1875 Personal Histories
"Thanks to Kay Peters Oliver for her time in transcribing these Biographies".
Kay Peters Oliver e-mail at kayoliver@juno.com
PETER MINICH was born in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1806. He was married in Seneca County, Ohio January 31, 1839 to Catharine A. Downs who was born in Ross County, Ohio April 1, 1818. They have a family of four children: John L., Caroline E., Louisa E., and Lodema A. Mr. M.?s great grandfather was born in Germany and emigrated to America in 1600. He settled in what was many years after called Pennsylvania. He had three sons, Henry, Peter and John. Peter, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch had one son, Henry who was born in Pennsylvania and who married Elizabeth Kanouse of Northampton, Pennsylvania. They had eight sons and one daughter: Peter, William, Henry (deceased), Julia, Ann, Anthony, Daniel, John, Abram, David and Jonas (deceased). Mr. M. journeyed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, a distance of 700 miles on foot and settled on a farm in what was then Lucas County. He has cleared and improved the same. Mr. M.?s great grandfather was Jacob Lehre, born in the dukedom of Mechlenburg, Germany in 1525. He was the son of a nobleman and emigrated to American in 1545 and settled in Lexington County. They had seven sons and two daughters: the boys died in infancy. The girls were Catharine A., and Angeline; the latter married a man by the name of Holder and they had one daughter, Caroline, who married John Downs and settled in Seneca County, Ohio in 1824. They had seven sons and seven daughters: Sarah, James, John, Martha, Maria, Harriet, Catharine A., Isaac, Jeremiah, William, Caroline, Eliza, Lemuel, and Martin. Of this family five only are living. The father of this family was born near Richmond, Virginia. He died in the year 1847 at the age of 43. Mrs. Downs died in the year 1869 at the age of 79. Mr. Minich has been township trustee and constable. Post-office, Tedrow. Business, stock raiser and farmer, section 1.
JAMES B. DICKASON, son of James and Mary Dickason of Pennsylvania was born in Ashland County, Ohio, May 10, 1829. His brothers and sisters are: Samuel, Jacob, William, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, Isaac, Benjamin F., and Esther Anne. He was married in Fulton County, Ohio November 16, 1852 to Esther, daughter of Robert and Esther Provines, the former of Ireland, the latter of Wales. Mrs. D. was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio September 28, 1828. They have four children: Jennie (Mrs. Cahow), Benjamin F., Mary E., and Etta S. Mrs. Dickason has two sisters, Lovina and Sarah Jane. Mr. D. has been justice of the peace and township trustee of Franklin Township six years. Post-office, Tedrow. Business, stock raising and farming, section 1.
JOHN McLAUGHLIN and his wife Margaret (Kline) McLaughlin were born in Perry County, Pennsylvania December 22, 1812 and March 22, 1817. They were married in Richland County, Ohio, December 21, 1834. They have had a family of twelve children: Daniel, born November 16, 1835; William, born August 3, 1837, died February 3, 1851; Permelia, born June 26, 1839; Sarah J., born May 11, 1842; David T., born March 30, 1844, died August 6, 1864; George W., born January 11, 1846; Milo, born December 21, 1847, died October 21, 1866; Lizzie, born June 6, 1849; Oscar, born September 26, 1851, died June 19, 1852; Francis M., born March 25, 1853; Margaret E., born December 26, 1855, died April 28, 1863; John C. F., born December 7, 1858. Daniel and Isabel McLaughlin, parents of the subject of this sketch were born, the former in Perry County, Pennsylvania and the latter in Ireland, March 22, 1790. They settled in Fulton County in 1836. George and Catharine Cline, parents of Mrs. McL. were born in Perry County, Pennsylvania. David T. McLaughlin was in the Union army in the war of the rebellion. He was captured and taken prisoner, was confined at Belle Isle six months after which he was exchanged and finally killed at the battle of Atlanta. Post-office, West Unity, Williams County. Business, stock raiser and farmer, section 1.
CHARLES L. STEVENS, son of William H. and Armenia Stevens, who settled in Fulton County, Ohio in 1850 was born in Knox County, Ohio December 25, 1835. He was married in Franklin Township, Fulton County in December 1859 to Hannah, daughter of Ezekiel and Mary Masters, who was born in Fulton County February 22, 1840. Their children are: Mary A., Florence E., William L., and Waldo E., and infant. Mr. Stevens settled in Fulton County, Ohio in 1850. He has been assessor and township clerk. In the war of 1861-5 he was captain of Company H, 67th Regiment O.V.I., served three years and five months. He participated in the battles of Winchester, Charleston, Fort Wagner, siege of Richmond, Petersburg, and surrender of Lee. He was wounded at Fort Wagner, and draws a pension. Post-office, Tedrow. Business, stock raiser, carpenter and farmer, sections 1 and 2.
DORSEY BARNES and his wife, Elizabeth (Shaffer) Barnes were born in Maryland, the former in Washington County, Maryland September 3, 1808, the latter in Baltimore County, October 14, 1803. They were married in Michigan, March 28, 1842. Their children are: Christena (Mrs. Clarc), John (deceased), Mary A. (Mrs. Hixon), Ozias N., and Dorsey S. Ozias and Mary Barnes, and Jacob and Alice Shaffer, parents of this couple were all born in Maryland. John T. Barnes was a member of Company H., 3rd Regiment O.V.C., served three years, was taken prisoner and was in Andersonville 18 months. He was finally released and died in the hospital near Columbus. Mr. Barnes entered his farm in September 1834 and the same day a party of men raised the first log cabin in German Township, owned by Christian Lawver. Post-office, Tedrow. Business, stock raising and farming, section 2.
L. G. HITTLE and his wife, Margaret (Stambach) Hittle were born in Pennsylvania, July 27, 1808 and December 9, 1814. They were married in the same state August 28, 1836. They have had a family of eight children: Mary J., born November 12, 1837; William H., born December 3, 1839; Sabina, born May 13, 1842; Ann M., born April 12, 1845; George W., born February 4, 1848; Harrison B., born April 21, 1850; John P., born June 13, 1852; Cornelia A., born December 13, 1858. Daniel and Margaret Stambach, parents of Mrs. Hittle were born in Pennsylvania. Frederick and Mary Hittle, parents of Mr. Hittle were also born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Post-office, Fayette. Business, farming and stock raising, section 6.
GEORGE
E. RITTENHOUSE was born in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, August
11, 1824. His parents, George and Mary Rittenhouse were born, the
former in New Jersey, the latter in Pennsylvania and removed to this county
in 1852. Mr. Rittenhouse was married in Fulton County, January 18,
1866 to Rhoda, daughter of Isaiah and Mary Borton, the former of New Jersey,
the latter of Virginia. Mrs. R. was born in Stark County, Ohio June
21, 1832. Their family consists of: Martha E., born September
16, 1862; Linden E., born May 23, 1868; John W., born September 6, 1870;
Mary J., born August 10, 1872. Mr. Rittenhouse lost a brother in
the Union army. He was a member of an Illinois regiment and died
with the measles at Jefferson City, Missouri. Simeon Borton, brother
of Mrs. R., belonged to Company I, 61st Regiment O.V.I. and was killed
after three years? service in a skirmish in May 1866. M. E. Borton
was also in the 100-day service. He was taken sick, returned
home and died soon after. Mr. R. has filled the several offices of
justice of the peace, supervisor, director and constable. His house
was set on fire October 23, 1875 but it was discovered in time to prevent
damage. Post-office, Tedrow. Business, carpenter, stock raiser
and farmer, section 36.
JOSEPH ELY, son of Asher and Catharine Ely of New Jersey was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1814. He was married to a daughter of William and Catharine Struble, in Morrow County, Ohio October 26, 1837. They had a family of nine children: Adrianna (deceased), Emily (Mrs. Powell), Joseph W., William H. H., Asher, Francisco, Mary E., Catharine O. (Mrs. Kelley) and Robert. Mrs. Ely is deceased. Mr. Ely was married a second time in Lenawee County, Michigan in 1860 to Rebecca, daughter of Jonathan and Martha Leacock of New Jersey who was born in the same state April l2, 1822. They have one son and one daughter: Cassius M. Clay (deceased) and Martha L. Asher was a member of the 81st Regiment O.V.I. and Francisco of the 128th Regiment O.V.I. in the war of 1861-5. They were honorably discharged at the close of the war. Jerome and Dallas Ives, sons of Mrs. Ely belonged to the 20th and 18th Regiments Michigan V.I. in the same war. They served their time and were honorably discharged. Mr. Ely settled in Fulton County in 1838. He has been county commissioner 15 years, township clerk four years, township trustee four years and justice of the peace three years. Post-office, Fayette. Business, farmer and stock raiser, section 7.
G. H. BAUM, son of George and Elizabeth Baum, the former of New Jersey, the latter of Virginia, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio July 18, 1816. He was married in the same county, October 10, 1839 to Esther, daughter of Samuel and Esther Kline of Pennsylvania who was born in Pennsylvania, February 20, 1817. Their children are: Sylvester, Angeline, Lorinda (deceased), Esther (deceased), and Curtis H. Mr. Baum settled in Fulton County in 1853. Post-office, West Unity, Ohio. Business, stock raiser and farmer, section 35.
WILLIAM C. ELY settled in Fulton County in 1848. He was born in Knox County, Ohio April 1, 1831 and married in Michigan February 18, 1858 to Martha J. Bird, born in Lucas County, Ohio August 8, 1837. They have two children living: Alice M. and Lottie C., and three deceased: Sarah Sabina in 1862, Douglas M. in 1862, and Nettie in 1870. William and Sarah Ely, parents of the subject of this sketch were natives of Pennsylvania and settled in Fulton County in 1848 where the former died and the latter still resides. Asher E. and Catharine Bird, parents of Mrs. Ely were also natives of Pennsylvania. They settled in Fulton County in 1836. Levi Ely belonged to the 128th Regiment O.V.I. in the war of 1861-5, served nineteen months and was honorably discharged. Nelson Ely died in camp during the same war. Post-office, Fayette. Business, stock raiser and farmer, section 8.
ANTHONY SNYDER and his wife Delilah (Shipman) Snyder were born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, December 8, 1823 and August 12, 1830. They were married in the same county November 2, 1849. Their children are: Tamar E. (Mrs. W. H. Ely), Lydia J., Airsman E., Irwin A., Mary F., George H., and William S. (deceased). Peter and Joanna Snyder, parents of Anthony Snyder were born, the former in Pennsylvania, the latter in New Jersey. Harmon and Elizabeth Shipman, parents of Mrs. Snyder were born, the former in New Jersey, the latter in Pennsylvania. They settled in Fulton County in 1859. Mr. Snyder was township trustee 21 years and has also filled the office of supervisor and school director. Post-office, Fayette. Business, stock raiser and farmer, section 5.
JOSEPH REASONER, son of Talmond and Desire Reasoner of Duchess County, New York both of whom died in Williams County, Ohio, was born in Montgomery County, New York, January 31, 1814. He was married in Williams County, Ohio in 1864 to Leah Lavely, daughter of Peter and Frances Lavely of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Reasoner was born in Holmes County, Ohio, June 5, 1836. Mr. Reasoner was twice married He had a family of twelve children by his first wife: Eliza (deceased), Matilda, Daniel (deceased), and Catherine; by his second wife: Frances C., William T.S., George H. T., Albert E., Dora E., and Mercy I. Daniel was a member of the 68th Regiment O.V.I. in the war of 1861-5. He was wounded in front of Atlanta, July 22, 1864 in the third year of his service and died in the hospital. Mr. Reasoner has filled the several offices of county commissioner, infirmary director, justice of the peace for 21 years in Williams County. Mr. Reasoner settled in Fulton County in 1875. Post-office, Fayette. Business, stock raiser and farmer, section 8.
SAMUEL B. DARBY was born in Rutland County, Vermont May 28, 1807. He was married October 26, 1828 in New York to Sepharna, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Guilford of Massachusetts. Mrs. Darby was born in Franklin County, Massachusetts November 5, 1810. They have four children: Fannie Maria (Mrs. Hultz of Indiana), Emily R. (Mrs. Zimmerman of Michigan), A. Byron of Indiana, and Franklin L. S., resides at Wauseon. Samuel and Sybil Darby, parents of the subject of this sketch were born, the former in New Hampshire, the latter in Vermont. The former with his parents removed from Vermont to Alleghany County, New York in April 1809. In 1814 the father of this family and grandfather of our subject was drafted and left home to serve in the war of 1812-14. In 1814, the mother died and left a family of six children: Samuel B., Fidelia, Fanny, Maria, Almina and Amos. Samuel and Sally Guilford were the parents of seventeen children, fourteen of whom lived to the age of maturity: Robert, Samuel, Oerter, Burbridge, Kezia, Elizabeth, Frederick, William, Sarah, Mary, John, Solon and Ann Statia. In the fall of 1836 Mr. Darby sold his farm in the state of New York and removed west. He entered a farm of 40 acres on the banks of the Tiffin River where he now resides and in what was then Henry County but which has since been made a part of Fulton County. February 15, 18338 he arrived with his family to take possession of their new home. His possessions were a wife and three children, two pair of oxen and a wagon, one dollar and seventy-five cents in money, and a little provision and the sheltered side of a stump for habitation. The country was low, wet and yet destitute of pure water for neighbors it gave them plenty of Indians and offered plenty of game such as bears, wolves, turkeys, deer, etc. Mr. Darby shook his head and thought it looked forbidding but Mrs. Darby was full of hope so with stout hearts they pitched their tents and began pioneer life disposed of one pair of oxen and replenished the stock of provisions, built a cabin home, opened up the woods, and looked hopefully toward the future. The following winter, Mr. Darby and a few neighbors built a small school house and Mr. Darby taught the winter school numbering twelve scholars. He was the first postmaster in the county. The mail route was from Defiance to Medina, Michigan. German Township was organized in 1840 and Mr. Darby was elected township clerk, soon after justice of the peace which office he has filled ever since with the exception of three years when he was county recorder. Mr. Darby now lives in a nicely improved and settled country with good roads, good buildings and in a township which contains two steam sawmills, one planing mill, one blacksmith shop, six churches and six school houses, but without a post-office, store, grocery or saloon. Post-office, Elmira. Business, farmer, section 4.
JOSHUA CONAWAY, son of John and Mary A. Conaway, of Maryland was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, February 17, 1819. He was married in Knox County, February 27, 1840 to Jane, daughter of Sylvester and Elizabeth Larason of New Jersey who was born in Knox County, Ohio June 10, 1822. They have one son, Leander who resides on the homestead. They also have one son deceased, Ernest. Mr. Conaway?s father died in Knox County and his mother in Coshocton County. Mr. Conaway has been justice of the peace and township clerk. He settled in Fulton County in 1848. Post-office, Fayette. Business, carpenter, stock raiser and farmer, section 3.
LEANDER BUXTON and his wife, Mary J. (Brown) Buxton were born in Knox County, Ohio, October 1, 1842 and January 7, 1847. They were married in the same county, December 25, 1861. They have a family of three children: Florence A., Xalia A., and Elmer E. The parents of Mr. Buxton were John and Elizabeth Buxton who were born in Maryland; the former died December 13, 1875; the latter still lives. Their children were: Francis, Noah W., John W., William T., Leander, Rebecca E., Sarah A., Mary J., Minerva and Louisa. Jonathan and Mary Brown, parents of Mrs. Buxton were natives of New Jersey. Mrs. Brown died December 12, 1867. Mr. Brown is still living. The children of this couple are: Thomas R., Joel F., James S., Jonathan H., Sarah A., Ann E., and Phoebe S. Mr. Buxton was a member of the 136th Regiment O.V.I. in the war of 1861-5. He settled in Fulton County in 1865. Post-office, Fayette. Business, farmer, section 3.
PETER GYPE, Post-office, Tedrow. Business, proprietor of steam sawmill. Nativity, Germany. Settled in Fulton County in 1849. Residence, Franklin Township, section 1.
WILLIAM H. STEVENS, son of William H. and Sarah Stevens, the former of Kentucky, the latter of New Jersey, was born in Pennsylvania June 4, 1809. He was married in Morrow County, Ohio February 5, 1851 to Effie, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Foster of New Jersey who was born in Warren County, New Jersey August 10, 1815. The children of Mr. And Mrs. Stevens are: Royal C., Charles L., Daniel L., Sylvanus M., William H., John S., and Sarah C. The sons of Mr. Stevens were all in the Union army in the war of the rebellion. Royal C., Charles L., and John S. belonged to the 67th Regiment O.V.I. William H., Daniel L., and Sylvanus M. to the 44th Regiment Illinois V. I. Sylvanus was ten months in Andersonville prison. William lost an arm at the battle of Pea Ridge. Royal was shot in the breast at Fort Wagner. Charles L. was wounded at the same fort. John passed through the war unharmed. Mr. Stevens settled in Fulton County in 1854. Post-office, Tedrow. Business, stock raiser and farmer, section 1.
PHILIP R. FISHER, Post-office, West Unity, Williams County, Ohio. Nativity, Pennsylvania. Settled in Fulton County in 1845. Residence, Franklin Township. Business, stock raiser and farmer, section 12.
J. L. FIDLER Post-office, Amanda. Nativity, Knox County, Ohio. Business, stock raiser and farmer. Residence, Franklin Township, section 1.
JAMES RANDELS and his wife Sarah E. (Morfoot) Randels were born in Ohio, the former in Columbiana County August 4, 1831, the latter in Trumbull County April 4, 1831. They were married in Columbiana County October 13, 1853. Their children are: Ida Mary, Ann Lucinda, John Charles, Emma Elizabeth, Florence E., and Frank Webster. John and Lucinda Randels, parents of the subject of this sketch were born, the former in Pennsylvania, the latter in Virginia. Mrs. Randels? parents were Charles and Rachel Morfoot of Pennsylvania both of whom are deceased. Mr. Randels settled in Fulton County in 1858. Post-office, West Unity, Williams County, Ohio, section 36.
HENRY W. SHAFFER Post-office, Wauseon. Nativity, Fulton County. Business, teacher. Residence, Franklin Township, section 1.
BENJAMIN BORTON, Sr. was a son of Bethuel and Rebecca Borton of New Jersey. He was born in Burlington County, New Jersey twelve miles from Philadelphia March 16, 1809. Mr. Borton has been twice married. His first wife was Abigail, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Borton of New Jersey who was born in New Jersey February 2, 1811. They were married in New Jersey in 1835. Mrs. Borton died; and Mr. Borton was married a second time in New Jersey in 1863 to Elizabeth Wright, daughter of Nathaniel and Reliance Wright of New York where she was born in Madison County February 2, 1811. Mr. Borton has two daughters: Mrs. Sarah C. Heaton and Lydia G. Prickitt. Mr. Borton settled in Fulton County in 1839. He has filled the offices of township trustee, school director and supervisor. Post-office, West Unity, Williams County. Business, stock raiser and farmer, section ½. Mr. Borton lost a house in West Unity by fire, value $2,000, no insurance.
NATHAN BORTON, Sr. was one of the pioneers of Fulton County having settled there in 1836; entered his farm and cut a road one and one-half miles through the woods to get to it. He is a son of Bethuel and Rebecca Borton. He was born in New Jersey September 27, 1810 and married in Fulton County, December 21, 1850 to Mary, daughter of Samuel and Barshaba Butcher, of Pennsylvania who was born in Philadelphia June 5, 1816. They have five children: Rebecca C. (Mrs. Conoway); Emily A. (Mrs. Tonn); Harriet P. (Mrs. Stoner); Mary L., and Priscilla. Mr. Borton has been justice of the peace several terms and has filled several other offices of trust. Post-office, Fayette. Business, farmer and stock raiser, section 1.
GEORGE WEBER and his wife Margaret (Leu) Weber were born in Switzerland, August, 1835 and January 1842. They were married in Fulton County in 1863 and have a family of four children: John, Eliza, Michael and Lydia. The parents of Mr. And Mrs. Weber, John and Margaret Weber and Michael and Susannah Leu were all natives of Switzerland; the latter couple moved to Fulton County in 1848, the former never removed from Switzerland. The brothers and sisters of Mr. Weber are: Hieronimus, Sebastian, Jacob, John, Dora, Barbara, Margaret and Rachel. Mr. Weber settled in Fulton County in 1859. Post-office, Elmira, Fulton County, Ohio. Business, stock raising and farming, section 10.
LAFAYETTE G. ELY, son of George and Elizabeth Ely was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 3, 1834. Mrs. Sarah S. Ely was born in Marion County, Ohio, August 1, 1837. She was a daughter of Ezekiel and Mary Masters. This couple have four children: Charles S. Ely, Alice May, Luella and George.
Pike Township- page 12 (page 36 of the original 1875 Atlas)
WILLIAM P. COWAN, son of Hugh and Lucia (Williams) Cowan, the former of Washington County, New York, the latter of Windham County, Vermont was born in Erie County, Ohio in 1827. He was married in the same county, November 12, 1853 to Priscilla Harris, daughter of William and Rachel Powel, the former of England, the latter of Wales, who was born in Erie County, Ohio in 1833. Mr. Cowan settled in Fulton County in 1854. He has been justice of the peace nine years. Post-office, Delta. Business, farmer, section 35.
JOHN H. QUILLIAM, son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Kelley) Quilliam of Isle of Man was born in New York City, April 28, 1832. He was married in Euclid, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, July 1, 1855 to Sena Robinson born in Euclid March 30, 1836. Their children are: Henry F., Mary R., and John R. James R. and Alma (Ruple) Robinson, parents of Mrs. Quilliam were born, the former in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the latter in Lorain County, Ohio. Mr. Quilliam settled in Fulton County in 1867. Post-office, Delta, section 34. Business, farming.
WHITFIELD TAPPIN, son of William and Mary (Douglis) Tappin of New Jersey was born in 1804. He was married in Fulton County, Ohio to Amanda, daughter of Daniel and Anna (Norton) Woodford of Connecticut who was born in New York in 1818. They have eight children: Mary Ann, Frances, George V., Louisa, Clarissa, Cornelia, Eliza and Whitfield, Jr. George Y. was in the war of the rebellion. Mr. Tappin settled in Fulton County in 1833. Post-office, Delta. Business, farmer, section 34.
WINSOR W. OTIS was born in Lake County, Ohio July 7, 1826 and married in Willoughby, April 9, 1871 to Judith A., who was born in New York, July 29, 1826. Dexter and Polly (Wait) Otis, parents of the subject of this sketch were born, the former in Greenfield, Saratoga County, New York, February 6, 1795, the latter in New Hampshire County, Massachusetts, February 7, 1795. Mr. Otis settled in Fulton County in 1875. Post-office, Lyons. Business, farmer and carpenter, section 32.
EZRA B. VIALL and his wife Elizabeth (Ellsworth) Viall were born in Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio March 15, 1833 and December 30, 1832. They were married in the same place March 15, 1855. Their children are: Sarah, Minnie, Emily (deceased), John, Helen, and Elizabeth. John and Jane E. Viall, parents of Ezra B., were natives of New York. Chester and Mary Ellsworth, parents of Mrs. Viall were born, the former in Lake County, Ohio, the latter in New York. Charles H. Viall, brother of the subject of this sketch, belonged to the 19th Ohio Batter four years in the war of 1861-5. Mr. Viall settled in Fulton County in 1863. Post-office, Lyons. Business, farmer, section 32.
"Thanks to Kay Peters Oliver for her time in transcribing these Biographies".
Kay Peters Oliver e-mail at kayoliver@juno.com
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