Winchester Township

Winchester Township

Was established about 1820, and called Scott, from the name of the township in which it was then situated, Winchester not then being a part of Scott. The office retained this name until April 1, 1880, when it was changed to Winchester.

The first Postmaster was Joseph Eylar, who served until 1811, when lie was succeeded by James Sparks; the third was Isaac Prutzman ; the fourth, John Frow, 1847-61 ; the fifth, Jos. Eylar, 1802-04; the sixth and present incuiybeiit is Aaron Shrivel*.

This office, situated about three miles north-east of Winchester, was established about 1868, with Sanford Burba as first Postmaster, who has since been succeeded by W. L. Albert, present incumbent.

Winchester Lodge I. O. O. F., No. 508

This lodge has passed through varied changes, and suffered by removals, expulsions, sickness and deaths, but lias weathered the storms, and retains an efficient organization with 27 members at this time, July, 1880. The present officers are :

One man taught this school for loss than $25 per month I From 1848 to 1855, tho date of tho building of the fourth school house, two teachors woro employed for tho schools, with one or two exceptions. Sinco the year 1855, the number employed in the while schools, has in one or two instances reached four. The following persons have held the position of principal teacher sinco the organization of the special district, in 1865:

The enumeration for the year 1879, shows a school population of 181, of which 14 are colored. The schools are in session about eight months in the year.

By Prof. W. A. Clark

The history of the Winchester public schools extends over a period of seventy-two years, during the first fifty-seven of which it existed as a sub-district, first of Scott, then of Winchester township. A correct chronology of the events of this period would be difficult to obtain. No certain record can be found, and we are forced to rely solely upon the personal recollections of individuals.

For thirty years prior to the organization of Winchester town, ship in 1838, the school was a sub-district of Scott township. From 1838 to 1865, it was. known as "District No. 4," of Winchester township. In 1865 it was organized into a special district. Under this new organization, which was that of schools in corporate villages, it had six directors and a board of examiners. This special board of examiners was discontinued several years ago.

The first school house within the present limits of the village was a log house built in 1808, upon a little eminence east of town. This knoll is now the cemetery grounds ; and the graves of Judge Eylar and wife mark the site of the building. This house was used for school and church purposes for eighteen years. In 1826 another building for school purposes was erected on the "public square." This was also a log structure, and is still standing in the rear of the residence of J. A. Lemons. It was occupied until 1848. In 1839 the Legislature by a special act authorized the sale of the building, together with the ground upon which it stood, Col. Wm. Robbins, II. I. dc Bruin, Esq., and Dr. N. D. Thompson were appointed commissioners for that purpose. They effected a sale, and applied the proceeds to the erection of a new building. A lot of land was bought of J. M. Darlinton, on the west side of town ; and on it was erected a ono-story brick building of one room, the third school house built for the district. This building was used for school purposes until 1855. when it was found to be insufficient for the accommodation of the district, and was sold. It is now occupied by David Fisher as a private residence. Thos. Ramsey was the contractor for the new building, and received "eight hundred dollars and the old house" for building the uew one. This house is a frame with two rooms, and a hall, and was built upon a lot "13 rods square," purchased of James Dunlap for *1130.50. It was occupied until 1871, when the present building was erected.

The present house is the fifth school house built for the district. It is a two-story brick, 32x68, containing [f<5ur commodious rooms and hall ways, and cost $4,000. The frame house after being sold and passing through several parties hands, was finally purchased by the school board, and is now used for the colored school.

taught in 1808. For forty years following that time one teacher seems to have been sufficient, but ho undoubtedly had at times "a full school." In the records of 1847, is found the following:

By The Pastor

The history of this church cannot be given as fully as is desirable, owing to the fact that there are several breaks in the records of its earlier transactions; we give, however, its history, with as much regularity and consecutiveness as the records will permit.

The first church meeting, of which the records give account, was held at the house of Spencer Records, south of Fincastle, Brown county, O., Sept. 18th, 1813. At this meeting Elder Chas. B. Smith was called to the pastorate of the church, and Brother Records was chosen Deacon, and Brother Laycock, Clerk of tho church. On the 2Sth of August, 1814, the church held a meeting at the house of Brother Records, at which, the church chose to be known as the "Regular Baptist church at Brush creek, in Adams county, State of Ohio ;" and adopted the Articles of Faith. The constituent members signing the Articles of Faith at that meeting were as follows :

Brother Thomas was the first person baptized by the church, his baptism occurring in June, 1814. From this date to 1818, the church met very irregularly and with but little success, Elder Chas. B. Smith continuing with them as Pastor. On the 23d of May, 1818, the church dissolved, and on Jan. 28th, 1820, a meeting was held at the house of Bro. Spencer Records, at which time a reorganization of the church was consummated on their former Articles of Faith. There were present at this reorganization of the church, Spencer Records, Deacon ; Wm. Laycock, Clerk ; Solomon Sparks, Abraham Thomas, Henry Pile, Elizabeth Records and Catherine Sparks. At this meeting the church dismissed b\ letter Brother and Sister Records, and Brother Wm. Laycock. From 1826 to April 20th, 1828, the church failed, "through various causes," to have meetings. Elder II. Johnson began to preach for the church about this time, whether as pastor or not, the records do not 9tate. During the time that Elder Johnson preached for the church, there were received by baptism 18. and 15 by letter and experience. The Strict creek Association held its first session with this church, August, 1829. In 1830, the church began to build a meeting house, aud appointed John Wallace, Salomon Sparks and Nathaniel Cloud, Trustees, to attend to the building of the new church house, to be erected on a lot in Winchester, purchased of Samuel Bawldrige. Brother Rhoads was also afterward appointed as Trustee of the church. The church had no pastor, so far as Hie records show, until 1832, but during the interval Elders Johnson, Smith, Spohn and others, preached occasionally for them. Elder Hiram Bennett was called to the pastorate in June, 1832, and continued his labors with the church about nine years. During his pastorate about 150 were received by baptism, 60 dismissed by letter, and 15 oxcluded.

Elder Wm. Allgood was called to take charge of tho church in Sept. 1841, and entered upon his pastoral labors Nov., 1841. He resigned in July, 1848, the church having received during his pastorate, 5 by baptism, 9 by letter, dismissed by letter, 25, and excluded 9.

At tho September meeting, 1848, Elder Eli Fry was called, and partial arrangements made, but were dissolved at the next meeting. In Nov., 1851, the church called Elder James Gabri c* to the pastorate, who began his labors at once, and continued to sorvo the church until 1863. While Elder Gabriel was pastor, the church received 28 hy baptism and 13 by letter ; dismissed by letter, 37, and excluded 6.

Elder Gilman Stone, a licentiate of Providence, R. I., was soon after called, and was ordained in July, 1853. Ho resigned in April, 1854, and tho church immediately recalled Elder Gabriel, who continued until Sept. 1855. During the pastorate of Elder Stone and the socond pastorate of Elder Gabriel the church received by baptism, 3; dismissed by letter, 17 ; excluded 1. On the 27th of February, 1830, tho church agree to build a brick church In Winchester, 30x40 feet, and tho building committee report I he house completed Jan., 1833.

Iu Oct., 1855, Elder nuson took charge of the church, and at their meeting the following month tho church resolved to build a new meeting house, 36x54 feet, with 14 feet to ceiling. Iho building committee consisted of Samuel McNeil, Ezra Sparks, Jas. Carson and B. C. Colburn, who were instructed to sell the old house and lot, and to purchase a new site for the new building. This, the second house of worship built by the church, was dedicated thc21)lh of March, 1857.

During the time that Elder Iluson was pastor, the church received 5 by letter, and dismissed 4 by letter. Elder Samuel Wallace ncxl took charge of tho church in 1857, and resigned March, 1861. While lie was pastor the church received 55 by baptism, 15 by letter, and excluded 5. Elder A. B. White was called, March, 1861, and began labor in May, 1861. Ho was ordained iu June following, and while he was with the church, 7 were received by baptism and 4 by letter ; 9 dismissed and 7 excluded.

In April, 1864, Elder G. W. Taylor was callod, and continued with the church about one year, during which, 1 was received by baptism, 4 by letter : 2 dismissed by letter, 7 excluded. Elder F. C. Fear was called Sept., 1865, and continued until Nov. 1867. While he was pastor tho church received 2 by baptism, 4 by letter; 10 dismissed and 1 excluded. Elder Wm. Haw was called Jan.. 1868, and continued as pastor until Dec., 1872. During his pastorate the church received by baptism, 13 ; by letter, 8 ; dismissed 10, excluded 4. No pastor from Dec., 1872 to Oct., 1873, but had occasional preaching by Elder D. Trichler.

Elder G. AT. Thompson was called Oct., 1873, but resigned March, 1874. Charles A. McManis was licensed to preach Nov., 1873, and was ordained in March, 1874, the church having called for his ordination in February previous.

Elder Joseph Smith was called to the care of the church April, 1874, and closed his pastorate April, 1879. During the time he served the church, 5 were received by baptism, 3 by letter, 2 restored ; and 8 dismissed by letter, 1 excluded.

From April, 1879, to Nov., 1879, the church had no pastor, but occasional preaching by Elders Joseph Smith and S. G. Lindsey. During this interval the church received 1 by baptism and 1 by experience.

In Oct., 1879, the church called Elder L. II. Denman to tho pastorate, who is now acting pastor. He entered upon his pastoral duties Nov., 1879, and from that time to the present (July, 1880) the church has received by baptism, 6 ; by letter, 8 ; dismissed by letter, 3.

The total membership at present is 71. The church has had in all 11 Deacons, 9 Clerks, 9 Trustees, and 6 Treasurers, during her existence of over 66 years. And in that length of time, 15 different ministers have been iu the pastorate, an average of a little over 4J^ years to each pastorate.

May thorough consecration and an unwavering faith mark her future course and progress, and success crown her every effoi't for God's glory I

The grand-father «f this sketch, Joseph Darlinton, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Adams county, was Clerk of the Court over forty years. At an early day ho bought 1,000 acres of land, on a part of which ho laid off the village of Winchester in 1815. The remainder of this land was divided among his children. One of these children, John M. Darlinton, married Folly Beard. Jan. 27, 1818, and in March of the same year, moved on his new home, a part of the thousand acres, where his wife died some ten months after their marriage. Mr. Darlinton married for a second wife, Mary Naylor, February 10, 1820. By this marriage there were born unto him six children, three of whom survive, Ilarvev A. Darlinton, Newton M. Darlinton and John N. Darlinton. The last named, who is the subject of this akVteh, was married February 28, 1872, to Rachel A. Smith, hy which marriage they have three children, George Edward, Mary Nancy, George Wilson. Mr. Darlinton occupies a portion of the old farm adjoining the village of Winchester.

James Doyle. - The subject of our sketch was born in Washington county, Penn., in 1807; came at tho age of thirteen to Highland county, O. In 1823, he settled in Decatur, where he learned the blacksmith trade. He removed to Winchester in 1825, where he started a drug store, which he cal'ried on Until his doce&se. October, 1879. He was for many years a member of the Christian church.

thp township, that was born In it. Ho Is engaged In the manufacture and sale of wagons, carriages and buggies. He has been engaged In this business from early life. He doca a prosperous business.

Dr. John Grossman, - Was born in Union couuty, Pa., In 1806, camo to North Liberty in 1845, resided there three or four months, then removed to Brush creek, Winchester township, where he stayed from April to October. 1847, from tlienco he went to Youngvillo and stayed a year, and from there settled near Winchester, where ho lived until his decease in 1877, in his 73d yoar. His widow still survives, and resides with her son, William A. Grossman, on tho old homestead. Mr. Grossman renrod a family of three children, two eons and one daughter, Ira A., Mary E. and William A. Grossman. Ira A. was killed by the Indians at Sweetwater Ridge, Nebraska, In 1863. Mary E. married John B. Campbell, and now lives in Kansas. William A. married Sarah B. Denning, December 13, 1870. They are tho parents of two children, John Eldon and William A. Grossman. Mr. Grossman owns and occupies the old homestead, one-half mile west of the village, engaged in farming.

Jesse Hall, - Came to this county in 1816. In 1827 ho married Sarah M. Cochran. They are the parents of ten children, only two of whom are now living. Among tho sous of this family three were physicians, one a bookeeper, one a professor of languages in some institution of learning. The oldest son, J. M. Hall, is a practicing physician. The daughter, Mrs. E. J. Anderson, lost her husband, J. K. Anderson, iu the service in the rebellion. He died of sickness. Mrs. Hall's father, Mr. Cochran, was a sea captain. He was also a soldier in the war of 1812.

Rees Hiatt. - This gentleman's ancestors were natives of Virginia. His grandfather and father both camo and settled in Highland county where the grandfather died. Rees Iliatt was born near Leesburg, Highland county, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1840. In 1863 lie married Ellen Greathouse. They have had horn unto them four children, two of whom are dead. Soon after his marriage, he settled one and one-fourth miles north of Winchester, whore he still resides In 1874 his wife died, and ho married for a second wife, Elsena Alexander. Mr. Hiatt has a farm of 120 acres of good land. He makes a speciality of thorough bred stock. He has at great expense procured a herd of short-horn Durham cattle from the best herds in Kentucky, which he cultivates with great care and good judgment.

David M. Kane. - Stephen Kane, the grandfather of David M. Kane, emigrated with his family from Penn., in 1808, and first settled on Beasley's Fork. He served iu the war of 1812, and in 1814, moved to Cherry Fork, and located about two miles above North Liberty. Here he and his wife both lived and died. He married Mary Kirker. They reared a family of children, one of whom was named James. This son was four years old when his parents came to Adams county. He spent his early life at home, helping to clear and improve the farm. By untiring industry and perseverance, he obtained a farm near Eckmansville, where he settled and still resides. He married Mary Gaston. These are the parents of David M. Kane, the subject of this sketch. David M. Kane was born Aug. 12, 1834. He received such an education as the scholars of that period afforded. At sixteen his prospects for a finished education were good, but these prospects were blighted by the death of his two older brothers. In 1855, he bought the farm on which he now resides, and has improved, adorned and beautified it,|until to-day there is no more comfortable or prettier residence in Adams county. In 1860, he married Sarah J. Moreland, daughter of Thomas Moreland, who was a native of Ireland. Mr. Moreland came to this country at an early day, and in 1826 married in Green county, Ohio, Miss Anna Reed, who was a native of Penn. David M. and Sarah J. Kane are the parents of four children ; Rosa M., Dora A., Willie M., and Jennie Maud. The Kane family are cultured and refined, and we record with pleasure that Mr. Kane takes an interest iu education, which is rapidly placing his family in' the front ranks of education lovers in the country. Rosa M., is already in the teacher's profession, and the other children aro given the benefit of the best educational advantages in the couutry.

A. C. Lewis, M. D. - The subject of this sketch was born in Herkimer, N. J., June 17, 1709 - came to'Gallipolis, Ohio, in 1828 - studied medicine with Dr. S. S. Fowler." of Cincinnati, and graduated at the Miami Medical College in 1855. He married Miss Eveline Tweed, in Williamsburg, Clermont County, Ohio, Nov. 14,1834, came to Winchester July 16, 1835, where he commenced the practice of his profession, which he has since followed. He reared a family of three children, Alice, Emma, and Annie. His wife died Feb. 7. 1857. He married for a second wife Francis A. Hopkins, of Greene county, Ohio. There is but one person now living in Winchester that was here when Mr. Lewis Came to the place in 1835. At that time there was but one church in the village, the Baptist Churoli, which is used by W. T. Hughes as a wagon shop. A small log school house stood on the public square. It had a few small windows in It, and slab seat9. There were then but two regular physicians in the county; there aro now thirty. Mr. Lewis >6 the oldest resident physician in Adams county.

T. M. Youno, - Was born in Wayne township, Adams county, in 1835, was married In 1855, followod farming until his marriage, when he commenced tho milling business which he has since followed. In 1873 ho bought the flouring mill of James Rees, in Winchester, which ho has continued to run to the present date. This is one of the host mills in the couuty, aud under the management of Mr. Young Is doing a large business. It was built by Mr. Rees about 1868."

W. R. Dufff.y. - The ancestors of W. R. Duffcy wore natives of Ireland. Ilia grandparents, both paternal and matornul, Uvod near Londomlerre. Ills paternal grandfather, Micluel Duffey, was horn in 1753, and died in June 1838, and his maternal grandfather, Thomas Ramsey, was born in 1749, and died in Sept. 1833. They came to America about the year 1772, and both were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. They both married iu 1779 or 1780, and settled in Fayette county. Pa., near New Genava. His grandfather Duffey married Nancy Cross. They raised four children, James, William, Francis and Elizabeth. Mr. Duffey and all his family emigrated to Ohio in the spring of 1807. They came down the river on a flatboat - there wero no steamboats then - and landed at Manchester. From thcro they went to Brown county, Ohio, and settled about three miles northwest of Winchester, where his wife died, lie married for a second wife Mrs. Nancy Boatman. By this marriage ho had a soil named Michael, who is now living in Ilcndricks county, Indiana. Of the four children by Mr. Duffey's first marriage wo know but little. James died, leaving a widow who still survives. Sho is now in tho 89th year of her ago and in reasonable good health. William served in the war of 1812, and he died in Brown county, Ohio, aged about 70 years. Elizabeth died in Scott township, Oct. 5,1877, iu her 92d year. Francis was born iu Pennsylvania in 1784. He married Miss Elizabeth Ramsey, January 3, 1806, and came with his father's family to Ohio in 1807, and settled in the same neighborhood in Brown county that his father did. Francis and Elizabeth Duffy were the parents of thirteen children. Mary, Agnes, James, Thoma9 R., Michael, \Levinah, Eliza, William R., (the subject of this sketch.) Rebecca C., John C., Tnbitha R., Elizabeth J., and Martha A. Mary never married. She died April 27, 1864. Agnes marrjed Daniel Sharp, Aug. 11, 1855, who died in February 1875. The widow still survives, James never married. Ho died Dec. 24, 1832. Thomas R., died, aged 5 years. Michajl married Jane Cross,' Dec. 7, 1837. They are the parents of eight children. Levinah married Samuel Smith, Oct. 10. 1837. They have reared a family of eight children. Eliza married Andrew McManis Oct. 10, 1837. They reared a family of three children. William R. married Catherine Moore, late of Washington county, Penn., April 11, 1853. Rebecca C., married James Duffoy, Dec. 6, 1849. They have had 6even children but two of whom survive. John C., married Martha A. Patton, Aug. 27, 1851. His wife died Sept. 9, 1857, leaviug three children. He was again married in Aug. 1860 to Satyra Waite. By this marriage wero born unto him three childr.cn. His second wife died in July 1870, and in Sept. 1872, he married for a third wife Mrs. Druzilla J. Wallace. In 1875 Mr. Duffey died, and his last wife still survives, living at the pleasant home with her parents near Winchester. Tabitha R., married John M. Humes, Dec. 16, 1852. They were the parents of five children. Mr. Humes died a soldier in the Uuion army in May 1862. Elizabeth J., married John B. Breckinridge, May 30,1857. She died leaving one child, May 20, 1858. Martha A., married James Bierley in March 1865. They live in Manchester, Ohio, and have had two children, one survivor. Thomas Ramsey, the maternal grandfather of W. R. Duffey, married a Miss Elizabeth Cross. They were the parents of eleven children, William, Samuel C., Rebecca C., Charles, Thomas, Isabel, Joseph. Robert W., Elizabeth, James C., and one that died an infant. Of these children we can gather but little. Thomas and Charles died in the army in the war of 1812, and Elizabeth married Francis Duffey, who were the parents of "A R. Duffey. Thomas Ramsey's first wife died, and he afterwards married for a second wife Mrs. Elizabeth Mears, who survived him several years. Mr. Ramsey and "both his wives died in Penn., on the farifi where ho first settled. In 1825 Francis Duffey bought bf James Welle, of Wcllsvilic, Ohio, a farm in Wayne township, now Winchester, two and a half miles south-east of the village of Winchester and settled on it, and there lived until his decease, March 1, 1846. His widow continued HtL-dccupy the old home until her death, July 5, 1856. This old farm was originally settled by Nathaniel Patton in 1801. Mr. Patton cleared up a considerable portion of the land and planted an orchard on it over seventy-five yoars ago, some of the trees of which aro still living. The first school house in the neighborhood was built on this farm. - The largo elm tree seen in tho engraving in front of the house, was but a small shrub when tho settlement was first made. In the eighty veare that have since passed by, it has grown to be a tree of three feet in diameter. In April 1872. this tree was strode by lightning and considerably shattered, but it is now regaining its former vigor, and promises to be good for another century of healthy growth. Mr. Patton, who bought this land of Beasley and EBispn, found his title defective and lost most of his labor. He left it aud moved to Indiana in the full of 1824, where ho

Iiuuili settled in the wilderness. AV. II. DufTev who is the prin- , i 1 1 1 1 subject of this sketch, and eighth in the family of Francis and lOlizubelh DnIVoy, was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1 S'Ji ). married Catherino.Moore as before staled. Me now owns ami occupies this old farm - the homestead of his father. lie is a gentleman of good taste, an original thinker, and farms intelligently. For the last twenty years he has been more or less extensively engaged in sheep-raising, keeping from 100 to 400 heads and with satisfactory results, lie thinks sheep and cattle are the most profitable stock for a farmer to raise to improve the soil of the land : more grass and less grain is his motto, lie is from experience a strong advocate for the use ot fertilizers to improve the productive properties of the land, though it pays a good percent, to set the hind in grass alone. Mr. Duffey has a taslp for keeping a' pair of good horses in saleable condition with fine harness, and saddles for them. He says a team will eat loss grain in good flesh than when in poor condition, and will always be readier sale and command better prices than in poor condition. I u politics he is a straight Republican from conscientious convictions of duty and right. 1 lis sentiments were anti-slavery from his early years, and he advocated and voted that ticket, apparently unsuccessfully until 1S60, when Abraham Lincoln was elected to the Presidency. He has voted with that party since, and thinks that under Republican management every branch of the Government has been admirably successful. and that financially it stands the second nation on the globe, that the financiers of the world concede this, and that they are not likely to he mistaken. Mr. Duffey and his wife arc kind, good people, always ready to aid the poor and relieve the needy; none are ever turned from their door hungry or in want. After Mr. Humes lost his life in his country's service, the widowed mother and her orphan children were kindly provided with a comfortable home on Mr. Duffey's farm, and have since shared his hospitalities. Of Mrs. Hume's five children two are dead, the other three, John M., Martha E., and Mary B. Humes are all married. John M., married C. A. Freeland, Dec. 21, 1876. He lives on Mr. Duffey's farm, is a Republican, and prospering financially ; lias one child named Thomas Clyde. Martha E. married R. S. Black, Sept. 11, 1878, and resides at Unity, Adams County, Ohio. Mary B., married N. M. Brown, Oct. 1, 1879. They reside at Unity, and have one child. Although never blessed with children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Duffey have generally had children about them. Martha C., the youngest daughter of John C'. Duffey is now living with them and is quite a pleasant girl.

Isaac Roberts. - Stephen Roberts, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Bucks county, Pa., April 29> 1702. He came with his father to what was then Fairfax county, now Louden count)', Va. lie married Deborah Williams, w'liose ancestors came from England, and were members of the society of friends, some of her relatives being opposed to war remained loyal to the .British CrowiPduring the Revolution, and with others got the appellation of Tory , which perhaps was no undeserving. Miss William's relatives settled at the same place and about the same time that Mr. Roberts did. The fruits of their marriage was eight children, six sons and two daughters* all of whom married, raised families and have since died except John Roberts, who was the third oldest, being born on the 22d of August, 1792, and who is the father of the subject of this sketch. War having been declared by the United States against Great I D i tain in .June, 1812, he, on the 13th of April of the following i- volunteered for six months in Capt. Landen Osburn's Com- I'ittli Regiment, Va., Militia, and served out his time of eu- - uent in the vicinity of Norfolk, and was honorably discharged, -in the following year, 1814, came a general call for all able - lake up arms, as the British were threatening the Capitol, and to this call he responded, and was on his way to gain his company which, by some mcaii9 had got in the advance of him, but before our troops had reached the Capitol it had been fired, and the light of the burning buildings could be distinctly seen, lie also served one month in the vicinity of Baltimore, which city the American troops were shielding from. Gen. Ross, who after burning the Capitol determined on its destruction, but in the skirmish which ensued Gen. Ross was killed, and before day the campfires of the British were extinguished by throwing hides of cattle over them which they had slaughtered, and in the <1 ^ » L -;!--«< moved off and took shipping near North Point, and the u": ui Baltimore was at an end. This ended Mr. Robert's -mi 1- l,:H '' '- L the fall of 1835 lie came to Adams county, of w Li' li he has been a citizen since. An anniversary scene occurod 11 l*l,' having season of this year - 1880. If the passer-by had rhani'cd to look into the meadow he could have seen this man who lias seen the sun of eighty summers out with his old-time v \ '-! ho. while his son Isaac and grandson Samuel were each laying the grass behind them with the improved mower; and what W!l< IMor,' interesting was the ages of the parties at work. Namuel, 29: Isaac, 62, and John Roberts, 88. Isaac Roberts the 'iihjr, t of this sketch, was born Aug. 36, 1818, in London county, N :n,'l as his parents possessed little of this world's goods l-aae wa< early learned to labor, and alter becoming quite a large i \ has worked for 12, hf cents per day. In the summer 1 ^ >>. w bile working on a farm for the enormous sum of $5.50 per month, he formed the acquaintance of a millwright by the name of Joshua Harlcn, who lived in Washington county, Maryland, and contracted with him to learn the trade. lie was to serve as an apprentice for three years for the sum of $50 per year and to clothe himself, which, by close economy he did, and never received all of his money at that. Having finished his apprenticeship he worked as ajourneyman two or three years then went into business for himself and met with good success. On the 18lh of Oct. 1846, he married Lucinda E. Wince, of London county, Va. She was the daughter of Phillip and Catherine Wince, whose maiden name was Shaffer, and who was from the above county. Phillip Wince was born in Pa., on the Delaware River, near l'hila. These parents are buried in London county, Va. Mr. Roberts remained in Va., and followed his trade until two children were born to them. He being away from his children much of the time he decided to change his occupation. Having friends in Ohio, he in the fall of 1850 brought his little family and located in Adams County. There has been eleven children in all born to them, six sons and three daughters, but in the month of Jail. 1865, three children were taken from them two sons and one daughter ; their ages being four, five and eleven years. The rcmainingchildren are all at home except the oldest who is married and lives in the neighborhood. The home of this family is a pleasant one, adorned by flowers and surrounded by ornamental trees and foliage a9 can be seen in the engraving.