Page Intro by Barry.
Deb Sutherland has told us about this 1881 Ohio and Knox County history book, which is available as a large (1000 pages) PDF File. This book records that Deb’s gr. – – gr. grandfather Charles McKee (born 1765) with his wife Margaret Lockhart and were the first white residents of Brown Township, Knox County Ohio in 1809. Alexander McKee followed in 1810. It also relates some history of Robert McKee, grandson of Charles. I have converted the Chapter Contents and the chapter on Brown Township to HTML for easier reading here. Scroll down to read all the Brown Township History, or click this link to skip to stories of Alexander and Charles McKee.
In May 2016, I expanded the section of Pioneers of Knox County to include families connected to our McKee family – Biggs, Blaine, Boyd, Clark, Dewitt, Dudgeon, Elliott, Frazier, Finley, Gault, Leonard, Lockhart, Love, McKee, Vincent, Waddell, and Young. Click here for Selected Family Histories, or click this link to jump to Robert McKee.
In this History of Knox County, Ohio, two wars figure prominently – the war with Mexico (Chapter XII) and the war of the Rebellion (Chapters XXXI to XXXVII). George McKee and an unidentified McKee from Knox County served in the Mexican war, and, in the war of the Rebellion, Squire McKee volunteered in the 20th Ohio Regiment, and William McKee volunteered in the 121st Ohio Regiment. I have shortened this history and include it as sub-page here: click on Knox County Military History to jump there.
History of KNOX County, Ohio, 1803 – 1881
ITS PAST AND PRESENT, CONTAINING A CONDENSED, COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY OF OHIO, INCLUDING A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NORIHWEST;
A COMPLETE HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY; ITS TOWNSHIPS, CITY, TOWNS, VILLAGES, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, SOCIETIES, INDUSTRIES, STATISTICS, ETC.;
A RECORD OF ITS SOLDIERS IN THE LATE WAR; PORTRAITS OF ITS EARLY SETTLERS AND PROMINENT MEN; VIEWS OF ITS FINEST BUILDINGS;
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS; MAP OF THE COUNTY; BIOGRAPHIES AND HISTORIES OF PIONEER FAMILIES, ETC
COMPILED BY N. N. HILL, JR.
ILLUSTRATED – VERNON, OHIO: A. A. Graham & Co.; Publishers.
CONTENTS
HISTORY OF OHIO.
CHAPTER I.
—Introductory—Topography— Geology—Primitive Races—Antiquities—Indian Tribes 10
CHAPTER II.
—Early Explorations in the West 19
CHAPTER III.
—English Explorations—Traders—French and Indian War in the West—English Possession 37
CHAPTER IV.
—Pontiac’s Conspiracy—Its Failure—Bouquet’s Expedition—Occupation by the English 48
CHAPTER V.
—American Explorations—Dunmore’s War—Campaign of George Rogers Clark—Land Troubles
—Spain in the Revolution—Murder of the Moravian Indians 52
CHAPTER VI.
—American Occupation—Indian Claims-Surveys—Early Land Companies—Compact of 1787
Organization of the Territory—Early American Settlements in the Ohio Valley
—First Territorial Officers—Organization of Counties 60
CHAPTER VII.
—The Indian War of 1790—Harmar’s Campaign—St. Clair’s Campaign—Wayne’s Campaign
—Close of the War 73
CHAPTER VIII.
—Jay’s treaty—The Question of State Rights and National Supremacy—Extension of Ohio Settlements—Land Claims—Spanish Boundary Question 79
CHAPTER IX.
—First Territorial Representatives in Congress—Division of the Territory
—Formation of States—Marietta Settlement—Other Settlements—Settlements in the Western Reserve—Settlement of the Central Valleys—Further Settlements 85
CHAPTER X.
—Formation of the State Government-Ohio a State—The State Capitals—Legislation
—The “Sweeping Resolutions”—Territorial and State Governors 121
CHAPTER XI.
-The War of 1812—Growth of the State—Canal, Railroads and other Improvements
—Development of State Resources 127
CHAPTER XII.
—Mexican War—Continued Growth of the State—War of the Rebellion
—Ohio’s part in the Conflict 132
CHAPTER XIII.
—Ohio in the Centennial—Address of Edward D. Mansfield, LL.D., Philadelphia,
August 9, 1876 138
CHAPTER XIV.
— Education—Early School Laws—Notes—Institutes and Educational Journals
—School System—School Funds—Colleges and Universities 148
CHAPTER XV.
—Agriculture—Area of the State—Early Agriculture in the West— Markets —Live Stock
—Nurseries, Fruits, etc.—Cereals—Root and Cucurbitaceous Crops—Agricultural Tools
—Agricultural Societies—Pomological and Horticultural Societies. 151
CHAPTER XVI.
—Climatology—Outline— Variation in Ohio—Estimate in Degrees—Amount—Variability. 163
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XVII.
—Topography and Geology.—Location and Topography—Pre-glacial Channels
-Oil Wells—Timber—Coal Measure Rocks—Geological Structure—Waverly Conglomerate
—Stone Quarries Petroleum and Gas—Depth of Oil Wells—Neff Petroleum Company 165
CHAPTER XVIII.
— Archeology. — Mounds in the County— Professor Roberts’ Address
—Tracing the Mound Builders—Mounds of Europe and America Compared
—Theories Regarding their Origin—Man in a Savage State—-The Huns— Character of
their Earthworks and their Probable Use— Classes of Mounds— Their Antiquity
—Implements used by the Mound Builders and Indians—Copper Mining—Stone Relics 171
CHAPTER XIX.
—Indians.—The Tribes Occupying this County—Treaty of Fort Mcintosh
—History of the Delaware Nation—-Bockinghelas—Killbuck—Captain Pipe—Skin Currency
—Delaware Camps in Knox County—Custaloga—The Murder of the Squaw Block-Houses
—Greentown Indians and their Removal-James Copus—Burning of the Indian Village
—Captain Armstrong—The Killing of an Indian by Morrison and McCulloch
—The Jones Tragedy—The Killing of Ruffner and the Zimmers—Murder of James Copus
-Removal of the Delawares from the County 178
CHAPTER XX.
—The First White Men.—Captivity of James Smith—Christian Fast,Sr. John Leeth
And his Adventures—John Stilley—The Moravians—Captain Samuel Brady and his Scouts
—The Prisoners Delivered to General Boquet—Simon Girty and other Renegades 188
CHAPTER XXI.
—Settlement and General Development of the County.—Area—Primitive Condition—
Settlement on the Licking—Andy Craig Character of the Pioneers—Military Lands
—Nathaniel M. Young—First Settlers and Settlements—The Quakers—First Roads
—Transportation—The Produce of the County—Mills—The Act Creating Knox County
-First Elections—Division into Four Townships—Commissioners Record
—Seeley Simpkins’ Race 199
CHAPTER XXII.
—Pioneer Times.—Where the Pioneers Came From—Their Condition and Character
—What They Lived On—Truck Patch—Hominy Blocks—Mills—Cooking—Cultivation of
Domestic Animals-Wild Turkeys—Whiskey—Superstitions—Dress—TheFlying Wheel
and Loom—Kicking Frolics- -Dyeing Fourth of July and Militia Musters
—Cabins and Their Construction—Furniture—Hoosier Poem—Early Land Laws
—Tomahawk Rights — Hunting—Weddings Dancing and House Warmings—Schools and
Teachers—Spelling Schools, etc. 209
CHAPTER XXIII.
—John Chapman 222
CHAPTER XXIV.
— Railroads, Telegraph and Eexpress Companies.—Sandusky, Mannsfield & Newark
Railroad—First Trains—Agents—Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Delaware Road
—First Through Train—The Ohio Central—Telegraph—Express Companies 227
CHAPTER XXV.
—Knox County Agricultural Society. —Formation of the Society— General Progress
—Reports of the Fairs from the First to the Present Time 23
CHAPTER XXVI.
—Bench and Bar.—First Court in the County—The Whipping Post—First Prosecuting
Attorney—Proceedings of the Court—First Practicing Lawyers
—A Brief Notice of Each of the Members of the Mt. Vernon Bar 239
CHAPTER XXVII.
—Public Buildings of the County.—Four Court Houses—Three Jails
—Two Infirmary Buildings—Matters of Interest Connected with these Buildings 248
CHAPTER XXVIII.
—A Chapter OF Statistics 252
CHAPTER XXIX.
—War of 1812.—Condition of Knox County—Samuel Kratzer—Joseph Walker
—Muster Roll of Walker’s Company—John H. Mefford—R. M. Brown—March of
Captain Walker’s Company—Captain John Greer—The Scalping of Three Persons on
Owl Creek—Condition of the Northern Frontier of Knox—Disposition of Troops
—Erection of Block-Houses—Sketch of General Beall’s Life—Organization
of His Army—Scarcity of Supplies— Beall’s March- Camp Council—Mutiny among
the Troops—General Harrison Arrives—His Speech—General Beall’s Difficulty
with General Wadsworth—Arrested, Court-martialled and Acquitted—His Brigade
Disbanded—The Expedition of General Crooks and Colonel Anderson. 256
CHAPTER XXX.CHAPTER XXXI.
—War of the Rebellion.—Preparations for the Conflict—Number of Soldiers from
Knox County—War Meetings and Resolutions—Committees Appointed—Home Guards
—Sketch of the Life of C. P. Buckingham—Bounty Money for the Volunteers of 1862
—Address of the Military Committee— Means of Securing Volunteers—Drafting
—War Fund-Knox County Militia—Ladies Aid Societies—Ladies Union League—The Monument 279
CHAPTER XXXII.
—War of the Rebellion Continued.—Companies A and B, Fourth Ohio—Excitement in
Mt. Vernon—First Volunteers in Knox County —How Lorin Andrews Became Colonel
—Organization of Companies A and B— Departure of Troops— Composition of the
Fourth Ohio— Lorin Andrews— H. B. Banning—Organization of the Fourth Ohio
—Three Months Service—Three Years Service— Muster Rolls of Companies A and B
—A sketch of the Operations of the Regiment to the Date of Muster-Out—Return of
the Regiment—Inscriptions on its Flag—Roster of the Officers and Muster Roll
of the Companies. 287
CHAPTER XIII.
—War of the Rebellion Continued. —Companies A, E, and G, Twentieth Ohio
Regiment—Organization of Three Companies in Knox County—Roster of the Officers
and Muster Rolls of the Companies— Expedition to Warsaw, Kentucky-
—Operations of the Regiment during the War, Muster-Out and Return
—Inscriptions on its Banners—Medals Awarded 296
CHAPTER XXXIV.
—War of the Rebellion Continued.—Company A, Thirtieth Regiment—Company C,
Thirty-second Regiment— Company K, and Fractions of Other Companies,
Forty-third Regiment Companies A and F, Sixty-fifth Regiment 305
CHAPTER XXXV.
—War of the Rebellion—Continued.—Companies A and B, Ninety-sixth Regiment
—Organization—Field Officers—Muster Rolls—Outline History of the Regiment
while in Service—Colonel J. W. Vance—Muster Out 319
CHAPTER XXXVI.
—War of the Rebellion Continued.—Companies F and G, One Hundred and Twenty-first
Regiment—Organization and Officers Operations of the Regiment in Service 326
CHAPTER XXXVII.
—War of the Rebellion—Concluded. —Organization of Company F, One Hundred
and Twenty-fifth Regiment—Muster Roll—Operations of the Regiment in the Field
—Second Ohio Heavy Artillery— Eighteenth United States Regulars—Captain
Coe’s Sharpshooters—List of Regiments in which Knox County was represented
—One Hundred and Forty second Ohio National Guard—Muster Rolls
— “Squirrel Hunters” —Close of the War 335
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
—Mt. Vernon.—The Proprietors—Name—First House—First Tavern—The Butlers
—Town Plat—Tornado—The First Doctor—Commissioners for Selecting the County Seat
—Their Report-The Struggle for the County Seat—Ben. Butler’s “Trick”—The Riot
—An Indenture of Apprenticeship—The Hatters—James Craig—Joseph Walker
—Fighting and Other Amusements—Endeavors to Change the County Seat
—What the Living Pioneers Say 348
CHAPTER XXXIX.
—Mr. Vernon—Continued.—Extracts from the Ohio Register and Norton’s History
Concerning the Early Days of Mt. Vernon, 1814 to 1830—Growth of the City
—Its Boundaries—Population—A Picture of Mt. Vernon in 1830
CHAPTER XL.
—Mt. Vernon—Continued.—List of Municipal Officers—The Press of Mt. Vernon
—Public Schools
CHAPTER XLI.
—Literary and Other Societies.—The Polemic Society—Mt. Vernon Literary Society
—Mt. Vernon Lyceum—Dramatic Association — Mechanics’ Society—The Franklin—Knox
County Historical Society—Later Literary and Other Associations – Masons
— Odd Fellows — Knights of Pythias —Knights of Honor—Royal Arcanum—Knights of the
Red Cross—Pennsylvanians in Knox County
CHAPTER XLII.
-Mt. Vernon— Continued.—The Business of the City—The Owl Creek Bank—The Knox
County Bank—First National and Savings Banks-The Knox County Mutual Insurance
Company—The Eagle Mutual—The Mutual Aid Association—The Business Men of 1850
—The Manufacturing Business of the City—List of Aged Men
CHAPTER XLIII.
—Mt. Vernon Concluded—The City Churches —The Presbyterian — Methodist Episcopal
—Methodist Protestant—First Baptist—St. Paul Episcopal—St. Vincent DePaul
—Congregational—Disciple—Lutheran—United Presbyterian—African Methodist 386
HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS.
CHAPTER XLIV.
—Berlin Township—Name and Organization—First Election—Topography
— Primitive Condition -Mound Builders—Indians—First Settlers and Settlements
—The Markleys—A. H. Royce—The Leedys — Richard Roberts—”Celestial Light”
—The Old Harter Tavern—Shaler’s Mill — Other Mills-Palmyra—Anknytown
—School-Houses and Teachers —Churches—Population—Justice of the Peace 421
CHAPTER XLV.
—Brown Township—First Election——List of Justices of the Peace—Topography—Hunting
Grounds—Pigeon-Roost—Bear Story—First Settlers and Settlements—Mills—Schools
— Churches— Jelloway—Insurance 426
CHAPTER XLVI.
—Butler Township—Organization —Topography — Indians — First Settlers —Mills—
-Schools—Churches 430
CHAPTER XLVII.
—Clay Township—Organization- First Settlers—Indians—Township Records—Mounds
—Martinsburgh Schools—Martinsburgh Academy —Churches—Rev. Henry Hervey—Fires 437
CHAPTER XLVIII.
— Clinton Township- Original Divisions of the County — Later Modifications
-Mounds—Andrew Craig—A Tragedy—Butler’s Visit —Henry Haine’s Insanity—
-John Mills—Other Early Settlers—The Pioneer Mill—Other Mills—Roads—
An Indian Tragedy—Township Officers—Justices of the Peace 442
CHAPTER XLIX.
-College Township—Topography —Distillery— Organization — Election— Roads—
The Condition in 1829—The Mill-Race—The Village and Its Business
—Justices of the Peace—The Press of Gambler—The Dwarfs—Churches 446
CHAPTER L.
— Kenyon College. — Its Location-Tour of Inspection—The North Section
—The South Section—College Hill— First View from the Top “Well, this will do!”
—The Purchase of Eight Thousand Acres -The Site of Old Kenyon -Obtaining
Subscriptions—Report of the Bishop —The Ladies’ Society— Milnor Professorship— Description of the Ground—Laying the Corner-Stone—An Incident in the Building
of the College—History of the College by President Bodine—The Blake School 454
CHAPTER LI.
—Harrison Township.—Name—Topography—Indians—First Settlers, Settlements—Sketches
of the Pioneers—Burlington Storm—Roads—Mills—Post Offices—Schools—Churches 470
CHAPTER LII.
— Howard Township.—Location-First Officers—Topography—Indians—Early Settlers
and Settlements—Hunting—Sketches of the Pioneers—Distilleries—Mills—Schools
—Churches—Kinderhook 474
CHAPTER LIII.
—Hilliar Township.—Location-Erection—Name—Topography —Settlement—Pioneer
Anecdotes—James Houck—Dr. Hilliar—Early Farming—First Election—Township Officers
—Mills Churches—Schools—Roads—Villages—Newspapers Postmasters—Statistics 479
CHAPTER LIV.
—Jackson Township.—Topography —Organization—Streams—Timber—Early Settlers —Mills—Distilleries—Schools—Churches—Villages 487
CHAPTER LV.
—Jefferson Township.—Organization —Election—-Justices of the Peace—Topography
Relics—First Settlers—Grand Hunt—Mills—Schools-Churches—Greersville 493
CHAPTER LVI.
-Liberty Township.—Location—Erection—Topography—Mounds-Settlement—Roads—Mills
—Election—Officers—^Villages—Stores—Schools—Churches—Cemeteries—Orders—Statistics 497
CHAPTER LVII.
—Middlebury Township.—Formation—Boundaries—Topography—First Settlers “Friends”
—Daniel Levering—Truman Strong—Batemans—Sarah Stelhvell—Later Settlers of
Prominence —Roads—Mills—Elections—Justices—Present Officers—Waterford—
“Levering’s” Post Office—”Friends” Meeting-house—-Other Churches
—Odd Fellows Schools—Noted Men—Population—Production 504
CHAPTER LVIII.
—Milford Township.—Topography—Timber— Wild Animals — Organization—Name
—First Settlers and Settlements—The Whereabouts of the Pioneers—The Great Wolf Hunt
—First Roads-Prominent Citizens—The Giant—The Band—The First Volunteer Company
—The Railroad Swindle—The Soldiers’ Monument Fund—Political—Five Corners
—Lock—Schools—Churches 512
CHAPTER LIX.
—Miller Township.—Topography-Animals—Organization—Name— First Settlements and
Settlers—Population —Pioneer Matters—Roads—Brandon—Post Office—Storm—Churches
— Schools —Military Matters Justices of the Peace 520
CHAPTER LX.
—Monroe Township.—Erection—Topography—
Timber—Early Settlers—Later Residents
of Prominence—Roads — Mills—Churches— Elections
—List of Justices—Township Officers—Area—Population—
Production— Valuation 530
CHAPTER LXI.
— Morgan Township.— Location—Name—Topography—Ancient Works—Agriculture5
—First Settlers and Settlements—Sketches of the Pioneers—Schools—Churches 533
CHAPTER LXII.
— Morris Township. — Situation- William Douglass—Douglass’ Mill—Samuel H. Smith
—Clinton Laid Out—The Ohio Register—-James Loveridge— Colonel Alexander Enos
—Other Early Settlers—Roads—Stores — Distilleries—Schools—Churches
-Mills—Tanneries— Clinton—Elections—Justices 538
CHAPTER LXIII.
—Pleasant Township.—Situation-Boundaries—Topography— Pioneers— Mills—Breweries
—Roads—Churches—First Things—Organization Present Officers—Mt. Vernon Nursery
—Population and Production—Justices of the Peace 542
CHAPTER LXIV.
—Union Township.—Boundaries-Topography — First Settlers — First Election — First
Birth—Sketches of the First Settlers—Mills—Roads- Schools—Churches—Danville
—Millwood—Gann Station— Rossville—Buckeye City—Cavallo 550
CHAPTER LXV.
—Wayne Township.—Organization and Dimensions-Topography—Mound Builders and
Their Works—The Indians—Killing of the Indian Horse Thieves by Hughes and
Ratliff—Remains of the Indians thus Killed—First Settlers—Nathaniel Young
—The “Jersey Settlement”—Trapping Wolves—The Quakers—October Election of 1808
—Roads -Mills—Lucerne—The Lewis Block-House—Green Valley—Churches
—Justices of the Peace 556
CHAPTER LXVI.
—Fredericktown.—Location—Lucas Sullivant—Laying out the Town—First Cabin and
First Brick House—The Quakers—Names of the Earliest Settlers—The Ayers
—Appearance of the Town in 1812 —Garrison and his Store—Nicholas McCarty
—The Business and Whereabouts of a few of the Settlers
Captain Williams—First Fourth of July Celebration -The Block-Houses and
Incidents Connected with Them —”Uncle Abner” and his “Tavern”—Hotels of
Fredericktown— The Mills around the Town — Produce -Dealers—Banks—Newspapers
—Mayors—A Summary of the Business—Schools—Churches 563
CHAPTER LXVII.
– Territory Detached from Knox County.—Madison, Greene, Chester, Bloomfield,
and Franklin Townships 572
CHAPTER LXVIII.
— Pike Township -Erection-Boundaries—Topography—First Settlers—Elections
Present Officers—Justices—Mills—.Schools—Churches—Amity—Odd Fellows
—Knights of Honor—North Liberty —Statistics 575
Biographical Sketches 583
Addenda 846
CHAPTER XLV – BROWN TOWNSHIP – p426
– Organization
— First Election
— List of Justices of the Peace
— Topography
— Hunting Grounds
— Pigeon-Roost–Bear Story
— First Settlers and Settlements
— Mills
— Schools
— Churches
— Jelloway
— Insurance.
BROWN belongs to the northern tier of townships, with Pike on the west, Jefferson on the east, and Howard on the south. It was named in honor of Major General Brown, a distinguished officer in the last war with Great Britain. It was originally included in Union. On the ninth of March, 1825, it was attached to Jefferson, until it shall be ascertained that there are inhabitants enough in Brown to have it organized. At that date there were but a small number of inhabitants in the township. Several families in the meantime having moved into the township it was further ordered by the commissioners March 6, 1826, that Brown be hereafter considered a separate and distinct township, and the election be held at the house of Jonas Ewing for township officers on the first Monday in April. The following have been the Justices of the Peace for Brown township since 1825: 1825, Samuel Parkhurst; 1826, Jonas Ewing; 1830, James McMillen; 1831 James Blair; 1833, James McMillen; 1834-7, James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1840, James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1843, James Blair; 1844, Thomas Wade; 1845, John W. Guberson; 1846, William Severns and James Blair; 1849, James Blair; 1850, William Severns and Joseph Pinkley; 1852, Solomon Workman; 1853, Joseph Pinkley; 1854, John Hicks; 1856, John W. Leonard; 1857, Joseph Pinkley; 1859-62, John W. Leonard; 1863, John P. Cumingham; 1866, Miles Darkins and Jacob Frederick; 1872, Miles Darkins and John W. Leonard; 1875, Edward E. Whitney; 1878, Marion Pinkley and E. E. Whitney; 1879, D. C. Whitney.
The general surface of Brown township is broken, and in many places hilly, but the land is generally fertile, and yields ample returns to the husband-man for his labors. It is well timbered with oak, sugar, beech, chestnut, elm and sycamore.
The Big Jelloway creek is the main stream of water, and traverses the township from northwest to southeast, entering near the northwest corner from Richland county and continuing in a southeasterly direction, passes out of the northeast corner of the township into Howard. It was named after Tom. Jelloway, a noted Indian chief, whose tribe frequently camped along this stream. The Little Jelloway creek crosses the southwest corner. Sapp’s run rises near the centre of the township, and flows in a southwesterly course, emptying into the Big Jelloway. These streams, with their tributaries, afford abundant water power and privileges for all practical purposes.
This township at its first settlement, and for many years subsequent, was one of the best hunting grounds in Ohio. The numerous high hills here and in the adjoining townships of Ashland and Richland counties, afforded a retreat for deer, bear, wolves, foxes, and other wild animals, and they were to be found in this section several years later than in the other townships of Knox county. As late as 1840, deer were still hunted.
There was a noted pigeon-roost in the southern part of Brown township, where on each returning spring, for many years after its first settlement, immense numbers of pigeons would roost. The roost covered about six hundred acres, and was visited by hundreds of persons within a radius of fifty miles. Bears still lurked in the forest, and on one occasion Alexander McKee, a pioneer of Brown, while hunting pigeons, came very near losing his life at this roost. He became separated from the party of hunters who accompanied him to the roost, and while engaged in killing and bagging the birds, he suddenly aroused a large and ferocious she-bear with three or four cubs. He ascended the nearest sapling he could find, pursued by the bear, which caught him by the leg, just as he reached the first limb of the tree. He held on with a firm grip, and shouted lustily for help, but the noise and confusion caused by the hunters and flying pigeons prevented his companions from hearing him for some time. In the meantime the bear was tearing the flesh from his limb with all possible dispatch, and before assistance came he was so badly lacerated as to be a cripple for life, and it was by much care and attention that his life was saved at all.The first settlers came to Brown about 1809. As far as can be ascertained, Charles McKee was the first white man to permanently settle within the present limits of this township. He came here from Ireland about 1809. Alexander McKee was probably the second settler, coming to Brown about 1810, and locating in the eastern part of the township, near Big Jelloway creek. At that date Indians were numerous, and they had camps in different places, especially along the Jelloway. They were frequent visitors at the cabin of Mr. McKee. He was a jovial, hospitable Irishman, and generally kept a good supply of liquor on hands, both for his own use and for the entertainment of his friends; and one occasion a party of sixty-five Indians called at his house, and remained some hours, drinking whiskey with him, and having a jolly time generally. He was a noted hunter, and was engaged much of the time hunting the wild animals which abounded in Brown at that time.
Jacob Phifer was another of the early settlers and enterprising citizens. He was a native of Germany, and served ten years in the German army prior to his coming to America. He was also a soldier in the war of 1812, serving in the American army. He came to Brown in 1818, settling in the northern part of the township, and was engaged in farming some years. He also kept a hotel on the present site of Jelloway, several years before the village was located. His hotel was on the line of the old stage route leading from Cleveland to Columbus, and was a favorite stopping place of the wearied traveller in the days of the old fashioned stage-coach. He died in 1846, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.
Zephaniah Wade came from Virginia to this township in 1816. During the Revolutionary war he became an ardent patriot and commanded a company of rifleman from Loudoun county, Virginia. He was an efficient officer and his company was in several battles in that memorable struggle for independence.
James Blair, one of Browns most prominent and useful citizens, came to Knox county early in this century. He first settled in Union township, but removed here in 1820. Being well educated and having the esteem and confidence of his neighbors, he was frequently chosen justice of the peace, and served more terms in that capacity than any one that has ever resided in the township. After his removal to Knox county he worked several years in Shrimplin’s mill, on Owl creek. He also followed farming while living here. He was a poet of considerable local celebrity, and his poetical effusions were occasionally published in the papers of that period. No citizen of Brown has ever been honored by its citizens more than James Blair,and his memory will long be cherished here.
James Serverns, John Carghnau, Richard Dakin, Samuel Parkhurst, A. Whitney, Joseph Hall, Jacob Bauge, Daniel Worley, William Prior, Solomon Workman, Adam Sapp, Jacob Robinson, Jacob Shimer, Josiah Frost, and Joseph Robinson, were of the first settlers of this township. The early settlers of Brown were mostly from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, with a small number from Ireland and Germany. They were a hardy, industrious, and frugal people, most of them inured to hardships and dangers before they came here, some of them having served in the Revolutionary War, and also in the Indian wars of the latter part of the last century, and of the still later War of 1812.
They were men of strong convictions, sterling integrity and worth, and were well qualified to lay the foundation upon which the prosperity of Brown now rests. Immor Barrett, who came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania about 1832, built the first grist-mill, and the first saw-mill in 1833. These mills were located on the Little Jelloway run, in the southern part of this township. Barrett, while residing in Pennsylvania, had been principally engaged in school teaching, and was thoroughly educated, and an estimable citizen. James Blair built the second grist and saw-mill combined about 1836. John A. Pheister built the third flouring mill in Brown about 1840. There was a saw-mill attached to this grist-mill. Prior to the erection of these mills, the settlers did their milling at Shrimplin’s and Giffen’s mills on Owl creek, and at Loudonville.
The first school-house as far as known was built near the present village of Jelloway, about 1830, and Joseph Dunlap was the first school teacher. This district embraced a large part of the township, the children coming for several miles through the forests to school. This, as well as all the first school-houses, was frequently used for religious meetings, lectures, singing schools, etc. Joseph Pinkley was another of the first teachers.
There is a strong and earnest religious sentiment developed in Brown, the inhabitants most universally, being believers in the Christian religion, and many of them members of some Evangelical denomination. Religious meetings were, at first held in the houses of the pioneers, and in the school-houses. Camp meetings were occasionally held in the woods, God’s first temples, and were always attended by large numbers from Knox and adjoining counties; and although much good was accomplished in the grove meetings, yet they were often the scenes of much rowdyism and confusion, and after the erection of the first church edifices, were discarded by the moral class of the community. Revs. James Marvin and James Hughes of the Christian or New Light church were the pioneer preachers of Brown. They were earnest, devoted ministers and zealously labored for the salvation of the people. The Methodists and Lutherans were early in the field, and the ministers of these denominations held meetings frequently at various places in the township.
The German Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1850. The same year a log church was built one and a half miles southwest of Jelloway. This organization has been, from its commencement, a live, active and numerous one, the membership including many names from Knox, Richland, and Ashland counties. Its first members were Jacob Young, George Arnholt, George and Peter Ricard, Thiebolt Lauffer, Adam Arnholt, Peter Maerschal, George Laemer, John Kiever, Frederick Coleman, Gottleib Moltz, Philip and Godfrey Kick, Nicholas Wolyung, Valentine Dohn, John Young, Peter Klein, Fred Schuh, Jacob Young, jr., John Keifer, jr., John Aultz, John Toby and George Rinehart. Its first officers were, Elders Thiebolt Lauffer, Peter Ricard; Deacons, Casper Boehm, Jacob Ricard; trustees, George Ricard, sr., and G. Holtz. Rev. H. Belzer was the first pastor, succeeded by Revs. C. F. Diehl, I. H. Herzberger, J. Buckstein, Louis Danman, H. Eisfellen, G. Keif, C. Gabauer, and E. A. Born, the present one. The present membership, including the baptized children, who are considered members, is one hundred and forty. The society continued to worship in the log building until 1857, when a more commodious and neater frame edifice was erected at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. In 1880 a parsonage was built in Jelloway village, which cost nearly one thousand dollars. There is a cemetery attached to the church in which many of the first members and their families rest.
The Dunkards or German Baptists organized a society at an early day, which is known as the Danville German Baptist church. The same officers that are chosen for the government of the Dunkard church near Danville, rule and govern in the church in Brown township. In 1871 a frame building was erected on section fifteen. Revs. Joseph, John L. and John J. Workman have been the pastors of this church.
At one of the camp meetings held in this township about 1840, a tragedy occurred, which resulted in the death of a man named Bartlett. He had a stand at the camp grounds where he sold refreshments. During the progress of the meeting, he had incurred the displeasure of a party of roughs, who were in attendance at the meeting. In order to be revenged they cut a portion of the harness of his team, unknown to him. He started his horses homeward, when the loud yelling and other demonstrations of the party, frightened them so that they ran away at a violent speed. Bartlett was thrown out of the wagon and instantly killed.
Jelloway, originally named Brownsville, is the only town in Brown township. It is situated near the Big Jelloway creek, in the northeastern part of the township and has a population of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. It was laid out in 1840, by Freeman Pipher. James Pearce built the first house, which he used for a storeroom, and he kept the first store in the town. Steven Brown built the first dwelling house, and Silas Brown the second one. Freeman Pipher was the second merchant. Silas Brown was the first blacksmith. Dr. Maynard was the first physician. Jacob Pipher kept the first hotel, which was built several years before the town was laid out, and was on the line of the old Cleveland and Columbus stage route. The first post office in the township was kept at this hotel, and Jacob Pipher was probably the first postmaster. At that time the post office was known as Pipher’s Cross Roads. Joseph Pinkley taught the first school in the town. Jefferson Sapp, Morrison, and Whitford were also of the first school teachers. The village is divided into two school districts, the school-houses in both districts being located outside of the village.
There are two religious organizations, but only one church building in the village at present.
The first church was organized in 1850 by the Episcopal Methodists, and a frame edifice erected the same year. Samuel Boyles, Nelson Burrows, John W. Moffitt, Elias Stillwell, Joseph B. Rolland, Joseph Burns, and Francis DeWitt, were the building committee. Among the first members were William Hall, Michael Phifer, Mrs. Lybarger, and Rebecca Phifer. Reverends Bear, Lydy, Neal, Plumber, and Sheldon have been pastors of this organization. Rev. William Wright is the present pastor. The present officers are: George Blakely, John Nuhart, and William Patton, trustees; Marion Pinkley and Michael Oswoltz, stewards. The membership at present numbers about twenty-five.
There is a flourishing Union Sunday school held in this church, with E. L. Waltz as superintendent. There is a cemetery attached to the church, and the only one within the village limits. A new and commodious church edifice will be erected this year, 1881.
The Jelloway English Lutheran church was organized February 20, 1881. The members composing this organization are: S. Hildebrand, Miss Sadie M. Witt, John L. Hildebrand, George Thoma, Mrs. E. A. Hildebrand, F. L. Waltz, C. Fish, Mrs. Alice Waltz, W. M. Bauer, Mrs. Alice Hildebrand, Miss Lucinda Waltz, and Mrs. Mary E. Myers. The officers are: George Thoma, elder; E. L. Waltz, John L. Hildebrand, deacons; S. Hildebrand, treasurer; W. M. Bauer, secretary; Rev. J. W. Kapp, present pastor. A frame church building will be erected this present year.
The Farmers’ Home Fire Insurance company of Jelloway was incorporated April 9, 1872. The first board of trustees were: J. S. Tilton, president; W. Smith, vice-president; James Barron, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, secretary; T. O. Boyd, William Barron, J. M. Nyhart, I. R. Bailey, D. M. Tilton. It was organized with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. In 1879 the capital was reduced to one hundred thousand dollars. There is a real estate security of three hundred and eight thousand five hundred and seventy four dollars for the payment of the capital. The distinctive features of this company are: 1. It is a stock company, therefore there can be no assessments on its policy holders. 2. Its capital and assets are secured by real estate first leans on improved farms, worth over three hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of improvements or other perishable property. 3. Its rates are low, and no efforts are spared to protect the interests of its patrons. 5. It pays the full amount in case of damage by fire or lightning; 6. Because it is purely a farmers’ company, insuring only farm property and detached dwellings, private barns and their contents, and detached churches. Since its organization nearly fifty thousand dollars in losses have been paid. The present board of trustees are: Amos Clark, president; S. Hildebrand, vice-president; E. L. Waltz, secretary; William Garrett, treasurer; Tobias Castor, adjuster; C. Pinkley, I. R. Bailey, George Wohlfard. J. A. Colopy, T. O. Boyd, Amos Clark, James Barron, C. Banbury, William Colwell, W. H. Frasher, J. M. Holmes, William Barron, George McClurg, G. W. Blakeley, William Long, C. W. Critchfield, and R. Banbury.
The Jelloway Mutual Aid Life Insurance association was organized March 5, 1878. The charter members were: Byron Castor, W. M. Crowner, A. J. Hyatt, S. M. Vincent, R. M. Critchfield, M. B. Thoma, T. O. Boyd, J. L. Hildebrand. The present officers are Tobias Castor, president; W. M. Crowner, vice-president; T. O. Boyd, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, actuary; S. M. Vincent, legal director; A. J. Hyatt, medical examiner; R, M. Critchfield, E. O. Lybarger, trustees and general agents. The association pays to the insured therein the amount specified in the certificate of insurance at the expiration of a term, ranging from eight to twenty years, according to the age of insured at time of insurance, or if he dies before the stipulated period arrives, to his or her representatives. The membership of the association is limited to five thousand. The beneficiary fund is supported from the surplus of membership fees and assessment of its members. A membership fee of ten dollars, from any person of sound mind, between the ages of eighteen and sixty, entitles him to a certificate in the association. All claims arising against the company for death of a member or expiration of a certificate is paid within ninety days after maturity or satisfactory evidence received at the office.
Both of these companies are well officered, and are a credit to the enterprise of Jelloway. They are both transacting a very satisfactory business at present.
Although the town of Jelloway has no railroad advantages, it is a place of considerable business activity. There are at present in the village two dry goods stores, owned by Kinder & Myers and Patton & Derry, one drug store by A. J. Hyatt, one grocery by John Butler, one hotel by Mrs. Clara R. Cummings, one blacksmith shop by W. B. Mix, one harness shop by Fred Sheriff, one millinery establishment by Mrs. Belle Derry, one physician, Dr. A. J. Hyatt; one attorney, S. M. Vincent, etc. Mrs. C. R. Cummings has charge of the post-office, and the village has the benefit of a daily mail from Mt. Vernon, Mr. Solomon R. Workman being the mail carrier. In 1878 a town hall thirty-six by fifty feet was erected at a cost of eight hundred dollars.
Selected Pioneers of Knox County
Including Knox County Families with McKee connections – Biggs, Boyd, Clark, Dewitt, Dudgeon, Elliott, Frazier, Finley, Gault, Leonard, Lockhart, Love, McKee, Vincent, Waddell, Young
BIGGS, JAMES, Howard township, farmer, post office Howard, was born in Jefferson township, Knox county. His mother died when he was a small child, and he was given to his uncle with whom he lived fourteen years. He then went to Coshocton county, Ohio, and learned the shoemaking trade, and followed it five years. Then after two years of farming life he married and settled on his present farm, where he has lived twenty-one years. He has four children: Carrie, Maggie, Jackson, and Olive. His wife died in 1877, and was buried in the Millwood cemetery.
BOYD, JOHN, Mt. Vernon, was born January 20, 1808, is a native of Allegheny City, where he received his education, and when seventeen years old engaged with James Taylor, of Pittsburgh, to learn the baking business, at which he served four years; he then engaged in business for himself, in which he continued about one and a half years, when he went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he worked at the business for some time; he next went to St. Louis and remained in business there until 1836, when he returned to Pittsburgh and remained there until December of that year; he then came to this State, locating in Mt. Vernon, where he engaged in the grocery and baking business, in which he continued until 1866, when he engaged in the business at Smith’s Ferry, Pennsylvania, where he remained four years (during which his family remained in Mt. Vernon), after which he returned in 1870, since which he has been engaged in various ways. He was collector in 1872-3, and from 1873 to 1875 was first clerk in the pension office at Washington, District Columbia. He was elected township trustee in 1875 in which office he still continues. He was married April 22, 1830, to Miss Margaret O’Hanlan, daughter of Michael O’Hanlan, of Pittsburgh, by whom he had a family of eight children, viz. : John C, William, Robert A., Maggie A., George W., and W. H. (twins), Mary, and Sadie; four are living, viz., William, Maggie A., George W. , and Sadie. Mr. Boyd enlisted in 1864 and served in the One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio National guard, and his sons, John C, and William, were in the Eighty second Ohio volunteer infantry, and George was in the Twentieth Ohio volunteer infantry.
BOYD, SAMUEL, of Fredericktown, deceased, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1811; came to Knox county, Ohio, in 1864, and was married to Matilda Hastings, who was bom in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1820. They had the following children, viz.: Sarah J., William, who married Anna B. Mane; they reside on the home place. Mr. Samuel Boyd died in 1874. He was a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Boyd still resides on the home place.
BOYD, THOMAS, farmer and wool-grower. Brown township, post office, Jelloway, son of James and Nancy Boyd, born in Leesville, Carroll county, Ohio, January 13, 1828. At the age of six months his parents died, and he lived with Archibald Elliott until he was thirteen years old. Thomas then worked among the farmers until he arrived at the age of sixteen, when he entered into a contract with David Copper to work for five years for the sum of one hundred dollars and a freedom suit. After that he followed farming and dealing in stock. On the twentieth of March, 1850, at the age of twenty-two years, he married Miss Mahala, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Norrick, bom in Harrison county, January 13, 1828; after his marriage he moved to Brown township, Knox county, where he purchased forty acres of land, and there located and reared his family. In 1851 he bought fifty-three acres of woodland adjoining him; and in about three years bought thirty-three acres more. In addition to that, he in 1862 bought seventy-five acres, and in 1871 fifty acres more, making in all two hundred and forty-eight acres. In 1871 Mr. Boyd erected a very fine dwelling, which, with other buildings to correspond, make a very desirable and comfortable home. Formerly Mr. Boyd followed buying and shipping stock in connection with farming, but is at present giving his attention to raising fine sheep. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are the parents of eleven children, viz. : James W., Hezekiah P., Elizabeth J., Emelia U., Daniel W., Jemima A., Thomas M. (died August 27, 1867), Olive B., Ettie P.; one died in infancy, leaving nine living. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are consistent members of the Wesleyan Methodist church of Shadley Valley.
BOYD, WILLIAM, farmer, was bom in Clay township, where he has always resided. He was married to Henrietta McWilliams; they have two children, viz.: Charles and Lorena.
CLARK, ABEL, deceased, Jefferson township, bom in Green county, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1792, where he lived until he arrived at the age of eighteen years, when, in company with his brother, came to Ohio, locating in Carroll county about 1810. During the time he remained there, he married Mary E. Burtnett, which event occurred in 1815, who was born in Green county Pennsylvania, July 21. 1792. In 1822 he moved with his family to Knox county, locating in Harrison township, where he remained until 1836, when he moved to Jefferson township and there entered a farm of one hundred acres, upon which he erected a hewed log house. He carried on farming for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Clark became the parents of nine children, four of whom died in infancy. The other five children were: Michael Clark, born June 17, 1818, killed at Fort Donelson; Priscilla, born December 3, 1821, died August 24, 1880; Josiah, June 14, 1823, died in 1868; Nancy, January 2, 1825; Amos, January 31, 1834, all of whom have died except Nancy and Amos. Mrs. Abel Clark died August 27, 1851, aged fifty nine years. He married again in 1853, and his second wife died in 1872. Mr. Clark became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Jefferson township and died in January, 1870, in the seventy-eighth year of his age.
CLARK, AMOS, Jefferson township; farmer and stock-raiser; son of Abel and Mary E. Clark, was born in Harrison township, Knox county, January 31, 1834. In 1836 his father moved to Jefferson township, locating on Military Land lot No. 2, four miles east of Jelloway, where the subject of this sketch was reared and received a common school education. He remained with his father, farming until 1858, when he bought sixty acres of the home place, and continued to farm the balance of his father’s farm in connection with his own. This he continued until 1860, and then purchased the balance of the home farm, making in all one hundred and sixty acres. In 1866 he bought one hundred and nine acres of land in Jefferson township, adjoining Ashland county, for the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, which he owned for three years, and then sold it to Conrad Snider for the sum of twenty-four hundred dollars. October 5, 1856, he married Sarah C. Heyet, a daughter of Jacob H. and Mary E. Heyet, born in Ashland county, December 3, 1839. After his marriage he located on the old farm, which he had purchased off his father, where he remained until 1871, and then moved on a farm of one hundred and forty acres adjoining him, on the southwest, which he purchased in the same year, where he at present resides. May 13, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, in company F, under Captain Cummings, and served until the second day of September of the same year, when he was honorably discharged and mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. He then returned home, where he remained until the twelfth day of October of the same year, when he enlisted in the Ninth Ohio cavalry under the command of Killpatrick, where he served until June 7, 1865, when he was honorably discharged and mustered out of service at the United States hospital near Columbus, Ohio. He then returned home, and proceeded to business as usual. Mr. Clark is at present engaged in the insurance business in connection with farming, being a stockholder in the Jelloway Insurance company, and president of the same. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the parents of six children, viz: Mary E., born September 30, 1857, married J. W. Rice September, 1877, and resides one mile west of Greersville; Jesse E., September 12, 1859, and died August 31, 1864; Emma F., June 10, 1862, and died September 6, 1864; William W., August 16, 1866, and died September 26, 1867; Henry W., August 16, 1868; John B., February 21, 1870. Only three children are living. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of Wesley chapel of Jefferson township.
CLARK, BOYD, farmer, Wayne township, post office Mt. Vernon, born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1825, and was married February 15, 1855, to Ann McKee, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, April 11, 1837. They had the following children: Sarah M., bom December 29, 1855; John C. Fremont, May 15, 1857; Eliza J. and Mary Eva, (twins), October 26, 1858; Nancy M., June 22, 1860; Wilmetta, February 22, 1862; Thomas H., August 11, 1864; James W., June 10, 1866; Ida May, May 10, 1868; Steward E., May 17, 1870; Samuel P., August 8, 1872, and Nellie Myrtle, April 16, 1875. Sarah M. died July t6, 1875, and Nancy June 26, 1875. Mr. Clark settled in Wayne township in 1854, and has resided here since that time.
CLARK, JOSIAH, farmer, Middlebury township, post office Fredericktown, was born in Connecticut, and came to Ohio in 1850, and was married in 1871 to Mary A. Wagoman, who was born in Morrow county. They have two children, Sarah May, and Charlie Russell. His sister, Betsy Clark, was bom in Fairfield county, Connecticut, came to Knox county in 1852, and now resides with her brother, Josiah Clark. Salina Clark, the mother of Josiah and Betsy, was born in Connecticut in 1778, and came to Ohio in 1852. She remained here till her death, December 29, 1875.
DEWITT, BENJAMIN W., farmer. Brown township, post office, Jelloway, son of Jonathan and Mary Dewitt,, born in Richland township, Holmes county, where he was reared and received a part of his education. He graduated in Madison college, Guernsey county, in his nineteenth year; he then commenced the teaching of school, which he continued for twenty one quarters, teaching seven quarters in one district. He also taught vocal music in connection. On the eleventh day of November, 1847, in his twenty-fifth year, he married Sarah A. Workman, of Knox county, James S. Blair officiating. She was the first daughter of S. C. and Mary Workman, born September 6, 1828. After his marriage he moved upon a farm of his father’s in Holmes county, where he remained about one year. While there he taught one term of school in the town of Millersburgh during the winter season; he then moved back to Knox county. Brown township, locating on the farm where he now resides, which was then known as the McCall and Stokley lands. By their marriage they became the parents of fifteen children : Normanda E., born February 5, 1849; Squire E., August 11, 1850; James H., January 31, 1852; Jonathan C, April 1, 1853, and died August 4, 1853; Mary E., October 17, 1854; Solomon H., March 27, 1856; Sarah J., March 27, 1857, and died August 28, 1858; Priscilla S., August 8, 1859; Channing C., October 20, i860; Benjamin F., July 18, 1862, died August 28, 1862; Osmer B., July 18, 1863; Elma F., September 3, 1865; Harriet L., April 3, 1867; Susannah B., March 8, 1S69, now dead; William F., December 8, 1870, died April 15, 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Dewitt and family are members of the German Baptist church.
DEWITT, SQUIRE E., Jefferson township, farmer, post office, Jelloway, was born in Brown township in 1850. He was married in 1873 to Melinda Shambaugh, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1848. They had three children—Charles Alpheus, bom in 1874; Iva May, born in 1876; John H. O., born in 1879. Mrs. Melinda Dewitt died in 1879, in Jefferson county. Mr. Dewitt is a farmer by occupation and an active and enterprising man.
DUDGEON, SIMON (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Ireland, county Donegal, June 3, 1776, where he was reared, and lived until 1802 (being twenty-six years of age), when he sailed for America, landing in the city of New York, he having but one English shilling left, which he soon parted with to have his shirt washed. From New York city he went to the State of Connecticut, where he remained and worked a short time. From there he came back to Delaware county, New York, and hired to perform labor by the month, on a farm, where he remained but a short time, after wards engaging in the lumbering business, continuing at it until the year 1810, when he came to what is known as Harrison township, Knox county, where he entered three quarter sections of land, and afterwards sold one quarter-section to his brother Moses, in order to get money to improve the balance. After this he went to Washington county, Pennsylvania, and there, in September, 1811, he married Nancy Elliott, daughter of Charles and Jane Elliott, bom in Ireland in 1791. After his marriage (in October, 1811) he returned to Knox county and moved upon his land, which was all a dense forest at that time, and erected himself a small tent, covering the same with sheets, to shelter himself and wife from the storm and the wild animals that infested the country at that time. He then proceeded to cut logs and build a cabin, which he and his wife soon occupied. He then proceeded to clearing his land and getting it ready for cultivation. In this labor he was engaged from year to year until he became the owner of a fine farm. In the meantime he kept purchasing land until he was the owner of seven hundred and twelve acres, which at his death was divided among his sons and daughters. There were born to Simon Dudgeon and Nancy Elliott ten children as follows: Jane, Thomas, Charles, Moses, David, William, Simon, Mary, John, and Andrew, eight of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch died June 2, 1845, in his sixty-ninth year; his companion survived him till December 14, 1859, when she died, aged nearly sixty-nine years.
DUDGEON, MOSES, farmer and stock-raiser, post office Gambler; third son of Simon and Nancy Dudgeon, born in Harrison township, Knox county, January 31, 1818, where he was reared and inured to the hardships of a pioneer life. The subject of this sketch remained with his father until the age of twenty-six years, when his father gave him a quarter section of land in Allen county, which he owned about three years, when he exchanged it for an interest in the old homestead in Knox county, where he at present resides. December 26, 1844, he was united in marriage with Hannah, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Devare, born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where she was reared until at the age of eight years, when her parents both died. She was then brought to Knox county by Daniel Sawyers, with whom she lived. Mr. Dudgeon is at present the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land, and has also held quite a number of offices of trust in said county and township, being county commissioner, justice of the peace, and treasurer. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Dudgeon resulted in five children, as follows; Marvin, Lyman, Mary, Simon, and Angle, who are all living.
DUDGEON, DAVID, farmer and wool-grower, post office Gambier; fourth son of Simon and Nancy Dudgeon, born in Harrison township, Knox county, April 11, 1820. He received an education, and at the age of twenty-one years he went to Allen county, and remained about five years, In 1845, when in Allen county, he purchased two hundred acres of land, then came back to Knox county, and then went to farming for his mother. About a year after returning home he sold his land in Allen county to his brother Thomas, for the sum of nine hundred dollars, a d then purchased a share in the home-place, where he continued to remain and farm, purchasing shares in the home-farm. This he continued about eight years, by which time he had become the owner of three hundred and fifty acres. On February 10, 1848, he was united in marriage with Mary J., a daughter of Asa and Catharine Freeman, bom in Knox county, Butler township, August 2, 1830. Their union resulted in eleven children, viz: Martha, Eunice, Ann, Lydia, William, Jessie (died May 21, 1863), Andrew, Caroline, Lee, Reuben, and Jane. In April, 1880, he purchased seventy-four acres in Pleasant township, Knox county, at a cost of three thousand seven hundred dollars, which he deeded to his daughter, and which she now occupies.
ELLIOTT, JOEL (deceased), Berlin township, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1775, and was married in 1807 to Hannah Gibson, who was born in Maryland in 1779. They have the following children, viz : Gideon, Amos, and Mary. Mr. Elliott died in 1849, and his wife, Hannah, died in 1852. Mr. Elliott came to Belmont county, Ohio, in 1827, and in 1828 came to this county, settled m the woods in this township, built a cabin and lived in pioneer style. Amos and Mary are living on the home place.
ELLIOTT, MRS. MARTHA, one of Mt. Vernon’s early settlers, died at her late residence on East High street, December 3, 1879, in the eighty-first year of her age. Mrs. Elliott, whose maiden name was Miller, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1799. Her father, the late Reuben Miller, sr., wishing to better the condition of himself and family, concluded to remove to the western country. With his wife and children he started from Philadelphia in the fall of 1805, and after a tedious journey of twenty-two days, he arrived at Pittsburgh, then a town of less than four thousand inhabitants. Here Mrs. Elliott was reared, and received a good education, and April 11, 1816, she was united in marriage to Samuel Elliott. They remained in Pittsburgh until April, 1829, when her husband concluded to remove to Mt. Vernon, where he formed a partnership with his brother, Alexander Elliott, in the mercantile business. Mrs. Elliott was the mother of ten children, of whom four were born in Pittsburgh and six in Mt. Vernon.
ELLIOTT, JAMES, of Monroe township, a retired farmer, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1808. He was the second child of William and Elizabeth Elliott, nee Eaton. His parents immigrated to Ohio in 1816, with a family of five children. They settled in Mt. Vernon. Being a miller by trade required him to change residence from place to place, wherever he could procure employment. He died near Fredericktown in June, 1840. His wife survived him for some years. The subject of this notice learned the milling trade with his father; he also learned the carding business, and followed carding and milling for some years. He has been principally engaged in farming since 1835. He has been successful in all his undertakings, making his own way in the world, until he now has a competency in life. He was married to Miss Hannah B. Perry November 11, 1830, who was born in Knox county March, 18 It. By this union they had eleven children, six sons and five daughters, eight of whom are living. His wife died in April, 1875. He was afterward married to Miss Mary E. Martin, in April, 1877. Of the children of Mr. Elliott, Joseph, a farmer, resides in Liberty township; William, farmer, in Monroe township; Rose, married to Jacob Young, farmer, Monroe township; Orange H., farmer, Monroe township; Elizabeth; James B. ; Alice May, married to Leander Farquhar, Gambler.
ELLIOTT, GIDEON, Fredericktown, mayor, was born in New Market, Frederick county, Maryland, March 9, 18ti, came to Belmont county, Ohio, in 1827, and in 1828 located in Berlin township; remained there fifty years and then removed to Fredericktown, where he has remained ever since. He was married in 1835 to Rebecca Roberts, who was bom in Knox county, Ohio, in 1815. They had a family of four children, viz: Henry R., bom in December, 1835; Ellen, born in 1837; Charles, now deceased; Edwin, in July, 1844, who was a soldier in the late war, a member of the Ohio National guard, died during the service in Virginia, July 15, 1864. Mrs. Rebecca Elliott died in January, 1858, in Berlin township. Mr. Elliott was married in 1860 to Cordelia A. Shafer, daughter of Henry Markley. Mr. Elliott was elected mayor of Fredericktown in 1879, and re=elected in 1880. Henry Elliott resides in Berlin township and is engaged in farming. Ellen was married to Levi Cassell, who is engaged in the dry goods business in Fredericktown.
ELLIOTT, HENRY R., Berlin township, farmer, post office, Fredericktown, born in this township in 1835, and was married in 1859 to Elma Willits, who was born in this township in 1837. They have two daughters, Lamyra W., born in i860, and Mary E., in 1862. Mr. Elliott is one of leading and enterprising farmers of this township. He owns a beautiful farm, a part of the Elliott section, and has the best buildings in this township, built after the modern style. He has done much to promote the general interest of the county; is enterprising, liberal and honest in all his dealings.
ELLIOTT, ANDREW, Liberty township, superintendent of the county infirmary. Bangs post office, was bom in Coshocton county, Ohio, January 13, 1842. He was born and raised on a farm, attended the public schools, and has followed farming as his occupation. In 1872 he moved to Harrison township, Knox county, and subsequently to Jackson township. In the spring of 1880 the directors of the county infirmary appointed him as a competent and trustworthy man to take charge of that institution. He makes a worthy officer, being kind but firm to the inmates, and judiciously manages the affairs of the farm and institution to general satisfaction. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Theresa Blue, of Coshocton county, to whom he was married in 1865. They had one child, Milton. In 1872 his wife died. In 1877 he married Miss Olive Myers, of Perry township, Coshocton county. She is an efficient governess.
FRAZIER, THOMAS J., farmer, post office, Fredericktown, was born in Muskingum county, in 1849, and was married in 1874, to Sarah McKee, who was born in this county. They have three children, viz: Robert E. , born in 1875; Edie E., in 1877, and Louis G., in 1879.
FRAZIER, JOSEPH P., farmer, Berlin township, post office, Fredericktown; was bom in Muskingum county, in 1852, and was married in 1879 to Mary J. McKee, who was born in this county in 1841. They have one daughter (Dessie Belle), born in 1880.
LEONARD, ZIBA, Clay township, retired. He was born August 28, 1798, in Greene county, Pennsylvania, and removed to Clinton township in 1803, arriving November 14th. He came with the Pennsylvania colony, who settled in what is known as then Ten Mile Settlement. The names of his companions will be found elsewhere in this work. At his advent into Knox county, Mr. Leonard was but a few months past his fifth birthday. He is one of the few now living who came into the county as early as 1803. His mind is strong and active, and his memory is well stored with reminiscences of the almost forgotten past. In 1796 William Leonard, grandfather of Ziba, came out from Pennsylvania, and bought a large tract of land south of Mt. Vernon. The farm of Hon. Columbus Delano lies in the northeast comer of the tract. Mr. William Leonard afterwards gave the land to his children. Mr. Leonard’s father was a frequent sufferer on account of the depredations committed on his flock of sheep by wild animals; sometimes the wolves would come under the house and help themselves to the best of the flock. For about two years all the meat used in the Leonard family was procured in the forest; but as game was so abundant, it was no trouble to obtain a sufficiency for the family larder. One of Mr. Leonard’s brothers shot three deer without moving out of his tracks. The nearest mill was at Zanesville, and until a hand-mill was procured, all the corn necessary for the family use had to be taken there to be ground. The first wedding in Knox county was that of Mr. Leonard’s sisters, in the winter of 1804—Amariah Watson and Sarah Leonard, and Daniel Dimmock and Rachel Leonard. The parties were united at the same time. A justice of the peace from Lancaster, Fairfield county, performed the ceremony, there being no justice or minister nearer than that place. The first death of any white person in Knox county occurred the next day after the arrival of the Leonard family, November 15, 1803, being a little daughter of Mr. Ziba Leonard’s sister, Nancy Baxter, aged about eighteen months. The second death occurred in the spring of 1805, being that of Mr. William Leonard, grandfather of Ziba, and called the patriarch of the colony. For several years after the settlement of the Leonard family in Knox county, on each returning winter, a tribe of Delaware Indians camped on Mr. Leonard’s farm. For some months there was no preaching in the neighborhood; but on each Sabbath day and Thursday nights, prayer meetings were held at his father’s house. The first sermon ever delivered in Knox county was preached at the house of his father by the Rev. James Scott, a Presbyterian minister, about the year 1804. Mr. Ziba Leonard was married in 1819 to Mrs. Jane Beam. Five children were born to them, viz; Lleazer, Amos, Denoni, Malvina, and Martha— all alive except Denoni and Martha. Mr. Leonard served several years as captain of the militia, and was also justice of the peace, constable, and township clerk of Morgan township several years. He moved into Clay township in 1831. Mr. Leonard has been a farmer and carpenter, working some forty years at the latter trade, having built nearly all the dwelling houses and other buildings in the village of Martinsburgh. Mr. Leonard was originally a Jackson Democrat, afterwards Whig, then Abolitionist, and then a Republican, having acted with the latter party ever since its organization, until the past two years, when he has acted with the Prohibition party. Although Mr. Leonard drank of the first whiskey ever distilled in Knox county, he is an ardent temperance man, and firmly believes that no one that drinks whiskey, or chews tobacco will ever be admitted to heaven. He has been a member of the Presbyterian church in Martinsburgh over fifty years, and is a firm believer in “the Westminster confession of faith.” He has been sexton of the Presbyterian church many years; has attended over five hundred funerals in Martinsburgh, and has been noted for his acts of charity to the sick and afflicted. Mr. Leonard has often seen the eccentric Johnny Appleseed, and on being shown a picture of him, given in this history, recognized it immediately as being a very accurate likeness. Mr. Leonard had some very bitter experience in connection with the failure of the celebrated Owl Creek bank, of Mt. Vernon. His father, who died in 1814, had willed him one hundred acres of valuable land lying north of the village of Lexington, Richland county. This land was lost to him by the failure the bank. He has also lost several thousand dollars by going security for persons; yet, notwithstanding his much ill-luck, financially, he still has a competency. Mr. Leonard remembers the first tree cut on the site of Mt. Vernon, and is well-informed relative to its first settlement. The first court was held in a small log cabin which stood exactly on the site of the soldiers’ monument. He remembers well the Butlers, Walkers, Pattersons, Clicks, Wallaces, Pyles, Millers, et al., of the first settlers of the village. Mr. Leonard taught the first school in Clay township, then called Morgan. The first school taught in Knox county was taught by his cousin, Silas Brown, in Clinton township. For a few years Mr. Leonard was acquainted with every individual in Knox county.
LEONARD, E. B., Pike township, farmer, post office. Democracy; born in Morgan township in 1819. He was married in 1839 to Elizabeth Walker, who was bom in Union county in 1820. They have three children, Ziba, born in 1840; Rebecca, in 1843; Elnora, in 1849. Mr. Leonard came to Pike township in 1838. He owns a well improved farm. He is a member of a pioneer family and is now numbered among the pioneers.
LEONARD, HANNIBAL B.. Wayne township, farmer, post office, Fredericktown; born in Wayne township July 19, 1827, and was married April 11, 1849, to Catharine A. Boner, who was born in Morris township February 23, 1830. They have the following children: John A., born May 14, 1850; Herman L., April 28, 1855; Mary Belle, February 20, i860, and William L., October 23, 1864. Mary Belle died April 4, 1865. His father, Byram Leonard, was born in New York April 12, 1798. He removed from New York to Knox county in 18 19, and was married to Abigail Lewis, who was born in New Jersey April II, 1801. They had the following children; William L., bom October 6, 1823; John, August 20, 1825; Hannibal B., June 19, 1827; Mary S., July 23, 1829; Elizabeth, August 26, 1831, and Elleanor, March 21, 1834. Mrs. Abigail Leonard died October 15, 1858. Mr. Byram Leonard died December 27, 1851. Elleanor is also dead. William L. was married to Elizabeth Young, and resides at Winterset, Madison county, Iowa. John married Minerva Best, and lives in the same place. Mary S. was married to Israel W. Moody, who also resides in said place. Elizabeth was married to David B. Thrift and resides in Iowa. Byram Leonard joined the Baptist church in 1841. He was vice-president of the Ohio Baptist convention five years, and filled the office with credit to himself and with entire satisfaction to his brethren. He was elected a member of the Legislature, and was also warden of the Ohio penitentiary.
LOCKHART HENRY, Pike township, professor, post office. North liberty; born in Ashland county in 1840, and was married October 29, 1869, to Ellen Gilson, who was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio. They had four children, Sylvia B., Ardella M., Frances M. and Floyd W. Mr. Lockhart received a very liberal education and was a soldier in the late war, being a member of company E, Third Ohio cavalry, and continued in the service one year.
LOVE, ALEXANDER, Fredericktown, laborer, was born in Coshocton county in 1817, and married in 1851 to Angelina Carter, who was bom in Loudoun county, Virginia, m 1819. They have two children—La Torrie, born in 1854, and Annie B., in 1856. Mr. Love came to Knox county in 1825; located in Berlin township, where he engaged in farming till 1848, when he moved to Fredericktown, and engaged in the hardware trade for some time, after which he went into the provision and produce business. He was postmaster in Fredericktown over two years; also coroner of this county four years, and was one of the charter members of the Odd Fellows’ society in Fredericktown.
LOVE, THOMAS, Fredericktown, deceased, was bom in Ireland, and came to America with his parents in infancy. He settled in Berlin township, Knox county, where he was married in 1839 to Sophia A. Ken, who was bom in Knox county in1816. They had three sons and two daughters—Mary lane, Andrew A.. Alexander S., Le Grand B., and Elizabeth. Thomas Love died in December, 1852, in Berlin township, in this county. Mrs. Love is at present residing in Fredericktown with her family.
LOVE, JOSEPH, Berlin township, farmer, post office, Shaler’s Mills, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1821, and was brought to Knox county in 1824. He was married in 1851 to Ann Jane Thompson, who was born in Ireland in 1827, and came to America in 1831. They have four children— Sheriden, Matthew, Mattie, and John. Georgia Anna is deceased. Mr. Love has been identified with Berlin township since 1824. He owns the old homestead, one of the beautiful farms of Knox county, with buildings of the modem style, and one of the best farm residences in the county. Joseph Love had not the advantages of a good education, but being endowed with more than ordinary ability, he improved every opportunity, and has become one of the leading men of the county. He has filled different positions of public trust. He has always been identified with and is one of the leading Democrats of Knox county.
McKEE, R. B., farmer, Union township, post office, Rossville, was born April 18, 1820, in Brown township, Knox county. He was the first white male child born in Brown township. His mother died in 1864, and his father in 1874. Mr. McKee married Clarinda Mix in 1839 and settled on the old farm. His wife died in 1857 and left four children. In 1858 he married Matilda Caster. They lived on the old farm for about twelve years, then moved to Howard township; remained eighteen months, then went to Berlin township, Knox county; remained three years, and then came to their present farm. He had six children: Mary Ellen, Squire, Scott, Amanda, John, William, and Irus, who died in her eighth year. R. B. McKee was compelled to take his schooling near home, and his graduation at the plow handles. He still retains some of the sayings oi John Blair, the justice of the peace, which are as follows:
“That feeling heart I yet retain,
It lies within my breast,
And through coming life I shall remain
A friend to those distressed”
“Though many friends I used to have,
My foes have turned to be.
When I am silent in the grave,
Will doubtless think of me.”
“The man that led them through the vale,
Wherein they were distressed,
That hostile foe I did assail,
By whom they were distressed.”
“The scenes of sorrow passed away;
All tribulation is o’er,
The shade of night is turned to day,
They need a friend no more.”
“These lines are from my hand and pen,
And you may thus conclude,
They will remind malignant men
Of their ingratitude.”
“I challenge all malicious men.
And thus conclude my song,
To fairly state the place, and where,
I shall have done them wrong.”
McKEE, C. H., farmer. Union township, post office, Rossville, was born January 26, 1862. His mother died when he was small, and he was given to G. D. Barr, whose farm joined his father’s. He worked for Mr. Barr until he was twenty-one years of age. He was then married to Miss Priscilla Firenlaugh, April 10, 1873, and settled on a portion of the old Barr farm, where he still lives. He has two children: Harry, bom July 6, 1874, and Jennie, November 19, 1878. His wife was born April 24, 1851, in Union township.
VINCENT, S. M., Brown township, attorney, post office, Jelloway, a son of Robert and Jane Vincent, nee Miller, was bom in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on December 16, 182 1. He accompanied his parents to Ohio in 1830, they locating on Dowdy creek, in Holmes county, where they lived about eight years. In 1838 they moved to this county and located in Howard township, remaining until 1856, when they moved to Pike county, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Vincent died in September, 1863, Mr. Robert Vincent surviving his companion until February, 1865. Mr. S. M. Vincent, the subject of this sketch, is a self-educated man. In 1847 he commenced the study of law under the instructions of S. W. Shaw, attorney. In 1850 he was admitted to the Knox County bar, and in 1859 he was admitted to practice in the Supreme court. At present he is located at Jelloway, Knox county, Ohio, and practices in the courts of Knox, Holmes, Ashland, and Richland counties. He is the attorney for the Home Fire Insurance company, and the Jelloway Mutual Aid Insurance company, both located at Jelloway, and does business for them in about twenty counties in the State. In 1847 he married Miss Rosanna Lybarger, born in Knox county in 1825, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Lybarger. They settled at Ashland, Ohio, and remained one year, and then returned to this county. In 1850 they moved to Jelloway, where they have since resided. They reared a family of six children- Sarah J., married B. W. McKee; Victoria, married Lyman Workman; John Fremont Vincent was born February 2, 1857, and died September 8, 1880; Martha A., married John L. Hildebrand; Jessie Q., and Lincoln are at home with their parents in Jelloway.
WADDELL, JAMES P., Howard township, farmer, post office, Howard, was born October 2, 1826, in Union township, Knox county. Until 1833 he lived in Danville, when he moved to a farm in Brown township, and lived there twelve years, and continued farming until he was drafted in the late war; but on account of ill health was rejected. He was drafted the second time and sent a substitute. He was married March 22, 1879. He engaged in shoemaking, following it a year. He then moved to the old farm, and remained there a year and then moved to the farm on which he now resides.
YOUNG, WILLIAM MITCHELL, jeweler, South Main street, between Vine and Gambler streets. Mr. Young is a native of this county. He was bom about two miles west of Fredericktown May 31, 1830. When about ten years of age his parents removed to Mt. Vernon, and placed their son, William, in the public schools, where he received a thorough education. His first business engagement was with Mr. C. H. Strieby, in the jewelry business, with whom he remained about two years, and then engaged with Mr. Joshua Hyde, with whom he finished his trade, after which he formed a partnership with his late instructor, and for twelve years the business was carried on under the firm name of Hyde & Young. At the expiration of this time (in 1868) he bought out his partner’s interest. Since then he has conducted the business as sole proprietor. He carries at all times a full stock of fine gold and silver watches, clocks, jewelry of all grades, and solid and plated silverware. He also attends to watch, clock, and jewelry repairing in a style equal to the best establishments in the State, and on the shortest notice. During his partnership with Mr. Hyde, Mr. Young enlisted in company A, Ninety-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was commissioned first lieutenant, and served with the regiment about eight months, when he resigned and came home, remaining about eighteen months. He then entered the service again and was commissioned major of the One Hundred and Forty second regiment Ohio National guard, Colonel William Cooper commanding, in which he served the full time for which the regiment was called—one hundred days. On the fourteenth day of October, 1852, Mr. Young was married to Miss R. W. Ward, of Mt. Vernon. Five children were bom to them—three sons and two daughters. Mr. Young is one of Mt. Vernon’s most prominent business men, prompt in all his business engagements, and, in a social point of view, is highly esteemed for his many good qualities. His parents were of the old pioneer stock, who aided in rescuing the county from its wilderness condition.
YOUNG, MICHAEL, Pike township, farmer, post office. North Liberty, born in Stark county in 1842, and was married in 1866 to Mary Eley, who was born in this county in 1831. They have one son, William J., bom in 1872. Mr. Young is a strong advocate for the Democratic party, and was reared and educated in that faith.
YOUNG, JEFFERSON, Wayne township (deceased), bom in Holmes county, and was married in 1867, to Eliza Jane Lafever. They had the following children: Clarence Ray, bom in 1869; Cora I., in 1871; and Clyde, in 1874. Mr. Jefferson Young died October 23, 1879, in Middlebury township, Holmes county, Ohio.