“WILLIAM ORMITSON

is a native of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was born June 25, 1824.  His father was David Ormiston, who was born April 11, 1800, and died in Edgar county, Illinois, June 4, 1880; and his mother was Jane (Bell) Ormitson, who was born in ‘Auld Scotia’ February, 1802, and died in 1840.  When Wiliam Ormiston was five years of age his parents removed to the United States, landing in Philadelphia, and proceeding from there to Washington county, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch remained until he was twentyu years of age, when he purchased his ‘time’ from his father for fifty dollars, with the view of learning the trade of a blacksmith.  Before engaging in this vocation, however, the gentleman under whom he expected to work died, and young Ormiston then worked with his brother in learning to be a carpenter.  March 13, 1847, he married Harriet Louthan, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 21, 1818.  Her father was Edmond Hayes, a Virginian, who served with the rank of captain in the American army during the War of 1812; he died in 1854.  The maiden name of her mother was Sarah Whitticar.  She was born in Virginia, in 1778, and died in August, 1861.  After his marriage Mr. O. worked at his trade until 1865, except a period in 1864,k when he served in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Ohio National Guards.  In 1865 he came to this county and purchased a farm in section one, Grantsville township, which he owned for one year, and then sold and purchased the farm where he now lives.  For several years he worked at his trade, but is now engaged in farming.  Mr. and Mrs. Ormiston have had born to them eight children, six of whom still live.  One of his sons, David B. has an excellent education and is now engaged in school teaching.  January 7, 1868, he was appointed a justice of the peace of Grantsville township, and at the ensuing November election was elected by the people to the office, which he filled for six years; at the same time he was a member of the township board.  He has taken an active part in public affairs, and is one of the most prominent and influential citizens of his township.”

Transcribed, in total, by kkfitch ©2007  All Rights Reserved.