Sandy Township
A Brief History
Statistically, Sandy Township is one of the seventeen townships of Stark County, Ohio, United States. On March 16, 1809, the Stark County commissioners divided the county into townships. “Sandy Township (election at the residence of Isaac Van Meter), to include the fifteenth and sixteenth townships in the sixth range and sixteenth and seventeenth townships in the seventh range.” Brown Township was formed in 1815, Harrison Township in 1817, and Rose Township in 1818, leaving Sandy Township as Survey township 17 of range 7. With the formation of Carroll County in 1833, two miles off the east side of the township were annexed to Brown Township, leaving a four mile wide township. In 1833, Sandy Township contained two gristmills, four saw mills, one fulling mill, and three stores. It remains the smallest township in Stark County.
The 2010 census found 3,675 people live in our township; this was a slight decrease from the 2000 census, which found 3,679 people in the township. The majority of our residents 2,059 lived in the unincorporated portions of the township. Our history is rich and full of hardworking individuals who have impacted our unique township and the world around us in many ways. We have selected to showcase a few of those residents that have made us who we are today.
THOMAS A. BARNES, farmer; P. O. Waynesburgh. The grandfather of our subject, Gen. Barnes, was a native of Ireland, where he married Jane Parks; they emigrated to America and first settled in Pennsylvania, subsequently removing to Sandy Twp., where they remained until their deaths. They were parents of four children – Andrew, who died in Iowa; Thomas, the father of our subject; Ann Beatty, now a resident of Carroll Co. and Robert, living in Iowa. Thomas was born in Pennsylvania, and came with his parents when they came to Ohio about 1824; he married Miss Ann Guiney, of Sandy Twp., and was engaged in agricultural pursuits in the township until his death, in 1836; his wife is still living in Carroll Co. Their children are as follows – Elizabeth, Calwell, living in Carroll Co.; Jane Sutton, a resident of Jefferson Co., and Thomas A. born in 1836, after the death of his father. His mother subsequently married Francis Brothers, and removed to Paris Twp., where our subject passed his early days. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 104, O. V. I., and was in severe and active service until the close of the war. In the fall of 1865, he married Emma H. Tritt, of Minerva, and in 1866, removed to Brown Twp., and in 1866, removed to Brown Twp., and engaged in farming, residing there until 1874, when he was elected to the responsible position of County Treasurer, he removed his family to Carrollton, and for four years faithfully and honorably administered the affairs of that office. In 1879, he came to Sandy Twp., and purchased the Firestone farm, about one-half mile North of Waynesburgh, where he has since resided. He has 80 acres of fine valley land, and has improved his place by an elegant, and tasty residence Mr. Barnes is an efficient and practical man in all things, and deserving of the esteem and respect accorded him. They have one child, Henry F., at home.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 817
IRA BOWMAN, farmer; P. O. Magnolia; is a son of John Bowman who was born in Pennsylvania in 1802, and came to Pike Tp., when he was a boy, with his parents; he remained in that township until he was married to Lydia Whitner, of Bethlehem Tp., when he removed to Sandy Tp., and has been a resident there since, and until a few years ago engaged in farming; he is now living with his son, Henry who has purchased the old homestead farm, and is taking care of his parents in their declining years; they have had seven children – five now living – Sarah Bonbrak, living in Indiana; John in California; Henry, Hannah Newton, a resident of Carroll county; and Eli; Lydia, died while young; Samuel was a volunteer in the U. S. Service in the 51st O. V. S.; was taken prisoner at Chickamauga, and died in Andersonville prison; Eli was born in Sandy Twp., in 1845, and has been a resident of the township since; he has devoted his extire attention to agriculture, and is one of the successful and respected farmers of that section; he bought his present location in 1870; he has 100 acres of improved land, and cultivates it to general farming; he was also in the late service, enlisting in the 162nd O. N. G., and was with his company during its entire service; he was married in November, 1866, to Miss Emma J. Miller, a native of Tuscarawas Co.; they have three children living – Samuel M., Riley E., and Eli N. Mr. Bowman is now serving as one of the Township Trustees, and has always been found upon the right side in matters of public improvement and education. Henry Bowman was born in Sandy Tp., in 1840; he is now farming the old homestead farm which he has recently purchased; he has 100 acres of the fertile land which lies adjacent to the “Sandy Valley,” and does a general farming businessiness; he has an extended army experience, being a meber of the 51st O. V. I., and in active and arduous service for three years; he participated in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Atlanta, and all the battles of the Army of the Tennessee; he was married in 1868 to Elizabeth A. Farber, of Carroll Co.; they have four children – John F., Elizabeth, Franklin P., and Maggie M.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 817
ELI BROTHERS, farmer; P. O. Magnolia; is an extensive farmer of the township and a representative of an old pioneer family. His father, Jonas Brothers, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came with his parents to Stark Co., when a lad; they located in Pike Tp., and were residents of that community the remainder of their lives. Jonas married in that locality Polly Bordner, and passed the greater portion of his life there; he died in Hancock Co.; his wife died in Sandy Tp., she was the mother of twelve children, of whom the following are now living – Esther, Mrs. Cox, a resident of Hancock Co.; Eli, Jacob, living in Canton Tp.; Ananias in Hancock Co., and Martha, Mrs. Darr also living in Canton Tp. Ananias was a soldier of the late war, serving about four years. Eli was born in Pike Tp., in December, 1823. He was reared and brought up upon a farm, and has made that occupation his life work. Commencing life with no pecuniary assistance he has accumulated a large tract of fertile and improved land, which is the direct result of honest and efficient industry. He now owns 450 acres, a portion of which lies in Pike Tp. His land is cultivated to general farming, but he also gives a large share of attention to sheep-raising, usually shearing from two to three hundred annually. Mr. Brothers was united in marriage in 1853 to Miss Sarah Bowman, daughter of Henry Bowman, of Pike Tp. They have six children – John, now in Canton; Emma, Mrs. Sickafoose in Pike Tp. ; Cora, Curtis A., Hallie and Nannie. Mr. Brothers has been a resident and land-owner of the township since 1848, when he purchased part of the land upon which he now lives. He has served the township as Trustee, and always takes a leading hand in matters of public interest and importance. He, with his wife, is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 817
GEORGE CASPER, farmer; P. O. Magnolia; was born in Alsace, now a German possession, in 1819. His parents, Jacob and Margaret Casper, emigrated to America about 1832, settling in Sandy Twp., where the remainder of their days was passed. George has followed the occupation of farming all of his life, and has been a resident of the township since the removal of his parents there. He now owns 240 acres of land, and his homestead farm is finely improved with buildings, and ornamented by a new and elegant residence. He was married in 1846 to Miss Louisa Ullman, of Rose Township, Carroll Co. They have twelve children, all living – William, a resident of Pike Twp.; Hannah Tresler, living in Sandy Twp.; Jacob, in Indiana; Susannah Richards, in Indiana; Isaac, living in Indiana, teaching school; Henry, in the harness trade, Waynesburgh; Annis Newton, Pike Twp.; James, Ida, Edward, Curtis and Abraham. Mr. Casper is one of the solid, substantial farmers of the township, and universally respected.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 820
AUGUSTUS R. ELSON, miller; P. O. Magnolia; is a son of Richard Elson, a native of Brooke Co., Va.; horn July 12, 1797. Richard Elson passed through a varied and interesting life; he was raised upon a farm, and began life for himself upon the Ohio river, engaged in carrying provisions down the river upon flat-boats, which he had built himself, and disposing of the whole cargo in Southern cities. This occupation he was engaged in for seven years. He would walk the entire distance back to his home at the end of his trip, carrying his money in a knap-sack and using it for a pillow, many nights lying out under the stars. Upon one occasion, upon arriving South, he found an epidemic raging with such violence that he was forced in order to get home, to make a coast-voyage to New York, from which place he walked home. He came to Ohio soon after his parents had settled in Osnaburg Tp. and bought a small piece of land near there. After the death of his father, he, with his brother, operased and controlled the home farm. He soon after began large and extensive farming operations in Sandy Township, entering a quarter section of land, where C. C Elson now lives. About 1834-5 he purchased three quarters of land in and around Magnolia, in partnership with John W. Smith. They erected a sawmill, and sawed out the timber for the gristmill, which was coon after erected. The mill was originally made 40 feet square; it has been in operation from that time forward, and has made an extended reputation. They also located the town of Magnolia, which is now a thriving village. Soon after Mr. Elson moved his family upon his land, there occupying a small log house for some years. He then disposed of his share in the mill property to Smith, and removed to his farm north of Waynesburgh, remaining there until 1839, when he bought the entire mill property and moved to Magnolia, where he resided until his death. He disposed of the mill to his son, Augustus R., in 1851, and was extensively engaged in farming until his death. He was one of the largest hind owners in the township, and the land purchased by him, although condemned by others, proved to be the most fertile and valuable in that region. He secured the post-office for Magnolia, and was Postmaster for many years; also served in many other offices of public trust. He was married in 1827 to Miss Sophia F. Boegeb of Waynesburgh; she died in 1829, leaving three children—Margaret and Catharine — twins. Margaret, now the wife of Wm. H. Greer, of Magnolia, and Catharine, wife of Dr. Whitacre, now living in Iowa, formerly of Magnolia, and the subject of this sketch. Mr. Elson was married to a second wife, Sarah A. Brandon, of West Virginia; she died in 1847, leaving three children—Mary F. Redman, living in Iowa, Corwin C., of Sandy Tp., and Richard, jr. Mr. Elson died Aug. 28, 1879. A. R. Elson was born in Sandy Tp., in 1829. He began life upon his father’s farm, and upon their removal to Magnolia, and commencing milling operations, he entered the mill, and became thoroughly conversant with that occupation. To this he has devoted his entire life, and at it he has achieved a wonderful success. Mr. Elson has, by continued re-building and enlarging, secured one of the largest mills in that section. He is continually adding new and improved machinery, and contemplates, during the season of 1881, to build more additions to his buildings, and thoroughly overhaul it and add new features. His power is furnished by the best water canal imaginable, and is sufficient to run his immense establishment day and night, during the entire year. Something of an idea can be furnished by the statement of the amount of business done by him; from the wheat season of 1880 until April, 1881, ground over 31,000 bushels of wheat. Mr. Elson is one of the prominent, enterprising business men of Ohio. Honorable in all of his dealings, and possessing genial and social attributes of high order, he honors to the utmost the community in which he resides. He was united in marriage in December, 1855, to Margaret E. Ross, of Waynesburgh. They have seven children living – Austin R., born June 17, 1857; Richard R., born Mar. 8, 1860; Emma F., born Aug. 18, 1802; John R., born Apr. 3, 1865; Frank, born Sept. 16, 1869; Maggie E., born Jan. 24, 1874, and Harry E., born Sept. 27, 1879. Mr. Elson has served as township trustee, has been of great service to the educational interests of Magnolia, and is identified with the development of all public measures that promise to advance the interests of the people. He owns and operates a saw and planing-mill, and was the originator of Chaddock & Sons’ Woolen Mill of Magnolia. He erected in Magnolia, in 1878-79, an elegant brick residence, which is finely appointed.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 820
AUGUSTUS R. ELSON, miller; P. O. Magnolia; is a son of Richard Elson, a native of Brooke Co., Va.; horn July 12, 1797. Richard Elson passed through a varied and interesting life; he was raised upon a farm, and began life for himself upon the Ohio river, engaged in carrying provisions down the river upon flat-boats, which he had built himself, and disposing of the whole cargo in Southern cities. This occupation he was engaged in for seven years. He would walk the entire distance back to his home at the end of his trip, carrying his money in a knap-sack and using it for a pillow, many nights lying out under the stars. Upon one occasion, upon arriving South, he found an epidemic raging with such violence that he was forced in order to get home, to make a coast-voyage to New York, from which place he walked home. He came to Ohio soon after his parents had settled in Osnaburg Tp. and bought a small piece of land near there. After the death of his father, he, with his brother, operased and controlled the home farm. He soon after began large and extensive farming operations in Sandy Township, entering a quarter section of land, where C. C Elson now lives. About 1834-5 he purchased three quarters of land in and around Magnolia, in partnership with John W. Smith. They erected a sawmill, and sawed out the timber for the gristmill, which was coon after erected. The mill was originally made 40 feet square; it has been in operation from that time forward, and has made an extended reputation. They also located the town of Magnolia, which is now a thriving village. Soon after Mr. Elson moved his family upon his land, there occupying a small log house for some years. He then disposed of his share in the mill property to Smith, and removed to his farm north of Waynesburgh, remaining there until 1839, when he bought the entire mill property and moved to Magnolia, where he resided until his death. He disposed of the mill to his son, Augustus R., in 1851, and was extensively engaged in farming until his death. He was one of the largest hind owners in the township, and the land purchased by him, although condemned by others, proved to be the most fertile and valuable in that region. He secured the post-office for Magnolia, and was Postmaster for many years; also served in many other offices of public trust. He was married in 1827 to Miss Sophia F. Boegeb of Waynesburgh; she died in 1829, leaving three children—Margaret and Catharine — twins. Margaret, now the wife of Wm. H. Greer, of Magnolia, and Catharine, wife of Dr. Whitacre, now living in Iowa, formerly of Magnolia, and the subject of this sketch. Mr. Elson was married to a second wife, Sarah A. Brandon, of West Virginia; she died in 1847, leaving three children—Mary F. Redman, living in Iowa, Corwin C., of Sandy Tp., and Richard, jr. Mr. Elson died Aug. 28, 1879. A. R. Elson was born in Sandy Tp., in 1829. He began life upon his father’s farm, and upon their removal to Magnolia, and commencing milling operations, he entered the mill, and became thoroughly conversant with that occupation. To this he has devoted his entire life, and at it he has achieved a wonderful success. Mr. Elson has, by continued re-building and enlarging, secured one of the largest mills in that section. He is continually adding new and improved machinery, and contemplates, during the season of 1881, to build more additions to his buildings, and thoroughly overhaul it and add new features. His power is furnished by the best water canal imaginable, and is sufficient to run his immense establishment day and night, during the entire year. Something of an idea can be furnished by the statement of the amount of business done by him; from the wheat season of 1880 until April, 1881, ground over 31,000 bushels of wheat. Mr. Elson is one of the prominent, enterprising business men of Ohio. Honorable in all of his dealings, and possessing genial and social attributes of high order, he honors to the utmost the community in which he resides. He was united in marriage in December, 1855, to Margaret E. Ross, of Waynesburgh. They have seven children living – Austin R., born June 17, 1857; Richard R., born Mar. 8, 1860; Emma F., born Aug. 18, 1802; John R., born Apr. 3, 1865; Frank, born Sept. 16, 1869; Maggie E., born Jan. 24, 1874, and Harry E., born Sept. 27, 1879. Mr. Elson has served as township trustee, has been of great service to the educational interests of Magnolia, and is identified with the development of all public measures that promise to advance the interests of the people. He owns and operates a saw and planing-mill, and was the originator of Chaddock & Sons’ Woolen Mill of Magnolia. He erected in Magnolia, in 1878-79, an elegant brick residence, which is finely appointed.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 820
C. ELSON, farmer; P. O. Waynesburgh; is a son of Richard and Sarah A. (Brandon) Elson; he was born in Magnolia in 1841, and assisted when a youth in the management of his father’s land; he was in the service, enlisting in Oct. 1861, in Co. K., 51st O. V. I. under the command of Stanley Mathews, and served all through the war; enlisting first in the three years service, and subsequently as a veteran he served in all of the battles of his regiment— and never missed a day’s service in 38 months, at the time of the discharge he was ranking First Sergeant; upon his return to Magnolia, he assisted at home for about two years, and in 1868 moved to his present location, north of Waynesburgh; upon land first entered by his father; he was married March 28, 1872, to Miss Salina L. Rutter, of Waynesburgh; they have three children—Mary Kate, Fannie B., and Paul R. Mr. Elson has now 320 acres of rich valley land, which he has under superior cultivation and elegantly improved in buildings. He has served the township as Trustee, and is one of the most respected and enlightened citizens of the township; he devotes his time entirely to his farming interests, but also keeps up to the spirit of the advanced times in matters of intelligence and progress.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 822
JOHN H. ELSON, farmer; P. O. Waynesburg; is the oldest representative of an old and prominent pioneer family; his grand-parents were pioneer settlers of West Virginia; his father, John Elson, was a native of Maryland; he married in West Virginia Miss Margaret Wiggins, a native of that State; they emigrated to Ohio in 1820, locating near Mapleton, in Osnahurg Township, where they purchased some land and began to improve it; his father, however, only lived a short time after their arrival, dying in 1822; his mother survived several years after; there were ten children in the family, only three now living — Thomas W., a resident of Wayne Co., Iowa; Charity Wilson, living in Mapleton; and John H., the subject of this sketch. John was born in West Virginia in 1806, and was fifteen years of age at the time of his parents removal to this county, since which time he has been a resident of the county, and of Sandy Township since 1833; his purchase of land in Sandy was in 1829; he was married in 1833 to Miss Osie Wilson, born in Osnaburg Township in 1815, and daughter of Douglas Wilson, also a pioneer, a more extended sketch of him appearing elsewhere. Mr. Elson has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his days, and is one of the prominent farmers of Stark County; he is one of the large landowners of that section, part of which he has disposed of to his children. Mr. and Mrs. Elson have had thirteen children, eight of whom are now living—Sarah Ann Wilson, living in Pennsylvania; James W. died at the age of 13; Wm. P., a resident of Missouri; Douglas W. died an infant; John H. Elson, Jr., died in the service of his country. He enlisted in September, 1861, in Fremont’s body guard, which was soon disbanded, and soon after he became a member of the 5lst O. V. I., and served until Jan. 2, 1863, when he was wounded at the battle of Stone River, and died a few days after in the hospital. Henry C., Sandy Tp.; Vallonia V.; Venilia Frame, living in Missouri; Owen T. died an infant; Edwin W., living in Missouri; Emma L., in Missouri;, married to Miss Olive M. Sickafoose, of Sandy Tp., in 1880, and now farming in Sandy Tp.; and Florence N., who died at the age of 12 years. Mr. Elson has served the township as Trustee, and always been an advocate for measures to promote the prosperity and best interests of the township. He has devoted his time exclusively to his farming interests, and has made it a successful life-work.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 822
RICHARD ELSON, JR., farmer; P. O. Magnolia; was born in Magnolia, May 4, 1847, in the house in which he how lives; he has been identified with farming interests from his youth up, and now owns over 300 acres of the rich land of the “Sandy Valley;” he makes a specialty in sheep; and also in raising garden products, for which his rich soil seems especially adapted. Mr. Elson has been a resident of Sandy Tp. his entire life, and is foremost in all public measures and in good works; he gives his whole attention to the management of his land. He was united in marriage Nov. 4, 1874, to Miss Catharine A. Baxter; she was born in Hancock Co. Va., in November 1850; they have two children living—Mary R., born in August, 1875, and Ella D., born in March, 1877; Charley B., died an infant.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 823
JEREMIAH KOONTZ, farmer; P. O. Magnolia; is a son of John and Rebecca Koontz, who were married in Pennsylvania, in 1816, and soon after emigrated to Ohio. They located in Sandy Tp. about 1818, upon a farm in the northern portion of the township, and about 1835, removed to Rose Tp., Carroll Co., where the father took up 160 acres of land, and remained a resident until his death in 1848; his mother survived until 1862, when she died at the home of her son David, in Hardin Co., O. They had eleven children, only three of whom are now living – Jeremiah, Mary, wife of John Housman, of Hardin Co., O., and Lydia, wife of Adam Housman, of Tuscarawas Co., O. William Koontz, a son, deceased, was in the late service, and died while in service at Nashville, Tenn. Jeremiah was born in Columbiana Co., O., Sept. 16, 1817, and saw considerable of the hardships and trials of the pioneer days. He has been engaged in farming all his life, and has made it successful in a pecuniary way. His present location is one of the finest in the township; his land is fertile and well improved, and he has erected upon it as fine buildings as can be desired. His residence and barn are especially noticeable, and are commandingly situated. Mr. Koontz enlisted in Co. K, 51st O. V. I., in 1861, and was in the service over three years, participating in all the battles and engagements of his regiment. He was married in 1844 to Elizabeth F. Beatty, daughter of Wybrents and Mary (Filson) Beatty, early settlers of Rose Tp., Carroll Co. She was born in 1820; they have five children now living, two deceased – John and Rebecca Fishley, both deceased; Robert, Jeremiah, Jr., George, Wm. Stanley and Ellen (now Mrs. Fish-ley,) now living in Michigan. Jane Fishley a grand-daughter, makes her home with them also. Mr. and Mrs. Koontz are both members of the United Brethren Church.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 827
MADISON M. MAYS, dealer in fine stock, and farmer, P. O. Waynesburgh; one of the progressive business men and practical farmers of Stark Co. He is a son of Andrew and Rebecca (Ryan) Mays;. his father was born in Washington Co., Pa., in 1798. He was one of the pioneers of Sandy Tp., coming there in 1814, and a resident of the township until 1879, when he went to Mercer Co., Pa., to live and where he still resides. His marriage with Rebecca Ryan, occurred in Sandy Tp. in 1821; she was a daughter of Cornelius Ryan, who came to the township from Pennsylvania, at an early day. The mother died in 1854. There were nine boys and three girls in the family, of whom only the following now survive—Madison M., Thomas C., now a resident of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Wilfred O., living in Iowa, and Nerrissa Fell of Mercer Co., Pa. The subject of this sketch was born in this township in 1830. At the age of 14, he commenced droving, and from that time forward has been in constant and active business ventures; for several years he was contractor upon railroad construction, and in 1854, removed to Davenport, Iowa, and was proprietor of the Le Clare House for one year, subsequently returning to Waynesburgh, where he engaged in brewing and distilling malt liquors. During the war, he was engaged most of the time in stock operations, and in oil speculations in Pennsylvania. He purchased, in 1800, a farm adjoining Waynesburgh, and in 1865 bought his present location, and since that time has been extensively engaged in farming operations. He now owns about 3 acres of superior land, finely improved, and makes a specialty in dairying; and for the past three years has owned and operated a large cheese factory upon his farm. His cattle, sheep, fowl and horses are all blooded stock, and his farming is conducted with all the advanced machinery of the age. Since 1874, Mr. Mays has been interested in the Rappleye Wire Fence, and is now General Agent for its introduction. He is doing an immense business in that line, and travels all over the United States in its interests. During the past winter (1880) Mr. Mays passed a large share of his time in the Southern States, and while there, purchased seven blooded horses; four of them are now upon his farm, under the charge of an experienced driver, and will be entered for the sporting season of 1881. Mr. Mays’ location is near the limits of Waynesburgh, and although his place is finely improved, he says that more improvements are soon to follow, and is contemplating making it a model farm and home. He possesses superior business and social qualities, and is daily to be found, when at home, exhibiting his stock and enterprises to large numbers of visitors. He was married in 1853, to Miss Clarissa Koontz, daughter of Solomon Koontz, a former business partner of his father’s. They have three children — Albert, Emma F. and Mary A.
has 120 acres in the northeast corner of the township, where he resides.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 714
DOUGLAS WILSON, farmer; P. O. Waynesburgh; is a son of Douglas Wilson, who was born near Frederick, Md., in 1778; his parents emigrated to Washington Co., Pa., when he was only three years of age; they remained in that locality for the remainder of their lives. Douglas, Sr., was married in that county to Osie Hinds, and emigrated to Stark Co., in 1811, settling, March 20th of that year, in the southern portion of Osnaburg Tp., where they continued until their deaths. They were for many years members of the Methodist Church, and exemplary members of society; his death was in 1846, and his wife’s in 1865; thirteen children were in this family – James, died in 1828 upon the old farm; Benjamin living on Osnaburg Tp.; Nancy, deceased; Robert, living in Mapleton; Isaac, died in Wood Co., O.; Douglas; Osie Elson, wife of John Elson, of Sandy Tp.; Phebe Yohe, living on Osnaburg Tp.; Sarah Kinney, deceased; John, living in Indiana; and two infants deceased. Douglas, Jr., was born in Osnaburg Tp. in 1812, and was a resident and assistant upon the homestead farm until 28 years of age, when he went to Columbia and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Silvers, with whom he was under instruction for three years. He then returned to his home and commenced the practice of his profession, and also giving some attention to farming. After his father’s death he, with his brother Peter, operated the old homestead until 1865, when he disposed of his interest there, and removed to Sandy Tp., buying the old Brownson farm, where he has since resided. He has 100 acres of land, which he supervises, having given up the practice of medicine, in which for many years he was actively and successfully engaged. Mr. Wilson was married Apr. 13, 1845, to Miss Jeanette Brownson, daughter of Wm. Brownson, a native of New York State, and resident of Sandy Tp., from 1840 up to his death. They have seven children living – Josephine Admas; Dency Baum; Lycurgus, a resident of Louisville; Chas. W., Wm. D., Phebe S., and U. S. Grant; a daughter Ann, died at the age of 20 years. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are old and esteemed members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Wilson is always to be found upon the progressive side in matters of public advancement, endeavoring to promote the best interests of the community.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 834
RICHARD E. WILSON, farmer and surveyor; P. O. Waynesburgh. The Wilson family are of Scotch descent. Douglas Wilson, grandfather of our subject, was born in Maryland, in 1778; married in June, 1801, to Osie Hinds, who was born in New Jersey, in 1782. They came to Ohio in 1811, and became residents of Osnaburg Tp., remaining there until their deaths. They had eleven children. Robert, father to Richard, was born in Washington Co., Pa., in October, 1807; married in Osnaburg Tp., in September, 1830, Charity Elson; they have resided in that township up to the present writing, and dare the parents of eleven children, eight now living. Richard was the second child and oldest son, born Sept. 10, 1834. He assisted upon the farm until he attained his majority. He was married Feb. 7, 1845, to Miss Matilda Faulk, daughter of Andrew Faulk, of Sandy Tp.; she is a native of Sandy Tp., born May 12, 1836. After his marriage, he farmed at home and taught school winter sessions for three years, and then removed to Mt. Union, and attended college for two years. He then removed to Mapleton, and was engaged in mercantile business there about six years, and after farming one year, returned to Mt. Union, and engaged in mercantile pursuits there, and continued the finishing of his college course in 1870. While there he was elected County Surveyor of and removed to Canton, where he resided three years. In 1874 he purchased his present farming locating in Sandy Tp., where present farming location in Sandy Tp., where he has since resided, engaged in surveying, farming, and operating and dealing in stock. He owns 160 acres of land situate in the northern portion of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have had seven children, five of whom are now living – Andrew T. born December, 1845, died in 1870; Cora P. born October, 1858, died January, 1859; Ida May born May, 1860; Robert F. born July, 1862; David B., born September, 1865; Ed. S., born March, 158, and George N., born April , 1871. Mr. Wilson was a member of a Home Guard Co., of Osnaburg Tp., and in 1864 was called out with his company, and served four months, returning as Captain of the 162d Regiment, O. N. G. He has served as Township Assessor of Osnaburg Tp., and is one of the intelligent and progressive farmers of Sandy Tp.
Source: History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of Ohio – Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 – Page 835