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CHESTER TOWNSHIP.

JOHN ANDERSON, deceased, was born in Virginia, in 1811. His parents were William and Nancy Anderson. In his youth, he was trained to the pursuits of farming, and received but a limited education. In March, 1837, he married Miss Lydia, daughter of Philip and Mary Murphy. To them were born six children Franklin J. Virginia, Philip, John W. and two deceased. They emigrated fed from Virginia to Greene County, Ohio, about the year 1837, where they lived several years. They then removed to Clinton County, where the family at present reside. Mr. Anderson was a Democrat in politics. He departed this life September 3, 1855. His widow still survives him, and resides in Chester Township, about one and one-half miles south of New Burlington.

WILSON BAILEY, farmer. Oakland, was born January 25, 1849, Clinton County, Chester Township, Ohio. His parents were William H. and Rachel Bailey. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received an ordinary district school education. On the 29th of August, 1874, he was united in' the bonds of matrimony to Miss Ida T. Lemar, daughter of Samuel Lemar, of whom we have made mention in this work. To them have been born three children--James M., Frank R. and Samuel K. He is a Republican, and the owner of about eighty acres of land.

DANIEL COLLETT, Jr., deceased, was born October 1, 1795, in Jefferson County, Va. In the year 1814, his parents, Daniel, Sr., and Mary Collett, settled in what is now known as Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, and where they settled there


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was not a stick amiss. They endured all the hardships and privations usually endured by the pioneers of that early day. Daniel, Sr., was the father of seven children, a member of the Church of England, and departed this life in Jane, 1835. His wife died in September, 1826. Daniel Collett, Jr., was reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. In March, 1826, he married Miss Virginia McKay, daughter of Moses and Abigail McKay. To them were born one child-Daniel. Mrs. McKay died January, 1827. In August, 1831, he married Miss Charity Hackney, daughter of Aaron and Hannah Hackney, by whom he had five children. He was a member of the Baptist Church, in which church he officiated as Deacon. Politically be was a Republican. He departed this life in September, 1862. His wife died in September, 1881. Daniel, one of the sons of Daniel Collett, Jr, was born in January, 1827. When an infant his mother died. He was then taken care of by Mrs. Jonathan Collett, with whom be remained until he was about eight years of age. He then went again to live with his own people on the old homestead, where he at present resides. He has served as Township Trustee for about twelve years, and has in his possession about 500 acres of land. Jonathan Collett, Sr., brother of Daniel Collett, Jr., was born April, 1787, in Jefferson County, Va. In May, 1822, he married Sarah McKay, daughter of Moses and Abigail McKay, and sister of Mrs. Daniel Collett, Jr. They had nine children, of whom six are still living. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and died in October, 1865. His wife died in 1852. He was a man of sterling integrity and worth.

DANIEL H. COLLETT, deceased, was born March 11, 1806, in Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio. He was the son of Moses and Rebecca Collett, who settled in Warren County about 1806. Daniel H. was reared on a farm, and received a fair English education. He was married, November 4, 1830, to Miss Maria A. McKay, sister of Francis McKay, whose sketch appears in this work. To them have been born eight children, viz. : Thamasin, Moses. Abigail, Elizabeth, Sarah A., Francis, Horace, and Rebecca (deceased. In the year 1831, he settled on 360 acres of land in Chester Township, Clinton County, about three miles southeast of where New Burlington is located. He was industrious, persevering and energetic in his business matters. During the latter years of his life, he was troubled with heart disease, from the effects of which he died very suddenly, January 11, 1871. He was a kind and loving father, and an affectionate husband. In his death, Clinton County lost one of her most worthy and honorable citizens. He was a member of the Baptist Church at Jonah's Run, in which church he officiated as Deacon. Clinton County has had but few men more worthy of representation in the annals of her history than the subject of our sketch.



NATHAN H. COLLETT, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg, was born November 27, 1810, in Greene County, where he remained until be was about thirty-three years of age. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received a fair English education in a district school. On October 12, 1836, he married Miss Mary S. Hackney, born March 2, 1812, in Frederick County, Va., and daughter of Aaron and Hannah Hackney. To them have been born seven children, five of whom are still living, viz. Eleanor, Hannah, Rebecca, Louisa and Hugh S. In 1845, Mr. Collett removed from Greene to Clinton County, and settled in the southern portion of Chester Township, where he still resides. He has served as Trustee for Chester Township. Politically, he is a Republican; is a member of the Baptist Church, and the owner of 190 acres of land.

JESSE COMPTON, farmer, P. O. New Burlington. Samuel Compton, father of the subject of our sketch, was born in South Carolina, August 16, 1796. His parents were Amos and Rebecca Compton. When about ten years of age, his parents emigrated from South Carolina to Greene County, Ohio, about the year 1806, and settled on the banks of Caesar's Creek, near where New Burlington is at present located. Amos lived here until his death, which occurred September 14, 1824. His wife after ward married John Furnas, Sr. She departed this life October 5, 1841. Samuel was reared on a farm, and in 1823., married Miss Alice Ally. Shortly after his marriage, he settled in the woods, about one mile west of his father's farm, in Greene County, and


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began to clear off his land, in which he endured a great many hardships. He was the father of eight children, five of whom grew to man and womanhood, viz. : Jesse, Rebecca, Nancy, Amos and Lydia. He departed this life March 12, 1861. His widow still survives him, she being now in her seventy-eighth year. Samuel was a member of the Society of Friends, and was at one time the owner of about seven hundred acres of land. Jesse Compton, the subject of our present sketch, and eldest child of Samuel Compton, was born January 12, 1825, in Greene County; was reared to manhood on a farm. He received the rudiments of an English education, in a district school. He was married October 12, 1848, to Miss Esther Spray, born in July, 1831, and daughter of Jesse, Sr., and Mary Spray. They are the parents of six children, viz. : Uriah, Martha, John S., Mary A., Lydia J. and Elizabeth A. In 1848, he removed from Greene County to Chester Township, Clinton County, and located about one-half of a mile east of New Burlington. He is an ardent member of the Society of Friends, and the owner of about 151 acres of land.

JOHN P. DENNY, deceased, was born July 4, 1823, in Warren County, near Lebanon. His parents were John and Hannah Denny. When he was about seven years of age his parents removed to Clinton County, where they remained until their death. In his youthful days he was trained to farming, which occupation he ever after followed. On January, 1862, he married Miss Martha Collett, born in February, 1831, by whom he has had two children, viz.: Anne and George. He was a man of sterling integrity and reliable character, a kind and loving father and indulgent husband. In politics he was a Republican. He departed this life August 10, 1881. His widow still survives him, and has in her possession about 428 acres of land.

BENJAMIN FARQUHAR, physician, New Burlington. Jonah Farquhar, father of the subject of our sketch and seventh son of Allan and Phebe Farquhar, was born in Frederick County, Md., on March 13, 1778. As to the manner in which his youthful days were spent, we can give but a brief account, except that he received the rudiments of an English education in a district school of that early day. When a young man, he learned the trade of tanning at his father's tanyard, which he followed for many years. When quite young he lost his parents, and consequently he was thrown upon his own resources to make his way in the world the best he could. At the death of his father he received several hundred dollars, with which, increased by his own earnings, he started, in the spring of 1806, on horseback, accompanied by his brother Mahlon, for the State of Ohio. After having arrived in Ohio, they spent some time in viewing the country in Greeene, Clinton, Warren and some of the adjoining counties. They being quite fond of adventures, sold their horses, and with the proceeds thereof, bought flour at a mill, probably three miles below where Waynesville at present is located, on the Little Miami River. After constructing a rude raft or boat, which they loaded with the flour and such provisions as they were obliged to have in order to sustain life, they started down the river in search of a market for their (then) precious cargo. While on the route down the river their raft was damaged, having been staved against the bank. This accident occasioned a delay of some three or four days, which time was occupied by them in making such repairs as was deemed necessary. They again started on their way and after some time arrived at Cincinnati (then called Fort Washington). Not finding the market there as they anticipated, they procured a larger raft or boat, upon which they loaded their flour and provisions. They then started on a voyage down the Ohio River to New Orleans, where they found a satisfactory market for their flour. They here sold their boat and took passage on a schooner bound for Baltimore. This voyage carried them by way of the Gulf, the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, and which finally brought them near their own home again, where they arrived about the beginning of the following winter. Jonah lived at home until the following summer, when he again started on horseback for Ohio. He was this time accompanied by his brother Mahlon and several others. Jonah and his brother finally concluded they would settle in the northern part of Greene County, where they bought land and began to appreciate the realities of their new Western home. During Jonah's first stay in Ohio, he formed the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Beal, daughter of Jacob and Sarah


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Beal. She was born in Fayette County, Penn., her father having settled in greens County about 1803. This acquaintance (.after a time) ripened into an attachment, and on the 19th 9th of July, 1808, they celebrated their nuptials. Mahlon remained with them for about two years after their marriage, when his railing health warned him to seek some other climate. He accordingly went to the eastern part of the State (Jefferson County), where with his sister he lived but a few months; consumption had seized his frame and slowly but surely, he succumbed to its dreadful grasp. Jonah and wife lived in Greene County until the fall of 1811, when he was taken ill with entero-gastritis, a disease at that time prevalent about the neighborhood in which they resided. He was attended to by medical aid, and for several weeks there seemed no hope for his recovery. He, however, slowly recovered, and after a time, concluded to spend some little time in visiting his relatives, by this means hoping still more to improve his health. Accordingly he started nn horseback, taking with him his wife and son (Mahlon), about eighteen months old, with tile intention of visiting his relatives in Jefferson County. After remaining in Jefferson a short time, they proceeded to visit his wife's relatives, who were at that time living in Pennsylvania. They there spent a few weeks, when they started on a journey to Frederick County, Aid. After remaining a short time in Maryland, his health had recovered sufficiently to allow him to return to his Western home. But owing to the disturbed condition of the country-our Government at that time being engaged in a war with Great Britain-he concluded to wait until peace between the two countries was established. He accordingly rented in New Market, a dwelling-house, and secured an interest in a tannery, where he was busily engaged until the autumn of 1814, when he again began to think of returning to his Western home. At some time previous to Mahlon's death, he and Jonah had .bought a tract of land situated on Turkey Run Creek, Clinton County, on which place Mrs. Farquhar wished to settle, owing to the malarious condition of the climate to Greene County. After snaking the necessary preparations, they started on their journey for their new home in Clinton County with a wagon, to which were attached three horses. Their family at this time consisted of three children, one being an infant about two months old. They met with no serious accidents until they began crossing the Blue Ridge. They were here exposed to the rain and the inclemency of the weather, from the effects of which the infant contracted a cold, which finally brought on the dreaded croup and caused its death in a few hours. After laying away the cold form of the child in the barren mountains they resumed their journey. After a long and tedious journey they arrived in Clinton County, about the tenth of November, 1814. They accordingly went to live in their new home. The house in which they were to dwell stood on the brow of a hill, and was built of round logs, the chimneys of which were very rude, nevertheless it served as a very comfortable home. After becoming settled he began preparations to establish a tanyard, and as his business began to increase he was obliged to enlarge his tanning capacities to enable him to meet the demands of his customers. In 1817, they moved from the log cabin into a new and better house built by them, which was more suited to their demands. They remained in this dwelling about thirty years, when an event occurred which brought sorrow to the different members of the family. After suffering for some time of paralysis, Mrs. Farquhar died. This occurred August 18, 1847. In 1837, his health failing him somewhat he concluded to give up the business of tanning, which he accordingly did. He subsequently spent a great deal of time in reading, having been especially interested in the anti-slavery and temperance movements. In the autumn of 1856, he was taken with a severe cold, which terminated in a fever, from the effects of which he was prostrated. He was confined to his room the greater part. of the following winter. The following vernal season had once more arrived, which found him slowly but surely passing away, until on April 10, 1857, he quietly breathed his last-being then in his eightieth year. Benjamin, the subject of our present sketch, and one of the twelve children of Jonah Farquhar. of whom nine grew to manhood and womanhood, was born February 15, 1822, in what is now known as Chester Township, Clinton County. In his youth, he was reared to the pursuits of farming. He received the. rudiments of education in a district school, and at the age of


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twenty he began to attend the Waynesville Academy, where he remained a short. time. In 1845-46, he attended the Winchester Academy. He subsequently taught school several years. In 1867, he attended the Physico-Medical Institute at Cincinnati, from whence he received his diploma in 1868. On April 4, 1850, he married Miss un Jay, daughter of David and Rebecca Jay, by whom he had six children, three of whom are still living. In 1869, he began the practice of medicine, with headquarters at New Burlington, Clinton County, in which profession he is at present successfully engaged. He is a member of the Friends' Society, and well worth presentation in the history of our county.

PHILIP FARQUHAR, farmer, P. O. Oakland, was born February 15, 1828, Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. He was the son of Jonah and Elizabeth Farquhar. His youthful days were passed on a farm. He received a fair English education, and subsequently taught school for about three years. He was married in May 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Craig, born 1840, and daughter of James and Jane Craig by whom he had seven children; four of whom are still living-James A., Salathiel, Viola M. and Mary J. He is a member of the Friends' Society. In 1866, he was elected Township Clerk, and served for ten years in succession. In 1879, he was elected Township Trustee, in which capacity he still officiates. In his political views he is a Republican; and the owner of about fifty-three acres of land. He may well be classed among the worthy citizens of Clinton County.

AMOS HAINES, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg, was born November 7, 1820, in Massie Township, Warren Co., Ohio. He was the son of Nathan and Rachel Haines, who settled in Warren County about the year 1818. Amos was reared to manhood on a farm, and received the rudiments of education in a district school. On June 18, 1850, he wag united in marriage to Miss Hannah Denney. She departed this life January 28, 1853. In 1854, March 2, he married Miss Angeline Carr, by whom he had two children-Charles C. (at present ticket agent and operator at Corwin Station) and Mary B. Mr. Haines is a member of the Baptist Church. His political views are Republican, and he is the owner of about 169 acres of land, in Warren and Clinton Counties.

ELI HAINES, farmer, P. O. New Burlington, was born August 12, 1827, in Caesar's Creek Township, Greene County. His parents were Zimri and Elizabeth Haines. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. On November 24, 1858, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Emily S. McPherson, born February 7, 1837, and daughter of Stephen and Mary McPherson, of Highland County. She is a distant relative of Gen. McPherson, who figured in the late war of the rebellion. They are the parents of six children-Jenna M., Zimri F., Eleanora, Jesse Curtiss, and two deceased. He is an ardent member of the Society of Friends, a Republican, and the owner of 130 acres of land.

ARCHIBALD HAYNES, farmer, P. O. Oakland, was born July 18, 1808, in Dutchess County, N. Y.; his parents were William and Marsbie Haynes; when he was about six months old his parents emigrated to Ohio, and settled about a quarter of a mile east of where Mrs. J. P. Denny at present resides in the southern portion of Chester Township, Clinton County. This occurred about the year 1809. When they Fettled on the aforesaid place there was hardly a stick amiss. William, at one time, held the office of Justice of the Peace; he was the father of five children, of whom two are still living, viz., Harriet, now living in Columbus, and Archibald, the subject of our present sketch, living at Oakland ; he departed this life September 9, 1821 ; his wife died May 14, 1813. When Archibald was about four years of age, or directly after the death of his mother, he went to live with Mr. Warren Sabin, of Wilmington, with whom he remained until he was about fifteen years of age. At the age of twenty-one years, he formed a partnership with Samuel Smith, of Wilmington, in the mercantile business, which he continued for about three years. He was married, May 17, 1832, to Miss Harriet E. Dakin, by whom he had five children, of whom one is still living, viz., William H. She died June 9, 1839. On May 2, 1840, he married Miss Mary A. Banes,


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by whom he had five children, two of whom are still living. She died about 1852. Directly after he dissolved partnership with Mr. Smith, he removed to the southern portion of Chester Township, where he still resides; he was in the mercantile business in Oakland and vicinity for about twenty years, and served as County Commissioner for six years

AMOS HAWKINS, farmer, P. O. New Burlington. James Hawkins, the father of the subject of our sketch, was born in Virginia, in 1756; he was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received but the rudiments of an English education. In the year 1806, he emigrated from South Carolina, to which State his parents had removed, to Clinton County, Ohio, and settled in what is now known as Chester Township on Caesar's Creek, in the northwest portion of the township; he settled here in the woods with hardly a "stick amiss." During the first summer he lived in a camp, and in the fall, built a log house, into which they retired for winter quarters ; he then began the laborious task of clearing up his land, in which he endured a great many hardships and privations; he lived here until his death ; he was a member of the Society of Friends, and left to his family about 144 acres of land. Amos Hawkins, subject of our present sketch, was born March 23, 1813, in Clinton County, on the old homestead; he too, was reared on a farm, find, like his father, received but a limited education. He married Miss Massie Spray, daughter of John and Sarah Spray. They have five children, viz., James, Jehu S., John, Jesse and Benjamin; he is a member of the Society of Friends, a Republican, and the owner of 384 acres of land, and may well be classed among the worthy citizens of Clinton County.

JAMES HAWKINS, farmer, P. O. New Burlington, was born January 6,1841, in Clinton County, Ohio. His parents are Amos and Massie Hawkins, of whom we have made mention in this work. In his youth he was trained to the pursuits of farming, and received a fair English education. On September 24, 1863, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary Mills, born September 24, 1839, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Mills of Warren County. This union was blessed with four children-Carrie C., Willie A., Morris J. and Levi M. (deceased). Mrs. Hawkins died in March, 1877 He is a member of the Friends' Society, in which he officiates as a minister of the Gospel. He was elected Trustee for Chester Township, in 1881, the duties of which office he still performs. In his political views he is a Republican, and is the owner of about one hundred and ninety acres of land.

MILTON JOHN HORMELL, physician, Oakland, was born October 8, 1820, in Warren County, about five miles north of Lebanon. His parents were Henry and Margaret Hormell. He received the rudiments of an education in a district school, and afterward attended the Harveysburg Seminary, for about two years, where he completed a higher course of study. When about twenty-one years of age, he began the study of medicine with Dr. Corlis, of Harveysburg, with whom he remained as a student for about three years. After completing his course of study he began to practice, which he did successfully for about five years in both Warren and Clinton Counties. He then attended the Ohio Medical University, at Cincinnati. From which institution he graduated in 1853. He resumed the practice of his profession, with headquarters at Harveysburg, Warren County, where he remained until 1860, in which year he removed to Clinton County, Chester Township, near Oakland, where he still resides, and attends to the duties of his profession. In October, 1845, he married Almira Dakin. daughter of Judge James Dakin (deceased). She died in November, 1846. On November 1, 1849, he married Miss Eveline Kisey, born November 9, 1826, daughter of Jacob and Amelia Kisey, who settled in Warren County, about 1810. They are the parents of four children -Fremont N., Horace D., Mary C. and William. In 1862, after the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, he went with the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry as Assistant Surgeon, with which regiment he remained about four months, when having contracted an illness, he returned home, where he remained until the spring of 1864. At that time he was instrumental in forming a company of volunteers which afterward belonged to the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment of Ohio National Guards, or the hundred day men. He was engaged in the battle of


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Monocacy, and received an honorable discharge in August of the same year. He then returned home and began to attend to the duties of his profession. In 1847, he was elected Justice of the Peace for Massie Township, Warren County, and served three years. He also served as Township Trustee for one year. He is a member of the Baptist Church and the owner of 131 acres of land.

DANIEL HUFFMAN, JR., farmer, P. O. New Burlington, was born in December, 1805, in Hardy County, Va. He was the son of Daniel, Sr., and Rosanna Huffman. He was reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. In 1822, his parents emigrated to Clinton County and settled on the waters of Buck Run Creek, in what is now known as Chester Township. The land on which they settled had not a stick amiss. They first built a log cabin in which to dwell and in due time began to fell the forest which surrounded them. In the accomplishment of this task they endured a great many hardships and privations which was the common lot of those early pioneers. On October 16, 1828, Daniel Huffman, Jr., was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lucas, born March 16, 1809, daughter of Caleb and Mary Lucas. To them have been born eleven children. Mr. Huffman is now in his seventy-seventh year, and the owner of 115 acres of land.



JOHN H. HURLEY, farmer, P. O. New Burlington, was born January 23, 1835, in Clinton County, Ohio; was the son of William and Drusilla Hurley. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, received the rudiments of education in a district school. On December 29, 1855, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Elizabeth Linton born December, 1838, and daughter of Allen and Elizabeth Linton, of whom we have made mention is this work. This union has been blessed with eight children, viz.; William A., Norah L., Anna M., Lilian M., Carrie L., Francis R., Charles A. and Jeremma. He is a member of the M. E. Church at New Burlington, and the owner of 175 acres of land, and may well be classed among the worthy citizens of Clinton County.

SAMUEL LEMAR, farmer, P. O., New Burlington, was born January 1, 1813; was the son of Charles and Elizabeth Lemar. Charles was born April 12, 1786, in Virginia. His parents were Charles and Elizabeth Lemar. When about fourteen years of age, his mother died. In 1802, his father, with the remainder of the family, emigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, and settled in what is now known as Hocking Township, where they remained until 1833. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received the rudiments of education in a district school. In 1812, he married Miss Elizabeth Rose, by whom he bad thirteen children, ten of whom are still living. In 1834, he removed to Chester Township, Clinton County, where he lived several years. He died in Greene County, February, 1865. His wife died in 1847. Samuel Lemur, the subject of our present sketch, was reared, in his youth, to the pursuits of farming, and received what was called in that day a good English education. When he was about eighteen years of age, he began to work on the canal, which was at that time in course of construction from Cincinnati to Cleveland, and for his services received $13 per month. After working there several months, he began work in a brickyard, where he remained about one year, and for his services, received $10 per month. Shortly after quitting work in the brickyard, he started, with one Jackson Brooks, for Clinton County, taking with him $5 and a few cents, having given his father the remainder of his earnings, he being still a minor. On his way to Clinton County, he was obliged to travel on foot, the greater part of the way being very muddy. After working several years for the farmers of Chester Township, he bought, in 1841, a firm of 100 acres, located near the center of the township, of which he retained possession until 1849. On January 1, 1835, he married Miss Elects Barnes, daughter of Samantha Barnes. The Barnes family emigrated from Dutchess County, N. Y., to Clinton County, Ohio, about 1813. This union was blessed with two children, both of whom are deceased. She died in December, 1837. On August 29, 1844, he married Miss Julia Ann Stingley, daughter of John and Elizabeth Stingley, by whom he had ten children, nine of whom are still living, viz., John S., Oliver W., Emma, Alice, Ida, Eva, Ella, Tinna and Samuel. Mr. Lemar has served as Clerk for Chester Township, two years; as Trustee, for twenty


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years. He was elected Justice of the Peace in August, 1839, and served until April, 1875. In 1869, he was elected County Commissioner, the duties of which office he performed six years. Politically, he is a Republican, and the owner of about five hundred acres of land.

JOHN S. LEMAR, farmer and Justice of the Peace, New Burlington, was born March 31, 1847, in Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. His parents are Samuel and Julia A. Lemar, whose biographies appear in this work. He was reared to manhood on a farm. When about nineteen years of age, he attended the Xenia Academy for a short time. In March, 1868, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ress, born April 21, 1845, and daughter of Chalklin and Lydia Ress. To them have been born three children-Etta, Mary E., and Alve. In 1871, he was elected Justice of the Peace for Chester Township, and has served in that capacity up to the present time. He is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 312, at Harveysburg. He is a Republican, politically, and the owner of 100 acres of land.

JAMES W. LINTON, farmer, P. O. New Burlington. Allan Linton, the father of the subject of our sketch, was born January 27, 1807, in Warren County, Ohio. He was the son of David and Letitia Linton. When about seven years of age, he was left an orphan, and was taken into the family of Mr. George Arnold, with whom he lived until he arrived at the years of manhood. He passed his youthful days on a farm ; received a fair English education, by the acquirement of which he was enabled to teach school for several terms. In 1828, October 30, he married Miss Elizabeth Ragin, by whom he had six children, five of whom are still living. She departed this life October 9, 1839. By his second marriage he was united to Miss Melissa Conger, by whom he had four children, of whom three are still living. About the year 1829, he purchased 294 acres of land in Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, and by subsequent purchases had at one time in bis possession about 430 acres. He served as Justice of the Peace in Chester Township. In politics, his views were with the Republican party, and he was at one time a strong abolitionist. He was a man of considerable energy and perseverance, and firmness of purpose, and died January, 1875. James W. Linton, the subject of our sketch and son of Allan Linton, was born April 23, 1843, in Clinton County, Ohio; was reared on a farm, and received a fair English education. On September 18, 1878, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary A. Bailey, born August 28, 1847, and daughter of William H. and Rachel Bailey. Mrs. Linton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a lady of superior intellectual attainments. He is the owner of about fifty-eight acres of land, and well worthy of representation in the history of our county.

EBENEZER LUCAS, farmer, P. O. New Burlington. We are about to introduce to the readers of this volume, a gentleman well worthy of representation in the annals of our county. Ebenezer Lucas was born October, 5, 1819, in Clinton County. Ohio, in what is now known as Chester Township. His parents were Caleb and Mary Lucas, who were among the first settlers of Clinton County, having settled here in about 1802. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school of that early day. He was married January 26, 1873, to Miss Sarah Mann, born September 15, 1828. Her parents were David and Rachel Mann. In his political views, Mr. Lucas is a Democrat, and the owner of about ninety-five acres of land.

FRANCIS MCKAY, deceased, was born in January, 1802, in Frederick County, Va. His parents were Moses and Abigail McKay, who emigrated to Warren County in 1818. They settled near where Harveysburg is located, and at which place they remanded but a short time. They then removed to a farm about four miles east of where Waynesville is located, on the banks of the Little Miami River, where they spent the remainder of their days. Mr. McKay, like other pioneers, endured a beat many trials and hardships, but with a sturdy arm and a brave heart he overcame them. He bas made for himself a record worthy of perpetuation, in the history of Clinton County. He died January 28, 1828. His wife died the following July, of the same year. Francis, the subject of our present sketch, was reared on a farm, and received the rudi-


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ments of an English education in a district school. On October 7, 1830, he was united in the bonds of matrimony, to Miss Mary Collett. born November 7, 1808, daughter of Moses and Rebecca Collett. This union was blessed with eleven children, seven of whom are still living. In the spring of 1833, he settled in the northern portion of what is now known as Chester Township, Clinton County. He was the heir to several hundred acres of land, which was at this time partially cleared. He was a man of very industrious habits, of sterling integrity and unblemished character. He departed this life, March 26, 1871, In his death, Clinton County lost one of her most worthy and respected citizens. Not only is his presence missed by the loved ones of his own family, who mourn his loss, but by the poor and needy, to whom he ever extended a helping hand. His widow still survives him, now in her seventy-fourth year.

MOSES C. MCKAY, farmer, P. O. New Burlington, was born September 10, 1832, in Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. He was the son of Francis and Mary McKay. In his youth he was reared to the pursuits of farming, and received but a limited education ; but being a great reader, in after years he acquired considerable self education. On October 3, 1855, he married Miss Matilda Ferguson, born August 26, 1838, daughter of Edward and Ann Ferguson. To them have been born three children, viz. : Emma F., Anne L. and Charles A. Mrs. McKay died April 27, 1865. He was again married April 4, 1867. This time to Mrs. Sarah Marshall, nee Bales, daughter of Silas and Elizabeth Bales, by whom be had two children, viz.: William S. and Edwin F. In January, 1856, be removed to the farm; on which be is at present located, adjoining the old homestead, where his mother still resides. He served as Trustee for Chester Township two years. In 1877, he was elected Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he still officiates. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the owner of 150 acres of land.

JONATHAN McKAY, farmer, P. O. New Burlington, was born August 3,1834, in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio; his parents were Francis and Mary McKay, of whom we have made mention in this work; he was reared on a farm and received a fair English education. On June 18, 1862, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Medsker, born August 30, 1838, and daughter of Michael and Sarah Medsker. Michael Medsker was born in January; 1812, near Hillsboro, Highland County; he was reared on a farm, and received but a limited education. On May 14, 1833, he married Miss Sarah Graham, born March 18, 1811, by whom he had nine children, four of whom are still living. Mrs. Medsker died in October, 1862; he was again married in May, 1865. This time to Miss Elizabeth Zink, with whom he at present shares his joys and sorrows. Jonathan McKay is the father of five children, three of whom are still living ; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at New Burlington, and the owner of 222 acres of land, situated two miles east of New Burlington.

JOSIAH McMILLAN, deceased, was born May 10, 1798, in York County, Penn.; he was the son of David and Hannah McMillan; he was reared to manhood on a farm, and received the rudiments of an education in a district school. When Josiah was about seven years of age, his parents emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio, Clinton County, and settled in the eastern portion of what is now known as Chester Township. He was married, September 22, 1824, to Miss Susannah Cox, born July 12, 1801, daughter of William and Emma Cox. They were the parents of seven children, viz., David, born 1825, Hannah 1829, Mary 1830, Clarkson 1832, Ann C. 1840, and Thomas and Susanna, deceased. Mrs. McMillan died December 16, 1843; he again married in September, 1851, Miss Mary Crew, daughter of Obadiah Crew. She died April 9, 1854; he was married a third time in September, 1860, to Miss Rebecca Ann Wbinery, daughter of Robert and Phcebe Wbinery ; to them were born two children, viz., Joseph, born 1861, and Jennie, in 1863. He was a man of industrious and energetic habits ; a member of the Society of Friends, and died June 20, 1879 ; he, indeed, is well worthy of representation in the history of our county.

BENJAMIN F. MILLS, farmer, P. O. New Burlington, born January 21,1847, in Wayne Township, Warren Co., Ohio, was the son of Isaac and Annabel Mills; he


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was reared to man's estate on a farm ; received the rudiments of an English education in a district school ; he was married, February 13, 1868, to Miss Sarah A. Wood, born December 26, 1848, and. daughter of Isaac and Rachel Wood, of Warren County. They are the parents of four children, viz., Effie A., Wilbur H., Mary B. and Ruth H. In the year 1873, he came to Clinton County, and settled in the western part of Chester Township, where he now resides. He is a member of the Society of Friends, and a Republican ; he believes in giving his aid to anything which would be of interest to the county or township, and is the owner of 104 acres of land.

MILTON W. MILLS, farmer, P. O. New Burlington, was born November 12, 1844, in Wayne Township, Warren Co., Ohio Was the son of Isaac and Annabel Mills. He was reared to manhood on a farm, receiving the rudiments of an education in a district school. He was married September 19, 1865, to Miss Anna P. Myers, born August 8, 1843, and daughter of William B. and Hannah Myers. They are the parents of four children-Laura A., Charles H., Frank and Esther A. In the year 1874, he removed from Greene County to Chester Township, Clinton County, where beat present is located. He is a member of the Friends' Society, and the owner of about sixty-three acres of land.

JAMES W. MUSSETTER, farmer, P. O. Oakland. John Mussetter, the father of the subject of our sketch, was born June 9, 1769, in Frederick County, Md. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and January 17, 1801, he married Miss Ann Williams, by whom he had seventeen children, sixteen of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. He removed from Maryland to Virginia, where he remained about thirty years. In 1836, he emigrated to Clinton County, Ohio, and settled in what is now known as Liberty Township, about one mile south of where Lumberton is located, and where he remained about eight years. He then removed to Chester Township and settled on .he farm at present occupied by Mr. G. E. Stingley. He lived there until his death, which occurred September 27, 1847. His wife died June 1, 1870. James W. Mussetter was also reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. On January 9, 1849, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Anne Huffman, daughter of Solomon and Christina Huffman, who died March 23, 1854, and February 26, 1855, he married Miss Rebecca Morris, daughter of John and Ruth Morris, by whom he had eight children-Alice A., Emma, Isaac, Lydia M., Vincent, Stella, Adella and Casius (deceased). Mrs. Mussetter died February 27, 1866. He again married in September, 1873, Miss Ella Rockhill, daughter of John and Lydia Rockhill, by whom he has four children-Nina, Ada M., Bessie and Grace. In 1866, be removed to the farm on which he is at present located-situated about one and a half miles northwest of Oakland Village. Politically he is a Republican, and the owner of 189 acres of land.

NEWTON McMILLAN, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, was born April 9, 1802, in York County, Penn. He was the son of Jonathan, Sr., and Ann McMillan, who were among the early settlers of Clinton County. Jonathan McMillan was born in 1773. He was reared on a farm, and received but a limited education. In 1798, he married Miss Ann Huzzy, by whom be had three children. She died April 12, 1802. In 1811, he married Miss Hannah Saxton, by whom he had two children. In 1806, he emigrated from Pennsylvania to Clinton County, Ohio, and settled in what is now known as Chester Township, where his son Newton at present resides. After building a log cabin, he began the laborious task of clearing his land, which consisted of about 200 acres. We at the present day can hardly appreciate the hardships and privations endured by him in accomplishing his difficult task. He remained on his farm until 1834. at which time he went to Cincinnati, where he remained about one year. He then removed to a place called Walnut Hill, located northeast of Cincinnati, where he remained until his death. Newton McMillan, the subject of our present sketch, was, like his father, reared to manhood on a farm, and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. He was about four years of age when his parents settled in Clinton County. On April 7, 1836, he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Brown, by whom he had seven children, three of whom are still living. She died May


CHESTER TOWNSHIP. - 943

20, 1847. In March, 1851, he married Miss Sarah Lester, born October 10, 1831, by whom he had eight children, three of whom are still living. He served as Trustee for Chester Township several years. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Friends' Society, and the owner of 103 acres of land.

JONATHAN McMILLAN, farmer, P. O. Gurneyville. David McMillan, father of the subject of our sketch, was born March 2, 1772, in Pennsylvania; his parents were William and Deborah McMillan ; he was reared to manhood on a farm, and received the rudiments of education in a district school; his wife was Miss Hannah Huzzey ; they were the parents of ten children, five of whom were born in Pennsylvania, and five in Ohio, two of whom are still living-Thomas and Jonathan. In 1805, David emigrated, with his family, to Clinton County, Ohio, and settled on the waters of Turkey Run Creek, in what is now known as Chester Township ; he bought about 300 acres of land without a stick amiss ; he first erected a log cabin, after which he began the work of clearing up, in which he endured many hardships and privations ; he was endowed with considerable mechanical skill, having been able to make all sorts of farming implements and furniture for his own use, thereby saving considerable expense ; he was a member of the Friends' Society, and departed this life December 20, 1844 ; his wife died September 18, 1846. Jonathan McMillan, the subject of our sketch, was born June 27, 1812, and, like his father, was reared on a farm; he received a fair English education, which enabled him to teach school for several years. On November 23, 1837, he married Miss Susannah H. Wickersham, by whom he had four children, three of whom are still living. While returning home from Granville, Ind., where they had been visiting for a short time with some friends, a dead hickory tree fell on the covered wagon in which they were traveling, and killed Mrs. McMillan instantly, and broke one of Mr. McMillan's legs. This occurred August 19, 1846. His broken limb obliged him to remain in Indiana some nine weeks longer, at the end of which time he was able to be brought home. On October 26, 1848, he married Miss Rebecca Frazier, born October 13, 1832, daughter of Moses and Lydia Frazier. To them have born born six children, five of whom are still living. He is a member of the Friends' Society, and the owner of 180 acres of land. Notwithstanding the many trials and hardships they have been obliged to endure, Mr. and Mrs. McMillan still consider they have been bountifully blessed by the Creator of all things, and that He will continue to do all things as to Him seemeth best.

PETER McNEMAR, farmer, P. O. Oakland, was born November 16, 1836, in Hampshire County, Va. His parents were Felix and Elizabeth McNemar. In big youth he was trained to the pursuits of farming, in which he is at present engaged. He received but a limited English education, and in 1862 he emigrated to Clinton County, Ohio, coming to Wilmington, where he remained a few months. On September 3, 1863, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah A. Malick, born March 23. 1838, daughter of Aaron and Sarah Malick, by whom he had two children-Etta B. M., born July 10, 1864, and Cora I., born January 15, 1879. After leaving Wilmington, he removed to Chester Township, where he still resides. In 1865, he bought a farm of about sixty-five acres in the western portion of the township, near the township house. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Sharon, where he officiates as class-leader. His political views are with the Republican party, and he is the owner of sixty-seven acres of land.

HUGH M. NUNION, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg, was born May 20, 1850, in Warren County, Ohio; was the son of Tippoo and Jemima Nunion. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and received but a limited education. He was married in December, 1876, to Miss Martha Gray, daughter of Andrew J. and Agnes Gray. She died January 28, 1877. In 1881, April 4, he married Miss Martha Stewart, born in August, 1861, and daughter of Robert and Mary Stewart. To them has been born one child-Bessie A. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His political views are Republican, and he is the owner of sixty acres of tillable land.



JACOB PETERSON, JR. (deceased). Jacob Peterson, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was born in Hardy County, West Virginia., on the 28th day of Jan-


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nary, 1785. He was raised to manhood on a farm on Mill Creek, a tributary of the South Branch of the Potomac River. His education was such as the condition of the country at that time afforded. The principal part of his early education was in the German language. His English schooling was limited. yet by close application he became proficient in the common branches of the English language. He gathered much useful information by reading, in which he employed much of his leisure time. Our knowledge of his ancestry dates back to his grandfather, Hans Jacob Peterson, who was born in the year 1706, in Barenville, County of Langdenburg, Switzerland. He was married to Sarah Mohlerin on the 13th day of February, 1728. He had nine children, the oldest four having been born in Switzerland. In the year 1736, he emigrated after having procured the necessary passport, which read as follows

"The Burgomaster and Council of the City of Basle testify herewith that in our city, and this region of country, there is no contagious disease raging, but by the grace of God we enjoy a pure air free from all infections, and we therefore manfully request that our former citizen, Hans Jacob Peterson, who together with his family, consisting of his wife and four children, intend to travel, first by water to Rotterdam, and then per ship to the Island of Pennsylvania, he permitted to pass and repass at all places safely and without hindrance. Such favors we are ready promptly to return according to our Government custom.

"Given under the printed smaller seal of our city the 23d day of April, 1736." He with his family arrived at Philadelphia. After living in Pennsylvania for some years, he went with his family to Augusta County, Va., and finally settled in Hardy County, Va., that being a frontier settlement where the settlers were much exposed to Indian raids, which were frequent. His second son, Martin (with others), was taken prisoner by the Indiana, and was six months with them west of the Ohio River, in the Muskingum, Scioto and Miami Valleys. After many hardships, he succeeded in making his escape. At another time, three of his daughters were taken prisoners. Two of them never returned. Anna, the other daughter, after being kept fourteen years, was exchanged at Upper Sandusky and returned home. After passing through the trials and hardships of a frontier life, he died at an advanced age at his home in Hardy County, Va. Jacob, his eldest son, was born November 6, 1729, in Switzerland, and was married to Eve Elizabeth Harper, on the 24 t 14th of April, 1766. She, previous to this time, had been prisoner with the Indians six years. He was a farmer by occupation and lived on Mill Creek, Hardy County, Va. Being of foreign birth, he considered it his duty to become an American citizen, and applied for and received naturalization papers in the following form

"And Jacob Peterson having settled and inhabited for some time in the County of Augusta, in this Colony, and now made application to me for the benefit of naturalization, and before the Court of Augusta County, taken the oath. prescribed by law, and subscribed the test, I do hereby, pursuant to the said authority, declare the said Jacob Peterson to be to all intents and purposes fully and completely naturalized. And to have and to enjoy, to him and his heirs the same immunities and rights, of and unto the law, all privileges of this Colony and Dominions, as fully and amply as any of His Majesty's natural born subjects, have and enjoy within the same, to if he had been born within any of His Majesty's Realms and Dominions, according to the aforesaid acts, saving always in such matters and things which by the laws of England concerning the Plantation, he is disabled.

Given under my hand and the seal of the Colony at Williamsburg, this 20th day of November, in the fifth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, King George the Third, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain. FRANCIS FAUQUIRE, Esq.,

His Majesty's Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony and Dominions of Virginia.

He was the father of seven children, two sons and five daughters. He died in October, 1814, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. His wife died December 2, 1816. They had lived together as husband and wife forty-eight years seven months and three days. This brings us to Jacob Peterson, Jr., second son of the above union, and subject of this sketch. He was married to Elizabeth King, March 6, 1805, and on the 12th day of March, 1806, she died. He was married again on the 12th of March, 1809, to Hannah Stucky. He was a man of spirit and energy, and desirous of making life a success. He found that the institution of slavery was detrimental to his


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business interests as a farmer. He was opposed to using slave labor. As free labor could not successfully compete with slave labor, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. Consequently, in the year 1817, he, with his brother-in-law, Leonard Healer, and their families, emigrated to Greene County, Ohio, carrying their goods in two wagons, each drawn by five horses. He drove his own team, while his wife rode horseback, carrying; one child in her arms, and another one, of three years, behind her. They brought with them seventeen head of cattle, of a superior grade of stock to the Ohio cattle. They were driven by Benjamin Stucky and Jonathan Ketteman. Mr. Ketteman is still living in Xenia, at the time of this writing. They accomplished the journey, 350 miles, in twenty-one days. They spent the first winter on Caesar Creek, Greene County, and on the 12th day of March, 1818, he moved with his family to his farm on Anderson's Fork, Chester Township, Clinton County. His farm, which comprised 350 acres, was purchased of Jesse McKay, it being part of Pollard's survey. He paid at the rate of $6 per acre His farm at that time had about thirty acres cleared, and two log cabins on it. Into one of these he moved his family. Here he had abundant opportunity to try his strength of mind, as well as muscle. He seemed to be equal to the emergency, and in a few years erected good buildings, improved his farm by clearing and fencing, and soon had it in a good state of cultivation, and well stocked. It yielded abundant crops. Owing to the lack of good markets, the produce of the farm brought but little ready cash. Corn would bring from 6 to 12 1/2 cents, and wheat from 4Q to 50 cents per bushel. He. would drive his hogs to Cincinnati, sell them for $1.50 per hundred, and then walk home. Under such circumstances, it was necessary that the principal part of the clothing for the family should be home-made. Here we introduce another member of the family, of whom we have merely made mention, and that is his wife and companion in hardships. His labors and duties were arduous on the farm; hers were none the less so in the house. Besides the ordinary household duties, it was hers to see to manufacturing goods, such as linens, flannels and cloth for the proper clothing for the family.

These had to be prepared from the raw material, by the labor of woman's hand. While it was right and necessary that Jacob Peterson and his wife should perform all this toil and labor, which they did nobly, to better their condition in life; they had a higher and more exalted calling to fulfill in their lives, in social, moral, political and religious duties. Society, like many other things in this world, is changeable; society of to-day is not as it was in the first settling of this country. Then it had no false colors; a friend then was a friend indeed. According to the nature of things, society was nearer on an equality ; no one could succeed without the co-operation of his neighbor. Hence, it was a mutual pleasure to be interested in the happiness and prosperity of all. He was of a very social nature, and of pure and elevated character. In private, as well as in public life, at home and abroad, he maintained a chaste and dignified intercourse with those with whom he came in contact. His hospitality was unbounded, and by those who once enjoyed it, it was gratefully remembered. Strictly moral and upright in his dealings with his fellow men, he won the esteem and respect of all who knew him. Politically, he acted with the Whig party. He voted for John Quincy Adams for President, and for every succeeding Whig candidate. He was a great admirer of Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and Thomas Corwin. He was opposed to the extension of slavery, and voted with the Republican party from its first organizations. Was a decided Union man (luring the great rebellion, and lived to see universal liberty established all over our fair land. In religion, he was a zealous supporter of Christianity. At the age of nineteen years, he united with the German Reformed Church, and stood in that connection until he came to Ohio. There was no organization of that church near enough to unite with, until the organization of a Reformed congregation on Beaver Creek, in Greene County, about the year 1830, with David Wintery as Pastor. He stood in connection with this congregation until the organization of the Reformed Church at Xenia, in the year 1833, and served as Elder in that congregation until the organization of the Reformed Church at Caesar's Creek, in the year 1843, when he was again elected to the office of Elder, which office he held nearly twenty yearn, when he asked to be relieved, on account of the infirmities of age. Having been a man of energy and perseveranco, he succeeded in


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accumulating a valuable property, consisting of 600 acres of land. He lived happily with his wife forty-eight years nine months and six days. She died of pneumonia, the 16th day of December, 1857. In his declining years, he suffered with bodily afflictions, having been thrown from a horse, he received injuries from which he never entirely recovered. He also lost the sight of one of his eyes. Notwithstanding these afflictions; he remained cheerful, and enjoyed the society of his children and friends. In the winter of 1866-67, he made a visit to his daughter, living in Logan County; while return ing, he contracted a severe cold, which resulted in pneumonia. Arriving at Xenia, he stopped at his son Abel's, where be rapidly grew worse, and died on the 3d day of January, 1867. He was the father of tea children, nine of whom survive him. Elizabeth Ann, the eldest, married John Nash ; Abel, the eldest son, married Alivia A. Weaver ; Jesse, married Eleanor A. Weaver; Aaron, married Jane B. Wickersham ; Amy, married John Bush ; Archibald, married Mary C. McNair ; Abraham, married Naomi Middleton; after her death, he married Mary W. Sleeper; Hannah J., married George H. Moore; Jacob S., married Sarah C. Ellis, daughter of Henry Ellis, and granddaughter of Abraham Ellis.

JACOB S. PETERSON, New Burlington, son of Jacob Peterson, Jr., was born March 19, 1824, in the township of Cheater, Clinton Co., Ohio, being one of a large family of children. His boyhood days were happily spent at home. He early attended school in the characteristic log schoolhouse of the day, receiving tuition from teachers in excellent keeping with the buildings in which they taught. Such an education as he could acquire in this manner he subsequently improved greatly by close and profitable reading. He also cultivated a talent for music, in which he became proficient. From his position as a farmer's lad he became physically well developed, and his social qualities have made for him many fast friends to the course of his life. Having been under the influence of Christian training by his parents, he held a high estimation of good morals, and at the age of eighteen, on the 16th day of April, 1842, he united with the German Reformed Church, at Xenia, and was confirmed by Rev. David Winters, then pastor. In 1843, he became a member of the Reformed organization at Caesar's Creek, where he remained until 1874, when he united with the Mount Pisgah congregation formed in that year. November 23, 1848, be married Sarah Catherine Ellis, Rev. Henry Williard performing the ceremony. The lady was the daughter of Abraham Ellis, of Liberty Township. January 23, 1849, Mr. Peterson and his wife began housekeeping on a portion of his father's farm, where they lived ten years. In the meantime he purchased land adjoining, upon which he moved with his family April 23, 1859, making it his residence since that time. The farm consists of 200 acres, well improved, and its owner devotes his time principally to raising grain and stock. His first ballot for President was cast far Zachary Taylor, in 1848 ; he voted with the Whig party until the Republican party was organized, since which time he has voted in the interest of that political body. His influence has been always exerted for the good of his community. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of the following children Emma Clare, born December 22, 1849, married James W. Middleton, October 4,1871; Ada Irene, born July 23, 1852, married George A. McKay, September 25, 1873; Orville Ellis, born November 21, 1854, married Luella B. Oglesbee, August 22, 1877 ; Alice Maria, born August 16, 1860; Jacob Elmer, born September 20, 1862; Eva Grace, born February 4, 1869.

ARCHIBALD PETERSON, farmer, P. O. New Burlington, was born December 2, 1819, in Clinton County, Ohio, in what is now known as Cheater Township. His parents were Jacob and Hannah Peterson, of whom we have made mention in this work. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received but a limited English education. In February, 1851, he married Miss Eveline Haina, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Haina She died October 26, 1856. He was again married, May 25, 1858, to Miss Mary C. McNair, born April 12, 1835, and daughter of Ward and Catherine McNair. They are the parents of ten children-William A., Amanda C., Edwin E., Ida J., Lizzie H., Florence I., Darius A., Della M., Myrtie V. and one who died in infancy. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, a Republican, and the owner of about three hundred and twenty acres of land, in Greene and Clinton Counties.


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CLAYTON ROCKHILL, deceased, was born July 2, 1800, in New Jersey; his parents were John and Elizabeth Rockhill, who settled in what is now known as Chester Township, at an early day ; he was reared on a. farm and received but a limited edu cation. His first wife was Esther Drisbrow, by whom he had five children, three of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. She died June 29, 1834. On November 11, 1836, he married bliss Ann Kirby, by whom he had three children, one of whom is still living. She died in October, 1843 ; he was again married, June 28, 1845, to Catherine Wilkerson, by whom he had tour children, viz., Sarah, John W., Edward and Laura; he was a member of the Baptist Church, and departed this life June 30, 1854, his widow still survives him, in the seventieth year of her age, and has in her possession about sixty-four acres of land, situated about two miles northwest of Oakland Village.



BENJAMIN ROCKHILL, deceased, was born in April, 1805, in New Jersey; he was the son of John and Elizabeth Rockbill, who settled in Clinton County at quite an early day. In his youth, Benjamin was trained to the pursuits of farming, to which he ever after devoted his attention; he received but the rudiments of an English education, which was the common lot of the young men of his day. On January 29, 1846, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Haines, born May 1, 1816, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Haines. This union was blessed with five children, viz., Jonathan, Arthur, Cyrenus (now residing in Nebraska), Clayton (at. present practicing law in Minneapolis, Minn.), and Elizabeth (deceased). Mr. Rockhill was a kind and loving father, and an affectionate husband. In his religious belief, he was a Baptist, and in politics, he took his stand with the Republican party ; he departed this life in April, 1862 ; his widow still survives him, and resides on the old homestead, located in the center of Chester Township.

LEVI D. SHAMBAUGH, farmer, P. O. New Burlington, was born November 8, 1821, in Frederick County, Va.; his parents were Joseph and Anne Shambaugh; Joseph Shambaugh was born in 1786, in Virginia; he was reared on a farm. In 1816, December 19, he married Miss Anne Duffy, daughter of Levi Duffy. In 1822, Joseph emigrated from Virginia to Clinton County, Ohio, and settled on Turkey Run, in what is now known as Chester Township; he remained here but a short time, when he removed to Greene County and settled in the southwest corner of what is now known as Caesar's Creek Township; he here " took up " about 209 acres of land partially cleared, and for the twenty years following, he was busily engaged in clearing the remainder of the land, in which he endured a great many hardships and privations; he was the father of eleven children, seven of whom grew to manhood and womanhood; he was a member of the Baptist Church, a very useful man in his day, and died November 29, 1841. Shortly after the death of his first wife Joseph married Eleanor McDonald, who survives him. Levi D. was reared on a farm; received but a limited education. He married, July 18, 1847, Miss Rachel A. Mitchener, daughter of Joseph and Betsy Mitchener. She died November 12, 1853; he was again married, in November, 1855, to Miss Abigail J. McKay, daughter of George and Mary McKay. To them have been born six children, viz., Oscar M., born September 13, 1856; Amanda, born January 5, 1859; William, born May 30, 1862; Lawson, born May 29, 1865; Laura, born May 29, 1865; Joseph, born December 23, 1867. In 1847, Mr. Shambaugh settled on a farm in Cheater Township, located about two and a half miles east of New Burlington, on which place be at present resides; he is a member of the Baptist Church, a stanch Republican, and the owner of 390 acres of land.

ANDREW R. SHIDAKER, farmer, P. O. Oakland, was born in Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, August 11, 1849. He is one of the sons of Mitchell W. and Elizabeth Shidaker, of Harveysburg, Warren Co. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and received a fair English education. On September 8, 1870, he married Mary Slack, born July 11, 1850, daughter of Joseph and Elim Slack of Adams Township whose sketch appears in this work. To them have been born cue child, Mattis. Mr. Shidaker is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 312, at Harveysburg. Politically, he is a Republican, and the owner of sixty acres of land, located near Clarksville. Mitchell W. and Elizabeth Shidaker, parents of our subject, were residents of


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Clinton County, Chester Township, many years. In 1880, they moved to Harveysburg, Warren County, where they still reside. They are the parents of nine children, four of whom are now living-Andrew R., James H., Mary and Eliza J. Mitchell W. served as Clerk for Chester Township several years. He has also for many years taught school. His political views are Republican, and he is the owner of 200 acres of land.

HENRY SMART, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg, was born October 27, 1824, in Gloucestershire, England. His parents were Robert and Prudence Smart. When about fourteen years old, he left his home and proceeded to London, where he remained about seven years. He then returned home again, where he remained until 1849, in which year he emigrated to America. He spent about two years as a farm hand in Ulster County, New York State, and in 1851, came to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he lived about two years. He then removed to Clinton County, Ohio. Finally, after living in different parts of the county, he settled in the southwestern portion of Chester Township, where he still resides. On June 14, 1851, he married Miss Louisa Birch. She died March 16, 1857. On October 9, 1858, he married Miss Mary Thomas, by whom he had nine children-Henry T., Joseph, Elizabeth, Robert, Emily, Charles, Mary, Frank and Daniel (deceased. She died in May, 1879. He again married, July 24, 1880, Miss Sophia Thomas, who is sharing mutually with him his joys and sorrows. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Republican, and the owner of 230 acres of land.



JOHN Q. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Oakland, was born in November, 1824, in Warren County, Wayne Township, Ohio. His parents were Thomas and Mary Smith. In his youth, he was trained to the pursuits of farming, and received a good English education. In July, 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia E. Evans. To them have been born six children, five of whom are still living. He remained in Warren County for about two years after his marriage, when he removed to Clinton County, in the southern portion of Chester Township, where his son Horace still resides. In 1859, he was elected by the Republican party as a member of the Ohio State Senate, in which he served for two years. In 1861, he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives, and served two years. In 1870, he was elected as a member of the Ohio State Board of Equalization. He was again elected State Senator in 1871. In 1872, he was elected to Congress, and served two years. In 1874, he was re-nominated for Congress, but defeated by John Savage. In 1875, he was appointed by President Grant Commissioner of Indian Affairs, which duties he performed nearly two years. In 1877, he was appointed United States Consul General to Canada, with headquarters at Montreal, the duties of which office are still attended to by him. He is at present residing in Montreal. A great deal more might be said about this worthy gentleman's public career; but, suffice it to say, his has been an honorable one, of which the citizens of Clinton County may well feel proud.

HENRY SPRAY, farmer, P. O. New Burlington. John Spray, grandfather of the subject of our present sketch, was born about the year 1790, in South Carolina. His parents were Samuel and Mary Spray. When he was about thirteen years of age, his parents emigrated from South Carolina to Warren County, Ohio, and located on the little Miami River, near where Waynesville is situated. They remained there about one year, when they removed to Clinton County, and settled about one mile south of where New Burlington is located, in Chester Township. The spot on which they settled was, at that time, comparatively a forest, which necessity demanded to be cleared. They endured all the hardships and privations which usually accompany pioneer life. Samuel remained there until his death, which occurred March 20, 1836. His wife died June 18, 1843. On September 30, 1813, John Spray was married to Miss Sarah Sanders, by whom he had nine children, who grew to manhood and womanhood. He served as Trustee for Chester Township several years. He was a member of the Friends' Society, and died June 6, 1853. His wife died July 31, 1840. Jesse, the oldest son of John Spray, was born July 9, 1815 ; he was reared to manhood on a farm, and received what was considered in his day a fair English education. On September 1, 1836, he married Miss Eunice Stedom, born February 11, 1815, daughter of


CHESTER TOWNSHIP. - 949

John and Alice Stedom. To them have boon born two children, viz., Henry and John (deceased;. In 1836. he settled in Greene County, on Anderson's Fork, about one mile northeast of New Burlington, when he lived about fourteen years. He then removed to Clinton County, Chester Township, and settled about two miles nearly south of New Burlington, where he still resides. He is an ardent member of the Friends' Society. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as Trustee fin Chester Township several years. Henry Spray, son of Jesse Spray, and subject of our present sketch, was born November 2, 1839, in what is now known as Spring Valley Township, Greene County. In his youth he was skillfully trained to the pursuits of farming, in which he is at present successfully engaged. He received a good English education, and, in April, 1863, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary Ann McMillan, born December 23, 1843. In 1869, he was elected Treasurer for Chester Township, and has served in that capacity up to the present time. He is a member of the Friends' Society, and the owner of about two hundred and eight acres of land. This gentleman is well worthy of representation in the history of Clinton County.

NATHAN A. TUCKER, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg, was born January 11, 1827, in Virginia. His parents were George and Sarah Tucker. George was born in 1779 in Frederick County, Md. He was reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of an education in a district school. About the year 1814, he married (in Virginia) Miss Sarah Houct, born March 28, 1794, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are still living. In 1832, he emigrated to Perry County, Ohio, and settled on about four hundred acres of land located on Monday Creek, where he remained until his death, which occurred in January, 1851. His widow still survives him, now in her eighty-eighth year. He was a member of Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he was a Republican, and at one time, a strong Abolitionist. Nathan A. Tucker, the subject of our present sketch, was, like his father, trained to the pursuits of farming. On January 11, 1849, he married Miss Margaret Polnig, born October 18, 1828, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Polnig. This union has been blessed with four children, viz., John W., Samuel P., Thomas B. and Hollie M. In 1873, Mr. Tucker, with his family, removed from Perry County to Clinton, and settled in the western portion of Chester Township, where he still resides. He enlisted in the Sixty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and served as Commissary Sergeant in Company A. He was engaged in the. battles of Winchester, Fisher Hill, Harper's Ferry, the fight at Cedar Creek and various other engagements. He received an honorable discharge in October, 1864. While living in Perry County, he served as Trustee for Monday Creek Township. In politics, he is a Republican. He is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 312, at Harveysburg, and the owner of 188 acres of land.

ELIHU UNDERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg, was born February 17, 1839, in Union Township, Clinton County, Ohio. His parents were Amos and Mary Underwood, who settled in Clinton County at an early day. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and received the rudiments of education in a district school. On October 17, 1861, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Hester Kirk, born November 23, 1838. This union has been blessed with five children, four of whom are still living. Mr. Underwood is all agriculturist of more than ordinary intelligence, and believes in supporting all projects which would prove of benefit to the county or township in which he resides. Politically; he is a Republican. He is a member of the Friends' Society and the owner of eighty-eight acres of land.

ZEPHANIAH UNDERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg. Amos Underwood, father of the subject of our sketch, was born in York County, Penn. His parents were Zephaniah and Rebecca Underwood. He was icared on a farm and received the rudiments of education in a district school. He married Miss Mary Shirk, daughter of John and Barbara Shirk, by whom he had eleven children, six of whom are still living. She died and he was again married to Miss Priscilla Lewis, of Highland County. In the fall of about 1825, he settled in Clinton County, Liberty Township, about three miles south of where Port William at present is located, and remained


950 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

there about three years. In 1828, he bought a farm near his first location, on which he remained until about 1854. He then removed to the southwestern portion o Cheater Township, to the farm on which his son at present resides, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a member of the Friends' Society, and he died in the faith. Zephaniah, the subject of our present sketch, was born November 10, 1820. it Columbiana County, Ohio, and like his father was reared on a farm. He received but a limited education in early life, but in after years acquired considerable self-culture and education. In December, 1871, he married Miss Matilda J. Downing, by whom he had four children, vie.: Ruth A., Zephaniah, Joseph M. and Olive. Politically, he is a Republican, a member of the Friends' Society and the owner of 360 acres of land.

JOHN VANDERVORT, deceased, was born June 2,1813, in Warren County; was the son of Jonah and Elizabeth Vandervort. He was reared to manhood on a farm; re. ceived a good English education, the acquirement of which enabled him to teach school, which be did for several years, both before and after his marriage. On October 20, 1842, he married Miss Martha E. Riley, born November 29, 1824, and daughter of Richard and Sarah Riley. To them have been born eight children, vie., Sarah E. (married Joseph Cashman), Mary E., Amanda (married Alpheus King), Ella (married Samuel H. Trovillo), Preston, Charles. Emerson and John. Directly after their marriage they removed to a farm about three miles southeast of Harveysburg, where they lived about seven years; then removed to a farm about one and one-half miles northeast of New Antioch, where they remained about fifteen years. They then located about two miles southwest of Cuba Village, where they lived several years; while living here, Mr. Vandervort died, December 17, 1865. He was a kind and loving father, and an indulgent husband. He was successful in business during life, for when he died he was worth about $15,000. A few years after his death the remainder of the family removed to Wilmington, where they lived about five years. They then removed to the western portion of Chester Township, Clinton County, where they still reside; this removal occurred in September, 1881. Mrs. Vandervort has in her possession 122 acres of land, and is a member of the M. E. Church.

ARCHIBALD VANTRESS (deceased) Mary born November 18, 1795, in New York State. His parents were William and Mary Vantress. He was trained to the pursuits of farming, which occupation he ever after followed. He received an education in a district school, and emigrated to Ohio at quite an early day. He was married to bliss Mary Rockhill, born November 7, 1807, and daughter of John and Elizabeth Rockhill, by whom he had seven children, of whom five are still living-Cyrus H., Henry, Edward, Francis M. and Alfred. To his children he was a kind and loving father, and to his wife an affectionate husband. In politics, be cast his lot in with the Republican party. His widow still survives him, in her seventy-fifth year.



JAMES WICKERSHAM, farmer, P. O. Gurneyville, was born August 31, 1811, in Clinton County. His parents were Enoch and Margaret Wickersham. Enoch Wickersham was born August 13, 1778, in Pennsylvania, and was the son of James and Sarah Wickersham. He was reared on a farm, and received but a limited education. In 1806, he emigrated to Clinton County, Ohio, and settled on a farm of about 200 acres in the woods. He, like 'the most of our pioneers, endured a great many hardships and privations. He married Miss Margaret Stout, by whom he had nine children, of whom six are still livin. He was a member of the Friends' Society, and died November 8, 1862. His wife died in 1879, having reached the age of ninety years. James Wickersham was reared to manhood on a farm, and received but a limited education. In May, 1835, he married Miss Laura Conger, born March 12, 1812, and daughter of Joseph and Amy Conger. This union has been blessed with seven children, three of whom are still living-Joseph C., Enoch and Pierce H. About the the year 1838, he removed to Grant County, Ind., where he lived about sixteen years. In 1854, he removed back to Clinton County, Ohio, and settled in Chester Township, near where he at present is located. He has served as Trustee for Chester Township, and is the owner of about fifty-seven acres of land.


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JAMES WILLIAMS, farmer, P. O. Oakland, was born March 6,1834, in Monmouthshire, England. His parents are William and Sarah Williams. William Williams was born October 29, 1797, in Monmouthshire, hire, England. When about fourteen years of age, his father died, and the support of his mother henceforth devolved upon him. On June 7, 1827, lee married Miss Sarah Lewis, by whom he had seven children, six of whom are still living John, William, Jame+, Edward, Richard and Thomas. In the year 1849, they left the shores of England, and sailed for America. After landing at Philadelphia, they proceeded to Sharonville, Hamilton County, where they remained about four years. They then removed to Clinton County, Chester Township, and settled on a farm of about. 226 acres, near Oakland. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and departed this life April 3, 1877. His widow survives him, now in her eighty-fifth year. James Williams, the subject of our sketch, was reared to manhood on a farm, and received a good English education. On November 4, 1863, be was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary Jane Haines. To them have been born three children-Wilbur H., and two deceased. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Republican, and the owner of 185 acres of land.


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