300 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF he is a man of distinctive business sagacity and executive ability is manifest in the wise and conservative administration which he has given as the head of the municipal government, and the recognition of his fitness for positions of trust is implied in his having been chosen to such important offices in the gift of the people. Under his management the village has made wonderful improvement, during the past year putting in a system of water works and electric light. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, retaining a membership in Palestine Lodge and Marysville Chapter, at Marysville; with the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. At the age of twenty-four years he was united in marriage to Miss Rena M. Shaffer, daughter of Henry and Sarah Shaffer, of Marysville, Ohio. In politics our subject is a stanch and aggressive Republican, believing in the sound doctrine of the principle of American protections. JONATHAN SHAW, JR., a farmer of Westfield township, is a son of Jonathan Shaw, Sr., who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, January 24, 1787. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Brown) Shaw, of Quaker origin and Scotch descent. John Shaw traded for 400 acres of military land in what is now Westfield township, Morrow county, then Marlborough township, Delaware county, and started with his family for Ohio about 1804. On account of Indian troubles he could not locate on his land, and accordingly settled on a farm near Columbus, Franklin county, Ohio. While there Jonathan Shaw, Sr., father of our subject, was united in marriage with Ruth Welch, born in New York, August 1 2, 1786, a daughter of Aaron and Content (Luther) Welch, natives also of that State. Aaron Welch was an early pioneer in Delaware county, and kept a tavern where the city of Delaware now stands, near the old Sulphur Springs. In the spring of 1808 Jonathan Shaw, Sr., was told by his father, John Shaw, that if "thee would move upon and settle on l00 of the 400 acres of his military land, thee shall have thy choice." Therefore, John Shaw and his sons, Jonathan, Benjamin T., Joseph and his son-in-law, and Isaac Welch, started to view the land. They erected the first log house in what is now Morrow county, located about ten rods northeast of our subject's present residence, and blazed their road between Delaware and this place. They made the first track on what was afterward known as the old military road. Returning home in the spring of the same year, Jonathan Shaw, Sr., moved his family to this place, locating in a new log house, and took possession of his moo acres of land. In the fall of that year John Shaw and his family, consisting of his sons and son-in-law, located on the too acres south of Jonathan Shaw, Sr.'s place, on the creek which was afterward named Shaw creek. Isaac Welch afterward moved to Delaware county, locating south of the city of Delaware, near Ostrander. John Shaw depart: ed this life in 1846, his wife having died in 1835. They were the parents of the follow: ing children: Susan Mitchner, Jane Sterns, Polly Welch, Sarah Camp, Jonathan, Benjamin T., Joseph, and John, Jr. The children are all now deceased. Jane was first DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 301 married to a Mr. Powers, who was shot and killed by Indians on his return from the war of 1812. During that struggle the family were often obliged to go to a fort near Norton for defense against the redskins. Jonathan Shaw, Sr., cleared and improved his farm, remaining there for forty-four years, and his second residence was a hewed log house, located a little south of the present residence. In 1832 he manufactured the brick and built the substantial residence which still adorns the place. He was a Whig in his political views, and served as Justice of the Peace for twenty years, also held many other positions of trust. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Religiously Mr. Shaw was a Free-will Baptist, and his wife was reared in the Quaker faith. He died November 23, 1852, and his wife died January 21, 1853. His dying words to his children were: ‘‘ You must be good children and take care of yourselves, for I can not do any more for you." Jonathan Shaw, Sr., and wife had the following children: Susannah, John L., Eliza, Content, Aaron, Melissa, Jonathan, Luther and Sylvester. Susannah married Sylvester Benedict, and they had four children: Jonathan, deceased; Ruth, deceased; W. G., of Pasadena, California; and Eliza Ann Cope, of Columbiana county, Ohio. Susannah died in Morrow county, Ohio. John L. was the first male white child born in what is now Morrow county, Ohio. He married Elizabeth Merritt, of the same county, and they had three children: S. B. ; Elizabeth, who married Lewis Bryfogle; and Alva. For his second wife John L. married Mary P. Todd, and they had the following children: Joel T., of Marion county, Ohio; Merritt, of Canaan township, this county; Ella Detheridge, of Kan sas City; John Le Grand, of Edison, Ohio; and Carrie Campbell. John L. died in Jefferson, Greene county, Pennsylvania. Eliza married Eli Benedict, and their children living are: Hannah Barry, Levi, C. W., and Melissa. Eliza died in Morrow county, Ohio. Content is the wife of Daniel Benedict, of Sioux City, Iowa. They have nine children: Clarinda, Hiram H., Parmelia, Susannah, Philander, De Witt, Jennie, Emma, and William N. Sylvester, Eli, and Daniel Benedict were brothers. Aaron, who died in Hopkins, Nodaway county, Missouri, married Betsey A. Jenkins, and they have four children,—Sarah Hobbick, Melissa Williamson, Henrietta Robbins, and Mary Ann. Melissa married Charles Dodge, and both are now deceased; she died in Elkhart county, Indiana. Their children are: Henry, an attorney; James, a prominent physician; and Peleg, an editor. Luther was first married to Betsey Ashwell, and after her death he married Ann Conklin, and both are also deceased. He died in Illinois. By the last marriage he had ,five children,—Sylvester, Aaron, Wilson, Nettie Miller, and Levi. Sylvester, who died in Marion county, Ohio, married Emily Curl, a sister of William H. Curl. They had two children, Mary Jane Beatty and Minerva Dixon. Jonathan Shaw, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was born on the farm where he now resides, September 11, 1821. After his marriage he located in the woods, one and a half miles north of his present farm, in a small, one-story log house, with board doors, two six-light windows, and a stick chimney. He remained there five years, and then traded the place for sixty acres of land just west of it, giving a mouse-colored colt to boot." In 1852 he returned to 302 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF the old homestead to care for his mother. Mr. Shaw has 20.5 acres of improved land, but rents the entire place, also owning three brick business blocks and residence property in Cardington. In 1846 he traveled through Indiana. Illinois and Wisconsin. In his political relations Mr. Shaw is identified with the Republican party. He has served as Justice of the Peace sixteen years, and has also held the positions of Trustee, Land Appraiser, School Director, etc. November 7, 1839, at the age of eighteen years, our subject was united in marriage with Mary Ann Barry, who was born in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, September 7, 1822, a sister of V. P. Barry. To this union have been born thirteen children, nine now living. The eldest, Susannah, is the wife of William H. Curl. Rachel Ann is the widow of Andrew J. Redd. and has four children,—Florence G., -Ruth Roselia, Daisy Belle, and Jonathan S. Ruth R. is the wife of James H. Place, of Westfield township, and they have two children,—W. W. and Carrie May. Sarah J. is the wife of Oliver Sharp, a merchant of Ashley, Ohio, and their two children are Frank Wilmer and Lief Lloyd. Jonathan Walter married Eva Ensign, deceased, leaving one child, Eva. His second wife was Imogene Shunk, and their three children are: Imogene, Shunk, and Ruth. James S. married Alma Lewis, of Delaware, Ohio, resides in Ashley, Indiana, and has two children,— Otis S. and Carrie Inez. Melissa B. is the wife of Loren A. Curren, of Westfield township, and they also have two children,—Maggie M. and Van Doren. John Lincoln married Minerva Oliver, resides in Westfield township, and has two children,— Ella Maude and Carrie Inez. Dorothy Ella is the wife of W. C. Brenizer, of Westfield township. Their children are Laura Barbara and Miza Belle. Mrs. Shaw began married life by spinning, knitting. making soap, drying fruit, picking wool, carding and spinning, while her husband was digging and toiling. She is now one of the very best cooks in Morrow county. They celebrated their golden wedding in 1889. Mr. Shaw was reared in the Quaker belief, and his wife is a member of the United Brethren Church. ROBERT BLACKLEDGE, a farmer of Porter township, Delaware county, was born on the farm where he now lives, December 14, 1849, a son of Hiram Blackledge, a prominent and well-known early settler of this township. He was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, August 21, 1816, and died on the old home farm December to, 1885. In 1838 he married Eleanor Mills, who was born in April, 1817, a daughter of William Mills. In 1840 the Blackledge family came to Delaware county, Ohio, and located where our subject now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Black-ledge had eleven children,—William, Jane, Harriett, Robert, Hiram, Isaac, John, Thomas, Lincoln, Edwin and Phoebe (deceased). Isaac was a soldier in an Indiana regiment during the late war. Mrs. Black-ledge died in 1874. Robert, the subject of this sketch, left home for the West in 1871. He traveled for a time in Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska, and spent two years in hunting buffaloes on the plains of Kansas, Indian Territory, Texas, and New Mexico. With eight men he killed 1,200 buffaloes in one season. Mr. Blackledge now owns a good farm of 150 acres in Porter township, Delaware county, DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 303 all of which is under a fine state of cultivation and contains many valuable improvements. In 1876, in this township, he was united in marriage with Eugenia A. Thomas, who was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1854, a daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Wilson) Thomas. The father, a native of Maryland, departed this life in 1861, and the mother died in 1865, leaving one child, Eugenia A. The latter was reared by her aunt, Mrs. Jane Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Blackledge have had nine children, namely: William, who died in 1877; Clifton, born July 14, 1878; Lizzie, born July 27, 1880; Missouri, October 29, 1882; John Sherman, September l0, 1885; King, January 1, 1887; Arthur A., October 17, 1889; Frank, November 20, 1891, and Eleanor Jane, born May 10, 1894. In his political relations Mr. Blackledge is identified with the Republican party. Mrs. Blackledge is a member of the Advent Church. REV. WILLIAM NICHOLSON, attorney at law and a notary public, Ashley, Delaware county, Ohio, has been a resident of this village since 1890. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, August 4, 1836, a son of Charles and Narcisse (Crew) Nicholson, natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively, and of the Quaker faith. He remained in his native county until 1851, when he went to Belmont county, Ohio. His early life was spent on a farm and his education was received in the district schools and at the Friends' Boarding School, at Mount Pleasant. For a brief time he was engaged in teaching school in Guernsey and Belmont counties, and when he was about twenty-two years of age he began the study of law in the office of Judge Cowen. He also learned the carpenter and cabinet trade, and in this business was engaged quite extensively until the civil war broke out. Mr. Nicholson was elected Lieutenant of the Home Guards, and, later received a commission as Recruiting Officer, being unable to pass muster himself. He took an active part in the work all during the war. In the fall of 1864 Mr. Nicholson began studying for the ministry, and took a regular four wears' course. For seven years he preached as an evangelist in the Methodist Episcopal Church, during which time he took in over 10,000 on probation. He then decided to return to the church of his fathers, and of his birth,---the Friends, or Quakers. So, in 1875, after a service of some fifteen years with the Methodists, he became connected with the ministry of the Friends' Church, and as regular minister preached at East Richland, Belmont county; Freeport, Harrison county; Milan and Berlin, Erie county, and afterward, for six years, in Sandusky city, coming from there to Ashley. While in evangelistic work he preached in twenty-six States. He has been in every county in Ohio except one. Since he took up his abode in Ashley he has been one of its most active men. He has worked hard to advance the interests of his church and town and has the satisfaction of seeing his efforts attended with success. Previous to his coming to this place he gave but little attention .to legal work. He now does a general practice and also carries on an insurance and real-estate business, his real-estate transactions extending over various portions of the United States. Mr. Nicholson has also had considerable experi- 304 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF ence in secret-service work. He is, indeed, a man of great versatility, and whatever he undertakes he carries to a successful issue. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F.. Ashley Lodge, No. 421, and the F. & A. M. of Ashley. Politically he is a Republican. He has served as Mayor of Ashley. Mr. Nicholson was married in Guernsey county, Ohio, October 1, 1856, to Miss Lydia T. Romans, daughter of Evan Romans, a Quaker preacher, and a sister of the the noted Dr. Romans. They have a family of eight, viz: Eliza J. C., wife of Isaac N. Hunt, of New Philadelphia; Phoebe A. G., wife of David T. Winrod, of Belmont county, Ohio, Tacy M. R., wife of John C. Mills, of Muncie, Indiana; Charles E. C.. a resident of Sandusky City; George W. T., a resident of Lorain, Ohio; John T. F., Sandusky city; Jessie B. F., Ashley; and Mary A. K., at home. The family are all muscular and their aggregate weight is 2,072 pounds, while the aggregate height of the four sons is twenty-four feet, the oldest son being six feet and four inches without his boots and weighing 250 pounds. J. R. SIMPSON, another one of the prosperous and well-known farmers and stock-dealers of Troy township, Delaware county, Ohio, was born in Ohio county, West Virginia, near Wheeling, September 5, 1832. William Simpson, his father, was .a native of Ohio, born in Belmont county, son of John Simpson, the latter's native place being 'Washington county, Pennsylvania. John Simpson was a millwright by trade. He came to Ohio at an early day and built the first mill on McMans creek, in Belmont county. The Simpsons are of Scotch-Irish descent. The mother of J. R. Simpson, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Burns, was a native of 'West Virginia and a daughter of Walter Burns, who was of Irish descent, Mr. Burns being a native of Ohio. Our subject's parents were married in West Virginia, and lived on a farm there a few years after their marriage. About 1838 they removed to a farm in Belmont county, Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives and died, his death occurring in 1861, at the age of fifty-five years, and hers in 1887, at the age of sixty-four years. They were the parents of twelve children, four daughters and eight sons, eight of whom reached adult years and are still living, viz.: J. R. ; John, of Nebraska; Denney, of Kansas; Walter, who resides on the old home place in Belmont county; Angeline Farmer, of Howell, Missouri; Elizabeth, wife of Middleton Bent, of St. Clairsville, Ohio; Henry, Mansfield, Ohio; and William, Belmont, Ohio. J. R. Simpson, the oldest of this family, was about six years of age when he came to Ohio with his parents, and in Belmont county he was reared and educated, growing up on his father's farm. After his marriage he spent eight years on a farm in that county, and from there removed to his present location in Delaware county. Here he owns a fine farm of 237 acres. For some time he gave his attention to the sheep business, but is now making a specialty of raising fine horses. In 1890 he erected a fine barn, at a cost of $1,400. Mr. Simpson was married March 10, 1859, to Eliza Jane Glover, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, March 5, 1837, a daughter of Samuel and Eliza (McKison) Glover, she being the third of their nine DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 305 children. Mrs. Simpson died January 23, 1891. She was the mother of six children, namely: Mary; Amos, deceased; Denney, a farmer of Brown township, this county; Edward W., at home; James B., attending dental college at Chicago; and Louis B., who is studying medicine and resides at home. Mr. Simpson is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in his political affiliations is a Republican. He has served as Township Trustee. During the civil war he was a Union soldier, enlisting in 1861 in the 100 days' service and serving as a private. Such is a brief sketch of the life of one of Delaware county's representative farmers. WILLIAM KING, who is prominently connected with the political interests of Magnetic Springs and occupies a leading position in commercial circles, being engaged in general merchandising, has the honor of being a native of the Buckeye State. He was born on a farm near Mount Sterling, Madison county, September 1, 1855, and is a son of John R. and Mary Ellen (Timmons) King. The King family is of Irish and Scotch descent. The great-grandfather of our subject was born in Ireland, and in his younger years came to the United States, locating in Vermont, where he was married and made his home until his death. His son William, the grandfather of our subject, was born and reared in the Green Mountain State, and when twenty-two years of age removed to Ohio. He was one of the pioneers of the State, and cut cord-wood on the present site of the State capitol. After living in Franklin county for a time, he located near Chillicothe, Ross county, and about 1830 went to Madison county, settling on a tract of wild land, which he transformed into a good farm and made his home until his death. He was the third settler in that section of the State. He started out in life a poor man, but by industry and well-directed efforts won a comfortable property. He served in the war of 1812, and in politics was first a Whig and then a Republican. Mr. King married Miss Mary Thomas, also a native of Vermont, and they became the parents of three children: Mrs. Margaret Stoddard; Ellen, who died in early life; and John R. The last named was educated in the common schools, was reared on a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life. He is recognized as one of the leading members of the Republican party in this locality, and is a faithful member of the Christian Church. His father was instrumental in the erection of '..he Antioch church near Mount Sterling. Six children have been burn to John R. and Mary Ellen King, namely: Mary C., wife of John W. Bricker, of Madison county; William; Milton A. and 'Winfield S., both deceased; Emma, who has also passed away, and Laura, wife of Lemuel Bricker, of Madison county. In the usual manner of farmer lads, Mr. King, of this sketch, spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and his school privileges were those afforded in the neighborhood. He remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age, at which time he was married, in London, Ohio, to Miss Letitia Watrous. Their union has been blessed with two sons,—John R. and Roy Milton. Upon his marriage, Mr. King began farming in Madison county in his own interest 306 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF and successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until 1886, when, on account of the health of both himself and wife, he left the farm and came to Magnetic Springs, where he has since made his home. Opening a general merchandise store, he is now doing a prosperous business along that line. Both Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. in which he is now serving as Trustee, and he is also connected with Pharisburg Lodge, No. 664, I. O. O. F., and Magnetic Springs Lodge, No. 380, K. P. Like his father, he is much interested in the success and growth of the Republican party, and from March, 1892, until April, 1894, served as Postmaster of this place. He has filled the offices of Supervisor, School Director, Mayor of the city, and has been a member of the City Council. He was Assessor in both Union and Madison counties and is now serving as Treasurer of the School Board and as Justice of the Peace. Since the age of fifteen he has labored in the interests of the Republican party. has frequently been delegate to the State conventions, and has been a member of the Central Committee since his residence here. In all the relations of life Mr. King is ever found honorable and upright, and his public and private career are alike above reproach. His fellow citizens have for him high regard and his friends are many. JOSEPH LEWIS is a son of Morgan Lewis, who was born in Onondaga county, New York, July 15, 1806. His parents were Jonathan and Mabel (Hoyt) Lewis. Jonathan Lewis was born in New York, of English descent, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He removed from New York to Vermont in 1800, and in 1834 located in Morrow county, Ohio. His death occurred June 26, 1860, and his wife departed this life September 27, 1849. When seventeen years of age Morgan Lewis built and operated a large sawmill, in New York, which he afterward lost by a flood. He came with his family and parents to Ohio, locating in an old log house just north of Westfield village, Delaware county. He built and for a number of years operated the mill on the Whetstone, north of Westfield, and afterward erected mills for Lester Bartlett and others. He subsequently sold his Westfield property and located in Cardington, where he died in 1889. It is said that Mr. Lewis built and operated more saw and grist mills than any other man in central Ohio. He was married in New York State to Miss Cyrene Schofield, and they had eleven children, four of whom are now living, namely : Charlotte, wife of Ralph Perry, of Michigan; Jerome married Elizabeth Shoemaker, and lives in Delaware county; Harriet is the wife of George Mooney, of Delaware, and she has two children by her former husband, William Trindle; and Joseph, the subject of this sketch. Four of the sons served in the civil war. Orson was a member of Company D, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died February 19, 1863, at Nashville, Tennessee, while still in service. Jonathan, a member of the same company and regiment, was killed December 16, 1864, in the battle of Nashville. Jerome was a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mrs. Lewis died in 1862, and the father afterward married Laura Turner. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were members of DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 307 the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the former was Steward, Trustee and Class-leader, and for a number of years was Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He was identified with the Republican party, and served as Treasurer and Justice of the Peace. Joseph Lewis, our subject, was born in Westfield township, Morrow county, December 21, 1839. He learned and followed the miller's trade, owning a steam mill six miles north of Delaware. He has 118 acres of well-improved land, and is engaged in general farming. In August, 1862, he enlisted for service in the late war, entering Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was sent into Kentucky, and took part in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Rome (Georgia), Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta campaign, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Georgia, and Bentonville, North Carolina, and went with Sherman on his march to the sea: was present at the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston, and took part in the grand review at Washington, District of Columbia. Returning to Columbus, he was discharged in June, 1865, never having been absent from his post, Mr. Lewis had a close call from a bullet at the battle of Perryville, and at Atlanta campaign they made three charges, and he was knocked about twenty feet by the explosion of a shell in the last charge. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1860, to Phcebe Hinton, a native of Delaware county, and a daughter of William Hinton. She died while her husband was at the front in North Carolina, in 1865, leaving two children,—Frank and Loretta. The latter is the widow of Ethan Williams, and has two daughters, Pearl and May. For his second wife Mr. Lewis married Augusta Boger, nee Martin, a sister of Mrs. A. H. Shaw. After her death our subject married Lucinda Aldrich, a native of Delaware county, and a daughter of Smith Aldrich. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a charter member of James St. John Post, G. A. R., at Cardington. He has served as Trustee, Road Supervisor and School Director of Westfield township, has frequently been a delegate to county conventions, and is an active worker in the Republican party. MATTHEW BEACOM, who owns and operates 350 acres of good land in Kingston township, Delaware county, is a native of Pennsylvania. The place of his birth is in Beaver county, and the date is March 26, 1829. His father, Matthew Beacom, was born on the Emerald Isle and when a child of seven years left that country for the New World. During his youth he learned the cabinetmaker's trade in Wheeling, West Virginia, and followed it for a time, but later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1834 he removed to Delaware county and purchased 100 acres of land in Porter township. The tract was wild and unimproved, being situated in the midst of the forest. There were no neighbors in sight and the entire county was yet a frontier settlement in which the work of progress and civilization seemed scarcely begun. With characteristic energy Mr. Beacom began clearing his land and in course of time developed a good farm. After he had attained to mature years Matthew Beacom, Sr. , was united in mar- 308 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF riage to Miss Elizabeth Henry, and they became the parents of two sons and a daughter, namely: Matthew, subject of this sketch; John, one of the prominent and influential farmers of Putnam county. Ohio: and Margaret, deceased wife of James Alexander. The mother died in 1867; the father died in 1870, and many friends mourned their loss. Our subject received but meager school privileges. He was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier and aided in the arduous task of clearing and developing a new farm, giving his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority. He then started out in life for himself. He did not change his occupation, but as soon as possible made a purchase of land, becoming owner of a tract of sixty acres in Porter township. To this he added until he had 130 acres, which he at length sold. He then removed to Kingston township, where he now has a fine farm of 350 acres under a high state of cultivation and well improved. In addition to this one he had loo acres which he gave to his sons. and seventy-five acres to his daughter. His life has been a busy and useful one, and by earnest application and honest, straightforward dealing he has gained a comfortable competence. In the year 1854 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Beacom and Miss Caroline Mendenhall, daughter of William and Felicity Mendenhall. By their union have been born eight children, five sons and three daughters, namely: Henry and Orville, both now deceased; Clinton, who resides upon a farm adjoining his father's land; William, at home; Ida, wife of Richard Wood; Cora, who is yet under the parental roof; Clark, who is attending college in Delaware; and Lillie, now deceased. Mr. Beacom is a warm friend of the cause of education, and has given his children good advantages along that line, thereby fitting them for the practical and responsible duties of life. His son William is a graduate of Delaware College. Mr. Beacom is devoted to the interests of his family, and does all in his power to promote their happiness and welfare. In this he is ably assisted by his wife, who is a most estimable lady. Both are consistent Christian people, holding membership with the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Beacom is a Republican. WILLIAM F. GAGE, a farmer of Bennington township, Morrow county, is a son of Phillip Gage, who was born in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in 1791.   His father, Phillip Gage, was a native of New York, and was a prominent physician. The family in America are descended from General Gage, a native of England, who commanded the British army ih Boston. Phillip Gage, Jr., was married in New Jersey, June 6, 1813, to Deborah Flood, born in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in 1793, of Irish and German descent. After marriage, Phillip Gage and wife came to Ohio, locating on a farm adjoining the one our subject now owns, the same being then covered with timber. His death occurred here in 1886, and his wife died in 1884. They were the parents of the following children: William F., the subject of this sketch; Stephen, of Bennington township; Sarah Ann Goodwin, deceased; Elizabeth Hess, and George, a resident of Marengo, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Gage were members of the Presbyterian Church. He was a Whig and afterward a Republican. DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 309 William F. Gage was born at Woodbridge, New Jersey, November to, 1822, and was fourteen years of age when he came to Ohio, where he attended the primitive log school house. He assisted his father to clear 300 acres of land. The family were very poor, and the father was obliged to make shoes in order to obtain food, which often consisted of only potatoes and salt. After they had been here for some time the father secured some money, and, learning that an old Quaker residing about ten miles distant, near where the present village of Ashley, Delaware county, is situated, had some flour to sell, he determined to secure at least a small supply, as the family had had no bread for some time. Accordingly, in company with his son Clarkson, the old gentleman walked over to investigate as to the possibility of securing some flour. The old Quaker agreed to let them have the flour on the condition that Clarkson should work for him and thus pay the purchase price. So the boy staved, and his father walked home, bearing the coveted sack of flour on his shoulder. On his arrival there was great rejoicing among the children, who were eager to once more have a slice of bread to eat. After the family began to raise wheat of• their own they were compelled to take the same to Zanesville, forty or fifty miles distant, to have it ground. After his marriage, our subject located on the farm now known as the Robert Taylor estate, and thirty-one years ago came to his present place of 136 acres, all of which is under a fine state of cultivation. In his political relations Mr. Gage affiliates with the Republican party, and has held the position of Road Supervisor. July 3, 1845, he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Price, born in this township in 1830, a daughter of John Price and Barbara (Silkmitter) Price, natives of Pennsylvania. They located in Bennington township as early as 1820, on the farm now owned by Royal Moore. Mrs. Gage is the only living representative of the family. Our subject and wife have five children, namely: James P. , who married Angeline Keys, resides in Kansas and has four children; Samuel P., ‘yho married Alice Sherman, has one child; P. W., who married Minnie Sleif, resides in Delaware county, Ohio, and has two children; Lida is the wife of Willie Hunt, of Bennington township, and they have two children; and Ellswort E. married Margaretta Hempey, and resides in Granville, Ohio. The eldest son, James P., was a soldier in the civil war, a member of the Forty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in the right arm at the battle of Peach Tree Creek. The children have all received good educations, three of them having been successful teachers, and Mr. Gage has served as School Director. Mrs. Gage is a member of the Methodist Church. WILLIAM WILLITS, a farmer of Cardington township, Morrow county, was born in this township, January 19, 1831. His grandfather, Samuel Willits, was a native of Wales, and his son, Joel Willits, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia in 1804. He removed from that State when a mere boy, and was raised on a farm in Knox county, Ohio. His wife, nee Cynthia Lewis, was born in Pennsylvania in 1807, a daughter of John Lewis, an early settler of Knox county, Ohio, and of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. She was raised and mar- 310 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF ried in the latter county. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Joel Willits moved to Cardington township, Marion, now Morrow, county. He located on timber land, which he cleared and improved, and afterward sold to William Curl, Sr. He next moved to Le Grand, Marshall county, Iowa, where he died November 8, 1864. Mrs. Willits died in Cardington township, January 2, 1887. They were the parents of nine children, namely: John, who resides in California; William, the subject of this sketch; Samuel, who is supposed to have died in California; Elvira, wife of Stephen A. Wood, of Cardington; Deborah, deceased, was the wife of Benjamin Sharpless: Wendal P., who was killed in the battle of Stone River or Murfreesboro; Esther Ann, deceased; Clayton, a resident of this township; and Sarah Ellen, wife of Grafton Benedict, of Delaware, Ohio. Three of the sons were soldiers in the civil war,—William, Clayton and Wendel P. The parents were members of the Society of Friends. In political matters Mr. Willits was an active worker in the Republican party. April 20, 1861, William Willits enlisted as a private in Company I, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was stationed at Camp Dennison for three months, after which the regiment was reorganized and our subject returned home. He now owns eighty acres of well-improved land, where he is engaged in general farming. For several years he also 'worked on the Big Four Railroad. Mr. Willits was united in marriage, in the fall of 1861, to Lucinda Grandy, who was born in New York, July 12, 1834, a daughter of William and Celinda (Brockway) Grandy, early settlers of Cardington, Ohio, but both now deceased. Of the children of our subject and wife, we offer the following record: Estella, deceased, was the wife of W. P. Vaughan, of Cardington, and they had one child, James G. ; William Arthur died at the age of seventeen years; Edward Martin is assistant cashier in the First National Bank of Cardington: and a fourth child, who died in infancy. Edward M. married Daisy Wolfe, and they have two children.—William Henry and an infant. Religiously Mr. Willits is a member of the Universalist Church at Cardington; socially is a member of the James St. John Post, G. A. R. ; and politically affiliates with the Republican party. JAMES W. GALLANT, another one of the highly respected farmers residing near Radnor, Delaware county, Ohio, was born south of Ashley, in what is now Morrow (then Delaware) county, Ohio, April 1, 1834, and has been identified with this part of the country all his life. A brief sketch of him and his ancestry is as follows: He is a son of Elisha and Eleanor (Moore) Gallant, and a grandson of James Gallant. James Gallant's father was a native of Ireland and was one of the pioneers of Kentucky, where James was born, in 1780, and where he grew up and was united in marriage to Mary Clay. a Kentucky lady and a cousin of the distinguished Henry Clay. They came to Ohio about 1805, and here, on the farm now owned by Charles S. Gallant, a son of the subject of this sketch, Elisha Gallant was born in 1809. Elisha Gallant was a farmer all his life and was well known as a man of high moral worth. Both he and his wife were members of DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 311 the Baptist Church. He died at the age of sixty-two, and she was seventy-four at the time of her death, Their family was composed of three children, namely; James W. ; Amelia, wife of Evan J. Roberts, of Radnor; and Mary, wife of Hon. Samuel Lewis. William Moore, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a veteran of the war of 1812, and was a pioneer of Delaware county, Ohio. James W. Gallant grew up on his father's farm. a tract of 295 acres, and, like his father, has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He was married May 19, 1855, to Elizabeth Williams, who was born August 20, 1836, daughter of William B. Williams, further mention of whom is given below. Mr. and Mrs. Gallant have eight children, as follows: William E. ; Charles S , a prosperous farmer of Radnor; Margaret E.. wife of J W. Jones; Mary, wife of Charles Davis; James; Harry; Hannah, and Fred. William B. Williams, father of Mrs. Gallant, was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, May 25, 1 8o6, and died in Ohio June 21, 1886. When he was three years old his father died and his mother was subsequently married to Elias Jones. In 1818 the family emigrated to America, landing at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At Germantown William B. was apprenticed to a hotel keeper, but soon left that place and came West to Ohio, making the journey to Radnor, a distance of 500 miles, on foot, the rest of the family having preceded him to this place. At the age of twenty-one he purchased a farm and proceeded to make for himself a home in Troy township, Delaware county. A few years later he purchased other tracts, and as the years rolled by he became a prosperous and wealthy farmer. He married Margaret Davis in 1834, she, too, being a native of Wales. They had a family of eight children, of whom Mrs. Gallant was one. The mother died March 25, 1887, aged seventy-nine years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Williams were members of the Baptist Church, and both were highly esteemed for their many excellent qualities of mind and heart. Mr. and Mrs. Gallant are also members of the Baptist Church. Politically he is a Republican. M. W. CARIS is one of the well-known farmers and venerable citizens of Lincoln township, Morrow county, Ohio. His parents, Frederick and Rachel (Hoke) Caris, both natives of Pennsylvania, were married in in that State, and before the war of 1812 they came West and settled on a tract of wild land in Portage county, Ohio. There, in the midst of the forest and surrounded on all sides by the Indians, they improved a farm, spent the rest of their lives and there died. Frederick Caris was a Lieutenant in the war of 1812, and rendered valiant service in that conflict. In their religious views he and his wife were Universalists. They were the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom reached maturity. Four of that number are now living, viz.: Mary Price, of New Albany, Indiana, aged eight-six years; M. \V., the subject of this sketch, aged eighty-three years; Hiram, of Fulton, Ohio, aged seventy, and Rachel Miller, of Coldwater, Michigan, aged sixty-eight. M. W. Caris was born on his father's frontier farm in Portage county, Ohio, April 25, 1812, and remained at home until he was twenty-three years of age, his educational advantages being limited to the dis- 312 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF trict schools. When he was twenty-three he went to Crawford county, this State, and rented a farm which he cultivated five years. Then, in 1843, he came to Delaware county, (now Morrow), and settled on the farm he has since occupied. This part of the country was then almost an unbroken wilderness, —thick woods and no roads. Here he built a cabin and settled down to the work of clearing and improving his land. He also cleared other land in order to secure the money with which to pay for his own farm, as at the time he came here he had only $t.18. The first corn he raised was planted in holes which he grubbed out between the roots of the beech trees, and when the stalks began to grow he encouraged their progress by clearing away the weeds with the grub-hoe. By this means he raised enough corn to fatten two hogs for winter meat. He passed through many hardships in his early life, but by honest and earnest toil and by the cheerful assistance of his good wife he secured a competency and now in his old age is surrounded with all the comforts of life. He has given some of his land to his sons and still has seventy acres. left. Of his ten children all are living except one, Albert G., who died in the army. The others are Joel F., John, Squire, Lonzo, Myron C., Isaiah J., Edson B., Harland and Mary A. Mary A. is the wife of Elias Ogg and lives in Knox county, Ohio. Each has had a high-school education. Mrs. Caris is a member of the Christian Church, and all her children belong to the church and live Christian lives. In his political views Mr. Caris has all his life been in harmony with the Democratic party. His first presidential vote was cast for Andrew Jackson. While he has never been an office-seeker, he has served as Trustee of Lincoln township and for fifteen years was School Director, being one of Morrow county's worthy citizens. ROBERT BELL LEVERING, who is recognized as one of the representative and most progressive business men of Mount Gilead, Morrow county, Ohio, is engaged in an enterprise which has an important bearing on the commercial prosperity of the community,—that of dealing in grain,—and in this line his transactions and operations are of extensive scope. Mr. Levering is a native of Oh o, having been born at Woodview, Richland county, (since 1848, Morrow county), September 21, 1 846, the son of Morgan Levering. who was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1808, and who came to Knox county, Ohio, when eight years of age. This was in 1816, when his father, William Levering. who was a native of Bedford county. Pennsylvania, came to Knox county and took up his abode on a tract of Government land to which he had filed claim in 1810. On this farm he passed the remainder of his life; dying at the advanced age of nearly eighty-five years. He was the son of Henry Levering, a native of the old Keystone State, and of German and French Huguenot extraction. Henry Levering's great-grandfather, Rosier Levering, being a member of the Reformed Church of France, fled to Germany to escape religious persecution. There he married Elizabeth Van De Wall, who was born in Wesel, province of Westphalia, Germany. They then moved to Gamen, in the same province, and there they lived, reared their family and died. In 1683 Henry's grand- DELAWARE, ONION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 313 father, Gerhard, came with his older brother, Wigard Levering and family, to Germantown, Pennsylvania, where they lived and where both were naturalized in 1691. Soon after they moved to Roxborough, Pennsylvania, now a part of Philadelphia, and bought farms. About the year 1700 Gerhard was married. He resided at Roxborough until 1730 and there reared his family. He then moved to Whitpain township, now Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he died and was buried. Henry's father's name was Daniel, and Henry was his second child. Thus briefly is it shown that Robert Bell Levering, the subject of this sketch, is of the seventh generation from Rosier Levering and has a complete lineage back to 1648, when Wigard Levering was born. The mother of our subject was Mary (Bell) Levering, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1813. Her father, Robert Bell, was a native of New Jersey, and his father, who was also named Robert, was born in Scotland or England in 1755. Robert Bell, Sr., had two brothers. One moved to South Carolina about 1790, and the other to the vicinity of Nashville, Tennessee, about the same time. The latter was the father of Hon. John Bell, of Tennessee, a statesman and, in 1860, a candidate for the Presidency, on the Constitutional Union ticket, being associated with Edward Everett, of Massachusetts, the candidate for the Vice-Presidency. In r780 Robert, Sr. was married to Mary Yost, in Sussex county, New Jersey, where they lived until 1796. He then moved his family to Belmont county, Ohio, and in 1816 to Richland county, Ohio. Here he laid out, in 1820, the town of Bellville, which was named in his honor, and here he built a block house, which was a place of refuge for the settlers during the dangerous hours in the Indian uprisings. He was a man of high intelligence and great courage and became one of the leading citizens of Richland county. The father of our subject was reared in Knox county, his paternal homestead having been located, in 1848, in that section which subsequently became a part of Morrow county. She who became his wife was reared within three miles of Bellville. After their marriage, in 1836, they located at Woodview, in Richland county, where he had the year previous become engaged in in the mercantile business as an equal partner of John Rule. which connection continued for sixteen years, when by mutual consent it was dissolved, Mr. Levering continuing the business in the same building until his death, which occurred January 25, 1860, at the age of fifty-two years. The mother's demise occurred April 13, 1884, in Mount Gilead, and at the time she had attained the age of seventy-two years. They were the parents of five children, two of whom died in infancy; Allen is a resident of Mount Gilead; Byron resides at \\'oodview, this county; and Robert B.. subject of this review, is the youngest of the family. Robert B. Levering was reared in his native town, receiving his rudimentary educational discipline in the district schools and supplementing this instruction by a course of study in the public schools of Bellville, after which he taught school for three terms. In 1867 he entered into partnership with Dr. Amos Rule for the carrying on of a mercantile business at Woodview in the same store-room that was formerly occupied by his father, and as Mr. Rule was a son of his father's old partner, they used 314 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF the same old signs and style of firm name, —Levering & Rule. This association was maintained for six years, after which our subject disposed of his interests in the enterprise and assumed charge of his mother's farm, where he remained until 1879, when he came to Mount Gilead, and here engaged once more in mercantile business, remaining thus concerned for six years, after which he sold out, and, in company with Mr. Upton J. Cover, began operations in that business in which he is still engaged. The firm now conducts a very extensive business, as may be discerned when it is stated that between July 25 and August 24 of the present year (1894) they shipped thirty carloads of oats alone. They handle all kinds of grain,—wheat, corn, oats, barley, flax-seed, etc.,—besides conducting a large business in the buying and selling of hay and farm produce. Mr. Levering has other interests aside from that implied in the enterprise noted. He is financially concerned in the Mount Gilead Dry Goods Company, and is a stockholder in the Hydraulic Press Company. At one time he was a stockholder and director and was vice-president in the First National Bank of Mount Gilead, and in 1889 was cashier of the institution. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, retaining a membership in Mount Gilead Lodge, No. 206, and Gilead Chapter, No. 59. Religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is prominently identified with the same, being an Elder and a Trustee of the local organization. At the time of the building of the short-line railroad from Edison to Mount Gilead, in 1879, he was appointed by the Judge of Court, Moses Dickey, as one of the trustees, and he still holds that position. On the 6th of April, 1871, Mr. Levering was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Louisa J. Dillon, daughter of Dr. Alexander Dillon, a prominent physician of Woodview, Morrow county, which is the native place of Mrs. Levering. Our subject and his wife are the parents of six children, namely: Hibbard B., Ruth K., Morgan Alexander, John Allen, Mary Blanch and Willis Robert. GREINER & SHIRK, proprietors of the Marysville Steam Laundry, Marysville, Ohio, are successors to the firm of Wilgus & Shirk, and are among the most enterprising young business men of their city, the members composing the firm being J. W. Greiner and H. A. Shirk. They began business July 18, 1894, have a complete steam plant, and are thoroughly equipped for their line of work, and have thus far rendered a high degree of satisfaction to their many customers. A personal mention of both Mr. Greiner and Mr. Shirk is appropriate in this work, and is as follows: H. Arthur Shirk was born in York Center, Union county, Ohio, January 7, 1871, son of John H. and Phoebe (Hornbeck) Shirk, his father being a resident of Marysville, and his mother having died in 1875. Young Shirk spent the first nine years of his life on a farm, then went with his father to Mount Victory, Ohio, and four years later returned to Union county. He received his education in the public schools of this city, and at eighteen began life on his own responsibility, first in the employ of the Robinson & Curry Company, of Marysville, with whom he remained three years. He then turned his attention to the laundry DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 315 business in the establishment of M. E. Smith, and later took charge of the management of the laundry of D. S. Price, operating the business for him until July, 1893. In August of that year he purchased the hand laundry of A. Drake. This he conducted alone until March 12, 1894, when he consolidated with the steam laundry, under the firm name of Wilgus & Shirk. This firm, as above stated, was succeeded by Greiner & Shirk. Mr. Shirk gives his whole time and attention to this business, and in its management has evinced a marked ability. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Marysville Lodge, No. TOO, and in politics is a Republican. John W. Greiner was born in Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, April 20, 1863, son of Louis and Levina (Hess) Greiner, residents of Somerset. Louis Greiner was born in Germany, and when fourteen years of age came to America with an uncle, and settled in Perry county, Ohio, where he learned, with this uncle, the shoemaker's trade, at which he has worked all his life. He was married in Somerset, Perry county, to Miss Hess, whose parents were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Greiner have had ten children, of whom six are living, namely: Augustus A., a resident of Somerset, Ohio; Minnie A., a teacher in the Orphans' Home at Richmond, Indiana; Seigle H., of Somerset; John W. ; Clio E., a member of the home circle; and Earle, also of Somerset. John W. attended the schools of his native town until he was thirteen, when he hired out to do farm work, and was thus employed five years. After this he went to Columbus, Ohio, and entered the employ of P. Hayden & Co. in the saddlery hardware business, remaining there two years. In November, 1884, he returned to Somerset, and began to learn the trade of a printer in the Somerset Review office, where he worked until the following April, when he came to Marysville. Here he completed his trade in the office of the Marysville Tribune, and continues there still. Since July, 1894, however, he has given only half of his time to the Tribune, the other half being devoted to his laundry business. Mr. Greiner was married April 18, 1889, to Miss Lillian M. Shirk, daughter of John H. and Phoebe (Hornbeck) Shirk, and they reside on Ninth street, in the west part of the city. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and, like his partner, Mr. Greiner is a Republican. JOHN H. SHIRK, of Marysville, Ohio, was born in York township, Union county, this State, May 15, 1840, son of Aaron and Rosemond (Tobey) Shirk, natives, respectively, of Hardy county, Virginia, and Saratoga county, New York, the father of German descent and the mother of English. Aaron Shirk was born June 12, 1810, and when he was a boy came from Virginia to Ohio with his parents, Tohn and Sarah (Brake) Shirk, their first settlement being in Ross county. About 1817 they came to Union county and settled in Liberty township on what was known as the old Joshua Judy farm, where they remained for a few years. John Shirk then bought a tract of 700 acres of wild land, two miles west of Newton, in the same township, where he made permanent settlement, and where he died about 1864, at the age of eighty-seven years, his wife having died earlier. He was a member of the Disciple Church, and donated the ground on which to erect a 316 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF church. He and his wife had fourteen children, Aaron being the second. Aaron Shirk was reared on the farm, but worked at the trade of shoemaker the most of his life. He owned a good farm in York township, on which he settled after his marriage, about 1831, and where he. spent the rest of his life. He was one of the first settlers of York township, and in his log cabin was held the first election of the township, he casting the first vote, and being elected Constable. When a boy he assisted in cutting timber from off the Public Square of Marysville. He was a great reader, a public-spirited man, a Republican, and a member of the Baptist Church, and he passed to his reward January 17, 1887, his wife having preceded him by some three years. They had a family of five children, viz.: Sarah Ann, Hannah R., Herman T., John H. and Malinda. John H., the subject of this article, is the only one of the family now living. He was reared on his father's farm and helped to clear and improve it, and he may be considered a self-educated man as his facilities for schooling in early life were limited. He remained at home until he attained his majority, when he rented land and engaged in farming on his own account. April 5, 1862, he married Miss Phoebe Hornbeck, a native of Madison county, Ohio. Mr. Shirk rented his father-in-law's farm for three years, two before his marriage and one after, and he then took charge of his own father's farm, which he operated until May, 1864. At that time he enlisted in the three months' service, as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out September I, 1864. He then re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was on duty until he was mustered out, September 1, 1865, at Winchester, Virginia, as Corporal. The war over, Mr. Shirk returned to York township and bought a small farm adjoining his father's, and operated both places until 1873, when he traded his land for an interest in a grist and saw mill at York Centre. In 1876 he closed out his milling business there and went to Mount Victory, Hardin county, Ohio, where he continued milling for four years, at the end of that time returning to Union county and again settling in York township. A year later he came to Marysville. Here for two years he was with the Robinson & Curry Company, and the following two years was in the warehouse business. Then he was elected Street Commissioner, which office he filled four years. Since that time he has not been engaged in any active business, and is living retired in his comfortable home on Fifth street. While in York township he officiated for twelve years as Constable, and in Marysville he has served six years in this office. He is a member of Ransom Reed Post, No. 113, G. A. R., and was one of the charter members of the G. A. R. post at Mount Victory. Mr. Shirk's wife died April 5, 1876, leaving two children: Lillian M., wife of J. W. Greiner, of Marysville: and Henry A., also of this city. September 27, 1878, Mr. Shirk married Miss Emma Garner, his present companion, a native of Knox county, Ohio. In concluding this sketch of Mr. Shirk and his ancestry, we make reference to a little incident in the life of his grandfather, DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 317 John Shirk, and although a little incident, it serves to show the character of the man,—and of such an ancestor his descendants may well be proud. John Shirk was one of the most prosperous and wealthy farmers in his settlement, and always had plenty of corn on hand. One day one of his well-to-do neighbors, Joshua Judy, drove up to Mr. Shirk's with a four horse team and asked if he had corn to sell, saying he understood it was twenty-five cents per bushel. "Yes," replied Mr. Shirk. "Well," said Mr. Judy, "I will take all you have." "Have you got the money, Joshua?" asked Mr. Shirk, to which he answered "Yes." And, looking out, Mr. Shirk continued, "You have a good team." "Yes." "Well Joshua, I guess you can drive further on, as you have a good team and the money, and I will keep my corn for those whe have no team and no money." JAMES W. TILTON —The subject to whose life history we now direct particular attention has been a resident of Marysville, Ohio, for more than a decade and has become closely and and conspicuously identified with the material progress and interests of the thriving little city, where he conducts in its line a representative enterprise in the way of a general real-estate and loan agency. Mr. Tilton is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Licking county, July 2, 1843, the son of William and Jane A. (Reid) Tilton, the former born in New Jersey, the latter in Virginia, the parental lineage on either side tracing back to good old British origin. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject. Joseph Tilton, was a stalwart patriot who took up arms in maintenance of independence when the colonies united to thwart the unjust dominion of the mother country. He was an active participant in the war of the Revolution, and contemporary annals bear record of his efficient service in that ever memorable conflict which marked the inception of ours, the grandest republic the world has ever looked upon. The original American ancestors of the Tilton family represented two collateral strains, one portion haying been established for several generations in the State of Maryland, and the other in New Jersey. From the latter, whose history was identified for many years with that of Monmouth county, New Jersey, our subject traces a lineal descent. Both branches of the family turned their attention principally to the tilling of the soil, and ever stood as types of the more intelligent, progressive and prosperous yeomanry of the nation,— a God-fearing, industrious and honorable people, such as ever constitute the bulwarks of a country's defense and stable prosperity. William Tilton, the father of our subject. came to Ohio when but sixteen years of age, locating in Licking county, where he passed the residue of his life, save the four years prior to his demise, during which time he was a resident of Knox county, where he died in 1888 at, the age of sixty-nine years. His widow is still living, maintaining her home in Martinsburg, Knox county, and haying attained the venerable age of seventy-one years. William and Jane A. Tilton became the parents of four children, of whom we here 'offer brief record in consecutive order of birth: James W., our subject; Noah H., a prominent merchant of Martinsburg; Sarah, wife of Simon Shrake, who is engaged in merchandising at Fallsburg, Licking county, Ohio; and Martha, wife of 318 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF L. H. Robinson, a prosperous farmer of Licking county, Ohio. James Tilton passed his youth on the paternal farm, where his duties, his pastimes and his privileges were practically analogous to those of the average boy of that period and section. He had been enabled to attend the district schools during the winter terms and had assisted in the cultivation of the farm during the intervening summers,—this routine being but slightly varied up to the time he attained his eighteenth year. At this time grim-visaged war reared its horrid front, soon plunging a divided Union into a desperate fratricidal conflict in which the eternal principle of right was clearly involved. Like many another patriotic youth, our subject became fired with enthusiasm, and promptly made ready to render to his country that service which is the true patriot's votive offering. He accordingly enlisted in Company A, Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Captain Thad. Lemert, and was sworn into service October 5, 1861. Mr. Tilton's regiment was one that rushed into the thick of the fray, and the list of battles in which he participated stands in sufficient evidence that the service rendered was not short of the earnest which his patriot spirit had inspired. The principal engagements in which he took part were those of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Lookout Mountain, Ringgold, Atlanta campaign, Jonesboro and others. He was with Sherman in the memorable march to the sea, and his last appearance in battle was at Goldsboro, North Carolina. He was mustered out, at Columbus, Ohio, July 23, 1865, as Sergeant. His military career ended, Mr. Tilton turned his attention once more to the gaining of those no less renowed victories which peace hath ever in store. He continued his educational work, so rudely interrupted, entering the Martinsburg Academy, where he remained for three terms, after which he engaged in teaching, in Licking county, for two terms. He then turned his steps Westward, locating in DeKalb county, Missouri, where he devoted his attention to farming and school teaching for a period of two years. He then returned to Ohio and soon thereafter, May 8, 1872, was consummated his marriage to Charlotte Floyd, daughter of Joseph and Fanny (Rogers) Floyd, of Martinsburg. After his marriage, Mr. Tilton, in company with his brother, engaged in the mercantile business at Fallsburg, Licking county, and there they continued for five years. when the business was removed to Martinsburg and conducted by the firm for a period of four years, after which our subject sold his interest to his father and brother, who assumed full control of the enterprise. The transfer just noted marks the approximate date of Mr. Tilton's arrival in Marysville, for very soon thereafter he removed to this city, where he opened a real-estate and insurance office, later on extending the province of the agency by the inclusion of a department of financial loans, securing a representative clientage in the way of handling valuable realty and in the placing of real-estate loans as factor. The enterprise has grown to be one of wide scope and much importance, and the transactions made determine the status of the agency as one of the most flourishing in this section of the State. In 1893 he admitted to partnership in the real-estate department of the business T. M. Brannan, who is thus associated with him at the present time. He has charge of several farms in the vicinity DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 319 of the city, and to the supervision of these he devotes considerable time and attention. Mr. Tilton is distinctively a public-spirited and progressive business man, is ever ready to lend his influence and assistance to all measures urged forward for the public good, and his popularity in the community is beyond cavil. He is a stockholder in the Davis Chair Company, one of the important industrial enterprises of the city. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and though never a seeker after public office he has been called upon to fill numerous positions of trust and responsibility. He served as Mayor of Marysville two years, from 1888 to 189o, and as Justice of the Peace for two years. Fraternally he holds membership in Palestine Lodge, No. 158, A. F. & A. M. ; Marysville Lodge, No. 100, K. P. ; and Ransom Reed Post, No. 113, G. A. R. In the last named he has been twice Commander, twice Adjutant, and in 1890 was a delegate from the same to the National Encampment, at Boston. Mr. Tilton is a man of marked literary taste and talent, and his composition is ever graceful and refined in tone, his diction pure and perspicuous. He has acted as special correspondent and contributor to leading periodicals and newspapers, and his poetical offerings have been of a high order. Upon the death of John A. Logan, he indited a very spirited and beautiful memorial ode which was copied far and wide in the public press, and which elicited from Mrs. Logan a letter of appreciation and heartfelt thanks. We are permitted to reproduce the poem and the letter in this connection, and the same as appending are sure to be read with interest. The family have been for many generations identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in this church our subject and his wife retain an active membership. They have had three children : Edith J., who died April 10, 1879; Dollie E., whose death occurred within the week following; and Wesley Earl who is now nine year of age. The family home is located on West Fifth street, near the court-house, and our subject's business headquarters are on the same street, near the square, which represents the business center of the city. Following is the memoir to which reference has been made: OUR LOGAN Logan is dead ! A star is rent From out the nation's firmament, A star of magnitude sublime With sudden stroke hurled out of time. When death its richest harvest gleaned From battle-fields, a charm which screened His precious life was o'er him thrown; Death dare not claim him for its own. Though oft it pierced the coat of mail Inflicting wounds, it could but fail To strike the hero's vital part And stop the glow of that brave heart Until with softened tread this foe, So often foiled, now aimed its blow When home delights and peaceful rest Had shed their charms, supremely blest, Upon the victor's laureled head, And children's laugh and joyous tread, With faithful wife constantly near, Were richest music to his ear. It seemed that God had sent the woof To fill life's web beneath that roof; But death there found its long-sought chance And aimed with care its vengeful lance And laid the warrior at its feet Who ne'er before had known defeat. Like savage captors when they spare Their victim's life with greatest care, Until before some loved one's eyes Whose heartstrings break in useless cries, They glory in their cruel feat And shout their victory complete. The soldier's thoughts will turn to-day To many a bloody battle fray; The loud hurrah: the foaming steed 320 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF Urged forward at his greatest speed. As if he knew the lightning's lead Would be too slow for rider's need: As when the eagle in his flight Swoops down upon the prey in sight, Or as the lion from his lair Sends forth his challenge on the air And springs to meet the coining foe And ends the fight with one fell blow; Leaning forward, as if to aid The rapid bounds the charger made. With hat in hand, and long black hair Streaming through the frighted Rides the leader, whose cheering voice Makes every soldier's heart rejoice And feel, whatever may betide, They'll follow close their chieftain guide. His aids are coming in his train. With faces blanched with fear and pain, Expecting at each volley's blast To sec their captain fall at last. This was the signal for the fight: And Logan in his gallant might Is cheering on his well-tried corps 'Mid rifles' crash and cannons' roar. Until the surging waves of war Have spent their force, and victory's star From out the cloud of death's grim night O'er northern banners sheds its light. Others might plan the battle well. At distance safe their orders tell. Command advance or call retreat. Or watch for vict'ry, or defeat: But Logan always led the van, And asked no more from any man Than he himself would gladly bear, And every danger bravely share. Come, comrades, gather 'round his bier, Beloved by every volunteer. He was a friend without a peer, Who with us shared each hope and fear: And nothing in his bright career Is to our mournful heart so dear As, never ceasing, year by year, He ever plead the soldier's cause And sought the boon of righteous laws. Slow justice answered his demand And opened wide her gracious hand, And took beneath her fostering care The nations's wards and their welfare, Until the orphan's heart was glad, And widowhood in mourning clad, Bowed down in hopeless attitude, Was made to feel the gratitude Of an awakened government, Saved from rebellion's foul intent, And now no longer seemed to mock The needs of those who in the shock Of years of conflict dared to stand In brave defense of native land. Farewell, defender of our rights, This cruel stroke like mildew blights Our brightest hopes. In vain our calls For one on whom thy mantle falls. Our bitter grief is only less, Than hers on whom this sore distress Falls like a cloud of dark despair, Without a rift of promise there. With her we only look above, And trust that, through the Father's love, We'll join again our hero's side. When tents are pitched beyond the tide. CALUMET PLACE. Washington, D. C.. March 10, 1887. Sergt. J. W. TILTON, Dear Sir:- Your soul-stirring poem has been awaiting my return from Illinois, hence my delay in thanking you with all my heart for having written it. It thrilled me as I read it and I could see, in my fancy, my gallant husband as you have pictured him. Why he had to leave us forever when seemingly strong and happy. surrounded by those who were ever ready to minister to him, whether he was in our own hallowed home or abroad among the people who loved him so truly, is one of the mysteries that will never be solved for me in this life. Wishing you all happiness and long life, I am, Respectfully, MRS. JOHN A. LOGAN. J. B. TAYLOR, who is one of the rising young physicians. of Broadway, Ohio, and whose enviable reputation is recognized by the public and by his professional brethren as well, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in the town of Norton, December 6, 1846, and is a son of Elam and Mary Ann (Glaze) Taylor. The maternal grandparents were natives of Penn- DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 321 sylvania. The paternal grandparents, Joel and Elizabeth (Irvin) Taylor, were natives of Connecticut, and came to Ohio about the year 181o, locating on the farm now owned by John Grady, near Inskip's Corners, Marlboro township, Delaware county. Elam Taylor came into possession of that place on his father's death, but lost it by going bail for a friend. He was a man of considerable local influence, whose sagacity and judgment were much respected, and for many years he held the office of Justice of the Peace in Troy township, Delaware county. He later resided in Norton and there held the same office. He is well known throughout the surrounding country as a most successful veterinary surgeon, and is a straightforward, honorable man. His wife died in 1850. The Taylor family was well and ably represented during the late war, for the father and four sons donned the blue and aided in the defense of the Union, the aggregate of their terms of service amounting to more than twelve years. Elam Taylor enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participated in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, and soon thereafter was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. He was born near Norton, Delaware county, January 24, 1815, and died June 6, 1884. Adam H., his eldest child, born December 4, 1837, enlisted in April, 1861, in Company A, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was transferred to the Second United States Cavalry, in which he served until the close of the war. He is still living. George Albert enlisted in the same company and regiment, and was one of the first two volunteers from Marlboro township. He was rejected at Camp Dennison on account of his small stature, but again enlisted, June 13, 1861, in Company C, Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Delaware, Ohio. At the battle of Chickamauga he was taken prisoner, confined in Libby prison, taken thence to Danville, and later to Andersonville prison, Georgia, at which place he died, from scurvy, in September, 1864. He now lies in an unmarked grave, like many of the brave boys who left pleasant homes and laid down their lives on the altar of their country. Henry Walter Taylor enlisted in Company B, Forty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, September 18, 1861, at Delaware, Ohio; was captured at Carrion Cross bayou, Louisiana, November 3, 1863, and confined in a rebel prison at Austin, Texas, for a period of six months. He was discharged March 9, 1866, at Galveston, Texas, and, remaining in the South, afterward married a Southern lady, by whom he had two children. His father-in-law, a rank rebel, killed him near Summit, Mississippi, in 1872, and he was buried at that place. His wife and son now reside in Gloster, Mississippi, and his daughter, Dora, was brought North by Dr. Taylor and has married a Northern man, Mr. W. R. Willis, of Broadway, Ohio. Mary E. Taylor, the only daughter of Elam Taylor, was born December 4, 1850. The gentleman whose name heads this record was early thrown upon his own resources. Upon his mother's death, which occurred when he was scarcely four years of age, the family was broken up, and the little boy was thus thrown upon the cold charities of the world,--and cold indeed he found them. He lived with various families until his eleventh year, and during that time manifested great aptitude for study, easily mastering the contents of the books to which he had access and making the facts 322 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF therein gleaned his own. During his eleventh year his father placed him with a certain family to work for his board and clothes, with the understanding that he was to be treated as a member of the family, and was to receive a horse, saddle and bridle when he had attained his majority. The aged lady, who presided over the household, however, proved to be of a very eccentric turn of mind and he was abused, mistreated and whipped most unmercifully and so completely was he held in subjection that he did not dare to give a true account of the circumstances, but when questioned concerning his treatment, would invariably reply, "I like my home." For more than four years he endured that treatment without complaining, for he believed himself a "bound boy" and did not dare run away. It was his earnest desire to attend school, but he was permitted to do so only through a very short portion of the year. He managed, however, to secure books from the township library and other sources, and thus succeeded in gaining knowledge which has proven of incalculable benefit to him in later years. When, at the outbreak of the Rebellion, his brothers enlisted in the service, he ran away from his so-called "home," but again he was bound out, and found that fair promises ended in disappointment. He worked all winter, receiving no money and little clothing, so he left and went to his father's home (the father having been again married) and attended school until the succeeding spring, when he engaged with J. A. Schaaf, Commissioner of Marion county, Ohio, receiving a salary of $6 per month. Here Mr. Taylor found friends, and although his meager earnings went to support his father's family, yet he obtained many advantages, chief of which was permission to attend school. The kindness of this family toward the outcast will never be forgotten. In the autumn of 1862 his father enlisted in the service, and thus the support of the family devolved entirely upon him. The Taylors suffered greatly that winter, and often during the long cold days they had nothing to sustain life except potatoes and black coffee. But all things must have an end, and at last the long, weary winter of 1862-3 passed away. The father returned home, broken down in health, and soon after the subject of this sketch, who had frequently attempted to enlist, but who had been rejected on account of his age and size, was accepted as a member of Company G, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Lieutenant James NW. Mills, at Ashley, Ohio, and served as a bugler during the war. When peace was once more restored, Mr. Taylor returned to the place of his nativity, for home he had none, and began work upon a farm. It was his desire to enter school, but as he had given all his earnings to his father to aid in support of the family, he could not carry out this cherished plan. On the 21st of November he lost all of his few effects in a fire, barely escaping with his life. In the winter of 1865 he entered school, and in the summer worked upon a farm, his time being thus passed until his twenty-third year,—the privilege of attending school being granted him by reason of his service in the army when a minor. At the age of twenty-three he began working for an uncle, John Brun-bridge, a wealthy farmer of Marion county, and this proved a fortunate move on his part, for his two cousins, "tide" and 'Joe," talented young ladies, graduates of DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 323 the Granville, Ohio, Female University, took quite a deep interest in him, placed at his disposal a good library, and aided him in his studies in many ways. During this period of his career Mr. Taylor accumulated some money, and with it he later purchased a house and lot in Norton, which he placed at the disposal of his father and his family, and which was occupied by them for many years, without rent. Our subject was industrious and was now meeting with fair success, but was not content with his lot,—wishing to enter upon a professional career. From overwork and study his health began to fail, and he was advised by Dr. E. H. Hyatt, of Delaware, Ohio, to study medicine, and not having the ready money to pay for instruction, he began studying with Dr. Hyatt, paying for the teaching by office work and such other assistance as he could render his preceptor. Subsequently he took a course of lectures in the Columbus Medical College, during the term of 1878-9, and left that school with ill health and without a cent of money, but he borrowed $12, and with indomitable energy walked to Green Camp, Marion county, Ohio, at which place he entered the office of Dr. Free, with the privilege of "making what he could.” He went there an entire stranger, without recommendations or diploma, and, though his practice was not heavy, he made enough to defray expenses and won many warm friends and established a good reputation as an esteemed citizen and a successful practitioner. He was there elected and served as Township Clerk. Returning to college in the winter of 1880, he was graduated March 3, 1881, and then again went to Green Camp, but hearing of a scarlet-fever epidemic at Broadway, Ohio, he came to this village, where he was soon battling with the disease. At the earnest request of many of the citizens of Broadway, he located in the town, March 14, 1881, and is still engaged in a lucrative practice here. His reputation both as a medical practitioner and surgeon is among the best, and he ranks deservedly high among his professional brethren. He has successfully performed some very difficult operations in surgery, and, although a Democrat, was appointed an examining surgeon for pensions under President Harrison's administration, and is still retained on the Board of Pension Examiners, at Marysville, Ohio. Dr. Taylor is now serving his second term as Township Treasurer, and is connected with various fraternal organizations, being identified with the Masonic order; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Grand Army of the Republic. In addition to his business as a physician he is proprietor of a drug store in Broadway, and also owns a farm near by. On the 23d of February, 1882, an important event occurred in the life of Dr. Taylor,—his marriage to Miss Emma L. Wolford, of Green Camp, Ohio, daughter of J. G. Wolford, and their union has been blessed with three children, namely: Arvilla Blanche, born October 25, 1883, died September I, 1884; Mamie Alberto, born August 18, 1885; and Hazel Lillian, born May 29, 1888. The family is one of prominence in this community, and Dr. and Mrs. Taylor occupy a very enviable position in social circles. The Doctor has lived an eventful life, and in the school of experience has learned many valuable lessons. His childhood was one of hardship and trial; his youth a period of struggle; and his manhood a season of 324 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF well-deserved prosperity. A man of kindly and genial nature, he is generous to a fault, —owing perhaps to the broad sympathy which was awakened by iris own early privations. JOSEPH B. INGALLS, one of the leading citizens of Delaware county, Ohio, is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Franklin county, on the 21st of February, 1815. His father, Thomas Ingalls, was a native of Vermont, and his grandfather and several of his great-uncles were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Thomas Ingalls married Sarah Bigelow, also a native of the Green Mountain State, and they emigrated from New England to Franklin county, Ohio, in 1814, locating where Westerville now stands. He afterward sold his property at that place and purchased land near the county line. His death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years and his wife died at the age of fifty-five years. They were the parents of four children, namely: Joseph B., Mrs. Lucretia Arnold, Pearl Parker, and Mrs. Martha Massrnan. Joseph B. Ingalls followed the trade of a chair-maker for a time in his early life, then engaged in wagon-making for many years, doing a good business along that line. In 1835, at the age of twenty years, he came to his present farm in Genoa township, Delaware county, and located amid the dense woods, but though he has since made his home here, he does not now reside in the midst of the forest, having cleared and improved his land, transforming it into a valuable farm. On attaining his majority Mr. Ingalls was married to Miss Ann Maria Westervelt, a native of Duchess county, New York, and a daughter of Peter Westervelt. They had two children,— Rosalie, wife of Russell Spurgeon, of Onarga, Illinois; and Belinda, deceased. The mother of this family died in 1845, and, in 1847, Mr. Ingalls was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bishop, a native of Franklin county, Ohio, and a daughter of John Bishop. By their union have been born two children,—Pearl Parker and Percy B. Joseph B. Ingalls, whose name heads this record, joined the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of eighteen years, and has lived a consistent Christian life. In early days he was a strong opponent of the institution of slavery, and when the Republican party was formed, to prevent its further extension, he joined the ranks of that party, and has since fought under its banner. He was for many years a Justice of the Peace, proving a capable and efficient officer, and in early days took a deep and active interest in public schools. P. P. INGALLS, son of Joseph B. Ingalls, was born. in 1848, and was reared on the old home farm, receiving his primary education in the district schools of the neighborhood. When a youth of fifteen years he ran away from home and enlisted for service in the late war, joining Company A, Sixtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He took part in ten battles of that ever memorable struggle and his regiment was the second to enter the city of Petersburg during the engagement at that place. After the close of the war he returned to his home and entered Otterbein University, at Westerville, Ohio, completing his education in that institution.