OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

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Welcome to
Morrow County,  Ohio
History & Genealogy

Chester Twp. –
AMANDA A. BAIN, widow; P. O. Chesterville. Her father, Samuel Livingston, was born Dec. 4, 1778, in Washington Co., N. Y. Her mother, Asenath (Munson) Livingston, was born Aug. 3, 1782. They were married Oct. 22, 1801. Her grandfather Livingston, was from Ireland; her parents came to Ohio in 1837, and settled in Franklin Tp., now in this county, where her father died Sept. 8, 1847, and mother Nov. 3, 1863. They had ten children; John, born July 26, 1802; Nathaniel M., July 27, 1804; Anna N., Oct. 30, 1806; Samuel, Jan. 23, 1809; Agnes M. April 25, 1811; Sarah J., May 18, 1814; Amanda A., Sept. 15, 1816; William A., June 8, 1820; Edith A., May 1, 1823; Joseph R. Jan 22, 1826. Her parents were members of U. P. church. Mrs. Bain was married Oct. 16, 1834, to James I., a son of John and Anna (McEachron) Bain. His parents were natives of Washington Co., N. Y.  Mr. Bain was born Dec. 19, 1811, and died May 12, 1849; four children were the fruit of their union. One infant died unnamed; Jennie, born Aug. 30, 1837; married Darwin Leonard, Feb. 13, 1862; she died April 23, 1872; had two children, Lizzie M. and Emma B; Edith L. born Dec. 24, 1841; married Aug. 26, 1866, to Samuel Carson. He was born in Pennsylvania, March 14, 1839; they have one child, Cora B., born June 24, 1869. Edith L. is a member of the Presbyterian church. The last child of our subject was John, born March 3, 1844, he enlisted in Co. E. 121st, O.V. I., and was taken prisoner and confined for eighteen months in Andersonville, Danville, and Florence Prisons. He was taken from the latter to Wilmington, N. C., where he died March 13, 1865. Mrs. Bain’s husband spent the greater part of his life as a blacksmith; however his latter years were devoted to dentistry. She and her husband united with the U. P. church; she transferred to the Presbyterian in 1867. She is in good circumstances, and owns some town property. He was a Republican, and served as Justice of the Peace.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 592-593
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Canaan Twp. –
MRS. NANCY BAIRD, farmer; P. O., Caledonia; was born in Morris Co., New Jersey, Sept. 3, 1816, and was married to Peter Baird, who was born Dec. 7, 1814, in Morris Co., New Jersey; he was a son of William Baird. Mr. and Mrs. Baird came to this State in 1839, spending the first winter in Mt. Gilead; then moving to Shaw's Creek, and purchased 80 acres one mile north of Denmark, remaining there three years then rented out their land and moved to Gilead, where they lived one year; during their sojour [sic] here Mr. Baird was engaged in the manufacture of brick; about the year 1848 they traded their farm north of Denmark for the one she now owns. Aug. 31, 1850, soon after their arrival at this place, Mr. Baird died; since his death she has remained on the farm, her son John carrying on the farm. Eight children were born to her, but seven are living.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 719
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Canaan Twp. –
WILLIAM BAIRD, farmer; P. O. Marits; was born Jan. 17, 1840, in this State and county; is a son of Peter and Nancy Baird, who came to this county about the year 1838. William has always been engaged in farming pursuits, living in Morrow Co. all the time, with the exception of two years, which were spent in Vermilion Co., Ill. At the age of 34 he was married to Nancy E. Christy, who was born in this township in 1848, and is a daughter of David and Nancy Christy, and grand-daughter of John Boyles, the pioneer. After their marriage they located on the farm where he now resides. They have three children: Wellington, born March, 1875; Hannah, Sept., 1877; Lillie Dale, Sept., 1878. Mr. Baird is a hard-working and industrious man.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 720
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Chester Twp. –
JAMES W. BALL, farmer; P. O. Sparta; was born December 21, 1835, in Fayette Co., Pa., and came with his parents to Ohio in 1844; his father’s name was Iden V., and his mother’s Catharine (Woods) Ball; and, at their settlement in Bloomfield Tp., they began farming and keeping hotel; the latter they continued for about twenty years. Their children were: James W., Preston, Joel, John, Iden, and Frank; the father is still living. Mr. Ball remained with his parents until twenty-seven years old; his marriage occurred January 22, 1859, to Isabel, daughter of William and Joanna (Coffing) Allen; her father was born in England and came to Pennsylvania, and there worked at shoemaking; and during his existence there was married, and came with his family, in 1836, to Licking Co., Ohio, where they bought 200 acres and, at their death, possessed over 400 acres of land. In 1839, they went to Richmond, Indiana, and worked three years on the Ohio pike; they afterward returned to the farm. The father died February 22, 1877, the mother is still living; both were Methodists. Their children were: Levina, Isabel, Mary, Joanna, William, Frank, and Sallie. Mrs. Ball was born September 25, 1836, in Fayette Co., Pa.  In 1858, James W. Ball bought fifty acres of Daniel Thomas, adding afterwards sixty-five acres. He has held some township offices; is a member of Sparta Lodge, No. 268, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all offices; he always voted the Democratic ticket; himself and wife are members of the Methodist church, in which he has been, and is now, steward; they have one child, Ellen M.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 593-594
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Franklin Twp. -
HEROD BARNHARD, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; son of Jonathan Barnhard; was born March 16, 1820, in Baltimore Co., Md.; he came with his parents to Knox Co., O., when he was six years old. He was sent to an old log school house of the rudest kind for a short time in winter; sometimes not longer than two weeks; his first outfit of books was a Testament, an Elementary spelling-book and two sheets of paper; in this way he gained a knowledge of the common branches, and became very proficient in spelling -- he could spell every word in the old "Elementary." He worked on the farm with his father until 21 years old, when he married Lucinda Love, Nov. 4, 1841; she is a daughter of Young and Ann Love, both natives of Ireland. After marriage he tilled his father's farm eight years; then rented different farms near Fredericktown, O., until 1872, when he came to the present place, where he owns four acres near Franklin Center. At the age of 15 Mr. Barnhard united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He soon began exhorting others to live a Christian life, and in due time he was licensed by the church to work in the local ministry, where his labors have been continuous for over thirty years; he has also taken a profound interest in the Sabbath-school work, of which school he was many times chosen superintendent. They have raised a family of four children, and he has supported his aged mother for thirty-six years. He has three sons and one daughter -- William L. H., a rising young attorney-at-law of this township, Hugh John Wesley, and Sarah A. are living. Two daughters, Jane and Amanda, are dead. Jonathan Bernhard was first married to Rebecca Price, in Maryland, by whom he raised one son -- Nehemiah. Then his wife dying, he married Catherine Walker, by whom he raised three children -- Eliza, John and Herod. He emigrated from Baltimore Co., Md., to Knox Co., O., in 1826, settling four miles east of Fredericktown, where he lived until 1845. He was a blacksmith, but being crippled by a falling log at a raising, he taught school, and was elected for many years Justice of the Peace.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 774

South Bloomfield Twp. –
WESLEY CLARK BARR, A. M. B. L., Bloomfield; was born in South Bloomfield Tp., in 1834; his early years were passed on his father’s farm; he attended district school until 17, and then, having obtained a certificate, taught his first term at “Rich Hill;” he received $50 for the term of three months; in 1852, he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, and the following winter, 1852-3, taught school on Clark street, near home; while teaching he kept up his studies and returned to College in the summer of 1853, passing up the winter’s studies, and in the fall was taken sick with lung fever and had to be taken home; he continued to teach during the winter, having one of the most systematic schools in the county.  In the autumn of 1857, he again returned to Delaware, and contiued [sic] there until he graduated, in 1861; he would teach during summer vacations, to get means to support him the following year.  These schools were select, and at one time Mr. Barr had for pupils twenty teachers.  This was an excellent school.  In the fall of 1861, he went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and entered the law department of the Michigan University, and at the expiration of two years received the degree of B. L.; in July, 1863, he journeyed west to Missouri, stopping at Macon; Missouri at that time was wild with war and secession, but the intrepid Wesley “hung out his shingle” and began the practice of law.  Not proving a very lucrative business at that time, in the spring of 1864 he began teaching a select school in the M. E. Church at Macon; at this time he was also connected with a paper as associate editor, the paper being called “The Macon Argus;”  Thomas Proctor, of Ironton, Ohio, was editor-in-chief; his wife was his assistant in the school, and both had 125 scholars, and received $1.50 from each for the term; he taught two terms and was then made one of the militia-men raised to prevent Price from coming north to Macon with his army.  In the fall of 1864 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, and served in that capacity four years.  He had an extensive business, sending eighty-nine men to the penitentiary -- one for murder.  He was the first man to introduce colored testimony in the courts.  After reaching Missouri, he organized the first Union League, in Northern Missouri.  He began as Circuit Attorney, January, 1865.  He was appointed District Clerk in 1869, and served for one year; after this he served two years as Road Commissioner, and Deputy Surveyor of Macon Co.  In the spring of 1873 he moved with his family to Unionville, Putnam Co., Mo.; here he became one of the proprietors and owners of a newspaper, entitled the “Putnam Ledger.”  In July, 1874, he returned to Ohio, and ever since has been farming his father’s place.  He teaches his home school every winter, and receives higher wages than any other country teacher in the county.  On the 11th of June, 1863, Mr. Barr married the daughter of William and Cordelia (Maley) Harris, and by her has the following children: Ella Lena, born Sept. 9, 1865; Mary Cordelia, born July 12, 1868; Roy Walter, born Dec. 1, 1875; John, who died in his infancy, and Wesley Clay, born Aug. 3, 1878.  Mrs. Barr was with her husband in the West; she taught five years at Macon, taking the same class each successive year, and graduating them at last.  Mrs. Barr received her education at the Utica Union School.  It is needless to say that Mr. Barr is one of the most influential men in the township.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 662-663
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

South Bloomfield Twp. –
WILBUR F. BARR, stock-raiser; P. O., Bloomfield.  John S. and Eliza (Clark) Barr were united in marriage in 1821, to whom was born four children -- Wesley C., Philena M., Wilber F. and Sylvia S.  The oldest son is a farmer and married; the two daughters are single and living at home with their parents.  Wilbur F. was born in South Bloomfield Tp., Sept. 12, 1840, his youth was spent attending the district schools and assisting in clearing up the place; afterward he worked for his father until he was 27 years old; he was then married to Mary A., daughter of George and Susannah (Tucker) Wolfe.  Roswell Clark, the grandfather of Wilber, deeded him forty acres of land with the understanding that Wilber was to pay three per cent interest on its valuation ($1200) as long as Roswell lived.  In 1871 as Roswell thought he would not live long he was asked what he would take for a receipt in full for the land; he said $200, which was agreed to; but the other heirs of Roswell not liking the bargain, it was afterward annulled.  After the death of Roswell’s wife, this property fell to Wilber’s mother, and she finally gave it to him.  Thus it was he got his first land.  He has added 140 acres to this by purchase, and his wife at her marriage received from her father 100 acres more; thus the family own about 300 acres of land.  Wilber Barr is a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bloomfield.  In 1862 he enlisted in Company “C,” 96th Regiment O. V. I., and was with it until he was mustered out of service.  At different times he served in the capacity of fifer and bugler.  He took the typhoid fever, and as he was recovering was taken with a relapse and became very low; through the kindness and sympathy of Dr. Newlin he recovered; he was sent north by Dr. N., and by help of alcoholic stimulants reached home alive, and with the care of his friends there recovered; he was mustered out of service in 1864.  Mr. Barr’s present occupation is stock-raising, dealing in sheep, cattle and hogs almost exclusively; he has a family of three children -- George A., born Oct. 15, 1868, Orie Clio, Aug. 29, 1870 and John A., July 21, 1874.  During the war Mr. Barr went west to Missouri to see his brother, Wesley; when the train he was on reached St. Charles he took a lay off, which act saved his life; for when the train loaded with passengers reached Centralia it was attacked by Anderson’s guerrillas and every soul butchered.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 660-661
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Westfield Twp. –
YELVERTON P. BARRY, farmer; P. O. Cardington; was born near Utica, Licking Co., Ohio, March 12, 1832, and came with his parents to Westfield Tp. at the age of 6 years; his father, Captain Elisha Barry, of the war of 1812, was born in Ann Arundel Co., Md., Sept. 4, 1787, and received a good common school education.  He married at the age of 25, Rachel Lucas, who was born Jan. 3, 1798.  About 1830 they emigrated to Ohio, where Mrs. Barry died, June 10, 1835.  Capt. Barry died at Shaw Town, June 7, 1873, having been a member of the M. E. Church over sixty years, and a class-leader over thirty.  Yelverton B. received the elements of an English education in the old log school-house at Shaw Town.  At the age of 18 he married Miss Hannah E. Benedict, daughter of Eli and Elizabeth (Shaw) Benedict.  They moved to their present home in 1859, then consisting of 55 acres, all in the woods, to which they have since added 50.  With his grandfather, a soldier of the Revolution, and his father of the second war with England, it was not surprising that when our country was again in peril that the patriotic fire should burn in the heart of Mr. Barry; he turned his back on home and family, and joined the 66th O. V. I. Co. K, under Capt. J. H. Van Deman, in Oct., 1861, and went to the Eastern army at once.  He took part in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Dumfries and Chancellorsville.  In the last named engagement, while guarding a battery, he was struck in the arm by a piece of shell, and permanently disabled for further military duty, and was a few months afterwards discharged.  The nature of his wound was such as to preclude his ever doing hard manual labor.  His brother Joshua S., who joined the 121st O. V. I., was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and died in the field hospital, while his arm was being amputated.  Mr. Barry has five children -- Eli E., John W., Lorinda J., Charles B. and Rachel E.  He is at present engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and is a Republican of the most pronounced order.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 634-635
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Chester Twp. –
MRS. SARAH P. BARTLETT; Chesterville; is a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Porter) Shurr; her father was born in 1776, in Little York, Pa., and was of German descent; her mother was born in Uniontown, Pa., Nov. 6, 1785. They were married in Washington Co., Pa., and emigrated to Ohio in 1810, settling in what is now Chester Township; here the father improved 250 acres of land, which was sold to Pardon Brown. Her parents had eleven children, John, William, Eliza, Maria, Belinda, Sarah P., Phoebe A., Cyrus P., Jacob J., Samuel P. and Milton M. The father died Nov. 25, 1834, and mother Nov. 27, 1876; both were Presbyterians.  Mrs. Bartlett was born June 20, 1818.  Her attendance at school was under difficulties, walking one and one-half miles, following the Indian trails; she was married in 1841 to W. F. Bartlett, by whom she had six children, two of whom survive. Hugh M. married in 1868 Mary C., daughter of William and Mary (Williams) Bearinger, and Maggie E., who married Mr. Moore; Hugh has been engaged in railroading; Sept. 26, 1879, he met with an accident by falling under the car while making a coupling, receiving a severe injury to his ankle. Mrs. Bartlett holds a membership in the Presbyterian Church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 590-591
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Chester Township –
   WM. F. BARTLETT, merchant; Chesterville, O. (now transiently at Upper Sandusky, O.).  This gentleman, whose portrait appears in this work, is one of the oldest merchants in the county, be having spent 50 years in commercial pursuits in the vicinity of' Chesterville.  He was born in Clinton (as it was then called), 2 miles north of Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., O., in April 1813.  His education was limited to the facilities of the old log school houses of his period -- he attending the Clinton, Plummers and Work Schools, located in the neighborhood of his birth-place.  At the age of 17 he engaged in the store of Mr. Gilman Bryant, at Mt. Vernon, and clerked for him for 3 years; he then served 1 year with T. W. Rogers & Co. of the same place.  Feb. 1, 1834, he moved to Chesterville, O., and assisted Mr. Wm. Shur in closing out a stock of auction goods.  In Sept. following he went to New York with I. Warner Miller, and purchased a stock of goods for the firm of Bartlett & Shur, who opened in Oct., 1834, at Chesterville.  Our subject’s father, Hugh Bartlett, came to Chesterville in 1835, and died in 1837.  Messrs. Shur & Bartlet [sic] took the stock in store at appraisement, under the firm name of Shur & Bartlett.  They continued until 1841 when the business was disposed of; during this year he bought a farm of R. E. Lord, and began improving same; also built a place for his mother in Chesterville.  In 1842 he again went into merchandising with his brother George, firm, W. F. Bartlett & Co.; they continued for 6 years, when it changed to Wm F. & G. V. Bartlett, Mr. Wm. F. living on his farm part of this time.  In the fall of 1845 he and his brother, C. T., occupied their new store in Chesterville, and later the firm of Bartlett & Moore was formed, and the business is continued under that name.  Few indeed are they who can boast of 50 years of commercial life.  During this long term Mr. Bartlett has seen whole generations pass away, and a vast forest turned to a productive county; the old lonesome and winding wood-road turned to well attended highways, dotted with beautiful homes and leading to cities then unknown.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 517
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.
(Portrait is on Page 297 in Chapter V at Pages 273 - 302)

Perry Twp. –
JOSIAS BAUGHMAN, farmer; P. O., Shaucks. The above named gentleman is the representative of one of the pioneer families of Perry Tp.  He is the third son of Francis W. and Mary (Beckley) Baughman, born in Perry Tp., Richland Co., Ohio, June 12, 1824.  He lived with his father until his death, October 17, 1859.  In January, 1860, the estate was settled up, and our subject purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead, where he has remained ever since, making a specialty of the raising of horses and cattle.  He supported his aged mother until her death, January 4, 1876.  His father, Francis W. Baughman, was born in York Co. Penn., Oct. 1, 1791.  He was married to Mary Beckley, March 28, 1816.  She was a native of that State, born March 23, 1794.  In two weeks after marriage they set out for Ohio in a four-horse covered wagon.  After a wearisome journey of about four weeks, they arrived where Hanawalt’s Mills stand at present.  Here the grandfather of Josias had purchased a quarter section on which at that time of arrival a grist mill stood, and some improvements had been made.  Being unwell on the journey, they tried for several miles to purchase a loaf of wheat bread but failed.  They moved into a log house near the mill, where the family lived some twelve or fourteen years and run the mill, which acquired a good reputation, and was patronized by the settlers far and near.  It was at first furnished with the characteristic “Nigger-head Burrs,” but gradually improvements were made.  The father was sick after his arrival and unable to sit up, but hearing that John Shauck, his old neighbor was coming, he walked to the window, and improved rapidly from that time until well.  John Shauck returned to Pennsylvania on a visit, and the settlers being largely from the same locality, availed themselves of an opportunity to send letters to their friends more direct and with greater safety, than the mails of that day could offer.  On the day of his return there was a “raising” at Abram Hetricks, and he pledged each man not to read his letter until the building was up.  Francis W. Baughman settled on his place in this township about 1830, where he owned 315 acres.  He had seven children -- Mary Ann died when five months old; Julian born April 27, 1818; Henry born May 5, 1820; Josias (subject).  Mary died at age of 12; Lydia died at age of 8 years and Francis died in infancy.  The father was a consistent and zealous member of the Evangelical Association.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 800
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Harmony Twp. -
THOMAS J. BEAM, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born March 15, 1821, in Knox Co. His father, John, was born in Virginia, They had nine children -- William, Merit, Eliza, Isaac, Thomas J., John, Sarah J., Phoebe A. and James A. His father served in township offices, and took a deep interest in the county; Thomas attended school in the old log college, and early engaged in the labors of the farm; he was married about 1844, to Rebecca Lafever, and was blessed with two children -- Upton and James W.; His wife died about 1849, and he was again married to Phoebe E. Burns, by whom he was blessed with Jennie and Mary B. He settled for one year in Knox Co., after his first marriage, and then came to this county, and settled on the land now owned by Joseph Sellers, buying at that time 84 acres of B. Warner, and sold the some in 1880. He bought 42 acres where he now resides, in 1870, of Mr. Burns, and has improved the same and made it worth $90 per acre; he has been Township Trustee, and has held other offices. He has always been an active Democrat, and never voted for a man not of that political party. He takes interest in modern improvements, and always helps in any county enterprise that is of value to himself or to his neighbors.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 703
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Westfield Twp. –
SAMUEL BEATTY, retired farmer; P. O. Cardington; was born at Belfast, Ireland, in 1811; son of John and Ann (Hay) Beatty.  His father was a merchant in a small town called Ballynure, in the county of Antrim, and kept tavern and had a farm in connection with his mercantile business; the father’s family consisted of four boys -- Alexander, William, Samuel and Robert; and three girls -- Eliza, Jane and Mary.  His parents were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and gave their children a good education.  Samuel mastered the common branches, such as reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and English grammar, and at the age of 18 went to join his two older brothers in the West Indies, where they held positions as overseers of plantations.  Landing at St. Johns, on the Island of the Antigua, he found a similar situation, which he held one year, and then, with his other brother, joined the third, who, in the meantime, had come to the United States; locating at Pittsburgh, he there learned the chair-maker’s trade.  After spending a short time in Zanesville, O., and Medina, O., he went to Greersville, Knox Co., Ohio, where he spent three years in teaching school and working at his trade; from this place he went to Fallsburg Tp., Licking Co.; in Dec. 13, 1846, he married Sarah Nichols, of Howard, Knox Co.; born Sept. 22, 1822.  Her father, Amos, a native of Virginia, and her mother, Sarah (Davis) Nichols, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio when the Indians roamed through that part of the State; her grandfather, a Frenchman, was killed in the Revolutionary war while on picket; her grand parents Davis were from Germany.  In 1847 Mr. Beatty bought the farm where he now lives, consisting of 132 acres, then covered by a dense forest.  After one year’s residence in Licking Co., and two years in Knox Co., he moved on his land in 1851, which now comes 155 acres.  The change wrought by Beatty is wonderful; he cleared up over 100 acres, and now has a model farm, with good buildings and a handsome residence, with delightful surroundings.  They have raised a family of six children -- Robert Alexander, a farmer, of Cardington Tp.; William John, Franklin L., who died May 8, 1874; Amos Mann, Ann Eliza and Evaline.  William John, at the age of 15, enlisted in the 40th and was transfered [sic] to the 60th O. V. I., and was in the battles of Wilderness, Nye River, Spotssylvania, North Ann, Bethesda Church, Shady Grove, Cold Harbor, Gaines’ Hill; the battles before Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Yellow House, Poplar Grove, Pegram Farm, Hatchers Run, Fort Steadman., and capture of Petersburg; passing through all these without a scratch.  Mr. Beatty’s youngest brother, Robert, succeeded to his father’s business; and in 1866 his sister, Mary, visited him with her husband, the Rev. Robt. Wallace, who was a delegate from the Wesleyan Methodist Conference in Ireland to the Centenary of Methodism in America, but who died in Cincinnati, of cholera, just ten days after his landing. Mr. Beatty is a member of Cardington Lodge No. 384, of Free Masons, and is a Republican.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 634
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Harmony Twp. -
D. M. BEBOUT, farmer; P. O. Marengo. This enterprising farmer was born July 19, 1839, in Licking Co. His father, Solomon, was born in 1811, in Pennsylvania, and his mother, Mary Arbuckle, in Knox Co., in 1815. They were married in Knox Co., and soon afterward moved to Licking Co., where they now reside and have eight children -- W. A., Sarah, Nancy E., D. M., Charlotte, Mary J., Elizabeth and Lizzie. His parents were members of the Disciples' Church. D. M. attended school some in his younger days, and remained with his father on the farm until past 24, and in May 4, 1864, was married to Julia, daughter of Levi and Ann (Maqueen) Harrod. Both of her parents are natives of Ohio, and settled where the subject now resides. They had nine children; seven grew up -- Minor, Perrah, Delilah, William, Julia A., Lewis and Sarah; Jesse B. deceased and an infant deceased. Her mother died, and her father was subsequently twice married; first to Urenah Main, and afterward to Sarah Burt, and had no children by either. Mr. and Mrs. Bebout have had seven children -- Laura, born March 15, 1865, died Nov. 15, 1874; Rosella, born Nov. 10, 1867; two (twins) died unnamed, born Nov. 17,1870; William A., born Aug. 3, 1871; an infant, born. Sept. 2, 1877, deceased; and Moy Z., born Jan. 20, 1877. They rented for one year in Licking Co., and then bought ninety-three acres of John Wright, and sold the same in 1870, and bought ninety-two acres, which is the present farm of Lewis Harrod, and they have since made this their home; it is well adapted to stock-raising, being well watered by springs. He is making some specialty in stock-raising, principally in Spanish Merino sheep; he paid off a portion to clear the township draft, and was afterward drafted, but hired a substitute; he has been a member of the Patrons of Husbandry; has been Township Trustee one term, and served several terms in other offices. He and his wife are active members of the Disciples' Church, in which he has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school; he has been prominently identified with the Democratic party.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 703-704
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Congress Twp. –
CRISTLEY BECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; was born in Richland Co., Jan. 28, 1833; the second child of Frederic and Catharine Beck. Having no assistance pecuniarily, except his apportionment of his father’s estate, which amounted to $300 in all, he struck out boldly for himself, and made the best of his time and talents. In his 25th year, April 7, he was married to Lizzie Snyder, who was born in 1836, in Mansfield, Richland Co., daughter of J. M. Snyder of this township. Soon after their marriage they settled on Section 8, where he bought sixty-two acres of land, paying $25 per acre, which he farmed five years, and then moved to a plat of land consisting of ninety acres, purchased of J. B. Cook, which he occupied for eleven years, and in 1875 moved to his present place of residence, where he now has, in all, 127 acres, and considers himself permanently located. They have four children -- Webb, Lulu, Anna C. and Frederic; he and his wife are identified with the Lutheran Church; he, like his brother, is true to the political sentiments entertained by his paternal ancestors.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 682
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
FREDERICK BECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; is second of a family, of which there were eight in number; he was born Dec. 28, 1831, in Washington Co., Penn.; son of Frederick and Catharine (Smith) Beck, who were born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in the spring of 1831, stopping at Washington Co., Pa., where our subject was born; after two years’ residence in that county the family came to this county in 1833, and located on eighty acres of land in the Hickory Bottom, which he had entered while at Wooster, in Wayne Co.; here he remained until 1847; having sold out, he moved to Congress Tp., in the spring of 1848, and bought 110 acres in Section 8, and died five years afterwards, Sept. 3, 1853; Jan. 19, 1853, Frederick was married to Eliza Hipnar, who was born July 13, 1833, in Hesse Darmstadt, and is a daughter of John Adam and Mary M. (Smith) Hipnar. After their marriage they lived on the home farm a short time and carried on farming; the first purchase of land he made was ten acres, and went in debt for it, yet soon paid for it; he then purchased forty acres and moved to his present residence in the year 1866, where he has since lived; he has now 160 acres of land; they have had eleven children, five of them living -- Maggie Floretta, now Mrs. Wm. Batcheler, of Richland Co.; Alice J., Sarah A., Melville F., and Anna M. E.; he and wife are both members of the Reformed Church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 683
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
PETER BECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; was born Jan. 13, 1843, in Bloomfield Tp., and was among the youngest of a family of twelve children, born to Frederic and Catharine (Smith) Beck, who were natives of Germany. At the age of 10 years Peter’s father died, and he was placed under the guardianship of Michael Snyder, and remained under his care until the age of 20; he then purchased fifty-five acres of land in section 17, where he now resides, and has since added to the same, having now ninety acres.  Feb. 25, 1862, he was married to Mary Anti Scolds, who was born April 26, 1845, in Pike Tp., Knox Co., the daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Shiria) Scolds. The Shirias are of Dutch, and the Scolds are of Irish extraction. In 1862 Mr. Beck was out for three months in the 87th O. V. I., Co. I, and was taken prisoner at Harper’s Ferry, but released shortly afterward. In May, 1864, he was out in the one-hundred-day service, in Co. C, 136th O. N. G. They have seven children -- Bartlett C., born Nov. 10, 1864; Craig, Dec. 30, 1866; Sarah, July 9, 1869; Ida Dell, Feb. 13, 1872; Hattie, May 13, 1874; Martha, March 4, 1876; James M., June 25, 1878. Mr. Beck had $300 left to him in the settlement of his father’s estate, which was all the assistance he has had, pecuniarily; he has a good farm, and is making a success of his business, being energetic, and attending to his farming operations with zealous care.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 681-682
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
WILLIAM BECK, farmer; P. O., Whetstone; is the third child of the family, and was born in North Bloomfield Tp., April 17, 1836, and whose parents were Frederick and Catharine Beck; at the age of 17, he went out to work by the month; two years later, himself and two brothers bought the home place.  Dec. 13, 1867, he was united in marriage to Anna Heiash, who was born Jan. 16, 1834, in Washington Co., Pa., the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Heiash, who were natives of Hesse Darmstadt, and were eighty-four days crossing the ocean, coming out the same time with J. M. Snyder; Mrs. Heiash’s uncles were in the war under Napoleon; Mr. Beck’s uncles were also engaged in those contests, and were killed; Frederick was the only one left of the family to bear the name; Frederick Beck the father of William was born in Sept., 1800; his mother, Catharine, was born in Aug., 1809.  Mr. Beck has always been a hard worker; he began life poor, but was determined to make his way in the world, and in the course of time have a good farm of his own; he began work at fifty cents per day, and he is now in possession of an excellent farm of 227 acres, and a first-class farm-house thereon, built of brick, which compares favorably with any in the township. They have five children -- Edward E., born Oct. 21, 1859; Catharine, Feb. 15, 1861; Elizabeth A., March 13, 1863; Mary A., July 21, 1868; Ella May, Dec. 25, 1873.  Edward and Catharina are teachers of promise. Mr. Beck has been identified with Democracy; he has held the office of Township Trustee for several terms.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 681
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Chester Twp. –
WILLIAM A. BEEMER, farmer: P. O., Chesterville; he is the son of William and Elizabeth (Decker) Beemer; his parents were born in New Jersey. The mother died there, and had six children, three of whom are dead; the living are John D., William A., and Harriet. The father was married to Eveline Rutan, and came to Ohio in 1838, by canal and team. By his last marriage he had nine children -- Martha J., Julia A., Hannah E., Rosilla, Emeline, Allen, and Mary, (two deceased). His father is living in Franklin Co., Iowa, with his daughters. Mr. Beemer was born Nov. 9, 1822, in Sussex Co., N. J. He remained with his father until his marriage, in 1849, to Ann Eliza, daughter of John and Margaret (Snook) Cary. Her parents are natives of New Jersey, and had ten children -- Lewis H., William S., Isabel C., John R., George C., Ann Eliza, Margaret J., Lorena E. and Charles P., (one died in infancy). Her father settled on what is now the Nye farm. Mr. Beemer bought the present farm in 1854; it now contains 115 acres of fine land. He has been afflicted with the asthma for many years, and has traveled over the greater part of the United States, made two trips to New Jersey on horseback. Active and enthusiastic worker in the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church; he takes deep interest in the same, reads the Bible through often; takes interest in all county enterprises. Is one of our most substantial citizens and farmers, and has always been a strong temperance man.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 593
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Peru Twp. –
AARON BENEDICT, farmer; P. O. Bennington, is the second son of William Benedict, who came from Peru Tp., Essex Co., New York, and settled in Peru Tp., (then Delaware Co.) in 1812. Aaron was born in the year 1817, and was one of the first persons born in Peru Tp. He has twice been married, his first wife being Caroline Dague, his second, Louisa M. Meeker. The children by the first marriage, are as follows: Adessa, Linton, Margaret Jane, (Wyman deceased), Direxa, Lester P., William, Frederick, and Addison, deceased. By the last marriage there is but one child -- Preston Benedict. By occupation Mr. Benedict is a farmer, uniting many and varied characteristics. For fifteen years he has applied himself assiduously to the propagation of bees, especially the Italian bee, queens of which variety he has sent to all parts of the Union, and was the first party who was able to send an Italian queen to the Sandwich Islands alive and in good condition. He has a particular penchant for the breeding and rearing of wild animals and fowls, especially the American wild turkey, and at the date of this writing, there is in his hands an order from California for a pair of these fowls, to be shipped thence. As a woodsman, Aaron has always been considered in the foremost rank, and recognized by his associates as the most expert of hunters, possessing in an eminent degree, even from boyhood, a knowledge of the habits of the game which he sought to capture. He is a member of the Society of Friends, the oldest church organization in the township.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 651
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Westfield Twp. -
CYRUS G. BENEDICT, farmer; P. O. Cardington; was born in this township, Nov. 5, 1846. His father, Alfred R., was a native of Onondaga Co., N.Y., and his mother, Cynthia (Aldrich) Benedict, a daughter of one of the first settlers in this township. When a child, Cyrus came with his parents to St. Joe Co., Mich., where he received his education. When the war broke out he had two brothers join the army; Bently joined the 43d O. V. I., and Timothy joined the 26th O. V. I. The latter was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, taken prisoner, and starved to death in Andersonville. Notwithstanding this, the patriotic motives of Cyrus could not be repressed, so he ran away and joined the 153d Illinois Infantry, and with it took part in the battle at Nashville, in the pursuit of Hood, and also the battle of Point Rock, Tenn., where his regiment lost about thirty men. After this they, with the 47th Wisconsin, were assigned to duty in the mountains, to hunt "bushwackers;" while acting in this capacity he witnessed the surprise and killing of' a Captain and Lieutenant of a guerrilla company, the former while attempting to escape from a house which they had surrounded. He spent about two years in the army, and on his discharge, returned home, and after farming a short time, he engaged in the lumbering business about a year, and subsequently spent about five years in traveling, visiting Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Tennessee and Alabama. Returning to Ohio in 1872, he married Lettie Jones, a native of this township, whose parents, Jordan and Rachel Jones, reside here. Mr. Benedict is a Republican, and a member of the Masonic order. He is a generous and liberal man, and of patriotic stock, his grandfather having served in the Revolutionary war, and was with Washington when he crossed the Delaware.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 632
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Cardington Twp. -
S. V. BENEDICT, farmer and stock raiser; P. O., Cardington; Mr. Benedict was born in Morrow Co., Ohio (then Morvin [sic] Tp., Marion, Co.) Nov. 20, 1834. He is a son of Eli and Elizabeth (Shaw) Benedict, both of whom were natives of Morrow Co., and the parents of eight children. The Shaws came to this county and settled upon the creek which bears their name, in 1808. They were the first settlers in that portion of the county. The Benedicts were also early settlers of the county, having settled near the present village of Woodbury soon after the Shaws settled on Shaw creek. Eli Benedict departed this life in 1846. He settled on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch, soon after his marriage with Miss Shaw. He was an upright Christian gentleman, respected by all who knew him. His wife survives him, and is one of the oldest living settlers of the county. There were four of the 11 “Shaw boys” in the late war. Jonathan S. was in Co. I. 3d O. V. I, and was killed at the battle of Stone River; Charles W. was also in Co. 1, 3d O. V. I, was twice captured, but managed to escape on both occasions; Levi went from Colorado; S. V. Benedict was in Co. K, 88th O. V. I.; served from July, 1864, to July, 1865. He was raised upon a farm receiving a limited education. When 14 years of age, he left home and went to Logan Co., where he was employed for some time, working by the month upon a farm. He then returned to Morrow Co., and for a number of years worked for $9 per month – “dry month” -- upon a farm. We was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Curren, Nov. 2, 1855; she was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, Feb. 7, 1836; from this union there were seven children, six of whom are now living -- Cora J., Levi E., Stephen N., William H., Roy L., and Dessie M.; the one deceased was named Eunice L.; Mr. Benedict owns 105 acres of land in Cardington Tp., and eighty acres in Westfield Tp. he has had no pecuniary assistance to speak of, and his possessions were gained entirely by his own efforts. He makes it a point to keep good stock of all kinds, and believes in and practices the old saying: “What's worth doing at all is worth doing well.” He has for a number of years been an earnest worker in, and member of, the U. B. Church. He is a member of Cardington Lodge No. 384, A. F. & A. M., and of Mt. Gilead, Chapter No. 59. He is an open-hearted, genial companion, a consistent Christian gentleman, and one of Morrow county's most respected citizens.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 567
Contributed by a Friend of Genealogy

Peru Twp. –
THEODORE K. BENEDICT, farmer; P. O. Bennington. Theodore, as were his ancestors, is a member of the Society of Friends; a man of modern ideas and notions of reform; a farmer by preference, and strongly attached to his business; he is sparing neither pains nor expense in rendering his home pleasant and attractive; he is a cattle dealer and breeder, and enjoys the business more than any other branch of stock raising; he cultivates music in his household, discourses on the questions of public policy, and allows himself a wider range for reflection than has hitherto usually been accorded to, or by, the society of which he is a member. He is a good, reliable, intelligent, and hospitable citizen a business man and useful citizen who lives in the enjoyment of his family. His parents were Ezra Benedict, born in the State of New York, June 21, 1803, and Miss Ruth Gridley, born in Saratoga, Saratoga Co., New York, July 3, 1807, and were married Oct. 4, 1827, in Peru Tp. Theodore was born June 6, 1835, in Lincoln Tp., Morrow Co. His wife, Susan H. King, was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, June 27, 1837, and on the 18th day of November, 1856, they became man and wife. Mrs. Benedict's parents were the Rev. Wm. King, and Mary Ann Eastwood, of Columbus, Mr. King being a resident of Franklinton. Theodore's family is as follows: Ruth Millicent, born Aug. 25,1858; George, Dylwin, Aug. 1, 1860, and died Aug. 30, 1865; William H., born March 28, 1863; Mary Lillian, Nov. 2, 1866; Reuben G., Sept. 29, 1870.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 651
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Lincoln Twp. -
JOHN BENNETT, farmer; P.O., Marengo; was born in 1811 in Perry Co.; his father was born in Virginia and his mother in Pennsylvania; they came to Licking Co., O., in about 1807, and from there went to Perry Co. in 1808, where they lived until their deaths. In the family there were ten children, three girls and seven boy [sic] -- James, George, Isaac, William, Sarah, John, Jonah, Samuel, Catharine and Abraham. John Bennett was raised on a farm and resided with his parents until of age, at which time he began business for himself. He was married Oct. 3, 1833, to Rebecca Donilson, whose parents were natives of Harrison Co., O., and in an early day moved to Perry Co., O., where she was born in 1813; her grandparents on her mother's side came from Ireland. There are six children in John's family -- Isaac, Malinda, Martha, Samuel, Mary and John L. They came to Morrow Co. in 1834 and settled in Lincoln Tp., where they have lived ever since; Mr. Bennett purchased a farm in the woods which he cleared up and improved, and where he yet lives. His family are now all married and doing business for themselves. They all live in the county where they were born. John L., the youngest of the family, was married Dec. 18, 1879, to Nina Hill, and is living with his father. Mr. Bennett had one son, S. H. Bennett, in the late war; he enlisted Aug. 27, 1864, was in the 179 regiment, Co. A., O. V.; he served until June 17, 1865, at which time he received his discharge. Mr. Bennett and wife, and most of the family, are members of the Baptist church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 762
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Cardington Twp. -
SAMUEL BENNETT, farmer; P. O., Cardington; is a native of Jefferson Co., Ohio; he was born March 2, 1822, and lived there until they came to this vicinity in the fall of 1823. They came in a wagon, and part of the distance had to make the road. His father entered eighty acres, and through his wife got fifty acres more adjoining, he paying $50 for the place, on which was a log cabin which they occupied, and began clearing the place. In 1828 they built a hewed log cabin, in which they afterwards lived, making their own clothing of wool and flax. In 1845 Mr. Samuel Bennett and Miss Elizabeth Bovey were married; she is a native of Maryland. They had five children, four of whom are living -- John C., Hiram C., Walter C., and Amanda O. He owns 227 acres of land, located two miles northeast of Cardington, which he has earned by his own labor and management; he at first renting the place of his father-in-law, and in 1830 he bought 70 acres, and has since increased his place to the present area. His parents, James and Lydia (Hardenbrook) Bennett were natives of Pennsylvania and Virgina [sic]; they married in Jefferson Co., Ohio, and came to this county in the fall of 1823, and lived here until their death --he in 1856, she 1861. Of their eleven children seven are living -- Isaac lives in Michigan, Mrs. Edith Crawford lives in this county, Lewis lives in Illinois, Mrs. Ann Pinkley lives in Illinois, Samuel lives in this county, Mrs. Magdalene Johnson lives in Iowa, and Mrs. Lydia Hyde lives in Michigan. When the family first came to this county they had, after entering their land, one five-france [sic] piece, four cows, and one sheep. He cleared land for others and enjoyed the pleasures of pioneer life generally.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 566
Contributed by a Friend of Genealogy

Westfield Twp. -
T. J. BENSON, farmer; P. O. Ashley; Thomas Jefferson Benson was born Jan. 10, 1842; his father, Didymus Benson, was born in New York State, June 3, 1818, and came to Ohio in 1836; and when the Mexican war broke out, enlisted, but was soon after discharged, on the cessation of hostilities; he served about one year in the late Rebellion, when he was discharged on account of sickness, which so disabled him that he has been a cripple ever since; his wife, Amy (Foust) belonged to one of the very first families that settled in this township; they had a family of fifteen children, of whom eleven are now living, the oldest being the subject of our sketch, whose youth from his 13th to his 19th year was spent on his father's farm; at the end of this time, he having some time previous made the acquaintance of Miss Mary E. Sipe, decided to get married; to accomplish which, they both being in their minority, conceived and carried out the plan of eloping to Pennsylvania, where they were married; their married life, thus romantically begun, was soon destined to drift back to "stern realities;" on his return to Ohio, he was met with frowns instead of smiles, and found himself the possessor of $2.50, with which to begin housekeeping; setting to work with a will, by careful management and persistent industry he has secured, despite many adverse circumstances, a comfortable home, and reared a family of three children, of whom Melvina Victoria and Clinton Divillow are at home; the oldest daughter, Martha Ellienice, is married, and what is most remarkable, her son is of the fifth generation; all now living; his father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great, great grandfather are all now residing in the same vicinity. Mr. Benson has from the start had to combat adverse circumstances, and to repair the disadvantages of early life in the way of an education; it may be proper here to remark that Mrs. Benson dates her family back to the earliest pioneers, her grandfather arriving here the day that Perry's victory was gained; Mr. Benson's grandfather, Silas Benson, although over eighty years of age, is living with his son, and delights to relate his pioneer life to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 633
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Congress Twp. –
DANIEL BIDDLE, farmer, P. O., Andrews; was born July 24, 1812, in Bedford Co., Penn., the seventh of a family of twelve children, who were born to Jacob Biddle and wife. Jacob was born 1771 in Pa.; his wife, Rachel (Todd) Biddle, was born in the same state, Dec. 25, 1773; when Daniel was three years of age his parents moved to Beaver Co., Pa., where they lived eighteen years; Daniel’s schooling was obtained in a log school house, sitting on a slab seat, his feet resting on a puncheon floor; his writing-desk was a board fastened up against the wall by the aid of pegs; what light they had was admitted through greased paper, which answered the purpose of window-glass; during his minor years, he attended school some, and assisted his father in clearing up his land, and thus early in life learned the lesson of patience and economy, which understood, was to “labor and to wait.”  January 1, 1836, he was married to Susannah Todd, who was born in Beaver Co., Penn., Aug. 17, 1811; she is a daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Shivers) Todd; they were born in Baltimore Co., Md.; his date of birth was in 1796, his wife one year later. They were of English and Welch descent. The Biddle family are of Dutch extraction.  Mrs. Daniel Biddle was the youngest of a family of fourteen children, thirteen of whom grew to maturity, and their marriages were all witnessed by their mother. Samuel and Lucy Todd were converted under the ministrations of John Wesley, of Methodist fame. Samuel was an overseer on a plantation, and was first awakened by listening to his preaching to the slaves; from the time of his conversion to his death, which was fifty-nine years, he was a zealous worker in the church; his home was ever the resort of the ministers; Mrs. Biddle can remember seeing as many as ten at a time. From Beaver Co. the Biddle family came to Wayne Co., Ohio, remaining two years, when Daniel went back to Beaver Co., Pa., and married; they were raised together in that county; returning, they located in Wayne, where they lived fourteen years -- the two families living together -- after fourteen years residence in Wayne, they moved to Perry Tp., (what is now Morrow Co.) living at Johnsville, where they purchased 144 acres; Mrs. Biddle (the elder) died Aug. 7, 1842; Mr. Biddle, Jan. 24, 1851. In 1866 our subject moved to the place where they now live, where they have a good home and a competence for their old age, after dividing among his children a liberal amount; they are both members of the United Brethren Church; his father was one of the first members of that order in the county, and had three sons who were ministers of the same body; Mrs. Biddle has been a member of a church for 43 years.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 682-683
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
JOHN T. BIDDLE, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born Jan. 6, 1846, in Wayne Co., Ohio, and is the youngest of a family of three children, born to Daniel and Susan (Todd) Biddle; both were natives of Pennsylvania and emigrated to this State in 1848, locating in Perry Tp., and remaining there until the year 1865, when they removed to Congress Tp., where they located permanently. John spent his minority at home and at school, and at the age of 17, he went to Galion, where he engaged as clerk, in which capacity he served one year and a half. At the age of 21 he was united in matrimony to Margaret J. Fish, daughter of Henry Fish, June 27, 1867. She was born May 5, 1830, in this township, and located in the southwest corner of the township in 1874, and bought eighty-six acres of land, where he now resides, and has a good, snug farm, well improved. Mr. Biddle is a good manager, and will in time become one of the affluent farmers in the township. They have one child -- Judson A., born March 6, 1873.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 683-684
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Franklin Twp. –
JOSEPH BIGGINS, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; son of James and Ann (Abram) Biggins; he was born in Yorkshire, England, April 22, 1831. As his father had been farmer, it was but natural that Joseph should follow in his footsteps; after receiving a liberal education, which included land surveying, at Ganford Academy, he married Jane Cole, daughter of William and Susan (Porritt) Cole; she was born in Yorkshire, May 16, 1829. Soon after the marriage, which was celebrated July 7, 1851, they began farming in “merry England,” which he followed two years, but hearing favorable reports of the United States from his father, who had emigrated to Chester Tp. in 1852, he and his family embarked in July, 1853, and after a voyage of forty-two days, reached New York and came by way of Dunkirk, Cleveland and Fredericktown, and remained one month in his father’s family; he then purchased 160 acres in Franklin Tp., and settled upon it in Oct., 1853, and lived there until 1864, when he sold out with a view to locating in the West, but changed his purpose, and purchased the present 100 acres, where he has lived since. Two sons and four daughters have been born to them -- Mary A., married to N. H. Jagger, Sept., 22, 1874; Susan, Maggie, William J., John T. and Priscilla; all the family are well educated, and Maggie and Susan are successful teachers in public schools. 
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 774
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

North Bloomfield Twp. –
JOHN BISHOP, farmer; P. O., Corsica; was born in this county, Jan. 30, 1851; his father, James Bishop, was born and reared in Merlin Co., Penn., and his mother, Elizabeth (Hinton) Bishop, was born in Michigan. His father went on the national road as a teamster when fourteen years old, and could soon handle six horses with perfect ease; he followed this for eighteen years, when he came to Ohio and settled on a farm; he bought 80 acres of land, which he cleared and improved, and at his father's death he bought the old homestead, where he lived until Feb. 1, 1879, when he died in Kansas, where he had gone to visit friends. His body was brought home for interment. John left home when only three years old, to live with his uncle, John McCool, who thought as much of him as though he were his own child, and lived with him until March 21, 1874, when he was married to Emma daughter of John and Catharine Rhinehart; then settled on his uncle's farm, a part of which he now owns. Mrs. Bishop died Jan: 12, 1875; and Jan. 20, 1877, he was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Marshall, (widow of Samuel Marshall) her maiden name being Scrofield. By this union three children have been born -- Maude E., Jessie L., and an infant. Mr. Bishop is a member of the I. O. O. F., at Blooming Grove.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 621.
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Westfield Twp. –
JOSEPH BISHOP, farmer; P. O. Westfield; was born Oct. 8, 1809, near the Junction of the two branches of Whetstone in Delaware Co.  He was the oldest of five children of Elisha and Pherreby (Curren) Bishop, natives of Tennessee, who came to Westfield Tp. in 1811.  Being the oldest, the brunt of the work of clearing the farm and providing supplies for the family fell on Joseph.  In his 24th year he married Sallie Martha Place, a native of York state, whose parents came here about 1817.  They were both familiar with the scenes of pioneer life and have been spared to enjoy the fruit of their early work.  The Bishop family has been a patriotic one -- his father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and Mr. Bishop furnished two sons and a son-in-law for the war of the Rebellion.  Henry enlisted in the 121st O. V. I., and after taking part in the battles of Perryville and Chickamauga, died, and his remains repose in the Baptist cemetery.  Barzilla W. was a member of the same company, and after taking part with his regiment in several battles, lost his health, which he has never since fully regained.  He is now manager of the hardware store of D. Waddell & Co.  Levan Van Briminer, to whom Mr. Bishop’s daughter Lorinda, was married, lost an arm in the service.  Anson, his remaining son, is now a resident of Henry Go., and Loretta, his other daughter, is the wife of Albert Williams, of this township.  Mr. Bishop has a nice farm of 57 acres.  He is a Republican.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 632-633
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Franklin Twp. -
JOHN BLAIR, farmer; P. O., Levering. The above named gentleman is the first white child born in Franklin Tp., which event occurred July 3, 1812; he is therefore the oldest native resident of the township. His taste, naturally enough, ran in the same direction as his father's; accordingly, he tilled his father's farm until he was 25 years old, when he was united in marriage to Melicent Hayden, a daughter of Samuel and Parthena (Stevens) Hayden, who settled in Radnor Tp., Delaware Co., O., in 1811, being natives of Massachusetts. Her father died soon afterwards, and her mother with the family came to this township about 1817. One son blessed this union  -- Byron, who died Feb. 27, 1858; Melicent, wife of John Blair, died Sept. 29; 1839. He was married to Artamisa Stevens, Dec. 10, 1843; she was a daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (Scribner) Stevens, and her parents came from Radnor Tp. in 1817; five children have been born to them -- Lyman B., Calvin H., Cylva M., Almon S. and Lauren A.; two of these died in youth -- Almon S. and Lauren A.  Mr. Blair's grandfather was a "Minute Man" in the war of the Revolution and in this country, pursued the calling of shoemaker; and owing to the scarcity of money, he was often obliged to accept wheat in payment for work, and as he was a lover of coffee, he often traded a bushel of wheat for a pound of coffee. His father's house burned about 1839, with an almost total loss of household goods. The neighbors assembled without invitation the very next morning, with various contributions, and in three days had another substantial building, ready for occupation. At one time, an aunt of Mr. Blair, who had been to a neighbors, came in, reporting the approach of hostile Indians, when Mrs. Blair caught John, then an infant in her arms, and sprang through a four-light window in her fright; but the persons approaching, proved to be Captain Lewis, with a party of scouts. Mr. Blair had few advantages for mental improvement in early life, but has done much in later life; and is a well posted man, taking a profound interest in the affairs of the Disciple Church, in which he holds the office of Deacon.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 774-775

South Bloomfield Twp. –
JOHN BLINN, farmer; P. O., Sparta; was born in South Bloomfield Tp., Dec. 10, 1820; his parents, Roger and Polly (Beard) Blinn, were among the first settlers in the township, locating there in 1817; the father died in 1827, aged 45, and the mother in 1878, aged 78.  The Blinn’s are of French descent.  Mr. Blinn’s grandmother on his mother’s side was a Porter, and was a relative of Commodore Porter, of national reputation.  Roger Blinn was a sailor until he came to Ohio, when he began to farm.  He suggested the name of Bloomfield when the township was organized and named.  John Blinn spent his youth on his father’s farm; he was the first professional cabinet-maker in Sparta, having learned that trade when a young man.  He was married to Mary Chase, Oct. 28, 1848, and has a family of six children, all of whom are living -- Elmer P., born Jan.12, 1850; Welford C., Feb. 2, 1852; Robert C., Nov. 18, 1853; John C., Oct. 7, 1855; Anna M., Oct. 24, 1865, and Ray S., June 23, 1870.  Elmer is a homœpathic physician, and practices in Marysville, Ohio; Welford C. is at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is one of the best grainers and sign writers in the state; Robert C. is a prominent, wool grower in Texas.  The other children of this family are at home.  Roger Blinn had a family of five children -- John, Henry, Clarissa, Elizabeth and Roger; all are living, except Henry, who died in California.  Mr. Blinn is a Prohibitionist; is also one of the covenant members of the Advent Church at Sparta.  He is one of the most prominent and influential men in the township.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 660
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Chester Twp. –
RANSOM BOCKOVER, farmer; P. O. Chesterville; born Dec. 8, 1846, in Morrow Co., Ohio. His father, Jonathan, was born in New Jersey, May 8, 1797, and learned the blacksmith’s trade when 19 years old; came to Ohio in 1835. Had eight children; James, Jacob, Ira, Isaac, Minerva, Ransom, Jason and Rebecca. The mother of these children was Elizabeth Adams, and was born in 1818. These old parents have enjoyed the most of their time on the farm, clearing and tilling the soil. Ransom was married June 18, 1871, to Mary, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Lanning. She was born May 12, 1851, in this county, and like her husband has enjoyed the attractions of home. They bought fifty acres of land in 1871, of Joseph Trowbridge, and have improved the same by fine buildings. This is a fine little home, the result of hard labor.  Mr. Bockover once belonged to the Patrons of Husbandry; votes the Democratic ticket; enlisted in Co. F, 136th O. N. G.; settled here in 1876. They have one child, Joseph C., born April 21, 1874.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 593
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

North Bloomfield Twp. –
ENOCH BOLYARD, farmer; P. O. Galion, was born in what is now Morrow Co., Oct. 8, 1830, and is the eighth of a family of ten children; his parents, Daniel and Hannah Bolyard, were born and reared in Schuylkill Co., Penn., and emigrated to this State in 1830. His father was a wagon-maker by trade, but made farming his chief occupation after coming to this State; he entered Government land, and by industry and close application to business, soon possessed a valuable farm, on which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1874. Enoch commenced for himself when of age, and soon after was married to Elizabeth Klopfenstein; she was born April 16, 1830, in Switzerland, and came to this country when only two years old. They lived on his father's farm till 1866, when they moved on the farm on which they now live. There have been born to them seven children, five of whom are living: Samuel I., Hannah E., Sophia S., Simon and Amanda. The oldest three are married and settled near home. They own over 200 acres of land, a part of which was inherited.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 621.
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Franklin Twp. –
SAMUEL BOWEN, farmer; P. O., Chesterville. The above named gentleman comes of a numerous and highly respected family, who left Monmouthshire, Wales, for the attractions of America, settling in Chester Tp., this county, in 1815. He is the fourth son of John and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Bowen, and was born April 10, 1829, in Chester Tp. Here his father purchased 160 acres of land in the woods, which he cleared up and improved, raising nine children, all living but two -- Elizabeth, John, Mary, Nancy, Enoch, Samuel and Isaac, and Henry and Emma are dead. The father was a good scholar in both Welch and English. He came here with a small capital and left a handsome property for his family; he died about 1868. Samuel passed his early life on the farm, receiving the rudiments of his education in the schools of his day until 20 years old, when he rented the home farm, which he continued to till about fourteen years, then he purchased 142 acres of the present farm in Franklin, upon which he began operations with such marked success that he now owns 255 acres, made principally by his own labor. He is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. 
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 773-774
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Canaan Twp. –
JASPER BRADFORD, farmer; P. O., Cardington; born Dec. 1, 1818, in Muskingum Co.; is the son of John and Mary (Davis) Bradford, who were married in Loudoun Co., and came West about 1812, locating in Muskingum Co. Jasper is the fifth of a family of eleven children, and was married July 1, 1841, to Mary E. Lane, a native of Muskingum Co.; she died Dec. 25, 1843, leaving two children -- Achsah, now in Oxford Tp., Delaware Co., the wife of Wm. Nelson, and George, in Muskingum Co.  Mr. Bradford was married the second time, to Elizabeth Davis, Nov. 27, 1845, the daughter of Samuel and Mary Davis, who were natives of Pennsylvania; four children crowned their union -- Harriet J., Mary E., John M. and Maranda C.  Harriet now of Edgar Co., Ill., is the wife of H. Rowland; Mary E. is Mrs. Martin Powers, of Cardington; John M. is on the farm; Maranda, deceased. His second wife died Nov. 1, 1865, in Edgar Co.  On July 30, 1870, was married to Mary Ann Miller, his present wife, who was born in Belmont Co., Sept. 12, 1818; her father, Andrew Miller, entered the land the now reside upon; his wife was Susanna Ault, both natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to this state in the year 1818, and to the present limits of Morrow Co. in 1835; in 1867, Mr. Bradford moved to Edgar Co., Ill., and lived there three years, returning to this county where he has since resided. Mr. Bradford and wife are members of the Methodist Church, and have been identified with the church for about thirty years. Their farm, consisting of 74 acres, affords them a handsome living, and a good home.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 718
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Canaan Twp. –
JOHN W. BRATTON, farmer; P. O., Cardington; is among Canaan’s best farmers. He is a native of Ohio, born in Radnor Tp., Delaware Co., May 18, 1831, and a son of James W. Bratton, whose wife was Mary Kyle, who was likewise reared in Delaware Co. James W. was a native of Pennsylvania. John was the second of a family of ten children, and was reared in the home circle; after his father’s death he assisted in the care and support of his mother; at the age of 25, he was married to Rosannah McBride, who was born in 1835, in Marion Co.; a daughter of Robert and Melissa (Reece) McBride. After marriage he began by renting land, which he continued to do for several years, and acquired enough means to purchase a small place near Denmark, which he sold soon after and moved to Marion Co., and purchased 43 acres, and in 1869 moved to this township, and purchased his present home, where he has since lived. They have two children -- Lillie and Ollie; Ollie is now the wife of Samuel Warden, of this township; Lillie is at Cardington, engaged in the millinery trade. Mr. Bratton is a member of the Bethel M. E. Church. Democracy runs in the family, and John is quite strongly tinctured with its principles, and votes straight.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 718-719
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Chester Twp. –
SAUL BREECE, farmer; P. O. Chesterville. Was born October 15, 1804, in Washington Co., Pa., and came with his parents to Ohio in 1810; his father Samuel and mother Elizabeth, whose maiden name was Cook, were born in New Jersey, and lived awhile in Pennsylvania before coming to Knox Co. They had the following children: George, Katy, John, Mary, Saul, Hugh, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Anna, Henry, Phineas, Ruth, Arrena and Job.  Mr. Breece attended school but little, and the greater part of his life was spent on the farm; he took a great fancy to gunning, and has become an expert hunter. He was married in 1828 to Sarah, daughter of Nathanael and Barbara (Sargeant) Kinney. Her father was born in Northumberland Co., Pa., and mother in Maryland; they came to Ohio in 1816, and her father was in the war of 1812. They had nine children: Jacob, Mary, David, Stanley, Sallie, James, George, Betsy and William.  Her father died in 1840, and mother in 1846.  Mr. Breece bought ten acres where they now live, in 1856, and now enjoys a nice little home. They have had ten children, seven living: Jackson, now in Oregon; Stanley, a mason by trade, at Mt. Vernon; Julia married Garret Rittenhouse; he died, and she was again married to John Minich; David, teacher, in La Salle Co., Ill.; Abigail married William Peril, she is deceased, and had two children, Emma D. and Sarah E.; Daniel, carpenter, in Missouri; Lydia married James Peril; Sarah E. married Henry A., son of Michael J. and Alice E. (La Bolt) Warner. His parents were both born in Germany, and came to Holmes Co., Ohio, in 1852. His father enlisted in the 102nd O. V. I., and was taken prisoner and confined in the Andersonville Prison, where he expired. His parents were Lutherans, and had six children: Catharine C., married Nathanael Wolferton; Henry, William; Emma married Ferdinand Youse; Vina.  One died on the trip across the ocean, and took a watery grave. Mrs. Breece has been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty years. The pioneer hardships of their parents are too numerous to mention. A few only are necessary -- such as going barefooted in the winter, and going to mill on horseback by means of a pack-saddle; her father one time went quite a distance in this way, and when he was returning and within about six miles of his home -- and no doubt was rejoicing that he would soon arrive with the "staff of life," but unfortunately, while going down a hill the pony stumbled, and falling, broke its neck. The father took the meal on his shoulder and footed the distance, six miles, to his wilderness home. They had to carry lights fastened to their hats and bonnets to keep the mosquitoes from annoying them. The first cow her parents had, her mother paid for by making maple sugar at five cents per pound, and aggregating the cow at $19.00. Mr. Breece votes the Democratic ticket.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 591
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Westfield Twp. –
WILLIAM G. BRENIZER, farmer, and stock-raiser; P. O., Westfield; with his parents, Jacob and Mary (Griffith) Brenizer, is a native of Maryland, and was born Feb. 26, 1827.  When two years of age his parents moved to this township and settled on a farm then owned by John Elliott, on the Whetstone river; and in 1831, moved to a farm of their own, where they spent the balance of their lives.  On arriving at his majority, William went to work in the fanning-mill business, as did many other citizens who have figured prominently in the history of this township after one year here he spent, two years in a factory in Indiana; one year in Newport, Ky., and one in Lima, O., in the same business.  He then sold lightning-rods one year.  At the age of 26 he married Miss Buly Ann Shaw, who was born Nov. 9, 1834.  She is the daughter of John Shaw, who was born July 9, 1797, and Pamelia (Messenger,) born Apr. 10, 1807; her father was for many years a prominent man in the township, holding the offices of Trustee, Clerk and Justice of the Peace, and one of the founders of the United Brethren Church; at the time of his death he was the largest land-holder in the township, owning about 600 acres.  The death of Mr. Shaw occurred June 6, 1860.  Mrs. Shaw had died Aug. 9, 1854.  Mr. and Mrs. Brenizer have raised two children -- Nelson O., born Apr. 9, 1854; graduated at the Otterbein University, Westerville, O., and the Homœopathic College of Medicine, Cleveland O, in 1877, and is now a practicing physician in Prospect, O.  William, born Sept. 10 1867, is a youth of rare promise.  Mr. Brenizer has a good, well watered farm of 100 acres, with good buildings and choice fruit; and besides the home farm another tract of 50 acres.  He is now serving the township the third term as Trustee; is a member of Cardington Grange and a Trustee in the United Brethren Church.  He enlisted during the Rebellion, and served nearly three years in the 88th O. V. I.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 633-634
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. –
DENTON BREWER, farmer; P. O., Andrews; was born Oct. 12, 1833, in Bedford Co.; is a sort of William and Mary (Peck) Brewer; there were eight children in the family -- Denton being the third. He came to this county with his parents when but 2 years of age, where they located on the farm now owned by John Synder [sic], where his father took a lease for several years. At the age of 13 he began to do for himself, and worked one year for $3 per month, and the next summer received an addition of 50 cents per month. He continued working out until he was 20 years of age, when he and his brother bought a saw-mill, which he was engaged it running for about five years.  April 7, 1839, he was married to Sarah E. Fish, who was born in this township, July 19, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Mary Ann Fish; after marriage, he located on the farm he now owns, consisting of 80 acres, which is located one and a half miles north of Williamsport; they put on all the substantial improvements that now appear on the place; they have had five children -- Mary V., who died April 12, 1870; Joanna, born June 15, 1861; Albert Franklin, April 1, 1863; Henry Loyd, Nov. 15, 1864; Ada May, Jan. 25, 1867.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 682
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Congress Twp. -
G. W. BROWN, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Shaucks [sic]; is among the young men of enterprise in the township; was born July 12, 1842; is the seventh of a family of twelve children, born to Payne G. and Elizabeth Brown, who were among the early arrivals in this township. Payne Brown was born in York State, Jan. 4, 1803, and came to this township about the year 1827, and was married April 29, 1830, to Elizabeth Vanator, who was born in Tuscarawas Co., Dec. 25, 1808; he entered 80 acres of land in 1830, built a cabin, which with its contents, burned down a few months afterwards; the second cabin was built and the first winter was spent in it without doors or windows; blankets were hung up instead; he raised no crop the first year; Mr. Brown having to go to Utica for corn to live on during the winter, at a cash of $1 per bushel; Mrs. Brown yet remains on the farm of 160 acres; Mr. Brown died Aug. 31,1871. At the age of 21 George W. launched out upon his own responsibility; in Aug., 1864, he enlisted in Company F. 179th O. V. I., and remained until the expiration of the war; in Feb., 1867, he was married to Elizabeth C. Kelker, after which he moved to Van Wert Co., where he and his brother Benjamin bought 230 acres of land; his wife died here Nov. 18, 1869; he subsequently sold his interests and returned to this township; in Dec., 1874, was married to his present wife, Mary E. Maxwell, born April 24,1849, in this township, a daughter of James and Susana Maxwell. They have two children -- Martin, born Nov. 12, '76; Orrie May, born July 13, 1878. Since 1864 Mr. Brown has been engaged in the breeding and growing of thoroughbred cattle, and has established quite a reputation in that line, as his stock is strictly first-class; his bull, Royal Duke, coming from imported Royal Duchess Second, is too well known by lovers of "Short Horns" to be mentioned here; he keeps full blooded Berkshire hogs, also, and for sale.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 683
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Harmony Twp. -
THOMAS R. BROWN, farmer; P. O., Cardington; was born May 22, 1826, in Knox Co.; his father, Jonathan, was born May 22, 1800, in New Jersey, and his mother, Mary (Larison) Brown, Jan. 3, 1803, in the same State. They emigrated to Knox Co. in 1816, and were married subsequently, and were blessed with -- Thomas R., Joel F., James S., Ann E., Jonathan H., Mary J., Phoebe S., Washington (deceased), Clarissa (deceased); the father died Nov. 16, 1879, and the mother, 1867. They were New School Baptists. Thomas R. obtained a limited education; his father being a tiller of the soil, it was quite natural that his son should follow the same pursuit. He was married in the fall of 1847, to Jane, daughter of Thomas and Mary Stiers Clark; her parents had eleven children -- Aaron, Jane, Mary, Jacob, John, Berryhill, Thomas, Hannah, Moses, Martha and George. Mrs. Brown was born June, 25, 1826. They farmed on his father's farm for four years, and then settled on 50 acres of his present farm, and has improved the same, and now possesses 113 acres of well-improved land. They have four children -- Clarissa L., married Charles E. Lewis; Charles, Jacob and Jonathan. Mr. Brown enlisted in the 88th O. V. I. and was mostly on guard duty, serving about three years. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which he has taken deep interest, and has served as Deacon for eighteen years. He voted the Democratic ticket until the breaking-out of the war, and then joined the Republican party, and has since been an active worker. The farm that he now possesses was purchased from Judge T. W. Powell and Buck.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 702-703
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Washington Twp. –
ARCHIBALD BROWNLEE, farmer; P. O., Iberia.  Six feet tall, straight as a reed, hair white with the frosts of nearly seventy winters, and brushed back from a massive forehead; an eagle eye, Roman nose, mouth and chin indicative of firmness.  Such is a brief description of “Uncle Archie,” as he is familiarly called; indeed this is the nom de plume, under which he has frequently written for the local paper.  He was born in Ohio Co., W. Va., in 1811; yet in spite of early associations, was in the days of slavery a strong abolitionist.  At the age of 25, he married Miss Danley, cousin of Hon. Wilson Shannon, who was twice governor of Ohio.  In the following spring they moved to Ohio and located in Washington Tp., two miles from where he now resides; to which place he removed in the year 1852.  When he first came to Ohio, this township was a wilderness which was thought impossible to subdue; but the industry of himself and fellow pioneers has caused it to blossom as the rose.  The old family Bible tells the following story: Agnes, born Feb. 14, 1837; H. C., Oct. 9, 1838; Levenia, March 24, 1840, died Jan. 13, 1879; Martha J., born Oct. 5, 1841; Margaret, April 6, 1843, died June 3, 1869; Sarah, born Oct. 11, 1844; Elizabeth, July 30, 1846, died May 15, 1872; Josephine, born Sept. 15, 1848; Rebecca, Feb. 24, 1850; John, Dec. 17, 1851; Mary Helen, Aug. 16, 1855; Francis A., July 20, 1857.  They are all married except John and Helen, who reside with the old couple.  The others are in homes of their own, more or less distant.  “Uncle Archie” has suffered for several years with asthma, and yet in spite of his disease is a genial old gentleman, always glad to welcome and entertain his friends at his hospitable home.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 743
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Chester Twp. –
JOEL D. BRUCE, farmer, P. O. Chesterville, one of the pioneers of this county; was born March 21, 1811; his father, Elijah, was born in 1780, and his mother, Malinda W. Browning, in 1786 -- both in Culpeper Co., Va.; they were married in 1810, and in 1827 they came to Licking County, this State; the father died in Knox County, 1829; in 1831 the mother bought 190 acres of land, where Joel D. now lives; she died herein February, 1854, having blessed the world with nine children, but five of whom survive  -- J. D., G. S., Nancy, Eliza S., John A.; she and her husband were Old School Baptists; Joel D. attended school some little time, and took every advantage of obtaining an education by procuring for himself valuable literature, and turned his attention to school teaching, which he followed successfully for 72 months; he taught one term in Mt. Gilead; was married in May, 1847, to Abigail, daughter of John and Hannah (Conger) Lewis; her parents emigrated from New Jersey to Knox County in 1806, or 1808, and helped to build a block house; by this marriage he had James B., Eliza J., Mary, Malinda, John W.; his wife died February 8, 1862, and was a member of the Baptist Church. He was again married, the bride being Ann, daughter of Japheth and Charlotte (Howard) West. Her parents came to Ohio from Pennsylvania at an early day, and had 12 children, eight of whom survive -- Martha, Michael, Ann, Elizabeth, Jane, David, Dora C., Amanda.  Ann was born in 1835, in Delaware County, now Morrow; by this marriage he has four children -- George W., Frank I., Charlotte B. and Charles A. Mr. Bruce has been assessor four terms, and township trustee 10 years; he has been an active member of the Baptist Church since 1846; his wife belongs to the same denomination; he generally votes for the man in township elections, but in county and state elections he is an enthusiastic Democrat; he has represented the same in county and congressional conventions; he owns 95 acres of well improved land, which is a portion of the old homestead; he is growing a fine nursery with good success; he is confined to the inn, having been attacked some months ago with the rheumatism, which has nearly deprived him of the use of his limbs.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 594
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Lincoln Twp. –
   J. T. & COLLINS BUCK; Cardington. The Buck family were among the first settlers of Lincoln Tp., in Morrow Co. Edmund Buck, the father, was born in Connecticut, April 9, 1791. At an early age he left the place of his nativity for that of Clinton Co., N. Y., where he remained until the year of 1812, when he removed to Ohio, settling on the west bank of Alum Creek, in Peru Tp., at that time Delaware Co., but has since been changed to Morrow Co., where he remained but a short time, when he moved into Lincoln Tp., in the same county, and on the same creek. Edmund Buck was married about 1815 to Anna Hubble, who was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., June 3, 1795.  About the year 1813 she left the place of her nativity and came to Morrow Co., O., being one of its earliest pioneers. In their family there were eight children, two of whom are now dead -- Israel E., Phoebe, Collins, Priscilla A., John T., Anna M., Ruth M., and Annis. The parents of these children more than passed their fifty-first anniversary together. The father died Oct. 21, 1866; his wife surviving him nearly seven years, and died March 4, 1874. There are a number of the family yet in Lincoln Tp., among whom is Collins Buck, who was born in Morrow Co., Oct. 29, 1821. He resided with his parents until of age, at which time he began business for himself. He received a common school education; he was married April 8, 1847, to Nancy Stiner, whose father, William Stiner, was born in Maryland, July 22, 1775.  He came to Fairfield Co., O. when a young man; he was married to Marion Smith in 1807, and came to Morrow Co., O., in an early day. In their family there were fourteen children -- Henry, Jerusha, Harriet, Betsey, David, Joshua, Maria, Nancy, Jacob, John, Sallie, William and Mary; one died in infancy. In Collins Buck’s family there are three sons -- Gilbert L., born Feb. 27, 1650 [sic]; Edmund W., June 30, 1851; John S., March 28, 1857. Mr. Buck has always followed farming, and owns a farm of 245 acres of well improved land in Lincoln Tp.; he also deals in fine sheep, a business in which he takes great pride, and in which he is very successful. J. T. Buck, a younger brother of Collins Buck, was born May 24, 1832; he yet lives upon the farm that his father purchased when he first came to the township; he is a surveyor by profession, and has been County Surveyor of Morrow Co. since 1859, with the exception of one term; he was educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio; he is among the prominent men of the county; he was married Nov. 19, 1863, to Martha A. Nichols whose parents were natives of Virginia, and came to Morrow Co. in an early day; she was born July 5, 1844. From this union there were five children, one of whom is now dead -- Thadeus E., born April 18, 1865; Arthur H., Jan. 24, 1868; Anna M., Oct. 2, 1871; Minnie, Jan. 18, 1876; Ralph W., May 30, 1879; Anna M. died Oct. 26, 1875.  J. T. Buck yet holds the office of County Surveyor, an office he has long held with honor. He owns the old homestead, a fine old farm on the banks of Alum Creek, in Lincoln Tp., where he is engaged in farming and stock-growing.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 761-762
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Perry Twp. –
JACOB BURKEBILE, farmer; P. O., Woodview; only son of Peter and Frances (Downey) Burkebile; was born in Baltimore Co., Md., in September, 1824; he came with his parents to this township when five years old; he went a long distance through the woods to school, on the Johnston Road; he went but a short time each year until sixteen; then worked for his father until twenty three; he united in marriage with Susanna Green, April 20, 1848.  She is a daughter of Benjamin Green.  They lived with his father until his death, which sad event occurred May 31, 1870.  He was seventy-six years old.  Frances, his wife, died April 19, 1851, aged seventy years.  At the death of his father, our subject, being the only son and heir, became possessed of the homestead, of 100 acres.  They have reared to womanhood, two daughters -- Frances, born Nov. 1, 1851, married Orange Baker, and lives in Congress Tp.; Anna Jane, born Oct. 9, 1854, married George Burkebile, of Pennsylvania, and lives in this township.  His parents were natives of Baltimore Co., Md., where his father followed the double occupation of shoemaker and farmer.  They drove a two-horse team through in about 1828 or ’29, and at the same time there came eight other families, who settled for the most part in this township.  Mr. Burkebile left his family at Jehu Singrey’s while he erected a hewed log house on the eighty acres which he had entered here, during the winter; he cut his road to the place, which was all in woods then.  The family moved to their house in the spring of, probably, 1830, and that year he put out a small patch of corn and potatoes.  From that time forth, the father worked at clearing and farming in summer, and on his bench in winter; by this means he employed men to clear his land; he was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; he had one son and two daughters -- Jacob, our subject; Frances, died in Maryland, and Sarah, who died here.  For the history of Mrs. Burkebile’s family, see sketch of Enos Green.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 800-801
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Harmony Twp. -
WILLIAM R. BURNS, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Burns; his father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother in the same state; they emigrated to Columbiana Co., Ohio, at an early day, and settled in the green woods; there they raised George, Daniel, Hugh, Benjamin, Mary, John, Hezekiah, Anderson, William R. and Peter R. The father was Justice of the Peace for twenty years. William was born Dec. 25, 1812, in Columbiana Co.; his mother died when he was quite young, and he helped his sisters to keep house for their father; he became quite an adept, and was considered very expert at cooking, patching and washing; he attended school in a log school-house, and there obtained the rudiments of a primary education, which formed a taste for literature, in which he takes much interest; he began working by the month after the death of his father, getting $7.00; was married Feb. 20, 1838, to Sarah, daughter of John and Mary (Peart) Howell; her father was born near Philadelphia, and came to Ohio about 1814; her mother was also born near the same place; they settled in Columbiana Co., and had the following children -- Abner, Benjamin, Mary, Sarah, Lewis, Jesse and Maria; her father was a farmer and shoemaker. Mrs. Burns was born Sept. 19, 1813, in Pennsylvania; they settled, after marriage, in Columbiana Co. for two years, and then came to their present farm of 103 acres, buying the same of his brother Hugh; it was entered by David Shaw. They have improved the same, and now enjoy a fine farm, the fruit of their own labors. They had the following children --John, deceased; Ross, born March 3, 1841, married Ann Shaw; Mary E., Feb. 17,1844, deceased; Jane, born Nov. 22, 1847; Anderson, Jan. 27, 1846; Ruth, Nov. 30,1850; Dorcas A., Mar. 22, 1853; Elizabeth, Oct. 15, 1854; Alfred, Jan. 19,1857. He has been Township Trustee, School Director and Supervisor; was once a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. Perhaps but few have witnessed the scenes that have made up the life of Mr. Burns.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 703
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Washington Twp. –
EBENEZER BURT, retired; Iberia; was born in Washington Co. Penn., May 3d, 1811; Mr. Burt’s father was born in Fayette county of the same State about the year 1789; his mother spending her early years in the State of Maryland.  In the early part of the 18th century, three brothers came to America, two of whom engaged in the iron business, in the State of Penn.  At the breaking out of the Revolution, they sold out their interest in those works, taking their pay in Continental money, which proved almost valueless.  One of these brothers was the paternal ancestor of our subject.  Mr. Burt came to Ohio in 1830, settling in Guernsey Co., near Cambridge; he married Miss Isabella Rankin, of Janesville [sic], Muskingum Co., who died at Cambridge Dec. 1st, 1840, a little over nine years from date of their marriage.  About this time Mr. Burt commenced the study of law and was admitted to the bar, his certificate of admission dating Oct. 29, 1841.  In August, of the same year, he was married to Mary Ann Guthrie, of Cambridge, who is still living.  After practicing law for upwards of six years, he removed to Marion Co., where he engaged in farming and stock grazing.  He has ever since made a specialty of raising fine stock; sheep raising being the department he has specialized.  In April 1865, he removed to Iberia.  The family Bible tells the following story -- Silas, born Aug. 17, 1833; Mathew H., April 9, 1835; John F., June 10, 1837; Elizabeth J., Feb. 17, 1839; Joseph G., April 17, 1844; Ebenezer D., Sept. 20, 1846; Wm. W. and Thos. W. twins, July 14, 1848; Robert G., Aug. 23, 1850; Margaret A., Jan. 18, 1852; Elnora, April 11, 1855; all of these have been married, and those living are settled in the vicinity of the parental home.  Margaret married Mr. James P. Hammond, and with him went to build up a home near Edgar, Neb., where she died in 1876; Mathew joined the 96th O. V. I., and was killed at Arkansas Post on White River; John and Joseph were also in the service and went through the war, being honorably discharged at its close.  Mr. Burt is respected and honored in the community, and a member of the U. P. Church; amid pleasing surroundings, with wealth to command the luxuries of life -- the “sunset” of his days cannot but he otherwise than peaceful and bright.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 743-744
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.