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WILSON TOWNSHIP.
GEORGE H. BARLOW, mechanic, Bloomington, was born March 2, 1829, in Belmont County, Ohio; was the son of Perry and Philena Barlow, who were among the early settlers of Belmont County. He received his education in a district school, and in his thirteenth year began to learn the blacksmith trade in the shop of his father at Uniontown. He has followed this occupation the greater part of his life. In 1851, he removed to Bloomington, where he built for himself a work shop, in which shop he is at present engaged. He has also, in company with Mr. J. B. Aiken, a half-interest in a portable steam saw-mill. He was married July 22, 1851, to Miss Sarah Jane Booth, of Belmont County. To them have been born two children, both deceased. He is a stanch democrat, has been quite successful in business and accumulated some property.
BENJAMIN BENTLEY, JR., deceased. Benjamin Bentley, Sr., father of the subject of our present sketch, was born in North Carolina and emigrated to Clinton County, Ohio, at an early day. His son, Benjamin, Jr., was born July 6, 1819, in Clin ton County, Ohio, His youth was spent in attending to the quiet pursuits of the farm, in which he was ever after engaged. He received an English education in a district school, and on September 3, 1840, married Miss Emma Peelle, born in May, 1818, and daughter of John and Lydia Peelle. To them have been born six children, viz., Isaiah, Jeremiah. Jessie E., Sarah E., Cyrus E. and John E. He was a member of the Friends' Society, and in politics a Republican. He was a loving father and indulgent husband, and left to his family about one hundred and sixty acres of land. His death occurred in June, 1869, lamented by all who knew him.
WILLIAM D. BRYANT, farmer, P. O. Sabina, was born December 25, 1824, in Southampton County, Va., son of William and Elizabeth Bryant. When but two years of age his father died, and four years afterwards his mother died, and as a consequence was left an orphan dependent upon the charity of strangers. His uncle, W. T. Bryant, took him to his home, with whom he stayed about eight years. Owing to ill-treatment from his uncle, he left him and went to work for Mr. Dennis Bryant, a cousin of his; stayed with him until he reached his twentieth year. He then engaged himself to Mr. Albert Channel, his brother-in-law, and worked for him one year. In the spring of 1845, he immigrated to Ohio, having walked all the way on foot, a distance of over six hundred miles, and was on the road about twenty-eight days before he arrived in Canton County. He first came to Bloomington ; took up his abode with Mr. Edmund Thorp in 1845; worked for Mr. John Pittsford about a month. In the following October, Mr. William Bentley made his house a home for him, sent him to school about three months, and he subsequently lived with him about three years. From 1848 until 1852 he was employed by Legroot & Mason, merchants, as a traveling salesman. While in their employ, he married Miss Sarah Jane Allen, of Fayette County, July 22, 1852. To them have been born eleven children, four of whom are still living. In the spring of 1853, he removed to Jeffersonville, Fayette County, and
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was employed by Mr. John Hopejoy, merchant, for about one year. In the spring of 1854, be removed to West Lancaster, where, for about one year, he was in the mercantile business. In 1855. he again returned to Jeffersonville, where he lived until the fall of 1857. He was here engaged as a merchant and hotel keeper. From here he removed to Edgefield, bought sixty acres of land, improved it, and lived there until 1859, when be sold it and removed to Sabina. He here bought property, and in company with J. R. Haynes again entered into the mercantile business; remained in this business about three years. Having met. with serious losses owing to the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, in 1863 he sold his property in Sabina and removed back to Fayette County, near West Lancaster, bought a farm, lived thereon two years, and sold it in 1865; bought another firm near Edgefield, lived thereon one year, then sold it and removed to Greene County, near Salem Church; bought eighty-four acres of land, lived thereon two years. sold it, and subsequently, in 1869, bought the firm known as the Williams heirs farm, two and one-half miles northwest of Sabina, where he at present resides. He is an intelligent, industrious farmer, having, by his industry and perseverance, accumulated all which. he posseses. He is a member of the M. E. Church; also of the F. & A. M., Sabina Lodge, No. 501, and is well worthy the respect shown to him by the community who surround him.
GEORGE CARTER, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born in Wilson Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, April 10, 1830, son of John and Hannah Carter, who were among the early settlers of Clinton County. John was the son of George and Miriam Carter, who, in 1810, emigrated from North Carolina, their native State, to Clinton County, Ohio. John was born March 28, 1808, in Gilford County, N. C., and was but two years of age when his parents settled in Clinton County; was reared on the farm of his father's ; received his education in the subscription schools of that early day, and subsequently married Miss Hannah Millikan, daughter of Elihu Millikan, of Tennessee; to them have been born eight children, of whom six are living up to present date. He was an ardent member of the Friends' Church, and was quite successful in business transactions, having left to his children some four hundred acres of tillable land. He was a kind and loving father and indulgent husband, and died September 27, 1878, in the seventy-first year of his age. George Carter, the subject of our sketch, was reared on a farm; received the rudiments of education in a district school; was married, February 21, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Haines, daughter of Zimri and Elizabeth Haines, of Greene County. To them have been born seven children, viz., Sibyl J. (deceased), Hannah L., Ella E., George H., Anna M., Zimri and John H. Mr. Carter is a stanch Republican, and a fervent advocate of the temperance cause; his having never used tobacco or spirituous liquors but for medicinal purposes, testifies of his adherence to that noble cause. Mr. Carter has very generously given his aid toward establishing an endowment fund in behalf of the Friends' College, at Wilmington. He is an intelligent, industrious farmer, and well worthy the respect in which he is held by the community in which be resides.
ALFRED COULTER, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born November 5, 1822, in Wilson Township, Clinton County, Ohio, was the son of John and Margaret Coulter, who were among the first settlers of Clinton County. Alfred was reared on a farm, received the rudiments of a an education in a district school, has made farming his occupation during the greater part of his life, he has also been engaged in stockraising to a considerable extent, especially thoroughbred horses and the celebrated Durham cattle. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat. He has been quite successful in business, and is the owner of 200 acres of good tillable land.
JOHN G. COULTER, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born in Wilson Township, Clinton County, Ohio, August 12, 1817, son of John and Margaret Coulter, of whom we have made mention in the township history, was reared on a farm, re ceived the rudiments of education in a district school, is a stanch Democrat, and always casts his vote for that party when great issues are at stake. Mr. Coulter has been engaged in farming during the greater part of his life, and has been very successful in said business. He is also one of Clinton County's eminent stock-raisers. He
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nailed to Europe in 1854, and imported twenty-seven head of the celebrated Short Horn cattle, from York and Durham Counties, England. In the same year, he im. ported some sixteen head of the celebrated South-Down sheep; in the breeding of those and Cotswolds, as well as that of the famous Lexington horse, he has met with unbounded success. He takes an active part in all matters which would prove of interest to the county, and is the owner of 750 acres of land.
GEORGE M. COULTER, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born in Wilson Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, July 8, 1831; son of John and Margaret Coulter, who were among the first settlers of Clinton County. John was born July 18, 1777, in Ireland, emigrated to America in 1805, and settled in Cincinnati. In January 11, 1807, he married Miss Margaret Gibson, at Cincinnati. After remaining there a few years he removed to Clinton County, and by his industry and perseverance he became one of the wealthiest men in Clinton County, and lived to see his eightieth year, be having died February 13, 1857. George M. was reared on a farm, received a fair education in a district school. Was married, November 3, 1874, to Miss Fanny Pryor, daughter of Samuel M. Pryor, of Bourbon County, Ky.; to them have been born three children, viz., Maggie E., George W. and Carrie. Mr. Coulter was elected Township Trustee in 1877, and served until 1879, is a stanch Democrat, has been successful in business, and the owner of 233 acres of land, and may well be classed among the worthy citizens of Clinton County.
HARRISON C. DENVER, farmer, P. O. Bloomington. Patrick Denver, father of the subject of our sketch, was born in Ireland, and emigrated to America with his father about 1798. They landed in New York, where they remained a short time. From there they emigrated to Frederick County, Va., where they settled on a farm. Patrick was at this time about fourteen years of age. He was here reared to manhood, receiving but a limited education. He married Miss Jane Campbell, of Frederick County, by whom he had twelve children, of whom the majority are still living. After leading a life of success and usefulness, he died July 31, 1858. Mrs. Denver died in 1875, she having survived him about seventeen years. He was also a valiant defender of the old flag of the Union, having entered the American army in 1812; he fought in several battles against the British troops, especially in their march to capture Philadelphia and Baltimore. He held the rank of Captain, served faithfully, and at the end of his service received an honorable discharge. Harrison C. Denver was born July 31, 1829, in Frederick County, Va. When quite young, his parents emigrated to Ohio. He received an education in a district school, and entered Wilmington Academy in 1846, from which institution he graduated in 1850. He then returned to the quiet pursuits of his father's farm, where his services were required and where he remained until 1872. He then engaged in the dry goods business at Wilmington, where he remained for some time. October, 1872, he married Rosa B. Telfair, a very estimable lady of superior intellectual ability, and daughter of Dr. Isaac Telfair, deceased. Politically, he is a Democrat, and the owner of about three hundred acres of land. Mr. Denver is a liberal contributor to all enterprises having for their object the rise and progress of the county or the elevation of humanity.
SEYMOUR A. DOUGLASS, deceased, was born July 1, 1815, in Warren County, Ohio, son of James and Mary Douglass, who were among the first settlers of Clinton County. James Douglass was born in York County, Penn., October 8, 1769, was reared bn a farm, received but a limited education, and was married October 27, 1795, to' Miss Mary Taylor. This union was blessed with some nine children. Mr. Douglass was quite successful in business during life and died August 21, 1835; Mrs. Douglass in November, 1854. Seymour A., the subject of our sketch, was reared on a farm ; received the rudiments of education in a district school; was married January 14, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth Madden, daughter of Solomon Madden, of whom we have made mention in this work. To them have been born eight children, viz., Milton, Mary, James, Mattie E., Alice A., Rose, Seymour A. and Solomon, deceased. Mr. Douglass was elected Justice of the Peace in Wilson Township in 1850, and served until 1856; was a Republican; was quite successful in business matters during life, and left to his family 140 acres of
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land, on which his widow at present resides. He was a kind and loving father, an indulgent husband, and died September 4, 1861, in the prime of life, and in his death Clinton County lost a good and noble man and one of her beat citizens.
WILLIAM DUN, farmer, P. O. Sabina, was born February 13, 1841, in Ross County, Ohio, son of George W. and Louisa Dun. George W. Dun was born in Scot land, was a weaver by trade, and the son of a Presbyterian minister. In the year 1802, he took passage from Liverpool, England, sailed for America, and, after a stormy voyage of about seven months, he landed in New York. From the date of his arrival in the new world, he began and continued to do business in New York and Philadelphia for about thirty-six years. About the year 1838, he immigrated to Ross County, Ohio, bought sixty-two acres of land and made for himself a comfortable home; was married in 1826, an d became the father of eight children ; was successful in business, and died February 16, 1865. William, the subject of our sketch, was reared on a farm, received his education in a district school, and is an honest industrious farmer. He was married May, 6, 1863, to Mrs. Anna E. Hayes, of Franklin County. To them have been born three children, viz., William E., Robert S. and Ebey V. He in a member of the Masonic fraternity, has been successful in business and is the owner of 221 acres of land.
JAMES DAVIS, farmer, P. O. Reesville, was born February 10, 1822, in Row County, Ohio, son of Charles and Elizabeth Davis, who were among the early settlers of Rose County; was reared on the farm of his father and received an education in a district school. He was married March 2, 1843, to Miss Mary Foster, daughter of John Foster, of Ross County, who was elected a member of the General. Assembly in 1848 and served until 1849. To them have been born six children, vie., Russell, Mary E. and four deceased. He is a member of the M. E. Church at Coulter Chapel, is a strong advocate of the temperance cause, has been quite successful in business and is the owner of 480 acres of good tillable land.
GEORGE GRAY, farmer, P. O. Sabina, was born July 20, 1823, in Yorkshire, England, eon of William and Christiana Gray; was reared on a farm, receiving the rudiments of education in the public schools of England of that day. In the Spring of 1846, he left the shores of England and took passage in a merchant ship from Liverpool, and landed in New York, after a stormy voyage of about seven weeks. Shortly after his arrival, he engaged himself as a farm hand to Mr. D. B. Fuller, whose farm was located within one mile of Hyde Park, and about four miles from Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was employed by Mr. Fuller for about three months; after leaving the employ of Mr. Fuller, he emigrated to Indiana (Dearborn County). He here engaged himself to. Mr. Martin Eubanks, and remained with him about one year.. After leaving the employ of Mr. Eubanks, he proceeded to Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio, where, for about two years, he was employed by Gov. Trimble. While in the employ of Mr. Trimble, he became acquainted with, and subsequently married Miss Elizabeth Price, daughter of Joseph and Ellen Price, of Gallia County, Ohio. To them have been borne eight children, viz., Christians, Mary E., George P., Maria J. and Isabel, and three who are deceased. From Highland County they removed to Clinton County, within two miles of Sabina, remaining here about one year. From thence he removed to the farm of Alfred C. Lang, located about one mile south of Sabina. He remained on this place about eight months; from thence he removed to a farm about two miles south of Sabina. After residing on this farm about one year, he bought the farm known as the Judge Harlan farm, located about three miles north of Sabina, in 1852, and settled thereon in 1854, and is still residing on said place. In the spring of 1876, he was elected Justice of the Peace for Wilson Township, and served one year. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, adheres to Democratic principles, has been successful in business and is the owner of 272 acres of tillable land, and may well be classed among the worthy citizens of Clinton County.
HARVEY H. HANKINS (deceased), was born February 25, 1820, in Wilson Township, Ciaton Co., Ohio, son of Ramoth and Naomi Hankins, who were among the first settlers of Clinton County, and who immigrated from Pennsylvania and settled in Clinton County in 1810. Harvey H. was reared on the farm of his father and conse-
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quently endured all the hardships and privations of pioneer life of that day; received his education in a district school. He was married May 20, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth Heath, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Heath, of Allegheny Co., Penn. To them have been born five children, two of whom are still living. Mr. Hankins and family lived on the old homestead, on the Urbana pike road, about two miles southeast of Bloomington, until October 1866, but. owing to ill-health, his physicians advised him to lay aside the business of farming. He then bought a residence on the Radcliffe road, near the Union Church, where he lived in a retired manner until the time of his death, which occurred April 19, 1879. He was a kind and affectionate father and an indulgent husband, and universally beloved by all who knew him. He was a stanch Republican, and we may well say of him that he was an honor to his county, he having always, when in his power, 'aided every enterprise which would be of benefit to the county. His widow, a very intelligent lady, still survives him in the sixty-eighth year of her age.
JOHN A. HAUGHEY, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born in Union Township, Clinton County, Ohio, February 28, 1823; son of Barnett and Margaret Hanghey, who were among the early settlers of Clinton County. Barnett was born in Grayson County, Va., April 4, 1792; was reared on a farm ; received the rudiments of education in a district school. He was married August 27, 1815, to Miss Margaret Barber. Shortly after his marriage, he removed from Virginia to Union Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, where he resided about eight years, from whence he removed to Greene County (near Bowersville) in 1824, where he resided about twenty years, or until the time of his death, which occurred October 9, 1844. To Mr. and Mrs. Haughey have been born ten children. He was successful in business; a member of the Christian Church, and a fervent supporter of the Whig party. He left to his children, by whom he was highly respected, one hundred acres of land. He died October 9, 1844. John, the subject of our sketch, was reared on a farm; received his education in the district schools ; was married October 24,1850, to Christens E. Thorp, daughter of Edmund and Mary Thorp, of whom we have made mention in connection with this work. To them have been born two children, viz., Edmund B. and Joseph M. Mrs. Haughty died October 28, 1858. He subsequently was married to Ann Bentley, daughter of William and Sarah Bentley, August 18, 1859. To them have been born seven children, viz., Arthur C., Lutin B., Allen G., Sarah M., Stephen, Thomas E. and Almeda. He is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventists' Church. He always casts his lot in with the Republican party. He was elected a Justice of the Peace for Wilson Township in February, 1855, and was re-elected in 1858, and served until 1861. In 1851, he settled on the farm now occupied by him, and which he subsequently bought in the fall of 1875. He has been successful in a business way, and is the owner of ninety-five acres of good, tillable land.
JOHN HINKSON , farmer, P. O. Sabina, was born March 14, 1827, in Richland Township, Clinton Co., Ohio; son of John and Elizabeth Hinkson, who were among .the early settlers of Clinton County;, was reared on a farm; received his education in a district school, and is an honest, industrious, intelligent farmer. He, also, like his father, encountered many of the hardships and privations of pioneer life. He was married in October, 1852, to Miss Susannah Thorp, daughter of Edmund and Mary Thorp of whom we have made mention in connection with this work. To them have been born five children, two of whom, are still living. He was elected Township Trustee in 1863, and served one year. Has been successful in business, and is the owner of 150 acres of land.
FRANCIS M. HOOVER, merchant, Bloomington, wag born in Clinton Co., Ohio, January 4, 1847 ; was the son of John and Martha Hoover, who were among the early settlers of Clinton County. John came to Clinton County about the year 1827, and settled in Port William, where he was first employed as a carpenter, and subsequently became a prominent builder. In 1847, he removed to a farm about three miles southeast of Port William, and from thence removed to Bloomington, where he lived the remainder of his days, and died Jane 22, 1881. Mrs. Hoover, his consort, died in 1874. Francis, the subject of our present sketch, was reared on a farm; re
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ceived the rudiments of education in a district school. In 1870, he started as a merchant in Bloomington. His success and the steady growth of his trade, enabled and obliged him to enlarge his store. In 1875, he commenced rebuilding said store; and occupied the addition the same year. He has a fine selection of dry goods, groceries, etc., constantly on hand. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bloomington, also a member of the Odd Fellows Society. Politically he is a Democrat; was married March 11, 1877, to Miss Matilda Barlow, of Bloomington. He was elected Township Clerk in 1872, and discharged the duties of this office until 1878. He was elected Township Treasurer in 1880 and 1881. He also discharges the duties of Postmaster, for which duty the people of Bloomington and vicinity could not have chosen a more capable man or worthy citizen.
JOHN C. LANCASTER, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born September 8, 1851, in Guilford County, N. C.; was the son of Columbus and Isabel A. Lancaster. He was reared on a farm; received his education in a district school. In the year 1870, he immigrated to Ohio; first came to Bloomington, Clinton County, and for the three years following, worked as a farm hand among the farmers of Greene and Clinton Counties. In the year 1873, October 2, he was married to Mien Eliza Hunt, daughter of Hezekiah and Rachel Hunt, of Greene County. She was born April 29, 1854, in Greene County, near Bloomington; was reared on a farm; received, her education in a district school. She was a lady of considerable intellectual abity ; was of a kindhearted disposition; a loving and amiable wife, and died in November, 1881, but not . without the hope of a glorious resurrection, having. tried to live a Christian life the great part of her days. Mr. Lancaster has been successful in business generally; and is the owner of fifty acres of land situated about one mile and a half northeast of Bloomington, and on which land he at present resides.
MOSES G. MADDEN, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born in Wilson Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, October 10, ; was the son of Solomon and Ruth Madden, who were among the earliest settlers of Clinton County.. Solomon Madden was bore in Chatham County, N. C., September 29, 1793, and immigrated to Clinton County in 1811 with his parents. George Madden, the father of Solomon, was born in Pennsylvania near Philadelphia in 1759; was the son of Barnabas Madden, who was born in England, and who immigrated to the colonies of America before the Declaration of Independence by the American Colonies. Solomon Madden was married to Ruth Robbins, of Wayne County, Ind., March 11, 1819, and settled in Adams Township, Clinton County, where they lived for seventeen years, and removed to what is now Wilson Township.; lived here until the time of his death, which occurred October 16, 1849. His wife still survives him, now in the eightieth year of her age; she was the daughter of Moses Robbins; was born in Randolph County, N. C., August 8, 1802, and settled with her parents in Wayne County, Ind., in 1817. Moses Robbins was born in North Carolina in 1770 ; was the son of John Robbins, who was born in 1734; was a Baptist minister, and a Chaplain in the American army during the Revolutionary war, and died in 1884, having reached his one hundredth year. Moses G. Madden, the subject of our sketch, is a son of Solomon and Ruth Madden, who have, been the parents of ten children, viz., Elizabeth, Alice J., Mary Ann, Solomon, Moses G. and Rachel, who are living, and four of whom are deceased. Moses G. was reared on a farm; received the rudiments of education in a district school; was elected Trustee of Wilson Township in 1876, and has, with the exception of the year 1879, attended to the duties of this office up to the present date, 1882. He is an ardent member of the Friends' Church ; is a Republican; was a soldier in the late rebellion ; enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-ninth . Ohio National Guards; entered active service May 2, 1864, under the command of . Gen. Lewis Wallace, of the Army of the Cumberland. Was engaged .in the battle of Monocacy, and several minor skirmishes, and received an honorable discharge August 30, 1864, at Camp Dennison; is quite successful in business. and, in company with his brother Solomon, is the owner of 100 acres of land. Solomon Madden, brother of : Moses G. and son of Solomon, Sr., and Ruth Madden, was born Mareb 11, 1832, in Clinton County; was reared on a farm; received the rudiments of education in a dis-
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trict school. He enlisted, during the war of the rebellion, in the Ohio National Guards; entered active service May 2, 1864; participated in the battle of Monocacy ; the skirmish at Berryville, and several other minor engagements ; was also under the command of Gen. Wallace, of the Army of the Cumberland; received an honorable discharge at Camp Dennison in August, 1864 ; is an intelligent, industrious farmer, and, 116 company with his brother, Moses G., is the owner of 100 acres of land.
SIMPSON MITCHELL, farmer, P. O. Sabina, was born about the year 1833, in Guilford County, North Carolina; was the son of Archibald Mitchell. When but six years of age, a Quaker gentleman (named Starbuck) took him to his home, and with whom he stayed until he reached his twentieth year, after which time he worked for John King, of Guilford County, North Carolina, for about one and one-half' months, and subsequently worked for a Mr. Dwiggins about six and one-half years. In the year 1869, he emigrated to Clinton County, Ohio; was married the same year, on the 15th of April, to Miss Demaris A. Dwiggins, who was born September 3, 1831. They are the parents of two children, viz., Carolina and Oliver. He is a member of the African M. E. Church at Sabina, a Republican, and the owner of fifty acres of good land.
JAMES RICHEY MILLS, deceased. James, and Margaret Mills, parents of James R. Mills, emigrated from Fleming County, Kentucky, to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1802. They were accompanied, by Amos Wilson and George W. Barrere, the three being brothers-in-law, Wilson and Barrere, having married sisters of James Mille. The three families made a settlement on the lands of the late Benjamin Hinkson. The whole county at that time being comparatively a forest, they were unable to trace with accuracy their lines, and locate their farms; but not until they had made considerable improvement did they find their error.. This misfortune seems to have so discouraged them, that they were upon the eve of abandoning the region altogether. But being persuaded to remain, another attempt was made to trace accurately their lines, in which they were successful. Having thus located his land; James Mills, the pioneer, erected a log cabin near where the present homestead is located, and, amid the forest wilds, settled to the quiet pursuits of the farm. George W. Barrere supplied them with meat, he being a good marksman, and there being at that time, deer and turkey in great abundance. , The vicissitudes of pioneer life being too well known to admit of extensive delineation here, we will not attempt to give. a detailed account of the life and doings of this pioneer. Suffice it to say, that the nearest settlement was seven miles distant, and the. country abounded in wolves and Indians; of which the latter gave the settlers no little uneasiness. They at times would appear in their war paint, grind their knives, qnd sometimes took the liberty to ransack the cupboard in search of fire-water, and as James Mills the elder was sometimes called away to the mills on the Miami River, the lonely condition of the wife may be better imagined than described. Let us give one indent: at a. time when thus alone, a couple of squaws came suddenly into their house, and seizing little Jimmy, a mere baby, without ceremony carried him away. Imagine the feelings of a mother. She was left in this awful suspense until late in the evening, when the squaws brought him home again, loaded. with beads, and very carelessly remarked, "squaw scared, thought papoose gone!" Amid those thrilling scenes was born James Richey Mille, in November, 1809. He was the youngest of a family of six children, having five sisters who were his seniors. As he grew to manhood, and his parents were advancing in years, the arduous duties and cares of the family' were laid upon him. As schools were almost out of the question, and his services were required on the farm, his education, like that of most pioneers, was in a great measure neglected, yet he was sufficiently informed for the ordinary transactions. of life. Though not what might be called a fluent reader, he grasped a subject with commendable readiness, and being possessed of a retentive memory, a love for good books, good and great men, and having good opportunities for such associations, his society was agreeable and pleasant. He was a kind husband and indulgent father. As to his fault (I do not say faults), I may not attempt to palliate in any wise, for in childhood he imbided the habit of using strong drink, which at times seemed to take hold with giant grasp. The woe and sorrow which this, alas, so common habit brings, was laid
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as a heavy burden on his able and cultured companion. We gladly turn from this short coming, which was not only regretted by his family, but by himself, and but for which I may add his life might have been one of signal success. His farm work and management of stock, when attended to by himself, was done in the most orderly manner; he never seemed to do anything by halves. Notwithstanding his neglect of business at times, he attained a noted success, as a breeder of Short-Horn Durham cattle. Taking stock in the Ohio Importation Company of 1854, he figured prominently as a member thereof for several years, raising some of the finest animals known in his day. For shrewdness and good judgment, he was quite noted, his opinions at stock-shows being well respected and generally sought. He always endorsed his wife's views on religious subjects, she living a remarkably consistent life, full of piety and given to hospitality ; in fact, her influence was felt by all who knew her. While she never reproached her husband for his besetting sin, yet upon suitable occasions, made known to him her views, and exhorted him to place his trust in the Lord. But it was not until his hair was full of the frost of age, that he cut loose from the world, and after a public profession of his faith, took his stand as a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He seemed to live a consistent life; yet though he was only slightly turned of sixty, it was plainly perceptible that his time on earth was short. On March 28, 1876, he passed away, trusting in the merits of his Saviour. The last words he uttered were, '°Oh 1 my Saviour take me to Thyself!" He was a man of remarkably fine physique, stood erect about six feet, with a frame well proportioned. His features were very striking, with grey eyes, brown hair and an aquiline nose. In his death, Clinton County lost a worthy man and an honorable citizen.
REUBEN B. PEELLE, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, son of William and Clarissa Peelle, who were among the first settlers of Clinton County. William Peelle was born in Highland County, Ohio, he having been but five years of age when his parents settled in Clinton County in 1813; was reared on a farm, received the rudiments of education in a log cabin school.of that early day. Was married in 1832, in the twenty-fourth year of his age to Misd Clarisa Starbuck. This union has been blessed with thirteen children, six of whom are living at the present time. He is an ardent member of the Friends' Church, and by his industry and perseverance has acquired considerable wealth. Mr. Peelle is still living on the old homestead; his wife, however, died in October, 1864. Reuben B., the subject of our present sketch, was reared on a farm, attended the Friends' school until he reached his eighteenth year, from thence he went to Richmond, Ind., and attended Earlham College ; he attended this institution about two years. In 1874, he attended, for several. terms, the Normal School at Lebanon, Warren County, and subsequently spent considerable time in teaching school and traveling. In January, 1879, he married Miss Emma F. Elliott, daughter of Solomon Elliott, of Indiana. Mr. Peelle is a member of the F. & A. M., is a Republican, and a member of the Friends' Church. He is a man of superior intelligence, and in all respects one of Clinton County's worthy citizens.
JOHN PEELLE, farmer, P. O. Bloomington,. was born March 23, 1839; in Wilson Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, son of William and Clarissa Peelle, of whom we have made mention in connection with this work. He was reared on a farm, received his' education in a district school, and was married December 29, 1859, to Miss Dorcas A. Mills, daughter of John and Agnes Mills, of Clinton County (Clark Township). To them have been born seven children, viz., Leroy F., Alice J., John W., Henry E., Alonzo M., Harley H. and Clarissa A. Mr. Peelle is a member of the Friends' Church at Grassy Run, is a stanch Republican, and a strong advocate of the temperance cause; has been successful in business, is the owner of 180 acres of fine tillable land, and in all respects be is a most worthy citizen.
REUBEN PEELLE, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born in Highland County, Ohio, March 4, 1810, son of John and Lydia Peelle, was reared on a farm. received the rudiments of education in a district school, and endured some of the hardships and privations which always accompany pioneer life, his parents having settled in Clinton County when he was but three years of age. He was married April 21, 1836, to Miss
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Emily Jessup. To them have been born eight children, viz.: Abigail, Lydia; Elizabeth, Sarah A., Elias H., William C., Enos P. and Jonathan R. He is a member of the Friends' Church, is a stanch Republican, and a strong advocate of the temperance cause, and is a very generous and charitable man; has been successful in business and is the owner of 170 acres of land.
MARK PEELLE, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born January 11, 1821, in Clinton County, Ohio, the son of John and Lydia Peelle ; was reared on a farm, received the rudiments of education in the log-cabin schoolhouse of that early day; is an intelligent, industrious farmer; was married February 3, 1848, to Miss Mary Ellen Jessup. To them have been born five children, viz.: Margaret E., Eliza J., Seth L. Lydia and John B. Mr. Peelle is a member of the Friends' Church, and a very generous and charitable man. He has acted as Trustee for Wilson Township, and is at present a director of the Wilmington Infirmary, is a stanch Republican, and has been a fervent advocate of the temperance cause in Ohio. He is the owner of 288 acres of land, and in all respects one of Clinton County's worthy citizens.
JOHN F. PENDRY, farmer, P. O. Reesville, was born August 30, 1848, in Wilson Township, Clinton Co., Ohio; was the son of William C. and Mary Pendry, of Clinton County, Ohio. William C. was very young when his parents, who emigrated from Virginia, settled here, and who were among the first settlers of this county. He was reared on a farm, received an education in a district school of that early day , and subsequently married a Miss Mary Owens. To them were born four children. He was successful in business, and the owner of 100 acres of land in Hardin County, Ohio. John F., the subject of our sketch, was also reared on a farm, about two and a half miles east of Wilmington, received an education in a district school, is an intelligent, industrious farmer; was married January 2, 1872, to Miss Sarah E. Ranking, daughter of Harvey H. Hankins, of Wilson Township, whose sketch appears in this work. To them have been born two children, viz., Harvey C. and Asa E. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, Sabina Lodge, No. 501 ; is a Republican, and has been successful in business, and is the owner of 13:3 acres of good tillable land. Mr. Pendry may be classed among Clinton County's most intelligent farmers.
M. M. and E. A. SPENCER, farmers, P. O. Reesville. Capt. James Spencer, grandfather of the two gentlemen whom we represent in this sketch, emigrated to Kentucky from Pennsylvania at an early day, and settled in Newport, but soon after removed to Fort Washington (now Cincinnati). He married Miss Mary McClure, daughter of Capt. John McClure. They were the first white couple married in what is now known as Cincinnati. He served as a private soldier during the Revolutionary war, for which service he drew a pension until the time of his death. He also served in the campaign of Hamer and St. Clair. During the war of 1812, he served as a captain in the army commanded by Gen. Harrison. He moved to Clinton County about 1816. The dates of his birth and death are to the writer unknown. John C. Spencer, son of Capt. James Spencer, was born in Newport, Ky., in 1795. He remained at the home of his father until he reached his eighteenth year. He then enlisted in the army of Gen. Harrison, during the war of 1812. He participated in the siege of Fort Meigs and various other engagements. He served until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge. He then returned to his home in Clinton County, to which his father's! family had removed during his absence. Shortly after his return home, he married Miss Mary L. Hinkson, daughter of Col. Thomas Hinkson. This union was blessed with eight children, six of whom are still living. After his marriage, he lived on his father's farm for about one year, from whence he moved to what is now known as the Hinkson farm; he remained there about four years. He subsequently bought a farm near Sabina, removed thereon, where he remained until the spring of 1836, in which year he started on a western tour to Illinois, for the purpose of finding a home for his family in that State. He, however, soon returned and abandoned this project. While in Illinois, his family had moved to what is now known as the Spencer farm. After leaving the Hinkson farm, and before buying the farm near Sabina, he lived for about four years on what is now known as the Absalom Douglass farm. After
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returning from the West, he remained at home but a abort time, and started on a journey to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Henceforth all traces of him were lost. Milton M., one of the sons of John C. Spencer, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, in February, 1820. His youth was spent on a farm, the pursuits of which he has followed up to the present time. On October 16, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Welch, born 1815, daughter of Peter and Matilda Welch, of Dutchess County, N. Y. This union has been blessed with three children-Benjamin, Mary E. and Ethan A. Mr. Spencer is a man of good judgment and reliable character. He is a member of the Presbvterian Church; and believes in supporting every project which has for its object the elevation of mankind, or humanity in general. Ethan A., brother of Milton M. Spencer was born June 23, 1823, in Clinton County, Ohio, where he has lived unto the present time, with the exception of three or four years spent in the State of Indiana, where he was employed by his uncle as a dry goods clerk. After his return from Indiana, he attended the High School at Wilmington for one year, after which he taught school for about two years. In the spring of 1862, he was elected Justice of the Peace for Wilson Township, and served as such until about the 20th of July, the same year. On July 26, 1862, he was commissioned a Captain in the Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the service of the United States. He raised a company of one hundred men, and reported for duty at Camp Dennison, Ohio, in eight days time. -In a few days, the regiment was ordered to Kentucky for the protection of Cincinnati against the invasion of the rebel Gen. Kirby Smith. After many hard marches and severe exposures, during the retreat of the Confederate army, and without any rest, the regiment was ordered to Louisville, from thence to Frankfort, where they arrived about the time the battle of Perryville occurred. After remaining at Frankfort a few days, the regiment was ordered to Gallatin, Tenn., at which place they took up their winter quarters. On March 15, 1863, owing to a disease contracted in the service, from which he has not yet, and probably will never, fully recover; also, owing to an accidental gun-shot wound fn the left hand which rendered it partially useless, he resigned his commission and returned home. In September, 1863, he was commissioned Colonel of the Third Regiment Ohio Militia. The regiment, however, was never called upon to do active service, and soon after merged into the Home Guards. His occupation is that of an agriculturist, in which he has been engaged, more or less, for thirty years. He has been able to perform comparatively little labor since his return from the army. In politics, he generally votes regardless of party spirit. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Society, Lodge No. 501, Sabina, and in company with his brother, Milton M., is the owner of 120 acres of land. Col. Thomas Hinkson, father of Mrs. John C. Spencer (deceased), was born in 1772, in Westmoreland County, Penn., and emigrated, with his father, to Kentucky. In the autumn of 1790, as a volunteer and private, he accompanied the expedition of Gen. Hamer, and was engaged in the battle near the Miami villages, in which battle he received a slight wound in the left arm. He was subsequently engaged in the diestrous campaign of Gen. St. Clair. In the campaign of 1794 against the Indians, he served as a Lieutenant under Gen. Wayne, with the Kentucky Mounted Volunteers. After the defeat of the Indians, he returned home and married Miss Elizabeth Foos, daughter of Rev. Benjamin Foos. He then settled on a farm in Harrison County, Ky. In the spring of 1806, he emigrated to Ohio, Clinton County, and in 1807, settled on a farm eight miles east of Wilmington. He was soon after elected Justice of the Peace, and appointed Captain of the militia company, to which he subsequently belonged. In 1810, he was elected one of the Associate Judges of the county. During the year 1812, he commanded a company of Rangers. After his return home, he was appointed Colonel of the Third Regiment, First Division Ohio Militia. He removed to Indiana in 1824, and was elected Associate Judge of Bartholomew County. He died in 1828, aged fifty-six years. Judge Benjamin Hinkson, son of Col. Thomas Hinkson, was born in December, 1797, in Harrison County, Ky., and removed with his father to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1806. He remained on the farm until he was about fifteen years of age. In 1818, he entered Chillicothe Academy, where he spent about two years--in the meantime reading law
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with Col. Brush. In 1820, he was admitted to the Clinton County Bar, opened an office in Wilmington, where he practiced until 1834. In the autumn of 1826, he was elected to the Ohio Legislature, in which he served five terms. During the winter of 1834, he was elected Secretary of State for three years. In 1836, he was elected Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit,, remaining on the bench for seven years. In 1843. he returned to the practice of his profession, at Wilmington, and continued in the same until 1858, in which year he laid aside the duties of his professional life, and retired to enjoy the quietude of his farm in Wilson Township. In the war of 1812, he served about eight months, and for which service he drew a pension. Politically, be was a Whig. He voted for Henry Clay in 1824, but had, up to the time of his death, acted with the Democratic party since 1828. After devoting a life of usefulness to his country, he died March 14, 1877. Thus passed away a noble man, an eminent jurist and an honorable citizen.
JESSE SPURGIN, deceased, was born January 24,1812, near Reesville, in Clinton County, Ohio; was the son of Ezekiel and Martha Spurgin, who were among the first settlers of Clinton County. He was reared on a farm; received his education in a district school, was an intelligent, industrious farmer; was married in December, 1848, to Miss Susan Wherry, daughter of James and Catharine Wherry, who were also among the early settlers of Clinton County. This union has been blessed with two children. He was a kind and loving father, an indulgent husband, and died September 5, 1852. He was a Democrat; was successful in business, having left about one hundred and thirty acres of land to his family. Mrs. Spurgin, his widow, still survives him, and is a member of the Christian Church.
WILLIAM THORP, farmer, P. O. Bloomington, was born in Southampton County, Virginia, August 22, 1816, son of Edmund and Mary Thorp, who were among the early settlers of Clinton County ; settled here in 1832. He was an energetic, industrious man. He was elected Justice of the Peace for Clinton County in 1833 and served until 1851. He was successful in business, the owner of 375 acres of land, and died January, 1853. Mrs. Thorp survived him some nineteen years, she having departed this life in April, 1872. William, the subject of our present sketch, was reared on a farm, received the rudiments of education in a district school, and, like his father, is an intelligent, industrious farmer. He was elected Justice of the Peace for Wilson Township in January, 1861, and served for one year. He subsequently was elected Town Treasurer in 1869 and 1870, again re-elected in 1875, and served till 1880 ; was married, August 19, 1852, to Miss Martha Wilson, of Virginia. To them have been born two children, viz., Joseph E.; the other died in infancy. Mrs. Thorp died September 22, 1877. He again was married, to Miss Hudley E. Pike, June 8, 1879. Mr. Thorp is a fervent member of the M. E. Church, is a Democrat, has been successful in business, and is in all respects a worthy and honorable citizen.
JAMES W. THORP, attorney at law, Bloomington, was born September 14, 1846, in Richland Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, son of Joshua and Nancy Thorp, of whom we have made mention in connection with this work. James W. was reared on a farm ; received a fair English education in a district school. He began the study of law in 1875 and was admitted to the bar in April, 1879. He was elected Justice of the Peace for Wilson Township in March, 1875, and served until 1878. In June, 1877, he was granted a commission to act as Notary Public for Wilson Township, and had said commission renewed in July, 1880 ; was re-elected Justice of the Peace in October, 1881. He is decidedly Democratic in his political views, and is a fervent member of the Christian Church at Bloomington. He was married April 16, 1881, to Miss Lacy A. Gurley, of North Carolina.
JOSHUA B. THORP, druggist, Bloomington, was born in Wilson Township, Clinton County, Ohio, June 20, 1849 ; was the son of Joshua and Nancy Thorp, who were among the early settlers of Clinton County, and who, in the year 1832, removed from Virginia; bought a farm near Bloomington, and settled thereon. He was quite successful in business, and died in 1864. Joshua B., the subject of our present sketch, was reared on the farm of his father; received the rudiments of education in a district
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school ; he afterward entered the drug store of Mr. C. H. Chitty, of Bloomington ; shortly after, he became a dry goods metchant in Memphis, Clinton County, in which business he was engaged for two years. He subsequently removed to Bloomington, and opened a drug store, in which business he is at present successfully engaged. He was married, October 5, 1876, to Mrs. Nancy Joiner, nee (Purcell). To them has been born one child, viz., Mary. He is a Democrat; has been very successful in business, and is one of Clinton County's most worthy citizens.
MARION WILKERSON, M. D., physician and surgeon, Bloomington, is the son of John and Elizabeth Wilkerson, natives of the State of Kentucky. His father, John Wilkerson, was born in Boone's Fort, Ky., in 1787. He emigrated to Ohio and settled in Warren County, where our subject was born, and where he was reared and educated. He attended the public schools of his native county, in which he received a good elementary education, and early in the history of his life, commenced reading medicine with Dr. W. S. Dakin Ad Drs. J. & E. B. Stevens, of Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio. He attended lectures at the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, and graduated from that institution in 1852-53. During the rebellion, he received the appointment of Assistant Surgeon of the Eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served during the memorable battles of Vicksburg and those in Arkansas. He has been in the practice of medicine and surgery since his graduation, and is now located at Bloomington, in this county, where be has a good and lucrative practice. He married a beautiful and highly accomplished daughter of Dr. Isaac Telfair. She is now deceased, and the Doctor is living alone in his home in the above named village.
JOSEPH WILLIAMS (deceased) was born about the 1796, in Adams County, Ohio, son of Joseph and Mary Williams, who were among the first settlers of Adams County. He was reared on a farm ; received the rudiments of education in a district school. When but eighteen years of age, his father died, and upon him depended the support of the family, which was quite large. He remained at home until 1820, he being then in his twenty-fourth year, when he married Miss Margaret Jones, daughter of Andrew Jones. In 1825, he removed to Clinton County, in Wilson Township; bought 196 acres of land about three miles east of Port William; settled thereon, and endured all the hardships of pioneer life. In the year 1844, Mrs. Williams died, having been the mother of ten children. In the year 1845, he was. again married to Mrs. Susan Rosher, who was a widow, with a family of two children. This union has been blessed with eight children, three of whom are still living. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; was successful in business; left to his family 196 acres of land, and died in September, 1874. His widow still survives him.
JESSE B. WILLIAMS (deceased) was born October 24, 1837, in Hamilton County, Ohio, son of Jesse and Mary Williams, who were among the early settlers of Hamilton County. He was reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of education in a district school. When twenty-one years of age, he married Miss Ann Maria Carroll, daughter of Stephen and Rebecca Carroll. To them have been born two children, viz., Alonzo M. and Harriet A. In 1848, he removed to a farm located about a mile south of Bloomington; lived thereon one year, and removed to a farm belonging to the Telfair estate, where he lived about three years, at the expiration of which time the war of the rebellion broke out. He enlisted in the Seventy-ninth (Company D), Ohio Volunteer Infantry in August, 1862 ; was mustered into the service at Camp Dennison. From there his regiment was called away to Kentucky, where he was taken quite ill, and was obliged to be taken into the hospital, at Louisville, Ky., where he remained a few weeks, and subsequently was sent home, where he remained a few months, when he was again called to duty, and was sent to Nashville, where his regiment at that time was stationed, but owing to his ill health, the greater part of the time, he was allowed to do hospital duty in Nashville Hospital. He remained here till he returned home, in September 25, 1865; lived about six years after his return from the war, and died March 27, 1871. He was a kind and loving father and indulgent husband, and respected by all who knew him.