Jerome Township (part 3 of 6)

ROBERT HILL, farmer, P. 0. Jerome, a pr-)minent farmer and citizen of Jerome Township, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, November 25, 1823. His father was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to the United States with his father, whose name was also Robert, in 1816, and for six or eight years temporarily lived in Pittsburgh, Penn. On their removal West, they settled in Guernsey County, Ohio, wlaere Mr. Hill (the first) died. Robert, the father of our subject, was a young man when his parents came across. He resided in Guernsey and Tuscarawas Counties till 1858, when he came to Jerome Township; residing there till October, 1873, he removed to Paulding County, where he died in November, 1879. Mrs. Hill {nee Nancy Morris) died about 1828-29 She was a native of England, and came to America with her parents. Robert Hill, the subject of this sketch, is the second son and third child of four children, of whom three are living, viz.: Ann E., widow of Jonathan McCuUough, of Harrison County ; Mary, wife of Hanson Merryman, of Delaware County ; Robert; and James, the eldest, who died in McConnelsville, Morgan County, August, 1878. Mr. Hill's mother died in 1828, and he became a member of the household of an uncle, John G. Norris, with whom he remained till of age. He was employed by ^Ir. Norris in a grist-mill till 1845, when he started out to acquire his own fortune. He spent a few months working as a laborer at the mere pittance salary of $8.33^ per month. In 1845, he came to Mill Creek Township, and first purchased fifty acres of land. He resided on this farm fourteen years, in the meantime making an addition of fifty acres more. On his location in Jerome Township he bought 160 acres, and has made subse- quent purchases till he now owns 349 acres of finely improved and highly cultivated land. January 8, 1846, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Rea, a daughter of Samuel and Ruth A. (Robinson) Rea, natives of Harrison County, Ohio, and a grand-daughter of Rev. John Rea, one of the early pioneer Presbyterian ministers of Ohio, of whom a sketch is appended. Samuel Hill was a member of the Coshocton County bar, and was a lawyer of considerable distinction. He was drowned in the Muskingum River February "28, 1838. His widow died February 19, 1881, aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. Hill was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, February 4, 1827. At her father's death, she was taken by her grandfather, Rev. John Rea, and reared to womanhood. Mr. Rea was Irish born, and crossed the Atlantic when eightteen years of age. He first settled in Westmoreland County, Penn., where he married Elizabeth Christy, a daughter of John Christy, who was an early settler in Pennsylvania, and participated in the Indian wars. On an Indian raid, two of his sons, John and William, were captured. They were returning home with the horses, when the redskins made the attack by firing upon them. John, in attempting to escape, was killed. William's horse was shot and fell upon him, and he became a victim of the savages. The first he knew of his brother's death occurred when he saw his scalp suspended to an Indian's belt, and recognized the black locks of hair. William was kept a captive three years, and released and returned to his mother and family. He was adopted by a chief, who treated him very kindly, and of whom he ever afterward spoke in terms of the highest veneration. Rev. John Rea was educated under Catholic discipline, and received a thorough classical training. He removed to Harrison County, Ohio, and was among its earliest settlers. He was pastor of a church at Beech Springs, in that county, for half a century. He was a member of the Philadelphia Synod, and went on horseback from Harrison County to Philadelphia, Penn., several times, to attend the General Assembly. He prepared and delivered an able farewell sermon to the congregation over which he had presided as minister and pastor for 80 many years, and retired to his home, where he died in February, 185.5, at a ripe age. Mr. and Mrs. Hill were blest with thirteen children ; of these ten are living, viz.: Flora M., wife of Orange Cutler; Ruth A., widow of VV. P. Wentz ; G. Rea married Rachel Herriott ; Mary I., wife of Lewis Brake ; Elizabeth J., wife of Fleetwood Courtright; Samuel C, Frank S., Carrie A., John R. and Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Hill started in life together pioneers, and with few advantages. Together they have shared the difficulties and pleasures, the labor and reward of life. By their combined energy and industry, they have accumulated a sufficient competence. As a representative citizen, we give the portrait of Mr. Hill on another page of this volume.

REV. JOHN REA, D. D., the son of Joseph and Isabel Rea, was born in the village of Tully, Ireland, in 1772; emigrated to the United States when eighteen years of age. After remaining at Philadelphia, Penn., a short tii>e, " I left on foot," said he, " traveled mostly alone through the wilderness, sad, gloomy and dispirited, until after many days I arrived west of the Alleghany Mountains, stopping at the house of Mr. Porter, a Presbyterian minister." He now prosecuted the study of Latin, privately, which he had begun in his native land. To procure temporary means of support, he taught, first a night school, and afterward a day school. In 1793, he married Miss Elizabeth Christy, of Westmoreland County, Penn. They had nine children, seven sons and two daughters, four of whom are still living, and one grandson. Rev. David Thompson, who is laboring in Jeddo, Empire of Japan, under the direction of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. Mr. Hea felt it his duty, even after marriage, to finish his education, already commenced, and if it was the will of his Divine Master, to enter the work of the Gospel ministry ; for at his conversion and public profession of religion, he secretly vowed to his God that if He spared his life and gave him strength and grace, he would dedicate himself to the work of preaching the Gospel of Christ. With faith in Jesus, and his eye ever fixed upon his future calling, he labored and struggled on amid many adverse circumstances, with untiring zeal and more than ordinary industry, he worked his way through a literary course of education, teaching school, and studying alternately, until he graduated with honor at Jefferson College, when it was but a small school kept in a log-cabin near Canonsburg, Penn. Mr. Rea was among the first alumni of this college, and studied theology under the direction of Dr. John McMillen; was licensed to preach by the Ohio Presbytery, June, 1803, and after some three months' itinerancy in the wilderness of Central Ohio, among Indian camps and the few white settlements, he was appointed to supply the newly organized churches of Beech Springs, Crab-apple and vicinity ; for included in the latter was the Nottingham appointment, then considered on the confines of civilization, but now in the midst of a well-improved and densely populated country. After preaching for one year, as stated supply of these congregations, a united call was made out and carried up to the Presbytery, from these churches, in the spring of 1805, for each one-half of the labors of Mr. Rea, which was put into his hands and accepted. He was immediately ordained and installed pastor of said congregations by the Presbytery of Ohio. The country settled up rapidly, and his charges grew as fast, so that it soon became necessary to have the relation between the two churches dissolved, that he might labor all his time at the Beech Springs, with the exception that a portion of his services, at discretion, might be occupied in fostering those vines springing up on his borders ; and so untii-ing and devoted was this servant of Christ, that, besides ministering to the wants of so large a church, he found time to be instrumental in raising up some six or seven separate societies, that went out as col- onies from the mother church and are now self-sustaining and prominent congregations. Dr. Rea died of decay of vital powers, February 12, 1855, at his residence near Unionville, Ohio (among the people of his charge, with whom, in part, he first settled), in the eighty-third year of his age and fifty-second of his ministry, greatly and deservedly beloved and esteemed as a citizen, Christian and faithful preacher of "Christ and Him crucified." Whatever else he omitted, he never neglected due preparation for the pulpit ; his sermons evinced research, invention and original thought. It might be truly said of him that he was everywhere a living example of a Christian minister. He taught both by precept and daily walk. Mr. Rea established the Nottingham Mission, in 1806, and served it at stated times from the beginning, until 1810, when all his labors were required at Beech Springs, where his pastorate continued fortyfive years, and during all this time he was much beloved and appreciated by the people. The older members of the congregation were enthusiastically attached to him, both as a preacher and spiritual adviser, and well they might be, for he was untiring in his exertions for their wellbeing.

JAMES W. HERRIOTT, deceased, was born in Mercer County, Penn., February 3, 1830. When four years of age, his parents, Samuel and Mary T. (Corey) Herriott, removed and settled in Jerome Township. Mr. Herriott is the third of fourteen children. His early life was spent on the farm, and for an education he enjoyed only the advantages of the cotnmon schools. November 9, 1849, he joined himself in marriage with Miss Margery, a daughter of John and Margery Cunningham, who came to Delaware County in 1828. Mr. C. died September 27, 1859, and his wife October 3, 1853. Mrs. H. was born in Delaware County December 29, 1829. Of thirteen children born to this marriage, nine are living, viz. : Jane, wife of William Cox; Mary T., wife of Girard Hughes; Hannah R., wife of R. G. Hill; Maria A., wife of R. S. Fry ; Lovina S., William B., Nora R., Laura M. and Frances. Joanna, Margery A., Angeline and Sarah E. are deceased. Mr. Herriott resided in Delaware County till April, 1875, when he purchased the old homestead in Jerome, where he died March 8, 1882. In connection with farming he operated an ashery for nine years. He left a farm of seventy acres, besides fifty acres in Delaware County. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics he was of Republican principles.

J. E. HERRIOTT, M. D., physician, Jerome, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, September 17, 1849. He is a son of Ebenezer C. and Elnora Herriott, the former a native of Mercer County, Penn., and the latter of Harrison County, Ohio. Ebenezer Herriott came to the county with his parents, Samuel and Mary T. Herriott, in 1834. They were natives of New Jersey, and of Scotch descent, and died in Jerome Township. In 1848, Ebenezer removed to Delaware County, where he lived till 1856, and returned to Union County. He died August 19, 1871 ; his wife's death occurred August 19, 1861. Our subject is the eldest of seven children. He received his literary education in the Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware, and in 1870 began reading medicine with Dr. James Cutler, of Richwood. He attended the Starling Medical College of Columbus, and subsequently the Medical College of Cincinnati, from which institution he graduated in March, 1872. He came to Jerome Post Office, and entered upon the practice of his profession, which he has successfully followed. September 27, 1871, he was married to Saliema, daughter of Abraham and Bell Peters. Two children - Guersant P. and Gertrude May, were born to this union. Dr. Herriott has by close attention to his calling established a large practice. He and wife are associated as members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ANDREW J. HOBERT, farmer, P. 0. Marysville, was born near Plain City, in Madison County, April 27, 1828. His father was born in Vermont January 3, 1802. His mother dying when he was an infant, he was taken by Samuel Stone to rear, who removed to Madison County, Ohio, in 1816. He was married August 25, 1826, to Margaret Gandy, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, November 7, 1811, andcame with her parents to Leesburg Township in 1832. In the year 1833, Mr. and Mrs. Hobert settled in Jerome Township, where ihey both died ; the former October 16, 1849, and the latter July 7, 1881. Andrew, the second child, was reared to manhood on a farm, till nineteen, when he took up the cooper's trade, and followed it in Frankfort seven years. He purchased ninety-one acres, settling on it in 1858. He now owns 117 acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. It has a sugar camp of 500 trees, and manufactures about 1,000 pounds of sugar annually. June 6, 1858, he was married to Miss Jane A., daughter of Chester and Emily Pool. Mrs. Hobert was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., November 6, 1838. One daughter, Josie M., is the only child. She was born September 26, 1860, and married Prof. W. S. Kennedy. Mamie and Charlie are deceased. Mr. Hobert was a member of the Board of Township Trustees three terms. Politically, he is Republican.

J. S. HOWLAND, M. D., physician, New California, was born in Brown County, Ohio, January 28, 1843, and is a son of Jonathan and Eliza J. (Stewart) Howland, of Brown County ; his father's parents were Ichabod and Eliza (Beam) Howland, pioneers in the above county in which they and the father of our subject died ; his mother resides at Somerville, this county. He is the third child of a family of tea children, nine of whom are living. His boyhood was principally passed in the counties of Pendleton, Lewis and Mason, in Kentucky, but he received the rudiments of his education at Winchester, Ky,, which was more fully developed at the Lebanon (Ohio) Normal School. October 8, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Seventh Ohio Volunteer

Cavalry, and served with distinction under Gens. Gilmore, Burnside, Sherman and Thomas, and participated in the battles of Somerset, Knoxville, Bean Station, Rogersville, Blaines Cross Roads, Peach Tree Creek, Resaca, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville, Ebenezer Church, Selma, Ala., and Columbus, Ga. He served in succession, Corporal, Quartermaster Sergeant, Duty Sergeant, Chief Clerk in Commissary Department, and Chief Issuing Clerk in the Post Commissary Department. The latter place he filled at Atlanta from April 1, 1865, till his discharge .July 11, the same year. He then came to Fayette County, where his parents had moved while in the service, and in 1868 embarked in teaching, which he followed till 1875, when he turned his attention to medicine. He read three years with Dr. A. J. Richardson, of Somerville, and took a course in the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati. In February, 1877, he located at New California, and has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. January 16, 1868, he was married to Miss Louisa Edgington, a daughter of JesSe Edgington, by whom he has had three children - Orlie, Irene and Jesse. Dr. Howland and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is connected with the I. 0. 0. F. and G. A. R.

THOMAS JONES, for a number of years a prominent citizen of Union County, was born in Wales July 29, 1823. When eight years of age, his parents, John and Winifred Jones, emigrated to the United States and settled down in Columbus, Ohio, where they both died. Mr. Jones spent his early life in Columbus, and was educated in the public schools of that place. In 1852-53, he came to Union County and purchased 207 acres of land, to whic4 he added by subsequent purchase till his farm contained 300 acres. He also owned a farm of 185 acres on Darby Plains, Madison County. Mr. Jones was a leading and influential citizen, and as a fine stock-raiser was second to none in the county. He was especially engaged in keeping thoroughbred short-horned cattle and French Norman and Clydesdale horses. He was the first man to introduce French horses in the county, and owned one of the first Norman Stallions (Pleasant Valley Bill) that was imported to tne United States. In 1857, he bought the Norman mare Doll - the third one of the Norman stock that was imported into America. Mr. Jones was successfully engaged in the fine stock business till he removed to his farm near Delaware, since which time his sons, Charles M. and Albert N., have succeeded him in his useful enterprise. He was married, November 10, 1847, to Marium Newton, who was born in Madison County April 22, 1824. Their union was blessed with six children - Naniet N., wife of Dr. J. D. Jones, of Cleveland, Ohio ; Charles M., Albert N., Ellsworth E. and Winifred ; Ann, is deceased ; Charles M., was born June 9, 1850, and Albert N., November 20, 1850. They reside on the Jiomestead near Plain City.

ARTHUR T. KENTON, farmer, P. 0. New California, was born in Mad River Township, Champaign County, February 16, 1824. He is a son of James Kenton, who was a nephew of the celebrated Simon Kenton, whose history is given at length elsewhere in this volume. James Kenton was the second child of nine children, viz.: Polly, James, Elizabeth, Sarah, Jane, Susan, Matilda, William and Richard. Mr. Kenton died in Mad River Township, in 1867, and his wife in Missouri in October, 1872. They were the parents of ten children, of whom four are now living, viz.: Julia, wife of George Gosley; Arthur T., the subject of this sketch; Celinda, wife of William Bates; and William H. H. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on the old Kenton homestead, and educated in the common schools of his day. He resided in Roundhead Township, Hardin County, from 1848 to 1854, when he returned toCbampaign County and lived on a part of the old homestead till December, 1862, when he removed to his present valuable farm. Mr. Kenton has been an unusually hard-woi'king man, and his industry, combined with rigid economy, has made for him large property. His occupation has been farming and rearing and dealing in stock, in which he has made a marked success. He owns 183 acres of land where he resides, estimated at $70 per acre, and 214 acres in Hardin County, worth $50 per acre. September 12, 1848, Mr. Kenton was married to Rebecca L. Irwin, daughter of James and Christiana Irwin. Mrs. Kenton was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 28, 1826, and died July 27, 1872. They had eight children, viz.: Leonidas M., born June 10, 1849; Florence S., born May 17, 1852, wife of J. Ellis; Ettny, born October 17, 1858; B., born July 10, 1864; and Delia J., born August 29, 1866. James C, Thomas and Lilly R. are deceased.

JAMES KETCH, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, an old and respected pioneer of Union County, was born in Canaan Township, Madison County, June 5, 1818. He is a son of Lewis and Sarah (Beach) Ketch, the former a native of York State, and the latter of Vermont. Mr. Ketch was bnrn March 29, 1795, and Mrs. Ketch June 9, 1797. They were married March 6, 1814, and the following fall removed to Darby Township, Madison County, where Mr. Ketch died January T, 1823. Mrs. Ketch was the mother of four children. She married for her second husband Parley Converse, and bore him five children. When but six years of age our subject was placed in the family of John Irwin, the father of Gen. William Irwin. He was reared till thirteen by Mr. Irwin, and for an education had the privileges of the common schools. In 1831, Mr. Irwin died, and young Ketch went to Madison County, and after spending one year returned to Union Township and worked at the carpenter trade with Gen. Irwin. He followed his trade up to 1844, when he purchased forty-four acres of his present farm. Of this all was woodland with no improvements except a log house, which had been partly erected. Everything dwelt in the wild dominion of nature, and deer, wolves, and other wild animals were numerous. Mr. Ketch began the work of clearing and improving the farm, and made additions till he now owns 130 acres. Mr. Ketch was married, December 15, 1839, to Miss Rhoda Converse, daughter of .Jeremiah and Malinda (Derby) Converse, natives of Vermont. Mrs. Ketch was born in Madison County, Ohio, January 31, 1817. This union was blessed wiih ten children ; of these seven are living - Lester W., married Sarah N. Conklin ; Malinda D., wife of Isaac D. Mapes"; Louisa R., formerly wife of Isaac J. Kilbury, and since of Perry Douglas ; Lewis J., who was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed by a shell while in camp on the Atlanta campaign, August 6, \H6i ; Nancy F., wife of G. W. Stevens ; Olive F., died aged two years ; Harriet L., wife of C. C. Smith ; Hiram G , died in infancy; Hylas R. and Dexter D. .Mr. Ketch served Jerome Township as Justice of the Peace fifteen years, and as Trustee three years. !SIr. Ketch is familiar with the general growth and development of the county, his acquaintance with it dating back almost to its organization, and few important events occurred within its limits of which he has no knowledge.

THOMPSON T. KILBURY, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born in Madison County, Ohio, June6, 1830. His parents, Thomas and Martha (Finch) Kilbury. were natives of Vermont. His father and parents removed to Madison County, Ohio, at an early day, and were among the first pioneers of Canaan Township. Mr. Kilbury, the father of our subject, took a contract of opening up and making the road from New California to Bellepoint. Tnompson was reared and brought up in his native place, and received his training in the common schools. He assisted his fiither in clearing up the home farm and remained on it till 1853, when he married. He rented lands till 1800, when he purchased 15H acres in .Jerome Township. It contained no improvements save a log cabin, which was erected by Frederick Sager, one of the oldest pioneers of the county. The building is now used as a stable. March 24, 1853, Mr. Kilbury was married to Miss Darthula, daughter of Amos Perkins. Mrs Kilbury was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, December 30, 1835. They have had seven children, viz.: Elmore S., born February 12, 1854; Amanda, September 26, 1855, wife of Edgar Powell; Emilius M.. March 15, 1858; Ulysses G., July 9, 1867 ; Emma S., November 3, 1868 ; Clark R., April 20, 1871, and Thomas E., February 18, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Kilbury are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is identified with the I. 0. of 0. F., and in politics is a Republican. He served as a member of the Board of Township Trustees nine years, and in other local offices. During the war he recruited an independent cavalry company. He declined the Captaincy and was given the rank of First Lieutenant. The company finally disbanded and enlisted in the three years' term of service. Mr. Kilbury subsequently became a member of tlie home militia. Mr. Kilbury owns a valuable farm on the Big Darby, and is engaged in the pursuits of farming.

J.\C0B KRAMER, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born in Center County. Penn., December 24, 1822. September 20, 1814, his parents, Joseph and Mary (Brown) Kramer, were married, and in 1834 came to Madison County, Ohio. The following year they removed to Union Township, Union County. Mr. Kramer was a blacksmith and followed it two years at Homer, then removed to .Madison County, and died at West Jefferson in August, 1873. Mr.-i. K. had died in August, 1849. Jacob is the second son of a family of eleven children. At the early age of twelve, he begin and served a four years' apprenticeship at his father's trade. He then turned his attention to farming, which he has since followed, e.Kcept the years 1850-51 he spent in driving cattle from Illinois to Lancaster, Penn. In 1866, he located on his present farm and has since cultivated its soil. November, 1850, he was married to Miss Maria D., daughter of Daniel and Polly Kent, and a native of Jerome Township. Six children that were born to ihis union are as follows : Marilla J., wife of Joseph Wilson ; Mary E., Charles H., Album D., John H. and Anna. Mr. Kramer is the fifth child of eleven children, viz.: Sarah, born March 25, 1815; Mary, May 5, 1816; Lewis, July 24, 1818; Eliza, July 20, 1820; Jacob, the subject of this ^ketch ; Hannah, March 9, 1824; John, February 9, 1825; Henry, February 22, 1827 ; Isaac C, April 3, 1830; Sarah E., April 22, 1832, and Jerome, April 16, 1834. Mr. Kramer owns a farm of fifty-one and a half acres of land. Mrs. Kramer is a member of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. K. is a Democrat.

D.WID C. L.\NE, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born in Union Township, this coanty. May 12, 1820. He is a son of Lutlier and Lodica (Green) Lane, natives of Vermont. They came to Union Township in 1818. Mr. Lane died June 2, 1829. Mrs. L. died some four years after their settlement in the county. David was left an orphan when a boy, and without any assistance. He spent three years with James Miller of Union Township, and two years with James Pratt. He continued in the employment of the farmers till 1847, when he married and settled in Canaan Township, Madison County, where he resided till 1856, when he sought out his present location. His marriage with Elizabeth Cox was blest with five children ; of these four are living: Luther S., born February 14, 1848, married Mary J. .Mooney ; George, born May 15, 1852, married Ella Edwards: Chloe, born July 19, 1855; Mary, born March 24, 1858, and Price, born October 18, 1862. Electa, born April 18, 1850, married Ross Mooney, and died April 13, 1876, leaving two children - Walter and Ida E.; the latter is deceased. Mrs. Lane was born in Ontario, January 11, 1828. Her parents, Spencer and Elizabeth Cox, were natives of Ontario, and came to near Cleveland, Ohio, in 1834, and in 1838 to Columbus, thence to Madiso n County the following year, where they resided till 1850, and went to Illinois, where they both died. Mr. Lane owns a farm of sixty-seven acres. In politics, he is of Republican sentiment.

JOHN LIGGETT, farmer, P. 0. New California. The subject of this sketch was born in Warren County, Ohio, November 12, 1813. He is a son of John and Mary (McCormick) Liggett, and a grandson of William Liggett, a Revolutionary soldier. The parents were married in Rockbridge County, Va., and about 1806-7 removed to Ross County, Ohio; thence to Warren County; and in 1825, to Greene County, where Mr. Liggett died March 19. 1862, and Mrs. L. December 5, 1852. Mr. Liggett, our subject, is the third son and fourth child of nine children. He spent his early life on a farm near Xenia, Ohio, where he resided till 1839, when he came to Union County. He purchased 189 acres of his present farm. All of it was in its timbered state, and in 1841 he cleared a site and erected a log house. After his marriage, he removed on his new farm, which he cleared and improved. Mr. Liggett has devoted many years of hard labor in making for himself and family a competence ; and his industry has been well rewarded. His farm now contains 222 aci*es of well-improved and highly cultivated land, all of which is the fruit of his own exertions. His avocation has always been that of farming and stock-raising, and he has enjoyed reasonable success. November 12, 1841, he was married to Miss Mary Lamme, a daughter of Josiah and Nancy (Carman) Lamme. Mrs. Liggett, a native of Greene County, Ohio, was born November 24, 1819. Of seven children born to this union, five are living, viz. : Lovina, wife of I. G. Stall, of Union City, Ind. ; Robert A., Clerk of Wayne County, Mich. ; William M., Treasurer of Union County ; John W. and Edward G. ; Esma L. and Charlie F., are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Liggett are members of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. L., although not an office aspirant, served on tbe Board of Trustees of Jerome Township for ten years. Politically, he is a Republican.

WILLIAM MARTIN, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, August 18, 1827, and is a son of David and Leah (Brelsford) Martin, of Maryland. The grandfather of our subject, David Martin, settled in the above county in an early day. His maternal grandfather, Abram Brelsford, also settled there in an early day, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. The parents of our subject came to this couniy in 1835, and settled in Jerome Township on the farm where William Martin now resitles. He died on October 24, 184^. His mother is living, and resides in Madison County, Ohio. The subject of this sketch is the second son of nine children, five of whom are living, viz., William, George, David, Charles an 1 Mary, \N illiam being the eldest. The care of the family devolved on his hands after the father' s death, and for three years he supported them, then started out in life for himself. He rented a while, then purchased half of the homestead. February 28, 1851, he was married to Elizabeth Kile, by whom he has had four children ; three are living - Delilah, wife of John Warner; Laura J., wife of Robert Purdum, and David W. Mrs. Martin is a daughter of William and Elizabeth Kile. She was born in Licking County, Ohio, February 9, 1834. In 1864, Mr. Martin enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment of the Ohio National Guard service. He was honorably discharged in September, 1864. Mr. Martin is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was a poor boy when thrown upon the world, but by his energy and industry he has made a reasonable competence.

ANDREW H. McCAMPBELL, farmer, P. 0. New California, was born in Rockbridge County, Va., July 1, 1821. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Porter) McCampbell, were also natives of Rockbridge County. Mr. McCampbell was born June 7, 1783. His father, William McCampbell, Sr., emigrated with his family from Ireland previous to the Revolution, and settled in Rockbridge County, Va. He served in the war that secured the independence of the States, after which he returned to his family, and died March 26, 1822, at the age of eighty-two years. His widow, Jane McCampbell, to wlaom he was married in 1768, died June 5, 1827, having attained to the age of eighty-three. Mrs. McCampbell nee Porter, the mother of our subject, was born September 7, 1786. Her father was also a native of Ireland, and came to the United States in time to serve the country in the Revolutionary struggles. Mr. and Mrs. McCampbell, the parents of the subject whose name heads this sketch, were married January 19, 1806. In 18o2, they removed to Greene County, Ohio, and two years later, to Jerome Township, Union County, where Mr. McCampbell died November 10, 1853. His widow survived him till May 1, 1872. They were the parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom they reared to maturity, viz. : M'lry B., William, Bobert S., John, Samuel P., James L., Joseph P., James C, Andrew H., David T., Charles, Alfred and Elizabeth. Mr. McCampbell, the subject of this biography, spent his early manhood on a farm, and received his education chiefly in the common schools of Jerome Township. His early life was given to clearing up the old homestead, which contained 400 acres. When he attained his majority, he served an apprenticeship under his brother at the cooper trade, which he pursued ten years. In 1845, he purchased a small firm of sixty acres, locating on it the succeeding year. He occupied this land till 1852, when he disposed of it and bought 108 acres of woodland, now constituting a part of his present farm. He has since given his whole attention to the pursuit of his farm and stock and has made a marked success He has as the fruits of his energy and industry a farm of 544 acres of finely improved and w 11 cultivated land. Mr. McCampbell is one of the most thorough and successful fanners in Union County. December 31, 1846, he was united in marriage to Miss Maria Mitchell, a daughter of Jesse Mitchell now deceased. Of seven children by this union, five are now living - Telia, wife of T. B. Arnold, now of Minneapolis, Minn., James D., Jesse C, George

W. and Emma, who is at home. Aaron C. and Rosa are deceased. Mr. McCampbell and family are consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. McCampbell is a supporter of Republican principles. He served bis township in the capacity of Land Appraiser two terms and Trustee one term ; and has also filled other local offices. In the improvements of the township, he has always displayed an active part, having paid out to the construction of pikes over $3,000. As a citizen and a man, Mr. McCampbell occupies an honorable position in the community and county.

PAVID McCAMPBELL, farmer, P. 0. New California, seventh son of William and Elizabeth McCampbell, was born in Rockbridge County, Va., May 15, 1823. He came to the county with his parents when a boy, and remained at home till of age. His early life was spent with his brothers in clearing up the homestead. In 1864, he removed to the farm he now occupies. In 1843, he engaged in butchering, and followed it continuously till 1878, when he retired from that avocation, and turned his attention wholly to farming. For two years he kept a provision and meat store in Plain City, and enjoyed a good trade. He owns a valuable farm of 192 acres, located one mile east of New California. February 25, 1849, Mr. McCampbell was joined in marriage with Miss Elizabeth M. McCuUough, a daughter of Samuel McCulIough, an early pioneer of Union County. Mrs. McC. was born in Jerome Township, May, 1826. This marriage was blessed with five children, viz.: Achpor N.; .John II., married Miss Rose Hutchinson, and have three children - Harry C, Frank L. and Nellie M. ; Eva R., Zenas C. and Maggie M. Mr. and Mrs. McCampbell are consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. McC. is in politics a Republican. July 15, 1880, he fell from an apple tree and had his hip broken, which disabled him from active work. His sons have since conducted the farm.

ALFRED McCAMPBELL, farmer, P. 0. New California, second youngest child of William and Elizabeth (Porter) McCampbell, was born in Rockbridge County, Va., May 6, 1827. He came to the county with his parents when a boy of seven years. He was brought up on the farm he now occupies, and his training was received in the common schools. He aided his father to clear up the farm, and remained with him till his death. December 23, 1853, he was married to IMiss Rosanna, a daughter of John and Ellen Cratty, and a native of Delawai-e County, where she was born April 23, 1826. Of five children by this union, four are living, viz.: Elizabeth A., born October 29, 1854, is a teacher; Mary E., born October 5, 1856, is a teacher; Ada, born September 16, 1862, and Cora, boi-n December 8, 1866. Lucinda (deceased), born March 12, 1859, married L. C. McDowell, and died September 8, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. McCampbell are earnest members of the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. McC. is Republican. He owns 148 acres of the old homestead, and is engaged in the pursuits of his farm.

DAVID McCLUNG, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born in Jerome Township, August 14, 1825. His parents, Joseph and Margaret (Conner) McClung, were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Union County about the time Ohio was admitted into the Union as a State. Mr. McClung served in the war of 1812, and was discharged on account of disibility from a broken leg. He settled on the Jesse Mitchell farm, formerly owned by his wife's parents, Patrick and Polly Conner. They were originally from Pennsylvania, and came to the county among its earliest settlers. Mr. Conner became tlie owner of oUO acres of land in Jerome Township, which he occupied till he removed to Amity, Madison County, where he died, July 12, 1840. ^Ir. Mc- Clung purchased 200 acres of land and lived on it till his death, August 13, 1843. His widow survived him till 1865. Our subject is the eldest son of nine children. He married Mary J. Cox, a daughter of Spencer Cox, and a native of Canada. They have the followino; children : Fillmore J., Fremont, Elizabeth, Laura, Lurinda, Willie, Minnie, John and Charles. Mr. Mc- Clung owns ninety acres of the original homestead. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics, he is a Republican.

ROBERT McCRORY, farmer, P. 0. Jerome, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, April 8, 1837, and is a son of William and Lavina McCrory, of Pennsylvania and Virginia. His fiither was born in 18u6 and his mother in 1809. They came to this township in 1852, in which he bought 393 acres of land, on which he lived till his death, which occurred June 4, 1864. His mother died January 2, 1877. Both were consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church, to which they belonged many years. Our subject is the eldest of a family of seven children. He obtained a practical education in the common and select schools, which was more fully developed by a four years' course of study at Oberlin College. At the breaking-out of the late war, he quit school and enlisted, August 6, 1861, in Company E, Thirtieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was subsequently annexed to the Fifteenth Army Corps. He participated in the battles of Cai-niffx Ferry, second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, and a number of smaller engagements. He served with distinction, and was honorably discharged at Vicksburg September 17, 1863. Upon his return to civil life, he resumed farming, and in April, 1877, he located upon his present premises. In 1880, he established a tile mill, with which he has been successful. In 1882, he added a saw mill to his other manufacturing enterprise. His farm consists in thirty acres, which is a part of the old homestead. November 25, 1869, he was married to Anna M., daughter of David and Nancy Graham, by whom he has had six children, viz.: Matie L., Margaret, Anna B., Nancy M., Ella M. and William 6. He and wife are connected with the United Presbyterian Church. He is a Justice of the Peace, and is a gentleman of fine executive ability. Has also served as Township Clerk. Politically, he is a Republican.

SAMUEL McCULLOUGII (deceased) was born in Darby Township October 10, 1800. He was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Mitchell) McCullough, natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in their native place, and in 1799, with one child - Alexander - came West and located near the Mitchell settlement in Darby Township, where Mr. McCullough died in .June, 1800. He was the first white man that died in the county, and there being no lumber nearer than Chillicothe, his neighbors framed a cotfin out of the slabs of a black walnut tree and he was interred in the old Mitchell Cemetery. His widow survived him over forty years, she dying in 1841. Samuel was the second of two sons. When five years old his mother married .John Taylor and removed to Darby Township, Madison County, where she died. In 182.5, Mr. Mc- Cullough returned to his native township and remained one year, then removed to Jerome Township, where he bought a farm of 100 acres ; all was in woods, and he cleared a site and erected a log cabin, in which he resided till 18-3H, when he built a frame residence. He was married June 23, 182-3, to Margaret Robinson, daughter of Samuel and Martha Robinson. Mrs. McCullough was born in Franklinton, Franklin County, March 21, 1807. Of the five children this family were blessed with, but two are living, viz.: Elizabeth M.,born May 4, 1826, married David McCanipbell ; Nancy J., born February, 1831, married John Mitchell, and died March 7, 1873; John T , born May 11, 1833; Matilda A., born February 12, 183tj, married George Coleman and died November 26, 1872, and Zenas 0., born April 29, 184-5, and died September 24, 1869. Mr. McCullough, by his industry and economy, acquired large and valuable property, owning at his death -500 acres of land. His death occurred April 7, 1871. He was one of the early members of the United Presbyterian Church, and died as an Elder. He had been identified with that denomination since 1826. He was a life member of the American Bible Society. As a man, he was consistent, and as neighbor and citizen he was upright and honorable.

JOHN T. McCULLOUGH, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born on the old homestead in Jerorne Township, May 11, 1833. He is the eldest son of Samuel McCullough, whose history is given elsewhere in this volume. Mr. ^IcCullough was reared to manhood on the farm, and obtained his education in the common schools of his native place and Marysville select sciiools. He remained at home and conducted the farm till his father's death. In 1862, he located on the part of the homestead he now occupies, and has since resided there. October 30, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of William and Mary Bigger. Mrs. McCullough was born November 21, 1833, and departed this life June 25, 1878, leaving two sons - Samuel B., born August 30, 1869, and Frank B., born May 14, 1871. Mr. McCullough celebrated his second marriage March 20, 1879, with Miss Vienna Robinson, a native of Darby Township, and a daughter of Samuel and Nancy Robinson. Mrs. McCullough was born August 27, 1848. May 11, 1864, Mr. McCullough volunteered his services in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and after one hundred days of garrison duty at Alexandria, Va., he was honorably discharged, after which he returned to civil life and resumed the avocation of farming. His brother, Zenice H., was a member of the same company. He resides on the old homestead. September 29. 1869, he met with an accident with a threshing machine, which resulted in his death. Mr' McCullough is a prominent citizen of Jerome Township, and is successfally engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. He owns 270 acres of well-improved and highly-cultivated laud. Mr. McCullough is a public-spirited man and has aided largely in the construction of numerous pikes. As a man and citizen, he is respected and esteemed.

JOHN R. McDowell, farmer, P. 0. New California, one of Union County's early pioneers, was bofn in York County, Penn., March 22, 1809. His parents, John and Jane (Reed) Mc- Dowell, were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio at the beginning of the late war with Great Britain, and settled near Milford Center. Mr. McDowell purchased a small farm in Union Township, and resided on it till his death, October 1-5, 1826. His widow survived him till June 8, 1861. Our subject is the only f-urviving son of his father. His boyhood and early manhood were passed in the primeval forests of Union Township. When of age, he engaged in working by the month, and followed it some years, at wages from $7 to $9 per month. It was in this way that he secured his start. March 28, 18-50, he purchased 132 acres of his present farm, which wai principally woodland. He made subsequent additions to this purchase till he owned 325 acres of land, most of which he cleared and improved. Mr. McDowell has spent most of his life as a pioneer, and the principal growth and development of the county has taken place within his recollection. His first marriage occurred November 5, 1835, with Miss Mary Porter, daughter of John Porter, by whom he had ten children, of these six are living - William G., John P., Newton L., Calvin R., Leander C. and Mary A. Mrs. McDowell was born in Erie County, Penn., January 7, 1812, and died August 1, 1877. Mr. McDowell was again married June 30, 1881, to Mrs. Sarah Katon, widow of James Katon, and daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Brookhart. Mrs. McDowell was born in Perry County, Ohio, December 31, 1826. She is the mother of five children by her former husband. Of these, but one, Ezra, is living. Mr. McDowell had three sons - Robert N.. Jesse V. and John P., who were soldiers in the Union army. Robert was a member of Company B, Thirty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in the hospital at Winchester, Va., October 4, 1862. Jesse enlisted in Company D, Fortieth Regiment, and was drowned in the Big Sandy River, February 24, 1862. John was a member of the same company as Robert. He served over four years, veteranizing in 1864,

HIRAM McKITRICK. deceased, was born in Licking County, Ohio, May 9, 1828, and is a son of John and Sarah McKitrick, who came to that county and settled in Concord Township, in 1839. He was the eldest of a family of eleven children, and when a young man learned the cooper trade. February '20, 1851, he was married to Maria L., daughter of John and Keziah (Bishop) Urton, of Virginia. Mrs. McKitrick was born December 25, 1830, and bore her husband eight children, five of whom are living, viz.: Albert, George, John, Llewellyn and William. The deceased were named Elma E., Olive J. and Mary M. Mr. McKitrick bought a farm of 136 Hcres in 1870. In 1877, he built a house at a cost of $1,800, and in 1870 a barn at a cost of $350. He died February 28, 1875. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and wife belonged to the United Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAM McKITRICK, farmer. P. 0. New California, was born in Licking County, Ohio, November 1, 1832. He is the third child of John and Sarah McKitrick, who were natives 6f Pennsylvania. When six years of age his parents moved to Delaware County, and the following year t > Jerome Township, where he was reared. November 10, 1853, he was married to AHss Eliza A., daughter of Silas Bell. Mrs. McKitrick was born May 2, 1832, and departed this life February 12, 1870, leaving five children, viz.: James A., born March 11, 1856 ; John S., born Januar> 4, 1858; Phineas D., born July 30, 1860; Cora A. and Nora I. (twins), born June 30, 1866. Mr. McKitrick marrifd the second time, November 23, 1873, to Susan C. Robinson, daugliter of James and Mary Robinson. Mrs. M. was born in Jerome Township, September 18, 1835. One son Wade, born June 2, 1877, was born to this marriage. March 29, 1866, Mr. McKitrick removed to his present farm, which contains 108 acres. Mrs. M. is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Plain City. Mr. M. is Democratic in his politics.

JOSEPH W. MICHAEL, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, the only surviving child of Joseph and Sarah (Hattan) Michael, was born in Frederick County, Md., March 6, 1830. His mother died when be was but seven years of age, and the following spring (of 1836), his father migrated to Franklin County, Ohio. He died March 1, 1882, aged seventy-eight years. In 1840, our subject went to live with his uncle, Gisbert Hattan, with whom he remained till of age. They removed to Union County in 1852, and resided here till their death. Mr. Hattan died November 22, 1874. Mr. Michael was married April 6, 1804, to Evaline Coon, a native of Union County, by whom he had twelve children; of these ten are living - Catharine E,, wife ©f William Hudson; Melissa E., Susanna, John G., Joseph H., Adam A., Ann V., William W., Albert H. and Eddie. Sarah A. and Evaline are deceased. Mrs. Michael is a daughter of James and Elizabeth Coon, and was born April 30, 1835, Mr. Michael is the owner of 184J acres of land, and is by occupation an agriculturist and stock-raiser.

JAMES R. MITCHELL, farmer, P. 0. New California, was born on the home farm in Jerome Township, December 5, 183i). He is the eldest son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Robinson) Mitcliell, and a grandson of Judge Mitchell, an early settler of Darby Township, and a prominent pioneer of Union County, He was reared and brought up on the farm whereon he was born, and was educated in the common schools of his naiive place. He aided his father in clearing up I lie farm, which was all in woods at the time of his birth. In 1851, his father gave him 116 aires, to which he added 100 acrer< more. He settled on his new firm at the lime of his marriage, and occupied it till the death of his brother in the late war in 1863, when he removed on the iild farm and had charge of his father during his last days. In 1881, he purchased 100 acres of the farm his father left, and now owns a tract of 769 acres. Mr. Mitchell has spent most of his life in hewing down the forests and clenring the land, and the well-improved and finely culiivaled acres of his exten-ive farm are mostly the result of his entiring energyand industry. Since 1867, he has directed his attention largely to rearing and dealing in stock. The summer of 1881, he erected a commodious residence, at a cost of |3,500. April 1, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Olive A. Gill, a daughter of Jesse and Jane Gill. Mrs. Mitchell was born in Allen Township, December 19, 1830. They were ble sed with s xchildren, all of whom are living, viz : Sarah, John W., William G,, James F., Aaron H. and Jennie C. Mr, and Mrs, Miiciu'il are members of the Presbyterian Church, Politically, Mr. M, has always been Democratic,

J.\COB MOONEY, farmer, P 0. Jerome, was born in Washington County, Penn., December 2(», 1816. He is a son of John and Mary (.McVey) Mooney, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and a grandson of a Mr. Mooney who came from Ireland before the Revoluiionary war. Jacob's parents removed to Jeiferson County, Ohio, in 1824, and resided there till l'-6J. when they came to Jerome Town.^hip. iNlr. Mooney died October 12, 1869. His wife died in 1836. Jacob was reared principa ly in Jeff'erson County, and in 1854 came to Jerome Township and bought eighty acres of land. October 4, 1841, he and Miss Rosanna Winters, daugliter of Isaiah and Elizabeth Winters, were married. Mrs. Mooney was born in Jefferson County, May 2, 1822. They have six t-hihlren. viz.: Johnson, born July 26, 1842, married Susan C. Freshwater; Rhoda W., born April 20, 1844, wife of George Wollpert ; Mary J,, born Septembfr 10, 1846, wife of Luther Lane ; Hosa W,, born March 4, 1851), married Emily Bigelow; Cathsirine K., born July 3, 1857, wife of William Stewart ; and Olive E., born December 4, 1863, and died April 6, 1865. Mr, Mooney owns a farm of eighty acres, and pursues the avocation of farming Hud reariirg fine sheep.

JOHN MOSS, farmer, P. 0. New California, a native of Lancastershire, England, was born Aprils, 1806. His parents, Robert and Margaret (Kelsey) Moss, were natives of the same "sliire." Our subject was reared principally in Yorkshire. In 1830, he crossed the waters and settled in Chester County, Penn.. and afterward removed to Allegheny County, where he lived till he came to Union County in 1853. Ho purchased 165 acres of land, and subsequently added thirty acres, which constitutes his present farm. His marriage, in 1836, to Miss Dorcas Huston, was blessed with three children: David, Amanda and Margaret A. Mrs. Moss is a daughter of William and Nancy Huston. She was born in Chester County, Penn., March 11, 1812. Mr. Moss owns a well-improved farm, most of which he cleared himself. He is engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. For the last twenty five years he has made a leading pursuit in keeping Spanish merino sheep, and has had fair success.

DAVID MOSS, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, only son of John and Dorcas Moss, wis born in Allegheny County, Penn., August 7, 1838. In 18-53, he accompanied his parents to Union County, where he grew to manhood. His education he received in the select schools of Frankfort. The spring of 1875, he L cated on the farm he now occupies. He owns a valuable farm of 200 acres, and is engaged in firming and stock-raising. The leading pursuit of his occupation is keeping Spanish merino sheep, in which he does rather an extensive business. He h^s a flock of from 300 to 400 head, and has been successful. April 8, 1873, he was married to Margaret Neill, daughter of Samuel and Mary Neill. Mrs. Moss was born in Washington County, Penn., January 13, 1835. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. Moss is Republican.

ROBERT NORRIS, farmer, P. 0. Jerome, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, August 4, 1831. His father, John G. Norris, came from England in 1817, and settled in Harrison County, where he married Sarah McMillen, who died in that county September 11, 1842. In 1867, Mr. Norris came to Jerome Township, where he died M»y 16, 1874. He was a local minister in the Protestant Methodist Church, and subsequently of the Wesleyan Methodist, in which belief he died. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on the old homestead, and educated in the common schools ; he was married March 9, 1856, to Phebe Armstrong, by whom he had tA'o children; one, John W., is living. Mrs. Norris departed this life December 31, 1859, and July 4, 1861, Mr. N. was married to Susan, daughter of .lohn and Elizabeth Hass. Two children - Kdward H. and Matilda J. - were horn to this union. In 1860, Mr. Norris moved to this coun'y and purchased his present farm which contains ninety acres. August 15, 1862, he entered the ranks of the Union army in Company E, Thirtieth Regiment Ohio Vo'unteer Infantry. He was active in the battles before Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, and in all the engagemeuts on the Atlanta campaign except Resaca. Ai the close of the war, he was honorably discharged and returned home. Mr. and Mrs. Norris are associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. N. is of Republican sentiment.

ZACHARIAH NOTEMAN, ftxrmer, P. O. PI .in Cit^, one of the oldest pioneers of Jerome^ was born on the farm where he now resides Jiu'iary 29, 1811. His father, Andrew Noteman, was born near Harper's Ferry, Va., June 1, 1773, and his mother, Elizabeth Brown, was born in Ireland September 13, 1773, and brought to America by her parents when a child, Mr. Notem >n was first married in Maryland and became the father of one daughter - Jinsie, who mar'ied John Taylor and subsequently died. After the death of his wife, Mr. Not man went to Koss County, Ohio, where he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth McCune, 7iee Brown, by whom he had two dildren. In 1801, the year before Ohio was erected as a State, he removed with his family to Union County and settled on the farm which is occupied by the subject of this sketch. He bought 100 acres and cleared a site for a house. lie cleared his farm and among other improvements he made was an orchaid of one hundred apple trees which he panted. Of this number but three of the trees are now living. One of the trees was reraarkaby thrifty, and attaine I a circumference of nine feet and two inches. Mr. Ncteman afterward added eighty acres to the original purchase and partially cleared it. He was one of the organizers and founders of the Meihodist Episcopal Church, known as the Noteman Church, and was an active worker in it till h'S death. Our subject was reared and brought up to the pursuits of the farm, and was educated in the common schools of the day. He well remembers seeing the Indians who then dwelt here in roving band". In 1818. he made a trip to Lower Sandusky with his father to procure s ilt and provisions. He aide I his father in clearing up the farm and remained with him till his death.. In January, 1835, Mr. Notemm wis joined in marriage with Ann G. Morrison, a daughter of Samuel and Aarnes Morrison, t>y whom he had nine chihlren. Of these but three survive - Nancy E., wife of R. McCloud. Lucretii and William M. Mrs. Noteman depart e 1 this life March 18, 1858. and .March 1, 1860, Mr. N. was married to Mrs. Amanda Homshrr, widow of David Horasher, and daughter of William and Mary A. Sprout. Mrs. N. was born iu Lancaster County, Penn., De. ember 2, 1S3I. Of seven children by this marri'ge, five ai-rt living - John, Oiway C, Eva D, Myrtle and Aaron N.; Harry and James ae deceased. Mrs. Noteman had two children by her first husband - Margaret A. (now deceased) aud David AV. Mr Noteman was identified with the Whigs till the formation of the Republican parly, when he united with its rank-. He acted in the capacity of Township Trustee about ten years, be>ides oiher local oflSces whiih he filled. He owns 103 acres - the old homestead - aud follows the avocation of farming.

B. H. PICKETT, farmer, P. 0. Jerome, a native of Moorefield Township, Harrison Co., Ohio was born May 7, 1822. His father, Peter Pickett, was a native of Dutchess County, N. Y. ; he went as a sailor boy when eighteen, and followed the water for thirty years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, under Commodore Perry, and participated in the battle of Lake Erie, where he was seriously wounded. He died .January 13, 1854, aged seventy-four years. His mother, Elizabeth Mills, was born in Montgomery County, Md., and moved to Harrison County, Ohio, with her parents, Elias and Nancy (Harris) Mills, when she was eighteen years old ; she died October 31, 1857. Our subject is the eldest of nine children. In September, 1858. he purchased and located on his present farm, where he has since resided. May 12, 184tt, he was married to Eliza A., daughter of John and Sarah (McMuUen) Norris, and a native of Harrison County, where she was born November 26, 1827. Of nine children by this union, seven are living - Sarah E., wife of Alexander Pall; Harriet A., wife of Sylvester Kent ; John 11., James F., Rhoda J., deceased, Hardin, Isabel E.. Clara M., deceased, HoUaind L. and AUie E. Mrs. Pickett died May 20, 1874, and May 11, the following year, Mr. P. married Mrs. Rachael A. Beach, widow of Amos Beach, and daughter of .Jacob Frederick. One daughter - Jessie L.. was born to this marriage. Mrs. Pickett had five children by her former husband - ^Ella, wife of L. Preston, Emory, Martha, Mary, wife of Diniel Andrews, and Matilda. Mrs. P. was born in Union County February 5, 1835. Mr. Pickett owns a farm of sixty-three acres.

JOHN H. PRESTON, fai'mer, P. 0. Jerome, a native of Licking County, Ohio, born October 7, 1816. His parents, Jonathan and Harriet (Homer) Preston, were respectively natives of Washington and Fayette Counties, Penn. The former was born February 26, 1791, and the latter February 5, 1796. They married December 5, 1813, and in 1816 migrated to Licking County, Ohio, where they both died, Mr. P. September 29, 1856, and Mrs. Preston July 17, 1881. They had born to them twelve children, of whom our subject is the second child. April 7, 1847, he came and located oa his present farm. May 27, 1841, he was married to Miss Eliza Wagner, daughter of John and Nancy (Cross) Wagner, and a native of Licking County, where she was born September 12, 1820. Their children are as follows : Thomas H., born December 23, 1842 ; Milligan A., born March 28, 1844 ; Loammi R., born July 26, 1846 ; Harriet M., born July 22, 1852, wife of J. C. Barker; and Martha J., born January 3, 1858, wife of James Andrews. Mr. Preston owns eighty acres of land, which he cleared up. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE M. RICKARD, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born in Loudoun County. Va.. September 24, 1816. His parents, Simon and Mary M. (Sanbower) Rickard, were also natives of Loudoun County. The former was born June 9, 1790, ^nd the latter April 16. 1793. Hisgrandfather, Simon Rickard, Sr., was born in the same county, and was a soldier in the American Revolution. He died some years afier in his native place. The parents of our subject were married November 20, 1813, and in 1818 removed to Culpeper County, where they resided till 1828, and migrated to Union County, Ohio, locating in what is now Darby Township. In April of the following year, Mr. Rickard rented a farm in Jerome Township, of Frederick Sager, and occupied it ten years. At the expiration of this time he purchased 120 acres of land, which was mostly in woods. He died .January 5, 1844, and his widow August 5, 1862. Mr RickarJ was a private in the late war with Great Britain, having enlisted when a resident of Virginia. He served Jerome Township as Trustee for several years and filled various other local otfices. He aided in founding the Lutheran Cliurch of his township, and was prominently connected with it till his death. Mr. Rickard had tbree brothers - Peter, Michael and George. Peter moved to Sangamon County, III., in 1830, and died in 1860 ; Michael settled in Hancock County, 111., and was Juige of the Common Pleas Court during the Mormon troubles, and died in 1857; George died in Virginia in 1880. Mr. Rickard, the subject Of this notice, is the second son. He was reared to manhood on the farm his father located when he (George) was a bay, and received his education in the district schools of his native place. In early life he formed strong tastes for the farm, and has always followed that avocation on the most thoroughly scientific principles. His farm, which contains 600 acres, is one of the best improved and finely cultivated in the county. Mr. Rick*rd is also engaged in rearing and dealing in live stock of a good grade, and has acquired a marked success in keeping Spanish merino sheep, and Norman, Clydesdale and Belgium horses, which he has exhibited at both the Union County and Ohio State Fairs. In the pursuits of life, Mr. Rickard has been very successful and ranks second to none in the county as an agriculturist. Although not an aspirant for official honors, he has been chosen to the office of Township Trustee ten consecutive terms, and performed its duties with credit to himself. His marriage, February 11, 1845, to Miss Eliza Carey, was blest with three children ; of these two are living - John, born April 22, 1853. and Clark, born October 12, 1855. Mary F., the only daughter, was born June 9, 1851, and died September 9, 1872. Mrs. Rickard was born in Madison County January 15, 1821. She is a daughter of Abijah and Catharine (Johnson) Carey, and a granddaughter of Luther Carey (originally Cary), who emigrated from Ireland before the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Rickard are associated as members of the Presbyterian Churca, in which he is an Elder and Trustee.

JOHN M. ROBINSON, farmer, P. 0. New California, was born in Darby Township, Union County, Ohio, February 29, 1820. He isason of Thomas and Sarah (Modervvell) Robinson, (he former a native of Lancaster County and the latter of York County. They were married and emigrated to the West in 1805, settlingin Darby Township, where they were among the earliest pioneers. The country was heavily wooded and populated with its original inhabitants - Indians and wild 'animals. Mr. Robinson located 200 acres of this woodland about three miles from the Mitchell settlement, where resided his nearest neighbors. Mr. Robinson cleared up most of this farm, and afterwai-d added 100 acres, which were situated on the opposite side of the stream. About the same time he entered 160 acres of land in Henry County. He was for several terms Trustee of Darby Township, and was prominently connected with the United Presbyterian Darby Church for over fifty years. He died near New California. His marriage to Miss Sarah Moderwell was blest with six children, viz.: Adam P., Sarah J., James D., Thomas, John M., the subject of this sketch, and Alexander C. Our subject was reared on the old home farm, and remained with his father till 1847, when he came to Jerome Township and bought fifty acres of land, to which he added sixty-nine acres more. In 1864, he purchased and located on his present farm. He was first married in January, 1845, to Miss Mary J. Roney, a daughter of James Roney, and a native of Chester County, Penn. Of nine children by this union, seven are living: Chester L., Elvira,'' wife of David McKitrick, Delbert, Maria, Oscar and Olive (twins) and Anna. Mrs . Robinson died January 28, 1864, and Mr. R. was married'the second time, June 8. 1865, to Miss Harriet E., daughter of William and Elizabeth Taylor. Mrs. Robinson was born in Campaign County, Ohio, June 11, 1832. Hattie M. and Bert S. were born to this marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are respectively connected with the Presbyterian and Baptist Churches. Mr. R. is an Elder. He is connected with the I. 0. 0. F., and in politics is a Republican. He has seived Jerome Township as Assessor thirteen years. For the past four years Mr. Robinson has been contractor in the construction of pikes, with the exception of which time, he has pursued the avocation of farming and stock-raising.

SAMUEL H. RUEHLEN, faVmer, P. 0. New California, one of Union County's veterans, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 23, 1842. His parents, John and Christina (Brideham) Ruehlen, were natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. His father was born February 28, 1802, and crossed the Atlantic in 1828, settling in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he married. Mrs. Ruehlen was born in 1810, and, in 1826, removed with her parents to Fairfield County. Mr. Ruehlen came to Union County in 1847, and, in 1871, moved to Logan County, where he died, August 28, 1878. His widow followed him to the spirit land November 5, 1881. They reared eight children, of which our subject is the third. He was reared to manhood on a farm. In May, 1861, he shouldered his musket and entered the ranks of the Union army, in Company K, Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served four months, and reenlisted December 1, the same year, in Company K, First Ohio Cavalry. He was engaged with the cavalry in the following leading battles: Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Rome, Ga., Moulton, Atlanta and Nashville, and a number of minor engagements. Mr. Ruehlen served three years with signal bravery, and was honornbly discharged December 6, 1864. He returned home, and, December 31, 1865, married Susanna, daughter of James B. and iNIartha A. Dort. Mrs. Ruehlen was born near New California April 10, 1843. They were blessed with seven children, six of whom are living, viz.: George W., born March 1, 1867; Martha A., March 9, 1869 ; Frank, February 3, 1873 ; Diadama, April 30, 1875 ; Charlie, August 2, 1877, and La Motte, October 9, 1880. Mr. Ruehlen located on his present farm, which now contains 171 acres, in 1869. He is a successful farmer and stock-raiser. He and wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is connected with the G. A. R. of Plain City, and, in politics, is a stanch Republican.

SAMIFEL C. RYAN, farmer, P. 0. Jerome, a native of Warren County, N. J., was born September 6, 1842. He is a son of Patrick and Martha (Cornell) Ryan, the former a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland, and the latter of Warren County, N. J. His father was born March 17, 1810, and came to Quebec in 1823-25, and in 1828 came to the States. In 1842, he came to Columbus, and to Jerome Township in 1850, where he died August 2, 1863. He was married, in 1834, to Martha Cornell, by whom he had two sons and two daughters, viz.: Joanna, born born June 14, 1839, died January 4, 1870, and Samuel C, the subject of this sketch. Our subject was reared to manhood on the farm, and educated in the common schools. He has always occupied the homestead, and now owns 134 acres of highly cultivated land.

H. B. SEELY, merchant, P.O. Jerome, was born in Monroe County, N. Y., December 5, 1835. In 1849, his parents, T. O. and Caroline Seely, removed from York State to Delaware County, Ohio, Mr. Seely was brought up on a farm, and educated in the district schools. He followed the vocation of a farmer up to 1865, when he came to Jerome Township and worked at carpentering one year. He entered the store of H. Lewis as clerk, and occupied that position till 1869, and the following year bought a stock of goods for himself, and has since been engaged in merchandising, doing a successful business. His marriage with Miss Lurinda Wells, daughter of James and Lovina Wells, which occurred June 24, 1H62, was blessed with seven children - Sherman B., Albert L., Clifton, Anna, Jean, Mabel and EfFa. Mr. Seely erected a store building in 1882, 24 feet by 70 feet in size, at a cost of $1,500. He carries a stock of goods amounting to $2,500, and enjoys an annual sale of $12,000.

JOHN J. STEWART, farmer, was born in Shenandoah County, Va., July 12, 1825, and is a son of James and Wierlinda (Rutter) Stewart. His mother died when he was a year and a half old, and in 1838 his father removed to Dublin, Franklin County, Ohio, in which he lived till 1840, when he came to this township. He was a cabinet maker, having learned hii trade in Virginii, and followed the same for a livelihood until his death, which occurred in August, 1849. Our subject is the youngest of eight children, three of whom are living, viz.: James M., Delaware County, Ohio; Ann R., wife of James W. Taylor, and resides in the West.' Our subject was early put at his father's trade, which he followed till 1860, at which time he bought twenty-seven acres of land, to which he has added by purchase, and at present owns 141 acres of valuable land, the greater portion having been cleared oflF by himself, besides making all the improvements. May 15, 1849, he was married to Lucinda C, daughter of William B. and Catherine Stone, by whom he has had five children, viz.: William T., who married Katie Mooney; Candace, wife of William P. Neal ; Emma M. and Amanda M., prominent and successful teachers, and Olive M. Although Mr. Stewart had only the advantage of attending school in log schoolhouses, and the instructions of incompetent teachers, he fully realizes the force and culture of education, and has accordingly spared no pains or expense in educating his children. Mr. S. started in life with a capital not to exceed $300, and his present possessions attest undisputably his great success in life. He has always manifested public spiritelness in all worthy enterprises, having given $800 for the building of pikes. He is a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Formerly he was a Democrat, but in 1856 he joined the Republican ranks.

JAMES SWEENEY, farmer, P. 0. Dublin, Franklin County, was born in Greene County, Penn., November 20, 1829, and is a son of Hiram and Mary (Cosgay) Sweeney, of Pennsylvania, who removed to West Virginia in 1831, and settled in Tyler County, in which he died in 1870. His mother is living near the old homestead at an advanced age. Daniel Sweeney, father of Hiram, was born in Maryland, and served with a scouting party during the Revolutionary war. His maternal grandfiither, Tyrenes Cosgay, was born in Ireland, and came to America and settled in Maryland after the war of 1776-1783, and subsequently removed to Pennsylvania, where he died. Our subject is the fifth child of a family of ieight children, six of whom are living. He was reared upon a farm, and in the mills which his father operated, which latter he had charge of from 1846 to 1865. July 1, 1865, he located in this county, buying at the time 142 acres, to which he has since added by purchase, and now possesses 175 acres, and his son, J. C, fifty acres. February 8, 1859, he was married to Anna, daughier of Archibald and Ruth Waters, who has borne him six children, five of whom are living, viz,: Joseph C, Emma J., Mary L., Anna L. and Hiram. An infant son deceased. Mrs. S. was born in Greene County, Penn., in September, 1833, and is a consistent member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Sweeney is one of our self-made men, having carved out his fortune by economy and industry. He is a Democrat in political principle, and has held some of the minor offices of the township

WILLIAM M. TAYLOR, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, was born in Jerome Township, November 8, 1805. He is the eldest son and third child of Richard and Polly (Cox) Taylor. His early life was passed upon his father's farm, and his training received in the common schools. In 1835, his father gave him sixty acres of land, on which he located at the time of his marriage. This farm was all woodland, and by his energy and unremitting toil he cleared and improved it to a good condition. November 10, 1830, he was joined in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Burdick, a daughter of Hezekiah and Polly Burdick, and a native of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where she was born February 28, 1810. Of six cliildren by this marriage five are living - Polly, wife of Orson Scribner ; Rachel C, deceased, formerly wife of H. Lawrence; Nancy L., wife of J. Cottran ; Cilicia, wife of George Motlar; Levi F.; Susanna, wife of H. Smith: Rhoda, deceased, and Hezekiah deceased. Mrs. Taylor departed this life August 16, 1881. Mr. Taylor is a member of the United Brethren Church, and in politics is a Republican. He owns a farm of sixty acres.

JEPHTAH H. TAYLOR was born near Plain City, in Madison County, December 17, 1814. His parents, Richard and Polly (Cox) Taylor were natives of Berkeley County, Va., and Washington County, Penn., respectively. They were married in Cynthiana, Ky., in February, 1800, and two years later removed and settled in Jerome Township. In 1803-4, they went back to Kentucky, where they resided till 1811, and returnd to Ohio, effeciing a settlement in Darby Township, Madison County, where Mr. Taylor bought a farm of 200 acres. His death occurred in July, 1864. The subject of this notice is the third son and sixth of a family of seven children. At the age of thirteen he learned tailoring in Bellefontaine, and followed it in that place and Plain City for sixteen years. In 1847, his father gave him eighty acres of land, to which he made an addition of forty-seven acres. He cleared andjprincipally improved these farms. December 19, 1839, he was married to Angeline, a daughter of Calvin and Eunice Allen, by whom he had eleven children. Of these seven are living - Richard, born October 17, 1840, died September 26, 1866; Edwin, born May 14, 1842; Benjamin, October 15, 1843; Robert, April 12, 1845; Jephtah, Marca 18, 1847; Fielding, January 25, 1849 ; Laura A., October 16, 1851 ; Celinda E., June 7, 1853; Mary A., March 20, 1859 ; Anthony M., February 6, 1864. An infant is deceased. Mr. Taylor is of English descent oa his father's side, his great-grandfather and two brothers having emigrated to America long before the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Taylor is of Scotch ancestry.

SAMUEL TAYLOR, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, a prominent farmer of Darby Township, Madison County, was born near Plain City August 23, 1817. He is the youngest son of Richard and Polly Taylor. His early life was passed in his native place, and his education obtained in the common schools of the day. He aided his father in clearing the homestead, and has occupied it since his death. He has made additions to the original farm till he has 394 acres of finely improved and highly cultivated land, most of which is located in Jerome Township. He also owns a farm in Darby Township, Union County, and the old John Kent homestead in Jerome Township. The home farm is adorned with a large and commodious brick residence, erected at a cost of $2,000. For the last fifteen years, Mr. Taylor has made a leading pursuit in breeding and rearing Norman and Clydesdale horses, and has, perhaps, been one of the most successful men in Madison County. He purchased the celebrated Belgium horse in 1872, at a cost of $3,0J0, and retained him in his possession till he was killed in 1876. This animal he exhibited at the county and State fairs, and won for him the first and highest premiums. Mr. Taylor is a man of enterprise, and is always active in the affairs and best interests of the county. In 1839, he was married to Miss Eunice, daughter of Calvin and Eunice Allen, by whom he had three children; two of these are living - Mary, wife of Eli Shover, and Sarah E., wife of David Brown. Mrs. Taylor died, and November 27, 1844, he again married, this time to Rosanna Kent, who bore him four children - Samuel E., married Cynthia Fox; Rachel E. and Mahala, E. are at home ; Dilla is deceased. Mrs. Taylor is a daughter of Daniel and Dilla (Shover) Kent. She was born on the old Kent homestead, May 5, 1821.

LEVI TAYLOR, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, youngest child of Daniel and Mary (Brown) Taylor, was born in Jerome Township November 26, 1810. The former was born near Harper's Ferry, Md., in March, 1774, and the latter in Ireland in 1781. They were married in Virginia, and in 1802 removed to Union County, Ohio, and settled in Jerome Township, where Mr. Taylor bought a farm of 152 acres, besides 32 acres on the opposite side of Big Darby. He was one of the organizers of the county, and was a juror when the court convened at Franklinton. He died February 29, 1852; his wife preceded him but twenty-two days. He was for over half a century an active member of the Baptist Church. Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm, and was educated, as most pioneer boys are, in the common schools. February 18, 1831, he was married to Miss Margaret Low, a daughter of John Low. She died March 17, 1864, leaving three children - Mary (deceased), married Chauncey Barlow, and had one child, Lonson ; and Daniel and John, Mr. Taylor was married the second time to Mrs. Matilda Lard, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically. Mr. Taylor is Democratic. He owns a farm of 150 acres, located near Plain City.

ISAAC H. WARNER, farmer, P. 0. Plain City, son of Elijah and Lois (Burdick) Warner, was born in Madison County, Ohio, July 12, 1842. His father was born in York State, November 14, 1810, and came to Madison County with his parents, Samuel and Chloe Warner, in 1814. In 1845, he came to Jerome Township and bought a farm of 166 acres of land, on which he died November 13, 1875. He married Lois A. Burdick, who was born in Madison County June 10, 1820, and had ten children; the following are ^living: Charles Q., Isaac H., Joshua C, Emma, Nettie, Hezekiah H., Blanch P., Ada C. and Albert E. Mr. Warner was reared to manhood on a farm. May, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and served till discharged in the following September. He remained a member of the Home Guards till the close of the war. August 'ZS, 1866, he was married to Mrs. Martha Marsh, widow of William Marsh and daughter of Frederick and Barbara Felber. Mrs. Warner, a native of Fairfield County, was born November 15, 1840. She is the mother of one child by her former husband, William F., born July 14, 1862. Mr. Warner owns a farm of ninety-eight acres, and is engaged in farming and raising fine cattle and hogs. He and family are members of the United Brethren Church. Politically, he votes Prohibition.

WILLIAM D. WAGNER, farmer, P. 0. New California, a native of Licking County, Ohio, was born March 4, 1831 His father, a native of Washingtoti County, Penn., was born April 3, 1787, and his grandfather, John Wagner, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. His mother, Nancy A. Cross, was born in Maryland April 1, 1788. They were married in March, 1812, and in 1815 removed to Licking County, Ohio, where Mr. Wagner died July 31, 1854. He served one year in Capt. Derender's company in the war of 1812. His widow departed this life July 11, 1869. They were the parents of eight children, of whom William is the youngest. In 1851, he came to Union County and remained one year, then returned and remained with his father till his death. He then came to .Jerome Township and purchased a farm. He was married April 6, 1854, to Almira Bishop, daughter of Findley Bishop, a native of Union County, where she was born July 4, 18i5. Their six children are as follows : John L.; Sarah A., wife of George Gordon ; Nancy J.; William D., Jr.; James S. and Minnie. Mr. Wagner owns a farm of eighty-one acres, and in addition to farming he makes a leading pursuit of rearing Clydesdale horses. He also keeps thoroughbred Poland-China hogs.

JESSE WELDON (deceased) was born in Toronto, Canada, January 5, 1830. His parents, Isaac and Nursus (Valley) Weldon, were natives of Pennsylvania and Canada, respectively. His father died when he was eleven years old, and he lived with his mother till 1845, when he went to New York, and in 1848 to Fairfield County, Ohio ; thence to Logan, Hocking County, where he resided till December, 1857, and came to Union County. May 11, 1856, he married Martha a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Wooley, by whom he had nine children ; of them eight are living - Frances; Nursus B., wife of Eugene Smith ; Isaac; Martha J.; Emma V.; Frederick E.; Solomon J. and Samuel W. Sarah E , wife of Thomas Davis, is deceased. Mr. Weldoa was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died July 18. 1880, aged fifty years. He started in life a poor man, but by energy and industry he made for himself a reasonable competence. He left to his family seventy-six acres of well-cultivated land.

WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS, farmer, P- 0. New California, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, October 'ZQ, 1842. He is a son of Ebenezer and Mary Williams, who were natives of Wales, and emigrated to the United States with their parents when young, and settled in Columbus, where they were married. They subsequently removed to Delaware County, where Mrs. Williams died in 1849. Mr. Williams is still a resident of that county. William, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on a farm. August 3, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the armies of the Mississippi and Gulf, and was engaged in the following battles : Yazoo Swamp, Arkansas Post, siege of

Whisler, near Mobile, where he was discharged at the close of the war. From July 7, 1864, to April 1, 1865, he was on Provost Marshal's duty. At the close of the rebellion he returned home and resumed farming. June 10, 1879, he was married to Miss Phoebe Curry, daughter of Capt. James A. and Phoebe Curry, by whom he has one child - Phoebe May, born April 18, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Williams reside on the original Curry homestead with Mrs. Curry, the widow of Capt. James A. Curry, who has attained the eighty-fourth year of her age. The homestead contains 211 acres, which is cultivated by Mr. Williams.

Source changes here: from The History of Union County Ohio, by Various, published 1883; 45,220 words in this source stream.

Jerome Township

It is bounded on the east by Delaware and Franklin Counties, on the south by Franklin and Madison; Darby Township bounds it on the west, and Mill Creek on the north. 4

Big Darby Creek, its principal stream, crosses the southwest corner. Sugar Run flows southward through the central portion, and farther east several small streams take their origin and flow into Delaware and Franklin Counties. The surface is level, or slightly rolling. The valley of Big Darby is narrow, and the soil of itis a rich, black loam. Back of this a ridge of land rises, having a width of perhaps one-half mile, the soil of which is somewhat gravelly. A fertile black soil is found beyond this, covering much of the southern portion of the township. Farther to the north, clay predominates. In early times, the entire surface was densely forested, and much timber that would now possess great value, including black walnut and cherry, was felled and burned in large heaps, to make way for crops of corn and grass. Hickory, oak, walnut, elm, beech and swamp ash were the prevalent types of timber.

The township was organized March 12, 1821. As originally constituted, its bounds were as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of Darby Township, thence east to the east line of Union County; all south to be known by the name of Jerome. yi

The first election was held May 10, 1821, for the selection of a Justice of the Peace. Clark Provin received the entire fifteen votes cast. James Ewing, who was then Sheriff of the county, Frederick Sager and Simeon Hager were the Judges of this election. John Taylor and John McCune were the Clerks.

A fow traces of the pre-historic race still remain, but they are becoming fainter every year. Inthe valley of Big Darby are two small mounds, both of which are sepulchral. One of them is on Zachariah Noteman's farm, north of his residence. It is about thirty feet in diameter, and by repeated plowings has been greatly reduced in height. A few years ago, it was excavated. Two kinds of earth were observed, and ashes and charcoal were found. Six or seven human skeletons were exhumed, one of which was of remarkable size. The other mound is farther up the stream, north of it, on the old Ewing farm, situated probably twenty rods from the creek. i, too, was excavated some time since, and human bones were discovered.

Human skeletons have been found in many of the gravel beds that abound along the streams of the township. They are supposed to have been the remains of the Indians who frequented the country. It was not uncommon for the earliest pioneers to find silver brooches. They were of various sizes, either round or heart-shaped, and had evident y been worn by the Indians. Some were several inches in diameter, and handsomely wrought, butthey have all been carried away by the curiosity seeker. Flints, stone weapons and the badges of the Mound-Builders, have frequently been found in some localities. The collection of Mr. John Curry is, perbaps, the largest in the county.

When the first settlers invaded the wild precincts of Jerome, they came to the heart of a favorite Indian hunting ground. On the north, south, east and west were yet to be seen the rude wigwams of the dusky race that theretofore had held undisputed possession of this game-abounding country. Their numbers, for many years, greatly exceeded that of the whites, and their presence was at least novel to the settlers. if not dread-inspiring. Many of the young children of the first comers could not conquer a shrinking horror in their sight,for the Indian name was to them, by oft-repeated tales. too intimately associated with dreadful massacres to permit them to overcome their fear of them. The Indians, observing this, would delight in brandishing their knives and frightening the boys and girls, who would always run in terror from them. The principal haunt of the red men, before they were disturbed by the pioneers, was on the banks of Big Darby, just northwest from Plain City. They dwelt here in considerable numbers about the year 1800, in wigwams built of bark and covered with brush. Their chief subsistence was game, although the squaws cultivated small patches of corn. This latter commodity, however, when desired by the Indians, after the advent of the pioneers. was usually ob- : tained by begging, or in exchange for products of the chase. On the old Kent farm, on Sugar Run, was a sugar camp, where the Indians for many years engaged in the manufacture of delicious glucose for their own consumption. They hacked the trees with their tomabawks and inserted split spiles, caught the flowing sap in hewed out troughs and boiled it down in keitles of iron or copper. On the Abner Chapman place, in Survey 5,166, was a usual place for encampment of the Indians. Parties from Chillicothe were wont to meet them here, and barter for large quantities of raccoon skins and furs.

Not many years after the Ewings arrived, and before the war of 1812 commenced, " Bill" Taylor, the son of Isaac Taylor, who settled on Darby, near the northern limits of Madison County rushed to his father's cabin one day, and, with a frightened look, related that he had overheard an Indian conversation near the creek, in which it was said that the Indians were to fall upon the white settlers that night and exterminate them, if possible. The news, as it was conveyed from cabin to cabin, created the utmost consternation. Only a few families had yet settled on Darby, and the Indians greatly outnumbered them. It was agreed that all the settlers should congregate that night, with their families, at the cabin of Daniel Taylor, on the south bank of Darby, in Jerome Township, as his cabin was the largest and best adapted to repel invasion. As nightfall approached, the Ewings, Cureys, Taylors and other families hurried to the rendezvous, and preparations for defense were made. The doors were barred, and cleats nailed at the sides and top. All night long the men watched and waited, guns in hand. The house was crowded with women and children, but fear drove sleep from their aching eyes. Morning came, but the threatened attack was not made. Thinking that the Indians had feared to attack the improvised fort, so strongly guaded, the settlers dared not remain at home the following night, but again assembled, and spent the weary hours in dreadful suspense and anticipation of attack, but all was quiet, and nowhere were there any indications of Indians in the vicinity. Doubts of the correctness of the rumor then began to be entertained, and Bill Taylor was closely interrogated concerning the alleged conversation he had overheard. The cross examination was too rigid for him, and he finally confessed it was all a hoax. He had seen no Indians. The more than. ordinary depravity of his composition had suggested to him the story, - dom gave cause for difficulties. These, however, would occasionally occur. Daniel Taylor, who was one of the foremost pioneers, brought with him a mare and colt. A party of Indians were once visiting at his house, and one of them espied and greatly admired the mare; he wished to buy her, but Taylor was unwilling to make the sale, as it would break his team, and another horse could not be procured nearer than Chillicothe. Jonathan Alder, who was present, and observed the Indian's eagerness, advised Mr. Taylor to sell "the critter," but this he would not consent to do. Not many days later the horse was stolen and never recovered, and the trip to Chillicothe Mr. Taylor was obliged to make.

James Ewing brought the first sheep to this county. He kept them confined within a high inclosure, through fear of the wolves. Several Indians, who had been hunting, called at his cabin soon after. Their dogs jumped over the fence and attacked the sheep. Mr. Ewing, in his anger, seized his rifle and shot one of the dogs. This act enraged the Indians, and a breach of the friendship between them and Mr. Ewing was imminent. Jonathan Alder was present, and interposed. His efforts at peace-making at length restored good feeling.

nee the war of 1812, there were several rumors of threatened Indian descents on the Darby settlements, but all proved unfounded. At * the falls" of Sugar Run, two Indian hunting parties, during the hostilities, were to meet by agreement. One of them arrived, and after waiting for the other some time, a member of the party discovered, cut in the bark of a beech tree, the picture cf a horse, a gun and a symbol indicating direction. The interpretation of this, to the Indian mind, was that the other party had stolen a horse and were pursued, the direction they had gone being indicated. They waited no longer, but at once took sudden departure.