Fayette County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1881 (part 9 of 10)

In the fall of 1879, while in Michigan, at Boardman's Swamps, he was trailing an old bear and her two cubs, and coming suddenly upon them, he shot and killed all of them with four shots, inside of a minute, using a Winchester rifle. He is not only a good hunter, but a skillful farmer, to which statement his well-tilled farm, of two hundred and fifteen acres, bears testimony. His wife is an excellent shot, and can bring the head off' a chicken, oft'-hand, with ease.

John Wade Loofbourrow, the grandfather of Laban H., was a Virginian, a minister of the Baptist Church, born April 28, 1748. He married Mary Half, September 10, 1767. Their children were: Abigail, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Mary, David, John, Benjamin, Wade, Ebenezer, Thomas, and x^athan.

Nathan, the youngest son and father of Laban H, was born in Virginia, December 22, 1794, and when a small boy came to Ohio. He married Hannah Pancoast, of this county, April 13, 1815, and became the father of Laban H., Lemuel P., Sophronia, Amanda, Naomi, Pamelia and Cecelia (twins), and Mary.

Laban Haif, our subject, was born at the site of Washington C. H., July 27, 1816, and in 1835 moved with his father's family to Madison County, near Mount Sterling. He married Elizabeth Alkire, September 16, 1837. She was the first daughter of Jacob and Polly (Phebus) Alkire, of Madison Count}', To this marriage was born one son, Madison, February 28, 1839. Mrs. Loofbourrow died January 5, 1879. Mr. Loofbourrow married his second wife, Christina Beatty, December 25, 1879. She was the seventh daughter and youngest child of Elijah and Anna (Miller) Beatty, who were natives of Virginia. She was born in Ohio, June 20, 1837. Her grandfather, Charles Beatty, was a Baptist minister, and came to Ohio in 1818. He died in 1852.

Mr. Loofbourrow has been very successful as a farmer and trader. Besides being the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres on the Deer Creek pike, he owns some valuable lands adjoining Mt. Sterling, and is a large stockholder in the Farmers Bank of Mt. Sterling.

Lemuel Pancoast Loofbourrow was born in Franklin County, Ohio, May 14, 1818. He is the second son of Nathan and Hannah (Pancoast) Loofbourrow, who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively.

Our subject was married November 21, 1839, to Elizabeth Graham, first daughter of John and Lydia (Alkire) Graham, of Kentucky. She was born in Madison County, Ohio, December 25,

Annette married, October, 1859. Her husband, Joseph Parker, was a member of Company G, 113th 0. Y. I., and was killed at Keuesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His widow re-married, October, 1869, to Dr. J. B. F. Morgan,, of Eoss County. Albert Ross Parker, son of Joseph Parker, before named, has been a part of his grandfather's family from infancy.

Malvina married Otho W. Loof bourrow, November 19, 1865. He was a member of Company G, 113th O. V. L, second brigade, second division, fourteenth army corps. He is the son of Thomas and the grandson of James G. Loof bourrow, and resides in Madison Count}'. They have had six children, three of whom are living; Rena Helen, Milton F., and Bessie; Minnie, Ralph T., and Nathan, are deceased.

John G. was married May 19, 1875, to Huldah Kauflfelt, of Mt. Sterling, and has three children. He is cashier of the Farmers Bank of Mt. Sterling.

The father and mother of this interesting family still live, and spend much of their time with their children. Mr. Loof bourrow has acquired considerable wealth, and himself and his excellent wife are free from many of the cares of this life.

Joseph Ott

Joseph Ott, deceased, was a native of Virginia, and was born, October 10, 1806. He was the oldest of a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters: Joseph, Jacob, Benjamin^ WiUiam, Emanuel, John, George, Mary and Olive (twins), Augusta, and Elizabeth.

Mr. Ott filled a responsible position in the United States Armory at Harper's Ferry, for more than twenty-five years. He came to Ohio in 1849, but returned to Virginia in 1850. He again came to Ohio the same year. He spent three years atBloomingburg, and in 1853 bought one hundred and fifty-three acres of land, at White Oak, where the family now reside. Here he died, September 13, 1878, aged seventy-two years. He was a man of integrity, and his death was much lamented.

Jacob Ott, the father of this subject, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, July 10, 1783, and died at Bloomingburg, this county, June 12, 1865. His wife, Elizabeth, died, March 29, 1865, aged eighty years.

Shreve Pancoast

Shreve Pancoast, the subject of this sketch, was born in New Jersey, December 23, 1788, and was the oldest of a family of ten children : Shreve, Polly, Samuel, Hannah, Shetlock, Hope, Jerusha, Isaiah, Eliza, and Ruhamma. The parents, Isaiah and Lettice (Gaskill) Pancoast, came to Ohio in 1810.

Our subject was married, August 23, 1812, to Polly Myers, first child of Samuel and Elizabeth (Smith) Myers, of Pennsylvania. Polly was born in Virginia, in 1795, and in 1808 came to Ohio, riding on a pack-horse. Eleven children Avere born to them : Alethea, Samuel, Ruhamma, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Jerusha, Isaiah, and Lettice (twins), Adeline, Benjamin F., and Shreve, jr. Isaiah, the father of this subject, founded the village of Waterloo, in the year 1814. During the war of 1812, Shreve Pancoast served as a corporal of Captain S. Hynes' company of Ohio militia.

Mr. Pancoast gave his life to farming, and in this pursuit was successful. He died, August 20, 1866, aged seventy-seven years. His aged widow, " Aunt Polly," and his youngest daughter, Adeline, have a comfortable home in the villao-e of Waterloo.

George B. Parrett

George B. Parrett is one of the most enterprising and industrious farmers of this county. He was born in this county, on the 19th of January, 1834, and is the youngest of a family of eight sons and one daughter. His parents, Joseph J. and Rebecca (Fansher) Parrett, were natives of Tennessee, coming to Ohio from Coke County, immediately following the close of the war of 1812. Mr. Parrett was in the war of 1812, and among other sufferings, he subsisted three days on a half pint of meal. Joseph J. and Rebecca were the parents of nine childr'en : Isaac, Pleasant, Jackson, David, Frederick, Benjamin, Minerva, Russell, and George B.

Isaac Fansher, the maternal grandfather of this subject, served in the Revolutionary War. The Fanshers and Parretts came to Ohio the same year. The former emigrated to Iowa, and the latter became permanent residents of this county.

Our subject was married, August 21, 1856, to Amelia A., oldest daughter of Dauiel and Mary E. (Webster) Bush, of this county. Mrs. Parrett was born, September 10, 1835. The Bush ancestry were from South Caroiina, and their descendants are numerous in Union Township. Brice Webster, the grandfather of Mrs. Parrett, was an early merchant and physician of Washington.

Mr. and Mrs. Parrett have had born to them twelve children, all of whom are living: Euphemie Estaline, born 1857, married Harry S. Crow, 1878; Edward Ankney, born 1858, married to Frances Taylor, 1880 ; Ella Gazelle, born 1860, married Dr. Jasper N. Clark, 1876; Florence Jane, born 1861; Ada Verrell, born 1863; Warren Webster, born 1864 ; Erie Harlan, born 1866 ; Alice Gertrude, born 1868; Noyes Marvin, born 1871 ; Dio Ladell, born 1873 ; George Clyde, born 1877 ; Annie Blanche, born 1881.

In 1859 Mr. Parrett bought two hundred and seventy-three acres of land on the North Fork of Paint, where he now resides. He is a prudent, temperate liver, and his family are full of health and intelligence. During a term of thirteen years past his doctor bill amounted to only two dollars.

Mj". Parrett is an ardent Prohibitionist, and preaches and practices the same doctrine. He and his wife and other members of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Parrett is a working member of Madison Grange, gives especial

Edward A. Peasley

The subject of this sketch was born in Boston, Mass., August 2, 1823. He is the son of Aaron M. and Louis (Woodward) Peasley, of that state. Aaron Peasley came to Ohio about the year 1826, and was for years a skillful engraver and die-sinker of Dayton, Ohio. Before coming west, he invented a reed attachment to organs, and some valuable improvements in calico printing. He died in Dayton, Ohio, April 6, 1836. His children were Albert, William, Theodore, Edward A., and Angeline. '

Our subject was married, July 30, 1873, to Margaret Pliley, of Koss County. During the war of the rebellion, Mr. Peasley served on the side of the Union, enlisting September 2, 1861, in the fifteenth regiment of United States troops, and spent much of his term of service on recruiting duty at Buffalo, New York, Reading, Pennsylvania, and other points. He was with his commander at the memorable battle of Mission Ridge, November 1863, at which place he was seriously wounded in his left arm, from the effects of which he is permanently disabled. He, however, served to the end of his term, and was honorably discharged. He afterwards reenlisted as a substitute in Company K, 65th O. V. I., serving the latter part of his term in Company D, Veteran Reserve Corps. He was in the service four years, during which time he served in many positions of trust and responsibility.

Mr. Peasley's ingenuity and inventive genius are prominent features of his character. He learned the trade of a blackstnith in his minority, and afterwards the profession of dentistry. In the last named profession, he excels in practical skill, and has given sixteen years to its practice in this and adjoining counties.

Mr. Peasley gives much time and thought to mechanical experiments, as a result of which he has perfected a farm gate of rare merit, and a cant-hook, wliicli possesses many valuable points. Since 1867, he has been selling goods in Waterloo, with some success. His family consists of himself and wife.

William. H. Riggin

ship, and occupies a comfortable home on the White Oak road, near Mount Sterling, and on the lands of M. S. Cook, sen. Harry, as he is everywhere called, is the second son and third child of Isaac C. and Lucinda (Baker) Higgin, of Pickaway County, and was born, February 2, 1840. He was of a family of five children: James L., Maria Jane, William H., John W., and Benjamin F.

Harry and his brother James E. were both members of Company G, 113th 0. V. I. James E. died while in the service, at Nashville, Tennessee, June 1863. Harry bears honorable scars received in the conflict, and has a proud record as a soldier, having fought with Thomas, and marched with Sherman from the mountains to the sea. John W.^died, December 23, 1874, leaving three children.

Mr. Riggin married Mary E., oldest daughter of Levi and Rachel (Heath) Southard, of Pickaway County, Ohio. To them have been born, November 7, 1878, one son, Charlie.

Jeremiah J. Riggin is the fifth child, and second son, of William C. and Ester M. (Low) Riggin, both of Delaware, in which state this son was born December 1, 1816. Th^re were four sons and seven daughters of his father's family : Isaac C, Jane, Emeline, Elizabeth, Jeremiah J., Charles P., Deborah, Ellen, William and Levin. The grandfather of this subject, Isaac Riggin, was of English descent.

The Riggins came to this state in 1833, and settled in Pickaway County, near Deer Creek, where in 1835, the mother died. The father, William C, died in the year 1870. But four of his children yet survive : Isaac, Emeline, J. J., and Charles.

Jeremiah's first wife was the daughter of George and Catherine (Porter) Richey, of Pickaway County, this state, to whom he was married April 7, 1842. She died in 1844, leaving no children. On the 17th of February, 1847, he married Mary Jane, only daughter of James and Mary J. (Vandoler) Davis. She was born in 1828. Six children have been born to them : William J., born May 7, 1848: George V., born May 31, 1850 ; John 0., born February 14, 1853; LawsonD., born May 19, 1857; Eber A., born March 14,

I860; Charles M., born November 7, 1862, died September 1, 1863. Mr. Riggin has always been a hard worker, and by his indomitable energy, has triumphed over many difficulties. His farm of one hundred and twenty -three acres is in a good state of cultivation. During the late war, he made a proud record as a soldier, serving with more than ordinary distinction as a member of Company G, 113th Regiment 0. V. I., 2d brigade, 2d division, 14th A. C. He was made a sergeant of company, in September, 1863, for gallant and meritorious conduct on the field of Chickamauga. He located where he now Hves in 1848 ; has a well deserved reputation for honesty, and is at peace with all men,

Thomas J. Smith

Joseph P. Smith, the father of Thomas J. Smith, was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 17,- 1797, and came to this state in the year 1812. He was by trade a shoemaker. He was married, in 1822, to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Junk, one of the first settlers of Scioto Valley, where the city of Chillicothe now stands. Mr. Junk helped to raise the first house in Chillicothe. After his marriage, Mr. Smith a-nd his young wife moved to Delaware County, this state, where for seven years he carried on a small farm, during which time three children were born to them.

In the year 1829, they removed to Ross County, where he bought and improved one hundred acres of land, on which he lived eighteen years, during which time four children were born to them, three of whom died. The remainder of their children, one daughter and three sons, grew to mature years. Finally, he purchased a farm of one hundred and nineteen acres in Madison Township, this county, where they closed their days.

Thomas J., the subject of this sketch, was born in Delaware County, this state, February 27, 1825. He was married, October 18, 1849, to Angeline, daughter of Noah Cor}^, of Ross County.

Mr. Smith rented a small farm and remained a resident of Ross County till 1853, when he bought sixty-seven acres of Jand, in Madison Township, in this county, upon which the family located permanently. At this time the surrounding woods abounded with wild game, and wild turkeys in great numbers frequently came among the domestic fowls about their humble abode. Vermin of various kinds prowled by night, and annoyed by day. Here Mr.

and Mrs. Smith fought life's battles and achieved its victories through many tribulations. The chills and fever v^as a great affliction : wet seasons spoiled the fruits of their toil, and the frosts often swept off the labors of a season: but through all they triumphed, and now in tlie ripeness of their declining years, they enjoy a comfortable home of two hundred and thirty-six acres of well improved lauds. They had born to them nine children : Apphiah, born July 22, 1851 ; Lucretia EHzabeth, born August 6, 1852 ; Joseph Noah, born August 3, 1855 ; Mary Jane, born ITovember 22, 1857 ; John Ellsworth, born September 15, 1861 ; Ida Angeline Louisa, born July 27, 1866 ; Eddie Cory, and Eva Gary, (twins,) born July 14, 1868; Calvin Emery, born July 1, 1872.

]!^athan Cory, Mrs. Smith's grandfather, came to this state, in 1797, from Kentucky. Previous to this date he had resided in Virginia, and in emigrating to Kentucky, had descended the Ohio River in a pirogue sixty feet long. This was probably in 1790. Several families, twenty-seven persons in all, comprised the party. The men of the party traveled overland and suffered much for lack of food. They succeeded in killing a huge buffalo bull, from the flesh of which their hungry needs were supplied. His first location in this state, -vas near the site of Chillicothe. He afterwards located near Oldtown, where he passed the rest of his eventful life. When he reached his destination, in this state, his effects consisted of a wife and six children, a pony and a dollar in cash. The money was expended for a pack of salt. He was by trade a hair-sieve maker, but gave much of his time to other pursuits. He was for many years a deacon in the Baptist Church, and was afterwards ordained an elder. He was married three times ; but his family of ten sons and two daughters were all children of the first wife.

The children of Noah and Lucretia (Shoots) Cory, were Sally, Ann, Hannah Jane, Solomon, Thompson, Joseph Benjamin, Angeline, John Nathan, Mary Ellen, Elizabeth,, Nancy Louisa, Julian Lucretia, William Noah, Landy Shoots, and Oliver Anson.

John West, the grandfather of Cyrus P. West, was a native of Virginia, coming to Ohio in about A. D. 1800. His wife was Barbara Plotter. They settled on Haller's Bottom, near Chillicothe, on Paint Creek. The Plotters were Pennsylvanians. John and Barbara "West were the parents of Sallle, George, Isaac, Huldah, Allen P., John, Amos, Catherine, and Andrew P. The Wests are noted for being tall and heavily built, and, with one exception, are Republican in their politics.

Cyrus P. West is the oldest child of Allen and Isabel (Patterson) West, of Ohio. They were the parents of four children : Cyrus P., Robert, Sarah J., and Mary Josephine. The Pattersons were Pennsylvanians, and Moses Patterson, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was in the war of 1812. Robert and Sarah Patterson were the parents of Isabel, Margaret, Sarah, Ellen, and Josephine.

Our subject was born, November 9, 1845. His early life was spent in Highland County, near Hillsboro. He was married, December 25, 1877, to Lida, third daughter, and fourth child of Frederick L. and Sarah Smith, of this county. Mrs. West w^as born, March 20, 1847. The children of Frederick L. and Sarah Smith were : Samuel M., Mary A., Margaret, Lida, Sarah A., Franklin P., Leonora, Catherine, Ida, Isadora, and Belle. Mrs. West died, January 3, 1879. His widow is still living, and is a resident of Madison Township.

To the union of Mr. and Mrs. West two children have been born : Imogene, born November 5, 1878, and Stella, born May 26, 1880. Mrs. West had several years' experience as a school teacher.

Mr. West owns a farm of six hundred and eighty-two acres of good land on the Columbus road, near Madison Mills. He located here in 1870, giving his time since then to the improvement of his farm, and to legitimate trading and farming. He gives much attention to thoroughbred cattle. His herd of thoroughbreds is the best in the township.

William D. Wood

William Doddridge Wood is the oldest child of Daniel and Tabitha (Leach) Wood, and w^as born in this county on the 27th of February, 1841. The genealogy of the Wood family appears in connection with the biography of Daniel Wood.

Our subject was fairly educated in the common schools of his neighborhood, and acquired studious habits, which he still retains. He gave the years of his minority to hard work on his father's farm. He was married, February 27, 1866, to Mary Parker, sec- ond daughter of Elder Joseph Parker, of Warren County, Ohio. She bore one son, John F., born January 19, 1867 ; died April 27, 1875. Mrs. Wood was born, May 17, 1843, and died July 15, 1871.

Mr. Wood married his present wife. May 2, 1872. She is the fifth child of Thomas and Rebecca (Lefever) Swope, of Fairfield County, Ohio. Her father came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, in 1801, when Thomas was one year old. Mrs. Wood was born, August 31, 1834. They have two sons : Thomas A., born March 23, 1874, and Arly P., born November 13, 1879. Mrs. Wood's uncles and aunts, on the father's side, were : Lawrence, John, David, Pachel, Ann, Mary, and Louisa.

Mr. Wood has a fine record as a soldier. He enlisted in Company A, of the fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, in September 1861, and served faithfully until August, 1865. The fifty-fourth marched during its term of service a distance of three thousand, six hundred and eighty-two miles, participated in four sieges, nine severe skirmishes, fifteen general engagements, and sustained a loss of five hundred and six men killed, .wounded and missing.

Mr.Wood gives his attention to farming, and in this pursuit is successful. He owns a well improved farm in M adison Township, and carries on a tile factory near by. He is a member of the Old School Predestinarian Baptist Church, and has in his possession a copy of the Bible, printed in 1599.

Daniel Wood

The Wood family are of English descent, but nothing definite is known as to the date of their immigration to America. Grandfather Isaac Wood, and Rachel, his wife, are the oldest of the name of whom anything is known. They were, perhaps, natives of Pendleton County, Virginia. He was born December 25, 1729, and died April 21,1803; his wife was born March 1,1747, and died August 29, 1822. Their children were James, Elizabeth, Susanna, John, Daniel, Ann, Joel, William, Isaac, and Jacob. Some of the family became residents of the western states. Joel, Jacob, William, and their mother, ended their days in Ohio.

Jacob Wood, the father of Daniel, was born in Virginia, and at the age of fifteen, went to Kentucky on a visit, where he was married, about the year 1808, to Rachel, daughter of Daniel Ramey. They had two children born to them in Kentucky, and in Decem- ber, 1811, tliey immigrated to Ohio, on paGk-horses, bringing a few household goods, and located in Union Township, this county. In 1833, he bought a farm on Rattlesnake, in Jasper Township. Here his wife died. He married his second wife about 1844, by whom he had no children. He died at the age of seventy-nine, and is buried at AVaterloo.

Daniel Wood, the subject of this sketch, was the second child, and first son, of his father's family, and was born in Kentucky, August 10, 1811, coming to Ohio with his parents at four months of age. He was married, September 10, 1838, to Tabitha, second daughter of Walter and Elizabeth (Francis) Leach, of Brown County. She died, July 12, 1878, aged seventy-two years. To them were born three sons and one daughter: William D., born February 27, 1841; Cordelia A., born June 25, 1843; Eoma F., born May 1, 1845, died September 27, 1849; Marcellus T., born November 2, 1846, enlisted a§ a soldier, and died at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, May 7, 1865, aged eighteen years.

William married for his lirst wife, Mary Parker, February 27 1866, she dying; for his second wife, he married Rebecca Swoup,' May 2, 1872. Cordelia married General Stephen B. Yeoman, in 1865, and lives in Washington.

Our subject was married to his second wife, Mrs. Susan Adkins, widow of William Adkins, February 4, 1880. She is the third daughter of John and Frances (Randall) Yocom, of Pickaway County. By her first marriage, she had two sons: James Vincent, and William H., both of whom reside with their mother and stepfather.

Mr. Wood became a member of the Baptist Church, at nineteen years of age, since which time his life has been that of a consistent Christian. He has cheerfully borne the burdens incident to the support of the ministry, and the building of houses of worship. In politics he is a decided Republican. By close attention to forming, and legitimate business, he has gained a competency.

Warford Young

Warford Young, farmer, was born in Highland County, Ohio, December 12, 1820, and is the third child and second son of Job and Elizabeth (Creviston) Young. His grandfather, Jacob Young, was a native of Virginia. Job and Elizabeth Young were parents of Lucinda, John, Warford, Fannie, and James, all of whom are yet alive. John Creviston, the grandfather of this suhject, M^as a soldier in the war of 1812.

Mr. Young's parents died when this son was but a small boy, and at the age of thirteen, he learned the trade of a tailor with Moses Stitt, of Bloomingburg. He practiced his trade for some years, and was regarded as a good workman.

He was married, May 1, 1846, to Elizabeth, daughter of Shrieve and Cynthia Gaskill, of Waterloo. Five children have been born to them : Balco G., Cynthia, Walter H. (died September 8, 1872, aged twenty-two years), Irvin C, and Charles Y.

During the early years of his married life, Mr. Young was engaged in selling goods and farming, alternately, but in 1877 he bought the farm on which he now lives, three miles south of Mt. Sterling, and twelve miles from Washington. He is not w^hat is known as a hard-working man, but has always planned carefully to attend to his own business, and in so doing, has won the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances throughout the county, and elsewhere. Having been sparingly educated in his youth, he has given much of his later years to books, and is well informed on matters of history. He is a sturdy Republican in his politics.

Paint Township, wbicli takes its name from the creek that forms its eastern boundary, was organized cotemporary with the formation of the county. Its soil is rich, and cannot be exhausted, being fertilized by the various tributaries of Paint Creek. It is bounded on the north by Madison County, on the east by Madison and Marion townships, and on the south and west by Union and Jefterson townships, respectively.

The first settler was George Coil, a man of enterprise, who came in the younger days of this century, and built a cabin immediately after his arrival, and began clearing up a corn patch. The writer has been unable to obtain the data for an extended biography of this man, consequently the mere mention of his name must suffice.

William Hays emigrated from Kentucky to this state, in 1803, and settled on Big Walnut, where. he remained till 1805, when he removed to this township and settled on part of survey 1063, on the bank of Paint Creek, with his father, James, and the family, consisting of David, John, James, jr., Rankin, Benjamin, Jane, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Sarah.

William and John served as privates in Captain McElwain's militia company, belonging to Colonel Harper's command, which was ordered out to Fort Sandusky, where they assembled and built the fort. At the close of the war, they returned home and worked on the farm.

Solomon Salmon, a native of Delaware, "removed to this state with his wife and one. child - a boy - at a very early day. In the year 1805, he came to Paint Township, and settled on a portion of the land now owned by his son. Perry, and across the creek to the rear of the latter's residence.

hundred acres, granted to Solomon Salmon, assignee of John Mc- Clain, assignee of Benjamin Parker, assignee of William Johnston, assignee of Samuel Kercheval, assignee of Thomas Jenkins, only living representative of Joshua Jenkins, a sergeant in the revokitionary war. The date of the survey of said tract, was many years prior to the signing of the instrument by James Monroe, March 26, 1819 - a number of years after possession was taken by Salmon. Perry, a relative of Solomon Salmon, accompanied him, and settled on land now OAvned by Gideon A'ezay. The old cabin in which he lived still stands, but at present is unoccupied.

In and after 1805, there was a constant tide of immigration to this township, some of the most prominent being the following : Solomon Sowers, who built the first mill in Paint Township; Samuel Bobbins, a pioneer school teacher and justice of the peace; Jacob Pursely, the first blacksmith ; John Oliver, the first carpenter; Joseph Parris, a participant in the war of 1812, and also in the revolutionary war ; Leonard Parris, who was in the war of 1812, and was by occupation a hunter, farmer, and stock raiser ; Jeremiah Smith, another brave soldier in the war of 1812, and a host of others, whose names are not ascertainable.

Xathaniel Tway, was born in Clermont County, this state, and his father, John Tway, was a native of New Jersey. \ The former served three years and six months, having volunteered. At the battle of Brandy wine, a ball from the enemy's ranks was lodged in the heel of his foot, but otherwise he was unhurt.

He came to this county in 1810, and worked for various farmers by the day. Two years later his father came, accompanied by the family, and located in this township, near the Madison County line, on the ]3resent Simeon Wisler farm - on leased land. Nathaniel afterwards purchased land of the Funks, the title to which not being clear, however, he never came into possession.

William Squire was born in New Jersey, within eighteen miles of New York City, in August, 1756. During the war of the Revolution, when but eighteen years old, he enlisted as a private in his uncle's company, and served with credit. lie married Miss Sarah Caldwell, and with her removed to Pennsylvania. In 1816, the family, which had been increased, by the birth of four children, immigrated to Ohio, remained in Ross County six weeks, then came to this county, and located on David Allen's place, where they remained a short time, then purchased two hundred and fifty acres of land of Col. Stewart, at two dollars and fifty cents per acre, and removed there. The farm is at present in the possession of Nathaniel Sqnire, and consisted originally of prairie land in part.

East of them a settlement had been made by Henry Kile, on a farm now owned by Jackson Hays. In the same neighborhood lived Oliver Kile, James Allen, William Devilin, w^ho lived on the site of the new school house, and on the Martin Jndy farm lived Isaac Dunham.

There were several settlements on the road leading through Bloomingburg; one Lambert lived on the site of the village graveyard, and Isaac Boner on the lot now occupied by J. M. Edwards. Col Stewart owned about seven hundi-ed acres of land in the neighborhood of Bloomingburg.

An extended biography of Col. James Stewart will be found in the outlined history of the county, but, inasmuch as he was an early and prominent resident of this township, and because a number of his relatives yet survive him, the following facts are deemed worthy of publication. His parents resided in Philadelphia during the war of the Revolution, moved to the interior of the state soon after its close, and thence to Washington County, Maryland.

He was born near Hagerstown, September 29, 1786, where he remained until 1804, when, under a keen sense of the sinful and demoralizing intluence of human bondage, his parents determined to move from Maryland, and therefore purchased a tract of land, of eight hundred acres, known as the Lucas survey, on which was located the town of old Chillicothe, now Frankfort, with a view to an early settlement upon it.

In December, 1807, at the age of twenty-one years, James came to Ohio to reside, and was followed, February 1809, by his father and the rest of the family. Soon after, he purchased the two hundred acres of land, then in lioss County, which subsequently was cut oft' to form a part of Fayette, the home of his early manhood, on which he resided until his death.

The commissioners of the new county held their lirst meeting in his cabin, in the spring of 1810, then an isolated place, before any settlement was made in Bloomingburg, or a county seat established.

In 1812, he was elected colonel of the Fayette County regiment, in the third brigade of the Ohio militia, a time Avhen all must be united for the protection of their homes son, of Ross County, one of the pioneers of the state. He soon after united with the Presbyterian Church, at South Salem, took an active part in the organization, of the Presbyterian Church, at Washington, and was an original and lifelong member of the Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church. He was not surpassed in the community, in his administrative abilities, high Christian character, energy, and liberality. On ail questions of public interest, his convictions were formed by careful study, firm and unyielding inteo'rity, but always supported with magnanimity and generosity. He left two thousand dollars which was the germ of the Academy, and like his other benefactions, was made with a view to future o-rowth. He devoted much of his time in surveying, and assisted in locating the original boundaries of the township. He died. May 30, 1862. His wife died, February 8, 1865.

Incidents, Etc

Prior to, and for some time after, the organization of the county, the unbroken forests of Paint were inhabited by the untutored sons of the forests and plains. They were generally inclined to be peaceable, unless offended by some real or imaginary cause, when their savage nature became fully aroused. A white man, named Wolf, shot and killed an Indian at Chillicothe, which maddened his dusky companions, and caused great consternation among the whites. Because of the threatening attitude assumed by the savages in this locality, the white inhabitants became alarmed, and hastened to Chillicothe for protection. Solomon Salmon, however, refused to fly, but upon the approach of the enemy, simply retired to the adjoining woods. The Indians prowled a])out the house for some time, then disappeared, and Salmon returned to his cabin, congratulating himself on his narrow^ escape.

The wife of Judge Joseph Gillespie, brought with her the first colored woman ever seen in this county. She came from the State of New York, by wagon, in 1817, and was called Ruth Piatt, and is still living with the family of William Ustick, of Washington.

It is said that one of the most outrageous deeds performed by the notorious Funks, was the capturing of a wolf, removing his hide, and allowing him to run at large.

Mr. J. M. Edwards, a prominent resident of Bloomingburg, has in his possession an old Bible Avhich is printed in small pica type, and inherited from his mother's family. The book is eighteen inches long, eleven inches wide, and four inches thick. It is known as the " Brown Bible," published in England. On each page are valuable commentaries, printed in small type. It contains a family register, is copiously illustrated, and has been in the hands of Mr. Edwards and his ancestry for more than one hundred years.

It need scarcely be stated that whisky was an indispensible article in every pioneer household, and a single incident will illustrate its health-restoring qualities : Perry Salmon accompanied his brother-in-law to Springfield, to have some grain converted into meal. People had flocked thither from far and near, on a similar errand, thus compdling our friends to wait for their turn for several days. The brother-in-law became sick because he was compelled to subsist without the use of coffee as a beverage, and Perry, in the meantime, in order to change a five-dollar bill, purchased twelve and one- half cent's worth of whisky, which he gave to his sick companion, who, strange as it may appear, recovered instantl3\

Educational

The pioneer, in attempting to furnish his children with even an ordinary education, realized that he had a herculean task before him. The common school system was then utterlv unknown ;

Not until some years after the county was organized, were there any established schools. Samuel Robbins is mentioned as the first teacher, but aside from the fact that he was a very useful man of that day, little is remembered of him.

On the Midway and Bloomingburg ^oad, east of the present school house, a small log cabin was erected, in about 1815, for school purposes, the first instructor being one Greenley.

In about 1817, those living in the vicinity, hewed the necessary logs, and erected a neat log cabin on the corner of Abraham Kirbv's land^ and a school was commenced immediately thereafter. o"ne Terwilliger was the first pedagogue, the wife of .Nathaniel Squier being one of the scholars. Robert Burnet was the next teacher, who, like his predecessor, received a compensation of two dollars per scholar, and " boarded round." The cabin was removed to another part of the neighborhood. Some of the logs are yet pointed out to the passer-by.

In the year 1853, the township was divided into eight districts, while the board of education was composed of the following named persons: District No. 1, Samuel Myers; No. 2, James Larrimore; No. 3, Perry Salmon; No. 4, John Tway ; No: 5, A. F. Parrott; No. 6, John Flood; No. 7, John Carle; No. 8, Plarailton Green.

On the 14th of May, of the same year, the "board met, and resolved, by a unanimous vote, to purchase sites, and build school houses for each and every district, and to levy for the purpose a sum not less than three thousand eight hundred, nor more than four thousand dollars. It was also resolved, without a dissenting vote, to levy a tax of four hundred dollars, over and above the state school fund, for the purpose of sustaining the schools seven months within the year. The local directors of the various districts were authorized to dispose of the old buildings to the best advantage. At a subsequent session, it was determined to pay each district five hundred dollars, for building purposes.

April 16, 1855. On petition from fifty-five young ladies, praying for the exclusion of tobacco from the school rooms of the township, it was ordered that the use of tobacco be, on all occasions, excluded from all the school houses of the township.

From a report of the enumerator, we learu that there were,"!!! 1855, 439 white youth - 225 males, 214 females - between the ages of five and twenty-one ; colored youth, 9 males, 1 female ; grand total, 449.

Inasmiich as the Bloomingburg Presl)3'terian Church is, with a single exception, the pioneer Presbyterian Church of the county, it is deemed essential that a very extended history of the same be given. In this connection, it is proper to .state that most of the data were gleaned from a centennial sermon, delivered to the congregation by Rev. Edward Cooper, D. D., the third pastor.

The church was organized on the 22d of November, 1817, being constituted with twenty-six members, and four ruling elders, all since' deceased. The first public services were held in the small barns and cabins throughout the neighborhood, one of the itinerant preachers, who sometimes labored here, being Rev. Dyer Burgess. In a letter to Rev. Cooper, in the fall of 1867, he says:

"I distinctly remember my visits to Bloomingburg, and the pleasant meetings, largely attended, in Colonel Stewart's barn. In January, 1817, they had invited Rev. William 'Diekey to preach for them, when I was in the habit of making missionary tours to that settlement; and afterward I visited Bloomingburg frequently, enjoying the Christian fellowship of Brother Dickey, and the members of the congregation.'-

The first session consisted of WiUiam Dicke}', moderator. Colonel James Stewart, Judge James Menary, Robert Robinson, and Elijah Allen, all earnest men, of high natural endowments.

Rev. William Dickey, widely and affectionately remembered as "Father Dickey," was called to the united pastorate of the church at Washington C. H. and the newl}^ organized church here, and preached his first sermon on the 22d of November, 1817, when con- srttuting the church, from the words: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

In the following Decemher, he brought his family from Kentucky to Washington C. H., where he resided three years; then, having decided to remove to Bloomiugburg, a sufficient force of men and teams were sent for him, bringing, also, the log cabin in which he resided, which was placed about half a mile southwest from the present church, surrounded by a dense hazel thicket.

A log church was built soon after, on grgund now included in the cemetei'v. It was no small enterprise to build such a structure at that period. The sum of sixty dollars was obtained from friends at Bloomiugburg, l^ew York, and vicinity, through the personal solicitation of the late Matthew Gillespie, who visited his ancestral home for this purpose.

The session was enlarged, in 1821, by the ordination, as ruling elders, of J. S. Gillespie, John McCormick, Isaac Templin, and William Claybaugh.

Among the accessions of 1823, was one called to the ministry - Rev. H. S. FuUerton - whose labors are well known, and gratefully remembered. He was born February 6,1805, at Greencastle, Pennsylvania, being the second son of Tbomas and Elizabeth (Stewart) Fullerton, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Chillicothe, April 8, 1830. In October, of the same year, he was married to Miss Dorothy B., daughter of Pev. William Bois, and in 1831 was installed in his first charge. He was called to the First Church at Chillicothe, where he labored till 1839, then became pastor of the church at South Salem. His appointments extended over a wide range of country, keeping up meetings in farm houses, barns, school houses, and groves, occupying more than seventy places. He continued for thirty years, and at his death left two sons in the ministry.

In 1824, Mr. Dickey severed his connection with the church at Washington, and was installed in this pastorate exclusively, though devoting one-fourth of his time to missionary labors in destitute regions, often visiting the Indian settlements as an evangelist.

In 1830, one hundred and four were added to the church, of which two became ministers. The only female missionary from this church, was among these conversions, Miss Martha Fullerton, who labored among the Iowa and Sac Indians, in northern Kansas, then the Territory of Nebraska.

In 1831-32, a Presbyterian camp-meeting was held near the northern line of this county, at which Rev. Daniel Baker preached very successfully.

Among the additions of 1844, was Robert S. Fullerton, who consecrated himself to the ministry, and began work at once. After finishing his course of study, he made arrangements to engage in the missionary work at India. He, in 1850, married Martha White, and in February, 1851, they reached Futtegurgh, their field of labor, began studying the native language, and at the same time instructed a class of native Christian boys. Three months later, he was placed in charge of the station at Mynpoorlive, forty miles from Futtugurgh, on the way to Agra, the capital of the Northwest Provinces, where he remained nine months, and began to preach. He and his wife were next sent to Agra, to commence a school for Eurasious, as those of mixed blood were called. Here he taught and preached for six 3'ears, and after the Indian mutiny, which broke up the mission schools and scattered the native Christians, was sent to Futtugurgh. While the country was so unsettled that there could be no preaching in the bazaars and villages, he studied the Language, taught the native Christians, and preached and taught as opportunity afforded. When peace was restored he again commenced the high schools at Farrukhabad, and soon had the gratification of teaching three hundred young men. He organized a church in an upper room, which has since been abandoned for a neat edifice, the membership having increased. The herculean task which he had hnposed on himself proved too much, even for his robust frame, and his health gave way. He w^as then transferred to Dehra, but did not rest, for his health becoming more impaired, he felt that his time was short, and was anxious to work while it lasted. By the advice of his physician he contemplated a visit to his native country, but deferred his arrangements under the pressing claims upon him for labor, until his disease required a special surgical operation, from the eflects of which he died; his last words being : " I would not exchange this bed of death for crowns and kingdoms."

In 1851, the increasing bodily infirmities of Father Dickey, induced the church to employ the Rev. R. W. Wilson as co-pastor, and as father and son, did the two work harmoniously together.

William Pinkertoii and Thomas Larrimer were ordained ruling elders iu 1846, and James Stitt and D. E. Bois were, in 1859, elected to the same position. In this year Father Dickey was called to a home beyond the skies, after a pastorate of forty years. In 1859, Dr. II. C. Stewart, Alexander Menar}-, and Joseph Pinkerton, were chosen and ordained elders. In the fall of 1865 the church was bereaved a second time, in the removal by death of Rev. E. W. Wilson, their beloved pastor for fourteen years. The total membership on the 2d of July, 1875, was nine hundred and sixtyeight. There had been five pastors and nineteen ruling elders. Twelve ministers had been sent out, three of whom labored in the foreign missionai-y work.

In 1830 the old log house of worship gave way to a brick of larger dimensions, on the ground where the present ediiice stands. It was often assaulted by whisky and slave power mobs, and discussions which brought people froni a long distance were held in it. The present house, a substantial frame, was erected where the brick stood, and in 1871 was reconstructed and refurnished.

The pastors have been in order as follows : Rev. William Dickey, Robert W. Wilson, Edward Cooper, John Woods, Clark Kendall, John Moore, and Rev. Kruge, the present incumbent.

The Sabbath-school was organized in 1818, and has continued to this day without interruption. The ministers furnished by the church were all scholars in this school : Daniel Gilmore, James S. Fullerton, Wright McCormick, Samuel Gillespie, J. Cushraan, George H. Fullerton, H. S. Fullerton, J. M. Gillespie, H. S. Ustick, James Gibson, I. N. Taylor, and Rev. Charles Taylor, now in Minnesota. The average yearly attendance has been about ninety teachers and scholars. Elder D. E. Bois has been superintendent for the past thirty years.

Inasmuch as Rev. William Dickey, was so intimately connected with the religious history of this county and township, we insert in this connection a sketch of his life.

William Dickey was born December 6, 1774, in York District, South Carolina, and died December 5, 1857, aged eighty-three years, lacking one day - his birthday being the day of his burial. His mother died when he was but two years old, and at the age of live he had to fly before Cornwallis' army, which was encamped on his father's farm. Robert Dickey, his father, was a soldier in the revolution, and removed to Kentucky at its close.

AVilHani, when grown to manhood, obtained an education at J^ashville, Tennessee, and was licensed to preach on the 5th of October, 1802, by the Presbytery of Transylvania, at Springhill. Soon after, he was elected a member of the General Assembly which met in Philadelphia, going thither in a plain suit of homespun, and making an odd appearance among the broadcloth parsons there assembled.

Divine services were held every night, and one evening one of the aristocratic preachers suggested that Brother Dickey had not preached yet ; which provoked a general smile, for little was expected of the plainly attired backwoodsman. However, he consented, preached to a large congregation, surprised and gratified all present, and moved many to tears. It is related that while in attendance at this session, he placed his straw hat on the window sill of the church, the window being raised, a current of air blew it out into the adjoining yard, where it was perceived by a cow and devoured. Upon learning of his misfortune, the people of the city, who had taken a great liking to the backwoods preacher, presented him with a fur hat, and also with a fine suit of black broadcloth. He came to this county, prior to its organization, and became pastor of the first Presbyterian Church in Washington, residing in a cabin erected by its members. About this time he purchased sixteen acres of land near Washington, of Mr. Walker of Chillicothe. As the day of payment came, he realized that he could not fulfill his obligation, and wrote Mr. Walker to take back the land. To his great surprise, the return mail brought him a deed for the property. Prior to his death he sold the same for two thousand dollars, which enabled him to purchase one hundred acres near Bloomingburg, where he spent his declining years, leaving the land to his" children.

November 22, 1817, he organized a small church at Bloomingburg, where he preached part of the time. Shortly after, at the earnest solicitation of the church at Bloomingburg, he abandoned his charge at Washington, and came to Bloomingburg where he preached forty years. He lived to bur}- all his father's family, and at last came to his grave at a ripe age, spending his latest breath in commending to his hearers the blessed Master Avliom he had served. The history of his labors is written in the characters, and in the hearts of the entire community.

Union Chapel

The citizens of the Sahiion neighborhood, in about the year 1835, organized a Methodist Episcopal society in the school house. A revival meeting was held by Rev. Wolf, which was largely attended, great interest being manifested.

In about 1840, a frame structure was erected by the people, and called Union Chapel. It was generally occupied by the Methodists ; however, a Newlight minister named Lewis Green, occasionally held meetings there. He was a brother of Hamilton Green, and a zealous worker. Rev. Armstrong was one of the first Methodist ministers. The society has never been very strong, and the organization proper, has ceased to exist, though meetings are still held every alternate Sabbath.

The Old School Baptists

The Old School Baptists, in the above neighborhood, formerly met in the various dwelling houses, then erected a small frame structure on the Bloomingburg and Midway pike. This society has long since ceased to exist.

In 1821, Elder William Sutton and Chandler Tuttle, a licensed minister, preached at the house of Joel Wood, on Paint Creek, and afterwards at the cabin of John Rankin, on the east fork of Paint, and at various places in the vicinity. A religious revival followed, and many persons joined the C?esar's Creek Church, in Greene County, where they remained till 1822, at which time the following persons were dismissed from the church, for the purpose of forming a separate organization : John Rankin and wife, William Rankin, John Paul and wife, Sarah Morris, Sarah Wood, Gilbert Hurley and wife ; these were regularly constituted a church by William Sutton, Joseph Morris and Chandler Tuttle, at the house of Joel Wood, and adopted the name of " The Regular Baptist Church of Christ," on the east fork of Paint. Services were held in that neighborhood until 1846, when a house of worship, sixty feet long, forty feet wide and fourteen feet high, was erected at Bloomingbiirg, and was called the " First Regular Baptist Church," of Bloomingburg. Elder Chandler Tuttle was the first pastor, and continued in that capacity till his death, April 14, 18(33, after which the church gradually went doAvn.

Seceet Organizations

Bloomingburg Lodge F. and A. M. was organized, under dispensation, September 30, 1870. The first stated meeting was held on the 7th day of October, 1870, there being at that time but ten members, who built for the use of the lodge a small, but neat room over the store room occupied by A. B. Elliott, on the northwest corner of Main and Cross streets. The lodge was duly constituted, December 23d of the same year, under a charter from the M. W. Grand Lodge of Ohio, the hall dedicated, and the following officers regularly installed at the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mills Gardner acting as M. W. G. Master, C. Garis as D. G. Master, and A. J. Lewis as Grand Marshal: John Brown, W. M.; J. M. Mc- Coy, S. W. ; William Noble, J. W. ; V. M. Durfiinger, Secretary; Edwin Alexander, Treasurer; A. B. Elliott, S. D.; William M. Jones, J. D.; John Olt, Tyler. These gentlemen, together with D. M. Hays and C. D. Hays, constituted the charter members.

May 17, 1872, the lodge was notified of the death of Edwin Alexander, who died at his father's house, near the village. On Sunday, the 19th, the lodge met pursuant to a call, at their hall ; and from thence, together with numerous brethren from Fayette, Mt. Sterling, and New Holland, proceeded in procession to the home of the deceased, where an appropriate sermon was preached by S. A. Keen, of Fayette Lodge, after which the remains were taken to the cemetery, and deposited in the grave with the usual Masonic honors and ceremonies.

On the evening of May 20th, the lodge met in special communication, and adopted suitable resolutions, expressive of the sincere esteem in which the deceased brother was held, not only as a Mason, but also as a Christian gentlemen, a father, and a citizen.

The lodge prospered, and enlarged their hall during the year 1873, reporting at its close a membership of thirty-three - free from debt. At this writing (March, 1881) the lodge has a member- ship of fifty-eight (not inclacling the one lost by death, uor the many others who, having removed to other jiirisdistions, have withdrawn by permit), and is the purchaser of the entire property on which their hall is situated. In March, 1881, it was incorporated, by William Clark, J. M. Noble, Henry Fulton, Henry Casey, and J. M. McCoy, trustees.

Following are the officers for 1881 : J. M. McCoy, W. M. ; "William Clark, S. W.; C. Sturbe, J. W.; H. L. Wilson, Secretary; H. Casey, Treasurer ; R. K. Watson, S. D. ; A. A. Kerr, J. D. ; L. Dillinger, Tyler ; William Noble, W. Squier, Stewards.

William F. Jones was born in this township, November 3, 1823, and has always resided in this vicinity, except eight years, when he resided in Champaign County, Illinois. After the breaking out of the war, on the 19th of November, 1861, he volunteered in the union army and was placed in Company I, 42d 0. Y. I., organized by James A. Garlield, our martyred president. The regiment was drilled for a period of five weeks, at Camp Chase, and on the 15th of December, was ordered to the front, took the cars for Cincinnati, then proceeded, by boat, to Cattletsburg, Kentucky, where they were joined by the fourteenth Kentucky regiment, and took the boat up the Big Sandy River, to Paintsville, where the first battle was fought, resulting. in a trivial loss on both sides, and the triumph of the Union forces. This took place on the 8th of January, the Rebel forces being commanded by General Humphrey Marshall. At this village they were reinforced by the 40th O. V. I., and the 2d V. C, pursued the rebels, overtaking them on the 12th, near Prestonburgh, Kentuck}^ finding them all fortified on Abbott's Mountain. At 12 m., the battle opened with but one thousand one hundred men in Colonel Garfield's command, while the rebel forces numbered four thousand five hundred men, including twelve pieces of artillery, well fortified. At the expiration of four hours the enemy was driven from their works, with a loss of seventy-five killed, while we lost fourteen killed and wounded. Our forces continued moving up the river after the retreating enemy. During this march Colonel Garfield ordered the captains of the various companies to engage their men in target practice, and report the result at the expiration of four days. On the day succeeding this order, James McConahay and John Shanely, of Shelby County, and William Jones, of this county, shot at a target at a distance of three hundred yards, off" hand, with this result : First round, hitting the center by all ; second round, all missed the mark by two inches ; third round, shooting poor, bullets lodging far from the mark. On the following day the experiment was tried again, at a distance of five hundred and one thousand yards, with flattering results. Poor McConahay was afterwards killed by a shot from the enemy. Shanely was struck by a ball and knocked senseless, but recovered and is still living in Shelby ('Ounty, Ohio. The forty-second next proceeded to Pound Gap, where, on March 12, 1862, they annihilated the remainder of General Marshall's command, thus closing the Big Sandy campaign.

Colonel Garfield was promoted to brigadier-general, and removed from his regiment, which was ordered to Louisville, thence to Cumberland Gap, where they arrived June 18, 1862, and remained until September 18, of the same year, having, in the meantime, engaged in several battles, and being compelled to evacuate, because their supplies had been cut oft' by the enemy. Mr. Jones, and three hundred and forty-eight others, being sick, hence unable to march, were left behind and were soon taken prisoners. Prior to this, however, Jones, aware that he must soon fall into the hands of the enemy, determined that they should not have his gun, which had done him such good service. He therefor demolished the gun and cartridge box, and threw them into a stream near by. The prisoners were taken in the direction of Louisville, Kentucky, and exchanged at Danville, October 14, 1862. Mr. Jones came home and remained until the 1st of April, 1863, when he returned, joining the army in the rear of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and engaged in the various battles of that neighborhood.

General Grant, on the 21st of May, ordered the 13th corps, of which Mr. Jones was a member, to prepare for a grand charge on the rebel works, at 10 a. m., on the following day. The morning, at dawn of day, his company, among others, was ordered to reconnoitre, approached cautiously to within eighty rods of the enemy, hidden from the latter's view by a little knoll. They examined the surroundings carefully, then proceeded to return, a difficult task, for daylight was upon them, and about one hundred and fifty yards of the distance between them and their ranks, was in full view of the enemy. Finally it was decided that they pass out singly, and thus several gained the other side safe, when it became the turn of Joseph W. Leedom, of Shelby County, and just as he arrived at what was supposed to be a safe distance, he was seen to fall, and heard to cry out lustily, as if in great pain, thus conveying the impression that he had been severely wounded. It became the duty of his comrades to hasten to his assistance, but no one appeared anxious to perform the hazardous undertaking, until Mr. Jones volunteered to perform the task. Divesting himself of his gun and accoutrements, he started in the direction of the wounded man at the top of his speed, followed by a storm of bullets from the rebel guns, but arrived at the spot in safety, and discovered that Leedom had fractured his knee by a fall, but was untouched by the rebel shots. Jones then returned for his gun, but discovering that his companions had disappeared, started back, thus running the gauntlet three times in less that twenty minutes, and reached his command in time to assist in making the fearful charge. After the surrender of Vicksburg he accompanied his regiment to Jackson, Mississippi, thence to New Orleans, where he was discharged, July 10, 1863, and arrived home, July 22, after having been in the army two years and nine months.

This, the only important village, is situated near the southeast corner of the township, being bounded on the south by the Union Township line. It numbers a population of more than five hundred, and was for a long time the threatened rival of Washington, but has been outstripped by the latter in recent years.

Political

The municipal authorities for a number of years kept but a meagre record of the public proceedings, until quite recently, when the present corporation clerk, A. J. Templin, Esq., gathered, with

The village was laid out in 1815, by Solomon Bowers, and described as "lying in the County of Fayette, on the main road leading from Chillicothe to Springfield, being a part of survey No. 3701, entered in the name of George Mathews, on the East Fork of Paint Creek." Main Street was sixty-three feet in width, running north, thirty-five degrees west, one hundred and twenty-five poles in length. Cross and Brown streets are sixty-six feet in width, crossing Main Street at right angles. I^orth, Union, Market, and South streets, are each forty-nine and one-half feet in width, also crossing Main Street at right angles. The alleys were each sixteen and one-half feet in width, the lots each contained fifty square perches, ten long and five wide, the entire village, including streets and alleys, containing thirty-four and three-quarter acres.

The square on the corner of Main and Cross streets, on which is at present located the frame school house, was set apart for public grounds, it being then conjectured that the village would eventually become the county seat, in addition to which thirty-seven lots were laid off. The new village was called New Lexington, the acknowledgement being made before Samuel Rawlings, justice of the peace, November 30, 1815, and recorded in deeds A, page 520, December 4, 1815.

March 4, 1816, Bowers laid out and attached to the former survey, two streets running parallel with Main on the east and west, called respectively Wayne and West streets, extending east one hundred and seventeen and one-half poles, west one hundred and twenty-five poles, and containing twenty lots each.

Though named New Lexington, the new village was generall}' known by the cognomen of "New Purchase," applied on account of being located on an early purchase of lands.

Tradition relates, that Dr. Gillespie, anxious to change the name to correspond with that of his native town - Bloomingburg, New York - while keeping a store in the Central Hotel building, proposed to "treat" the male inhabitants provided they agreed to the alteration. The proposition was accepted, and Col. Myers, then a member of the legislature, introduced a bill Avhich provided that the village should henceforth be known as Bloomingburg, which bill became a law.

ed so much of Paint Township, this county, as is included in the town of Bloomingburg, an incorporated village, and provided for the future government of the same.

The first election for municipal officers was held February 24, 1847, the judges being William E. Southward and Joseph Devolin ; Gr. W. Worrell acting as clerk, which resulted as follows : Mayor, Joseph Counts, jr. ; recorder, J. M. Edwards ; trustees, John Gunning, Samuel Worrell, James M. Willis, William S. Carrand J.N. McLaughlin, who were sworn in on the 27th of the same month. On the following evening the first organized meeting of the trustees was held, at which Geo. W. Worrell was appointed marshal.

The first ordinance passed June 7, 1847, provided that whoever should, at any hour of the night, throw about store-boxes or other things, or throw them across sidewalks, or make unnecessary noise, should be fined. It is quite probable that the shins of the dignified Solons came in contact with obstructions placed across the sidewalks by mischievous boys, and that the " city fathers " passed the ordinance for self-protection. At this meeting, a tax of five mills was levied on the taxable property of the corporation, and the marshal employed to collect the same at four per cent.

February 8, 1848, it was enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that all adjacent territory within eleven rods of the corporate limits of Bloomingburg should be attached to the same. The incorporation was increased May 11, 1878, by adding one hundred and twenty rods on the north and east, seventy on the west, and extending to the Union Township line on the south.

At the spring election of 1876, the citizens voted an additional tax of five mills for " sewers, drains and ditches," which levy being insufficient, two hundred dollars additional was issued in bonds. Four sewers were constructed, and the village now enjoys an excellent system of drainage. The village prison, a strong frame structure, was built in 1876.

January 5, 1880, the old ordinances were repealed, and new ones conforming with present general laws, and meeting the wants of the present generation passed in their stead.

The installment for the year 1880, is about five hundred dollars, a fair average of the expenditures of recent years. Within the last six years a spirit of improvement has taken possession of the people, which has resulted in the bringing about of a high standard of health and morals.

It is stated that William Bryant built the first house within the present limits of the village. It was a log, and stood on the present site of the Central Hotel.

Colonel Stewart and Mathew Gillespie kept a store on a portion of the farm now owned by George Stewart, and there did the early residents make their purchases.

In the spring of 1817, James Gunning or Dunham, started a shoeshop. Thomas Cessler, of Virginia, was the first blacksmith ; one McCoy, the first hatter. Stith and Eustace were the first tailors, while William Weeks carried on the first wagon shop.

The first cabinet maker was H. Bryant ; the first school teachers were Dr. McGaraugh and Mr. Stone, and the first physician Dr. George Allen.

This is in brief the chief business representation of Bloomingburg in its younger days. A number of changes have been made since that time, most of which will be mentioned in other parts of this work.

Bloomingburg And Slavery

Bloomingburg was well known for its anti-slavery influence, and its generous activit}' in the management of what was called the under-ground railroad, long before the anti-slavery society was formed. Here the dusky fugitives from bondage were fed, clothed and sent on their way, encouraged and rejoicing with the hope of gaining their freedom by reaching the free soil of Canada. It took no ordinary degree of self-sacrifice to meet the responsibilities of those days, but they were borne, then amid reproaches and general exposure, now to their honor and glory. These exertions were prompted by an intelligent conviction of duty, realized in but few of the best communities ot this state. The Presbyterians were ardent supporters of the anti-slavery cause, and in 1834, held a series of meetings at which this question was discussed. One of the village merchants, Mr. James Claypole, in his blind opposition to the o-rowing sentiment, refused to attend these meetings; but prevailed upon by his clerk to go one evening he took a back seat, as if ashamed of his presence there. He soon became interested, leaving the assembly fully convinced of his wrong attitude, and the next day drafted the constitution for, and was foremost in the organization of the anti-slavery society - an indication of the manner iri which the whole community was united to promote the cause of human freedom.

Slave-hunters, generally, had but little expectation of finding the fugitive upon reaching Bloomingburg, the cabin, the garret, stables, hay-ricks and barns, as well as kitchens and parlors were open to the weary wanderers in search of freedom; and hundreds of them in need of food, clothing, and money, found good Samaritans here. It was well understood, and no questions were asked when the conductors came round - that a call was made that must be met at once. There were many hair-breadth escapes, many strange episodes in individual experience ; the skillful maneuvre in an act of kindness, was often made a Christian duty to one of a poor and despised race. The labor of getting a warm meal for the shivering fugitive, the long and cold drive in a dark way with the heart burdened by anxious thoughts, with no possible motive of a selfish character, are sufficient testimonials to the strength of the sentiment upon which such heroic activity was based. The colored fugitives recognized their benefactors, and after the war closed, man}/ settled in their midst.

The Liquor Question

To a stranger, unacquainted with the history of this village, it would appear, that then, as now, it enjoyed an era of quietude and sobriety. This is an error. The pioneers brought with them the receipt for making rum, and when opportunit}^ oft'ered, it was manufactured. It was an article found in every household, and, indeed, many in the church regarded the traffic in ardent spirits, so long sanctioned, as consistent with Christian character. The use was deemed lawful, as tlie expression of friendship in the social circle, and essential to the hospitality of that period. So-called political economy justified the manufacturer, the vender, and the farmer, in its use, because it gave employment, and opened up a market. Merchants enticed their customers to trade through its influence. It is said that in early days there were a number of peach orchards, and five distilleries, in and about Bloomingburg, were required for the manufacture of the fruit into peach brandy. On Saturdays, a number of persons were in the habit of gathering at the various dram shops, imbibing freely of the liquor, and upon becoming boisterous, usually retired to the rear of the old Baptist Church to "fight it out."

This state of afiairs continued until the moral portion of the community became alarmed, and began making preparations to wipe out this existing evil. Foremost among these was Judge Gillespie, who, at the sacrifice of much time and labor, gathered statistics showing the amount expended in the county for whisky, and had them printed. The quantity was so enormous as to throw a doubt upon his veracity, and his friends, in order to exculpate him from so unworthy an aspersion, repeated the collection of facts, and found his statements to be correct, thus giving the advocates of temperance reform an impetus which raised a heavy mass of prejudice.

It was a long and hard struggle, but gradually public sentiment grew stronger in favor of suppressing the evil; venders and drinkers becoming restve and irritable as public sentiment grew imperiative, and fierce antagonism arose. A member of the Presbyterian Church continued to sell, and justify the moderate use of ardent spirits, and at a discussion, the question was asked, if Jesus would keep a rum shop ? Its bold and direct aim reached the heart of the religious whisky dealer, and that night he resolved to quit a traffic so detrimental to the spirit of Christianity. The entire community then signed an article, in which they agreed to exclude King Alcohol from their midst - the standard of Bloomingburg society for more than forty years - and this gained, it was an easy matter to abolish corresponding vices.

To-day, it is a matter of pride to the citizen, that not a rum shop can be found within the corporation limits; and furthermore, and to their credit be it written, many persons, some of whom were at one time victims to the wiles of the fiery monster, have not touched a drop of ardent spirits for many years.

Woolen Mill

In 1826, or 1827, Philix3 Dodridge, who afterward removed to Circleville, and there was connected with somewhat extensive manufacturing of woolehs, started a carding machine in the town of Bloomingburg, and continued the business about one year. The machinery was driven by horse-power and tread-wheel. He sold to Eber Patrick, a general practical manufacturer, who, being desirous to locate permanently, sold to a Mr. Parker, and removed to Washington, to engage in the same business, and Mr. Parker soon after sold to Mr. Carr, who removed the machinery to Indiana.

Care'S Mills

Nearly a half century ago, William Carr erected a flouring mill on the east bank of Paint Creek, about one mile south of the county line. The building, though small and primitive, attracted the attention of people from far and near, hence the machinery, which was propelled by water-power, was kept in constant motion. It continued to serve the purpose for which it was erected for a number of years ; eventually, however, the persistent efforts of the residents to inaugurate a perfect system of drainage, weakened the stream, and the former means of, propelling the mill were abandoned, and the building stood idle for several years. It has since been torn down, a smaller structure has been erected on the site, which is fitted up with the latest improved machinery, and is owned by John Martin. It consists of a saw-mill and corn-grinder; there are no facilities for grinding wheat.

one huudred, the business interest being represented as follows : Two blacksmith shops, one dry goods and grocery store, one grocery and notion store, one boot and shoe store, and the mills. The town is included in the ninth school district, the building being embraced within its limits. In the year 1880, a one-story frame church was erected by the Baptist denomination, Walter Yeoman, pastor.

Moses Ball

Moses Ball was born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, July 1801. His father was Isaac Ball, a descendant of Edward Ball, one of the sixty-three men, who in 1666, purchased the land from the Indians upon Avhich the city of Xewark, New Jersey, now stands. His mother was Sarah Jacobus, of Holland extraction. Isaac Ball and Sarah Jacobus were married about 1795. Their family consisted of three sons and six daughters, who all lived to marry except Abby, who died at the age of seventeen.

Moses, our subject, united in marriage with Miss Jane Campbell, of Bloomfield, in 1829. They came to Ohio in 1837, and located for a time in Champaign County, but removed, however, in 1839, to this county, and settled in Bloomingburg, where they still reside. Ten children blessed this union, of whom but four sons and two daughters are living. These are all married except Sarah, who cheers the home of her parents in their declining years.

In politics, Mr. Ball has been a life long Republican, and a staunch temperance man. His four sons stepped to the front when their country was in danger, and although their garments were riddled by the enemy's shot, tliey lived to see the country saved. John has since died from disease contracted in the army. One daughter and three sons are in the west; all have homes and are doing well. Isaac, the father of our subject, served as captain in the war of 1812.

John J. Blue

his early life was spent. Ou February 13, 1845, lie united in marriage with Miss Margaret, daughter of William and Martha Raborn, of Madisqn County, Ohio. The first three years atter their union were spent in Madison County. From there they removed to Fayette,, and located in Paint Township, where they have ever since resided. They have five children living: Martha J., Clinton D., Marcus L., Lizzie B., and William C. CHnton and Marcus are married, and settled on part of the home farm.

John's father was a native of Virginia, and came to this county about the time the territory was formed into a county. He married Miss Pensie Reeves, of Pickaway County, b}' whom he had eight children - five living. He served his country in the war "of 1812.

John, our subject, owns a farm of nearly three hundred acres, well improved, in Paint Township, upon which he resides. In politics he is an uncompromising Democrat.

Mr. Blue's brothers, Josiah and Wesley, are dead. His sister Margaret died young. The living sisters are : Elizabeth, married to John Yates, of Pickawa}^ County ; Ann, married to Casey, of Indiana ; Mary, married to Little, of this county, and Jane, who married David Baker, of Illinois. Her husband and son died in the army.

S. W. Brown

' S. W. Brown was born, January 7, 1839, in Pickaway County, Ohio, where he spent the early part of his life. On January 24, 1861, he married Mary E., daughter of Benjamin and Martha Harrison, of Madison County, Ohio, by whom he has one daughter and one son; Emma A., twelve years of age, and Harry F., eight years old, both bright and promising children.

Mr. Brown's parents were natives of Delaware, and relatives of ex-President Polk. Mrs. Brown was born, April 12, 1838. She is .the grand daughter of Batteal Harrison, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of the colony of Virginia. Her greatgrandfather, Benjamin Harrison, was a man constantly employed in active service. He was a member of Congress from 1774 to 1777. He voted for the Declaration of Independence in July,

1776, and signed it in the following August. In 1777 he resigned his seat in congress, but was immediately elected a member of the House of Burgesses, and elected to the speaker's chair. In 1782 he was elected governor of the state, which position he filled for two successive terms. He had just been elected to a third term when death ended his career - April, 1791.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Brown is a conscientious Democrat, and a strong temperance man.

Henry Casey

Henry Casey, son of George and Catherine Casey, was born in Fayette County, Penifisylvania, December 28, 1837. His father's family consisted of six sons and five daughters, all living except two, Daniel, who died March 19, 1865, from disease contracted in the army, and Elizabeth, who died March 2, 1879.

Henry, our subject, came to Ohio, November 1860, and located in the neighborhood of Bloomingburg; entered the army on the 8th of September, 1861, and continued in active service until the 17th of July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. During this term of service he was in thirty-two engagements, and was one of the one hundred and twenty men who run the blockade at Vicksburg. He married Catherine W., daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Holland, of Paint Township. Five daughters and two sons, was the result of this union : Eva M., Frank S., Carrie E. M., OUie C. E., Calvin H., Cora I., and Myrta F., all living and in fine health.

Politically, he has been a Eepublican since the war. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They live in the house in which Mrs. Casey was born - the homestead of her parents.

Mrs. Casey's father, Charles Holland, was one of the pioneers of this county. When first married, his property consisted of an ax, maul and wedge. At his death, which occurred in 1870, in addition to the fifteen hundred acres of land divided among his children,, he left a fortune of sixty thousand dollars. Throughout his life he was regarded as a man rigidly honest and truthful. Mrs. Casey's mother was a native of Virginia, came to Ohio in 1806, with her father, Joseph Wendel, and settled on Paint Creek, on

James M. Edwards

William Edwards was born in South Carolina, May 7, 1788, and left the South because of his hatred to slavery. He came to Cincinnati, where, on the 22d of March, 1812, he was married to Charlotte Brown, who was born in England, February 9, 1792. The result of this marriage was eleven children: John M., of Marlboro, Massachusetts; Benjamin F. and William B., of Plymouth, Illinois; H. H., Sarah C. Cotfman, Esther A. Larimer, and James M., of this county, are living; the youngest, William B., being now nearly fifty years old. William and Charlotte are both buried in the Washington Cemetery.

William Edwards was among tlie early agitators of the antislavery question of this county, and, in 1842, was egged at the election, for voting the only abolition ticket cast in Wayne Township, in tHis county.

James M., our subject, was born in Bellbrook, Greene County, December 16, 1821. In the spring of 1832, he removed with his father to Pike Spring farm, four miles east of Washington. At nineteen years of age, he left home, and went to school at Bloomingburg, blowing and striking in a blacksmith shop, to earn money with which to pay his board. At twenty, he went to Winchester, taught school, and read law two years with A. R. Eaton. From Winchester he went to Cincinnati, where he taught school till August, 1844, when he came to Bloomingburg, and engaged in teaching.

In 1822, he was married to Jane Ammerman, who was born in New York, in 1829. This marriage resulted in two sons being born to them : Erk S., who is still at home, and Benjamin F., who is now a student at Hanover, New Hampshire.

Our subject has served, with credit to himself, eighteen years as justice of the peace; has been coroner of the county, mayor of Bloomingburg for many years, school examiner, and in the board of education. He was Ohio State Messenger to the army, during the rebellion, for three years, and commissioner of exemption from draft for this county; was mustered into the United States service as second lieutenant, and was afterward revenue assessor. He has always been a staunch anti-slavery Republican, an earnest temperance man, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He has taught the same class in the Sabbath-school for thirty-live years, which position he still occupies. He practiced law twenty years before he was justice of the peace. But few who do their part for good more nobly than has James M. Edwards.

Nathaniel Edwards

Sanmel Edwards was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio in about 1809, and settled in Ross County. In 1810, he married Miss Mary Ann Roberts, of Pennsylvania, and, in 1816, removed from Ross to this county, locating in what was afterward Perry Township, where he died, in 1842. Mrs. Edwards' death occurred in 1877. Their family consisted of nine sons ^nd live daughters, seven living : Elisha is a farmer, and his home is in Davis County, Kansas; Elias is in Green County, Indiana, practicing law; Silas lives on the Columbus road, live miles north of Washington; Eliza married Tillman Wright, and resides in Indiana; Elizabeth and Tabitha are unmarried, and reside at the homestead ; Enoch lost his life in the army.

Nathaniel, our subject, was born in Perry Township. He was married to Miss Jane, daughter of I^athauiel and Eleanor Squires, of this county, in 1857, and settled in this township, on the Lewis pike, four miles north of Washington. Here he owns a nice farm, of over one hundred acres, upon wdiich he resides, i^ine children have blessed this union : Lora E., William A., M. Ella, Jessie M., Ivy A., Nathaniel E., Florence J., Bertha 1)., and Annie A. All are at home except Lora E., who married Isaac Larrimer, and lives in Union Towniship.

Mr. Edwards has invented a "patent corn-loader," which is proving a valuable thing to faijmers. He is a Republican, a staunch temperance man, and is connected with the Prairie Grange. Himself and wife"" are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Albert Groves

where the early part of his life was spent, some of the time in teaching school. January 9, 1872, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Frederick and Mary Selsor, of this count3^ Three months after, they came to this county, and for four years Mrs. Groves kept house for her father.

In 1876, they took possession of the tine brick mansion built by 'Squire Tway, where they still reside. Their family consists of three little boys: Fred, Frank, and John Homer.

Daniel Groves, Albert's father, was born in Jackson County; a son of William Groves, who, for many years, kept a house of entertainment in that county. His wife was Miss Amanda Lightfoot, of South Charleston, Ohio. Their family numbered two daughters and two sons: Catharine L. married G. W. Brown, Mary E. married Henry H. Conrad, and both are living in Anderson, Indiana; George W. is single, and lives with his mother on the home farm, in Indiana; and Albert, our subject. The father died in January, 1875.

Mrs. Albert Groves was born in Madison County, Ohio ; came to this township in the fall of 1852, and located on what had been long known as the Rankin lands, where she remained until her marriage. She was the granddaughter of William and Mary Rankin, of this county. Her mother died. May 4, 1852; her father is living, at this writing, and strong for one of his years.

Mr. and Mrs. Groves are happily mated; their outlook for the future very flattering. Their children are healthy, promising, and very interesting. Mr. Groves never used tobacco in any form, never tasted any kind of liquor, except one glass of beer, and never swore but one oath in his life. He is a Republican, and a staunch temperance man. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J. W. Hays, is a son of John and Catherine (Winebright) Hays, and was born in Paint Township, this county, August 20, 1838. The early part of his life was spent on the home farm, laboring and caring for the stock that was constantly on hand, often in great numbers; acquiring his education during the winter when he could be spared from home. His time at school was limited, as his father was a driving business man, with always sufiicient work on hand for all the force lie could rally. It may be said in truth of J. W. Hays, that, although the son of a rich man, he never ate any " idle bread." He is now, however, reaping the reward of early toil, having inherited a large estate from his father.

On April 5, I860, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Able and Jane (Kirkpatrick) Armstrong, of this county. Two sons and four daughters blessed this union : Nora, Alta, Frank, Cora, Dora and Ellis ; all are living except Xora, who passed to the spirit-land when very young.

Mr. Hays lives live miles north of Washington, on the Lewis pike, where he owns five hundred and twenty acres of rich and beautiful land. Like his father, he is very fond of fine and fast horses, and has in training four or five that will tell on the track the coming season.

John Hays, our subject's father, was born in Kentucky, December 28, 1788, coming to this state in an early day, and finally settled in Paint Township, this county, where he died August 10, 1860. In many respects Mr. Hays was a wonderful man. He commenced life poor, and at the time of his death was the owner of more than three thousand acres of as fine land as could be found in the county. He possessed controlling power over those with whom he associated. Had he been a man of letters and early mental training, he could have stood beside the Xation's ablest statesman.

An incident may serve to illustrate, the style of man he was : A neighbor had made a large purchase of land in Missouri, and spent the summer in improvements. When he came home in the fall, Mr. Hays called to see and hear about his Missouri purchase, when the following conversation ensued : " Well Jack! I have built several hundred panels of fence, and put a stone under every corner." " What kind of a stone?" said Mr. Hays. "A flint stone," he replied. " Your land aint worth a damn I " was the response. Time proved this rough expression to a great extent true.

He married for his second wife, Kate Winebright, by whom he had six children : Willis, Coleman, Letitia, James W., Crosby, and Lacinda. All lived to have families ; only three living at this Avriting : Willis, Letitia and James W.

Mrs. John Hays died December 4, 1872. Mrs. J. AV. Hays' father died in Clinton County, Indiana, in 1864 from a hurt, received in defending his son, who was a Union soldier, from a mob of rebel sympathizers. Her mother preceded him many years before.

J. M. Haymaker

Mr. Haymaker was born September 12, 1823, in this county, where he has spent his entire life. He commenced his education in an old-fashioned log school house, situated three miles northwest of Washington, in a school taught by William Devlin, sr., and 'completed it in the village of Bloomingburg, which at that time was considered the educational point of this county.

After spending four years driving stock to the eastern market, he at length purchased a farm of four hundred acres on the state road, where he located, and upon which he still resides. Mr. Haymaker takes great pleasure in handling fine stock, and does a successful business on his farm.

On January 2, 1862, he united in marriage with Miss M. J. Klever; six children have blessed this union, of whom five are living ; three sons and two daughters : Elmer E., Herman R., Harry K., Cora E. and Lora E. Levi E. passed to the spirit-land, December 26, 1872, aged four years.

Mr. Haymaker's parents were natives of Virginia, but came to this state in the early part of 1800, and settled in Union Township, this county. Here his father died, in about 1859, and his mother in 1878, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. His mother was a sister of Colonel Samuel Myers, one of the pioneers of Fayette. His father, Joseph Haymaker, served in the war of 1812, and was in Hull's surrender. Mrs. M. J. Haymaker is the daughter of Michael and Mary (Thompson) Klever, of this county. She was born in Paint Township, March 9, 1842.

Charles D. Hays

Charles D. Hays was born in Ross County, this state, in 1826. When about four years of age, he went with his father's family to Pike County, and settled on a farm near the town of Piketon, where he spent seventeen years of his youth assisting on the farm. In 1847, he came to this county, and for nearly three years lived in Union Township. In 1849, he purchased a farm three miles north of Bloomingburg, and in 1850 moved upon it, where he still resides. He has made man}' improvements ; among them the erection of a commodious residence.

lie united in mai-riage, in 1848, with Miss Catherine^ daughter of John and Mary A. Parker, of Paint Township, Rev, William Dickey officiating. Six children blessed this union ; three sons and three daughters: John, George, Grant, Mary A., Emma and Margaret; all living at home except John and George, who are married. George resides in Fayette, and John in Clinton County.

James, Charles' father, was l)orn in Kentucky. When ten years old he came to this state with his parents, and to the farm now owned by C. D. Hays. When about twent}' years of age he went to Ross County, and made his home with his brothers-in-law, Charles and John Davis.

In August, 1823, he was joined in marriage, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Robert and Priscilla McGuire. The result of this union was seven sons and three daughters : D. M., C. D., William C, James W., George L., Peter B., John, Harriet, Margaret L. and Keziah D.;'all living in this state -at this writing, except William C, who keeps hotel at Pueblo, Colorado, and Harriet, living in Washington Territory. The father died in Pike County, April, 1855.

C. D. Hays and wife own nearly nine hundred acres of land, part of which is in Clinton County. The farm upon which they live contain two hundred and thirty-eight acres, well improved and beautiful to the eye.

Mrs. Rebecca Hemphill

Rebecca Hemphill was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1814. She was the daughter of Oliver Haynes, who was killed by the British when they burned Black Rock. Her mother was Mary, daughter of Robert and Jennie Wallace, who were of Irish extraction.

She was married three times. Her first liusband was Mathew Greening of Amstei-dam, ISTew York, by whom she had three children ; all dying in infancy. Her second hnsband was Aaron Roger, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who died in 1847. She then married John Hemphill, of Bloomingburg, Fayette County, this state, August, 1850. He died July, 1876, from disease contracted while in the army. He was a member of Company K, 90th Regiment, (). V. I.; never asked nor received one da3'"s furlough during three years* service. He is one of the many who gave health and life for his country's good.

Mrs. Hemphill's uncle, John Wallace, was burned at the stake, by the Indians, near Freely's Fort, Pennsylvania. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-one years. For many years she lived in Pittsburg, but now has a comfortable home in the village of Bloomingburg.

Mrs. Hidy was born in Clarke County, this state, in 1822. She came with her father's family to this county, in 1831, when they settled in Jefferson Township, on what is well known as theHigbee farm. Her father, Samuel Higbee, was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of New Jersey. They were married in September, -1810, and came to this state, Marcli, 1818. Mr. Higbee died December, 1857 : Mrs. Higbee, May, 1863 ; both were members of the Baptist Church. Their ftimily consisted of four sons and seven daughters : Obadiah, Kourtland K., Joseph, John, Jane, Annie, Pamelia, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah and Martha. All, except Annie and Mary, lived to be over twenty-five years of age ; none but Pamelia and Elizabeth live at this writing. Elizabeth married Crum Creamer; Jane married Henry Parrett : Sarah married Mr. Bettler; Martha married Dr. Heard; C. K. married Elizabeth Morris.

Pamelia, our subject, united in marriage with Humphrey Hidy, of this county, in 1844. The result of this union v^'as eight children. Emily died when about eighteen years of age. The living are Louisa L., Sarah, Vohiey, Samuel, Alfred and Lincoln. Louisa married Mr. Trumper; Sai-ah married Thomas Green; Martha married Tallie AlcCallip ; Voluey married Kose Gains; Alfred married Ida Hoft'man ; and Lincoln married Viola Porter ; Samuel is single, living with bis mother at the homestead.

Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Humphrey liidy moved on the farm where his widow now resides, and where he died in April, 1879, having lived a sober, quiet and industrious life. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. His father, Joseph Hidy, sen., was a native of Virginia, and came to this state in 1800. He was nuirried three times. By his second wife he had two sons, Jacob and Isaac ; by the third wife he had four sons and six daughters : Joseph, Humphrey, Irvin, Volney, Sidney, Margaret, Mary J., OHve, Louisa, and Clara. Joseph Hidy, sen,, died September, 1878, leaving a large fortune to his children. He was the first man in this county that refused to furnish liquor to his harvesters, claiming that they were better without it. He suffered great persecution, many men refused to work ; but Jie stood firm, and always managed to save his harvest. Time has proved Mr. Hidy's theory to be the true one.