Sharon Township

Sharon Township

Okoanization of thk Township - Samuel Sailor, tiik IIunteu, an Early Pionkkr - THE Archibald Family Make a Settlement in 1815 - Anecdoteh of Saiix)r - How He Defended His Neighhor's House - How He Arrived Late at a Raising - Hunting - The Wileys, I^ngs and Others - Attempt to Locate the County Seat OF Morgan Near Sharon - Reminiscences of Early Days - The Horse-Mills - The Post-Boy - County Officers.

SHARON TOWNSHIP was erected by tlie county conimissioners May 1, 1851, so as to include and be composed of the following territory, to-\vit:

*' Commencing at the southeast corner of the west ludf of section 32, in township number fJ of range number 9; thence north through the center of sections P>2, 29, 20, 17, 8 and 5 to the northeast corner of tlie west half of section 5, in said township number fJ and range 9; thence west along township lines to the northwest corner of section 3, in township number (5 and range 10; thence soilth along section lines to the southwest corner of section 34 in said toAvnship and range; tlience east along the township lines to the place of beginning, containing 27 sections. "

Samuel Sailor was a pioneer and a well-known character. He first located south of Sharon, prior to 1815, and built a camp, making his living by hunting. He used to say that he was here seven weeks without seeing: a human beinof. He came from Washington County, Pa. After he had made a snuill improvement he brought his wife here, and they lived alone in the woods, remote from any neighbors. Mr. Archibald, who came in 1815, entereil the land on which Sailor had squatted. The two were unable to agree as to thp amount which Sailor was entitled for his imj^rrpvement, and went to law to settle the matter. The trial was held in Cdinbridge, this territory then belonging in Guernsey County, and the disputants and witnesses walked there, nearly thirty miles, each carrying his rifle. Sailor removed to what is now the western part of Sharon Township, where he died in 1871, aged about eighty-eight yeai's. He was a large man, physically ; tall and strong, with no superfluous flesh. He was a veritable backwoodsman, rough and uncouth in ap])earance, but honest, kind-hearted and obliging. The following incident, related by Mr. William Long, who had the story from the old man's lips, will serve to illustrate his bravery and neighborly kindness:

I'i'own, who livi'd with his family at tlie ff>rks of Olive (iroen Crxn^k, about liv(? uiih*s distant. One day Sailf>r wiw two suspicious characters near his own home. On interro«^atin^ them, he received unsatisfactory rej)lies, and the men departed in the dir(*ction of Krown's cabin. Knowing that I>rown was away fnmi hom<', h<» took his <,nin and followed them, satisfied that they meant mis- (dii(»f. Arrived at his nei^^hhor's, he PUsIkmI open the dtxirand discovered the two tramj)K seated at the table partakin<^of a meal which tliey had compelled Mrs. Brown to supply, while hIk; was waitinj^ up(»n them, nearly fri^htencMl to death. A glance reveahul the situation, and as on(^ of the men arose from the table, and assumed - a hostile attitude, Sador knock(Hl him down and (juickly thr(»w him out of the door. The other was treated in the same ma?in(»r. Sailor tluMi barred the door and nMuained durin*^^ the night at his nei«^hbor's cabin, <^uardin*^ it against the possible return of the vagrants. Hut tlu^ latter were evid(Mitly satisfied, and did !\ot care to run {\w risk of anothVr enccmnter with Sailor^s powerful fists.

On one occasion Sailor had a raising, and of couisc* ha<l to have whisky. lie was (juite fond of that beverage himself. His friend, Samuel Long, knowing this, nuule him promise that h(^ wouhl iiot open the k(»g tintil the dny of the raising. Sailor went to Archer's distillery, in the vicinity of Kasi Tnion, atul brought back a kt\o' of whisky on his shouldei-s. He reached Mr. Long's cabin in the night, and asked for stmiething with which to oi>en the keg. Mr. I-ong reminded him of his promise, but Sador ])ersisteil, and oi>ened the keg. He still had about eight miles farther to walk, but took up his burden and started for home. He did not arrive until two o'clock in the afternocm. By that time the building was up; but the whisky was none the less welcome on account of the delay in its arrival.

Sailor was one of the best himters that the country afforded. He killed many bears, deer and wolves, and took delight in the pui-suit of them. He said that he once shot three deer, without moving from his tracks, jis fast as he coidd load and fire. The deer, instead of fleeing when the first one was shot, came towards him. His explanation of the matter was that the echo of the report of his rifle, flung back by a hill opi)osite, sounded like the rei)ort of another gun, and drove the animals toward him

Among the earliest settlei's were the Archibalds, Wileys% Boone^, Longs and Smoots, who located near where Sharon now^ is. The prc^sent western part of the township was little settled early, and for years improvements progressed very slowly in that part of the township.

William Wiley died in 1816 and his remains were the first that were buried in the old graveyard at Sharon.^^ His sons. James, William, and Thomas, all lived here. John, another son, lived near Caldwell and had an early horse-mill. He was something of a hunter and once killed a large bear near where Alexander Boggs now lives. Betsey, wife of *' Billy" Boone, and Annie, wife of Joshua Clark, belonged to the same family. All were worthy people and reared large families.

Thomas Wiley, of another family, came from Belmont County and settled south of Sharon. He was originally from Pennsylvania. His descendants are still here. His sons were John, Samuel and Thomas; and his daughters, Jane, Margaret Mary and Agnes.

James Archibald was born in Ireland, married in Pennsylvania, and came from Belmont County, settling south of Sharon in 1815, and his was probably the lirst family that made a permanent location in the township. The sons were John, David, William, James and Elza. William, born in 180U, is still living, and a resident of the township, and is among the few that remain of the original settlers of the county. John Archibald was a prominent man in early years, serving as justice over twenty years. He was also a county commissioner several terms. His tirst commission as justice was issued while this part of the county belonged to Guernsey County.

Elza Archibald was born in 1806 and has foUow^ed farming. He was a teacher in early life. He was married in 1828 to Mary l>oyd, and m 1852 to Phebe liutan, who is still living. Elza and his brother William are the onlv survivors of

James Archibald had one of the fii'st orchards in this region, and people came from distant points to procure the fruit, which was then a great luxury. Mr. Archibald and John McKee ])rocured the trees at Belpre, on the Ohio River. They went with an ox-team and were two days going and returning. They brought back three hundred trees.

William Boone was a pioneer on the present farm of Samuel Eakin. He sold out to Alexander Greenlee, and moved away. Greenlee came from Belmont County and remained until 1848, when he sold out to Eakin. Greenlee married a Miss Marquis.

Alfred Smoot, Esq., is one of the old residents, and his recollections of pioneer events have added much to the interest of this chapter. Mr, Smoot was born m Fauquier County, Va.,. December 25, 1809. In 1817 he came to Ohio with the family, his father, Lewis Smoot, settling near the ])resent town of Sharon. His father cleared and improved the farm on which he died in 1850. Alfred worked at McConnelsville, when a younjr man, and in 183«) returned to Sharon Township, settlin;^ on a farm, from which he removed to his present residence in Sharon in 1870. lie has had three wives and is tlie father of nine children, six of whom are living. lie has held the offices of justice of the ])eace and notary public.

Until the formation of Morgan County the southern half of the present township of Sharon belonged to Washington County, and the northern half to Guernsey. Buffalo Township, Guernsey County, originally included the northern portion of Sharon Township. Manchester and Olive Townships, erecte<l in 1S19, included the present territory of this township until Noble County was made. When Morgan ('ounty was erected a hope was entertained of getting tlie county seat located on what was afterward the Edward Parrish farm. The land was then owned bv Isaac llill. Land was cleared and logs were cut on tiie present Jose])h Parrish farin with which to build a temporary court house. Four different ))arties made land entries, taking up an entire section, on which it was proposed to locate the seat of justice of the county. Subseipient events verilied the axiom of Purns:

The first school-house in the township was a log i)uil(ling, which stood in or near the old graveyard in Sharon. Anotlier early school-house was built on James Kyle's farm. Among the early teachers were Eliza

Along the waters of Olive Green was a favorite hunting-ground for the pioneers. Hunters fre(juently came here from Zanesville and other distant points.

The pioneers were strong, heiirty, good-natured, honest people, who made the best of everything; and, *' preserving an even temper in the midst of hardships,'' as Horace expressed it. they enjoyed themselves well, even though the wilderness was their home. " Frolics" of every sort - log rollings, huskings, raisings, etc., - were largely attended, and everybody worked with a will and with cheerfulness. There were no drones, and none that were unwilling to assist a neighl)or who needed help. After they had com[)leted the task undertaken, the young men would engage in wrestling and jumping matches, try to play pmctical jokes on one another, and in other ways seek to make things agreeable and pleasant. Whisky drinking was practiced by almost everybody, but there was seldom any drunkenness or

I here at an advanced age. His children were Eliza (Pell), Jane (Morrii son), Rebecca (Smith) and Lucinda (Kusan). Eliza was an early school-

Sharon

Anthonys - Jacob, Harmon, George, Conrad, John and Boston Harmon - Jacob and Boston still living; Peter Pickenpaugh and his sons, Peter, John, Jacol), Adam and George, the latter still living here ; the Swanks and some others. The Germans were all industrious, honest citizens and were generally successful farmers.

The Pennsylvania Gennans were among the first settlei's in the western part of the township Among them were John Shuster, the Anthonys, and Klingensmiths. Of the last named family, all died, except the mother, a few yeare after they came.

From 1S17 to 1S20 the settlement ]>rogressed quite rapidly, several new families coming each year. A second i^riod of settlement began after Congress passed a law allowing an entry of forty -acre tracts. It is believe<l that the last forty-acre tract in this township was entered by James Kane, where William Shepard now^ lives.

Thomas Boyd, of Irish descent, came from Belmont County, settling about 1818 on the farm now occupied by his son 'Robert, and was a prominent early settler. Arthur Boyd, born in 1852, now resides on the homestead farm of his father.

An old resident states that there were no roads in the vicinity of Sharon in 1S17. The nearest approach to a roml was a [)ath which led through the woods from Thomas Wiley's to Samuel Long's. The first road through the township was the

Elisha Spencer settled soutli of Sharon, on land now owned by Mrs. Kelly. Ills brother Israel lived in Olive Township. Both sold out and removed.

Robert l^owe, who mari'ied Rebecca Boyd, is still living where he settle<l quite early. His parents located at Olive, among the first settlei's on Duck Creek.

William Bell first settled and made a small improvement near Caldwell, afterwards removing to this township. He was an Irishman His sons, William, David, and John, also lived here.

James Scott, from Belmont County, settled prior to 1825 on land now owned by William J.ong and John Keysei*. He had several sons, none of whom now remain in the township. Peter Walters, the Harmons, and Lewis Shirley were early settlers. The last operated a horse mill in early years, which he sold to Richard Lyons. James Bigley located early where his son Joseph lives. Michael ^[orrison, from Belmont County, was an early settler w^here his son Michael lives.

Among the earliest settlers in the western part of the township were the Brownriggs, Waltei*s and Pickenpaughs, who came soon after 1817. John Brownrigg, whose son John is

|>art of the townsliip. had the fii-st. He also (}]n'rdU^\ a (listill(»rv. Jaim*s Glenn had a hors^Mnill at Sharon. Afterward Isaac Parrisli and Eld ridge VVootton each erected steam Houring-inills at Sharon. James Mc(»hishan had a carding machine in o|M*ration on Olive (ireen Creek as early as \sy,:). He afterward brought his machinery to Sharon, houglit out (ilenn's horse-mill and sulwtituted carding-mill machinery.

The first bla<*ksmith wlio Una ted in the vicinity was William Scoggtm, who lived south of Sharon. He came from (Tuernsey County. lie k(»|)t a negro who used to drive his team, hauling salt to Barnesville from McKee's salt works at Olive. S(*oggjm left the country and his friends never heard from him.

When Samuel Long and wife came to this county Mr*s. Long rode upon a horse, which also carried the household stuff of the family. Mr. Long walked the entire distance. Shortly after their arrival here Mr. Long took his horse and retun\ed to Belmont County to bring out a sj)inning wheel. It was cold weather and there wa.s snow on the ground. l](»fore starting on the return trip he was given some lunchecm and a piece of lightt^l punk-wood, the then universal substitute for matches. When Mr. Long desired to rest and eat his dinner, he kindled a lire in the trunk of a dry tree* by means of the punk, and after warming, eating his dinner and feeding his hoi*se, n^sununl his journ(\v. lie found it no easv thing to cairy a spinningwheel on hoi'si^back, but lu* succeeded

Samuel Sailor, tlie pioneer hunter, ami was |iaid in l>ear meat and venison. Long was no hunter himself, but usetl to relate with a good deal of interest how he shot his first ' and only deer. He was at a i-aising after a good fall of snow, when the sun came (mt brightly and the snow lK»gan to melt. At once all the others who were present left their work, seize<l their guns and started for the wcMxls, knowing that the conditions were favorable for securing some venison. Not to l)e outdone, Long went with the rest to the woods. lie luul not procecnled I far when he saw a fine deer, and i immcHliately he had a severe attiick j of ** buck ague,'' a disease which I often attacks amateur huntei-s. He I was so excitc<l that he scarcely knew ' what he was doing; but he lire<l his gun and the deer fell. Not stopping ' to see whether he had killed the deer, he again loaded and tired; then ; approaching, found that the animal I was dead. When the hunters re- turned, some of them unsuccessful, I he was much congratulated on his i skill as a marksman, but declared on I his part that it was only by gooil I luck that his aim had been true.

body along the entire route. Letters were an expensive luxury, all that came a long distance costing the recipient twenty-five cents for postage. The mail carrier, a boy on hoi'seback, carrying a tin trumi)et on which he blew a shrill blast to announce liis ap])roach, was a scarcely less important personage than General Jackson himself, and was looked upon with silent, open-mouthed admiration by the boys along his route, many of whom no doubt imagined that his ])osition represented the acme of boyish eminence. A letter was a nine days' wonder, and whoever received one generally took the eailiest opportunity of communicatins: its contents to the neitrhboi's.

This township has furnished to Morofan and Noble (^)unties its full share of county and legislative oiH cers. Among former prominent residents have been Hon. Isaac Parrish, twice a representative in C^ongress; William l^irrish. sheriff of Morgan County; Oliver Keyser, associate judge in Morgan County, and representative to the legislature from Noble County ; Dr. Jesse M. Stone, associate judge in Morgan County ; John Archibald, an early cnmrniissioner of Morgan ( 'Ounty ; Jonah Walters, representative to the legislature from Noble (Jounty; Theodore Parrish, clerk of Noble County; William I^ong, commissioner of Noble County ; Charles Hurlingame, county surveyor, two terms; William I^owe, county surveyor, one term.

this |>oint. Jacob Swank began building a mill here in the same year. He has been a merchant here since 1 8^)0. The postollice at Olive Green was established in 1857. James Caldwell was the fii'st |)ostmaster and is still in office.

Francis Aduddell was born in (Guernsey County January 1, 1S29. 1 1 is father, wlio was a soldier of 1SP2, was born in Baltimore, Md.; his mother was a native of Ireland. The family came to Noble County in 182(>and Francis has since lived on the same farm. Mr. Aduddell was married in 1803 to Ellen Lyons, of this county. They have had eight children, four of whom are living, viz.: Thomas, Annie F., Melton and Ilarley.

Winfiehl Archibald was born m Sharon Township in 1855, and is a faru\er. In politics iie is a Democrat. Hisgnmdfather, Archibald, was born in Ohio; his maternal grandfather in Vii'ginia. His father, born in Shanm Township in 1827, died in 1875. His mother was born in (ruernsey County in 1S25, and is still living. They reared four children.

George A. Bell is descended from a family of pioneers. His grandfather was a sohlier of 1812. His father was born in Belmont County in 1804, and in 1827 married and settled in Manchester Township, Morgan County, where George A. was born May 19,1838. He is one of a family of ten chiUh'en, seven of whom are living. He was married in 1860 to Itachel M. Daniel, of Cald-

Robert Hell is of Irish and Scotch descent. Both his grandfathers were in the Kevolntionarv War. His parents were both born in Helmont County, whence his father removed to Morgan County in 1837. His mother died in 1S37, and his father came to Noble County in 1S69. Robert was born in Belmont County in 1H37, and came to Morgan County with his parents. He was the oldest of five children, the othei's being Agnes A., Mary J , Nancy (who married Oliver Keyser), and Alice. Mr. Bell is a farmer. He iuusserve<l as justice of the peace. He is a Democrat in politics.

W. B. Boyd, a jirominent farmer, was born in Sharon Township in ISjO. Mr. Boyd has 3fJ6 acres of land, and is hirgely engaged in breeding fine stock. Mr. Boyd was married in 1S75 to Helen I.. Carr, of Sharon. They have two children. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Protestant church, to which his wife also belongs.

Joseph Bigley was born September 30, 1826, and resided on the farm which his father entered in 1821. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania; his father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and came to this township from Belmont County. The family consisted of f(mr daughters and two sons, all living except Jacob, who died in 1S44. Joseph was married in 18.58 to Catharine I jams, of this county; children: James I. (^deceased), John R., Mary M., Wiley

II., JetTerson W., Amy C, Joseph V. and Ilettie M. Mr. and Mrs. Bigley are membei-s of the Christian Church. Mr.' Bigley 's father died when he was l)Ut seven years of age and the widow and family were left to brave the hardshi])s of pioneer life alone. The mother was a l)rave woman, well fitted for her ]K)sition. She (mce killed a large rattlesnake alone and unaided, and on another occasion killed a deer; the animal, pursued by dogs, jumped into the creek; she seize<l a rail, threw it upon his horns and drowned the deer, by getting uiK>n the rail and holding his head under water.

John Brown was born in Belmont County in 1815, and ha.s been a mer chant and farmer during life. Formerly he was in the mercantile business at Newburg, in this county, where he did a large business, buying and shipi)ing tobacco to Baltimore. He has been twice married and is the father of nine children, all of whom are living.

William Brown wjus born in Belmont County, in 1842. His father and mother were also born in the same county. They came to Newburg, Noble County, and thence to Sharon Township. William enlisteil in the Ninth Ohio (.'avalry and served during the war, taking part in tiie battles of P>ig Creek Gap, Tenn., siege of Knoxville; Athens, Florence and Decatur; R(msseau raid; East Point, Ga., Atlanta, Jonesboro', Nashville, Aiken, Columbia, Fayetteville, Rockingham, Averysboro\ Bentonville and liiileigh. Mr. Brown was married in 1871 to Lizzie Dye;

John Brownrigg and family came from England and settled in this township among the early pioneers. lie died in ISoO. Mary Brownrigg, daughter of John, married Geo?*g(^ Walters, whose parents came from Pennsylvania to Belmont County. George Walteis settled in Sharon Township. He followed farming; died in 1S69, his wife in 1802. Peter J. Walters, son of George, was born in Sharon Township, June 7, 1S3S, and is now a farmer in Noble Township. He married Theresa A. Brown, daughter of Edmond G. Brown and granddaughter of Dexter Brown, an early settler, who" came from Ilhode Island. Edmond G. Brown married Elmy McFerren, whose parents came from Pennsylvania and settled in Noble Township in 1835. Edmond G. Brown died in 1874; his widow is still living. Peter J. Waltei^s was enrolled a.s corporal of Company I, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, June 24, 18r>3, and served until July 25, 18*)5, when he was discharged at Knoxville, Tenn.

B. F. Burlingame was born in Noble Town.ship, October IfJ, 1830, and is the son of one of the early settlers who came from Ilhode Island. Mr. Burlingame is a Kepublican in politics, and has followed farming and shoemakingas his occupations. He was married in 1801 to Sarah J. Early, a native of Ireland, and has one son, - Si<lney.

Green, was born near the site of the town of Caldwell in 1830, and is one of a family of nine children, seven of whom are living. He has followed farming and mercantile ))ursuits. He is perhaps the oldest postn\aster in Noble County, having served in that capacity for thirty-one years. He is a Republican, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Protestant church. He has been married twice, first to ilary J. Long, of Wyandot (>ounty, Ohio; and second, to Agnes Parrish, of Olive Township. Mi'. Caldwell is the father of six children, all living except one daughter.

John J. Delancy, a prominent fai^mer, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, May 19, 1831. He was one of twelve children, eight of whom are still living. His father came from Pennsylvania and his mother from Maryland. Mr. Delancy has followeil farming. He is a Republican in politics. He was married in 1852 to Miss Cordelia Wilson, of this county ; children : S. Ellsworth, Ulysses S. (deceased), Frank L., John H., Urilla T. and Sarah F.

Samuel Danford, Sr , was born in New Jersey in 1774. His wife was a native of Virginia. They were married inBelmontCountj^Ohio, in 1800, and reared sixteen children. Samuel Danford, Jr., of Sharon Township, the t\velfth of these chil(i?*en, was born June 28, 1818, in that portion of Monroe County now forming a j)art of Noble. He was married in 1840 to Jane Adair, who died in June, 184r»; again in December, 184G, to Isabella Humphrey, who died in

History Of Noble Countv', Ohio

January, \HM; and a third tinu* to Maria Delant-v, in April, 1S(U. Mr. Danfonl is tlu* father of eleven ehihlren, of whom seven are livinjj:. He si<^neil the tenij)eran(c pledge at the age of eighteen, and never broke it. He wns fonnerly a Whig, hut has been a Kepuhliean sinee the formation of the ])arty. He is a memlx^rof the MetluMlist Episcopal church, and has held sev<*ral church and township offices.

James Danford was born in Marion Township, Noble (\)unty, in 18:*»:{. His father, a native of Virginia, and his mother, who was born in Penn sylvania, were early settlers in that townshijx, and reared six sons and live daughters. Mr. Danford married Margaret A. Kapple, of Morgan County, and is the father of four sons an<l two (Uiughters. He is a Republican, an<l a Past Master in the Mnsonic fiaternity.

Itiilph Essex was born in Muskingum (\)unty in isos, an<l cnme to N<»l)Ie County in 1820. His wife, a native of Scotland, was born in 1S20. They were married in 1S41, and reared four sons and four daughters. Ralph Essex, Jr., the seventh child, i was born September 80, 1850, on the , farm where he now resides. He received a common-school education, i and has followed farming. In 1881 he marrie<l Phema M. Phelps, of Morgan County. They have one | chihl - Jennie (t. Mr. Essex is a , Republican. Hoth he and his wife ' belong to the Metluxiist Ej)iscopal church. Three of his brothers were in the late war; two were shot, one of them fatallv.

Frank M. (till wjis born in Sharon in lsr»2, and eilucate<l at the Acailemy in his native place, and has fol- IowihI teiiching. Mr. Gill was married in 1S7S to Sarah Davidson, of Hiramsburg, and luts two children. He is a Democrat. Mr. Gill served as school examiner for nine consecutive veal's.

Conrad Harmon, of German descent, was born January 27, 1843. His grandfather Harmon came from (jermany about 1771, and served in the Revolutionary War, rec*eiving a wound at the battle of Germantown. He died in Morgan County. Conrad's father was lM)rn in Pennsylvania, and is still living. Conrad Harmon entertnl theservic^} of the Uniteil Stales in 1S«;2, in Comiwiny K, Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was dischar<i:e<l Aumist 25, lsr>8, having participate<l in the battl(\s of FrtMlericksburg, Chancel h>rsville and Gettysburg. Re-enlisting in Company (i. Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he served until July 25. isr»5. In 1S69 he married El(»cta W. Robinson, who died in 1871. In 1S7;^ he marrie<l Mary E. Thompson; children: Charles D., John F., Hannah E., Owen G. and Omer II. (twins). Mr. Ilarimm is a farmer by occupation and a Re])ublican in politics.

Rufus P. James was born in Muskingum (^(mnty in 1820, and is of Welsh and Irish descent. His father wns a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. James has been twice married, and is the father of ten children, five by e;ich wife, of whom six are still living, Dr. Frank James being the

The Keysers are of English and German parentage. Tlie father and mother of Andrew Keyser were born in Pennsylvania and were early settlei-s in Belmont County. They had live sons, all now living except Oliver, who was a representative to the legislature from Noble County and a draft commissioner during the Rebellion. Iledied in lvSS2. Another brother, John, was in the legislature at the same time with Oliver. Andrew Keyser, of Sharon Township, was born in Belmont County in 1815. In 1887 he married Miranda Luellen, in Behnont County, by whom he had eight chiklren, tive of whom are livmg - Jesse, Isaac, Oliver, John and Jacob. Mr. Keyser is a Democrat and a Methodist.

Oliver Keyser, son of Andrew Kevser, was born in Sharon Township in 1847 and has followed farming. In 1875 he was married to Lida Bell; children: Effle A., Xora P. (deceased), Nellie B. and Ilei'bert II. Mr. Keyser belongs to the Methodist Protestant church and his wife to the Presbyterian.

Isaac Keyser was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1817. He settled in Noble County in 1804, and is now engaged in farming. He was married in 1850 to Miss Monica Porterfield, of Belmont (-ounty. Their children are five sons and one daughter. Four of them are still living. One of the sons is six feet and eight inches in hei^fht. Mr. Kevser and

Isaac Keyser, Jr., was born in Belmont County in 1844 and came to Noble County with his parents. He was married in 1801 to Elizabeth Ijams. Their children are Anna Albertine and Andrew J. Mr. and Mrs. Keyser are members of the (liristian church. In politics he is a Democrat. He served as land appraiser in 1880.

Samuel Long was a promment early settler, a man of intelligence and an exemplary citizen. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1780, and was of Scotch descent He came to Ohio with his parents, who settled in Belmont County about 1800. In 1810 he married Mary Wiley and soon afterward settled near the site of the town of Caldwell, where he remained a short time, then removed to the farm in Sharon Township on which he died in 1808. His first wife died in 1824. She bore six children (three sons and three daughters). In 1825 Mr. Long nuiiTied Mary Olephant, of Morgan County ; she also had six children (five sons and one daughter). She died in 1852, and in 1853 Mr. Long married Hannah Bead, of Muskingum Couhty, who survived him a short time.

William Lcmg, second child of Samuel and Maiw (Olephant) Long, was born in this township October 28, 1827, and is a prominent and successful farmer. He has been identified with every public interest calculated to promote the welfare of Noble County, and is a friend and encourager of education and religion. He has served in several tow nsliip offices, and has held the office of county commissioner two tenns. Mr. T^ng is a Republican and a meml>er of the Metho<list Protestant Church. He has been married three times - first, to Mary Ross, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in 1870; second, to Lucretia Phipjw, of this county, who died in 1876 ; and in 187S, to his present wife, nee Mary J. Bell, of Noble (.Vunty. Mr. Ix>ng is the father of ninesonsand three daughters, all living except two daughters iMary J. and Sarah K.) and an infant son. On the farm of Mr. Long is a frame barn, built in 1824 by George Morrison, which is believed to be the ohiest in Noble County.

Robert Lowe is an old i*esident. He was born in Virginia in August, 180.3 ; came to Washington County, Ohio, and thence, in 1814, to what is now Noble. During life he has been a farmer. He was married in 1824 to R^^becca Boyd, and is the father of eight sons and four daughters; eight children are still living. Mr. I^owe is a Democrat and a ifethodist.

John Lowe was born in Noble County in 1830, and is a farmer. He was mkrried in 1857 to Margaret J. Hannan; children : Orris (died at the age of twenty-six), Mary E., and Willard. Mr. Lowe is a Democrat.

James Lowe, son of Robert, was born September 18, 1829, on the farm where he now lives. He married Catherine Amelia O'Donovan, from London, England, and is the father of four sons and four daughters. Threes of the children are dead - Philip (\, Rosa J. and Mary R. (Parrish). Mr. ami Mi's. I»we aiv memliei-s of the Methodist Protestant church, in which he has held several offices. He is a Democrat.

Alonzo B. Tx)we, son of Robert Lowe, was lK»rn December 3, I84ti. He niarrie<l in 1885, Anna S., daughter of William McGee, of Noble Township, and has one child. Lulu Relle. Mr. Lowe is a Demo-

Joseph E. Marquis, merchant at Slinron. is the son of John E. Marquis, a ])rominent citizen, whose parents were among the e^irly settlers, and Mary Perrin, his wife. He was born July <>, 1854, and has followed mercantile pursuits. For twelve years he has served as postmaster at

A. II. AIcFerren, a prominent farmer, was born in Noble County May 10, 1849. He was educated at Sharon Academy, and followed teaching several yeai^s. He is a Democrat, and has served as clerk and assessor of the township. In 1872 Mr. McFerren married Lydia E. McKee, whose grandparents were among the earliest settlers of Sharon Township. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Sliaron.

Duck Creek, in iS'ol)le Township, in 1825. (See sketch of the McKee ; family in Nol)h> Township.) lie is a Denu)crat in jwlitics, and a successful farmer. Mr. McKee was married in | 1851, to Maria Gird, and is tlie ' fatlier of seven chil(h'en, five of ; whom are living.

William M. Morrison is of Scotch and Irish descent. His father, a | native of Maryland, came to Belmont (^ounty in 1817, and thence to this township. The elder Morrison was the father of ten children. William M., the ninth child, was born in 1820, on the farm where he now lives. lie has followed farming. In 1850 he married Martha Gaston, of Knox (.^ounty. They have but two children living. Robert A. died in 1852, in his second year; Joseph F., m 18(>3, aged seven years; Asa V., in 1875, aged fifteen years; Charles M., in 1888, aged thirty years. Two others died in infancy. Mr. Morrison and wife belong to the Presbyterian church, m which he is a deacon. In politics he is a Democrat.

Charles Nichols was born in Elk Townshij), Xoble ('Ounty, in 1S*;4. His father was a native of this county, and his mother was born in Ireland. Mr. X. is a farmer, and a Democrat in politics. He was married in 1883 to Annie Stout, of Sharon Township. They have one cliild, Ernest I.

Edward Parrish, a prominent early settler, was l)orn in Maryland in 1 78 1, and came to this township from Belmont County in ISU), arriving on the 19th of Autrust. Edward Parrish wjis the father of Hon. Isjiac Parrish, a lawyer and member of (^ongress, whose biography ai>|K»ars elsewhere ; and of William Parrish, who served as sheriff of Morgan Count\\ The family consisted of six sons and five daughters. .Ste))hen Parrish, a prominent citizen, is a member of the same family, and wjus born January 22, 1810. He has followed blacksmithing, farming, and stock-dealing. Mr. Parrish was nuirried to Ann Boyd in 1S30, and is the father of six sons and three daughters. Robert, the oldest, volunteered in the Fourth Iowa Regiment of infantry, and was honorably discharged after, two years of service. He died at Grand Junction, III., while on his way home. Mr. Parrish is a prominent Democrat. Thomas W. Parrish was born in McConnelsville, Ohio, in 18-13. His father, William Parrish, s(m of Edward Parrish, who settled in Sharon Townshi]) in 1819, was then serving as sheriff of Morgan County, which office he held from 18-11 to 18-15. T. W. Parrish has followed farming and the mercantile business. He enlisted February 12, 18()2, in (/onipany D, Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and by re-enlistment served until the close of the war, and was discharged at Louisville, Ky., July 8, 1S<;5. He was in the engagements at New Madrid, Island No. 10, luka, Corinth, siege of Vickslmrg, Kesaca, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, and other l)attles of Shennan's uuirch to the sea. He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the (irand Army of the Re|)ublic and Odd Fellows. He

History Of Noble Coitnty, Ohio

Riley Parrish, son of Stephen and Anna Parrish, was born in the village of Sharon in 1841. He was engaged in farming until 1872 when he met with a severe accident by which he was rendereil lame. He has since been engaged in nhaking brooms and brushes. He was marrieil in 1S(»2 to Miss Ellen Orr of Zanesville; children: Robert AV., Ira L., and Stephen K. Mr. and Mi*s. Parrish are Presbyterians. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic order. He has served in sevenil township offices.

The father and mother of Samuel Patterson were Pennsylvanians, and came to Morgan County, Ohio, where they were married. His mother's maiden name was Hannah L. Davis. Mr. Patterson was the fourth of ten children, five of whom are living, i He was born in 184S in Sharon Township and is a farmer and carpenter. In 1872 he married Sarah Fidora Swank, of Olive (ireen ; children: Tempest W., Charlie, and Maple F. Mr. Pattei'son is a Democrat; his wife is a Baptist. i

Adam F. Pickenpaugh was born in 1848. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, came from Virginia to Ohio and about 182<) married Jane Phillips, of Guernsey County, by whom he had nine chihiren. The | grandfather of Adam settled in Noble County in 1825. He was killed by the falling of a limb from | a tree while at work in his field. Adam F. Pickenpaugh was marrie<l j

Samuel F. Rock, a prominent farmer, was born m Dresden, Muskingum County, in 182(», and is of German and Scotch ancestry. By occujKiticm he is a farmer, saddler and harness maker. In 1S47 he married Mary Elmira Archibald, a native of this county. She died in 1855, and in 1865 he married Sarali E. Emmons, a native of Belmont County. Three children were born of the fii*st marriage - Hannjih F. (deceased), Susjin E., and Mary L. Mr. and Mrs. Rock are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has served as steward, class-leader and superintendent of the Sabbath school. He was an Abolitionist and is a Republican. Mr. Rock enlisted in 18r4 in ("apt. Floyd's company. One Hundred and Seventy -sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serve<l until the close of the war and was honorably discharged. He was in the battle of Nashville and other noted engagements.

Rev. Riindall Ross was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1818, and came to Sharon in 1848 to take charge of the Sharon and Cumberland Associate Reformed clnirches ( afterward Ignited Presbyterian ). About 1851 he founded Sharon College, which he taught until the outbreak of the war. For some time he edited the ConHolldattHl Jiej/ubli- can, a county newspaper. In 1801 he went into the army as a jirivate in the Sixty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After serving about eighteen months he was appointed chaphiin of the Fifteenth Regiment with which he served until the close of the war. He went to New Concord, Guernsey County, and thence to Missouri, where he died in 1877.

Robert Rowland is from an early Morgan County family. Ilisf father was born in Pennsylvania in 1805, and his mother in West Virginia in 1813. They came to Morgan County about 1816. The family consisted of six sons and six daughters. Robert, the fifth child, was born m Sharon Township in 1843, and is a farmer, lie marrie<l in 1873 Susannah Shuster, of Morgan County; children: Losia C, Charles S. and Clam B. Mr. Rowland belongs to the Democratic party.

Hugh Shields was born in Berkeley County, Va., February 2, 1809. His parents were natives of the same State. His father, a soldier of 1812, came to Ohio soon after 1830. In 1830 Hugh Shields entered at government price (81.25 per acre), eighty acres of land where he now lives. The country was then wild and primitive. Mr. Shields has followed farming all his life. He was married in Belmont County iji 1833, to Mary Lowman, and is the father of seven sons and two daughters. F^our sons and one daughter are still living.

Matthew Steen, of Sharor, is of Irish descent. His grandfather lived, it is supposed, to the age of one hundred and four years. The father of Matthew was born in Pennsylvania in 1800 and died in Sharon in 1885. The family came to Noble County in 1847.

James II. Stewart was born in Noble County in 1831. In 1858 he married Mary J. Coulter, and they have three children. The Stewart family were pioneers in Belmont County, living there in a fort while hostile Indians still roamed through the country, frequently having Louis Wetzel as their guest. The family came to what is now Noble County in 1824. The father of James H. was a soldier of 1812.

The Stout family came from New Jersey to Belmont Count}^ and thence, in 1820, to the vicinity of Olive Green. One of the family married Christina Matilda Ann Harmon, and reared five sons and three daughtei*s. Enoch, one of the sons, died at Vicksburg during the siege. George Edward Stout was born in 1860 and lives on the homestead farm. In 1880 he married Cordelia Baker, of Brookfield Township; children : Emil, Florence and Lydia Francis. Mr. Stout is an enterprising farmer, a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Felh>ws.

of New Jersey, who eaine to this township in 1820 from Belmont County. He was married in 18*;i) to Clarissii D. (looden, of (Mive Township. They liave had six ciiihlren : Happy N., Cliarity R. (deceAsed), Thii-sa I., All)ert M., Alta L. and Florenee E.

Pliihp Swank was horn in 1828 in the house which he now occupies. His father, who was a soldier of 1812, was born in Belmont County; his mother, nee Harriet Paul, in Pennsylvania. Tiiey had twelve children, of whom Philip was the fourth. He married Hannah Dye in 1847. ' They have had seven ciiildrcn, of | whom five are living. Mr. Swank is l a Democrat. He and wife l)elong to the Methodist Protestant church.

J. W. Swank, a well-known merchant, is a representative of one of the early families. His grandfathers were horn Pennsylvania aiul his maternal grandfather served in the War of 1812. The maiden name of his mother was Barbara Pickenpaugh. She was married in 1S23. J. AV. Swank, the third of ten children, was born in Sharon Township in 1829 and has followed farming and the mercantile business. He is a Democrat in politics. In 1850 he married Jane Prownrigg, of this township. They have had live children. Their (hinghter Lillian nuirried James Arnold and died at the age of nineteen. Mrs. Swank is a Baptist.

the climate did not agree with them. Afterward, obtaining cotton-taile<i deer, he was very successful in raising them. They run with the cows and are easily domesticated. At present he has thirteen on hand.

John W. Swank was l)orn in Morgan County, in 1858. llis father was a native of Belmont County. John W. wa.s married in 1882, to Mary Archibald, of this township; children : Clara E., Laura Adelle and Flora Mabel. Mr. Swank is a Democrat.

Solomon Walters was born in Belmout County, in 1S25. His father and grandfather were Pennsylvanians, and the latter served in the Revolutionary AVar. His father was born in 1801, and came to Behnont County about 1805. In 1824 he married Mary Ann Montgomery, in Belmont County, and in 1S29 settled cm land which he had entered, in the i)resent townshi|) of Sharon. Solomon Waltei's is by ()ccui)ation a farmer and miller. He is a Democrat ]H)litically. Mr. Walters nuurried Mary Kuntz of this township, in 1850. She died in 1S71», having borne seven children, of whom two are deceased.

Peter Walters was born June S, 1S47, on the farm where he now lives. His father, a native of Pelnumt (younty, came to this vicinity and j::arried Zillah, dauvrhter of Samuel Sador, the pioneer of the township, l)y whom he had seven children, live of whom are living. Peter AVa It el's married Harriet Kuntz, of this county, in lS(;i». They are members of the P>aptist church. Mr. Waltei-s is a Republican in politics.

James B. Wigginton, hotel-keeper at Sharon, was born in Frederick County, Va., May 25, 1S81. His parents were natives of Virginia, and his grandfather served in the lievolutionary War. Mr.Wigginton volunteered in tlie Union army, in iSfU, in tlie Fourth Kentucky Infantry, and served through the war, participating in the battle of Chickamauga, the siege of Vicksburg, and other engagements of less i)rominence. July 80, ISP)-!:, he was captured while crossing the Chattahoochee River, on the Sherman raid, and taken to Andersonville prison, where he suffered indescribable misery and cruelty.

At Lafayette, Ga., he was wounded in the right hand, and also in the neck. lie was exchanged in June, 18(15, and honorably discharged on the 14th of that month. In 1806 he came to Noble County. In 1870 he married Elizabeth II. Bickett, of this county. They have four children living, and one deceased. Those living are AVillie Wilbert, Winfield Scott, Mary Briscoe and Charles Culver. Mr. Wigginton is a Republican.

Wdliam Wiley, one of the pioneei*s of Noble County, was a native of Pennsylvania, and served in the War of the Revolution. About the close of the war he was obliged to flee with his family to escai)e massacre by the Indians. In the year 1808 he came to what is now Noblo County. He was a weaver by trade and settled on a tract of land now owned by Mr. Shafer, south w(»st of Caldwell. After a residence of four years he moved to Sharon Township, settling on a farm now owned by John E. Marquis, one-half acre of which he gave for burial purposes. His death occurred in 1816, and his was the first gnive in the little cemetery. His son, Thomas Wiley, was born in 1795 ; after the death of his father he removed to a small farm three miles southwest of Sharon. He married Elizabeth Fogle. They had nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity. The mother died in 1858, aged sixty -one, the father in 1871 in the seventy-sixth year of his age ; he was a farmer and a Democrat in politics. William Wiley, grandson of the pioneer, was born in Sharon. He acquired the trade of a carpenter, which he followed for many years. He married Miss Nancy Bigley. He has had seven children, two of whom are dead. Politically he is a Democrat.

Jacob W. Wiley, a descendant of one of the early settlers, wjis born in this county in 1825. His gmndfather was among the first settlers of the Duck Creek Valley, coming to Ohio from Pennsylvania. Iledonated the land for the old graveyard at Sharon, and his remains were the first buried there. Jacob was the third of a family of ten children. He is one of the representative farmers of the township, owning 246 acres of excellent land. He was married in 1846 to Francena Gallatin, of Morgan County. They ha*\'e had two sons and four (laughtei*s, of whom the following are living: Jeremiah T., Jerusha Q., John C. and Nancy J. The family belong to

Frederick Yerian is a grandson of Frederick Verian, an early settler, and was born in »lackson Township, Noble County, in 1887. His father was a nati\'e of Pennsylvania and in earlv times used to make <nins from the **raw material," drilling the barrels and making the lock and stock himself. Frederick learned this trade. In 1847 he came to Sharon, and for the last fourteen years has carried on the drug business here, lie enlisted September 21, 1804, in the Twenty -second Ohio Light Artillery and served untilJuly 13, ISH."). In isr>9 he married Nancy E., daughter of Samuel Wiley, of Sharon Township; children - Lizzie E. J., William E., Mary AV., Kate, Samuel F., Charles E., Cora L. and Susannah J. Kate married Samuel Wallace and died in 1884. The others are living. Mr. Yerian is a Democrat.

Frederick Yerian, Sr., was an early German settler. He was for some years engaged in operating a gristmill and saw-mill. He injured his foot by stepping on a nail, the leg was amputated and he died from the effects of the operation. His son John was a gunsmith and learned his trade inZanesville.

Sharon, an old and <nice flourishing village, wjis laid out March 22, 1881, under the i)ropri(»torsliip of Robert liutluM'ford and Edward Parrish. The original phit contained fourteen lots.

The first building erecteil within the present limits of the town of Sharon was a log school-house, built on the corner where the Masonic Hall now stands, prior to 1828. Later a brick school house was erected on the same ground. A church was also erected by the Presbyterians about 1828.

Rev. Robei't Rutherford, one of the proprietors of the town, was the first jiostmaster. An office was established through his efforts in 1S80. It was on the mail nmte between Rarnesville and McConnelsville, and was supplied with a weekly mad.

The first settler in the village was a man named Smith, a carpenter, who was only a brief resident. He built the house in which John Boggs now lives. Isjiac Parrish built one of the fii'st houses. Kev. Rol)ert Rutherford, pastor of the Presbyterian church, was an early settler, locating here before the town was laid out, as did also Edward Parrish.

Other early merchants were Isaac Parrish, who started the first store of importance; Wiley & Parrish (Thomas Wiley and John Parrish), Benjamin Manifold, William Enley, and John Moore. The latter came from Chandlersville, and kept store on the corner where Frederick Yerian's drugstore now is. Eldi'idge Wootton, Reuben Israel, and Elijah Stevens were among former merchants. The latter once had two store-s here at the same time. Almut 1S40 Sharon was a busy place and tra<le was flourishing. Pork packing was carried on (piite extensively by

Reuben Israel and John and Isaac Parrish. Israel also dealt largely in tobacco. He was started in trade here by Dr. Carlisle, of Belmont County, and was a very successful merchant.

Isaac Parrish erected a steam flouring-mill in 1846, which was probably the earliest steam-mill in the county. Eldridge Wootton erected a steam saw-mill and gi'ist-mill soon after. Isa<ic Parrish did a large bus iness for those days. He ju'ojected a railroad, and had several miles of it graded.

Among the residents of the village in 1836 were James IIopi)er, who was a blacksmith, and settled here in 1832; Isiuic Paxton, cabinet-maker ; Isaac McMunn, shoemaker; Samuel Marquis, who conducted a tannery ; Vernon Stevens, who also had a tannery ; Eldridge Wootton and Benjamin Manifold, merchants ; Warren Timberlake, who had a j)ottery ; and Nelson Timberlake, wagon-maker. The first tavern was kept by Isaac Paxton.

Sharon now has two general stores, both of which do a large business. They are kept by Steen & Parrish and Joseph E. Manpiis; Frederick Yerian is the dru<>:o;ist ; James Wigginton, hotel-keeper; Solomon Walters, proprietor of Sharon mill ; Ileuben McGUushan and James Kirk, saddlers ; John Yerian, T. M. Yerian, Robert Nichols and John M. Boggs, blacksmiths; James Gill, wagon-maker ; William Shopard and Ezekiel Pedicord, cabinetnuikei"s.

The town of Sharon has long been prominent in an educational wa}^ and is noted for its good schools. An institution known as Shfiron College was started by Rev. Randall Ross in 1852, and for many years was a flourishing school, in which the languages and higher branches of education were taught. Here many received the foundation for a good education. Many of the j)upils became successful teachers in the schools of the suri'ounding country. The school was largely attended and had a good reputation. Rev. Randall Ross was succeeded after several years by Professor Smith, and he by McMillan and Ryan. The latter was the last teacher. Tlie school has not been in session since 1875, The building is now the school-house of the district school. It was erected by subscription solely for the use of the college.

P reshyterUin. - The tii*st church edifice in Sharon was erected about 1823, by the Presbyterians and United Presbyterians. The old church building is still standing, and is now a residence owned by Mi*s. [ Harriet McDonald. The two congregations continued to \vorship in this building until about 1835, when the union of the churches was dissolved. In 183S three chuixjhes W'ere built in the town - Presbyterian, United Presbyterijwi and Methodist Episcopal. The United Presbyterians maintained their organization until about 1S7(). Tlioir first pastor was Kev. Stephen L. Ilntt, who was succeinknl by Kev. IJ^mthill Ross and otliers. When tlie eonijretration (lisbanded most of the members joineil tlie Presbyterian churelj. Tlie present church edifice was erected in ISM). Among the early' ministers were Kev. John Arthur, Kev. Kobert Kutherford, Kev. Charles Chariot and others. John Marquis and his family and Alexander Greenlee were leading early meml)ei*s.

Method} Ht Epi»tuipaL - The fi rst church edifice was erected by this denonnnation at Sharon in ls:JS. The present church wns ercvted in 1S70, at a cost of $1,400. The present membership is seventy-five. The pr^^sent officers are James Eicher, leader; K. K. Nichols, David Foreman and John (irimes, stewards; S. F. Kock, John E. Mar(|uis and F. F. Foote, trustees. The society was organized many yeai-s before any church was erected. Among the pioneer membei's were John Pidcock. Andrew and Levi Purkey, Penjamin Parnhouse, Samuel Allen, P. Ilatton (the grandfather of TVank Ilatton, late post master- general), James Gird. John Scroggins, William Kirkpatrick, Isaac lIcMunn nnd Thomas Garlington. Levi I^^rkey was the first class leader.

Mmi 1 7/ eMtn' Ha pi txi ( % /^ /v// . - - T h i s church was organized as early as 1880, and was th(»n in ^Linchest(*r Township, Morgan County. Kev. Mr. (iabriel, was the fiist settled minister. Anjongthc* early memlxM-s were Jacob Hawk, Jam(\s (larvin, and Joab Pailey and George Walters, and their wives, (iarvin and Wal tt»rs were deacons for many years. The first me(»ting-house was a log building; the second a frame, and the presort a frame. The second church was destroye<l by lire. The church is still flourishing, though

' early history of this church is involved in obscurity. It is prol>able, however, that it had an existence pr<?vious to 1820. Nothing is now known of the original meml)ei"s or first officers. In 18:^1 John Mar- (piis, John Lyons, and Peter Ecklev, were electe<l eldei's. In 18:^7 the names of Penjamin Manifold and Peter Eckley are given. The fii*st church edifice wascom|)Ieted in 183(5. It was a frame sti'ucture 80x55 feet. The present building was completed in 1SS2. It stands on the site of the old church, and its cost wa^ $l,r»O0. It ai)|)ears that the siK-iety had no regular pastor until is:57. Among the supj)lies the names of Kevs. William Wallace and Kobert Kutherford aiv fre()uently found. In March, 1887, Kev. John Arthur was elected i)astor, and served until 1888. His successoiN were Kevs. X. P. (Miarlotte, William Keid, J. P. Caldwell, Mathew K. Miller, AVatson Kusseli, Samuel MahafTey, L. C. Kutter, William M. Galbraith and

' A. Paldridge. The present membership is eighty, with a Sabbath sch(X>l attendance of one hundred. In the early days th(^ church was cared for Dv the l»oard of Home Missions, but for ing. The present pastorate, that of Rev. Thomas J. Dague, began October 1, 188H. During this time twenty-one members liave been added, and the society is in a very prosperous condition.

Masonic, - Sharon Lodge, No. VMS, F. and A. M., was instituted March 2(), 1846, with the following charter mem bei^ and first officers: Rev. Patrick K. McCue, W. M. ; Dr. Jesse M. Stone, S. W. ; Samuel Fowler, J. AV. ; B. M. Leland, Oliver Keyser, Robert Thompson, Conway Garlington and Jesse Stewart. Of these, B. M. Leland is the only survivor, so far as is known. The past masters have been Rev. Patrick K. McCue, Dr. Jesse ^L Stone, Robert Thompson, Stephen Burlingame, Josiah Hurlingame, Dennis S. Gibbs, David C. Aiken, B. M. Leland, J. P. Gill, Stephen Parrish,J. Danford, AVilliam Lowe, D. II. Schofield, R. Burlingame and Ross Elder. The lodge once had over one hundred members, but many have withdrawn, joining newer lodges. The present membership is seventy-four. The lodge is in good financial condition, and owns a good two-story building contain mg the hall, which was built m 1857, at a cost of %\,^{K), The l)resent officei*s are Ross Elder, W. M.; George E. Willey, S. W. ; Thomas Lov(% J. AV. ; Richard Bur- Imgame, S. D. : Josei)h \V. Jones, J. D. ; A. IL McFerren, secretary; Thomas Boyd, treasurer; Alfred Smoot, tyler.

instituted July 23, 1873, with the following charter members : - Frederick Yerian, John Aikin, George A. Bell, A. F. Pickenpaugh, E. W. Daniel, George Walters, James H. Stewart, James Thompson, John Preston, Joseph W. Jones and John E. Marcjuis. The hxlge now has forty membei's and is in a flourishing condition. It owns one of the finest halls in Noble County - large and well furnished. The officers in October, 1886, Avere T. W. Parrish, N. G.; Wm. Yerian, B. G.; Thoma.^ Boyd, treasurer ; James Kane, secretary.

Biographical

John Brownrigg, Sr., \vas one of the prominent early settlers of what is now Sharon Township. He was born in England, whei*e he married. Five children were there born to them: Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Mary and John. In ISIS he immigrated to this country with four of his children, Elizabeth, the eldest, remaining in her native j)lace, the mother having died. The family landed in Baltimore, Md., thence they came to Pittsburgh, and from there to Steubenville, Ohio, .in a flat boat. Here the family s|)ent the winter, the boat being their home. The following spring they voyaged to Marietta and from thence to the place where the family now reside. Herethe elder Brownriggentered ()4() acres of land. lie was a thorough and (»nergetic farmer, jind soon after his arrival built a log house, 3(Jx40, and two stories in height. In 1S2U, the year following his settlement, he built a barn which was the adniiration of the pioneer farmers for miles around. This structure, tlie walls