Fayette County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1881 (part 10 of 10)

Mrs. Ann Hyde

Mrs. Ann Hyde was born, December 15, 1818, in Ross County, Ohio, near Clarksburg. She was the daughter of John "VV. and Charlotte Timmons. Mr. Timmons was a native of Delaware, and Mrs. Timmons of Maryland, and came to Ohio when quite young.

Our subject united in marriage with Nathan Hyde, who was born in West Virginia, November 23, 1844. The result of this marriage was five children, two of whom died when quite young. The living are : John W., Mary and Martha. Mary married Samuel Dunlap, of Ross county. They located, however, in Monroe Township, Pickaway County, on a farm of eight hundred acres, upon which is a fine residence. John and Mary are single and at home.

Mr. Hyde died, July 7, 1869, in his seventy-sixth year. After his death, Mrs. Hyde moved to this county, and settled on what has long been known as the John Myers farm, where she still resides. This farm was purchesed by Mr. Hyde, and consists of four hundred and sixty-two acres of land, with a fine house upon it. Mrs. Hyde has good health for one of her age, and manages her business well, assisted by her son John, whose prospects for abundant wealth are not exceeded by any young man in the county.

George M. Holland

George M. Holland was born in Madison County, Ohio, in 1826. His father, Charles, was born in Maryland, in 1787, came to Ohio in 1795, and lived with Thomas Earles, of Ross County. He w^as married three times. His first wife w^as Phoebe Jefferson, by whom he had no children. His second wife was Ellen Ogden, by whom he had seven children, five daughters and two sons. His third wife, w^as Betsey Wendel, to whom three daughters w^ere given. The children living are: Sarah Corle, John, George M., Rachel Brown, Susan A. Baldwin, and Catherine W. Casey. The deceased are : Polly Vincent, Eliza Still, Martha J. Jones, and Susan Holland.

George M. Holland came to this county, with his father, and located on a farm near Bloomingburg ; has been a farmer most of his life. He married Adeline Kirkpatrick, March 1851. Nine children Avas the result of this union - ^six sons and three daughters : Jeptha, Chauncey, William H., l^annie E., Sarah J., George M., Ella Gertrude, Job, and Charles R. All are living except William H. ; two are married.

The parents of Adeline Holland were James Kirkpatrick and ^N'ancy Smith, both from Virginia. Their family consisted of thirteen children, five boys and eight girls, of whom, at this date, five are living, and eight dead.

Our subject has retired from the farm, lives in the village of Bloomingburg, and has a handsome income, the result of hard labor and good management in early life.

Mrs. Elizabeth Holland

Mrs. Holland was the daughter of Peter and Rachel (Wolf) Wendel, natives of Virginia. Peter was the son of Valentine Wendel, whose home was on the South Branch of the Potomac, where four brothers settled upon their arrival from Germany. Peter married in Virginia, and came to Ohio in 1795; settled on Paint Creek on the farm now owned by Burton Vesey. Both died here. Their family consisted of eight daughter^ and four sons, none now living except Elizabeth.

After the death of the parents, the homestead Avent into the hands of Joseph, who, in time, caught the " western fever." He left the old homestead and went to Missouri, from thence to l!^ew Orleans, and finally to Washington Territory, where he and his wife died.

The Wendel family have always heen noted for their honesty. The honesty of Joseph may be illustrated by an anecdote. Mr. Edward Popejoy in those days would buy his neighbors hogs, take them to market, and pay for them when he returned. Upon one occasion he went to buy Mr. WendeVs hogs when this conversation ensued : " Well, Joe, how much do you want for your hogs? " '- Neddy, what do you think they are worth ? " Mr. Popejoy stated Avhat he would give, when Mr. Wendel responed : " Neddy, I think that is too much. They are worth so and so." " Well, Joe, I will take them at your price."

Our subject was married to Charles Holland, September 28, 1826, by whom she had three daughters : Rachel, Susan, and Catherine W. Rachel married John Brown, and owns a farm, but lives in Bloomingbnrg. Susan married William Baldwin, owns and lives on a part of the home farm. Catherine married Henry Casey, lives on the farm, and in the house where she was born.

Mr. Holland died, December, 1879, leaving a large estate to his children. He had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and died in full prospect of a happy eternity.' Mrs. Holland is eighty-six years of age, spending her declining years at the home of her daughter Susan.

William F. Jones is a son of Mathew and Elizabeth (Allen) ' Jones. Mathew was born in Virginia, May 15, 1792, near the locality where John Brown, was hung. In 1812 he settled in this township, on the farm now owned by Willis and Noah Jones. Shortl}^ after his arrival he participated in the war of 1812, and was afterwards appointed major of the militia. He died, April, 1864.

Our subject's mother w^as a daughter of Ananias Allen, and died in 1827. The result of this marriage was four sons and three daughters. His father married again, his second wife being Mrs. Catherine (Glaze) Core, by whom he had five sons and two daughters. She died in 1845.

AVilliani F. Jones was born, Xovember 3, 1823, in this township. January 1, 1845, he married Martha J. Holland, daughter of Charles and Ellen (Ogden) Holland. By this union the children are : Mary, now Mrs. Horace L. Smith, deceased, Charl ?s M., George M., and two who died in infancy. His wife died October 1, 1876. He married, August 1877, Eliza J., daughter of Thomas and Jennie (Graham) Thompson; no children. Both a^e members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

He has held the othce of trustee and treasurer of Madison township. He was in Garfield's regiment, 42d O. Y. L, and remained three years a private. He was engaged in sixty -five battles. He was taken prisoner at Cumberland Gap, and retained at Danville, Kentucky, eight months. Seeing that escape from the rebels was impossible, and determined that they should reap as little benefit as possible from his capture, he bent his gun, and cast amunition and all into a stream. Recently he received a very cordial letter from President Garfield, with a history of his life, a very pleasing testimonial of personal regard for one so earnestly devoted to his country.

William M. Jones

Jesse Jones, William's father, was a native of Virginia, born in 1799. He came to Ohio in 1818, and about the year 1822, was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Gum. The result of this union was six sons and three daughters: John, William M., Jesse M., Ethan A., Norton G., James M., Catharine, Clara, and Etfie. All are now living except John and Catharine. Clara and Etfie are unmarried.

William M., our subject, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1832, and came to this county in 1865. He married Mrs. Elizabeth Snyder, widow of Mitchell Snyder, and this union has been blessed with five children, two sons and three daughters: Chauncy T., William A., Edith B., Mary A., and Maggie I.

Mrs. Jones had two children by her first marriage, one son and one daughter: John W. and Elizabeth. She was the daughter of William and Piercy Taylor. Her father was a native of Ohio, born in 1811; her mother a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1813. She has three sisters and one brother: Mary, Priscilla, Lottie, and William, all living, and all married.

Mr. Jones served four moiitlis in the Xational Guards, in 1864. He is a charter niemher of Masonic Lodge No. 449, and has advanced in the order to the degree of Royal Arch Mason. He is an official meniher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He resides in Bloomingburg, and is doing a thriving business, manufacturing and repairing buggies, and keeps on hand a large stock, and warrants all his work.

Thomas Larrimer

Thomas Larrimer, farmer, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, September 7, 1802, where he spent thirty years of his life. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Bryson, of the same county and state. In the fall of 1832, he removed, with his father's family, to Ohio, and settled in Bloomingburg. His family consisted of four sons and five daughters : John, Andrew B., James G., David K,, Eliza B., Sarah A., Jane P., Margaret M., and Melissa. All lived to have families. Jane P. married Roland iS^. Trimble; in 1860, they moved to Missouri, and settled in Johnson County, where Mrs. Trimble died, in 1877. Eliza married Morgan Hays, of. Fayette County, March 19, 1833, and died in October, 1879. Sarah A. married S. W. Thornton, Melissa married W. S. Ball, and both removed to N'ebraska, settling on adjoining farms. Margaret M. married R. A. Walles, and resides in Kansas. James G. married Miss Eliza J. Haymaker, and lives in South Charleston. David K. married Miss Sarah Saxton, and lives in Washington. John married Miss E. A. Edwards, and resides in this township. Andrew B. died in the service of his country, June 13, 1863. He was a member of the First Ohio Cavalry, and went out in 1862. David K. volunteered in Company H, 7th Iowa, July 10, 1861, and continued in some part of the service until September, 1865. He was wounded in a fight at Belmont, Missouri, in consequence of which he receives a pension.

Our subject has been a member of the board of county infirmarv directors for nearly fifteen years, and has filled the office with ability, and satisfaction to tlie citizens of the county.

His father was born in Little York, Pennsylvania, and his mother in 'New Jersey. Their family consisted of five sons and one daughter. The daughter died in 1846.

a member of the Presbyterian Church for over fift}- years. Mr. Larrimer is a member of the same denomination. He is a Republican, and a strong temperance man, and has been a useful member in society.

Mrs. Rachel Martin

Mrs. Rachel Martin was born near Bloomingburg, September 14, 1816. Her father, John Sensabaugh, a native of Orange County, 'New York, came to Ohio, in 1815, and settled in this township, where he lived and died. He married Jane Gunning, of JSTew York, in 1814, by whom he had two sons and four daughters, only three of whom are now living - Mrs. S. J. Gibson, William Sensabaugh, and our subject.

Mrs. Martin has been married three times. Her first husband was Mr. John Myers, of Virginia, who died in 1867. Her second husband was Mr. Samuel Greenlee ; born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, March 4,1809; came to Ohio in 1839; united in marriage with Mrs. Myers, in 1872, and died, April 9, 1875; was a member of the Baptist Church. In May, 1878, she married Mr. C. W. Martin, with whom she stiU lives. This has proved to be a happy union. Mr. Martin is a native of Pennsylvania; born in 1815; came to Ohio in early life, and settled in Madison County.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin live near Bloomingburg, in a cosy home, with a good income. She is a member of the Presbyterian, and he of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Anthony Moore

Philip Moore, Anthony's father, was born in Harding County, Virginia, in 1770, but moved to Kentucky, and settled in Clark County. He came to Ohio, in March, 1811, bought out John Devolt, in this township, and moved into the house where the first court for the county was held, in 1810. At this place he spent the remaining part of his life, his death occurring May 15, 1831. He married Miss Kate Hornback, of Virginia. The result of this union was nine children, one son and eight daughters. All lived to marry and have families. Those living, are Polly, whose home is in Missouri; Barbara, who resides on Barbj- ; and Anthony, our subject.

Mr. Moore is now eighty -iivo years of age; can range forest and field like a boy of fifteen; lives on the same hill where his father's house stood, and is noted for honesty and uprightness of character. November 22, 1822, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Isaac Thompson. Five children were given to this union, two sons and three daughters: Philip, Isaac, Elizabeth, Catharine, and Annie - all married, and still living.

Mr. Moore has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-eight years. In politics, he is a Republican. - He has never held any public office of trust, nor has he ever wanted any.

Mrs. Adam Funk, mother of the noted Jacob Funk; whose death, which occurred in 1820, caused great moral change in the Funk family, was a sister of Philip Moore.

Mrs. Ph(£be Morris, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Stinson) Grove, was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 22, 1814. When one year of age. she removed with her parents to Jackson County, and remained there until about nineteen years old, when on the 25th of June, 1833, she married Samuel, son of John and Elizabeth (Tway) Morris. In her father's family there were eight children, one son and seven daughters.

Samuel, her husband, was born December 22, 1805, in Clermont County, Ohio, removed to this county in 1812, and settled in Paint Township. They were the parents of eight children, seVen of whom are living: Daniel G., Samuel R., Electa J., William W., Martin W., Amanda E., and Ella. John E., was a private in the 14th O. V. I., and died near Vicksburg, from disease contracted while in the service of his country.

Mr. Morris was a successful farmer, and was killed by the rolling of a saw-log, September, 1868. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his widow is a devoted and consistent member of the same society;

Ella, the youngest daughter, is at present a student of Delaware College, making the stndj- of music a specialty. Mrs. Morris has a pleasant home in Bloomingburg, and also a productive

Samuel R. Morris

Samuel R., son of Samuel and Phoebe (Groves) Morris, was born in Paint Township, this county, February 9, 1837. His whole life has been spent in this county on a farm. He united in niarriage, December 19, 1861, with Miss Ellen L., daughter of Abram and Harriet Miller, of Madison County. Eight children blessed this union, four sons and four daughters: John T., Mattie F., Charlie E., Cordie L, Gertie M., Frank A., Edna Mand, and Earl W., all living, and at home at this writing.

After marriage, Mr. Morris settled on a farm bought by his father, and moved into a house built by Col. Samuel Myers in 1815. He still lives in the same house, cozy and comfortable. Mr. Morris' mother died in this house at the advanced age of one hundred and three years. Here, also, at one time, the United Brethren held their conference.

John Morris, our subject's grandfather, was born in New Jersey, March 3, 1776. When about twelve years of age he came to Ohio, and settled in Hamilton County, near where Cincinnati now stands. In the year 1800 he married Miss Elizabeth Tway. Their family consisted of twelve children, nine of whom lived to have families. Only three of them are now living. For many years his house was used as a place of public worship. He died August 8, 1858; his wife in February, 1847. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and died in full hope of a glorious immortality.

William W. Morris

John Morris, William's grandfather, was a native of JSTew Jersey. He came to Ohio when young, and spent most of his life in Paint Township, Fayette County. He sold his farm in this county, however, to Henry Wissler, and moved to Madison County, where he died in 1858. His wife's maiden name was Skinner. Their family consisted of three sons and five daughters : William, Samuel Calvin, Elizabeth, Jane, Sarah, Carohne, and Leatha. All lived to have families except Sarah, but none living at this writing except Elizabeth, Jane, and Leatlia. Samuel, William's father, was born in Paint Township, in 1804, and sj)ent his entire life in this conimnnity. He spent the early part of his life with his father, on what is at present known as the Wissler farm. He united in marriage with Miss Phcebe Groves, of Jackson County, in about 1831. They "started together on life's journey with very limited means, but by industry and good management, acquired a nice little fortune for themselves and children. Their family consisted of five sons and three daughters: Daniel G., Samuel R., John E., William W., Martin W., Electa J., Amanda E., and Elma E., all married and living within two miles of w^here they w^ere born except John, who lost his life in the army. The father died in September, 1868.

William W. Morris, our subject, was born in Paint Township, ]^ovember, 1833. In November 1872, he married Theresa J., daughter of Dr. S. A. Morton, of Ross County, Mrs. Morris was educated at South Salem Academy, commenced teaching before sixteen years of age, and followed that vocation for eight years. Her mother was Mary W. Wentworth, great-granddaughter of Bening Wentworth, of Maine, a Revolutionary soldier, and a descendant of the celebrated English Wentworth family. Her grandfather came to Ohio in 1817, and settled in Chillicothe, and her greatgrandfather soon after, where he died in 1850. Her grandfather went to Kansas, where he died in 1877. Her grandmother was Esther Dennison, of Maine, still living, and a relative of Governor Dennison. Dr. S. A. Morton's death occurred in the spring of 1865. Mrs. Morton is now sixty-three years of age, and* lives at Good Hope, with her daughter, Mrs. W. A. Irvin.

The family of William W. and Theresa J. Morris, consists of four healthy, handsome and promising children, one son and three daughters: Jessie, Lora, Hallie, and Samuel M. AVilliam owns and lives upon a part of the home farm, five miles north of Bloomingburg. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; his wife of the Presbyterian Church. A rather curious coincidence occurs in this family. The fathers of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, Samuel Morris and Dr. S. A. Morton, were both born in the year 1804, and each lost his life by an accident, the death of the former was caused by the rolling of a saw log, and the latter met his death by a fall from a horse.

Daniel G. Morris, SOU of Samuel and, Phoebe (Groves) Morris, was boru, April 28, 1834, iu Paint Township, Fayette County, Ohio. He was united in marriage, March 20, 1862, with Susanna M., daughter of Frederick Selsor. One sou and two daughters have been given them: Mary E., Estelia May, and Frederick S., all living and in good health.

Daniel, our subject, owns a farm on the Danville pike, of two hundred and fourteen acres of land, upon which his residence stands. For forty-seven years he has lived in Paint Township, and has for a number of years traded extensively in sheep. In politics, he is a Republican. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Morris is one of the men who has passed through a linancial crash, and come out with a clear record.

Batteal Harrison, father of Benjamin Harrison, was born in Virginia, but came to Ohio in 1797, with an uncle, and stopped in Belmont County. When twenty-one years of age he enlisted in the war of 1812, and served from its commencement to its close. He went out as a lieutenant, but was promoted to a captaincy, and finally raised to the rank of general. He was married during the war to Elizabeth Scott, sister of Dr. Scott, of Chillicothe. After the close of the war they settled in M adison Township, this county, in the fall of 1815, on what has long been known as the Harrison lands, where Mrs. Harrison died, in 1851, and Mr. Harrison in 1857. For many years he had charge of the militia of the county. He was elected to the legislature, and served two terms, his second term being the winter of 1837. General Harrison was a highly cultivated gentleman, possessed of great energy, true and faithful to every trust committed to him, and brave in defense of his country as Washington himself. He was very fond of blooded horses and fine dogs. A granddaughter once attempted to whip from before the fire, one of his favorite dogs, when the general, putting his hajid on the child's head, said : "Libbie, give the dog a inece of bread."

Mrs. HtirrisQii was a woman of rare intelligence and benevolence. Their family consisted of live sous and one danghter : Benjamin, Scott, William, David, John, and Mary. All lived to have families. John lost his life battlingfor his countr}^, William lives in Washington, 0. H., and David at Marshall, Missouri, where he owns a nice farm, Scott went to Missouri and died there in 1875. Mary married Thomas Vance, and lives on part of the home farm.

Benjamin, our subject, was born in Koss County, February 8, 1815, but came with his father to Fayette, in the same year. lie was united in marriage, March 9, 1837, to Martha, daughter of Thomas Reeves, of Madison County. In 1855 they settled in Madison, on the farm where they still live. .They have five children, four daughters and one son: Mary E. niarried S. W. Brown, Angeline married M. L. Yates, Batteal married Lydia A. Rogers, Isabella married J. S. Martin, and Winnie S. married S. H. Farrar. All live near home except Mrs. Farrar, who resides in Missouri.

Our subject owns a farm of about fifteen hundred acres of land, upon which he has erected a substantial farm house. In politics he is a Democrat; a good and safe man. -

Robert C. Parker

John Parker, father of Robert C, was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, in 1799. He married Mary A. Whiteman, in 1826, by whom he had six children, two sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to be grown, but three have since passed to the spiritland. Those living are Mrs. L. L. Barker, Mrs. C. D. Hays, and Robert C. He came to Ohio in June, 1826, and settled in Marion Township, where he remained five years, then removed to this township, and settled on what is now well known as the Parker farm. He died in January, 1873. His wife still survives, but is in poor health.

Robert C, our subject, was born in Marion Township, and came with his father to this township, ^yhere he still lives. He married Margaret, daughter of Fuederick Selsor, by whom he had two children: Alice and William S. Little Alice died in May, 1868, when eleven years of age. William is at home, and aids his father in running the farm.

bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He owns a farm of five hundred acres, and is erecting a house, which, when completed, will be one of the fine houses of the county. He is a good and safe man.

John W. Rogers

John W. Rogers, farmer, son of David and Mary Rogers, was born in this county, October 12, 1838. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary H., daughter of Joseph and Ann C. Harper, by Rev. E. H. Dixon, February 7, 1867. The result of this union was six children. The four living are Joseph D., Ira B., Alexander, and John W.

Our subject owns a farm, on the Danville pike, of about four hundred acres, well improved, upon which he is at present erecting a fine residence. He gives special attention to wheat, grass, fruit, and sheep.

John's father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Roger's father was hovn in Maryland, but raised in Delaware, and came to Ohio when about nineteen years old. Her mother was born in A-^irginia, in 1812, and came to Ohio with her parents, in 1815.

It is worthy of note, that Joseph Harper, the father of Mrs. Rogers, when married, in 1833, was quite a poor young man, but at his death, which occurred June 27, 1878, he left a large estate for his children, gained by farming.

Daniel Rogers, father of John, was born in 1805, and came to Ohio in about 1832. He married Miss Mary Jennings. When he came to this state, his entire property consisted of a small bundle of clothes. For many years, however, he has been regarded as among the wealthy men of Fayette.

Perry Salmon

Perry Salmon was born in Paint Township, near where he now lives, April 12, 1810. He has spent his entire life in this community ; has never been out of the state but once, when he crossed over into Kentucky, for a clnuigo of a few hours; has seldom Vjeen out of the county for any length of time. Has been a very stern business man, with a will of his own, healthy, and full of activityiS'ovember 25, 1831, he united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Philip and Kate Moore, of this county. Four children were born to them, two sons and two daughters: John, Solomon, Lueretia, and Mary A.; all living, and all married, except Solomon, who is at home. Lueretia married Robert Lain, Mary A. married John Tway, jr., and John married Miss Margaret, daughter of Lewis Green, Es.q., of this county. All live near w^here they were born, except John, whose home is in Madison County. The grandchildren are: Annie Lain, Robert Lain, Mantie M. Tway, and Elizabeth Leoti Tway - all healthy and interesting children.

The bombarding of Fort Sumpter stirred the loyal blood of young Solomon, and at the call of the government he at oncea-esponded. He served his country faithfully for nearly three years, when he was honorably discharged.

Mrs. Salmon was a woman of noble heart, and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church from her youth. She died in full hope of a happy eternity, December 6, 1869.

Perry's father was a native of Delaware, and his mother of Maryland. His father came to this state as early as the year 1805, soon thereafter, purchased a tract of land containing four hundred acres, situated between the Little Miami and Scioto rivers. This land fell into Paint Township, six miles north of Bloomingburg, on East Fork of Paint, when the county and townships were organized. Here Mr. Salmon built a horse-mill, that did all the grinding for the settlers for many miles around. His family consisted of one son and two daughters : Sophia, married to Nathaniel Tway, sen. ; Lovie, married to S. Stodard ; and Perry, Avho married Miss Elizabeth Moore, as has already been stated. All are dead except our subject.

Our subject has been a man of great physical strength, and has drawn upon it heavily through life. He has a valuable farm of more than three hundred acres of land, with never failing water thereon, flowing from the well known " Salmon Spring." Mr. and

Frederick Selsor

Frederick Selsor was born in West Virginia, in 1800. He came to Ohio in- 1816, and stopped in Pickaway Count}' ; from thence removed to Madison Connty. In 1828 he married Polly, daughter of William and Betsey Rankin, of Paint Township, Payette County. In the fall of 1852, he came to this county and settled on wdiat was then known as the Kankin farm, having purchased this land in 1848. Here he still resides, having erected a commodious dwelling thereon. His faniil}- consists, at this writing, of six children : Ehzabeth, married to William Tway, Margaret, married to E, C. Parker, Susanna, married to Daniel Morris, Mary, married to Alfeert Groves, William, married to Letitia Morris, all living in the vicinity of the homestead, and John, who is single and at home, giving attention to the business of the farm.

Mr. Selsor's father came from Germany to the United States during the Revolutionary war. His mother was born in Virginia. Mrs. Frederick Selsor died in the spring of 1852. Her mother died at the Rankin farm before it passed into the hands of Mr. Selsor. Her father removed to Illinois, where he died. Her uncles, Sinith and Jacob Rankin, went to Missouri, and being staunch Union men, were greatly annoyed by rebels during the late civil war.

Mr. Selsor, our subject, is a strong Republican; has never voted for a Democratic president since General Jackson vetoed the United States Bank. He has been a business man highly respected. He is now somewhat advanced in life, but strong in body and mind for one of his age.

William J. Selsor

William J. Selsor is the son of Frederick and Mary (Rankin) Selsor, and was born in Madison County^ Ohio, August 20, 1834, came to this county with his father, and settled in Paint Township. He married Electa J., daughter of Samuel and Phoebe Morris, April 21, 1870, by Hon. Mills Gardener. They have been blessed in their union by three beautiful little daughters, all living, in iill, of about nine lumdred ucres of laiul. Tlu; farm on tho Danville pike, on which his elegant residence stands, contains three linndred acres of as fine land as can well be found in any country. Frederick, his father, was a native of "West Virginia.

Hugh C. Stewart

Dr. Hugh C. Stewart was born near llagerstown, Maryland, May 26, 1805, and came to Frankfort, Koss County, Ohio, in 1809, with his father's family. In 1812 he attended school at Bloomingburg, New York, where he remained until the spring of 1817, when he returned to Ohio. In 1820 he attended school at ChilHcothe Academy, and remained there for about four years; here he commenced the study of medicine, and in the fall of 1826 was admitted to practice. In the fall of 1827 he came to Bloomingburg, and for a short time clerked for Mr. Alexander ; from here he went to the Brush Creek Iron Works. In the spring of 1828 he returned to Bloomingburg, this county, where he has lived ever since. For ten years he kept store, sold goods and medicines, and often prescribed when there was no practicing physician in reach. He has been a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church for fifty years. A man of honor and kind heart.

The doctor's father was Hugh Stewart (whose sketch appeiys in another part of this work); his mother was Margaret Smith, a native of Philadelphia. His grandfather came from Ireland.

Mrs. Dr. Stewart passed from earth to her final reward, February 17, 1880. She will ever live in the affections of those who knew her, as one of earth's brightest jewels. The doctor for some years past has devoted himself to the practice of medicine, and has the esteem of those who know him. He was lieutenantcolonel in the home militia in 1828, was postmaster for a long time, and has been an elder in the church. Politically he was an old line Whig, then a Ffeesoiler, and now a Ilepublican. His house, for many years, was a depot on the underground railroad. He is the only one living, of fourteen children, of his father's family. His own family consisted of seven children, of whom only William H. and Fannie A. are living.

George Stewart

George Stewart is the grandson of Hugh and Margaret Stewart, who resided in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary war. After the close of the war, he emigrated to what was then called the frontier of Pennsylvania, but soon left that region and went into Maryland, where he settled on the lands of General Spriggs. From here he went to Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and engaged in mercantile business. While the business was mostly conducted by his wife, son George, and daughter Elizabeth, he worked vigorously at his trade, which was that of stone and brick mason.

In 1804, in company with Thomas Fullerton, his son-in-law, he came to Ohio and purchased eight hundred acres of land, in Ross County. About 1808 he brought his family and settled on this farm. In 1809 he purchased two hundred acres of laud in what was then called " The Barrens," situated on the road from Chillicothe to Springfield, in the old Ross County territory, now Fayette County.

George, our subject, was born December 1819, near Bloomingburg, on the farm bought by his grandfather, in 1809. After passing through the schools at Bloomingburg, he completed his education in the Ohio University, at Athens. He has been twice married. His first wife was Mary Evans, of Highland County, Ohio, by whom he had four children, all dead except James R., of Cincinnati. His second wife was Jane Gillespie, of New York. The result of this union was six children, four daughters and two sons, all living in this county except Charles, whose home is in Ross County. George, when first married, settled on a farm four miles east of Washington, well known as the Stewart farm. In 1859 he removed to the homestead for the purpose of caring for his father and mother. His father dying in 18^|J|^id his mother February 8, 1865. The farm, by purchase, fell in?b the hands of George, upon which he has built and occupies a fine residence. He is a Republican, an anti-slavery and strong temperance man. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church from his youth. He is a safe man.

John Stitt

John IStitt was born September 22, 1812, in the State of New York, came to Ohio with his fathers faniil}^ in 1819, and settled in Marion Township, this county, where he remained nine or ten years. About 1830 his father purchased a farm in Paint Township, and mov'cd to it, where he died in 1870, having lost his wife in Marion Township.

Luke Stitt, his father, served for live years on a British man of war. He married Jane Young, in the city of Kew York, Xovember 25, 1808. Their family consisted of three sons and two daughters : William, Eliza, John, Jane, and James, all living in Bloomingburg, except James, who died on the Ohio River as the famihwere moving to »this state. The parents were both raised in Ireland, but became acquainted and married after they came to America.

John Stitt, our subject, married Eliza, daughter of Charles Holland, in 1842. Ten children blessed this union, of whom but live are now living : Eleanor J., James H., Charles L., Joseph Y., and Hugh R. James II. and Charles L. are both married and settled on farms. Four of the children died when quite young. John died, February 24, 1877, aged twenty years, Mrs. Stitt died in Bloomingburg, February 1872, She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Stitt has also been a member of the same denomination since a young man,

John Tway

The grandfather of our subject was born near Elizabethtown. l!^ew Jersey, in about 1753, and was of Irish descent. He served for three years in ^^le Revolutionary War. He married Sarah, daughter of Jeremiah Hempstead, of iS'ew Jersey, who bore him four children : John, EJ^jjpillleth, Jane, and jSTathaniel, all of whom lived to have families. He came to Ohio in about 1790, and stopped near where Cincinnati now stands, at what Avas then called Red Bank Station. From there he removed to this township, where he died, in 1828, his wife having died in 1827.

township, where he spent his life, but died, in 1868, in Madison Cionnty, wdiile visiting friends. lie iriarried Sophia B., daughter of Solomon Salmon, of this townsliip. Their family consisted of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters. All lived to have families, except three, who died young. Nathaniel, at the time of his death, was worth from sixteen to twenty thousand dollars. He was, through all his long life, a peaceable and just man.

John, our subject, was born in Madison County, in 1814. He was first married to Mary Turnipseed, in 1838, by whom he had one son and one daughter: Allen and Catharine. Allen lost his life in the defense of his country - a member of the 114th 0. V. I. He had the praise of all who knew him at home ; and as a soldier, none braver and more faithful than he. His death occurred at A' icksburg, from typhoid fever. Catharine married James Whiteside, and lives in this county.

John married for his second wife, EHzabeth McMillen. The result of this union was nine children, six of the number living, three married, and three single. James A. is devoting himself to teaching and study, with good success.

Nathaniel Tway

Xathaniel Tway, son of Nathaniel Tway, sen., was born in this township, October 16, 1838. He was educated under the instruction of David C. Eastman and Professor Parker. After passing through an educational course, he entered the field as a teacher, and for two years gave special attention to his profession. One year of this time was spent in Indiana, the other in his own township. His last school was taught in what was then called the Brush school house. Wlien the life of his country was in danger, he turned away from school, and ever}- home interest, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company C, 114tNHjL V. I., where for three years he served faithfully. Althougli he participated in many hard-fought battles without bearing tlie marks of rebel shot, he lived to see the nation saved.

He married Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Ura Strubk^ of Taylorsville, Indiana. This union has been blessed with one sou and two daughters: Xathaniel S., Clara, and Mary, all living.

I'Aint Towxsiitp

Our subject's fatliei- was one oi the early settlers of tljis county. He devoted his life to fanning and growing stock, and at his death left a nice fortune for his children.

Joseph Struhle, father of Mrs. Tway, was born in Xew Jersey. He married Ura Hunt, of Hamilton County, Ohio. They located in Bartholomew County, Indiana. He was elected to the legislature in 18o4-'5o, and died January 17, 1862. His wife died February 17, 1867.

Mr. Tway and wife are liiembei-s of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is Republican, and a staunch temperance man. He owns a nice little farm, of one hundred and sixty-six acres, in |:liis township.

James M. Willis

James INI. Willis, farmer, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, January 20, 1808. His father, Nathaniel, was the tirst printer in Ohio. He printed for the convention that formed the constitution, and was the first state printer. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts; his mother, Mary Cartmill, a native of Virginia. He was first married in Boston, to Miss Douglas, by whom he had two children - a son and daughter. This son was the father of N. P. Willis, the poet. By his second marriage there were four sons and seven daughters.

James M., our subject, came to this county in January, 1826, and clerked in the store of Captain Philip Doddridge seven A'ears, four years of this time for Ins board and clothes. In 1833, he commenced selling goods for himself. In 1837, he Avas joined in holy wedlock Avith Emily, daughter of William R. and Mary (Buchanan) Southard, of Bainbridge, Ross County, Ohio. Eight children were the result of this union. The deceased are John L., Lucy, Ella, Clara, and Fanny. Those living are William R., James AV., and Laura B.

Mr. Willis remained in the dry goods business for fifteen years, and retired with fifty tlioil&and dollars profit. He resides in Bloomingburg, owns a fine tract of land, containing eighteen hundred acres, well improved; is a self-made man, and a model farmer, as a look at his farm will testify. His son William lives on a portion of the farm, in one of the finest houses in the countv.

Henry Windle

Henry's great-grandfather was Valentino Windle, a native of Germany, who came, with three brothers, to this country at an early period, and settled in Virginia, on the South Branch of the Potomac. His grandfather was Peter Windle, and his grandmother, Rachel (Wolf) Windle, of Virginia. They came to Ohio in 1795, and purchased a tract of land on Paint Creek, this county, containing six hundred acres. The portion on which they located is now owned by Burton Vesey. Their family consisted of four sons and eight daughters.

Henry Windle's fatlier .was Abraham Windle, born in Pendleton County, Virginia, February 25, 1786, but came to Ohio with his father's family. He united in marriage, July 1822, with Sarah Smith, Joel Woods, Esq., officiating. She was born in Monroe County, Virginia, May 16, 1784. The result of this union was one (laughter and two sons : Catherine, born September 5, 1823, and died, June 15, 1840. James M., born April 16, 1825, and died, August 11, 1827. Henry, our subject, was born May 28, 1827.

The Windle family were noted for industry and honesty. The emigrants to t\iis country in an early day were often found destitute of means. Such always met a kind reception, and found a liberal hand at Windle's.

At the death of Peter Windle, sen., the land on Paint Creek was divided between his sons Joseph and Abraham. His son Peter was provided with a farm on Sugar Creek. Joseph received the portion of land upon which his father's house (log) stood. He in time moved west, and the homestead changed hands. This farm is now owned by Burton Vesey. Abraham built a log house and barn on his part of the land, and here he spent his entire life. Abraham Windle was tall, fine looking, free and jovial, highly esteemed by his friends and neighbors.

At the death of his father, in 1863, Henry fell heir, not only to the homestead, but to a farm of several hundred acres in Missouri, well improved, and at the death of his mother, which occurred, September 28, 1879, he inlierited a valuable farm on Paint, which she owned before her marriage. In addition, Henry controls a large and valuable farm belonging to Clarissa, his wife, whom he married, November 12, 1850, and divided from her father's (Joseph

Hidy) estate. Heni-y and Clarissa occupy otie of the iinest houses in this county, with a beautiful lawn, adorned by choicest evergreens. Henry started out to take life easy, and has very nearly made a success of it. He is blessed with more than ordinary mental powers. He has great taste for instrumental music, and is somewhat of a genius in that line. Earlier in life he was very fond of hunting. He relishes a discussion on some theological questions, more than a warm breakfast. He possesses fine flow of spirit, receives his friends with open arms, but takes very little pleasure in the society of his enemies. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat. His excellent wife does well her part in keeping up their cozy home.

Summary

We have now endea.vorcd to unfold the history of this county, from its earliest settlement to the present. While it has been impossible to note each fact specifically, in the process of its evolution, or enter into the details of each step in its development, yet we have taken it in its infancy, and during its. initial, tottering steps, we have guided it with care, and as the framework of its organism grew into shape, and its proper functions gave it strength and direction, so have we, in proportion withdrawn the minutiae of our description, until now she stands before us in perfection, the exponent of her own beauty and power, from which she can look back to her feeble genesis and exclaim, TJlfima thule! Look in the past, and see the four posts supporting poles, covered with brush, leaves and earth, that protected the first mill, in its transition to the round log, the hewed log, the frame, and finally the brick, and steam. From the huge boulder, rudely fashioned into a millstone, with a boy to turn the bolting apparatus, to the present grand flouring establishments of endless capacity; from the little copper still, to the immense manufactories of rot-gut and tangle-foot; from the old-fashioned flax-break to swingling and fulling, the spinningwheel and tow to the carding mill and spinning-jenny, with its thousand spools. The former process is so peculiar, that we describe it in this connection. In fulhng the home-made clothing in this county, the neighboring men gathered at the house of one of their number - say six or eight. Taking seats on the old-fashioned split-bottom chairs, in a circle, wnth a rope around the backs to keep them in place, and with the web of cloth in the center, and with pants rolled up, they placed their feet so as to press in concentric opposition to each other, and a good woman, with gourd in hand to dampen the web with hot soap-suds, they worked, kicking and pushing against the cloth,. till a late hour at night, when the woman of the house, with yard-stick, measured the shrinkage, and finding it complete, pronounces it " thick enough," and the process is tiiiished. From *' liog aiul lioiiiiny," venison, potatoes, corn, bread, sassafras or spicewood tea, to pies, pastries, and preserves, baking-powder, biscuit, etc. ; from rosy cheeks, round waists, and sound lungs, to arsenic hue, sunken chests, attenuated coupling; from the sugar-trough, to the rosewood, automatic crib; from the old wooden mold-board, with attachments, and held together by hickory withes, collar of leather, stutied with husks, to which a hemp rope was tied, and with a boy on the horse - it is said that this unique machine among the beech roots, would kick a man down, kick him over the fence, and kick at him after he was over - from this grotesque apparatus we pass to the glittering steel mold-board, gliding smoothly between two wheels, surmounted by a whistling boy, while tlie furrow is turned unbroken from end to end; from the shovel-plow, the bare-footed boy, and the hoe, we pass to the modern planter, which furrows out, drops, and covers the corn; from the sickle we go to the self-binder; from the flail, and the hoof of the horse, and winnowing sheet, to the steam separator; from the blazed path, meandering through the woods, to the countless turnpikes; from the lumbering ox team, to the lightning speed of the railway ; the corduroy bridge in the shady swamp is succeeded by the magnificent iron structures that now span our streams ; from the circle around the fire, shelling the corn b}' hand, to the steam-})ower capacity of a thousand bushels a day; from the hickory bark bureau and clothes-press, to the inlaid productions of the cabinet-maker; from the three-legged stool, tliat only would stand on the pioneer floor, in its transitions to that acme of sedentar}'' bliss, the reclining, rep-covered mahogany chair; from the homespun linsey-woolsey, to the flounced silk and satin polonaise and real point lace; from the plain sunbonnet, to the coronal flower garden; from the rude log cabin, stick chimney, capacious flre-place, greased paper window, to the brown stone front, polished base burner, French plate, and silver call ; from the old dandy wagon, to the elliptic spring phfeton. Such were the times then ; such are the times, customs, and people of to-day ; and we ma}' conclude, in the words of Cicero, 0 fe.riii')ora, 0 mo)r.'< .' The old fireside home -

" Where, piled with care, the nightly stack Of wood against the chinaney back; The oaken log, green, huge, and thick, And on its top the stout back stick ;

The knotty fore stick laid apart, And filled between, with curious art, The ragged brush ; then hovering near, We watched the first red blaze appear. Heard the sharp crackle, caught the gleam, On whitewashed wall and sagging beam, Until the old, rude-furnished room Burst, fiower-like, into rosy bloom," -

Where nuts were cracked, and turnips scraped, and the good old dog and cat lay snoozing by the fire, have all given place to the fashioned bhizonry of modern art, style, and stiff formality.

Addenda

Since the commencement of this work, much matter has been contributed which we deem necessary to a complete and accurate history. We therefore subjoin it in these addenda.

Banks And Banking

The first bank established in Washington was known as the Fayette County Bank - James Pursell, cashier. Its books were opened for business in October, 1858, and it was located, at that time, on the north side ot Court, near the west corner of Fayette Street, in a small one-story brick building, wliich stood on ground east of, and adjoining that whereon the Peoples and Drovers Bank building now stands. Its location was subsequently changed to flie south side of Court Street, in the second story of the brick building w^est of, and adjoining the then Kirk House, now Arlington Hotel block, where its business was conducted until January, 1867, its assets then being transferred to the First National Bank, that institution having negotiated for, and purchased its business interests.

January 19, 1864, the First National Bank was organized by the election of a board of directors, as follows : Daniel McLean, Thomas B. Thornton, William McElwain, Anthony Allen, Curran Millikan, James Beatty, and Charles Vanpelt. Daniel McLean was afterwards elected president, and Thomas A. Claypoole was appointed cashier, the latter being the first practical banker engaged in banking operations here. He had previously been employed as teller in the Fayette County Bank. The books of the First Na- tional Avero opened for bllsillesf^ in March, 1864, at which time it was located in rooms on the nortli side. of Court, liear the west corner of Main Street.

The subscribed capital stock of the First National Bank, at date of its organization, was $75,000 ; but its paid up capital, at time of commencement of business, was but $50,000 ; nor was the subscribed capital fully paid until the November following. In January succeeding, however, it was increased to $100,000, and in July, 1871, the paid up capital of the bank was $200,000. In November, 1875, the business of the Fayette County National Bank, by consent of stockholders, Avas transferred to, and consolidated with that of the First National Bank, and thereby the capital of the latter bank was increased to $300,000.

The First National was changed to a private bank (the Peoples and Drovers) in April, 1878. Its board of directors (October, 1881) is: Daniel McLean, Thomas B. Thornton, Micajah Draper, David Eogers, James H. Allen, Josiah Hopkins, and Aaron Ferneau. Its officers and clerical force is as follows : Daniel McLean, president; Thomas B.Thornton, vice president; R.A.Robinson, cashier; M. Herbert, teller; Frank Johnson and Van N.Ogle, book-keepers. Mr. Johnson is keeper of the general and Mr. Ogle of the individual ledger.

In January, 1867. T. A. Claypoole having resigned, R. A. Robinson was appointed cashier of the First National Bank, and since that time has, as cashier, superintended the business management, through its changes and mutiitions. He had for many years previous thereto been connected with the Fayette County Bank, and, as teller, conducted its business affairs.

The Bank of Fayette (Pavey & Claypoole - Madison Pavey and Thomas A. Claypoole, special partners), commenced business February 1, 1867. Their banking room was located on the south side of Court Street, in the room now occupied by Smith & Howat, merchant tailors. Mr. Pavey purchased Mr. Claj'poole's interest in the bank in February, 1870, and about one year thereafter, transferred the entire business interest to A. C. Johnson, who subsequently disposed thereof to the Fayette County National Bank.

president, and Morris Sharp was appointed cashier. The bank commenced business in April, 1872, in its present location, on north side of Court Street, in the west room of the brick building formerly knoAvn as the Wilson House.

Martin Grovk

Martin Grove is a son of Martin Grove, whose father, Martin, came to Virginia from Pennsylvania in' his youth. Our subject's father was born in 1791, came to Ross County, Ohio, when twentythree years of age, locating near Bush's Mill. He remained ten years, then settled on Paint Creek, near Washington, on land now owned by his son Martin. Prior to his removal, he was married to Mary, daughter of John Cariier, whose family came to this state Avith them. They had seven children; the hving are: IS'oah, Christian, Isabella, relict of Joseph C. Cripps, deceased, and Martin. Upon arriving in this country, he and wife became members of the Presbyterian Church, where they always remained. He died in 1856; his wife survives him, is now eighty-seven years of age, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Cripps.

Our subject was born, March 29, 1831, on the old homestead, Avhere he was educated in the common branches. He has lived in this county most of his life, engaged in farming on his father's land, then cultivated vegetables ; next conducted a dairy, and traded in cattle quite extensively. When this county determined to have pikes, he engaged in the work as contractor, building fortyone miles, which included the Chillicothe, Leesburg, State Road, Snow Hill, and part of the Good Hope pike, the time required for the construction of these thoroughfares, was three yeai-s.

In 1871 Henry Wendel, L. C. Coffman, A. P. Kirk, and Mr. Grove erected the A. P. Kirk & Co. pork house, at Washington, conducted it fwo years, at the expiration of which he erected his present residence, then purchased an interest in the Jackson County coal land, managed the erection of two twenty ton blast furnaces, thirty-one frame and eleven brick houses, which constitutes the town of Wellston ; still owns a controling interest, and does an extensive business. The company is known as the " Wellston Coal and Iron Company." He also owns two coal shafts. He removed to his present farm in 1866. It is located two miles from Washington, on the Chillicothe pike, and contains eight hundred and thirty acres, well improved, and all cleared save forty acres. He has a fine two-stor}- hrick residence on the farm, which makes a heautifiil country home. He w^as married, February 1857, to Jane, daughter of Samuel Coffman, who bore him eight children : Clara Belle, married to F. A. White, March 15, 1881; Sarah Jeanette, wedded to Charles D. Kinney, ]^ovember 17, 1880, and residing at Walnut Hill, Cincinnati; Eva Mathilda, Martin Sherman, Charley C, Lillie Margaret, Lora J., and Samuel Vernon. Martin S., Lora J., and Samuel Vernon are deceased. Mrs. Grove was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and departed this life October 30, 1875. Mr. Grove was married. May 5, 1881, to Emma Connor, of Cincinnati. She is a daughter of Robert Connor and Susan Picknell, who were born and married in Scotland, crossed the ocean in about 1835, and located in Cincinnati, where they lived until death. They were members of the Episcopal Church. Our subject's wife and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Washington. The Grove antecedants were Whigs, but since the annihilation of that party, our subject has been a Democrat.

John Hays

John Hays, son of James Hays, and grandson of Robert and Margaret (Maguire Hays, was born m Pike County, Ohio, January 19, 1841, where he spent aiost of his youthful days.

He married Annie Russell, of Scioto County, Ohio, May 12,1867, who bore him live children : Ida M., Harry C, Ethel C, Orlando, Florence. Ethel and Orlando have passed to the spirit land. Mr. Hays settled in Union Township on Avhat has long been known as the Davis land, of which he owns one hundred and eighty acres, upon which he has erected a substantial and commodious residence. He served three years in the 18th 0. 1. A., is a good, quiet citizen, a safe business man, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.

Mrs. Hays' grandfather was WiUiam Russell, who was born near Londondery, Ireland, about 1784, came to the United States in 1798, and joined his brother John in Philadelphia, who had preceded him to this country. After a few months he left Philadel- phia, and stopped w\th one John Smith, and learned the hatter's trade. In 1800 he moved, with Mr. Smith, to Maysville, Kentucky- In 1808 Mr. Russell iett Kentucky and came to West Union, Ohio, where he married Nancy Wood, June 8, 1809. He represented Adams County in the State Legislature, from 1811 to 1813, and in the State- 'Senate from 1818 to 1820. In 1825 he represented Ad- Vane, Brown, Highland, Clinton, and Fayette counties; in 1833 the Ross district, in all eight years. He delivered his farewell address in congress, February 21, 1843. No man in public life ever maintained during the severe trials of many heated contests a purer reputation, and was regarded by all as the honest member. He died at his residence, in Scioto County, September 27, 1845. His wife, Nancy (Wood) Russell, was of English descent, born in New Jerse}^, about 1790, and died, February 21, 1856.

Mrs. Hays' father, Robert Russell, was born in West Union, Ohio, in 1816, came to Scioto County, with his father's family, in 1833, and married Sarah Heroedh, of Scioto County, Ohio, in-about 1840, who bore one son and one daughter. The son, Robert, is married, and at this writing lives in Scioto County. Annie, the daughter, married John Hays, of Pike County, Ohio. Her father died, September 27, 1845, the same night, and within two hours of the time her grandfather, William Russell, died. Mrs. Hays received her education in the Portsmouth, Ohio, schools. She has been a member of the Baptist Church from youth. She is a good neighbor, wife, and mother.

S. F. Kerr was born in Pendleton County, A^irginia, October 21, 1805, and in 1811, removed with his parents, Michael and Mary Kerr, to Fayette County, Ohio. Here, anjid the rural scenes that surround the romantic little village of Jeffersonviile, his early boyhood was passed. Although reared to agricultural pursuits, he had an insatiable thirst after knowledge. Hi^ opportunities for gratifying it, however, were meagre, as books were scarce, and difficult to obtain. He determined to have an education, and he succeeded. He became a scientist and a scholar. As an astronomer, he was quite proficient. Not in that branch of science alone did he excel, but also in philosophy and chemistry. Having a military spirit, and taking a great interest in the militia of the county, he was elected captain at the age of twenty, and Ijefdre the age of twentytwo, was promoted to the rank of colonel, by which title he was best known in after life. In 1848, he was elected and received his commission as brigadier-general of the fourth brigade, teutll division, of the Ohio militia. Choosing the law as his profession, he was admitted to the bar in 1835, and was elected prosecuitrjig^ttorney the same year, which office he held for several terms.

In 1833, he was married to Mrs. Sarah Catharine (Dawson) Phelps, by whom he had eight children, three of whom survive. His wife dying, he married, June 2, 1870, Miss Susan Jeannette Shannon. After a lingering illness of several months, he departed this life March 17, 1881. His wife and his three surviving children, Mrs. Lucy Smith, of Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Hattie C. Lydy, of Cincinnati, and Mrs. Kate Rickley, of Ottawa, Illinois, still survive to mourn their irreparable loss.

As a lawyer, "he had the highest sense of professional dignity and honor. His compeers were the old lawyers of renown of southern Ohio - Thomas Ewing, Hunter, Allen G. Thurman, Bond, Dickey, Douglass, JSTelson Barrere, Robert Robinson, and their contemporaries. With such associates he learned the law, and from them, the duties and amenities of the lawyer. He was eminent in the profession, particularly in land law and land litigation. In this department of the law, he was a mine of information and knowledge."

"Upon the adoption of our present constitution, in 1851, he was elected the first probate judge. He was afterward elected to the legislature ; twice to fill terms, and once to fill a vacancy. The code that followed the adoption of our present constitution, retired from active practice many of the old-time lawyers. Colonel Kerr, however, left the practice for a place on the bench, and from there to the legislature. But in his day, and before the code, and this, too, in the days of Loof bourrow, Willard, Rush, Dickey, Robinson, and others, he was the acknowledged leader of the bar."

One of his associates says of him : " Sometimes, as is usual with attorneys, I have for the moment felt that he was harsh in his rulings; yet, after matuYe reflection, and more careful incpiiry into his motives and reasons for his decrees, I have always found, as I do now, in looking back over his life, a golden cord of integrity and honesty of purpose encircling all his official acts and decisions, which, in my memory of him, will always be bright. I have rep- resented the cause of the rich and the poor hi liis court, and I have always fouud that tlie poor and oppressed, who appealed to him for redress of wrongs, or supposed grievances, suffered at the hands of the more independent oppressors, found in him a tender and sympathetic regard for their cause ; and if the scales of justice, as they stood poised in his hands, were swerved one hair from the stern rule of law and right, it was always on the side. of mercy."

Now he is gone - full of years and honors, and as a sheaf of wheat fully ripe. As we viewed his narrow tenement house, all covered with velvety hlack, and beheld the sheaf of wheat resting upon the cotHn, to us it seemed the symbol of fullness and plenty on earth ; and may it not be said to be typical of that fullness and richness of life everlasting, which, we trust and believe, is to-day the inheritance of Colonel vS. F. Kerr.

John L. Vandeman, retired merchant, is a son of ^Mathias Vandeman, who was a native of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio in 1801. He located on a farm on Deer Creek, in Iloss County, where he remained a few years, and then he moved to a site on the North Fork of Paint Creek, where he resided until the year 1816, when he finally settled in this county, which became his permanent home. He Avas an active participant in the war of 1812, He died at a very advanced age, at his farm, near Washington, October, 1870. His wife survived him ten years, and died in her ninety-first year, in 1880, at the residence of our subject.

Mr. Vandeman was born September 30, 1810, in Ross County, this state, and married Miss Rebecca P. Wilson, in March, 1839. He passed the earlier years of his life on the farm and at school, spending two years at the Ohio University, at Athens, subsequently taught school.

[n 1834, he commenced clerking in a dry goods store in Washington, and after an experience of four years in the business in 1838 engaged in the dry goods business on his own account, in Washington. He soon became one of the largest, as well as one of the most successful merchants of the county. He continued in the business for nearly forty years, during which time he became the ownei- of a large amount of valua})le property. Mr. Vandeman has done much in the way of building up the town of Wash- iiigtoii. The block of buildings erected- by him a few years since, on Court and Main streets, still bearing his name, is an honor to the builder as well as a great ornament to the town.

Mr. Yandeman has retired from business, and with his most excellent wife is living in their magnificent mansion, in the southwestern portion of the town. They have been for many years connected with the Presbyterian Church, taking a very lively interest in its welfare. In politics, he is a staunch Republican.

They are the parents of four children; one deceased and three living. His son, John ISTewton, has been one of the active business men of Washington for a number of years, being engaged in the mercantile business with his father for many years ; but a few years ago, he ceased said business and went into the practice of law. lie is now a member of the bar, of Washington, doing a good business, with bright prospects for the future. He buried his wife during the spring of the present year. This to him was a great loss, for she was not only the mother of several children, but was one of the very best women of the town ; she had but few equals, and probably no superiors as a wife and mother. The other son, George r. Vandeman, is married and resides at the present time in California, and is engaged in a general commission business. The daughter, Maggie V. Ustick, is the wife of Theodore Ustick. They reside in the same mansion, owned and occupied by her parents. She is a woman of culture and force of character.

Jeffersonville Lodge

Jetfersonville Lodge, jSTo. 468, F. & A. M,, was organized, January 31, 1873, by Col. C. Garris, of Washington, C. H. Charter members : Mills Gardner, P. F. Johnson, James Straley, L. A. Elster, E. II. Bendle, Horney Robinson, J. C. Morris, William Wood, W. J. Horiiey, George Miller, Asberry Moon, J. W. Roebuck, W. F. Roebuck, G. L. Bush, and Urban Hidy. The first ofiicers were as follows: Mills Gardner, W. M.; P. F. Johnson, S. W. ; James Straley, J. W.; P. J, Popejoy, secretary. From the organization until 1875 Mills Gardner held the office of W. M., when he was

Levi Rice is the son of .Tames and Elizabeth Rice, who were natives of Virginia. Mr. Rice was in the war of 1812, and soon after its close married and moved to Ohio and settled in Lick Township, Jackson County, where he still lives. He is now eightyeight years old, having resided on the same farm since the close of the war of 1812. He has been a consistent member of the jMetliodist Episcopal Church nearly all these years. He is a hale, hearty, happy old man. His tirst wife died without any children. The fruits of the second marriage were ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Five of the children are dead and five are living. The. second wife is dead and the old gentleman is married to his third wife, by whom he has three childreji.

Levi, our subject, is V)y,the second wife, and was born, December 9, 1826; married, October 19, 1848, Ann, daughter of James Shepard. They have eight children, five daughters and three sons : James Weslev, nuirried and lives in the neighborhood. Ann also married and resides in the iiei^lihorliuod. Joseph R. is single, and at home with his jiai'euts, as is also Ella Z. Virginia C. is married and hves on tlie farm near her father. Samuel C. died in infanc3^ Melissa A. is single and at home with her parents. Mary M. is a young lady, single, and at home with her parents. She is noted for her intelligence and piety. She has written many artieles, especially on religious subjeets, which have attracted much attention.

Mr. Rice removed from Jackson County to Pickaway County in 1863, and remained there three years, when he removed to Ross County, and settled on the waters of Paint Creek ; remained seven years, and in 1873, he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Fayette and Clinton counties, known as a part of the Trimble land, situated on tlie line of the counties of Fayette and Clinton, on the north side of the Wilmington and Washington -pike, some three miles east of Sabina. He sooji removed to this farm, where he now resides.

Mr. Rice is a quiet, sensible, well-to-do farmer ; has his fjirm paid for, and is in prosperous circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Rice, with all their children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is aRepublican, and is a staunch temperance man.

James G. Beatty

James G. Beatty, farmer and stock raiser, is the son of Judge James Beatty, who was a native of Virginia, being born in 1793 and came to the State of Ohio, as a hale, stout young man, in 1818. lie located in the northwestern portion of Fayette County, built a cabin, cleared a small portion of land, and remained about one year, when he returned to his old home in Virginia. In the following spring, he returned to his new home in Ohio, bringing his father's family with him, and locating them in his cabin. He was united in wedlock to Miss Margaret Gibson, the fruits of which were three sons: Isaac N., Charles Milton, and James G. Some two months after the birth of our subject, the wife and mother

(lied. The father reiiuime<l, and live<l a h)iigau(l useful life, tilling many positions of trust and honor in his county, acting as one of the associate judges of the court for many years, and died hut a few years since.

Although our suljject was deprived of his mother by death when but two months old, he was kindly cared for by an affectionate step-mother, grew up to be a man, and married for his wife Miss Avy Caroline, daughter of Isaac House. They at once commenced housekeeping in Paint Township.

In 1856, Mr. Beatty purchased the old Leonard Bush farm, on the west bank of Sugar Creek, on the line of Concord and Jasper townships, adjoining the village of Jasper Mills. He soon moved to this farm, and has resided there ever since. This farm contains some two hundred acres of land, and is regarded as one of the best in the county, on account of its fertility of soil and its condition.

Mr. and JVIrs. Beatty have had but one child, a son, Talcott, who is a very worthy young man, now married, and living in a fiiie new house, which he has just erected on his father's farm, adjoining the village of Jasper Mills.

Mr. and Mrs. Beatty have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. But few men are more full}- identified with the interests of tlie church, than is Mr, Beatty. In politics he is a Republican, and a thorough temperance man. He is one of the solid, correct, thorough men of the county.

Matthew W. Marks

The father of our subject was Peter Marks, who, with his wife, were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio, and settled near the town of Frankfort, in Ross County, about the year 1810, or 1811. They were the parents of twelve children, six sous and six daughters. The daughters are all dead. The sons are living- They remained but a short time in Ross County, removing to Fayette County, and locating on the west bank of Sugar Creek, about one mile south of the village of Jasper jSlills, in Concord Township, where our subject was born, August 30, 1821.

Mr. Marks was married to Miss Hannah Kirkpatrick, August 21, 1842. They at once commenced housekeeping on his father's farm, and in process of time he purchased the home farm from his father, where he has continuously lived since his birth. His father and

Mr. and Mrs. Marks have children born unto them: John Wesley, married, lives in New Holland, Pickaway County; Susan Emeline, wife of John Miller, lives in Ross County; Lewis P., married, is a minister of the gospel, and a member of the Ohio Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and stationed at Hanging Rock, on the Ohio River; Elizabeth H., wife of Rev. Isaac SoUars, a Methodist minister, stationed at Rossville, Muskingum County, Ohio; Rachel F., wife of C. Slagle, resides in Ross County ; Aden E., married, lives on his father's farm ; Effie J., wife of Rev. Joseph Seabrook, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now stationed at Massieville, Ross County; Annie L. and James D. are still single, and remain at home with their parents; Marion Fletcher, Mary Catharine, and Dora Estella, are dead.

Mr. and Mrs. Marks have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church all of their married lives, taking a deep interest in religious matters, and as a result, their children are all members of the same church ; one sou in the ministry, and three daughters the wives of ministers.

Mr. Marks owns a most excellent farm, where he resides, and where he has spent his whole life, and is out of debt. He is a Republican in politics, and is a staunch temperance man. This is one of the most excellent families of Fayette County. But few parents so fully appreciate the goodness of the Lord, as do Matthew Marks and his most excellent wife.

County Officers Prosecuting Attorneys

It is said that Joseph Bloomer succeeded Aaron Johnson in 1828, and after serving two terms, retired two years, and was reelected, and served in all eight years.