800 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. went to Bourneville, where he died in January, 1865. His widow died at the home of her son-in-law, J. N. Poage, near Cincinnati, in July, 1877. They are both buried in the family cemetery on the old homestead in Pike County. Seth Clark Foster was born in Jackson Township., Pike Co., Ohio, in 1821, a son of Richard and Rachel (Browning) Foster, and the only representative of a once large family, now living in Pike County. He was married in 1850 to Maria, daughter of James and Mary (Condon) Day. Three children have been born to them—a daughter, Nancy, died in infancy, and two sons, James Richard and Thomas Day. Mr Foster is one of the most prominent farmers in the county, and has held some of the responsible offices of his township; has been School Director eighteen years. He has a farm of 217 acres, and is surrounded by all the comforts of a good home. Mr. Foster's grandfather, John Foster, came to Ohio from Maryland with his two youngest sons, Joseph and Richard, in 1796. He had been twice married, but at the time of coming to Ohio was a widower. He had a family of eight children—Lewis, Cassandra, Thomas, Rachel, John, Benjamin, Joseph and Richard. The six elder children were married, but followed their father to Ohio and settled near him. John Foster was a local Methodist preacher in Maryland, and was the earliest pioneer preacher in this part of Ohio. He purchased 300 acres of land, all but twenty acres of it heavily timbered, which he cleared and cultivated, residing on it till his death, in 1800, four years after coming to the county. Although he had lived here so short a time he was widely known and loved. His last sermon was preached from the text, " I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." His children became scattered and are now all deceased. His youngest son and the father of our subject, Richard, was born in 1779, and resided with his father till manhood, when he went to Hagerstown, Md., and married Rachel Browning, remaining there till after the birth of two sons. He then returned to Ohio, having inherited the homestead of 300 acres, to which he afterward added 130 acres. To him were born ten children—Jeremiah, John, Eliza, Zebulon, Cassandra, Lemuel G., Aseneth, Thomas, Seth Clark and Rachel. Jeremiah, John, Lemuel and Aseneth are deceased. Jeremiah married Elizabeth Johnston; John married I Jane Brown; Eliza married Samuel Wilson, Jr.; Zebulon married Caroline Ostrander; Cassandra married Rufus Libbey; Lemuel married Barbara Hults; Aseneth married Marshal Cumpton; Thomas married Susan Burke; Seth O. married Maria Day; Rachel married William A. Jones. Richard Foster died June 7, 1831, and his wife March 23, 1858. He was a man of frugal habits, and, with the assistance of a kind father, became one of the most prosperous men in the county. He was Justice of the Peace eighteen years. He was a member of no church, but his influence was always on the side of Christianity and morality. His wife was a member of the Methodist church. George Haynes was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1806. His father, one of the earliest pioneers of that place, settled there in 1800. He was by trade a blacksmith, and did the iron work on the old covered bridge over the Scioto River on the Chillicothe and Adelphia turnpike. When George was six years old his father moved into the country in Spring. field Township. In 1832 he married Isabelle Nichols. To them were born eleven children —Henry, married Miss Karshner; Amanda, now Mrs. Milton Jones; John, married Re Cissna; Eliza, now Mrs. David Jones; Mary, now Mrs. Benjamin Lytle; Rose, now Mrs. Wesley Orr; Ellen, now Mrs. David Allen; George W., married Rebecca Cryder; Joseph; Martha, now Mrs. Terwilliger, and Wood. HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 801 John is the only representative residing in Pike County. He is a Republican in politics, and is a man interested in all educational and public interests. Philip Houk was born in Pennsylvania in 1811, a son of Jacob and Polly (Connor) Houk. He was married Sept. 15, 1836, to Duanna Binns, daughter of William and Nancy (Wildman) Binns. They have no children. Mr. Houk is one of the most thrifty and enterprising farmers of Pike County. He owns and superintends the cultivation of 500 acres of land, situated three miles east of Waverly. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Sharonville. His father, Jacob Houk, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was married when twenty-three .years of age to Polly Connor. They had a family of nine children—Rebecca, William, Philip, Mary, John, Cornelius, Matilda, David and Jacob. Rebecca, William, John and Jacob are deceased. Mr. Houk came to Ohio with his family in 1819, locating in Scioto County, and six years later removed to Pike County. He sub. sequently went West to visit his sons, and started to return but was never afterward heard from, and the date and cause of his death has never been known. Mrs. Houk died in 1828. Mason Jones, second son of William and Jane (Corken) Jones, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1821. His father was a native of New Jersey, and was brought by his father, Thomas Jones, to Ross County in 1800. After reaching seventy-five or eighty years of age he removed to Missouri where he died, surviving his wife but a few years. The subject of our sketch has made farming his principal occupation, also dealing in stock. He was married- in 1849 to Clarissa Corwine, daughter of Samuel Corwine, of Jackson Township. They have had a family of ten children—Thomas C., a farmer and stock-dealer, now residing on the old homestead in Ross County, married Martha Rittenhouer, and has one son; William A., a farmer, stock- - 51 - dealer and teacher, resides near Sharonville, married Ella McGinniss, who died leaving a daughter, Iona, now residing with her grandparents, and he afterward married Melia Hanna, by whom he has one daughter—Grace M.; Jacob Edgar, it farmer and teacher of Pickaway County, Ohio, married Lena, daughter of Lawrence Brut; Eugene R., Samuel W.., John F., Jennie E., Margaret Luella, George and Mary, the two latter deceased. Mr. Jones resides on a part of the old Corwine estate, owning a beautiful farm of 600 acres. He is a staunch supporter of the Republican party. Mr. Jones is a member of the Friends Society. His wife is a member of the Methodist church. He and his six sons are great temperance men, none ever using any intoxicating drink, nor even selling the grain to make it. William Marshall was born in 1829 in Washington County, Pa., and at an early age removed with his parents to Brooke County, W. Va. In 1846 the family came to Ohio and settled near Greenfield. In 1855 he came to Sharonville; and, in company with Christopher Houser, engaged in the mercantile business. In 1870 he purchased the farm near Sharonville where his family now resides, which he 'conducted successfully, and also engaged in the manufacture of tile. He was married in 1856 to Jerusha Corwine. To them were born three children—Clarence W., Mary Elizabeth (deceased) and Edgar E. The sons both reside at home with their mother and cult), on the farm, the tile-works being under the management of Clarence. He was married Dec. 28, 1882, to Alice Foster, a daughter of Joseph Foster, an old pioneer. Mr. Marshall united with the Christian church in 1850, at Antioch, Ohio, and lived a noble Christian life till his death, Sept. 28, 188.2. He did a grand work for the Christian cause by his faithful work for the church and noble example. He was beloved by all who knew him. 802 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. R. S. McCoppin, the eldest son of James and Frances (Kemp) McCoppin, was born in Highland County, Ohio, Dee. 19, 1837. He attended school and assisted his father on the farm and in the saw-mill till nineteen years of age, when he began teaching school. He taught during the winter seasons till 1862 when he enlisted in Company I, Eighty-ninth Ohio Infantry, and served three years, a part of the time as Orderly Sergeant. He participated in a number of serious engagements ; was with Sherman at Chimango, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, and did some hard fighting at Savannah. He had many narrow escapes, having his clothing pierced with bullets, but was never wounded. He was married in 1874 to Sarah J., daughter of J. C. Washburn, of Byington. They have two children—Charles and Georgia. Mr. McCoppin has a general store in Sharonville, and also deals in lumber, tan-bark and railroad ties. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1882, and is serving his fifth term as Township Clerk. William K. McMillin, son of James and Catharine (Keran) McMillin, was born at Richmond Dale, Ross Co., Ohio, Dec. 7, 1815. When but a child he went to live with his grandfather, William Keran, a Methodist minister, who owned and resided on a farm on Campbell's (commonly called Plug) Run. His father also bought a farm and located on Plug Run. As soon as he was old enough he began to assist his father on the farm and in his lacksmith shop. Worked in the blacksmith shop when he had to have a block six inches high to stand on to raise him up so he could strike with the sledge-hammer on the anvil. When eighteen years of age he was engaged as clerk in John P. Boswell's store, at Bourneville, Ross Co., Ohio; remained with him about two years. For the first nine months of that time got $25 and board (found his own Clothes); lost but two days' time in the nine months. He received better wages the rest of his time with Boswell. He then, in company with another young man, bonght the Boswell stock and conducted the business tinder the firm name of McMillin & Bridwell. A year later they sold out to two brothers by the name of Chestnuts, and Mr. McMillin was employed by Reeves & Burbridge, of Chillicothe, Ohio, one year, at a salary of $250. He then returned to Bourneville and was employed in the store of Douglas Smyth seven or eight years. During his stay with Mr. Smyth he served nearly six years as Justice of the Peace. In the fall- of 1848 he was elected Sheriff of Ross County; moved to Chillicothe and served two terms as Sheriff. In 1852 moved from Chillicothe, Ross County, to Sharonville, Pike Co., Ohio, where he has been engaged in the mercantile business, Has been Treasurer of Jackson Township, Pike County, for twenty-five years, and Postmaster at Sharonville for thirteen years. He was married in Ross County to Rebecca Briggs. They have four children—Adelia Jane, Louisa D., Charles A. and Effie G. Louisa D. is the wifeof William A. Corwine, of Lincoln, Logan Co., Ill. Joel Pendergrass, fourth son of James and Mary Ann (Buxton) Pendergrass, was born in Athens County, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1847. When he was six years of age his father died, and he then lived in Ross County, Ohio, with Henry G. Dubois, till reaching his majority, when he went to Nodaway County, Mo., where he remained two years and then returned to Pike County. He now resides on and superintends an extensive farm belonging to his father-in-law, Philip Houk. Mr. Pendergrass married Elizabeth A. Houk in 1872. They have had five children—Charles H., Ida M., James A., Elmer E. and Philip H., the latter now deceased. Mr. Pendergrass has served his township as Road Supervisor and School Director. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 803 J. J. Steitenberger, M. D., second son of John M. and Permelia (Ridgway) Stei tenberger, was born in Pike County, Ohio, Oct. 3,1852. He assisted his father on the farm till eighteen years of age, and then entered the college in Lebanon, Ohio, graduating Aug. 12, 1874. He then attended Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, and graduated Feb. 25, 1881. He located in the village of Sharonville, where he is building up an extensive and lucrative practice. He has been successful, and is fast winning the confidence of the people and proving himself deserving of their patronage. He is a public-spirited man, and is always ready to assist in any enterprise of interest to the town, taking an especial interest in educational matters. Sept. 17, 1882, he was married to Maggie, daughter of David Stahler, a hardware merchant of Waverly. BEAVER TOWNSHIP. ITS AREA, METES AND BOUNDS. Beaver is the east-central township of the county, and is three and one-half miles north and south by seven east and west, and should have an area of 15,680 acres of land, but is assessed on 14,642, which is only about two-thirds of a congressional township. It is bounded on the north by Jackson Township, on the east by Jackson County, on the south by Union and Marion townships, and on the west by Seal Township. It is among the oldest settled townships, and there are none now living within the township that may be said to have been its pioneers; none to give a personal account of the troubles and trials or the pleasures and progress of three-fourths of a century ago. These pioneers came from Pennsylvania, Virginia and a few from the Carolinas and settled here when it was an unbroken wilderness. ITS DRAINAGE SYSTEM. The northern part of the township is hilly and broken, but the south is more level, rising in places as an undulating plain, the soil being deep, rich and productive. The valley, or rather the upland, of Beaver Creek touches the southern border of the township and follows it as it flows westward toward the Scioto. Beaver Creek rises on the east side of the township and on its northern border, two branches meeting near the center, running south and leaving the township, passing into Marion within a mile of its eastern border. It can hardly be said that the valley of Beaver Creek extends as far as it at first sight appears. There is, however, back from each bank of this creek a wide and .gently rolling body of land of great width and fertility, and while Beaver Creek runs through it the whole appearance of the country has not so much the look of a valley as it has that of nearly level country, diversified by, in some places, a rolling surface hardly reaching to the dignity of a hill. The fact that such a wide and somewhat level depression, from the high hills and rugged and broken surface of the county gave to Beaver Township and along Beaver Creek its early inhabitants. It is called Beaver Valley, and in many places is fully as wide as the Scioto Valley, and, in ages past, what is now a creek must have flowed a river fully as large as the Scioto Myer is to-day. The valley is covered with good dwellings and well-cultivated fields. Take the township altogether and it may be said to be a good agricultural township. There is some broken land in the north, and soil, in places, in the southern part that is thin, but Beaver may be said to be a full average, and corn, wheat and hay are the leading products. In the center and western part of the township Keller's Run, Six-mile Creek, Five-mile Creek and Four-mile Creek pass through it from south to north and about one mile apart, running parallel with each other. Thus it is well watered, and in the northern part has a fine growth of timber. The coal belt may be said to touch the east side of Beaver 804 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Township, but there has been no coal yet found, although the indications are that there is coal in the township. Slate and shale crop out in various places, and but a short distance in Jackson County excellent coal has been found and is now mined. Among the first to arrive in the township was Abraham Lawrence, who first cleared a patch of ground and built a rude cabin on what is now the Given's farm. Rev. Darly Kelly settled soon after on Beaver Creek, just beyond where Beavertown now stands, and all this section, being nearly level, was soon settled and the log cabins were found dotting the valley. A few years. later Wm. Saylor settled the farm where Wm. Kirkpatrick now lives. He came about the year 1810. This farm is now in Union Township. Beaver at that time included Union and Marion townships. D. W. James, who was born in the township, was a son of John James, who moved to the county from Pennsylvania in 1812. D. W. James lives on the old farm, has been a Justice of the Peace, and is yet a prominent citizen of the township. ITS NAME. Beaver Creek took its name from the number of these little water animals which infested its waters and banks. It is one of the prettiest little streams of water in the county. From this stream the township took its name. ORGANIZATION. Beaver Township was organized by the commissioners of Ross County Sept. 8, 1814, and covered ail of the territory east of the river and south of the Scioto County line. When Pike County was organized Jackson and Seal townships were formed from Beaver, the latter including most of Scioto Township. Then Union was taken from Beaver, May 8, 1848, and Marion, Dec. 4 of the same year, leaving Beaver in her present size and shape, excepting some three changes which are here given. The first change was Dec.4, 1848, at the date Marion Township was formed, to change the line between Jackson and Beaver as follows: " In compliance with a petition from citizens of Jackson Township the line between Jackson and Beaver townships was changed so as to run as follows: Commencing on the 1 Jackson County line at the half-mile corner of section 14, township 6, range 20,, running thence west on said half-mile line until it strikes said township at the half-mile corner of section 13, township 5, range 21." The next change was Dec. 3, 1850, when a portion of Union was attached to Beaver, and last in March, 1851, when a portion of I Beaver was attached to Jackson and to Union townships, leaving, as above stated, the township as now designated on the map. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, 1883. Trustees, Phillip Farney, W. D. James, George Leist; Clerk, F. Scharenberg; Treasurer, Frank Ehr man; Assessor, Jacob Lapp; Justices of the Peace, W. D. James and A. P. Ballard. The value of personal property in the township in 1880 was $74,368. Its land assessment, 14,642 acres was assessed in the year 1882 at $80,151, and its personal property $87,427. Beavertown, real and personal, $6,814. Total township valuation, $174,392, SCHOOLS. There are four district schools in the township, and a special school district, the latter the Beavertown school. The four outside districts have a population of school age of 291, and a school property valued at $1,000. One teacher is allowed to each of the five schools, who are paid an average monthly salary of $31.50. There are no graded schools in the township as yet. The average attendance is about three-fourths of the enrollment. HISTORY OF LOWER SUIOTO VALLEY - 805 BEAVERTOWN This is a pleasant little' hamlet and handsomely located in the valley of Beaver Creek, in the southeastern section of the county. The Ohio Southern Railroad, which passes through the southwestern part of the township, runs within a half mile of the hamlet, where a station is established. Being located in the valley of Beaver Creek and upon its bank, there is a fine view of the country around, and the people of the valley give the little hamlet a very handsome support. It is really a thriving business place. The village was laid out just prior to 1840, by a man by the name of Reynolds, and was known by that name for a few years, or Reynoldstown, and then changed to its present name. Having a railroad near them their shipping facilities are good, and quite a market is established at the hamlet, the merchants and business men dealing in all the products the farmers have to sell. The business interests consist of five stores; one blacksmith shop and one flouring mill. It has three churches, a public-school building and two hotels. The medical profession is ably represented by Drs. Phillips and McAllister. The flouring mill mentioned above has three runs of burrs, two wheat and one corn, and arranged for bolting the meal as well as the flour. It was erected, in 1865 by Messrs. Poffman & Kuntzman, at a cost of $10,000, and was sold by them to the present owners, Ehrman & Bro., in 1874. They make an excellent brand of merchantable flour, and also make a market i for all the sur- plus wheat and corn. There s a saw-mill attached, and the propelling force is an engine of sixty horse-power. CHURCHES. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1870 and a church building erected the same year at a cost of $1,200, 30 x 40 feet in size. Rev, Hamilton was called and the church slowly progressed. Rev. John R. Prose succeeded him as the second pastor of the church, and he was followed by Rev. David Stoner and Rev. Cherington. The present minister is Rev. Mr. Crosby, and the church has a membership of thirty. Trustees: Mr. Ehrman, Dr. Phillips, John Massbarger, Dr. McAllister and David Nutt.Beavertown Beavertown, Chapel.—The German church of the United Brethren was organized in the year 1859, and completed a neat and substantial church building early in the following year. The building was 36 x 46 feet in size and cost $900. The church was small at first for there were but few resident German families. At this time, however, nineteen families are members and the church is in a. flourishing condition. Rev. Mr. Assell is in charge as pastor at this time. The St. John's Lutheran, Church is located in the southern part of Beaver Township and was organized in 1840. They held services at the school-house till 1845, when a church structure was erected at a cost of $800 and dedicated the same year. The church has been fairly prosperous, and there are at this time twenty-five families connected with the organization, under the ministerial care of Rev. J. M. Grether. The Trustees are: Jacob Laff, Lewis Scharenberg, Frederic Scharenberg and Peter Georgens. St. Peter's Church, Reform, is one of the oldest church organizations in the township, and kept up with varying success. It was, however, reorganized under a more efficient basis Nov. 8, 1874, by Rev. Wm. Steghow, and since then has been in an apparently prosperous condition. At this reorganization the above name was given it. In 1875 the church erected a handsome. and commodious brick structure in the hamlet of Beavertown. There are now forty families connected, under the pastoral charge of Rev. John M. Grether. The Trustees are: Martin Kaufman, George Leist and Lawrence Siller 806 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. POPULATION. In 1840 Beaver had a population of 1,075, but Marion Township being taken from her in 1848, left it in 1850 with 520; in 1860 it was 698; in 1870, 694, and in 1880, 750. BIOGRAPHICAL. H. N. Gall, fifth son of Michael and Nancy (Cook) Gall, was born in Pike County, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1836. He was reared on a farm and by close application, acquired sufficient education to enable him to teach, an occupation he pursued several years, teaching during the winter and working on a farm in the summer, still living on the old homestead. In 1870 he purchased forty acres, where he resided till 1877, when he returned to the old homestead. He has 280 acres of improved land. Dec. 13, 1869, he married Mary Ann, daughter of John and Margaret (Johnson) McMonigel. Of seven children born to them but four are living. Mr. anal Mrs. Gall are members of the Protestant Methodist church. Politically he is a Republican. His father was born Feb. 12, 1799, a son of George and Susannah (Nichols) Gall, and grandson of George Gall, a native of Switzerland, and an early settler of Maryland. He was married April 15, 1824, ad in the fall of 1833 located in Pike Coun- t , Ohio. He was a prominent man of the county, and lived to be eighty-one years of age. Our subject's mother was the daughter of Zachariah and Martha (Andick) Cook. Her father was one of the Hessian soldiers in the English army, and after serving a year was taken prisoner, and soon after enlisted in the Colonial army and served till the close of the war. In 1833 he came to Ohio, where he died at the age of nearly ninety-seven years. William Phillips. M. D., was born in Jefferson Township Jackson Co., Ohio, Aug. 2, 1847, a son of John and Mary (Dulany) Phillips, and a grandson of Joseph and Elizabeth (Mackley) Phillips, early settlers of Jackson County. He was reared on a farm, but given a good education, completing his literary course at the Normal, of Lebanon, Ohio. In 1871 he began the study of medicine with Dr. T. E. Griffith, of Oak Hill, remaining with him three years. He took a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in the winter of 1875–'7'6, and the following summer practiced at Wellston. The winter of 1876–'77 he returned to the medical college and graduated, and immediately located in Beaver Township, where he has been very successful as a practitioner. He was married Sept. 11, 1873, to Susie, daughter of James and Margaret (Perry) Nutt. They have three children—Ida May, Jennie Edith and Oakley Pursell. Dr. and Mrs. Phillips are members of the Methodist church. He is a member of Portland Lodge, No. 366, A. F. & A. M. MARION TOWNSHIP. ITS SIZE AND LOCATION. This. township lies in the southeast corner of the county, and is four miles east and west and five and one-half miles north and south, with an assessed acreage of 13,922 acres. It is bounded on the north by Beaver Township, on the east by Jackson County, on the south by Scioto County and on the west by Union Township. It is the smallest township in the county, but is not by any means the least valuable. Its land valuation in 1882 was $127, 569; chattel property, $105,377; village property, California, $7,977; total valuation, 240, 923. TOPOGRAPHY. Marion Township, after leaving the valley of Beaver Creek is hilly, The wide expanse of that valley gives the northern part a rolling country with a productive soil. The southern part is hilly, but the soil is apparently better than in the hills further south. There is also some excellent land on McDowell's Run, HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 807 which flows in a half-moon circle through the center of the township. A branch of Rocky Fork of the Little Scioto River waters its southern boundary and. almost touches its little capital city, California. There is also a good supply. of timber on the hills and along the streams. It was settled in 1808, and along McDowell's Run and Beaver Creek were found the first pioneers. These old settlers who opened the land to cultivation were David Samson, James Samson, David Samson, Jr., John Beech, Lyttleton Bradford, John Yeager, Peter Wykoff, Elijah Piles, Jacob Keller and John and James McDowell. The first school-house was erected in 1827 and located about one mile east of California. Winston Jones was the teacher. The first mill was erected on McConnell Creek by James Samson, in 1826. It was rather a small affair. The township was organized Dec. 4, 1848, and was taken from Beaver Township. It was next to the last township organized in the county. The Ohio Southern Railroad passes through the northern part of the township, entering near the northwest corner, and, running in a southeasterly course, leaves the township on the east, about one and one-fourth miles south of its northern line. The station of Beaver is within the township. CALIFORNIA. California is a bright and prosperous business hamlet situated in the southwest corner of the township, something over a mile from its western border and rather less than a mile from its south line. It dates back to ante bellum days, but was resurveyed in 1881, and is one of the most enterprising hamlets in the county. It does quite a large business in merchandise and in manufactures for so small a place. Its woolen-mill or card machine was first erected by Wm. Gordon in 1860 and was run by horse-power. In 1862 an engine was put in and a spinning machine by James McGinniss, who had purchased the plant. Other improvements were added, a set of new cards were put in, the size of the building increased to 32 x 50 feet, and a few years later, or in 1869, twenty feet more with a new boiler shed fourteen feet long were added. Two power looms were added at that time and a fulling machine, cloth press and shearing machine, which made it a full-fledged woolen-mill. The mill is still under the proprietorship of Mr. McGinniss, and there are manufactured jeans, flannels, yarns, blankets, etc. it is doing a good and profitable business. The flouring mill is another valuable manufacturing institution which adds much to the business interests of California. It was first erected in 1853, by Nelson Austin and Israel Dewey. It has changed hands a number of times the last thirty years, but has finally come into the possession of John B. Brown who is making a successful business of it, and securing much trade to the town. A blacksmith and wagon shop was erected in 1870 by Samson & Brown, and then it went into the hands of Henry Ellhoff, who has been succeeded by his son, and the latter is doing a good business. A carriage shop was carried on by Jacob Stupp and Lewis Ellhoff until the death of Henry Ellhoff, father of Lewis, in 1882. The blacksmith shop, wagon and carriage manufactory are now together and conducted by Lewis Ellhoff as sole proprietor. Another blacksmith shop was started in 1870 by Timothy Wilson and Joseph Smith, since which it has changed hands and the business is successfully carried on by J. B. Brown the present proprietor. Wesley Cooper runs another blacksmith shop on High street, and F. D. Wilson one on Mill street. This closes the manufacturing interests. Its business is summed up as follows: 0. E. Emory, general store; S. 808 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. B. Masters, general store; Mrs. Nancy Au-miller, millinery; Dr. J. S. Samson, drug store; J. R. White, saddles and harness; S. Brown & Son, dry-goods and groceries; Milliard & Ramsey, boots and shoes; Cornelius Moore, boots and shoes; E. V. Samson, Postmaster and Notary Public, office corner of Mill and Main streets; John Durant, hotel on Main street; Dr. L. D. Allard, resident physician. The population of the township dates from the census of 1850. In that year the population was 900; in 1860, 793; in 1870, 813; and in 1880, 908. MARION TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. Dec. 4, 1848. " In compliance with a petition from sundry citizens of the county the following new township was formed as follows: "Beginning at the northeast corner of Union Township and running east to the Jackson County line; thence south to the southeast corner of Beaver Township; thence west to the southeast corner of . Union Township; thence north with said township line to the place of beginning" An election was ordered to take place Dec. 18, 1848, at the house of H. S. West-fall, for the election of township officers. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, 1843. Trustees, William Gordon, David Rhea and Walter Austin ; Treasurer, Michael Gall; Clerk, Stephen Slaughter; Constables, John Clemmons and Andrew I. McNeal ; Assessor, Nathan Burgess; Justices of the Peace, Michael Gall and Edward Dixon. 1883. Trustees, S. W. Butcher, C. M. Gordon and W. R. Graham; Clerk, Henry W. Westfall; Assessor, George W. Nutt; Treasurer, Phillip Hammerstein; Constables, James Magaw and Frank Wilson; Justices of the Peace, J. T. Slaughter and O. E. Emory, TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS. There are six school districts in Marion Township. The numbers of districts and names of houses are as follows: Sub-district No. 1, Nutt's School-house—Teacher, T. J. McLaughlin; pupils, thirty-eight. Sub-district No. 2, Westfall School-house—Teacher, G. W. Vance; pupils, sixty-three. Sub-district No. 3, Salem School-house—Pupils, forty-one. Sub-district No 4, Mosser School-house—Pupils, thirty-two. Sub-district No. 5, Gordon's School-house—Pupils, forty-seven. Sub-district No. 6, California School-house—Pupils, ninety-two. CHURCHES. The Free-Will Baptist Church, of California, was organized Feb. 3, 1878, by Revs. Alva Crabtree and T. E. Peden. Thirty-eight members joined the church, and George W. Fellows was Deacon. In 1878, or the year of their organization, they built a frame church on the corner of High and Water streets. The Trustees were S. B. Masters, J. R. Samson and T. D. Wilson. The church has now a membership of fifty, under the care of the Rev. Frank May, who holds service once a month. The church officers are: Trustees, 0. E. Emory, Levi Brown and E. K. Crabtree. The church property is valued at $1,000. Methodist Episcopal Church.—This church was among the early organizations of the township, and dates from 1835. Eighteen members joined, and they met either at the residence of some of the members or at the school-house, for service, until 1847, when they built a log church, about one mile east of California, and called the Rev. Andrew Carroll as their regular supply. The Trustees were John Kirkpatrick, William Gordon and William Bass. At that time there was a membership of twenty-five. The old log church was used fifteen years, when the society erected a commodious frame church in HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 809 its place, 32 x 46 feet in size, costing, fully completed, $1,500. The Trustees elected were John Kirkpatrick, V. B. Johnson and J. Frederic Ehrman. The church is under the pastoral care of Rev. Samuel Crosby, with sixty members: Preaching is had every three weeks. United Brethrem—This church is now located at California, and was first organized as early as 1825 by the Rev. Daniel Bonebrake. Their services were held in the cabins of some of the members for many years. In 1839 they erected a church, and the Rev. Isaac Krutzsinger was their minister. The church had then eighty members, and the Trustees were: James Graham, James Samson and Jonathan Dodge. In 1850 they removed their church, which was about one mile south, to California. They have no regular pastor at this time, but service is held occasionally. The present Trustees are Jacob Dewey, William Samson and John B. Samson. The Pleasant Hall Brill Church, Methodist Protestant, was organized in 1848 by Rev. Rannel Gee. Meetings were generally held at the Mosser School-house until 1858, when a frame church was erected at a cost of $600. Nicholas Funk, Henry and Josiah Brill and David Mosser were Trustees. The Rev. Moses Scott was their pastor, with a membership of thirty-five. In 1878 they re-modeled their church building and otherwise improved it. Rev. James Tyree succeeded Mr. Scott in 1878, and the number of members was forty. The present able pastor is the Rev. William Hollingshed. The Salem Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1845 by Rev. Andrew Carroll, with the following members: Samuel James and wife, Andrew James and wife, David James and wife; Huston Westfall and wife, John Kinney and wife, John Taylor and wife. They held their meetings in the Salem School-house for several years, They built a log church in 1853, which stood until 1873, when the roof was burned off,and they built the present church building. The Trustees were David James, Hiram McLaughlin and Andrew James. It was dedicated by Rev. John T. Miller. The membership was about thirty at that time. The present pastor is Rev. Samuel Crosby; Trustees, Andrew Carroll James, Charles Kirkpatrick and Hiram McLaughlin. The membership is now about twenty-five. Regular service is held every three weeks, and class-meeting and Sabbath-school every Sunday. The church property is valued at $1,200. BIOGRAPHICAL. Barnhard Adams was born in Germany, April 8, 1830, a son of Michael and Mary Eve (Geis) Adams. In 1834 his parents came to the United States and located on the farm where he still resides. His father died in 1844, aged fifty-six years, and his mother in 1878, aged eighty-five years. When he was fourteen years of age he began to work for the neighboring farmers, but after reaching his majority returned to the :old homestead. In 1855 he married Mary, daughter of Daniel Miller, a native of Switzerland, who came to the United States in 1835. They have eight children—Henry, Mary, Frances, John, Annie, Lizzie, Daniel, and Louis. Mr. Adams has served two terms as County Commissioner and two terms as Township Treasurer. He has a fine farm of 385 acres, and the largest% orchard in the township. He is a member of the Roman and his wife of the Protestant church. Henry Albin was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, March 17, 1820, a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Turner) Albin, natives of Virginia, the former of Irish and the latter of German descent. He remained on the farm [till eighteen years of age, and the next six years worked on the river steamers. In 1844 he came to pike County and purchased a farm in 810 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY, Beaver Township. In 1867 he removed to California and purchased the saw and grist mill, but two years later went to Jefferson Township, where he remained five years. In 1874 he returned to Pike County and settled on the farm where he now resides. He is also engaged in the practice of law, and in 1875 was appointed Notary Public. Sept. 26, 1848, he married Elizabeth Butcher, of Pike County. To them were born seven children. Aug. 13, 1865, Mrs. Albin died, and March 21, 1866, Mr. Albin married Mrs. Nancy (Smith) Hargen, a native of Pittsburg, Pa. Sept. 14, 1864, Mr. Albin enlisted in Company E, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist church. L. D. Allard, M. D., was born Feb. 19, 1855, in Marion Township, Pike County, Ohio, a son of Thomas and Harriet A. (Brown) Allard. His father was born Jan. 27, 1829, in Sheffield, England; came with his father to this State in 1832. His mother was born June 27, 1834, in this county, she being of English descent. They were married Jan. 11, 1852, and purchased land in this county and have followed farming; both are living. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, received a common-school education, taught his first district school in Scioto County at the age of sixteen; taught most of the time until he was twenty years of age, when he commenced the study of medicine, March, 1875, under the guidance of Dr. C. M. Finch, of Portsmouth, Ohio; attended first course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati, the session of 1876-'77, and graduated at the same college at the close of the session of 1878-'79, March -1, being a student four years. March 18, 1879, he located in the village of California, this county, where he still remains. He was married to Miranda Buckley, of Jackson, Jackson Co., Ohio, July 20, 1880. Her father, Isaac Buck ley, died April 2, 1872. Her mother, Anna (Reed) Buckley, is still living. The Doctor has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine for the past four years, during which time he has succeeded in securing a good practice. Thomas Allard was born near Sheffield, England, Jan. 27, 1829, a son-of Joseph and Mary (Gardner) Allard. When he was three years of age his parents came to the United States and located in Scioto County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. Jan. 11, 1852, he married Harriet daughter of Royal and Rachel Brown. They have a family of six children-R. W., Lorenzo D., Francis W., Thomas S., Rachel A. and Mary F. In 1854 Mr. Allard purchased the farm where he still resides. He has accumulated a good amount of property by his own indus- try and energy. He owns 360 acres of fine land, well improved. Mr. Allard and family are members of the Methodist Protestant church. William H. Bennett, farmer, was born in Madison Township, Scioto County, Ohio, July 4, 1818, a son of John and Rebecca Bennett, who were among the early pioneers of Scioto County. He resided at home till twenty-three years of age, and then built a house on his father's farm and worked a part of the old homestead several years; then entered a tract of Government land, where he lived till 1849, when he went to Allen County, Ind., and remained eight years. Returning to Ohio, he purchased the farm of 100 acres in Pike County, where he still resides. He was married Sept. 15, 1842, to Elizabeth Beauchamp, of Pike County, who was born Aug. 16, 1821, and died Feb. 14, 1882. She was a member of the Methodist church from childhood. Of a family of nine children seven are still living. Mr. Bennett enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and in the spring of 1864, while serving as a guard under General Thomas, was taken sick, from the effects of which he has never recovered. He has HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 811 been a member of the Methodist church since fifteen years of age. David J. Brown was born Oct. 21, 1837, in Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, a son of John H. and Sarah (Beauchamp) Brown. He was married March 16, 1859, to Catherine Ray of Pike County. They have a family of six children—John W., Sarah E., Stephen N., Thomas W., Louise May, and Lelia G. Aug. 9, 1862, Mr. Brown enlisted in Company G, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry. At the battle of Winchester, July 24, 1.864, he was wounded and disabled from further duty. He was in the hospital at Chester, Pa., till May, 1865, when he received his discharge. He carried an ounce ball in his hip twenty-two months, and still suffers from the effects of the wound. Since his return home he has been engaged in farming. He and his family are members of the Protestant Methodist church. Franklin Brown, deceased, son of David and Sarah (Hubbard) Brown, was born March 5, 1817, near Portsmouth, in Scioto County. He resided with his parents till he grew to manhood, and was married Jan. 30, 1838, to Rebecca, daughter of Jacob and Tryphena Rickey, who came to Ohio in 1814 from New York, in which State Mrs. Brown was born. They were the parents of nine children, of whom eight are living—Minerva, wife of Enoch Crabtree; Eunice R, widow of I. P. Sanders; Mary M., wife of J. M. Parks; Elizabeth H., wire of A. W. Gilliland; Nathan Wesley, married to Maria L. Rhea; Anna M., wife of Isaac N. Carson; Hattie A., and Rebecca J. After his marriage Mr. Brown purchased a farm in Madison Township, Scioto County, where he resided twenty years. He then purchased another farm in Marion Township, where he lived till his death, which occurred Feb. 25, 1877. He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Protestant Methodist Church. His widow and family are still members of that church. John B. Brown was born in Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, July 13, 1835, the second son of John H. and Sarah (Beauchamp) Brown. He was married May 15, 1856, to Elizabeth Samson, daughter of Samuel and Jane (McDowell) Samson, and located on 200 acres of land given him by his father. Aug. 11, 1862, he- enlisted in Company G, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, participated in many hard-fought battles, and was discharged July 1, 1865. After his return home he bought his flouring mill at California. He makes a fine grade of flour, making a specialty of custom ;work. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Methodist Protestant church. John H. Brown, deceased, was born in Grafton County, N. H., March 15, 1809, a son of David and Sarah (Hubbard) Brown. When he was eight years of age his parents removed to Auburn, N. Y., and subsequently to the Northwestern Territory, settling in Scioto County,Ohio,where he was reared and educated. He was married April 15,1832, to Sarah, daughter of John and Elizabeth Beauchamp. She was born in Delaware and came with her parents to Ohio when six months old. They located in Pickaway County, and four years later, in 1812, removed to Pike County. Her father died in October, 1823, and her mother, May 10, 1871. After his marriage Mr. Brown settled on a farm in Marion Township, and ten years later removed to Rocky Fork, Scioto County, but after seven years returned to Pike County and purchased the farm on which Mrs. Brown still resides. In connection with farming he was also engaged in the mercantile and milling business many years. He died Aug. 18,1859. He was a member, as is also Mrs. Brown, of the Methodist Protestant church. Of a family of twelve Children six are still living—Stephen, John B., David J., Wesley B., James N. and Charlotte E. Royal Brown was born in Vermont, Aug. 812 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. 18, 1811, a son of David and Sarah (Hubbard) Brown, who removed to Auburn, N. Y., where he was reared and educated. Upon reaching manhood he purchased the farm in Marion Township, Pike County, where he has since resided. He was married Aug. 18, 1833, to Rachel, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Prettyman) Beauchamp, of Pike County. They have had ten children born to them, eight of whom are living—Milton W., Francis A., John S., Royal B., David T., William B., Harriet A. and Rachel E. Those deceased are—William B. and Elizabeth B. Stephen Brown, the eldest son of John H. and Sarah S. (Beauchamp) Brown, was born in Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, Aug. 18, 1832. Jan. 20, 1853, he was married to Nancy, daughter of John and Isabel (Kinnear) Halterman, of Jackson County. He then engaged in farming till 1859, when he became established in the mercantile business, which he carries on in connection with overseeing his farm. His farm contains 160 acres of fine, well-improved land. He has been prominently identified with the Protestant Methodist church thirty-six years, and for the past eight Sears has been a local preacher. He has a family or two sons and five daughters. Wesley B. Brown, son of John H. and Sarah S. (Beauchamp) Brown, was born in Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, April 7, 1840. Nov. 28, 1861, he was married to Icy. Bennett, daughter of Caleb and Eliza Bennett, early settlers of Scioto County. Aug. 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, and served till the close of the war. At the battle of Winchester, Oct. 19,1864,he was severely wounded in the right breast, disabling him two months. He was discharged June 28, 1865. Mr. Brown has a fine farm of eighty acres. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist church, and he is an inveterate worker in the Sabbath-school, being Superintendent formally years. Charles Crabtree was born in Jackson County, Ohio, July 4, 1839, a son of William L. and Catherine (Keller) Crabtree. Aug. 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, and experienced some of the most terrible hardships and participated in some of the hardest-fought battles of the war. He was at Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge. At the latter place he was wounded by a shell, but started up the mountain, when he was shot in the hip and shoulder. Notwithstanding this he went on to Atlanta, with his regiment. He was discharged in October, 1864, having served forty-four days over his time. He was married Aug. 28, 1865, to Amanda Hatburn. Five children were born to them, four still living. Mrs. Crabtree died in October, 1879. Oct. 20, 1881, he married Mrs. Mary Ann (Drake) Montgomery. They have one child. After his return from the war Mr. Crabtree lived a few months in Mercer County, a year in Jackson County, and then purchased his farm in Pike County, where he lived thirteen years. He then went to Graham County, Kas., and purchased 300 acres of fine land, which he still owns, but on account of his wife's failing health returned to Ohio and bought the farm where he now lives. He has a landed estate of 480 acres. He is a member of the Protestant Methodist church, and his wife of the Baptist church. He is a member of Barnes Post No. 280,G. A. R. Tillburry Crabtree was born in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1842, a son of Elijah and Susanna (Keller) Crabtree. Aug. 12, I 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry. He participated in sixteen hard-fought battles, among them Winchester, Fayetteville and Louisburg. At Halltown, near Harper's Ferry, Aug. 12, 1864, he was I wounded in the left arm, the ball passing in below the elbow and passing out above.. Prior to this he had received two slight wounds and HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 813 was disabled from active duty, and was appointed flag bearer. He was then detailed in the hospital, and held the position of ward master eight months. May 6, 1865, he was discharged, and after his return home engaged in farming on the old homestead till 1879, when he purchased the farm of forty-two and a half acres where he now resides. Jan. 1, 1865, he was married to Mary A. Claw, of Jackson County. They have one child-Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree are members of the Free-Will Baptist church. He has always been a strict temperance man, never having drank a glass of liquor. Oliver E. Emory, merchant, was born in Vernon Township, Scioto Co., Ohio, Dec. 11, 1845, the second son of Dearborn and Juliette (Chamberlain) Emory. When seventeen years of age he began working in the mill with his father, and when twenty years of age went into the business for himself. Being successful he used his earnings in improving his education and then taught one term of school, after which he was in the mercantile business a year and a half. He then rented the mill where he had worked when a boy, and in one winter cleared $500. In 1869 he removed to California, Pike County, and has since been in the general mercantile business, having a large and lucrative trade. Mr. Emory was married Feb. 16, 1868, to Amanda A. Adams, of Scioto County. Of their five children, but two are living. They are members of the Baptist church. Charles M. Gordon was born in Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, Feb. 6, 1839, a son of William V. and Maria (Beauchamp) Gordon. He resided at home till manhood and then purchased the farm where he still resides. He has 110 acres of improved land and is one of the successful farmers of the township. March 22, 1863, he married Harriet, daughter of Hon. John James. They have five children-Maria L., Cynthia J ., Emma L., John F. and William F. Sept. 14, 1863, he enlisted in Company E, Thirty-third. Ohio Infantry, and served till the close of the war; was mustered out June 14, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. William B. Gordon, son of William V. Gordon, was born in Marion Township, Pike County, Oct. 18, 1846. He was married Oct. 24, 1867. to Mary E. Riker, who was born in Porter Township, Scioto County, March 1, 1847, a daughter of Solomon and Susannah (Stockham) Riker. They have had four children of whom three are living-Maria Rue, Wilber Haven and Effie Blanche. Mr. Gordon has one of the best farms in the township, containing 160 acres of land, which he has acquired by industry and economy. He and his wife have been active members of the Methodist Episcopal church since childhood, and he is an active worker in the temperance cause. His father was born in New Jersey in 1804, and came to Pike County, Ohio, in 1816. He was married Aug. 24, 1828, to Maria, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Prettyman) Beauchamp. They were the parents of ten children-William B., Elizabeth P., Sarah L., Eliza Jane, David A., Charles M., Joseph R., Charlotte, Cornelius W. and William B., our subject. Mr. W. V. Gordon died Aug. 26, 1860, and April 17, 1868, his widow was married to John Beauchamp, who. now resides on the old Gordon homestead, about one mile east of California. Eli Halterman, son of Levi Halterman, was born April 28, 1843, in Jackson County, Ohio, where he was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. Oct. 28, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, and participated in many hard-fought battles. He received a severe wound at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, which unfitted him for active duty till the following September, when he returned to his regiment and served till the war closed, when he was honorably discharged, Aug. 12, 814 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. 1865. He was married Nov. 12, 1865, to Mary E. Albin, of Pike County. Nine children have been born to this union, of whom eight are living—Ida E., William T., Oscar E., George N., Orpha M., Armina F., Ollie D. and Myrtie N. Minnie L. is deceased. Mr. Halterman has a good farm of eighty-four acres of improved land. He is a member of Barnes Post, No. 280, G. A. R. Christian Hohenstein, cabinet-maker, was born in Brakenheim, Germany, Dec. 22, 1819. He attended school till fifteen years of age and then went to work at the cabinet-maker's trade,. serving an:apprenticeship of three years. He worked as a journeyman several years and then opened a shop of his own in his native town. In 1853 he came to the United States and a year later to Ohio. He lived in Jackson County five years and then came to Pike County, settling in Marion Township, where he has worked at his trade, and also has a fine fruit farm. he was married Feb. 2, 1845, to Christina Zinsmeister; a native of Germany, born July 14, 1822. Mr. and Mrs. Hohenstein are members of the Lutheran church. Joseph Irons was born in Beaver County, Penn., March 24, 1835, a son of John and Ann (Moore) Irons, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. He was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools. When fifteen years of age his parents died, leaving seven children. In 1855 he came to Ohio and worked at the Keystone Furnace, Gallia County, Ohio, two years. He afterward worked in furnaces in Iron Valley, Hamden and Vinton. When rebellion was declared in April, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, and served till the following August. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry and served till February, 1863, when he was discharged on account of injuries received in lifting. After the war he was appointed Assistant Deputy Marshal, and when in the discharge of his duties was shot by a deserter, `'John Richards, still carrying the ball in his body. In 1864 he began to study for the ministry, and in 1866 was licensed to preach in the Baptist church. Be was married in 1859 to Samantha Willcox, a native of Jackson County. They have had nine children—Mary J., John D., Annie M., George H., William A., Rachel E. and Ada A. (deceased), Alice C. and Franklin J. Mr. Irons, in early life, learned the blacksmith's trade and worked at it in connection with his other pursuits till 1880. He had a fine farm of 160 acres but sold it. He has held many offices of trust in his township. William R. Jones was born Oct. 14, 1858, a son of William and Elizabeth (Adams) Jones. When he was two years old his father died, and his mother a few years later in Ashland, Ky. He then resided with his grandparents at Ashland. They subsequently moved to Olive Hill, Ky., and frotn there to Webster, Scioto Co., Ohio, and thence to California, Pike County. While still a boy he went with his grandfather, Rev. H. Adams, to Minnesota, and remained there till manhood. He then returned to Pike County, and soon after joined an exploring party, and made a tour through the Southwestern States, and located a tract of land on the Llano Escanado. He then returned to Ohio and engaged in the patent-right business, traveling in Southern Ohio and Kentucky, and for the past two years has resided in California, Pike County. Mr. Jones has exhibited a spirit of perseverance that is commendable, and has shown himself possessed of more than ordinary business ability. Being early thrown on his own resources he has won the respect and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. He is a member of West Union Knights of Pythias. Politically he is a Republican. Allen H Keller was born in Scioto Town. ship, Jackson County, July 21, 1835, and is a son of Zenos and Mary (McDowell) Keller, the former born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1803, and the latter March 22,1802, HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 815 in Westmoreland County, Pa. They were married in Jackson County, Ohio, Aug. 18, 1825, and purchased a farm in that county, where they resided till Mr. Keller's death, which occurred June 22, 1878. His Widow now resides with our subject, who was married March 13, 1858, to Lucretia Dixon, who was born in Jackson County, March 7, 1834, and is a daughter of Abraham and Phoebe (Graham) Dixon, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in an early day. This union was blessed with six children, of whom three are living—Milton M., Nora 0. and Cora E. Sarah M., Empson D. and Wallace C. are deceased. After his marriage Mr. Keller removed to his farm in Scioto Township, Jackson County, where he farmed till 1875, after which he was engaged as a teamster in Portsmouth for three years. He then returned to his farm in Jackson County, where he resided till 1883, when he came to his present farm in Marion Township, Pike County.. Mr. Keller and his family are members of the Free-Will Baptist church. Stephen B. Masters was born in Jackson County, Ohio, July 29, 1851, a son of Benjamin F. and Julia A. (Gilliland) Masters, natives of Hamilton Township, Jackson County. His grandfather, Ezekiel Masters, was an early settler of Jackson County. When twenty-one years of age our subject came to Pike Comity and became engaged in the mercantile business in California, and for the past seven years has been an agent for leading fire insurance companies, in connection with his mercantile business. He has built up a large and prosperous trade, and is considered one of the prominent men of the place. June 1, 1877, he was married to Ruhama, daughter of Ste-. phen and Nancy (Halterman) Brown. Four children have been born to them—Franklin E., Harrison E., Harry M. and Viola. The latter died, aged three months. James W. McGinniss was born Dec. 11,1830, in Lowell, Mass.,a son of James and Ann (Mc- Donough) McGinniss, natives of Dublin, Ireland, who came to the United States in 1821, locating in Lowell. When he was eight years of age his father died, and he then went into the woolen-mills, working there till 1849, when he came West, and finally, in 1862, located in Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, and purchased the woolen-mills. He was married in. 1854, to Elizabeth Chapman, a native of Steubenville, Ohio. They had eight children, four of whom are living—William C., Ellen, Mary and Jessie C. Mr. McGinniss and all his family are members of the Methodist church. John McMonigel was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in. December, 1814, a son of John and Mary (McIntyre) McMonigel. His father died when he was nine years old, leaving five children. John went to live with an uncle, remaining with him till 1835, when he came to the United States, landing in New York. He engaged in teaming nine years and then moved to Gallia County, Ohio, and purchased eighty acres of land and lived on it three years. He then moved back to NewYork and stayed three and a half years, when he returned to Gallia County, Ohio, where he purchased forty acres more land and lived on it till June, 1859, when he sold out and moved to the place where he now resides, and has 160 acres of fine, well-improved land. He was married Feb. 11, 1841, to Margaret Johnson, a native of Ireland. Eight children have been born to them, a son and three daughters now living. Joseph Nicolet was born in France, June 25, 1826. March 27, 1846, he left his native country, and after a voyage of forty-six days landed in New York. He came direct to Ohio and located in Tuscarawas County, where he worked at farming two years, and then began working at the wagon-maker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of two years. He worked as a journeyman a year and a half; and then bought the business of his old em- 816 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. ployer at Bolivar, and remained there eight. years. In 1860 he came to Scioto County and bought the farm where he now resides. He has 100 acres of fine land, which he cultivates in connection with working at his trade. He was married April 5, 1853, to Adaline St. Warner, a native of France. They have had six children, four now living—Jane, Frank, Louis and Leona. Charles and Emily died in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Nicolet are members of the Catholic church. Aug. 12, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, and served till September, 1865. Abel B. Parks was born in Jackson County, Ohio, April 23, 1856, a son of N. D. and Sarah (Dixon) Parks. His father came from West Virginia to Ohio with his father's family when nine years of age and located in Lick Township, and three years later removed to Hamilton Township; where our subject was reared and educated. He began teaching in 1876, and taught four winter terms, residing with his parents. In the spring of 1881 he engaged in the mercantile business at Mabee's Corners, and a year later sold out and removed to California, Pike County. He then learned telegraphy, and in April, 1883, was appointed operator and station agent at Beaver. He was married May 23, 1881, to Libbie E. Sampson, daughter of Rev. William A. and Annett (Smith) Sampson. Their only child died when a year old. Mr. and Mrs. Parks are members of the Protestant Methodist church. Mrs. Parks's mother died when she was an infant, and she afterward lived with her uncle, John B. Brown, receiving the same care and affection as the other children of the family. Ephraim W. Rickey was born in Porter Township, Scioto County, Ohio, Oct. 4, 1820, a son of Jacob and Tryphena (Strong) Rickey, who came from New York to Ohio in 1817, landing at Sciotoville, Ohio, and remaining there some four years. As that section was unhealthy, they moved to the wilds of Madison Township, Scioto Co., Ohio. He purchased a farm in Northern Ohio, near Cleveland, paying only part down. Not being able to meet the mortgage on it, he lost everything he had. A young man whose father had swindled Mr. Rickey out of a considerable sum, having embraced religion, came all the way from New York to Ohio, after the expiration of eight years, and paid Mr. Rickey his share of the amount, with which he purchased his farm in Scioto County. He was a preacher in the Baptist church for forty-five years, and died at the age of seventy-two years. When he moved to his farm in Madison Township the county was infested with bears, wolves and other denizens of the forest, and hunting deer, etc., was the pastime of the people. Our subject was reared here, and received but a limited education in the subscription' schools of the county. His mother was a school-teacher, and after marriage taught some in this new see-%ion. Ephraim, our subject, was married July 19, 1841, to Annie, daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca (Mead) Rockwell, old settlers of Scioto County, Ohio. She was born Oct. 21, 1821, in Madison Township, of that county. After marriage Mr. Rickey located on ten acres of unimproved land, to which, by hard work and economical habits, he added from time to time until he paid taxes on upward of 1,200 acres, from which he has given each of his children a good farm. In 1873 he removed to California, Ohio, and for several years engaged in the mercantile business and also dealt extensively in live-stock. Mr. and Mrs. Rickey have had ten children, five of whom are dead—Charles Lewis, Ezra Thomas Jefferson, Henry Lincoln and Rachel. Those living are—Rosetta A., Felina, James Silas, Jacob Franklin and Nathan Thompson. Politically Mr. Rickey is a Republican. Out of 400 voters he influenced eight voters to vote for Fremont, and was the first man to HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 817 put a Republican vote in the poll-box in Madison Township. During the war of the Rebellion, he was a friend to the soldiers, taking care of and providing for the wants of their wives and children. He is a strong temperance man, though not a fanatic. He and wife have been members of the Baptist church since childhood. They are noted for kindness of heart, and give of their means to all laudable enterprises. David Samson was born on the Pickaway Plains, near the present site of Circleville, Oct. 12, 1802, while his parents, David and Sarah (Broris) Samson were en, route from Berkeley County, Va., to their new home in the Northwestern Territory. His father was of French and English, and his mother of German descent. They located in Alexandria and a year later purchased a farm below Portsmouth, where they resided till 1816 when they removed to Pike County, where his father died in 1832 and his mother in 1847. David passed his early life in assisting his father, and Oct. 14, 1823, married Nancy Bennett, of Scioto County, who died in 1817 in the seventy-fourth year of her age. They had a family of ten children—Robert (deceased), Sarah, Mary Ann, Caroline, William J., David N., Nancy, Elias V., John S. and James R. Mr. Samson has been engaged in farming, and the mercantile and tanning business since his early youth. He is one of the successful citizens of Pike County. His grandmother was taken prisoner about 1763 or 1764, in the Indian war of that period, and kept prisoner for eight years, and was delivered up at the time that Bouquet invaded the heart of the Indian Territory. She was taken when a small girl and was kindly treated by them, and one of the old squaws adopted her as a daughter. (More fully explained in '' Western Border," page 156). Mr. Samson, in his old days, is surrounded by a large circle of relatives, who celebrate every year the anniversary of his - 52 - birthday, of this the oldest man in the township. E. V. Samson, the fifth son of David and Nancy (Bennett) Samson, was born in Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, Sept. 26, 1843. When fourteen years of age he entered the Albany University, Athens County, Ohio, and remained four years. Oct. 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, and was discharged Sept. 3, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, on account. of injuries received whilst loading army stores at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. He returned home, and was married Sept. 17, 1863, to Sarah Jane, daughter of Ransom and Sarah (Ricards) Brown, of Scioto County. At the time of Morgan's raid through Ohio he was elected First Lieutenant of an independent company. Aug. 22, 1864, he enlisted in Company G. One Hundred and Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, and was appointed First Duty Sergeant; served in said company until June 26, 1865, when, the war being over, he was discharged and returned home. Worked at the carpenter's trade two or three years, and since then has been following the jewelry and gunsmith business. He was appointed Postmaster at Flat, Ohio, July 24, 1877, and still occupies that position. He was appointed Notary Public Nov. 11, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Samson have had five children—Charles S. (deceased), William S., Harvey, Edward V. and Nellie A. John S. Samson, M. D., was born in Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, Jan. 28, 1841, the fourth son of David and Nancy (Bennett) Samson. He attended the common schools until eighteen years of age, and then attended the Albany University, at Albany, Athens Co., Ohio, four years. Nov. 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, and participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Corinth. He received a furlough on account of sickness and was discharged Jan. 15, 1863. After his re- 818 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. covery he again enlisted in the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and served till the close of the war. Immediately after his return home he commenced the study of medicine, in September, 1865, under Dr. H. C. Beard. Remained with him three years and attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the winter of 1868–'69. He has been very successful in his practice, and since 1881 has combined the drug business with his practice, and has a large and growing trade. He was married May 31, 1869, to Catharine Koger, daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Geib) Koger. They have two children—Anna and Charles, aged thirteen and nine years respectively. Dr. Samson is a member of Lucasville Lodge, No. 465, F. & A. M., and the Grand Army of the Republic, California Post, No. 375. Mrs. Samson is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. Rev. William Asbury Samson was born in Pike County, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1829. He was converted June 14, 1838, and united with the Methodist Episcopal church under the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Hurd. In September, 1847, he united with the Methodist Protestant church, under the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Gee, and the next year was elected Class-Leader of Wesley Chapel at California, Pike Co., Ohio. In 1856 he was elected Justice of the Peace of Madison Township, Scioto County, and served three years. Was Treasurer of the same township six years and Clerk two years. The earlier years of his life were spent in farming and milling, and from the time he commenced business for himself till 1881 he owned an interest in a mill. He was a local preacher of his church twelve years, but in September, 1863, was ordained Deacon of the Methodist Protestant church at Cardington, Ohio, and in September, 1865, was ordained Elder at Palermo, and received into the Muskingum Conference and assigned to Independence and Ebenezer Circuit. Remained there three years and was then sent to Sandusky Circuit. He was at Tiffin, Ohio, three years and then returned to his former charge, the name having been changed from Ebenezer to Mt. Vernon. He was at Mt. Vernon two years, at Hanover tour years, and in 1882 was sent to Bucyrus Circuit, where he still resides. During the years that he has been in the ministry he has traveled in the discharge of his work, not including visiting, 21,784 miles. He has received 835 members into the church, baptized 412 adults and ninety-four infants, and married ninety-seven couples. He was married Dec. 27, 1849, to Araetta 0. Smith, who died Aug. 23, 1863, leaving seven children, five boys and two girls. Aug. 27, 1865, Mr. Samson Married Nancy C., daughter of Dennison James, of Jackson, Ohio. They have three daughters, all now at home. Of his other children, the eldest son, John Smith Samson, was married April 22, 1875, to Sardinia Stephenson, and died in May, 1882. His eldest daughter, Rhoda E., was married in January, 1870, to Edward K. Crabtree, of California, Ohio. The youngest daughter by his first marriage, Libbie E., married A. B. Parks, of Jackson County, May 23, 1881. His son, J. N., married Della Fullerton, of Scioto County, Ohio. George W. is attending col. lege at Adrian, Mich. William G., the youngest son, was married Oct. 29, 1882, to Dora E. Anderson. His third son, M. W.. was born Aug. 11, 1857, and Feb. 22, 1876, married 011ie McGinniss, daughter of James W. and Elizabeth (Chapman) McGinniss. They have one child, Minnie. M. W. Samson commenced teaching in the public schools when sixteen years of age and proved a very successful teacher. He is at present foreman of a large saw and flouring mill at California, Ohio, giving perfect satisfaction to his employers. William J. Samson, farmer and Stock-raiser, was born in Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1831, the second son HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 819 of Daniel and Mary (Bennett) Samson. He resided with his parents till twenty-one years of age, and then worked in a tannery at California a year. He then went to Athens County, Ohio, and followed the same business nine years, when he returned to Pike County, and has since been engaged in farming. He owns 600 acres of fine, well-improved land. He was married Jan. 1, 1853, to Mary Austin, of Pike County. They have had a family of eight children, but six now living-Sarah, Rufus, Josephine, Martha, Margaret and John. Worth and William are deceased. In the fall of 1864 Mr. Samson enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, and served till the close of the war. William H Stockham was born in Scioto County, Ohio, March 31, 1813, the eldest son of Aaron and Rhuhama (Sikes) Stockham. While but a boy he assisted his father in paying for the farm, remaining with him till after his marriage. Feb. 23,. 1839, he married Abigail Adams, daughter of George 'and Margaret Adams, and purchased and entered from the Government 700 acres of land in Scioto County. He lived there fifteen years; then sold his farm and purchased the one where he now lives.. He has 225 acres of highly improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Stockham are the parents of four children, a son and three daughters. Their son enlisted in the war of the Rebellion and lost his life in the defense of his country. Mr. Stockham is a public-spirited man and any enterprise of benefit to his county finds a firm supporter in him. Richard H. Wells, farmer and fruit-grower, Marion Township, Pike Co., Ohio, was born in Madison Township, Scioto Co., Ohio, the sixth of a family of thirteen children whose parents were James and Eliphiel (Morris) Wells. The former emigrating to Ohio in 1816, from New York, was a son of Richard and Deborah (Overton) Wells, formerly of Long Island, his father being English and his mother Scotch. James Wells and Eliphiel Morris were married Jan. 16, 1823, the former died in 1871, aged seventy-eight years, six months, twenty-three days. The latter came from Delaware in 1816. She was born in Maryland and passed her early childhood on the shores of Chesapeake Ray. She came over the mountains with her parents to Wheeling, W. Va., then down the Ohio on a keel-boat. Our subject came to Pike County, Ohio, when two years of age, with his parents, remaining at home with -them until he reached his majority. He then traveled for some months, visiting Pittsburg, .Cincinnati, St. Louis, Memphis and other cities. Returning home he was married Jan. 23, 1853, to Mary Ann Samson, daughter of David and Nancy (Bennett) Samson. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are the parents of seven children four of whom are still living-David Samson, born Nov. 10, 1853, and is unmarried, residing at California, Pike Co., Ohio; James Henry, born Dec. 23, 1855, and died March 20, 1858, at Albany, Athens Co., Ohio; Sarah Jane, born Dec. 7, 1857, was married to M. H. Dawson, Dec. 25, 1874, and now resides at Voorhies, Platt Co., Ill.; Nancy Ellen, born Feb. 25, 1860, married Sept. 22, 1879, to John W. Gordon and now resides in Ohio; John V. Logan, born Jan. 17, 1865, was accidentally drowned Aug. 6, 1875; Maggie Abigail, born Oct. 3, 1867, is yet unmarried; George Thomas, born March 20, 1872, died Sept. 14, 1876. The subject of this sketch possessing a large amount of physical strength and an independent turn of mind, starting in the world without capital, has ever striven by honest labor to earn the necessaries of life, often for months working eighteen out of the twenty-four hours. After his marriage he went West anticipating a removal, but after returning he deemed it inexpedient and moved to Athens County, Ohio, remaining there about three years; then went West again 820 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. to look at the country, came back, moved to Pike County, Ohio, engaged in farming and mercantile business, and was doing well up to the fall of 1861 when he enlisted in the Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served as Orderly of Company F for about two years never being excused from duty during the time. His health having failed he was compelled to cease active service and When his regiment veteranized he was rejected on account of disability. After serving over three years he was discharged, since which time he has been engaged in various occupations, having invented and patented a trap for the protection of fruit and bees from insects, and is now in the fruit business. In politics Mr. Wells is a Republican and one of the strongest supporters of its principles in this section. As to character, unflinching for the right. He and his wife have been from youth members of the United Brethren church. Jacob B. White, saddle and harness maker, California, Pike Co., Ohio, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1843, a son of Isaac J. and Margaret (Finley) White, his father a native of Wheeling, W. Va., born in 1817, and his mother a native of Belmont County, Ohio, born in 1820. His parents were married in 1840, and remained in Belmont County till 1848. In October of the latter year they removed to Jackson County, Ohio, where the mother died in March, 1861, and the father April 6, 1872. They had a family of eight sons and one daughter, the four eldest born in Belmont County and the rest in Jackson County—John F , born in 1841; Jacob R., our subject; William L., born in 1845; Ebenezer, born in 1847; Thomas J., Samuel, Isaac J., James H. and Nancy. The last three named died in infancy. John and Samuel died after reaching manhood. Ebenezer is a farmer in Jackson County. William is a saddle and harness maker of Waterloo, Lawrence Co., Ohio. Thomas J. is a blacksmith of Marion, Lawrence County. Isaac J. White was a Democrat in politics till 1861, but from that time affiliated with the Republican party. He was elected to many offices of trust; held the office of Justice of the Peace twelve years. Oct. 29, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and served nineteen months; was discharged on account of disability. Jacob R., our subject, remained on the farm with his father until Oct. 29, 1861, when he enlisted in the same regiment with his father and served two years and six months ;then re-enlisted as a veteran in the same regiment and served till May, 1866. He participated in fourteen regular engagements, some of the more important being Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Sabine Cross Roads, Jackson, Miss. After his discharge he returned home, hut having contracted disease in the army was unable to engage in any regular occupation for some time. Dec. 28, 1868, he married Margaret R. Ramsey, a native of Bloomfield, Jefferson Co., Ohio, born June 20, 1853. After his marriage he removed to Lucasville, Scioto, Co., Ohio, and engaged in harness-making, in partnership with A. M. Smith. In November, 1869, he withdrew and went to Porter, Gallia. Co., Ohio, and was in business there till October,- 1872, when he returned to Jackson County and resided on the farm of J. L. Ramsey till April, 1875, when he removed to California, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of saddles and harnesses. He has been very successful in business and has built up a large and lucrative trade. Politically he is a Democrat. He has served as Township Clerk and Township Trustee several terms each. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist church. They have had four children—Presly R, born Sept. 4, 1869; Maud R., Sept. 15, 1871; Frank B., Aug. 12, 1874; and an infant, deceased. Two of Mr. White's brothers enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventeenth Ohio Infantry, afterward the First Ohio Heavy Artillery served three years and were discharged at Knoxville, Tenn, June 20, 1865. HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 821 UNION TOWNSHIP. WHEN AND BY WHOM SETTLED. Since the first settlements were made in this township, two or three generations have enjoyed the fruits that have resulted from the toils, industries and perils of these old pioneers. The township was settled by emigrants from Virginia and Pennsylvania, the first of which was made about 1808 or 1809 by Alexander Collison. The next settlement was made by Reuben Slavens, on what is now known as the John Andrews farm. There were also other settlements made by new arrivals about this time, and soon there was quite a neighborhood on what is commonly known as Owl Creek. In the spring of 1817 William Gal-ford opened a clearing near where the Pleasant Valley church is situated, where he built a log house and reared his family. His son, H. S. Galford, now owns the farm, which has been cleared and farmed for sixty-six years. TOPOGRAPHY. This valley was very heavily timbered. The agricultural products of this township are principally corn and wheat, the best farming land being in what is known as Beaver Valley. This is a level tract of land and takes in quite a scope of the northern part of Union Township, and, although it is level, it is not as productive as some other portions, where the bottom lands are narrower. The surface in the southern portion is rough and considerably broken, yet some of it is excellent farming land. Some places are covered over with an excellent quality of timber, such as white-oak, hickory, chestnut, etc. MINERAL DEVELOPMENT. In the southeast corner of the township is found a light vein of coal which is of rather an inferior quality. The vein is about twenty inches thick and is a black, dirty, soft, bitu minous coal. There are no other minerals worthy of mention in the township. In some places there have been thin veins of iron ore found, but not enough to pay for its development. Near the western boundary, in Scioto Township, Samuel Taylor has made some mineralogical discoveries, but nothing definite is known of them. EARLY FACTS AND INCIDENTS. The first death in the township of an adult was Alexander Collison. The first marriage was that of Ezra Rockwell to Elizabeth Southworth. Mrs. Rockwell is yet living at an advanced age. The first postoffice established in the town-, ship was in 1853, and Abisha Rockman was appointed Postmaster. It is known know as the Galford postoffice, kept by H. S. Galford, who succeeded the first occupant, only two having served since the office was established. ORGANIZATION, BOUNDS, ETC. Union Township is one of the late organizations, having been formed May 7, 1848, but two other townships have been organized since that date, Marion and Scioto, the former the same year, and the latter in 1851. Union was formed from Seal and Beaver Townships, and the order defining its boundary is as follows: "Beginning at the southwest corner of section 34, township 4, range 21; running thence north six miles to the northwest corner of section 3, township 4, range 21; thence east four miles to the northeast corner of section 6, township 5, range 20; thence south six miles to the southeast corner of section 31, township 5, range 20; thence west four miles on the line of Pike and Scioto counties to the place of beginning." Election ordered June 23, 1848, at house of Bennett Sailor. This gives it an area of .a trifle over twenty-three square miles, or an acreage of 14,655. This was valued in 1882 at $100,581 and the 822 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. personal property $67,600; total valuation, $168,181. In 1880 the personal property was assessed at $57,773. The population of the township was: In 1850, 564; in 1860, 766; in 1870, 651 and in 1880, 676. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. In 1870 the township officers were: Trustees, Louis Shy, Anthony Rader, H. S. Gal-ford; Treasurer, John Schraum ; Clerk, Michael Peters; Assessor, H. S. Butcher; Constable, Wm. Kirkpatrick. 1883.—Trustees, John Fry, Thomas Armontrout, H. C. Stockham; Treasurer, Cyrus Givens; Clerk, L. C. Hobenstein; Justices of the Peace, John Adams, Joseph Gee; Constable, Charles Miller. CHURCHES. Beaver Chapel.—The Methodist Episcopal church, under the above name, was organized in 1825. It struggled along with varying success for nearly half a century, their place of worship being a log church which they occupied up to the year 1872. Then the means were raised to erect a neat frame building, 26 x 36 feet in size, plainly and substantially finished and furnished at a cost of $1,200. The old log house that had served them so faithfully and well gave way before the new improvement, the latter church being placed upon the same lot. Tie location is in the northeast corner of the township. The first Trustees were: John James, Sr., Jeremiah Sailor, Abraham Burner, John James, Jr., and Peter Shoemaker. The present Trustees are: Wm. Kirkpatrick, A. L. Parrill, W. D. James, Laton Rader and A. F. Parrill. The Pleasant Valley Free- Will Baptist Church was organized in 1833, and belonged to the Scioto County Church Circuit of that day. The organization was made at the house of Richard Wells where preaching was held for many years with an occasional change to the houses of the other members. They first purchased a school-house made of logs, and this served them until 1868, when a frame structure was erected at a cost of $900, which is their present place of worship. Their present membership is sixty, and their minister is the Rev. McDonald. German Lutheran, Church.—This church was organized in 1860, and the society erected their church building the same year, which was dedicated by the Revs. Hemming and Hagerman. It started out with a membership of forty, and the Trustees were Jacob Koger and Michael Peters. The church has not grown in membership. It has lost and gained, but at this writing (1883) the membership does not much exceed that at its organization. The present pastor is the Rev. Ray, and the Elders are Jno. Sykes and Martin Schmidt. The church has regular service every two weeks. EDUCATIONAL. The first school taught in the township was in the winter of 1812-'13, in an old log hut. Among the first teachers was John Zimmerman, and he is remembered by many now living in the township whose boyhood days were spent in part under his instruction and his " switch." From this primitive start in educational affairs the schools have grown with the township, and at the present writing five schools are being taught in the township, with an enrollment of 120 boys and 114 girls, or a total of 234 pupils. The value of school property is $1,500. BIOGRAPHICAL. Peter Brushart, son of Lawrence Brushart, was born Aug. 5, 1823, in Bavaria, Ger many, where he attended school till he was fourteen years of age. In 1851 he emigrated to America, and after remaining a short time in New HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 823 York he went to Jackson County, where he lived till 1858. He then moved to Pike County and now lives in Union Township. He was married Feb. 19, 1847, to Phoebe, daughter of Charles and Catherine Shy. They have had six children born to them, of whom four are living-Caroline, wife of Martin Shwart, John F., Peter and Jacob. Henry died April 23, 1882, and Louis was killed by the blowing up of an engine. Mr. Brushart lives on a farm but is engaged in the mercantile business, which he established Sept. 5, 1865, and now carries a stock of about $1,200. In politics he is a Democrat. H S. Galford, son of James Galford, was born April 25, 1811, in Greenbrier County, Va. He was reared a farmer and has always followed that avocation, and now owns 214 acres of fine land. He was married Sept. 16, 1832, to Martha, daughter of Alexander and Rachel Anderson, who were natives of Virginia. Eight children have been born to them, of whom four are living-William, Alexander, Elizabeth (wife of James Bennett), and Jane, wife of Allen Andrews. Mr. Galford has been Postmaster for twenty years and Justice of the Peace twelve years. He is a member of the Free-Will Baptist church, and in politics he is a Republican. His father was born in Virginia, June 15, 1784, and was a son of Thomas Galford, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. James Galford served in the war of 1812, and in 1817 settled the farm where our subject now lives, and where he died March 8, 1824. His wife was born Nov. 30, 1791, and died Dec. 18, 1870. William Kirpatrick was born Jan. 3, 1823, in Scioto County, and was reared on a farm in Pike County. He was married Sept. 15, 1847, to Martha Bennett, who died Sept. 15, 1852, aged twenty-eight years, leaving two children-John B. and Harriet. Aug. 4, 1853, Mr. Kirpatrick was married to Catherine James, who was born Sept. 5, 1833, a daughter of John and Cynthia James, who were na tives of Virginia, of German descent. Six children have been born to them-James W., Alonzo C., Charles EL, Eliza M. (wife of Carl James), Byrd R. and William P. Mr. and Mrs. Kirpatrick have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years. He was formerly a Whig in politics, but now affiliates with the Republican party. His parents, J. H. and Harriet S. Kirpatrick, were natives of Virginia, having been born there June 8, 1800, and May 31, 1800, respectively. They came to Ohio in an early day, where the father died June 11, 1876, and the mother May 22, 1871. Reuben Slavens, son of Charles and Margaret Slavens, was born Nov. 11; 1832, and was reared on his father's farm and educated at the common schools. Sept. 3, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, under E. V. Hibbs, and was in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, through the Atlanta campaign and a number of other battles. Oct. 17, 1864, he enlisted in One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry, in which he served till the war closed, and was mustered out Nov. 26; 1865 He was married Aug. 28, 1869, to Harriet R 'der, who has borne him eight children-Mary M. ,-N ancy P., Charles L., John W., Emma, Jacob C., Samuel R. and an infant. Mr. Slavens was elected County Commissioner in 1869 on the Republican ticket by 200 majority, and in 1872 was re-elected, and in 1881 was again elected to the same office. He is a Master Mason and belongs to Orient Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M. His parents were natives of Virginia, of Irish descent, and moved to Ohio at an early age. His father was born March 6, 1796, and died April 16, 1871. His widow still survives at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Samuel Slavens, deceased, was born in Pike County, Ohio, March 18,1831, son of Charles and Margaret Slavens, of Irish descent. He was reared on a farm, and Oct. 30, 1856, was 824 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. married to Rachel, daughter of Samuel and Mary Taylor. Three children blessed this union— John 0., born March 2, 1858; Charles W., born Oct. 2, 1859, and Samuel C., born Aug. 23, 1861. In the fall of 1861 Mr. Slovens enlisted in Company E,Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, under Captain Hibbs. After being in the army he, with a party of Andrews' men, were engaged in cutting off connections between the North and South, when a party of them were captured by the rebels and it was decided to execute a part of the prisoners. Seven of them were hanged at once, June 20, 1862, our subject being one of them. Thus they died like heroes, and they will ever be remembered as the Bridge Burners of '62. Henry C. Stockham youngest son of Colonel Aaron and Rhuhama Stockham, was born March 13, 1834, and reared on the home farm. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, One. Hundred and Fortieth Ohio National Guards, and was discharged December, 1864, when he returned home and has since been engaged in farming. His father was born Aug. 3, 1787, in Pennsylvania, and at the breaking out of the war of 1812 he enlisted as Captain of the Home Militia, but was afterward promoted to Colonel. He served till the war closed, and died July 16, 1849, and his wife died March 10, 1873. They were the parents of thirteen children—Rachel, born Feb. 19, 1812; William, March 31, 1813; David, March 4, 1815; Cynthia, April 14, 1816; John, Sept. 15, 1817; Polly, April 27, 1819; George W., Feb. 4, 1821; Susan, Oct. 4, 1822; Pardon P., Feb. 22, 1824; McKenzie, March 8, 1826; J. H., Nov. 7, 1827; Aaron, June 13, 1832, and our subject, who was married Aug. 12, 1862, to Abigail, daughter of Franklin and Mary Wait. They have had ten children, of whom seven are living—Mary B., Flora F., Emma F., Nellie H., Abbie V., Myrtie M. and Floyd V. Although Mr. Stock-ham's education was limited he shows by his writing that his natural ability is more than ordinary. Below we insert one of his poems written during the campaign of 1876: A SONG FOR THE TIMES. Step forth, ye sons of freedom, Give ear, ye boys in blue, Since we've come out victorious We'll sing a verse or two; With your broadsword and musket You have made the rebels yield, We have whipped them with the ballot-box As well as in the field. We stood up face to face with them As we did in 'sixty-one, To fight them with the ballot-box In place of sword and gun; We boldly marched up to the polls, Beneath the good old flag, And voted for Hayes and Wheeler To tear down the rebel rag. They are the selfsame rebels We fought all through the war, They've killed our friends and relatives, Perhaps you wear a scar; They have taken off our bravest men, Made widows of their wives, And still those Northern Democrats With them do sympathize. There is no true Democracy, Their virtues are all gone, They have no established principles To base their hopes upon; Their platform was both hard and soft, Just as your case did suit, They said they'd pay the rebel debt, And then "reform" to boot. They put up Sammy Tilden, A man of railroad fame, Not one drop of patriot's blood Had e'er run thro' his veins; He is a perjured villain,  And that we did remember When we voted for our candidates On the seventh of November.