Matthew Abial Hemphill was the son of John Lewis Hemphill and Eleanor Rittenhouse. He lived in Logan County, Ohio, and had a large family. It is reported that his obit says he was an Attorney. Others report that he was a "sawyer". "He had his own sawmill where he and his sons worked." Matthew was tragically murdered by an unhappy man whom Matthew had fired.

Matthew was first reported to be buried in an unmarked grave in Fulton Cemetery, Logan County, Ohio. However, new information from a local historian says he was buried in Northwood Cemetery. A tombstone picture is needed.

Matthew was married to Nancy Maria Kirkland, who kept a detailed Bible Record on their families, which has been useful to all.

Matthew Abial HEMPHILL
b: 11 Feb 1828 in Logan County, Ohio
d: 25 Jun 1870 in Rushylvania, Logan Co., Ohio
Burial: Northwood Cemetery, Logan Co., Ohio

Father: John Lewis Hemphill, b: 10 Oct 1796 in Bourbon Co., Kentucky
Mother: Eleanor (Ellen) Rittenhouse, b: 9 Feb 1794 in Virginia

Married: Nancy Maria KIRKLAND, b: 20 Sep 1828
Married: 29 Sep 1846 in Logan County, OH

Children
1. James Harrison Hemphill, b: 20 Jan 1846 in Upper Sandusky, Ohio
2. John Matthew Hemphill, b: 2 Jun 1847
3. Maria Jane Hemphill, b: 7 Jan 1851
4. William Havah Hemphill, b: 30 Dec 1852
5. Alma Caroline Hemphill, b: 2 Feb 1855
6. Rebecca Wilmina Hemphill, b: 7 Nov 1857
7. William Alpheus Hemphill, b: 10 Aug 1861
8. George Brinton Hemphill, b: 7 Jul 1863
9. Victor Hemphill, b: 22 Feb 1866
10. Bradley Hemphill, b: 19 Jan 1868
11. Frank A. Hemphill, b: 13 Jan 1870

Note:
1) Murdered by stabbing. Matthew A. Hemphill, aged 38, private, 183rd Reg. OVI, company A, entered service 20 Aug 1865, for one year, mustered out 17 Jul 1865 by order of the War Department. The man who stabbed Matthew was named Charles Carder. There is a John H. Carder listed in this regiment, aged 41--is this the father of Charles Carder, murderer???

"Man Killed In Rushcreek -- on last Saturday evening, a very lamentable affray occurred in Rushcreek township, resulting in the death of Matthew Hemphill, at the hand of Charles Carder. The cirucmstances, as far as we think best to publish, and as near as we can learn, are as follows: Carder worked for Hemphill, at a steam saw mill on Rush Creek, some two miles and a half south east of Rushylvania. He had been in the habit of getting groceries at a store in Rushylvania on Hemphill's credit. On Saturday he had been told that Hemphill had left word not to let him have anything more, except on a written order. He returned home, and on the return of Hemphill, who had gone to Kenton, he asked a settlement and any balance that might be due him. This led to a quarrel with Hemphill and blows followed. Carder drew a pocket knife and inflicted 3 stabs in the breast of Hemphill, causing his death in about three minutes. Either of the wounds, it is thought would have been fatal. After Hemphill was stabbed, his son attacked Carder and was only called off by the announcement that his father was dying. Hemphill was a large man, while Carder was of slight build. Both parties were men of families. Carder delivered himself up to the authorities on Monday. He had a preliminary examination of Wednesday, before Esqr's Lowry and Hughes. The case was conducted by Dow and Kennedy for prosecution and Kernan and Beatty for defense."

From Maria's obituary - "Rushylvania was the home of the Hemphill family many years and Mr. Hemphill died there and was buried at Northwood a number of years ago."

2) Vol. B Page 13, Logan Co. Records