Union Town

Union Town

Congressional township 13, range 1 west, is what is known as the town of Union. It is bounded on the north by the town of Forest, on the east by the town of Greenwood, on tlie soiitli by Richland county and on the west by the town of Stark. The surface in some parts of the town is very rough and broken, while in others it is quite level. There is a large amount of timber distributed over the surface of this town, some of the best lauds in the town had not been cleared up, even as late as 1S84. The western part of the town is watered by Warner creek and its branches. The southern part by liear and the south by Pine river, which takes its rise in the town. In 1884 this was strictly a rural town, which contained neither a postoffice or store.

James Cooper kept a store on section 2, on the old State road, at a very early day ; and William Dixon kept a stock of goods at his house on section 10, as did J. B. Eastman on section 12. In early times there was a large amount of ginseng root gathered and sold to distant markets, which brought from fifty cents to a dollar per pound, when dry.

First Skttleks

James Cooper, who settled on section 2, in l>-49, was the first settler within the town of Union. He remained there until 1881, and moved to Hillsborough, where he died in 188.3.

The next to locate in the town was Hiram Heath, who came in sometime during 1854, and settled on section 31, where he remained four years and then removed to Black River Falls.

The first Bohemians which settled in the town, came in 1855, direct from their native country. Joseph Urban and Anton Slania, together with Albert Johnechick and J. Barta. Slama settled on section 36, where he died in

1883. Barta remained on section 25 a few years and removed to Dakota. Urban located on section 36, and Johnechick on section 25, where they lived in 1884.

The following came in during 1855: Henry Widner, a native of Indiana, came early in the spring and located on section 1. A year later he sold to Wilson Thing, and settled in Forest town, where he remained a year, then returned to Union and settled on section 8. He enlisted in the Union army and died while in the service of his country. In 1880 his family were living in Iowa.

Charles D. Holbrook came from Michigan in the summer of 1855 and purchased the norlh half of the northeast quarter of section 2, where he died five years later and was buried on his farm. His widow returned to Michigan three years after the death of her husband.

Settlers came in more rapidly in 1850 than they had in any previous year. Among the number who came in for actual settlement were: William Outlaud, Moses Marshall, John B.

William Outland, came from Ohio, in the fall of the year and settled on section 27, where he tilled the soil until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he responded to the call of his country, enlisted and served through the war. After his return from the service, he moved to Richland county and there built a saw mill on Mill creek. A few years later, he sold and moved to Nebraska, where he was engaged at herding cattle on the plains. He finally was found dead in his cabin. He was a man of good character, possessed a fair education and made many friends where ever he lived.

Ebenezer S. Eastman, a native of New Hampshire, came in the fall of 1856, and settled on section 1, where he remained a few years then moved over into the town of Forest, where lie died in 1880.

Charles Alberson, a native of England, moved from Whitestown, Conn., and entered the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 3, and the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 10. He died in 1866, when his family moved to Fort Wayne, Ind.

George Jepson, a native of England, bought the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 1. He afterward engaged in trade with James Cooper. In 1860 he went to Hillsborough and engaged in trade alone, and a few years later was burned out. lie died previous to 1879.

Robert Milligan was one of the early settlers in the town of Union. He was a native of Belmont Co., Ohio, born in 1800, and there grew to manhood. He was married in 1856 to Mary Scott, who was born in Chester Co.,. Penn., in 1805. They remained in Belmont county iinlil 1840, then removed to Missouri and settled in Platte county. Mr. Milligan there bought land and engaged in farming and also at worked at the carpenter's trade. He framed the court house at Platte City. In 1847 he returned to Belmont county and remained there until 1856, when he came to Wisconsin and settled in town I 1 north, of range 1 west, now known as the town of Union. lie purchased land on section 3 i and commenced to clear a farm. He was a loyal man and watched with interest the struggle during the war of the Rebellion. During the dark days of 1864 he became so fired with zeal that he could no longer restrain himself and at the advanced age of sixty-four enlisted with the 100 days men and went to the front, serving until the expiration of his term, when he started on his return home. He was taken sick on the way and died at the National Soldiers' Home in Milwaukee, Oct. 3, 1864. His widow survived him and occupied the homestead until the time her death, which occurred March 3, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Milligan were the parents of eight children, four of whom are now living - Eliza J., wife of Otho Douglass and residing in Helmont Co , Ohio; Sarah R.. wife of Mathias Groves; Angeline S., wife of Hugh Kerr, and Mary A., wife of James C. Reeve, of Nuckolls, Neb.

Joseph -McCoy, a native of Pennsylvania, came fi'oin Butler county in the spring of 1857. and settled oir section 10. He was killed in the Union army in February, 1865.

Edward Harris, a colored man who had been a slave in Tennessee, came to the town of Union soon after the war and purchased half of the northwest quarter of section 2. It is related of this negro that he was very industrious and also quite ingenious. V\ bile a slave he earned money nights making bracelets, and at the earliest opportunity he left his master and came nortli. He was with the Union army as cook about two years. At the time of the election in 1868 he was getting ready to move to Canada as he expected, in case Seymour and Blair, democratic candidates for President and Vice-President, were elected, to be returned to slavery. Like others of his race he was very superstitious. He was an excellent farmer and had the respect of all his neighbors. His first wife a!id children were taken from him and sold, and a son of his second wife was living in 1884 on the homestead in this town, where his father died.

Karly Events

As early a death as there is any record of, was William Joseph, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Getty, who died Jan. 3, 1861. His was the first remains buried in the Newburu cemetery.

Among the earliest births in the town were Adela, daughter of William and Rebecca Outland, in the winter of 1856-'7, and Joseph F., son of Archibald and Harriet (Wear) Calaway, born Sept. 6, 1857.

The town of Union was organized at a meeting held April 10, 1856, at the house of Joseph Beans, when the following officers were elected: Joseph Newburn, (chairman), Elliot Benson and Herman Heath, supervisors; Horace II. Ri])ley, clerk; Joshua W. Osgood, treasurer; Tiiomas De Jean, assessor; Richard Glenan, superintendent of schools; Hiram Heath, George Walts and Thomas De Jean, justices of the peace; William Shult, Adam Bryan and John H. Russel, constables.

Officers of 188.3: Samuel Bauman, (chaii-man), P. S. Steinman and Frank Johneschiek, supervisors; Eobert Butcher, town clerk; Frank Crouse, tieasurer; Jonathan Cry, assessor; Adam Crouse and J. N. Poorman, justices of the peace.

The first school in the town of Union was taught in 1857, in a log building erected by the neighbors on section 30. This school was taught by Isaac Outland and was in what was afterward known as district No. 1. This building was used as a school house for about two years, when another was erected on another part of the same section, in which Charles Searing was the first teacher. In 1872 a neat frame house was built to take the place of the rude log houses which served in pioneer times. Mary S. West was the first teacher in this frame building.

In what is now known as district No. 2, which was organized in 1859, a log school house was built on the southeast quarter of section 3. Miranda Markee was the first teacher in this district. In 1870 a new building was provided, which was located on the northwest quarter of section 12. Moses Brown was the first teacher.

1866, located on the southeast quarter of section 28. Amanda Smith was the first teacher employed in tills district. This school house was still in use in 1884.

The school house in joint district No. 5 was built in 1868 or 1869; it was a log house on the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 17. Ellen Marshall was tlie first teacher. A frame building was erected in 1880, on section 17, in which Maggie A. King taught the first term of school.

The Wesleyan -Methodists organized a class at the school house on section 3, in 1862. Rev. John Markee and Alpheus Bray were the first preachers. Among others John B. Eastman and Jose[)li McCoy and their wives were members of this class; the former was cho^ien class leader. The following preachers have sei^ved this church: Rev's. Markee, Bray, Alonzo At wood, Josephus Good, Willara Mulleinx and Townsend, who proved to be an imposter.

The Roman Catholics held their first mass in this town in the school house soon after it was built. Father Joseph Ilyneck was tlie first priest. In 1873 they erected a church, located near tlie school house. Father Martin Bulin was priest at the time the church was in course of erection. In 1884 Father Anton Slaina was serving the Chui'ch.

The United Brethren held se^vic^s in the school house on section 17 in 1876. Adam Siianbougli was the first preacher; he organized a class that year, consisting of twelve members: James -McKitrick and wife, Myron Van Deauseii and wife, Jolin Van Deausen and wife, Rebecca and Amanda Harness. James McKitrick was steward and class leader. The following are among the number of preachers employed: Rev. D. K. Young, Rev. Pound, Rev. Charles Ilibbard, Rev. William Smith and Rev. E. Casper.

The first religious services in the southwestern part of the town were held in the log school house on section 30 by John Crandall, a Baptist minister who organized a society of twenty members, who worshipped in the new log school house. A branch of this society have a church in the town of Stark.

Discontinued Postoffices

What was known as Muncie postofiice was established in 1862. Jacob N. Poorman was appointed postmaster and kept the oflice at his house. It was on the mail route fromT<imah to Orion. Mr. Poorman resigned in 1870 and the oflice was then discontinued. A year later Robert Robinson was appointed postmaster and held the oflice at his place on section 27. He was succeeded by Isaac Smith.

Goole postoflice was established in 1S.57. J. C Cooper was appointed as postmaster and kept the office at his place on section 3. He was succeeded during the war by D. C. Burdick, who lived on section 12. J. B. Eastman succeeded him. The office was finally removed to the town of Forest.

The first cemetery of the town is the one situated on section 30, known the Newburn Cemetery. Another burying place is located on section 32 at the "cross roads."

Sketches Of Prominent Citizens

Robert Butcher was one of the pioneers of Union town. He was born in Lancastershire, England, in 1829. When twelve years of age, his parents left their native land for America, and made a settlement in Carioll Co., Ohio. There the father bought a piece of timber land, and Robert assisted him in converting it into a good farm. In 1855 he married Frances Marshall, and in the fall of 1856, loaded up their household effects and shipped by rail to Lone Rock, Wis. i\Irs. Butcher, heing weakly, look the cars for Lone Rock, Wis. Mr. Butcher, Moses Marshall and family came through with a two horse team, driving some stock before tlieni. They were thirty days making the trip from Carroll county to Bad Ax Co., Wis. They settled on section 5, of town 13 north, of range 1 west, on land that had been entered the year previous. Mr. Butcher immediately built a log house, 16x18 feet in dimen.iions, in which the family lived several years. He has improved his farm, and taken an active interest in town affairs. He has served as chairman of the board of town trustees, town treasurer, and at pres nt is town clerk, a position to which he has been elected for ten successive terms. Mr. and Mrs. Butcher have been blessed with eiglit children, seven livi g - Joseph M., Elizabeth P., Isaiah M., John J., Henry S., Katie and Charles G. and Mary M. Elizabeth, the eldest daughter, was married to William McFarland, and died when twenty-five years of age.

William Dixon first visited this county in 1855, and made a permanent sattlement in Union town, in 1856. He was born in England, Aug. 7, 1817. His parents were of Scotch nativity, and had lived in England but a short time. Ill 1828 they emigrated to America atid settled in Oneida Co., N. Y., where William grew to manhood. At the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to a blacksmith to learn the trade, and served four and one-half years. After working as a "jour" for a short time, he went to Troy, N. Y and opened a machine shop, which he operated two years. After two years at his trade in Fiiltonville, Montgomery county, he went to Waterville, Oneida county, and tiiere bought town property. Failing health induceil him to seek a new climate, and in 1855 he visited Wisconsin. Being well pleased with the county of Vei'iion, he entered land in town 13 north, of range 1 west, now known as Union town. He returned to New York and spent the wiutei', coming out again in the spring of 1856. A year and a half later he went back to New York, this time to dispose of property there. He returned in the spring of 1850, and in September of that year was joined by his wife, who had traveled the entire distance alone. They settled on section 3, where they have since resided. Mr. Dixon has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, principally, but for some years kept a stock of goods at his house, and supplied the early seitlers with the necessities of life. He was married at Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Sept. 1, 1848, to Miranda Clapper, a native of Kinderhook, Columbia Co., N. Y. They are the parents of two children - Jessie and Seward.

John B. Eastman was one of the pioneers of Vernon county. He was born among the rock ribbed hills of New Hampshire, Feb. 6, 1824. When six years of age, he accompanied his father's family to Vermont, settling at Norwich, where John was reared and educated. When nineteen years of age, he went to Lowell, Mass., and was there employed as a watchman on the Merrimac corporation for two years. Four years later, he went to Clintonville, now Clinton, Mass., and secured a like situation, which he held about two years. He then suffered a lameness in the foot, and was disabled from work until 1850. In that year, he returned to Vermont on a visit, and again coming to Lowell, open a variety store. He continued this for two years, then gave the charge of the store to his wife, who had been his assistant, and embarked in the restaurant business. He disposed of his stock in the fall of 1855, and started west to find a new location for a home. He stopped a short time with an aunt in Green Co., Wis., and from there, liis uncle-accompanied him to Bad Ax, (now Vernon) county, wTiere he bought land on sections 1 and 12, in what is now the town of Union. He then returned to Massachusetts, and x\pril 4, 1856, started with his family for their new home. He arrived at Albany, Green Co., Wis., on the 11th day of April, and sometime in May, his brother, Ebenezer, and family, arrived from New York. In June tiie two brothers visited their new location, and built a log cabin 12x14 feet in size and covered with bark. They then returned to Green county, and remained there until in September. The last of that month the two brothers and their families started for the new borne, and arrived the first day in October. Tlioy stopped over night with J. C. Cooper, and in the morning removed their household goods to their own cabin. A few nights after it commenced to rain very hard, and the watei' poured dol^n inside as well as out. Mr. E'Jsiman held an umbrella over the children; about this time a voice, calling for admittance, was heard above the storm. Its owner was admitted and proved to be George Jepson. The storm lasted the entire night, and the new-comer was forced to stand upright under a piece of bark during the long hours till the dawn. The entire assemblage were very damp the next day, but the sun came out, and with the wind as an assistant, soon dried their clotlies, and no sickness or evil effects followed this long to be remembered drenching. Mr. Eastman commenced to build a house for himself as soon as possible, and moved his family into it on the 19th of November. On that same day snow commenced falling, and in the morning the ground was covered with a mantle of white, two feet in depth. Before this disappeared, other snows followed, and through the winter measured five feet in depth, not entirely disappearing until spring. The new-comers passed their first winter in the rude structure of logs, and tried to be happy and cont«nted. When spring opened, John B. commenced clearing his land, which was heavily timbered, and finally succeeded, by hard and unceasing toil, in improving a fine farm. The family resided in their first log house until 1875, when lie erected the present frame residence. In early life, Mr. Eastman kept a stock of goods at his house, and carried on quite a trade with the earlier settlers. lie was elected town clerk, trustee, justice of the peace, and filled various other offices. He died Aug. 21, 1S7C, leaving a large circle of acquaintances lomourn his death. One son, George II., was born in Southboro, Mass., March 21, 1850. He has always resided with his ])arents, receiving his education in the district school. He was joined in marriage, Oct. 28, 1S74, to Martha, daughter of Rev. .Tolin and Permelia (Davidson) \rarkee. Four children have blessed this union - Miranda, Grace, Permelia and Edith. .Mr. Eastman occupies the old homestead in company with liis mother. On Jan. 2-1, 1869, John B. Eastman took a boy to raise. He was Samuel D. Lowman, aged two and a half years, and during his stay in the family has proven to be good, honest and steady in whatever he has done. He is now attending school at Ontario.

Hugh Kerr is one of the pioneers of Union town and a prominent farmer of this section of Vernon county. He is of Scotch descent, but was born in county Antrim, Ireland, April 15, 1827. He was there raised to agricultural pursuits, receiving only a moderate education. When twenty-two years of age he came to America and stopped for a few months at Smith's Falls in the province of Ontario. From there he went to Belmont Co., Ohio, where he was joined in marriage, in 1853, to Angeline S., daughter of Robert and Mary (Scott) Milligan. 'I'hat same fall they went to West Virginia and spent one year. They then returned to Ohio, and in 1857 came to Vernon county. Mr. Kerr purchased a tract of timber land on section 31, town 13 north, of range 1 west, now known as the town of Union. There were three acres of this land partially cleared, in the center of which was a small log cabin. The year following Mr. Kerr built a hewed log house, in which the family lived until 1874, when ho erected his present commodious frame residence. His farm now comprises 218 acres, 100 of which are under good cultivation, and the entire farm is considered one of the best in the town. Mr. Kerr is a man well read and thoroughly posted on all questions of the d^iy, and highly respected by a large circle of acquaintances. Himself and wife are the ))arents of four children - Eliza J., wife of Harvey J. Eastman ; Robert A., a graduate of Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and now practicing medicine at Peoria, III. ; John J. and Homer I.

T. S. Jordan, one of the early settlers of Union town, is a native of Indiana, born near Richmond, Wayne county, in December, 1827. His father, James Jordan, was a native of Pennsylvania, his mother, of Tennessee. In 183-3, at about the time of the well remembered "Indian scare," they removed to Illinois and located at Reed's Grove, where the settlers found it necessary to work under protection of a strong guard. James Jordan attended the first land sale at the then small village of Chicago, and entered the present site of the city of Joliet. After three years in his new home, he sold his property and returned to Indiana, that his children might enjoy better educational facilities. He located at Blountsville, Henry county, erected a hotel and also engaged in mercantile pursuits. Three years later he went to Greenville, Delaware county, in tiie "Hoosier State," and was landlord of a hotel for one year ; then purchased and cleared a farm in Well's county. He finally removed to Leesburg, Kosciusko county, where he bought town property and where his wife died in )S44. After the death of his mother, T. S. commenced life for himself. He readily secured employment as a farm laborer in Delaware county and was there married, in 1848, to Martha J. Babb, a native of Clinton Co., Ohio. He lesided in Delaware county ten years after liis mariiagp, rind in 1858 removed to Bad Ax (now Vernon) county and bought land on section 28, of town 13 north, of range 1 west. The family lived in their "moving wagons" until a cabin was erected, in which they resided until 1879, at which date Mr. Jordan erected a comfortable frame dwelling house. He has cleared a larger proportion of his first purchase and has added to it until he now owns 160 acres. In September, 1864, he enlisted in company I, 12th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers ; joined Sherman's army at Atlanta, Ga., and participated in the march to the sea, and northward through th"e Carolinas. He was honorably discharged May 31, 1865, and returning home, resumed his farming operations. Mr. Jordan has been prominent in town affairs. He was elected superintendent of schools in 1860, and was chairman of the board of town trustees for ten successive yeai's. In 1876 he was the elected choice of the people for the State Legislative Assembly, and served one term. Mr- and Mrs. Jordan have four children - Wesley S., Ann Eliza, LeRoy and Clara Bell. A brother of Mr. Jordon, James M., was born in Madison Co., Ind., in May, 1830. He was but fourteen years of age when his mother died. He then started out for himself. He was employed in farming in the States of Indiana, Michigan and Oiiio. He was joined in marriage, in December, 1851, to Mary Ann Babb, who was born in Clinton Co., Ohio. They settled in Delaware Co., Ind. In 1854, in comp.iny with his brother, T. S., he came to Wisconsin and visited Bad Ax county, but made no claim. He returned to Indiana and remained in Delaware county until 1858, when he came in company with his brother and bought land on section 28, of town 13 north, of range 1 west. He first built a log cabin, 19x21 feet in size, with a stone chimney at the end (southern style). As they had no stove, his wife cooked their food in the fire place for five years. They lived in a log house about five yearg, then built a frame house, in which they now reside. They have five children - Alpheus T., Timothy S., Emory G., Joseph C. and Lydia B. Their son, Oliver B., was born July 10, 1854, and died in Minnesota in December, 1878. David B. died in infancy. Mr. Jordon has been a successful farmer. He has added to his possessions by buying land adjoining, and now has 160 acres in a body, which was formerly heavily timbered, but a great portion of which is now in a good state of cultivation.

Isaac D. Poorman o«'na 240 acres on sections 29 and 32, and has been a resident of Union town since 1861. He is tiie eldest son of Jacob N. and Eliza (Babb) Poorman, and was born in Delaware Co., Ind., Sept., 30, 1843, His early life was s])ent at scliool and on the farm, and in 1861 he accompanied his parents to Vernon county. On Nov. 27, 1863, lie enlisted in the 2'] Wisconsin Cavalry, company G, and served under Gen. Sherman and Maj.-Gen. Thomas until the close of the war. He was discharged in December, 1865, and in 1867 was married to Mary A. Smith, also a native of Delaware Co., Ind. He then settled on section 32, where he is engaged in raising grain, especially wheat and clover, and is also deeply interested in the impnivement of the stock in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Poorman are the parents of five cliihlren - Rosetta May, Almeda, Eliza Bird and Alma Bertha, twins, and Brud.

.Jacob N. Poorman is a native of the "Keysicme State," and came to Wisconsin in 1861. He located a quarter section of land in this town, forty acres of which are located on sections 21, 22,27 and 28 respectively. He was born in Franklin Co.,Penn., in November, 1821. His father, Daniel Poorman, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and died in 1824. When Jacob was but seven years of age his mother removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, and in 1840 settled in Delaware Co., Ind. He was there married in 1841 to Eliza Babb, a native of Clinton (!()., Ohio. He bought a piece of land in Delaware county, an d cleared up a farm, living there until 18t)l. His mother had died in Indiana about 1841. Mr. and Afrs. Poorman have l»een blessed with thirteen children, nine of whom are living - Mary S., Isaac D., Barbara E., Susan, Martha .1., Laura E., Sarah C, Eli S., Louisa \i., William 11. and Benjamin F., (twins), Margaret C. and .lacol) L. Sarah C. was born Nov. 9, 1850, and died Aug. 20, 1851. Margaret C. was born Nov. 24, 1S60, ami died April 7, 1861. Martha J. was born March 4, 1848, and died Oct. 13, 1S68. Louisa B. was born Sept. 3, 1854, an<l died Aug. 23, 1877. Mrs. Poorman departed this life Aug. 7, 1883.

spent alternately at school and on the farm, lie was married in 1859 to Martha A. Berry, born in Deerfield township, Morgan county, Feb. 13, 1842. Thev remained in their native county until 1861, when they came to Vernon county, and Mr. McKitrick purchased land on sections 17 and 1«, buildins; a log cabin on the former section. Ho lived in that primitive abode until 1870, when he erected on section 18 his present residence. He has made extensive im)irovements on his land, and now owns one of the best farms in the town. Mrs. McKitrick died June 12, 1883, leaving six children - Irwin E., Clarence W., Elva May, Bertrand Dupree, Laura E. and Stella J.

David Sabin settled on his present farm in 1861. He came from Richland county, and purchased land on sections 27 and 28, and immediately commenced to clear a farm. He built a good two story hewed log house, which he still occupies. He was born in Washington Co., Penn., Sept. 17, 1831. When he was eight years old his parents removed to Ohio and settled in Knox county, where his mother died four years later. When he was fourteen years old his father removed to Indiana and settled in Blackford county, where he soon after broke up housekeeping, and David then started out for himself. He found employment among the farmers of Delaware county, whei'e he grew to manhood. He was there married in January, 1854, to Matilda Babb, who was born in Clinton Co., Ohio. He bought a farm there, on which they lived until 1858, when he sold and came to Wisconsin and settled in Richland county. He bought land on Mill creek, built a log house and remained there until 1861, when hesoldand came to Bad Ax county, as before stated. His farm now contains 160 acres. They have nine cliildren - William C., John B., Emma H., Eli D., Oliver C, Anna, Daniel A., Mary E., Rose B. and Alia A. Annie was born May 14, 1861, and died Oct 16, 1878.

when he bought it was covered with timber. He has built a good log house and has cleared quite a large tract. He is a native of this State, born in Calumet county, March 31,1848. His father, whose name was Nicholas V., was born in Oneida Co., N. Y. He settled in Calumet county in 1844 and was one of the first settlers in that county. He then bought land in the town of Chilton, cleared a farm and now makes that his home. The subject of our sketch was there reared to manhood, receiving his education in the district schools. He made his home there with his parents until 1870, when he came to Vernon county. He was married in January, 1871, to Mary J., daughter of James Mc- Coy. Three children have blessed this union - Lorenzo Franklin, Walter and Charles. His cousin, Henry A., son of Lorenzo F. Chesbro, Sr., \\'as born in Oneida Co., N. Y., March 5, 1860. He attended school there until seventeen years of age, then went to Pennsylvania with his parents and subsequently lived with them in Kansas and Missouri. He came to Vernon county in 1883 and has since made his home with his cousin, Lorenzo F. Chesbro.

Philip F. Steinmetz, a member of the board of supervisors, has resided here since 1875. He was born in Unioji Co., Penn., March 7, 1841. He received a fair education in the district schoohs, supplemented with a course of study at the Lewisburg University. He enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in compxuy E, 142d regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was severely wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. He was sent t) the hospital and discharged from the service March 9, 1863, on account of disability. He returned to Pennsylvania and in 1864 located in Sandusky Co., Ohio, and from tiience to Seneca county, the same State, where he was married in 1868 to Dorotha Saloma Ki-auss. They remained in Seneca county until 1875, when they came to Vernon county and Mr. Steinmetz purchased the northeast qu.arter of section 1"*, town of Union. The hmd was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and he has cleared several acres, set out an orchard of apple trees, which have commenced bearing, also paid some attention to grapes and other small fruit. Mr. and Mrs. Steinmetz are the parents of seven living children - Mary E., John A., Charles H., Samuel E., William P., Emory A. and Oscar E.

George W. Hamilton settled in this town in 1878. He purchased timber land on sections 19 and 20 and began to clear a farm. He was born in Philadelphia, Penn., June 2, 1826, his father having died one month previous. When nine months old he suffered the loss of his best earthly friend, his mother, and was taken in charge by an aunt, who reared him to manhood. He was sent to the city schools and when ten years of age accompanied his aunt to Delaware Co., Penn., where he reached maturity. At the age of sixteen he commenced serving a four years' apprenticeship at the carpenter trade. When twenty years of age he went to Baltimore, and there worked at his trade until 1846, when he enlisted on board a man-of-war in the service of the United States. At the expiration of his service he returnei to Baltimore and resumed work at his trade. In 1850 he went to Ironton, Lawrence Co., Ohio, and opened a store, also driving a wagon and bartering groceries for produce. In 1861 he engaged in the United States' service as wagon-master and served in the same capacity in West Virginia for two years. He then returned to Ironton and resumed business. In 1864 he enlisted in the 1 73d regiment, Ohio Volunteer lufaniiy, company K, and was mustered in as commissary sergeant. He was promoted to a second lieutenacy, serving in company A until July, 1865. when he was discharged and returned to Ohio and settled in Gallia county on land he had purchased in 1864. He resumed his trade arid also engaged in farming until 1878, when he came to Union town, and now owns 320 acres of land, a large portion of which is cleared. He was married May 26, 1852, to Mrs. Mary A. (Van Horn) Dearmon, widowed wife of George W. Dearmon, born in Ohio. They have two adopted sons - George W. Parnett and Charlie H. Eakman. Mrs. Hamilton had five children by her former husband, three of whom are living - John P., Nancy and William A.