James Madison Pilcher married Nancy Sage, daughter of Saumel and Judith (Callivan or Gallivan) Sage, in about 1805 in Virginia.
On 16 Nov 1848 James remarried to Mrs. Hannah Wentworth (Blackburn or Blackman) in Athens Co., OH. She was the widow of Moses Blackman.
In a story related by a great great granddaughter of James Madison Pilcher, a granddaughter of Amanda Ward Pearce, she tells of the vigor with which James Madison Pilcher lived his final days:
"In 1840, he moved again to a farm in Section 22 where he lived until at the age of 96, still in possession of all his faculties, he died sitting in his chair. Only a few days before, he had walked, as was his custom once a week, to see his daughter Samantha Ward, who lived with her only daughter, Amanda Pearce (Mrs. Alex Pearce, my grandmother). His visit was eagerly looked for by his great grandsons and my mother, because he was alert and lots of fun, and was always followed by a small black and white dog that was one of their favorite playmates. One week when he did not appear as usual, my mother and one of her brothers were sent to see if Grandfather Pilcher was ill. He had just died, sitting in his homemade Hickory chair. As I remember the story, it was his 96th birthday. This would make it 1873, which is about right, because my mother said she was 10 years old at the time. She always wanted to live to be as old as her great grandfather, but she missed it by 6 years."
Note: Vinton Co., OH Death Record gives death date as
23 March 1872 and his age as 94.
OBITUARY (Democratic Enquirer, March 27, 1872)
Died.
PILCHER-At his residence, three-fourths of mile north-east of McArthur, at 2:30 o'clock, on Saturday afternoon, March 23, 1872, James Pilcher, aged 94 years, 11 months, and 16 days.
The funeral took place from the M. E. Church, on Sunday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, the sermon being preached by Rev. John Gold, of the Christian Union Church. His remains were interred in the graveyard in this town.
Mr. Pilcher was born in Prince William county, Virginia, on the 7th of April, 1777, and at the time of his death was the oldest person in this county, having been a resident of Athens and Vinton counties for 68 years. He was united in marriage on the 9th of January, 1804, to Nancy Sage, daughter of Samuel Sage. By this marriage Mr. Pilcher was the father of eighteen children-seven sons and eleven daughters; but two sons and six daughters are now living.
About the year 1805 he removed and settled near where Warren Station now is, which is known as "Warren Farm," near Athens county, Ohio, where he remained until about the year 1817, when he removed to a small farm in the Eastern part of Elk township, about two miles north-west of where Zaleski now stands, which farm is now known as the "Bowen Farm." There he resided for two or three years, when he removed to the Ullom Farm, on the Logan road north of McArthur. About the year 1844 he removed to the farm on which he resided at the time of his death.
He had enjoyed the best of health all through his long life, never being sick but ten weeks, when he had fever and ague. This sickness being when he was young, before his marriage, and at a time when he was in the wilderness of Paint Creek, near Chillicothe; after which time he returned to Virginia.
At the time he settled here this county was but an unbroken wilderness, there being but very few settlers within many miles, among whom were those of the names of Dowd, Sage, Brewer, Catlin and Hopkins. He was present when the town of McArthur was laid out, being one of the chain carriers.
His wife died in April, 1847, at the age 60 years.
In the year of 1848, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Hannah Blackman, who survives him, being now about 83 years of age.
He lived to see his fourth generation-the number of his grand children, great grand, and great-great-grand children, numbering 235.
It can be truly said of the deceased, that in all the social and business relations of life, he was a good man, a loving husband, a kind father, an obliging and courteous neighbor, a highly respected citizen, and among all who knew him, be bore the reputation of being an honest and upright man, and a true Democrat.
The dates above given were furnished us by Robert Sage, Esq., another old citizen of this township, who has resided here for more than half a century.
(My gratitude to Jeff Blackman for supplying the obituary.)
The parents of James Madison PILCHER are:
James PILCHER and Nancy MURPHY. James PILCHER was born February 17, 1750 at Dumphries, Virginia and died in Athens County, Ohio.
James Madison PILCHER was born April 7, 1777 at Culpepper Co., Virginia. James and Nancy SAGE (the daughter of Samuel SAGE and Judith CALLIVAN) were married in 1805 in Virginia. James died in 1872 at Elk Twp, Vinton Co., Ohio. James was buried at Old McArthur Cemetery, Vinton Co., OH.
Stephen Pilcher and Elijah Pilcher, both of Athens County, Ohio were brothers to James Madison Pilcher.
Will of James Madson Pilcher Recorded in Vinton County, Will Book Vol. 1, page 232, 233, dated February, 1866, and recorded 27 Mar 1872:
In the name of the Benevolent Father of All:
I, James Pilcher, of Vinton County, Ohio, do publish this my last Will and Testament:
Item 1st
I give and devise to my beloved wife, Hannah A. Pilcher, in lieu of her dower, the farm on which I now reside, situate in Elk Township, Vinton County, Ohio, containing about ninty (90) acres, during her natural life; and all the stock, household goods, furniture, provisions, and other goods and chattels, which may be thereon at the time of my decease; together with all moneys, rights and credits due me, during her natural life, as aforesaid; (she, however, selling or parting with so much thereof as may be necessary to pay my just debts, except a debt of $750.00 to Columbus Pilcher hereinafter mentioned, and also to pay my funeral expenses.)
Item 2nd
It is my will that at the death of my said wife, a debt of seven hundred and fifty dollars which I owe to my son, Columbus Pilcher, and which is secured by mortgage on the farm aforesaid be fully paid.
Item 3rd
The balance of my property both real and personal, after the payment of the debt mentioned in the last Item, together with the funeral expenses of my said wife, I give and bequeath to and between four of my daughters, to wit: Ann Maria Allen, Samantha Ward, Minerva Quick and Arminda Caldwell and to their heirs share and share alike. If my said wife should not survive me, then I devise and bequeath all the property aforesaid, after the payment of my funeral expenses and all my just debts, together with the debt to my said son, Columbus Pilcher, aforesaid, to my said four daughters, Ann Mariah Allen, Samantha Ward, Minerva Quick and Arminda Caldwell, and to their heirs forever.
Item 4th
I do hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law, Benjamin F. Quick, the executor of this my last will and testament hereby authorizing and empowering him to compromise, adjust, relate and discharge in such manner, upon such terms of credit or otherwise, as he may think proper, all or any part of my real estate, and deeds to purchasers to execute, acknowledge and deliver, in fee simple.
I desire that no appraisement and no sale of my personal property be made, and that the Court of Probate direct the omission of the same, in pursuance of the statute.
I do hereby revoke all former wills by me made.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this _____ day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six - A.D. 1866.
James Pilcher
witnessed by Edward A. Bratton and David B. Shivel
From the History of Hocking Valley, pg. 1312:
"C. B. Pilcher is a son of James and grandson of Stephen Pilcher.
[NOTE: I believe this is incorrect, and the grandfather was actually James Pilcher Sr. and wife Nancy Murphy. The great grandfather was Stephen Pilcher who married Lucy Clarke.]
The latter was a native of Virginia, where he married and reared a family. In 1800 he settled on a farm near Athens, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. James, the father of our subject, and the fifth son of the above, was born April 7, 1777, in Virginia, where he matured to farm life and married Nancy, daughter of Samuel Sage. In 1800 he emigrated to Ohio with his father's family, but not liking the country near Athens he settled at Zaleski, Vinton County. In a few years his farm was overflowed by Raccoon Creek, and he went to the farm where the infirmary now stands. This was about the time of the breaking out of the war of 1812. Here he remained until 1840 when he settled on section 22, where his death occurred not many years after. His wife also died here. He was a man who preferred the quiet routine of farm life, and never aspired to office though repeatedly holding the office of Township Trustee. Politically he was a Democrat. His wife bore him eighteen children -- Lenecy, Edward, Nancy, Charlote, Harriet, Ann Maria, Samantha, James, Henry, Amanda, Samuel, Minerva, Melissa, Columbus B., George W., Hiram, Eliza and Arminda. Two sons and five daughters are yet living. Columbus B. the elder son and the subject of our sketch was born Nov. 14, 1826, on the infirmary farm, Vinton County, Ohio. He received a common-school education, and started out in life empty handed. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Gill."
From pg. 1151, Hanging Rock Iron Region, Vol. II:
The ancestry of Mr. [Otto] Pilcher is of staunch English order, but the name has been identified with American history for several generations. James Pilcher, grandfather of the subject of this review, was born in the State of Maryland, and the family name of his wife was Sage. They were numbered among the early settlers in Vinton County, Ohio, where Mr. Pilcher acquired a tract of land and developed a productive farm in Elk Township and not far distant from McArthur, the county seat, he was known and honored as one of the substantial agriculturists and sterling and influential citizens of Vinton County and continued to reside on his old homestead farm until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety-five years. He was a man of wonderful physical vigor and virtually his only illness during the long course of his life was that which resulted in his death, the wife of his youth having passed away when somewhat less than forty years of age. Both were zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics he paid staunch allegiance to the democratic party. Of the family of two sons and sixteen daughters all attained to maturity, married and reared children, most of them having reached advanced age but all being now deceased.
On 16 Nov 1848 James remarried to Mrs. Hannah Wentworth (Blackburn or Blackman) in Athens Co., OH. She was the widow of Moses Blackman.
In a story related by a great great granddaughter of James Madison Pilcher, a granddaughter of Amanda Ward Pearce, she tells of the vigor with which James Madison Pilcher lived his final days:
"In 1840, he moved again to a farm in Section 22 where he lived until at the age of 96, still in possession of all his faculties, he died sitting in his chair. Only a few days before, he had walked, as was his custom once a week, to see his daughter Samantha Ward, who lived with her only daughter, Amanda Pearce (Mrs. Alex Pearce, my grandmother). His visit was eagerly looked for by his great grandsons and my mother, because he was alert and lots of fun, and was always followed by a small black and white dog that was one of their favorite playmates. One week when he did not appear as usual, my mother and one of her brothers were sent to see if Grandfather Pilcher was ill. He had just died, sitting in his homemade Hickory chair. As I remember the story, it was his 96th birthday. This would make it 1873, which is about right, because my mother said she was 10 years old at the time. She always wanted to live to be as old as her great grandfather, but she missed it by 6 years."
Note: Vinton Co., OH Death Record gives death date as
23 March 1872 and his age as 94.
OBITUARY (Democratic Enquirer, March 27, 1872)
Died.
PILCHER-At his residence, three-fourths of mile north-east of McArthur, at 2:30 o'clock, on Saturday afternoon, March 23, 1872, James Pilcher, aged 94 years, 11 months, and 16 days.
The funeral took place from the M. E. Church, on Sunday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, the sermon being preached by Rev. John Gold, of the Christian Union Church. His remains were interred in the graveyard in this town.
Mr. Pilcher was born in Prince William county, Virginia, on the 7th of April, 1777, and at the time of his death was the oldest person in this county, having been a resident of Athens and Vinton counties for 68 years. He was united in marriage on the 9th of January, 1804, to Nancy Sage, daughter of Samuel Sage. By this marriage Mr. Pilcher was the father of eighteen children-seven sons and eleven daughters; but two sons and six daughters are now living.
About the year 1805 he removed and settled near where Warren Station now is, which is known as "Warren Farm," near Athens county, Ohio, where he remained until about the year 1817, when he removed to a small farm in the Eastern part of Elk township, about two miles north-west of where Zaleski now stands, which farm is now known as the "Bowen Farm." There he resided for two or three years, when he removed to the Ullom Farm, on the Logan road north of McArthur. About the year 1844 he removed to the farm on which he resided at the time of his death.
He had enjoyed the best of health all through his long life, never being sick but ten weeks, when he had fever and ague. This sickness being when he was young, before his marriage, and at a time when he was in the wilderness of Paint Creek, near Chillicothe; after which time he returned to Virginia.
At the time he settled here this county was but an unbroken wilderness, there being but very few settlers within many miles, among whom were those of the names of Dowd, Sage, Brewer, Catlin and Hopkins. He was present when the town of McArthur was laid out, being one of the chain carriers.
His wife died in April, 1847, at the age 60 years.
In the year of 1848, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Hannah Blackman, who survives him, being now about 83 years of age.
He lived to see his fourth generation-the number of his grand children, great grand, and great-great-grand children, numbering 235.
It can be truly said of the deceased, that in all the social and business relations of life, he was a good man, a loving husband, a kind father, an obliging and courteous neighbor, a highly respected citizen, and among all who knew him, be bore the reputation of being an honest and upright man, and a true Democrat.
The dates above given were furnished us by Robert Sage, Esq., another old citizen of this township, who has resided here for more than half a century.
(My gratitude to Jeff Blackman for supplying the obituary.)
The parents of James Madison PILCHER are:
James PILCHER and Nancy MURPHY. James PILCHER was born February 17, 1750 at Dumphries, Virginia and died in Athens County, Ohio.
James Madison PILCHER was born April 7, 1777 at Culpepper Co., Virginia. James and Nancy SAGE (the daughter of Samuel SAGE and Judith CALLIVAN) were married in 1805 in Virginia. James died in 1872 at Elk Twp, Vinton Co., Ohio. James was buried at Old McArthur Cemetery, Vinton Co., OH.
Stephen Pilcher and Elijah Pilcher, both of Athens County, Ohio were brothers to James Madison Pilcher.
Will of James Madson Pilcher Recorded in Vinton County, Will Book Vol. 1, page 232, 233, dated February, 1866, and recorded 27 Mar 1872:
In the name of the Benevolent Father of All:
I, James Pilcher, of Vinton County, Ohio, do publish this my last Will and Testament:
Item 1st
I give and devise to my beloved wife, Hannah A. Pilcher, in lieu of her dower, the farm on which I now reside, situate in Elk Township, Vinton County, Ohio, containing about ninty (90) acres, during her natural life; and all the stock, household goods, furniture, provisions, and other goods and chattels, which may be thereon at the time of my decease; together with all moneys, rights and credits due me, during her natural life, as aforesaid; (she, however, selling or parting with so much thereof as may be necessary to pay my just debts, except a debt of $750.00 to Columbus Pilcher hereinafter mentioned, and also to pay my funeral expenses.)
Item 2nd
It is my will that at the death of my said wife, a debt of seven hundred and fifty dollars which I owe to my son, Columbus Pilcher, and which is secured by mortgage on the farm aforesaid be fully paid.
Item 3rd
The balance of my property both real and personal, after the payment of the debt mentioned in the last Item, together with the funeral expenses of my said wife, I give and bequeath to and between four of my daughters, to wit: Ann Maria Allen, Samantha Ward, Minerva Quick and Arminda Caldwell and to their heirs share and share alike. If my said wife should not survive me, then I devise and bequeath all the property aforesaid, after the payment of my funeral expenses and all my just debts, together with the debt to my said son, Columbus Pilcher, aforesaid, to my said four daughters, Ann Mariah Allen, Samantha Ward, Minerva Quick and Arminda Caldwell, and to their heirs forever.
Item 4th
I do hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law, Benjamin F. Quick, the executor of this my last will and testament hereby authorizing and empowering him to compromise, adjust, relate and discharge in such manner, upon such terms of credit or otherwise, as he may think proper, all or any part of my real estate, and deeds to purchasers to execute, acknowledge and deliver, in fee simple.
I desire that no appraisement and no sale of my personal property be made, and that the Court of Probate direct the omission of the same, in pursuance of the statute.
I do hereby revoke all former wills by me made.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this _____ day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six - A.D. 1866.
James Pilcher
witnessed by Edward A. Bratton and David B. Shivel
From the History of Hocking Valley, pg. 1312:
"C. B. Pilcher is a son of James and grandson of Stephen Pilcher.
[NOTE: I believe this is incorrect, and the grandfather was actually James Pilcher Sr. and wife Nancy Murphy. The great grandfather was Stephen Pilcher who married Lucy Clarke.]
The latter was a native of Virginia, where he married and reared a family. In 1800 he settled on a farm near Athens, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. James, the father of our subject, and the fifth son of the above, was born April 7, 1777, in Virginia, where he matured to farm life and married Nancy, daughter of Samuel Sage. In 1800 he emigrated to Ohio with his father's family, but not liking the country near Athens he settled at Zaleski, Vinton County. In a few years his farm was overflowed by Raccoon Creek, and he went to the farm where the infirmary now stands. This was about the time of the breaking out of the war of 1812. Here he remained until 1840 when he settled on section 22, where his death occurred not many years after. His wife also died here. He was a man who preferred the quiet routine of farm life, and never aspired to office though repeatedly holding the office of Township Trustee. Politically he was a Democrat. His wife bore him eighteen children -- Lenecy, Edward, Nancy, Charlote, Harriet, Ann Maria, Samantha, James, Henry, Amanda, Samuel, Minerva, Melissa, Columbus B., George W., Hiram, Eliza and Arminda. Two sons and five daughters are yet living. Columbus B. the elder son and the subject of our sketch was born Nov. 14, 1826, on the infirmary farm, Vinton County, Ohio. He received a common-school education, and started out in life empty handed. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Gill."
From pg. 1151, Hanging Rock Iron Region, Vol. II:
The ancestry of Mr. [Otto] Pilcher is of staunch English order, but the name has been identified with American history for several generations. James Pilcher, grandfather of the subject of this review, was born in the State of Maryland, and the family name of his wife was Sage. They were numbered among the early settlers in Vinton County, Ohio, where Mr. Pilcher acquired a tract of land and developed a productive farm in Elk Township and not far distant from McArthur, the county seat, he was known and honored as one of the substantial agriculturists and sterling and influential citizens of Vinton County and continued to reside on his old homestead farm until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety-five years. He was a man of wonderful physical vigor and virtually his only illness during the long course of his life was that which resulted in his death, the wife of his youth having passed away when somewhat less than forty years of age. Both were zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics he paid staunch allegiance to the democratic party. Of the family of two sons and sixteen daughters all attained to maturity, married and reared children, most of them having reached advanced age but all being now deceased.
James Madison Pilcher married Nancy Sage, daughter of Saumel and Judith (Callivan or Gallivan) Sage, in about 1805 in Virginia.
On 16 Nov 1848 James remarried to Mrs. Hannah Wentworth (Blackburn or Blackman) in Athens Co., OH. She was the widow of Moses Blackman.
In a story related by a great great granddaughter of James Madison Pilcher, a granddaughter of Amanda Ward Pearce, she tells of the vigor with which James Madison Pilcher lived his final days:
"In 1840, he moved again to a farm in Section 22 where he lived until at the age of 96, still in possession of all his faculties, he died sitting in his chair. Only a few days before, he had walked, as was his custom once a week, to see his daughter Samantha Ward, who lived with her only daughter, Amanda Pearce (Mrs. Alex Pearce, my grandmother). His visit was eagerly looked for by his great grandsons and my mother, because he was alert and lots of fun, and was always followed by a small black and white dog that was one of their favorite playmates. One week when he did not appear as usual, my mother and one of her brothers were sent to see if Grandfather Pilcher was ill. He had just died, sitting in his homemade Hickory chair. As I remember the story, it was his 96th birthday. This would make it 1873, which is about right, because my mother said she was 10 years old at the time. She always wanted to live to be as old as her great grandfather, but she missed it by 6 years."
Note: Vinton Co., OH Death Record gives death date as
23 March 1872 and his age as 94.
OBITUARY (Democratic Enquirer, March 27, 1872)
Died.
PILCHER-At his residence, three-fourths of mile north-east of McArthur, at 2:30 o'clock, on Saturday afternoon, March 23, 1872, James Pilcher, aged 94 years, 11 months, and 16 days.
The funeral took place from the M. E. Church, on Sunday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, the sermon being preached by Rev. John Gold, of the Christian Union Church. His remains were interred in the graveyard in this town.
Mr. Pilcher was born in Prince William county, Virginia, on the 7th of April, 1777, and at the time of his death was the oldest person in this county, having been a resident of Athens and Vinton counties for 68 years. He was united in marriage on the 9th of January, 1804, to Nancy Sage, daughter of Samuel Sage. By this marriage Mr. Pilcher was the father of eighteen children-seven sons and eleven daughters; but two sons and six daughters are now living.
About the year 1805 he removed and settled near where Warren Station now is, which is known as "Warren Farm," near Athens county, Ohio, where he remained until about the year 1817, when he removed to a small farm in the Eastern part of Elk township, about two miles north-west of where Zaleski now stands, which farm is now known as the "Bowen Farm." There he resided for two or three years, when he removed to the Ullom Farm, on the Logan road north of McArthur. About the year 1844 he removed to the farm on which he resided at the time of his death.
He had enjoyed the best of health all through his long life, never being sick but ten weeks, when he had fever and ague. This sickness being when he was young, before his marriage, and at a time when he was in the wilderness of Paint Creek, near Chillicothe; after which time he returned to Virginia.
At the time he settled here this county was but an unbroken wilderness, there being but very few settlers within many miles, among whom were those of the names of Dowd, Sage, Brewer, Catlin and Hopkins. He was present when the town of McArthur was laid out, being one of the chain carriers.
His wife died in April, 1847, at the age 60 years.
In the year of 1848, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Hannah Blackman, who survives him, being now about 83 years of age.
He lived to see his fourth generation-the number of his grand children, great grand, and great-great-grand children, numbering 235.
It can be truly said of the deceased, that in all the social and business relations of life, he was a good man, a loving husband, a kind father, an obliging and courteous neighbor, a highly respected citizen, and among all who knew him, be bore the reputation of being an honest and upright man, and a true Democrat.
The dates above given were furnished us by Robert Sage, Esq., another old citizen of this township, who has resided here for more than half a century.
(My gratitude to Jeff Blackman for supplying the obituary.)
The parents of James Madison PILCHER are:
James PILCHER and Nancy MURPHY. James PILCHER was born February 17, 1750 at Dumphries, Virginia and died in Athens County, Ohio.
James Madison PILCHER was born April 7, 1777 at Culpepper Co., Virginia. James and Nancy SAGE (the daughter of Samuel SAGE and Judith CALLIVAN) were married in 1805 in Virginia. James died in 1872 at Elk Twp, Vinton Co., Ohio. James was buried at Old McArthur Cemetery, Vinton Co., OH.
Stephen Pilcher and Elijah Pilcher, both of Athens County, Ohio were brothers to James Madison Pilcher.
Will of James Madson Pilcher Recorded in Vinton County, Will Book Vol. 1, page 232, 233, dated February, 1866, and recorded 27 Mar 1872:
In the name of the Benevolent Father of All:
I, James Pilcher, of Vinton County, Ohio, do publish this my last Will and Testament:
Item 1st
I give and devise to my beloved wife, Hannah A. Pilcher, in lieu of her dower, the farm on which I now reside, situate in Elk Township, Vinton County, Ohio, containing about ninty (90) acres, during her natural life; and all the stock, household goods, furniture, provisions, and other goods and chattels, which may be thereon at the time of my decease; together with all moneys, rights and credits due me, during her natural life, as aforesaid; (she, however, selling or parting with so much thereof as may be necessary to pay my just debts, except a debt of $750.00 to Columbus Pilcher hereinafter mentioned, and also to pay my funeral expenses.)
Item 2nd
It is my will that at the death of my said wife, a debt of seven hundred and fifty dollars which I owe to my son, Columbus Pilcher, and which is secured by mortgage on the farm aforesaid be fully paid.
Item 3rd
The balance of my property both real and personal, after the payment of the debt mentioned in the last Item, together with the funeral expenses of my said wife, I give and bequeath to and between four of my daughters, to wit: Ann Maria Allen, Samantha Ward, Minerva Quick and Arminda Caldwell and to their heirs share and share alike. If my said wife should not survive me, then I devise and bequeath all the property aforesaid, after the payment of my funeral expenses and all my just debts, together with the debt to my said son, Columbus Pilcher, aforesaid, to my said four daughters, Ann Mariah Allen, Samantha Ward, Minerva Quick and Arminda Caldwell, and to their heirs forever.
Item 4th
I do hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law, Benjamin F. Quick, the executor of this my last will and testament hereby authorizing and empowering him to compromise, adjust, relate and discharge in such manner, upon such terms of credit or otherwise, as he may think proper, all or any part of my real estate, and deeds to purchasers to execute, acknowledge and deliver, in fee simple.
I desire that no appraisement and no sale of my personal property be made, and that the Court of Probate direct the omission of the same, in pursuance of the statute.
I do hereby revoke all former wills by me made.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this _____ day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six - A.D. 1866.
James Pilcher
witnessed by Edward A. Bratton and David B. Shivel
From the History of Hocking Valley, pg. 1312:
"C. B. Pilcher is a son of James and grandson of Stephen Pilcher.
[NOTE: I believe this is incorrect, and the grandfather was actually James Pilcher Sr. and wife Nancy Murphy. The great grandfather was Stephen Pilcher who married Lucy Clarke.]
The latter was a native of Virginia, where he married and reared a family. In 1800 he settled on a farm near Athens, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. James, the father of our subject, and the fifth son of the above, was born April 7, 1777, in Virginia, where he matured to farm life and married Nancy, daughter of Samuel Sage. In 1800 he emigrated to Ohio with his father's family, but not liking the country near Athens he settled at Zaleski, Vinton County. In a few years his farm was overflowed by Raccoon Creek, and he went to the farm where the infirmary now stands. This was about the time of the breaking out of the war of 1812. Here he remained until 1840 when he settled on section 22, where his death occurred not many years after. His wife also died here. He was a man who preferred the quiet routine of farm life, and never aspired to office though repeatedly holding the office of Township Trustee. Politically he was a Democrat. His wife bore him eighteen children -- Lenecy, Edward, Nancy, Charlote, Harriet, Ann Maria, Samantha, James, Henry, Amanda, Samuel, Minerva, Melissa, Columbus B., George W., Hiram, Eliza and Arminda. Two sons and five daughters are yet living. Columbus B. the elder son and the subject of our sketch was born Nov. 14, 1826, on the infirmary farm, Vinton County, Ohio. He received a common-school education, and started out in life empty handed. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Gill."
From pg. 1151, Hanging Rock Iron Region, Vol. II:
The ancestry of Mr. [Otto] Pilcher is of staunch English order, but the name has been identified with American history for several generations. James Pilcher, grandfather of the subject of this review, was born in the State of Maryland, and the family name of his wife was Sage. They were numbered among the early settlers in Vinton County, Ohio, where Mr. Pilcher acquired a tract of land and developed a productive farm in Elk Township and not far distant from McArthur, the county seat, he was known and honored as one of the substantial agriculturists and sterling and influential citizens of Vinton County and continued to reside on his old homestead farm until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety-five years. He was a man of wonderful physical vigor and virtually his only illness during the long course of his life was that which resulted in his death, the wife of his youth having passed away when somewhat less than forty years of age. Both were zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics he paid staunch allegiance to the democratic party. Of the family of two sons and sixteen daughters all attained to maturity, married and reared children, most of them having reached advanced age but all being now deceased.
On 16 Nov 1848 James remarried to Mrs. Hannah Wentworth (Blackburn or Blackman) in Athens Co., OH. She was the widow of Moses Blackman.
In a story related by a great great granddaughter of James Madison Pilcher, a granddaughter of Amanda Ward Pearce, she tells of the vigor with which James Madison Pilcher lived his final days:
"In 1840, he moved again to a farm in Section 22 where he lived until at the age of 96, still in possession of all his faculties, he died sitting in his chair. Only a few days before, he had walked, as was his custom once a week, to see his daughter Samantha Ward, who lived with her only daughter, Amanda Pearce (Mrs. Alex Pearce, my grandmother). His visit was eagerly looked for by his great grandsons and my mother, because he was alert and lots of fun, and was always followed by a small black and white dog that was one of their favorite playmates. One week when he did not appear as usual, my mother and one of her brothers were sent to see if Grandfather Pilcher was ill. He had just died, sitting in his homemade Hickory chair. As I remember the story, it was his 96th birthday. This would make it 1873, which is about right, because my mother said she was 10 years old at the time. She always wanted to live to be as old as her great grandfather, but she missed it by 6 years."
Note: Vinton Co., OH Death Record gives death date as
23 March 1872 and his age as 94.
OBITUARY (Democratic Enquirer, March 27, 1872)
Died.
PILCHER-At his residence, three-fourths of mile north-east of McArthur, at 2:30 o'clock, on Saturday afternoon, March 23, 1872, James Pilcher, aged 94 years, 11 months, and 16 days.
The funeral took place from the M. E. Church, on Sunday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, the sermon being preached by Rev. John Gold, of the Christian Union Church. His remains were interred in the graveyard in this town.
Mr. Pilcher was born in Prince William county, Virginia, on the 7th of April, 1777, and at the time of his death was the oldest person in this county, having been a resident of Athens and Vinton counties for 68 years. He was united in marriage on the 9th of January, 1804, to Nancy Sage, daughter of Samuel Sage. By this marriage Mr. Pilcher was the father of eighteen children-seven sons and eleven daughters; but two sons and six daughters are now living.
About the year 1805 he removed and settled near where Warren Station now is, which is known as "Warren Farm," near Athens county, Ohio, where he remained until about the year 1817, when he removed to a small farm in the Eastern part of Elk township, about two miles north-west of where Zaleski now stands, which farm is now known as the "Bowen Farm." There he resided for two or three years, when he removed to the Ullom Farm, on the Logan road north of McArthur. About the year 1844 he removed to the farm on which he resided at the time of his death.
He had enjoyed the best of health all through his long life, never being sick but ten weeks, when he had fever and ague. This sickness being when he was young, before his marriage, and at a time when he was in the wilderness of Paint Creek, near Chillicothe; after which time he returned to Virginia.
At the time he settled here this county was but an unbroken wilderness, there being but very few settlers within many miles, among whom were those of the names of Dowd, Sage, Brewer, Catlin and Hopkins. He was present when the town of McArthur was laid out, being one of the chain carriers.
His wife died in April, 1847, at the age 60 years.
In the year of 1848, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Hannah Blackman, who survives him, being now about 83 years of age.
He lived to see his fourth generation-the number of his grand children, great grand, and great-great-grand children, numbering 235.
It can be truly said of the deceased, that in all the social and business relations of life, he was a good man, a loving husband, a kind father, an obliging and courteous neighbor, a highly respected citizen, and among all who knew him, be bore the reputation of being an honest and upright man, and a true Democrat.
The dates above given were furnished us by Robert Sage, Esq., another old citizen of this township, who has resided here for more than half a century.
(My gratitude to Jeff Blackman for supplying the obituary.)
The parents of James Madison PILCHER are:
James PILCHER and Nancy MURPHY. James PILCHER was born February 17, 1750 at Dumphries, Virginia and died in Athens County, Ohio.
James Madison PILCHER was born April 7, 1777 at Culpepper Co., Virginia. James and Nancy SAGE (the daughter of Samuel SAGE and Judith CALLIVAN) were married in 1805 in Virginia. James died in 1872 at Elk Twp, Vinton Co., Ohio. James was buried at Old McArthur Cemetery, Vinton Co., OH.
Stephen Pilcher and Elijah Pilcher, both of Athens County, Ohio were brothers to James Madison Pilcher.
Will of James Madson Pilcher Recorded in Vinton County, Will Book Vol. 1, page 232, 233, dated February, 1866, and recorded 27 Mar 1872:
In the name of the Benevolent Father of All:
I, James Pilcher, of Vinton County, Ohio, do publish this my last Will and Testament:
Item 1st
I give and devise to my beloved wife, Hannah A. Pilcher, in lieu of her dower, the farm on which I now reside, situate in Elk Township, Vinton County, Ohio, containing about ninty (90) acres, during her natural life; and all the stock, household goods, furniture, provisions, and other goods and chattels, which may be thereon at the time of my decease; together with all moneys, rights and credits due me, during her natural life, as aforesaid; (she, however, selling or parting with so much thereof as may be necessary to pay my just debts, except a debt of $750.00 to Columbus Pilcher hereinafter mentioned, and also to pay my funeral expenses.)
Item 2nd
It is my will that at the death of my said wife, a debt of seven hundred and fifty dollars which I owe to my son, Columbus Pilcher, and which is secured by mortgage on the farm aforesaid be fully paid.
Item 3rd
The balance of my property both real and personal, after the payment of the debt mentioned in the last Item, together with the funeral expenses of my said wife, I give and bequeath to and between four of my daughters, to wit: Ann Maria Allen, Samantha Ward, Minerva Quick and Arminda Caldwell and to their heirs share and share alike. If my said wife should not survive me, then I devise and bequeath all the property aforesaid, after the payment of my funeral expenses and all my just debts, together with the debt to my said son, Columbus Pilcher, aforesaid, to my said four daughters, Ann Mariah Allen, Samantha Ward, Minerva Quick and Arminda Caldwell, and to their heirs forever.
Item 4th
I do hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law, Benjamin F. Quick, the executor of this my last will and testament hereby authorizing and empowering him to compromise, adjust, relate and discharge in such manner, upon such terms of credit or otherwise, as he may think proper, all or any part of my real estate, and deeds to purchasers to execute, acknowledge and deliver, in fee simple.
I desire that no appraisement and no sale of my personal property be made, and that the Court of Probate direct the omission of the same, in pursuance of the statute.
I do hereby revoke all former wills by me made.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this _____ day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six - A.D. 1866.
James Pilcher
witnessed by Edward A. Bratton and David B. Shivel
From the History of Hocking Valley, pg. 1312:
"C. B. Pilcher is a son of James and grandson of Stephen Pilcher.
[NOTE: I believe this is incorrect, and the grandfather was actually James Pilcher Sr. and wife Nancy Murphy. The great grandfather was Stephen Pilcher who married Lucy Clarke.]
The latter was a native of Virginia, where he married and reared a family. In 1800 he settled on a farm near Athens, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. James, the father of our subject, and the fifth son of the above, was born April 7, 1777, in Virginia, where he matured to farm life and married Nancy, daughter of Samuel Sage. In 1800 he emigrated to Ohio with his father's family, but not liking the country near Athens he settled at Zaleski, Vinton County. In a few years his farm was overflowed by Raccoon Creek, and he went to the farm where the infirmary now stands. This was about the time of the breaking out of the war of 1812. Here he remained until 1840 when he settled on section 22, where his death occurred not many years after. His wife also died here. He was a man who preferred the quiet routine of farm life, and never aspired to office though repeatedly holding the office of Township Trustee. Politically he was a Democrat. His wife bore him eighteen children -- Lenecy, Edward, Nancy, Charlote, Harriet, Ann Maria, Samantha, James, Henry, Amanda, Samuel, Minerva, Melissa, Columbus B., George W., Hiram, Eliza and Arminda. Two sons and five daughters are yet living. Columbus B. the elder son and the subject of our sketch was born Nov. 14, 1826, on the infirmary farm, Vinton County, Ohio. He received a common-school education, and started out in life empty handed. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Gill."
From pg. 1151, Hanging Rock Iron Region, Vol. II:
The ancestry of Mr. [Otto] Pilcher is of staunch English order, but the name has been identified with American history for several generations. James Pilcher, grandfather of the subject of this review, was born in the State of Maryland, and the family name of his wife was Sage. They were numbered among the early settlers in Vinton County, Ohio, where Mr. Pilcher acquired a tract of land and developed a productive farm in Elk Township and not far distant from McArthur, the county seat, he was known and honored as one of the substantial agriculturists and sterling and influential citizens of Vinton County and continued to reside on his old homestead farm until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety-five years. He was a man of wonderful physical vigor and virtually his only illness during the long course of his life was that which resulted in his death, the wife of his youth having passed away when somewhat less than forty years of age. Both were zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics he paid staunch allegiance to the democratic party. Of the family of two sons and sixteen daughters all attained to maturity, married and reared children, most of them having reached advanced age but all being now deceased.
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