958 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

DARBY TOWNSHIP.

WILLIAM ALLEN. merchant, Plain City, was born in Vermont, April 15, 1811. He is a son of Calvin and Eunice (Delano) Allen. natives of Vermont, the former of Irish and the latter of French descent. who emigrated to this county in 1815. His father was a brick-mason. Our subject was reared on the farm and worked with his father until twenty years of age. He served a two-years' apprenticeship to the brick-mason's trade, and followed his trade for nearly a quarter of a century. In 1863, he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Plain City, where he still continues. He was married, in 1839 to Harriet N. Ewing. a daughter of Joshua Ewing, who settled here in 1822. By this union eight children were born, five surviving, viz., A. W., Caroline. Lyman, Mary and Wilbur G. A. W. Allen is the ,junior member of the firm of Hager & Allen, dealers in groceries, boots, shoes and produce. and extensive shippers of eggs. This firm shipped in 1881, 1,200 barrels of eggs. with seventy-five dozen eggs in each barrel, making 1,080,000 eggs A W. Allen enlisted in 1861 in Company G. Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. for three months, and, at the expiration of his term, re-enlisted in Company I. Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. James A. Garfield. and was honorably discharged at the end of his term of service. He was wounded at the battle of Port Gibson, and did not rejoin his regiment until they were at the siege of Vicksburg. in which they participated. Caroline is the wife of Rev. C. S. Irwin. Lyman B. is a train dispatcher and telegraph operator in California. Mary is the wife of R. C. Hager. of Hager & Allen. Wilbur G. is in the store with his father. Mrs. Allen died in 1868. She and her husband were members of the Presbyterian Church, and he has been an Elder and Deacon in the church at Plain City. He is a Republican in politics, and has been Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace. He is a man of reliable business principles and strict morality.

CHARLES AMANN. Cashier of the Exchange Bank. Plain City, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 6, 1842. His parents were Xavier and Bridget (Duplar) Amann the former a native of France and the latter of Switzerland. His father emigrated to America when a young roan, and, after stopping a short time in New York, located at Cincinnati. where he worked at his trade-tailoring. He was twice married, Charles being the only child by his first wife. Our subject enjoyed the advantages afforded by the graded schools of Cincinnati until eight years of age, when he went to Sidney with his father, who engaged in the merchant tailoring business there, and Charles attended the Sidney Public Schools. He then learned the molder's trade, which he followed until 1862, when he enlisted from Adams Township. Champaign County. in Company H. Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Rhodes. On the 20th of October, 1863. he was captured. at Philadelphia, Tenn., together with a large number of others, and taken to the rebel prison at Belle Isle. afterward being removed to Dan-

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 959

ville, Salisbury and Florence. From the last-named place he was taken to Charleston. S. C., in 1864, and placed. with 600 Union officers and 600 Union men, in a building, under the fire of the Federal guns then shelling the city. On the near approach of Gen. Sherman, Mr. Amann was removed to the prison at Goldsboro, from whence the records show he was paroled February 24, 1865. He well remembers seeing emaciated and fever-stricken prisoners, in great numbers, left by the rebels to die. He was fever-stricken at Goldsboro. and, while unconscious, was thrown into the "dead-wagon" and hauled off for burial, the records of Wilmington. where the Goldsboro dead were buried, showing that " Charles Amann, of Company H. Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died March 26, 1865," and was buried in the National Cemetery. He has no recollection of his release, and does not know how he regained his release. It is said that, according to the prison records, he was a prisoner longer than any Ohio soldier. with but one exception, during the war. After the war, he engaged in business at Plain City, with marked success, for twelve years in the drug business, with Isaac Leonard, and in 1881 he took his present position. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, and of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a Republican in politics. He has been Township Clerk and Trustee, and Mayor and Councilman of Plain City.

WILLIAM I. BALLINGER, M. D., Plain City, is the oldest son of Joshua and Delilah (Inskeep) Ballinger, of Logan County, Ohio, where he was born October 18, 1828. The former, who was born in New Jersey. came to Ohio with his parents in 1810, and settled on the head-waters of Big Darby Creek, where he died. The latter was a native of Ohio, and still lives. The subject of this sketch spent his youth and boyhood with his parents, brothers and sisters, on a farm, until the spring of 1848. Then, having no special appetite for the gymnastics and manual duties of farm life, he was sent to the " Old Academy." in Marysville, Ohio, at that time under the auspices of the Rev. James D. Smith, who was assisted by the Rev. James A. Sterrett, as Principal. He spent three summers in this institution, the last two of which were under the tutelage of the now Hon. James W. Robinson. of Marysville. Ohio. who took charge of the academy as Principal in 1849. Here he acquired the rudiments of algebra, Latin, and of such branches as are usually taught in the high school departments in the graded system of the present day. The winters were passed in teaching district schools, and our subject remembers, with much regret. the mistakes of those whose duty it was to employ teachers, and to look after the moral and mental welfare of the youth, in employing young men and young women to perform these sacred duties, whose only qualifications were a " certificate to teach," and a sufficiency of muscular development to assert their authority in the schoolroom by the help of the rod. In September, 1850. he was sent to the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and entered the Senior Preparatory Class. and remained in the university for three years, pursuing the classical course of study. In the fall of 1S53, he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. D. W. Henderson, of Marysville. Ohio; taught a district school at Amity, in this county, during the following winter months, resumed his studies in the office in March 1854 and, in October of the same year. entered Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, for his first course of lectures. In March of 1855, he returned to Dr. Henderson's office. and there remained till the October following, when he went to Cleveland. Ohio, and entered the Cleveland Medical College. where he was graduated a Doctor of Medicine early in March, 1856.

960 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

Through the kind offices of his much-esteemed preceptor and friend, Dr. Henderson, he was introduced to Hon. Dr. John N. Beach. then in Pleasant Valley, now Plain City, this county, a partnership for business purposes agreed upon, and, on the 9th of April 1856, the subject of our sketch became the object of curious eyes among the inhabitants of Pleasant Valley and vicinity, trying to weigh the acumen and mental force of the "new doctor." First impressions of Pleasant Valley were not favorable. It was at a time of the year when mud reigned supreme over foot-paths and highways. Teams were bemired in the main streets, and had to be pried out with poles. Sidewalks were few and far between. The town had a railroad and depot, but to reach the same you had to travel--man, woman, child. horse, hog and cow--from McCloud's corner over the entire length of Railroad street, through a sea of mud and water, the exact depth of which no man, perhaps, ever exactly fathomed. The late sleeper was aroused from his dreams, of mornings, by the sonorous notes of " P-o-o-i-g, p-o-o-i-g, piggy, piggy!" coupled with the pleasing strain, " S-o-o-k, boss! s-o-o-k, boss! " and, upon gaining the front door, the foot-paths and streets were found to be the common feeding-yards; and for the balance of the day Mr. Porker plied his snout diligently to plowing the streets and grass plats. The moral and social status was not wholly out of keeping with the physical comforts and conveniences of the place. Although there were a number of intelligent, generous hearted and Christian people there, yet there were a great many who had their " peculiar views " and their peculiar ways. Bad whisky then, as now, was not unknown; and for many, Saturday was the day of days for settling old scores. This element mostly came from the country. They would commence coming in about 9 or 10 o'clock A. M., and by 2 o'clock P. M. their ranks would be full, and the early comers well fired up. Accounts were called, and the swearing would begin. After exchanging a great many oaths and vulgar epithets, and passing the bottle around several times, the preliminaries of battle would be arranged: but not many hard battles were ever fought. Pleasant Valley at the time was a dead town so far as business and building enterprises were concerned. From 1856 to 1866, one had to count in all the barns built to make an average of one building per year: and the business off the place was limited to three small dry goods stores, one grocery, one drug store and one restaurant. To return to our subject. The " new doctor " was kindly received by his new acquaintances, and, in course of time, was intrusted with a fair share of the afflicted portion of humanity to care for. He found many warm hearts, and true and genial friends. On the 18th of February, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Taylor. the oldest daughter of John and Eliza Mark Taylor, who were both born and raised in Madison County, and still reside two miles south of Plain City. They have had five children, viz.: Charles, who died in infancy; John T.; Oliver, who died aged fourteen months; James Llew and Eve. Mr. Ballinger is a member of the Methodist Church and of the Masonic Order, and in politics is a Republican. The Doctor pursued his professional duties assiduously until the spring of 1873, when he, in company with Mr. Richard Woodruff, a merchant of Plain City, conceived the project of building a flouring-mill in Plain City. Neither party knew anything about mills or milling, but the scheme was put into execution, and the mill, a substantial brick structure, with two run of buhrs for wheat, and one for corn, was put in operation about Christmas of the same year. costing about $13,000. Mr. Woodruff dying in 1875 left the entire care of the mill in the Doctor's hands. This so interfered with his profes-

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 961

sional duties that he has given but little attention to them since. The Plain City Mills have had a fine reputation for the quality of their flour for several years, and any one visiting the Doctor's sanctum will find his table covered with both medical and milling literature. and will find him as ready to discuss the best methods of milling as he is to discuss the best methods of preventing and treating diseases. He is now decidedly in favor of bread pills.

E. W. BARLOW, undertaker, furniture-dealer and manufacturer, Plain City, was born in Darby Township March 6, 1835. He is a son of E. W. and Polly C. (Lawrence) Barlow, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of New York, and both of English descent. They emigrated to Clark County, Ohio, and in 1820 moved to Madison County coming to Plain City in 1852. His father was a carpenter until he came to Ohio. when he followed farming until his death, in 1865. Our subject has worked in the shop where he is now employed since he was seventeen years of age. He was married. November 4, 1857, to Electa I. Bigelow, a daughter of Dr. D. K. Bigelow, and by her has one child. Cora I.. the wife of John R. Hill. Mrs. Barlow died March 9. 1858. and in 1859 he married Lucinda A. Kent, by whom he has four children-Linden C., Elva R., Earl W. and Eddie B. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the father has been a Class-Leader fifteen years. He was a Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist. His father was a Major in the war of 1812.

I. W. BEACH, undertaker. and manufacturer and dealer in furniture, Plain City, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 21, 1850. He is a son of Uri and Elenore (Downing) Beach, the former a native of this county and the latter of Pennsylvania. and both of English descent. Our subject received his education in the common schools, at Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and at a commercial college in Pittsburgh, Penn. Be worked at farming until thirty- one years of age when he came to Plain City and embarked in his present enterprise. with Mr. Barlow, under the firm name of Barlow & Beach. He was married, in 1874, to Ruth Alma Slyh, a daughter of Matthias Slyh. They have one child. Lulu Ann, born January 6, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Beach are Baptists, and he is a Republican. He served one term as Township Assessor.

EPHRAIM W. BIDWELL, deceased, was born October 28, 1817, and was the fourth son of Elisha Bidwell, one of the earliest settlers of Madison County, having settled here as early as 1814. His mother's maiden name was Dorothy Willy and they came to Ohio from the State of Vermont, and were Yankees, or New Englanders. Ephraim was one of seventeen children-fifteen sons and two daughters-fifteen of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. His parents passed through many hardships and privations, known only to the early settlers of Madison County. Ephraim was a farmer, as also were his father and most of his brothers. He received only the limited education to be obtained in the district schools of those days. and was a self-made man, being well informed on all subjects, both political and religious. He held many offices of trust, both township and county offices, and was a member of the State Legislature during the years of 1864 and 1865 and was also a teacher in the district schools both before and after his marriage. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura Lombard, November 4, 1841. Ephraim and wife were the parents of six children-three daughters and three sons-all of whom are living. The eldest daughter. Olive. is now the wife of David D. Brooks, and

962 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

resides in Nuckolls County, Neb. The second daughter, Dorotha Ellen, is now the wife of J. H. McKinnon, and resides in Cass County, Neb. The third daughter. Virginia Ann, now the wife of John D. Crego. resides near Sedalia. Mo. Their husbands are all farmers. The eldest son, Monroe Bidwell, married Miss Martha C. Kreamer and resides on the old home farm in the family homestead. where he was born and raised, and where, his parents lived for thirty-three years. Monroe is a farmer and stock-raiser. The second son. Webster Bidwell, who married Miss Sarah Buswell, also resides on a part of the home farm. and is a farmer. The third and youngest son. Hamilton Bidwell, married Miss Nettie Spink, of Wooster, Ohio. and now resides in Lincoln. Neb. He is by profession a lawyer. Ephraim Bidwell and wife commenced life without means, but, by their united industry and economy they succeeded in securing an ample fortune, consisting of a fine farm of, 500 acres, situated between the Big and Little Darby. Ephraim also owned a fine town property and residence near Plain City where he resided at the time of his death, and where his widow now resides. He and wife were firm believers in universal salvation, and members of the Universalist Church. He was very public-spirited, and well-informed on all political and religious topics of his day and ever ready to uphold the right and denounce the wrong. In politics, he was an ardent worker and a thorough Republican. He died July 10, 1881, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, and lies in the family burial-grounds at Foster Chapel. Madison County, Ohio. We will now rive a short genealogy of Jesse Lombard and wife, parents of Laura E.. wife of Ephraim Bid. well: Jesse was one of the earliest settlers of Madison County, having come here in an early day. from the State of Vermont. and settled on what is known as the Darby Plains. where his children still reside. He was a New Englander. His wife, Olive Carlton, was of German parentage, her mother being a German. Jesse and wife were the parents of six children -three sons and three daughters--five of whom are living. Jesse was a farmer. a firm believer in universal salvation, and a Whig politically. He died in 1874, in the eighty-second year of his age. His wife, Olive, died is 1858, in the sixty-fifth year of her age.

ISRAEL ELIPHAZ BIGELOW, retired, Plain City, was born at Adamsburg, Westmoreland Co., Penn., June 7, 1825. He was a son of Dr. Daniel K. and Lydia (Custer) Bigelow the former a native of Saratoga County, N. Y.. and the latter of Fayette County, Penn They were married in Fayette County, and, coming West in 1831, settled on a farm adjoining Plain City. where both died-he November 10, 1850, and she November 14, 1854. Their family consisted of six boys and five girls, of whom four boys and two girls are living. The father was one of five sons of Dr. Israel Bigelow. who came to Ohio in 1828. These sons were all physicians. and all, with one exception. life practitioners. The town of Plain City was for a time called Bigelow Town, in honor of the senior Dr. Bigelow. The subject of this sketch was the second of his parents' children. He came West with his parents. and remained at home until twenty-two years of age. when he engaged in farming on land adjoining Plain City. He had previously read medicine with a view of adopting the profession. but for reasons satisfactory to himself, decided not to continue his studies in that direction. On June 27, 1847 he married Betsey M. Smith. who was born is Vermont October 31, 1828, and was a daughter of Capt. E. C. and Irena (Doty) Smith. natives of Vermont. The father was Captain of a company of militia, and for a short time served in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs.

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 963

Bigelow have had seven children, viz.: Lydia Irena, born July 31, 1848, and died at the age of twenty-two years: Clarence E., a grocer of Plain City, born November 20, 1851, and, on March 19, 1871, married Mary, daughter of Luther Lane, who died November 26, 1874, and on December 22, 1877, he married Catharine J., daughter of Charles and Mary Ann (Beard) Shipman. an infant son died aged four months; Eliphaz McClellan, born April 16, 1862, and married Elizabeth, daughter of William and Jane (Phillips) Manning; Daniel Crocker, a farmer at home, born September 1, 1864: Emmett Custer, born March 19, 1867, and now engaged in a jewelry store in Plain City; and Charles Smith, who died March 13, 1870, aged one year. Mr. Bigelow followed farming for ten rears after marriage. In 1857, he was appointed Postmaster at Plain City, and to his occupation added merchandising. After six years' service, he resigned the office of Postmaster, and became engaged in the warehouse at Plain City, and as agent of the Pittsburgh. Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, in which he continued two years and four months, when he again entered the ranks as a merchant, and so continued until 1879. when he retired from active business life. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity of the Royal Arch degree. and of the Universalist Church. In politics, he is a Democrat. He recently visited the Bigelow family in the East. and paid his respects to 100 living descendants of two of his father's brothers, Drs. Lebbeus L. and Eliphaz Bigelow. He also visited over forty descendants of his Grandfather Custer, who was a full cousin to Gen. George Washington. A gold-headed cane and a gold watch, originally owned by his great-great-grandfather. Isaac Bigelow, have been handed down from generation to generation through the name of Isaac. and are now in possession of the ex-Mayor of Newark. Ohio, who represents the fifth generation. and at his death they pass to the next oldest Isaac then living. The subject of this sketch has filled most of the minor offices of the township. including Justice of the Peace from 1870 to 1873. He was also elected Mayor of Plain City at the same time, and served one year, bit then resigned the office. He was re-elected in 1881, and served one year more. He was appointed and commissioned Seventieth Census Enumerator of the Fifth Ohio District, and discharged the duties of his office to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. Mr. Bigelow has two grandchildren, viz.. Bertha J., born June 30, 1879; and Charles Eber. born March 30. 1882, children of his eldest son.

FILMORE C. BIGELOW. P O. Danville. Ill.. born Jan. 23, 1848 at Plain City, Madison County, Ohio. His parents were Dr. Daniel K. and Lydia (Custer) Bigelow. He was engaged in farming and clerking in a grocery store up to 1866; then attended College at Columbus. Ohio. and began telegraphing in 1867. He was married April 14, 1875. to Miss Annie M. Ball, at Clarksville, Tenn., after which he settled in Danville, Ill. Has two children. Edith I., born November 13, 1878 and Pearl K., born November 11, 1880. In 1880, he quit telegraphing and commenced as billing clerk for the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad Company, which position he still holds. Mrs. Bigelow's parents were Ephraim and Sarah (Peek) Ball. Her grandparents were John and Mary (Grimes) Ball. Mrs. Bigelow was born May 1)), 1857 at North Manchester, Wabash County, Ind.

MRS. EMELINE BOND whose maiden name was Emeline Phillips was born in the State of New York in 1818. She was a daughter of Aaron and Catharine (Lawson) Phillips, the former a native of Long Island. of English descent, and the latter a native of New York State. of German descent. They came to Ohio in 1819. The had seven children, all of whom

964 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

are deceased but our subject. She was married, in 1839, to S. O. Worthington, of Franklin County, and in 1841 they moved into Plain City an built the hotel in which she now resides. Mr. Worthington died in 1853,leaving one child. Wilson S., who was born January 29, 1843, and died January 7, 1876. In 1876, Mrs. Worthington married Hiram Bond, a native of Ontario County, N. Y., where he was born in 1818. He is a miller by trade, but since 1876 has been conducting the business of the hotel.

DANIEL BOYD, stock-dealer, Plain City, was born in Washington County, Penn., May 1, 1828. He is the son of James and Martha (Mill kin) Boyd, natives of Pennsylvania. who emigrated to Ohio in 1831 a settled in Canaan Township. Our subject was reared and educated Canaan Township, and has made stock-dealing a life occupation. He also given some attention to the wool trade during the past thirty years. He was married, February 14, 1850. to Mary A. Smith, a daughter of Samuel Smith. By this union four children were born, viz.: John S.. a farmer of this township; Ella W., who died aged four years; Dwight S., a farmer of this township; and Charles, at home. Mr. Boyd is a Republic and he has held the offices of Township Trustee, Treasurer and Assessor, for three years was County Commissioner. He owns 125 acres of land. addition to other property. His wool and stock operations are very extensive, but operated with care and sound judgment and the profits from them have enabled Mr. Boyd to amass a comfortable competency for his declining years.

JAMES BOYD, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Washington County, Penn., June 5, 1826, and moved with his parents to Madison County in 1831, locating in this township in 1852. He was a son of James and Martha (Millikin) Boyd, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject's e cation was limited to the common schools of this county. He early be) the work of a farmer, and has since spent his life in that useful occupation. He owns a farm of 356 1/2; acres of land, near Plain City, where he resides. He was married, November 20, 1864, to Ann E. Williams, a native of Franklin County, Ohio. and a daughter of Ebenezer Williams. They have three children -Emma, James Grant and Robert Colfax. Mr. Boyd was a W until the formation of the Republican party, since which he has bee Republican. His grandfather, Col. Millikin, an officer in the war 1812, was a surveyor by profession, and at one time owned 2,200 acre: land here.

J. P. BOWERS, SR., farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan Township August 12, 1820. He is a son of Daniel and D. (Phiney) Bowers, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Vermont. where she was born in 1798, being now eighty-four years of age. Daniel Bowers was one of the early settlers of this county, where he located some t about the year 1800. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject grandfathers on both sides were soldiers of the Revolution. Mr. Bower; early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for three years, at the expiration of which time he bought a farm and since then has engaged in farming, now owning about one hundred acres. In 1841, he married Ruhama Guy, who was born in Franklin County. Ohio, in 1819. She a daughter of Jacob Guy. By this union eight children were born, of whom four survive, viz., Betsey L.. Daniel E., John P. and Adda M. Mrs. Bowers died in 1871. She was a good wife an affectionate parent. and a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1872, Mr. Bowers married Alvina Newton, a native of Darby Township. This union has been with

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 965

issue. Mr. Bowers is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities.

M. D. BRADLEY, farmer. P. O. Plain City. The subject of this sketch was born in Canaan Township, Madison Co.. Ohio, September 25, 1854. He is a son of James L. and Elizabeth Mark Bradley. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of this county. Our subject is a farmer by occupation, and owns 202 acres of land in Darby Township and 278 in Canaan Township. In politics, he is a Republican. He was married, November 21, 1877, to Ada A. Burnham, who was born in Pike Township, Madison County. She is the daughter of John H and Salina (Fullington) Burnham. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are members of the Universalist Church.

ABRAM CAREY. farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan Township June 28, 1817. His father. Abijah Carey, was born in Pennsylvania in 1780, and married Catharine Johnson, a native of Virginia. In 1800, he came to Madison County, where he died in 1854, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a farmer, and, at the time of his death, owned 400 acres of land in Darby Township. He raised a family of nine children-three boys and six girls-all of whom reached their majority. The girls married prominent farmers. viz., May married James Guy; Sarah married Jacob Millikin; Rhoda married William Guy; Rachel married James Millikin; Liza married George Rickard; and Lucinda married Nathaniel Harrington. All but one live in this vicinity. Solomon died in July, 1882, and left his property to two sons, who were wealthy before his death. He had retired from business, and was in independent circumstances. Our subject has been a life-long farmer. He owns a large and well-improved farm in this township, on which he resides. He was married, in 1853, to Jane Hogle, a native of Upper Canada. and a daughter of Peter Hogle. This union was blessed with two children, Alice and Ella, who have attended to the household duties of the farm since July, 1877, when their mother died. Mr. Carey was a Democrat until the breaking-out of the late civil war, since which he has been a stanch Republican.

DR. J. H. CARPENTER. physician and merchant, Plain City, was born in Delaware County. Ohio. November 27, 1831. In addition to the common schools of his native county, he attended Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, after which he took a course in Starling 'Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. He then attended the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1865. He commenced practicing in his native county, where he remained three years, then spent two years in Marion County, and, in 1869 came to Plain City, where he has since remained. In 1851, he married Catharine Andrews, by whom he had two children-Charles H. and Lellie K. She died in 1803, and in 1870 he married L. Jennie, daughter of Asa Converse. Dr. Carpenter is a Republican in politics, and has served his village as member of School Board. His grandfather was the first white settler in Delaware County, locating in 1801, on 300 acres of land, which is still in the possession of the family, being now occupied by a grandson of the old settler. In coming to Ohio, they descended the Ohio River to Portsmouth. and then embarked in canoes, and, by means of poles, pushed their way up to Delaware County, a distance of 120 miles. The grandfather was killed by being thrown from his horse down a steep embankment. He was a Captain in the Revolutionary war, and one of the pistols used by him in that struggle is now in possession of our subject. It

966 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

is an old-fashioned horse pistol, with a flint lock, and. though now much the worse for wear. seems to have been a handsome weapon.

ANDREW CARY, farmer. P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan Township January 22, 1833. He is a son of Solomon and Anna (Millikin) Cary, the latter a daughter of Col. Millikin, and of Irish descent. Solomon was a son of Abijah and Catherine (Johnston) Cary. Abijah was born in Pennsylvania in 1780, of English parentage, and in 1800 came to Madison County. Solomon was born in Madison County in 1809 and died in July 1882. His wife was born in Washington County, Penn.. in 1814. They had three children, two now living. Our subject. the oldest child, is a farmer by occupation. and he also deals largely in cattle. usually having about one hundred head on hand all the time. He breeds the Short-Horn Durham cattle and Southdown sheep. He owns 570 1/2 acres of well-improved land, and is one of the leading farmers of the county. He is a Republican in politics; takes an active interest in the cause of education, and has served as School Director for twelve years. He was married, in 1858, to Flora E. Burnham. a daughter of Darius and Lucretia (Hunt) Burnham and a native of this county. They have six children, viz., Anna L., wife of J. B. Smith, of Canaan Township; Henry, Nettie. Rodney. Burnham and Frank Pearl.

DR JEREMIAH CONVERSE, Plain City. Dr. Jeremiah Converse, grandson of Rev. Jeremiah Converse, a Revolutionary soldier, and son of Jeremiah Converse. Jr., was burn in Darby Township, Madison, County, Ohio. June 11, 1822, in that season of epidemic death which is well remembered by the old inhabitants as making sad inroads upon the thinly settled community of Darby Plains. and thickly populating the primitive grounds on Big Darby set aside and sanctified with tears as the burying ground of the dead. Malinda Converse, the Doctor's mother, was a Derby, descended from the old English titled family of that name, and was a woman of remarkable and healthy characteristics of mind. Her keenly active perceptive faculties, aided by an untiring devotion to her family. under less narrowing circumstances than those which surrounded the pioneers of the plains, would naturally have led to a careful, discriminating education, of her children; but the schoolhouses and text-books of to-day were beyond the dreams of that time, and it was by studious application of all his energies and the precious little spare time he could get from labor that young Converse obtained a very common education. The thud of the grubbing hoe, the crash of falling trees and the wielding of the ox-gad in preparing land for cultivation, were interjections in his educational process until about the year 1814, when he turned his mind to a study of the science of medicine, and graduated four years later at the Columbus, Ohio. Starling Medical College. At or near the time of his commencement of the study of medicine, he married Miss Hortence Hemenway a young lady of excellent family and fine qualities of mind and heart, by whom he had six children, the oldest, a daughter, dying in childhood. Following his graduation commenced a professional career of twenty-five years, and with it be gan an observance and study of the physical condition of the country and its sanitary requirements, together with the advancement of social, agricultural and general ideas which have kept him prominently before the public. He never entirely gave up his farming interests. and these in connection with his extensive professional practice. required the major part of his attention, yet in all these the Doctor was careful to give his children excellent educational advantages, and the most of them are now engaged in teaching.

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 967

One, the oldest son, is engaged in a lucrative business in New York City, a married daughter resides in Columbus. Ohio. and the others of his family are living at home or in its immediate neighborhood. Thus, after a quarter of a century administering to the sick over an extensive scope of country, the Doctor felt himself to be breaking under the physical tax imposed by so much horseback-riding. His routes took him over mud roads, pole bridges and unbroken forests and fields, for gravel pikes were yet far in the future, and so, as far as possible, he withdrew from these exacting duties, impressed with the idea that he could render still greater services to the public by engineering labor and becoming actively instrumental in establishing pikes and ditch draining of the plains. The preventative of prevailing diseases he believed to have been better than the cure, and since the time of his withdrawal from practice, save as consulting physician, he has been closely identified with those vast improvements which, through brain, energy and "back-bone," have made our waste lands the garden spot of the Buckeye State. Dicing these years the Doctor has also served Darby Township for many terms as Clerk and Trustee, and was elected Assessor ten years in succession. In 1860, he was elected to the office of County Commissioner, and, at the expiration of a three-year term, was re-elected. In all his public affairs, as in private life, his acts have been characterized by that rare spirit of impartial judgment which impresse communities with its intrinsic value above those who court public trust and nurse it solely for the emolument of office. Had the Doctor's highest aim in life been one of wealth and self-aggrandizement, we might now write of him as a man of broad acres, grazing herds and ponderous bank account. His modest independence, however, assures us that his personal aims have been subservient to the public good, and no doubt the richest blessing he now enjoys, outside the possession of home and family, is his own knowledge and approval of the gifts of prosperity which he sees bestowed upon those around him through the agency in some measure of his wisdom, forethought and self sacrifice. The Doctor is a man of pleasing presence, with a genial, honest handshake for all who meet him. That softer and finer part of humanity, common in some measure to all, but liberally bestowed upon him, has not been perceptibly blunted by the wear of professional experience and hard-ships, and his home is one in which the light of hospitality never grows dim, and from which no one turns away hungry and uncared for.

L. D. CONVERSE, farmer. P. O. Plain City, was born in Darby Township January 31, 1826. He is a brother of Dr. J. Converse, whose sketch appears in this work. He attended the common schools and had the advantages of a select school taught in the vicinity. He remained on a farm until he reached his majority, when be commenced teaching school. He was married, in 1851, to Laura Thomas, a native of Champaign County and a daughter of A. H. Thomas. They have four children, viz., Marcia L., J. L. H., Carrie C., Pearl D. and Ruby N. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the M. E. Church. in which he has been a Class-Leader. Steward and Trustee, and an active worker in the Sunday school. He is a member of the Greenback party in politics. In 1845, he was elected Lieutenant of the First Squadron. First Brigade, Thirtieth Division, Ohio State Militia. He is an active worker in the cause of education, and has served as a School Director for some time.

ASA CONVERSE, merchant, P. O. Plain City, was born in Vermont February 9, 1814, and is the son of Squire Converse and Anna (Rand) Converse, of English descent. They came to Darby Township in 1814, and

968 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

located in what is known as the "Converse Settlement." Our subject remained on the farm until sixteen years of age, when he began learning tanning, and soon taking up the shoe-making trade, he followed both with more than average success for several years. He then opened a general store, which he has conducted over twenty-one years, from 1861. He also owns 133 1/3 acres of good land. In 1835, he married Thankful McCloud. daughter of Charles McCloud. They have three children, viz., Candice. wife of J. J. Morelock, of Marysville; Albert N.; and L. Jennie, wife of Dr. Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the M. E. Church, of which he has been a Trustee. He is a Republican, and has acted as a delegate to the State convention.

RUSSEL B. CONVERSE, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Darby Township January 15, 1828, and is a son of Charles and Phebe (Norton) Converse, natives of Virginia, of English descent. Our subject was reared on a farm and received his education in the country schools. He has been a farmer and stock-raiser all his life, and has met with success in most of his undertakings. In 1849, he married Anna Lombard, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of Jesse Lombard. This union has been blessed with four children, viz., Amelius K., deceased; James L., Elmer E. and Charles D. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the Universalist Church, in which he is a Deacon and Trustee. He has helped to build six churches in his day. He is a Republican in politics, and has been Trustee and Treasurer of the township. He now owns a fine farm of 385 acres.

SANFORD CONVERSE, livery, Plain City, was born in Darby Township, three miles west of Plain City, August 11, 1841, and is the son of Silas and Diadama (Phiney) Bowers Converse, natives of Vermont, the latter being the widow of Daniel Bowers. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended the district school of his neighborhood. In 1877, he began butchering, which he followed until 1880, when he engaged in his present business, with Z. Taylor, whom he has since bought out. He keeps good stock and plenty of it and is doing a thriving business. In 1860, he married Sarah J. Sherwood, a daughter of Andrew A. and Irene (Beach) Sherwood. They have two children, Silas D. and George A. Mr. Converse is a Republican and he has been a Constable for twenty years. He is a prominent Odd Fellow and for seven years was Secretary of that body at Plain City. His father died in 1879, aged eighty-six years, two months and twenty-two days. His mother died October 6, 1882, in her eighty-sixth year.

J. QUIN CONVERSE was born in Champaign County, Ohio, November 8, 1844, being the sixth heir to C. H. Converse and Louisa L. (Ketch) Converse, both from the State of Vermont. At the age of four years, he moved into Union County. Ohio, near Unionville Center. where he resided. working on his father's faun and going to the village school six months it the year, until he was eleven years old, after which he went but three months in the winter, until he was seventeen, which was all the schooling he ever got. On September 11. 1862. he was mustered into the service a a private, in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years. unless sooner discharged. Capt. A. B Robinson commanding the company, and Col. W. P. Reed commanding the regiment. The regiment was hurriedly pushed through with inferior arms (Austrian rifles) and poorly equipped. were put into the field and took the baptism of fire at Perrysville (or Chaplin Hills), Ky., October 8, 1862, less than a month from the date of muster. During that fall and winter, he

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 969

served in all the marches and countermarches over Kentucky to protect supplies from the depredations of the raider Morgan. In February, 1863, he went aboard the "Jacob Strader," At Louisville, and made the trip down the Ohio and up the Cumberland to Nashville, being thirteen days on the boat, in a very crowded condition, there being the two regiments with all their supplies on the one boat. Here he experienced the only sickness of his army life, being for eleven days confined to his bunk. They arrived at Nashville and marched to Franklin, where they stayed for several months and completed the splendid line of defenses which were used with such terrible effect by Gen. Thomas against Hood in the fall of 1864. Mr. Converse served in all the raids and skirmishes that ended in the battle of Chickamauga, on the 19th and 20th of September, 1863, at which battle more than half his comrades were killed or wounded, but he came through with the toe of his shoe cut open with a rifle-ball. He was with Gen. Sherman in the winter march to the relief of Gen. Burnside at Knoxville, and served on the famous Atlanta campaign, in 1864. up to Kenesaw Mountain, when, in an assault, on the 27th of June. he was wounded by a musket ball passing through his cap-box and into his right side, lodging against the right hip, from where it was cut that evening on the field. In this bayonet charge more than half his comrades were killed or wounded. He now went to the rear, and was absent from the regiment four months. thirty days of which he spent at home, where he made the acquaintance of his future wife. He rejoined the regiment in time to make the march to the sea with Gen. Sherman, then up through the Carolinas, ending with the battle of Bentonville, March 19, 1865 where he was at one time cut off and thought it best to surrender, but in the confusion got away. He was at Raleigh, N. C., when Johnston surrendered: marched from there to Washington; participated in the grand review, May 23. 1865; was discharged as Second Duty Sergeant .June 9, 1865, and reached home June 17, having served near three years. never missing a single trick of duty, and never being under arrest or reproved by a superior officer. On March 28. 1866, be was married Miss Mary I, Baxter, oldest daughter of William H. and C. D. Baxter, of Urbana, Ohio. He then bought land in York Township, Union County, and worked it several years, but his old wound was a constant drawback on him, and he sold his land and moved to Urbana and worked at the watchmaking bench on repairs for two years. after which he located in Plain City in the jewelry business; has now been here over seven years, and has, by close application, brought his business up from a very small beginning to its present comfortable proportions. He owns real estate in the corporation the value of $2,500 to $3,000. He has but two children living. In politics, he is an Independent Republican, always supporting the best man in all local elections, regardless of party. He has never held any official position whatever. He was Captain of a company of Ohio National Guards for three years, 1878, 1879 and 1880 but the company was disbanded in 1851. He is a member of no religious denomination. being free to admit the good that is in all, but too broad in his ideas of religions liberty to accept the tenets of one to govern him in all things.

THOMAS W. CORNWELL, farther. P. O London, is a son of Addison Cornwell. whose biography appears in Union Township. He was born in this county September 25, 1843, and received his education in the rural districts of his native county. He has adopted the occupation of farming, and now owns 107 acres of land. In 1S61. he enlisted in Company D, Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Watson. and served

970 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

three years. After 1864 he was in the One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as First Duty Sergeant. After the war, he came home and again engaged in farming. In 180:1, he married Ellen J. Wilson. a daughter of John Wilson, by whom he has had five children, viz., Otis, Willie, Leroy. Earnest and Esher-the two latter twins. Mr. Cornwell participated in some hot engagements during the war, and can now boast of an unblemished war record.

A. J. DYER, farmer, P. O. Plain City. was born in Delaware County, Ohio, December 3, 1849. He is a son of William and Josephine (Norton) Dyer the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Connecticut, both of English descent. Our subject attended the common schools of his native county. and finished his education at Kenyon College. He was married, in 1879, to Nora Morgridge, by whom he has one child--Christine. Mr. Dyer is a member of the Episcopalian Church. He owns 658 acres of land, and deals largely in stock. He is a Republican.

JOSEPH EDWARDS, wagon-maker. Plain City was born in Bedford County. Penn., January 10, 1838, and is a son of J. P. and Abarilla (Stephens) Edwards, natives of Pennsylvania, of English descent. Joseph was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. At the age of nineteen, he began learning wagon-making, which he has since followed with the exception of five years. from 1861 to 1866. spent in the Western States and Territories. In 1860. he came to Plain City and went into business with Jacob Weaver, and has since been doing a successful business. In 1863, he married Margaret Dunkin, a daughter of Reuben Dunkin, and a native of New York. They have three children-Estella, Curtis and Sherman. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are members of the M. E. Church, in which he has been Trustee. He is a Republican in politics.

JOHN FINCH, deceased, was born in Canaan Township January 20, 1816. In 1837, he married Emily Kilbury, who was born in this township July 20. 1816. They had a family of seven children, viz., Nancy, James E., Samantha, Sarah, T. M., Electa and Joshua D.. all married and doing well. Mr. and Mrs. Finch were members of the M. E. Church. He was a Republican in politics a successful farmer an affectionate husband and a kind and indulgent father, respected by all who knew him. He started in life without means, and at the time of his death owned ninety-six acres of land. His widow resides with her daughter. Mrs. Manly Feese. The parents of both Mr. and Mrs. Finch were among the earliest settlers of this vicinity. His father came in 1800. and raised a family of ten children.

WILKINSON GUY. deceased, was born in the Dominion of Canada March 6, 1813, and died in Madison County, Ohio. April 21, 1872. He was the son of Jacob and Hannah (Bean) Guy, who were early settlers in Canada. He received a common-school education. and adopted the occupation of farming, which he followed through life; in politics, he was a life long Republican. He served three years and four months in the late rebellion, under Capts. Haynes and Hendricks, and was present at and participated in the battles of Mumfordsville, Ky., where he was taken prisoner on the 14th. but paroled on the 15th of September, 1862, and at Hoover's Gap, Tenn., Chickamauga. Ga., and with Sherman through the campaign and in his memorable " march to the sea." On December 24, 1840, he married Rhoda Cary. daughter of Abijah and Catharine (Johnson) Cary, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia; they were married in Ohio, and bad nine children, viz.. Polly Solomon. Absalom. Sally, Rhoda, Abner, Rachel, Eliza and Lucinda, the two eldest being deceased. Mrs.

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 971

Guy was born two miles south of where she now lives, October 7, 1814, and has never lived elsewhere than on the old homestead and at her husband's. By her marriage to Mr. Guy four children were born, viz.. Sarah. deceased, wife of Clark Barlow; Catharine. wife of Ezra Pitcher; Sylvester, who married to Mattie Davis: and Jasper, who married Ollie Lape.

ROWLAND HILL. carpenter. Plain City, was born in England July 16, 1826. He was a son of Littleton and Elizabeth S. (Storks) Hill, natives of England, who emigrated to Ohio in 1832. and settled in Harrison County. His father was a tanner and carrier. Our subject is a mechanic, by trade a carpenter, he first worked at cabinet-making; then at building threshing machines and at house building, being now engaged in the latter branch of his trade. He received a common-school education in Ohio, and has spent most of his time in this State. In 1852, he married Catharine Ann Spring, a native of Harrison County and a daughter of Adam Spring. By this union three children were born, viz.. Virginia, John R. and Fannie E. John R. is his father's partner in business: he married Cora I. Barlow, a laughter of E. W. and Irene (Bigelow) Barlow. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the Baptist Church in which he has been a Deacon. He is a Republican in politics, and owns eighteen acres of land adjoining Plain City. on which he has built a neat residence. His grandfather was a sea captain, and carried provisions to the British soldiers during the Revolutionary war. He was a loyal English subject. His wife's grandfather was in the war of 1812.

GARY HORN, manufacturer of drain tile, Plain City, was born in Harrison County, Ohio. January 6, 1824. He is a son of Moses and Sarah (Longfellow) Horn, natives of New Jersey, of German and English descent. His education was limited to the common schools; he remained on the farm where he was raised until twenty years of age, when he began working in the rolling-mills of Virginia. where he remained six years. He then emigrated to this county and engaged in farming. which occupied his attention until 1872, when he began the manufacture of drain tile, in connection with his son, who is still his associate. Mr. Horn was married, in 1848, to Sarah Spring, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Adam Spring. They have four children, viz.. Carlton A., his partner in business; Armeda and Mahlon W. and Charles W., twins. Mr. and Mrs. Horn are members of the Plain City Baptist Church. in which he is a Deacon. He is a Republican in politics.

L. G. HUFF, farmer. P. O. Plain City. was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, October 24, 1834. He is a son of James R. and Lydia (Austin) Huff, natives of New York, the former of German and the latter of English descent. Our subject was educated at the academy in Onondaga County, N. Y., and was brought up to farm life, in which he continued until he reached his majority. On April 16. 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Haynes, and was discharged in the same year. On July 31, 1862, he re-enlisted in Company K, Ohio Zouaves, and while in that command passed through some terrible experiences. He had his right arm torn to pieces by a shot, and endured the agony of his wound nine days before it was dressed; the surgeons then wanted to amputate it., but to this he stoutly objected. He was married, in 1864, to Ellen M. Baker, daughter of E. Baker, of Delaware County, Ohio. They have three children--Clara. Nettie and Clayton. Mr. and Mrs. Huff are members of the Universalist Church, of which he has been Trustee ten years. He is a Republican in politics.

972 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

RICHARD IAMS, SR., farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Pennsylvania December 3, 1823; he is a son of Eli and Phebe (Heckathorne) Lams, the former a native of Maryland. of English descent, and the latter e native of Virginia, of German descent. They came to Ohio in 1824, and settled in Dayton. where our subject had the advantages of the graded schools. He began life by engaging in the grain business, and then spent five years in the grocery business. He was also engaged as a railroad man and later, as a contractor, taking land for pay. In this way, he obtained sixty-four acres at Plain City. in 1854, and, in 1855, began working it. He now has 200 acres. He was married, December 3, 1848, to Phebe Jane Thompson. a native of Montgomery County. a daughter of Isaac Thompson and a namesake of Mr. lams' mother. They have five children, viz., Alfred. Richard, Charles. Alva and Howard. Mr. lams is a Republican. His sons are all farmers.

HENRY KENT, farmer. P. O. Plain City, was born in Jerome Township, Union County, November 9, 1823. His father, Daniel Kent, cam from Virginia with his father. John Kent. in 1800, and married Dilla Shover, a daughter of Henry Shover, who lived in Union County when the Kents came to Ohio. Miss Shover was a native of Germany. Our subject was schooled by subscription in the primitive log schoolhouse, and has been a life-long farmer. On October 15, 1847, he married Melissa Norton a daughter of John H. and Sarah Norton. and by her he has had the fol lowing children: Sylvester C., born September 9, 1848, married Harriet Pickett; Lorenzo C., born June 25, 1851, married Emma Gray, John F. born February 17, 1854, married Lottie Sape; Sarah A., born December 4, 1857; Olive, born August 14, 1860, married Albert Kilgore, son of Harvey Kilgore. of Canaan Township. Mr. Kent owns 170 3/4 acres of land, and deals some in horses, cattle, sheep and hogs.

JAMES A. KILE, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1834, and, -in 1839, came to Madison County, where h has since resided. He is the only surviving child of two children born to Enoch and Sarah (Needles) Kile who were natives of Ohio, of English descent. His grandfather. James Kile, was a native of Kentucky, and became one of the first settlers of Jerome Township. Union County; he raise a family of eleven boys. none of whom weighed less than 190 pounds, an some weighing as much as 265 pounds; they were all temperate men of their day most of them church members, and when our country's flag was assailed in 1861, seven of them took up arms in defense of the Government. Our subject is a man of about 230 pounds weight, well proportioned and on of the most successful farmers of the township. He is an extensive raiser and dealer in stock, and usually winters from 500 to 1,500 sheep, 150 to 2,000 hogs and 50 head of cattle, and sells on an average twelve horses per year. He was married, in 1850. to Mary Martin. a daughter of David Martin, and by her has five children, viz., the oldest. deceased; R. P., Fred W. T. and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Kile are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican in politics, and owns 227 acres of land.

WILLIAM LEASURE, dentist. Plain City, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, September 7. 1837, and is a son of William and Polly Swrader Leasure, natives of Pennsylvania. of German descent. They came Ohio in 1827, and settled in Franklin County. where our subject receive his education. He was raised on a farm, where he continued until sixteen years of age. when he went to Pennsylvania and studied dentistry. After acquiring his profession, he spent five years in Indiana and was dentistry Union

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 973

County nine years. While in the latter county, he was engaged in selling groceries and dry goods. He was married, in 1863, to M. E. Brant, a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and a daughter of Frederick and Polly Brant. They have one child-Jennie, who is now the wife of Vernon Allen, of Plain City.

ISAAC LEONARD, Vice President of the Exchange Bank, Plain City, was born January 25, 1848. He is a son of Jacob and Lidia (Miller) Leonard, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and the latter a native of New Jersey, of English descent. Our subject obtained his education in the schools of Cincinnati, and chose the occupation of a druggist, which he followed in Plain City for ten years. He has latterly devoted his time and attention to banking. He was married, December 23, 1870, to Miss Ada Lane, a daughter of Luther Lane, whose sketch appears in Canaan Township. They have two children, viz., Orlando, an infant who died at the age of seven months, and Iona. Mrs. Leonard is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Leonard is a Republican in politics.

J. H. LOMBARD, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born March 24, 1816, and was a son of Jesse and Olive (Carlton) Lombard, natives of Vermont, the former of English and the latter of German descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1827, and, in 1829. located in Madison County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Our subject received a common-school education, and at an early age learned a trade which he followed with success until in an accident he lost his right arm. Since then he has devoted his time to farming. In 1828, he married Jane Owen, a native of Ohio, of Welsh descent, by whom he has six children, viz., James, Jesse (a soldier in the rebellion), Olive, Jane, Duncan and Estelle. Mr. Lombard's grandfathers on both his father's and mother's side, were soldiers in the Revolutionary war.

H. D. LOMBARD, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Campbell County, Ky., August 15, 1822. At. the age of five years, he emigrated with his father to Ohio, and settled in Union County. Two years later, his father purchased a farm on the " Plains." as it is called, on which place he now resides. He has a family of eight children, the oldest of whom is Phebe, widow of Harvey Bradley, deceased. She has two sons-Rollin and Harvey. The second. De La Mar, who follows the occupation of teacher and farmer; Samantha Alice, wife of H. C. Riddle, of Plain City; Mary S., wife of J. H. Stewart, of Plain City; Millard T.; Frank E., also a teacher; William A. and Ora I. In December,1844, he was united in marriage with Samantha McUmber. who was also born in Campbell County, Ky., October 15, 1820. She was the daughter of William and Phebe Kelly McUmber. Her grandfathers, William McUmber and Beriah Kelly, both served as soldiers in the Revolutionary war. The former was of Irish and the latter of Dutch descent. H. D. Lombard was the son of Jesse, who was one of a family of eight boys. His grandfather was David Lombard, who served in the war for Independence. His mother's maiden name was Olive Carlton. The ancestors of the Lombard family in America emigrated from Italy it an early day. The vessel in which he sailed was wrecked when near the coast. and he day. himself by swimming ashore. He was directly descended from the " Longobards" or Longbeards, one of the tribes of barbarians who overrun the Roman Empire about the year 400 A. D.. and founded the Kingdom of Lombardy in Northern Italy.

BENJAMIN H. MARSHALL. blacksmith, Plain City, was born August 24. 1824. He is a son of Joshua and Sarah (Hague) Marshall. natives

974 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

of Loudoun County, Va., the former of Scotch and the latter of Irish descent. Our subject has plied his trade in Madison County nearly half a century, and has operated a shop in Plain City for thirty-five years. He has made a study of horse-shoeing and other important parts of his trade. and does his work on purely scientific principles. He was married in 1846, to Abigail Ann Adgate, a native of Boston and a daughter of Theodore Adgate, a merchant in that city. They have three children-Malinda A.. Willie C., who married Sally Wiley in 1876, and Minnie M. Mrs. Marshall is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Marshall is a Democrat and a member of the M. E. Church. in which he has been Trustee. He stands at the head of his trade in this vicinity and enjoys a liberal patronage.

L. M. MARSHALL, farmer. P. O. Plain City. was born in Madison County June 20, 1838. He is a son of G. W. Marshall. a native of Virginia. of English descent. Our subject attended the common schools of his native county. and early adopted the occupation of a farmer, which he has followed all his life. with the exception of a few years spent in Illinois as a merchant. He now owns 164 acres of good land. which he cultivates in the most approved manner. In 1858, he married Melissa Domminy, a native of Madison County. by whom he has four children-Electa (wife of George Van Doren), Etta May, Jerry H. and Frank. fir. and Mrs. Marshall are members of the Universalist Church. Mrs. Marshall's parents came to this county from New York in 1811. Her father was a prominent Whig, and for twenty years a Justice of the Peace. He was the parent of twenty children twelve by his first wife and eight by his second. He owned 1,500 acres of land. Mrs. Marshall was one of the youngest by his second wife.

ANDREW JACKSON MARTIN. attorney at law and Mayor of Plain City, was born in Franklin County. Ohio. December 8, 1826. He is a son of John and Sally Martin. natives of Virginia, the former of English and the latter of German descent. He received his education in the common schools of his native county. and. until of age, worked with his father at farming and carpentering. After he reached his majority, he purchased a small farm, which he operated until forty-five years of age. when he became connected with the railroad and superintended the construction of the Columbus Dummy Railroad. On Independence Day, 1852, he married Sarah Ann Stagg, a daughter of Abraham and Rebecca Stagg. They had six children, four now living-Mary L., Florella J.. Charles and Frank of whom three are married and one is in Mexico. Mrs. Martin died in 1872 and, in 1878, he married Margaret (Shafer) Davis, widow of Henry Davis; she is a devoted member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Martin has been through life a hard student. He studied law and was admitted to the bar at Columbus, where he practiced for some years. In 1879, he came to Plain City, and, in 1882, was elected Mayor of the village. He is a Democrat in politics, and for several years was Justice of the Peace in Columbus.

A. McCAMPBELL, baker. Plain City. was horn in Union County October 1, 1840. He is a son of John and Margaret (Tate) McCampbell. His father was born in Virginia January 19, 1812, and his mother in Warren County Ohio. January 1, 1812. His father was the fourth child of the family of thirteen children, and was a cooper until his arrival in Union County, since which he was a farmer. His parents were married in Jerome Township, in 1835, where his father died January 4, 1878. Our subject is one of a family of nine children. eight of whom reached their majority and six became school teachers. It is said of them that they never applied for

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 975

schools, but always had them proffered to them. Two of the boys served in the late rebellion-J. L., enlisted in 1862, in the Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but after ten months' service, was discharged on account of disability; he re-enlisted, February 4, 1864, in Company C, Ohio Heavy Artillery, and was finally mustered out of the service in 1865. Our subject enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry for one year. and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. His father during life was a strong friend of education, and was the prime-mover in having the High School established at California. He was an Old-Line Whig until the formation of the Republican party, after which he espoused the cause of Republicanism. He was a good Christian. and for many years an active member of the United Presbyterian Church.

HON. RODNEY C. McCLOUD, druggist, Plain City, was born in Madison County March 25, 1842. He is the son of Dr. Charles and Mary Jane (Carpenter) McCloud. His grandfather McCloud came to Ohio in 1814. and settled in Union County: he was a native of England and a local preacher. Dr. Charles McCloud settled in Canaan Township in 1831, and for twenty years was engaged in the active practice of medicine. He way a prominent man in politics and an active worker in the Whig party He represented his county in the Ohio Legislature, in the session of 1844-45 and was a member of the Constitutional Convention that framed the present constitution of Ohio. He was born February 2, 1802 and, in 1832, married Mary Jane Carpenter. who was born August 29, 1813. They became the parents of four children. viz., Mary, now the wife of Dr. E. C. Robinson, of Plain City: Smith N.. a druggist at Marysville, Ohio: Sophronia. wife of Dr. Hilton Lane. of Lincoln. Neb., and our subject. The latter was the second child of the family. He began life as a farm hand, but soon obtained a position in a wholesale hardware store at Columbus, where he was employed as a clerk for five years. He was then engaged as a traveling salesman for the same film until he purchased his present business at Plain City, which he did in connection with his brother, Smith N., who is still a partner in the business, the firm owning two stores in different towns. each of which is tinder the management of one of the firm. Mr. McCloud is a Democrat in politics; he has had the offices of Mayor and Councilman of Plain City, and Trustee of Darby Township. and represented Madison County in the Ohio Legislature in 1874-76. He was married, in 1874. to Nancy E. Noteman, a daughter of Zachariah Noteman.

DAVID McCUNE. retired farmer. P. O. Plain City. is a brother of Dr. John E. McCune. and was born in this county August 20, 1824. He was reared on a farm and received a limited education. In 1847, he married Harriett Kent. a native of Union County. and a daughter of Daniel Kent. a soldier of 1812. In 1861. Mr. McCune enlisted in the army, and served for the full term of his enlistment. He was also in the " hundred days " service. He is a life-long farmer, but has latterly retired from all active work. He is a partner with his brother in the possession of 400 acres of land and in a fine business block of Plain City. He also owns a neat brick house, now occupied by him as a residence. He started with nothing, but is now possessed of a comfortable competency. He is a Republican, and has been Township Trustee. He and wife ace members of the M. E. Church.

JOHN E. McCUNE, M. D.. Plain City, was born in Madison County Ohio November 14, 1826. He is a son of John and Polly (Hager) McCune, the former a native of Kentucky. of Irish and English descent., and the latter a native of Vermont. of English ancestry. His grandparents came to

976 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

this county in 1802. Our subject attended the common schools of his native township, after which he taught school to obtain the means for further educating himself. His literary education was obtained at the Central College, in Franklin County, and his professional education at Starling Medical College, Columbus. After leaving college, he located at Plain City, and engaged in practicing his profession and with the exception of one year spent in the West, he has remained here ever since. He was married, in 1850 to Anna Barlow, daughter of Edmond W. Barlow, a Major in the war of 1812, who came to this county in 1833. Dr. McCune is a courteous, affable gentleman. of studious habits and an enthusiast in his profession During his many years of practice at Plain City, be has wrestled very successfully with some very difficult cases, and has built up for himself an enviable reputation and a lucrative practice. He is a prominent member of Plain City Lodge. No. 193, I. O. O. F., and a highly esteemed citizen. He is always to be found on the side of morality and temperance, and takes a deep interest in the welfare of his community. He has a farm of 100 acres of good land, an interest in a fine business block in Plain City and other property. He is a self-made and a well-made man.

GUS A. McDOWELL, carpenter Plain City, was born in Darby Township January 4, 1832. He is a son of L. and Elitha (Sharp) McDowell, the former a native of New Hampshire. of Scotch descent, and the latter of New York. of Dutch descent. Our subject received a good education in the English branches, and being a constant reader, is now a well posted citizen. He owns two acres of land adjoining Plain City. on which he recently erected his residence. In 1862, he enlisted in the United States Regular Army, and was one of a band of unfortunates captured by the rebels and inhumanly forced over a precipice. two of them being killed outright, and our subject with many others seriously injured. He was discharged in 1864, after two years' service. In 1854, he married Miss S. Douglass, a native of Darby Township. and a daughter of Cyrus and Lucy (Sherwood) Douglass. They have had five children, viz.. Lucy A., wife of John Truss; Ada L., wife of M. Brown; Hester M. and Elitha. Mrs. McDowell died October 20, 1874.

A. C. McDOWELL. telegrapher, Plain City, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, May 25, 1844. He is a son of Theodore and Elithia (Sharp) McDowell, natives of Vermont, the former of, French and the latter of German descent. Our subject received a common-school education, and since twenty-one years of age, has been a telegraph operator. He worked on the Pan-Handle Railroad two years, and has held the position in Plain City seventeen years. In the late war, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Robb, and participated in several engagements, but was on detached duty part of the time. On February 21, 1875, he married Eoline G. Smith, of Wayne County, Ind. by whom he has two children-Grace F. and Helen G. Mr. McDowell is a member of the Grand Army. and owns a neat and substantial residence where he now resides.

JOHN W. MILLHOLLAND, brick-maker, Plain City. William Millholland, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania; be was a son of Thomas and Maria (Overmeyer) Millholland, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Germany. They married in Pennsylvania, and coming West at an early day, entered 160 acres of land, three miles north. west of West Liberty, Champaign County, where two of the daughters now reside. William remained at home until about 1868, when he came to

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 977

Madison County. He married Rachel Ann Nichols, by whom he had ten children, four boys and six girls, two boys and three girls of whom survive. The parents are both also living. The subject of this sketch was the second child and second son. He was born in Champaign County June 16, 1844 and remained at home until 1865, when he went to the far West and enraged in herding cattle in Kansas, at which he continued eighteen months, after which he moved to Illinois and engaged in farming. About fourteen years ago, he came to Jefferson Township, where, in 1871, he married Clara McCauley, who was born, raised and educated in that township; she was a daughter of Edward and Cynthia (Webster) McCauley, the latter a descendant of Daniel Webster. By this union four children have been born, one boy and three girls, of whom Edith is the only survivor. In 1875, Mr. Millholland engaged in brick-making at Plain City. at which he still continues. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and in politics formerly a Democrat, but latterly a Prohibitionist.

JACOB MILLIKIN. retired farmer. P. O. Plain City, was born in Washington County, Penn., October 11, 1809. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Cook) Millikin. natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1830 and settled in Canaan Township, where his father purchased 1,500 acres of land for 75 cents per acre. He was a purveyor, and died in 1870. Our subject received only such education as could be acquired in the district schools. but, by dint of hard study, he succeeded in laying by a good store of information. His father had a family of nine children, viz., Samuel. deceased: Martha. wife of James Boyd; Daniel; John; Jacob; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Alder; Ann, wife of Solomon Cary; James, a retired farmer and Andrew Jacob was married in 1835 to Sarah A. Care, a daughter of Abijah Carey: she was born where they now live in 1813. They have two children. William and Sarah. Mr. Millikin owns 500 acres of land. He is a Democrat. but has never aspired to official honor of any kind.

WILLIAM MILLIKIN. farmer and stock-dealer. P. O. Plain City, is a son of Jacob Millikin, whose sketch appears in this work. He was born in Canaan Township and received his education in the common schools of this county. He has chosen the occupation of a farmer, and now has entire charge of his father's farm. He deals extensively in cattle. and sells some of the finest stock brought into market. He is a Democrat in politics, following the leadership of his father, who cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson. Our subject was married, in 1861, to Elizabeth E. Slyh, a native of this county, and a daughter of Matthias Slyh.

R. MOONEY, merchant. Plain City, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio. March 4, 1850. and is the son of Jacob and Rosanna (Winters) Mooney, natives of Ohio. of Irish descent. Our subject was raised on a farm, and followed farming until 1876, when he engaged in his present business in Plain City. He was married in 1872, to Electa Lane, by whom he had two children-Ida and Walter. Mrs. Mooney died in 1876. and, on June 20, 1877, he married Emily Bigelow, a daughter of Dr. D. K. Bigelow, and by her has one child-Otto. Mr. Mooney is a Democrat of the old Jacksonian school. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, of the Scottish Rite degree. He is a thorough and successful business man, and stands high in the community where he lives.

J. B. MORGRIDGE. Plain City, was born in Washington County, Vt., August 2, 1814, of parents Richard and Sallie Morgridge. Less than two years later, the parents resolved to emigrate to the West, and, June 4, 1816,

978 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

found them together with their earthly possessions. all of which were contained in a wagon, especially built for the occasion. termed a mover's wagon, en route for Ohio. which State they believed afforded the most promising, field of labor and the surest reward for industry, the only legacy they could hope to transmit to their children. The distance was great. being 900 miles, and the roads new, and in some places almost impassable, yet with a determined purpose, the pioneer leading the way, the journey was accomplished, and the 13th of September found the family sheltered in a small cabin in Licking County, every member of which was afflicted with the ague. Our subject says that one of his earliest recollections was his first shake in the above-mentioned cabin. A year later. the father, by way of availing himself of the convenience and benefit of Western institutions. sold all his chattel effects, which, together with some currency, he converted into bills of the Muskingum Bank, located at Marietta, then the leading bank of the State. Four days later, when in Newark, where he had gone to make some purchases. he learned that the bills were worthless, the bank having broken two days prior. It was then that the inheritance above referred to was fully realized and possessed. It had been their intention to locate in Hamilton County. but the sickness referred to prevented. In the fall of 1820, the family removed to Madison County, settling on land upon which the subject now resides, which had previously been bargained for with Walter Dunn. then in Chillicothe, to whom the early settlers of this county will ever be grateful for the kind and long indulgences extended to them on over-due payments. The father in moving to this county, impoverished as he was, was compelled to contract some debts in procuring an outfit in the way of a team and implements to begin farming. For two years a general sickness prevailed in this locality, and the seasons were unfavorable for crops, which. together with great scarcity of money in the country at the time, the year 1824 still found him in debt, and with the expenses incident to a large family, unable to pay. He was sued by his creditors. who, in their eagerness to collect, sold him out, letting articles go at far less than their value, thus depriving him of the only means he possessed. and which would have enabled him, in the near future, to have canceled their claims. When all was gone and the creditors unsatisfied (there being then no chattels or homestead exemption too sacred to be attached by execution as now), and while explaining to the creditor that he had no more property or money with which to pay. and in the presence of his family. the creditor said: "If that be so. I demand that you, Mr. Constable, lay upon the body of this debtor, Richard Morgridge and take him forthwith into the jail of this county, as is my right and pleasure to do. and there keep him till my claim be fully satisfied." Says the subject of this sketch: " I was then ten years of age, but at no subsequent time in my life have I ever felt such intense indignation as I did at these proceedings, but whether the officer or the law was at fault was not so clear in my mind then, but that creature, that creditor, from that moment, was a brute in my mind and sight and of life-long abhorrence." The mother passed the remainder of the day and evening with tears in her eyes. At 5 o'clock in the morning; on the day following, Richard Morgridge, the debtor tired, wet and hungry by walking all the way from London in mud and rain knocked at the, door, and was unexpectedly but joyfully admitted. He not having provided for the expense to the county, as the law required, was released. Under the hardships of a new country, the cares and wants of a large family and misfortunes beyond his control, his health and resolution gave way

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 979

never to revive. Our subject says: " The purposes and fixed resolution of my life rushed and sprang to my mind at the scene just related. I then most fully realized that poverty was most humiliating and inconvenient, that debts and creditors were the king of tyrants, and have ever since strove to be free-and would here say to every young man, avoid debts if you value your comfort or hope for freedom." Our subject with the encouragement and assistance of his mother from this period until about 1833, and jointly with her became the real owner of 130 acres of the land bargained for by his father with Mr. Dunn. and tinder circumstances not to fear old creditors. About this time Mr. Morgridge was invited to teach the neighborhood backwoods district school at $ 9 per month, which was then the customary salary for that honored position. Of books, up to this period, he had seen few, and hardly owned any, his mother having been his principal instructor, he never having carried a slate, arithmetic, geography or atlas, history or grammar into a schoolroom; the little he had mastered had been accomplished by the hickory-bark fire-light at home. An examination was required to test his fitness for the position, which ordeal he passed, paid the required fee of 25 cents to the Board of Examiners, took charge of the school and remained employed in that capacity for eight or ten quarters, and among his pupils have been farmers, mechanics, inventors, machinists, surveyors, engineers, architectural draftsmen, merchants, Sheriffs. County Commissioners. lawyers, doctors. legislators, and, says Mr. M.: "I remember of one minister, which, perhaps, was an accident." Previous to and about the period of his teaching, Mr. M. passed the summer seasons in herding cattle in droves of from 200 to 250 head on the then unfenced and unimproved wild prairie in the northern part of this county, and in this employment he made the acquaintance of many of the pioneer drovers, among whom were Comstock, Williams, the Weavers, Guy Buel. Pool & Miner, as well as the large grazers, Gwynne, Wilson. Fullington and the Wildmens. Mr. M., believing that estates were in most instances, largely the result of growth, directed his attention in main to the growing of young stock. and purchased as he was able, small parcels of land. His first venture as a drover was in the year 1840, when he purchased 1,400 head of sheep, and drove them to the State of Wisconsin, and there disposed of them to the pioneer settlers of that region. stopping ten or twelve days at Chicago to graze the herd on the wild prairie, worth then only from $5 to $10 per acre. During the decade beginning, with 1840, he was engaged in the cattle business, buying West and driving to the Northern and Eastern markets, and to the feeders in Pennsylvania. having to cross the mountains and ford and swim the intervening rivers. In 1850, he drove cattle which he purchased in Iowa through on horseback to the city of Philadelphia and returned to Ohio on the same horse. Ho has driven cattle in herds of 150 to 250 from Illinois to Philadelphia. requiring a period of about twenty-five days to Ohio. and from thence, through the State of Pennsylvania. to Philadelphia about forty-five days at an expense of from $2.50 to $3.50 per head swimming such, rivers in the course of the drive as the Sangamon, Kankakee, Illinois and Ohio. After 1850. Mr. M. turned his attention more closely to his farm, which. in the meantime. he had increased in number of acres. but added not much to its productiveness. The lawfully established roads in this locality were few, and at once steps were taken by our subject in petitioning for such, and he became instrumental in the laying out and establishment of some three county road. in all about fifteen miles. which have been found to be on such useful routes

980 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

that the county has since improved a part and taken steps to improve the remainder by piking and graveling them. The most needed improvement was to drain the lands. which was not so easily accomplished, though quite a large tract of country was similarly situated, including a large portion of three townships, Darby, Canaan and Monroe. the topography of which was little understood, and so peculiarly was this body of land situated that any place or location of ditches less comprehensive than a system that would drain the whole, must have been a failure. To reconcile the views of some 1,600 persons owning not less than 20,000 acres of land, of which some of them were non-residents of the county. but none the less watchful and jealous but mainly all neighbors. was no easy task. Especially as each one, in justice. law and equity was to contribute or be assessed, if the needed improvement was to be made. Without draining, this large tract of land was not only unhealthy, but almost useless for agricultural purposes. Not withstanding the difficulty and unpleasantness of the task, the individual, as well as the public or common interest. Mr. M. had in this matter compelled him to draw up and present petitions to the Commissioners of the county at different times, though all in aid of the same object. a complete system of this most useful and necessary improvement. and by the co-operation. assistance and topographical observations and the engineering skill of Dr J. Converse, the work was accomplished, which includes a public county ditch of twenty-two miles in length, with more than that length of tributary private ditches, at a cost of nearly $200,000, which, however, has not been without its benefits, as the lands drained have enhanced in value from $26.75 to $90 per acre and the land has become second to none in any part of the State. All unkind neighborly feeling and difference of opinion and grievances of unequal assessments and benefits have been about reconciled, rind this. too. without any deplorable or fatal results. except in one instance. Mr. Morgridge is truly grateful to Providence for what he has received, and proud. too, of the improvement the county has made. but prouder. he says. " of that representative of our county who was mainly instrumental in the repealing of that barbarous law that sent my father to the jail of my county for no crime but debt." He is now reposing in a comfortable home. on an extensive tract of between 2,000 and 3,000 acres of most excellent land. located in Darby Township. in the northern part of the county. some of which is the reclaimed land. which must be almost sacred to the possessor. He began life under the most trying circumstances, as is seen in this sketch, but with the early and fixed and determined purpose above related as expressed in early youth; he has become possessed of a large estate. May the evening of his life be passed in happiness.

A. S. MORGRIDGE. retired farmer. P. O. Plain City. was born in Darby Township September 6, 1822. He was the youngest of nine children, of whom three survive. He received a rather limited education in a log schoolhouse. and has worked on a farm all his life. with the exception of two winters, in which he taught school. He has never belonged to any church or secret society, is neutral in politics and now owns about 600 acres of land, which he farms and on which he raises cattle, but unfortunately he is a bachelor. His father, Richard Morgridge, was born in Amesbury, Mass., November 18, 1771; his father died when he was about nine months old, and he lived with his mother and in different places until sixteen years of age. when he was bound to a Mr. Coffin until of age, While in service, he and some others hired a teacher and formed an evening school, where Mr. Morgridge obtained his little education. He afterward obtained some

DARBY TOWNSHIP - 981

knowledge of surveying, and followed it a little. When of age, he left Massachusetts and worked at $5 per month in Vermont until he bought 100 acres of land. He married Sallie Emerson May 1, 1800, left Vermont for Ohio June 10, 1816, and arrived in Licking County in August or September. In 1819, he came to Madison County, bought land of Walter Dunn, and built a cabin, in which he lived until his death, August 10, 1843. He was the youngest of six children. Samuel Morgridge, our subject's grandfather, was born at Newburyport, Mass., and was the oldest of three sons. He followed ship-building until he fell and was much injured, after which he taught school. He married Ruth Silvers, and died at Amesbury, Mass., June 26, 1772. John Morgridge. the great-grandfather of our subject, emigrated from England among the early emigrants, and settled in Newburyport. where he worked at ship-building. He had three children-Samuel, William and John. Sallie Emerson. the mother of our subject, and the eldest of ten children, was born at New Salem, N. H., August 18, 1781, and was married at Berlin. Vt. Her father. Jonathan Emerson, was born in Haverhill. Mass., May 7, 1756 and married Rhoda Bailey January 11, 1781. She was a daughter of Joshua Bailey. who married Elizabeth Chase September 4, 1734. Jonathan Emerson was in the Revolutionary war, was taken prisoner and carried to England, where he was kept fifteen months before he was exchanged. He moved to Vermont in 1787, to Ohio in 1815, and died in September, 1823, in Butler County, Ohio. Sally Emerson's grandfather. Jothan Emerson. settled in Massachusetts and married Elizabeth Mitchell, daughter of Andrew and Hannah Mitchell. by whom he had one child. He died in the French war. During the three days previous to Richard and Sally Morgridge's leaving Vermont. it snowed continuously: this was the 7th, 8th and 9th of June, 1816.

DANIEL NORTON. farmer. P. O. Plain City, was born in Darby Township. Madison County. April 7, 1828. His father John Norton, was born in Genesee County, N. Y.. in 1799, and soon afterward came to this county, where he spent his life. His wife. Sarah (Taylor) Norton, was horn in 1802, and. in 1803 came to this county with her father, Daniel Taylor: she still survives, and is remarkably active for one of her years. She retains full possession of her mental faculties. and often entertains her friends with anecdotes and descriptions of early pioneer days in Madison County. Our subject is a farmer by occupation. and, with the exception of ten years spent in the West. he has given his life's attention to that honorable vocation. On November 12, 1851 51. he married Sarah E. Daugherty, a daughter of William and Mary A. (Bigelow) Daugherty.

HENRY C. RIDDLE. dealer in stoves, tin and hardware, Plain City. was born in Union County. Ohio. August 26, 1846 and, in 1866 settled in Plain City, where he embarked in the enterprise that now engages his attention, and in which he has met with good success. He was married, September 13, 1872, to Alice, daughter of H. D. and Samantha (McUmber) Lombard. by whom he has two children-Howard Sterling, born July 9, 1873 and Willard Henry, born October 2. 1876. Mr. Riddle is a member of the Plain City School Board, one of the Board of Village Council and a member of Urania Lodge. No. 311, F. & A. M., at Plain City. He is a stanch and reliable Republican in politics, and takes an active interest in all the work of his party. His parents. James and Mary (McCullough) Riddle, are residents of our subject's native county.

E. C. ROBINSON, dentist, Plain City, son of Samuel and Nancy (Curry) Robinson. was born October 27, 1850. He was reared on the farm,

982 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

where he remained until seventeen years of age when he learned the trade of a plasterer and brick-mason and prepared himself for a thorough mechanic. After working at his trade and traveling for six years. he studied dentistry, applied himself assiduously, thoroughly mastered his profession, and has since practiced it in Plain City, where he has met with well-merited success. In 1879. he married Nary .J. McCloud. a daughter of Dr. Charles McCloud, and by her has one child, a daughter-Tessa.

W. K. ROBY. farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in, the State of New York March 25, 1835. and was a son of William and Martha (Fuller) Roby. natives of New York. of English descent. His father died two months before he was born. and he lived principally with strangers until his marriage. When old enough, he began farming by the month, after which he rented land for a year, and, in 1855 when in his twentieth year, he purchased twenty-six acres, which he has since increased to 150 acres. He was married, in 1857, to Nancy Finch. a native of Madison County, and a daughter of John Finch. This union was blessed with three children. viz., Adda, wife of A. Cary, Jr.: Ellsworth and Lawrence. Mr. Roby is a Republican in politics.

HENRY M. ROUSE. carpenter, Plain City, was born in Steuben County. N. Y., July 27, 1828. His father. Thomas Rouse. was born in Vermont in 1793. and died in Ohio in 1873: he married Sarah A. Platt. native of Connecticut and a connection of ex-Senator Platt, of New York. They came to Ohio in 1835. where he plied his trade of carpenter and joiner until his death. Our subject's grandfathers were both in the Revolutionary war. His maternal grandmother became a widow. and married a Mr. Wheaton, a soldier in the war of 1812: she lived to the remarkable old age of one hundred and two years. dying in Bloomington, Ill., in 1864. Our subject was educated in this county, and for one winter he taught a school in Union Township. In 1839, he moved to London, and worked at his trade, carpentering, until 1859. In 1851, he married Mary E. Dunn, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Roush) Dunn. By the union six children were born, viz.. Blanche, wife of Clark Gray: Link D.; Sarah. deceased wife of Charles Kent, deceased; Carl H., Thomas D. and Allen. In 1861. Mr. Rouse enlisted in Company B. Thirty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. Tom Ford. and was discharged in 1862, after participating in several battles. In 1866, he came to Plain City. where he has since. worked at his trade. with the exception of one year spent in business in Chicago. He is a Democrat; was Clerk of the Board of City Council, of London. eight years, and Mayor in 1858, and has been Mayor five year. in Plain City. and Justice of the Peace six years. He is also a member of the School Board and Secretary of the agricultural society.

JOHN SCOTT. farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Logan County Ohio, July 14, 1836. He is a son of William and Emily Scott: the former was born in Ohio in 1814 and is still living: the latter was born in Virginia in 1816, and died in 1817. Samuel Scott. the grandfather of our subject, located in Ross County in 1800. Our subject received but an ordinary schooling, and has made farming the occupation of his life. He own' nearly ninety acres of land where he resides. which he has made by his personal efforts. He is a warm advocate of prohibition. and an earnest sup porter of every work of reform. In 1862, he enlisted in the Third Ohio Battery, participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing. and soon after was discharged on account of disability. In 1863 he married Rachel .J. Green, a native of Logan County. and a daughter of George R. and Ruth (Will-

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 983

iams) Green, natives of the South. This union was blessed with three children-Emily, McKinzey and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the M. E. Church, in which he has been Steward, class leader and Trustee. He is also an active worker in the Sabbath schools.

A. H. SHERWOOD. retired farmer. P. O. Magnetic Springs, was born on the shores of Lake Champlain November 26, 1808; he is a son of Samuel and Orinda (Converse) Sherwood. He came to this county in 1822, and settled on " Darby Plains," where he has worked at farming most of his life. He at one time owned 570 acres of land, which he afterward gave to his children. In 1832. he married Irena Beach. by whom he had ten children, viz., Daniel B.. whose sketch appears in this work; Samuel: Judith. deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Mollie, wife of A. H. Andrews: Sarah, wife of Sanford Converse: Amos B., proprietor of Sherwood House, Plain City; Laura (Kilburn). and Charles L., whose sketch appears in this work. Mr. Sherwood gave to each of his children a liberal start in life. either in land or money. and has himself retired from active life to his home at Magnetic Springs, where he now resides.

W. R. SHERWOOD, retired merchant, Plain City, was born in this county December 16, 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Jane (Riddle) Sherwood, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Kentucky, both of English parentage. Our subject received his education in his native county at the public schools. He was reared on a farm, where he continued until twenty-two years of age. In 1862. he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Robinson. and was discharged, in 1864, on account of a wound received in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. He was previously taken prisoner by Morgan's men, but obtained his release immediately. He was married, in 1855, to Olive B. Lyons. a native of Union County and a daughter of Levi Lyons. Mr. Sherwood is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow societies and of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

DANIEL B. SHERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Plain City. was born in Darby Township January 16, 1833, He is a son of Andrew H. and Irena (Beach) Sherwood, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. His father has been a life-long farmer, and, prior to dividing his land among his children, he owned 570 acres. Our subject was the eldest of a family of ten children. He has adopted the occupation of a farmer, and now owns a well-regulated farm of 124 acres. He was married, in 1855. to Miss Chloe Douglass, a native of Franklin County. Ohio, by whom he had three children-Douglass L., John D. and Frank R. Mrs. Sherwood died February 28. 1868. and Mr. Sherwood married Amanda Latham, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and a daughter of John Latham. By this union three children were born-Charles A., Amos B. and Harry H. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood are members of the M. E. Church. in which he has been a class leader and Superintendent of Sunday schools. He is a Republican in politics.

C. L. SHERWOOD, livery, Plain City. was born in this county January 1, 1852. He is a son of Andrew and Lucinda (Beach) Sherwood, descendants of the old Puritan stock. His father was a prominent farmer of this township. Our subject was raised on a farm, where he remained until 1872, when he moved to Plain City and engaged in the livery business. for which he is well fitted. being an excellent judge of horses and a jovial, good-hearted fellow. His stock is good in quality and condition.

984 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

and his customers always leave him well satisfied. On October 8, 1872, he married Miss Mary L. Parker. a native of Putnam County. Ohio, by whom he has four children, viz., Delmore L., Clyde C., Lula I. and Grace. Mr. Sherwood is a Republican in politics. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

ELI SHOVER, farmer. P. O. Plain City, was born in Jerome Town. ship. Union County, Ohio. July 18. 1833. He is a son of F. V. and Elizabeth (Haughn) Shover, natives of Virginia, of German descent. Our subject received a limited education in the schools of Union County and, worked at the carpenter trade three years. In 1866, he married Mary E. Taylor, a native of Madison County and a daughter of Samuel Taylor They have four children, viz., Samuel F.. George A., Rosa E. and May. Mr. and Mrs. Shover are members of the Methodist Church. He is a Republican in politics. ,

JAMES S. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Plain City. James Smith. father of our subject. was born in Vermont September 23. 17'93: he was a son of Samuel and Sally (Bailey) Smith. natives of Massachusetts. His father was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary war. and came to Madison County in 1817, locating in Darby Township, where he reared a family of nine children. When twenty-seven years of age, James had $140 which be invested in a house; in 1320, he married Lucy K. Jones, a native of Vermont, by whom he had one child-James S.. our subject, who was born August 9, 1823, in Darby Township, where he received a common-school education. He has been a life-long farmer, and now owns 1,100 acres of land in Jerome Township, Union County. On September 9, 1853, he married Amanda ! Perry, a native of Vermont and a daughter of James Perry. They have four children, viz.. A. E., Ada T., E. L.. who died in 1874, and Merton A. These children all had the advantages of a collegiate education. Mrs Smith is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence. and takes a great interest in the cause of education.

F. C. SWEETSER. carriage trimmer. Plain City. was born in Franklin County, Ohio. in 1857. He is the second son of Charles Earl and Sophia (Coffman) Sweetser. The former was born in Delaware County, Ohio. May 13, 1823, and was the only child of Earl and Jerusha (Smith) Sweetser, natives of Connecticut, of English descent. He was reared in Delaware County and received a good education. He learned the saddler and harness-maker's trade, at which he still continues. He first began work in Franklin County, where he did a good and average business, after which he came to Plain City. He was married, in 1849, and has had five children. four living, viz., Henry Earl. train dispatcher on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad; Frank C., our subject, and Albert. Mr. Sweetser was formerly Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist. He is an enthusiastic apiarist. and usually keeps 150 colonies of fine bees.

JOHN TAYLOR, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born on the farm where he now resides May 27, 1806. His father. John Taylor Sr., who was born in Berkeley County, Va., June 2, 1771, was one of the first settlers of Madison County and the first settler of Darby Township as it is now known. He married Elizabeth Mitchell, a native of Little York. Penn., of Scotch descent, by whom he had two children. twins, John and Margaret. The latter died August 27, 1811. Our subject was married, February 28, 1833, to Eliza Mitchell. by whom he has had seven children. viz. David 31., Matilda, Elizabeth. James M.. Ferguson. Eva, deceased. and Sarah, deceased. The survivors are all married and doing well.

DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 985

Mr. Taylor only received a limited education, but he has spared neither trouble nor expense in giving his children every educational advantage. He owns a tine farm of 435 acres, on which was built the first brick house in the county. He has raised several fine thoroughbred horses. among which were the celebrated Printer and Speculator, both originators of a new breed, and at that time said to be the best general purpose horses in Ohio. He also introduced into this county a very superior species of weevil-proof wheat and the Rappahannock wheat, the latter having been sent to him from the Department of Agriculture at Washington. He also imported and bred the Leicestershire combing-wool sheep. From his land the stones were taken to make the buhrs for the first grist-mill on Big Darby, which was the first mill in the county. These stone-, resemble the French buhr stones, and seem to be of glacial deposit. Mr. Taylor has given his children 1,000 acres of land, 160 acres to each of the two daughters and the rest equally divided between three sons. He is a wide-awake. energetic farmer, always ready to help a worthy cause and a good citizen.

Z. E. TAYLOR, farmer and stock-raiser. P: O. Plain City. was born in Canaan Township December 3, 1851. He is a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Kilgore) Taylor. natives of Canaan Township, where his grandfather settled in 1803. Our subject has adopted the occupation of a farmer, and is now pleasantly situated on a good farm of 105 acres, which he cultivates in the most approved manner. In 1880, he married Eliza Daily a daughter of William Daily, of Canaan Township. She owns 150 acres of land in her native township. She is a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. Taylor is a member of no religious organization; he is a Republican in politics. and is now serving as Township Trustee. He is a good, practical farmer. and is meeting with every success in his agricultural labors.

SAMUEL TAYLOR. JR.. farmer, P. O. Plain City, son of Samuel Taylor Sr., and Rosanna (Kent) Taylor, was born in this county October 3, 1837 and in 1873, married Miss Cynthia Fox. a native of Union County. and a daughter of Henry Fox. This union has been blessed with two children-Sarah and Dora. Mr. Taylor is a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families in this vicinity. He is a voting man in years. but full of energy, enterprise and thrift. He owns 213 1/2 acres of land, which is ably cultivated tinder his management. He is a breeder of and dealer in draft horses and has imported some stock horses to this country. He is a Republican in politics.

NELSON TWAY. farmer. P. O. Plain City. was born in Jefferson Township. Madison County. January 29, 1836. He is the son of Samuel and Nancy (Hurst) Tway, natives of Ohio. of English descent. His grandparents were natives of New Jersey and Maryland. Our subject received his education in Indiana. where his father resided for a time. He chose farming for an occupation. and has devoted his life to it. In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventh Ohio Volunteers and served until the close of the war, participating in all the engagements his regiment was in. He was married in 1861 to Miss Fulzell a daughter of Reuben Fulzell, of Marysville, Ohio. They have four children, viz.. Mary. Charles. Reuben and Harry. Mrs. Tway is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Tway is a Republican in politics, and hits served his district in the capacity of School Director.

JACOB WEAVER. blacksmith. Plain City, was born in Adams County, Penn., October 28, 1828. He is a son of John and Catharine (Fry) Weaver, natives of Pennsylvania. of German descent. He was raised on a farm and worked at farming until thirty-one years of age. when he learned the black-

986 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

smith's trade. which he has since followed, a period of twenty four years, eighteen of which were spent in Plain City. In 1853, he married Catharine Kahlor, a native of Pennsylvania. of German descent. They have one child. now the wife of Thomas Mclain. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are men hers of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Weaver's parents came to this county in 1839. His grandparents on both sides were soldiers in the Revolutionary war.

CHARLES C. WILCOX. farmer. P. O. Plain City. a native of Licking County. Ohio, was born February 19, 184O, and is the son of J. C. and Mary (Beecher) Wilcox. His mother's father, Zina Beecher. was a cousin to Henry Ward Beecher and of Scotch descent. His father was a native of Ohio. Our subject owns 189 acres of well-improved land, four miles west of Plain City: he is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wilcox served three years in the late war, as a member of the Ninety-fifth Regiment, Company F. He was wounded twice and also crippled in the foot. He was married. February 1, 1865, to Lucetta, daughter of Aaron and Isabel (Huddlestun) Hillbrant, and a native of Ohio. born in 1830. By their union four children were born. viz.. Mary Belle, Minnie E., Edwin C. and Gertie Q.

JOHN H. WORTHINGTON, farmer. P. O. Plain City, was born in Connecticut August 25, 1825: he is a son of Elias and Althea (Howe) Worthington. His education was obtained in the common schools and at Jefferson High School. In early life, he learned the cabinet-maker's trade: he was also a wagon-maker, which business he followed with more than average success. He was a mechanic from seventeen to twenty-eight years of age. when he was obliged by poor health to abandon his trade. In 1851, he married Candace Smith, a native of Darby Township, and a daughter of Richard and Betsey (McCloud ) Smith. Her grandfather. Samuel Smith, or Elder Smith. as he was called, was a pioneer minister. who came to Madison County and raised a large family. of whom two sons. John and James, were among the most prominent farmers of the county. James. the only survivor of the two, was born in Vermont September 23, 1793, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and now resides with his only son, James S., in Union County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Worthington have had seven children, viz., Ida. wife of Thomas K. Sherwood, of Franklin County. Ohio: Eva, wife of E. S. Converse; John Charles. Herbert. Althea. Myra L. and Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Worthington are members of the Universalist Church. He is a Re. publican in politics. They own and reside on a good farm of 280 acres in the township.