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paign county, Ohio, locating in Urbana. He had purchased a tract of land in this county, and after residing in Urbana for a time he removed to his farm, in Salem township, in order the better to supervise his interests there. He erected the "round barn" on the place, and the same remains as one of the landmarks of this section of the state. Here he became one of the pioneers in the introduction of the important enterprise of breeding fine horses and Jersey cattle in the county, and through his vigorous and timely efforts there was given an impetus to these lines of industry that has continued to be felt to the present, the value of his initiative efforts being inestimable. His place was known as the Nut-wood Farm, and under his supervision became one of the noted stock farms of this section of the Union. He gave special attention to the raising and training of standard and thoroughbred horses and the breeding of the highest type of Jersey cattle, being exceptionally successful and acquiring an extensive and valuable landed estate in the county. From 1874 to 1877, inclusive, Mr. Jennings was engaged in the dry-goods business in Springfield, this state, but after disposing of this business he continued to devote his entire attention to his farming and stock interests in Champaign county until his death, maintaining his residence in the city of Urbana, where his death occurred on the loth of March, 1895, and where his widow still maintains her home, the beautiful residence being hallowed by the memories and associations of the past.
In his political adherence Mr. Jennings was, originally an old-line Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party he transferred his allegiance to the same and thereafter continued to support its principles and policies. While he was public-spirited and every ready to co-operate in any enterprise for the promotion of the general good, he never aspired to the honors of public office, holding his business interests as worthy of his undivided attention. He was beyond the age limit
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of military service at the outbreak of the Rebellion, but manifested his loyalty and deep patriotism by sending two men into the service at his personal expense. He was broad and tolerant in his views, having a high regard for basic religious principles, though he never became a member of any church. He was however, a liberal contributor to the support of the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Jennings has long been a devoted adherent. Fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His integrity of purpose was beyond cavil, in person he was genial and courteous, winning warm and enduring friendships, and in all the relations of life he stood as an upright, high-principled gentleman, commanding the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
On the 26th of November, 1839, Mr. Jennings was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. McNay, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, the daughter of David and Rhoda (Wilcox) McNay, natives respectively of Kentucky and New York, from the former of which states they came to Ohio in the pioneer days, settling in Logan county. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings had no children.
JOSEPH CHAMBERLIN.
Few, if any, of the old residents of Champaign county have done more for its improvement in every direction than has the subject of this narrative. He was born in Livingston county, New York, on the 9th of May, 1834, and is a son of John and Sarah (Bodine) Chamberlin, also natives of that commonwealth and both descended from old colonial families. The founder of the family in America came from England with his wife and three children, and he was subsequently drowned in a whirlpool off the coast of New Jersey. His three sons settled in
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different parts of the United States, one locating in New England, one in the southern states and one in New jersey. The great-grandparents of our subject were Joseph and Amy Chamberlin. Their son William, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, in October, 1772, and on the loth of June, 1793, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Duckworth, and they had twelve children, eight sons and four daughters. In 1834 the family came to Ohio, locating on a farm at Vienna, Trumbull county. His death occurred on the 19th of March, 1851, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. John Chamberlin, the father of him whose name introduces this review, was born in New Jersey on the loth of March, 1796, and in the state of his birth, on the 3d of March, 1817, he was united in marriage to Sarah Bodine, by whom he had twelve children,—Matilda; Mary ; Elizabeth; Ann ; Sarah Jane; John V. R.; Emma and Hope, of Illinois ; Joseph, of Ohio; Effie; and Angelina and William, both of Kansas. In 1854 the family came to Champaign county, locating in Woodstock, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. The father was an Adventist in his religious belief, and the mother was a member of the Presbyterian church.
Joseph Chamberlin, of this review, received his elementary education in the public schools of Livingston county, and afterward attended the high school of Rochester, New York. When a young man he came with his parents to Woodstock, Ohio, where he was successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits for fifteen years, both before and after the Civil war, and during that time he also took large contracts for building gravel roads, having constructed in all fifty-three and a half miles of gravel road in Champaign, Logan and Union counties. In 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted in the Sixty-sixth Ohio Regimental Band, in which he served until August, 1862, and during that time was a member of the Army of the Potomac, operating in Virginia. Dur-
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ing his army service he contracted rheumatism and heart trouble, and this necessitated his discharge at the above mentioned date, after which he returned to his home and resumed his mercantile business, thus continuing until 1880. In that year he received the nomination for the office of county sheriff, to which he was elected in the following November, and so ably did he discharge the ditties incumbent upon him in that important position that he was unanimously elected for a second term. His services therein were particularly appreciated by the Champaign county bar, who presented him with a gold-headed cane, bearing the inscription "To Joseph Chamberlin, Sheriff, by the Bar of Urbana, Ohio, January 3, 1885," General Young making the presentation speech. Prior to his election to that office he had served his township as its treasurer for eleven years, and for a long period he ably served as a constable. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend, and it was principally through his instrumentality that the special school district of Woodstock was organized, and he was also active in placing the cemeteries under the power of cemetery trustees. Mr. Chamberlin framed both hills, and it was through his influence that they were carried into effect. Six years ago he was made a notary public, and he is also a pension agent, discharging the duties of both positions to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. His farm, located in Rush township, comprises one hundred and forty-five acres of rich and productive land, and all is under an excellent state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings.
Mr. Chamberlin was married on the 6th of January, 1859, when Miss Harriet Smith became his wife. She is a daughter of Jesse and Minerva Smith, of Woodstock, Ohio. The father was born in Woo stock, Vermont, a son of Samuel and Phoebe (McCutcheon) Smith, also natives of that state, and the latter was of Scotch descent. Samuel Smith was the founder of the family in Champaign county. He was
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accompanied on the journey here by his wife and one child, Cyrus, and his brothers, and they arrived in Woodstock in 182o, where they were the first settlers. The family purchased a large tract of land in the vicinity of that village, where they made their permanent home. Unto Samuel and Phoebe Smith were born the following children : Cyrus, Jesse, Lois, Stephen and Amy, and all were born in this county with the exception of the eldest, who was born ere the family removed from their old Vermont home. The father was only permitted to enjoy his new home a few }ears, for his life's labors were ended in death about 1827. His brother, Jesse Smith, was an officer in the war of 1812, while another brother, Stillman, was killed at the battle of Fort Niagara, and Samuel was also a soldier in that war, in which he participated in the battle of Plattsburg. Jesse Smith, the father of Mrs. Chamberlin, married Mary M. Thomas, a daughter of Gardner and Thankful Thomas, who removed from near Stowe, Vermont, to Champaign county, Ohio, in 1834, locating on a farm in Rush township, where they made their home for many years. He, too, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was at the battle of Plattsburg. He subsequently removed to Illinois, and there died at the home of a son. After the birth of their ten children Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Smith removed to Union county, Indiana, where they both died, the father in 188o and the mother in 1872. Their children were: Helen, Harriet, Calvin, Phoebe T., Eliza A., Charles A., Ida L., Clarence M. J., Carroll and Solon H. Unto the union of our subject and wife have been born the following children : Charles, who was born October 2, 1859, and died on the 14th of October, 186o; Sarah, who was born August 24, 1861, and is the wife of Lincoln Burnham, of Goshen township, Champaign county; Jessie Helen, who was born June 4, 1865, and died August 10, 1865; Harriet Maude, who was born December 9, 1874, and married C. K. Lincoln, of Rush township; and Bell, who was born June 3, 1881, and died July 21 of the same year. Mr. Chamberlin
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is identified with the Masonic order, being a charter member of Champaign Lodge, No. 525, of Urbana, is a member of Woodstock Lodge, No. 167, I. 0. 0. F., and is also a charter member of W. A. Brand Post, G. A. R., of Urbana. Politically he is a lifelong Republican and is an active worker in the ranks of his party. Mrs. Chamberlin is a member of the Universalist church.
SAMUEL SLUSSER
An able representative of the agricultural interests of Champaign county is Mr. Slusser, whose finely improved and attractive farmstead is eligibly located in Johnson township, while he is known as one of the progressive and representative citizens of the community.
Mr. Slusser is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born on a farm in Miami county, Ohio, on the 25th of October, 1829, the date signifying that he is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the state. His father, Peter Slusser, was born in Virginia, whence he emigrated to Miami county, Ohio, when a young man and subsequently to the war of 1812, in which he was an active participant In Montgomery county, this state, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Mary McFadden, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of six children, namely : David, who is deceased; Samuel, who is the immediate subject of this review ; Charlotte; Mary Ellen; and two who died in infancy.
When our subject was a child of four years the family came to Champaign county and located on the farm which he now make his home, the place having been at the time heavily timbered and having
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no improvements. The father cleared a portion of the tract of eighty acres and became the owner of an estate of sixty-five acres. Here he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in the year 1851, after which the estate was divided among the heirs. The mother of our subject passed away in 189o. Mr. Slusser now has an excellent farm of sixty-five acres, the land being exceptionally prolific and having appreciated in value by reason of the discriminating care taken in its improvement and cultivation. He has practically passed his entire life on this old homestead, and his early educational advantages were such as were afforded in the district schools maintained in the pioneer epoch. In politics he gives his support to the principles and policies of the Democratic party, and he and his family are devoted members of the Mount Pleasant Baptist church, of which our subject is a trustee and one of its most valued members, having been actively identified with the erection of the present church edifice, while his influence has ever been cast on the side of all worthy undertakings and causes. He is one of the county's honored pioneer residents and has the esteem of all who know him.
On the 2d of November, 1856, Mr. Slusser was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Jenkins, who was born in this county on the 15th of August, 1829, the daughter of Edden and Elizabeth (Pence) Jenkins, both of whom were born in Virginia, their marriage being solemnized in Champaign county. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom only two are now living, Mrs. Slusser having been the seventh in order of birth. Our subject and his estimable wife, who has been his devoted companion and helpmeet for nearly a half century, have three children, all of whom were born on the old homestead. Mary E. is the wife of Andrew Jordan, of Johnson township ; John is engaged in farming in Jackson township ; and Corey is a successful farmer of Johnson township on the old homestead.
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EDWARD JENNINGS.
To have attained to the extreme fulness of years and to have had one's ken broadened to a comprehension of all that has been accomplished within the flight of many days, is of itself sufficient to render consonant the consideration of such a life in a work of this nature, but in the case at hand there are more pertinent, more distinguishing elements,—those of usefulness, of high honor, of marked intellectuality, of broad humanitarian spirit and of well earned success,—which lift in high regard the subjective personality of one who has ever stood four square to every wind that blows. No shadows darken any period of the long and honorable life of the venerable subject of this review, who has now passed the age of four score years and ten, and his has been the advantage of an ancestry typical of all that makes for integrity and true worth.
A resident of the city of Urbana, where many years of his life have been passed, though his efforts have been desseminated over a wide field of business enterprises in various sections of the Union, this patriarchal citizen is known to practically every member of the community and to him is granted that reverence due to so advanced age and to one whose life has been of signal integrity and honor. No record touching the life histories of the representative men of Champaign county would be consistent with itself were there failure to revert to the career of Edward Jennings. Back to that cradle of much of our national history, the Old Dominion state, must we turn in tracing the genealogy of our subject, and it is found that he was born in Berkeley county, Virginia (now West Virginia), on the 1st of April, i81 being the eldest of the five children of George and Jane (Chenoweth) Jennings and the only one living at the present time, the other children having been Absalom C. (elsewhere mentioned in this work), Amy Jane, Sarah C. and Nancy C.
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The parents of our subject were both born in Berkeley county, Virginia, whence they came to Ohio in the year 1814, locating on a tract of land in Clark county, where the father reclaimed a farm from the forest wilds. In later years he became interested in farming, and while on a business trip in connection therewith met an accidental death, being drowned in the Ohio river, about the year 1825. About nine years later his widow moved to Urbana, where she passed the residue of her life, being summoned into eternal rest in 1876. She was a woman of gentle and noble character, a zealous worker in the Baptist church, exemplifying her Christian faith in the daily walk of life, and winning the love of a large circle of devoted friends.
Edward Jennings was about four years of age at the time of his removal to Ohio, and was reared on the old homestead farm in Clark early beginning to contribute to the work of the same and having such educational advantages as were offered in the primitive log school-house of the period. Upon attaining the age of seventeen years he left the home farm and came to Urbana, where he found employment in the general merchandise store of E. B. Cavalier, one of the pioneer business men of the town. He was thus engaged for a period of five years, at the expiration of which he removed to Circleville, Pickaway county, where he held a clerkship about one and one-half years, proceeding thence to Chillicothe, where he secured an interest in a general store and also engaged in the grain business, disposing of his interests four years later, in 1837, and being for the next year at leisure, passing the greater portion of this interval in New York city. In the meanwhile he entered into partnership with other citizens of Chillicothe, under the firm name of 'Wilcox, Barber & Jennings, and established the first wholesale dry-goods enterprise in that place, the firm becoming Wilcox & Jennings one year after the opening of the business. This enterprise was thus continued for six years, at the expiration of which Mr. Jennings disposed of his interests and went p
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to New York city, where he engaged in the same line of enterprise, under the firm name of Mozier, Jennings & Company, Mr. Mozier withdrawing at the end of two years, whereupon the firm became Tweedy, Jennings & Company. Two years later our subject sold out his interests, having in the meanwhile associated himself with his brother, Absalom C., and with T. B. Read, both of Urbana, in the manufacturing of straw hats and in the wholesaling of the products, together with hats, caps and fancy millinery, under the firm name of Jennings, Read & Company. Mr. Jennings gave no personal attention to this enterprise and finally withdrew from the firm, as did also his brother. He had acquired considerable real estate in Highland and Clinton counties, Ohio, and there he passed some time in the supervision of his interests. Finally, owing to the impaired health of his wife, he took her to Cincinnati for treatment and this led to his forming acquaintances in that city, where he finally secured an interest in a wholesale grocery business, which was conducted under the firm title of Jennings & Butterfield and later that of Jennings, Butterfield & Clark. For nearly twenty years our subject continued to retain an interest in this business, which became one of importance. He continued his residence in Cincinnati about five years and then came to Urbana, in 1859, where he has ever since maintained his home,—a term of more than forty years, within which he has been known as a public-spirited citizen, lending aid and influence in support of measures for the public good and contributing to the progress and material prosperity of the city, whose growth from the position of a primitive country town he has witnessed. Mr. Jennings has extensive landed interests in Champaign county, and when he came here in 1859 interested himself in the raising of high-grade stock upon a large scale, doing much to promote this line of industry in this section of the state. He owns what is known as the Governor Vance farm, one of the finest properties in the county, and also other valuable lands. While he has been a stanch adherent of
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the Republican party from the time of its organization, Mr. Jennings has never sought political preferment and has invariably refused to permit his name to be considered in connection with candidacy for office. His life has been a successful one from every viewpoint, and his prosperity has been achieved by worthy means, thus retaining to him uniform confidence and esteem. He lives in a modest farm home, the same, however being within the city limits of Urbana.
On the 4th of June, 1839, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Jennings to Miss Anna M. Bentley, who was born in Highland county, Ohio, the daughter of Colonel Eli P. Bentley, one of the pioneers of Highland county, but was living at Chillicothe at the time of her marriage. She proved a devoted companion and helpmeet to her husband, being a wOman of sterling character and gentle refinement and holding the deep affection of those who came within the immediate sphere of her gracious and kindly influence. She passed away in April, 1890, at the age of sixty-seven years, having been a communicant of and zealous worker in the Protestant Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings became the parents of three sons and three daughters, of whom there are now living only the two sons,—Edward P. and George B. both of whom are residents of Urbana.
DAVID J. JOHNSON.
David J. Johnson, a representative of a prominent old Virginia family and a leading agriculturist of Champaign county, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, May 11, 1820. In the Old Dominion his paternal grandfather was also born, and he was of Dutch descent. Amos Johnson, the father of our subject, claimed Frederick county as the place of his nativity, his birth there occurring on October 30, 1775, and he was
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there reared and married. The year 1833 witnessed his arrival in the Buckeye state, his first location being in Licking county, but in the following year he came to Champaign county, purchasing a farm near Kings Creek, Salem township. His death occurred in Wayne township, this county, when he had reached the eighty-fifth milestone on the journey of life. He was a life-long farmer, a member of the Christian church, and a supporter of the Democracy. He was ever a loyal and progressive citizen, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Groceman, was also a native of the Old Dominion, born in 1782, and she, too, was a member of a prominent old family of that commonwealth and of Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to years of maturity and with one exception all were married.
David J. Johnson, whose name introduces this review, is the eleventh in order of birth in the above family and the only one now living. When twelve years of age he left the county of his nativity, and in the following year came to Champaign county, where he received his education in the old time log school house. After his marriage he made his home in Salem for a time, but in 1848 located on the farm on which he still resides. He here owns seventy acres of rich and fertile land, all of which is under an excellent state of cultivation, and his fields annually return to their owner abundant harvests.
In Salem township; Champaign county, on the 26th of February, 1845, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Gutridge, who was born in that locality on the 3d of August, 1822, a daughter of Richard and Lucretia (Manus) Gutridge, prominent early settlers of this county. Four children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, namely : Eliza Jane, the wife of Charles W. Hollingsworth, of Urbana ; James I., who married Mary Norman and resides on the old
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homestead; Ella, the wife of L. R. Marshall, of Mingo, Wayne township; and S. Elizabeth, the deceased wife of John Nincehelser. Mr. Johnson has been a life-long member of the Democratic party, and for over fifty years has been a member of the Baptist church, in which he has long been an office holder. He has made good use of his opportunities through life, has prospered from year to year and all who know him have the highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind.
EMORY HEDGES.
Among the native sons and representative farmers of Champaign county the subject of this sketch enjoys marked prestige as one of the pioneer citizens and as one who has attained a high degree of success through his efforts in connection with the noble art of husbandry. He has nearly attained the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but the vigor begotten of the free and invigorating life of the farm has warded off the encroachments of the years and he is a sturdy and active man and one who takes pleasure in the supervision of the work of his fine farmstead, which is located in Urbana township, in section 14.
Mr. Hedges was born on the farm which is now his home, the date of his nativity having been June 1, 1833. His father, Jonas Hedges, was born in Berkeley county, Virginia (now West Virginia), and was there reared to maturity, having been an active participant in the war of 1812, after which he married and came to Champaign county, Ohio, as one of its earliest pioneers. He located in Urbana township, in the midst of the forest wilds, and here cleared and improved a considerable tract of government land, having at one time owned the farm now owned by M. B. Saxbe, as well as that occupied by our subject, and having made improvements on both. He was an influential man in the pioneer com-
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munity, was originally a supporter of the Whig party, but transferred his allegiance to the Republican party at the time of its organization, and was thereafter an active worker in its local ranks, while he served for many years as justice of the peace and was also a member of the board of directors of the county infirmary. He and his wife were both zealous and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Jonas Hedges died in 1864, at the age of seventy-five years. He was a son of Samuel Hedges, who likewise was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, and there devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, having been a Whig in his political proclivities. The original American ancestors came to this country in the year 1600, and representatives of the name may now be found in the most diverse sections of the Union. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Elizabeth Robinson, and she also was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, of stanch old Irish stock. Jonas and Elizabeth Hedges became the parents of twelve children, all but three of whom were born after the family's removal to Champaign county, the subject of this sketch being the youngest.
Emory Hedges had a somewhat extraordinary experience ere he had attained sufficient age to appreciate the same, and it is almost a miracle that he lived to learn of the incident. When he was a child of eighteen months he fell into a well fifty-two feet in depth and was rescued uninjured. The early routine of his boyhood was not materially changed by reason of this accident, resulting from the venturesome spirit of inquisitive childhood, and he early began to assist in the work of the farm, while his educational training was secured in the public schools of the locality and period. He had completed his educational discipline at the age of nineteen years and thereafter continued to assist his father in the work of the old homestead until the time of his marriage, in 1857, when he removed to Clark county, this state, and was there engaged in farming for an interval of about eight years. His father's death
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at this time brought about our subject's return to the present homestead, which he inherited by the terms of his father's will, and here has he ever since been actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising, devoting special attention to the raising of a fine grade of swine. His farm comprises one hundred and twenty acres and the same has the best of permanent improvements and is under most effective cultivation, being one of the valuable places of this township.
Mr. Hedges is a stalwart Republican in politics and has ever taken a proper interest in local affairs of a public nature. His first presidential vote was cast in support of General John C. Fremont, the first candidate of the Republican party, in 1856. He is now serving as trustee of his township and is one of the honored old settlers of the county. During the war of the Rebellion he was in service for one hundred days, having enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he received his honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of enlistment. Mr. Hedges and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is at the present time a member of the board of trustees of his church.
In December, 1857, Mr. Hedges was united in marriage to Miss Nancy G. Gener, who was born in this county. They have the following children, namely : Henry, Nettie, Robert, Morley C., Mary and Anna, the eldest son being a graduate of the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and being now a successful teacher in the public schools.
WINFIELD T. SHRIGLEY.
For many years W. T. Shrigley has been identified with the agricultural interests of Champaign county. He was born in Coshocton county,Ohio, on the 31st of August, 1847, son of James and Eliza (Shaffer)
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Shrigley. The former, a coal miner by occupation, was a native of Ohio, of Dutch and Irish descent, and was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion. The mother was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, and was of German descent. In their family were three sons and two daughters.
W. T. Shrigley, the eldest in order of birth of five children, enjoyed the advantages afforded by the common schools of his native county, and during the summer months assisted in the work of the home farm. On the 4th of April, 1883, he arrived in Champaign county, and immediately located on the farm on which he still resides. He has ever been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party. In 1892 he was elected to the office of township trustee, and for six years served in that position, while for many years he has been a school director. At one time he enlisted in the independent militia, and later re-enlisted for a three years term, but on account of his age and size he was rejected, and he now holds an honorable discharge. In his social relations he is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics.
On the 19th of October, 188o, Mr. Shrigley was united in marriage to Mrs. Rebecca J. (Loder) Williams, a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, and a daughter of Aaron and Rebecca (Darling) Loden. Aaron Loder was horn in Pennsylvania and remained there until the age of twelve or fourteen, when he removed, to Coshocton county, Ohio, where he became a successful farmer and died at about the age of seventy-six. years. His wife was born in Coshocton county, her father being James Darling, a farmer and stock-raiser, who achieved great success in that line of business. Mrs. Shrigley, the youngest of the ten children of Aaron and Rebecca Loder, was born in 1848, and in her native county she was reared to years of maturity. By her marriege to Mr. Shrigley she has became the mother of two children,—Winfield L., born December 3o, 1882, at home; and Leatha May, born September 25, 1891, who is, now eleven years of age. No one in the community enjoys a better repu-
4
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tation for word or deed than Mr. Shrigley, and when a man stands high in the estimation of the people who have known him during the greater part of his life no greater testimonial to his worth can be given.
ELIJAH PENCE.
This well known and honored citizen of Champaign county has -passed practically his entire life in Mad River township, and is a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county. That the name became identified with the annals of Champaign county at an -early period in its history is evident from the very fact that our subject was born here nearly eighty years ago, and he is particularly entitled to representation in this work, which has to do with those who have been the founders and builders of the county.
Mr. Pence was born in Mad River township on the 9th of May, 1823, being the son of Henry Pence, who was born in Shenandoah 'county, Virginia, where he was reared to maturity and where occurred his marriage to Elizabeth Mouser, who was likewise born in the Old Dominion state. Henry Pence was the son of Lewis Pence, who was one of the first settlers in Champaign county, as was also John Pence, who was his cousin. Both settled in Mad River township, taking tip government land and reclaiming farms in the heavily timbered region. Both the father and the grandfather of our subject died on tne farm which is now his home, the same being located in section 8. The mother lived to attain the age of sixty-one years. She was a daughter of John Mouser, who likewise was one of the pioneer settlers of this county. Henry and Elizabeth Pence became the parents of two sons and three daughters, the subject of this sketch having been the third child and
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the elder of the two sons. All the children were born on the old homestead farm where he now lives and all attained years of maturity and were married.
Elijah Pence grew up under the discipline of the pioneer farmstead, early beginning to contribute his quota to the strenuous toil demanded in the reclamation and cultivation of the land, and receiving such educational discipline as was afforded in the primitive schools of the early days. He remained at the parental home until his marriage, in 1849, and he then located on a tract of land which he had purchased in this township, there retaining his residence for about two years, at the expiration of which he disposed of his property and removed to Fayette county, Iowa, where he purchased a tract of land and there engaged in agricultural pursuits for a period of about fifteen years. He then removed to Audrain county, Missouri, where he purchased a farm, but he disposed of the same about eighteen months later and returned to Iowa, locating in Washington county, where he purchased a farm and there continued to reside for fifteen years, at the expiration of which he came to Champaign county once more, here effecting the purchase of his present fine homestead, which was the place of his birth, the land having been taken up by John Pence. Our subject has made the best of improvements on the old homestead, including a residence which is one of the best farm dwellings in the county. Mr. Pence now rents his farm and has practically retired from active labor, enjoying, in his. venerable age, that quiet and dignified repose which is the just reward of years of earnest toil and endeavor. In politics he gives a stanch support to the principles and policies of the Republican party, and both he and his wife have long been devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On the 8th of June, 1849, Mr. Pence was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Markley, who was born in Maryland, whence her
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parents emigrated to Champaign county when she was about three years of age. Her father, Andrew Markley, was born in Maryland in the year i800, and he died when about thirty years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Garloch, was likewise born in Maryland, and she survived him many years, passing away at the age of sixty-eight. Mrs. Pence was the youngest in a family of four sons and two daughters and is the only survivor of the family. Our subject and his wife are the oldest couple in Mad River township, and they have been companions on the pathway of life for more than half a century. They are held in the highest esteem in the community, where their friends are in number as their acquaintances. They have no children.
ALFRED F. TAYLOR.
One of the prominent and influential farmers and stock-growers of Champaign county is the gentleman whose name introduces this paragraph, and it is fitting that we incorporate a brief review of his career, which has been one of marked success and honor.
Mr. Taylor is a native of Cambridgeshire, England, where he was born on the 8th of November, 1850, being the son of George Taylor, who was likewise born in Cambridgeshire, whence he emigrated to America in the year 1851, and he located on a farm in Wayne county, Ohio, where he maintained his home for about fifteen years, having sent to England for his family in 1854. From Wayne county he removed to Ontario county, New York, where he lived for a number of years, but he now resides with his son William in Hillsdale county, Michigan, having attained the venerable age of eighty-three years. He wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Heigho, died in 1898. They
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became the parents of eight children, namely : Edward, Henry, William, Alfred F., George, Arthur, Charles and Anna May. All are living except the daughter, who became the wife of William Burnett and died November 13, 1900.
Alfred F. Taylor was about four years of age when he came with his mother to America, and was reared on the paternal farmstead in Wayne county, his educational advantages being such as were afforded by the public schools of the locality. He assisted his father in the operation of the farm until he had attained the age of twenty-one years, when he gave inception to his independent business career by engaging in the contract for getting out one thousand tons of plaster rock in Phelps township, Ontario county, New York, the contract being for the amount of seven hundred and fifty dollars. He thereafter continued to make his home in Ontario county until the spring of 1874, when he located in Summit county, Ohio, where he was associated with his brother
William in farming, thus continuing for a period of three years. During the next three years he was employed by 0. S. Burt, of Granger, Ohio, in the buying of produce, and he then passed a similar period in connection with a grocery business in the city of Cleveland. After his marriage he was engaged as a traveling salesman until 1887, when he came to Champaign county and located on a farm one mile north of Woodstock, and there continued to reside about three years, when he came to this county, where he now owns one hundred and seventy acres in Mad River township, which is one of the best places in this section of the county. He has devoted special attention to the raising of high-grade live stock, and is known as one of the leading stock-growers of this section of the state. Mr. Taylor is enterprising, progressive and energetic, and has attained a. high degree of success through his well directed efforts, while his course has been such as to retain to him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. In
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politics he is a stalwart Republican, and fraternally is identified with Magrew Lodge, No. 433, Knights of Pythias, at Westville. He is a member of the schood board of his district and takes marked interest in all that concerns the progress and material prosperity of the community.
In the year 1876 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Spensley, who was born in Medina county, Ohio, and they have one son Edward T., who is associated with his father in the management of the farm.
WILLIAM F. HYDE, M. D.
The true spirit of progress and enterprise is exemplified in the lives of such men as Dr. William Fulton Hyde,—men whose energetic natures and laudable ambition have enabled them to conquer many adverse circumstances and advance steadily to a leading position in business life. The Doctor is a worthy representative of this class, and is now a prominent figure in the professional circles of Champaign county.
Dr. Hyde was born in York township, Union county, Ohio, on the 23d of December, 1856, a son of John B. and Elizabeth (Davis) Hyde, the former of English and the latter of 'Welsh and Irish descent, and both were born in the eastern part of Ohio. The father was a farmer by occupation, and his father, Samuel Hy-d-2, died during the removal of the family to Union county. The marriage of John B. and Elizabeth (Davis) Hyde was blessed with nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom the Doctor was the youngest in order of birth. His elementary education was received in the district schools of his native county, and later he entered the Richwood high school, in which he
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was graduated in 1874. In order to defray the expenses of a medical education he then began farm labor, and after receiving the necessary means entered the Columbus Medical College, in which he was graduated in 1887. He immediately began the practice of his chosen calling in Bokes Creek, Union county, where he remained for six years and since 1893 has been numbered among the medical practitioners of Christiansburg. His knowledge of the science of medicine is comprehensive and accurate, and by the constant perusal of medical literature he keeps thoroughly abreast with the times.
In 1875 Dr. Hyde was united in marriage to Sarah A. Monroe, a native also of Union county, Ohio, and a daughter of L. G. Monroe, one of the early pioneers of Logan county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Hyde have three children, namely : Willard Blackborn, who is preparing for the medical profession at Columbus; Stella Atlanta, a successful school teacher ; and Maude Monroe, who is attending school. The Doctor was formerly a member of the Medical Society, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Rebekah lodge and the Masonic fraternity. Religiously his membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is an active worker, while in his political affiliations he is a stanch Republican. His fidelity to every duty of public and private life has gained him high esteem, and his ability in the line of his profession has won him a gratifying financial success.
JAMES W. BLACK.
James W. Black is a well known farmer of Salem township, his home being in section 20 and within the borders of this township, his birth occurring October 28, 1854, his parents being James and Caroline
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(Culbertson) Black. He is the youngest in a family of eight children and was reared in the place of his nativity, his education being acquired in the district schools. He worked on the home farm, the duties of field and meadow early becoming familiar to him through practical experience. He chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Lizzie Robbins, the marriage being celebrated on the 21st of December, 1882. The lady is a native of Logan county, Ohio, her birth having occurred in West Liberty, March 8, 1862. Her father, John W., was a native of New Jersey, and emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Logan county, Ohio, about 1857. By trade he was a blacksmith and long followed that pursuit, his death occurring when he was fifty-two years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Rebecca Huff and her birth occurred in Hunterdon county, New Jersey. They became the parents of three children : Bell, the wife of J. R. Black, who is mentioned on another page of this volume ; William, a resident of California; and Mrs. James W. Black, of this review. She was reared in West Liberty and after her marriage went as a bride to the old Black homestead, the young couple taking up their abode in the house that his grandfather, Captain Alexander Black, had erected in 1818, our subject being a representative of the third generation to occupy this home. He carries on general farming and stockraising, and in connection with his brother owns and operates about six hundred acres of rich and arable land, his farming interests being crowned with a very creditable degree of success. He is also a stockholder and one of the directors of the Farmers Banking Company of West Liberty, and is financially interested in a business block at that place.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Black has been blessed with four children: Burr R., born in 1887, Geneva B., born in 1890; Howard C., born May 24, 1893; and Virginia, born August 23, 1901. Mr. Black votes with the Republican party and has served as a school director, but
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does not seek or desire public office. He belongs to Liberty Lodge, No. 96, I. 0. 0. F., and is a popular and esteemed representative of that organization. His entire life has been passed in Salem township, and he is now living upon the farm which has been in the possession of the Black family since 18o9. From pioneer days down to the present, representatives of the name have borne their share in promoting the best interests of this section of the state, and Mr. Black is widely recognized as a progressive and public spirited citizen.
IVAN B. THOMAS.
The history of agricultural interests in Champaign county would be incomplete without mention of Ivan B. Thomas, a well known farmer of Salem township, whose birth occurred January 3o, 1832, at the place of his present residence. His father was Colonel John Thomas, a native of Maryland, who was reared and educated in Hagerstown and on emigrating westward when a young man, located in Ross county, Ohio, coming to Champaign county about 1807. He took up his abode on a farm in Kings Creek and became a leading and influential citizen of the community. He was Colonel of a militia regiment in the war of 1812, and made his home in this county at the time when all was so wild that it was necessary to have a block house upon his farm in order to secure protection against Indians. For thirty-three years he served as justice of the peace and his fidelity to duty was most marked as is indicated by his long continuance in the position. He held membership in the Methodist Protestant church and his home was always open for the reception of ministers of any denomination who came to the neighborhood. He voted the Whig ticket in early life, supported Clay and Harrison and was al-
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ways fearless in defense of his honest convictions. His death occurred when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Johnson, was born in Pennsylvania in 1 802 and when two years of age was brought to Ohio, while in 1806 she became a resident of Champaign county. Her death occurred in her eighty-fifth year. Her father, Jacob Johnson, removed from the Keystone state to Ohio in pioneer times and was numbered among the honored and worthy pioneers of Champaign county. Mr. Thomas, the father of our subject, was twice married, his first union being with Miss Anna Morris of Pickaway county. They had a large family of whom but two are living : William and Josephus, both residents of Wayne township, Champaign county. Unto the parents of our subject were born five children, of whom Ivan B. Thomas is the eldest and the only survivor.
Upon the home farm, where he is yet living, our subject was reared and his education was pursued in a log school house near by, seated with hewed log seats and supplied with a puncheon floor. As soon as old enough to handle a plow he began work in the fields and has since been an active factor in the cultivation of the soil. In connection with his brother he carries on a grain business, as a member of the firm of Ivan B. Thomas & Brother, their elevator being located in Kennerd. Mr. Thomas became connected with this line of commercial activity in 1866 and is still engaged therein, being the oldest grain merchant in the county. His operations in this line, however, have not demanded all of his attention for .he has always carried on farming. He is likewise one of the stockholders in the Citizens National Bank and has been one of its directors from 1878 until the present year, 1902.
In 1876 Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Lucretia Burnett, a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, who was there reared and educated. Our subject and his wife now have four children : Edward B., Robert P., Mara and Roy J.
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For nine years Mr. Thomas filled the office of justice of the peace and the prompt and faithful manner in which he has ever discharged his duties has won him the confidence and commendation of all concerned. He is a stanch Republican, having voted for that party since he cast his first ballot for Fremont in 1856. He has also been judge of elections, acting in that capacity throughout the period of the Civil war. His fellow townsmen have often solicited him to become a candidate for county offices but he .has always refused, preferring to devote his time and energies to his. business interests in which he has met with very gratifying success.
Under the call of then Governor Tod, of Ohio, for minutemen to protect the state at the time that General Kirby Smith wa: in Kentucky and threatening Cincinnati, our subject went as a private to the defense of that city and when the danger was over returned. Ir 1861, our subject belonged to the state militia, served as captain an retained that position until they were honorably discharged.
JOHN W. YEISLEY.
Rev. John William Yeisley, pastor of the Reformed church at Saint Paris, was born in Millmont, Union county, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1866, and is a son of Elias and Rebecca (Lenig) Yeisley, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The family is an old colonial one and was founded in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, prior tc the Revolutionary war, and some of its descendants still reside there. The father of our subject followed the tilling of the soil as a life occupation and was a loyal soldier in the Civil war. He became the father 01 six children, three of whom are still living. The mother was called tc
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her final rest in 1901, she having been a member of the Lutheran faith.
The boyhood days of John W. Yeisley were passed upon the farm, and in the public schools in Union county he received his elementary education. His knowledge gained therein was later supplemented by a course in the Central Pennsylvania College, of New Berlin, that state, in which he spent three years, and during the succeeding year he pursued his theological studies in the Reformed Episcopal Seminary, at Philadelphia. He next entered the Heidelberg Seminary, at Tiffin, Ohio, in which he also spent one year. For a similar period he was a student in Wittenberg Seminary. During these three years he regularly filled appointments as a student supply. He was licensed to preach at Hamilton, Ohio, in 1898, and a few days later, on the uth of May, was ordained at Saint Paris, by Rev. D. Burghlater, now editor of the Christian World, the official organ of the church in the middle states, and by Rev. F. W. Hoffman, pastor of the First church at Tiffin, Ohio. In 1896 Rev. Yeisley came to Saint Paris as a student supply to the Tremont City charge, which he now serves and which includes three preaching stations. He has been eminently successful in his ministerial work here, as is shown by the fact that when he took charge of the church it numbered one hundred and thirty-seven members, but by indefatigable work he has increased the membership to nearly five hundred members, while in addition he has also greatly developed the financial condition of the church, the property being now worth several thousand dollars more than when he took charge. He now has plans under way for the erection of a new church building at Saint Paris, which he hopes to carry out in the near future.
Rev. Yeisley is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Saint Paris Lodge, No. 246, and with its Rebekah auxiliary at Saint Paris. He is also a member of the Crystal Lodge of the Knights of Pythias at York, Pennsylvania, the Junior Order of United
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American. Mechanics at Tremont City, Ohio, and the Daughters of Pocahontas at Saint Paris. In Redmanship he is past sachem of Washeaugah Tribe of Saint Paris, and also chaplain general, with the rank of brigadier general, in the Red Men's League of Ohio. He is undoubtedly the best known speaker in the order, and has lectured extensively in nearly all of the states of the Union in the interest of the organization. He is now writing a book, which when published will be known as the "Popular History of Redmanship." In temperance work he has always evinced a commendable interest, working untiringly to minimize the evil of intemperance, which blights wherever its touch is laid. He is a member of the state executive committee of the Prohibition party in Ohio, also a member and secretary of the state central committee and chairman of the Champaign county committee. In this line of work he has lectured extensively throughout the country, and has also lectured in connection with the Women's Christian Temperance Union on "The Use and Abuse of Tobacco." He has written a book entitled "Tobacco and My Child," and has in course of preparation several other works. Throughout his life he has had an extensive acquaintance with the book publishing business, and before entering the ministry served as editor and manager of several papers in Pennsylvania. He is now the principal owner and manager of the Cornerstone Publishing Company, capitalized at fifteen thousand dollars, which is operated under the laws of New Jersey. The company own and publish four papers,—The Reform Review, the Saint Paris Era-Dispatch, the Saint Paris News and the Corner Stone, the latter being the official organ of the Prohibition party in Ohio. The company employ a working force of sixteen people. Rev. Yeisley is a forceful writer, keen and penetrating in his style, persistent and conservative in thought and has the courage of his convictions in whatever he champions. As a speaker he is concise and clear, nature having endowed him with the grace of oratory. His life
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has been a laborious one, he having labored for years under the disadvantages of debt incurred to obtain an education, but by his persistence and enterprise he overcame all obstacles that obstructed his way and the future undoubtedly has in store for him still higher successes.
ISAAC HALTERMAN
The pioneer history of Champaign county has upon its roll the name of Isaac Halterman, who throughout his entire life has resided within its borders and is one of its oldest residents. He was born in Adams township, Champaign county, on the farm on which he now resides, May 7, 1825. His father, George Halterman, was born in Virginia, in 1788, and was a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Huffman) Halterman. Charles Halterman was also a native of the Old Dominion, a Whig in his political views and during the Revolutionary war served as a Hessian soldier. George Halterman, the father of our subject, was reared in the place of his nativity, but in 1817 left his southern home far the Buckeye state, and about 1822 located on a portion of the farm which our subject still owns. The tract then consisted of seventy-eight acres, and this he cleared and improved. He gave his political support to the Democracy, and his death occurred on his old home farm the 17th of January, 1876. Ere leaving the Old Dominion he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Rexroad, a native also of Virginia, where she was reared and educated. Eight children were born unto that union,—Eleanor, Samuel, Isaac, Sarah, Jane, Marguerite and Lewis, twins, and Elizabeth. With the exception of the eldest, who was a native of Virginia, all were born on the old home farm in this county, and all are now living except the two eldest.
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Isaac Halterman, of this review, assumed control of the Halterman homestead fifteen years before his father's death, during which time he cleared about twenty acres and added many valuable improvements to the farm. This has been his home throughout his entire life, and as prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has added to its boundaries until it now contains one hundred and two acres of rich and productive land. By perseverance, industry, economy and good management he has attained a position among the substantial agriculturists of the community, and his worth is widely acknowledged by those who are familiar with his honorable business methods.
In the year 1851 was ecelebrated the marriage of Mr. Halterman and Miss Sarah Jane Hall. She is a native of Adams township, Champaign county, where she was born on the 31st of May, 1833, a daughter of German and Ruth (Newcomb) Hall, early settlers of this county, and here they both died. Of their nine children Mrs. Halterman was the second in order of birth. She was called to her final rest on the 13th of December, 1899, leaving ten children,—Mary, Emily, Calra Ruth, George Riley, Marguerite Ann, Eliza Jane, Dora Elizabeth, Joseph Thomas, Ida Pearl, Charles E. and Shepherd Clyde, all born on the old home farm. The Democracy receives Mr. Halterman's hearty support and co-operation, fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the A. H. T., of Rosewood, and was formerly identified with the Grange. His religious preference is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, at Carysville, in which he is an
active worker.
ASA N. SCOTT.
Asa N. Scott, a representative farmer and citizen of Johnson township, Champaign county, was born in Adams township, this county, August 24, 1857. He was named for his paternal grandfather, who was a
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native of Trenton, New Jersey, born March 2, 1793. In that place the grandfather was reared and educated and he was also married in the east to Mary White and had a family of four children, when he came to Ohio, settling in. Miami county, about 1830. Seven years later he came to Champaign county, where he cleared and developed a farm. Two of his children are now deceased, Harvey and James, the former having died in August, 1891, the surviving members of the family are Hannah B. and Jasper. The latter was the father of our subject. He became a well known farmer of Johnson township, where he successfully carried on the tilling of the soil for many years. He was born in Huntington, New Jersey, February 25, 1825, and was about four years old when brought by his parents to Ohio, coming to Champaign county when aent youth of eleven years. Here he was reared and educated, remaining at home until thirty-three years of age, when he removed to Adams township, where he purchased two hundred and twenty-two acres of rich land. He cleared most of this and made his home thereon for fifteen years when he returned to the old farm homestead in Johnson township, purchasing the interest of the other heirs in the property. He devoted his attention not only to raising of grain, but also carried' on the raising of fine stock quite extensively and conducted a dairy business. He married Cordelia Corey, who was born October 29, 1855, in Steuben county, New York, coming to Ohio with' her parents when a young lady. The family located in Miami county, but she was living in Shelby county at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Scott became the parents of three children: Asa N., Emerson and Rosey, the two last mentioned being deceased.
Asa N. Scott was a youth of fourteen years when the family removed to the farm which is yet his home. In his youth he became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was married in Shelby county in 1882, to Jennie E. Flow-
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ers, who was born in Jackson township, Champaign county, September 10, 1865, and there resided until she was four years of age, when she, with her people, removed to Shelby county, where she remained until her marriage. Her father, Charles Flowers, was a native of New Jersey, born in 1822, and on removing westward took up his abode in Champaign county in 1832, making his home in Jackson township, on what is known as the H. H. Bucourt farm. There he remained for some time, but afterward removed to Indiana, where he purchased land. Wher he again came to Ohio his father was dead and he bought the interest of the other heirs in the old home property. Later, however, he sold this and went to Miami county, and there again bought and sold a farm his next place of residence being Shelby county, where he is now living He was married in Champaign county to Lucy Wert, who was born and reared in Trenton, New Jersey, and became a resident of Shelly county when twenty-one years of age. In their family were four children: Mattie, Theodore, Sarah and Mrs. Scott, all born in Champaign county.
After his marriage Mr. Scott removed with his bride to Adams township, locating upon a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land belonging to his mother. There he remained for five years, clearing the land and making some good improvements thereon. He next came to his present farm in Johnson township and now has two hundred and fifty-eight and one-half acres of valuable land all under a high state of cultivation, while the father has one hundred and seventy-four acres of improved land. Mr. Scott is an enterprising agriculturist and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place is an indication of the diligence and energy which has ever characterized his. career. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Scott has been blessed with two children : Harley Emerson, who was born in Adams township, April 3o, 1883, and Jasper Leon, who was born in Johnson township, June 23, 1890.
5
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Mr. Scott is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and also holds membership relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Like his father, he is a Republican, unfaltering in his advocacy' of the principles of the party, and is a public spirited man, deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of his community. His entire life has been devoted to farming interests and he is well known and progressive agriculturist of his native county.
THOMAS MALANCTHON GAUMER.
Back to patriot sires and model matrons Thomas Malancthon Gaumer traced his descent, and justly cherished a pride of birth which begot potent purpose and unfaltering effort to maintain, and perchance exalt, through the mediums of medicine and journalism, an enviable ancestral record.
Thomas Malancthon Gaumer was born in Adamsville, Ohio, February 2, 1848, a son of Jonathan and Mahala (Barrett) Gaumer, a grandson of Daniel Gaumer, and great-grandson of Jacob Gaumer. Jacob Gaumer was born in Pennsylvania, and in his country's time of need left his farm and those dear to him and followed the martial fortunes of Washington from Fort Du Quesne to Yorktown. In 1806 he removed from Pennsylvania to Muskingum county, Ohio, where his death occurred in 1824. Daniel Gaumer was also born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio in 1809, his death occurring in 1859. Jonathan Gaumer was born in Ohio, and devoted his entire life to agriculture, and his death occurred in 1859. To himself and wife were born the following children : Thomas M. ; Charies N.. a prominent citizen and newspaper man of Mansfield, Ohio ; Hannah J. ; Rachel V. ; Daniel H., who is deceased; Mary; Martha; and Cidda.
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While still young in years Thomas Malancthon removed with his parents to a farm in Muskingum county, which continued to be his home until 1876. He was educated in the public schools and at Denison University at Granville, and subsequently taught school for a number of years. Having determined to devote his life to the practice of medicine he entered the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, and graduated therefrom in 1876. The year previous he married Eliza M., daughter of Barton and Julia (Walker) Cone, and thus became allied with a family as meritorious as his own. Barton Cone was born in Monroe township, Muskingum county, Ohio, August 23, 1824, and was a son of Jared Cone, a pioneer of Muskingum county. Jared Cone, son of Jared, son of Mathew, son of Jared, son of Daniel, the latter of whom was born in Edinburg, Scotland, in 1626. Daniel Cone came to America with two brothers in 1660 and settled in Haddam, Connecticut, where he died in 1706. Mrs. Gaurner's paternal grandmother, Eliza (Schoff) Cone, was a daughter of Philip Schoff, one of the heroes of the Revolution.
After his marriage and graduation Mr. Gaumer located in Wyandot county, Ohio, and after practicing medicine for a time removed to Adamsville, which continued to be his home until 1882. In the meantime his aspirations had undergone a change, and he seems to have found less in his profession than he expected. At any rate, after weighing the chances, he decided in favor of journalism, and henceforward medical science knew him only as an erstwhile practitioner. After purchasing the Champaign Democrat, at Urbana, he edited and published the sam for about a year, and then, in partnership with his brother, D. H. Gaumer, ran the Zanesville Signal, a daily paper. Upon disposing of his interest in the Signal in 1887, he re-purchased the Champaign Democrat, and from then until the time of his death, September 30, 1893; his energies were devoted to making of this sheet a practical and inter-
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esting news dispenser. He was a stanch Democrat, a keen observer of men and events, and had the faculty of finding out what the public wanted to know. His editorials evinced a world of common sense, and an intelligent understanding of all sides of prevailing public conditions. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and was fraternally associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife, who survives him, is the mother of three sons, Charles Edmund, Frank Cone and Bruce Barton. Charles Edmund is editor and owner of the Middletown (Ohio) Daily Signal, and inherits much of his father's ability as a newspaper man. The two younger sons and their mother own and publish the Champaign Democrat, of which Frank C. is editor and manager. He is one of the most promising young journalists in Champaign county, and is exceedingly popular in social and business circles. He also is identified with the Odd Fellows. Mrs. Gaumer is a member of the Baptist church. and is a woman of fine personality, and sterling qualities of heart and mind.
JACOB S. SARVER.
As one reviews the history of the county and looks into the past to see who were prominent in its early development he will find that almost throughout the entire century the name of Sarver has been closely connected with the progress and advancement of this section of the state. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Sarver, was one of the first to take up his abode in Champaign county, and on his arrival here he located on the farm on which his son Jacob now resides. Here he cleared and improved two hundred and ten acres, and on this valuable homestead spent the remainder of his life. He was married in Virginia to Nancy Robinson, who was born and reared in that common-
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wealth, and after her marriage made the journey with her husband to this state on horseback. On their way here they passed through the present city of Urbana, but it then contained but one log cabin, and wild was the region in which they settled. Six children were born unto this worthy couple, and with the exception of one all were born in Champaign county.
Jacob Sarver, the father of him whose name introduces this review, was born on the farm on which he now resides in 1816, and here he has spent his entire life. He assisted his father in clearing and cultivating the land until the latter's death, after which he assumed entire charge of the place, and here he has since been engaged in farming and sheep-raising. He has ever been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and on its ticket he has been elected to many of the township offices. He has been a member of the United Brethren church for many years and materially assisted in the erection of the church of that denomination at Salem.
Jacob S. Sarver, the immediate subject of this review, is a native son of Harrison township, Champaign county, his birth here occurring on the 25th of June, 1847. He assisted in the work of the old home farm until twenty-one years of age, and for the following four or five years operated a thresher in this county, during which time he still remained under the parental roof. For one year thereafter he remained on his father-in-law's farm in Concord township, and on the expiration of that period took up his abode on his present farm of eighty acres, which he has since cleared and placed under an excellent state of cultivation, the many valuable improvements thereon standing as monuments to his thrift and ability. While attending to the many duties of his farm he has also found time to devote to public affairs, and for eleven years served his township with efficiency as a trustee, while in 1892 he was made a county commissioner, remaining an incumbent of that important
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position for six years and nine months. The Republican party receives his active support and co-operation.
In Concord township, Champaign county, Mr. Sarver was united in marriage to Enda Johnson, who was born, reared and educated in that township, and is a daughter of Levi Johnson. Five children, three sons and two daughters, have been born unto this union, namely : William J.: ; Ardella May, the wife of Duncan Russell, a prominent farmer. of Adams township; Alvey B.; Pearl; and Carry, the wife of William Madden, a farmer near Urbana. All were born and reared in this county. In his social relations Mr. Sarver is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekah order at Crayton, of the Red Men at Millerstown and of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. The family are members of the Methodist church at Crayon, and Mr. Sarver was a member of its building committee.
BENJAMIN M. MADDEN.
Classed among the substantial and highly respected agriculturists of Champaign county is Benjamin M. Madden. He was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, August 4, 1854, and is a son of William Madden, a native of Harrison county, Virginia. When a young man the latter came to Ohio, and for the following two years worked in a still-house in Champaign county, receiving nine dollars a month in compensation for his services, and for a similar period he was also employed by Governor Vance. In the latter position he did not receive any compensation for his services until the two years had expired. He next went to Auglaize county, and thence came to Champaign county. Here he was united in
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marriage to Charity Moffitt, a native of the county and a daughter of Nathan Moffitt, one of the early pioneers of the locality. With his bride Mr. Madden returned to Auglaize county, where he cleared and improved a large farm, and there his wife died at the age of forty-two years. Coming thence to Champaign county, he made his home on a farm here until his death, which occurred when he had reached the seventy-fourth milestone on the journey of life. His political support was given to the Democratic party. Two of his brothers also came to Champaign county from Virginia.
Benjamin Madden, his parents' only child, was but four days old when his mother died, and he was reared by his aunt, Miss Hannah Moffit, who afterward became his father's wife. When a small child he was brought to Champaign county, and when the time came for him tc assume the responsibilities of life he located on a farm in Salem township, near where he now lives. As the years have passed by prosperity has rewarded his efforts and he is now the owner of three valuable farms containing, in all, four hundred and sixty acres, and there he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is a thorough farmer and excellent financier, progressive in his methods and earnest in his desire to promote the well being of his neighbors and the community in general In politics he is a true Democrat.
In 1877 Mr. Madden was united in marriage to Jennie Hoagland a daughter of Samuel and Emily Agnes (Walker) Hoagland, the former a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and the latte of Yellow Springs, Clark county, Ohio. Of the eleven children born ti Mr. and Mrs. Hoagland, seven sons and four daughters, ten grew t, years of maturity, and Mrs. Madden is the third child and eldest Baugh ter in order of birth. She was born and reared in Clark county, Ohid and by her marriage to Mr. Madden became the mother of five children namely : Bessie, deceased; William H., who married Carrie Sarver an
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resides in Champaign county ; and Dessie H., Forest E. and Benjamin Grover, at home. The family are among the most honored residents of Champaign county.
JONATHAN THATCHER, M. D.
Both as an educator and as a medical practitioner has Dr. Jonathan Thatcher won distinction, and he enjoys an extensive and remunerative practice. He is progressive in all his methods, constantly reading and studying, and keeps in close touch with the spirit of the times. His paternal grandfather, Jonathan Thatcher, was what is known as a German Quaker, and his wife was also a member of that faith. Samuel Thatcher, the father of our subject, was a native of the Old Dominion, and was there reared in Berkeley county. When about twenty-one years of age he came to Greene county, Ohio, and in Greene, Champaign and Miami counties followed the teacher's profession, during a part of which time he taught in the old stone school house located on the farm of James Reid, where the latter's son, Whitelaw, was enrolled among his pupils and where he and our subject were schoolmates. Throughout his active business career Mr. Thatcher's name was inseparably interwoven with the history of the educational interests of the Buckeye state. His broad intelligence, scholarly attainments and full appreciation of the value of knowledge as a preparation for life's responsibilities made him an able educator, and he stood in the front rank of his profession. He was a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he long served as a steward and class-leader, and until the Douglas campaign gave his political support to the Democracy, after which he upheld the principles of the Republican party. His life's labors were ended in death when he reached the fifty-ninth milestone on the journey of life.
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As a companion on the journey of life Mr. Thatcher chose Miss Emily Beach, a native daughter of the Buckeye state, her birth having probably occurred in Ross county. Her father, who was a sailor by profession, was lost at sea, and her mother was killed by lightning. Seven children were born unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher, five sons and two daughters, namely : Martena, deceased; Jonathan, of this review; Matilda, deceased ; George W., who laid down his life on the altar of his country; Samuel B., who is employed as overseer of a landed estate of about eighteen hundred acres in Iosco county, Michigan, and who also served as engineer of public roads in the northern peninsula of that state; John S., a farmer of Charlevoix county, Michigan, and his twin brother died in infancy.
Jonathan Thatcher, of this review, was born in Piqua, Miami county, Ohio, November 6, 1840, and in his youth removed with the family to Greene county, this state, where he received his mental training under his father's able direction. Later he became a student in the high school of Cedarville, Greene county, in which he was graduated in 1857, and immediately afterward began pedagogic work, his first school having been at Westville, Ohio, in which he taught during the winter of 1857-8. When the tocsin of war sounded and men from all parts of the country took up arms in defense of the cause Mr. Thatcher nobly put aside all personal considerations and in 1861 enlisted in Company K, Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but after one year spent as a defender of the stars and stripes was discharged on account of disability. The Thatcher family were well represented in that struggle, nine of its members having enlisted, and but one of the number was killed. Three of our subject's brothers served their country from 1861 until the close of the conflict in 1865.
After the close of the war Dr. Thatcher came to Champaign county, where he again, took up the profession of teaching, and at the same time