Randolph County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (3 of 3 so headed), 1882 (part 20 of 24)

Nettle Creek Township is a fine rolling country, well adapted to all kinds of farming. It is in the southwest corner of the county. The only pike is the Windsor & Hagerstown pike, north and south, through Losantsville. There is but one town,

Nettle Creek is Republican in polities by a moderate majority, when State and National lines aredrawn. As to religion, Methodists, Disciples, Friends, Christian, United Brethren, Baptists, etc., are represented. The first sermon in the region was preacbed at Thomas Burroughs', by Rey. Bowen, a Methodist. The people generally went to West River. Thomas Burroughs died in 1825, and his funeral was preached in his cabin by Henry Mossburg. The Baptist Meeting-House on the county line was built in 1825, A Methodist Meeting-House was built not twenty rods away. in 1840. The 'first schoolhouse was built in 1888. School was taught ia it in 1833-34 by Mr. Evans. The next school was managed by Cornelius Murray and his sister. From these small and awkward beginnings, the township has slowly made a substantial growth, till now her school advantages compire favorably with the othor townships of the county.

There are several churches in the township. There is no railroad anywhere within easy reach. Winchester, Hagerstown, Richmond and Muncie aro the places at which the people of Nottle Creek must reach the railroads. Yet they might be worse off, since good pikes reach out to all theso towns, and tho farmers and business men of that region, instead of being obliged to hitch six horsos to twelve bushels of grain. and then after getting their wagon mired, to carry their load off to the mill on the backs of tho six horses, as of old, can now take almost any quantity they ploase and proceed pleasantly, easily and safely to the mirkot of their choice in their own, or in adjoining counties. Nottle Creek is perhaps more purely agricultural than any township in the county, and the valley of the Little White River is truly a splendid region. As the traveler passes north from Losantsville on the good and serviceable pike that extends through tho township, his eye beholds with delight the beauty of the landscapo, displaying a splendid scopy of country rescued from the domain of the original forest and subdued by the tireless industry of her stalwart farmers. Although much of the surface lies high enough for natural drainage, much, also, stood in need of human help in this respect; and in the last few years the modern systom of tile drainage has been brought greatly into use, and the farming interest of that region has been largely strengthened and enriched by that means.

In early times, like many primitive communities, some roughness of manners and actions prevailed, but latterly the community has become fully the equal of the rest of the county in those things that tend to enlighten and elevate and refine the feelings and sentiments of the community. In religious things there is considerable variety of opinions and practice. In an early day, the Baptists established a large influence in that part of the county, and they have maintained to this day a larger following in that township than elsewhere in Randolph. In fact, the Baptist element, which holds in the county at large a strong, prominent and controlling position, has, for some reason, found in Randolph County but a meager support; and, outside of Nettle Crook, that branch of the Christian body has found but few adherents. It has been suggested, with how much justice we know not, that the " Disciples." so called, who are essentially and intensely Immorsionists, and in many other respects like-the Baptists propor, have in this region absorbed the Baptist element into their own body. Wo do not declare it as a fact, but give the statement as a theory proposed by some to account for the unusual fewness of the number of Baptists hereabouts, compared with many other portions of the country.

Land Entries

It is soen by the statement just given that the settlement of the township was very sparse before 1830. In fact, the west part of the county in general had but few occupants before that date. A small number had made a beginning upon White River and Cabin Creek, but not many were even there, and away from those streams the cabins and the clearings were truly " few and far between."

Nettle Creek Township is bounded on the north by Stony Creek Township, on the east by West River Township, on the south by Wayne County, and on the west by Delaware County.

Politically. Nettle Creek has a Rapublican majority, though the Domoeratic element is strong and active, and now and then, through dissensions in the Rapublican ranks, they manage to slip in oneof their sort into som? of the local offices.

Fallen Timber Post Office - No town (perhaps) Section 35, Town 19, Range 12; two miles northeast of Losantville, in the neighborhood of Hicks K. Wright's late residence. The name has been given from the fact that nearly sixty years ago a terrible tornado prostrated miles and miles of timber, falling, as it did, in a dense, heapsd-up, impenetrable mass, and lying for many years upon the surface of the earth, an utter barrier to passage or communication across or among its overthrown treetrunks. That mass of prostrate tree-trunks, entangled for years with shrubs and new-grown saplings, has for two generations disappeared from sight, and a single name, as above, is its only existing memorial.

Flemingsburg. - Loeation, northwest Section 23, Town 19, Range 12; forty lots; Reuben Hunt, Robert W. Butler, proprietors; recorded March 31, 1837. Distances: Four miles north of Losantsville; five miles northwest of Huntsville; one mile southwest of Pleasant View. This town seems to have been among the oldest in the county, but whether it ever existed except on paper, or whether any business was ever done there, we are unable to say. It is utterly extinct, and even the name seems to be wholly lost. Itis to be presumed that at least a log cabin, store and a blacksmith shop were there, but we have obtained not the slightest outside information

Losantsville. - Location, Sections 3, 4, 9 and 10, Township 18, Range 12 east; twenty-eight lots; Howard Hunt, proprietor; recorded February 22, 1851; streets, north and south, Cambridge; east and west, Main.

Distances: Arba, eighteen and one-half miles; Bloomingsport, ten andone-half miles; Fairview, twenty miles; Farmland, thirteen and one-half miles; Huntsville, eight and one-half miles; Lynn, fourteen miles; Union City, twenty-eight miles; Windsor, seven and one-half miles; Winchester, seventeen and one-half miles; Rural, fourteen and one-half miles; Richmond, twenty-four miles; Muncie, seventeen miles; Hagerstown, eight and one-half miles. Losantsville (at first called Hunt's Cross Roads) was laid out in 1851 by Howard Hunt. Its " antiquities " are as follows: Mr. Denny had a log-cabin store; Bright Cisk resided there in 1834, and had a grocery in 1842, and perhaps sooner than that. Howard Hunt had a grocery and a hotel in 1850. Moses Shores built a grocery at the southwest corner of the main crossing. Lemuel Wiggins bought him out, and he in turn sold his establishment to Samuel Burroughs and William Hendricks. However, Mr. Wiggins continued his residence at the place, and for twenty years has kept hotel at Losantsville, besides owning and running a store more than once, the last time for five or siz years. William Chambers had a cabinet shop. Thomas Jones also worked at the same business afterward. Henry Blazer, Lewis Retz, John Sutton, William Bradfield, William McCollom, Charles Shaffer have had smith shops. A post office was established nearly twenty-five yearsago. The Postmasters have been Messrs. Wiggins, Hendricks, McCollom, Canada, D. Wiggins, L. Wiggins. Mills Hunt, Esq., is a resident of the town, having been an inhabitant of the county more than fifty years. Losantsville is not extensive in the line of inhabitants. There are only eleven dwelling-hduses. The present business may be described chiefly thus: One store, hotel and post office, Lemuel Wiggins; one smith shop, John Sutton; one shoemaker, William Horn; one grocer, William McCollom; one wagon shop, William McCollom; three physicians, Messrs. Berry,

Porter's Temperance League, one Baptist Church, one Methodist Episcopal society, one Christian (New Light) society, both the latter occupying a public hall for their religious services.

Pleasant View. - Location, in Nettle Creek and Stony Creek Townships, upon Sections 11, 12, 18 and 14, Township 19, Range 12 east, Mark Diggs, proprietor. Number of lots not stated. No plat recorded so far as known; laid out in 1854. Being situated in two townships and four sections, its location is more extensive than its business. 'There has been a small amount of business from the beginning of the town. Mr. Davison had a saw-mill; William Kennedy had a store; Hiram Diggs also had a store; Mr. Carey had a smith shop in 1856; Solomon Hanscom started a furniture store, as also an undertaker's shop, in 1855, and it has been continued ever since; the latter business with them has become very extensive, the most so the proprietors claim of any of the kind in Randolph County. They make their own work and furnish coffins for at least 180 buryings per year. The merchants in Pleasant View have been Messrs. Kennedy, Diggs, Wright, Hast, McNees, Kelly, Moore, Bates, Lumpkin & Bro., Ross & Hanscom, Macy (whose store was blown up with powder), Jessup, Hanscom, Jessup & Carter, E. Carter & Son, G. Wright.

The physician has been Dr. Frank, in 1870. The smith shops have been run by Messrs. Johnson, Carey, Bowers, Snuth and Robison. Wagon shops, J. W. Paschal, Lamb & Williams. Saw-mill, Mr. Davison and others. Cabinet and undertaker's shop, Mr. Hanscom.

Present business: One store, G. Wright; one smith shop, Mr. Bowers; one wagon shop, Lamb & Williams; one saw-mill, Davison; one undertaker, Mr. Hanscom; one post office, name, Good View, Postmaster, G. Wright; one schoolhouse. Everything at this town is ona small scale. There is one pike, and the railroads were so far away as to hide the wonderful train, smoke, roar and all from the sight and sound of the villagers. But, in the spring of 1882, the 1, B. & W. road was laid through the southern part of the portion extending east and west, connecting Columbus, Indianapolis, ete., and running near Losantsville, and not very far from the town with the pretty name, Pleasant View. Whether the proximity of this line of road will help or hinder this aspiring little hamlet. time, the great revealer, will unfold. Till then, let us wait in patience the revelations of the future. A thrifty and prosperous country region surrounds the tow.

Jobn Bookout was born in Tennessee in 1807; came to Nettle Creek in 1831; married Nancy Laughlin in 182%; entered forty acres where he now lives, east of Losantsville. He has bought otlier land besides, but the land which he first entered is the homestead. He has had thirteen children, and is a farmer. He lives east of Losantsville. The region was considerably settled up when he came - John Snodgrass, north of Losantsville, now dead; Hamilton Snodgrass, son of John S., north of Losantsville, now living; Byron Carter, east of bsantavilles living; the Cisk family, an old man and his sons; Reuben Johnson, north of Losantsvills; several families by the name of Barroughs lived south of Losantsville. Solomon Sparks, Israel Tharpe, Benjamin Antrim, Antony Johnson, Taomas Antrim, George Leaky, Henry Leaky, Anderson Moore, William Denny, Jacob Crouse were

John Burroughs lived southwest of Losantsville. He was born in Virginia i in 1793, came to Warrén County, Ohio, in 1808, moved to Fayette County, still again to Randolph County, Ind., in 1822, Hemarried Martha Chambers (who was born in 1799, in Wilkes County, N.C.), in 1816. They have had twelve children, ten of whom have been married. One died in Florence Prison, Jesse Burroughs. Mr. Burroughs died in 1862, sixtynine years old. His widow is stillliving with her son, south of, Losantsville; she is about eighty-three years old, yet she is active and cheerful, and her memory is fresh concerning old things. Some reminiscences are given by her as follows: "The 'Fallen Timber' was two years after we came here (1824). Plenty of Indians were still at Muncie, Yorktown, Smithfield, etc. While living in Fayette County, our folks went twice (in the spring and in the fall) intoa fort at Elkhorn Creok. My youngest brother was born in that blockhouse. 'The tornado did but little damage where we lived. The body of the storm was farther east. John Burroughs' father, Thomas Burroughs, came when we did. -Samuel Burroughs was the first white child born in Nettle Creek Township, May 20, 1823. He died eighteen years ago (in 1863). Aunt Patsy Branson, now of Muncie, Ind., widow of Isaac Branson, who were pioneers of Stony Creek, and afterward of Nettle Creek, says that Mr. Burroughs' people were the only settlers in the region when they planted themselves in Nettle Creek, and that they used to hear the dogs bark and the roosters crow at Mr. Branson's through the woods several miles.

Jonathan Canady was born in North Carolina in 1821, came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1826, and to Randolph County, Ind., in 1840. He married Susan Moore, and has had fourteen Shri dren; twelve of them are grown and eight are married; eight have taught school, two are attorneys, and one isa Justice of the Peace. They are an active and intelligent family and are Republicans.

Martin L. Canady was born in Randolph County, Ind., in 1848; married Sophronia E. Noll in 1869, and they have three children. He is a farmer and teacher, having taught school in Losantsville (in 1878), for itseems that ambitious little town never till 1878 rose to the diginity of possessing a school. The Township Trustees in that year, taking pity on her desolation, erected a neat and commodious school building, and now the as. piring Losantsvillans need not be obliged to submit to the humiliation of forever being bound to dance attendance upon an old-fashioned or even upon a new fangled country school.

Mr. Canady was elected magistrate of Nettle Creek Township in the spring of 1879, against a candidate who had held office for twenty-five years, and had never before been beaten. Mr. Canady was the census enumerator for 1880 in the census district in which he resides. He is a Republican, and seems to be rising in popularity and growing in fitness for public station.

Walter Canady came from North Carolina to Randolph County, Ind., in 1829, and lived and died there. He had a wife and five children. He was a farmer of Nettle Creek Township, entering land there when he came to the county.

John Clevenger, father of William Clevenger, near Neff, was born in Virginia in 1780; came to Ohio in 1808; married Maria Stuthard in 1799 (born 1780); came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1828; entered 120 acres, being a part of William Clevenger's present farm. He had fourteen children; twelve lived to be grown and married and have large families, the whole twelve having 108 children, or an average on the twelve of exactly nine each. He died in 1872, aged ninety- two years and ninemonths. His wife died in 1848, being sixty-six years old. His children are as follows: Dosha (Dudley), born 1800, had twelve children: Samuel, born 1802, had eleven children; John, born 1803, had nine children; Wesley, born 1805, had nine children; Eliza, born 1809, had seven children; James, 1811, had five children; Nancy, 1811 (Raines), had nine children; Seppy, 1815, had five children; Fielding, 1817, had twelve children; Maria, 1819

Jonathan Clevenger came the same fall, The two families had arranged to mect on the way, and come tho rest of the distance together. = The plan failed in somo way, and the families did not meet, and each one, found his way alone. Mr. Clevenger was a sturdy Democrat. He voted for Jackson in 1828. Ho was an active member of the Christian (New Light) Church, and a worthy and exemplary citizen.

John C, Clevenger was 'born in Randolph County, Ind., in 1836. He has eleven children. He has held several local offices, having been Justice of the Peace four years and Township Trustee two years. It is quite remarkablo that though a Democrat in a township that has a Republican majority of eighty, he was elected Trustee in the spring election of 1880 by twenty majority. He is an active citizen, and a useful member of the body politic. He is a farmer, and lives northwest'of Losantsvillo.

Isaac Crouse was born in Randolph County in 1837; married Irene Watkins in 1859, who'was born in 1844. They have three children. He is a farmer and a member of the Christian (New Light) Church. His home is near Losantsville. It isa somewhat remarkable fact that his wife was at his marriage with her only fifteen years old. Although now old enongh to have had several children, her age is only thirty-three years. Should their married life last till she arrives at the age of ninety, her state of wedlock will have continued through the wonderful period of three-quarters of a century.

William Clevenger isthe son of John Clevenger, who came to Randolph Co., Ind., in 1828. He.was born in Ohio in 1821; came with his parents to Randolph County in 1828. He married Mary Jane Smithson in 1841, and has six children. Heis an extensive farmer, andis a prominent citizen. He owns 320 acres of land. Although his father wasa strong Jackson Democrat, yet William Clevenger on coming to his majority, after voting for Polk in 1844, radically changed his politics, and has voted the Abolition and Republican tickets ever since. His ballot was cast for Hall and Julian in 1848, when the ticket got only three votes in the township. He made a temperance pledge for himself when a boy fifteen years old. Seeing the evils of drink, and resolving never to touch it, he has kept his vow to this day. He joined a temperance society only three or four years ago, but has "lived" it from boyhood. A member of the Christian (New Light) Church, and a wide-awake, thriving, successtul business man. In his youth and early manhood he did an immense amount of hard work, lis brothers and himself, as he says, clearing more land than any other family in the township or 'perhaps in the county or even in the State. William Clevenger has beon Road Supervisor for fifteen years, and isso still. Mr. Clevenger is a pleasant specimen of the prosperous and successful farmer. Hospitable, friendly, generous and enterprising, both himself and his wife are remarkable for their worthy and estimable characters. He has erected upon his extensive farm a substantial and commodious mansiou, which will doubtless yield them pleasure and comfort during the remainder of their lives.

Jacob Crouse was born in North Carelina in 1799; married Hannah Johnson in 1824; emigrated tv Randolph County, Ind., in 1832, settling one mile west of Losantsville. They have had seven children. His wife was a Baptist. He was not himself a member of any religious body, and in politics lived and died a Democrat of the Jacksonian stamp and style. Heentered eighty acres of land, and he resided on the tract till his death in 1873, forty-one years. His wife lived only till 1864. Charles Crouse, his son, still occupies the original homestead, one mile west of Losantsville, being, like his mother, a Baptist, and, like his father, a Democrat.

Mark Diggs was born in North Carolina 1799, and was the son of William Diggs, the elder, whose son William came to White River in 1816. Mark Diggs came to White River, Ran- dolph County, in IS2h: marvicd Stisauidh Way. datghter of Matthew Way. who was brother of Penland Henry Way, ail who died iy Carolina in [S260 'Phoy tad one child whieh died in infaney. Mark Dives settled in [S27 on the farm where his widow now lives, near Pleasant View. Fle wise friend. belonging to the budy: in polities, a Whi anda tepablican. Plo was an Elder in the Priends' Society, greatly respeeted aiid allogether a solid member. He owned at the time of his death in IS7S 600 aeres of land. At first he entered 210 acres. Plis widow is living still on the old homestead, whieh has been her residence for fifty-five yeus. Mrs. Mark Diges has in her possession the family record of old William Way, her grandfather, and the father of Paul, Henry, William, Robert and Matthew Way, which is here trauseribed. William Way, son of Pauland Mary Way, born duly $, 1756; died April 9. 1889, eighty-three years: Abigail (Ozborn), born September 26, 1706, died, January 2, 1829, aged seventy-three years.

Matthew Way (above) was married in Carolina. and had two children, dying in 1811 by being thrown from a horse. His wifo died with her second child. Their chiJdren were: Susannah, born January 4, 1807; Moorman, born February 9, 1808, died in 1881. Susannah marricd Mark Diges, but has no children living. Moorman Way was also married, but has no issue living.

| Moorman Way died in the fall of 1881, leaving his large fortune to his only heir, his sister. Mrs. Susannah Diggs, widow of Mark Diggs, as above, who was already the possessor of a

Wilkerson Gray was born in Kentucky in 1802; came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1816, and to Randolph County, Ind., in 1835, entering a tract of land one-half milo west of Losantsville, and has lived there from that day to this. He married Matilda Long in 1820, and has been the father of ten children, cight of them being still living and married. His wife was born in 1805, and died in 1847. He has been a widower for thirty-four years. He was married very young, at cighteen years, and they had three children before he was twent;-one years of age. He lives on his old place with his son-in-law, Isaac Crouse, having attained the great age of fourscore years, and is strong and hearty, considering the length of time that he has tarried amidst sublunary scones.

Jordan Halstead was born on the way to Ohio, at Allegheny Point, on the Ohio River, in 1805. His parents came to Butler County, Ohio, and then to Wayne County, Ind., in 1825. He mariod Nancy McClanahan in 1828, and came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1831. They have had thirteen children. Nine are living and nine have been married. He has resided athis present home from the first (fifty-one years), and be now owns 244 acres of land.

Solomon Hanscom, Pleasant View, born in Maine; moved to Kentucky in 1839 and to Randolph County, Ind., in 1853; has had six children, and died in 1875. He was an undertaker and cabinet maker. His business has been continued by his two sons under the firm name of James W. Hanscom & Bro. He was a Presbyterian, then a Baptist and lastly a Friend. In politics, he was at first a Democrat and afterward a Republican.

William Hendricks came early to the county, and was Justice of the Peace twelve years. He married 100 couples during his term of office. He was also Township Trustee ten years, and was never defeated as a candidate for office till three years ago, at which time (spring of 1879) he ran for magistrate, and was themselves out, all goes well; but all are not thus keen-sighted, and a struggle against fate followed by defeat is the result. Mr. Hendricks doubtless will continue in the future as during the past a personage of influence and usefulness, retaining. as he does, the estimable qualities which for so many years of his carlier life enabled him to hold so firmly a commanding position among his fellow-men.

Miles Hunt was born in Kentucky September 10, 1808. He came early to this county in 1824, at the age of sixteen, and has been a resident of Randolph fifty-eight years. He has been identified with the interests of the county for more than half a century, representing the county at one time in the State Legislature when comparatively a young man. Mr. Hunt has raised a large family, now grown men and women, who are now among the useful and worthy citizens of their native commonwealth. He has been a life-long Democrat, being one of the few who have clung to that political faith in the face of the overwhelming adverse majorities for many years in this Republican county. Since the time of the Murphy revival he has been an active and enthusiastic temperance worker, being now engaged along with his worthy companion in the advocacy of the prohibition movement. He was one of the proprietors of the town of Huntsville forty-seven years ago when a young man twenty-six years ago, and he has for many years been a resident of Losantsville, formerly Hnnt's Cross Roads. Mr. Hunt, though past threescore years and ten, is still vigcrous and energetic, showing more strength and activity than many another person fifteen years his junior. perance banner, even until he shall behold it float in triumph oyer the last yrim fortress of King Alcohol!

Antony Johnson came to Nettle Creek, Randolph County, Ind., as soon as 1829 (may be sooner than that). He and his wife are very old, he being eighty-six years old and she some younger. They reside on asmalJl farm northeast of Losantsvyille. Full fifty years and even more have passed over their heads, for weal and woe, in sunshine or in storm, since first this now aged couple reared their humble home beneath the leafy shade of the giant trees of Randolph forests. The ax, that mighty instrument of fate in the brawny hands of the stalwart pioneer, has accomplished its wondrous task, and the sun pours down upon those now denuded fields its fiery rays, where, for long ages before, its utmost power could not avail to reach. And two generations have disappeared from sight, and been hidden beneath the crumbling mold of the lonely graveyard. Yet these two still survive, almost the only remnants of that early race who made the heroic onslaught upon the mighty forests which had for so long a time hidden the earth's genial surface deep and dark beneath its overreaching foliage. They yet remain. But not for long. Kven while [ write these lines as this memorial to the coming ages, the decree may have gone forth for them. "The silver cord is loosed, the golden bowl is broken, the pitcher is broken at the fountain and the wheel is broken at the cistern. Let the dust return to dust as it was, and the spirit return to God who gave it." At any rate, for them speedily, for us all in God's in good time, the final summons will surely come.

Daniel KE. Johnson is the son of Reuben Johnson, and the brother of L. Williams Johnson, and perhaps of others by that name in the vicinity. Heis a wealthy farmer, residing northeast of Losantsville, in the fertile region of the Little White River. He is a thriving farmer, an active business man and a prominent Democrat. In much of Randolph County, Republican predominance is so strong as to cut Democrats off from al] hope of preferment, and in Nettle Creek Township the Republican is generally the stronger side. But the Democrats in this township are a bold, defiant party, and sometimes, when the Republicans fall out among themselves, the other sort strike all as one and make a success, All honor to the sincere, upright, honest yeomanry, who tight for country aud for principle. and not for spoil And such. incleed. must the Domoerats of Randolph be. Por, buried deep under the weight of an opposing majority, sometimes of 2200. what but solid convictions can keep the average Randolph County Democrat lovaland unyielding to his fealty? Party spoils there are none for him. His view of political duty holds him fast and firm as the "needle to the pole."

Reuben Johnson was born in Surry County, N. C., in 1796. He eame to Hagerstown, Wayne Co., Ind., in 1880, and to Losantsville im 1832. Ue married: Mary Harville, end had nine children. He died in [So7, and his wife in 1863. He was a farmer, a Baptist and a Democrat. Several of his sons are hiving, and are prominent citizens, residing in the vicinity of Losintsyille.

Lewis Williams Johnson is the son of Reuben Johnson. He was born in North Carolinain 18519, came to Hagerstown, Wayne Co., Ind.. in 1831, and to Nettle Creek, Randolph Co., Ind., in 1832. Ho married Kuniece Hodeson in ISt1, and Martha A. Canada in 1864 (who was born in 1845). He has had sixteen children; thirteen of them are living, seven have been married, and seven are at home. He is a prominent citizen and farmer. He is a member of the Christian (New Light) Church, and in politics a Democrat. He has been Township Trustee and Township Assessor. He is also a local preacher in the denomination to which he belongs, an estimable man and a valuable membor of society.

George Leaky was born in Tennessee in 1804, emigrated to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1816, married Lydia Hiatt in 1823, and moved to Randolph County, Ind., in 1834. His first wife died in 1834, and he married Jane (Sanders) Peters in 1836. He was the father of ten children, all of whom are living, and all are married but one. He died in 1877 at the age of seventy-three. He entered at first eighty acres, and afterward 160 more, making for himself and family an extensive and profitable farm. He was a member of the Christian denomination, and died in 1877, leaving behind a large and interesting group of descendants and relatives.

Christian Leaky was the son of George Leaky, bein born in Clinton County, Ohio, in 1829, and coming to Randolph County, Ind., in 1834. He married Sidney A. Snodgrass in 1854, and they have had six children. He is a member of the Christian (New Light) Church, a farmer by vocation, living north of Losantsville, and the owner of 360 acres of excellent land.

Henry Leaky was born in Tennessee in 1794, being an older brother of George Leaky. He came to Ohio in early life, and to Randolph County, Ind., in 1831, having married Jane Frery a considerable time previous. They had seven children, and he died in 1867, being sixty-seven years old. He was a farmer and had filled the office of Justice of the Peace, both in Indiana and for a long time in Ohio, besides which, moreover, he held, during one term, the position of County Commissioner of Randolph. In religious counection, he belonged to the body calling themselves Christians.

Anna Leaky (MeGunnigill Snodgrass) married Charles Mc- Gunnigill, who came from South Carolina to Randolph County, Ind., in 1834. Mr. MeGunnigill was born in 1801, and died in 1862. She has had ten children; seven of the children are living, and six have been married. She is now the wife of William Snodgrass, whose biography is given elsewhere.

David Moetzgar lived south of Losantsyille. He*died in 1874. One of his sons died in Andersonville Prison. His daughter (wife of Frank Burroughs) lives on the old homestead, one and one-half miles south of Losantsville. He was a prominent citizen of Nettle Creek, but we have not at hand at this writing material for a more extended biography.

William Shullabarger came to Nandolph County sixty years since. When he settled in Nettle Creek is not certainly known. He was killed many years ago by the falling of a tree upon him. His widow married William C. Hendricks, an account of whom is elsewhere given.

Hamilton Snodgrass has been a resident of Nettle Creek for more than half a century. His boyhood days were spent in different places, and in three States - Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana.

Mark Diggs

Marx: Diaas, deceased, was born in North Carolina April 23, i799. He was the son of William and Fannie Diggs, and was the fifth of a family of nine children. received a meager education from the schools of his native State. As a boy, he was remarkable for his honesty, morality and industry. In his earlier life were planted the seeds of Christian integrity, which ripened into an abundant harvest in later years. He, came to this two miles west of Winchester, his father parchasing 160 acres of land with slight improvements, having a log cabin, a few acres cleared and an orchard. At the time of his settlement on this farm, there were but two log cabins upon the ground now occupied by the town of Winchester. His father lived on this farm: until the death of hie wife, when he made his home with his daughter, Ann Moorman, with whom he lived until his death, Mark Diggs was mar. ried to Susannah Way, November 9, 1826. After marriage, Mr. and Mra. Diggs settled on a farm in Nettle Oreek Township, the same upon which the widow now resides. He entered 160 acres of fertile land, and through his untiring industry put-it in a high state of cultivation. He lived on this farm until his death, which oocurred June 6, 1878, at the age of seventy-nine years. He has but one brother living, Williem Diggs, who lives at Harlham, Iowa. Mark Diggs was a hard working man, and very economical in his habits. He accumulated quite a large estate, a portion of which his wife inherited. He hed s birthright in the Society of Friends, and was a valuable and useful member of the church, having filled meny important places of trust. He was quiet: and reserved in his habits, and it was those who knew him best that loved him much.

Susannah Diggs

the widow of Mark Diggs, was born in. Mulberry District, South Carolina, January 4, 1807. She is the daughter of Matthew and Agnes (Moorman) Way, and is the oldést of two children, and the only one now surviving, her only brother, Hon. Moorman Way, a pioneer and noted lawyer of Winchester, having died in 1881. She was left an orphan, when she was but a little more than one year old, and was raised and educated by her grandparents, William and Abigail Way, with whom she came: to this county,.in 1816, and settled in White River Township. Her educational advantages were very poor, the county at this time being an almost unbroken wilderness, and the schools were of the old pioneer kind. She was a hard-working woman, possessing a remarkably strong constitution, and practiced the strictest economy. She was married to Mark Diggs, as' stated in his biography. Since his death, she has remained' on the old homestead, and managed her financial affairs with marked ability. She was of inestimable advantage to her husband in managing his. affairs. She spun and wove all of the wearing apparel of herself and husband for a great many years. She has never had' any children of her own, but has partially raised and educated Heh She has been an acceptable'memberof the Friends' Church all her life, is remarkably well preserved for

Res.Of M. L.Canady, Losan

He was born in Tennessee in 1807, came to Ohio in 1811 and to Indiana in 1813, and to Randolph County in 1830. He has been twice married, and both his wives are dead. The first was Betsey Dixon, married in 1828. The second was Polly Ann (Street) Burroughs. She diedin 1880. Mr. Snodgrass has had six children, is a farmer by occupation and a Democrat in politics. He resides a wile north of Losantsville. As would appear by the dates given above, his entire early and middle life was that of a pioneer. Born in Tennessee, near the opening of the century, brought to Ohio about the commencement of Tecumseh's war of 1811, and taken to Indiana in 1813 when only nine years old, changing his residence still again while yet only a young man in his prime, barely twenty-three years of age, this time to the then wild and unsettled regions of Randolph, it is clear that for him gallant leader and one of the advance guard to the mighty army of civilization that were erelong to take full and permanent possession of the beautiful and glorious western wilderness. And he could well and worthily sing to the' echoes of his resounding ax-blows and to the crackling crash of the mighty tree-trunks. But that song is for this region nearly done - the giants of the " grand old woods " have disappeared, and in their stead a puny, sickly race shabbily and scantily fill the places so long and so splendidly hiding the face of the ground beneath their deep, dark shades.

John Snodgrass wes born in Virginia in 1763, moved to Tennessee in 1803, to Ohio in 1811, to Henry County, Ind., in 1813, and to Randolph County, Ind., in 1830. He had eight children. His wife was Rhoda Mays, and he was married in Virginia long before he began his wanderings to find a suitable home. He was an old man when he came to Randolph, sixty-seven years of age, but his stay was but short among his children and friends. He died in 1834, and his wife eleven years after her husband, in 1845. Four of the children are living still. His residence was about a mile north of Losantsville. He wasa farmer and a Democrat. Think of the life of this sturdy pioneer. Forty years among the rugged mountains of Virginia, eight years amid the forests of Tennessee, two years in Ohio through the Indian war of 1811-18, seventeen years buried in the woods of Henry County, Ind, and when within three years of his allotted threescore and ten, plunging yet once more, and for the last time, into the heart of the deep, unbroken forests of Randolph County, and lying down at length after so many tedious and wearisome years, beneath the oaks and the beeches, to die and be forever at rest, while his friends and his comrades, gathering around his mortal remains, sadly but hopefully say, " Life's fitful fever over, he sleeps well."

William Snodgrass is the son of John Snodgrass and the brother of Hamilton Snodgrass. He was born in Tennessee in 1809. He married Betsey Gray in 1836, and Anna (Leaky) Mc- Gunnigill in 1876. He has had eight children; seven are living, and all married. He came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1830, moved to Iowa in 1854, and returned to Nettle Creek, in 1869. Mr. Snodgrass is a farmer and a Democrat, somewhat advanced in years, but active and attentive to business. He is quiet, modest, unobtrusive in his manners, diligent and frugal in his business and careful and economical in his management, sincere in his own convictions and tolerant of those who may chance to differ with him. He resides ona farm north of Losantville, carrying on an extensive business in that line.

Lemuel Wiggins, Losantville, w2s born in Hocking County, Ohio, in 1820; came to Hagerstown, Ind.; thence he removed to Blountsville, Henry County, and lastly, to Losantville, in 1858. His first wife died of cholera in Blountsville. His second wife was Mary Stanley. He has had ten children. Mr. W. is an enterprising man, a sterling Republican and an active Methodist. He has been Township Trustee two years, is a merchant, a hotelkeeper; also a farmer, owning several farms; is Postmaster of aged seventy one years. He married Margaret Durbin in Kentucky in 1817 (born 1799). He came to Ohio in 1802 (or before), to Wayne County, Ind., in 1829, and to Randolph County, Ind., in 1834. They moved to Kosciusko County, Ind., in 1861, and he died there in 1864, They have had fourteen children, eleven of whom became grown, ten have been married and nine are still living. His widow resides at Losantsville, and belongs to the Christian (New Light) Church.

Mr. Wine was a soldier in the war of 1812, and received a pension, which, since his death, has been transferred to his widow, who receives it still. It is a noteworthy fact that he emigrated to Ohio just eighty years ago, during the very year, moreover, on which that now rich and powerful commonwealth became a member of the Federal Union, and has resided in that State during twenty-seven long and eventful years of the important formative period, when all was new and wild and rough, leaving it at length as long ago"as thesfirst year of "Old Hickory's" first term in the Presidency, now fifty-three years gone by.

Hicks K. Wright was an early settler in that region, and a very prominent citizen for many years. He was County Commissioner several terms, and also Township Trustee a long time, dying while in that office. He wasan Episcopal Methodist. He raised a large family, several of whom are now living. Mr. W. died only a few years ago. His life is worthy, doubtless, of a larger and more definite mention in a history of Randolph; yet, while many, even of the prominent citizens, must be omitted, and only a few in all can be commemorated, it happens that our present subject falls among the great multitude concerning whom we have failed to obtain suitable materials for an extended sketch.

JOHN BOROUGHS, farmer, P. 0. Losantville, was born in this county November 1, 1838. His father, John Boroughs, was a native of Virginia, born February 9, 1793; his mother, Martha (Chambers) Boroughs, was born in North Carolina May 8, 1799. Mr. Boroughs was married March 25, 1858, to Sarah J. Pollard, who was born in Wayne County, Ind., September 24, 1840. Her parents were natives of Indiana. This union has been blessed with two children - Lillie B., born October 7, 1861, who was married to James N. Johnson, of this county; Lillie B., deceased October 11,1881. Their son, Jesse P., was born August 9, 1867, and is a bright, promising lad, of whom his father is very proud. Mr. Boroughs has a good farm of 120 acres; he is a sterling gentleman, and commands the respect and confidence of all who know him.

WILLIAM BOROUGHS, farmer, P. O. Losantville, was born in Nettle Creek Township, this county, March 21, 1832. His father, John Boroughs, was a native of Virginia, born February 9, 1793; his mother, Martha (Chambers) Boroughs, was born in North Carolina May 8, 1799. Mr. Boroughs was educated in the district schools of the county- Was married December 18, 1851, to Edith Lumpkin, who was born in this State February 9, 1833; her parents were natives of Tennessee. This union has been blessed with eight children, viz., Louisa J., born October 1, 1852; Erastus,-April 25, 1854; Freely, June 18, 1858; Alonzo, April 3, 1860; Alfred L., September 7, 1863; Dora A., April 25, 1866; Harlan, February 14, 1872; Arthur, May 28, 1874. Mr. Boroughs owns @ well-improved farm of 330 acres. He is a friend to education, a supporter and advocate of good schools, and ever stands ready to aid in advancing general improvements in his community. Peaceable, temperate, kind to his family, and in every way a worthy citizen.

CHARLES H. BARRAX, saw-milling, Goodview, was born in Virginia July 15, 1827. His parents were natives of Virginia. Mr. Barrax was educated at West Elk, Ohio. He was married, July 12, 1860, to Sarah Robinson, who was born in this county May 17, 1836, and the same year moved to Richmond, Ind., where they remained for eight years. They have had born to them one child, Minnie, born March 9, 1866. In 1868, they settled where they now reside. Since then, Mr. Barrax has been engaged in the grocery, drug and saw-milling business. He served for a term of eighteen months as Postmaster of the office at that time known as Melancthon but since changed to Goodview. He is now giving his whole attention to, and successfully conducting his saw-mill, which is located in Section 23. Mr. Barrax is an energetic, enterprising gentleman.

JONATHAN CANADY, farmer, P. O. Losantville, was born in North Carolina August 3, 1821. His father, Walter, and mother, Hannah (Adamson) Canady, were natives of North Carolina. Mr. Canady came to this State with his parents when eight years of age; was educated in the common schools of the county. Mr. Canady has been engaged in the mercantile business at Dalton, Bluntsville and Windsor. At the latter place, he lost his store and its contents by fire. He then settled on the farm where he now resides; he never moved from the farm where he now resides, having lived there for the past eighteen years. Mr. Canady was married, December 22, 1843, to Susannah Moore, who was born in Ohio April 10, 1828; her parents were natives of Virginia. This union has been blessed with children, twelve of whom lived to the age of maturity, and one who is dead. The living ones are Mary J., born February 13, 1844; Martha A., November 14, 1845; Louisa, February 18, 1846; Martin L., August 7, 1848; Silas A., July 18, 1854; William W., December 8, 1855; Etha L., died February 26, 1876 ; Enos, born Qi ber 2, 1856; Melis a E.,

March 7, 1858; Prentice A., December 8, 1859; Emma J., January 23, 1863, and Lillie V., April 26, 1864, of whom nine of the twelve have taught school in the schools of this county. Mr, Canady owns a well-improved farm of 171 acres in Sections 34 and 4. Is a consistent member of the Christian Church, and is a sterling gentleman, highly respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and is a lover of education and always in favor of good schools. P. A. and Lillie, his youngest son and daughter, are attending Merom School, and P. A. will graduate this year at said college.

MAHLON H. CHAMNESS, farmer, P. O. Dalton, was born in this county January 24, 1840, and since that time has resided within a short distance of his birthplace. His father, Joshua, was born in North Carolina in 1806, and his mother in same State in 1809, and deceased April 22, 1881. They moved to this county in the year 1832. The subject of this sketch was married in 1862 to Miss Emily J. Hodgin, who was born in Randolph County, Ind. Their union has been blessed with three children - Lorinda A., born January 17, 1865; Mary A., October 13, 1867; Albert, August 19, 1873. Mary A. died March 4, 1873. Mr. Chamness is an energetic and earnest worker in the Church of Friends. Owns a farm of sixty acres. Is a gentleman of high social qualities and well respected by a large circle of acquaintances.

John C. Clevenger

John C. Clevenger, is a farmer, and son of Samuel B. and Mary Clevenger, was born in Randolph County, Iad., February 12, 1836. . He is the fourth of a family of twelve children, eight of whom are now living. His father was born in Virginia February 15, 1802; his mother (Mary Truitt) was born ia Maryland February 14, 1809. After marriage, his parents settled in Clinton County, Ohio, and after remaining here for a number of years they removed 'to Randolph County and settled in Stony Creek Township. They remained there ona rented farm about three years, then purchased eighty acres, and held it till 1856, when they sold out and purchased the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch, where they remained until their deaths. Mrs. Clevenger died May 24, 1864, and Mr. Clevenger died November 30, 1866. John lived with his father on the farm until his marriage, which occurred August 23, 1855; he was married to Amy A. Aker, of Randolph County. Mr. Clevenger obtained a fair education from the common district schools of the county. After his marriage, he settled on his father's farm, where he lived for about six years, when he moved upon a farm owned by Elisha Garrett, where he remained until the year 1865, when he purchased and moved on the farm he now owns. At the time of purchase, the farm consisted of 160 acres, a large portion of which was unimproved. It now consists of 240 acres, of which about 200 are under cultivation. This farm is well located and of a good quality of soil. Mr. and Mrs. Clevenger are the parents of thirteen children, of whom eight are living. Mr. Clevenger affiliates with the Democratic party, and was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in 1872, and served for four years, He was elected Township Trustee in 1878, and served two terms. In both of these offices he served the people faithfully and honestly. He is an honored member of Windsor Lodge, No. 517, I. 0. O. F. In addition to farming, Mr. Clevenger is engaged in buying and shipping stock of all kinds. Mr. and Mrs. Clevenger are both industrious and frugal people, well situated in life, and honored and useful citizens.

Martin L. Canady

Martin L. Canady was born in Randolph County, Ind., August 7, 1848, and is the son of Jonathan and Susanah Cee) Canady. His father was born in Randolph County, N. Q., August 3, 1821, and came to Wayne County, this State, in company with his parents when he was eight years of age. He came to this county in 1845, and settled near the town of Losantville on a farm. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in Highland County, Ohio, April 10, 1823, and came with her parents to this county in 1826. Mr. Canady's. parents are both living, in the enjoyment of fair health, one and a half miles from Losantville.

Martin was a farmer's boy, and received a liberal education from the district schools of his native township, and the county seminary of Winchester, under the supervision of Prof. Ferris, He began teaching in the public schools of this county when he was eighteen years of age, and has taught during the winter almost continuously ever since. At this writing, he is in charge of the school of his native town, Losantville. Mr. Canady has been eminently successful as a teacher and educator, and has done much for the cause of education in this county. He was married, August 31, 1869, to Miss Saffronia -E. Noel, an estimable young lady and only daughter of James and Susan (Sisk) Noel. She was born in Edgar County, Ill., September 16, 1854. Her father was born near Paris, Edgar Co., Ill., December 20, 1820, and died six weeks before her birth. She came to this county in company with her mother when she was three years of age. Her mother was subsequently remarried, and now resides in Portland, Jay County, this State.

Mr. and Mrs. Canady are the parents of three children, as follows: Elbert N., born in Vermillion County, Ind., April 138, 1872; Jonathan A., in Jasper County, Ind., January 23, 1875, and Dollie, in Randolph County, Ind., December 14, 1878. Mr. Canady moved to Edgar County, Ill., soon after marriage and engaged in farming for one year, when he moved to Newport, Vermillion County, this State, where he lived for four years, engaged in teaching during the winter and running s saw-mill during the summer. He then moved to Jasper County, this State, where he remained for eighteen months, engaged in teaching and farming. He then returned to this county, purchased and settled on his father's farm. He retained possession of this farm until 1878, when he sold out and bought fifty acres where he now resides. This little farm is well improved and supplied with comfortable buildings. He has recently erected a brick residence, one and one-half stories in height, of modern architecture, a sketch of which is given in this work.

Mr. Canady is an active and energetic Republican in politics, and has filled several several important positions in the party; he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in 1878, and again re-elected in 1882. In 1880, he was appointed enumerator No. 171 in the Third District, under the supervision of Hon. J. W. Ridenower. He has filled all of these important offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is an efficient and active member of Losantville Lodge, No. 232, 1.0.0. F., and Hagerstown Encampment, No. 25. He has passed all the chairs of his lodge twice, been four times elected Delegate to the Grand Lodge, has held the office of Secretary for a number of years and been Trustee ever since he became a member of the lodge. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the order, and is ever actively engaged in its interest. He and his estimable lady are acceptable members of the Christian Church at Losantville, and honored and useful members of the community in which they reside.

Hamilton P. Franks

Hamilton P. Franks, physician and surgeon, was born in Hardin County, Ohio, March 8, 1849; he is the son of Peter and Mary (Brown) Franks, and is the sixth of a family of seven children, of whom four are now living. His father was born in Fayette County, Penn., December 17, 1813, and moved to born in Perry County, Ohio, November 11, 1817. After marriage, they settled on a farm in Hardin County, where they remained for a number of years, and subsequently removed to Licking County, where Peter Franks died April 24, 1878, and where Mary Franks, his widow, still resides. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm until he was fifteen years of age, engaging in the duties common to the life of farmer boys, and receiving a liberal education from the common schools. At the age above mentioned, he commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. McBriar, of Newark, Ohio, with whom he remained for two years, when he located at Thornville, Perry Co., Ohio, and engaged in the practice of his profession. During his sojourn at Thornville, he commenced the study of medicine, which he prosecuted with vigor in connection with the practice of dentistry. He remained in Thornville until September, 1871, when he came to this county and located at Pleasant View, Nettle Creek Township, and engaged in the practice of medicine. He continued to practice in the above-named place until August, 1874, when he moved to Losantville of the same township, where he has since resided, and engaged in a very successful practice of his profession.

Dr. Franks has attended three courses of medical lectures - one at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, one at the Kentucky School of Medicine of Louisville, Ky., and graduated at the Medical College of Indiana at Indianapolis March 1, 1882. Dr. Franks, although a comparatively young physician, has enjoyed an extensive practice, and his success has been a matter of pride to himself and friends. He is a diligent student, and keeps thoroughly posted in all of the latest phases of his profession. He is well adapted by nature to the profession of his choice, and has a brilliant prospective career.

He was united in marriage, November 8, 1870, to Miss Louisa A. McKinnon; his excellent wife is the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Arbogast) McKinnon, and was born in Logan County, Ohio, April 29, 1849; her parents are both living, and reside in Union County, Ohio; her father was born in Clark County, Ohio, February 22, 1811, and her mother February 4, 1813. Dr. and Mrs. Franks are the parents of two living children, four having died in infancy - Jessie M. was born November 8, 1872; Mary O., November 18, 1881. The Doctor and wife are acceptable and honored members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor is alsoa member of Losantville Lodge, No. 2382, I. 0. O. F., and prominent member of the Randolph County Medical Society. He has recently erected a handsome two-story frame residence at Losantville, convenient and commodious. An exact sketch of the same is given in this work. Dr. and Mrs. Franks are honored and useful citizens of the county and valuable members of society.

J. W. HANSCOM & BRO., undertaking and furniture, Goodview. J. W. and J. S. Hanscom, were both born in Kentucky, the former November 9, 1842, and the latter July 15, 1853. They were educated at the Bourbon County Seminary, near Paris, Ky. Their father, Solomon Hanscom, was a native of Maine, their mother, Margaret (Ross) Hanscomb, was born in Kentucky. In 1856, they moved with their parents to Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., where they remained for one year; they then settled at Pleasant View, where they now reside. On their arrival at. this place, their father opened an undertaking and furniture establishment, which he continued to conduct until 1868, when he retired from business ; his sons then formed a copartnership as above for the purpose of extending and continuing the business that their father had successfully carried on before them. These gentlemen are now doing an extensive business, and in their establishment may be found a large and well-selected stock of that class of goods usually found in an undertaking house. J. W. Hanscom was married, April 19, 1870, to Elizabeth Stump, who was born in Delaware County, Ind., November 28, 1849. Their union has been blessed with fSur children - Mpyrtle V., Leni L., Rufus R. and Maud.

JONATHAN J. JONES, farmer, P. O. Losantville, was born in Henry County, Ind., September 4, 1836; his father, Jacob Jones, was a native of North Carolina, born December 28, 1798 ; his mother, Matilda (Chapple) Jones, was also a native of North Carolina. Mr. Jones was married, February 14, 1861, to Susan Coralt, who was born in Ohio May 12, 1837. This union has been blessed with six children, viz., Thomas D., born September 2, 1863 ; Johnny, bern October 19, 1866; Louis T., born August 27, 1869; Mollie J., born September 11, 1872; Eddie, born April 13, 1875; Charles, born December 24, 1878. Mr. Jones moved to this county in 1880; he owns a well-improved farm of 160 acres in Sections 14 and 15. Mr. Jones is a genial gentleman, and since his arrival into the county, has gained the respect and confidence of all who know him, Is also a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. at Losantville,

ISAAC R. MAULSBY, farmer, P. O. Losantville, was born in this county November 6, 1840; his father, Thomas Maulsby, was born in Tennessee January 5, 1805; his mother, Mary (Key) Maulsby, was a native of Virginia. Mr.

Taken About 1856 Nathan Garrett

NATHAN GARRETT. This honored and useful citizen was bora in Guilford County, N. O., November 19, 1806. He isthe son of Caleb and Befulah (Jackson) Garrett, and was the second of a family of ten children, six of whom are now living. His parents removed from North Carolina about the year 1817, and settled in Salem, Ind., where Nathan received the greater portion of his education. From Salem his parents went to Danville, Ind., where they both died. Nathan was eighteen years of age when he came to Randolph County. He settled near Unionsport, and for several years engaged as teacher in the public schools. He was accounted a remarkable scholar for his time, having a Knowledge of the classics as well as the common branches. As a teacher he was eminently successful, doing much to elevate the standard of education in the county. He was first married to Sarah Puckett, daughter of Joseph and Mary Puckett, of this county. After marriage he settled near Buena Vista, where he continued to teach in the public schools. He was the father of five children as fruits of his first marriage, and seven of his second. He was elected to the office of County Sheriff in the year 1885, and served fortwo terms. He was again elected to the office of County Auditor in the year 1846, and served in this capacity for fourteen years. That he served the people of the county faithfully as their public servant, his continuance in office for eighteen years is the best evidence. It is said of his services that he was complete master of all of the details of the offices that he filled. It is stated upon unquestionable authority that he could locate by section every resident of Randolph County at the time he was serving as County Auditor. He was called to mourn the death of his wife June, 1849. He was united in a second marriage to Mrs. Malinda R. Strahan December 24, 1850, who still survives. After a residence in Winchester for ten years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Garrett settled upon a farm of 200 acres in Nettle Creek Township, where they continued to reside until Mr. Garrett's death, which oceurred October 7, 1871, at the age of sixty-four years. He enlisted in Seventh Indiana Cavalry, under Col. J. P. C. Shanks and Lieut. Col. T. M. Browne, June, 1862. He enlisted as a private, but was soon promoted. He held the position of Quartermaster with the rank of First Lieutenant. As a soldier he served his country faithfully, and cast his might on the side of right when she trembled in the balance. And he lived to see the right prevail, and the shackles stricken from four millions of bondsmen. Mr. Garrett was a true patriot, and to him his beloved country was everything while men were nothing. He served his country faithfully for a term of three years, and was mustered out with his regiment at the close of the war. He returned to his home, where he remained until his death, conscious of the fact that he had done his whole duty to both his country and fellow-men; he had only to await the summons '"'come up higher."' In politics, Mr. Garrett was an ardent and uncompromising Republican, and was ever active and vigilant in the support of the party of his choice. It may truthfully be said of Mr. Garrett that he was one man in ten thousand that are eminently fitted for serving the people. He was generous to-a fault, of the kindest heart and noblest impulses. There was no sacrifice too great'for him to make to accommodate a friend. He never forgot a favor, and always rewarded it, if in his power. One of the most striking characteristics of this remarkable man was his never failing memory. He never forgot a face nora name. An example of his remarkable memory is statedin connection with his history as County Auditor. Thus lived and died one of Randolph County's most honored citizens, a faithful public servant, a brave soldier, a devoted husband, and an affectionate father, whose memory will ever be revered throughout coming ages.

Malinda R. Garrett

This venerable lady is the daughter of Rev. Bazell and Mary Hunt, and widow of Nathan Garrett, and was born in Fleming County, Ky., February 4, 1817. Her father was born in Tennesgee March 26, 1790, and her mother in Kentucky March 26, 1791. Malinda is the third of a family of ten children, of whom six are still living. Her parents settled in the State of Kentucky, where they remained until their children were all grown up, and the death of her mother, which occurred September 26, 1880. Her father removed to Indiana about the year 1858, and settled in Randolph County.". He purchased a large tract of land in this county, where he lived until his death, October 29, 1869. Malinda lived with her parents until she was eighteen years of age, when she was united in marriage to George T. Strahan, of Kentucky, July 14, 1835. After marriage, they settled on a farm in their native State, where they continued to reside until the death of Mr. Strahan, which occurred April 17, 1847. After the lapse of one year Melinda removed to Indiana with her children, and settled on her father's

December 24, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett lived in Winchester, this county, for ten years after their marriage, when they purchased the farm where Malinda now lives. This farm consists of 200 acres, with 120 under cultivation. Mrs. Garrett has entire control of this farm, and usually leaves it to some of her children. By her former husband she is the mother of four children, and by the latter seven. Her sons, David and S. P. Strahan, were gallant soldiers during the late war. David was the second enlisted soldier of Randolph County, Col. T. F. Colgrove being the first, and 8. P. Strathan was the third <o enlist, and the first wounded in battle. He was wounded in the battle of Rich Mountain. Being the first wounded soldier that enlisted in the county, sfter his return home he was visited by hundreds of people from this and adjoining counties, who had never seen a wounded soldier. These sons of Mrs, Garrett. did gallant service in the defense of their country, and were honorably discharged. She is an industrious and frugal woman, possessing more than ordinary executive ability, and is an honored and useful member of society.

and raised in Henry County, Ind. Their union has been blessed with four childaen - Phila C,, born May 14, 1867; Amy V., born December 29, 1869; Gilbert O., born August 30, 1873; Stephen C., born July 13,1877. Mr. Maulsby owns a fine farm of 200 acres. Isa licentiate minister in the Baptist Church, and is ever willing and ready to aid in any enterprise that tends to elevate and enlighten his fellow-man,

RICHARD J. MAULSBY, farmer, P. 0. Economy, was born in the house where he now resides, December 12, 1847. Thomas Maulsby, his father, was born in Tennessee January 6, 1805; his mother, Mary Maulsby, was a native of Virginia. The subject of this sketch was married, January 1, 1870, to Miss Ellen Hunt, who was born in this county June 7, 1851. Her parents were natives of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Maulsby have had born to them three children - Mary E., born July 7, 1871; Thomas M., born November 21, 1872, and Oliver E., born December 9,1877. Mr. Maulsby was educated in the Hagerstown Academy and the district schools of this cyunty. He is an enterprising farmer, and one who believes in advancement. Has 0a his farm some improved breeds of stock and poultry. Mr. Mau'sby is a hospitable, genial gentleman, and worthy of imitation.

SAMUEL NOFTSKER, farmer, P. 0. Goodview, was born in Ohio November 16, 1834. His father, Christian Noftsker, was born in Pennsylvania November 22, 1800. His mother, Rachel (Parish) Noftsker, was a native of Ohio, born August 10, 1812. Samuel Noftsker, with his parents, settled in Delaware County, Ind., in 1887, where they remained until after the death of his father in 1869, when he, with his mother, settled where they now reside. Mr. Noftsker was educated in the district schools; has a good farm of forty acres in Section 14. Mr. Noftsker and mother are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Noftsker is a gentleman highly respected by all who know him. Mr. Nofisker was married, in 1882, to Miss Julia Freer, who was born in this county.

WILLIAM OAKERSON, farmer, P. O. Neff, was born in Kentucky April 1, 1808. His father and mother, John and Elizabeth (Todd) Oakerson, were natives of Maryland. Mr. Oakerson was married, March 20, 1828, to Mary Vallandingham, who was born- in Kentucky January 5, 1804. Her parents were natives of Tennessee. They had born to them six children, of whom but two are living - James F. M., born June 24, 1835, and Alfred T., born January 9, 1843. July 27, 1870, Mr. Oakerson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, and has since been living with his son Alfred, at the old home; except the past year, he has been living with his son James at the old homestead. Mr. Oakerson is an earnest worker in the Christian Church. Owns a fine farm of 180 acres in Section 23. Is an honest, upright gentleman, who has gained the confidence and respect of a large circle of acquaintances.

BURREL PIRKENS, farmer, P. O. Winchester, was born in Tennessee in 1813. His father, Stephen Pirkens, was a native of Virginia; his mother was born in Tennessee. Mr. Pirkens lived with John C. Carmichael until about eighteen years of age, when he became weary of the hardships that were daily imposed upon him, and concluded to leave his employer and seek his fortune elsewhere. For several years Mr. Pirkens was engaged in various avocations in Tennessee and along the river of that name. Mr. Pirkens has been married three times. His first wife, Mary Reeves, was a native of South Carolina, and bore him seven children, viz., Harrison, John, Priscilla, Stephen, Levi, Joel and Daniel. His second wife, Judy Felton, was horn in North Carolina, Mr. Pirkens' third and present wife, Mahala Scott, is the mother of three children - Delmetta, Oda and Julian. Mr. Pirkens is a minister inthe American Methodist Episcopal Church, and is an ardeat worker in and supporter of the cause of Christ. He has a neat farm of seventy-two acres, and is considered to be an enterprising citizen.

Isaac Routh

This substantial and honored citizen is the son of James and Mary (Hooten) Routh, and was born in Wayne County, Ind., August 3, 1829. He is the fourth of a family of twelve children (ten males and two females), of whom four are now living. His father was born in Tennessee July 14, 1805, and his mother in Ohio in the year 1808. His father moved to Indiana about the year 1825, and settled in Wayne County, very syon after which his first wife died. He was subsequently married to Mary Hootea about the year 1828. About three years after this, he moved to Randolph County, and purchased 120 acres of unimproved land in Nettle Creek Township ; he lived upon this piece of land about twelve years, when he sold it and bought 160 acres in the same township, where he lived for twenty years when he sold out and removed to the State of Kansas, where he remained for a short time, then returned to Indiana and remained for two years, when he removed to the State of Illinois, where his wife died, August, 1865. He then returned to Indiana and made his home with his son Isaac until his death. Isaac lived with his father on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age; he attended the common district school in winter, and four months at the County Seminary at Muncie. By his industry he obtained a good English education. He was engaged in teaching school during the winter for about ten years. In this work he was very successful. He was married to Mary A. Crouse, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Crouse of this county, November 13, 1851. Her parents were natives of North Carolina, After niarriage Mr. Routh settled on a farm of eighty acres, situated immediately south of the one he now owns, where he lived about ten years, when he sold out and purchased 12) acresjoining his present farm. His farm at present consists of 200 acres, with 160 acres wellimproved. His farmis gently rolling and very productive, and supplied with an abundance of water. He has excellent buildings, being large and convenient. His dwelling house wis erected in 1876, one and a half stories in heizht, and is a model of convenience. [t is situxted on a commanding knoll surrounded by shade trees. Mr. and Mes. Routh are the parents of eleven children, six of whom are living - Maria J., born October 25, 1852. deceased September 21, 1853; Charles W., born September 8, 1854; William R., April 18, 1857, deceasel February 26, 1860; Hannah E., born April 20, 1859; Jamas O., March 22, 1861; Jacob W., March 24, 1863, deceased Septemher 9, 1864; Alves T., born February 3, 1865 ; Milo 0., November 3, 1867; Martha E, September 19, 1869; Joseph A.,

May 20, 1873, deceased September 7, 1873; Omer E., born September 1, 1877, deceased September 23, 1877. One son, Charles W., is married and lives near his father ; the remainder of the living children are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Routh and three of their children are acceptable members of the Christian Church. Mr. Routh is a Democrat in political preferment, and has served one term as Township Trustee. He joined the I. 0. O. F. Lodge in 1862, and remained an honored member until 1865, when he voluntarily withdrew, having a prospect at that time of leaving the State. Mr. and Mrs. Routh are industrious and lead a quiet but upright life, and are beloved by all who know them. :

Cuartes Westey Rourn, son of Isaac and Mary Routh, was born in Randolph County September 8, 1854. He is the second of a family of eleven children; he lived on the farm with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age; he received his education at the common district schools of the county, and obtained a very fair English education. After his twenty-second year, he rented land of his father for about five years, when he purchased seventy-six acres where he now resides. He was married.to Sophrona Leeka, daughter of Christian and Sidney Leeka, of Randolph County, April 19, 1876. Mr and Mrs. Routh are honored members of the Christian Church. Mr. Routh affiliates with the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Routh have a pleasant home, and are industrious and frugal and honored citizens.

IRA SMITHSON, farmer, P.O. Neff, was born in Ohio November 30, 1829. His father and mother were natives of Virginia. Mr. Smithson when ten years old came with his parents to this county; was married to Eliza J. Thornburg, March 20, 1832, who died January 15, 1850. Mr. Smithson was again married to Christena Clevenger, August 23, 1852, who was born in this county April 16, 1835. This union has been blessed with four children - Eliza J., born July 28, 1853; Edward W., February 18, 1856; Lorinda E., December 30, 1862; and Oliver P., July 3, 1867. Mr. Smithson settled on the farm of sixty acres where he now resides, in 1852. He was educated in the district schools of the county; he is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Smithson is an enterprisiiig farmer and well respected by all who know him. His son, Oliver P., was born blind; he has attended three terms of school for the blind at Indianapolis and has made considerable proficiency.

CHARLES H. SMUTHERS, farmer, P. O. Trenton. He resides in Nettle Créek Township. Mr. Smuthers was born in Virginia February 25, 1833. His father, Charles, and his mother Evaline (Early) Smuthers, were natives of Virginia. When Charles H. was ten years old, his parents came with him to this county. He has always given his time to farming. In 1861, at the beginning of the war, he enlisted in Company E, of the Thirty-sixth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and was in the Army of the Tennessee. He participated in the following hard-fought battles - Pittsburg Landing and Shiloh April 6 and 7, 1862 ; the siege of Corinth, Miss., in the summer of 1862; battle of Perryville, Ky., Ostober 8, 1862; Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain and all the other conflicts in the famous Sherman's march to the sea, till the army arrived at Lovejoy. At the last-named place, Mr. Smuthers became unable for duty and his soldiery ended. He was discharged in 1864. On the 20th day of December, 1864, he was married to Miss Nancy Williams who was born in Virginia, June 4, 1841. Mr. Smuthers has a farm of eighty acres, which, by his industry, he has well improved. He and his estimable lady are widely known and favorably received by all who know them.

HAMILTON SNODGRASS is a farmer of Nettle Creek Township, and his post office address is Losantville. He was born in Tennessee July 29, 1807; his father and mother were natives of Virginia. Mr. Snodgrass was married, in 1828, to Elizabeth Dickson, who was born in Virginia October 3, 1798, and who died in 1863. By this union there were three children - Sidney, William A. J. and John. Mr. Snodgrass was a second time married, in 1864, to Mary A. Burris, who was born in Wayne County, Ind. By this union there were two children - Martha C. and David O. Mr. Snodgrass was again bereaved of his companion. September 15, 1880, he was a third time married, to Patience Wayne. Mr. Snodgrass was an early settler, having come to the county in 1828. He is familiar with the hardships and deprivations of frontier life, and has done much to build up his neighborhood. And while he was building up, the foundation was laid to level his furtune, for he had to pay $15,000 security debts. He is still enterprising and has a pleasant home.

JOHN SAWYER, farmer, P. O. Trenton, whose parents were natives of North Carolina, was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1880. Mr. Sawyer was married, in 1856, to Miss A. M. Robinson, who departed this life in about eleven months after marriage. Mr. S. was again marri:d,in 1858, to Miss Sarah J. Outland. This union was blessed with one child - Eli T., born April 29, 1860. In 1862, Mr. Sawyer was called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved wife. He fought the battles of life alone until May 1, 1863, when he was married to Rachel Scott. The result of this last union has been ten children, viz., Mark, born February 26, 1864; Sarah E., April 2,1866; William C., August 19, 1867; Pohn C., December 16, 1868; James W., December 20, 1870; Reuben, October 26, 1872; Susan, March 18, 1874; Mary, May 18, 1876; Elmer C., October 18 1878; Carry, born October 4, 1880, deceased. Mr. Sawyer is an honest, upright gentleman, and highly respected by all who know him. Has a farm of eighty acres, under a good state of cultivation, in Section 23.

DAVID A. STAFFORD, farmer, P. 0. Goodview, was born in Henry County, Ind., September 2, 1844. When six years of age, he moved with his mother to this county, and settled where he now resides. Mr. Stafford was married, March 12, 1866, to Miss Maria E. Wood, who was a native of this county. Their union has been blessed with four children - John F., born May 2, 1867; Nevad F., December 7, 1869; Sarah F., March 15, 1871; Ella M., January 2, 1873. Mr. Stafford was educated in the district schools of this county. Is an industrious, good citizen. Has a well-improved farm of eighty acres in Section 13.

JOHN T. VARDEMAN is a citizen of Nettle Creek Township, and his post office address is Losantville. Mr. Vardeman was born in Fayette County,

Ind., November 27, 1815, and resided there till he was past eighteen years old, when he moved to Wayne County and from there to Randolph County in the winter of 1861. He has been a resident of this county ever since. He was ason of William Vardeman, and his mother's maiden name was Mary Reed. His father was born in Lincoln County, Ky., July 28, 1790, and his mother in Virginia in 1795. On the 12th day of March, 1812, the elder Vardeman and 'wife landed on the West Fork of Whitewater, four miles from Connersville. The country was then wild and full of the natives, and this brave pioneer had to sit by his door with mouth full of bullets and with knife and tomahawk in hand many a long night, in defense of his family. Young John T. was educated in the schools of the day - in the buckeye log cabin, furnished with split log slabs without backs, and with greased paper windows. At the age of twentyfive, he began his career as a minister in the United Brethren Church, and he has obtained much of his knowledge while in the saddle in the tours of his circuit. He never studied grammar or mathematies in school. The Rev. Mr. Vardeman was married the first time to Martha Jenkins, a native of Fayette County and daughter of Azure and Ruth Jenkins. By this union there were six children - Joseph, Philip, Caleb W., Nancy and Amanda. The first three died in.infancy. Mrs. Vardeman died and Mr. Vardeman subsequently married Rebecca Jenkins, the sister of his firat wife. By this union, there were nine children - Martha J., John T., Sarah D., Elven M., Elleanor, Mary C., William M., Indiana, Alice and David E. Mr. Vardeman was again bereaved, and he was subsequently married to Sarah E. Boling, daughter of James and Ellen Boling. By this union, there were two children - Orpha and Jeremiah. The reverend gentleman represented his church seven times in the General Conference and half of the time as Presiding Elder. In 1869, he was elected Representative in the Legislature for Randolph County. He was an early Abolitionist and is in favor of prohibition.

STEPHEN D. WARWICK, farmer and carpenter, P. O. Swan's Hill, was born in Erie County, N. Y., June 18, 1837. When four months of age, moved with his parents to Michigan, and settled in Jackson County, where he remained until 1860, when he removed to Park County, Ind., where he resided until 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-first Indiana Volunteers. Mr. Warwick took part in numerous battles, among which may be mentioned Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh and Fort Donnelson. He was discharged in October, 1863, and again enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio National Guards for a term of three months, and during the time was stationed at Piedmont, Va., a8 patrol. Mr. W. was married June 11, 1865, to Elizabeth Conyers, who was born in Wayne County, Ind., April 20,1841. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania. Her mother was born in Indiana. _Mr. Warwick is a local minister in the United Brethren Church ; owns a farm of eighty-four acres ; is a sterling gentleman and commands the respect of a large circle of acquaintances.

Isaac Wood

Isanc Wood was born in Franklin County, Va., December 9,1818. He is the son of Philip and Ellenor (Green) Wood, and is the fifth of a family of eight children, of whom four are now living, as follows: Samuel, who resides in this county; Abraham, in Michigan; Jesse, in Wayne County, and the subject of this sketch. His father and mother were both born in Virginia, the former, of slave parentage, February 15, 1781, and the latter of free parentage, May 5, 1779. His father bought his freedom prior to the birth of Isaac, and moved to this State in 1840, and settled in this county, where he died in the year 1856. His mother died in Virginia, prior to the emigration of her husband. Isaac came to this State in 1837, and hired out to a farmer in Wayne County. He continued to work out by the month until 1845, when he came to this county and settled on the farm where he now resides. He at first purchased 160 acres of unimproved land, with the exception of a deadening of twenty acres. Through his untiring industry and frugality, he has added to this purchase until to-day he is owner and proprietor of 385 acres of excellent land, with 300 acres under a high state of cultivation. His land lies in two tracts, one of 320 acres in the form of a square, and one of sixty-five acres. This farm is well-improved, of fertile soil and supplied with a very comfortable farmhouse, and one of the largest and most convenient barns in the county, a sketch of which is given in this work. He was married, January 9, 1845, to Miss Sarah Thomas, a most estimable Christian lady, and daughter of Seth and Sarah (Clarke) Thomas. She was born in North Carolina, of free parentage, November 6, 1822. She emigrated to this State with her parents in the year 1837, and settled near Washington, Wayne County, where her parents died. Mrs. Wood is the only surviving child of a family of three. Mr. and Mrs. Wood received a limited education in Wayne County, this State, the latter also attending school while a resident of North Carolina. They have never been blessed with any children of their own, but have partially raised and educated two. Mrs, Wood is an honored and acceptable member of the M. E. Church at Bethel. this county. She has been a faithful and devoted wife and has been of great assistance to her husband in all of his undertakings. When Mr. Wood came to this county, he had but a few dollars that he had saved out of his hard earnings as a day laborer. He is now one of the most wealthy of his race in the county. He is a stanch Republican and takes a deep interest in the success of the party. He and his estimable iady are honored and respected citizens of the county and useful members of society.

Jackson Tow Nsehte

It includes the north of Township 18 north, Range I west and the south half of Township 19 north, Range 1 west, both townships being fractional, and also fractional Township 21 north, Range 15 east, lying in the northeastern corner of the county, in the valley of the Mississinewa.

The old or Wayne's boundary divides the township into two parts somewhat corperwise, entering near the northeast corner and passing out at the south side, crossing the township line about two and one-half miles west of the east line of the township, county and State. The P.,C. & St. L. (Pan Handle) Railroad crosses the southwest corner of the township.

It was erected as a township in 1833. It contains about thirty sections, being six miles north and south and five miles from east to west. The Mississinewa flows from east to west, as also the Little Mississinewa northward to the Big Mississinewa. The land is rather level and somewhat low. It was at first considerably wet, much df the surface standing in the water a great part of the time. Clearing and ditching, however, have dried out the land pretty well, and the country is now good for farming, the low lands being the best. Originally the country was heavily timbered. Most of the farms are now well cleared, though some are still rather new. The improvements are middling, with some fine residences. There are several pikes in the township. The Union City & Salem pike divides the township north and south; the New Pittsburg pike extends from the Salem pike westward north to North Pittsburg, and the State Line pike (Union City to Recovery) extends along nearly the entire east line.

The first entry was made by John Abercrombie in October, 1816, on the river south of Pittsburg. The actual settlement began hardly as early. It has been difficult to trace the history of things to the first beginning. The earliest settlers seem to have left no trace behind, and but a slender memory of them remains among the residents of the present day. The,bona fide occupation of the township seems to have taken place about 1829 perhaps somewhat earlier. A few seem to have spent some time there before that date. Thomas Shalor, a roving fellow, occupied the James Porter place perhaps in 1826, leaving the neighborhood about 1829. He is the same one mentioned by McKew & Hawkins as living in Jay County, in the region of Camden. Philip Storms is thought by some to have been the earliest resident. He is said tu have lived somewhere in the region east of Jacob Johnson's, and afterward he resided several years at the Allensville crossing. One man states that Philip Storms was annoyed and injured by having men enter his selected location from under him, and that he became "fighting mad" on account of it, which is not much wonder, if the aggression were known and intended as such, since the act would be both a flagrant violation of "squatter" law, and a serious breach of natural justice and of the golden rule. Mr. Storms resided in the region for some time, as, eeveral years later, he was appointed by the County Commissioners to be Road Supervisor of his district.

Some men by the name of Brockus, wild, rough men, who had however, estimable wives, were early settlers, their residence being across the Mississinewa, directly north of Handschey's first mill, They left before a very long time, but the clearing said to have been made by them was still to be seen many years afterward, and perhaps is there even to the present day.

Tag, 78 Jackson

entered by John Jones, near Delphus Warren's. Jesse Gray was a famous pioneer and hunter, noted through all this region, and for many years, though his precise location on the Mississinewa at his first coming (about 1820) is not pointed out. He entered land in 1833 on the Mississinewa, directly north of Allensville, though he must have lived somewhere in the region for ten or twelve years, and, about the time of the killing of Fleming, he moved from the county to the vicinity of Hill Grove, Darke Co., Ohio, and still again in later years to Adams County, Ind. A settler by the name of Jacobs settled very early (in 1828) directly north of Allensville, on the north side of the Mississinewa. He was an old man in 1848, and died some years later, about 1852.

The entries began quite early, the first two having been made in 1816, the next two in 1819 and the fifth in 1826. Whether these purchasers settled their land seems doubtful. Their names have not been heard among those of early pioneers of the region. The entries were as follows:

John Abercrombie, on both sides of the Mississinewa River, directly south of Pittsburg, 1816; John Laverty, 1816, on the creek, about a mile nearly north of New Middletown; John C. Dunham, 1819, two separate quarter sections lying on both sides of the Mississinewa, two and one-half miles southeast of New Pittsburg; Abraham Royer, one and a half miles southeast of New Lisbon, between the Little Mississinewa and the Ohio line.

William Simmons came about 1828 down the Mississinewa from James Porter's, Simmons being in Ward Township, Allen Wall came in 1817, but he was inWard Township. George Porter came in 1829. Messrs. Keys, Hodge, Manus and Fields lived southwest of Porter's in 1829, probably in Ward Township. James Porter settled in the same year (1829). Amos Smith came to New Lisbon in 1830, Eli Noffsinger settled near there the same year. Andrew Debolt came to Mt. Holly the next year. James Reeves and James Wickersham settled in 1832. Jacob Jobnson came in 1833, Thomas Devore in 1834, Jasper Jacobs in 1832, Jesse Beach in 1833. John Hoke and Thomas Wiley came in 1836. John Hoke lives there still; Mr. Wiley moved to Union City and died there. [Mr. Hoke died during the summer of 1881.] Others had come in, though just when is not now known, viz., David Vance, Isaiah Cox, William Cox, near New Lisbon; Seth Macy, one and one-half miles west of Jacob Johnson's; John Skinner and James Skinner, une mile west of New Lisbon; James Warren, one-half mile south of New Middletown; John Warren, three miles west of New Middletown; William Warren at New Middletown. John Sheets had settled far south, near Union City, and possibly others. This account is doubtless not full nor entirely accurate, but it is nearly correct and as éxtensive as our information will permit.

The fourth entry in the township was by Abram Royer, W. S. E. 18, 18, 1, 80 acres, August 10, 1826, being land now owned by J. Noffsinger. He probably did not occupy it, as we have never heard his name mentioned as asettler. The fifty entry was by John Jones, W. N. W. 21, 21, 15, 80 acres, August 27, 1830, southwest of Dolphus Warren's, and now owned by him. The next entry was by James Simmons, W. 4N. E. 20. 21, 15, a little west of the second entry. Simmons married, and settled in 1834. The entries up to April 12, 1837 appear by the record to have been as follows:

The first settlers were inclined rather to hunt than to clear, but some moved away and others came in, and solid and permanent improvement began. Many, perhaps most, of the first comers were poor, some without even money to purchase land. Mr. Porter (James) says that he entered 120 acres forty acres at a time, walking mostly to Cincinnati and back, making each separate entry.

Mrs. Ruby, widow of Thomas Wiley, relates as an unusual thing that her husband hired a hewed log house, built before they moved there. Times were "rough" there for many years. There were no mills worth naming and the settlers had to go to Greenville, Stillwater, Richmond, Ridgeville, ete.

The first school in Mr. Porter's neighborhood was taught by George Porter's wife about 1836. The people used to go to meet. ing to the Prospect Meeting-House neighborhood. The first meeting Mr. Porter's folks attended was at Riley Marshall's, near Prospect. Marshall's was the preaching place, and it was held on a week day. Mrs. Porter used to take her baby and walk to meeting - three miles. The first school near Allensville was taught by Mrs. Beach at home. There may have been seven or eight pupils - a mere handful.

The first sermon was preached at Mr. Beach's by a Baptist preacher. The first mill was acorn cracker. Jacob Johnson built one afterward, which he said cost him $1.50. The stones were common gray heads dressed down. It would grind five or six bushels in twenty-four hours by running day and night. Mr. Skinner afterward built a pretty good mill for wheat and corn. Mr. Hinchy also built one with asaw-mill. The saw-mill is there yet. The grist mill at Allensville was built by Hinchy and some one else. It was sold to Bowersox & Achenbach; then to

The first organized religious society is supposed to have been the Disciples Church, New Lisbon, in 1839, and the first church erected to have been by them near New Lisbon in 1841. Many of the early settlers were church-going people. Smith, Wiley, Reeves, Mangus, Wickensham, Debolt, etc., were Disciples. Beach, Chandler and others near Allensville were Baptists.

It would seem from the above that in Jackson Township up to April 12, 1837, not quite four sections or about one thousand one hundred and forty acres of land had been entered, by about thirty-one persons, no entry being above 160 acres, and nearly all eighties or forties. The great rush of settlement came in 1837 and 1838. The entries in Jackson Township were made by men of very moderate pecuniary ability. Economy and thrift have, however, become the means of furnishing to many in the township comfortable and even luxurious homes, and a considerable number have acquired wealth. The body of the population remain, however, even as of old, and, from the beginning, industrious, sturdy, simple-hearted, independent farmers of moderate means and frugal habits.