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FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

JOEL AXTELL, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville. Joel Axtell is the son of Thomas and Eunice (Riggs) Axtell, and was born Jan. 20, 1802, in Mercer Co., Pa.; his youth was passed on his father's farm, and when 16, he worked one year in a tannery; at the age of 21 he began clearing land at $2.50 per acre, cutting all under eighteen inches, and continued the business four years, being one of the men who cleared the land upon which the village of Denmark now stands. On the 20th of June, 1827, he married Miss Jane Campbell, daughter of Robert and Mary (Reynolds) Campbell, and by her raised a family of seven children-Thomas, born Jan. 9, 1830; Hannab M., Nov. 1, 1831 (deceased); Obediah, C., April 29, 1833; Phoebe A., May 31, 1836 (deceased); Simeon B., Jan. 11, 1838; Eunice J., May 28, 1840; Robert married Elizabeth Williams, who died, leaving two children; he afterward married Millie A. Schade, and is now a farmer in Congress Tp.; Thomas married Margaret M. Marian, and lives in California; Obediah married Elizabeth Wirth, and is a physician in Kansas; Simeon lives in Congress Tp., and has had two wives-the first, Mary Eldridge, and after her death, Jane McMillen. In 1825 Mr. Axtell entered 80 acres of land in Congress Tp., upon which he moved in 1828; he had no tools, team, nor money, but managed to raise three acres of corn the first year, cultivating it with rude hoes; his few supplies were obtained at Mt. Vernon; he built his own cabin, doing all the work with an ax; at the age of 22, he joined the Presbyterian Church, and was an Elder for thirty years, first joining the Harmony Church. He is a Democrat, and polled his first vote for Andrew Jackson; he is one of the most prominent of the Congress Tp. citizens. Mr. Axtell's father was a native of Washington Co., Pa.; he was born there Jan. 30, 1780. He married at the age of 21, and in the spring of 1810, left Mercer Co., Pa., and came to Knox Co., Ohio, leased a track of land near Mt. Vernon, planted ten acres of corn, and returned to Pennsylvania in harvest time for his family. He served forty days in the war of 1812, though he enlisted for a longer period. His wife remained alone in her cabin with her family, unprotected, and one day, meeting Johnny Appleseed. was told that the British were coming; but the resolute woman, instead of fleeing to the fort, returned to her cabin to guard her children. The father died in 1859; after his wife's death, in 1-816, he married Jane, widow of Isaac Jackson, and by her had four children-Thomas M., Jane, Azuba D. and William M. His first wife bore him Joel, Hannah, Joseph, Daniel, Cyrus, Mary and Rufus.

ANNA BURNS, retired; P. O., Mt. Gilead. Anna Burns was born June 16,1812, in Columbiana Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hawn) Grace. She received a limited education at the early "subscription schools," and at the age of 21 married Hezekiah Burns, who was born in the same county Jan. 17, 1808. After marriage they moved to Harmony Tp., of this county, and located on 168 acres of land, now owned by Samuel Gordon. They raised a family of six children-Ely, born April 2, 1837; Delilah, June 14, 1839; Delorma, April 24, 1841; Emeline, March 26, 1844; William P., Oct. 24, 1846; Samuel D., Jan. 16, 1849. All are now married except Ely and Samuel. On the 19th of Nov., 1848, her husband died, but the widow continued to live on the farm with her six small children, the oldest being but twelve, and all -the care and responsibility falling upon the mother's shoulders. The widow moved to where she now resides in December, 1878; her son, Ely, owns 90 acres, and her son, Samuel, owns 60 acres adjoining his brother's. Hezekiah Burns was a blacksmith, and always voted the Democratic ticket; he was a member of no church, but took an active part in all educational and. moral enterprises; he secured his property by industry and economy, and always had an earnest and sympathizing


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assistant in his wife; the family are highly respected citizens.

JOEL BROWN, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; was born Nov. 30, 1809, in Loudoun Co., Va.; the son of Issacher and Hanna (Craven) Brown. His father came from Pennsylvania to Virginia in an early day; he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and drew a pension for his faithful service, in his later years. Joel married Mahala, daughter of Hugh Barr, Dec. 30, 1830. She was born Feb. 28, 1808. They remained in the "Old Dominion " until 1847, when he came with his family to Ohio, and settled on the farm where he now lives. They raised a family of ten children-Mary E., James E., Amanda C., Sarah E., Fenton J., and Zillah J. are still living, while John W, Thomas M., Hannah S. and Charles F. are dead. Realizing the value of knowledge, which the imperfect schools of Virginia denied him in his youth, he has given each of his children a liberal education. One son was educated for the ministry-Thomas M., who died after preaching one year. Mr. Brown is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Chesterville; has held the office of Elder in the Church twenty-five years; he owns 85 acres of well-improved land with good, substantial buildings, made principally by himself ; he is an earnest supporter of the Republican party. His wife died Dec. 4, 18 72, an d now in the closing years of a wellrounded life, he is cared for by two devoted daughters, Sarah E. and Zillah J., who will watch over and comfort him in the evening of his life.

CALVIN BLAIR, farmer; P. O., Levering; among the leading farmers of this township is Mr. Blair, who stands in the front rank, being a representative of one of its oldest families. He was born Feb. 15, 1819; his father was a native of Bedford Co., Penn., and came to this township in the spring of 1811; his grandfather an old Revolutionary soldier, who followed the trade of shoemaker, and three aunts, came with his father and settled on the farm where Calvin now lives. He is the third son of William and Mary (Cook) Blair, and is the fourth in a family of nine children-John, Ida, William, Calvin, Lucinda, Charlotte, Isher, Obediah and Abigail; Obediah died when a child. When the news was brought by a friend of the murder of the Seymour family, the Blair family removed to Mt. Vernon and remained six weeks. Mr. Blair early showed a remarkable skill in the use of tools and a desire for mechanical pursuits; hence after working a short time on the farm, he entered into partnership with George Jeffries, in the manufacture of wagons at Waterford, O., where he remained One year, he afterwards worked at wagon-making for a few years at different places; then emigrated to St. Joseph, Missouri and worked for a time in the machine shops of that place; he next engaged in farming in Illinois for five years; then came home on a visit, when his father was striken with paralysis, and he remained to care for him until his death. He purchased the home farm of 160 acres in 1861, and has since turned his attention to farming and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of the breeding of fine mules which are bred from a warm blooded animal of the Brazilian stock brought from Kentucky. The size and beauty of his stock is too well known to need further comment. Mr. Blair has been an extensive travelerwas in Texas during the Mexican war. He owns 5000 acres of land in eastern Tennessee, rich in mineral and covered with grasses suitable for grazing.

SAMUEL BOWEN, farmer; P. O., Chesterville. The above named gentleman comes of a numerous and highly respected family, who left Monmouthshire, Wales, for the attractions of America, settling in Chester Tp., this county, in 1815. He is the fourth son of John and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Bowen, and was born April 10, 1829, in Chester Tp. Here his father purchased 160 acres of land in the woods, which he cleared up and improved, raising nine children, all living but two-Elizabeth, John, Mary, Nancy, Enoch, Samuel and Isaac, and Henry and Emma are dead. The father was a good scholar in both Welch and English. He came here with a small capital and left a handsome property for his family; he died about 1868. Samuel passed his early life on the farm, receiving the rudiments of his education in the schools of his day until 20 years old, when he rented the home farm, which he continued to till about fourteen years, then he purchased 142 acres of the present farm in Franklin, upon which he began operations


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with such marked success that he now owns 255 acres, made principally by his own labor. He is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.

JOSEPH BIGGINS, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; son of James and Ann (Abram) Biggins; he was born in Yorkshire, England, April 22, 1831. As his father had been farmer, it was but natural that Joseph should follow in his footsteps; after receiving a liberal education, which included land surveying, at Ganford Academy, he married Jane Cole, daughter of William and Susan (Porritt) Cole; she was born in Yorkshire, May 16, 1829. Soon after the marriage, which was celebrated July 7, 1851, they began farming in "merry England," which he followed two years, but hearing favorable reports of the United States from his father, who had emigrated to Chester Tp. in 1852, he and his family embarked in July, 1853, and after a voyage of forty-two days, reached New York and came by way of Dunkirk, Cleveland and Fredericktown, and remained one month in his father's family; he then purchased 160 acres in Franklin Tp., and settled upon it in Oct., 1853, and lived there until 1864, when he sold out with a view to locating in the West, but changed his purpose, and purchased the present 100 acres, where he has lived since. Two sons and four daughters have been born to them-Mary A., married to N. H. Jagger, Sept., 22, 1874; Susan, Maggie, William J., John T. and Priscilla; all the family are well educated, and Maggie and Susan are successful teachers in public schools.

HEROD BARNHARD, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; son of Jonathan Barnbard; was born March 16, 1820, in Baltimore Co., Md.; he came with his parents to Knox Co., 0., when he was six years old. He was sent to an old log school house of the rudest kind for a short time in winter; sometimes not longer than two weeks; his first outfit of books was a Testament, an Elementary spelling-book and two sheets of paper; in this way he gained a knowledge of the common branches, and became very proficient in spelling-be could spell every word in the old "Elementary." He worked on the farm with his father until 21 years old, when he married Lucinda Love, Nov. 4, 1841 ; she is a daughter of Young and Ann Love, both natives of Ireland. After marriage he tilled his father's farm eight years; then rented different farms near Fredericktown, 0., until 1872, when he came to the present place, where he owns four acres near Franklin Center. At the age of 15 Mr. Barnhard united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He soon began exhorting others to live a Christian life, and in due time he was licensed by the church to work in the local ministry, where his labors have been continuous for over thirty years; he has also taken a profound interest in the Sabbath-school work, of which school he was many times chosen superintendent. dent. They have raised a family of four children, and he has supported his aged mother for thirty-six years. He has three sons and one daughter-William L. H., a rising young attorney-at-law of this township, Hu h John Wesley, and Sarah A. are living. Two daughters, Jane and Amanda, are dead. Jonathan Bernhard was first married to Rebecca Price, in Maryland, by whom he raised one son-Nehemiah. Then his wife dying, he married Catherine Walker, by whom he raised three children-Eliza, John and Herod. He emigrated from Baltimore Co., Md., to Knox Co., 0., in 1826, settling four miles east of Fredericktown, where he lived until 1845. He was a blacksmith, but being crippled by a falling log at a raising, he taught school, and was elected for many years Justice of the Peace.

JOHN BLAIR, farmer; P. O., Levering. The above named gentleman is the first white child born in Franklin Tp., which event occurred July 3, 1812; he is therefore the oldest native resident of the township. His taste, naturally enough, ran in the same direction as his father's; accordingly, he tilled his father's farm until he was 25 years old, when he was united in marriage to Millicent Hayden, a daughter of Samuel and Parthena (Stevens) Hayden, who settled in Radnor Tp., Delaware Co., O., in 1811, being natives of Massachusetts. Her father died soon afterwards, and her mother with the family came to this township about 1817. One son blessed this union -Byron, who died Feb. 27, 1858; Millicent, wife of John Blair, died Sept. 29; 1839. He was married to Artamisa Stevens, Dec. 10, 1843; she was a daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (Scribner) Stevens, and her parents came from Radnor Tp. in 1817; five children have been


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born to them-Lyman B., Calvin H., Cylva M., Almon S. and Lauren A.; two of these died in youth-Almon S. and Lauren A. Mr. Blair's grandfather was a "Minute Man" in the war of the Revolution and in this country, pursued the calling of shoemaker; and owing to the scarcity of money, he was often obliged to accept wheat in payment for work, and as he was a ]over of coffee, he often traded a bushel of wheat for a pound of coffee. His father's house burned about 1839, with an almost total loss of household goods. The neighbors assembled without invitation the very next morning, with various contributions, and in three (lays had another substantial building, ready for occupation. At one time, an aunt of' Mr. Blair, who had been to a neighbors, came in, reporting the approach of hostile Indians, when Mrs. Blair caught John, then an infant in her arms, and sprang through a four-light window in her fright; but the persons approaching, proved to be Captain Lewis, with a party of scouts. Mr. Blair had few advantages for mental improvement in early life, but has done much in later life; and is a well posted man, taking a profound interest in the affairs of the Disciple Church, in which he holds the office of Deacon.

WILLIAM T. CAMPBELL, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; son of Benjamin and Sarah Campbell; was born Oct. Ruth, 1795, in Northumberland Co., Pa.; his father came from New Jersey to Penn. just after the Revolutionary war and engaged in farming. They raised a family of eleven children - John, Mary, William T., Margaret, Lanah, Jesse, Joanna, Sarah, -Benjamin, Levi and Jane-all grew to manhood and womanhood. William T. being only a boy came to Cincinnati, 0., in 1812; he remained in the State until 1817, when he and two others began a pilgrimage to the "Keystone State;" they walked 550 miles. He was married May 10, 1818, to Sarah, daughter of Robert and Mary (Reynolds) Campbell; she was born in Oct., 1798, in Pennsylvania. He remained here four years; he ran a saw-mill a short time, taught school in the winter and wove during vacations. He emigrated with his family to this township about 1822, living in a cabin near where Center schoolhouse stands. Here he taught in the old cabin schoolhouse mentioned in the history of this township. In the spring of 1824 he removed to the farm where Samuel Hull now lives; with a strong and willing hand he wielded the ax until the sun shone on the smiling fields. He continued for many years to teach school in the winter; he was the first and only one for many years who taught grammar and geography in the district school; he taught in all fifteen terms; the lowest wages he received was $12.50 per month, and was also a teacher of vocal music, using the old patent notes in his singing school. The sterling integrity and quick intelligence of Mr. Campbell peculiarly fitted him for a leader in public affairs; he has been chosen to fill the office of Trustee, which he filled with honor to himself and satisfaction to all; but in the church has his manly zeal, coupled with a benevolent Christian spirit, shone with untarnished luster for more than half a century; during a membership of fifty-four years in the M. E. church, he successfully filled the offices of Trustee, Class-leader and Steward many times; no solicitor for church enterprises ever appealed to him in vain. The subject of temperance early engaged his attention, being a charter member of the first society organized in the neighborhood. He raised a family of nine children-Mary A., Jane, Jackson, Sarah, William E., Levi, Ermina, Lodema and Lovina. Two others, Baxter and Joseph, died young; his second son, William E., served as engineer in the late war. Mr. Campbell's success in farming has been commensurate with his unremitting labors; before he retired from business he owned 350 acres of load, which he has since bequeathed to his children. He moved into the present house in 1858. The wife of his youth died Feb. 27, 1868, and he married Mary Harris Feb. 20, 1873. !He received only a common school education in boyhood, but many a night found him poring over his books by firelight.

SIMON J. COOK, farmer; P. O., Levering; is the oldest son of William P. and Louisa (Mann) Cook; was born October 5, 1835, in Franklin Tp.; he passed his boyhood on his father's farm, attending, during a part of the year, in the common school, until he was prepared to enter the Chesterville High School, which he did, pursuing a course of study under the instruction of Professor J. B.


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Selby, then Principal. For a time he divided his attention between teaching and farming, having taught in all six terms. He was married Jan. 9, 1862, to Mary C. Hull, born Jan. 11, 18,38, in Center Co., Pennsylvania; she is the youngest living daughter of Peter and Sarah (Huckley) Hull; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1843, settling permanently in Franklin Tp. in 1844. They had eight children-Samuel S., Isaac, James, William, Elizabeth, Charlotte D., Mary C. and Ellen, who died in Pennsylvania. Mr. Cook is known as a successful farmer, and has a desirable farm, with good, substantial buildings; he and wife are members of the Disciple Church; votes with Democratic party; he has two adopted children, J. Clinton and Addie R.

WILLIAM P. COOK, farmer; P. O., Levering; son of John Cook, whose history appeals in the sketch of Stephen Cook. His mother's maiden name was Ida Vail Liew. Both parents were natives of Monmouth Co., N. J. Mr. Cook was born May 31, 1800, in Washington Co., Maryland. He was 12 years old when he came with his father to Franklin Tp.; his memory therefore extends over a longer period of the township's history than almost any other person in it. He attended school in Maryland when a boy, and only went to school about thirty days in this county. He worked with his father until his death, which occurred when William was 22 years old. From this time he divided his attention between farming and teaching for three years. Receiving a quarter section of land from his father's estate, he moved on the present site 'in 1825. He married Louisa Mann, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Lawhead) Mann, who came from Bedford Co., Pa., in 1813, settling just west of Cook's. She was born Dec. 15, 1807, in Bedford Co., Pa. They have two sons and two daughters -Dinah, now Mrs. Samuel T. Gallegher, and has two children; Mary, now Mrs. William Peoples, and has four children; Simon J. Cook and Aleet R. Cook. William P. united with the Harmony Baptist Church at 20 years of age, where he remained eleven years. Subsequently he identified with the Disciple Church, of which his wife is also a member, where he has been a faithful and consistent member for over 46 years. During that period he has repeatedly been chosen to fill the office of elder. In his youth he purchased an interest in the Fredericktown Library, and step by step these records of the past were forced to yield their treasures to the earnest youth who was struggling for development of mind and heart, amid the wild scenes of pioneer life. Mr. Cook has for many years voted the Democratic ticket, casting his first vote for that prince of orators, Henry Clay. His son, Aleet R. Cook, who married Alvina Stackhouse, is living with his father, and has one son.

JESSE CAMPBELL, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; the subject of this sketch was born July 12, 1802, and is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Teitsworth) Campbell; he is a native of Northumberland Co., Penn., and spent the days of his youth on a farm, receiving but little education, as his home was among the mountains with the nearest school seven miles distant. His father dying just after his son had reached his majority, Jesse was left to to help in the support of the family, which filial duty he performed for four years. In the fall of 1825, with his mother and five children he came to Ohio, being conveyed by wagon, the journey occupying twenty-one days. He immediately entered eighty acres of land and erected also a hewed log house, hauling logs to a saw-mill below Mt. Gilead. The first spring he put out two acres of corn ; he remained here some two years when he went East in company with Allan Kelly., driving a heard of cattle ; during the next seven years he worked by the day and month at various points, including the Canal R R. Sept. 6,1832 he Was United in marriage to Ellen Williams, a daughter of Jonathan and Elleanor (Ues) Williams; his wife was born Feb. 24, 1813 and shared with him the pleasures and pains of life until her death, April 1, 1878. For some time after marriage he lived with his wife's father, and then buying a team in the fall of '35 he removed to his mother's place. His brothers and sisters having married and scattered, each for themselves, he in time bought the place which he still owns. Mr. Campbell is the father of four children now living, two dying when quite young-Jonathan W., born Oct. 30, 1836, married Mary Hogler and settled in Lee Co,, III ; Mark W., born March 23,1844, married a Miss Bumbarger, and is


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in Ogle Co., Ill.; Sarah B., born Jul y 12, 1847, is still at home ; Eliza J., born July 17, 1854, at home. The mother of Mr. Campbell died Dec. 26, 1868, a aged 98 years, 7 months, 16 days ; her mother also had lived to he 98. He is a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson ; with his wife and family he is a member of the M. E. Church, and since early manhood has been a constant Christian and man of upright integrity.

REV. STEPHEN COOK, farmer; P. O., Levering; was born Feb. 25, 1811, in Washington Co., Md. He is a son of John and Rachel (Bryson) Cook; his parents came here when Stephen was about 18 months old. It was in the fall of 1812 that the family of Rev. John Cook began their journey to Ohio with a five-horse team; they arrived in October, cutting their way through the woods to a cabin and a small clearing, made by John Cook, a son, some three months before, on the land purchased by the father in 1810. Rev. John Cook enlisted under Captain John Schenk for one year, and then became a "Minute Man," fighting in the battles of Germantown and Flat-bush, of the Revolution. The Cook family, along with five or six others, fled to Daniel Levering's during the Indian troubles, where they erected a blockhouse, near Waterford; the men working on building, while the women and children were crowded in the dwelling for two days, until Mrs. Cook, being a lady of culture and refinement, said that she would rather face the Indians than remain longer. At one time, Tom Lion, a friendly Indian, was there on butchering day, and they asked if the Indians could furnish hams of venison for the winter, and ,tallow of the deer for medical purposes. Some time later two Indians came on Sunday with six saddles of venison; no one was at home but Mrs. Cook, so she gave them a dinner and told them to help themselves to potatoes, which they did, taking six bushels in payment for the venison. The winter of 1812 brought many hardships to the family, owing to the difficulty of procuring provisions; corn was to be found below Mt. Vernon, and the family lived on cornbread and blue venison that winter. Mr. Cook began preaching in Maryland, where he united with the regular Baptist Church in an early day, and he continued his ministrations in this county, organizing the first Church in the house of Benjamin Hart. He was married to Ida Van Liew of New Jersey, by whom he had six children -John, Asher, William P., Polly, Dinah and Elizabeth. The wife of his youth dying, he married Rachel Bryson; by this marriage five children were born-Ida, Stephen, Joseph, Nathan and Ruth. The Bryson's were directly related to the old Stevens family, of which Thaddeus Stevens is the illustrius representative. The ancestry point so also to the Hale family, whose progenitors were of the nobilty of England. Rev. John Cook departed this life Aug. 22, 1822, when Stephen was only twelve years old; he attended school the following winter, and from that time the care of the bereaved family and the interests of the farm claimed his attention; taking charge of the home place when he was 15, he continued to farm it until 1837, when he purchased 100 acres, where he has lived ever since, near a beautiful spring of clear, sparkling water, which scarcely varies in its ceaseless flow from year to year. He was married to Mary Van Cleve October 27, 1833; she was a daughter of William and Rebecca (Powell) Van Cleve, and came to Ohio about 1831, with Lawrence Van Buskirk, from Bedford Co., Penn. This marriage has been blessed with ten children Caius M. C., Stephen M., John. M. C., Ida, Mary C. and Lua R., are -living; while Lovina, Mary, Louisa and Caroline are dead; two of these are ministers of the Disciple Church, and all are married except John M. C. and Lua D., who are still at home. Stephen, when a boy, became a subscriber to the Fredericktown Circulating Library, and by the flickering light of a lard lamp he might be found night after night, poring over the pages of all the ancient and modern histories extant, in those days; from these lessons of "Philosophy teaching by example," he obtained a conception of human life, which aided him in the education of his own family, which claimed his attention for thirty - five years; Mr. Cook votes the Democratic ticket, but is not a strict partisan; he and his family are members of the Disciple Church, in which he has preached for forty-five years, beginning at the age of 24. His labors in the cause of the Master for nearly half a century have been prompted by an untiring zeal for humanity.


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DR. S. M. COOK, minister; Levering; is a native of Franklin Tp., being the second son of Rev. Stephen Cook; his mother's maiden name was Mary Van Cleve; he was born Oct. 1, 1845, and passed his boyhood amid the scenes and labors of rural life, until he reached his 20th year. In 1866 he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. After his return he taught school for some time. Subsequently he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. W. N. King, of Mansfield, Ohio; after remaining here one year he went to the Michigan University, receiving instruction in the Medical department one year; he next visited Iowa, and found employment in the schools of that State; when his school reached a successful close he entered the Iowa Business College at Des Moines completing his course there; he returned to Ohio and united his fortune with Margaret A. Hardgrove, of Knox Co., Sept. 4, 1870. In October following he entered the Ohio Medical College, graduating March 1, 1871, with the first honors of his class. He began the practice of Medicine in Pulaskiville, Ohio, remaining one year; he removed to Waterford, Ohio, where he remained five years, building up a large and lucrative practice in Knox, Morrow and Richland Counties. In 1877 Dr. Cook sold his property in Waterford, closed his office, and purchased his present home of thirty-two acres in Franklin Tp., and entered the ministry under the auspices of the Disciple Church, leaving a profession where wealth and distinction awaited him in the near future; from a sense of duty to his God and a love for his fellow beings, he engaged in a cause where only sacrifices sweeten toil; and a conscious presence of Him who said it is more blessed to give than to receive, is more than riches. He united with the North Branch Church at the age of 13 years, following his Master in the ordinance of baptism, under the administration of Rev. N. A. Walker, of Indianapolis, Ind. During the first year of his ministry Mr. Cook baptized 60 persons, who came confessing their sins; he is now preaching for different churches in Morrow, Knox and Licking counties. Although Dr. Cook would gladly retire from the practice of medicine, he is called to many a home where disease and want go hand in hand, and fees are never thought of or demanded. He has gathered a fine collection of miscellaneous books, embracing 160 volumes, in addition to his medical library. They treat of theology, history, science and literature. He has a family of two sons and three daughters-Lovina R. was born June 19, 1871; Van Cleve, July 20, 1873; Scott, June 9,1875; Connie L., Aug. 14,1877; Etha, Sept. 5. 1879.

RODNEY CRAVEN, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the son of James and Abbie (Holmes) Craven; he was born in Loudoun Co., Virginia, Jan. 3, 1820; his parents were natives of the "Old Dominion," and followed the occupation of farming, but gave their son Rodney a good education. June 29, 1843, he was married to Sarah E. Jones, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Simpson) Jones, born May 29, 1820, in Virginia; her parents were natives of that State, and owned a plantation of 260 acres, and seven slaves. They reared five children, but all are dead but Mrs. Craven; her father died Nov. 2, 1867, leaving a legacy of 134 acres of the old homestead to our subject. In the fall of 1843 Mr. Craven set out for Ohio, and after a journey of 21 days in a big wagon, they arrived at, Knox Co., where they remained only one year, removing from thence to Harmony Tp., of this county; here they lived on a farm of 120 acres for 18 years; the family next removed to Decatur Co., Indiana, where they remained about three years, then returned and spent about three years near Leverings Station. The intervening years from that time to this the family have lived in Franklin Tp. Eleven children have been born to them Virginia, William H., John A., James R., Mary E., Reuben R., Winfield, George, Laura, Alice, and an infant died; James R. enlisted in the 187th 0. V. I Company G, and John A. enlisted in the 88th 0. V. I., Company K; these two noble boys were only 17 and 18 years old, who left the comforts of home at the call of their country; in a few short weeks they were taken down with the measles, and died within two days of each other; their remains were sent home to the sorrowing family. Each year, when the glad earth is thrilled with the lay of feathered songster, and clad in the rich garb of leaf and flower, may the lowly mounds where rest the remains of James R. and John A. Craven, be strewn


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with choice tributes of a grateful Nation. Mary E. died April 29, 1878. Mrs. Craven was a member of one of the aristocratic families of Virginia, and unused to work until she came to this country, but has struggled bravely until a large family surrounds her, and as handsome competence for the future.

ABEL DICUS, carpenter and farmer; P. O., Chesterville; son of Samuel and Sarah (Kelly) Dicus, was born April 12, 1.821, in Northumberland Co., Penn.; his father was a native of Delaware, who came to Pennsylvania in about 1816, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in about 1829, leaving two children, Nancy and Abel, then only eight years old; the latter worked for his board and clothing eight years in one family. Then, after working by the month a short time, he learned the carpenter's trade, working about two years, at from $2.75 to $3.50 per month. At the age of 18, he purchase a set of carpenter's tools on credit, costing him $60; he has worked at his trade forty years in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He married Mary Hite, in Pennsylvania; she was a daughter of John and Hester (Johnson) Hite, who came from New Jersey to Pennsylvania in an early day. Mr. Dicus drove through from Pennsylvania in a one horse-wagon, a distance of 500 miles in three weeks, settling first in Congress Tp., in 1852, and lived there two years; and after living in various parts of Franklin Tp., he settled on the present farm of thirty-six acres, on which he has erected substantial buildings. Among the objects of interest in this township are the beautiful sulphur springs, in the western part of Mr. Dicus' farm; they are said to contain peculiar medicinal properties; the clear, sparkling water boils rough porous formations of limestone origin, which resemble petrified moss. They have five children-Melinda, Ira, William, Gracie A. and Samuel. Mr. Dicus served eleven months in the 43d 0. V. I., Company B. and votes the Republican ticket.

HOMER P. EMERY, nurseryman and farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the only son of Samuel L. Emery. He was born Oct. 16, 1843, in Lincoln Tp., of this county. He passed his youth amid the scenes of rural life, and received a good education in the common schools. As the father had been a grower of trees, it was but natural that the son should follow the same employment. His taste and inclination led him to turn his attention to growing of evergreen and ornamental trees; accordingly, he purchased a large stock of healthy trees of Storrs, Harrison and Co., of Painesville, 0. He has continued to add new and rare varieties from year to year, until he has grown from three to four thousand healthy, vigorous trees at present. They embrace over twenty of the most popular varieties of evergreens adapted to this climate, and a large assortment of ornamental trees. This nursery is well worthy of a visit from those who wish to procure the finest trees without the expense and injury incident to transportation from foreign nurseries. He united his fortunes with Fanny Detwiler Nov. 27, 1879. She is a daughter of Samuel arid Jane (Riddle) Detwiler. She was born Feb. 8, 1851, near Belleville, Richland Co., 0. Mr. Emery is a practical farmer, who takes an active interest in the Grange movement, seeking to exalt and dignify the calling he has chosen. He is Past Master of Franklin Grange, No. 466. Samuel L. Emery, father of our subject, was the oldest son of Samuel and Nancy (Gardner) Emery; was born in Hillsborough Co., N. H., March 1, 1816. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1831, he being 15 years old at that time. They settled on a fifty acre lot, where Abel G. Emery lives, in Lincoln Tp. It was all in woods then, and they lived in Jerah Smith's house until a cabin could he built. It was a large log cabin, raised one day, hewed down the next, and they moved in on the third day. Here they lived until fall, without chimneys, doors or windows. The first corn crop was two acres, enclosed by brush fences. The father of Samuel L. Emery was Captain of a militia company in New Hampshire, and a man of considerable influence; he purchased two military claims-his homestead of fifty acres, and a hundred-acre lot, where Samuel L. now lives. He raised five children-Samuel L., Clementina, Homer C., Abel G. and Susanna B. Samuel L. had a fair education when he reached his forest borne in Lincoln Tp.; in that neighborhood nothing had been done for the cause of popular education. He, with others, assembled to build a log schoolhouse; it was built by voluntary contributions, and ere long they employed George Adams,


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who was the first teacher; here Mr. Emery received instruction until 21. A sad accident befell Mr. Emery, who came to deaden timber, on his present place, in August, 1837, by an unguarded stroke the ax struck his knee, inflicting a wound which made him a cripple for life; he was confined with it nearly a year. May 6, 1839, he went to Granville, Ohio, to learn cabinet-making, and, being stilt weak, worked on crutches two months; he worked at Granville about two years, and then returned to Emery's Corners, and erected a shop and lathe, and worked at cabinet and furniture making, for eleven years. He came to the present farm of fifty-two acres in 1854; then few improvements had been made, and log cabins occupied the site of the present substantial buildings, which his energy and toil have reared. He engaged in the nursery and grafting business for many years. He was married to Caroline L. Powell, Dec. 1, 1842. She was a daughter of William and Eunice (Tuirrel) Powell, born Aug. 16, 1822, in Essex Co., N. Y. She died Jan. 31. 1878. Two children were born to them-Homer P., subject of this sketch, and Eunice, M. Samuel L. has been a constant reader of the best literature; has gathered many valuable books, and is well informed. He has been Clerk of his township two terms, and Lecturer of Franklin Grange, No. 466.

WILLIAM FREDERICK, farmer and wool grower; P. 0., Chesterville; son of William and Rachel (Turner) Frederick, was born in Morris Co., New Jersey, February 21, 1827. His parents came in August, 1837, with a family of four sons, leaving one son. Thomas in New Jersey. They settled on the present place of over 100 acres. They had five sons ---Thomas' Absalom, William, James and David. The father died in September, 1866, and the mother in July, 1876. William attended school three terms in New Jersey, and divided his time between the school and farm here until his seventeenth year, when he was apprenticed to learn the double trade of mason and plasterer. He was actively engaged at his trade in different localities from 1844 to 1855, when he retired to the old homestead which he had purchased about 1850. Mr. Frederick first gave his attention to the raising of' horses,. for a few years, but soon became interested in the breeding of fine wool sheep. Began his flock with five Spanish Merinos, from the flock of Jacob Houser, in about 1864. Has since added animals of fine blood and strong constitution, at different times, until he has a flock of ninety fine animals. Although Mr. Frederick had limited advantages for education in youth, he has been a constant reader of the best literature, until he is well informed on many subjects. He takes a deep interest in the school work, and has been chosen Trustee of his Township. He was married to Mary A. Davis, December 16, 1850. Three children were born to them-Weller, Mary E. and Lydia J. His wife, Mary A. Frederick, died November 16, 1863. His son Weller died February 14, 1864. In August, 1864, subject married Emily Shaw, a daughter of David Shaw (see biography of Newton Shaw). Of this marriage five children have been born, James M., Luella, Anna Alfred and David R.

JOSEPH GROVE, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; was born May 3, 1820, in Licking Co., Ohio, and is the fourth son of Samuel and Mary (Moyer) Grove, who came to Licking Co., Ohio, from Shenandoah Co., Virginia, in 1810. They had eleven children-John, Anna, Isaac, Elizabeth, Samuel, Joseph, Resecca, David, Henry, Harvey J., and Mary J., all of whom lived to be married and have families. His father was a manufacturer of ropes, and a farmer; he was a member of the Old School Baptist Church. Joseph began farming in October. 1840, with no capital save energy and good health; he followed this caflivig in Licking county until 1851, when he removed to the place where he now lives, where he first purchased 140 acres of land of William Linn, and afterwards 100 acres more of Elias Higgins; ins; he has bequeathed a son and daughter 160-all of which is the fruit of his own industry and careful management; he had few advantages for education in early life, but has since been a constant reader, not only of books, but of men and events. Mr. Grove was married to Rachel Ewers, Feb. 29, 1844; they had two sons and two daughters-Mary J., Jacob, Milton and Armindia V.; Jacob is deceased, and the others are married; Mrs. Grove died Feb. 2, 1839; she was a devoted member of the New School Baptist Church. Mr. Grove married a second wifeLucinda Blair-Jan. 25, 1866; she was a daughter of


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William and Mary (Cook) Blair (a full history of whom will be found in the sketch of John Blair); she was born March 22, 1821, in what is now Franklin Tp.; she is a member of the Disciple Church. He has taken a deep interest in the improvement of stock, first beginning the breeding of cattle with a herd of Devonshires, and later in the Shorthorns, of which he has at present a fine herd of nine animals. The writer saw one cow of this herd, which in all essential points is a true representative of the stock, and a perfect animal; he has also a fine flock of 500 American Merinos. He has held various township offices-as Trustee, Director, etc.; voted the Democratic ticket until 1843, since then he has voted for principle rather than party.

FREDRICK GALE, carpenter; Pulaskiville; among the representative men of this township Mr. Gale deserves more than a passing notice; he is the son of James and Matilda (Mann) Gale, and was born in this township June 15, 1836; his parents were natives of Bedford Co., Penn., and came and settled in Congress Tp., on the Daken place. They next settled in this township on the place known as the "Wheat Farm," where they lived and raised a family of eleven clildren - Melinda, Benjamin, Fredrick, William, Elizabeth, Mary, Abner, Amy A., John, Sarah E. and Eliza C. Eliza C. died Sept. 14, 1859; Melinda, Feb. 8, 1855; Benjamin, Jan. 25, 1870; William, Nov. 2,1860; James Gale, the father, Sept. 7, 1868; Matilda Gale, the mother, Aug. 1, 1878; James Gale was one of those men who believed that it required the exercise of intelligence to make a successful farmer, and all his operations displayed a knowledge and forethought of one who studied his calling. When he settled on the above mentioned farm there was only a small clearing and a cabin, built probably by Jonathan Lavering and now there are fine buildings, and about 140 acres cleared in such a way as to leave a girt of timber encircling the farm for the protection of crops. He has for many years been known as a most successful wheat grower, raising an average of 300 bushels annually, and has raised 600 bushels per year; during life he filled several township offices-as Assessor, Treasurer and Trustee. Frederick Gale received a common school education, and worked at home until he was 21; then he began working at the carpenter trade, having such skill in the use of tools that he received wages from the first; he has taken and completed many contracts in this township-as Township Hall and the Grange Hall-until he is known as a skilled and competent workman; Oct. 20, 1856, he united his fortunes with Lucy A. Hyler. She was a daughter of James and Ann (Jackson) Hyler. She was born Nov. 9, 1838, in this township. Two children, a son and a daughter, have been born to them. Reece was born Jan. 22, 1858; Nett, May 2, 1864. The first five years of their married life was spent in Congress Tp., where he erected buildings. He now owns ninety acres of land, fifty of which he has earned by his own labor and forethought; here we find one fine spring and twenty-five acres of bottom land. He has held the office of Assessor, to perform the duties of which he was thoroughly competent. Mr. Gale has two dens containing two species of ferrets -a little animal very destructive to rats; he has also a fine collection of pigeons, consisting of eight varieties, some of them very rare and numbering fifty birds.

RICHARD HOLLY GRAHAM, merchant; Pulaskiville; the youngest son of Joseph and Margaret (Mann) Graham; was born Nov. 7, 1840, in this township. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and drove from Bedford Co. of that State in a one-horse wagon to the wilderness of Ohio, in about 1822. His father entered the quarter section where Valentine Mann lives-all in woods then. He put up a cabin in which a quilt served as a door for some time to keep out the wolves, then so thick in the woods that they made night hideous. The family was poor, and in place of the elegant furniture of to-day, they thankfully ate their corn bread and venison on rough boards laid on pins driven in the walls. The family remained on the place first settled some time, and moved to the place where William Van Buskirk lives, where they lived until 1864, emigrating to Franklin Co., Ind. They lived there only two years, when Richard's mother died, and he and his father ,returned to Ohio, and together purchased ninety-three acres of land in Perry Tp., of this county. This they farmed in partnership until 1873, when they sold out, and the father found a home with his daughter, Elizabeth


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Mettler, where he died Oct. 8,1877. He was a self-made, self-educated man. They had ten children, two of whom died in youthAbner, and infant, John, Elizabeth, Rachel, Isaac, Mai-tin, Wesley, Mary, and Richard H.; R. H. Graham, or "Holl," as he is usually called, lived at home until the death of his mother. He then engaged in farming here until 1873. Then he traveled during the winter and spring, and followed threshing during the summer and fall for the next three years. In 1876 he purchased a stock of goods of Milton Hart, and has since been merchant and postmaster at Palaskiville. April, 1880, he removed to the present commodious room beneath the Grange Hall, where he keeps constantly on hand a full stock of dry goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, glassware, and in short everything needed by a farming community, at prices as favor-able as can be found elsewhere. He was married April 11, 1880, to Cecelia Pittman, a daughter of Abednego and Affa (Slaugh) Pittman.

DENTON GRAHAM, farmer; P. O. Pulaskiville. He is the youngest child in a family of ten, and was born March 30, 1844, in Congress Tp., of this county. His father, Samuel Graham, a native of Bedford Co., Penn., in early life united his fortunes with Sarah Brewer, of the same State. In 1819 the family drove through from Pennsylvania in a one-horse wagon to the little log cabin built by the father, who had preceded the family and entered a quarter section of land in the woods of Congress Tp. He died Aug. 18, 1855; and Sarah Graham, the wife, died July 30, 1870. He cleared up a farm, and leaves a family of ten children, eight of whom are living Oliver, Mary, Drusilla, Morgan, Levi, Benton, James and Denton; Charlotte and Rachel are dead. Denton lived in his father's family, and attended the rude school houses of the early days, during a short term in winter, where little was taught, and that, poorly. At 18 he began working by the month, which he continued for seven years. Aug. 19, 1869, he married Amy A. Gale (See sketch of Frederick Gale), by whom he has been blessed with two children-Judd was born Oct. 31, 1870; Stella was born Dec. 8, 1878. Mr. Graham has been a successful farmer and stock-raiser, acquiring a handsome property of eighty acres by his own labor and management, with the exception of $800 from his father's estate. He early identified himself with the Grange interest in Franklin, Grange, No. 466, where he with others are laboring to exalt the calling of the farmer to a position that its importance demands.

GEORGE GATES, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville. The subject of these lines is the son of Martin and Marv (Poole) Gates, born in Washington Co., Pennsylvania, in April, 1827. His father was a native of New Jersey, and his mother of Maryland. They were married in Pennsylvania, and their union was blessed by eleven children-John, William, Elizabeth, Ann, Mariah, Esther, Martin, George, Ruth, Isaac, and Sarah. They arrived here April 6, 1839, and purchased 100 acres, where John Gates lives, which had few improvements then; on his arrival, George, then a lad of twelve years, began clearing and farming, which he followed until his twentieth year; from that time he worked by the month and day until he was thirty-two. In 1859 he united his fortunes with Elizabeth A. Shoemaker, a daughter of Samuel Shoemaker, of Chesterville, Ohio. They rented a lot at first, for one year, and afterwards lived in different places in this township until 1871, when he bought his present home of 65 acres, where he is engaged in farming and stockraising. Mr. Gates has dealt in horses quite extensively for the last thirty years. In April, 1880, he purchased the celebrated Norman Horse, raised by Jenk Williams, of this county, and one of the few representatives of the famous "Old Bob.' He is a noble and spirited animal, whose stock and well-known merits commend him to alt. Mr. Gates is a Republican in politics, and has a family of one son and two daughters-Ida, born Feb. 5,1861; Minnie, April 24,1866; Budd, June 14, 1876. Clyde, a son, died at the age of two years. Mr. Gates takes a deep interest in education, whose advantages he was denied in youth. He is well informed, and his home is a center of intelligence, where the stranger will find a generous and hearty welcome.

MILTON GROVE farmer and stock-raiser; P. O., Pulaskiville; he is the son of Joseph and Rachel (Ewers) Grove; was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Aug. 30,1848; he worked at home until twenty years old, receiving a good education in the meantime; he then came


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to the present place of 160 acres of fine farming land, which he now owns; on his fields you will see a fine flock of American Grade Merino sheep, and a high grade of the shorthorn cattle, which he is constantly improving; although a young man, he has held the office of Township Treasurer with credit to himself and satisfaction to all; he is a member of Chester Lodge, Number 156, F. A. M.; he married Lillias Craven March 11, 1874; she is a daughter of Leander and Lenora (Ewers) Craven; she was born March 17, 1855, in Knox Co., Ohio; her father was born in the "Old Dominion," Dec. 17, 1818, and emigrated to Ohio in 1833: Leonora Ewers was born July 7,1824, and came from Loudoun Co., Va., in 1840; they were married Dec. 1, 1842; after marriage they settled in Mt. Gilead, where they lived some time, then removed near Waterford, Ohio; subsequently they settled permanently on the present place, near Salem Church, Wayne Tp., Knox Co., Ohio. Four children have been born to them -William Franklin Craven was born Aug. 13, 1844; died Sept. 25, 1861; Marcella Craven was born Aug. 19, 1847; married Elias Cooper January 4, 1870; Lillias Craven (see sketch); Linna F. Craven was born March 7, 1865.

GEORGE W. GUNSAULUS, Notary Public and dealer in marble monuments, Chesterville; was born on the 15th of May, 1831, in Angelica, N.Y.; he is the youngest son living in a family of eight children. His father, Joseph Gunsaulus, is a native of New York State, and united his fortunes with Nancy Dempsey, also a native of that State. He farmed in the "Empire State" up to 1842, when he emigrated to Franklin Tp. (then Knox Co.) Ohio, with a family of six children, settling near Pulaskiville; remaining here but a short time, they removed to Chester Tp., where he remained four years, and then went to Franklin Tp. He died in 1849, and his wife died in Putnam Co., Ohio, in 1874. He was a soldier in the war of 18I2. They raised a family of eight children, six of whom are living-William, Joseph, Catharine, Calvin, George W. and Lodema. [For the history of Joseph and Calvin, see sketch in Chester and Gilead townships.] Peter and John are dead; George W. worked on a farm until he was 18; in the meantime, he attended school until he acquired a good knowledge of the common school branches, and many of the natural sciences. In 1852, being 18 years old, he began a three years' apprenticeship at marble cutting' under the direction of S. A. Crune; after this he worked two years as journeyman in the marble shop at Chesterville. He was married to Sarah Disman, Jan. 22, 1857; she was the oldest daughter of Joseph and Anna (Mathews) Disman; she was born in Chester Co., Pa., on the 27th day of August, 1834. Her parents came to Ohio in 1852, and settled near Franklin Center, where they lived until 1873, when they removed to Lima, Ohio, where they now live, surrounded by a large circle of friends, and esteemed by all. They raised a family of nine children-George W., John, Joseph, Israel, Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth J. and Anna. After marriage, Mr. Gunsaulus moved to Franklin Center, where he has worked at marble cutting, for 21 years, in his present shop. His long experience as a workman and dealer in every style of tombstones and monuments, has enabled him to furnish and erect over our beloved dead the most beautiful and appropriate monuments to their memory at a very reasonable expense. This is the earliest industry of its kind in Franklin Tp., and is well worthy of the patronage of those who would mark the last resting-place of their dead with a monument of American or Italian marble or granite. Mr. Gunsaulus has been chosen to fill the office of Justice of the Peace for fifteen years, and now holds a commission of Notary Public; he was selected, over several competitors, to act as Enumerator of the Census of 1880; he was a member of the School Board for fifteen years, and aided in the purchase of the M. E. Church, now used as a school-house. Himself, wife, and four children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and active workers in the Sabbath-school, in which he has been Superintendent. He has a family of seven children-William D. was born Nov. 2, 1857; Anna M., Feb. 7, 1859; Mary F., October, 1861; Joseph, Sept. 1, 1863; Addison, March 12, 1865; Hattie I., Dec. 8, 1867; Katie, July 23,1869.

MILTON HART, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; oldest son of Levi -and Leah (Mann) Hart, was born in Perry Tp., Feb. 23, 1832. He lived on the old farm on Owl Creek, and


784 - FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.

went to school near by, on Nathan Levering's place. He farmed the homestead for some years after reaching his majority, and worked about four years for McArthur Cook. He came to Pulaskiville in the spring of 1865, and with his brother Banner purchased a large stock of new goods, and conducted a general store, under the firm name of B. Hart & Brother. This partnership lasted three years, when Banner retired, and Milton continued the business as sole proprietor for eight years longer, when he traded the entire stock to R. H. Graham, the present proprietor, in 1876, for thirty acres of land in Perry Tp. He also owns twenty-two acres of land near the village, with six town lots and a handsome dwelling and store-room in Pulaskiville; all made by his own labor. He united in marriage with Louisa Mann Jan. 5, 1854. She is a daughter of John Mann, Jr.; born in Congress Tp., Apr. 25, 1832. Milton is the grandson of Benjamin Hart, who walked through from Bedford Co., Pa., in about 1810, and arriving at the place he selected for a home, the Indians told him that a man had been there on horseback; so he walked on to Wooster in some haste, and had the papers made out for his land just as the man rode up, who had lost his way, and was very much chagrined at being beaten in the race. He made his settlement in the spring of 1811, erecting a cabin just south of the present brick residence. Levi Hart, the father of Milton, was the fifth and youngest son of a family of five sons and four daughters. He was born in Bedford Co., Pa., Oct. 19, 1807, hence was something past four years old when he came to Perry. There were no schools near them at that time, and the father supplied the deficiency by distributing books among them on Sunday morning, and keeping them at the task all day. In this way they learned to read, write and cipher. When the first school was organized Elizabeth, a sister of Levi, went to school one winter through the woods, four miles distant, alone, finding her way by the blazed trees. The same lady walked to Fredericktown, nine miles distant, and returned the same day, from church. The Indians often came to sharpen their tools and weapons. At such times they would catch the boy Levi by the hair, and flourish their murderous looking knives above his head for their amusement. Levi Hart and Leah Mann were married Jan. 28,1830. She is a daughter of Joseph Mann (see sketch of Perry Mann), born in Bedford Co., Pa., Dec. 2, 1809. They lived with and became the chief support of his parents until their death-a period of twenty-six years. He then became possessed of the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, where he resided until his death, March 6, 1.875. He and wife were both members of the regular Baptist Church for more than thirty years. Mrs. Hart ha., an interesting relic in the shape of a quilt lined with linen spun by herself, inlaid with tow which she bleached and carded, and pieced largely with her first calico dress, which she earned by boiling sugar in dinner kettles, and purchased in Columbus at forty cents per yard. The quilting was done by herself in 1829, and the quilt is in good condition. Of this marriage are five children-Milton, subject; Sarah, born June 11, 1836, now Mrs. Peter Sipes; Luzilla, June 29, 1838, now Mrs. Charles Dise; Banner, March 22, 1840; Polly, Jan. 1, 1843.

ENOCH HIGGINS, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; was born Dec. 11, 1831, in Franklin Tp., then in Knox Co., Ohio; is the fourth son of Eliza and Mary (Hart) Higgins; his father was the son of Joseph and Catherine (Hendershott) Higgins, and was born Aug. 15, 1795, in Bedford Co., Penn.; he came to this county in 1816, without capital, and worked for others until he earned money enough to buy a quarter-section of Iand He was married to Mary, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Kearney) Hart, June 15, 1820; she was born July 24, 1799, in Bedford Co., Penn.; her parents came from Pennsylvania to Perry Tp., then in Knox Co., in the Spring of 1811, where they settled, raising a family of nine children -William, - John, Benjamin, Enoch, Levi, Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret and Sarah. The Hart family at one time fled in the night to the fort at Fredericktown; and during the panic caused by the murder of the whites at Mansfield, they fled to Waterford, and assisted in building a block-house near that place. The father of Enoch after marriage, settled on the farm where Samuel James lives; in two weeks after the first log was cut, they moved into their cabin. To use the words of the aged mother, "It had neither floors, doors, chink


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - 785

ing, chimney nor windows, but we ate our meals from nice clean clap-boards spread upon the sleepers, and felt very Happy." Here they reared ten children-Harriet, Harvey, Curtis, Ella, Monroe, Enoch, Sylvester, Mary J., Sarah E. and Elias. All are married and have families. The older Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church over forty years. He identified himself with the Republican party at its organization, and was an earnest supporter of its principles. He passed away peacefully Jan. 6, 1880, at the age of 84 years. His venerable wife still lives with her youngest son in the old home. Enoch Higgins remained at home with his parents until he was 21 years of age, then rented his father's farm for three years, and in 1855 went to Wisconsin, where he entered 160 acres of land; he then returned borne and remained until 1857, again going to Wisconsin and was there two years, building a house and improving the land which he had previously purchased, returning to the scenes of his childhood in 1859. He celebrated our nation's Independence by his marriage to Leah Lovett, July 4, 1861. They have one son, Clinton O. Mrs. Higgins died in Feb. 1867. On Oct. 7,1869, he married Mary E., a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Darner) Chambers; she was born July 7, 1846, in Harmony Tp., of this county. They have two children-Dilla E. and Rosella. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church at Pulaskiville; he enlisted in the 136 Reg., Co. I, 0. N. G., and remained in the service four months. He owns seventy acres of well improved land, earned by his own labor and enterprise.

JAMES HARDIN, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; son of James and Sarah Hardin; was born Nov. 16, 1816, in Liberty Tp., Delaware Co., 0. His parents fled from Marietta on horseback about 1812, to escape the horrors of the tomahawk and scalping-knife; the mother, with the babe on her arm swam her horse through the Muskingum river. The father was First Lieutenant in the war of 1812, and raised eleven children-Mary, Sarah, Isaac, Mahala, Nancy, John, Lydia, James, Jane, Lucinda, Ezekiel. The family removed to Seneca Co., 0., when James was a boy and he grew up among the Senecas, who lived there a good many years. They were almost daily visitors at his father's house, and were always on friendly terms with the family, often bringing venison and helping themselves to whatever they liked. On account of the meager schools our subject had no advantages for education; he cleared 160 acres of land by the job, the average price being $5.00 per acre. He served eight years as Captain of the Riflemen in Seneca Co., also as Drum Major in the militia of Delaware Co. He was married March 28, 1849, to Phobe h daughter of Dennis and Lydia (Robison) Wright, on who was born June 8, 1827,in the State of New York, her parents came to Ohio in 1835, and settled first in this township where Benton Levering lives. They raised a family of four children-Hester A., Edmund, Phebe and William N. After marriage Mr. Hardin engaged in farming here for three years, afterwards farmed in different parts of the township until 1863, when he went to Williams Co., O., where he stayed two and a half years, then removed to Sandusky Co. and farmed there until 1871, when he returned to present place, purchased in 1879. They raised three sons-Nelson W., Thomas R. and Dennis. Nelson W. died Oct. 13, 1865.

IRA M. INK, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the ninth child and youngest son in a family of ten children. He is the son of George and Mary (Rose) Ink; he was born Sept. 11, 1835, Tompkins Co., N. Y. His parents reared the following children-Permelia, Walter P., Jane, George C., Charles, Theron H., Cornelia A., Philo, Ira M. and Marilla. The father, who was a farmer, departed this life Oct. 23, 1866, in the State of New York; and in 1870 the widowed mother came to Ohio, and resides at present in Richland Co., O. The subject of these lines was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. In the spring of 1856, he being 20 years old, emigrated to California, by water route. He worked on the farm at from $40 to $75 per month, until 1860, when he embarked once more for his native State, arriving at New York City on Christmas day. He farmed his father's farm about two years, then by the month, in the gloomy pineries of Michigan and New York, until the fall of 1868. He came in that year to Delaware Co., where he remained about 2 months, then came to this


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township and worked for S. L. Newcomb, a relative, until March 16, 1870, when he formed a matrimonial alliance with Allie Burt, a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Harris) Burt; she was born Aug. 21, 1852, in Cardington, O. Her parents were both natives of this State; her mother was born in Licking Co., and her father in this county. Mrs. Ink was a successful teacher in the schools of this county. Mr. Ink purchased 100 acres here in 1869, and after marriage settled upon it in 1870. He made a second trip to California in 1871, and tarried about nine months, and returning has lived here ever since, a successful and energetic farmer and a reliable man.

SAMUEL JAMES, carpenter and farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville. Among the worthy self made men of Franklin, stands the gentleman whose name heads this sketch ; he is the third son of Henry W. and Hannah (Jones) James, born in what is now Gilead Tp., March 1, 1828. At seventeen he went to Mt. Vernon to learn the carpenters' trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years ; he has worked at his trade principally in this county since that time ; he united in marriage with Miss Ellen Carrothers, May 11, 1851. This union has been blessed with four sons and two daughters, Maggie J., born Feb. 21, 1852, died May 18, 1873 ; James C., born Oct. 26, 1853 ; Robert B., born Dec. 28,1855; John W., born Aug. 3, 1858 ; Sarah A., born June 2,1862 ; Samuel Ellsworth, born June 20, 1864. After marriage Mr. James lived three years on the farm of his father-in-law, then purchased thirty acres in this township of Wesley Martin for something over six hundred dollars, going in debt for a large portion; they. worked early and late until the home was theirs. They sold this about 1865, and after renting some two years they purchased his present home of fifty acres in 1867, on which he erected a substantial frame residence in 1872. His farm is well improved and embraces a fine sugar camp, and valuable farming lands under good cultivation. Mr. James had few advantages in early life for education, but making the most of what came to him, he has solved the problems of life as they were presented, doing much to repair early loss ; he began life with no capital but stout hands and daring purposes, and has by force of will attained a handsome property, and reared a family such as any father might be proud to own. The wife and mother of his children has aided much by her wise counsels to form and fashion their character; she still presides over the home where taste and neatness adorns, with pictures, music, and literature crowned with hospitality make it worthy of that sacred Dame.

MORGAN A. KEARNEY, farmer; P. o., Levering, Knox Co.; is the son of Thomas and Jerusha Kearney; his mother's maiden name was Van Cleve; he was born Dec. 8, 1821, in Bedford Co., Penn.; his father came to Knox Co., Ohio, about 1825, where he remained five years; he then removed to North Bloomfield Tp., then Richland Co.; they hired a man to bring them here from Knox Co., and he unloaded their household goods in the woods, and they were obliged to sleep in a rail pen, until a cabin could be built; they lived here until 1851, when he removed to Warren Co., Iowa, where he died in the fall of 1852. His parents were married Dec. 4, 1814, and had thirteen children-Mary A Sarah, Powell, Morgan A., Rebecca, William, Harvey, Simon P., Catherine, Druzilla, Jerusha, Thomas D., and Priscilla; Simon P. and Catharine died when young. Morgan A. lived with his parents until he reached his majority, attending school only a short time; he then began working by the month at from eight to ten dollars per month. He was married June 12, 1853, to Hannah J., a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Jackson) Stackhouse; her parents came to Ohio, from Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1830. They raised a family of nine children-Nancy, Silas, Joseph, Stephen, Hannah J., Myrtilla, Sarah, Daniel J., and Benjamin; of these, Stephen, Daniel J., Nancy, and Benjamin, are dead. In the fall of 1853, Mr. Kearney and wife emigrated to Warren Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming, until the fall of 1857, when he returned to the home of his youth, and in the following spring moved into the house where he now lives, having purchased twenty-five acres of land, which he has since made attractive by various improvements. They have raised two children-Zelma J. King, since married, and Mary, the orphan daughter of Daniel J. Stackhouse, who lives with them now. Mr. Kearney became a member of the Old School Baptist Church in 1859, and he holds unfalteringly to that faith and doctrine; his


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wife is a consistent member of the Disciple Church.

MILTON LAVERING, farmer; P. O. Levering ; lives on the old homestead purchased by his father in 1810, and he still holds the original land-warrant, signed by James Madison, who was then President. He is the youngest son of William and Ruth (Brison) Lavering, born Feb. 16, 1821, on his present farm. His father in company with the Rev. John Cook and John Ackerman came on horseback to this township from Bedford Co., in 1810; he entered 160 acres of land here, and, soon after, by his brother, 160 acres more in Congress Tp. They all soon returned to Pennsylvania; he, made a second visit to this State and remained five months, and made a small clearing, returning to Pennsylvania; he this time loaded the four horse wagon with his family and household goods, reaching his destination in Nov. 1816; he moved into a cabin which his nephews had prepared for the family; there were nine children in the family, seven sons and two daughters-Archi bald, Allen, Morgan, Morris, Nelson, David, Nancy, Milton and Polly. Archibald and Allen died when young. William Lavering was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and departed this life Sept. 14, 1864. Milton Lavering has been a tiller of the soil all his life; he began with $92 at the age of 21, and in 1864 he purchased the home place consisting of 160 acres of land, lying on the north branch of Owl Creek, with about fifty, acres of fine bottom land. He married Mary Rinehart, April 24, 1860. She is a daughter of Jacob and Lydia Rinehart. In her father's family there were nine children-Ellen, Caroline, Charles, Elizabeth, Mary and Jacob-three who died in youth, Lydia, Anna and an infant; they were natives of Pennsylvania, and came here in an early day. Mr. Lavering and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Waterford. He raised the first crop of flax for the seed ever sown in the vicinity. This was in 1845, and sold at eighty-seven and a half cents per bushel. In early days his father made trips to the lake with a barrel of maple sugar on the hind wheels of the wagon. They have a family of two children, Adda M. and Zantha R., the two eldest-Morgan and Walter B. are dead. The old brick residence was built about 1823, and is perhaps the oldest brick house in the township.

DARWIN LEONARD, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; Mr. Leonard is the representative of one of the early settlers of this county. His father, Daniel S. Leonard, came to Chester Tp. about 1820, from the State of New York; the roads were then marked by " blazing trees," and the settlements were few and far between, and many were the hardships endured by the settlers of that day. The father was united in marriage to Elizabeth Lewis in 1833, and they settled on 150 acres of land one mile east of Chesterville, where they raised eight children-Darwin, Lewis, Abigail, Willoughby, Sarah E., Mary, Minerva and Anna E.; six of these are living and two are dead-Anna E. and Willoughby. Darwin, the oldest son, was born Aug. 31, 1834, in Chester Tp.; he worked at home until 27 years old and received a fair education, then he married Jennie A. Bain, by whom he has two children-Lizzie and Belle his wife., Jennie A. Leonard, died April 231 1873, and he subsequently married Loretta Plum, of Mt. Gilead; he purchased 63 acres here in 1875, which he has farmed with success; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and votes the Democrat ticket.

THOMAS P. MORRISON, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead; youngest son of Thomas and Mary (Jennings) Morrison; was born on his present place April 30, 1837. He obtained his education in the district school, and at twenty-two began teaching, which he followed three terms. He took charge of the homestead at his majority and has farmed it successfully ever since. In 1859 he purchased sixty-four acres of the home place. He united his fortunes with Caroline A. Bomberger, July 3, 1869. Of this union there is but one child living-Rhoda B., born August 31, 1874. Mr. Morrison has been called to many positions of trust, serving as Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee in this county for six years; he conducted the campaigns with marked ability, electing some one at each election. He was Justice of the Peace for nine years, and Clerk one year, administering its duties with a fidelity and soundness of judgment that won the confidence of all. He united with the Presbyterian Church at eighteen, and has been a faithful member.


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Mr. Morrison possesses a fine library and is one of the best read men in that part of his township. His father Thomas Morrison was a native of Green Co., Penn., born June 4, 1792. He was raised to the occupation of farming, and wedded Mary Jennings, December 7, 1820. She was born in Fayette Co., of the same State, August 2, 1798. In May, 1823, they set out for Ohio; he drove the wagon, while the wife rode through on horseback and carried her child before her. After a journey of about fifteen days they arrived at the present place which then had not "a stick amiss." They erected a pole pen only large enough for the so-called bed and table, and covered it with bark. They slept on poles which lay across from side to side, and cooked outside in kettles hung on forked sticks. They lived in this way until fall when they moved into the log cabin, which had been built in meantime on the one hundred and seventy-one acres, which they had entered and purchased. They went to Mt. Vernon to buy grain and to mill at Young's, below Chesterville. It is worthy of note that the two sons went to mill once on the 3d of Oct., when the snow fell a foot deep, so they could not return that night. The parents united with the Presbyterian Church very early-he at New Providence about 1821, and she with the George's Creek Church in Fayette Co., Penn. about 1817. On coming to this country they first united with the Harmony Church but when the church was organized on this place they became members of it, and he was Deacon many years. When they first came the wolves were so troublesome that they were obliged to pen their sheep every night. A spirit of fellowship characterized their proceedings, and at one time Mr. Morrison went six miles distant to a barn-raising, and hitching his horse by a brush heap, the animal made way with a part of it. Five sons and three daughters were born to them-Robert, the oldest son, graduated at the Miami University at Oxford, Butler Co., Ohio, married Flora J. Bomberger, and is now a Minister of the Presbyterian Church at Fulton, Missouri. Henry J. married Sallie A. Fox, and lives in Richland Co., Wis., where he divides his attention between farming and teaching. Infant daughter lies buried on the ground owned by William D. Kelly. Rhoda died Aug. 20, 1847, aged nineteen, and her remains rest in the Bryn Zion graveyard. William M graduated at the Miami University, and has taught school in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. He married Sally Benthall of Kentucky, who died some two years after; he then married Aseneth E. Taylor, a descendant of Hannah Dustin, the colonial heroine James L. married Mary J. Shaw of Kentucky; she died, and he subsequently wedded Mary A. Durham. He is now a Physician at Grenada, Mississippi; Thomas P., subject; Mary E. was educated at Delaware, Ohio, and now lives at home with her. aged mother. For further information see township history.

JOHNSON MANN, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; only son of John and Christian (Hauger) Mann; was born in Missouri, Nov. 25, 1845. At 17 he took charge of the homestead, and became the chief support of the family. In October, 1876, there was a division of the estate, and he purchased the interest of the other heirs, and now owns eighty acres. He erected his present neat and convenient frame residence in 1875, on perhaps the highest point in Franklin Tp. The view from this point is grand, but especially to the south one can see for miles, and it is magnificent in the extreme. He united his fortunes with Laura L. McBride, of Williamsport, Jan 1, 1872. She is the only daughter of Samuel and Lovina (Mitchell) McBride, born in Ashland Co., Ohio, Nov. 23, 1852. One son has blessed this marriage-Ralph, born Aug. 28, 1876. Samuel McBride, the father of Mrs Mann, was born on the 8th day of May, 1817, in Newberry, Lycoming Co., Pa. His parents were poor but respectable, his father being a shoemaker; he died when Samuel was nine years old, and he went to live with an uncle, a very strict Presbyterian, three years. At the age of twelve he went to live with William Bowen, who treated him very badly, so that he only remained some two years. When 14, he was bound out to learn the tailor's trade with Samuel Toner, serving under his instructions six years and three months. In 1837 he went to Elmira, New York, where he staid till January; then went to Bath of the same State, working there till May, 1838. He next formed a partnership with Toner, his former guardian, which lasted one year. At the expiration of that time he went to Lock


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haven, Clinton Co., Pa., and started in for himself, working almost day and night for months-sometimes twenty out of twenty four hours. He prospered, and soon bought a lot, and placed a neat house oil it, and sent for his mother and sister. There they lived happily together for two years, when in an evil day he embarked in the mercantile business, with Thomas Simmons as partner, who proved to be unworthy of confidence. A failure followed which swept away his home and destroyed the happiness of his hearth. He made a visit to Ohio in 1845, and returned to his native State, where he remained until the fall of 1846, when he came to Ohio, and for some time lived with his brother-in-law; he came to the village of Williamsport in February, 1847, boarding with Ely Mitchell, who soon after sold out, and our subject went to board with his brother, Martin Mitchell; it was here that he met and loved his daughter, Lovina, and they were wed September 5, 1848, and they at once removed to Sullivan, Ashland Co., Ohio; here they were very happy in mutual labor and love; in the fall of 1856 Mr. McBride exchanged his property in Sullivan for property in Williamsport, where he removed in September of that year, and on the fifteenth of November the partner of his joys and griefs fell asleep in death, leaving him a little daughter but four years old. He visited various places for some time, hoping to repair his health and forget his great sorrow amid change of scene. In October, 1860, he. married Rachel Finley, of Gilead Tp.; he kept grocery some two years in Williamsport, then traveled for the wholesale grocery house of V. T. Hills, of Delaware, Ohio, about eighteen months. He died of consumption at Clearfield Co., Penn., December 17,1864; one son also blessed this union-Frank B., born August 3, 1849; died May 2 9, 1853. John Mann, Father of Johnson, was born in Bedford Co., Pennsylvania, July 31, 1802; he received a fair education in his youth; he united in marriage with Christena Hauger January 5, 1826; she was a native of the same State, born March 5, 1804; he came to Congress Tp. in 1834, and settled on a quarter-section of wild land; he cleared up a portion of it and put out an orchard; but brief was the enjoyment of his hard earned home; he was one of those who bailed Robert and Samuel Jeffries, and when they broke it left him and his little family without support; so, bidding farewell to the scenes of his toil and misfortune, he, with his family, emigrated across the Father of Waters to Missouri, settling on the Platte purchase-about 1844. They bought a pre-emption right on one hundred and sixty acres, near Savannah, where they lived some two and a half years; they returned to Ohio and bought the eighty where our subject lives in the spring of 1847, where he resided until his death, September 28, 1860; his faithful wife survived until October 13,1876; they were both consistent and devoted Christians; he was an earnest worker in the New School Baptist Church, at Pulaskiville; he discharged the duties of Justice of the Peace some fifteen years with dignity and integrity. They raised to man hood and womanhood one son and seven daughters-Rebecca, Mrs. Milton Peoples, of this township; Margaret, Mrs. John Rhodabaugh, of Congress Tp.; Sarah A., Mrs. Marion Peoples, of this township; Louisa, Mrs. Milton Hart, of Pulaskiville; Rachel, Mrs. Newton Shaw, of this township; Mary E., Mrs. Frank Livingston, of Pulaskiville; Johnson, subject; Jane, Mrs. Lafayette Gates, of this township; three children also died young-Melvina, Abner and Andrew J.

JOSEPH MELLOTT, farmer; P. O., Andrews. The subject of this sketch is a son of Amos and Sarah (Truex) Mellott ; born in Congress Tp., on the 7th day of Sept., 1841. His youth was spent on the farm; in the meantime he obtained a fair education in the common schools. He tilled his father's farm for a share of the products until he was thirty. He united in marriage with Mary S. Cook on the 7th of Nov., 1872. She is a daughter of Rev. Stephen Cook (see sketch), born Oct. 27, 1850. After marriage Mr. Mellott farmed his father's place some two years, when he purchased the thirty-two acres where Dr. S. M. Cook now lives, where he resided two years; he then sold that property and purchased land just east of W. P. Cook's, where he lived two years. He exchanged that place for the present one of thirty acres, to which he moved in Feb., 1879. Two sons have blessed this union-Roy, born Ann 19, 1874, and Stephen Webb, Sept. 18, 1877.


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Mr. Mellott and his estimable lady are both consistent and earnest Christians, having united with the Disciples in early life.

PERRY MANN, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; he is the fourth son of Joseph and Sarah (Lawhead) Mann; he was born in this township, Oct. 2, 1820; his parents were both natives of Pennsylvania; his mother was born in January, 1785, and Joseph Mann was born April 13, 1785, in Bedford Co., of the Key stone State. He received a good education and taught school in his native State. In about the year 1811, he came alone to Ohio, to select a home in the wilderness for his little family. He entered 160 acres where Mr. Bockover lives, just west of W. P. Cook's, in this township. But the war which followed detained the family in Pennsylvania until April, 1815, when he resolved to bid adieu to the scenes of his youth, and accordingly, his household goods and a family of six small children were carefully stored within the limits of a two-horse wagon, and after a journey of nearly three weeks, they arrived at what is known as the "Jersey Settlement," where he rented a house for some months, until a cabin could be reared on his own wild domain. They remained here about ten months, and he employed men to underbrush twenty acres and erect a cabin on his quarter section. The following winter he taught school in the old log school-house in that vicinity. Early in the Spring of 1816, they settled in this township, where they cleared up a large farm. They raised a family of fourteen children, all living at this date but one-Absolom, who married Emily Scribner, of Delaware Co., is farmer of this township; Louisa, now Mrs. William P. Cook. of this township; Leah, widow of Levi Hart, of Perry Tp.; Polly, deceased, leaves seven children; Jehu, married Susan Helm, is now farming near Bedford, lowa; Sally Ann, born in March, 1815, and was six weeks old when the family started to Ohio; she is the widow of Daniel Lovett, and resides in Iowa. The remaining children were born in Ohio-Joseph, farmer, in Williams Co., Ohio; Perry, subject of this sketch; Ezra, married a Miss Morrison, and is a physician in Fulton Co., Ohio; Luther, married Mary Schuman, is farming in Richland Co., Ohio; David is a minister and editor at New London, Ohio; Rachel, widow of Azariah Ayres, of this township; Susannah, now Mrs. George Cook, of Michigan; Andrew J. married a Miss Iden, and lives in Fredericktown, Ohio. The family moved in the cabin before the floor was in. The hum of spinning-wheel, and the measured beat of the loom, made the music of the year, while cloth to be fashioned into garments of the rough "tow linen," and homespun woolens, was made by busy fingers, when the factory and sewing-machine were things unknown in this new land of ours. To add to the trials and privations of "pioneer life," Joseph Mann, Sr., became a stockholder in the Owl Creek Bank, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and when the failure came, he was assessed many times the amount of the original investment, to pay the liabilities of the institution. Joseph Mann walked back to Bedford Co., Penn., a distance of about five hundred miles, and returned the same way. He was chosen Justice of the Peace for nine years, and his life was one of unswerving integrity, lofty purpose, coupled with an energy that was a stranger to failure. We will now trace the fortunes of Perry Mann. He lived with his father on the farm until twenty-three. He then united his fortunes with Mary J. Daily. This marriage was celebrated Feb. 28, 1843. She is a daughter of Abraham and Rebecca (McNay) Daily; was born March 30, 1824, in Adams Co., Penn. The family came to Chesterville, Ohio, in 1836, and Mr. Daily followed the pursuit of tailor. They had a family of three children Mary J., Margaret and John. After marriage, our subject lived on his father's farm until 1850, when he purchased a thirty-two acre lot near William P. Cook's, where he lived about twelve years; then purchased his present home of fifty-two acres. He has erected handsome and commodious buildings on the same. Perry Mann has a family of six children living, and two dead--Ettie R., Elnora, Leonidas S., William B., Joseph C., Rebecca A., and Minnie D. Elnora died Nov. 24, 1871, at the age of 26; an infant also died. Leonidas S. Mann is a Physician of Homeopathic School at Cleveland; is now practicing with success at Richmond, Indiana. Mr. Mann and his estimable lady are both active members of the Disciple Church; they appreciate the educational influence of a Christian home, and have sur


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rounded their family with such means of culture and refinement as make it worthy of that sacred name.

JONATHAN W. OLIN, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; he is the oldest son of Jonathan and Amy (Johnson) Olin, and was born Jan. 10, 1798, in Bennington Co., Vt.; his father was a native of Rhode Island and came to Vermont about 1782, where he united in marriage with Penelope Harrington, Dec. 14, 1786; by this union five children were born -John, Anna, Archibald, Mary and Amy; his wife, Penelope, died Aug. 3, 1795, and he married Amy Johnson Feb. 14, 1796, by whom he raised nine children Penelope, Jonathan W., Elizabeth, John J., Sarah, Rebecca, Aurelia, Albert and Lydia. In 1836 the father, mother and three children settled in this township; the father died June 25, 1851, and the mother April 29, 1847. Jonathan worked in a tanyard when a boy; at the age of 19 he went to Northern New York to chop in the dense forests on Black River; he weighed 180 pounds when he began, but after working in the snow up to his arm-pits and enduring the hardships incident to the lumbermen, for six months, he only weighed 128 pounds; he received a common school education, and after reaching his majority he worked for his father six years; with the wages he bought land in Vermont; he married Laura Green in July, 1821, by whom four children were born-Sarah Ann, Jennet, Brytta and -Mary; his wife, Laura. died May 12, 1830; he then married Hannah Olin March 8, 1831. Two children-Dyer and William-were the fruit of this union. Hannah Olin passed away Aug. 31, 1858, and he married Martha E. Blackford, in Dec., 18,58; she was a daughter of Michael and Helah (Powlison) Blackford, born Jan. 30, 1829, in Sussex Co., N. J.; her parents came to Franklin Tp. in 1836, where they raised a family of nine children-John, Charlotte, Lovina, (who fell from the wagon when on their journey to this country and was crushed beneath the wheels,) Martha E., Isaac, William, Abby J., Phineas and Lovina 2d. Mr. Olin came in March, 1837, and purchased 60 acres of his present farm, and after putting in some crops upon it, he returned to the "Green Mountain State" for his family, in June; they came in the fall, and settled on the site previously purchased, where he has lived ever since; he now owns 480 acres of land, a monument to his own labor and management. He has represented the interests of the township as Trustee and in other positions; he cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson and sustains the same party principles still; his oldest son, Dyer, served under Grant three years, and was wounded at the battle of Pittsburg Landing.



EVAN W. POWELL, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead. Among the influential self-made Men who settled in this township from the "Old Dominion," the above named gentleman is -worthy of more than a passing notice ; he is the second son of Peyton and Permelia (Fox) Powell, born in Loudoun Co., Va., March 15, 1822 ; he spent his youth on a farm, an(] at twenty-three had the oversight of a plantation for two years. In the fall of 1847 he came to Ohio, and ere long was engaged to teach school in Congress Tp., of this county ; he accepted the position with some misgivings about his qualifications, but by hard study his labors were crowned with good success. The wages at that time attained the modest sum of ten dollars per month and board; he next engaged to work on a farm some six month at the same wages, and during that fall cast his first vote for General Taylor, having been disfranchised before by the "property test," in his native State; he then returned to Virginia where he taught subscription school; having some pupils whose attainments were equal to his, he worked on bravely, sometimes until two o'clock ,at night, to keep ahead of them, thus catching the spirit of the true teacher; with his matter ever fresh in his mind, he took his pupils through without their ever suspecting the trial it cost. In 1849 he attended the boarding school of Franklin Taylor, during the spring and summer, and continued to teach until 1851. He united his fortunes with Miss Elizabeth Everett, Sept. 20, 1849 ; she is a daughter of Eli and Nancy (Davis) Everett, born in Harrison Co., Ind., March 21, 1827; her father was a surveyor and settled in the Hoosier State very early. In the spring of 1851 Mr. Powell set out for Ohio with his family, arriving May 2, at Williamsport; he at once began looking for a home ; he visited Indiana, but soon returned and located on the present place, which then consisted of eighty acres ; in June he purchased it of Elijah Whistler, who had


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settled there some seven years before, and made small improvements. Mr. Powell has since added seventy-three acres to his first purchase and erected substantial and elegant buildings on the same; his estate now includes about one hundred and thirty acres of fine farming lands, on the south branch of Owl Creek, also valuable timber lands. Mr. Powell is the father of thirteen children, nine of whom are living-Mary E., born Oct. 26, 1850, married William Virtue, a carpenter of this township; Louis K., Feb. 6, 1852; graduated at the Otterbein University in 1875; he read law with Olds & Dickey, and was admitted to the Bar, in 1878; he is at present Mayor of Mount Gilead, and School Examiner; is a young man of brilliant promise, and the partner of Thomas Dalrymple, attorney-at-law; Ora Virginia, born June 1, 1853; now Mrs. James McCammon, of Gilead Tp.; Margaret P., Oct. 4,1854, married John Russell, Treasurer of Morrow Co.; Charles R., March 5, 1856; Walter P., Dec. 6, 1857; Frank, Aug. 12, 1859, died Aug. 27, 1861; infant daughter; Frank E., Apr. 17, 1862; Evan W., Dec. 29, 1863, died Oct. 2, 1865; George W., born December 3, 1865, died March 7, 1867; Thaddeus S., May 16, 1867; Anna B., March 4, 1871. The home of our subject he has striven to beautify with the culture and refinement of the age, and the high social standing and moral worth of his family attest the wisdom of such a course. Mr. Powell early united with the United Brethren in Christ, and is now Trustee of the Williamsport Church. He was a Whig in the days of old "Rough and Ready," and joined the Republican party at its organization. His parents were both natives of Virginia. His father followed the trade of blacksmith, and served in the war of 1812; in later years he was a tiller of the soil. He departed this life during the late civil war, and his companion followed him in 1867; both had reached the time allotted to man of three-score-years-and ten. Ten children were born to them-William, Amy, Elizabeth, Evan W., Margaret, George, Charles, Thomas, Gurley and Harriet.

THEODORE PITTMAN, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; son of Abednego and Affa (Slaugh) Pittman, was born in this township, March 11, 1858; he obtained a common school education in the Pulaskiville schools; he has lived on the old homestead, just east of the village, all his life; he is a practical farmer, and with his brother, Abednego Pittman, Jr., rented the home place of 160 acres, in 1879, where they now successfully carry on farm operations. The father, Abednego Pittman, oldest son of Benjamin and Sarah (Stevens) Pittman, was born in Bedford Co., Pa., Feb. 16, 1804. His father was a farmer, and the father of seven children, by the first marriage -Abednego, Joseph, Sarah, William, Thomas Rebecca and Margaret. They all emigrated to this township in the spring of 1812, but Joseph, who died in Pennsylvania. Abednego, being a lad of some 8 years old, walked all the way from Pennsylvania, a distance of nearly 500 miles. They employed a surveyor to find their land; cutting their way through the unbroken forest, they settled on a quarter section, two miles from any white man's cabin. Abednego left home when 10 years old, and worked at clearing land, by the day and acre, for about twelve years, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and engaged in digging iron ore for five years. On the 6th day of December, 1832, He married Sarah Boyce. She was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 2, 1816. Of this marriage six children were born-but two are living-William, born Feb. 11, 1834, and Hannah M., Sept. 2, 1838, while Thomas, Sarah, Joseph and Mary are dead. The wife and mother died, and he united in marriage with Affa Slaugh, Oct. 2, 1846. She is a daughter of Jeremiah and Anna (Hile) Slaugh, born in Northumberland Co., Pa., March 25, 1820. Of this union nine children were born Miram, Emanuel, Harriet, Benjamin, Lucelia, Cecelia, Theodore, Abednego and Anna S., of which four are dead-Emanuel, Miram, Lucella, and Benjamin. Mr. Pittman has 160 acres of land, well improved, and adorned with good and substantial buildings, and all is the fruit of his own labor; he had few advantages in youth, but of later years takes a deep interest in education, holding at present a perpetual scholarship of the Dennison University. He has held several offices of trust in the township, which he discharged faithfully. He was a very skillful hunter, and in his younger days spent much time hunting in the forest, often killing as high as thirty and forty deer in a season. He voted the Democratic ticket since the days of " Old Hickory " until late,


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when he changed his support to the Republican party.

ROLLIN M. POND, deceased; farmer; P. O., Chesterville; was the oldest son of Abel and Maria (Bateman) Pond; was born Sept. 4, 1820, on the Pond farm, of this township. His father settled the place in a very early day, beginning without money enough to buy an ax; he raised three children-Rollin M., Monson and Ruth E.One daughter, Florilla C., died at the age of 5 years. Rollin M. passed his early life on the farm, with such advantages as the cabin schoolhouse had to give, until his marriage with Sarah A. Olin, Nov. 8, 1842, to whom were born two daughters Chloe A. and Laura M. Pond. His wife, Sarah A., died Aug. 26, 1858; April 17, 1859, he married Martha Styer, who was born Dec. 13, 1822, in Luzerne Co., Penn.; she is the second child in a family of eleven-Abram, Martha, Esther, Joseph T., Charles. Henry, William, Catharine, Mary J., Eliza and George. Her parents were Joseph and Rachel (Kedney) Styer, who left the "Key Stone" State in 1824, and settled first in Fairfield Co., 0., where they remained three years, then lived in Berkshire Tp. eight years, when the family settled permanently in Trenton Tp., Delaware Co., until his death. The aged mother came to live with her daughter, Mrs. Pond; gliding quietly down the Stream of Time, she passed to her rest, March 12, 1880. Rollin M. Pond died May 5,1876, leaving a wife and three children to mourn his loss. He left an estate of 215 acres, with large and commodious buildings upon it, furnishing a home and support for Mrs. Pond and her children-Eva E., Ruth E. and George M. Both families believed in the faith and doctrines of the Universalist Church.

FRANCIS M. RUSSELL, farmer; P. O., Mt. Gilead. Francis M. Russell, is the son of Charles and Margaret (Ewers) Russell, and was born Oct. 14,1820, in Loudoun Co., Virginia. The father was a native of the same Co., and in his youth learned the blacksmith trade. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; was in Baltimore when it was bombarded by the British and remembers seeing Washington, D. C., burning during the same war. In 1830 he settled in Belmont Co. O., and two years afterward came to Gilead Tp., where he bought 568 acres, buying part of it, however, in 1831. His wife bore him ten children Francis M., Robert T., William L., Sarah E., Barton, Jasper, Mary A., Burr, Charles P., and John. Burr 2nd, Rachel, and one other died in childhood. Our subject's grandparents, Robert and Mary (Leedom) Russell, were born April 24, 1753, in Wales, and Oct. 25, 1759 in Ireland, respectively, and were married Jan. 19, 1779. The husband had $2000 in. Continental currency, and the wife had $1 in silver, and the wife had more money than the husband. These grandparents had the following children-Letitia, Ann, Samuel, Mary, Martha, Rebecca, Charles, Elizabeth, Sarah and John. The subject of this sketch got his early schooling in the old schoolhouse near the site of Mt. Gilead, where, on the first day, the boys attempted to impose on the new scholar, Francis, but after four of them had been soundly thrashed, there was no further trouble. At the age of 22 he learned the carpenter trade of Harrison Clawson, of Newark, Ohio, a business he followed five years. On the 8th of October, 1846, he married Rose Ann, daughter of James and Margaret (Clutner) Richeson. His wife is a native of Washington Co., Md., and was born Feb. 3, 1827. Our subject, shortly after his marriage, lived on Hog Run, in Licking Co., where he ran a saw mill. At the end of six years he came to Franklin Tp., in 1853, and settled on 168 acres of land; 16 acres were cleared, and were surrounded by a brush fence. He now has about 110 acres cleared, upon which are commodious and substantial buildings. He has three children living-John G., born Aug 9, 1847; Mary, April 9, 1854, and Charles D., May 22, 1858. John G. is the present County Treasurer. Our subject has occupied many positions of trust in his township, serving with fidelity and with satisfaction to the citizens. He voted the Democratic ticket until 1860, casting his first vote for James K. Polk; he is also a Universalist. He is one of the most prominent citizens of the county, and is always enthusiastic in public enterprises for the advancement of humanity.

JAMES SCHANCK, dealer in horses; Pulaskiville. The subject of this sketch was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Apr. 2,1818. He was raised on a farm, and had few advantages for education, being three miles distant from the




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school-house. On reaching his majority he went from beneath the paternal roof. He soon after purchased forty-eight acres where his son Ulysses lived, and in time added twelve acres more. It was wild land, and heat once began clearing and improving it, working very hard until he was "out of the woods." In about 1845 he began dealing in horses, of which he was always fond. His first venture was to lead a drove of ten or fifteen horses to Cleveland, -where he shipped to Buffalo by steamboat, and then led them through to Tompkins. Co., N. Y. a journey of fifteen days. He has handled from fifty to two hundred horses per year for thirty-five years. During the war he furnished some five hundred horses for the Government. He has shipped to and sold horses in the following markets: New York, Patterson, Newark, Newton, Port Jervis, Providence, Boston, Buffalo, Albany, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus. He married Margaret Stevens, a daughter of Jacob and Nancy Stevens, of this township, on New Year's day, 1840. In eleven months she died, leaving one child, who lived two months longer. In 1842 he united his fortunes with Rebecca Jane Stevens, of the same family. She was born in this township, June 16, 1826. Of this marriage eight children were born-Nancy A., born Aug. 29, 1843; married Banner Hart, of this township; Ulysses, July 4, 1845, married Hattie B. Hammond, and has a son and daughter - Budd D. and Iva M. He is a man of remarkable energy, fine business qualities, and a pleasant gentleman, who is doing a prosperous business with his father in shipping horses; John B., born Aug. 18,1847, died Aug. 13,1874; James, born March 12, 1851, married Mary E. Jenkins, and is now dealing in horses at Providence, R. I., Mary, died when three years old; Alta, born June 6, 1858, married Jos-ph Lincoln, of Congress Tp., Ella May, born Dec. 5, 1861; Ida Belle, Nov. 25,1865. Our subject is the youngest son of William and Mary (Hoff mire) Schanck. His grandfathers, Schanck and Hoffmire, both came from Holland. His father learned the trade of a mason in New York City, and lived for some time in Monmouth, N. J., and went from there to Tompkins Co.; N. Y. About 1831, he emigrated to Huron Co., Ohio, where he lived until about 1836, when he moved to Knox Co., Ohio, where he resided until his death, in about 1841. He was the father- of nine children -William, Rebecca, Anna, Sally, John, Peter, Susan, James and Lydia; of these but three a re living. Peter, a farmer in Clinton Co., Mich.; Lydia, now Mrs. Samuel Peoples, of this township, and James; all the rest leave families. Mr. Shanck lived on what is known as the "Clutter Farm," from 1866 to 1879; but the reverses of business over which he had no control, and for which he was not responsible, came, and he gave up all. He now lives with his son Ulysses, his wife having died. He is a man of quick perception, sound judgment, a close student of human nature, and upright in all his business transactions. Of the Stevens family, extensive mention is made in the history of this township. Abednego Stevens, grandfather of Mrs. Schanck, came to Mt. Vernon about 1810, where he bought a large tract of land, and soon after entered a large body of land in this township; and his son Jacob, settled on the farm where James Lanhers now lives, about 1812. His wife, Nancy, walked through from Bedford Co., Penn. They blazed a road through from Mt. Vernon,, while she walked a distance of eighteen miles and carried her child; and Jacob at one time carried a grist to Mt. Vernon on his back. Her husband was away much of his time at Mt. Vernon, and she was made the victim of the treachery and malice of the Indians, being at home with the little ones. Her husband died in 1829, leaving her with six small children, but she managed to raise them comfortably. She is now living in DeKalb Co., Missouri, in her eighty-seventh year. For the courage and presence of mind in great danger, history should perpetuate her name, along with such heroines as Hannah Dustin.

JOHN SPEAR, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; was born Sept. 8, 1823, in Jefferson Tp., Richland Co., 0.; is the third son of William and Catherine Spear. The mother's maiden name was Will; they raised a family of eleven children-Lucinda, Lorinda, Melinda, William H., Lewis P., Robert C., Benjamin F., John, Philip, Sophrona and George W.; all reached the age of maturity. William Spear emigrated from Upper Canada to Ohio, in 1812, where he began farming, which he followed some time; he then began teaching


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school, and for many years continued in this calling. John Spear engaged in boot and shoemaking at the age of 21 years, but like his father, was soon called upon to assume the position of teacher, which he filled successfully for many terms, working at his trade during vacations until the war commenced. After the War of the Rebellion he worked at shoemaking until 1872, exclusively; since that time he has given his attention to farming. He was married Jan. 12, 1855, to Emily, daughter of John and Margaret (Finch) Singrey. She was born in what is now Perry Tp., of this county, April 22, 1830. This union has been blessed with three children John W., Monroe W. and Rolandus C. The two eldest are successful teachers. Mrs. Spear's father came from Maryland to Ohio in early times,. where he married Margaret Finch. They had a family of seven children Eliza J., Charity A., Harriet R., Margaretta, Emily, Alice and Jacob. Mr. Spear and his estimable wife are both consistent members in the Presbyterian Church at Waterford, in which he, has officiated as Deacon. He has filled various township offices, and at present is Justice of the Peace. He received a common school education, but by his own efforts has attained a culture of mind far superior to the schools of early days. He has voted with the Republican party since its organization.

GARRETT SELOVER, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; among the wealthy and influential agriculturists of Morrow Co., the gentleman whose name heads this sketch deserves more than a passing notice, as a man who has succeed in spite of many discouragements; fie is the third son in a family of five children -J James, Isaac B., Garret, John W. and Mary A.; Garrett was born Sept. 27, 1821, in Tompkins Co., N. Y.; his father, William Selover, and family (except James) came to Middlebury Tp., Knox Co., Ohio, in about 1835, and James, the oldest son, was married in the state of New York, and joined the family the next winter; the parents were natives of New Jersey, and came to New York in an early day. They purchased 75 acres in Middlebury Tp., and 174 in Franklin Tp.; both were in the green woods then. Mr. Selover united in marriage with Elizabeth Winteringer, Dec. 21, 1843, and in about 1844 settled on 100 acres of the present site. Three children were the fruit of this union, all of whom are dead. His wife, Elizabeth, died Oct. 15, 1852. Nov. 8, 1853, he was married to Esther, a. daughter of William and Grace (Lavering) Rambo; she was born June 28, 1826; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and settled near Stephen Cook's, in 1813, where they raised a family of eight children - Reece L., Mary, Daniel, Nathan, Lamech, Tabitha, Eli and Esther. Eli Rambo enlisted in the 26th Michigan Regiment, and fell at Richmond, May 11, 1864. Mr. Selover received a limited education, and by close attention he has developed his mind and amassed a handsome property of 200 acres of land; he and wife hold a membership in the Presbyterian Church; his eminent success in business has made him a useful man in township affairs, and for many years he has been chosen Trustee. He has one son, Lamech R. Selover, who united his fortunes with Hannah J. Rogers, of Montgomery Co., Penn., Dec. 25,1879. Our subject lost his sight in the fall of 1871, and by a painful operation, he partially recovered.

NEWTON SHAW, farmer and breeder of fine sheep; P. O., Chesterville; is a grandson of the first settler in Franklin Tp. He is the second son of David Shaw. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Hardenbrook. He was born December 26, 1826, on the present place. His grandfather, Samuel Shaw, was born near Carlisle, Penn. about 1762. He united in marriage with Margaret McKissick, of that State. In 1808, he purchased six hundred acres of land in this township of James Brady, of Greensburg, Westmorland Co., Penn. Soon after they began the wearisome journey to Ohio, and for some reason stopped one year on the Pickaway Plains. In the summer of 1809, they came to Franklin Tp. and erected the first cabin ever built within its present limits, near the spot where Salathiel. Bonar lives. For two years his was the only white family in the township. His nearest neighbors were Shur and Walker, of Chester Tp. Indians were plentiful, but friendly. "Tom Lion," the Wyandott chief and an Indian named "Dowdy," slept, rolled in their blankets on the floor before the fire of this settlers' cabin. The family consisted of parents, the aged mother of Samuel Shaw, and


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four children-David, father of our subject, who was about 16 years old when they came; Robert; Elizabeth, who married David Peoples. He came a young man of 18 in December, 1810, and entered 100 acres of land near Mr. Shaw's, and was probably the second settler in Franklin. William Shaw was the youngest son. David Shaw, the oldest son of Samuel, was educated in Pennsylvania. As soon as there was a demand for a teacher, he was chosen to wield the "birch" in an old log schoolhouse with paper windows and slab seats. During the vacations, which were long' he cleared land at from three to five dollars per acre. In this way he earned enough to purchase 240 acres, and possessed 400 acres of land. He was a good writer and a man of sound judgment, as an evidence of this, he was chosen to fill the office of Justice of the Peace for 23 years. He was elected Commissioner of Knox Co. before the formation of Morrow. He was Colonel of a Militia Regiment. David Shaw was married to Elizabeth a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth, (Waldron) Hardenbrook. The marriage occurred June 3, 1824. The Hardenbrooks settled in this township in 1816, and raised a family of eleven children. The family of David Shaw numbered eight children-Harrison, a Physician at Mt. Gilead, 0.; Newton, Albert, Asher, Emily, Clorinda, Harriet and Ann. Newton, the subject of these lines, went to the district school in his youth until he learned the rudiments of an "English education," and continued his studies in the Chesterville Union Schools ; then learned plastering and pursued his calling in and near Cincinnati for some years ; spent the winters of 1856, 1857 and 1858 in Louisiana and Mississippi ; In 1861 he returned to the homestead and became a tiller of the soil; ere long he became interested in the improvement of his flock of sheep ; in the spring of 1865 he purchased of Bingham and Dean, ten full blood Spanish Merinos, which he bred with success until 1876, selling sheep which were imported to several different States; in 1876 he bought eight "Registered " ewes from the flock of Robert Perrine of Washington Co., Pa.; subsequently he enlarged his flock by the purchase of fifteen of the celebrated Atwood ewes, bred by his successor R. J. Jones of West Cornwall, Addison Co., Vt.; his flock at present consists of thirty - five ewes and a few rams all having "Registered Pedigree"from flocks of pure blood. Mr. Shaw has given the subject of improvement in sheep his best thought and careful study for nearly twenty years, and ha reached in his present flock a happy combination of all that is desirable in sheep; they are strong, healthy animals, with fleeces of remarkable fineness, density and length of wool We commend this flock of noble animals to those who would improve their own flocks Newton Shaw united his fortunes with Rachel Mann (see biography of Johnson Mann), Nov 3, 1867 ; they have one daughter-May, born May 5, 1874.

J. N. TALMAGE, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the fifth son of John and Rhoda (Gardner) Talmage; was born on the old home farm, Feb. 14, 1830; his father is a native of New Jersey, and settled on the old "Talmage Farm" in 1817, where he lived over a half century; he removed to Fredericktown, 0., where he lived only five months dying Dec. 23,1867. He had engaged during his life in the mechanical pursuits of car penter, joiner and cooper; he came to this country with a small capital, and enduring all the hardships and inconvenience incident to pioneer life, he struggled until he gained competence; nor was he unmindful of the welfare of his fellow-beings; he was one of the first who assisted in planting the cause of Methodism in the count ; it might almost be said that he was the founder of the old Church at the Corners, for he not only assisted largely in building the Church here, but also a other places. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; he was the father of five sons and two daughters-Henry G., Charles F., Jonathan S., Jacob 0., Phebe E., John Newton, and Susan L. John Newton Talmage, from whom this narrative is obtained, passed his early life on the old farm, attending school in the neighborhood until the fall of 1855, when It entered the Ohio Weslyan University, remaining in its classical balls four terms; he then began farming in partnership with his father on the homestead; he continued in this relation until 1864, when he purchase 170 acres; he served his country four month in the 136th Reg., 0. N. G. He united in marriage with Sophia Alverson, Oct. 7, 1856 and five children have blessed this union


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Mary O., Ella M., John Burr, Carl L. and Lavaun. Mrs. Talmage is a daughter of Thomas and Lucinda (Doolittle) Alverson; she was born Nov. 4, 1836, in New York State. Mr. Talmage and family are members of the Seventh Day Adventists' Church, at Waterford; he cast his first vote for John P. Hale, and has been a Republican ever since. We have only space here to record that Mr. Talmage is an earnest, cultured Christian gentleman, of broad views, strong convictions, and a practical man, esteemed by all.

WILLIAM VAN BUSKIRK, farmer; P. O., Pulaskiville; son of John and Catherine (Van Cleve) Van Buskirk, was born Dec. 9, 1798, near Hancock, Md. His parents came by a four-horse team in the fall of 1815. His father entered the quarter section where Shannon Levering lives, and lived in the family of Henry Sams, on the old Green homestead, where William Addlesperger lives, until he could erect a cabin in the wilderness of Perry Tp.; by dint of hard labor that winter, they partially cleared seven acres, which they planted in corn, among the trees and stumps in the spring of 1816. A member of this family was Lawrence Van Buskirk, an intelligent, large hearted pioneer, a school-master, who taught the first school in what is now Perry Tp., near where Joshua Singrey lives, in 1817, at $1.50 per scholar for three months; his services proved so satisfactory that he was retained for seven terms. It was in this rude old log school-house, whose only floor was the "terra firma" that William, then a youth of 19, finished his education. He worked at home until he was 25, serving in the meantime, as the first Constable of Perry Tp. [See Township History.] He was married Aug. 31, 1824, to Phebe Slater, of Knox Co., Ohio. After marriage Mr. Vail Buskirk removed to Marion Co., near Caledonia, where a large encampment of Delaware Indians still remain. In the fall of 1825 he purchased 80 acres in the woods, and settled in Claridon Tp., then a large area. Among these backwoodsmen it was found at the first election that our subject and George Beckley were the only men there who could write a pollbook; his services were in large demand; he served twelve years as Justice of the Peace, and filled various other township offices. In 1864 he sold his farm in Marion Co. to the Broad Gauge Railroad, and purchased 70 acres on the present site. He raised two sons and two daughters-Henry, who served three years in the late war under Gen. Banks, and was in seven severe battles; John enlisted under Gen.. Burbridge, but died of sunstroke early in the struggle, and Catherine and Esther. Mr. Van Buskirk has been a member of the regular Baptist Church for nearly sixty years, and has been Clerk at different times; he cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and still remains a Democrat of the old fashioned type.

YELVERTON C. WAIT, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; is the only son of John J. and Almy A. Wait, and was born Dec. 11, 1843, in Franklin Tp. He farmed in partnership with his father until 1877, when he purchased his present home of 204 acres of Charles B. Lavering. He married Lydia C. Manson, Aug. 25, 1865. She is the only daughter of William and Rhoda (Orme) Manson, and was born Aug. 6, 1844, in Shelby Co., Ohio. Her father was a native of Maine, and came to Ohio about 1839, where he soon after married Rhoda Orme of Knox Co., Ohio, They then removed to Darke Co., Ohio, where he was engaged in business for six years. From here he removed to Shelby Co., where he remained two years. He then removed to Allen Co.; he stayed here five years, returning to Knox Co., where he died March 22, 1852. He was a successful Physician, and a practical Druggist. The late ex-Sheriff, Manson, is a brother of Mrs. Lydia C. Wait. Mr. and Mrs. Wait have a promising family of six children-Florence C., William J., Cora A., John M., Ralph and an infant. Mr. Wait, like his father, is a supporter of Republican principles.

JOHN JOHNSON WAIT, farmer; P. O., Chesterville; was a native of Vermont; he is the son of Yelverton and Elizabeth (Olin) Wait, and was born Aug. 11, 1817, in Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., Vt.; his father was a native of Rhode Island, and came in an early day with his parents to Vermont; he departed this life March 22, 1829, when John was only eleven years old, and from that time until he reached his majority he took charge of the family affairs and its support; when he was 21 years of age, he, in company with an uncle, came 400 miles in a sleigh and the rest of the way


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in a wagon; reaching Knox Co., Ohio, they soon set out on foot for Greenville, Ohio; from there they walked to Sandusky, Ohio taking the steamer at this point they went to Detroit, and from there on foot to Kalamazoo, Mich., and from there they walked back to Knox Co., Ohio. At this point, Mr. Wait having spent about $70 in an almost fruitless journey, finds himself almost penniless; so he goes to work by the month at $12 per month, which he continued for four years. He then married Almy A. Corwin, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Patrick) Corwin. Mr. and Mrs. Wait wore married Dec. 29, 1841, and they settled on the present site in 1845, then only fifty acres, costing $600; a large portion he purchased on credit, but soon, by tact and prudence, he paid for this, and has since added lot after lot, until his domain now covers 400 acres of fine arable land. He has defied and set at naught the maxims of Franklin, going in debt for large sums at each purchase, he has by sheer force of will and indomitable energy paid his obligation, and improved the land by erecting good substantial buildings. He has taken a deep interest in the improvement of stock; he is now starting a flock from registered animals of the Alwood and Hammond pure Spanish Merinos; has five beautiful representatives of that famous flock direct from Vermont. Mr. Wait was a Democrat until the passage of the Fugitive Slave law; since then he has identified himself with the Republican party. They have a family of four children-Emily S., Yelverton C., Cordelia P. and Orril D.; four others died when young; of those living all are married except Orril D. Benjamin Corwin was a cousin to the statesman and orator Thomas Corwin. He came to Clinton Tp., Knox Co., Ohio, about 1808. There was only one cabin in Mt. Vernon at that time; he sunk a tanyard here, probably the first in Knox Co., and remaining here until 1811 or 12, he sold his tanyard at Clinton and purchased 500 acres of land of Joseph Smith, on the Johnstown Road; here he sunk another tanyard-the first in Franklin. The only neighbors they had in those days were the Blairs, Cooks, Matins and the Walkers; Mrs. Corwin would go out in a still morning to listen for the crowing of chickens, to learn whether any new settlements had been made. He built a cabin and cleared a farm of 150 acres. They raised a family of eleven children-Mrs. Almy A. Wait was born Sept. 27, 1820, and was the sixth in the family; Jane, James, Cyrus, Aditha, Eliza, Almy A., Lucinda, Stephen, Mary, Hannah and Benjamin F. All reached manhood and womanhood.


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