Milton Township

Milton Township

i was organized in 18:6, by the commissioners of Rich- I land county. The pioneers of that date are believed to have been Jacob Foulks, Alexander Reed, Robert Nel- | son, Benjamin Montgomery, James Andrews, Peter Brubaker, John Clay, Henry Keever, Frederick Sultzer, John Flazlett, Joseph Charles, Andrew Stevenson, David , Marklev, James Crawford, David Crabby Elijah Charles,

! David McKinney, John Ecrrell, Ahoi Montgomery, William Houston, George Burget, and possibly a few others. Prior to i8i6, Milton had been under the jurisdiction of Mifflin. The first justice >r the peace was Robert McBetb, from what- is now Clearcreek, then under the jurisdiction of Milton.

was organized by the commissioners nf Richland coimtv in 1820.* The pioneers at that periovl rue l«elic\ed to 1 have been David Burns, John Richards, John Freeborn. James Haney, William Shaw, Abraham Huffman, 1' tci Vanostrand, Isaac Van Meter, Eli. - Ford, rimnus Ford, John Br\te, Nathaniel Bailey, Daniel i Inffmai:, lame Burns, Abraham < Hay berg, Jacob Fomhs. Ri* 'aar<! I roe born, bhomns Haney, John ilanev. Abe! Bail y. b>lm

Bailey, 1 homas Wright, John McMurray, John Cuppy, Patrick Elliott, Isaac Harvuot. John McWilliams, John Aten, Robert Me Beth, and perhaps others, not now remembered. Robert McBeth, who had been justice during the jurisdiction of Milton over Clearcreek, was also the first justice of the peace for Clearcreek.

Henry K lever, one of the early settlers of Milton township, was born in Frederick county, Maryland in the year 1803. He was the oldest child of Andrew and Margaret K cover. Both of his parents died when he was but a lad. He then went to live with his grandfather, and moved with him to Ohio, in the year 1811, and first settled in Harrison county; here the grandfather died, and Henry, who was then a young man of sixteen, lcmoved with his grandmother and sister to Milton township, Richland county, now Ashland county. Ilis first purchase was a tract of land in Milton township, where lie still resides His settlement in Ashland county dates back to about the year 1819. In 1832 or 1833 he was married to Caroline Baum. They have had ten children Eliza, Mary, Philip, Sarah, Henry I'., Aaron, Susan A., Caroline, Franklin and John, all of whom reside within the State. He and his wife have lived together for nearly a hall center, , upon flic same place where they (list set up housekeeping, and j both are well preserved, and in the full possession of ! their faculties. A grubbing hoe, a horse, and one dollar and fifty cents comprised his capital, when he first started in life. He is now one of the substantial farmers of Milton township. His life has been a frugal and industrious cm*, and he enjoys the esteem of his fellowcitizens.

Robert Nelson, who was born in the year 1769, came from Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1816, and settled in Milton township), Ashland county, then Richland county. In the year rSoi he was married in New Jersey, and brought with him to Ohio his wife and nine litde children. He experienced all the trials and hardships common to the life of an early pioneer, and died, after a useful and well spent life, at the age of seventy-five years, in the year 1844. His wife survived him until the year 1862, when she died at the | ripe old age of eighty. At the time of hci death tlic-ie were eleven-children living, four sons and seven daughters. The only ones now residing in Ashland county are Scott, Sophia and Nancy. After the death of his father, Scott purchased from the heirs the old homestead and there resides to this day (1800). In the year 1854 he was married to Rosanna Wells, by whom he had two children - James B. and Miranda. The latter mairied Alonzo Poff. James lives with his aged father at the old borne. Mr. Nelson has been a prominent and worthy citizen, and is one of the leading men of Milton townsh 1 p.

Christian Roland, born in Pennsylvania in the year 1823, came to Ohio with his parents about the year 1833, and settled in Milton township. In die year 1844 he was married to Mary Brubaker, whose parents | were early settlers in Ashland county. 1 heir children j are: Moses, Henry, Maria, Sarah, and Ann; all of

| whom are living. After an active and useful life, he died I May 23, 1876. He was a preacher of some consid- | erable note, and followed his calling up to the time of | his decease. His widow still survives and lives mioti j the old homestead, surrounded by her children. He j was a man esteemed for his worth and integrity, and an ! earnest man in the church.

Eance F lrrel.e is a native of Milton township, and j was born August- 1 y, 1829. August -20, 1849, he wax i married to Susan Nelson, daughter of a pioneer family j of Ashland county. To them were born eight children, j seven daughters and one son: Sanali E., who was born

| September 14, 1830, and died in early womanhood, four j years after her marriage to Amos Jameson ; Laura A., j born Seplembu 7, 1833; Ella E., born January 14.

Henry V antii.isueo was a native of New | ercev, where he was born December .8, 1779. September 6, iSie, he was married to Jane Shaw, in Jefferson county,

Ohio, where he lived till the year i8iy, when he moved with his family to Ashland county, Montgomery township, where he resided until his death, in 1863, at the advanced age ot" eighty-four. He was the lather oi ten children: Julia Ann, Jane, Nathan, Maty, Henry, Matilda, Elizabeth, Sarah, Sioiactte, and Franklin A. H:s wife survived him tints I the year 1874. Prior to her death, three of her married daughters died - Mary Holbrook, Sarah Shannon, and Shiiactte Goudy. 1'hc representatives of the family living in the county are JuUa Riley and Fiankiin A. The latter owns and occupies the old homestead. He was bom in 1 Sr 9, and in 1855 married Mary Shipley, by whom he has had four children, one son and three daughters: Ida, who married Franklin

Mastcis; Jennie, Delbert and Luzettie. Soon after Mr. Vantilburg's settlement in Ashland county, he commenced the erection of a barn, in which to slote his grain, and encountered many difficulties. It is related that he would load two of his horses with wheat, and carry it a distance of seven miles to Jeromcvilie; where he would exchange his grain for wrought nails, giving one bushel of grain for two pounds of nails. He was conscientious and law-abiding citizen, avoiding strife and contention. The only lawyers fee he was ever called upon to pay was five dollars for the preparation of his will. His was an honorable name to be placed on the list of Ashland county pioneers.

Adam Fjkc was a. native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and came into Milton township in 1835, with hits wife and three little children. At the age of thirty, he was married to Elizabeth Lutz. The names of their children were: Susan, Emanuel, C. L., and Adam, the

C. L. F'ikk was born in Pennsylvania, October 2,1823, and came to Ohio with his parents in 1835. Twice he has been married ; the first time to Mary Ann Buckley, who died in June, 1.869, leaving a family of three children. Mr. Fike re-married August 24, 1872, to Amanda McQuait, by whom he has had two sons, Joseph Leantier and Henry. He has led an industrious and honorable life, and is looked upon by a!' who know him as one of the most iniluentiab Tanners of Milton township,

William. G. Imhoi-'F, is trie youngest c the seven children of William II. and Susan Imhoff, and was the only son of the family born in Ohio. His father moved into this State about the year 1834, and settled upon the farm in Milton township, where his son now resides There were seven children, and only one, William G. now resides in the county. One son, Alexander, is a Lutheran minister of some reputation, and resides in Urliaua. The father died in 1872, and the mother in 1876. William G. was bom April 16, 1840, on the place where in still resides. October 17, 1861, 'he was married to Martha Brown, of Richland county, bv whom he has had six children: Albert R.. William W., Susan I) a haggle K , Mattie A , and Llvoro. Mr. imuoif Sixes upon a farm ot two hundred and fort) acres, which denotes mole than ordinary thrift and enterprise on the pai t of its owner, the buildings ranking with some of the best to be found in the township He is an enteprising

Joseph Pollock, a native of Virginia, born in 1801 came to Ohio with his father in 1816, and settled in Milton township, 1'hey were obliged to camp out in | the wilderness until they could erect a cabin. During the time it required to construct a house, Mr. l'oliock learned the art of cooking jonacakes, which were regarded as quite a luxury in early pioneer times. When I summer was ended he had his cabin completed, and he then returned to Virginia for his wife, and the following ; spring they made the trip to their new home in wagons.

: The old original log cabin is still standing on the farm : now owned by his son Robert. The children of Joseph I and Nancy (McKenzie) Pollock were: David, lames,

Samuel Urie was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1792, and moved into Ashland (them Riclii land) county, in 1814. In the fall of 1S15 he was mat-

; Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Rachel, and Nancy. Elizabeth, John, and Andrew are dead. At the age of fiiiv-six. in j the year 1848, Mr. Urie died. His wife still survives j him. Samuel Urie was born in 1826, and was married in 1849 1° Henrietta Nelson, by whom he lias had fore l children: Elizabeth, Arabella, Loren, Ellsworth, and

James Hazlett, first son of John Hazlett, was born September 27, 1830, in Milton township, on the place where he now resides, and which is the old homestead i of Ids parents. His father settled in the woods, occupying an old log cabin, but by hard toil, industry, and the j aid of his eldest son, he cleared away the forest and i Riddle, by whom he had seven children: Elmira. Wiiiiarn Loren, Rosetta, John, Lucy, Mary, Ophenia, and Frank. William Loren died in infancy. May 3, 1806, Mrs. Hazlett died, and for his second wife he married - Sarah J. Horn, by whom he has had one son, Christopher. He and wife are consistent members of the Disciple church, and liberal supporters of that branch of | the Christian religion.

Gi-.okge W. Hazlett was the second son of John Hazlett, and was horn May 21, 1842. }R lived with his father, and aided in clearing up the farm, until 1S62. when his father died. Seven years later, in 1809, h>. was married to Libbie Thomas, who was born June 22, 1840. Both are earnest Christians, and membeis of the Disciple church.

Zi .i'H an i , \ H II. Ekey, a native of Jefferson county, | Ohio, a son of James Ekey, was born A 5 >ril 26, 1S27, and jantiary j, 1 85 1, was married tu Jane McClelland. ; i lie following March lie moved into Ashland, and pur- j chased the farm where he now resides, on which he j erected the very commodious dwelling which he still oc- j copies. 1'hey have had a family of four children: ; James M., William S., Elizabeth J., and one son who died in infancy, unnamed. Elizabeth died March 31, 1875, after a brief illness, at the age of eleven years and a few months. On the sixth day of November, 1877, William was married to Adelia McMillan. He and his brother James reside upon and cultivate the home farm. In politics, Mr. Ekey has generally acted with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a farmer of frugal and industrious habits, and in comfortable circumstances.

Joseph Nelson, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio about the year 1847, and the following year was married to Margaret Nelson, a sister of Scott Nelson. He has given .twenty-six years of his life to his trade, that ert is the only one living. His first wife died in January, 5 1876, and in February, j88o, he was again married, taking for his second wile Susan Iceman. He is a mem- i her of the Presbyterian church, of Ashland, and acts | with the Democratic party. He has been frugal and j careful in his business, and has accumulated a nice j

John Brigle came to Ohio in 1S40 from Cumber- j land county, Pennsylvania, and settled in Milton town- 1 ship. He was born January n, 1797, and April 22, j 1822, was married to Catharine Lininger, by whom he j had twelve children: Elizabeth, who died in infancy ; |

George, John, David, Barbara, who died in infancy; j Catharine, Elizabeth, Barbara. Mary, Rebecca, Sarah A., i and one unnamed. Elizabeth, Mary, Rebecca and ; Sarah, are the only living ones. Elizabeth, married ! Philip Smith, and is a widow; Mary married J. P. Rus- j sell, Rebecca married James O'Brien, and Sarah married David Rumph. Mr. Brigle has spent his life upon the farm, and has been a hard-working and industrious man. Elis wife died March 30, 1873, after having been a faith- i fui companion to her husband for over half a century. She '.as a kind and loving wife and judicious mother, and bore bravely her share of the foil that fell to the loi of these two old peopie. Both were faithful members of the Church of Cod, and have lived consistent lives. Mr. Brigle is still living at the ripe old age of eightythree, and is in the full possession of Iris faculties. He is an honest and well meaning old gentleman, and an earnest Christian man.

Joseph Piper moved in from Wayne county about the same year that Mr. Brigle' came into Ashland countv. He was the sixth child of Henry and Polly ikfer, and the dote of this birth was October 20, i8ii. He was bom in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio m 183;. He afterward moved to Indiana, but remained 1 there but a shoit time In 183; he came to Wooster,

Ohio, when he was married to Mary Ann Shuey, April 27th, of the same year, The Shuey family can trace their ancestry back for over three hundred years. Tiny originally came from France. Mrs. Pifer was reared at the original homestead where the first Shuey family located in this country. Mr. Pifer by trade is a carpenter. He followed it for about eighteen years, but now devotes his attention to farming. He is the father of two children - Henry and Erneline. The former married Rebecca Grosscup; the latter is tiie wife of E. J. Grosscup, the present auditor of Ashland county. He has been an earnest and consistent inembet of the Reformed church for over fifty years. He has been a hard-working, energetic man, and has led an active life. He is one of the substantial farmers of Milton township, and a large landholder.

Andrew Heltman came to Ohio with his fathci in 1836, and settled in Milton township. He was born in Pennsylvania, September 13, 1820, and is the oldest son of Joseph and Catharine Heilman. On May 12, 1S42, he was married to Barbara Campbell, of this county. They have had four children, but none are living. Joseph Heltman died September 12, 1873. In 1851 Andrew went to California, where he engaged in the mining business. In 1857 he again returned to Ohio and engaged in the. dry goods business, being one of the partners of Whitner, Myers £c Co., and afterward the firm became Heltman Y Myers. He followed this for seven or eight years, when he retired to his farm, where he still resides. He has led an active and busy life, and has accumulated a fine property, and to-day is one of the substantial men of the county.

James Wells moved into Ashland county about the year 1835. lie was a native of Pennsylvania, and drove through in a wagon, with his wife and six children. In fording the Ohio river he came near losing his life and the lives of his family, who were with him. The water was much deeper than he supposed, and the attempt to ford it brought them into serious danger. He first settled on the farm where Mr. Brown now lives, but not being accustomed to farm life, he soon became weary of it and homesick, and urged his wife to return with him to Pennsylvania. This she n fused to do, and he started back alone on horseback, so strong was his desire to sec his native place. He soon returned, however, and never again expressed a desire to return to the old home In January, 1879. his death occurred, at the ripe old age of eighty-two; his wife died in 1851. They had seven boys and lour girls, but four of whom now live in Ashland county.

Joseph Wells was born May 13, 1831, and was married November 25. 1S55, to Catharine Greiner, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Her ancestors moved to Ashland when it was but a small hamlet. Mr. Wells has spent most of his life in Ashland county, save a residence of nine yeais in Iowa. They have had si x children: 1 ucinda, Loyal M., Clarissa M., Tempi' E., I ley M., and Dora B., all of whom are living at home They are both members of the Lutheran church, and enjoy the confidence of their ftiends and neighbor.

Henry YVeu.s, the oldest living son of James and ! Mary Weils, was born October 29, 1829, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and was married to Catharine Mandey, September 28, 1871. He resided with his father most of the time until he went to California, in i 1859, where he remained ten years; he then returned to Ohio, and has ever since devoted his intention to farm- 1 ing. The farm he now occupies be purchased from his j father, and he gives his time to the raising of stock and grain. The ancestors of his wife were among the early settlers of Ashland county. Both himself and wife are members of the Disciple church, and. enjoy the respect and esteem of all.

John Brindle came to Ashland county about the j year 1850. He was the second son of George and Eli/.- j abeth Brindle, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1815. j He married Susan Burns, by whom he had twelve 1 children, eleven of whom are living: Elizsbeth, Mary C., Amanda, Martha A., George W.,- John M., Samuel E., Emily, Josephine, William H., Charles E., and Alice. Amanda is dead, and Elizabeth and Martha are married, j Mr. Brindle was a man of thrift and intelligence, and his ; death, which occurred November 15, 1876, removed j from Milton township a worthy man and a good citizen, j His widow, with the help of her sons, carries on the | farm.

Henry Pifer, the only son of Joseph Pifei, was | born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1838. and in 1 86 x he j was married to Rebecca Jane Grosscup, whose ancestors j were pioneers. Nine children have been born to them: Mary M., Leandra, Joseph C., Henry L., Myita, Charles, Shuey, Lcander, Samuel A., and Alma, All are living j except Mary and Leandra. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pifer j are members of the United Brethren church. He is a j young farmer of thrift and intelligence, and his premises j denote a good deal of taste and care.

Peter Burr came into Ashland county with his father in 1834, and' settled in Milton township, but j aftewards removed to Mifflin township, where his father j died, in 1838. He followed the carpenter and joiner trade for nineteen years, but he afterwards joined farm- j ing to this occupation, and has been successful. He was ! born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1818, 1 and was man ted January 23, 1S42, to Mary Landis, by i whom he had six children. She died February 23, 1S57, and he married Elizabeth Figley, July 4, 18^9, by whom ! he had one child- Margaret L. Mr. Burk is of Ccrman- Irish extraction - his great-grandmother was a German, \ and his great-grandfather had the warm blood of a Celt in his veins. He lias been a hard-working, industrious j man and has met many reverses and endured many hardships. He is well posted in the early history of the ! township, and lias a good memory for facts and dates, j Mrs. Burk comes of old pioneer stock. Her grandfather lived to be one hundred and ten years old.

Robert W. Smith was a native of Vermont, and the ! eldest son of Elisha and Amy Smith. He was Loin December 1, i /99, and with, hi ; patents moved to the State of New York, and from there to Ohio, in t tie yeap 18 and settled first in what is now Plain township, Wayne county, but shortly afterwards moved to Mohican township, Ashland county, where he made his permanent residence until his death. He died at his home, about three miles southeast of Jeromcviile. He married for his first wife Priscilla Hatch, by whom he had eight children: Wiibur R,, Julia A., Adclia, Elisha, Lydia, Asa, Edmund P., and Harriet. All are dead except Edmund P. His first wife died, and for his second wife he married Mrs. Isabella Cliffs, who still survives, and now resides in Iowa with her son, Dr. D. B. Cliffs, a prominent physician of that State. She has reached the advanced age of eighty years. He suffered from a severe hemorrhage of the lungs at the age of twenty-five, and was never considered a strong man physically from that time until ' the day of his death. He was, however, a very active, energetic, man, and possessed of a good mind, and rare business qualifications. He gave his attention to the buying and selling of stock, which he followed with good success. The pursuit of this business necessitated bis leading much of his life on horseback, and this, no doubt, was the means of prolonging his life. He was a man of good judgment, and careful business habits, and accumulated a handsome property. Our subject experienced all the hardships and privations that were common to the pioneers of that day. He was a resident of Ashland county when it was a howling wilderness, and but one house was to be found between Jeromeviiie and Ashland. Pic made several trips to the mouth of the Huron river to get a barrel of salt, that being the nearest point at which it could be procured. He narrowly escaped with his life, one night, on his way home with provisions he had procured for the household. The wolves followed him for a long distance, he keeping them back with a stick he carried. They followed him even to the door of his cabin, and by the time he reached his home had become so bold as to almost defy his fre- "quent attacks upon them with his club. . His father Elisha was born February iS, 1873, and died January 29, 1851. His mother was born April 7 , 177S, and died August 22, 1856. The only surviving member of this family is Edmund P. Smith, of whom we cannot refrain from saying just a word. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, and highly esteei \ed by the citizens of his native county. He was born August 31, 1834, and was married November 24, 1857,10 Miss Ellen E. Hoy, who was born August 28, 1835, and is the daughter of or.- of the early settlers of Ashland county, a sketch of whom will be found in another place, of this volume. To him lias been born one child, J ulia M., August 10, 1 858. Mr. Smith served a term of nearly three years in the late war, on General Garfield's staff, as quartermaster seargent. He is a staunch Republican, and an earnest advocate of his chosen party's measures and principles. Independent in thought and action, he ;s esteemed !>v members of both parties alike for his convictions upon all matters of a public nature.

Gf.oroe Mu.t. hr was born June 25, 1S.10. a. id February 20, 1845, lie was married to Chaiily Elliott. In whom lie lias had six children -Mary Ellen, U M' an. Albert, Joseph (deceased), Charles, and Jennie. He is a well-to-do farmer, and resides one mile and a quarter j northwest of Ashland. He is the son of George and ! Mary (Stephenson) Miller, who was born in Ireland, in | the year 1769. Tie emigrated to this country, and first ; settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania. About the j year 1813 he moved into Wayne county, and died there ! in 1842, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife died in the year 1849.

Stephen Ohl was the fourth son of George Ohl, and ! was a native of Pennsylvania. In the year 1S31 lie j came to Ohio with his father, and they commenced life j in the woods. The father purchased a quarter section of land on which were a rude iog cabin and barn. Here they lived until 1862, the time of their father's death. Stephen and George are the only representatives of the family living in the county. Stephen was married in the year 1834, to Mary Schwarz, by whom he has had twelve children - -Samuel, John, George, Stephen, Francis, Lavina, Mary Ann, Alice, Amanda, Malinda, Emma, and Kit tie. Ann died in infancy. Mr. Ohl resides on the old homestead, and is a good farmer and a good citizen.

Benjamin Wen rick, came into Ashland county from j Pennsylvania, where he was born in Berks county, Sep- j tember 17, 182:, and settled in 1850 in Milton township. He has been twice married. First to Mary E. Coup, October 2, 1852, by whom he has had four children; and next to Harriet Williams, September S, 1839, by whom he has had one son. He served nine years as justice of the peace, to the full satisfaction of the people of Milton township. He has filled the office of township trustee and 'treasure! at various times. Fie was a valiant soldier in the war of the Rebellion, being in a number of severe engagements, and was with Grant during the siege of Vicksburgh, but escaped unhurt, and returned to his home with all the honors to J which he was entitled. By his fellow citizens he is j high!) esteemed for Iris integrity, and is looked upon by j all who know him as a worthy citizen.

Henry Hartman was a native of Germany, and emigrated to lids country at an early age, and first settled in Pennsylvania; he removed to Ashland county in 1840, and settled in Milton township. In 1842 he was married to Barbara Albert, daughter of a pioneer family. To them have been born five children - George, Gath- j arinc, Elizabeih, Henry, ar.d Abraham. The latter I died in. infancy. Mr. Hartman died in 1871. leaving a j wife and four children to mourn his loss The children are all residents of the county, and two remain with the mother at the oid home, Henry and Elizabeth, who care for their aged mother, and carry on thf? home farm. On 1 this farm stands a very rude log school-house, that must | have been built at a very early day.

Hyman i.. Hf.iener, was the third son of john and 1 Margaret. Heifner, who were earlv residents of Ora nee I township, and was born November 25, 1841. lie lived j with his father until his marriage to Sarah Lutz, Novern- j her >5, 1874, when he came to Milton township to live He has been a carpenter and joiner, but has now 1 -'-Opted farming, and gives it his whole attention. They I '-a\e three children: Laura A., Bertha A., and Ida B

Mr. Heifner generally acts with the Democratic party; he came from old pioneer stock ; he had a great grandfather who was a Revolutionary soldier, and he is a peaceable and law-abiding citizen, and well respected. Mrs. Heifner is the daughter of John and Sarah Lutz. The father was a careful, industrious, and frugal man, and died July 2, 1873. His widow survived him until May 11, 1875.

James Wharton was born in the State of Pennsylvania, November 30, 1817, and came to Mifflin township, Richland county, hut now Ashland, and settled in the woods, with no improvements whatever save a rude log cabin and a barn of similar construction, and a few apple trees scattered about the house. April 4, 1844, he was married to Nancy Williams, whose ancestors were early settlers in Ashland. They have had nine children, as follows: Adaline, Mary, Ebenczer, Malinda, Loren,

John, Reumfried, M illard, and Grant. All arc living but Mary and Loren, who died in childhood. Adaline married T. W. Hunter, a thrifty young farmer of Clearcrcek township. Ebenczer married Lillie McClusky, and resides in Milton township. Mr. Wharton resides upon the old homestead, and his dwelling is one of the best to be found in the township. He is one of the largest landholders in the county, and the improvements to be seen on his lands denote more than ordinary thrift and tact on the part of the owner. He has held various township offices, and is a prominent man of enterprise, thrift, and intelligence, and highly esteemed by ail who know him.

Thomas Wharton was born in Ashland county, March 7. [S35, and resided with his parents until his marriage to Eliza Butt, December 27, 1S60. They have had four children: Henry, Charles, Frank and Anna

Bell; Henry died in early childhood. Mr. Wharton has held various offices, and is at present treasurer of the township. A substantial farmer, he enjoys the esteem of his feiiow citizens.

Henry Butt came to Ashland county in 1S37; he was born in 1800, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The maiden name of his wife was Nancy Gish ; she died February 29, <872. Both were earnest Christians. He now resides at the old homestead, with Ins son in law, Thomas Wharton.

Eiexezer Wharton is the oldest son of James Wharton, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was born September 6. 1849, and lived upon the home farm unci! his marriage to Lizzie Mr. Cluslcy, November 17, 1874. They have had two children, James and Charles. He is an energetic and enterprising young man of intelligence and thrift.

John Wharton was born January 2, 1789, in Pennsylvania. When a young man he married Nancy Fultz, who died August 15, 1S30. In September, 1831, he was married to Anna McMillcn, of Richland county. To them were born ten children, as follows: Sarah, Susannah, Alvina Jane, Robert, Martha and Minerva deceased ; Thomas, Ilulbert, B. K. and Clara, w ho arc living. John Wharton died February 7, >800, aged sixty livi. veais 'and iive days; his widow sunives him.

Source changes here: from History of Ashland County, Ohio, by Baughman, A. J. (Abraham J.), published 1909; 514 words in this source stream.

Milton Township

Milton township was surveyed in 1807 and was organized in 1816. Originally, the two western tiers or sections, including the town of Olivesburg, were given to Richland county when Ashland was erected.

Among the pioneers of this township were the Andrews, the Dotys, the Lockharts, the Reeds, the Woodburns, and in addition to the above were Peter Brubaker, Joseph Bechtel, Henry Keever, John Neal, Michael Smeltzer, Jacob Foulks, Robert Nelson, Benjamin Montgomery, James Andrews, Peter Brubaker, John Clay, Frederick Sultzer, John Hazlett, Joseph Charles, Andrew Stevenson, David Markley, James Crawford, David Crabbs, Elijah Charles, David McKinney, John Ferrell, Abel Montgomery, William Houston, George Burget, and possibly a few others.

The residents of Milton township have always been such a well behaved and orderly people, satisfied with the good things of earth which they have so plentifully about them, that there is nothing very eventful to be said about the township.

Prior to 1816, Milton had been under the jurisdiction of Mifflin. The first justice of the peace was Robert McBeth, from what is now Clear Creek, then under the jurisdiction of Milton.

The surveyors not only noted carefully the kind and quality of timber, but also the direction and size of the streams, the Indian trails, villages, and other objects of curiosity. The south boundary of Milton is noted as uneven and hilly land second rate, and timber composed of oak, beech, and hickory. The east boundary is noted as generally level, soil good ; timber the same as on the south line, with sugar maple, dogwood, and an occasional wild cherry. The land of the township is described as of gentle ascents and descents, some places level; soil good for farming, and, generally, more or less clayey. It has an abundance of water, flowing from clear, pure, and never-ceasing springs. In the neighborhood of the Short farm is to be found one of the strongest springs in the county.

Milton, like other townships in the county, was densely timbered with oak, hickory, beech and other hard wood in the early settlement. No streams of any consequence are found in this township, but there are many fine springs and one of the finest in the county is found here. This is essentially a farming community, no town existing within its limits. Its early reminiscences are similar to those of other townships whose history has already been written, and need not be repeated. The same may be said of the struggles and triumph of its early settlers who came to a wilderness and have, after years of hardships, toil and dangers, brought it to a state of cultivation. These pioneers are now gone but their good works remain.

Among the early settlers were James Andrews, who came in 1806, and was a justice of the peace for twenty-seven years. He. also served as a captain in the war of 1812. Abraham Doty also came in 1816; William Lockhart, in 1808; John Woodburn, in 1825. Other early settlers were: Peter Brubaker, Joseph Bechtel, Joseph Charles, John Clay, John Hazlett, Henry Keever, John Neal and Michael Smeltzer.

Source changes here: from History of Ashland Country Ohio, by A.J.Baughman, published 1909; 515 words in this source stream.

Milton Township

Milton township was surveyed in 1807 and was organized in 1816. Originally, the two western tiers or sections, including the town of Olivesburg, were given to Richland county when Ashland was erected.

Among the pioneers of this township were the Andrews, the Dotys, the Lockharts, the Reeds, the Woodburns, and in addition to the above were Peter Brubaker, Joseph Bechtel, Henry Keever, John Néal, Michael Smeltzer, Jacob Foulks, Robert Nelson, Benjamin Montgomery, James Andrews, Peter Brubaker, John Clay, Frederick Sultzer, John Hazlett, Joseph Charles, Andrew Stevenson, David Markley, James Crawford, David Crabbs, Elijah Charles, David McKinney, John Ferrell, Abel Montgomery, William Houston, George Burget, and possibly a few others.

The residents of Milton township have always been such a well behaved and orderly people, satisfied with the good things of earth which they have so plentifully about them, that there is nothing very eventful to be said about the township.

'Prior to 1816, Milton had been under the jurisdiction of Mifflin. The first justice of the peace was Robert McBeth, from what 'is now Clear Creek, then under the jurisdiction of Milton.

The surveyors not only noted carefully the kind and quality of timber, but also the direction and size of the streams, the Indian trails, villages, and other objects of curiosity. The south boundary of Milton is noted as uneven and hilly land second rate, and timber. composed of oak, beech; and hickory. The east boundary is noted as generally level, soil good; timber the same as on the south line, with sugar maple, dogwood, and an occasional wild cherry. The land of the township is described as of gentle ascents and descents, some places level; soil good for farming, and, generally, more or less clayey. It has an abundance of water, flowing from clear, pure, and never-ceasing springs. . In the neighborhood of the Short farm is to be found one of the strongest springs in the county.

Milton, like other townships in the county, was densely timbered with oak, hickory, beech and other hard wood in the early settlement. No streams of any consequence are found in this township, but there are many fine springs and one of the finest in the county is found here. This is essentially a farming community, no town existing within its limits. Its early reminiscences are similar to those of other townships whose history has already been written, and need not be repeated. The same may be said of the struggles and triumph of its early settlers who came to a wilderness and have, after years of hardships, toil and dangers, brought it to a state of cultivation. These pioneers are now gone but their good works remain.

Among the early settlers were James Andrews, who came in 1806, and was a justice of the peace for twenty-seven years. He. also served as a captain in the war of 1812. Abraham Doty also came in 1816; William Lockhart, in 1808 ; John Woodburn, in 1825. Other early settlers were: Peter Brubaker, Joseph Bechtel, Joseph Charles, John Clay, John Hazlett, Henry Keever, John 'Neal and Michael Smeltzer.