Urbana Township (part 3 of 6)

R. R. McLAUG-HLIN, physician and surgeon, Westville. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is known far and wide, being the only physician in the pleasant little village of Westville, and has for the past nineteen years been engaged in business in this neighborhood. He was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Oct. 31, 1832 ; his father, William W. McLaughlin, was a native of Ohio, and was born in Concord Township; he was married to Miss Sarah Robinson, probably in 1829 ; she was a daughter of Richard and Sarah Robinson, a native of Pennsylvania. They were parents of four children, our subject being the second child ; the others being named, respectively, Annie M. (the eldest), James B. (the second son), and Clarissa B. In 1844, they moved to Madison, Wis., and, in 1849, Mr. McLaughlin was elected a member of the Legislature, and, for a long term of years, was re-elected to that office, the duties of which he faithfully performed. His death occurred in April, 1877 ; his wife died in 1840, and he married Miss Emmeline Hazelton in 1843, by whom he had three daughters - Harriet, Louisa G. and Eliza E. Dr. McLaughlin, of whom we write, commenced the study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. A. C. McLaughlin, of Tremont, Ohio, when 19 years of age, and commenced practice in 1855, at Atlanta, 111. Afterward^ he located in McLean, 111., and from there went to Muscoda, Wis. He removed to Champaign Co., where he continues business, and is one of the prominent men of Mad River Township. His marriage to Miss Charlotte S. Wilson was celebrated Dec. 25, 1856, in Union Township. Her father, Reason C., was a native of Virginia, and Jane Wilson, his wife, of Maryland. Dr. McLaughlin and his wife are parents of four children - Minnetta B., Ira W., Clarence M. and Lottie J.; Minnetta is the wife of Charles Ogden ; they were married May 20, 1880, and reside in Westville. Dr. McLaughlin was elected Colonel of the 1st 0. S. M., that were discharged in October, 1863. He was also Postmaster of Westville several years. All the family are worthy members of the Universalist Church. The residence is a neat one, and is cordially presided overby the worthy couple of whom we write, and a more hospitable pair will be hard to find. The Doctor is a substantial Democrat, and has a good record as such. We predict for him a long and happy future. He is one of the most prominent among the members of his church, a strict Prohibitionist, and a prince of good fellows.

HAMILTON W. MAGREW, farmer; P. 0. Westville. The Magrew family date back in the early history of this county to 1810 ; Archibald, and Ruth Miller, his wife, were natives of Pennsylvania, and from them are descended all those who bear their name in this county ; they settled on the land that is now the property of Lemuel Magrew, and made substantial improvements, clearing up and otherwise developing one of the most beautiful tracts of land between Westville and Urbana ; they were parents of five children - Archibald, John, William, Matthew, and one daughter, Mary ; Archibald, William and Matthew lived to see a half-century pass, and the great improvements made in their native county were almost incredible. Archibald was married to Miss Mary Taylor Feb. 25, 1813, by whom he had ten children ; five are living - Margaret, Mary J., Caroline, Lemuel and Hamilton; Margaret married Amos Rupert; Mary is the wife of Jacob Aulabaugh ; Caroline wedded Milton Fithian ; Lemuel married Linda Miller ; and Hamilton married Miss Elizabeth Snyder. Matthew married Margaret Dodds, of Dayton, and reared a family, of whom one son, Lemuel H., is the only one to perpetuate the family name on their family tree. Of William and his family but little is known ; one of his children, Caroline, married John Snyder, and resides near Urbana. The death of the grandparents occurred - Archibald, Jan. 6, 1855, and the wife and mother probably in 1830 ; he was born Dec. 21, 1763, and his wife, March 11, 1757. Lemuel Magrew's marriage to Miss Linda Miller was celebrated Feb. 28, 1854 ; they are parents of Archie M., Lemuel W., Mary L., Minnie F. and Clara M. Hamilton Magrew married Elizabeth Snyder in 1858 ; they are parents of Cyrus H. (who died in 1875) and Lula; there are only four sons belonging to these different branches of the Magrew family, who will transmit to posterity their name, that has ever been associated with the highest attributes of honor, justice and prosperity. Archibald Magrew was a soldier in the war of 1812, under the command of Capt. Joseph Vance, afterward Governor ; he was also Justice of the Peace for nine consecutive terms. Matthew Magrew was County Recorder for a number of years, and was one of the best officials the county ever had ; he was also County Treasurer for two or more terms ; afterward, he was in the grain business until his death.

LEMUEL W. MAGREW, farmer; P. 0. Westville. It is eminently proper that every descendant of the pioneers should be made mention of in the history of the county in which they were born and reared. Representing, as they do, the names of those whose memories shall live as long as time shall last, we take pleasure in presenting the name that heads this sketch for consideration. His grandparents, Archibald and Mary Magrew, were among the earliest settlers of this township ; Archibald's father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his name cannot here be obtained ; they were a worthy couple, and settled first upon the hill where Lemuel Magrew, Sr., now resides; they reared several children, one of whom is the father of the subject of this sketch. He has always been engaged in the stock and agricultural business; he has ever been an 'energetic business man, and has lately removed to Delaware, Ohio, for the purpose of completing the education of his children. He was wedded to Miss Linda Miller, of Union Co., in 1854; they have five children living and one dead; those that are living are Archie M., Lemuel, Jr. (our subject), Mary, Minnie and Clara ; Archie M. wedded Miss Eva Pence May 20, 1880, and the wedding of Miss Mary Harwood and Lemuel W. Magrew was celebrated Sept. 26, 1877 ; they have one daughter, whose joyous smile gladdens their early married life, and still further the bonds of affection between them ; and, as they together, hand in hand, toil up life's rugged pathway, they should ever feel proud of the distinction of being descendants of those determined pioneers, whose hardships and privations enabled them to cast their lot in this beautiful county, that equals, in grandeur and wealth of soil, any in the State ; they are comfortably located on what is known as the John Beckham farm, and, by his energy and economy, Mr. Magrew will surely become one of our wealthy and popular men.

GEORGE W. MINNICK, blacksmith, Westville. Among the business men or Westville whom we are pleased to notice, is one of the pioneer smiths, who has lived in Mad River Township for many years, and is the oldest man doing business in this line in the neighborhood. He is a native of Virginia, and came to Ohio in 1831. He was born Nov. 14, 1808. His first location was in Springfield, where he worked at his trade, and he came to Westville in 1835. He knew well Thomas Kenton, Ezekiel Arrows mith, Elisha Harbor, William Harbor, William McGinnis, John Whitmore, George Zimmerman, Christian Norman, Henry Gideon, Valentine Miller, and many others who did a grand work in the development of this county. He purchased the shop and tools of Daniel Long, and at once commenced business. He was married to Miss Susannah Buroker Aug. 28, 1834. Business was good, and young Minnick, being an excellent workman, prospered well. His wife was a daughter of Adam Buroker, a native of Virginia, and he was also one of the first settlers. George and his wife were parents of eight children, of whom only Israel, Sylvester and Noah are living. Mrs. Minnick died in 1848. Aug. 28, of same year, he was married to Miss Nancy Wells, of Westville. They had six children, two of whom, Piatt and Glendora, still survive. All the children of the first marriage have married and are living in the town of Westville.

George has worked at the forge for fifty-three consecutive years, and two sons, Israel and Sylvester, still do business at the old stand. Mr. Minnick takes life rather easy, and only works at the trade when business is pushing. He has voted the Democratic ticket all his life, and his first vote was polled for Andrew Jackson; he has reared a family of sons who are of the same political opinion. He is known far and wide as a master workman, and his cordiality has made him a host of friends. He is now gently going down the hillside of life, but is withal the same jolly fellow that the pioneers knew, and whose name will live in the history of their county for all time.

ISAAC NEFF, Justice of the Peace, Terra Haute. We take great pleasure in giving Isaac Neff a front rank among the prominent men of this township, especially as we are indebted to him for much of the valuable information received, that has helped complete this history. His memory has retained all that has ever been said or written about the first settlements, and he is able to give the dates, etc., from memory, that well agree with authority, both verbal and recorded. Squire Neff was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., in 1823, and his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Strickler) Neff, emigrated in 1830, to Mad River Township, and purchased his first farm one mile east of Terre Haute. Five children - Isaac (our subject), Mary, Peter, David and Abram Neff - were born in Virginia. Isaac, the eldest, went to school three years, between the ages of 4 and 7, and could read, write, and had progressed some in mathematics ; this was the basis of his education. His father's family was composed of eighteen children, he having had three wives and three families of children. By the first wife, the five previously mentioned were born in Virginia, and John, Henry G., Joseph and Jacob in Ohio. The death of Mrs. Neff occurred March 23, 1840, aged 39 years. His marriage to Rachel Romick was celebrated in October, 1840, by whom he had four children - Michael, Barbara A., Samuel R. and Daniel W. Their married life was of rather short duration, the death of Mrs. Rachel Neff occurring in 1845. With his large family of small children, Mr. Neff was obliged to have a mother to care for them, and he was married the third time, to Rachel Landaher. They were parents of Aaron, Caroline (infant daughter), Jonas and Emma. The most surprising circumstance is that, of this large family * of eighteen children, whose circumstances in life have been so varied, only three are dead. Mrs. Neff died December, 1863, and his death occurred in 1865. He had lived to see a family reared, the number of which exceeded any other in the township, and the vast change in the topographical character of the country was beyond his most sanguine expectations. He was an honest, industrious man, respected by all ; for twenty years a member of the M. E. Church, Township Trustee for twenty years, and was elected Justice of the Peace, but declined and would not receive his commission. Isaac, our subject, commenced attending school, in the winter season only, in 1833, and continued until he was 17 years of age, at which time his right ankle was injured by a fall from a colt. Luckily for him, he had education enough to conduct a common school, and, in 1842, he began teaching in his home district, and for twenty consecutive years he was one of our practical teachers. During this time, he became engaged to and married Miss Hester A. Darnall, in 1848. She was born on the spot where Mr. Neff now resides. They were the parents of Melville M., Emma E., Mary M., John J. and Samuel S. Of these, there were three teachers, while both the wife and husband were also practical teachers. Mr. Neff was elected Township Clerk in 1851, and has served for thirty consecutive years ; has not, during that time, missed an election, a meeting of the Board of Trustees, or other meeting, when required bylaw to be present. In 1853, he was elected Township Assessor ; in 1854, Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he has served nine terms. Squire Neff has settled more estates in Clark and Champaign Counties than any other man in them, and the satisfactory manner in which this has been done, has given him a record for honor and fairness that will ever be a source of pride to his descendants. He was elected District Land Assessor in 1859, 1870 and 1880. His capacity for business is equal to that of any man in the township, and everything undertaken has proved his. correctness. His wife died Dec. 13, 1875, aged 49 years. His marriage to his second wife, Miss Amanda Darnall, occurred June 4, 1876. The first wife was a daughter of Nathan Darnall, and the second, of James Darnall, cousins. r They both were daughters of prominent men. Squire Neff prides himself upon his record as a man, an official and an exponent of Democratic principles. His residence is one mile west of Terre Haute, near which he has seen three schoolhouses built, the first a log, the second a frame, and the last a brick, thus showing the progressive age in which he lives.

AUGUSTUS NICHOLS, boots and shoes, Westville. Mr. Nichols is well and favorably known in Champaign County, having commenced the manufacture of boots and shoes in the fall of 1843, soon after his landing at Westville. He is a native of Virginia, but was married to Miss Mary A. Hoak, of this place, April 1, 1844. Her parents were among the first settlers of this county, and they are still living in Westville. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have three children living - Maggie (the wife of C. B. Hanna), Mary L. and Elmer E. E., who is quite a mechanic, and is engaged in the manufacture of rustic frames, chairs, etc.; two children - Laura L. and John H. - died in infancy. When Mr. Nichols first came to Westville, it was a good business point. There were four dry goods and grocery stores, two good hotels, blacksmith and wagon shops, and it presented a business air quite superior to what it wears to-day. The county was then being rapidly developed, and the accessions to the community were principally from Virginia. He has added recently to the business in which he has so long engaged (and been so deservedly popular) a stock of custom-made boots and shoes, which has proven satisfactory. Politically, he is strictly Democratic, and is always ready to elucidate the virtues or defend the honor of his party. Both himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church, to which faith they have strictly adhered for forty long years, and to-day have a higher love" for its precepts and doctrine than ever before. They are a worthy family, highly respected, and enjoy the confidence of all who know them. The most important item of this biography is the manner in which Mr. Nichols obtained a start in this place. Being a good mechanic when he came here, he could, however, get nothing to do, and, after vainly trying for some time without success, thought of returning to Virginia, but, being short of cash (having only fifty cents in his pocket), it was easier thought of than done. One day, while pondering over his condition, Frederick Baker, one of the whole-souled pioneers (who has long since been laid to rest), came up to him and asked if he would go to his farm and do some work for him. Having no tools, or other material, young Nichols told him that he would gladly do so if he had the necessary implements. This was speedily overcome by Mr. Baker telling him to get in the wagon, and they drove to Urbana, and necessary supplies were laid in. After this job was finished, Daniel Rhorer, another "old settler," gave him employment for two months, as he had a large number of hands. From this time fortune smiled on him, and the shops in Westville were glad to employ him. After his marriage he built a shop, the business men " taking stock " in its erection, the man heading the list being " William Ward," one of the best men of his day. John Dishes was the second man, and John Niswonger. who still lives, doing the carpenter work. From a capital stock of 50 cents, Mr. Nichols' business increased until he employed six workmen. He was also very energetic, and frequently worked all night. He accumulated a nice sum of money, which was judiciously invested in land, and he owns, besides his business, a nice farm of 41 % acres, with an income sufficient to enable him to live at his ease. The parents of his wife are the oldest married couple in the township.

MARTIN NITCHM AN, retired ; P. 0. Terre Haute ; the parents of our subject were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated from that State to Ohio in 1835, and settled near West Liberty. The marriage of Philip Nitchman and Rachel Titsworth was solemnized probably in 1803. They were parents of Martin, our subject, Ann, John T., Maria, David, Catharine, Charlotta, Sarah, Eliza, Louisa, Christina, Benjamin, J. Leibert and Philip. They were all born in Pennsylvania, and five of the number are deceased. The father, Philip, was a tailor by occupation, but they lived on a farm, and the children ail learned trades. Martin worked with his father at the tailoring business until his marriage to Miss Catharine Carson, of Adams County, Penn., in 1831. After coming to Ohio, he again engaged in this business, which was followed for twelve years . He then purchased a farm, and, for a number of years, engaged in the agricultural business. He was very prosperous, and made money easily. He commenced without any money, $2,000 in debt, and, at the end of seven years, had paid his debts, paid for his farm, reared his family, and had money ahead. His children were six in number - Hannah, Ann, William, Magdalena, Rachel and Clarissa. The absence of sons caused the girls to act as substitutes, and, therefore, they grew up active, healthy women, and they are all living, and were all married. Mr. Nitchman has now retired from an active business life, and lives at his ease in the pleasant village of Terre Haute. He and his wife are a worthy couple, and are highly respected by every one. Their lives have been such that their descendants may ever look with pride upon their ancestry, who have always been faithful to their trust.

ADAM PENCE, retired farmer; P. 0. Westville. Among the many pioneers of this county we find Adam Pence living in an old-time cottage under the beautiful hills that overlook the Mad River Valley. He is one of our comfortable men, retired from active business, and with his wife, three sons and two daughters, lives a happy, contented life, surrounded by domestic comforts, and free from care. Adam was borm in Shenandoah Co., Va., probably in 1802 ; his parents, Lewis and Barbara Pence, emigrated to Ohio in 1820 ; they are both of Herman descent, and Mrs. Pence came from Germany. Their children (eleven in number) were born in Virginia, the youngest being 21 years of age ; four of them were married. Lewis had considerable money when he came here, and purchased a section of land, afterward buying 300 acres more ; this he divided among his children at once, and they set to work and soon those who were married had a comfortable log house erected. Adam, our subject, is now living in the house first built, in 1821, and which has been occupied by his family for fifty-nine years. He was married to his present wife, Mary Prince, a native of Kentucky, in 1824 ; they were both hard workers, saved their money, and soon had gained enough to purchase 240 acres of land ; this was in turn divided among their children, of whom they had nine, seven sons and two daughters. Three sons are married; Wesley married Emily Strickler ; Adam, Jr., wedded Nancy McCarty, and William married Mary Miller. The two daughters are named Sarah and Elizabeth. There are also three sons living at home - Henry, John and David. Adam Pence has also raised another man, who might properly be reckoned a son, named Charley M. Overhulse. The sons living at home have lately added to their possessions 200 acres more land, purchased in partnership, lying west of the home farm. Their father still owns his original tract of 100 acres given him by his father, with an income sufficient to furnish every comfort while they live. We have been to many farmhouses, but the culinary skill of the mother and her daughters cannot be excelled by any housewives in the county. Their habits are of the quiet sort, for which the pioneers are noted, and the family are members of the Lutheran Church, to which Mr. and Mrs. Pence have belonged for nearly three-quarters of a century. They are noted for their honesty, and as neighbors, enjoy the confidence of all with whom they are acquainted. This sketch will ever be a source of pride to their descendants as indicating the character of their ancestry, and the high esteem in which they are held in the community.

DAVID PENCE, retired farmer ; P. O. Westville. This gentleman is one of the oldest men and represents the first families of this county. His father, Abram Pence, came to this county fromS henandoah Co., Va., in 1811, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject ; he built a log cabin in the woods that had never been defaced by an ax, save when the Indian in his hunt for wild honey would fell a tree in which bees were discovered. He was married in Virginia, before his emigration, to Miss Elizabeth Mauck. The children are Mary, Abram, Elizabeth and David, who is the gentleman furnishing the facts for this sketch ; Mary, the eldest, is also living and will be 89 years of age in Novem- ber ; she is the mother of Allen Loudenback, whose sketch appears in this work. During the boyhood of David, there were Indians still living in the neighborhood, and frequently played with Indian boys, shooting the bow and -arrow, etc.; there were frequent Indian scares previous to this, and one of his uncles, Joseph Mauck, left the settlement on account of it; the Indians, however, always treated the settlers kindly ; families were on the most friendly terms, and all the neighbors were obliged to help each other in their log-rollings and in the erection of their log cabins. Henry and Mary Pence - the grandparents of David settled in this township about 1805. The members of the Pence family who settled in Mad River Township were Benjamin, Isaac, Henry, Abram, the father of our subject, John, Samuel and Reuben. In Urbana Township, Jacob and Joseph settled. In Fairfield County, David Pence was the only male representative. The daughters were all settled in Mad River Township - Susannah, Annie, Elizabeth, Mary and John Stewart's wife, Magdaline and Barbara. The parents of all these children were among the first families that settled here. Henry was born in 1740, and Mary Blimly, his wife, in 1746. They emigrated from Germany to America in their youth ; two of their children died in infancy and were not named, consequently they were the parents of nineteen children. David, our subject, was married to Priscilla Frazee in 1831, and has five children living; one child who died in infancy. Moses F. married Kate McFarland; Wilson T. wedded Angeline Stienbarger ; Abram M. married Mary J. Wheeler; Maggie is the wife of W. S. Garrett, and Amanda wedded U. G. Burke. Mr. Pence and his wife live entirely at their ease on the home farm, surrounded by their children and blessed with plenty of this world's goods. They are both members of the Baptist Church, and, as they are descending the hillside of life hand in hand, they feel happy in the thought that they are still spared to each other.

ADAM PRINCE, deceased. Adam Prince and his wife, Eve Buroker, were natives of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1805, and from there to this county in 1809. Having found a spring (which was so attractive to those reared in a mountainous country), Mr. Prince entered the quarter-section upon which it was located. The land office was in Cincinnati, and it seems that another man also wanted the same tract, and had started to make his entry the day before Mr. Prince expected to go. Mr. P., hearing of him on the way, rode all night, determined to have the land he wanted, and reached Cincinnati before his rival, entered the land, and started on his return. Meeting the other man, Mr. Prince informed him that the tract in question was not on the market at that time. Mr. Prince passed six months on the frontier in the northwestern part of the State, during the war of 1812, leaving his family in charge of a neighbor. His land was covered with a magnificent growth of walnut and poplar, which were gradually removed and the land brought under cultivation. He was quite a noted mechanic, and manufactured barrels, wooden clocks, and all needed farm implements, with equal facility. His wife died in 1828 ; he survived her twenty-one years, having been all his life a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. He was a prosperous man, and left to each of his children a tract of land. Adam and Eve Prince were parents of four children - Elizabeth, Mary, William and Nancy. William died in 1848 - the three daughters still survive. The first husband of Elizabeth was Isaac Smith, a son of one of the excellent families of the county, and after his death she was married to James Crabill, who also died many years ago. She reared a large family, some of whom live in the neighborhood, and others are scattered over the West. Mary wedded Adam Pence ; their children are noble men and women, and their names are given in connection with their family history. William Prince was born in 1807 ; his education was such as the schools of his day afforded ; he was a good penman and an excellent arithmetician, as can be seen by looking over his old copy-book, wherein his problems were solved, which is now in possession of his children. In 1828, he was married to Miss Sarah, a daughter of Christian Norman, who also had emigrated from the Shenandoah Valley in 1805. His death occurred in 1848. Mr. Prince came into possession of the land entered by his father in 1833, to which other purchases were added. He also owned a lot of Western lands. He received a commission as Captain of a militia company in 1841, or 1842, which was held until the company was disbanded. He was a man of considerable influence in his neighborhood, and was always firm in the support of all moral and religious work, living and dying in the faith of his fathers. Nancy, his youngest daughter, was married to David Vance, a relative of Ex-Gov. Yance, of this State. They reared five children, two of whom - John and David - are ministers in the Methodist Church. To William and Sarah Prince were born nine children, six of whom grew to maturity - Mary, David N., Peter W., Elizabeth, Benjamin F. and Lydia. Mary was married to Rhinehart Snapp, with whom she lived until his death, six years later. She is now a resident of Jackson Township. David N. married Mary Jones, of this county. He volunteered, in 1861, in Co. I, 42d 0. Y. I. From a private, he became Captain of his company, and, after many engagements in the war, from which he escaped unharmed, was honorably discharged, after a service to his country of more than three years. His residence is in Shelby County. Peter W. is the owner of the old home farm, which he has greatly improved, and is, in all respects, a prosperous farmer. His wife was Miss Mary Browning. Elizabeth married John Wantz, and died in 1873. Benjamin F., after passing his boyhood on the farm, attended Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio, from which institution he graduated in 1865. He also studied theology, and is now Professor of Greek in that institution. He was married to Ellen Sanderson, daughter of Col. Sanderson, of the regular army. Lydia is the wife of Emanuel Largent, a resident of this county.

B. F. PRINCE, A. M., Professor of Greek and History in Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio. Benjamin F. Prince, A. M., was born Dec. 12, 1840, in Champaign Co., Ohio ; his ancestors came to this country about the middle of the last century, and were settlers in Eastern Pennsylvania ; his grandfathers, Christian Norman and Adam Prince, with their wives, settled in the forests of Champaign Co., the one in 1805, the other in 1809 ; both were prosperous farmers, and succeeded in gaining a competency for themselves and their children. William Prince, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Kentucky in 1807, and the mother, Sarah Norman, in Ohio in 1808 ; they were married in 1828. William Prince became a successful farmer and a man of influence in the community in which he lived; he died in 1848. Benjamin F. Prince is the fifth of six children who grew to maturity ; he was brought up to the labors of the farm, and received his early education in the district school; in 1860, he entered the Preparatory Department of Wittenberg College ; he graduated from this institution in 1865, and, at the opening of the next session, he proceeded to the study of theology; in the spring of 1866, he was appointed Tutor in said institution; in 1869, Principal of the Preparatory Department, and Assistant Professor of Greek ; in 1873, Professor of Natural History; and in 1878, Professor of Greek and History, which position he now holds. In 1869, he was married to Ella Sanderson, of Springfield, Ohio ; Miss Sanderson was the daughter of J. Sanderson, a lawyer of Philadelphia, editor of the Daily News of that city ; in 1861, Chief Clerk to Simon Cameron, Secretary of War; and afterward Colonel in the regular army. Miss Sanderson received her education in the schools of Philadelphia and in the Springfield Seminary, from which she graduated in 1866.

JOSEPH RHODES, mechanic, Terre Haute. Among the many good men represented in the Champaign County History, Joseph and Noah Rhodes may be classed. Joseph came from Shenandoah Co., Ya., in 1835. He had for an objective point Harrison Co., Ind., but, after passing one winter there, and being much dissatisfied, started on his return to Virginia ; he was out of money when he reached this county, and engaged with John Reynolds for a year; in the fall of 1836, he visited his old home, and, in the spring of 1837, he returned, accompanied by his brother Noah and two other men ; they commenced working by the month, and Joseph worked five years in this way, when he commenced the manufacture of boots and shoes in Judge Runkle's store ; Noah worked four years and went back to Virginia, living there until 1856, when he returned to Champaign Co., bringing with him a wife and three children ; Joseph had, in the meantime, saved money enough to enter a quarter-section of land in Indiana; in 1845, he traded this for a tract west of John Bryan's farm, and again traded this for 160 acres on Mad Biver ; on this he built a mill, and afterward sold it to Abram Powell and purchased the farm upon which he now resides ; Noah purchased 75 acres of his brother Joseph, and another tract adjoining; they farmed in partnership for fourteen years, dividing the profits ; during this time, Noah purchased 60 acres more land, and his oldest son, Jacob, lives on the tract; one son was born after coming to this county, and the death of one of the others occurred. They are ranked among our best men, and are a credit to the township ; they are both Greenback men, and think their party should triumph. Joseph makes his home with his brother Noah, and is one of our confirmed bachelors. They are both exemplary men, and enjoy a high degree of prosperity.

JOHN RICHARDSON, general dealer in groceries, etc., Westville. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch keeps the only general store in Westville. He has a substantial business, and his store is a great accommodation to the people in this neighborhood. He is also Postmaster, and has the office located in his place of business. This adds something to his trade. Mr. Richardson was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1845, and his parents, George and Eve (Slifer) Richardson, came to this county in 1846. They were parents of Amos and John, our subject. Mr. R. died in the fall of 1846, and Mrs. Richardson was married to Daniel Parrott in 1849. They had six children, three sons and three daughters - Aaron, Mary, Franklin C., Reuben W., Ruth E. and Eve Lettie. All the children of the second marriage are living, except Ruth E. and Amos. The eldest son of the first marriage was killed at the battle of Petersburg July 30, 1864. He was First Lieutenant of Co. - , 27th U. S. Colored Troops. John Richardson acquired a good education during his boyhood, being a graduate of Miami Commercial College, Class of 1865. He commenced teaching Sept. 14, 1863, and taught fourteen years in Champaign County, and two years in Johnson Co., Mo. His marriage to Miss Alice Smith, a daughter of the last wife of David Loudenback, was celebrated Oct. 8, 1874. They have had two children - Annie was born Aug. 26, 1875, and is still living; and Mima, born Sept. 7, 1879, who died March 9, 1880. Both Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are members of the Nettle Creek Baptist Church. He is an enterprising business man, and has the confidence of the community in which he does business.

A. P. ROHRER, farmer; P. 0. Urbana. Is one of the popular men of the township, and represents an honorable name in this county. His father, Daniel Rohrer, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to this State a comparatively poor man. He walked from his home in Pennsylvania to this county, then back to Pennsylvania, and again returned on foot to keep from spending his money. He invested his money in a mill and stillhouse that is located on the Westville Pike, on Mad River. His capital of $2,000 was all gone before his work was completed, and he would have utterly failed, but a loan was effected which completed his mill, and in the short space of fifteen years he had paid all indebtedness and had amassed the snug sum of $45,000. He was a hard worker, and a man whom every one trusted, and their faith was never betrayed. He married Sarah Loudenback April 5, 1834, and reared four children; one son died in infancy; Martin is the eldest ; A. P. Rohrer, Mary A. and Christian F. These are all married, and, with the exception of our subject, have been twice married. Mrs. Rohrer died April 1, 1874, and she lies by the side of her husband, in Nettle Creek graveyard. An elegant monument marks their resting-place. Abram P. Rohrer, of whom we now write, was married to Miss Francis A. Logan, of this county, in 1858. He has since this time made agriculture and rearing of fine stock his business. He has some young horses as highly bred as any in the State of Ohio. His farm is one of the splendid ones in the Mad River Valley, and very productive. He is a good financier, and is a wealthy man, and intends soon to have a nice residence of the modern style. As his father was one of the prominent men of this township, his memory, as well as the family history, should be perpetuated. Abram has been for a number of years connected with the public schools, and is Democratic in politics.

JOHN A. SHAFFER, Sr., farmer; P. 0. St. Paris. Was married to Miss Mary Wood, in Shenandoah Co., Va., in 1838; she was a daughter of Benjamin and Sally Wood; she was born in 1810, and John in 1811. They emigrated to Champaign Co. in 1846, and purchased the farm upon which he resides, in 1852. Previous to this time, he rented the farm lying south of his purchase. They came to this county poor but industrious people, and their energy and industry have brought their reward, as he now owns a splendid farm of 82 acres, which makes him a comfortable home and brings him a nice income. Three of their children - Sarah J., Ann R. and Mary C. - were born in Virginia ; Abram, Allen and Philip in this county ; all of whom are married and live near their father ; Rebecca, who married James Lodgon, resides in Kansas. Mr. Shaffer has made all the improvements now visible on his farm, which will remain a monument to his memory long after he is gone. During all his life he has been a model man, doing unto others as he would have them do unto him. He was well acquainted with the pioneers of the township, among whom were Joseph Loudenback, Jacob Baker, Andy Blue, Martin Idle, and Simon Baker (who is now the oldest man in the county), John W. Grafton, Thomas Grafton, Ambrose Grafton, and quite a number others. Mrs. Shaffer has' been a member of the Baptist Church for thirty years, and her husband of the Lutheran Church for forty-six years. Their descendants may look back with pride on their ancestry, as being people respected by all, and well worthy the confidence reposed in them.

SAMUEL K. SOWERS, farmer; P. 0. Westville. The parents of our subject were early settlers of Pennsylvania, coming to Perry Co. in 1804. Their names were Henry Sowers and Elizabeth Koser. They were married probably in 1832 ; they had five children - Isabella, Samuel (our subject), Jacob, Elmanda and Mary A. The parents are still living in Pennsylvania, and all the children are living and are doing well. The grandparents of Samuel were natives of Maryland on his father's side, and of Pennsylvania on his mother's. In 1859, Mr. Sowers arrived in Westville and formed a partnership with Jacob Aulabaugh, which was continued eighteen months. Jan. 8, 1861, he was wedded to Miss Eunice E. Blose, daughter of Daniel and Susan Blose. They were among the wealthiest, and Daniel was one of the most energetic and successful men of this township. He left his children a large patrimony. In December, Mr. Sowers, having previously sold his interest in the store, came to the farm which is now his home. He purchased the land of his father-in-law, Mr. Blose, in 1871, paying for the same $100 per acre ; this land is one of the landmarks of this county, and was entered by Thomas Kenton, one of the first settlers ; the block-house mentioned in the history of. Mad River Township, was built where Mr. Sowers' garden is now. Mr. and Mrs. Sowers are the parents of five children - Lilly V., Daniel II., Mary L., John J. and Emery. They may feel proud of being born on the land of which we have spoken, that has since been so splendidly improved by their fathpr, who is a man noted for his splendid business qualifications and his honorable character.

DAVID STEINBERGER, farmer ; P. 0. Urbana. Mr. Steinberger is one of our oldest men, and is now in his 81st year ; his grandparents came from Germany and settled in Shenandoah Co., Va. David's parents - John and Elizabeth Steinberger - were married in Virginia, and came to this county in 1804, and settled on Nettle Creek, near where Millerstown is now. This was at that time an Indian village, and was occupied by the Miami tribe. Indians were plenty at that day but were peaceable. The heavy timber was almost unbroken at that time, and wild game was plenty ; raccoons destroyed much corn, and they had to watch their fields at night to save it ; squirrels were almost as destructive during the day as the coons were at night. Everybody helped their neighbors raise their log houses, roll and burn their logs, and a general feeling of good-fellowship prevailed. John Steinberger was a prominent man in his day, and was an enterprising one, having no money when he came here. When he left the county for Indiana, in 1819 or 1820, he owned 240 acres of land. His children were named George, John, Henry, Frederick, David and Gideon. Elizabeth and Catharine were the daughters. Only our subject and Gideon, who lives in Iowa, are living. David was born in Virginia Sept. 9, 1800, and was married, in 1821, to Elizabeth Pence. Their name figures extensively in this history. David and his wife were parents of seven children, only three - Louisa M., Mary A. and George S. - are living. Mrs. S. died in 1833, and in 1835 David married Lucy Gaines, of Virginia, where she was born, Feb. 22, 1813. By her he had eight children, five of whom are living - Caroline, Elizabeth, Amanda, John and Gideon. David started in life with $50, which was spent in trying to regain his health, which was very poor in his younger days. He went bravely to work, married a wife, and commenced life in earnest. This reminds us of a story which Mr. Steinberger relates : " A man (name forgotten) with whom David stayed all night, on Little Flat Rock, Indiana, married his wife when she was only 15 years of age. They had been married fifteen years and had fifteen children, whose mother was only 30 years of age. When they were married, they had not a dollar, and after rearing this large family they had bought and paid for 400 acres of land, and were then engaged in building a mill." After sixty years of toil, commencing without any capital, except a pair of willing hands, Mr. Steinberger is now the owner of 952 acres of land, worth $75,000, not counting personal property, etc., and also a residence in Urbana. All this was gained by honest toil and economy. Both himself and wife are of the Baptist faith, and are now living at their ease on the farm, near the mills that bear his name. Politically, he is Democratic, one of the substantial kind, and is honored and respected by the best citizens of Champaign County.

SIMEON TAYLOR, farmer and Justice of the Peace; P. O. Westville. The subject of this sketch is one of the prominent men of Mad River Township ; he is a son of Benjamin S. and Sarah (Miller) Taylor. Benjamin was a native of Tennessee, coming to this county probably in 1810 ; he was born July 24, 1805. Sarah Miller, his wife, was born July 31, 1796, in Loudoun Co., Va.; her parents emigrated to this county in 1818. Benjamin Taylor and Sarah Miller were married July 28, 1830 ; they were parents of three children - Sarah A., Darius, and Simeon, our subject ; all the children are married and living in this county. Simeon was born June 7, 1838, and his boyhood was spent on the farm; he attended high school in Urbana in 1859 and 1860, and afterward attended mercantile college at Cleveland, Ohio ; he commenced teaching school in the winter of 1860, and was, for eight consecutive terms, teacher in his own district ; he engaged afterward in teaching for several terms, and acquired a good record, as may be known by his long continuance in the same district. During this time, he became engaged to and married Miss Susan Ward, Oct. 1, 1863, since which time he has devoted his attention almost exclusively to agricultural pursuits ; they have four children - Alonzo W., Laura O., David E. and Bertha R.; Alonzo was born April 5, 1866; Laura, Feb. 22, 1868; David, July 24, 1870; and Bertha, Sept. 2, 1872. Mr. Taylor was Township Treasurer in 1871, and, in the fall of 1878, was elected Justice of the Peace of Mad River Township ; his judgment as a Justice is good, having as yet no decisions reversed ; he takes the place of Squire David Louden - back, universally acknowledged one of the best Justices ever serving in this township. Mr. Taylor has lately purchased the farm upon which he now resides, and is fitting it up nicely ; he has recently built a fine barn, and otherwise added much to the beauty and convenience of the farm. His parents were among the pioneers of this county, and did their share toward its development; his mother was one of ten children, of whom Mary, the eldest (now 92 years of age), is still living ; also one brother, Nathan, aged 76, who resides in Sangamon Co., 111.; many of the old veterans have passed away since their time, and they, too, will soon take their departure. Mr. Taylor's parents died - the father, in 1854, and the wife and mother in 1880; they were estimable people, and their children do honor to their name. Mr. Taylor owns 224 acres of fine land, which brings him a nice revenue ; he lives at his ease, one mile west of the village of Westville, and devotes his time to superintending his estates and attending to his official duties; he is a prominent member of the I. 0. 0. F., and also of the Grange. Mrs. Taylor is a direct descendant of the first settlers of this county, her father, Noah Ward, dying when she was quite young; her grandfather, George Ward, reared a large family, which is well represented in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are both members of the M. E. Church ; their home is a pleasant one, and a more genial host and hostess will be hard to find.

JAMES E. VINCENT, miller, Urbana. This gentleman is one of the prominent business men of Mad River Township. He came to Westville Nov. 13, 1857, bringing with him his young wife Adelaide V., daughter of William and Annie Catlett, of Virginia; she is the youngest of eighteen children, and Mr. Vincent the eldest of twelve. Mr. Vincent was the owner of a team, had a $20 gold piece and 80 cents in silver upon his arrival, and by his own industry and honesty now represents a business of $250,000 per year. His father was a miller, from whom he learned his trade, and their ancestry for almost a century have been connected with this business. Mr. Vincent has for thirty-five years been a master mechanic, and to-day stands at the head of his trade ; his flour is worth from 50 to 75 cents per barrel more than any other mill in the county ; his trade in New York alone averages $1,000 per week, and the custom work also averaging 1:000 bushels per month. As a man, he is the equal of any of our townsmen for veracity and correctness of purpose. His children may always look with pride upon their line of ancestry. He is one of the few Virginians in this locality who is a Republican. His children are six in number, five living - Alton F., William E., Joseph, Emma and Ada. The saw-mill in connection with his flouring establishment annually cuts 2,500,000 feet of lumber. His books are systematically kept and will show a balance in his favor equaling that of any miller in the county. He is full of the oldtime cordiality, and is an honor to the community in which he lives.

SYLVESTER WARD, farmer; P. O. Westville. We are proud of the representatives of so large a number of the pioneer families of this township. Although many of the early pioneers are gone, their children still live, and can give much valuable information in regard to the first settlements and the style and manner of living. The parents of Mr. Ward, our subject, were of the old Virginia stock ; they were not the first settlers in this township, but came here about 1815. They settled on the farm now the property of Mr. Ward, and built a cabin in the dense woods. He probably entered the land, as there was considerable Government land. Most of the settlers were natives of Shenandoah Co., Va., as were the parents of Sylvester Ward. The neighbors helped each other roll the logs together, as they had to be burned to make room for the crops. There were numerous Indian camps in the neighborhood when George Ward and his wife came, but during the next few years all went further West. The children were ten in number, and they were able to do much toward helping to clear up the land. The old structure called " Gard's Mill" was the first one erected in this neighborhood ; this was long since pulled down. Game was plenty, but very few of the early settlers took much time to hunt. They carried their produce to Cincinnati on wagons ; corn was then carted from this place to that city and sold for 20 to 25 cents per bushel. In all this work, women as well as men did their share. They could chop and grub, and some of them could reap wheat equal to any of the men. Wages were low, harvest hands getting 50 cents per day. The first church was built on the site now occupied by the Nettle Creek Baptist Church, and the Baptists formed the first congregation. Harrison Faulkner was the first teacher Sylvester had, and the log schoolhouse was furnished with seats made by splitting logs and putting in wooden pins for legs, without backs. Order was the subject most thoroughly taught, and the education of most of the children at that time was limited. Sylvester was born in 1826, and, after helping his father clear and otherwise improve his land until the age of 25, was married to Miss Louisa A. Smith, in 1851 ; they commenced housekeeping in a little house in his father's yard ; this structure is still standing. Their life was passed as those of most people engaged in agricultural pursuits, steadily increasing their possessions, and daily becoming, by energy and economy, more wealthy, until they now rank among the rich people of the township. They have four children - Philander, Loretta, Fernando and Runetta ; Philander married Mary Straddling, of this county, and resides near the old farm ; Loretta is the wife of James M. Frank, also living in this county ; and Runetta married Elijah Heck, of Champaign Co., and resides near St. Paris. The old homestead is in possession of Mr. Ward, who has added a number of acres since commencing business. He is a solid Democrat, and is also one of the most highly respected men of his neighborhood. His residence is a nice one ; he is a genial host, and his lady one of the neatest housewives to be found.

SYLVANUS S. WARD, farmer; P. 0. Westville. One of the pioneers of this county was George Ward, who came here about 1815 and settled near the farm that is now owned by his son, whose name heads this sketch. George and his wife, Catharine Strickler, were both born in Shenandoah Co., Va. They were married and had three children before coming to Ohio - Barbara, Maria and Noah. The land was then open for entry, and, although the beautiful Mad River Valley was unclaimed as yet, he preferred the upland, which to him seemed most desirable, as (coming from the mountainous regions of Virginia) it seemed level enough for farming purposes. The people then thought that springs afforded the only water fit to be used, and as there were plenty along the ravines, they preferred a home in close proximity to such conveniences as they were accustomed to. There were still Indians in the neighborhood, who frequently came in for something to eat ; they were always friendly and well disposed. George entered a tract of land and erected a small cabin, that was succeeded hy a hewed-log house. Clearing was the general occupation of the settlers, except those that preferred hunting and trapping, of whom we have already several accounts. The settlements were largely increased, mostly by emigrants from Virginia. The family of George increased from three to eleven children, among them were twins ; they were of much service in helping to clear up the land and get it ready for the plough. The names of the children were Ambrose, Jerusha, Gideon, Joseph, Sylvanus and Sylvester (twins), Ededemon and Sabra. Noah and Ambrose are the only children now deceased. Their descendants are numerous, and mostly live in this county. The death of the father occurred in 1867, and that of the wife and mother two years later; they were a highly estimable couple, and lived to see the dream of their youthful days realized. Sylvanus was married to Priscilla Smith, whose grandfather was one of the first settlers of this township ; the wedding was celebrated in 1849, since which time they have followed in the footsteps of their ancestors, beginning where they left off, and to-day, the log cabin first erected, is replaced by a stately residence. They are the parents of eleven children, ten sons and one daughter ; they were named Franklin, Edwin, Eusebia, Theodore, Noah, Clement V., Smith, Thompson P., Charles H., Oren H. and Sylvan 0.; Edwin was married to Miss Isabel B. Loudenback, Eusebia wedded Thomas W. Jenkins ; there are sons enough to perpetuate the family name for centuries to come. This is one of the first families in the neighborhood, social, refined and highly respected. Mr. Ward is a Democratic bred and born, and is always at the polls on election day ; both himself and wife are members of the 01d=School Baptist Church, and are rearing their family in accordance with its teachings.

NELSON WEAVER, farmer; P. 0. Terre Haute. William and Mary E. Weaver, the parents of our subject, came to this county in 1803 ; they were natives of Virginia, and emigrated from that State to Kentucky, and afterward came to this county at the time previously mentioned ; they entered the land now the farm of our subject, which was from a dense forest transformed into a fertile and beautiful farm. The settlers built a block-house on what is called the Ross farm, for the protection of their families from the Indians, which at that time were very numerous ; several skirmishes took place between the early settlers and Indians, but no pitched battle. William and Mary Weaver were parents of fourteen children - three of whom, William, Nancy and

Nelson, are living ; William married Rebecca Baker ; Nancy is the wife of Erastus Wilson, and Nelson is still a bachelor. Nelson owns the old home farm upon which he was born, and takes life easy. He rears a large amount of stock and rents his farm, which brings in a nice income. He is a popular man in his neighborhood and enjoys the reputation of being a man of correct business habits. The Weaver Brothers have always been prosperous men and are well worthy the name they bear.

SIMON W. WHITMORE, farmer ; P. 0. Westville. The grandfather of our subject was one of the pioneers in this township, settling where Simon now lives. He was a native of Virginia, and emigrated from that State in 1804. He entered a quarter section, built a cabin and began clearing up the heavy timber ; there were only a few settlers in the neighborhood, and Indians were plenty. Their camps were numerous along Nettle Creek, and they were very friendly. The settlers had built a block house (for the protection of their wives and children should the Indians make demonstrations of hostility) near where Benjamin Gard now lives. Only once did they flee to the fort, and that was a false alarm. He had four children - David, Jacob, Joseph, and Mary, who is still living with Mr. Whitmore. David lived a bachelor during his lifetime, and died in 1870, at the age of 72 ; Jacob, the father of Simon, was married to Catharine Zimmerman, probably in 1827. He had seven children, four of whom are living - Barbara, the wife of Charles Dagger; Sarah J., the wife of M. W. Barger; Elizabeth, the wife of Leonard Barger, and Simon W., our subject. Jacob died in 1868, his wife still survives, and makes her home with her son. He is an energetic man, and owns an extensive farm. From his residence a commanding view of the country can be obtained, as the elevation above the land is seventy-five feet. It presents the most commanding appearance of any house in the neighborhood. He was wedded to Elizabeth Wiant in 1859. They are the parents of Sylvia, Minnie, Samuel and Dottie Whitmore. The family are an intelligent one, and Mr. Whitmore enjoys an excellent reputation among his neighbors. They are both members of the Myrtle Tree Baptist Church. Representing as they do the old pioneers of this county, we are glad to give them a place in this history.

JASPER WIANT, farmer ; P. 0. Westville. This gentleman represents the 11 John Wiant " branch of the family, of whom were two brothers, John and Adam, natives of Page Co., Va., who came here at an early date. Both are long since dead, but their descendants are numerous. Jasper is a son of Bradbury and Jerusha (Ward) Wiant. Bradbury was John's eldest son, and his wife was a native of this township. They settled on a beautiful farm in the Nettle Creek Valley, that is equal, perhaps, to any in the township. For many years he was one of our most successful men, and everything prospered with him. They were parents of Elizabeth, who married Simon W. Whitmore, whose family is represented in this history; Jasper, who married Miss Mary C. Chance ; Sarah, who is the wife of Festus Steinberger ; Sabra, who wedded Elias Riegle.,; James B. and John B., twins (John married Melissa Taylor) ; and Tullie M. Wiant. The old folks reside on the old home farm, which was rendered dear by their lifetime of hard labor and the birth of their children.

Jasper and his wife have six children - Alla, Susan, Edgar T., Lucy, Elmer C. and Laura. The parents were married in 1864, and Mr. Wiant has been a practical farmer all his life. He obtained a common- school education during his boyhood, and has turned it to good account in his business. He is a Democrat, and has never voted any other ticket. Mr. Wiant is a member of Urbana Lodge, No. 8, A. F. and A. M., and is, in all respects, a worthy man and good neighbor.

John Wiant and Elizabeth Metz were married in 1819. John came to Ohio in 1816. They were both natives of Virginia ; he operated a large tannery, and was one of the leading citizens of his day. His farmhouse was built in 1829, and was probably the best house in the county when completed ; he served in the war of 1812, and during one of his engagements partially lost his hearing. His wife was 56 years of age at the time of her death, and he reached the age of 73. He had wonderful physical endurance, and reared a family of ten children, all of them living except two.

SOLOMON APPLE, farmer ; P. 0. St. Paris; born in Jackson Township Champaign County June 11, 1835 ; is a son of Solomon and Catharine Apple. He was born in Pennsylvania Sept. 14, 1804, and came to Ohio with his parents when quite young; they settled in Montgomery County, where he grew to maturity and married Catharine Snapp, a daughter of Rhinard Snapp. Immediately after marriage they came to Champaign County and entered 160 acres of land in Jackson Township, on which they located, and which they took from a state of nature and made a comfortable home. They afterward purchased 80 acres joining their quarter-section and 100 acres in Johnson Township. Eight children were born to them - David, William, Sarah, Solomon, Mary, Noah, Simon and Daniel ; the first and the last are deceased. Solomon Apple, Sr., departed this life Sept. 3, 1861 ; Catharine, his wife, survived till March 31, 1868, and died at the age of 58 years 6 months and 26 days ; both had been members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church from youth, and were faithful Christian people to the last - rearing their family in the church. Solomon, the subject of this sketch, was raised a farmer and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is an enterprising farmer and owns 132 acres of land, 55 of which is a part of his father's farm. On Sept. 25, 1861, he married Frances Kesler; slie was born in this township, June 11, 1837. One child is the issue of this marriage - Perry, born Oct. 12, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Apple are consistent members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

NOAH APPLE, farmer ; P. O. St. Paris; was born in Jackson Township, May 20, 1840. He is a son of Solomon and Catharine Apple, who is mentioned in the sketch of Solomon Apple. Noah was also bred a farmer ; he owns 92 acres of the home farm, which is in a high state of cultivation with excellent buildings, erected at a cost of $3,000. On June 22, 1865, he was united in marriage with Catharine Sivert; she was born in Johnson Township Aug. 16, 1842, and is a daughter of Joseph and Mary Sivert, who were early settlers in that township. They were the parents of five children; three are still living - Elizabeth, Catharine and John. Mrs. Mary Sivert departed this life May 18, 1868, at the age of 51 years 5 months and 19 days; Joseph, her husband, is still living. Noah and Catharine Apple are the parents of two children - Emanuel, born Dec. 10, 1866, and Ada D., Oct. 13, 1873 ; Emanuel has not been able to walk for about seven years - the result of a hereditary disease, something like spinal affection. Mr. and Mrs. Apple are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

OBADIAH BAKER, farmer; P. O. St. Paris; was born in Clark Co., Ohio, March 1, 1833 ; his parents, John and Barbara Baker, were both natives of Virginia, but came to Ohio before they were married, and were early settlers in Clark County, where he still resides at the age of 85 ; as nearly as is known, there is no record of his birth ; his wife's decease occurred Nov. 6, 1876, at the age of 72 years. They were the parents of nine children ; one died in infancy, the other eight are all living and have families, except the youngest. Obadiah was raised on the farm ; his education consisted mainly in learning to handle the ax, the maul and the plow ; although he has, by his own efforts, succeeded in getting a sufficient knowledge from books to transact business successfully ; he owns 80 acres of land in Jackson Township, which he took from the green woods, and on which he has spent many a hard day's work in the twenty-one years of his occupancy. On the 25th of August, 1859, he married Elizabeth Bowers, a native of this county ; she was born Feb. 2, 1842. To this union seven children have been given ; six are still living - William, Alma, Jacob, Sarah, Irvin and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church from their youth.

E. E. BAILEY, farmer ; P. O. Christiansburg ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Jan. 20, 1838, and is a son of Henry and Rachel Bailey, both natives of Maryland. She was born Jan 3, 1808, and he about 1794. They were the parents of six children - Elizabeth (deceased), Edgar E., Henry C., Isabella, Amanda and Rachel. Mr. Henry Bailey died in 1848. His widow is still living, and resides in Miami Co., where she located in 1856. Edgar E. worked on the farm for his mother till 21 years of age, when for two years he was engaged in the dry-goods business in Southern Illinois. He has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the spring of 1871, he moved to his present residence, in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., near Addison, having purchased 100 acres the fall previous. In the spring of 1861, he met with a misfortune that will render him a cripple all his days. His left knee is perfectly stiff from a bruise occasioned by a fall. Notwithstanding his lameness, he is an enterprising farmer, and does a thriving business. His farm is well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He has served as Trustee of the township for three years. On the 26th of November, 1870, he married Elizabeth M. Peck. She was born in Miami Co., Ohio, Aug. 1, 1837, a daughter of Joshua and Mary (McCullough) Peck, who were early settlers in Miami Co. Mrs. Bailey is a member of the Christian Church.

BENONI BARNS, retired farmer; P. 0. St. Paris. To the gentleman whose name appears above, we are pleased to give space in the pages of this work. He is one among the oldest natives and continuous residents of the county, now living, having been 75 years old the 25th of March last (1830). His grandfather, Robert Barns, was of Irish descent, and came from Kentucky to this State about 1803. He settled in Champaign Co., near its present southern limit. Benoni was raised a farmer, and lived with an uncle till 21 years of age. His uncle aided him in procuring eighty acres of wild land, which he set to work to improve. He had about thirty acres cleared and a brick house erected, when, in 1834, he traded it for the east eighty of his present farm. He then purchased the eighty west of him, and built a saw-mill on Chapman's Creek, which runs through his land. For about twenty-seven years he ran the mill in connection with his farm. At one time he owned about five hundred acres of land, but distributed all but about one hundred and forty-five among his children. In 1826, April 15, he married Sarah Latta. She was born in the eastern part of this State, June 3, 1809. This union has lasted for more than fifty-four years, and has been blessed with four children - Margaret I., Levi C., Johnson L. and Isabella O. Mrs. Barns is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

L. C. BARNS, farmer, P. O. St. Paris; was born in Mad River Township, Dec. 25, 1830. He is a son of Benoni Barns. He was raised a farmer and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning at the present, 230 acres of land. On the 16th of March 1851, he was united in marriage with Paulina Stephenson. She is a native of Greene Co., Ohio, born Oct. 20, 1831. To this union three children have been given - Charles F., born Dec. 8, 1852; Edward L., born Sept. 8, 1854; Sarah E., born Dec. 4, 1856, and departed this life July 1, 1861. Charles F. is a member of the M. E. Church.

SAMUEL BATDORF, deceased. He was born in Berks Co., Penn., Feb. 20, 1811. His early life was spent in various occupations, but principally farming. About 1840, he came to Ohio and settled in Greene Co., where he followed farming for ten years. He then came to Champaign Co. and purchased 159 acres of land in Jackson Township, near St. Paris. In connection with his farm labor, he carried on butchering, furnishing meat for the town for a number of years. On the 12th of January, 1835, he was united in marriage with Susan Neff. She was a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., born April 25, 1811. For over thirty-eight years this union lasted, and was blessed with eight children, viz., Mary, now Mrs. Samuel Bollinger; John H.; Elizabeth, deceased; David; Susan, now Mrs. Franklin Snapp ; Elmine, now Mrs. Asa Brelsford ; Samuel N. and Belle. Samuel Batdorf departed this life Sept. 26, 1873. His widow resides on the farm. She is a member of the Lutheran Church. Several of the children are identified with other churches.

JAMES L. BUTCHER, retired farmer; P. 0. Christiansburg ; born in Champaign Co. (the part which now forms Clark Co.) May 20, 1813 ; is a son of Joseph and

Letitia (Lowery) Butcher. She was born in Pennsylvania about 1764, and had been twice married before she became Mrs. Butcher. Joseph Butcher was born in Virginia about 1783, and came to Ohio before his marriage in 1809. They were married in Champaign Co., and settled in the neighborhood of Danielsville, where they lived till the fall of 1816, when they moved near Addison. It then consisted of two houses - one dwelling and one schoolhouse, the style of which, and its school, will be treated in the general history of the township. Here James spent his first school-days. On coming to Addison, Joseph purchased 180 acres of land, which he sold in 1846, and bought 244 acres further east, a part of which James now owns, being the 84 acres on which he made his home. They were the parents of three children - Sarah, Eliza and James L. Letitia Butcher departed this life Sept. 22, 1854, and Joseph just two years later. James L. began life for himself at the age of 22, but at the same time lived with his father. On the 13th of December, 1835, he married Elizabeth Cayho. She was born in Virginia Jan. 10, 1813, and came to Ohio in 1832. To this union nine children have been given ; eight died in early life of lung disease. Joseph, the survivor, was born Oct. 11, 1839. In October, 1867, he married Mary Jane Halvie. She was born in October, 1842. James L. and wife are members of the Christian Church.

SA.MUEL DEATON, farmer; P. 0. Christiansburg ; was born in Botetourt Co., Va., March 30, 1813, a son of George and Susannah Deaton. She was a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., born in 1787, a daughter of Andrew and Mary Ream. Andrew was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, enlisting at the age of 15. George Deaton was born in Amelia Co., Va., about 1791. He died at the age of 37, the father of nine children - William (deceased), Samuel, George W., Andrew J., Nathan (deceased), Mary, Martha, Susan and Levi. In the summer of 1828, Mrs. Deaton and family moved to Ohio and located near Northampton, Clark Co. She died in Champaign Co. in 1867. Samuel was raised a farmer, but after coming to this county he worked by the month, and, like Abraham Lincoln, got his start in the world by making rails. The first money he ever earned for himself was on Christmas Day, 1830. He made 101 rails before breakfast when the snow was four inches deep. Wages then were 25 cents per hundred. He gradually worked along, saving what he made until he was able to purchase a home. Although severely afflicted with rheumatism for nineteen years, he has succeeded in being comfortably situated for declining years, besides assisting his children. At the age of 16, he was unable to read, but by his own earnest effort he qualified himself for the business of life, and taught school eighteen or twenty terms. He has served his township as Assessor two years, Trustee seven years and Constable six years. On the 29th of June, 1841, he was united in marriage with Nancy Carmin. She was born June 4, 1814, and died June 21, 1856, the mother of ten children. Six grew to maturity - William C. (now deceased), Samuel H., Charlotte L , James M., Martha V. and A. B. C. Mr. Deaton married for his second wife Juretta Priest, a daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah Priest, born in Miami Co. June 11, 1833. Mr. Deaton and wife and three children are members of the M. E. Church.

GEORGE W. DEATON, farmer ; P. O. Christiansburg ; was born in Virginia April 3, 1815. Is a son of George and Susannah Deaton, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Samuel Deaton. George W. was left an orphan at the age of 12, and from that time he made a living as best he could. His mother being poor, he worked by the month till he was married. He then rented farms till he was able to buy one of his own. His first purchase was a piece of wild land in Indiana, which he sold, and, in the fall of 1850, he purchased his present home. In the spring following, he moved on his farm and completed the improvements. He now has a comfortable home of 117 acres under good cultivation. On Oct. 26, 1837, he was united in marriage with Hannah Leffel. She was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Dec. 13, 1818. Her parents, Thomas and Margaret Leffel, were natives of Virginia, but were early settlers in Clark Co. George W. and Hannah Deaton are the parents of nine children - Mary Ann (deceased wife of

Jonathan Verity, and mother of two children), Susan (now Mrs. John Tullis), Jennie (now Mrs. John Marrett), Levi (deceased), Ezra, John, Milton, Willis and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Deaton and several of the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN A. DEATON, farmer; P. 0. Christiansburg ; was born in Pike Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Nov. 5, 1835, and is a son of William and Catharine Deaton. She was a native of Clark County ; born about 1813. He was born in Virginia in the early part of 1812 ; a son of G-eorge and Susannah Deaton, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Samuel Deaton. William's principal occupation was saw-milling. In later life he also engaged in farming, and owned 153 acres of land. He died Dee. 15, 1855, the father of eight children - George W. (deceased), John A., Mary, Elizabeth, Susan, Calvin B. (deceased), James L. and Eliza. John A. worked on the farm with his mother until 22 years of age, when he commenced life for himself, renting farms in Clark, Miami and Champaign Counties. He now owns about eighty-seven acres of land in Sec. 30 of Jackson Township. In 1857, Feb. 7, he married Lucinda Fuller. She was born in Clark Co., Feb. 10, 1837. Seven children are the fruits of this union - Dora, William L., George W., Levi Morley, Maggie C., Granville M. and Frances. Mr. and Mrs. Deaton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

L. C. C. GILLE (deceased), physician. To the writer it is a pleasant task to record the history of a noble person, and posterity will long hence be gratified to peruse the biography of an honored ancestor. Lewis C. C. Gille was bom in Germany, Feb. 22, 1807. He was a descendant of families of rank on both sides. His father's people were ministers, and his mother's officers in the army. He was named and educated by the King. He graduated at the medical college at Hesse-Cassel, and in 1834 came to America. He practiced in the hospital at Washington in 1836, when the cholera was raging. In 1837, he married Catherine Dorshimer ; ten children were the fruits of this union ; six grew to maturity and are still living - Elizabeth A., Catharine A., Lewis A., Maria, Mary M. and Edward F. Dr. Gille is still remembered by the people of this county, especially those of Westville and vicinity, where he lived. His death occurred March 12, 1857. Catharine, his wife, was born in Harrisburg, Penn., May 6, 1813, and is a daughter of Andrew Dorshimer. He was born in Amsterdam about the year 1766. Hearing so much said of America, he concluded it was the country for him. At the age of 16, with only $16, which had been given him for spending money while at school, and without saying anything to his parents, he started. He was soon missed, and his parents, suspecting his designs, made search for him. His father and friends overtook him at Liverpool just as they were about ready to set sail. He pleaded to be allowed to go on. His father yielded, and gave him money to defray his expenses. After landing at Philadelphia, he engaged in the mint until old enough to go to a trade. He won the confidence and esteem of all around him ; was an especial friend of Lady Washington, who generally bade him adieu by presenting him with a $5 bill. He afterward learned the blacksmith's trade, which he carried on very extensively and successfully in Harrisburg, where at one time he owned a square of brick buildings, besides other property. At the time of the building of the bridge across the Susquehanna, he indorsed for the contractors to the amount of $40,000, which he had to pay. He then went to Mechanicsburg, Penn., where he again accumulated considerable wealth. His first wife died in Philadelphia, leaving one child, Ann. He then married Mrs. Elizabeth Sidle (formerly Miss Elizabeth Ebright), by whom he had four children - Andrew, Jacob, Maria and Catharine. She was the mother of nine children in all, five by her first husband and four by her last ; all grew up together as if but one family. He died in 1842.

ARTHUR GUTHRIE, blacksmith and manufacturer of wagons and buggies, Christiansburg; was born in Clark Co., Jan. 15, 1850. He is a son of Albert and Margaret Guthrie. Margaret is a native of this State, born in 1827. Albert Guthrie was born in Virginia, about 1823, and came to Ohio with his parents when about a year old. His occupation was farming ; he located in Champaign Co., in 1860, but resides in Shelby Co. at present. He is the father of three children - Cornelius, Arthur and Louise, deceased. Arthur commenced an apprenticeship at blacksmithing in Millerstown, in this county, with Asa Brelsford, who soon after moved to Addison, where Arthur completed his trade. He then worked in Sidney, Shelby Co., one year ; then went to Tennessee for a short time, and then back to Sidney ; finally, he returned to Addison, purchased the shops of Mr. Brelsford, and has since been doing a thriving business at blacksmithing and manufacturing wagons and buggies. In 1878, Feb. 19, he was united in marriage with Sarah J. Shimer. She died in January following, and her daughter, Earnest, died in August of the same year. On the 2d of November, 1876, Mr. Guthrie married Miss Ida S. Boberts. One child, Charlie, is the fruit of this union. Mrs. Guthrie is a daughter of G. W. Boberts, one of the Commissioners of this county. Oct. 31, 1859, is the date of her birth. Charlie was born March 17, 1879.

E. C. HOLLIS, butcher, Christiansburg, the senior member of the firm of Hollis & Bro., was born north of Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, Oct. 1 6, 1840 ; is the son of Benoni and Lydia Hollis. She is a native of Virginia, born May 22, 1822, and came to Ohio with her parents, who settled in Miami Co. Benoni Hollis was born in England, July 13, 1814. He emigrated to America in early life, and, in 1839, married Lydia Duffey. He was a wheelwright, or wagon-maker, and followed his trade in Piqua, where he died July 10, 1848, leaving his wife and three children to mourn his departure one daughter, Elizabeth A., preceded him in death. The survivors are Edmund C., Mercy E. and John B. Mrs. Lydia Hollis afterward married Mr. C. D. Boyden. They were the parents of four children - Harry, George, Harriet J. and Cyrus D. Mr. C. D. Boyden departed this life Oct. 24, 1857. His widow is still living, and resides in Addison. E. C. Hollis, the subject of this sketch, learned shoe-making with his step-father, and afterward worked as journeyman at the trade about six years in all, but in the meantime spent about three years in the civil war, a member of Co. A, 2d 0. V. I. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Besaca, Buzzard's Boost, Stone Biver, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Bidge, and many others, in the Atlantic campaign. He received an honorable discharge and returned to his home at Addison, bearing the mark of one slight flesh wound. In 1871, he commenced butchering on a small scale, learning the business as he progressed. In 1875, he took his brother John B. in as an equal partner. They are now doing an extensive business in fresh and salt meats, furnishing three villages beside Addison and the surrounding country with meat. Their annual sales amount to over $5,000. They pack about 110 head of hogs each year. In short, they are straightforward, thorough business men. On the 13th of November, 1864, E. C. Hollis was united in marriage with Emily J. Overton. Two children are the fruits of this union - Herman and Anson G. Mrs. Hollis was born in Addison Oct. 17, 1839. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN B. HOLLIS, butcher, Christiansburg ; was born in Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, Aug. 17, 1848. He is a son of Benoni and Lydia Hollis, of whom proper mention is made in the sketch of E. C. Hollis. John B. was born an orphan, and started out in the world when quite young to make his own fortune. He was a day laborer until five years ago, when he became a partner with his brother in the butchering business. He is a self-made, enterprising young man, and has won the respect and confidence of the people, as they have shown by electing him to the office of Township Clerk at the last spring election. His marriage to Minnie Spence was celebrated April 6, 1875. She is the only daughter of William and Eliza Spence, born in Clark Co., June 14, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Spence were also natives of Clark Co. He departed this life in 1859.

L. B. HOWELL, dry goods merchant, Christiansburg ; was born in Addison, Champaign Co., Dec. 23, 1839. He is a son of Manoah and Ann Howell, both natives of Virginia. Daniel Howell, the father of Manoah, came to Champaign Co. about 1810, and entered eighty acres of land just west of Addison, on the line of j Champaign and Miami. Here Manoah spent his boyhood days, and got such an eduj cation as the schools then afforded. He afterward, by a practical business life, acquired | a good business education. On reaching his years of majority, he went into business in Addison, keeping a general store. This was his principal occupation through life, i He also owned several farms, of which he had the control. Manoah and Ann Howell | were the parents of seven children ; five grew to maturity - Louisa C. (wife of J. L. j Long), Zilpah A. (now Mrs. E. F. Warner), Rebecca (now Mrs. L. D. Marshall), | Levi R. and Mary S. (deceased wife of R. R. Marshall). Manoah Howell departed I this life Aug. 18, 1878, aged 70 years, lacking two months. His widow is still living, j and is in her 75th year. The subject of this sketch was brought up in the store, and I has always been engaged in mercantile pursuits, except three years spent in the service | during the civil war. He was a member of Co. A, 2d 0. V. I. ; enlisted Aug. 27, I 1861, and participated in the battles of Perry ville, Ky., Stone River, Chickamauga, I Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, besides several others of less importance. He

(passed through safely and received an honorable discharge. Mr. Howell is an enter- | prising business man, commanding the respect of the people of the community. He has l| served his township one term as Treasurer. In 1865, May 4, he was united in mar- 1 riage with Ellen N. Codding. Two children are the fruits of this union - Bertha, Ij May and Roma Maud. Mrs. Howell was born in Summit Co., Ohio, March 1, 1843. I She is a member of the Baptist Church.

JOSEPH KELLEY, retired farmer ; P. 0. St. Paris. Among the pioneers of I Jackson Township, our subject deserves place in the front rank. He is the oldest 5 native of the township now living, and said to be the first white male child born in it, I although he doubts it himself. He is a son of Sampson and Margaret Kelley, whose i history is noted in the sketch of William Kelley. Joseph was born Dec. 14, 1808. He I remembers seeing Hull's army as it passed through this country. His mother died I when quite young, and his father when he was about 18 years of age. He learned I brick-laying in early life, which he followed till health and strength failed. He entered I eighty acres of land, and began right in the woods, working at his trade during the

summer season, and clearing after night and through the winter. He worked for 25 cents per day, when they had to pay 37 i cents per yard for calico. Although times were very hard, by honest industry and economy they kept themselves above want, and never suffered for the necessaries of life. They still occupy their first home, and are comfortably situated for old age. For over fifty years they have enjoyed each other's society in wedded life, having married May 11, 1830, Mrs. Susan Kelley, formerly Miss Susan Downey, was born in Virginia Aug. 4, 1806. This union has been blessed with four children - Tabitha A., Sampson E., Frances M. and Mary E. Tabitha and Frances M. both died of scarlet fever when young. Mrs. Kelley is a member of the M. E. Church.

WILLIAM KELLEY, retired tanner and harness-maker ; P. 0. Christiansburg. Among the pioneers of Champaign Co., the gentleman whose name heads this sketch deserves mention in this work. He was born April 18, 1810. His parents, Sampson and Margaret (Brown) Kelley, came to Jackson Township, Champaign Co., from Virginia, about 1806. According to the best information we can get, they have the honor of being the parents of the first white male child born in Jackson Township. Sampson was a weaver by trade : he entered eighty acres of land, and set to work to subdue the forest and secure a comfortable home. During the fall and winter seasons he worked at his trade. Mrs. Margaret Kelley departed this life in 1814, and he in 1829, but had married for his second wife Mrs. Rebecca Pence (formerly Miss Rebecca Davis), by whom he had four children ; one only survives at present. Eight children were the issue of the first marriage. One died in infancy, one about 45, and another upward of 50. Five are still living, the youngest being past 69 years of age. At the age of 15, William commenced an apprenticeship at tanning, which trade he followed for about twenty-five years where he resides, in Addison. In 1847, he commenced harness-making, which he followed till about twelve years ago ; he quit his trade and i bought a farm, and has since lived rather retired. He has served his township as j Trustee four years, and has been Postmaster for about eleven years. His marriage with Nancy Strain was celebrated Aug. 11, 1831. For almost half a century this union has lasted, and has been blessed with eleven children ; eight survived their infancy and grew to maturity, viz. : Edwin, Semantha A., Margaret E., Angeline, Isabel, Louise and Emma (both deceased), and Oliver H. Mrs. Nancy Kelley is a native of Virginia, but the date of her birth is not known. It is supposed to be in the year 1813.

WTLLIAM B. McCREA, retired farmer and merchant; P. 0. Christiansburg. To the gentleman whose name appears above, we are pleased to allot a space in the biographical album of this work. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Belle) McCrea ; she was of Irish parentage, born on the ocean about 1770 ; he was born in Ireland, but the date of his birth is not known exactly ; the first definite account we have of him after his arrival in America is that he was residing in Catskill, N. Y., where he carried on plastering and masoning ; he afterward moved to Cayuga Co., in the same State, where he assisted in erecting some of the public buildings. In 1817, he emigrated to Ohio and located at Cincinnati ; he was the overseer of the masonry for the original part of the water- works of j that city. He entered a half-section of land in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, and settled on it in 1820 ; during the panic which followed, he forfeited the east quarter, and made his improvements on the west quarter ; in connection with his clear- I ing and farm labor, he continued to work at his trade a portion of the time ; his death j occurred in 1838, being about 67 years old; Elizabeth, his wife, survived till 1856. J William B. McCrea, the subject of this sketch, was born in the State of New York, jj Sept. 6, 1806; he received a common-school education, and learned the mason's trade j with his father; while living in Cincinnati, he assisted his father at the trade during the j summer seasons, and worked in the glass works, white-lead factory or woolen factory in ; the winter; for four years after their arrival in Champaign Co., he assisted in clearing and working at the trade, when he returned to Cincinnati and engaged as clerk in a store ; at the end of six years, he purchased a stock of goods and started a general store at Addison, Champaign Co.; he was engaged in the mercantile business for twenty years, at different places ; shortly after commencing business at Addison, he purchased a piece of land adjoining town, a part of which is now his summer residence ; for the last twenty years, he has been spending his winters in Dayton, Montgomery Co., Ohio.

In 1830, he built the first frame house erected in Jackson Township. He has served as Magistrate, and has represented his county in the Legislature two terms. Mr. McCrea is one of our self-made men, and, although his form is bending with the weight of years, his intellect seems to be unimpaired. On the 31st of May, 1831, he was united in marriage with Sarah Hall ; seven children are the issue of this marriage - Charles T., Rollin H., W. W., Frank, Julia C., Bell H. and Emma. Mrs. Sarah McCrea was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1809 ; she and four of the children are members fo the Presbyterian Church.

WALLACE McCREA, retired farmer; P. O. St. Paris. To another of the early settlers of Jackson Township, Champaign Co., we are pleased to allot a space in the biographical album of this work. He was born in Catskill, N. Y., July 11, 1810; he is a son of John and Elizabeth McCrea, of whom proper mention is made in the sketch of W. B. McCrea. With the exception of about six years, Wallace has made his home on the farm that his father Entered, and which he now owns ; his occupation through life has been farming and dealing in stock ; for the last seven years, he has given the charge of the farm to his son, but has continued to deal in stock till within the last year; he never aspired to office, but has served his township as Trustee for twelve years. In 1832, March 22, he married Jane S-teapleton ; to this union five