M. Reckard

M. Reckard was the son of Salmon and Susan (Stacy) Reckard; the former was born in Massachusetts, on 24 April 1798; he moved to Lawrence County, Ohio, in 1832, settling in Proctorville, there being only four houses in the place and surrounded by a dense forest.

He was one of the contributors toward the erection of a schoolhouse in Proctorville—education is considered the mainstay of the town; he also contributed to the erection of a Methodist Episcopal church in the same place, and also one in Rome.

He was a commissioner of Lawrence county, and also an associate judge, being prominently connected with all matters pertaining to the interest of the county; he died on 14 Jan. 1881, aged 82 years 9 months and 20 days; he experienced religion in 1833 at Rome campground, and filled the office of exhorter a great many years, his license being renewed each year until his death, although not able to attend but seldom for several years; he was unconscious for twelve hours before his death, but passed away very calmly, leaving behind clear evidence that he was fully prepared.

His wife was born in Washington County, Ohio, on 5 July 1806, and died on 5 June 1843.  F. M. Reckard was born in Gallia County, Ohio, on 25 Jan. 1831.

His children by his first wife, Lucy A. Henry, are

• Vesta H. (McCormick), born 30 Jan. 1855, resides near Rockwood, this county;
• Dora B. (Morrison), 7 Feb. 1858, died near Proctorville, on 27 Feb. 1881.

Mr. Reckard’s second marriage was to M. I., daughter of H. and Mary (Watts) Williams; she was born in Greenbrier County, Virginia, on 6 Nov. 1842; their marriage took place in Springfield township, Gallia County, 2 April 1872.

Mr. Reckard has been a trustee of Union township for three terms, and still fills that position.  He had one brother in the war of 1861—Augustin S.; he was a member of Company H., 6th Ohio Cavalry, enlisting 23 Oct. 1861; he was orderly sergeant of his company; he was killed at the battle of Aldie, Virginia, 17 June 1863.  Mr. Reckard’s post office address is Proctorville, Lawrence County, Ohio.