Pike Township (part 1 of 2)

Pike Township

The township of Pike lies in the northwest corner of Clark, adjacent to Chaniprign nod Green. It is watered by Donnels' and the forks of Honey Creeks, The principal thoroughfare ia the Clark Miami pike, extending westward through the contre of the lowuship. There are several other pikes terminating in the one named. Dialton is a small village in the northeast gorner, Ou the line between Sections b and 11; and two miles and » half south is Northumptoo, on the Miami pike. Anticipating u town, Peter Basinger had the site platted and recorded on January 30, 1820.

The early settlers of Pike sought hones moro than society. They traversed the woods till they found a satisfactory spot, and there they plied the axe, erected their cabins, and made improvements. ''I'rails led from house to house, and ebildren knew those paths for miles, and rarely beeame lost. Set(lers generally kept at home, and made their own siciety. A few would meet fora folie, A honting Stroll sitistied boy and man. There were no eburehes of account until the people gathered in villages, aud at present there are but two churches,

The earliest settler in the township of Pike was Andrew Black. Accompanied by his brothor Samuel, who, however, soon returned home, he jeft his home in Virginia in 1805, and came to this portion of Clark County by way of the Village of Cincinnati. Congress lands to the extent of eight hundred and twenty aeres were purchased at government price, the cabin crested, aud a sual clearing planted to corn, whieh, between field anid crib, was consumed hy the squirrels, Tn 1506 the family arrived, aonsisting then of wile and one ehill. Years rolled hy and nine children were born to them. In 1807, Samuel Black came in and settled, The first building used az a s¢hool-house was situated (hreu-fourths of a mile cast of Mr. Andrew Black's present residenee. James Blyok - uo relition tu tho families named - was the oarliest teacher in Pike, One Adam Verdier as ove of the next setilers in the township, arriving about 1806, So far as could be ascertiined, Samuel Blyek, son of Andrew Black, was the first white child horn in Pike Township. he event oceurved in the month of January, 1815. The oldest settlers have passed uway and left no record. 'Lhe history of their first few years in this exclusively avrieultural locality ig unknown, The heir inheriting the father's vstate has often heard the simple stories of his sire concerning neighbors far and near, but, long unealled for, they are forgotten, or blended with =o much uncertainty as to he unreliable.

Politically, the township is Demoeratic. Out of two hundred and ninety-nine votes cast in 1874 for Secretary of State, W. Bell, Jr. reecived one hundred and sixty-six.

In the second lier of townships from the east, composed wholly of Congres hinds, and destitute of Villages, Moorefield Township is ¢xelusively agrionltural, In the southwest, Mad River is its boundary ; from German and up ioeng its western side run the parallel tracks of the Atlantic and Great Western and the Cincinnati, Saudusky and Cleveland Roads, To the southenst, and branohing whout the corner section of the township, flows the eurront of Back Creck. The regularity of the roads indicates the unifurmly level surface of the country.

This division it one of the earliest settled, and much of interest is ussouiated With the history of oll Moorefield Township privy to the organization of Chirk County.

To 179) a colony of half x dozen settlers accompanied by their families stopped on their way up from Kentueky, for a brief 'time, sear Springfield, and then located thentselves in Moorefield Township, on the line of a road to Urbanu. Those persons were Philip Jarhow, William Ward, Simon Kenton, Jolin Rieliards, ani Willian Moore. Four miles north of Springfield Ward's cabin was raised; beyoud was RKenton's, and then Jarbow's. This latter soon constructed a still, and manofietured whisky for himself and neighbors on shares, Ee continued the business through life, and so disposed of the surplis corn raised. It was during the year of their settlement that Kenton dug a canal, intending it fora mill-race; but the work wag abandoned and no mill built, on account of deficiency of water. The old cabins, like their builders, have passed away, and a new rnes, alive io the present, cil the fields aud follow in Lhe rush of business. Cuptuin Moore was a ginsmith, wid worked for the Indians, driving a trade iu game aud pelts. Lucky wis ib Dvitieh trader in the north part of old Moorefield, and exchanged storegoods tor furs and skins. The next and eficient class of settlers enme from Virziti, They named the township alter Moorefield in the Old Dominion, and long exhibited the peenliarities of Southern life. Among them We find Righard Robison, James Bishop, and Benjamin Cornell, with fumilies of fourteen each. Besides these there were David Crabill, John Ward, Horatio Baner, and James Foley; the last three started to Detroit in IS12Z te assist Hull's army, and got there just as he maie his cowardly surrender. A large foree of Kentuckians murehed through Mouretield about this time. under Colonel Wivkliffe, to reinforce the Aimerican army, lyitename too lite. Tames Foley and John Ward were hen vy Inndholders, and besides their purchases in 1803, noquired Landreds of ueres in aditilion. They entered lurge tracts, made the first payments, then soll a part, auds with the proceeds, paid for the rest as it came due. Mr. Boley war a resident of the township for sixty years. Ile was two years in the Legislature, nnd introduced whill to prevent unsound enttle from running at durge."' Ile pave its dute as {1582 (one thousand eighteen hundred tind thirty-two). Amomber called wttontion tu the dite, When Poley rose, and moved to strike ont one thousind years, The Poly brothers, Jolin and James, were enttle dealers, and did Lhe heaviest purchasing in the County.

Asan early birth we give that of Margaret Ward, daughter of William, born in 1804. Eliza Foley, w present resident of Springteld, was born to John Boley in 1807, Old Mr. MeDuaniels died in 1808, - the first death whieh took place in the township. In I807, Alexander MeBoth, his wife Rachacl, wud eight ehildren ¢amme from Peunsyivania. He built, in 1810, the first briek house within the hounds of Champaign, Clark, and Lagan, - the latter being then but an Indian's home, wild and unsettled.

On old Colonel Ward's farm, ata later date owned by Frank Shalta, stood, on and hefure 1812, the first log sehoul-house in Moorefield. It was rough sehoulhouse, destitute of Moors Wut the parental roof was of the same charneter, and give no chanee for invidious comparison. Redwood Bastun was the primitive instructor, Well reuembered now by the boss grown old and crav-baired amid the vast changes of sixty years. Awother early schoolhouse was ot the pond between the houses of Lemon aud Robison. Its tirst sehuolmuster, aanyed Jubii Smith, ia remembered by bis now weed pupils a2 a kind ned eonstlerste map. >ywire Lemon succeeded Smith vs the second tencher,

Along in 1810 or IST, a missionary seut out by the Preshyterinn Chureh, ymed Wood, orgnnized a Congrecahion upon the ereok. Rev. Craig prenehod wt elated intervals wt different settlers' houses The first church orgunimation in the towuship was Methodist, Rev. Kohert Miller preached in private houses til the construction af the" Plensaut TN' church. hore are vow four ehurebes in the (ownship. A saow-will was early built on the creek, and went hy the name of "the Henkle Mill." Mr. Cantrel ostablished a fathers in TS)6,in the borth part of the township, and thnned fora shure, as wes the custom, Miuy of tho old settlers could tun for themselves very well. Ifeaving the Indians were hecoming hostile, (he citizens in the carly day contributed funds, und sent Andrew MeBeth anit Jereminh Reese with MeBoth's four-horse terns for arms and ammunition to Cincinnati; luckily they were not needal. 'he township is Republicun, and was Whig. Chaney Fall cast the first abolition vote in Uhe township, in IS44. Le was acoused Of harboring runaway shives, and, at night, tarred, feuthored, wou role on p rail, The contrast of past nud present shows polition) pungress,

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Source changes here: from The History of Clark County Ohio,, by Various, published 1881; 17,662 words in this source stream.

By Madison Over

The township bearing the above name was formed on the organization of Clark County in the year 1818, when, at the June session of the Commissioners, the county was divided into ten townships. The boundary lines of Pike were then designated, viz.: Beginning on the line of Miami County at the northwest corner of Section 36; thence east with north line of Clark County to the line dividing Townships 3 and 4; thence south with said line to the line dividing the fifth and sixth tier of sections in Range 9; thence west with said line to Miami County; thence north to the place of beginning. Elections to be held a the house of William Black.

The geographical location of this township is in the northwest corner of the county. It is in the form of a square, and is the fonly township in the county which is exactly six miles either way. The land is generally level, being slightly hilly along the streams, especially in the south and west. The soil is generally fertile and tolerably well drained naturally. The artificial drainage, however, of the last fifteen years, has worked a vast and beneficial change in the face of the country as well as in the average of the crops. The wet and unproductive spots being transformed by the laying of tile into the most fertile lands in the township. In fields where thirty years ago the gathering of a crop depended altogether on the rainfall, and was considered a matter of luck, good crops are raised almost without a failure. As in almost all the territory between the Miami Rivers, timber, stone and water are abundant. The prevailing timber is beech, sugar maple, ash, hickory, poplar, walnut and the different varieties of oak. The finest trees have disappeared from our forests however, having yielded to the storms of heaven, the necessities of the settler or the temptations offered by the timber speculator, until now there is rarely found in the township a piece of timber land well enough preserved to contain any specimens of the fine old yellow poplars or black walnuts of fifty years ago. It seems that there should be some means adopted whereby a few at least of the old monarchs of the forest would be preserved for the purpose of showing the future generations the quality of the timber which once covered the now fertile farms of Pike Township. The prevailing timber in regard to the number of trees is undoubtedly beech, and that is fast disappearing. It is a timber which, apparently, cannot endure civilization, and shows a tendency toward dying at the top when it is at all interfered with. In the western and southern portions of the township, limestone crops out at the surface. A good quarry of building stone is now being worked on the East Fork of Honey Creek by Peter S. Zinn, one of the present Trustees of the township. The stone, excepting in the bed of the creek, is deeply covered by a clay drift, and the quarry is worked at a considerable expense. Quantities of lime have frequently been burnt in the township, but this industry is mostly monopolized now by the immense kilns in the neighborhood of Springfield. The township is well watered, the streams running 1n a general southerly direction through the township. The following are the names of the principal streams: Donnel's Creek, Jackson Creek and the East and West Forks of Honey Creek. Formerly there was good water-power on most of the streams, which was utilized to a vast extent in sawing the timber and grinding the grain of the early pioneers, but the clearing of the country of 'the forests, and ue better draining of the lands both by open and tile drains, together with a probable diminution of the rainfall during the summer months, have rendered these ereeks almost valueless as to furnishing motive power to machinery. This loss is, however, more than compensated by the marvelous improvements in the steam engine. When a farmer now wishes to build a barn or house, or have a lot of timber sawed for any purpose, he engages a man with a portable steam saw-mill who brings his machinery to the timber, instead of bringing the timber to the mill, and saws it, and moves on to another job. Formerly a great deal of sawing was done on Donnel's Creek, there being not less than three saw-mills in operation on that stream, besides several on either branch of Honey Creek in the township.

Early Settlement

Unlike the neighboring townships, Pike was not settled comparatively speaking, until a later day. It was not until the year 1805, that we have any trace of a settlement in what now comprises this subdivision. This year came from Virginia two brothers, Andrew and Samuel Black, who together selected and later entered Section 25, dividing it between them, the former coming in possession of the southern half. They returned to their Virginia home where Andrew had left a wife and one child. Samuel was an unmarried man. The following year (1806), after due preparation had been made, Andrew, accompanied by his family and brother, again turned his course westward for the chosen spot of their future home. Upon the southern half of Section 25, was erected the first cabin in the township it was the rude log pole cabin of the day. The work of the pioneer here began. Soon the space of five acres was deadened and the underbrush cleared, and the first crop of corn planted, which was carefully cared for by these first comers, but the squirrels were so numerous that, despite the effort on the part of these men, the entire crop was almost consumed by them, however, the gathering season came, and as the result of their labor but three bushels were gathered, this was garnered up in the bin (then the loft of the cabin), for future use. The season for its demand soon approached, and Andrew contemplated a journey to the mill, but imagine his surprise on looking for the treasure to find that the entire yield had been destroyed by mice. So much for the first settlement and first crop. These men were both natives of Montgomery County, Va., Andrew being born March 6, 1/83, and was united in marriage, December 20, 1804, with Susannah Ross, who was also a native of Montgomery Connty, Va., born December 7, 1781. They were the parents of the following children: Samuel A., Mary, James, William, Thomas, Jane, Andrew, Edward and Susannah. Father and mother Black died on the homestead October 18, 1854, and September 25, 1845, respectively, and their remains rest in what is now known as the Black Cemetery. The brother Samuel died in the year 1814, and was interred in the same burial-ground. He served as Captain in the war of 1812, where he contracted the fatal disease of consumption, which terminated in his death. Andrew also performed some service as a scout in that war. The next settlement of which we could gain any knowledge was effected in Section 19, by Adam Verdier, some time during the year 1506. Mr. Verdier was a man of family, having married Elizabeth Mercer. Both were natives of Jefferson County, Virginia, where they were married and whence they emigrated to the township of Pike. They left Virginia as early as 1804 or 1805, but stopped for a while in what is now Montgomery County, this State. The southeast quarter of Section 19, was entered by Mr. Verdier. In later years he became quite a heavy land owner, possessing nearly five hundred acres in Champaign County, and a half-section in Shelby County. The mother died in 18955, and the father some years prior. Both are buried in the

Black graveyard. For a few years immediately following the coming of the above-mentioned pioneers, we have little knowledge of settlements made, and of those making of them. William Simms and Samuel Brandenburg, the latter from Kentucky, entering land in Section 13, were early settlers of Pike, but as the dates of their coming and further knowledge of them we have been unable to obtain. In the year 1811, the little colony was inereased by the arrival of Thomas Stafford and family. They, too, hailed from the State late known as the * Mother of Presidents," coming from Giles County, Va., and entering the northwest quarter of Section 31, and there beginning the work of the pioneer. Mr. Stafford was a native of Ireland, and, at the age of teu years, arrived in Virginia, in whieh State he married Catharine Williams, a native thereof. This couple, with three children - Peggie, Nancy and George W. - emigrated to this vieinity on horseback, making the journey in twelve days. In after years, there were born to the parents the following children: Elizabeth, James, Melinda, Thomas, Susan, John, Henry, Joseph, Catharine, William and Lucinda. The father reached the age of eighty-two years, and the mother fifty-four. They lived and died on the homestead, and are buried in Miami County. The former served as a scout in the war of 1812. Ralph Stafford, a brother of Thomas, accompanied the latter, but entered land in Miami County and in later years came to Pike Township and here died. During this same year (1811), came from Virginia James and John Black, brothers of Andrew and Samuel Black above mentioned. James made a temporary stay with his brother Andrew; then entered the southeast quarter of Section 20, on which land he resided until his death, in the year 1853. He was born August 17. 1789. His wife's name was Catharine. "They were the parents of ten children, all of whom were born in Pike Township, namely, Mary, Matthew, Susannah, Catharine, Dorcas, Joseph, Samuel, James, Julia and John A. John was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ross, and they were blessed with eight children, five of whom are now living. He entered the northwest quarter of Section 19, and there lived and died. A little later came William Black, Sr., and uncle of the Blacks just spoken of. He was from the same part of Virginia - was quite an old man when he came out. He entered the northwest quarter of Section 13, and there ended his days. About the year 1813, another of the Stafford brothers, George by name, came from the Stafford neighborhood in Virginia, and entered the west half of Section 3l. His wife was Catharine Fair. They reared a large family of children. This same year (1813), James Fuller with his family left Montgomery County,,Va., stopping one year in Kentucky, thence proceeding to the vicinity of New Carlisle, in Bethel Township, where he remained about two years, and thence into Pike Township, entering the west half of Section 21, for which he paid $2 per acre. His children were Ellen, Sarah, James C., Moses, Bradley and Rhoda, of whom James C. is now residing on the old bomestead. The mother died in 1844, and the father in February, 1552, the latter in his eighty-fourth year. Both are buried in the Black graveyard. Northrup Fuller, the father of James, settled in Section 22, a little later entering the southeast quarter. Besides the son mentioned there were the following children: John, Moses, Obadiah, William, Robert and Sarah, all settled in Clark County, and the greater part of them in this township. In the year 1512, Benjamin Carmin and family came from the State of Maryland and entered land in what is now Pike Township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in the year 1827. Mr. Carmin was a native of Blackford County. Md., and his wife of Virginia. About the year 1816, Jacob Frantz settled in Section 7, the northeast quarter of which had been entered by one Hanline, at least the patent was granted to Mr. Frantz as the assignee of the Hanline heirs. At any rate, the person entering it was not able to meet the payments, and the land was purchased by Mr. Frantz, and the grant given as aforesaid. Louis Ray and family emigrated from the State of Virginia in the year 1812, stopping at Cincinnati, where they remained one year; then came to Clark County, locating near Springfield, and four years later purchased land in the vicinity of North Hampton, Pike Township. He married Elizabeth Zigler, and raised a family of ten children, six of whom are now living. The southwest quarter of Section 3 was entered about the year 1815 or 1816, by George Overpack, another Virginian. His wife was Martha Currene, both natives of that State, which they left in the year 1807, going to Miami County on Indian Creek, thence to Springfield Township, and up into Pike as aforesaid. They were Methodists, and their house served as the place of worship for years. Mr. Overpack raised a large family, consisting of the following named children: Mary, Susan, Margaret, Ruth, William, Elizabeth, Maria, Samuel, Isaae, Phebe and George, two of whom still reside in the township. Father died in January, 1846, and the mother in January, 1866. Both were buried in Asbury graveyard. William Spence and family settled in the vicinity of North Hampton in the year 1818, they having emigrated from England in 1816,:stopping in Cincinnati two years. There were thirteen children born to the parents. The Bixlers, Basingers, Forgys and Leffels were also early settlers. The Basingers were from Virginia. The southeast quarter of Section 9 was entered by Obediah Lippincott, who with his wife Margaret Reed came from New Jersey about the year 1810, first stopping in Warren County; thence going to Greene County and to Pike Township. They were born in the years 1786 and 1787 respectively. Both are buried in Asbury graveyard. The Priests were early settlers, too. John in an early day emigrated to Kentucky (from Virginia); and thence to this vicinity, entering the northwest quarter of Section 27.

New Jersey was again represented, and this time in the person of Jesse and Sarah (Sutton) Maxon and family, who are quite early settlers in Clark County, having settled on Mud Run prior to 1815, and a few years later traded their land there for the southwest quarter of Section 1d. Thus ends a meager sketch of some of the pioneers of Pike Township, who made possible the high state of civilization, and advancement she has to-day attained. It may be thought that too much prominence has been given to some and too little said of others, and very probably no mention made of some deserving prominence, but we assure our readers that under the circumstances and the meager source from which to obtain facts, the best has been done that at this late day could be. Most of the above settlers have left worthy descendants, who still reside in the township. And let us add that in the development of the material resources of Pike, there has been no check; that all have done their duty well; that no community can show better schoolhouses, better organized churches, more efficient teachers, a more moral society or a smaller percentage of crime.

The first denominations to hold religious services in the township were probably the Presbyterians and Methodists. In the early settlement of the township, the Methodists held services at the house of Adam Verdier, also at Mitchell's, and later at the present site of the Beech Grove Church. A church of the Christian denomination was early established at North Hampton. Also an organization of Seventh-Day Baptists in the same vicinity. Both of the latter congregations, however, are now scattered, and the houses of worship removed or oa: Rev. Steele, a Presbyterian minister, also held services in the vicinity.

One of the pioneer Methodist organizations of the township was the Beech Grove Methodist Episcopal Church. It was organized in the year 1833, at the house of George Otewalt, by the Rev. Jesse Goddard, of Champaign County, a pioneer minister of the above church. The first house of worship was built on the site now occupied by the present neat chapel in 1840. The ground was donated by Samuel Brandenburg, by deed bearing the date June 20, 1840.

George Otewalt, Joseph Stott and W. P. Black were the organizers and Trustees; Joseph Stott being the first Class-Leader. The present house of worship was built in the year 1857.

The following is a list of the ministers who have served the church: Revs. Laws, Elsworth, Conry, Newson, Musgrove, Fields, Creighton, Dinkins, Williams, Purkiser, Brown, Black, Robinson, Peck, Whitmer, Verity, Jackson, Rector, Edgar, Kirk, Fidder, Cheney, Shultz, Peak, Deam, Prince, Baker, Zink and the present Pastor, A. D. Raleigh. "The above list constitutes the complement of ministers of the methodist Episcopal Church who have filled the circuit of which the Beech Grove charge constitutes a part, and whose names will be recognized by all old Methodists of the township.

The German Reformed Church has two houses of worship in Pike Township, óne in North Hampton and one near the center of the township called Emmanuel Church. The church of this denomination in North Hampton was dedicated in November, 1858. The members of the Building Committee were George Cost, D. R. Zinn and. Jacob Rust. The first minister who preached in the church was the Rev. T. H. Winters, of Dayton, who is still living at a very advanced age. The church first organized with twenty-one members, which was in a few days swelled to thirty-seven. The first Trustees were Peter Marquart, Peter Baisinger and Harrison Miller. The first Elders were George Cost and Peter Marquart. The first Deacons were Peter Baisinger and Benjamin Strawsburg. The church edifice is of brick, and has lately been handsomely remodeled. The ministers of the church have been Rey. Jesse Richards, Rey. Shaw, Rev. Swander, Rev. Winters, Rev. Shaul and the present Pastor, Rev. D. R. Taylor. The above clergymen have all been men of ability, and gave good satisfaction to their parishioners. The church owns a parsonage in North Hampton, which is occupied by the minister, who has charge of the four churches of the Reformed faith in this vicinity.

Emmanuel Church was organized by the Rev. Jesse Stiner about the year 1854, Wiley Jenkins, Jonas Michael, Daniel R. Zinn and David Stimogeon were among the first members. The organization was effected in a log church which was purchased from the Christian denomination, and it stood west of the present church building, which is a one-story frame erected in 1856. Present Pastor, Rev. D. R. Taylor: membership about sixty.

Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. The society of Methodists at an early day worshiped at the house of George Overpack, which was the regular preaching place for years, the Rev. George Maley being one of the early ministers. Elizabeth and Mary Ray. Elizabeth Spenee and Ellen Patterson were some of the pioneer members. They were not organized into a church until about the year 1830. The first church was built about the year 1839, a onestorv frame now standing in North Hampton. amd used as a storeroom. This was replaced in the year 1858 by the present. frame building. The church was dedicated July 4, 1858. Sermon preached by Rev. John T. Mitchell. Present minister in charge is Rev. C. C. Kalbfus. Membership about sixty. It is located at North Hamption. l

The Christian Church was organized in 1539, at the house of Elijah Priest, under the charge of Rev. J. Kirby. The original members were John Priest and wife Catharine. Andrew Clark and wife Nancy. and Mary Clark, John Richardson and wife Elizabeth. L. Davis and wife Sarah. At first they worshiped at the houses of the members. In 1540, a hewed-log house was built on the corner of L. Davis' land, and, in 1852, the present one-story frame building, situated on Section 34, was erected at a cost of about $1,000.

Elders McLain, Whetstone, MeMillon, T. S. Wells, N. S. Rush, P. MeCullough are among. those who have served the church. The present Pastor is Elder Diltz, and the membership is about seventy.

Liberty Church, Brethren in Christ, was organized at the house of Mrs. Elizabeth Ullery, by George Ullery and Isaac Noyeswander, in the year 1875. The parents of the church are John and Elizabeth Ullery. The house of worship is a one-story frame situated in Section 18, built in 1876 at a cost of about $1,200. 'Che ground upon which it stands was given by George Ullery. Present membership, about sixty. Ministers, George Meranda, George Funderburg and David Noyeswander.

The German Baptist Church was organized as early as 1816, by Elder Christian Frantz, the first Elder in this locality. The present meeting house, a one-story frame building, was their first. It was erected about the year 1844. The present Elders of the church are Joseph Koffman and John Frantz. Other early Elders were John Frantz (just mentioned), a nephew of the first Elder, and Jacob Omert. Their membership at present is in the neighborhood of three hundred.

Cemeteries And Graveyards

Of these hallowed spots there are some seven or eight, besides several private burying grounds, for it was customary among the early settlers to bury on their farms.

The most ancient yard is what is now known as the Black Cemetery, beautifully situated on high and rolling ground, near a heavy piece of timber in the northern part of Section 25. Prior to the year 1814, Samuel Black gave threequarters of an acre of ground for the purpose of a neighborhood graveyard. The site above described was selected by the brothers Samuel and Andrew Black, Sr. The former was the first person buried there, This was in the year 1814. A quarter of an acre was added to the original tract in the year 1853, purchased of Irvin Stafford, when Trustees and other officers were eiected and the places of burial styled a cemetery. It was never regularly laid out into lots, but is now being surveyed for that purpose. It is graced with several fine monuments and many substantial and neat marble slabs, and is dotted here and there with shrubbery. Here rest the remains of many of the pioneers of Pike Township.

"The breezy call of incense - breathing morn, The swallow twittering from the straw-built shed, The cock's shrill clarion, or the echoing horn, No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed."

Asbury Cemetery, near North Hampton, is beautifully situated on a ridge near Donnel's Creek. Originally it contained about one-half acre, which was deeded to the Township Trustees by George Overpack for a graveyard. Burials were made there as early as 1820. Maria Overpack and a daughter of Obadiah Lippincott were among the first interred there. In after years, an addition was made to it by John Ray. It was never regularly laid out. Many neat marble shafts and some costly monuments mark- the numerous graves beneath whose moldering heap,

The Seventh-Day Baptist Burying Ground, located at North Hampton, includes about one-quarter of an acre of ground, given by Obadiah Lippincott

. . The German Baptist Graveyard includes about one acre of ground, situated in Section 7, given by Jacob Frantz and John Near. The first person buried in it was the wife of Michael Frantz, in the year 1823. It is a pretty site.

Emmanuel Church Graveyard, ground formerly owned by Daniel Zinn, who gave about one acre for church and place of burial. The first interment there was the body of Jane Kester in 1856 or 1857.

The Christian Graveyard, at the church of that name, had its origin in 1852, by the donation of one acre of land by William Leffel, for the purpose of the establishment of a place of burial. John Leffel, dying September 27, 1852, was the first to be buried there.

The Ullery Graveyard, situated in Sections 18 and 24, comprises one-half acre of ground given to the Trustees of the township and to their successors, by George Ullery, for the purpose for which it is used. The first burial was made in 1859, and was the remains of David Ullery.

The first and only village ever laid out in Pike Township is North Hamp- Ho rap was platted by Peter Baisinger on the 13th day of January, A. D.

The original number of lots was sixteen. The survey and plat were made by Reuben Miiler. The population of the village is about two hundred inhabitants. It is the present voting-place of the township. The village has always been circumscribed and dwarfed in growth by a lack of building lots, parties owning the adjoining farms not wishing to part with lots. The first merchant of the village was Joseph Smith, who removed to the State of Michigan in 1835, and became quite wealthy, dying in 1879 at Cassopolis, in that State. His first capital at North Hampton was $150. The first frame house of the place was built by him in the year 1830, and stood on Lot No. 15, but in after years was removed on Lot No. 3. In size it was about sixteen by twenty-two feet, and was used both as a store and dwelling. It is still standing, and is owned by Mrs. Turner. Other merchants of the township were Bennett & Garlough, John Ramsey, John Davis, William Spence, Spence Brothers, Conklin, French & Dickinson, Meranda & Heath, J. E. Fennimore, Jacob Overpack, Michael Hartman, J. P. Hockett, J. M. Austin, J. & W. Morningstar and Levi Wingert. All of the above-named did business in North Hampton. The first village blacksmith was John Croy, who had a shop near the present site of the hotel. The post office was established in 1835, with Daniel Raffensperger the first Postmaster. William Morningstar is the present incumbent.

In the northeastern part of the township is the industrious little settlement of Dialton. It contains a good country store, kept by William Michael during the last twenty-five years or more. Also a post office of the same name, which was established February 20, 1865, with William Michael as the first Postmaster. He has ever since served in that capacity, and is the present incumbent. The hamlet was called "Dialton" for Judge Dial, of Springfield, in remembrance of his efforts in Buchanan's time to have a post office established there. The set tlement had its origin in the building of the mill heretofore spoken of. Two blacksmith-shops, run by Jacob Hartman and Jacob Lehman respectively, One wagon-shop, operated by William Arnett. Also an extensive tile factory, operated by Rust & Welchaus. And lastly the important hub and spoke factory and bending apparatus of J. & J. Myers, which has been an important industry for many years. The factory has attached to it a saw-mill and cider-press, all operated by steam, and gives employment to quite a number of hands.

The first hotel in the township was built and kept by Alexander Johnston on the southeast corner of the cross streets, in North Hampton. Mr. Johnston died about the fatal year of 1843 of typhoid fever, during the prevalence of that dread disease in this township. Here he began the business about the year 1833. Lewis Hughel then started a public house opposite the former site on the northeast corner of the cross street in North Hampton. He was succeeded by Samuel Overpack, and he in turn by John Meranda, who remodeled and rebuilt the hotel property, and then sold to Madison Over, who is the present landlord. A public house was also once kept by John Olinger in the western part of the township, on the old Troy and Springfield road. In 1834, a log hotel was built two miles south of North Hampton at the cross roads, by John Thomas, who kept it twenty years, and, in 1854, was succeeded by John Meranda, who kept it ten years, since which time it has been abandoned. It was known as the " Black Horse Tavern."

Toll Pikes

The first graveled road was the North Hampton and Donnelsville Turnpike, which was begun about the year 1844, and completed a few years later. The next turnpike road was the Clark and Miami Turnpike, connecting Troy and Springfield. This road was a great aid in the development of the township, giving the farmers access by a fair road to the markets of both Springfield and Troy. It was begun in the year 1846, and finished several years later. The capital stock was originally $25,000, but that amount being inadequate for the completion of the road, the company borrowed $10,000 to complete the work, mortgaging the road to secure the payment, and paying 10 per cent interest on the loan. The company by good management succeeded in paying off the debt, though it took many years time to do so.

The first mill in Pike Township was the "Black" Mill, built by James Black, in the year 1814, located on the East Fork of Honey Creek. It was a small affair, having but one set of buhrs used for grinding all kinds of grain, either wheat, corn, rye. etc. In that early period it was designated as a "corn cracker.". This mill is still standing, and is owned and operated by his son, John A. Black, who has since remodeled it. The mill has never been out of the Black name. It is now, however, only what is styled a chopping mill, and is used for grinding corn only. The first saw-mill of this township was also erected by James Black. It stood about two hundred yards above the grist-mill on the same stream. The first steam saw-mill in the township was the old "Peter Baisnger" Mill, first run. by water, built by that gentleman about the year 1820 on Donnel's Creek. It was later converted into a steam mill by George Cost. It is now the North Hampton Mill, and is owned and operated by Jacob K. Minieh. There is a steam saw-mill on the West Fork of Honey Creek, now operated and owned by Daniel Leffel. It was originally a waterpower mill, and has only recently been changed to a steam mill. In the year 1851, Jacob N. Myers and Jonathan Lehman built a steam saw-mill on the present site of the Myers Hub, Spoke & Bending Mill Within two years, Myers bought out Lehman, and operated the mill until 1860, when it was eonverted by him into a hub and spoke faetory, and was so conducted until 1865, when it burned down. That fall it was rebuilt by Jacob N. Myers & Sons. The father died in 1866, and it has since been operated by the sons, under the firm name of J. & J. Myers. The building is a two-story frame. Twenty-two men are employed, and an extensive business carried on. It is known as the Dialton Mill. Jacob Frantz, Samuel Sprinkle, Jonathan Brubaker and James Johnson have been associated with the mills of the township. In an early day the old Kiblinger Mill, later known as the Baker Mill, and now as Hockman's Mill, on Mad River, in German Township, was pretty extensively patronized by the people of Pike.

Among the earliest regular physicians of the township may be: mentioned Dr. Davis, Dr. Tisdale, Dr. Louis, Dr. Stemble, Dr. J. W. Tullis, Dr. McFerrin and Dr. J. E. Moler. Later, Dr. Hezekiah Smith, Dr. Snodgrass, Dr. Marquart, Dr. Baker, Dr. Hockett, Dr. Austin, Dr. Strawsburg, Dr. Spinning, Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Johnson. SCHOOLS.

The first school-teachers of which we have any account were Ira Wood, Joseph Morrison, William Wilson, James Black, Archie Mitchell, David Morris, Mary Eversole, James E. Chestnut, Jacob and George Harner. The above teachers taught of course mostly "subscription" schools. They labored under serious disadvantages, compared with the teachers of the present time. The school rooms were poor log cabins, and the furniture and apparatus were of the most primitive kind. The distance to school was necessarily great in many cases, and the wonder is that the generation of that period was as well informed as they were. The above teachers no doubt did their whole duty as well as they could under the circumstances, at salaries ranging from $8 to $12 per month. At the present time there are nine new brick schoolhouses in the township, each located in the geographical center of the subdistrict, the township being exactly six miles square; one of the schoolhouses--that at North Hampton - being two-story and aecommodating a graded school, employing two teachers. Wages range now during the winter terms in Pike Township from $40 to $55 per month, and during the summer term generally from 40 to 50 per cent less.

General

The township does not support a single saloon, and industry and sobriety are the rule, and idleness and intemperance are the exception. The part that Pike Township has taken in our wars has always been patriotie. During the war of 1812, and the Mexican war, and also through the trying period of the great civil war, Pike Township was never called on in vain. During the latter war it is still the pride of the citizens of all parties that the quota of Pike Township was always filled by volunteers, many of whom laid down their lives for the Union.

The township polls on a full vote about four hundred votes. It is Democratic usually by about twenty-five to forty majority. It will be seen by the above figures that the majority is so small as to insure a good nomination generally by the majority, else the minority will defeat the ticket. The Democratic margin is too small to take any odds. In the last two years, the Republicans have elected a Justice of the Peace and Land Appraiser. Generally the best of feel. ing prevails in the township between the contending parties, and the contests are nearly always good humored. We consider this an indication of a liberal spirit of toleration not always seen in township contests. The strength of the contending parties has been about the same relatively for nearly thirty years.

. It seems that there are no township records preserved in the office of the Township Clerk of Pike Township of an earlier date than the year 1828. The first commission of James Johnson as Justice of the Peace is dated in 1830.

That of John Black is dated in the year 1834. though he seems to have been in oftice earlier. George Cost was first elected in 183 i, and Henry Long in 1838. The commission of Joseph B. Craig is dated April 10, 1843, and Samuel W. Sterrett's first commission is dated October 15, 1844. Samuel K. Sims was elected in 1847, and James Spence in 1848. Thomas P. Thomas was commissioned November 28, 1855, and previous to him John Meranda served from 1845 to 1855: was again elected in 1855. and served until 1867. Thomas F. Hardacre was elected in 1559, and the commission of William K. J ordan bears the date of November 8, 1560. Samuel Mock was elected in 1866, and W illiam Jenkins in 1867. Afterward John A. Black and John W. Cost served as Justices of the Peace, and the present Justices are Madison Over, elected in 1879, and Thomas Swonger, elected in 1880. Many of the above officers were re-elected, some for several terms. Among the earlier names of those who have filled the office of Township Clerk, cotemporaneous with the above Justices of the Peace, may be mentioned James Black, George C. Homer, Jacob Harner, John Meranda, George Cost, Simon Spence, Andrew Clark. Philip Marquart, Asher B. Heath, J. R. Lippincott, J. E. Fennimore, Jeremiah Ream, William Jenkins, P. M. Hawke, S. S. Jenkins, and the present incumbent William Myers. The above sixteen persons have served Pike Township as Clerk for the period of about fifty years, and have left the reputation of having been upright and efficient officers. The present board of township officers in full consists of the following persons:

WILLIAM A. ARNETT, wagon-maker, Dialton. His grandfather, Seth Arnett, moved to this county from Virginia about the year 1800, and settled on Mad River, near what was then known as New Boston. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His father, Thomas Arnett, was born Dec. 10, 1806, on a farm three miles west of Springfield, and now owned by Peter Lentz. His mother's name was Mary Kills. His grandfather Kills moved from Pennsylvania, and owned a paper-mill three miles below New Boston, in about the year 1826. He afterward owned and run one in Springfield for a number of years. His grandmother Kills was a Quaker from Pennsylvania, whose hospitality will be remembered by many of the earlier settlers. His father and mother were married in 1827. William Arnett, the subject of this sketch, was born Nov. 28, 1829, in Springfield, on the corner of Columbia and Factory streets, where his mother now resides. He is the oldest of eleven children, of whom seven are boys and four are girls. When he was old enough, he went into the shop with his father, who was a carriage and wagon maker, and stayed with him until he was 18 years old, when his father died. He then, in company with his mother, carried on the business until he was 24 years old, when he carried into execution his desire to go West. He went to Iowa, where he soon became acquainted with Miss Anna Minto, and they were married within a year. That important step was taken Dec. 8, 1852. In May, 1853, they returned to Springfield, where he followed his trade until the year 1854, when they moved to Dialton, where he has been carrying on the carriage and wagon-making business ever since.

J. M. AUSTIN, physician, North Hampton. The father of Mr. Austin was born in North Carolina in 1808, moved to this State with his parents in 1812, and settled in Clinton Co. He was married to Eljzabeth Darby in 1837, and had by her seven children, of whom our subject is the youngest. He was born in 1848, and spent taught school three years, and then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. Watkins, of Clinton Co. He graduated from the E. M. Institute, and, in 1874, commenced the practice of his profession in Westboro, in his native county, but left there Nov. 19, of the same year, and located where he now lives. He was married, in 1574, to Miss Florence Hodson, of Clinton Co., and had born to him three 'children - Pearl H., Grace I. and Howard H. Of these, the oldest died in 1876.

M. R. AYRES, farmer; P. O. Christianburg, Champaign Co. The subject of this sketeh is the son of Caleb and Esther Ayres, who were natives of New Jersey ; they were united in marriage in 1816 and emigrated to Ohio in 1818, but did not settle permanently until 1828, when they located in Pike Township, on the farm where his. son, M. R , now resides; Mrs. Ayres departed this life Aug. 20, 1835, at the age of 46 years; they were both Seven-Day Baptists. Mr. Ayres celebrated his marriage with his second wife (Lydia Babcock) in 1837. M. R , the subject of this sketch, was born in New Jersey Dee. 5, 1817; his boyhood days were spent at home, assisting his father with the duties of the farm and going to school during the winters. He was married to Margaret Priest, born Oct. 28, 1812, the daughter of Elijah and Hannah Priest, who settled in this county in 1818; they (Mr. and Mrs. Ayres) are the parents of one son and four daughters, all of whom are now living, viz.: Sarah, born Aug. 21,1840; Louisa, born Oct. 4, 1842; Elias, born Aug. 16, 1846; Maria, born May 26, 1850 ; Margaret P., born April 20, 1853. As an evidence of the popularity and esteem with which he was held in the community where he lived, he was elected "Trustee of his township and other offices, the duties of which were discharged by him to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Ayres is a member of the Christian Church, and holds several offices in the same. He has always taken a deep interest in politics, and his principles are identified with the Democratic party.

SAMUEL M. BAKER, farmer; P. O. Dalton; is the son of Martin and Elizabeth Baker, who were natives of Virginia and moved to Clark Co. about 1823 and purchased 53 acres of land, where he remained until his death July 20, 1854 ; Mrs. Baker survived him until March 6, 1870. They were both consistent members of the Reformed Church. Samuel M., the subject of this memoir, was born Dec. 10, 1830, and assisted his father until his (father's) death, after which he managed the farm until 1869, when he purchased the farm where he now resides. Sept. 26, 1871, he celebrated his marriage to Malinda, daughter of David and Elizabeth Jenkins; this union was blessed with four children - Viola G. and Sidney G. (twins), born June 22, 1872, and Asa M. and Charles O. (twins), born July 13, 1877. Mr. Baker has never been an aspirant for office, but has served his township in the office of Trustee with honor to himself and his constituents. On the breaking-out of the rebellion, he volunteered his services, enlisting in Co. I, 44th O. V. L, Sept. 12, 1861, serving his country until the close of the war, receiving his discharge on Aug. 9, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Reformed Church, Mr. Baker having been Sabbath-school Superintendent and teacher for over twenty years, and has been honored with the offices of Deacon and Elder in the church for a number ot years. They are surrounded with all the comforts of life, earned by the incessant toil of years.

ANTHONY BARNHART, farmer; P.O. North Hampton. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is the son of Daniel and Catharine Barnhart, natives of Roanoke Co., Va.; Daniel was married twice, but the date of the marriage with his first wife and of her death cannot be ascertained ; he was the father of twentytwo children - two sons and nine daughters by the first wife, seven of whom are now living, viz: Lydia, born July 17, 1814; Hannah, born July 2, 1816; Susannah, born Feb. 24, 1818; Frances, born March 26, 1820; Joel, born March 4, 1822; Nancy, born Oct. 15, 1827 ; John, born May 4, 1830; and by his second marriage he had nine sons and two daughters, six now living, viz.: Daniel, born Sept. 22, 1836 ; Anthony, born Dec. 25, 1837 ; Abraham, born Sept. 28, 1839 ; Jeremiah and Josiah (twins), born Dec. 30, 1844 ; Christian, born Jan. 13, 1847. Mrs. Barnhart departed this life in July, 1867, and Mr. Barnhart followed her in 1869. Anthony assisted his father with the farm labor until he was 21 years of age, and then came to Ohio and located in this county and township. In October, 1859, he celebrated his marriage with Sarah, daughter of Philip and Lucinda (Rader) Grayhill, natives of Virginia. Soon after his marriage he moved to Indiana and remained there two and a half years, and came back to this township and purchased the farm where he now resides. He is the father of eleven children, viz: William W., born June 23, 1860; Josephus E., born July 15, 1862; Henry A., born Oct. 8, 1863; John F., born Nov. 16, 1865; George W., born Nov. 10, 1867; Mary E., born Dec. 16, 1869; Margaret E., born Oct. 22, 1871; Nora L., born July 18, 1874; Asa C. and Jessie K. (twins), born July 24, 1876; Hettie F.. born June 2, 1879. Mr. Barnhart has a beautiful farm of 100 acres, under a high state of cultivation, also a very desirable residence with improvements to correspond. -

JACOB BAUGH, farmer and blacksmith ; P. O. New Carlisle. Among Pike's enterprising men may be placed the name of Jacob Baugh, a native of Germany, is the son of Christian and Catharine (Smith) Baugh, who emigrated to this country in 1832, and settled in Pennsylvania, where they remained one year, and came to Columbus, Ohio, and engaged work on the national roads, remaining one year. In the year 1834, he was placed near Springfield, Ohio, remaining several years. After leaving the road: he followed various pursuits until his death. Jacob, the subject of this memoir, was born Oct. 9, 1830, and at the age of 16 years he commenced serving an apprenticeship in the blacksmith-shop of Peter Lenas at Donnelsville, with whom he remained eighteen months, and went to Springfield, and, at the end of nineteen months, finished his trade under John Click. In the year 1850, he engaged with Solomon Marley, serving him two years, after which he associated himself with Christian Foster, and withdrew at the end of seven months. Mr. Baugh has been twice married. On Oct. 9, 1855, he married his first wife, Margaretta Bickel, and came to Pike Township and purchased thirty acres of land, and built a residence in which he remained seven years, and disposed of it and bought the property he has at present. Mr. Baugh was left a widower July 7, 1868. Elizabeth, his second wife, was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Bules, of Champaign Co., Ohio. Mr. Baugh was the father of six children by his first wife; three now living - George W., born Aug. 25, 1856; Jacob, July 15, 1858; Clark, June 27, 1863.

REBECCA BLACK, New Carlisle; is the wife of Andrew Black and the daughter of Louis and Mary Carmin. Her parents were from Maryland and Virginia, respectively. Her grandparents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Carmin, the former a native of Blackford Co., Md., emigrated to Ohio about the year 1812, settling in Pike Township, this county. Louis was born April 13, 1800, and his wife Mary Oct. 2, 1807. They were married in the year 1825, and became the parents of fourteen children, eleven of whom are stil living. Louis died in 1874. Mary is still living. The names of the children are as follows: Elizabeth, John, Benjamin, James, Hannah, Mary A., Zilpah, William, Rebecca, David, Louis, Jane, Emily aud Abraham, all living but three. Our subject was born in this county Aug. 13, 1841, and was united in marriage with Andrew Black, the son of Andrew and and Susannah (Ross) Black, the first settlers in what is now Pike Township, Nov. 26, 1868, which union was blessed with one child - Andrew K., born March 18, 1881. Andrew Black, the husband of our subject, was born on the farm where he now resides Nov. 30, 1816. His parents were natives of Montgomery Co., Va. ; father born March 6, 1783; mother, Dec. 7, 1781; were married Dec. 20, 1804 ; became the parents of nine chiidren - Samuel A., Mary, James, William, Thomas, Jane, Andrew, Edward and Susannah. Father died Oct. 18, 1854; mother Sept. 25, 1845. Andrew had been previously married to Catharine Black, by whom he had seven children, only two of whom are now living - Cyrus and Janettie, the former born Sept. 18, 1848, and the latter Sept. 12, 1856. The mother of these children died Sept. 8, 1868. Our subject and husband are members of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN BLACK, farmer; is the son of John and Elizabeth (Ross) Black. who were both natives of Virginia, and came to Ohio and settled upon the farm where the subject of this sketch now resides, about 1808, where he spent the balance of his days. They were the parents of eight children - one son and seven daughters, of whom five are now living. The first death in the family occurred September, 1873, viz., Elizabeth, born Dec. 29, 1820. John, the subject of this sketch, always remained on the home farm. He celebrated his marriage with Mary A. Wise April 18, 1871. Four children were born to bless this union, viz., Martha J., born Feb. 3, 1876; Edna Amelia, born Sept. 18, 1872; John S., born April 18, 1878; infant, born Oct. 12, 1880. Mr. Black 1s the proprietor of 200 acres of land, with good outbuildings. Mr. Black possesses good business qualifications, and is looked upon by all who deal with him as an upright and honest man. Mrs. Black is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Osborn, and is looked upon as a good Christian woman. John Black died Aug. 12, 1835, aged 47 years; Elizabeth Black died May 5, 1859, aged 73 years.

A. B. BLACK, physician, New Carlisle. Samuel Black was the son of John Black, and was born near Londonderry, Ireland, about A. D.1734. He was of Scotch parentage, they having emigrated from Scotland to Ireland. John Black emigrated to America about A. D. 1744, and settled upon the Brandywine River, in New Jersey, where they remained a short time, when they moved to Albemarle Co., Va., where Samuel was united in marriage with Jane Porter. By this union they had nine children - four sons and five daughters - all lived to raise large families. John, who married Jane Alexander; William, who married Jane McBeth; James; Samuel, who married Jane Porter; Jane, who married Mathew Alexander; Martha, who married McCormick ; Nancy, who married Price; Mary, who married Black. Samuel and Jane(Porter) Black died in Albemarle Co. Va. March 28, 1793, William Black was united in marriage with Jane McBeth, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Clinton) McBeth, of Albemarle Co., Va. After their marriage they settled in Montgomery Co., Va., where he laid out the town of Blacksburg. While there, they had six children born unto them; five raised large families, three sons and two daughters - Samuel, born Sept. 13, 1794, married Malinda Mitchell Nov. 20, 1817; Sallie, born May 20, 1796, married William Reyburn June 13, 1816; Agnes, born April 18, 1798, married Giles W. Thomas March 18, 1816; William Porter, born April 26, 1800, married Susanna Verdier Nov. 16, 1820; Andrew Clinton, born July 21, 1802; John, born July 29, 1804, died April 14, 1806. In May, 1814; he moved with his family to this township, where they arrived June 14, 1814. He purchased a part of Sections 13 and 19, upon which they settled, where they spent their last days with their son, Andrew C. Jane (McBeth) Black died Jan. 23, 1843, aged 77 years; William Black died Dec. 22, 1851, aged 84 years, 10 months and 8 days. October 20, 1825, Andrew C. was united in marriage with Provy Baker Standiford, daughter of Elijah and Rebecca (Rouse) Standiford. She was born in Mason Co., Ky., Jan. 5, 1806, and emigrated to Champaign Co., Ohio, with her parents January, 1807, where she continued to live until her marriage, at which time they settled upon a part of Sections 13 and 19, where she still lives. Her husband, A. C., died Feb. 25, 1875, aged 72 years 7 months and 4 days. They were the parents of thirteen children, seven now living, five sons and two daughters, viz., Rebecca Ann, born March 10, 1828; married to William Funstone March 18, 1852; Elijah Clinton, born Dec. 1, 1831, married Caroline C. Donnelson June 9, 1859; Charles Standiford, born Nov. 21, 1833, married Sallie L. Gregory May 1, 1863; John Fletcher, born March 22, 1839, married Mary M. Monk April 22, 1860; she died Feb. 15, 1868 ; Caroline, born Dec. 18, 1844, married William H. James Jan. 17, 1871; Andrew Benjamin, born June 10, 1847, married Maggie B. (Pence) Beard Aug. 12, 1880. William Sanford, born Jan. 11, 1851, married Margaret C. Mitchell, Jan. 20, 1871.

JOHN. A. BLACK, feed and saw mill. The subject of our present writing, is the youngest of a family of ten children of James (born Aug. 17, 1789, died May 9, 1853), and Catharine Black (born Nov. 20, 1790, and died Aug. 29, 1863), who came from Virginia and located in this township in 1811, living with his brother two years, and then purchased the farm where our subject now resides, on which they remained until his death, May 9, 1853. Mrs. Black survived him until Aug. 29, 1863. They were the parents of ten children, viz.: Mary, born Nov. 22, 1812; Matthew, Feb. 12, 1815 ; Susannah, Sept. 14, 1816; Catharine (deceased), born March 31, 1819;

Doreas (deceased), born Feb. 4, 1822; Joseph, Dec. 21, 1823; Samuel, March 19, 1826; James, June 30, 1828; Julia A., Oct. 6, 1831; John A., Sept. 7, 1834. John obtained the rudiments of his education in the district schools of the county, and remained with his parents during their life, and at their death he became owner of the home farm, on which he has resided until the present. On the 27th day of October, 1859; Miss Mary J. Hawout, daughter of Joseph and Lydia Hawout, united her destinies with our subject. She was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, March 4, 1839. Their children were, viz: Lewis O., born Oct. 7, 1861; Herma O., April 20, 1873, and died March 20,1875; Horace H., born May 30, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Black are members of the Presbyterian Church, and have the confidence and respect of all who know them as being good and efficient in the cause of Christianity. Mr. Black has by close attention to business and fair dealing with his fellow-men, accumulated a nice property and built a very desirable residence. Although Mr. Black has but a commonschool education, he ranks high among the business men of his township. For ten years in succession, Mr. Black has been honored by the citizens of his township with the office of Township Trustee, and the office of Justice of the Peace for the period of six years, the duties of which were discharged by him to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

W. 5. BLACK, farmer; P. O. North Hampton; is the son of Andrew C. and Provy Black; the father was born in Montgomery County, Va., in 1802, and the mother in Kentucky in 1806; they were married in 1825 and were the parents of thirteen children - seven boys and six girls, of whom seven are now living. The subject of this sketch was the youngest, and lived with his parents until he was 21 years of age, assisting his father in the work of the farm until his marriage with Maggie C. Mitchell. He lived on a part of his father's farm for four years thereafter, during which time which time his father died. He then sold his interest in the home farm and purchased the beautiful place adjoining the old homestead, where he now lives. He was the father of two children, a son that died in infancy and a daughter, Leora E., born Jan. 5, 1874, who still lives. They are earnest members of the M. E. Church.

LEWIS C. CARMIN, farmer. Benjamin Carmin, his grandfather, was a native of Maryland, and eame to Ohio about 1812, and settled in this county and township. In 1827, he was summoned out of this world by the angel of death ; his wife survived him several years. Lewis, the father of our subject, was born April 13, 1800, and was united in marriage with his wife, Mary, in 1825; she was born Oct. 2, 1807. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom eleven are now living, viz.: Elizabeth, Benjamin B., James A., Zilph, William E., Rebecca, David S., Lewis C., Sarah J., Emily D., Abraham B. In 1825, Mr. Carmin purchased the farm, where he resided until his death which occurred in 1874. Mr. Carmin still resides on the farm with Lewis, the subject of this sketch, who has always lived with his parents with the exception of nine years. Emily, now Mrs. William Edmason, also lives with her mother. They were married May 23, 1875, and have had two children, viz., Asa A., born June 4, 1876, and Darrow C., born Jan. 5, 1881.

MARY A. DAVIS, farmer; P. O. Dialton. Mrs. Davis is the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Littlejohn, natives of Berkeley County, Va. They were the parents of six children, viz.: Morris, Jonathan, Edward, Mary A., Margaret J. and Elizabeth. In 1824, Mrs. Littlejohn was left a widow. She managed to keep the family together, and emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Pike Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in 1834, where she died at the advanced age of 73 years. Mary, the subject of this memoir, was united in marriage with Joseph Davis, June 16, 1833. In the spring they came to Ohio and settled in Pike Township, where he resided until his decease, Oct. 6, 1863. By occupation he was a millwright, which he followed several years. In 1848, he purchased the farm where our subject now resides with her only son. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of eleven children, of whom five are now living, viz.: Phobe J., Amanda, Mary V., Sarah E., and Josiah L., with whom Mrs. Davis now resides. On the 4th of September, 1873, Josiah celebrated his marriage with Sarah, daughter of Jacob and

Matilda Shaffer, of Champaign Co., Ohio. This union was blessed with four daughters, viz.: Minnie B., born July 20, 1874; Theressa A., born Aug. 14, 1876; Margaret A., born April 12, 1878 ; Grace G., born Aug. 21, 1880. à

CHARLES C. FRIELDS, teacher. This gentlemen was born in Williamsport, Penn., March 4, 1828. His father, Charles, Sr., was a native of Belfast, Irelaud, and emigrated to this country in 1820. He settled in Pennsylvania, and married Elizabeth Sceifers, a German lady, who died in Williamsport, Feb. 25, 1828, leaving one child, our subject, then at the tender age of seven days. The father afterward moved to Perry Co., Ohio, with his infant son, and in two years was again married in Rahobeth, a small town, in which he died in 1835, leaving his boy of seven years an orphan among strangers. After the death of his father, our subject went to South Charleston, this county, where he entered the family of Mr. Wright, a brickmaker, in whose yard the youthful wanderer was put to work. He afterward lived two years in the family of Absalom Mattox, a merchant of the same town, but Mrs. Mattox's crucl treatment drove him from her hearth-stone, and he was compelled again to pursue his wanderings. In September, 1838, he became a member of the family of Benjamin Strong, a gentlemen who lived south of Jamestown, Greene Co. Here he received the treatment of an own child, until his benefactors were both called from their earthly home. By this calamity our subject was again left to his own resources. His checkered life had endowed him with a will uncommon in one so young, and with a determination to gain an education, he commenced a life of the strictest industry and economy, working at day labor. He soon was enabled to obtain a common school education, and in the autumn of 1847, taught a four months' school at Cedarville. In 1848, he took a year's course in the High School at Springfield, and during the three following winters, taught in the Black Horse Schoolhouse, District No. 1, this township. He has ever made teaching his lifework. He was married to Mary Flick Oct. 12, 1851. Her parents, William and Mary Flick, were esteemed citizens of this township. In thirteen years after marriage, she died from that dread enemy of man, consumption. On Oct. 29, 1865, Mr. Frields was again married to Rebecca Ream, daughter of Andrew and Anna Ream, of this township. Her parents were highly respected people, and were among the first settlers of the county. Her mother's maiden name was Horner; she was of German descent, born March 6, 1804, and died Nov. 12, 1868. Her father was of Duteh descent, born October 15, 1797, in Harrisburg, Penn.; came to Clark County with his parents when he was a boy. Our subject, by his last marriage, became the father of one child, Charley, born Feb. 1, 1872.

JOHN GARST, farmer; P. O. New Carlisle. The subject of our sketch is one of the substantial and useful meu in the community in which he resides; he was bora in the State of Virginia March 18, 1802 ; he was the eldest of seven sons, and resided with his parents, who were tillers of the soil, until 21 years of age. On the 2d day of April, 1822, he started for this county, driving a four-horse team for Michael Frantz, of this township, being twenty-eight days on the road, and receiving for the journey $12, which amount, with 50 cents he possessed before starting, comprised his capital. Remaining here some three weeks, he returned to his native State on foot by way of Kentucky and Tennessee and through Cumberland, Maryland, a distance of over 600 miles, making the trip in twenty-one days. Of the amount named but 25 cents was left on his arrival in Virginia. Mr. Garst united in marriage with Susan Zigler, a native of Botetourt Co., Va., Aug. 21, 1823. He then rented land and farmed until the year 1827, when he came to this county, buying and settling where he now resides. To this couple were born the following children: Sarah, Elizabeth, Henry, Catharine, John, George, Maria, Louisa, Emma and William. The mother died July 20, 1862. Mr. Garst was again married in 1865, this time t» Rachel Miller. of Bethel Township, this county, who died June 25, 1870. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, having united therewith when quite young. Neither our subject nor his first wife were members of any church, yet they leaned toward the German Baptists. Both devoted a great deal of time to the sick and afflicted, and were highly respected and universally beloved by all. Mr. G., while not having connected himself with any particular denomination, is a man always to be found on the side of right, ever in sympathy with all movements having for their object the elevation and bettering of mankind. He has ever been kind to the poor; is one of those big-hearted, kind and sympathetic natures who are always doing something for the afflicted and those in trouble. He has for many years lent great assistance in times of sickness and death, being a regular attendant at all funerals, and- generally the one in charge. He is a business man in its fullest sense, and his opinions are always respected. He is one of the School Directors, which position he has held for fifteen years. and President of New Carlisle Cemetery, having held that office for the past eighteen years. He is also President of the New Carlisle & Mad River Turnpike. Mr. Garst is the son of Abraham and Catherine Ribble Garst, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Maryland, and both of German descent.

JOSEPH GARST, farmer. Mr. G. was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Feb. 20, 1831. His ancestors were of Dutch descent. His father, Abraham, was born in Virginia in 1791, and his mother, Anna, near the same place in 1792. Her great-grandfather, Michael Frantz, was one of the first Bishops of the Dunkard Church in America. Our subject is politically a Republican, and religiously a Universalist. In August, 1864, he was married to Sarah, daughter of A. Q. and Rebecca Bennett. The latter's maiden name was Ward, and she is a first cousin of Henry Ward Beecher. Mr. Garst has had born to him two children - Iva, born Aug. 12, 1865, and Isabell, born Feb. 20, 1871. Mr. G. is a farmer and fruit-grower by occupation. In the latter branch he is an enthusiast, having presented over one hundred varieties of apples and pears, in addition to small fruits. He is also a breeder of Jersey cattle, and is now entering into the culture of bees.

CARRIE M. HARSHBARGER, farmer; P. O. North Hampton. The subject of thie sketch is the daughter of Morgan and Mary A. (Barciay) Smith, who emigrated from Greene Co., Penn., to Adams Co., Ind., in 1847. Carrie was born Dec. 13, 1840, and assisted her parents uutil 20 years of age, when she commenced teaching school, which she continued until she married Abraham Harshbarger, Oct. 5, 1865. Abraham was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Click) Harshbarger, of this couuty. Abraham was the father of three scns - Frank B., born Oct. 3, 1866 ; William S., Oct. 26, 1868; Orville G., Dec. 17, 1871. After their marriage they moved to North Hampton and purchased a saw-mill, which he ran until 1872, and disposed of it, and purchased 100 aeres of land, and turned his attention to the cultivation of the soil, which he continued at until 1873, when he was summoned out of this world by the messenger of death. Mr. Harshbarger was a gentleman who had been esteemed by his many friends: Mrs. Harshbarger, at the death of her husband, found the estate somewhat embarrassed, but, by her energetic nature and economy, she kept her little family together and paid off all obligations, and is endeavoring to give her three sons the advantages of a good education. She is a member of the Reformed Church and a teacher in the Sabbath school. Thus, while working and accumulating this world's goods, she is also in the higher and nobler work of life, trying to lay up treasures in heaven by training up those under her charge in the admonitions of the Lord.

MRS. SARAH J. HARSHBARGER, North Hampton. The subject of this sketch is the daughter of George and Mary Stockmyer, who came to Ohio from Penn- &ylvania about 1812. In 1840, they resided in Allen Co., where Mrs. Harshbarger was born. When she was but 3 years of age her father died, and the following ten years of her life were passed with her sister ; then she nade her home with Jacob Flick, of this county, for a period of eight years, when she was united in marriage with Samuel Harshbarger, of North Hampton, where they now reside. Their children are Almeda, born Aug. 30, 1862 ; Olga M., Sept. 26, 1865; Alonzo U., Nov. 23, 1867 ; Musa, Oct. 17, 1874. The parents are members of the Reformed Church; are exemplary people, loved and respected by the community in which they move. They have adopted and raised several children. The political atmosphere of the household is Republican.

MELYNE LAYTON, farmer; P. O. Dialton. This venerable man was born in the vicinity of Enon, Mad River Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1806 - a period when the beautiful farms and cultivated fields of to-day were the depths of the primeval forests. He passed his youth in the country, residing with his parents until the death of his father, Nov. 8, 1830. In the following March he was united in marriage with Harriet Broughton, and their union was blessed with the following children: Adaline, Martha J., William D., Matilda C., Mary A., Susan E., Cordelia, Erastus and Thomas E. The former became Mrs. John Galligher, and died in February, 1878, leaving ten children. Mrs. Layton was summoned to her final home June 20, 1849. Our subject remained a widower until Nov. 12, 1850, when he married Mary Scorce, a native of Virginia, and unto them were born six children, namely: John S., Harriet C., Melyne H., Clarence B., Lillie E., one dying in infancy. Mr. Layton lived on the home farm until 1864, when he purchased land in Miami Co., where he resided until his removal to the farm on which he now lives, about twelve years ago, which in size is 180 acres. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Layton is an upright and moral man, possessing the esteem and respect of all who know him. His son, Erastus, served in the late war, 110th O. V. L, with honor to himself and country. The parents of our subject were John and Elizabeth (Baker) Layton, natives of Pennsylvania, and New Jersey respectively. The former came to this county with his parents in the year 1804, settling in Bethel Township. The Bakers settled here about the same time, and soon after their coming the couple were married. Father Layton was a man of considerable prominence ; was appointed the first Clerk of the Court on the formation of the county; was one of the early Justices of the Peace, and later served as County Commissioner.

JOHN A. MARQUART, farmer and dealer in fine horses ; P. O. North Hampton. We are pleased to be able to place among the prominent men of this township the name of Jobn A. Marquart, who has a well-merited reputation as a farmer and stock dealer among all who know him. He was born in Green Township, Clark County. Aug. 9,1853. He is the son of John and Dorcas Marquart, natives of this county. The father was a farmer and stocker raiser, and lived until July 30, 1858, when he died, at the ripe old age of 60 years 3 months and 26 days. The wife died July 14, 1865, at the age of 43 years 5 months and 12 days. John, our subject was thus left an orphan at the age of 13 years, but his parents left ample means for the support of himself and his two sisters. He lived with his uncle, who was his guardian until he was 21 years of age. On the 23d of January, 1879, he married Miss Mary J. Rector of this township, who was born March 6, 1858. Immediately after the marriage, they moved to his farm of 144 acres in Section 20, where they now reside. Mr. M. devotes his whole attention to farming and raising fine stock. He spares neither time nor expense in procuring and breeding the finest obtainable stock, and his reputation as a breeder is daily spreading throughout the State. His farm is a model of neatness and convenience. It is well supplied with fruit of all kinds and is watered by unfailing springs. Every convenience that modern science has produced for the farmer will be found on his place. All who have any dealings with hime say he is the impersonation of hospitality and ean gees He is a highly esteemed member in good standing of Carles Lodge

ISAAC MILLER, farmer; P. O. Christiansburg, Champaign Co. Mr. Miller is the son of Augustus and Mary (Williamson) Miller, natives of Penn. The father came with his parents to this State in 1811 and settled in Sugar Creek Township, Greene County, where his father died. He had been three times married. His first wife, Mary Williamson, was married to him in 1818. She became the mother of two children - Isaac, our subject, born May 1, 1819, and Joseph, born November, 1821. After the death of his wife, in 1822, Mr. Miller moved to Montgomery County, where he married Jane L. White in 1826. She was possessed of a piece of wild land, where Mr. Miller built a cabin and lived until the death of this wife in 1854. - By her he had seven children, only one of whom, viz., Hannah J., born 1830, is now living. In eighteen months after the death of his second wife Mr. Miller married Mrs. Martha Irvin, with whom he lived until his death, Nov. 28, 1865. By her he had one child, not now living. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His son Isaac, our subject, lived with his father until he was 23 years old, when he moved to Jackson Township, Champaign Co., where he purchased eighty-four acres of land, on which he lived six years. During this time he was married to Anna, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Winters) Merritt, of Jackson Township. They had thirteen children, as follows: Elizabeth M., born Feb. 8, 1843; Augustus C., born July 28, 1844; George N., born July 18, 1840; Peter N, born Feb. 6, 1849; John L., born March 3, 1851; Mary A., born May 9, 1853; Hannah J., born April 11, 1855; Joseph W., born August 23, 1857 ; Rosa E., born Feb. 22, 1859; Susan A., born May 11, 1862; Carrie A., born July 20, 1864; Harry L., born March 23, 1866; Bertha E., born July 21, 1868. The father moved to the farm where he now lives in 1847. He is a member of Beech Grove Grange, No. 335, and of the German Reformed Church. He is one of the oldest residents of the county, and has always voted the Whig and Republican. His eldest son enlisted in 1863, in the 44th O. V. I. during the rebellion, and received an honorable discharge at the close of the war.

A. W. MITCHELL, physician; Dialton; was born Dec. 13, 1848; is a son of George J. and Amanda F. Mitchell and the youngest of a family of three children, consisting of two boys and one girl. Early in 1849, the family moved to the eastern part of Shelby County, where his father bought a farm and improved it. It was here that he endeavored to bring up his family in the fear of the Lord, and as the country was at that time a wilderness, he had many chances to teach them practically that "in the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat bread." The family was one of unusual personal affection and social enjoyment. In 1863, the wife and mother was taken away and the subject of this sketch soon after went off to school. From 1869 to 1872, he was principally occupied in teaching, and in 1871 commenced the study of law. However, he never felt that the profession was exactly congenial with his disposition, and was more than ever impressed with this fact one day when, after reciting his lesson in Blackstone, he directed his attention to some lawyers who were in the office consulting on the best plan to win a certain knotty case. He ventured a thought that the plan suggested would hardly be right, and was stunned by the reply, ** Young man, if you ever expeet to be a lawyer you must never harp on conscience." He soon gave up the study and in March, 1872, went West. For three years he observed the varied phenomena of the Kansas climate. He then went to Southwest Missouri where he spent three years more, principally in teaching in Joplin and vicinity. He was at one time engaged in mining at this place, and had charge of mines which bid fair to place him on the road to fortune, but his natural love for the schoolroom and the uncertainty of the mines induced him to relinquish them to take charge of the Third Ward schools. He here commenced the study of medicine in 1877 with Dr. H. B. Pinney, and in September, 1878, left for Ann Arbor, Mich., to attend lectures. He spent one year in this institution, and in October, 1879, matriculated with the Cincinnati College of Medi- doctors his next step was one of importance. Where shall I locate? agitated his mind for a few months, and he finally settled down in the quiet little village of Dialton in September, 1880. Though Dr. Mitchell, in his various ramblings, saw a good deal of the * rough-and-turmble " side of life, he never either forgot or ignored his early religious training, and invariably took an active part in Sabbath school and church work, and it would not be far from expressing his true sentiment on temperance if we would say he is a teetotaler. He commenced life in his new and chosen profession with bright prosects for the future.

GEORGE G. MOCK, farmer; P. O. Dialton. Mr. Mock was born in this (Pike) township Sept. 2, 1843. He is the son of Esron and Catherine Mock. The father, Esron, is the son of Frederick and Barsheba Mock. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Kentucky. He came to this township in an early day, and died in 1832 at the age of 45 years. His wife survived him until 1866. They were both members of the M. E. Church. Esron married Catharine Oatewalt, daughter of George and Joanna Oatewalt, Aug. 8, 1839. She was born June 29, 1814. Her parents were natives of Montgomery Co., Va., who came to this State in 1828, stopping in Ross Co. two years, and then moving to this township. The father died Sept. 16, 1858, aged 67 years, and the mother, April 29, 1859, aged 86 years. Esron and Catharine were parents of four children - George G., Mary E. and Joanna B. now living. The mother and children are members of the M. E. Church. George G. was married Dec. 4, 1870, to Margaret J. Davis, daughter of Joseph and Mary A. Davis, by whom he had one child, Mary B., born Nov. 19, 1877. Mrs. Mock was born July 10, 1848, and died Sept. 3, 1876. She was a member of the Reformed Church.

SAMUEL MOCK, deceased. Samuel Mock was born in the year 1820, and died in the year 1877. He was the son of Frederick and Barsheba (Priest) Mock, who were among the early settlers of the county, having purchased the farm owned by the deceased in about the year 1810.. Frederick Mock was a very useful man in the neighborhood, being a mechanic. He made the first wagon used in the township; he also made the buhrs in all the first mills of the country. Samuel, the fifth child, married Mary A. Botkin, daughter of William and Elizabeth Botkin, who emigrated from Virginia in the year 1810. Samuel Mock was the father of six girls and two boys - Malissa (died Jan. 31, 1854, aged 6 years), Lucinda, Evalean, Ellen, John P., Julia A., George Mc. (died Jan. 5, 1878, aged 17 years), and Vesper B. Having purchased the old homestead in the year 1848, on which he lived until his death. He was well known throughout the county. He was several times elected to positions of honor and trust, all of which he filled with integrity. He was kind to his family. Being a man of high moral character, strictly honest in all his dealings, he had the love and respect of all who knew him.

VALENTINE PENCE, farmer and millwright; P. O. New Carlisle. This gentleman was born in Rockingham Co., Va, June 28, 1819. He is the son of George and Christina (Crowbarger) Pence. The father was a native of Virginia, where he died in 1825. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania. She moved to Clinton Co., Ind., in 1836, where she died two years later. Valentine went to Indiana with his mother, and stayed with her until the spring of 1838, when he came to Clark County and commenced laboring as a millwright with his brother and Samuel Sprinkle, and continuing in this business for twelve years. He was married Oct. 4, 1842, to Catharine F., daughter of George and Catharine (Fair) Stafford, who were both natives of Ireland. Mr. Pence bought his present farm in Section 26, of Samuel Arnold, Aug. 16, 1845, since which time he has devoted his attention principally to farming. By his marriage with Miss Stafford he became father of two children - Caroline Elizabeth, born May 28, 1844, and Margaret Almira, born May 4, 1847. Caroline was married Nov. 6, 1872, by Rev. J. G. Black, to Thomas Swanger. Margaret was married Dec. 13, 1867, by Rev. L. G. Edgar, to Anteny Stafford. Mr. Pence and wife are both energetic members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they have zealously labored for some time. Mr. P. was raised a Democrat, but has always voted the Whig and Republican ticket. He has served as Township Trustee for two terms with great credit to himself and constituents.

JOHN RAY, retired farmer; P. O. Dialton; was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 29, 1813. He is the son of Lewis and Elizabeth Ray (nee Zigler), who were natives of Virginia, and moved to Cincinnati in 1812, living there one year, when he moved to Clark County and located near Springfield, where they remained four years. In 1817, they purchased a tract of timber land near North Hampton, in Pike Township. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are now living. John, our subject, lived with his father until he was 24 years of age, and then was united in marriage with Margaret Overpeck, daughter of George and Martha Overpeck, who were also natives of Virginia. After his marriage he purchased the farm where he now lives, which contained about 40 aeres of cleared land and 70 acres under fence. Since that time he has worked at the carpenter's trade thirty years, and the balance of his time was spent in cultivating his farm. Mr. Ray has, by his exemplary habits and close attention to business, won the prominent position in society that he now occupies. Mr. and Mrs. Ray have both been faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past thirty-eight years.

RAPER RECTOR (deceased). Dr. Rector was born in Mad River Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, July 11, 1838. He resided upon the farm with his parents until he had attained his majority, where he acquired a good common school education. At the age of 22 years, he went to Tremont and read medicine with Dr. J. S. Gard, and graduated at Starling Medical College Feb. 28, 1865. Mr. Rector married early in life, having been united with Eliza J. Martin, daughter of Scott Martin, Esq., of Tremont, on the 27th of November, 1857, and to them were born three children, viz, Mary J., now Mrs. J. A. Marquart, born March 6, 1858; J. W., born Aug. 18, 1859, and A. W., born March 10, 1861. The Doctor located in North Hampton, in this county, where he enjoyed a lucrative and reputable practice up to the time of his death. He grew rapidly in the favor of the people, both as a man and a physician. During the latter part of September, 1872, Dr. R. was attacked with typhoid fever, which terminated fatally on the 16th day of the following month (October, 1872). In his last illness, the Doctor was attended by Dr. Thatcher, who had in the way of assistance the best learned of quite a number of the members of the Clark Co. Medical Society, of which our subject was a member. He was a man of a high order of social qualities, a good intellect and excellent habits. He was temperate and industrious; his opinions in regard to medical theory and practice were very sound. Dr. Rector was a member of the M. E. Church, and was sustained and cheered in life and in death by the consolations of the Christian religion. His grandfather, Charles Rector, was one of the first white settlers in the Mad River Valley. His parents were Conway and Anna (Neff) Rector ; the former was a native of Kéntucky, born Feb. 6, 1795; the latter of Shenandoah Co., Va., born Dec. 15, 1800. The father emigrated to this State in 1802, purchasing & full section of land in Mad River Township, where he settled and there lived until his death, Oct. 12, 1879. The mother still survives him, retaining her mental faculties in a remarkable degree. When quite young, Father Rector was instrumental in getting out the timber for the first M. E. Church in that vicinity, built of hewn logs, in Champaign Co., just over the Clark Co. line. It is still used as a place of worship. Mr. Rector joined the M. E. Church, Dec. 28, 1817, and became a Class-leader March 14, 1819. His wife is also a Methodist.

JOSEPH L. RICHARDS, blacksmith ; North Hampton. This gentleman was born in Washington Co., Penn., Oct. 28, 1818, and was the fifth son of eight sons and five daughters burn to John and Sarah Richards. At the age of 2 years, the father came from Germany with his parents. The mother was of Scotch descent. In 1829, the family moved to Carroll Co., Ohio, and settled on a section of wild forest land, where the father died Sept. 26, 1832, from fever, brought on by the malaria of the new country. Shortly after this, Joseph returned to Pennsylvania, where he secured a position and served a full term at blacksmithing. On the 19th of April, 1838, he married Miss Anna Friend, and by her became the father of two children, a son and daughter - Isaiah and Lavina. The latter, at the age of 21, married Frederick Smith ; six years afterward, she was, by accident, fatally burned, and after nine hours of intense suffering, died. The son is still living. Mrs. Richards, the wife, died June 29, 1876. Mr. Richards remained single until Dec. 26, 1879, when he married Mrs. Eliza J. Rector, widow of Dr. Rector, with whom he now lives.

GEORGE RINKER, farmer; P. O. North Hampton. The subject of this sketch is the son of Benjamin and Susan Rinker, who were natives of Virginia, and came to Ohio in 1848, and settled in German Township, where they now reside. They were the parents of two sons and four daughters, three of whom are now living. George, our subject, was born in Virginia May 5, 1832; educational advantages limited. He was early trained to farm labor. On the 4th day of April, 1856, he was married to Miss Sarah Branner. Two sons and one daughter were born to them. William, born Aug. 26, 1863, is the only one now living. Soon after his marriage, he rented a farm in this township, which he remained on one year, and rented a farm owned by P. Marquart, which he cultivated for a period of nine years. He purchased his present place in the year 1866, and has made many material improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Rinker are both worthy and consistent members of the Reformed Church.