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CHRISTIAN
MACK, (deceased) was born in Germany, May 10, 1828, and
received a limited education in his native land. In 1840
he came to and received a limited education in his native land.
In 1840 he came to America with his parents, who located in
Marion County, Ohio, and here he grew to maturity, following the
occupation of a farmer until 1852, in which year he moved to
Allen County, and located on the farm where he resided the
balance of his days. For many years he owned and operated
a threshing machine; for about five years was proprietor of a
saw-mill in Auglaize County, which was conducted in connection
with his farm. Mr. Mack was twice married; on the
first occasion in 1849, to Christine Shibley, who died in
1855, leaving to his care two sons: Charles and Isaac.
His second marriage, Feb. 25, 1856, was with Christine M.
Gebhart, born in Germany, Apr. 3, 1835, and who came to
America in 1854. Thirteen children were born to this
union: John, Katie, Lena, Conrad (deceased), Jacob
(deceased), Sarah, William, Frederick(deceased), Emma,
Henry, Fanny M. (deceased), Benjamin and Harry
(deceased). Mr. Mack who was a hard-working,
energetic man, was one of the pioneers who assisted in
developing this part of Allen County. During the late
civil war he served about eleven months in Company G,
Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was for several
years a member of the German Methodist Church. In politics
he was identified with the Republican party. His death
occurred Aug. 11, 1882. His widow still survives, and has
successfully managed the farm assisted by her children.
(Source #2 - Page 566) |
J. C.
MANAHAN, merchant, P. O. Manahan, was born near
Westminster, Md., Aug. 4, 1842, son of Aaron and Elizabeth
(Pierce) Manahan, natives of Maryland, who moved to Marion
County, Ohio, in 1850, thence to this county in 1860, where the
mother died. The father is at this time a resident of
Perry Township, this county. Of their children, three are
now living: Mary (wife of W. E. Cummings), John C.
and Erasmus B. The subject of the sketch enlisted
in 1862, in Company E, Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
served till the close of the war. He participated in the
battles of Stone River, Mason Ridge, Lookout Mountain,
Chickamauga, Atlanta, Nashville and several minor engagements.
Returning to peaceful pursuits, Mr. Manahan engaged in
farming, until he opened his present place of business, in 1883,
at Westminster Station. The postoffice was named in his
honor, and he was appointed postmaster in August, 1883.
Mr. Manahan married in 1869, Miss Eliza, daughter of
Stephen Hardesty and Nancy Ellis. Five
children were born to this union, all now living: John A. B.,
Alta K., Nancy E., Minnie M. and George A.
(Source #2) |
| JAMES
H. MARSHALL, farmer and stock-raiser, Beaver Dam, was
born in Pennsylvania, April 9, 1823; son of J. H., a
farmer, and Jane (Patterson) Marshalal, natives of
Pennsylvania, of Irish and German descent, respectively, and who
had a family of ten children, all of whom grew to manhood and
womanhood. James H., is the eldest, was reared on
the farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouse, and
has made farming the business of his life. He came to
Allen County, Ohio, in 1842, and engaged in clearing, and helped
make the first roads in his part of the township. His
farm, then in the woods, is now well improved, and comprises 112
acres of land. Mr. Marshall has been twice married;
first time, in 1846 to Nancy, daughter of John Steele,
and a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. To this
union were born seven children: Mary ( wife of Jacob
Zeiders), Jane (wife of R. Campbell), J.
H., Sarah (wife of Samuel Stewart), Cyrus A., Margaret (wife
of F. Miller) and John. Mrs. Marshalldiedin
1859, and in 1860 our subject married Susan, daughter of
James and Maria (Shrieves) Vanmeter, who were of Irish
and German descent. The children born to this union are
Robert, Alice, George and Estella L.
Mr. Marshall is a Presbyterian; his wife is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a
Republican. |
GEORGE W.
MARTZ, farmer, P. O. West Cairo, was born in Licking
County, Ohio, February 22, 1832 ; son of Michael and Sarah (Huff)
Martz, who came with their family to this county in 1836. Our
subject was married December 2, 1852, to Miss Margaret A. Garner,
of Putnam County, Ohio, a native of Culpeper County, Va., born May
24, 1835, daughter of William W. and Elizabeth (Stover) Garner,
who moved from Virginia to Logan County, Ohio, in 1835, and in
1837 to Putnam County, Ohio, where they died; they were parents of
twelve children, six sons and six daughters, eight of whom are
still living. To our subject and wife have been born seven
children: Elias W., Thomas J., John F., Joseph W., Lorenzo M.,
Sarah L. and Ira A., all now living. Mr. Martz purchased, in 1870,
his farm in Sugar Creek Township, this county, which he has
greatly improved. He and his wife are members of the Christian
Church, in which he was ordained a deacon in 1867, acting as such
until 1872. In politics he is a Democrat.
(Source #2) |
MICHAEL MARTZ,
farmer, P. O. West Cairo, was born January 13, 1807, in Rockingham
County, Va., son of Michael and Sarah (Hawkins) Martz, also
natives of Virginia, of German and English descent respectively,
and the parents of twelve children, of whom five are now living.
Our subject's parents died in their native country at the ages of
thirty-nine and eighty-six years respectively. The subject of our
sketch was married, August 30, 1827, to Miss Sarah Huff, a
native of Rockingham County, Va., born November 1, 1808, daughter
of George and Mary M. (Zirkle) Huff, natives
of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and of German descent,
both now dead. Our subject moved to Licking County in 1830, and
thence, in 1839, to this county, settling on the farm where he
still resides.
He lived in a log cabin with puncheon floors for
several years, and cleared many acres of land. He reared a family
of nine children : Isaac W., George W., Mary M., James A.,
Thomas B., Sarah C, Silas H., Eliza A. and Benjamin
F., all now living except Silas H., who was a member of
Company A, Fifty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was
taken prisoner July 22, 1864, and was confined in Andersonville
prison until September 22, same year; he died at Jefferson
Barracks, Mo., December 13, 1864, of camp diarrhoea. Mrs.
Martz died September 6, 1882, at the age of seventy-three
years. Mr. Martz became a member of the Christian
Church in youth, serving in many of its minor offices for years,
and in 1840 was ordained to the ministry of the gospel, since
which time he has given most of his service. He served in some of
the township offices, as trustee, clerk and justice of the peace.
He is a life-long Democrat.
(Source #2) |
JAMES E.
McDONALD, manager of Spencerville Stave Company,
Spencerville, was born in Canada, October 4, 1847, son of John
and Isabell McDonald. Our subject was married December 23.
1869, to Miss Rhoda E. Todd, who was born in Allen County,
Ind., June 20, 1849, and to them have been born three children:
Lillie Bell, Bert and Daisie. Mr. McDonald came to Ohio
in 1867, and learned the trade of making staves, came to
Spencerville in 1874 and organized a stock company under the name
of the Spencerville Stave Company. He eventually purchased a half
interest of the stock owners and still continues in the business
as partner and manager. The firm employ forty-five men and have a
capacity of turning out 120,000 staves per week. They also own and
operate a saw mill in Van Wert County, Ohio. Our subject entered
on his career in life with nothing but himself to depend on in
making his way, having but 30 cents when he arrived at Van Wert.
His property is the result of his energy and industrious habits.
Perhaps no man directly or indirectly has done more for the
development of the town than has Mr. McDonald. Owing to the
efforts of the Stave Company the first railroad was built through
the place. Mr. McDonald has been a member of the council
two terms. He is a F. & A. M., a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church; in politics a Prohibitionist.
(Source #2) |
A. J.
McFARLAND was born at Sandyville, Tuscarawas County,
Ohio, May 31, 1835. Remaining on the farm until 1859, he
was then married. During 1861 and 1862 he served in the
home guard, and in August, 1862, he enlisted for three years in
company E, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry,
which was assigned to the army of the Potomac. He was in
nineteen regular battles, and by a concussion lost the use of
one ear. On the morning of May 6, 1864, he was wounded in
his left leg by a piece of shell, lay on the field all that day
and the following night, and on the morning of the 7th was
captured by the Twenty-sixth Georgia Confederate infantry, and,
with 800 others, was taken to Lynchburg, Va. He was
bayonetted by one of the guards, taken to Danville, and two
weeks later, to Andersonville, where he was stripped of clothing
and of everything of value. Six months afterward he was
taken to Florence, S. C., where he remained until the close of
the war. Returning home he remained four months, then went
down to Columbus, where he was honorably discharged.
Generally he was a farmer and a teacher before the war. and for
some time after. He served as township clerk, and as
postmaster at West Cairo about nine years, during the
administrations of Garfield and Harrison.
Elected councilman, he served in that capacity for some time,
and also as clerk of the council about twelve years. Since
1881 he has been a notary public.
A. J. McFarland is a son of John and Margaret
(Shuse) McFarland, respectively of Pennsylvania-Dutch and
Scotch descent, the former a farmer by occupation, and in
politics a Henry Clay whig and then a republican, dying
at Sandyville in October, 1876. He was married twice, the
subject being the third child by the first marriage. A.
J. McFarland was married to Miss Sarah Craig, a
daughter of John and Susan Craig, the former dying in
1893, the latter still living at the age of seventy-seven.
To this marriage there have been born no children, but Mr.
and Mrs. McFarland have reared three orphans, one boy and
two girls. Mr. McFarland has always been a
republican, and both he and his wife are members of the
Christian church.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen & Van Wert
Counties, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 ) |
| JAMES
McPEAK, a successful physician of Bluffton, was born in
Ireland, Oct. 21, 1844, a son of Samuel and Mary (Brown)
McPeak, natives of Ireland. Samuel McPeak, an
iron molder by trade, came to America in 1846 and settled in
Cincinnati. Our subject, the second in a family of six
children, attended the graded schools and also a private school
in Cincinnati. During the late civil war he enlisted, in
1861, a Company C, Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was
private, and at the close of his three years' service, was
appointed aide, with rank of captain, to Col. Greenwood,
who was then inspector-general. At the close of the
memorable struggle, our subject returned home and commenced in
1866) the study of medicine in Cincinnati, in the office of
Dr. S. B. Tomlinson where he remained three years. He
then entered the Ohio Medical College, graduated in 1870, and
same year was appointed district physician and surgeon of
Cincinnati, and was thus employed for two years; he then engaged
in regular practice there for three years, and was at two other
places before he came here in 1882. Dr. McPeak was
married August 29, 1871, to Eliza White, who was born in
Cincinnati, of Irish descent, and a daughter of Robert White.
There children are Blanche, Robert Samuel and Maggie.
Mr. McPeak and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church,
in which he is an elder. |
DAVID
McPHERRON, one of the most successful agriculturists of
Perry township, Allen county, Ohio, is the eleventh child of a
family of fourteen children born to William and Jane (McCamish)
McPherron, of whom further mention will be made a little
further on, thus permitting a few remarks touching the ancestral
history of the subject of this sketch.
James McPherron, the paternal grandfather of our
subject, was a native of Ireland, probably of the northern part of
that island, and undoubtedly of Scottish extraction, as his name
would imply. However, he came to America prior to the revolt of
the colonies against the tyranny of the British government, and
settled in Greene county, Tenn., bringing with him his wife and
three children who were born in the old country, he having there
married and having had born to him the following children —some of
Irish birth and some of American nativity: James, John,
Robert, William and a daughter, Betsey, who
was married to David Logan.
William McPherron, father of our subject, was
born in 1781, doubtless in Tennessee, where he learned the
blacksmith's trade, which for many years he carried on in
connection with the making of gunbarrels, at which he was an
expert, and also engaged in farming and distilling while still a
resident of Tennessee. In 1835 he came to Ohio and located a mile
and a half east of the village of Liberty, then in Champaign
county, but, by division of territory, now in Montgomery county,
where he followed his trade for two years, and then, in 1837, came
to Allen county purchased eighty acres of land in section No. 10,
Perry township, and here laid the foundation of a fortune. He
first erected his blacksmith shop, then cleared up his farm, which
he wrought out from the wilderness and made to '' blossom as the
rose." He made a name and fame for himself throughout the
surrounding country as a gunmaker and was probably the best
blacksmith that the township of Perry saw for many years. As a
farmer he had few equals, and no one, in that early day, was more
active than he in advancing the interests of his township. In
politics a democrat, he served his fellow citizens as township
trustee, and was a most public-spirited citizen in all respects.
In religion he was an adherent of the New School Baptists, and in
that faith he died on his farm in 1844, lamented and honored by
his family and an extended circle of friends. The children who
blessed the prolific union of William and Jane (McCamish)
McPherron were named in order of birth as follows: James,
who died in Illinois; Elizabeth was married to David
Logan and died in Indiana; William also died in
Indiana; Margaret, who became the wife of William
Goetz, ended her days, also, in the state of Indiana; John
died in Dayton, Ohio; Thomas died in Indiana; Samuel died
in Miami county, Ohio; Susan, wife of Samuel
Crossley, died in Perry township, Allen county, Ohio;
Andrew, the ninth child, died in Indiana; George died
in Perry township, Allen county, Ohio; David is still
living in the township last mentioned; where Alexander, the
twelfth child, passed away his life; Martha, now Mrs.
Wilson, is a resident of Terre Haute, Ind., where the
fourteenth child, Mary A., ended her days, the wife of
Henry Lippincott.
David McPherron, the subject of this
memoir, was born October 12, 1823; in Greene county, Tenn., and
came with his father to Ohio in 1835, and, being a mere lad at
that time, received the greater part of his education in the
pioneer schools of Tennessee—log structures that they were, but
filled with a spirit of struggling ambition to acquire knowledge.
He was early inured to the toil of farm life, became a thorough
agriculturist, and on reaching his majority purchased the home
farm and filially cared for his beloved mother until her death in
1854. He then purchased forty acres in Perry township, which he
cleared up and turned into a neat and comfortable farm, but did
not long hold his residence there, as he chose to go to Indiana,
where he bought 130 acres in the northern part of the state, and
also purchased 360 acres across the border line in
Michigan. After a residence of four years in Indiana, however, he
returned to Ohio and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Perry
township, Allen county, and here has since made his home.
The first marriage of Mr. McPherron was
with Miss Mareitta P. Lippencott, who
died March 10, 1869, leaving three children, viz: Morgan;
Elizabeth, wife of John Scott, and Rillia,
wife of John Burgess. The second choice of Mr.
McPherron as a helpmate was Mrs. Mary
Logan, who bore the maiden name of Graham, and whom he
married in 1870. In his politics Mr. McPherron
has always been a democrat, and by that party has been elected to
fill all, or nearly all, the offices of his township; in religion
the Christian church recognizes in him a true and faithful member.
In his farming industry he has always made a success, although for
several years he added brick making to his agricultural pursuits,
and from that industry also derived a handsome income. He is today
one of the most prominent citizens of Perry township, which he has
seen developed from a wilderness into a central home of modern
civilization, this happy consummation being the result, to a great
extent, of his own personal efforts.
(Source #1) |
A. D.
MILLER, farmer and teacher, P. O. Allentown, Ohio, was
born in Amanda Township, this county, June 18, 1853, son of
Joseph and Minerva J. (Shock) Miller the former a native of
Ross County, Ohio, the latter of Allegheny County, Penn.
They were early settlers of Allen County, Ohio, and are now
residents of Amanda Township. Our subject, the eldest of
this nine children, received a commercial and miscellaneous
education at the National Normal School of Lebanon, and entered
upon his career in life as a teacher, finishing his first term
as such during his fifteenth year, and has followed that
profession more or less till the present time. He was for
two years engaged in railroad offices at Elida, and during the
summer seasons for the last two years has engaged in farming.
Mr. Miller was married Mar. 5, 1876, to Miss Darthula
Place, born Aug. 21, 1854, by whom he has three children:
Lehr E., Freeda G. and Minerva S. Mrs. Miller
is a daughter of James Place, who was born in Trumbull
County, Ohio, Mar. 25, 1818, came to this county in 1836 and in
1841 married Susan Culver, of Delaware County, Ohio, born
July 4, 1818. Both are still living. Mr. Miller
has served the people of the township in several of its office
of trust, and was elected justice of the peace in 1883, since
when he has done quite an extensive business in his official
capacity. Politically he is considered a leader of the
Democratic party in this vicinity, destined to become one of the
substantial men of the township.
(Source #2 - Page 567) |
| W. H.
MOHLER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born in Cumberland
County, Penn., Aug. 8, 1846; son of Henry and Anna (Howser)
Mohler, natiaves of Pennsylvania, the former of English
descent, the latter of German lineage. His father was a
farmer, and lived many years in Ohio. Our subject was
raised on the farm, attending the district school, and has made
farming the business of his life. He came to Allen County
in 1880, and bought the farm of eighty-seven acres where he now
resides. He has been twice married; first, in 1870, to
Harriet Quabill, who died in 1883, leaving two children-
Ettie and Jesse. His second wife, whom he
married in 1884, was Miss Katie Keim born in Hessen,
Germany, Dec. 19, 1856, and whose father, Jacob Keim,
came to America in 1866, settling in Richland Township, this
county. Mr. and Mrs. Mohler are members of church,
the former of the Dunker's sect, and the latter of the
Evangelical denomination. Our subject is a neat farmer,
and takes just pride in educating his children. In
politics he is a Republican. |
PERRY MOUSER,
farmer, P. O, Spencerville, was born in Amanda Township, Fairfield
County, Ohio, June 3, 1821. son of James and Mary (Potts)
Mouser, and next to the youngest in a family of nine children.
He was raised in a village, and his boyhood days were spent in
attending a common school, to which his educational advantages
were limited. Early in life he learned the trade of blacksmithing,
and worked at the same for several years, but has made farming the
principal occupation of his life. He first removed to Marion
County, Ohio, where he remained till 1871, when he came to this
county and located on the farm which is still his home, and upon
which he has made most of the improvements. He has been twice
married, his first wife and child dying. In 1857 Mr. Mouser
married Elizabeth Conrad, a native of Marion County, and by
whom he has seven children: David, Adam, Josiah, Isaac, Abby,
Louis and Jane.
(Source #2) |
F. MARION
MURRAY, physician and druggist, Bluffton, was born in
Bluffton, Ohio, January 17, 1855; son of Joseph A. and Nancy
(Dray) Murray, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of
Scotch-German descent, the latter of Ohio, of English-Irish
lineage. His father, a wagon-maker by trade, has been a resident
of Bluffton since 1851. Our subject, the sixth in a family of
eight children, received his literary education in the schools of
his native town, and here commenced to work in a drug store when
but thirteen years old, and continued clerking for over four
years. He then went to Key West, Fla., being appointed steward and
apothecary of the United States Marine Hospital, a position he
held for four years, and during this time he studied medicine and
pharmacy. He subsequently entered the Philadelphia College of
Pharmacy, whence he graduated in 1876; at the same time attending
lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1877;
and, in 1878, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred on
him by the University of Pennsylvania. Immediately after
graduating in medicine he began practicing in the city, whence he
moved to Lenni, Delaware Co., Penn., where he continued in active
practice until he came to Bluffton in 1883, and here followed his
profession till the latter part of 1884, when he became a partner
with A. Hauenstein in the drug business. The doctor
was married, in 1880, to Amanda Kirby, by whom he
has two children: Jessie and Marian. Mr.
and Mrs. Murray are members of the
Presbyterian Church, of which he is trustee. He has had a longer
medical training and has secured more diplomas than any other
physician in Allen County. He is a member of the American
Pharmaceutical Association, the Ohio State Pharmaceutical
Association; the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy; an honorary
member of the Florida Medical Association; D. D. G. M. of the I.
O. O. F., and is a Master Mason.
(Source #2) |
JOHN W.
MURRAY, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Ashland
County, Ohio, born Feb. 1, 1820; son of Edward and Christena
(Youngblood) Murray, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and
German descent respectively, and who moved to what is now
Ashland County, Ohio, where they both died. Our subject
was married, Oct. 28, 1840, to Christeann Reese, of
Ashland County, Ohio, and a native of Stark County, Ohio,
born May 8, 1824, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Stockman)
Reese, natives of Stark County, Ohio, of German descent and
who moved to Ashland County, Ohio, at an early day, and later to
this county, where they died in German Township. To our
subject and wife were born seven children: Daniel, James,
Melissa A., Lorenzo D., Roxann, Isabelle and Charles D. -
all living except James. Mr. Murray
purchased land in German Township, this county, in 1853, where
he now has 120 acres well improved. He has served in some
of the township offices; in politics he is a Democrat. He
is a member of the German Baptist Church.
(Source #2) |
THOMAS
MURRAY, retired farmer, Bluffton, a prominent early settler
of Allen County, was born at Congress Lake, Stark Co., Ohio,
February 12, 1820; son of John and Charity (Friest)
Murray, natives of Pennsylvania, of Dutch and Irish lineage,
and who were parents of thirteen children, ten of whom attained
maturity—seven sons and three daughters. His grandfather,
Thomas Murray, was for many years a member of the
Pennsylvania Legislature. His father, who was a farmer, at the
time of his death had sixty-four grandchildren and sixteen great
grand children, many of whom are now living. Our subject was
reared on his father's farm and acquired his education in the
subscription school, held in a log-house, in Mahoning County,
Ohio, where his parents lived for many years; has followed
agricultural pursuits nearly all his life. He came to Allen
County, Ohio, in 1848. settling in Bluffton, where he followed
farming and was among the first to make cheese. He afterward kept
hotel for ten years, but at present is living a retired life in
comfortable circumstances. He owns lands in Ohio and in the West,
and considerable town property. He manages all his business
himself and has made all he now owns by his own industry. Mr.
Murray has been twice married, first in 1844, to Julia
A. Osborn, who died in 1863. Their children were A. J.,
the eldest daughter, wife of A. G. Kibler, a prominent
merchant in Bluffton, Ohio; Elizabeth F., wife of Joseph
Miller, of Bluffton; Marietta, at home: Alexander,
on a farm of 250 acres belonging to his father, in Kansas, and
Cynthia A., at home. Mr. Murray was married, on
second occasion, in 1864, to Mrs. Nancy (Vanmeter)
Marshall, widow of Robert Marshall, a pioneer
farmer of Allen (then Putnam, County, Ohio, by whom she had six
children, five now living: Calvin, a farmer; Viama
Amethia, widow of Mr. Young, now residing in
Bluffton; James F., married and farming in Kansas; C. C a
railroad man, Chicago, 111., and Nancy L., at home. Mr.
Marshall died in 1855. By his second marriage Mr.
Murray has one son—William B. Our subject was a
Democrat in politics until the Kansas trouble, since when he has
been a Republican. He served as township trustee in an early day,
and many years on the school board. He has never taken a drink of
whisky, never been sick a day in his life, and has never sued any
one for debt or been sued himself, although he has done a large
amount of business.
(Source #2) |
NOTES:
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