Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1883 (part 12 of 13)

This sad event occurred quite suddenly. Brother Minshall being at quarterly meeting at the time, word was ^ent him to bring the Presiding Elder to preach the funeral discourse. His name was Rev. John Strange, Rev. D. Davidson being preacher in charge. After dinner, he said to me. Brother Watson, you must have preaching at your house now. I said, " I' don't know, we are so poor." My wife said. " We will do the best we can." Brother Davidson replied. "That is all we ask." During the twenty-nine years that intervened, between the organization of the first class and the building of the church now standing at Newport, we bad faithful ministers and many excellent meetings. I remember one meeting in particular, of four days' continuance, at which twenty-four persons joined the church at one evening service. This meeting was held by Alexander Morrow.

Before passing from this subject, I wish to record the following inci dent: Some years after preaching was established here. Rev. J. B. Finley was sent on to the district as Presiding Elder. He would often stop with us, on his way to his quarterly meetings in London. One day while plowing. I looked up and saw Brother Einley and Rev. Z. A. Morris, afterward Bfshop Morris, coming up the road. They stopped at the house, and I left my team to go and welcome them, and take care of their horses. After dinner, I excused myself and returned to my work Shortly afterward. Brother Finley came out to the field; as he came within hearing he said, " O. Brother Watson, if I had nothing to do but plow, how easy I would feel! " " Why " I said, " What have you to do now? " " This day " said he, " I have a family of twenty-one orphans to feed and clothe, beside the care of the church over which I am placed. " He then requested me to go and tell my neighbors that there would be preaching at my house this evening, saying, " I will plow, until you return." So he went to plowing, and I started off to publish the appointment. A large congregation assembled to hear the word. A dancing- master had, that week, formed a class in London. When I told Finley of it, he turned to Brother Morris and said. " Brother Morris, you owe me a roundy sermon and must preach it to-morrow. " Brother Morris did not say whether he would or not. but Sabbath morning, he did as requested. The sermon was a close, practical discourse on dancing, which the dancing-master had the privilige of hearing, being present

Perhaps, just here, better than elsewhere. 1 may record the fact that it was once my pleasure to meet Bishop Asbury. About the year 18 lb, a camp-meeting was held on the ground now occupied by the town of Mechanicsburg.

Bishop Asbury. came in a carriage from Urbana, and preached on Sabbath at 1 1 o'clock A. M. I remember his appearance very distinctly, though it was fifty-two years ago.

He was very feeble, so much so that he sat during the delivery of a part of the sermon; his hair was remarkably white. The preachers knew of his coming, and had prepared for him a very comfortable tent. This was the last visit of the bishop to the West.

On July 28, 1807, I started for Franklinton to secure a marriage license. My intended's father gave me an instrument of writing testifying to his willingness that the marriage should occur.

On the way I went in sight of Col. Langam's cabin, near where London now stands; he called to me, and asked where I was going; I told my desti- nation and the object of my journey; he asked if I had any testimonials, and when I showed him what 1 had, he said his name might be of some use, and so he put it down, and I continued my journey.

And now commenced a series of difficulties which severely taxed my courage and patience. I had tied my overcoat behind the saddle; by some means the strings which were of tow, either wore out, or became untied, and my overcoat was lost. The road being obscure, and the grass being very high. I knew there was scarcely any chance of finding it. and hence kept on, following a path made by cattle, until I reached Georgesville, intending to secure the services of a Justice of the Peace living there.

Reaching his cabin, I tied my horse to the fence, went in, and much to my distress, found that the Justice had drank so deeply as to be unable to hold intelligible conversation with me. I determined to continue my journey and return so early as to find him sober.

Going to untie my horse, I found to my horror, that a cow had so injured the bridle that it seemed to me impossible to use it; however, I repaired damages as best I could, and pushed on to Frauklinton. There I made my business known to the clerk of the court, Lyne Starling, and how did my heart sink when he informed me that my testimonials were not sufficient. In vain, I assured him all was right. There was a penalty of $1,500 for issuing a license without a full proof that all was right. I started for the door with a sad heart, when the Clerk called me back, ami asked to see my papers again. After looking at them a moment he said, " Seeing Col. Langam's name is on your recommendation, I will issue the license." I received the document with great joy, supposing my troubles were well-nigh over.

I went to Gen. Foos' Hotel to stay all night, telling him I wished to pay my bill before retiring, as I must start quite early. I soon went to bed but not to sleep much.

Very early in the morning I found my gray horse and started for Georgesville, determined to find the Justice before he had time to take his morning dram. But alas, for all human expectations, he was too quick for me. I found him in a worse condition than he had been in the evening before. After much fruitless effort to get him started, he said, " Stranger, go home," repeating his order three times ''and bring your girl here, and 1 will marry you, and you shall love her better than any man ever loved his wife in the world." I replied, " I love her well enough to marry her." I then asked, if he could not direct me to another Justice. Staggering to the door, he gave me the direction to Esquire Gotes. I took the direction indicated and found the cabin late in the afternoon. Much to my disappointment, however, I found that Justice's horse was out on the barrens: he started to find the animal, and I was left to put in the time as best I could. I walked back and forth in the yard, every few moments stopping to look for the returning horse, and listen for the bell. The moments rolled away slowly, and still nothing was seen of the horse or its owner. I went into an old corn crib, and rolled and tumbled about there for a long time. At length, when I was about to despair, the Esquire returned with a borrowed horse; hastily changing his clothing, he mounted and gave the order to go on as fast as I chose.

Now, thought I, my troubles are over; I felt light as a feather and happy as a bird. Suddenly the thought struck mo that I might not have money enough to pay the Justice for the marriage ceremony. Quick as lightning, my spirits sank to zero. I thought, what shall I do? I had but $2 and that was borrowed. I did not know of any one that I could borrow a cent. I felt that the Justice would trust me, if he only lived in my neighborhood, but living so far away, 1 could not expect him to do that.

Several times, I fell back, determined to know the worst, but my heart would fail me. Then I would conclude to keep quiet about it until the ceremony was over; then if his price should be too high, I would be married at any rate. At length, I could endure the suspense uo longer, and decided to know the worst if it killed me. " Esquire " said I, " what do you generally charge for performing a marriage ceremony." "The law allows me $2" he replied. "Good" thought I. "I'm safe." All my gay feelings returned, and we journeyed on We reached home an hour before sundown.

The wedding occurred July 29, 1807. My wile's name was Mary Helphenstine, and she was born March 5, 1793. I went half a mile further to get my clothes, and was married in true backwoods style. My roundabout was of nankeen, being the remnants of a suit presented me by my supercargo in Germany. We went to my father's, where we spent a few days, then commenced housekeeping in a cabin belonging to a Mr. Smith, standing where my son Samuel now lives.

Mr. Smith and his family proved to be very strange people. He came to the settlement with a family of three sons and one daughter. When he had cleared about eight acres of land, and things began to look home-like about him, his children suddenly left him, he pretending not to know why they had left him or where they had gone. He had said to me that if I would marry Polly, we could come and live with him and use what he had about the house. This kind offer had been accepted; all had thus far gone well. On a certain day, wife and I had gone over to Brother Minshall's to assist in killing some pigs. Some time during the day, we had observed a wagon at the house and wondered what it could be. Returning home in the evening, we found the house empty. Smith had left as unceremoniously as his children had done before him. Our distress was great, indeed. Wife asked with tears, "What shall we do?" I reminded her that we had some corn meal; that I could make a trough in a fewiminutes, and she could mix her dough in that; that we could roast our meat and live well. "But," 6he asked; " what shall I heat water in?"' I thought of a Mr. Withrow, who was camping out a short distance above us, and of having seen an iron kettle in his possession. I concluded to go up and see if I could borrow it. Upon telling him our troubles, he lent us the kettle with pleasure. Thus we managed, though suffering many privations, to get through the winter.

A Mr. Groves came into the neighborhood and spent the winter with us He had a few articles necessary for housekeeping; in addition to these. I borrowed two knives and forks, made one out of buck-horn, my shoe knife made the number even - three knives and three forks. A chesl served us for a table. A short time after commencing housekeeping, my wife received the first present ever made us. She had spent the day in visiting Bister Minshall; when she came to leave in the evening, wife's sister said she had nothing fit to make her a present of; "but." said she, "here is a cloth that will do to wipe your dishes." Wife declared she could not have given her anything that would have been more acceptable.

and a Mr. Huffman had a settlement of business matters, in which the Colonel came out just $00 in debt. He told me of the debt and requested that I would give my note to Mr. H. for that amount, saying that he would wait upon me until it was convenient to pay it. I hesitated, because I had not, as yet, received a deed for my land. My father-in-law stated that he had authority to make me a deed and would do so at any time. 1 therefore gave my note, payable on demand. Mr. Huffman wont to Chillicothe; put the note into the hands of an attorney, by the name of Brush, with orders to have it collected as soon as possible. Of this fact, however, I remained in blissful ignorance until a writ was served upon me by the Sheriff'. Mr. Groves nobly offered to go my security on the docket, and I went to work to make the money as speedily as possible, which was very slow, indeed. Having secured $13 of the amount, I went, in company with the Sheriff, to pay it. Col. Brush had just arisen from bed, and was washing himself. The Sheriff said I had brought $13 of the amount of that note, and asked if he should take it. "Yes," said Brush, "take all you can get." " Colonel, "said I, "can't you give me a little more time on that note. " Not another minute; not another minute," said he, shaking his linger at me. We turned away, and the Sheriff informed me that my horse was advertised for saie at the court house, and he feared that I would be imprisoned. I made up my mind that 1 would never go there alive, and so told the Sheriff. He promised to do all in his power for me, and, if possible, stave the m alter .off until another court. I mounted my horse and, ridiug by Col. Brush, on his way to the court room, made my way home.

By all possible industry and economy, we succeeded, during the several months following, in saving $12 more. I was almost afraid to trust myself with the money, and hence took it over to my father, asking him to keep it for mo, telling him what it was designed for. Some days afterward, Col. Langarn called upon my father and stated that he was fooling badly, because some parties who owed him had failed to pay him, and was much distressed for a little money. He asked my father if he had any that he could lend him. Father said he had the little I had put in his hands for safe keeping. The Colonel pledged his honor to return it before the next court. At length father was prevailed upon to let him have the money.

When I was made acquainted with this fact, I expressed my fears that il would not be forthcoming, but my father assured me there was no ground for uneasiness. But when the court came on, these fears were realized. One day a horseman rode up to my father's door and asked for David Watson. Being within hearing, I stepped forward, and said that my name was David Watson. It was then about 10 o'clock in the forenoon. The man assured me if I was not in Franklinton before noon it would bo a sorry time for me. I asked if the money had not been paid. He said it had not, and ho was sent for me. I knew if I could see Col. Langam there would be some way out of the difficulty; but he had gone to Chillicothe. AVe agreed to meet at the Esquire' s office that night, who was living with Col. Langam. I went over, but the Colonel had not yet returned; and his son assured me he could do nothing for me. I agreed to accompany the Sheriff in the morning. Starting for home, I heard the bars fall, and looking up whom should I see but Col. L., with Judge Scott and other gentlemen from Chillicothe. I told him of the difficulty into which he had brought me. He heard me through, with the utmost coolness, and then said, " the Esquire may examine my papers, and he will find your receipt. The papers were examined, and at the bottom of a large bundle my receipt was found. How eagerly I grasped it, and what a load was lifted from my heart! The Deputy Sheriff wanted to take it, but I had suffered so much I would not give it to any one. Thus was the trouble settled, and I was once more free.

The following spring we raised a cabin for Mr. Groves, where Mr. Evans now lives. After the logs were up, I said to the friends standing near me: "I wish I had as good a house as that." Some one desired to know where I wanted it. I told him I wanted it about one mile west, on the creek. I was then asked if I would be there the next morning; and upon my replying in the affirmative, all agreed to meet there at that time and assist me. The company met according to agreement, and we put up my first cabin - twelve by twelve feet. It was small, indeed, but large enough to contain our household goods, with room to spare.

The following items composed our outfit: One spinning wheel; my shoe bench; one bed; a few stools, and the table before referred to. Into this new home, all our own, we moved, February 12, 1808.

In the fall of 1808, a camp-meeting was held on Hay Run, near Chilli cothe. Brother Minshall and his family, my wife and myself attended together. On Saturday, Brother M. came to me. and asked if I had any quarterage. I replied: "Yon know how poor I am-" and putting my hand in my pocket, I drew out all the money I had - 37 1 cents - and said, "take what you think I ought to give, if it is the whole." He took 25 cents, saying, "I will take this, and may be God will convert Polly to-night." Surn enough my wife was converted that night.

When the meeting closed, we went to Chillicothe, being desirous of purchasing some household goods, and also some clothing. You ma}' imagine my feelings when I thought of my depleted purse, and saw the many things we so sadly needed. I went to the little store of James Mc Clintock, whom I had known in Vii'ginia, and spoke to him of my wants, adding, but I am poor, and see no prospect of paying you He generously told me to give myself no uneasiness about that, but to take just what I wanted. As it was then nearly night, he kindly suggested that we bring our bedding into the store, use such groceries as we needed, adding, in the morning you shall take such as you want of my goods. This generous offer was thankfully accepted, and we returned to our little home very happy.

And now began a series of events which led to my being able to cancel this indebtedness, with some others that I had contracted. Jonathan Mm shall had a friend in the East, who was by pi'ofession a school teacher. This friend desired to come West and purchase a home. A short tinn> before the occurrences above alluded to, a Quaker, who owned a small tract of land near to mine, desired to go to some friends near Richmond, Ind.. and gave his land and cabin to Minshall and myself for moving him. Ther-i was a legacy coming to Brother Minshall from some friend in Philadelphia With his share of that, the school teacher bought this piece of land. With this money I paid James McClintock for the goods bought of him, and also canceled some other obligations I had contracted, and had $9 remain ing. With this surplus money I bought three calves. Thus far the Lord had brought me on. We were out of debt, in our own house, owne I three calves, had good health, and better than all, my dear wife was converted. Surely the Scripture was confirmed. " He that goeth forth weep ing, bearing precious Beed, shall doubtless come again, with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

My dear mothi-r died January lS'J'J, and my father six months afterward, viz., June 11, 1822. It had long been his wish and prayer that he might outlive mother, and then speedily follow her. His wish was granted. Lovely and beautiful were they in thoir lives, and in death they were not long divided. My father's funeral was preached by Rev. William Simmons.

In the spring of 1810. Madison County was formed, and Commissioners appointed to select a county seat. The present site of London was selected. The land belonged at that time to John Murfin. My father bought four lots, two in and two out lots. Three houses were built the following spring, one of which I helped to build. Rev. Father Sutton, living here at the time, built one of them, which stood until a short time since. By this time we began to raise more than we needed for our immediate use - such as butter, eggs and vegetables. These I occasionally carried to our new county seat for sale, being the first one to do so

I wish hastily t<> record my connection with the war of 1812. In those days all able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty-live, were required to muster once a month, and to meet for general muster once a year. Expecting a call to active service, our Captain had divided us into classes of eight in number. We were soon called out to build a block-house at Mill Creek, near Marysville, Ohio. "We spent four weeks there, and as we could see no signs of trouble from the Indians, we returned home. I made up my mind not to try to secure a substitute, nor in any way avoid going when I svas needed. Soon we were called to Sandusky. On the way we met an express with the command to return. Several weeks were quietly spent at home. One day the Captain came with the word that I must go again. We hurried to Sandusky, arriving there at noon the day after the battle. It was decided to discharge 4,000 men, leaving 3,000 still in the held. I was among those that remained, and returned with others to Franklinton. Two wagon loads of us had been taken down with the measles, and were hauled home.

While in camp at Franklinton, I had formed the acquaintance of Mother Beam, as she was familiarly called. She had known my parents in Virginia, and said she was a member of the same class. While returning sick with the measles, I encouraged myself with the thought of meeting her, feeling sure she would receive me kindly arid give me a chance to rest. Crawling out of the wagon and hurrying with what strength I had, I went to call on Mother B. At every step I felt stronger. Just before reaching the door I heard loud talking, as if there was a gale of some kind within. At the door she met me coldly, when the following conversation occurred : " Can I come in?" "There is a large house,'' pointing across the way. With a sad heart 1 started across the way to the large house. Just before reaching there I saw a fellow-soldier refused the privilege of stopping. Returning, Mrs. B. asked, " Did you not get permission?" I replied I saw a fellow-soldier refused who was as good as I was, and concluded it was useless for me to try. I reminded her thai I was small, and would get into a corner and occupy as little room as possible. She declared if I stayed at her house I would be in the way. However, I concluded not to go away until ordered to do so, and setting my knapsack down and leaning against the door, I spoke a pleasant word as often as opportunity offered A length she offered me a chair, which I accepted with thanks. In a short time supper was ready, and sne asked me if I would not have some. I feared to decline lest the invi- . tation should not be repeated, and under the circumstances I did not like to accept. While I hesitated she said. " You had better do so.'" I very gladly accepted. After supper a kind of bed was shown me. which I reached by climbing a ladder to the second story. In the morning I was so stiff, it seemed for a time that I could not get up; but after several attempts I succeeded in doing so. I went to headquarters, got my discharge, and started home. On the way I gave out, but being assisted by my companions to a house near by, I was refreshed by a night's rest, and reached home the next day. Thus ended my experience in the war of 1812.

From 1818 to 1824, I was employed to distribute the laws through this western district - a territory embracing some fifteen counties. During my long and tedious journeys, many amusing incidents occurred Among many that I might record, I select the following: Once, when on my going to the western part of my work, I stayed overnight with a Quaker, who lived a short distance below Wilmington. He told me that the next night I would be among the horse -thieves of the Miami Valley. During the next day, I was much troubled with reflections upon what the old gentleman said. As the evening drew near, I found these troublesome impressions increased in frequency and intensity. The surroundings were well calculated to deepen such thoughts. For long intervals, I saw no one, not even a dwelling:. When I came within hearing: of the waters of the river, I felt, surely, this is the place.

About dark, I came to where a new road turned off to the left. A short distance before me, on the main road, I could see a cabin; I was about to leave my team in the road to go and inquire the right way, when a large, rough-looking man came out of the cabin, and, walking up to one of my horses, said, with an oath, " That's a fine horse." Then he looked at the whole team before speaking to me, or apparently noticing me. At length, he addressed me thus: " Good evening." " Good evening," I replied. "What are you loaded with?" " Laws," said I. " Laws? laws?" he repeated, "have they nothing else to do but to haul laws?" " I don't know what they have to do," I said, " but I am loaded with laws." "Can I stay all night with you?" I asked. "Yes, sir," he replied. "Have you any feed?" "Yes, sir. " Ah, thought I, you wish to deceive me. If I stop with you, I will be in the Miami before morning. " How far to the next house?" I inquired. "'Three miles," he said. "But you can't get there to-night. " " Why?" I saw a road leading in that direction." " That was a road for a two-horse wagon. It won't admit of the passing of a four- horse wagon." " We'l," said I, "I believe I will try it." "You may try it, but you will never get through," he said. Accordingly, I started full of fears, imagining danger at every step. It seemed to me, my horses were my only friends. Speaking to them as if they were intelligent beings, I promised them extra care, provided they took me safely through.

I soon found difficulty. When but a short distance on the new road, my wheel struck a tree, and I was fast. I unhitched my leaders, fastened them to the l>ack part of (ho wagon, drew it back some distance, then hitch ing them to the wheel, I drew it as far from the tree as necessary, replaced my horses, and, with all possible care and perseverance I soon came to clearing, and saw a light through the window of a cabin. Going to the door, I asked the woman if I could stay all night. Hor husband not beine; in at the moment, she could not tell me. certainly. Turning to my horses, I met her husband. " Can I stay all night with you?" Yes, sir; glad to see you.** Ah, thought I again, so would any horse-thief be glad, tinder the circumstances. However, I male up my mind to -top with the man. and take the chances My hoi's.'- were well taken care of, and I had a good night's rest. After having completed my work, 1 presented my bill, and it may be mentioned, as an illustration of the financial condition of the State in that early day, that there was not money enough in the treasury to pay me.

In the fall after I moved into my house, the brook, now running near to where I live, suddenly disappeared some distance above this point, and did not re-appear for a considerable distance. We were put to considerable trouble to secure water. It never occurred to us to dig for it, and since there were no springs we were compelled either to carry it from the point above us where it disappeared, or below us, where it appeared again. And as I did not own a bucket, all must be carried in what was called a " piggin," a sort of little tub without a bail. In the spring I noticed the water standing around in pools, and the thought struck me that plenty could be secured by digging for it. I therefore dug a few feet and found abundance of good water near the surface. That first well is still to be seen.

When I first came to this part of the country, the Indians were numerous. They often came near my cabin, and my association with them was quite intimate. I will relate two or three incidents with which the Indians had some connection, as illustrative of their character. One day while I was digging trenches in which to plant apple and peach seeds, an old Indian woman came and sat down near me. It was said she was one hundred and five years old. She remained perfectly quiet until I had finished my work. When I arose up from my work she left her seat, and, coming close up to me, patted me on the back and said, " Bye and bye you have heap, heap." at the same time turning around and motioning with her hand. She doubtless meant to assure me that the time would come when I would own a great quantity of land. This occurred in 1807.

During the years 1807 and 1808, we went all the way to Chillicothe to mill, not knowing of any one nearer. I asked Capt. Johnny, an old Indian, if he did not know of a mill near to us. He said there was one on the Miami somewhat nearer. I offered to give him $1.50 if he would blaze a path from my house to the mill. I recollect as if it was yesterday his coining up from his camp, a short distance below, to commence his work. He was a very large man, and came up the creek smoking, and puffing the clouds of smoke above his head. He struck his hatchet into an oak that stood near the cabin, and then started as straight as a bee-line for Clifton, the location of the mill, a distance of about twent}r miles. Just here 1 think I ought to speak of the first grist I «-ver sent to mill. It will give the young people of to-day some idea of how we began life in this country. On a certain day my father was going over to the neighborhood of the mill on horseback. I asked him if he could not take a pair of saddle-bags along. Upon his assuring me that he could. I put a peck of wheat into one end of the saddlebags and a peck of rye into the other, this being the amount of grain then ready for grinding.

Some time during the year L808, E was helping to prepare some timbei with which Mr. Withrow intended to build a house. On my way home in the evening, I passed the Indian camp. The hunters had just returned with some excellent venison. Seeing an Indian with whom I was well acquainted, I offered to wrestle with him for some of the game. He declined, giving as a reason that his ankle, which some time before he had injured by falling from a tree, still pained him. There1 was a very large fellow near by. who. having heard the conversation, accepted my offer. He was very unpopular with the tribe, being a lazy, good-for-nothing sort of a fellow. He was almost twice as large as myself, but I knew he was slow and clumsy.

I threw him very quickly. No sooner had he struck the ground than the Indians set up a great shout at his expense, which greatly enraged my antagonist. While I was talking, he slipped up behind me and threw me with s\ich violence as greatly to injure my breast, which retained the soreness produced thereby for a long time. After reaching home, some nice portions of venison were sent me in recognition of my skill in throwing the big Indian.

Some eighteen years before the death of my wife, she experienced a wonderful cure from a very serious sickness. One of her hands became strangely affected, being much swollen and almost useless, giving her at times great pain. In addition, she had great difficulty in breathing; so much so that she dared not lie down for fear of suffocation. From these afflictions, she was much reduced in strength, and at last was entirely prostrated - unable to walk and needing some one to watch with her day and night. This had been her condition for a long time; we had begun to despair of her recovery. On a certain evening she said to the person waiting on her, that she must arouse her up, in case she went to sleep, as she very much feared if she did not she would be sure to smother. In a few moments she dropped into a doze, and beginning to smother we raised her up and she was relieved. I being weary, laid down to rest, and in a few moments was sound asleep. Presently my wife lay down again. She afterward told us that as she did so she prayed, saying, " O Lord, do with me as Thou seest best." She soon fell asleep, and without any further trouble in breathing, slept soundly for about two hours. At the expiration of that time, I was awakened by her talking. She told the lady who was watching with her, that she felt she was made new, and that she was sure she could get up and walk across the room as well as she could twenty years ago. The lady expressed her astonishment, and I said, " I have no doubt you think so, but I don't believe you have strength to do it." She replied, " My dear, I will show you," and rising from the bed, she walked rapidly back and forth across the room, clapping her hands, and saying, " I am made whole, soul and body." And strange to say, her hand so badly swollen, and for so long a time nearly useless, was entirely restored, the swelling going down and its ordinary strength immediately returning. The same was true of her general debility; it was removed instantly.

After this change, she was spared to us for eighteen years, dying January 19, 1855, and never, in her life enjoyed better health than during that time. Her own statement was that during the sleep referred to, she was taken to heaven; saw the beauties of the place; heard the sweetest music that ever fell on her ears; that, she was told she could not remain, but must return to earth and publish these things to as many as she could reach. The neighbors came from all directions and great distances to hear her strange account and see for themselves the wonderful cure that God had wrought in her. To them, she would tell her experience, and confessed to having been sanctified during this time. And such was the earnestness c*f her Christian life, and the consistency of her daily life, as to confirm her confession.

There are many incidents of deep interest to myself that come to my mind as I think of the past. Some of them might be considered worthy of a record in this sketch: and it may be that some of my friends, who have heard me speak of them, will wonder why I have not written them. But upon the whole. I do not deem them of sufficient importance to justify their notice in this place.

In conclusion, I may say I am now an old man. and have lived for more than sixty years on this spot. I shall soon go the way of all the earth; and in view of this solemn fact, it is an unspeakable pleasure to me to know that during all that time I have lived in peace with my neighbors, no serious misunderstanding having occurred in all these years. I have witnessed numerous and great changes, and rejoice to believe that the majority of them have resulted in good to my fellow men. I do not sigh for the days or usages of the past, believing that, the present is immeasurably better than the past. If what I have written shall aid in keeping fresh in the memory of my friends anything worthy of their remembrance, and in showing the young people of to-day their superior advantages, I shall feel that I have not written in vain. David Watson, Sr.

MADISON A. BASKERVILLE, farmer and stock-raiser, P. 0 London, was born in Paint Township. February 15, 1840. His father. William Baskerville, was born in Virginia, and died in Ohio August 4, 1867. His grandfather, Samuel, was born east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Va. , and in 1807 removed to Ohio. In 1810, he was one of the Associate Judges of the county, and on June 7. 1813, he received from the Government a land warrant for 333^ acres of land. Our subject was raised by his father, with whom he remained until his father's death, when he took possession of the farm, which consists of 202 acres. In 1850, he married Mahoney Creamer, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Benson) Creamer, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Virginia, and both are now living at Mechanics- Imrg. They had six children, of whom Mrs. Baskerville was the oldest of three girls and the fourth child of the family. She was born December 13, 1844, and by Uer Mr. Baskerville has had six childreu, viz.: Mahoney (deceased); Maud (deceased); Icie (deceased); an infant, deceased; William B. born May 6, 1867, and Jacob H., born December 28, 1875. Mr. Baskerville is a Republican in politics, and has been Trustee of the Township.

GEORGE W. BOTKIN, farmer, P. 0. South Charleston, was born near South Charleston. Clark Co., Ohio, October 10, 1829. His grandparents came to Ohio from Virginia, in 1802, and settled for a time in Warren County, but afterward moved to Clinton County, near Todd's Fork, three miles from Wilmington, where they remained until 1808, when they permanently settled in Clark County. The father of our subject, Jeremiah Botkin. came West with his parents and followed their fortunes to their settlement in Clark County. He married Anna Elsworth, December 9, 1800. and had by her nine children, viz.: Jesse, Levi S., Ruhama, Mar garet. Amos, Moses E. , George W., Annie and William I. Our subject remained with his father, farming in summer and teaching school in winter, until April 5. 1849, when he married Eliza Maxey, daughter of Stephen and Fanny Maxey. By her he had six children, viz. : Frances E., Albert C. , Mary

E. (wife of Henry H. Snyder, London), Florence J. (deceased, wife of Franklin Pierce, of Franklin County), Stephen H. and Annie J. After marriage, our subject engaged in farming for himself, and has so continued, now owning 180 acres of good land. He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the Grand Army of the Republic.

VINCENT L. BUEL, farmer, P. O. Walnut Run, was born in Vermont July 1, 1828. His father came to Ohio in the fall of 1833, or 1835, and located at Cleveland, where he remained five years. He then moved to Circleville, and two years later came to Madison County, Ohio. He was a farmer and lumber dealer by occupation. His family consisted of eleven children, viz.: Julia E., Eliza A., Fannie M., David O, Jane W , William H. , Mary M., Vincent L., James E., George W. and Caroline E. Our subject was raised on the farm and attended the public schools, in which he received his only education. On March '25, 1854, he married Nancy H. Farrer, who was born September 1, 1834. By this marriage five children were born, viz.: Albert L., born October 20, 1858; Luther, born January 15, 1800, and died in infancy; John W., born in January 25, 1801, and died September 4, 1803; Edward Grant, born November 28, 1807, and

F. M., born May L0, 1871. Mr. Buel cast his first vote for a Democratic candidate, bnt since then has always voted with the Republicans. He now resides on 187 acres of good land on the London & Washington Turnpike, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

JAMES E. BUEL. farmer, P. O. Walnut Run, was born in Vermont September 11, 1830. He is a brother of V. L. Buel, in whose sketch an ac count of the family's settlement in Ohio is given. Our subject was raised on a farm mostly in Ohio, and received his educatiou by an irregular at tendance at the public schools of his neighborhood. He enlisted in the war against Mexico, was sent to Madison, Ind. . from there to Jefferson barracks, and two weeks later to Vera Cruz, where he remained until marched to the City of Mexico. When he returned home, he engaged in farming on seventy acres of land in Range Township. He was married, in L854, to Isa belle Bethards, whose father was born in Maryland in 1800, and died in this county in L871, and whose mother was born in 1809. They were the parents of nine children, all now living and married. Mr. Buel by his mar riage became the father of five children, viz.: Theodore, William, Elizabeth, Charles A. and Ada M. Mr. Buel now lives on the London & Midway pike, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

JAMES S. CLEELAND, carpenter and storekeeper, Newport, was born in Pennsylvania October 1.8, 1825. He is the son of John and Sarah (Stewart) Cleeland, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania. Our subjecl received his education in the graded schools of Clark County and in Wittenburg College, Springfield He remained on the farm until nineteen years of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed twenty-three years. 11" also opei a saw-mill, which he sold in ISiU. In IS71, he rem »ve I to Ohio and oper ated a store at Newport, in which he still continues. He also works at his trade and owns eighty acres of land in Indiana. In 1861, he married Mary

Jewell, who died in 1873, leaving one child -James - born in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Cleeland were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, iu which he is a local preacher. He formerly voted the Free-Soil ticket, but is now a Republican. He has been Township Clerk and is now ;i Justice of the Peace.

JOHN G COBERLY, farmer and stock- raiser, P.O. Walnut Run, was born on his present farm January 1, 1818. Thomas Coberly, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio about 1810. He came to Madison County, purchasing 100 acres of land, in Paint Township, where he resided till death. He was a pioneer citizen of this part of Madison County, and an industrious man through life. He reared a family of three daughters and four sons - William, Job, Andrew, James, Eva (wife of William Watson), Polly (wife of James Sutton), and Hannah (wife of William Sutton). One son, William, the father of John G, was born in Virginia, and after coming to this county served in the American Army during the war of 1812. He was a farmer and trader and followed those occupations through life. He was joined in marriage to Amantha Green, a native of Virginia, who presented him with live children, all living - John ( r. : James, a resident of Missouri; Betsey, wife of John Berry, of Newport; Hannah, wife of Augustus Watson, of Bates County, Mo. ; and William, residing at Georgesville, Franklin Co. , Ohio. Mrs. Coberly departed this life in 1822, and Mr. C. married for his second wife Mrs. Sarah (Miller) Hamilton, widow of Thomas Hamilton. Of the nine children born to this latter union, five survive - Catherine (wife of Jackson Willoughby, of London), Andrew Jackson (in charge of the Newport saw-mill), Samuel (a farmer, residing in Newport), Thomas (same occupation and residence), Sarah (wife of James Crawford, of Paint Township), and Mary (wife of John Murl, of Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. Mr. Coberly died in June, 1865. John G. Coberly grew to manhood on the old homestead, his educational fa cilities being rather limited. He remained with his fathor until thirty-three years of age, when he purchased 130 acres of land, located between his present farm and the Madison & Fayette pike. He resided there six years and then rented the '* Job Plowman farm." now owned by Richard Florence, ex -Treasurer of Madison County, where he farmed for one year. He then removed to the home farm, and a year later built his present residence. From 1862 to 1865, he lived on John Dunn's farm, in Deer Creek Township, and subsequently on land owned by John Houston, in the same locality. He then came to his present farm of fifty acres, having previously sold his first purchase. Mr. Coberly is a member of the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for office. He was married, in 1851, to Eliza, daughter of Thomas Hamilton. Five children were born to these parents - Winlield, Sorepta, Perry 'residing at Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio), Robert B. and Rodney. Mrs. Coberly was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and departed this life in December, 1880.

SAMUEL COBERLY, farmer, P. O. Walnut Hun. son of William Coberly, whose sketch appears under the name of JohnG. Coberly, of this township, was born in Madison County July 4 1832. He was raised as a farmer and has spent his entire life in that occupation. He received a limited education in the district schools of his neighborhood, which he attended when work on the farm was slack. He married Eliza Simpkins, of Clark County, Ohio, by whom he has had four children, viz.: Darius, born October 6, 1852, married Lavina Clark and has three children; Mary, born March 8, 1860; Dora, born April 4, 1862, married David Suth, and has two children: and Samuel W., born July 31, 1869. Mr. C. remained on his father's farm five years after marriage, when the farm was sold to Samuel Watson, with whom he remained as a tenant eighteen years. He then moved to Clark County, and remained two years, after which he went to John G. Coberly's. and from there to where he now resides, in Paint Township, having lived there three years. He is a vigorous, industrious man, a good, practical farmer and steadv in all bis habits.

JOHN CRAWFORD, farmer, P. O. London, is son of William and Sarah (Blizard) Crawford. His father came to Ohio from West Virginia, about 1814, and located on a farm two miles west of London; from there he moved to Midway, and then to the farm occupied by our subject, on the Madison & Fayette Turnpike. He was hardy pioneer and good farmer, and lived until 1875. Subject's mother was alsc an early pioneer of the county, her parents having come from the neighborhood of Chillicothe in 1811. They had twelve children. Our subject's grandfather was born near Culpeper Court House, W. Va., where he lived and died. John was raised and born in the county, where he has since resided. He attended the public schools at intervals, and received the rudiments of an English education. He is a Democrat in politics, having cast his lirst vote for George B. McClellan, and in 1874, served as Township Assessor. He occupies 190| acres of land, where his father settled, and is engaged in farming and stockraising.

STEEL DOUGLASS. James Douglass, the father of our subject, was the eighth child of William Douglass who.it is said, was born in Ireland and emigrated to America when a youth. On June 21, 175-5, he married Elizabeth Matthews, of York County. Penn. , where he afterward lived, -lames Douglass was born in York County October 8, 176^*. and on October 27, 1797, married Polly Taylor, oldest child of James and Martha (Steel) Taylor. There were born to them nine children, seven sons and two daughters, viz.: Levi, born April 4, 1799; Elizabeth, born July 29, 1801; Absalom, born October 22, 1804; Jeptha, born September.il. 1806; Thompson, born April 2, 1808; Steel, born March 10, 1810; Milo Adams, born August 12, 1812; Seymour Austin, born July 15, 1815, and Mary May. born May 15, 1818. All grew up and raised families, Hxcept Levi, who died in Columbiana County, Ohio, in his sixteenth year. Only two, Thompson and Steel, now survive. Mr. Douglass moved t<~> Columbiana County. Ohio, in April, 1800; thence to Warren County in 1815. and one year later to Clinton County, where he settled on what was known as Hinkson's Prairie, on Anderson's Fork. He died August 21, 1835, leaving the home place of 232 acres to the four youngest sons. Our subject was raised to hard work on the farm, attending country schools during the winter seasons. Shortly after his father's death, Thompson, the eldest, son, sold his interest in the home farm to the other three sons, and our subject being the eldest left, assumed the management of the farm. In the spring of 1840, he sold his interest to the others and moved to Madison County, where ho devoted his time to farming in summer and teaching in winter. In 1843, he married Sarah Ann Thompson, eldest daxtghter of Charles and Rebecca (Graham) Thompson. After marriage, he settled in Union (now Paint) Township, on a farm of 160 acres. In 1854, he sold this place and bought 220$ aa IB near Newport, in this township. This he has since divided between his children, reserving for himself only a nominal rent for life. His wife died of consumption January 3, 1876, having borne him six children, viz. : Charles Anderson, born June 11. 1844, married Emma J. Morris January

7, L869, and has two daughters; James Porter, born December 15, 1846, married Charlotte Belle Postle December 24, 1868, and has two children; Mary, born October 31, 1848, and died August 18, 1872; Rebecca Jane, born June 11, 1853, and died May 27, 1880, married John Harrow, October 16, 1873, and has three children; Dora Ann, burn August 10, 1857, and died February 12, 1858; and Milo, born September 21, 1859, married Anna May Gil'tin. of Sabina, Ohio, May 10, L881, and lias no children. Mr. Douglass is, as was his wife, a member of the Methodist Church. He was an Old-Line Whig until the formation of the Republican party, since which time he has voted with the latter party. Ho has never taken an active in terest in politics, but has served his township in the capacity of Justice. Trustee and Clerk. Ho is a firm advocate of temperance principles, and has been a member of the temperance society, but is opposed to abolition

JOHN W. EACHUS, farmer, P. O. London, Ohio, was born near Rich mond, Ind. , October 4, 1829. His mother, Elizabeth Troxel, was a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Troxel, who came from Virginia to Ohio during the second decade of the present century. Our sub ject's father went West after marriage, and rented land until 1833, when he returned to Ohio and remained until his death, which occurred in August, 1856. He had a family of nine children - four sons and five daughters. Of the latter, the survivors are Sal lie, wife of Thomas Cul lumber, of Franklin County: Elizabeth A., wife of Moses Seads, of Picka way County; and Caroline, wife of William Keg, of Franklin County. The subject of this sketch remained at home in Franklin County with his parents until his marriage, when he rented a farm for five years, and in 1864 he came to where he now lives. [n 1854, he married Sarah L. Hut son, daughter of John K. Hutson, whose sketch appears under the name of Austin S. Hutson. Mr. Eachus, by his marriage, has had six children, viz., Viola (wife of Frank Mitchell), Or i anna (wife of John Sifrit), Eugenia J. (wife of Harry Barker), John W., Scott M. and Holton. Mr. Eachus is a prominent man in his township, and for nine terms served as one of the Board of Trustees. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church.

ROBINSON FLORENCE, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, December 25, L809. His father, William Florence, native of Virginia, and came to Pickaway County «t an early day. He was a prominent farmer and stock raiser of that county during life, and accumulated a large property. His political opinions were Republican. He rep resented his district in the Ohio Legislature, an I for many years was a Judge of the Common Pleas Court of that county. He married Fanny Rob inson, a native of Virginia, and by her had eight children - five daughters and three sons - of whom only two are now living Mrs. K add iff. oi I Hi nois and our subject. Mrs. Florence died about 1819, and Mr. Florence married Mrs. Isabella (Barr) Denney, who had a family of four children - three daughters and one son. Her marriage to Mr. Florence was without issue. She died in L852, lie havi ng died previously, while in his ninety sixth year. Om- subject was raised on a farm and has made that occupation the work of his life. When twenty-three years of age, he married Elizabeth Williams, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of John and Mary (Phifen Williams. She inherited one-fourth of 1,800 acres of I and from her father, from which the young couple commenced their married life. By earnest and faithful labor, Mr. Florence has provided for a large family of children, and has accumulated sufficient property to enable him to live comfortably without work, for the remaining days of his life. He has sold a goodly part of his lands, now owning about 400 acres. He is a Republican in politics, but has never taken a very active part in politics, his official career consisting only of one term each as Township Trustee and Supervisor. He has had eleven children born to him, seven now living, viz.: Richard (ex-Treasurer of Madison County). William, Mary, Eliza, Fannie (widow of Rev. John B. Clark, deceased, of Pittsburgh, a Presbyterian minister and a Colonel in the Union army, during the rebellion), John, Charles and Edward. Mrs. F. has been a member of the Methodist Church many years.

JOHN L. GALLAGHER, farmer, was born in Sligo County, Ireland, on the good Friday before Easter, of the year 1826. His parents, Patrick and Ann (McDermont) Gallagher, emigrated to America in 1849, and located in South Charleston, where they remained one summer, after which they moved to Madison County, where the mother died in 1857. The father still lives, and resides with a daughter at Newport, Ky. Our subject came to America two years before his parents, and landed at New Orleans. He came to South Charleston, after spending two years in Cincinnati, and engaged with his father in working out a lease in that county. Teu years later, he took a lease himself on David Herold's land, where he worked six years. He then purchased 1 53 acres, where he now lives, to which he has added, from time to time, until now he owns 515 acres. When twenty-five years of age, he married Bridget Gilmore, of Cincinnati, by whom he had one child - Mary Jane, born eighteen months after marriage, and died in infancy. Three months after the child's death, the mother died, and one year later Mr. Gallagher married Ann Dare, of Xenia, by whom he has had thirteen children, viz. : Frank, Margaret (died aged one year), John, Anna, Mary, Peter, Catharine, Mary, Ellen, James, Thomas, William and George Edward. Mr. Gallagher is a Democrat and a member of the Catholic Church. He is a steady, hardworking man, and by dint of industry has become one of the large landholders of the county.

AUSTIN S. HUTSON, P. O. London, Superintendent of the Buffenburg farm - probably the largest one in Ohio - was born near South Solen, in Stokes Township, this county, August 14, 1839. His grandfather, Skinner Hutson, was a native of London, England, and came to America and settled in Kentucky. He came to Madison County, locating in Stokes Township, in 1804, where he resided till his death. One son, John Hutson, the father of our subject, was born in Kentucky in 1799, but was reared mostly in this county. He was the owner of a farm of 266$ acres, a portion of which is the site of the village of South Solon. Mr. Hutson laid out this portion of the farm in village lots, which he donated to those wishing to locate thereon. He married Hannah Mahaffey, a native of Adams County, Ohio. They were the parents of twelve children - five living. One child, Angelina, present wife of Richard T. Colburn, of Elizabeth - town, N. J., married for her first husband " Major" Peter Buffenburg, the owner of this large estate. He departed this life in 1878. Mr. Hutson died in 1874, and his wife in 1874. The subject of this sketch was early educated in the district schools, and when thirteen years of age left his home to reside with " Major" Peter Buffenburg, where he remained until September 17, 1861. On that day, he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Ohio ( avalrv. at Cincinnati, and formed a portion of the ten thousand men under Gen. Ormsby McKnight Mitchell, and always known as the old Army of the Cumberland. He subsequently served under Gens. Burnside and Grant, re-enlisted as a veteran, and was musterd out as a non-commissioned officer, after a term of service covering four years and two months. He returned to the Buffenburg farm, and was united in marriage on December 7, 1865 ("Thanksgiving Day "), to Fannie, daughter of Jesse and Charlotte (Patterson) Curtis, the former an early brick maker, of London. The hitter's grandfather, Patterson, was a glass-blower by trade, and subsequently owned the " Judge Hurt farm." near South Solon, in Stokes Township. After marriage, Mr. Hutson became an assistant to " Majoi Buff," as he was known, and upon the latter's death was placed in charge of the vast estate, then consisting of 5,200 acres. The farm has since been reduced to 4,100 acres, and is considered the best blue-grass farm in the State of Ohio. Besides being the Superintendent of these many acres, Mr. Hnt son rents from 500 to to 600 acres for his own use, >vhich he annually farms. He is very careful in the management of this estate, and during the panic of 1873, when other land-holders suffered from non-payment of rents, Mr. Hutson was fortunate in not losing a dollar. There are some fifty -two tenants on this farm, all of whom have business relations with Mr. Hutson, as Superintendent. Mr Hutson raises a large amount of cattle, and handles only the best grades. He is a member of Fielding Lodge, No. 192, Masonic, of South Charleston, and the Chapter at London. Politically, he is a Prohibition Republican; has been a member of the School Board for many years, and is now one of the Board of Township Trustees. Mr. and Mrs. Hutson have twc adopted sons - William Rudel and Austin S. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Hutson are members of Pancake Chapel of the Methodist Episcopal denomination in Stokes Township, the former officiating as Trustee and Recording Steward.

JOHN C. JONES, P. O. London, a prominent and well known retired farmer and stock-raiser, of this township, was born in East Tennessee June 11, 1817. His grandfather, Solomon Jones, was a native of England, and came to the United States at an early day. One child, Zacheus .1 ones, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Tennessee. He came to Ohio in 1821, locating in Somerford Township, of this county, in the "Arbuckle neighborhood,'' on Deer Creek. He owned a farm of 110 acres, where he resided till his death, in 1823 or 1824. He was buried in the old " Baptist Churchyard," now the present site of the " Link Mill," on the " Wilson land." His wife was Elizabeth Key. also a native of Tennessee, who bore him four children, of whom two are now living- Sarah Ann (widow of John Bradley, now residing on Spring Fork, in Darin Township), and our subject. Mrs. Jones subsequently married Charles Atchison, who died five years later. She departed this life August 24, L853. " Squire Jones." as he is familiarly known, grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving only a common school education. Having been reared to an agricultural life, he resolved to devote his further time in life to that useful occupation. On October 30, 1829, he married Sarah A., daughter of Thomas aiid Isabella Hume, a native of Boss County, Ohio, near Chillicothe. Mr. Jones reside.] in Deer Creek Township until ten or twelve years after marriage, when he removed to his present farm. He has been an active laborer through life, and has accumulated some property. He is the owner of 390 acres of fine land in this and Union Townships, and 000 acres in Southern Missouri. He was an earnest Whig until the formation of the Republican party, when he united with the latter organization. He served two terms as Infirmary Director of Madison County, and one term each at Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living - Mary E. (wife of David Watson, a member of the Board of County Commissioners and a very prominent man in agricultural and stock circles), William (married Sallie Minter, and resides on a farm near La Fayette, in Deer Creek Township), I. Dewitt (an attorney of Columbus, Ohio, who married Laura Harringer), Marion (at home). George (an attorney at law, of Columbus, Ohio, married Eva Lattimer), Ada, Flora and Fannie. John and Thomas are deceased Mrs. Jones is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lou don. Squire Jones and wife are well known throughout the county, and equally respected for their admirable traits of character.

JACOB KULP, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Montgomery Coun ty, Penn., June 18, 1828. He is a son of David and Elizabeth (Shultz) Kulp, natives of Pennsylvania, where they married, lived and died, the former in 1867. and the latter in 1876. Our subject, when eight years of age, was put to work on a farm at $10 per month, and thus he continued until he was married, when he engaged to work for 50 cents per day. Four years later, he began farming as a renter, and twenty years after first renting, he purchased 130 acres of land in Delaware, and paid $3,000 on his purchase, but being unable to pay the balance, he had to give up his land. In 1876, he emigrated to Madison County. He married Lavina Longacre, a Dative of Pennsylvania, February 3, 1849, and by her has had ten children, viz. : Dan iel, Francis. Virginia, William, Henry, Mary J.. Albert, Levi, Webster and Hannah E. Mr. and Mrs. Kulp are members of the Methodist Church. He is an honest, industrious citizen.

BENJAMIN LINSON (deceased) was born in Madison County, Ohio, September 16, 1820. He was a son of George and Elizabeth (Hutsenpil ler) Linson, natives of Virginia, where the former was born January 7, 1790, and the latter December 24, 1792. They were married in Virginia, and iu 1815, emigrated to Ohio, locating in this couDty, where they both died, he April 14, 1855, and she June 5, 1845. Our subject, when twenty-nine years of age, purchased fifty acres of land and engaged in farming and stock- rais ing, at which he continued through life, at his death owning 536 acres of good land. He married Maria Anderson, August 7, 1849, and by her had nine children, four living, viz. : Amanda, Benjamin. William and Lizzie Mr. Linson died October 5, 1876. His widow has been a member of the, Methodist Episcopal Church forty years. She now resides on 167 acres of" the old homestead farm.

G. LINSON (deceased) was born in Madison County, Ohio, July 17, 1827. He was a son of George and Elizabeth (Hutsenpiller) Linson, who are mentioned in the sketch of Benjamin Linson, deceased. Our subject married Martha P. Latham, on September 2, 1856. She was born November 21, 1831. After marriage he engaged in farming and stock-dealing At his father's death, he inherited 300 acres of land, to which he added until at the time of his death, June 6, 1875, he owned 710 acres. He was a man of limited education, but honest and industrious. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and for a long time served as trustee of Paint Township. His family consisted of seven children, of whom four survive, viz.: Gilbert B., Adda, Molly L. and George T.

CHARLES S. MAXEY, farmer, P. O. Loudon, was horn on the farm where he now resides, April :!. L856. His father, John T. Maxey, was born in Madison Count) November 10, L81 1, and died on the farm of his birth July 29, L867. He was a son of Stephen and Fannie (Troxel) Maxey, natives of Virginia. He married Charily Stan- a daughter of Abram and Mary Starr, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of South Carolina. By this union six children were boru, viz., Stephen \V., Mary 1.,

Elizabeth E., Laura. Charles S. and Pearl. The mother died in Madison County January 26, 1882. Stephen Maxey, the grandfather, of our subject, came from Virginia to Ohio at an early day, and located in Greene County, but after a short residence there, located in this county previous to 1814. Our subject grew up on the farm, receiving a common school education. From 1876 to 1881, ho engaged in teaching school, but since that time has devoted his time and attention exclusively to farming. In 1879, he married Susan Reed, of Madison County, by whom he has had one child, a daughter, born September 3, 1880. Mr. Maxey is a Republican in politics, and cast his first vote for G-arfield for President. He owns 156 acres of good land, on which he lives. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His father was prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, served the county for a term as County Commissioner, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church

DANIEL MULCAHY, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Limerick County, Ireland, August 15, 1829, and emigrated to America in 1852. He was a son of Daniel and Margaret Mulcahy, natives of Ireland, where the latter died. Oar subject, when twenty-three years of age, engaged in working on a farm as a" hand," and thus continued one year, at the expiration of which time he commenced working on the railroad. Three years later, he became a renter, and fifteen years after that he purchased 118 acres of land. where he now lives. He married Margaret Sullivan, August o. 1851, but has had no children. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. He is an industrious man, and stands well in the community.

ROBERT S. NEIL, P. O. London, a prominent farmer and stock-dealer of this township, was born at Columbus, Ohio, February 23, 1834. His father, Robert Neil, is a native of Clark County. Ky.. and formerly operated a stage line from Washington. D. O, to Lexington, Ky. He was President of the Little Miami Railroad for some time, and its principal executive officer for many years. Ho located at [Jrbana, Champaign County, Ohio, in 1811, and was tkere during the war of 1812. He removed to Kentucky, and subsequently to Columbus, Ohio, where he has since resided. He is probably the oldest living pioneer in thai city. He married Mary M. , daughter of the Rev. John Hoge, D. D., who preached the first Presbyterian sermon in the village of Franklinton (now Columbus), Ohio, and who officiated as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of that city Eorover fifty years. Mr. and Mrs. Neil were the parents of eight children, seven living, two in this county. Mr. Neil is still living, in his eighty-seventh year, his companion having departed this life. Our subject early attended the Ohio University, at Athens, and subsequently spent four years in the scientific department of Yale College. He returned from college in 1853, with the expectation of engaging in some manufacturing enterprise, but yielding to the solicitations of his mother, he abandoned that idea, and engaged in banking ashort time; subsequently entered the employ of the Little Miami Railroad. He remained in this company's employ for thirteen years, at the end of which period (1866), ho located on his present farm of 1,065 acres in this township, which his father had previously purchased. Since that time he has been mgaged in farming and stock-dealing, meeting with moderate success. In his political opinions, Mr. Neil is in sympathy with the Republican party, and since his residence in Paint Township he has served on e term as Township Trustee. He was united in marriage in October. 1864, to Parmelia, daughter of Joseph Sullivant, and a native of Columbus, Ohio. Of the three children born to them, two are living - David B. and Joseph S., both

NATHAN C. RICE, farmer, P. O. London, was born March 8, 1839, in Paint Township, near Newport. His father, Dr. Rice, was a slave-holder of Missouri, who came to Ohio over forty-five'years ago, married Amy Sayles, and returned to the South, where he died. Mrs. Rice, with Nathan, an infant, came North and made her home with her father, David Sayles. She died within a few years at Columbus. Nathan was raised by his grandmother until fourteen or fifteen years of age, when he went to Iowa and there engaged in farming for about five years. He then returned to his old home, where he resided until after marriage. On May 29, 1873, he married Sarah A. Hume, daughter of James S. and Rebecca (McMurray) Hume, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were married in Ohio, where they both came with their parents when quite young. Mr. Rice by his marriage had five children, viz. : Effie Belle, born June 17, 1874; Frederick Hume, born October 14, 1877; Nettie Cole, born December 22, 1878; Rebecca Maud, died May 0, 1881, aged three months; and an infant son, deceased. Two years after marriage, Mr. Rice became a tenant on bis uncle's farm, and in 1878 he purchased eighty-two acres of his present farm, which now consists of 106 acres. He is a farmer and stock-raiser, and in politics a Republican. He served his township two terms as Trustee. Mrs. Rice is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her grandfather, Hume, was an early settler of Paint Township, and owned 1,500 acres, where our subject now lives.

GEORGE SCHURR, P. O. Walnut Run, a prominent farmer in this township, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 31, 1823. His parents, Matthias and Christina (Heller) Schurr, were natives of Germany, and came to the United States in the spring of 1829. Mr. Schurr came to Madison County, and in company with his brother John purchased from 100 to 150 acres of land, but sold this soon after and removed to Columbus. A year after, he purchased a tract of land on "Possum Run,'* lying in Madison and Pickaway Counties, consisting of 100 acres. To this he subsequently added thirty acres more, and resided on that portion lying in Pickaway County until his death. His wife died in 1841 or 1842, and three children at the same time, the fatal disease being the flux and measles. There was a family of eight children born to them, our subject being the eldest and the only living survivor. Mr. S. married for his second wife Mrs. Catherine (Tipton) Gray, widow of Benjamin Gray. They were the parents of three or four children, only one now living - William, a farmer of "Washington County. Iowa. The subject of this notice was reared a "farmer's boy.*' and when quite young was sent to school. He soon learned to speak English quite fluently, only using the German language at home. He remained with his father until twenty-two years of age, and then hired out to do farm work in Madison County, and a short time in Illinois, until his marriage, which occurred December 28, 1849. Hiswife was Elizabeth Carter, a native of this county, and a daughter of -lames Carter and wife natives of Eastern Virginia or Pennsylvania, who located here in early times. Ten children have been sen! to bless this union, nine living Mary E., wife of Johi S. Bunch, a farmer of Range Township; John A., married Ida Stroup, and residing in London; William L. ; Charles, a farmer of Payette Ohio; -lames. Esther, George (a school-teacher), residences in Paint Township. He has been thrifty and enterprising all through life, and by such, methods has gained a good name and a comfortable competency. He is Republican in politics, and served a term of three yeai's as Justice of the Peace of this township. Mr. Schurr and wife are members of the Antioch Church of the Christian denomination in Pleasant Township, this county.

MARTIN SIFRIT, of the firm of Withrow & Sifrit, proprietors Nowport Tile Works, P. 0. Walnut Hun. was born in CJnion Township, this county, May 22, 1S52; he is a son of John Sifrit, a native of Union Township, who was a son of James Sifrit, native of Virginia, who came to this county at an early day. His father was reared in Union and Paint Townships, and now resides in Union Township, near the Midway & London pike Ho has been a farmer through life, and married Melissa Harper, a native of Clark County, where she was reared. They had three children - Charlotte, wife of a farmer of Hardin County, Ohio; our subject, and John, a farmer in this township. The mother died in L855, and Mr. Sifrit subsequently married Lucinda Norton, a resident of this county. They have one child, Melissa. Our subject was reared in Union Township, living there nearly all his life. He received a good common school education, farmed on his father's land, and was married, December L3, 1S71, to Permestia Webb, a native of this county. After mai*riage, he engaged in farming, remaining at it until the spring of 1882, and was also engaged in running a threshing machine for eight years. He was moderately successful in that and has boon very successful in his present business. He is Republican in politics and has been Road Supervisor. He has had five children, four living, viz.: Lula May, John M., Clark B.. and one infant son. Loo. deceased.

JAMES SIFRIT (deceased), was born in Virginia February 27, L796. He was a son of Andrew Sifrit, who came to Ross County, and two years later to Madison County, when our subject was ten years old, and located 200 acres of land on the Yankeetown pike, in Paint Township, probably in 1806. Ho was asoldier from Virginia in the Revolutionary war, and obtained a land grant Erom the Government. He lived there until his death, twenty-five or thirty years. Our subject was reared on the home farm, attending school a short time only. Ho stayed with his father until twenty-four or twenty-five years of ago, when ho married Elizabeth Higgins, who came from Virginia to Pennsylvania, and subsequently to this county, with her father, Martin Higgins. After his marriage, Mr. Sifrit engaged in farming on the homo farm and remained there six years. He then located in Union Township, renting land of Jacob Gibson, and stayed there six years. In L832, he came to his preseni farm, whore he bought 200 acres of land, and subsequently increased it to ->1 4 acres, lying on both sides of the pike. He lived hero the rest of his life. He was always a farmer, but for the last eight or ten years of his life was too old to work. He died April 1,1881. He was a Democrat until Harrison was elected, when ho turned Whig, aud then became a 1 Republican in after life, but he never held any office. He had six children, three living - Nathan; John, a farmer of Union Township; and Lavina. Nathan and his sister reside on the home farm. He is a Republican in politics, and was former lv a Whig.

JESSE ST ROUP, farmer. P. (). South Charleston, was born in this county in 1S28. His grandfather. John Stroup, was a native of Pennsylvania, and located in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1798. David Stroup, the father oE our subject, was born in Pennslyvania June 18, 1795, and was three years old when his parents came West In 1805, he moved to Madison Comity with his parents, and located on a farm. He died April 30. 1876, on the farm in Paint Township, that he had occupied for over half a century. He married Mary Kay. a daughter of Andrew and Mary Hay. old settlers of the county. She was born September 6, 1804, and died June 3<>. 1SM. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four survive, viz.: Jesse; Alfred, born August 11, 1833, married Charity Thompson, and has two sons and two daughters; Rebecca, married Seth McCollum, and has four children living - one dead; and William L.. married Helen King, who died four years after marriage, and in February. 1880, he married Ida Lemon, with whom he lives in Elk Falls. Kan. The deceased children are: Jacob, born November 24,1822, and died January 31. 1 S 7 1 » . married Phebe Dixon: Nancy, born June 4. 1824, married John Linson. and died January. lssi: David, born June 15, 1826, married Mary Cams, and died July 19, 1867; Mary Cr.. born February 27, 1830, married Thomas Gain, and died December 16, 1870; and Martha, born February *JT. 1835, and died August 01. 1839. In 1866, our subject married Lavina Woosley, daughter of Beujainin and Keturah (Hunt) Woosley. and by her has had four children, viz.: lveturah Woosley. born May 1. l^'iT: Mary Ellen, August 4, ls,»s: Rebecca Hunt, August 4, 1ST0: Emma L., born February 8, ls74: and Jessie B.. born March 20, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Stroup are members of the Methodist Church. He held the office of School Director for several terms. He has been successful in life, and now own- 668 acres of land in Madison and Clark Counties.

A. M. SFKBAFCtH. farmer. P. O. Cross Roads, was born in Kane County. 111., February 3. 1854, and is a son of David and Elizabeth (Shafer) Surbaugh, natives of West Virginia, where the former was born May IS. 1 ^*2 1 . and the latter January 14. 1822. They were married in West Virginia in 1Mb aud in 1853 moved to Kane County. 111. In 1860, they returned to inia, and in 1862 came to Ohio. In 1868, they mov.nl to Missouri, and in l^T"* settled in Madison County. Ohio. Our subject, when twentyears of a^o. commenced farming at $20 per month: then began for himself as a renter, and finally purchased the property where he now re- Oi\ May Is. '. s's. he married Amanda Linson. a daughter of Benjamin Linson (deceased), whose sketch appears in this work. By this union three children were born, two living, viz.: Ada May, born June 10, 1879; and Lena L.. born Jm 382. Mr. and Mrs. Surbaugh are members

URIAH THORNBURGH, wagon-maker. Newport. Thomas Thornburgh, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Tennessee. He came North and settled in Clinton County, from there moving to West Lancaster, and thence to this county in 1855. He was twice married, tir-t to K.'becca Mann, by whom he had two children. By his second wife he had - children. Our subject was born near Jamestown, Greei eC , O] \uj:ust 11. 1827, where he was reared and educated. On June 26, 1S-">1. he married Mary C^x. who was born in Randolph County. Ind.. February s.

. Mary Belle, born in 1866; Almira, born January lb 1870; Louella, born March 1 -" " married in March. 1875, and died at the age of twenty two years two months ami seven day-. The rest died young. Uriah, the father of our sub; - born in Tennessee, June IT. 1791, and married

Sarah Hiett, who came to this country when quite young and died Jun< 1815. He then married Sarah Hill, who was born August IT. 1793, and died March26, L835. He had the following children, Elizabeth, G. W., Qriab, Margaret, Sarah, and others thai r I i - >* 1 in infancy.

DAVID W. TWITCHELL, farmer, P. 0. South Charleston, was born Augusi 27, 1831. His father, Luther Twitchell, was born in Vermont in 1802. His grandmother, who was born in Vermont, is .--till living at an advanced age. Our subject grew upon the farm, receiving such education as his Labor and facilities permitted. He has been twice married Hisfirsl wife was Miss Catharine Coons, and by her had born to him two children. IJy his second wife, whose maiden nam*' was Julia Kennedy, ho had born to him five children, two sons and three daughters.

DAVID WATSON, farmer, P.O. London, was born on the farm where he now resides, June 2 1. 1830. Hr is a son of David Watson, whose sketch appears under the name of Stephen Watson, of London. Our subject, the ninth child of his father's family, and the youngest of bhe four survi was educated in the country schools and engaged with his father in working the farm. His father divided his property among his -children, and David, in addition to the share that fell to him, purchased the shares of some of the other children, and now owns 500 acres of the old home farm. He also owns 100 acres of prime land lying south of it. On March 16, 1871, he married Elizabeth Jones, a native of this county, where she was born September 11. 1840. She isadaughter of John C. and Sarah (Taylor) Jones, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Ohio. They had a family of ten children, of whom Mrs. Watson was the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have had three children, viz. : Roberl J., born January 23, 1872; Mary, born Ma\ 9, 1ST:!, and Louis... born November 5, 1878, Mr. Watson occupied the office of School Director for many year-, and in 1879 was elected a member of the Board of County Commissioners. He is a Republican, and. with his wife, is a member of the Methodisl Church. He is prominently identified with the banks of London, and a heavy stockholder of National Hank stock. He has given his attention principally to farming and dealing in stock, and is also concerned in several business enterprises abroad.

WASHINGTON WITHROW, P.O. Walnut Run, the oldest native resident of this township, was born in LTnion (now Paint) Township, this county. February 27, 1813. His grandfather, William Withrow, was a native of England, and upon coming to th- United State- located in Pennsylvania, where he resided till his death. One son, James, a native of that State, emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, in 1801, and live years later (1806), came to this county. He located 250 acres of land on Walnut Run, where he lived during life, and gained considerable property. He married Mary Stockton, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Robert Stockton. They were the parents of eight children, four now living, and all residents of Madison County. Mi'. Withrow died in August, I and his wife (who was born in 1778) in April, 1841. Both were buried on the home farm, the place now being a portion of the Paint Township Cemetery. Our subject was the sixth child and fourth son of their par* and was reared a "farmer - boy." At this time, schools were not as plentiful as at present, and the schooling then obtained consisted only of the three "R's" - "readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic." Mr. Withrow attended school whenever it was possible for him to be absent from the duties of the farm, but never after arriving at his fourteenth year. The death of his father in

L823, deprived the mother and family of a support, and the sons - three in number - stood up manfully, and although young in years, bore the farm burdens with fortitude. When the two elder were married, the duties of the farm devolved upon our subject. He supported his mother until her death, residing <~>n the home farm. When fifteen years of age, he had left home, and hired to work on a farm at $4 per month. He remained at this for two years, and subsequently bought 107 acres of good land. Being of an industrious and economical nature, he steadily increased his landed possessions until he once owned L,200 acres. He has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising, but of late years has somewhat retired from active labor. He was a Whig, subsequently a straight Republican, and can justly be termed a Prohibition- Republican. He served one term as County Commissioner, and is now one of the Township Trustees, having held the latter position for many years. In early life, he was a member of the " Washingtonians," and " Sons of Temperance," and when forty years of age, he became connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In this latter organization he is now serving as Trustee, Steward and Class-Leader of the Newport Church. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. No man is better known in Paint Township, and no family is better respected than that bearing the name of YVithrow. Mr. With row was united in marriage January 27, 1833, to Catherine, daughter of Martin and Catherine (Grillett) Trumain, and a native of New York. She accompanied her parents to this State wheu six years of age. Her father died in 1823, and her mother in her ninety-fourth year. Mr. and Mrs. Wi throw have been blessed with twelve children, seven of whom grew to man and womanhood, and live now reside in this county, viz.: Margaret (widow of Albert G. Rankin, and second wife of Isaac Kemp, a farmer of Union Township), William, James, John (married to Elizabeth Ross, and residing in Osage County, Kan.), Lucy (wife of James McDonald, a farmer of Deer Creek Township, in this county), David, and Fannie (wife of Richard Arsmtrong, of Oroya. 111.). Three of the above are more fully mentioned in the following: William Withrow, of Withrow & Sifrit. proprietors of the Newport Tile Works, and of Roland & Withrow, dealers in general merchandise, was born in this township August L840. He grew to mature years on the old homestead, and obtained a fair common school education. He remained with his father on the farm until October 3, 1861, when he married Mary J., daughter of Calvin Morris. After marriage, he went to Indiana, where he was engaged in farming and trailing for four years. He then came back to Paint Township, locating in a portion of the home farm, and four veal's later rented a farm, where he lived two years. In 1876, in company with a Mr. Durkef>, he built the Newport Tile Works. Soon after, Mr. Withrow bought Mr. Durkee's interest, and rented the works to the latter for a period of three years. He then operated them himself until the spring of 1882, when Martin Sifrit first became a full partner, the firm being now known as Withrow & Sifrit. In the winter of 1881-82. Mr. Withrow, with T. H. Roland, purchased the grocery stock of Charles Douglass, and in both these business operations, Mr. Withrow has been very successful. He is a member of the Sods of Temperance Lodge, of Newport, the Republican party, and has officiated as School Director. Himself and wife are the parents of five children - Allie (wife of Albert BueJ, a farmer of Union Township), J. Russell (a clerk in the store), Minnie, Wash ington and Fern. Mr. Withrow and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. James Withrow. farmer, stock raiser and dealer, resi- dence London, was born in Paint Township January 18, 1842. Like his brothers, he was reared amid rural scenes, obtaining only a common school education. He remained at home until July 22, L861, when ho enlisted in Company K, Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and was mustered out anon-commissioned officer, July 2 1 . L864, having served a three years' term. At the battle of Mission Ridge, be was severely wounded in the left arm, from the effect of which he has since suffered. After returning home, Mr. Withrow engaged with bis father in farming and stockraising for five years. He then purchased 100 acres of the home farm, where he has since been engaged in farming. He also raises and deals in live stock. In December, 1880, he removed his family to London, where he resides. He is Republican in politics, but has never been an active politician. He was married, October 2, 1865, to Clara, daughter of Gideon and Deborah (Kilgore) Peck, the former a native of Rosa County, Ohio, died in September, 1879, latter of Fayette County, Obio, now living in her sixty-seventh year. Mr. and Mrs. Withrow had three children born to then), two living - Addie and Sarah; Jennie is deceased. Mr. Withrow, wife and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. David M. Withrow. farmer and stock-raiser, on the Danville pike, was born on the Wash ington & Charleston pike, and has resided in Paint Township during his life. He grew to manhood on the home farm, and in early life attended the dis trict schools, and subsequently the National Normal University at Lebanon. Ohio. He is now residing on a portion of the old bomestead, and succeed ing admirably in life. Mr. Withrow is a Republican in politics. He was married in March, 1874, to Miss V. H. Ham, native of this county. Her grandfather, John Hatn, was a native of Maryland, and died in 1859. They have one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Withrow are members of the Meth odist Episcopal Church.

JAMES CLARK, farmer, P.O. London, was born in Anne Arundel County Md.,Augus1 L6, L826; he is the son of Henry and Mary (Collier) Clark. His mother dying when he was very young, he was taken in charge by an uncle. Henry J. Sothern. a resident of Guernsey County, Ohio, with whom he came to this county in L840, settling in Somerford Township. He was married February 2s. L861, to .Miss Martha .lane ! oster, and has a family of four children, viz.. Miranda, Kimball. Ada and Dellie.

DANIEL B. FOSTER, P.O. London, a well known farmer of this township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 7, L828. His grandfather, John Foster, was a native of Virginia, and came to Ross County, Obio, about tic commencement of the nineteenth century. One son. John Foster, Jr., was born in Ross County. Ohio. March I, 1802. He was there reared, and in L833 came to Madison County, locating on the of our subject, which then comprised 875 acres. He was an early sett. Oak Ran Township, a Whig, and su Republican, but never took an active part in politics. He was an hones! and industrious citizen, and departed this life November 19, L880. He married Eliza Bowyer, a native of Pike County, Ohio, and daughter of Daniel Bowyer .There were ten children born to tli"! ii eight now living. Mrs. Foster is still living.

Daniel B. was the eldest son. and was reared mostly in this county. He received a good common school education, and has resi I on his present farm through life. He has been engaged in agricultu pursuits during this time, also the raising of all kinds of stock, principally sheep. His land consists of 515 acres - in three farms. Mr. Foster is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years has been a Class Leader in the congregation that meets in " Foster's School house." He is also connected with Bradford Grange of Range Township, Sons of Temperance of Divison No. 4, and the Republican party. He has been twice married. His first union occurred January 22, 1852, when he was united to Miranda McClimans. Three children were born to them, two living - Bernard, and Jennie, wife of John Van Wagner, of London. Mrs. Foster died August 13, 1860, and Mr. F. married for his second wife Margaret Johnston, daughter of George Johnston, and born January 1, 1837. They have eight children - Jessie. Allie, Kemper L., E. Bruce, Eva, W. Irvin, Frank E. and Maud.