Fairfield Township

Fairfield Township

The boundaries of Fairfield township are as follows: Bounded on the east by Franklin county; on the south by Pleasant and Oak Run townships; on the west by Oak Run and Union townships and on the north by Jefferson township. This township occupies a position in the eastern tier of townships of Madison county which border on Franklin and Pickaway counties, and is the second from the south line of the county. It was erected at a much later date than most of the townships of Madison county. In the commissioners' records is found the following record, dated June 2, 1835: "At a meeting of the commissioners of Madison county, present Burton Blizzard, Thomas Jones and Jacob Garrard, on petition being presented, ordered, that the following bounds compose a new township to be known and designated by the name of Fairfield : Beginning at the northeast corner of R. Means' survey, No. 5,046; thence to the northeast corner of John Beck's survey, Nos. 11,096 and 12,141; thence to the line between Madison and Franklin counties (passing ten poles south of Thomas Durflinger's house) ; thence with said line south so far that a west line will just leave Hiram Tipton's in Pleasant township ; thence west to Deer creek ; thence up the creek to the county road from Robinson's Mill to Jefferson : thence with the west boundary of said road to the easterly line of D. Bradford's survey, No. 3,973, thence with said line to the place of beginning."

On the commissioners records bearing the following date, December 7, 1841, is found the following change of line between Fairfield and Union townships, viz : "At a meeting of the county commissioners of Madison county, a petition was presented praying for an alteration in the line between Fairfield and Union townships; wherefore, it is ordered that said line be established as follows: Beginning where the lower line of John Evans' survey, No. 4,124, crosses Deer creek, thence with said Evans' line to his southeast corner (so as to include Thomas Chenoweth), thence with the east line of David Bradley's survey, No. 3,973, to the Jefferson road."

Surface, Soil, Etc

The surface of Fairfield township is similar to that of the other townships in the eastern part of the county. It is very level, with slight undulations, especially along the creeks, as it has no large streams within its territory. In its original state, as the first settlers found it, there were large tracts of prairie scattered here and there, which was covered with a heavy sedge, and this constituted quite a sustenance and helped to support the stock of the early settlers. The soil is principally deep, rich, and composed mainly of loam and clay, with a limestone gravel as subsoil, and, being very flat and level, and of a nature to hold water, was originally very wet. much of it, in wet seasons, being covered with water. In later years it has been drained and tiled, so that it constitutes excellent farms, equally adapted for grass and grain. The timber portion of the township was never what could be called heavily timbered, consisting principally of white and burr oak and hickory. Like a great portion of Madison county, this township has never held great attractions in the way of heavy or valuable timber; hence, we would not expect to find an extensive business carried on here in the line of saw-mills or dealing in lumber, as is the case in other counties. One great attraction to the first settlers of this township and county was the prevalence of vast numbers of deer and other wild animals, deer were often seen in the early times in large herds, and it is said that prob- ably no section of the state contained in an early day such vast numbers of deer and held out such attractions to the hunter as did this county, and Fairfield township was among the foremost in this respect. In accordance with this, we find that many of the early settlers were "squatters," sportsmen who located temporarily for the purpose of hunting and killing deer and other game. These settlers located along the streams and creeks, for these places were most frequented by the different species of game. They would erect a rude log cabin, which was only their temporary habitation, and for a time give their attention to hunting. Finally, as game became scarce, they moved to other and fresher hunting grounds in the West, their places being filled here with the permanent settler, who located to make a home, and oftentimes the cabins of these early "squatters" made temporary lodging places for the permanent pioneer settlers.

Not a hundred years ago this part of the county was occupied by savages, in their war paint and wigwams. Next, following in their trail, came the hunters and trappers, with just a degree more of civilization and comfort. Then the pioneer settler appeared, with his rude pole-and-log cabins, which were later supplanted by substantial and comfortable hewed-log houses. And finally, here and there, scattered over the now thickly populated country, we see attractive frame and brick houses. What wonderful progress and changes in the short period of a hundred years. And not only is this comfort and progress exhibited in the dwellings and habitations of our people, but even a greater advance has been made in the arts and sciences; for example, the invention of machinery, by which to expedite and carry on the work of agriculture with ease; and the wonderful application of machinery to spinning, weaving and the manufacture of clothing and wearing apparel. Think of the difference in getting clothes now and in the time of our forefathers. Clothes in the early days had to be worked through the process from the raw wool or flax to a piece of linsey-woolsey cloth and then made into suits. Now it is merely a matter of knowing the size or taking the measurements, and a short time the suit of clothes is ready for wear. The log cabin of the pioneer, with its clapboard roof, greased-paper windows and latch-string door, have been replaced with modern dwellings, with all the modern conveniences, such as electric light, steam heat, running water, etc. The old wooden mold-board plow has been replaced by the improved plows of today. The sickle and cradle, those implements which were used with such a great expenditure of toil and energy, have been supplanted by the horse-power reaper and selfbinder, the acme of genius. In pioneer times it took several days to go to market and dispose of the products of the farm; now, with the aid of the steam road, electric line and automobile, combined with our pike roads, the trip can be made in a few hours.

The pioneer sold liis corn for six and one-half to twelve cents per bushel ; wheat, at twenty-five to forty cents per bushel, and often hauled it many miles to market over almost impassable roads to even get those prices. Now, a short distance from his door, and that distance over pike roads, is the railroad, with its elevator, where he can sell his grain, and it can be shipped to distant markets in any part of the country and the best price received. And so with all farm products.

Fairfield township, as was mentioned before, has no large streams within its boundaries. The township is well watered, for stock purposes, owing to the flatness of the country and the nature of the soil. There is very little water for mill or manufacturing purposes and. as this is strictly an agricultural township, there is no great need for such. Deer creek is the largest stream within the boundary of Fairfield township. This passes through the southeastern part of the township, entering it from Oak Run and running in a southern and southeastern course about half a mile, then it turns south and continues about one mile and enters Pleasant township. The next largest stream Oppossum run, was nown in an early day as Plum run. This streamlet flows into Pickaway county. Its present name was given it by John Phebis and Isaac McHenry, two of the early settlers who came up the creek from Yankeetown, is Fayette county, seeking a location. As they were traveling up the stream, they were suddenly startled by a large oppossum, with a large brood of young ones clinging to her back ; these they killed, and on their return journey they came upon another, which they also killed, and from this circumstance they gave it the name of oppossum run.

A little southwest of the last-mentioned stream is Lubbergut creek. It takes its rise in the southern portion of the township and runs in a southeastern course, entering Pleasant township. It is related that the name came about as follows: A large, fleshy man by the name of Mantle, who weighed four hundred and eighty pounds, and who lived near the creek, was accustomed to almost daily trips across the foot log. Two neighbors thought they would have a little fun at the expense of the ponderous and weighty Mr. Mantle, so they sawed the foot log from the under side, nearly through, and the next time Mr. Mantle attempted to go across on the log, down it went, with Mr. Mantle on top. lie received quite a ducking in the creek, since which incident the creek has ever been known by the euphonious name of Lubbergut run or creek. West of this is a small stream or creek called Tortle run, which completes the list of streams in Fairfield township.

Early Settlers

Enoch Thomas was among the first to make permanent settlement in this township. He came from "High Knob,'' Virginia, and settled on Oppossum run in 1807. He was a man of excellent Christian character, a great worker in the United Brethern church, and was the leading active man in organizing the church, which has since been known as Thomas chapel. His house was ever open to their ministers and his hospitality was never exhausted. He lived on the place where he first settled until his death. September 31. 1851, aged seventy-nine years. He married Jemima Phebis, who died on June 17, 1822. aged forty-five years. He married for his second wife Mrs. Foster, nee Dorcas Clark. She died on October 23, 1S42. aged sixty-one years. At a very early date Mr. Thomas erected a brick house, which, it is said, was the first of its kind built in the county.

John Phebis, a native of Kentucky, was an early settler at Yankeetown, Fayette county, Ohio, wheuce he came to Madison county and settled in 1807. Mr. Phebis was a great hunter and devoted himself principally to that occupation; he was a lively, jovial man. a very sociable neighbor and a good citizen. But as this county became settled and the game scarce, he desired better and more extensive hunting-grounds, and finally removed to the Ozark mountains in Missouri. He subsequently became a settler in Indiana, where he died, and some of his descendants still reside there.

David Dennison settled in 1807 on Oppossum run. He died on October 1, 1823. Jonathan Benjamin, who settled on land in this township, was a native of New Jersey. Isaac and Daniel Long settled in this locality in 180S; the latter was a preacher in the New Light church. William Ware came from Kentucky, about 1810 or 1812, and settled on the tract of land now occupied by the village of Big Plain. He served as sheriff of the county and was quite a leading, prominent man of the day. James Blair, who was known to every one as "Big Jim," came from Kentucky and settled here about 1813. He died on September 20, 1816, and his remains were interred in the Fitzgerald cemetery. About 1815 Robert Thomas, a native of Virginia, settled on a tract of land just east of Big Plain, but which was then known as California. Thomas Dennison settled in this township in 1815. Charles Henderson, a native of Virginia, came to this county with a surveying party as a chain carrier, and remained a permanent settler here. Richard Newland settled here about ISIS. Joseph Jackson came from New Jersey to Cincinnati in 1818. In 1819, he settled near London, and, in 1820, removed to Fairfield township, where he resided until his death, in January, 1S61, aged eighty-three years. He was a successful hunter, knew just where to look for the game, and yet he never let hunting interfere with his other business, although it was quite profitable to him. He fully experienced the hardships of pioneer life. He worked for twenty-five cents per day, sold corn for ten to twenty cents per bushel, bacon for one dollar and twenty-five cents per hundred pounds, and chopped and split rails for twenty-five cents per hundred.

William Cartmill was a pioneer from Kentucky and, in the spring of 1813, came to Franklin county, Ohio, and in 1S24-25 located in this county. John F. Chenoweth was born in Mason county, Kentucky, September 15. 1793. In 1790 he settled with his parents in Ross county, Ohio, and, in 1800, they settled on the Big Darby, Franklin county. He married Margaret Furgus on March 21, 1811. and lived on his .father's farm fill 1820; he then purchased land in Madison county, where he resided until his death. Edward and Lewis Godfrey settled here about 1825. The former died on June 8, 1833. aged forty-seven years; the latter died on June 3, 1838, aged fifty-two years. James Byers, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in Ross county in 1806. In 1826 he settled in the north part of Fairfield township, Madison county. He was an excellent man and ever ready to assist in any charitable work and to do anything for the benefit of his neighbor.

George Hume and bis wife, Ann (Scott) Hume, settled here in 1826. Mr. Hume died on March 20, 1856. A. Q. Bennett settled here about the same year as did Mr. Hume. Judge Edward O. Fitzgerald and William P>. Fitzgerald settled in this township in 1828 and 1829. Judge Fitzgerald was well known in the county and is spoken of everywhere for his integrity and honor. He was identified with this county in its growth and progress for more than half a century and was one of her most honored and respected citizens. Jeremiah Johnson, who settled in this township in 1831, was a native of New Jersey; in 1855-56 he removed to Warren county, Illinois. Wesley Lilly settled north of Lilly ^hapel in 1830. Mr. Lilly was closely identified with the early growth and progress of Fairfield township.

John Shepherd was born in Virginia and, accompanied by his wife Judy, came to Ohio soon after the War of 1812, settling in Ross county. About 1831 he came to Madison county and settled near California, now Big Plain, and here resided until his death, on August 18, 1850. aged seventy-five years. His wife died about 1869, aged sixty-eight years. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was a prosperous farmer, a worthy neighbor and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Daniel C. Freeman was born in Belmont county, Ohio, July 28, 1S02, his ancestors being from Ireland. In 1833, he became a resident of Fairfield township and was thoroughly identified with her growth and interests. At the organization of the township, in 1835. he became the first clerk. He was a resident of this township for over a half a century.

George Noland, a native of Virginia, settled in this township in 1833. His wife died on October 2, 1862, aged sixty-two years; in 1868, he removed to Missouri where he died on November 4, 1878, aged seventy-four years. .1. C. Strain, who settled here in 1834, was a leading and honored citizen of the township, where he resided for over half a century. James D. Truitt, a native of Maryland, became a resident of Madison county in 1811. and of Fairfield township in 1836, settling in the northern part.

John Creath became a settler of this county, with his parents, near Mt. Sterling, in 1811. In 1838, he settled in Fairfield township, where he resided until his death. January 15, 1881. He was an honored and worthy citizen, respected by his neighbors. Valentine Recob settled here in 1846. William D. Pringle settled in this township in 1848, and he and his worthy family have been fully identified with her business interests, improvements and progress since that time, their valued and important lives being reflected in the growth of the township. Daniel Thompson settled on Oppossum run quite early, but the exact date is unknown. He built one of the first saw-mills in Fairfield township.

Source changes here: from History of Madison County Ohio, by Chester E. Bryan, published 1915; 2,799 words in this source stream.

Fairfield Township

The boundaries of Fairfield township are as follows: Bounded on the east by Franklin county; on the south by Pleasant and Oak Run townships; on the west by Oak Run and Union townships and on the north by Jefferson township. This township occupies a position in the eastern tier of townships of Madison county which border on Franklin and Pickaway counties, and is the second from the south line of the county. It was erected at a much later date than most of the townships of Madison county. In the commissioners' records is found the following record, dated June 2, 1835: "At a meeting of the commissioners of Madison county, present Burton Blizzard, Thomas Jones and Jacob Garrard, on petition being presented, ordered, that the following bounds compose a new township to be known and designated by the name of Fairfield: Beginning at the northeast corner of R. Means' survey, No. 5,046; thence to the northeast corner of John Beck's survey, Nos. 11,096 and 12,141; thence to the line between Madison and Franklin counties (passing ten poles south of Thomas Durflinger's house) ; thence with said line south so far that a west line will just leave Hiram Tipton's in Pleasant township; thence west to Deer creek; thence up the creek to the county road from Robinson's Mill to Jefferson; thence with the west boundary of said road to the easterly line of D. Bradford's survey, No. 3,978, thence with said line to the place of beginning."

On the commissioners records bearing the following date, December 7, 1841. is found the following change of line between Fairfield and Union townships, viz: "At a meeting of the county commissioners of Madison county, a petition was presented praying for an alteration in the line between Fairfield and Union townships; wherefore, it is ordered that said line be established as follows: Beginning where the lower line of John Evans' survey, No. 4,124, crosses Deer creek, thence with said Evans' line to his southeast corner (so-as to include Thomas Chenoweth), thence with the east line of David Bradley's survey, No. 3,973, to the Jefferson road."

Surface, Soil, Etc

The surface of Fairfield township is similar to that of the other townships in the eastern part of the county. It is very level, with slight undulations, especially along the creeks, as it has no large streams within its territory. In its original state, as the first settlers found it, there were large tracts of prairie scattered here and there, which was covered with a heavy sedge, and this constituted quite a sustenance and helped to support the stock of the early settlers. The soil is principally deep, rich, and composed mainly of loam and clay, with a limestone gravel as subsoil, and, being very flat and level, and of a nature to hold water, was originally very wet, much of it, in wet seasons, being covered with water. In later years it has been drained and tiled, so that it constitutes excellent farms, equally adapted for grass and grain. The timber portion of the township was never what could be called heavily timbered, consisting principally of white and burr oak and hickory. Like a great portion of Madison county, this township has 'never held great attractions in the way of heavy or valuable timber; hence, we would not expect 'to find an extensive business carried on here in the line of saw-mills or dealing in lumber, as is the case in other counties. One great attraction to the first settlers of this township and county was the prevalence of vast numbers of deer and other wild animals, deer were often seen in the early times in large herds, and it is said that prob- ably no section of the state contained in an early day such vast numbers of deer and held out such attractions to the hunter as did this county, and Fairfield township was among the foremost in this respect. In accordance with this, we find that many of the early settlers were 'squatters,' sportsmen who located temporarily for the purpose of hunting and killing deer and other game. These settlers located along the streams and creeks, for these places were most frequented by the different species of game. They would erect a rude log cabin, which was only their temporary habitation, and for a time give their attention to hunting. Finally, as game became scarce, they moved to other and fresher hunting grounds in the West, their places being filled here with the permanent settler, who located to make a home, and oftentimes the cabins of these early ''squatters" made temporary lodging places for the permanent pioneer settlers.

Not a hundred years ago this part of the county was occupied by savages, in their war paint and wigwams. Next, following in their trail, came the hunters and trappers, with just a degree more of civilization and comfort. Then the pioneer settler appeared, with his rude pole-and-log cabins, which were later supplanted by substantial and comfortable hewed-log houses. And finally, here and there, scattered over the now thickly populated country, we see attractive frame and brick houses. What wonderful progress und changes in the short period of a hundred years. And not only is this comfort and progress exhibited in the dwellings and habitations of our people, but even a greater advance has been made in the arts and sciences ; for example, the invention of machinery, by which to expedite and carry on the work of agriculture with ease; and the wonderful application of machinery to spinning, weaving and the manufacture of clothing and wearing apparel. Think of the difference in getting clothes now and in the time of our forefathers. Clothes in the early days had to be worked through the process from the raw wool or flax to a piece of linsey-woolsey cloth and then made into suits. Now it is merely a matter of knowing the size or taking the measurements, and a short time the suit of clothes is ready for wear. The log cabin of the pioneer, with its clapboard roof, greased-paper windows and latch-string door, have been replaced with modern dwellings, with all the modern conveniences, such as electric light, steam heat, running water, etc. The old wooden mold-board plow has been replaced by the improved plows of today. The sickle and cradle. those implements which were used with such a great expenditure of toil and energy, have been supplanted by the horse-power reaper and selfbinder, the acme of genius. In pioneer times it took several days to-go to market and dispose of the products of the farm; now, with the aid of the steam road, electric line and automobile. combined with our pike roads, the trip can be made in a few hours.

The pioneer sold his corn for six and one-half to twelve cents per bushel; wheat, at twenty-five to forty cents per bushel, and often hauled it many miles to market over almost impassable roads to even get those prices. Now, a short distance from his door, and that distance over pike roads, is the railroad, with its elevator, where he can sell his grain, and it can be shipped to distant markets in any part of the country and the best price received. And so with all farm products.

Fairfield township. "as was mentioned before, has no large streams within its boundaries. The township is well watered, for stock purposes, owing to the flatness of the country and the nature of the soil. There is very little water for mill or manufacturing purposes and. as this is strictly an agricultural township, there is no great need for such. Deer creek is the largest stream within the boundary of Fairfield township. This passes through the southeastern part of the township, entering it from Oak Run and running in a southern and southeastern course about half a mile, then it turns south and continues about one mile and enters Pleasant township. The next largest stream, Oppossum run, was nown in an early day as Plum run. This streamlet flows into Pickaway county. Its present name was given it by John Phebis and Isaac McHenry, two of the early settlers who came up the creek from Yankeetown, is Fayette county, seeking a location. 'As they were traveling up the stream, they were suddenly startled by a large oppossum, with a large brood of young ones clinging to her back; these they killed, and on their return journey they came upon another, which they also killed, and from this circumstance they gave it the name of oppossum run.

A little southwest of the last-mentioned stream is Lubbergut creek. It takes its rise in the southern portion of the township and runs in a southeastern course, entering Pleasant township. It is related that the name came abeut as follows: A large, fleshy man by the name of Mantle, who weighed four hundred und eighty pounds, and who lived near the creek, was accustomed to almost daily trips across the foot log. Two neighbors thought they would have a little fun at the expense of the ponderous and weighty Mr. Mantle, so they sawed the foot log from the under side, nearly through, and the next time Mr. Mantle attempted to go across on the log, down it went, with Mr. Mantle on top. He received quite a ducking in the creek, since which incident the creek has ever been: known by the euphonious name of Lubbergut run or creek. West of this is a small stream or creek called Tortle run, which completes the list of streams in Fairfield township.

Early Settlers

Enoch Thomas was among the first to make permanent settlement in this township. He came from ''High Knob," Virginia, and settled on Oppossum run in 1807. He was a man of excellent Christian character, a great worker in the United Brethern church, and was the leading active man in organizing the church, which has since been known as Thomas chapel. His house was ever open to their ministers and his hospitality was never exhausted. He lived on the place where he first settled until his death, September 31, 1851, aged seventy-nine years. He married Jemima Phebis, who died on June 17, 1822, aged forty-five years. He married for his second wife Mrs. Foster, nee Doreas Clark. She died on October 23, 1842, aged sixty-one years. At a very early date Mr. Thomas erected a brick house, which, it is said, was the first of its kind built in the county.

John Phebis, a native of Kentucky, was an early settler at Yankeetown, Fayette county, Ohio, whence he came to Madison county and settled in 1807. Mr. Phebis was a great hunter and devoted himself principally to that occupation; he was a lively, jovial man, a very sociable neighbor and a good citizen. But as this county became settled and the game scarce, he desired better and more extensive hunting-grounds, and finally removed to the Ozark mountains in Missouri. He subsequently became a settler in Indtana, where he died, and some of his descendants still reside there.

David Dennison settled in 1807 on Oppossum run. He died on October 1, 1828. Jonathan Benjamin, who settled on land in this township, was a native of New Jersey. Isaac and Daniel Long settled in this locality in 1808; the latter was a preacher in the New Light church. William Ware came from Kentucky, about 1810 or 1812, and settled on the tract of land now occupied by the village of Big Plain. He served as sheriff of the county and was quite a leading, prominent man of the day. James Blair, who was known to every one as "Big Jim,' came from Kentucky and settled here about 1813. He died on September 20, 1816, and his remains were interred in the Fitzgerald cemetery. About 1815 Robert Thomas, a native of Virginia, settled on a tract of land just east of Big Plain, but which was then known as California. Thomas Dennison settled in this township in 1815. Charles Henderson, a native of Virginia, came to this county with a surveying party as a chain carrier, and remained a permanent settler here. Richard Newland settled here about 1818. Joseph Jackson came from New Jersey to Cincinnati in 1818. In 1819, he settled near London, and, in 1820, removed to Fairfield township, where he resided until his death, in January, 1861, aged eighty-three years. He was a successful hunter, knew just where to look for the game, and yet he never let hunting interfere with his other business, although it was quite profitable to him. He fully experienced the hardships of pioneer life. He worked for twenty-five cents per day, sold corn for ten to twenty cents per bushel, bacon for one dollar and twenty-five cents per hundred pounds, and chopped and split rails for twenty-five cents per hundred.

William Cartmill was a pioneer from Kentucky and, in the spring of 1813, came to Franklin county, Ohio, and in 1824-25 located in this county. John F. Chenoweth was born in Mason county, Kentucky, September 15, 1793. In 1799 he settled with his parents in Ross county, Ohio, and, in 1800, they settled on the Big Darby, Franklin county. He married Margaret Furgus on March 21, 1811, and lived on his father's farm till 1820; he then purchased land in Madison county, where he resided until his death. Kdward and Lewis Godfrey settled here about 1825. The former died on June 8, 1833, aged forty-seven years; the latter died on June 3, 1838, aged fifty-two years. James Byers, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in Ross county in 1806. In 1826 he settled in the north part of Fairfield township, Madison county. He was an excellent man and ever ready to assist in any charitable work and to do anything for the benefit of his neighbor.

George Hume and his wife, Ann (Scott) Hume, settled here in 1826. Mr. Hume died on March 20, 1856. A. Q. Bennett settled here about the same year as did Mr. Hume. Judge Edward O. litzgerald and William B. Fitzgerald settled in this township in 1828 and 1829. Judge Fitzgerald was well known in the county and is spoken of everywhere for his integrity and honor. He was identified with this county in its growth and progress for more than half a century and was one of her most honored and respected citizens. Jeremiah Johnson, who settled in this township in 1831, was a native of New Jersey; in 1855-56 he removed to Warren county, Illinois. Wesley Lilly settled north of Lilly chapel in 1880. Mr. Lilly was closely identified with the early growth and progress of Fairfield township.

John Shepherd was born in Virginia and, accompanied by his wife Judy, came to Ohio soon after the War of 1812, settling in Ross county. About 1831 he came to Madison county and settled near California, now Big Plain, and here resided until his death, on August 18, 1850, aged seventy-five years. His wife died about 1869, aged sixty-eight vears. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was a prosperous farmer, a worthy neighbor and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Daniel C. Freeman was born in Belmont county, Ohio, July 28, 1802, his ancestors being from Ireland. In 1833, he became a resident of Fairfield township and was thoroughly identified with her growth and interests. At the organization of the township, in 1835, he became the first clerk. He was a resident of this township for over a half a century.

George Noland, a native of Virginia, settled in this township in 1833. His wife died on October 2, 1862, aged sixty-two years; in 1868, he removed to Missouri where he died on November 4, 1878, aged seventy-four years. J. C. Strain, who settled here in 1834, was a leading and honored citizen of the township, where he resided for over half a century. James D. Truitt, a native of Maryland, became a resident of Madison county in 1811, and of Fairfield township in 1836, settling in the northern part.

John Creath became a settler of this county, with his parents, near Mt. Sterling, in 1811. In 1838, he settled in Fairfield township, where he resided until his death, January 15, 1881. He was an honored and worthy citizen, respected by his neighbors. Valentine Recob settled here in 1846. William D. Pringle settled in this township in 1848, and he and his worthy family have been fully identified with her business interests, improvements and progress since that time, their valued and important lives being reflected in the growth of the township. Daniel Thompson settled on Oppossum run quite early, but the exact date is unknown. He built one of the first saw-mills in Fairfield township.