William H. Whitesel
William H. Whitesel, farmer, is a son of George Whitesel, a native of Berkeley County, Virginia. His grandfather was brought from Germany by the British (was not a Hessian) to fight Americans, and instead of returning to his native country, he remained here. He was born in February, 1755, and married Elizabeth West, a native of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1787. He departed this life October 31, 1825, his wife July 13, 1836. George Whitesel, father of our subject, was born March 2, 1790, and married January 10, 1822, Mary Sidener, who bore him twelve children, of whom ten survive: Nancy, Nicholas, Elizabeth, George, Allen, Mary, Jacob, Samuel, William H., and Sarah M. The deceased are Anna E. and Catherine M.
At the age of nineteen, he came to this state with his father, who settled in Salt Creek Township, Pickaway County; he and all his brothers were in the war of 1812, serving during the surrender of Hull, for a period of three months. For their noble efforts in preserving the country, they were the recipients of both bounty lands and money. He died in Pickaway County, December 4, 1866, and his wife preceded him to the grave August 12, 1866. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and lived true and noble lives.
Our subject was born October 1, 1863, in Pickaway County, this state, where he lived twenty-five years. He was located some distance from any college of learning, and obtained his education in the log cabin where the rod reigned supreme. June 20, 1861, he was married to Martha J., daughter of Isaac Thomas, a native of Pennsylvania, who dying, he married Jane Coldern, who was born on the farm they now occupy. Mr. and Mrs. Whitesel have been blessed by three children: Arthur A., Mary Mertie, and Forest Ethel; all living. They have adopted their niece, Mary Jane Davidson, and have an interesting family.
While not an active participant in the late war, he was ever ready and willing to assist when it lay in his power. His brother, Samuel, went from Missouri, was wounded in the limb, and still carries the ball. Five brothers of Mrs. Whitesel showed their patriotism by going to the front, and fortunately escaped unhurt. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Greenfield, and are known as exemplary Christians.
March 15. 1866, he removed to his present farm; it is located on the Frankfort and Martinsburg road, four and one-half miles from Greenfield, and contains one hundred acres; is adorned by a handsome residence, is well fenced and tilled, and makes one of the most desirable residences in the locality. He has an extensive orchard, and has been blessed with good crops each year. The yield in 1880, was five hundred bushels of apples and divets other fruits. Is a Republican, but no oflice seeker.
From R. S. Dills' History of Fayette County