Center Township

Center Township

The first entry of land in the township was made in 1809, on section 12, by Ephraini Rates. James Dye made the next entry of land. He came from Greene County, Pa., and also settled in Ihe township in 1809. lie removed to Illinois.

Ephraim Bates and his soiis were among the earliest settlers of Noble County. He was born in N^w Jersey May 24, 1744. He served in the lievolutionary war, and was one of the fii*st settlers west of the Allegheny Mountains in Fayette County, Pa. He died in Sarahsville January 2, 1834. His wife, Susannah, lived to an advanced age. Their children were Isaac, who lived many years near Sarahs vi lie, but died in Indiana; Polly, who nuirried John Vorhies, and lived in Noble County ; William, who settled in Guernsey County, and thence went west; Anna, who married William Dilley, and lived in Cleveland, Ohio ; Timothy, one of the ])ioneer settlers of Seneca Township; Ephraim, also lived in Seneca Township ; Daniel and Ezekiel, who lived in Center Township.

Ephraim Bates, Sr., had one of the earliest orchards in this ])art of the country, and some of the trees j)lanted by him are yet standing. He built the first mill in the township - a '* corn-cracker" of a rude sort, but a great convenience to the settlers nevertheless. The mill was in operation in 1814. Ezekiel Bates, son of Ephraim, was the founder of Sarahsville.

Before P>ates' mill was erected the l)eoj)le of the township depende<l mainly for their flour and meal ui)on two horse mills, owned resi>ectively by Elisha Fogle and Thomas Barry, and situated only a short distance apart, in the southwestern part of the township.

Isaac Bates erected a mill upon his farm, which was so arranged that it could be operated by horse-power when there was a scarcity of water. After the early mills had all fallen into ruin or disuse, a steam mill was erected at Sarahsville by a company of citizens at a cost of ^4,000. The coni])any sold out to Frederick Secrest and the mill w^as burned. Mr. Secrest then erected a grist-mdl and sawmill, which he still owns.

Jacob Bates was born in what was then (fuernsey County, in 1810. In 1815 his fathei', Isaac, removed to the farm now owned by William McWilliams, where he was the fir^t settler. He died in the township in 1888. He was a very re|)utable man and reared a family of eight children. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Davidson, was a native of West Virginia. Her parents were among the pioneers ; four of the family reside in the township.

Shortly aftei* the Indian war Daniel DevoUd and family emigrated from Washington County, Pa., to Belmont County, Ohio. In 1814 the family, coiisisting of wife and six children - John, Isabella, Nancy,

Betsey, Richard aiul Kachael, caiiu* to what is now Noble County, and settled in Center Townslii]). Here lie ])urchased from government KU) aeres of land for which he paid $2 per acre, that being the price of government land at that time. On this farm the elder Devolld died at the extreme old age of ninety-two. Levi Devolhl was born in York Townshij), Helmont County, Ohio, in 1S0+, and came to Noble County with his parents. At the time of his father's emigration he states that the nearest neighbor in the north was Mr. Ephraim Hates, who came about the year 1812 and settled where the fairgrounds now are in Sarahsville. Mr. Devolld further states that in 1814 there was only one road in the township, called at that time (IvHU) the Federal Road ; all pomts north or south from this road had to be cut through. Marietta und Zanesville were the nearest places from which su])plies could be obtained. In 1811> Mr. Devolld says that he ])acked flour to Marietta on a horse for which he obtained .Sl.-'>0 })er hundred. In 1828 he nuirried Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Smith, who settled in the township about 1814.

Levi DevoUd is probably the oldest resident of the township, having resided here continuously since 1814. He has been one of the pushing, energetic citizens, and has prospered accordingly. He has always been a farmer, and for a time was also eniJ:a<!:6d in buvin*^ and sellin<j: live stock, carrying on the tanning business, etc.

their nearest neighbor on the wast was James Lowe, about where Olive now is; on the east, James Archer, at East l^nion ; on the northwest Benjainin Tliorla, at Relle Valley,

, ley; and on the south, Elisha Harris. According to the personal recollecti(m of Mr. Levi DevoHd, in the fallof 1814 all that portion of Guernsey County which now forms the townslii))s of Noble, Olive, Sharon and Ri-ooktield, voted together in one election precinct. Daniel Devolld brought the kettles which were used in Thorla and McKee's siilt works, which were established the ye«arthat

' he came. The Devollds were fond of huntingand were successful woodsmeii. Levi Devolld, soon after l)ecoming of age, made a trip through the wilderness to the lake, lin<ling few whites and many Indians in that region.

A tannery was started by I^vi Devolld, in the southwestern part of the township about 1846, and was in operation for about eight years. In connection with it Mr. Devolld manufactured boots, shoes, harnesses, etc. Some rascals stole about ^500 worth

In the southwestern part of the township were the following eurly settlers: Ambrose Merry, David Devolld, Thomas and Beiijamin Barry. The McOarrys were among the most prominent early families. The father, John McGariy, was an Irishman, who moved to Ohio from the vicinity of Philadelphia. His sons

David MeGarry, one of the best known citizens of Center Township, was born October 19, 1819, within the present limits of Center Township. He passed his early life amid the scenes of pioneer days, clearing land and farming. His educational advantages were very limited, yet through self-cultivation he became well informed. In 1843 he married Catharine Richey. Seven children were born of this union - John C, Thomas K., Andrew, Jane, George M., Margaret and Frank. All are living except Jane, who died in infancy. Mr. McGarry was one of the foremost men in brinirinfr about the organization of Noble ('ounty, and spent much time and labor in effecting that result. He was an active Democrat until the formation of the Republican party, then joined that org-anization and remained a firm supporter of its principles. In 1847 he was elected treasurer of Union Township, an office which he held nine years. In 1871 he was nominated to represent Noble County in the legislature. 15. F. Spriggs, Democnit, was his opponent. The result of the contest was a tie vote. In March, 1872, a special election was held and Mr. Spriggs was elected. In 1880 Mr. ^[cGarry was appointed census enumerator for Center Township. He died March 7, 18SI. George M. McGarry is a prominent fanner of Center Township.

Townshi]) 7 of range 8 of the original survey w%as organized as Union Township in April, 1822, by order of the county com.missioners of Monroe County.

Prior to the formation of Noble (^ounty tiie territory now included in the limits of Center Township belonged to Noble Township, Morgan County, and to Union Township, Monroe County. Union Township was the seventh township of the eighth range, and its territory now forms poitions of Center, Marion, Stock and Enoch.

James Archer was lister of Union Township in 1822, and the amount of its county tax, together with that of Enoch, was only |2S. In 1823, the total tax for Union was $37.34. Daniel Bates was collector. In 1824 the tax was $40.29, Oren Lane, collector.

History Of Noble Oountv, Ohio

At that date Union Township was (me of the richest and most populous townships of Monroe County. Its valuation was as follows : Keal estate, $10,30C"f; personal pro])erty, $0,958 ; town property, $423 ; total, $17,081; total tax, $198 91.

The early settlers in the immediate vicinity of Sarahsville were Ephraim Bates, John Jones, Isaac Bates and Daniel Bates, all prior to 1820.

Jonas Ball, from Alleghany County, Md., settled in 1818 west of Sarahsville on the farm adjoining that on which his son, James Ball, now lives. Jonas Ball was a soldier in the War of 1812. James Ball, an ex-county commissioner and a prominent citizen, has lived all his life in the township, and has a vivid recollection of the pioneer scenes among which he was reared. He recalls the time when the country was so full of wolves that sheep had to be ])enned u]) securely every night, or some of the Hock was almost sure to be missing in the morning. In the neighborhood where Mr. Ball lives were the following early settlers: James Noble, James Dye and Levi Lyons.

Matthew Ball, entered lf»0 acres near Sarahsville, and settled upon the tract in 1818. He died a few yeiirs later. He was a man of means, having been successfully engaged in the

Center

Umningand milling business in Maryland before he came to Ohio. His son Jonas died here. Two other sons, Daniel and John, also settled here. The former died in Iowa and the latter in Illinois.

James and George Dye were early settlers. George had a mill on the old ]Vrc(71eary farm on the road from Iliramslmrg to Sarahsville. It was a small affair, and was erected by John Farley, millwright, as early as 1833. Dye sold to Cramlett and he to James McCleary.

James Dye originally owned the farm on which the Children's Home is located. He became quite wealthy, sold out and moved with his sons to Hlinois. Dye and his sons were all hunters. In the winter they made enough money on the furs which they captured to enter 1^)0 acres of land where Rochester now is. They always kept about a dozen hounds, and hunted and trapped throughout the surrounding country. James Noble was also a trapper, and a very successful one. In some way he incurred the enmity of the younger Dyes, who committed many de])redations u]X)n his ])ro])erty, and on one occasion fired bullets through his door. After years of lawing he succeeded in lodging some of them in jail. Elias Gilpin, a Marylander, who married a sister of Jonas Hall, and Jonas Gilpin, his son, were also among the noted hunters.

Alfred Morrison and his brothers, George, Arthur and ,!Sanford, and their father, John Morrison, came to this townshi]) about islS, from Maryland. Georiife removed to Illinois.

Abraham Miley and Andrew Nicholson were early settlers in the w^estern part of the township. Two of Andrew Nicholson's brothers, John and Thomas, also settled in the county.

Andrew McCollum, one of the early justices of the peace, a man of prominence and ability, lived in the eastern part of the township. His descendants are still here.

Joseph Davidson, a Virginian, came in 1819, and was the pioneer on tlie farm now owned by WiUiam Arnold. He married Jane Cooper, who came from Maryland. They had a family of nine children, all of whom were born in this county.

Elisha Fogle, a native of Pennsylvania, came with his father Jacob to Center Township about 1818. lie married Miss Miranda Merry and reared a family of ten children, five boys and five girls. The elder Fogle entered a farm on section 26. He was by trade a miller, and for a time operated a horse mill which was one of the first. Elisha entered land adjoining his father's where he lived until he died, aged seventy-three years ; he was a millwright and farmer, and an honest, worthy citizen. Thomas Fogle, was born in Center Township in 1880. lie married Miss Matilda Feggs. Mr. I^gle is a prosperous farmer and an enthusiastic pisciculturist. He breeds the German carp, and. is the pioneer in this industry in the county.

In early years Istuic Bates had a distillery and a saw-mill. He had also a yoke of large oxen which he used to draw logs to his mill. He taught the oxen to drink whisky, using a cotfee-pot to pour it down their throats. When the roads were muddy and the load seemed to go hard, | Bates would bring out his coflfee-pot, the oxen would eagerly elevate their heads, receive their dram, then pull with courage and strength renewed.

At the old-time huskings it was customary to divide the corn-heap into two parts, and the huskei^s into two parties, each of which chose a "captain." Whichever party first finished its task would lift their leader upon their shoulders and attempt to carry him around the heap, the other side at the same time attempting to prevent this. The victors also challenged men from the other side to wrestle, and frequently there was an interesting contest, which sometimes terminated in a fight. Whisky was always furnished freely and abundantly at these gatherings.

The Salladays, who bought out James Dye, on the Children's Home farm, were a prominent family. Elias settled in Guernsey ('ounty, and Joseph and George in Center Township. None of the name now live here. George resides in Hlinois.

James Stranathan, now living in Senecaville, settled quite early on the Henry J. Young farm. While at work clearing on that place he was sevei'ely injured in handling heavy logs, and has never entirely recovei-ed.

Calton Merry, youngest child in the family of Ambrose Merry, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, 8e|>- tember 27, 1817, and died June 27, 187S. The elder Merry immigrated from the State of New York to Belmont County in the spring of 1817. The journey was made by wagon. The family consisted of nine children - Rufus, House, Benson, Calton, Samantha, Maranda, Amanda, Betsey, and Hannah - all born in New York State exce|>ting Calton. For a time he was employed upon the national pike, then being constructed, an*l in 1819 came to this township, settling south of Perryopolis, where he lived until his decease, which occurred in 18H4, at the age of ninetyfour. He was a typical pioneer, and it is said that he had the first bearing orchard in what is now Noble The Merry family are noted for longevity; his father-inlaw died at the age of one hundred and six ; his second marriage occurred at the age of one hundred and two. Calton Merry entered his first tract of land on section 29, in 1837. He erected his cabin, and, like many other pioneers, found, when his land was surveyed,, that his house was on the wrong side of the line. On this farm he lived until he died, experiencing the trials and privations inci- dent to life in a new country. He wiis obliged to lind other eniployiTient, in order to support his family and pay for his land. The Muskingum Iliver improvements were then being constructed, and upon the locks he worked until the farm began to yield a return for the labor invested. Although his education in books was limited to four <lays in a subscription school, still, by reading and observation he acquired a fund of valuable knowledge. He was a consistent member of the Christian church, which he joined at the age of twenty-five. In political belief he was originally a Whig. His last presidential vote was cast for Hayes. August 11, 183(), he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin Weekley. By this union there were eleven children - AFary, Margaret, Sally, Josephus, Andrew J., Abby, Levi D., Ada, Maria, Jacob M., and Benjamin H. February 21, 18t>8, Mrs. Merry died, and in 1864 he married Mrs. Isabella McWilliams. Two children - Rufus E. and William D. - were the children by this marriage. Of tlie children, five were teachers - Levi -D., Ada, Maria, William D., and Jacob M. Andrew J. was a member of Company G, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantrj^ and died June 23, 18()5. Levi D., the present county surveyor, was first elected in 1881, and re-elected in 1884. He married Sue L. Neyman, of Senecaville : three children, all boys.

Sarahsville. He was the father of Dr. Anderson, of Sarahsville. William Stretchberry, and Jacob Daily were early settlers in the same neighborhood.

Arthur Morrison came to this county about 1830. He was born in Loudoun County, Va., 1790. He went to Cumberland, Md., about 1 815, and in 1830 settled in what is now Xoble County, where he bought a farm and remained until his death in 1875. He was a prominent citizen, and reared a family of six sons and two daughters. Only one of the children - Andrew - is now living in this county. His son Joseph married Jane, daughter of John McGarry, one of the pioneers, and reared two sons - David M. and Charles. The father was a thorough and successful farmer. He took a deep interest in political matters. He served as justice of the peace for many years. He died in 1883. Of his sons, the elder is the present probate judge of Noble County. Charles is a farmer of Center Township. Both are enterprising men and good citizens.

James N. Hedge, one of the substantial farmers and ))rominent citizens of Center, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 12, 1830. In 1862 he came to this township and bought the farm where he now resides, and which attests his skill and thrift. For thirteen years he has served his fellow townsmen as trustee, besides officiating as infirm- I ary director one term. He married ! Miss Hannah, daughter of Henry j Moore, of Indiana: five children - 1 three sons and two daughters. He

In 1820 Samuel Stewart and family (consisting of wife and three hoys William, Allen and Philli])), came from Belmont County and settled on anew farm in the townshipof Sharon, where the elder Stewart resided until his decease, which occurred in 1845. Ilis wife, ne<' Rebecca Mc(irew, is ninety -two. In 1842 William came t-o Sanihsville, and is at this time the oldest living resident of tiie vilhige. He was born in Belmont County in 1821. He has been a successful business man, a reputable citizen, and a worthy memi)er of the Wesley an Methoilist Episcopal cliurch He has been twice married. His first wife was Matilda Boyd; his present wife, Mrs. Mary E. Day, he married in 1882: T wo children - Norton ()., and Harry C.

In 1838 David Gray, with his family of eight children, removed from West Virginia to Noble County, and settled on Dog Run, Noble Township, where he purchased one hundred acres of unimproved land. On this farm he remained until his death, which occurred in his eightyfii'st year. He was in eyavy respect a worthy citizen. The old homestead is owned by his son, Clark E., the present elKcient superintendent of the County Infirmary.

Joseph Russell, a native of Frederick County, Va., came to Belmont County, Ohio, where he died in 1820. His widow. Eliziibeth Russell, came to what is now Noble County in 1823. She died in 1837. The family consisted of nine children. Mrs. Russell not only assiste<l in clearing the farm, but worked at weaving and spinning. Frequently the fotxlof the family consisted of *'i*oasting ears'' of corn ground on a grater. The hand-mill and ''hominy Uock" were also brought into use to furnish a substitute for meal. John Russell, who was born in Belmont County, February 2, 1813, has lived in this county since he was ten yea!*s old. He has been a deacon in the Baptist church several years.

Elijah Phelps was one of the pioneers of Guernsey County. John IL, a son, was born in Maryland in 1828, and when a child, removeil with the family to Harrison County, Ohio; thence to Tuscarawas and to Noble (\>unty in 1850. In 1862 he enlisted in Company II, One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war.

Robert Robertson, from I^)udoun County, Va., settled in Belmont County in 182'). The family consisted of the i)arents and ten childi^en. In 1837 they settled in Center Township, where Daniel Robertscm now resides. Here the elder Robertson died. Daniel was born in 1814 and has been a resident since 1837. He married Elizabeth Hayes, whose j)arents were early settlei^s in Belmont County.

Frederick Secrest was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1S24, and came to Noble County in 1855. May 2, 1804, he enlisted in Company II, One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and w^as made second lieutenant. He was honorably discharged at Cohimbus, September 2, 1804. lie built the mill at Sarahsville. In ])oliticaI and religious belief he is a Re|)ul)lican and a Methcxlist.

Perry Kemp was born in Morrow County, and came to Xoble County in 1850. In 1S()4 he enlisted, and was assigned to the One Hundred and Thirty -second Indiana Regiment. He served until the close of the war and was mustere<l out at Indianapolis May 8, 18()5. He is now proprietor of the Samhsville mill.

Francis R. Perry was a member of Company F, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted in 18^)1 ; became a veteran in 18G4; was taken ))risoner at Atlanta, Ga., and confined in Andersonville. After his release he rejoined his regiment. He participated in many of the prominent battles of the war, among them the second battle of Manassas, Antietam, South Mountain, Mission Ridge and Vicksburg, beside fifteen other minor engagements. He was discharged August 13, 1865, at Little Rock, Ark.

Hugh Cox was born in Ireland, from whence he emigrated to the State of Maine, where he lived until his removal to this county. He bought the farm on which his son Hugh now resides and there resided until his decease in 1875. He was a successful and prosperous farmer and accumulated a well won coujpetency. His son Hugh owns one of the largest farms in this section and is one of the thrifty and successful agriculturists of the townshij).

Abijah Rossi ter came from Pennsylvania to Guernsey County about 1813, where his father, Sanmel, entered a tract of land. Abijah was a soldier of theAVarof 1S12. In 1843 he came to Noble County and settled where James now resides. Here the old ])eople died at advanced ages, the father aged seventy-two, the mother, sixty -five. Thomas was born in Guernsey County, in 1821, and has been a resident of the county fortythree years. . .

Daniel Pettay, a native of the province of Quebec, was born in 1796. In 1825 he came to Belmont County, where he remained six years, when he removeil to what is now Noble County. He settled near Sarahsville. The senior Pettay was a minister, and was beside a lawyer and teacher, which vocation he frequently followed. Possessed of varied attainments, he was regarded as an oracle in most matters. He was an ardent politician, and attached himself to the Whig party, and was one of the prominent leaders in the anti-slavery cause, and one of the projectors of the underground railroad in Noble County.

John ^filler was from Pennsylvania, and in an early day settled near Lexington, Noble County. He died at the age of eighty -six. Isaac, one of the sons, married Miss Jane Moore, and reared a family of four children.

William, John and Henry Miller were in the service. William and John were in the Seventy -seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Henry was a member of Company I,

Pliilip McWillianis was one of the early settlers of Center Townshi]). He was born in Ireland and came to this country in 171^4. He first settled near Wheelin*^:, but in consequence of the destruction of his crops by storms, he remained but a short time, removing to Richland Township, (4uernsey County, in 180S, wlien he entered land near Gibscm's Station. In 1883 he came to Center Township, and bouglit the farm now owned by his son, WilJiam McWilliams, upon which he lived the remainder of his life. He was the father of twelve children. The elder McWilliams was a representative farmer and a prominent citizen. He was the fii'st treasurer of the county, and in every r(»spect a Christian gentleman. William McWilliairjs was born in (luernsey County in 182(>, and Ciime to Noble with his parents. He is one of the leading farmei^, and has held the office of county commissioner. He married Miss Louisa McComb They have five children.

Allen Kutherford came from New York in 1887, and settled in Mari<m Township, whence he removcnl to the place where he died. He had a family of seven children. Two of his sons, Robert and James, were members of the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; the lattei* never n^turned.

William Davidson canie from W(ist Virginia in 182*), and settled on section 10. Two sons, Robert and J()se])h, came with him. The latter still resides in the township. He has been identified with the county for sixty years.

S. C. Rogers was born in Washington County, Ohio, December 19, 1888. His father, John AV. Rogers, came from Pennsylvania in ejirly life, and settled on the Muskingum River. He reared a family of ten children. He was a soldier in the Mexican war. After his decease his widow moved to Noble County, where she died in 1885. S. C. Rogers enliste<l in Company I, Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1801, and served five years, lacking five days. Among other engagements, he was in the battles of Bull Pastui-e Mountain, Cross Keys, second Bull Run, (rcttysburg, Greenbrier, L(K)kout Mountain, Chancelloi-sville,Cheat Afountain, etc. While he was in the service he was wounded in the right arm. "Mr. Rogei's has serveil as class-leader in the Methodist Protestant and United Brethren churches.

The conduct of the citizens of Center Township during the war of the Rebellion was such as to demonstrate fully their unswerving patriotism and strict fidelity to principle. After the fii-st draft, in which a small number were conscripted, the citizens, by organized efforts and the raising of bounties, managed to fill their quota eveiT time. Many of the best young men of the township volunteered and tell nuirtyrs to their country's cause. Many more were spared and returnee! to their homes after years of hard service.

Center Townsliij) has long been prominent in the tobacco industiy. Commencing about 1835, the raising of tobacco attracted more attention year by year, becoming most important and most proHtable in the war times. Those who engaged in the business and stuck to it generally made it pay, if they were good managers. Sarahsville was quite a center for the ^tobacco trade, and large quantities are still shipped from there.

Sarahsville, in addititm to the distinction of having been the iirst county seat of Noble County, can also claim the honor of being one of the oldest villages in the county. It was surveyed and platted June 19, 1829, l)y Benjamin Thorla, for the proprietors, John Devolld and Ezekid- Bates, and the plat was recorded in Morgan County, September 28, 1829. Additions have since l)een made as follows : By Samuel Aiixcns, in 1841, and by James M. Bownd, in 1851 - surveyed by George Bell, June 25, 1851. The latter addition, consisting of nearly seventeen acres, was made to provide for the expected immigration to the place consequent upon the location of the county seat there.

Sarahsville was named by John Devolld in honor of his wife. John Devolld was the oldest son of David Devolld, an early settler in the township. He was the iii-st merchant of Sarahsville, keeping a small stock of goods in a cabin wliich stood near the site of G. W. Taylor's store. DevoUd's cabin was the tirst buildingerected in Sarahsville, exce)>tingonly the two-story brick house in the lower j)art of the town, which was erected by Ezekiel Bates as early as 1825.

Devolld was not very successful in the mercantile business and discontinued it after a few years. The second merchant was James Kownd, who had a store on the lot now occupied by W. li. Kirk. In partnership with him was a man named Shankland. Henry J. Rownd succeeded his father in business. Both did a large business. Next came Henry Tayloi*, and later Benjamin F. Young and G. W. Taylor, the latter still in business.

George Richey had an early store and for a time was in partnership with'IIenr^^'aylor. Other merchants have l)eenvJeij|p^than Dilley, Jonas arttl SanuTel x)ahford, Thomas and William Young, and others, most of whom did a large business.

The Hi*st tavern in the town was kept by John J>eanier, and not long afterward another was started by George McAVilliams. Whisky was sold freely and a bar was considered an indispensable necessity.

William Stewart, who is still a resident of the place, came to Sarahsville in 1842 and l>egan work at his trade, blacksmithing. According to his recollection, eight families then comprised the population of the town. These were the families of James llownd, Henry J. Kownd, merchant; Georgii Richey, minister; James F. Capell, physician ; John Beamer, tavern keeper; Richard Beamer, shoe maker; William Kirkpatrick, blacksmith ; Ezekiel Bates, farmer.

In 1854, acxjordin^ to Lippincott's (iazetUfiT, Saralisville liad a |)o|)ulation of 800 and was a thriving busin<»ss place, with four general stores and a variety of shops r<»j>resenting . various inchistries. There were then two hotels; the county officials and nearly all the lawvers of the countv, ' as well as st^veral (hxtors, reside<l in ' th<5 town. A few years later wit- j nessijd the transfer of the county | records to Caldwell, and immediately the town began to (U^cline in i)opulation. Eut it remained a good business place, and its merchants |)robably transacted a greatei* amount of business than those of Caldwell until after 1871, when the building of the C. it M. railroad further diverted business toward the county seat. Sarahsville is surrounded by a line country and its merchants are still prosperous. The j)opulation of the town was 250 in 1870, and 2^i) in KSSO.

A small school-house was erected in th(5 village about 18 4^3, afterwards replaced by the buildmg destroyed in the (ire o^f 1884. The present school buildmg was erected in 1885, and cost about $2,000. The school, in two departnumts, is in charge of II. H. Williams, princi|)al.

At about five o'clock on the afternoon of the 20th of August, 1884, lire broke out in the heart of the business portion of Sarahsville, and before its progress could be stayed, mnirly v\vvy i)lace of business in the town was destroyed, with the exception of (i. W. Tavlor's store. In all, about thirty-five buildings were burned, including stores, dwellings, stables, etc. Auumir the most valuable structures destroye<l, in most cases with nearly their entire contents. Were one drv s:<xk1s store, one grcxjery, Hester's hotel, two drug stores, the sch(X)l-house and the Masonic hall. At least !^25,(X>0 worth of property was burned, and there was only about $0,000 insurance on the whole. This tire was a serious blow to the business interests of the town, and the ]x;ople have not yet fully recovered from its effects, though new buildings are constantly rising to replace the old.

Sarahsville has also been the scene of several painful accidents in recent years, and one occurrence in particular was startling and terrible. May 14, 1880, the boiler of the engine in James llerron's saw-mill exploded, killing Mr. Ilerron, Edward Ilill, Nathan Butler and Lewis Hates, all men with families. Lafayette Tuttle had a leg broken, and was otherwise badly injured.

Siirahnvllle Mcthod'tHi EjHHoopal Chuirh. - This cliurch was i)rol)ably founded as early as the town of Sarahs ville, if not ejirlier. The first meeting-house erected by tlie congregation stood at the old Nicholson cemetery, south of the town. Later the congregation met in the town in a church (erected for the Presbyterian denomination, about 1845 or 1840, but never occupied by them) which served for its accommodation until 1873. Then the present house of worehip, a neat frame building with stee[)le and bell, was erected. Among the early members of this church were Thomjis Parry and William Shaw, leaders; John Iker, Anderson Jearls, Thomas Gouriey Andrew Nicholson, Daniel Pates, Jeremiah Prown, x\lfred Morrison, Philip McWilliams, Thonuis Large, James Rownd, George Pichey, Henry Taylor, and their families. The church now has a mem heirship of 108, and there is in connection an interesting Sabbath school having about one hundred pupils.

Wesletjan ^IcthiuVtst CJnirrh. - The Wesleyan Methodist (Miurch at Sarahsville was organized in 1842, and the house of worshi]), a small frame building, erected the following year. Among the earliest mejnbers were Philip McWilliams and wife,

Alfred NForrisonand wife, and George Richey and wife. The first ])reacher*s were George Richey and Joseph Mar^kee. Other early pi'eachers were Richard Ilorton and Evan Thompson. The church has maintained regular preaching eversince it was organized. Formerly it had quite a large membei*shi[), but death and removals have so reduced tlie number that at present there are only about thirty members.

Pleasant Hill MethodiHt Pvoteaiant Church. - Near the county infirmary in the northwestern part of the townshij), a church belonging to the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination was erected as early as 1845 through the efforts of George and Joseph Salladay. For a number of years preaching was maintained by that denomination ; but the church having become reduced in members, the United Prethren next organized and occupied the building. Recently the Methodist Protestants have organized, and in 18S5 they erected a neat and commodious frame building to take the place of the old church. They have about seventy members. The present pastor is Rev. Salisbury Dollison.

The Methodist Church, - -^h^VQ is a Methodist church near the line of the western part of the township. The original organization was Methodist Protestant, and by that denomination the house was built about 181)1. Thomas W. Parry was the chief organizer of the church. Recently the church has dropped a part of its name, becoming simply '- ^lethodist." The membership is snmll.

FredenrkHihde l)ufe(J Brethren Church. - 1\\Ki United Brethren of Fredericksdale have maintained an organization for a number of years. In 1884 they erected a neat fmme building in which the congregjition now woi'ships. The membei'ship is small. The congregation was organized about 1838, and among its leading membei's were the Kessner, Byei's, Burton and Bates families.

Olive I^)dge, No. 2H>, Free and Accepted Masons of Sarahsville, was chartered December 4, 1851. The charter mend>ers were J. Y. Hopkins, W. M.; L. S. Dilley, S. W.; J. B. Ileaton, J. W.; M.*^ Beattv, I). Gay, William Tracy, W. U.^Gay, flames Morrison. The lodge is in a fairly pros[)erous condition, has a good lodge room and is out of debt, notwithstanding the fact that the hall and all of its contents was destroyed in the fire of 18S4, only the lodge record being saved. The present «)tticers are Dr. W. S. Spriggs, W. M.; VVm. J. Johnson, S. AV.: Wm. Price, J. W.; J. W. Powelson, S. D.; \ms\ Davis, J. D.; J. T. Davis, secretary; P^zekiel Dye, ti*easurer; W. K. Kirk, tyler.

The Noble County Agricultural Society was organized in 1852. Its incorporato!*s were Levi Devolld, W. Stewart, John Mc{4arv, Jonas Ball, Samuel and Jonas Danford, Fred. Secrest, James Ball, and others, whose names were not obtainable. The first meeting of the socic^ty was held in Sarahsville. in the autumn of 1852. Iliram Danford was the liist

Hon. William J. Young. - Hon. William J. Young, one of the prominent and successful men of Noble County, was born in a little village called Lipi)it's Factory, six miles from the city of Providence, R. I., in the year 1815, March 27. His father, William Young, was a manufacturer of cotton goods, and was an operative in the first cotton manufactory erected in the United States. His father was of Scotch nativity, and the progenitor of the Young family in this country, whither he immigrated some time before the war of the Revolution, settling in Rhode Island. In 1825 William removed to the " Ohio country " with his wife and seven children. He settled in what is now Stock Township, where he entered a section of land. The early life of the family in the new country was replete with [)ri vat ions and hardships, which was attributable, in a measure, no doubt, to their being destitute of any knowi- (^Ige of pioneer life or agricultural operations. William J. at the time of the family's emigration, was a strong, robust lad of ten years; he was ])ossessed of a large amount of vitality, and even then evidenced the {>oSvSession of those (pialities which in after years contributed so largely to his success. Up to the age of twentytwo he had formed no definite plans for the future, turning his attention to whatever venture presented itself.

and invariably he was successful. Tie was principally engaged, however, in farming and stock dealing during his residence in Stock, where he lived until 1J^45, when lie removed to Sarahsville, where he engaged quite largely in merchandising and the tobacco trade. In the latter he was very successful. He was a man of sound judgment and keen ])erception, with confidence in his own ability, and all his undertakings were financial successes. In a few years he found himself possessed of a competency, which afforded him an opportunitv for relievin«: the wants of his less fortunate neighbors, and for a time he did an extensive business as a broker, and it can be said to his credit that he never took ah advantage of a distressed debtor. Shortly after the erection of the county he l>egan to take quite an active interest in ))ohtical matters, and soon became one of the leading members of the Whig element of the county. Upon the formation of the Ile|mblican party he joined its ranks, but in 1801 he became a pronounced Democrat, and was an influential member of that organization until his decease. He was not a politician, however, in the present definition of the term ; he did not court political ))referment, his efforts were solely for what he deemed to be for the best interests of the ])eople. He was one of the leading spirits in what is now known as the People's Convention, held in Sarahsville, in 1851, which was the first political movement of prominence after the erection of the County of Noble.

During the war of the Rebellion he took a deep interest in the cause of his country. His money and time were always at command in the furtherance of any war measure or in the raising of volunteei's. Neither did he forget the '* brave boys in blue" after they had left their homes, but with a fatherly care he looked after the interests of their families. In 1872 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent Noble County in the convention to revise the State constitution. As a member of this convention he evidenced that tact, judgment and sterling good sense which Kveve the salient features in everyjthing he undertook. Judge L. D. Campbell, of Hamilton, Ohio, one of the prominent members of that convention, spoke of him iis ''one of the useful and efficient members of that body." Mr. Young was married, in 1830, to Miss Jane McCann. The result of this union was a family of thirteen children, of whom ten are living: Simon K., Martha (Dudley), Elizabeth (Dan ford), Mary (Ijams), Sarah (McGuire), Nancy (Herry), Jane (Finley), Ella (Ijams), Charles and Maria (Hrown).

William J. Voung was in many respects a remarkable man, physically as well as mentally, and had he had the advantages of education and the adventitious aids accessible in an old country, would have made his name illustrious in ahiiost any calling. He was possessed of a large amount of versatility. While he never studied law, he was a lawyer. He never had the benefit of a b.isiness education, either theoretical or practical; still, he was a business man in all that the \v)rd implies. Uneducated, still but few men had a larger share of general information. lie was finely poised ; his brain was as massive as his IkkIv. He was a man of i)owerful physique and fine presence. Socially he was extremely affable and agreeable, and never faded to interest a large circle of listeners. He had a large personal following, which was attributable largely to his broad charity and kindness of heart, and his death, which occurred May 25, 18S2, was everywhere regarded as an irrepfirable loss.

Henry J. Young was born at rjpi)et's Factory, R. I., October 12, ISIO, and came to what is now Noble County with his father's family in 1S25. His youth and early manhood were spent in the wilds of the new county. His father was in limited circumstances, and lie learned to rely upon his own resources at an early age. By dint of energy and economy he acquired a sum sufficient to purchase forty acres of new land, and soon after (1842) he married Miss Mary A. Davidson, who is a native of Washington County, Pa.

In 1840 he removed to the farm, where he now resides. Mr. Young has been engaged in farming and dealing in tobacco, and is one of the most successful men in the county. In his religious affiliations he is a Methodist, and for a time was a local preacher. He has reared a family of ten children, seven of whom are living; all have received liberal educations, three of the sons being collegiates.

Thomas J. Young was born at Lippet's Mills, K. I., in IS 13. He was the eldest of the family of William Young, and immigrated with the family, in 1825, to what is now Noble County. In 1835 he married Miss Mary Stotsburg, and commenced life on a small piece of new land, which he improved. He was successful in business as a stock dealer, merchant, and in the tobacco trade; in the latter he was quite largely engaged. He was in trade in Sarahsville until 187(». In 1857, through the perfidy of a partner, he lost he^ivily. He died on his farm, in Center, in 1 885. He wjis a kind father, a generous friend, and a worthy citizen. His childnm were: Adaline (JSpriggs), Mary A. (Alexander), Afargaret (Teeters), Isabella (Michaels), Ellen (Young), Thomas H., Arnold, Edmund, and Dora.

Jeremiah Bateman Brown was one of the prominent early settlers. He was born in New York State, of Scotch-Irish parentage. He served in the War of 1812, and after its close removed to Pennsylvania and thence to Ohio, locating at Zanesville. where he worked in the i\rsi glass factory ever established wast of the Alleghanies. About 182<) he settled within the present limits of (^enter Township, Noble County, on a piece of unimproved land which he entered from the government. He mai-ried j\Iiss Nancy (iillotte, and r(»jired a large and respectable family.

the late war, and at the time when the Morgan i*aiders were spreading terror through Ohio, though then over seventy years of age, he shouldered his squirrel rifle and joined in the pursuit of the guerrilla band. Mr. J3rown died in ISiJl. His widow reached the advance<l age of- ninety yeiirs, and died in ISSfi. The sons wore G. W., Admiral N., Jeremiah 1>. (deceased ), and Jason Whitney. The daughters were Sarah A., Eliza J. (deceased), Margaret A. and Mary A. (deceased). The oldest son, G. W., served m the late war in Lanphere's Michigan | Battery, and was wounded at Chickasaw Bayou. The fourth son, Jason W., served in an Indiana regiment during the war.

Jeremiah Byron Brown, third son of Jeremiah Bateman Brown, was born in Zanesville. lie married Miss Isabella ('. Harris, and reared six children: Mary E. (Smith), John II.. l>etter known as Judge Brown, of (Jaldwell; LeRoy I)., of Alliance, Ohio, late State school commissioner; Orra A. (Lamley), Amanda (Grim), and Warren B. - the latter a student at the (yincinnati College of Medicine. The father, like his father before him, was a most earnest and zealous friend of schools, and gave his children the best educational advantages that his means afforded. The sons and daughters have been successful teachers, following that useful vocation for many years, and one of the sons has filled in a highly creditable manner the highest educational office within the gift of the people of Ohio.

Jeremiah Bateman Brown died in 18S(), while on a visit to his former home. He was a farmer and lived the greater part of his life in Center Township, removing thence to West Virginia in his later years. His widow is still living.

LkRov D. P>kown, a. M., Ph. D. Among the many prominent educators whom Noble (.ounty has furnished to the State and country, the gentleman whose name heads this article, stands preeminent. Lelloy I). Brown was born in Center Township, Noble County, November 3, 1S48, and his boyhood was pa^ssed amid tlie rugged but beneficial influences of farm life. At the early age of Hfteen years, in the darkest days of the Rebellion, he became a volunteer soldier, and for two veal's bravely bore his part in the stern disci])line of civil warfare. He took part in many engagements, serving under Crook, Slieridan and (xrant, and was wounded while with Sheiidan in the valley of Virginia. At the close of the war he returned to the farm, and by teaching one year and attending school the next, managed to fit himself for the Ohio Wesleyan University, which he entered in 18»J0. From this institution, after several intervals of teaching, he was graduated in the regular chussical course. Having decided to make teachmg his life-work, he devoted himself closely to his pursuit and gained an excellent reputation as a teacher in ejistern Ohio. In due time he was called to the Miami Valley, and became distinguished as a teacher and organizer. He held