OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

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Morrow County,  Ohio
History & Genealogy

Washington Twp. –
J. M. DAVIS, farmer; P. O., Iberia Station; was born in Greene Co., Penn., June 12, 1829; his father was engaged in farming in that State, came to Ohio in 1831, and settled immediately in Washington Township, Morrow Co., on the land where Mr. Davis now resides.  Mr. Davis has spent his entire life on this farm; he was married Nov. 15, 1849, to Elizabeth Dalrymple, whose early home was in Gilead Tp.; they have had four children, three of whom are living -- Harriet Louisa, was born Sept. 4th, 1850, (is now the wife of Wilber B. Thomas, and is living in the vicinity;) Mary Jane, born Aug. 28, 1852, and died June 14th, 1875; George Melville, born Aug. 29, 1856; (married Miss Rosa Sheffer, and is living on apart of the home farm,) and William Curtis, born Oct. 22, 1859; Mr. Davis has interested himself somewhat in politics; he is Democratic, preferring to vote for men of character, rather than follow strictly partisan principles.  For several years he has held the office of Justice of the Peace, which office he has employed to keep the peace, harmonizing discordant elements, without allowing them to come to trial; such a character is very desirable in any community, and renders its possessor worthy of preferment.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 745-746
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Perry Twp. –
DR. J. W. DAVIS, physician; Shaucks; is the only son of John and Sarah J. (Wickersham) Davis.  He was born in Adams. Co. Ohio, April 15, 1853.  He assisted his father in agricultural pursuits, going to the public schools of his neighborhood until he was eighteen years old, when he became a clerk in a store at Locust Grove, where he remained about two years.  In the fall of 1873, he entered the Commercial Department of the West Geneva College at Logan Co. Ohio, where he graduated in the spring of 1874, when he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. J. L. Wright, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, attending lectures at the College of Indiana located at Indianapolis; on his return he became a partner with Dr. Wright, which lasted until the fall of 1875, when Dr. Davis retired to enter the P. M. College of Cincinnati, from whence he graduated Feb. 20, 1876; he first located at Carey, Wyandott Co., O., where he remained about one year, and afterwards for a brief period at Mexico, O.; he located in his present office at Johnsville, in Oct., 1877, where he has a good practice in Morrow and adjoining counties; June 5, 1877 he was married to Laura A. Meckley, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Hosler) Meckley, born Jan. 1.6, 1859, in Troy Tp., of this county.  Dr. Davis and his wife are both members of the Evangelical Association at Haldemans; his parents were both natives of Adams Co., O.; they were married Feb. 17, 1852, by Rev. Huston; his mother, Sarah J. Davis, departed this life Jan. 22, 1855, aged 20 years and 6 months, leaving our subject, the only child; his father again married Elizabeth Sharp, Nov. 18, 1856; of this marriage seven children have been born -- Edwin, Sarah Belle, Rhoda, Mary, William, Milton and Leonidas; they lived in the path of John Morgan’s raid, in 1863, and the Doctor, then a lad of ten years, was out plowing when three rebels came up and demanded the team; but our subject not willing to be interrupted, said to the near horse, “get up Joe,” but when a revolver was presented he reconsidered their request, and said: “Whoa! Joe;” they took three horses, which were never recovered, and when his father came home and found them gone he was very indignant, and snatching his gun he followed them to his father’s porch, when two of the “raiders” came up, leading a valuable grey horse; they asked why he had his gun and told him to go home; he said he would show them leveling his gun, they fled in great haste, leaving the horse which they were leading; but they soon returned in numbers, and Mr. Davis sought refuge in a corn field near by, which they were surrounding, and as he fled to the woods the fired seven shots at him; some of them were so near that he could hear the whizzing of the balls; he passed on through the woods just as the main army passed along; they came so near that he was obliged to he flat upon the ground; in the haste with which he made preparations in starting out, he filled one of his pockets loosely with powder, and now, as he lay prone in a rut filled with water, the powder in his pocket became thorough saturated.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 806
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Chester Twp. –
MRS. SARAH DAVIS, widow; P. O. Chesterville; is the daughter of David James; born in Pembrookshire, South Wales, and Elizabeth (Breeze) James, born in 1791 in the same country. They were married in Pennsylvania, and soon after came to the Welch Hills, Licking Co., this State, and in 1816 settled where Mrs. Davis now resides, and here endured the trials of going to mill on horseback, attending church barefooted, etc. The father began preaching in the Baptist Church, and continued for fifty years. They had ten children; Elizabeth and Sarah are the only survivors, and live together. The father died in 1862, and the mother in 1855; she was a church member since she was 16 years old; Sarah was born May 5, 1817, and in her girlhood days attended school in the log cabin; she was married in 1839 to David P. Davis, a son of David and Margaret (Pugh) Davis. He was born May 2, 1816, in Wales, and came to Ohio when a boy, and learned carpentering and cabinet making; after marriage he farmed, and died in 1845. They had two children -- Lafayette enlisted in Co. F, 136th O. N. G., and died in the service. Luther enlisted in Co. E, 121st O. V. I., in which he also died. She owns eighty-five acres of well-improved land, the greater part of which she has obtained since her husband’s death by her own careful management; she manages the same by hiring the work done, and makes a good profit; she and her husband united with the Baptist Church at an early day, in which she takes deep interest. Her sister Elizabeth, who lives with her, is also a member of the same church; they can both remember going to church barefooted, as a case of necessity, and also riding to mill on a packsaddle.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 596-597
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Gilead Twp. –
BRADFORD DAWSON, of House & Dawson, millers; Mt. Gilead; was born in Waterford, Knox Co., Ohio, Jan. 4, 1846, and lived there until he was 12 years of age; he then went to Chesterville, Morrow Co., and lived with his brother, George A., who carried on the flouring mill there; he worked in this mill until 1863, when he and his brother, Robert T. (the latter at that time being in the army) bought a half interest in the mill, and upon the death of Robert T., in front of Atlanta, Bradford became a full half partner, the firm being G. & B. Dawson; they continued in Chesterville until 1867, and in 1868 located in Cardington, doing business there under the same name, until 1869, when Bradford moved to Marysville and engaged in the livery business; also, holding stock in a joint stock mill at Cardington; upon the completion of the building in 1870, he and his brother occupied the same, and milled there until 1875, when he traded his interest for a mill in his native town of Waterford, and conducted the same until 1877, when he came to Mt. Gilead and entered upon his present partnership.  Sept. 9, 1864, he married Miss Abbie F. Cramer, who was born in Chesterville. They have one child, Albert B., born April 27, 1868.  In May, 1864, Mr. Dawson enlisted in the 136th O. V. I., and served for four months, when the command was discharged. His parents, Turner and Lucinda (Tole) Dawson, were natives of Loudoun and Fauquier Counties, Va. They were married in Virginia and moved west to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and later to Waterford, where he died in the fall of 1847. In 1858 Mrs. Dawson married Mr. Wm. Levering, who died in 1864, and she died in Cleveland, Ohio, while on a visit, in 1875.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 530
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Cardington Twp. –
GEORGE A. DAWSON, miller, Cardington. Of those citizens of Cardington who have succeeded in their respective business enterprises, we must necessarily include the name of George A. Dawson. He was born in Fauquier Co., Va., Feb. 28th, 1836. His parents, Turner and Lucinda (Tolle) Dawson, were natives of Virginia, where they were married, and lived until 1837, when they removed to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where Mr. Dawson, Sr. took charge of the “Norton Mills” of that place. At the expiration of two years he was offered, and accepted the superintendency of the “House Mills” of Mt. Gilead. After remaining in Mt. Gilead two years he returned to Knox Co., and look charge of the mills at Waterford, where he remained until his death, June 4, 1847. His wife died Nov. 14, 1875. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living. The father was an industrious, intelligent man, whom every one respected and trusted. George A. Dawson was but eleven years of age when his father died; he had received but a meager education, and thus left at an early age to look out for himself, the energy that has been a prominent characteristic of his life, manifested itself. He remained in the mill his father had been running, and although but eleven years old, had almost sole charge of it. After some time he entered the employ of a Mr. Walters, in a mill situated on Owl Creek. He remained with him until twenty-two years of age, and was married to Miss Minerva Bright, March 5, 1857, who was born in Knox Co., O., Sept. 20, 1834, and died Sept 30, 1871. From this union there were two children -- John and Mary. In 1858 he came to Chesterville, Morrow Co., and purchased the Lord Mill of that place, which he ran ten years, and then sold out and came to Cardington, and with others built the Steam Flouring Mills of that place. He now owns a one-half interest in both the steam and water mills of that place, and is one of the most practical millers in central Ohio. For years after his father’s death he gave all his earnings to his mother, to help support the family, and at the time of his marriage he had not a dollar he could call his own; but his energy and close attention to business has placed him in the front rank of affluent and enterprising citizens of Cardington. He has filled with honor to himself and lasting benefit to those for whom he has labored, numerous positions in the township and city government; he is a staunch Republican. He was united in marriage with Maggie S. Ocker, Apr. 7, 1875. She was born in Cardington Tp., Morrow Co., Feb. 3, 1847.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 571
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Perry Twp. –
MATTHIAS DEISCH, harness manufacturer; is the son of Matthias and Alma (Rapp) Deisch.  The name of Matthias Deisch has been handed down front father to son for five generations.  Our subject was born in the town of Fluorn, Wurtemberg, Germany Oct. 24, 1818; he was carefully educated in the schools of his native Kingdom from his sixth to his fourteenth year, being catechized in the Old Lutheran Church.  His father died when he was fifteen years old, and he was hired on by his guardian to work on a farm for one year; he was then apprenticed to learn harness-making, giving two and a half years’ labor and $55 in money besides.  The “boss” under whom he served was very exacting and required his apprentice to work from four o’clock in the morning until ten and some times one o’clock at night.  He sailed from Bremen May 20, 1837, and after a prosperous voyage of seventy days, he arrived at New York in August; His passage cost $34; he remained in the metropolis only three days when he went to Schenectady and found employment on the Erie Canal, where he worked about one month; he next worked on a farm near Moorsville, New York, about two months; from there he next found work on the railroad near Catskill about six weeks; then he worked at his trade in Cairo some thing over a year, when he went to Butler Co., Penn., and sojourned about eighteen months; Mr. Deisch came to Belleville, Ohio in the fall of 1839, and Sept. 19 he begat work in the shop of Ephraim Walter, where he worked until 1842; he was married to Naomi Hill, of Belleville, Dec. 3, 1840; he carried on a shop of his own in for some time; in the fall of 1843 he came to Johnsville, where he has resided ever since, Jan. 20, 1849, his shop burnt in the night with a total loss of contents and all; by his energy and perseverance it was soon rebuilt.  Jan. 1, 1860, he was appointed Postmaster at Johnsville, which position he held until May 10, 1875.  At twelve o’clock, June 14, 1865, he left his home in America for a visit to the scenes of his childhood; his route lay from New York to Queenstown, Ireland, which was accomplished in eleven days; from there to Liverpool, London, Paris, Strasbourg, and reached Fluorn, his native town, at ten o’clock p. m., July 4.  Thus our traveler, after an absence of twenty-eight years beheld his native home when his loved and adopted land was celebrating its independence, and at last in glad paeans of joy, proclaiming all men free and equal.  After remaining about six weeks to settle up his father’s estate, he returned by the way of Harvre, and reached New York after an ocean voyage of seventeen days; he is a devoted member of the United Brethern in Christ, in which he has held the offices of Trustee, and is Steward at present; he has performed the duties of Sexton for twenty-four years.  His wife, Naomi Deisch, was born in Fredericktown, Sept. 1, 1821; she died April 5, 1873.  Six children were born to them -- Martha A. was born Dec. 28, 1843; Amanda, Feb. 2, 1848; James S., Jan. 9, 1852; E. Clark, Oct. 22, 1859; Sarah E., Jan. 15, , 1842, died Feb. 3, 1877; Laura A. died in infancy.  Mr. Deisch was married to Elizabeth Starter, Oct. 1, 1875; he still does a thriving business at harness-making, and is able to furnish from his stock the finest and most durable kinds of work at most reasonable rates.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 806-807
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Perry Twp. –
DR. A. B. DENISON, physician; Shaucks; son of Benjamin and Eunice (Williams) Denison; was born March 9, 1837, in Susquehanna Co., Penn.  He lived on a farm and received the rudiments of an English education until he was fifteen, when he entered a general store as clerk, where he remained until he reached his majority.  In 1858 he left the store and engaged in lumbering and farming for three years, at the expiration of which time he entered upon the study of the profession, for which nature has so eminently fitted him, in the office of Dr. T. C. Denison, of Mehoopeny, Wyoming Co., Penn. Here he remained one year, making careful preparation for the course of lectures which he attended in the Medical Department of Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, in the fall of 1862.  He returned to Mehoopeny, and practiced with success until September, 1865, when he came to Johnsville, and practiced until November of that year, at which time he entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated Feb. 26, 1867.  He returned to Johnsville, where he has built up an extensive practice in Morrow, Richland and Knox counties.  Dr. Denison has gathered a fine collection of Professional Works, of which he is a close student.  He began life with few of this world’s goods, and has gained a handsome competence.  His success in practice is largely due to his comprehensive reading, quick perception and sound judgment.  He united his fortunes with Mary J. Ross, Sept. 2, 1867.  She is a daughter of Benjamin Ross, of Mehoopeny, Penn.  They have one son -- Adam B., born May 29, 1868.  The Doctor’s father, Benjamin Denison, was a Physician; died in February, 1837, leaving family of nine children -- John W., now a Physician at Mehoopany; Elizabeth, deceased, was wife of R. T. Stevens, and leaves a family; George M., died in 1866, in Pennsylvania; C. G., a merchant at Corning, New York; Eunice, now Mrs. R. T. Stevens; T. C., a Physician at Mehoopeny; Lewis B., died at the age of 18; Ann, died when young, and A. B., subject of these lines.  Dr. Denison is a member of Mansfield Lodge, F. A. M.; also the Mt. Gilead Chapter.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 805
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Chester Twp. –
J. L. DENMAN, farmer; P. O. Chesterville. The subject of this sketch descended from a long line of distinguished ancestors, all tillers of the soil. He was born January 17, 1815, in what is now Morrow Co., and is the son of Joseph and Mary (Trowbridge) Denman. His father was born June 23, 1776, and his mother on July 18, 1782, both in Sussex Co., New Jersey. They were married Oct. 11, 1800, and moved to Pennsylvania, and there farmed six years; and then in 1806 they came by team to the lonely wilderness of Morrow Co., and entered a farm of Government land, the deed to which was signed by President Thomas Jefferson. Here this old pioneer couple enjoyed the society of the Indians, who would bring animals’ skins filled with honey and cranberries, to trade them for meal and salt. Of course they started life in an old cabin, and their first dishes were chipped from a log of wood. The father served as a justice of the peace for sometime. He would work on the farm during the day, and at night cooper and watch the Indians. Several little reminiscences are mentioned, among which we relate the one in which he was awoke by the dog, and took his gun and determined to investigate the trouble, and in one moment would have killed a neighbor, who happened to cough, and who was coming over on some business. As they will be mentioned prominently in the township’s history, I will omit the rest here. They had eleven children -- Elizabeth, born - Aug. 26, 1802, died 1810; Sallie, July 10, 1804; Phoebe, March, 1806; William, Sept. 18, 1808; Lavina, March 19, 1811; Daniel, Feb. 6, 1813; Joseph L.; Juliana, April 30, 1817; Polly, Sept. 2, 1819; Minerva, Oct. 15, 1821; Marilia, Feb. 27, 1826. When the father of Mr. Denman came through Mt. Vernon in 1806, he was offered twelve lots on what is now Main street, for a pony he had, but far west he was going. Our subject attended school in the old log school houses, and worked on his father’s farm in his younger days. He was married in 1837, to Anna, daughter of Simon and Susannah (Abbott) Wright. Her father was raised in Vermont, and her mother in Connecticut. They came to Licking Co., Ohio, in 1816, and there died, leaving ten children. One died while young.  Seth, born Jan. 22, 1792; Hiram, July 25, 1802 -- both of whom were in the war of 1812 with their father, who was Major; Sallie, July 5, 1805; Wait, July 20, 1807; Robert P., Aug. 26, 1809; Polly, Apr. 5, 1813; Martha, May 3, 1815; James N., Feb. 20, 1818; Anna, March 11, 1821. Her parents were Presbyterians. Mr. and Mrs. Denman settled on the present farm of 200 acres, obtained by buying out the heirs of his father. It is one of the finest farms in the county, being well watered and finely adapted to stock-raising, to which he pays the most of his attention -- having now a fine lot of Spanish merino sheep and Abdallah horses, and fine cattle and hogs. They have had six children -- Susannah, (now Mrs. S. J. Trusdell); Joseph, Livonia, deceased 1871; William, deceased 1854; Davis M. and Daniel T.  Mr. Denman has served his share of township offices. He and wife are exemplary members of the Old School Baptist Church, to which his parents belonged.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 598-599
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Perry Twp. –
ELAH DENNIS, farmer, and dealer in agricultural implements; P. O., Woodview; is the third son of Samuel and Catherine (Crack) Dennis.  He was born on his present place, Sept. 17, 1824.  He passed his youth here, and went to the old school house near where Joshua Singrey lives.  It had a large fire-place in one end, and was furnished with slat seats, desks on pins around the wall.  His first teacher was Abram Stevens.  He often went but two weeks during the year, on account of the time required for threshing out the grain.  At nineteen he began to learn wagon-making with his brother in North Woodbury.  He worked at the same business with Samuel Hoffman, and after learning the trade he formed a partnership with his brother Emanuel, which lasted some eighteen months, when he quit wagon-making, and took charge of the farm of George Rule, and farmed it for two years.  He next went to the homestead, where he farmed about ten years; from there he removed near N. Woodbury, and worked in a steam saw-mill one year.  Subsequently he bought an interest in the “Fish Farm,” and lived on that two years.  He next bought the 80 acres where Gabriel McWilliams lives, and sojourned there some two years; he then sold his farm and engaged in merchandising in North Woodbury for two years; then retired from the store and purchased the Gantz farm of 60 acres, where he lived ten years, when he sold, and bought the homestead of 83 acres of Samuel Hoffman, in the spring of 1875.  He married Eliza J. Rule, Sept. 17, 1845, being just 21.  She is a daughter of George and Mary Rule, born March 29, 1829, just south of Woodbury.  Of this marriage two children have been born -- Leander, born April 25, 1851.  He has a good education, and has followed the occupation of farmer.  He is now farming the home place in partnership with his father.  He has a fine stock of Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle.  He united his fortunes with Elizabeth E. Krout, Apr. 7, 1872.  She is a daughter of Jacob and Lovina (Rule) Krout, born July 12, 1852, in Baltimore Co., Md.  Leander has two children -- Ora A., born May 10, 1873; Mary A., Sept. 5, 1876.  Mary H. (see sketch of John Krout.)  Samuel Dennis, father of our subject, was born in Juniata, Md., May 3, 1787.  He lived in his native State 34 years, dividing his attention between the farm and the distillery.  He married Catherine Crack, of Maryland, Apr. 12, 1812.  In the fall of 1821 they set out with a two-horse wagon for Ohio, and owing to the inclement weather and bad roads they were six weeks on the way.  They arrived during the holidays and passed the winter with George Rule on the Fredericktown Road.  In the spring he moved into the house vacated by Adam Lucas, where he lived till fall; in meantime he built a shanty on the present eighty, which he had purchased of George Rinehart, a brother-in-law, about 1820.  They lived in this shanty two years without fire-place, floors, door or windows.  They built a fire in the middle of the house, and fashioned a bed and table by driving pins in the wall.  The wolves would approach within two rods, and keep a dismal howling until almost sunrise; and the Red Skins would pass through the woods almost daily.  When he arrived, he had but fifty cents in money, and he often worked at clearing all day for a bushel of corn.  He would chop in the woods all day and make shoes by fire-light at night.  He cleared fifty acres of his own farm and about five acres each year for others, for many years.  His cattle would often stray away, and he would find them five miles distant.  He went to raisings and log-rollings seven miles distant in early times.  He helped to cut the first roads that were opened through this vicinity.  He was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and was class-leader.  His faithful wife died Feb. 15. 1861, aged 72 years, and he lived with subject, who cared for him nineteen years.  He departed this life March 25, 1880, aged ninety-two years, 10 months and 20 days.  His mental and physical powers seemed but little impaired until the last.  In 1879 he mowed the door-yard four times.  He raised seven children, and one died in infancy -- Elizabeth, now Mrs. Edward Murray of Marion Co., Iowa; Uriah, carpenter and stock dealer at North Woodbury; Emanuel, wagon-maker at Woodbury; Lucinda, now Mrs. Samuel Hoffman of this township, Elah (subject); Samuel, blacksmith in Nebraska; Jacob, deceased; Franklin, died when eighteen months old.  George Rule, the father of Mrs. Dennis, came with his family from Baltimore Co., Maryland, in 1828, and settled on a quarter section where Norman Merwine lives.  It was all in woods then, and he erected a cabin with a puncheon floor, in which he lived for some time, he cleared up the farm and erected the present building before he left.  He sold eight lots from his farm for the Village of Woodbury, and donated the one on which the United Brethren Church stands; he lived on that place until 1863, when he engaged in trade at different places, first at West Point, then Galion, Ohio, and from thence to Bourbon, Ind.  He now lives at Argus, Marshall Co., Ind.  He was much respected by his fellow citizens, and was chosen Justice of the Peace many years, he was also Assessor and Trustee of his township.  He was one of the first members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and held the office of Elder.  He raised eight children to manhood and womanhood -- Catherine, now Mrs. Adam Grove of Kosciusko Co., Ind.; Eliza J., wife of subject; Josiah, farmer, near Bourbon, Ind.; Eliza, the wife of our subject; Henry R., farmer in Kansas; Margaret, now Mrs. John Gautz of Argus, Ind.; Levi, farmer at Argus, Ind.; Jacob, farmer in this township; George lives in Indiana.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 807-808
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Chester Twp. –
JOHN V. DeWITT, farmer; P. O. Chesterville; was born January 23, 1810, in Sussex Co., New Jersey, and came to Ohio with his father, John, in 1818, settling first in Knox Co., and there bought 100 acres. In one year the family came to Chester Tp., where the father built a mill and continued the business for many years. His father died March 15, 1805; his mother’s maiden name was Mary Washer. John C. was one of thirteen children: Price, Isaac, Peter, Henry, John V., Richard, Joseph, Lewis, William, Levi, Phoebe, Elizabeth, and Mary. His mother died August 19, 1864.  Mr. DeWitt spent his younger days on a farm and in the mill; he was married in 1835 to Jane, daughter of John and Jerusha (Sylvester) Dalrymple, by whom he has had seven children, five of whom died in infancy; Milton and Aaron; the former was born April 22 1844, enlisted in Company F, 136th O. N. G. was married June 12, 1876 to Nettie, daughter of David B. and Eliza Phillips; her father was born in New Jersey in 1812; mother also was born in the same state. They had eight children: Nettie, Margery, Hugh, Nelson, Hattie C., and Daniel -- graduated at the Michigan Pharmacy at Ann Arbor -- Franklin and Ann, the latter graduated at the State Normal School, Trenton, New Jersey; is now teaching in the high school at Branchville, same state. Our subject settled on the present farm of 140 acres in 1835. The greater part of this has been attained entirely by their own labors. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist church, and Milton’s wife of the Presbyterian. He is a Republican.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 597-598
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

North Bloomfield Twp. –
T. WILEY DICKERSON, farmer; P. O. Corsica; is the eldest child and only son of a family of nine children; born June 27, 1827, in Washington Co., Pa.; his father, Isaac H. Dickerson, was born in New Jersey, in 1802, and soon after came to Washington Co.; here he was married to Charity M. Evankirk, and in 1831 he emigrated to Ohio, settling in what is now Morrow Co.; he bought a quarter section of land, which he cleared and improved, besides working at his trade (mason and plasterer); he was accidentally killed in 1867. Wiley never left the old homestead, but remained with his father on the farm, spending his leisure hours in reading useful works on various subjects; he has made practical use of his knowledge of medicine several times, with good results; he was in the war a short time, at a post near Washington City; he was one of the charter members of the Patrons of Husbandry, and the first Master of the subordinate Lodge which he joined. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has belonged to several temperance organizations, and been a Republican since the organization of that party, and for many years previous was an “Abolitionist.” He was married Jan. 15, 1830, to Mary, daughter of Elias and Mary Kisling. They have had nine children; eight are living -- Ellen, Alfred W., E. Parker, Clara, William V., Eva J., Mary M. and Louada. His wife died July 2, 1869, and Sept. 26, 1872, he was again married to Nancy Casey, daughter of Daniel and Nancy Casey. They have one child, Lillie.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 623.
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Gilead Twp. –
JABEZ DICKEY, (Olds & Dickey, Atty’s at Law) Mt. Gilead; was born in Richland Co., Ohio, June 15, 1838; his father died when he was but ten years of age; Mrs. Dickey and family remained on the farm until Jabez was in his 15th year, when they moved to Mansfield; he attended school, and read law with Messrs. Burns & Dickey of that place, and in April, 1861, he was admitted to the Bar, and on the 19th of the same month and year, he enlisted in the 15th Ohio Infantry, and served about four months; again, in 1862, he engaged as clerk for Suttler of the 15th Ohio, and served in that capacity until after the battle of Pittsburg Landing; he then returned home, and began the practice of law in Mansfield, Ohio, where he continued until 1866; he then came to Mt. Gilead and followed his profession, forming his present partnership in 1867. He served as Prosecuting Attorney for the county in 1873-4, and held a similar position in Richland Co. in 1863; Sept. 1, 1869, he married Miss E. A. Rhodes; she is a native of Knox Co., Ohio, and came to this county when young; they have four children, viz: Chas. C. Edwin W., Berry B., and Carrie E.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 530
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Franklin Twp. –
ABEL DICUS, carpenter and farmer; P. O., Chesterville; son of Samuel and Sarah (Kelly) Dicus, was born April 12, 1821, in Northumberland Co., Penn.; his father was a native of Delaware, who came to Pennsylvania in about 1816, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in about 1829, leaving two children, Nancy and Abel, then only eight years old; the latter worked for his board and clothing eight years in one family. Then, after working by the month a short time, he learned the carpenter’s trade, working about two years, at from $2.75 to $3.50 per month. At the age of 18, he purchase a set of carpenter’s tools on credit, costing him $60; he has worked at his trade forty years in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He married Mary Hile, in Pennsylvania; she was a daughter of John and Hester (Johnson) Hile, who came from New Jersey to Pennsylvania in an early day. Mr. Dicus drove through from Pennsylvania in a one horse-wagon, a distance of 500 miles in three weeks, settling first in Congress Tp., in 1852, and lived there two years; and after living in various parts of Franklin Tp., he settled on the present farm of thirty-six acres, on which he has erected substantial buildings. Among the objects of interest in this township are the beautiful sulphur springs, in the western part of Mr. Dicus’ farm; they are said to contain peculiar medicinal properties; the clear, sparkling water boils up through porous formations of limestone origin, which resemble petrified moss. They have five children -- Melinda, Ira, William, Gracie A. and Samuel.  Mr. Dicus served eleven months in the 43d O. V. I., Company B. and votes the Republican ticket.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 779
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

North Bloomfield Twp. –
PHILIP DILL, farmer; P. O. Whetstone; the youngest of a family of eight children; was born in Germany, Nov. 9, 1825. His father's name was John W. Dill, and his mother's maiden name was Anna C. Allen. His father was one of the honest tillers of the soil, and made this his only occupation. He died Jan. 14, 1850. There were six boys in the family, all of whom were subject to the draft for service in the regular army; the two oldest brothers passed the required examination for the regular army, and Philip for the reserve corps. Only a certain specified number of these were required to perform military duty, and they were chosen by lot. These brothers each drew a number which exempted them from service, (but what is remarkable, they each drew the number “43.”) Philip emigrated to this country when 24 years of age, and came to Mansfield, Ohio; he soon apprenticed himself to a wagon-maker at Leesville, for two years, receiving for his services only $55.00; from this he paid a debt of $25.00 which he owed to an older brother for assisting him to this country. When his trade was learned, he worked one year in Mansfield and one in Columbus, when he set up a shop in Johnsville, and lived there four years, doing a good business; then sold his shop, and moved to the farm on which he now lives, having bought it three years previous, and has since been a farmer. He was married Jan. 28, 1855, to Elizabeth, a daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Freeland. They were emigrants from Maryland, where she was born, April 26, 1833. They have ten children, all of them living -- Albert W., Jeremiah H., James F., Charles E., Anna M., Amelia C., Sevilla C., Phoebe E., Susan M., and Ida May; the oldest is married and lives in Galion. He and wife are members of the Reformed Mennonite Church. He owns near two hundred acres of land, mostly acquired by his own industry and careful management.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 623-624.
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Canaan Twp. –
PETER DILTS, farmer; P. O., Caledonia; “Uncle Peter” was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Aug. 7, 1814; his parents were Peter and Elizabeth Dilts, who emigrated to this State from New Jersey in the year 1812, where they purchased land from the government, remaining on the same until their death. Peter had but the advantages afforded by those early times; schools were few and sparsely attended. He lived with his father until his 23d year, at which time he married Sarah Ann Knight in March, 1837, making his father’s home his place of abode until 1852; he was the youngest of a family of eight children. Since 1852, he has been a constant resident of the county; his farm consists of 84 acres, and is located in the northwest part of the township; since his advent to the county, he has not been out of the State. Nine children have been born to them; five of the number are living -- Amanda, now Mrs. Hipshire; Louisa, now Mrs. Monroe; Sarah Ann, now Mrs. A. Cunningham; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Hipshire, and Austin M., all residents of Marion Co. Four are deceased -- Rebecca, the wife of Mr. White; Franklin at the age of 24; Freeman, when a babe, and Cordelia, the wife of Levi Ulch, who was shot in her own house by some unknown parties, her husband being absent at the time with stock. She was sitting in the room at nightfall, sewing, when the dastardly deed was done by some party outside. No light has ever been thrown upon the matter, and to this day remains a painful mystery.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 724
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

Harmony Twp. -
SAMUEL DITWILER, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; was born Sept. 7, 1821, in Franklin Co., Penn., and was married in Dec. 1841, to Jane, daughter of James and Margaret Riddle.  Her parents emigrated from Richland Co., this State at an early day, and were the parents of Joseph, Ibbie, Samuel, Polly, Margaret, Lettie, John, Jane, William.  Mr. Ditwiler by his second marriage has the following children – Wilson, Margaret, James, Fannie, Ella, Lettie and Edgar; Mrs. Ditwiler died Oct. 17, 1870; she was a member of the Methodist Church; he was again married in 1876 to Mrs. Mary George, whose maiden name was Pierce; she had nine children, three of whom survive – Curtis E., Lilly A. and Abbie L.  Her first husband died May 13, 1858.  Mr. Ditwiler owns 66 acres of well improved land, all of which has been attained by his own labors.  He is now located on 97 acres, which belong to William George’s heirs.  He paid out a portion of the township draft; has served in township offices.  He and wife are Methodists; he votes the Republican ticket.  His father, Jacob, was born in Washington Co., Penn., May 9, 1792; his mother, Apr. 9, 1793; the father died there, and the mother and her sons, Samuel and John, came to Richland Co. and began anew in the green woods.  The sons were young, but helped their industrious mother to improve it and now have a nice little farm.  The mother died in 1879; she and her husband were Luterans.
Source:  History of Morrow County and Ohio - Publ. Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880 - Page 705

Westfield Twp. –
LEVI. P. DIXON, farmer, stock-raiser; P. O., Westfield; was born Sept. 29, 1843, on the farm where he now resides.  Alexander Dixon, his father, was born in Vermont, in 1807, and at the age of 2 years, he came with his parents to Bourbon Co., Ky.  At the age of 21 years he resolved to try his fortune in Ohio, where he engaged in buying horses, which he took to Kentucky and exchanged for sheep, which he sold in Ohio.  In this way he for several years carried on a profitable business.  He married Minerva Bartholomew, Jan. 3, 1829, who was born near Bradfordtown, Conn., June. 9, 1804, and came to Ohio with her parents when a child.  From this marriage there were eight children, only three of whom, two daughters and Levi, survive.  Leander joined the 65th O. V. I., and immediately after the battle of Shiloh, was taken sick and died; Lincoln, another brother, joined the 174th O. V. I., and participated in the battles of Overhall’s Creek, Cedars, Murfreesboro, and the evacuation and burning of Decatur, Alabama; and returning home died of diseases contracted in the army.  Levi enlisted in the 187th O. V. I., and served with his regiment until the close of the war, when he returned home and took charge of the farm, which he carried on for about five years, and then on account of ill health spent one year in the west.  On his return from Kansas, he married Miss Minerva Shaw, born in this county Apr. 2, 1851.  They have had three children -- Oscar, born Oct. 2, 1873; Archie, July 31, 1878, and died Sept. 14, of the same year, and Smith, May 8, 1880.  His father dying in 1876 Levi came in possession of the home farm, consisting of 164 acres of good land.  He makes a specialty of sheep-raising, keeping thorough-breds and good grades.  His residence is one of the old landmarks, being the first frame house erected on the “school section.”  He is a Republican, and of a patriotic family; his grandfather, Alexander Dixon, Sen., having served through the Revolutionary war.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 638
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Harmony Twp. -
JOSEPH DOTY, farmer, P. O. Cardington; was born July 4, 1816, in Newark, N. J.; at the age of sixteen he began carpentering, at which he continued the most of his life; he came on foot to Pa., and then to Ohio in 1836, settling at Chesterville, joining his father's family at that place; he soon after returned to Pa., and subsequently came again to this county, and thence back to Pa., where he was married in 1837 to Cecelia, daughter of James and Jane Green; she was born April 25, 1814, in Butler Co., Pa.; by her he had nine children – Joanna married Daniel Beach; Sarah married Jacob Miller, W. D., Joseph S., deceased; James L., deceased; Catharine, deceased; Agnes, married D. R. Hilliard; Mary E., D. G. married Mary McDonald.  The family settled on the present farm of 98 acres in 1865; it is owned by the subject and his son, W. D.; it is finely improved and watered by spring, and has orchard and buildings.  There are perhaps but few who have experienced the trials of life encountered by Mr. Doty and wife.  W. D.  was seriously crippled by cutting his knees while raising a building, which has disabled him for life; he is successfully breeding the English Punch horses, being scarcely able to do anything else; he gives his entire attention to this business, and, of course, is very successful; he was engaged in the coal oil business for ten years in Pa.  Joseph’s wife can remember when her parents were compelled to bar the doors of their house to keep the wolves from entering.  Joseph’s father was once very wealthy, and once owned 200 acres of land, where now stands the present city of Newark, N. J.
Source:  History of Morrow County and Ohio - Publ. Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880 - Page 704

Gilead Twp. –
THOMAS E. DUNCAN, lawyer; Mt. Gilead; was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Nov. 21, 1837; the son of William and Fannie (Elliott) Duncan. Until he was 20 years of age, Mr. Duncan worked upon his father’s farm, laying the foundation of his education in the winter months at the district school. At this time he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he studied some three years, leaving school at the end of that time to enter the law office of Messrs. Bancroft & Voorhes, of Millersburg, Ohio., as a student; in 1862, he was admitted to the bar at Columbus, and in the same year came to Morrow Co, opening an office at Cardington; twelve years later, he came to Mt. Gilead, where he has continued the practice of his profession ever since; he was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1868, and re-elected in 1870; three years later he was elected to the Legislature from Morrow Co., and was returned for a second term in 1875; in the spring he was elected to a place in the Village Council of Mt. Gilead. In April, 1880, Governor Foster honored him with the appointment of Director of the Ohio Penitentiary. In all the public positions which Mr. Duncan has been called to fill, he has at all times shown himself to be possessed of marked ability, and has discharged the duties of his various offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In addition to the business of his profession and the cares of public life, he has found time to devote to commercial enterprises of considerable magnitude; he was for six and a half years a partner with the firm of Duncan Bros., hardware dealers, in Cardington, and is now a Director of the Cardington Banking Company, having been one of the originators of that enterprise. He was married to Rachel, daughter of Major John Frew, May 14, 1862; their union has been blessed by seven children, of whom six are yet living.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 529
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

Washington Twp. –
WILLIAM DUNLAP, farmer; P. O., Galion; was born in Washington Tp., Morrow Co., March 8, 1831, on the farm on which one of his sons is now residing, about two miles distant from his present residence. His father was among the earliest settlers in the township, and was the first school teacher. Being the eldest son, it was necessary for him to remain at home to assist in clearing up the farm, and so he was deprived of any advantages of education, except of common school. He married Miss Abbie Maria Dickerson, in the fall of 1856, whose early home was in North Bloomfield Tp. They have two sons -- Frank R., 23, who married Miss Fanny Shear, of Ashland Co., Ohio, and who is living on the home farm, and Harley Mitchell, 17 years of age. Mr. Dunlap has been a member of the Christian Church since 25 years of age. His two farms, numbering 426 acres (about 350 of which are in a good state of cultivation), the care of which he regards as sufficient to fill his time without dabbling in politics, and to their cultivation he devotes all his time and attention.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 745
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.