Coshocton County, Ohio - Brief Biographical Sketches, 1876

Charles Williams, the first white settler in Coshocton county, was unquestionably one of the most remarkable of its citizens. He was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1764. In his boyhood, the family removed to "Western Virginia, near Wheeling. He married there Susannah Carpenter, ''and moved to the neighborhood of the salt works on the Muskingum, ten miles below Coshocton, and subsequently to " the forks of the Muskingum." Of hardy stock, he grew up in the severest discipline of pioneer life. He was a successful trapper, hunter, Indian scout, and trader, and held every office (being almost all the time in some) in the county possible for a man of his education, from road supervisor and tax-collector to member of the legislature. He was famous as a tavern-keeper, and in that and other capacities became very popular. Clever, genial, naturally shrewd, indomitable in purpose, not averse to the popular vices of his day, and even making a virtue of profanity, he was for forty years a controlling spirit of the county, and for twenty-five, the controlling spirit. He died in 1840 (in his seventy-sixth year), leaving a considerable number of relatives, many of whom are still in the county. Two of his children were burned to death by the destruction by fire of the cabin built by him when he first settled at Coshocton. It is said that one of his daughters (the mother of C. H., Matthew, and Wm. A. Johnston), when twelve years old, was in the habit of doing the milling for the family, taking the grain on horseback to Zanesville, and bringing back the flour. The family was emphatically of the Pioneer sort.

oldest son of Eev. Joseph Kue, of Pennington, New Jersey - a well-known Presbyterian minister. He came to Coshocton county in 1811 ; a little later, went to New Orleans, coming back the overland route. He married Miss Fulton, and for some years gave himself to the management of a large tract of land (since known as the Rickett's lands) near Coshocton, acquired by that alliance. Afterward he was engaged in trade with C. Van Kirk. He died in Roscoe, February 17, 1871 (aged eighty-eight years), at the house of Dr. M. Johnson, who had married his only child. He was a brother of Joseph W. Rue.

James Benfrew^ one of the earliest merchants in Coshocton county, and for a few years county treasurer, and otherwise connected with public affairs, was born at Lisburn, county Antrim, Ireland, in 1767. He brought to America a healthy bod}^, a strong mind, and a little of this world's goods, which were steadily increased until his death. He commenced keeping store in Coshocton about 1815. In 1820, while in Pittsburg, whither he was in the habit of going for goods, he married Mrs. Johnson, a widowed sister of old Dr. Kerr, of the A. R. Presbyterian church in that city. The children of this woman found in Mr. Renfrew a most worthy step-father. He was an admirable counselor and helper while living, and a generous friend when dying. Both himself and his wife were most zealous Presbyterians, and sought to have all connected with them honor the Lord. Beside the Johnsons (John, Jos. K., and Wm.), Robert Hay was an object of Mr. Renfrew's interest and business training, and always spoke in highest terms of him. Wm. Renfrew (quite prominent as a merchant and otherwise) and James Renfrew, Jr., were children of Mr. Renfrew by a connection formed prior to his coming to Coshocton. He had no children by the widow Johnson. Mr. Renfrew died in 1832, being in his sixty-fifth year.

in the century near New Comerstown. Abraham learned his trade of cabinet-making at Marietta, and set up in Coshocton in 1814. He was for some time a justice of the peace, and also coroner of the county. He died September 22, 1869, in his seventy-sixth year. His widow, now about his age at death, resides in Coshocton with her son B. F. Sells.'

Dr. Samuel Lee was for more than sixty years a resident of Coshocton. He was born, and spent his boyhood, on a farm near Pultney, Vt. Having studied medicine at Castleton, Vt, he came to Ohio in 1809 on invitation of, and along with, Rev. Timothy Harris, of Granville, Licking county, who was then minister of the church of Granville, and had gone to visit his friends in the east, and act as a sort of emigration agent. The trip to Ohio was made on horseback. The Doctor was always specially interested in horses, and once remarked that the first thing he ever owned was a horse, and he guessed it would be the last thing he would give up. After he had been in Granville about two years (in which time he married Miss Sabra Case, who was an help-meet indeed, and who preceded him to the grave some three years), he came to Coshocton on the hunt of an estrayed or stolen horse. The town was then a mere hamlet, and wanted a physician, and he removed at once. Practice was then no play. A ride of forty miles in visiting a patient was of common occurrence. The perils and exposures of the new country gave the Doctor plenty of work, and his originally vigorous constitution and active habits were heavily taxed, and drafts made upon them bearing heavily upon his later years. For years before his death he was much crippled and very hard of hearing. He died at the house of his son, Dr. S. H. Lee, on the 19th of March, 1874, having completed within four days his eighty-ninth year.

Dr. Lee had undoubted adaptations for his time and place. The roughness and freedom and economy of pioneer life did not misfit him. He was very genial ; could tell a good story, and crack a joke with tlie jolliest of the men and women of his day. He used to tell with zest how he had taken aback some old ladies who had been summoned to attend a young unmarried woman who had been " unfortunate," and was then in straits, by proposing very gravely " a corn poultice," a favorite application of that day, and pretending that he did not understand the case, being misled by the fact that the woman was an unmarried one.

His patriotism and philanthropy are pleasant things in the remembrance of his friends. Although holding public office but twice - that of county treasurer, in ver}^ early days, and that of State senator in 1826-27 - he was always interested in public affairs. While an intense hater of the system of slavery, he was anything but bitter to those who were entangled, by their birth and surroundings, in that system. There are abundant evidences of his friendly disposition in his readiness to go on their official bonds, and otherwise stand for his neighbors. His conscientiousness and diligence in his profession none have questioned. He had a quick-wittedness and strong common sense that often stood in lieu of profundity of attainment. Among those with whom he had to do, he could, with a lancet and a little calomel, and jalap and a corn poultice, effect all that many now-a-days can do with the nicer instrumental appliances and amply furnished apothecary shops. He was not what might be called a scholarly man, but always the friend of intelligence. The first school-house built in Coshocton was on a site granted to Dr. Lee and his associates. By industry and economy he always lived comfortably, and at his death left a considerable portion.

He really reared two sets of children - his own and those of his daughter who married Robert M. Lamb - beside having some care over the children of another daughter, Mrs. Jamieson.

The Doctor, at an early day, owned almost the entire square bounded by Fourth, Fifth, Main, and Walnut streets. He had a farm just east of town ; but his residence was for the most of his life in the brick house at corner of Fourth and Main streets.

His shrewdness and strict honesty in business transactions were prominent features in his character. His creditors were generally few, and debtors many.

Before leaving his ]^ew England home, Dr. Lee openly committed himself to the service of God, and espoused the religion that stood him in stead unto the last.

For adherence to his convictions of duty in a religious wa}', he was well knt3wn ; and in exhibiting gave and bore much. For thirty-five years he was an elder in the Presbyterian church.

Feeble in body and failing in mind^ for some time in latest years, he never forgot the Bible and his family worship, and wanted to he reckoned a child of God.

James BoUnson came with his father's family into the locality now known as Franklin township, Coshocton county, then the JNTorthwestern territory, in 1801. He was born in Clarksburg, Harrison county, Virginia, in 1787. He served one term as associate judge, and two terms in the legislature ; but he seems to have taken most interest in his broad acres, and to have been chiefly famed as a large land-holder and enterprising farmer. He was also very actively interested in the Methodist Episcopal church, being chiefly instrumental in the planting of the Bethany church, where his descendants still worship. He died May 7, 1856.

Thomas Barling was born in Hardy county, Virginia, N'ovember 7, 1799. His father brought the family to the Walhonding valley (near Warsaw) in 1806. The journey was made on horseback, the mother having an infant on the horse before her, and the httle boy, Thomas, holding on to her, as he rode behind.

His life was mainly given to farming. He was, however, a public-spirited citizen, and for a number of years served the county as a commissioner, the record of which service appears in another part of this volume. In later years, he was much interested in blooded cattle, and introduced some valuable stock into the valley in which he lived. He

He married Miss Demie Butler, and reared a considerable family ; and bis family connections enter largely into the social fabric of the Walhonding valley, as well as extending into other localities.

Benjamin Ricketts was born near Cumberland, Maryland. Learning his trade as a hatter in that town, he afterward opened a shop at Marietta ; still later, had one in Zauesville. Giving up his shop, he set up a store in West Zanesville. He commenced selling goods in Coshocton in 1818, and in the spring of 1820, brought the family to the town. His successful prosecution of business was most clearly apparent in the accumulations attending it. He became a large land-holder and well-known citizen.

He served one term as county commissioner. He and the opposing candidate were " tied " on the vote, and by lot the office devolved upon Mr. Ricketts. He was never much enamored of public office, and, it is understood, never held any except this one.

Like many, indeed nearly or quite all, of the successful and prominent men of Coshocton county, Mr. Ricketts was greatly aided in all his life's work by his wife, who, at the good old age of nearly eighty-five years, is still living in Coshocton. She was from Hampshire county, Virginia ; was married when about sixteen years of age, in 1807.

Mr. Ricketts died July 1, 1857. His descendants and connections are many, and few families have been better known " in the gates " than his.

He was born near Dresden ; learned the tanner's trade in Zanesville; came to near Roscoe (one mile north) about 1821, and set up a tannery. He was also in mercantile line

Early in life, identified himself with Baptist church, and was steadfast in the faith. Was an enthusiastic Sundayschool man ; and, as none of his own views were in the place, co-operated zealously with the Alethodist Episcopal and Presbyterian schools.

James Le Hdilley was born in the Isle of Guernsey, in 1788. He came to this country in 1806, settling in Guernsey county, where was a settlement of people from the island of the same name. Removing to Muskingum county, at a point about ten miles below Coshocton, he engaged in the manufacture of salt, along with George Bagnall. They made about six bushels a day at three dollars a bushel, or exchanged a bushel for twelve bushels of wheat. Their salt was carried to remote points, some of it by canoes and pirogues up the Killbuck almost to Wooster. In 1825, the Kanawha and lower Muskingum salt coming into market, largely rendered the business of lietilley & Bagnall unprofitable, and they removed to Caldersburg (Roscoe). Retilley and William Wood set up a dry-goods store (in a log-cabin), the first in the place. After a few years Wood retired, and the firm became Bagnall & Retilley, and for years was very prominent in trade circles, doing a very large business.

Mr. Retilley was one of the associate judges of the county, and an active adherent of the Methodist church in Roscoe. He died in December, 1850, aged sixty-two years. He was twice married. His second wife (the daughter of T. Emerson of Keene), now resides in Granville. His descendants are still well known in the land.

Thomas Johnson, by the documentary history of the county, and the concurrent testimony of survivors, was one of the most prominent and spirited citizens. He was born in the parish of Glentubert, Monaghan county, Ireland, on the IGth of March, 1783. Early in youth he manifested a great desire to go to America, and urged his father to emigrate. He, being a very quiet, unobtrusive man, with quite a family of young children, could not think of bringing them to the wilds of America. Thomas remained with his father until he was twenty-four years of age, and had brothers grown up. lie then told his father he was determined to go to the new world, and urged his suit with so much ardor that his parents could no longer withhold their consent. He left Ireland in 1806, and landed in ISTew York with but one sovereign in his pocket. He there met with Joseph T. Baldwin, of Newark, New Jersey, who offered to employ him. He remained with Mr. Baldwin for three years. In 1808, he married Sarah Parker. About this time his parents and three brothers, Richard, William, and Robert, and his only sister, Margaret, joined him in Newark. Thomas then determined that Newark was not the ^place for his father's family to settle, and in 1808 he and his father's family came to Coshocton county, where they bought a quarter section of land from Esaias Baker, on which now stand the old homestead and also the village of EastPlainfield and cemetery, in which his first son, William, was the first to be buri'ed. In 1812, he and his brother, Richard, were in the army under General Harrison. He held the ofiice of justice of the peace, and was long an associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He and Jacob Waggoner built the first mill of any note on Will's creek, of four run of burrs, that tapped a radius of twenty miles. From 1820 to 1830, he ran several flat-boats to New Orleans and other points south. He nearly lost his life the first cholera season. In running the dam at Zanesvillc one time he and two of his oarsmen were thrown out of the boat by the oars striking the pier of the bridge. Mr. Rankin, being a good swimmer, got out, William Smith was drowned, and he was rescued from the water by the exertions of sheriff' Daniel Brush. Once, finding yellow-fever prevailing in New Orleans, and markets dull, he concluded to coast out his load of provisions, and poled his boat up the Tennessee as far as Florence, where muscle shoals prevented his further passage. He had large contracts on the Ohio canal. Owing to the higli banks and mud bottoms, there was a difficulty in fording Will's creek at his mills, and the commissioners being unable or unwilling to assist in bridging said stream, he petitioned the legislature, in 1834, to authorize him to build a bridge and collect toll. This was the first bridge spanning Will's creek in Coshocton county, and remained a tollbridge about twenty years, when his son made a free-will offering of the bridge to the county commissioners, they agreeing to repair and keep it up. He was connected with the building of the bridges that span the Tuscarawas and Walhonding rivers between Coshocton and Roscoe. From 1838 to 1840 he had heavy contracts on the Walhonding canal. In 1812, the pioneer Methodist preacher founded this settlement, and the Johnson family were the first to unite in church fellowship. " Thomas was appointed leader of the class, and also steward, which office he held to the day of his death. His house was always the preacher's home. About 1835, he built the largest meeting-house iu the vicinity, on his land and principally at his own expense, giving it by will to the trustees of Coshocton circuit, and their successors in office. After a protracted sickness, which first made itself manifest while attending court in Coshocton, he died, August 20, 1840, in full resignation and in great peace. widow survived him almost twenty-two years, dying at the old homestead, March 29, 1862. His father also survived him eighteen days, dying September 7, 1840, in the eighty -first year of his age. Robert Johnson, his youngest brother, moved from near Plainfield, twenty years ago, and settled in Colwell county, Missouri, being in his seventyeighth year, and the only survivor of the old stock.

Joseiph jBMr??s. - His father, Samuel Burns, removed from Waynesburg, Augusta county, Virginia (where Joseph was born), to Ohio, iu 1815. The family were about a year in New Philadelphia, and then came down the river in a pirogue, or large canoe, to Coshocton, making their location in this county in 1810. Joseph was at that time about sixteen years old, having been born March 11, 1800. Favored by nature with a good appearance and great affabil- ity of manner, and being skilled in the art of penmanship, he was soon a young man of note in the neighborhood. His first appearance in public capacity was probably in 1818, when he served as clerk at an election in Tuscarawas township, at which his father was one of the judges. In 1821 he was run by his friends for the office of auditor, and perhaps that time and once afterward, when he ran for a second term in Congress, were the only occasions in which he did not secure the coveted position. This work, under the heads of "County Oflicers" and "lielations to State and N^ational Governments," will show the ofiices of public sort filled by him. Except a brief period in his youth spent in farming, and another in his maturer life spent in keeping a drug-store, his whole active life of more than fifty years was spent in public work. Never very exacting as to fees, and always free with his purse among his friends and fellow citizens, he left at the end of his days only a moderate portion. Many men with more of greed, or less honest or frugal in general habits, would have amassed great wealth with his opportunities. The afl'ection of the large Virginia and Marjdand elements in the population of the county for him was something worthy of study. The stock of which he came was the old Scotch-Irish, so largely prominent in the whole history of the country. His parents were Presbyterians, and his philosophy and faith partook of the old Covenanter cast. He always had some taste for military aftairs, and was a major-general of the militia.

He was twice married - his first wife was Rebecca Price, and his second was Mrs. Alex. Hay. One of his sons was educated at West Point, and was during the war a brigadier-general, and another was clerk of the United States District Court of Iowa for some years. He had in all six sons and two daughters, and these with his widow survive him.

His latter days were rendered distressful by tlie nature of his disease - dropsy of the chest; but he continued, until within a few hours of his death, to transact at his home such of the business of his office (that of probate judge) as must receive his personal attention. Rising from his bed.

and essaying to take a few ste[)S, he sank to the floor, and in a moment was done with the burdens and honors of life, which he had received so largely and borne so bravely. lie was a little more than a month beyond his seventy-fifth year.

John Burns Avas born in Waynesburg, Augusta county, Virginia, in the year 1807. He moved with his father's family to ISTew Philadelphia, Tuscarawas county, in 1815, and in April, 1816, they moved to Coshocton county, as has been detailed in connection with the sketch of his brother, Joseph Burns. He remained with his father until 1828, when he went to Chillicothe as a clerk with his brother-inlaw, John Smeltzer, and remained there one year. He then came to Eoscoe, and clerked in the dry-goods store of John Smeltzer and his successors (Medbery & Ransom) until 1838, when he became a member of the firm, under the name of Medbery, Burns & Co. In 1840 he dissolved his connection with Aledbery, and formed a connection with Samuel Moifitt for the sale of dry goods, under the firm name of Burns & Moflitt. He continued in said firm until 1845, when Moflitt retired, and the firm was changed to Burns & Retilley, and remained so until 1860, when he bought Retilley out, and continued in business in his own name until his death. He died July 31, 1871, aged sixtyfour years.

His good sense and integrity were marked qualities. Thoroughly interested in public affairs, and always a zealous partisan, and ready to help his friends to oflice, he never had any desires in that direction for himself, ai\d it is believed never held any ofiicial position. He was a painstaking and successful business and family man.

John Johnson was a prominent citizen of Coshocton county for nearly half a century. He was born in county' Tyrone, Ireland ; came to America in 1816, and to Coshocton about 1820. Under the direction of his stepfather, James Renfrew, and after the manner of his time, he learned the tanner's trade. He was a member of the well-known mer- chandising and banking firm, AV. Iv. Johnson k Co. For some years, about 1840, he resided at Walhonding, He represented Coshocton district in the upper house of the Legislature, and was also a member of the lower liouse in Congress. He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention 1850-51. Ilis health was not firm for some years before he died, and on this and other accounts he was not so much engaged with public affairs in his later years as in earlier ones. With limited education, his industry and native shrewdness and caution enabled him to achieve a considerable degree of business and political success. He was averse to display, and believed in "solid" things. He was a devout adherent of the Presbyterian church, in the faith of wiiich he iiad been thoroughly trained. He died February 5, 18G7. His wife was Miss Harriet Humrickhouse, and he died without issue.

Willinm K. Johnson was born in County Tyrone in Ireland, and when only seven years of age was brouglit to America. The famil}-, after a .brief stay in Baltimore, came to Pittsburg, where a brother of Mrs. Johnson (Rev. Dr. Kerr) was living. About 1820 Mrs. Johnson was married to James Renfrew, then doing business in Coshocton, and the Johnson children thus and then came to Coshocton. At first a clerk, and then a partner in the mercantile business, and afterward in banking and in real estate opei-ations. William K. Johnson was for many years regarded as a representative business man of the county. He had the confidence of the whole community, and his name was a synonym for integrity, sobriety, diligent application to business, and great prudence. By all the sons of the Emerald Isle, especially, he was looked to as a wise counselor^ His approbation of any matter of town and county interest was regarded as quite important in order to its accomplishment. His views and actions have very largely shaped the social and business affairs of the region where for nearly forty years he lived and labored. He was for many years a member of the board of education and of the town council of Coshocton. He was postmaster for some fifteen years, lie was connected with the Steuben ville and Indiana raih'oad, as a director, from its organization until his death. lie was one of the most regular attendants and spirited supporters of the Presbyterian Church. In the earlier years of its history, he superintended the Sabbathschool, and led the congregational singing. For a number of years he served the County Bible society as its treasurer and depository. While not uninterested in political affairs, he had little ambition in that line.

He married, in 1836, Miss Elizabeth Humrickhouse, who, with six children, survived him. His death occurred in comiiaratively early years, he being about fifty years old. He died Monday (having been in his place of business on Saturday), December 10, 1860.

Bohert Hay was born in County Derry, Ireland, in February, 1801. He came to America in 1817, and was employed in stores in Pittsburg for two years, and then came to Coshocton in the employ of James Renfrew. After a clerkship of a few years, he became a partner with Mr. Renfrew, and subsequently with William- Renfrew. For fifty years he was in business. He was in his store when taken with his last illness. No man ever stood higher in the community for truthfulness, honesty, promptitude, and careful application to business. Trained in the old school of merchants, he was a strict disciplinarian, and despised all trifling and trickery. He always was himself to be found at his business in business hours, and expected a conscientious devotion to his interest on the part of his employes, whom he always regarded with kindly interest. For the worthy poor he had always much sympathy, and was especially ready to help them to help themselves. He served the county for several 3^ears as county treasurer, but w'as never inclined to public station. In the regular prosecution of his business as a merchant and distiller, he steadily increased his worldly estate, and by the vast accretions in connection with the excise tax in the earlier part of the war, left at his death the largest estate ever administered upon in Coshocton county.

He married Miss Mary Corbin, of Granville, 0., in 1858. She and one child preceded him to the grave, and two children survived him. He died, after a few days' illness, May 3, 1869, at the house of his brother James, which for some time he had made his home.

John Mlliott, for many years commonly designated as " Deacon Elliott," belonged to a family of mark, all winning considerable fame, despite what would be accounted an unfavorable condition at the start. The family came from Ireland. The mother's piety seems to have been as strong a determining force in the children as the hard sense of the father. One of the sons, Samuel Elliott, was associate judge of the county; another, Charles, became a very prominent minister in the M. E. Church. The deacon was thrown, in early life, into Presbyterian surroundings, and, though not favorably aftected at first, after thorough study, adopted that form of Christian faith, and held to it through all his life with notable pertinacity. He united with the church under Rev. Elisha McCurdy, of Western Pennsylvania. After learning thoroughly the carpenter's trade, he spent some time in erecting mission buildings - church, school-house, and dwellings - for the use of the Presbyterian missionaries among the Sandusky Indians. He was a citizen of Coshocton county about forty years. The tirst Presbyterian Church of Coshocton and the Methodist Episcopal Church of same place, and some others in the country, were built by him. About 1855 he went to Iowa, with the purpose of making that his home, but in a few years returned to Coshocton, and, after working a few years, ended his days in August, 1860. Strong sense and steadfast piety were characteristics of the man. Indifferent as to personal appearance, and exceedingly blunt in expression, he compelled the respect and regard of all who became to any extent acquainted with him. He was one of the two first chosen elders of the Presbyterian Church of Coshocton, and an almost never-failing attendant upon the church prayer-meetings, which he always found time to attend.

lived only a few years, and left one son (John B. Elliott), at whose home the old deacon died, September 2, 1868, being sixty-eight years old.

Dea. Taliafero Vickers was a leading citizen in Washington township. He was born in Prince William's county, Virginia, on the 22d of September, 1789. He came to Coshocton county in 1827. Early in life, he identified himself with the Baptists, and he died in the Wakatomika Baptist Church on Sunday, Februar}- 19, 1863. He had gone to the church in his usual health, and his last utterance was an " amen " spoken while the minister was reading Rev. 1:18. A moment after, the attention of the congregation was drawn to him, and those going to him found him dead.

Wm. Brown was for eighteen years, from 1822 to 1840, a merchant and general business man in West Carlisle, of which town he was one of the original proprietors. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania ; spent a few years, before coming to Coshocton county, at St. Clairsville, Belmont county. His parents were from Germany, spelling their name Braun. His wife was Scotch-Irish. B}' the combination of the virtues of the two races, the Browns won for themselves great consideration in their neighborhood, and, though starting in their wedded life with very little, amassed quite a respectable fortune. Mr. Brown was for man}^ years a justice of the peace and postmaster under Monroe, J. Q. Adams, Jackson, and Van Buren, although he was a very decided Adams and Clay man. He was an excellent horseman, and' skilled in the use of the rille, and these things helped him greatly in the state of society found in his day in the region of West Carlisle. In public movements and proper s[)orts, he was never lacking, and was often recognized as a leader, and made the object of a good deal of " backwoods homage."

And yet, with all his activity in business and interest in the social life of the people, Mr. Brown is represented as having been a verv earnest and faithful man in his relisfious duties. Family worsliip was on no excuse intermitted ; the Sabbath was sacredly regarded ; and when, as before and after a communion in the church, there was preaching, the store was shi)t, although he loved business, and avowed his intention to give himself steadily to it, and to make money for his family. His house Avas the " minister's hold,'' and he was one of the most active members of the Presb^'terian church from its organization, contributing largely of his means to it, and especially in the erection of the building still in use by the congregation.

In 1840, he removed to Logansport, Indiana, and there died March 4, 1859. His wife, inheriting a considerable estate from her father, gave it all to foreign missions. One of the sons, Wm. L. Brown, Acting Brigadier-General of the Indiana Infantry, was killed at the second battle of Bull Run. Three sons became Presbyterian ministers. J. C, who died while pastor at Valparaiso, Indiana ; Hugh A. was a missionary to Cliina, and has been for many years pastor of a church in Virginia ; and Frederick T. (the only child born in Coshocton count}', and who even yet glories in being a Buckeye), wlio had charge of a church in Cleveland, then of one in Alexandria, J). C, then was in St. Paul, Alinn., and is now at Ann Arbor, Mich.

Alexander Renfrew came from Union county, Pennsylvania, where he was born August 18, 1801, to Coshocton county in 1826, and remained therein until his death on his farm in Keene township, February 13, 1872. He married Miss Carnahan in 18-33, who, with three chiklren, survives him. Starting in life Avitli little, he, by a life of inclustr}^ and frugality, anuissed a very considerable estate. Public life had little attractions, and his record is that of a quiet citizen, a successful farmer, and a busy man, manifesting the virtues of domestic and business life.

Eli Nichols was for forty years a well-known citizen of Coshocton county. He was for many years, ending with his death, the largest land-owner in the county, being in occupancy of the quarter townshi[) of Xcw Castle, now

His death occurred at his home, after an illness of only two days. His age was seventy-two years. His wife preceded him to the grave but a few months.

He was born and reared in the Quaker church, but in after years disavowed the religious principles of that body, and repudiated the Bible as an infallible book. In early manhood, he took an active part in the operations of the Colonization Society, but soon abandoned it, and henceforward gloried in being an "Abolitionist."

His gentleness of nature made him patient amid whatever reproach he encountered in this, as in other lines of thought and action ; and it is claimed for him that, whatever his antipathy to the system of slavery, and his sympathy with the oppressed, he was always wonderfully lenient toward the slave-holder.

In his later years, he became much interested in " Spiritualism," and much of his time in his declining years was given to study of this, and he became a full believer in it, continuing in this faith unto the last of earth.

Rev. Nathaniel Conklin was for many years a most zealous and successful minister of the Presbyterian Clmrch in Coshocton county. He studied at Princeton, iSrew Jersey ; preached for some ten years at Frankfort, Sussex county, in that state, and came to this county about ISS-t. He labored at Coshocton, Keene, Clark (where he organized the church), West Carlisle, and near Warsaw (where he organized the church), in the days of the feebleness of all the churches in this region.

After leaving Coshocton county, about 1844, he labored for a time at Muskingum church, near Dresden. He then removed to Indiana, taking charge of the Covington church in that state. Broken by his missionary labor, he returned to his old home state, and, as he was able, supplied some churches there.

He died in 1866. His wife died in 1837, and lies in the Keene chnrchyard ; and a son, born while he labored at Keene, Rev. IST. W. Conklin, is now pastor of a large and vigorous church in ISTew York city.

G. W. Silliman was the son of a lawyer (Willys Silliman) practicing at Zanesville, and a nephew of Lewis Cass. He pursued his academical studies at Ohio University, and afterward at the military academy at West Point. Having read law with his father in Zanesville, he was admitted, and soon thereafter came to Coshocton (about 1830). He was sent as bearer of dispatches to C. P. Van Il^ess, minister from the United States to Spain. He returned to Coshocton in 1833 ; was soon elected prosecuting attorney, and by re-election continued in the oiRce for ten years. In 1843, he went on a voyage to Europe for his health, but was not greatly beneiited, and on his return voyage grew rajiidly worse, and died at sea. His remains were brought to New York, and interred in Greenwood Cemetery.

In 1834, he married Miss Ann Johnson, who survived him many years, dying in 1864. There was one child, Willys Cass Silliman, who survived the father only about two years. Mr. Silliman's reputation is that of genial, scholarly gentleman.

Robert 31. Lamb was from Eastern Virginia. He came to Coshocton, and was employed as miller in the Coshocton Steam Mill, about 1834; afterward, as one of the Union Mill Co., was concerned with the building and running of the Union Mill, in lower Poscoe. He went to California in 1849, and died of cholera in San Francisco the next year» in the forty -first year of his age.

He married a daughter of Dr. S. Lee, and by her had three children, two of whom, Mrs. J. M. Thompson and Miss Emily, are residents of Coshocton ; the third, Mrs. Barse, living at Michigan City, Indiana.

Here the father established himself in trade as a blacksmith, and David, as his age and strength admitted, was a helper, and continued at the forge and anvil for years, learning lessons of patient toil, and endurance, and self-reliance of vast advantage in later years. Subsequently, the father engaged in mercantile business, and in this, as in the other, David, as the eldest son, was his chief assistant. Study, however, was not neglected, and David prolited diligently by his opportunities in that line, limited as they were.

When twenty-five years of age, he commenced the study of law with Alex. Harper, and was admitted to practice at a term of the Supreme Court of the State, held in Cleveland in 1824. lie commenced practice in Zanesville. In I80O, he was nominated for representative for Muskingum county in the legislature, and polled far more than his (Whig) party vote, though not elected. In 1832 he came to Coshocton. Professional business poured upon him from the start, and beside he soon was taking a leading part in politics. In the fall of the same year in which he came into the county, he was nominated for representative from the Twelfth (then) Congressional District, and such was the esteem and popularity in which, as a law3^er riding the circuit, that he was elected by a round majority, although the district (composed of Cosliocton, Knox, Holmes, and Tuscarawas counties) had been hitherto in the hands of the opposite party. He was re-elected by the same constituency in 1834, by a still more decisive vote. Mr. Spangler was thoroughly satisfied with the political experience thus had, and proclaimed his determination to give his whole attention thereafter to professional practice. In 1844, his party, then in the ascendancy in the state, nominated him? b}^ convention asseml)led at Columbus, for Governor, but "he declined the nomination, insisting upon his tastes for private life, and his need of attention to professional business, and the claims of his family, especially those of his two sons, then in course of education. While in Washington city in his first term as congressman he was admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, arguing a case carried up from Ohio, and prevailing for liis client. From 183l) to 1856, in which year he died (October 18), his office and home, his neighljors and friends, received the whole of his time and attention. For some years before his death his health was far from vigorous. He was, it will be observed, about two months less tlian sixty years old.

His parents were members of the M. E. church, as was also the lady wdiom he married (December, 1829), Miss Elizabeth Grafton Etherington, of Baltimore, Md., and he was always awake to the interests of that body and exceedingh' helpful to it, although never a member. In the heaviest of his business and height of his fame, he would give active aid in the Sabbath-school and in the musical department of the church.

He was initiated into the Masonic body about the time tie attained his majority, and served in the cajtacity of "Worshipful Master, Representative to Grand Lodue, of which he was S. G. Deacon, Grand Orator, and Deputy Grand Master. In 1846, the Lodge formerly established having become defunct, he, in connection with others, secured a dispensation for a new Lodge (Xo. 96), of which, for many years, he was W. M.

His sympath}' and readiness to associate freely with the masses - his great industry and energy - and his keen insight of human nature and ready wit were qualities giving him his place and power in public life. And with this is our present ^concern. He used to joke with his friends about his growth in popularity when a candidate, stating that in one township he doubled his vote - the fact subsequently coming from him that the lirst time he ran he got in that township (a Democratic stronghold) one vote, and the second time tioo. A 3'oung lady came to his office to have him commence proceedings for " rape." After hearing the story, he said it was important he should know the case, and informed her that there was an offense called "rape," and one calknl " rapee," and that the hitter covered the case of the mildest possible resistance. She con-

A minister of his church once undertook to deliver a learned controversial discourse, having very much to say about '= the original." Coming out of church, he quietly observed to a prominent lawyer of the place, of another faith, " That was a remarkable discourse ; remarkable, sir ; remarkable, sir; and especially remarkable, because neitherthe preacher (as he knew) nor any of his hearers had any knowledge of that original language."

Teter Humrickhouse was only a few years a resident of Coshocton county, but as the paternal ancestor of one of the most prominent families of the county, may well find brief mention here. He was born in Germantown, Pa., August 26, 1783. His father soon after moved to Hagerstown, Md. After the manner of his time, he learned a trade, that of carriage-maker. In 1814, he removed to Brownsville, Pa. He came to Coshocton in 1834, and here died, August 23, 1839. He was the father of Thomas, and John, and Wm. Humrickhouse, and also of the wives of John Joseph K. and Wm. K. Johnson, of John G. Stewart, and James Irvine, all being resident in Coshocton. Mrs. Kincaid, of Greenfield, Ohio, is also his daughter.

Arnold Medberry was born in I^Tew Berlin, Chenango county, iSTew^ York, March 24, 1806. He came to Iloscoe in the fall of 1832, and remained a citizen of that })lace until his death, August 12, 1861. During this time he was one of the most prominent business men of the region. His farming, milling, merchandising, and connection with the public works, were features of the locality where carried on. Indomitable energy and ceaseless activity were his characteristics. He was undaunted before that which would have made many quail. He thought nothing of taking his buggy, riding thirty miles to Mt. Vernon, and then taking the cars, thus reaching Cleveland in a few hours. Losing two flour-mills by fire, he within a few hours had amtters all arranged for building yet a third. A zealous politician, he yet had little desire for office. He was, however, postmaster of Roscoe for many years, and was also county commissioner. When the public works of the state, with which from the first he had been thoroughly acquainted, were offered for lease, he was one of the principal lessees, and continued in that relation until his death. A single anecdote illustrates his keen discernment and disposition to have the best in ever}' line attainable. A wagon-maker having built him a wagon, called for his inspection and acceptance of it. He discovered, by close examination, a few places stopped up and made to appear smooth and good by putty. The wagon-maker protested that there was no real defect ; that in fact the parts where the putty was, were as strong as any, and would do just as good work. " Very good, then," said Medberry, with his accustomed twinkle of the eye, "just you keep this wagon, and make me another all out of putty, and we will then see whether putty is as strong as oak." Severe requirement Avas the rule with him in his relations to his employes, and what he thus demanded he was ready to yield to those having rightful claims.

His wife, who had been Miss Phoebe Dcnman, survived him several years, dying at the home of her daughter in Kansas. His two sons died in each case as they were approaching manhood. Two of his daughters are living in Kansas, the other in Columbus.

Matthew Scott was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1795. He came to America in 181G, but lived at Cumberland, Maryland, until 1833, when he came to Coshocton county, settling in Virginia township, near Adam's mills. As the owner and cultivator of a considerable body of land ; as a man of diligence and integrity, of more than ordinary intelligence, and of fair education, Mr. Scott was long had in repute in the region where he dwelt. As an enthusiastic son of Erin, and a most earnest and liberal adherent of the Presbyterian church, he was known l)y tlionaands. In 1856, he made a visit to the old hind. He was for several years a director of the Western Theological Seminary at Pittsburg. lie was a member of the general assembly of the Presbyterian church, meeting in Peoria, Illinois, 1863. lie was always a w^arm friend of the colored people, and was chiefly instrumental in establishing a school for the education of colored girls, called " Scotia Seminary," in ISTorth Carolina. Having no children, and his wdfe having died before him, he gave almost his whole estate - of some $25,000 - for educational, missionary, and other benevolent purposes, in connection with the Presbyterian church, a large part going to the support of the little church in which he had long been an elder, and in which his kindred hold yet a large place. For some time before his death, Mr. Scott had been in poor health. Early on the morning of the 13th of September, 1872, the family of the brother with whom he had been staying for some days, w^ere alarmed by his absence from the house and the appearance of his forsaken bedroom, and search having been made, his dead body was found, after some hours, in the Muskingum river, which flowed through his lands.

John Lockard died near Chili, September 20, 1868, in his eightieth year. He was a native of county Donegal, Ireland; emigrated to America in 1819; settled near Steubenville, but after a few years removed to Coshocton county.

Sharon Williams died at his residence in Keene tow'nship on the 19th of August, 1868. He emigrated from Virginia in 1812, and resided in the same vicinity until his death, being a period of fifty-six years.

Isaac Darling died at his residence in Jeflferson township, March 26, 1869. He was born in Eastern Virginia in 1796, and emigrated with his parents to Ohio in 1806, settling at his manhood upon the place on which his early life was spent, and remaining there till his death. He was for many years a prominent member of the Jefi'erson Baptist church.

Matthew Trimble died at his home in Perry township, March 13, 1871. He was a native of Donegal, Irehiud; had been many years in Coshocton county, lie was sixtysix years of age. Was a devout member of the Protestant Episcopal church.

William Pancake died May 26, 1867, in "Warsaw. He was born in Harrisburg, Pa., and in early life removed to Columbiana county, and thence, after a few years, to Coshocton county, where he mai-ried, and became a permanent resident. He was in his seventy-fifth 3'ear. Had been many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Reuben B. Whltfaker, for more than forty years a resident of Coshocton county, died on his farm, in Jeflerson township, on the 11th of April, 1868, in the sixty-eighth year of his age.

JRev. James W. Pigman was born near the town of Cresap, Allegheny county, Md., in 1806; settled in Coshocton in 1810. His connection with the Methodist Episcopal church commenced in 1837, and he continued as a local preacher rfiitil 1866, when he became a minister in the Christian Union church, and so continued until his death, which occurred in Perry township October 26, 1869.

Samuel Brilhart died at his home, in Monroe township, September 23, 1870, in his sevent3^-sixth year. He emigrated from the State of Virginia in 1836 ; was one of the pioneers of Monroe township. He was a member of the Nazarene Baptist church, and left quite a large family.

Mattheio Ferguson, a well-known resident of Roscoe,'died of apoplexy on March 4, 1871, in the eightieth year of his age. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1792, lived for a time in Zanesville, then ten years in Coshocton, passing thence to Roscoe, where was his home for thirty-seven years. He was a hatter by trade. He was several times elected a justice of the peace. He married Miss Mary Smeltzer in

Jolin C. Tldball was born June 5, 1801, in what then was Allegheny county (now Lawrence), Pa. He graduated at Jeft'erson College; was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian church, in 1826, at Island Creek, O. He subsequently preached at Morrisville, Belmont county. His unquestionable ability was connected with a certain measure of eccentricity which frequently involved him in more or less of trouble, often leading to expostulations on the part of his brethren in the ministry, under which he grew somewhat restive. While in Belmont county, he became more and more dissatisfied with the position of his own and also of kindred churches upon the matter of slavery. Meanwhile his health was quite impaired. In this state of things, he turned to the law, and having read with Carlo C. Carroll, of Belmont county, was admitted to the bar, practically demitting the ministry. He came to Coshocton in 1848, and practiced more or less until his death. His keen insight and earnest and impassioned deliver}' were marked features in his practice; but calm investigation and cool judgment were not always so apparent, and Ifis success in business was only moderate. His thorough classical education made him a valuable man in school matters, and to his efforts must, in some considerable amount, be attributed the deepened and enlarged interest in education apparent in the town of Coshocton soon after he came into it. He connected himself with first the one and then the other of the Presbyterian churches of Coshocton, and maintained his position as a Christian man unto the last. He had in earlier days paid no little attention to medical matters, and was ready on all occasions to visit the sick, and make himself useful in times of affliction. He was a very zealous politician - intensely anti-slavery. He had, however, little dis[)Osition to carry his partisanship into his social relations, and was in every way a kind neighbor and clever citizen. He had a large vein of humor, and keenly relished the ludicrous. His power of facial expression was

In the summer of 1863, he got word of the serious illness of a son, then in the army at Vicksburg, and against the counsels of his friends he went to visit him. The son recovered before the father reached the place ; but the old gentleman took sick, struggled back home, and died in a few days, on the 11th of August, 1863.

While preaching at Island Creek, he married Miss Hunter, who, with her children, N. R., Haddasah, and W. S. Tidball, still live in Coshocton. Theophilus Tidball, of Bedford township, is a foster-child, adopted when an infant.

Joseph B. Crowley was, as the son of an old citizen (John Crowley), much in public service, as a soldier in the Mexican war, and for his manly appearance and social habits very highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. He was born October 24, 1837, and died in the prime of his manhood, being at the time of his death fairly entered upon his thirty-seventh year. He married, in 1855, Miss Louisa Williams, who, with one child, survived him.

Clark Johns was born in New Castle township, and died in Coshocton, in his young manhood, June 13, 1863. The " lot " having designated him for a soldier, he, taking his privilege, enlisted in one of the companies which had gone out from Coshocton, where his home and business had been for some time. He was soon promoted to be lieutenant ; was taken sick, sent home, and died in a few days, on date above given. He married the daughter of John Burt, and left her and one child.

C. C. Nichols, son of Eli Nichols, of New Castle township, died in hospital at Clifton, Tennessee, January 14, 1865. He was forty-two years of age, and held the rank of captain in the 183d regiment of Ohio volunteers. His remains were finally placed in the home cemetery. " He was," says a friend, " the child of ups and downs." He was present at the lirst sack of Lawrence, Kansas, and gave his aid in making that state a free state. He afterward spent some time in Colorado, and took an interest in laying out St. Charles, which afterward became Denver City. He undertook the opening of an expensive gulch, and spent all he had on it, without avail. In the fall of 1863, he entered the military service, continuing therein till his death.

Wm. B. Glover w^as born in Clark township, April 26, 1832. While teaching school in Indiana he enlisted in the 21st Indiana regiment, and afterward became a lieutenant in heavy artillery service. "While engaged in the siege of Port Hudson he was taken sick and placed in hospital. Thence he was brought by his father to his home in Coshocton county ; and here, after being home some three weeks, died, on the 18th of June, 1864.

Joel Clark Glover^ brother of the above, was born December 6, 1846; and, having enlisted in the army, died in September, 1864, at Wilson's Landing, near Richmond, Virginia.

Many noble young men like these fell, as they, during the late war of the rebellion, but few families have such a noticeable record as that of which they were members. At one time no less than six sons were in the militarj' service, and two others w^ere represented by substitutes.

Thom.as Carroll, Jr., M. D., was born in Keene, in 1838. After attending medical lectures, he commenced practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Entering the medical department of the army, he was stationed in Washington City, and afterward in Philadelphia. He died while acting assistant surgeon at Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 23, 1867. His remains were brought to Keene.

listed in Capt. Wm. MarslaaH's company of the Eightietti regiment, O. V. I. He was wounded at Mission liidge and captured, and for fourteen months sultered all the horrors of Andersonville, whereby he was made a mere skeleton, although when he enlisted being six feet two inches in height and weighing 200 pounds. At length being exchanged, he was brought to Savannah and there detained by military movements. He afterward laid sick for a mouth at Annapolis. In the summer of 1864 he reached his home, receiving an honorable discharge at end of term of enlistment. For many months he sought to recover his health, at his home and in a health institute in New York State, but in vain. He died at home, January 26, 1866. He was one of that great company of victims of the selfish ambition, greed, and cruelty which possessed the men who brought about the terrible " "War of the Rebellion."

Asa G. Dimmock was well known to the people of Coshocton county, as being for ten years editor and publisher of the Coshocton Democrat. He was also, for two terms, prosecuting attorney of the county, and at that most important era in its history, the robbery of the county treasury, made his mark in that capacity. He was the son of a Baptist clergyman, was bred to the newspaper business, and was connected largely with the press, editing or publishing papers in Harrison, Holmes, Wayne, and Erie counties. He was in the Ohio State Senate as a member and also as clerk. He also served several years as warden of the Ohio penitentiary. In 1867 his health very seriously failed him, and on May 17, 1869, he died at the house of his sister, in Montrose, Penn., in the fifty-sixth year of his age. Of exceedingly pleasant manner, shrewd in management, and exceedingly self-sacrificing, he was always popular, commonly poor. He was twice married - had one child by first wife. His surviving widow resides at Alillersburg.

farm, at school, in teaching, and in reading law. He was for several years deputy clerk of the court and county school examiner. In 1863, he was elected probate judge, and subsequently re-elected, keeping, it is said, the records of the office in unusually neat and correct manner. Before his second term expired, his health was greatly impaired. Having spent some months in vain efforts to re-establish his health, he at length died at the house of his father-inlaw in Newark, on the 12th of July, 1870, in the thirtysixth year of his age.

He was a man of more than usual talent, literary taste, and social excellence. He married a daughter of Judge Wm. Sample, and by her had one son.

Samuel Ketchum died June 29, 1871, aged about fortythree years. His father was from the State of ISTew York. With good common education, he entered upon active life. He was well known as the treasurer of Coshocton county, and from his difficulties growing out of that position he found relief only in death. Having plead guilty to the charge of embezzlement, he was sentenced to the penitentiary for five years, and became an inmate of that institution on the 1st of March, 1870. His health rapidly failed him, and in fifteen months he was pardoned, on representations made by the warden and physician, by Governor Hayes, and returned to his home. While in prison, he professed thorough penitence, and claimed to have little hope for the present life, and none for that to come, save by the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. In the hope of this mercy, he passed away - recognized by the world as a mau of considerable refinement and of generous impulses, to be pitied, however much blamed. An aged, faithful mother, a wife true when all else failed, and two children bitterly lamented his death.

Samuel Morrison died in Coshocton on the 20th of August, 1871, in the seventy-third year of his age. He was boru in Virginia ; was brought to Coshocton county when only two years of age ; he grew up with the county ; held several offices of trust, among others that of sheriff. His death was the result of an apoplectic stroke. His wife died some time before he did. Of his children (seven daughters), Mrs. R. W. Thompson is dead ; Mrs. Banks in Minnesota ; Mrs. Marvin in Michigan ; Mrs. Hankins in l^ew York ; Mrs. Eev. Robftrt Beer in Indiana ; Mrs. Kepner in Columbiana county ; and only Mrs. W. H. H. Price, of Coshocton, is in the county.

John Morgan died at his residence, a few miles east of Coshocton, September 14, 1866, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. He was born in New Jersey, October 9, 1789. He was among the earlier settlers of Coshocton county, cultivating a farm until old age and illness interfered. He was for twenty -five years a member of the White Eyes Baptist church.

Charles S. Barnes w\as born in Faj^ette county, Pennsylvania, in 1798. The family removed to Jefferson county, when Charles came to Coshocton county, settling as a farmer in Bedford township, and becoming one of its most highly esteemed citizens. He was probate judge from 1855-1858. He was for man}'^ years a class leader and steward in the Methodist Episcopal church. His death occurred on the 17th of May, 1866, at his home in West Bedford. Several of his children abide in the township.

William Henderson died at his residence, in ISTew Castle township, in 1866, having been many years a farmer and stock-man in Coshocton county. He was in his seventyfirst year ; came from Pennsylvania ; was married in 1837 ; connected by the marriage of his children with several of the prominent families in the west part of the county.

George Darling, youngest son of Isaac and Jane Darling, died at Holton, Kansas, October 30, 1870, aged twenty-five years. His mother had gone on a visit to a daughter in Kansas, and was there taken sick with typhoid fever. After a lingering illness, her recovery was despaired of, and her friends notified. George went to be with her in her last moments, and was himself smitten with the same dissease, and in one week died, the mother following in a few hours. The bodies were brought to the old home, near Warsaw. George had only been married a few months (to Miss Foster), and was a very popular young man, and the circumstances of the death made the* event a notable one in his old neighborhood.

Samuel Squire, Sr., died on the 24th of l^ovember, 1874, at his residence in Jackson township, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. He was brought as a child to Coshocton county, in 18^4, being then eight years of age. His parents came from Kutland county, Vermont. He took possession of the place where he died, in 1832. He was a deacon. in the Regular Baptist church. He left children and a large circle of relatives.

Nicholas Bassett came from Mohawk valley, E"ew York, and settled in Linton township, more than forty years ago. He died on the 11th of March, 1875, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. A friend says : " He was a very active and energetic man in the days of his strength ; firm in purpose and vigorous in action ; a man of noticeable sort in speech and movement. His politics and his religion (the one Democratic and the other Presbyterian) were two things never lost sight of."

Samuel H. Scott, brother of Matthew elsewhere mentioned, was for some forty years a citizen of Virginia township, engaged in farming. He had been out of health, was coming to his home from Adams' mills, walking on the railroad-track, was overtaken by a freight-train, and miscalculating as to time failed to get out of the way before the train, then " slowed " very much, struck him. The nervous shock in his enfeebled and diseased condition was too much for him, and he died in a few days, his death occurring March 5, 1875. He had been for many years a member and for a few years an elder in the Presbyterian

Dr. W. li. Vickers died in Linton township on the 12th of February, 1875. On the evening of the 11th, he left his home, in Jacobsport, to visit a patient, Mr. M. B. Carr, one mile beyond Linton. He found Mr. Carr very low with pneumonia, who, also, as well as to administer medicine, asked the doctor to write his will. The doctor, after finishing the patient's will, conducted the evening devotions for the family, and was about to retire to bed, about eleven o'clock, when he complained to Mrs. Carr of feeling unwell, and asked for a little water and camphor, which were got for him, and after taking some he went to bed with one of Mrs. Carr's sons in an adjoining room. The next morning he was discovered to be serious!}^ ill, and, having been removed to his home, died about four o'clock in the afternoon. He had established himself very thoroughly in the regards of the community, and was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thompsoyi Carnahan was born in White Eyes township, April 24, 1841, and died in Adams township (on a little farm which for some years had been to him a retreat after his work as a teacher was done), July 13, 1876. Obtaining the elements of a good education in the district vschool, he himself commenced to teach in 1860. In the summer of that year he attended the ISTormal School at Hopedale, in Harrison county, and having taught during the ensuing winter, took another term at Hopedale in 1862. In the fall of 1862, he went into the army, enlisting in the Ninth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. He continued in service two years, and having been wounded at Big Shanty, Georgia, returned home and resumed his work as a teacher. In 1866, after attending one term, he graduated at the Poughkeepsie (New York) College. Having taught several of the most prominent of the country schools, and the one at Bakersville, he became the teacher of the grarnmar school in Coshocton in 1871. The next year he took charge of the Ros- coe schools, and continued there until smitten by the disease (paralysis) that laid him low in death. Always somewhat out of health, his conscientious faithfulness led him to unduly tax himself with his professional work, and about a month before his year was up, and some two months before his death, he reluctantly ceased to teach. But the bow had been drawn too far, and the string was already virtually broken. Returning after the school year was closed (his wife having Unished his work therein) to his farm near Bakersville, he for a time seemed to improve, but soon sank down in a peaceful death.

Conscientious and carefully trained in the principles of the holy Christian religion from his childhood, he made a profession of his faith in the Presbyterian church, at Bakersville, in 1870, and subsequently was an elder in the Presbyterian church of Roscoe.

With no special advantages of worldly sort and despite poor health he attained a scholarship that had merit above what his modesty disposed him to widely manifest, and showed what industry and conscientiousness may achieve even in comparatively early years. He married, in 1869, Miss Eliza J. Stonehocker, who, having herself been much engaged in teaching, proved a worthy help-meet in his school work, as otherwise.