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Knox County, Ohio
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Biographies
Source:
The
Biographical Record of Knox County, Ohio
To Which is Added an Elaborate Compendium of National Biography
Illustrated
Publ. Chicago : The Lewis Publishing Company
1902
| |
DWIGHT E. SAPP.
Dwight E. Sapp is a typical representative of the
progressive American spirit which has wrought such a rapid
and wonderful development in this country. Energy,
industry and a laudable ambition form the basis of his
career and have proved a strong foundation upon which to
rear the superstructure of his success. He is not only
well-known as an able practicing attorney at Mount Vernon,
but is connected with many corporations, which not only
return good dividends to the stockholders but are also of
value to the communities with which they are connected.
Mr. Sapp was born in Mount Vernon in 1863
and is a son of William C. Sapp, a retired
merchant of this city. His paternal grandfather.
Levi Sapp, was a native of Maryland and from
that stale emigrated westward in 1805, continuing his
journey until he reached Knox county, Ohio. Here he
secured a tract of land in Union township, whereon he
continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until his
retirement from business life. He then removed to
Mount Vernon, where throughout his remaining days he enjoyed
a well-earned rest. He was an active pioneer who took
a prominent part in the early development and improvement of
the county, doing all in his power to advance its interests.
In his business affairs he was also energetic and resolute
and be came one of the prosperous farmers of the community.
He wedded Mary Colopy, of Union township, a
daughter of Jacob Colopy, one of the earliest
settlers of Knox county. Unto Levi and Mary (Colopy)
Sapp were born ten children, namely: William C.,
the father of our subject; L. W., a successful
practicing physician of Cleveland, Ohio; J. A., who
served as a surgeon in the Civil war and is now a physician
of Salina, Ohio; Julius B., who was a soldier in the
war of the Rebellion and is now practicing dentistry in
Cleveland, Ohio; Solomon, who was also a soldier in
the same war, and was long identified with the United States
postal service, serving as postmaster of Mount Vernon during
the Harrison and Cleveland administrations; Amanda,
the wife of Dr. F. W. Wernette, of Coshocton, Ohio;
Martha F., wife of
Colonel L. G.
Hunt, of Mount Vernon; Lucinda. the widow of
John Durbin, a prosperous farmer of Union
township, Knox county; Sarah A., widow of J. W.
Bradfield, an ex-commissioner of Knox county: and
George Sapp, who lives on the old home place in Union
township.
William C. Sapp, the father of our subject, was
born on the old family homestead in Union township in 1828
and, leaving the farm, became identified with mercantile
interests in Mount Vernon prior to 1860. He gave close
attention to business and his honorable policy and earnest
desire to please secured to him a liberal patrongae
patronage, which he enjoyed until his retirement to private
life in 1880. He was married, in 1861, to Miss
Francis P. Sapp, daughter of Dr. Enoch Sapp, who
for many years was a practicing physician of Coshocton,
Ohio. He married Ruth Shaw, a daughter
of one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio, who came from
Maryland. The Doctor was a son of Daniel
Sapp, who laid out the town of Danville, Knox county,
which was named in his honor. He was a magistrate of
the county for many years and was a leading and influential
citizen in local affairs, his opinion being a potent force
in molding public thought and action. In addition to
Dr. Enoch Sapp his children were as follows: Major
William R. Sapp, now deceased, who for many years was a
prominenty attorney of the county and also held many offices
of public trust, being internal revenue collector through a
long period, while for several terms he also represented his
district in congress; John, of Knox county, now
deceased, who was the father of Colonel William F. Sapp,
who commanded a regiment in the Civil war and was afterward
for several terms prosecuting attorney of Knox county,
whence with his wife, a daughter of Colonel Brown,
he removed to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where for many years he
successfully practiced law and for a number of terms
represented his district in congress. It will thus be
seen that on both the paternal and maternal sides the
Sapps have been prominent people in whatever communities
they have resided and have won distinguished honors in both
military and professional circles. Dwight E. Sapp
was an only son, but has a sister, Estelle, the wife
of William E. Fisher. They formerly resided in
Mount Vernon, but are now living in London, England.
After leaving the common schools Dwight E. Sapp
continued his education in Kenyon College, where he was a
member of the class of 1884. Leaving college he began
the study of law under Colonel W. C. Cooper, of Mount
Vernon, and later was a student in the law office of the
firm of McClelland & Culbertson, attorneys of
this city. In 1887 he was admitted to the bar and the
same year was appointed county recorder, to which position
he was afterward elected for two subsequent terms, serving
from 1888 until 1894. In the latter year he began the
practice of law alone in Mount Vernon and in April, 1900, he
entered into partnership with H. C. Devin, under the
firm name of Sapp & Devin. They have a large
clientage of an important character and rank high at the bar
of Knox county. Mr. Sapp is also
connected with many important business concerns.
He is a director of the Knox National Bank, of Mount Vernon,
president of the Coshocton Gas Company, counsel for and
director of the Millersburg, Wooster and Orrville Telephone
Company, director of the Hillsboro Light, Fuel and Power
Company, secretary of the Central Ohio Electric Railway
Company and secretary and treasurer of the Sunbury & Galena
Telephone Company. He has done much toward the
development of the gas and telephone industries in this
portion of the state - two branches of business which are
widely acknowledged to be of signal importance and benefit
to the communities with which they are connected.
In 1895 Mr. Sapp married Miss
Alice Evelyn Thompson, of Mount Auburn,
Cincinnati, a daughter of Frank and Anna (Reakirt)
Thompson. Her father was for many years engaged in
a wholesale business in Cincinnati and during his life
occupied many positions of public trust. He was one of
the first residents of Mount Auburn. His widow is
still living and is a representative of an old and prominent
family of that portion of the state. The marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Sapp has been blessed with one child,
Allen. The warm-hearted and cordial hospitality of
their home is enjoyed by their many friends in Mount Vernon,
where they are widely and favorably known. In his
political views Mr. Sapp is an active and earnest
Republican and socially he is identified with the Masonic
fraternity. Varied and important are the business
interests to which he has given his attention and the number
of these is indicative of the ability and character of the
man - resolute, determined, far-sighted and with strict
regard to the ethics of business life. He is a valued
factor in the community and ranks among the leading and
influential citizens of the county with which his ancestors
have been identified from the beginning of the nineteenth
century.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 48 |
| |
GEORGE SAPP,
a member of an honored pioneer family of the Buckeye state,
was born on the farm on which he now resides on the 10th of
April, 1826. His grandfather, George Sapp, was
a native of Maryland, but became one of the early pioneers
of Knox county. He built the first Catholic church in
Union township, also donating the ground upon which it was
erected and the St. Luke's cemetery lot The church was
a small one-room log building. He reached the
eighty-fifth milestone on the journey of life, and
throughout his long and useful career he so lived as to win
and retain the respect and esteem of his fellow men.
Levi Sapp, his son and the father of our subject,
also claimed Maryland as the state of his nativity, but when
a babe he was brought by his parents to this state, his
mother, who made the journey on horseback, carrying him in a
sack, while the father walked and led the horse. He
was reared to the quiet pursuits of the farm, and his
marriage was celebrated in Somerset, Ohio, to which place he
rode on horseback, and after his marriage he located on the
farm on which his son George now resides, where he
made his home for a number of years. In 1882 he
removed to Mount Vernon, and there spent his remaining days,
passing away at the age of seventy-one years. He, too,
was a prominent member of St. Luke's Catholic church.
The lady who became his wife bore the name of Mary Colopy.
Her father, Timothy Colopy, came to this country from
Ireland and her mother from Germany, and they became
prominent early settlers of Knox county, their deaths
occurring in Mount Vernon, where they had resided for many
years. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Sapp was
blessed with ten children, eight of who still survive, the
eldest child in order of birth being Sarah, the wife
of Dr. Bradfield, of Danville; another daughter,
Lucinda, resides in Union township, and is the widow of
John Durbin.
George Sapp, the second children and eldest son of
the above family, has spent his entire life in Knox county,
and during his youth he attended a log schoolhouse, which
was furnished with slab seats and desks. Since his
marriage he has engaged in farming the old Sapp
homestead, which consists of two hundred and seventy acres
of land, all of which is under an excellent state of
cultivation and improved with good and substantial
buildings, everything about the place indicating the
supervision of a thrifty and progressive owner. In
matters of national interest he gives an intelligent support
to the Democracy, but at local election he votes for the men
whom he regards as best qualified to fill positions of
public trust and responsibility.
On July 24, 1853, Mr. Sapp was united in
marriage to Miss Delia A. White, also a native of
Knox county, born Sept. 27, 1832, and a daughter of
Anthony and Keziah (Wade) White, early pioneers of this
portion of the Buckeye state. Seven children
have been born unto this union, namely: Flora, the
wife of John P. Breckler, a prominent farmer of
Howard township; Mary Keziah, wife of M. P.
Hammond, also a farmer of Howard township; Ella,
a wife of Patrick Percel, of Mount Vernon; Julian,
who married Cassie Wiggins and makes his home in
Howard township; Jennie, wife of P. J. Matingly,
of Licking county, Ohio; Lucy, wife of B. R.
Parker, of Cleveland; and Bertha, who lives with
her uncle, Dr. L. W. Sapp, of Cleveland. The family
were all born on the farm on which Mr. Sapp also
opened his eyes to the light of day, and they are all
members of St. Luke's Catholic church at Danville, Mr.
Sapp having assisted largely in the erection of the
house of worship. His genial manner makes him popular
in all circles, and his friends in the community are almost
as many as his acquaintances.
Source: The
Biographical Record of Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 – Page 114 |
| |
ALLEN SCHOLES.
The farming interests of Knox county are well represented by
Allen Scholes, who is engaged in the cultivation of
the soil in Brown township. He was born in Ashland
county, July 7, 1850, and is of Irish lineage. His
grandfather, James Scholes, was of Irish descent and
among his children was John Scholes, the father of
our subject, and one of the early settlers in Ashland
county. He was a farmer by occupation and took an
active part in the building interests of Ohio. In
1865, he removed to Knox county; locating in Brown township
and here spent his remaining days, his death occurring in
1880, when in his sixty-fifth year. His wife bore the
maiden name of Lucy L. Shearer and was a native of
Richland county, Ohio. She was of both Irish and
English lineage and her death occurred July 2, 1901, when
she was in her seventy-third year. They were the
parents of eight children, six of whom reached maturity,
while five are yet living.
Allen Scholes, the eldest son and second
child was in his fifteenth year when he came to Knox county.
He has attended the district schools of Ashland county and
in the public schools of this locality he continued his
education, while at the age of twenty years he began
teaching. He followed that profession through twenty
terms, during the winter months, while in the summer season
he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. As
an educator his services were very acceptable in the
districts where he was employed, for he had the ability not
only to command discipline but also to impart clearly and
correctly to others the knowledge he had acquired.
In 1875, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Scholes
and Miss Mary J. Nyhart, a native of Jefferson township
and a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Smith) Nyhart, who
were early settlers of Jefferson township. Five
children, three daughters and two sons, graced this
marriage, namely: Lola May, the wife of
Charles Anwiller, of Brown township; Charles
F., a resident of Akron; John E., who is living
at home; Lucy A., the wife of Arthur
Richart; and Goldie B., who is still under the
parental roof.
Mr. and Mrs. Scholes began their domestic life
upon the farm where they yet reside, and it has been their
home continuously since. He is an enterprising
agriculturist and his land, a tract of eighty-three and one
half acres, is all under a high state of cultivation, giving
evidence of his careful supervision. He follows
general fanning and stock-raising and his labors are
attended with a gratifying degree of success. His
political support is given the Democracy, and for fifteen
years he served as township clerk, while in 1880 he was land
appraiser and census enumerator. In 1901 he was a
candidate for county auditor. As a public officer he
has enjoyed and merited the confidence and esteem of his
fellow townsmen, for in the discharge of his public duties
he has displayed marked fidelity and ability. Socially
he is connected with the Patrons of Husbandry and his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
Methodist church, in which he has taken a very active part,
filling many offices, including those of class-leader,
trustee and steward. For seven years he has been
superintendent of the Sunday-school and in every department
of Christian activity he is found as an able helper, doing
all in his power to promote the cause of the church in the
community in which he resides. His life is consistent
with his principles, and his sterling qualities of manhood
commend him to the esteem of a large circle of friends.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 377 |
| |
WILLIAM L. SCHROEDER
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 25 |
| |
JOSEPH SCOTT.
The subject of this sketch enjoys the distinction not only
of being a successful farmer but of having been a railroad
man of much experience, and his fellow citizens of Knox
county, Ohio, recognize him as a citizen of standing and
influence.
Joseph Scott, a son of Joseph and Mary
Ann (Walker) Scott, was born Mar. 19, 1833, at Toxey,
Lincolnshire, England. He attended the public schools
there until he was sixteen years of age and then emigrated
to America, locating first at Mansfield, Ohio. After
devoting a year to farm work, at nine dollars a month, he
began his railroad career with a construction gang and later
became a section hand on the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark
railroad. He was employed by that road for fifteen
years, eventually becoming a section foreman at Shelby, on
the Mount Vernon and Fredericktown railroad. In 1864
he entered the employ of the Erie Railroad Company as
foreman of a construction gang, and assisted in building the
Silver Creek branch of that line in Medina county, Ohio,
having his headquarters at Wadsworth. He was made
assistant roadmaster at Jamestown, New York, on the division
from Meadville, Pennsylvania, to Salamanca, New York, and
three years later was made road master of that division.
Two years after that promotion he was appointed general
assistant road master of the entire road, with full charge
of the Mahoning division, with headquarters at Niles, Ohio.
After serving in the capacity for two years, making in all
twenty-five years of railroad service, he retired from that
life and purchased a farm of one hundred acres in Wayne
township, Knox county, Ohio, which is under a fine state of
cultivation and is supplied with ample farm buildings of all
kinds. Mr. Scott retired from active
farm life in 1893, when he bought a fine home on the border
of Fredericktown, although he still retains his farm
interests.
In Morris township, on Nov. 27, 1856, Mr.
Scott was married to Miss Louisa M. Ball,
a daughter of Silas and Mary (Broadwell) Ball.
She was born Dec. 16, 1829, and died May 1, 1884. Feb.
17, 1887, he married Miss Phoebe A. Cosner, a
daughter of John and Phoebe (Leonard) Cosner.
He has never been blessed with children of his own, but has
reared from early childhood to manhood Charles Sloan.
Mr. Scott took out naturalization papers in Richland
county in 1855, thus becoming an American citizen in all
that the term implies. Politically he is a Republican.
Mr. Scott's father, Joseph
Scott, died in England. Our subject afterward sent
for his mother, who was born in Feltingham, England, Feb.
22, 1800. She came to Mansfield, Ohio, where she died
Feb. 9, 1882. The children of Joseph and
Mary Ann (Walker) Scott were: William,
George, Joseph, Maria, Rebecca,
Mary and John. The last mentioned lives
in Mansfield, Ohio. Rebecca lives at Toledo
Junction, Ohio, and is the wife of William Brooks.
Mr. Scott's father, John Cosner,
was born in Hardy county, Virginia, and at the age of eight
years was brought to Knox county, Ohio, by his parents,
Philip and Dorothy (Coler) Cosner. Philip
Cosner and his wife were of German ancestry.
The former was born in Virginia and the latter in Germany,
and both died in Knox county, Ohio. They had twelve
children, named as follows: Henry, Jacob,
Philip, Mary, John, David,
Christian, Adam, Elizabeth, Isaac,
George and William. Left a widower, her
grandfather Cosner married Eliza Dever, who
bore him two sons, James and Robert.
John Cosner had three children: Lovina, deceased;
John L., who lives in Knox county, Ohio; and
Phoebe A., who is the wife of the subject of this
sketch. Mr. Cosner died February 16,
1901, and his wife, Nov. 17, 1900.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 322 |
| |
LEWIS B. SCOTT. Among the representatives of Irish families who have
nobly done their part in the development of the varied
interests of Knox county, Ohio, perhaps none is better known
than Lewis B. Scott, a prominent fanner of Butler
township, some account of whose career it will be attempted
to give in this connection.
Lewis B. Scott was born in Coshocton county,
Ohio, Mar. 3, 1838. Alexander Scott, his
father, was born in Ireland and when quite a young man came
to America, locating eventually in Coshocton county, Ohio.
He married Eve Earlywine, a native of Knox
county, Ohio, and she bore him seven children, of whom the
subject of this sketch was the youngest.
It was in the common schools near the home of his
parents that Lewis B. Scott obtained his education.
In 1859 he married Martha Ann Blunt, a
native of Jackson township, Knox county, Ohio, whose
parents, James and Mary Blunt, were born in Ohio.
Lewis B. and Martha Ann (Blunt) Scott are the parents
of eight children named as follows: James, Ida L., Ross,
Jane, Adam, Vertie E., Lewis W. and Alice B.
When he came to Knox county, Mr. Scott
was twenty-two years old. He located on an eighty-acre
farm in Jackson township and lived there eight years.
After that he worked his mother's farm, in the same
township, until 1879, when he located on his present farm,
much of which he cleared and on which he has made many
substantial improvements. He devotes himself
successfully to general farming. In politics he is
Democratic and he has in many ways demonstrated his public
spirit. He is a member of the Disciples church.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 366 |
| |
OTIS SEARL Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 150 |
| |
DELPHOS S. SELLERS.
The prominent farmer of Morgan township, Knox county, Ohio,
whose name is mentioned above, traces his lineage to old
Pennsylvania stock. Christian Sellers, his
great-grandfather, lived in Greene county, Pennsylvania.
Jacob Sellers, a son of Christian Sellers, the
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in that
county in 1785, and came to Knox county, Ohio, in 1806, and
bought three hundred acres of land in Morgan township.
Returning to Pennsylvania in 1807 he married Mary Beam,
and in 1808 began to carve out a home on his land.
Setting up four posts, with cross poles, they were covered
with bark, thus securing shelter till a log cabin could be
made. With two other men he worked two whole days to
place the heavy logs in position, only to realize the
necessity for more help. Having no near neighbors to
ask, he set out to see those some miles distant.
Meeting "Old Tusco," chief of the Delaware Indians, he made
known his plight, and the chief sent him four stalwart
braves, who, working like heroes," completed his cabin in
one day. They were fed upon "cush-cush" and "dormin"
for dinner, that being their expression for roast pork and
corn bread. His cabin stood on the site of the present
premises. His large tract of land was covered with a
dense forest and he gradually cleared it and improved it and
added to its acreage until at the time of his death he was
the owner of about one thousand and five hundred acres, and
was one of the prominent land-owners of Knox county.
Some of his land he bought of the government for one dollar
and twenty-five cents an acre, and other portions of it were
originally school lands. About half of his original
purchase is now owned by his descendants. His
possessions were included in Knox, Putnam, Allen and Licking
counties.
Politically he was a Jacksonian Democrat, and he was a
man of public spirit who had the best interests of the
community at heart. He died in 1846, and his wife, who
was born in Virginia, Dec. 18, 1790, died Aug. 6, 1878.
They had eleven children, named as follows: William;
Susan, who married James Honey, a native of
Virginia; Sarah, who married John Clutter;
Christian, Jr.; Jacob, Jr.; Isaac;
David W.; George; John; Jackson;
and Mary, who married Joseph Bolwine.
None of their children are living.
Jacob Sellers, Jr., was born in Morgan township,
Knox county, Ohio, Mar. 2, 1816, and died May 12, 1894.
He received a scanty education in subscription schools.
His first teacher was Ziba Leonard, who taught
in a little floorless log structure with slab seats and
benches and windows of greased paper, and a large fireplace
at one end, which in the winter months was kept full of
blazing logs. His second teacher, James
Kirkland, taught him to read, write and figure a little,
and in that locality at that time those meager
accomplishments were popularly believed to amply equip their
possessor to battle for supremacy in the business world.
Near the end of the boy's school days the old Owl Creek
Baptist church was turned into a school-house and for a time
he studied under its roof. He was early initiated into
the mysteries of land clearing and cultivation and obtained
a practical knowledge how the Ohio wilderness could be
developed into fertile farms. A man of strong
personality, sound judgment and clear business foresight, he
made a practical success of life, never in all his career
running counter to the law, suing a man or being sued.
Late in life he became a member of the Owl Creek Baptist
church. He served successfully in several of the
various township offices. He was married June 3, 1858,
to Miss Cynthia Cannon, a daughter of Zephaniah
and Matilda (Painter) Cannon, who was born in Monongalia
county, Virginia (now West Virginia), Sept. 3, 1837, and was
brought to Knox county, Ohio, by her parents when she was
about two years old. Her father prior to coming to
Ohio was an old-time schoolmaster, and a well-to-do farmer.
He directed her education, which to considerable extent was
obtained in such subscription schools as have been
described. her great-grandfather, John Cannon,
and his brother Richard, who came to America to
escape conscription m the British army, were the first of
her family in the United States, and they settled in Greene
county, Pennsylvania, and lived out their days there.
They became active in opposition to their mother country
during the Revolution.
Jacob and Cynthia (Cannon) Sellers were the
parents of four children, named in the following statements:
Their daughter, Ida May, married Joseph C. Stinson
and lives in Burlington township, Licking county, Ohio;
Delphos Sherwood, born Apr. 22, 1861, is the immediate
subject of this sketch Jessie H. married Frank E.
Bone and lives in Miller township, Knox county, Ohio;
and James Morgan died in infancy. Delphos
Sherwood Sellers is a native of Morgan
township and has lived there all his life and his career has
been marked with such success that he is well known through
out Knox and adjacent counties. He was educated in
district schools near his home and at the Utica high school.
He lives with his mother on one hundred and forty-five and a
half acres of the original Sellers purchase in Morgan
township. He is a member of Owl Creek Baptist church
and has served in the various official positions of the
church and Sunday-school. Politically he is a
Republican and has ably filled the office of assessor and
been elected to fill other official positions by his
townsmen, who repose full confidence in him and regard him
as an especially patriotic and public-spirited man.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 74 |
| |
GEORGE SELLERS.
The subject of this sketch was long a popular, enterprising
citizen of Morgan township, Knox county, Ohio. He was
born in that township May 8, 1825, and died there May 25,
1898. His father, Jacob Sellers, Sr., gave him
such education as was obtainable in subscription schools and
in a school taught in an old log church building long known
as the Owl Creek Baptist church, of Morgan township, and
brought him up to the hard but useful life of a farmer.
The elder Sellers had taken up government land and
this the young man helped to clear and put under
cultivation. He followed farming until the end of his
days, with consider able finacnial
financial success. While still a young man he united
with the Methodist Episcopal church, but later was
identified with the Christian church. In political
affiliation he was a strong Republican during most of active
life, and he was twice elected trustee of his township.
George Sellers was married Mar. 11, 1847,
to Adaline Knight Hughes, a daughter of Jonathan
and Lavina (Davis) Hughes, who was born Dec. 7, 1829, at
Utica, Licking county, Ohio, where her father, from
Shenandoah county, Virginia, was an early settler and
carpenter. The latter was born Jan. 14, 1796, in
Harrison county, Virginia, one of the sons of Captain
Elias Hughes, who is celebrated in history as a scout
and Indian hunter. With his father, mother and their
family, he came in 1797 from Virginia to Muskingum county,
Ohio. Some of the family belongings were brought in a
huge canoe ("pirogue") hewn out of a large poplar tree,
which was wide enough, inside to admit barrels laid
crosswise. Some of their goods were packed on horses
and the mother rode a horse and carried Jonathan,
her eleventh child, then her baby. Such of the family
as were able to walk were obliged to make the journey in
that way. Mrs. George Sellers is
now living on a part of the land entered by Jacob
Sellers, who at the time of his death owned about
fifteen hundred acres.
George and Adaline Knight (Hughes) Sellers had
eight children, five of whom are living: Orcelia L.,
who married John B. Oldacre, of Milton township;
Zelpha Clarinda, who married Aaron Channell and
lives in Burlington township, Licking county, Ohio;
George H., who lives in Morgan township, Knox county,
Ohio; Jacob D., who died in 1881, aged twenty-nine
years; Rosa D. is the wife of John Hulshizer,
a miller of Granville, Ohio; Mary Victoria, who
married Louis Hall and is a member of her mother's
household; Cora Etta, who married Clement
Couffman and died in 1888, aged twenty-three years; and
John Douglass, born in 1858, who died in
infancy.
Source:
The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 309 |
| |
FRENCH W. SEVERNS.
French w. Severns, who is now serving as county
treasurer of Knox county, is a native of Cochocton county,
Ohio, born in 1863. When a little lad of eight years
he came to this county with his parents, Isaac D. and
Elizabeth (Mills) Severns, who are still residing upon a
farm in Pleasant township. His paternal grandfather,
Samuel Severns, son of Joseph Severns, was
born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, and served in the war
of 1812 with the rank of first sergeant. He was at
Detroit at the time of Hull's surrender and after the
war he walked from that place to Coshocton county, Ohio.
There he located lands in Newcastle township, and upon the
farm which he there developed and improved he made his home
until his death, which occurred in 1884, when in his
eighty-fourth year. He was a very active and
influential citizen there at an early day, served as county
commissioner and filled other offices of public trust.
He was married in Coshocton county to Miss Mary Darling,
a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of
the locality. Her father was a leading stock-raiser
and his nephews now have the largest herds of shorthorn
cattle in central Ohio.
Isaac D. Severns, a son of Samuel and Mary
(Darling) Severns, came to Knox county with his family
in 1871, and has since been identified with its farming
interests. He, too, is active and influential in
county affairs, and has always given a stalwart support to
the principles of the Democracy. He wedded
Elizabeth Mills, and their son, French W.,
is now the only one of their children living in this county.
The others are Edgar C., a dentist practicing in
Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Thomas Hagerman, of Huron
county, Ohio; and Mrs. Charles Hagerty,
of Dodge City, Kansas.
In the public schools of Knox county our subject
pursued his early education, and later attended the
Northwestern University, at Ada, Ohio. Later he
engaged in business in Michigan, but subsequently he
returned to Knox county and took charge of his father's
farm, which he continued to operate until 1899, making a
specialty of the cultivation of fruit and of stock-raising.
The work was carried on along progressive lines and his
labors brought a good financial return.
In this county Mr. Severns was united in
marriage to Miss Olive Hagaman, of Mount Vernon, a
daughter of John Hagaman, of that city.
They have two children, Edna Mildred and
Robert Baning. The parents hold
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and are people
of the highest respectability, enjoying the merited esteem
of many friends. Socially Mr. Severns is
connected with the various Masonic bodies in Mount Vernon,
the Knights of Pythias Lodge and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. The fraternal spirit of these orders he
exemplifies in his daily life, and is therefore accounted
one of the loyal representatives of the different societies
with which he is identified. He gives the greater part
of his attention now to his official duties and his course
indicates that the confidence reposed in him by his
constituents is well merited.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 99 |
| |
SAMUEL SEVERNS.
Samuel Severns has passed the seventy-fifth milestone
on the journey of life, and having put aside the more
arduous cares of business is now quietly living retired at
his home in Mt. Vernon, enjoying a well merited rest.
He is a native of Virginia, his birth occurring in Botetourt
county on the 14th of January, 1827, his parents being
Jonathan and Sarah (McNare) Severns. When he was
five years of age his parents left the Old Dominion and
removed to Knox county, Ohio, and in 1836 the father entered
land from the government and began the development of a
farm. The son assisted in the arduous task of clearing
and improving the new farm as his age and strength would
permit, and in the subscription schools he pursued his
education, for there were no public schools at that time.
On entering business life for himself he followed the
occupation to which he was reared, but later he abandoned
farming and secured a position in a boiler yard.
Subsequently he drove a team for a Mr. Norton, and
was thus engaged for eleven years.
On the 24th of November, 1853, Mr. Severns was
united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Hickman, a
daughter of Thomas C. and Catherine (Fox) Hickman.
Unto them were born six children, namely: Thomas W.,
a brick mason residing in Mount Vernon; William Bryant,
a boilermaker who resides in Columbus; Robert E., who
follows the same line of business and makes his home in
Mount Vernon; Iva May, assistant librarian in Mount
Vernon; Frank Marion, a paperhanger and painter of
this city; and Fred G., who is a graduate of the
Mount Vernon school and now employed as a salesman in Mount
Vernon.
In his political faith Mr.
Severns is a Republican, but wile he has kept well
informed on the issues of the day and stanchly supports the
principles of the party fealty. He holds membership in
the Methodist Episcopal church and his life is in harmony
with its teachings. He was ever straightforward and
reliable in business, faithful to his duties of citizenship
and honorable in all life's relations.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 104 |
| |
DAVID SHAFFER Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 80 |
| |
HAUPHREY SHERWOOD Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 264 |
| |
GEORGE W. SHIPLEY.
The farming interests of Knox county are well represented by
George W. Shipley, a leading agriculturist of Pike
township, living on section 14; this is the old farm home
stead and was the place of his birth, which here occurred
Apr. 19, 1838. His father, Elias Shipley, was a
native of Maryland and in that state he wedded Miss
Rebecca Phillips, who was also born and reared there.
In the year 1830, he brought his family to Knox county,
locating upon what has since been the Shipley homestead,
but when he took up his abode there his land was covered
with a dense growth of forest trees, in the midst of which
he built a log cabin. With characteristic energy he
began the development of a farm and succeeded in
transforming his place into richly cultivated fields.
In politics he was a life-long Democrat and for many years
was a devoted and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. He died in September, 1861, at his homestead,
at the age of seventy years, while his wife passed away in
Indiana at the age of eighty seven. They were the
parents of twelve children, eight of whom reached mature
years. Of this number George W. Shipley was the
eleventh.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the
routine of farm life for our subject in his youth. He
pursued his education in a log school-house, which was
supplied with slab seats, while the writing desks were
formed by boards laid upon pins driven into the wall, but
though his educational privileges were limited, reading,
experience and observation have made him a well informed
man. After attaining to man's estate he was married,
Oct. 29, 1861, to Miss Sarah J. Rummel, who is a
native of Richland county, Ohio, and a daughter of John
and Elizabeth (McPhern) Rummel, and who is one week
younger than her husband. They began their domestic
life upon the old homestead, where Mr. Shipley
has resided for sixty-three years. Their marriage was
blessed with three children: Mary G., the wife of
Robert S. Clarke, of St. Johns, Michigan; Williard
B., who married Nina B. Adams and who resides
on part of the home place; and Edwin R., who is a
mechanic of Mount Vernon, Ohio. All were born on the
old Shipley farm.
This place comprises one hundred and sixty acres of
good land, and under the careful supervision of the owner it
has become a very productive tract, supplied with all modern
improvements and equipments. Mr. Shipley is the
oldest resident in the township and through more than six
decades he has witnessed the growth and progress made in
this portion of the state, as the wild land has been
transformed into homes and farms and the work of improvement
has been carried steadily forward, placing Knox county upon
a par with the best counties in this great commonwealth.
In 1860, he cast his first presidential vote for Stephen
A. Douglas, and has since supported the party, being a
stanch Democrat. He has been honored with the office
of trustee and treasurer in his township and has ever been
found a patriotic and public-spirited citizen.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 365 |
| |
GEORGE W. SHUFF Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 84 |
| |
GEORGE W. SHULTS Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 203 |
| |
NATHAN SIMMONS Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 343 |
| |
FRED D. SIMONS Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 30 |
| |
MONROE J. SIMONS Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 298 |
| |
JOHN SIMPSON Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 292 |
| |
BENJAMIN SMITH.
The late lamented citizen of Morgan township, Knox county,
Ohio, whose honored name appears above, has a place in
history as the man who entered the last
one-hundred-and-twenty-five-acre tract of government land in
that township, and as one who lived longer within the
borders of the township than any other of its citizens.
Benjamin Smith, son of James Harrington and
Martha (Davis) Smith, was born in Greene county,
Pennsylvania, Jan. 17, 1807, and was brought by his parents
to Knox county, Ohio, in 1811. Such education as was
available to him he acquired near his home in an old log
school house with slab, seats and benches, and a big
fireplace and greased-paper windows, and entirely destitute
of anything like a floor. He was brought up to farming
and lived in the township continuously from 1811 until his
death, Mar. 9, 1900, during the long period of eighty-nine
years. He improved his farm and added to its acreage
until it comprised one hundred and forty-six acres. In
early life he was a Whig and later he was a Republican, and
he was influential in local affairs, and was frequently
called to places of trust and responsibility, though he was
in no sense an office-seeker. He was a devout and
consistent member of the Baptist church, always generously
helpful to its various interests.
Mr. Smith married Sarah Brown
January l7, 1833. Mrs. Smith, who was
born in Loudoun county, Virginia, Mar. 4, 1809, bore
her husband two daughters: Martha Jane, who was born
Mar. 31, 1834, and died unmarried in 1855; and Sarah Ann,
who was born Oct. 19, 1836, on the farm on which she now
lives and which she successfully manages.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 127 |
| |
JOHN HAMILTON SMITH.
More than a century has passed since the Smith
family to which our subject belongs was established in
Knox county, and since that time its representatives have
taken an active part in the business activity which leads to
the improvement and prosperity of a community.
Benjamin Smith, the father of our subject, was a
resident of Pennsylvania, and leaving that state he took up
his abode in Miller township, Knox county, about 1800.
There he followed farming until his death, which occurred
when he was in his prime. He married a Miss
Barley, who was also a resident of Pennsylvania in her
early life, and among their children was John Hamilton
Smith, whose birth occurred on the homestead farm, in
Miller township, near Hunt's Station, Aug. 18,
1830. The labor of field and meadow largely claimed
his attention until he was in his nineteenth year, when he
became connected with the shoe trade and for thirty-five
years was in that line of business in this county, his
efforts being attended with gratifying and creditable
success. His energy and determination were among his
strong characteristics and enabled him to overcome many
obstacles and to work his way steadily upward.
Mr. Smith was united in marriage in 1855
to Miss Mary M. Burris, who resided near Utica, New
York, and they became the parents of four children, Frank
D., Charles W., Clarence A. and Walter,
but the only one now living is Charles, who is
engaged in the shoe trade in Newark, Ohio. The mother
died in Homer, Ohio, in 1862, and Mr. Smith
was again married, his second union being with Mary L.
Simmons, of Homer, who became his wife on the 27th of
May, 1870. She was born near that city May 20, 1834, a
daughter of Van Simmons, a pioneer settler of Licking
county, Ohio, whither he removed from Virginia, now West
Virginia, in the early part of 1800. He was a very
prominent and influential pioneer settler and took an active
part in the early development of his portion of the state.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three children,
Leroy H., Berton J. and Clinton P. The
first named completed his education in Granville Academy and
for the past ten years has success fully engaged in teaching
in the public schools, being now superintendent of the
school in Homer. Berton J. Smith resides upon a
farm in Miller township and is a prosperous agriculturist.
Clinton P. Smith, the youngest, was graduated in the
Mount Vernon public schools with the class of 1898 and has
since followed the teacher's profession in this county.
The family has ever represented that class of citizens who
are devoted to the public good and who put forth every
effort for the advancement of the general welfare.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 353 |
| |
DR. WALTER SMITH &
ROBERT PUTNAM.
For a number of years the Putnam brothers have
been engaged in the practice of medicine at Brinkhaven, Knox
county, Ohio, and the name is a household word in the homes
of this county. Their long identification with the
place and their prominence here entitle them to more than a
passing notice in a work of this character, devoted as it is
to a portrayal of the lives of representative men and women
of the county.
Dr. Walter Smith Putnam was born in Brinkhaven,
on the 23d of September, 1863. His grandfather,
George Putnam, was one of the early pioneers of Knox
county, and his son, Isaac, who was descended from
German ancestry on his mother's side, was born near Danville
in 1825. When the time came for him to assume the
active duties of life on his own account he chose the
profession of medicine, later graduating in the medical
department of the University of Wooster, and for twenty-six
years he was an able and successful physician at Brinkhaven,
Knox county. He was a member of the Ohio State Medical
Society, was a member of the Masonic fraternity and was a
stanch Republican in his political views. He was but
forty-nine years of age when his life's labors were ended in
death, in 1873. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Sarah Cunningham, was a native of Holmes
county, Ohio, and she passed to her final reward when she
had reached the fifty-fifth milestone on the journey of
life. This worthy couple became the parents of four
sons, all of whom grew to manhood, - William Henry,
who has now passed away; Robert, whose history will
be found in this sketch; David E., who has also been
called to the home beyond; and Walter S., of this
review.
The latter received his education in the schools of
Millersburg and Ada, and after completing the
branches of learning taught in the public schools he entered
upon the study of medicine, matriculating in the medical
department of the Western Reserve College. He then
graduated in the class of 1887 in the medical department of
the University of Wooster, after which he entered upon the
practice of medicine in Brinkhaven, in company with his
brother. Dr. Robert Putnam. His
professional career has been attended with marked success.
His promptness, his systematic nature, and his generosity
are well known factors in his makeup, and those who have
known him longest esteem him most highly. He is a
prominent member of the State Medical Society. He has
also attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry, having
been a member of the fraternity since 1890, and he is also
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees.
In political matters he is a stanch supporter of Republican
principles.
In 1889 Dr. Putnam was united in marriage
to Margaret Peppard, a native of Wayne county and a
daughter of Hon. W. C. and Mary Peppard. They
have three sons, - Isaac Smith, George Wise
and Robert Bruce.
Dr. Robert Putnam
is also a native son of Brinkhaven, his birth
having occurred on the 24th of February, 1852. He,
too, chose the profession of medicine as a life occupation,
and in 1872 he graduated in the medical department of the
University of Wooster, entering immediately upon the
practice of his profession in Brinkhaven, in company with
his father, Dr. Isaac Putnam. The Putnam
brothers now take rank among the leading medical
practitioners of Knox county and are enjoying a large and
lucrative patronage, which has come to them as a reward of
their ability and thoroughness.
As a companion through the journey of life the Doctor
chose Miss Hannah Fouch, their wedding
being celebrated on the 17th of April, 1873. The lady
was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, a daughter of James
and Mary Jane (Thompson) Fouch. Three children
came to bless this union, but all have passed away in death,
- Roland, James and one who died in infancy.
The Republican party receives the Doctor's hearty support
and co-operation, and in his social relations he is a Knight
Templar Mason.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 282 |
| |
WILLIAM H. SMITH.
On the roster of county officials in Knox county appears the
name of William H. Smith, who is now serving the
second term as county recorder. A well-known statesman
has said, "You may fool all of the American people some of
the time; some of the people all of the time, but you can't
fool all of the American people all of the time." The
truth of this is continually manifest in political life.
It is a well-known fact that men by unworthy methods
sometimes gain public office, but a discriminating public
does not retain them there, and when one is re-elected to
office it is very good evidence that he is deserving and
trustworthy. Such is certainly the case with Mr.
Smith, who is now capably serving in the position of
county recorder for a second term.
He is one of Knox county's native sons, his birth
having occurred in Milford township in 1836, and his
ancestry may be traced back to one of the Revolutionary
heroes, for his grandfather, Captain Henry Smith,
commanded a company in the war for independence and was
Wheeling, West Virginia, when the place was surrounded by
Indians. He wedded Mary Irish, who was born in
Ireland, and among their children was William H. Smith,
the father of our subject. He was born in Ohio county,
Virginia, in 1799 and in 1822, emigrated to Knox county,
Ohio, locating on a farm in Milford township, where he
successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until 1866.
A recognized leader in public thought and opinion, he was
called upon to serve in many positions of trust and
responsibility. He acted as township trustee and in
other local offices and in 1843 and in 1845 was elected to
the state legislature. His political belief was that
of the Democratic party. He took an active part in
trying to defeat the Walhondig canal and this caused his
political defeat on one occasion, but time proved that his
course was a wise one and that the people again placed
confidence in his political work was shown by the fact that
he was again elected to the legislature. He left the
impress of his individuality upon many measures which came
up for settlement in the house when he occupied a seat
therein, and he ever commanded the respect of his colleagues
by reason of his fidelity to his honest convictions.
For many years he was a prominent member of the Presbyterian
church in Milford township, and with every movement that had
for its object the general welfare he was in sympathy.
Hon. William H. Smith was
united in marriage to Miss Esther Dill,
who was born near Columbus, Ohio, a daughter of Andrew
Dill, who served as a captain in the war of
1812 under General McArthur and was present at the
time of Hull's surrender. Mr. Smith died in
Mount Vernon, in 1871, at the age of seventy-two years and
the community thereby lost one of its honored and valued
citizens. His wife survived until 1891 and died in
Tennessee at the age of eighty-one. The members of the
family were: Henry, of Kossuth county, Iowa; Mary,
deceased wife of Morris Mahan, of Grand
Rapids, Michigan; William H. James, who served as
sergeant major in the Civil war and is now living in Tiffin,
Ohio; Harriet, of Knoxville, Tennessee; and Thomas
and Adalaide, who are also living in Knoxville.
In the common schools of this county William H.
Smith pursued his education and throughout his business
career he was carried on general farming and stock-raising,
following those pursuits on an extensive scale in Liberty
township. His enterprise and industry, combined with
good judgment, made him one of the leading and prosperous
farmers of the community and every thing about his place
indicated his care and supervision. In 1897, however,
he put aside the work of the farm to enter upon the duties
of county recorder, to which office he had been elected in
the fall of the previous year, for a three-years' term.
In 1900 he was again chosen for the same position -
the election being a comment upon his efficiency and
trustworthiness. For twelve years he had served as
justice of the peace in Milford township and was assessor
both in Liberty and Milford townships. He has been a
life long Democrat, very active in behalf of the; party.
Mr. Smith married Miss Hannah J. Milligan,
of Miller township, a daughter of George Milligan,
who came from Ohio county, Virginia, to the Buckeye state.
Their children are William H.; Elizabeth,
at home; George, of Columbus; Esther, who
assists her father in the recorder's office; Louisa,
the wife of John Keys, of Liberty township;
Hervey and Frances, who assist in the recorder's
office. The family is widely known in the county and
its members enjoy the warm regard of many friends.
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 39 |
| |
JOHN SNIVELY Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 346 |
| |
JAMES L. SNYDER Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 276 |
| |
GEORGE H. SPRY.
George H. Spry has almost reached the eightieth
milestone on life's journey and throughout the long period
has resided in Knox county, being to-day one of its honored
and respected citizens, enjoying the regard of young and
old, rich and poor. He was born in Monroe township,
Aug. 12, 1822, his parents being Perry and Mary
(Chadwick) Spry, who were pioneer settlers of the
county, where the father followed farming at an early day.
It was upon the old family homestead that the subject
of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth,
working in the fields and meadows, early becoming an active
factor in the development and cultivation of his father's
land. His labor in this direction, however, brought to
him the practical
experience which enabled him to carry on the business
successfully when he started out upon an independent career.
Like most young men who begin work for themselves he desired
a home of his own and on the 30th of October, 1851, he
completed his arrangements for one by his marriage to
Miss Polly Jackson, with whom he lived for more than
twenty-one years, when they were separated
by the hand of death, the lady being called to her final
rest on the 22d of February, 1873. On the 28th of
September, 1876, Mr. Spry was again married,
his second union being with Miss Wealthy
Almira Osborn, who was born in Cayuga county, New
York, Feb. 16, 1831, a daughter of
Isaac and Lois Osborn. At the age of eighteen
she began teaching school in Crawford county, Ohio, and
successfully followed that profession for eleven terms, her
last school being in Monroe township, Knox county. By
his first marriage Mr. Spry had the following
named children: Henry, who is living in
Fredericktown, Ohio; Nathan Albert, who
follows farming in Pike township; Mary, the wife of
Oakly Marion, of Morris township: and a son
who died when only one year old, having been born
the 14th of September and died the 15th of the following
September.
Almost a half century ago Mr. Spry took
up his abode upon his present farm, which has been his home
continuously since. The place comprises one hundred
and thirty-one acres of the rich land of Pike township and
he has devoted his entire attention to the cultivation and
improvement of his land, the years bringing to him excellent
crops, and from their sale he has added each year to his
income. In political views he is a Democrat, but has
no desire for office. He belongs to the Methodist
church, and although his life has been quietly passed,
unmarked by any event of exciting interest, it has ever been
characterized by fidelity to duty, by honor in his relations
with his fellow men and by straightforward dealings in all
trade transactions.
Source: The
Biographical Record of Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 - Page 36 |
| |
JOSEPH STAATS Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 275 |
| |
DANIEL W. STAHL Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 287 |
| |
FRANCIS M. STILLWELL
Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 157 |
| |
NORMAN M. STRONG Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 337 |
| |
J. S. SUTTON Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 324 |
| |
GEORGE SWANK Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 307 |
| |
CHRIS SWINGLE Source: The Biographical Record of
Knox County, Ohio -
Publ. 1902 ~ Page 244 |
NOTES:
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