Jackson Township (part 9 of 11)

S. J. McCULLOUGH, farmer; P. 0. Urbana; is a son of James and Frances C. McCullough. James was a grandson of John McCulloch, a Scotch Presbyterian, who emigrated to Ireland in 1740, and located in the district of Ulster ; then removed, in 1760, with his family, to Cumberland Co., Penn., where he entered a very large tract of land, and where many of his descendants remained to cultivate the land entered by their paternal ancestor. They had many adventures with the Indians and experienced all the dangers and hardships incident to frontier life. The name was originally spelled McCulloch, and is still so spelled by several branches of the family. The reason for changing to McCullough by other branches has never been satisfactorily explained. James McCullough died in October of 1850, at the age of 48 ; his wife is still living, resides in Pennsylvania, and is 62 years of age. Samuel J. took an active part in suppressing the rebellion, serving over three years in the army. He assisted in raising a company for the three-months service, of which he was elected First Lieutenant. This company afterward enlisted for three years, and formed a part of the 77th Penn. V. I. At this juncture, there was an opportunity presented to enlist in the cavalry service, by the volunteering of the u Big Spring Adamantine Guards/' of Cumberland Co., Penn., and, having a desire to be a cavalryman, he enlisted in that company. It was one of the oldest military organizations in the State, having been organized in 1809, and was present at the battle of Baltimore, in the war of 1812. He also volunteered for Mexico, but was not accepted. James McCullough was Captain of this company for a number of years ; was first commissioned Second Lieutenant by Gov. Wolf, of Pennsylvania, in 1833. Samuel J. was commissioned Second Lieutenant of the same company by Gov. A. G. Curtin, of Pennsylvania, in 1863. He has in his possession, both his and his father's commissions, the latter antedating the former by thirty years. On the 15th of August, 1861, the company, numbering 110 men, started for Washington, D. C., where they were mustered into service. S. J. McCullough was appointed to a sergeantship, the only vacant office in the company. They were attached to what was known as " Young's Kentucky Cavalry." Col. Young was dismissed from the service, and Col. W. W. Averill assumed the command of the regiment. which was thenceforth known as the 3d Penn. Y. C., and the " Adamantine Guards " as Co. H. Their first winter was spent south of the Potomac, scouting, and occasionally skirmishing. In one of these skirmishes, our subject commanded an advance guard of six men, losing two men wounded, and two horses killed. In March, of 1862, they sailed for the Peninsula with McClellan, and took part in most of the battles of that memorable campaign. With Berdan's Sharpshooters, they led the advance from Fortress Monroe, Great Bethel and Howard's Mills; arriving at Yorktown, they took part in the siege. Again, the 3d Penn, took the advance to Williamsburg, near which town a serious engagement took place, which was terminated by the darkness of night, but was resumed next day. They then moved to Chickahominy, where Samuel J. McCullough was made Sergeant Major of the 3d Penn, by Col.

Averill. From this time forward, he was with his regiment, participating in the battles of Gaines1 Mill, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Glendale and Malvern Hill. Here, by McClellan, his regiment was assigned the honorable dnty of covering the retreat from Malvern Hill. They took part in the second battle of Malvern Hill, and, on the 10th of August, covered the retreat from Harrison's Landing to Yorktown, where they embarked on board the steamship Virginia, for Washington, and were next engaged, under McClellan, at the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. In the latter they took a very active part, and were on the extreme right, under Hooker, two of his company being orderlies to Gen. Hooker, when he was wounded. On the 17th of October, ttey had a severe engagement at Shepherdstown, Va., and were subsequently engaged at Ashly's Gap, Piedmont, Markham Station, Gaines' Cross Roads, etc. Here Col. Averill was made Brigadier General, and Col. John B. McIntosh assumed command of the regiment. Among the other engagements, were those at Rappahannock Station, Kelley's Ford, Rapidan Station, Culpeper, Chancellors ville, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg; under Gen. Grant, at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor and the siege of Petersburg. Owing to Early's advance on Washington, although their term had expired, they were again mounted and sent into the valley, where they lost a number of men. The 3d Penn, entered the service with 1,200 men, and was mustered out with 310. Out of 109 of their number who were imprisoned at Anderson ville, 101 died there. Samuel J. is now leading a farmer's life in Concord Township, Champaign Co., where he owns 80 acres of land, with excellent improvements, which are the result of his own industry. In 1869, Dec. 7, he married Sarah E. Arrowsmith. She was born Dec. 10, 1841, a grand-niece of Gen. Simon Kenton, of pioneer fame. Four children are the fruits of their marriage - Mary E., born March 10, 1871; Anna B., Jan. 26, 1874; Frances C., March 6, 1876, and Amanda J.. June 6, 1878.

THOMAS S. McFARLAND, farmer; P. O. Urbana; is a son of Robert and Eunice McFarland ; he was born in Rockbridge Co., Va., near the Natural Bridge, March 7, 1783 ; his parents moved to Tennessee in 1796, and for ten years he lived at different places in that State and in Kentucky. In October, 1806, he, in company with Martin Hitt and Joseph Diltz, made an excursion on horseback to Champaign Co., Ohio, where he located in the following year. When he arrived in this county, his goods were unloaded in the woods beside an oak log, and, after paying his teamster, he had 50 cents in money to start with. He rented farms at different places in the county till 1811, when he purchased 80 acres of land in Sec. 14 of Concord Township, which he cleared and improved. He was Township Clerk from 1819 to 1831 ; was Assessor for a number of years, and was also a local minister in the M. E. Church for upward of fifty years. He was the founder of Concord Chapel. His marriage with Deborah Gray was celebrated Dec. 27, 1804. She died Oct. 12, 1814, the mother of five children, two of whom are living - William H., living east of Urbana, and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Nichols, of Illinois. On Dec. 3, 1814, he married Elizabeth Kenton, a grandniece of Gen. Simon Kenton, by whom he had three children, viz., Deborah, now Mrs. Kenton, residing in Kansas ; Frances, now Mrs. Conroy, of Shelby Co., Ohio, and Rebecca Gibbs, of St. Paris. Elizabeth McFarland departed this life Jan. 8, 1821. On the 23d of August of the same year he was united in marriage with Eunice Dorsey, a native of Maryland, born Feb. 3, 1797. By this union they had eleven children. Eight are still living - Sarah J. Huston, of De Graff, Ohio ; John M., of this township ; Robert W., of the Ohio State University at Columbus ; Cynthia A. Gibbs, of St. Paris, Ohio ; Thomas S., James R., of Goshen, N. Y. ; Mary C. Pence, of this township, and Benjamin S., living in Kansas. Prof. R. W. McFarland is a natural-born mathematician, and is a thorough scholar. Robert McFarland departed this life December 28, 1863 ; his wife survived till Sept. 17, 1869. The subject of this sketch was born July 14, 1832. He was raised a farmer's boy, and received a common-school education. His chief occupation has been tilling the soil. He now owns the old home farm and 16 acres besides, making 96 acres in all. He has been public auctioneer for nineteen years, counselor for eighteen years, and has been Secretary of the Champaign and Logan Co. Pioneer Association for the last six years. Has been a newspaper contributor for twentyeight years, and is President of the Editors' and Reporters' Association of this county. He has also been very successful as a detective. In 1856, Sept. 30, he married Ursula H. Evans, of Kentucky, bom Dec. 23, 1829. She died Dec. 14, 1864, the mother of one child - Evans White, who met his death April 20, 1871, by a horse falling on him. Thomas S. McFarland and Catharine Evans were married March 20, 1866. She is also a native of Virginia, a sister to Ursula H., born Oct. 13, 1834. The fruits of this marriage are four children - Hattie B., Rebecca J., Sallie De Voe and Thomas D. C.

JAMES NEER (deceased). Mr. Neerwas bora in Virginia March 31, 1813, and came to Ohio in 1833. He married Penninah Harbor Sept. 15, 1836. She was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, May 23, 1813, and is a daughter of William Harbor, one of the early settlers of this (Concord) township. He entered several tracts of land, one of which (160 acres) he gave to his daughter. The only improvement on the land was a small deadening, but by hard work and economy they cleared and improved it. Nine children are the fruits of their marriage - William A., bora Deo. 6, 1837 ; Sarah A. V., May 25, 1839 ; Ann R. E., March 13, 1841 ; Samuel Jesse, June 14, 1844 ; Mary A., March 18, 1846 ; Minerva J., Oct. 18, 1847 ; Ruth H. and Martha M. (twins), Dec. 13, 1849, and James R., who died in infancy. William A., enlisted in Co. G, 66th O. V. I., but on his way to the scenes of conflict was killed by the cars at Bellaire, Jan. 18, 1862. James Neer departed this life July 13, 1852. His wife is still living, but since Nov. 1, 1879, has been confined to her bed most of the time, and has been an intense sufferer. She and her daughters are members of the M. E. Church. 8amuel J., the only son living, resides with his mother and conducts the farm for her.

JOHN P. NEER, farmer and stock- dealer ; P. 0. Urbana ; was bora April 27, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret S. Neer. She is a daughter of David and Florence Monroe, born in Harrison Township, of this county, Nov. 27, 1819. Joseph Neer was bora in Loudoun Co., Va., Aug. 7, 1804. He came to Ohio about 1826, and, about 1831, purchased Sec. 16, of Concord Township, Champaign Co., but soon sold all but 260 acres in the northeast corner, which he improved, and afterward bought back all but 90 i acres in the southwest corner of the section. He never experienced the inconvenience of moving. Part of the house which he erected is still standing. His marriage was solemnized Nov. 10, 1835, the fruits of which were six sons and six daughters - David C. was bora Dec. 28, 1836, and lives in Allen Co., Kan.; Ann F., wife of J. W. Ellis, near Humboldt, Kan., was bora Oct. 12, 1838 ; Eliza M., wife of J. V. Offenbacher, was bora Aug. 28, 1840, and died in Southern Colorado Oct. 6, 1875 ; Martha J., born March 1, 1844, and died Sept 16, 1870 ; Nathan A., Dec. 31, 1845, and resides near Los Angeles, Cal.; Sallie C., wife of L. T. Clemens, of La Fayette, Ind.r was born June 16, 1848; Joseph F., March 29, 1850, and lives on the borne farm ; Mary F., living in Urbana with her mother, was bora March 25, 1852 ; 8amuel J., Feb. 8, 1855, now living with J. P. ; Elizabeth A., born June 25, 1857, and died Aug. 25 of the same year ; James M., Nov. 24, 1858, and is farming the homestead; David C. is the only one of the boys that is married; Joseph Neer departed this life Jan. 26, 1869. The subject of this sketch was raised to agricultural pursuits, and has always followed farming, except about three years that were spent in the oivil war. He enlisted July 30, 1862, and was mustered out June 19, 1865. He served as private a short time only, when from Corporal he was promoted to different offices. For the last year and a half he served as Orderly Sergeant, but was mustered out as First Lieutenant, which was merely a complimentary commission. He was a member of Co. H, 45th O. V. I. At Dutton Hill they were first engaged. He was in the East Tennessee campaign in 1863 ; was besieged at Knoxville; was in the Georgia campaign in 1864; engaged at Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Jonesboro. When Sherman started to the sea, they came back and fought Hood at Franklin, under Thomas and Schofield. He was shot through the left lung at Knox- ville, which disabled him for a time. With that exception, or when on detached duty, he was never absent from his regiment during the whole of his service. Since the war, he has been farming and dealing in stock. He owns 346 acres of land.

JOHN M. NILES, farmer ; P. 0. Milleretown ; is a son of Ezra and Lonisa Niles. She was born in Londoun Co., Va., Dec. 27, 1801, and came to this State with her parents, John and Rebecca (Morgan) Miller, in 1806. He was bom March 20, 1798, and came to Ohio, at a very early date, with his parents, Cyrus and Mary Niles. They came down the Ohio River, on a flatboat to Cincinnati, which was then only a small village, and located on Mill Creek, in Hamilton Co., where they lived for some time on rented farms. Ezra was raised on a farm, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits, principally, all his life. He never learned a trade of any kind, but he helped to construct the first steamboat that was built at Louisville. From Hamilton Co. he moved to Miami Co. and purchased 20 acres of land, which he afterward sold and entered 80 acres in Champaign Co., where he spent the remainder of his life. He was the father of seven children - Sarah A., born Aug. 14, 1822 (deceased) ; John M., April 13, 1824 ; Thomas J., July 20, 1830 (deceased); Amanda M., bora Oct. 24, 1833 (deceased) ; Rebecca J. (deceased) ; Lewis S. April 9, 1839, and Llewellyn, Jan. 9, 1843. Ezra Niles departed this life Aug. 19, 1871 ; his wife is still living and resides with her youngest son on the old homestead. Our subjeot worked at home on the farm until 21 years of age, when he was employed at various kinds of work, but principally at farming. He never served an apprenticeship at any trade, but is handy with tools and does his own carpenter work. He married Amanda Jane Miller Dec. 2, 1852. She was born Oct. 10, 1833, a daughter of Samuel Miller, who is mentioned in the biography of Wallace Downs. In 1853, they moved to Indiana, thence to Kansas in 1857, and in the same year, back to Missouri, where they remained but a short time, when they went to Texas with a view of locating there, but finally came back to Champaign Co., in 1859. In 1864, they returned to. Missouri to take possession of the farm they had sold, but had failed to receive the full payment. They repaired the farm, which had been made desolate by the war, and sold again in 1866, and bought 20 acres in Concord Township, Champaign Co., to which he has since added, in the same township, 122 acres, and 190 in Salem Township, besides a house and lot in Millerstown.

GABRIEL NORMAN, farmer ; P. O. Millerstown ; is a son of Christian and Mary M. (Zimmerman) Norman. She was a native of Maryland, but moved to Virginia, where she lived at the time of her marriage. He was bora in Shenandoah Co., Va., where he learned wagon-making, which he followed there till 1805, when he emigrated to Ohio. He purchased 160 acres of land in Concord Township, and, after erecting a cabin, he located in the following year. His cabin was constructed in the pioneer style, with wooden chimneys, puncheon floors and door of boards riven in clapboard style. After his farm was pretty well cleared up, and there was a demand for wagons, he resumed his trade, which he followed at the time of his death. In oourse of time, his hut was exchanged for a hewed-log house, and it, in turn, for a fine brick that yet stands on the old farm. He had, also, at intervals, purchased land, till he owned 800 acres in this State and 440 acres in Indiana, 1,240 acres in all; 720 acres of this he had deeded to his children. He was drafted in the war of 1812, but furnished a substitute. They we^e the parents of nine children. One daughter, about 4 years old, fell into a trough of water and was drowned. The eight grew to years of maturity. Christian Norman departed this life Sept. 12, 1851, at the age of 72. His wife survived till July 8. 1854. The subjeot of this sketch was bora in Concord Township, Champaign Co., June 6, 1814. He was raised on a farm and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns 243 acres of land in the above-named township, 80 acresof the home farm. On the 24th of November, 1839, he married Rebecca Brubaker. She is a daughter of Samuel and Barbara (Comer) Brubaker both natives of Virginia, who were early settlers here. Rebecca Brubaker was born July 12, 1821. Gabriel and Rebecca Norman are the parents of six children. The living are John C.,

STEPHEN J. PACKER, farmer ; P. 0. Urbana ; was bom in Midway, Clark Co., Ohio, Oct. 7, 1833 ; his parents, Moses and Sarah Paoker, came from Pennsylvania about 1830, and located in the above-named county, where they remained till 1838, when they moved to Mad River Township, Champaign Co. Moses Paoker departed this life July 17, 1843 ; his wife is still living, and is now Mrs. Miohael Nichols, of Concord Township, Champaign Co. The subjeot of this sketch worked by the month on farms at different places till 21 years of age, when he rented a farm and commenced farming for himself. He is an industrious, enterprising man. His only fortune to begin with was health and energy. In about 1864, he purchased 80 acres of land in Sec. 2 of Concord Township, and, since that time, at intervals, has made purchases, till at present he owns 194 acres, all improved, except about 12 acres. He engages in stock-raising sufficient to consume the produce of his lands. Has served as Township Trustee two terms. In 1854, March 2, he married Mary Miller, daughter of Samuel Miller, who is mentioned in the sketch of Wallace Downs ; Nov. 10, 1835, is the date of her birth. The fruits of their marriage are four children ; of these three are living, viz.: Joram D., born Feb. 4, 1855; Mary Corinna, bom Deo. 6, 1864 ; Stephen Leroy, bom Feb. 6, 1872.

JAMES DUNLAP POWELL. The grandfather of this gentleman was Abraham Powell, who was bom in Virginia Oct. 20, 1754 ; served with credit in the Revolutionary war, and was married in W native State in August, 1780, to Ann Smith, who was also a native of Virginia, bom Sept. 12, 1762 ; of this union, twelve children were bora, Elijah, the father of James D., being the fifth in the family. He was bora in Virginia, Aug. 20, 1789, and, his parents moving to Kentucky when he was a child, he there grew to manhood, and, in 1812, came with them to Champaign Co., Ohio, settling one mile west of Urbana, where his father died Jan. 3, 1817, and his mother Sept. 19, 1845. Here, in Champaign Co., Elijah was married, Jan. 27, 1818, to Mary Dunlap, the daughter of the Rev. James and Emily (Johnson) Dunlap, natives of the "Old Dominion, " where her father was bora July 10, 1773, and her mother Oct. 15, 1777. In youth they had moved to Kentucky, where they were married Aug. 29, 1794, and there Mrs. Mary Powell was born Oct. 26, 1800. In 1812, Rev. James Dunlap and family came to Champaign Co., Ohio, and few men were better known in the early pioneer days than this old preacher of the Gospel, who was laid away at rest Feb. 28, 1866. His wife died at Jacksonville, 111., whither she had gone on a visit. To Elijah and Mary Powell were born eleven children, only three of whom are living, viz.: James D., Jeptha and Edward. The subject of this sketch was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, March 3, 1819, and grew up under the parental roof, attending school a few terms. He had the same disadvantages to fight against that were then the common lot of every poor pioneer family, and few men were so fortunate as he in overcoming the difficulties attending the poor man. He was married Sept. 9, 1845, on the farm he now lives on, to Miss Minerva Hill, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Purcell) Hill, natives of Virginia. Her father was first married in Kentucky, to Mary Oliver, to whom were born eight children. In 1 802, they came to Champaign Co., Ohio, settling on the farm where Mr. Powell now resides, and there his wife died. Some time after his wife's death he returned to Kentucky on a visit, where he was married to Mary Purcell, daughter of George and Margaret Purcell, natives of that State. Of this union five children were the fruits, Mrs. Powell being the third in the family. She was born in this county Aug. 26, 1822, and has had six children, as follows : Mary (deceased), Amanda J., Emma E., Elijah H., Sallie A. and Annie M. Mrs. Powell's parents died on the old farm, her father in September, 1861, and her mother July 3, 1869 - -dying as they had lived, firm adherents of the M. E. Church. Joseph Hill was the first white settler of what is now Concord Township ; served in the war of 1812, and, although a poor man when he settled in the woods of Conoord Township, he accumulated a comfortable estate. Mr. Powell's father professed the Baptist faith, and was a soldier in the war of

1812, dying in this county June 11, 1866. His mother resides with her son Edward, at the old homestead, where she went a happy bride, more than sixty-two years ago. She also belongs to the Baptist Church, and, considering that she is in her 81st year, is enjoying fair health, while the lingering sunset of life casts its shadows o'er a happy old age. James D. Powell is what we might justly style a self-made man, for the reason that he began life at the foot of the ladder, and is now the owner of over 800 acres of land, and is considered one of the leading farmers of the county. This success is the result of hard, determined industry in his younger days, and then saving his earnings and investing them judiciously. In all his labors, his wife stood ever ready to lend a helping hand and cheer him in his efforts. He has now one of the finest homes in Concord Township, and there every one will find a warm, genuine greeting of hospitality, without cold formality on the one hand, or utter neglect on the other. Mrs. Powell is a courteous, refined lady, who knows how to make her home a pleasant one, and in her presence there is no constraint. She is a member of the M. E. Church, but Mr. Powell belongs to no denomination, and is politically attached to the Republican party. He is a man of temperate habits, and is in favor of temperance laws. In his business affairs he is a close dealer, but no man is more honest or upright in every transaction. He is a good conversationalist and a well-informed gentleman, pleasant and affable at all times, and highly respected by all good citizens.

VALENTINE RUSSELL, farmer and carpenter ; P.O. Urbana ; was bom in Virginia, May 24, 1814, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Miller) Russell, both natives of Loudoun Co., Va. She was born May 1, 1788, and he Nov. 18, 1783. Thtey migrated to Ohio in 1818, and soon after located in Concord Township, Champaign Co. He entered 160 acres of land, and his father-in-law, Valentine Miller, entered 160 acres, and gave it to him, making a half-section. He cleared and improved the lastnamed quarter and also a small part of the other. He departed this life March 28, 1873. His wife is still living on the old farm, and is a pensioner of the war of 1812, in which her husband served. She is the oldest of a family of ten children, all of whom lived to be over 60 years of age, except one, who died at the age of 50. The subject of this biography was raised on a farm until 15 years old, when he went to learn the carpenter trade, which he followed principally for forty years. In 1865, he purchased 160 acres of land in Sec. 9, of Concord Township, where he has since resided, and managed the farm in connection with his work at the trade. He has been Township Trustee two terms aind Township Treasurer five years. On the 26th of July, 1836, he married Margaret Hill, a daughter of Joseph Hill, of whom mention is made in the biography of J. D. Powell. She was born in Concord Township, Champaign Co., July 6, 1818. They had nine children, of whom six are living - Robert H., Minerva A., Elizabeth J., James E., John F. and Albert Willie. Mr. Russell and family, except the youngest child, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ROBERT RUSSELL, farmer; P. O. Urbana ; was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Feb. 17, 1818. He is a son of Robert and Mary Russell, who are mentioned in the sketch of Valentine Russell. He has been a fanner all his life, and was raised principally on the farm where he resides. This has been his home since about 1 year old, except eighteen months that were spent in Iowa. Besides the homestead farm, he owns the old Christian Miller farm of 150 acres, and does a thriving business. On the 24th of October, 1848, he married Mary Sweet, by whom he had one child - Mary M., born Sept. 9, 1849. Mrs. Mary Russell departed this life May 23, 1854, in the 28th year of her age. In 1862, August 28, he married Lydia C. Hough, a native of Loudoun Co., Va., born Oct. 15, 1828. She came to this State with her parents about 1830. Robert and Lydia C. Russell are the parents of one child - Clinton E., born July 10, 1867. Mr. Russell and family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOSEPH SNYDER, farmer; P. O. Urbana; was born in Greene Co., Ohio, May 30, 1826, and is a son of Valentine and Catharine (Martz) Snyder, both natives of Rockingham Co., Va. He was born Dec. 21, 1793, and she April 21, 1795. They oame to Ohio and located in Greene Co., where they remained till 1836, when they moved to Johnson Township, Champaign Co., where he still resides and owns 199 acres of land. His wife died Dec. 4, 1838, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. They were the parents of eight children - Isaac, George W., Mary (now Mrs. Presly Jenkins), Joseph, John, Delilah (now Mrs. Levi Bodey), Simon, and Catharine (now Mrs. Peter Bodey). They are all living, and the youngest past 44 years old. The subject of this sketch is a farmer, and owns 160 acres of land in Sec. 21, of Concord Township. He assisted in suppressing the rebellion ; was a member of Co. B, 134th 0. N. G. In 1855, Oct. 18, he married Deborah Harbor, a daughter of Jesse Harbor. She was born Nov. 9, 1838 ; they are the parents of eight children - Elizabeth C. (deceased), Sarah J. (now Mrs. Elmer E. Bowers), Mary V., Joseph, Franklin, William H., Rosa A., John W. and Jesse Hayes.

PRESLY TALBOTT, farmer; P. 0. Urbana; is a son of Sampson and Mary Talbott. He was bom in Virginia Nov. 22, 1767, and was subsequently the husband of four wives ; his first, Cassandra Jarbo, was a sister of the wife of Simon Kenton. She was the mother of one child, William S. (deceased). Jane Kenton was his second wife. They were the parents of six children - Harvy, born in Kentucky, April 7, 1799 ; Sallie, May 1, 1801 ; Celia, born in Champaign Co., Aug. 27, 1804 ; Benjamin, Aug. 12, 1806 ; D'Movil and Samuel (twins), May 30, 1810. Some time after the death of Jane Talbott, he married her sister, Mary Kenton, by which union they had two children - Presly, born in Concord Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, Aug 8, 1813, and Elizabeth, Feb. 5, 1815. Mary Talbott died Oct 12, 1815, and he married Mrs. Anna Fitch. One child was the fruit of their marriage; Jane, born Nov 2, 1817. Sampson Talbott died Jan. 5, 1846. The subject of this sketch was bred a farmer's boy, and has spent nearly sixty-seven years on the place of his nativity. He now owns 160 acres of the home farm, and has a very desirable home, with a considerable amount of good stock about him. On the 27th of October, 1842, he married Mary A. Markley. She was bom in Madison Co., Ohio, July 20, 1822. They have four children - Mary R., William M., Emma F. and Laura C. Mary A. Talbott departed this life March 16, 1861. She was an exemplary member of the Baptist Church ; her husband and one daughter are also in connection with the same.

OLIVER TAYLOR. Among the solid, enterprising men of Champaign Co., Oliver Taylor stands deservedly high. His father, John V. Taylor, a native of Virginia of Scotch descent, came to this county about 1804, where he was soon after married to Miss Jane Vance, the sister of ex-Gov. Vance. By this union, eight children were bora to them, Oliver being the sixth in the family, and the youngest son. John V. Taylor was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving in the company of Capt. Joseph Vance, who afterward became Governor of Ohio. At the close of that conflict, he settled down again on a farm and followed stock-dealing extensively, driving cattle East across the Alleghanies. He was one of the Commissioners of Champaign Co. for about fifteen jears, and was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, to which denomination his wife also belonged, and both died in this county - he Jan. 28, 1858, aged 73, and she Jan. 29, 1869, in her 81st year. The subject of this sketch was born in Champaign Co. Dec. 7, 1818, and here he grew to manhood, following the daily routine of a farmer's son, and attending, during the winter seasons, the primitive log schoolhouse, where he obtained a limited education. He was married, in this county, April 13, 1848, to Miss Catharine Caraway, daughter of John and Jemima Caraway, who were early pioneers of the county. John Caraway was born in Greenbrier Co., Va., and moved to this oounty about 1802, settling in the southeast part of Urbana Township, where his wife, the mother of Mrs. Taylor, died, Sept. 30, 1823. About 1825, he moved to Concord Township, where he remained until his death, Jan. 22, 1860. He was a man of wonderful energy and indomitable will power, who, coming to this county penniless, accumulated a handsome fortune, the legitimate result of industry and economical habits. Mrs. Taylor was born in this county Nov. 9, 1819, and had three children, viz., John

C., deceased; Duncan V., deceased; and Charles Oliver Taylor, who resides with his father on the old homestead. Mrs. Taylor died Oct. 7, 1873, a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, of which denomination she had been a life-long adherent. Mr. Taylor also belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and, politically, he is an ardent Republican. He has been a farmer all his life, and has been dealing in fine blooded stock for the past thirty years. He was one of the charter members of the Citizens' National Bank of Urbana, Ohio, was one of the Directors from its organization, and, Feb. 19, 1874, was elected President of that institution, which position of trust and confidence he still occupies. Mr. Taylor is a man of modest pretensions, kind, pleasant and social at all times, straightforward and upright in every relation of life, and is, without doubt, one of Champaign's representative citizens.

ARCHIBALD TAYLOR, farmer ; P. O. Crayon ; was born in Argylesbire, in the highlands of Scotland, March 9, 1822. His parents, Donald and Mary Taylor, with their family of three children, emigrated to this country in the summer of 1822. They came by ship to Quebec, and from there to Lower Sandusky by schooner and steamboat. From Sandusky they came through in wagons to Champaign Co., where they remained eight years, and then moved to Clark Co. They remained in Clark Co. three years, and then returned to Champaign Co. Donald and Mary Taylor were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: John, of Urbana; Mary, now the widow McEachran, in Indiana ; Archibald ; Douglass, living in Iowa ; Margaret, now Mrs. C. Journell, of this township; Jane, now Mrs. A. Himes, of Indiana; and Flora A., now Mrs. Hiram Heath, of Iowa. Donald Taylor departed this life Feb. 27, 1841, at the age of 48. His widow is still living and resides in Iowa. She was born May 15, 1796. Our subject was brought up on a farm, and still follows agricultural pursuits. He also raises and buys stock sufficient to consume the produce of his farm. For the last fifteen years he has resided on Sec. 29, of Concord Township, where he owns 147 acres of land. He has served his township as Trustee several terms. In 1859, Sept. 28, he married Sarah E. Hough. She is a native of this county, born May 15, 1832. The fruits of this union are six children - Mary S. and Daniel H. are the only survivors. -

ADAM PRINCE VANCE,* farmer and painter; P. O. Urbana. We propose to ourself to challenge the attention of those whom it may concern to the records of one of the most ancient and distinguished families in European genealogy, namely, that of Vance, as it is spelled in Ireland, Vans in Scotland, and, anciently, Vaux in Scotland and England, and De Vaux in France. (The Latin name is De Vallibus.) On the continent of Europe, the De Vaux family have been Dukes of Andrea; Princes of Joinville, Taranta and Altamara; Sovereign Counts of Orange and Provence, and Kings of Vienne and Arles, as well as Lords De Vaux in Normandy. In 1066, three brothers, Hubert, Rundolph and Robert, the sons of Harold De Vaux, Lord of Vaux in Normandy, accompanied William the Conqueror to England, and there their descendants became Lords De Vaux of Pentney and Brevor, in Norfolk, of Gilliesland, in Cumberland, and of Harrowden, in Northamptonshire. A branch of the English family of Vaux, or Vallibus, settled in the south of Scotland, and became progenitors of several respectable families of that name. It is found in Scotch history that the ancient surname of Vans, in later charters called De Vallibus, is the same with the name of Vaux in England, and is one of the first surnames that appeared there after the conquest. Hubert De Vaux, the eldest of the three brothers who accompanied the Conqueror into England in 1066, married Gracia, of what family is unknown, and left two sons, Robert and Rundolph. From Rundolph there is a certainty of the first Scotch settler being descended. We might trace the name back to the days of Alaric, one of the monarchs of the Western Goths, in the year 500 of the Christian era. This would be carrying the history of' the family back pretty far. For myself, I shall be satisfied with the date of the conquest of the English by the Normans, 1066. Thia aeems to be very authentic. Rev. John Vance, or Vans, A. M., was a Puritan clergyman and a refugee from persecution in Scotland. He emigrated to Ireland in 1617. He was appointed Rector of Kilmacrenan, Donegal, and Diocese of Raphor. Here he labored for forty-five years. He was the father of the numerous Vances now to be found in Ireland and America. Of the Vance family in Ireland was David, my father's great-grandfather, who came to this country and married Sarah Colville. He resided in Loudoun Co., Va. He had two sons, David, my father's grandfather, and Joseph Colville, and three daughters, Ann, Mattie and Jane. David married Sarah Quimby. The fruits of this marriage were six sons - David, Daniel, Ephraim, John, Elisha and Elijah, and three daughters - Elizabeth, Sarah and Jane. My grandfather, whose name was John, married Sarah Perkins ; had three sons and one daughter. From the early history of Washington Co., Penn., among the early settlers there, were David and Joseph Colville Vance. From there they went to Barron Co., Ky., where my father, David Colville Vance, was born Sept. 16, 1805. Father, when quite a small boy, grandfather and great-grandfather, left Kentucky and came to Ohio and settled in the eastern part of Clark Co. The first of the Vance family in Champaign Co. was Joseph C. Vance, in 1805, brother of my great-grandfather and father of ex-Gov. Vance, who was Governor of Ohio from 1836-38, and Congressman from 1821-35 and 1843-47. From Clark Co., grandfather came to Champaign Co. and settled in Concord Township, known as the Marcus Clark farm. When fhther was about 14 years old, he was apprenticed to John Wiant, of Mad River Township, for seven years, to learn the tanning trade. Soon after reaching his majority, he married Miss Nancy Prince, Oct. 12, 1826. Mother was born in Boyle Co., Ky., Nov. 29, 1808. From this marriage they had four sons - Adam P., John, David C. and William, and three daughters - Sarah, Elizabeth and Mary. Sarah and William died when quite young. The rest are living, and have families of their own. The writer of this sketch was born Aug. 5, 1827. Occupation, school-teacher some twenty years ; a ruralist at present. Married, Oct. 3, 1854, Miss Dorcas Malin ; she died Sept. 30, 1855 ; married again, Oct. 3, 1876, Miss Eliza Jane Russell ; have a son living from first marriage ; a daughter and son by the last marriage. Father died Oct 5, 1876. Brothers John and David Colville are ministers of the M. E. Church, Cincinnati Conference. The former has been in the ministry over twenty-six years, and the latter over sixteen years.

JOHN D. WILSON, farmer ; P. O. Spring Hills ; is a son of John and Maia R. Wilson. She was a native of Kentucky, born Sept. 10, 1801, and is a daughter of William Dickey, a minister of the Presbyterian Church. John Wilson was born in Washington Co., Penn., Oct. 26, 1793. He came to Ohio in about 1817, and, in the following year, located on Sec. 29, of Concord Township, Champaign Co., where he entered 160 acres of land. He married Peggy Runyan, Aug. 27, 1819. She was a daughter of Judge Runyan, one of the early settlers of this county. The fruits of this marriage were two children - Elias, born Feb. 26, 1820 (deceased), Elisha, born July 17, 1822. Peggy Wilson departed this life Oct. 1, 1823. On May 5, 1825, he married Maia R. Dickey, with whom he had five children ; three grew to years of maturity - Margaret, born July 7, 1827 (deceased) ; Rebecca, April 3, 1832, and John D., June 28. 1835. Maia R. Wilson died Feb. 10, 1871. He survived until Oct. 26, 1872. The subject of this sketch was born and raised on the farm where he resides. Farming has always been his business, and f6r the last twenty-five years he has also been a stock-dealer. He owns 220 acres of land, which is in a high state of cultivation, with excellent improvements. In 1856, May 20, he married Sarah Forry, a native of Logan Co., born Oct. 17, 1837. By this union they had five children ; four are still living - Emma C., Forry, Walter S. and Maia J. Mr. Wilson and wife and two eldest children are members of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN T. ADAMS, farmer; P. O. Urbana; was born in this county Feb. 29, 1832. Is a son of Thomas and Mary (Long) Adams - he probably a native of Virginia and she of Kentucky - becoming citizens of Ohio when very young and residents of this county at a very day, being numbered among its early settlers. After his marriage, he lived a few years in this county, then went to Allen Co., where he lived till his death. He was killed in the fall of 1836 by a falling tree, while he, with several others, were cutting out a new road through a piece of timber land. His wife died in January, 1873. They were the parents of five children ; two now survive - John T. and James. Our subject being only about 4 or 5 years of age when his father died, the mother had the care of her children, whom she raised till John was 15 years of age, when she married Benjamin P. Gaines, of Clark Co., Ohio. Our subject then lived with his step-father until 22 years of age. In 1855, he went to Allen Co. Was married March 2, 1867, to Miss Violetta, daughter of Joseph and Celia Russell, he a native of Virginia and she of this county. As the issue they have one child - Charles. Mr. Adams resided in Allen Co. until 1874, then returned to Champaign Co., where he has since resided. He has always followed farming as an occupation, and is now located on the William Long, Sr., farm, on Sec 2. Politically, Mr. Adams is a Republican.

JAMES BLACK, farmer; P. O. West Liberty; born Feb. 8, 1798; a native of Kentucky ; is a son of Alexander and Jane (Crocket) Black, natives of Virginia. He emigrated to Kentucky in a very early day ; was one of the pioneers of that 8tate, and took quite a part in the defense of the settlers against the hostile Indians, who were at that time very troublesome. He married in Kentucky ; in 1809, removed to Ohio, and located in Salem Township, Champaign Co., where he arrived May 12. The settlers were " few and far between," and with difficulty they obtained help enough to raise their log cabins ; but, by the assistance of friendly Indians, they succeeded. He was with Gen. Wayne in his march against the Indians, and, in the battle of the Maumee, fought Aug. 20, 1794, he was wounded. A treaty of peace was finally concluded in 1796. He was also in the war of 1812, and held a commission as Captain. He experienced the many trials and hardships of pioneer life, and bore his share in the conflicts with the Indians and in the war of 1812. After peace was declared, he once more entered upon the work upon his farm, and here remained in peace the balance of his life. He died in June, 1854, nearly 90 years of age. His wife, who died in August, 1849, was 80 years of age. They had eight children, all now deceased but our subject, who was the third child of his father's family. He was married, March 6, 1832, to Miss Caroline, daughter of John and Susan (Douglass) Culbertson, natives of Pennsylvania. They have had eight children ; six now survive - Lucy A., Alexander C., Caroline, John R., Elizabeth and James W. Mr. Black has always followed farming, and sinoe his marriage has never resided outside of Salem Township, but has always lived within two miles of the old home place, and has been a resident of his present place twentyfour years. He has never held nor sought office, but is a quiet, unassuming man, at* tending closely to his business ; a kind husband and father, a good neighbor and generally respected by all who know him.

STEPHEN F. CONREY, retired minister ; P. O. King's Creek ; born in Butler Co., Ohio, Aug. 28, 1815; son of J onathan and Mary (Ford) Conrey, he a native of New York, and she of Maryland, the ancestry being from Ireland. Jonathan became a resident of Kentucky about 1798, and of Ohio about 1809, where he lived and died. He was first married in Kentucky Oct. 6, 1789, to Nancy Downing, by whom he had nine children, all now deceased ; his wife died Jan. 16, 1809. He was married to his second wife, Mrs. Mary Parish, May 4, 1809 ; they had seven children, three now living - Stephen F., Mary and Jacob. The father died Oct. 16, 1841 ; the mother died

Aug. 28, 1851. Our subject was raised to farm labor; received a good common -school education, with some additional advantages of the academy. Became a member of the Methodist Church at 18 years of age. Feeling a call to the ministry, he commenced to preach at 20 years of age, and has been faithfully engaged in ministerial duties for forty-one years, in various parts, of the State. During this long ministerial work, he has been permitted to extend the hand of fellowship to hundreds of converted souls, and bid them Godspeed in their journey heavenward. He has had a long and faithful life, and has worn out his physical strength in behalf of the Church and the salvation of souls. His health failing, he was made a Superannuate in 1877. In speaking of the proceedings of the Conference after the above action, the Christian Advocate contained the following touching his great life-work : " At the Saturday morning session, Stephen F. Conrey, after a successful and beloved ministry of forty-one years, was placed on the list of Superannuates. The blessings and prayers of thousands will accompany him." In 1877, he bought the farm upon which he now lives, and located upon the same in 1878, where he now lives, retired from active labor, his farm being carried on by his son. He has 70 acres of excellent land, good buildings and improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence. Mr. Conrey was married, May 22, 1839, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Mary Hunsaker, natives of Pennsylvania, v They had two children, one now surviving - Wilbur F.

AMOS N. COUCHMAN, farmer and tile-manufacturer, Urbana ; a native of this -'county, born Feb. 26, 1843; is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Neer) Couchman,

. natives of Virginia, who were early settlers of this county, locating first on the Dugan t Prairie, thence about two miles south of West Liberty, where he lived some eight or | ten years ; thence removed into Harrison Township, where he resided till his death, in I the spring of 1863. His wife still lives on the home place. They had seven children - j Jacob, Amos N., Amanda, James, Nancy, Lewis and Emma. Mr. Couchman was twioe | married ; by his first wife he had five children - Mary, Henry, Rebecca, Sarah and ] Rachel. His last wife, Elizabeth, was first married to Mr. Demory, by whom she had J four children - John, Sarah, Susan and Matilda (deceased). Mr. Couchman followed

- farming as the main business of his life, and was a very active Christian worker in the i Methodist Episcopal Church ; a class leader and a leading man in the church. He was ione who had the confidence of the community, and a large circle of friends and I acquaintances. Our subject remained with his father till his death. He was married j April 18, 1870, to Miss Fidelia, daughter of William and Anna (Lewis) Rose. They , had four children - Wilbur (deceased), Vernon, Clyde and Emma. Mr. Couchman located in Harrison Township, and followed farming till May, 1876, when he located at

Lis present place of residence. He has a good farm, but is giving his main attention to . the manufacture of tile. He has the only steam-power crusher for preparing the clay, in the county, which performs the work much more thoroughly and rapidly, aud without ! doubt, makes better tile than can be made by horse-power, and we have no doubt that | he will take the lead in this branch of business in the county. Mr. Couchman and wife we members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is occupying the same positions | in the church which his father filled so long and faithfully.

! SAMUEL COWGILL, farmer ; P. O. King's Creek ; bom in this county July 31, 1831 ; is a son of Henry and Anna Cowgill. Our subject lived at home with his 3 parents till April 5, 1860, when he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie E., daugh- | ter of Joshua and Eliza Buffington, natives of Pennsylvania, but who became quite early

- settlers of Champaign Co. His wife died June 2, 1863. He was again married April ; 6, 1865, to Mary E., daughter of Haines and Ann Linville. They had one child, dying i m infancy. Mr. Cowgill after his first marriage, emigrated West, and located in Kanj s®8, where he lived some four years, but, on account of the ill health of his wife, returned

, j to Ohio in the fall of 1862. After his second marriage he located upon the farm where j be now lives and has since resided. The farm consists of 200 acres of land, mostly in ®nltivation and pasturage, with good improvements. He also owns 500 acres of land in

Biographical 8Ketches

Kansas, and has alwayB followed agricultural pursuits, giving considerable attention to raising and dealing in stock. Politically, Mr. Cowgill is a Republican, though not a seeker of office, yet the people have placed their confidence in him, and he has held some offices of the township ; is at present Township Trustee, serving on his fourth year. He and family belong to the Society of Friends, to whose faith he has been warmly attached.

THOMAS A. COWGILL, farmer ; P. O. Kennard; was bom on the farm where he now resides July 21, 1840, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Marmon) Cowgill. He is a native of Ohio and she of North Carolina. The paternal grandfather, Thomas, was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to the then Northwest Territory and located in what is now Ohio about 1800. He became a resident of Champaign Co. in 1817. The maternal grandfather, Martin Marmon, became an early settler of Logan Co., taking an active part in the organization of that county, and for many years in its civil administration. Henry Cowgill followed agricultural pursuits during his life, and was among the most prominent and successful farmers of this county, acquiring a large amount of real estate and a good competency of this world's goods. He was not a man who sought or desired office, preferring a quiet farmer's life and the enjoyment of his home and family. He, however, served in some of the minor offices of his neighborhood and township ; was Township Treasurer some thirty-three years. He was the father of nine children - Angeline, Eliza, Electa, Sarah, Samuel, Susan, Martha, Thomas A. and Cynthia. He died Sept. 12, 1869. His wife is still living with our subject on the old home place, aged 75 years, enjoying good health physically and mentally, and has been a continued resident here for fifty -four years. Our subject lived with his father and engaged in agricultural pursuits until his manhood, enjoying merely the advantages of a common-school education. Under the manual labor upon the farm, he grew up to maturity, physically and intellectually strong, and possessing a natural strength of mind and great force and energy of character. Notwithstanding the limited advantages for acquiring an education, he became a more than ordinarily accomplished gentleman, and is really " a self-made man." In early manhood, the war period dawned upon our country, and he, catching the martial spirit, enlisted with many of his companions in the defense of his country, and was made Captain of Co. E, 95th O. V. I., with which he served in the Army of the Mississippi, participating in many of the sanguinary encounters in which that corps was engaged with the enemy. Being mustered out of the service upon the restoration of peace, he returned to his home and the quiet pursuits of his farm, engaging extensively in stock-raising, to which he has given his main attention to the present time. Mr. Cowgill has given some attention to the study of law, but has never been admitted to the bar, his other employments being enough to render his life an active and busy one. He has filled many minor offices of the township, and was elected as a Republican to the House of Representatives in 1875, serving with credit to himself in the 62d General Assembly. He was Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture. His acquaintance with the practical part of that science rendered him the right man in the right place. He was re-elected to the General Assembly in 1877, and again in 1879, being the first person ever elected to represent the county for three consecutive terms. He was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives at the organization of the General Assembly Jan. 4, 1880, which position he now holds. Mr. Cowgill is possessed of a well-proportioned, manly frame, and has a commanding appearance ; is a social gentleman, easy of approach, and possessing great ease and affableness of manner. He has formed, during his residence at the capital, friendships that will endure for life.

JACOB DAELHOUSEN, farmer ; P. O. Urbana ; was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 11, 1825; is a son of Daniel and Barbara (North) Daelhousen, natives of Pennsylvania. The grandfather, Henry D., was a native of Germany, emigrating to this country shortly after the Revolutionary war, during Adams' administration. The grandmother, Catharine, was a native of Pennsylvania. Daniel was born, lived and died upon the old homestead farm in Pennsylvania ; he died Feb. 4, 1880 ; his wife died some five or six years previous to his death. They were parents of eleven children ; eight now survive - Jacob, Andrew, David, Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Daniel and John Allen. Our subject remained at home until his majority ; he then worked on various farms for wages, for several years, and was married May 18, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Catharine Weaver, natives of Pennsylvania. They were parents of seven children, five now living - Rosanna, Elizabeth, Margaret, Catharine and Samuel H. Mr. Daelhousen and wife have had three children, two now living - John Warren and Laura Belle. Mr. Daelhousen left Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio, locating in Clark Co. in 1847. He has always followed the honorable occupation of farming, and has lived since the above date in Clark and Champaign Cos. He bought and located upon his present farm in 1872, where he has sinoe resided. He owns 93 acres of good land, mostly in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements, making a very pleasant home and residence, situated about three and one-half miles from Urbana. He has, by his own labor and industry, made a success of life, and is now possessed of a good property and home, with all necessary comforts and conveniences. He and wife are members of the German Reformed Church.

MARTIN M. DICKINSON, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O.Urbana; born in Logan Co., Ohio, Feb. 20, 1820 ; is a son of Thomas and Maria (Lowe) Dickinson ; he is a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Virginia. They emigrated from Virginia, and located in Logan Co., in 1812, where they resided till their death. She died in October, 1870, and he in May, 1879. They were the parents of fourteen childron ; ten now survive - Eliza, Robert, Nelson, Margaret, Hannah, Martin, Duncan M., Joshua, Lewis and Samuel. As early pioneers of that county, they experienced the hardships of those days; he was engaged in the war of 1812, and drew a pension. About two or three years after locating, his log cabin was burnt, with everything they possessed, which in that day was a great calamity. To replace his household goods, he journeyed to Virginia and obtained a feather-bed and other goods, which he* brought through on horseback, and then started anew in life again. These troubles " tried their souls ; " but, being a man of energy and industry, he made progress and became possessed of a good home and a large estate before his death. Our subject, at 16 years of age, went to Zanesfield and learned the blacksmith trade, which business he followed with success for twenty years, accumulating several thousand dollars. Then he turned his attention to farming and stockraising, following this business in Logan Co. about seven years, finally locating in Champaign Co., where he has continued the same business. In business Mr. Dickinson has been very successful, and now owns seven to eight hundred acres of land. He has built a fine residence on his farm on Sec. 8, in Salem Township, where he has fine improvements and a beautiful home ; has never held or sought office, but has given his attention strictly to business ; being a man of energy and quick perceptions, he has been suooesaful and accumulated a large competency. He was united in marriage Nov. 6, 1842, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Robert and Mary Rea, natives of Virginia. They have six children, five living - Semantha, Louisa, Adelia, Rea and Cora.

JAMES DUNCAN, farmer; P. O.Urbana; born in Scotland, in February, 1818. Is a son of James and Elsbet Duncan, who lived and died in Scotland. They were parents of ten children, four now living - John, James, Ebenezer and Elsbet. Mr. Duncan emigrated to America in 1854, and located in Champaign Co., where he has since resided, and always followed farming as an occupation. He has cultivated several different farms in the county, and is now living upon the farm of John Gordon, where he has resided for eight years. He was married in Scotland, Dec. 1, 1843, to Isabel, daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Lumsden) Stewart, natives of Scotland. She was born Sept. 1, 1818. Her mother, Margaret Lumsden, then 75 years of age, came across the ocean with them to this country and lived here ten years, dying at the ripe old age of 85 years. Mr. Duncan and wife have had nine ohildren, all living, six born in Scotland - Janet, Charles, James, John, Alexandria and Alexander; three born in this county - Margaret Elsbet, Isabel Jane and David Ebenezer. Mr. Duncan, after his marriage, lived in Scotland about eleven years, then came to America, and located in this county. He worked by the month for James A. McLain, with whom he continued ten years; then he rented a farm, and has since continued on rented farms to this date. Mr. Duncan has never held nor sought office, but has devoted himself exclusively to farm labor, and the raising and educating of his interesting family of children, all of whom have lived to grow to maturity and can now be a great help and blessing to their parents in their old age. Mr. Duncan and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, having been such for forty -six years. They have also had the pleasure to see all their children become members of the same church.

JOSEPH K. FUNK, farmer; P. 0. Urbana; was born in Pennsylvania Jan. 22, 1815. Is a son of Daniel and Frances (Kenaga) Funk, natives of Pennsylvania; also the grandparents were natives of the same State. Daniel and wife became residents of Ohio, locating in Salem Township, this county, about 1837, where they resided on their farm until 1875, then retired from the farm and located in Urbana, where they spent the remainder of their lives. He died April 14, 1879 ; his wife died April 21, 1857. After the death of his wife, he was married again to Mrs. Harriet Reed ; she is still living and resides in Urbana. As the issue of his first marriage they had three children; two now survive - Elizabeth Ann (now Mrs. Byers) and Joseph K. Our subject was raised on the farm, remaining with his father until of age. He was married Dec. 1, 1840, to Miss Maria, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Hunter, of Virginia. They had eight children, four now living - Mary Frances, Emma Annette, Charles E. and Effie May. Mr. Funk, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now lives, and has here made a continued residence of fortyfour years. He has a fine farm of 280 acres, with good buildings and improvements, and everything in order, constituting a pleasant home and residence. His wife died March 13, 1874. Mr. Funk is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; politically, he is a Republican.

JACOB S. FUNK, farmer ; P. 0. West Liberty, Logan Co. Born Feb. 1, 1815; is a native of Maryland; son of Joel and Elizabeth (Kanaga) Funk; he is a native of York Co., Penn., and she of Lancaster County. They became residents of Champaign Co., Salem Township, in 1829, and always remained here and followed the occupation of a farmer till his death, which occurred Jan. 5, 1864 ; his wife died March 22, 1877. Of eight children, four now survive - Jacob S., Emily A., Caroline E. and Aaron B. Mr. Funk was bom June 16, 1790, hence at his death was about 74 years of age. He was raised under pious parents of the Dunkard persuasion, and, although somewhat wild in his youth, and a lover of fun, yet he was kind and thoughtful in his nature, and, under the careful teaching of his parents, early became religiously inclined. In 1811, he joined the M. E. Church, in which he continued a most ardent worker during his entire life, filling the most important positions in the church, being a very earnest and successful class-leader, and an energetic Sabbath-school worker ; in his death the people lost a faithful and kind neighbor, and the church one of its most devoted and earnest workers. His wife was a true helpmeet and companion through life, and a most devoted Christian woman, having joined the church at the early age of 13 yean; hence at her death had been a Christian worker for threescore and ten years. Such was the work and Christian example of these faithful pioneers. Our subject was married, June 13, 1844, to Miss Sarah G., daughter of James and Martha (Turner) Long, he a native of Kentucky, and she of Pennsylvania, her grandfather, Jonathan Long, being one of the early settlers, whose history will enter largely into the history of thin county. Mr. Funk and wife, by their union, have had five children - Leander W. (an attorney, now in the Treasury Department at Washington, where he has been for fourteen years), Theodore K. (a graduate of Delaware in a classical course, and now practicing law in Portsmouth, Ohio), Rovilla A. (also educated in a scientific course at Delaware), Eugene T. (a graduate of Commercial College at Cincinnati), and James L. (a graduate of the high school at Urbana). Mr. Funk has followed agricultural pursuit* through his life ; has been a very successful farmer, and an earnest Christian man in the M. E. Church, following the footsteps of his honored and faithful father. The work he has done for his children is a noble one, giving them all a thorough education to prepare them well for honorable and useful positions in life, and thus far they have taken high positions and are doing well. Politically, Mr. Funk is an earnest and stanch Republican, and usually a delegate to most of their conventions.

JOHN R. GARARD, farmer and stock-dealer; P. 0. Urbana; born in Virginia Feb. 19, 1824 ; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Robinson) Garard, natives of Virginia. The grandfather and two or three generations of their ancestors are all natives of Virginia, the ancestors being very early settlers of that State, their line of descent being from France. The father lived and died in Virginia, but the wife, after his death, came to this county and resided with her daughter, where she died April 8, 1877. They were parents of eight children; six now survive - Thomas, John R., Ruth E., Simmons, Sarah E. and Susan Jane. Our subject left Virginia and located in Greene Co. in the fall of 1845 ; then in the spring of 1846 removed to this county and resided till 1854. He went to Wisconsin and lived there two and a half years, then returned to Champaign Co. and located near Kennard, residing there till April, 1864. He bought and located, where he now lives, sixteen years ago. Has 250 acres of excellent land, all under fine cultivation, with good buildings and improvements, constituting a very beautiful home and residence. He was married, June 15, 1848, te Miss Mary Jane, daughter of John and Rebecca Osborn, natives of Kentucky. They have nine children, all living - Rebecca, Mattie, Adeline, Irvin, Ora, Sarah Elizabeth, Sidney, Fannie and Frank (twins). In 1845, when Mr. Garard came to this county, he was possessed of a horse, saddle and bridle, and a suit of clothes. Now he is worth many thousand dollars, all made and accumulated by his own labor, industry and good management. He has the entire confidence of the community in which he lives ; has held the office of Township Trustee for several years, and has been asked to run for many of the offices of his township and county, but refuses, preferring to quietly attend to his own business and enjoy the pleasures of his home and family. His life is an example of unselfishness, uprightness and prosperity.

BENJAMIN W. GEHMAN, farmer and minister ; P. O. King's Creek. Among the prominent farmers and citizens of Salem Township, we here record the name of Benjamin W. Gehman, who was born in Berks Co., Penn., Jan. 9, 1820 ; is a son of Benjamin and Magdaline (Weaver) Gehman, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. The grandfather, Benjamin Gehman, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1741, and, when about 9 years of age, or in 1750, came to America, locating in Lancaster Co., Penn., where he resided till his death. Benjamin, the father of our subject, was raised to farm labor, remaining with his father till he grew to maturity ; in 1809, was married to Magdaline Weaver, and, in 1813, located in Berks Co., having bought a farm which, in its geographical position, lay in three counties - Lancaster, Chester and Berks - the residence being in the latter county. The house was built in 1774, and occupied as a kind of block-house and fortification during the wars and Indian troubles. The stone walls were three feet thick ; very small windows, and doors made of two thicknesses of inch oak plank, and barred and bolted together in such manner as to constitute them almost impregnable from without ; and in this house our subject was born and passed his childhood days, till about 14 years of age, when his father sold the homestead part of the farm, reserving that portion located in Lancaster Co., where he erected buildings and spent the remainder of his life, in the quiet enjoyment of the comforts and conveniences which his own labor and industry had acquired ; and, in honor to him, we may add, that when he bought this farm, which was during the war troubles of 1812, many of his friends and neighbors predicted he could never pay for it, but his energy, industry and good management were sufficient for the occasion and he went safely through, and his last days were passed in comfort and plenty. They were parents of nine children, six daughters and three sons, of whom seven now survive - Frances, now Mrs. Mast, living in Pennsylvania ; Nancy, now Mrs. Mast, of Iowa ; Magdaline, now Mrs. Zook, of Olney, 111.; Catharine, now Mrs. Frescoln, of McLean Co., 111.; Isaac, unmarried; Benjamin W., and Joseph, who is married, and residing in Indiana; two daughters deceased - Elizabeth, who married William Walton, had a large family, thirteen children, eleven now living. Mr. Walton died in 1846, and his wife about two years later ; and Mary, who married Josiah F. Kanaga, who lives in Kansas, and who had six children, now living - she died about six years ago. Our subject was raised to farm labor, obtaining but a limited education under the few facilities presented to him in that early day. There being no railroads in that day, transportations were all made by teams, and our subject, before 11 years of age, was employed as a teamster and followed this business till 18 years of age ; was then presented with a horse by his father. About this time, a call was made from the United States Government for a company to start from Iowa to explore and lay out an overland route to Oregon, and Mr. Gehman concluded to join the company, and started for Iowa, riding the entire distance on horseback, but after his arrival the matter fell through, for want of a sufficient number of men to make it safe to proceed with the undertaking. Mr. Gehman then traveled through several of the Western States on a tour of observation, making the entire tour of 4,000 miles on horseback, and returned to Pennsylvania to his father, where he remained until 22 years of a age.

In August, 1842, was married to Elizabeth Morris and started for the West, the objective point being Iowa, but on arriving in Champaign Co., at Mr. Zook's, his brother-in-law, his wife was taken very sick, and a consultation of physicians was held, and her life nearly despaired of, but she finally recovered. In the meantime, by the influence of his friends, he was induced to purchase and locate upon thejplaoe where he now resides. This farm of 200 acres he purchased of Rev. George W. Walker, a noted itinerant of the Methodist Episcopal Church of that day, paying $11 per acre; here Mr. Gehman has resided ever since, a period of thirty-seven years. To this possession he has at various times added, by purchase, till now he owns over 500 acres of some of the best land of Champaign Co. Mr. Gehman has lived a life of great activity, and his industry and labor have been rewarded by an abundant success, and, in all his business relations with the community, he has maintained the strictest integrity, and, probably, none stand in higher esteem or possessing the respect of the entire community than he. Religiously, Mr. Gehman's life is full of interest and usefulness. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church Jan. 18, 1836; was licensed to exhort, in August, 1840, in Morgantown, Penn.; and licensed as a preacher in 1848, and ordained in 1856, at Ripley, Ohio, by Bishop Ames, since which time he has continued constantly in the work and service of his master. He has experienced much joy and comfort in his great Christian work ; has been the means of building and organizing two churches - one at Kennard, called " Forbus Chapel," and the " Local Preacher's Chapel," three and a half miles northeast of Urbana - besides great work done in other places. During his ministry, he has had the pleasure to extend the hand of fellowship to over two hundred persons. One remarkablo incident in his work worthy of record here, was the conversion of Mrs. Higbee from the Roman Catholic faith to Protestantism. At the funeral of her first-born child, Mr. Gehman preached from the text : " It cannot come to me, but I can go to it." From this day her mind became awakened and she was converted, and has since been a very active and useful member of the Methodist Episoopal Church.

We will now close the imperfect sketch of Mr. Gehman's eventful and useful life, desiring that he may at the last great day receive his crown, with " many stars of rejoicing." Mr. Gehman and wife have four children - Ella M., Anna M., Benjamin Franklin and William M.; Ella and Franklin now reside in Kansas. Mrs. Gehman died Jan. 31, 1876. She was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence, with great moral and Christian worth. On May 23, 1878, he was married to Helena Brown, a sister of Dr. J. C. Brown, of Urbana. She is a native of Champaign Co., and was born Jan. 1 1836.

WILLIAM B. GEST, fanner and stock-dealer; P. 0. Mingo; born in Greene Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, 1825 ; is a son of Jeremiah and Pamelia Gest, natives of New Jersey, who were early settlers of Ohio, locating in Greene Co. about 1815. He spent his life here, and was engaged in the mercantile trade for many years, and also in the milling business. In the latter part of his life he retired to his farm near Bellbrook, where he died in March, 1879. His wife is still living at Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Gest was a very prominent and active business man ; carried on an extensive trade, and, although in the panic of 1837, he felt the pressure and suffered some from its effects, yet his tact and energy carried him safely through, and he was very successful through life and accumulated a large amount of property. They were parents of seven children, four of whom now survive - Sarah Ann, Mary Jane, William B. and Truman B. Joseph G., a deceased son, was a thoroughly educated man, a lawyer by profession, and became a very prominent man in Greene Co., representing that county in the State Legislature for four years. He was one of the originators and organizers of the State Board of Agriculture, and was its Secretary for many years. Our subject became a resident of Champaign Co. in the fall of 1848, locating upon a piece of land adjoining his present farm on the south, residing there nineteen years. Then bought the farm upon which he now resides, built a fine farm residence, and has a beautiful place, with good improvements. The two farms embrace 200 acres of land. He was married, Nov. 9, 1848, to Miss Matilda, daughter of Abner and Matilda Park, natives of New Jersey. They have had five children ; four now survive - Sarah Augusta, Laura Florence, Truman B. and Isabel. Mr. Gest has never held or sought office, preferring a business life ; he has, in former years, dealt extensively in grain, but is now giving his main attention to fanning and raising and dealing in stock.

JOHN GORDON, capitalist, Urbana ; born in Ireland Nov. 1, 1798 ; is a son of John and Jane (Hall) Gordon, natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. They were parents of seven children, two of whom survive - John and Lillie, now Mrs. John Campbell, of County Tyrone, Ireland. Mr. Gordon emigrated to America in 1819, then 21 years of age, and located in Chester Co., Penn., where he was married, March 16, 1826, to Sarah, daughter of Nathaniel McCaughey. Mr. Gordon was a cotton manufacturer by trade, and followed that business in Chester Co. several years ; then entered upon the mercantile trade at Church town, Lancaster Co., which he followed twenty-three years ; he lived in Chester Co. for three years, then sold out and located in Champaign Co., Ohio, on the farm where he has since resided. When Mr. Gordon came to America he was a poor man. By diligent work at his trade, he acquired means enough to commence in his mercantile career. In this business he accumulated money rapidly, being a shrewd buyer, and, by watching his opportunities, he was able to buy goods low and sell at a great profit. During the many years he was in trade, he amassed quite a fortune. At this time there came into circulation (> shin-plaster " money of uncertain value, and Mr. Gordon very wisely concluded to sell out and quit business, which he did ; and, in 1847, came West and bought the farm where he now lives. He has 240 acres of land, 200 acres of which are in cultivation, with good improvements, being one of the best farms in Salem Township, and a beautiful home and residence. His wife died June 2, 1854. On Nov. 13, 1855, he married Mrs. Margaret Jane Withrow, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Park) McClellan. We have here the history of one whose life has been one of very remarkable success and prosperity, and is a striking example of what can be accomplished by industry and a thorough devotion to business, with shrewd, good management.

PHILIP W. GUNCKEL, farmer ; P. O. Urbana ; was bom in Montgomery Co., Ohio, May 20, 1828 ; is a son of Philip and Mary E. (Locke) Gunckel, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Maryland, the ancestry being originally from Germany. Philip was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., and emigrated to Ohio with his father, the late Judge Philip Gunckel, in 1804, locating in Germantown, Montgomery Co., then a small settlement. Judge Gunckel built a mill on Twin Creek, and established a store in the

Tillage, the mercantile trade being e&rried on under the firm name of Philip Gunckel k Son. Philip remained in the store as clerk for several years. In 1812, he entered the United States service, enlisting in the company of his brother, Capt. Michael Gunckel ; he was chosen Orderly Sergeant, and the company was ordered to Ft Greenville, and, although not brought into active service against the Indians, yet they saw some rough service on the frontier. After his term of service expired, he resumed his place in the store, where he continued till he started in business for himself. He was married in 1819; issue, thirteen children, nine now survive - William F., Mary Ann, Catharine, Philip W., Elizabeth, Jane, Ella, Charles and Louisa. The mother died March 25, 1876, in the 75th year of her age; the father died some four or five years previous. He was noted for his genial nature and his hospitality. In early days, his house was a welcome home for Methodist preachers, he and wife being members of that denomination. Our subject, at 17 years of age, left home to learn the cabinetmaking business, which he followed about five years ; then followed the photographing business three years. Was married, Oct. 6, 1853, to Mary Ann, daughter of Dr. Cfdeb H. and Mary Ann Jones, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Kentucky ; issue, eight children, of whom five now survive - Frank C., Harry W., Addie M., Ids Jane and Pearl L. Mr. Gunckel, after his marriage, followed the mercantile trade in Middleton, Butler Co., Ohio, for six years, doing a very prosperous business ; but, on account of failing health, he sold out, and bought and located upon the place where he now resides, where he has engaged in the more healthy business of farming pursuits. He has 90 acres of fine land, in good cultivation, with excellent buildings and improvements, and is beautifully located on an elevation, where he has a fine view of the surrounding country. His farm is located two and one-half miles northeast of Urban*. Mr. Gunckel is a champion of free trade and sailors' rights, and, politically, has bees claimed by both parties. But, however he may vote from time to time, he claims the privilege to talk and write upon every political question independently, and is often found giving some of the principles of each party the " go by," aiming to brush away the cobwebs of fiction wherever he finds them. Mr. Gunckel, though in early life engaged in mercantile trade, has been a practical farmer for twenty years, and, while practical, he is also theoretical, having studied and become conversant with it as * science, for to rightly understand farming requires scientific knowledge. Mr. Gunckel possessing largely of this knowledge, has tried to impart it to the agricultural community through the avenues of the various agricultural socities and through his contributions to agricultural and county papers, he having been a regular and extensive oootributor to such papers for many years. He was a member of the Champaign County Agricultural Society two years, and was a delegate from this county to the S. W. Agricultural Society, held first at London, Madison Co., and next at Urbana. Mr. Gunckel is a very sociable gentleman, of pleasing address and manners, an agreeable neighbor and a good citizen.

WILLIAM HALLER, farmer; P. 0. King's Creek; was born in Mason Co.. Ky., Aug. 5, 1801 ; is a son of John and Mary (Allen) Haller - he a native of Penusylvania and she of Virginia ; they removed to Kentucky when quite young, and there became acquainted and married; they had six children, our subject being the only surviving child; the mother died in Kentucky Jan. 10, 1810. In October, 1812, the father, with his children, removed to Champaign Co., and, locating in Urbana; followed his trade - that of a blacksmith - till March, 1814, when he located upon a farm io Mad River Township. In the same year, he was married to Mrs. Mary Weaver, daughter of Archibald McKinley, a native of Kentucky, by whom he had seven children, fire supposed to be living - Julian, Mary, Lucinda, Milton and Raper. Mr. Haller carried on blacksmithing in connection with farming (luring his life ; he died in the summer of 1836, aged 64 years. Our subject was brought up to the same trade as his father, and was married, March 31, 1825, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Kenton) Arrowsmith, he a native of Maryland, and she of Virginia, and a niece of Simon Kenton, of pioneer fame ; by this union they had three children, two now living - John and Benjamin ; Mrs. Haller died Aug. 3, 1835. Mr. Haller married, for bis second wife, June 15, 1836, Jane Arrowsmith, a sister of his first wife ; they had two children - Sarah Ann and Lavinia ; his second wife died Aug. 24, 1851. His third wife, Myrtilla W., daughter of Aquilla and Susanna Bishop, he married Jan. 18, 1855 ; they had one child - William A. Mr. Haller resided in Mad River Township till 1851, then bought 200 acres of land in Urbana Township and lived there eleven years, and finally removed to Salem Township, his present locality. Mr. Haller's life has been one of labor, industry and usefulness, and has been crowned with success ; he acquired a good competency ; has given his children a good start in life, and has an ample sufficiency left for himself. He has been a free supporter of schools and churches, and an active Christian man, having been, for some sixty years, a local preacher in the M. E. Church ; he was converted at the age of 9 years, before leaving Kentucky, and, after his emigration to Ohio, at the age of 13 years, he joined the M. E. Church, under the labors of Rev. Robert W. Finley ; at 19 years of age, he was licensed as an exhorter, and, three years later, as a minister. He is now 79 years of age, enjoying good health, and without an ache or pain in his body ; his remarkable health he claims to be due to his careful and temperate habits, having never allowed himself to get wet by exposure to rain ; has never used intoxicating liquors or tobacco in any form, and never uttered an oath in his life. His record is one of remarkably exemplary habits, and is a worthy example to all future generations, and we feel that its record here will be of value long after he has passed from works to rewards.

ABRAHAM HERR, farmer; P. 0. Urbana; was bom in Dauphin Co., Penn., Sept. 21, 1830 ; is a son of Abraham and Fanny (Rush) Herr, natives of Pennsylvania ; they removed to Ohio in April, 1840, locating in Clark Co., and, in the fall of the same year, he bought and located upon the farm adjoining the one where our subject resides; here they lived and died; he died in February, 1863; his wife died in September, 1877 ; they had seven children grow up to maturity - Jacob, Abraham, Fanny, David, Elizabeth, Barbara and Benjamin ; the latter is now deceased, dying with typhoid fever in the army, on Black River, Mississippi. Mr. Herr was a plain, quiet farmer, never holding or seeking office, but diligent and industrious, attending strictly to his own affairs, a good neighbor, and honored and respected by all who knew him. Our subject, brought up at home to farm labor, was married, March 18, 1852, to Nancy Maria, daughter of Harvey Bates ; they had seven children, four now living - Nancy Jane, Charles E., Alma B. and Emma G. Mr. Herr located about four miles north of his present location, on a farm of his father's ; he lived there four years, and then on another rented farm, near Lippincott's Station, where he stayed four years ; he then bought and located upon his present excellent farm, owning, in all, 315 acres of land, the home place embracing 156 acres, with good buildings and improvements - constituting a beautiful home and farmer's residence. Mr. Herr has held the office of Township Trustee more than twenty years ; is a popular man in his township, and, like his father before him, is highly respected. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, having been such since 1853.

MARK H1GBEE, farmer; P. O. Urbana; bom in New Jersey Sept. 28, 1828; is a son of William and Hannah (Horn) Higbee, also natives of New Jersey. They became residents of this county about 1848, where he lived till his death. He died Aug. 8, 1877, aged 82 years. His wife is still living on the home place, aged 78 years. They were parents of twelve children. Nine now survive - John, Sarah Ann, Samuel, Mark, James, David, Hannahrett, Mary Elizabeth and Charles Henry. Our subject remained with his father till his marriage, March 7, 1852, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of David and Nora (Dwyer) Coleman, natives of Western Europe. By this marriage, they have had seven children. Five now survive - Nora, Johu W., Edmund E., Welford V. and David Franklin. After their marriage, they located upon the farm where they now live and have since resided. They own 191 acres of land in good cultivation, with fine buildings and improvements, constituting a beautiful home and residence. He and his

JACOB HOOLEY, farmer ; P. 0. Kennard ; born in Pennsylvania May 30, 1817 ; is a son of David and Catharine (Kaufman) Hooley, natives of Pennsylvania. The grandparents were also of Pennsylvania, but their ancestry were from Germany. David and wife resided in Pennsylvania till their death. They were farmers by occupation, and had seven children. Five now survive - Jacob, Mattie, John, Mary and David K. They were members of the Ornish Mennonite Church during life. He died in 1828, aged 37. She died in 1876, aged 86 years. Our subject was only 11 years of age when his father died, and the care of the family devolved upon the mother, who kept the home place and raised her children. Jacob, the eldest son, at 15 years of age, took the principal management of the farm, and so continued till 23 years of age. On Feb. 20, 1840, he was married to Martha, daughter of David and Fanny Kaufman, natives of Pennsylvania. They had ten children, six of whom are now living - Levi, David K., Christopher, Samuel, Francis and Jonas. After their marriage, Mr. Hooley remained on the home place with his mother five years. In the spring of 1845, they emigrated to Ohio, locating in Salem Township, Champaign Co. They purchased a farm of 60 acres, which was a part of the Nathaniel Hunter tract of land. This he held three years. Sold it, and bought the Samples farm. This consisted of 147 acres, and, by his own labor and industry, he has, from time to time, added more land by purchase, until he owned 671 acres of land, mostly in good cultivation, with excellent improvements. He has been a very industrious man, and, by economy and good management, has prospered and accumulated a competency. Has given his children a good start in life. He has a fine home and residence, and is very comfortably fixed to spend the remainder of his days in peace and plenty. They are also members of the Ornish Mennonite Church.

NATHANIEL C. HUNTER, farmer ; P. 0. West Liberty, Logan Co.; born on the farm, " Forest Home," where he now resides, Nov. 1, 1825 ; is the son of John and Jane P. (Humphrey) Hunter. He is a native of Virginia, and she of Pennsylvania. The grandfather, Nathaniel, was a native of England or the north part of Ireland. The grandmother, Hester Ann (Porter), a native of North Ireland ; emigrated to America near the close of the eighteenth century, settling in the State of Virginia. In 1811, they came to Ohio, bringing four sons and four daughters, and located in Madison Co., where they remained till 1814, when they removed to Champaign Co., having previously, or about 1812, bought a large tract of land embracing the same land upon which the grandson, Nathaniel, our subject, now lives. Here they located and spent the remainder of their life ; being among the early pioneers and enduring the many hardships to which they were subject. John, the father of our subject, spent his whole life in this vicinity, and was identified with much of the early history of this settlement, helping build and organize the churches and schools of that early day. He was married in 1822 ; they bad six children, three now survive - Nathaniel C., Washington C. and William H. The latter, during the war, raised a company of men and entered the 12th 0. V. C. ; was promoted to Major and served through the war. Soon after he went South and entered upon the work of raising cotton ; he was very unsuccessful, losing all his property. He was elected Sheriff of the county, then Clerk of Court and Representative to the Legislature, and is now United States Commissioner at Montgomery, Ala. Washington C. is now in Michigan, an extensive fruit-grower. Mr. John Hunter was a man who gave but limited attention to political matters ; was, however, a prominent man among the people, and held many offices of the township with fidelity and trust. He was a great and active worker in the M. E. Church, filling most of the important positions in the church up to the time of his death. He died Feb. 28, 1878; his wife died July 15, 1877. Our subject was married May 17, 1849, to Miss Helen M., daughter of Graham and Hannah (Cochran) Purdy, natives of Vermont. They had three children - John G., Albert L. and William P. Mr. Hunter first located upon the farm where he now lives, remaining here about three years ; then went to West Liberty, Logan Co., and entered upon the mercantile business, in which he continued about six years, doing a very successful trade. During this time he was a partner in building the first steam saw-mill and the first foundry ever in West Liberty; then he returned to his farm, " Forest Home," where he has since resided. He has a beautiful home, well improved, and is a successful farmer ; has several other pieces of land, owning in all 385 acres of land. His wife died April 30, 1880, after a loved companionship of nearly thirty-one years. Mr. Hunter, though a very prominent man and farmer, never desired office, and, though sometimes forced to accept some township offices, yet generally avoids them as much as possible ; but, like his father, he is a very active and prominent man in the M. E. Church, holding all the important positions therein, not for popularity, but from his love for and zeal in the Christian work. He is an earnest Sabbath-school worker, being a prominent pioneer organizer of Sabbath -schools throughout this section. He has also been an active supporter of free schools, and a great worker in promoting education. We can safely say that when Mr. Hunter's course of life is run, the community and the church will lose an ardent friend, an honored and faithful worker.