Jerome Township (part 5 of 6)

Returning to Col. James Curry - whose name and memory this article is intended to perpetuate - it is known that, having lived and worked on a farm with his father for several years after landing at Philadelphia, he at the age of fourteen began teaching a school in the neighborhood, showing that the foundation for his intended ministerial life had been pretty well laid in the old country, since there could have been few opportunities for study opened to him after reaching America. Thus employed - summers working the farm, and winters teaching - the lad grew into manhood, strong of limb and vigorous of intellect, when a call having been made by Lord Dunmore, then Governor of Virginia, for volunteers to suppress the Indians who were massacreing the white settlers of the Ohio River frontier, at the age of twenty-two, he took his first step as a soldier, enlisting as a private at Staunton. His company was finally assigned to one of the regiments which made up the force of 1,500 men, with which Gen. Andrew Lewis made a toilsome journey across the mountains and rendezvoused, under orders to await a junction with Lord Dunmore at Point Pleasant, where the Kanawha enters the Ohio River. Here occurred the famous battle of Point Pleasant, where the whites, though at heavy loss, were victorious - a battle which put an end to the conflict known in history as Cresap's War, and which led some weeks after to the noted council with the Indians near Chillicothe, in which the Mingoe chief, Logan, arraigned the whites in a burst of scathing eloquence. Of this battle Col. Curry's recollections were most vivid. The morning of October 10, 1774, as the little army lay in camp, on the point of land made by the junction of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, awaiting the coming of Lord Dunmore, an immense body of Indians under command of the chief, Cornstalk, crept upon it, and by daylight a bloody conflict was in progress. The historic account of this fight is of course familiar to all, and need not be repeated. Suffice to say that Col. Curry's often-told story of the battle, agreed in the main with the published accounts. The whites themselves adopted the Indian's tactics and took to the trees for shelter, thus reducing the battle as it were, to a sort of duel between individuals, the combatants fighting each other to the death of one, and then turning to engage another. In this manner the desperate struggle continued from daylight to VE until the Indians finally, under the impression that the white were being re-enforced, fled to the north bank of the Ohio. Young Curry was closely engaged throughout the greater part of the day, using now one tree, now another for cover, and doubtless sent many a daring brave to d long home. Toward evening, however, becoming too ventursome, he was himself shot through the right elbow by an unseen foe, while in the act of leveling his gun at his immediate antagonist. Falling down amongst the roots of the large elm tree, behind which he had been fighting, he lay concealed till the close of the battle. One of his stories of the day, told in after years with much glee, was that when the surgeon came to dress his wound, he asked if it would be ra ER drink a glass of wine? To which it was replied, ' Not if he drank it with the sh le A wound of course ended his fighting for the time, and threw him amongst the invali eg to the rear and homeward, when Gen. Lewis afterward crossed the Ohio in pursuit of the dians. à A ^ ; P Reaching home, the young soldier went again to work upon his father's farm, pea vend recovered from his wound, though he could never after lift a cup of water or coffee to his lp zith that right arm.

But stirring times were impending. The colonists, restive and maddened under British oppression, had already in their legislative bodies inaugurated the Revolution. These Irish immigrants had no more love for England then than have the same class of men to day, and it may be well supposed that the Currys espoused the cause of the colonists, and not alone from motives of patriotism. It is remembered that the elder Curry was an untiring and powerful advocate of the patriot's cause, and when at length the blow was struck, his son James required no urging to take part in the conflict. He was then a young man of twenty-four, strong and active, and not unused to the duties of a soldier. His campaign to the Indian country, and experience at Point Pleasant two years before, had been good schooling for him, and we find that very soon after being enrolled, he was named a Lieutenant in the Eighth Virginia Regiment, Continential Establishment. It is not known exactly what time the young soldier began service, however, though we do know the date of his Lieutenant's commission. A statement of his account with the United States Government up to December 31, 1781 (hereafter shown in the fac simile), fixes the beginning of his Lieutenancy at June 24, 1777, yet he must have been for some months before a private, or non-commissioned officer ; however, has served as a Lieutenant in the Eighth Virginia, until September 23, 1779, when he was commissioned as a Captain in the Fourth Virginia, and so served doubtless until the close of the war. During the greater part of this service, he was on staff duty, most of the time at the headquarters of Col. Nathaniel Gist. Winters he was usually detailed as a recruiting officer at Staunton, summers always in the field with his chief.

With the scanty authority at command (and it may be stated that a great public library has been assiduously, but vainly searched), it is impossible to fix accurately the part taken by the Eighth and Fourth Virginia Regiments in the war. It is known, however, that Col. Curry himself was at the battle of Brandywine, on the 11th of September, 1777, the first general engagement between the American forces under Gen. Washington's immediate command and the British. He was indeed with the army under Washington through the whole of the disastrous fall campaign of 1777. He participated in the famous battle of Germantown October 4, 1777, and was often heard to recite the stirring incidents of that engagement. A memorandum in the hand writing of the late Otway Curry, his son, describing evidently in. Col. Curry's own words the part taken by himself in the battle, may be of interest.

** After Brandywine, the two armies came in close contact at the White House, but our forces crossed the river higher up and encamped at the Eighteen Mile Stone. During our stay at this place, we distinctly heard the cannonading at Mud Fort, and heard also the explosion of the Augusta. The Commanding General having determined to attack the British forces at German- - town, issued a general order for the encouragement of the troops, wherein was displayed, in glowing colors, the recent success of the Northern army under Gates, at Saratoga. About dusk the whole force was in motion, moving directly on Germantown, which was situated on the main road to Philadelphia. Unavoidable delays, occasioned by the ammunition wagons and artillery, together with the fatigues of a night march, so far overcame the watchfulness of the troops that many of the files were actually dozing, and would have halted and slept upon their feet, had it not been for the impulse given them by other files immediately succeeding them. Still farther inconvenience was experienced on account of the road being in many places obstructed by shallow pools of water. The advancing platoons filed off to right and left for the purpose of passing with dry feet, a movement which could not be accomplished without considerable delay. On being acquainted with this circumstance. Gen. Washington rode hastily forward and addressed the officers personally, 'Gentlemen, Officers, I call upon you to exert yourselves. If you keep filing around every mud-puddle in this manner, when shall we reach the enemy? " The effect of this laconic address was very salutary. Officers and privates went forward by common consent with a quicker and firmer step. There was no more going around the puddles, obstacles were unheeded, and there seemed to be no feeling but to reach the British quarters in the quickest time possible.

_ " About daybreak the advance came upon the picket guard of the enemy at Chestnut Hill, which retreated precipitately, after discharging a field piece to give the alarm to the main body. After a short but rapid pursuit, we found ourselves suddenly confronted by the British lines at Germantown, and in a few moments the random firing, which had been previously kept up, was succeeded by an almost unremitted crash of small arms and artillery, along the whole extent of the contending armies. The morning was darkened by a heavy fog, which blended with the smoke of the firing, had became so thick that we were unable to distinguish the British uniform at twenty paces, and were only assured of their locality by the streams of fire emitted from their pieces, which were leveled toward us. The enemy very soon gave way, and were unable to make a decided Stand until nearly noon, when they were re-enforced by a strong detachment from Philadelphia, under the command of Lord Cornwallis. Our troops being imperfectly disciplined and flushed with success, were unfortunately in disorder at this critical juncture, and Were 1n consequence, though not until after a hard struggle, forced literally to retreat from victory. We were pursued by the enemy a distance of two or three miles, until we attained a favorable position on some rising ground, from whence we were enabled to check their progress

It isa matter of history that Washington was forced to make this battle, which ended in defeat, by public clamor, and against his better judgment.

The army of Washington engaged in no more battles that fall, and as winter approached went into camp at Valley Forge. The sufferings of this camp were often alluded to by Col. Curry, the historical descriptions of which are familiar to all.

The evacuation of Philadelphia by the British, under Sir Henry Clinton, June 18, 1778, opened the campaign of that year. Washington put his army in motion, and following the retreating British, attacked them at Monmouth, N. J., June 28. It was a drawn battle, as history tells, nevertheless the British, fearing to risk a second day's engagement, stole away in the night, and by daybreak were beyond pursuit. It was here that Gen. Washington so severely arraigned Gen. Lee for the disorderly retreat of his troops. Col. Curry was within hearing, and distinctly remembering, was often heard to repeat the stinging words of the great commander. Riding up to Lee, he said: "Sir, what means this disorderly retreat?" "Sir, your raw militia cannot cope with the British regulars," replied Lee. "You have not tried them," said Washington, and wheeling his horse rallied the flying columns. Then turning to Lee, he asked, ' Will you command?" 'Yes,' exclaimed the discomfited officer, 'and I will not be the first to leave the field." Neither was he, but for the rest of the day carried his troops valiantly through the hottest of the fight.

Col. Curry remained with the army in the field until the winter following, when he was detailed for the recruiting service, and stationed at Staunton. In the spring he returned to the army and was on active staff duty, following the fortunes of the army of Washington throughout the year. The winter of 1779 found him again at Staunton as a recruiting officer. Again in the spring of 1780 we find him in the field,and as active operations were this year transferred to the Carolinas, his experiences were uneventful. The following winter he was-again at Staunton, recruiting men, but he seems io have returned early to the army, for he was one of the 700 veteran Virginians detached and ordered to the relief of Gen. Lincoln, who was defending Charleston, S. C. Col. Curry's story of the march to the succor of that beleaguered city is remembered as of thrilling interest. The column started from Philadelphia in February, 1781. The snow was the deepest that had ever been known, and was badly drifted. It was crusted over, however, as to uphold horses and wagons, and was so deep that artillery even could be hauled over the tops of the fences. But in low places and along the streams wagons and artillery were constantly breaking through, entailing the hardest work to get them again onto solid snow. Reaching the neighborhood of Charleston. they were taken into small boats in an endeavor to enter the city by water at night; they had a sorry time, however, drifting about in the harbor, frequently losing sight of the city's lights, and were finally compelled to board a French vessel, and remain till morning. Col. Curry was never weary telling of that night's adyentures in Charleston Harbor. Among other things, he used to repeat the good French Captain's words of encouragement, '' The English can no possible take Charleston." But they did take it, nevertheless ; the next morning, April 7, 1781, they rowed into the city, entering it just two days before the British blockading squadron closed the harbor. Two days more and they would have been spared the consequences of Gen. Lincoln's surrender, for they could not have passed the cordon of British troops which forbade aland approach. For more than a month the beleaguered Americans defended themselves, with heroic fortitude, soldiers and citizens combated every British approach, but were finally on the 12th of May compelled to succumb, The capitulation put the American troops on paroleas prisoners of war, and for some months Col. Curry was compelled to a life of inactivity. During the siege, the Colonel was severely wounded in the hand by the bursting of a shell. After the surrender, the American officers were treated with much distinction by their British captors. An incident, often related by Col. Curry, exhibits the wonderful agility of the man at this time, and the dexterity to which he had arrived in the use of the sword. A

Out walking one day in the environs of the city, accompanied by a party of British officers, a rabbit was espied. Drawing his sword he made, plunge, and spitting the unfortunate animal, turned, and with a polite bow, extended it to the principal officer of the party.

While lying at Charlestown, he figured, too, in an affair of honor, no less than a duel, between his chief, Gen. Nathaniel Gist (for whom he was a second), and Gen. Wade Hampton, ancestor of the celebrated South Carolinian, now bearing that name, But one shot was fired and the matter was settled without bloodshed.

His account of the duel, as well as of another in which he was one time during the war a second, is well remembered. In the other affair, he supported a Capt. Kirkpatrick, a fiery Irish officer, who engaged a Capt. McCook.

In this encounter Capt. McCook was severely wounded, and so hot was the contest that a tragedy was barely avoided. Duels in those days were, however, of frequent ocourrence amongst officers, and Col. Curry seemed never to attach much importance to the part he had played in the two referred to. E

From the surrender of Charleston, even the principal points in the military career of Col. Curry are involved in doubt. The length of time he was on parole as a prisoner of war is uncertain, but it is a family tradition that it was for fourteen months, during which time he ' was not to cross any. river, bay, or arm of the sea, nor to go farther than five miles into the country." On the other hand, it is claimed that the young officer was early exchanged and was in the fall following at the siege of Yorktown, October 19, 1781. Certainly Gon, Lincoln was there, as was most of the army which had been humiliated the May before in South Carolina. But whether at Yorktown or not, he was in the service until the close of the war, and is thought to have been with Washington when the great leader made his triumphant entry into New York City, November 25, 1783. The term of Col. Curry's service is furthermore fixed beyond dispute by the wording of an old land patent, dated March 16, 1816, and signed by James Madison, President.

This patent recites that "in consideration of military service performed by J ames Curry, a captain (sic) for six months more than six years, to the United States in the Virginia line, on Continental establishment * * * * * * there is granted by the United States unto the said James Curry, etc." f

The fall and winter of 1788 wound up the war of the Revolution, the British evacuating New York and quitting the country the day of Washington's entry. The 4th of December following, the commander-in-chief took farewell of his officers and went to Annapolis, where Congress was in session, where December 23, he resigned his commission.

About this time, Col. Curry's commission must have expired, or he had been mustered out of the service, as it is known that he was in Staunton a good part of the winter of 1783-84. He had served his country valiantly and well through the long and bloody struggle for independence, and atthe close we find him returned to the avocations of peace, among the foremost of his countrymen shaping and administering the laws of the newly unfranchised country.

Concluding our necessarily imperfect and meager history of Col. Curry's military career, we are happily able to present a fac simile of a statement of his account with the United States during a portion of his service. It is on a great sheet of old-time paper, yellow with age (it must have been written in 1782), and strikingly exhibits in its careful ruling, its regular columns, and beautifully shaped characters, the methodic habits of the man, and theexpertness with which he could, when required, handle the pen. It will be noticed that his calculations were in pounds, shillings and pence, and, as indication of the worthless condition to which the currency of the colonies was then reduced, it should be observed that his second column of figures on each page is a showing of the true values of the moneys handled, being but two per cent of the whole. Unlike most accounting officers these times, it will be noticed, too, that Col. Curry was a creditor of the Government he had been serving, having a balance in his favor of some hundreds of pounds.

At Staunton, he filled several important civil offices, amongst others, Clerk of the Court of Augusta County. He was then thirty-one years of age, in the prime of intellectual and physica vigor, and, having rendered conspicuous military services, was entitled to and received the unbounded confidence of the people of that county.

The 20th day of November, 1784, he was married near Staunton to the daughter of a Capt. Robert Burns (then deceased), who had been an honored officer in the Pennsylvania line tnroughout the war, His home had been at Charlottesville, N. C., where this daughter was born 10th October, 1768. She wasa beautiful young girl when married to Col. Curry, scarcely more than half her husband's age, but well educated and of, unusual strength of character; and she was simple Mary Burns when married, but the name did not please her husband and it was agreed that it should be changed to Maria. But this did not fully satisfy the ardent man, and his young wife was finally persuaded to answer to the name of Maria Magdalene, by which she was ever after known. The-child had been, during the war, a great deal with her father, who, it seems, was an officer of one of the departments of supplies, stationed at many different points. She had thus, though but a mere child, been an eye witness of many of the stirring scenes of the Revolution, and, in after years, recounted with an unfailing memory the numerous thrilling incidents of her army experience. She wasa great reader, especially of poetry, and, among all her favorites in the latter years of her life, none stood so high as Robert Burns, with whose family her own was understood to be connected. She was tall of person, and finely formed, her hair luxuriant and dark brown, and her eyes a beautiful blue. She had a tuneful voice of winning sweetness, and must have been withal a charming, handsome woman indeed. She had, too, an extraordinary memory, and could repeat, as she often did to her children, her favorite poets by the hour. Then she was ever telling her children old stories and fairy tales, and the venerable Mrs. Martha, Boal Taylor, of Columbus, who lived in her childhood on an adjoining farm, remembers that it was her supreme delight to get an evening at Mrs. Curry's fireside, and listen to her wonderful accounts of the land of elfs. The late Otway Curry was never weary talking of this mother of his, whose poetic heart had instilled into his own such a love of the beautiful and true. She it was who first turned his eyes to the glory of the starry heavens, and taught him the names of the constellations, and she it was who guided his early lisping tongue to put sweet E and beautiful words into rhythm and rhyme.

, , Her transition from the life of ease and comfort to which she had been accustomed in Virginia to the wilderness of Ohio must have been asad trial, but it is in evidence that she accepted her lot, and shared with her husband and children the discomforts of a pioneer cabin cour-

But to resume in connected forma narrative of the life of Col. Curry. We find that after marriage he lived for a year in Staunton, and here the first child of the happy couple was born, a boy, whom they named Robert Burns, in honor of the young mother's dead father. This child was born November 2, 1785, dying when grown to manhood, December 7, 1805, at his father's home, in the new State of Ohio. The year 1785 Col. Curry moved to Rockingham C. H., afterward called Harrisonburg, county seat of the newly made county of Rockingham. He engaged in merchandising in this new home, and held the while several offices of trust, both civil and military. He was, amongst other things, Brigade Inspector of the Seventh Brigade, a salaried position of much importance. It was his duty to attend each place of muster, and *t superintend the exercise" of the troops. In this connection, a very interesting paper, in the hands of W. L. Curry, signed by Brig. Gen. Isaac Zane, exists, directing ' Major" James Curry to attend for the purpose of "superintending the exercises" of the regiments, the several mustering places named, Woodstock, Cunningham's Mill, Harrisonburg and Staunton. It is dated September 26, 1794.

Here a half-sister of his wife, a daughter of her father's second marriage, Peggy, was married about the year 1798, to one Jewitt Gamble, to whom numerous children were born - children whose descendants are to-day scattered all through the South. This Jewitt Gamble was a brother of Robert Gamble, one of Staunton's leading merchants of that day, a man who afterward removed to Richmond, and became one of the heaviest business men of that city and immensely wealthy. He married Letitia, a daughter of Gen. James Breckenridge, and left two sons, one of whom became Governor of Florida and the other of Missouri. One of his daughters married William Wirt, one Chancellor Harper, of South Carolina, and one W. H. Cabill, Governor of Virginia.

In Harrisonburg, Col. Curry greatly prospered, and here his second child, James A., was born, March 30, 1787, who, coming with his parents into Union County, lived to a ripe old age and died March 1, 1874. And here was born a son, Otway, March 30, 1789, who died when but three years'old. Here, too, was born Harriet, their first girl child, who died an infant, in her second year. Here, too, was born Harriet Smith, April 8, 1793, who came with her parents to Ohio, was married to James Buck, and died in Union County August 10, 1845.

In the fall of 1797, Col. Curry determined to remove to the territory of Ohio, in which the State of Virginia had reserved an immense tract of land for the use of her soldiers in the war of the Revolution. It was the soldier's ultima thule, and glowing accounts of its vast reaches of forest and alluvial bottom lands having reached Virginia, thither flocked the men of war, with their families and friends, in rapidly increasing numbers. Selling his property, Col. Curry with his little family safely sheltered in a great wagon drawn by five horses, started October 5, 1797. for his long journey over the mountains of Virginia. Reaching Morganstown on the Monongahela River, he embarked on a flat-boat and made the remainder of the journey down that stream and the Ohio, and to the confines of the territory of his destination by water.

This voyage was very tedious, some six months having been consumed in making it, and very hazardous. The winter of 1797-93 was a hard one, the rivers full of ice and floating trees, so that very often the devoted family thought themselves doomed to destruction. However, the mouth of the Scioto River was finally entered, and after weeks of contest against its angry current, the wanderers at length reached what was afterward known as High Bank Prairie, Ross County, landing April 1, 1798. Here Col. Curry erected his first house, a cabin without door, floor, or window, in which he lived for two years. He then removed to the present site of Greenfield, Highland County, where, for eleven years, he lived and cultivated the land. Here tbree children were born - Stephenson, December 3, 1801, who died in Union County, April 2, 1861; Otway, March 26, 1804, who died in Marysville February 15, 1855; and Louisa, July 21, 1807, who came with her parents to Union County, where she married Nelson Cone and still lives. The settlement at Greenfield was a prosperous and healthy one, numbering some 200 suls; and during the whole of Col. Curry's residence there, not a physician lived in the place. The nearest doctor was at Chillicohe, twenty miles away, and when sickness did occur, Col. Curry was always called upon for prescriptions. He was surgeon, too, for broken limbs and fractured bones, but it is not recorded that he ever undertook to amputate an offendiog member.

Col. Curry held but one office, we believe, while living in Highland County, that of Brigade Inspector. His service as an officer in the Revolutionary army was, of course, well known, and he had been often urged to take a part in military matters, but had steadily refused. Duncan McArtbur had been for a long time tbe Inspector, but had, for some reison, become unpopular, when, one general muster (1806 probably), it was decided to oust him. An officer named Christian Platter said, ** Let's elect a man who has some sense," whereupon the voters, with one single exception, cast their ballots for Col. Curry (McArthur getting just one vote), who had, at once, though protesting and unwilling, to take the office. McArthur, who had before this been a frequent visitor and an industrious reader of the Culonel's ample library of books, never again entered Col. Curry's door. At the next election, Col. Curry peremptorily refused, and Gen. McArthur was again given the place. In this connection an amusing story is told.

elated that he broke in three barrels of whisky, inviting boys to help uere do desired and be happy. A grand old carousal, worthy the time and the men, followed. Col. Curry's horse got loose, and going home, warned the family to send for its master. His son, James A., started immediately, and midway met a man named Hamilton, drunk and happy. He was sober enough, however, to declare that the "muster was over; that it had been a glorious time; that there had been a great outpouring of spirit, and that over 800 down !" 1 ; m B Quiere, brought with him warrants for many thousand acres of land, issued for military services. He had also à warrant for 9,000 acres issued because of money paid into the treasury of the State of Virginia. The military warrants were variously laid, portions in what is now Ross and Highland aud Fayette Counties, Ohio, one of a thousand acres in Southwestern Kentucky, and in 1807, one of a thousand acres (Survey No. 1,440) in what is now Jerome Township, Union County. Other D. were intrusted toa man by the name of Harrod, the er of Harrodsburg, Ky., and lost. s ,

MD Ee treasury are ths never laid. The old Colonel had too much land, so he kept this warrant to look at, satisfied and doubtless gratified to think that some day his grandchildren could use and enjoy it. But alas for the uncertainty of human calculations, after his death, the warrant fell into the hands of Silas G. Strong, waslostand never recovered. Years after, when the matter came to be investigated, the State of Virginia was found to have no lands left upon which a warrant could be laid, and as the United States Government could never be persuaded to father the treasury land debts of the mother of States, that 9,000-acre principality was fouad to be eternally gone. Nevertheless, the writer was once told in Richmond that the State had doubtless a good many mountain peaks yet untaken, whereon the warrant or its re-issue might be laid.

The year 1811, Col. Curry removed himself and family to the Jerome Township land. His son, James A., had, in company with a man by the name of Joseph Bell, gone up the winter before and made a clearing on the place now owned by W. W. Curry, and a man named Call had cleared a portion of the present farm of John Nonemaker, and erected a cabin. In the Call cabin Col. Curry began life in a wilderness for the third time. The country was practically unsettled, only a few houses being scattered along the Darby, and Indians were everywhere. The savages were far from being peacebly disposed, and as the war with England of 1812 was impending. the most serious consequences to the family of Col. Curry were feared, as the result of his rash removal to the wilds of Madison County. Illustrative of the dangers then supposed to attend such a residence, an old letter addressed ''Col. James Curry, Madison County, Ohio, to the care of Mr. Cadwalader Wallace, Chillicothey," is a point. This letter, postmarked Harrisonburg, Va., February 16, 1818, bears the following request : '' Mr, Wallace will oblige Alex Herring (the writer), by forwarding this to Col. Curry, as it is probable he has moved from his residence in Madison County, for fear of the Indians." The Colonel, nevertheless, bad not removed from his newly made home, where the letter finally reached him. But the family had many fiights, and not a few thrilling adventures. An experience of unusual interest is narrated elsewhere, when the brave mother, arming her two children, Stephenson and Otway, made ready to defend her little home against savage assault. In this home and on this farm, now owned, as stated, by John Nonemaker, Col. James Curry lived the remainder of his days. The territory was then Madison County, and the Colonel was no sooner well located than his fellowcitizens returned him to the Legislature of the State, representing the district composed of Delaware and Madison Counties. This was for the session of 1812-13, when the capital was at Chillicothe. The nomination was altogether unexpected, and of course unsolicited. As proof of this, Mr. James Cone, of Jerome, remembers reading, when a chunk of a boy, a letter, dated at Delaware, and signed by a committee, stating that a convention of citizens had without consulting him, presumed to place his name at the head of their ticket. The letter ended by saying tbat they hoped he would feel free to give his influence in favor of the ticket so nominated. In wonderful contrast this to the modern way of procuring candidates for office. The succeeding winter, that of 1813-14, the Colonel was again sent to represent the district, the Legislature again meeting in Chillicothe. This session (or possibly the one before) the new capital, Columbus was projected, and the membership must have numbered very many choice spirits. The following letter in the clearly cut cbirography of Samuel P. Hildreth, one of Ohio's early historians, and by him signed, shows that there was fun as well as legislation going on at Chillicothe that session : still retain a place in your memory. Iam happy to hear that things go on smoothly in No. 6,* and I would have given ull my old shoes to have been with you on that evening when " Crazy Bill"'} was initiated in the mysteries of - the Directorship of Columbus, that city which is to be the Babylon of Ohio. It must have been a lively and happy evening with, you - on one side was Col. Jim's] pipe throwing out continued volleys of smoke, on the other Gen. Casse' g broad mouth throwing out continued volleys of Jaughter, with here and there interspersed Ludlow's chain - - - - - - - - M ee eee ME +A room doubtless of the hotel.

of causes and effects; and the sallies of wit and humor from the rest of the company, all combined, must have had a very happy effect, and would have relaxed the stern muscles of Diogenes had he been there. I should have highly enjoyed the scene could I have been present; but as I could not be, I can console myself with the thought that some of my friends were there and were happy, which to me is at all times a pleasing reflection. I am happy to hear that my friend Ludlow has been successful, as he is really a worthy and deserving man, and will fill the station* with propriety and ability. Iam also pleased that the office of Major General has fallen to the lot of Mr. Cass, He will support it with dignity and show to the people of the State of Ohio that its Legislature has not mistaken their confidence. This election will probably put to sleep any further inquiries respecting the Major General of the Second Division. I have to regret that my acquaintance with Col. Curry could not have been longer, but from what few days we were acquainted I feel a growing attachment, which twice that number of years will not oblit erate, and believe me, sir, when I say I shall consider that day which introduced you to my acquaintance as one of the most interesting in my calendar. However, I hope and trust that our knowledge of each other is not to end here, but that we shall yet pass many happy hours together. With sentiments of respect, I am your friend, S. P. HILDRETH., Cor. J. Curry, Member of the Legislature, Chilliothe, Ohio.

Col. Curry was returned from the Delaware and Madison district, the winter of 1814-15, and in the session of 1815-16 we find him again a member from that district, the Legislature still convening at Chillicothe. The next year and the first in which the Legislature sat at Columbus, the new capital, 1816-17, the two counties were each given a representation, and Col. Curry's own county, Madison, took up a new man, one Isaac Miner.

The Colonel was not retired to private life, however, for this year (1816) he was chosen one of the electors who met at Chillicothe, and cast the vote of the State for James Monroe of Virginia, for President, and Daniel D. Tompkins of New York, for Vice President. His associates were John G. Young, Abrabam Shepherd, Aaron Wheeler, Uthniel Looker, John Patterson, Benjamin Hough and William Skinner.

The sessions of the Legislature of 1817-18 and 1818-19, Miner continued to sit for the county, but that of 1819-20, Col. Curry was returned as Madison's representative. This, the eighteenth General Assemb!y of the State of Ohio, the last in which the Colonel ever sat as a member, was held at Columbus, that ** modern Babylon," and it is to be supposed that Mr. Hildreth was there and all the gevia! spirits who the winter of 1813-14 had made the walls of ** No. 6" at Chillicothe echo with sallies of wit and volleys of laughter. This session, a bill for the organization of Union County, was introduced into the Senate by Gen. Foos, then representing Franklin, Madison and Delaware, and passed. The bill went to the House Friday, December 24, 1819, and on motion of Col. Curry was made the order for the following Tuesday, when it was passed and became a law. '

June 3, 1811, Col. Curry was made the happy father of another son, his last child, and the only one ever born in Madison County. Tothis son the name of Robert Burns was given, a very appropriate reproduction of tbat borne by his first-born child, This son, now an old man with whitened hair, but when last in Ohio as light of heart and as playful as when thirty years younger, yet lives, having years ago removed to the State of Kansas.

The Colonel's only other living child, a daughter, married, as has been stated, to Mr. Nelson Cone, and yet lives in Jerome Township in sight of the spot where seventy-two years ago her parents first made their home. A venerable, intelligent, gentle woman, though sadly afflicted, she still lives, the joy of her household, respected, loved, revered by every one, kin and stranger, who comes within her sweet presence. x

But though Col. Curry did not again return to the duty of making laws, he was, inthe years 1822-23-24-25-26-27 and 1828, one of the Associate Judges of the county who executed them. The courts were held in Milford, and from the April term of 1822 to the August term of 1823, the bench was constituted: John A. McDowell, President Judge, David Mitchell. William Gabriel, James Curry, Associates. The November term of 1823, Gustavis Swan was President Judge, same Associates. April term of 1824, Ebenezer Lane became President Judge, and the, same Associates held till the February term of 1826, when Robert Nelson was appointed in place of Col. Curry. October term of 1827, Ebenezer Lane still presiding ; Col. C. returned ta the bench, displacing David Mitchell. February term of 1828, Gustavis Swan again 'became Presiding Judge, so continuing Col. Curry, William Gabriel and Robert Nelson as Associates to and including the September term of 1828. :

This was the last of Col. Curry's office holding, and as he was now some seventy-six years of age, he was probably quite willing to relinquish into other and younger hands the duties of office, which in either a military or civil capacity he had been with but litrle cessation fulfilling continuously for fifty years. Full of honors, and enjoying to the utmost the confidence and esteem of the peop'e of the county he had been instrumental in organizing, he at à ripe old age retired to his farm, to spend peacefully, what few days might yet remain for him, Though old in years, he was still strong and vigorous, it is remembered, in body and mind. He succumbed, however, to an attack of apoplexy, dying July 5, 1834, at 10 0 clock A.M. Twe days after, his body was laid to rest by that of his beloved wife, who had preceded him some eight years, and the two yet lay side by side in a quiet corner of the old farm, which in 1807 he had covered with Survey 1440. So censed the life of Cl. James Curry. In estimating his character, we have only to point to the fact that while as an officer, civil or military, he achieved ne illustrious fame, he was steadily snd persistently successful in every position he undertook to fill and failed in none. As a citizen, husband, father, few men excelled him in the respect with which he was held by his neighbors and friends, and in the love and esteem borne him by his wife and children. He had been a captivating man in youth, and Mrs. Nelson Cone now declares that he was the handsomest man she ever saw; she remembers her uncle John's statement that her father and mother were the handsomest couple ever married in Staunton. Mrs. Cone mentions, too, his appearance on horseback, "the finest" she ever saw. He was of medium height, about five feet ten, weighed some two hundred pounds, was very broad across the shoulders and back, and was of wonderful strength and activity. In dress, while not particular on the farm, he was scrupulously exact and neat when going abroad to the legislature or to court. He was of very regular habits and most punctilious as to his children and other members of his household. He would never go to the table, or pay any attention to a notice that a meal was ready, unless asked, '' Please come to dinner, father," and when seated the children while small were not permitted to speak aloud. He insisted on perfect obedience, yet was very kind. He kept his money in the till of a chest, and Mrs. Cone remembers that when a child 'she would frequently find money lying on the floor near by, as if accidently dropped, which she would always carry to her father. His reply invariably was, "Why, how careless. Well, Louise, you can keep it for yourself." As to his political creed, he was an uncompromising Jacksonian Democrat, hating the very name of Federalism. His two sons, Stephenson and Otway, came, however, in time to be anti-Jacksonian, Otway particularly leading in many a wordy, excited debate with his father. These boys, the old gentlemen was accustomed to call his little tories. i ;

In religion, he was perhaps more a Baptist than anything else, though he was never a church member. Nevertheless he always said grace at the table, and up to his wife's death, possibly after, conducted family worship each and every morning. Mr. Nelson Cone remembers talking with him as to the division of the Baptists on the communion question, and that he took sides with the ''open communion" faction. However, the good man himself tells us what were his religious beliefs away along back in 1782, when a young man of thirty, and it is not known that he had at all changed his sentiments in after years. An old faded, course grained, fool's-cap sheet, dated October 7,' 82, and signed with a fine, flowing hand, James Curry, tells the story:

Eternal God! I am Thy creature, brought into being by Thy power, and hitherto hast been the care of Thy in dulgent providence. Thou madst me happy in my first parents after Thy image, the whole man upright, disposed: only to do Thy blessed will. But by the unhappy disobedience of this man I became (as well as the rest of mankind; asinner. Am by nature a child of wrath, am inclined to evil, to rebel against Thee, my rightful love. Am indisposed to holiness, my heart naturally at enmity with God, nor subject to His law as my choice; and Thou mightest be glorified in my damnation without the least imputation of injustice. I am ruined in myself, and in Thee only is my help. Butin the unaccountable power of Thy grace, Thou hast devised a plan, well ordered in all things. and sure, by the incarnation, obedience and death of Thine eternal Son, whereby the demands of justice are fully satisfied and a righteousness wrought out, by which sinners of mankind may have a right to eternal life upon God': own terms. The record of Thy Word is that Thou hast given to us (sinners) eternal life, and that this life is in Thy Son, declaring that there is no condemnation to them that believe in Him. Everything has been done on Thy part great God! to convince me of Thy gracious purpose and rich grace. Thou offerest an eternal life in Thy Son. 1 de sire, however unworthy of the unspeakable grace, to credit Thy Word, and to believe that Jesus Christ is both an able and willing Savior, and that depending on Him I shall not perish, and that He has made a sufficient satisfaction to justice for my sins, and that in His righteousness imputed I shall stand complete in all the Word of God. I make choice of Jesus Christ as my only Savior, in all His offices as my Teacher, Savior and Ruler, looking to be saved from sin in its dominion and consequent wrath through Him, depending on Him alone as the foundation of all my hopes, for every blessing and grace I need. In Him do I desire to make choice of God the Father as my Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit as my guide, director and sanctifier, God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to whom I surrender myself, as my God and everlasting portion. Believing in this, I do what is the will of God. In evidence of the sincerity oi

This was written along toward the close of his army life, when a young, unmarried man, and must be taken as the sum of his convictions as to religion. No sect is favored, no creed proclaimed; but what a grand, though simple, expression of faith in God, in Jesus Christ, and in the the efficacy of the Christian's plan of salvation! The unbelieving reader will hardly repress an emotion of exultation at the eloquent simplicity of this hundred-year-old piece of parchment, coming as it were from the tomb, to warn and convict. It almost surpasses belief, that the grand old soldier was, indeed, never an acknowledged member of any one of the churches of that day.

** Uncle" David Winget, who lived years in his family, says that he was reserved in manner, but a good talker when aroused and encountering a peer. He was a great reader, and had, for that day, a very large library of books, historical, religious, scientific and poetic. About every newspaper then published in America came to him as a regular subscriber, and the writer has now in possession piles of such, running back to the Revolutionary war, and beyond, carefully stitched (by his own hand, doubtless), for preservation. Few men of that day were more intelligent than Col. Curry, whose advice, on all matters (so Mr. Winget says), business and social, was sought by everybody. ;

He was hot tempered, but ever courteous. His hair was dark and closely cut; forehead high and broad; eyes hazel; nose straight; chin as shapely as could have been molded. His face, always closely shaven, is said to have nearly resembled that of his son, James A.

of Col. James Curry. Books have been searched, and letters written, with a diligence and labor little imagined; but it must be, after all, confessed to small purpose. The great State of Virginia is absolutely without a history in detail of the grand part taken by her sons in the war of the Revolution. A letter written to the writer by a distinguished citizen of Augusta County, confesses that there is no history of that county in the war of the Revolution extant; and yet it was that day the principal one in wealth and population of the State. It comprised, indeed, everything west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, covering the famous valley of Virginia, between the Ridge and the Alleghanies, into which it was Washington's declared purpose to retire if defeated north of the Potomac, and with his trained army of Spartan followers defend himself and his country to the last.

CAPT. JAMES A. CURRY, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., March 30, 1787. When eleven years of age (1798), his father, Col. James Curry, removed with his family to Ohio, and effected a settlement in' Highland County, twelve miles from Chillicothe. Highland was then the border of an unexplored wilderness, extending west and north over the entire State. The red man still claimed it as his heritage, and the wild animals roamed at will over its hills and valleys. Young Curry, then a boy of twelve summers, possessing to some extent the fearlessness and spirit of Boone for hunting, longed for an adventure. He attired himself in his hunting costume, which consisted of a tow shirt and buckskin pants, and with his game-sack and rifle and a dozen dogs, five of which were his own, he started out, and after a tramp of several hours encountered a bear, which he killed. It was the largest of its species known to have been killed in Highland County. On one occasion when but a lad, he made a trip of 100 miles to get a physician to attend on a sick brother. His route lay through a densely-wooded forest, and the distance was traveled principally during nights. February, 1811, in company with Joseph Bell, he came to what is now Union County. The snow was two feet deep, and with these surroundings they felled some trees and erected a ** half-faced camp," which served as a shelter for them during the spring and summer. The situation of the camp was about forty rods northeast of Sugar Run Falls. Here he cleared a field and raised a crop of corn. The latter part of the summer he went back to Highland County, and in the fall returned to Union County, accompanied by his parents. Early in the summer of 1812, he enlisted with a company of forty-day volunteers, and with the necessary military equipments, mounted his horse and went to Urbana, where he joined a company of horse from Highland County, and served in Col, Carr's regiment. On his way to Urbana he followed the paths and madethe whole trip without seeing a single person. His steed, "old Jack," although an animal twenty-one years old, served him efficiently during bis military career. Jn February, 1813, Capt. Curry (he having been previously chosen to that rank), was ordered to report with his company for duty and join the army of the Northwest, under Gen. Harrison. He was camped at Delaware, Upper Sandusky, Wapakoneta, Falls St. Marys and Fort Meigs. After the war closed, he was offered a Captaincy in the regular army, which he declined. Capt. Curry had come to Ohio when young, and his advantages for an education were very limited, but through his own diligence and efforts to secure learning, he acquired a good education, which was of great practical use to him in after yeare, The chief elements of his education, and in which he displayed a marked thoroughness, were geography, natural philosophy and history. Natural philosophy was so easily mastered by him that,he gave it the version of " natural simplicity." In boyhood he formed strong tastes for reading, and his extensive knowledge was all obtained through the avenues of literature. He was a man wholly self-acquired, and no doubt the best historian in the county. A man of strong conversational powers, he was able to entain anyone intbe most pleasing manner. As a man, he was generous and hospitable, and never turned from his door the needy and distressed. He died near New California, March 1, 1874, aged eighty-seven. March 18, 1817, he was married to Miss Phebe Winget, a daughter of Stephen and Hannah Winget, natives of Washington County, Penn. They removed to Madison County, Ohio, in 1801, Mrs. Winget was, before her marriage, a Cary, and was a distant relative of Alice and Phebe Cary, and also of Hon. Samuel F. Cary. Mrs. Winget was left a widow in 1807, with six children. She died in 1860, aged eighty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Curry reared a family of ten children - five suns and five daughters, viz.: John: Harriet, widow of William Baird; Nancy; Mariah, widow of John Woodburn; James, deceased; Samantha, decensed; William W.; Phebe, wife of W. H. Williams; David; and James A., deceased, who died in the army. Mrs. Curry is still living on the old homestead at the advanced age of eighty-four years. She is enjoying good health, and in possession of all her mental faculties. She spent two days at the ** world's fair," in 1882, and there saw the improvements of the country of pre years, which was all accomplished under her observation. John Curry, the eldest son and chil * was born in Jerome, December 22, 1817. December 9, 1845, he was married to Tabitha W, Gill, daughter of Jesse Gill, by whom he has had eleven children, viz.: Allen T., Lewis C., aenar H., Frank P., Olive C. (wife of J. D. McCampbell), Jesse G., Stephenson, Jennie, Mantie, a E. and John M. Mr. Curry owns a valuable farm of 347 acres, and is a successful farmer an stock-raiser. Mrs. Curry is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr, Curry is Den TEPHENSON CURRY (deceased) was born on the site of Greenfield, Highland p Ohio, December 3, 1801. He was a son of Col. James Curry, well known as one of the earlies pioneers of Union County. Mr. Curry emigrated to Jerome Township, with his parents, in 1811, when but ten years of age, and settled in the unbroken wilderness, which was thickly infested with Indians and native animals. Here he passed his early life and received his education, which waslimited to the schools held in log cabins. During the war of 1812, there was scarcely an able-bodied man left in the settlements along Darby and Sugar Run,and their families were in great danger and in constant fear of being massacred by the Indians. In 1812-13, Stephenson's father, Col. Curry, was called to Delaware, to assist in organizing a regiment of-soldiers, lenving him and his brother Otway with Mrs. Curry, hemmed in by the woods, and with no neighbors nearer than John Kent and family, who resided a mile and a half away. One day, during Col. Curry's absence, the horses were attacked by the wolves, and stampeded with such a noise as to make Mrs. Curry believe the Indians were going to attack their home. Young Stephenson, then but a boy of eleven years, but with the coolness of an old backwoodsman, took down the two rifles, and, loading one, placed his younger brother Otway as a sentinel at the fence, in rear of the eabin, and while he attempted to load the other, the charge became fastened in the barrel. The two boys stood on guard for some time, ready to meet the invasion of the red skins. When night came on, they, with their mother, went to John Kent's house and spent the night. The next morning, on their return with some of the neighbors, they found that the wolves had attacked the horses, badly injuring one of them, but that no Indians, or traces of them, were to befound. One of the old, flint-lock rifles used on this occasion is still in possession of the family. Mr. Curry spent his early life and manhood in clearing up the old homestead, and remained on a part of it till his death. November 18, 1830, he was married to Miss Sarah D. Robinson, daughter of James and Jane (Morrison) Robinson. Mrs. Curry was born in Darby Township, April 14, 1806. In their married life they were blessed with eight children, viz.: Louisa, widow of William Thompson; Jane, wife of Taber Randall; Otway, William L., James, Mary, wife of Andrew Gill; John W., and an infant son, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Curry were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Curry united himself with that body about 1835-36, and Mrs. C. 1824-25, of which she was a devoted and consistent member for fifty years. Mr. Curry was a Ruling Elder for over twentyfive years, and was an active member till his death, which occurred April 2, 1861. Mrs. Curry survived him till November 11. 1881. For half a century Mr. Curry guided the plowshare and wielded the ax in clearing up the forest. Born and bred a hardy pioneer of the West, trained to the use of the trusty rifle, yet amid all these difficulties and hardships, he found time for study and meditation. He possessed a mind richly stored with knowledge, which he was ever free to impart to all, and many were the stories of his adventures and experiences he was wont to relate, around the old family fireside. He was a man over six feet in height, straight as an Indian, and of great strength and activity, and, perhaps, did as much hard work as any other man in the county in his day. As a friend, Mr. Curry was warm and steadfast, ever ready to espouse the cause of the weak, and, in his church associations, was beloved and esteemed for his forbearance and piety. In politics, he was a Whig until the breaking up of the old Whig party, and afterward he was a Democrat.

WILLIAM W. CURRY, farmer, P. O. New California, third son of Capt. James A. and Phebe Curry, was born on the old Curry homestead April 11, 1832. His youth and early manhood was passed in his native place, and his training received in the select schools of New California. He was first married September 17, 1861, to Catharine Nonemaker, who died March 1, 1871, leaving three children - Charles E., Mary L. and Addison $. February 18, 1878, he was married to Miss Jennie Harris, daughter of Guy and Nancy Harris. Mrs. Curry was born in Wood County, Ohio, and died January 3, 1879. Two daughters were the fruits of this union, namely: Effie A. and Bertha. Mr. Curry's third marriage occurred February 10, 1880, to Miss Nancy, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Bain. She was born in Greene County, Ohio, January 13, 1840. Mr. Curry's father deeded him his farm, which contained ninety acres. He pursues the avocation of farming and raising Poland-China hogs. His political opinions are Democratic.

BEVERLY DEPP, farmer, P. O. New California, was born in Powhatan County, Va., November 13, 1826. His father, Stephen Depp, was a slave for thirty years, and was liberated at his master's death in 1830, when he received, as his share of the estate, 143 acres of land in Jerome Township and a year's provisions. In 1836, he removed with his family and located on it. The farm was all woodland and Mr. Depp was numbered with the early settlers. He married Lydia Knuckles, and died November 12, 1861, leaving her a widow with six children, of whom Beverly is the eldest. He aided his father to clear up the farm. In 1854, moved on Abraham Depp's farm, which he rented for twenty-seven years. He bought forty acres in 1865 and has made additions till he now owns a farm of 103 acres. May 2, 1850, he married to Rachel Mallory, by whom he has had ten children, viz.: William H.. Rachel J. (wife of Alpheus Geeder), Augustus, Katie, Jerelene, Charles E., Delila E., Beverly, Rosa and Lizzie (deceased). Mrs. Depp departed this life August 9, 1869. Mr. Depp is a successful farmer and a highly ex-Commissioner of Union County, was L He was a son of Judah Dodge, who was born in His father, Judah Dodge, Sr., moved with his family to Union

County at the beginning of the war of 1812, and settled on the Crocker Smith farm in Darby Township. Some years later he moved to Jerome, locating on a farm of seventy acres. In 1836 he purchased a tract of 400 acres near New California. 'This whole farm was then covered with a dense forest, without an improvement, save a rude log shanty, which had been erected by the Indians. Mr. Dodge died on the farm in May, 1856. He had filled the office of Justice of the Peace a number of terms and was otherwise officially identified with Jerome Township. He entered the county at the time of the last war with Great Britain and was familiar with its early settlement, organization, and the growth and development of it up to the date of his death. Judah Dodge, Jr., was but seventeen when his parents came to the West, and he spent the remainder of his minority in clearing up the land his father located. J uly 4, 1816, he was married to Elizabeth Kilgore, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 20, 1799, and by whom he had nine children, of whom our subject is the third son and seventh child. In 1867, Mr. Dodge sold his farm and removed to Marysville, where he died April 23, 1870. He was for fifteen years an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a man of honor and highly respected. Mr. Dodge, the subject of this sketch, was reared and brought up on the farm and was educated in the common schools of Jerome Township. November 29, 1855, he married Miss Rebecca Rudolph, a daughter of John and Julia Rudolph. Mrs. Dodge was born in Delaware County, Ohio, July 1, 1838. Nine children were the fruits of this marriage, viz.: Andrew J. (married Flora E. Harrington), John R. (married Ella B. Boring), Glenna M. (wife of Elbert Bonnett), Thomas J., Jennie R., Tella A., William M., Ottie J. and Frank E. In 1857, Mr. Dodge moved into Mill Creek Township, and in 1865 took up his residence on his present farm. He owns 509 acres of well-improved and highly-cultivated land. His occupation is agriculture and stock-raising ; in the latter pursuit he has dealt extensively for the last twenty years. Mr. Dodge has by his energy and careful business management achieved a reasonable success in the accumulation of property. He was Trustee of Jerome Township two years and member of the Board of County Commissioners

ANDREW J. DODGE, farmer, P. O. New California, eldest son of John K. Dodge, was born in Mill Creek Township July 7, 1857. He was brought up on a farm and received his education in the select schools of New California and at the National Normal at Lebanon, Ohio. He taught school two terms in Jerome Township, and September 20, 1877, he was married to Miss Laura E. Harrington, a daughter of Nathaniel and Lucinda Harrington, of Plain City. Mrs. Dodge was born in Jerome Township, February 16, 1857. Mr. Dodge moved to his present farm in March, 1878, and is engaged in farming and raising and dealing in stock. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

DAVID DORT, deceased, an old and respected pioneer of Jerome Township, was born in New Hampshire November 25, 1801. He was a son of Titus and Charlotte (Clark) Dort, who were natives of Massachusetts, and came to Franklinton, Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1811. They subsequently removed to Darby Plains, Madison County, where Mrs. Dort departed this life. Mr. Dort died at Frankfort, about 1840. Atan early age, David was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, which he followed till 1835. In 1836, he was married to Sarah A., daughter of Thomas and Barbara Gray, the former a native of Delaware and the latter of Virginia. They moved to Ross County, Ohio, in 1815, and in 1821 came to Darby Plains, and afterward went to Keokuk, Iowa, where they died in 1844 and 1849, respectively. Mr. Gray was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Dort was born in Loudoun County, Va., June 4, 1813. Her great-grandfather came from Europe, and was one of the first Baptist ministers in America. Mr.;Dort removed with his family and settled on the farm now occupied by his widow in 1845. He purchased 125 acres of land and cleared and improved it to a good condition. He was an energetic and persevering man, and made all that he owned by his industry. In politics, he was Democratic till the war broke out, when he joined the ranks of the Republican party and was, during his subsequent life, an earnest advocate of its doctrines and principles. During the war he was active in behalf of the Union, and did much in the way of providing for the soldiers and their families. He was not a member of any church, but was inclined to the doctrine of the Congregational Church. He aided in many charitable and benevolent enterprises, and was a man of integrity. He died er 16, 1881, leaving a widow and one son. \ 3 ix ICE B. DORT. [ue iu was born near Plain City, in Madison County, June 25, 1817. His parents, Titus and Charlotte (Clark) Dort, were natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively, and came West in 1811 and located near Columbus, where Mr. Dort was in the employ of the Government as & blacksmith for Gen. Harrison's army, two years. In 1814, he removed to Darby Township, Madison County, and located 364 acres of land, which he occupied till 1840, when he removed to Jerome Township and purchased a small farm of ninety acres. He died in March, 1843. He had served Madison County a3 Commissioner two terms, and in the office of Justice of the Peace nine years. Mr. Dort, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on a farm. In 1837, he went to Wayne County, Mich., and in 1843, located permanently in Jerome Township, which he served as Justice of the Peace and Treasurer. June 25, 1840, he was married to Martha A. Fox, daughter of Chester and Susanna Fox, by whom he had nine children; of these four are living: Susanna, wife of S. H. Ruehlen; Deiadamia, wife of Calvin McDowell; and Horace M. Florilla, Chester T., Samuel L., Electa B. and Martha A. are deceased, Mr. Dort was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church till his death, and was for several years an active worker in the Grange. Horace M. Dort, third child living, was born near New California, February 4, 1853. He was brought up to fgrming and followed that avocation till April, 1879, when he engaged in merchandising. He carries a stock to the amount of $2,200, and Doi annual sal3s of $10,000. March 80, 1878, he was married to Miss Emma Morgan, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and a daughter of C. M. and Louise Morgan. Mrs. Dort was born January 28, 1856. Two children were born to this marriage, viz.: Lyle E., born October 9, 1874, and Guy, born June 10, 1878. à

J. B. DOUDNA, farmer, P. O. Jerome, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, December 2, 1880. His parents, William and Lydia (Bailey) Doudna, were natives of Belmont and Guernsey Counties, respectively. The former was born in 1806, and the latter in 1812, His grandfather, John Doudna, was born near Raleigh, N. C., November 9, 1778, and his wife, Anna Doudna, was a native of the sume place. His great-grandfather, John Doudna, the first of the name, it is supposed, was born in England. When about four years old he was stolen by a crew of sailors who kept him till he was a young man, when he made his escape. He was distinguished as Jobn, and afterward nicknamed ' Doudna," which name he adopted. He married Sarah Knorvas, who was born May 23, 1756, and moved to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1808. He died in 1811. He was the parent of fourteen children, of whom two are now living. - Our subject's maternal grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth Bailey, came from North Carolina to Ohio in 1802, and settled in Guernsey County. The great-grandfather, Jesse Bailey, was born February 1, 1787. His wife, Mary Bundy, was born June 16, 1787, and died August 31, 1847. The sutject of this sketch is the eldest of eight children. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and was educated in the common schools. In 1850, he came to Union County and followed the carpenter trade till 1877, when he turned his attention to the farm. March 16, 1851, he was married to Lucinda, daughter of Peter and Margaret Crotinger. Mrs. D., anative of Knox County, Ohio. was born March 12, 1831. Eight children were born to this union; of these seven are now living, viz.: Manasseh W., Charles F.; Phebe R., wife of William Mo- Carty; J. Frank, Helen 0., George M. and Harry H. Ephriam M. is deceased. Mr. Doudna located on his present homestead in 1860. He owns a good farm of 111} acres, and for the Jast six years has been engaged in farming. He served as Township Clerk fourteen years, and is a member of the society of I. O. O. F.

JOHN W. EVANS, farmer, P. O. Jerome, a native of Frederick County, Va., was born December 12, 1821. His father, William Evans, was born in Wales, and came to the United States with his parents when young. His mother, Christina Lockmiller, was a native of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Evans, the parents of our subject, removed with their children to Ohio in 1887, and settled near Zanesville. In 1889, they moved to Delaware County, and in 1846 to Franklin County, where Mr. Evans died. He served through the last war with Great Britain, as a private. John is the second son and fourth child of a family of thirteen children. He came to Jerome Township in 1842, and worked for nine years in the Beach Ashery. Of these years' earnings he saved enough to buy fifty-five and one-half acres of land. May 18, 1845, he was married to Miss Phebe Green, daughter of Caleb and Catharine Green, by whom he had one child - Catharine A., born August 21, 1846. She married David R. Ashbaugh, and had three children - Ida M., born November 8, 1867; John L., born February 18, 1869, and Earnest L., born July 18, 1871. Mrs. Ashbaugh departed this life October 19, 1880. Mr. Evans owns a farm of 240 acres, and is by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser. He was Trustee of Jerome seven years, and filled other local offices.

ELIJAH K. FOX, retired, Plain City. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait is given in this volume, was born in Hartford County, Conn., August 10, 1821. His father, Chester Fox, was born in Glastonbury, Conn., September 22, 1796, and his mother in Manchester, Conn., February 5,1798. His paternal grandfather, AmosFox, of English descent, was born in 1756. He was a Revolutionary soldier under Gen, Washington, and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, N. Y. He died in Hartford County, Conn., March 14, 1882. His wife was born in 1757, and died March 16, 1851. Mr. Fox's (Elijah K.) parents were married in 1817, and, in 1886, migrated to the West, settling in Jerome Township, where Mr. Fox located on 850 acres of land. His death occurred July 7 1868, Mrs. Fox survived him till October 8, 1881. Six children were the fruits of their marriage. There are three living, of whom our subject is the eldest. 'He spent his early life in clearing up the old homestead, and has resided in the county ever since, except 1843-44 and 1845, when he was engaged in the Eagle Manufacturing Company, in Glastonbury, Conn, He lived on his farm, near Frankfort, till November, 1881, when he removed to Plain City. January 25, 1849, he was married to Susan M., daughter of Martin and Mary (Keeney) Webster. Mrs. Fox was born in Hartford County, Conn., July 25, 1824. Her parents came to this county in 1849, and afterward removed to Ostrander, where they died. Mr. Fox is one of the few real pioneers of Union County that are nowliving. He helped cut out and make the road from Frankfort to New California in 1887, and aided many other improvements of the township. He served Jerome as Trustee five terms, and filled various other local offices.

i HENRY FOX, farmer, P. O. Jerome, son of Chester and Susannah (Kinney) Fox, was born in Hartford County, Conn., October 19, 1823. At the age of thirteen, his parents removed and settled near Frankfort, this county. Mr. Fox purchased a farm of 300 acres one and one-half mile west of Frankfort, and, with the aid of his sons, cleared a portion of it. He died July 7, 1863. Mrs. Fox departed this life October 8, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Henry is the second son of a family of six children, of whom three are living - Elijah K., Henry, and Electa J., wife of William Dunnic, of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Fox spent his early life in clearing up the homestead. Two years after his marriage, he bought 180 acres of land of the heirs of James Stone. Ofthis farm, he has cleared and well improved a good portion, and is engaged in farming and raising stock. March 10, 1847, he was married to Sarah Kent, daughter of Daniel and Dillie Kent, and grand-daughter of John Kent, one of the earliest pioneers of Union County. Mr. K. was born in Jerome June 23, 1822. Of the children born to this union, the following are living, viz.: Ameret O., wife of Arthur Callier ; Cynthia A., wife of Samuel Taylor; Ely, married Jennie Holmes; Chester; Clarinda, wife of Joseph Brobeck ; William D., Riley L., Lovina, and Altruda. Mrs.-Fox died July 3, 1880. Mr. Fox owns, besides his home farm, fifty acres in Washington Township, and eighty acres in Putnam County, Ohio. He is engaged in rearing sheep and Norman French horses. As a member of an old family, we give the portrait of Mr. Fox in this work.

JESSE GILL, deceased, an old and respected pioneer of Union Gounty, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, October 30, 1804. He was a son of Andrew and Susanna (Hemphill) Gill, who were natives of West Virginia, and of Irish descent. They migrated to Ohio in 1804, and went down the Ohio River in a flat-boat, and settled where Arondale, near Cincinnati, now stands. Mrs. Gill died there, and about the time of the close of [the war of 1812 Mr. Gill came to Union County, locating in Union Township, where he purchased 300 acres of land. His death occurred in 1829. Mr. Gill, the subject of this sketch, resided near Milford Center till October 3, 1837, when he moved to Jerome and purchased 194 acres of land, which is now in the possession of Andrew Gill. He was married May 10, 1827, to Miss Jane Cochran, a daughter of James and Mary Cochran. Mrs. Gill was born in Erie County, Penn., December 2, 1806. Five children were born to this union, viz.: Tabitha W., wife of John Curry; Olive A., wife of James R. Mitchell ; Eliza M., wife of John M. Roney; Sarah C., wife of J. B. Robinson, and Andrew, the only son. Mr. Gill filled various offices of honor and trust in his county and township. He was once chosen to the Board of County Commissioners, when his party was largely in the minority, thus attesting the confidence which the public had in his integrity and ability, regardless of partisan prejudice. He served Jerome Township, both as Trustee and Treasurer, holding the latter office nine years. In politics he was Democratic in doctrine and principle, and was the leader of his party in local matters. He was Presbyterian in his religious views, and was identified with that church for a number of years. He was a man of honor and uprightness and died highly esteemed, May 14, 1872, as a worthy citizen and pioneer.

ANDREW GILL, the youngest son of Jesse Gill, was born in Jerome Township August 19, 1843. He was reared on the farm and educated principally in the select schools of New California. July 29, 1863, he enlisted to serve six months in Company B, Eighty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was at the surrender of Cumberland Gap, and was employed on garrison duty at the fort, till his term of service expired, when he was mustered out and discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, February 14, 1864. April 9, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary Curry, daughter of Stephenson and Sarah D. Curry. Mrs. Gill was born in Jerome April 9, 1844. They have five children, viz.: Cora, Jesse, Jennie C., Lou and Bessie. Mr. Gill owns the old homestead, which contains 194 acres of well-improved land. He is engaged in farming and rearing stock ; for the last ten years he has been engaged in breeding and rearing thoroughbred French horses, which he has exhibited at the annual fairs of the county. One mare "Josephine" which he reared, won the first premiums at the State Fairs of 1878-79. For the last two years he has given considerable attention to bee-raising. He has seventy stands of bees, which produced, in 1882, 2,500 pounds of honey. Mr. Gill was a charter member of the G. A. R. post at Plain City, and is still an active member. Politically he is Democratic. He filled the office of Township Treasurer one term. He and wife are both members,of the Methodist Episcopal Church of New California. ;

CHARLES H. GORDON, farmer, P. O. Dublin, Franklin County, a native of Perry County, Ohio, was born December 6, 1817. He is a son of George and. Hannah (Hammisfair) Gordon, and a grandson of Charles Gordon, who emigrated from Scotland prior to the American Revolution, and settled in Pennsylvania. He served in the war of 1812, and subsequently removed to Perry County, Ohio, where he died. George Gordon was reared principally in Perry County, on the homestead till 1840, when he engaged in keeping hotel in Gratiot. | Linville and carried on coopering eight years, then purchased a small farm in Jerome Township, on which he settled. He married April 22, 1841, Miss Clarissa Vandenburgh, by whom he had two children - Daniel L. and Clarissa C., wife of ¡John Windle. Mrs. Gordon departed this life September 8, 1849, and Mr. G. married the second time September 21, 1851, Miss Matilda

Latimer, daughter of Stephen and Dimmis Latimer. Mrs. G. was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 1, 1830. This marriage was blessed with nine children ; seven of these are living, viz.: Stephen T., George C., Nathan H., Livonia, Dimmis, Vallandingham and Ida M.; Nancy L. and Margaret A., are deceased. Mrs. Gordon's parents came to Franklin County, Ohio, in 1815, and in 1840 to this township, where they both died, Mr. Latimer, February 26, 1854, and Mrs. L., September 21, 1872. Mr. Gordon owns a well-improved farm of 186 acres, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. x

JOHN W. GRAY, retired, Plain City, a native of Washington County, Vt., was born August 21, 1803. He isa son of Kalso and Anna (Wilson) Gray, and a grandson of Kalso Gray, Sr., who served in both the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars. The subject of this sketch is the seventh son of a family of twelve children. At an early age he chose the shoe-maker's trade, which he learned and followed seven years. In 1836, he came to Darby Township, Union County, and five years later moved to Plain City, thence to his farm April 1, 1845. Mr. Gray has been identified with the construction of many of the improvements in the county. He was a member of the committee that assessed the land to make the first pike in the county. He - served on the Board of Trustees of Jerome twelve years, and as real estate assessor one term. In December, 1844, he was married to Charlotte Phillips, a daughter of Aaron and Hannah Phillips, by whom he had four children, two of these are living - Aaron K. and Clark. Mrs. Gray was taken away by disease May 12, 1852, and in November, 1854, Mr. G. married Mrs. Phila Gudtner, widow of John Gudtner. Five children born to this union are deceased. Mrs. Gray is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gray owns a valuable farm of 145 acres, ninety acres of which adjoins Plain City,

CAPT. HENRY HENSEL, carpenter, New California, was born in Jerome Township June 24, 1834. His parents, George and Mary (Howell) Hensel, were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was born in 1777, and his mother in 1800; his paternal grandfather came from Germany prior to 1776, and settled in Pennsylvania. His maternal grandfather emigrated to the United States from England, and was a staff officer in the American Revolution. He was the first man to discover Benedict Arnold's treachery. Our subject's grandparents removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, some time after the Revolutionary war. His father came to Delaware County in 1818, andthe same year made a purchase of 400 acres of land in Jerome Township. In 1819, he removed to his land near Frankfort where he died January 10, 1847. By his first wife he had three children; two, John and Mary are living. This second wife bore him six children. Of these George, Susan (wife of J. W. Wells), and Henry, are living at the present time. Mrs. Hensel died September 26, 1871. When sixteen, Henry chose the carpenter's trade, serving his apprenticeship with John McConnell, the leading architect of Columbus. He followed carpentering till August 19, 1861, when he enlisted his services in Company E, Thirtieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was elected Second Lieutenant, and in May, 1862, was promoted to First Lieutenant. He fought at Carnifex Ferry and in numerous minor battles. In 1864, he recruited Company C, for the One Hundred and Ninety-first Regiment and went as First Lieutenant, in which capacity he served till March 22, when he was commissioned as Captain. His Company was in Gen. Hancock's Veteran Corps, and participated in the battle of Cedar Creek and other engagements. He served with honor and distinguished bravery, and was discharged in September, 1865. He was tendered a Second Lieutenancy in the Regular Army, but declined the honor. Mr. Hensel returned home and has since followed his trade. 1878-79 -80, he was superintendent of carpenter work in the Ohio State Prison. May 26, 1859, he was married to Miss Martha, a daughter of Jacob and Martha Frederick, by whom he has had eight children. The following are living - Anna, Frank H., Mary, Martha and Forest; Frederick H., John F. and Carrie, are deceased.

ROBERT HILL, farmer, P. O. Jerome, a prominent 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, where 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 som and third child of four children, of whom three are living, viz.: Ann E., widow of Jonathan McCuilough, 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, Johu G. Norris, with whom he remained till of age. He was employed by Mr. Norris in a grist-mill till 1845, when he started out to acquire. his own fortune. He spenta 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 asketch 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, 1833. 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 hissons, 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 so many years, and retired to his home, where he died in February, 1855, 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 W.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. Asa 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 tive, '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. 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. Kea 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 N ottingham 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, & 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, Bee be occupied in fostering those vines springing up on his borders ; and so untiring and a this servant of Christ, that, besides ministering to the wants of so large a church, he pane 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 common 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 8, 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.