My Genealogy Hound

HENRY H. CULP. This gentleman is classed among the prominent and representative pioneers of Clark County, and is especially well known in Moorefield Township where he has lived for a quarter of a century. His home is located on section 35, and is one of comfort and good cheer, the estate comprising eighty-five acres of land, the most of which is under cultivation and all intelligently handled. Farming and stock-raising are the occupations to which Mr. Culp devotes his attention and of his success he has no reason to complain.

In Cumberland County, Pa., June 26, 1817, the subject of this sketch opened his eyes to the light of day. He is the eldest son of Jacob and Mary (Hoch) Culp, who were also natives of the Keystone State. Their family consisted of six children, three of whom are now living. They are: Henry H.; Mary A., wife of William Hunt; and Catherine, now the widow of John Stutz, both of Montgomery County. After the death of the father, the mother became the wife of Jacob Pfeffley of Montgomery County, by whom she had two children: Aaron, who resides in the same county, and Lydia, whose home is near Huntington, Ind. The mother died in 1876 when about seventy-seven years of age. As one of the pioneer women of the State she was respected for the toils and hardships which she had endured and the worthy manner in which she had borne herself under all circumstances.

The family of which our subject was a member emigrated from the Keystone State to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1828. A location was selected in the forest near the present site of the Soldiers’ Home, a log cabin built and the work of clearing begun. The father lived but about a year after the removal, falling dead of apoplexy between his home and Dayton. The interior of the county abounded with Indians and amid the scenes of pioneer life Henry Culp grew to manhood. As the oldest son, many duties devolved upon him after the death of his father and he acquired a degree of self-reliance that has been an important factor in his later life. His educational advantages were quite limited, but by improving the opportunities which the printing press and contact with his fellow-men afford, he has kept himself well posted on all subjects of general importance.

In 1835 Mr. Culp began an apprenticeship at the trade of a miller, serving four years under Martin Frick at Stillwater, in the Ensley Mill. He then acted as foreman for Mr. Ensley in the same mill four years, after which he became foreman for John Hikes, whose mill occupied a site on the same stream. Seven years later he entered the employ of William Sheets, near Union, but did journey-work in his mill but eighteen months. He then located in Clark County, this being in 1844, and began working for Robert Rogers in Springfield Township. After acting in the capacity of foreman for that gentleman a year, he assumed a similar position for Henry Shugh, by whom he was employed about six years. Mr. Culp next entered the employ of Benjamin Warder who was operating a mill in Lagonda, remaining there about two years, when the mill was torn down to make way for the beginning of the Champion plant. Our subject then settled on a farm south of Springfield and turned his attention to agriculture, changing his location to his present home in 1865.

In November, 1858, Mr. Culp was united in marriage with Miss Ann J. Borland, who shared his fortunes until 1875, when she was removed by death. A second matrimonial alliance was contracted by Mr. Culp, September 27, 1876, his bride on this occasion being Miss Mary Crawford. This union has resulted in the birth of three children: Walter, Myrtle and Alice. Both Mr. and Mrs. Culp belong to the United Brethren Church at Lagonda, in which the former has officiated as Steward. His political adherence is given to the Republican party. He has ever been interested in public movements which promise to benefit society and add to the prosperity of the section in which he has made his home, as well as in those which are more far reaching, and for his public spirit, industrious life, and excellent character is regarded with respect.