Wesley
M. Minard
(1831- ? )
Wesley M. Minard was born in 1831, most likely in Harrison County, OH, the son of Solomon and Rachel (Little) Minard Sr. During his lifetime, he also spelled his name 'Miner' and 'Minor.'
Much of his life is a mystery. At some point, Wesley moved to Tuscarawas County, OH, where his father also is known to have resided.
On Aug. 21, 1837, Wesley went to the Ohio Land Office in Lima, OH to purchase a tract of land from the federal government. His parcel, of 160 acres, was in York Twp., Van Wert County, in the southeast quarter of Section 30, Township 3 South, Range 3 East. To see a copy of his certificate, signed by President Martin Van Buren, and on the website of the US General Land Office, click here.
The record of Wesley's purchase also is mentioned in the book,
History of Van Wert County and in R. Sutton & Co.'s 1882 volume, History
of Van Wert and Mercer Counties, Ohio (seen here).
Wesley must have continued to reside in, or commute to and from, his home in Tuscarawas County. Two years after purchasing his Van Wert property, he sold it to John Beeler for $400, and was recorded as a resident of Tuscarawas at the time.
In 1857, Wesley's father died, leaving a widow and a large number of young children. Wesley submitted a claim against the estate, saying he was owed $59.15. At the time, he and his brother Solomon Jr. were residing in Henry County, IL.
Wesley's fate after that is unknown.
Copyright © 2002, 2005 Mark A. Miner