Genoa Township

Genoa Township

LYMAN BARCUS, farmer; P. 0. Galena; is a son of Samuel and Julia Barcus, who were early settlers in Trenton Township, Delaware Co., where the subject was born Jan. 25, 1846 ; when he was about 5 years old, his parents moved to Licking Co., where Mrs. Barcus died ; after some sixteen years, or in 1867, the family returned to Delaware Co., locating in Berkshire Township ; they bought a farm of ninety-six acres, situated just north of Galena, where, with his second wife, the senior Barcus is now living. When a lad of but 14 years, Lyman Barcus contracted to carry the mail from Johnstown, in Licking Co., to Delaware City. On that and other routes he continued for ten years ; subsequently, he made a trip West, helping drive a flock of sheep from this county to Champaign Co., 111.; remained there only a short time., Sept. 26, 1879, he was married to Blanche McNutt ; she was born July 30, 1860. After his marriage, the subject moved on to what is known as the Burnside farm, two and one-half miles southwest of Galena, containing 166 acres, which he has well improved and placed under a good state of cultivation.

ELAM BLAIN, farmer ; P. 0. Galena ; was born May 15, 1807, in Luzerne Co., Penn.; the son of Elam and Catharine Blain ; his father was born May 15, 1760, in New Jersey, who, at 17 years of age, enlisted in the Light Horse Command, under Gen. Anthony Wayne, and fought three years in the Revolutionary war. When in his 23d year, he was married to Catharine Read ; she was born in New Jersey Oct. 28, 1763. A few years after his marriage, he moved to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1816, when he came to Ohio, locating in Zanesville, and in 1820 came to Delaware Co., locating in Harlem Township, where he died in 1846, and some seven years later his wife died ; they were members of the Christian Church. The subject was the youngest of fourteen children. Nov. 14, 1826, he married Sarah Coekerill ; she was born Dec. 25, 1807 ; after his marriage, they lived as one family with his parents until 1858, when he bought his present homestead. Mrs. Blain died Oct. 7, 1863 ; she left eight children - Solomon, Catharine, Matilda, Emeline, Leonora,

Elam, Rhoda and Delilah, who are still living i one child - Lafayette, died in infancy. April 21, 1873, Mr. Blain married Mrs. Hannah Miller; she was born Dec. 24, 1820, daughter of Jacob Pace; in 1847, she married William Miller; he died March, 1871 ; they had two children - Albert and Henry (deceased). The subject was Justice of the Peace of Harlem Township twelve years, and held other township- offices; was also First Lieutenant in the State militia for five years.

W. EDSON COPELAND, farmer; P. 0; Galena; was 'born June 21, 1821, in this township ; when he was but 14 years old, his father died, but he remained at home with his motif er until 1842, when he was married to Miss Rebecca Launsberry, of Licking Co.; they located on a part of his mother's farm, continuing ther« until 1847. Mr. Copeland then entered into partnership under the firm name of John J. Cope & Co., and moved to Cincinnati, where they engaged in pork-packing for two years, and then removed to Seneca Co. upon a farm. In 1858, he again associated himself with the same party, and went to New York ; in 1859, he returned to this county and purchased his present place of 100 acres, which has upon it a good residence and outbuildings. Mrs. Copeland died in. 1863, leaving a daughter - Mary, who kept house for her father until 1871, when she went to California with an uncle. Dec. 16, 1873, Mr. Copeland was married to Mrs. Margaret M. Pickering, of Westerville ; she had two sons - Fred. S. and Edd. H. Mr. Copeland is a member of Galena Lodge, No. 404, I. 0. 0. P., also of Blendon Lodge, No. 339, A., P. &. A. M., of Westerville.

LEONARD CURTIS, farmer ; P. 0. Galena ; is a son of Marcus Curtis, who was born Sept. 19, 1780, in Southington, Conn. Nov. 30, 1804, he was married to Katy Newell ; she was born Aug. 18, 1782 ; they had eight cbildren of whom four are still hving. In September, 1808, they came to Ohio, locating in what is now Genoa Township ; he bought 681 acres of land of which Leonard's homestead was a part. In 1810, Leonard's father and his brother procured some wheat, and with a pack-horse took it to Chillicothe, had it ground and brought back the flour ; this was perhaps the first used in Genoa Township ; they kept their course from Chillicothe by the use of a pocket compass and blazed trees. Marcus Curtis died Dec. 1, 1868, in his 89th year, and Sept. 10, 1870, his companion died at the same age. They were devout Christians. Leonard Curtis was born April 4, 1811, and was the third child born in Genoa Township ; what schooling he received was in schoolhouses on his father's farm ; the first two being of log, with slab floors, desks and seats, with clapboard doors, and greased paper for windows. He remained at home until May 4, 1836, when he formed'a matrimonial alliance with Miss Mary A. Hough, daughter; of Sylvester and Sarah Hough ; she was born Jan. 2, 1813 ; after marriage, they located on his present place'; have raised four children - Henry C. born May 12, 1838; Howard, born Dec. 23, 1842 ; Dwight C, born Dec. 17, 1844 ; Edna, Jan. 3, 1847 ; Howard and Edna are now living at the old home with their father ; the other two are married, and living on part of the old farm, which they now own. Mrs. Curtis died January 28, 1864. The Curtis family were among the first families in the township, and have always been prominently identified with its interests.

HENRY C. CURTIS, farmer and stock-dealer; P. 0. Galena ; is a son of Leonard and Mary Curtis, born May 12, 1838, within half a mile of where he now lives ; he remained with his parents until 21 years old. In 1859, he started West, and with a team drove through to Denver, Colo., where he remained but a short time, returning the same year. Jan. 17, 1860, he was married to Miss Augusta Norton ; he then moved on to his present homestead where he remained until 1864, when he again went West with a drove of sixteen hundred fine merino sheep, to Cofiey Co.. Kan. This was, perhaps, the first flock of that number and quality taken into that section ; after arrival with the sheep he returned and moved his family there ; they remained until the fall of 1865, when on account of poor health of Mrs. Curtis, they returned to Ohio, he letting his sheep out on shares, to farmers ; in the spring following, he disposed of them and returned to his farm where he has since devoted himself to the stock business and farming ; from 1866 to 1873, he bought and shipped stock from this and adjoining counties to Eastern markets ; since 1 873, he has given his time and attention to his farm, feeding his crop instead of selling it. Dec. 22, 1875, Mrs. Curtis died, leaving five children, three sons and two daughters - Alta B., born Jan. 11, 1861 ; Roxanna M., Nov. 29, 1863 ; Henry C. Juiie 27, 1867 ; Leo D., May 21, 1871, and George W., June 29, 1873, all living. Aug. 5, 1877, Mr. Curtis married Mrs. Jennie H. Smith, who is a daughter of Samuel S. and Julia A. Porniss, of Berlin Township. She was born Dec. 19, 1845; Aug. 14, 1870, her first marriage took place, to Jay D. Smith; they had one child - Mary A., born Aug. 27, 1873, died Feb. 3, 1874; Mr. Smith died, April 7, 1875 ; for three years previous to her marriage to Mr. Curtis, she had been teaching school in Galena. He is a mpmber of the Sunbury Lodge, No. 400, A., F. & A. M.;also leader of the choir of the Episcopal Church at Galena, of which his wife and daughters are members.

JOHN S. COPELAND, farmer and stockraiser; P.O. Galena; is a son of William S. Copeland, who was born in Connecticut June 5, 1787, and with his parents went to Vermont, where he remained until of age. , Feb. 19, 1815, he was married to Lydia Rice, of Petersham, Mass.; they located in his native county in Verihont, and worked at his trade, i manufacturing wagons and buggies ; in the fall of 1830, he came West and made his home in Genoa Township, and was probably the first wagon-maker in the township; Sept. 11, 1831, Mrs. Copeland died ; they had one child, Eliza, who died while young ; Sept. 21, 1832, Mr. Copeland married Mrs. Clarinda Smith ; she was born "Sept. 10, 1800, and in 1823 was married to John Smith ; they had one child, Jane, born Nov. 23, 1824. Mr. Smith died June 12, 1824 ; Mr. Copeland had his wagon-shop on what is now part of the Williams farm ; he was a member of the Genoa Presbyterian Church, and died April 12, 1860, leaving two children - John S. and Lydia R. The latter is now Mrs. John Bail, of Orange Town- 'ship. John S. Copeland was born Oct. 13, 1833, remained and worked with his father, in the shop and on the farm, until 26 years old. After his father's death, he bought and moved on his present farm. Jan. 23, 1862, he married Viancia A. Fairman. She was born Sept. 17, 1844. They have five children - Charlie, born Nov. 28, 1863 ; William, March 24, 1867 ; Prank and Emma, twins, March 4, 1869; Estella, Feb. 19, 1873. When 19 years old, Mr. Copeland united with the U. B. Church, and was a member some twentytwo years. In 1875, he united with the M. E. Church, of which body he is now a member. He has been clslss leader, and also Superintendent of the Sunday school, having for twenty-seven years been a zealous Sunday-school worker. His homestead contains 103 acres, which he has well improved, having a nice farm residence and large barn, which he buUt himself, being a carpenter ; he does considerable contracting, besides running his farm. He belongs to the Democratic party. JEKEMIAH CUKTIS (deceased), was among the first settlers in this county who came from Hartford Co., Conn., with his family of six persons with a three-horse team ; starting July 9, 1804, they arrived in September the same year at Worthington, after seven weeks' travel ; in 1805, moved to Berkshire, where he had built a cabin and planted the first nursery in the county from seed brought from Connecticut ; he bought of Col. Byxbe, a section of land on Yankee street ; no mill at this time nearer than Chillicothe ; soon after, Mr. Curtis built a grist and saw mill, being about the first in the county ; this mill was on the Big Walnut, on the farm now owned by Stephen Ulery ; here he cracked corn and distilled whisky, making an outlet for the farmer's corn ; ZanesvUle afforded them salt at $5 per bushel, and other necessaries, requiring several days to make the trip ; in 1811, he sold his mill property, and for the protection of his family, moved to Marietta ; he lived but a short time, died of spotted fever, June 21, 1813, in his 44th year ; he was a man of indomitable energy and perseverance, as well as sound judgment, and had laid the foundation for an ample amount of this world's go'ods; after his death, tis son, afterward the Hon. John Curtis, moved the family Jsack to the farm ; there being but two heirs, the property was divided equally between them ; John Curtis was born in the same place as his father, Feb. 17, 1794 ; he grew up to agricultural pursuits, and became one of the best farmers in the county ; was called upon to fill several official stations in the township ; in 1832 was elected as a Representative from this county in the Ohio Legislature, and was re-elected the next term ; in 1850, he received the unanimous nomination by his party to the State Constitutional Convention, but declined, preferring the retirement of his farm, which became a model under his management; in his dealings with his fellow-men, he was conscientiously and religiously just ; in him the poor ever had a charitable friend ; the hungry never left his door unfed ; though not a member of any church, yet he Was a firm believer in the atoning blood of the Savior, was a liberal contributor to churches and the building of the same, and after a life of 71 years 3 months and 10 days, he died, lamented by all who knew him. Politically, he was a Democrat, and a firm supporter of Andrew Jackson.

CAPT. JAY DYER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Galena; ia a son of Jonathan Dyer, who was born Jan. 6, 1792, and, when 3 years old, his parents moved to Vermont and located in Rutland Co. Oct. 15, 1818, he married Hannah Dwinnels, of Washington Co., N. Y.; they located close to his parents, where Jay was born Nov. 30, 1819 ; when quite young, he entered the University of Vermont ; in the spring of 1838, his parents moved to Ohio, locating in this county ; Jay was at that time attending school, and, in June of the same year, graduated, and then joined his parents in Ohio ; remaining a few months, he went to Illinois, where, with a surveying party, he went to work on a railroad, but only remained with them a short time, when he was transferred to a party that was surveying the Illinois River, from Ottawa to Peoria ; on account of sickness, he gave up his position, and, in the fall of 1839, returned to Delaware Co. and taught school one year ; he then returned to Illinois, locating at Plainfield, Will Co., where he remained five years; in 1845, he returned to Ohio, and, Oct. 4, 1847, was married to Miss Hortense Norton ; she was born Jan. 1, 1829, in Connecticut; when 5 years old, her parents came to Ohio, locating in Berkshire Township; when 15 years old, she commenced teaching, at which she continued until her marriage ; they have had four children, of whom Alfred C, born A-ug. 22, 1858, and David N., Jan. 20, 1862; are Uving, and Stella, born Sept. 2, 1852, and Budora, Aug. 5, 1855, deceased. Alfred C. graduated from Kenyon College, at Gambler, Ohio, in June, 1879, and is now teaching in Delaware Co.; David N. is now attending the State University at Columbus, Ohio. After his marriage, Mr. Dyer located on his present homestead. In the fall of 1856, he was elected County Surveyor, and in 1859, was re-elected. In August, 1861, he resigned his office, and enlisted in the 32d 0. V. I., Co. I, and was commissioned Captain, but, on account of poor health, he resigned in 1862. In 1868, under the firm name of Dyer, Armstrong & Co., he engaged in the manufacture of cheese ; in 1872, he sold out, and since then has devoted his time to farming and stock-raising ; he now has about seven hundred head of fine merino sheep ; his farm contains about five hundred acres, part lying in Genoa and part in Berkshire Township, on

Biographical Sketches

ALBERT AND ALVIN PEANKLIN, farmers and millers ; P. 0. Westerville ; are sons of Vernon Ftanklin, who was a farmer and stockraiser of Genoa Township ; he was a son of Nathanael and Eoxanna Franklin, who were natives of New Hampshire ; he was born April 4, 1804, and when 20 years old, as an apprentice entered a woolen factory at Log City, N. Y., and worked as dyer and cloth-dresser for ten years. March 8, 1830, he was married to Miss Amana Scott, daughter of Samuel and Matilda Scott, who were natives of New Hampshire, and in 1809 located in Madison Co., N. Y., where Mrs. Franklin was born, Jan. 30, 1812. After his marriage, Mr. Franklin moved on a farm in Chenango Co., N. Y., remaining in that and Genesee Co. until 1838, when he moved to Knox Co., Ohio, and in March, 1840, bought and moved on to his present farm, which contains ninety-six acres, situated at what is known as Franklin Corners, named after Mr: Franklin ; at this point was Genoa Cross Roads P. 0. for sixteen years, located there after Mr. Franklin arrived, he being the first and only Postipaster, excepting for two years. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin had four children, three of whom are living - Angeline M., born May 14, 1831, and Albert and Alvin, who are twins, Sept. 18, 1833; Caroline J., born Sept. 1, 1844, died Sept. 9, 1865 ; Angeline makes her home with her mother, though for thirty- one years her time has been largely devoted to school-teaching, having taught sixty terms, perhaps a greater number than any other teacher in the county ; her first wages were $1 per week and board. Sept. 22, 1867, Mr. Franklin died, in his 64th year, having been for thirteen years Township Treasurer ; after his death, the brothers, Albert and Alvin, continued to run the farm. Oct. 15, 1857, Alvin was married to Margaret Glass, who was born in Genoa Township Oct. 15, 1838. They have one child - Herschel V., born May 29, 1862. Albert was married, Oct. 20, 1862, to Eva Nutt, who was born Oct. 11, 1841, in Genoa Township ; he then located on a farm in this township, where he remained seven years ; in 1869, he removed to Westerville, Franklin Co., where he has since lived. They have three children - Lillian M., born Aug. 18, 1863 ; Josephine, Dec. 18, 1866 ; and DoUie J., Feb. 24, 1871. In 1865, the brothers erected a saw-mill on their farm, and the C. & Mt. V. R. R., which crosses it, has a flag station at the mill, for the accommodation of passengers and freight, called Franklin. The brothers have each held township offices, and are, as was their father before them, identified with the business interests of the township.

GEORGE GLASS, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Westerville ; is a son of William H. Glass, who was born in Cambria Co., Penn., in 1782 ; when 27 years old, he went to Morris Co., N. J., and, in 1813, was married to Elizabeth McWilliams, remaining there twenty-two years; in 1835, came with -his family to Ohio, locating in Genoa Township, where he bought 96 acres of land ; he died in October, 1868, in his 86th year ; his wife died March

28, 1879. George Glass was born Oct. 6, 1814, in Morris Co., N. J., and was 21 years old the day after their arrival in the township, and in just two years from thftt time - Oct. 5, 1837 - he was married to Rebecca Smith, whose parents came to this county in 1809, and Oct. 19, 1816, she was born; she taught school some time previous to her marriage, with the exception of which time she had made her home with her parents. Mr. Glass has made it his home in Genoa Township, with the exception of four years spent on a farm in Berkshire ; in 1854, he bought and moved on to his present farm of 105 acres. They have five children - Elizabeth, born July 11, 1838; William, March 4, 1840 ; Ardelia, Oct. 28, 1841 ; John, June

29, 1844; and Mary A., Feb. 17, 1849.; four of the children are married ; Ardelia makes her home with her parents. Mr. Glass was chosen Township Assessor several terms, and was also Township Trustee. In 1852, he united with the Genoa Presbyterian Church, of which he and his wife are members.

WILLIAM HALL (deceased) was an earlysettler in this county ; born April 13, 1790, in Essex Co., Vt.; by the death of his father was early in life thrown upon his own resources ; learned the tanning and shoemaking business in Goshen, Conn.; in 1806, in company with his "boss," emigrated to Worthington, and remained until 21 years of age; in the summer of 1811, he and a friend visited New England, going on foot via Cleveland, carrying their food and blankets in knapsacks ; the country was an unbroken wilderness ; bears,/Wolves and panthers, also Indians inhabited the forests, the latter at that time being in open hostility against the whites ; Mr. Hall returned the same year in November, arriving in Worthington the same day of the battle of Tippecanoe ; June, 1812, responded to a call for voli) "V unteers to cut out a military road for the transportation of supplies, etc., to Ft. Meigs; after serving three months, he was appointed recruiting officer, and raised a company, and was commissioned First Lieutenant of the same, which was attached to the 27th Regiment, Lewis Cass commanding, and followed the fortunes of Gen. Harrison's army during the winter of 1812-13 at Detroit ; in 1814, was in Canada during the invasion, and at the battle of the Thames that fall, which ended the war ; returned home after serving nearly three years. Jan.«l, 1815, he married Polly Cartis, and settled in Genoa on a farm where he spent the greater part of his life; September, 1848, lost his wife by death, after a happy union of thirtythree years ; spring of 1853, followed a portion of his family to Michigan, where he remained until May 13, 1861, when he " passed over " the river of death at the age of 71 ; Mr. Hall had been during his life a just abd upright man, a firm believer in Christianity, was one of the first members at the organization of the Presbyterian Church at Genoa. He was a Democrat of the Jackson school.

HARRIS JOHNSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Galena; is a son of Dr. Harris Johnson, who was born in Massachusetts, and at 21 years of age went to Pennsylvania, locating in Luzerne Co., and in 1820 united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Ingels ; the next day, they started West in a wagon and came to Galena in this county where the Doctor practiced medicine a few years and then moved to Harlem Township, near where the village of Harlem now stands, where he practiced five or six years ; in the spring of 1829, he started on foot to Cincinnati, where he contemplated locating, but on his way was taken sick, and died in Cincinnati in May, 1829, and on Dec. 1, 1829, the subject was born, and with her six children the widowed mother remained at their old home until in May, 1830, when she was married to B. M. Fairchild, of Hartford Township, where she is still living, her second husband having died in 1872. Mr. Johnson remained with his mother and step-father until he was of age, when he commenced working in his step-father's saw and grist mills at Harlem. On July 24, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss C. Marshall, but continued to work in the mills until April 1, 1858, when they moved to his present farm, which he had bought about a year before ; it then contained 107 acres, he has since added more to it ; Mrs. Johnson died Feb. 11, 1872, she had froln childhood been a devout Christian ; they had five children, of whom Florence B., Elmina H., Cary W. and Jessie F., still survive, Dwight H., deceased ; the two oldest are married ; June 24, 1873, Mr. Johnson was married to Mrs. Elvina L. Horbach. Mr. Johnson has given considerable attention to breeding and improving his stock, and at the present time has two or three hundred fine merino sheep ; on his farm he has a fine large brick residence and other great improvements. He is a member of the Republican party ; he has filled the office of Township Trustee,' and has been almost continuously a member of the School Board.

INGELS McLEOD, deceased ; was born in Kentucky, in July, 1817 ; when about 14 years old, he came his parents to Ohio, and located in Genoa Township. On his 22d birthday, he was married to Hetty Roberts, daughter of John and Nancy Roberts; born Nov. 18, 1821, and remained with her parents until her marriage to Mr. McLeod ; he was not only prominent in the business circles, but in the social and religious as well ; for sixteen years, he was class-leader in the M. E. Church, and for a number of years had been Superintendent of the Sunday school. They had three children, all of whom still survive ; Sept. 13, 1860, he died ; Mrs. McLeod remained on the homestead with her children until 1870, when she moved on the farm, where she now lives in the house with her mother, Mrs. Roberts.

JESSE MILLER, stock-raiser and farmer; P.O. Westerville, Franklin Co., is a son of Michael Miller, who was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Jan. 7, 1785; Jan. 4,1821,hemarried SusanHower ; she was born April 25, 1801 ; Mr. Miller then went to work at wagon-making in April, 1837 ; he came to Marion Co., Ohio ; stayed there on a farm about four years ; then moved into Montgomery Co. and farmed three years ; in the spring of 1845, moved into Orange Township, this county, where he remained a few years and then moved into Berlin Township, where he bought his first farm in Ohio ; in 1857, he sold out and moved into Genoa Township, where he died Jan. 17, 1858 ; April 2, 1879, his wife died ; they were both members of the Christian Church. The subject was born Nov. 23,1836, in Cumberland Co., Penn.; he remained with his parents until 16 years old ; his father being unable to help him with money or stock, gave him his time at that age, and without a dollar in his pocket, he came into Genoa Township and commenced work by the month in a saw and grist mill, known as the Roberts mill, where he continuued at work ten years ; after he had worked eight years, he bought forty-three acres of' his present homestead, and moved his mother and sister on to it and commenced housekeeping ; and about this time a married sister, living in Illinois, died, leaving three small children dependent on him ; he went to Illinois and brought those children - Leroy H., Ordelia J. and John B. Mahoney, and his mother and sister cared for them ; he continued his work in the mill for two years ; he then turned his attention to his fiirming, and while supporting a large family, he added to his farm until he now has 143 acres, with three good farm residences and three .|large barns ; his sister's children are all married, the two boys living on and running part of Mr. Miller's farm. Aug. 1 2, 1871, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Eveline Nutt ; she was born Dec. 14, 1850, in Grenoa Township ; they have four children - Lillie M., born June 3, 1873 ; Susan E., Nov. 2, 1874 ; John B., Nov. 8, 1876; Henry K., March 15, 1879. When 24 years old he united with the M. E. Church and remained with them until 1867, when he united with the Christian Union Church at Maxwell ; since first uniting with the church, he has remained a constant member, filling different positions in the church, also Superintendent of the Sunday school ; Mr. Miller has always been identified with the Pemocratic party, and by them was elected Township Constable, and held other township and school offices ; though a Democrat, he often votes and works tor men in the other parties if he thinks them better men for the place, believing that principle in the men and not men of a party should determine the best men for the office.

EDWARD 0. NUTT, farmer ; P. 0. Galena ; is a son of Edward Nutt, Sr., who was a native of Virginia, where he was born April 17, 1790, and remained untU 21 years old, when with his parents he came to Ohio, locating near Zanesville, where he engaged in farming, and on May 20, 1823, was married to Miss Allie Coe. He then located on an a farm adjoining the corporate limits of Zanesville, where they remained twelve years, and in November, 1834, moved to Franklin Co., where they lived about twenty years, and then moved into this township, where they spent a few years, and then returned to Franklin Co., where Mrs. Nutt now lives, though she spends much of her time with Edward, who is her youngest son, born March 14, 1835. When 20 years old, he went to Iowa, where he entered 160 acres of land.

but stayed there only a few months, when he returned to Ohio ; again going West in about two years, remaining but a short time. In 1857, he commenced selling Hogden's Chain-pump, at which he continued two years. March 6, 1862, he was married to Charlotte E. Park. After his marriage, he located on a farm in Genoa Township.- In March, 1872, he moved on his present homestead, which he had bought the year before. They have four children, all girls - Leonora H., Loretta H., Gertrude H. and Mattie H. The oldest one is now attending school at Gahanna, in Franklin Co. Mr. Nutt is a charter member of Galena Lodge, No. 404, 1. 0. 0. F.

JOHN C. NUTT, farmer; P. 0. Central College; was born Jan. 21, 1810, in Frederick Co., Va.; was 10 years old when his folks came to Ohio. His father, John Nutt, Sr., was born in 1780, in Virginia. When 24 years old, he was married to Mary Cohorn; they had nine children. In 1820, they came to Ohio, and until 1831 lived near Zanesville ; then came to Delaware Co., locating in the south part of Genoa Township, where Mrs. Nutt died in 1852, and Mr. Nutt March 5, 1866. They were members of the Baptist Church. The subject was their second child, and remained with, and worked for, his father until 21 years old. Feb. 12, 1833, he married Eliza A. Eoff. She was born Dec. 18, 1810, in New Jersey. After marriage, he located in Genoa Towpship, and the following year bought and moved onto his present homestead of 100 acres. They had seven children - John C, Jr., who married Elizabeth Randolph ; they have ten children, and live in Franklin Co.; Jacob W., married Eliza Hennis ; they have one child, and live on onr subject's home place ; the other five children are dead. Mrs. Nutt died Nov. 11, 1845, and Aug. 22, 1846, he married his present wife, Elizabeth Thompson ; she was born Aug. 8, 1823 ; by whom he has seven children, of whom Joseph T., Mary A., Eveline M., Edward J., Charles J. and Martha S. still survive, and David H., deceased. Of those living, Joseph T., Mary A. and Eveline M. are married, and living in Genoa Township. The three youngest live with the subject, when not engaged in. teaching. Mr. Nutt united with the Baptist Church at the age of 21, and remained with that body until 1866, when he and his wife united with the Christian Union Church at Maxwell, with which they are still connected.

New York, and with his parents came to Ohio, locating in Franklin Co., May 1, 1832. He was married to Helen Bishop ; they had seven children, of whom the subject was the oldest, and was born Feb. 8, 1833 ; the father died when Edwin was 14 years of age. He remained with his mother until he was 22, when, on that birthday, or Feb. 8, 1855, he was married to Corintha Williams, and with his bride located in Central College. In 1863, Mrs. Phillips died, leaving three sons - William, Frank and Charles. Feb. 14, 1874, he was married to his present wife, who was Mrs. Jane E. Knox. She had, before marriage with Mr. Phillips, five Children - Minnie, Kate, William V., Lucinda, Orren A. - and since their marriage, two - Lamata and Lena. Mr. Phillips has made several trips West, but has not been able to suit himself in a home better than in his present one, which is situated one-half mile south of Galena. Besides running his farm, he devotes considerable attention to breeding fine stock, with which he has his farm well stocked.

JOHN T. KOWLAND is a prominent stockshipper and owner of a farm in the southwest part of the township ; he was born in Ohio, and when a child went with his parents to Jacksonville, 111., where his father engaged in shipping stock for a number of years, and then connected himself with Russell Bros., in the mercantile business, continuing the stock -shipping, which he attended to, until his death. At the age of 21, John i^eceived his share of the estate, and, in company with his brother, engaged in running a general store in Fort Scott, Kan. Here his brother died, and Mr. Rowland then went to the Indian Nation, entering the stock trade there. In 1873, he went into the stock commission business in St. Louis. In September of that year, while dividing stock, he fell and was run over by a Texas steer, which stepped upon his face, crushing the bones, which had to be taken out, leaving his face boneless from his eyes to his lower jaw ; soon as able he went to Texas, where he continued in the stock trade, shipping Texas sheep and ponies to the North, and returning to Texas with fine blooded bucks. Mr. Rowland is experienced in his business and displays good judgment in his transactions.

JOHN ROBERTS, blacksmith and farmer, lives upon a tract of land that formed a part of 406 acres, the original purchase made by his, father, Hezekiah Roberts, and upon which John was born Nov. 18, 1810, the first white child born in the township; his father was born March 10, 1760, in Orange Co., N. Y.; when a child, his parents moved to Luzerne Co., Penn., and were there at the time of the Wyoming Valley massacre. The family saved their lives by flight down the Susquehanna River on a raft, which went to pieces, when they walked sixty miles across the country to East Town, on the Delaware River. They returned with others, as soon as the troubles were over. About five years after the marriage of Hezekiah Roberts, they came to Ohio, and purchased 320 acres of land in Berkshire Township ; in a few months, he sold this to his father, who had come out in the mean time ; he then bought in this township, as stated above ; his death took place Deo. 25, 1826. The representative of this sketch, John Roberts, remained at his paternal home until his marriage to Miss Phoebe Weeks, March 2, 1837 ; she was born in New York May 12, 1812, where her mother died, and, in 1834, she came to Ohio with her father ; after marriage, they moved into the house with Mr. Roberts' mother ; he had learned blacksmithing, in addition to his farm work, and, though never having worked 3S an apprentice, he was one of the best smiths in the county, never turning a horse away because it was bad to shoe ; in that branch he had few equals. Mrs. Roberts died Oct. 3, 1872 ; they had seven children, four dying in infancy ; those living are Mary E., born Jan. 22, 1838 ; Pruella J., July 8, 1841 ; Euretta, May 15, 1846. The latter is now Mrs. L. L. Thrall ; was married Dec. 9, 1869 ; located in Licking Co., where he owned and ran a mill ; in January, 1872, they moved in with Mr. Roberts, for the purpose of taking charge of the house and the farm, on account of the ill health of Mrs. Roberts; they have one child - John M., born Oct. 28, 1874. Mr. Roberts stands six feet six inches in his stocking feet, and is known as " Long John." His house, upon his farm of sixty acres, was built in 1815, and, for sixty-four years, has been his home. It is now in good condition, and the farm denotes careful cultivation ; it is situated two miles southwest of Galena, west i side of Big Walnut Creek, between it and the State road.

WILLIAM J. SHOAF, farmer and stockraiser ; P. 0. Galena ; is a son of John Shoaf, who was a native of Virginia, and when but a child with his parents came to Ohio, locating in Franklin Co.; March 1, 1830, he was married to Catharine Bennett, and located in Hamilton Township, Franklin Co., where William J. was born Jan. 23,

Biogbaphical Sketches

1831. He remained with his parents on the old farm, where they jet live, until Dec. 23, 1852, when he was married to Almira Shultz. He then settled in Franklin Co., where they lived two years and then came to this township and bought his present farm. Mrs. Shoaf died March 6, 1869. They had four children of whon^, Jennie L., born March 11, 1858, and Annie B., born Dec. 15, 1859, are living ; John J. and Katy deceased. Sept. 3, 1869, the subject was married to Theresa E. Ferguson ; they had three child»en - Emma D., born July 18, 1870 ; William H., Oct. 8, 1872; Frank H., Sept. 10, 1878; Sept. 20, 1878, Mrs. Shoaf died ; at her death his oldest daughter, Mrs. P. F. Freeman, with her huf^band, moved in and took charge of his house and children, and is still with him. When in his 15th year, Mr. Shoaf espoused the Christian religion and united with gthe Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a devoted member. He was for some years class-leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at G-alena. r, EALPH SMITH, farmer ; P. 0. Galena ; is a son of Alexander Smith, who was born in 1783, and in 1808 came to Ohio, locating in Genoa Township, where he Remained until his dea|.th, Sept. 29, 1857, in his Toth year ; in the year 18i3, he married Martha; ^Williams ; they had seveii children, five of whom are still living ; Alexander Sriiith and wife were both members of the Genoa Presbyterian Church, and for almost thirty years he was Elder in the church. Ralph Smith was born June 1, 1821, in Genoa Township', which has been his home continuously. When 19 years old, he commenced teaching, but made his home with his parents until his marriage, Oct. 24, 1844, to Julia H. Carter; she was born Dec. 18, 1824. They have had three sons - George R., born July 24, 1846, is now living with his parents ; Frankie and Johnny died when small. Mr. Smith was elected Constable when 21 years old, and has continually since that time held some township office with the exception of about two years ; he is now Justice of the Peace, this being his eighth term.

ANDREW J. SMITH, farmer and stockraiser ; P. 0. Galeaa ; is a son of Alexander Smith, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1808, and in 1813 married Martha Williams, daughter of the Rev. John Williams, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1806, lived one year in Fairfield Co., and in the spring of 1807 came to Delaware Co.; after his marriage, Alexander Smith located on a farm about the center of Genoa Township ; from the year 1813 until his death in 1857, he was almost continuously in office, either township or county. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, and for thirty years he was an Elder. His wife's father, the Rev. John Williams, bought 1,500 acres of land, part of which was Mr. Smith's homeplace, where Andrew J. was born Aug. 8, 1818. When 21, he commenced teaching school in Pickaway Co.; Sept. 28, 1842, he was married to Mary Glass ; the next day he moved to his present homestead, having built a little log house. They have had five children, of whom John, born March 14, 1845, Frances, Sept., 18, 1846, Jane A., Dec. 15, 1848, and Reid, born Dec. 10, 1857, are still living, and. Jay D., born Juns 21, 1843, died April 7, 1875. Reid is living with his parents, the others are married, John to Mary Wright, and liveS in Logan Co., Ohio ; Frances J. is Mrs. Van Demark, and lives in this county; Jane A. is now Mrs. Linnabarry, and lives in Champaign Co.,^Ohio, her husband owns a farm in Genoa Township. Mr. Smith has always been identified with the Democratic party, and when 21 years old was elected Township Constable, and has almost constantly since held some State, county or township office; in 1854 was elected Sheriff, and in 1856 was renominated but defeated by a small majority. In 1857 was nominated for Representative, and ran ahead of his ticket some 300 votes, though defeated by 126; in 1870, he was chosen to represent this district in the State Board of Equalization, and is now prominently identified with the Grange interests of the county. Mr. Smith's farm contains 110 acres, on which he has a nice brick residence and good outhouses, situated two and one-half miles southwest of Galena.

THOMAS F. WILLIAMS, farmer; P. 0. Galena ; is a son of Thomas Williams, whose sketch appears in this work ; he was born Feb. 14, 1840, on the farm \Rhere he now lives, which is owned by himself and a half-brother, and contains 131 acres. He remained at home until the death of his parents. In 1866,^ he went to Indiana, where he spent about six months working in a saw-mill ; ajnce that time he has remained on the farrfi. Sept. 9, 1870, he was married to Isabelle Irwin, who was born May 16, 1851, in Franklin Co., Ohio ; her father died when she was -small, and she remained with her mother until her marriage to Mr. Williams ; they have two chifdren - Marion, born Oct. 19, 1872, and Fred, born Aug.

26, 1877. Their farm is well improved, having two good farm residences and out-buildings. Mr. Williams is a member of the Galena Lodge, No. 404, I. 0. 0. F.

GEOItGE WILLIAMS, farmer and stockraiser ; P. 0. Galena ; is a son of Thomas Williams, who was born May 1, 1783, in Maryland ; his parents moved to Pennsylvania when he was small, and remained there several years, and, while Ohio was yet a Territory, located in what is now Fairfield Co. Thomas Williams remained with his parents until his marriage ; about the year 1806, he married Piroes Bell, and with his bride came to Delaware Co. and purchased 1,400 acres of land, on which he located, a portion of which George now owns and lives upon. They were among the first to locate in what is now Genoa Township. In 1823, Mrs. Thomas Williams died, leaving five children. In 1824, Mr. Williams married his second wife, Phebe Sebring ; they had seven children, five of whom still survive. Mr. Williams died Jan. 22, 1864, in his 81st year. Though he did not learn to read until after his first marriage, he became a great reader, having for some years previous to his death read his Bible almost continually. He was a prominent member of the Genoa Presbyterian Church. George Williams was born Oct. 26, 1814, on his present homestead, on which he has spent his life thus far. His farm, where he lives, contains 131 acres ; -he also owns seventy-five acres in another lot, having bought out the other heirs, excepting a halfbrother. During six consecutive years, he was Township Assessor. In 1859, he was chosen Township Land Appraiser. His sister, who is a widow, and her two daughters, are now living with and keeping house for him.

Source changes here: from 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, by Lytle, James Robert, published 1908; 3,628 words in this source stream.

Genoa Township

In the winter of 1806-07, John Williams, a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, came to this locality and erected a cabin on the hill, near where the covered bridge crosses the Big' Walnut, at what was known as Williams' Ford. It was not until the summer of 1807 that he moved his family, consisting of his wife and ten children, into their new home. He found this country almost an unbroken wilderness, and, like a true, earnest pioneer, worked as well as prayed. In the daytime, the blows of his axe could be heard resounding through the woods, while in the evening he gathered his family about him and held a service of prayer. When Sunday came, he would repair to the home of one of the early settlers, and deliver a sermon to those who had assembled. His first sermon was preached in the cabin of Joseph Latshaw, on the farm now occupied by John Roberts. Mr. Williams was the first minister in the neighborhood, but lived only five years after he had erected his cabin.

The Rev. E. Washburn came with his wife to Genoa in the winter of 1816-17, when society and all else in this newly settled country was comparatively in a primitive state. Money was almost unobtainable, and the little in circulation was, in many instances, unstable and depreciated. Necessities were more difficult to secure than luxuries are now. Under such circumstances, and amidst these trying conditions, it would appear that a field of great usefulness was open to the advent of a man like Mr. Washburn. He was a universally esteemed and beloved father in the Presbyterian ministry, an ordained and appointed missionary of the Cross, but was solely dependent for support upon his labor and the voluntary contributions of the people among whom he devoted his untiring energies. At the time of his coming, there resided on Yankee Street only the families of Jonas Carter, John Curtis, William Hall. William Cox, Marcus Curtis, Johnson Pelton and Sylvester Hough. Previous to Mr. Washburn's arrival, there had been but one sermon preached by a Presbyterian clergyman within the present limits of the township, and not one had been preached upon the Sabbath day. He immediately commenced preaching throughout the regions which are now embraced in the townships of Blendon, in Franklin County. ( lenoa,

Berkshire and Trenton, in Delaware County, and continued so to preach until the year 1829 or 1830. He often spoke of the many acts of kindness and fraternal regard he and his family received from the hands of the early settlers and pioneers of the forest. Just previous to his coming, there had been organized by the Rev. Mr. Hughes, then of Delaware, a Presbyterian Church in Berkshire, the members of which were scattered over Genoa and adjoining townships, but on looking for the records, none were found; so that, in 1818, the church was again formally organized, and Samuel Thompson, Julius White and John Brown were chosen and ordained as its ruling elders. This society soon became absorbed in the Kingston and Genoa churches. A New School church was organized in 1837 by Rev. C. N. Ransom, with ten members. No church building was erected, and the society was dissolved in 1839. Mrs. Rachel Curtis, Mrs. Katy Curtis, Ralph Smith, William Hall and Alexander Smith were members of the Berkshire church, but resided in the vicinity. In 1830, the Presbytery set off the members who resided in the vicinity, and constituted them into a separate church, known as the "Presbyterian Church and Congregation of Genoa." The members who were thus set off were sixteen in number, and, as near as can possibly be ascertained, were Marcus Curtis and Katy, his wife, Ralph Smith, Rachel Curtis, William Hall, Alexander Smith, Nancy Allen, Freeman Chester, Simeon Chester and Clarissa, his wife, Diadatus Keeler, Eleazar Copeland, Obediah Seebring and Abigail, his wife. Mary Foote and Augustus Curtis. Just previous to this time, the Rev. Mr. Washburn was living upon a tract of land containing a few acres, which he had purchased and improved, situated on the farm then owned by William Hall, nearly opposite the road leading to the mill, a little north of Mr. Roberts' residence on Yankee Street. He continued to supply his neighborhood with preaching until some two years after he removed his residence to Blendon.

the Rev. Ahab Jinks being moderator, and Diadatus Keeler and Dr. Eleazar Copeland, elders. These men were appointed by the Presbytery, and as there is no mention made on the records of their ordination, it is presumed they were elders in the Leburn, or Blendon Church, at the time of their transfer to this organization. The Rev. Ahab Jinks continued to minister to the congregation until 1836, when he was succeeded by Rev. Calvin Ransom. During this year, fourteen members who resided in Trenton Township and its immediate vicinity, were set oft* and organized as the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton. In 1837, Mr. Jinks was again the stated supply, and so continued until 1841. During the year 1840, a protracted meeting was held, in which the Rev. Mr. Cable assisted the minister in charge. In 1842, the Rev. John McCutchen was their pastor, and continued to minister to the congregation one year. In 1844. the Rev. R. De Forrest came and preached as an evangelist for the space of about eight weeks. In the succeeding year, 1845, the Rev. Mr. Avery officiated, and continued his ministrations one, or perhaps, nearly two years. From the year 1845 to the >'ear '850, the congregation enjoyed the labors of the Rev. Mr. Whipple, Rev. Milton Starr and Rev. M. Brown. In 1850, the Rev. Warren Nichols occupied the pulpit and remained until about the close of the year 1852. In the summer of 1853, the Rev. David Coyner, then a licentiate of Franklin Presbytery, was employed, and continued his labors for two years and part of a third. From the fall of the year 1855 until the summer of 1856, the pulpit was vacant. At that time, the Rev. Homer McVey, then a student of Lane Seminary, during his vacation preached for the charge occasionally. August 1, 1856. the Rev. Warren Jenkins - from whose discourse delivered January 1, i860, has been gathered this information in relation to the church, and other items of interest - entered upon his labors, and, at the time this sermon was delivered, had supplied this congregation and that of Trenton alternately. Following him, and for the space of three years and five months thereafter, the Rev. Mr.

Coyner had charge, after which time for a number of yerirs the}' had no regular pastor. The following ministers have supplied the church since those above mentioned : Ebenezer Washburn, Hugh B. Scott, lohn Campbell, 1867-68; Levi P. Sabin (J. A. F. Cellars and Arnold Glass became elders in 1858), James A. Darrah, Wilson F. Cellar, H. j_. Nave, S. S. Aikman, 1885, the last minister. In the summer, however, they had a Sunday school. When the church was first organized', it held meetings in the schoolhouse then standing in the rear of the present residence of Augustua Curtis. In the year 1837-38, a house of worship was erected, and the same was dedicated the 8th of December, 1838. The society wras dissolved September, 1890. The house still stands, but is now used for a hay barn.

The Methodist Episcopal Church existed as an organization as early as 1840, worshiping in schoolhouses and cabins of the settlers. It was not until 1849, they commenced to build at Maxwell Corners a frame church at a cost of $800. The church was dedicated by an English minister named Taylor. The ministers who have held this charge are as follows: George G. West, Havens Parker. William Porter, Havens Parker, Samuel C. Riker, Martindale, Brown, Dr. Gurley, Hooper. Ellis, Adair, and Elliott. This denomination existed and worshiped in this church until about 1865. At that time, the ministers in charge, Revs. Adair and Elliott, declined preaching longer on account of political differences, and brought the matter before the Quarterly Conference. The conference decided the church to be a non-organized band, and appointed a committee, consisting of John Millicent, Bijah Mann and Eligah Adams, to sell the church edifice. This committee immediately advertised the church for sale, and H. Bennett bid it off for $336 for the Christian Union denomination, which had been formed out of the dissolution of the Methodist Episcopal Society. The church was then rededicated, about 1866, by the Rev. Green, from Columbus, who had organized it. The ministers that have officiated since its last organization are as follows :

Axd Representative Citizens

Genoa Township is bounded on the north by Berkshire Township: on the east by Harlem; on the south by Franklin County and on the west by Orange Township. It is five miles square, and is in the territory known as United States Military Lands. The western half of the township was included in the original township of Berkshire, and the eastern half was in the township of Sunbury. When Harlem Township was cut out of Sunbury, it included all of what is now Genoa Township. The present bounds of Genoa Township were established June 4, 181 6. Its name was suggested by an early settler who wished to do honor to the birth-place of Christopher Columbus. Running through the western half of the township from north to south, on the line traversed by the Cleveland, Akron and Columbus railroad, is a ridge which forms the water-shed between Big Walnut Creek on the east and Alum Creek in Orange Township. On either side of the ridge, the land is comparatively level, although the surface is broken up considerably along the banks of the Big Walnut, and east of 'the creek is more or less rolling. The highest shale cliffs in the county are to be found in the northern part of the township, on what is known as "Yankee Street," about two miles south of Galena. Here as elsewhere along the banks of Big Walnut, are to be found outcroppings of fine Waverlv sandstone. Here and there in the beds of shale a thin layer of an inferior limestone is to be found. Some of the early builders were tempted to use this because of the ease with which it can be quarried, but they soon had their labor for their pains, as this stone disintegrates when exposed to the air. The Big Walnut Creek, to which reference has alreay been made, is the principal stream. It Hows in a sinuous course from north to south through the eastern half of the township. Originally its banks and the lands adjacent were heavily timbered with black walnut trees. The bottom lands along the creek are especially fertile, but these places are frequently overflowed in seasons of freshet, causing the loss of a crop occasionally. All the older men now living here remember the freshet in September. 1866, when cattle, sheep and hogs were drowned, and haystacks and small sheds and buildings were floated and carried down the stream.

And Representative Citizens

Jeremiah Curtis, a native of Hartford, Cmnecticut, was the first settler in this township. He arrived in Berkshire in 1805. but soon after he purchased a section of land on Yankee Street from Colonel I'.yxbe, upon which he located in 1806. I lis land was on the Big Walnut near the oxbow head of the creek. At that time Chillicothe was the nearest milling point, so Curtis built a mill, and still-house, which was a great convenience to the settlers. In 181 1 he moved to Marietta, tor the protection of his family during the war which was impending, and which he believed was sure to come. He died June 21. 18 13. Later his son. who became the Hon. John Curtis, came hack with the family to the farm in this township. He was ten years old when the family first came to Ohio, and became a prominent and influential man who was sought for positions of responsibility. John Williams, who was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, came here and erected a cabin on the hill where the covered bridge crosses the Big Walnut, and the following summer brought his wife and ten children to their new home. He was a devout man. and like the apostle Paul, worked with his hands while he preached. His first sermon in this neighborhood was preached in Joseph Latshaw's cabin. He died five years after coming here his son William joined a part of the army, in 1812. that was on its way to Fort Meigs, and fought the British and Indians there under Harrison. When the war was over he returned to the township and settled near his father's farm. Thomas, another son. had .1 farm nearby on the Creek. His oldesl son, James, was the first white child born in Genoa Township. A Xew Englander by the name of Joseph Latshaw came here in 1807 from Berkshire Township. His farm was in the northern part of the township, southwest of Galena In the latter part of the same year, David Weeks emigrated from Saratoga County, Xew York, and located in the northern part of the township. William Cox. a Pennsylvanian, also came into the township that year. He located in the oxbow bend of the Big Walnut. where he resided until his death. The next year, 1808, Marcus Curtis, a brother of Jeremiah Curtis, and Elisha Newell came with their families from Connecticut. Curtis bought 681 acres of land in the northeastern part of the township, on Yankee Street. He soon began to make brick from the clay which he found on his farm, and erected the first brick structure in the township. He also introduced short-horn cattle into the township. He bought his brother's saw- and grist-mill and operated them both for a time, but as this venture was not successful he disposed of the mill to Hezekiah Roberts. The same year. Alexander Smith came from Pennsylvania and settled in the central part of the township. He became a prominent citizen. He was a successful farmer, held township offices and was an elder in the Presbvterian Church.

In 1809 Elisha Bennett came here from Pennsylvania. When it was decided to set off and organize the present township of Genoa, it was he who suggested the name which was adopted. His farm was near Maxwell Corners. One of the early settlers was Jonas Carter, but it is not known just when he came from Xew England. He settled on the Big Walnut, hut after clearing a small part of his farm, he sold it to Jonathan Dyer and went to Indiana.

In the spring of 1810 Hezekiah Roberts came to this township from Pennsylvania and bought Joseph Latshaw's farm. He was a blacksmith, and he set up the first shop for that kind of work in this region. He was one of the first farmers to raise flax. He bought the old Copeland mill and moved it to the west side of the creek, where he ran it for a number of years. His son, later familiarly known as "Long John" Roberts, was the second white child horn in the township. When his father was no lunger able to follow his trade. John succeeded to the business, which he carried on for forty years. Fulrad Seebring also came to tin- township in 1810. His farm was located on the Big Walnut, about midway of the township from north to south. The same year Ary Hendricks located on a farm southwest of Galena, and Thomas Harris and his son-in-law Henry Bennett came here.

They came here from Hocking County, to which they had emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1805. Three years later they settled in what is now Harlem Township, and in 1810 came over into this township, and located on Yankee Street. Thomas Harris lived to be one hundred years and six months old. His son Samuel was frozen to death in his wagon on his return from hauling provisions to the soldiers at the north. Byxbe Rogers, who had served during the entire, seven years of trie Revolution, came here in 1810, from Knox County, to which he had emigrated the previous year from Pennsylvania. He was largely influential in bringing about the establishment of the township of Genoa. His death occurred in 1825. The first shoemaker in the township was Jacob Clauson, who came from the Keystone State in 1810. He found that there was not enough work here to keep him busy at his trade, and so after a short time he closed up his shop and went to Franklinton. While looking lor work there, he assisted in raising the first log cabin upon the site where the city of Columbus now stands. He found work as hard to get in Franklinton as in Genoa, so he came back here, cleared a piece of ground and followed farming as long as he lived.

Johnson Pelton and Sylvester Hough came into this township in 1812, and settled just south of Galena. Another of the early families to come in here was the Mitchum family from Xew England. The husband and father died at Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, while enroute, but the family continued the journey until they reached Genoa. An interesting story is told of Hines Mitchum, one of the family. He was a very religious man, and used to journey to great distances, for the purpose of participating in the church exercises. Moreover, he was an excellent singer, and his presence was often sought, and always appreciated. There was a quarterly meeting (it will be seen by this that he was a good Methodist) to be held at the little town of Westerville, on a certain evening, and as the meeting was to close with singing and other appropriate exercises, he was cordially invited to attend, and on the afternoon preceding the evening of the I clay on which it was to be held, he started for Westerville. At that time, a dense woods stretched away for miles in every direction, and there was not even an Indian trail leading- from the settlement on the Big Walnut, in Genoa Township, to the town of Westerville. But Mitchum, trusting in his knowledge of the woods, started in the direction of the town. Dusk found him quite a distance from his destination, and he was plodding along, unmindful of the shadows that were creeping down upon him, when he was startled by a long howl, which set the blood curdling to his very heart. He knew that sound too well to be mistaken. It was the hungry famished cry of the gray wolf. Soon he heard the same cry at the north, then at the south and from every direction. He knew that he was surrounded, that he had not a moment to lose, so, selecting a tree that stood near, he was soon hidden among its branches, and none too soon, for scarcely had he seated himself on one of the limbs, than, with a mighty bound, a huge wolf sprang upon the spot he had just vacated. In a short time, the entire pack assembled at the bottom of the tree, and expressed their disappointment in howls of baffled rage. Mitchum appreciated the fact that he was in rather an uncomfortable position. Night was last approaching, and the idea of remaining in that tree until the next morning was anything but pleasant. Suddenly the thought struck him that he would sing. The idea was certainly a novel one. but worth the attempt, so striking up one of his familiar airs, he poured forth the notes in his most melodious strains. He had sung but a short time, when he was surprised to find that the wolves had ceased howling, and thus encouraged, he continued singing, while they all sneaked off. Whether they left in disgust, or felt the overpowering influence of his voice, he never said, but it is related that when he arrived at Westerville, just alter the meeting closed, he gave an account of his experience by saying that he had just come from a praise meeting, where the voices were naturally strong, but needed cultivation.

And Representative Citizens

the East. Penny was one of the first teachers in the township. John Roberts settled on Yankee Street before the War of t8i2. He served under Harrison at the siege of Fort Meigs, and returned to his farm on the Big Walnut at the close of the war. The first physician in the township was a Dr. Duell, who came at an early date. Dr. Skeels was another early settler. William Hall, a native of the Green Mountain State, came to Ohio at an early date. He served in the War of [812, and after his discharge, he married Polly Curtis, in 1815, and settled on the Curtis farm, where he spent the remainder of his life. Other earlv settlers were Joseph Linnabury. win 1 emigrated from Pennsylvania and settled in the south central part of the township. From 1816 to 1819 a number of families came into the township, among whom we can mention Dr. Eleazer Copeland and George Copeland. Diadatus Keeler, who introduced finewooled sheep and the China and Berkshire breeds of hogs into the township. Jacob Hartburn, Abraham Wells, E. Washburn, Roswell Cooke and the Dusenbury family were among those who came about the period mentioned. Rev. E. Washburn, a Presbyterian minister, became universally beloved. The people of this township have continued up to the present time to keep abreast of the progress of the age, making Genoa Township the peer of any other township in the County.