Josiah Renick
Josiah Renick, formerly proprietor of the "Oakland Farm" in Pickaway Township and later a citizen of Circleville, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1807, and died April 9, 1887. He was the second son in the family of George Renick, a pioneer of this locality, who is represented elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of William Renick.
The boyhood years of our subject were passed upon a farm near Chillicothe, and his education was acquired in the common schools of the district. He early became interested in farming and stock-raising and soon gave evidence of being a practical, sagacious and far-sighted business man. Until he was twenty-five years of age, he remained under the parental roof, but at that time located upon his farm in Pickaway Township, and became the possessor of a fine property. He was one of the most extensive stock dealers in this locality, and in 1834, in company with his uncle Felix, went to Europe and purchased the finest Short-horn cattle they could obtain in the Old Country. These they brought to Ohio with them and were the first to introduce this famous breed of cattle in the State.
In all his business dealings, Mr. Renick was very successful and became one of the wealthy citizens of the community. His estate, known as the "Oakland Farm," was located on Kingston Pike, in Pickaway Township, and was finely improved, being in fact one of the model farms of the community. In 1856, Mr. Renick removed to Circleville and took up his residence in the home where his widow yet resides. However, he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits and purchased a farm of one thousand acres of highly-improved land in Muhlenberg Township, near Darbyville. He also continued to engage extensively in the raising of stock as well as grain, and to the close of his life maintained his activity, notwithstanding his advanced age.
Uprightness and honesty characterized the life of Mr. Renick and his word was as good as his bond. He was public-spirited and progressive, always having the interests of the community at heart. In politics, he was a stanch Republican, warmly advocating the principles of that party. In religious belief, he was a Presbyterian and took an active part in the work of the church. His death was mourned by all who knew him, for the community thereby lost a valued citizen.
The lady who in South Bloomfield, Pickaway County, in 1837, became the wife of Josiah Renick was Miss Mary Osborn and she was born in the city of Columbus, Ohio. Her father, Ralph Osborn, was a native of the Empire State and served in the War of 1812. After his marriage, he removed to Circleville, and in 1816 located in Columbus, this State. Soon afterward he became State Auditor and held that office for eighteen years, or until his death. He was a very influential man, an attorney by profession, and prorninent throughout the State. He was noted for his benevolence, and his upright life won him high regard.
Mrs. Renick continues to reside at the old home in Circleville. She holds membership with the Presbyterian Church and has many friends throughout the community, where her excellencies of character have won for her the esteem of all.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]