SUNSBURY TOWNSHIP
The following biographical sketches of early settlers in
Monroe County as reproduced from a book titled, the "Combined History and
Atlas of Monroe County, Ohio." The material for this book was taken from
two nineteenth century books: (1) 'History of Monroe County Ohio,' a product of
the H.H. Hardesty & Co., publishers, Chicago and Toledo, 1882 and (2)
'Caldwell's Atlas of Monroe County, Ohio,' a product of Atlas Publishing
Company, Mount Vernon, Ohio, 1898. The "Combined History and Atlas of
Monroe County, Ohio" was reprinted and is available from the Monroe County
Historical Society.
JAMES A. BROWN is a son of Stephen H. BROWN & Lucinda J. WILEY, who came into the county in 1832. Mr. J. A. BROWN was born in Belmont county, OH, Mar 20 1841. His wife was Emma M. MERCER, who was born in Belmont county, Jan 28 1844. They were married in the same county Apr 5 1866. Mrs. BROWNs parents were Bab MERCER & Eliza MOORE. The children of James & Emma M. BROWN are: Myrta L., born Apr 6 1868, lives in Sunsbury township; W. C., Aug 7 1870, died Sep 8 1881; Jessie M., Oct 3 1875, lives in Sunsbury; Otto C., Oct 28 1878, died Aug 21 1881; Harry B., Apr 29 1881, lives in Sunsbury township. Mr. BROWN was in the war of 1861, in the 170th OVI, Co. G. He enlisted May 2 1864, and was mustered out Aug 21 1864. He took part in the battle of Winchester, Snickers Ford, Jul 2 1864. S. J. BROWNs regiment, the 62nd OVI, went out in 1861; he served first as a three months man; reenlisted and veteranized, and was discharged at the close of the war; was in the battle of the Wilderness. David M. BROWN went out in 1864 and remained till he was wounded at Nashville a flesh wound in the thigh. Mr. BROWN is a resident of Sunsbury township; he is a merchant and postmaster and agent of the Bellaire, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railroad. Address, Ozark, Monroe county, OH.
WILLIAM G. BUDD is a son of Joseph BUDD & Elizabeth GATES. He was born in Washington county, PA, Aug 20 1836; came to this county Nov 12 1859. He was married in Malaga township, Feb 24 1859, to Lydia A. CARLTON, born in the same township, Nov 12 1836. Her parents were Samuel CARLTON & Nancy REBECK. The children of William & Elizabeth BUDD are: Joseph C., born Jan 6 1860, lives at home; Mary L. SEAL, Nov 12 1862, lives in Jerusalem, Monroe county; John A., Oct 8 1865, lives at home; Anna L., Aug 20 1869, lives at home; Charlie B., May 10 1874, deceased. Mr. BUDDs brothers, Martin, Joseph A. & Isaac G. were in the late war. Martin was wounded in the hand, and died in the service of measles. On the farm of W. G. BUDD are to be found two stumps of hickory trees in a petrified state, one foot high and about 36 inches in circumference; the bark outside is in a perfect state of preservation, and looks very natural. These two pieces served as a foundation for an old horse mill, used in grinding corn. Mr. BUDD cannot give the date at which the above were used, but it was at a very early period. Mr. BUDDs occupation is that of a farmer and stock-dealer, in Sunsbury township. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
JOHN DENNIS is a son of Absolom DENNIS & Mary WILSON, who came into Monroe county in 1832. He was born in Loudoun county, VA, Nov 13 1826; came to this county in 1833. He was married in Monroe county, Apr 13 1850, to Amanda EDWARDS, who was born in Loudoun, VA, Dec 28 1828. Her parents were Jacob EDWARDS and Elizabeth VICARS, who came to Monroe county in 1841. The children of Mr. & Mrs. DENNIS are: Mary E. PITMAN, born Oct 3 1853, lives in Sunsbury township; Thomas J., Apr 6 1856; Sarah M. SCOTT, Dec 17 1858, lives in Adams township; Theodore, Jun 12 1860; Wesley, Nov 7 1862; Elias J., Oct 18 1867; Arminia, Apr 22 1870; John Wilson, Jan 19 1874. The five younger children live in Sunsbury township. James DENNIS was a member of Co. I, 16th OVI. He went out in Oct 1863; died while in service guarding prisoners in Illinois. Summit township, Monroe county, was very wild; forest unbroken; no mills, except horse mills, for grinding corn. Mr. DENNIS father cleared his farm and lived off it at the same time. He settled in Summit township in 1833. There were plenty of wild animals at that time. Mr. DENNIS father and mother helped to organize the first church, called Mount Zion. Mr. DENNIS is a resident of Sunsbury township. Occupation, farming. Postoffice address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
JEPHTHA DUVALL came to this county in the spring of 1833, and has since been engaged in farming in Sunsbury township. He was born in PA, Washington county, Feb 21 1803. His parents were John DUVALL & Lydia MILISON. Mr. DUVALL was married in Belmont county, OH, Feb 14 1828, to Mary BECKETT, who was born in VA, Oct 3 1803. Her parents were John BECKETT & Hannah POTTS. They came into this county in 1831. The children of Jephtha & Mary DUVALL are: Hannah J., born Mar 16 1829, died May 29 1850; Eleanor, Aug 12 1830, died Nov 20 1850; Dorethoy, Nov 25 1831, died Nov 30 1862; Elias, Dec 17 1833, lives at Keokuk, IA; Mary, Oct 3 1835, died Jun 22 1859; Samuel N., Apr 30 1838, lives at Ozark, OH; Jephtha P., Jan 30 1840, lives at Ozark, OH; Lydia BROWN, May 27 1843, died Jan 7 1871; Margaret E., Nov 2 1844, died Nov 7 1862. Mr. DUVALLs address is Ozark, Monroe county, OH.
DAVID DECKER was born in Sunsbury township, Oct 23 1844, being a son of John DECKER and Pheba AKERS. They came to this county in 1814. Mr. DECKER was married in Switzerland township, Nov 23 1871, to Louisa SONKER, who was born in Switzerland township, Monroe county, Sep 15 1851. Her parents were John SONKER & Percilla GATES. The children of David & Louisa DECKER are: Edward, born Nov 7 1873, lives in Sunsbury township; Noah, Jan 8 1875, lives in Sunsbury township; John, Jan 31 1877, lives in Sunsbury township. David DECKER was in Co. D, 129th OVI. He enlisted Aug 16 1863, and was mustered out Aug 21 1864. John DECKER, the father of David, entered land in Sunsbury township in 1834, and was prominently connected with the early settlement of that township. His occupation is farming and stock-raising in Sunsbury township. Postoffice address Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
B. R. DRIGGS is engaged in farming in Sunsbury township. He came to this county in 1817; was born in Connecticut Sep 27 1806. His parents were Ezra DRIGGS & Mary RUGGLES; they came to this county in 1817. Ezra DRIGGS died in 1836, and his wife in 1868. Mr. DRIGGS wife was Margaret HARRISON, who was born in England, Apr 13 1813. They were married in Belmont county, OH, Jan 8 1834. Mrs. DRIGGS parents were William HARRISON & Elizabeth HOLMES. The children of Mr. & Mrs. DRIGGS, the subjects of this sketch, are: Mary E. BARNES, born Oct 11 1834, lives in Edinburg, MO; Ezra Harrison, May 13 1836, lives in Clinton, MO: Ann M. DENT, Aug 22 1837, lives in Edinburg, MO; W. D., Jan 18 1840, deceased; John A., Jan 28 1843, lives at Clinton, MO; Sarah C. HEIN, Jun 10 1849, lives in Sunsbury township; Benjamin R., Jul 2 1851, lives in Sunsbury township; Alfred B., Oct 1 1854, lives in Sunsbury township. William DRIGGS belonged to the 25th OVI, in Co. D. He went out in the spring of 1861, and was killed May 8 1862, at Fort McDowell, VA. He was shot while on duty. He was a brave and gallant soldier, and died a patriot. John A. DRIGGS was a member of the 62nd OVI, in Co. E. He went out in the fall of 1861, and came out at the close of the war. He veteranized in the same regiment, and was wounded at Fair Oaks. He was wounded in the skin, had one bone broken lay sick nine months, and is now lame from wounds received in battle. Mr. DRIGGS brother, Allen DRIGGS, was in the Mexican war; served clear through the war. He contracted a disease while in the war which caused his death in after years. He died in California. Mr. DRIGGS father, Ezra DRIGGS, moved into Woodsfield when the forest extended up to the place now occupied by the DRIGGS house. The country was then wild and the forest unbroken. Mr. DRIGGS uncle, Benjamin RUGGLES, helped to lay out the town of Woodsfield in the year 1815. W. D. DRIGGS was teaching school at the time the war broke out; left his school when he was getting $20 a month, and volunteered and served till killed. Mr. DRIGGS was director of the county infirmary in 1855, one term. His postoffice address is Ozark, Monroe county, OH.
JACOB DECKER is a son of George DECKER & Mary SINGLE DECKER, who came into the county in Oct 1814. Mr. DECKER was born in PA, Oct 10 1798. He came to this county in Oct 1814. He was married in Sunsbury township, Feb 26 1835, to Cynthia TRUAX, who was born in PA, Oct 30 1815. Her parents were Benjamin TRUAX and Pheba WINK, who came to this county, Apr 10 1815. The children of Jacob & Cynthia DECKER are: Henry, born Nov 25 1835, lives in Sunsbury township, Monroe county, OH: Benjamin, Jan 20 1837, lives in Beallsville; Mary GOODMAN, Aug 6 1840, lives in Belmont county, OH; Phebe POOL, Aug 6 1840, lives in Sunsbury township; Lorinda S. MELOTTE, Oct 10 1845, lives in WV; Israel R., Dec 31 1848; lives in Sunsbury township; Massa P. BLUE, Jun 20 1852, lives in Sunsbury township; Robert J., Nov 20 1854, lives in Monroe county; Nancy Jane BEABOUT, Mar 5 1858, lives in Belmont county, OH; John A., Jan 10 1860, lives in Sunsbury township. Benjamin DECKER belonged to the 7th OVI, Co. A; went out in 1863; went into the army as a volunteer; did not remain in the army long, on account of sickness. There were only three families in eastern Sunsbury township when Mr. DECKER came into the township. They dressed their stone and ground their corn themselves. The forests were unbroken and filled with wild animals of all kinds. His father built the fourth cabin in Sunsbury township. Corn pone and wild meat constituted their living. His father cleared the fourth farm in the township, and Mr. DECKER, the subject of this sketch, felled the first tree on the site of the town of Beallsville, in 1817. Richard TRUAX built the first frame structure in Sunsbury township, and Archy WOODS built the first cabin in Woodsfield, cleared up the place and started Woodsfield. This was in 1820. Mr. DECKER is a resident of Sunsbury township, where he is engaged in farming. His postoffice address is Bealssville, Monroe county, OH.
WILLIAM DECKER is a son of John DECKER & Pheba AKERS, who came into the county in 1814. John DECKER died May 14 1870. His widow lives in Belmont county. Mr. William DECKER was married in Switzerland township, Apr 13 1865, to Percilla GATES, who was born in Sunsbury township, Jan 2 1834. Her parents were Henry GATES, who was born in Monroe county, and Louisa FRAILY. They came into the county in the fall of 1815. Mr. William DECKER & wife had one child, Andrew, born Jan 21 1866, resident of Sunsbury township. William DECKER belonged to Co. D, 125th OVI; enlisted Jul 16 1863; was mustered out Mar 4 1864. He is a resident of Sunsbury township. Occupation farming and stock-raising. Postoffice address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
G. W. GITHENS is a son of W. D. GITHENS and Goliath GITHENS. He came to this county in 1851, being born in NJ. His wife was Elizabeth MILLER, who was born in Sunsbury township, Feb 16 1837. They were married in Beallsville, Nov 4 1853. Mrs. GITHENs parents were John MILLER & May WILLIAMS. The children of Mr. & Mrs. GITHENS are: Mary, born Aug 30 1857; Mary A., Jun 9 1861, both live at Beallsville. John MILLER was an old Revolutionary soldier; served for some time under General Washington; was the grandfather of Elizabeth GITHENS. He endured the hardships incident to those early times. Dr. GITHENS is one of the leading physicians of Beallsville. He is engaged in the practice of medicine. His postoffice address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
G. W. GRIFFITH is a farmer of Sunsbury township. He came into the county, Apr 11 1831, and was born in PA, Sep 14 1814. Mr. GRIFFITHs parents were John GRIFFITH & Rebecca JOHNSON. They came into the county Apr 11 1831, and are both dead. Mr. GRIFFITHs wife was Charlotte WILSON, to whom he was married in Belmont county, OH, Mar 28 1844. His wife was born in Belmont county Mar 13 1823. Her parents were Henry WILSON, deceased, and Isabell McGARR. The children of Mr. & Mrs. GRIFFITH are: Mary C. BERRY, born Mar 21 1845, lives in Sunsbury township; Rebecca E., May 11 1847, lives at home; Roswell J., Mar 23 1840, lives at home; Henry W., Aug 25 1852, died Aug 28 1862; Clara, Apr 20 1857, died Aug 14 1862; Alverda, Jun 17 1862, died Aug 7, same year; Mattie L., Aug 14 1864, lives at home; Lizzie M. Aug 12 1868, lives at home. Mr. GRIFFITH was trustee in Sunsbury township in 1852; held the same office at intervals for 11 years. His postoffice address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
CYRUS C. GRATIGNY is a native of Winchester WV, where he was born May 16 1821. He came to Monroe county with his parents, Lewis GRATIGNY and Desdamona FORD, in Apr 1834. He is now a resident of Sunsbury township, being engaged as a veterinary surgeon and wood grower. He was married at Wellsburg, WV, Feb 1 1843, to Mary E. CUMMINGS, who was a native of Brooke county, WV, having been born there, Dec 15 1826. Their descendants are as follows: Pauline, born Apr 1 1844, died May 15 1855; Caroline LYSLE, Jul 1845, lives in Columbus, OH; Mary A. HILL, in 1847, lives in Bellarie, OH; Elizabeth, in 1849, died in 1854; John J., in 1850, died in 1855; Anna, in 1853, died in 1858; Lewis D., in 1855, died in 1877; Ella SHEPPARD, in 1861, lives in Newcastle, OH; Edgar, in 1867, lives in Sunsbury township; Cyrus, in 1871, lives in Sunsbury township. Mrs. GRATIGNYs parents were Robert CUMMINGS & Lydia JACKSON. Four brothers of Mrs. GRATIGNY were engaged in the war of the Rebellion: Lewis, Lucian, Almarrin & Livosure. The latter was head physician, ranked with lieutenant-colonel; Almarrin & Lucian were officers. Lucian received a flesh wound in the leg, but entered the service again soon. Mr. Cyrus GRATIGNY was once kicked over the left eye, receiving a severe wound; was also kicked on the jaw at another time by a horse, which broke it, while operating on the animal; at Beallsville he was kicked by a horse and rendered insensible; he remained so for three hours, the doctors pronouncing him dead. He was bled, and recovered. When he was thirteen years of age his father sent him to enter a piece of land. He went 64 miles alone on horseback in December. While on the road a man attempted to rob him, but by the fleetness of his horse he escaped. Esquire COOK asked him the nature of an oath, and he replied, that it was to swear to the truth, before God. The justice then gave him the necessary papers, but when he got to Mr. WOODS, the latter ordered him out of his office. Young GRATIGNY told him he came there to enter land. He finally told him he could have it. On account of his being so small he charged him no fee. Golden guineas would not pay for land at that time, so GRATIGNY changed them for silver coin, and after some trouble got enough to make the payment. Mr. GRATIGNY has had many adventures in his time, and by reason of accidents has been carried home four times. Mr. GRATIGNYs father, Lewis GRATIGNY, was born in France, practiced medicine 61 years, and was very successful. His father was killed while in the military service under Napoleon Bonaparte. Mr. GRATIGNYs father, Louis, was taken as a cabin-boy on the brig New Moon; sailed to New Orleans; was in St. Helena three times; was on the sea six years. He was married in New York city, moved to Baltimore, MD; from there to Winchester; from there to Moorefield, VA; and successively resided in Mount Pleasant OH, Jacobsburg, Belmont county, Beallsville, Monroe county, and Barnesville. He died in Barnesville, in 1872, at the age of 83. Mr. Cyrus GRATIGNYs mother was born in Boston and raised in New York city. She was born in 1798, and died in Beallsville, OH, age 81 years. Mr. GRATIGNYs address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
HENRY GATES was a son of Daniel GATES & Nancy NOFFSINGER. He was born in Monroe county, OH, Sep 25 1813; was engaged in farming in Sunsbury township; was married Jan 12 18--, in Sunsbury township, to Louisa FRAILY, who was born in PA Jun 19 1823. Her parents were Jacob FRAILY & Elizabeth SHOWER. They came into the county in the spring of 1837. The children of Henry & Louisa GATES are: Samuel, born Mar 2 1843, lives in Sunsbury township; Jane, Jun 16 1844, died in Sunsbury township; Perscille DECKER, Jan 2 1846, lives in Sunsbury township; Mathias, Mar 2 1848, died Feb 28 1852; Elizabeth RILEY, Dec 27 1849, lives in Belmont county, OH; Nancy FEASTER, May 18 1852, lives in Belmont county; Jacob, Dec 7 1854, lives in Sunsbury township; Pierson, Oct 24 1855, lives in Sunsbury township; Tenty, Nov 9 1857, died Oct 9 1860; Douglas, Oct 31 1859, lives in Sunsbury township; Arminta, Feb 7 1863, lives in Sunsbury township; Elsworth, May 28 1864, lives in Sunsbury township; Harriet, Mar 13 1868, lives in Sunsabury township. Mr. GATES died May 12 1880. Mrs. GATES postoffice address is Beallsville, OH.
ZEPHANIAH GAW was born in York township, Belmont county, Oct 6 1829, and came to Monroe county in the spring of 1851. His parents were John GAW & Elizabeth BROWN, who came into Monroe county in Nov 1873. Mr. GAW was married in Switzerland township, Monroe county, Jul 27 1854, to Harriet GATES, who was born in Sunsbury township, Mar 16 1835. Her parents were Daniel GATES & Nancy NOFFSINGER. The children of Zephaniah & Harriett GAW are: Viola, born Jun 24 1857, died Jul 17 1858; infant son, Sep 22 1859, died at the same date; Arizona HAYWARD, Oct 15 1861, lives in Sunsbury township. Mr. GAW was elected a trustee of Sunsbury township in 1855, and served two terms. Mrs. GAWs father, Daniel GATES, cleared one of the first farms in Sunsbury township. He donated ground for the first Christian church built in the township, and helped to build a hewed log building, in 1832, located on the east line of Sunsbury township, one-half mile south of the line of Belmont county. Mrs. GAWs brother, James GATES, helped to organize the first Sabbath-school in the above church about 1850. Mr. GAW is a resident of Sunsbury township. Occupation, farming and stock-raising. Postoffice address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
A.L. GRIFFITH was born in Sunsbury township, Dec 10 1840. His parents were Samuel GRIFFITH & Mary COOL. The latter died Feb 17 1871. Mr. GRIFFITH is engaged in farming in Sunsbury township. He was married in Malaga township, May 18 1865, to Marion C. BONAR, who was born in Malaga township, Monroe county, Jan 28 1840. Her parents were Joseph BONAR & Hettie BROTHERTON. They came into Monroe county in Apr 1837. The children of Mr. & Mrs. GRIFFITH are: Hettie L., born Mar 9 1866; Mary V., Aug 9 1867; Addison B., Jun 6 1869; Edward M., Jul 6 1873; David C., Oct 7 1875; Thomas M., Jun 13 1880. Mr. GRIFFITHs father, Samuel GRIFFITH, settled in Sunsbury in Apr 1831. His place was one of the first farms cleared. The forest was then unbroken. He helped to organize the first Presbyterian church in the township in 1832. He afterwards became a member of the same church. Mr. GRIFFITH was assessor of Sunsbury township for two terms in succession. The first was in 1880 and the second in 1881. His address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
BROCK HARPER is a resident of Sunsbury township, and is a stock-dealer and farmer. He was born in Malaga township, Jun 17 1847. His parents were Daniel HARPER & Rachel TRUAX, born of whom came into Monroe county in 1844. Mr. HARPER was married in Malaga, OH, Jun 21 1874, to Catharine BUTT, who was born in Summit township, Apr 11 1845. Her parents were Martin BUTT & Elizabeth SEBACH, who died Jan 6 1863. The children of Brock & Catherine HARPER are: Minnie Louisa, born Oct 19 1875, lives at home; Charles F., Apr 16 1877. Madison HARPER, brother of Brock HARPER, enlisted in the 9th OH Cavalry, at Malaga, in the fall of 1863, served three years and was then honorably discharged. Stillwell TRUAX, the grandfather of Brock HARPER, was one of the earliest settlers in the township, and helped to clear out the town of Malaga. He was also one of the first trustees of Malaga township. Mr. TRUAX went through all the hardships incident to the settlement of a new country, and died at the age of 88 years, in the town of Malaga, respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the Baptist church for 25 years. Mr. HARPERs address is Ozark, Monroe county, OH.
JOHN HEADLEY is a son of Silas HEADLEY & Sevilla YOHO, who came into Monroe county in 1820. Mr. HEADLEY was born in Sunsbury township, Dec 22 1828, and has been and still is engaged in farming and stock-raising in the same township. On the 10th of Oct 1872, he was married to Nancy NICE, who was born in WV, Feb 11 1840. Their children are: Eva R., born Aug 25 1873; Albert E., Oct 25 1874; Viola M., Jun 4 1876; Charles C., Aug 25 1878. Mrs. HEADLEYs parents were Caleb NICE & Nancy A. MEEK. Aaron HEADLEY was a member of the 116th OVI, Co. A. He enlisted in 1862, and was mustered out at the close of the war. Mr. John HEADLEYs father, Silas HEADLEY, cleared up one of the first farms in Sunsbury township. He made a living off it at the same time, and raised a family of six children. The forest was then wild and unbroken. The BROWN water-power mill was built in 1840 and located on Atkinson run. The first hand-mill for grinding corn was built on the farm of Peter AULT, in East Sunsbury, in 1844. Mr. John HEADLEYs first wife was Susannah DAVIS. His address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
HARRISON HARPER is a farmer of Sunsbury township. He was born in Harrison county, OH, Mar 6 1817, and came into this county in 1855. His father was Mortica HARPER, and his mother, Margaret JACKSON. Mr. HARPER was married in Monroe county to Elizabeth TRUAX. Her parents were Stillwell TRUAX and Polly A. PALMER. Mr. TRUAX died in 1854. Mr. HARPERs wife died, and Jun 16 1861, he married Elizabeth THORNBERRY. She was born in PA, Apr 13 1831. The children of Harrison & first wife were: Mortica, born Aug 9 1839, lives at Beallsville, OH; Stillwell, Dec 18 1842, lives in Sunsbury township; Gideon, Jun 26 1843, lives in Malaga township, Monroe county; Alexander, Sep 4 1845, lives at Beallsville, OH; Mary C., Nov 25 1847, lives in Sunsbury township; Byron E., Dec 26 1854, lives in Sunsbury township; Margaret E., Jan 28 1860, lives in Sunsbury township. Gideon HARPER was a member of the 77th OVI. He went into the service in 1863, and came out at the close of the war. Alexander HARPER was also in the 77th OVI. He went out in 1863 and returned in 1865. Mr. HARPERs address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
FRANCIS A. JEFFERS is a son of John JEFFERS & Sarah TAYLOR, who came into the county in the spring of 1844. Mr. JEFFERS was born in Sunsbury township Aug 26 1857. He was married in Sunsbury township, Dec 30 1880, to Emeline A. WHEELER, who was born in Sunsbury township, Feb 20 1861. Her parents were Henry H. WHEELER & Nancy L. LEMLEY. Mr. JEFFERS is a resident of Sunsbury township, and a school-teacher by profession. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
I. N. JEFFERS was born in Sunsbury township, Sep 18 1853, and was married in Clarington, Aug 16 1876, to Louisa LAPP, who was born in Switzerland township, Monroe county, Feb 21 1857. Mr. JEFFERS is a son of William JEFFERS & Mary BURRIS who came to this county in 1837. Mrs. JEFFERS parents were Michael LAPP & Lizzie HUBAUGHER. The children of Mr. & Mrs. JEFFERS are: Emma C., born Apr 4 1877; lives in Sunsbury township; Joseph H., Feb 21 1881, died Sep 8 1881. Mr. JEFFERS is a resident of Sunsbury township, where he is engaged in teaching and farming. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
JOHN S. MELLOTT was born in Sunsbury township, Apr 1 1840, being the son of Noah MELLOTT & Susannah SEIGLER, who are both dead. Mr. MELLOTT was married in Monroe county, OH, Dec 26 1844. Her parents are Nathan MOBLEY & Susannah WARD. They moved to Monroe county from MD. The children of Mr. & Mrs. MELLOTT are: Emma I., born Oct 7 1866; Amanda M., Dec 26 1868; Anna M., Jan 18 1872; Michael S., Dec 23 1874; Loah A., Jun 15 1878 all of the children live in Sunsbury township. Mr. MELLOTT was engaged in the war of 1861, in Co. D, 7th WV Volunteer Infantry. Her went into service in the fall of 1861, and was mustered out in 1864, serving as a private in the ranks. He was in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and was with Grant in the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania Court-house. He was wounded at Gettysburg, Jul 3 1863, on the right side of the lower jaw. The second wound was received in the fight on Rapidan river, Feb 16 1864, in the right leg; it was a flesh wound. The third wound was received at Hatches Run, Oct 28 1864; he was wounded between the spine and the right hip. Mr. MELLOTT was assessor for two terms, the first in 1870. Mr. MELLOTT is a resident of Sunsbury township, being engaged in the occupation of farming. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
ALLEN McELROY is a son of John McELROY and Elizabeth GRAY, who came into the county in 1830. He was born in PA, Sep 1810, and came to this county in 1830, with his parents. He was married in Sunsbury township, Mar 30 1832, to Elizabeth WRIGHT, who was born in PA, Jun 1811. Her father was Samuel WRIGHT, who came to this county in 1816. The children of Mr. & Mrs. McELROY are: William, lives in KS; Margaret A. MELLOTT, lives in Adam township, Monroe county; Alfred, now dead; Mary E. MELLOTT, lives in Sunsbury township; Hiram Y., dead; Albert, dead; Elizabeth, lives in Sunsbury township; Newton, dead; Isaac, Sunsbury township. Hiram McELROY belonged to the 4th VA Infantry; went out in 1862. He died in Grafton, WV. Albert was in the same regiment, and went out in 1862. He took sick while in the army, came home and died. Mr. Allen McELROY was trustee of Sunsbury township for two terms. He is now a resident of Sunsbury township and engaged in farming. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
Mr. McMEEK was born in Monroe county, OH, May 16 1854, and was married in Sunsbury township, Aug 18 1873, to Sarah BERRY, who was born in Monroe county, Jul 30 1856. Mr. McMEEK is a son of Henry McMEEK & Jane TURTLE McMEEK, who came into this county in 1840. Mrs. McMEEK is a daughter of John BERRY & Joannah HOBBS. Mr. McMEEK is engaged in farming in Sunsbury township. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
W. S. MILLER is a son of John MILLER & Mary WILLIAMS. He was born in Belmont county, OH, Jul 1 1831; came to this county in 1835. He was married in Wayne township, Belmont county, OH, Dec 16 1852, to Mary KING, who was born in Belmont county, Sep 19 1835. Her parents were Phillip L. KING & Margaret DANFORD. The children of Mr. & Mrs. MILLER are: Phillip W., born Oct 25 1853, lives in Bellaire; Loretta C., Nov 6 1854, deceased; Alonzo P., May 1 1856, deceased; Sarah L. MELOTTE, May 14 1858, lives in Lebanon, MO; Mattie B., Mar 20 1860, lives at home; John C., Apr 29 1862, lives at home; Margaret J., Feb 11 1869; Charles H., Jun 23 1870; Mary A., Mar 14 1872; James B., Jun 3 1875; Cyrus B., Feb 7 1878. John MILLER, the father of W. N. MILLER, was one of the old settlers, and was very industrious and frugal; was a great worker. He is said to have worked one year, and lost only one half day, which was caused by being a judge of election. He contributed $1000 for the construction of the Bellaire & Southwestern Railroad. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Beallsville; also, his wife and family. W. M. MILLER was raised on the first farm cleared in Sunsbury township. He was a great grain-raiser. With the help of his sons he was enabled to accumulate what would be considered in those times a fortune. Mr. MILLERs occupation is that of a farmer, in Sunsbury township. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
JACOB MILLER is a resident of Sunsbury township, and is engaged in farming. He came to this county in 1835, and was born in PA, Mar 10 1822. His parents were John MILLER & Mary E. ECHEROTE, both of whom came into this county in 1835. Mr. Jacob MILLER was married in Monroe county, Jan 1 1856, to Hannah BEARDMORE, who was born in Monroe county, Oct 9 1831. Her parents were Isaac BEARDMORE and Susannah CARL, both of whom came to this county in 1820. The children of Jacob & Harrah BEARDMORE were: Mary A., born Jan 12 18--, died in 1861; Lara J., Jan 24 1860, died May 15 1861; Emmett M., May 31 1862, lives in Sunsbury township; Martha E., Nov 25 1864, died Sep 14 1865; Ophelia, Aug 29 1866, lives in Sunsbury township; Francis Marion, Oct 31 1868, lives in Sunsbury township; John B., Jan 24 1870; Clara O., Nov 18 1876. Mr. MILLERs address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
JACOB R. MORE is a son of Henry MORE & Jane MICHAM. Mr. MORE came to Monroe county in 1857; was born in Belmont county, Apr 9 1829. His wife was Susannah MOBLEY, to whom he was married in Belmont county, OH. Mrs. MORE was born in Belmont county, Jan 12 1841. Her parents were Nathan MOBLEY & Susannah WARD, who came into Monroe county in 1856. The children of Mr. & Mrs. MORE are: Alexander, born Sep 11 1857, lives in Sunsbury township; Samantha HOBBS, Nov 7 1859, lives in Adams township, Monroe county; Louis L., Mar 24 1860, lives in Sunsbury township; Jacob L., Mar 5 1864; John C., Feb 18 1866; Florence E., Jun 8 1868; Annie L., Jun 8 1876. Mr. MORE is engaged in farming in Sunsbury township. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
G. W. NELSON is a resident of Sunsbury township, and is engaged in farming. He was born in the same township, Apr 16 1817, being the son of John NELSON & Rachel CRISWELL, who came into the county in 1815. Mr. NELSON was married in Sunsbury township, Nov 12 1861, to Angeline GRIFFITH, who was born in PA, Aug 4 1831. Her parents were John GRIFFITH & Eva ALLEN. They came into the county in 1836. Mr. NELSONs father, John NELSON, was in the war of 1812, and remained until its close. He entered the farm on which his son now lives in 1815; cleared and lived off it at the same time. It was one of the first farms cleared in this township. The forests at that time abounded in wild animals. Mr. NELSONs address is Jerusalem, Monroe county, OH.
W. ORN is a resident of Sunsbury township, where he is engaged in the business of farming and stock-raising. He was born in PA, Apr 4 1808, and came to this county in Mar 1821. His parents were John ORN and Prudence SUNALLEY, who came into the county in Mar 1821. Mr. ORNs wife was Mary BAKER, to whom he was married in Sunsbury township, Apr 14 1836. Mrs. ORN was born in WV Apr 9 1817. Her parents were MESHICK & Elizabeth BAKER. The children of Mr. & Mrs. ORN are: Elizabeth KING, born Feb 28 1837, lives in Sunsbury township; Prudence ORILEY, Jan 10 1839, lives in Beallsville, OH; John, Jun 19 1841; died Dec 14 1842; William Parr, Feb 2 1844, died Aug 18 1844; Thomas J., Sep 28 1846, died Jan 31 1848; Francis M., Jun 29 1849, lives in Sunsbury township; Mary Jane, Apr 27 1853, lives in Sunsbury township; Johnson, Feb 1 1857, lives in Sunsbury township. Mr. ORNs postoffice address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
JOHN W. POULTON is a farmer of Sunsbury township. He was born in Washington township, Monroe county, OH, Jan 13 1846, and is a son of John POULTON & Elizabeth DILLON. His wife was Barbara BURKHART, to whom he was married in Noble county, OH, Nov 8 1866. Mrs. POULTON was born in Malaga township, Monroe county, Sep 29 1846, and died Mar 20 1882. Mrs. POULTONs parents were Frederick BURKHART & Ottilia BURKHART. They came from Germany in 1843. The children of John & Barbara POULTON are: Mary L., born Oct 13 1867; Helena P., Mar 28 1869; Joseph, Jan 26 1871; Anna U., Jan 29 1873; Clara E., Dec 5 1874; Lucilla, Dec 12 1876; William F., Jun 15 1879; Isadora F., Apr 4 1881. All of the children live at home. Mr. POULTON was in the military service during the late war, being a member of Co. G, 176th OVI. He went out Aug 9 1864, and was mustered out at the close of the war. He was in the battle of Nashville. His brother, W. POULTON, was a member of the 78th OVI, Co. K. He went out in the winter of 1861, and was mustered out in 1863. He was in the battle of Shiloh, and was discharged on account of disability, he becoming so from disease contracted while in the service. Mr. POULTONs father settled near Antioch, Perry township, in 1841, and cleared his first farm near that place. He went into the wild woods and helped to build the first Catholic church in Washington township, Monroe county. Mr. POULTONs postoffice address is Ozark, Monroe county, OH.
JOHN H. PUGH is a son of Aaron PUGH & Mary M. RICHNER. His father was in the late rebellion. John H. was born in Monroe county, OH, Apr 4 1859. He is a resident of Sunsbury township. Mr. PUGH is one of the most enterprising young men of this section. He is a teacher by profession, and by his energy and ambition his future prospects are very promising. He has always relied on his own resources for the cultivation of his intellect. His postoffice address is Ozark, Monroe county, OH.
ISRAEL D. RILEY is a son of Richard RILEY (who came to this State in 1798) and Elizabeth DAY, who came to Sunsbury township in the fall of 1864. She died on Dec 26 1873. Mr. RILEY settled in this county in Mar 1837; he was born in Belmont county, Dec 4 1812; was married, Oct 23 1834, in Pulteney township, Belmont county, OH, to Massa MYERS, who was born in Belmont county, OH, Oct 31 1811. Her parents were William MYERS & Margaret DIXON. The children of Israel & Massa RILEY are: Rachel A. KIMPTON, born Aug 10 1835, died Feb 23 1864; W. RILEY, Jun 29 1837, lives at Beallsville, OH; Samuel, Aug 24 1839, lives in Sunsbury township; Elizabeth LEMLY, Sep 29 1841, lives in Sunsbury township; Massa J. KEYSER, Nov 11 1843, lives in Sunsbury township; May J. GATES, Apr 18 1846, Sunsbury township; Israel D., Nov 16 1850, Sunsbury township; Richard L., May 27 1848, lives in Belmont county, OH: Alfred Jackson, Jul 17 1853, Sunsbury township; George W., Oct 31 1855, Sunsbury township. Mr. RILEYs father, Richard RILEY, was in the war of 1812, and located at Upper Sandusky, watching the British Indians. The first school was taught in this township in 1837, on ground donated for that purpose by Mr. RILEY. Samuel LEMLY was teacher. The school-house was a round log cabin. The scholars numbered twelve. Daniel GAITZ cleared and settled in the eastern part of the township. Mr. RILEYs farm was cleared and settled at the same time. Mr. RILEY was an extensive tobacco-raiser in 1839. The price averaged three dollars per pound; raised it for 16 years. Mr. RILEY keeps about 500 sheep on his farm all the time. He was justice of the peace in 1863 for one term; was notary public two terms. His occupation is farming and stock-raising; also keeping grocery. His residence is Sunsbury township. Postoffice address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
DAVID RUBLE was born in Belmont county, OH, Dec 9 1841. He came to Monroe county Apr 1 1843. He is a son of Daniel RUBLE & Mary A. CREE. He was married in Belmont county to Malvina E. NEFF, who was born in Belmont county, Sep 6 1849. Her parents were Henry NEFF & Mary JACOBS. The children of David & Malvina RUBLE are: Florence O., born May 31 1868, lives in Sunsbury township; George M., Sep 18 1869; Minnie V., Sep 6 1871; Charles E., Sep 6 1872; Alice O., Dec 28 1873; Alveretta M., Sep 27 1876; Emmet B., Mar 24 1878; Mary E., Feb 16 1880. All of the children live in Sunsbury township. Mr. RUBLE is engaged in farming and stock-raising in Sunsbury township. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
JOSEPH SMITH is a farmer of Sunsbury township; was born in PA, and came to this county, Nov 8 1823. His parents were Henry SMITH & Effamy PALMER, who came to this county Nov 8 1823. Henry SMITH died Feb 28 1865; Effamy PALMER died Aug 23 1851. Mr. SMITH was married in Adams township, Aug 14 1841, to Edith KING, who was born in PA, Dec 12 1823. Mrs. SMITHs parents were Michael KING & Martha LEE. They came to this county Oct 10 1832. Michael KING died in May 1845; Martha KING, Jun 22 1845. The children of Joseph & Edith SMITH were: Johnson, born Mar 17 1842, died Apr 2 1861; Malon, Sep 3 1843, died Aug 7 1844; Matilda SLAY, Jul 7 1845, lives in Beallsville; Margaret J., Mar 20 1849, died Oct 3 1861; Laura Belle, Jan 3 1860, died Jun 2 1866; Lucy May ARNOLD, Dec 17 1865, lives in Beallsville, OH. Mr. SMITHs postoffice address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
WILLIAM B. SHUTTS was born in Belmont county, OH, Dec 14 1853, and came into this county Apr 1858. He was married in Switzerland township, Monroe county, Jan 13 1875, to Susannah BROWN, who was born in Switzerland township, Monroe county, Oct 12 1857. Mr. SHUTTS is a son of James W. SHUTTS & Mary GATES. Mrs. SHUTTS parents were Abel BROWN & Maria MARION. Mr. & Mrs. SHUTTS children are: Charlie C., born Oct 17 1876, lives in Sunsbury township; Alice A., Jun 11 1878, lives in Sunsbury township. Mr. SHUTTS is a resident of Sunsbury township; his occupation is farming and stock-raising. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
EBENEZER TAYLOR is a son of Jesse TAYLOR & Nancy HAYWARD. He was born in Belmont county, OH, Apr 4 1813; came to this county, Apr 1 1861, and is a farmer of Sunsbury township. He was married in Belmont county, to Elizabeth RUBLE, Jan 4 1844, who was born in Belmont county, OH, Oct 30 1831. Her parents were Isaac RUBLE & Lydia GLASPY. They came into the county in the spring of 1858. The children of Ebenezer & Elizabeth TAYLOR are: Nancy Jane HUDSON, born Oct 23 1844, lives in Belmont county, OH; Lydia A. MORRIS, Dec 31 1845, lives in Sunsbury township; Jessie T., Jan 25 1847, lives in Sunsbury township; Noble, Sep 19 1848, lives in Sunsbury township; Ebenezer, Aug 26 1851, lives in Sunsbury township; Elizabeth, Apr 17 1853, lives in Sunsbury township; John W., Oct 19 1854, died Feb 8 1863; Julia A., Nov 17 1856, died Jan 24 1863; Tunbleson, Sep 19 1858, lives in Sunsbury township; Zachariah, Mar 22 1860, lives in Sunsbury township; Lavina, Feb 26 1862; Leander, Dec 20 1864; Charlie, Sep 3 1865. The five younger children live in Sunsbury township. Mr. TAYLOR was trustee of Sunsbury township six terms in succession for 1862. His address is Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
W. A. TRACEY is a resident of Sunsbury township, and is by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser. He is a son of W. TRACEY & Patience LACEY, who came into the county in the fall of 1829. He was born Oct 2 1830, in Beallsville, OH. Mr. TRACEY owns 220 acres of land, and is engaged in the raising of sheep quite extensively; also grain for use on the place. He also owns four shares of railroad stock in the Bellaire and Southwestern Railroad Company. Address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
DANIEL TRUAX is engaged in the business of stone-mason in Sunsbury township. He was born in the same township, Oct 3 1822; came into this county in 1822. His parents were Benjamin TRUAX & Pheba WINK. They came to this county in 1814, and are now deceased. Mr. TRUAX was married in Sunsbury township, Oct 21 1849, to Margaret A. WATERS, who was born in Belmont county, Feb 12 1831. Her parents were George WATERS, born in MD, and now dead, and Elizabeth WATERS, born in Morgan county, VA. They came into Monroe county in 1840. The children of Daniel & Margaret TRUAX are as follows: C. S., born Aug 6 1850, lives in St. Clairsville; E. W., Mar 25 1854, lives in Beallsville; B. O., Sep 16 1862, lives in Beallsville; Ina A., Jun 25 1865, lives in Beallsville. Mr. TRUAXs father came to this county in 1814, when the country was a perfect wilderness. He came from Bedford county, PA, and occasionally Indians were seen when he first arrived. He and his wife came from PA on two colts; carried all their goods and each of them a child apiece. It took them eight days to reach Monroe county. They settled one mile west of town and entered 80 acres. They built a cabin, bought at St. Clairsville an old fashioned spinning-wheel for two dollars, and had nothing left. They worked for their neighbors in the day time, and cleared off for themselves at night. His wife also helped to clear, roll logs, etc. He was also a great hunter, and his rifle supplied him with meat. He often had to pound corn to keep up the supplies. He was a member of the Christian church, and one of the first to help organize it. He raised eight children, two of whom, Eliza and Jane, are dead. Louisa MORRIS lives in Indiana. Jerushua DECKER lives in Monroe county; Cynthia DECKER in Sunsbury township, Monroe county; Rhoda STACKHOUSE lives in Sunsbury township. Mr. TRUAXs father was a volunteer in the war of 1812. He cleared the ground for the first log cabin which was built in Beallsville. N. W. TRUAX, brother of Daniel, born in Sunsbury, Apr 7 1826, died Jun 19 1853. Mr. Daniel TRUAX, the subject of this sketch, was assessor for six terms in Sunsbury township. He was also land appraiser in 1880, and covered 32 sections in all. His address is Beallsville.
J. T. WILLIAMSON is a son of Samuel WILLIAMSON & Elizabeth ACKELTREE. He was born Jan 14 1812; came to this county in 1840. He was married in Woodsfield, Apr 29 1841, to Irza R. DRIGGS. She was born in Woodsfield, her parents being Ezra DRIGGS & Mary RUGGLES. Mr. WILLIAMSON has been treasurer of Centre township one term, and also director of the infirmary one term. His postoffice address is Ozark, Monroe county, OH.
CORNELIUS YOHO is a native of WV, where he was born Dec 7 1835. He came to this county, Jan 28 1868. His parents were William YOHO & Rebecca D. HART. Mr. YOHO was married in Marshall county, WV, Jan 19 1854, to Martha J. LOWE, who was born in PA, Jul 24 1839. Her parents were James LOWE & Mary CLARK. The children of Mr. & Mrs. YOHO were: James, born Oct 19 1855, died Sep 2 1860; Mary H., Jan 12 1861, died Jan 12 1863; Lucy B., Jun 9 1864, lives in Sunsbury township. Mr. YOHO is engaged in the business of farming in Sunsbury township. Postoffice address, Beallsville, Monroe county, OH.
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Transcribed by Dr. Shirley A.
Harmon, e-mail: Shirley Harmon
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