Orange Township (part 9 of 9)

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

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

HENRY C. CURTIS, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Galena; isa son of Leonard and Mary Curtis, born May 12, 1838, within half a mile of where he now lives; he remained with his parents until 21 years old. In 1859, he started West, and with a team drove through to Denver, OColo., same year. Jan. 17, 1860, he was married to Miss Augusta Norton; he then moved on to his present homestead where he remained until 1864, when he again went West with a drove of sixteen hundred fine merino sheep, to Coffey Oo., Kan. This was, perhaps, the first flock of that number and quality taken into that section ; after arrival with the sheep he returned and moved his family there; they remained until the fall of 1865, when turned to Ohio, he letting his sheep out on shares, to farmers; in the spring following, he disposed of them and returned to his farm where he has since devoted himself' to the stock business and farming ; from 1866 to 1873, he bought and shipped stock from this and adjoining counties to Hastern markets ; since 1873, he has given his time and attention to his farm, feeding his crop instead of selling children, three sons and two daughters - Alta B., born Jan. 11,1861; Roxanna M., Nov. 29, 1863; Henry C. June 27, 1867 ; Leo D., May 21, 1871, and George W., June 29, 1873, all living. Aug. 5, 1877, Mr. Curtis married Mrs. Jennie H. Smith, who is a daughter of Samuel S. and Julia A. Forniss, of Berlin Township. 1845; Aug. 14, 1870, her first marriage took place, to Jay D. Smith; they had one child - Mary A., born Aug. 27, 1873, died Feb. 3, 1874; Mr. Smith died, April 7, 1875; for three years previous to her marriage to Mr. Curtis, she had been teaching school in Galena. He is a member of the Sunbury Lodge, No. 400, A., F. & A. M.;also leader of the choir of the Episcopal Church at Galena, of which his wife and daughters are members. JOHN S. COPELAND, farmer and _sstockraiser; P.O. Galena; is a son of William S. Copeland, who was born in Connecticut June 5, 1787, and with his parents went to Vermont; where he remained until of age. Feb. 19, 1815, he was married to Lydia Rice, of Petersham, Mass.; they located in his native county in Vermont, and worked at his trade, manufacturing wagons and buggies; in the fall of 1830, he came West and made his home in Genoa Township, and was probably the first wagon-maker in the township; Sept. 11, 1831, Mrs. Copeland died; they had one child, Eliza, who died while

Mrs. Clarinda Smith; she was born Sept. 10, 1800, and in 1823 was married to John Smith ; they had one child, Jane, born Nov. 23, 1824. Mr. Smith died June 12, 1824; Mr. Copeland had his wagon-shop on what is now part of the Williams farm; he was a member of the Genoa Presbyterian Church, and died April 12, 1860, leaving two children - John 8. and Lydia R. The latter is now Mrs. John Bail, of Orange Township. John S. Copeland was born Oct. 13, 1833, remained and worked with his father, in the shop and on the farm, until 26 years old> After his father's death, he bought and moved on his present farm. Jan. 23, 1862, he married Viancia A. Fairman. She was born Sept. 17, 1844. They have five children - Charlie, born Nov. 28, 1863 ; William, March 24, 1867; Frank and Emma, twins, March 4, 1869; Estella, Feb. 19, 1873. When 19 years old, Mr. Copeland united with the U. B. Church, and was a member some twentytwo years. In 1875, he united with the M. HE. Church, of which body he is nowa member. He has been class leader, and also Superintendent of the Sunday school, having for twenty-seven years been a zealous Sunday-school worker. His homestead contains 103 acres, which he has well improved, having a nice farm residence and large barn, which he built himself, being a carpenter ; he does considerable contracting, besides running his farm. He belongs to the Democratic party.

JEREMIAH CURTIS (deceased), was among the first settlers in this county who came from Hartford Co., Conn., with his family of six persons with a three-horse team; starting July 9, 1804, they arrived in September the same year at Worthington, after seven weeks' travel ; in 1805, moved to Berkshire, where he had built a cabin and planted the first nursery in the county from seed brought from Connecticut; he bought of Col. Byxbe, a section of land on Yankee street ; no mill at this time nearer than Chillicothe; soon after, Mr. Curtis built a grist and saw mill, being about the first in the county; this mill was on the Big Walnut, on the farm now owned by tilled whisky, making an outlet for the farmer's corn; Zanesville afforded them salt at $5 per bushel, and other necessaries, requiring several days to make the trip; in 1811, he sold his mill 'property, and for the protection of his family, moved to Marietta; he lived but a short time, died of spotted fever, June 21, 1813, in his 44th year ; he was a man of indomitable energy and _perseverance, as well as sound judgment, and had laid the foundation for an ample amount of this world's goods; after his death, his son, afterward the Hon. John Curtis, moved the family back to the farm ; there being but two heirs, the property was divided equally between them; John Curtis was born in the same place as his father, Feb. 17, 1794; he grew up to agricultural pursuits, and became one of the best farmers in the county ; was called upon to fill several official stations in the township ; in 1832 was elected as a Representative from this county in the Ohio Legislature, and was re-elected the next term; in 1850, he received the unanimous nomination by his party to the State Constitutional Convention, but declined, preferring the retirement of his farm, which became a model under his management; in his dealings with his fellow-men, he was conscientiously and religiously just; in him the poor ever had a charitable friend ; the hungry never left his door unfed ; though not a member of any church, yet he was a firm believer in the atoning blood of the Savior, was a liberal contributor to churches and the building of the same, and

P. O. Galena; is a son of Jonathan Dyer, who was born Jan. 6, 1792, and, when 3 years old, his parents movea to Vermont and located in Rutland Co. Oct. 15, 1818, he married Hannah Dwinnels, of Washington Co., N. Y.; they located close to his parents, where Jay was born Nov. 30, 1819 ; when quite young, he entered the University of Vermont; in the spring of 1838, his parents moved to Ohio, locating in this county ; Jay was at that time attending school, and, in June of the same year, graduated, and then joined his parents in Ohio; remaining a few months, he went to Illinois, where, with a surveying party, he went | to work on a railroad, but only remained with | them a short time, when he was transferred to a | party that was surveying the Illinois River, from Ottawa to Peoria; on account of sickness, he gave up his position, and, in the fall of 1839, returned to Delaware Co. and taught school one year; he

1879, and is now teaching in Delaware Co.; David N. is now attending the State University at Oolumbus, Ohio. After his marriage, Mr. Dyer located on his present homestead. In the fall of 1856, he was elected County Surveyor, and in 1859, was re-elected. In August, 1861, he resigned his office, and enlisted in the 32d O. V. I., Co. I, and was commissioned Captain, but, on account of poor health, he resigned in 1862. In 1868, under the firm name of Dyer, Armstrong & Co., he engaged in the manufacture of cheese ; in 1872, he sold out, and since then has devoted his time to farming and stock-raising; he now has | about seven hundred head of fine merino sheep ; his | farm contains about five hundred acres, part lying |

ALBERT AND ALVIN FRANKLIN, farmers and millers; P. O. Westerville; are sons of Vernon Franklin, who was a farmer and stockraiser of Genoa Township; he was a son of Nathanael and Roxanna Franklin, who were natives of New Hampshire; he was born April 4, 1804, and when 20 years old, as an apprentice entered a woolen factory at Log City, N. Y., and worked as dyer and cloth-dresser for ten years. March 8, 1830, he was married to Miss Amana Scott, daughter of Samtel and Matilda Scott, who were natives of New Hampshire, and in 1809 located in Madison Co., N. Y., where Mrs. Franklin was born, Jan. 30, 1812. After his marriage, Mr. Franklin moved on a farm in Chenango Oo., N. Y., remaining in that and Genesee Co. until 1838, when he moved to Knox Co., Ohio, and in March, 1840, bought and moved on to his present farm, which contains ninety-six acres, situated at what is known as Franklin Corners, named after Mr. Franklin; at this point was Genoa Cross Roads P. QO. for sixteen years, located there after Mr. Franklin arrived, he being the first and only Postmaster, excepting for two years. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin had four children, three of whom are living - Angeline M., born May 14, 1831, and Albert and Alvin, who are twins, Sept. 18, 1833; Caroline J., born Sept. 1, 1844, died Sept. 9, 1865 ; Angeline makes her home with her mother, though for thirty-one years her time has been largely devoted to school-teaching, having taught sixty terms, perhaps a greater number than any other teacher in the county; her first wages were $1 per week and board. Sept. 22, 1867, Mr. Franklin died, in his 64th year, having been for thirteen years Township Treasurer; after his death, the brothers, Albert and Alvin, continued to run the farm. Oct. 15, 1857, Alvin was married to Margaret Glass, who was born in Genoa Township Oct. 15, 1838. They have one child - Herschel V., born May 29, 1862. Albert was married, Oct. 20, 1862, to Eva Nutt, who was born Oct. 11, 1841, in Genoa Township; he then located on a farm in this township, where he remained seven years; in 1869, he removed to Westerville, Franklin Co., where he has since lived. They have three children - Lillian M., born Aug. 18, 1863; Josephine, Dec. 18, 1866; and Dollie 5, Feb. 24, 1871. In 1865, the brothers erected a saw-mill on their farm, and the C. & Mt. V. R. R., which crosses it, has a flag station at the mill, for the accommodation of passengers and freight; called Franklin. The brothers have each held township offices, and are, as was their father before them, identified with the business interests of the township.

GEORGE GLASS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Westerville; is a son of William H. Glass, who was born in Cambria Co., Penn., in 1782; when 27 years old, he went to Morris Co., N. J., and, in 1813, was married to Elizabeth McWilliams, remaining there twenty-two years; in 1835, came with his family to Ohio, locating in Genoa Township, where he bought 96 acres of land; he died in October, 1868, in his 86th year ; his wife died March 28, 1879. George Glass was born Oct. 6, 1814, in Morris Co., N. J.,and was 21 years old the day after their arrival in the township, and in just two years from that time - Oct. 5, 1837 - he was married to Rebecca Smith, whose parents came to this county in 1809, and Oct. 19, 1816, she was born; she with the exception of which time she had made her home with her parents. Mr. Glass has made it his home in Genoa Township, with the -exception of four years spent on a farm in Berkshire ; in 1854, he bought and moved on to his present farm of 105 acres. They have five children - Elizabeth, born July 11, 1838; William, March 4, 1840; Ardelia, Oct. 28, 1841; John, June 29, 1844; and Mary A.; Feb. 17, 1849; four of the children are married ; Ardelia makes her home with her parents. Mr. Glass was chosen Township Assessor several terms, and was also Township Trustee. In 1852, he united with the Genoa Presbyterian Church, of which he and his wife are members.

WILLIAM HALL (deceased) was an early ,settler in this county; born April 13, 1790, in Essex Co., Vt.; by the death of his father was early in life thrown upon his own resources; learned the tanning and shoemaking business in Goshen, Conn.; in 1806, in company with his "boss," emigrated to Worthington, and remained until 21 years of age; in the summer of 1811, he anda friend visited New England, going on foot via Cleveland, carrying their food and blankets in

_knapsacks ; the- country was an unbroken wilderness; bears, wolves and panthers, also Indians inhabited the forests, the latter at that time being in open hostility against the whites; Mr. Hall returned the same year in November, arriving in Worthington the same day of the battle of Tippecanoe; June, 1812, responded to a call for volwae unteers to cut out a military road for the transportation of supplies, etc., to Ft. Meigs; after serving three months, he was appointed recruiting officer, and raised a company, and was commissioned First Lieutenant of the same, which was attached to the 27th Regiment, Lewis Cass commanding, and followed the fortunes of Gen. Harrison's army during the winter of 1812-13 at Detroit; in 1814, was in Canada during the invasion, and at the battle of the Thames that fall, which ended the war; returned home after serving nearly three years. Jan. 1, 1815, he married Polly Cartis, and settled in Genoa on a farm where he spent the greater part of his life; September, 1848, lost his wife by death, after a happy union of thirtythree years; spring of 1853, followed a portion of his family to Michigan, where he remained until May 13, 1861, when he " passed over" the river of death at the age of 71; Mr. Hall had been during his life a just and upright man, a firm believer in Christianity, was one of the first members at the organization of the Presbyterian Church at Genoa. He was a Democrat of the Jackson school.

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

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

JESSE MILLER, stock-raiser and farmer; P.O. Westerville, Franklin Co., is ason of Michael Miller, who was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Jan. 7, 1785; Jan. 4,1821, he married Susan Hower ; she was born April 25,1801; Mr. Miller then went to work at wagon-making in April, 1837; he came to Marion Co., Ohio; stayed there ona farm about four years; then moved into Montgomery Co. and farmed three years; in the spring of 1845, moved into Orange Township, this county, where he remained a few years and then moved into Berlin Township, where he bought his first farm in Ohio; in 1857, he sold out and moved into Genoa Township, where he died Jan. 17, 1858; April 2, 1879, his wife died ; they were both members of the ChristianChurch. The subject was born Nov. 23,1836, in Cumberland Co., Penn.; he remained with his parents until 16 years old ; his father being unable to help him with money or stock, gave him his time at that age, and without a dollar in his pocket, he came into Genoa Township and commenced work by the month in a saw and grist mill, known as the Roberts mill, where he continuued at work ten years; after he had worked eight years, he bought forty-three acres of. his present homestead, and moved his mother and sister on to it and commenced housekeeping ; and about this time a married sister, living in Illinois, died, leaving three small children dependent on him ; he went to Illinois and brought those children - Leroy H_, Ordelia J. and John B. Mahoney, and his mother and sister cared for them ; he continued his work in the mill for two years ; he then turned his attention to his farming, and while supporting a large family, he added to his farm until he now has 143 acres, with three good farm residences and three 'large barns ; his sister's children are all married, the two boys living on and running part of Mr. Miller's farm. Aug. 12, 1871, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Eveline Nutt; she was born Dec. 14, 1850, in Genoa Township; they have four children - Lillie M., born June 3, 1873; Susan E., Nov. 2, 1874; John B., Nov. 8, 1876; Henry R., March 15, 1879. When 24 years old he united with the M. E. Church and remained with them until 1867, when he united with the Christian Union Church at Maxwell; since first uniting with the church, he has remained a constant member, filling different positions in the charch, also Superintendent of the Sunday school ; . Mr. Miller has always been identified with the Democratic party, and by them was elected Township Constable, and held other township and school offices ; though a Democrat, he often votes and works for men in the other parties if he thinks them better men for the place, believing that principle in the men and not men of a party should determine the best men for the office. EDWARD O. NUTT, farmer; P. O. Galena; is a son of Edward Nutt, Sr.. who was a native of Virginia, where he was born April 17, 17 90, and remained until 21 years old, when with his parents he came to Ohio, locating near Zanesville, where he engaged in farming, and on May 20, 1823, was married to Miss Allie Coe. He then located on an a farm adjoining the corporate limits of Zanesville, where they remained twelve years, and in November, 1834, moved to Franklin Co., where they lived about twenty years, and then moved into this township, where they spent a few years, end then returned to Franklin Co., where Mrs. Nutt now lives, though she spends much of her time with Edward, who is her youngest son, born March 14, 1835. When 20 years old, he went to Iowa, where he entered 160 acres of land, but stayed there only a few months, when he returned to Ohio; again going West in about two years, remaining but a short time, In 1857, he commenced selling Hogden's Chain-pump, at which he continued two years. March 6, 1862, he was married to Charlotte E. Park. After his marriage, he located on a farm in Genoa Township. In March, 1872, he moved on his present homestead, which he had bought the year before. They have four children, all girlk - Leonora H., Loretta H., Gertrude H. and Mattie H. The oldest one is now attending school at Gahanna, in Franklin Co. Mr. Nutt is a charter member of Galena Lodge, No. 404, I. O. O. F.

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

New York, and with his parents came to Ohio, locating in Franklin Co., May 1, 1832. He was married to Helen Bishop; they had seven children, of whom the subject was the oldest, and was born Feb. 8, 1833; the father died when Edwin was 14 years of age. He remained with his mother until he was 22, when, on that birthday, or Feb. 8, 1855, he was married to Corintha Williams, and with his bride located in Central College. In 1863, Mrs. Phillips died, leaving three sons - William, Frank and Charles. Feb. 14, 1874, he was married to his present wife, who was Mrs. Jane E. Knox. She had, betore marriage with Mr. Phillips, five children - Minnie, Kate, William V., Lucinda, Orren A. - and since their marriage, two - Lamata and Lena. Mr. Phillips has made several trips West, but has not been able to suit himself in a home better than in his present one, which is situated one-half mile south: of Galena. Besides running his farm, he devotes. considerable attention to breeding fine stock, with which he has his farm well stocked. JOHN T. ROWLAND is a prominent stockshipper and owner of a farm in the southwest part of the township ; he was born in Ohio, and when a child went with his parents to Jacksonville, Ill., where his father engaged in shipping stock for a number of years, and then connected himself with Russell Bros.,in the mercantile business, continuing the stock-shipping, which he attended to, until his death. At the age of 21, John received his share of the estate, and, in company with his brother, engaged in running a general stere in Fort Scott, Kan. Here his brother died, and Mr. Rowland then went to the Indian Nation, entering the stock trade there. In 1873, he went into the stock commission business in St. Louis. In September of that year, while dividing stock, he fell and was run over by a Texas steer, which stepped upon his face, crushing the bones, which had to be taken out, leaving his face boneless from his eyes to his lower jaw; soon as able he went to Texas, where he continued in the stock trade, shipping Texas sheep and ponies to the North, and returning to Texas with fine blooded bucks. Mr. Rowland is experienced

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

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

1831. He remained with his parents on the old farm, where they yet live, until Dec. 23, 1852, when he was married to Almira Shultz. He then settled in Franklin Co., where they lived two years and then came to this township and bought his present farm. Mrs. Shoaf died March 6, 1869. They had four children of whom Jennie L.,

15, 1859, are living; John J. and Katy deceased. Sept. 3, 1869, the subject was married to Theresa KE. Ferguson; they had three children - Emma D., born July 18, 1870; William H., Oct. 8, 1872; Frank H., Sept. 10, 1878; Sept. 20, 1878, Mrs. Shoaf died; at her death his oldest daughter, Mrs. P. F. Freeman, with her 'husband, moved in and took charge of his house and children, and is still with him. When in his 15th year,!Mr. Shoaf espoused the Christian religion and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a devoted member. He was for some years class-leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Galena. RALPH SMITH, farmer; P. O. Galena; isa son of Alexander Smith, who was born in 1783, and in 1808 came to Ohio, locating in Genoa Township, where he remained until his death, Sept. 29, 1857, in his 75th year; in the year 1813, he married Martha Williams; they had seven children, five of whom are still living; Alexander Smith and wife were both members of the Genoa he was Elder in the church. Ralph Smith was born June 1, 1821, in Genoa Township, which has been his home continuously. When 19 years old, he commenced teaching, but made his home with his parents until his marriage, Oct. 24, 1844, to Julia H. Carter; she was born Dec. 18, 1824. They have had three sons - George R., born July 24, 1846, is now living with his parents; Frankie and Johnny died when small. Mr. Smith was elected Constable when 21 years old, and has continually since that time held some township office with the exception of about two years; he is now Justice of the Peace, this being his eighth term.

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

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

| 26,1877: Their farm is well improved, having two good farm residences and out-buildings. Mr. Williams is a member of the Galena Lodge, No. 404, I. 0. O. F. GEORGE WILLIAMS, farmer and _stockraiser; P. Q. Galena; is a son of Thomas Williams, who was born May 1, 1783, in Maryland ; his parents moved to Pennsylvania when he was 'small, and remained thete several years, and, while Ohio was yet a Territory, located in what is now Fairfield Co. Thomas Williams remained with his parents until his marriage; about the year 1806, he married Pirces Bell, and with his bride came to Delaware Co. and purchased 1,400 acres of land, on which he located, a portion of which George now owns and lives upon. They were among the first to locate in what is now Genoa Township. In 1823, Mrs. Thomas Williams died, leaving five children. In 1824, Mr. Williams married his second wife, Phebe Sebringy they had seven children, five of whom still survive. Mr. Williams died Jan. 22, 1864, in his 81st year. Though he did not learn to read until after his first marriage, he became a great reader, having for some years previous to his death read his Bible almost continually. He was a prominent member of the Genoa Presbyterian Church. George

Williams was born Oct. 26, 1814, on his present homestead, on which he has spent his life thus far. His farm, where he lives, contains 131 acres; he also owns seventy-five acres in another lot, having bought out the other heirs, excepting a half. brother. During six consecutive years, he was Township Assessor. In 1859, he was chosen Township Land Appraiser. His sister, who is a widow, and her two daughters, are now living with and keeping house for him.

Containing a brief History of the State of Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time, embracing tts topography, geological, ph ysical and climatic features, tts agricultural, stock-growing, ratlroad interests, etc.; a History of Delaware County, giving an account of tts aboriginal inhabitants, early settlement by the whites, pioneer incidents, ats growth, its improvements, organization: of the county, tts Judicial and political history, its business and indus. tries, churches, schools, etc.; Biographical Sketches ; Portraits of some of the Early Settlers and Prominent Men,

O. L. Baskin & Co., Historical Publishers

The late Mrs. H. S. Wooster, a former Delaware resident, spent several years preparing the surname index of this book. The index was made in notebooks and hand written. It was given to the Historical Society and has been saved for the time when the history would be reprinted.

Source changes here: from 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, by Lytle, James Robert, published 1908; 3,235 words in this source stream.

Orange Township

The Methodist denomination was probably the first church influence that found its way into the wilderness of Orange Township. A Methodist settlement on the east of Alum Creek is among the earliest traditions, and a church of that denomination was established in this neighborhood as early as 1828. They erected a church building which still stands, and fell in the hands of the United Brethren denomination. About 1847, another church was organized at Williamsville, but seems to have died out at an early day. In 1843. the fierce agitation of the slavery question in that body throughout the land, culminated here, as in many other places, in a separation - the anti-slavery portion organizing the \Vesieyan Church. Their first services were held in a calbin on the flats, near the present residence of Samuel Patterson, with Rev. Mr. Street as pastor. This church started with a membership numbering twenty-nine, which has since increased to one hundred. In 1876. they built a modest building on the hill, at a cost of $800. About five years ago the church was remodeled, and modern windows and seats substituted for the old. and the house heated by a furnace, making it a convenient and pleasant church. Rev. E. F. Calhoun is pastor at this time. A good parsonage has also been secured for the use of the pastor. In 1864, a Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Lewis Center, with a membership of twelve, which has since increased to one hundred members. Their building, winch cost at war prices $2,600. was dedicated November 4. 1866. In 1871. a parsonage was built, at a cost of $2,000. Since its organization, the church has maintained a Sunday school without a break, which now numbers about ninety members. Rev. F. D. Davis is now pastor.

A United Brethren Church was organized at Williamsville in 1877. This church occupied the building erected some years before by the M. E. Church, but disbanded about 1895. .

Friends' Church. About 1900, a society of Friends was organized in this neighborhood and in 1904 erected a new building costing $4,100. This work was the result of a revival. The membership at present is fifty-five. They have no regular pastor at this time.

Scarcely any record exists of the early settlers of this township, and even after availing ourselves of the labors of those who have preceded us in the field of historical research, there is a paucity of material which is deplorable. The early settlers who came out here to make for themselves homes in the wilderness were too busy doing with their might what their hands found to do - and there was plenty to be done - to realize that a record of themselves and what they accomplished would be of interest to those vet unborn ; to them, sufficient unto the day was the evil thereof. This township is bounded on the north by Berlin Township; on the south by Franklin County; on the east by Genoa and on the west by Liberty Township. Originally it was known as Township 3, Range 18 of the United States Military Lands, and when the first settlers came here, they found Sections 2 anil 3 to be a part of Liberty Township, and Sections 1 and 4 were a part of Berkshire Township. On September 3, 1816, the county commissioners granted a petition to set off the original survey of Township 3, Range 18, as a separate township. The prime mover in this matter was Alpha Frisbey. The township was to be called by the classic name of Virgil, but this was too much for the simple-minded folk of those days, and a petition was presented to the commissioners to change the name to Orange. This was granted on September 9th, just six days later. A glance at the ma]) will show that what would naturally be the southwestern corner of the township, on the west side of the Olentangy River, is really in Liberty Township. As a matter of fact, this was originally a part of Orange, and its annexation to Libert}- Township was brought about in the following-manner: Ebenezer Goodrich, who lived on this corner, was elected justice of the peace by the people of Liberty Township, about [824. It did not occur to him, or to anyone else, that he was not a citizen of Liberty, and therefore, not eligible to the office. This fact finally was brought to light, and it became apparent to all that all the official business transacted up to that time was, consequently, void. How to remedy this state of aft'ahs was a perplexing problem, until it was suggested that the General Assembly be petitioned to make this tract of land a part of Liberty Township; so in 1826. the Olentangy River was made the boundary of the township across that corner.

The ridge along which run the tracks of the "Big Four" and Pennsylvania Railroads forms the water-shed between the Olentangy River and Alum Creek. The river bottoms ate rich, and the ridges, which rise immediately back of these bottoms were originally covered with beech trees, indicating a clayey formation. The same is to a large extent true of the southern central part of the township. Extensive elm swamps were originally found in the northern portions of the township, but these have been redeemed by clearing and tilling, the rich black soil producing fine crops.

In 1807, Joab Norton, for whom the town of Norton, in Marlborough Township was named, was the first settler in Orange Township. He built his cabin in Section 2, then a part of Liberty Township. He was influenced in coming here by his wife, who wanted to be near her father, John Goodrich, who purposed coming to Worthington, Franklin County, where many of his former neighbors in Berlin, Connecticut, had already settled. They reached Worthington in November, having been on the road since September. Norton was a tanner and currier by trade, and, not content to be idle, he sunk vats and prepared to engage in the business, which the promises and prospects held out to him before he left the East led him to believe was waiting only to be claimed. Skins and hides were not to be had, and so he started north, and purchased tlic 150 acres of land where he settled in this township. After he had provided a home for his family, Mr. Norton sunk vats, so as to be prepared to do a little tanning- (luring the in- tervals in his work of clearing the land. He could not content himself with the Frontier life, and so, in 1808, he took a trip East on horsehack. Upon his return in the fall, he was attracted by the prospects of business in the new town of Delaware, which Colonel Byxbe was developing, and so he purchased a house on the hill-side just north of where the Edward's gymnasium of Ohio Wesleyan University now stands. The details of his experience in this venture are covered in the chapter devoted to the manufacturing industries of the county.

Joab Norton and others made application as early as 1809 for permission to form a rifle company. This was granted on June 24th of that year, and Norton became third sergeant of the company, which was composed of about forty officers and privates, mostly from Liberty Township. Apparently, Norton had a taste and talent for military affairs, and was popular with the members of the company, as well, for his promotions were rapid. We find that on September 12th of the same year he was commissioned sergeant major, and two years later, on September 6th, he became lieutenant. It was not long before he was macTt captain of the company.

The company was called out in June, 1S12. by Gov. Meigs, to defend the frontier settlements against any hostile incursions. Capt. Norton afterward proceeded with his command to Sandusky, where he was engaged in building a block-house, of which he expected to be given command. He was here when Hull surrendered Detroit. For some reason the Captain was not placed in command of the block-house, and he returned home with his company. While at Sandusky, the germs of the malarial disease, which finally caused his untimely death on July 17, [813, were undoubtedly implanted in his system. He was a man of large executive ability, a devout Christian, and of cheerful disposition. He was buried with Masonic honors in the first cemetery laid out in the city of Delaware. He had been commissioned a justice of the peace "ii January 28, 1812. Besides a widow, he lett four children - Desdemona, who afterwards became Mrs. Col flesh ; Edward; Matilda, who

In 1808. Eliphalet Ludington came from Connecticut, and purchased land adjoining Norton's. Others who came that year were William and Joseph Higgins, with their families, and their mother, who brought the younger members of her family, viz. : Josiah, Elisha, Irving, David and two daughters. The older boys had enjoyed unusual educational advantages for their day. Joseph had exceptional skill as a penman, and he was so clever in imitating the hand-writing of other people, that he was suspected of having signed the counterfeit bills which were issued for the South. Apparently, there was no just ground for the suspicion, and the family continued to retain the respect of the community. Later, however, the family left the community under a cloud. Before the family left Vermont, the father of the boys ran off to Canada with a younger, if not a handsomer, woman than his wife. He came to Orange about 181 2, with the intention of "making up." However, he brought his paramour with him as far as Berkshire, so that in case his overtures were not favorably received, he would not be left alone. He knew his wife's weak points, and sent a messenger with his pocket-book to his wife, with the simple instruction, to "hand it to the old woman." The result was a reconciliation which brought disaster to the family. Changes in the habits and actions of the family soon aroused the suspicion of the community, and finally, the father and the three younger sons, Josiah, Elisha and Irving, were arrested for counterfeiting. A large amount of counterfeit coin, some paper money, together with dies and metal were captured. The boys escaped by means of some technicality, and later, the old man. too, escaped much merited punishment. The family left the township at once, and have never since been heard of.

In 1810. the wife of Eliphalet Ludington died, leaving an infant boy a few weeks' old. This was the first birth and death in the settlement. Soon after Mr. Ludington took the baby and returned to Connecticut. The fanii- lies of Nahum King and Louis Eaton came into the township that year. The next year lames McCumber with his third wife and two sons by his former marriages came into the township. Collins P. Elsbre, who was then a boy of eleven years of age, accompanied his mother and step-father. Their first actual residence was in the cabin which had been abandoned by Mr. Ludington. They purchased 150 acres of land adoining Norton from James Kilbourn and immediately began to make a clearing. A log cabin 12 by 18 feet was erected and occupied in the fall. In 18255, young Elsbre married Matilda, the third child of Captain Norton. Elsbre lived until February 16, 1880, when he was gored to death by .1 bull. Other early settlers who came into the township prior to the War of 1812, were the Arnolds, Stewarts and Asa and John Gardner. With the exception of the Gardners, these people remained in the township but a short time. Soon after the war. Lee Hurlburt settled on the west bank of Alum Creek. Hurlburt went to the War of 1812 as a subsitute for his father, who came into the township with him. bringing his family of twentythree children. The first settler on Alum Creek' was probably Samuel Ferson, who came from Pennsylvania and settled here about 1819. His brothers, James. Paul and John, his sister Sallie, and Margaret Patterson, whom John afterwards married, came with him. In [824, David Patterson. Cyrus Chambers, Thomas McCloud and Nelson Skeels settled on the wesl bank of the creek. The following year Samuel Patterson, with his father and mother and two sisters, located on the east side of the creek.

At different times, there has been considerable competition between the different village^ in tin' township, each seeking In become the leading village, in which would be centered the chief interests of the township. These were Williamsville, on the Columbus and San dusky Pike, being located at tin- four corners just wesl of the present village of < )range; the latter place was the second aspirant for distinction, and Lewis ('enter, which is today the recognized metropolis of the township. Africa is a settlement that has not been without its influence upon the community. It was given this name by Leo Hurlburt, who was strongly in favor of slavery, though he took no action to oppose the operations of his neighbors, the Pattersons, who were prominently active in the service of the "Underground Railway." Much quiet assistance was given to fugitive slaves, but no pursuers ever came to this part of the township. In 1854, about thirty negroes, having been freed by the will of their deceased mistress, were sent from North Carolina to the Patterson neighborhood to find homes. Upon their arrival, the friends of the anti-slavery movement provided them with homes. The negroes remained in this neighborhood, some of them for manyyears, though the negro settlement has in the course of time disappeared. One of the Elsbre family in the west part of the township had an interesting' experience in connection with a hunt for some runaway slaves. About Christmas time in the year 1834. a negro boy calling himself John Quincv Adams, came to his cabin, and remained until the following summer. One day wdiile he was working on the pike, he was recognized by two negroes who had run away from the same neighborhood he came from. Realizing that they would be pursued, and fearing that he too would be recaptured, he fled that night and was never heard from again. The pursuers were put on the trail of the boys by a neighbor, Mark Coles, who had previously known their master, and one bright, September night, as Mr. Elsbre sat with his little family enjoying a social chat with a neighbor, the door of his cabin was rudely opened, and a burly six-footer strode in. carrying a club big enough to use in killing an ox. Without saying a word, he proceeded to examine the trundle-bed in which the younger children lay, and. with a glance toward the bed where Mrs. Elsbre lay with a two-weeks-old baby, he started up the ladder toward the loft. This was too much for Mr. Elsbre's equanimity. He had repeatedly asked the meaning of the demonstration, hut got no answer, and, seizing his gun from its place, he ordered the intruder to come down, or he would 'put him on the coon-board in a minute.' The rifle was unloaded, but the trespasser saw the frightful hole in the end. and deciding that discretion was the hetter part of valor, he came down. Still threatening: with his gun. Mr. Elsbre drove the ruffian out of the cabin and the enclosure where his companions were waiting. Of course the negro boys who were sleeping upstairs were aw akened. and made their escape through a back window. When Air. Elsbre was satisfied that the boys had gone, he satisfied the pursuers that the slaves they were seeking were not there, and he was not disturbed again.

In 1835, Anson Williams bought 1.000 acres of land in Section No. 3. At first he settled in the southeastern part oi the tract, but the following year he moved to the site of Williamsville, and in December, 1836, he laid out what he expected would soon develop into a thriving village. There were alreadv two settlers here besides Mr. Williams - William Dutcher, and Mr. William's son-in-law. Isaac Bovee. Williams built a large frame house to be used as a hotel, in one part of which he opened a place of business, for the sale of general merchandise and liquor. That Mr. Williams' plans were visionary is plain, from the fact that there was already a good hotel farther north, where the stage changed horses, and which continued to do the bulk of the tavern business. This was a brick structure that had been erected in 1827 by George Gooding. It is said that a Mr. Saulsburv, who lived nearby, and who was a carpenter by trade, having an eye to business, to say the least, did nothing to discourage Mr. Williams in his ambition. Mr. Saulsburv served as justice of the peace, and established the first manufactory in the township. He formed a partnership with Squire Truman Case, and secured permission from the State Penitentiary authorities, who had a monopoly of the business, to manufacture grain cradles. They made a snath with an artificial bend, which at that time was quite a novelty, and it is said their product was of a high grade.

in 1823, was the first settler at this point. The spot is marked by a well he sank. At that time the locality was a swamp. The name was given to the place by William L. Lewis. VL near the railroad track when it was put through. The building of the C, D. & M. Railway placed the people of this township within easy reach of Delaware or Columbus, but considerable business is still transacted here. The leading business men of Lewis Center at the present day are : Bert Slack, blacksmith; C. A. DeWitt and A. C. Barrows, geenral store proprietors ; John O. Gooding, grain and implements; E. R. Case, hardware and groceries; Frank Slack, glove manufacturer; P. W. Willey, physician.

Orange station probably would never have had any existence, had not Mr. Lewis for a time objected to the location of the railroad station, so that the companv abandoned the site. Mr. Lewis was afterward influenced by friends to withdraw- his objection, but in the meantime, the senior George Gooding had offered the company the use of ten acres of land so long as they would keep a station on the tract. The company accepted the proposition and kept a station there as well as at Lewis Center, until 1879. F°r a time a postoffice was maintained here.

The question of locating the Town-house caused a good deal of discussion, there being many conflicting interests. Some wanted to have it located at the center of the township ; the citizens of Lewis Center wanted it built in their village. Finally, it was built of brick, in its present location at the center of the township, in the year 1871. at a cost of $825. The Orange township officials for 1908, as reported to the county auditor, are : Andrew Bagley and J. S. Gooding, justices of the peace; C. C. Ballenger, C. D. Lehman and F. E. Smith, trustees ; Frank B. Ferson. clerk : E. L. Grove, treasurer; W. B. Crumb, assessor.