My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM M. NORTH, farmer; P. O. Laura; is one of the early pioneers of Newton Township; he was born in Union Township Feb. 24, 1807, and is the son of John North, a Georgian by birth; his father, John N., Sr., was born in Virginia, from which State he emigrated to Georgia; he was employed as a messenger during the war for American independence, and was frequently in danger from the British troops. He was married to Rachel Nichols, and they lived together for seventy-three years; Mr. North emigrated to this State in 1805, and located in Miami Co., of which he afterward became a prominent citizen; he and his wife lived to a ripe old age, he dying at the age of 96 years, and she at the age of 94 years; he was a nephew of Lord North, of Revolutionary fame. John North, Jr., was born previous to the outbreak of the Revolution. He married Miss Tamar Mendenhall in 1798; in 1804, he emigrated to Ohio, locating in Union Township, in this county; during the war of 1812, he was employed as a teamster; he reared a family of five sons and two daughters— Martha, Delany, Singleton, Wm. M., Layton, Austin and Richard; all grew up to maturity and reared families; Austin has been Judge of the Court of Franklin Co., Iowa, for several years. John N., Jr., in 1810, became the first settler in Twin Township, Darke Co., and kept the first store in Ithaca. Our subject has experienced all the trials and triumphs incident to pioneer life. He was married, Aug. 2, 1830, to Miss Esther Hall, who was born in Union Township in 1810, and was the daughter of Amos and Susan (Coate) Hall, originally from South Carolina; in November, 1832, Mr. N. purchased the farm on which he now resides, and moved on it. He held the office of Township Trustee for twelve years, and Assessor for one year. He has had a family of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, four of whom have died; three of his sons, Amos H., L. M. and W. I., were soldiers in the late civil war; Amos H. and L. M. were members of the 71st O. V. I., in the three-years’ service; they participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, where L. M. was wounded through the arm, and was subsequently discharged; Amos H. remained in the service almost three years, but was discharged on account of some trouble with his eyes; W. I. was a member of the 147th O. N. G. Mr. North was called to mourn the death of his wife, March 8, 1879. Mr. North merits special mention for the kind, filial care which he rendered to his own and his wife’s parents during the latter period of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Hall, the parents of Mrs North, lived to ripe old ages; Mr. Hall died suddenly, lamented by all who knew him.