Paint Township (part 14 of 14)

Valley. In 1807 they immigrated to Ohio, accompanied by five children, four sons and one daughter, (three more were added after their arrival in the Buckeye State,) and settled in this county in the same year - three prior to the organization of the same.

Our subject was united in marriage with Catharine Vance, daughter of General "William and Mary (Scott) Vance, of this county, November 11, 1828. The union was blessed with nine children, of Avhom seven survive: Lucy C, Mary A., John J., Martha J., Matthew T. S., Catharine M., Adaline V. Those deceased are : James V., and Elizabeth S.

Mr. Myers has engaged extensively in importing and raising superior cattle for the Scioto Importing Company, of Chillicothe. Through his indefatigable efforts the country has been stocked with a very fine grade of cattle, many of which have taken premiums at the various fairs.

In 1874-5, during the administration of Governor Alten, he served his county in the legislature, to the satisfaction of his constituents. He is now living in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. His first wife died in 1867, and he again married, Mrs. Custer, nee Miss Ocheltree, who still survives. In politics he is a Republican, but was originally a Whig. He was an intimate friend of General Batteal Harrison, and in 1828 took a trip with him to Missouri. Here they purchased three hundred head of cattle, which they drove to Ohio, thence to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Myers is an amiable gentleman, and though nearly four score years of age, retains much of his youthful vigor. The compilers of this work acknowledge the many courtesies extended them by him while on a recent visit to his old home.

John Millikan

John Millikan, grocer, Washington, was born in this county, December 15, 1828. He' is a son of Jesse and Lydia Millikan. His father is a native of Korth Carolina, and his mother of Virginia. They immigrated to Ohio in the year 1796, with a family of ten children.

John, the subject of our remarks, was married, in 1851, to Miss Ann F. Dawson, daughter of Abraham and Eva Dawson, of Virginia, who came to Ohio in 1831. They have a ftimily of four children : Anna M., Jessie B., Lillie K., and Louis Frank, all living.

He is a member of Fayette Lodge No. 107, F. & A. M., and also of Temple Lodge No. 227, I. O. O. F. In the latter lodge he has filled all the chairs, and served as junior warden in the former. He is also a member of Fayette Chapter No. 103, and of Ely Commandery No. 28. He tilled the office of coroner from 1870 to 1872, and was elected sheriff of the county for four years, and a railroader two years, after which he entered into the grocery business, which he still follows. In 1849, he crossed the plains to California, where he spent two years in mining, which was very remunerative. He has been considerable of a wanderer, having been through nearly all the states in the Union, and some of the territories, before he was of age. His father was one of the first settlers of Fayette County, the first county surveyor, and the first postmaster, in the county; also, the first county clerk. He died in August, 1835. Our subject received his education in Fayette County, where his life has been spent, with the exception of the time he was traveling, and in California,

William W. Millikan

William W. MiUikan, editor Fayette County Herald, Washington, was born in South Bend, Indiana, on the 24th of July, 1845. He is a son of William and Emma MiUikan. His father is a native of Ohio, and his mother of New York. They have a family of eight children, five of whom are living.

William W., the subject of this sketch, was married in December, 1874, to Miss Anna Smith, daughter of L. W. and Lydia Smith, of Indiana. They are blessed with one child, Susie May. Mr. MiUikan' received his education in Fayette County, His youth was spent principaUy in Laporte, Indiana. He has been in Washington some twenty-two years, engaged in the printing business, and has been doing business with his father some twelve years. His father is the present representative of Fayette County, a position he fiUed four years ago, and has been editor over fifty years.

R. C. Miller

R. C. MUler, attorn ey-at-law, Washington, was born in this county, January 23, 1853. He is a son of Robert and Maria Miller, natives of Ohio, and his grandparents were natives of Virginia.

His parents had but cue child, our subject, who was married March 29, 1881, to Miss Eva J. Parrett, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Parrett, of this county. He received his education in Washington, and studied law under Gregg & Creamer of that place. He was admitted to the bar December 7, 1880, and commenced practice in April, 1881. In politics he is a Republican. When only eighteen years of age he engaged in the livery business, which he followed for some three years, when he sold out and went West, where he remained about three years, returned, and commenced the study of law, and has remained here until the present time.

John H. Parrett

John H. Parrett, farmer, and member of the State Board of Equalization, was born m Ross County, October 11, 1821, and is a son of Joseph F. and Sarah Barrett, natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio in September, 1814, with a family of ten children.

John H., our subject, was married on the 25th day of December, 1850, to Miss*Sarah A. Harper, daughter of Caleb and Mary Harper, of Ross County. They have a family of four children: Caleb H., Joseph, MoUie, and Sallie. Mr. Parrett is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was county commissioner and justice of the peace of Wayne Township for some three years. He has a farm of two hundred and fifty acres seven miles south of Washington, adjoining the village of Good Hope, where he makes his home. He is one of the most enterprising farmers of the county, and a man of intluence wherever he is known.

J. H. Patton, attorney- at-law, Washington, was born in Fayette County, September 6, 1849, and is a son of James and Ellen Patton, natives of Ohio, who have a family of four children, two sons and two daughters.

The subject of our remarks was married, December 3, 1870, to Miss S. E. Durnell, daughter of William Durnell. They are blessed with three children: Glenn, Daisy, and Nellie. He received his education at Lebanon, at the South Salem Academy, and commenced the study of law with the Hon. M. J. Williams, of Washington, and when twenty years of age commenced practice, which

Isaac Pavey

Isaac Pavey, farmer, Memphis. The nativity of the original Pavey family is unknown. Among the earliest settlers on Lee's Creek, in Highland County, was Isaac Pavey, the grandfather of this subject. He v/as from Kentucky, and was a preacher of the Methodist Church and a farmer. He was born in Maryland. His children were Charles, Elizabeth, William, Nancy Peggy, Sally, John and Thomas. Charles married Lucinda Bocock, Elizabeth married John Barger, Nanc}^ married Warner Mann, Peggy married Thomas Andrew, Sally married Isaac McKay, John married Betsey West, and Thomas married Sall}^ Johnson.

William, the second son of the family, and father of our subject, married Anna Johnson, daughter of William and Jane (Dowden) Johnson, of Fayette County. He died in 1862, his wife in 1851. They were parents of Jane, Isaac, William, Mary, George, John, Henry, Sophia, Elizabeth, James and Eliza. By a second marriage, to Mrs. Jerdina Kirby, (Johnson,) he was the father of three sons and one daughter : Charles, Thomas A., Keturah and Gilbert A,

Isaac, our subject, was born in Green Township, near the Clinton County line, March 15, 1831. He was brought up to hard work. His education was of the ordinary kind. On the 18th day of August, 1852, he was married to Margaret E., daughter of Jacob and Susan (Heller) Ileidwohl ; they were of Dutch descent, and natives of Virginia. They came to this state about the year 1837. Mrs. Pavey was born in Jeiferson County, Virginia, April 25, 1 834. She is the only surviving member of the family. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pavey, the following named children have been born : Alice Jane, born May 13, 1855, married Robert Todhunter, October, 1879. Elmira A., born May 3, 1858, married Cornelius McCoy, TsTovember 12, 1880. Junius, born March 4, 1861 ; Darius, born February 14, 1862 ; William II., born April 6, 1863, died August 1, 1864 : Charles Edward, born January 16, 1868, died September 29, 1875 ; Elva, born December 26, 1869, died October 6, 1875 ; John F., born April 11, 1872, died July 31, 1872.

Mr. Pavey lived a short time in Hardin County, this state, and located where he now lives, in the year 1867. He owns and cultivates nearly four hundred acres of choice land near Lee's Creek,

Our subject is an ardent Republican, and an energetic farmer. His brothers, James and Henry, served in the Union army during the late war. The last named was for a time a prisoner of war.

T. K. Perdue, county surveyor, Washington, was born in this county, July 30, 1838, and is a son of Gershorn and Abigail Perdue. He is a native of Virginia, she of New Jersey. The father came to this state in 1813, and the mother some time later ; the marriage resulted in seven children.

T. K., the youngest, was married April 30, 1868, to Jane M. Smith, daughter of Isaac and Mary Smith, of this county, which marriage resulted in six children : Whittier, Mira, Edith, Alice, Norton and Homer ; all living.

He served as infirmary director for six years, and has been in the nursery business since attaining his majoritj^, which was also the means of supporting his father - the nursery was started in 1815.

In the fall of 1880, he was elected county surveyor, and is noAV serving in that capacity. Himself and wife are members of the Society of Friends. The business of the nursery is conducted under the firm name of M. P. & T. Iv. Perdue.

Henry Robinson

Henry Robinson, clothier, Washington, was born in Washington, in tlie year 1819, in the public square and in the jail house ; his father being the sheriff of the county at the time. He is a son of Robert and Sarah Robinson. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and held the office of sheritt" four years, and Avas also representative of the county, and one of its oldest pioneers. He had a family of twelve children.

Henr}', the subject of our remarks, was married in the year 1847, to Miss Maria L. Dawson, daughter of Abraham and Anna Dawson, of A'irginia. She was living at Mr. Robert Robinson's house at the time. She died in 1852, leaving a loving husband and two children to mourn her loss - Mary, one of the children, having since died, and Emma L. who still survives.

He was again niarriecl, in 1872, to Miss Phoeba A. Albaugh, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Albaugh, of this state. He tilled the office of county auditor from 1850 to 1859. He has been a member of the Odd-fellows for a number of years, and was one of the charter members of the encampment.

M. S. Sager, wholesale and retail tinware, Washington, was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, December 25, 1831, and is a son of Charles and Jane (Smith) Sager. His father was a Dane and his mother a Yiro-inian. His father came to this county when he was but sixteen years of age, and his mother many years ago. They had a family of seven children.

Mr. Sager, the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1859, to Miss Ellen McMaster, daughter of John O. and Mary McMaster, of this county. They have two children living: Henry P. and Adolphus W., and Emma, who died some seventeen years ago.

Our subject is a self-made man, never having the advantages of an education ; but from his untiring energy, he has become master of his business, and at one time had amassed a fortune ; but by his good nature was induced to go on paper until it swept nearly all he had. He has now some tifteen thousand dollars worth of machinery lying idle for the want of means, and which if put in motion would soon regain his lost fortune. He is a man of too much energy to lie still, and with half a chance he will come out all right.

Dr. S. S. Salisbury, physician, Washington, was born in Georgetown, Brown County, this state, January 29, 1848, and is a son of John and Mary Salisbury. His father is a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Virginia. They had a family of nine children, and came to this state about the year 1810.

He is a member of Fayette Lodge No. 107, F. & A. M., and is Master of the same. Also a member of Fayette Chapter No. 103, and of Ely Commandry No. 28. Also of Temple Lodge No. 227, I. O. O. F. He and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. He received his education at Lebanon, this state, and at Peru, Illinois. He studied medicine with Dr. W. H. McGrauaghan of Maysville, Kentucky. Attended medical lectures, in Philadelphia, at Hahnemann Medical College, and there graduated, March 10, 1873. He commenced practice at Washington, May 10, 1873, and has continued to the present time.

William Scott

William Scott, agent for Adams Express Company, Washington, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, August 29, 1858. He is a son of AVilliam and Mary Ann Scott, natives of Ireland, who emigrated from there about the year 1840, with a family of five children, three sons and two daughters.

William, our subject, was married October 8, 1878, to Miss Laura Crawford, daughter of Charles and Susan Crawford, of Zanesville, Ohio. They have one child, Mary Ella.

Mr. Scott is a member of Temple Lodge No. 227, I. O. O. F., and also a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of Zanesville. Since 1877 he has been agent of the Adams Express Company, at Washington. He received his education in Zanesville, where the principal portion of his life was passed.

Oswell Smith

Oswell Smith, merchant tailor, Washington, was born in that city in 1850, and is a son of James J. and Hannah Smith. His father is a native of Virginia, and came to Fayette County in 1832, and immediately afterward married the mother of our subject, who was a native of this county. The result of this union was six children, five sons and one daughter.

Oswell was married to Laura E., daughter of Rev. Richard and Hannah Pitzer, of Washington. They are blessed with one son, Jesse, seven years of age, and one daughter, Chloe, eighteen months old.

January 1, 1881, inclusive. He is at present a member of the city council. Is also a member of the Odd-fellows, Knights of Pythias, and Royal Arcanum. His education was received in "Washington, where his life, with the exception of three years, has been passed. He is now engaged in the merchant tailoring business, with Mr. Howat, under the firm-name of Smith & Howat. They occupy the " white hall " on Court Street, Washington, and are meeting with the success they merit.

S. M. Steen, music dealer, Washington, was born in Adams County, Ohio, December 14, 1849. He is a son of Alexander B. and Nancy J. Steen - the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio - who had a family of eight children, all living but two.

S. M., our subject, was married. May 6, 1873, to Miss Ettie Foster, (born February 7, 1850,) daughter of Archibald and Harriet Foster, of Worthington. By her he has had two children : Dwight, born July 22, 1875, and Carl, born June 16, 1879.

He is now acting as a general agent for the house of Baldwin & Co., of Cincinnati, for the sale of pianos, organs, and musical instruments generally. Having had some ten years experience with this house, he has become master of his profession, and well knows how to suit his customers. His place of business is on Court Street, opposite the Arlington House, where he is doing an extensive business, amounting to |45,000 per year. He handles nothing but' first-class goods, among which are Stein way & Sons, Decker Bro's, Haines Bro's, J. & C. Fischer's, and other standard pianos, and Estey and Shoninger organs, with a full line of smaller musical instruments, and a complete line of musical merchandise.

Robert S. Sutherland

Robert S. Sutherland, county commissioner, Washington, was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 14, 1825. He is a son of Robert and Hannah Sutherland, natives of Pennsylvania, who immigrated

Robert S., our subject, was married in the year 1850, to Miss Hannah Parrett, daugliter of Frederick Parrett, of Ross Connty. They had one child, Frederick R., who died in 1851.

Mr. Sutherland was elected county commissioner in 1873, and has filled the ofiice since that time. He received his education in this county, where he has passed the principal portion of his life.

Amos Thoknton

Amos Thornton, coal dealer, Washington, was born in Union Township, this county, iSTovember 27, 1833. He is a son of Thomas and Mahala Thornton. His father was a native of Ohio, and his mother of Virginia. They had a family of eight sons, all of whom are living, except one.

Amos, our subject, was married January 5, 1857, to Miss Arty Allen, daughter of James and Elizabeth Allen, of this county. They are blessed with two sons, James A. and Charles L,

In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, 1st Ohio Cavalry, and was in the battles of Gettysburg, second Bull Run, cavalry fight at Brandy Station, and many others. He was discharged May 4, 1865.

He is a member of Fa.yette Lodge l^o. 107, F. & A. M. Received his education in this county where the principal part of his youth has been passed. He went to California in 1852, and returned in 1856 with a good share of the yellow dust. He is now engaged in the sale of black diamonds, in Washington, or, in other words, is extensively engaged in the coal business.

Thomas Bradley Thornton

Thomas Bradley Thornton, farmer and stock-raiser. _ His parents, Thomas and Leva Thornton, were natives of ]N"orfolk, Virginia. They came to Ohio in 1809, and settled in the town of Franklington (now included in the city of Columbus), where, two years after, the father died. Mrs. Thornton remained a widow some three years, when she married, for her second husband, James Coil, with whom slie lived some seven years, when she died. There were two children by the first marriage. James Thornton, at the age of twenty, left home, and his whereabouts since that time are unknown. Thomas B. was born after the death of his father. There were three children by the second marriage, two sons and one daughter. William H. married, and died Qarly. Elizabeth married, moved to Mercer County, and is now a widow. Perry married and moved to Missouri many years ago.

Thomas B., our subject, was born December 11, 1812. Being left Avithout father, mother, or kinfolks, to care for him, he was compelled to care for himself as best he could. He found a good home in the family of Peter Fultz, with whom he remained until twenty-one years of age, learning the cabinet business. In 1834 he married Mahala Harper, daughter of Jacob C. Harper. Soon after their marriage they commenced housekeeping in the woods, on the same spot of ground where they now reside. They are the parents of eight sons. Amos, the oldest, married, and has a family living in Washington. James is married, and lives at Baxter Springs, Kansas. Anderson is married, and lives on his own farm near Washington. William II. is married, and lives near Solon, Madison County. Austin married, and died at the age of twentyfour. His widow is the daughter of Adam Glaze, and she remains single. Elan is married, and lives in the neighborhood. Thomas married, owns, and lives on the old George Miller farm, near Washington. Noah owns and lives on a farm near Jefferson ville, in this county.

But few parents have been permitted to see so large a family of sons all grown up to manhood, married, and so well to do in life, as have Mr. and Mrs.. Thornton. Seven out of the eight sons are now living, each in good circumstances, an honor to their parents, with bright prospects before them.

Mr. Thornton commenced life very poor, without money or kindred influences. He determined, early in life, to pursue a straightforward, honest, truthful, industrious course, which he has carried out thus far, and it has proved to be a great success. He is one of the solid, wealthy men of Fayette County. He has dealt largely in real estate in his own county and elsewhere, which in the main has been a financial success. He was one of the originators of the Peoples and Drovers Bank of Washington, and has been one of its directors and principal stockholders to the present time. He has served his county as one of its commissioners and infirmary directors for a number of years, and though nearly seventy years of age, is one of the most active, energetic, enterprising business men of the county.

Mr. Thornton lives on a five-hundred-acre farm, some four and a half miles west from Washington, situated between the Jeftersonville and Jamestown pikes. He and his amiable wife commenced their married life on this farm more than forty-seven years ago, when all was a wilderness. They had the milk sickness, serpents, and all the difficulties incident to this new country, to contend with ; but these forty-seven years of earnest, honest toil, have brought grand results to this noble couple.

John N. Van Deman

John N. Van Deman, lawyer (firm of Van Denian & Russell), Washington; son of John L. and R. P. (Wilson) Van Deman; born January 5, 1845, at Washington; lived there, and attended village school, until February, 1858; then removed with his father to Frankfort, Ross County. They lived there two years, and then returned to Washington, where they have since resided. At the age of twelve he began to assist his father (who was a merchant) in the store, and very early acquired a taste for the mercantile business. At the age of seventeen he attended and graduated at Duft''s Commercial College, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the following year went to Miami University, where he remained until twenty, then left college, in the middle of his senior year, to accept the offer from his father of a one-third interest in his dry-goods business ; and he then began business for himself, March 1, 1865, becoming at once the buyer for the new firm. The business was rapidly extended, and a wholesale trade established, until their annual sales (which had been about |25,000) were increased to $85,000.

In 1872, he began to read law in his leisure hours, not then with the intention to practice, but for information. He had also received a course of lectures on commercial law while at Duff''s College. As he advanced in the study it became more and more attractive, until, in 1876, he decided to, and did, quit the dry-goods business to enter the })rofession, and was admitted by the supreme court of the state to practice law, in about three months after leaving his mercantile pursuits. He immediately opened an office in

Wa^jhiiigtou, and at once acquired a good business; and has since that time been actively and successfully engaged in the practice. In 1873-4, he was a member of the city council. Is a Republican in politics, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been for years a worker in the Sunday-school, and in the temperance cause. Is also an active member of the order of Odd-fellows, in which he is prominently and favorably known throughout the state. He was married. May 14, 1867, to Lizzie ISTash, daughter of William and M. G. Nash, of Clermont County, who was born September 12, 1847, and who died March 15, 1881. She was the mother of six children, who survive her.

Samuel N. Yeoman

Samuel X. Yeoman, merchant and railroad builder, Washington. The name was originally Youmans, being of English extraction. Two brothers, thus spelling their names, came from England to i^ew York in aii early day, tbe one going to New Jersey, the other to the South ; the celebrated Professor Youmans, of New York, being a descendant of the southern brother, our subject being a descendant of the brother who went to New Jersey. The grandfather came to Ohio, and settled on the waters of Paint Creek, in Wayne Township, Fayette County, about 1811, where he erected, probably, the first grist-mill ever built in the county. This mill was erected where the Rock Mills now stand. Here the pioneer remained until his death.

Samuel T. Yeoman, his son, was serving in the war of 1812 when his father came to Ohio, but immediately after its close he also came to Knox County, Ohio, where he married Miss Nye, daughter of Ichabod Nye, the first sherifi:' of Knox County. In 1815, they removed to Payette County, and settled on a farm near the town of Good Hope, in Wayne Township, and remained on this farm until 1829, when he removed to Springfield, and- remained one year; thence, to Lebanon, and remained there one year. He then returned to Fayette County, and settled in Washington. In 1833, he was elected as a member of the General Assembly of Ohio. In 1836, or 1837, he engaged in the mercantile business, associated with Joseph and Amasa Olds as partners. In 1851, he retired from active business, and died in 1856. He served, with credit to himself as associate judge, postmaster, and justice of the peace, in his county, and was one of the active leading politicians of his day. Mrs. Yeoman died in Washington, in 1872, in the seventy-fourth year of her age. They were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Stephen D. died while a young man, unmarried. Bethiah L. married, but she and her husband are dead. Gilbert L. M. died when a young man, unmarried. James L. died in infancy. Eusebia N. died at the age of thirteen. Jane M. was married to Theodore Ogle, who is now dead. She lives in Washington. Josephine M. married Van M. Ogle, and lives on a farm in Green County, Indiana. Sarah died in infancy. Ascenith also died in infancy. Joseph Amasa Olds is married and practicing law in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Samuel N., our subject was born in Wayne Township, Fayette 'County, Ohio, in 1828. In the spring of 1849, he organized a company of ten persons, all boys but one, and went to California in search of gold. This was probably the first company that went from this part of the state to California. The eiitire company reached there, and all but one of the number returned. This enterprise proved to be a financial success to Mr. Yeoman, and after remaining there two years and some months, they returned to Fayette County. Soon after his return, he purchased his father's stock of goods, and commenced the mercantile business, continuing the same until the fall of 1853, when he sold out, and engaged in the real estate business until 1858.

In 1857, he organized a company, and built the first respectable hotel in the town, now known as the "Arlington Hotel." The same year Mr. Yeoman again entered the mercantile business, associating with him F. A. Nitterhouse and D. Ogle. They purchased the stock of goods owned by Zebedee Harper. He also established, the same year, a branch store in connection with Theodore and V. M. Ogle, in New Lexington, Perry County, and in that year retired from this establishment.

In the spring of 1861, Mr. Yeoman was appointed by the governor of Ohio chairman of the military committee of the county, and was soon afterward ordered to West Virginia, to look after the interest of the soldiers of his county. En June, 1862, while holding this position, he applied to the governor for an appointment as major, for recruiting for the 90th O. V. I., and entered on the recruiting business June 21, 1862. In thirty days he recruited two full companies (C and K), and assisted to recruit two more companies, which were assigned to the 114th Regiment.

August 1, 1862, he resigned his chairmanship, and reported, with his companies, at Camp Circleville, and in less than three days thereafter was ordered to Kentucky without arms or equipments, and reached Lexington by rail in great haste. Received arms next morning, and was ordered at once to assist in covering the retreat at Richmond, Kentucky. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Seige of Chattanooga. Was commissioned lieutenant-colonel after the battle of Stone River, and colonel of the 90th after the seige of Chattanooga, Colonel Rippey having resigned.

The colonel remained with the regiment, participating in the battles of Jouesborough, Atlanta, Champaign, etc., and was mustered out of service, after having served three years, June 21, 1865. He had in all some thirteen hundred men under his command, but only had about three hundred and twenty-seven when mustered out. Mr. Yeoman was a brave, patriotic man, working faithfully and honestly to put down the rebelUou and save the Union. He left his mercantile interests to the care of his partners, devoting his entire time and energies to his country's welfare. But few officers have been more devoted to the country's welfare than has Colonel Yeoman.

In 1866, Mr. Yeoman projected and started the Columbus and Washington turnpike ; it being the first enterprise of the kind in the county under the " Free turnpike Act," which enterprise inaugurated a system of free turnpikes all over the county, which has resulted in a spirit of general improvement, that now makes the county one of the leading counties of the state. Mr. Yeoman was elected state senator from his district, composed of Greene, Clinton and Fayette counties, in 1867, serving two years, with marked ability. He was lected by the same district, to the senate of this state, in 1873, and again served the full term.

In 1869, he organized the Columbus and Maysville Railroad, (known as the bine grass road), became its president, surveyed and located the same; but because of Hillsboro being interested in another railroad enterprise, and not sympathising with this movement, it failed.

In 1875, the colonel took up the old Dayton, Xenia and Belpre Railroad, and organized the Dayton and Southeastern ]*^arrow Gauge Road. He became its president, overseeing and giving it bis entire attention ; and although the enterprise met with many reverses, he succeeded in its completion from Dayton to its intersection with the Marietta road at Mnsselman's. He also assisted in the building of the branch road from Allentown to Waynesville.

He also built the Indianapolis, Delphos & Chicago Railroad, and at this time is superintendent of the Indiana, Chicago & IS'orthern Railroad.

In 1873 Col. Yeoman, in connection of Mr. F. A. Mtterhouse, commenced the building of a magnificent store-room, opera-house, etc., in Washington. He completed the store-room in 1874, but on account of the panic, and the stringency ot the money market, the opera-houseremains untinished.

In June 1853, Mr. Yeoman married Miss Susan M. Conily, of New Lexington, Perry County, Ohio. She is a most excellent women. They are without children. In politics the colonel is a staunch Republican. Mrs. Yeoman is a member of the Baptist Church.

General Stephen B. Yeoman

General Stephen B. Yeoman, attorney at law, Washington, was born in Washington, this county, on the 1st day of December, 1836, and is a son of Alvah and Elizabeth Yeoman. His father was a native of I^ew York, and his mother of Virginia. His father came to this state about the year 1806, and his mother about 1815. They had a family of eight children, four of whom are living.

Stephen, the subject of our sketch, at the age of fifteen, shipped as a sailor; visited New Zealand and different points in South America, Asia, and Africa. After enjoying many adventures, and undergoing many hardships, finally returned to the United States. His great grandfather served with credit as a captain in the revolution, and his grandfather as a first lieutenant in the w-ar of 1812.

ed as a private in the 22d O. V. I., Company F, and was afterwards in West Virginia, until his regiment was discharged by reason of expiration qf term of service. At home he immediately commenced recruiting, and returned to the field again, September 15, 1861, as captain of Company A, 54th O. V. I. He was then ordered, by General Sherman, to take ten picked men and penetrate the rebel lines, in order to ascertain their forces. While gallantly in discharge of duty, he received the following wounds: Shiloh, April 6th and 7th, slight wounds in breast ; battle of Russell House, June, 1862, in left leg, also, in arm and abdomen ; January 10th and 11th, 1863, wounded in right arm, entirely severing the arm below the elbow, which was amputated. For his distinguished services he was promoted to major of his regiment, and on account of his serious loss, and not being able to return to his regiment, he resigned. He was appointed captain in the A^eteran Reserve Corps, commanding Company C, 2d Battalion, on duty at Cincinnati.

In May, 1864, he received from the President of the United States, the appointment ot colonel of this regiment, and was detailed by War Department to Camp Caley, Virginia, as superintendant of recruiting service and chief mustering officer, of the northeast district of Virginia. November 29, 1864, he rejoined his regiment, and led this command in all the actions after that date. He has also been commanding oflicer of 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 25th Corps, and was promoted by the President of the United States, to Brevet Brigadier General of Volunteers, for his gallant services during the war; to rank as such from the 15th day of March, 1865.

He was married, in 1863, to Miss Cordelia A. Wood, daughter of Daniel and Tabitha Wood, of this county. They have five children living : Minnette, Ida C, Burton, Nellie and Grace, and one dead, Willard.

In 1866 he was elected probate judge of the county, which oflice he filled three years, and is now practicing law in Washington. He is a man beloved by all who knoAV him, and is competent and well worthy of filling any office in the gift of the people.

Elmer W. Welsheimer

ill Ross County, Ohio, October 4, 1843. He is a son of William H. and Mahala Welslieiiner - the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. They have a family of five children, two sons and three daughters, all living but Oscar, who departed this life in 1869.

Our subject enlisted in Company G, Captain Irions, 73d O. V. I., Colonel 0. Smith. He remained with his regiment until he was wounded, which occurred in Hooker's midnight charge on Raccoon Ridge, a branch of Lookout Mountain. The wound was in the left leg, and the foot was amputated. This was on the 28th day of October, 1863, near Chattanooga. He was also in the battles of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville, under Gens. Meade and Hooker. After his wound he was removed to three different hospitals, where he remained three months. He was then sent home, and received his honorable discharge at Columbus.

After his return home he attended school for two years, and then engaged in the mercantile business at Martinsburg, Ohio, where he remained for eight years. He was then elected Clerk of the Courts of Fayette County, and still retains that position.

He is a member of Wilstah Lodge ITo. 360, I. O. 0. F., of New Martinsburg, and also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He received his education in Ohio, and has passed the principal part of his life in this county. He has three children, one son and two daughters : Ottis O., Olive, and Lulu, all living.

Manfred Willard

Manfred "Willard was born in the village of Washington, Fayette County, Ohio, September 18, 1839, and is a son of Lockhart D. and Mary Jane Willard. L. D. Willard, a native of Massachusetts, removed to this county in 1832, and was one of a family of three children. His wife, whose maiden name was Doron, was a native of Pennsylvania. Her parents removed with her to this county at an early date. She was one of a family of seven children. The marriage of L. D. Willard and Mary J. Doron was solemnized on the 5th day of December, 1838. They raised a family of se's^n children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest.

Our subject was educated in the common schools of Massachusetts, to which place his father removed about the year 1852, His youth was principally spent on the farm in this county At the age of sixteen he commenced land surveying, and continued in that business until 1860, when he removed to Mercer County, Illinois, and remained there in the business of farming until August 1, 1861, when he enlisted in the " Rangers," an independent company, raised and commanded by Captain Graham. This company successfully ran the blockade established by the governor of Illinois, and succeeded in joining the army of the West, at Fort Leavenworth, about the 5th of August. From this point Captain Graham's command was at once sent to Lexington, Missouri, where they remained in active duty until that place was surrendered, in September of the same year, by Colonel Mulligan, to the rebel General Price. In the seige that preceded the surrender, Willard was slightly wounded by a rifle ball removing the skin from the top of his head as it passed over.

As soon as exchanged, and in the winter of 1861-2, he raised a company (H) in the 60th O. Y. I., commanded by Colonel William H. Trimble (than whom no braver man ever lived), which regiment participated throughout the campaign of Major-General John C. Fremont, resulting in driving Jackson out of the Shenandoah Valley.

In September, 1862, through the treachery or imbecility of Colonel Miles, in command of the Union forces at Harper's Ferry, to which point Colonel Trimble and his regiment had been ordered, with other troops, Willard was again a prisoner to the rebel foe. Previous to the surrender, however, he was severely wounded in the left arm. Soon after this, he was honorably discharged at Camp Douglas, Illinois.

Returning home a mere skeleton, weighing less than one hundred pounds, he was elected probate judge of Fayette County at the same election that gave Governor Brough one hundred thousand majority over Clement L. Vallandigham. After the expiration of his term of office, he became cashier of the Fayette County National Bank, which position he held until that institution closed up its business in October, 1875.

In May, 1869, he passed an examination, and was admitted to the bar in his native town, and since the closing of the bank he has given his whole time and attention to the practice of hie profession.

On the 7tli day of April, 1863, he married Verselle S. Worley (formerly Knight) a daughter of Salathiel and Jane Knight, and grand-daughter of Colonel Joseph Bell. Mrs. Willard has one hrother, Joseph Knight, now a resident of Fayette County, and one sister, Elizabeth V., who is now the wife of M. Herbert, Esq., teller in the Peoples and Drovers Bank of Washington. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Willard three children : Jane B., born on the 8th day of September, 1864; Laura A., born on the 17th day of February, 1867; and Herbert A., born on the 31st day of October, 1872.

Marshall J. Williams

Marshall J. Williams, attorney-at-law, Washington, is a son of Dr. Charles M. Williams and Margaret Jane Williams, nee Mark, and was born February 22, 1836. From childhood he has been a close student, and at the age of nineteen graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, and soon after began his legal studies at Washington, with Nelson Rush. He completed his legal course at the age of twenty-one, and shortly after opened an office at Sigourney, Iowa, where he remained about one year. Becoming displeased with his location, he returned to Washington, and at once entered into a lucrative practice. He married Bertha Taylor, a lady of Clermont County, but no children followed the union.

In 1870, he was elected to the Ohio Legislature, as representative from Fa3^ette County, and took a prominent part in many of the debates of that session. In 1872, he was returned to the legislature, and served through both sessions of that body with distinction. At present he stands at the head of his profession, and is recognized as one of the leading lawyers of southern Ohio, and has accumulated a fortune by his practice.

Jacob Whitesel

Jacob Whitesel, butcher, Washington, was born in Pickaway County, December 12, 1832, and is a son of George and Mary Whitesel; his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Pickaway County, Ohio. They were married January 10, 1822, his wife being Miss Mary Sidener. His grandparents were Nicholas Whitesel, born in Germany, February, 1755, and Elizabeth West, born in

Pennsylvania, in 1754. George and Mary had a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, all living but the two youngest. Jacob, the subject of our sketch, was married June 1, 1865, to Miss Sarah A. King, daughter of Henry and Mar}- King, of Baltimore, Ohio. They have one child, Minnie Bell. Mr. Whitesel is a member of Ringgold Lodge No. 90, I. 0. O. F., of Greenfield, Ohio; is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He received his education in Pickaway County, where he lived until he was thirty-two years of age, when he removed to near Lancaster, Ohio, and engaged in pike making some six months. He then engaged in the drug and grocery business, at Rushville, for about two years; and then went to Highland County, bought a farm, and worked it some eight years, when he sold out and came to Washington, where he engaged in butchering, which he still follows.

John L. Wilson

John'L. Wilson, carpenter, Washington, was born September 18, 1835, and is a son of James N. and Maria Wilson, 'His father is a native of North Carolina, and his mother of Ross County, Ohio. The former came to Ohio in 1823, the latter in 1827. They had SIX children.

Our subject was married January 21, 1867, to Anna, daughter of James G. and Tabitha Jolly, of Clinton County, Ohio, who bore him two children : James G. and Zeda B. He is a member of Fayette Lodge No. 107, and Chapter No. 103, F. & A. M. He received his education in Washington, where his youth was spent. In politics he is a Republican.

Dr. C. M. Wilson

Dr. C. M. Wilson, physician, Washington, was born in Northampton, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1845, and is a son of Charles and Catharine Wilson, of Hillsboro, Ohio. They had a family of five children, two sons and three daughters.

Our subject was married, March 2, 1871, to Miss Mary L. Pricer, daughter of David H. and Amanda Pricer, of South Salem, Ohio. They have two children : Minnie and Amy C. The doctor enlisted in August, 1864, in Company A, 175th 0. V. I. He was wounded in the first engagement at Franklin, Tennessee, and November 30,

1864, had the second finger of his right hand shot off, and also received a flesh wound in his thigh. After being wounded he was taken to Nashville, and one week afterward was removed to Louisville, and from thence to Cincinnati, where he lay in West End Hospital, from which he received his discharge from the service on the 20th day of May, 1865. The following fall he entered South Salem Academy, where he remained until the fall of 1868, when he began his medical studies under Dr. Looker, of Cincinnati, graduating in Miami Medical College, in March, 1871, and commenced a practice which has continued up to the present time, with the exception of six months spent in the college and hospital in ITew York City. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. His residence and office are on Court Street, where he has been since June, 1875.

Mills Gardner

Mills Gardner, attorn ey-at-law, Washington, was born at Russellville. Brown County, Ohio, January 30, 1830, and is a son of Scth and Elma S. (Barrere) Gardner. His father was a native of New York, and his mother of Ohio. They had a family of three children.

Our subject was married, October 9, 1851, to Miss Margaret A. Morrow, daughter of John Morrow, of Highland County. They have two children - Gertrude and Hortense. Mr. Gardner has always lived in this state, and has resided in Fayette County since 1854. He received a common school education, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1855, and Iras followed the profession since. He was prosecuting attorney of Fayette County for four years; was a member of the state senate in 1862-64; was a presidential elector on the Lincoln ticket, in 1864; was a member of the state house of representatives in 1866-68; was a member of the state constitutional convention of Ohio, in 1873; and was elected to the forty-fifth congress, as a Republican, receiving 16,549 votes against 16,098 votes for John S. Savage, Democrat.

Jefferson, named in honor of the third President of the United States, and the hirgest bnt one in the county, is located in the northwestern part of the same, being bounded on - the north bj Madison Count}^ on the east by Paint Township, on the south by Union and Jasper townships, and on the west by Greene County. For a more specific description, date of organization, etc., see general history of the county. Paint Creek forms its eastern boundary proper, while Rattlesnake enters in the north and crosses the entire township, flowing southwestwardly, while the numerous tributaries of these streams traverse it in various directions. According to the statements of old settlers. Rattlesnake is named from an old Indian chief, whose camp was on land now owned by Clement Shockley. Sugar Creek, flowing almost parallel with Rattlesnake, obtained its name from the great abundance of sugar maple on its banks.

The surface is generally level, with occasional ridges and low rolling hills. The soil is black and productive ; large crops of grain are harvested each year, especially between Sugar and Rattlesnake creeks. It was originally timbered heavily with elm, hickory, oak and sugar maple, but the ax' and saw have caused sad havoc with the dense forest, and since the completion of the railroad, coal is being very generally used for fuel. Travel is facilitated by the Springfield Southern Railroad, and five free pikes, of which a more extended notice will be given subsequently.

Early Settlements

cipally by the pioneers and their posterity. The early settlers, nnmindful of the great importance attached thereto, kej)t no chronological record, hence our task is a dithcult one.

From the limited data at our command, we infer that the family of William Robinson, sr., was among the first who settled within the limits of this township. This family, which consisted of father and four sons, were natives of North Carolina, whence they removed to Virginia.

In the year 1801, they came to this state and settled in Greene County, about five miles southeast of Xenia, where they remained a few years, then came to this township - perhaps in 1804. The elder Robinson, located on the present site of the town of Jeffersonville, occupying a cabin situated on the lot now in the possession of Richard Fox. William Robinson, jun., took possession of a tract of land, just a-cross the creek from the village, now known as the " Wright farm," and occupied by Thomas Bruce. Two of the sons, Thomas and Abner lived on the present Lewis Janes' tarm ; the other son, named Nicholas, on land now belonging to Charles Gray, on Rattlesnake Creek. Singleton, a son of William Robinson, jun., resides in this township, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow-men.

Aaron Kendall, and family, left Stafford County, Virginia, in 1805, and settled in this township on part of the Washington survey. The father eventually traveled back to Virginia and died there. The remainder of the famil}- grew up and scattered ; consequently not a descendant is now living here. The old homestead is owned by the heirs of the late Charles Harrold.

In the year 1809 or 1810, George Creamer and three sons, Michael, Joseph and David, came from Berkeley County, Virginia, and settled on Sugar Creek, on land still owned by his descendants. George Creamer, jr., came in 1813, and located in the same neighborhood. This family held prominent positions, and took an active part in the development of the country. George was the first justice of the peace; David was justice of the peace and surveyor; Joseph, Michael and David participated in the war of 1812. The senior Creamer died in the year 1825, and his sons have all followed him. Their descendants still survive, and practice the man}- virtues laid down by their ancestors.

who resided in the same neighborhood - Warm Springs, Berkeley County. Marshall Jenkins removed to near Sugar Creek, where now resides the relict of John Parrott, deceased. He lived there about twenty years, then removed to Port Williams, in Clinton County, this state. Jacob took possession of a tract of land, a part of which is now occupied by Mr. Hooker, and lived thereon till 1850, when he divided the same amongst his children and removed to Jeffersonville, where he died in 1865. A part of the old homestead is still in the possession of his posterity.

Prior to 1812, a Carolinian named John McKillep came here, and located about two miles north of JefFersonville, (descendants still reside there) with wife and three sons : John, William and Daniel. Mrs. McKillep was held in high repute for her services among the settlers as midwife, and because of the scarcity of physicians, was in great demand.

It should he remembered that there are two surveys in the name of Duff in this township ; the east survey was settled by Patrick Kerns, who immigrated prior to 1810, and cleared apiece of ground .adjoining the farms of Jenkins and Creamer. He built a two story log house, which was in appearance far in advance of its day and o-eneration, which was standing and occupied as late as 1874. The western survey was purchased by Peter Harness, in 1811, and divided among his sons, giving each a good farm.

Joseph Hidy settled at an early day near Paint Creek, and owned a large tract of land in Paint Township. Michael Carr owned land in this township, but resided in Paint.

John Killgore, with his wife and a large family, emigrated to Greene County, Ohio, from Kentucky, in 1801, and located in the immediate vicinity of Xenia, where they remained several years ; then, because of the scarcity of game, they determined to change their quarters. Accordingly, the elder, accompanied by several of his sons and a neighbor named James Kent, proceeded to explore the country east of Xenia, and finally entered this township. The first trace of civilization disclosed to their eyes was a "turnip patch," near the cabin of Philip Powell, located in close proximity to the present residence of Mr. McKillep, survey Xo. 1,344. They struck the branch called Benbow Creek, and followed the same through the farm now owned by Perry Killgore, to its mouth at Sugar Creek, and here a bear was shot by one of the party. Perceiving smoke arising from near a spring on the present Blessing farm, they proceeded hither and discovered a partly of Indians in camp. The latter were friendly, and invited the Killgores to remain over night, which invitation was thankfully accepted, the hear heing served for supper. On the following day they went to Madison County, selected a tract of land, erected a cahin, and moved into the same with their families, remaining till 1808, when one hundred and twenty-five acres in tliis township, extending from T*erry Killgore's house to the road .east of the same, were purchased. Here they remained till 1812, engaging in farming and hunting. At the outbreak of the war of 1812, one of the sons named James, went to Kentucky with Nathaniel Scott, and manufactured saltpetre. John went to Chillicothe, enlisted in the service, and died at Chillicothe while guarding prisoners. His coffin was made by Joseph Hidy. His son, John Clark, volunteered, and was taken to Upper Sandusky, where he remained until the close of the war, when he returned to his home. The Killgore farm was purchased of Thomas Posey at seventy-five cents per acre. At the death of the elder Killgore, it was purchased by two of his sons; one of the brothers, Clark, eventually became sole owner, and at his demise, his son Perry bought out the several heirs, and still retainb.the old homestead. The latter was born in 1822, in the old house, which is still standing, and was built prior to the marriage of Clark - about 1820. The various members of the old family are deceased, and their descendants scattered.

Philip Powell, who lived near the " turnip patch " above mentioned, came during the years intervening between 1801 and 1804, and afterwards removed to Indiana, where he died. He was a Kentuckian by birth.

Solomon Green lived on the present T. L. Rowan farm, but remained a short time only. It is said of his son William, that he brought from Kentucky and wore the first pair of boots ever brought to this settlement, which gave him the sobriquet of " Bill Boots."

which had been lately vacated by Polly. He was a carpenter, surveyor, blacksmith, and justice of the peace, - held the latter oiJice many years, - and pursued his various avocations successfully; eventually removing to Illinois.

Samuel Hornbeck occupied the farm now owned by Abram Blessiug. Being subject to frequent attacks of tits, his wife was told, that a permaneut cure might be effected by taking off his under garment and burning the same. At the next attack the remedy was given a trial, resulting in the loss of the garment, but proving a failure otherwise.

Just below Moses Thomas, lived James and Andrew Wicker, who were natives of North Carolina. The former afterwards removed to lUinois with Jonathan, his father-in-law.

William and John *Horney settled early on the farm now owned by Amos Williams. John devoted himself to hunting and shooting the game which was here in abundance.

John Mock was born in North Carolina, Januar}' 8, 1780. In 1800, he married Mar}- Horney, of the same state, and, accompanied by her emigrated to Ohio, settling in Greene County, in 1802. He assisted in the erection of the first dweUing house in Xenia, which of course was of logs. He remained in Greene until 1853, at which time he removed to this township, locating on the farm now owned by his son Hezekiah, which contained five hundred and nine acres, and was purchased of William Kerr for $1,000. Mock was a participant in the Indian war, and guarded the Minerva block house. Upon his arrival here, he engaged in farming and continued till his death, which occurred in 1862 - his wife preceded him about four years. They had eleven children, of whom nine survive ; six live in this county, two in Greene, and one in the State of Illinois. At his death, he had sevent3^-eight grandchildren.

Joseph Kent, who came witli the Killgores, remained with them till 1808, then removed to Madison County where he spent the remainder of his days.

Official

The original boundaries of this township, and the various changes of the same, together with the date of organization is given in another part of this work; hence, a repetition is deemed unnecessary. Through the coartes}" of A. Bush, Esq., we have obtained access to the records from 1816 to 1881 - making a complete record with the exception of a few years - and extract as below :

The following officers were elected on theiirst day of April, 1816, and "sworn in" on the sixth day of the same month: Justice of the peace, Thomas Robinson ; trustees, Jacob Jenkins, Joseph Kendall and Nicholas Robinson ; constables, William McCandless, and Price Landfare ; supervisors, Samuel Wicker, John Miller, George Pence and James Sanderson; treasurer, John JV^cKillep; lister, William McCandless ; overseers of the poor, Patrick Kernan and John Williams ; fence viewers, Jacob Jenkin and David Creamer; the later was appointed at a subsequent meeting of the trustees ; clerk, David Creamer.

John Miller, supervisor one year, $3.00 ; Samuel Wicker, received, $5.25 for a like service ; Jaco"b Jenkins, trustee one year, $6.00 ; for serving in the capacity of supervisor one year, James Sanderson and George, each $2.25 ; Joseph Kendall, trustee, $4.00 ; Joseph Creamer, per cent. of funds, 98 cents ; David Creamer, clerk, $4,00 ; following which appears this entry : " Settled all accounts with the - treasurer, and tliere remains $1.22 in the treasury."

March 21, 1818, John Fenel was paid $2.62J cents for his services as deputy supervisor, the fraction was paid in " sharp shins" or " cutmoney."

June 28, 1824, William Longbridge, constable, was commanded by John Ryan, an overseer of the poor, to " summon Samuel Thornton and Lida Thornton to depart out of this township, and of this writ make legal service and due return."

The trustees, on May 24, 1834, bound to James Fent, as an apprentice, George Seamer, aged eleven, until he shall attain the age of twenty-one. Conditioned that the said Fent shall clothe, maintain and educate said Seamer, and at the expiration of his term of servitude, shall present him with a Bible and two suits of clothes. This is the tirst transaction of the kind on record.

The records on the main have heen well kept, and are simply indicative of the bnsiuess transacted by the officials. The above extracts were made with a view of showing the-great changes made in the management of afiairs.

We submit below a complete list of the principal township officials from 1816 to 1881. At times it has been difficult to ascertain definitely the names of persons elected each year, to which should be ascribed any inaccuracy that may occur: 1816 - Jacob Jenkins, Joseph Kendall, Mcholas Robinson, trustees.

Source changes here: from History of Fayette County, Ohio : Her People, Industries and Institutions, by Allen, Frank M, published 1914; 2,946 words in this source stream.

Paint Township

Paint is the central sub-division of the county, on the northern border, with Madison county at its north. Madison and Marion townships at the east, Union and Jefferson townships at the south and Jefferson township at its west. Its population in 1910 was, including the village of Bloomingburg. two thousand and seventy-nine. Its chief pike is the Bloomingburg and Midway road. It was named from the creek that forms one of its boundaries. It was one of the original townships of Fayette county at its organization. X^ature has made this a fertile domain. The wash from Paint creek gives a natural fertilizer for its otherwise naturally rich soil.

To George Coil must l)e given the distinction of having been the first white man to enter this township with the intention of becoming a resident. It was in the very early days of the last century - about 1802 - when this man of push and genuine enterprise came in and erected his cabin and at once set about clearing up land ^^hich he might utilize as a farming spot. But little is known of him, where he came from or how many years he remained in the county. But records point to the fact that he must have been the first setler.

In 1803 William Hays emigrated from Kentucky, settling on Big Walnut, where he remained until 1805, then moved to this township, settling on a portion of survey X^o. 1063, on the banks of Paint creek, with his father James and the family, consisting of David, John, James, Jr., Rankin, Benjamin. Jane, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth and Sarah. William and John served as privates in captain McElwain's military company, which was ordered out to Fort Sandusky, where they assembled and built the fort. At the close of the war they returned home and farmed.

It was also in 1805 when Solomon Salmon, of Delaware, came to Paint creek country, settling on the low lands later owned by his son Perry. In 1880 Perry Salmon had in his possession the military patent for four hun- dred acres granted to Solomon Salmon, assignee of John A/IcClain, assignee of Benjamin Parker, assignee of William Johnston, assignee of Samuel kercheval, assignee of Thomas Jenkins, only living representatives of Joshua Jenkins, a sergeant in the Re^-olutionary War. The date of survey of said tract was many years prior to the signing of the instrument by James Monroe, March 26, 1 8 19, several years after possession had been taken by Solomon Salmon. Perry, a relative of his, accompanied him and settled on land owned later years by Gideon Vezay. In the eighties the old cabin erected by him was still standing where built.

From 1805 on the tide of immigration swept in extensively. Among these men was Solomon Sowers, who erected the first mill on Paint creek; Samuel Robins, the pioneer school teacher and justice of the peace; Jacob Pursley, the first blacksmith ; John Oliver, the first carpenter ; Joseph Parris, a soldier in the War of 1812, and also of the Revolution; Leonard Parris! of the War of 1812. a farmer and hunter, and stock raiser: Jeremiah Smith, another soldier, and scores of others whose names have long ago been forgotten.

Nathaniel Tway, of New Jersey ancestry, but born in Ohio, was a soldier in the Revolutionary W^ar and saw three years and a half service. At the battle of Brandywine a ball from the enemy's ranks was lodged in his heel, but otherwise he was uninjured. He came to this county in 1810, working for various farmers by the day. In 18 12 his father, John Tway, and the family came out here and located in Paint township, near the Madison county line. Nathaniel later bought land of the Funks, the title of which not being clear he was unable to hold the lands.

William Squire, born in New Jersey in 1756, enlisted during the Revolution, when eighteen years old, as a private in his uncle's company, serving with much credit. The family, then consisting of himself, wife and four children, settled first in Ross county, Ohio, but later removed to this township. He paid two dollars and a half per acre for the land he purchased.

There were several settlements on the road leading through Bloomingburg. One Lambert lived on the site of the village grave-yard, and Isaac Boner also lived near him.

Col. James Stewart, mentioned elsewhere, settled here early and the commissioners of the new county of Fayette held their first meeting at his cabin in the spring of iSio, which was before the matter of a county seat had fully been fixed upon. In 1812 he was elected colonel of the Fayette county regiment in the Third Brigade of Ohio militia. He was a Presbyterian and aided in the organization of the church at Washington C. H. and at South Salem. He helped snr^'ey the comity into townships and located many settlers on their lands. He died in May, 1862, honored by everyone in the county. They had a large family of sons and daughters to do honor to the family name in this county.

Minor Incidents

The wife of Judge Joseph Gillespie brought with her the first colored woman ever seen in Fayette county. She came from New York state in 181 7, by wagon. She was called Ruth Piatt, and lived to attain a great age, at Washington C. H.

The Funk family had many bad members within its fold. One was perhaps the meanest and most viciously cruel disposed of any man known to have resided here. It is related for a truth that he skinned a wolf, and then allowed the live animal to go forth into the forest unprotected by a covering.

The Village Of Bloomingburg

This is the only considerable A'illage of Paint township. Its location is in the southeastern part of the territory, running to the south line of the township. At one date it was a husky rival of Washington C. H. Its present population is about six hundred, according to the 19 10 census. In many ways there clusters much of historic interest about this little village. From a former record of the county, published in 1881, it appears that much pains was then taken by residents there to give a correct history, as best could be compiled at so late a date, and from this we take the liberty of quoting freely.

The village was laid out in 181 5 by Solomon Bowers. It was believed at that time, as well as many years later, that it would one day become the seat of justice for Fayette county. The square on the corner of Main and Cross streets, where later stood the frame school building, was set apart for public grounds, having in mind the court house, probably. There were alsc^ thirty-seven other lots laid off. The village was known as "New Lexington.'' The county records show this fact. Though named, legally, New Lexington, it was usually called the "New Purchase." This was on account of it being located on lands of the early purchase. Tradition has it that Doctor Gillespie wanted it re-named for his old home town in York state, Bloomingburg. While he was keeping store in the old Central Hotel building, he proposed to "treat" the male inhabitants provided they agreed to the alteration. The proposition was accepted and Colonel Myers, then in the

Legislature, introduced a bill changing its name. The act was passed February 5, 1847, which was thirty-two years after its first platting and original naming.

The first election was held for municipal ol^cers February 24, 1847. The ofticers elected were: Mayor, Joseph Counts, Jr.; recorder, J. M. Edwards; trustees, John Gunning, Samuel Worrell, James M. Willis, William S. Carr and J. N. McLaughlin ; George W. Worrell was appointed marshal.

In February, 1848, the corporate limits were extended eleven rods in each direction, and in May, 1878, by adding one hundred and twenty rods on the north and east, seventy on the west, and extending to the Union township line on the south.

In 1876 it was voted by the citizens of the village to levy five mills tax "for sewers, drains and ditches." Four sewers were constructed. A village prison was also provided in 1876. This was a strong frame structure.

Some Early Events

In the spring of 181 7 James Dunning started a shoe shop; Thomas Cessler a blacksmith shop ; one McCoy a hatter's shop ; Messrs. Seth and Eustace were the first tailors, and William Weeks the pioneer wagon-maker.

The earliest cabinet-maker was H. Bryant ; the first school teacher was Doctor McGraugh, followed by Mr. Stone. Dr. George Allen was the first physician.

Milling Industries

About 1833 William Carr erected a flouring mill on the east bank of Paint creek, a mile south of the county line. The building was a small struc- ture, but attracted wide attention and to its yard came teams and grists from far and near. The waters of Paint creek furnished alxmdant water-power. It was in operation many years, but eventually, as the people demanded a better drainage for their lands, the power of the stream was weakenea so much that finally the mill had to be abandoned. After standing idle many more years, it was afterwards torn down. A smaller structure, however, was erected on its old site and more modern meal-making machinery was installed. It was owned at one time by John Martin. It was a saw-mill and corn grinder, but no wheat burrs were added.

When Carr's mill - the earliest mill - was built it made a little settlement, which increased year after year. It was finally named "Carr's Mills.'' In 1880 it had a population of about one hundred. Its business consisted of two blacksmith shops, one dry goods' store, one exclusive grocery store, one notion house, one boot and shoe store and the mills. In 1880 a frame church was erected by the Baptist denomination, with Walter Yoeman as pastor.

About 1827 a woolen industry sprung up in the township. Philip Dodrids'e later of Circleville, started a carding machine in the town of Bloomingburg, continuing a year. The machinery was driven by horse-power and a tread-wheel. He sold to Eber Patrick, a practical manufacturer, who sold to Mr. Parker, and removed to Washington C. H. Parker soon sold to Mr. Carr, who moved the machinery to Indiana.

Anti-Slavery Days In Bloomingburg

It should ever be remembered that Bloomingburg was a station on the "underground railroad" (a system by which slaves were secreted and at the time unlawfully spirited to the North), and along with that fact there were many interesting incidents, which if they could be published would make a volume at once interesting and valuable. Here the runaway slaves were fed and clothed and sent on their way toward the north star and freedom in Canada. It took much courage and defiance of the United States laws, at that time, to help a slave out of his bondage. These exertions were prompted by an intelligent conviction that human slavery was not right. The Presbyterians were ardent supporters of the anti-slavery cause, and in 1834 held a series of meetings at which the question was discussed. One of the settlers, James Claypole, in his blind opposition to the movement, refused to attend the meetings. Finally, one evening, urged by his clerk, he attended a meeting and occupied a back seat. He was soon interested and was convinced that he was wrong, and the following day himself drafted a constitution for

Slave hunters had bnt little use for Bloomingburg after this society's organization. Here the cabin, the garret, stable, hay rack and barns, as well as the kitchen and parirn;;?:. were open to the weary wanderers in search of freedom. Hundreds of thg'y'n, in need of food, clothing and money, found the true Samaritan here with open hands. When ''conductors" came around there was no question asked. There were many hair-breadth escapes, many strange incidents in individual experience. The labor of getting a warm meal for the shivering fugitive, the long and cold drive in the darkness of the night, with hearts burdened by anxious thoughts, with no possible motive of a selfish character, are sufficient testimonials to the strength of the sentiment upon which such heroic activity was based. The colored folks appreciated these things and after the Civil War had forever set them free, many came here and located permanently.

The Temperance Question Then And Now

It would be an error for one to think, upon visiting Bloomingburg today, that it had always been noted for temperance and sobriety. Far from it! The pioneer came to the county, bringing along with him excellent receipts for making rum, and it was made whenever it was found necessary to replenish the household supply of that "necessity," for such it was then looked upon. Liquor was found in every house, indeed many in the churches regarded the traffic in ardent spirits as consistent with Christian character. It was thought needful, as an expression of genuine hospitality. The economy of the times justified its manufacture and sale and the farmer in its use, because it gave employment and opened up a market. Merchants believed it necessary to entice customers to trade through its influence.

At an early day in this locality there were numerous peach orchards, and five distilleries, in and near Bloomingburg. were required for the manufacture of the fruit into peach brandy. On Saturdays a number of persons were in the weekly habit of assembling at the various dram-shops, imbibing freely of the liquor, and then retire to the rear of the old Baptist church "to fight it out." This state of affairs went on for manv years until the better element in the community started a reformation. Foremost in this work of exterminating the cnrse from town was Judge Gillespie, who gathered, at his own expense, a vast array of statistics showing the amount of money and time spent for the purpose of getting whisky. His figures were not believed.

and the opposition took a new census, as it were, of the situation, and were then convinced that the Judge was correct. It was, however, a long, hard struggle, but gradually the evil disappeared. Some held out persistently. A member of the Presbyterian church continued to sell and to justify the moderate use of ardent spirits, and at a discussion the question was asked if Jesus would keep a rum-shop? Its bold and direct aim reached the heart of the religious whisky dealer, and that night he resolved to quite the questionable traffic. The entire community then signed an article, in which they agreed to exclude King Alcohol from the community. It was a great innovation in Bloomingburg, and made it a different village for all time. The rule has been for decades that liquor has not been used in the community, save by the low and leaser class.

For a history of the schools and churches and lodges of this village and the township in which it is situated, the reader will be referred to general chapters giving the history of all of these.

The Postoffice History

The various postmasters at Bloomingburg who have served since the establishment of that office in 1819 are as follows: Archibald Stewart, appointed March 22, 1819; P. B. Doddridge, June 4, 1825; James Stewart, March 22, 1833; J. F. Claypool, October 20, 1834; Smiley Hughes, December 8, 1835; George S. Fullerton, xApril 3, 1839; H. C. Stewart, February i, 1841 ; William R. Southward, April 23, 1842; A. C. Putnam, June 7, 1845; William R. Southward, October 23, 1846; James Gunning, July 14, 1849; William R. Southward, May i, 1850; T. B. Sheets, December 29, 1854; George W. Gordon, May 10, 1859; Orville Gunning, July 23, i860; James Gunning, December 7, 1861 ; William D. Gibson, May 6, 1865; M. W. Stewart, November 17, 1869; William J. McCoy, June 23, 1874; J. Y. Stitt, April 2, 1883; Lucius O'Brien, December 2, 1885; George W. Gordon, June 13, 1889; Isaac N. Hanna, September 5, 1893; Lucius O'Brien, October 5, 1895; James F. Sheets, June 18, 1897; F. E. Wliiteside, January 16, 1911. This is a fourth class postoffice and the last fiscal year it transacted a business amounting to nine hundred fifteen dollars and seventy-one cents. It has two rural delivery routes and is a well conducted postoffice.

Municipal Affairs

Bloomingburg, first known as New Lexington, was incorporated in 1847 ^^^^ the Legislature changed its name to Bloomingburg. Its earlier records are not at hand, hence we give the list of mayors from 1880 or for a period of thirty-four years, which runs thus: 1880, James Judy, who served to 1890; 1890-98, C. T. Lynch; 1898-1908, J. W. Yore; 1908-1910, L. D. Minnix; 1910-11, J. W. Yore; 1911-12, Theodore Allen; 191 1 to present date, O. W. Creath. F. M. McCoy has been town clerk for the last fourteen years.

The 1914 officers are: O. W. Creath, mayor; F, M. McCoy, clerk; J. M. Jones. L. D. Minnix, L. Willinger, L. D. Exline, Mr. Dickey and Mr. Yeoman, councilmen. The only protection against fire is a bucket brigade of volunteers who use water from near-by wells and cisterns. The streets are well cared for.

The lodges and churches at present are : The Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian and colored Baptist churches and the "Holy Rollers," as termed, and the Ivlasonic, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America lodges. There is also a strong Grange lodge.

There is a building and loan company in the tov^n that is over a quarter of a century old and has paid as high as fourteen per cent, annual dividend. H. A. Pinkerton is the secretarv.

Source changes here: from History of Fayette County Ohio, by Frank M. Allen, published 1914; 2,886 words in this source stream.

Paint Township

Paint is the central sub-division of the county, on the northern border, with Madison county at its north, Madison and Marion townships at the east, Union and Jefferson townships at the south and Jefferson township at its west. Its population in 1910 was, including the village of Bloomingburg, two thousand and seventy-nine. Its chief pike is the Bloomingburg and Midway road. It was named from the creek that forms one of its boundaries. It was one of the original townships of Fayette county at its organization. Nature has made this.a fertile domain. The wash from Paint creek gives a natural fertilizer for its otherwise naturally rich soil.

Early Settlement

To George Coil must be given the distinction of having been the first white man to enter this township with the intention of becoming a resident. It was in the very early days of the last century - about 1802- - when this man of push and genuine enterprise came in and erected his cabin and at once set about clearing up land which he might utilize as a farming spot. But little is known of him, where he came from or how many years he remained in the county. But records point to the fact that he must have been the first setler.

In 1803 William Hays emigrated from Kentucky, settling on Big Walnut, where he remained until 1805, then moved to this township, settling on a portion of survey No. 1063, on the banks of Paint creek, with his father James and the family, consisting of David, John, James, Jr., Rankin, Benjamin, Jane, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth and Sarah. William and John served as privates in captain McElwain's military company, which was ordered out to Fort Sandusky, where they assembled and built the fort. At the close of the war they returned home and farmed.

It was also in 1805 when Solomon Salmon, of Delaware, came to Paint creek country, settling on the low lands later owned by his son Perry. In 1880 Perry Salmon had in his possession the military patent for four hun- dred acres granted to Solomon Salmon, assignee of John McClain, assignee of Benjamin Parker, assignee of William Johnston, assignee of Samuel Kercheval, assignee of Thomas Jenkins, only living representatives of Joshua Jenkins, a sergeant in the Revolutionary War. The date of survey of said tract was many years prior to the signing of the instrument by James Monroe, March 26, 1819, several years after possession had heen taken by Solomon Salmon. Perry, a relative of his, accompanied him and settled on land owned later years by Gideon Vezay. In the eighties the old cabin erected by him was still standing where built.

From 1805 on the tide of immigration swept in extensively. Among these men was Solomon Sowers, who erected the first mil] on Paint creek; Samuel Robins, the pioneer school teacher and justice of the peace; Jacob Pursley, the first blacksmith; John Oliver, the first carpenter; Joseph Parris, a soldier in the War of 1812, and also of the Revolution; Leonard Parris, of the War of 1812, a farmer and hunter, and stock raiser ; Jeremiah Smith, another soldier, and scores of others whose names have long ago been forgotten.

Nathaniel Tway, of New Jersey ancestry, but born in Ohio, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and saw three years and a half service. At the battle of Brandywine a ball from the enemy's ranks was lodged in his heel, but otherwise he was uninjured. He came to this county in 1810, working for various farmers by the day. In 1812 his father, John Tway, and the family came out here and located in Paint township, near the Madison county line. Nathaniel later bought land of the Funks, the title of which not being clear he was unable to hold the lands.

William Squire, born in New Jersey in 1756, enlisted during the Revolution, when eighteen years old, as a private in his uncle's company, serving with much credit. The family, then consisting of himself, wife and four children, settled first in Ross county, Ohio, but later removed to this township. He paid two dollars and a half per acre for the land he purchased.

There were several settlements on the road leading through Bloomingburg. One Lambert lived on the site of the village grave-yard, and Isaac Boner also lived near him.

Col. James Stewart, mentioned elsewhere, settled here early and the commissioners of the new county of Fayette held their first meeting at his cabin in the spring of 1810, which was before the matter of a county seat had fully been fixed upon. In 1812 he was elected colonel of the Fayette county regiment in the Third Brigade of Ohio militia. He was a Presbyterian and aided in the organization of the church at Washington C. H. and at South Salem. He helped survey the county into townships and located many settlers on their lands. He died in May, 1862, honored by everyone in the county. They had a large family of sons and daughters to do honor to the family name in this county.

Minor Incidents

The wife of Judge Joseph Gillespie brought with her the first colored woman ever seen in Fayette county. She came from New York state in 1817, by wagon. She was called Ruth Platt, and lived to attain a great age, at Washington C. H.

The Funk family had many bad members within its fold. One was perhaps the meanest and most viciously cruel disposed of any man known to have resided here. It is related for a truth that he skinned a wolf, and then allowed the live animal to go forth into the forest unprotected by a covering.

The Village Of Bloomingburg

This is the only considerable village of Paint township. Its location is in the southeastern part of the territory, running to the south line of the township. At one date it was a husky rival of Washington C. H. Its present population is about six hundred, according to the 1910 census. In many ways there clusters much of historic interest about this little village. From a former record of the county, published in 1881, it appears that much pains was then taken by residents there to give a correct history, as best could be compiled at so late a date, and from this we take the liberty of quoting freely.

The village was laid out in 1815 by Solomon Bowers. It was believed at that time, as well as many years later, that it would one day become the seat of justice for Fayette county. The square on the corner of Main and Cross streets, where later stood the frame school building, was set apart for public grounds, having in mind the court house, probably. There were alsa thirty-seven other lots laid off. The village was known as "New Lexington." The county records show this fact. Though named, legally, New Lexington, it was usually called the "New Purchase." This was on account of it being located on lands of the early purchase. Tradition has it that Doctor Gillespie wanted it re-named for his old home town in York state, Bloomingburg. While he was keeping store in the old Central Hotel building, he proposed to "treat" the male inhabitants provided they agreed to the alteration. The proposition was accepted and Colonel Myers, then in the

Legislature, introduced a bill changing its name. The act was passed February 5, 1847, which was thirty-two years after its first platting and original naming.

The first election was held for municipal officers February 24, 1847. The officers elected were: Mayor, Joseph Counts, Jr.; recorder, J. M. Edwards; trustees, John Gunning, Samuel Worrell, James M. Willis, William S. Carr and J. N. McLaughlin; George W. Worrell was appointed marshal.

In February, 1848, the corporate limits were extended eleven rods in each direction, and in May, 1878, by adding one hundred and twenty rods on the north and east, seventy on the west, and extending to the Union township line on the south.

In 1876 it was voted by the citizens of the village to levy five mills tax "for sewers, drains and ditches." Four sewers were constructed. A village prison was also provided in 1876. This was a strong frame structure.

Some Early Events

In the spring of 1817 James Dunning started a shoe shop; Thomas Cessler a blacksmith shop; one McCoy a hatter's shop; Messrs. Seth and Eustace were the first tailors, and William Weeks the pioneer wagon-inaker.

The earliest cabinet-maker was H. Bryant; the first school teacher was Doctor McGraugh, followed by Mr. Stone. Dr. George Allen was the first physician.

Milling Industries

About 1833 William Carr erected a flouring mill on the east bank of Paint creek, a mile south of the county line. The building was a small struc- ture, but attracted wide attention and to its yard came teams and grists from far and near. The waters of Paint creek furnished abundant water-power. It was in operation many years, but eventually, as the people demanded a better drainage for their lands, the power of the stream was weakenea so much that finally the mill had to be abandoned. After standing idle many more years, it was afterwards torn down. A smaller structure, however, was erected on its old site and more modern meal-making machinery was installed. It was owned at one time by John Martin. It was a saw-mill and corn grinder, but no wheat burrs were added.

When Carr's mill - the earliest mill - was built it made a little settlement, which increased year after year. It was finally named "Carr's Mills." In 1880 it had a population of about one hundred. Its business consisted of two blacksmith shops, one dry goods store, one exclusive grocery store, one notion house, one boot and shoe store and the mills. In 1880 a frame church was erected by the Baptist denomination, with Walter Yoeman as pastor.

About 1827 a woolen industry sprung up in the township. Philip Dodridge, later of Circleville, started a carding machine in the town of Bloomingburg, continuing a year. The machinery was driven by horse-power and a tread-wheel. He sold to Eber Patrick, a practical manufacturer, who sold to Mr. Parker, and removed to Washington C. H. Parker soon sold to Mr. Carr, who moved the machinery to Indiana.

Anti-Slavery Days In Bloomingburg

It should ever be remembered that Bloomingburg was a station on the "underground railroad" (a system by which slaves were secreted and at the time unlawfully spirited to the North), and along with that fact there were many interesting incidents, which if they could be published would make a volume at once interesting and valuable. Here the runaway slaves were fed and clothed and sent on their way toward the north star and freedom in Canada. It took much courage and defiance of the United States laws, at that time, to help a slave out of his bondage. These exertions were prompted by an intelligent conviction that human slavery was not right. The Presbyterians were ardent supporters of the anti-slavery cause, and in 1834 held a series of meetings at which the question was discussed. One of the settlers, James Claypole, in his blind opposition to the movement, refused to attend the meetings. Finally, one evening, urged by his clerk, he attended a meeting and occupied a back seat. He was soon interested and was convinced that he was wrong, and the following day himself drafted a constitution for

Slave hunters had but little use for Bloomingburg after this society's organization. Here the cabin, the garret, stable, hay rack and barns, as well as the kitchen and parlors, were open to the weary wanderers in search of freedom. Hundreds of teva, in need of food, clothing and money, found the true Samaritan here with open hands. When "conductors" came around there was no question asked. There were many hair-breadth escapes, many strange incidents in individual experience. The labor of getting a warm meal for the shivering fugitive, the long and cold drive in the darkness of the night, with hearts burdened by anxious thoughts, with no possible motive of a selfish character, are sufficient testimonials to the strength of the sentiment upon which such heroic activity was based. The colored folks appreciated these things and after the Civil War had forever set them free, many came here and located permanently.

The Temperance Question Then And Now

It would be an error for one to think, upon visiting Bloomingburg today, that it had always been noted for temperance and sobriety. Far from it! The pioneer came to the county, bringing along with him excellent receipts for making rum, and it was made whenever it was found necessary to replenish the household supply of that "necessity," for such it was then looked upon. Liquor was found in every house, indeed many in the churches regarded the traffic in ardent spirits as consistent with Christian character. It was thought needful, as an expression of genuine hospitality. The economy of the times justified its manufacture and sale and the farmer in its use, because it gave employment and opened up a market.. Merchants believed it necessary to entice customers to trade through its influence.

At an early day in this locality there were numerous peach orchards, and five distilleries, in and near Bloomingburg, were required for the manufacture of the fruit into peach brandy. On Saturdays a number of persons were in the weekly habit of assembling at the various dram-shops, imbibing freely of the liquor, and then retire to the rear of the old Baptist church "to fight it out." This state of affairs went on for many years until the better element in the community started a reformation. Foremost in this work of exterminating the curse from town was Judge Gillespie, who gathered, at his own expense, a vast array of statistics showing the amount of money and time spent for the purpose of getting whisky. His figures were not believed, and the opposition took a new census, as it were, of the situation, and were then convinced that the Judge was correct. It was, however, a long, hard struggle, but gradually the evil disappeared. Some held out persistently. A member of the Presbyterian church continued to sell and to justify the moderate use of ardent spirits, and at a discussion the question was asked if Jesus would keep a rum-shop? Its bold and direct aim reached the heart of the religious whisky dealer, and that night he resolved to quite the questionable traffic. The entire community then signed an article, in which they agreed to exclude King Alcohol from the community. It was a great innovation in Bloomingburg, and made it a different village for all time. The rule has. been for decades that liquor has not been used in the community, save by the low and baser class.

For a history of the schools and churches and lodges of this village and the township in which it is situated, the reader will be referred to general chapters giving the history of all of these.

The Postoffice History

The various postmasters at Bloomingburg who have served since the establishment of that office in 1819 are as follows: Archibald Stewart, appointed March 22, 1819; P. B. Doddridge, June 4, 1825; James Stewart, March 22, 1833; J. F. Claypool, October 20, 1834; Smiley Hughes, December 8, 1835; George S. Fullerton, April 3, 1839; H. C. Stewart, February 1, 1841; William R. Southward, April 23, 1842; A. C. Putnam, June 7, 1845; William R. Southward, October 23, 1846; James Gunning, July 14, 1849; William R. Southward, May 1, 1850; T- B. Sheets, December 29, 1854; George W. Gordon, May 10, 1859; Orville Gunning, July 23, 1860; James Gunning, December 7, 1861; William D. Gibson, May 6, 1865; M. W. Stewart, November 17, 1869; William J. McCoy, June 23, 1874; J. Y. Stitt, April 2, 1883; Lucius O'Brien, December 2, 1885; George W. Gordon, June 13, 1889; Isaac N. Hanna, September 5, 1893; Lucius O'Brien, October 5, 1895; James F. Sheets, June 18, 1897; F. E: Whiteside, January 16, t911. This is a fourth class postoffice and the last fiscal year it transacted a business amounting to nine hundred fifteen dollars and seventy-one cents. It has two rural delivery routes and is a well conducted postoffice. |

Masonic Temple, Bloomingburg Municipal Affairs

Bloomingburg, first known. as New Lexington, was incorporated in 1847 and the Legislature changed its name to Bloomingburg. Its. earlier records are not at hand, hence we give the list of mayors from 1880 or for a period of thirty-four years, which runs thus: 1880, James Judy, who served to 1890; 1890-98, C. T. Lynch; 1898-1908, J. W. Yore; 1908-1910, L. D. Minnix; 1910-11, J. W. Yore; Ig11-12, Theodore Allen; 1911 to present date, O. W. Creath. F. M. McCoy has been town clerk for the last fourteen years. ;

The. 1914 officers are: O. W. Creath, mayor; F. M. McCoy, clerk; J. M.. Jones; L.7D... Minnix, L. Willinger, L. D. Exline, Mr. Dickey and Mr. Yeoman, councilmen. The only protection against fire is a bucket brigade of volunteers who use water from near-by wells and cisterns. The streets are well cared for.

The lodges and churches at present are: The Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian and colored Baptist churches and the "Holy Rollers," as termed, and the Masonic, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America lodges. There is also a strong Grange lodge.