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Morrow County,  Ohio
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES *

Source:  
History of Morrow County and Ohio
Containing a brief History of the State of Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time,
embracing its topography, geological, physical and climatic features; its agricultural, stock-growing,
railroad interests, etc.; a History of Morrow County, giving an account of its
aboriginal inhabitants, early settlement by the whites, pioneer incidents,
its growth, its improvements, organization of the county, its
judicial and political history, its business and indus-
tries, churches, schools, etc.; Biographical
Sketches, Portraits of some of
the Early Settlers and
Prominent Men,
etc., etc.
- ILLUSTRATED -
---
Chicago: O. L. Baskin & Co., Historical Publishers.
186 Dearborn Street
1880

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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  Harmony Twp. -
GIDEON KAUFMAN, farmer; P O., Marengo; is the son of Christian and Christina (Groves) Kaufman; his father was born in Virginia, in 1780, and his mother was born in 1786, in the same State. They came to Ohio in 1807, having married prior to their emigration. They settled in Fairfield Co., where his father engaged in farming and the ministry; the latter he followed for over sixty year in the service of the Old School Baptist denomination. They moved to what is now Morrow Co. in 1834, and settled on the farm now owned by Gideon; here the mother died They had nine children -- Anna, Esther, Joel, Rebecca, Gideon, Rachel, Frances, Joshua, infant deceased. The father was again married, to Sarah A. Biggs, then moved to Oxford Tp., Delaware Co., and there died Nov 14, 1874; the step-mother died April 3, 1875, Mr. Kaufman was born Sept. 17, 1818, in Fairfield Co; his younger days were spent in attending school and working on a farm. He was married Dec. 9, 1845, to Margaret daughter of Jacob and Mary (Edget) Waltermire. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of Delaware, arid he moved into Muskingum Co., this State, and came to what is now Franklin Tp., in 1826 and finally made their permanent home in Harmony; the mother died in 1834; by her marriage with Mr. Waltermire there were six children, but three survive -- Margaret, Michael and Franklin. The father was subsequently married to Catharine Long, and with her moved to Hancock Co., where he died about the year 1855, leaving to her seven children, five of whom survive, Mary, Elizabeth, Martha, William and John. The father and last wife were Old School Baptists, and the first wife was a Methodist. Mrs. Kaufman was born Feb. 18, 1828, in what is now Morrow Co. She and her husband settled in a log cabin on his father's farm. By strict economy they have increased their means, and now rank among the well-to-do farmers of the county. They have obtained what they possess by their own exertions except $1,000. He has served with credit in the township offices. He votes the Democratic ticket, and has represented that party in Senatorial conventions. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church; she has blessed him with the following children -- Mary E., married; John, Layman, Francis L., Lucinda A., married; Freeman Ulery, Wilbert, teacher; Albert N. James B., deceased; Clement L. V. deceased; infant, deceased.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 709-710
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist
 

Franklin Twp. –
MORGAN A. KEARNEY
, farmer; P. O., Levering, Knox Co.; is the son of Thomas and Jerusha Kearney; his mother’s maiden name was Van Cleve; he was born Dec. 8, 1821, in Bedford Co., Penn.; his father came to Knox Co., Ohio, about 1825, where he remained five years; he then removed to North Bloomfield Tp., then Richland Co.; they hired a man to bring them here from Knox Co., and he unloaded their household goods in the woods, and they were obliged to sleep in a rail-pen, until a cabin could be built; they lived here until 1851, when he removed to Warren Co., Iowa, where he died in the fall of 1852. His parents were married Dec. 4, 1814, and had thirteen children -- Mary A Sarah, Powell, Morgan A., Rebecca, William, Harvey, Simon P., Catherine, Druzilla, Jerusha, Thomas D., and Priscilla; Simon P. and Catharine died when young.  Morgan A. lived with his parents until he reached his majority, attending school only a short time; he then began working by the month at from eight to ten dollars per month. He was married June 12, 1853, to Hannah J., a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Jackson) Stackhouse; her parents came to Ohio, from Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1830. They raised a family of nine children -- Nancy, Silas, Joseph, Stephen, Hannah J., Myrtilla, Sarah, Daniel J., and Benjamin; of these, Stephen, Daniel J., Nancy, and Benjamin, are dead. In the fall of 1853, Mr. Kearney and wife emigrated to Warren Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming, until the fall of 1857, when he returned to the home of his youth, and in the following spring moved into the house where he now lives, having purchased twenty-five acres of land, which he has since made attractive by various improvements. They have raised two children -- Zelma J. King, since married, and Mary, the orphan daughter of Daniel J. Stackhouse, who lives with them now. Mr. Kearney became a member of the Old School Baptist Church in 1859, and he holds unfalteringly to that faith and doctrine; his wife is a consistent member of the Disciple Church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 786-787
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

  Bennington Twp. -
AARON B. KEES, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O., Bloomfield.  Samuel Kees, the son of Russel Kees, was born in Ohio, in Oct. 1811.  He was married to Margaret, daughter of John and Sophia (Luce) Hadley, June 20, 1833.  To this union was born a family of ten children - Samantha M., born Nov. 20, 1834; Minerva J., Mar. 23, 1837; Thomas J., Sept. 3, 1839; Aaron B., Oct. 13, 1841; Sophia E., July 6, 1844; Angeline, Oct. 23, 1847; Mary and Martha, twins, Mar. 23, 1851; Margaret A., Jan. 15, 1854, and Kate A., Mar. 19, 1857.  Thomas died May 20, 1874; Samantha married Osgood Duston, the first blacksmith in Sparta; Minerva married Mathias McKinstry, and lives in Hardin Co., Ohio; Sophia married Janes Carson and lives in Sandusky Co., Ohio; Angeline married Janes Gage, and lives in Iowa; Martha married Henry ?Keller, and lives in Morrow Co.; Margaret married Jacob Berry, and lives in Illinois; Mary and Katie are single, and live at home with their mother; the mother was born Sept. 2, 1816; the father died July 27, 1875; his son, Aaron B., passed his youth and early manhood at home with hi parents.  When twenty years of age, he enlisted in Co. B, 43 Reg. O. V. I.  This was Nov. 22, 1861; he first went into camp at Mt. Vernon, where he staid until February the following year; he was then sent to Missouri; he was, until the battle of Vicksburg, in "Fuller's Brigade," and after that time was with Sherman on his March to the Sea.  He was in the battles of New Madrid, Island Number 10, Iuka, Kenasaw, Corinth, Resaca, Atlanta, Dallas, etc.  He was discharged July 13, 1865, having served all through the war, without being wounded.  The latter part of the war he held the rank of corporal.  He was united in marriage Dec. 21, 1865, to Miss Huldah Sprague, daughter of Alpheus and Jane (Courtright) Sprague, and by her has the following family:   Flora B., born Nov. 4, 1866; Calvin D., born Mar. 6, 1868; Charley C., Mar. 12, 1870; Carrie D., July 26, 1876 and Maggie M., Aug. 1, 1879.  All of these are living at home with their parents.  Mr. Kees's folks owns 220 acres of nice land; and Mr. Kees himself own forty-nine acres adjoining the old homestead.  He is a Republican, and he had his wife are members of the M. E. Church at Bloomfield.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio - Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880 - Page 754
 

Westfield Twp. –
J. G. KEHRWECKER
, farmer and stock raiser; P. O., Cardington.  John G. Kehrwecker was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to America at the age of 22.  He received a good German education, being required by law in that country to attend school from the age of 6 to 14.  In 1830, he landed in New York, and went direct to Lancaster, Pa., where he spent five years.  In 1835, he came to Delaware Co. and located in what is now Westfield Tp., Morrow Co., purchasing ninety acres in the woods, and erecting a log cabin, began the work of making this township what it is to-day, in which none have taken a more prominent part than Mr. Kehrwecker.  It was here that he made the acquaintance of, and subsequently married, Mary Hack, who also was a native of Wurtemberg and came to this country with her mother and located in this vicinity in 1832 and became Mrs. Kehrwecker in 1837.  Thirteen children in all to gladden their hearts, five of whom are dead.  Of their children who now survive -- Christina, the oldest, married George Renz and afterwards Harmon Ruhrmond; Mary married Clay Hardsock; Caroline, the third daughter, married George Karns; Fredrica married William A. Payne; Geo. H., the only surviving son, lives in this vicinity.  The three younger daughters are Sarah, Anna and Ella.  When our country was in peril, Mr. and Mrs. Kehrwecker surrendered two of their three boys a sacrifice to the cause of Freedom.  They bade them farewell, never again to see them, and to-day they sleep beneath a Southern sky.  Frederick joined the 31st O. V. I., for which a company was as raised at Cardington; in 1861; he took part in the battles of Stone River and Shiloh and died at Nashville, Sept, 28, 1862.  John enlisted in the 96th O. V. I. and participating in the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post and the siege of Vicksburg; he was taken sick immediately after the latter, and died at Vicksburg, July 17, 1864.  By careful attention to business, prudent investments and untiring industry, Mr. K. has increased his tract to over four times its original size, and his farm now embraces 380 acres of the finest land in the township, all well ditched and under-drained, everything about his premises denoting thrift and enterprise.  He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics a Republican.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 641
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

 

Perry Twp. –
BENJAMIN KEIFER
, farmer; P. O., Sbaucks; second son of Peter and Susan (Meister) Keifer, was born Dec. 30, 1846, in this township; he lived at home until 28; he then united his fortunes with Louisa Portner, April 18, 1875.  She is the oldest daughter of David and Margaret (Noward) Portner; born Jan. 17, 1852.  David Portner was born in Switzerland about 1824, and came across the ocean with his parents when about two years old.  His parents settled in Clinton Co., Penn., about 1826, where they lived until 1833, when they moved to Troy Tp., of this county, on 74 acres of land.  David wedded Margaret Noward, Oct. 31, 1849.  She was a daughter of George and Margaret (Radal) Noward.  Both of her parents (grand-parents of Mrs. Keifer) were born in Bavaria, Germany, and came across the ocean in the same vessel in 1819, and settled at Lebanon, Penn., where they were married, and came to Troy Tp. in 1833.  Mr. Noward was born Sept. 2, 1799, and is now eighty-one years old, hale and hearty.  David Partner raised six children -- Louisa, Jacob M., Samuel S., Mary C., Chrissie A. and Hattie B.  After marriage, our subject settled on the present place, where he rents 80 acres of his father’s farm; he votes with the time-honored party of Jefferson and Jackson.  One daughter has blessed this union -- Emma I. Keifer; born Jan. 16, 1876.  His father, Peter Keifer, son of David Keifer, was born Dec. 9, 1804, in Bavaria, Germany; he was sent to school about three years; at the age of thirteen he hired out to work on a farm by the year, which he continued for fourteen years; for the first year’s work he received three dollars, and the highest wages received during that period was eighteen dollars per year; he left home for the United States, May 11, 1834, sailing from the port of Havre, and after an ocean voyage of six weeks, he arrived at New York July 14; he went by rail and steamboat to Philadelphia, and from there to Lebanon Co., Penn., where he worked on the farm some eight months; in the spring of 1835, he joined his uncle, Philip Keifer, who was journeying to Ohio; he walked the most of the way.  They settled in Troy Tp., of this county.  Although unused to chopping, on his arrival he began clearing land at from three to five dollars per acre; in this way he cleared some eighty acres for others; about 1836, he purchased twenty-five acres where his present residence stands; by his own energy and frugality, he now possesses the entire quarter section, on which he has cleared sixty acres and erected substantial buildings; he married Susan Meister, April 28, 1844.  She was born in Switzerland, Aug. 22, 1812, and came over with her parents during the same year as Mr. Keifer.  Her parents settled at first in Wayne Co., Ohio, and afterwards removed to Fulton Co.  Of this marriage three children have been born -- John, born April 23, 1845; Benjamin, Dec. 30, 1846; Sarah, Feb. 22, 1853.  Peter Keifer and wife are members of the Mennonite Church, in which he holds the office of Deacon.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 818-819
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

 

Gilead Twp. –
J. H. KELLY
, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Gilead Station; is the son of Samuel and Lodemia (Pierson) Kelly; he was born on his father’s farm, adjoining the place on which he now lives, Feb. 12th, 1844; he lived at home for twenty-six years, during which time he worked on the farm and attended school; Feby. 10, 1870, he married Miss N. J., daughter of Samuel and Emily R. (Coe) Ewers; she was born on her father’s farm, in this locality; after his marriage he worked on his father’s farm for about seven years; he then came to his present place and has lived here since. They have four children -- Frank A., born Jan. 27, 1871; Edgar C., born March 17, 1875; Bertha E., Feby. 27, 1877; Ray O., Oct. 9, 1878. He has held no office except those connected with the school and road. He owns 120 acres in this county, located two and one-half miles north of Gilead Station, which he has earned by his own labor and management.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 540-541
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

 

Gilead Twp. –
R. L. KELLY
, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born on his present place June 30, 1832, and has always made his home on the same; he attended the schools of his day, and assisted with his father’s stock, making five round trips to Philadelphia, Pa., with the same; when he became of age, his father bought him a farm in this locality, and, though living at home, he farmed the place on his own accord, and continued for four years, when he sold the place, and engaged in the general merchandise business, in Mt. Gilead, O., and followed the same for 2 years; he then closed out his business and came back to the farm, and has lived here since.  In March, 1865, he married Miss L. J. Meredith; she was born in Harmony Tp., this Co. They have two children -- Blanche M. and Austy B.  Mr. Kelly now lives on his farm, which contains 210 acres, and is located two miles east of Mt. Gilead. His parents, Allen and Miram (Dicus) Kelly, were natives of Pennsylvania and Delaware; they were married in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at an early day; when they came to this neighborhood, they at first camped in a hollow tree, and soon afterwards built a hewed log house, which was considered very fine in those days; they knew of no neighbors, until one calm morning they heard the cocks crow, and, following up the sound, found a neighbor, Ludwick Hardenbrook; in after years, Mr. Kelly started a store and tan-yard, and made an effort to establish a town, which was called Jamestown, and of which he served as Postmaster; but time and more favorable locations have left nothing but memory of this future great city. Out of their family of eleven children, six are living -- William lives in Mt. Gilead; Charles lives in Kansas; Julia A., now Mrs. Dr. S. Newcomb, of Westerville; Henrietta, now Mrs. McCammon, now in Kansas; Keturah, now Mrs. Thomas, of Ada, O.; and R. L., living on the old homestead. In 1865, Mr. Kelly divided his real estate among his children, and retired to Mt. Gilead, where he died.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 541
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

 

Washington Twp. –
ROBERT KELLY, retired farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Nov. 8, 1795.  His father, James Kelly, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and married Miss Ann McCammis, a native of Franklin Co., Penn.  In 1801 the family moved over the mountains to Washington Co., Pa., and farmed there one year, and they there entered 320 acres of land, about 16 miles west of Steubenville, Ohio, which they occupied, living in a log cabin, and cleared the land.  Feb. 13, 1826, Robert was joined in marriage to Miss Jane Young, a native of Ireland.  They lived on his father’s farm.  In 1830 his father died, and in 1832 he moved west by wagons, and settled on his present place, buying out a former settler who had made a slight improvement.  In 1835 his mother and family came West, and settled in his neighborhood.  She lived with her children until her death.  Robert and family lived in a log cabin.  She made home-spun clothes, and he cleared the land.  He also did teaming to the lake for himself and others.  They did the milling below Mt. Vernon.  He assisted in cutting out the road that now passes his house, and in many ways figured with the pioneer characters of this locality.  By the marriage there was ten children, five of whom are living -- James lives in Albia, Iowa; Mary Howard in Missouri; Wm. Y. in Canaan Tp., this Co.; Robert J. farms the old homestead here; John M. lives In Kansas; all are married and pleasantly situated; Sept. 2, 1848, Mr. Kelly was called to mourn the death of his wife.  Robert J. Kelly, farmer, P. O. Mt. Gilead was born on the present place in Washington Tp., Marion -- now Morrow Co., O., -- June 18, 1836, and made it his home until his marriage, July 2, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Galleher, a native of Congress Tp., Richland -- now Morrow Co., O.  After the marriage they moved to a farm located two miles north of Mt. Gilead, and farmed there until Jan., 1874, when they came to the old homestead, having farmed same since.  Of their five children, four are living, Chas. E., Albert C., Alice E., and Anna; Bertha J. died.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 746-747
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

 

Gilead Twp. –
SAMUEL KELLY, retired farmer; P.O. Mt. Gilead; was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, on his father’s farm, July 11, 1804, and lived there twenty-nine years, during which time he attended school in Salem, part of which town his father laid out on his farm; he also worked on the farm and in his father’s grist mill; hit [sic] father died in 1830. The boys carried on the place until 1834, when they sold out, and with their mother and sister came west in a wagon to Marion (now Morrow) Co., and settled in this vicinity; Samuel and his brother had been out the year before and bought the present place; they came on horseback. The family first rented a place, and work was begun on the land purchased, clearing same; shortly after, Miss Kelly married, and her mother lived with her; Samuel lived with a neighbor, and his brother lived some two miles distant.  Feb. 18, 1841, Mr. Samuel Kelly and Miss Lodemia Pierson were married; she was born in Knox Co., Ohio, April 11, 1824, and came to this vicinity in 1828; after his marriage he occupied his farm, and has lived on the same since; of their seven children but five are living -- Elizabeth A., now Mrs. Prof. Sharp, of Delaware, Ohio; James H., Chambers K., Sarah E., now Mrs. Krout, of Morrow Co., Ohio; Margaret S., now Mrs. Campbell, of Fort Wayne. Ind.  Mr. Kelly is one of the old residents of this vicinity; he owns 163 acres of land, located three miles north of Gilead Station; his parents, James and Annie (McCamice) Kelly, were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania; they married in Pennsylvania, and moved to Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1801, where he lived until his death; she came west, and died in this vicinity in 1837; they had seven sons and seven daughters, thirteen of whom lived to be adults; twelve married, and eleven raised families; five are now living -- Rebecca, now Mrs. Moffet, of this county; Robert, of this county; Elizabeth, now Mrs. McCasky, of Carroll Co., Ohio; Samuel, and Margaret, now Mrs. Irwin, of this county.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 540
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

  South Bloomfield Twp. –
EUGENE KENT, fruit-grower; P. O., Sparta; was born in Williams Co., Ohio, Sept. 19, 1853; his father, Ashford, and his mother, Eleanor (Evans) Kent, were married in 1849, and had a family of six children -- Sylvester, Eugene, Frank, Victorine, and twins, who died in infancy; Sylvester died when one year old; Frank and Victorine are both at home, and are yet unmarried.  When Eugene was about 2 years old, his father came from Williams Co., and settled in South Bloomfield Tp.  After living for short periods on various farms, in the northwestern part of the township, the father finally settled on the farm he now owns; this was about the year 1870.  Eugene received but a common school education, and when old enough, assisted his father on his farm; at the age of 21 he began to accumulate property for himself.  In 1874, he was united in marriage to Ella E. Sackett, daughter of James Sackett, of Porter Tp., Delaware Co., Ohio.  There was born one child -- Myrtle O., Nov. 22, 1875.  Eugene, after his marriage, lived with his father two years; he then moved to Henry Co., Ohio, and at the expiration of about four weeks, left that county and went to Marengo, Bennington Tp., where he remained nearly two years, after which he returned to South Bloomfield Tp., and lived for a short time in the house just opposite his father’s residence.  He then bought the place upon which he now lives, and moved there in 1879.  While in Henry Co., he ran a saw-mill, one-half interest of which he owned; he did the same while at Marengo.  At present he owns one-third interest in a steam cider-mill; he cultivates and sells about 250 bushels of apples per year; also about 200 bushels of grapes, 75 bushels of raspberries, 20 bushels of peaches, and other berries and fruits.  He is a Republican, and is a Universalist in belief, though a member of no church.  His wife, Ella (Sackett) Kent, can trace her lineage back to 1620.  It is said that three Sacketts came over in the Mayflower.  The descendants of one of them settled in northern New York, and gave rise to the name Sackett’s Harbor; the descendants of one of them came to Columbus, Ohio, one of them being the surveyor who platted the original town; this man was Elijah, Mrs. Kent’s grandfather.  Elijah had three different wives.  By the first, Mary Cunningham, he had one child, James Sackett, the father of Mrs. KentMr. Kent’s grandfather, Kent, was in the war of 1812, and at his death a military salute was fired over his grave in honor of his gallant services for his country.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 669-670
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.
 

Cardington Twp. –
HIRAM KERN, merchant; Cardington; among the old settlers and prominent business men of Cardington, is Hiram Kern. He was born in Berks Co., Pa., Oct. 19, 1828, the son of Joseph and Sarah (Swavley) Kern, both natives of Berks Co., Pa., where they were raised, married and lived until 1831, when they removed to Perry Co., Ohio. They were the parents of fourteen children, six of whom are now living. The father was always engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was noted for his energy, frugality and straight business habits. He died March 20, 1880; his wife died in 1867; she was a niece of the famous Daniel Boon [sic], of Kentucky. Hiram Kern had but few advantages for obtaining an education, as he was “bound out” to a shoemaker at 14 years of age. After four years he began working for himself in the county in which his parents lived. After some time spent near his old home, he took a trip through the South and West, working at his trade to pay his way. After an absence of eighteen months, he returned to his home in Perry Co., where for some time he worked at his trade. He was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Lentz, Sept. 11, 1851; she was born in Perry Co., Ohio, March 26, 1834. From this union there are five children -- Mary E., Margaret C., Adda, Clara I., and Henry S.  In 1851 Mr. Kern came to Cardington and began in the boot and shoe trade. He is the only man who has for a period of twenty-nine years past been constantly and continually in the mercantile business in Cardington; he is an honest, upright business man, and has a good trade. He is a member of the M. E. Church of Cardington; he is a Democrat, and a self-made man in the fullest acceptation of the term.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 575
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

 

North Bloomfield Twp. –
THOMAS KERR, farmer; P. O. Galion; the history of Morrow Co. would be incomplete without some mention of James Kerr, father of Thomas Kerr. He (James) was born March 18, 1804, in Washington Co., Penn., and during his boyhood emigrated to Knox Co., Ohio, where he lived until his marriage to Susannah Baskins, Jan. 20, 1825, when he moved to what is now Morrow Co., and purchased 200 acres of government land. He endured many of the privations and hardships that fall to the lot of early settlers. With one exception, he had no neighbor nearer than three miles, and had to go to Mansfield to trade. (Alone, and single banded, he cleared the greater part of his farm from the primitive forest, and helped clear and locate some of the early roads.) His wife died Oct. 16, 1838, leaving five small children -- Francis, Joseph, George, James and Rachel. He was again married, Oct. 24, 1839, to Mary, daughter of Isaac and Jane (Carpenter) Barnes. She was born Sept. 19, 1810, in West Virginia; her parents came to this State in 1825, and located in Richland Co., but soon moved into what is now Morrow Co., where they lived until 1847, when they again moved west, living successively in Wisconsin and Minnesota, making the latter their final home. By his last marriage, seven children have been born, three of whom are living -- William, David and Thomas. Mr. Kerr, Sr., died Dec. 6, 1867.  Thomas, the youngest son, was born Oct. 3, 1851, and lived on the old homestead, which he partly owns, and controls. He is the support of his aged mother, and a consistent member of the M. E. Church, to which his parents belonged when it was first organized in the neighborhood.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 626.
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

  Troy Twp. -
SAMUEL KESLER, farmer; P. O., Seam Corners; was born in Lebanon, Penn., Dec. 5, 1822.  His parents were natives of that State.  His father's name was Samuel, and his mother's maiden name was Catharine Saunders.  His father was a farmer, and emigrated to this State in 1833, locating on the farm on which Samuel now lives.  He cleared it with the help of his sons, and lived on it till his death in 1871.  Samuel  lived under the parental roof, until his marriage, when he commenced for himself.  He was married Sept. 18, 1851, to Mary A., daughter of William and Maria Brockey, who was born April 4, 1826, in Pa., and came to Ohio in 1835.  They had two children, but both died in their infancy.  Mr. Kesler, has always lived on the old farm except ten years, that he owned a saw-mill near by.  He owns over one hundred acres of land with good buildings and improvements.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio - Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880
  Harmony Twp. -
THOMAS KEYS, farmer; P. O., Marengo; was born Aug. 7, 1826; his father, James, was born in 1800, and mother, Jane (Thompson) Keys, in 1805, and were natives of Ireland; the parents are still living there, and have six children -- Matilda, married James Eccles, living in Canada; Thomas, Samuel, now in Australia; Henry, in Ireland; Margaret, Sarah E. M., in Ireland. Thomas attended school some in his youth, and in 1851 came to New York, and engaged on a farm at a compensation of $13 to $16 per month, and after paying his board and wash bills he had $5 left per month, in eighteen months he came to Knox Co., this State, and farmed for Robert Ewart, for $120 per year; at the expiration of one and one half years, he entered the employ of a noted sheep dealer in Marion Co., and had charge of 1100 head for eighteen months; he then rented of Charles Steinfield for one year, and in 1856 was married to Rebecca, daughter of Archie and Jane Ewart, and about that time bought 58 acres of land in Lincoln Tp.; in ten years they sold the same and bought the present farm, settling at that time, March 4 1866, and have since remained. This possession is 104-1/2 acres of fine, arable land, being well watered by springs, and is perhaps one of the best stock farms in the county -- the product of his exertions; he makes a specialty of horses and sheep, and always gets the premium on his horses at the county fairs; he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, an votes the Democratic ticket.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 709
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist
  South Bloomfield Twp. –
JESSE KILE, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O., Mt. Liberty, is the brother of Sylvenus Kile, whose biography is found elsewhere in this work.  Jesse was born in this township, Jan. 17, 1829.  His early years were spent like those of other boys of that early day in going to school in winter and in cleaning up and farming big father’s place in summer.  He worked on the old place until his father died, all the proceeds of his labor going into the general family fund.  In 1863 he began buying and selling stock, and being a shrewd financier, he managed to lay up considerable money during the seven years he was engaged in that business.  Since 1870 he has been farming almost exclusively, though still dealing in stock to a limited extent.  When his father died, the old place was divided among the different heirs; but Jesse has since bought all the claims, and he now owns the old homestead, and has it all paid for.  There are 115 acres, and all the land is well improved.  On the 14th of February, 1866, he was united in marriage to Martilla (Cotton) Barrick, the widow of Daniel Barrick, who died while in the service of his country.  Mrs. Kile had by her first husband one child -- Flavia, born in 1861, who is now married to Charles Brokaw, and lives east of Sparta.  Mr. and Mrs. Kile have a family of four children -- Bertram C., burn June 2, 1867, Leveretta, March 7, 1871; Stanley B., March 11, 1875, and William L., May 31, 1879.  Mr. Kile is a Republican; his wife is a Methodist.  He is a good citizen and a kind neighbor; he is well known in the southern part of the county, and his word is as good as his note, and both are as good as gold.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 670-671
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.
  South Bloomfield Twp. –
SYLVENUS KILE, farmer; P. O., Sparta; was born March 6,1823; Jacob and Elizabeth (Towser) Kile, his father and mother, had a family of ten children -- Sylvenus, William, one that died unnamed, John, Jesse, David, Mary, Nicholas, Nancy and Washington. The father came from Virginia to Ohio, in 1823, stopping at Rushville for about eight months, after which he moved and settled in South Bloomfield Tp., Morrow Co., Ohio, just east of the place now owned by his son Jesse; like all the boys and young men of those times, Sylvenus passed his youth in improving his father's place, getting once in a while a glimpse at his books; he remained thus until of age, and then began to farm his father’s place on shares, and soon afterward to rent the land of neighbors -- living in the meantime at his father’s; in September, 1856, he married Naomi, daughter of Solomon and Sarah Dehaven, and has a family of four children -- Caroline, born in 1857; George D., 1839; Sarah E., 1862, and Flora V., 1866.  Flora died while an infant; the others are yet living.  Solomon Dehaven was a soldier in the war of 1812, and by the special act of Congress, drew a pension of $96 per annum until his death.  Mr. Kile owns 103 acres of land, is a Democrat, and his family is well-known in the southern part of the township.  Mrs. Naomi Kilo [sic] is a member of the Methodist Church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, p. 670
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.
 

Perry Twp. –
JACOB KING
, retired farmer; P. O. Shauck's (Johnsville).  Among the old and influential citizens who settled in the vicinity ere this county was born, stands the worthy gentleman whose name heads this sketch.  He is the son of George and Mary (Blasser) King; was born in York Co., Penn., Jan. 30 1805.  He lived on the farm until he was sixteen, enjoying but few advantages for education; he then worked at milling in his father’s mill about six years.  He married Mary Winters March 27, 1827; she was born in York Co., Penn., June 18, 1809.  After marriage he rented land in York Co. for about two years, when he formed a desire to come to Ohio.  He enlisted the sympathy of his father in the movement, which resulted in their selling out, and ere long two heavily loaded wagons were bearing the King family across the mountains to the Buckeye State.  The family stopped with a brother-in-law in Wayne Co., while Jacob and his father came to Troy Tp., then Richland Co., where they selected three hundred acres of land, on which some small improvements had been made.  Jacob bought 120 acres of John Mitchell in the spring of 1833, on which he built and run a saw-mill some ten or twelve years.  Here he lived and made many improvements on his farm until 1864, when he sold his farm and came to Johnsville to enjoy the rest and quiet which his abundant labors had so richly won.  Here he owns four lots and eight acres of land south of town.  When Morrow Co. was organized, the line dividing Troy Tp. passed through Mr. King’s farm, leaving his residence in the new county.  He was a member of the first Democratic -Convention, which lasted all night, and was solicited to be a candidate for Commissioner, but declined.  He has ably filled the offices of Trustee and Justice of the Peace a number of times during his residence in both counties.  It will be seen by reference to the map of the county that a portion has been severed from the western part of Troy Tp.  In this area Mr. King lived, and desiring to be set back into Richland Co., for sufficient reasons, he quietly raised a petition of twelve men in his school district, and through the influence of Barnabas Burns, a friend of his then in the State Senate, two sections of Troy Tp. were set back into Richland Co.  He was Trustee at the time, and so neatly had the work been done, that they waited until about ten o’clock for him to open the election, not knowing of the change.  Mr. King is a Democrat of the “old time” type -- a faithful and efficient worker in its ranks.  He raised a family of four children -- Leah was born April 8, 1828, in Pennsylvania; married Henry L. Shauck, by whom she has four children living; she died Sept. 26, 1874; Catherine, Sept. 20, 1833, now Mrs. Jason J. Cover (see sketch); Jane, Nov. 8, 1838, was wife of Charles Dise; she died March 21, 1872, leaving three sons; Jerome J., May 4, 1842, and united in marriage with Mary Miller, a daughter of Dr. Miller, of Mansfield, Ohio, where Jerome is engaged in the grocery business at present.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 817-818
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

  Bennington Twp. -
WILLIAM KING, Bennington; was born in Franklin Co., O., in 1872.  His parents were Samuel and Martha (McElvain) King, the former being born in 1777 and the latter in 1782.  They were united in marriage in 1801, and to this union, were born, the following family: Elizabeth, born 1801; Magdalena 1803; Thurzza, 1805; Samuel McElvain, 1807, Robert, 1809; William 1812.  The girls in this family are dead.  Samuel lives in Franklin Co.; he married Nancy Daugherty, and has a family of nine children, two of whom are dead.  Robert lives in Missouri; he married Sarah Anderson, and has four children, one of whom is dead.  The father of this family had two wives, the latter being Adaline Vincent, by whom he had one child. William, the subject of this sketch, passed his early years at Columbus, receiving scarcely no education.  When twelve years of age he served an apprenticeship at the baking business, finishing at the end of two years; he worked at his trade for a short time, and the balance of time before his marriage was spent upon his father's farm.  On the 28th of June, 1831, he married Mary Ann, daughter of Isaac and Millicent (Harris) Eastwood, by whom he has a family of fourteen children; Martha Jane, born in 1832; George P. 1834; Susan H., 1837; John Wesley, 1839; Millicent E., 1841; Harriet E., 1843; William C., 1845; Joseph McE., 1847; Mary Frances, 1852; Emma C., 1853; Charles W., 1855, and Samuel W., 1859;  The other two died in infancy; Martha married Joseph Goetschins, and lives in Illinois.  George has been in California for many years; Susan married Theodore Benedict; John, Harriet and Millicent, are dead; William married Sophia Lucas, and lives in Kansas; Joseph married Emma Cooley and lives in Kansas; Mary married W. T. Armstrong,  and lives in Columbus; Emma is at home, single.  Charles married Ella Lane, and lives in Franklin Co.; Samuel is at home, single.  Mr. King is a local minister in the  M. E. Church.  He is a strong and prominent Republican.  In Sept., 1862, he enlisted in the 81st Reg. O. V. I.  At the end of eighteen months he was discharged for promotion, and was appointed by Gen. Dodge, Chaplain of the 110th U. S. Colored Infantry, in which capacity he served steadily, until nine months after the close of the war.  He was taken prisoner at Athens by General Forest, and after being kept about five weeks at Meridian, and Enterprise, Mississippi, was sent North, where, after some trouble, he rejoined his regiment.  His father came to Ohio in 1800, and settled in Frankington, and was the first white man to cut timber on "High Banks," near Columbus.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio - Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880 - Page 755
  Canaan Twp. –
HARRISON KINNAMON, farmer; P. O., Caledonia; was born Feb. 6, 1843, four miles north of Chillicothe, Ross Co. His father, George Kinnamon, was born Sept 16, 1809, in Maryland, and emigrated to this State when a lad, with the family, who came out in a one-horse cart, locating near Chillicothe; he moved to this county in 1857, locating about two miles north of Denmark, where he purchased 160 acres, remaining thereon until his death, which occurred July 3, 1879. His wife’s name was Hannah Downs before marriage; she died in Ross Co. about the year 1851. There were ten children in the family, Harrison being the ninth; he was raised to farming pursuits; during the late war he was out in the 43d Regt., O. V. I., Co. "K," serving eleven months, and re-enlisting in Co. A, 136th O. N. G., again serving out his period of enlistment, he cast his lot with the 38tb O. V. I., and served until the close of the war; upon his return he resumed farm labor. In 1867, he was united in matrimony to Hulda A. Hipshire, born in Marion Co., in 1846, daughter of Adam and Samantha (Gleason) Hipshire. He, after marriage, rented land one season; the following year he purchased the farm he now owns, consisting of eighty acres; in 1878, his house took fire, and burned down, he having at the time two children sick with scarlet fever, who had to he transferred hastily during the fiery ordeal; they afterwards died  -- Ross Iadred, Sept. 20, 1878; Anna F., Oct. 3, the same year, thirteen days later; they were born as follows: Anna F., Jan. 11, 1870; Ross I., April 14, 1876. But one child is now living -- an infant -- not named, born Sept. 20, 1879. In connection with his farming, Mr. Kinnamon is also engaged in stock-trading. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 730-731
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist
 

Cardington Twp. –
JACOB KREIS
, retired; Cardington; was born in Baden, Germany, April 28, 1810; he is the son of Joseph and Eva (Kelber) Kreis, both natives of Germany, and the parents of five children, four of whom are living. When Mr. Kreis was in his 18th year, he left his native land and came to the United States, stopping for eight years in York Co., Pa.; while there, in 1836, he married Helena Smith, and the same year came to Ohio, settling in Marion Co., on a farm of forty acres; he was unable to pay for his land at that time, but leaving his wife and child in the wilderness, he went to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked on the pike until he had secured sufficient money to pay the balance of the indebtness [sic]; he then began to improve his small farm, economizing and undergoing hardships, and, at last, by shrewd management and sagacity, had increased it to 900 acres; he continued speculating in land in Marion Co., laying there the foundation of his fortune. In 1858, while still living in Marion Co., he began in the mercantile business in Cardington, moving on a farm near there in 1864; nine years afterward he came to Cardington to live; he has since been engaged in almost all the enterprises to improve and build up the city; he was one of the men to build the Enterprise Block, the first brick building in Cardington, he was also one of the founders of the First National Bank, being one of its Directors; at this date he is the President of Battey’s Bank, of Cardington, and is a Director of the Citizens’ National Bank, of Galion, Ohio; he has other valuable property in Cardington, owning one of the finest dwellings in the county besides considerable property adjoining the city. He is the father of twelve children, ten of whom are now living -- Joseph, Jacob, Elizabeth, Helena, George, John, Cassia, Mary, Daniel and Samuel, living; and Catharine, and one that died in infancy, dead. When Mr. Kreis arrived in the United States, he had but one dollar; he went to work for Jacob Coover, remaining with him seven years, receiving $4 per month for the first seven months, at the end of which time he pocketed the $28, not having spent a cent. He is a Democrat, though. somewhat liberal in his views. Remembering his own trials in early life, he has managed to give his children a different start. He is one of the most prominent citizens at Cardington.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 575-576
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

 

Perry Twp. –
JOHN N. KROUT
, teacher; Woodview; is the oldest son of Jacob and Sarah L. (Rule) Krout, was born Aug. 24, 1850, in York Co., Penn.  He lived upon a farm and went to the district schools of his neighborhood until twelve years of age when the family moved to North Woodbury, and upon examination he was admitted to the higher department of its schools, where he studied until eighteen, when he assumed the duties of teacher.  His success is attested by the fact that he taught thirteen terms in one school.  He has taught twenty-three terms in all, only missing one term since he began.  He has been Principal of the Woodbury schools, where he was formerly a pupil.  He has been a member of the Teachers’ Institute of this county for many years, and has served on its Executive Committee, with efficiency and ability.  March 16, 1875, a large competitive Spelling Match was held in the Court House of Mt. Gilead.  Mr. Krout secured the first prize over a large number of competitors -- a large Unabridged Dictionary -- as the best speller of the he county.  He has gathered quite a collection of valuable books.  Mr. Krout is a member of the New School Baptist Church.  He united his fortunes with Mary Dennis, Dec. 6, 1870.  She is a daughter of Elah Dennis (see sketch); was born April 4, 1853, in this township.  Three children have been born to them -- Emma was born May 9, 1872; Clinton, Oct. 15, 1874; Clara, June 6, 1876.  By frugality and careful management Mr. Krout has purchased a valuable house and lot in Woodbury, and 80 acres of farming land in Kansas, all the fruit of his own labor.  The parents of Mr. Krout are of German origin; his father, Jacob Krout, was born in Baltimore Co., Md., June 18, 1824, and his mother whose maiden name was Sarah L. Rule, was born Jan. 20, 1827.  They were united in marriage June 18, 1847, in Pennsylvania, where they lived a part of the time until March 1858, when they emigrated to Ohio, settling near West Point, where he lived two years working at the carpenter trade in meantime.  He then purchased a farm of 70 acres in North Bloomfield Tp., which he cultivated until 1862.  He came to North Woodbury in March of that year, and engaged in milling for about ten years, and has since worked at carpentering.  They have a family of nine children -- Mary A., now widow of the late Rev. Thomas W. Dye of this township.  She had five children -- Lua E., Elzy A., Clement C., Zila L. and Raleigh B.; John N., subject of this sketch; Elizabeth E., now Mrs. Leander Dennis of this township; Jacob B., was born in Baltimore Co., Md., July 27, 1856.  He came with his parents to this county in 1858.  He attended the higher department of the school at North Woodbury, and began teaching at eighteen; he has taught thirteen terms in all, seven of which he taught in the same district.  He removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where he is still engaged in teaching, and bids fair to stand at the head of his profession.  Charles A., was born March 12, 1862, in North Bloomfield Tp., of this county.  He completed a course of study in the North Woodbury Schools; subsequently he entered the Union Schools of Chesterville. O., under the instruction of Prof. William Morrow.  He went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he began teaching at 17 years of age, and is now bringing to a successful close his “third” term in the district where he was first employed; George F. was born in this county, March 31, 1859.  He received a good education in the Graded School of North Woodbury.  He chose the avocation of farming.  He united his fortunes with Miss Ella Kelly, a daughter of Samuel Kelly of Gilead Tp., where he is now employed in tilling the soil.  The remaining members of the family still at home are Hiram E., Vincent D. and Ida F. Krout; one died in infancy.
Source: History of Morrow County and Ohio – Chicago: O. L. Baskin, 1880, pp. 816-817
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

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