Troy Township (part 6 of 10)

When the congregation of "old Hopewell " organized in ! 1 S 1 7 , Robert Nelson, Abraham Doty, Daniel McKinny, William Houston, David Pollock, Jacob McClusky, and Abel Montgomery, Samuel Burns, David Burns, William Andrews, Alexander McCrady, and their wives, in Milton township, became members of the new congregation. Robert Nelson and Abraham Doty were elected and or- 1 dained ciders. Mr. Nelson remained an elder until ad- | vanced age caused him to retire.* He died August, 16, 1844, aged seventy-five years; and his widow survived until May 31, 1S62, when she deceased, at the age of eighty years.

phia, Nancy, Margaret, Scott, Robert, Jane and Milton, j all of whom survived Mr. Nelson, he being the first ; member of the family that deceased. John and Scott and three sisters remain in Milton, five of the family are dead, and three are in other localities.

Mr. Nelson served in the war of 1S12, and his widow received a land warrant for his services.! John and Robert, sons of Nelson, served in Mexico in the war jf j 1846; and Scott Nelson, another son, served in the war j of 1861 3 in the South.

t th" proper place a history of the organization of " o:d I! pewi II or the "Montgomery church, " as it was originally called, wilt be given.

His education and fine judgment qualified him to fill the highest public stations in the county. As a member of the Presbyterian church he was much respected. Diffident and unselfish, he found more real pleasure in being a quiet farmer than in public display and official promotion. Devoted to his church and the elevation o fsociety, his example, all through life, was in the direction of good order, obedience to law, and the precepts of religion; and- when he had run his course, he passed over the dark stream without fear or regret.

James Andrews

was another leading citizen of Milton township. He was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and in 1800 emigrated to Columbiana county, Ohio, where he resided until 1816, when he entered a farm in the south part of Milton township, and removed to it with his family. He served in the war of 1812, as a captain in the Second regiment, Second brigade of Ohio militia, and was promoted, during his service, to brigade inspector, and obtained a warrant for his services in j S54. After the organization of Milton township, he served as trustee, constable, supervisor, and justice of the peace, and acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the electors of his township.* He died in the fall of 1863, and was buried in the cemetery in the south part ot the township. Pie was about eightyfive years old at his decease. He left several members of his family, none of whom, we are informed, remain in the township. Mr. Andrews, like his pioneer neighbors, passed through many hardships in preparing his farm for culture. He lived to surround himself with many comforts, and was highly respected. The settlers of his day have nearly all disappeared, and soon there will be none left to tell the story of pioneer life amid the wilds of this region.

, MICHAEL CULLER, of Mifflin, purchased the Zimmer farm in 1S15. Having come from Frederick county, Maryland, by way of Charleston (now Wellsburgh), Virginia, through Cadiz, Ohio, to Wooster, he proceeded thence, by way of Mr. Gardner's (now Windsor), to Mansfield, where he met Philip Zimmer, whose father, mother, and sister, had been killed at the Zimmer cabin on the Black fork, in the fall of 1812, and purchased the farm. To have the deed properly executed, ho accompanied Philip to Circloviile, Pickaway county. Ohio, to the residence of George Zimmer, a brother. Here the deed was signed by Philip Zimmer, May 6, '.815, the original patent being made to him, and signed by James Madison, President, and Edward Tiffin, commissioner of the land office, October 2, 1812. Zimmer was the German name of the family. Whi'e Mr. Culler was there Philip married a Mis- BY lentine, and removed west. In iSs he returned L \Lit the grave of his father, mother, and sister, on the old farm, since which time lie has resided in the west. Mr. Culler cultivated his land for two or three years, stopping most of the time with John Lambright, who was a relative.

Returning to Maryland, he married, abou. the year 1S18, and moved to the Zimmer farm, where he has resided ever since. He lived two or three years in the old Zimmer cabin, which still showed marks of the tragedy of 1812. He was in Circlevile in 1812, when the Zimmer murder took place, and is conversant with the whole affair, having heard all its details repeatedly from John Lambright and Philip Zimmer. He says:

".Martin Ruffner was a stout, frolicsome sort of man, and went to Zimmer's more to capture the Indians and have a little fun, than to bring on a fight, and believes that if Philip had remained at borne, instead of going for James Copus, the whole disaster would have been averted, for Philip was a very ragged and active young man, and the two would have deterred the Indians from the attack."

Mrs. Culler died in the summer of 1873. Mr. Culler died at bis residence in Mifflin township, July 28. 1874, aged eightyTour years, four months, and three days. Two or three of his sons reside in this county.

Mr. Culler was benevolent and kind to the poor, and his donations to religious and benevolent institutions very liberal. He was regarded as quite wealthy, but was always humble, and seldom referred to his worldly possessions, believing it better to lay up his treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt He was followed to his last resting place by a large number of people, who said in theii hearts, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." brother of Mrs. Solomon Urie, located in Orange township about the same time that the Uries came. He was an accomplished backwoodsman and Indian fighter. He was a relative of the famous Alexander McConnell, of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and also a relative of Colonel Williamson. He had many encounters with i the Indians in the border wars, and in the Miami and | Wabash country: and is believed to have settled a num | her of accounts with the Green and Jerometown Indians after he came to this county. Being a bachelor, while a resident of Orange township, he spent a good deal of time in his forest ( amps, hunting deep bear, wolves, and other game. He had lost many dear friends in the border wars; and hence had no very strong attachments for his red neighbors. He never hesitated, when threatened with danger by the Indians, as he roamed through the forest, to face his foe, and resent impending attacks; particularly when he met savages who had made themselves conspicuous in murdering the border settlers.

Some thirty five years since, when game had grown scarce in this region, McConnell sought a new home in the wilds of Wood county, where he .remained a few years, and then located in Eaton county, Michigan, where he died.

Frederick Sultzer

was horn in Green county, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1762. From the time he was ten years old, he was compelled to handle fire-arms. From the period of his childhood, until the close of the war of 1812-15, the border settlers of western Pennsylvania were menaced by Indian raids. He became very expert as a backwoodsman, and when a j deer, a bear, or any other species of game, came within range of his rifle, it was sure to fall a victim to his unerring aim. He visited what is now Milton township, in the fall of 1815, and located the tract of land upon which he settled. In the spring of 1816, he brought a c jred wagon and four good horses, with a plow and other farming utensils. He slept four months in the wagon, doing his cooking in a sort of camp hut. In the fall, after having put up a cabin and secured las crop of corn, he returned to Pennsylvania and brought on his wife. At that time, the Indians were quite numerous along the Black fork, engaged in hunting, though they were harmless. The next spring they encamped near him and made sugar. Mr. Sigler, who married Mr. SultzeEb daughter, informs us that the old gentleman retained his vision and his steadiness of aim to the last. When he was ninety-two years old, he shot a hawk, offhand, on a very high tree, near his residence, to convince Mr. Sigler that his sight and aim were as accurate as in the days of his prime. He never wore glasses. He was a cousin of the famous Louis Wetsei. and in his boyhood often hunted with Wetsei, who Pled to teach him how to -un and load his gun. He never became a proficient in that mode of loading. lie possessed much admiration for the achievements of his noted cousin as a border warrior and spy. He was a man of very even temper, genial, and warm in his attachments. Mr. Switzer voted for Washington and the ten succeeding presidents. In his later years, he became a member of the denomination known as Christians, lie died childless, at his farm, on the Mansfield road, in Milton township, March 30, 1S57, aged near.y ninety-six years. His wife died in 3843. Mr. Sult/.ei had drawn a pension of ninety-six dollars per annum, for many years prior to his death, as a compensation for his border services in western Pennsylvania in his youth. He was the last of the border men in this county, and deserved the esteem of his countrymen.

Joseph Sheets

was born in New Jersey, about thirty miles below Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1792. He learned, i in 1 is native village, the trade of tailor, which he followed I for many year When lie had completed hi- trade he | went to Philadelphia and sought employment a short I tin. e, and then, in ; S 1 1 , passed over diu mountains to 1 Steubenville, Ohio, where he remain . d at his trade for

-about six years. Iking a young man of good habits, he Loon began to accumulate money. I~ the meantime he (formed the acquaintance of Miss Nancy Harper, daughter of William Harper, of Fairfax county, Virginia, who bad settled in Jefferson county. Ohio, about the year 1S06. They were married. The res A: of the marriage was, that Mr. Harper and family concluded to accompany Mr. Sheets and his wife to, and locate in, Richland, now Ashland county. In the spring of 1S/7 these families started across the country, through the forest, over rough roads, for their new homes. After a fatiguing journey of several days they arrived safely a: Uniontovvn. Mrs. Sheets states they first put up in a very inferior cabin [that stood somewhere near the northeast corner of what [is now known as Kellogg square, there being only three [or four other cabins in town, one of which was that of I Mr. Montgomery, and the other that of Mr. Groff, the [tanner, where the old residence of George Swineford . formerly stood. Early in the spring they resided for a short time with Mr. Montgomery, where the hardware store of Stull &r Charles now stands. Mr. Sheets put up a house nearly opposite, known now as the Weisenstine building, for a small store and tailor-shop, and moved into it. This was the first store. Mr. Harper located j about one mile northwest of the present site of Hayesville, where he lived until 1832, when he was accident- , ally killed by his team, near Plymouth, Richland county.

- [ Mr. Sheets continued to occupy his new home some I years, engaged at his trade, keeping a house of enter- I tainment, and making himself useful as a citizen. He i finally disposed of his Ashland property, and purchased ! of Mr. Montgomery the ninety acres of land upon ! which South Ashland was subsequently laid out. About the year 1847 Mr. Sheets sold this tract of land to a cor- 1 poration known as the South Ashland company, and rej moved to Vermillion township. About the year 1S64 he returned to Ashland to reside on a part of his old property, and died March 6, iS 66, aged seventy-four years. Mrs. Sheets still survives, aged seventy-nine years. Her memory is unimpaired, and very few persons of her age possess a more acurate recollection of the pioneers and their times. William Sheets, her oldest son, is believed j to ha -e been the first male child born within the limits t of Ashland. Mrs. Sheets states that William was born ! January 1, 1819.

Mrs. Sheets says during the time they resided in the i village it was a very lively place, especially on public days and Saturday evenings. She states it was not uncommon in those days to see five or six fights in an evening. The strong armed pugilist who could "tan two or three dog skins," claimed high honors. On one occasion, Mrs. Sheets states, the clans had gathered for a little settlement, and prior to opening the ball, visited the distilleries to fit and prepare them for the task. In their ab scnce, just after dark, Mrs. Sheets, butcher knife in hand, j visited all the hitching posts, and cut the horses loose, j She says that in fifteen or twenty minutes the village was i cleared of roughs. She thinks it was a "little rough,"

I Lie emigrated to Ohio in the spring of 1817, and located in the village of Uniontown, now Ashland. His cabin stood near the spring west of Center street, in the rear of the present residence of David Whiting. Mr. Andrews resided there but a short time, and then completed a new cabin about where the Whiting blacksmith-shop now stands, and moved into it. He resided in that locality two or three years, and carried on a distillery just below the present residence of David Whiting, in company with a Mr. Palmer. During his residence in this cabin, Lcrin Andrews, the second male child of Ashland, was born. 'Phis event took place April r, 1819. A short time after, Mr. Andrews purchased the farm of David Markley adjoining Ashland on the southwest, and moved upon it. Mr. Andrews was a good I farmer, and soon had ar, abundance of this world's goods to reward him for his toil. He put up a fine residence,

Pie was a man of fair education, close observation i and of strict habits. Like all New England people, he j was the friend of educational institutions, and took a ' deep interest in the establishment of advanced schools in the village of Ashland. He was one of the founders 1 and props of the old academy, where so many young men commenced a career of usefulness and honor.

! He was a warm patron of the school from its commencement, and every member of his family passed through its various grades of classification. Mr. Andrews stood i high among his neighbors for his truthfulness, integrity,

It has often been remarked in the presence of the I writer of these sketches, that being one of the best judges of the value of personal and real estate, that he had, perhaps, assisted in the appraisement of more estates than any other citizen in the township.

In politics he was a Whig, and always cast his influ- J ence in favor of the prevalence of the principles of that i party. He never sought office of any kind, although his fitness was admitted by bis neighbors.

, He was tail and well formed , his face, though not 1 handsome, impressed itself upon the recollection. In 1 the general way he was reticent, and rarely revealed his : plans. In temper, he was decidedly firm and resolute. All in all, in his intercourse with his neighbors, he was pleasant, and noted for his hospitality and kindness to the poor. He died after a brief illness, May 11, 1850, and sleeps in the cemetery west of Ashland. His widow and numerous family reside in the west. But three of his sons reached manhood Eorin, Lyman, and I.cvi. i Lorin is deceased, Lyman resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, and i.evi in California. His widow, at an advanced age, resides with a daughter in Genoseo. Illinois.

Francis Graham

was bom in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, in 1792. i He removed with his parents to Eric, Pennsylvania,- in j 1S05. Here he entered a mercantile establishment and j learned the business, and remained until the close of tne j war. In 1815 the firm for which he was employed was j left in possession of a large stock of unsold goods, i Hard times followed the war, and the firm concluded j to transport a part of their goods to Detroit, in the hope | of finding a readier sale. In November, 1 Si 5, the com- j pany dispatched Mr. Graham overland with five large j sled loads of goods. He and those who accompanied ' him passed leisurely up the southern shore of Lake Erie, j until they reached the mouth of Huron. Here they ! were stopped by the melting of the snow, and compelled to abandon the trip to Detroit. The goods belonged to j Sanford & Reed, of Erie, Pennsylvania, a firm that has i since accumulated its millions. Mr. Graham was corn- j pelled, under the circumstances, to rent a house at j Huron and open a store there. He succeeded well in ! the sale of the goods, and one of the partners visiting 1 him, sanctioned all that he had done. He remained j here four years. In 1819 he settled in Sandusky City, prior to that time known as Ogontz's town and Portland.

In 1821 Mr. Graham arrived in Uniontown, from Sandusky City. Fie rented and occupied the room where Joseph Sheets had had a small stock of goods, and boarded with Mi. Sheets. This lot was what is now ; known as the Weisenstine property. Mr. Graham con- | ducted business in this establishment some time, and | then put up a store-room where Millington's drug store ' since stood, now the Schneider bakery. He continued I to do a thrifty business until the financial crash of 1S57 | to 1844, when, owing to the pernicious effects of the ! credit system, he was compelled to wind up his affairs. | For years he had done an extensive business, and ex- ! erted himself to find a market for all the surplus pro- ! ducts of this locality. Financial panics arc remorseless. 1 Many a good man has be n crushed thru would have ! survived if time had been given. Although he had fur- j nished a market for nearly everything, many times I against his own interest, when hard times came, the unfeeling grip of the law seized the little that had been left him, and left him in distress. He never recovered from Lhe blow.

Shortly after opening his store the necessity of a post-office was felt. Mr. Graham sent a petition to judge | Sloan, the member of Congress from this district, asking the erection ot a post-office at Uniontown. The post-office directory showed that there was already a postoffice by that name in Ohio. The name was then j changed to Ashland, and the village with it, after the j home of Henry Clay, and tire office created; and .Mr. j Graham was made the first postmaster.

Mr. Graham, some years since, after his retirement j from business, was elected justice of the peace of Mont- j gomery township, and acijuiiled himself ably.

He is now about eighty-three years of age He resides in a comfortable little home, and, in company with his excellent lady, is spending the evening of his days reflecting calmly upon the past and preparing to pass to a better and a happier land.

William Hamilton

was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1777, and about the year 1800 removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he remained until December, 1820. He was of Irish de-scent. He married in Fayette county. In 1820 he purchased, of his brother Hugh Hamilton, the northeast quarter of section three, in Perry township, Wayne county, Ohio, and removed to it. He erected a cabin and other buildings, and improved his farm. At that period, the Delaware Indians made annual visitations during the seasons for making sugar and hunting. They were harmless and friendly, and often exchanged the products of the chase for corn and ocher food. Game was abundant in the forests, and the wolves were very destructive upon sheep, young swine and poultry. A. premium was offered for scalps at the county offices in Wooster, and large numbers of wolves were caught in traps. By industry, economy and care, Mr. Hamilton soon surrounded himself by all the comforts that result from agriculture. In the year 1834 he undertook the erection of a valuable farm-house, and in excavating for the cellar, dug down an Indian mound which stood upon the spot selected. An oak tree grew upon the top of it, which was some two feet in diameter. When the greater part of the mound had been removed they came upon a triangular slake, the upper part of which had decayed. It was embedded in a grayish sand, which Mr. Hamilton proceeded to remove. When he had dug down some two feet, he came upon an Indian skeleton. Continuing to excavate, he soon reached another. Proceeding, he soon came upon a third one of unusual size, which was almost entire. Near it was found a lot of red paint, and a bluish stone somewhat like a scythe stone, highly polished. The thigh bone of the giant was much longer than that of the tailest man in the neighborhood. The inferior maxillary or lower ja\v bone would pass ever that of the largest person. Here relics were kept several years. There was also another small mound a little east of the former, which was never thoroughly examined. Northeast of these mounds, about one mile, was an ancient intren rhment, square in form, which contained something near an acre of land. If was upon the highest point of land in the neighborhood, and overlooked the ' alley. It was not a great way from the Muddy fork of Mohican. These reminiscences o! iui extinct rncc cu*o < j into interesting, and evince the fact that the occupants of this region not onlv understood die arts of military defence, but honored their braves by a monument of earth ore* ted over their remains. Mr. Hamilton survived long enough to see his farnilv comfortably situated in life. Ho was the friend of the Ohio school system, and gave his children

!all its advantages. He was an active member of the Presbyterian church for over a half century, and was the | uncompromising opponent of every demoralizing vice, j He deceased in 1850, at the ripe age of seventy-three | years. His family consisted of Ann, John M., William H., j osoph, Daniel N., Mary J., Rebecca J.. Alexander and Louisa. Of these, Ann, John M., William H., Joseph and Rebecca, are deceased. The balance of the family reside in Wayne and Ashland counties.

RICH A R D \\ ' f N B I G L E R was born in Frederick county, Maryland, near Frederick j City, in 1782. 11c grew to manhood and married in his j native State. In 1818 lie concluded to cast his lot J among 'the pioneers of the branches of Mohican, in ! Ohio, where many other Marylanders found homes. He ! emigrated with his family, and located about two miles | southeast of Jeromevilie. Mr. Winbigier deceased some 1 twenty years since, over seventy years of age. At his decease, his family consisted of Mary Anne, Henry, Elizabeth and William, all of whom are dead, except Henry.

Henry Winbigier was born in Frederick county, Mary- j land, June 4, 1S08. He accompanied his father's family i to Mohican township in 1818, and has a very distinct 1 recollection of the pioneer days of that township. He : attended the common schools of that period, and ob- I rained a fait knowledge of the elementary branches. In : 1832 he married Jane, daughter of John Hoot man. He j j has filled several township offices in Mohican, and been j' | elected justice of the peace four times, or twelve years. 1 Mr. Winbigier is 2 gentleman of intelligence and undis- I puted integrity. His family consists of Richard M. and ! Elizabeth, wife of Josephus Newbfough, of Jackson county, Michigan Mr. Winbigier is an industrious j fanner, and in possession of a valuable homestead, j where he lives quietly and contentedly.

Hon. George W. Bull

j was the owner of two or three vessels which were con- : stand/ on the ocean, engaged in the West India trade. When only eleven years old, young Bull was placed on one of bis father's vessels to learn the art of a sailor. He continued on the ocean until about the year rSifl, when, owing to commercial difficulties, and the dangers attending ship owners in the trade with the West Indies, the line was discontinued, and his father's family located in Canton, Ohio.

About the year 1S18 George W. Bull visited the sue ot the flourishing town of Loudonville. It was then 1 a mere village, having been laid out by James London 1 I nest and Stephen Butler, four years prim to that time. He remained bu1 a .short time, in his brief apprentice ahij) in the W est India trade he formed a .-t-ang attachment for a life on the ocean. The rugged hills of Hanover township were destitute of novelty and excitement. His mind dwelt continually upon his maritime adventures of other days. He soon became restive, and ionged to renew his seafaring exploits and excitements. By the permission of his father he went to the city of New York and engaged as supercargo on a commercial vessel (packet Canton), commanded by Captain Jack Wheaton. This merchant vessel sailed between the city of New York, and Liverpool. He remained in the employ of Captain Wheaton about three years, during which time his ardor for a life on the ocean had been somewhat cooled ; and he resolved to retire from the dangers and uncertainties attending such an occupation.

1 In 1821 he again visited Loudonville, and found that j during his absence many new settlers had located in and j about the village. The town began to show signs of j future growth and improvement. The great stage line I from New Lisbon, Canton, Wooster, Mount Vernon, and j Columbus, passed through Loudonville. At that period I there was a good deal of travel by stage, as well as by road wagons, and the village hotels, and the few dry goods establishments in the town, were busy.

Mr. Bull determined to make Hanover township his future home. He purchased a quarter section of land adjoining the village, and commenced to improve it. At that time there was a surplus of grain, hogs and cattle raised in Green arid Hanover townships, which, owing to the want of a suitable market*, commanded but low prices. Mr. Bull had sufficient New England sagacity to perceive that if these surplus articles conic be conveyed to a market, the enterprise would be remunerative. Fie had been tossed upon too many rough seas to shrink from a vigorous encounter with pioneer life; so he determined that while he could find a market that would profit himself, he could, at the same time, be a benefactor to his neighbors. In 1S21, a short period after his return, he constructed a flat-boat, and loaded it with wheat, corn, pork, whiskey, and cherry lumber, and i passed down the Black fork to the Walhonding; th.er.ee,

I into the Muskingum; thence, down the Ohio and Misi sissippi, to New Orleans, where he sold his cargo and boat for cash. He returned on foot to Nashville, Ten- ; nessee, by the main, road, where he purchased a horse, and from thence made the balance of his journey on horseback. The trip to New Orleans and return took ! about three months, and was attended with many haz- | ards. The river travel and trade gave employment to a hardy and dating class of men. The boatmen and gamblers on tire river at the time were proverbial for recklessness and contempt of danger. The bowie-knife and the pistol were the chief weapons of defence, and were often called into requisition. Mr. Bull was a large man,

! and possessed uncommon strength and activity, and was ( as courageous and fearless as he was athletic. 1 lie 1 nigh boatman that courted an encounter with him generally he- ame satisfied before lie gut tlnough. that he had me? a man, in all respects. While thus capable ol defending himself against the assaults of the wild and re>kless boatmen of the Ohio and Mi- Tsippi. he w is genial.

whole-souled and courteous, and never provoked ill-will or sought a quarrel with any one. The trip he took to New Orleans in 1S21 is believed to have been the first j attempt at navigating the Black fork and the Walhond- | ing. He subsequently conveyed two or three other fiatbottomed boats, similarly laden, to New Orleans, returning on foot by Nashville, and from thence homeward on horseback, in each instance consuming about three months to the trip.

In 1822 Mr. Bull married Miss Mary Farquher, daughter of Amos Farquher, who resided near Fredericktown, \ Knox county, Ohio; and iocated on his farm near Loudonville. In 1825 he constructed a keel-boat one hundred and twenty feet long, which he named the "Ben Franklin." He freighted this boat with the surplus products of the country, and conveyed it down the same streams to Louisville, Kentucky, where he met a ready market, and procured a load in exchange, which he brought, to Cincinnati and sold at a profit. These tiips were occasionally renewed until about the year 1S32, when he abandoned the business and gave his attention to farming. He was very industrious as a farmer, and fe w could surpass him in endurance. He was of a class of men who always make. an impression, and seem boin to lead. In his intercourse with men he was frank, outspoken and independent. His spirit of candor always made him liberal and charitable. In 1839 he was elected one of the justices of the peace for Hanover township; and was subsequently re-elected to the same position four times. While acting as justice, many characteristic anecdotes are related of him. He had a strong dislike for that class of the legal fraternity known as "pettifoggers." He regarded such fellows the pests of society, because their occupation led them to encourage strife and litigation. Some years after his election two neighbors engaged in a heated suit before him, urged on by j such legal gentlemen, that they might obtain a fee. The fact was, the neighbors should have refrained from litigation; but a lawsuit was a novelty, and pride of opinion, apparently, unconquerable. Quite a crowd of spectators gathered to see the fun. as it was understood a lawyer from Mansfield, and one from Millersburgh, were to take the lead in the case. A number of witnesses were examined, during which all sorts of technical difficulties were raised and discussed by the attorneys. Thus several hours were consumed, much to the annoyance of the justice, in a wordy legal combat; and the patience of the 'squire was severely tried. The examination of witnesses was finally concluded, and 'Squire Bull turned to his docket and made a brief entry, and again faced the attorneys. The plaintiff's attorney proceeded to make a long, wordy, foggy argument, in which he belabored the defendant's witnesses and concluded that the cause should be given to the plaintiff. The defendant's attorney followed in an equally diffuse address, criticising the plaintiff's claim, the character of his witnesses, and the attainments of his attorney. At the coiiclu- ion of the arguments, there was a profound silence in the courtroom, during which the rival attorneys fixed their eyes on the justice. After some time, one of die lawyers said:

"Squire, as this seems to be a case involving some intricate legal questions, I have no doubt you will desire a few days to investigate, and decide it."

The justice said : "Gentlemen, you appeared anxious to hold a discussion, and I was not averse to hearing it. No harm is done - the case is decided."

At the organization of Ashland county, in 1846, Mr. Bull was elected a representative to the Ohio legislature, and served one session. I-Ie was then elected to the senate one term. When the new constitution was adopted, the district was changed, and he declined to be a candidate. The senatorial district, at his election, was composed of Ashland and Wayne counties. As a member of the house and senate, Mr. Bull acquitted himself with ability. Fie was an ardent Democrat of the Jeffersonian and Jackson school, and attracted much attention in the senate by the independent utterance of his principles. He was a large man - full of courage - outspoken and manly in his address. He possessed a warm heart and a clear head. He detested every species of hypocrisy, time-serving and political cowardice. Full of humor and pleasant in his general deportment, he made many warm friends wherever he went. Although not a member of any church, from his earliest intercourse with the people of Hanover, his table was often spread for the pioneer preachers, whom he treated with courtesy and kindness.

In the vigor of manhood Mr. Bull was prostrated with paralysis, and, after lingering a few months, deceased December 13, 1852, aged about fifty-three years.

Mr. Bull was an honest man - frank even to bluntness - of undaunted courage, and possessed mental powers of a high order. As a citizen, an officer, and a business man, he was conspicuous. He is worthy of a high place in the history of his township and county.

Mrs. Mary Bull, wife of Colonel George W. Bull, died March 8, 1877, aged seventy-seven years, seven months, and twenty-five days. She had been sick about three weeks with acute bronchial inflammation.

The remaining members of the family are: John W. and George Franklin, of Loudonville; Mrs. Sarah. J. Slutz, of Cleveland; Mariah, Mary, and Phebe, of i.oudonville; Emily H'a/lett, wife of Thomas M. Hazlett, of Howell, Michigan.

T.orin Andrews was born in Uniontown, now Ashland, April 1, 1819, and was the second male child horn within the present limits of tiie town. Alanson Andrews, his father, resided in a small log cabin, about thirty-five or forty feet south of Main street, on the lot on which tire office of M. H. Mansfield is now located. Her it was that I .orin Andrews First saw the fight, learned to lisp the name of his parents, and began to gi\c evidence of

Samuel Culler

-jthat talent for which he became, in after years, so noted, j [When quite young, his hither purchased of David Mark- : pey, the farm adjoining Ashland on the southwest, and j ppcated thereon. Lorin attended the district schools of j the village, and made rapid progress in the branches taught at that period. He was much belov :d by his schoolmates, because of his amiable disposition, spright- j liness of manner and acuteness.

j When he was about seventeen years of age, he was (regarded as one of the foremost youths of the village, jin the year t 836, the patriotic fires of the Revolution were still kept blazing on the altars of the country. It . jvr'as resolved to celebrate the natal day of our freedom a becoming manner. To this end, after several village j meetings, it was agreed that the people would assemble ! in Carter's grove, about one and a half miles east of | Ashland, on the fourth of July, for that purpose; and ! that Michael Ritter, who kept a hotel on the premises ! now known as the Finley property, be invited to prepare a dinner; and that Lorin Andrews he requested to prepare and deliver the oration. IV lien the time for assem- - bling arrived, the procession was formed at Ashland, with Alexander Miller as marshal of the day; and the people were escorted to the grove, headed by a band, composed of Jacob Grubb as drummer, Pierce Robinson fife-r, Joshua H. Ruth and John K. Billings with flutes. Young Andrews delivered the oration with a coolness I and self-possession that astonished the assemblage. His j address had been carefully prepared, well studied, and 1 delivered with an ease of manner and grace of gesticuj lation that was pronounced admirable. The dinner and ; toasts followed. And the festivities of the occasion are -l

A copy of the address of young Andrews was published in the Ohio Globe , a little paper, then edited by | our late townsman, Joshua FI. Ruth.

| and his father was induced to send him where his am- | bit ion, as a student, could have a better field and be i i more fully gratified. He at once entered the grammar ! school of Gambier college, where he commenced a { thorough, course of instruction. He remained in the j grammar school about two years, and entered college, j but during his junior year, in 3840, owing to financial I embarrassment, was withdrawn from college. He re- ! turned to Ashland, and after a few months, by invitation j - of the trustees, took charge of the Ashland academy as j principal, aided by several able assistants, in the male j and female departments. Under his .superintendence ! the school was in a most flourishing condition; students ; from every part of the State, and from distant States, i came in by the hundred and enrolled their names. Not having completed his collegiate course, Professor An- : drews was compelled to continue his studies in private, ; to keep in advance of his students. He applied himself i j with uncommon industry, and distanced the most ad- ! ; vanned clashes; he evinced a knowLdge of the branches I taught, and a readiness in recitation that was really sur I 'rising. 1 1 is manner, as an instructor, was agreeable j I and well calculated to win the esteem of the student. 1

He had a peculiar faculty of enlisting the sympathy, respect and confidence of all with whom he was brought in contact. He was frank and pleasing in his address, and a student met but to love and honor him. When compelled to enforce, with apparent severity, the rules governing the academy, it was done in such a way that the student respected him for his impartiality and evident intention to do justice. The writer of this sketch has seen Professor Andrews, scores of times, after reprimanding a hot-headed student for some gross violation of the rules, while yet smarting under the reproof, and blinded by rage and resentment, approach him at the black-board in the most friendly manner, take the chalk and give him a statement, and frequently solve the problem. Such treatment would soften the resentment of any young man of reflection, and secure his respect. In this Professor Andrews evinced his deep insight into human nature, and often succeeded in taming the ferocity of the worst students, and changed the whole current of their lives. With him "kind words could never die."

Professor Andrews was a fluent conversationalist, was very kind and gentlemanly in his manner; and egotism was an element that, could not be detected in his intercourse with his students or society. In fact, ho was the least selfish public man I ever knew. The result was that while he always had a flourishing school, and was popular among the students and the people, he was always financially distressed. If he found a student struggling to obtain an education, teaching in the winter and attending the academy in the summer, he would not exact tuition, but insist that his pupil should go ahead, arid pay him when he could. This was often equivalent to no pay.

As a speaker, Professor Andrews was not an orator, unless we define oratory to be the ability to please and hold an audience. His addresses at school institutes, and lectures before his classes, were all delivered in conversational style. He talked remarkably well, and could hold an audience or an institute for hours. There was a fascination about his manner that invariably made his audience feel friendly toward him. while the lucidness of his ideas enlisted their whole attention. As a lecture! before institutes, he was widely known throughout the State, and he exercised as much or more influence, perhaps, than any other teacher in the west.

In 1850 the union school system was adopted in many parts of the State. The trustees of the schools at Massillon solicited Professor Andrews to become superintendent. In an unfortunate hour the people of Ashland permitted him to retire from the academy, an institution which had been an ornament to the town, and a source of profit to our people. The academy speedily passed away, and the buildings were merged into the union schools.

History Of Ashland Count Y, Ohio

was nominated by the Whig party, under the new constitution, for commissioner of common schools for the State. He failed, by a small vote, to secure his election. Under his management the schools of Massillon were very efficient and popular.

In December, 1854, he was invited to accept the presidency of Kenyon college, with which request he complied. Fie was the first lay member of the Episcopal church who had been invited to fill that position. To be selected to preside over such an institution was indeed a flattering compliment. His high educational attainments, added to his purity as a man, made him the | worthy recipient of such an honor. His presence in the j college acted like magic - his friends from every part of ! the State began to look toward Kenyon as an appropri- ! ate place to educate the young men of the country. The j college received new life; and energy and prosperity were diffused through every department. Students began to fill the classes, and everything betokened a prosperous future for the institution.

Some months alter Professor Andrews had been inaugurated president of Kenyon college, the honorary ! degree of EL. D. was conferred upon him by Princeton j college, New Jersey. This was a high distinction and j well deserved, because of his remarkable success as an j educator.

In 186 1, in the midst of his success as president of j Kenyon, the rumbling sounds of discontent were borne ! from the south, and a sanguinary civil war seemed to be j imminent. In February, believing the war to be inevita- ; ble, President Andrews offered his services to the governor of Ohio. In April he raised a company in Knox ! county, which reported to the governor, and he was op- j pointed colonel of the Fourth Ohio regiment. Soon j after his regiment was ordered into West Virginia, where j it remained on duty during the summer. In September : Colonel Andrews, in consequence of exposure, v.as attacked by a malignant form of typhoid fever, that fell destroyer of so many northern soldiers, and, although ! able to reach his home in Ohio, was so much prostrated i that the friendly efforts of the physician, .and all human j aid, failed to avert his impending end. The sentiment - j was fully illustrated. He died September 18, 1861. ! Just prior to his departure with bis regiment to Virginia, ; fearing some disaster might overtake him, he, accompanied by his wife, went into tire cemetery at Gam bier, and selected the spot where he desired to be buried in case of his death in the army. His wishes were com- I plied with, and his honored remains now rest in sight of the institution he loved so well during his active and useful life.

Much surprise was manifested among many of his old friends when it was learned that he had abandoned the presidency of Kenyon college to accept a place in the army. It was believed that his true field was that of letters, and that his tastes all ran in that direction, j When a student under his instruction in the old Ashland ' academy, years prior to the war, while translating Homer, Virgil, Xenuphon, Livy, Cicero, and the orations of Demosthenes, the military spirit could be plainly detected in his comments upon the strategy of the heroes of that age. At the mention of Achilles, "swift of foot" - "Peleus' godlike son" - "Mighty Agamemnon, king of men" - the venerable "Nestor" - the achievements of the Scipios, Alexander, Cresar, Hannibal and Pompey, his enthusiasm exhibited itself in a forcible manner. There can oe but little doubt if Colonel Andrews had survived the war he would have reached an elevated position as a military man, and acquitted himself as bravely as a Morgan, a McPherson, and a Sheridan. He was very ambitious to excel in everything he undertook, and his spirit, like -

Right well he performed his part in the drama of the world. He. was .only about forty-two years old at his decease. Few men have accomplished more. From a cabin, by the force of his genius, he elevated himself to the presidency of one of the best colleges in the west before he was thirty-five years of age, and proved himself one of the first educators of the times.

In person President Andrews was about five feet eight inches high, would weigh about one hundred and thirty- pounds, bail inclined to he curly and sandy, a broad forbead, a clear gray eye, a manly face full of benevolence; in his manners, courteous and gentlemanly ; in his gait, very erect and quite sprightly in his movements. Such was President Andrews, one of the noblest sons Ashland ever sent forth, and whose career is worthy the emulation of all her future sons.

John Springer

was born in Allegheny county, . Pennsylvania, October 27, 1794. He was of German descent, his ancestors having come from that country prior to the American Revolution. He grew to manhood amid the holder scenes of his native country, and learned the story of the cruelties of the savage red men. llis education, in consequence of the newness of that region, was confined to the elementary branches. At the age of twenty, in the year 1814, he visited Richland, now Ashland county, Ohio, and selected the homestead, where he deceased. His father, Michael Springer, had entered three quarter sections of land at the office in Canton, in Montgomery township, upon one of which he built a cabin, while John selected another tract. On this trip he was accompanied In Jacob and William Fijey and his John. They all camped together by die side of a large log, against which they erected a shed roofed campjg house. They built the fust cabin for Jacob Figley, who j moved to it first, and made the farm the homestead, where lie died many years since. In raising the cabin, they invited John and Charles Wheeler, Conrad Cline, ; Jacob Heller, Jesse Newell, Jacob Cline, and the late j Daniel Carter and son, the)' being pretty much all the ! settlers in the township. Provisions were growing very j scarce. Michael Springer and the Figleys had brought ; along a few bushels of corn-meal, some potatoes, and a : little salt meat on a pack-horse ; but when the cabin was ! ready to be raised their food had become almost ex- j hausted. In preparation for the raising, John Springer j took his gun and hunting dog the day before the frolic, and scoured the forest in search of wild meat. When j he arrived near Beall's trail, some two miles south of ! their hut, his dog treed a large and very fat raccoon, i which be shot, and upon arriving at home dressed and \ boiled it with potatoes for dinner on the day cf the rais- J ing. He obtained from some of the pioneers a little j flour, which was mixed in a sugar trough and baked into j an ash-cake for the same occasion. With a degree of | merriment Mr. Springer informed the writer that the f hands all thought it a very fine dinner and relished it very much, washing it down with parched corn coffee boiled in a brass kettle. This was in December, 1814, just sixty-four years ago. That region of Montgomery township was then a dreary and dense forest, inhabited by wolves and other wild animals. The war of 1812 was drawing to a close. They had been six weeks preparing Mr. Figley's cabin and were glad to retrace their steps to Allegheny county. The party returned by way of Wooster, then a mere village, staying one night at a little hotel kept by a Mr. Jones.

Mr. Jacob Figley, who was a brother-in-law of Mr. Springer, returned to Ohio in 1816 and occupied his cabin; while John Springer did not permanently locate until 1818. He came out and cleared a fraction of the 1 land prior to that time, making his home part of the | time at the hotel oi William Montgomery, then located ! where the hardware store of Mr. Stull now stands, and often went deer hunting with the late George Swineford ! to supply their quota of wild meat - he also boarded at j the same log hotel. About this time he manied Eliza- i betli, daughter of the late Daniel Carter. When Mr. j Springer located he was of the opinion his neighbors ! were William Dwire, Solomon Sherraddcn, John Owens, j l*eter Swineford, George Butler, the Wheeler:. Clines I and Newells; and in 182c Henry Springer, Elijah Smith, Jesse Callihan, who married Rachel Carter, and the I'm- ! leys, William and Jacob.

Mrs. Springer deceased about 1847. since which time j John Springer has resided with his children His fa mi- j 1 v, at his decease, consisted of five sons and five datigh- I tors, all grown: William, John, Lorin, Augustus and 1

Mr. Springer lived a harmless and exemplary life. For nearly fifty years he was strongly attached to the doctrines of the Method!, t F.piscopal church, though of ; late years, from the distance of his residence from the

At the organization of the Pioneer and Historical society of Ashland, county, he became an enthusiastic member, and was always in attendance at the regular meetings. It is a remarkable fact that Mr. Springer was never known to have been sick until his last illness, which was but of a few days' durat-ion. He died at the residence of Samuel Thornburg, in Montgomery township, Thursday, December 5, 1S7S, aged about eightyfour years,' of general debility.

He was followed to the grave, the final resting place of all, by a large number of neighbors and friends, lie was buried at the Carter cemetery beside his wife and kindred. Peaceful is the rest of the good and true.

The grand-parents of the Ashland county McGuires, of Irish extraction, appear to have located near the Potomac, in Virginia, as early as 1771. About the close of the Revolution, three brothers - Francis. Robert, and John -appear to have located in what is now Washington county, Pennsylvania, where Francis and Robert attached themselves to Brady's patrol, and became famous as Indian fighters and scouts. Francis died in Brooke county, Virginia, in 1825, aged about seventy-eight years. Robert lost his life in Cross creek, in a skirmish, in 1794. John died in 1831. Thomas and Hugh were sons of John.

Hugh first visited this county in 1S10, in company with Robert Newell, and others, on a hunting excursion. In 1 S 1 t Mr. Newell entered the farm in Montgomery township, which subsequently became, the property of Hugh McGuire. Hugh, emigrated in 1841. He was a fine mathematician and a polished gentleman. He filled the office of township trustee foi a number of years, and, after the erection of the county, was infirmary director. He was averse to holding office, and asked no promotion. He was an influential and leading citizen, and exerted that influence in behalf of his friends. He died September 13, 1867, aged eighty-one years. This family are all dead, but two daughters.

Thomas McGuire settled in Vermillion township in r S 3 1 , and died in the spring o'" r So 9, aged seventy-two years. He was a man of fine native abilities, but could not Ire induced to accept an office. W hen in his prime, he wielded more political influence than any citizen of Richland county, and often controlled an election.

Thomas and Benjamin, nephews of Thomas and Hugh, settled in Green township, in 1S37. They are influential and leading citizens. Thomas is seventy-five, and Benjamin about sixty-four years of age.

was born in the State of New Jersey, Linear) j.804, and removed with the family of his father, L Strickland, sr., to Jefferson county, Ohio, prior u> the war of iSi?, and thence to Vermillion township, now Ashland county, a few years subsequent to tire close of that war. His fattier had served honorably as a soldier from New Jersey in the war of the Revolution, and died in Seneca county, Ohio, at the advanced age of eightysix years, in 1850. In 1826 Joseph Strickland, jr., the subject of this sketch, purchased and removed to the farm on which he deceased, in the northwest part of ! Vermillion township. He improved his homestead and ; made it a valuable property. He connected with the | Methodist Episcopal church early in life, and was an | exemplary Christian for over fifty years, and several times i a leader in the church. He was noted for his domestic j worth, and kindness to his family. His affection and j goodness of heart had a cheerful influence over his chil- : dren. all of whom revered, honored and followed his | counsel. As a citizen, he was quiet and unobtrusive. 1 His integrity and uprightness fitted him for public pro- | motion. He was frequently called upon by his neigh- j bors to fill offices of trust in his township. He served as j trustee, justice of the peace and infirmary director, and i retired from the latter position, some years since, because j of a paralytic attack, which disabled him, and prevented j an active discharge of public duties. In politics he was j a Democrat, and had been from his arrival at manhood, j He was noted for his benevolent and kindly feelings, i and made an excellent infirmary director. He has gone j home to rest with the just and the pure. May his ex- j ample as a Christian and a man have its influence upon J those who remain to conduct the affairs of their fellow j citizens.

Mr. Strickland died at his residence in the northwest part of Vermillion township, Sunday, October 8, 1876, after a long and painful attack of paralysis, aged seventytwo years, nine months, and one day.

At a meeting of the obituary committee of the Historical and. Pioneer association, of Ashland county, appropriate resolutions were adopted regarding his decease.

John Porter

JOHN PORTER was born in Virginia, October 15, 1799, a!1^ removed j with his father's family to Westmoreland county, Penn- j sylvania, in 1810. In rSz.* he removed to Vermillion township, now Ashland county. He located near what, is known as Smith's mill, near Ueall's trail and camping ground. His brother Daniel and several acquaintances had been in P> call's expedition in 1812, and finally located in the same neighborhood. Mr. Porter's neighbors were John Johnston, Thomas Roe, Uriah Johnston, George Ecklcy, Eli Finley, George Keene, Isaac Vail. Robert Finley, Lemuel Roller, and John Fairer, and shortly afterwards Isaac Pauiliti.

Mr. Porter improved his farm and resided on it until January 20, i8fio, when he deceased. His widow still survives. His sons are David, deceased, William ()., and Daniel.

offices, and been sheriff four years. He possesses a good education, and has recently studied law, and been admitted. He resides on the old homestead.

Edward Metcalf

was born in Washington, county, Pennsylvania, August 5, 1783, and removed to Mohican (then Kiilbuck,) township, Wayne county, in the spring of 1S15, and located on what is now known as the Robert Glenn farm. He cleared and improved his land, and resided on it for many years. Pie deceased in 1856, at the age of seventythree years. Hi:; family consisted of three sons, John, Vachel, jr., and Daniel; and three daughters, Julia, Nancy, and Rachel. The family have all removed to other localities, except John, who resides in the vicinity of Mohican ville. He is by occupation an industrious farmer.

Thomas Metcalf

brother of Edward, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 9, 1797. He grew to manhood in his native county. In Tune, 1S1S, he married Miss Nancy Durbin, of Washington county. In September having heard much of the richness of the valleys of Mohican, he and his lady traveled on horseback to the residence of his brother, Fid ward, in the wilds of the valley, and tarried, a few weeks, until he erected a cabin. His father had entered a piece of land three miles south . of the present site of Jeromeville, upon which Thomas J Metcalf settled.

I and resided about fifty-eight years on the same farm. In 1 1868 he had the misfortune to lose the wife of iris youth., j Since that occurrence, his hours have passed slowly. In I 1875 he became partially paralyzed; February 9, jo 76,

S he deceased, at his old homestead, aged seventy-nine j years and one month. His family consisted of Drusilla, Rachel, Maria, Eliza, and Sarah; all married.

William Latta

WILLIAM LATTA was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1777. He settled in the east part of Montgomery township, in the fall of 1815. His nearest neighbors were John Carr and Robert Newell. Mr. Latta had some trouble in procuring hands to aid in erecting his cabin. In doing so he had to go as far south as the present site of Jeromeville. When his rude house had been completed, his next difficulty was to procure food. He travelled through the forest, along Indian paths, to i Shrimplin's mill to procure corn, and when converted ; into meal, carried it home on a pack-saddle. He also made many tups, with horse and pick-saddle, to Stibbs' mill, near Wooster. These trips were toilsome and not i devoid of danger. Mr. Latta was a large, rugged man, ami met the dangers and toils ul pionct life with un- daunted fortitude. lie prepared an excellent lamp and, : in his old age, lived comfortably. He was a member of j old Hopewell Presbyterian church. He died Febru- j ary 2, 1049, aged seventy-two years. His family con- j sister! of Lewis, John, William, Moses, and -Jackson, j Moses owns the homestead; John and Jackson reside in j Iowa, and Lewis and William are dead. These sons !

were noted for their remarkable size and vigor. Moses j is a good business man, and has been twice elected in- 1 firmary director for the county, and a number of times i township trustee.

Moses I Att A.

Mr. Eatta was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. January 20, 1815, and removed with his father, i the late William Eatta, to Montgomery township, Rich- l land, now Ashland, county, in the fall of 1815. He at- j tended the common schools of the neighborhood, and 1 obtained a fair knowledge of the elementary branches, j were few and far between, and in the erection of cabins j and other buildings, it was the custom of the pioneers j to go many miles to assist the new settler. In the | earlier history of Montgomery township the Lattas were ' noted for their industry, energy and physical vigor, all j the sons being large men, and constitutionally clever, j William Eatta, the father of Moses, was of Scotch-Irish : descent, and like his ancestors, was strongly attached to j the doctrines of the Presbyterian church. He was, for j many years, a member of " Old Hopewell" in Ashland, j and his sons were impressed by the same faith. Upon | the decease of William Eatta, in 1849, Moses became possessed of the homestead, where he has resided the i major part of the time ever since. He was a man of 1 good business habits and of unquestioned integrity, and ; was frequently elected to act as schoo1 director, tov nsh ip trustee, and twice an infirmary director for Ashland j county. He was a large, energetic, hard working man, j and had accumulated quite a fortune. His general health began to give way early in the summer, and con- j tinued to fail until he became prostrated, and gradually approached the hour of dissolution, which occurred on Saturday, November n, 1S76. His remains /ere interred in the cemetery at Ashland, on Tuesday, November 14. Mr. Eatta leaves a widow to mourn the loss of a most excellent husband. During lus late sickness, he connected with the Presbyterian church of Ashland.

John S. Nelson

was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December 10, / S 1 2, and moved with his father's family to Milton township, Richland, now Ashland, county, in the spring of 1S16. He was the oldest son of Robert Nelson, one of the leading pioneers of Milton township, and saw it clothed in its primitive forest. When a boy he roamed amidst its wilds, and often saw tire wild deer, bear and wolves. A serenade of wolves was very common, and the pioneers were compelled to enclose young calves, sheep and swine to prevent capture by wild animals. He grew to manhood in Milton, attending log-cabin schools, helping to remove the forest, erect cabins, cutting highways, and making other improvements. When his father entered the township the Delaware Indians, in their hunting excursions, often passed down Beall's trail, and hunted along the streams of this county, but never interfered with the citizens of Milton. But a few families preceded Robert Nelson in Milton. John Nelson, in a personal interview with the writer, said he remembered the following: James Gunthel, Peter Lance, James Kelley, Frederick Sulcer, John Anderson, Obediah Ferrell, Alexander Reed, Edward Wheeler, Allen Lockhart, William Lockhart, Henry Wetzel, George Myers, David Teal, John Kane, Abraham Doty, David Pollock and Laban Conley.

In 1846 he volunteered from the State of Illinois, to serve during the Mexican war, and with his company was in several battles, one of the most noted of which was the battle of Buena Vista. He was in Colonel Clay's regiment, and assisted in carrying that gallant young officer from the field after his fatal wound. His company was attacked in tins engagement by a squadron of lancers, and Mr. Nelson was wounded twice; once bv a ball in the hand, and afterward by a lancer, who struck him in the breast with his lance. He shot and killed the Mexican and secured the lance-head, which he brought home as a trophy.

Like all those from the north who entered the Mexiican army, he became a victim of chronic disease, resulting from dysentery. For many years he has been too feeble 10 labor, and. constantly a sufferer. Many years since he became a member of the Lutheran church, and .'.domed his faith by an upright walk. The immediate cause of his decease was a fall, in which he fractured his hip-bone. lie failed rapidly, and after three or four days of pain he expired January 28, 1877. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Ashland, Tuesday, January 30, 1S77. He was also a member of the Ashland County Historical and Pioneer society. Suitable resolutions were passed by the appropriate committees touching his decease and life.

Jacob Frees

of English-German descent, was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, November 22, iSoS, and he came to Wayne county, Ohio, in November, 1S22, and to Win no township, with his father's family. He remained there until 1857, tiicn removed to Smith vilic, same county, and, in 18b 4, removed to Ashland county. He Darned the trade: of a shoemaker, and carried it on in Wayne county, with a shoe-store, until he came to Ashland county. He attended common schools, and became a member of the Lutheran Reformed church in 1S25. He is now a member of the English Lutheran church of Ashland, and has been an elder six or seven years. When he came to Ashland he became one of the proprietors of the steam saw mill until 1870, and then retired. 1 1 is family consists of two sons and four daughters.

John Van Nest

was born December 1,. 1814, in York county, Pennsyl- 1 vania. He attended common schools, learned the trade of a saddler in 1831-32, came to Wooster, Wayne county, in 1838, and worked until 1839. He married Miss Sarah Wiley, of Smithville, Way ne county, May 2, 1S39, moved to Rowsburgh the same month, and has carried on business ever since. He has served as a jus- I lice of the peace six terms, He was elected commis- j sioner in 1864, and served two terms. He has been a | membei of the Lutheran church since 1849. His ances- ! tors were from Holland, and located in New Jersey. j His father, John Van Nest, located in York county, Pennsylvania, and came to Wayne county in 1838, and died in Millbropk, in 1862, aged eighty-seven.

was born in Windom county, Vermont, September >7 j 1794. In June, 1815, he married Uetsy Mann, of the 1 same county. In 1817 lie accompanied what is known ! as the Parmely colony as far as Medina, where he re- ! mained until 1S19, when he settled in Sullivan, now Ash- j land county. The colony traveled from the east with ; six teams, one yoke of oxen, and sometimes the addition ! of one horse to each wagon. The wagons were covered j and contained beds, cooking utensils, ai d provisions foi - the trip. They also brought along a number of cows, j which supplied milk on the way. They came by the I wav of Buffalo, New York, and were many weeks making J the journey. These aged people yet ( 1 S 7 6) retain con- j siuerable physical vigor. They are quite lively, and their mental powers seem to be unimpaired. They had three children - Adeline, wife of Mr. Rice, U/.ina, deceased, ! and Miranda, deceased. Whitney and Richard Cham- I berlain, brothers of Jesse, settled in the township with the mother who died in 1S43. They are deceased.

Asa S. Reed

was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, December 22, 1817. Ilis father, Josiah Reed, came to Westfield, Medina | county, Ohio, in the spring of 1829, and died February )8, .03c. lie left Ins family in limited circumstances. ' Asa was apprenticed to a. farmer until h - was twenty years of age, to be instructed to the rule of three in arithmetic, and in .[rolling, reading and writing Jn 1834 1 he hired as a farm hand at twelve dollars per month, and unfortunately wounded his limb, which had to be amputated near the knee. He suffered many months, and being unable to labor was reduced to the necessity of being aided by charity. As soon as he could regain sufficient strength, he engaged in various enterprises to recruit his fortunes. In 1835 he taught school three months. His chief occupation until 1844 was that of teacher. He then undertook to learn the trade of a tailor, and sewed three months in Jeromeville with John I). Jones. In 1846 he was elected recorder of Ashland county for the short term of six months, and was re-elected continuously the three following terms. He acted at the same time as notary- public nine years. He then taught one term in the Union school at Ashland. He has been remarkably successful as a teacher, and has taught more terms than any teacher within the limits of the county - in the aggregate amounting to near fifteen years. In 1859 he removed to Sullivan, and became a successful farmer and teacher. He married Priscilla Smalley, of Berry township, by whom be had three sons - George W., John 1'., and Oliver. George is dead. In December, 1872, Mis. Reed deceased, aged fifty-one years. April 29, 1873, he married Charlotte Forbes, of Ashland, an experienced teacher, and a resident of Ashland for about fotty-two years. Mr. Reed and his former and present wiie were arid are exemplary members of tire Christian church. He possesses a neat and valuable homestead, and is another illustration of what can be accomplished amid all embarrassments by industry, perseverance, integrity and an upright life. Few in early life have, undergone more trials, and few have been more successful in mastering all obstacles.

Martin Mason, Sr

was born in Germany in 1742, and emigrated with h:s parents to America in 1745, and settled on the south branch of the Potomac river, in Virginia. When he was about thirteen years of age, in 1755, he was captured by the Indians. This occurred about two weeks aftet the disastrous defeat < f General Braddock, when on his way to attack Fori DuQuesne. Young Mason was taken by the Indians to the fort, and thence, by Niagara, to Canada, where he was purchased by a French officer at Montreal. When General Wolfe captured Quebec, in 1759, young Mason was ordered, by his master, to conduct the family to a neighboring swamp for safety during the battle. Four years after the surrender of the city to the English, in 1763, he was liberated and returned home, after an absence of about eight years, where he remained until his marriage. He subsequently removed to what is now l ayette county, Pennsylvania, and located land by "tomahawk light,' winch consisted in blueing trees around the tract selected and having it surveyed and recorded, all cl which cm t but a trifle. This was four or five ye. ns after the Dm more war, when with Ids neighbors, lie was greatly harrasstd by the Indians lor a number of years. Mr.

Mason died at an advanced age on the old homestead of the late Jacob Mason, in Orange, in 1 83 S, aged ninetysix years, leaving nine children: Elizabeth, Barbara,

Margaret, Abigail, Mary, John, Martin, Charles, and Jacob. Martin and Jacob located in Orange township, Ashland county, and Charles in Columbiana county, Ohio. He was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1780, and died in Columbiana county, in April, 1869, aged about eighty-nine years. He had four sons, John, Martin, Jacob, and Lewis. Martin emigrated to Ashland county in 1844, and settled on a quarter of land purchased by his father in 1814. He was born April 12, 1817. He still resides on the homestead. His children are a son, W. A. Mason, and two daughters, Emila and Mary.

i Pioneer society. He is drawing a pension of ninety-six ! dollars annually for his services in the war of 1812, and takes a deep interest in the prosperity of the country. His wife's name before marriage was Eunice Phelps. She is a sister of the wife of the venerable Nathaniel Clark, cf Troy, another soldier of 1812. Their children are ! Alonzo, Elisha, Samuel. Joshua, Nathaniel, Mary Ann,

| Mr. Parker could never be persuaded to travel on a circuit. For over fifty-five years he has been a speaker and zealous advocate of the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his earlier years he was a fine singer and a fluent speaker.

Rev. Joseph Seeley Parker

REV. JOSEPH SEELEY PARKER was born in South Salem, Westchester county, New York, May 10, 1795. When seventeen years of age, he went as a' substitute in the war of 1812, four months. In 1S13 he was drafted for three months in the same war. In his first tour he was in the battle of Queenstown. After the war he resided in Columbiana county, Ohio, two years, to which he removed in 1826, and then in Austintown five years, and in 1833 removed to Troy township,, now in Ashland county, and located amid a dense forest on lot three of surplus lands. Upon his arrival he found Benjamin Moore, David Mason, David Carrier, Ralph Phelps, Nicholas and Christian Fast and their families. At that time Francis Granger, of New York, owned nearly all the lands of the township, and the primitive forest covered the same. Two years after his arrival, the township was organized, and he thinks, at the first election, there were seven votes cast for the following officers: Benjamin Moore, justice of the peace, J. S. Parker, treasurer, Sanford Peck, David Mason and Ralph Phelps, trustees. He is unable to name the constable. The return was made to Elyria. The first school was a little south of his present residence, and was taught by Ralph Phelps. It was in a cabin, which was sometimes used as a church for the earlier preachers. Mr. Parker and his venerable lady became members of the Methodist Episcopal church as early as 1813-14, and he was licensed as a local preacher nearly sixty years ago. The first (.hiss was organized by him at his cabin a short time after bis arrival in the township, from which has grown the fine structure in Troy center. He states that the Baptists erected a small building and had a few members at an early day, but the organization went down. He and his lady, now (1876) about eighty-two years of age, are quite vigorous, and their mental powers seem to be unimpaired. When they arrived, and for a few years afterward, the H 'vandots from Sandusky hunted in the neighborhood. A number of huts were found a little northwest, near a deer lick. He found on and about his premises great numbers of Hint arrow points, stone axes and fleshers, some of which he has presented to the Historical and

Rev. R. D. Emerson

Richard Dumont Emerson was born in Fairfax county, Virginia, near the city of Alexandria, August 14, 1794. His mother was a highly educated French lady, whose maiden name was Louis, a branch of the royal family,

! and his father also of French birth. A brother of his 1 mother accompanied General Lafayette to this country, and fell in the battle of Brandywine, during the Rcvolu- , denary war.

When about eighteen years of age he entered the i army of the war of 1812, as a volunteer, and was at the j battle of Crany Island, where* he was honorably men- | tioned for his conduct on the field, and promoted to I captain. At the close of the war he returned to A'exj andria, and engaged in business a.s a manufacturer and j dealer in shoes and boots.

In 1824-5, when General Lafayette visited Alexandria j and Mt. Vernon, Captain Emerson was one of the mar- ! shals who commanded the guard that received and ! conducted the general to that "Mecca of American free men," the tomb of George Washington. He was a fine j horseman, and was highly complimented by General ; Lafayette for his fine military bearing on that occasion.

! and local minister in, the Methodist church. In 1S40 | he removed to Guernsey county, Ohio, and became a ; Lutheran minister. He subsequently removed to Ash land county, and preached for Lutheran congregations at Rowsburgh, Hayesville, Mifflin, and Orange. He was regarded as a forcible and fluent speaker, and made a fine appearance in the pulpit. In 1S52 he was elected j a member of the Ohio legislature from Ashland county, and served one term, declining to be a candidate for j re-clccticn. In 1S54 he was appointed postmaster at Hayesville, and retained the position to the close of die | administration of Franklin Pierce. In iS6c lie removi d to Missouri, but subsequently located and took charge of Lutheran congregation at BaiiFtown Kentucky, whcie he remained until May, 1S70, when he removed to Clark county, Missouri, where, he deceased after a lingering illness, September :o, 1S76, at the adeemed age of eighty-two years and twenty- seven days. Mr. Emerson had served his church, as minister, about fortysix years, and was regarded as an able and influential exponent of the creed and teachings of Martin Luther, the great German reformer.

lie was enrolled among those who drew pensions for services in the war of 1812, and it may be truly said, "he served his country as a patriot, and his church as a Christian."

Mr. Emerson was above medium in size, very erect, had black hair, large gray eyes, and was impressive and dignified in his bearing. He was exceedingly fond of fine horses, and rode with all the grace of a marshal of France. His tastes were largely military, and if he had been reared in a country like France, he would have risen to distinction in military life.

He was married three times. His family consisted of Rev. William A. G. Emerson, of Kentucky; Colonel Richard D. Emerson, of Iowa; John Emerson, deceased ; Mrs. Martha , White, of Kansas; Mrs. Elizabeth Davis, of Canal Do ter, Ohio; Mrs. Virginia C'rellen, of Missouri; and Mrs. Caroline Ewing, of Illinois.

Rev. Samuel Moody

The Rev. Samuel Moody, of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in Northampton county Pennsylvania, February 14, 1801, in the vicinity of the mission station of David Brainard, among the Indians. Elis parents being Presbyterians, he was at an early period of his life indoctrinated in the tenets of that faith. His youth was marked by morality and sobriety. When about fifteen years of age he was greatly impressed by the preaching of Rev. Robeit Finley, D. D., of New Jersey. At the age of eighteen he removed to Beaver county with his father's family. When about twenty-three years of age he attached himself, by profession, to Mill Creek church, in Beaver county. Prior to that time he had attended the ! common schools of the neighborhood. Having thoughts of preparing for the ministry in the fall of 1824, he commenced the study of Latin with his pastor, Rev. George Scott. He continued under his tuition for about three years, and then entered Washington college, Pennsylvania. When in his senior year, the college was temporarily closed by the removal of the president. Still ambitious to become a scholar, he entered Jefferson college, where he graduated in September, 1S29, being twentyeight years of age. He then taught one year, and entered tire Western Theological seminary in 1830, at Allegheny City. On the third of October, 1833, he was licensed to preach by the presbytery of Washington. He preached a few months at -Upper Ten Mile, Wolf Run, and Unity churches in Washington presbytery, and in 1834 located at liig Spring, in Carroll county, Ohio, and remained about eight years. He was ordained by the presbytery of Steubenville, July 5, / 83 7, and installed pastor of the Big Spring church. In 1843 he was invited to Hopewell, in Ashland, and Orange churches, and accepting the call, removed to Ashland, July 9.

1843. He continued as pastor of Hopewell and Orange about thirteen years. His ministry was characterized by an exemplary and devout life, and during his residence at Ashland he won the esteem of all. Owing to an unfortunate division arising among his people concerning church music, and a separation of a number of members from the parent church, for the establishment of the First Presbyterian church of Ashland, the number of members in Hopewell was not largely increased during the labors of Mr. Moody. In April, 1856, Mr. Moody and some members of his family visited western Pennsylvania. While crossing the Ohio on the 24th of April, near Wellsville, in a skiff with his little daughter, the ferryman and three others, the skiff being moored to the ferry-beat, on approaching the Ohio shore, became separated from the barge and overturned by the violence of the current, and he and his daughter thrown into the stream. Mr. Moody soou disappeared beneath the turbid current and was drowned, while his daughter floated, being supported by her clothing, and was saved. The remains of Mr. Moody were recovered on the fifth of May, eleven days after the fatal accident, in the vicinity of Steubenville, and brought to Ashland for interment. His funeral was preached by Rev. John Robinson of the First Presbyterian church of Ashland. We are indebted to him for the following summary of the habits and character of Mr. Moody:

First - He was unobtrusive, quiet; not as easily known as some, and most highly appreciated where most intimately known. He was a man of tender attachments, disposed to contribute in every practicable way to the comfort of those about him, and exceedingly cr.refu! not to give pain by word or act.

Second - He was a man of correct judgment. He carefully weighed matters presented for his consideration, and seldom faiied to reach a conc'usion whicli commended itself to others. Associated with him from our earliest ministerial life, we have rarely known him to mistake in transacting ecclesisastical business. Calm, thoughtful, and under the influence of stealing principle, his judgments were to he relied upon in all matters pertaining to tire interests of Christ's kingdom.

Third - He wa.s very conscientious. This may be illustrated by a fact I in ills college life. Washington college closed temporarily when he was a senior half-advanced. The ether members of his class received diplomas, as if they had graduated. He fell that he was not strictly entitled to a diploma, and, therefore, took a certificate and went to Jefferson college, and after a summer term of study, graduated. Now the last term of the senior class is generally passed, mostly in teview and preparation for the commencement. So that he had little to gain hv this course, as far as mere learning is concerned. But then his diploma never disturbed his conscience by asserting what was not literally true. And this trait ran through all his conduct, in all ins relations.

Fourth He was very uniform in his temper and manners. During an acquaintance of nearly sixteen years, v. e have scarcely ever seen him cither manifestly depressed or dated, lie was seldom irritated or fretted, or unduly buoyant. He seemed to live realizing the great truth that the Lord reigns, and that " he doeth all things well." More than almost any man we have known, he fully filled the poet's description :

Mr. Moody was married February \ 7, 1S40, and bad five children, three sons and two daughters, all of' whom survive. Mis. Moody, his willow, and mo tot her family, reside in the village of Savannah, Ashland county.

REV. JOHN ROBINSON, T). D., was ihe son of Henry and Elizabeth (Ilarkness) Robinson, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His grandparents - James Robinson and his wife, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and William Darkness and his wife, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania - all immigrated to this country from the north of Ireland, about the year 1765. He is, therefore, of Scotch-Irish descent. He was born January 27, 1814, in 'Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. When about two years of age his parents removed to Stark county, Ohio, settling about seven miles south of where Massillon now stands. Thus, when he was eight years o'cl his father died, and four years afterward, his mother, with her three sons, of whom he was the oldest, one having died meantime, returned to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. During the five following years he. labored as a hired farm hand, to help in the maintenance of the family in the summer time, and attended school each winter. When he was seventeen years of age he went to Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio, as an apprentice to tire tin-plate business. His employers were Presbyterians, and as his early training had been in tire Associate Reformed church, he readily formed the habit of attending the Presbyterian church, joined the Sabbath school, and, under the labors of the pastor, Rev. John McArthur, soon united with the church. When about half of his time as an apprentice had expired, his employers ceased business and gave him his indenture. He at once obtained employ ment at his trade for so much of his time as was needful to earn his food and clothing, spending tire rest of his time in study, under tire instruction of his pastor. His studies were directed with a view to the gospel ministry. This he continued until he completed the ordinary college curriculum as far as the close of the junior year. Then he entered Franklin college, located at New Athens, Harrison county, Ohio, and graduated there in October, 1837. He immediately went to the Western Theological seminary at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. Here he remained three terms, not attending the fourth term, which was the prei scribed course, because of his suffering from a slight bronchial affection.

He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presby- j fery of Steubenville, April 8, 1840. tie was at once engaged to supply the pulpits of the adjacent churches ! of Corinth and Monroeville, the fore or in the eastern 1 edge of Carroll county, the lattci in the northwestern corner of Jefferson county, Ohio. From these churches he received a call for permanent settlement as pastor in the fall of that year, and on the second day of March, j 1841, he was ordained to the full work of the ministiv I and installed as pastor of those churches by t lie Presby- 1 tery. On the twenty-second day of October, 2840, he married Miss Mary W. Willson, daughter of William j Willson, Esq., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had a 1 prosperous pastorate of nearly three years in i.his field, j In the autumn of 1S43 lie was invited to take charge of | the Presbyterian church of Ashland. He removed to 1 Ashland and commenced labor there on the fir d Sal.'- j bath of February, 1S44. In April following he received a formal call to the pastorate of that church, and in June was installed as pastor by the presbytery of Richland. In that charge he still remains near the close of the thirty-second year of his labor. The membership of the First Presbyterian church has been greatly increased under his pastorship, and now numbers nearly three hundred. The exemplary life of the pastor, added to his care for his flock, has aided in bringing about so desirable a result. He is a pleasant speaker, and well versed on theological topics. As a scholar, his attainments are of a high order. In June, 1871, the honorarydegree of doctor of divinity was conferred upon him by Washington and Jefferson college, Pennsylvania. Bylong service in the ministry, accomplished scholarship, and a profound knowledge of theology, he had fairly won his promotion. He is now in fair health, and may survive many years to carry out the great mission' upon which he entered in early life.

His family consists of his wife and eight children. One is not. Five are sons and three were daughters. John F., the oldest, resides in Mankato ; William W., the second, James A., the fifth, and Etta B., the sixth, reside in Cleveland ; Henry M., the third, ai home ; Samuel N., the fourth, in Dakota ; Mary E. in Tan Wert, Ohio ; all of whom have had good educational advantages and training.

William A. G. Emerson

WILLIAM A. G. EMERSON was born near Alexandria, Virginia, July 12, iSu>. He grew to manhood in Fairfax county, Virginia. In 1S30 he came to Ohio, having married Miss Catharine Atkins in 1835, when he was hut nineteen years of age. His father. Rev. Richard Dumont Emerson, had preceded him to Ohio, and exercised great influence over him. In the meantime his father had connected as a minister with the Lutheran church. William, although from boyhood a member of the Methodist church, and recently licensed as a local preacher, was urged also to unite with the Lutheran church, which he finally did in 1S4.5. He evinced a talent that at once attracted attention, and was soon employed to preach at Biidgeport, Wayne county, and from thence, about 1S47, came to Ashlnnc, Ohio, and was employed to preach at the Lutheran church, a little frame, on die corner of Third and Orange streets. He was then thirty-one yeans old, and possessed all the enthusiasm of youth, and an imagination and zeal that glowed with fervid eloquence. We remember, right well, his appearance in the pulpit. He attracted a great deal of attention, and exerted a wonderful power as a young but gifted minister in the Lutheran church. It will be remembered that many of the leading young lawyers- Oenetal Tohn S. Fulton, Professor John Rankin. James Sloan, and many of the brightest students from the old academy, were accustomed to crowd into the little frame' church on the corner, on Sunday evenings, to heat the eloquent young p'-enohe-r. ibis little church had been purchased from the Universalists about 1842, and the me'inbo' ship was quite feeble. In a few years such bad been its increase in members under the preaching of this remarkable young man, that the place of meeting had to be changed, and resulted in the erection of the present church on Third street, which was built in 1852. Mr. Emerson laid aside his robes, and toiled like a day laborer to secure the completion of the church. His salary was small, yet he contributed, in toil and money, as much as many wealthy members toward the work. Often hare we seen him with one horse and wagon, clothed like a laborer, engaged in hauling bricks and mortar for the work. It went rapidly forward, and in due time was dedicated.

Soon after, for some unknown reason, he was permitted'to engage his ministerial services to the congregation at Wooster, where he remained until 1854. In 1855 he removed to Hayesville, where he preached about one year, -and was then employed by the congregation at Mt. Zion, Richland county, where he remained until 1S59, and then preached one year at Newville. From thence he went to Independence and Bell ville until 1S61, when he returned to Ashland, where he was appointed chaplain of the One Hundred and Twentieth regiment of Ohio independent militia, and was at Vicksburgh, Mississippi, during the winter of 1862-3, and in consequence of enfeebled health, returned to Ashland, and in the fall of 1863, was elected probate judge of Ashland county, j His election was contested, and early in 1864 the court 1 awarded the office to the contestant. The contestor and | contestant have now removed the case to that court where neither judge nor jury err, and where equal and exact justice will be awarded all men. -

In 1855-56 he remained in Ashland, frequently preaching to his friends in various parts of the county. | In 1866 he was employed by the Lutheran congregation j at Brookville, near Dayton, as their pastor, and remained i there about two years. In 1868 he removed to Florence, Kentucky, and connected with the Methodist conference of that part of the State, and was assigned to a !

preached upon a circuit at Germantown. In 1S70 he i was assigned a circuit at Bryantsville for one year, and, * at the expiration of that time, removed to Mercer, where I he remained until 1S72, and, in 1873, was sent to a sta- ! tion at Augusta, where he labored two years, and, in | 1S75, v>orn down with hard work, enfeebled in health, ! and much discouraged, he returned to Ashland, where he j made his home at the residence of his favorite daughter, ] Irene, and son-in-law, Mr. Daniel Folk, where he died I on Tuesday, November 11, 1879, of acute pneumonia, ! aged sixty-three years and five months. Mrs. Folk and \ her husband did all they could to render his situation comfortable, peaceful, and pleasant. He passed away without a struggle, so calmly, sitting upon a chair and resting his head upon the back of another, that it was some moments before it was noticed that he had departed. He looked so natural that it was difficult to realize that he slept not. In his last conversations, he expressed a readiness for the change. The ease was indeed a sad one. His whole life had been full of turmoil, disappointments and hardships. The storm is now over, and

Mr. Emerson was not well adapted to the accumulation and retention of wealth. The science of finance was no part of his study. Lie had not a venal breath in his whole nature. He was genial, and moved by the warmest impulses. In his address he was earnest and amiable. He loved bis friends and treated all men kindly and courteously. He spoke truly to the poor, and never shunned them in their distress. In his last days his wardrobe was greatly neglected. Naturally fastidious and tidy in his dress, he felt this apparent neglect most keenly, and had nearly disappeared from a curious public. He was unable to toil as a common laborer, and too much prostrated physically and mentally, to labor in the pulpit; in his extreme sensitiveness and humiliation, he said to the writer, a short time before his decease: " I am very poor - have always been poor. I never had money to give the rich. I always labored for the poor, and when ray work is done, I hope, like the poor man mentioned in Sacred Writ, I may find a place of rest in the paradise of God." He was naturally hopeful and buoyant in spirit, and every expression of cheerfulness and genial ty was criticised and turned to his injury. This was all wrong. True, a minister should be careful and guarded in his intercourse and conversation, but we are too apt to be severe in our criticisms. A preacher is but a man, and often has to govern his own frailties. It is certainly proper that a minister cultivate a cheerful, hopeful, and sprightly habit, casting aside the gloomy deportment of the hermit. His usefulness largely depends upon his friendliness, sympathy, and his cheerfulness. The Saviour did not hesitate to dine and associate with sinners. He did so because he could the better impress his character and teachings upon his hearers. Many remarkable teachers have been crushed or pushed into obscurity by a fault-finding and captious public.