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From: OHBIOS <>
Subject: Ohbios-Champaign Co. Bios (Ward)
Date: 1 Oct 2005 01:01:33 -0000

Champaign County OHIO Biographies.....Sylvanus Ward December 12 1826 - February 4 1901
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File contributed for Ohio Biographies Project by:
Gary Thompson September 30, 2005, 9:01 pm

Author: W. R. Beers and Company, 1881

Originally appeared in The History of Champaign County (Chicago: W. R. Beers
and Company, 1881), p. 730.
SYLVANUS S. WARD, farmer; P. 0. Westville. one of the pioneers of this county
was George Ward, who came here about 1815 and settled near the farm that is
now owned by his son, whose name heads this sk.etch. George and his wife,
Catharine Strickler, were both born in Shenandoah Co., Va. They were married
and had three children before coming to Ohio-Barbara, Maria and Noah. The land
was then open for entry, and, although the beautiful Mad River Valley was
unclaimed as yet, he preferred the upland, which to him seemed most desirable,
as ( coming from the mountainous regions of Virginia) it seemed level enough
for farming purposes. The people then thought that springs afforded the only
water fit to be used, and as there were plenty along the ravines, they
preferred a home in close proximity to such conveniences as they were
accustomed to. There were still Indians in the neighborhood, who frequently
came in for something to eat; they were always friendly and well disposed.
George entered a tract of land and erected a small cabin, that was succeeded
by a hewed-log house. Clearing was the general occupation of the settlers,
except those that preferred huntinh and trapping, of whom we have already
several accounts. The settlements were largely increased, mostly by emigrants
from Virginia. The family of George in. creased from three to eleven children,
among them were twins; they were of much service in helping to clear up the
land and get it ready for the plough. The names of the children were Ambrose,
Jerusha, Gideon, Joseph, Sylvanus and Sylvester (twins), Ededemon and Sabra.
Noah and Ambrose are the only children now deceased. Their descendants are
numerous, and mostly live in this county. The death of the father occurred in
1867, and that of the wife and mother two years later; they were a highly
estimable couple, and lived to Bee the dream of their youthful days realized.
Sylvanus was married to Priscilla Smith, whose grandfather was one of the
first settlers of this township . the wedding was celebrated in 1849, since
which time they have followed in the footsteps of their ancestors, beginning
where they left off, and today, the log cabin first erected, is replaced by a
stately residence. They are the parents of eleven children, ten sons and one
daughter; they were named Franklin, Edwin, Eusebia, Theodore, Noah, Clement
V., Smith, Thompson P., Charles H., Oren H. and Sylvan 0.; Edwin was married
to Miss Isabel B. Loudenback, Eusebia wedded Thomas W. Jenkins ; there are
sons enough to perpetuate the family name for centuries to come. This is one
of the first families in the neighborhood, social, refined and highly
respected. Mr. Ward is a Democratic bred and born, and is always at the polls
on election day; both himself and wife are members of the 0ld-School Baptist
Church, and are rearing their family in accordance with its teachings.

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