Ohio Genealogical Society
|
Montgomery County Chapter Ohio Genealogical Society |
Personal Sketch
William Patton, Harrison [Township]This gentleman was the son of Thomas and Margaret Patton; he was born September 18, 1796, in the State of Virginia, where he was reared on a farm, and during his after-life pursued that honorable occupation. The days of his youth were not passed as are those of the present generation, in comfortable school-rooms, or in the halls of learning more advanced, to be found in our numerous academies and colleges; in that early day a common school-house was considered, so to speak, a "rara avis;" but he obtained, as many others of a past generation have, by perseverance, sufficient education to conduct his own business. When but a child, our subject was "hired out" at the rate of two dollars per month to work on a farm; and if he then had not the privilege of attaining to the accomplishments and fastness of the Young America of the year of grace 1874, he, on the other hand, was early taught by that best of all teachers, experience, the lessons of industry and frugality which are the essentials to the production of the man of wealth and greatness.In September, 1818, he was united in marriage with Miss Susannah Warrenfels, of Frederick County, Maryland; this estimable lady was born December 9, ____; the result of this union was two children, viz., Sophia, born March 3, 1820, and Mahala, born October 4, 1821. In the month of September Mr. and Mrs. Patton started for their Western home in company with his brother Thomas's family; he settled in Dayton, and worked farms on shares. In the year 1830 he settled on the farm now owned by his widow, who got said farm from her father. In politics Mr. Patton was a strong Democrat of the Jeffersonian complexion. He was in favor of good schools, which is the manifestation of a liberal spirit. May 8, 1864, the vital spark left its frail tabernacle, and Mr. Patton was numbered among the departed ones whose spirits await the resurrection morn and the coming of Christ. His remains were interred in Dayton City Cemetery, where a magnificent monument arrests the attention of the stranger, and is a solemn index to his surviving friends of his burial-place. His widow is now in her seventy-eighth year, and is at this time of writing in the enjoyment of good health. A fine view of her premises may be seen on another page. Her daughter Sophia married George Helke on the 16th of April, 1837. She departed this life 30th September, 1866, leaving one child. Dora. Mahala married George W. Ensley, on the 16th April, 1839; one child was born, viz., Laura, birth, March 20, 1854. George W. Ensley was born March 19, 1818, in Bedford County, Pa. He was a farmer, and also worked at the milling and nursery business. He owned a good farm of one hundred and fifty acres, a fine view of which may be seen on another page. He was a worthy member of the United Brethren Church, as was his bereaved wife.
Mr. Ensley died September 2, 1868. This brief but true history is donated by Mahala, daughter of William Patton, and his wife; she, purely from a daughter's affection, commands this biography to be written.
|