Sycamore Township (part 2 of 2)

JOHN WESLEY STINCHCOMB, son of James and Priscilla (Weddle) Stinchcomb, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and was born September 8, 1826. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and Holland descent respectively. They were married in Monongahela, Penn., and moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1824. His father had been a well-to-do boat builder, but lost all his wealth in securities, and located in the above county poor. He rented land till 1831, and then moved to Seneca County, where he entered eighty acres, which he and his sons " cleared from the sprout," doing work for others in the meantime to obtain sustenance. He subsequently purchased eighty acres more, but sold the whole in 1865 and purchased property in old Sycamore, where he lived till the death of his wife, which occurrred in 1872 in her seventy-sixth year. Mr. Stinchcomb died in his eighty-second year in 1879. Four of their seven children survive - James W., John W., William R. and Elizabeth. Having taught school several years, our subject had about $200 at the date of his marriage, April 2-1, 1819. He continued teaching till about 1856, and then began farming, which he has since followed. He purchased eighty acres in Eden Township, but soon after sold out and bought 103 acres in this township. In 1859, he disposed of this farm, and in 1860 purchased of Allen Hudson 160 acres, where he now resides. In 1872, he erected an elegant frame residence at a cost of $5,000, and this was destroyed by fire in 1881. On the same foundation and in the same year, he erected a tine brick residence, and in this he still resides. He owhed 380 acres, but has disposed of 160 acres, still owning 220. valued at SlOO and 1110 per acre. Mr. Stinchcomb took an active part in the construction of the Ohio Central Railroad, and in 1861 became a member of a stock company known as Biles, Baker, Gibson & Co., organized for the purpose of conducting a general merchandising business in Sycamore, the capital stock being about $200,000. He withdrew from this firm a few months later, the enterprise not promising to be successful. Mr. Stinchcomb's wife was Miss Hannah C. Little, of this township, and native of Ross County. She was a daughter of James and Mary (Anno) Little, the former born in Ireland, the latter in this State. Her parents were married in Ross County, and moved to Wyandot in 1829, entering land in this township. They had four children. Mrs. Little died in October, 1855, and Mi'. Little was married to Martha Braum in 1859. One child - George A. - was the result of this union. Her father died in 1855, owning 423 acres of land. His widow still survives. By his second wife, Mr. Stinchcomb had eleven children - James S., William A., Louisa S., Josie A., Frank L., Scott W., Elmer E., Estella, Nellie, Maggie J. and J. Johnson - all living but the latter and Louisa S. Mr. S. has served as Treasurer of the township, and Justice of the Peace about eight years. In May, 1864, he enli«ted in Company H, Ohio National Guard, and served three months, being discharged in August, 1864. He is a Republican, and was a delegate to the convention at Cincinnati in 1870, nominating Charles Foster for Governor. He is a prominent member of the F. & A. M., and both he and Mrs. S. have been life- long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Stinchcomb has been a local lawyer for twenty years. In 1883, he and part of his family went to Dakota and purchased 480 acres of land, which he attended to one season, and then left in charge of his son.

PETER K. SHEAFFER, born in Dauphin County, Penn. , August 6, 1846, is a son of Solomon and Sarah E. (Keitei*) Sheaffer, who were natives of Pennsylvania, married in Dauphin County. In February, 1853, his father died leaving four sons and four daughters - Isaiah W., Isaac C, Lydia A., John D., Peter K. and Sarah E. Two are deceased. After th father's death, the rest of the family moved in the same year to Crawford County, Ohio, where Mrs. Sheaffer died in February, 1883. Mr. Sheafter, our subject's father, by his first marriage had one child - William W. , who now resides in Crawford County, his mother Laving died while he was very young. Peter K., the subject of this notice, was obliged to shift for himself at the age of seven. He worked from place to place as best he could till 1858, when he moved with his mother to this township. He then worked three years for Jehiel Konkle; at fifteen, went to Indiana; returned to Crawford County in 1864; worked one year for Jacob Heistand; rented same farm two years, and was married in 1868 to Miss Sarah E. Cowgill, a native of Bucyrus and a daughter of Elisha and Balinda (Clapper) Cowgill, who wei-e natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were married in Bucyrus, her father being engaged in the woolen mills of that place. He died there in 1852, his only child being Sarah E.. born June 26, 1847. At the age of six years, she was placed in the care of William Griffith, of this township, and with him she lived till her marriage. Her mother died in July, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Sheaffer are parents of three children, namely, William W., born August 29, 1870; Nellie A., born June 12, 1874, and Charley C, July 26, 1879. William W. was drowned in a spring April 6, 1873. Mr. Sheaffer has devoted most of his life to farming. In 1882, he moved to the town of Sycamore, and purchased property, where he now lives. He and Mrs. Sheaffer are members of the United Brethren Church; he is a Republican in politics.

PHILIP SMITH was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., November 22, 1806. He is a son of Abraham and Mary (Bellows) Smith, natives of the same State, and of German descent. He was married, September 17, 1833, to Levinah, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Hazen) Rice, all natives of New Jersey. Mrs. Smith was born in Sussex County August 3, 1812. Mr. Smith migrated to Ohio in 1839, and located in this county, of which he has ever since been a resident. He has reared two daughters - Eleanor and Catharine - who are both yet living. He and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Belle Vernon, and highly esteemed in their community. Mr. Smith has been a lifelong Democrat, and is still strong in the faith.

JAMES F. SNODGRASS was born February 5, 1830. He is a native of Lancaster County, Penn. , and son of Samuel and Mary (Peterson) Snodgrass, also natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents were married in Lancaster County, and reared the family there. There were nine children - four now living - Robert, Samuel S., Hannah E. and James F. The latter migrated to Ohio in February, 1867, and located at Sycamore, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine fourteen years, having first graduated at the Medical University of Philadelphia, Penn. In 1879, he purchased 225 acres of improved land in this township, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits, giving but little attention to his profession. He was married, July 20, 1869, to Mary Saffell, of Sycamore, daughter of Augustus and Parmela (Kitchen) Saffell, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass have six children

SAMUEL SPENCER is a son of Nathan and Catharine (Speaks) Spencer, and a native of Jefferson County, Va., where he was born November 11, 1812. His parents were also natives of Virginia, and of Scotch descent. They emigrated to Ohio about 1816, and located in Zanesville. (>atharine Spencer died in 1823 in Zanesville. After her death, Nathan Spencer emigrated to Missouri, and died in 1847. Samuel Spencer was married, in March, 1843, to Barbara Lane, a native of Mviskingum County, and daughter of John and Mary (Millirone) Lane, natives of Maryland, and of German descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1815. John Lane died in 1854, aged eighty-four years; Mary Lane died in 1837, aged fifty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have three children - Charles I., born November 13, 1844; Marietta, December 11, 1846; Celestia I., November 26, 1848. Charles was married, in May, 18GS, to Mary McCan, of Muskingum County; Marietta was married, in July, 1867, to Joel H. Bland, of Licking County; Celestia was married, in October, 1868, to T. F. Blair, of Wyandot County. Mr. Spencer is a Republican in politics, and a Prohibitionist in sentiment from youth up. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as also is Mrs. Spencer.

ANDREW STAFFORD, born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in March, 1811, is a son of Thomas and Margai'et (Stewart) Stafford, who were natives of Maryland. They emigrated to Ohio in an early day, and settled in Jefferson County, where they purchased a farm, and reared a family of nine children, five of whom are now living, namely, Nathan, Andrew, Robert, Mary and Christina. The parents both died in Jefferson County. They were of Irish descent, their parents being natives of Ireland. Andrew Stafford, the subject of this sketch, began life a poor boy. He worked at farming from place to place for some time; spent, some time at the blacksmith's trade, forging sickles; also made several trips on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers as bowsman. In 1838, he purchased 120 acres of land in Sycamore Township, and this land he cleared and improved, subsequently making several trades in real estate. Mr. Stafford was married, in October, 1854, to Bai-bara Walter, of Wyandot County, daughter of Daniel and Susanna (Baum) Walter, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in this county. In 1856-57, Mr. Stafford purchased forty acres, and afterward eighty acres, all in Sycamore Township, where he engaged exclusively in farming. He was married, June 1, 1868, to Mrs. Hannah Whisler, widow of J. K. W^hisler, by whom she had one child, MaryE., who still resides with her mother. Mrs. Stafford is a daughter of Thom and Mary (Cole) Moore, and was born August 19, 1832. Her parents were of Irish descent, and were married in Richland County, where they lived about seven years, then moving to Seneca County, where they reared six children, namely, Hannah, Jane, Mary A., Parthena, James C. and Benjamin W., all living but Jane and Parthena. The father of this family died August 11, 1844, but his wife still survives. Jacob K. Whisler, Mrs. Stafford's former husband, was born October 16, 1832, and died January 10, 1860. He was the eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Kehl) Whisler, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch descent. Mr. Stafford improved his farm in various ways, and in 1872 sold 120 acres. In 1873, he built a fine frame residence on the remaining eighty, at a cost of $3,000, also a barn costing $1,700. In 1882, he sold this farm at $100 per acre, and moved to Sycamore, where he purchased a residence and three lots at $2,200, and now lives a retired life. He also owns six other joining lots, and eighty acres of land, which is valued at $70 per acre. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and favors temperance. His wife and daughter are active workers in the Women's Christian Temperance Union.

W^ILLIAM B. STARR, grain dealer, Sycamore, was born at Carey, Ohio, May 14, 1859; his parents were Hiram J. and Ellen G. (Brown) Starr, natives of Ohio, his father born in Franklin County, Ohio, his mother, the first white child born in Crawford Township, this county. They were married in Carey and reared five children - Laura P., Lydia, Ellen G., James H. and William B., twins. Lydia is deceased. The mother was formerly the wife of Napoleon Carey, by whom she had one child, Emma, who died

1882, to Anna McClure, of Carey, born in Jefferson County, N. Y., daughter of Russell and Milea (Joy) McClure, natives of New York also. Her parents had seven children - Abbie W., Neuton C, Emma J., Herbert R., Thurston W., Anna and Ada B. The deceased are Abbie and Herbert. Mr. Starr has been engaged with his father in the live-stock business for several years, dealing in tine grades of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. Since 1878, he has dealt considerably in grain at Carey, and in 1881 began the business in Sycamore. In 1882, he purchased the large elevator built by George Taylor in 1881, and this he has since operated, doing an extensive business. His line includes all kinds of grain, wool, seeds, live- stock, with coal, salt, etc. In 1882, he erected a fine frame residence in which he now resides. Mr. Starr completed his education in the Spencerian Business College, Cleveland, in 1880. He and Mrs. Starr are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. S. holding the office of Trustee in the same. In politics, Mr. Starr affiliates with the Republican party.

WILLIAM C. STEVENS, son of James M. and Alice (Skinner) Stevens, was born in Erie County, N. Y., March 25, 1821 ; his parents were natives of New York and Canada respectively', and of mixed ancestry - Scotch, Irish, Dutch and English. They moved to Ohio in 1827, and settled in Seneca County; built the first grist mill in Eden Township and reared a family of five children - Elizabeth A.. James M. and Mary A., William C. and Samuel C, all living but Elizabeth A. The father died January 8, 1829; the mother in August, 1841. AVilliam C, the subject of this notice, began merchandising in the town of Melmore at the ago of twenty, continuing in this occupation till 1865. He then sold out his stock of goods and purchased 161 acres in Crawford County, this tract now beiug valued at $75 to $100 per acre. He now resides on 133 acres in this township, the farm being owned by his wife and valued at $100 per acre. Mr. Stevens was married, September 21, 1842, to Mary Dean, a native of New Jersey and resident of Seneca County, daughter of John and Sarah (Dougherty) Dean. Three daughters have blessed this marriage - Laura A., Ann D. and Mary J. Mrs. Stevens died May 15, 1862, and our subject was married, June 13, 1865, to Mary Rogers, of this county, daughter of John and Rachel (Smith) Rogers. Two children resulted from this second marriage, their names are Rolla R. and Myra. Since abandoning mercantile pursuits, Mr. Stevens has turned his attention exclusively to farming and stockraising. He clings to the Republican faith in politics; is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Melmore, and, with Mrs. Stevens, is associated with the Presbyterian Church.

REVERDY STOKELY, son of William B. and Charlotte (Lamon) Stokely, was born in this county February 14, 1856. His parents were natives of Pickaway County, Ohio, and York State, and reared a family of five children in this county; the father died in 1856, the mother May 11,

1883. Our subject lived with his mother till his maturity, but while a mere boy was compelled to do for himself. He was married, September 80, 1880, to Elnora Lupton, a native and resident of this township, and daughter of John K. and Barbara A. (Pontius) Lupton, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. They reared a family of four sons and eight daughters, the father dying May 3, 1882, the mother February 11, 1882, aged seventy and seventy-six respectively. In 1883, Mr. Stokely purchased the old homestead of forty acres, on which he now resides. Mrs. Stokely also owns 80 acres, the whole tract of 120 acres being valued at $75 to $85 per acre. Besides this, Mr. Stokely owns a house and lot valued at about $800 in the village of Petersburg. He gives his attention exclusively to agriculture and stockraising. In politics, Mr. Stokely is a live Republican.

GEORGE TAYLOR, sou of Matthew and Mary (Freeburn) Taylor, was born in Dauphin County, Penn., August 16, 1812. His parents were natives of the same county, and of Irish and English de.scent respectively. They were married in their native locality about the year 1800, their children being as follows: James, William, Elizabeth, George, Samuel and Matthew, the latter dying in infancy. The mother died about 1821, aged forty-five years, the father in 1859; both are interred in Halifax Cemetery, Dauphin County, Penn. Our subject served four and one-half years as an apprentice as a millwright, beginning at the age of fifteen. In 1832, he moved to Ohio, and worked one year in Henry St. John's mill in Seneca County, and with Anthony H. Arnold in Tymochtee Township, this county, six months. He was afterward engaged in Crawford, Morrow, Marion and Seneca Counties in the same work. He was married, June 3, 1841, to Mary C. Fitz Randolph, of Delaware County, Ohio, a native of Brooke County, Va., daughter of Cornelius and Julia A. (Congleton) Fitz Randolph, natives of New Jersey and Virginia respectively. Mrs. Julia A. Fitz Randolph was a dauechter of Moses Congleton, who was Major General in the war of 1812, and whose wife lived to the advanced age of one hundred and four years, their marriage ceremony having been performed by Rev. Alex. Campbell. Ten of thirteen children of this family are still living, namely: Mary C. , Maria, Thomas, Adaline, Charlotte, Rachel, John, James, Hiram and George. The deceased are Congleton, Jefferson and Rebecca. The father of the family died October 7, 1878. The mother is still living in Morrow County in her eighty-fourth year, without a gray hair. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor's children were James, Mary J., Minerva, Thomas, Freeburn, George, Julia and Charlotte, all living but George and Freeburn. In 1843, Mr. Taylor purchased twelve acres of timber land in this township, and soon after erected a fine frame residence, and a lai'ge three and one-half story flouring mill on the same. This mill is yet in good repair, with three run of buhrs, and operated by his son, Thomas. Our subject purchased sixtythree acres adjoining his twelve-acre lot in 1850, and has since owned several different tracts. He gave up the milling business in 1855. He now owns 200 acres of land in this and Eden Township and has given 180 acres to his children. In 1881, he erected in Sycamore a large grain elevator, which he sold to Mr. Starr in 1882. He also built a fine large brick residence in Sycamore in 1882, and is now (1884) completing a large five-story brick flouring mill. He owns 160 acres in Missouri, and is an active business man of good character. He has taken considerable interest in Republican politics since 1861.

GEORGE VAN GUNDY, son of Michael and Hannah Van Gundy, was born August 1, 1831. He is a native of Ross County, Ohio, and was reared a farmer. In 1857, he became the owner of 160 acres of partially improved laud in this township, where he still resides; he has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits; he was married, December 26, 1858, to Mary E. Swinehart, a native of this township, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Milligan) Swinehart, of German and Irish ancestry; her parents had eight childi'en - Nancy A., Rebecca J., Mary E., Hannah C. and Laura A., the only surviving. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy ten children were born - Sabina A., born October 11, 1860; Louisa J., Mai'ch 11, 1862; John U., September 26, 1864; Myrta, October 25, 1866; Hettie, November 15, 1868; Dettie,

April 19, 1871; Cecil R., September 27, 1873: Harry, February 17, 1877; Willie, February 9, 1878; infant daughter, May 18*, 1881. The deceased are Willie, Dettie and the infant. Mr. Van Gundy is a strict Republican of the temperance turn. He and part of his family are associated with the United Brethren Church.

WILLIAM VAN GUNDY was born in Ross County, Ohio, September 21, 1821. His father, Michael Van Gundy was a native of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch descent, and his mother, Hannah (Eyestone) Van Gundy, was a native of Ohio, and of German ancestry. They were married in Ross County, and moved to this township about 1836; he first entered 320 acres, and 160 a few years later. Their children were William, Elizabeth, Abraham, George and Susan ; Abraham and the latter deceased. The father died in 1859; the mother in 1848. William Van Gundy, our subject, was married, February 25, 1844, to Elizabeth Patten, of Crawford County. She was a native of Virginia, and daughter of William and Mary (Bishop) Patten, natives of Ireland and Virginia respectively. They I'esided for some time at Martinsburg, and then removed to Baltimore, where he was employed as a weaver till 1823. in which year he died, leaving one child (the wife of Mr. Van Gundy), who died in this township December 9, 1882. Mrs. Patten returned to Virginia, after the death of her husband, and about 1831 came to Ohio with her brother, and married in Ross County and moved to Crawford County, where she died August 8, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy had nine children - Lewis W^., Laura A., James A., Josephine A., Geoi'ge F., H. Mary, Alwilda A., Lucretia and Ruth. Lewis, George, Lucretia, an infant, and Mrs. Laura Lee, when twenty-five years of age, are deceased. In 3850, Mr. Van Gundy purchased 160 acres, on which he resided about three years, purchasing eighty acres in 1853, and residing on the latter farm till the present time. In 1860 to 1865, he purchased 160 more, now owning 400 acres, valued at $80 to $120 per acre. He has his farm well improved, and is now completing an elegant brick residence at a cost of $4,000; he formerly dealt somewhat in blooded horses, and is now giving considerable attention to the raising of thoroughbred Spanish INIerLno sheep, and blooded hogs, their stock all being registered. Mr. Van Gundy has held the office of township Treasurer for several years, and is a prominent member of the United Brethren Church at Sycamore, his wife also having been a faithful member till her death. Prior to her marriage, she was of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion. Mr. Van Gundy was a Democrat for his first few votes, but favored Republcanism for many years; he is now an active Prohibitionist. His son, James A., is his partner in the stock raising business, in which they are extensively engaged.

DAVID G. WATSON was born August 9, 1835, in Eden Township, Seneca County, Ohio, and is a son of James B. and Mary (Glenn) Watson, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish descent. His parents were married in Center County, Penn., and migrated to Ohio in 1831, locating in Seneca County. There were four children in the family - William A., James G., Ann E. and David G. In 1857, our subject went to California, returning in 1860. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was subsequently three years in the service. He participated in the battles of Winchester, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and many others. Was all through the Wilderness under Gen. Grant, and also took part in the siege at Petersburg, receiving his discharge in July, 1864. Returning from the war he went to the Rocky Mountains, where he was engaged four years in prospecting and mining. In 1870, he returned home, and March 28, 1871, he was married to Rachel A. Dunlap, a native of this township, and daughter of James K. and Mary (Cummins) Dunlap, natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents were married in Richland County, Ohio, and moved to this township in 1840. Their children were William H. , Rachel A., Jane, Laura, Sylvester and James H., all living. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have four children - James D., born December 18, 1872; Glenn C, November 11, 1874; Mary G., July 5, 1877; Anna E., May 2, 1883. In 1876, Mr. Watson purchased 128 acres of land, on which he has erected an excellent frame residence, where he now lives. His farm is mostly improved land, and valuable. He is a Republican, and warmly attached to the interests of his party. Mrs. Watson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

EVAN T. WILLIAMS was born in Licking County, Ohio, December 1, 1846. He is a son of William and Mary (Evans) Williams, natives of Cardiganshire, Wales. His parents were married in Licking County, and had six children, namely: Evan T., Zachariah J., Margaret S., Sarah J., Phoebe A. D. and Susan E., all living but Margaret. The mother died April 30, 1882. Evan T. Williams has always pursued the vocation of an agriculturist. He attended the common schools of his native county, and spent one term in Granville College. In 1881, he moved to this county, and purchased eighty acres of land, which with his improvements he values at $75 to $85 per acre. Mr. Williams was married, March 23. 1876, to Ida M. Keller, native of Licking County, and daughter of Eli and Fidelia (Holler) Keller, also natives of Licking County. Her parents were of German descent, were married in their native county, and reared a family of eight children, namely: Martha J., Lorena, Philo J., Ida M., ^tna, Eli W., Ira C. and Eber A., all living at the present date. The father died December 3, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two sons, namely: Eber K., born September 10, 1877, and Earl R., August 9, 1879. Mr. Williams is a good farmer, and a stanch Republican of the temperance persuasion.

GEORGE C. WILSON was born in Chester County, Penn., October 28, 1839. He is the eldest son of Elisha and Hannah (Wilson) Wilson, who were natives of Pennsylvania and who reared a family of six children - three sons and three daughters, namely: George C, Mary A., Sarah J., Edmond M., Emiline and James, all living. The father died in 1868, at the age of sixty-three. At fifteen our subject was thrown upon his own resources. He worked upon a farm till 1864. On the 2d day of May, 1864, he enlisted as a private to serve in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty- fourth Regiment Ohio National Guard. He was honorably discharged in September of the same year, after which he returned home. He worked at brick and tile making from 1868 to 1880, for Mr. Bare and Lidy & Hamlin, of Seneca County. In 1880, he began the manufacture of brick and tile, in Sycamore, where he with Mr. Shoemaker built a large factory, and is still doing an extensive business. He is in partnership with Mr. E. Shoemaker, and both are thorough, energetic, business men. Mr. Wilson is the owner of some town property, and is well respected as a citizen in his community. He has yet never married. In political sentiment. Mr. Wilson is a Republican.

ALBERT Z. WILSON was born August 20, 1837, in Tymochtee Township, this county. He is a son of Jacob L. and Bathsheba P. (Shotwell) Wilson, natives of New Jersey and of English ancestry. His parents were married in New Jersey and moved to Ohio in 1835, locating in this county. Their children were Elizabeth, Abner, Albert Z,, Levi L., George, Edwin

S. and Walter. The deceased are Elizabeth, Abner and Levi L. The father died March 7, 1863. The mother is still residing on the old homestead. Oar subject was reared a farmer and has always engaged in that pursuit. In 1860, he purchased forty acres in Eden Township, and this he resided upon till 1872, when he sold out and purchased his present farm of sixty-five acres in this township. His farm is watered by good springs, and provided with good buildings. Mr. Wilson was married, June 16, 1859, to Miss Frances Brown, who was born in this county August 21, 1838. She was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Nitz) Brown, natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents migrated to Ohio in an early day, settled in Lexington, and subsequently in this county, where their children were brought up, their names being as follows: John. George, Sarah, Rachel and Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had five children - Rozella R., William L., George E., Eva A., Sarah E. Two only survive - George E. and Sarah E. The mother died November 16, 1873, and Mr. W. was married, September 10, 1874, to Matilda Paulin, widow of Peter Paulin, and daughter of John and Sallie (Forman) Fisher, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. She was born in York County, Penn., December 25, 183L Her parents moved to Ohio in 1837, settled in Columbiana County, and reared a family of eight children - Matilda, George, John, Louis, Emanuel, Eliza, Eli and Sarah, all living but Emanuel and Louis. By her first husband, Mrs. Wilson had two daughters - Louia and Lucy. Mr. Paulin died July 11, 1860. He had been previously married and had two children by his first wife - Uriah and Sallie A.

TILGHMAN ZELLNER is a native of Lehigh County, Penn., and was born February 18, 184L He is the only son of Samuel and Sarah (Gruver) Zellner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English parentage. His parents were married in their native State, and in 1852 moved to Crawford County, Ohio, where they purchased land and resided eight years. They then moved to this township, and became the owners of 240 acres. Their two children were Amanda E. and Tilghman, the foi-mer of whom died about 1870. The mother died in March, 1879, the father in June 1883, aged sixty-two and sixty-eight years respectively. Mr. Zellner worked with his father at the carpenter's ti'ade until sixteen years of age, and then began farming, which he has since continued. In 1879, he purchased his father's farm of 240 acres, upon which he has made some valuable improvements and to which he added eighty acres in 1880. Mr. Zellner was married, April 8, 1862, to Barbara A. Betzer, a native of this township and daughter of Peter and Barbara (May) Betzer, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and of Gei'man ancestry. Her parents were married in Ross County, Ohio, and moved to Wyandot in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Zellner have one son and one daughter - Dora J., born February 15, 1863; and William S. , July 26, 1865. In 1880, Mr. Zellner was elected Justice of the Peace, and in 1883 was re-elected; he is a member of the Nevada Masonic Lodge and McCutcheQ Chapter, and is regarded as one of the foremost farmers of his township. Mrs. Zellner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Wyandot County Ohio, by A.j. Baughman, published 1913; 2,067 words in this source stream.

Sycamore Township

Sycamore township derives its name from Sycamore creek, the nearest approach to a river which courses through its midst, and this creek obtained its name from the many Syeamore trees that grew in the neighborhood. This township les in the extreme northeast of Wyandot county, and formerly belonged to Crawford county, and was originally included in that county in 1821. It is what is known as a fractional township and comprises township 1 south, range 15 east. It is bounded on the north by Seneca county, on the east by Crawford county, on the south by Eden township, and on the west by Tymochtee township. It is six miles in length from north to south and four in breadth from east to west. Being one of the earliest settled townships in this part of the county, the timber has been well cleared off, and thereby it has a decided advantage over some of the other townships, as the farms are more numerous and better developed, and altogether show evidence of a more advanced state.

Of the streams in Sycamore township (which all flow east or northeast), the creek that gave it its name is the most notable. Sycamore creek takes its rise partly in Crawford county and partly in sections 22 and 27, this township. It flows nearly due northwest and ''glideth at his own sweet will'' through sections 21, 16, 17, 18, 7 and a small portion of 6, when it enters Tymochtee township and finally pours its waters into the Sandusky river near Mexico, in the latter township. Mile creek, the most northerly stream, which finds its source in Crawford county, flows in a northwesterly direction through sections 10, 3, 4, 5 and northeast corner of 6, where it enters Seneca county, ultimately finding its way to the Sandusky river. A stream, which enjoys the oleaginous and euphonious title, Greasy creek, contributes its measure to Sycamore creek; it rises in Crawford county, although one of its tributaries has its birth in section 16, this township, and passes through sections 15, 10, 16, 9, 17 and 8, uniting with Sycamore creek in the northwest quarter of section 7. Taylor creek has its main springs in section 34, and after flowing through 33, 27 and 30, penetrates Tymochtee township, and falls into the Sandusky river about a mile west of the township line. Its smallest tributary rises in section 28, courses through section 29 and conjoins with Taylor creek on section 30, and a larger tributary rises in section 34, traversing sections 33, 52 and 31, entering T'ymochtee township and flows into Taylor creek on section 14, latter township. There are to be found some other smaller creeks in various parts of the township. The Wyandot reservation line runs from Tymochtee township eastward through the northern part of sections 31, 32, 33 and 34 for a quarter of a mile, thence south into Eden. /

The first white settler in Sycamore township was Samuel Harper, who, with his wife and seven children, four sons, William, James, Samuel and George, and three daughters, moved into the township March 1, 1821, where he entered 160 acres in section 18, and another 160 acres in section 6. He settled on section 18, and resided there till his death, which occurred October 18, 1821. He was.a native of Ireland, born in 1748, and came to America previous to the Revolutionary war, toward the commencement of which he enlisted. At the battle of Bunker Hill, he received a gunshot wound in the left arm, which was broken below the elbow. This disabling him, he was discharged and he then settled in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, having been married, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, to Catharine Grimes. In the fall of 1818, he moved to Ross county, Ohio, and March 1, 1821, to Sycamore township. He died in October of that year. Mrs. Harper lived on the homestead until 1834, and then moved to Sycamore village, where she died in 1848, having reared all her children to maturity. Alexander Morrow came with Samuel Harper from Ross county, Ohio, March 1, 1821, and lived with the Harper family for a time; he afterward bought land on section 7.

Peter Baum, Sr., came about fifteen days after Samuel Harper, accompanied by Daniel Walters, who afterward married Susanna Baum, daughter of Peter Baum, Sr. He entered ten acres of land on section 18, and died there. Ichabod Myron and Rufus Merriman came about the same period. John Eyestone came from Ross county, entered 160 acres of land in section 7, where he settled.

In 1822 came George Kisor; he entered eighty acres of land, where he died some fifteen or twenty years after, William Lupton succeeded Kisor, coming in the early part of 1823. He settled on section 17, where he entered 160 acres of land, and there died about 1848. He had three sons and one daughter: John, Samuel, Lewis and Massy, all of whom died in Sycamore township, excepting Lewis, who died in Eden township. About the same period came to this township the following: Peter Betzer, William Griffith, Michael Van Gundy, Jeptha Brown, Andrew Clingman, David Ford, the Crawfords and Starkeys, James Milligan, Jesse Ingerson, William Goodman, James and Lorin Pease, and Conrad Betz.

Between 1823 and 1826, Jacob Hershberger and family, Solomon Pontius and family, William Griffith and family, Samuel and Bribner Hudson and their families, Abram and Samuel Bair and their families, Benjamin Van Gundy and family, William Goodman and family, William and Samuel Caughey and families, Jacob Combs and his family, from Virginia; Gershom Cunningham and family.

From 1826 to 1830, Levi Pennington and family came from Virginia; Hampton Ford and family of three sons and one daughter, Benjamin Knapp and family, William Betzer and family, Adam Coon and family and Abram Brown and family.

The first house in Sycamore township was erected by Samuel Harper about the year 1821. It was of hewed logs, dimensions 18x18 feet, one and a half stories high, and it stood till 1834-35. The first saw mill was established by William Griffith in 1830 on section 18, it was operated until destroyed by fire in 1876-77; and the first grist mill was known as Taylor's mill, erected on Sycamore creek in section 17 by George W. Taylor in 1843-44, It had two run of buhrs, and is still being operated. Prior to this mill, settlers had to go to the old Indian mill at Upper Sandusky, to have their grinding done, or to Buck creek in Clark county, Ohio. The first election in the township, which was then a full congressional township, was held at the house of George Kisor near Petersburg, in 1822-23, when a full board of township officers were elected. Prior to 1822, provisions were brought in from the south. At that date a store was established at Old Tymochtee. The first wedding in the township took place in 1826, at the residence of Peter Baum, the contracting parties being Daniel Walters and Susannah Baum, and the first births were Susannah and Barbara Walters (twins), children of Daniel and Susannah Walters. The first death was that of Samuel Harper, which occurred at his old homestead in 1821. The first store in the township was in Sycamore Village, kept by George Harper previous to which settlers went to Delaware for their supplies.

The first school in this township was held in the village of Sycamore, and the first schoolhouse was a round-log structure, 18x18 feet in dimensions, located on section 17. It was erected in 1825-26 by the citizens of the township. The first teacher was Nancy Parmenter, who received the sum of $1 per week as salary, and this amount was raised by subscription. There are now six school buildings in the township.

The first religious services in Sycamore township, before any regular house of worship was erected, were held during the summer of 1822 at the house of Mrs. Harper, John Stewart, a colored missionary, and James B. Finley officiating, and meetings were continued to be held at private houses or cabins, and occasionally on the old camp ground, until the erection ofthe first church in 1834. This place of worship was a frame structure built on section 18, nominally by the Methodists, actually by the united support of the people, regardless of sect.

Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal church of Pipetown. - This society held its first meeting in this township in the old roundlog schoolhouse in about 1834, and in that year their first church building was erected on a piece of ground seventy rods north of the southeast corner of section 10, on the county line of Crawford and Wyandot. It was of frame work, 30x40 feet, and completed at no other cost than the gratuitous labor

United 'Brethren Church in Christ. - The first meeting of this society was held in a schoolhouse by Rev. J. Powell, in the year 1849. Two years later an organization was affected with eleven members. The society continued to worship in this schoolhouse until 1853, when it erected a frame building in Sycamore, at a cost of $800. Later a commodious brick structure was erected.

The only highway that traverses this township from north to south, other than the Crawford county line, is the section line a mile west of Crawford county; three roads cross the township from east to west - one in the center, passing through the town of Sycamore, one a mile further south and a third on the Eden township line. In addition to these there are several others leading either in parallels with or along the section lines, or in an irregular manner, one of which latter inclines in a northwesterly direction from the village of Sycamore to Mexico, in Tymochtee township, and the Morrison state road, which was the first regularly laid out road in the township. The Ohio Central railroad intersects sections 18, 20, 21, 28, 27 and 34, entering this township from Tymochtee.

The small villages in Sycamore township are Deunquat and Petersburg. Deunquat has a Lutheran church under the charge of the pastor of the Lutheran church at Nevada.

Sycamore

Wyandot county has quite a number of pretty and growing villages, of which she is so justly proud that sketches of the most important ones are presented in this work separate from the townships, while the smaller villages and settlements are noticed in the chapters on township histories.

The village of Sycamore presents quite a business-like appearance, the main street of the place being well built up and has some large business houses, which denote the enterprise of its citizens. Other streets are bordered by attractive cottages and substantial residences, making the general appearance of the place compare favorably with that of much larger towns. The place is fast building up, and ere many years will no doubt double its present size. The churches, the schools, the newspaper, benevolent societies, literary and secret societies, and all the advantages of an advanced state in culture and wealth are found here, conferring on this northeastern village of the county an impress of Wyandot's growth in all that contributes to public good.

The village of Sycamore is situated on Sycamore creek and has a population of over a thousand. It was laid out and lots sold in the year 1843, while Sycamore township was yet a part of Crawford county. The village was for the first few years of slow growth, but in time two railroads were built through the town, which added not only to its growth but to its importance. The T. & O. C. railroad runs from Toledo to the southeast through Sycamore, and the Northern Ohio passes through the village from west to east. Additions have been added to the place from time to time till it now has a population of 1,000, and is a prosperous and up to date town.

The first house erected on the site of the village was in 1836. It was for a store and was built of logs, 18x30 feet in dimensions and George Harpster conducted a store there for two years, when he disposed of his stock to William Combs, who continued the business for several vears, when he sold to Gustus Saffel.

As time advanced and the village increased in population other businesses and industries were added, and at present it is not behind any town of its size in the state.