242 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY DARBY TOWNSHIP - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JOHN W. ADAMS, deceased. Our subject, John W. Adams came of New England stock, but was born in Madison County, Ohio, where his father, Charles H., who was a native of Connecticut, settled when that county was a wilderness, and lived to the close of his life. John W. subsequently moved and settled on the farm now occupied by Warren Harris in Darby Township, Union County, where he resided until his death. His wife, Miss Etha Delp, to whom he was married in this county, was a native of Germany, and a daughter of George H. Delp, of a pioneer family of Union County. Of the six children born to this union, live are living as follows: Charles H., who married Mary Harris, of this county; Albert married Sarah J. Harris, of this county; David, Edward and William. The two latter at home, and David, at this time, July 1882, is largely engaged in banking business at O'Neil City, Neb., where he has been associated the past two years. The present generation of the Adams family represent the descendants of one of the oldest and respected pioneer connections of Madison and Union Counties. J. Q. ADAMS, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center. The Adams and Eastman families were of New England stock. Charles ff. Adams and Maluthia, his wife, the grandparents, were among the first arrivals of pioneers in Madison County, Ohio, where they both died. A. P. and Betty R. (Converse) Adams, the parents of our subject, were both born and reared on Darby Plains. They raised a family of six children, but two of whom survive, viz., J. Q. and the youngest sister, now the wife of S. McNeir, of Hardin County, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was born on the homestead in Madison County, in 1841. He was married in 1861 to Miss Mary Mc- DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 243 Neir, of this county. He served the three months' call for volunteers in Company K, Ohio National Guards, in 1864, and in 1866 settled upon his present estate, consisting of 123 acres. He is School Director at the present time, and a member of the Christian Church. His living children are Flora and Elizabeth U. J. M. ANDREWS, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, was born in Montpelier. Vt., February 24, 1814, and is a son of Charles Andrews. He with his family settled in this county in 1814, purchasing at the time a large tract of land. He died in 1823, and she in either 1818 or 1819. Seven children were born to them, two daughters and five sons. He married for his second wife Elizabeth Hurlburt, by whom he had two children. Our subject learned the blacksmith trade when a young man, and when of age he had only $35 in money. In 1841, he bought 160 acres of land, to which he has since added by purchase, and owns at present 361 acres. January 21, 1841, he was married to Ann, daughter of Samuel Sager, who bore him twelve children, four of whom are living, viz., Elizabeth, Ira, Alvira and Sarah. A son, Anson P., enlisted, in 1861, in the Thirteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he died at Sutton, W. Va., September 13, 1861. Mr. A. has served as Township Trustee a number of terms, and is an exemplary member of the Methodist Church. May 9, 1871, his residence was burned to the ground, and the following year he erected a commodious house which for design and finish has few equals. He is also interested in fish culture and his fish pool is stocked with imported German carp. RUFUS ANDREWS, farmer, P. O. Plain City, is the youngest son of Charles and Alvira (Hubbard) Andrews, of Connecticut, who settled in this county in 1814, purchasing at the time a large tract of land. Afterward be bought a tract of land in Franklin County, Ohio. He died in 1823, his wife died in 1819. Our subject was bound out at the age of fourteen years, and four years later went to Madison County, Ohio. May 27, 1840, he was married to Sophia C., daughter of C. Smith, by whom he had six children, one of whom is living, viz., Frank E. Our subject owns 100 acres of the homestead farm and in all he is the possessor of 275 acres of valuable land. His son, Charles C., enlisted in 1863, in the three months' service, and reenlisted in the Eighteenth United States Regulars, for three years, but on account of sickness was discharged. After recovering he again enlisted in the Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served till the close of the war. Our subject married for his second wife Sarah N., daughter of H. Wheeler, who was born September 3, 1826. Mr. Andrews was born August 13, 1817. ADDISON BIDWELL, farmer, P. O. Plain City, is a son of Elisha and Doratha (Willey) Bidwell, both natives of Vermont. The family moved to Madison County, Ohio, in 1812, and settled upon 160 acres of military land now embraced in the limits of Canaan Township. He subsequently located on the Little Darby in Pike Township, where he put up the first saw mill erected in this part of the country, which he operated for many years. While felling a tree from the forest to complete the erection of his log cabin in Canaan Township, his right arm was caught and terribly crushed, which left that member a cripple for life. There being no surgeons at that time, his arm was bandaged by the settlers, and all aid extended which willing hearts could bestow. He subsequently became one of the largest and most extensive stock-dealers of the times. He cut and sold timber that built many of the first houses of that county. The first cattle's sale in Madison County was made by him. He was the father of seventeen children, fifteen of whom lived to be men and women. The subject of this sketch was born on the homestead in Madison County, Ohio, June 18, 1822. He was married in the same county September 14, 1843, to Miss Mary A., daughter of John Kennedy, a pioneer family of Madison, where she was born. Seven children born to this union are all living, viz. : Elizabeth, wife of S. Holycross, Jasper N., John Q., Alvina, wife of George Fenner, Rosena, wife of M. Guy, Howard, and William H., residing with his parents at home. Mr. Bidwell is connected with the Church Universal of Plain City, and is one of the oldest and respected pioneers of the county. JOHN BLAND, farmer, P. 0. Milford Center, was born in Rutledge County, Va., in 1825, and is a son of Samuel and Abigal (Pherris) Bland, of Virginia. They settled in this county in 1839, and he died in Milford Center in 1877. His estimable wife is yet living at the age of seventy-seven years. Twelve children were born to them, nine of whom are living. Our subject learned the cooper's trade, which he followed seven years. His present estate consists in 194 acres, on which he located in 1874. In 1848, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Edward Kennedy. Mrs. Bland died July 7, 1873. Thirteen children were born to them, six of whom are living, viz.: Robert, John L., Emma, John J., Maggie and Joah. PETER BLUMENSHINE farmer, P. O. Marysville, is a son of Adam Blumenshine, a native of Germany, who, emigrating with his family to the United States, settled in this township, and was one of its early pioneers. He was the father of twelve children, six of whom survive. The subject of this sketch was born in Union County in 1836. He was married in 1857 to Miss Margaret Colabaken, a native of Germany, who died leaving two children. His present wife was Miss Barbara Klieber, was born in Union County, and is a daughter of John Klieber. This union has borne two children, both of whom are living. Mr. Blumenshine began the struggle of life with nothing but a strong arm, a willing heart, and the energies of his nature. By close application and perseverance he has accumulated a handsome property and home. He settled 244 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. on his present estate in 1857, consisting of ninety-six acres, upon which is a commodious residence, and is rich and productive land. His living children are Annie, John, Effie E. and Louis G. The family is connected with the German Lutheran Church. ADAM BROWN, deceased. This esteemed pioneer whose demise occurred after securing this sketch, was born in Fayette County, Penn., September 2, 1813; he was the eldest son of John and Martha (Clark) Brown, both of whom were natives of Fayette County, Penn. ; they were among the pioneers to Darby Township in the spring of 1834, settling on the banks of the Big Darby; the homestead purchase covered 256 acres, but subsequent additions in Darby and York Townships, gave him upward of 700 acres, 600 of which were within the boundaries of Darby Township. John Brown was one of the active men of his time, and figured extensively in the various settlements of the county. He died at his home during the Presidential term of President Tyler. He raised a family of twelve children, two sons and three daughters of whom are living. The subject of this sketch was raised on the homestead farm, and on December 11, 1834, was married to Miss Mary, daughter of John Jolly, who died in July 1860, leaving one son, Andrew, whose sketch appears in this work. He was again married in October 1861, to Mrs. Mary A. Price, a widow of William Price, a native of Richland County Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel Berryhill, who was a Representative to the Legislature from that and surrounding counties, at the first session ever held at Columbus. He was among the early pioneers of the West, and a man of prominence and ability. Adam Brown occupied his cozy home at Unionville Center in 1867, where he resided until his death in the fall of 1882. He was a man of exemplary habits, refined character, and was widely known and highly esteemed throughout the county. For years he was connected with the Presbyterian Church at Milford Center, and in the distribution of his abundant means, he gave freely to benevolent purposes, assisting public enterprises and improvements; with his death passed away a worthy citizen, a good father and devoted husband. ANDREW BROWN, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, was born on the old homestead near Unionville in 1841. he is the only living child of Adam Brown, 2d. His farm, which embraces the homestead, contains 115 acres. He was married in 1863 to Nancy Valentine, a native of Union County, and a daughter of James Valentine. Five children were born to them; of these four are living, viz.: Addie L., Fred F., Ruby W. and Laurena. Mattie is deceased. Mr. Brown filled the office of Assessor five years, and Land Appraiser one term-1880. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is identified with the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of the Masonic order. Politically, he is Democratic. H. A. CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. Plain City, is a son of Abner and Relief (Baldwin) Chapman, natives of Vermont. He, with his youngest brother, David, came on foot to this State in 1810, and located in Franklin County, Ohio, and the following year removed to this county and engaged in teaching school near Plain City, having taught first at his own house, and was the first educator in this whole section of country; he taught off and on for twenty years. During the time he was thus engaged, he done surveying, the most of which was performed in Logan County, Ohio. He also served in the capacity of Justice of the Peace, and was Captain at one time of a company of Home Guards. Six of his children grew to manhood and womanhood, but the following only are living: Annis, Samuel D. and H. Amass. He died in 1864, at the age of seventy-four years. She died in 1878. In early life, he kept a hotel and sold whisky, and, becoming imbued with the principles of temperance, he burst his barrels and let the vile stuff escape. The subject of this sketch was born in Jerome Township in 1825. In 1862, he enlisted in Company 1, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war. In 1852, he was married to Elizabeth H., daughter of Charles Chapman, who bore him five children, two of whom are living, viz.: Darius A. and Fred F. Mrs. C. died in 18- His second marriage was celebrated April 16, 1868, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Wesley Hicks, who bore him two children, one living, viz., Earnest. She died in February 1882. She was a graduate of Oberlin College, and taught school twenty-six years, having begun when only sixteen years old. She was an active worker in the church, and during the late war she labored incessantly for the comfort and welfare of our soldiers. Mr. C. and his deceased wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church, to which he has been connected many years. JASPER CONVERSE, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, is a grandson of Squire Converse, and a son of Edwin G. and Louisa (Ketch) Converse. His father was a native of Vermont, and came with his father to Ohio in an early day, settling in Madison County, where the Squire died. The subject of this sketch was born in Jerome Township, this county, in 1840; his parents died when he was eleven years of age, and he was put under the care of L. M. Fairbanks, by whom he was raised. When the call for troops was made in 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Eighteenth United States Infantry, regular service, in which he served until one month after the battle of Stone River. The regiment was then consolidated into battalions, and he was transferred to Company F, First Battalion, in which he served the balance of his three years' term of enlistment. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Perryville, siege of Corinth, Winchester, Tenn., Resaca, and lastly, at Pumpkin Vine Creek, where he was taken sick and sent to the hospital, where he remained until the close of his term of service; he was discharged near Jonesboro, Ga. In 1864, he married Melissa, a daughter of Perry Douglas, and a native DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 245 of Madison County. To this union five children have been born, four now living, viz.: Perry, C., Elta M. and Ada I. Mr. Converse settled on his present farm of eighty-one acres In 1865, and has since made it his home. He had two brothers in the war; Henry G. enlisted in the same company and regiment, and died at Louisville while in the service; Ammon P. enlisted in December 1861, in the Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles at Shiloh and Vicksburg, and with Sherman in the march to the sea. He suffered from sickness, but remained with his command until the close of his term of service. CALEB H. CONVERSE, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center. Rev. Jeremiah Converse, the Grandparent of Caleb, was a native of New Hampshire. He joined the Colonial army when sixteen years of age, and was sent out with a company of scouts who were decoyed by the Indians, and but three of the command returned. He was wounded in the shoulder, but escaped, and soon after the close of the war in 1814 moved with his family and settled on Darby Plains, in Madison County, Ohio. He was a cripple for life from the wound, but lived to attain the advanced age of eighty-two years, dying in 1837. Parley Converse, father of Caleb, was the second son, born in Vermont. He was a minuteman drafted in the war of 1812, but did not serve. He was a mechanic, and held the office of Justice of the Peace many years. His wife, whose maiden name was Arpe Hemenway, was a native of Vermont, who bore him five children, all of whom lived to maturity. They occupied a pioneer home in Madison County, in 1819, when she died in 1823. His death occurred at the home of his son Caleb, in this county, and was in eighty-sixth year of his age. The subject of this sketch was born in Addison County, Vt., in 1810. He was married in 1830 to Miss Lovica L. Retch, a native of Madison County, Ohio. After his removal to Union County, he settled in Champaign County, but returned in 1846 and occupied his present estate consisting of 227 acres, valued at $65 per acre. He was Justice of the Peace for a time, and served the county as Clerk and Treasurer in its primitive days. Seven children born to him, are all living, viz.: Nathan W., Obel B., Sarah, wife of G. D. Mitchell, Orson P. and John L., both served in the Union Army during the rebellion; Bushrod W., and Orinda J., wife of Elon Smith. Family is connected with the M. E. Church of Unionville Center. S. M. DOCKUM, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, is a grandson of James C. and Polly Dockum, natives of Now Hampshire, from which point they entered Canada, and were residents of Dunham ten years, In 1813, they moved and settled on the Little Darby in this township; thence to Madison County, Ohio, where he founded a home on Barron Run and passed the remainder of life's journey, dying in the seventy-second year of his age. The subject of this sketch was born in Madison County, Ohio, August 7, 1840, and is the seventh son of James and "stay (Clement) Dockum. His father was first married to Miss Phebe, daughter of Jacob Jones. April 5, 1819; she died July 29, 1822, aged twenty-two years. Three children, the fruits of this union, an all deceased. His second marriage was to Miss Betsy Clement, which occurred April 13, 1826; eight sons were born to this union, three of whom are living, viz.: Maskel, Marium and Lester. Mr. Dockum was reared on the homestead farm and has always followed that occupation. He! served in the three months' call for volunteers in 1862, enlisting in Company E, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was married in 1865, to Miss Maggie, daughter of David Sager, and a native of Darby Township. Mr. Dockum is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a representative branch of one of the oldest and respected families. Minnie in there is their only living child. LESTER A. DOCKUM, merchant, Unionville Center, is a grandson of James C. and Polly Dockum, natives of New Hampshire, from which point they entered Canada, where they resided until 1813, when they moved and occupied a pioneer home on the Little Darby in this township; subsequently he moved to Madison County, where he lived to the close of his life, aged seventy two years. The subject of this sketch was born in Madison County, Ohio, in 1845, and is a son of James and Betsy (Clement) Dockum, natives of Vermont and New York respectively. Mr. Dockum was reared on the homestead. He served the three months' call for volunteers in the Union army, enlisting in Company K, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, but the regiment did not go into active service until 1864. He was married in 1866 to Miss Hattie V., daughter of John Russell, and a native of this county. In 1879, Mr. Dockum succeeded Fouke & Co., in a general stock of goods at Unionville Center, where he has since been actively engaged, and is conducting a good trade. He carries a complete stock of goods, and is widely and favorably known. He is a member of the City Council, the Masonic fraternity, and politically is a thorough Republican. His living children are Ettie B. and Adelbert H. JOHN DOUGLASS, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, is the youngest son of David, Jr., and Sarah (Mathews) Douglass, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Kentucky, where they were married. Be, David, Jr.. was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father, David, served in the Revolutionary War. Father and son were early settlers of Madison County, where they raised families and died. David, Jr., raised a family of twelve children, all but one of whom are living. The subject of this sketch was born in Madison County, Ohio, in April 1830. He was raised on the homestead farm, and was married in his native county to Miss Anne Converse March 9, 1852. She was born in Madison County, Ohio, July 27, 1830. Her 246 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. father, Charles Converse, was born January 22, 1794, and died in Madison County, Ohio, October 8, 1879. His wife, Phebe, (Norton) Converse, was born December 10, 1803, and died January 14, 1870. John and Anna Douglass had born to them four children, two of whom are living, viz.: Emma J., wife of L. H. Miller, and David M. Mr. Douglass settled on his present farm in 1858, at that time consisting of ninety-seven acres, covered with a dense wood. This land he has worked energetically in clearing, and now has a fine farm of 103 acres, valued at $65 per acre, the original purchase being $12 1/2 per acre. Mr. Douglass enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio National Guards, three months' service, in 1864, and served the call. The Douglas family are noted for longevity and robust constitution. They are among the oldest pioneer families of the county, and are members of the Church Universal at Plain City. JOHN M. EIRICH, farmer, P. O. Marysville, was born in Darby Township, Union County, in 1837, and is the oldest son of his parents born in this county. His father's name was George, and his mother's maiden name was Barbara Rupprecht, and both were natives of Germany. He was born in Bavaria, where he was married, and with his wife and five children embarked to the United States in 1837, and made a temporary location in this township, where he resided through the winter, and in the spring of 1838 purchased the farm now occupied by his Son, the subject of our sketch, then consisting of eighty acres. During the latter year he erected a log house, and occupied the premises in the spring of 1839. He resided upon the farm during his life, and raised on the homestead farm two children, our subject and a younger brother, Gottlieb, who resides in Van Wert County, Ohio His father died in 1847. He was a consistent church member all his life, and a worthy and esteemed citizen. The wife and widow who survives him is residing with her children in the eighty-sixth year of her age. Subsequent additions to the homestead farm has increased a 160 acres. The subject of this sketch was brought up on the homestead farm, and was married in 1866 to Miss Caroline Burger, a native of Marion County, Ohio. To this union three children have been born, all of whom are living, viz.: John V., Mary B. and Emanuel P. Mr. E. has filled the office of Assessor two years, and Township Trustee two years, and prior to his marriage engaged in teaching district school for four consecutive winters, from which time be has been :in invalid, after a severe attack of typhus fever. This has prohibited him from labor, and confined him to his home. He has always been connected with the Lutheran Church, and an officer of the church here for some time. L. M. FAIRBANKS, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, came to this State in 1837. He was born in Windsor County, Vt., in 1824, and is a son. of Luther and Lucy (Lewis) Fairbanks, both natives of that State. They came to Ohio at the date above written, and Settled on the Darby, in Union Township. Luther was a farmer, and worked at farming some years, after which he returned to Massachusetts and remained six or eight years, but subsequently returned to Ohio, and died at the residence of his son at the age of seventy-six years. His wife preceded him to the grave. The subject of this sketch was raised on the homestead farm in Union Township, and afterward returned to the Eastern States and remained three or four years. He then settled on his present farm of 220 acres of valuable and productive land. He followed his trade of wagon-maker from lt144 to 1850, in Union Township. He is largely engaged in stock and grain dealing at the present time; has been Trustee of the township, and a member of the Agricultural Board eight years. He is one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of the county, and in politics a Republican. In 1846, he married Miss Mary A. Smith a native of New York State, a history of whose ancestry is hereto appended. This union was blest with tell children, of whom seven survive, viz. : Charles W., Luther M., William D., Newton H., Jennie, Nellie and Harry. WILLIAM DE FOREST SMITH and family settled on the Darby Plains, four miles South of Milford, in 1835. He and a brother-in-law, Dr. Benjamin Davenport-a famous physician, still held in grateful remembrance by old residents of Union and Champaign Counties-started from Columbia County, State of New York, early in 1834, for the West. Not having determined on the location, the families of the two young men were left in charge of Mr. Smith in Wilkesbarre, in the picturesque valley of Lehigh, while Dr. Davenport surveyed the promised land. He selected the Darby Plains, where cousins of his, James Miller and the Culvers, were already residing on extensive forms. The next year the families followed, crossing the mountains in wagons, the only mode of conveyance in those times. Here Mr. Smith opened a carriage shop, and in later years added to the diversity of his employment by farming. Besides the land on the plains, he purchased jointly with his son-in-law, L. M. Fairbanks, a farm cut out of the Virginia military tract on the Big Darby near the Madison County line. William De Forest Smith was born in Litchfield County, Conn., April 3, 1805. He was a descendant of the Rev. Henry Smith, a Congregational clergyman, active in affairs in the early times of that colony. His grandfather, Bethel Smith, a farmer, who resided at Kent, on the Housatonic River, was born in 1728, and lived to be about a century old. His father, Lyman Smith, also a farmer, married Elizabeth De Forest. Soon after his birth his mother died, and Lyman went to the Green River Valley, Columbia County, N. Y., where he had a farm, to reside. He survived his wife only about five years, dying at the early age of thirty. The orphan child William was sent to live with an uncle near Great Barrington, Mass., where he was educated and instructed as a mechanic, DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 247 William De Forest Smith married a daughter of Deacon Story Gott, of Green River-Almira Gott, who was born May 21, 1809. The Gott family is also one of the oldest of the Connecticut families. Story Gott was a direct descendant of the Daniel Gott who was among the emigrants who arrived in New England prior to 1690, and settled in the valley of the Connecticut. The family was Dutch, and had been driven out of the Netherlands by Spanish Catholic persecutions; and again left England to seek perfect religious freedom in America. Story Gott, the father of Almira Gott, served as a Lieutenant throughout the Revolutionary war, thus testifying the willingness of the blood to fight for civil as well as religious liberty. After the close of the war, he built a residence on a farm he owned in the Green River Valley, midway between Green River and Spencertown, where be raised a large family, and was known to be as zealous a Presbyterian and Freemason as he had been a soldier. The family were Federalist, then Whig, and then Republican in politics, and very active. Story Gott's brother Daniel was a Member of Congress, and for many years a Judge of the Court of Appeals. Both of the brothers were personal friends as well as political associates of Horace Greeley. William De Forest Smith died in October 1849. Almira, his wife, survived him about twelve years. They were buried in the cemetery at Milford. The children of William De Forest and Almira Gott Smith who survive, are Ann Elizabeth, born 1828; Mary Adelaide, born 1829; Charles Warren, born 1831; William Henry, born 1833; and Celia J., born 1841. All are married and have families of their own. The eldest daughter married W. W. Norton; the second, L. M. Fairbanks, and the third, Clark Ritchie. The elder son, C. W. Smith adopted and has followed the railroad business, and is today one of the most prominent and successful railroad officers in the United States. He is the General Manager of the Chesapeake and Ohio system which extends from Newport News at the confluence of the James River and Chesapeake Bay to Memphis, Tenn., and which is soon to be united with the Southern Pacific at Shreveport, La. His headquarters are at Richmond, Va. The second son, William Henry Smith, graduated at a Quaker College near Richmond, Ind., and adopted the profession of a journalist. When twenty-one years of age, he edited at Cincinnati, a literary monthly called the Casket and Review, and a weekly called The Type of the Times. Subsequently he became connected with the daily press of Cincinnati, and when the war broke out was on the editorial staff of the Gazette. In 1863, he was invited by John Brough, Ohio's great war Governor, became his private secretary, and while holding that position was nominated and elected Secretary of State on the Union ticket in 1864, and was reelected in 1866. He resigned this office in January 1868, to return to journalism. He established the Cincinnati Chronicle, and on that being merged into the Times, accepted the appointment of General Manager of the Western Associated Press, the largest news organization in the world, with headquarters at Chicago. This was in January 1870. When Rutherford B. Hayes was elected President, he appointed Mr. Smith Collector of Customs for the port of Chicago, which office he held until after the death of President Garfield, when his commission having expired, he declined to permit his name to be used longer in connection with the office. Mr. Smith has written a great deal, his largest literary work being "The St. Clair Papers," two volumes, octavo, which covers the years of the Revolutionary war, Government under the Confederation, and the Government of the Northwestern Territory before Ohio was admitted as a State. GEORGE FENNER, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, eldest son of Hezekiah and Lucinda (Kimball) Fenner, was born in Union County, in October 1846; his grandfather, Benjamin Fenner, came to near Liverpool, Madison County, at an early day, and purchased a farm of sixty acres. The subject of this sketch was reared in Union County, and educated in the common schools of his native place. In 1871, he was married to Celia Morse, daughter of Jason Morse. Mrs. Fenner died in 1874, and left one son-Alfred E. Mr. F. married for his second wife Alvira Bidwell, a native of this county, and a daughter of Addison Bidwell, an early settler of the county. Two children were born to this union-Howard N. and Oscar A. Mr. Fenner settled on his present farm in 1871, and is engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. His farm contains 121 acres of land, valued at $75 per acre. A. J. FERGUSON, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., June 17, 1827, and is a son of William and Anna (Robbins) Ferguson. He was born in Seatland and she in New Jersey; he died in Pennsylvania in 1844. The widow with her eldest son, Wesley, came to this county in 1855; she died May 18, 1862. Our subject purchased his present estate in 1858. January 1, 1851, he was married to Eleanor, daughter of John and Margaret Jolly, who has borne him eight children, six of whom are living-Elton W., Andrew, McClellan, Mertie, Hattie M. and Nettie. April 25, 1861, Mr. Ferguson enlisted in Company F, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry three months' service; he reenlisted November 21, 1861, in Company K, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years and one month. He passed through many of the hard-fought battles of the war, twenty-three in number; he was promoted February 16, 1862, to Second Lieutenant, and again to the First Lieutenancy after the battle of Shiloh, and was made Captain of Company C after the battle of Jonesboro. He has served in the capacity of Township Clerk for nearly twenty years, and assessed the township in 1880, and the same year took the census of Darby Township. In 1870, he was a land appraiser; he is also a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, and also of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which latter he is a Vice Commandant. 248 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. JOHN GUY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, is a son of James and Mary (Carey) Guy, and a grandson of Jacob and Hannah (Bean) Guy, who was born in Caledonia County, Vt. He removed to Canada in which he lived till the war of 1812, when he returned to the States and set, tied in Franklin County, Ohio, and some years later he returned to Canada, where his wife died; he afterward returned and died in Madison County, Ohio. James Guy was born in Vermont, and his wife in Madison County, Ohio. He settled in this county in 1845, and afterward dealt largely in stock. Nine children were born to them, eight of whom are living-Ann, Rhoda, Harriet, Mari, John, James H., Marshall P. and Lucy; Eliza M., the oldest, deceased. Our subject enlisted in 1868, in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment, one hundred day service. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. MARSHALL P. GUY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in 1845, on the old homestead farm in Darby Township, upon which he has always resided. The original purchase of 146 sores has received subsequent additions, and now consists of 552 acres, of which he owns one half. He was raised as a farmer, and in 1872 married Miss Ross Bidwell, a daughter of Addison and Mary A. Bidwell, early pioneers of this township, where she was born and raised. This union has been blest with four children, three surviving, viz.: Alice, Rodney and Effie. During the rebellion Mr. Guy served as a private in 1864, in the one hundred days' service, with Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio National Guards. He is a believer in the doctrine of universal salvation and a member of the Universalist Church at Plain City. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity and one of the substantial freeholders of this township. WARREN HARRIS, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, is the youngest son of Ganet and Sarah (Orr) Harris, and was born in Darby Township, Union County, in 1836. He was raised on the homestead farm in this township, and resided at home until after his marriage, which occurred in March 1855, to Miss Eliza A. McNier, a native of this county and a daughter of John and Lydia McNier, early pioneers of this county. To this union four children have been born, all of whom are living-Mary S., wife of Charles H. Adams, resides in this township; Sarah J., wife of Albert Adams. resides in the county; Isaac W. and John E., both residing at home. Mr. Harris settled on his present farm, consisting of seventy-five and one-third acres, in February 1879. He has always made Union County his home, and is connected with the Christian Church, and is one of the relics of the old and early pioneers of the county. S. B. HOLYCROSS is a son of David and Phoebe Fenner Holycross, natives Virginia and Rhode Island, respectively, who settled in this county when they were married. Nine children were born to them, seven of whom are living. One son, Perry, enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. and was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga and subsequently died in a hospital. The subject of this sketch is the oldest son, and was born in Madison County, Ohio, in 1838. He served in the one hundred days' service in the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards. HIRAM KENT, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, is the fourth child of Silas and Olive (West) Kent, natives of Now Jersey and Connecticut, respectively, who came to Ohio in 1807 and located in Franklin County, where they were among the early pioneers. Our subject was born in Franklin County, in 1807, about three months after his family arrived at their Western home. The family subsequently removed to Greene County, and from there to Montgomery County, where they remained until Hiram attained the age of thirteen years, when they moved to Madison County and settled on Darby Plains. They subsequently moved to Union County and settled on the farm now owned by George Caldwell, which they afterward sold, and purchased in the same township another farm, upon which the father passed the rest of his life, dying in the fifty-sixth year of his age. His wife afterward moved to Appanoose County, Iowa, where she died. They raised a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are living. He was a man of quiet, unostentatious habits, who had no aspirations for political honors and gave his entire time to the pursuits of private life. The subject of this sketch remained at home until April 16, 1829, when he was married, on the home place, by Rev. Samuel Bradford, to Miss Miranda Harrington, who was born at East Montpelier, Vt., November 8, 1807. To them were born seven children, of whom two survive, viz.: Cicero and Lucinda. The former married Margaret J. Moffard and has five children, three sons and two daughters. The latter is the wife of E. W. Barlow. Mr. Kent settled on the farm now occupied by him in 1838. It consists of 162 acres of valuable land. His advantages for education in early life were limited, and the substance of which he is now possessed has been acquired by his own energy, economy and perseverance. He is a thorough Republican in politics, and for thirty years has been a member of the Masonic order. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN F. KILBURY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan Township, Madison County, Ohio, in 1834, and is a son of Thomas and Martha (Finch) Kilbury, both natives of Vermont, who joined the pioneer settlements of Madison County at an early time. His wife died after bearing him eight children, seven of whom survive. He was again united to Mrs. Polly Somers, widow of James Somers, by whom he had five children. Three by this union are living, and the respected and aged pioneer is at this time, 1882, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. The subject of this sketch was reared on the homestead, and when nearly of age moved to Frank- Page 249 - Picture of S. S. Jeruell Page 250 Blank DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 251 lin County, Ohio, where he was married December 1856, to Miss Lydia A., daughter of Jonathan Norton, a native of Franklin County. Three years afterward, he returned to Madison County, and in 1866 purchased the land of his present farm, seventy acres, upon which he settled, and has since made it his home. He is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Plain City, and has a family of seven children, all of whom are living, viz.: George E., Della J., Laura, Annette, John S., James S. and Charles F. ASA KILBURY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, is a son of Richard and Obediana (Baldwin) Kilbury, natives of Vermont, who came to this county in 1814. He (Richard) was a son of John Kilbury, a native of England, who served seven years in the British Navy. He was set at liberty on the American shore, and settled in the above State, where he died. Richard settled in Darby Township, Madison County, Ohio, where he lived many years. He died at the age of ninety years (nearly). He was a smith by trade. Our subject was born June 24, 1806. He was married March 18, 1832, to Ruth Clark, who bore him nine children, of whom five are living, viz.: James, Robert, Mortimer, Dunbar and Solomon ff. Mr. K. settled on his present estate, which consists of 192 acres, in 1863. He is one of the intelligent and enterprising citizens of the county, and in every respect a progressive man. He is an exemplary member of the Christian Church and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. JOHN KNOCK, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, was born in England in 1819, and in 1840 emigrated to this country with a brother Joseph, whose whereabouts is unknown. He located first in Summit County, Ohio, and afterward removed to this county in which he lived fourteen months; he then resided in various places until 1852, when he located in Union County. He now owns 156 acres of good land. He was married in 1846, to Grace Morrison, who has borne him five children, four of whom are living, viz.: Herman J., Adelia J., deceased, Mary L., Marills G. and Charles 11. He has served in the capacity of Trustee and Justice of the Peace. On his lard is a magnetic spring which flows continually. J. P. MARTIN, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, was born in Darby Township October 2, 1836. His parents, James and Edith (Penrose) Martin, were natives of Lancaster County, Penn. They come to Union County in a wagon, arriving in Darby Township, in September 1835. Mr. Martin erected a log house on the site of our subject's present residence, and is still living, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. He reared a family of six children, of whom four are now living. Our subject is the only son. He was reared on the homestead and educated in the schools of his native place, and Otterbein University. In September 1869, he removed to his present location. In the second year of the rebellion, Mr. Martin enlisted in Company D, Fortieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served three months, and was discharged by an act of the War Department. He reenlisted in November 1862, in - Ohio Cavalry, and served till the close of the war. He was subsequently employed in the mustering service at Louisville, Ky. At the termination of this military service, be returned home, and November 1867, was married to Miss Harriet, daughter of Frederick Sager. Two children were the fruits of this union-James H. and Jasper M. Mrs. Martin was reared to womanhood in Darby Township, and educated in the Female Department of the Ohio Wesleyan University, from which institution she graduated in June 1867. Mr. Marlin finished his course in the Otterbein University, in June 1861, and ever since has displayed an active interest in educational affairs. JAMES MARTIN, farmer P. O. Unionville Center, an old and respected pioneer of Union County, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 18056. His parents, Jonathan and Keziah (Irwin) Martin, were natives of Lancaster County, and of Irish ancestry. Mr. Martin passed his youth and early manhood on his father's farm, and has always followed that avocation. In 1833, he came on horseback to Union County, occupying eleven days in the trip. He purchased the homestead, and returned to Pennsylvania, and the following year moved with his family to this county, making the journey in a wagon in seventeen days. Mr. Martin bought 150 acres of woodland, for which he paid $10 an acre, the highest rate at which land was selling. Mr. Martin cleared and well improved his farm, and has been engaged in the pursuits of agriculture and stock-raising. In 1832, he was married to Miss Edith Penrose, by whom he has had six children of these four are living, viz., Joseph; Belle, wife of Joseph Woods; Maria, wife of James Anderson; and Mr. Martin has always resided on the homestead farm, which he has increased to 230 acres. He is connected with the Presbyterian Church of Milford Center, and is a highly esteemed citizen. JAMES McCLOUD, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, is a grandson of Thomas McCloud, a native of Vermont, who with two brothers, Charles and David, came to the West and settled on Darby Plains, this county and township, in 1810, and were among its earliest pioneers. The subject of this sketch was born in Delaware County, Ohio, in 1833. His parents, John and Laura (Tinkham) McCloud, were natives of Delaware County and Vermont, respectively. They settled in Madison County in 1853. Two years later they moved to Whitley County, Ind., thence to Miami County, and to Union County, Ohio, in 1850,. and settled on a farm in Union Township. His death occurred at Unionville Center, January 19, 1872. His wife, who survives, is in the seventy-first year of her age. James McCloud was married in 1854 to Miss Melinda, daughter of Jeremiah Converse. a pioneer family of Madison County, where she was born. This union has produced six children, three of whom are living, viz., Jeremiah B., Nina 252 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. R. and Mamie M. Mr. McCloud served the three months' call for troops during the rebellion, in the ranks of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio National Guard, and suffered by sickness nearly the whole time of service. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church or Louis Chapel of Chuckery. DAVID McCLOUD, former. P. O. Milford Center, was born in Adams County, Ohio, in April 1838, and is a son of John McCloud, a native of Ohio, and Laura Tinkham, his wife. The latter was born at Barre, Vt., and when six years of age came to the West with her parents, Isaac and Cynthia (Snow) Tinkham who settled north of Worthington, Franklin County. Mrs. Tinkham died near Columbus. and he afterward married again and moved to Indiana, where he died. John and Laura McCloud had ten children that reached their majority, of whom seven are now living, our subject being the fourth son. His maternal grandfather was a native of Vermont, and a soldier in the war of Independence. The McCloud family moved to Delaware County, Ohio, thence to Madison County, thence to Indiana, thence, in 1859, to this county, and our subject located on his present farm in 1872. In July 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being at that time a Corporal. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and at Atlanta. in the latter engagement receiving a flesh wound in the arm, on account of which he received a thirty-days' furlough. Returning to his regiment, he served under Sherman in his march to the sea. About the time of Hood's raid, he was retiring to the right and joined his command at Marietta, Ga. He took part in the Grand Review at Washington, and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, in August 1865. On November 16, 1870, he married Miss Clara J. Morse, a daughter of Ray G. Morse, and by her has had four children, two living, viz.. Mertie A. and Laura B. Mr. McCloud is a Republican in politics, and the owner of eighty-eight acres of valuable and productive land. J. C. McCLOUD, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, in 1829, and is a son of Thomas and Lovina (Cummings) McCloud; the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of Maryland. His father, with Benjamin Tinkham, were among the early pioneers of Union County. Thomas and wife subsequently removed to Delaware County, Ohio, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was married in 1862, to Melissa, youngest living daughter of Benjamin Tinkham. One child, Tina, the only living of this union. Mr. McCloud served the 100-days' call during the rebellion in Company K, One Hundred and Sixth Ohio National Guard, and has always made farming his profession. His home is the original farm selected by Benjamin Tinkham, where he passed the years of his life. Mr. and Mrs. McCloud are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are descendants of Union County's oldest and respected pioneers. THOMAS C. McDOWELL, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, is a grandson of John McDowell, and a son of William G. McDowell, and Rebecca Paris, his wife. John and William G. McDowell were natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this county at an early day, and settled on a farm of eighty acres in Union Township. To this farm William G. afterward made additions, until, at his death, in 1855, it consisted of 320 acres. He was an extensive farmer, and one of the leading stock dealers in the county, and gave his entire attention to these two branches of industry. His widow is still living, and is now in the sixty-seventh year of her age. They raised a family of seven children, four boys and three girls, of whom five are now living, our subject being the second son of the family. He was born on the homestead farm in 1843, and in August 1861, enlisted in Company B, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, a term of three years and eleven months. He participated in the battles of Harper's Ferry, Champion Hills and siege of Vicksburg, remaining at the latter place until February, when the regiment reenlisted. After a thirty-day scout, the command went to Meridian, Miss., where they received a thirty-day furlough and returned home. After the expiration of their leave of absence, they returned to Memphis, crossed Tennessee and joined Sherman's army, at Shanty Station, Ga. Mr. McDowell served at the battles of Marietta, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta, February 22, where he was taken prisoner, and after sixty days in Andersonville, was released on a special exchange between Sherman and Hood, returning to his command; and he was in Sherman's march at the sea, and at the battle of Raleigh, N. C., where he witnessed the surrender of the rebel Gen. Lee. He afterward took part in the grand review, and was mustered out of the service at Louisville, Ky., July 25, 1865. After he returned to civil life he remained at home, where he was married in 1869, to Emily Mitchell, a daughter of J. Mitchell, and a native of this county. To this union five children were born, three surviving, viz.: Eddie M., Effie L. and Lutrella. Mr. McDowell is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Ex-Prisoners' Association of Columbus. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Unionville, and a Republican in politics. J. C. MITCHELL, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center. The Mitchell family are largely represented in Union County, the descendants of whom were of Pennsylvania stock. The grand parent, Samuel, with a colony of four families, was the first to found a settlement on the Darby in this county, in 1799, where they raised families and died. David Mitchell, the father of our subject, was born in York County, Penn., April 30, 1760, and was one of four children, who passed a portion of their lives in this county, where he died January 28, 1826. His first wife, Miss Hannah Black, was born in August 1764, and died September 20, 1823, and were the parents of DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 253 thirteen children. His second marriage was to Miss Rebecca Nelson, February 26, 1824. She died October 9, 1824. He returned to his native place in Pennsylvania, where he was again married October 6, 1825, to Miss Hannah, daughter of John Caldwell, of York County, Penn. David Mitchell served as Justice of the Peace all his life, and married thirty-two couple in Union County. He was one of the first Associate Judges of the county, and for years an Elder of the Presbyterian Church. His counsel was sought in all public affairs; he was a father to the poor, and in death left an honored and cherished name. The subject of this sketch is the only living representative of this family, and was born in Darby Township, in 1826. He was married August 26, 1852, to Miss Nancy J., a daughter of Samuel McCullough. This union has been blessed with six children, four of whom are living, viz.: Lucinda A., wife of William Markly; Emma J., wife of J. B Galloway, who reside on the homestead; Samuel M. and David A. Mr. M. has always lived a quiet, unostentatious life on the homestead, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. In 1876, after a visit to the centennial at Philadelphia, Penn, he gradually lost his eyesight, and became totally blind; yet he is of sound health, and his keen sense of bearing, combined with qualities of the head and heart, make him a pleasing companion. He numbers among those of the oldest born settlers of the county. DANIEL MITCHELL, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center. The grandparents of Daniel, David and Martha Mitchell, were among the earliest pilgrims of Union County. He purchased and settled on 600 acres of land in Darby Township, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was born in Darby Township, Union County, in 1817. His parents, Moses and Jennie (Taylor) Mitchell, were natives of Pennsylvania, and located with the family in this township, where they passed the remaining years of their lives. They raised a family of ten children. six of whom survive. Our subject is the oldest living of the children, and was married in 1842 to Miss Sarah Marquis, a native of Madison County. This union has produced four children, viz.: Edward, Cinthia, Hattie and Frank. Mr. Mitchell occupied his present estate in 1846, consisting of 217 acres. He is a practical farmer, and politically is a Douglas Democrat of the old Jacksonian school. DAVID MITCHELL, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, is a grandson of David Mitchell, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of Moses and Jane (Taylor) Mitchell. His father was also born in Pennsylvania, and came West with his parents in 1812, and settled on land now owned by John Mitchell. He had a family of six children by his first wife, and by his second wife, Jemima Cartright, had a like number. He died at the age of eighty-one years, in 186-3. Our subject was married in 1851 to Miss Elizabeth Winfield, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Mary J., Arvilla, Fannie, Alice, Mattie, Rosa and Scott. JOSEPH MORSE, farmer, P. O. Milford Center, is a son of Ray G. Morse, and was born in Union Township in 1837. He was married in 1872 to Elizabeth, daughter J. S. Taylor, of Madison County, Ohio, by whom he has had one child, viz., Sadie. Mr. Morse enlisted in 1862 in Company E, Eighty-sixth Regiment, in which he served four months. He owns ninety-two acres of land, valued at $100 per acre. Politically he is Republican, and, besides, is one of the enterprising farmers of the county. W. F. H. PENNINGTON, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, was born in Champaign County in 1832. He is a son of Thomas and Ann E. (Hollaway) Pennington. His father and parents removed and settled near Hillsboro, Ohio; his grandfather subsequently removed to Milton, Ind., where he died. Thomas and Ann E. Pennington moved to Clark County, and afterward to Champaign County. In 1842, they went to Madison County, and in 1854 to Williams County, where Mr. Pennington died in 1864. Mrs. Pennington resides in that county, in the seventy sixth year of her age. They reared a family of twelve children, seven of whom are living at the present time. The subject whose name heads this sketch is the fourth child. He came to Union County in 1860, and taught school the two succeeding years. May 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and served till August 30, when he was honorably discharged. Returning home he resumed farming and teaching. December 25, 1865, he was married to Harriet R., daughter of Michael Sager, and a native of Union County. Mr. Pennington owns a good farm and is engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. Mr. Pennington is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also connected with the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of the Masonic order. Politically, he is a Republican. He has served his township in the capacity of Trustee and various other local offices. PHILIP RAUSCH, farmer, P. O. Marysville, a prominent German farmer of Union County, was born in Frederickstown, Md., November 24, 1831. He is a son of George and Catharine (Blumenshine) Rausch, -rho emigrated from Germany in 1830 and settled in Maryland, removing to Darby Township in April 1832, where Mr. Rausch died August 17, 1862. Philip is the third of a family of ten children, of whom eight are living. When twenty years of age, he started out working by the mouth, and followed this employment three years at wages from $10 a month to 50 cents a day. In 1854, he bought 100 acres in Darby Township, and the following fall erected his home, burning tile brick himself. He made subsequent additions to the original purchase till his farm now contains 640 acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. Mr. 254 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. Rausch celebrated his marriage April 16, 1855, with Miss Barbara, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Grace, who was born in Germany, November 10, 1834. Thirteen children were born to bless this union; of these twelve are living. viz.: John A. W.; Catharine, wife of Martin Ruprite; Casper; Lena; Mary; Emanuel; Charlie; Michael; Willie; Anna; Dora and Caroline. Philip died, aged twelve years. Mr. Rausch started in life without a dollar, but by his industry and excellent business management he achieved a large success. For the last twenty-six years he has been engaged in breeding and rearing draft horses, and keeping a high grade of cattle and hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Rausch are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. Rausch is neutral, voting for the man and not the party. He served Darby Township in the capacity of Trustee for ten years, and has also filled other local offices of minor importance. PETER RAUSCH, farmer, P. O. Marysville, was born in Darby Township, on October 5, 1844, and is the seventh child of George and Catherine (Blumenshine) Rausch. She came to this township with her father, Peter Blumenshine, in 1830. He first settled on the land now owned by Philip Rausch, and died at the home of Casper Rausch in 1862. Catherine Rausch is living with Casper today, in the seventy-eighth year of her age. The subject of this sketch was raised on the homestead farm, and was married in 1867 to Miss Doratha, a daughter of John Bunsold, an old settler of Darby Township. To this union seven children have been born, all of whom are living-Catherine, Maggie, Annie, Philip, John L., Sophia and Lena. There was of George and Catherine Blumenshine's family nine children born, eight of whom are living in this county. Mr. R. has filled the office of School Director two years, and is an officer in the Lutheran Church, of which the family are all members. BARNARD RAUSCH, Jr., farmer, P. O. Marysville, was born in Darby Township in September 1845, and is the youngest son of George and Catherine (Blumenshine) Rausch, who emigrated to this county in 1830, and located in Maryland two years. He came to this county and settled in this township, where he resided until his death in 1862. The subject of this sketch was born and raised on the homestead farm, and was married in October 1869, to Miss Catherine Bunsold, daughter of John Bunsold; she is a native of this county. To this union six children were born-John, Lillie, Etta, Richey, Clara, and Mary, deceased. Mr. R. settled on his present farm in the same year of his marriage. The farm consists of 112 acres, where he has since made his home. He and family are connected with the Lutheran Church, and be numbers among the enterprising and active farmers of Darby Township. SAMUEL ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Plain City. This distinguished pioneer, whose portrait appears in this volume, is a son of James and Jane (Morrison) Robinson, of York County, Penn. He (James), with a brother Samuel, left their home in Pennsylvania and journeyed to Tennessee, to meet Lucas Sullivant, the original proprietor of a large tract of land, now embraced in the limits of Darby Township. Securing the company of Mr. Sullivant, the trio started on the journey to Union County, traveling six weeks through an unbroken wilderness, and never meeting the face of a white person. Reaching their destination in the spring of 1800, the brothers purchased 600 acres of land. Clearing a spot and planting the first crop, James returned to his native place where he was married in 1801, and returned in 1805 with his bride, to his cabin home in the wilderness. Here they lived, rejoiced and sorrowed to the end of life's journey. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living to perpetuate their honored name. William, the eldest, is one of the oldest born and living pioneers of the county; James, a resident of Jerome Township; Samuel and Annie. The subject of this sketch was born on the homestead farm in Darby Township, November 18, 1814. He was married January 19, 1841, to Miss Nancy, a daughter of James A. and Phebe Curry, and a sister of John Curry. She was a native of Jerome Township, Union County, where her birth occurred January 19, 1822, and died April 10, 1865, the mother of eight children, six of whom are living-James I. ; Viana, wife of John McCullough ; Eldridge, Otway C., Phebe and Addison. His second marriage to Miss Jennie Kincaid a Virginian, occurred December 29, 1876. This union has been blest with three children, all of whom are growing into life amid the cultivated and productive scenes cleared by the hand of their forefathers. Their names are Josephine, Inez, and one not yet christened. Mr. R. settled on a farm of 317 acres, which his father subsequently purchased, where he has since made it his home. He is a man of quiet, unostentatious habits, fond of home, a good neighbor, an honored and esteemed citizen. S. D. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center. This respected pioneer is a son of Samuel Robinson, a native of York County, Penn., who, migrating to the West, purchased 400 acres of land on the plains of this township, and was one of the early pilgrims in this county. In 1806, he located in Franklin County, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Martha Hunter. The first court of Franklin County was held at his home, where he became distinguished as an early settler. Returning to his estate in this county, he cleared the land, raised a family and died. He was an expert with the broadax, and with that instrument hewed out the coffin that contained the remains of Samuel McCullough, who was the first person buried in Mitchell Cemetery in this township in 1800. He was a good scholar, dignified in his appearance, and was the first to advocate the temperance cause, and organize the associate church, subsequently known as the United Presbyterian, in which he was an Elder for many years and was a zeal- DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 255 ous worker in religious exercises. The land of his adoption was purchased from the Virginia Military lands, a portion of which is occupied by his heirs. He raised a family of nine children, the eldest living of whom is Margaret, widow of Samuel McCullough, and was born in Franklinton, Franklin Co., Ohio, and at this time, 1882, is in the seventy-sixth year of her age. The subject of this sketch was born on the homestead farm in 1816. At the age of twenty-four years, he settled upon his present farm of 185 acres, where he has since constantly resided. He was united in marriage in Greene County, Ohio, to Miss Ann F., daughter of William Pollock, and a native of Ross County, Ohio. This union has produced six children, five of whom are living, viz.: John S., eldest son, enlisted in the Union army on the call for 75,000 troops, in the Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the regiment was reorganized for three years' service, reenlisting in the Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and serving the three months call; William P. enlisted in 1863, in Company B, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving six months, &not reenlisting in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He participated with the regiment in the battles of Atlanta, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro, and with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea, thence at Owensboro, Bentonville and through the grand review at Washington, and was mustered out at Camp Denison in July 1865; Samuel F. married Miss Kate Cole, a native of England, resides in Greenfield, Iowa, where he has been engaged in the mercantile trade for the past two years, where he is well established and favorably known; Mary R., wife of William Avis, of this county, and Ollie, residing on the homestead. Mr. R. is one of our oldest citizens. He is an officer in the Presbyterian Church at Unionville Center, and is widely and favorably known. W. H. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, a descendant of pioneer stock, and a son of Samuel, a native of York County, Penn., who migrating to the West, purchased 400 acres of land on the banks of the Big Darby. In 1806, he removed to Franklin County, where he was married to Miss Martha Hunter. Subsequently he returned to this county and settled on his purchase, where he reared a family and died. He was an expert with the broad ax, and hewed out the coffin that contained the remains of-Samuel McCullough, the first person buried in the Mitchell Cemetery in Darby Township. He was a good scholar and adherent of temperance, and one of the first organizers of the associate Presbyterian Church, and a man established in the hearts of all who knew him. The subject of this sketch was born on the homestead January 14, 1822. His farm embraces 160 acres of the original farm. He was married in January 1850, In Jerome Township, to Miss Elizabeth McCampbell, a sister of J. T. McCampbell, and a native of this county. Six children born to this union are all living, viz.: James C., Mary J, wife of W. McDowell; Rosa, wife of John Robinson; Elinor, Frank and Mertie. The family are connected with the United Presbyterian Church of Unionville, and among the oldest and respected families of the county. J. C. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, is a son of George and Elizabeth (Clarkson) Robinson, both natives of Pennsylvania, where she died after raising a family of eight children, four of whom are living. He with his children came to the west in 1854, and settled on the Big Darby in this township, and was a resident of Darby until the close of his life in 1859. The subject of this sketch was born in York Township, Penn., in March 1828. Farming has been his occupation through life, and by energy and perseverance has made success. He purchased thirty-six acres of his present farm at the close of the war, and with subsequent additions now covers 135 acres upon which he has just completed and occupied a commodious and substantial residence. He served four months in the Union army during the rebellion, enlisting in the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was married June 29, 1858, to Miss Amelia, daughter of a pioneer family, of Darby Township. This union has been blest with two children, one of whom is living, Lula R. The family are connected with the Presbyterian Church at Milford Center. D. M. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, was born September 1, 1823. He is a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Robinson, and a grandson of James Robinson, one of the early pioneer settlers of Union County. Our subject was raised to manhood in his native place, and educated in the common schools of the county. In October 1853, he was married to Miss Mary J. Valentine, daughter of James Valentine, and a native of Athens County, Ohio. They were blessed with five children, viz., John W., married Ross Robinson; Algernon N.; D. Elmer; F. Scott and Mattie (deceased). Mr. Robinson and family are associated with the Presbyterian Church of Milford Center, of which he is an Elder. Mr. Robinson is a man of enterprise, and has been chosen to various local offices of honor and trust. He served as Trustee of Darby Township a number of terms, and in polities is a Republican. BENJAMIN L. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center. The subject of this sketch is a production of the third generation, the progenitors of where have pioneered their settlement to their better and happier home. Alex, the grandparent, was among the first settlers to clear a spot, and erect a cabin in the limits of Union County. The exact time of his location is not definitely known. The parents of Benjamin, Alex, Jr., and Edith (Penrose) Robinson, were both natives of Union County, and were widely known and esteemed. Benjamin L, the youngest son, was born on the homestead in Darby Township, in 1859. He was married September 20, 256 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. 1881, to Miss Sarah, daughter of J. M. Andrews, of this township, of which she is a native. The following year he Settled on his present home of eighteen acres, where he is industriously engaged. GEORGE O. BUHL, farmer, P. O. Marysville, was born in Darby Township, Union County, August 27, 1846, and is the youngest child or George and Annie E. (Cook) Buhl, both natives of Germany, where they were married, and embarked to the United States in August 1836. They located near Harrisburg, Penn., where they resided about three years, when they removed to this county, and settled in this township in 1839. He purchased land now occupied by George Mader's farm. He was a resident of this county during his life, and died November 7, 1881, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. The widow and mother yet survives with her children in Paris Township in the eightieth year of her age. They had born to them nine children, four of whom are living in this county. The subject of this sketch was married, September 5, 1867, to Miss Mary M., daughter of George Scheiderer. She is a native of this township and county. To this union seven children were born, five of whom are living, viz., John S., Catherine, Kunigunda, Mary and Lena. Mr. Buhl has filled the office of Township Trustee for the past three years, and has been one of the directors of the Lutheran Church, with which the family are connected. He purchased his present farm in August 1873, and settled on the same in the fall of the same year. At that time the purchase was 121 acres, and he has since bought eighteen additional acres. This land is in a cultivated state, and very productive. Mr. Buhl ranks as one of the enterprising and active farmers of the county. MICHAEL SAGER, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center. The records of the Sager family go to show them to be of German descent. The grandparents, George and Elizabeth (Sheets) Sager, were natives of Loudoun County, Va., and settled on the homestead in Darby Township, near Unionville, in 1806. He was a pioneer physician of the early times, and was widely and favorably known. He raised a family of ten children, eight sons and two daughters. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this volume, was born on the homestead farm in 18 17. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Sandbower) Sager, were both natives of Virginia. Of the children born to this union, there are living, viz., Ann, wife of J. M. Andrews; Michael, and Sarah, wife of Gregory Hawley. Mr. Sager was married in 1840 to Miss Mariet, daughter of Squire Deland, and a native of Vermont. This union has produced five children, but one of whom survives, viz., Harriet D., wife of W. F. H. Pennington, who resides on the homestead farm, at this time consisting of 200 acres. Two sons, George M. and Edwin, gave their Service and their lives to their country's flag, in the ranks of the Union army during the late rebellion. George M. enlisted in the three-years call, August 11, 1861, in Company D, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and had nearly served his time when, in an engagement near Kenesaw Mountain Ga., he was shot through the right lung and shoulder-blade, and instantly killed. Edwin enlisted August 16, 1862, in Company I. , One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. and was shot through the right lung on the field of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863. He so far recovered as to rejoin the command, and received a fatal shot at Kenesaw Mountain, from which he died. They were both buried on the field of battle, but afterward recovered and conveyed to their birthplace for interment. Mr. Sager is a descendant of one of Union's earliest settled families, and numbers among those of the oldest born pioneers. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. JOHN M. SCHEIDERER, farmer, P. O. Marysville, was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 24, 1814. His parents, John and Elizabeth Scheiderer, were also natives of Bavaria. Our subject is the oldest of seven children. In 1836, he came to America, and spent seven years working near Columbus, Ohio, at a salary of $12 per month. At the end of this time, he had saved $600, and in 1843, purchased seventy acres in Darby Township, for which be paid $4 an acre. His purchase was located in woods, and he had to clear a site for a house, which he erected of logs. In 1865, he built a brick residence at a cost of $1,000. His farm now contains 175 acres, and is well improved. At one time be owned over 800 acres in Darby Township, which he divided among his children, leaving him a homestead of 175 acres. He was married April 1, 1843, to Eva Schroll, a daughter of Milford Schroll, who was born in Bavaria December 18, 1818. Often children born to them, eight are living, viz.: Casper G., John P., Peter, Magdalena, wife of George Renner; Christopher ; Barbara, wife of J. G. Nicol ; John G. and George P. George and John M. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Scheiderer are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. S. is a Democrat. He was Trustee of Darby Township six years. JOHN P. SCHIDERER, farmer, P. O. Marysville. was born in Darby Township, Union County, in 1845, and is the second son of John M. and Eva (Schroll) Schiderer. They were married at Columbus, Ohio. He emigrated to the United States at an early day, and after Stopping in Columbus two years, selected his home in this township, where be yet resides. The subject of this sketch was married May 4, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Mader, daughter of George Mader of this county. She is a native of this county. To this union five children were born, three boys and two girls, of whom four are living, two boys and two girls, viz.: Andrew, Casper, Barbara and Mary. He and his family are connected with the Lutheran Church or this township. He moved upon his present estate in 1871, after marriage, which he purchased of his father, consisting of 156 acres, which is among the most improved and valuable land of this township. DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 257 PETER SCHEIDERER, farmer, P. O. Marysville, was born on the old homestead in Darby Township in 1847. He is third Bon of John M. and Eva (Schroll) Scheiderer. His early life was passed on the farm. September 7, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary Hupman, a native of Germany; of five children born to them four are living- Lacarias, Elizabeth, Christopher and Magdalene. The same year of his marriage, Mr. Scheiderer settled on his present farm consisting of 149 acres. He also owns sixty-three acres adjoining; he and family are members of the Lutheran Church. JAMES S. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Plain City. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch were Samuel Smith and Sally Bailey, his wife. Samuel Smith was a son of James Smith and a native of Massachusetts. He was a member of the Methodist denomination, but after coming to Ohio, devoted his time largely to farming. During the Revolutionary war, he was a Sergeant, and for three months was engaged in guarding the Hessians; he was also engaged for six months on Long Island, and at one time, during the latter term of service, being detailed to watch the enemy from the top of a breastwork then being erected, he had 300 shut and shell fired at him by the red coats. He was the father of nine children, one of whom died at their home in Vermont. In 1817, he came to the West and located on 637 acres of land in Darby Township, Madison County, which he purchased at $2 per acre. He brought with him seven children, three sons and four daughters, his eldest s on having preceded him to the West. He afterward disposed of 237 acres of his land, retaining 400 acres, on which he continued to live. His wife was a daughter of Joshua Bailey and Elizabeth Chase, his wife. Jollies Smith the father of our subject and a son of the above, was born in the woods at Berlin, Vt., September 23, 1793, and received very little schooling, by walking a mile through the woods to a school, then being taught by a woman, in a barn. At twenty years of age he came to Ohio with his father, but afterward returned to Vermont, and in 1820 married Lucy K. Jones, a native of that State, with whom he returned to his Ohio home. He had two children-Ira B., who died at the age of twenty-two years, and James S. In 1822 or 1823, he joined his brother John in the purchase of 200 acres of land, for which they paid $300. They continued together in their operations until they had 1,400 acres, and in 1850 they divided their property, each taking half in value. James chose, the west half, and continued in possession of it until February 1881. In 1874, he discovered a failing in his sight, caused by the growth of a cataract over the right eye, which in time affected the other eye, and has resulted in almost total blindness. He makes his residence with his son, and now in the declining years of his life is tenderly cared for by the latter and his family. James S. Smith, whose name heads this sketch, was born at the old homestead in Darby Township, Madison County, August 9, 1823, and in 1850 came to his present place of residence. He owns 1,100 acres of land, part in Darby Township, Union County, and part in Darby Township, Madison County. On September 8, 1853. he married Miss Amanda Perry, a daughter of James and Susan (Lawrence) Perry, natives of Massachusetts, of English descent; she was born at Plainfield, Vt., March 3, 1835. To this union four children have been born-Adeline T., born October 21, 1854; Archibald E., born January 11, 1859; Elmer Lawrence, born January 29, 1861. and died June 19, 1874, from injuries received by a kick of a horse, and Merton A., born July 5, 1866. The surviving children reside at the house of their parents. In 1862, Mr. Smith left his farm and took up his residence in Urbana, where he remained until 1867, when he returned to this farm, and has remained on it constantly since. E. C. SMITH, Jr., farmer, P. O. Plain City, is a son of Eleazer C. and Irene, (Doty) Smith, who came West in 1832, and purchased 167 acres of land on which he died in 1866; his wife departed this life in 1848. Twelve children were born to them, seven of whom are living. The subject of this sketch was born in East Monipelier, Vt., in 1826. he was married February 12, 1850, to Catherine A. Stephens, who has borne him four children, two of whom are living Charles C. and John E. D. Mr. S. owns 220 acres of valuable land; he has held the office of Township Trustee twelve years, and takes an active interest in public affairs; he is a member of the Methodist Church, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. CONRAD STEEGE, JR., Principal of the Lutheran School, Marysville, was born in Hesse, now the Province of the Prussian Kingdom, in 1842, and is the oldest son of Conrad and Mary (Knake) Steege, natives of the same province, who with four children embarked to the United States in 1856, and landed at New York in October of the same year. He was a tailor by trade, and located in the German settlement called Chamburgh, in Conic County, where he remained through the winter, and in the spring moved to Will County, Ill., and continued at his trade, where he is yet residing with the four children born in his native country. Two children have been born since his settlement in the United States. The subject of this sketch was educated in the seminary at Addison Du Page County, Ill., where he graduated in 1871. The tame year he came to this county, in answer to a call from the German settlement in Darby Township, and was instituted teacher of the German Lutheran School on the 29th of July, of the same year, where he has since been engaged. Mr. S. worked at farming in the early years of his life until seventeen or eighteen years of age, when he engaged as clerk and salesman until he entered the service of the Union army in September 1864, in Company A, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted as a private, but was elected Sergeant before going to the field. He served through to the close of the war in that office, and was mustered out 258 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. Chicago in July 1865. The regiment was sent to Camp Butler, at Springfield, Ill., and remained until March, when they were despatched to North Carolina, where they arrived soon after Sherman's battle at Goldsboro; thence to Raleigh, N. C., on to Richmond and Washington, and through the grand review. Returning to peaceful pursuits, he assumed his former occupation as salesman with Brown Brothers, at Crete, until his entry at school in 1868. He was united in marriage November 9, 1866, to Miss Mine, daughter of Joachim Becker. She was born in Pommern Province of Prussia, and emigrated to this country with her parents in 1862. To this union eight children have been born, of whom are living-Emma, Martin, Edward, Louis, Emanuel, Bertha and Clara. He is organist in the Lutheran Church, with which his family are all connected. His father who had but the measure of energy and perseverance of his people, has, with economy and industry, gained a successful footing, and hag become a clothing merchant, in Crete, Ill., where he has been in the business circles since 1867. At that time he erected a small building for a store, which was the foundation for successful years of business to this time. His wife died in 1853, and he was again married to Miss Mary Bode. By this union he has two living children. GEORGE STEVENS, farmer, P.O. Plain City. The progenitors of the Stevens family were of English stock. The first of the name in the United States, was Prince Stevens, the grandparent, who made a permanent settlement in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where be died. The maternal head, Joshua Lawrence, was English born, and served under Washington in the Revolutionary war. Charles Stevens, the father of George, was a native of Vermont, and his wife, Hannah Lawrence, was born in Massachusetts. They subsequently moved to East Montpelier, Vt., where they both died. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was horn in Plainfield, Vt., in 1811. He was married at East Montpelier, Vt., to Miss Cairn Edwards, who died with her first-born child, and both were laid at rest in one grave. In 1835, Mr. S. came to Union County, after laboring at the shoe bench some years, had by close, economy, saved a small sum of money. In looking over the wooded scenery of Union County, he resolved to invest his last dollar, and accordingly invested his entire capital, $47 in cash, for twenty acres of his present farm. Here he cleared a spot, built his cabin, and went to work, binding his energies and his time in founding a home. By hard labor, economy and perseverence, he was soon enabled to make additions to his little home, and long ere the hand of time had silvered his hair with its threescore and ten, the rude cabin had given place to a commodious farmhouse, from which the eye could trace the boundaries of 700 acres of land composed of the rich and productive soil of Darby plains. This accumulation has been secured through hardship, and the privations incident to pioneer life. He subsequently contracted and graded a portion of the Pan Handle Railroad, and for a number of years has dealt largely in stock. His second marriage occurred January 3, 1837, to Miss Emily, daughter of E. C. Smith. and a native of Plainfield, Vt. Of the children born to this union, two are living, viz.: George W., who married Miss Nancy Ketch, by whom he has three children, viz.: Fanny, Harry and Ebbin E.; Mary E., wife of P. B. Ferris, presents one grandchild (Flora E.) to the joy and comfort of the household. The family are connected with the Church Universal of Plain City. Since the compilation of this sketch, we learn with sorrow of the death of George Stevens, February 18, 1883. J. F. WOODS, farmer, P. O. Milford Center. John Power Woods, the father of Joseph F. Woods, was born in Rostraver, Westmoreland Co., Penn., in the year 1806, and within two years after his birth, his father, Rev. Samuel Woods, and his mother, moved out to Union County, in the State of Ohio. In a short time after they moved here, he was ordained and installed the first Presbyterian pastor of what was then called Upper Liberty Church, or congregation, which had then been recently organized. Upper Liberty Church was located about two miles below Milford Center, on the waters of Big Darby Creek. Lower Liberty Church was situated twelve miles below Milford, on the Columbus road, on the waters of the same creek. He preached in those two congregations from the time of his installment until his death, which took place in the year 1815, when he was in his thirty-fifth or thirty-sixth year. He was much respected and esteemed as a pastor and in every way by his congregations and by all his hearers and members in his churches; had much influence in building up and helping to enlarge churches during the brief period of his pastorate. He graduated in Dickenson College, Pennsylvania, and was thoroughly educated for the ministry. He left a widow and five small children, four sons and one daughter, John Power, Eliza, Samuel, James F. and William W. The eldest was in his ninth year, and youngest was about one year old. The mother, Margaret Woods, brought up, raised and provided for these children principally by her own well-directed and wisely shaped industry and economy. Her money income (if it may so be called) for the first ten or twelve years thereafter, was obtained by the results arising from the skillful and ingenious use and application of her needle. Many wedding suits were made by her during this period of her life, and mid to be in the Infest and neatest style and of the best of fits. The marriage suit of a learned Presbyterian Clergyman's son, the father of an ex Congressman from Union County, was of her make and finish. She was young, healthy and handsome, educated, fluent, easy and interesting in conversation. She instructed in the kitchen, and was not ashamed to put her hands to the help and the work therein. She was a lady to entertain in the parlor, would often Page 259 Blank Page 260 - Picture of James Smith DARBY TOWNSHIP. - 261 drop her needle and as often go from kitchen to parlor to entertain neighbors, strangers, doctors and lawyers, many clergymen and some divines from Scotland. She taught her children by way of parables, to make their own shoes, and to stand in their own boots and not in those of any other person. None of these five children are now living but James F., who now resides in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Penn. Her father was Col. John Power, of Rostraver, Westmoreland Co., Penn., an intelligent farmer, and a man of much moral force and worth. Her mother was a daughter of Rev. James Finley, D. D., who was her grandfather and about the first Presbyterian who preached west of the Alleghany Mountains. He and his brother, Samuel Finley, were both graduates of Princeton College, Now Jersey, and both were thoroughly educated and learned for Presbyterian ministers, and became in early life influential Doctors of Divinity and distinguished theologian. Samuel was President of Princeton College some time before his death. Samuel Woods, the grandfather of these five small children aforementioned, came to this country at an early day, and first settled in Lancaster County, Penn., but in a short time thereafter, moved to Cumberland County, near Carlisle, Penn., and there educated his family. He was an intelligent end energetic farmer, and was a man noted for his moral worth. Two of his sons, William and Samuel, were graduates of Dickenson College, Pennsylvania, and educated especially for Presbyterian ministers, and became pastors in that church, of influence. William settled in Western Pennsylvania, and was installed pastor at an early day in Bethel Church, near Pittsburgh, and continued pastor in the same church and congregation for many years, from the time of his installment up to the time o f his de death. Samuel went West to Union County in the State of Ohio, as before stated. The three ancestral families or first stock of the Woods family %-ad Power family were as much respected and as well educated and as noted and distinguished Presbyterians as any other three families in this county at that period. Their descendants are now dispersed in divers locations through the Eastern, Middle, Western and Southern States. Among them are doctors, lawyers, Judges of courts, clergymen, teachers in institutions of learning, Presidents of colleges and seminaries, and Doctors of Divinity. The history of the first named ancestors, together with some of their descendants, anything like in fall, when put on paper, would require volumes. J. F. Woods, a son of John P. and Jane (Finley) Woods, and a grandson of Rev. Samuel Woods, was born in Union Township May 28, 1837; his grandfather, Rev. Samuel Woods, came to the West in 1807, and settled on the banks of the Big Darby, where he purchased 400 acres of land, which he cleared and on which he died. John P. Woods raised a family of five children, and selected a house near the old homestead, where he died March 6, 1851. His estimable wife who survives, is in the seventy-second year of her age. They were life-long members of the Presbyterian Church, and were highly respected. The subject of this sketch enlisted in 1861, in Company D, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as Sergeant in the three-years call, and participated in the battles of Mill Creek, Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain, where he was placed on detailed service, and served to the close of his term. He was married in 1867, to Miss Bell, daughter of Henry Martin, a pioneer of Darby Township. This union has been blest with three children, two of whom are living, viz.: Nellie and Carrie. Mr. Woods settled in 1874 on his present farm of 104 acres, which is among the most valuable and productive farms of the county. GEORGE WOLF, farmer, P. O. Marysville, was born near Strasburg, Germany, in 1810, and in 1837 embarked to the United States and landed at New York. He was a cooper by trade, and learned his trade in his native county. He located at Albany, N. Y., working at his trade one year, when he moved to Amsterdam, N. Y., and followed his trade in that State six or seven years. In 1845, he came to this county and worked at his trade in various places. He purchased fifty acres of his present farm in 1847, the year of his marriage, and settled on the same the following year. His wife's maiden name was Barbara Dellinger, a daughter of Leonard Dellinger. This union has been blest with three children, two of whom are living. The oldest, Conrad, married Amy MacKanada, in 1876, and has three children living Anne, George J. and Lens. Mr. W. has made subsequent purchases, until his farm reached 266 acres; sixty-six sores of this land he disposed of to his oldest son, who resides with him. He and his family are connected with the Lutheran Church, and he numbers among the enterprising farmers of the county. WILLIAM H. WOLFORD, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center. The Wolford family are among the distinguished and respected pioneers of Union County, the history of whom is found in this work. The subject of this sketch was born in Marysville, Union County, Ohio, January 3, 1835, and is a son of Adam and Catharine Wolford. He is a cabinet-maker by profession, which he followed until he occupied his present estate in 1864, consisting of 164 acres, at this time valued at $50 per acre. His marriage to Miss Fidelia Lombard, a native of Windsor County, Vt., occurred in 1860. One child, Albertie, is the only living issue of this union. The family are among the oldest and esteemed connections of the county. E. YOUNG, farmer, P. O. Unionville Center, was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1834, and is a son of Alexander and Margaret Young. He was a native of Kentucky, and died in Illinois when our subject was ten years old. The subject of this sketch enlisted in August 1861, in Company K, First Ohio Cavalry, in which he served seventeen months, and was taken prisoner October 1, 1863; he was confined in the prisons at Richmond and Danville, Va., An- 262 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. dersonville, Ga., Charlotte and Florence, S. C. He has the original document-parole of honor signed by J. C. Iverson, Commandant, at the Florence prison-dated December 24, 1864. In 1866, he was married to Harriet L., daughter of John and Fanny Holycross, who has borne him five children, four of whom are living, viz.: Lillie M., Mattie B., Sidney G. and Hadley C. Mr. Y. owns a farm of eighty-five acres. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and politically is a Republican. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)