German Ohio Biographies and Biographical Sketches of Prominent Families, Surnames A-M

Transcribed by Jeffrey Tooley

Biographies and Biographical Sketches of prominent families from the Town of German, Darke County, Ohio extracted from The history of Darke County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; by Beers, W. H. & co., Chicago, pub., 1880.

BROWN, Loyd Biographical Sketch

LOYD BROWN, farmer; P. O. German. The subject of this sketch is one of the prominent farmers of German Township; was born in Baltimore Co., Md.. in 1807; he is the son of Nicholas Brown, who was also a native of Maryland. Our subject was raised on a farm, and early acquired the art of farming which he has successfully practiced all his life. His minority was spent at home assisting in the duties of the farm, after which time he set out on his own responsibilities. For a time, he farmed the homestead on shares. He was united in marriage, in Maryland, to Miss Rachel Miller, who was also born in Baltimore Co. They emigrated to Ohio soon after their marriage and located first in Harrison Township; after remaining here about three years, he came to the place where he now resides and where he has ever since lived. By dint of hard labor and habits of industry and economy, he has put himself in the possession of several fine, well-improved farms. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of eight children, all of whom grew up to mature years; since then, death has visited four of them. The others are located on farms near the homestead.

CALDERWOOD, G. M. Biographical Sketch

G. M. CALDERWOOD, physician; P. 0. German; the subject of this memoir was born in Butler Township, in September, 1849; he is the son of J. R. and Jamima (Otwell) Calderwood; his father was born in Montgomery County, Nov. 6, 1821, and came to this county when quite young; he is one of the prominent citizens of the county, and a millwright and carpenter by occupation; his wife is a native of North Carolina, born near Goldsboro the 13th of April, 1825. Our subject was raised on a farm, assisting in its duties during the summer, and devoting his winter months to the acquisition of knowledge in the common schools, till he was 18 years of age, at which time he entered the union school at Greenville; at this latter place he spent one year, and subsequently entered the profession of teaching; this he followed successfully for a few years, employing his leisure time in reading medicine, which he continued till the winter of 1872, when he attended lectures at the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati. He first began practice in Adams County, Ind.; at the end of about six months he located in Bradford, Ohio, where he remained in practice about eighteen months; his health being much impaired at the end of this time, he retired from active work for a period of six months. April 12, 1875, he formed a partnership with Dr. Jobes, of Palestine, which continued about seven months, when Br. Jobes was elected to the office of Probate Judge of this county; after the partnership was dissolved, he continued the practice here in his own name; he has, by careful attention to his professional duties, built up a large and increasing practice, and is one of the promising young physicians of the county. He was united in marriage Aug. 5, 1872, with Miss Isabella Reed, at the residence of Rev. McConnell, of Greenville; she is a Native of Versailles, Darke County, where her father has been engaged in the dry goods and grain business for about half a century. Mr. and Mrs. Calderwood are the parents of three children — Rhoda, Jimie (who died when eight months old) and Carl.

CLOYD, Gordon Biographical Sketch

GORDEN CLOYD, farmer; P. O. German. The subject of this memoir is a native of this county, born in German Township in 1 822: he is the son of the pioneer James Clo}Td, who was perhaps the first permanent settler in the township. He was born in Virginia in 1780; when but a mere lad he emigrated to Ohio, at the breaking-out of the war of 1812, and he gave his services in the defense of his country; he was stationed a portion of the time at Port Greenville. He was at this latter place when the children of William Wilson were murdered within sight of the block-house, and was one who assisted in their burial. At the close of the war, he remained in the county, and married Miss Elizabeth Norftsinger, the daughter of Andrew Norftsinger, one of the first settlers in the county, who came to the county previous to the war of 1812, and erected a block-house in Neave Township, and remained there during the war. He was a " man of the chase," and delighted in hunting. James Cloyd was a member of the first grand jury that ever met in the county; after his marriage, he first settled on the prairie southeast of the present town of Palestine; from there he located on land now owned by David Wilcox; he remained here about sixteen years, in which time he prepared much of the farm for agricultural uses, which was all in the woods when he entered it; he then disposed of this farm with the intention of emigrating to Illinois, but after visiting this latter place he returned satisfied to spend the remnant of his days in German Township; he then entered a quarter section just west of Palestine, on which he erected a house and passed the remainder of his life. He died May 26, 1872, at the ripe old age of 81 years 10 months and 11 days; thus passed away a pioneer and a soldier, lamented by all who knew him; he had a sympathetic heart and a charitable spirit, and many a needy neighbor was made glad by his charities. His wife survived him only a few years, her death occurring June 17, 1875, at the age of 76 years 3 months and 6 days. They were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, four of whom are still living. Our subject's early life was devoted to such labor as the frontiersman was accustomed to do; he availed himself of what educational opportunities then offered, often going a distance of two miles through swamp and thickets to school. At the age of 20, he went to Preble County and engaged as a laborer on a farm; he remained here five years, and then located on the place where he now resides. He was married in 1846 to Miss Julia A. Woodniansee, a native of Butler County; her father was an early settler and prominent citizen of the township, having frequently had the offices of Trustee and Justice of the Peace conferred upon him. Mr. and Mrs. Cloyd are the parents of four children— Edward, Elmira, Flora B. and Sampson. They are members of the M. E. Church, and are leading exemplary lives.

EAKINS, James N. Biographical Sketch

JAMES N. EAKINS, farmer; P. 0. German. The subject of this memoir is a descendant of one of the early pioneer families of the Township. He was born in the township Aug. 15, 1855, and is the son of George Eakins, and grandson of the pioneer Benjamin Eakins. Benjamin Eakins came to this township immediately after the close of the war of 1812 and located on the land where our subject now resides. His first house still stands a monument of early days. He passed through with all of the privations and hardships incident to frontier life, sharing its trials and triumphs, and died at a ripe old age honored by all who knew him. Our subject was early left an orphan by the death of his parents, and was then taken and raised by his uncle, Wash Brown. He is now engaged in farming which has always been his occupation, and is one of the promising young men of the county. Dec. 31, 1876, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Thomas, who was born and raised in New Madison. She is also a descendant of early pioneers of Harrison Township. Mr. and Mrs. Eakins were the parents of two children, one of whom has been taken from them by the messenger of death.

FRANK, Solomon Biographical Sketch

SOLOMON FRANK, retired farmer; P. 0. German, Ohio. This gentleman was born near Wheeling, W. Va., April 12, 1817, and is the son of Stephen Frank, a native of New York State; when quite small, he emigrated to Montgomery Co., Ohio, with his parents; his father deceased when he was a small boy, thus leaving him without the comforts or benign influences of a parental home; this misfortune early threw him upon his own resources; he engaged at the occupation of farming, hiring out, until he was 18; at this age, he began the coopering business, which occupation he followed for upward of twenty years. In 1840, he came to this township and located in the town of Palestine, where he pursued his usual vocation. He has been married twice; his marriage with Miss Acca Parent was celebrated Dec. 15, 1842; her parents were early settlers of this township, and their biographies occur under the sketch of I. D. Parent. Mr. Frank and family, together with a large circle of acquaintances, were called upon to mourn her death, which occurred March 29, 1861; she was for many years identified with the cause of religion, being first a member of the M. E. Church, and, at her death, of the U. B. Church; her life was an exemplary one. and her death a loss which the church and community both felt. Mr. Frank was united in marriage the sec ond time, Feb. L6, 1862, with Mrs. Sarah A. (Crisler) Leas; she is a native of Preble Co., Ohio. Six children were born to the first union, one of whom deceased when quite small; the rest are all living; one child was the fruit of the last union, which died in infancy. Mr. Frank has devoted his latter years to farming and superintending his farm. Mr. and Mrs. F. are both active members of the U. B. Church of Pleasant Grove, and are leading exemplary lives.

GOENS, Reuben Biographical Sketch

REUBEN GOENS, farmer; P. O. German; was born in South Carolina, Sept. 1, 1830, and is one of the early settlers of this section of the country; his father, Henry G., was born in North Carolina and emigrated to Ohio with his family in 1833, locating in German Township, near Palestine; he is the father of nine children, and has been married three times; he is still living, at the age of 72 years, hale and hearty. Our subject lived with his parents till he was 8 or !» years, of age, when he went to live with Benj. Stanton, a Quaker, of Newport. Ind., now known as Fountain City; with this man and in this vicinity he spent his boyhood days. While here he became an enthusiastic co-worker with the Friends — who were as a class severely opposed to the system of slavery — in assisting fugitive slaves to escape into Canada; he entered heartily and earnestly into the work while yet a boy, and many slaves owed their freedom to his assistance. The Friends had formed a secret society, the object of which was to aid the refugees to escape. They established a " Court of Inquiry " to avoid being deceived by impostors, their purpose being to assist only those who were fleeing from bondage. In this court, our subject often sat and listened to the sad tales of the fugitives, till he formed an intense hatred against the " cursed institution of slavery," and determined to render, with anj' and all sacrifices, whatever assistance he could to the " runaways. " As they would find their way to Newport, he would drive them over to what was known as the " Greenville Settlement," making the trip after night to avoid detection; from this latter place, they were helped into Canada, After he had grown up to majority, he had a strong desire to visit Canada, and see how those whom he had aided in their " flight for freedom " were prospering under their new surroundings. To this place he found his way, and here met many whom he had helped in their escape. He remained here for a year or more and then returned home. In the mean time, he was engaged on the lakes as a laborer on a boat, and also on the Canada Southern R. R. At this time, there were no educational opportunities provided the colored race in Indiana. Recognizing the necessity of educating the slaves who found their way here, the Friends, assisted by other charitable persons, erected a Manual Labor Institute in Randolph Co., Ind., just across the line from the Greenville settlement. Into this enterprise our subject entered with enthusiasm and assisted in clearing the ground and erecting the building, and has since rendered what aid he could to the institution. Prof. Tucker was employed as teacher tor about twenty years, during which time the school prospered greatly, and the good which has flowed from it to the colored race can never be estimated. Those have been educated here who have since occupied seats in Congress, and hundreds are scattered over the South and elsewhere to-day. giving to others the knowledge which they acquired at this institution. Mr. Goens is now filling the position of Trustee for this university, which is still accomplishing much good. Mr. 0. has been married twice; his first marriage was with Miss Mary Clemens, who deceased in 1852; she was the granddaughter of James Clemens, the first settler in this part of the county; his second marriage was consummated with .Miss Emily A. Smith, also a granddaughter of James Clemens; Mr. G. has since been chiefly engaged in farming, though he has dealt to some extent in stock. In 1864. he gave his services for the defense of his country, being placed in the 45th Penn. V. I.; they were located at Washington City near Gen. Lee's farm till April 15, 1865, when they were ordered to the front; he participated in the battles around Petersburg and Richmond, and was present at Lee's surrender; they were then sent into Texas, where they remained till they were honorably discharged, the last of September. 1865, at Brownsville, Tex.; he then returned home b}r way of the Gulf and Mississippi River to Cairo, 111., and from there bjrailroad. Mr. and Mrs. Goens are the parents of five children, two of whom are dead; the living are Robert C, Rufus W. C. and Russell V. Mr. G. may be regarded as one of the self-made men of this township; beginning with no capital., he has struggled up with the assistance of his wife against misfortune and adversity to take a place among the thrifty and enterprising farmers of the township.

HILL, H. L. Biographical Sketch

H. L. HILL, retired farmer; P. 0. German. Mr. Hill is one of the few remaining pioneers of this county; he was born in York District, South Carolina, the 1st of February, 1815; is of Irish descent; he is the son of William E. Hill, whose father, William Hill, came from Ireland. William E. was born in Frankstown, Washington Co., Md.. April 9, 1772; though of Irish birth, the first language he lisped was German, that being the prevailing language of his native town; his parents moved to South Carolina when he was quite a small lad; his father, was one of the patriots during the great struggle for American freedom, and took an active part in it; near the close of the war, when the British and Tories held possession of South Carolina, and were visiting the patriots with merciless severity and cruelty, murdering hundreds in cold blood, they called at the house of Mr. Hill, thinking to find and dispatch him as they had many other brave men, but Mr. Hill was at his post of duty repelling the bloodthirsty murderers, and they failed to find him; not being able to ascertain his whereabouts from Mrs. Hill, equally patriotic, and his daughter, they attempted to extort the desired information from William E., then a lad of about nine summers, by hanging him; this they did several times, punishing him most severely, but to no avail; thus failing in their purpose, they proceeded to plunder the house, taking out the feather beds and scattering the feathers to the winds. William E. Hill's bo37hood was spent upon a farm, but quite early in life he turned his attention to the cai'penter's trade, to the construction of cotton gins and cotton screws chiefly; being raised in a Slave State, his early training was such as to lead him to look favorably on this system of servitude, but his nature never could endure to see the slaves cruelly used; atone period in his life, he was called near Charleston to erect a cotton gin for Rambert, one of the largest slaveholders in the country; every evening those slaves who failed to perform the daily task imposed upon them by their cruel master, were taken to the whipping-post and unmercifully wmipped; their agonies from this could be heard all night through, and Mr. Hill gave it as one of the most painful periods of his life, although he was allowed the comforts and luxuries of the splendid Rambert mansion. In order to obtain a place among the higher class of society, Mr. Hill was obliged to purchase some slaves and become a slaveholder; this purchase proved a financial disaster to him, which misfortune led him to seek a more congenial clime, and in the fall of 1817 he emigrated to Ohio, locating on a school section about three miles west of the present town of New Madison. Here he purchased a lease for $1, with about seven acres cleared on it; here, on this piece of land, he and his devoted wife spent the remnant of their days, and now their bodies lie interred on the same soil. He combined with farming the occupation of cooper and loom manufacturer, and his looms are yet to be found over this county,, relics of pioneer life. Although not much given to the " chase," he had one which ended in a remarkable fruition. In company with two of his neighbors, John Downing and Thomas Mecum, one winter morning, when the ground was covered to an unusual depth with snow, over which a strong crust had formed, he spied seven deer, and gave chase with dogs; the snow so impeded the progress of the deer that they all soon fell victims to the eager dogs. Mr. Hill was married to Miss Sarah F arris in South Carolina, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, on the 8th day of March, 1780; she emigrated to America when only 12 years old, with her parents, settling on Fishing Creek, York District, South Carolina. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. J I ill. and all grew up to years of maturity but three, who died in their infancy. Mr. Hill deceased in April, 1848, his wife surviving him till June, 1855, when her death occurred. Thus we record the death of two more of the early pioneers of this county. During their lives, they were successively members of three religious denominations, viz., Presbyterian, United Brethren and Universalist. Our subject was only 2 years old when he came to this county; his early life was not much different from most of the pioneer boys; the log cabin constituted his home and the wilderness his surroundings; poverty was the most constant companion of his youth, and frequently has he been tucked under the bed while his only shirt was receiving a vigorous application of soap and water. The first teakettle used in the family was purchased for $3, and his mother spun flax and tow, at 12^ cents per dozen cuts, to pay for it. The domestic wear of his sisters consisted of home-made goods, made of cotton filling and flax chain, the cotton being carded and spun by hand; these goods, colored in various hues, constituted their Sunday costume. The first calico di-esses introduced into the neighborhood, by a family from Kentucky, were objects of no little interest to the community, and the family that had the audacity to make such a display of finery as this ran no little risk of being ordered to leave the county or don the home-made goods; it was looked upon as a dangerous custom, not to be allowed with impunity; this feeling, however, soon wore off, and the fair daughters of the forests were allowed to indulge in the luxuries of a calico dress; the first dress of this make introduced into the family of our subject was purchased of Shadwick & Co., of New Paris, at 25 cents per yard, and paid for in home-made goods at the same price; this served as a passport into the higher class of society. Financial circumstances did not improve materially till Mr. H. grew up to manhood and was able to perform considerable manual labor. At the age of 21, by agreement previously entered into, his father deeded to him 80 acres of land, one-half swamp and one-half timber; this was his first earthly possession. About this period, March 16, 1837, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kunkle, who was born in 1815, in Bedford Co., Penn., and came to this county with her parents when only 3 years of age, locating in Harrison Township; her mother is still living, at the ripe old age of 86, in the possession in a remarkable degree of all her faculties. After the marriage of Mr. H.. he moved to his land. then all in the wild state; hard work and perseverance were demanded of them both to meet the exigencies of their surroundings; these were heartily furnished. Mrs. H. performing her part at the spinning-wheel and loom, in addition to the usual domestic duties; after they had been struggling against poverty and its concomitants for some time, Mrs. Hill's mother bequeathed them $250, the savings of her own small earnings, $218 of which were in silver half-dollars; with this Mr. Hill started for Fort Wayne, Ind., on foot, a distance of ninety miles, to enter land, and succeeded in entering 148 acres in Allen County; at the end of seventeen years, he disposed of his first farm and purchased 160 acres in German Township, Sec. 27, where he has since lived; he subsequently added to this by the purchase of 268 acres; in 1870. his estimated worth was $20,000, the accumulation of his own exertions, assisted by his wife. At this period of his prosperity a great financial calamity befell him, which was doubly severe because of the manner and source from which it came, it being security and forged notes to the amount of $12,000; for him and his devoted companion to have the fruits of their lives' toils and sacrifices thus unlawfully snatched from them was a bereavement most keenly felt, and on his family it fell with equal weight. Mr. and Mrs. H. are the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters, and are the grandparents of twentyone children; one son, the youngest and oldest daughters, and live grandchildren have died. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the Universalist Church at Palestine.

HORN, Balser Biographical Sketch

BALSER HORN, farmer; P. O. Hollandsburg. Mr. Horn was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, April 2, 1811; he attended school till he was 14, when he served an apprenticeship of two years at the cooper trade and one year at brewing; he then traveled till he was 20, at which time he was called in for service in the Hessian army; by contributing to a general fund which was kept for the purpose of hiring substitutes, the sum of 95 guilders — nearly $40 — he was released from further obligations to the army. On the 4th of April, 1832 he embarked on a sail vessel at Bremenhaven for America, and was landed at Baltimore, Md. on the 4th of June, being 60 days on the voyage; he soon found his way to Penn., where he engaged in teaming for a time; he came to Ohio Oct. 25, 1833, and located in Fairfield County, where he at once began coopering; he was married Oct. 23, 1836, to Miss Nancy Kanney, a native of Maryland. She came to this State in 1825, her parents preceding her about one year. Soon after the marriage of Mr. H. he began the occupation of farming, which he has ever since followed with eminent success; he disposed of the farm which he possessed in Fairfield County, and came to this county Aug. 30, 1849, locating in Sec. 30, on 123 acres which he purchased; since then by industry and economy he has added to this till now he has a farm of 273 acres; on this he has erected one of the finest brick residences in the Township, and has put the farm under the best modern improvements; he is one of the self-made men of this country. When he landed at Baltimore, he had in his pocket only 37 cents, all his earthly possessions. Though he landed with an empty purse, he was possessed of an indomitable energy and perseverance which served him well then and has ever since been his guiding genius. Mr. and Mrs. H. are the parents of nine children, of whom four have deceased; two sons and three daughters are still living; all have attained to majority. Two daughters have been united in marriage, one living at home, the other in Minnesota.

JEFFERIS, Squire Biographical Sketch

SQUIRE JEFFERIS, farmer; P. O. German. The subject of this memoir, Squire Jefferis, was born in German Township, Darke Co., Ohio, June 26, 1828; he is of English descent; he lived with his parents until he attained to his majority, assisting in the duties of the farm, which then consisted largely in removing the forests from the land, preparatory to farming; his winter months were devoted to the acquisition of knowledge in the common schools, which were then after the pioneer style; he attended his first school in the second schoolhouse erected in the township, which stood on Sec. 13; his first instructor was Milton Moore; by close attention to his books, he qualified himself for the profession of teaching, and taught his first school in 1850. in what was known as the " James Daily District," in German Township; the building in which he taught was only 16x18 feet, and his average daily attendance forty; he was recompensed for his arduous labor at the rate of $15 per month, boarding himself; he followed teaching during the winter months for a period of ten years, and for five summers during this time engaged in the manufacture of brick, the balance of the summers were spent in farming. In 1858, he was married to Miss Margaret A. Brown, daughter of John and Mary Brown; after his marriage he moved to Washington Township, and engaged in farming; in the same spring, he was elected Constable of the township, to which office he was elected for four years in succession; he lived with his wife about six years, when they separated and broke up housekeeping; one child was born to this union, viz., Ida Jane. For several years subsequent to this, he had no permanent home. On the 9th of February, 1869, he was united in marriage to Martha M. Butler, of Randolph Co., Incl.; she is the daughter of James and Elizabeth E. Butler; the same spring of his marriage, he moved to German Township, locating on Sec. 3, where he has since lived; three children are the fruits of this union, a son and two daughters. The chief occupation of our subject has been farming, though he has dealt to some extent in stock for the last fifteen or twenty years; in 1872, he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, and served a term of three years, discharging the duties thereof, with commendable zeal and satisfaction to his constituency; he is the son of Darlington L. and Mary Jefferis. Darlington L. was born in Virginia, Oct. 25, 1796; in 1798. his father moved to Fayette Co., Penn., where they lived until 1806; at this time they emigrated to Ohio and Located in Butler Co.; at the end of two years, they moved to Clinton Co.; in 1820. Darlington L. left the parental roof, to try his fortunes in the wilds of Darke Co.; he first made his home with Peter Kimball, in Washington Township, and the same year entered 160 acres of land in German Township. His marriage with Miss Mary Potter was celebrated the following year. 1821; she was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Drew) Potter, natives of New .Jersey, and early pioneers of this State, coming herein 1816. Shortly after the marriage of Mr. Jefferis, he erected a log cabin on his land, into which he moved and began life in earnest; by his indomitable energy and persevering industry, being ably assisted by his noble wife, he soon made the wilderness "blossom as the rose; " by good management he added to his farm, until he subsequently had in his possession over 500 acres of fertile land, under excellent improvement; he is still living on the farm he entered sixty years ago. There were born to Darlington L. and Mary Jefferis, ten children, viz.: Rebecca, deceased in infancy: Julian, deceased at the age of 13; Job D., married to Caroline Coble; Squire, subject of this sketch; John, deceased at age of 3 years; Milton M.. married to Louisa Chenoweth; Mary A., married to Samuel F. Armstrong; Joshua, married to Sarah J. Ware; William H. H. died at the age of 22, at Nashville, Tenn., while in the service of his country in the late rebellion; his remains were brought home and buried beside his friends gone before; Elizabeth, married to William H. Mills. Darlington L. Jefferis is a son of Job and Rebecca (Long) Jefferis; Job J. was born in Chester Co., Penn., June 9, 1776, and married Rebecca, daughter of Owen and Lydia Long, Dec. 10. 1794; she deceased fouryears after their marriage, leaving a son, Darlington L.. the father of our subject; his second marriage was consummated with Rebecca Vail, whose death occurred shortly after; a daughter was born to this union, Catherine, who subsequently married Ivan Ward, and moved to Jay Co., Ind. Mr. Jefferis married Elizabeth Nichalson for his third wife, who died Oct. 19, 1856; three children were born to this uni >n — Job E., Joab and Hannah. Mr. Jefferis was a farmer by occupation, and emigrated to Clinton Co., Ohio, in 1808, where he lived until his death, which occurred dan. 1. 1846; he was the son of William and Hannah (Darlington) Jefferis. William J. was born in Chester Co., Penn., May 12, 1729, and united in marriage in 1752, to Hannah Darlington, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Darlington. Abraham Darlington was born in Darnhall, Cheshire, England, and emigrated to America when a young man. William and Hannah J. resided in Bradford, Chester Co., Penn., until their death; they were the parents of twelve children, viz.: Jane, born Oct. 20, 1752, married to Frederick Wolf; Elizabeth, born April 15, 1754. married John Hickman; Rachel, born Aug. 14. 1755, married to Griffith Roberts; Hannah, born April 7, 1757, married to David Harris; Rebecca, born Aug. 18, 1759; William, born Sept, 5, 1761, married to Ann Woodward and Martha Mendenhall; Abraham, born Feb. 22, 1763, married Martha Way and Ann Carter; Agnes, born Sept. 2, 1764; Job, born June 9, 1766, married Rebecca Long and others; Lydia, born May 17. 1768, married Jacob Aughee; Mary, born Dec. 10, 1770: Martha, born Feb.'l7, 1773. William Jefferis was a son of William Jefferis. Sr., and Elizabeth Jefferis. William Jefferis, Sr., was born in Delaware Co., Penn., about the year 17

JEFFERIS, M. M. Biographical Sketch

M. M. JEFFERIS, farmer; P. 0. German. The subject of this memoir is a native of this township; born within one-fourth mile of where he now resides Jan. 8, 1833; he is the son of D. L. Jefferis, whose sketch appears in the memoir of Squire J.; he was brought up to farm labor and remained at home till his marriage, which he celebrated with Miss Louisa Chenoweth, April 6, 1855; the marriage ceremony was solemnized by A. Hiller, J. P.; Mrs. J. is the daughter of Thos. F. Chenoweth. whose sketch appears in those of Washington Township; after his marriage, he located where he now lives; he has a well-improved farm of 160 acres, under a good state of cultivation; he has erected on it the finest twostory brick residence in the township, and has with it all the conveniences which could be desired; he is no office-seeker, but has been elected to the office of Township Trustee. Mr. and Mrs. J. are the parents of twelve children — Franklin W., born Jan. 18, 1856, deceased July 31, 1863; Orlinda, Jr., April 6, 1857, deceased Aug. 4, 1858; Victoria I, Jan. 7. 1859, recently married; Laura Ellen, March 12, 1861, recently married; Mary J.. Sept. 9, 1863; Lorinda A., May 21, 1865, deceased Sept. 21. 1871; Chas. T., Aug. 8, 1868; Emma C. E., Jan. 6, 1871; Flora May, Oct. 2, 1872; Elmer D., June 24, 1874; Edward F., Nov. 18, 1876; Homer L., March 21, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. J. have their connection with the Universalist Church at Palestine.

JEFFERIS, Joshua Biographical Sketch

JOSHUA JEFFERIS, farmer; P. 0. German. Joshua was born in the house where he now resides, October 15, 1837; he is the son of D. L. Jefferis whose sketch appears in another place; our subject was reared a farmer boy, assisting in the duties of the farm during the summer and attending the common schools during the winter months; he has always lived on the homestead place, which he began cultivating on shares in 1863, since which time he has been farming on his own account. He was united in marriage with Miss S. J. Ware, January 10, 1867; she is the daughter of Jacob Ware, whose sketch appears in another part of this work; she was born in the township June 20, 1849; Mr. Jefferis is identified with the Republican party, to the principles of which he is a zealous advocate; Mr. and Mrs. Jefferis are members of the Universalist Church at Palestine, and are living consistent lives. They are the parents of three children, viz., William Ellsworth Grant, born March 24, 1868: Marvin Ravmond, November 5, 1877; Lona Alma. May 13, 1879.

KERST, Samuel Biographical Sketch

SAMUEL KERST (deceased), Mr. Kerst was one of the most prominent farmers of this township; he was born in Berks Co., Penn.. November 24, 1811, and was of German descent; he was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Kerst, both natives of Pennsylvania; when quite a small boy. he suffered the loss of his parents by death, he then went to live with his uncle at Reading, Penn,; while here, he enjoyed the advantages of the schools of the place; he was raised principally upon a farm, and early became acquainted with the art of farming, which he followed with signal success the remainder of his life. In 1837, December 26, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Ann M. Moj-er, the marriage ceremony being solemnized by Rev. William Pauli; Mrs. Kerst was born in Pennsylvania, and is the daughter of Hemy and Sarah S. Moyer, both natives of Pennsylvania. Immediately after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kerst, they emmigrated to Ohio, halting for a short time on a farm in Montgomery Co., near Germantown; in March, 1838, they resumed their westward journey till reaching German Township, where they located on Sec. 13; here Mr. Kerst purchased the farm consisting of 166 acres, on which Mrs. Kerst now resides, and where he passed the remnant of his days in agricultural pursuits; he died honored by all who knew him, March 23, 1872, leaving a large circle of friends, an affectionate wife and loving children to mourn his departure and revere his memory. Mr. Kerst was a faithful member of the German Reformed Church for many years before his death, and died in the triumphs of his faith; in his death, the community lost a useful citizen, the church an exemplary member, and the family an affectionate husband and loving father. Mr. and Mrs. Kerst were the parents of seven children — two sons and five daughters, all of whom are living (1880); their names are as follows: Morgan V., Sarah Ann, Ackie E., Angeline, Evan M., Caudia C. and Hattie M.

KESTER, George Biographical Sketch

GEORGE KESTER, farmer and wagon-maker, P. 0. German. The subject o this memoir was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, near Germantown, in 1809; he is of German descent and is the son of George Kester, Sr., who was born in Pennsylvania in 1777, and emigrated to Ohio in the beginning of the present century. The older Kester remembered having seen George Washington at his father's private inn, in Pennsylvania. He celebrated his marriage with Miss Julia Ann Wolfe, a relative of the famous soldier, General James Wolfe. When he came to Ohio, he settled in Montgomery Co., near Dayton. The westward march of civilization had then just reached Montgomery Co., and he constituted one of its early settlers; he served as a soldier in the warof 1812 for a period of six months, and was atFt. Greenville when the Wilson children were murdered by the Indians; he in company with one or two others gave the murderers chase; a favorite dog of Mr. Kester, previously trained, leadinc them on their track; he would most probably soon have overtaken the villians and brought them to justice, but for the fear of the Captain of the garrison who ordered them back to the fort. In February, 1837 he came to this county and settled in German Township, on the southwest quarter of Sec. 14, on a part of which a portion of Palestine has since been built; in March, 1838, he met with a severe and what afterward, through the negligence or rather ignorance of the attending physician, proved a fatal accident; he was a great lover of the chase, and, while out on a fox hunt with several more, he received a kick from the horse of David Ketring. which completely shattered the lower bone of his leg; from the effects of this he died in the following May; his wife died, when our subject was about 8 years old, with a rose cancer on her face; she was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence in her day, having received a fine German education. Mr. and Mrs. Kester were the parents of fourteen children. Our subject's early life did not differ much from that of many other boys in the early period of the settlement of this county; he remained at' home till 16 years of age, devoting his time with his father on the farm; at this age, he worked three months on the Miami Canal, which was then in the process of construction, and th completion of which was looked to with great anxiety, some believing that it would prove an invaluable blessing to the country, and many others that it would prove equally as great an injury; he was then apprenticed to the wagon-maker's trade, and served a term of two and a half years; he then pursued this occupation for several years as a journeyman, setting up on his own responsibility, first at Sunbury, in 1833. May 1 0th, 1835, he was united in marriage with Miss Eve Frank, and on the 20th of the same month he. accompanied by his wife, started to this county to improve a piece of land which he had previously entered; the journey was made by team and required two days; he began at once to erect a log house, but before completing it the privations necessarily connected with it proved too severe, and lie was prostrated with sickness; after he recovered, he returned to Montgomery Co. with his team, after some household goods which he could not bring on the first trip: while here, lie was again prostrated with sickness, and thus becoming somewhat discouraged with his new home in Parke County, he was easily persuaded by his friends to remain in his native place and resume his former occupation; this he did till April, 1838, when he again moved to German Township, locating on the east half of his father's farm, which he subsequently purchased for $2,000, the amount paid for the whole quarter a few years previous by his father; at his father's death he administered on the estate, and then made the purchase above referred to; he remained on the farm till about nine years ago, superintending it and at the same time carrying on his shop in Palestine; he formerly dealt largely in fine blooded horses, his opinion being regarded as that of an expert on such horses; about nine years ago he moved to Palestine, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Kester are the parents of six children, three of whom are deceased; Mrs. Kester died in 1855, lamented by all who knew her; Mr. Kester gave his second daughter a collegiate education, at Oxford, Ohio; she subsequently engaged in teaching, and was united in marriage to Capt. Moore, of Greenville. Mr. Kester consummated his second marriage with Viola Mikesell; two children, a son and daughter, have been born to this union; the son is married and had two children, one of whom hae deceased; he is much given to instrumental music, and is at present (1880) a member of the "Palestine Brass Band."

KETRING, David Biographical Sketch

DAVID KETRING, retired farmer; P. 0. German; another of the early pioneers of the county, coming to German Township, with his parents, in 1818; he was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, in 1808; he is of German descent, his father being a native of Germany and his mother of Pennsylvania; his parents settled on land about one mile south of the present site of Palestine, in 1818; they then constituted one among the first families of the township. Our subject was brought up to pioneer life, and was early inured to its hardships; he assisted his father on the farm till his death, which' occurred in 1829; he then took charge of the homestead and rendered support to his mother till her death, which occurred in 1845; he then inherited the home place, which he continued to farm till 1865, when he disposed of it and went to Bandolph Co., Ind.; at the end of eleven years, he returned to the place where he now resides; he celebrated his marriage with Miss Martha Brant June 3, 1830; she is a native of Preble Co., Ohio, and came to this county when only 6 months old, making her home with Jonathan Pearson, one of the first settlers in the township. Mr. Ketring has witnessed the changes wrought in this section of the count}" by the unflagging industry of man for upward of sixty years. He has seen the wilderness " blossom as the rose " and bring forth a hundred-fold. Mr. and Mrs. K. are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living, viz., Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary, Ellen and Jonathan (twins, now deceased), Malinda, Phebe Jane, Benjamin F., Clarissa, Martha.; they have all attained to majority and are all married but two.

LINDAMOOD, Michael Biographical Sketch

MICHAEL LINDAMOOD, farmer; P. O. Weaver's Station. The subject of this memoir was born in Germantown, Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1806; he was the son of Jonathan Lindamood, who was a native of Pennsylvania; he emigrated to Ohio in the beginning of the present century and located in Montgomery County. Our subject was reared a tiller of the soil, and, besides assisting in the duties of the farm, he gave some attention to the carpenter business. In 1828, he celebrated his marriage Avith Miss Sherick, in Montgomery County; she was born in Perry County, in 1808, and at the age of 18 she accompanied a family to Montgomery County, with whom she made her home till her marriage, returning once in the mean time to her native place on a visit. Mr. Lindamood engaged in farming for a few years after marriage, in Montgomery County, and then moved to this county, locating on the southeast quarter of Section 24, German Township; the difficulties incident to frontier life at once confronted him; his farm was, with the exception of a few acres, yet clothed in the habiliments of nature, and unflagging perseverance was demanded to prepare it for the plow and cultivator; by dint of hard labor this was soon accomplished, and a fine farm was the reward. On Sept. 5, 1869, death's messenger summoned Mr. Lindamood to " that undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns; " he departed in peace, his life's work being clone, leaving many friends, an affectionate wife and loving children to mourn his departure and revere his memory. Mr. and Mrs. Lindamood were the parents of children, one dying in infancy, the rest growing up to years of maturity; three of ten the daughters died after their marriage, leaving families of children; it will be seen that death has frequently broken into this family circle, taking away an affectionate father and husband and four children. Mr. Lindamood was a member of the Lutheran Church and lived an exemplary life.

LOWDENSLAGER, G. T. Biographical Sketch

G. T. LOWDENSLAGER, farmer; P. 0. Hollandsburg. This gentleman was born in Carroll Co.. Md., Jan. 30, 1830; he is of German descent and is the son of Jacob L., also a native of Maryland; he was a shoemaker by trade, and engaged in this occupation about forty years; he emigrated to Ohio with his family in 1837, and loeated in Harrison township; here he combined with his trade, farming. He was united in marriage about 1826, with Miss Brown, also a native of Maryland, and sister of Loyd Brown, whose sketch appears in the biographies of this township. Mrs. L.'s death occurred Aug. 30, I860. Mr. L. is still living in Harrison Township at the ripe old age of 81 j'ears. Our subject was brought up to farm life, and assisted his father in farming till he grew up to mature years. In 1856, Sept. 7, he celebrated his nuptials with Miss Margaret A. Vore, who was born in Harrison Township, May 3, 1838; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to this State nearly half a century ago, locating in Harrison Township; her parents were both spared to see a ripe old age, her father's demise occurring Oct. 31, 1865. at the age of 76 years, and her mother's, Jan. 26, 1880, at the age of 83 years. Thus we record the death of two more of the early settlers of this county, who departed, leaving a large circle of acquaintances and a family of children to mourn their loss. Our subject farmed the homestead for several years after marriage, and then after spending about six years on two other farms, purchased the place where he now resides, which he has placed under good improvement by his habits of industry, assisted by his amiable wife. Mr. and Mrs. L. are the parents of twelve children, viz: Mary Emma, born July 7, 1857, married Jan. 14, 1877, to William F. Wolf; Thomas P., born Sept. 11, 1858; Jesse S., born June 8, 1860; Margaret C. C, born Oct. 17, 1861; John L., born Feb. 28, 1864; Andrew C, born Aug. 6, 1865; Elva E., born July 20, 1867; Ina B., born Feb. 4. 1869; Annan M., born April 15, 1870; Florence M., born Dec. 19, 1871, deceased, Sept. 2, 1872; Rosa. E., born Nov. 7, 1873; Jacob E., born Sept, 30, 1875.

McCABE, James Biographical Sketch

JAMES McCABE, lumber manufacturer, P. O. German. The subject of this sketch was born in Warren Co., Ohio, the 14th day of October, 1826; his father, John was born in New Jersey Aug. 30, 1798, and is yet living in Neave Township, with all his faculties well preserved; he emigrated to Ohio, when he attained to his majorit}r, in September, 1818, making the journey almost entirely by foot; he was accompanied to Wheeling, Va., by two young men of the names of Nutt and Helm; here Nutt retraced his steps to New Jersey, after replenishing his exhausted purse out of McCabe's; from Wheeling to Marietta, McCabe and Helm journeyed by skiff on the Ohio River; becoming wearied of this mode of travel, they disposed of their skiff, and footed it to Chillicothe; here the two com panions, bound together by the trials and triumphs Of their journey, made a final separation; McC. pushed his journey on to Franklin Co., where he engaged a year or two at the carpenter trade, which he had previously learned; his marriage with Miss Ann Yantilbnrgh was celebrated .June 17. 1824; she was born in Middlesex Co., N. J., Oct. 6, 1798, and emigrated to this State with her parents when quite small, locating in Warren Co. Our subject then established himself in Warren Co. and engaged at his trade till he came to this county in 1842. the 13th day of November; he purchased a farm in Neave Township, and abandoned his trade and turned his attention to fanning; he has continued to manage his farm up to the present time. Mrs. McC. deceased and was buried at Carlyle Station, Warren Co. Five children were born to this union as follows: Sarah, born May 27, 1825, deceased; James, Oct. 14, 1826; John V., Jan. 28, 1828, deceased July 16, 1855; William, born Jan. 29, 1829, deceased Oct. 14, 1851; Edith A., Feb. 28, 1830, deceased. Mr. McCabe's second marriage was consummated with Miss Nancy Woodward, in Warren Co.; she was born in that county the 14th day of May, 1808. and deceased Jan. 21, 1855. Nine children were the fruits of this union, to wit: George, Samuel, Ellen, Oscar and Malvina (twins), Elizabeth, Reuben, Wilson and Nancy; the above are all married but three. Mr. McC. was united the third time in marriage with Mrs. Charlotte Heistand, a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject was brought up on a farm; during the winter months, he applied himself assiduously to the acquisition of the rudiments of book knowledge; so well did he improve his time in this direction that he was early qualified to enter the profession of teaching; this he followed for eight years; he obtained his first certificate of John Briggs, one of the first school examiners of this county. He was married to Miss Wagoner Jan. 10, 1852; she was born in Neave Township Oct. 26. 1823. Her father, George Wagoner, was born Oct. 24, 1788, and came to Neave Township March 12, 1817; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was taken prisoner at Hull's surrender at Detroit; at the mention of this cowardly act of Hull to him, he would become enraged and stamp the ground, even up to his death, which occurred April 6, 1868; he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Stevens, who was born Oct. 12, 1796, and died Feb. 16, 1864; they were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom still survive; our subject, after his marriage located in Palestine, and for a time engaged in teaching and farming: he then purchased the Palestine Flouring-mill, to which he attached a saw-mill in about five years; he disposed of this property soon after this, and, with Mr. Kester. purchased and erected in Palestine a large saw-mill, which he still runs, having some time ago purchased Kester's interest in it. Mr. and Mrs. McC. are the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, to wit: Flora, born July 7, 1855, now deceased; Orlando, Sept. 6, 1857, now engaged in teaching; Virgil. November, 1858; Ida M., Feb. 7, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. McCabe are members of the Universalist Church of Palestine.

McClure, Ira Biographical Sketch

IRA McCLURE, miller: P. 0. German. The subject of this memoir is a native of this county, born in Washington Township in 1845; he is the son of Geo. McClure, a native of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to this county in 1836 and located in Washington Township, near Nashville, a place then of considerable note; here he engaged in milling, which he continued eight or ten years; he then disposed of his mill property and purchased what was known as the John Clapp farm, near the same place, and engaged in farming; after controlling this for four years, he sold out and bought the Chenoweth farm, in the same township, joining the Indiana line, five miles south of Union City; here he continued till his death, which occurred in 1871; his wife survived him till 1879, when death's messenger summoned her to join him. Our subject was raised upon a farm, the summers of his early life being spent in its duties, and his winter months devoted to the acquisition of knowledge in the common schools; he remained at home till the year 1869, when he purchased the flonring-mill at Palestine, which he has sincebeen successfully managing; he has in the mean time bought and sold grain to some extent; has never been a political aspirant, but in 1878 he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, the duties of which he still continues to discharge with commendable zeal, and satisfaction to his constituents. He has been married twice; his first marriage he celebrated with Miss Sarah Skidmore. a native of this county, in 1869; one child, now deceased, was born; his second marriage was consummated in 1872, with Miss Rebecca Musselman, a native of this county; three children are the fruits of this second union — Benjamin F.. Capitola. Henry Edmund. Mr. and Mrs. McClure are both consistent members of the Disciples Church of Palestine.

McCoun, William H. Biographical Sketch

WILLIAM H. McCOUN, farmer; P. 0. German; Mr. McCoun is the son of James McCoun. and was born in Rush County. Intl.. Jan. 16, 1833; his father is a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Indiana with his parents in 1819; in September, 1852, he disposed of his property in Indiana, which consisted of 160 acres of land, and emigrated to Ohio, locating in the "settlement" in German Township; here he purchased 562 acres, and is still living at the ripe age of 82 years, looking as though his fourscore and two years had dealt gently with him. The early life of our subject was that of a farmer; his winter months were devoted to the acquisition of knowledge, and so well did he improve his time that he was early qualified for the profession of teaching; this occupation he followed chiefly for twenty years, with success. He is a zealous advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and is one who assisted in crushing out the late rebellion and with it forever the cursed institution of slavery; he was a member of the 45th Penn. C. T., and participated in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Petersburg, Richmond, etc., and was present at the surrender of General Lee; from thence they were sent into Texas, where he was honorably discharged with his regiment; from there he returned home, and has since been variously engaged in farming, teaching, brickmaking, contracting, etc. He is no political aspirant, but has been elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, and is now serving on his last year of a three-years' term; he has discharged the duties of his office with the same marked zeal and ficlelity characteristic of his whole life; he also holds a trusteeship in the Union Literary Institution, and is fund commissioner of the same; he is a strong advocate of temperance, and both by precept and example opposes the evil of intemperance. His marriage with Miss Margaret Mason was celebrated Dec. 29, 1855; she was born in this county in 1835; nine children have been born to them, to wit: Laura B., deceased Oct. 8, 1879; her life, though short, was complete; she was a schoolteacher by occupation, at which she had been engaged from the age of 14 up to her death; Alice A., now teaching at Seymour, Ind., a position Laura B. filled previous to her death; William B. C, Essie J., Sidney R., Augustus L. deceased in infancy; Julian Grant, Houston Colfax and Florence V. Mr. and Mrs. McCoun take a great interest in the cause of religion, both being identified with religious denominations, he with the Christian and she with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MILLER, George Biographical Sketch

GEORGE MILLER; farmer; P. 0. German. Mr. Miller is another of the early settlers and prominent citizens of German Township; he is a native of Pennsylvania, born in York Co. in 1816; he descended from the Teutonic stock, and is the son of George Miller, Sr., who was also a native of Pennsylvania; Mr. Miller, Sr., was a farmer by occupation, and engaged to some extent in the manufacture of linseed oil. He united in marriage with Miss Petry, who is also a native of Pennsylvania; she is still living in the enjoyment of good health in Preble Co., at the ripe old age of 90 years. Mr. Miller, Sr., died in Pennsylvania, when our subject was only 9 years old; the subject of this memoir emigrated to Ohio when 16 years of age, and located first in Preble Co.; he was reared on a farm, and as this country was comparatively new when he came to it he was early inured to the hardships and privations of frontier life; he remained at home assisting in the duties of the farm till he grew up to mature years; his educational advantages were necessarily limited, as the life of the early settler is one of constant exertion for subsistence; however, what opportunities offered in this direction were well improved; in 1839. he moved to German Township and located on a piece of land owned by John Warner, land which he subsequently purchased and still owns; here he embarked on the "course of life" on his own account. He now has his third wife; his first marriage was consummated with Miss Warner in 1839; death bereft him of this companion in 1842; two children were born, both dying in infancy; he celebrated his second marriage with Miss Boomershine, in 1845; in 1858 he was called upon to mourn her loss; she died, leaving six children, one of whom has since died; he was married for the third time, to Miss Bolinger, in 1859; ten children were the fruits of the last union, nine of whom are still living. It will be noticed by the above that the messenger of death has made many and frequent visits to this father, taking from him two affectionate wives and four children. Mr. Miller is one of the self-made men of this county; beginning here nearly half a century ago almost entirely in the woods, with scarcely nothing but a strong constitution, well-acquired habits of industry and economy, and an unyielding determination, he has struggled up through many difficulties to take a place among the foremost farmers of the county; he has added to his small beginning by unflagging perseverance, till he now has a farm of 293 acres, well improved and under excellent cultivation; he has taken a great interest in the cause of religion, being a member of the German Baptist Church upward of twenty years.

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