Adams County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1880

Biographical sketches

John Coleman and Robert Coleman. - The ancestors of these brothers were natives of New Jersey. Their grandfather, Christopher Coleman, removed from New Jersey to Washington county, Pa., with his family about 1793. Christopher Colemau's oldest child, named William, and who is the father of the subjects of this sketch, was born in New Jersey, and came with his parents when about two years old, to Washington chanty, Pa., where he grew to manhood. He there married Jane Bbvce. In April, 1831, he removed to Carroll county, O., where he settled and lived until 1846, when he removed to Adams county, where he resided until his decease in 1854. His wife died in 1858. Thcsd parents raised a family of six children, five sons and one daughter, named Susan, Joseph, John, William, David and Robert, who all grew to years of maturity, and all married but one. Two of this family of children, John and Robert, the subjects of our sketch, now own and occupy the old homestead, about four miles east of North Liberty, on the Grace's Run pike. This farm contains nearly 260 acres. They have cleared it out and put it in a high state of cultivation and adorned it with beautiful buildings, as Will be seen by reference to the view in this volume. Robert, the younger brother, was horn May 31, 1825. He married Elizabeth E. Taylor, November 9, 1853. They arc the parents of five children, named Mary, William, James T., Jennie B., Alma C. William i9 deceased. Mary married F. P. McCrcight, and lives in Oliver township. The others remain at home. Mrs Coleman died November 12,1871. John Coleman was born in Washington county, Pa., November 7, 1816. He never , married. These brothers bought and improved their farm, have always lived pleasantly together, and are now enjoying the comforts and fruits of an industrious life.

T. C. Wasson. - The subject of this sketch is of Irish descent. His grandfather, John Wasson, was a uativc of Ireland, and married in that country. At an early day, lie emigrated from there with his wife to America, and settled in Rockbridge county, Virginia, where lie raised a nunic.^ns family. Among his children, was a son named Thomas, who married Rebecca Cowan. This Thomas Wasson and wife removed from Virginia to Ohio in 1804, and^scttlcd first one and a half miles cast of Winchester, which was then a part of AVayne township, where he lived a year or two. He then j-e moved to Cherry Fork and settled near North Liberty, on the farm now owned by hisson/T, C. Wasson, Esq. He and his wife both united with the U. P. church at Cherry Fork, soon aftW^its organization in 1805, of which they remained honored and consistent members through life. Mr. AVassou cleared up his farm and lived 011 it, until his decease, December 3, 1851, aged 73 years, 2 months and 24 days ; his wife died August 5, 1838, aged 60 yoars, 9' months and 2 days. They lie in Cherry Fork graveyard. They reared a fahiilv of six children, three sons and three daughters, who all grew to years of maturity and married.' After the death of his first wife, Mr. AVasson entered into a second marriage with Elkiali Spencer. By this marriage he raised a son p.amed William F., who was born August 29, 1845. This son enlisted in the waV of the rebellion in Co. II., Capt. D. Uric, 173d Regt., O. V. I., Col. J. R. Hurd. He died of disease at Johnsonville, Tennessee, August 29, 1865. Mr. AArassoirs surviving children by his first wife, were named Samuel C., John F. T. C\, Ellen Q.. Rebecca and Polly

Wasson. nil of whom rev, to years of maturity ami married. Sum net the oldest, inaw u 1 Jane Young, of Adams county. They hot h fell victims to the cholera in 1841), Mr. Wasson dyingon the 11th and M-s. A' assoc on the 13th of August. Ellen Q., married Matthew Campbell, w ho has since deceased. She now lives a Widow in Promise City, Wavno county, Iowa. Jol^n F. married Sarah MeComas. They live in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. Kebicca married James M. Campbell, who died, and she now lives a widow in Tipton county/ Indiana. Polly married Joshua Matthews. They live in Missouri. T. C. Wasson, the third son, whose name stands at tlio|bcad of this article, and a sketch of whose home adorns the pagps. of this volume, was born on the old homestead, that lie now o^ns, May 20, 1812. Here he grew' up to manhood, lie r.uuTicdjjMiss Martha P. Campbell, February 0. 1832. They arc the patients of eight children; one died in infancy; two, Margaret Ann and Rebecca M., died in early years. The ofher five, named T. S. Wasson, Matilda Jane, James P., Martha M., and S. Y. Wasson, grew to years of maturity and married. T. S- Wasson, the oldest, was born February 22, 1833; was married to Miss E. J. Askren, OctobeiT9, 1853. lie is engaged in farming in Wayne township, and is a ruling elder in the 17. p. church at Cherry Fork. Matilda Jane, born March 17, 1830, married B. F. Pittenger, September 10, 1857. They live near Minneapolis. Ottawa county, Kansas. Martha M., was horn February 8, 1840; married J. S.. Glasgow. October 18, ISOO; lives in North Liberty. S. Y. Wasson was born November 5, 1841. He graduated at Oxford College. He followed the mercantile business in Gallipolis ten years, and represented Gallia county in the Legislature two terms. He married Miss Jennie Henderson, of Butler county, Ohio, September 3, 1867. 11c is now engaged in farming in that county. James P. was born December 18, 1837 ; married Martha Mclntirc, September 8, 1859. He is now engaged in farming in Douglas county, Kansas. In August, 1863, he enlisted in Co. G, Capt. Uric, 129th Regt., O. V. I.. Col. John commanding; served mostly in Kentucky and Tennessee; was in the fight of Cumberland Gap, and several smaller engagements, and was honorably discharged at tiic expiration of his time. These children were all baptized in the U. 1\ church at Cherry Fork, of which they became members. Two of them. Matilda Jane and Samuel Y., having removed outside tin* bounds of any U. P. church, have united with Presbyterian churches in their neighborhoods. T. C. Wasson and his first wife, both united with the U. P. church at Cherry Fork, soon after their marriage, she remaining a member until her decease, and Mr. Wasson still continuing. Mr. Wasson married fora second wife, Mrs. Eliza J. McNeil. This lady was born in 1818, and was, in her infancy, baptized in the U. P. church at Tranquillity. She was married to Jesse McNeil. Oct. 20, 1836. Soon after their marriage, they united with the U. P. church at Cherry Fork, of which they lived honored and consistent members. Mr. McNeil was born Oct. 24, 1814, nd died Sept. 4, 1852. By this marriage Mrs. McNeil became the mother of eight children, four of whom died in infancy. The four survivors who grew to years of maturity, were Mary Ann, John W., James G., and Jesse Mc- Neil. Mary Ann was born December 3, 1837, and died February

I, 1856; never married. John W. was born June 10, 1841. Enlisted in the service of his country, July 4, 1861, in Co. I., 4th Regt., Iowa Volunteer Infantry. lie participated in many of the hard fought battles of the war; was at the battle of Springfield, Missouri ; at Pea Ridge, Arkansas ; was through the whole siege of Vicksburg; was , at the battles of Chattanooga; at Mission Ridge, etc ; was finally captured in March, 1864, While with a scouting party, somewhere in Georgia, and carried to Andersonville u here lie died June 16, 1864. 1 James G. was born January 10 i >47 ; enlisted in the 46th Regt., Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Co.

II. . in May, 1S64, and died of disease, brought on by taking cold,, after an attack of measles, at Memphis, Tcnn., September 4, 1864. Jesse was born February 14, 1853; married Jennie May in March, 1873. He resides in Wayne county, Iowa ; engaged in farming; has two children, both boys. In the foil of 1856, after her husband's death, .Mrs. McNeil's parents, with her brothers and sisters, emigrating to Iowa, lie accompanied them. Upon their arrival there, they located in Wayne county, Mrs. McNeil settling in Promise City, while her parents located in the country adjoining the town. Here she united with the U. P. church, bv letter from Cherry Fork. lien she lived, taking a lively interest in church affairs, and working actively in the Sabbath Schools, until 1872, when she bccam he wife of Mr. Wasson, with whom she returned to the neighb- vbood in which her earlier years were passed, again uniting with her old Cherry Fork: church: Now in the afternoon of life, V Wasson and his !adv, in their pleasant hortie amid the scene t- of their ear! v \ iurv blessed wit'i an' abundance of this world s goods, aro'enluviiig the ft* inks t>l their well spent labors, with the respect of all who know them

Samuel MuNkii - John McNeil, far her of Samuel McNeil, came to Adams county in 1801, and seated hi Wu . tie township, on n farm now belonging to Mr. MeGovoesk tic was born in 1<7! and died in 1841. He reared a family of teu I ddrcn, only two of whom are now living. Samuel aricTMarthu. Of thcscr hi hire ii. two, James ami Sarah, wore boi w in Kentucky ; the others John, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, S. muel, Jessie, Martlm and N.im-y were born in Adams county. Samuel, who is the sub jectofthis sketch, and one of the two surviving children, followed teaching for about seven years, but is now engaged in farming. Martino, the other surviving child, is married, but still retains the same name, having married a man named McNeil.

Chapter Niil

Liberty township was taken from the north end of Sprigg, and organized as a new township, .December 6,1817, so named from the popular attachment to the principles, the definition of the'word implies. The election was ordered to be held at the bouse of David Robe, on the first Monday of the succeeding April.

Soil

This is one ©f the nnst fertile townships in the county, with well cultivated farms and an industrious, thrifty people. There has never been an assignment made by any of its citizens.

There arc but two streams of water worthy of even the name of creeks. These arc Eagle Creek, and Hill's Fork, which is only a tributary of the first named stream.

Early Settlers

Settlers located here in considerable numbers at a very early day. Governor Thomas Kirkcr, was, in all probability, flic first settler. He came some time from 1794 to 1796. His well known old homestead, still remains fn the family.

After him others soon followed. Among these early families, were James, Joseph and Znchariah Wade, Needham Perry, who became a prominent citizen, was a Judge, etc., Alexander Maharra, Rev. Thomas Odell, Richard Askren, David Robe, John Mahafifey, George Dillinger, Bczelecl Gordon, Col. John Lodwick, Daniel Marlatt, James McGovncy, Conrad Fester, Lewis Coryell.

Fairview. - This is a very small village, located near the center of the township, and is the only town in Liberty. It was laid out by William Maliaffev March 15, 1844, on a plat of nine lots. It contains one store, two blacksmith's shop, one shoe shop, one German M. E. church, one African M. E. church.

The elections arc held in this place, ^and the only post office in the township, is kept here.- It is known as Hill's Fork, because of flic creek of that name that, passes near it.

Tiie First Store

Was started by Benjamin Whiteman, in 1837, before there was any village. Henry Copple succeeded him in 1840, since then William and David Robe, Mr. Mclntire, Robert Patton, Samuel Fitch, A. J. Man non, William Marshall, Jacob Kleinccht, David Robe, Jr., William Ellis, John Bishinger, the present proprietor, have successfully carried on this store, which is the only one in the place.

Post Masters

The following arc the Postmasters: 1st, Robert Patton, 2d, William R. Marshall, 3d, James Rea, 4tl>, Wilson Ellis, and 5th, John Bishinger, present incumbent.

Early Recollections, Reminiscenses, Etc

The first horse mill was built by William Mclntire, on the property now owned by A. II. Mahaffev's widow, and the first water mill was put up by Isaac Foster, at the mouth of Kite's Fork.

The first school bouse was built in 1803, on land now belonging to John Kleinccht. ,Mi?s. Dodson, an Englishwoman, taught the first school in it.

Though there were plenty of Indians, yet here, when the first settlers came, they committed no acts of violence. They,' were, however, a source ©f annoyance, from their theiving propensities, stealing anything they could lay their hands on. It required "eternal vigilance, " on the part the of whites to keep property from their clutches. Horses wore kept in a part of the bouse, or a room adjoining it. William Crawford, who was one of the early settlers, bad a room made at one end of bis bouse, to keep a valuable horsc^that be owned.

The first church, in Liberty township was, probably, the log bouse that stood near the cemetery, on the old Governor Kirkcr homestead. It was builrubout 1800, by the dcliomination railed "Christians," - in early yoars'l^iiown as "New Lights," - but

1. Methodist Episcopal church, at Brier Ridge. This is, perhaps, the second church built. A log meeting house was put up, probably, not far from 1804; being a good structure, it lasted till perhaps, 1840, or thereabout, when it was replaced by a brick house, which was succeeded by a frame building, erected some years ago.

The Kirker Family

Thomas Kirker. - Thomas Kirker, whose name is so prominently identified with the early settling of Adams county, and which occupies so honorable a place in the history of his adopted State, was born in Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1760. At the age of nineteen years, he came to this country with his parents who settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. After a few years his father died, leaving a wife and five or six children. The history of the family for the next few years is' lost. The next we learn is, that Thomas Kirker, in 1790, married Sarah Smith, who was horn in 1771. This marriage occurred in Pennsylvania, twenty miles from Pittsburg. A few years after this event, he removed to Kentucky, where he remained a few years, then moved to Manchester in 1792 or 1793. In 1794, he came to Liberty township, and settled on the place, now so well known as the "Kirkcr farm," where he lived to the time of his decease.

It is believed that Gov. Kirker was the first permanent settler in what is now Liberty Township. Though he was not possessed of brilliant talents, he had a judgment so sound and a mind so clear, with a virtue and integrity so incorruptible and unselfish, that he received an esteem, commanded a respect and exerted an influence, that few could do. The many honorable and responsible positions with which his fellow-citizens entrusted him, fully attest the truth of this remark. He left to a numerous family the precious inheritance of a pure and spotless character, a family that seems to have inherited the good qualities of their ancestors.

Gov. Kirkcr devoted his best energies in opening up the material resources of the new and undeveloped country in which lie had cast his lot, as well as in shaping the institutions and policy of the new commonwealth, that was so soon ushered into being, under the benign influence, of which the wilderness lias blossomed as the rose, and the'land been covered with the beautiful farms and happy homes of a happy and prosperous people.

When steps were taken to call a convention to form a constitution for the new State, Thomas Kirkcr was selected as one of the delegates to that body, from Adams County, and discharged the important duties of the trust committed to his care, with fidelity and honor. '

He was elected a Representative to the first General Assembly, that met under the new constitution. This body met atChillicothe, the first Mon day in December, 1803. He was elected to represent his district as Senator in the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth General Assemblies of Ohio. He was called to fill tin honorable position of presiding officer over this distinguished body, consecutively, from 1806, to 1814, with the exceptions oi 1809 and 1810. Ilis district for the greater portion of this time was composed of the counties of Adams and Scioto.

In 1816, he was elected from Adams to represent his county in the House of Representatives. His ability was recognized l>\ that body by being at once elected its Speaker. He was afterwards elected Senator in the twentieth, twenty-first, twentysecond and twenty-third General As_mblies, from 1821 to 1824.

By virtue of his office as Speaker of the Senate he filled the office of GoWvnor of the State from March 4, 1807, to December 8, 1808, for the term for which Return J. Meigs had been elected hut declared ineligible - for want of residence in the State the requisite length of time.

It is believed that no man in the State has served it more faithfully, more honorably, or for a greater length of time, than did Governor Kirker.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of West Union, from the time of its organization until Iris death, serving as an elder in it for more than t wenty years. All his sons, save' one. have also served as elders in the same church.

.1. II. Kincaid. - The ancestors of the subject of this sketch wore Virginians. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Kincaid, a\;h 1hh*ii. December Id, 1744, served in the continental army during the Kevolutionary struggle, fought at Brandywine. Germantown. and in .many other battles of the war. T|^ maternal grandfather. John Hannah, also, served in the Revolutionary war, and -wain the Brandywine. Thomas Kincaid, after the Revolution. married, and removed to Maysvillo, Kentucky, where he lived awhile, then moved to Liberty township, and died in Winchester. "While lie lived in Kentucky, his son John, who is the father of the subject of our sketch, then a young man, came over to Manchester and took up his quarters in the stockade, which was then just built. This was probably early in 1701. Here, he seems to have remained until 1800, for we lind that he married Miss Sally Hanna, the Rev. John Dunlcvv. a Presbyterian minister. being the officiating clergyman on the occasion. Mr. lvineaid, with his young wife, immediately moved to Liberty township, w hich was then almost an unbroken wilderness. They settled mar where the Kirker grave yard has since been made, but presently bought the farm where his son, J. II. Kincaid, now lives. Thi- farm they cleared up. and here they reared a family and Ibi'd through life. Mrs. Kincaid died October 22d, 1824. The decease of Mr. Kincaid occurred April 3, 1S34. They both lie buried in the Kirker grave yard. John Kincaid being one of the liist settlers in the township, became early identified with its interests. He soon became a useful and influential citizen, and did much to develop the resources of the country, lie was selected to till the office of Justice of the Peace, being one of the first in the county, w no held that position. This office he held many years, lie served in the war of 1812, as the Colonel of a regiment. In 1827. he was elected to the office of Associate Judge of the county, whi«Ti lie filled to the time of his death. At the time of his decease lie was the nominee for Congress, for his district. After the decease of Mr. Kincaid, his son,

J. II. Kincaid - Became the owner of the old homestead of his parents. On this farm he was born, October 14. 1813, where he- grew up to manhood. He worked and helped his parents clear it up. receiving such an education as the schools of the country at that day could give. He was married August 7, 1834, to Barbara daughters, besides three that died in carl \\ years. Of the -arriving children, three of them are married. One of the -l. W. Kincaid, served in thcarray throughout the rebellion.

< in the 01st Regt. O. V. I., which participated in many of :ird fought battles of the war. In 18(55, Mr. Kincaid suffered d domestic nffiiction, by the death of his wife, which occurred unary 10th. of that year. lie married fora second wife, Miss -I Hi'' McXcilan, December 23, 1807. This lady was the daughter < I'R 'V. William MeXeilan. She was born in county Tyrone, Ireland. October 23, 1833, and came over with her parents, who emigrate ! to America in 1812. They settled about three miles north of W.*>l 1 nion, where her father died December 23, 1870. Her mother *iill survives, and lives in West Union. After a long and ii-'cfal life, Mr. Kincaid and his amiable wife, arc passing their remaining days in peaceful quiet or. .is beautiful farm, where he was horn, surrounded by every comfort that can be desired.

J \mks Me Clan am an. - /as bo< ; September 25, 1814; received bis education in the common s. fis of the country; aftgrwanls iiiught sebool more or less ot he time, for fifteen years.

II was engaged for a while in the ; rcanlilc business, but finall> bought the George Dllliiygcr farm, one of the earliest settled I'lactvi in the township. Mr. McCkmahan has been in business all hi'-* life, and has been eminently successful. II- lias always been identified with the public interests of his township having tided in wt of tlu* various, tow ustiip offices, serving three tor nib as .In-iice of tin* Peace. He married April 1L, 1843, Sop-da, daughicr --I'.li'hn Baldridge, a prominent citizen of the county. This I proved lo he a model wife, to whose aid and good counsels, Mr. McCbinahun attributes much of his succch in life. Their u don lias been a happy one indeed. The} have re.vcrf a family one in Minnesota. Mrs, M«-( 'lanali an was Imni January 12. IK|5, being only a few months younger Ilian her husband. They live on a bean lil'n I farm, surrounded with every rnin Ibrl .of life.

John MuCi.anaiian. - The McClaualian family is of Irish origin. The grandfather of James and John MeGlanahan, whose name was also John, was married twice. By his first marriage, he had live children: Andrew, Robert, John, Sydney and Elizabeth. Andrew, the oldest, never came to this country. His second wife was Elizabeth Thompson. They went (ho parents of four children : William, Martha, Rebecca and Margaret. This grandfather, John Met 'lamihan, lioughl 1(f) acres of land of Gen. Massie. about two miles' west of West l nion. I le deeded, Sepl. 2N.INI I. lilly acres of (his land lo his soil William, by his second marriage. William married Nancy Paul, January 15, 1803, and settled on his fifty acres, which lie cleared up, and on which he lived until his decease in June, 1S58. He lies in the Cherry Fork cemetery. These were the parents of live children, named Eliza, Samuel, James, John and Nancy Jane. Of these children, three arc dead, Eliza. Samuel and Nancy Jane; the latter died in early years. John McClaualian, the youngest son, who is the subject of this sketch, was born October 20, 1820. Ho married Esther Boss, November 20, 1842, who died in 1874. By this marriage he raised four children, two sons and two daughters. Fora second wife he married Nancy May. November, 1874. In 1S43, he united with the U. P. church, at West Union, of which he has been an exemplary and consistent- member. Mrs. McClaualian is also a a member of the same church. Mr. McClaualian now owns, and lives on the old homestead of his father. His house occupies the site of the one in which he was born, and where he has lived all his live. He has a pleasant home, where he and his estimable lady arc enjoying the comforts of an industrious, well-spent life, with the respect of the whole community.

William and Thomas McGovney. - TIic MrGovney family of Adams county, is of iVisli origin, blit in our researches we are unable to trace it farther hack than to the grandfather of William and Thomas MrGovney, whose names stand at the head of this article. The first information wo can gel of th*.s grandfather, whose name utJs James McGovney, is when he was a young man in Ireland, and about to embark for America, in 1772. This young mail, In* fore leaving hi* native land, bis early home and friends, which Jie was lo see no more. M as not unmindful of the needed prepanaliou for his welfare in that distant country in which he Mas soon to make his habitation, a lonely strange?. Among the last tilings he did before starling, M as to go to I lie church, in M'hieS ho had always worshipped, an. ' obtain its recommendation. and which gave him ihe Ibllou'ing certificate :

'-That James McGovney, a single man, has lived from his infancy in ihe hounds of this congregation, and, as far as Me know, always behaved himself in a sober, inollensive Manner, and may be admitted to the fellowship of any Christian society, u'hcro his lot may fall, is certified in the session of Lisburn, the 21st day of May, 1772/* Jas. Biiyson, Dis. Minister.

This Lisburn is a town situated on the Lagan river, Ireland, (P.j miles S- S. W. of Belfast, from the harbor of which the ship sailed. The next thing did in preparing for the embarkation, his father, or some other relative, went to the captain of ihe ship, and paid a balance due on his passage money, as shown by the following receipt :

"Received from Mr. Thomas McGovney, Two Pounds, Two Shillings, and Three Pence, Sterling, which wilh One Guinea paid Earnest, is in full for the passage of Janies McGovney on board the ship Philadelphia, James Malcom, Master, from hence to Newcastle or Philadelphia, and they are each to have six pounds of bread, six pounds of beet, fourteen quarts of under, and a pound of molasses every week during the voyage, provided there be not the appearance of a longer passage than twelve weeks, and in that ease, to he brought to such an allowance as a committee, to he chosen out of the passengers, shall think prudent." For Thomas Gijeg,

This receipt, which i.*. a printed blank filled out, is given verbatim. Unfortunately the descendants of this man have failed to preserve anything like a regular record of the early events in his life, whereby a very interesting and useful narrative is somewhat marred. Wc arc unable to learn when or where fie landed upon our shores, or what he did for some years afterwards. . Wo can only gather, that somewhere .cast, of the mountains, in Pennsylvania, that he married a lady named Nancy Crockett; that he afterwards moved to Augusta county, Virginia, where lie stayed a Short time,' and then removed to Washington, Ky., wl.erc he stayed until the spring of 1735. It is probable tluit Mr. McGovern married about 1780; that he moved to Virginia in 1783. From Kentucky he came to Adams county in the spring of 1735, and purchased 1,000 acres of land in Liberty tou nship, where .lie lived and died. The part of this land on which lie settled, after became the property of Alf. Uifllo. A portion yet remains iii the hands of descend mts. He reared a family of nine children, named Jane, Thomas, Betsy, Peggy, James, Polly, John, William and Robert. Jane married Thomas Foster; moved lo Kanawha Licks, where she died. Thomas > -married Jane Graham ; lived and died in Libert}' township, "bn the farm -now ou* nod by his son, Thomas McGovney . Betsy married Aafou Robuck : they lived and die l

I hive miles north-west of West Union, where the\ died of elmli i J a nips married Elizabeth Douglass ; now live- in G reenc (ou uship. Polly married Adam McGovern; set I led in Liberty, ton'llship, and soon died. John married Nam y Graham ; sell led m mi Chicago. 111., where they both died. William never married : lived in West Union, where he died in 1833. wilh cholera. Rob* ert married Sally Mason, daughter of Thomas Mason. Tlmma.-. the second child, who married Jane. Graham, reared a fa mi I v of nine children, named James, William, John, Louisa, Elizabei !i. Morel lo. ( Voekcl I, Thomas and .lane. (Twoofihesi children, 1 . nil: William' and Thomas are. (lie names ilnil head lliis an. cle.) James married Eliza, daughter c.f Thomas Holme-, an' lives three miles north -west of West I'nion: is farming. .1 < I . married Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Holms; removed in I to Missouri, where he is farming. Louisa married Thomas P rv, son of Judge Perry; settled in Liberty township, where - died in 1342. Elizabeth married Needham Perry, a son of Jin!. Perr}'. Her husband died some years ago, and she M as marri a second time, to Joel Weeks. They live in Liberty township, and farm. Morcllo married James Holmes, son ofTlios. Holme : lives three miles north of West Union, who farms. Crocket I married Sarah, daughter of Thomas Holmes. He runs a planing mill in Manchester. Jane married Alexander Davidson, u ho died in the army in 1334. The widow lives in North Liberty.

William McGovney, the second, in the above family, was horn September 24, 1813. lie married Isabella, daughter of Judge MeCIanaliaii, May S, 1833. They have reared a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, to-wit: Mary Elizabeth, born, 1840, married C- C. Ellis; live- in Huntington county, Ind. ; farming. Samuel T., born 1843, married Miss Wright; lives in Indiana, druggist. Louisa A., born 1845, married W. F. Mc- Daniel ; they removed to Vernon county, Missouri. Elenora, born 1847, married George M. Fulton, who lives near North Libert v. Mr. Fulton is engaged in farming. Isabella, horn 1S43, married William Gardner, who lives in Huntington county, Ind., engaged in farming. .John M., born 1854, married Belle McKay; he lives on the old homestead engaged in farming. Newton, born in 1857, never married. Mr. McGovney lives on the East Fork of Eagle creek, Liberty township. lie owns a farm that was first settled about 1830, by Conrad Fester, also adjoining it, a farm settled by Judge Needham Perry, about the same time. He now owns over 450 acres of land, which is in a high state of cultivation.

Thomas McGovney, who is the eighth in the family, .lives on the West Union and Decatur pike, four miles u*est of the former j place, lie owns 230 acres of the original purchase made by his j grandfather, Janies McGovney. This property was also thcvhoiuci stead of his father, Thomas McGovney. It is a pretty place, pleasantly situated, and highly cultivated. Mr. McGovney owns 330'aeres, in all. lie married Sarah McNeil, daughter of John McNeil. They arc the parents of four children, three daughter* and one son. These children arc: Cora A., born November 17. 185(5, died April (I, 1857. Mary Jane, born February $. 1858. married F. M. Morrison, March 1, 1S7C. died April 5. 1873, leaving a son. named Roy Elmo, who M'as horn January 8, 1873. Margaret Isabel, born December 22, 18C0, died January 27. 1S(:S. They all repose in the Kirkor graveyard. John Clinton, born July 20. 1SG3, living with his parents. Of Mrs. MeGovney's ancestors, m o can only reach back to her great grandfather, hut when, or u here, he was born, whom lie married or even what his Christian name was wc know not. All that wc can learn about him. is, that 1m lived in Kentucky, at an early day, had a wife, and two sons, named Joseph and John. It Mas in the early settling of ilia: State, that Mr. McNeil lived there. Late in the fall, one season he, and some neighbors, went a distance into the forests to hum and kill their winter's meat. He took with him his son. Joseph, then seven or eight years old, to ride the pack horse and take earof him, while the party were hunting. One night as they were lying by Their camp lire, they Mere attacked by Indians ami tnc whole party killed - except the hoy. u ho was unhurt. The Indians, -when they had seized him nrero fiercely attacked- by a large dog, by which their grasp upon him ua* released and lie sprang into Ihe darkness of the wo >1*. and eluded his captors, and made toward his bom -. as 'well as he could. "With only his pants . and shirt and a pair of socks on. accompanied by his faithful dog Ihe little fellow made his tyav/ through the cold and snow toward home, which he reached after being out three days and nights, almost perished u'illi cold and hunger. On his road, lie .had to M ade a stream that was up to his neck. When night came on. he would seek a place beside a log or rods, that Mould be- some, protection, u'hcre, n illi the warmth imparted i>v his dog. who slept with him. he wa< saved from perishing with tin? cold. When In; reached home, his feel were so badly trozeu, the.}' never regained their natural condition. These two brothers lived in Kenitickv. till thov grew to manhood and married'. They came togeihcnaijd settled in Wayne township. Ad mi* county, in the spring.. »f Is > *- and each raised a family of ten children. Tin* older of Ihe-e brothers, Joseph McNeil, was the grandfather of Mr*. MrGovney and one of his sons named John M.'Ved i- her lather. 1 hi- John - Me Neil' reared a family of four children - all danchni-. inued. Sarah A. (now Mrs. MrG «vn -}'). Mary Adalin N an ' J m-. " isan Margaret. This family, including Mi *. 'I *G »' - l no ' .

:nv I ! 111 III lii'i -oft ho l . p. ' -"ivli al C'Iumtv Pork. .los«-|>»i Mr- Vil. ami Ills i.lilrst ron, .Ini.o wore liolli in (lie wnr of 1^1-'- 1 1,<- ~<>M V III! ivriil into l lie ainiv al IS, was trlolirnlril loi- liis floet- M-sNoi'lii.il. Wliil. I hr troo[is wrrn lyin';' at Samliinky, hr lnnl a tool r.-icr wilh an Hxlitm dial crralnl some ink-rest ill the time. Sis tlnniMiinl men were present to witness it, tine. Meigs being also on i. mil to see it. The spoefntors formed two lines, between wliieli tin* parties ran. MeNoil was the winner r.f.l was presenteit with : eaite. as a memento of the contest. This cane, lie, in after life, constantly carried wiilt hint. Thirty-eight years after Ihe event, he was at lliplcv, O. when a steamboat arrived, and a pnssenge reeognized Mi Neil w ith his stall', fts Ihe voting man, who ran he rare with an Indian at Sandusky in 1S14. In .Inly, ISlill. a hummer who appeared to be hovering around Hobson's Mien, wim were in pursuit of Morgan, for plunder, met McNeil, who was riding a very good horse, and demanded it for the use of the army, enforcing his claim, by presenting a pistol at the old man. McNeil immediately drew his can® for tight. The bummer withdrew his pistol, let go the rein, and t he rider went, on wilh his horse.