OHIO STATEWIDE FILES OH-FOOTSTEPS Mailing List *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** OH-FOOTSTEPS-D Digest Volume 99 : Issue 448 Today's Topics: #1 Bios from Champaign Co. & Clark Co ["weiser2" ] ------------------------------ X-Message: #1 Date: Fri, 02 Jul 1999 19:40:10 -0400 From: "weiser2" To: OH-FOOTSTEPS-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <377D4DD9.7B237278@neo.lrun.com> Subject: Bios from Champaign Co. & Clark Co. OH Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Biographical Encyclopedia by Pages 638-639. Hedges, Josiah, The founder of Tiffin, Ohio, was born, April 9th, 1778, near West Liberty, Berkeley County, Virginia. He left his father's home at an early age, with the determination to carve out his own fortune. The first enterprise which he undertook on his own account was a trading excursion to New Orleans on a flat-boat laden with fruit, which he floated down the Ohio river from Wheeling to New Orleans, the voyage lasting six weeks. He finally settled in Ohio, in 1801, one year before was admitted as a State, and located in Belmont county, where for a number of years he was one of its most active and prominent citizens. He was the first Sheriff of that county, and for a term of years Clerk of the Court. He next engaged in the mercantile business at St. Clairsville. His capital was limited, but was slowly and surely increased by prudence and sagacity. In those days merchants in the West were wont to purchase their goods in Philadelphia, journeying across the Allegheny mountains on horseback, and carrying their specie in their saddle-bags. In 1819 he opened a branch store in Mansfield, having as a partner his brother, General James Hedges. Soon after this he removed from St Clairsville to Mansfield, and in 1820 made a journey to Fort Ball--it now being a part of Tiffin. He immediately decided to enter the land opposite to Fort Ball, on the east side of the Sandusky river, on which the county seat was located and the city of Tiffin was afterwards built: and proceeding to the Land Office at Delaware, Ohio made the purchase of the same from the government. In 1822 the first stick was cut on that part of Tiffin now in the First ward, and during the same year the first frame house on the town plat was erected and used as a store--now known as the "Old Masonic Hall." He also built, in that same year, a flouring mill on the Sandusky river, and a saw-mill on Rocky creek, both of which were largely patronized by the pioneers of that day. By a prudent and liberal course in disposing of his town lots he saw the place increase steadily in population, and in 1828 he secured the removal of the Lay Office from Delaware to Tiffin, thus giving the town a renewed impetus. In 1831 he was chosen to represent the district in the Ohio Legislature, serving one session. In 1837 he disposed of his store to a son, and retired from trade, giving his attention from that time until his death to his real estate interests in Tiffin, which were necessarily very large. In his younger days he was an athletic and vigorous man, and in his old age retained in a remarkable degree his manly sense and vigor of mind, transacting and managing up to the last his own business affairs. He was generous and just in his dealings with his fellow-men, benevolent to all Christian denominations, in most cases donating the lots on which their churches were erected, and was liberal towards all public improvements. He was a friend to the poor, as many citizens can testify, well remembering his kindness and leniency to them. In all the relations of life he was a just and sincere man. He was a good citizen and a true and steadfast friend. As a father, affectionate and indulgent: and by his kindred, both old and young, he will ever be gratefully remembered. To him they could always go, and his heart was ever open to them. His sagacity and foresight were such that his advice was often sought: and so excellent was his judgement that he rarely erred in giving it. Although not a member of any church, he was a good and true man, and upon his dying couch he expressed to his friends a willingness to die, and assured them of his unfaltering trust in that "Saviour who has promised to save all who may turn towards Him in faith and penitence." He dropped away quietly, as if but entering upon a sleep. Without a groan or struggle the good old man took his departure and passed away "like one that draws the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams." He was first married September 29th, 1803, to Rebecca Russell, in Belmont county, Ohio, and had by this union six children, two only of whom are now living--Mrs. Rebecca Walker, widow of Joseph Walker: and Mrs. Clarinda Hunter, widow of William Hunter, all of Tiffin. His first wife died July 8th, 1816, aged thirty-one years. After a widowerhood of one year he was married, July 10th, 1817, to Eliza Hammerly, of Martinsburg, Virginia, having by this marriage nine children, of whom six are still living--his son William C. Hedges, a real estate dealer in Tiffin: Cynthia A., wife of Luther A. Hall: Mary Jane, wife of A. C. Baldwin: Minerva, Wife of Harrison Noble: Elizabeth, wife of John G. Gross, all residents of Tiffin: and Sarah V., wife of W.W. Armstrong of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio. His second wife died November 10th, 1837. He was last married, October 29th 1844 to Harriet, daughter of Henry Snook of Seneca county, who survives him. He died in Tiffin, July 15th, 1858. Page 655-Urbana Township JOHN M. HELMICK, Urbana: dealer in stoves and house furnishings, is another native and old resident of Champaign Co., born in Urbana May 21, 1818. He is a son of David and Mary (Miller) Helmick, who came from Hamilton Co., where his father settled in 1802. David was a cabinet-maker, and in those early days was a prominent manufacturer, widely and favorably known. The subject of this sketch was born in an old-style log cabin on Water street. A two-story brick, build by his father, now stands on the site of his birthplace. He learned the tinners trade in his youth with the late Sephen L. Miller, an uncle. In 1843, he married Miss Roxaline Miller, of Clark Co., and in 1847, removed to Clark Co., where his wife died in 1848. In 1850, he returned to Champaign Co., and was a prominent dealer in stoves and house-keepers furnishings until 1859, when he returned to Urbana, and has since conducted the same business here. He is now located at No. 13 N. Main street. Mr. Helmick has been identified with the business and other interests of Champaign Co. from his early manhood, and probably, with the exception of Mr. Hitt, is the oldest native resident merchant now actively engaged in merchandising in the city. He married, October 1849, Miss Sarah W. Baker, who was also a resident of Clark Co., and sister of his first wife. Their parents came from New Jersey, and settled in Clark Co. in 1802. From this marriage have resulted four childrenSamuel, William, Osman and Annie. Samuel is married, and all are grown and residents of this county. Page 653-Urbana Township ISAAC B. HAPPERSETT, grocer, Urbana. Mr. Happersett was born in Pennsylvania in 1830: he is the son of William and Elizabeth (Brunner) Happersett, who came from Pennsylvania about 1838, and resided in Urbana until his decease, in 1852: she still resides there with her son. Issac B. learned the trade of carriage-maker and worked at it several years. He clerked in a grocery one year, and in 1859 formed a partnership with Mr. H. C. Hovey, whose biography appears in this work. Their firm has been in operation without change longer than any other in Urbana. Mr. Happersett has been identified largely with the general, as well as the business, interests of Urbana, having been a member of the Council, and its President in 1879. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. He married in 1855, Martha F., daughter of William Sampson: they are both members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. Formerly Second Methodist Episcopal Church, he having been chorister for twenty-five years, and Superintendent of the Sabbath school from 1858 to 1878. She has also been a member of the choir from the beginning of choir singing in the Second Church, as it was then called. Page 653-Urbana Township J.C. HAPPERSETT, of the firm of Happersett & Bro., boot and shoe dealers, Urbana. Urbana, like all cities of its size, is represented with nearly all classes of business, and the above, which is an old and reliable shoe firm, should have proper mention. In March, 1871, the business was opened by Robert R. Young & Co., the Co. being Happersett brothers, who became sole proprietors in March, 1874, since which they have built up a healthy patronage, and are now among the leading boot and shoe dealers in the city, located at No. 3 North Main street. J. C. was born in Columbia, Lancaster Co., Penn., Sept 9, 1835, and at the age of 13 months, his parents brought him to Urbana, where he was raised, and educated in the Union Schools to a good business degree. In May, 1871, he married Miss Maggie C. Dye. A native of Mechanicsburg, Champaign Co., Ohio, but at the date of her marriage was a resident of Madison County, Ohio. They have had four childrenAlice L., Clara, Josephine, and the fourth, James Dye, a bright boy of 6 years 2 months and 18 days, died April 18, 1880. From: The House of Dunlap, by Rev. James M. E. Hanna (pp. 54-55) REVEREND JAMES DUNLAP (1773-1866) (Parents: Major William Dunlap (1743-1816) and Robecca Robertson, a lady of Scottish descent) He was a Baptist minister. He had been reared and educated a Presbyterian and was a devoted member of that church until his marriage at the age of 21, he entered the Church of his wifes father and began preaching in the frontier wilderness of Kentucky. Rev. James Dunlap was the first Dunlap in Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois. He was born in Augusta County, Virginia, July 10, 1773, and died in Jacksonville, Illinois, February 28, 1866, in his 93rd year. At the age of 11 years he went with his fathers family to Kentucky. He married Emily Johnson August 29, 1784 in Kentucky. She was born in Virginia, October 5, 1777, and died in Jacksonville, Illinois, March 13, 1848, at the age of 70 years, 4 months, and 27 days. Rev. James Dunlap, after his marriage, resided several years near Urbana, Ohio. Several of his sons immigrated to Jacksonville, Illinois. In 1844, he moved to Jacksonville and lived surrounded by most of all the members of his family. He was the father of 13 children who lived to be grown men and women. He was a minister in the Baptist Church for more than 50 years. He was blessed by his numerous and highly favored posterity, consisting at the time of his death: 13 children, 83 grandchildren, 106 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. The children of Rev. James Dunlap and his wife, Emily Johnson Dunlap were: William, Rebecca, Mary, John, James, Elisabeth, Nancy, Edward, Jeptha, Stephen, George A., Samuel, Minerva. One of his sisters, Patsy, born June 13, 1798, married Archibald Henderson in Kentucky; later they moved to Illinois and raised a family. Patsy Dunlap Henderson died in Illinois, July 3, 1834, leaving several children, all girls, except William Henderson, who died about 1940. There are many descendants of rev. James Dunlap in Champaign County, Ohio, as well as in Fayette and Bourbon Counties, Kentucky. A large number of grandchildren and great grandchildren are located in and near Urbana, Ohio. The children of John Dunlap ( son of Rev. James Dunlap) and grandchildren reside in Lexington, Kentucky. Many Dunlaps in Virginia, Missouri, and Pennsylvania are descendants of Major William Dunlap or are closely related. They are prominent and outstanding men and women, leaders in public education, and spending freely their hard-earned money and time for other public affairs. Colonel James Dunlap held the School for the Deaf and Blind in his private home until the state could erect a building. They built the Dunlap Hotel in 1856, and The New Dunlap Hotel was built by a descendant. In 1845-1846, the State Hospital was built. The first Board of Directors consisted of Colonel James Dunlap, Judge William Thomas, Owen M. Long, and Joseph Martin, great uncles of Miss Olivia Gertrude Dunlap. (note; this Olivia is the mother of the author, Rev. Hanna). The School of Deaf and Blind followed. Portrait and Biographical Album, Clark Co., OH. DANIEL BRANDLE The recently deceased Daniel Brandle was born in Dauphin County, PA., January 11, 1809. His father, John C. Brandle, a native of Germany, emigrated to America at the age of nineteen years, settling in Pennsylvania, this being at the turn of the present century. The son of whom we write followed shoemaking for a time and for many years he was engaged in carpenter's work, being a general mechanic. He came to Ohio in early life and in this section of the state was well known as one of the early workers at the carpenter's bench. About 1845 he settled upon a farm in Moorefield Township, Clark County, where he resided until his death, September 18, 1889. Mr. Brandle was well known as a man of strict honor and integrity and secured the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. His death was therefore mourned by a wide circle of friends, while to the family in which he had ever been a kind and loving husband and father, the loss cannot be estimated. He had served his fellow-men as Constable and School Director, performing the duties of those offices in a manner creditable alike to himself and those who had placed him in public position. In politics he was a sturdy Republican. He belonged to the Methodist Protestant Church at Pleasant Hill and had officiated as Class-Leader for many years. He was one of the first to advocate the establishment of the society in Moorefield Town ship, and always took an active interest in church affairs. The widow of Mr. Brandle is now occupying the homestead on Section 27, of the township before named, owning fifty acres of the farm on which so many years of her wedded life were spent. She bore the maiden name of Mary Hargadine and is a native of this county in which sh was born Dec. 28, 1815. She grew to maturity here, attending the subscription schools which were held during her youth and acquiring as thorough an education as possible with the facilities then afforded. On Oct 29, 1835, she became the wife of our subject, to whom she was a loving and faithful companion until his death. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. Henkle, a noted pioneer preacher of this county. The golden wedding anniversary was celebrated in 1885, by a large circle of friends and relatives. Like her deceased husband Mrs. Brandle belongs to the Methodish Protestant Church and is highly regarded for her upright life and womanly virtures. She is the mother of six children, the first-born, John W., being deceased. Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Hunter, of Springfield: Sarah is the wife of Joseph Norman of the same City: Angeline, of Springfield: Mary A. is the wife of Henry Beard, of Champaign County: Lena yet remains with her mother. The parents of Mrs. Brandle were William and Elizabeth (Griffin) Hargadine, natives of Maryland, who came to Ohio prior to the War of 1812, in which the father participated. He made a permanent settlement in Moorefield Township, Clark County, when Indians and wild animals were still plentiful here, and like all settlers upon the frontier endured many hardships and privations. He was one of the early constables of this part of the county and was an excellent representative of the class of men who opened the way for civilization in the great Northwestern Territory. He attended school after he was married, in that way securing the education which made him successful in life. To him and his wife eight children were born, of whom the only survivors are Mrs. Brandle, and Matilda, wife of Levi Hoak, of Springfield. The deceased children are: Thomas, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Harriet and John. -------------------------------- End of OH-FOOTSTEPS-D Digest V99 Issue #448 *******************************************