Scioto Township

Scioto Township

Scioto is one of the western townships of Jackson County. Its boundaries are as follows: North by Liberty Township, east by Franklin Township, south by Hamilton Township and Scioto County, and west by Pike County.

Topography And Streams

The township ot Scioto is hilly, but well adapted to grazing and to agriculture, especially along the streams. The streams are only small tributaries. From the north center of the township, flowing southwesterly, is Brushy fork of the Little Scioto River, which flows through Scioto County to the Ohio River.

History Of Lower Scioto Valley

Big Buck Lick Creek rises south of the center of the township and flows south. A few thread-like streams flow from near the eastern border eastward beyond the limits of the township, all of which show the township to be of higher elevation than the immediate portions of the surrounding country. No stream finds a course through the township, but its waters are sent forth through numerous small ones in almost every direction. Coal and iron are distributed generally throughout the hills, considerable having been dug out and hauled away.

Organization

In July, 1816, the county commissioners granted the petition from the inhabitants of the below described territory, asking to be formed into a new township to be known by the name of Scioto. The petition is as follows:

"Beginning at the northeast corner of section 2, in township 6, range 19, and running south along the section lines to the county line at the southeast corner of section 35, township 5, range 19; thence west to the southwest corner of the county; thence north along the county line; thence east to the place of beginning." The township, as thus described embraced only a part of the present township of Scioto, together with all of Hamilton, except the eastern tier of sections and a part of Scioto County. In 1825 Hamilton Township was formed from the southern part of Scioto Township, and it was reduced to its present size.

Settlement

The date of the earliest settlement in this township is but a few years later than the earliest in the county. John Graham is recorded as having received by patent Irom the Government and entered the southeast half of the southwest quarter of section 35, in the year 1817. Edward Crabtree entered in a like manner a quarter of section 30 in 1818. Mr. Tolbert, father of Thornton Tolbert, entered a quarter of section 25, adjoining the land of Edward Crabtree, and about the same time Samuel McDowell entered a portion of section 20.

Other of the early settlers were Joseph Graham, Win. Thomas, Lewis Crabtree, George Bowen, Peter Keller, Jacob Culp, David Walton and others. The earliest records to be found show the following corps of officers for the year 1823, viz. : Trustees,

Seth Graham, Nathaniel Scott and John McDowell; Treasurer, Peter Kelan; Clerk, John McDowell, Jr.; Lister, Henry Culp; Overseers of the Poor, Edward Crabtree and Isaac Miller; Constables, Nathan Burgess and John Burges; Justices of the Peace, Samuel McDowell and Alexander Anderson.

Shier and Evan Crabtree; Treasurer, J. W. Hays; Clerk, W. A. Russell; Assessor, John Eaton; Constables, Daniel Martin, James Evans and A. M. Davis; Justices of the Peace, James Davis, Robert Beatty and Joseph Wiseman.

Population And Valuation

The chief industry of the inhabitants is farming and stock-raising. The mining of coal and iron ore has given employment to some. Since the township contains six more sections than a regular congressional township it has a surface of 25,919 acres of taxable land, ranking second in this respect in the county. The value of the lands as assessed in 1882 was $216,361; the value of the chattel property in the township was $121,161.

Schools And Chukci1Es

Sub-district No. 1, Buckeye School, has eighty-five pupils; Sub-district No. 2, Cove School, has eighty-two; Sub-district No. 3, Miller's School, has sixty-six; Sub-district No. 4, Dixon School, has fifty-two; Sub-district No. 5, Baker School, has sixty -three; Subdistrict No. 6, Fairview School, no report; Sub-district No. 7, Grahamsville School has ninety-four; Sub-district No. 8, White School, has forty-five; Sub-district No. 9, Crabtree School, ha? forty-seven.

The New Zion Protestant Methodist Church was organized in the spring of 1879, and built their church in the fall of the same year. The pastor was the Rev. Gaines Tyra, and the Trustees were: Perry Yeager, Adam Yeager and James Halterman. The membership numbered about thirty. Rev. Wm. Hollinslied is the present pastor. The Trustees for 1883 are: Wm. Swanson, George Lamb and Harvey Moseberger. At present the congregation is not quite as large as when organized. Services are held every two weeks. The value of the church property is $600. The church is located on section 1.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1845 by Rev. Daniel Clark and Rev. Mr. Warwick. The members at that time were: Kelley Daniels and wife, Thomas Morgan and wife, Tirus Hanna and wife and Samuel Vaughn and wife. They held their meetings in the residences of the members for awhile, and then in the school-house up to the year 1862, when they built a church. Rev. John R. Prose was pastor of the organization at the time they built the church. Tiie Trustees were David West. Ely Tope and Amos Tope. The< membership was about fifty. About a year after the completion of the church it was burned down, having been set on fire. After the church was burned they again held their meetings in the school-house until 1878, when they built the present building. The pastor at that time was. the Rev. David Storer, and the Trustees were: Joseph Armstrong, Lewis Gilland, James Yandivort, E. Jordan and Joel Wiseman. The Rev. Samuel A. Crosby is now the pastor; and the Trustees are Joseph Armstrong, Lewis Gilland and Joel Wiseman. At present there are about seventy members. Sabbath-school every Sunday; Superintendent, S. B. Vandivort; Secretary, Charles Hunter. The average attendance is fifty. Value of church property, $700. The church is located on section 4.

The Protestant Methodist Church , known as Looman's Chapel, was organized in 1859, by the Rev. Jacob Nichols, at Mr. Vincent Crabtree's residence. The members were: Vincent Crabtree and wife, Mrs. Rachel Stinebaugh, Mrs. Annie Crabtree, Miss Jane Anderson and Mr. James McQuality. The meetings were held at Mr. Crabtree's house until 1876, when they built the present church edifice, which was dedicated by the Rev. Perry Orr. The Trustees were: Philip Russell, Samson C. Nye and Jacob Smith, and the membership was about twenty-three. The present pastor is the Rev. Wm. Hollinshed, and the Trustees are Vinton Crabtree, Benjamin Garrett and Samson Nye. They have now twenty-eight members. It has a regular Sabbath-school.

The Providence Free- Will Baptist Church was organized Dec. 17, 1843, by the Rev. Isaac Fullerton. The members were Robert Clem, Miss Polly Bennett, Mrs. Mary Keller, Mrs. Matilda Crabtree, Miss Elizabeth Keller. They held their meetings at the homes of the members. The church was built in 1865, and dedicated by Rev. Isaac Fullerton, the same pastor who organized it twenty-two years before. The members had increased during that time to about forty. The Trustees were: Enoch Crabtree, Wm. E. Crabtree and John

Coles. The present membership reaches fiftyfive, Rev. Samuel McDonald being the pastor. The Trustees are: Enoch Crabtree, Jesse Osborn and Edward Enslow Crabtree. Services are held once a month. The church is located on section 31.

The German Presbyterian Church was organized in 1839 by Rev. Mr. Tlanarber, with about eighteen members. They built a log church the same year on the place of William Wade, on section 20, the Trustees at that time being Henry Lesser, Jacob Phleger and Henry Weaver. They held their meetings there until 1877, when they built a new frame church on Jacob Lesser's farm, on section 21, the pastor being the Rev. Mr. Stahgo, and the Trustees; Henry Baker, Jacob Gahm and Henry Gahm. When they built the new church their membership had increased to thirty-five. The present pastor is Rev. John Grado. The Trustees are: Jacob Gahm; Frank Wilking and Conrad Miller. Services are held every two weeks. The membership is about the same as in 1877. Sabbath-school is held every Sunday, and lias an average attendance of thirty scholars. Superintendent, Henry Gahm.

Lewisville, situated on section 27, has a general country store and a postoffice kept in the store. Lewis Nye is owner of the store, and Postmaster.

Petersburg , located almost in the center of the township, has a country store and postoffice, both kept by Jacob Flaker, and a blacksmith shop.

Grghamsville has a store and blacksmith shop, store owned by Jacob Pierce, located in southwestern part of the township. A portion of the Ohio Southern Railroad runs through the northern part of the township, and has two stations within its limits, viz: Whitman's and Cove's stations.

at a very early day by William Lyons. It was on section 24, on land now owned by William Howard. It is said to have been the first tannery established in the county.

The saw and grist mill now owned by Enoch Crabtree was built by David Walton in 1823. Mr. Walton sold it in 1829 to Daniel White; Mr. White sold it in 1834 to William E. Crabtree, and he sold it in 1852 to its present owner, Mr. Enoch Crabtree.

Biographical

William Henry Butcher , farmer and dealer in stock, Scioto Township, is the second son of Adam and Nancy ^Adams) Butcher. He was born Feb. 16, 1854, in Pike County, Ohio, and lived on a farm with his parents till he attained his majority. At the age of twenty-one years he began fanning and dealing in stock in Pike County, and in 1878 was elected Assessor of Marion Township, Pike County, and re-elected in 1879. In 1881 he purchased a farm north of Jackson, Jackson County, which he sold in 1883 and bought the farm where he now resides. He was married June 15, 1880, to Matilda A., daughter of John and Margaret (Johnson) McMonagal, of Pike County. One son has been born to them - Guy E. His wife died Jan. 7, 1883, aged twenty-five years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Butcher is a Republican in politics. lie is a member of Trowel Lodge, No. 132, F. & A. M., Jackson.

Enoch Crabtree , farmer and owner of the grist and saw mill on Little Scioto River, was born Sept. 21, 1824, in Jackson County, lie was educated in the subscription schools and followed farming till 1854. lie then removed to his present farm, where he has since been engaged in farming and milling. His mill is run by water-power, and was first built by David Walton in 1823, being the first one in Scioto Township. It was re-built by William

Crabtree, and in 1854 was again re-built by our subject. He was married Hoy. 30, 1845, to Mary, daughter of Peter and Mary (Carpenter) Keller. Of the five children born to them four are living - Edward K., Serena, Matilda and Sarah M. His eldest child, William, died at the age of fourteen years. His wife died in July, 1865, aged forty-two years, and he was again married Jan. 31, 1867, to Mrs. Minerva (Brown) Kirkpatrick. They have had four children - .Rebecca L., Bertie A., William W. and Ganes Carr. His wife is a member of the Protestant Methodist church. He belongs to the Free-Will Baptist church, and in politics is a Republican.

Jehiel Graham , son of John and Catherine (Rickabaw) Graham, was born in Jackson County, near where he resides at present, April 29, 1819. He lived with his parents till twenty-two years old and helped clear the farm from an unbroken forest, experiencing all the privations of pioneer life. At the age of sixteen years he and two brothers worked at the Clinton Furnace. He was employed about public works till 1839, when he worked at the Jackson Furnace nearly two years, and part of the time worked on lands he had previously purchased. In 1840 he went to Hew Orleans and spent the winter chopping wood in the State of Mississippi. He returned home in the spring of 1S41 and worked on his farm till 1853. He then removed to the farm entered by his father, where he has since resided. He was married Oct. 28, 1841, to Rebecca, daughter of Hugh and Rebecca (Martin) Gilliland. Her father came to Ohio in an early day, and died in 1859, aged seventy- two years. Her mother is in her ninety-second year. Hine children were born to this union, eight of whom are living - Emeline (wife of John II. Lloyd), Hathan, Caroline (wife of John Brady, of Missouri), Johnson, Warren, Rebecca J. (wife of John Henson), Willis L., Elmira (wife of A.Q. Parks), James M. (died when one year old). He and wife are members of the

Christian church. He served three years as Township Trustee. He was originally a Whig but is now an adherent of the Republican party. His first vote was cast for Zachary Taylor. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Yirginia respectively, and settled where the town of Jackson now stands. They afterward located in Jackson and engaged in the manufacture of salt a number of years, after which he settled on Congress land on section 30 in 1812. He served in the war of 1812. In 1817 ho entered a quarter section of land on section 35, where our subject was born.

Thomas Ilays , eldest son of Thomas and Haney (Bonun) Hays, was born in Jackson County, June 30, 1842. He lived at home till manhood and attended the common schools until seventeen years of age, after which he spent two terms at the Jackson Academy and the two following winters attended the common schools. At the age of twenty years he began teaching school and taught through the winter and farmed during the summer seasons for eleven years, with the exception of 1867, when he was employed as salesman in the Star Furnace store for a year. Since 1874 he has devoted his time to farming, at which he has been very successful. He was married March 19, 1874, to Margaret J., daughter of Adam and Haney (Stephenson) Lackey. Their children are Stella F. and Chalmers G. He and wife are members ot the Presbyterian church, of which he is Elder. He is also Superintendent of the Sabbathschool.

Van Buren Johnson , son of Samuel R. and Susan (Ward) Johnson, was born Jan. 23, 1833, in Jackson County. He was reared a farmer and acquired a liberal education at the common schools and by private study, lie worked at furnaces till he was twenty-five years old, after which he engaged in farming for three years in Franklin and Bloomfield Townships. In 1859 he purchased his pres- exit farm and located on it in I860, where lie has since been engaged in farming and stockraising. May 2, 1864, he enlisted as Second Lieutenant of Company K, One Hundred and Seventy-second Regiment, Ohio National Guards, and served on duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, and Charleston, W. Ya., guarding Government stores and transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers. He was discharged at Gallipolis, Sept. 2, 1864. He was married Jan. 18, 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of Arthur and Jane (Stephenson) McClure. They have had twelve children, seven of whom are living - Asa O., Van BurenE., Morton M., Clara A., Elizabeth. M., Amy M. and Edwin S. Those deceased are - Samuel A., Emma J., William M., Marga C. and John H. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is Trustee. He is Steward of the Beaver Circuit, Portsmouth District]of the Ohio Conference. He was elected Commissioner of Jackson County in 1872 and served till 1878, having been re-elected in 1875. The County Infirmary was erected under his supervision as one of the Board of Commissioners. He is a member of Lodge No. 465, A. F. & A. M., Lucasville, Scioto Co., Ohio.

Franklin Township, organized in 1816, was one of the three original townships, and the first one which had its name and bounds described by the county commissioners. It covered at that time about one-third of the county, being most of the south and southwestern portions. There were quite a number of townships made at the second term of county commissioners' court, June, 1816, and some of them cut seriously into the territory of Franklin. These new townships caused the citizens of Franklin to look after their boundary line and a petition was presented by the inhabitants of the township asking that said township remain incorporated under

" Beginning at the northeast corner of section 1, in township 6, range 18, and running south along the said range line to the southeast corner of section 36, in township 6, range 18; thence west to the northeast corner oi section 3, township 5, range 18; thence south with section line to the county line; thence west along said line to the southwest corner of section 36, in township 5, of range 19; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of section 1, in township 6, of range 19; thence east to the place of beginning."

This petition was presented July 16, 1816, and granted by the commissioners. According to these boundaries the original township of Franklin contained the whole of the present township, two-thirds of Jefferson and six sections each from the east side of Scioto and Hamilton townships, which made it exactly the size of two congressional townships.

Surface And Minerals

The surface is not so hilly as some of the other townships, and these hills are not so high. It is the best agricultural township in the county, but it is not so rich in coal and iron ore. The coal stratas are thin, varying in thickness from twelve to twenty inches, while the veins of iron ore are not worth the working in many places. Fire-clay in considerable quantity and some limestone are found. There is enough of these articles to pay for developing, and plenty of coal for local purposes, but neither coal nor iron ore has yet been developed to cause that industry to be carried on. The township being agricultural, its increase in population has been slow, the gain in forty years being less than 500, although in 1870 it had reached over 600. Its population by decades is given: 1840, 1,055; 1850, 1,295; 1860, 1.434; 1870, 1,665; 1880, 1,502.

From the time of the early settler the cultivation of the soil was their chief labor. Four miles by two of the old Salt Reservation lies in the northwest portion of this township. Salt Creek itself rises within its limits and waters its central portion, and there is yet considerable timber within its border. Its transportation facilities are good for the Portsmouth Branch R. R. passes nearly through its center from north to south, while the narrow gauge railroad pisses within an average of three-quarters of a mile of its entire eastern border.

The Old Pioneer

Its old settlers were a hardy race of pioneers and among the number of those who settled in the township were : David Sheward, Samuel Traxler, Levi Mercer, Jacob Wisliow, John Strapes, Hugh Gilliland, Jno. Burnside, Jacob Shoemaker, Win. Buckley, Joseph Westlake, Peter Bunn, Nottingham Mercer, Samuel Bunn, Thomas Craig, Jacob Shellenger, Ezekiel Boggs, Ezekiel Masters, C. Karr, John Lackey, George Fauglit, Silas Lake, Abijah Dawson, Win. Clark, James Dawson, Joseph Baker, Joseph Mercer, Sr., Joseph Mercer, Jr., Jonathan Trexler, Isaac Wisliow, Daniel Spriggs and J. J. Evans.

Among many who are still living are found Samuel Claar, J. It. Meacham, Peter McCain, Jacob Jacobs, Daniel Ilarrel, Captain James Johnson, Wra. II. Cherington, Job Buckley, Evan Evans, Morgan Morgan, Benjamin Callaghan, JolmWilson, Armstead Scurlock. These and others within the township can look back to the time when it was in reality a wilderness, and through their labor and that of their neighbors the troubles and trials of pioneer life have been swept away and the latter part of the nineteenth century proves as cheerful, pleasant and prosperous as its early days were filled with poverty and discomfort.

married on May 11, 1823. They both bid fair to live many years yet. They have had fourteen children. The first mill erected and run by water-power in Franklin Township was put up by Emanuel Traxler, in 1816. The next mill built was by Jacob Worsham; both of these mills were on what was called Fourmile Run. This last mill was put up in 1822.

Churches And Schools

Mt. Zion M. E. Church, located in the northwestern part of Franklin Township, was organized at the residence of James R. Meacham by Rev. Win. Warwick in the year 1830. The church building was erected iul835. The members at that time numbered about twentysix. J. R. Meacham, Benjamin Branscom, Silas Lick, Charles Meaciiam and Lafayette Hatton were the Trustees. Tne class was changed over to the Jackson class some years ago, but they still hold their meeting at the old place. Tney have services every two weeks, the Revs. Cherington, Whetsel and Long being the ministers on the circuit. Trustees, James R. Meacham and Charles Meacham. The membership at present is about twenty. Sabbathschool every Sunday ; Superintendent, Mrs. Elizabeth Scurlock; average attendance, fortyfive.

The Church of Christ was organized in Jackson, Aug. 14, 1852. The following Trustees were elected: John L Belie m, Win. B. Rice and George Stiffin'. A committee of three to employ an evangelist was appointed consisting of Win. S. McCormick, George Stiff! er and John L. Biliern. The Elders were : Thomas Nally, Thomas Gorsuch and John L. Beliem; the Deacons, Henry Stiffier and Reuben Dickison. The membership was 154. In 1861 the members in Franklin Township built a church in the south central portion of section 17, at a cost of about $ 1,000. The pastor employed was the Rev. R. J. Backus. In February of 1876 they reorganized and cut loose from the Jackson church and appoint-

Claar, W. H. Brunton and Henry Hughes; Decons, Hiram Sheward, Wm. Claar, Peter Mercer and Henry Hughes; Elders, R. J. Backus, Henry Stiffler and D. J. Sheward. At present the membership is 177. The Rev. Geo. Yan Pelt was the last regular pastor. Services are held once a month and social meetings every Sunday. Sabbath- school every Sunday.

Ike f reedom Christian Church , formerly a part of Antioch, was organized in the Salt Creek Conference by Rev. Jas. Spriggs, in 1840, the year in which Antioch Church was built. In 1867 the split occurred in the organization, and in 1868 Freedom was reorganized and built a church in the south-central part of section 19. Deacons: Jacob Jacobs and Samuel Jacobs; Preachers and Elders, Joel W. Reynolds, Wm. Brunton and G. W. Masters; Trustees, Jonathan Trexler, Daniel Harrel and Jacob Jacobs. The officers of the church for 1883 are as follows: Elders, Geo. W. Masters and Jacob Jacobs; Deacons, Samuel Jacobs and Harrison Canter. The last pastor was the Rev. James B. Taylor, they being at present without a minister. The present membership is about fifty-two. Services once a month.

The Franklin Valley Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1833 by Jacob Delay at Jephtha Cherington's residence, with the following members: Jephtha Cherington and wife, William H. Cherington and wife, Lorenzo D. Cherington and wife, Clinton Cherington and wife, William Cherington and wife, Evan Evans and wife, Benjamin Arthur and wife, William Jenkins and wife, Samuel Carrick and wife, and John Lackey and wife. In January, 1848, they built a log church. At that time the pastor was the Rev. Charles Furguson. The present church was built in 1867, at a cost of $2,108.40. The Trustees were: John S. Stephenson, W. S. Schellenger and J. W. Yaughn. Rev. J. T.

Finch was the pastor, and the membership reached about eighty. The present pastor is the Rev. M. D. Yaughn; Trustees, Marcus Shumate, John McClure and J. W. Yaughn. Services are held every two weeks and Sabbath-school every Sunday. Superintendent, Marcus Shumate.

Antioch Christian Church , located in the southwestern part of the township, was founded by the Rev. Joseph- S. Spriggs in 1836. He continued its pastor up to the date of his death in 1854. The organizing members were thirteen in number, viz.: Joseph S. Spriggs and wife, Andrew Fleming and wife, Peter McCain and wife, Rebecca Gilliland, S. Spriggs, and five others whose names are not now known. As founded the congregation belonged to what was known as the Salt Creek Conference, but has since been changed to the Ohio Christian Conference of the Bible Christian church. In 1867 a split occurred in the church, but the majority of the members remained with the old church. The present pastor is Rev. J. J. Spriggs; Deacons, Peter McCain and John Shoemaker.

There is a store and a postoffice, the latter called Banner Postoffice, J. W. Yaughn, Postmaster, and John Keller, a blacksmith shop. It is at Yaughn's Station. At Irwin's Station Mr. Baldwin Evans has a general store, and is the Postmaster at this time, and at Clay Station, George W. Johnson is Postmaster and t station agent. George Rubert keeps a

Master, James Hayes; Overseer, Abraham Karr; Secretary, Lancelot Campbell; Treasurer, John Hixton; Elector, E. W. Jacobs; Chaplin, Jacob Jacobs; Steward, Sylvester ILixon; Assistant Steward, Reuben Farrar; Lady Assistant Steward, Miss Theresa Jacobs ; Ceres, Miss Until Hixon; Flora, Miss Lucy Hawkins; Pomona, Miss Gelina Farrar; Gate- Keeper, Christian Hawkins. At present the lodge has about thirty-six members, and the officers now are as follows: O. N. Perkins, Master; Abraham Karr, Overseer; Reuben Farrar, Secretary; Miss Emma Jacobs, Treasurer; A. Q. Parks, Elector; Mrs. Rachel Campbell, Chaplain; Jacob Jacobs, Steward; Ezekiel Masters, Assistant Steward; Miss Margaret Stephenson, Lady Assistant Steward; Jackson Malony, Gate-Keeper; Mrs. Catheline Lyons, Ceres; Mrs.Drucilla Malony, Flora; Mrs. Lettice Karr, Pomona. The lodge room is located on the eastern central portion of section 19, on the farm of Jacob Jacobs. The grange owns the lodge room, which is a substantial frame building.

Bounds, Area And Wealth

Franklin Township is bounded on the north by Lick Township, on the east by Bloomfield and Madison, south by Jefferson, and west by Scioto. It is a congressional township of six miles square, with a land area of 23,010 acres, and is assessed for 13,110 acres. Its personal property in 1880 was valued at $183,559, and it has rapidly increased since. Its real estate in 1882 was valued at $213,831; personal property, $202,- 721; total, $146,605.

Trustees, George .Newell, Thomas Alexander and John Farrar; Treasurer, Mordecai McClung; Clerk, Samuel R. Johnson; Assessor, Samuel Carrick; Constables, Joshua E. Stephenson, Richard Daniels and Samuel Gray; Justices of the Peace, Joseph Spriggs and George W. Hale.

Trustees, John Ward, Job Buckley and W. S. Schellenger; Treasurer, Sam'l Claar; Clerk, John D. Davis; Assessor, Jacob A. Claar; Constables, W. W. Buckley, Uriah Titus and Yin ton Spriggs; Justices of the Peace, Wm. H. Cherington, W. D. Higgins and Joseph Spriggs.

Trustees, D. B. Harrel, Peter Radclift and George H. Downs; Treasurer, Wm. Claar; Clerk, Wm. Schellenger; Assessor, Wm. H. Brunton; Constables, Samuel J. Brown and Daniel C. Spriggs; Justices of the Peace, Armstead Scurlock and Joseph J. Spriggs.

Albert Smith Brady , second son of Thomas J. and Margaret (Stephenson) Brady, was born Dec. 22, 1861, in Scioto County, Ohio. When three years of age he came with his parents to Jackson, where he attended the common schools and worked on the farm till he was fourteen years old. He then clerked for Richards & Sons, at the Cross-Roads, a few months, after which he was employed as clerk in a furnace store two years in Carter County, Ky. He was again employed by Richards & Sons for a time, and after being employed by various parties he attended school; at the same time purchased ore for the Jackson

Furnace until October, 1882, and prepared himself for the teacher's profession at the Oak Hill Academy, and is at present teaching school at Glade, Jackson County.

Mrs. Emily Brady , daughter of David and Rachel (Virgin) Enslow, was born in Pennsylvania, March 19, 1801. Her parents settled in Muskingum County when she was an infant. Her father served as Captain in the war of 1812, after which the family moved to Scioto County, settling where Wlieelersburg now stands. She lived with her parents till she was twenty-live years old, helping with the housework and working on the farm. July 4, 1825, she was married to Levi Brady, who died Jan. 5, 1862, aged sixty -live years. He was a boatman on the Ohio River, and while he was away she would do the farm work. Her father-in-law, William Brady, built the first house where the city of Portsmouth is located. Of the thirteen children born to them twelve are living - King D., Thomas J., Samuel W., Levi, Caroline (wife of Daniel Underwood), Robert K., William H., Mary E. (wife of Rev. J. B. Tracy), John T. (Captain in late war), Reason E., Emily (wife of Harry Adrian) and Ornamenta C. (wife of John Zing). The second son, Thomas, died at the age of three years. All the sons belong to the Republican party. Mrs. Brady is widely known as a successful physician - especially in the cure of cancers. She joined the Methodist Episcopal church at the age of thirteen years, and when forty years old joined the Baptist, of which she is still a member.

Thomas Jefferson Brady , second son of Levi and Emily Brady, was born in Scioto County, Aug. 20, 1829. He lived on the home farm till his twenty-first year, and attended the common schools. At that age he began burning charcoal, which he followed till 1851. He then went to California and engaged in mining till the fall of 1853, when he returned to Scioto County and again engaged in the coal business. He was Assistant

Superintendent of the Bloom Furnace in Scioto County, and Manager of the Diamond Furnace, near Jackson, two years, the Orange Furnace one year, the Fulton Furnace one year, and the .Limestone Furnace for the same length of time. He then superintended the Charlotte Furnace, in Carter County, Ky., four and a half years. He then returned to his farm in Jackson County, where die is at present engaged in farming. Feb. 2, 1856, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Smith and Mary (Varian) Stephenson. Five children have been born to them, four of whom are living - Robert K., Albert S., Eva and Charlie. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She died April, 1871. Mr. Brady has held the office of Trustee of Franklin Township two years.

Harmon Bunn , farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Jackson County, near his present residence, Nov. 12, 1846. His father, Samuel Bunn, was a native of Maryland, but reared in Greenbrier County, Va., and came to Ohio in 1800. He married Elizabeth Nelson, a native of Kentucky, who came to Gallia County when seven years old, and in 1812 came to Jackson County. Our subject was reared a farmer and attended the common schools. He has managed the farm since his father's death, which occurred in 1865, at the age of eightytwo. He has had the care of his mother since, who is still living. May 14, 1864, lie enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventysecond Ohio National Guards, and was on duty at Gallipolis, guarding Government stores and transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers. lie was discharged Sept. 14, 1864, when he returned home, since when he has been improving his farm and dealing in stock. He was married Dec. 26, 1866, to Esther M., daughter of Thomas Frasure, by whom ho has had six children, of whom four are living - Ira E., Getty E., Blanche and Benny. Ernest II. and Maud both died at the age of two years.

Henry Clay Bunn , fanner and dealer in stock, is the third son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Nelson) Bonn. lie was born in Jackson Count}7, June 1, 1827, and lived on the home farm till he reached his majority, and received a liberal education at the subscription schools. At the age ot twenty-one he began farming for himself, and in 1854, he with his brother Harvey and others constructed a merchants' grist-mill in Jackson, to which they afterward added a woolen mill. The business was conducted under the firm name of Bunn,Walterhouse & Bunn for three years, when it was changed to Bunn Bros. They also had a dry-goods store in connection with the general business. The business continued till 1870. In 1867 he and his brother Harvey purchased interests in the Fulton Iron Furnace, and in 1870 became sole proprietors, and in 1873 sold his interest. During the years he was in business he devoted his time to his farm and stock, in which he is still engaged. May 4, 1856, he was married to Millie A., daughter of Major George W. and Mary (McCall) Hale. They have three children living - Howard S., Charles and Jessie. MyraB. died at the age of three years.

Peter Bunn , farmer and stock-dealer, is the eldest son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Nelson) Bunn. His father was a native of Maryland, but reared in Virginia. He came to Jackson County in 1800, and engaged in the manufacture of salt for a number of years. At an early age he purchased land and began dealing in cattle, becoming an extensive land owner. He was in the war of 1812. He was married in Jackson County, where our subject was born, Aug. 5, 1820. Peter Bunn, at the age of twenty-one years, began his present business, in which he has met with success. Oct. 17, 1864, he enlisted in the Second Independent Battery, Ohio National Guards, and was on duty at Johnson's Island, guarding prisoners of war. Dec. 22, 1864, he was discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, and returned home. He was married in September, 1842, to Maria, daughter of Thomas Frasure. Three daughters have blessed this union - Elizabeth, wife of William Schellenger; Frank, wife of John Price, of Jackson; Josephine, wife of Edward Swanson. His wife died at the age of forty-seven years, Oct. 26, 1865. He was again married Sept. 14, 1866, to Nancy J., daughter of Annas and Martha J. (Keer) Swanson. They have been blessed with three children - Althea M., Peter H. and Carrie E. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church, of which he is Deacon, Trustee and Treasurer. He has tilled the office of Treasurer of Franklin Township twelve years. In 1874, at the opening of the County Infirmary, he was elected a Director of that institution. He has been re-elected twice, and is still tilling that position.

Abraham D. Edwards , farmer and dealer in stock, is the third son of David and Hannah (Evans) Edwards. His parents emigrated from North Wales to the United States, and settled in Gallia County, Ohio, in 1839, where our subject was born March 12, 1841. He lived there on a farm till he was nineteen years old. He was educated in the common schools, and spent some time in his father's grist-mill. He first began business for himself as a teamster during the late war, when he was engaged with the army in West Virginia during the winter of 1862. He spent the summer of 1863 in his father's grist-mill, and the following winter he was with the Army of the Cumberland, as a teamster. He returned home in the spring of 1865, and engaged in milling with his father till 1866, since when he has been successfully engaged in his present business. Dec. 19, 1865, he was married to Nancy J., daughter of J. C. and Lucinda Cremeens. They have had three children. Josiah D. and Hannah R. are living. Willie O. died when two years old. He

Baldwin Brazee Evans, dealer in dry-goods, groceries, hardware and general merchandise, at Irwin Station, Jackson County, was born in Jackson County, Aug. 22, 1835. He lived on the farm with his parents, Evan and Polly B. (Cherington) Evans, until manhood, and was educated at the common schools. At the age of nineteen he began teaching school, and was engaged in teaching during the winter and working on the farm with his father during the summer till he was twenty-five years old, when he established his present business. He has been Postmaster at Cambria since the office was established, and has also been agent for the C., W. & B. "Railroad Company, and also for the Express Company since 1868. He was elected Auditor of Jackson County in 1880 and is still holding that office. He was married July 18, 1861, to Sarah J., daughter of Job and Rebecca (McClure) Buckley. They have a family of five children - Corella, Albert V., Leonora, Herbert C. and WalterR. Mr. Evans and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Evan Evans , eldest son of Evan and Susannah (Jones) Evans, was born in North Wales, June 19, 1814, and when three years old came with his parents to the United States, They settled in Gallia County, Ohio, where he worked on the farm and attended the commou schools. When twenty-one years old he purchased some uncultivated land which he cleared, and is still residing there, engaged in farming. Oct. 9, 1834, he was married to Polly B., daughter of Thomas, and Sarah Cherington, of Gallia County. Twelve children were born to them, of whom eight are living - Baldwin B., Clinton D., Wellington C., Timothy J., S. E., R. R., Thomas J. and Minnie. Those deceased are - Susan, Sarah A., Susan J. and Mary A. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in

William Henry Handley . farmer and blacksmith, was born in Cabell County, W. Va., Sept. 20, 1836. He is the eldest son of Sampson and Susan W. (Billups) Handley, and early learned the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop, who followed that avocation. He was educated in the common schools, and at the age of twenty-two years he began to receive wages from his father, with whom he worked a year. He then established a shop of his own where he worked at his trade and was Postmaster of the office at Thorndike until 1862. He was a Union man, and when the Postmaster-General of the Confederacy ordered him to make his official reports to the Confederate States he said lie knew no such Government and immediately came to Ohio and made his report, returning his postal paper to the proper authorities at Washington. He was married Nov. 8, 1859, to Melinda A., daughter of Moses and Mary J, (Garrett) Cremeens, of Cabell County. They have had nine children, five of whom are living - May P., Albert W., Julia J., Nora I. and Arthur M. Sampson E. died at the age of fifteen; Addie and Olga died in infancy, and Jennie A. when two years old. Mr. Handley and wife are members of the Methodist church. He has served as Trustee of Franklin Township three terms and lias taken an active interest in the management of the schools in his district.

Deminy Hoskins, farmer and stock-raiser, Franklin Township, is the eldest son of Job and Mary (Donald) Hoskins. He was horn in Chiliicothe, Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 31, 1831, and when a boy his parents removed to Pickaway County, where he lived on a farm and attended the common schools. At the age of twenty-one he began farming in Pickaway County, where he lived till the spring of 1876. He then rented a farm in Jackson County and dealt in stock till the spring of 1880, when he purchased the farm where he now resides. Oct. 4, 1866, he was married to Emma, daughter of Wilson and Martha (Poor) Dickerson, of Jackson County. They have had five children, of whom four are living - Homer, Eddie D., Harry and Lena. Their eldest daughter, Birsel, died when ten years of age. Mr. Hoskins and wife are members of the Methodist church.

Samuel Harrison Johnson , son of Samuel R. and Susan (Ward) Johnson, was born April 30, 1839, in Franklin Township, J ackson County, near his present residence. Sept. 15, 1862, he enlisted as a private to serve three years, in Company G, Seventh Ohio Cavalry. He was engaged in the battle of Crab Orchard, Ky., in March, 1863, after which his company was detailed as body-guard under General Gilmore in the Twenty-third Army Corps. He was on duty during the siege of Knoxville, Tenn., after which he was confined in the hospital with small pox until June, 1864. He then rejoined his company and went with Sherman to Marietta, Ga., and was present at the capture of Atlanta. He participated in a number of important battles and was discharged at Raleigh, June 12, 1865, after which he returned home where he has since followed the avocation of a farmer. Oct. 28, 1866, he was married to Lottie A., daughter of J. W. and Emily (Burris) McClure, of Jackson County. They have one son - Willie Elmer. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Johnson is a member of Lodge Ho. 132, A. F. & A. M., and of Chapter Ho. 70, R. A. M., of Jackson, Ohio.

Lorenzo Wilson Kinnison was born July 13, 1834, in Jackson County. He was reared by his grandparents, Charles and Elizabeth Kinnison, who came to Ohio from Greenbrier County, Va., in an early day. He worked on the farm and attended the country schools until he was nineteen years old when he, in partnership with S. W. Spencer, opened a grocery and notion store at Berlin, Jackson

County, the firm name being Spencer & Kinnison. After a short time he sold out his interest and farmed one year with his uncle, A. J. Kinnison. The following winter he taught school and in the spring again became Mr. Spencer's partner in the general merchandise trade. After being thus engaged eighteen months he sold his interest and for a short time clerked in a store. During the summers of 1857-'58 he worked on the farm, teaching school during the winter months. In the spring of 1859 he removed to his farm and began experimenting in plant propagation. May 4, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Hational Guards, and was on duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, guarding Government stores and transports until Sept. 15, 1864, when he was discharged and returned home, and in 1865 began making plant propagation a speciality. He has steadily increased his business till he now has beds of sweet potatoes covering from 6,000 to 7,000 feet of surface and supplies Jackson, Pike, Scioto and Yinton counties and other localities. He produces plants by the millions each season. He raises other vegetables and also house and foliage plants to which he gives his entire time during the plant season. He was married May 20, 1858, to Mary A., daughter of William H. and Eleanor (Williams) Cherington. Seven children were born to them, five of whom are living - Ice phene O., wife of Isaac F. Barton; Ulysses L., Ira E., William L. and Ernest E. Elden E. E. died at the age of nine years and Carrie E. aged four years. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an active worker in the Sabbath-scliool and a strong supporter of the temperance cause. He has served as Clerk of his township and held the office of Township Trustee two terms.

a native of New York State, was of English descent, and his mother was born in New Jersey, of German descent. They were the first settlers of Jackson County, where our subject grew to maturity and was educated in the common-schools. He was engaged in farming till 1864, when in November of that year he enlisted in Company B, Sixty-seventh Ohio Infantry, as a private for one year. While fighting before Richmond he received injuries from which he never recovered. He was at the siege and capture of Petersburg, and was present at Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court-House. During the summer of 1865 he was stationed at Hanover Court-House, Va., and Nov. 1, 1865, he was discharged at Louisa Court-House, Va., when he returned home and has since been engaged in farming. In 1854 he was elected Township Trustee and served one term. He was married March 12, 1852, to Susannah, daughter of George and Margaret (Stephenson) Newell, of Jackson County. They have had eight children of whom seven survive - Eliza E., George N., Margaret A. (wife of Bishop Gragg, of Kansas),Flora J., Eleanor E., Oliver C. and Charles W. William J. died when one year old. Mr. Lake is a believer in the doctrines of Swedenborg, and his wife is a member of the Christian church.

James May hew, farmer and stock-raiser, is the eldest son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Wilson) May hew. He was born in Washington County, Pa., Jan. 2, 1838, where he lived till he was seventeen years old, being reared a farmer and attending the common schools. In 1855 he removed with his parents to Jackson County, Ohio. At the age of twenty-two he entered into business with his father, who was a carpenter, and they constructed many buildings and bridges in the county besides contracting and furnishing large amounts of timber for railroad bridges, etc. He is still engaged as a contractor in connection with his farming operations, and through industry and economy has become a well-to-do citizen. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as Township Trustee three terms. His first vote was cast for President Lincoln. He enlisted in the late war May 14, 1864, and was First Sergeant of Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio National Guards. He was on duty at Gallipolis guarding Government stores and transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers, and received his discharge Sept. 15, 1864. He was married to Ira N., daughter of Henry and Hannah Howe, of Jackson County, by whom he has had five children - Ida T., Franklin, Inez S., Charles and Ernest.

Allison James Nelson , third son of Oliver J. and Martha Nelson, was born in Jackson County, Jan. 15, 1853. His father died in the late war, and our subject lived with and cared for his mother till her death, which occurred when he was nineteen years of age. He then began working on the farm of L. W. Kinnison, with whom he continued seven years. During that time he purchased the farm where he now resides, on which he located in 1879. He is a progressive business man and has won the confidence of his fellowcitizens, who have elected him Trustee of the township. Dec. 29, 1878, he was married to Mollie C., daughter of Hamby and Lucinda Barton. They have been blessed with two sons - Roy B. and Dwight B. Mr. Nelson and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

George Rupert , dealer in general merchandise, Cross Roads, Jackson County, was born in Scioto County, May 1, 1847. When five years of age he came with his parents, Joseph and Magdelina (Ammon) Rupert, to Jackson County, where he lived with them till manhood, working on the farm and attending the common schools. When twenty-one years of age he began huckstering in Scioto County, after which he worked in iron ore till 1870. He then purchased property at the Cross

Roads and engaged in the grocery business, to which he soon added dry-goods. In 1881 he bought out his competitor's store, in which he is doing a good business. J uly 14, 1870, lie was married to Mary, daughter of Martin and Mary (Dentler) Robb, of Jackson County. Seven sons have been sent to bless this union, of whom five are living - Joseph, Martin, Charles, Frank and Fred. Benjamin F. and Henry D. died in infancy. Mr. Rupert and wife are members of the Catholic church.

Charles Warren Schellenger , farmer, is the third son of W. S. and Eliza (Ward) Schellenger. He was born May 26, 1842, in Jackson County, and lived on the home farm and attended the common school till lie was twenty years old. Aug. 2, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Ninety -first Ohio Infantry, as a private for three years. Shortly after his enlistment he was appointed Corporal of his company, and on Jan. 3, 1864, was promoted to Sergeant. He was promoted to First Sergeant Dec. 16, 1864, which position he held till the war closed. He participated in the battles of Fayetteville, Lynchburg, Va., Winchester, Charleston, Cedar Creek, and a number of others. He was mustered out J une 24, 1865, and returned to Camp Dennison, Ohio, where he was discharged June 30, 1865. He then returned home and engaged in farming, and in 1870 purchased the farm in Franklin Township, where he still resides. Jan. 10, 1867, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Caleb and Mary J. (Callahan) Alexander, of Jackson County. They have one son - Clarence W. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Armpstead Scuriock was born Nov. 3, 1827, in Jackson County, and is the second son of George and Elizabeth (Hanna) Scurlock. His father was born in 1800, in North Carolina, and came to Ohio with his mother when six years of age and settled in Jackson County. Our subject was roared on the farm, and attended the common-schools till he was twenty-one years old, after which he completed his education at the High School of Albany, Athens Co., Ohio. He was then engaged in teaching school during the winter for eighteen years and following the pursuits of a farmer during the summer seasons. He was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio National Guards, and was called into service May 14, 1864. He was on duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, guarding Government stores and transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers, and was discharged at Gallipolis, Sept. 15, 1864. He then returned home, where he has since been engaged in farming, stock-raising and wool-growing. April 24, 1862, he was married to Clarissa, daughter of Samuel L. and Mary (Hartley) Hull, of Jackson County. They have a family of seven children - Sherman S., Effie M., Elizabeth F., Alice C., Carrie A., Emerson and George W. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an active worker in the Sabbath-school and a warm advocate of temperance. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace continuously since 1865.

Rev. Joseph J. Spriggs , second son of Joseph and Rebecca ( Bond) Spriggs, was born March 1, 1827, in Jackson County, near his present residence. His grandparents came from Pennsylvania to Belmont County in an early day, and his father, after living a short time in Kentucky, came to Ohio, and entered the land where our subject resides, in 1818. He received a common-school education and assisted his father in clearing lands and by working on the farm till he was twenty-two years old. He was then apprenticed to Andrew Robb to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he served three years, after which he was engaged in farming. He joined the Christian church at the age of fifteen years, and when thirty years of age became an ordained preacher of that denomination and has been preaching ever since, his sons working the farm. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace eleven years, and has served one term as Township Trustee. He was married, July 26, 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of Joel and Louisa (Morgan) Reynolds, by whom he had seven children, of whom four are living - Joseph M., Mary C. (wife of John Davis), Sarah E. and Benjamin F. , all living in Jackson County. Isabel died at the age of eighteen years; Eliza died in infancy, and Rebecca J.when twenty-eight years old. His wife died in 1868, aged thirty-six years, and in November, 1869, he was married to Mrs. Nancy S. Dupre, daughter of Adriel and Anna (Price) Huntly, of Gallia County.

Vinton Spriggs was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, June 19, 1830, and is the eldest son of Daniel and Maria (Fitsmorris) Spriggs, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania respectively. He was four years old when his parents removed to Jackson County, where he was reared on Symmes Creek and attended the common schools, and is now one of the best read men in his community. He began teaming at furnaces when twenty-one years old, and followed this occupation two years. He then engaged in farming and carpentering till 1862, when he was engaged as post teamster in the late war, and was at Point Pleasant until January, 1863. He received injuries at that place which caused him to return home. In the summer of 1863 he assisted in raising a company, and in May, 1864, was mustered into the United States service, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventysecond Ohio National Guards as a Corporal to serve 100 days. He was op guard duty at Gallipolis, where he was discharged, Sept. 15,1864, then enlisted as a private for one year in Company A, Sixty-Second Ohio Infantry. He participated in several battles and received his discharge at Richmond, Va., June 27, 1865. He- then resumed his former occupation and has also been engaged in mining iron ore on his farm. March 19, 1852, he was married to Fiorina, daughter of Moses and Sallie (Clark) Dawson. Their children are nine in number - William H., Alexanders., Josephine (wife of Philip Gilliland), Daniel W., Moses T., Edward C., Crayton R., "V inton F. and Phil Sheridan. He and wife are members of the Christian church, and he has been a zealous worker for the Republican party since its organization.

William Henry Steele , farmer, stock-raiser and dealer in stock, is the second son of John and Philoma (Kern) Steele. He was born in Jackson County, April 15, 1842. At the age of twenty-two he engaged with his brother, Majer K., in farming and dealing in stock, under the firm name of W. H. & M. K. Steele. In 1867 our subject engaged in the dry-goods business in Jackson, but not meeting with success he sold out in 1870, since when he and his brother have steadily increased their business. and to-day rank as the leading land-owners and stock-brokers of Jackson County. He was married June 15, 1870, to Sophia L., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bunn) Ratcliff. Of the three children born to them, two are living - Majer B. and William. Alma M. died at the age of five years.

Jam.es W. Vaughn , dealer in general merchandise, farmer and stock-raiser, was born Jan. 23, 1826, in Jackson County, Ohio. He is the fourth son of Thomas and Rebecca (Dunham) Vaughn, natives of Virginia, the former being born Sept. 2, 1787, and the latter Jan. 23, 1796. After their marriage they lived in Pennsylvania for awhile, and in 1822 came to Jackson County, Ohio. Our subject attended the common schools, and completed his education at Delaware College, which he attended in 1850 - '51. He lived at home till he was twenty-eight years old, when he embarked in the mercantile business at Winchester, where he remained two years. He then sold his store and purchased the farm where he resides. He was again engaged in merchandising from 1857 till 1864, when he enlisted in the late war. He was First Lieutenant of Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio National Guards, and was on duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, guarding Government transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers. He was discharged at Gallipolis Sept. 15, 1864, when he returned home and resumed his business, which he has successfully conducted to the present time. Aug. 14, 1859, he was married to Nancy, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Poor) Willmore. Two children have blessed this union - Thomas S., a graduate of Delaware College, now reading law with C. A. Atkinson, of Jackson, and Minnie B., at home. Mrs. Vaughn was born June 20, 1842, and died Feb. 13, 1871. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Vaughn is a member of the same church, and has been leader and Recording Steward of the circuit nearly twenty -five years.

William Ross Watts , son of James M. and Mary (Waddell) Watts, was born March 10, 1847, in Gallia County, Ohio. He lived on the home farm till he was twenty-one years old, and attended the common schools. He began dealing in stock at an early age, continuing in that business in Gallia County till 1873. He then purchased a farm in Franklin Township, Jackson County, where he has since resided, engaged in stock-raising and dealing in stock. He was married Sept. 1, 1870, to Harriet E., daughter of Thomas J. and Julia A. Crull. This union has been blessed with two children- - Jennie and Rudolph M. Samuel Crull, grandfather of Mrs. Watts, was Associate Judge of the courts of Scioto County for thirty-eight years, and represented his county in the Ohio General Assembly.

Scioto Township was not organized until June 4, 1851, and is therefore the youngest of the municipal divisions which compose the county of Pike. It was formed from Seal Township, and lies directly east of, and on the Scioto River, the latter being its west boundary. On the north is Seal Township, on the east Union, and on the south Scioto County. It has an area of only 15,069 acres, which gives it the rank of tenth in size, four other townships being a few acres smaller. It is five miles from north to south, and a trifle less than that from east to west, its western line being irregular from the meanderings of the Scioto River.

Topography

It was principally settled by Virginians, who at first settled well back from the river, upon the second elevation, leaving the bottom to the overflow. It was only shunned on that account, the richness of its productive wealth being well known. And so the high lands and ridges were taken up, and the river bed left as a swamp for the ravages of the annual or semi-annual floods. However, as the years went by, the avoided bottoms began to take here and there the look of a farm, and a few venturesome spirits took up the richest lands of the Scioto Valley. Alter leaving the bottom lands the first ridge is found lighter soil, and on reaching the hills it is too thin for profitable cultivation. At least threefifths of the township is good, arable land, and in point of agricultural wealth is equal to its sister townships. The hill known as " Sam's Hill," back of the farm of Dr. Bliss, is an immense gravel bed, with a bed or quarry of sandstone on its summit. There is probably some mineral to be found in these hills, evidences of iron ore and coal, and also traces of oil. The township is watered principally by Big Run Creek, which flows westerly through the south central part of the township, and empties into the Scioto River, and a small tributary, called Salt Creek, is in the south, which empties into the other, near Big Run Hamlet. There is in the east a large amount of timber, and railroad ties are cut to a profit.

Big Run

is on the line ot the Scioto Valley Railroad, and is the only hamlet in the township. There were six acres surveyed, but the outlook did not promise well, so the hamlet has never been platted. The survey was made in 1881 by C. W. Bailey. The principal business is done by the Cutliffs.

Old Settlement

The family of John Barnes, who came in 1801, settled first in Pee Pee Township, but afterward purchased land in Scioto. Miss Lizzie Barnes, at present living on the homestead. is a daughter of John Barnes. This purchase was among the first in the township.

Mr. Barnes was elected twice a member of the Legislature, a Judge of the Common Pleas Court, and was a prominent man in county affairs for quite a number of years, being a man of strong sense and great energy of character. Another of the old settlers was a Mr. Boydston. lie wa3 a native of Virginia. Then Levi Moore, well known in those early days, another native of Virginia, was born April 29, 1788, and arrived soon after Pike County was organized. Two of his sons, John and Alfred, are now living. Captain Elisha Peters came from Boss, and then settled in Scioto Township. He took part in the war of 1812. Not long afterward came Captain Towner, William Collins, John Vulgarmoore and Lloyd Howard.

Educational

Culp, the house being dedicated by Rev. J. F. Givens. They have prospered, and have now some forty members. The present pastor is Rev. R. F. Wamsley.

Baity Chapel , Methodist Episcopal Churchy was organized about 1838. Their church, a frame building, was erected in 1817, at a cost of about $1,000. It is a neat little building, located in the eastern part of Scioto Township. The Trustees at this time are: Milton Peters, Charles Peters and William" Talbott.

Barnes Methodist Episcopal Chapel . - This was the first organization in Pike County. Ill 1835 they erected the old building known as the "Barnes Chapel." They held their services here until 1874, when it was discontinued, the members mostly going to the Methodist Episcopal church, of Piketon.

The educational interest of Scioto Township is secured through the six school districts which are found within its limits. Its population of school age numbers 374, and there are six school-houses whose aggregate valuation is placed at $2,400.

Free Methodist Episcopal Church. - This body was organized in 1835. For many years they had no building for worship, but finally there was a log house built which served their purpose for many years. The old house was dedicated by Rev. Free, and named in honor of him. This building was used until some ten years since, when they erected the present building at a cost of $1,800. The present minister is the Rev. J. M. Adams; Trustees, George Hauk, Robert Morgan, John F. Parrel, Ralph Doty.

The Mt. Gilead Church of Christ in Christian Union, was organized in 1864, by Alfred Moore, at his house, with fifteen members. The following year, 1865,- they erected a

Wetmore postoflice was established with G. W. Coffrin as Postmaster, in 1860. He was followed by a Mr. Reynolds, and he bv Mary Stanforth. Then came Charles Boydston and T. G. Vaughters, followed by the present Postmaster, J. D. Gibson. There is no hamlet.

Wakefield postoflice is kept at the station by that name, on the Scioto Valley Riilroad, and, like the above, is simply a postoflice. It was established in 1880, with Thomas Taylor appointed to take charge, and he is still Postmaster.

was inaugurated as such in July, 1882, with twenty charter members. It has flourished exceedingly since its organization and lias a membership now of thirty-seven. Meetings are held twice a month and strong interest felt in advancing to a front rank among the posts of the county and section. The otli *,ers are: Commander, David Burnside; Q mrtermaster, ; Chaplain, Rev. J. II. Mc-

" Beginning on the Scioto River on the county line between Scioto and Pike counties, running thence with said line eastward to Union Township; thence north with the line between Seal and Union townships, to the southwest corner of section 13, township 4, range 21; thence westerly with the section lines to the Scioto River; thence down the river to the place of beginning.

Boundary Changes

It was some ten years after its organization b.fore a change was made. One was made and recalled placing the line back to its original boundary, but the following was granted and the township conforms in its present line without any changes:

" Commencing at the northeast corner of secti »n 9 (being the northeast corner of Scioto Township), running one-half mile west; thence south to the Scioto County line."

The petition signed by John II. Towner and Pmlip Baldman, Trustees of Scioto, and George A. Hall and Sprouse, Trustees of Union. Granted Nov. 1, 1861.

Official

The first towmship officers in 1851 wrere: Trn stees, John H. Towner, I. N. Barnes and Henry Priest; Assessor, Samuel Johnson; Treasurer, C. W. Bailey; Cierk, Ansel Santford .

The present officers (1883) are: Trustees, John Stewart, W. A. Horn and Henrv Shy; Assessor, W. L. Taylor; Treasurer, Thomas Taylor; Clerk, D. W. Dailey.

The township has a voting population of a little less than 200. The population of the township was, in I860, 696; in 1870, 772, and in 1880, 921.

Valuation

Scioto Township had, in 1880, a valuation of chattel property to the amount of $138, 6141 This was exceeded by but three other townships in the county, viz.: Pee Pee, Seal and Jackson. The assessed valuation of the township in 1882 was as follows: Real estate, $294,561; personal property, $150,645; total, $445,206.

Dr. George Webster Bliss , son of Ellis and Mary Bliss, was born in Bradford, Vt., Oct. 17, 1811. He attended school most of the time till he was thirteen years old and at that early age began teaching in the public schools and followed the profession during the winters, till he was twenty-one years old. In the .meantime. he had been reading under Dr. John Poole. He then entered the United States Hospital, of Massachusetts, where he remained one year, and in 1837 he attended the medical department of Middlebury College, where he graduated Sept. 3, 1837. He then practiced medicine a short time in Portsmouth, after which he practiced ten years in Lucasville, Ohio. He then moved to Pike County where he has since followed his profession with much success. He was married in 1842 to Priscilla, daughter of William and Lydia Peters. They had seven children, of whom only one survives - Newton. Mrs. Bliss was born Jan. 24, 1822, and died Oct. 22, 1848, and in 1850 Dr. Bliss was again married, to Elizabeth Peters, who was born Dec. 29, 1819, and died May 25, 1872.

George Cutlip was born Feb. 13, 1822, in Beaver Township, Pike County, and is a son of Samuel and Jane Cutlip, the former a native of Virginia, of German descent, and the latter a native of Ohio, of Irish descent. They made their home in Pike County until their death, the mother having died in 1868 and the father in 1873. Our subject attended the public schools until he was twenty-two years of age. He was reared on the farm and has always followed farming pursuits, and now owns 298 acres of fine land which is well adapted to farming and stock-raising. He was married March 3, 1853, to Permelia, daughter of David and Sarah Wilson. They have had fourteen children of whom eleven are living. He has served as Justice of the Peace for six years and Township Clerk for twelve years, and has served five years as Constable.

Captain M. C. Peters, son of Elisha and Drusilla (Guthery) Peters, was born May 5, 1830, in Scioto Township. He was reared on the farm and attended the public schools during the winter till he was twenty-one years old, since which he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married Oct. 5,1851, to Ruth, daughter of Stewart Slavens. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living - Alice (wife of Elijah C. Williams), Carrie I., Sarah J. (wife of John Cockral), Louella, William R., Nellie C., Charles S. and Nora M. Sept. 4, 1861, Captain Peters enlisted in Company E, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, as a private, and twelve days later he was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and at the end of six months was discharged for disability. In February, 1865, he raised a company, of which he was chosen Captain, and served till the war closed, being mustered out Nov. 4,1865. He is a member of Colwell Post, No. 245, G. A. R. His father was a native of Virginia and came to Ross County, Ohio, in 1812, and his mother was born and reared in Pike County, Ohio, and was the granddaughter of Colonel Guthery. They were the third family to settle on Howard's Run.

Thornton W. Sargent, son of Eli and Elizabeth Sargent, was bom March 19, 1806, in Pee Pee Township, Pike Co., Ohio, and died Sept. 25, 1883, at the family residence in SciotoTownsliip, and was one of the oldest farmers in the county. His father, Eli, laid out the town of Piketon, and is the son of Snowden Sargent, who was about the first of the pioneer settlers in the county, coming from Maryland in 1796. He died in Coles County, 111., May 24, 1834. Thornton W. Sargent was married in 1830 to Elizabeth Mustard, whose parents were among the earliest settlers of the county. They had six children - Samuel, Elizabeth, Lydia, Mary, Harriet and Henry W. In politics the entire family affiliate with the Republican party.

Benjamin Talbott, son of William and Ann (Boydston) Talbott, was born May 4, 1810, on the old home farm, where he still resides, and has been engaged in fanning since he grew to manhood. He was married May 15, 1831, to Jane Paschal, who was born June 14, 1812, a daughter of William and Sarah Paschal. They were the parents of six sons and seven daughters - Lemuel G., John H., Joseph P., Pressley T., William L., Benjamin E., Elizabeth II. (wife of John Keath), Maria L., Sarah J., Nancy E., Lydia A., Mary C. and Rebecca J. Mrs. Talbott died Oct. 13, 1877, at the age of sixty-five years. Our subject's parents came from Virginia to Ohio in a flat-boat, in 1799, being about the first settlers of Scioto Township. They lived near Waverly a short time, when they moved to the old home place, where the father died in 1829, and the mother's death occurred in 1846.

Samuel Taylor, son of Levi and Rachel Taylor, was born March 9, 1811, in Pittsburg, and when four years old moved with his parents to Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward settled on the old homeste id, which is now owned by our subject. He was educated at the common schools and was reared a farmer, which avocation ho has always followed, being one of the leading farmers in Scioto Township. He was married Jan. 1, 1834, to Mary, daughter of William and Elizabeth Stewart, who bore him nine children, of whom live are living - George W., John, Rachel, Sarah and Thomas. Mrs. Taylor died May 11, 1850, and in May, 1851, Mr. Taylor was married to Mrs. Abigail Gaston, widow of Joseph S. Gaston, and mother of Hon. Joseph Gaston, who was elected to the Ohio Legislature in 1883, and daughter of Joseph and Rosina Dewey, who came to Ohio in 1818, where the father died June 4, 1839, and the mother, Jan. 19, 1877. This union was blessed with five children, of whom three are living - Rosa A., Mary C. (wife of William Talbott) and William L. Mr. Taylor and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Samuel Ward was born June 15, 1843, and is a son of John L. and Sarah A. Ward, natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-ninthOhio Infantry, and served four years and twelve days, and was mustered out July 9, 1865. He was in a number of battles, the most important of which are New Madrid, Corinth, Kenesaw Mountain, and was with Sherman to the sea. He was married Aug. 4, 1867, to Edith, daughter of Vachel and Sabina Castor. They have eight children - William H. , Jacob E., James A., Frances D., Mary E., Gertrude, Sarah E. and Lavina L.