Buck Township

Buck Township

This is one of the more recently organized townships of Hardin County, the territory of which it is composed having been previously embraced in Hale, Dudley, Pleasant and Taylor Creek Townships. The lands are embraced in the Virginia Military Grant, and are situated in the extreme' northern frontier of said grant, the Scioto River being the northern boundary of said lands and also the northern boundary of this township. The burning of the court house at Kenton, in 1853, destroyed many of the county records, among which were the early official acts of the Commissioners containing the erection of the townships; hence, the exact dates and official acts constituting the various townships of the county cannot be given; but from the records of Buck Township we find that the first election was held on April 7, 1845, hence it is probable that the organization of the township was effected at a meeting of the Commissioners in January, 1845. We are informed that there have been one or two slight changes made in the boundary lines of the township since its first erection. As it now exists, it is bounded as follows; On the north by Cessna and Pleasaat Townships, on the east by Dudley Township, on the south by Hale and Taylor Creek Townships, and on the west by Taylor Creek and Lynn Townships. The township embraces about thirty-one square miles, or 19,800 acres of land. This territory appears to have been somewhat of a thoroughfare during the war of 1812, and when Gov. Meigs, of Ohio, was called upon to furnish his quota of soldiers to defend the froatier, he immediately responded, and in June of 1812, Col. Duncan McArthur, with a regiment of soldiers, was detached from Urbana to open a road in advance of Gen. Hull as far as the Scioto River, and there built Fort McArthur. In September, 1813, it is said that Gov. Shelby, of Kentucky, passed up the said McArthur trail from Urbana, at the head of 4,000 mounted volunteers and continued on the old army route till he arrived in the southern part of Hardin County, when he diverged to the right, passing through the south east portion of Buck Township, thence on through Dudley.

This township received its name in honor of Harvey Bu^kmister, one of its most esteemed and respected pioneers, of whom we shall have occasion to speak further in Hale Township. This township, in its primitive condition as the first settlers found it - like the greater portion of Hardin County - was covered, with a very heavy growth of timber, embracing most of the numerous species of deciduous trees common to this region of the State, among which the principal were maple of i+s varied species, hickory, cherry, ash, walnut, butternut, beech, oak, of its many varieties, and elm. In the first settling of this country, there were found some of the largest and finest specimens of black walnut that ever graced the forests of any country, and great quantities of the most beautiful logs were piled up at their log-rollings, with other timber, and burned to get the land cleared ready for cultivation. The most valuable timber at the present time is oak and ash, for lumber for building and manufacturing purposes, hickory and elm for spokes and hubs, and beech for plane-stocks - all of which are shipped in large quantities, and are a great source of profit, in connection with the bringing of the land into condition for agricultural pursuits.

Streams, Surface, Soil, Etc

The Scioto is the largest stream of this county, and constitutes the north boundary line the entire distance from the western to the eastern boundaries of this township, having a general southeastern course. From Buck Township it receives Lick Run, Silver Creek, Taylor Creek, Manlove Run and Wolf Creek with its branch, Garwood Run. These tributaries of the Scioto ramify all portions of said township, giving it an abundance of water for agricultural purposes, but furnishing no mill privileges or water-power for manufacturing purposes, yet producing excellent outlets for ditching and draining the lands. These tributaries all have a general northeastern course, showing conclusively the surface of the township possesses a general slope toward the northeast to the Scioto.

The soil is rich and productive, the fiat, level portions and the bottom lands along the creeks and springs consisting of a black, deep, rich loam, and the more elevated and undulating portions a strong clay soil, the whole being underlaid with alieavy stratum of blue c]ay, under which is found quicksand and gravel. Through this and Taylor Creek Townships extends a gravel ridge known as the " Devil's Backbone," which furnishes an abundance of material for building roads and pikes.

This is strictly an agricultural township, there being no village and no mills or manufacturing business within its limits, with the exception of what is embraced in Kenton, on the south side of the Scioto, which will be duly given in the history of that town, and hence need not be mentiooed here. The principal productions are wheat, rye, oats, corn and potatoes. Many of the farmers are giving considerable attention to stock-raising and especially to the improved breeds of sheep; and there is no doubt but wnat this will, in a few years, become one of the most interesting and profitable branches of industry to the farmers of this section. The progress iu improvements and increase of population in this township has been quite marked and rapid.

The Chicago & Atlantic Railroad runs through the north part of this township. The Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad runs through the township in a northeast and southwest direction.

In 1830, it is believed, there were but two or three families in the territory now embraced in Buck Township. In 1850, there were 456 souls; in 1860, 794: in 1870, the population had increased to 1,259, and in 1880, we find it at 1,610.

The following are the names of some of the first settlers who located in this township, and of whom we make brief mention. Here, as elsewhere, we find many who first planted their cabins in the forests of Buck Township were mere "squatters," who soon moved away and gave place to the permanent settlers. If report be true, the first white family to settle in the precincts of this township was Alfred Hale and wife Mary, who settled at Fort McArthur in 1817. He had three sons and one daughter. One son - Jonas - was born in the block-house, in 1819, and was, doubtless, the first white child born in the county. The mother soon after died, and the family moved away. It is probable that the mission of Mr. Hale, in his early settlement here, was that of a hunter, and that he anticipated but a temporary residence when settling here. It is said that the location of this fort was a desolate and dreary place, and, it is believed, was very sickly, from the miasmas of the locality and close proximity to the Scioto Marsh on the west, as during the war of 1812 many soldiers died there. It is said that the graves of sixteen soldiers are still plainly visible on land now owned by Mr. Shingle on the opposite side of the river from where the old fort was located. Here rest the remains of these gallant soldiers whose lives were sacrificed to defend the homes of Ohio pioneers. Their graves are unmarked and their names, probably, forever lost to posterity. From this period of the settlement of the Hale family in the old fort is an interim of several years, during which we have no knowledge of any white settler within the township, and the red man had full sway.

About 1828, William McCloud, a native of Ireland, who had emigrated to the United States prior to the war of 1812, and finally settled at Bellefontaine, Ohio, came to Hardin County and located with his family at Fort McArthur, in the northwest corner of what is now Buck Township. His family consisted of his wife and six children, viz., Robert, William, Lettie (who married Dr. A. H. Lord, of Bellefontaine), Sallie (who became the wife of Jacob Powell, a gunsmith of the same town), Maria and one girl whose name is not remembered. Upon the organization of Hardin County in 1833, William McCloud, Sr., was elected by the Legislature as one of the Associate Judges of said county, and served in that capacity seven years. Though a conservator of the peace, it is said that he would look on at a well- contested fight, admiring the science displayed by a plucky combatant, and subsequently^ punish him for a violation of the law. Judge McCloud was a noted hunter, and David Goodin tells a story of a circumstance the Judge was fond of relating in which,' after killing a deer, he was forced to fight with an Indian claimant ere obtaining possession of the animal's carcass. The Indian claimed that his shot had slain the deer, which the Judge would not admit; so the Indian bantered him to settle the dispute by " fighting it out." This Judge McCloud agreed to, and he was compelled to thoroughly whip the savage three times before the latter would admit that he was worsted and surrender his claims to the deer. Soon after his term as Associate Judge expired, he and his wife returned to reside with their daughters at Bellefontaine, where they died. He was a man of fair education, wonderful determination of character, and was generally respected and admired by the pioneers. He was instrumental in the selection of the site for the county seat, while Mrs. McCloud named the future town in honor of her husband's friend - the redoubtable scout, Simon Kenton. His son Robert, who was the first Postmaster in the county, also served as County Treasurer from March, 1834, to March, 1836, and, in October, 1843, was elected as a member of the Board of County Commissioners, but resigned the office in 1845. We understand that he lived north of the Scioto River, in Cessna Township, and that soon after his resignation as Commissioner he ana his brother William left for the West.

In 1828, Joel Thomas located on land now owned by Mr. Stevenson, erecting a cabin and remaining here eight or ten years; then moved away, having never owned any land in this county.

William Paxton, believed to be a native of Virginia, emigrated with his parents to Logan County, Ohio, where they settled; thence, about 1829- 30, William came to this county and settled on land now owned by Mrs. Zimmerman, but never purchased any land here, and after a few years moved into Hale Township, where he purchased land and resided many years; thence removed to Michigan, where he died.

Ohio with his family, and settled on land now owned by Capt. Gibson, about 1832-33, but subsequently removed into Pleasant Township and died near Kenton. Robert, his eldest son, is still a resident of this county, and is the only surviving son. The youngest daughter married Mr. Richards and resides on the old home place. Mr. Draper was a citizen of great moral worth and undoubted integrity, and filled many offices of his township with fidelity.

Conrad Collins settled here about 1830, upon the land which he purchased, and upon which he resided abocit nine years, and, in 1840, sold out to Harvey Buckmister and moved to Northern Indiana, where he died.

William H. Cole, a native of the State of New York, settled on land now owned by Samuel Mentzer about 1833. Here he erected an ashery, and carried on that business several years, giving but little attention to farming, and finally sold out and moved away.

George M. Bales, a native of Virginia, removed to Ohio and settled in Logan County; about 1836-37 removed to this county and settled on land which he leased of Mr. Harvey Buckmister, where he resided till his death. Several of his children are still residents of the county.

James Beaver, believed to be a native of Virginia, settled in Hale Township about 1830, and, about 1845, became a resident of Buck Township, where he died in the summer of 1881. Mr. Beaver was a man of remarkable industry and withal quite a trader, possessing a shrewdness and business tact by which he accumulated a good competency, and whegi he died was the owner of 200 acres of well -improved land.

J ames Scott settled here about 1845 and remained a resident of the township till his death. He was a carpenter by trade, and a man highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him. Some of his children now reside in Kenton and some have settled in the West, all of whom are prosperous and esteemed citizens.

Leonard Richards was born in Pike County, Ohio, and principally raised m Ross County, where he married Mary Miller, and, about 1845, removed to this county and settled in this township, residing here several years; thence moved into Taylor Creek Township, and about eight or ten years ago removed to Kenton, where he now resides. He is an active ' worker, and a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He had four brothers and five sisters. Two brothers are residents of this county, one died while young and one - Jeptha - enlisted in the army in the war of the rebellion, and was wounded in the battle of Resaca, from the effects of which he died in two or three days.

Thomas Dodds settled on land now owned by David Stanford, about 1845- 46, and opened out right in the woods, and resided here till his death. Some of his children now reside in McDonald Township. He was a kind neighbor and a good citizen, and served his township in many of its most important offices.

John Dodds, a brother of the above, settled here at about the same date, remaining a resident here till his death. Several of his children are settled in the county and one son is a resident of this township.

Henry G. Johnson, a native of Ohio, settled here about 1849, and his brother Hosea one or two years later. They have ever since remained residents here, and both have raised large and interesting families and are esteemed and respected citizens.

Samuel Mentzer was one of the earlier merchants of Kenton; was also in the hotel business for some time, but subsequently exchanged his prop- erty in Kenton for the farm on Wolf Creek upon which William H. Cole settled in 1833. IVIr. Mentzer was closely identified with the business interests of Kenton and its vicinity for many years.

The above embraces, we think, most of the earliest settlers of Buck Township, but the business interests of the township, its growth and prosperity for many years past would be but partially represented here without the mention of John Espy, who departed this life at his palatial residence in this township November 28, 1878, aged sixty-eight years. He was an early settler in Taylor Creek Township, and subsequently one of the leading active business men of Kenton, where he was engaged for many years in the milling business, and received the title of the " pioneer miller of Hardin County." But we here only propose to allude to the history of this active business man's life, who accumulated so large an estate and owned the largest farm and residence of this township, where he sjiont the last years of his useful and successful life, as his career and character are fully brought out in the history of Kenton and in the biographical sketch of the Espy family in another part of this work. His son, Thomas Espy, who removed from the old home place to Kenton in the spring of 1883, and upon whom the mantle of his honored father appears to have fallen, is one of the active spirits of the business circles of Kenton, and does honor to the noble sire who has departed.

Wilson Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church, was organized, it is believed, by Elder Roberts in the schoolhouse in 1852. The first class consisted of James Richards and wife Matilda, Leonard Richards and wife Mary, and Henry G. Johnson and wife Martha - six persons - with Leonard Richards as Class Leader. Their meetings and services were held in the schoolhouse till 1873, when the present frame church edifice was erected at a cost of about $1,300. The house was dedicated in the fall of the same year, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Elder Thomas Harvey Wilson. The following ministers have served the people since the dedication of the church, viz.. Revs. D. B. Rinehart, Leonard Cook, Philip Lemasters, William Dunlap, Mr. Clemens and D. W. Day. The following have been Class Leaders: Leonard Richards, J. P. Richards, B. F. Richards, John

Allen, J. B. Bales, and Lewis Dunson, who is the present leader. The church at one time reached a membership of fifty, but at present is reduced to twenty -four. The Trustees are H. G. Johnson, Lewis Dunson, John Allen, John C. Johnson and John P. Richards.

The first schoolhouse ever erected in this township was one of those old, primitive log houses, with slab seats and greased paper windows, situated on the old Sandusky road; and from time to time, as the different portions of the township became settled, more schools were established, until, in 1882, the report of the Board of Education gives the following statistics: Balance on hand September 1, 1881, $1,108.18; State tax, $508.50; irreducible school funds, $33.40; township tax for schools and schoolhouse purposes, $3,352.63; fines, licenses, tuition of non-resident pupils, $115; total, $5,117.71.

Expenditures- - Amount paid teachers in common schools, $1,881.03; amount paid for fuel and contingent expenses, $2,020.66; total, $4,501.69. Balance on hand September 1, 1882, $616.02. Number of schoolhouses in the township, 9; number of schoolrooms in township, 9; total value of school property, $7,000; number of teachers to supply schools, 9; average wages per month, males, $35; females, $20; number of weeks the schools were in session, 30.

Prior to the spring of 1879, this township had no cemetery or regularly established burial-place, and the dead were principally interred at Kenton and in Taylor Creek Township. But, in March, 1879, there was formed an association of ten persons, as follows: P. F. Latimer, J. P. Richards,

John Bales, Lewis Dunson, Z. O. Hatcher, E. S. Buttler, M. D. L. Mentzer, John C. Johnson, Jacob Everhart and William Mentzer, who were organized under the laws regulating such associations, and purchased of Samuel Mentzer one acre and a half of ground, which was properly fenced and laid out into lots, walks and driveways, and the whole well ditched, tiled and drained. The lots were rapidly sold, and in the spring of 1882 it was found necessary to enlarge the grounds, and the association purchased of the said Samuel Mentzer three and one-half acres more, adjoining the first purchase; so that the cemetery now contains five acres, and is now one of the prettiest of rural cemeteries. The officers of the association consist of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and five persons who constitute a Board of Trustees. The first officers of the association were; John P. Richards, President; Lewis Dunson, Secretary; John C. Johnson, Treasurer, and P.

F. Latimer, M. D. L. Mentzer, E. L. Buttler, Z. O. Hatcher and Jacob Everhart, Trustees - all of whom have served ever since by re-election each year, with one exception, viz., Jacob Everhart, who refused to serve any longer, and the vacancy was filled by electing Joseph Ichler.

Elections And Ofitcials

The first election in this township was held in the old log schoolhouse on the old Sandusky road April 7, 1845, and continued to be held here till the spring of 1850, when the place of holding the elections was changed to the Dodds Schoolhouse, where they were held for several years, but finally alternated between the Dodds Schoolhouse and South Kenton; subsequently, however, the place was permanently established at the latter place, where the elections have since been held. The officials oE the township since its organization have been as follows:

Trustees - 1845, Harve} Buckmister, Josiah Trump and Sterling Scott; 1846, wanting; 1847, Harvey Buckmister, Sterling Scott and George Roby; 1848, Sterling Scott, Harvey Buckmister and Solomon Lake; 1849, Harvey Buckmister, James Scott and Thomas Mahon; 1850, H. Buckmister, Thomas Mahon and John Peas; 1851, H. Buckmister, Lewis Scott and Thomas Dodds; 1852, Lewis Scott, Thomas Dodds and I. D. Hatcher; 1853, H. Buckmister, Robert Stevenson and Isaac Draper; 1854, Isaac Draper, H.

G. Johnson and Morgan Shark; 1855, Morgan Shark, Peter P. Sutton and Nicholas Barney; 1856-57, Join Espy, Henry G. Johnson and Linus Cutting; 1858-59, James L. Stevenson, H. G. Johnson and John Evans; 1860, John Evans, Thomas Dodds and John Wilmuth; 1861, George Atkinson,

Addison Heath and H. G. Johnson; 1862, Addison Heath, Silas Stevenson and Samuel Mentzer; 1863, John Evans, Joseph Hoover and Garrett Hyland; 1864-65, John Kissling, William Zimmerman and William Hinton; 1866, John Evans, Garrett Hyland and Robert Mallow; 1867, Henry G. Johnson, John P. Richards and D. Calhoun; 1868, William M. Shepherd, David Evans and Garrett Hyland; 1869, George P. Frame, Morgan Shark and John Moriety; 1870, James Winters, Wilson Robinson and William J. Scott; 1871, William J. Scott, Lewis Diiocan and James Winters; 1872, Lewis Dunson, J. B. Bales and Philip Schindewolf; 1873, Hiram Kettle, J. B. Bales and P. F. Latimer; 1874, P. F. Latimer, John C. Johnson and Silas Stevenson; 1875, James Winters, Thomas Garwood and Joseph Hoover; 1876, Thomas Clemens, Jacob Everhart and S. Johnson; 1877, Silas Stevenson, E. H. Allen and Hiram Kettle; 1878, S. Stevenson, Hiram Kettle and Charles Canaan; 1879, Frank Swartz, Thomas Dwyer and Nathaniel Cook; 1880, Dorr White, R. B. Hyde and J. L. Clark; 1881, Nathaniel Cook, E. H. Allen and F. Machetanz; 1882, R. H. Keller, J. E. Evans and Philip Schindewolf.

1861, N. P. Hyland and B. F. Hursey; 1862, N. P. Hyland and Robert Stevenson; 1863, Jeremiah Chamberlin and D. W. Cunningham; 1864-65, Morgan Sharp and James Gunn; 1866, James Gunn and Jeremiah Chamberlin; 1867, Cyrus Thrailkill and J. Cunningham; 1868, Morgan Sharp and Abraham Baker; 1869, Cyrus Thrailkill and Abraham Baker; 1870, John F. Dodds and Thomas McConnell; 1871-72, Harvey Peaver and Abra- ham Baker; 1873, Robert Phillips and Abraham Baker; 1874, Robert Phillips and William Mentzer; 1875, Daniel Hoover and William Shark; 1876, L. Converse and S. F. Kennedy; 1877, L. E. Kettle and Harvey Peaver; 1878, Alexander Wiley and Joseph McGann; 1879, C. N. Kidney and Charles Little; 1880, David Detrich and Harvey Peaver; 1881-82, Davia Detrich and F. Hencel.

t in Connecticut. Justus Truman Calhoun, the father of our subject, reji moved with his family to Delaware County, Ohio, in 1833, settling in Berk- (; shire Township, where he purchased a farm, and occupied it until his t death, on October 5, 1848. He and his wife were the parents of five children, four living - Henry, a Presbyterian minister of Ironton, Ohio; Mary J.,

*r' wife of Elijah W. Fenton, of Iowa City, Iowa; Dwight, our subjeci, and Lucy A., widow of John W. Weiser. Justus Truman Calhoun died October f- 5, 1848. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and educated at 1 East Blendon Institute. At the age of sixteen, he engaged in teaching, and h followed it during the winters, until 1859. He was married, October 29, ' I 1848, to Elizabeth J., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Monnett) Caldwell, y the former a native of Huntingdon County, Penn., and the latter of Picka- Y way County, Ohio. Mr. Caldwell was born in the year 1800, and his wife

I W. Longfellow, of Minneapolis, Minn. ; Henrietta, Bessie Monnett, and t Helen D. The eldest, Emma M. (deceased), was for several years a mis- ^ sionary to the Indians. Of the six children, Emma, Anna, Myra and Hen- rietta were educated in the Western Seminary at Oxford, Ohio. In 1859,

! member of the Episcopal Church. He takes an active interest in Sabbath schools, having been Superintendent for thirty years in different schools. Mr. Calhoun devoted his attention for several years to keeping Italian bees,

! and was the first person to introduce them in Hardin County. Emma ! Maria, the eldest daughter, was born in Berkshire, Delaware Co., Ohio, March 27, 1850. In early childhood, she exhibited those beautiful traits of character which were so greatly developed in her maturer years of Christian life and work. She received her early training in the union schools of I Kenton. When fifteen years of age, she taught her first school on the Belief ontaine pike, near her home. Her strong desire to do good prompted her to organize a Sabbath school in the schoolhouse, and, with outside as-

I sistance, the enterprise proved a success. She continued an active worker for some time. Being anxious to obtain an education requisite for mission work, she went to Troy, Ohio, in the spring of 1868, and continued her studies with her uncle, Bev. Henry Calhoun, preparatory to entering the seminary at Oxford, Ohio. The following fall she entered on a course in

I that institution, and graduated in 1871. She then became a teacher in the union schools of Evansville, Ind. In the spring of 1872, she returned home, and, October 8, 1872, started for Yankton Agency, Dak., to assume the duties of assistant teacher to Rev. J. P. Williamson. She taught English, while studying the language of the Dakota Indians, in which she became very proficient. In 1874, she returned to Kenton, bringing an Indian boy to be educated by the Presbyterian Church. On account of ill health he was obliged to return to his tribe, and soon after died. Miss Calhoun returned after a brief visit, and February 15, 1876, was married to Rev. C. L. Hall, formerly of New York City, then a missionary at Springfield, Dak. The same spring the two devoted missionaries went to Fort Borthold, 1,000 miles up the Missoari River, and devoted their Christian work to 2,000 Indians, remnants of the once powerful tribes of Mandans, Arickarees and Gros Yentres. In 1877, they visited her parents and were accompanied on their return by Myra J., a sister of Mrs. Hall, who became a mission teacher for three years. In 1879, Mrs. Hall attended the annual mission meeting at Brown Earth Dak, and addressed the meeting in the Sioux language. She was probably the first of her sex to address the Indians in their native tongue. Mrs. Hall was an earnest and devout missionary, and devoted her entire womanhood to the cause of advancing Christianity and enlightening the Indians of the far West. After nine years of missionary usefulness, unsurpassed by any of her sex, she died at the post of duty, April 17, 1881, leaving two children. She was buried by the side of her oldest boy, Harry, who died July 17, 1878.

COENELIUS CHAMBERLIN, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Monroe County, N. Y., March 30, 1825. He is a son of David and Hannah (Bridge) Chamberlin, of New York State. His paternal grandfather was an officer in the Revolution, and died in New York. Our subject's parents were married in their native State, whence they emigrated in 1837, and settled in Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, Ohio. Mr. Chamberlin bargained for 200 acres of land at 12.50 an acre; after paying a part, the title proved void, and the land was taken away after his decease. He died in November, 1838; his widow followed him in May, 1865. They were the parents of twelve children, five living. The subject of this sketch was the sixth child and second son. He was brought up on a farm and obtained a fair education from the common schools. When fourteen years of age, he began working out by the month for a period of ten years. On November 18, 1846, he was married to Miss Catharine Irwin, born in Logan County, Ohio, October 20, 1828, and a daughter of Michael and Mary Irwin. When eight years of age, she came with her parents to Union County, Ohio. Mr. Chamberlin and his wife are the parents of ten children, viz.; William A., Alice (wife of John L. Collins), Charles E., Stephen A., Martin V., Clara, John and Henry. James and Jennie are deceased. Jennie was the wife of Henry McCullough, and at her decease left two children - Ora C. and Asa. In 1857, Mr. Chamberlin located on his present farm, which consisted originally of 110 acres. He has since cleared the land, and has acquired 163 acres of land, ail well cultivated. When he was married, he had but $15, and all that he has since obtained has been due to his industry and enterprise. In 1864, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in June, 1865. He served principally in Tennessee, under Gen. Thomas, and was in the battle of Nashville. At the last named place, he contracted a sickness, and was confined at the post hospital of that town. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics, Mr. Chamberlin is a Republican, and has never held public office.

JAMES M. CPI A VIS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Mecklenburgh County, Va., May 17, 1813. His father, William Chavis, was born February 22, 1776, his mother September 11, 1784, both of Mecklenburgh County, Va. They were married in January, 1806. His mother's maiden name was Priscilla Drew. His grandfather, Jacob Chavis, served all through the war of the Revolution ; he died in his native place. The father of our subject was drilled for the war of 1812, but was not called in active service. He died in Virginia January, 1848 ; his wife died in September, 1867. They had nine children, two living. The subject of this sketch was reared in Clarksville, Va., and when seventeen years old commenced a four years' apprenticeship at the wheelwright trade with his father. When of age, he worked at his trade in his native place, followed it until 1857, then sold out and came to Pickaway County, Ohio. He farmed there by renting until 1864, when he removed to Hardin Coun- ty, bought eighty-five acres of his farm, which he has since cleared and improved. In 1867, he purchased sixty-five acres for his son Alexander. He was married, December 17, 1835, to Nancy, daughter of Archer and Jane Stewart, and a native of Mecklenburgh County, Va., born October 1, 1811.

, Her grandfather served in the Hevolution, under Gen. Washington, and died in Virginia. Mr. Chavis and his wife had ten children, three living - Alexander R., Matilda and Drury. Alexander enlisted at Circleville, Ohio, September 14, 1864, in Company E, Forty-fourth Ohio. Volunteer Infantry, was transferred to Company E, of the Sixteenth United States Colored , Troops, and served in the Army of the Cumberland. He was on garrison duty, principally, and was honorably discharged September 14, 1865, at i Chattanooga. He then returned home and engaged in farming. He was married, in July, 1860, to Mary Davis, and had nine children, six sons and , three daughters - Inez J., William H. , Martha A., James A., Enos E., j Orin, Laura A., Horton and Clark.

I Ohio, October 16, 1835, and is a son of Alvan and Mary (Laughlin) Clark. His father was born in Beaver County, Penn., March 5, 1809, and his mother in Erie County, Penn., March 3, 1809. Their parents had removed i to Guernsey Couoty, Ohio, during the early settlements of that State. Alvan Clark's parents were Thomas B. and Nancy Clark. The latter died in Gaernsey County, Ohio, leaving a family of five children, and Mr. Clark subse- 1 quently remarried and in 1832 removed to Logan County. He had five '{ children by his second wife. He died in 1851, aged seventy-one years. Our subject's maternal grandparents were John and Deborah Laughlin, also Pennsylvanians, who removed to Guernsey County, Ohio, prior to the war i of 1812. The father of our subject was married, in 1834, in Guernsey ,j Ccuntjq whence he removed in the fall of the same year. He died there on « ( the farm of his settlement, August 10, 1878. Mrs. Clark died September ' 18, 1881. They had six children, three living, of whom our- subject is the eldest. The subject of this sketch was reared on the homestead, and edu- ' cated at the academy in Washington, Guernsey County, Ohio. On leaving school, he engaged in buying and shipping stock, in which business he remained for ten years. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the eastern division. He > fought in the battle of Port Republic. He was a member of the band of t engineers, from which he was discharged by order of the Secretary of War August 4, 1862. On May 10, 1864, he was enrolled as First Lieutenant of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio National Guards, and i was engaged on garrison duty in Virginia. He received honorable disi charge at Columbus, Ohio, in September, 1864. His father also served in I the late war ; in September, 1861, he recruited Company D, of the Sixtyi j sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was Captain of Company D, [j of the same regiment. He was discharged, on account of disability, in J j October, 1862, and died from troubles contracted in the service. His son,

S ! Robert S., was a member of Company C, One Hundred and Thirty -second f I Regiment Ohio National Guards. Onr subject, on his return from the f| war, lived in Logan County, Ohio, until 1876, when he purchased and setl| tied on 220 acres of land in Buck Township, Hardin Comity. Ho has since I been occupied in farming and stock-raising. Ho was married, January 15, i 1867, to Elsie J., a daughter of William and Martha Ritchey, and born in I Logan County, Ohio, February 11, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the par- I ents of five children, viz. ; WTlliam B. , Alvan L., Walter*H., James P. and

Biographical Sketches

Mary J, Mr. Clark and his wife are connected with the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Clark is a member of a Masonic order. In politics, he is a Republican, and for one year was Trustee of Buck Township, and several years of Richland Township, Logan County.

ISAAC COOK (deceased) was born in New Jersey May 3, 1801 ; he was a son of Mordecai and Sarah (Havens) Cook, natives of New Jersey and New York respectively. In 1802, his parents removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, purchasing near Lancaster over 300 acres of land. Of this land Mr. Cook cleared a portion, then sold the greater part, retaining forty acres ; he died in the fall of 1847, aged seventy-five years ; his father was an emigrant from France before the Revolution. Mrs. Cook, the wife of Mord( cai, died about 1852. Isaac served a three years' apprenticeship at the wagon-maker's trade in Newark. He then married and settled on a farm in Fairfield County, where he farmed till 1830; then removed to Hardin County, and the following year to Marion County. He was there three years, and in 1848 removed to Kenton, where he resumed his trade, following it to within two years of his decease ; he died December 28, 1871. He was married, in 1825, to Sarah, a daughter of John and Mary Ice, and born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1804. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were the parents of ten children, six living, viz. : Nathaniel, John P., Isaac, Emily,

Lila (the wife of Warren Kellogg) and Samantha L. Nathaniel was born^ in Marion County, Ohio, October 14, 1835; was brought up on a farm until thirteen years of age ; he followed milling for four years, then learned the trade of a blacksmith, followed it for one year, and was subsequently employed as foreman on the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railway. He continued in that position till March, 1873, when he removed to his present farm in Buck Township. He was married, October 14, 1862, to Huldah, daughter of Leonard and Mary Richards, and born in Ross County, Ohio, July 16, 1841. Of the three children born, one is living - Willie L., born December 28, 1863; Eddie and Katie are deceased. Mr. Cook is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and owns eighty-six acres of land.- He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Kenton. Mr. Cook has filled the office of Township Trustee for two terms, and is politically a Democrat.

CAPT A. P. CUTTING-, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, December 18, 1832, and is a son of Linus and Eliza (Conklin) Cutting. His father was born in Shoreham, Vt. , April 20, 1794, and his mother in Fort Hamilton, now Cincinnati, Ohio, December 18, 1802, and died January 13, 1871. They were married January 14, 1821. Linus Cutting's parents, Elijah and Lucy (Douglas) Cutting (the latter an aunt on the paternal side to Stephen A. Douglas), were natives of Vermont. On the death of Lucy Cuttiog, Elijah Cutting married Betsey Hale, whose mother died at Fort McArthur and was the first white person that died in Hardin County. Our subject's father came to Miami County, Ohio, where he followed his trade of millwright. He was a member of Capt. James Bigger's Mounted Rangers Company, and served one and a half years, principally in the frontier service. He then returned to Miami County, lived there two years, and then removed to Wyandot (then Crawford) County in 1823. At this time he was employed by the Government to construct the Indian Mills on the Sandusky River. He subsequently bought 160 acres of land, on which he built a mill of his own. In the fall of 1833, he removed to Logan County, and in March, 1854, to Buck Township, Hardin County, where he died February 19, 1874. He and wife had reared eight out of their nine children, all still living. Four of the six sons were Union soldiers. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education. On November 16, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served two years in the Army of the Potomac, and one and a half in the Cumberland Army. He was at first Second Sergeant, the following year First Sergeant; on July 15, 1863, was promoted to the Second Lieutenancy, then First Lieutenancy, and finally reached the rank of a Captain. Pie fought at McDowell, Va., Chancellorsville, Wauhatchie, New Hope Church, Peach Tree Creek; at the latter engagement, he received a bullet wound in the right shoulder, July 20, 1864. He was confined in the officer's hospital at Nashville, Tenn. , and received his discharge April 4, 1865. He is now drawing a pension. On October 2, 1860, he was married to Mary A., a daughter of Henry and Anna (Hayward) Thew. To this union there have been born nine children, five living, viz. ; Henry T., Emma B., Don D. and Mary A. and Clara E., twins. The deceased are Martha J. , James H. , Luella M. and Daisy A. Mr. Cutting and family are members of the Universalist Church of Kenton, and Mr. Cutting is a member of the Masonic order. He is now retired from business, and is the owner of 123 acres of land. He is a Bepublican in politics, and has filled the office of County School Examiner of Hardin County six years.

JOSEPH O. DODDS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Union County, Ohio, July 7, 1845; his father, John Dodds, was born in Erie County, Penn., February 3, 1806; his mother, Nancy Gary, was a native of Champaign County, Ohio, born April 17, 1820. James Dodd, the grandfather of our subject, moved with his family in 1818, to Delaware County, Ohio, where he died. John Dodd subsequently went to Union County and married Nancy Gary at North Lewisbnrg. Her father, James Gary, was the founder of Lewisburg, the name of which town had been formerly Garysville. Our subject's parents were married, December 3, 1840, and resided in Union County till 1847, when they removed to within three and a half miles south of Kenton. Mr. John Dodds owned a small farm, now belonging to George P. Frame, and died in McDonald Township, Hardin County, in October, 1872; his wife died November 4, 1868. They had eleven children, of whom our subject is the third son. He enlisted, October 16, 1861, in Company K, Thirty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Cumberland Army. He fought in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga. Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain. He received a slight fiesh wound at Mission Ridge, which disabled him for six months; he veteranized February 3, 1864; came home on a furlough, and then rejoined his regiment at Camp Dennison, and returned to the South; he was disabled from duty and was detailed to guard the baggage. On J nly 8, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio. On his return home, he resumed farming, which he has since followed. In 1870, he settled on his present farm, which, at the time, was in the woods, and has cleared and improved the land. Under his farm he has 360 rods of tiling. On March 17, 1870, he married Amelia, a daughter of Henry and Anna E. Battles, and a native of Germany, born January 1, 1851. The four children that resulted from this union are as follows: George H. , James O., William 0. and Anna M. Mr. Dodds and his wife are members of the United Presby terian Church of Kenton. He is politically a Republican. His father was Treasurer and Clerk of Buck Township two years and one year respectively.

County, Ohio, September 22, 1828; he is a son of Thomas and Beulah (Patrick) Ounson, natives of Virginia and New Jersey respectively, and' married in Logan County, Ohio, of which their parents were the earliest pioneers. Our subject is the eldest son and second child of a family of eleven children, six living; he was reared principally on a farm in Hale Township, Hardin County, to which his father had moved when the former was six years old; hi^ education was derived from the common schools. On August 22, 1862, he enlisted in the Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company F; served in Tennessee, and fought in the battle of Stone Biver and several other minor engagements; he was wounded at Stone Eiver, and discharged on that account February 20, 1863. He received a gunshot wound in the right knee, and is now drawing a pension of $6 per month. In the spring of 1865, he purchased his present farm, and has cleared and improved it. Besides farming, he raises stock and keeps Poland-China and Chesterwhite hogs. He was married, in June, 1849, to Miss Margaret Plews, born in Northumberland County, Penn., July 16, 1827, and a daughter of William and Mary Plews. Of the nine children born, eight are living - Beulah, wife of John W. Thompson; John O., Benair W., Thomas, Alice M., Temperance, W. Mark and Rush. Mr. Dunson's paternal grandfather, Thomas Dunson, served in the Revolutionary war, in which he was wounded; he removed from Virginia to Logan County, Ohio, before the war of 1812; 'married Miss Corbing, and both died in Logan County; Johnson Patrick, the maternal grandfather of our subject, came to Logan County shortly after the war of 1812. Mr. Dunson and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is now serving his second term of office as Justice of the Peace.

JOHN ESPY was born in Beaver County, Penn., March 2, 1811, there grew to manhood, and in August, 1836, was married to Miss Jane Anderson, a native of the same county. To this union one son, Thomas, was born, who for many years has been one of the leading business 'men of Kenton. From Beaver County, Penn. , Mr. Espy and family removed to Taylor Creek Township, Hardin Co., Ohio, arriving at their destination September 1, 1838. Here he lived upon a farm until the autumn of 1840, when he removed to Kenton, and engaged in the manufacture and sale of wooden pumps until the year 1844, when he entered a distillery on the present site of the Snow Cloud Mills. During the ensuing year the grinding for the distillery was done by the old Ross horse mill, which was operated, as its name implies, by a horse tread- wheel. The insufficiency of this mill for the growing demands of the day was soon recognized by Mr. Espy, and in 1846 he erected the present Snow Cloud Flour Mill in connection with the distillery. The erection of this mill marked a new era in the milling operations of the community, for this was the first steam flour mill erected within the county. Mr. Espy continued the operation of this mill about eight years, when he sold it, and purchased a saw mill on the south side of the town. With this enterprise he was connected about twelve years. In 1865, the Marseilles Flouring Mill was purchased, but at the expiration of the first year Mr. Espy returned to Kenton, and at once erected the present Espy Mill, which went into operation March 30, 1867. To this enterprise he devoted his attention until 1872, when he withdrew from all connection with milling operations. From this date up to within about a month of his death, his whole time and attention were devoted to the improvement of the home farm on the south side of town. During the last month of his life, he had purchased the old woolen mills property, and planned the erection of another large flour mill which should supply the growing demands of the old mill, whose increased patronage had outrun its capacity. The death of Mr. Espy, Nijvember 28, 1878, brought this undertaking to a close for the present. Such were the leading events in the business afi'airs of Mr. Espy that he justly earned the title of "the pioneer miller of Hardin County." Beginning with empty hands, by persistent application to business, he was enabled to achieve some of the greatest milling operations of the county and period. In his capacity as a pioneer, he contributed to the development of the public interests of the community, always an advocate of ail measures of advancement, and a champion of every project of improvement. Although deeply interested in public affairs, he would never allow his name to be used in connection with any otflce beyond those of his own township, always giving as a reason for his aversion to office - the urgent demands of his private affairs. Thus, while a partisan of strong convictions, and deeply devoted to the interests of the Democratic party, he would never sacritice his personal interests "by attending to the business of others." His party received his sympathy and influence; his private affairs, his energy and time. In business he was a man of strict integrity, rigid in exaction of all obligations, and unswerving in his plans. Possessed of a high sense of justice, and an indomitable will, no question of expediency could allure him aside from what he considered the line of duty. In private life he was kind, forbearing and affable. With a plan unwavering, an energy untiring, and a will unflinching, he rose to affluence; but this success not only failed to produce pride or coldness, but rather served to enlarge its sphere of usefulness, as generosity and liberality were prominent traits of his character. Although having reached the advanced age of sixty-eight, his death came suddenly and unexpectedly and was deeply deplored by the whole community, for the public recognized in his demise an almost irreparable loss.

JOHN EVANS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Cardigan, Wales, February 12, 1803. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Davis) Evans, both natives of Wales. His father was born in October, 1782, his mother on February 12, 1783, and were of Welsh stock. In 1818, they emigrated from their native country in a sailing vessel, and were fifty- two days on the voyage. They landed at Baltimore in June, and then went to Pittsburgh. They subsequently proceeded down the Ohio River in a flatboat, to Gallipoli s, Ohio. Mr. Evans entered eighty-four acres of land in Gallia County, lived there till 1824, then removed to Delaware County, purchasing a farm of 200 acres in Thompson Township. He died in October, 1828. For seven years he was a sea captain. He started out a poor boy, and with energy, combined with a good practical business mind, acquired bis large and valuable property. His estate was estimated to be worth $40,000. The subject of this sketch inherited 100 acres of land in Delaware County, of which he cleared sixty acres. He then sold out, and bought 207 acres in Buck Township, Hardin County, to which he added until he had acquired 477 acres. He divided this land among his children, retaining 217 acres, worth $75 an acre. He was married, January 20, 1820, to Maria Cochrau, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Cochran, and a native of Ohio, born December 3, 1800. Mrs. Evans died July 28, I860, leaving a family of twelve children, four living - Thomas, John E., David C. and William E. In politics, Mr. Evans was formerly a AVhig, but now belongs to the Democratic party. He held the office of Township Trustee for five years. David C. Evans, the third son living, was born in Thompson Township, Delaware

County, Ohio, January 7, 1847. He was reared on the homestead, and obtained a limited education from the commoQ schools. On April 25, 1871, he was married to Miss Varena, a daughter of John and Mary Fry. She is a native of Switzerland, born December 17, 1851. The four children born are Emery D., Willis J., Charles E. and Earl. Mr. David Evans owns ninety-six acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs.

DAVID EVANS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Wales, June 20, 1813. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Jones) Evans. (See sketch of John Evans.) David was the youngest of five children, two living - John and David. The deceased are Mary, Margaret and Magdalena. Our subject was reared on the homestead, and obtained a fair education from the common schools. At an early age, he began providing for his mother and a sister. In April, 1852, he sold his farm in Gallia County, Ohio, and came to Hardin County. Here he bought 202 acres of land at |14 an acre. He has since cleared the land, and has 125 acres under cultivation. He assisted in cutting out and making the roads in his section of Buck Township, and also gave a helping hand in founding churches and schools. He was largely instrumental in the organization of the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has since been connected. In 1878, he erected his brick residence, at a cost of $2,200. On January 9, 1833, he was united in marriage to Lovina, a daughter of John Price, and born in Union County, Ohio, in September, 1816. This union has been blessed with fourteen children, nine living, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of James

Bailey; Margaret, wife of Paul K. Sieg; Bethany, wife of Ira Richards; Mary, wife of Thomas McElree; Thomas P.; Nancy A., wife of Edward Moy; Phebe, wife of Charles White; William H, married to Mattie Weiser; and Magdalene, wife of J. B. Jackson. The deceased are John, William H. , Maria and two infants. Mr. Evans and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Evans is a Democrat, but has never sought office. Thomas P. Evans, the eldest son of David Evans, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, March 20, 1845. He was married, March 7, 1867, to Laura E., a daughter of John and Saloma Tyler. She was born in Orleans County, N. Y. , March 13, 1846. The six children born are Saloma L., Arthur, Lovina E., Asher T., Gertrude L. and Alta M.

JOHN E. EVANS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born on the old homestead, in Delaware County, Ohio, January 7, 1847. He is a son of John and Maria Evans, with whom he had come to Hardin County, where they settled. He is next to the youngest son living, and twin brother to David C. Evans. He was reared on the homestead, in Buck Township, and secured a fair education from the common schools. On February 22, 1876, he married Miss Jennie, a daughter of Francis B. and Nancy (Conner) Slagle, and a native of Ross County, Ohio, born March 3, 1852. No children have blessed this union. Mrs. Evans' parents had settled in Pleasant Township when she was three years old, and where she attained womanhood. Mr. Evans resided on a part of the homestead until November 30, 1881. He owns 160 acres of land, besides eighty-one and a half near Silver Station, given him by his father. He is engaged in farming and stockraising, making sheep a specialty of the latter. Mrs. Evans is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Grant Station. Mr. Evans is a Democrat in politics, and is now serving as Township Trustee and School Director.

DAVID O. HATCHER, farmer, P. O. Mount Victory, was born near Zanesfield, Logan Co., Ohio, May 15, 1847. He is a son of Daniel and Hopy (Garwood) Hatcher, of Loudoun County, Va. His father died in Logan County, Ohio, when he was «ight years old, and his mother when he was thirteen. His mother, when five years old, and a cousin, aged about ten years, were captured in Logan County by the Indians, who carried them into Champaign County, where they were followed by a darkey named Anthony Blanks, who unbound the prisoners while the Indians were asleep, and escaped with them. Our subject lived with his brother, Nathaniel O., in Hale Township, until of age. When sixteen years of age, he worked out by the month until he had reached his twentieth year, then farmed with his brother for one year. In 1889, he married, and the following winter purchased 100 acres of land, most of which was in the woods, which he has since cleared, and now has sixty acres under cultivation. He was married, March 31, 1869, to Louisa, daughter of Conrad and Mary M. (Moore) Harpel, born September 3, 1843, in Jefferson Township, Logan Co., Ohio. Of the seven children born, six are living, viz.: Alonzo O., Benabille O.,

George E., Minnie M., Ona E. and Grace E. An infant son is deceased. Mr. Hatcher and his wife are members of the Christian Church, of which he is a Trustee. In politics, ho belongs to the Democratic party. His brother, Isaac H. , enlisted, September 20, 1861, at the age of sixteen years, in Company C, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the oattle of Chickamauga. Nathaniel O. was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served from August, 1862, to June, 1865. He was in several battles; was with Sherman on his Atlanta campaign, and was imprisoned a few days in the Andersonville Prison. He returned home, and died from physical disability, March 3, 1881.

HENRY G. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Fleming County, Ky., April 17, 1813, and is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Green) Johnson. He is next to the youngest of the children living; was reared on his father's farm and educated in the common schools. His first schoolhouse was a log cabin, with no floors, furnished with a fire-place, slab seats and greasedpaper window lights. When sixteen years of age, he left home, going twenty-one miles to Champaign County to obtain work at |6 a month, $1 in cash and the remainder in goods. For four years he worked by the month, receiving from $6 to $9 per month ; then cropped one year and worked by the job one year ; after which he married, and, in 1841, bought 100 acres of land, where Rushsylvania now stands, paying |1,000. It was largely covered with timber, and he has since cleared half of the farm and lived on it seven years. He then lived on the Mays farm on the old Sandusky road, remaining there one year. He accommodated pioneer travelers, although not keeping a public house. He cleared three farms in Logan County, and on March 25, 1850, purchased his present farm of 100 acres, paying |8 an acre. In 1853, he added 103 acres, paying $6 an acre; subsequently, in 1856, he added fifty-four acres more, and is now the owner of 247 acres, 150 of which he has cleared and improved himself. He started a poor boy, and by his energy and ambition secured all he now has, and his pursuits in life have been generally successful. He has been a great reader, acquiring considerable knowledge. On April 28, 1836. he was united in marriage to Martha, daughter of Robert and Isabel (Burnsides) Smith, and a native of Logan County, Ohio, born Octuber 10, 1813. Ten children resulted from this union, nine living, viz., Jacob R. ; Isabel S., wife of J.

S. Allen; Eobert H. ; Savilla ; Victoria, wife of Nathan Clark; Henry O., Philip G., Mary E., and Paulina, wife of Kendrick Kennedy. Mr. Johnson and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, to which he has belonged for sixty years and she for forty years. Mr. Johnson has also been a local minister for twenty-five years. In politics, he was formerly a Whig, but is now a Eepublican. He served as Township Trustee for eight years. Jacob E. Johnson, the eldest son of our subject, was the first to enlist in Hardin County; he responded to the call for 75,000 men, and enlisted in of the Potomac, and fought at Eomney. After a service of nine months, he was discharged on account of disability. He then returned home, and is now residing in Leesburg, Kosciusko Co., Ind. He was married to Margaret J. Pooder.

HOSEA JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Monroe Township, Logan Co., Ohio, December 11, 1817. His father, Jacob Johnson, was born in Monmouth County, N. J. , March 15, 1779. His mother, Eachel Green, was born in Bourbon County, Ky. , in 1784. His grandfather was Andrew Johnson, who came from Holland before the Eevolution, settled in New Jersey, and in 1786 removed with his family to Boone County, Ky. The following year Daniel Boone left that county. Mrs. Johnson, wife of Jacob Johnson, was of English and Welsh descent. Her father, George Green, worked his way across the ocean on a sailing vessel when nineteen years of age. He settled in Bourbon County, Ky., and, in 1811, came to Logan County, Ohio, where he died. Our subject's parents married July 12, 1802. His father was an old hunter, and followed that occupation in Kentucky, where bears were so numerous that people could hardly keep their hogs, and had to pen them up. Mr. Johnson, early one morning, was aroused by the squealing of some hogs, and suddenly started out in pursuit of the bear. He followed the noise, and soon found the object of his search. The bear was biting and cuffing the hog, which he held up, but on seeing the hunter he fled. Mr. Johnson, knowing the bear would soon return, secreted himself behind a log, and shortly after bruin came back and perched himself with his fore feet on the log, snuffing around, upon which the hunter shot him in the region of the heart. The animal was found to weigh 500 pounds. When Jacob Johnson came to Logan County, he " squatted " on 1,000 acres of land; which he occupied seventeen years. He then bought eighty-seven acres of land at $2 an acre in Eush Creek Township, which land he cleared of the timber covering it. His father's home was used as a church for twenty-flve years, and his house was the home of the itinerant. He was first identified with the old Calvin Baptists, and afterward with the Methodist Church, in which he labored until his death. He died in August, 1868, and his wife preceded him, September 18, 1856. They had twelve children, ten sons and two daughters, five living. Our subject, the youngest child, was reared on a farm and given a common school education. He aided his father in clearing the farm, and lived with him until twenty- two years old. On January 2, 1840, he was married to Nancy Eosbrugh, born in Logan County, Ohio, February 11, 1817. Her parents, Hilkiah and Susan (Deardeff) Eosbrugh, were natives of Virginia, whence they moved and settled in Logan County, Ohio, near West Liberty, where their daughter Nancy was reared to womanhood. Mrs. Eosbrugh was born May 18, 1787, died May 2, 1851, in Logan County; her husband was born October 30, 1782, died April 17, 1828, in Bedford County, Va, They had eleven children, ten living, viz., Susan, wife of James Morrison;

Elizabeth, wife of H. N. Smith; John C. ; Sophromia, wife of P. F, Latimer; George F. ; M. Micajah; Jane, wife of Milton Davis; Margaret, wife of Milton Lee; Peter F. and Mol lie C. Henry G. died at the age of two years. In 1850, Mr. Johnson removed to his present farm and bought 100 acres, to which he has since added, until he is owner now of 540 acres ; the homestead contained 330 acres. He has given 200 acres to his sons, George and Micajah, In politics, he was formerly a Whig, but now belongs to the Republican party.

JOHN C. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Union County, Ohio, August 26, 1843. He is a son of Hosea and Nancy Johnson, who removed to Logan County, Ohio, when our subject was one year old. In 1850, they settled in Buck Township, Hardin County, where John was reared and educated. On January 17, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Cumberland. On May 2, he started on the Atlanta campaign, and fought in the battles of Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek,' and all the battles on the approach to Atlanta, including the bombardment of that city. He was taken sick at Atlanta, of typhoid fever, and was subsequently transferred to Nashville, where he participated in the battle there. He followed Hood's army to Florence, Ala., and was then formed into a battalion of Sherman's soldiers, and rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro. He then marched to Raleigh, and was finally taken by water to Fort Schuyler, N. Y., where he was mustered out, and was discharged at Columbus July 7, 1865. On his return home, he resumed his occupation of farming. He rented land until 1872, when he bought sixtyhve acres in Buck Township, to which he has since added, and now owns 224 acres, on which he has made improvements and cleared nearly the whole of it. He built his residence in 1877 at a cost of $2,000, and has also added all the barns. He is employed in farming and stock-raising, keeping a good grade of cattle. On November 23, 1869, he was united in marriage to Anna E. Rarey, born in Franklin County, Ohio, January lO, 1848, and a daughter of Nicholas and Sarah Rarey. This union has resulted in «ix children, five living, viz., Nora I., Annetta, George P., Nicholas P. and John W. Walter A. died when four years old. Mr. Johnson and his wife are connected with the M. E. Church. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Grange, and has filled the offices of Master, Overseer and Chaplain, each two terms. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as Township Trustee for one term.

FRED MACHETANZ, tanner, Kenton, was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1849. His parents, Gotleib and Catherine (Freyman) Machetanz, are natives of Germany, whence they emigrated in 1826, settling in Auglaize County, Ohio. His father died there when our subject was but seven years of age. The mother again married, and is still residing there. Our subject came to Kenton in 1878, and, in the same year, erected his present business house, situated on the south side of the Scioto River, in South Kenton, where he has established and built up a successful trade. He employs a force of three men, and his business is rapidly increasing. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Minnie, daughter of A. Traeger, of Kenton, to which union there have been born two children - Charles and Augustus. Mr. Machetanz was elected Clerk of Buck Township in the spring of 1888, where he is how residing, and the same season was elected to the City Council. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church, and he is one of Kenton's busy manufacturers.

SAMUEL MENTZER, deceased, was born August 3, 1806. In 1834, he removed to Mansfield, Ohio, where he wintered, and then came to Kenton and engaged in merchandising, following it for two years, and then took a contract for building the Erie Feeder. This was not successful, and, after a year and a half, he returned to Kenton and built the National Hotel, where now stands the Bank Block. Two years after, he traded the hotel for 100 acres of land, and got $1,000 besides. He then moved on his farm, and, in 1847, was elected Auditor of Hardin County, by a majority of one vote. After serving one term, he was obliged to decliae a re-election on account of his ill health, and returned to his farm, which he worked up to within twelve years of his death. He added to his farm until he owns 222 acres, besides sixty acres adjoining, all of which he cleared and improved. He was married to Susan Lipley, by whom he had seven children, three living - Lydia, wife of James Baker ; David and John. Mrs. Mentzer died, and he then married Eliza Whiteman, deceased, by whom there was one child, also deceased. For his third wife he took Sophia A. Benjamin, daughter of Nathan and Mary (Nulse) Benjamin, and a native of Athens County, Ohio, born Ootober 1, 1848. Of the six children that blessed this union, four are living - Mary C., wife of Hezekiah Roby ; Louisa D., wife of Isaac Cook ; M. D. L. and William M. Mrs. Mentzer's maternal grandparents came from Holland, and were eighteen weeks on the voyage, during which her mother was born. Her paternal grandparents were Rebea Clendenen and John Nulse, her grandfather a native of Scotland, and her grandmother of Ireland. Her grandfather, while holding her father in his arms, was shot by the Indians, who took her grandmother and seven children prisoners, retaining them for eight months, when peace was declared. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin, grandparents of Mrs. Mentzer, on first coming to this country, located in New Jersey, thence moved to Pennsylvania, and from there came to Muskingum County, Ohio. Mr. Samuel Mentzer and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. He served several terms as Township Trustee and Tt>wnship Clerk, and died August 10, 1882. He was a man of great enterprise, and did much for the public improvements of Hardin County. He laid out Mentzer's Addition to Kenton, consisting of five acres.

M. D. L. MENTZER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio, February 23, 1848. He is a son of Samuel and Sophia (Benjamin) Mentzer, whose sketch we have given in this history. Our subject was reared on the homestead and educated at the common schools. On September 29, 1870, he was united in marriage to Rhoda A., daughter of William and Rebecca Smith, and a native of Union County, Ohio, born December 24, 1850. Three children have resulted from this union - Iona, born December 29, 1871 ; AnnaM., born May 26, 1873, and George A., born March 31, 1883. Mr. Mentzer owns 216 acres of land of the homestead, and fifteen acres adjoining. He is a thoroughly scientific and successful farmer and stock -raiser, and in connection with his business keeps a system of book-keeping, in which he has a full account of his receipts and expenditures, and at the end of the year is able to ascertain the profits and losses. He weighs his cattle every month, and records the gain or loss. Politically, he is a Democrat. He served as Township Clerk the first year after his majority.

JAMES PAVER, deceased, was born in Maryland November 18, 1801. W'hen about two years old, his parents, John and Betsy Paver, removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, and settled near Lancaster, where they lived one= year, thence removed to Union County, where they died. James was the eldest of a family of nine children, and was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1826, he came to Hardin County, bought land in Dudley Township, where he settled in 1827. He added to his farm until he owned 320 acres, having cleared about half of it himself. In 1847, he removed to within two miles of Kenton, on the farm now owned by Joseph Hoover, and, about 1858, located on the farm belonging to John Paver, which contained 312 acres, and on which he lived until his death, June 22, 1880, aged seventy-nine years. He was married, and had three children - Harvey, Mary (wife of Alpheus McConnell) and John. Mr. Paver was one of the three or four men who built the first schoolhouse in Buck Township. John Paver, the youngest child, was born on the Hoover farm March 25, 1850, and was brought up on a farm and educated at the common schools. On January 19, 1873, he married Mollie Cline, born June 10, 1849, in Fairfield County, Ohio. Five children have been born to them, viz. : Jimmie, Orie, Dora, Charlie and Anna May. Mr. Paver owns 104 acres of the old homestead, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He cleared up most of his land, and also aided his father on his farm.

JOHN PFEIFFFR, deceased, son of Michael Pfeiffer, was born in Germany in 1813, and, at the age of seventeen, left his native land to avoid going into the army. Emigrating to Pennsylvania, he remained there two years, thence came west to Springfield, Ohio, where he followed his trade of boot and shoe making. In 1834. he removed to Hardin County, bought a piece of land east of Kenton, and while spending his days in clearing off the timber, much of the night was put in working at his trade. In 1836, he went back to Germany, and brought out his father, five brothers and two sisters, his mother dying ere starting for the New World. He settled on his farm east of town, and, in 1839, was married to Eva Elsasser, who came from Germany with the Pfeiffer family. They resided on the old homestead until 1852, when he removed to Kenton, and purchased the grist mill and distillery of Nelson Miller, which he operated until 1865, then sold it, and settled on a farm in Round Head Township, whore he followed farming, piking and mercantile business until 1872. He then returned to Kenton, but, in the spring of 1877, removed to a farm in Buck Township, where he died October 12, 1880. To John and Eva Pfeiffer were born the following children: Elizabeth, George (deceased), Barbara, Margaret, John, Henry (deceased), Lewis, Henry, and George (deceased), being nine in all, two having been called after those previously deceased. Mr. Pfeifihr left an estate of over 800 acres of land, besides town and much personal property. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. and Druid societies, and adhered to the Lutheran Church,

A. RAMSEY, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Pleasant Township, Hardin Co., Ohio, October 8, 1844. He is a son of George and Elizabeth (Pfeiffer) Ramsey, who came to America with their parents when children. His mother was from Pleasant Township, and bore her husband four chil dren, viz., our subject, George, Lizzie (wife of William Shingle) and Margaret (wife of Allen Garbow). Mr. Ramsey died in Pleasant Township in August, 1850, and his widow subsequently married Adam Lutz, by whom she had two children - Barbara (wife of Lewis Woods) and Callie (wife of Joseph Felty). Our subject was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and at the age of fifteen left home and worked out by the month, obtaining 25 cents a day. When twenty three years of age, he had accumulated $500, with which he began trading in stock in the States of

Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. lie drove and shipped to eastern markets, and has been engaged in that, with other business, ever since. From 1876 to 1879, he was a member of the firm - Kenton Packing Company - which proved to be an unfortunate enterprise, and he has since continued in trading and shipping, doing an extensive business. Up to 1882, he has been the leading stock- dealer and shipper in Hardin County, and he ships annually from 2,000 to 3,000 cattle, *and sometimes as high as 25,000 head of sheep. In 1881, he admitted Frank Stewart as a partner, and the firm is now Ramsey & Stewart. He has also been engaged in the retail meat business for the past live years, and is a member of the firm of Ramsey & Fall. He gives some attention to farming, and owns 190 acres of land adjoining the corporation. Mr. Ramsey has formed two marriages during his life; his first union was with Mary, a daughter of George Stern, who died in 186-, leaving one child - Callie. His second wife is Rosa Huffurgue, a native of Hardin County. They have two children - Hattie and Anna E. Mr. Ramsey was a member of the Agricultural Society Board for eight years, and in politics is a Democrat.

JOHN P. RICHARDS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 27, 1827. He is a son of James and Matilda (Pearl) Richards. His father was born in New Hampshire August 10, 1791, his mother in Virginia July 27, 1797, and were married in Pike County, Ohio, December 21, 1817. His maternal grandfather, John Pearl, with his family, removed to Pike County, Ohio, in 1800, and died there. The parents of our subject located in Seneca County, Ohio, about 1825, in 1830 removed to Pike County, thence, in 1834, to Ross County, and finally, in 1848, came to Hardin County and lived for two years in Pleasant Township. In 1851, they came to Buck Township and bought fifty acres of land, on which they resided till their decease. Mr. Richards died December 4, 1868, and his wife on March 31, 1872. Mr. Richards was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-five years. He was the father of ten children, five living, of whom our subject is the fifth. Our subject was married, March 27, 1851, to Sarah M. Harbison, born September 18, 1832, a daughter of Matthew and Sarah (McCoy) Harbison. Her father was born in North Carolina December 12, 1796; died in 1849, aged fiftythree years. Her mother was born in South Carolina April 23, 1800, and is still living. They removed to Greene County in 1835, and to Hardin County in 1842, settling in Pleasant Township, where Mr. Harbison died. Mr. and Mrs Richards have had two children, one son living - Marion F., born October 20, 1858, married to Viola Butler, by whom there are two children, Neva Blanche and Pearl; and Jessie B., born January 19, 1873, died May 5, 1879. Mr. Richards and his wife have belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty years. Mr. Richards is a member of the Grange, with which he has been prominently connected since its organization. He has served as Township Trustee and Treasurer for one year.

FRANK SCHWARTZ, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 20, 1839. ' He is a son of Frank A. and Barbara Schwartz. In 1847, when seven years of age, he emigrated with his parents to America, and the following year settled three and a half miles north of Kenton, Ohio. Our subject is the eldest of four living children; was reared on the homestead from his seventh year until he reached his majority, and was educated at the common schools. He learned the alphabet in the log schoolhouse with slab seats and puncheon floors. He aided his father in clearing up the land, and in 1863 went across the plains to

Nevada,, where he spent four years in mining and other work. In 1867, he returned to Hardin County, and on September 22, was married to Margaret Bishop, born in Hesse, Germany, March 31, 1843, a daughter of John G. and Catherine E. Bishop, who came to Hardin County in 1850. Nine children were born, seven living - Frank A., George H. , William F., Gustave O., Carl A., Edward J. and Margaret E. John L. and an infant are deceased. In August, 1868, Mr. Schwartz bought 100 acres of land, which he has since cleared, and has got half of it well under cultivation. In 1877, he erected his residence at a cost of $1,500. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and is generally successful. Mr. Schwartz is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and his wife of the Lutheran Church. He is, politically, a Democrat, and has served one term as Township Trustee.

WILLIAM J. SCOTT, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Franklin County, near Columbus, Ohio, September 18, 1824. His father, James Scott, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, September 10, 1799. His mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Walker, was born in Virginia, October 22, 1801. Mr. James Scott's parents were Joseph and Elizabeth Scntt, natives of Westmoreland County, Tenn., who removed to Franklin County, Ohio, prior to the war of 1812. Joseph Scott served in the war of 1812. He settled eleven miles southeast of Columbus, at which time the capital was a mere hamlet. In 1830, he removed to Hardin County, Ohio, locating on Taylor Creek, Buck Township, and purchased 200 acres of land, a good portion of which he cleared. He died in Fulton County, Ind., in 1853; his wife had died several years previous, in Franklin County. Our subject's father was reared and educated in Franklin County. He married February 17, 1819, aod had thirteen children - Elizabeth J. (deceased), Elias A., Matilda S., William J. , Joseph, Cynthia A., Seymour (deceased), Mary A., Nancy J., Charles E., Mark (deceased), Luke W. and Lucy S. L. In April of 1836, he settled on Taylor Creek, Hardin County, and in 1847 removed to Jackson Township, where he bought eighty acres of land. He died April 3, 1850; his widow is still living in Logan County, and has attained her eighty-third year. The subject of this sketch is the second son and fourth child, and was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools. His advantages were very limited, as he was obliged b) attend school two and a half miles distant. On April 18, 1849, he was married to Elmira J., daughter of Eleager J. and Mary E. Rose, and born in Union County, Ohio, October 8, 1831. Of the seven children born, three are living - Mary E., wife of W. H. Brown; George W. and Jennie, at home. In 1849, Mr. Scott bought fifty acres on the township line, and lived there until 1872, when he came to his present farm. He owns in all 212 acres of land, and is occupied in farming and stock-raising. He enlisted during the late war, August 27, 1864, in Company B, One Hundred and Seventysixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in tlie Army of the Cumberland. He was o]] patrol duty at Nashville, where he witnessed the battle there. At the close of the war, he was honorably discharged June 13, 1865, at Columbus. In politics, ho is a Republican, and has served as Township Trustee for two terms, and School Director for twelve years. He is a member of the Grange, and for two vears served as its Treasurer.

HON. DAVID SNODGRASS, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Mercer County, Penn., February 23, 1815. He is a son of Jesse and Jane (Atchison) Snodgrass, natives of County Donegal, Ireland, and Washington County, Penn., respectively. His father was born February 1, 1784, emigrated* to the United States about 1809, and settled in Mercer County,

Penn., where he was married in 1812, and the same afternoon was called into the military service, to prevent the British troops from crossing Lake Erie. He served six months as private and then returned home and engaged in farming. He lived in Pennsylvania until 1825, Vvhen he removed to Muskingum County, Ohio; thence, in 1846, located in Monroe County, Iowa, where he followed farming for about ten years, and in 1856, he sold his farm and went to Albia and engaged in merchandising. He died September 8, 1876, aged ninety- two years. He and his wife belonged to the United Presbyterian Church, of which he was an active and prominent member. Mrs. Snodgrass died in August, 1862, aged seventy years. Our subject was the second son of a family of eight children, and was brought up on a farm, and received a common school education. He helped his father in clearing two farms. He was married in Harrison County, Ohio, December 20, 1838, to Catharine, daughter of Enoch and Catharine (Anderson) Philips, a native of Washington County, Penn. , born March 24, 1817. They have hve children, four living - ftessie, Alfred P. ; Park, married to Jennie Bebout, of Washington County, Penn., and M. Maud, wife of B. Moore, of Kenton. Otis B. died, aged eight years and six months. In 1845, Mr. Snodgrass came with his family to Kenton, and resided there until 1864, then came to Buck Township on his present farm. He was engaged in the boot and shoe trade in Kenton until 1861. He and William Grilmore started the first boot and shoe store in Kenton. In 1851. he was elected to represent Hardin and Wyandot Counties in the Ohio Legislature, and served one term. He was solicited to be a candidate for a second term, but positively declined to serve. In 1870, he was elected member of the Board of County Commissioners, and served one term. In June of 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served as Corporal, and was discharged in February, 1862, to receive a promotion. In January previous, he was home on thirty days' furlough, and recruited Company H, of the Seventy -fourth Begiment, going out as First Lieutenant, serving as such until the battle of Stone River, when he was promoted to the rank of Captain for "gallant and meritorious service on the field." He served until April 26, 1864, when he resigned on account of a wound received at Chickamauga. While in the Fourth Regiment, he fought at Rich Mountain and Romney, and in the Seventy-fourth Regiment he was at Stone River, and then Chickamauga, where he received his wound by an artillery wheel running over his right foot. On his return home, he took up the occupation of a farmer. He owns 168 acres of land, most of which has been cleared and improved. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He is, politically, a Republican, and while serving as County Commissioner was one of the principal instigators of the pike enterprise, carrying the first pike petition that was circulated in Hardin County, and where the County Infirmary was being built.

BENEDICT STEINER, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, March 6, 1828. His father, Jolin Steiner, was born in June, 1794 ; his mother, Anna Hani, in 1792, died in 1832 ; both were natives of the Canton of Berne, Switzerland. They were married in their native place in the year 1818. On the decease of his wife, Anna, Mr. Steiner married Anna Dick, and, in 1837, left- Berne and crossed France to Havre in wagons, the journey occupying twenty- one days. He then embarked with his wife on the ship Albany, crossed the ocean, and landed at New York October 31. They went to Pittsburgh, where they remained till spring, then came to Hardin County and settled in Pleasant Township, where Mr. Steiner purchased and cleared eighty acres of land. He died in 1860; he had seven children by his first wife, and seven by the second. Our subject is the fifth child by the first marriage, and was brought up on a farm, obtaining a very limited education at the common schools. In the spring of 1850, in company with six others, he went to the gold mines of California. He followed mining, packing and farming in the Trinity Mountains until 1861, when he returned to his home ; he made a trip to Switzerland in 1863, on account of ill health, and returned the same year. The next year he bought 158 acres of his present farm, and added to it until he has acquired 238 acres. In 1878, he built his barn, at a cost of $2,500, and in 1881 his residence, at a cost of $5,000. He was united in marriage August 24, 1865, to Mary A., daughter o^" Benedict Moy, and born in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, December 17, 1833. To this union four children have been born, two living - Carl H. and Olga M. Laura M. and an infant son are deceased. Mr. Steiner is occupied in farming and stock-raising. In politics, be belongs to the Bepublican party.

SILAS STEVENSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, is a son of James and Unity (New) Stevenson, and was born in Champaign County, Ohio, October 23, 1822. In 1827, his parents settled on the line between Logan and Hardin Counties. In 1834, they removed to Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, where he bought a farm and resided until their deaths. Mrs. Unity Stevenson died March 10, 1864. Mr. Stevenson died June 6, 1865. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm. On May 24, 1849, he was united in marriage to Ruby, a daughter of John H. and Selina Tyler. She was born in Orleans County, N. Y. , October 27, 1827. Mr. Stevenson was married and lived there four years, and in 1858 removed to his present farm in Buck Township, Ohio. He has acquired good property, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He and his wife have been faithful workers in the Methodist Church for thirty-nine years.

C. A. STEVENSON, farmer, P. O. Kenton, was born in Orleans County, N. Y , January 5, 1853 ; he came with his parents, Silas and Ruby Stevenson, to Hardin County in October, 1853, and lived on the homestead until of age; he is the second son of a family of nine children, and received his education from the common schools. On March 9, 1875, he was married to Miss Annie, a daughter of Clark L. and Sarah (Finity) Newcomb, and a native of Knox County, Ohio, born November 28, 1852. She obtained a common school education, and for four years was a teacher in Buck Township. She removed with her parents to Hardin County in 1853. Mr. Stevenson is employed in farming and stock-raising, and is a member of the Agricultural Society of. Hardin County. In politics, he belongs to the Republican party, but has never held office.