My Genealogy Hound

JOHN MIKESELL, retired, Covington. Mr. Mikesell, a native of Pennsylvania, is a son of William Mikesell, who came from Bedford Co., Penn., to this county in 1822, and settled in Newton Township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1856. The subject of this sketch was born in Bedford Co. in 1817, and grew to manhood on the farm in Newton Township; when 20 years of age, he began to learn wagon-making, which he followed until 1847, when, on account of ill health, he sold out and engaged in merchandising in Covington, which he continued about seven years; after which he purchased the “Sugar Grove Mill” in Newton Township, and afterward the Covington, now called Dunkel’s, Mill, and operated it from 1859 to 1865, Mr. J. C. Ullery being associated with him; after he sold out his milling interest, he engaged in the “tree” trade, in which he continued until the fall of 1879, when he retired; he is now occupied in looking after his lands and other affairs, and attending to such public business as the people choose to place upon him. Mr. Mikesell is the present Land Appraiser, a useful, respected citizen, having grown up in Miami Co., and identified with some of its important industries which have helped to develop the county. He owns, besides his residence, a nice property on High street, in the south part of town; 150 acres north of and adjoining the corporation; also 140 acres about two miles northeast. He has been twice married; his first marriage, with Susan Fridley, of Pennsylvania, was celebrated at her home in Franklin Co. in 1841; her death occurred in this county in 1845. His second marriage was with Betty Thompson, daughter of Capt. John Thompson, and was celebrated in 1846. They are both worthy members of the German Baptist Church, and useful, respected members of the community. He had three children by his first wife— A. F., Mary M. Rapp, of Montgomery Co. and Elizabeth Mohler. By his second wife he had three children— Catherine B., now Mrs. William Y. Swisher, of Union City; Mellie and Jennie.