Guernsey County Archives — Ohio Genealogy

Biographical Sketches of Pleasant Hill Church Pastors

Compiled by Rev. William B. Hastings in 1953, the biographies detail the lives and tenures of early pastors of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church. The first pastor, Rev. Wm. H. Evans, held significant positions and contributed literature, while his successor, Rev. George Waddle, brought Reform ideals to the congregation. Rev. John Wilson was noted for his physical and moral courage, often defending his flock against opposition. Subsequent pastors like Rev. Moses Scott and Rev. Cornelius Woodruff were known for their educational or pastoral contributions. Each biography highlights individual achievements, challenges, and contributions to the church from its inception through the late 19th century.

History of the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church

Pleasant Hill Church is (1953) located on County Road #73, six miles west of Freeport in Section 10, Washington Township, Guernsey County, Ohio. The location of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church is in the northeast corner of Washington Township, Guernsey County, Ohio. This township, being the northeast township of said county, places the church almost in the corner of said county, not far from where Guernsey and Tuscarawas corners; and one half mile west of the Harrison County line, on the north side of the Freeport and Birmingham road, and about midway between the two places. This was one of the … Read more

Biography of William H. Upton

William H. Upton, born February 16, 1863, in Staffordshire, England, was a distinguished citizen of Cambridge, Ohio. The son of William and Mary (Turner) Upton, he started working in iron mills at age nine. In 1892, Upton emigrated to the U.S., initially settling in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, before moving to Cambridge, where he worked for the Morton Tin Plate Company and its successors. He married Emily Hartill on March 26, 1882, and they had ten children. A dedicated member of the Methodist Church, Upton was known for his expertise in the mills and his strong community involvement. He became a U.S. citizen and a Republican voter, embodying the virtues of his English heritage and his adopted country.

Biography of William H. Turner

William H. Turner, born January 1, 1850, in Cambridge, Ohio, was a prominent figure in the mining industry and local politics. The son of George and Eliza Jane (Porter) Turner, he began working in coal mines at age ten and became an expert in mining techniques and safety. Turner played a key role in establishing the Ohio Department of Mines and served as an assistant inspector for thirteen years. He was instrumental in forming the Ohio Miners Association and held various leadership positions. Turner married twice, first to Malissa O. Davis and later to Eva A. Earl, raising a family with strong ties to the community. He was active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and local civic affairs, leaving a significant legacy in Cambridge.

Biography of William F. Bierly

William F. Bierly was an experienced and conservative banker who played a significant role in the success of the People’s Bank of Pleasant City in Ohio. Born in Mineral City in 1860, Bierly spent much of his life in the banking and mercantile industries before being sent to Pleasant City in 1892 to manage the interests of George J. Markley. Bierly remained with the bank until his death and was widely respected for his integrity, financial acumen, and community leadership.

Biography of Thomas Austin Bonnell

Thomas Austin Bonnell, born January 1, 1875, in Madison Township, Guernsey County, is a prominent lawyer and politician. The son of Thomas C. and Jennie Boyd Bonnell, he grew up on a farm and began teaching at eighteen. He studied law under Rosemond & Bell and Judge J. W. Troette, being admitted to the bar in January 1906. Bonnell is known for his dedication to education and his legal expertise. In 1910, he was elected as a Republican representative to the Ohio Legislature. He married Aurelia Wirick on September 6, 1899, and they have one son, Bollo W.

Biography of Stephen B Clark, M.D.

Stephen B. Clark, born on September 27, 1810, in New Market, Maryland, was a prominent figure in Guernsey County, Ohio. Moving to the county in 1825, he pursued a medical career, graduating from the University of New York in 1845. Clark co-founded the National Bank of Cambridge and was a successful physician, businessman, and community leader. An anti-slavery advocate and active in the Republican Party, he significantly impacted local civic and commercial life. Married to Jane McCracken, Clark had nine children. He died on June 30, 1894, leaving a lasting legacy in Cambridge.

Biography of Samuel M. Burgess

Samuel M. Burgess was a prominent figure in financial, civic, and social circles of Cambridge, Ohio, where he spent his life. He was the president of the Citizens Savings Bank Company and managed his father’s manufacturing business. A public-spirited citizen, he served in the city council and as a cemetery trustee. He was also a member of the Masonic order and received several degrees, including the thirty-second degree in Scioto Consistory. Mr. Burgess had a large and diversified interest in city and farm properties, and he and his wife spent several months every summer in their summer house in northern Michigan.

Biography of James Clinton Orr

James Clinton Orr was a self-made man and respected superintendent residing in Byesville, known for his extensive knowledge of mining conditions in Guernsey County. Born in 1862, Orr worked in various coal mines in the area, eventually becoming superintendent for the Imperial Mining Company and overseeing approximately 1,100 workers. He was also elected county commissioner in 1905 and held several positions in his political party, the Democrats. Orr was active in his community, serving on the board of education of Byesville and belonging to several fraternal organizations. He was known for his conscientiousness, trustworthiness, and ability to handle men effectively.

Biography of Ira Ferguson

Ira Ferguson is a successful and honorable man who has dedicated himself to a fixed purpose and faithfulness to duty. Born on August 25, 1880, in Lore City, Guernsey County, to a prominent farming family, he spent his childhood and youth on his father’s farm and attended schools in the Liberty District. After working in New York and Pennsylvania, he returned home, married Emma Mendenhall, and opened a hardware store in Lore City. He was appointed postmaster of Lore City in 1908, and according to popular opinion, he was one of the best postmasters the town has ever had. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and his wife is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Order of the Eastern Star.