Porter Township

Porter Township

E. D. died July 28, 1865. The subject of this sketch was naturally of a scholarly turn, and even entered upon some of the higher branches at an early age, acquiring a large portion of his education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, in Delaware. Having a native talent for music, he commenced the practice on the violin at the age of 8 years, and has since become very proficient as a musician. His wife also excels as such, the services of both being in great demand at concerts, etc. Mr. Van Sickle was married, Nov. 14, 18Y8, to Alice, daughter of Isaac and Mary Bradfield. Her parents were natives of Ohio. Mr. Van Sickle is a member of Sparrow Lodge, No. 400, A., P. & A. M., of Delaware ; is the owner of 460 acres of well-cultivated land, and the township has honored itself by ^electing him to various offices within its gift.

JAMES F. WHITE, farmw; P. 0. Kilbourne ; is a son of James and Elizabeth (Fry) White. His father was born, about 1804, in the State of Delaware, and mother in Pennsylvania, where they were married, and from which place they emigrated to Delaware Co., about 1830. The mother died in 1872 ; the father is still living. They had ten children - Johnson, Leah Ann, James P., George W., Thornton P., Isaac K., Esther J., Elizabeth C; two died when young. The parents were Methodists. Our subject was born, Dec. 13, 1833, in Brown Township; was married, Oct. 8, 1868, to Cornelia, a daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Longshore) Carpenter. Her father was born in 1808, iu Delaware Co., near Galena, and mother on March 18, 1816. They had six children - Leonora E., Roland B., Cornelia A., Warrington C., Zorada M., Zaren 0. The father died in 1852. The mother is still living. Mrs. White was born, Oct., 11, 1846, in this county. They have two children - Louis C, born March 2, 1870 ; Adelbert, born Aug. 7, 1875. They settled for a while after marriage in Brown Township, and in 1869 they came to Kingston Township, and bought the present farm of G. W. White, consisting of sixty acres, where they have since remained. He is a Republican in politics.

ELIAS BOWERS, farmer; P. 0. Kingston Center ; is a son of Jesse and Lydia (Grandstaff ) Bowers ; his father was born in Virginia and emigrated to Ohio about 1793, settling in Knox Co., near Mt. Vernon, and was a minister of the M. B. Church ; his mother was born in Zanesville, Ohio ; they had eleven children ; the oldest is now living at the age of 80, and the youngest at 40. Mr. Bowers was born in Kno:^ Co., Ohio, June 10, 1818, and remained there until 1850, when he moved to Licking Co., where he engaged in merchandising for nine years; in 1871, he sold his farm in Licking Co., and bought 125 acres, now owned by Thomas Benoy, and owned the, same two years, and then sold and bought the present farm of sixty-three acres. He was married in 1840 to Mary, a daughter of William Wilson ; she was born in 1818 in Pennsylvania; her father was also born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio in 1821. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers had the following children : Charles Wesley (was in the war and was wounded), Alexander C. (was in the army and was wounded), William H. (died by exposure in the army). Amy E. (married Payne), Melvina (married Browning), Delilah A. (dead), Phcebe B. (married Grandstaff), Elizabeth S. C. (married Garner), James (died Feb. 8, 1879). Mr. Bowers has held office of Constable and almost all township offices. He entered the Methodist Episcopal denomination as a minister in an early day ; has been in that capacity for twenty-one years.

HIRAM BLACKLEDGE, farmer; P. O. Kingston Center; was born August 21, 1816. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Carroll Co., Ohio, about 1820. Mr. Blackledge was married in 1838, to Eleanor Mills, who was born April 30, 1817, a daughter of William and Sarah- (Clear) Mills; her father and mother were from Pennsylvania, and of Welsh descent. In 1840,' Mr. and Mrs. Blackledge came by team to Delaware Co., and bought 100 acres of woodland, upon which they erected a cabin, which yet remains ; upon this land were excellent sugar camps, which were a source of profit and satisfaction to the family ; Mr. Blackledge finally became the possessor of 500 acres of land, 250 of which, however, he divided among his children ; the remaining 250 acres are well improved and are largely devoted to stock purposes, and he gives his time principally to the raising of Spanish merino sheep,, giving especial attention to their care and improvement, having about five hundred head. His wife died in' September, 1874 ; they had a large family of children ; those living are William, Jane, Harriet, Robert and Phoebe ; those deceased are Isaac, John, Thomas, Lincoln and Edwin. Mr. Blackledge was again married, in 1876, to Nancy, a daughter of Henry Brookins, of Ohio ; she bore him one child, which died soon after birth, and the mother died in 1877 ; his son Robert and wife are now living with him. ' He is a member of the Republican party ; was formerly a Whig, having cast his first vote for Harrison. His son Isaac died while in the army during the late war.'

WILLIAM BAKER, farmer ; P. O. Condit ; is a son of Thomas and Anna ^. Baker ; his father was born in Ashby-de-Zouch, Leicestershire, England, in 1779, and emigrated to the United States in 1832, stopping a s^iort time at New York, Philadelphia, Germantown, Addington, etc. William was horn in 1823, in England, and emigrated to Ohio in 1849, settling in Porter Township, Delaware Co. He was married, in 1846, to Miss Jane, a daughter of Robert Kilgore, by whom he had thirteen children - Thomas E., born Sept 21, 1847, and married Nov. 7, 1874, to Mary, a daughter of Robert Jones, of Delaware, Ohio; Emma E., born at Pittsburg, Penn., June 12, 1849, and died in 1850; Lucy M., born Sept. 7, 1850, married Morris Murphy Jan. 7, 1873; Robt. J., born June 2, 1852, and died Oct. 18, 1854 ; Samuel P., born March 15, 1854, and died Sept. 24, 1860 ; Kate L., born Jan. 16, 1855, and died Jan. 29,1869; Ida M., born July 13, 1857, and married Nov. 21, 1877, to Howard Haskins, who died June 8, 1879, (she now. lives with her father and has one child, Freddie J., born Jan. 25, 1879) ; Lilly, born Nov. 27, 1858, and died Jan. 29, 1869; William P., born April 30, 1860; Minnie J., born April 4, 1862 ; Nettie, born March 29, 1866; Maggie, born Sept. 6, 1867; and Eva, born April 3, 1869. They settled on the present farm of 200 acres in 1859 ; the farm is under good improvement, being well watered by good living springs, making it finely adapted to stock-raising, of which they make some specialty in breeding Norman horses and merino sheep. Mr.

Baker enlisted in Co. P, 43d 0. V. I., and remained some three years, and then returned to his farm ; in his younger days, he worked in the iron works at Pittsburg, also in a confectionery in the same place for some four years for D. Bowen ; made one trip on the Alleghany. River as cabinboy, also down the Ohio on a coal-boat ; Mr. Baker has been a hard-worker, and has cleared 120 acres by his own hands.

THOMAS BENOY, farmer; P. 0. Condit; is a son of James and Mary (Bailey) Benoy ; his father was born in England and emigrated to America about 1847, making their settlement in Knox Co. He died in 1874 ; his mother died in 1856. They had six children, five living ; Thomas was born in 1835, in England, and came with his father to America; he learned the shoemaker's trade with a Mr. Smeal at Mt. Vernon, working at the business some fourteen years, and was very successful. He was married to H. J., a daughter of Thomas Hix, of England. They have five children ; Rose E., George, Henry, Manuel and William. In 1870, they settled on their present farm of 125 acres ; it is most excellently watered by spring and creek and is one of the finest stock farms in the country. They are members of the M. E. Church, in which he has been Steward, Trustee and Superintendent of Sabbath-schools. He takes an interest in educating his children, buying them valuable literature. He now makes a specialty in fine Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs.

IRA' CHASE, farmer ; P. 0. Kingston Center; was born April 12, 1809, in Maine, and remained there until 9 years old, when he came by team and raft, with his parents, to Cincinnati, Ohio, and soon moved with the family to Champaign Co., where his father died in 1822. At the age of 16, Mr. Chase began farming to support his father's family ; this was in Delaware Co.; his means soon increased sufficiently for him to buy 50 acres of land in Porter Township, which he improved and added to it, making 155 acres ; afterward selling 100 acres of the same to his son. In 1830 he began traveling as a minister of the M. E. denomination ; he was first stationed at Newark, afterward at Greenville, Darke Co., then changed. to the Medina Circuit, thence to Toledo, and from there to Mexico, Crawford Co., and finally terminated his last circuit at Mt. Gilead. In 1840, they moved to Delaware, Ohio, and educated five girls, remaining there twelve years, and then returned to the present farm. He was married.

June 11, 1835, to Jane, a daughter of Isaac Wilcox ; she was born Dec. 1, 1809, in Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; by her he has six children - Elizabeth J. (married Dr. P. ¥. Beverly, living in Columbus), C. B. (married Elizabeth Marshall living in Porter Township), Cornelia A. (married J. R. Lytle, an attorney, at Delaware, Ohio), Elanora (married G. M. Blackford, merchant at Delaware), Mildred M. (now teaching in Randolph Co., 111.), Viola A. (married J. C. Jackson). Mr. Chase has held the oflSce of Infirmary Director and township officefe, as Trustee ; he has devoted many moments of his life to the temperance cause. He abandoned the ministry on account of poor health. He organized the first church in Toledo, beginning his services with a small salary of $75.

SAMUEL CLAWSON, farmer ; P. 0. Rich Hill, Knox Co.; is a son of Josiah and Rachel (Walrage) Clawson ; his father was born in New Jersey, and was a farmer, and had eight children ; Samuel was born April 30, 1826, in Greene Co., Penn., and remained there until 16 years of age, when he engaged in farming, working by the month, at $2 to $12 ; he had but little chance of an education in the country school ; in 1842, he emigrated to Ohio by wagon, with the family ; he was compelled to foot it most of the way, on account of tlie heavy load ; they made their first settlement in Rich Hill, Knox Co., where they farmed for two years, and he then worked by the month at $10, for R. Clark, one of the pioneers of that county, for seven years, and, in 1847, he came to Delaware Co. and engaged a part of the time for $8 per month, to D. Davy, and for four years was farming for himself. In 1850, he was married to Ruth, a daughter of Henry D. Davy ; her father was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio.; she was born Aug. 14, 1834, in Porter Township ; they settled at Morney, on the farm now owned by William Blackledge, which he "had bought, paying for the same by his labors, at $8 per month ; he then moved to his present farm, and now owns 256 acres of well-improved land ; he makes a specialty of hogs ; he has been Township Trustee and Supervisor, and connected with schools. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church ; they have had nine children, five now living - William H., Maria B., Homer L., Winfield 0. and Charlie W.; four deceased - James N., Orlando, Mary J. and Amy A. Mr. Clawson takes great interest in educating his children, though he had but little chance himself

LEVI DEBOLT, Jr., farmer; P. 0. Kingston Center ; is a son of Levi and Delilah (Lair) Debolt, His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and emigrated to" Ohio about 1807, settling in Licking Co., and settled in Knox Co. about 1822 or 1823, and is still living and is the father of thirteen children, twelve of whom are now living. Levi was born in 1834, in Knox Co., Ohio, and remained with his father until his 18th year, when he began learning the plasterer's trade with Ed. Watson, at Westerville, continuing with him three months, and then commenced for himself at Hartford, Licking Co. Was married, in 1859, to Miss Blaker ; she was born in 1840, in Knox Co.; by her he had five children - Elizabeth, Emma, Joseph, Orlean and Hayes. They settled after marriage in Morrow Co., where he bought eighty-nine acres, which he sold in 1865, and then worked on his father's farm, in Knox Co., for one year, and in 1866 he bought his present farm of seventy-five acres ; it is well improved and finely adapted to stock-raising ; he built his present brick house recently and did all the work himself in one season. He follows plastering yet for the public, and is one of the most expert hands in the country. He has been connected with some small oflSces, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Centerburg.

CATHARINE FISHER (widow), farmer; P. 0. Kingston Center ; is a daughter of George and Nancy (Dirst) Stiflfler; her father was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in May, 1797, and emigrated to Porter Township in 1831, settling on what is now owned by J. Huddleston, and remained there for awhile, and went to Iowa, where he died July 16, 1860. Her mother was of German descent, and was born in 1800, and died Oct. 11, 1866, and was the mother of thirteen children by her union with Mr. Stifiler - Adam, living in Iowa ; Susannah, married Luther Thompson, who died April 24, 1872; she is now living in Iowa, and is engaged in. the mercantile business; Rebecca married Peter Richards, a farmer in Michigan ; John W. married Martha Limpus - he was killed in the war ; Catharine, our subject ; George W., married Ann Morgan, now in Iowa ; Joseph, living in Colorado; Simon P., living in Iowa; Henry, in Colorado ; Harvey, living in Iowa. Her mother was a member of the M. E. Church, and her father of the Lutheran faith. Mrs. Fisher was born Nov. 22, 1833, in Porter Township, and was married, Feb. 28, 1851, to George Fisher, a brother of Alonzo and Henry Fisher ; they settled on the present farm of 150 acres, which he had bought prior to his marriage ; her husband cleared the same, and has made some fine additions. By his hard labor and* areful management he had accumulated a neat little fortune to maintain her and her children; he died April 21, 1879. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. They had two children - John H., born Dec. 24, 1852; Rose M., born May 10, 1861. The farm is now under the care of G-eorge Utley. John H. has been aflfected from childhood with a spine disease, but is generally hearty, and spends his moments in reading and framing pictures and making ornamental works.

MRS. C. A. FOWLER, widow ; P. 0. Kingston Center ; is a native of New Philadelphia, Ohio, where she was born in 1818; is the daughter of Greorge K. and Elizabeth (Beary) Gray ; the'former was of Irish descent and the latter of Dutch descent ; they emigrated from Westmoreland Co., Penn., to Ohio, at an early day, and had a family of ten children. In 1840, the marriage took place between Mr. and Mrs. Fowler. The former's name was Charles M., born Aug. 22, 1813, in Greene Co., N. Y., and was the ^on of Silas Fowler, and at the age of 22 years entered the service, as traveling agent, of Pratt & Snyder, of New York, continuing with them for five years. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler came from York State to Delaware Co. in 1841. They remained here about three years, when they returned East, to, Prattsville, N. Y., where Mr. Fowler engaged in the manufacture of oil-cloth, in company with Col. Snyder ; he was thus engaged for about four years, when he returned with his family to this county, and settled on the farm upon which Mrs. Fowler n6w lives, in Porter Township. In 1862, the family moved to Delaware City, where Mr. Fowler died June 12, 1872. Mrs. Fowler has since removed to the farm, with her family. There were born to this couple nine children - James 0., Hannah B., Silas W., Adelia .A., John G., Julia S. (deceased Sept. 27, 1878), Mamie C, George G. and Charles A. The latter is now engaged in farming on the old homestead ; is married, having taken unto himself Miss Cora R. Fribley ; he has graced various church positions. In 1840, he assisted in organizing a Presbyterian Church at New Philadelphia, and has been an active participant in the cause of religion. The fourth child, Silas W., was born in Greene Co., N. Y., in 1846, and it was soon after this that the family removed to Ohio for the second time ; Silas was engaged on the farm until he was 14 years of age, receiving the advantages of the usual winter schools in the country ; at this age, he was placed in an academy at Central College, in Franklin Co., and was in attendance there two terms, then returned home ; subsequently attending the same school two more terms. At 17, he commenced teaching school in one of the largest districts in the northern part of Franklin Co., where he continued through the second term, with an advance in salary, refusing the eolic^tations to teach the third term ; by the consent of his father, Silas W., in 1864, entered the army as a substitute, in the 136th 0. N. G.; after "his return, he entered college at Oberlin, and, in the spring of 1868, began reading medicine with Dr. J. W. Russell, of Mt. Vernon ; during 1869-70, was at Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan, and in 1871, graduated at the Jefferson. Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn.; the same year, he returned home and opened an office in Delaware, where he has since been steadily engaged in the practice' of his profession, gradually growing in popular favor ; the Doctor has written several articles for various medical journals, one of which, on nervous debility, was printed in the Cincinnati Lancet and Ohserver, and reproduced in other Eastern journals ; another, written by him, was largely copied throughout the country, and appeared in the supplement to the Scientific American ; now, in the enjoyment of a lucrative practice, the Doctor, still young, bids fair to attain an enviable position in his profession. The Fowler family are in possession of about 200 acres of valuable improved land, in Porter Township, upon which the Ohio Central Railroad, just being built, has established a depot, the town thus started to be called Fowlerville. Mrs. Fowler has also 160 acres of coal and other lands, in Tuscarawas Co.

RICHARD HARBOTTLE, farmer: P. 0. Kingston Center ; is a son of John and Ann (Crisp) Harbottle ; his parents were of English descent. The subject was born in 1810, in Belford, Northumberland, Eng., where he was engaged in farming and milling until he emigrated to America. Was married, in 1835, to Isabel Turner, by whom he had nine children. They emigrated to America, taking the sail-ship at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and were eight weeks on the way ; they made their landing at Quebec, and thence to Newark ; he then engaged in farming for N. B. Hogg, and some time afterward rented 700 acres of Mr. Hogg, and farmed the same three years, and then bought 100 acres in Delaware Co., Ohio, and set- .

tied on the same. His first wife died in 1867. He was again married to Mrs. Betsey Blayne'y, whose maiden name was Van Sickle ; she was born in 1818. Mr. Harbottle has been connected with township offices, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church at East Liberty. Mr. Harbottle is noted for honesty and uprightness of character. His son Richard was born in England ; was married to Rosa Brookitis, a daughter of Henry and Levina Brooking ; thfey have two children - Harry P. and Blanche; they own 100 acres of well-improved land in Porter Township, upon which they spend a pleasant life.

G. M. HALL, carpenter and farmer; P. 0. Rich Hill, Knox Co.; is a son of Andrew Hall, who was born in Maryland about 1803 ; Mr. Hall is one of six children who now survive of the eight his parents were blessed with, and was born March 2, 1832, in Maryland; at 18, he began learning the carpenter's trade with his uncle,, John Wilson ; continued with him about two years ; in 1854, he emigrated to Mount Vernon, Ohio, where he worked at carpentering ; and at Rich Hill some time afterward ; he went back to Pennsylvania, and in 1858 he returned to Delaware Co., Ohio, and on April 14, 1859, was married to Sarah, a daughter of George and Sarah (Cherry) Hall, being some distant relation ; her father was born in Maryland about 1794, and had ten children ; eight now survive; she was born Aug. 31, 1834, in Pennsylvania and emigrated to Ohio ; they have six children - Andrew P., born April 1, 1860; Margaret J., born Oct. 21, "1861; Mary E., born Oct. 9, 1863, died Oct. 3, 1864; John, born April 8, 1868, died Aug. 31, 1871 ; William H.', born Aug. 27, 1872, died May 12, 1873 ; Sarah 0., born Oct. 5, 1875. They are members of the Baptist Church ; he has been connected with Sunday schools ; is a member of the Sparta Lodge, No. 404, I. 0. 0. F. Since they settled on their present farm of forty-five acres, he has made good improvements ; he has worked at carpentering the most of his life, and deserves the patronage of all who wish a first-class job done.

SARAH HUDDLE8T0N, farmer ; P. 0. Rich Hill, Knox Co.; is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Critton) Butcher ; her father was born in Virginia and emigrated to Ohio among the pioneers. Our subject was born May 10, 1815, in Licking Co., and remained there with her parents until married, Nov. 17, 1835, to John Huddleston a son of Henry Huddleston, who was born in Virginia, and died when her husband was 11 years old ; after marriage, they settled in Licking Co., renting for some time, he working part of the time at blacksmithing ; in 1851^ they moved to Delaaware Co., buying the present farm of 140 acres which now ranks among the best farms in the country, being well adapted to stock-raising, of which the family makes a specialtjr; in 1874, her husband died, leaving a family of ten children, eight now living - Elizabeth, married George Utley ; Peninah ; Romancy, married John Rineheart ; Letitia, married George McCay ; William ; Jasper, married Elizabeth Rowe ; Columbia, married Elizabeth Harris, living in Morrow Co.; John Jefferson, was dr<fwned Nov. 7, 1876, being subject to heart disease, and fell into the stream while under an attack; he had married Alice Parmer, by whom he had one child - Clifton, who lives in Knox Co.; James M,, married ; the father was connected with township offices as Treasurer and Director of Schools. He was a member of the Christian Church, and had enjoyed many happy moments with his wife, who had been a member thirty years. The boys now manage the farm. Butcher is in the sheep business, as well as James M., and is also in the poultry business ; buys and ships, and is very successful, being well known as an honest and upright young man. Mrs. Huddleston was in the Burlington Township storm, in Licking Co., which occurred in May, 1825 ; the only way of escape was to get in the stable lot, or some vacant place out of the reach of timber and flying boards and rails ; many remember the sad destruction of this past occurrence.

G., W. KENNEY, farmer ; P. 0. Kingston Center ; is a son of A. G. Kenney, and was born in 1840, in Porter Township ; at the age of 18, he went West to Montana, and there spent four years at farming, mining, freighting and hunting ; he had little success at miniflg, but at farming he was successful ; he always had a tender sympathy for the Indians, until on one occasion, he saw a number of Indians who had gathered for the purpose of receiving their annuities from the Government ; here he saw ' some squaws roasting some dogs alive; their jubilations over the suffering animals checked young Kenney's sympathy, and has made him one of the strongest despisers of the red man. Mr. Kenney took a claim of 160 acres, and remained nearly three years on the same; he had no Government title, and finally left, and in the fall of 1868 came home by way of row-boat, making 2,100 miles in 22 days. He was married in 1872, to

Biographical Sketches

Emma A., a daughter of George Blayney ; her parents were born and raised in Ohio, and her grandparents were from New Jersey ; her mother's maiden name was Van Sickle. They settled on the farm in 1872, having bought the same in 1869, of James B. Gray; it now contains 138 acres of well-improved land, a greater part of which has been tiled ; he makes a specialty of stock-raising. They have two children - Myrtle M. and Lulu M. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. He deals largely in the Oliver Chilled Plow, and has of past years sold many reapers and mowers ; in his younger days, he learned the brick and stonemason's trade, which he occasionally follows. -

A. G. KENNEY, farmer ; P. 0. Kingston Center; was born in 1803, and emigrated to Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in 1828, and in 1832 came to Dekware Co. and made his final settlement where he now lives in Porter Township ; pen cannot describe the hardships and sufferings this man had to undergo ; thousands of wild animals greeted him, and often sought to feast upon him, but kind Providence protected him, and industry was his greatest characteristic, and gradually was the forest felled by his ax, until a beautiful farm presented itself to reward him for his industry ; when he made his settlement, he had but 25 cents, and gave that away, and thus began with only a willing heart and two strong arms ; his cabin was a welcome home for hunters who often got lost in this wilderness, he would kindly care for them until morning ; on one occasion, a man by the name of Rhinehcart came at the edge of evening and sought refuge, and by cooking a large turkey they made a pleasant feast during the night; Mr. Kinney was often in need, but this kind act of keeping Mr. Rhineheart afterward redounded to his benefit; he was allowed to visit Mr. Rhineheart's granary, and return with grain, and when years brought plenty to himself, and he could in some way repay him, he did this in fatted cattle ; his mother died when he was a child, and he was thrown out into the world almost uncared for. He was married, Aug. 27, 1827, to Susan Buzzard, by whom he had ten children - Amelia, Joseph L. (was taken by the Indians in Montana and burned atthe stake), Susan, Sophia, Louisa, Ellen, George, John (died in the army, enlisted in Co. B, 61st 0. V. I.), Catharine, Alavander (who was born Dec. 25, 1846, in Porter Township where he has mostly spent his life). In 1867, he commenced a tile factory, the first in Delaware Co. and still continues the same. Was married in 1875 to Anna, a daughter of Addison and Mary Smith ; she was born and raised in West Virginia, and died Aug. 2, 1876 ; he was again married, April 3, 1879, to Esther, a daughter of John and Rosella (Stephens) Lindenberger ; her parents were born in Ohio ; she was born Oct. 20, 1858, in Delaware Co. Mr. A. Kinney has 100 acres-of well-improved land ; one of the greatest characteristics of the farm accompaniments is a large cherry-tree, about four feet in diameter, which was brought to Ohio about 1832 by Scjuire Mason's wife from Rhode Island. Mr. Kinney has been no office-seeker, and has taught school ; he makes a specialty of short-horn Durham cattle, having bought the first Durham stock and first Poland-China hog to this part of the country ; he now enjoys a happy home encircled by many friends.

D. W. MOREHOUSE, merchant, Kingston Center ; is a son of A. S. and Dyrexa (Rogers) Morehouse; his father was born Jan. 26, 1814,, in New Jersey, and emigrated to Ohio when a small boy, and worked most of his life in Porter Township and Morrow Co.; he now lives at Ashley, Ohio, and is in the ftirniture business ; his mother was born Sept. 3, 1818, and died in 1860, and was a member of the M. E. Church ; her father and brother were ministers. Mr. Morehouse's .parents had six children - Mary J., born Aug. 23, 1835; J. W., April 18, 1842; Catharine, Sept. 27,1847; Brintha, July 15,1850; Rose A., Jan. 10, 1853. D. W. attended district school in his younger days, and, when 5 years old, went with his father to Kingston Center, where his father engaged in the furniture, wheelwrighting and farming business, in which his son, D. W., enlisted, most especially in the furniture business ; he left his work with his father in 1865, and went to Butler, Ind., and engaged in the furniture business, under the firm name of Fisher & Morehouse, and, in 1866, Mr. Morehouse withdrew, and returned to his old native home, and engaged in the same business with his father, and, in the same fall, his father bought him out, and he began clerking for Haverstock & Higly, of Butler, Ind., in the dry-goods business, continuing nine months ; he then merchandised for himself one year, at the same place, and then took in a partner (Gprdon) ; they continued the business under the firm name of Morehouse & Gordon, for eighteen months, when Mr. Morehouse withdrew, and began as a trading salesman for the firm of Shaw & Baldwin, of Toledo (in the notion business) ; he continued at this for two years, and then began merchandis- ing at Ashley, Ohio, heginning March 17, 1871, and, in 1873, he sold the same to Clay & Longwell, and then traveled for Alcott & Co., of Cleveland, wholesale dealers in dry goods, and, July 18, 1874, he quit, and soon after traded for a stock of dry goods of James Wilcox, of East Liberty, and moved the same to Olive Green, where he has since been located, and is now carrying on a fine stock of dry goods, notions, hats, caps, boots and shoes, and everything denoting a Srst-class drygoods store ; his gentlemanly appearance and honesty have won for him a trade enjoyed by few in any part of Central Ohio; he is now Postmaster at this place, and is also in the undertaking business. He enlisted in Co. D, 121st 0. V. I., in 1863, and remained until the close of the war ; was in Sherman's march to the sea. He was married, May 6, 1866, to Sarah Doty, a daughter of Caroline Doty ; she was born in 1848, in Pennsylvania ; they had three children - Lillian, born Jan. 12, 1867; Minnie, born Oct. 23, 1869; Verner, born Aug. 1, 1875.

ELISHA W. MOODY, farmer ; P. 0. Rich Hill, 5°°^ Co.; is a sou of William and Laura (Wells) Moody ; his parents were born in Licking Co., and raised a family of twelve children ; Elisha was born Sept. 6, 1841, in Richland Co., Ohio. Was married March 6, 1865, to Allie L. Jewell, a daughter of Harrison Jewell, a farmer and mechanic; she was born Dec. 26, 1845. They have three children - Olive, born July 26, 1866; Laura A., Feb. 12, 1869 ; Harrison, Sept. 30, 1876. In 1871, they bought the present farm of 102 acres ; he makes some specialty in Spanish merino sheep ; his farm is well improved, and has good buildings. He and wife are members of the Disciples Church.

PHEBE A. PATRICK, farming; P. 0. Condit, Ohio ; is a daughter of James and Mary (Wort) McFalls ; her father was born in Ireland, and emigrated to America when 4 years old ; he settled in Ohio, in Trenton Township, and died in October, 1861 ; her mother died in July, 1864. They had three children, all of whom are living ; Phebe was born in 1825, in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio by team with her parents ; she was married Nov. 20, 1853, to Porter Patrick, a son of Joseph and Sarah (Taylor) Patrick. He was born in 1825, in Ohio ; they settled at their marriage in Sunbury, Ohio; in 1854 they settled on the farm where she now resides, there being 100 acres of well-improved land, well watered by a spring ; her husband died March 7, 1873 ; she has since made her home on the farm.

She has two sisters - Margaret, married Peter Sunderland, now living in Missouri (her husband a carpenter); Jennie, married Ed wick Galpin, is now living in California (her husband is dead). Her father was in the Revolutionary war.

ALBERT PUMPHREY, farmer; P. 0. Rich Hill, Knox Co.; is a son of Fleming and Elizabeth (Lewis) Pumphrey ; his father was born in Virginia, about 1810, and emigrated to Ohio in 1835, settling in Jefierson Co., where the family remained some time, thence to Harrison Co., remaining there ten years ; from there they moved to Missouri for two years, after which he made his settlement in Knox Co., where he died in 1863. His mother died in 1841. Albert was born Jan. 14, 1837, in Harrison Co.; at the age of 25, he began business for himself, on a farm of eighty acres, in Allen Co., Ind., which he traded to James Laughlin, and settled on the farm now owned by CuUum. He is now living on a small lot of seven acres, in Sec. 4, where he enjoys a fine little home. He has a storeroom in Harlem Township, Delaware Co., valued at $2,500, which is in addition to a nice dwelling and barn. Was married Nov. 4, 1863, to Mary Gundy, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Smith) Gundy ; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio in 1819, settling in Harrison Co.; they had nine children, five now living ; her mother died in October, 1876. Mrs. Pumphrey was born July 20, 1839, in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. They have six children - Percival, born March 28, 1865, died Oct. 27, 1865 ; William, born Nov. 11, 1866; Joseph, Jan. 23, 1S70 ; Minnie, Sept. 9, 1868, died Jan. 7, 1869 ; Clarence, born March 12, 1874: Charles, Feb. 7, 1877.

THOMSON ROBERTS, farmer; Kingston Center ; is a son of Hezekiah and Catharine (Van Loon) Roberts ; his father emigrated from Luzerne Co., Penn., in 1809, to Delaware Co., and settled in the dense forests ; Mr. Roberts father died in 1826; he remained with his mother until 1836, when he began life for himself- on the old homestead, where he remained until 1854, when he sold his interest in the same, and bought 140 acres - his present home - and has since followed rural life. Was married in 1835 to Mary, a daughter of Philip and Sarah Powers ; her parents were from Maine, emigrating to Ohio about 1812 ; her father died in 1824, and mother in 1826 ; she was born in 1815 in Jefferson Co., Ohio ; they have nine children - Hezekiah, Lucy, Hosmer, Monroe, De Witt C. (is teaching in

Biogeaphicax Sketches

Denver, Colo.), Electa and Mary D.; two are dead. Mr. Roberts has been Township Trustee and has held other township offices. They are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He began life with nothing, and, by careful management, they have made themselves a happy home ; he now enjoys the ripe old age of 75 years.

JOHN ROONEY, farmer ; P. 0. Kingston Center ; is a son of George and Mary (Clayton) Rooney ; his father was born in Berkeley Co., Va., and emigrated to Ohio in 1825, settling in Mt. Vernon, and teamed for awhile, driving a sixhorse team to the lake, hauling grain there and bringing goods on return ; while engaged in that business, he took the "lake" fever, and hired a man to drive the team for him, who had the bad luck to lose two horses, which was pronounced by the doctors caused by poison ; his father then managed stock for Daniel S. Norton for seven years at Mt. Vernon ; he now lives in Wood Co., Ohio, and is 87 years old ; they had ten children. Our subject was born in 1820 in Berkeley Co., Va.; came with his parents to Mt. Vernon when 14 ; began living with Mr. Norton, attending school and caring for the stock. Norton had a schoolhouse on his own farm and would hire a teacher to educate his children and his hired hands. He came to Delaware Co. in 1837 or 1838 with his parents, settling on what is now owned by Wheaton. Was married in 1842 to Elisabeth Patrick, a daughter of Joseph Patrick, by whom he had three children - Eugene, Allen D. and Luellen ; his wife died in 1858 ; was again married, Oct. 5, 1859, to Lyddie Anderson; she was born in 1835 in Delaware Co.; they have seven children - Lizzie, Jessie, Frank, Joanna. Infield, Alma and George P. He settled on their present farm on Sec. 3 in the spring of 1843,' then all unimproved ; he has cleared seventy-five acres, and basin all 138 acres, with good running water ; he makes a specialty in breeding fine stock, and has at present, perhaps, the finest . Norman stallion in the State, having booked over $2,000 this season ; he is in partnership with James Scott ; the colts sell at two years old from $150 to $250 ; he has been connected with schools for nine years ajid is at present a member of the Agricultural Society of Delaware Co., Ohio.

S. A. RAMSEY, farmer ; P. 0. Centerburg ; is a son of James and Margaret (Huffman) Ramsey. His father was born in New Jersey about 1777, and was of Scotch-Irish descent ; his grandfather Ramsey served in the Revolutionary war ; his father died in 1823, and had a family of eight children, six of whom are now living. Our subject was born June 7, 1807, in New Jersey, and emigrated to Ohio by teams in 1838 ; he had been engaged in the mercantile business at Hampden, N. J., some time prior to his nUbvingto Ohio. He was married to ^ane Styker in 1831 ; she died about fourteen months after marriage. Was again married, in 1835, to Mary A. Trimmer, a daughter of Sarah and David Trimmer ; she was born in 1813; they had seven children - James (married to Almeda Leverage), Sarah (married to Nelson Osborn, living in Morrow Co.), Margaret (married to Daniel Durst), Mary (married to Henry Frost), David (married to Emma Page ; he graduated at Delaware, Ohio, in 1872, and is now a traveling salesman for Stiger & Co., of Ne\^ York), Nelson (married Anna Belle Gambill) and Alexander (married to Belle Noe). Mr. Ramsey made his first settlement in Knox Co.; in 1839, he settled his present farm of 138 acres, and has added to the same until he now has 280 acres ; he devotes his own personal attention to his fine farm and splendid herd of Spanish merino sheep. He served nine years as Justice of the Peace, and has held school offices as Trustee and Director. He has been a member of the M. E.. Church forty-ieight years, the -financial interests of which have been in good condition on account of that relationship ; he has been an active worker in the temperance movement.

JOHN ROWE, farmer ; P. 0. Condit ; is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hill) Rowe ; his father was born in England, which was also the birthplace of our subject, his advent being May 9, 1811. In 1840, he emigrated to Gambier, Knox Co., Ohio, where he worked by the month at $9 to $18. He worked for Judge Hurd for nine years. Was married, in 1844, to BUzabeth, a daughter of William Spearman ; her parents were of English descent. In 1843, 'Mr. Rowe bought 106 acres, a part of the present farm, and by economy and hard labor added to it until he now has 600 acres ; this farm is finely adapted to stock-raising, of which he makes a specialty, having at present about seven hundred head of fine Spanish Merino sheep ; he also deals in cattle; he has been connected with road and school offices. They are members of the M. E. Church. They have had eleven children, seven living - Samuel, John, Elizabeth, Eliza, Willie, Frank and Fannie. Mr. Rowe started in life with no worldly treasure, save about $50.

Source changes here: from 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, by Lytle, James Robert, published 1908; 3,460 words in this source stream.

Axd Representative Citizens

society soon after the division of the church, probably in 1837 or 1838. John Van Sickle, Muses Decker and a Air. Richards were the first elders, and soon after Charles M. Fowler became an elder. Rev. Abner B. Chapman was their first minister in the years 1838-1X44. The membership at that time was fifty-four. The church was at first named Kingston, as man}- of the members, probably a majority, of the Kingston Church (Old School) had joined with this society, and there were two organizations claiming the name Kingston. A frame church edifice was erected in East Liberty, Porter Township, and the church was called Kingston and Porter, but afterwards the name Kingston was dropped and the church ever since has been known as the Porter Church. The principal parties in the building of the church were Mr. John Van Sickle, Charles M. Fowler, William Gaston, Isaac Finch, Jesse Finch, Charles Wilcox, George Blainev and others. They at once organized a Sabbath school in connection with the church, which for several years prospered, and was productive of great good. In the year 1864. the same parties who built this place of worship laid out and established a cemetery just east of the church and town of East Liberty, in which the remains of many of those most conspicuous and enterprising in the construction of the church and the Sabbath school now sleep. The church still stands, has been repaired several times, and is now in a good condition. Services are still maintained, but the society is not in as prosperous a condition as in some former years. The following ministers have supplied the church since Rev. Chapman's time :

Olive Green M. E. Church. For the history of this church, see Kingston Township. The society is in a flourishing condition, and Rev. C. A. Edington, a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University, is their pastor at this date, 1908.

Mt. Pleasant M. E. Church. This organization first used the Old School Presbyterian building in Trenton Township, but afterwards moved to Porter Township, and became known as the Mt. Pleasant Church. The present frame building" was erected about 1868. An incident occurred in connection with the erection of this building worthy of mention. The night after the frame was raised a wind storm came up and blew it down, much to the discouragement of the congregation. They, however, pressed on, and the church was dedicated about one year after this event. As was the custom at that day. a cemetery was located by the church, the land being donated by William Baker. In this cemetery nearly all the old settlers are buried. Rev. C. A. Edington is pastor at this date.

Advent Christian Church. This society was organized August 27, 1890, and a frame church edifice was erected in 1891. on land donated by Samuel Clawson. on the road leading from Olive Green to Rich Hill. The building was dedicated November 27th by Elder Shamhart. The membership at that time was twenty, at the present time it is about eighty. They have no regular pastor at present.

Porter Congregational Church. A church of this order was maintained for a short time. Charles Wilcox. Liman C. Meeker and Morgan Johnston were prominent members. A frame building was erected in Olive Green, but the society did not flourish and became extinct about 1873, and the members for the most part connected with the Porter Presbyterian Church at East Liberty. The church building was sold for a Township House and is now used for that purpose.

This township, which was the last one to be organized in Delaware County, and was named after the Hon. Robert Porter, of Philadelphia, who received from President John Adams a patent dated March 21, 1800, for 4, 000 acres in Section 3, Township i and Range 16 of the United States Military Lands. So far as is known, this was the first patent for lands in Porter Township that was issued by the Government. The proprietor of this land was a prominent attorney in Pennsylvania, where he was a circuit judge for many vears. The present township of Porter was created at the June session of the county commissioners in 1826. It is hounded on the north by Morrow County; on the east 1>\ Knox County; on the south by Trenton Township and on the west by Kingston. There are quarries of fine

Waverly sandstone in the township, and these are its only mineral resources. The soil of the township is rich, and all the grain crops do well here. Farming and grazing have always been the principal occupations of the citizens. Before the axe of the white man was brought into this region, it was heavily wooded with all the varieties of timber common to this section of the State. There are a large number of streams in the township, and this makes the problem of drainage a comparatively easy one to solve. Big Walnut Creek is the principal stream of wrater. It enters the township about a mile and a half east of the northwest corner of the township, and flows through the center of the west half of the township into Trenton. Among the principal tributaries of the creek we will mention Long Run, whicn comes into the township from Morrow county and runs in a westerly and southwesterly direction until it empties into Big Walnut a short distance southeast of Olive Green. Sugar Creek runs through the township from northeast to southwest, joining Big Walnut about a mile north of the southern boundary of the township. Wilcox Run is the principal tributary of Sugar Creek.

Prior to 181 2, a number of white squatters, commonly called "Taways," but not related in any way to the Indian tribe of that name, settled in this township. They were indolent and without ambition or enterprise. Their nearest approach to labor was in hunting, trapping or fishing. Wild game and wild hogs with wild fruits were their principal subsistence, though occasionally they broke over and raised a little grain. Among the earliest real pioneers of the township were Daniel Pint. Timothy Meeker and Timothy Murphy. Though they reared large families as was the custom in those days, few if any of their descendants are now to be found in the county. In 1810, Peter and Isaac Plan, two brothers, settled in the southern part of the township. In 1817, two brothers, Fbenezer and Christopher Lindenberger, settled where the village of Olive Green was later located. They were from Rhode Island and owned several hundred acres of land. About the same time two other Rhode Islanders. Festus Sprague and Edward Mason, settled nearby and married two of the Lindenberger girls, sisters of the men we have mentioned. Ebenezer Linderberger was a graduate of an eastern college, and his brother had a better education than was the common lot of men in those days. Mason was also well educated, and possessed a mental endowment that qualified him for any township, county or State office within the gift of the people. He seemed, however, to lack energy and ambition. From the time he settled in Porter until his death which occurred near the beginning of the second war with England, he was justice of the peace and held other township offices. His lazy habits resulted in his becoming very stout, and the slowness of movement, coupled with his ponderosity, gave him an air of importance which led people to call him "Pompey" Mason. Like most large people, he was good-natured, and easy-going, and the radiance of his sunny disposition was shed alike on family, neighbors and friends - he had no enemies. His court was one of conciliation. Before the trial of a cause, he tried by every possible means to effect a settlement between the litigants, thus saving' them money and winning their friendship. Festus Sprague married a sister of Squire Mason. By application and industry Mason succeeded in educating himself sufficiently to meet the requirements for a teacher in those days, and to fill various offices with ability. For many years he served as justice of the peace, and while he possessed no legal training was regarded by those in the profession who knew him as having naturally a legal mind, and his counsel was often sought in im- ]>< rtant cases. He was a man of temperate habits and of the utmost moral rectitude. His neighbors could never understand what it was that influenced him to adopt the polygamous doctrines of the Mormons, which led him, about i S57. to sell his property and move with his family to Utah, where he died not long after. Christopher Lindenberger and part oi his family also moved to Utah for similar reasons. Ebenezer Lindenberger and family moved to the West. John Lindenberger, a son

Section 4 came to be known as the "Irish Section," by reason of the fact that the patent for these lands was issued by President Monroe, on November 28, 1817, to the heirs-atlaw of Hugh Holmes and Robert Rainey, who at that time were residents of Ireland. On April 10, 1837, these parties, by their attorney, conveyed his section to George C. Bumford, who in turn deeded it to John W. Worden. Not long alter that Mr. Worden sold one-half of the section to Benjamin S. Brown. of Mt. Vernon, and this land was not placed upon the market until after Mr. Brown's death in the fall of 1838.

On May [9, 1800, Judge Robert Porter deeded 300 acres of land, situated on Big Walnut Creek about three-quarters of a mile south of the present village of Olive Green, to Thomas Mendenhall. a merchant of Wilmington, Delaware. Mendenhall gave this land to his son Joel Z., who brought his family here and erected a cabin in 18 19. He was a practical farmer and surveyor, which occupatii ins he followed for many years. He was county surveyor for a number of terms. He married his second cousin, Eliza M"endenhall, in Philadelphia before coming to Ohio. Mr. Mendenhall had a good education. He was a justice of the peace and held other township offices. From 1835 to 1853 he resided in the City of Delaware, where he also filled the office of justice of the peace. But city life did not appeal to him, so in the latter year he returned to his farm in this township. The increasing infirmities of age finally compelled him to give up farming, and he moved to Olive Green, where he died about 1872.

Another settler who came into the township in 1817 was Samuel Page, who came fn im Broome County, New York. His farm was on the Sunbury and Mt. Gilead State Road near the Kingston Township line. About two years later he sold this farm to his brother William, who had immigrated to the township. Samuel Page moved onto another farm in Bennington Township, Morrow County, where the village of Pagetown is now located. Wil-

Ham Page was upright and industrious, giving a practical demonstration of the principles of Christianity in his daily life which won for him the high esteem of his neighbors. He was justice of the peace, and filled other offices with credit. He married Miss Sarah Edwards. They had five sons - William A.. Roswell, Samuel, Washington and Ranson, and one daughter, who married a man named Wells. In 1840, William Page laid out the village of East Liberty on his farm. It was laid off into four regular squares. The lots were readily sold and the purchasers erected homes, but the failure at this time to build the projected railroad arrested the development of the place. Dr. H. Bessee, who located here in 1847, Nvas tne nrst physician, and he remained here until the beginning of the Civil War. The first hotel was kept by George Blainey. who was also the first postmaster.

Olive Green was the first town laid out in Porter. It was surveyed and platted in 1835 by Joel Z. Mendenhall for Christopher Lindehberger and Festus Sprague, who were the owners. The village was laid out in eight regular squares, and is located on the State Road between Mt. Vernon and Columbus at the intersection of the road between Sunbury and Alt. Gilead. The first store was kept by Christopher Lindenberger. A post office was established in i860. James N. Stark being the first postmaster. The first frame hi luse was erected by a Mr. Baird. About 1830, Andrew Hemminger, who was of German descent, moved into the township from Tuscarawas County. For many years he was the only settler on the road between East Liberty and the old Vail tavern, and so his home came to be a -lopping place for travelers, lie put up a double log house, and as many as fifty teams were sometimes put up here over night. Aaron R. Harrison located in the western part of the township in 1833. He had a farm of several hundred acres on the road running from Sunbury to .Mt. Gilead. He was born in New Jersey in 1778, and married Mary Condit in 1803. They brought five sons and four daughters with them from New Jersey. He built the first frame barn erected in the township, which was 30 x 50 feet in dimensions.

About 1820, a man named Sturdevant, the father of James and Chauncey H. Sturdevant, settled in the township. A. G. Kennev emigrated from Maryland in 1828, and settled on a farm on a branch of Long Run about half a mile from the northern boundary of the township. They erected the first brick house in the township. Two years after they came here. Samuel Dowell settled at the head of Sugar Creek. Rev. Henry Davey, a Dunkard preacher, settled on Sugar Creek, near the center of Section 1, about 1832. He enjoyed vigorous health, and was capable of great mental and physical labor. He built a saw-mill on his farm and soon had the farm well improved and good buildings erected. He was a recognized leader of his sect, and for many years he was away from home the greater part of the time attending to his ministerial duties. He was well-to-do in this world's goods, but lived simply and without display. In 1856 he sold the farm just described, and purchased another on Big Walnut Creek ; here he lived for several years, finally selling the property and removing to the western part of the State. In 1830, Charles Patrick, a son of Squire Joseph Patrick of Berkshire, settled on the Porter section. He cleared up and improved a farm of 300 acres. The same year William Her and the Gray family came from Tuscarawas County and settled in Seption 1 near the Morrow County line. Her was a local preacher in the Methodist Church, but was broad-minded and tolerant of the beliefs of others, often uniting with members of other denominations in religious work. Other early settlers were 11. Blackledge, who gained the reputation of keeping some of the best stock in the township. Harvey Leach settled in the township in 1834, and married a daughter of Mr. Dunham, whose farm was on the State Road near the Morrow County line. He was a soldier in the War of 1 812. During the later years of his life he was blind.

And Representative Citizens

home in the Catskil] Mountains to engage in the manufacture of oilcloth, having Messrs. Snyder ami I 'ran for his partners. The enterprise did not prove successful from a financial standpoint, and Mr. Fowler came to Ohio. In 1840. he married Miss Catharine Ann Gray of New Philadelphia, and brought her to the farm in Porter Township on which he had settled three years before. They came overland in a spring-wagon - the first one in the neighborhood. Having taken the most important step in a man's lifetime, Mr. Fowler row set to work with all his energy to clear up his 200- acre farm. The forest was so dense that they could not see forty rods from the cabin, and t nly reached this neighborhood by following a path that was indicated by blazed trees. After remaining- here for four years with his young wife, who had never been away from home, Mr. Fowler returned with his family to his old home in New York State, driving in a wagon to New Philadelphia, and making the rest of the journey by canal and wagon. He remained away fi >ur years, during which time his farm was cultivated by a tenant, McCreary by name. While he was away, Mr. Fowler was again engaged in business as a manufacturer, but sold out his interests when he decided to return to his farm. He began to make improvements, and soon had his farm well fenced and under a good state of cultivation. He erected a large frame house and two frame barns, set out an orchard, and soon had everything about him for his comfort and convenience that was possible in that day. He and his wife were Presbyterians, and for many years they were regular attendants of the Old Blue Church in Kingston, a distance of seven miles from their home, and great as was the distance, they were seldom late either for Sabbath school or preaching services. When the New School Presbyterians built their church in East Liberty, he went there, the distance being three miles shorter. In this new church Mr. Fowler and Mr. John Wan Sickle, of Kingston, were the main pillars. Mr. Fowler was a man of true piety and practical religion. He made several trips to his old home in the Catskill Mountains, and was frequently visited by his father and mother. Mr. Fowler died in Delaware, where he had resided but a short time, on June 12, [872, and was buried in the old cemetery he had helped to lay out, near the old church in Porter, with which he had been so long identified. He was well versed in the Scriptures and in ancient and modern history. His oldest son, Dr. S. W. Fowler, of Delaware, is the oldest physician in the county, and an able contributor to this work.

In 1839, David Babcock emigrated from Rhode Island to Porter Township and settled on the east side of the Big Walnut, near the northern boundary or the township. He cleared up the farm and resided here until his death, which occurred in 1871, when he was seventy-two years old. About 1844, S. A. Ramsey purchased a farm of about 200 acres near the center of the "Irish Section." This he developed into a profitable farm. He reared a large family, and won the respect of all his neighbors by his uprightness of character. He served as justice of the peace and in other township offices. We have endeavored to give all that we could learn regarding the early settlers, who left homes of comparative comfort and braved the perils and endured the hardships of the wilderness to pave the way for the civilization that we enjoy today. It would be impossible to go into such detail regarding the thousands of worthy citizens who now compose the population of Delaware County. So far as we know, no record exists to show the date of the first marriage, but as nearly as we can learn, the contracting parties were Reuben Place and Rachel Meeker. Tradition also says that Eliza Allen Mendenhall Pint was the first white child born of the permanent settlers, and Polly Place was the first to die. This has always been a farming community, and one of the last places in the world for a speculative enterprise to gain a foothold; yet. in 1865, when the oil speculation in Ohio was at its height, the Delaware & Hocking Oil Company was organized by Judge Isaac Ramsey, David Coban, Dr. H. Bessee, Mr. Huston and others, with Charles McElroy as secretary. The necessary apparatus was purchased, and the Company started to bore for oil on the Big Walnut. The excitement grew greater from day to day, the stock of the company increased in price and sold rapidly to those whom, it is easy now to say, were more hopeful than wise. It was decided that the work was impracticable after the well had been driven 900 feet through the sandstone, blue clay and clay shale, and the enterprise was abandoned. Had they been successful, the promoters of the venture would have been credited with unusual foresight and business acumen. The citizens of Porter Township are the peers of the citizens of any similar neighborhood in the State in intelligence, industry, enterprise and morality.