Tully Township (part 2 of 2)

W. K. KENNEDY is financially one of the most prosperous men in Tully Township. He began life by working for $6 a month, and is worth $60,000. He was born February 16, 1818, in Mifflin County, Penn., and is the son of Thomas and Nancy Kennedy, of Irish descent, who came to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1832. The common school gave Mr. Kennedy his education. In 1848, he purchased eighty acres of land, paying $400 cash, wages he had previously earned working by the day or month. His subsequent labors were greatly prospered, having owned at one time 820 acres of good land; he owns 650 acres of land, 375 acres of homestead and 115 acres timbered land in Tully Township, eighty acres in Polk Township and eighty acres in Dallas Township. His stock of thirteen horses is valned at $1,500, ten steers at $500, and 200 sheep. at $1,000. As an index of his labor, we note that he cleared 100 acres of timber land. As a citizen, he has been quiet and successful, never suing or being sued at the bar of justice. Mr. Kennedy contracted his first marriage May 28, 1844, with Miss Margaret Shank, daughter of Jacob and Lydia Shank, of Crawford County, Ohio. Nine children have blessed their union, two dying in infancy; the living are Lydia J. (wife of Samuel Baker). Thomas S., Martha (wife of George Watts), J. W. (at home), Emma (wife of Madison Roberts), Auzilla, and Ella (wife of John Hill). His wife's decease occurred June 29, 1860. In 1862, he married Miss Mary Lance. Their one child, Samira, is the wife of Elsie Jones, of Iberia. Mr. Kennedy is the grandfather of twenty-six children; his attractive home cost $5,000.

MRS. JANE KERR is the widow of James Kerr, and the daughter of William and Arniel Noble, who came from Rome, Ireland, soon after their marriage, about 1790. ` Mrs. Kerr's marriage occurred August 18, 1832, in Tully Township, where she now resides. Mr. Kerr entered 160 acres. She recalls vividly to mind the owls, wolves and suspicious Indians frequenting her door. Her husband's death took place in 1841, leaving five children, all less than seven years of age, for his widow to care for. She bravely labored, and, like a true heroine, conquered. Following are the names of her children: Elizabeth (wife of Alexander Cochran), Andrew (who died from disease contracted in the war), Augustine (at home), William (of Illinois) and Mary Ann (deceased) This mother, with her little boys, cleared fifty to sixty acres of timber land. Since 1830 she has been a faithful, consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and is now only waiting for the Master's call, " Come up higher."

JOSEPH LANCE is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born J anuary 10, 1845, the son of George and Susan Lance, of Pennsylvania. The common school gave him his education, and he remained with his parents until marriage. April 8, 1867, he married Miss Catherine Hart, daughter of David and Gertrude Hart, of Tully Township. Four children have blessed this union - Phoebe, James S., Gertrude and Maud. He bought his present farm of eighty acres in 1870, paying $30 per acre; he also has a good farm of ninety-four acres in Crawford County; he built his house in 1879. He is a member of the Disciple Church, and is an energetic and worthy citizen.

HENRY LEATHAM was born January 21, 1804, the son of William and Mary Leatham; the former emigrated from Ireland about 1794. Our subject received a fair education and taught two terms of school. He came to his present farm in 1834, entering 160 acres. and clearing, with his boy's help, 185 acres. He accompanied William Blair to this place January 6, 1835. He married Miss Mary Black, daughter of John and Catherine Black, of Virginia; he met this lady while teaching. Their union has been crowned with nine children, seven of whom are living; Amanda J. died aged twenty-four years. The surviving are William W., Mary C. (wife of Henry Spranner), Sarah (wife of Samuel Lennis), Agnes (widow of Joseph McClung), John B., Luther M. and Joseph W.; John B. was wounded in the late war while gallantly carrying his stricken Colonel from thé field. Mr. Leatham has been a Republican since the formation of the party, but voted at first for Gen. Jackson. He has been an earnest worker in the United Presbyterian Church at Iberia.

MATHEW McKINSTRY, the subject of this sketch, is very comfortably and pleasantly situated one mile south of Martel, in Tully Township. He was the son of John and Mary McKinstry; the former was born in Antrim County, Ireland, in 1778, and was brought to this country when only eighteen months old. He passed the majority of his days in Franklin and Washington Counties, Penn. In the war of 1812, he belonged to the " Light Horse Brigade," and was on his way to do service when he was discharged at Pittsburgh. His family consisted of six children, all of whom are living. Maria, aged seventy-six years, the widow of James Brownlee, resides with our subject, who is next to the youngest. Mr. McKinstry was born in Washington County, Penn., June 19, 1515, and, receiving a limited education, came West with his parents in 1833, settling where he still resides. His father entered 160 acres, and purchased eighty acres more lying immediately west of the first, paying $600 for the latter. Thus did Mr. Me. Kinstry's father invest $800 in a wilderness. Around his father's hearth fire also played Maria, Rosanna, James, Thomas and Rebecca. The Me- Neals, the Dicksons, the Nasters, the Bentleys and the Clydes were their near neighbors. Mathew grew up to mavhood, and married Miss Phebe Garberson, a daughter of Wiltiam and Eleanor (Slater) Garberson, and they have had eleven children, five married - four daughters and one son; the names of his sonsin-law are J. F. Morrow, J. W. Hubbert, R. R. Douce and John Neff, all strong temperance Republicans; the name of his daughter-in-law is Nettie (Williams) McKinstry. He began in life by purchas- ing 160 acres, but has added to that until he owns 451 acres of highly tillable land. He has given his time and energies exclusively to the farm, with the above.result. He isa leading farmer of his township, and an exemplary citizen; is a stanch Republican, representing the temperance wing. He has acted as Clerk of his township, and himself and family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Iberia. Mrs. McKinstry is an agreeable lady, and vies with her husband in giving the stranger a cordial reception within their doors.

ALLEN McNEAL, the subject of this notice, was born in Washington County, Penn., June 17, 1809, and came with his parents to Marion County in the spring of 1827, where they settled upon a farm in what is now Tully Township, which farm he owned at the time of his death. He lived in this county on that farm or in the near vicinity in Morrow County. He was descended of Scotch-Irish stock and developed many of the characteristics of that stronp-minded, rugged people. His long residence in this county, his prominence, extensive acquaintance, and his strong personality demand more than passing mention. Of strong and vigorous mind, wide and extensive general information, he was logical in thought, loved argument and always attracted attention to his views. It is said that he attended school but about three months, yet by solitary study he acquired a liberal education, including nearly all the sciences tanght in our colleges. He was not satisfied either witha smattering, but was only contented when he had mastered a study. Of modest and retiring disposition, he was noted for preferring the right to the merely popular. Notwithstanding his lack of mere policy in his action he was appreciated. In early manhood, he was elected and served as Colonel of his regiment of Ohio Militia. He wag also repeatedly elected to offices in his township, although he was always in the minority party. He attracted more attention and became more widely known because of his determined opposition to slavery than for any other reason, and any notice of him would be lacking which did not note this fact, He was an original Abolitionist. It he ever had a hobby it was a worthy one, for it was human freedom and political equality. He was originally a Whig, but soon become a Free-Soiler, and was a member of that party until the organization of the Republican party, which then resolved against the territorial extension of slavery. He was the candidate of the Abolitionists for Congress - of course without hope of election. Everybody now says that slavery was wrong. Allen McNeal said so when it was dangerous 80 to express himself. He made speeches against the "crime of ages" when it was the custom to break up such meetings and to mob and egg the speakers. He passed through these scenes never faltering or wavering in what he deemed his duty. He practiced, too, what he professed, keeping a station on what was known as the Underground Railroad, and helping many a poor fugitive on his way from the darkness of slavery to the light cf freedom. The poor, oppressed and needy always demanded more of his attention and time than their more fortunate neighbors. No man was too poor, if he behaved himself, to sit with him at his table. All who happened at his home at the right time were invited to partake of his hospitality, but the laborer, white or black, sat down first. In those days, when prejudice was strong, his action was frequently resented, but the visitor who would not sit with a black man would have to wait. For many years, this course brought upon him ridicule and scorn, but later it won the respect of all. He was radical in all matters of belief. He thought the use of liquors as a beverage, and the use of tobacco, injurious, and was consequently an ab- stainer and an advocate of abstinence. He was public. spirited. He was one of the founders and particular friends of Ohio Central College at Iberia, which, through the influence of him and men like him, years ago opened its doors to all, male and female, white and black. He continued official connections with this school until his death. After his removal to Morrow County, but a short time ago, he assisted in organizing a Farmers' Club in that communit,, which proved to be eminently successful and profitable, and during his illness he prepared a paper or lecture which was read before the club only last March. He was a religious man. In early life, he joined the Associate, now the United Presbyterian Church, and for forty years last past he was Ruling Elder and the Clerk of the session of the Church of Iberia. His Christianity was of the quiet unobtrusive kind, never boastful or arrogant, and was evidenced rather by his life, and his discharge of religious duties than by speech. He was, 1n religious matters, as in all others, radieal and thorough in his belief, yet sufficiently charitable to believe that others might honestly entertain views differing with his. He was so extreme in his views as to the proprieties of speech that he would not tolerate about him the use of the aparent most innocent of expletives or by-words, always saying ''Let your yea be yea," etc. He was in sympathy with every cause that aimed at the assistance and elevation of the poor, and his sympathy was evidenced by work and actual giving rather than by talk. Circumstances rather than choice seem to have made him a farmer, for his wish was to practice law, yet he pursued his calling with a good measure of success. His motto was, * Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well," and he tried to live by it. A useful and respected member of the community, he enjoyed its confidence and friendship, and was universal]y respected. He died at his residence in Iberia, Morrow Co., Ohio, on Sabbath, July 1, 1888, aged seventy-fonr years and fourteen days. His fu. neral services were held at the United Presbyterian Church in Iberia, and was largely attended.

MRS. ROSANNA NEFF is the widow of Godfrey Neff, who was the son of Michael and Rosanna Neff, originally from Germany. He was born on ship while his parents were coming to America in 1818. Mrs. Neff's maiden name was Mutchler. Her parents came from Germany also, about 1825. In 1834, when Mrs. N. was only eight years old, her parents died, both the same day. Mr. and Mrs. Neff were married February 26, 1846. having spent two years near home in Pennsylvania. They emigrated near " Sandusky Plains," but moved to their present place in the spring of 1849, here they purchased eighty acres, to which ninety-seven have since been added. Mr. N. cleared in his day some seventy-five acres. Nine children were born to this couple - Mary, A., wife of Peter Christman; Jacob (de. ceased); John, a carpenter; Elizabeth, wife of Alfred Campbell; Samuel, a school teacher; Catherine C., an excellent musician; Joseph W.. caring for home place; Emma and William N. The father was removed by death i D, aged fifty-seven years.

i E SAT PLOTNER is the widow of Joseph Plotner. and was born in Northumberland County, Penn., February 11, 1815, one of sixteen children, and the daughter of John and Catherine Crissinger. Her grandparents came from Germany. Her people came to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1832. Her marriage to Mr. P. took place in May, 1835; in 1845, they purchased eighty acres of their present home, now consisting of 220 acres. Joseph Plotner was a strong, vigorous, active and highly respected citizen. He filled with great commendation the offices of pose PERRE and Clerk of the township, but his earthly career was cut short by death at the age of fifty -five years; he left an estate of $15,000. His widow is still strong, and a consistent member of the Reformed Church. She has two sons living with her - J. W. and John Plotner; the former owns one-half interest in an engine (Westenhouse), thresher and huller. At Mount Vernon last year (1882) they threshed 25,000 bushels of grain. John D. * shares " the old farm. His marriage to Miss Emma F. Simpson occurred May 9, 1875. She is the daughter of George and Rebecca Simpson, of Crawford County, Ohio, and they had three children, one dying when. an, infant. The names of the living are Harley R. and Melvin L.

MRS. CATHERINE (RISER) ROSTON was born March 16, 1822, in Wurtemberg, Germany; when aged six years she was brought to America, settling at Zoar, Ohio, then at Lexington, Ohio, but in 1841 came to Marion County, locating near the "Canaan Church" in Tully Township. Our subject worked by day or week unti! about thirty years old, when she married James Roston; they lived until 1873 in Morrow County, Ohio. She at present owns her farm of forty acres, and has acquired a good source of income. She has been a faithful member of the Free-Will Baptist Church for forty years. Her three children are Miles C., Mary L. and Nettie L.

MILES ROSTON, son of Catherine Roston, was born September 22, 1854; and at eight years of age was put to cutting corn with a case-knife. His education is good, having attended the Iberia Seminary one term. For seven years, he has been a regular communicant of the Presbyterian Church. He owns twenty acres of good land adjoining his mother's.

TIMOTHY SHARROCK was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, October 9, 1819, the son of Tiniothy and Ellen (Cronck) Sharrock, who were married and removed to Senecaville, Guernsey County, before the war of 1812, where they lived and died, the father in the summer of. 1879, aged ninetyfive years; his brother Benjamin died at Iberia in January, 1881, aged one hundred and seven years. Timothy's grandfather, Rev. James Sharrock, served as Chaplain in the war of the Revolution, and died in the same 'county as his brother, about 1826, aged ninety-five years. Mrs. Sharrock died in the winter of 1840, aged ninety-tive years. Timothy is the ninth of twelve children. He was reared on a farm, and his advantages for an education were limited ; he helped to clear the homestead, and rernained at home until he attained his majority. In the fall of 1841, he settled in Crawford County, Ohio. In 1857, he moved to Tully Township, buying eighty acres of woodland of Joseph Moody. He was obliged to clear a site for a home. He made several additions, owning at present 233 acres; has one corner in Three Locusts, so that his residence and three houses and lots belonging to him lie in the village. His marriage took place in 1841, to Miss Jane Overly, daughter of John and Mary Overly. "They have had nine children, four living - Ellen, wife of John P. Watts; James, married to Rebecca Reed; William W., to Phoebe Swisher, and George W., to Elizabeth Reichert. Mr. and Mrs. Sharrock have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church forty years. He has'served in nearly all the offices of the church, and was a prominent contributor to the building of Whetstone Chapel. He left Guernsey County with $5, and came into Tully Township with $100. He is one of the solid financial men of his township.

JACOB SLAGLE is a native of Athens County, Ohio, and a son of Joseph and Mary Slagle. His father's family lived at one time in Pickaway County, Ohio, then in Scott Township; later, near Marion, but at present resides in Hardin County, Ohio. The old gentleman, seventy-four years of age, is still hale and hearty. Jacob received a fair education, but has followed farming all his days. He purchased this farm of 140 acres at $60 per acre in 1874. He ie a consistent Christian, having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church the past sixteen yéars, and having served in nearly every official capacity. He is raising good stock, and in cattle, preferring the Durham blood. He married, March 2, 1858, Miss Jane Foos. His children are Mary A., wife of Jones Miller, Joseph A., Elizabeth M. and E. Grant.

CHRISTOPHER STEINHELFER was born February 14, 1820, in Germany, the son of George and Mary Steinhelfer. He was brought to this country by his uncle Christopher Dingle, when eighteen months old. His passage cost $55, which he was obliged to repay in later years; he lived several months with this uncle, and also with Jacob Shéar several years. In 1848, he bought forty acres of his present farm, which now comprises 190 acres; his house eost $2,000, and his barn $1,000; he values his farm at $15,000. As another evidence of his ability to work, he has cleared 100 acres of land, and never' found but two men that could keep up raking and binding after his cradling. In 1838, he married Lydia Crock, daughter of George and Eve Crock, of Crawford County, Ohio. Fourteen children were born to them, three dying young. The living are George, Henry, John, Tobias, Samuel, William, Elizabeth (wife of Frank Rush), Joseph, James, Daniel and Mary J. His wife died in 1872, and May 18, 1875, he married Mrs. Barbara Purpey, and they have had four children - Henry A.; Sophia A., wife of John Allmen; Emma J., widow of Joseph Moore, and Elizabeth C., wife of William Steinhelfer. Mr. S. and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Class-Leader and Steward.

JACOB H. SULSER is oneof Tully's wealthiest citizens, living in the northeast part of the township. He came from Baden, Germany, where he was born of humble parentage, September 30, 1835. His mother, with $18 in money, landed with him when ten years of age at New York, having shipped as a common steerage immigrant; they immediately found their way to Galion, where they lived with Louis Boyal for two years. Their mother married George Buch, of Whetstone, Crawford Co., Ohio; they passed the first winter with nothing but blankets for doors to the cabin. Mrs. B. is still living, though her husband died in 1857. Jacob married when twenty-one, living with his father-in-law, George Brick, one year; then, receiving forty acres from both his father and father-in-law, he located near his father's farm. He built a cabin upon it, and lived there three months, when his father's death caused him to return to his mother, with whom he lived till 1861. Mr. Sulser served three years in the civil war, and was engaged in thirteen battles, received three slight wounds, never taken prisoner, never wholly disabled, marched with Sherman to the sea, and was honorably discharged in July of 1864. His regiment was the Highty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Upon his return from the service, he found he had saved $1,000 of bis pay as a soldier, with which he purchased eighty of indebtedness. For the past thirty years, he and his wife have been identified with the German Reformed Church, located in Whetstone Township, which church he has served in every official capacity. Mr. Sulser has also plied the carpenter's trade for the past seven years. The products of his labor are the comfortable residences of Adam Christman, Benjamin Shearer and David Jones. His marriage to Miss Elizabeth Brick took place

September 11, 1856,and thirteen children have been born to them, three dying in infancy. Their names are Jacob W., George A., Mary (wife of W. Pletche, of Whetstone Township), Catherine, John, Samuel, William, Henry, Manda and Tilla (twins).

MRS. PRISCILLA WRENN is a pleasant landlady, living at Three Locusts, Ohio, and was born December 22, 1836, in Kenton County, Ky. She was the eldest child of John and Alice Atkinson, natives of New York. Her father came from Durham County, England, about 1820. The Lord Mayor of Sunderland, England, is her own cousin; his father built a. ship with his own money, christening it '' Mary Mathew" after his wife. Mrs. Wrenn's ancestors came from Scotland. When aged eighteen years, she married John W. Burton, a wealthy citizen of Boone County, Ky., thus connecting herself by blood and marriage to many of the first families of Kentucky. Mr. Burton was a slaveholder, having at one time twenty-five slaves, many of them very valuable; one sold for $1,200, another for $950, and a third for $850. Mr. B. was "draftec" into the Confederate army, buying his way out, but her father and brothers were captured in Missouri by the Union army. Mr. Burton died of consumption at the age of fortyeight years. Mrs. B. married Alfred Wrenn, of Morrow County, Ohio, June 12, 1875. This union did not prove happy, so they lived together only three and a quarter years. In 1878, Mrs. W. purchased fifty-three acres of land near the village of Three Locusts, and is at present keeping (1883) a respectable boarding house. She presides very cheerfully at her board, giving the stranger little suspicion that she once was a belle of Kentucky. Her children by Mr. B. are John W., Susan M. (wife of Albert Tullilove), Laura M. (wife of Clay Vance), and William W. Mrs. W. has been a member of the Church of Christ for thirty years.