Morrow County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1880 (part 8 of 17)

JESSE S. HARKNESS, teacher, Bennington was born in Cheshire Co., N. H., July 27, 1813, and Sept. 21, 1841, married Cynthia H. Tabor, of Bedford, Canada East, who on the 14th day of Jan., 1818, was born in Addison Co., Vermont. In the fall of 1842 they arrived in that part of Marion Co., now included in Morrow, and for six ensuing months taught school together in the house of Samuel Peasley. In the spring of 1842 moved to Aden Benedict's house, teaching meanwhile iu the old brick church belonging to the Society of Friends, which stood near by. In 1844 they began the erection of the present college building, which was not completed and occupied until in 1845, when it was dedicated under the name of Hespermount Seminary. The school hrst opened in connection with the district school, and under the most favorable auspices, the scholars from the district attending, and the funds from the state beitig applied therefor, and one week was the longest vacation which occurred for twenty years, making an average of four terms per annum. In consequence of ill health, Mr. Harkness was forced to discontinue the school for five years, since which but three terms per annum have been held. For many years the average attendance was from 40 to 75 scholars, and the real maximum was an attendance of 109 scholars. It has been of inestimable value to the citizens in the immediate vicinity and surrounding country. The school will be treated in its appropriate place in the history of the township. It has been a source of profit to the originators. Being from New Hampshire, Mr. Harkness of course would have his marked New England proclivities, and very naturally turned his attention to the importation of the so-called Vermont fine sheep, and their introduction into Morrow Co., and to him is mainly due much of the improvement seen in the country in sheep husbandry. He was the first to introduce steam as a motor into Peru Tp., and which he for three years employed in the manufacture of spokes and hubs, for wagons and carriages. He also completed wagons and carriages for sale. Jesse S. Harkness has never had any children of his own, yet with true magnanimity, he has reared and educated many poor and indigent children, and in many cases has admitted such to the privileges of the seminary, free. The children thus cared for embrace all ages, from twenty months to thirteen years of age. And thus the advantages of home, parents. Christian training and education, have inured to these unfortunates through this individual instrumentality. He is a member of the Quaker Society, and a man of advanced ideas, but in educational matters, or matters of finance and sound political economy, he is somewhat radical. Hespermount Seminary lies about one mile south of the village of South Woodburg, and the Ashley and Marengo Road.

JONATHAN JENKENS, farmer and stockdealer, P. O., Ashley. Jonathan's father was Martin Jenkens, born in CulpeperCo., Va., in 1796." His wife, Mary M. Brown, was a native of the same countv, and born March 4, 1800. They were married in 1835. Their son Jonathan was born Oct. 19, 1842, in Delaware Co., Ohio. His wife, Josephine Salome G-rant, was born Feb. 13, 1852, in Delaware Co., Ohio. They have but one child - Horace Montfort Jenkens, born Sept. 8, 1874. By occupation Jonathan Jenkens is a farmer, stockdealer and shipper of the different stocks in the market - the oidy recognized dealer in the township who ships stock, and by his indefatigable energ}'-, and constant application to this business, he is known to all as an unselfish and accommodating business man. Mrs. Jenkens' parents were Horace Grant, Iiorn Aug. 25, 1820, and his wife, Delilah Dunham, a few years his junior.

SAMUEL LEVERING, farmer; P. O. Ashley; the grandfather of Samuel Levering was Griffith Levering, a ship carpenter in Philadelphia; his grandmother was Hannah

Griscom. His son, Thomas Levering, was born in Philadrlphia in 1781, and Thomas' wife, Rachel Ann iSchofield, was born in North Corolina, in 1798; their marriage occurred in December, 1814, after which they resided in Wasliington City, D. C, engaged in the grocery business. In 1833 Thomas came to Ohio, and located on lands purchased from Jacob Van Deventer (a still earlier pioneer), near the site of West Liberty. The same year Thomas purchased five quarter sections, whose titles bore the signature of General Andrew Jackson. In 1839 he again went east, locating in Cecil Co., Md., until 1847, when 1 e again came to Ohio. Thomas Levering had two sons, Griffith and Samuel. Griffith born Aug. 10, 1818; Samuel born Sept. 22, 1828, in the City of Brotherly Love. Samuel, the subject of this sketch, settled on what was known as the Joseph Keane farm, in 1850, and the next year made additional purchases. On the 20th of Nov., 1852, he married Miss Ada R. Hathaway, born Jan. 13, 1830, near Milan, Erie Co., Ohio. Samuel has the following children - Rachel Ella, Thomas Henry, a teacher in the Industrial Boarding School, Wyandotte Mission, Indian Territory; Mary Alice, Clara Maria, Laura Letitia, Susanna Matilda, Jennie Eva, Fanny Esther, Ralph Griffith and George Canby. Rachel Ella is the Principal in Alum Creek Academy. In 185G Samuel erected the stately family mansion he now occupies, he himself being a carpenter by trade. He is an extensive farmer and stock breeder, especially of fine Durham cattle and fine wooled sheep, the latter of which he handles in laige quantities. He has paid unusual attention to family education, several members of his family being graduates. He also, in connection with Dr. Townsend, has erected and put into successful operation Alum Creek Academy, which, however, will be treated of in the history of the township at large. He has bestowed great care and expense in beautifying his grounds and surroundings, rendering Sunny Slope, (the name of his home) one of the most attractive in the country. He is a devoted member of the Society of Friends, a church organization which has existed in his locality from the earliest settlement.

Eaton and Potter families. Ralph Longwell, his grandfather, a soldier of the war of 1812, emigrated from Kentucky shortly after the war. His grandfather, Joseph Eaton, (who was son of Isaac Eaton, who was son of David Eaton, who was son of John Eaton, who was son of Joseph Eaton, who was son of John Eaton, who came from Wales in 1686), was born in Newark, Delaware, Oct. 20, 1798; came to Ohio in the earlier settlement, and finally to Delaware Co., and on the 20th day of June 1824, was married to Ursula Potter, daughter of Asahel Potter, who came from Connecticut to Lancaster, Ohio, thence to Franklin Co., Ohio, and finally to Delaware Co., in 1821, dying at Leonardsburg, March

10, 1869, at the ripe old age of 93 years. His wile, Anne Benton, was a native of Litchfield, Conn. Doctor Albert Longwell was the son of Ralph Longwell; his wife, Cordelia G. Eaton, daughter of Joseph Eaton, was born June 12, 1836. Fernando (Jortez Eaton, brother of Mrs. Longwell, who was born April

11, 1830, was drowned at Stratford, in Delaware Co., June 17, 1851. Dr. Albert Longwell was a practicing physician in the city of Delaware, and during the civil war was appointed surgeon of the 88th Regt. O. V. I., and Post Surgeon at Camp Chase; he died after a very brief illness, on the 19th day of March, 1865, and in four days was followed by his devoted wife. Their marriage occurred Feb. 22, 1859. They had two children, viz : Charlie Eaton Longwell, born Nov. 23, 1860, and Harry Eaton Longwell, born April 3, 1862, who is the landlord of Fairview farm. Deprived of his cultured and intelligent parents, almost ere he had learned to lisp their names, he was doomed to meetjife's cares and responsibilities almost unaided and alone. He enters into the breeding and handling of horses and fine sheep, with an ability betokening a more advanced age. His attention is being directed to the handling of sheep as a farm stock, and to this every energy is being directed.

McDonald brothers, farmers; P. O., Ashley; the brothers, John F. and Charles S., are the sons of Lawrence McDonald, whose birth occurred Oct. 3, 1825, in County Carlo, Ireland; he was two years of age when he arrived in America, and for six years was a resident of New York State, and the remainder of liis life a resident of Ohio, locating where he now resides, in 18-i5. The 13th day of Oct., 1850, Phoebe A. Morehouse, who was born in Peru Tp., and whose birthday was Nov. 3, 1830, united her fortunes with Lawrence McDonald in marriage. In addition to these (the parents) the family consists of the followiug members, viz.: the brothers, John F., born July 7th, 1851, and Charles S., May 7th, 1853; Emma C, Feb. 1, 1855; Alice M., March 11, 1857; Clara T., Jan. 1, 1859; Rosa E., March 2"8, 18G1. The brothers, whose interests are thus identified, are farmers by pursuit, practical and energetic, and of that class who, by close and constant ajipiication to their profession, can confidently expect to thrive. Family education has been well maintained, and Clara T. and RosaE. are teachers of more than ordinary reputation and qualifications; the brothers naturally incline to the rearing of sheep and fine horses, and enjoy a location affording fine facilities for both departments of business, situated at the junction of two roads, on high, commanding grounds. Avondale (the name of his home) naturally blends with many pleasant surroundings.

MOREHOUSE BROTHERS, farmers; P. O., Asliley. In 1830, Stephen Morehouse, M'ho was born in Essex Co., N. J., left the scenes of the Revolutionary past, and came to Ohio. He had seven sons, and four daughters. The sons were - James, Caleb, Daniel, and Stephen Jr., Charles, William and Abraham. The daughters were - Maria, Eliza, Aliigail and Julia. Elizabeth Steinbeck joined hands with Stephen for better or worse, and was the mother of the eleven children above named. Ste;)hen's birth occurred in 1771, and his death in 1855. His wife, E^lizabeth, was born in 1775, and died in 18G8, being nearly ninety-four years old. Daniel Morehouse was born Sept. 2, 1799, in Essex Co., N. J., and came to Ohio in 1830. July 1, 1820, in the city of New York, he married Mary Force, who is the mother of the following children to wit: Albert, born July 10, 1821, died March 27, 1828. Sylvester F., born March 27, 1825. Catharine E., July 12, 1827. Isal)ella R., Aug. 23, 1829. Susan C, Dec. 3, 1S34. Alfred, Nov. 1, 1838. William F., Nov. 14, 1841. On the 18th day of February, Mary, the wife of Daniel Morehouse died, m her seventy-sixth year. Alfred Morehouse, born Nov. 1, 1838, married Margaret Chadwick, whose birth occurred June 23, 1836, and their marriage Aug. 6, 1858. The children are Estelle, born June 19, 1859, Daniel S., born March 1, 1801, and died Oct. 20, 18G5; Albert S., born Feb. 17, 18G9. Alfred Morehouse is a carpenter, but by present occupation is a farmer, and, like most farmers of eastern antecedents, strongly and devotedly attached to the rearing and management of horses, but deals in all the usual appointments of farm stock. Alfred Morehouse served two years in the war of the Rebellion. On the 13th day of August, 1862, was in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and was wounded Sept. 20, 1863, in the celebrated battle of Chickamauga, was disabled thereby, and discharged in consequence. The other brother, WUliam Francis Morehouse, was born Nov. 14, 1841, in Delaware Co., Ohio (now Morrow Co.,), and on the 16th day of April, 1863, married Mary Jane Riley, who was born Aug. 16, 1837. Their nuptials were celebrated by the Rev. Mr. Frye. William Francis has but one child, a son, Francis E., born ,Iune 1, 1876. William F. Morehouse is also a farmer, and general stock-raiser, with horses as a specialty. The brothers move much together in a business way, and both reside in the immediate vicinity, and contiguous to each other; they are the representatives of a once numerous, but now nearly extinct, family, as regards name.

MARCUS PHILLIPS, farmer; P. O. Pagetown. The parents of Marcus Phillips were Asa Phillips and Rhoda Hazleton, both of Essex Co., Mass. Marcus Phillips, Esq. was born in Windham Co., Vt., January 16, 1806; in 1817 Marcus' parents settled in Erie Co., N. y. Marcus is one of a family of nine children, consisting of four sons and five daughters. In 1832, the 11th day of October, Marcus married Asenath Herrick, of Ontario Co., N. Y.; and in April, 1834, removed to Medina Co., Ohio. The following children were born: Alvan C. Phillips, born February 14, 1836; Joseph H., Nov. 30, 1837; Mary Emma and Mary Etta (twins) Jan. 4, 1842. Sept. 26, 1846, Mrs. Asenath Phillips died; and on the 29th day of Dec. 1847, Marcus again married. His wife (Miss Fidelia Potter) was descended from one of the earliest pioneer families and was born May

12, 1818, in Franklin Co., Ohio. By the second marriage there were born Francis Preston Phillips, March 18, 1850; and Charles Sumner Phillips, April 15, 185G. In 1837, Squire Phillips settled in Peru Tp.; although a farmer by profession, he has held the office of Commissioner for three terms, of Magisti'ate for twelve years, and Notary Public for nearly nine years; has been a member of the M. E. Church for four years and of the Wesleyan Metliodist Church for thirtytwo years, and Recording Steward of the same for thirty years. As early as 1828, Marcus came to Columbus, and remained for some time, with Doctor Horton Howard of that place, after which he returned to the State of New York. Now in his 75th year he is again removing and purposes locating in Bennmgton Tp., in the same county.

STEPHEN F. RANDOLPH, farmer; P. O., Ashley. James F. Randolph, Stephen's father, was born at Rahway, N. J., and married Catharine Baker, in 1794, and in 1818 came to Ohio. He had a family of nine children; six sons and three daughters. Cornelius, the eldest son, was born in New Jersey, Susan, Rebecca, Nathan; Mahala, the third daughter, died at the age of 33 years; a lady of unusual attainments; Stephen F., born 1809; James F., a prominent physician, having practiced in the same locality for forty years, is still hale and vigorous; John F., now of Missouri; Gen. Hiram F., now of Iowa. He was a Major of militia prior to the Rebellion, and^a Brigadier-General in the civil war.

In 1841 Stephen F. married Charity Brown, by whom he has one daughter living, viz.: Mary Catharine. In 1848, Charity, his first wife died. In 1851 Stephen F. again married, his wife being Elizabeth Freeman; four sons are the result of this marriage, viz.: William, Dayton, Dwight and Clarke. In many enterprises Stephen has taken an unselfish and prominent stand. As early as 1836 he purchased a fine thorough-bred of the bovine race, in the city of New York and brought him to Ohio; and to him is due the first attempt at the improvement of the stock of the country. In 1839 and 1840 he, in company with his brothers ^ohn F., Hiram F. and Geo. Taylor, erected a fin*^ merchant and custom flouring-mill in P-jru

Tp. The whole business soon passed into the hands of Stephen F., and so remained until the destruction of the proj^erty by incendiaries, the night of Sept. 17, 1874. The mill, with 11000 worth of grain, fell a prey to the devouring element. Mr. Randolph is by nature a public man, and always has been since the days of his youth, when, as a stonecutter he was known for ten years as a close and attentive mechanic and business man. He figures in the Township History, which will be noted in its proper connection. His farm is called the Sulphur Spring Farm.

JOSEPH D. RILEY, farmer; P. O., Ashley. This gentleman's genealogy runs thus: Dr. Joseph Riley (the first) was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Jan. 30, 1782; and his wife, Mary Smith, was born in the same county and state, May 20, 1782. Their nuptials were celebrated Oct. 18, 1806, and, in 1814, they emigrated to Ohio. The family was one of those hardy pioneer families, and consisted of, besides parents, Elizabeth, born Sept. 24, 1807; Mary Jane, Jan. 26, 1810; William Smith, May 28, 3814. The foregoing were born in Pennsylvania: Ezra, born Sept. 22, 1816; Henry, June 1, 1819; Joseph D., (second) Jan. 5, 1822; Alexander, the youngest son, deceased. Again, on the 3d day of October, 1833, William Smith Riley married Eleanor Welch, daughter of Dr. David Welch, and his family chronology stands thus: Mary Jane, born Aug. 16, 1837; Elizabeth, Aug. 23, 1840; Louisa, Nov. 7, 1842; William" A., May 16, 1845; Joseph D., (third) June 23, 1848; Mattie E., Feb. 9, 1851; Rose T., June 16, 1854; again,on the 28th day of May, 1872, Joseph D. Riley (third) married Almaretta Welch, whose birthday occurred May 28, 1854. He is the third who bears the name in a tribal history commencing long prior to the adoption of the Constitution of the United States; yet he has none of his own to bear his name; he does have the attributes of his race which will still hand his name on down through the unborn ages. Like a trueborn Cincinnatus, he stepped between the handles of the plow and dubbed himself a farmer; he has also taken upon himself the role of a stock raiser, and stands, high above the average in raising good horses and sheep of a fine quality. He occupies the ancient homestead of Joseph (first), and from his doorstep reins the stately Percheron, in strange contrast with the sorrels of his forelathers. Honest in his intentions, modern in his views, unexcited by outside issues, he takes steady and constant steps on the higliway to progress, hard by the stream, where, in childhood years (like Webster), he was wont to play.

JOSEPH RILEY, Jr., farmer; P. O., Ashley ; is the son of Dr. Joseph Riley, who was born in Bucks Co., Penn., Jan. 30, 1873, and Oct. 18, 180(J, married Mary Smith, who was born in Northumberland Co., in the town of Milton, May 30, 1782. In 1814 Dr. Riley removed to Ohio. Joseph Riley Jr., was born Jan . 5, 1822, in Marion Co., Ohio, and Sept, 1, 1853, married Lucy L. Slawson, who was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., in 1834. The children by this marriage are - George H., born Oct. 1, 1854; Mary A., March 28, 185G; Arthur, Dec. 13, 1857; March 2G, 1859. Mrs. Lucy L. Riley died, and Oct. 4, 18(33, Mr. Riley married Eveline C. Johnson, who was born Aug. 4, 1833, in Highland Co., Va, Her father was Adam Johnson; her mother's maiden name was Sarah Haslett. Both were natives of Highland Co., Va., and came to Porter Tp., Delaware Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1833. The children by the last marriage are - Elva S., born Aug. 14, 1864; Elmer Edson, Sept. 21, 1866; Lulie Josephine, Dec. 22, 1872; Joseph Riley, the landlord of Hillsdale farm, is a farmer by pursuit; a carpenter by trade. Upon settling upon Hillsdale he entered largely into sheep husbandry, and in the management of sheep and swine. He displays both skill and energy. Sometime since he turned his attention vigorously toward fruit culture, and is pushing this department with a determination sure to bring success. Hillsdale is one of the pioneer farms, and was occupied by Asahel Potter in 1821, being one of the first settled on the Eaton Section. Hillsdale is 4 miles from Ashley, on the Worthington and New Haven road.

LEWIS D. SHERWOOD, farmer; P. O., Ashley; is the son of David and Margaret Sherwood. David was born October 27, 1802, in Smyth Co., Va., and died Jan., 1873, and his wife, died July, 1876, in Delaware Co., Ohio. Oct. 22, 1828, Lewis D. Sherwood was born, and in the following year (1829) his parents removed to Ohio. In 1851, June 5, Lewis married Laura J. Ashbrook, born Octol)er 23, 1832. August 18th, 1857, his daughter, Lucy A. Sherwood, now the wife of Wellington M. Shoemaker, was born; she alone being the only representative of Mr. Sherwood's family union. By occupation Lewis D. Slierwood is a farmer, tidy and economicual in all his operations, and consequently gives evidence of thrift in all his surroundings; naturally of a high social order, he of course is one of that class that ever constitutes the basis of good society.

FRANCIS E. WHIPPLE, farmer; P. O., Ashley; has this line of descent: commencing with Reuben Whipple, who was born Nov. 5, 1774, and Sallie Cooper, his wife, born Aug. 12, 1777, both of Providence Co., R. I. The former died June 15, 1854, and the latter Dec. 5, 1862; their son Noah, of same nativity, born July 7, 1811, and Margaret Ann (Elliott) Whipple, born Jan. 19, 1813, are the parents of Francis E. They were married Feb. 21, 1833, and had the following children, viz: Edwin A., born Dec. 19, 1833, who married Mary Chadwick in Oct., 1856; Rachel A., born Oct. 6, 1838, and married George W. White, Dec. 3, 1856; she died Oct. 11, 1874; PhffibeS., born April 29, 1841, and married Charles Kohler, Dec. 20, 1866; Mary E., born Feb. 22, 1845, and married John B. Wallace, Nov. 15, 1866; Albert Reuben, born Nov. 12, 1847, and died March 20,1851; James C, born Jan. 28, 1850, and married Jennette Dodge, Sept. 25, 1873; Francis E., born Nov. 6, 1853, and Flora J., who was born Jan. 6, 1858. The father of these children settled with his people on Alum Creek, in 1818; his wife's parents, Archibald and Phoebe (Jameson) Elliott, were natives of Virginia; the former was born in Greenbrier Co., Nov. 27, 1771, and the latter in Rockbridge Co., Feb. 27, 1782, and were married March 11, 1802; they came to Franklin Co., Ohio, and in 1826 to Delaware Co. The father died May 14, 1843, and the mother. May 14, 1858. The home of the Whipple family is appropriately called the "Alum Creek Farm." Francis, like his ancestry, is an agriculturalist, and deals largely in stock, cattle taking the lead; at present, however, sheep, and especially those of a finer quality, receives a great share of bis attention. He, like his forefathers, is of

WILLIAM WESTBROOK, farmer; P. O., Bennintrton; born June 12, 1831, in Bloomfield Tp.,Knox Co., Ohio; is oneof those fanners and stock-dealers whose energy and industry have placed him in easy and comfortable circumstances. The 4th day of July, 1852, he married Miss Emeline Wiseman, who was born Oct. 8, 1833. The children of this marriage are - Vanda, born July 6, 1854; Frank, Dec. 23, 1855; Albert, Jan. 13, 1858; William H., Jan. 28, 18G0; James C, born Jan. 17, 1863, and died March 13, 1868; Laura D., born Sept. 27, 1865, the same year in which James C died. Mrs. Emeline Westbrook died July 27, 1868. Dec. 19, 1873, William Westbrook married Rosa Besse for his second wife, and 1874 their first child, Berton Westbrook, was born. He is earnestly devoted to stock-raising, more especially horses and sheep; William Westbrook has made marked improvement in stock, more especially sheep, and like his brother Lafayette, though some may outrival him in numbers, few will excel him in quality. It is now twenty- four years since Mr. Westbrook came to the farm where he now resides. He having in the meantime purchased, and now owns the farm on which that remarkable prodigy, the double babes were born, whose history, though brief, was world-wide.

SAMUEL WAUGH, farmer; P. O., Ashley; Samuel Waugh was born in Scotland, but came to America about 1800. His wife, Nancy Douglass, daughter of Lord Douglass, was born in Scotland, joined Samuel in America, and they were married shortly after her arrival. Samuel took his nativity in Cumberland Co., Pa. Sarah Davidson, his wife, was a native of the same county. They were married in 1827. His son, Samuel, is the subject of this biography; born August 28, 1828, in Cumberland Co., Pa. His wife, Elizabeth Laughrey, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1840. Their marriage took place Feb. 11, 1858. Samuel's parents died as follows: His father, Saturday, May 21, 1836; his mother, May 15, 1840. Mr. Waugh has had the following children, to-wit: Sarah Ann, born Nov. 6, 1858, and died Nov. 2, 1863; Mary Avonia, also deceased; William Erastus, born Jan. 9, 1862; Samuel Charles, March 27, 1866;

Elizabeth Viola, Dec. 24, 1868; Nancy Rosella, Jan. 27, 1875. By occupation Samuel Waugh is a farmer - is engaged in horticulture and sheep husbandry, with thirty acres in an orchard. He has taxed every region for varieties, and qualities of fruit, determined to make this department complete in its way, and profitable in its results; he has left nothing undone, and can, to-day, boast of having the leading orchard in the township, if not in the county. In sheep husbandry he is careful, attentive, and eminently successful. He is truly a Pennsylvanian - hospitable, and of proverbial integrity.

LAFAYETTE WESTBROOK, farmer; P. O., Ashley ; son of Solomon and Mar then a (Crawford) . Westbrook. The former was born in the State of New York Feb. 3, 1798, and died June 11, 1872. His wife was born in the Empire State, March 20, 1792, and died Jan. 1, 1879. In Johnstown, Licking Co., O., April 17, 1822, they were married. He became a citizen of Peru Tp. in 1840. His family was Mary Ann, Anne, Lafayette, William, Jane, and Dr. Albert E. Westbrook, now of Ashley. Lafayette Westbrook was born July 28, 1829, in Johnstown, Licking Co., Ohio; he moved to Morrow Co. in 1840; in 1849, he married Miss Harriet Hubbell, a sister of the Hon. J. R. Hubbell, who was born Oct. 29, 1829, and who met an untimely death May 1, 1868. His children are - Rosedell, born Oct. 24, 1849, now dead; Kate, born Dec. 17, 1851; Orville, March 10, 1854; Mary R., July 14, 1857; Flora E., March 3, 1860; Shadrach, Nov. 22, 1862, and Pruda, Dec. 17, 1867. Nov. the 26th, 1868, Lafayette was again married to Phebe Randolph, born Oct. 2, 1839, the daughter of Nathan and Sarah Ann Randolph. From this union, he has one child, Minnie E., born June 27, 1870. The vicissitudes of his life have been varied; at 14 years of age, he was apprenticed to a tailor and served 3 years; and then learned the wagon-making business. He has played the role of hotel keeper, also, and at last settled down as a farmer, delighting in good horses and fine-wooled sheep, occupying one of the oldest establishments in the township, the Randolph Farm. With him life has had many fitful changes, but withal he has made it a success.

South Bloomfield Townsttip

JOHN D. AUSTEN, farmer; P. O., Bloomfield; was born in Kent Co., England, Oct. ^7, 1815; he came to the United States in 1S2S, and worked twelve years in a mill, thus thoroughly learning the trade. In 18-11 he was united in marriage to Martha Cooper, and by her had a family of three children - Elizabeth, horn March, 1842; William, Nov., 1843, and Marsha A., born Aug., 1845. His first wife died in 184G, and in Jan.,1847, he was married to Lucretia Glaze, who lived but about six weeks, dying Feb., 1847; Jan. 7, 1849, he married Mary Jane Thompson, and has by her a family of three children - Martha L., born Aug., 1850; Amanda A., Sept. 1853, and Ben Dean, Aug., 185G. Mr. Austen's daughter, Elizabeth, married J. C. White; she has a family of two boys, and lives in Bennington Tp.; William married Elizabeth Dunkinson, and has two children, and lives in South Bloomfield Tp. ; Martha is unmarried and lives at home; Ben Dean is unmarried, and at present is assistant agent of the B. & O. K. R. at Frederickton. Mr. Austen and family own fifty acres of land, all well improved. He is a Democrat, but was formerly a Whig; he is a member of the Disciple Church, at Mt. Liberty. His father and mother are William A. and Charlotte (Dean) Austen, who had a family of three boys and three girls - John Dean, Sarah, Sophia, Elizabeth, William and Henry. Sophia and Henry are married; the former lives in Illinois, and the latter in Kansas. Mr. Austen, though a miller by trade, is at present a farmer.

JOHN BLINN, farmer; P. O., Sparta; was born in South Bloomfield Tp., Dec. 10, 1820; his parents, Roger and Polly (Beard) Blinn, were among the first settlers in the township, locating there in 1817; the father died in 1827, aged 45, and the mother in 1878, aged 78. The Blinn's are of French descent. Mr. Blinn's grandmother on his mother's side was a Porter, and was a relative of Commodore Porter, of national reputation. Roger Blinn was a sailor until he came to Ohio, when he began to farm. He suggested the name of Bloomfield when the township was organized and named. John Blinn spent his youth on his father's farm; he was the first professional cabinet-maker in Sparta, having learned that trade when a young man. He was married to Mary Chase, Oct. 28, 1848, and has a family of six children, all of whom are living - Elmer P., born Jan. 12, 1850; Wclford' C, Feb. 2, 1852; Robert C, Nov. 18, 1853; John C, Oct. 7, 1855; Anna M., Oct. 24, 18G5, and Ray S., June 23, 1870. Elmer is a homoepathic physician, and practices in Marysville, Ohio; Welford C. is at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is one of the best grainers and sign writers in the state; Robert C. is a prominent wool grower in Texas. The other children of this family are at home. Roger Blinn had a family of five children - John, Henry, Clarissa, Elizabeth and Roger; all are living, except Henry, who died in California. Mr. Blinn is a Prohibitionist; is also one of the covenant members of the Advent Church at Sparta. He is one of the most prominent and influential men in the township.

WILBUR F. BARR, stock-raiser; P. O., Bloomfield. John S. and Eliza (Clark) Barr were united in marriage in 1821, to whom was born four childien - Wesley C, Philena M., Wilber F. and Sylvia S. The oldest son is a farmer and married; the two daughters are single and living at home with their parents. Wilbur F. was born in South Bloomfield Tp., Sept. 12, 1840, his youth was spent attending the district schools and assisting in clearing up the place; afterward he worked for his father until he was 27 years old; he was then married to Mary A., daughter of George and Susannah (Tucker) Wolfe. Roswell Clark, the grandfather of Wilber, deeded him forty acres of land with the understanding that Wilber was to pay three per cent, interest on its valuation (S1200) as long as Roswell lived. In 1871 as Roswell thought he would not live long he was asked what he would take for a receipt in full for the land; he said |200, which was aa;reed to; but the other heirs of Roswell not liking the bargain, it was afterward annulled. After the death of Roswell's wife, this property fell to Wilber's mother, and she finally gave it to him. Thus it was he got his first land. He has added 140 acres to this by purchase, and his wife at her marriage received from her father 100 acres more; thus the family own about 300 acres of land. Wilber Barr is a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bloomfield. In 1862 he enlisted in Company "C," 96th Regiment O. V. I., and was with it until he was mustered out of service. At diiferent times he served in the capacity of fifer and bugler. He took the typhoid fever, and as he was recovering was taken with a relapse and became very low; through the kindness and sympathy of Dr. Newlin he recovered; he was sent north by Dr. N., and by help of alcholic stimulants reached home alive, and with the care of his friends there recovered; he was mustered out of service in 1864. Mr. Barr's present occupation is stock-raising, dealing in sheep, cattle and hogs almost exclusively; he has a family of three children - George A., born Oct. 15, 1868, Orie Clio, Aug. 29, 1870 and John A., July 21, 1874. During the war Mr. Barr went west to Missouri to see his brother, Wesley; when the train he was on reached St. Charles he took a lay off, which act saved his life; for when the train loaded with passengers reached Centralia it was attacked by Anderson's guerrillas and every soul butchered.

WILLIAM BUTLER, farmer; P. O., Sparta; was born in Washington Co., Md., Jan. 27, 1819; his parents, Eleazar and Mary (Easterday) Butler, had five children - William, Sarah A., Samuel, and two that died in infancy. William lived with his mother until he was 26 years old; his father died in 1825; but his mother was afterward married to Abraham C. Harris. When in his 26th year he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Burkholder; they have three sons and one daughter - John E., Mary E., George W. and Henry E. John was born in July, 1846, and in March, 1868, was married to Mary Evarts; Mary way born May, 1850, and in November, 1879, married Alfred Scarborough; George was born October, 1853, and in Febuary, 1880, married Augusta V., daughter of William Speck; Henry E. was born September, 1855, he is yet single. Mr. Butler came to South Bloomfield Tp. in 1833, and although not among the earliest settlers, he can recall the merry times at the old-fashioned " log-rollings" and " corn huskings." He remembers vividly that the woods were filled with deer, wolves, and wild turkey, when he came into this township in 1833. His life has been one of hard labor; he has sixty-three acres of good land, near Sparta, upon which he resides. He is a Democrat; his wife is a member of the M. E. Church. Himself and family are highly respected in the neighborhood.

COL. ALBERT H. BROWN, farmer, P. O. Bloomfield; a native of New Hampshire, and was born in 1825. His parents, John and May (Wood) Brown, had a family of seven children - John H., Mary, Harriet, Abigail, Albert, James and Charles W. The father was born in 1796, and was a soldier in the war of 1812; he served as a substitute for a Tory during a portion of the war; he came to Worthington, Ohio, in 1840, and died at Fox Lake, Ind., 1853. When Albert was 9 years old, he secured a situation as bobbin boy in Plunkett's cotton factory in Mass.; for six years he worked in diiferent factories in that State and New York; raising to the position of head spinner. In 1840 he came with his father to Ohio, and immediately went to Columbus, where he remained three years, learning the carpenter and joiner's trade. In 1852 he was appointed post master at Marion by Franklin Pierce; in 1848 he married Ann, daughter of John Elder, and by her had four children: Harriet, born in 1849, Jennett, 1851, Edwin, 1855, and Jennie in 1858. His first wife having died during the war, he was married in 1866 to Sally Jane Lyon, and by her has three children; Elva, born in Nov. 1868, Annie, June, 1870, and Alice H., Aug., 1872. Col. Brown served in the Mexican War in the 3rd Ohio Reg., and commanded by Col. S. R. Curtis. In May, 1847, he was mustered out, when he came home and worked at his trade until he was married; when the Civil War broke out he raised a company of 74 men and on the 22d of April, 1861, was ordered to report at Camp Chase and was then assigned to the 4th Ohio Reg., commanded by Col. Andrews. During the early part of the war he served as Provost Marshal for Generals Kelley, Lander, and Shields. He resigned and came home on account of the sickness of his wife, but soon after her death he re-enlisted and was mustered in as Lieut-Colonel of the OOth Ohio Regiment. At the death of Col. Vance, he took command of the Regiment and led it in every engagement. At the close of the war he was mustered out, and has since farmed in South Bloomfield Tp.; he has served two terms in the Lower House of the Ohio State Legislature. Col. Brown is a Republican, and himself and family are members of Methodist Church in Bloomfield.

BUSHROD D. BUXTON, M. D.; Sparta; was born May 19, 1849; his father, during life, had three wives, the first being Betsey R., who bore him eight children, six boys and two girls - Harry S., born in 1819; Major H., in 1821; Blancher R., in 1824; Victoria, in 1826; Oscar, in 1828; Daniel S., in 1831; Betsey, in 1834; Rufus B., in 1837. The fathers' first wife dying, he was married to Margaret Cambridge, March 27, 1846, and by her liad a family of four children - the first child died in infancy; Bushrod D., Charles B., born Nov. 6, 1850; Harry J., Jan. 13, 1856. His second wife died April 4, 1856; he was married the third time to Catharine Wisman, and by her had one child - Rufus, born July 21, 1864. Of this family of thirteen children, four are dead - Blancher, Harry, Rufus, who, in the night, Avas struck by lightning, while in camp at Vicksburg, Miss., and one that died in infancy. Dr. Buxton passed his early years on his fathers' farm; when he became 16, he attended Dennison University at Granville, Ohio, two years, after which he returned to Alexandria and read medicine under Doctor Stimpson and Williams one year and a half; he also read with Doctor Samson, of Newark, a year and a half. Having read steadily for three years, he attended several courses of lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, and in October, 1871, located at Sparta. He practiced for a short time at Pataskala, and also at Olive Green, but has since been at Sparta. July 24, 1872, he was married to Clara E. Chase, and has one child - Floy, born May 5, 1873. Dr. Buxton is a Republican, and is a member of the Methodist Church; he is well posted in his profession and has a comfortable practice.

WESLEY CLARK BARR, A. M. B. L., Bloomfield; was born in South Bloomfield Tp., in 1834; his early years were passed on his father's farm; he attended district school until 17, and then, having obtained a certificate, taught his first term at "Rich Hill;" he received $50 for the term of three months; in

1852, he attended the Ohio Weslevan University, at Delaware, and the following winter, 1852 - 3, taught school on Clark street, near home; while teaching he kept up his studies, and returned to College in the summer of

1853, passing up the winter's studies, and in the fall was taken sick with lung feA'er atid had to be taken home; he continued to teach during the winter, having one of the most systematic schools in the county. In the autumn of 1857, he again returned to Delaware, and contiued there until he graduated, in 1861; he would teach during summer vacations, to get means to support him the following year, year. These schools were select, and at one time Mr. Barr had for pupils twenty teachers. This was an excellent school. In the fall of 1861, he went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and entered the law department of the Michigan University, and at the expiration of two years received the degree of B. L.; in July, 1863, he journeyed west to Missouri, stopping at Macon; Missouri at that time was wild with war and secession, but the intrepid Wesley "hung out his shingle" and began the practice of law. Not proving a very lucrative business at that time, in the spring of 1864 he began teaching a select school in the M. E. Church at Macon; at this time he was also connected with a paper as associate editor, the paper being called " The Macon Argus;" Thomas Proctor, of Iron ton, Ohio, was editor-in-chiel; his wife was his assistant in the school, and both had 125 scholars, and received ^1.50 from each for the term; he taught two terms and was then made one of the militia - men raised to prevent Price from coming north to Macon with his army. In the fall of 1864 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, and served in that capacity four years. He had an extensive business, sending eighty-nine men to the penitentiary - one for murder. He was the first man to introduce colored testimony in the courts. After reaching Missouri, ho organized the first Union League, in Northern Missouri. He began as Circuit Attorney, January, 1865. He was appointed District Clerk in 1869, and served for one year; after this he served two years as Road Commissioner, and Deputy Surveyor of Macon Co. In the spring of 1873 he moved with his family to Unionville, Putnam Co., Mo.; here he became one of the proprietors and owners of a newspaper, entitled the " Putnam Ledger." In July, 1874:, he returned to Ohio, and ever since has been farming his father's place. He teaches his home school every winter, and receives higher wages than any other country teacher in the county. On the 11th of June, 1863, Mr. Barr married the daughter of "William and Cordelia (Maley) Harris, and by her has the following children: Ella Lena, born Sept. 9, 1865; Mary Cordelia, born July 13, 1868; Roy Walter, born Dec. 1, 1875; John, who died in his infancy, and Wesley Clay, born Aug. 3, 1878. Mrs. .Barr was with her husband in the West; she taught five years at Macon, taking the same" class each successive year, and graduating them at last. Mrs. Barr received her education at the Utica Union School. It is needless to say that Mr. Barr is one of the most influential men in the township.

WILLIAM RILEY COILE, P. O. Sparta; Reuben Coile and Margaret Prosser were married Feb. 13, 1845. The former is a son of Abraham and Mary (Filchmyer) Coile, and was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., April 15, 1823; the latter is the daughter of William and Ann (Jones) Prosser, and was born Oct. 4, 1832; to this union w^as born the following family : Alonzo B., born March 8, 1846; Alfred S., Dec. 25, 1848; Thomas M., Jan. 28, 1850; Leroy, Oct. 17, 1851; Lycurgus D., May 21, 1853; Mary A., Oct. 1, 1855; William Riley, June 13, 1858; Lucelia R. Jan. 11, 1860; Joanna A., Feb. 5, 1862; Daniel E., April 1, 1864, and Reuben E., March 28, 1867. The oldest three are dead; Alfred was killed by a boiler explosion in a steam sawmill in Marion Co., in 1869; Leroy married Emma R. Emmerson; Lycurgus, Anna James; Lucelia, Thomas James, and Mary, Judson Smothers, the former three living in

South Bloomfield Tp., and the latter in Bennington Tp. Reuben Coile, Sr., now owns 40 acres of good land, near what is known as "Red Hill." The Codes are old and prominent citizens, having lived in the township for thirty-five years; they are members of the United Brethren Church. Their son William, or Riley as he is more familiarly known, is an enterprising young man, full of push and pluck, and will make life a fine success. He is at present working for W. C. Barr, near Bloomfield village.

MRS. ELIZABETH COE, farmer; P. O., Sparta; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., April 2, 1826; her parents were John E. and Mary Ann (Johnson) Ebersol, the former being born June 10, 1785, and the latter, Sept. 23, 1803. To these parents was born a family of three children - Elizabeth, Matilda E. and Rebecca. Matilda married Wm. Ebersol, but had no family; Rebecca married David Btuder, and had a family of five children, three of whom are yet living; the parents are both dead, the father dying in 1874, the mother in 1834. The family came into Knox Co., Ohio, in 1826, when Elizabeth was but a few months old; she passed her early years at school, but as her mother died when Elizabeth was but 8 years old, and as her father never married again-, all the cares and duties of the household fell upon the shoulders of this small girl. She was united in marriage Sept. 7, 1854, to Edward J. Coe, a native of England, and by him had a family of three children - Edward, born July 21, 1855; Albert, Feb. 3, 1857, and Elbridge, Sept. 4, 1861. Edward married Viola Roberts, but has no family; he is a farmer and lives in South Bloomfield Tp. The other boys are with their mother on the farm. Mrs. Coe's father was married twice, the first wife being Lavina Dutcher, by whom he had five children. When her mother died Elizabeth had to keep house for all this large family. When her husband died from the effects of apoplectic strokes, the care of her own family devolved upon her; her life has been one unceasing round of care and toil. She is a Methodist, while her sons are Universalists. Herself and sons own 85 acres of land.

Cindrella (Struble) Chipps, who came to Ohio from New Jersey in December, 1838. Wesley remained with his parents on the farm until he was IS years old, when he began business for himself; he worked two sunnners on a farm, going to school during the fall and winter, until the winters of 1866 and 1867, when he taught his first term of school. The following summer he canvassed for a map in Delaware Co.; he then went to school in the fall, and during the succeediag winter taught again. In 1868 he was employed as clerk in a drug store at Lima, Ohio, but taught the following winter. He worked on the farm at home during the years of 1869 and 1870; shortly after this he went to Mt. Vernon and clerked in a drug store, and on the 5th of March, 1872, started a drug store in Sparta, where he remained until March 31, 1875. On the 18th of March, 1872, he was united in marriage to Estella Newcomb, a daughter of Stephen L. and Meradah (Ink) Newcomb, and by her had one daughter - Oral M., born, Aug. 3, 1873. On the 16th of December, 1879, his wife died from spinal disease. His daughter. Oral, lives Avith her grandfather Newcomb, near Chesterville. In March, 1875, Mr. Chipps moved to Pulaskiville, where he clerked until October of the same year; he then began a partnership business at Sparta with Henry Hulse, under the firm name of Chipps & Hulse, and has continued there ever since. Chipps & Hulse purchased the store of W. C. Harris, which consisted of a general stock of dry goods, hats, caps, groceries, hardware, etc., invoicing between §3,000 and $4,000. The stock at present consists of dry goods, notions, hats, caps, boots and shoes, queensware, groceries, etc. They keep constantly on hand a stock of from §4,000 to 86,000 worth, and during the year their sales amount to $12,000; they do the largest business of any house in Sparta. They are centrally situated, and Mr. Chipps is the present Post Master at Sparta. Mr. Chipps, though a young man, is universally known and respected by the citizens in the southern part of the county; he started with scarcely a dollar, but by industry, economy and sterling honesty, has acquired considerable property, and, what is better still, a name without stain or blemish.

BEVERLY W. CHASE, farmer and stockraiser; P. O., Sjiarta; was born in South Bloomfield Tp., Nov. 21, 1830; his father, Benjamin, and his mother, Elvira (McCloud) Chase,were married in 1821, and to them was born a family of nine children - Cynthia, William, .John, Beverly W., Huldah L., Daniel W., Hannah, Reuben F. and Henrietta, all of whom are living, except John and Daniel. The father was killed at a house-raising near Sparta, in 1845; he was a carpenter, and, while at work below, a heavy beam was displaced by the workmen above, which in falling, struck him with great force on the head, causing his death. It is claimed that all the Chases in this country are the descendents of two Puritans of that name who came from Europe to escape religious persecution; the lineage of the Chase family in this township has been traced to these persons. Beverly W. spent his youth on his father's farm, and during his early manhood taught thirteen terms of school in and near Sparta. He married Martha, a daughter of Elias and Mary (Evans) Howard, April 14, 1855, and has two children - Plimpton B., born April 1, 1860, and Ora Blanche, Dec. 16, 1865. Mr, Chase and family are Methodists; he was formerly a Republican, but at present supports the Prohibition party. He owns 152 acres of land, upon which is an excellent dwelling house and other good buildings; there are more than two miles of tileing on his farm. His son Plimpton has been three years in the classical department of Oberlin College; has chosen the profession of law, and has been a disciple of Blackstone six months. Ora B. is attending the public school in Sparta.

JOSEPH CONWAY, farmer; P. O., Bloomfield; was box'n in Virginia, Sept. 15, 1816, and lived there until he was 11 3'^ears old; he then came, with his oldest brother, to Ohio. In about a year after reaching the State, this brother died, and he then lived with his brother-in-law, James Shumate. When he became 16 years old, he hired out by the year, for $8 per month. At the expiration of a year, his employer raised his wages to $10 per month, by the year; but this hard work did not suit Joseph, who pined after the profession of medicine. He was too poor to attend college, though he bought some medical text books, and began to read; he taught school, and tried other sources to raise money.

but his health failed him, and he became discouraged. He finally gave up the idea of ever being a physician, and, in bitter disappointment, took consolation in getting married to Melvina Sanford, daughter of William and Melvina (Hubbell) Sanford. To this union were born the following children - Benson A., Melville, Eva, William O., Olin and Wesley. Benson enlisted in the Avell-known 9Gth Regt., O. V. I. While quite sick, he was brave and spunky enough to push ahead of his regiment, and engage in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, but the exposure and fatigue were too much for him; he took the measles, which, with other diseases, and the bad cold he caught, caused his death. Melville married Phcebe Evans; Eva married Thomas Hicks; William married Elsie Jackson; Olin married Emma Thatcher; Wesley is single, and at home. All live in South Bloomfield Tp. Joseph's father died in 1823, and his mother in 1855. His parents' family consisted of Thomas, Jane, Mary, John L., Ann, William, Joseph, James and Charlotte. Joseph is a Republican, and was formerly a Whig; he is also a member of the M. E. Church. He owns two or three hundred acres of land, and is one of the most intelligent and influential men in the township.

WILLIAM CHASE; P. O., Sparta; was born in South Bloomfield Tp., in 1825; he passed his early youth on the farm, but when 16 years old, went into a wool-carding and cloth-dressing mill, owned by his father, at Sparta. At the age of 20 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Roger Blinn, and by her had a family of four children - Mary E., who married J. P. Vail, and lives in Sparta; Benjamin L., who married Rosalba Yocum, and lives in Hayesville, Ohio; Clara E., who married Doctor Buxton, and lives in Sparta; and William R., who is completing his education in the college at Westerville, Ohio. In 1846, Mr. Chase went to Galena, Ohio, where he remained about three years, clerking part of the time in B. C. Brown's dry goods store; in 1850, he came back and became a traveling salesman for C. Cooper & Co., of Mt, Vernon ; about 2 years afterward, he was employed to clerk in Dr. A. W. Shetland's dry goods store, at Sparta; he bought Dr. S wetland out in 1854, and began a partnership business, with a general assortment of goods, with his brother John ; eight years afterward, another brother was taken into the partnership, which then became W. J. & R. Chase, but in 1866 this company was dissolved, the brothers dividing the stock; William Chase continued the business with his son-in-law, Mr. Vail, and shortly afterward, Benjamin, son of the senior member, was admitted into the partnership; in about 1871, the entire business was sold to Vail & Bliss, and Mr. Chase then purchased 174 acres of land near Sparta, but immediately rented it, going into a general business of buying and selling lumber and wool, in which last pursuit he is still engaged; since then he has bought two small farms, of 48 and 54 acres respectively, near Sparta; he also owns one-third interest in the grist-mill at Sparta, together with two or three acres of lots, upon one of which is an elegant house, which cost $2,600 ; Mr. Chase is one of the heaviest property holders in the township; he has perhaps done as much to improve and build up the business interests of Sparta as any other man. He is a Republican, and is also a member of the Methodist Church ; he has shown sufficient business sagacit};- throughout his diversified business career to accumulate much property, and place it in permanent shape.

FRANK COTTON, blacksmith; Sparta; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, July 31, 1852; he is the only son of Omer and Sarah (King) Cotton; the grandson of Emmett W. Cotton, and .great-grandson of Harrison Cotton, one of the early pioneers of South Bloomfield Tp. The father of Frank is at present in Mobile, Alabama, a speculator in cotton; the mother lives in Illinois. Frank's youth, until he was 14 years old, was passed at home, going to school; when he arrived at that age, he started out in life for himself, working on a farm by the month; in 1870 he commenced learning the blacksmiths' trade at Green Valley, Knox Co., O. In the spring of 1874, he engaged to work at his trade with Abraham Herron, at Sparta, with whom he remained until 1877; he then erected a shop of his own, where he has remained until the present. Mr. Cotton's marriage with Melissa, daughter of Boyd and Ann (McKee) Qlark, was celebrated Jan. 1, 1874; his wife's death occurred July 17, 1875; his second wife was Mary, daughter of William and Lavina (Keller) Helt, to whom he was married Oct. 1, 1876; to the second niarriaj^e was born one daus^hter, Hallie O., born June 9, 1879. Mr. C\)tton is a Democrat in politics, and a Univcrsalist in religion; besides doing a general blacksniithing business, he makes a specialty of horse-shoeing, and rej^airing mowing atid reaping machines. Mr. Cotton is said to be one of the best blacksmiths in southern Morrow Co.

ANN DUFFY, tailoress; Mount Liberty was born in New York, in 1799. Her father, Jacob Vosseller, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served his country with distinction; her mother was Sarah Castner, daughter of a farmer in southern New York. These parents had a large family of children, and all are now dead except Peter, George and Ann. These children are Jacob, Katie, Mary, Lanah, John, Sarah, Phoebe, Daniel, Ann, Peter and George. Ann passed her early years in New Jersey. She received but a limited education, her life having been too busy to permit extensive schooling. On the 21st of January, 1831, she was united in marriage to James Duffy, and to this union was born the following family - Mary, born April 18, 1833. Sarah, born June 14, 1835; Jane, born March 31, 1838, Martha, born Oct. 21, 18-40, and Margarette, born June 18, 1843. Sarah and Mary are both dead, the former dying March, 1847, and the latter April, 1867. Jane and Margarette are unmarried, and are still living with their mother. On the 8th of July, 1869, Martha married John Barr, Son of Allen and Rebecca Barr, and has two children - Robert Duffy, born March 1, 1873, and Eugene Delano, born Aug. 26, 1876. James Duffy died June 2, 1852. He was a tailor by trade, and came to Ohio in 1848, when the country was yet quite a wilderness. He purchased the farm upon which his widow now lives, but as he knew nothing about farming, he rented the land and worked at his trade. His widow, since his death, with the help of her daughters, has managed the farm, usually renting it, and receiving a share of the proceeds. The farm consists of 100 acres of good land. John Barr was in the 121st Reg. O. V. I., and during the war was twice wounded - once in the neck, the ball still remaining in his shoulder, and again in the knee, by the fragment of a shell. His occupation is that of farming. Though Ann Duffy is 81 years of age, she is yet quite strong, and bids fair to live many years to come. The oldest daughter of her family, married J. W. Dewitt, Feb. 2, 1854. She has the following family - Alfarata, born Nov. 29, 1854, Frank Leslie, May 11, 1856, George Burns, June 18, 1859, and Anna Laura, Dec. 27, 1861. March 4, 1855, Alfarata was married to Z. T. Thomas, and has by him, Fred, born April 26, 1876, Mary Maud, Oct. 11, 1877, and Clarence Dewitt, Feb. 22, 1879. Jane and Margarette Duffy are still at home. They are bright and intelligent women.

LOUI GAYNES, barber and confectioner; Sparta; was born in Arkansas in July, 1850. His father was a Frenchman, named Alexander Gaynes, who owned a plantation in Arkansas; his mother was an Indian of the Blackfoot tribe, a remnant of which remained in Arkansas after the main tribe had gone Westward. The father died in 1854. Loui, when 9 years old, was taken by his mother to Paw Paw, Mich.; while here she was married again, and Loui being misused by his stepfather, started out into the world to do for himself. After many hardships, he arrived at Detroit; and while standing in the depot crying with hunger, and being so young, he attracted the attention of some Christian lady, who, after learning his destitute condition, gave him $5.00. Some kind gentleman started a subscription for him, which soon amounted to $15.00; he \vent to Canada, but soon returned and engaged as servant on board a steamboat; at the end of six months he secured a situation as valet to a gentleman of sporting proclivities, with whom he remained three years, learning to read and write in the meantime; he served in the late war as bugler and part of the time as cavalryman; in 1879 he was married to Alice Hamptlon, a former slave of Wade Hampton, and moved to Sparta, where he now resides. He is the only barbtsr in Sparta, and in connection with his shop has a confectionery store.

NATHAN HARRIS, farmer and carpenter; P. O., Sparta; was born in Chester Tp., then Knox Co., Ohio, in 1824; the son of Isaac M. and Mary (Barrow) Harris, who were married in Jan., 1813, and moved from New Haven, Conn., to Knox Co., Ohio, in 1817. The father, though a farmer, was licensed to exhort in 1824, to preach in 1827, and was ordained in 1831. lu this family were ten children - James M., Charles, Robert, Susan, Nathan, Nancy, John C, Nelson, and Polly A. and Rachel J., twins; all are dead, except James M., Robert, and Nathan; the former is married, and has a family of two children, and lives in Illinois. Robert is married, and has a family of ten children, and lives near Cardington, Ohio. In 1839, Nathan apprenticed himself to a carpenter, with whom he remained for three years. His marriage with Ann Jackson was celebrated in Sept., 1848. The wife died Feb., 1852; they had no children. By his second wife, Jane Severe, to whom he was married Sept. 21, 1854, he has a family of four children - Francis M., Edward C, Charles C, and Adie M. Francis M. was born Aug., 1855, and died when 18 years old; Edward was born Dec, 1856, and is at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, clerking in a dry goods store; Charles, born Oct., 1858, and died when ten months old; and Adie, born Sept., 18G0, and married to C. W. Barre in March, 1878. They have a family of two children - Carlton C, and Luther A. Mr. Harris is a member of the M. E. Church, and belongs to the Democratic party.

ABRAHAM HERRON, farmer and blacksmith; P. O. Sparta; was born in Richland Co., Ohio, in 1830, and is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Householder) Herron, who had a family of thirteen children - John, Samuel, Henry, Jacob, Mary, Elizabeth, Nancy, George, Margaret, James, Abraham, Sarah and one that died in infancy; Abraham's father was a farmer. When 18, he started learning the blacksmith trade, a business in which he is yet engaged. He was united in marriage March 20, 1854, to Hai'riet L., daughter of Reuben and Eliza (Loveland) Beard, by whom he has a family of three sons and one daughter - Emma A., Manly M., Burton D. and Warren S., all of whom are yet living. Emma is the wife of S. W. Lyon; the rest are living with their parents. Mrs. Herron was one in a family of six children, their names respectively are - Philander H., Almond, Louisa, Samantha, Randall and Harriet L. Mr. Herron, on his father's side, is of Irish descent, and on his mother's, Grerman; he owns fifty acres of land adjoining the village of Sparta, which he works in connection with his Ijade, He is a Prohibitionist, but was formerly a Republican. Himself and wife are members of the M. S.

Church. Mr. Herron commenced his life without any pecuniary assistance whatever from any one, but by industry and frugality, he has acquired the nice home and property he now owns.

JOHN HOLT, Sparta; son of James and Elizabeth (Rees) Holt; was born Sept. 8, 1826. The father came to Chester Tp., then in Knox Co., in about 1806, and was thus among its earliest pioneers. John received a common school education, and remained at home helping his parents until he was 22 years of age. By his first wife, Susan Howard, daughter of Elias and Mary Howard, he has one davighter and one son - Jerusha and James H. The former was born in 1849, and the latter in 1855; Jerusha is the wife of O. C. Chase, of Delaware, O., and by him has a family. James for a while was a student in the school of Oberlin, but at present is attending the schools of Delaware. Mrs. Holt died in 1855, and Mr. Holt re- married March 14, 1858, to Abigail Barr, daughter of Hugh and Nancy (Lyon) Barr, with whom he is at present living. Mr. and Mrs. Holt are members of the M. E. Church at Sparta. Mr. Holt is a staunch Republican, a straight forward and honest man in all his dealings. They are highly esteemed by their friends and neighbors.

WILLIAM HENRY HULSE, merchant; Sparta. Jabez Hulse was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Dec, 25, 1807, and is the son of Thomas and Leah (Weatherby) Hulse. Jabez's family consisted of his wife, Maria (Slack) Hulse, daughter of Theophilus and Mercy Slack, and seven children as follows - Francis G. Albert S., William H., Jesse, Cornelia, James K. P. and Maria, all of whom are married, except Jesse, who lives with his father. Jabez was married Jan. 1, 1832, and came to Ohio in the fall of 1835, locating in South Bloomfield Tp., Morrow Co. His wife died March 10, 1870. Feb. 28, 1872, he was again married, his second wife being Maria Henry, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Henry, with whom he is yet living. His son William Henry, or " Hank," as he is more familiarly known, was born in Morrow Co., Ohio, Nov. 7, 1837; he lived with his parents until he was 15 years old, and was then apprenticed to learn the carpenters' trade. During his youth he obtained a thorough knowledge of the chair making business, which trade was followed, more or less, after he became a man ; he learned the carriage makers' trade and worked at that in connection with his other trades. When about 33 years old, he beo-an clerkias; for S. L. Newcomb, in Sparta, who was in the c;eneral mercantile business; was also at Pulaskiville in the same business for a few months. On the 13th of October, 1875, he formed a partnership with Wesley Chipps, at Sparta, to be known as Chipps & Hulse, dealers in general merchandise. The partners advanced equal amounts of capital, and bought the stock of W. C. Harris, wliicli invoiced at ^31.25. These young men have been in the business ever since, and have the liveliest business in their lively town. Mr. Hulse was married June 13, 18G9, to Miss Ellen Bliss, daughter of Caroline and Mason Bliss. The wife is one of a family of six children, and was born Dec, 4, 1846. Henry Huise is Deputy Postmaster at Sparta. He is a Universalist in his religious belief, and is one of the most enterprising and successful business men of Sparta.

DANIEL S. HOPKINS, farmer; P. O. Bloom field; was born in Greene Co., Pa., Aug. 13, 1845; his father Levi Hopkins, was born in 1813, and his mother, Elizabeth (Patterson) Hopkins, was born in 1814, and they were married in 1838; they had a family of seven children - John, twins (one of them being Esther Ann, the other dying in infancy), Mary Jane, Daniel, Thomas P. and Elizabeth. John is in Centerburg, Knox Co., engaged in the mercantile business; he marrieu Lucinda Swart,and has two children - Ida D. and Emma E.; Esth(!r is also in Centerburg; her husband, William Smith, is a warehouseman; she has five children - James H,. Arie Alice, Frank, Homer and Stanley. Thomas P. is practicing the profession of medicine in San Francisco, Cal.; he is unmarried; Elizabeth is at home. Daniel passed his youth on his father's farm in Pennsylvania; in 1804 he enlisted in the 140th Reg. Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until he was mustered out of service in July, 1865; he was in the bloody battle of the Wilderness; was at Sj)Ottsylvaniaand Cold Harbor, and was in the battle before Petersburg, and in numerous other engagements of less note; after being mustered out of service, he worked upon his father's farm on shares until he was married, Aug. 13, 1870, to Kate

H., daughter of James and Mary (Harvey) Throckmorton, who had the following family: Joseph, Maria, Kate, Elizabeth, William, Margaret, Sarah, Clara and Emma; all this family are living except Maria. Daniel S. has two children - James L., born Sept. 16, 1871, and Charles S., born Aug. 20, 1875. The father moved to South Bloomfield Tp. in 1867. Mr. Hopkins is a Republican, and is a member of the M. E. Church; he owns one-half interest in the grist mill at. Centerburg, together with four lots, upon which is a dwelling; he is at present working on his father's farm, on shares.

F. G. HULSE, carpenter and joiner and farmer; P. O. Sparta; was born in New York, Aug. 13, 1833; his parents Jabez and Maria (Slack) Ilulse, had a family of five sons, and two daughter - Francis G., Albert S., William H., Jesse B., Cornelia, James K., and Margaret M. All of these are living and all married except Jesse. Francis G. passed his youth and early manhood with his parents; when but two years old, his parents moved to Ohio; he received a limited education; when he was 20, he started out in life for himself. His marriage with Miss Rebecca Shaw was celebrated Dec. 28, 1860, and by her he has the following children - Almina, born Sept. 28, 1861; Mary E., born July 10, 1864; Jabez, born Aug. 8, 1868; Martha D., born Dec. 10, 1870; Edward, born Jan. 20, 1872; Frederick, born Aug. 2, 1874, and Samuel L., born March 15, 1877. All these are living at home, with their parents, who live on a w^ell improved farm of 100 acres, about a mile and a half north-east of Sparta; he moved on the farm ho now owns in 1865, and has lived there ever since. Mr. Hulse's wife is a member of the M. E. (Church, while he is a Universalist, and an adherent to the principles laid down in the platform of the Democratic party.

WILLIAM H. HARPER, wagon and carriage maker; Bloomfield; was born in Licking Co., Ohio, May 15, 1834. His parents, Linton and Susan, (Galer) Harper, were married Aug. 24, 1831. The father was born Dec. 24, 1800, and the mother, June 25, 1812. These parents had six children - Harriet Jane, William H., I^ydia C, Th(^nas A., Abel M., and Aaron. Harriet married David Harrigle; has quite a family, and lives in Hardin Co.; Lydia married

George Shackelford, and lives in Marion Co.; Thomas married Maria Easterday, and has a small family, and lives in Union Co.; Abel married Bell Loutzenhiser, and has a small family, and lives in Tama Co., Iowa; Aaron is dead; William lived with his father until he was 18 years old, when he went to Granville for three years, to learn the wagon and carriage making trade; he has worked at his trade almost all the time since, although at present he does much carpenter work. He worked one year at Mt. Liberty, about five years at Lock, and then about twelve years at Bloomfield. In 1857, he bought the building he now owns in Bloomfield, into which he put a general assortment of goods, worth about §1,100; he shortly afterward added $400 to the stock. The goods have been sold out, and the store is now closed. On the 1st of March, 1857, he married Ann V. Cooper, and by her had one son, George I., born March 24, 1858. This wife died Nov. 18, 1858, and on the 10th of May ,1859, he married Mary J. Boner, by whom he had three children - John E., born May 1, 1860; Delia A., born Jan. 16, 1865, and Charles B., born May 22, 1874. On the 5th of February, 1876 Charles was so terribly scalded, that he died, after several hours of suffering. Mr. Harper's son, George, married ^.0% J?oy\xlL J^'j '^^^ 1879. They live in Illinois; the other two children are at home. Linton Harper died in 1875 and his wife in 1876. Linton, the father, came to Muskinghum Co., O., in 1816. William Harper in 1876 patented a door check which proves very useful and valuable. The invention consists of a bell cone having ears from its base by which it may be fastened by screws to the floor or door-casing; through the top of this cone passes a screw upon which is pivoted a catch which holds the door open. At right angles to the catch and fastened to the cone is a lug to which a spiral spring is attached, the other end being fastened to the pivoted catch. When the door is pushed back it strikes the catch which yields until the notch is reached, when it springs back, catches the door and holds it. Mr. Harper has territory to sell on easy terms to responsible agents.

JOHN INSCHO, undertaker, cabinetmaker, carpenter and joiner; Sparta; is the son of John and Susanna (Schrack) Inscho, and was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Jan., 31, 1811. The father was a native of New Jersey, and the mother of Penn., and they were among the first settlers in Licking Co., coming in, in 1806. They had a family of twelve children, nine of whom reached their majority. Their father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He moved to Huron Co., in 1815, thence to Richland Co., and afterward to Knox Co., where he remained until hi? death, Oct. 17, 1848. The mother followed him Oct. 19, 1850. When the father moved into Knox Co., John was 10 years old; he remained on his father's farm until 18 years of age, when he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter and joiner's trade. He was married to Elizabeth Rilea, April 28, 1836. They have a family of seven children, four of whom are yet living, as follows: Lucy V., Royal D., Wesley A. and Adelphine. Both before and after his marriage, he worked industriously at his trade, starting with scarcely a penny, and with but one suit of clothes; after his marriage, he lived for many years at Mt. Liberty, Knox Co., but in 1864 he moved to Sparta, and began in the general business of making and selling furniture, repairing or building houses, and undertaking; he keeps on hand an excellent stock of furniture, at all times, and sells as low as the lowest. His children are all married and settled in life. Mr. Inscho owns his shop, and a nice little home in Sparta. He is a Democrat, and is also an enthusiastic Universalist. He has been Township Treasurer for many years; has been Justice of the Peace, and in years past, was Captain of a company of State militia. He is industrious and honest, and is a good citizen and neighbor.

EUGENE KENT, fruit-grower; P. O., Sparta; was born in Williams Co., Ohio, Sept. 19, 1853; his father, Ashford, and his mother, Eleanor (Evans) Kent, were married in 1849, and had a family of six children - Sylvester, Eugene, Frank, Victorine, and twins, who died in infancy; Sylvester died when one year oid; Frank and Victorine are both at home, and are yet unmarried. AVhen Eugene was about 2 years old, his father came from Williams Co., and settled in South Bloomfield Tp. After living for short periods on various farms, in the northwestern part of the township, the father finally settled on the farm he now owns; this was about the year 1870.

Eugene received but a cominon school education, and when old enough, assisted his father on his farm; at the age of 21 he began to accumulate property for himself. In 18?4, lie was united in marriage to Ella E. Sackett, daughter of James Sackett, of Porter Tp., Delaware Co., Ohio. There was born one child - Myrtle O., Nov. 22, 1875. Eugene, after his marriage, lived with his father two years; he then moved to Henry Co., Ohio, and at the expiration of about four weeks, left that county and went to Marengo, Bennington Tp., where he remained nearly two years, after which he returned to South Bloomfield Tp., and lived for a short time in the house just opposite his father's residence. He then bought the place upon which he now lives, and moved there in 1879. While in Henry Co., he ran a saw-mill, one-half interest of which he owned; he did the same while at Marengo. At present he owns one-third interest in a steam cider-mill; he cultivates and sells about 250 bushels of apples per year; also about 200 bushels of grapes, 75 bushels of raspberries, 20 bushels of peaches, and other berries and fruits. He is a Republican, and is a Universalist in belief, though a member of no church. His wife, Ella (Sackett) Kent, can trace her lineage back to 1620. It is said that three Sacketts came over in the Mayflower. The descendants of one of them settled in northern New York, and gave rise to the name Sackett's Harbor; the descendants of one of them came to Columbus, Ohio, one of them being the surve3'or who platted the original town; this man was Elijah, Mrs. Kent's grandfather. Elijah had three different wives. By the first, Mary Cunningham, he had one child, James Sackett, the father of Mrs. Kent. Mr. Kent's grandfather, Kent, was in the war of 1812, and at his death a military salute was fired over his grave in honor of his crallant services for his countrv.

SYLVENt:S KILE, farmer; P. O., Sparta; was born March 6, 1823; Jacob and Elizabeth (Towser) Kile, his father and mother, had a family of ten children - Sylvenus, William, one that died unnamed, John, Jesse, David, Mary, Nicholas, Nancy and Washington. The father came from Virginia to Ohio, in 1823, stopping at Rushville for about eight months, alter wliich he moved and settled in South Bloomfield Tp., Morrow Co., Ohio, just east of the place now owned by his son Jesse; like all the boys and young men of those times, Sylvenus passed his youth in improving his father's place, getting once in a while a glimpse at his books; he remained thus until of age, and then liegan to farm his father's place on shares, and soon afterward to rent the land of neighbors - living in the meantime at his father's; in September, 1856, he married Naomi, daughter of Solomon and Sarah Dehaven, and has a family of four children - Caroline, born in 1857; George D., 1859; Sarah E., 1862, and Flora V., 1866. Flora died while an infant; the others are yet living. Solomon Dehaven was a soldier in the war of 1812, and by the special act of Congress, drew a pension of §96 per annum until his death. Mr. Kile owns 103 acres of land, is a Democrat, and his family is well-known in the southern part of the township. Mrs. Naomi Kilo is a member of the Methodist Church.

JESSE KTLE, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O., Mt. Liberty, is the brother of Sylvenus Kile, whose biography is found elsewhere in this work. Jesso was born in this township, Jan. 17, 1829. His early years were spent like those of other boys of that early day in going to school in winter and in cleaning up and farming his father's place in summer. He worked on the old place until his father died, all the proceeds of his labor going into the general family fund. In 1863 he began buying and selling stock, and being a shrewd financier, he managed to lay up considerable money during the seven years he was engaged in that business. Since 1870 he has been farming almost exclusively, though still dealing in stock to a limited extent. When his father died, the old place was divided among the different heirs; but Jesse has since bought all the claims, and he now owns the old homestead, and has it all paid for. There are' 115 acres, and all the land is well improved. On the 14th of February, 1866, he was united in marriage to Martilla (Cotton) Barrick, the widow of Daniel Barrick, who died while in the service of his country. Mrs. Kile had by hei- first husband one child - Flavia, born in 1861, who is now married to Charles Brokaw, and lives east of Sparta. Mr. and Mrs. Kile have a family of four children - Bertram C, born June 2,

1867, I.everetta, March 7, 1871; Stanley B., March 11, 1875, and William L., May 31, 1879. Mr. Kile is a Republican; his wife is a Methodist. He is a good citizen and a kind neig-libor; he is well known in the southern part of the county, and his word is as good as his note, and both are as good as gold.

MARVIN B. LYON, shoemaker. The present Postmaster at Bloomfield, is Marvin B. Lyon, who was horn in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 24, 1830. His father came to Ohio in 183-1, and located in Hilliar Tp., Knox Co., where Edwin Lyon now lives. Mr. Lyon's early years were passed on his father's farm; he received a good common school education, and at the age of 31 was united in marriage to Selina, daugjiter of Daniel Chadwick, and by her has the following family - Orlin M., born Dec. 24, 1852, and Ernest W., born Feb. 26, 1857; his marriage was celebrated Jan. 1, 1852; in Aug., 1875, his son Orlin, married Hena, daughter of Robert Gray, of Delaware Co.; Orlin has one son, Clarence, born in Feb. 1877. Mr. Lyon's parents are David S. Lyon and Ivah, daughter of Elmer Chase, Esq.; and in his father's family were the following children - Sherwood, who died in infancy; Marvin B., Cornelia, Edwin L. and Daniel E.; Cornelia is dead; Edwin L. married Fannie, daughter of Isaac Brokaw; has three children, and lives in Hilliar Tp., Knox Co.; Daniel E. married lone, daughter of Wesley Clark, and has one child. After Mr. Lyon married he lived with his father about lour years, and then moved to Johnson Co., Iowa, where he remained almost a year, and then came back to Ohio. He settled in Bloomfield and worked at his trade - shoemaking; in 1873 he bought 80 acres of land, adjoining the town. In 1878 he started a store in Bloomfield, with an assortment of groceries, notions, boots and shoes; he has quite a lively trade, with a stock worth about $1,000. He is at present justice of the peace. Is a Republican and Prohibitionist, and a member of the Advent Christian Church at Sparta. He is one of the most prominent men in the township.

SMITH LYON, farmer; P. O., Bloomfield; was born in Connecticut in 1811,^ and lived there until he was nearly 7 years old; his father and mother, Walker and Mary Ann

(Tuttle) Lyon, came to South Bloomfield Tp. in 1817, and tims were among the earliest st;ttlers. The father was born in April, 1779, and was married in Aug., 1808; he had a family of three children - Smith, born as above; Jennet, born July, 1817, and Harriet, born Sept., 1823; all three are yet living. When Smith was 21 he married Sally Jane Marvin, and by her has one child - Newton T., born in January, 1833. After his first wife died he married Deborah J. Lounsbury, and by her has one child - Sally Jane - who is the wife of Col. A. H. Brown. Mr. Lyon is a Republican; he owns 475 acres of land, and is one of the few oldest settlors in the township. His father came here late in the fall of 1817 - so late that cold weather set in before lie could finish his log cabin; he could not make mortar, and had to fill up the chinks with moss and sod; he taught school at an early day, and was among the first teachers in the township. He was a Justice of the Peace, and performed many marriage ceremonies, receiving for his services some sort of produce, such as potatoes. Smith Lyon received but a meagre education in youth, as his services on his father's farm were indispensaljle, and he was kept at home chopping and clearing. He is well known and universally respected.

JOHN McGUIRE, plasterer; Sparta; is the son of John McGuire, a wheelwright, and was born in New Jersey, April 27, 1835; when he was 2 years old his mother died; his father then bound him out 'o John McGrady, who in 1840 moved to Ohio, bringing young McGuire with him; he remained with McGrady until he was 22 years old. In 1858 he married Emeline, daughter of Franklin and Harriet Way, and by her has a family of four children - i\.da, F. M. E., Charles and Mary. Ada married James Work. Mr. McGuire is a mechanic and builder, as well as a plasterer. He owns seven lots in Sparta, and is one of the nine men who own the Sears Cemetery. He served in the 30th regiment O. V. I., during the late war; he is an active politician, and in 1878 was candidate for County Recorder on the Democratic ticket. His wife died in Feb., 1877.

1846. He is the son of Lucius L., and Elizabeth Jones (Mabbett) Minard, who had a family of five children - John M., George B., Seth A., Anna M. and Lenard L. The youngest child died when but an infant; the balance of the family are all living, and all married, except Anna who is living at home with her parents, in Milan. John is married, and has a famiyl; he is a machinest, and lives in Xorwalk, Huron Co., Ohio. Seth is a carriage-maker, is married, and lives in Milan, Erie Co., Ohio. George B. passed his youth with his parents, and going to school. He was united in marriage Oct. 4, 18G7, to Ida C, daughter of Henry and Florinda Ruggles, and by her has one son and one daughter - Maggie L., born Aug. 15, 1868, and Newton L, born Oct., 1870. The wife was born Oct. 28, 1848. Mr. Minard came to Sparta in the fall of 1876, and entered into a partnership with Robert Mullenger, to be known as Minard & Mullenger. This firm does a general blacksmithing business - exept horse-shoeing - in connection with carriage-making. They do quite an extensive business, and keep from three to four men busily engaged all the time. They also own in partnership 80 acres of land in Christian Co., Mo. Mr. Minard owns a house and lot in Sparta, and also the carriage shop in which they do business. He is a Universalist, and a Democrat in politics.

LEWIS MITCHELL, farmer and stock raiser; P. O., Mt. Liberty; his father and mother were married in Knox Co., O., in 1836, and to them was born a family of fifteen children; Harris, Emer, Lewis, Alice, Betsey, Albert, Welthy, Torrence, Maria, William, Laura, Dana, Mary, and two that died while inlaiits. Out of this large family, twelve lived to reach their majcnity. Lewis spent his youth in arduous labor improving the farm. He attended the district schools until 15, and then his father needing his services, kept him at home. When 19 years of age he began in business for himself; he was married to Lcnora Orsborn, and by her has a family of four sons and two daughters - Charles M., born July 17, 1861, Mvrtle E., Nov. 24, 1863, Lulu M., May 12, 1866, W. Delano, May 7, 1871, Edwin W., July 9, 1873, and Emer C, July 15, 1875; all of these survive and live with their parents in South Bloomfield Tp. In 1862 Mr. Mitchell enlisted in Co. F.,

121st Reg., O. V. I., and was with this Reg't until after the battle of Perry ville - then owing to sickness was discharged; after recruiting his health for one j-ear at homo, he enlisted in the 100 days' service and was appointed Second Corporal. His grandfather was an officer in the war of 1812. Mr. Mitchell is a Rej)ublican, and himself and famdy are members of the Disciple Church.

WILLIAM McKINSTRY, farmer; P. O., Sparta; Matthias McKinstry was born in Hunterdon Co., New Jei-sey, Fob. 12, 1T96. Elfio Young was born in Sussex Co., New Jersey, in 1799; they were married and had a family of five sons and one daughter - John, William, Pliillip, Matthew, Samuel and Mary M.; John and Alatthew are dead; Phillip married Julia A. De^xter; he is a carpenter, and lives in Michigan; Samuel is married, and lives in Michigan, and is a tavern-keeper; Mary married William Miller, and lives in Michigan. William McKinstry was born June 16, 1821; his parents moved to Ohio in 1831 ; after stopping three years in Knox Co., they moved to South Bloomfield Tp., and located where William now lives; when William was 20 years old ho hired out to clear land, at $9.50 per month; Sept. 2, 1841, he married Maria, a daughter of James Fletcher, and by her has nine children, seven of whom are yet living - Matthias, born July, 1842, married Jane Keys, and has three children; he is in the mercantile business in Hardin Co.; Rebecca, born March, 1844, married N. A. Yocum, and has twin boys; her husband is a farmer; William, born Oct. 10, 1846, was married to Jane White, and has a family, and lives in Knox Co.; David, born Oct. 24, 1848, and died Sept. 5, 1877; he was the husband of Lora Rinehart; Isaac, born Sept. 25, 1850, and died Feb. 22, 1871; Jeff'erson, born .Jan. 7, 1853, was married to Sarah White, by whom he has a family; John J., born July 21, 1855; James, May 24, 1858; Anna M., Sept. 3, 1861. Mr. McKinstry is a I3emocrat, and he and wife are membersof the M. E. Church. He owns 196 acres erf nicely-improved land, all of which he has made by hard labor and close economy. When married, he had but §5.00, and after the expense attending such an occasion, had but fifty cents left; he then started out in life to make a home lor himself and wife; after two years hard work, at $9.50 per month, he bought his first team of horses; his mother then re-married, and the estate Avas divided among tlie heirs, each receiving about |>2oO. Mr. McKiustry immediately invested his share in real estate, and has continued to add thereto until he now has one of the best farms in the township.

NATHAN MOORE, farmer and stockraiser; P. O. Sjjarta; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., inl813; liis parents, Isaac and Clarissa (Wilcox) Moore, had the following family: Charlotte, Mary A., Isaac, Nathan, Lytic, Samuel and Elizabeth. Charlotte is dead; Mary Ann is married, and lives in Delaware Co., Ohio; her husband was George Manville, who is now dead, she being a widow with four children living; Isaac died in Kansas, and Lytic in Missouri; Samuel married Miss Williamson, and has a family of six children, and lives in Fremont Co., Iowa; Elizabeth married .lohn Gore; she lives in Bennington Tp., and has two children living. Nathan passed his early years on his father's farm. The father came to Ohio in 1815, first settlino- at Lancaster. After livine: in several counties at different times, he at last settled in Delaware Co. When Nathan was 19 he came to South Bloomfield Tp., and rented twelve acres, where his son now lives; he had one yoke of steers and an old horse, all of which he had got by trades and by hard labor; finally he traded a horse and wagon for thirty-six acres of tax land; he was then 20 years old. At this time he was married to to Sarah, daughter of James and Methena (Edmunds) Crawford, and by her had ten sons and one daughter - Clarissa, Andrew, Norton, Royal, Lytic, Lafayette, Lorenzo, Burr, Jerome and two that died in infancy; Clarissa married Joseph Lewis; she has four children and lives in Harmony Tp.; Andrew is dead; Norton married Elizabeth Evans; has four children and lives in Bennington Tp.; Royal married Rachel Evans and has a family of four or five children, and lives in Bennington Tp.; Lytle married Susan Potts and lives in South Bloomfield Tp.; Lafayette married Lydia Manville, and has one child and lives near Mt. Vernon; Burr married a Miss Titus; has one child, and lives in Beiuiingtc^n Tp.; Jerome is single, and is yet living at home with his father. Mr. ]\Ioore is a Republican, and is also a Universalist in belief. He owns about eighty acres of excellent land, upon which is a fine spring of pure water. He is decidedly a self-made man beginning life with scarcely any education; with nothing but his hands and native wit to keep him afloat. His wife and himself are yet quite strong, and have always been good noighi)ors and citizens.

WM. N. ORSBORN, fanner; P. O., Sparta; was l)orn in this township, June 21, 1824. His father, Thomas Orsborn, was captain of a merchant vessel, plying between New London, Connecticut, and the East Indias. On one of his return trips from the Indias, in 1812, his vessel was attacked by a British man-of-war, but by the bravery of the officers and men, they escaped, and landed their goods safely in New London. xVfter his arrival, he enlisted in his country's service, but soon resigned. Then owing to a request of his wife, Olive (Manning) Oi'sborn, he quit the sea and emigrated to South Bloomfield Tp., and engaged in the then new occupation (to him) of farming. This was in 1817, when the country was an unbroken wilderness, full of wild beasts. Having never been accustomed to wood-craft, the following is related as an incident connected with his early career in Ohio: The first tree he chopped down, not knowing in which direction to make it fall, he chopped it so that it fell directly on the cabin he had just erected. By hard labor he in time acquired some 300 acres of land, which, at his death, was divided among the children-^Abigail, Ainanda, John H., .James M., Arrilla J., Sarah, George R., and William N. The latter remained at home during his youthful days and improved his opportunities for an education. Nov. 5, 1845, he was married to Harriet Dustin, by whom he had a family of six children - Emeline, Melinda, Lucy J., Eliza A., William F., and Harriet D.; his wife died Jan. 23, 1804. Mr. Orsborn's second wife was Sarah Miller, to whom he was married Jan. 25, 18GG, and by her has three sons and one daughter - Nelson D., David G., Mary A., and Claud. Mr. Orsborn is independent in politics, in every case voting for the man, instead of the party. He is a Universalist in belief, but a member of no church. He owns 253 acres of nicely improved land in Morrow Co., but does very little towards farming, owing to a stroke of paralysis received in 1875.