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Gallia County, Ohio
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES
Source:  History of Gallia County
Publ.: 1882 - H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
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Green Twp. -
L. M. SAFFORD - was born in Green township, Gallia county, Ohio, Aug. 22, 1830.  His parents were Robert and Almira (Cubbage) Safford.  He was married to Johanna Spicer, in Gallipolis, Ohio, Dec. 31, 1856, by the Reverend T. L. Simmons.     Eleven children have resulted from this union, as follows:  Elizabeth K., born Oct. 12, 1857, resides in Gallia county, Ohio; Charles E., Feb. 16, 1859; Lydia C., Oct. 12, 1860; Mattie L., Nov. 22, 1862; Alice L., Sept. 19, 1864; David R., Sept. 29, 1866; Lena M., Jan 17, 1868; Thomas C., Jan. 26, 1871; Emma D., Sept. 26, 1872; Nolia S., Oct. 21, 1874; Edna P., Dec. 19, 1878, died Dec. 22, 1878.  Mrs. Safford is the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Rial) Spicer.  She was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1835.  Her parents settled in Gallia county in 1848.  The subject of this sketch was elected to the office of constable sixteen years ago, and has held the same uninterruptedly ever since.  He follows farming as a profession.  His postoffice address is Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 - Page 39
Guyan Twp. -
JOSEPH SANDERS - is a native of Fluvanna county, Virginia, where he was born July 3, 1823.  His father, William Sanders was born September 26, 1786 and died May 8, 1861.  He served through the war of 1812.  Sarah (Strong) Sanders, mother of Joseph, was born February 4, 1798, and died September  2, 1863.  They settled in this county in 1835.  The paternal grandparents of Mr. Sanders are John and Ann (Cothen) Sanders.  Both his paternal and maternal grandfathers were in the war of the revolution, and were both at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis.  His maternal grandfather, John Strong, was taken prisoner by the British.  The brothers and sisters of Joseph Sanders are:  Samuel H., born June 27, 1816; Elizabeth C., May 22, 1818; John M., April 18, 1820; William J., February 7, 1821; Sarah A., June 6, 1825; Thomas B., April 23, 1827; Susan M., November 14, 1829; Judy M., June 24, 1831; Lucy J., August 14, 1834; Stephen E. and Jacob J., December 23, 1835; Eliza F., February 4, 1838; Hezekiah H., July 6, 1840; Zachariah P., June 26, 1842.  Joseph Sanders was married in Gallia county, January 7, 1846, to Sara Sheets, who is a native of this county, born February 9, 1828.  She is mother of the following children:  Minerva M. (Whitrock), born December 7, 1846, died November 23, 1878; Bettie Jane (Barlow), September 2, 1849, resides in Guyan township; Mildred A. (Sanders), September 20, 1851, died in 1852; Sarah A. (Barlow), February 14, 1854, resides in Guyan township; Ida A., January 9, 1845, resides in Mason township, Lawrence county; Juda, December 20, 1857, died May 1, 1859; Alfred W., January 11, 1860, resides in Guyan township; Charlotte L., December 14, 1861, resides in Mason township, Lawrence county, Ohio; Emily S., October 14, 1863; Joseph W., January 10, 1866; Clarence U. G., December 16, 1867; Gideon E., November 4, 1871; infant son, born and died August 28, 1848.  The grandchildren of Mr. Sanders are:  Noah E. Whitrock, born May 8, 1869; Sarah J., December 18, 1870; Joseph C., May 10, 1875, died January 3, 1881.  Mr. Sanders had five brothers in the late war, on the Union side.  Two of them died in the service.  Stephen E., at Memphis, Tennessee, and William J. at Covington, Kentucky.  Mr. Sanders is engaged in farming in Mason township, Lawrence county, Ohio.  His postoffice address is Saundersville, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 22
Clay Twp. -
JAMES K. SCOTT - farmer, son of Robert and Mary A. (Keeble) Scott both deceased, was born in Morrow county, West Virginia, Jan. 7, 1809.  He settled in Gallia county, Ohio, in 1862.  He died Aug. 27, 1868.  He was united in marriage with Clarissa A., daughter of Thomas and Prucilla (Craft) Black, both deceased, in Greenbrier, West Virginia, May 11, 1841.  She was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, Jan. 25, 1823.  They had two children: Samuel A., born May 6, 1848, resides in Lewisburg, West Virginia; Sarah E., May 11, 1851, lives at home and is a school-teacher.  He held the position of captain of militia from 1840 to 1849.  Postoffice address, Gallipolis, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 28

Harrison Twp. -
GEORGE SERRIERE – is a resident of the township of Harrison, where he has an extensive farm.  He was born in the city of Gallipolis, Feb. 18, 1817.  He is a son of Francis and Nancy (Sanns) Serriere.  They came to this county in the year 1818.  Clarinda Cottrell became the wife of Mr. Serrierein Clay township, Apr. 14, 1856.  She was born in that township Dec. 19, 1830.  They have the following children:  James, born Nov. 28, 1856, died Aug. 27, 1857; George I., Feb. 26, 1859, died Jan. 10, 1878; John S., Aug. 24, 1862, died Nov. 16, 1863; Eliza, Nov. 16, 1864, died Mar. 7, 1882; Henry, May 3, 1866, resides in Harrison township; Edward,  Nov. 9, 1868, resides in Harrison township; Francis, June 9, 1871; resides in Harrison.  The parents of Mrs. Serriere are Edward and Rhoda (Langford) Cottrell, who settled in this county in 1809, when it was nothing but a wilderness.  Mr. Serriere came to this county in 1825.  His postoffice address is Thivener, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 41

Huntington Twp. -
GEORGE W. SHACK - was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, May 11, 1832.  He is a son of John D. and Mary Ann (McGhee) Shack, who settled in this county in 1832.  The former was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1807, the latter in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1809.  The first wife of Mr. Shack was Hannah Shivly, to whom the following children were born:  Virginia, born Feb. 8, 1857; George E., Aug. 17, 1858; John D., Sept. 23, 1860 - they all reside in Vinton.  The second wife of Mr. Shack is Catherine Robinson.  She is a daughter of Kinsey and Hannah (March) Robinson.  Her father came to this county in 1840, and her mother is deceased.  She was born in Columbiana county, May 6, 1835.  There is one child by this union:  Sarah M., born Oct. 2, 1865.  Mr. Shack is engaged in the mill and woolen manufacturing business.  His postoffice address is Vinton, Gallia county, Ohio.  
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 10
Addison Twp. -
DAVID R. SEVERENUS SHAFFER - was born in Page county, Virginia, Oct. 23, 1837, where he worked on a farm with his father, attending school two or three months each year, until he was twenty years of age.  During the winter of 1857-8 he got the benefit of a six months' term of school at the Luray academy in Page county.  By close application and hard study he learned something about geometry, surveying, algebra and chemistry.  He taught school during the winter of 1858-9.  He left Page county for Missouri on the 3rd of March, 1860, arriving at Tipton, Moniteau county, Missouri, the 7th of the same month.  He worked in a flouring mill the most of the time that he was there.  He was within eighteen miles of Bonneville when General Lyon fought the rebels there.  He remained  in Missouri during 1860-61 and part of 1862, the war excitement running very high at that time.  He left Missouri, June 7, 1862, starting from Tipton by rail, and spending several days in St. Louis.  From there he took passage on the large stern-wheeler, Prima Donna, for Cincinnati.  From there he took passage on the steamboat Izetta for Cheshire, at which place he landed June 13, 1862.  He taught school in the winter and worked at the carpenter's trade in the summer, which was varied by a two weeks' service in the Ohio National Guard during the Morgan raid in Ohio.  He also served ten days with the militia termed "Squirrel-Hunters."  His regiment was encamped in the Chickamauga bottoms, known to us as "Camp Hard-scrabble."  They were stationed there during General Lightburn's retreat down the Kanawha valley.  Mr. Shaffer also served four months in the 141st Ohio National Guard in the summer of 1864.  In the spring of 1865 he entered into a partnership with Captain Samuel Rothgeb in the mercantile business at Addison.  They continued the business until 1872, when Mr. Shaffer bought the whole business, which he is still carrying on.  He acted as assistant postmaster from June, 1865, until Feb., 1880, when he was appointed postmaster, which office he still holds in 1882.  The parents of Mr. Shaffer are Isaac and Mary (Rothgeb) ShafferMr. Shaffer was marriedin this county, June 8, 1865, to Louisa Roush, who was born in Gallia county Sept. 6, 1839.  Her parents were William and Esther (Rothgeb) Roush.  Her father was born in this county and her mother in Page county, Virginia.  Her mother came to this county in 1827, with her parents.  The following are the children of Mr. Shaffer:  Joseph V., born Feb. 26, 1866; Vesta D., May 5, 1870; David H., Dec. 13, 1874; they all reside at home.  Their mother died Nov. 1, 1881.  Mr. Shaffer was treasurer of Addison township in the year 1874.  His address is Addison, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 - Page 34
Greenfield Twp. -
MICHAEL SHAFFER - was born in Wythe county, Virginia, Oct. 16, 1803, and came to this county with his parents, Michael and Hannah (Miller) Shaffer, in 1813.  His father was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, and died in 1829.  His mother died Jan. 26, 1850.  At the date of settlement of the county it was in a very wild state, and the parents of Mr. Shaffer had to endure a great many hardships and privations.  Emily McCoy became the wife of Mr. Shaffer in this township, May 31, 1836.  She is a daughter of William and Catherine (Merredi) McCoy, and was born in Wythe county, Virginia, Mar. 5, 1818.  Both of her parents are deceased.  The following are the children:  Hannah Maletha, born July 7, 1837, resides in this township; Catharine Amanda, Sept. 21, 1838, resides in Greenfield township; Luke, Sept. 19, 1840, died June 20, 1842, Elizabeth Margaret, Sept. 13, 1842, resides in Oak Hill, Jackson county, Ohio; William Allen, Oct. 1846, resides in Palo Alto, Hamilton county, Illinois; Lewis Cass, Nov. 5, 1848, resides in Oak Hill; Franklin Pierce, July 23, 1851, resides in this township; Mary Jane, Oct. 5, 1855, resides in this township; Martha Adaline, Mar. 17, 1853, resides at home; Sarah Emeline, Feb. 11, 1855, resides in Oak Hill; David Ransom, Feb. 19, 1857, resides at home; Ellen, Sept. 21, 1859, resides at home; Anna Belle, Jan. 9, 1862, resides at home; Michael Sherman, Aug. 20, 1864, resides at home.  Mr. Shaffer held the office of supervisor and trustee for a number of years.  His son, William Allen, was in the war of the rebellion.  He enlisted in the 73d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, going out at the last call and serving one year.  He was in proximity to the battle of Nashville, but his regiment was not called into action.   Mr. Shaffer died Mar. 19, 1881, after an illness of ten months, with paralysis.  His funeral discourse was preached by Reverend b. W. Mason, the text being taken from the sixth and seventh verses of the fifth chapter of Job.  His wife survives him, and is residing on the homestead at the age of sixty-four, hale and hearty at this date, 1882.  The duties of the farm are attended to by the sons and daughters who remain at home.  The farm contains three hundred acres.  David R. Shaffer is pursuing the study of anatomy, and has in his possession the skeleton of an European lady, which he purchased to aid him in his studies.  Michael Shaffer was by trade a blacksmith.  The postoffice address of Mrs. Shaffer is Gallia Furnace, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Pub.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 - Page 37

Addison Twp. -
LEWIS C. SHARON – is a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, where he was born Nov. 22, 1823.  His grandfather came to this country in the Mayflower from England, and settled with his parents near Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  During the revolutionary war he came with Zane to the fort opposite Wheeling, and helped support it.  The parents of Mr. Sharon were William and Susan (Kirk) Sharon.  His father was born in 1794, and died April 5, 1879.  His mother was born in 1796, and died in 1862.  William Sharon emigrated to Jefferson county, Ohio, with his parents in 1806, being the first settlers opposite Wheeling.  The grandfather of Lewis served eight years in the revolutionary army under Washington; he was a second lieutenant.  Lewis’ grandmother Sarah Smiley gave him a present which he still retains, which was given her by Washington in the year 1782, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  The father of Lewis served in the war of 1812.  Lewis Sharon was married to Philena Jones in Meigs county, Ohio, Oct. 5, 1858.  She was born in that county Nov. 16, 1823.  They have one child:  William A., born Oct. 11, 1859, and who resides at home.  The parents of Mrs. Sharon were Phillip and Mary (Higly) Jones, who died in 1870 and 1866, respectively.  Mr. Sharon held the office of township clerk in Jefferson township for one term.  Mr. Sharon held the office of township clerk in Jefferson township for one term.  The subject of this sketch is a brother of Senator Sharon, of California, whose name is, perhaps, more closely identified with the Great West than that of any other single individual now living.  Though, like most other men, he has seen times when fickle fortune has turned her back upon him temporarily, yet his life has throughout been marked by a degree of success which it is the happy lot of but very few men to attain.  Nor has this been due to good luck alone.  Ability, shrewdness, and unlimited spirit of enterprise, and a strict adherence to the laws of fair dealing, have made Senator Sharon what he is – whether he is judged as a millionaire or a social and political magnate.  The amount of good which he has done for San Francisco and California, it is beyond our power to compute.  For many years past all the most important enterprises in the State have either been originated or substantially encouraged by him.  If he had done nothing else but build the Palace Hotel, that alone would be a long enduring monument to his business sagacity and pluck, and the magnificent scale on which he bases his ideas of enterprise.  But he has done far more than this for the Golden State.  Her mills, factories, railroads, and nearly all her other leading and prosperous industries testify in his praise.  He has worked for the people and with them, as only one man in a general can work, and almost every interest that he has touched and supported has grown and flourished as if by magic.  For the State of Nevada he has done as much.  With his wealth he has developed her mines, and with his railroads he has brought her remotest silver regions and other resources into communication with the outer world.  Nevada rewarded him by making him her senator; but even that great honor by no means cancels the debt of gratitude she owes him.  A man with a record like Sharon’s has reason to be prouder of his life than any monarch, and certainly has a stronger hold upon the affections of the people than the mightiest sovereign could have.  Lewis Sharon came to Gallia county in 1864, locating in Addison township, where he is engaged in farming.  His postoffice address is Gallipolis, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 34

Springfield Twp. -
JAMES SHAVER - a resident of Springfield township, was born in this county Dec. 27, 1816.  His parents, Thomas and Susan (Clark) Shaver, came to this county in 1815.  His wife, Mary A., daughter of William and Mary A. (Kerr) Edwards,  was born in Dumfarland, Scotland, June 17, 1813, and settled in this county with her parents in 1836.  She was married to Mr. Shaver in Gallipolis, April 27, 1841, and is the mother of six children, who are: William E., born Feb. 10, 1842, resides in this county; Abraham C., July 21, 1843, lives in Kanawha county, West Virginia; Mary J., May 8, 1845, at home; Susan (Fergason), June 18, 1847, lives in this county; James L., Feb. 20, 1850, resides in Kanawha county, West Virginia; Thomas J., Oct. 12, 1847, at home.  Mr. Shaver had two sons, William E. and Abraham C., who enlisted in the late war.  William enlisted in 1861, in the 19th United States Regulars, served to the close of the war and received an honorable discharge.  He was wounded twice during his service, once in the battle of Chickamauga and again in the battle of Bull Run.  Abraham enlisted in 1865 in the 194th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He was first sergeant of Company C, but was taken sick and never went out in the service.  Mr. Shaver has held several public offices, and is now engaged in farming.  Address, Pine Grove, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 4
Guyan Twp. -
BRICE H. SHEETS, No. 1 - is a native of this county, born July 11, 1823.  He has been twice married.  His first wife was Mahaly Fowler, who was born May 17, 1823, and died March 26, 1864.  She is mother of the following children:  Rebecca J., born January 2, 1846; Louis M., December 14, 1848; Sarah A., June 26, 1851; Susan F., April 20, 1853; John F., April 12, 1855; Rhody A., May 2, 1857; Elizabeth E., March 7, 1862, died Aug. 20, 1876.  Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Fowler are the parents of the first Mrs. Sheets.  The second wife is Sarah S. Sanders, born in this county February 10, 1838.  They were marred in Lawrence county, Ohio, August 27, 1865.  She has the following children:  Lorena B., born Oct. 2, 1866; Araminta, Oct. 17, 1868; George R., Jan. 20, 1871; Chloe F., Jan. 29, 1873; Faraby, Sept. 30, 1876; Retha O., Mar. 5, 1878; Vilony E., Nov. 5, 1881; they all reside at home.  The parents of Mr. Sheets are John H. and Susan (Henry) Sheets, settlers of this county when it was nothing but a wilderness, in 1816.  The parents of Mrs. Sheets came here in 1820.  Their names are Jesse and Nancy (Strong) Sanders.  Her father died in 1865, and her mother in May, 1858.  A brother of Mr. Sheets was a soldier in the war of 1861, serving one year.  Mr. Sheets is a farmer, residing in Guyan township.  His postoffice address is Crown City, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 33
Guyan Twp. -
BRICE H. SHEETS, No. 2 - is a son of William and Elizabeth (Henry) Sheets, who came to this county in 1806.  His father was born in 1795 and died in 1871, aged 76 years; and his mother was born in 1793, and died March 2, 1864, aged 71 years.  The subject of this sketch was born in this county on the farm where he now resides, Feb. 28, 1834, and he was married in this county to Samantha Willcoxon, who was born in Carroll county, Ohio, May 21, 1834.  She is a daughter of Henry H. and Nancy A. Legget) Willcoxon, who came to this county from Maryland in 1842.  Her father was born May 2, 1807, and died Oct. 12, 1879; her mother was born Nov. 9, 1812, and died Dec. 30, 1852.  The family of Mr. Sheets are:  Sarah F., born May 1, 1855, died Jan. 5, 1877; Ira J., Feb. 22, 1857, resides in this county; Silas H., resides in this county; Elza S., Feb.. 25, 1861, resides at home; Nancy E., Feb. 18, 1863, resides in this county; Emma R., Jan. 16, 1865, resides at home; Paulina I., May 2, 1867, resides at home; Celestial A., Sep. 6, 1869, died Aug. 7, 1870; Etta M., May 25, 1872, resides at home; Alphonse C., Nov. 25, 1874, resides at home.  Mr. Sheets was a soldier in the war of the rebellion.  He enlisted Feb. 14, 1865, at Cumberland, Maryland.  His brother, William J. Sheets, was in the same regiment, and served till December same year.  His brother, George W., served in the 173d Ohio Volunteer Infantry one year.  Mrs. Sheets had five brothers in the war.  Samuel Willcoxon enlisted for three years, and has never been heard of; Richard Willcoxon served three years in the heavy artillery; William Willcoxen served three years in the 60th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the whole regiment being taken prisoners, and after his exchange he reenlisted in the 195th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  Sutton Willcoxon served in the 60th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and reenlisted in the 173d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Anthony Willcoxon served three years in the 33d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being slightly wounded.  The father of Mr. Sheets was one of the first settlers in Guyan township, emigrating here from Virginia in 1806.  He had to endure many hardships.  Mr. Sheets is a farmer, residing in Guyan township.  His postoffice address is Mercerville, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 23
Guyan Twp. -
EDWARD SHEETS - was born July 13, 1855, in Gallia county, Ohio.  His father, George W. Sheets, was born March 25, 1830, and his mother, Susan M. (Sanders) Sheets, was born December 14, 1829, and died in 1874.  They settled in this county in 1830.  George W. was a soldier in the late war, serving ten months.  The brothers and sisters of Mr. Sheets are:  William J., born July 17, 1853, died March 4, 1879; Albert W., July 16, 1857, died August 30,1 858; Sarah J., April 13, 1859, resides in this county; Elizabeth M., March 25, 1861, resides in this county; Susan C., August 2, 1876, to Virginia E. Warren, who was born in Glenwood, Mason county, Virginia, July 2, 1855.  She is mother of the following children: Adonirum J., born June 25, 1877, resides at home; Fanny A., January 23, 1879, died September 16, 1880; Andrew H., February 4, 1880.  The parents of Mrs. Sheets are Andrew J. and Mary A. (McCoy) Warren, who came to this county in 1864.  Her father was born February 4, 1821, and her mother June 16, 1821.  The farm of Mr. Sheets is located in Guyan township.  His postoffice address is Mercerville, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 22
Guyan Twp. -
GORY W. SHEETS - is a resident of Guyan township, where he is engaged in farming.  He is a native of this county, born Jan. 18, 1838.  John Sheets, the father of Gory, was among the very early settlers of this township, enduring all privations incident to a pioneer life;  he died in 1862.  The mother of the subject of this sketch, Susan (Henery) Sheets, died July 21, 1876.  The date of their settlement in this county was 1806.  The first wife of Mr. Sheets was Becky Willcox.  The second marriage took place in Gallia county, September 28, 1861, to Eliza A. Martt, who was born in this county, Jan. 15, 1843.  She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Page) Martt.  The children by this marriage are: Hulda E., born Aug. 14, 1862, resides at home; America F., Oct. 21, 1863, resides in this township; John W., Mar. 26, 1865; James M., Apr. 3, 1867; Emily S., Jul. 28, 1868; Jerry, Jul. 30, 1870, died Nov. 6, 1874; Electa J., Apr. 7, 1872; Eura A., Mar. 11, 1874; Amos H., Sep. 11, 1876; Herbert Eugene, Mar. 31, 1878; Bertha A., Mar. 7, 1880.  Mr. Sheets has been school director in this township for twelve years.  The address of Mr. Sheets is Mercerville, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 22
Guyan Twp. -
JOHN H. SHEETS, No. 1 - is a native of this county, born June 14, 1824.  His father, William Sheets, was born in 1795, and died Mar. 7, 1871, aged 76 years.  Elizabeth (Henry) Sheets, his mother, was born in 1793, and died Mar. 2, 1864, aged 71 years.  They came to this county in 1806.  The first wife of Mr. Sheets was Jane,  daughter of Elijah and Jane (Bogan) Fowler, who was born July 18, 1824, and died June 19, 1871.  She is mother of the following children:  William F., born Mar. 20, 1846; Louis M., Nov. 11, 1847; Elijah W., Jan. 16, 1850; Elizabeth F., Nov. 16, 1852; Brice M., April 28, 1856; John J., Dec. 28, 1859; James S., Dec. 21, 1861; Luther W., Feb. 28, 1863.  They are all residents of Gallia county.  The father of Mr. Sheets came to this county when there were no roads, schools, churches or mills.  Everything was done by hand.  Game was very plentiful, and he killed a few bear in this township.  Sarah E. Niday became the wife of Mr. Sheets in this township July 4, 1872.  She was born in this county Jan. 21, 1833.  Her parents are Jacob and Unes (Colwell) Niday, settles of this county in 1827.  Mr. Sheets is the mother of two children, viz: Caony F., born Jan. 20, 1876; Mary C., Jan. 28, 1878.  Mr. Sheets has been trustee of this township for four years.  Mr. Sheet's son, William F., served one year in the war of 1861.  Mr. Sheets  is a farmer, his farm being located in Guyan township.  His address is Saundesville, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 23
Guyan Twp. -
JOHN H. SHEETS, No. 2 - is a farmer, his land being located in Guyan township.  He was born in this township, in Feb., 1830.  His father, John Sheets, was a native of Virginia, coming to this county when it was very thinly settled, having no roads, mills, schools or churches. Game was very plentiful; the year of his arrival was 1806.  He died in 1862.  Susan (Henry) Sheets, mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia and died in this county in 1876.  John Sheets and Frances C. Sanders became husband and wife in Lawrence county, Ohio, June 30, 1853.  She was born in Highland county, Virginia, January 25, 1833.  She is a daughter of Jesse and Nancy (Strong) Sanders.  Her father emigrated to this State from Virginia at a very early date, when there were very few settlers in this county.  The mother of Mrs. Sheets was born in 1800.  The children of Mr. and Mrs. Sheets number twelve, as follows:  Nancy S., born April 12, 1854, resides in Guyan township; Albert M., Jan. 6, 1856, resides at home; Elizabeth j., Aug. 17, 1858, died Jan. 1, 1875; John J., Jan. 1, 1860, resides at home; Tennessee, Jan. 4, 1862, resides in this township; Gory J., Oct. 3, 1864, resides at home; Louis J., Dec. 10, 1867, resides at home; James W., June 10, 1868, died Aug. 3, 1869; Noah, Sep. 20, 1869, resides at home; Leroy, Nov. 7, 1871, died in 1882; Emma F., Jul. 10, 1873, resides at home; Sarah E., July 2, 1874, died Feb. 9, 1875. 
The postoffice address of Mr. Sheets is Crown City, Gallia County, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 23
Guyan Twp. -
LEWIS M. SHEETS - and Nancy C. Drummond were married in Gallia county July 26, 1868.  He is a son of John H. Sheets, No. 1, and Jane (Fowler) Sheets, settlers of this county in 1824.  Lewis was born in Gallia county November 11, 1847, and his wife is also a native of this county, born June 12, 1850.  They have the following children:  Harriet C., born August 2, 1869; Elizabeth J., March 8, 1871;  Lela Vo., September 2, 1873; Franklin T., August 4, 1876; William E., December 10, 1878; Chloe F., July 25, 1881; they all reside in Guyan township.  The parents of Mrs. Sheets are Sylvester and Elizabeth (Earwood) Drummond.  Mr. Sheets filled the office of Assessor in Guyan township one year.  He is engaged in teaching school, having followed that profession for sixteen years.  He got his education by his own efforts at home.  The postoffice address of Mr. Sheets is Saundersville, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 22

Guyan Twp. -
LOUIS M. SHEETS No. 2 –
was born in this county December 14, 1837.  He is a son of Brice H. Sheets, No. 1, and Mahala (Fowler) Sheets, settlers of this county in 1832.  Nancy L. Harbour became the wife of Mr. Sheets in this county September 5, 1869.  She is a native of this county, born March 24, 1853.  The following comprise their children: Richard H., born January 25, 1871; Bertha A., February 18, 1872; Sherman, February 20, 1873; Lenora F., March 11, 1874; Teressa J., August 10, 1875; Mahala C., January 22, 1877, died January 30, 1877; Letha C., January 16, 1878; Matilda S., September 25, 1880; Sarah E., March 11, 1882; they all reside at home.  The parents of Mrs. Sheets are Richard and Clorinda (Stover) Harbour.  They settled in this county in 1824.  Mr. Sheets is a farmer, residing in Guyan township.  His postoffice [sic] address is Crown City, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo – 1882
~ Page 22
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Greenfield Twp. -
CLAIBORN SHELTON - was born in this township and county Aug. 1, 1816.  His parents, John and Catherine (Mossbarger) Shelton, settled in Gallia county in 1810, coming from Virginia.  They endured a great many privations incident to a pioneer life, having to pound their corn for bread.  His father was born in 1792, and died in 1864; his mother is also deceased.  The first wife of Mr. Shelton was Nancy C. Booton, who was born in Jackson county, Ohio, June 28, 1823, and died June 20, 1863.  She is mother of the following children:  John, born June 16, 1842, resides in this county; Catharine, Mar. 29, 1844, resides at home; Tobitha, Mar. 5, 1850; Elizabeth, Oct. 27, 1852, resides at home; Anna S., Aug. 2, 1854, resides in West Virginia; Mary A., Mar. 6, 1856, resides at home; Maria, Oct. 1, 1858, resides at home.  The present wife of Mr. Shelton is Anna Jones, who was born in Wales, May 30, 1834.  The following are her children: Thomas J., born Aug. 8, 1864, resides at home, as do all the rest; William E., Aug. 23, 1866; Claiborn, Jan. 12, 1869; Tallitha, Nov. 10, 1871; Anna, Feb. 1, 1874; Benjamin F., Aug. 4, 18776; David, Feb. 1, 1880.  The parents of Mrs. Shelton has filled the office of justice of the peace twenty-one years.  He was the first assessor and land appraiser, and has had the office of clerk about twenty years, treasurer three years, and trustee two years.  His postoffice address is Gallia Furnace, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Pub.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 - Page 37
Greenfield Twp. -
JOHN SHELTON - was born in Greenfield township, Gallia county, Ohio, May 7, 1846.  His parents were Claiborn and Nancy C. (Booton) Shelton, who settled in Gallia county in 1816.  The mother died in June, 1863.  John Shelton was married to Isabella Wickline, in Raccoon township, Gallia county, Ohio, on the 10th day of November, 1864.  This fitting and happy union gave birth to ten children, as follows:  Phoebe c., born Oct. 5, 1865, resides at home; Tabitha E., Oct. 4, 1867, died July 18, 1868; Virginia C., Mar. 21, 1869, resides at home; Lucy E., Jan. 5, 1871, resides at home; Mary A., Oct. 28,1 872, lives at home; William A., Nov. 17, 1874, died Nov. 19, 1874; Sarah F., Dec. 27, 1875, resides at home; Thomas E., Mar. 20, 1878, resides at home; Claiborn J., Apr. 24, 1880, resides at home; Vinnie J., Apr. 23, 1882, resides at home.  Mr. Shelton's father Claiborn Shelton, was born in Gallia county, Ohio.  Mrs. Nancy C. Shelton is the daughter of David and Phoebe (Wiseman) Wickline, who died June 28, 1863.  The subject of this brief biography is a farmer by profession, and possesses the respect and esteem of all who know him.  His postoffice address is Gallia Furnace, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Pub.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 - Page 37
Huntington Twp. -
JOHN SHIVELY - was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, Apr. 18, 1818.  His parents, both of whom are deceased, were John and Hannah (Wallum) Shively.  The subject of this sketch was married in Columbiana county, Ohio, Nov. 15, 1838, to Elizabeth Bard, who is also a native of Columbiana county, born Mar. 15, 1821.  They have the following children: Henry, born Dec. 28, 1842, resides in section 22 of this township; Jeremiah, Aug. 22, 1845, deceased; George, May 1, 1851, resides at Vinton; Richard Campbell, Nov. 22, 1855, resides in Pickaway county; Mary Elizabeth, June 12, 1858, deceased; Daniel Devore, Dec. 3, 1860, resides in Pickaway county; John J. July 23, 1863, deceased.  The parents of Mrs. Shively were Henry and Winford (Hueston) Bard, both deceased.  Mr. Shively is a farmer of Huntington township.  Address, Vinton, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 11
Harrison Twp. -
JOHN L. SHOEMAKER  is a native of the township of Harrison, born July 9, 1836. He is a son of John and Nancy (Carter) ShoemakerJohn L. was married in Gallipolis, Feb. 3, 1877, to Rachel S. Irvin, who was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, May 4, 1852.  She is the daughter of John G. and Jerushie (Sainer) Irvin.  They have the following children:  Effie J., born December 29, 1877; John R., November 22, 1879; Katie E., July 29, 1881.  Mr. Shoemaker was a soldier in the war of the rebellion.  He enlisted in Conneaut B., 173d Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1864, and was discharged at the close of the war in 1865.  Mr. Shoemaker is a farmer, residing in Harrison township.  His address is Northrup postoffice, Gallia County, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 41
Ohio Twp. -
BENJAMIN SIBLEY - was born in Tolland county, Connecticut, Mar. 28, 1812.  He came to this county in 1838, and settled in thsi township in 1839, and since that tiem there has been a great change; there are but two families here now who were residents at that time; real estate has advances since he came here about 500 per cent; the number of schools have doubled.  Mr. Sibley was married to Mary Reynolds in Cabell county, West Virginia, Jan. 25, 1839.  She was born in Washington county, Ohio, Oct. 19, 1819.  She died Mar. 28, 1879.  She is mother of the following children: Marshall L., born Dec. 13, 1839, resides in this township; Joseph A., Oct. 23, 1841, died June 6, 1869; Charles W., twin, Oct. 23, 1841, Aug. 6, 1843, died June 6, 1869; Zuba L., Nov. 17, 1845, died June 6, 1869; Benjamin F., Apr. 6, 1848, resides at home; Lorongo D., Apr. 9, 1850, resides in Scott county, Missouri; Ira E., Jan. 10,1853, resides in Wappello county, Iowa; Harvey F., Sept. 30, 1854, resides at home; Mary E. (Crum), Sept. 25, 1856, resides in this township; Tryphena I., Feb. 11, 1859, at home; Sarah C., May 6, 1861, died Mar. 26, 1867; Julia G., Aug. 20, 1863, resides at home.  Three of the above named children, viz: Joseph A., Charles W., and Zuba L., were drowned while boat-riding on the Ohio river, with four others, who also were drowned.  The parents of Mr. Sibley are Aaron and Tryphena (Agard) Sibley.  Mrs. Sibley's parents are Luke and Isabel (Bar) Reynolds, settlersof this county in 1839.  Mr. Sibley has been justice of the peace three years, and township trustee for a number of years.  He is engaged in farming.  His postoffice address is Swan Creek, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 13
Springfield Twp. -
GEORGE SIDERS and Nancy Wolfinberger were married in this county August 5, 1832.  They have had five children, namely:  Mary J., born Feb. 7, 1834, lives in Leavenworth county, Kansas; Noah, February 25, 1837, resides in Butler county, Kansas; Julia A., October 8, 1839, died June 17, 1840; Davis, June 1, 1841, died in Georgia, 1864; Kate, December 2, 1844, lives in Butler county, Kansas.  Mr. Siders is the son of Henry and Catherine (Mothersspaugh) Siders, and was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, February 14, 1812, settling in this county with his parents in 1828.  His wife was born in this county December 2, 1814, and her parents, John and Mary (Shoemaker) Wolfenberger, settled in the county in 1812.  Mr. Siders' two sons, Noah and Davis, were in the 7th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry in the late civil conflict.  Noah, after serving three years, received an honorable discharge and returned home.  Davis was taken prisoner at Rogersville, Tennessee, Nov. 6, 1863, and confined in the prison at Belle Island, Virginia, where he remained for four months.  He was then taken to Andersonville prison, and kept seven months; finally he was taken to Savannah, Georgia, where he died from disease in 1864.  Mr. Siders has held the office of township trustee for three terms; he has also been postmaster at Morgan Center, Gallia county.  Business, farmer and cooper.  Address, Evergreen, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 4
Guyan Twp. -
CHARLES G. SIMS –
was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, August 9, 1829.  He is the son of Terrell and Harriet Sims. He came to this county in 1848, settling in Crown City, where he is engaged in merchandising.  Mary A. Small became the wife of Mr. Sims, in Gallia County, January 5, 1861.  She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1837.  Her parents are Richard and Mary (Edwards) Small, settlers of this county in 1849; her father died in 1854.  The children of Mr. and Mrs. Sims are: Albert G., born March 2, 1862, resides in this county; Capitola, January 29, 1864, resides at hone; William T., December 29, 1866, resides at home; Laura and Loria (twins), June 27, 1869, the first died September 24, 1873, and the latter resides at home; Charles R., May 18, 1871; Nelly, April 18, 1873, died September 16, 1873; Eustice H., November 18, 1876.  Mr. Sims has filled the office of township treasurer for nine years, and in 1881 he was appointed postmaster.  His address is Crown City, Gallia County, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo – 1882
~ Page 23
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist
Springfield Twp. -
DR. NELSON B. SISSON was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, July 17, 1820.  His parents were Stephen Sisson, born in New York State in 1795, and Matilda (Varian) Sisson, who died in May, 1828, aged 28 years.  The former came to this county in 1818, the latter in 1807.  At Porter, Springfield township, on July 4, 1849, Lucevia Blakely became the wife of Dr. Sisson, she being a daughter of Zerah Blakely who died at Rising Sun, Indiana, in 1865, and Laura (Wells) Blakely, who died at Wilkesville, Ohio, in 1841.  The two last named came from Pennsylvania in 1832.  Mrs. Lucevia Sisson was born in Conneaut village, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1826.  Mr. and Mrs. Sisson's children are:  Mary Jane, born April 19, 1852, died January 28, 1853; Charles H., December 18, 1855, died at Marietta, Ohio, October, 18, 1870; Caroline M., August 24, 1859; Nelson E., February 2, 1863.  The two latter reside in Porter, Gallia county, Ohio.  Mr. Nelson B. Sisson, who resides in Springfield township, is a merchant, physician and farmer by occupation.  William H. H., a brother of the doctor, enlisted in 1861, in the 4th Virginia, was promoted to first lieutenant, wounded at the battle of Winchester in 1864, and died in Gallipolis, December 24, 1877.  Benjamin W. enlisted in 1864 in the 173d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, contracted disease, and is now permanently disabled.  The subject of the sketch Nelson B. Sisson, M. D., was also a participant in the war of the rebellion.  He was commissioned as assistant surgeon, August 14, 1862, in the 92d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, resigned at Atlanta, Georgia, August 15, 1864, on account of dangerous domestic affliction, and returned home, suffering from partial deafness.  He was one of the successful electors of President James A. Garfield in the year 1880.  Studied medicine and graduated at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1846.  The first wife of Dr. N. B. Sisson was Mary Jane Cable, who died April 28, 1848, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine Cable, both of whom died in Louisville, Kentucky.  They were married in Louisville, Kentucky, October 30, 1846, being the place of her birth, and the date August 13, 1829.  They had one child by this marriage, Samuel Stephen, born April 24, 1848, resides at Harper, Harper county, Kansas.  Samuel Stephen Sisson graduated at Marietta College in 1870, and was a tutor in the same for two years, studied law and was admitted to the bar at Pomeroy, Meigs county, Ohio, in the year 1876, moved to Kansas and engaged in the practice of law where he still resides.  The postoffice address of Dr. Nelson B. Sisson in Pine Grove.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 4
Ohio Twp. -
RICHARD SMALL - was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1807, and came to this county in 1848.  He is a son of Simon and Margaret (Smith) Small.  Mary Edwards became the wife of Richard Small in Pittsburgh, October 26, 1828.  She is a daughter of John and Mary (Jones) Edwards, and was born in South Wales, England, Aug. 17, 1810.  He parents came to this county in 1833.  Mr. Charles Small is a coal dealer and a farmer.  They have discovered what is supposed to be good furnace clay on their farm, which is located one mile south of Bladensburg, and there is also coal located there.  The children of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Small are as follows: John E., born July 17, 1829, resides in Indiana; Richard H., Apr. 10, 1831, drowned in the Ohio river Mar. 24, 1849; Simon S., Jan. 10, 1833, resides in Urbana, Illinois; Finley E., Dec. 6, 1834, resides in Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Mary A., Dec. 21, 1836, resides in Crown City; Margaret J. Dec. 15, 1838, resides in this township; Virginia H., Mar. 27, 1841, resides in Stark county, Ohio; Elizabeth, Jan. 12, 1843, resides in Meigs county, Ohio; Henry C., Dec. 26, 1845, died April 3, 1854; William P., Oct. 26, 1846, resides in Gallipolis; Winfield S., July 21, 1848, resides in Ohio township; Charles R. Feb. 25, 1850, resides at home; Catherine, Feb. 15, 1852, died Mar. 30, 1861.  Mr. Small had two sons in the late war.  Finley and William served three years in the 36h Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company I. William was wounded in the battle of Chickamauga, on the 18th of Sept. 1863. Richard Small died in 1854.  His widow is now on the old homestead.  The postoffice address of Mr. Charles Small is Bush's Mill, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882
~ Page 13

Guyan Twp. –
BRICE H. SMITH – is a resident of Guyan township, and is engaged in farming. He is a son of William Smith, who was born in North Carolina, August 15, 1786, died November 26, 1849, and Margaret (Waugh) Smith, who was born in West Virginia, December 22, 1794, died June 6, 1860.  They came to this county in 1808.  Mr. Smith was born in this county June 27, 1831.  His wife, Nancy L. Dickey, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Wilson S. and Elizabeth (Riley) Dickey, the former born in Centers county, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1794, and died December 23, 1860; the latter was born February 11, 1802, in Washington county, Pennsylvania.  They settled here March 9, 1832.  Mr. Smith married Nancy Dickey in Harrison township, this county.  Their children are: George R., born May 10, 1848, resides at Bladensburg, Ohio; Orlander W., August 18, 1851, died October 18, 1852; Viola A., May 2, 1854, resides in Ohio township; Willson R., November 26, 1856, resides at home; Margaret E., April 25, 1859, died September 23, 1861; Henry Mc., August 23, 1861, resides at home; Mary E., February 26, 1864, resides at home; Andrew J., April 26, 1866; William B., February 25, 1869, resides at home.  Mr. Smith’s parents were married March 24, 1814, in this county.  His father was in the war of 1812, most of the time along the Maumee river, and Mr. Brice Smith served his county during Morgan’s raid for about nineteen days, and helped to capture about eighty-two men at Oldtown and thirty at Crown City.  Mrs. Nancy Riley, of Greenup county, Indiana, was born sixteen miles from Fort Duquesne, Washington county, Pennsylvania, February 20, 1778.  She had a distinct recollection of seeing Washington and some of the generals of the revolutionary war.  It was a rare treat to hear her relate her early recollections of Indian wars.  Mr. Brice Smith’s postoffice [sic] address is Mercerville, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo – 1882,
 
~ Pages 22-23

Ohio Twp. -
GEORGE R. SMITH - was born in Gallia county, Ohio, May 10, 1848.  He is a son of Brice H. and Nancy E. (Dickey) Smith, who were both born in this county in 1821 and 1825, respectively.  Mr. Smith was married to Belle L. Kinder  in Chambersburg, this county, Nov. 4, 1873.  She is a native of this county, born Sept. 22, 1854.  The following comprise their children: Ninna, born Aug. 31, 1874; Tenny, May 7, 1876; Levi, Dec. 11, 1878; Twelvy, Aug. 2, 1881.  The parents of Mrs. Smith are Noah R. and Elizabeth (Overall) Kinder  Her father was born Sept. 18, 1819; came here when he was seven years old, and his death took place Feb. 28, 1882.  Her mother was born in this county in 1832.  Mr. Smith keeps a general merchandise store in Bladensburg.  He has filled the office of clerk in Ohio township for five years and treasurer three years.  His postoffice address is Eureka, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 13
Greenfield Twp. -
ZACHARIAH SPENCE - was born in Carrol county, West Virginia, Aug. 24, 1840, and settled in Gallia county in 1866.  His parents were James and Nancy (Watson) Spence.  On May 1, 1874, in Putnam county, West Virginia, Zachariah Spence was united in marriage with Rachel E. Lambert, who is a daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Fetty) Lambert.  The children of Mr. and Mrs. Spence are:  Martha J., born Mar. 21, 1875; James R., May 26, 1877; Jeremiah, Sept. 26, 1879.  Martha, the eldest, was born in West Virginia; James R. and Jeremiah in Ohio.  Mr. Spence is a stonecutter, and his postoffice address is Gallia Furnace, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Pub.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 - Page 37
Springfield Twp. -
JAMES D. SPRAGUE - has been married three times.  He was united in marriage with his first wife, Jane, in Gallia county, Oct., 1836.  She was the daughter of John and Grace (Oddell) Mossman, Born Mar. 14, 1817, and died Mar. 14, 1839.  She had one child, John E., born Oct. 6, 1838, resides in this county.  His second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of John and Margaret (Short) Denney, was married to him in this county in 1849.  She was born in this county, and died Mar. 25, 1868.  She had eight children: George; Margaret, born Dec. 9, 1859, died in 1869; Lawrence; Augustius, Oct. 7, 1856, lives in Gallia county; James, Charley; Ruth, Feb. 8, 1864, reside at home; Joseph, April 24, 1867, resides at home.  He was united in marriage with his third wife, Nancy Murray, in Gallia county, Oct. 1870.  She was born in Columbiana county, Pennsylvania, and is the daughter of Peter and Nancy (McBride) Murray.  Mr. Sprague is a resident of Springfield township, and was born in Sidney, Maine, Dec. 18, 1806.  He came to this county with his father in 1812.  His mother was Louisa (Davis) Sprague.  He and his father were among the earliest settlers in the county settling first in Gallipolis township.  When he was twenty-one years old he bought a farm of eighty-eight acres in that township, and in 1842 bought land in Springfield township, and now owns two hundred and eighty-eight acres in that township.  His son, John E., enlisted in the late war, in 1863, in the 36th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months.  He reenlisted in 1864, in the 179th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served to the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge.  Mr. Sprague  is a stone-mason and brick-layer by trade, but is now occupied at farming.  Address, Evergreen, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 4
Raccoon Twp. -
WILLIAM STEEL - is a native of Augusta county, Virginia, born Oct., 1808.  He is son of William and Elizabeth (Hanger) Steel, settles of this county in 1815.  They are both deceased.  Mr. Steel was married in this county in October, 1835, to Sarah Barlow, who was born in Gallia county Feb. 27, 1808.  She is a daughter of Elnathan and Anna (Morehouse) Barlow, who were among the very early settlers of this county, coming here in 1803.  Her father died in 1814, and her mother is also deceased.  They came here from Connecticut and her father served in the war of 1812, and died while in the service.  Aaron Barlow, grandfather of Mrs. Steel, was a colonel in the revolutionary war, and his brother Joel Barlow, was one of the land agents of Ohio.  He was a poet, Philosopher, politician, and a chaplain in one of the regiments in the revolutionary war.  After the war he was sent as United States Minister to France, and he was one of the persons who induced the French colony to settle at Gallipolis.  The family of Mr. and Mrs. Steel are Leander C., Sylvester B., deceased; Sarah V., Henry C., Augustus W., and Alonzo C., deceased.  Henry C. Steel is keeping a general store in the village of Centerville, and is doing a good business.  He was married in Delaware county, Ohio, Nov. 5, 1879, to Mattie C. Holmes.  She is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth  (Bixler) Holmes.  She was born in Delaware county,,, Dec. 14, 1850.  Her father was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, and died in Delaware county, Ohio, Feb. 10, 1863.  Her mother was born in Perry county, Ohio, and died in Allen county, Ohio, Dec. 1, 1872.  Mr. Steel, and the subject of this sketch came to Gallia county in 1815, and was engaged as a merchant and hotel-keeper in Centrevile.  He died Jan. 14, 1861.  The address of Mrs. Steel is Thurman postoffice, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 7
Guyan Twp. -
JOHN L. STEVERS –
was born in this county February 29, 1846.  His parents came to this county at an early date, when there were no roads, mills, schools, or churches; they grated their corm on a grater, and sieved it through a grater; wild beasts were very plentiful, and Mr. Stevers’ mother says she has heard the panthers scream at night, and the howl of the wolf; they had to use a great deal of care to raise their sheep.  They made their own clothing out of flax and wool.  The parent of Mr. Stevers were John C. and Elizabeth C. (Wetherhold) Stevers; his father was born November 18, 1816, and died December 7, 1873; his mother was born February 1 1824.  Marla Evans became the wife of Mr. Stevers, in this county, November 4, 1869; she was born in Gallia county, July 26, 1852.  She is a daughter of Evin and Eliza (Edwards) Evins, settlers of this county in 1830.  The children of Mr. Stevers are: John W., born September 25, 1871; Myrta G., May 25, 1873; Edward C., April 13, 1876; Alta M., December 18, 1877; Charles B., January 19, 1880; Lester A., March 27, 1882.  Mr. Stevers was elected justice of the peace November 22, 1880, and served as township trustee for three years.  He is engaged in farming, his farm being located in Guyan township.  His postoffice [sic] address is Crown City, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo – 1882
~ Page 23
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist
Walnut Twp. -
JOHN STEWART - a farmer and stock-raiser in Walnut township, settled in this county in 1839.  He was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, Feb. 16, 1818, and was united in marriage with Sally Cook Neal, in Gallia county, Apr. 14, 1842.  Nine children were the result of this union:  Mary A., born Aug. 19, 1843, lives in Gallia county; James R., July 1, 1846, died Oct. 3, 1851; Sarah E., Oct. 17, 1849, died Sept. 8, 1880; Euphemia, Nov. 28, 1857, lives in Gallia county; John T., Apr. 14, 1854, lives in this county; Charles P., Sept. 16, 1856, lives in this county; Archibald, Feb. 8, 1859, died Nov. 28, 1860; Grace, Aug. 31, 1861, resides in Lawrence county; Joseph, Aug. 2, 1864; at home.  Mr. Stewart's wife was born in Monroe county, West Virginal, July 17, 1821.  Her parents, Charles and Martha (Arnot) Neal, were among the early settlers, settling here in 1824.  They endured many hardships and privations, having to pound and grate their own corn.  Mrs. Stewart's father, when he settled here, had but seventy-five cents and a large family.  He and his wife worked hard and soon earned enough to buy a small piece of land.  Their meat consisted of wild game, such as deer, turkey and bear.  Her father afterwards prospered enough to buy land for all his children.  There were no churches or schools when her father first came, and the first preaching was in his house.  The first school was held six years after he came, in a log cabin.  Mr. Stewart formerly held the office of trustee for six years.  He is now justice of the peace, which office he has held eight years.  Address, Waterloo, Lawrence Co., Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 26
Greenfield Twp. -
JOHN J. STEWART - was born in Gallipolis township, Gallia county, July 6, 1818.  His parents were James B. and Fannie (Dungey) Stewart;  his father was born in1792, and died in 1852.  He was the first minister that preached a sermon in Greenfield township; he acquired a good education by his own exertions, as has also his son.  The mother of John died in 1868.  Eliza Ann Harris became the wife of Mr. Stewart, in Greenfield township, Jan. 5, 1844.  She was born in Virginia, June 13, 1828.  The following are her children:  James C. born Dec. 12, 1844, resides at Vesuvius Furnace, Lawrence county, Ohio; John S., Oct. 18, 1846, resides in Fulton county, Kentucky; Calvin L., Sept. 30, 1848, resides in Greenfield township; Mary M., Oct. 19,1850, died Sept. 16, 1872.  Mr. Stewart is a farmer, residing in Greenfield township.  His postoffice address is Samsonville, Jackson county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882
~ Page 37
Gallipolis Twp. -
DAVID STIRLING- was born in Duntober, Scotland, Apr. 8, 1835.  His parents were David B. and Wilhelmina (Ferriage) Stirling.  He was married to Martha Phenix, in Gallipolis, May 9, 1875.  Two children resulted from this union, as follows:  Olive, born May 5, 1876; and Mary, April 4, 1880.  Mrs. Stirling was born in Petersburg, Virginia, May 28, 1845.  She is a daughter of John and Elizabeth Phenix.  Mr. Stirling's first wife, Mary, was born Dec. 25, 1840, and died July 22, 1874, in Nottoway county, Virginia.  She was mother of the following children: Wilhelmina, born Sept. 12, 1858; John, Mar. 10, 1861; George, July 6, 1863; Elizabeth, Aug. 13, 1866; Anna, Oct. 7, 1868.  The subject of this brief biographical sketch is a house-joiner by profession, and is universally respected in the community where he resides.  His postoffice address is Gallipolis, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 - Page 45
Guyan Twp. -
JUBEL STOVER –
and Mary J. Doughty were married in this county March 22, 1842, and are parents of thirteen children, as follows:  Mary M., born October 11, 1843, resides in this county; Phebe J., July 14, 1845, died August 11, 1847; Marinda, November 26, 1847, resides in this county; Charles, August 11, 1849, died August 22, 1852; Elijah, March 31, 1851, died August 20, 1852; Rachel E., July 18, 1853, resides in this county; Lewis M., October 8, 1855, resides in this county; Malinda A., December 1, 1857, resides in this county; Clarinda C., March 2, 1860, resides in Lawrence county, Ohio; Sarilda C., February 19, 1862; Jubel M., November 26, 1864; Cynthia, January 1, 1867; Eliza, August 12, 1870.  Mr. Stover, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, October 11, 1817, and his wife was born in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1826.  The father of Mr. Stover, Elijah, came to this county in 1819, when it was a wilderness, overrun with wild beasts, when they had to grind their corn by hand; they threshed their wheat with a flail, and a sheet, with a person at each end, constituted a fanning mill; they had to go three miles to school, which was supported by subscription; what preaching they had was conducted at private houses; the first sermon Mr. Stover heard was preached by the Rev. Mr. StraitMr. Stover’s father died October 8, 1824, and his mother, Mary (Scarberry) Stover, June 21, 1843.  The parents of Mrs. Stover were John and Phebe (Compton) Doughty, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, and both died in 1853 and 1836, respectively.  Mr. Doughty was occupied as a boat builder, and helped to build the boats used by Commodore Perry, on Lake Erie, in the war of 1812.  Mr. Stover had two sons-in-law in the late war.  William Gladman served three years and veteranized, and Augustus Harless served one year.  Mr. Stover is a farmer, and his farm is located in Guyan township.  His address is Saundersville, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo – 1882
~ Page. 23
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist
Clay Twp. -
WILLIAM ALONZO STRAIT, - teacher and farmer, settled in this county with his parents in 1858.  He served as township clerk one year, in 1879.  He was son of John Phelps and Rebecca (Lewis) Strait, and was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, Dec. 2, 1857.  He was united in marriage with Alzina, daughter of Giles S. and Mary Perkins Harrington, in Gallia county, Sept. 3, 1879.  She was born in Gallia county, Jun. 2, 1861.  They have one child: Bertha, born Apr. 1, 1881, lives at home.  His father served three years in the 71st Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He contracted disease that caused his death.  Address, Thivener, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 28
Gallipolis Twp. -
CHARLES STUART - is a son of Robert and Letitia (Scott) Stuart, both of whom are deceased.  Charles was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and came to this county in 1846.  He was married in Gallia county, Oct. 12, 1848, to Missouri J. McCall, who is a native of this county, born Nov. 12, 1831.  She is mother of the following children:  James R., born Apr. 27, 1850, resides in Harrison township; Letitia M., Sept. 20, 1852, deceased; John T., Feb. 5, 1855, resides in Harrison township; William S., Oct. 3, 1857, deceased; Mary Ann, Mar. 5, 1860, deceased; Rachel A., Aug. 19, 1862, resides in Gallipolis; America E., Aug. 7, 1865, resides in Gallipolis; Anna J., Apr. 1, 1868, resides in Gallipolis; Charles Oscar, Mar. 9, 1871, resides in Gallipolis; Orrie G., Dec. 21, 1874, resides in Gallipolis.  Mr. Stuart was elected sheriff of Gallia county in 1875, and reelected in 1877, serving two terms.  He served during the late war as first lieutenant in Company E, 141st Ohio National Guard, serving his full term and was mustered out in September, 1864.  He reenlisted in February, 1865, recruiting a company, and joined the 193d Ohio Volunteer Infantry Infantry, and served to the close of the war in Company B, of that regiment as first lieutenant.  Mr. Stuart came to this county in 1846, locating in Harrison township.  Gallipolis is his present postoffice address.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882
~ Page 45
Gallipolis Twp. -
CHARLES H. D. SUMMERS, is a son of James Harvey and Elizabeth Hannah Summers, and was born in Gallia county, Ohio, Oct. 20, 1858.  His father was a soldier in the war of the rebellion.  Charles Summers was deputy clerk of courts in Gallia county for four and a half years, from Sept. 1877 to Feb. 1882.  He is at present filling the office of deputy auditor.  His postoffice address is Gallipolis, Gallia county, Ohio
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 - Page 45
Guyan Twp. -
OTHE SWAIN –
is a son of William and Eliza A. (Baris) Swain, who died in 1852 and 1876, respectively.  Mr. Swain was born in Prince George county, Maryland, October, 1829.  He came to this county in 1877.  He was married in Noble county, Ohio, January 3, 1851, to Emily Artis, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 15, 1834.  She is a daughter of Stephen and Mary E. (Walker) Artis.  Her father died in 1837.  The children of Mr. Swain are: Amanda E., born November 14, 1852, resides in this county; William H., January 1, 1855, resides in this county; Clarinda J., December 14, 1856, resides in this county; Eliza A., May 15, 1859, resides in Lawrence county, Ohio; Samuel R., December 23, 1862, at hone; James A., May 15, 1864, at home; George W., April 15, 1866, at home; Martha M., August 25, 1869, at home; Elsworth E., March 15, 1872, at home; Marion L., November 5, 1874, at home; Lonea W., May 5, 1878, at home.  Mr. Swain was a soldier in the late war, serving ten months in the 186th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  His health was permanently ruined in the army.  He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for nineteen years, and still stands firm in the faith, and always expects to be found doing his duty.  Mr. Swain resides in Guyan township, where he is engaged in tilling his farm. His postoffice [sic] address is Crown City, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo – 1882
~ Page 23
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist
Guyan Twp. -
WILLIAM H. SWAIN - is the owner of a farm, located in the township of Guyan.  He was born in Noble County, Ohio, Jan. 1, 18145, and came to this county with his parents.  His parents are Othey and Emily (Artest) Swain.  The subject of this sketch was married in Gallia County, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1881, to Lucy A. Williams, who was born in this county Apr. 9, 1861.  She is a daughter of Elijah and Eliza (Griffith) Williams.  The father of Mr. Swain wa a soldier in the war of 1861.  The postoffice address of Mr. Swain is Crown City, Gallia County, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 23
Raccoon Twp. -
BENJAMIN F. SWANSON - came to this county with his parents in 1818.  He was born in Augusta county, Virginia, June 10, 1814.  His father, Dennis Swanson, died in 1861.  His mother, Sarah (Freeholder) Swanson, died November 18, 1842.  Mr. Swanson was the first township assessor elected in Raccoon township.  He has held the office of township trustee several terms.  Mr. Swanson and Hannah Kyre were married in this county in April, 1836.  She was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, April 27, 1814.  They have the following children:  Henry C., born Jan. 17, 1837, resides in Gallia county, Ohio; Martha J., Oct. 21, 1839, died July 5, 1841; John W., Nov. 17, 1842,  died May 29, 1863; Margaret A., Nov. 17, 1844, died Dec., 1844; Catherine R. (Decard), Feb. 17, 1848, resides in this county; David A., Apr. 28, 1851,  resides in Rio Grande, Gallia county, Ohio; John N., June 16, 1853, died July 16, 1860,  Mr. Swanson has two sons in the late war.  Henry C. enlisted in 1863 in the 60th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served to the close.  John W. enlisted in 1862, in the 7th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, but was taken sick at Somerset, Kentucky, and died there May 29, 1863, and he was buried at Bethel Church in Somerset, Pulaski county, Kentucky.  Two of Mr. Swanson s brothers were also soldiers in this war.  John W. Swanson enlisted in 1861, in the 56th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served about five months, and was discharged for disability.  Ami Swanson served in the same regiment, and was also discharged on account of disability.  They both died of disease contracted in the army.  The parents of Mrs. Swanson are Nicholas and Sarah (McMillan) Kyre.  They came to this county in 1818, and died in 1856 and 1861 respectively.  Mr. Swanson is a farmer and bricklayer.  His address is Rio Grande postoffice, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882 ~ Page 7
Cheshire Twp. -
SILAS W. SWANSON - came to Gallia county in 1818, from Augusta county, Virginia, where he was Nov. 11, 1816.  He is a son of Dennis and Sarah (Freeholder) Swanson.  His father died in 1848, and his mother Oct. 25, 1851.  Silas was married in Huntington township, this county, Nov. 25, 1841, to Ruth M. Holcomb, a daughter of Abner F. and Ruth (Burdick) Holcomb, who was born in Chenango county, New York, May 9, 1820.  Her parents came to this county in 1822.  The family of Mr. and Mrs. Swanson are: George W., born Aug. 10, 1842, died July 5, 1875, of inflammation of the stomach;  Zephenia J., Sept. 15, 1844, died Dec. 24, 1852, from the effects of a fall from a horse; Henry B., Dec. 1, 1846, died Apr. 17, 1870; Franklin F., Mar. 23, 1849, resides in Wellston, Jackson county, Ohio, where he is a general agent; Mary M., Sept. 27, 1851, resides in Wellston; Leonidas W., Aug. 12, 1855, resides at Cheshire, where he is engaged in teh marble busienss; Serepta J., Jan. 24, 1857, married to J. T. Coughenour, Nov. 24, 1880, and resides on his father's farm in Cheshire township; Gusta R., June 28, 1862, resides at home.  Leonidas W., one of the sons, was married Sept. 24, 1879, to Ina M. Day, and they have one child, Ora D., born July 17, 1881.  His wife is a daughter of Alfred and Maria (Anderson) Day, and they reside in this township.  George W., another son, was a soldier in the late war.  He enlisted in the three months' service, and was discharged for disability.  The father of Silas W. Swnason was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving till the close.  Mr. Swanson has held several township offices when it could not be avoided, such as clerk, etc.  The business which Mr. Swanson follows is the tin and hardware.  His wife died Jan. 24, 1882.  The address of Mr. Swanson is Cheshire, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 17
Cheshire Twp. -
GEORGE W. SWISHER - is a native of the township of Cheshire, born Nov. 10, 1831.  He is a son of Peter and Sarah (Mauck) Swisher.  His father was born in 1806, died Aug. 11, 1876, and his mother died in 1864; they were both born in this township. Mr. Swisher has seventy-five acres of bottom land, and twenty-two acres of coal land, nicely situated on the Ohio river.  He was married to Samantha J. King in this township Nov. 28, 1850.  She was born in Cheshire township Apr. 4, 1833.  Her parents were Newel and Clarissa (Darst) King.  Mr. King was born in North Carolina in 1805, and came to this county in 1812, and died Mar. 28, 1853.  The mother of Mrs. Swisher was born in 1811 and died Feb. 23, 1882.  The children of Mr. Swisher are: Henry G., born Sept. 25, 1852, resides at home; Curtis J., Nov. 10, 1854, was married Jan. 1, 1882, to Laura Rothgeb; Julia A., May 10, 1857, resides at home; Rinaldo, Sept. 13, 1859; Clara B., Jan. 27, 1862; Wesley E., July 31, 1864.  Mr. Swisher has helped to advance the interests of the county and township by holding different offices.  Mrs. Swisher had two brothers in the war of 1861.  Newel and Wesley King enlisted in 1862 in Company B, 91st Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  Captain Nida commanded the company until his death, and was succeeded by Captain Blazer.  Both of the boys served till the close of the war.  Mr. G. W. Swisher had two brothers in the war.  P. W. and D. W. were in the same company and regiment as the King boys.  D. W. was discharged for disability and P. W. served to the close of the war.  Mr. Swisher is engaged in farming.  His postoffice address is Cheshire, Gallia county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 17
Cheshire Twp. -
WILLIAM SYMMES - is a son of Edward and Mary A. Bush) Symmes.  He was born in Jackson county, West Virginia, Apr. 14, 1817.  In Addison, Gallia county, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1838, William Symmes was married to Eliza Matthews, who was born in Cheshire, Gallia county, Ohio, Apr. 18, 1820.  She is a daughter of Phineas and Abigail (Nobles) Matthews, who came to this county in 1798.  Mr. Symmes has held the office of township clerk and chattel assessor for several years, from 1846 to 1852; real estate appraiser in 1853, in Huntington township; justi8ce of the peace in Cheshire township from 1873 to 1879; member of the decennial State Board of Equalization of Ohio, 1880-0881, at Columbus, Ohio.  Mr. Symmes, who resides in Cheshire township, settled in this county in 1828.  He is now a farmer, having been engaged in merchandising form 1854 to 1875.  Postoffice address, Cheshire, Ohio.
Source:  History of Gallia County - Publ.: H. H. Hardesty & Co., Publishers, Chicago & Toledo - 1882~ Page 17

 

 

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