I have had of it off and on about 12 years I am better at this time than I have bin in this 12 years. There have been a great deal of sickeneys last fall and winter and many deaths. I made 22 coffins beside what other made corn dried muffins are remarkable scarce. Corn sells at 3 dollars per barrel wheat from 75 to 1 dollar per bushel flour 5 dollars per barrel money is verry scarce. I feel thankful under all my tryals and difficulties I have plenty to live on I owe about 30 dollars toward my house yet when I get paid I shall feal like a free man.

You wanted to know some things about our family I will give you the best information I can. My Father's name was John he was born in St. Marys County Maryland the 9th day of Oct. 1749. his father's name was John and I think from Ireland, my father came from Maryland to Culpepper County Virginia, where he lived and died, he had three brothers Barton, Peter & Joseph. Barton and Peter moved from Maryland to Bedford County Pennsylvania Joseph moved to what was call green brier Virginia.

Page 2

my father had six sisters I have seen two of them, but can't tell any thing about them and from history you may see the same name they were once some of the leading men of Ireland this is as far as I can give. My Mother's name was Rachael Wood her foreparents is from Wales, England. so you may see we are mixed up of Irish and Welch, and my Mother was born in St. Marys County Maryland the 14th day of February 1752 and married to my father 16th day of February 1781, my Mother died when I was a boy my father died before I was grown, my father married the second time had three sons and three daughters they all moved to the Ohio state the last account I had from them which is about 12 years past three of them were dead.

I will now come to my own Brothers and Sisters my oldest Brother's name was Jonithan Born the 28th day of Sept, 1782 then comes my self Born the 20th day of February 1784, next comes my Brother Daniel, Born the 6th day of March 1785 then comes your Father John Born the 6th day of October 1786 then comes my dear Sister Susannah Born the 6th day of January 1788, my oldest Brother Youngest Brother & Sister are dead my Brother Daniel a few months past was still living in Virginia.

So you see from these dates how old we are this is as good history as I can give you and I believe to be correct if you want to know of any particulars write to me. My parents were protestans in belief if any of my foreparents were Catholic I don't know it. I am what is called Cumberland Presbyterian I belong to that Denomination. religion is rather cold here at this time.......good deal of preaching by Several Different Denominations but for several years speculation and politics run so high that religion the one thing so important has bin neglected to the ruining of many poor souls.

Page 3

I have a shop and work some at the Cabinate busynys. I can make plenty to live on as yet we have a Steam Saw mill and two pares of Burs Stones to grind Wheat and Corn joining our little village we have 2 stores 2 blacksmith shops one saddle shop one daughery & 2 Doctors, one good Meating house where we have gathered to preaching and we have had abundent of rain this winter and spring farmers is rather backward in planting corn. A grate many people are getting the Texis fever and are making preperations to move in the fall. Some of my relations I expect will go. I will let you know when. Harvey lives in Bath Mason County, Ill. on the Illinois River he is a doctor of medistion & a manager of a rail road runing through his county it seems he is rather a noted man. So you may know where to send a letter to him, when you get this letter I want you to answer it and let us try to keep up a correspondence with each other. You must excuse my bad writing my middle finger has bin broke and is a little stiff to guide a pen or move.

Give my respects to your family, with respect I remain yours//till death

Bennet O'Neal

Source: This letter was found in a booklet titled "The O'Neals of Bedford Co., Pennsylvania" by Harry E. Smith. The book resides in the Bedford County Historical Society Library in Bedford, Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

Written [30 May 1997] and contributed by: Lewis T Jenkins, son

JAMES A. NUCKOLS

contributed by Sandi Evilsizer Koscak

James A Nuckols, D.C. , who is established in the successful practice of his profession at Wilmington, judicial center of Clinton County, was graduated from the National College of Chiropractic in the City of Chicago, and has been engaged in active practice since 1914, the year 1920 having marked the initiation of his professional work at Wilmington and his practice here being of representative order. While analysis of the surname Nuckols seems to indicate a remote German origin, the American branch of the family traces its lineage to a sturdy Scotchman, who was a substantial shipbuilder in Scotland, where he maintained his home in the City of Glasgow. According to well established family tradition there were nine Nuckols brothers who came from Scotland to America, and their posterity is now scattered about in different states of the union. Investigation made by representatives of later generations of the family all seem to indicate a common ancestor, the Glasgow shipbuilder. The southern branch of the family is apparently the more numerous and has perpetuated the patronymic through a greater number of male children than has the branch of the family north of the Mason Dixon line. The Nuckols in Ohio are direct representatives of the Virginia branch of the family. In 1816 Andrew J Nuckols came from Virginia to Ross County Ohio, Chillicothe, that county, having then been the political center of this state. Edmund J Nuckols, grandfather of Doctor Nuckols, was of the young age of seven years at the time the family migration from Virginia. The family became possessed of 400 acres of land in the Fruitdale District, a portion of this ancestral estate being still in the possession of the family. Edmund J Nuckols had four sons who attained to maturity, and one of these was James A Nuckols, father of him whose name indicates this sketch. James A Nuckols Sr wedded Martha R Howe, a representative of another of the sterling pioneer families of Ross County. Representatives of the Howe family served as soldiers in the War of 1812, and both the Nuckols and Howe families gave valiant soldiers in the Civil War. James A Nuckols, Sr is now deceased, and his widow is a resident of Wilmington, Ohio. Dr James A Nuckols is the eldest of the children, and the others are: Frank R, Burt B, Clavin M and Dr Otto L. While in America the family name has to a large extent been closely associated with agricultural industry, there have also been skilled mechanics and professional men in the later generations. Some of the first and second generations of the Ohio branch attained to ripe old age, but of these two generations not one now remains. While in Virginia the men of the Nuckols line voted the democratic ticket, the Ohio representatives have given in larger number an allegiance to the republican party, from the time of its organization to the present. While the early generation were too fully concerned with the reclaiming of the wild land to cultivate to have much thought for special fraternal or organized social life. Doctor Nuckols of this review is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, his brothers likewise being identified with fraternal organizations. Many representatives of the family have been numbered among the numbers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while the Baptist Church has claimed from the family a goodly number of members. Dr James A Nuckols was born in Ross County, Ohio, and his early education was obtained in the public schools. Of his professional training and work adequate record has been given in as early paragraph of this review. The doctor wedded Miss Bertha J Zehner, a representative of an old and well known Indiana family.

Source: History of Ohio, American Historical Society, Chigaco, 1925. Section V pg 302
 

EARL AVRILL PRICE
October 23, 1918 - July 30, 2003

Authored and contributed by: Lewis T Jenkins

Family and friends, thank you for coming this morning and joining us as we celebrate and remember the life of this wonderful man, beloved father, loving husband and devoted friend of all who knew him. Earl was kind with a generous heart. He was a person of quick wit, memorable stories and a great passion for life.

Clifford, Earl and Mabel, were the three Children born to Floyd and Emma Price. Earl was born October 23, 1918 in Akron, Ohio but later moved with his family to Harrison Township of Ross County near Chillicothe, Ohio. He graduated from Adelphia High school. He received his bachelors and masters degrees in education from Ohio State. Although he never attained his doctoral degree, he continued his education earning more than enough credits for that degree.

He 1st married Sara Butterbaugh. From this marriage 4 children were born; Kenneth, Joyce, Donald, and Marsha. Don was killed in a traffic accident September of 1977. He 2nd married Martha Zellner and became "father" to Martha's 2 daughters, Sherri and Tina, who in turn loved him as a father.

Earl was a master teacher and extremely devoted to his teaching profession. He encouraged his children to attain the highest education possible. He was very proud when his son Ken announced he was going into education. Don was an education history major but chose not to pursue a teaching career. He and his son-in-law Tom who was a teacher also, (It may have been the only reason Tom was given blessings to marry his daughter Joyce.) would talk hours about education and teaching. Tom was in awe about Earl's passion for a child's education and felt he was more like a student teacher in the presence of a mentor. Joyce is now a teacher in early childhood education. As far as education of his children, and not trying to show favoritism, his crowning achievement had to be when his daughter Marsha decided to go back to school and earned her RN degree. (Those that knew Marsha in high school understand why.)

He started his 40 year plus education career in south central Ohio in the local school district of Southeastern. Earl taught in Ohio towns of Richmondale, Urbana, Lebanon, Jeffersonville, East Liverpool, and ending in Mansfield. He taught seven years on the Island of Guam. While teaching in Mansfield he also taught for Ohio State, Mansfield Branch. Earl was well respected by his colleagues.

Everyone that met Earl was a stranger to him for only a few moments. Earl's compassion for life and people made everyone feel at ease almost instantly. Was it that compassion for people that made him a believer in God and drew him to theology to become an ordained pastor? But, his love for teaching moved him from behind the pulpit to behind the desk to help those children he loved so dearly.

Earl was a veteran corporal in the US Army 51st Troop Carrier Wings. While he was stationed in Germany, he received the WWII victory ribbon of occupation medal in Germany. From the army came his love to travel. Germany, France, England, Alaska, Hawaii, the Philippines are just a few of the many places he visited in his lifetime.

Earl loved to cook. Martha dislikes cooking immensely. She knew a good thing. Earl could grill a steak like no one else. He did not believe in gas grills. Just check out the size of that Charcoal grill in his back yard. Grilling had to be done on charcoal to be done right. Anyone of you that has had the honor of eating one of Earl's delicious grilled steaks knows exactly what we are talking about.

For a number of years, every October he and Martha would return for a two-week visit to Mansfield. He loved Ohio at that time of the year. High lights of his visits were family get-togethers. If he flew into Cleveland, someone from Mansfield would be there to pick him up. As soon as he left the airport, the first stop would be the Olive Garden where the ten family members of his daughter's family from Cleveland would meet them. He always insisted on treating, but the big treat was seeing family he loved so much. The same type of love was shared with his family in Mansfield through a huge family reunion.

In 1979 he and Martha moved to Las Cruces and moved into the Villa de Sol Mobil Park November 1st and lived there for fourteen years. Later Earl became the manager of the park and continued in that position for a number of years.

In September of 1993 he and Martha moved to their present home on Fairway. After resigning from the park, Earl became active in his wife's realty management firm for a number of years.

August of 1996 was the beginning of many traumatic events in Earl's life. Earl is known for kindness and generous hospitality A distant relative from West Virginia had called Earl and Martha for hotel information for the family. Their teenage daughter was a contestant in the annual Miss Teen USA Pageant being held at the Pan Am Center. Earl immediately said the "Price Hotel" was open to the family. After the pageant Earl and Martha drove two cars to take the family back to the El Paso Air Port. While coming back from the airport on route 10, Martha witnessed Earl's car veer out of control and flip end for end and land upright. Earl's neck and back were broken but the most serious injury was a huge hematoma on his forehead. Did this stop Earl? Many did not have hope of Earl's recovery. He fooled them all. His strong will and determination won again. The heart started giving him problems. Some felt he was too old and weak for by-pass surgery. In 1998 he beat the odds again.

 

CHARLES WEIDINGER: Autobiography

Written and contributed by: Charles Weidinger

Charles Louis Weidinger was born in Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, on 19 August 1932, the son of Charles Hill Weidinger and Florence Marie Jackson Weidinger. He started his schooling in 1938 at the old Franklin Street School (now gone), and attended there through the third grade. In 1941, the Weidinger family moved from Circleville, and lived in eight different Ohio areas before returning in 1949. Having spent most of his formative years in the northern Ohio town of Medina, Charles graduated from Circleville High School in June 1950. During his senior year on 19 February 1950, he joined the Ohio Air National Guard at Lockbourne AFB. On release from an active duty recall during the Korean Conflict in 1952, he completed the US Air Force Aviation Cadet pilot training course in the Class of 1954-I, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on 12 May 1954.
Following completion of combat crew training in August 1954, he returned to Lockbourne AFB, and was a combat-ready pilot with the 166th Tactical Fighter Squadron until January 1972, advancing to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On 9 September 1955, he married Miss Dorothy Lee Lampson, a former student at Circleville High School, established a family residence in Columbus, attended The Ohio State University, and was employed for eleven years with North American Aviation and North American-Rockwell Corporation.

A daughter, Bethanne, was born on 8 August 1962, less than a month following Charles' return home from a recall to active duty during the Berlin Wall Crisis, where he spent nearly a year at Etain AB, France. In 1969, he resigned his position with Rockwell, and joined the Ohio Air National Guard contingent as a full-time technician. In January 1972, he volunteered for a tour of active duty with the National Guard Bureau. Following that tour, he graduated from the US Air Force Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and spent consecutive tours of duty at various levels representing the Air National Guard Component.

Having advanced to full Colonel in 1979, he spent his final tour of active duty as ANG Advisor to the Air Force Secretariat. His first wife Dottie passed away in 1981. Charles subsequently remarried an old school friend, Jo Ellen Good Loy, a member of the Circleville Class of 1951. Charles and Jo moved back to Columbus from Alexandria, Virginia in 1988. Retired from both the Air Force and Rockwell Corporation, he now drives part-time for Project Mainstream, a service owned by the Laidlaw Corporation, in contract with the Central Ohio Transit Authority, providing door-to-door transportation services for the disabled of Franklin County. Following the tragic death of his daughter, Bethanne Slane in 1995, he was reinstated as a member of the church of his youth, Trinity Lutheran Church in Circleville.

Charles, whose family nickname has always been Jack, resides in Columbus with his wife Jo and his disabled stepson, Shane Loy. Since 1993, he has avidly pursued his family genealogy, and is a member of both the Pickaway and Ross County Historical/Genealogical Societies.





Colonel and Mrs. Charles Weidinger (1985)

 

AARON VANSCOY
 

Contributed by: Skye Sonczalla-Driggs

Aaron Vanscoy came with his father's family from Virginia in 1804. About 1809 they located in Huntington township, Ross county. He was a member of Captain Northup's company in the war of 1812. His only compensation for his services was a land warrant which he received a number of years after the war closed. Enoch Vanscoy was also an employee of the government during the war; while Rev. Isaac Murphy, John Campbell, Jacob Day, Benjamin Smith and David Ridgway were regularly enlisted soldiers from the Vanscoy neighborhood. Other patriots from Huntington township in the early wars of the country were: John Cochenour, Peter Streevey, David and Jacob Toops, John Scantlin (in Indian war of 1791, and also in war of 1812), Job Haynes, George Grove, Henry Long, David Elliott, George Ruffner, George Houseman, Stanley Seymour (in Indian war), David Toops, David Shoemaker, Daniel Grubb, Isaac Jordan, Richard Elliott, Henry Wilt, George Myers, Benning Wentworth (served five years in the Revolution, and three years in the French and Indian war), Robert McCann (a Revolutionary soldier), Reuben Elliott (also in Revolutionary war), William Heness, David Ogden, James Wilson, Stacey Devinney, Peter Cockerell, William Lockwood, William Selby, Larkin Selby, Hockery McAllister, Michael Thomas, William Chandler, Solomon Trego, George Funk, Francis Kile, Henry Strong, Lewis Wheaton, Uriah Hurley, Ebenezer Rozell, Simon Johnson, Henry Cramer, Jacob Grubb.
 

Source: State Centennial History of the County of Ross (Ohio) Vol.II (1902; reprint)