Pleasant Township (part 15 of 18)

WILLIAM 1). PRING-LE, fanner, P. 0. Big Plain, was born near South Charleston. Clark Co., Ohio, January 14, 1813, and is a son of James and Sarah Pringle, he a native of Loudoun County, Va., and she of Kentuck}-. The grandfather, Thomas Pringle, was a native of England, and, when young, he entered the British Army, and it is believed fought under the crown in the war of the Revolution, was captured by the American Army, and after peace was declared became a settler of Virginia, where he married ; subsequently removed to Pennsylvania, thence to Kentucky, and became one of the earlysettlers of Bourbon County. In 1810, with his family, he settled near South Charleston, and was one of the pioneers of that township, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. James Pringle, the father of our subject, was the eldest of three brothers. Robert and William, the two younger, served in the war of 1812; the latter married in Kentucky, where he lived several years, but finally died near Crbana, Ohio. Robert married and settled near South Charleston, but about 1828 removed to Indiana, and from there to Washington County. Iowa, being one of the pioneer settlers of that county. About 1850, he started to visit his brother James, in Ohio, and while journeying down the river on a boat, was taken sick and died with what was supposed to be cholera. James, the father of our subject, married Sarah Vance, of Kentucky, and about 1810 removed to Ohio, and settled near South Charleston, they being among the pioneers of that section. There Mr. Pringle resided till his death. During the few last, years of his life, he resided in South Charleston, having retired from the farm and all active labor. He died August 18, 1867, in his eighty-fifth year. His wife died April 21, 1876, in her eighty eighth year. They had six children, of whom four grew to maturity - Thomas, David V.. William I), and James. Thomas married Cynthia Herrod. and settled in Champaign County, Ohio, where he was a practicing physician for twenty-five years ; thence he came back to Clark County and resided at South Charleston till the death of his wife, after which he lived with his father till his death, September 17, IS;")!*, aged fifty years. David V. married Margaret Davidson and settled near his father, and resided in the same neighborhood till his death. At the age of twelve years, long before there was any church edifice in the place, he was awakened by Spiritual grace at a prayer-meeting in a private house, and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he continued for thirty six years. In 1859, to. gratify the wishes of his parents, who were members of the Presbyterian Church, with his wife, transferred their connection to that church. In March,- 18(50, he was chosen and ordained an Elder, and served acceptably as such till 1875, when, by his own request, from the infirmities of advancing years, he was excused from serving longer. He died March 10, 1882, aged seventy -one years. James, the youngest son, married Susan Bales, and also settled near his father. He became an extensive farmer and stock-dealer, and a leading business man of that community ; he was a stockholder and one of the organizers of the National Bank of South Charleston, and also an active member of the Presbyterian Church. He died April 12, 1881, aged sixty-six years. Mr. James Pringle, the father of the sons above mentioned, set for them the noble example of early Christian work. In 1822, he was one of the constituent members and organizers of the Presbyterian Church of South Charleston, in which he was a Ruling Elder for forty years. Although he possessed the entire confidence of his community. and held from time to time many of his neighborhood and township offices, yet he never sought office. In his death, the church and the community lost one of their most useful members and a bright and shining light. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Clark County, and on November 5, 1835, was married to Catharine Bales, who was born in Frederick County. Va., April 2, 1813 ; she was a daughter of Thomas and Jane Bales, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Virginia. They were married in Virginia, where they settled and lived till the fall of 1832, when they emigrated to Ohio and settled in Madison County, where they lived till the death of his wife, in February, 1842. Subsequently he removed to South Charleston, where he died in March, 1861. aged eighty-four years. Mr. Bales was a very reserved and unpretentious man, devoting his life to farming, and a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church many years. The}' had five sons and five daughters, of whom seven grew to maturity, and four now survive - Mary, wife of Thomas Chappell. residing in Illinois ; Moses; Catharine, and Susan Ann, now Widow Pringle. Mr. Pringle and wife have had seven children, of whom five now survive - James A., born November 24, 1836 ; Thomas J., born March 18, 1838 ; Susan A., born August 18, 1841 ; Mary E. Q., born August 18, 1843, and Charles W.. born September 6, 1850. The second son, Thomas J., is now a practicing lawyer in Springfield, Ohio. Mary E. Q., in 1867, married James C. Lyons, by whom she had three children, two now surviving - Anna C. and Leila M. Mr. Lyons died November 2, 1876, aged thirty-four years. Since his death, Mrs Lyons, with her children, has lived with her parents. Charles W., the youngest son. who is unmarried, resides at home and is engaged in fanning and slock raising, and in buying and shipping grain at Lilly Chapel, under the linn name of Pringle & Bro. Mr. William I). Pringle, after his marriage, resided in Clark County, near South Charleston, till the spring of ISIS, when he purchased and located upon the place where he now lives and has since resided. with the exception of two years, from 1865 to 1867, during which he lived near West Jefferson. His fust purchase was 300 acres, since which he has added, by purchase, till he owned 850 acres of excellent land, from which he has apportioned a large amount to his children. On the home place he has erected fine. Large buildings, and made other improvements, lie is now one of the oldest living early settlers of this township, and has been one of the Leading active men in all matters of public interest and improvement throughout his community; he ha- held the various offices of his township, and commands the esteem and respeel of his large circle of friends and acquaintances. He and wife arc members of tin' Presbyterian Church, to which they have belonged fort v-livc years.

JAMES ALFRED PRINGLE, grain merchant and fanner. P. (). Big Plain, was bom near South Charleston, Clark County. Ohio. November 2 1. 1836; his ancestral history is <j,iven in the sketch of his father, William D. Pringle

Mr. Pringle was raised in Madison County, being about twelve years of age when his father's family moved from Clark to Madison Count}'. On February 7, 1861, he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann Fitzgerald, whose ancestral history is given in the sketch of her father, Judge Edward Fitzgerald. By this union they have four children - Elta C, born .January 18, 1862; William Edward, born April 28, 1867; Lydia Mary, born February 17, 1872, and Anna Laura, born September 15, 1874. Mr. Pringle. after marriage, located on the place where he now lives and has since resided. For several years he gave his attention to raising and dealing in stock, carrying on an extensive and profitable business. During the last live years he has given more attention to farm ing and the raising of grain. In the fall of 1877, in company with his brother Charles, he entered upon the business of buying and shipping grain at Lilly Chapel, buying property there and erecting machinery for shelling corn, elevating grain, etc., since which they have done a large business, which forms a leading enterprise of this community. Mr. Pringle is one of the live, active business men of this community. He has a fine farm of 250 acres, well improved, besides some town property in Columbus and Westerville. In the summer of 1881, he erected his present fine brick house, which is one of the best in the township.

VALENTINE RECOB, farmer, P. O. Lilly Chapel, is a native of Madison Count}', where he was born July 25, 1844; he is a son of Valentine and, Lydia Recob. The former was born in Ross Count}', Ohio, June 15, 1806, and was a son of Daniel and Catharine Recob, natives of Pennsylvania, who became early settlers of Ross County, Ohio, and thence removed to Clinton County, where Mrs. Recob died, after which he removed to Madison County, where he died. Valentine, the father of our subject, was raised to manhood in Ross County, and on April 1. 1829, married Lydia Toops, who was born in Ross County November 3, 1808, and was a daughter of Henry and Sarah Toops, natives of Pennsylvania, by which union they had eight children, four now surviving - William H.. Valentine, Margaret (wife of Joseph Gardner) ,and Ellen (wife of Hamilton Badgley). Mr. Recob settled in Ross County; in 1840, he removed to Madison County and located on the Dun farm in Range Township. In 1846, he purchased the Melvin farm in Fairfield Township, where he lived till his death, December 15, 1877. He was a very industrious, hard-working man, of undoubted honor and integrity. He started out in life a poor man, and by his own industry and good management became possessed of a comfortable competency, including 480 acres of land with good improvements. During the last twelve years of his life, he was an earnest worker in the Methodist Church, and died esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. His wife still survives and resides on the home farm with her son-in-law, Hamilton Badgley, who was born in (Jrcene County, Ohio, April 11, 1848, and was a son of Moses and Elizabeth Badgley, lie a native of Preble County, Ohio, and she of Maryland. Moses was a son of Benjamin Badgley, a soldier in the war of 1812, under Gen. Hull, and one among the number surrendered to the British; he died in Preble County. Moses, who followed boating on the river for several years, finally married and settled in Greene Count}-, and resided near Cedarville about nineteen years. His wife died in June, 1864. A.bout'1867, he removed to near South Charleston, and there and near London spent the balance of his life; he died in August, 1879. He was the father of nine children, six now surviving -Henrietta, wife of Harvey Q. Downey. Hamilton, Harvey. (Danville. Simeon and Alfred (twins). Mr. Hamilton Badgley was married to Ellen Recob October 19, 1876; they have one child - Warner, born March 8, 1878. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Recob, the subject of this sketch, was married. December 25. L 866, to Miss Alice McClellan, who was bom in Ross County July 25. 1847. and was a daughter of William and Rachel McClellan, he a native of Pennsjdvania, and she of Ohio. He came to Ohio in 1843, married here, and had one child - Alice. Mr. McClellan was twice married; by his first marriage he had one child, who, with its mother, died in Pennsylvania. Mrs. McClellan, the second wife, was also twice married; by her first husband, Samuel Cooper, she had two children - Emma (wife of John Horn), and Marv Ann (wife of James Pierce). Mr. McClellan died in October, 1867. Mr. Recob and wife have two children - Ella May. born September 26. 1868; Nora Etta, born July 9, 1876. Mr. Recob first located where his mother and Mr. Badgley now live, and in March, 1879, they removed to their present location. He has 166 acres of land, with good buildings and improvements. He is a member of Gilroy Lodge, No. 695, I. 0. 0. F., at Lilly Chapel, to which he has belonged since its institution.

WILLIAM H. RECOB, farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, was born in Ross County, Ohio, September 7, 1831, and is a son of Valentine and Lydia Recob, whose history is given in the sketch of Valentine Recob. Our subject was about nine years of age when his father with his family removed to Madison County, and here he grew to manhood, and was married, September 25, 1862, to Anna Sothoron, who was born in this county October 21, 1840; she was a daughter of Henry G. and Ann Sothoron, natives of Maryland. The grandfather, Sothoron, was of Scotch descent, and lived and died in the State of Maryland. The maternal grandfather, Henry Clark, came from Maryland to Ohio and was an earl}' settler of Madison County, where he lived till his death. Henr}- G., who was born and raised in Maryland, married in that State, and about 1836 removed to Ohio and settled in Guernsey County. They afterward removed to Madison County, and resided at Somerford and La Fayette, and in 1844 became residents of London, where they remained till their death, he February 6, 1858, and she January 14, 1882. They had seven children, of whom two died in Maryland, and five now survive - Margaret A., wife of J. M. Winchester; Mary E., wife of L. P. Wildman; John C; Minerva, wife of Philip Sidner; and Anna, wife of William C. Recob, our subject. Mr. Sothoron was a plasterer by trade, which business he followed through life. He was an industrious man, of firm principles, good morals and temperate habits, and was an active member of the society of Good Templars. Mr. Recob and wife have six children - Lydia, born March 28, 1864; John S., born October 25, 1865; Harriet, born February 27, 1868: Stephen D., born July 31, 1870; Maud, born February 20, 1873, and Harry, born February 1, 1881. Mr. Recob first settled on the old home place, where Mr. Badgley and Mrs. Lydia Recob now reside. In 1870, he removed to where he now lives. In 1868, he erected his present large frame house. He owns 190 acres of good land, and with the improvements he has made, has a pleasant home and farmer's residence. He has made farming his business through life, and is one of the leading and respected farmers of Fairfield Township. He is a member of Lilly Chapel Grange, No. 583. to which he has belonged since its institution. John C. Recob, a cousin of our subject, was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 13. 1829, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah Recob. of Ross County. He grew to manhood in Clinton County, Ohio, and about 1856 became a resident of Madison County. He has lived with our subject on his farm for twenty-five years, having never married.

FREDERICK RECOB, farmer, P. 0. Lilly Chapel, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, December 1.'!. lSl'.t, and was a son of Daniel and Barbara Recob, he a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Ross County, Ohio. The grandparents are given in the sketch of Valentine Recob. Daniel was a lad of nine years when his parents settled in Ross County, and there he grew to manhood and married Barbara Toops. They then located in Clinton County, where they lived four or five yeais, and then returned to Ross County and resided till his death, September 29, 1857, aged sixty -one years. His wife survived him till in November, 1874, when she died at Williamsport, Pickaway County, Ohio, aged seventy-three years. They had ten children, six now surviving - Mary Ann, wife of Henry Roberson, living in Highland County; Frederick; John; George; Effie Ann, wife of Peter Snider, residing in Kansas; and Eliza, wife of Clinton Lee. Mr. Recob, the subject of this sketch, was raised in Ross County. On April 16, 1848, he married Susanna (irubb, who was born in Ross County April 26, 182G; she was a daughter of Daniel and Barbara Grubb. natives of Pennsylvania, who became early settlers of Ross County, Ohio, where they lived and died. They had sixteen children, eight now living - Jacob; Margaret, now Widow Strouse; Joseph; Elizabeth, wife of .Michael Lallier; Christina, wife of J, Recob; Susanna; George; and Lucinda, wife of William Rube. Mr. Recob and wife have had ten children, nine now surviving - James M., born February 2, 1849, resides in Kansas; Josephus. Sep! ember 3. 1850; Thomas. J., October 16, 1851; Lucinda E., February 23, 1853, wife of Calvin Durflinger; Eliza. I., March 10, 1855; Hester Ann, January 13, 1857, wife of Roswell Hume; Cornelius, September 28, 1858; Jamison. April 30. 1860; John B. February 9, 1863; and Mary E., born July 17, 1867. In the fall of 1853, Mr Recob removed to Madison County and settled on the place where he now lives and has since resided - a period of twenty-nine years. This farm he purchased of Amos Morris; it then consisted of 405 acres, from which he soon after sold a portion, reserving 196 acres which he still owns. Mr. Recob started out in life a poor man, and when he purchased his farm he went in debt for it; but by his own industry and labor and that of his family, his fine farm and pleasant home is now his own, and he owes no man. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they have belonged many vears.

JOHN C. STRAIN, farmer, P. 0. Big Plain, was born in Highland County. Ohio, January 18, 1812, and is a son of John and Jane Strain, natives of South Carolina, who removed to Ohio and settled in Highland County about 1810, being among the early settlers of that county, where they remained till their death. Mr. Strain was a cooper by trade in his younger years, but after his arrival in Ohio he gave his principal attention to farming. He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and died esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He was the father of four children, of whom two died unmarried. Thomas married and subsequently removed to Iowa, where he died in the spring of 1881, aged about seventy-live years ; and John C, the subject of this sketch, being now the only surviving one of his father'-. family; he grew to manhood in Highland County, and on December 26, 1833, was married to Delilah Powers, a native of Ohio, born September 11, 1814. By her he has had ten children, four now surviving - Mardella. born April 21, 1812; William, born Augusl 2."). 1847 ; Nancy G., born August 31, 1850, wife of W. Scott Roberson; and Isaac, born January 28, 1856. .Mr. Strain, after their marriage, raised one crop ot grain in Highland County, and in the fall of 1834. removed to Madison County, where he has since resided, a period of nearly half a century, lie first located on and opened out the farm where Henry Luse now lives, which is now owned by Charles Warner. In 1869, having sold the above farm, he bought and located where he now lives, and has since resided. He is now one among the oldest residents of Fairfield Township and has been one of her most prominent and useful citizens. About 184 L he was elected a Justice of the Peace, which office he idled to the satisfaction of the people for twenty-one consecutive years, when he refused all solicitations to again accept the office. In 1869, he was elected Treasurer of Fairfield Township, to which office he has ever since been re-elected, a period of thirteen vears. He was Postmaster in California from 1869 to L874.

ROBERT THOMAS, farmer, P. 0. Big Plain, a native of Madison County, was born March 2, 1822, and is a son of Elijah and Margaret Thomas, natives of Virginia. The grandparents, Robert and Mary Thomas, were natives of Virginia, his ancestors being from Wales and hers from England. They emigrated from Virginia to Ohio and settled on the Scioto, in Franklin County, about 1810. They had, however, made a short stop in Muskingum County, prior to settling in Franklin County. At that time there was no town where the city of Columbus now is, and Mr. Thomas hunted through the woods on the very ground where the city now stands. About 1815, he, with his family, removed to Madison County, and settled on a tract of land just east of California, in fact, the east part of the town is built on his land, and here he remained till his death. August 9, 1831, aged sixtj'-five years. His wife died August 28, 1814, aged seventy-two years. They were truly pioneers of Ohio, experiencing all that was wild and rough in this then vast wilderness. Of their children, Elijah, the father of our subject, was but a youth when they came to Ohio, and at the time of the war of 1812, he was about sixteen years of age and desired to enlist in the war as a soldier, but being so young was prevented from doing so by his friends. He grew to manhood, and married Margaret Godfrey, and about 1824 they removed to Kentucky to take care of lhs> wife's mother, who resided there, and who was old and feeble. After her death, they returned to this county, where they resided till their death, he, Juh/ 4, 1860, aged sixty-five j'ears, and she in August, 1857, aged sixt}'-three years. Tiny had seven children, of whom six grew to maturity, and four now survive - Robert; Eleanor F., wife of Charles B. Johnson ; Margaret, now Widow Rea, residing in Nebraska, and Charles C. The subject of this sketch is now one of the oldest settlers who was born and raised in this county. He was married, January 1, 1854, to Lacy Ann Bell, born in this county January 7, 1839, and a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Bell, he a native ot England and she of Ross County, Ohio. They were quite early settlers of Madison Count}-, where his wife died September 23, 1842. They had ten children, of whom seven grew to maturity, four now survive - Sarah Ann (wife of Thomas Douglas). John (both reside in Iowa), Elizabeth and Lacy Ann. Subsequently Mr. Bell married for his second wife Susan Montgomeiy, by whom he had four children, three now surviving - Celinda C. (wife of John Martin), Andrew S. and Eva (wife of Caleb Lucas). Mr. Bell died February 3, 1875, aged eighty years. Mr. Thomas and wife have; had eleven children, eight now surviving - Charles Nelson, born December 29, 1859 ; John W., May 1, 1862 ; Rebecca Ellen, October 9, 1864 ; William. July 6, 1867 ; James Elmer, April 3, 1870 ; Eva C, May 6, 1872 ; Cyrus .Milton. November 2, 1878; and Alice G., born August 23, 1880. Mr. Thomas has made farming his occupation through life, and from his birth he has resided in sight of where he now lives, a period of threescore years. Although in his youthful days, from the meager advantages then existing, he obtained but little schooling, yet his life has been filled with usefulness, he having been an energetic, active member of the community, aiding in the general public improvements. He was one of the men who laid out the town of California, and has given freely of his means and influence in supporting schools, and in building and supporting the Methodist Episcopal Church at California, of which lie and wife have been members for a score of years.

SAMUEL TRUITT, farmer, I'. (). billy Chapel, was born in Madison County, Ohio, March 8, 1838, and is a son of James D. and Anna Truitt, he a native of Maryland and she of Warren County. Ohio. The grandparents were George and Martha Truitt, natives of Maryland, when' he died about 1804. About 1811, his widow with her family removed to Ohio, and settled in Madison County, on land now owned by Augustus Bonner. Here she was one among the early settlers. She died at South Charleston about 1850. James

D., the father of our subject, was about eleven years of age when brought to this county by his mother, and here he grew to manhood and married Anna Thomas, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Thomas. He settled on the old home place of his mother, where he lived till about 1836, when he sold that farm and purchased in the north part of Fairfield Township, where he resided till the spring of 1873, when he removed to London, where lie died October 15, 1875. His wile died in February, 1862. They had twelve children, nine now surviving - Mary, wife of James Hume; Martha, wife of William Anderson; Margaret, wife of David Rupert; George W.; Samuel; Joshua; Prudence, wife <>f John Baber; Ellen Amanda, wife of Rudolph Durflinger; and Thomas T. Mr. Truitt was raised in the days when schools were scarce, poor and far between; hence he obtained but little education, and that he received by going three miles to the nearest school. He made farming his occupation through life; was an industrious, hard-working man, and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than half a century. The subject of our sketch, the fifth child of his lather, was brought up to farm labor, and on February 4, 1862, married Matilda II. Byers, who was born in this county, and whose ancestors are given in the sketch of Joel M. Byers. By this union Mr. Truitt has had seven children, six of whom now survive - Alma E., born September 11. 1864; John B. and James T. (twins), born September 8, 1866; Rosa A., born September 7, 1868; Flora J., born January 23, 1872; and Charles K., born February 24, 1876. Mr. Truitt has devoted his life to farming within Fairfield Township. He has resided on the place where he now lives since December, 1871. He now owns over 300 acres of good land, and has a pleasant home, and is one of the reliable farmers of Fairfield Township. He is a member of the Gilroy Lodge, No. 695, I. 0. 0. F., at Lilly Chapel.

CHARLES R. WARNER, fanner. P. (). Big Plain, was bom in Madison County January 8, 1820; and is a son of Joseph and Sarah Warner; he is a native of Virginia, and she of Kentucky. The grandparents, Joseph and Ruth Warner, emigrated from Virginia to Ohio with their family about 1804, and settled in Madison County; subsequently they removed to near Cincinnati, where his wife died, aged ninety years. Thence he returned to Madison County and lived several years with his son Joseph, and while on a visit to one of his daughters in Indiana, he was taken sick and died at the remarkable age of one hundred and four years. He had been a man of powerful constitution, and was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. While a resident of Madison County, and at the advanced age of one hundred years, he rode on horseback to Washington, D. C, and back again, to see about obtaining a pension. This was a remarkable feat for one of his age, such as was perhaps never known in history before or since. And again, after his return from Washington, and when one hundred and three years of age, he rode the same horse to Indiana to see his daughter, and while there died as above stated. Joseph, the father of our subject, was a voung single man when he came to Madison County. He received but little education in his native State, and after his arrival here he contracted to build a schoolhouse, for which he was to receive a year's schooling. After this he continued working at his trade - that of a carpenter. He elected the first house in London, and then built and lived in the second house in the town. This was when lumber and nails were unattainable, and theee were hewed-log houses, with puncheon floor and slab doors. He continued to follow his trade through life, combining with it more or less of farming. About 1813, he married Miss Sarah Atchison, by whom he had eight children who grew to maturity, and five now survive - John A., Eli C, Charles R., Rebecca A., and Rachel C, wife of James Scarf. Mr. Warner was a man of weakly constitution, but of good morals and temperate habits, and lived to quite an advanced age. He and wife were worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal

Church to which he belonged forty-five years. Ho died A.ugust .'hi, 1866, in his eighty -first year; his wife died in April, 1850, aged fifty-four years. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on the homo farm, and has spent his entire life in this county. Wc was married, December 3, 1846, to Isabel Jane Chenoweth, whose ancestors are given in the sketch of Elijah Chenoweth. By this union they have had twelve children, eleven now surviving Sarah Jane, born October IT. 1847, wife of Henry Luse; Prances M. born May 4, 1849; Thomas S., born Juno 1. 1851; John S., born October 21, L853; Joseph 11.. born May 20, 1855; Milton C, born Juno 4. 1857; Charles S.. bom March 21, 1859; Belle M.. born Apni _7. 1861; Minnie A., born July 21, 1863; William Grant, born May 19, 1865; and Olin E., born February 8, 1868. En the fall of 1847, Mr. Warner settled on the place where ho now lives, ami has since resided - a period of thirty-five years. Ho owns b'n acres of land, consisting of two good farms, and is one of the substantia] and reliable farmers of Fairfield Township. He and his wife are worthy and life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ho having joined the church in 1837, ami she in 1840. \lc has held the offices of Steward, Trustee and Class Leader for over a quarter of a century.

BENJAMIN F. WELCH, M. lb. Big Plains, was born in Kentucky November 7. 1835. His father, Thomas Bennett Welch, was born in Virginia, and at an early age emigrated to Kentucky, where ho married Druzilla Drummond, a native of that State, by whom ho had but one child - the subject of this sketch. Mr. Welch remained in Kentucky some years after his marriage, and then moved to Chillicothe, Ohio, where ho engaged in merchandising. Ho afterward wont South to some relatives in Tennessee, and since the rebellion nothing has boon hoard of him. Our subject's grandfather, with his wife, who was a >i~-tor of Gov. Worthington, moved from Virginia to Chillicothe, where they both diod. Dr. Welch, when ton or twelve years of age, wont to Cincinnati, where ho was raised by his uncle, Prof. A. 11. Baker, of the Cincinnati School of Medicine. \\^ road medicine under Mr. Baker and attended a full course of lectures at the school, graduating in 1854. \\v then Located at Wesl Jefferson, where he remained two or three years, after which he located at California (Big Plain P. 0.), in this county, where ho is now enjoying an extensive and lucrative practice (>n October 7. 1871, he married Mrs. Isabella (Pelton) McClimons, a native of New Hampshire, and widow of Edward McClimons, deceased. By her he had one child - J. Leete, born August 8, 1872. Mrs Welch died June 2, 1875, and on December 14, 1877, the Doctor married Lottie McHenry, a native of Chillicothe, who still survives. Dr. Welch is a firm advocate of Democracy and of the principles of State Sovereignty. In 1865, he received the nomination for Secretary of State on the State Bights ticket, but was defeated by the Republicans, who thou held all the reins of power. Wo is a prominent and active member of the Ohio State Medical Son ety, and also of the Madison County Medical Society.

FREDERICK 1. FOUNG, farmer. P. O. Big Plain, was born in Germany, September 10, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Martha Young, natives of Ger many, who still reside in their native country. Two of Jacob's brothers, Adam and Frederick, came to America in quite an early day. and settled near Mount Sterling, Madison Co.. Ohio, whore Frederick died soon after the war of the rebellion. Adam still resides there now. about seventy years of age, Jacob and Martha Young had four sons and tour daughters Frederick 1.. (our subject). Adam. Jacob, Julius, Catharine, Laura, Martha and Mary, all of whom still remain in their native country. Frederick, the subject of this sketch, emigrated to America, and to Madison County, Ohio. June 1. 1854, and here has sinee resided, a period of twenty-eight years. On December 19, 1859, he married Ahira Ann Young, born in this county A.ugust 28, 1842, and a daughter of Frederick and Luciada M Young; by this union they have had nine children, six now surviving Charles K.. born June 1. 1864; Willis J., born March 22, 1867; Eliza L. born December 26, L869; Perry L., born January 7. 1873; John W.. horn August 22, 1875; and .Milton I', born Februar) 17 L880. Mr. Soung came to this county a poor man, but, with a strong physical constitution and energy and determination of character, he went to work with industry, married a frugal and an industrious wife, and about 1867 bought and located on the place where he now lives. This place he purchased of Nelson Timmoi which lie has added more land by purchase, t.ill he owns ! 18 acres of excellent land, and is now one of the reliable and well-to-do farmers of Fairfield Town ship. Be and wife are members of the United Brethren Church at Dennison Chapel, to which they have belonged twelve years.

REV. ELI ADAMS, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in Worcester County, Md.. July L3, L785. He was brought by his widowed mother to the Western wilds, and settled in what now constitutes the State of Kentucky, when lie was but seven years of age. \1>t<' he remained until L808, when lie removed to Xenia, Ohio. In ]810, ho was united in mar riage to Elizabeth Hecks, with whom lie lived long and happily In 1SI 1, (hey both experienced religion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and continued faithful members of the same until death gave them their discharge and reward. Mr. Adams was Licensed to preach about fifty years ago: four years after, was ordained Deacon, and, four years from that, Elder. In his private and public relations to the church, he was always faithful, earnest and devoted. Ho preached a great deal, and was always re spected as a very industrious and earnest minister ot the Word, and only failed to work for the Master when old age and increasing infirmities rendered it impossible. As a citizen, he stood without reproach or suspicion, strictly upright in all business relations, and much esteemed by his neighbors. His religious life was more distinctly marked by a holy, sweet exam pie than by words or outward professions. He lived well, and around his life there gathered a quiet, spiritual power. Thus was the church blessed through fifty years with this pine and devoted life. Many will rise up in heaven and call him blessed His form and words are gone, but his spirit is indelibly impressed upon our souls. His patience, love and wisdom are more sacred now than when he moved among us. His last sicknoss was attended with much suffering; yet endured with Christian patience and resignation. Be peacefully I'll asleep in Jesus at the house of his son, Eli, in Madison County, Ohio, May I'.). 1S70, at the advanced age of eighty four years ten month- ;n id four lays Eis son, Eli H. Adam-, who gave me the above facts, was ben \pril 10. 1S17, and is an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Somerford Township, Madison County.

WILLIAM ALLEN, deceased, was born in Kentucky March 6, L818, and was a son of Eliza and Nancy 'Young) Allen native-; of Virginia. At the age of twenty-one years, he engaged in farming for himself as a renter, and thus continued for five years, when lie bought forty-three acres of land in Madison County, which ho sold and located on 300 acres his wife inherited from her father's estate. The widow has now 115 acres of the 300 left, tovv gether with property in Somerford. Mr. Allen acquired a common school education, and was Township Trustee of Somerford Township for a number of years. He was married, December 24, 1840, to Lucinda Wilson, who was born January 7, 1820, iu Madison County, Ohio. This union was blest with one child, now deceased. Mi". Allen died January 5, 1882.

WILLIAM ARBUCKLE, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was bom in Madison County, Ohio, May 28, 1815, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Bishop) Arbuckle, who were both natives of Virginia. John was married twice." His first wife was Nancy Sturgeon. William, at twenty-three years of age, engaged in working by the month. Thus he continued for one summer, when he inherited 101 acres of land from his father, it being the farm he now occupies. He acquired a very limited education, and was united in marriage with Frances E. Taylor, February 10, 1842. In 1878, she died, leaving him to mourn her loss, ana he has remained a widower, living outhe farm with his children ever since. He is the father of six children, of whom three survive, viz. , John H., Frances Rosaltha and Elmer. Mr. Arbuckle was elected School Director by his neighbors.

CHARLES ARBUCKLE, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Madison County, Ohio, February 1, 1821, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Bishop) Arbuckle, who are mentioned in the sketch of J. L. Arbuckle. Charles Arbuckle, at twenty-one years of age, engaged as a farm hand to work on a farm by the month, and thus continued for five months, when he inherited 170 acres from his father, and commenced farming on that. He acquired a common school education, and was united in marriage with E. J. Richmond February 27, 1845. She was a native of Ohio, born in 1829. To this union have been born four children, of whom three survive, viz. : Adelia Ann, Louisa Jane and Laura Frances. Mrs. Arbuckle died June 21, 1855.

J. L. ARBUCKLE, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born on the farm where he now resides, in Somerford Township, Madison County, Ohio, December 14, 1828, and is a son of John Arbuckle, who was born in Virginia October 2, 1771. He was united in marriage with Nancy Sturgeon, October 3, 1799, emigrated to Ohio, October 27, 1805, and settled in Madison County, where he remained until his death, which occurred September 30, 1845. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Bishop, his second wife, February 2, 1813, and she died April 8, 1865. J. L. Arbuckle engaged in farming, when he was seventeen years of age, on 170 acres of land, which he had inherited from his father. He acquired a good common school education, and has filled the office of Township Trustee of Somerford Township for two years. He has voted the Republican ticket ever since the Republican party existed. He was united in marriage with Caroline Hoxiston, November 23, 1852. This union was blessed with four children, viz. : Violie, Walter, Lizzie M. and Flora. Mrs. Arbuckle died March 19, 1866. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Arbuckle has an excellent reputation as a man of correct business habits.

DAVID BALES, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Clark County, Ohio, September, 1836, and is a son of Moses and Catharine (Graves) Bales, who were both natives of Virginia. They emigrated to Ohio in 1833, and were married in Clark County, Ohio, in 1834. He was a farmer and engaged in farming. In 1837, they moved onto the farm now occupied by our subject. Mr. Bales was married three times. He was first united with Mary Fish, after her death with Rebecca Stanford, and when she had passed away from earth, he married our subject's mother, who yet survives him, now eighty-one years of age. He died September 1, 1849. David was thirteen years of age when his father died, and he engaged immediately in helping to manage the farm. When sixteen years old, he went West, and remained there two years, then returned to the old home farm in Madison County, where he has resided ever since. He was united in marriage September 6, 1857, with Jennie Mitchell, a native of Madison County, who was born January 6, 1840. In 1862, he bought an interest in the home farm from one of the heirs, and has since that time purchased until he now has 281 acres of land, in a high state of cultivation. He and wife are the parents of four children - Newman F. , Ida E., Charles W. and Flora M. Mr. Bales is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

DAVID BROWN, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in Somerford Township, Madison Co., Ohio, April 8, 1838, and is a son of James and Mary Ann Brown. The former was born in New York June 21, 1795, and the latter in Virginia in 1803. James emigrated from New York to Canada when a small boy, and from Canada to Ohio, whei'e he settled in Somerford Township, Madison County Mr. and Mrs. Brown were united in marriage in Madison County, where he died March 13, 1875. Our subject engaged in farming for himself as a renter, when he was twentv-four years of age, and thus continued for three years, when he bought ninety acres of land, which he afterward sold, and in March, 187(5, bought the old home farm, where he resides, consisting of 206 acres of land, in a high state of cultivation. He has held the office of Township Treasurer of Somerford Township, has been Township Trustee nine years, and is at the present time Justice of the Peace. He has been married twice; the first wife that blessed his home was Isabella Patrick, to whom he was married April 29, 1857, and by her he had two children, of whom one survives - William Edgar. His first wife died April 21, 1861, and he remained a widower until June 15, 1864, when he was united in marriage with Sarah E. Taylor, by whom he has had eight children, seven surviving, viz.: Frank Irwin, Clara, Ida Belle, Charles D., John F., Eva G. and Nellie.

A. J. CLINGAN, tailor, Somerford, was born in Maryland August 21, 1820; emigrated to Ohio in 1839, and, locating in Somerford, has been a resident of this vicinity ever since. He learned the tailor's trade in Maryland, and has since engaged in business for himself: being a practical tailor of long experience, he has secm'ed for himself a large patronage. All the township offices have been intrusted to him, and he is now filling the office of Justice of the Peace of Somerford Township, an office he has held for a number of years. He was married, February 17, 1842, to Elizabeth Ann Clark, a native of Frederick- County, Md., who was born January 24, 1824, and to whom have been born seven children, six now living, viz. : Alonzo P., Laura V., Mary J., William L., James H. and Fannie H. Mr. Clingan is a member of the Sons of Temperance aed his wife is a member of the Christian Church.

L. H. CREAMER, farmer, P. O. Tradersville, was born February 18, 1840, in Fayette County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Benson) Creamer, who were both natives of Fayette County. Jacob was born in 1809, and Elizabeth in 1813. Our subject was united in marriage November 25, 1856, to Miss Electa Mitchell, a daughter of Newman Mitchell, whose sketch appears in this work. Our subject acquired a common school education, and was elected County Surveyor of Madison County in 1876.

He is a member of the Masonic order, and has been for sixteen years. He is now engaged in farming on a tract of 200 acres of well-improved land, where he resides. Mr. and Mrs. Creamer are the parents of two children, viz., Iva Iona, born June 17, 1873, and Royalton, born December 1, 1878. Mr. Creamer is a young man of steady habits, and is much respected in the community in which he lives.

W. M. EVANS, hotel-keeper, Somerf ord, was born in Clark County, Ohio, February 27. 1832, and is a son of John and Sidney Evans, natives of Virginia; the former born February 7, 1806, aad the latter April 21, 1809. They were married in Clark County, Ohio. Mr. Evans emigrated with his parents when twelve years of age to Clark County, where he remained until 1848, when he moved to Champaign County, where he remained till his death, which occurred May 11, 1881. Our subject began business for himself when he was twenty -three years of age, by engaging in farming as a renter, and thus he continued five years, when he went to La Fayette, and commenced hotel life; he also farmed and traded in stock until 1867, when he moved to Somerf ord, and took charge of the hotel, a business he has fol lowed ever since. He was united in marriage with Anna Helmer February 6, 1855. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, March 21, 1832. To this union have been born three children - Alice, John A. and Emma. Mrs. Evans is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MATTHEW J. FANVER, grocer, Somerford, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 24, 1834, and is a son of John and Ann (Johnson) Fanvftr. John was born in New Jersey July 7, 1793, and Ann June 15, 1797. They were married in New Jersey in 1816, and emigrated to Dayton, Montgomery Co., Ohio, May 16, 1828, where they remained until their death, he, March, 1877, and she March, 1879. They were the parents of nine children, of whom six are living. Our subject is the fifth son and eighth child of the family, and when he was eighteen years of age he began clerking in a store, and thus continued for eight years. He next engaged in farming, a business he followed for fifteen years. Becoming tired of farming, he moved to Somerford, bought property, and engaged in the mercantile business, which he has followed ever since. He acquired a common school education, and has been a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge for eight years. He is at this time Township Trustee of Somerford Township. He was united in marriage with Maria J. Prugh May 27, 1858. She was born in Madison County, Ohio, February 17, 1842, and is a daughter of G. W. Prugh, whose sketch appears in this work. To this union have been born three children, viz., Anna L., born January 1, 1861; Harry F., born October 30, 1864; and Augusta L., born July 27, 1875. Politically, Mr. Fanver is a Democrat; for more than fifteen years he and his wife have been members of the Christian Church.

I. N. GARDNER, farmer and stock- raiser, P. O. Somerford, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, October 7, 1841, and is a son of David H. and Fannie F. (Harris) Gardner. David was a native of Maryland, and Fannie of Washington County, Penn., and they were married in Ohio. He emigrated to Ohio in an early day, and settled whore he remained until his death, which occurred July 23, 1849. He was born in L803. His wife died March 4, 1851; she was born in 1805. Our subject, when fifteen years old, began working by the month on a farm, and thus continued for two years, when he commenced trading in stock, pilncipally horses, a business he has followed all his life. In 18(55, he bought L55 acres of land, and has since added to it until he now owns 355 acres of good land. He acquired a very limited education. He has been a member of the Masonic order for twenty years, and is also a member of the American Legion of Honor. He was united in marriage with Cynthia O'Day October 7. 1863. To this union have been born four children, viz., Jeriah S., born November 8, 1864; Fannie, born May L5, L870; Harvey, born June 4, 1807; and Baldwin G., born November 0, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are members of the Presbyterian Church at London, Ohio.

JAMES Q. GEER, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Madison County, Ohio, September 12, 1837; be is a son of James and Rachel (Minchell) Geer, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ross County, Ohio. They were married in Madison County in 1823. and were the parents of eleven children, of whom nine survive, our subject being the fourth son and sixth child. His father died when ho was but seven years of age, and he was compelled to go to work to help support the family. His mother died in 1855. He was married, October 0. 1859, to Elizabeth Heffley, and soon after his marriage he bought seventy-eight acres of land in Somerford Township, to which he has since added twenty acres, making in all ninetyeight acres of good land. Politically, he is a stanch Republican. By his marriage he has had seven children, of whom six are living - Charles, Luther, Wilbert, Cora L., Guy and Rea. A very sad accident befel Mr. and Mrs. Geer July 6, 1870, when they met with the loss of little Minnie Estella, who fell in the well and was drowned before aid could reach her.

MONMORTH P. GOODYEAR, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Pennsylvania June 4, 1830, and is a son of Samuel and Eliza (Timmons) Goodyear, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married in 1826. Eliza was his second wife; his first wife's maiden name was Sear. They emigrated to Ohio, in 1834, and settled at Springfield, Clark County, where he died August 25, 1878. Elizabeth is still living at the old residence in Clark County, Ohio. Monmorth, at twenty-one years of age, engaged to work by the month, and thus continued for three years, when he bought fifty acres of land in Somerford Township, but afterward traded it for 119 acres, where he now resides. He acquired a common school education, and was united in marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth McCorkle, December 16, 1856. To this union had been born fourteen children, of whom thirteen now survive, viz. : Naomi J., Charles A., Eliza A., George S., Mary, Lincoln, Thomas, Luther, Lawrence, Anborr, Emery, William B. and Ulysses G. Mr. Goodyear's son, Charles, is a young man of industry and energy, and is much respected in the community in which he lives. Mr. and Mrs. Goodyear are both members of the Christian Church, and are very pleasantly situated, surrounded with the comforts of life, as the result of their economy and industry.

S. C. GUNDY, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in "Washington County, Penn., October 0, 1841, and is a son of James \\ . and Mary Gundy, who were natives of Scotland. They were married in Scotland, and emigrated to Pennsylvania, where they settled. James died in Pennsylvania in 1848; Mary is still living. S. C. Gundy, at eleven years of age, went to work by the month, and thus continued until 1801, when ho began farming as a renter. Ho was united in marriage with Jennie Weaver, September 9, 1864; she was a native of Pike Township, Madison County, where she was born November 20, 1842. After marriage they moved on their own land, and farmed and cultivated the soil. Ho is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Masonic orders. They have no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter, Alice, who was born July 24, 1867. She has been with them since she was two years old, and has been attending school at the convent, in Somerset, one year, and intends to finish her course of education there.

JACOB HEFFLEY, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Greene County, Ohio, January 11, 1822, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Wilson) Heffley. Charles was a native of Lancaster County, Penn., where he was born in 1789. He died August, 1864. Elizabeth was a native of Kentucky, and died in 1855. They were married in Greene County, Ohio, in 1814. Our subject, at the age of twenty-two years, engaged in chopping wood at 37^ cents per day, and thus continued working by the day and month until he was married. After his marriage, he began farming as a renter, and thus continued for four years, when he moved to Indiana, where he bought eighty acres of laDd, and remained there seven months, but becoming dissatisfied he sold his land and moved back to Ohio. He began farming again as a renter, for the period of six years, when he bought 100 acres of fine land, where he resides, to which he has since added until he now owns 212 acres of land in Clark and Madison Counties. The land is in a high state of cultivation, with splendid building improvements upon it. He acquired a common school education, in the common schools of Ohio, and was united in marriage with Mary Ann Goodyear, February 20, 1845. She was a native of Pennsylvania, born August 10, 1827. To this union have been born two children, of whom one survives, viz. : Martha Ann.

AMOS J. HOWARD, deceased, was born on Goose Island, in the Connecticut River, Grafton County, N. H, and was the son of Amos and Miran (Mills) Howard, who were natives of New Hampshire. Mr. Howard was born April 9, 1775, and Mrs. Howard, March 18, 1774. They were united in marriage, March 22, 1796, and in the fall of 1808 he moved his family to Virginia, where he engaged in teaching school that winter, and in the spring he resumed his journey down the Ohio River in a flat-boat, to the site where he died. His family consisted of himself, his wife, two daughters and our subject. He remained in that locality until his death, which occurred January 15, 1843; his wife died March 26, 1860. Our subject was only six years old when he settled in Madison County, Ohio. When very young, he engaged in fanning and stock-raising, a business he followed until his death, which occurred April 16. 1882. He was married twice, his first wife being Rachel Kirkly, to whom he was married December 22, 1825, and by whom he has five children, all now living, viz.: Napoleon B., Mary J., John M. , Clinton and Marion. She died September 4, 1858, and on March 24, 186.1, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Cowan, with whom he lived until his death. Marion Howard, the son who furnishes the above facts, was born in Madison County, Ohio, and now resides with his step-mother on the home farm. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and owns 900 acres of splendid land in Madison and Champaign Counties. He is a young man of steady habits, and is much respected in the community in which hn lives.

JOHN B. LANCK, farmer, P. O. Tradersville. was born in Virginia January 17, 1814, and is a son of Simon and Mary (Beck) Lanck, who were both natives of Virginia John emigrated to Ohio by himself. After he was twenty-one years of age, he worked for his father on the farm ten yeari . and his father gave hi in sixty acres of land. He, after that time, gave him 1^0 acres, ami John afterward added until be had 126 acres; he has given 150 acres to his children, leaving for himself 276 acres, which is all well improved. He acquired a common school education. He was united in marriage, September 1, 1846. with Louisa Morris, a native of Ohio, where she was born in 1826. By her he has had six children, viz., Catharine S., Reason G, Simon F., Sallie R., Corwin and John F. The oldest one of the children is the present Representative of Madison County. Mr. and Mrs. Lanck are both members of the Methodist Church.

SCHUYLER LEWIS, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Tradersville, was born in New York February 25, 1812, and is a son of Gardner and Martha (Barber) Lewis, natives of New York, the former born March 3, 1786, and the latter September, 1788. They were married in New York in 1811, emi grated to Vermont in 1822, pressed forward to Ohio in 1836, and settled in Somerford Township, Madison County, where they remained until their death. She died in March, 1845. and he married for his second wife Ruth Hutchison, who lived until September 1, 1880, at which time she died, Mr. Lewis, her husband, having died in 1862. Schuyler engaged in farming by the month at seventeen years of age. and continued, at $8 per month, for eight yoars, when he bought 100 acres of land, and has since added to it until he owns 1,6(52 acres of fine land, the most of which is in Madison County. He was united in marriage, October 25, 1836, with Lida Hasard, who died August 8, 1862. He married for his second wife Eliza J. Candler, April 4, 1866, and by her had one child, viz., Howard, born November 22, 1872. Mr. Lewis has had a verf limited education, but he has become one of the largest and most successful farmers and stock-raisers in the State.

PHILIP MARKLEY. farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Somerford Township, Madison County. Ohio, August 12, 1825, and is a son of Jonathan and Mary Markley. Philip, at twenty-one years of age, engaged in farming ; he bought fiftv acres of land, and his father crave him fifty acres more, to which he has since added until he owns, at the present time, 413 acres of fine land, in a high state of cultivation. He has been married three times; his first wife was Catharine Kiskeder, to whom he was married in 1847. She died September 12, 1849, and in October, 1851, he was united in marriage with Eliza J. Atcheson, by whom he has five children living, viz., William A., Jacob M., Jonathan F. , Maria and Eliza Jane. His second wife died May 20. L861, and he was united in marriage with his third wife October 6, 1862, and by her has five children living, viz., Philip M. , John G., Harry K., Bertha R. and Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Markley are church members, he belonging to the Christian Church and she to the Methodist.

JOHN L. MARSH, farmer, P. O. London, is a native of Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of Noah and Eliza (Egman ) Marsh. The former was born in North Carolina August 31, 1796, and emigrated to Ohio via Springfield when there were only eighteen houses in the town, the best being a hewed-log building. They first stopped in Champaign County where he remained till 1812, when he pressed forward to Clark County, and then to Madison County. Ohio, where he settled and remained until his death, which occurred February 11, 1853. His wife was born in Ohio February 19, 1798: they were married in Clark County, Ohio, October 5, L820. John L. Marsh engaged in work for himself at twenty-one years of age. He first assisted on the farm one year, then engaged as a renter, and thus continued for three years, when ho bought fifteen acres, and has since added to it until he owns 240 acres; he was married in March, 1859, to Cleopatra Goodyear, who was born in Clark County November 4, 1839. This union has been blessed with eight children, of whom six survive - Samuel, Wilbert,

NEWMAN MITCHELL, one of the men who helped make a history for Madison County, was born April 29, 1811, on the banks of the Ohio River, forty miles above Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the son of Ensign and Lucy (Hubbard) Mitchell. His father moved to Madison County, Ohio, and settled on a farm about four and a half miles southeast of Mechanicsburg, in the year 1815. In about the year 1826, his father moved to another farm, near Rosedale. This farm consisted of 600 acres, bought from one Galloway. Newman and his brother Abizar bought 450 acres of this farm from their father, and succeeded in paying for it; he married, January 1, 1837. Miss Cassandra Bradley, daughter of David and Nancy Bradley, born March 17, 1818, sister to Lawson, David M. and Shelton Bradley. He made subsequent purchases until he owned over 400 acres of land in that settlement; and in 1853 he bought the "Tom Morris farm," uear Tradersville, on to which he moved in that same year. In 1865, he bought the Nathaniel Griffin farm, 433 acres, for which he paid $20,000. He afterward assisted his son-in-law, David Bales, in buying out the heirs in the Bales farm, one mile north of Somerford, consisting of about 355 acres; he then added, by three different purchases, nearly 1,000 acres from the D. W. C. Sawyer farm, adjoining his home farm. His later purchases, made after the war, were in conjunction with his son, Charles Mitchell, as an equal partner. With what he has given to his children, he now owns about 2,200 acres, all of which is well improved; he has always been diligent, industrious and honest. "Uncle Newman's" word has always passed at par value. For many years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he has made his money in legitimate enterprises. He never indulged in any "wild cat" speculations. He dealt in cattle and other live stock, and has generally been an extensive farmer, employing hired help to quite an extent; he has been a good husband, a good father, a good neighbor, a peaceable and law-abiding citizen, and a good example for both voting and old. What more need be said of auv man?

THOMAS H. NICEWANNER, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Washington County, Md., February 1, 1844, and is a son of Henry and and Sarah (Brown) Nicewanner. Henry was a native of Virginia, born in December, 1815, and Sarah was a native of Maryland, born January 18, 1819. They were married in Maryland, emigrated to Ohio in 1861 and settled in Somerford Township, Madison County, where Sarah died in 1844. He married for his second wife Sarah Smith. Our subject, when twenty -two years of age, began farming and milling, and continued until 1877, when he bought 100 acres of land, sold that and bought 133 acres in Indiana. Soon afterward he sold that and bought town property in Somerford, where he resides. He has held the office of Township Trustee of Somerford Township. He was united in marriage with Nancy A. Ellsworth, December 26, 1868. She was born in Clark County, Ohio, May !. L844. To this union have been born five children, of whom four survive - Candy H, Ressie D., Rosa L. and Thursey D. We are called upon to chronicle the sad death of little Willie, which occurred March 29, L882. While the little fellow was carrying an armful of corn in the barn lot. he was hooked by a cow, causing his death almost instantly. Mr. and Mrs. Nicewanner have been members of the Methodist Church for a great many years.

WILLIAM M. OVERTURF was born in Ohio, December 21, 1832, and was a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Griffin) Overturf, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. They were married in Ohio, where they settled and remained until their death, the former in February, 1847, and the latter in June, 1881 They were the parents of ten children, all of whom are living. Our subject, after his father's death, began working for himself as a farm hand by the month, and thus he continued for a time, after which he learned the carpenter trade. He acquired a common-school education, and was tinited in marriage, August 14, 1854, with Hannah J. Long. Four years after his marriage, he commenced studying for the ministry, and in i860 he began active service in the Christian Church. Ho has been engaged in the good work for twenty-two years, preaching in Somorford for sixteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Overturf are the parents of five children, viz.: Frank, Clark. Flora. Klinore and Hattie. Mr. Overturf is hold in the highest esteem by his congregation and the people of his community.

JOHN PAINE, retired farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Maryland, iu 1813 and is a son of Jesse and Nancy (Griffin) Paine, who were natives of Maryland. They were married in Maryland, emigrated to Ohio, and settied in Madison County, where they remained until their death, he in 1859, a ad she in 18(34. Our subject, when twenty- two years old, began working by the job, and thus he continued for two years, when he commenced farming as a renter, and followed this for five years, when he bought hfty-one acres of land, which he worked for himself. He also owns nice town property. He was married four times. The first time he was unite; i in marriage with -lane Helderstine, in 1835. She died in 1840, and he married Sarah Celler in 1842. She passed away in 1844, and he married Betsy Cuberly in 1846. She died in 1848. He remained a widower until 1851, when he was united in marriage with Sarah McDonell. He is the father of twelve children, of whom seven survive, viz., Arminta, Anna Belle, John \Y., James O., Catharine. Eliza J. and Mary. Mr. Paine is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a very pleasant and sociable old gentleman.

G. M. POTEE, retired farmer, P. O. Somerford, is the son of Sutton and Hannah (Markley) Potee, was born in Maryland, March 21, 1817. His parents emigrated to Ohio in September, 1817, and settled in Madison County, where they remained until their deaths, he March 9, 1863, and she February 7, 1868. Gabriel, at the age of nineteen, began farming as a renter, and thus he continued for eight years, when he bought twelve acres of land, to which he has since added until he owns 243 acres, in a high state of cultivation. He acquired a common school education, and has been Township Trustee of Somerford Township for three terms, an office he filled with credit to himself and his constituents. He was united in marriage with Levina Mitchell December 4, 1836 She was a native of Madison County, Ohio, where she was born January 22, 1819, and by this union has had eight children, of whom five survive, viz., Claudius, Lizzie, Newton, John M. and Nancy A. Mr. and Mrs. Potee have been members of the Methodist Church since they were sixteen years of age.

SAMUEL PRUGH, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Somerford, was born in Maryland October 28, 1811, and is a son of George and Margaret (Markley) Prugh, the former of German descent, and the latter a native of Maryland, where they were united in marriage. They emigrated to Ohio in 1S12, and settled near Somerford, Madison County, where they remained until their death. Samuel, the third son and fourth child of the family, acquired a common school education, and remained at home with his parents until twenty one years of age, when he went to work for himself by the day as a farm hand, but at the expiration of the first year, he engaged as a renter for a few years. He was united in marriage, March, 1835, with Nancy Bradly, who was born in Greene County, Ohio, November 8, 1818. Soon after their marriage, he purchased and kept a grocery in London, a business he engaged in for three years, at the expiration of which time he and his brother bought 600 acres of land in Union Township, Madison County. He has since added to this purchase until he owns at the present time 960 acres of well- improved land. He and wife are the parents of thirteen children, of whom eleven are living, viz., Ellen, Margaret, Mary, George W., Nancy F., H. H., Malinda, Emma M., Samuel M., Laura E. and James B. Mr. Prugh is a member of the German Baptist Church.

G. W. PRUGH, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Somerford Township, Madison County, Ohio, June 16, 1816, and is a son of George and Margaret (Markley) Prugh, natives of Maryland, where they were married. They emigrated to Ohio in 1812, and settled in Somerford Township, Madison County, where they remained until their deaths, the former in 1841, and the latter in 1864. G. W. Prugh, when twenty-one years of age, engaged in farming as a renter, and thus continued for twelve years, when he bought sixty-two acres of land, which he afterward sold, and his wife having inherited 409 acres from her father's estate he farmed that. He acquired a common school education, and has filled the office of Treasurer of Somerford Township for seven years. He was united in marriage with Louisa Wilson February 8, 1838. She is a native of Madison County, and was born January 5, 1823. To this union have been born three children, viz. : Valentine H., Maria J. and Theodore. Mr. and Mrs. Prugh are members of the Christian Church.

GEORGE PRUGH. farmer, P. O. Somerford. The subject of this sketch was born in London, Madison Co.. Ohio, January 13, 1832, and is a son of Gabriel and Matilda (Wilson) Prugh; the former was born in Mary land in 1804. and emigrated to Madison County, Ohio, when a boy. The latter was a native of Ohio. They were married in Madison County in 1831 , and settled in Somerford Township, where they now reside. George Prugh was engaged for the first few years of his life in working by the month, after which he engaged in fanning as a renter, and thus continued for six years, when he engaged in taking public contracts, a business he followed for fifteen years, at the expiration of which he bought a hundred acres of woodland in Clark County, Ohio. In a short time he sold that, and bought 340 acre-, of land in Somerford Township, where he now resides, and from which he has since sold 105 acres, leaving 235 acres of good land. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has held the office of Township Trustee of Somerford Township for five years. He was united in marriage with Julia Connors September 15, L858. The rosult of this union has been four children, viz. : Effie, William, Thomas and Lewis. Mr. Prugh lives in one of the oldest houses in Madison County.

JAMES W. D. STATELER, farmer, P. O. London, is a native of Licking County Ohio, where he was bom June 28, 1S18. He is a son of Micli.iol and May (Dunlap) Stateler, who were both natives of Virginia. They emigrated to Licking County, Ohio, and afterward to Madison County, where they settled and remained until their deaths, he in IS 12. and she in 1873. James has been engaged in farming and raising stock all his life. He rented land the first ten years, then bough! 200 acres of well-improved land, to which he has since added until ho now owns 4S0 acres. He acquired a common school education, has been a member of the Masonic order for ten years, a member of the I. O. O. F. for twenty-five years, and has served as Trustee and Clerk of Somerford Township. He was united in marriage to Miss Phebe Round March 23, 1843. This union has been blessed by the birth of eight children, of whom five survive - Michal, Sarah, William, Mary and John.

ASA TAYLOR, retired farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in New York January 20, 1803, and is a son of Andrew and Rebecca (Davis) Taylor, natives of New York, whore they were married. They emigrated to New Jersey, where they remained fifteen years, and then emigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1821, where they remained until after Andrew's death, when the widow moved to Madison County, whore she remained until her death. Asa Taylor first engaged to work in a woolen factory, and in this occupation he continued for four years, when he lost his health. The next two years of his life he spent in traveling for his health, and feelino- able once more to resume work, he engaged with a man to drive stage, and continued at that business for four years. After he quit driving stao-e, he moved to the country, and sottled within one half mile of where he now resides. He first bought 150 acres of timbered land; sold that and bought 100 acres of improved land, where he resides. He acquired a common school education, and was united in marriage in 1830, with Eliza Comer, who has borne him eight children, of whom six now survive, viz. : David, Oliver, William, Sarah, Sylvanus and Oscar. Mr. Taylor is one of the oldest citi zens of Somerford Township.

WILLIAM TETER, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Virginia November 25, 1827, and is a son of John and Dorothy (Lossen) Teter, natives of Virginia, where John was born in 1805, and Dorothy in 1808. They were married in Virginia, where they remained until their death. William emigrated to Ohio in November, 1851, and settled in Madison County. He first engaged as a farm hand, working by the month, and thus he continued for seven years, when he engaged as a renter, and has continued ever since in this capacity. He raises a great deal of stock, principally sheep. He acquired a common school education in the common schools, and was united in marriage, June 8, 1853, with Miss Mary Kennedy.

DAVID WARD, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Clark County October 15. 1825, and is a son of Andrew and Sarah (Marsh) Ward. Andrew was a native of Virginia, and Sarah of Clark County, where they were united in marriage. They moved to Madison County, Ohio, in 1842, and settled in Somerford Township, where they remained until their deaths, which occurred in 1852. David Ward, when twenty-one years of ao-e, engaged in farming at $10 per month, and thus continued for four years, when he inherited from his father's estate seventy-five acres of land, to which he has since added until he owns about 700 acres, all well improved. He engages to some extent in the raising of cattle and hogs. Ho acquired a common school education in the common schools of Ohio. He was united in marriage with Mary Lannon in 1869. To this union have been born four children, all living.

ALEXANDER W EST (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born June 21, 1809, and is a son of Edwin and Margaret (Shell) West Edwin was born December 17, 1788, and Margaret, December 10, 1782. The subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Elizabeth Curl, March 31, 1831. She was born March 29, 1812. He engaged in farming as a renter for the first few years, when he bought seventy acres of fine land where his widow now resides. He acquired a common school education, and served as Justice of the Peace of Somerford Township for a number of years, and was filling that office at the time of his death, which occurred December 20, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. West were the parents of fourteen children, of whom seven survive - Margaret, Sarah, Edmond, Linnie, Samuel, Mary Ann and Thomas. He was a member of the Methodist Church.

JAMES M. WILLARD, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Someiford Township, Madison County, Ohio, October 21, 1829, and is a son of Abner S. and Hulda (Colver) Willard. The former was a native of Vermont, and he was born in 1791 ; he emigrated first to Canada, then to New York, and in 1812 to Champaign County, Ohio, where he remained until 1815, when he came to Madison County, where he settled and remained until his death, December 16, 1872. Our subject's mother was born on the banks of Lake Champlain, in the State of New York, 1796. They wore married in Madison County, Ohio, in 1817, where she died June 3, 1861. James M. Willard was united in marriage with Ellen Hull November 25, 1851. She was born in Madison County, Ohio, July 2, 1830. Soon after their marriage, Mr. Willard engaged in farming and stock-raising, a business he has followed ever since. He rented land for a few years, when he bought ^00 acres, and has since added to it until he now owns 258 acres of wellimproved land in Somerford Township. He acquired a common school education, and served as. Commissioner of Madison County for three years - elected by Republican votes. He has held the office of Township Trustee of Somerford Township at different times; has been elected School Director by his neighbors, and has filled that office for twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. Willard are the parents of six children, of whom five are living, viz. : Tabitha, Edwin E., Nettie O., Louie R. and Horace M. Mr. Willard is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and he and his wife are both members of the Universalist Church.

Jacob Wilson. - The first authentic information I have been able to gather of this family is that of Jacob Wilson, an Irishman, who had married a German wife. In the year 1790, he left the South Branch of the Potomac River, in Virginia, not far from Harper's Ferry, and emigrated to Kentucky, to what is now the county of Clark. In the year 1802, after having lived twelve years in Kentucky, he came to Ohio, and settled on the head- waters of Beaver Creek, Bath Township, and county of Greene, near the present site of the village of Fairfield.

Jacob Wilson was the father of thirteen children, or of twelve, as some of the friends believe. Their names were as follows, although probably not in the order of their births: Jacob, William, Michael, John, James, Valentine, Jeremiah, Isaac, Daniel, Mary, Eleanor, Elizabeth and Rachel. Some of the friends think there was not one of the name of Rachel.

Jacob Wilson, the first born of Jacob, the first known ancestor, remained in Kentucky until the time of his death, which was at a ripe old age. He became very wealthy. He became the largest holder of slaves in that portion of the State. He enjoyed the unenviable notoriety, also, of being the heaviest weight in that part of the Slate, weighing, at one time, over four hundred pounds. He and his wife together weighed seven hun-

William Wilson died during the war of 1812, at Fairfield, Ohio, of " cold plague, " or cerebro spinal meningitis. He left three children - Susannah, Elizabeth and William.

Michael Wilson died in 1813 at Fairfield, Ohio, leaving three children - Washington, Josiah and Michael. Josiah is said to have been the brightest and handsomest man ever born into the Wilson family. He died at an early age.

Isaac Wilson, who came to Ohio with his father in 1802, remained at Fairfield, Greene County, Ohio, until his death, in the spring of 1859. He was a short, heavy, very fleshy man, who, in walking, stepped out little more than the length of his feet.

Eleanor Wilson married John Bradley, of Greene County, Ohio, but subsequently came to Madison County, and both lived and died one mile north of Somerford, where Uncle Wash Wilson now lives.

Elizabeth Wilson married Charles Hefley, of Greene County, Ohio, but afterward came to Madison County, and settled near Somerford, where both died advanced in years.

Valentine Wilson, son of Jacob, the first known ancestor, came to Ohio with his father in 1802. He was born near Harper's Ferry, Va., October 1, 1785. He moved to Kentucky with his father in 1790, when five years of age; and was seventeen when he came to Ohio. In 1806, he was married to Miss Eleanor Judy, of Greene County, Ohio, daughter of John Judy, a Swiss, and Phoebe (Lamaster) Judy, his wife - a woman of French parentage. To them were born six children - William D., born February 27, 1807; James, born December 20, 1808; John, October 19, 1810; Eli, July 12, 1812; Matilda, October 12, 1814; Malinda, January 12, 1817.

On the 5th day of September, 1818, Eleanor (Judy) Wilson died; and in the year 1819 he was married to Miss Susannah Humble, who became the mother of four children - Lucinda, born January 7, 1820; Washington, September 7, 1821; Louisa, January 5, 1823; Jackson, September 3, 1824.

On the 18th day of August, 1825, Susannah (Humble) Wilson died; and on the 18th day of June, 1827. he was married to Miss Nancy Roberts, who became the mother of nine childron - Caroline M., born June 28, 1828; -Alexander Hamilton. February 7, 1830; Emeline, September 12, 1831; Mary Ann, October 1, 1832; Valentine C, January 19, 1834; Margaret, May 5, 1835, and died in infancy, June 3, 1835; Jacob W., April 29, 1836; Daniel Boone, December 4, 1837; Nancy Frances, October 26, 1840. By the three marriages he became the father of nineteen children, seventeen of whom became heads of families. Margaret died in infancy, and Daniel Boone died, unmarried, at the old homestead, April 26, 1860.

It was not my pleasure to have had a personal acquaintance with Valentine Wilson; but that ho was a man of no ordinary gifts, both mental and physical, seems to be a fact of general acceptance among those who knew him the most intimately. He was a man of great presence of mind

- which gift stood him in good stead on more than one occasion. Once, when riding after night, he was halted by highwaymen who suspected him of having money in his possession, whom he completely disarmed by answering in a calm and unruffled tone of voice: "Well, well, boys, you have got me this time; I have 25 cents in my pocket, and if you will go back to the tavern with me. we will take that out in a treat all round." They then let him pass without a search or further parley, without suspicion of the fact that he had upon his person, in "genuine coin of the realm," more than $7,000, besides his 25 cents! He was also an unconscious psychologist. He could divine a man's errand when approaching him. when a long distance off - forming an opinion which was seldom founded in an error, as to whether he was coming to buy, to sell, or to borrow money ; and he often robbed a refusal of its poignancy, from this latter class, by forestalling them with the question if they knew of any of their neighbors who had $200 or $300 that they would loan for <t fete days! He died of dropsy, on the 2d day of July, 1855, on the farm where he settled in 1816; but from the small beginning of 160 acres - his first purchase - in the thirty-nine years of his afterlife, he accumulated about seven thousand acre* of land! besides over $60,- 000 in personal property, and died the wealthiest man who had ever been a citizen of Madison County !

William D. Wilson, the Land Baron of Madison County, was the firstborn of Valentine and Eleanor (Judy) Wilson. He was born in Bath Township, Greene County, Ohio, February 27, 1807; and died of erysipelas at his homestead on the Darby Plains, on the 25th day of March, 1873. In 1829, he married Miss Nancy Moore, of Madison County. Ohio, who died at the old homestead in September, 1882. Her father was killed by the Indians in the war of 1812. By this marriage there were born to them eight children - Alexander, Ellen, James Monroe, La Fayette. William M., Sarah, Washington and Taylor. In writing of William D. Wilson, I am writing of no ordinary man. I knew him intimately and well; and in many respects I think he was the most remarkable man I ever knew.

There is no photograph or other likeness of him left, while living. There was a post mortem photograph taken, but it is a monstrosity. He stood six feet in his boots. He was straight, and with well-rounded and of comely proportions, up until late in life, when he inclined to corpulency. His hands and feet were small and short; his hair dark brown, thick and oily; his head large - No. 1\ hat - well rounded, and well balanced phrenologically; his complexion clear, and slightly florid; his lower jaw strongly set; his teeth short, even, pearly white, and without signs of decay up until the time of his death. His face was full, and his cheeks full, round and solid, like Bob Ingersoll's. There was an irresistible charm in his full, round. Saxon ey« the honest inheritance from his Saxon grandmother. If one was. at first sight, when his face was severely* in repose, impressed with the idea that he was somewhat gross and sensual, the varied expression of his wonderful eye. when he became animated, soon set that illusion aside. He was a good and entertaining talker, with an inclination to ask more questions than he was called on to answer. If you were not on your guard, he would cautiously and quietly pump you dry, without giving back an equivalent, unless it was in the pleasure of his company. In conversation, his voice was agreeable and pleasing; but when it was raised to a high pitch, one would be reminded of the fable of the lion and the foxes - '"''One, but a lion "'

In the race of life, he commenced as his father before him had done single-handed and alone. He served his father faithfully and well until ho was twenty-one years of age. He then hired, as an ordinary farm laborer, for three months "wet and dry," at $7 a month, to Judge John Arbuckle, a near neighbor. Shortly after this term of service, he married, and bought 200 acres of land, out in the Darby Plains, at 80 cents an acre. This was bought with borrowed money, his uncle Daniel going on his notes. The Darby Plains were mostly tmder water in those days during the v?et season of the year; but they grew a rank, coarse kind of wild grass, which, if cut and properly cured, contained just enough nourishment to keep cattle from starving to death. As it had been with his father before him, when a boy at home, so it became with him now. They were not raisers or breeders of cattle. They bought them when two or three years old, and then kept them until fat enough for market. Sometimes a $7 steer, brought from the timber land in Indiana in the winter or spring, and put on the open grass land of the Darby Plains, would bring $25 or $30 in the fall of that year. These fatted cattle passed into the hands of another class of dealers, of which the Renicks, of Pickaway County, were the originators the class of dealers who took them on a six weeks' slow journey, over the mountains, to the Baltimore or Philadelphia markets. So that his motto became like that of Emperor Constantine - ' ' By this sign ye conquer." Money began to grow. Each year his herds grew larger, and soon he began to add new acres to his first purchase. His first cabin stood over across the road from where he died, in a cluster of apple trees that are still standing.

About a year before he died, he was at my house, and I questioned him as to his mode of accumulating so much property. His answer was that it was "easy enough! easy enough! No mystery about it! Gather in and spread out! Gather in and spread out!" It probably seemed easy enough to him, for he was not a common or ordinary man. But if it was all so easy and simple, how did it happen that he absorbed nearly a half township of improved farms, whose tenantless houses, or solitary chimneys, scattered for miles across his possessions, looked like a vast and limitless harbor, with fleets lying dreamily at anchor!

The free turnpike leading from London to Plain City passes for nine miles through his farm; and within three years he paid $28,000 in taxes for free turnpikes alone. His farm, on the west, adjoined Dun Glen, the farm of John G. Dun, in Deer Creek Township, and stretched continuously to where he was buried, on his own farm, in the old Baptist Burying-Ground, on Big Darby.

He was social and convivial in his habits, fond of good company and plenty of it - upon all of which occasions he was the central figure. He did nothing by halves; it was either all work or all play. He was a natural born wit; and when in a merry mood kept everybody around him in a roar, excepting himself. He was never boisterous; never off his balance in any direction. His wit was keen, original, and generally practical- with a vein of philosophy running through it. He never indulged in any repartee that was bought second hand. He was original or nothing. He was never profane.

On one occasion, while a fiddler was tuning-up and resting his arm, Uncle Bill reminded him of the prodigal waste of time, by saying: "Mr. Tucker! Mr. Tucker! you must remember that every time a sheep stops to bleat it loses a mouthful!"

He was never quarrelsome or contentious. Neither he nor bis father before him, I am told, were ever engaged before any court, either as plaintiff or defendant. And I never heard him speak ill of any man.

Like his father, he had great presence of mind; and like, as it was with him, it stood him in good stead on many occasion?. His nearest bank, thirty years ago, was at Columbus, twenty miles away. Sometimes it required a large amount of money to carry on his business, and he was often suspected of having money upon his person or about his house. Once, when traveling at night, not many miles from home, he was halted by highwaymen, and with the muzzles of some old-fashioned brass-mounted horsepistols in unpleasant proximity to his head, was ordered, peremptorily, to hold up his hands. He suspected the identity of the parties, and jocularly called them by name. The question with them then was, either cold-blooded murder or joining in the laugh, as if the whole thing had been intended for a joke. This they did. They wilted, and allowed him to pass on home.

It was generally his custom to not go out after night without company. One of these protectors, not infrequently, was Ira Kilbury, an infant who kicked the beam at 240 pounds, and who could " whip his weight in wild cats." Returning from Plain City after night on one occasion, his carriage was flanked by highwaymen, who began to close in on either side; but his coolness saved him then. He spoke very loudly, and in a peremp tory tone - " Ira! Ira, my boy! whip up, whip up, or we won't get home be fore midnight! " Visions of the infant who could whip his weight in wild cats struck terror to the heart of the footpads, and they gave a wide berth and a fair field, when Ira, in reality, was snoring away in the quiet and security of his own cabin home, more than five miles away.

I have spoken of him as a Land Baron. In 1870, the State of Ohio contained fifty -six cultivated farms, of over 1,000 acres each. Of these fifty-six, thirty-six were in Madison County. William D. Wilson, in 1870, owned the largest improved farm in Ohio; he had 1,200 acres in one pasture, upon which you could not find a bush large enough for a riding whip. There were giant burr oaks in clusters or groves, but no brush. And in ai! the fifty or more miles of fencing on his farm, there was no one rod that did not look like it had been put up for corraling mules or wild deer. His farm had a capacity for more than 2,000 head of cattle; but he usually had ' a variety of stock. Before the war, he was in the habit of " turning off" about $10,000 worth of mules of his own raising annually. Once, since the war, in a time of depression in that line, he sent down among the hills of Southeastern Ohio, and bought about 18,000 head of sheep, at about $1 ahead. Times soon changed for this class of stock, and when the boom reached $7 or $8 a head, he sold out and changed over to something else.

He amassed a great fortune. Is this the story of his life? Not at all. He was a remarkable man aside from his fortune; he could as easily and would have as surely attained to great responsibilities and honors, had his great genius beon early directed in the channels that led that way. He had natural capacity enough to have been a railroad magnate, like Vander bilt; a financier like Alexander Hamilton or Chase; or a General of an army - for he was naturally a leader, and never a follower of men.

But was this fortune accumulated without fraud, misrepresentation, treachery or the oppression of the poor? I think every dollar of it was. William D. Wilson was an honorable and an honest man.

James Wilson, second born child of Valentine, and grandson of Jacob the first known ancestor, was born in Bath Township, Greene Co., Ohio, De- cember 28, 1808, and came to Madison County with his father in 1816, when eight years of age; he, like his brother, William D. Wilson, remained in service with his father until he was twenty-one years old.

In 1832, when he was twenty-five years old, he went to Kentucky and bought, at $2 an acre, of a man named Morgan, 400 acres of land out on the Darby Plains, this county, and which is now a part of the Taylor Wilson estate. Of this he kept 160 acres, sold fifty acres to his brother John, and the remainder to his brother William D.