Phineas McCulloch
Phinehas McCulloch, retired farmer, resides on Section 12, Prairie Township. He was born in Cumberland County, Penn., August 16, 1807, a son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Gipson) McCulloch, the former of Scotch and the latter of Irish descent. The parents came to Ohio in 1811, and located in Wayne County, where the mother died in 1813; the father in 1836. They had a family of ten children, five of whom are living. Phinehas McCulloch was reared on a farm, receiving only limited educational advantages. He came to Holmes County in 1832, at that time having only one shilling, and went to work to make for himself a home. He was industrious and frugal, and soon had earned enough to buy a little land. July 2, 1840, he married Mary A. Lowe, who was born in West Virginia, June 11, 1818, a daughter of John and Mary (Brison) Lowe. Together they worked and saved, and by their united efforts they became successful, being now among the well-to-do farmers of the township. The homestead, which is well improved, contains eighty acres of valuable land, and in addition to this they own 214 acres in other parts of the county. Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch have had six children, two of whom are living: James, in Millersburgh, and Richard P., at home. They have two grand-children: Arthur and Ella Albertson, the children of a deceased daughter. Mr. McCulloch is a Democrat, has always taken an interest in public affairs, and has served fourteen years as trustee of his township. He and his wife are members of the Disciples Church.
Mr. McCulloch has witnessed all phases of pioneer life, and relates many thrilling reminiscences of the early days. During the days of the Indian war provisions were scarce, and he had to go six miles below Coshocton to procure food for his family. They made use of nuts, turnips, etc., being glad of anything that was eatable. The wolves and bears made night hideous with their cries, and Mr. McCulloch's brother still has a door that is covered with scratches made by their claws.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889