Cardington Township (part 24 of 26)

MILTON HART, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; oldest son of Levi and Leah (Mann) Hart, was born in Perry Tp., Feb. 23, 1832. He lived on the old farm on Owl Creek, and went to school near by, on Nathan Levering's place. lie farmed the homestead for some years after reaching his majority, and worked about four years for McArthur Cook. He came to Pulaskiville in the spring of 1865, and with his brother Banner purchased a large stock of new goods, and conducted a genera! store, under the firm name of B. Hart & Brother. This partnership lasted three years, when Banner retired, and Milton continued the business as sole proprietor for eight years longer, when he traded the entire stock to R. H. Graham, the present proprietor, in 1876, for thirty acres of land in Perry Tp. He also owns twenty-two acres of land near the village, with six town lots and a handsome dwelling and store-room in Pulaskiville; all made by his own labor. He united in marriage with Louisa Mann Jan. 5, 1854. She is a daughter of John Mann, Jr.; born in Congress Tp., Apr. 25, 1832. Milton is the grandson of Benjamin Hart, who walked through from Bedford Co., Pa., in about 1810, and arriving at the place he selected for a home, the Indians told him that a man had been there on horseback; so he walked on to Wooster in some haste, and had the papers made out for his land just as the man rode up, who had lost his way, and was very much chagrined at being beaten in the race. He made his settlement in the spring of 1811, erecting a cabin just south of the present brick residence. Levi Hart, the father of Milton, was the fifth and youngest son of a family of five sons and four daughters. He was born in Bedford Co., Pa., Oct. 19, 1807, hence was something past four years old when he came to Perry. There were no schools near them at that time, and the father supplied the deficiency by distributing books among them on Sunday morning, and keeping them at the task all day. In this way they learned to read, write and cipher. When the first school was organized Elizabeth, a sister of Levi, wentto school one winter through the woods, four miles distant, alone, finding her way by the blazed trees. The same lady walked to Fredericktown, nine miles distant, and returned the same day, from church. The Indians often came to sharpen their tools and weapons. At such times they would catch the boy Levi by the hair, and flourish their murderous looking knives above his head for their amusement. Levi Hart and Leah Mann were married Jan. 28, 1830. She is a daughter of Joseph Mann (see sketch of Perry Mann), born in Bedford Co., Pa., Dec. 2, 1809. They lived with and became the chief support of his parents until their death - a period of twenty-six years. He then became possessed of the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, where he resided until his death, March 6, 1875. He and wife were both members of the regular Baptist Church for more than thirty years. Mrs. Hart ha; an interesting relic in the shape of a quilt lined with linen spun by herself, inlaid with tow which she bleached and carded, and pieced largely with her first calico dress, which she earned by boiling sugar in dinner kettles, and purchased in Columbus at forty cents per yard. The quilting was done by herself in 1829, and the quilt is in good condition. Of this marriage are five children - Milton, subject; Sarah, born June 11, 1836, now Mrs. Peter Sipes; Luzdla, June 29, 1838, now Mrs. Charles Dise; Banner, March 22, 1840; Polly, Jan. 1, 1843.

ENOCH HIGGINS, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; was born Dec. 11, 1831, in Franklin Tp., then in Knox Co., Ohio; is the fourth son of Eliza and Mary (Hart) Higgins; his father was the son of Joseph and Catherine (Hendershott) Higgins, and was born Aug. 15, 1795, in Bedford Co., Penn.; he came to this county in 1816, without capital, and worked for others until he earned money enough to buy a quarter-section of land. He was married to Mary, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Kearney) Hart, June 15, 1820; she was born July 24, 1799, in Bedford Co., Penn.; her parents came from Pennsylvania to Perry Tp., then in Knox Co., in the Spring of 1811, where they settled, raising a family of nine children - William, John, Benjamin, Enoch, Levi, Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret and Sarah. The Hart family at one time fled in the night to the fort at Fredericktown; and during the panic caused by the murder of the whites at Mansfield, they fled to Waterford, and assisted in building a block-house near that place. The father of Enoch after marriage, settled on the farm where Samuel James lives; in two weeks after the first log was cut, they moved into their cabin. To use the words of the aged mother, " It had neither floors, doors, chink- ing, chimney nor windows, but we ate our meals from nice clean clap-boards spread upon the sleepers, and felt very Happy." Here they reared ten children - Harriet, Harvey, Curtis, Ella, Monroe, Enoch, Sylvester, Mary J., Sarah E. and Eiias. All are married and have families. The older Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church over forty years. He identified himself with the Republican party at its organization, and was an earnest supporter of its principles. He passed away peacefully Jan. 6, 1880, at the age of 84 years. His venerable wife still lives with her youngest son in the old home. Enoch Higgins remained at home with his parents until he was 21 years of age, then rented his father's farm for three years, and in 1855 went to Wisconsin, where he entered 160 acres of land; he then returned home and remained until 1857, again going to Wisconsin and was there two years, building a house and improving the land which he had previously purchased, returning to the scenes of his childhood in 1859. He celebrated our nation's Independence by his marriage to Leah Lovett, July 4, 1861. They have one son, Clinton O. Mrs. Higgins died in Feb. 1867. On Oct. 7, 1869, he married Mary E., a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Darner) Chambers; she was born July 7, 1846, in Harmony Tp., of this county. They have two children - Dilla E. and Rosella. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church at Pulaskiville; he enlisted in the 136 Reg., Co. I, O. N. G., and remained in the service four months. He owns seventy acres of well improved land, earned by his own labor and enterprise.

JAMES HARDIN, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; son of James and Sarah Hardin; was born Nov. 16, 1816, in Liberty Tp., Delaware Co., O. His parents fled from Marietta on horseback about 1812, to escape the horrors of the tomahawk and scalping-knife; the mother, with the babe on her arm swam her horse through the Muskingum river. The father was First Lieutenant in the war of 1812, and raised eleven children - Mary, Sarah, Isaac, Mahala, Nancy, John, Lydia, James, Jane, Lucinda, Ezekiel. The family removed to Seneca Co., O., when James was a boy and he grew up among the Senecas, who lived there a good many years. They were almost daily visitors at his father's house, and were always on friendly terms with the family, often bringing venison and helping themselves to whatever they liked. On account of the meager schools our subject had no advantages for education; he cleared 160 acres of land by the job, the average price being $5.00 per acre. He served eight years as Captain of the Riflemen in Seneca Co., also as Drum Major in the militia of Delaware Co. He was married March 28, 1849, to Phebe Wright, daughter of Dennis and Lydia (Robison) Wright, who was born June 8, 1827, in the State of New York; her parents came to Ohio in 1835, and settled first in this township where Benton Levering lives. They raised a family of four children - Hester A., Edmund, Phebe and William N. After marriage Mr. Hardin engaged in farming here for three years, afterwards farmed in different parts of the township until 1863, when he went to Williams Co., O., where he stayed two and a half years, then removed to Sandusky Co. and farmed there until 1871, when he returned to present place, purchased in 1879. They raised three sons - Nelson W., Thomas R. and Dennis. Nelson W. died Oct. 13, 1865.

IRA M. INK, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the ninth child and youngest son in a family of ten children. He is the son of George and Mary (Rose) Ink; he was born Sept. 11, 1835, Tompkins Co., N. Y. His parents reared the following children - Permelia, Walter P., Jane, George C., Charles, Theron H., Cornelia A., Philo, Ira M. and Marilla. The father, who was a farmer, departed this life Oct. 23, 1866, in the State of New York; and in 1870 the widowed mother came to Ohio, and resides at present in Richland Co., O. The subject of these lines was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. In the spring of 1856, he being 20 years old, emigrated to California, by water route. He worked on the farm at from $40 to $75 per month, until 1860, when he embarked once more for his native State, arriving at New York City on Christmas day. He farmed his father's farm about two years, then by the month, in the gloomy pineries of Michigan and New York, until the fall of 1868. He came in that year to Delaware Co., where he remained about 2 months, then came to this township and worked for S. L. Newcomb, a relative, until March 10, 1870, when he formed a matrimonial alliance with Allie Burt, a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Harris) Burt; she was born Aug. 21, 1852, in Cardington,

O. Her parents were both natives of this State; her mother was born in Licking Co., and her father in this county. Mrs. Ink was a successful teacher in the schools of this county. Mr. Ink purchased 100 acres here in

1870. He made a second trip to California in 1871, and tarried about nine months, and returning has lived here ever since, a successful and energetic farmer and a reliable man.

P. O., Pulaski ville. Among the worthy selfmade men of Franklin, stands the gentleman whose name heads this sketch ; he is the third son of Henry W. and Hannah (Jones) James, born in what is now Gilead Tp., March 1, 1828. At seventeen he went to Mt. Vernon to learn the carpenters' trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years ; he has worked at his trade principally in this county since that time ; he united in marriage with Miss Ellen Carrothers, May 11, 1851. This union has been blessed with four sons and two daughters, Maggie .1., born Feb. 21, 1852, died May 18, 1 STB ; James C., born Oct. 26, 1853 ; Robert B., born Dec. 28, 1855 ; John W., born Aug. 3, 1858 ; Sarah A., born June 2, 1862 ; Samuel Ellsworth, born June 20, 1864. After marriage Mr. James lived three years on the farm of his father-in-law, then purchased thirty acres in this township of Wesley Martin for something over six hundred dollars, going in debt for a large portion; they worked early and late until the home was theirs. They sold this about 1865, and after renting some two years they purchased his present home of fifty acres in 1S67, on which he erected a substantial frame residence in 1872. His farm is well improved and embraces a fine sugar camp, and valuable farming lands under good cultivation. Mr. James had few advantages in early life for education, but making the most of what came to him, he has solved the problems of life as they were presented, doing much to repair early loss ; he began life with no capital but stout hands and daring purposes, and has by force of will attained a handsome property, and reared a family such as any father might be proud to own. The wife and mother of his children has aided much by her wise counsels to form and fashion their character; she still presides over the home where taste and neatness adorns, with pictures, music, and literature crowned with hospitality make it worthy of that sacred name.

MORGAN A. KEARNEY, farmer; P. O., Levering, Knox Co.; is the son of Thomas and Jerusha Kearney; his mother's maiden name was Van Cleve; he was born Dec. 8, 1821, in Bedford Co., Penn.; his father came to Knox Co., Ohio, about 1825, where he remained five years; he then removed to North Bloomfield Tp., then Richland Co.; they hired a man to bring them here from Knox Co., and he unloaded their household goods in the woods, and they were obliged to sleep in a railpen, until a cabin could be built; they lived here until 1851, when he removed to Warren Co., Iowa, where he died in the fall of 1852. His parents were married Dec. 4, 1814, and had thirteen children - Mary A., Sarah, Powell, Morgan A., Rebecca, William, Harvey, Simon P., Catherine, Druzilla, Jerusha, Thomas D., and Priscilla; Simon P. and Catharine died when young. Morgan A. lived with his parents until he reached his majority, attending school only a short time; he then began working by the month at from eight to ten dollars per month. He was married June 12, 1853, to Hannah J., a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Jackson) Stackhouse; her parents came to Ohio, from Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1830. They raised a family of nine children - Nancy, Silas, Joseph, Stephen, Hannah J., Myrtilla, Sarah, Daniel J., and Benjamin; of these, Stephen, Daniel J., Nancy, and Benjamin, are dead. In the fall of 1853, Mr. Kearney and wife emigrated to Warren Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming, until the fall of 1857, when he returned to the home of his youth, and in the following spring moved into the house where he now lives, having purchased twenty-five acres of land, which he has since made attractive by various improvements. They have raised two children - Zelma J. King, since married, and Mary, the orphan daughter of Daniel J. Stackhouse, who lives with them now. Mr. Kearney became a member of the Old School Baptist Church in 1859, and he holds unfalteringly to that faith and doctrine; his

MILTON LAVERING, farmer ; P. O. Levering ; lives on the old homestead purchased by his father in 1810, and he still holds the original land-warrant, signed by James Madison, who was then President. He is the youngest son of William and Ruth (Brison) Lavering, born Feb. 16, 1821, on his present farm. His father in company with the Rev. John Cook and John Ackerman came on horseback to this township from Bedford Co., in 1810; he entered 160 acres of land here, and, soon after, by his brother, 160 acres more in Congress Tp. They all soon returned to Pennsylvania; he made a second visit to this State and remained five months, and made a small clearing, returning to Pennsylvania; he this time loaded the four horse wagon with his family and household goods, reaching his destination in Nov. 1816; he moved into a cabin which his nephews had prepared for the family; there were nine children in the family, seven sons and two daughters - Archibald, Allen, Morgan, Morris, Neison, David, Nancy, Milton and Polly. Archibald and Allen died when young. William Lavering was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and departed this life Sept. 14, 1864. Milton Lavering has been a tiller of the soil all his life; he began with $92 at the age of 21, and in 1864 he purchased the home place consisting of 160 acres of land, lying on the north branch of Owl Creek, with about fifty acres of fine bottom land. He married Mary Rinehart, April 24, 1860. She is a daughter of Jacob and Lydia Rinehart. In her father's family there were nine children - Ellen, Caroline, Charles, Elizabeth, Mary and Jacob - three who died in youth, Lydia, Anna and an infant; they were natives of Pennsylvania, and came here in an early day. Mr. Lavering and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Waterford. He raised the first crop of flax for the seed ever sown in the vicinity. This was in 1845, and sold at eighty-seven and a half cents per bushel. In early days his father made trips to the lake with a barrel of maple sugar on the hind wheels of the wagon. They have a family of two children, Adda M. and Zantha E., the two eldest - Morgan and Walter B. are dead. The old brick residence was

DARWIN LEONARD, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; Mr. Leonard is the representative of one of the early settlers of this county. His father, Daniel S. Leonard, came to Chester Tp. about 1820, from the State of New York; the roads were then marked by "blazing trees," and the settlements were few and far between, and many were the hardships endured by the settlers of that day. The father was united in marriage to Elizabeth Lewis in 1833, and they settled on 150 acres of land one mile east of Chesterville, where they raised eight children - Darwin, Lewis, Abigail, Willoughby, Sarah E., Mary, Minerva and Anna E.; six of these are living and two are dead - Anna E. and Willoughby. Darwin, the oldest son, was born Aug. 31, 1834, in Chester Tp.; he worked at home until 27 years old and received a fair education, then he married Jennie A. Bain, by whom he has two children - Lizzie and Belle1 His wife, Jennie A. Leonard, died April 23' 1873, and he subsequently married Loretta Plum, of Mt. Gillead; he purchased 63 acres here in 1875, which he has farmed with success; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and votes the Democrat ticket.

THOMAS P. MORRISON, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; youngest son of Thomas and Mary (Jennings) Morrison; was born on' his present place April 30, 1837. He obtained his education in the district school, and at twenty-two began teaching, which he followed three terms. He took charge of the homestead at his majority and has farmed it successfully ever since. In 1859 he purchased sixty-four acres of the home place. He united his fortunes with Caroline A. Bomberger, July 3, 1869. Of this union there is but one child living - Rhoda B., born August 31, 1874. Mr. Morrison has been called to many positions of trust, serving as Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee in this county for six years; he conducted the campaigns with marked ability, electing some one at each election. He was Justice of the Peace for nine years, and Clerk one year, administering its duties with a fjdelity and soundness of judgment that won the confidence of all. He united with the Presbyterian Church at eighteen, and has been a faithful member.

Mr. Morrison possesses a fine library and is one of the best read men in that part of his township. His father Thomas Morrison was a native of Green Co., Penn., born June 4, 1 792. He was raised to the occupation of farming, and wedded Mary Jennings, December 7, 1820. She was born in Fayette Co., of the same State, August 2, 1798. In May, 1823, they set out for Ohio; he drove the wagon, while the wife rode through on horseback and carried her child before her. After a journey of about fifteen days they arrived at the present place which then had not "a stick amiss." They erected a pole pen only large enough for the so-called bed and table, and covered it with bark. They slept on poles which lay across from side to side, and cooked outside in kettles hung on forked sticks. They lived in this way until fall when they moved into the log cabin, which had been built in meantime on the one hundred and seventy-one acres, which they had entered and purchased. They went to Mt. Vernon to buy grain and to mill at Young's, below Chesterville. It is worthy of note that the two sons went to mill once on the 3d of Oct., when the snow fell a foot deep, so they could not return that night. The parents united with the Presbyterian Church very early - he at New Providence about 1821, and she with the George's Creek Church in Fayette Co., Penn, about 1817. On coming to this country they first united with the Harmony Church but when the church was organized on this place they became members of it, and he was Deacon many years. When they first came the wolves were so troublesome that they were obliged to pen their sheep every night. A spirit of fellowship characterized their proceedings, and at one time Mr.Morrison went six miles distant to a barn -raising, and hitching his horse by a brush heap, the animal made way with a part of it. Five sons and three daughters were born to them - Robert, the oldest son, graduated at the Miami University at Oxtord, Butler Co., Ohio, married Flora .1. Bomberger, and is now a Minister of the Presbyterian Church at Fulton, Missouri. Henry J. married Sallie A. Fox, and lives in Richland Co., Wis., where he divides his attention between farming and teaching. Infant daughter lies buried on the ground owned by AN illiam 1). Kelly. Rhoda died Aug. 20,

1847, aged nineteen, and her remains rest in the Bryn Zion graveyard. William M. graduated at the Miami University, and has taught school in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. He married Sally Benthall of Kentucky, who died some two years after; he then married Aseneth E. Taylor, a descendant of Hannah Dustin, the colonial heroine. James L. married Mary J. Shaw of Kentucky; she died, and he subsequently wedded Mary A. Durham. He is now a Physician at Grenada, Mississippi; Thomas P., subject; Mary E. was educated at Delaware, Ohio, and now lives at home with her aged mother. For further information see township history.

JOHNSON MANN, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; only son of John and Christian (Hauger) Mann; was born in Missouri, Nov. 25, 1845. At 17 he took charge of the homestead, and became the chief support of the family. In October, 1876, there was a division of the estate, and he purchased the interest of the other heirs, and now owns eighty aQres. He erected his present neat and convenient frame residence in 1875, on perhaps the highest point in Franklin Tp. The view from this point is grand, but especially to the south one can see for miles, and it is magnificent in the extreme. He united his fortunes with Laura L. McBride, of Williamsport, Jan. 1, 1872. She is the only daughter of Samuel and Lovina (Mitchell) McBride, born in Ashland Co., Ohio, Nov. 23, 1852. One son has blessed this marriage - Ralph, born Aug. 28, 1876. Samuel McBride, the father of Mrs. Mann, was born on the 8th day of May, 1817, in Newberry, Lycoming Co., Pa. His parents were poor but respectable, his father being a shoemaker; he died when Samuel was nine years old, and he went to live with an uncle, a very strict Presbyterian, three years. At the age of twelve he went to live with William Bowen, who treated him very badly, so that he only remained some two years. When 14, he was bound out to learn the tailor's trade with Samuel Toner, serving under his instructions six years and three months. In 1837 he went to Elmira, New York, where he staid till January; then went to Bath of the same State, working there till May, 1838. He next formed a partnership with Toner, his former guardian, which lasted one year. At the expiration of that time he went to Lock- haven, Clinton Co., Pa., and started in for himself, working almost day and night for months - sometimes twenty out of twentyfour hours. He prospered, and soon bought a lot, and placed a neat house on it, and sent for his mother and sister. There they lived happily together for two years, when in an evil day he embarked in the mercantile business, with Thomas Simmons as partner, who proved to be unworthy of confidence. A failure followed which swept away his home and destroyed the happiness of his hearth. He made a visit to Ohio in 1845, and returned to his native State, where he remained until the fall of 1846, when he came to Ohio, and for somo time lived with his brother-in-law; he came to the village of Williamsport in February, 1847, boarding with Ely Mitchell, who soon after sold out, and our subject went to board with his brother, Martin Mitchell; it was here that he met and loved his daughter, Lovina, and they were wed September 5, 1848, and they at once removed to Sullivan, Ashland Co., Ohio; here they were very happy in mutual labor and love; in the fall of 1856 Mr. McBride exchanged his property in Sullivan for property in Williamsport, where he removed in September of that year, and on the fifteenth of November the partner of his joys and griefs fell asleep in death, leaving him a little daughter but four years old. He visited various places for some time, hoping to repair his health and forget his great sorrow amid change of scene. In October, 1860, he married Rachel Finley, of Gilead Tp.; he kept grocery some two years in Williamsport, then traveled for the wholesale grocery house of V. T. Hills, of Delaware, Ohio, about eighteen months. He died of consumption at Clearfield Co., Penn., December 17, 1864; one son also blessed this union - Frank B., born August 3, 1849; died May 29, 1853. John Mann, Father of Johnson, was born in Bedford Co., Pennsylvania, July 31, 1802; he received a fair education in his youth; he united in marriage with Christena Hauger January 5, 1826; she was a nativeof the same State, born March 5, 1804; he came to Congress Tp. in 1834, and settled on a quarter-section of wild land; he cleared up a portion of it and put out an orchard; but brief was the enjoyment of his hard earned home; he was one of those who bailed Robert and Samuel Jeffries, and when they broke it left him and his little family without support; so, bidding farewell to the scenes of his toil and misfortune, he, with his family, emigrated across the Father of Waters to Missouri, settling on the Platte purchase-about 1844. They bought a pre-emption right on one hundred and sixty acres, near Savannah, where they lived some two and a half years; they returned to Ohio and bought the eighty where our subject lives in the spring of 1847, where he resided until his death, September 28, 1860; his faithful wife survived until October 13,1876; they were both consistent and devoted Christians; he was an earnest worker in the New School Baptist Church, at Pulaskiville; he discharged the duties of Justice of the Peace some fifteen years with dignity and integrity. They raised to manhood and womanhood one son and seven daughters - Rebecca, Mrs. Milton Peoples, of this township; Margaret, Mrs. John Rhodabaugh, of Congress Tp. ; Sarah A., Mrs. Marion Peoples, of this township; Louisa, Mrs. Milton Hart, of Pulaskiville; Rachel, Mrs. Newton Shaw, of this township; Mary E., Mrs. Frank Livingston, of Pulaskiville; Johnson, subject; Jane, Mrs. Lafayette Gat* s, of this township; three children also died young - Melvina, Abner and Andrew J.

JOSEPH MELLOTT, farmer; P. O., Andrews. The subject of this sketch is a son of Amos and Sarah (Truex) Mellott ; born in Congress Tp., on the 7th day of Sept., 1841. His youth was spent on the farm; in the meantime he obtained a fair education in the common schools. He tilled his father's farm for a share of the products until he was thirty. He united in marriage with Mary S. Cook on the 7th of Nov., 1872. She is a daughter of Rev. Stephen Cook (see sketch), born Oct. 27, 1850. After marriage Mr. Mcllott farmed his father's place some two years, when he purchased the thirty-two acres where Dr. S. M. Cook now lives, where he resided two years; he then sold that property and purchased land just east of W. P. Cook's, where he lived two years. He exchanged that place for the present one of thirty acres, to which he moved in Feb., 1879. Two sons have blessed this union - Roy, born Apr. 19, 1874, and Stephen Webb, Sept. 18, 1877.

PERRY MANN, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; he is the fourth son of Joseph and Sarah (Lawhead) Mann; he was born in this township, Oct. 2, 1820; his parents were both natives of Pennsylvania; his mother was born in January, 1785, and Joseph Mann was born April 13, 1785, in Bedford Co., of the Keystone State. He received a good education and taught school in his native State. In about the year 1811, he came alone to Ohio, to select a home in the wilderness for his little family. He entered 160 acres where Mr. Bockover lives, just west of W. P. Cook's, in this township. But the war which followed detained the family in Pennsylvania until April, 1815, when he resolved to bid adieu to the scenes of his youth, and accordingly, his household goods and a family of six small children were carefully stored within the limits of a two-horse wagon, and after a journey of nearly three weeks, they arrived at what is known as the "Jersey Settlement," where he rented a house for some months, until a cabin could be reared on his own wild domain. They remained here about ten months, and he employed men to underbrush twenty acres and erect a cabin on his quarter section. The following: winter he taugdit school in the old log school-house in that vicinity. Early in the Spring of 1816, they settled in this township, where they cleared up a large farm. They raised a family of fourteen children, all living at this date but one - Absolom, who married Emily Scribner, of Delaware Co., is farmer of this township; Louisa, now Mrs. William P. Cook, of this township; Leah, widow of Levi Hart, of Perry Tp. ; Polly, deceased, leaves seven children; Jehu, married Susan Helm, is now farming near Bedford, Iowa; Sally Ann, born in March, 1815, and was six weeks old when the family started to Ohio; she is the widow of Daniel Lovett, and resides in Iowa. The remaining children were born in Ohio - Joseph, farmer, in Williams Co., Ohio; Perry, subject of this sketch; Ezra, married a Miss Morrison, and is a physician in Fulton Co., Ohio; Luther, married Mary Schuman, is farming in Richland Co., Ohio; David is a minister and editor at New London, Ohio; Rachel, widow of Azariah Ayres, of this township; Susannah, now Mrs. George Cook, of Michigan; Andrew J. married a Miss Iden, and lives in Fredericktown, Ohio. The family moved in the cabin be'ore the floor was in. The hum of spinning-wheel, and the measured beat of the loom, made the music of the year, while cloth, to be fashioned into garments of the rough " tow linen," and homespun woolens, was made by busy fingers, when the factory and sewing-machine were things unknown in this new land of ours. To add to the trials and privations of " pioneer life," Joseph Mann, Sr., became a stockholder in the Owl Creek Bank, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and when the failure came, he was assessed many times the amount of the original investment, to pay the liabilities of the institution. Joseph Mann walked back to Bedford Co., Penn., a distance of about five hummed miles, and returned the same way. He was chosen Justice of the Peace for nine years, and his life was one of unswerving integrity, lofty purpose, coupled with an energy that was a stranger to failure. We will now trace the fortunes of Perry Mann. He lived with his father on the farm until twenty-three. He then united his fortunes with Mary J. Daily. This marriage was celebrated Feb. 28, 1843. She is a daughter of Abraham and Rebecca (McNay) Daily; was born March 30, 1824, in Adams Co., Penn. The family came to Chestervijle, Ohio, in 1836, and Mr. Daily followed the pursuit of tailor. They had a family of three children - Mary J., Margaret and John. After marriage, our subject lived on his father's farm until 1850, when he purchased a thirty-two acre lot near William P. Cook's, where he lived about twelve years; then purchased his present home of fifty-two acres. He has erected handsome and commodious buildings on the same. Perry Mann has a family of six children living, and two dead - Ettie R., Elnora, Leonidas S., William B., Joseph C., Rebecca A., and Minnie D. Elnora died Nov. 24, 1871, at the age of 26; an infant also died. Leonidas S. Mann is a Physician of Homeopathic School at Cleveland; is now practicing with success at Richmond, Indiana. Mr. Mann and his estimable lady are both active members of the Disciple Church; they appreciate the educational influence of a Christian home, and have sur-

JONATHAN W. OLIN, farmer; P. 0., Chesterville; he is the oldest son of Jonathan and Amy (Johnson) Olin, and was born Jan. 10, 1798, in Bennington Co., Vt.; his father was a native of Rhode Island and came to Vermont about 1782, where he united in marriage with Penelope Harrington, Dec. 14, 1786; by this union five children were born - John, Anna, Archibald, Mary and Amy; his wife, Penelope, died Aug. 3, 1795, and he married Amy Johnson Feb. 14, 1796, by whom he raised nine children - Penelope, Jonathan W., Elizabeth, John J., Sarah, Rebecca, Aurelia, Albert and Lydia. In 1836 the father, mother and three children settled in this township; the father died June 25, 1851, and the mother April 29, 1847. Jonathan worked in a tanyard when a boy; at the age of 19 he went to Northern New York to chop in the dense forests on Black River; he weighed 180 pounds when he began, but after working in the snow up to his arm-pits and enduring the hardships incident to the lumbermen, for six months, he only weighed 128 pounds; he received a common school education, and after reaching his majority he worked for his father six years; with the wages he bought land in Vermont; he married Laura Green in July, 1821, by whom four children were born - Sarah Ann, Jennet, Brytta and Mary; his wife, Laura, died May 12, 1830; he then married Hannah Olin March 8, 1831. Two children - Dyer and William - were the fruit of this union. Hannah Olin passed away Aug. 31, 1858, and he married Martha E. Blackford, in Dec., 1858; she was a daughter of Michael and Helah (Powlison) Blackford, born Jan. 30, 1829, in Sussex Co., N. J.; her parents came to Franklin Tp. in 1836, where they raised a family of nine children - John, Charlotte, Lovina, (who fell from the wagon when on their journey to this country and was crushed beneath the wheels,) Martha E., Isaac, William, Abby J., Phineas and Lovina 2d. Mr. Olin came in March, 1837, and purchased 60 acres of his present farm, and after putting in some crops upon it, he returned to the "Green Mountain State " for his family, in June; they came in the fall, and settled on the site previously purchased, where he has lived ever since; he now owns 480 acres of land, a monument to his own labor and management. He has represented the interests of the township as Trustee and in other positions; he cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson and sustains the same party principles still; his oldest son, Dyer, served under Grant three years, and was wounded at the battle of Pittsburg Landing.

EVAN w" POWELL, farmer ; P. O., Mt. Gilead. Among the influential self-made men who settled in this township from the " Old Dominion," the above named gentleman is worthy of more than a passing notice ; he is the second son of Peyton and Permelia (Fox) Powell, born in Loudoun Co., Va., March 15, 1822 ; he spent his youth on a farm, and at twenty-three had the oversight of a plantation for two years. In the fall of 1847 he came to Ohio, and ere long was engaged to teach school in Congress Tp., of this county ; he accepted the position with some misgivings about his qualifications, but by hard study his labors were crowned with good success. The wages at that time attained the modest sum of ten dollars per month and board; he next engaged to work on a farm some six month at the same wages, and during that fall cast his first vote for General Taylor, having been disfranchised before by the " property test," in his native State; he then returned to Virginia where he taught subscription school; having some pupils Avhose attainments were equal to his, he worked on bravely, sometimes until two o'clock at night, to keep ahead of them, thus catching the spirit of the true teacher; with his matter ever fresh in his mind, he took his pupils through without their ever suspecting the trial it cost. In 1849 he attended the boardingschool of Franklin Taylor, during the spring and summer, and continued to teach until 1851. He united his fortunes with Miss Elizabeth Everett, Sept. 20, 1849 ; she is a daughter of Eli and Nancy (Davis) Everett, born in Harrison Co., Ind., March 21, 1827; her father was a surveyor and settled in the Hoosier State very early. In the spring of 1851 Mr. Powell set out for Ohio with his family, arriving May 2, at Williamsport ; he at once began looking for a home ; he visited Indiana, but ; soon returned and located on the present place, which then consisted of eighty acres ; in June he purchased it of Elijah Whistler, who had

| settled there some seven years before, and made small improvements. Mr. Powell has ! since added seventy-three acres to his first purchase and erected substantial and elegant j buildings on the same ; his estate now inj eludes about one hundred and thirty acres of fine farming lands, on the south branch of Owl Creek, also valuable timber lands. Mr. Powell is the father of thirteen children, nine of whom are living - Mary E., born Oct. 26, 1850, married William Virtue, a carpenter of this township; Louis K., Feb. G, 1852; graduated at the Otterbein University in 1875; he read law with Olds & Dickey, and was admitted to the Bar, in 1878; he is at present Mayor of Mount Gilead, and School ! Examiner; is a young man of brilliant promise,

! and the partner of Thomas Dalrymple, attorney-at-law; Ora Virginia, born June 1, 1853; now Mrs. James McCammon, of Gilead Tp.; Margaret P., Oct. 4* 1854, married John Rusj sell, Treasurer of Morrow Co.; Charles R., March 5, 185G; Walter P., Dec. 5, 1857; Frank, Aug. 12, 1859, died Aug. 27, 1861; infant daughter; Frank E., Apr. 17, 18G2; Evan W., Dec. 29, 1863, died Oct. 2, 1865; George W., born December 3, 1865, died March 7, 1867; Thaddeus S., May 16, 1867; Anna B., March 4, 1871. The home of our subject he has striven to beautify with the culture and refinement of the age, and the high social standing and moral worth of his family attest the wisdom of such a course. Mr. Powell early united with the United Brethren in Christ, and is now Trustee of the Williamsport Cnurch. He was a Whig in the days of old " Rough and Ready," and joined the Republican party at its organization. His i parents were both natives of Virginia. His father followed the trade of blacksmith, and served in the war of 1812; in later years he was a tiller of the soil. He departed this life during the late civil war, and his companion followed him in 1867; both had reached the time allotted to man of three-score-years-and ten. Ten children were born to them - William, Amy, Elizabeth, Evan W., Margaret, George, Charles, Thomas, Gurley and Harriet.

THEODORE PITTMAN, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; son of Abednego and Alfa (Slaugh) Pittman, was born in this township, March 11,1858; he obtained a common school education in the Pulaskiville schools; he has lived on the old homestead, just east of the village, all his life; he is a practical farmer, and with his brother, Abednego Pittman, Jr., rented the home place of 160 acres, in 1879, where they now successfully carry on farm operations. The father, Abednego Pittman, oldest son of Benjamin and Sarah (Stevens) Pittman, was born in Bedford Co., Pa., Feb. 16, 1804. His father was a farmer, and the father of seven children, by the first marriage - Abednego, Joseph, Sarah, William, Thomas Rebecca and Margaret. They all emigrated to this township in the spring of 1812, but Joseph, who died in Pennsylvania. Abednego, being a lad of some 8 years old, walked all the way from Pennsylvania, a distance of nearly 500 miles. They employed a surveyor to find their land; cutting their way through the unbroken forest, they settled on a quarter section, two miles from any white man's cabin. Abednego left home when 10 years old, and worked at clearing land, by the day and acre, for about twelve years, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and engaged in digging iron ore for five years. On the 6th day of December, 1832, He married Sarah Boyce. She was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 2, 1816. Of this marriage six children were born - but two are living - William, born Feb. 11, 1834, and Hannah M., Sept. 2, 1838, while Thomas, Sarah, Joseph and Mary are dead. The wife and mother died, and he united in marriage with Alfa Slaugh, Oct. 2, 1846. She is a daughter of Jeremiah and Anna (Hile) Slaugh, born in Northumberland Co., Pa., March 25, 1820. Of this union nine children were born - Miram, Emanuel, Harriet, Benjamin, Lucelia, Cecelia, Theodore, Abednego and AnnaS., of which four are dead - Emanuel, Miram, Lucella and Benjamin. Mr. Pittman has 160 acres of land, well improved, and adorned with good and substantial buildings, and all is the fruit of his own labor; he had few advantages in youth, but of later years takes a deep interest in education, holding at presnt a perpetual scholarship of the Dennison University. He has held several offices of trust in the township, which he discharged faithfully. He was a very skillful hunter, and in his younger days spent much time hunting in the forest, often killing as high as thirty and forty deer in a season. He voted the Democratic ticket since the days of " Old Hickory " until late,

ROLLIN M. POND, deceased; farmer; P. O., Chesterville; was the oldest son of Abel and Maria (Bateman) Pond; was born Sept. 4 , 1820, on the Pond farm, of this township. His father settled the place in a very early day, beginning without money enough to buy an ax; he raised three children - Rollin M., Monson and Ruth E. One daughter, Florida C., died at the age of 5 years. Rollin M. passed his early life on the farm, with such advantages as the cabin school-house had to give, until his marriage with Sarah A. Olin, Nov. 8, 1842, to whom were born two daughters - Chlce A. and Laura M. Pond. His wife, Sarah A., died Aug. 26, 1858; April 17, 1859, he married Martha Stver, who was born Dec. 13, 1822, in Luzerne Co., Penn.; she is the second child in a family of eleven - Abram, Martha, Esther, Joseph T., Charles. Henry, William, Catharine, Mary J., Eliza and George. Her parents were Joseph and Rachel (Kedney) Styer, who left the " Key Stone " State in 1824, and settled first in Fairfield Co., O., where they remained three years, then lived in Berkshire Tp. eight years, when the family settled permanently in Trenton Tp., Delaware Co., until his death. The aged mother came to live with her daughter, Mrs. Pond; gliding quietly down the Stream ofTime, she passed to her rest, March 12, 1880. Rollin M. Pond died May 5, 1876, leaving a wife and three children to mourn his loss. He left an estate of 215 acres, with large and commodious buildings upon it, furnishing a home and support for Mrs. Pond and her children - Eva E., Ruth E. and George M. Both families believed in the faith and doctrines of the Universalist Church.

FRANCIS M. RUSSELL, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead. Francis M. Russell, is the son of Charles and Margaret (Ewers) Russell, and was born Oct. 14, 1820, in Loudoun Co., Virginia. The father was a native of the same Co., and in his youth learned the blacksmith trade. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; was in Baltimore when it was bombarded by the British and remembers seeing AVashington, D. C., burning during the same war. In 1830 he settled in Belmont Co. O., and two years afterward came to Gilead Tp., where he bought 568 acres, buying part of it, however, in 1831. His wife bore him ten children - Francis M., Robert T., William L., Sarah E., Barton, Jasper, Mary A., Burr, Charles P., and John. Burr 2nd, Rachel, and one other died in childhood. Our subject's grandparents, Robert and Mary (Leedom) Russell, were born April 24, 1753, in Wales, and Oct. 25, 1759 in Ireland, respectively, and were married Jan. 19, 1779. The husband had $2000 in Continental currency, and the wife had $1 in silver, and the wife had more money than the husband. These grandparents had the following children - Letitia, Ann, Samuel, Mary, Martha, Rebecca, Charles, Elizabeth, Sarah and John. The subject of this sketch got his early schooling in the old school-house near the site of Mt. Gilead, where, on the first day, the boys attempted to impose on the new scholar, Francis, but after four of them had been soundly thrashed, there was no further trouble. At the age of 22 he learned the carpenter trade of Harrison Clawson, of Newark, Ohio, a business he followed five years. On the 8th of October, 1846, he married Rose Ann, daughter of James and Margaret (Clutner) Richeson. His wife is a native of Washington Co., Md., and was born Feb. 3, 1827. Our subject, shortly after his marriage, lived on Hog Run, in Licking Co., where he ran a saw mill. At the end of six years he came to Franklin Tp., in 1853, and settled on 168 acres of land; 16 acres were cleared, and were surrounded by a brush fence. He now has about 110 acres cleared, upon which are commodious and substantial buildings. He has three children living - John G., born Aug. 9, 1847; Mary, April 9, 1854, and Charles D., May 22, 1858. John G. is the present County Treasurer. Our subject has occupied many positions of trust in his township, serving with fidelity ami with satisfaction to the citizens. He voted the Democratic ticket until 1860, casting his first vote for James K. Polk; he is also a Universaljst. He is one of the most prominent citizens of the county, and is always enthusiastic in public enterprises for the advancement of humanity.

JAMES SCHANCK, dealer in horses; Pulaskiville. The subject of this sketch was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Apr. 2, 1818. He was raised on a farm, and had few advantages for education, being three miles distant from the school-house. On reaching his majority he went from beneath the paternal roof. He soon after purchased forty-eight, acres where his son Ulysses lived, and in time added twelve acres more. It was wild land, and heat once began clearing and improving it, working verv hard until he was " out of the woods." In about 1845 he began dealing in horses, of which he was always fond. His first venture was to lead a drove of ten or fifteen horses to Cleveland, where he shipped to Buffalo by steamboat, and then le'd them through to Tompkins Co., N. Y. - a journey of fifteen days. He has handled from fifty to two hundred horses per year for thirty-five years. During the war he furnished some five hundred horses for the Government. He has shipped to and sold horses in the following markets: New York, Patterson, Newark,

Newton, Port Jervis, Providence, Boston, Buffalo, Albany, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus. He married Margaret Stevens, a daughter of Jacob and Nancy Stevens, of this township, on New Year's day, 1840. In eleven months she died, leaving one child, who lived two months longer. In 1842 he united his fortunes with Rebecca Jane Stevens, of the same family. She was born in this township, June 16, 1826. Of this marriage eight chi 1- . dren were born - Nancy A., born Aug. 29, 1843; married Banner Hart, of this township; Ulysses, July 4, 1845, married Hattie B. Hammond, and has a son and daughter - Budd 1). and Iva M. He is a man of remarkable energy, tine business qualities, and a pleasant gentleman, who is doing a prosperous business with his father in shipping horses; John B., born Aug. 18, 1847, died Aug. 13, 1874; James, born March 12, 1851, married Mary E. Jenkins, and is now dealing in horses at Providence, R. I., Mary, died when three years old; Alta, born June 6, 1858, married Joseph Lincoln, of Congress Tp., Ella May, born Dec. 5, 1861 ; Ida Belle, Nov. 25, 1865. Our subject is the youngest son of William and Mary (Hoff mire) Schanck. His grandfathers, Schanck and Hoffmire, both came from Holland. His father learned the tradeofa mason in NewYork City, and lived for some time in Monmouth, N. J., and went from there to Tompkins Co.; N. Y. About 1831, he emigrated to Huron Co., Ohio, where he lived until about 1836, when he moved to Knox Co., Ohio, where he resided until his death, in about 1841. He was the father of nine children - William, Rebecca, Anna, Sally, John, Peter, Susan, James and Lydia; of these but threea re living. Peter, a farmer in Clinton Co., Mich.; Lydia, now Mrs. Samuel Peoples, of this township, and James; all the rest leave families. Mr. Shanck lived on what is known as the "Clutter Farm," from 1866 to 1879; but the reverses of business over which he had no control, and for which he was not responsible, came, and he gave up all. He now lives with his son Ulysses, his wife having died. Hs is a man of quick perception, sound judgment, a close student of human nature, and upright in all his business transactions. Of the Stevens family, extensive mention is made in the history of this township. Abednego Stevens, grandfather of Mrs. Schanck, came to Mt. Yernon about 1810, where he bought a large tract of land, and soon after entered a large body of land in this township; and his son Jacob, settled on the farm where James Lanhers now lives, about 1812. His wife, Nancy, walked through from Bedford Co., Penn. They blazed a road through from Mt. Vernon, while she walked a distance of eighteen miles and carried her child; and Jacob at one time carried a grist to Mt. Vernon on his back. Her husband was away much of his time at Mt. Vernon, and she was made the victim of the treachery and malice of the Indians, being at home with the little ones. Her husband died in 1829, leaving her with six small children, but she managed to raise them comfortably. She is now living in DeKalb Co., Missouri, in her eighty-seventh year. For the courage and presence of mind in great danger, history should perpetuate her name, along with such heroines as Hannah Dustin.

JOHN SPEAR, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; was born Sept. 8, 1823, in Jefferson Tp., Richland Co., O.; is the third son of William and Catherine Spear. The mother's maiden name was Will; they raised a family of eleven children - Lucinda, Lorinda, Melinda, William H., Lewis P., Robert C., Benjamin F., John, Philip, Sophrona and George W. ; all reached the age of maturity. William Spear emigrated from Upper Canada to Ohio, in 1812, where he began farming, which he followed some time; he then began teaching school, and for many years continued in this calling. John Spear engaged in boot and shoemaking at the age of 21 years, but like his lather, was soon called upon to assume the position of teacher, which he filled successfully for many terms, working at his trade during vacations until the war commenced. After the War of the Rebellion he worked at shoemaking until 1872, exclusively; since that time he has given his attention to farming. He was married Jan. 12, 1855, to Emily, daughter of John and Margaret (Finch) Singrey. She was born in what is now Perry Tp., of this county, April 22, 1830. This union has been blessed with three children - John W., Monroe W. and Rolandus C. The two eldest are successful teachers. Mrs. Spear's father came from Maryland to Ohio in early times, where he married Margaret Finch. They had a family of seven children - - Eliza J., Charity A., Harriet R., Margaretta, Emily, Alice and Jacob. Mr. Spear and his estimable wife are both consistent members in the Presbyterian Church at Waterford, in which he has officiated as Deacon. He has filled various township offices, and at present is Justice of the Peace. He received a common school education, but by his own efforts has attained a culture of mind far superior to the schools of early days. He has voted with the Republican party since its organization.

GARRETT SELOVER, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; among the wealthy and influential agriculturists of Morrow Co., the gentleman whose name heads this sketch deserves more than a passing notice, as a man who has succeed in spite of many discouragements; he is the third son in a family of five children - James, Isaac B., Garret, John W. and Mary A.; Garrett was born Sept. 27, 1821, in Tompkins Co., N. Y.; his father, William Selover, and family (except James) came to Middlebury Tp., Knox Go., Ohio, in about 1835, and James, the oldest son, was married in the state of New York, and joined the family the next winter; the parents were natives of New Jersey, and came to New York in an early day. They purchased 75 acres in Middlebury Tp., and 174 in Franklin Tp.; both were in the green woods then. Mr. Selover united in marriage with Elizabeth Winteringer, Dec. 21s 1843, and in about 1844 settled on 100 acres of the present site. Three children were the fruit of this union, all of whom are dead. His wife, Elizabeth, died Oct. 15, 1852. Nov. 8, 1853, he was married to Esther, a daughter of William and Grace (Layering) Rambo; she was born June 28, 1826; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and settled near Stephen Cook's, in 1813, where they raised a family of eight children - Reece L., Mary, Daniel, Nathan, Lamech, Tabitha, Eli and Esther. Eli Rambo enlisted in the 26th Michigan Regiment, and fell at Richmond, May 11, 1864. Mr. Selover received a limited education, and by close attention he has developed his mind and amassed a handsome property of 200 acres of land; he and wife hold a membership in the Presbyterian Church; his eminent success in business has made him a useful man in township affairs, and for many years he has been chosen Trustee. He has one son, Lamech R. Selover, who united his fortunes with Hannah J. Rogers, of Montgomery Co., Penn., Dec. 25, 1879. Our subject lost his sight in the fall of 1871, and by a painful operation, he partially recovered.

NEWTON SHAW, farmer and breeder of fine sheep; P. O., Chesterville; is a grandson of the first settler in Franklin Tp. He is the second son of David Shaw. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Hardenbrook. He was born December 26, 1826, on the present place. His grandfather, Samuel Shaw, was born near Carlisle, Penn, about 1762. He united in marriage with Margaret McKissick, of that State. In 1808, he purchased six hundred acres of land in this township of James Brady, of Greensburg, Westmorland Co., Penn. Soon after they began the wearisome journey to Ohio, and for some reason stopped one year on the Pickaway Plains. In the summer of 1809, they came to Franklin Tp. and erected the first cabin ever built within its present limits, near the spot where Salathiel Bonar lives. For two years his was the only white family in the township. His nearest neighbors were Shur and Walker, of Chester Tp. Indians were plentiful, but friendly. " Tom Lion," the Wyandott chief and an Indian named " Dowdy," slept, rolled in their blankets on the floor before the fire of this settlers' cabin. The family consisted of parents, the aged mother of Samuel Shaw, and four children - D.tvid, father of our subject, who was about 16 years old when they came; Robert; Elizabeth, who married David Peoples. He came a young man of 18 in December, 1810, and entered 100 acres of land near Mr. Shaw's, and was probably the second settler in Franklin. William Shaw was the youngest son. David Shaw, the oldest son of Samuel, was educated in Pennsylvania. As soon as there was a demand for a teacher, he was chosen to wield the " birch " in an old log schoolhouse with paper windows and slab seats. During the vacations, which were long, he cleared land at from three to five dollars per acre. In this way he earned enough to purchase 240 acres, and possessed 400 acres of land. He was a good writer and a man of sound judgment, as an evidence of this, he was chosen to fill the office of Justice of the Peace for 23 years. He was elected Commissioner of Knox Co. before the formation of Morrow. He was Colonel of a Militia Regiment. David Shaw was married to Elizabeth a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth, (Waldron) Hardenbrook. The marriage occurred June 3, 1824. The Hardenbrooks settled in this township in 1816, and raised a family of eleven children. The family of David Shaw numbered eight children - Harrison, a Physician at Mt. Gilead, O.; Newton, Albert, Asher, Emily, Clorinda, Harriet and Ann. Newton, the subject of these lines, went to the district school in his youth until he learned the rudiments of an "English education," and continued his studies in the Chesterville Union Schools ; then learned plastering and pursued his calling in and near Cincinnati for some years ; spent the winters of 1856, 1857 and 1858 in Louisiana and Mississippi ; In 1861 he returned to the homestead and became a tiller of the soil; ere long he became interested in the improvement of his flock of sheep ; in the spring of 1865 he purchased of Bingham and Dean, ten full blood Spanish Merinos, which he bred with success until 1876, sellngi sheep which were imported to several different Slates; in 1876 he bought eight " Registered " ewes from the flock of Robert Perrin e of Washington Co., Pa.; subsequently he enlarged his flock by the purchase of fifteen of the celebrated Atwood ewes, bred by his successor R. J. Jones of West Cornwall, Addison Co., Vt.; his flock at present consists of thirty-five ewes and a few rams all having a " Registered Pedigree " from flocks of pure blood. Mr. Shaw has given the subject of improvement in sheep his best thought and careful study for nearly twenty years, and has reached in his present flock a happy combination of all that is desirable in sheep; they are strong, healthy animals, with fleeces of remarkable fineness, density and length of wool. We commend this flock of noble animals to those who would improve their own flocks. Newton Shaw united his fortunes with Rachel Mann (see biography of Johnson Mann), Nov. 3, 1867 ; they have one daughter - May, born May 5, 1874.

J. N. TALMA ^E, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the fifth son of John and Rhoda (Gardner) Talmage; was born on the old home farm, Feb. 14, 1830; his father is a native of New Jersey, and settled on the old "Talmage Farm" in 1817, where he lived over a half century; he removed to Fredericktown, O., where he lived only five months, dying Dec. 23,1867. He had engaged during his life in the mechanical pursuits of carpenter, joiner and cooper; he came to this country with a small capital, and enduring all the hardships and inconveniencies incident to pioneer life, he struggled until he gained a competence; nor was he unmindful of the welfare of his fellow-beings; he was one of the first who assisted in planting the cause of Methodism in the county; it might almost be said that he was the founder of the old Church at the Corners, for he not only assisted largely in building the Church here, but also at other places. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; lie was the father of five sons and two daughters - Henry G., Charles F., Jonathan S., Jacob O., Phebe E., John Newton, and Susan I.. John Newton Talmage, from whom this narative is obtained, passed his early life on the old farm, attending school in the neighborhood until the fall of 1855, when he entered the Ohio Weslyan University, remaining in its classical halls four terms; he then began farming in partnership with his father on the homestead; he continued in this relation until 1864, when he purchased 170 acres; he served his country four months in the 136th Reg., O. N. G. He united in marriage with Sophia Alverson, Oct. 7, 1856, and five children have blessed this union -

Mary O., Ella M., John Burr, Carl L. and Lavaun. Mrs. Talmage is a daughter of Thomas and Lucinda (Doolittle) Alverson; she was born Nov. 4, 1836, in New York State. Mr. Talmage and family are members of the Seventh Day Adventists' Church, at Waterford; he cast his first vote for John P. Hale, and has been a Republican ever since. We have only space here to record that Mr. Talmage is an earnest, cultured Christian gentleman, of broad views, strong convictions, and a practical man, esteemed by all.

WILLIAM VAN BUSKIRK, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiviile; son of John and Catherine (Van Cieve) Van Buskirk, was born Dec. 9, 1798, near Hancock, Md. His parents came by a four-horse team in the fall of 1815. His father entered the quarter section where Shannon Levering lives, and lived in the family of Henry Sams, on the old Green homestead, where William Addlesperger lives, until he could erect a cabin in the wilderness of Perry Tp.; by dint of hard labor that winter, they partially cleared seven acres, which they planted in corn, among the trees and stumps, in the spring of 1816. A member of this family was Lawrence Van Buskirk, an intelligent, large-hearted pioneer, a school-master, who taught the first school in what is now Perry Tp., near where Joshua Singrey lives, in 1817, at 11.50 per scholar for three months; his services proved so satisfactory that he was retained for seven terms. It was in this rude old log school-house, whose only floor was the "terra firma" that William, then a youth of 19, finished his education. He worked at home until he w'as 25, serving in the meantime, as the first Constable of Perry Tp. [See Township History.] He was married Aug. 31, 1824, to Phebe Slater, of Knox Co., Ohio. After marriage Mr. Van Buskirk removed to Marion Co., near Caledonia, where a large encampment of Delaware Indians still remain. In the fall of 1825 he purchased 80 acres in the woods, and settled in Claridon Tp., then, a large area. Among these backwoodsmen it was found at the first election that our subject and George Beckley were the only men there who could write a pollbook; his services were in large demand; he served twelve years as Justice of the Peace, and filled various other township offices. In 1864 he sold his farm in Marion Co. to the

Broad Gauge Railroad, and purchased 70 acres on the present site. He raised two sons and two daughters - Henry, who served three years in the late war under Gen. Banks, and was in seven severe battles; John enlisted under Gen. Burbridge, but died of sunstroke early in the struggle, and Catherine and Esther. Mr. Van Buskirk has been a member of the regular Baptist Church for nearly sixty years, and has been Clerk at different times; he cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and still remains a Democrat of the oldfashioned type.

YELVERTON C. WAIT, farmer; P. O., Chesterviile; is the only son of John J. and Almy A. Wait, and was born Dec. 11, 1843, in Franklin Tp. He farmed in partnership with his father until 1877, when he purchased his present home of 204 acres of Charles B. Lavering. He married Lydia C. Manson, Aug. 25, 1865. She is the only daughter of William and Rhoda (Orme) Manson, and was born Aug. 6, 1844, in Shelby Co., Ohio. Her father was a native of Maine, and came to Ohio about 1839, where he soon after married Rhoda Orme of Knox Co., Ohio, They then removed to Darke Co., Ohio, where he was engaged in business for six years. From here he removed to Shelby Co., where he remained two years. He then removed to Allen Co.; he stayed here five years, returning to Knox Co., where he died March 22, 1852. He was a successful Physician, and a practical Druggist. The late ex-Sheriff, Manson, is a brother of Mrs. Lydia C. Wait. Mr. and Mrs. Wait have a promising family of six children - Florence C., William J., Cora A., John M., Ralph and an infant. Mr. Wait, like his father, is a supporter of Republican principles.

JOHN JOHNSON WAIT, farmer; P. O., Chesterviile; was a native of Vermont; he is the son of Yelvert'on and Elizabeth (Olin) Wait, and was born Aug. 11, 1817, in Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., Vt. ; his father was a native of Rhode Island, and came in an early day with his parents to Vermont; he departed this life March 22, 1829, when John was only eleven years old, and from that time until he reached his majority he took charge of the family affairs and its support; when he was 21 years of age, he, in company with an uncle, came 400 miles in a sleigh and the rest of the way in a wagon; reaching Knox Co., Ohio, they soon set out- on foot for Greenville, Ohio; from there they walked to Sandusky, Ohio; taking the steamer at this point they went to Detroit, and from there on foot to Kalamazoo, Mich., and from there they walked back to Knox Co., Ohio. At this point, Mr. Wait having spent about §70 in an almost fruitless journey, finds himself almost penniless; so he goes to work by the month at $12 per month, which he continued for four years. He then married Almy A. Corwin, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Patrick) Corwin. Mr. and Mrs. Wait were married Dec. 29, 1841, and they settled on the present site in 1845, then only fifty acres, costing $600; a large portion he purchased on credit, but soon, by tact and prudence, he paid for this, and has since added lot after lot, until his domain now covers 400 acres of fine arable land. He has defied and set at naught the maxims of Franklin, going in debt for large sums at each purchase, he has by sheer force of will and indomitable energy paid his obligation, and improved the land by erecting good substantial buildings. He has taken a deep interest in the improvement of stock; he is now starting a flock from registered animals of the Alwood and Hammond pure Spanish Merinos; has five beautiful representatives of that famous flock direct from Vermont. Mr. Wait was a Democrat until the passage of the Fugitive Slave law; since then he has identified himself with the Republican party. They have a family of four children - Emily S., Yelverton C., Cordelia P. and Orril D.; four others died when young; of those living all are married except Orril D. Benjamin Corwin was a cousin to the statesman and orator Thomas Corwin. He came to Clinton Tp., Knox Co., Ohio, about 1808. There was only one cabin in Mt. Vernon at that time; he sunk a tanyard here, probably the first in Knox Co., and remaining here until 1811 or 12, he sold his tanyard at Clinton and purchased 500 acres of land of Joseph Smith, on the Johnstown Road; here he sunk another tanyard - the first in Franklin. The only neighbors they had in those days were the Blairs, Cooks, Manns and the Walkers; Mrs. Corwin would go out in a still morning to listen for the crowing of chickens, to learn whether any new settlements had been made. He built a cabin and cleared a farm of 150 acres. They raised a family of eleven children - Mrs. Almy A. Wait was born Sept. 27, 1820, and was the sixth in the family; Jane, James, Cyrus, Aditha, Eliza, Almy A., Lucinda, Stephen, Mary, Hannah and Benjamin F. All reached manhood and womanhood.

WILLIAM ADDLESPERGER, farmer; P. O., Levering; is the second son of William and Caroline (Frankfetter) Addlesperger; he was born in Shepherdstown, Va., Dec. 25, 1821. The family moved from his native State when he was ten years old, to Greene Co., Penn, where he engaged in clearing for five years. At fifteen he came to Ohio, and lived in Perry Tp., Richland Co., going to school in the Culp District. He worked at milling, farming and clearing land, until he reached his thirtieth year. He was married October 12, 1851, to Alice A. Green, daughter of Elder Benjamin Green; she was born on this place February 1, 1824. After marriage, he settled on forty acres of his present farm, to which he has added sixty acres more, which includes the old homestead of Benjamin Green. He erected his present elegant frame residence of ten rooms, in 1876. He raised a family of one son and two daughters, all living at home - Mary E., born May 29, 1852; John, January 1, 1854; Emma, December 19, 1861; his wife died July 12, 1867. Mr. Addlesperger votes the Republican ticket, casting his first ballott for Henry Clay, of Kentucky; his parents were both natives of Virginia; and his father followed the occupation of cooper; his mother died when William was six days old, leaving John, another son, some two years old. His father married Lydia Kimball, of Wheeling, Va., in 1827, where he lived about three years, then removed to Greene Co., Penn., in 1831, where he worked at coopering about five years. In the Spring of 1835, he came to Ohio, settling in Perry Tp., Richland Co., where he lived some three years, when he removed to Mt. Gilead, where he worked at his trade until about one year before his death, which occurred March 11, 1867. He attained the age of fourscore years, and was a fine scholar in German and English; by his second marriage, he was blessed with eight children - Margaret, Thomas, Cobb, Susanna, Benjamin, Mary, Louis and Rebecca; Benjamin is dead, he had served as Deputy Sheriff of the county. Our subject began life without capital, and the meager training which the early schools afford, and by persevering toil and careful study, has surrounded his family with a beautiful home, where taste adorns, and hospitality maketh glad all comers.

STEPHEN C. ACKERMAN, farmer; P. O., Levering; son of John and Ida (Cook) Ackerman; was born January 11, 1830, on the old homestead; spent his youth on the farm and went to district school until he reached his majority. He united his fortunes with Elizabeth Kline, March 2, 1851; she was a daughter of James and Abigail (Hyle) Kline; was born August 30, 1832, in Middlebury Tp., Knox Co., Ohio. After marriage they lived on his father's farm one year, then purchased 80 acres south of the present home, on which he dwelt eleven years, then returned to the homestead and lived about four years, when at the death of his father there was a division of the estate, and Stephen became possessor of 72 acres of the old place, on which he lives at present. Five children have been born to them - John W., Mary, who married Curtis Hardgrove, of Knox Co., Ohio; James L., who married Miriam Killen, of Waterford;

, Libbie and Leroy. Our subject and his estimable lady are members of the Disciple Church. His father, John Ackerman, was born October 22, 1805, in Bedford Co., Penn.; he is the oldest son of John and Amy (Barton) Ackerman. We will now follow the fortunes of John Ackerman, grandfather of Stephen C. He was born about 1760, and at the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, he enlisted and fought in all the engagements until the close. He was in the memorable battles of Lundy's Lane and Bunker's Hill.

The Colonel under whom he served was very severe on his troops, and denied them the privilege of filling their canteens with water as they crossed a brook on that sweltering June day. Many perished from thirst, without a wound on their bodies, and as Ackerman passed through the brook he dipped up water enough in his hat to preserve his own life. He often remarked: "That Colonel never walked before his command after that day." He was never off duty with wounds or sickness during the war, and received a pension of $91 dollars a year for faithful service. In the fall of 1810 John Ackerman, John Cook and William Levering came on horseback together, and each entered a quarter section of land on this branch of Owl Creek. John Ackerman, being fifty years old when shown the land by the Surveyor, said: "I will take the first quarter, as I am the oldest." Cook took the next. It was during this brief visit that he employed Thomas Mitchell to erect a cabin on his land. It was raised by men from Fredericktown, six miles distant. The next spring he set out with his family. They landed at their cabin in the wilderness April 8, 1811. He had two sons and two daughters - John being five years old when they arrived; Catherine, Abram and Mary. When the Seymour family were murdered, they were notified of approaching danger by "Johnny Appleseed," and went into the block-house three weeks, near Lucerne. The first crop of wheat which they raised to sell was cut with a sickle, threshed with a flail and cleaned by throwing it up and fanning it with a sheet. They hauled it to Zanesville, and sold it for three shillings per bushel, and with the proceeds 'purchased leather at 50 cents per pound and salt at $3 per barrel. The grandfather was a great mower, and at the age of seventyfive he led six men until three gave out, unable to go to supper. He split 100 rails in a day when he was eighty years old. He departed this life Sept. 6, 1844, aged 83. Grandfather Ackerman and all his family were members of the Regular Baptist Church, and he helped to erect buildings in which the members worshiped. The hospitality of his house, and that of his son, John, was so unbounded, that it was known among the brethren for two generations as the " Baptist Tavern." John, the father of Stephen C.; was like his father in many respects. He ! married Ida Cook, a daughter of Rev. John Cook (see sketch of Stephen Cook), and they always lived in the family of his father. At his death John received the old homestead as his share of the estate. He also was a devoted member of the Harmony Church, and kept its graveyard many years. His memory was remarkable, and although he kept no record, could tell the exact location of every grave within its limits. They raised seven children to manhood and womanhood - Stephen C., Morgan, Rachel, Amy A., Louis B., Leander and James Harvey, and two died young. This closes a brief sketch of an old and respected family, which may look back with pride on its examples of sturdy, self-reliant, Christian manhood.

JOSIAS BAUGHMAN, farmer; P. O., Shaueks. The above named gentleman is the representative of one of the pioneer families of Perry Tp. He is the third son of Francis W. and Mary (Beekley) Baughman, born in Perry Tp., Richland Co., Ohio, June 12, 1824. He lived wdth his father until his death, October 17, 1859. In January, 1860, the estate was settled up, and our subject purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the old homestead, where he has remained ever since, making a specialty of the raising of horses and cattle. He supported his aged mother until her death, January 4, 1876. His father, Francis W. Baughman, was born in York Co. Penn., Oct. 1, 1791. He wras married to Mary Beekley, March 28, 1816. She was a native of that State, born March 23, 1794. In two weeks after marriage they set out for Ohio in a fourhorse covered wragon. After a wearisome journey of about four weeks, they arrived where Hanawalt's Mills stand at present. Here the grandfather of Josias had purchased a quarter section on which at that time of arrival a grist mill stood, and some improvements had been made. Being unwell on the journey, they tried for several miles to purchase a loaf of wheat bread but failed. They moved into a log house near the mill, where the family lived some twelve or fourteen years and run the mill, which acquired a good reputation, and was patronized by the settlers far and near. It was at first furnished with the characteristic " Nigger-head Burrs," but gradually improvements were made. The father was sick after his arrival and unable to sit up, but hearing that John Shauck, his old neighbor was coming, he walked to the window, and improved rapidly from that time until well. John Shauck returned to Pennsylvania on a visit, and the settlers being largely from the same locality, availed themselves of an opportunity to send letters to their friends more direct and with greater safety, than the mails of that day could offer. On the day of his return there was a " raising " at Abram Hetricks, and he pledged each man not to read his letter until the building was up. Francis W. Baughman settled on his place in this township about 1830, where he owned 315 acres. He had seven children - Mary Ann died when five months old; Julian born April 27, 1818; Henry born May 5, 1820; Josias (subject). Mary died at age of 12; Lvdia died at age of 8 years and Francis died in infancy. The father was a consistent and zealous member of the Evangelical Association.

JACOB BURICEBILE, farmer; P. O., Wood view; only son of Peter and Frances (Downey) Burkebile; was born in Baltimore Co., Md., in September, 1824; he came with his parents to this township when five years old; he went a long distance through the woods to school, on the Johnston Road; he went but a short time each year until sixteen; then worked for his father until twenty three; he united in marriage with Susanna Green, April 20, 1848. She is a daughter of Benjamin Green. They lived with his father until his death, which sad event occurred 'May 31, 1870. He was seventy-six years old. Frances, his wife, died April 19, 1851, aged seventy years. At the death of his father, our subject, being the only son and heir, became possessed of the homestead, of 100 acres. They have reared to womanhood, two daughters - Frances, born Nov. 1, 1851, married Orange Baker, and lives in Congress Tp.; Anna Jane, born Oct. 9, 1854, married George Burkebile, of Pennsylvania, and lives in this township. His parents were natives of Baltimore Co., Md., where his father followed the double occupation of shoemaker and farmer. They drove a two-horse team through in about 1828 or '29, and at the same time there came eight other families, who settled for the most part in this township. Mr. Burkebile left his family at Jehu Singrey's while he erected a hewed log house on the eighty acres which he had entered here, during the winter; he cut his road to the place, which was all in woods then. The family moved to their house in the spring of, probably, 1830, and that year he put out a small patch of corn and potatoes. From that time forth, the father worked at clearing and farming in summer, and on his bench in winter; by this means he employed men to clear his land; he was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; he had one son and two daughters - Jacob, our subject; Frances, died in Maryland, and Sarah, who died here. For the history of Mrs. Burkebile's family, see sketch of Enos Green.

JASON J. COVER, Shaucks ; was the oldest of ten children born to Daniel and Lydia (Stevenson) Cover; he was born in Frederick Co., Md., Feb. 5, 1823. Until 13 years old he attended such schools as could then be afforded, when coming to Seneca Co., and there to East Perry, in Richland Co., O., with his father, his assistance became necessary in the clearing and farming the new land. He stayed upon the farm some four years, when an opportunity of changing his business offering, he entered the employ of Creigh & Shauck in his seventeenth year. He continued with this firm, serving behind the counter, in the post office, at the warehouse, packingpork and caring for horses; he served in various capacities, often working until ten or twelve o'clock at night, for eight dollars per month, turning over to his father every dollar of his earnings until he reached his majority. He then hired out to J. T. Creigh for $130 per annum and his board, refusing an offer of $144 per year from another merchant; he took his pay in clothing, notes and accounts against customers. Here he remained for nine years, his ability commanding repeated addition to his yearly salary, until it reached $175 per year. During the five years that he worked as clerk for himself he laid by $650, and in May, 1849, was taken into the firm of D. M. & J. T. Creigh & Co., as partner; he received six per cent, upon his capital and one-fourth of the profits on the entire business, which then included a general store, business, shipping of produce, buying notes, packing pork and dealing in flax seed. For five years the firm did a prosperous business, and at the expiration of the term of partnership he found hi mself in possession of a capital of $4,000, and the Creighs retiring at the head of a fine business. He associated his brother with him in business, under the name of J. J. Cover & Co., with a combined capital of $5,500; this left the firm in debt, with payments of $1,000 and $2,000, to be met in annual installments, which was successfully accomplished. Mr. Cover has been in active business ever since; save during the last year or two he has not paid so much attention to his store trade. During his active business career it was his custom to visit New York every six months to purchase goods, making some thirty-nine trips in all. In the fall of 1861 his business shrewdness led him to buy an enormous stock of drygoods, groceries and hardware, so that it taxed the capacity of his buildings to their utmost to hold them. His supply lasted three years, and was closed out at enormous profits, reaching 300 or 400 per cent. He has maintained the business of the early day in all its branches, save, perhaps, that of pork-packing, doing a trade of from $25,000 to $75,000 per year, and that without the usual amount of friction. Business misunderstandings have been rare, and though obliged on tAVO or three occasions to have recourse to the services of a Justice of the Peace, he has never had a case in court. In the course of his business life, Mr. Cover has had the forming of the business character of eleven young men, who are now promising business men on their own account, or in positions of wider usefulness. He always took a lively personal interest in the young men in his employ, and now follows their career with all the interest of a near friend. Among these are Christian Gauwiler, since deceased, John Schantz and Jerome King, doing a prosperous business at Mansfield, Tolman House in the produce business at Cameron, Mo.; George R. Hosier, at Johnsville ; Samuel Wagner, at Shauck's Mills ; Robert Leedy, farming in the west ; John W. Thenna, druggist and postmaster at Johnsville; John Held, of Newhouse & Held, and his two sons, Upton J. and Jacob K. These young men stayed with Mr. Cover not less than three years, nor any more than four, two of them being employed sometimes together. He remembers them as iudustrious, honest lads of fair ability; his business abilities have been felt elsewhere, and in the settlement of the large bankrupt estate of J. S. Trimble, when the liabilities reached a sum exceeding $100,000, his management was especially creditable ; he assisted also in organizing the First National Bank of Mt. Gilead, of which he has been a stockholder and director from the first. During the war he was prominent in securing volunteers to free his township from draft, and was employed by other communities to act in this capacity for them, paying from $1 20 to $050 for substitutes. On Sept. 2, 1852, he married Catherine, daughter of Jacob King (see biography) ; she was born Sept. 20, 1833, in Troy, Richland Co., O. This union has been blessed with six children, five of whom are still living : Upton .1., born Oct. 10, 1853 ; Alverda J., Oct. 20, 1855, died Aug. 28, 1869, aged 13 years, 10 months and 8 days; Jacob K., born Nov. 25, 1857; Laura B., Feb. 5, 1863; Minnie R., Nov. 25, 1807; Katie D., Oct. 20, 1874. Of his brothers and sisters, Thomas W. married Mary Hess, of Columbus, and is at San Bernardino, Cal., engaged in raising tropical fruits; Josiah S. married Ann Wertz, and lives at the same place, and is engaged in the same business as his brother Thomas; Mary M., now Mrs. George Biddle, resides on the Cover homestead in Perry Tp.. Richland Co., O.; Martha E., deceased, was the wife of William Lewis, of Congress Tp.; Eliza J., deceased, was the wife of Isaac Markwood, also deceased, leaving a daughter, Alverda E., now residing with U. A. Cover; William H. H. married Mary, only daughter of William Corson, near Belleville, Richland Co., O.; he is a farmer and stock-dealer near Waterford, O.; Daniel P. married Mary A. Fowler, of Fort Scott, Kan., and is now engaged in raising tropical fruits at Riversides, San Bernardino Co., Cal.; John W. married Mary Sourbrum, of Troy, Morrow Co., where he is farming; and Upton A. married Susan Lamb, retired merchant, of Johnsville. Thomas was one of the discoverers of the celebrated Alder Gulch diggings, of Virginia City, Montana. Jason has survived all the male citizens of Johnsville that were here when he first came to the place, s me forty years ago. He was first a Whig, and voting for John C. Fremont, he has followed the fortunes of the Republicans ever since. He joined the United Brethren in Christ at the age of thirty-three, and has been an active member ever since, acting as trustee, leader, Sabbath-school superintendent - and never without some official duty to discharge, ever since. His father, Rev. Daniel Cover, came from Frederick Co., Md., and after sojourning in Seneca Co., O., one year, he made a permanent settlement in Perry Tp., Richland Co., O., in 1836, on eighty acres of land, which he owned until his death. He was a minister of the United Brethren in Christ- - among the first of that faith in this locality. He preached quite extensively in what are now Morrow and Richland counties, almost every Saturday and Sunday, without remuneration. The records show that during his ministerial labors of about twenty years in this country, he helped to organize and build five churches. He died in 1855, mourned by a family of ten children.

THOMAS COLES, dealer in stoves and tinware, etc., and tinner; Shaucks; son of Thomas and Mary (Symmons) Coles was; born in Cornwall, England, Aug. 19, 1840; he passed his boyhood in Launceston, and went to school until 12 years of age; at that time he began learning the tinners' trade in the shop of Mr. Serrill, where he served an apprenticeship of one year, after which he followed the trade, working in the same town two and a half years for wages; he then found employment in a tanyard until his 17th year. Aug. 12, 1857, he embarked from the port of Plymouth for America, and after a voyage of thirty-five days reached Quebec, and from there went to Coburg, Ontario, where he served three and a half years under the instruction of William Tourjee, tinsmith, becoming a skillful and competent workman, he went to McGregor, Iowa, where he worked for sometime as journeyman for Stow & Hopkins. In May, i866, he went to Boscobel, Wis., where he worked at his trade, except one or two winters; he then came to Johnsville, and found employment in the shop of Jacob Steffee until 1871, when he erected the building where Adam Lucas lives, and worked there until the summer of 1874, when he built the present substantial frame building, 22x36 feet in dimensions, two stories in height, with a handsome store-room and shop on the first floor. Mr. Coles is prepared to do all kinds of tinwork, roofing and spouting, and keeps in his warerooins a fine assortment of stoves, pumps, hardware, tinware and agricultural implements, at most reasonable prices. He united his fortunes with Mary E. Lincoln, of Boscobel, Wis., in Feb., 1863. She is the daughter of Thomas and Rachel

(Kay) Lincoln, born Dec. 18, 1845, in Iowa Co., Wis. Her parents came to this county in 1864, and live at present in Gilead Tp.; they have a family of seven children - Mary E., Ada, Azariah E., Joel K., David H., L. Augusta and Jessie B.; all are living. Mr. Coles is a P. G. member of Johnsville Lodge, No. 469, I. 0. 0. F., and C. P. in Harmony Encampment, No. 174, at Belleville, Ohio; he began the battle of life without capital or aid by any one, and now, by careful management, he has a prosperous business, and a desirable home. He has only one son - Richard E. Coles, who was born Oct. 3, 1864, in Boscobel, Wis.

ASHER CRAVEN, farmer; P. O., Shaucks; son of John and Mary (Fisher) Craven; was born Oct. 8, 1828, in Perry Tp. He was raised on the farm, and educated in the old log school house situated one mile southwest of his present residence. The furniture was of the rudest kind, and his first teacher was Richard James. He was married to Caroline Phillips, Oct. 1, 1857; she is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Hetrick) Phillips; born in Perry Tp., Richland Co., O., 06t. 11, 1833. They lived on the old homestead for about three years, when they purchased 82-2- acres here, and moved here in the spring of 1861, where they have lived up to the present. Three children have been born to them - Jacintha, born Aug. 9, 1858; John Calvin, died when three years old; Miles L., born Jan. 14, 1862. Mr. Craven votes with the Democratic party, and has been three times chosen Trustee of his township, and has twice assessed the township. He is a Past Grand member of Johnsville Lodge, No. 469, I. O. O. F.; member of Richland Grange, No. 252, in which he has served as Secretary; he owns 200 acres of land, the product of his own labor and management. His father, John Craen, son of Beckly W. and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Craven, was born near Trenton, N. J., Oct. 3, 1797; he passed through the dangers of the Indian war of 1812, and came with the family to Perry Tp. in about 1822, being at that time a young man of 25; he purchased 40 acres of land on the school section, all in the woods. By his energy and labor he carved a home out of this wilderness and united his fortunes with Mary Fisher, by whom he raised a family. She was born in Morris Co., N. J., March 20, 1794.