MOOREFIELD TOWNSHIP - 981 MOOREFIELD TOWNSHIP., (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) MATHEW ANDERSON, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Born in the north part of Ireland, about six miles from Giant's Causeway, in August, 1798. Emigrated to America in the year 18'20, and located in Franklin Co., Penn. Was married, May 26, 1825, to Jane Brown, who was also born and raised in Ireland, coming to this country before Mr. Anderson. By this union they have had seven children, all grown to maturity and all living, viz., John, Martha, Agnes, Joseph B., Mary Jane, Sallie B. and Margaret A. Mr. Anderson, after his marriage, lived in Franklin Co., Penn., until the spring of 1832, when he removed to Ohio, locating in Clark Co. He lived on rented farms for some years; he then bought a farm of 100 acres in Sec. 20, Moorefield Township, where he resided twenty years, when he purchased the farm upon which he now lives and has since resided. The two farms consist of 191 acres of land, with good buildings and improvements. Mr. Anderson started in life a poor boy, and by his own industry, economy and good management, he has acquired a good home and property. He saw much of the hardships and trials of the early pioneers, but has lived to see the growth and progress of the county, which now stands among the first counties in the State in good farms and manufacturing interests. His wife died May 26, 1875, on the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day. The "golden wedding" was to have been celebrated that day. The invitations had been sent out for 200 guests, with the anticipation of an enjoyable occasion. But He who rules the universe saw fit to call her on that very day to a happier and better world, "where they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven." She was a worthy member of the United Presbyterian Church for more than half a century, and raised her children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and saw the fruits of her labors in the good works of her children. they all becoming members of the church while young and before leaving the parental roof. Mr. Anderson is now past 82 years of age ; has also been a member of the same church for more than fifty years, and an Elder in the same for over forty years ; and we trust that their teachings and good works-the seed they have sown-will continue to spring up and bear fruit for generations to come. HORATIO BANES (deceased). Among the early prominent pioneers of Clark Co., Horatio Banes stood deservedly high. He was born in Virginia Aug. 11, 1791, and was the son of Evan and Mrs. Sina (Chenoweth, nee Hayes) Banes, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Virginia, who came to Moorefield Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in 1811, locating upon the farm where their descendants yet live, Evan dying Nov. 3, 1827, and his wife March 28, 1836. They had four children-Horatio, Gabriel, Evan and Sarah, all of whom are now dead, the two latter dying in Champaign Co., Ohio, Sarah being the wife of William Chenoweth, and Gabriel dying in Illinois. Horatio Banes was 20 years of age when his parents came to this county, and, being a young man full of vigor, he commenced to clear up the farm, while his father, who was a physician and a student of the celebrated Dr. Rush; of Philadelphia, continued to practice his profession during his lifetime, having a very extensive practice. Mr. Banes was married, May 6, 1824, to Miss Polly Miller, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Miller, 982 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: a sketch of whom will be found in this work. Mrs. Banes had born to her eleven children, viz., Robert M., Louisa (the wife of Justus Wilson), Joseph (deceased), Reuben, John (deceased), Gabriel W., Evan (deceased), Elizabeth (the wife of' W. G. Waters, of Toledo, Ohio), Nelson (deceased), David (deceased) and Sarah (deceased). She was born in Fleming Co.. Ky., Feb. 23, 1300, and has been a member of the M. E. Church all her life, and is the only survivor of a class of seventy-five persons who organized the Moorefield M. E. Church at an early day. She is now past 81 years of age, and still resides upon the old homestead, and awaiting patiently the call to a better world, where she will meet her loved ones gone on before. Horatio Banes, during his vigor, brought his farm of 240 acres into good cultivation, which took many years of hard labor, and there he peacefully died Sept. 5, 1868, aged 77, full of honorable years, devoted to fulfilling the duties of an upright citizen, good neighbor, kind father, fond husband and trusted official. He was an officer of militia, and filled from the lowest rank up to that of Major General. He held many township offices; was Justice of the Peace for a number of years, taking an active interest in the advancement and progress of education and all public improvements of his day, and possessed the entire confidence of his community. His parents came to Old Columbia, Ohio, in 180'3, where they lived a few years; thence moved to Warren Co., where his father, Evan Banes, was instrumental in laying out the town of Waynesville, and there they resided until their removal to Moorefield Township. TIMOTHY L. BOSART, deceased. This gentleman was one of the staid and substantial pioneers of Clark County, and was born in Pendleton Co., Va., Sept 4, 1803. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Hunter) Bosart, came to Clark County in 1811, settling on Sec. 21, Moorefield Township, where his mother died in 1817, and his father in 1841. Mr. Bosart grew to manhood in this county, and, Dec. 25, 1833, he was married to Miss Matilda Moss, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Moss, natives of the " Old Dominion," and pioneers of Clark Co., Ohio, Mrs. Moss being yet living, and in her 90th year. To Timothy L. and Matilda Bosart were born seven children, five sons and two daughters, two of the sons dying in childhood. Mrs. Bosart died Nov. 18, 1854, leaving behind those whom she had loved and cared for to mourn her loss. Mr. Bosart was always looked up to as one of the leading men of his township, and all who knew him trusted and respected him for his true manliness and rigid honesty in all things. In religious belief, a Universalist ; in politics, a Whig, which, on the breaking out of that foul blot on American liberty called " Know-Nothingism," he forsook for the Democratic party. He held the positions of Township Clerk, Treasurer and Trustee, and was Justice of the Peace for a number of terms, also acting as School Director some forty consecutive years. He died June 9, 1876, in his 73d year, leaving a name and character that his descendants can point to with just pride. SAMUEL H. BOWLUS, grain dealer and proprietor of Bowlusville. Born in Middletown Valley, Frederick Co., Md., July 26. 1819; is a son of George and Ann Catharine (Lyles) Bowlus, natives of Frederick Co., Md., and who spent their lives in their native State, with the exception of about six months spent at Zanesville, Ohio, and at another time six months spent in Missouri, returning to their native State, where they resided till their death. She died Feb. 17, 1827,; he died Oct. 27, 1855, aged 65 years. They were parents of four children, Capt. Samuel H. the only one now surviving. Mr. Bowlus was married the second time to Miss Ann Benson, of Montgomery Co., Md., by whom he had four children, one only now living George Andrew, now a resident of Iola, Kan, acting as real estate and railroad agent for the sale of lands, etc., holding a very prominent position, and through his extensive business has acquired a large amount of wealth. Mr. George Bowlus was in the farming and milling business during most of his life; was a very prominent and active man having the esteem and confidence of his community and the people of his county. holding many positions of public trust. Was Judge of the Orphan's Court for six years, and represented his county in the Legislature a greater portion of the time from 1828 to 1844. His eldest son, by his first wife, John W., now deceased, became a well known physician in Millerville, Marion Co., Ind., where he had practiced his profession for thirty M00REFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 983 years at the time of his death. The eldest son by his second wife, Thomas H., also deceased, took the profession of the law, and became one of the most prominent lawyers of Indianapolis, and an intimate friend of Gov. Hendricks. His practice, which was extensive, was continued till his death, a period of twenty years. Our subject was raised and grew to maturity in his native State : was only eight years of age at the death of his mother, but under the watchful care of his kind and intelligent father, grew to manhood, receiving a good common-school education, with a good knowledge of surveying. Was married Feb. 13, 1840, to Hiss Lucinda, daughter of Christopher and Ann Catharine (Stembel) Michael, natives of Frederick Co., Md. By this union they had twelve children; ten now survive-George C., Samuel W., Charles F., Mary Ann Catharine, Maria Anneta (now Mrs. Schindler, of Toledo, Ohio), Millard McCanlay, Warren L., John L., Henry C. and Clement L. In March, 1853, Capt. Bowlus and family emigrated to Ohio and located about three-quarters of a mile from his present place of residence. In 1856, he purchased the tract of land upon which the village of Bowlusville now stands. The location being about equally distant from Springfield and Urbana, the two railroads, C., S. & C. and N. Y., P. & 0., pass through the village. In 1853, a regular station was established here for the convenience of the neighborhood. Capt. Bowlus, after the purchase of this land, erected a good dwelling with a storeroom attached, in which has since been kept a general stock of merchandise to suit the wants of the people; has erected a large warehouse for the storing of grain, and in which he has carries on quite an extensive trade; also erected a saw-mill, and saws and deals quite extensively in lumber. A post office was established here about 1855, but after a few years was abandoned; but in about 1862 was again re-established, taking the name of Bowlusville from its proprietor, Capt. Bowlus, under which grant it has since continued. Since and during the establishing of these several branches of industry, Capt. Bowlus has erected quite a number of houses upon lots of the village, which were needed for residences for the families of men employed in the various busi ness interests of the village. Capt. Bowlus has dealt largely in real estate ; is the active spirit of this community, and has done much for the benefit of this neighborhood, and has the general confidence and esteem of its citizens. In this brief sketch we have portrayed a family whose lives and characters in their business and professions stand very prominent, and of whose record their descendants may justly feel proud. EPHRAIM Z. BRUBAKER, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Born Sept. 11, 1848, upon the farm where he now lives, and has resided all his life. Is a son of Benjamin K. and Mary (Zimmermann) Brubaker, natives of Pennsylvania, be being born in Lancaster Co., May 15, 1824, and she in Dauphin Co. Sept. 29, 1826. They became residents of Clark Co. in 1848, where they resided till their death. He died Oct. 21, 1857. They were parents of three children-Ephraim Z., Benjamin F. and John H. (deceased.) Mrs. Brubaker married her second husband, Mr. T. L. Bosart, in November, 1863, by whom she had one child-John Harley. She died Oct. 3, 1873. Mr. Brubaker's life was a brief one, being only in the 34th year of his age; but during his short life he was very successful as a farmer; was industrious and energetic, and acquired a good property. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, and died in the triumph of a living faith. Our subject, 9 years of age, at the death of his father, remained with his mother on the home place till his majority. On March 29, 1874, he married Miss Alvina, a daughter of John P. and Mary Bexroth, natives of Pennsylvania, but became residents of Clark Co., Ohio, in the spring of 1864. Mr. Brubaker has always remained upon the home farm. It consists of 101 acres of good land with good improvements, a fine brick house and all the conveniences, constituting a fine home and residence, situated about two miles north of Springfield. Mr. Brubaker and wife, by their marriage, have four children-Laura E., John H., Rosa May and Alice Irene. JAMES CLARK, capitalist, New Moorefield. A descendant of two old pioneer families of Clark Co.; was born in this county Nov. 21, 1838, a son of John D. and Susannah (Foley) Clark, he a native of Virginia; and she of Ohio, and a grandson of James Clark, also born in Virginia, but who became an early settler of Clark Co., and 984 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: afterward of Champaign Co., where he resided until death. The maternal grandfather, James Foley, also a native of Virginia, became one of the early pioneers of Clark Co., locating-here about 1803 or 1805, while the Indians were still the principal occupants of the then almost unbroken forest, when there was but one store in Springfield, and four or five houses constituted the town. In this county lie spent the remainder of his life. Although possessed of only a limited education, from the meager advantages of schools in those days, yet he possessed great natural talent, and was a very active and powerful man, both physically and intellectually. He became thoroughly known and held the respect acid confidence of the people; was chosen a representative to the State Legislature two terms, and served his constituents faithfully. We may safely believe that had he in his early life possessed the advantages of our present generation, he would have arisen to distinction. John D. Clark came to this county with his parents when but a child ; was raised to farm labor, grew to manhood, was married and located upon the farm where he still lives and has resided during his entire business life. He has been a man of great activity, and has not confined himself to the mere routine of farm labor, but his mind carried him into a more active field, that of an extensive stock dealer. For thirty years he did a large trade, buying through this country and the west as far as Illinois, driving large droves of cattle to Philadelphia and the Eastern markets, often throwing into market from two to three thousand head of cattle in a single year; has also dealt extensively in wool and pork, in all of which he was generally successful, as known by the fact that, in 1870, when he retired from business, he was worth over $200,000, which was mostly made by his own labor, skill and good management, which is perhaps a record of success surpassed by but very few in that day, or even since. In 1872, he had a stroke of paralysis, from which he has never fully recovered, although, physically, he still enjoys good health for one of his advanced age. His wife died May 8, 1876. Of an issue of four children, there were three daughters and one son-Mary C. (now Mrs. Pratt), Martha J. (now Mrs. R. A. Calvert, of Portsmouth, Ohio, whose husband now is Judge of the Court of that county), James, and Anna E. (now Mrs. W. M. Yeazell, of Springfield). Our subject, being an only son, has always remained with his father and assisted him in his business, and grew up with the advantages and observations of his father's plans and successes in business, and as his father advanced in years James gradually took the care and charge of his business affairs, till 1870, when his father retired from active life, since which he has taken the entire control and management. Mr. Clark is engaged in raising and dealing in a moderate yet profitable degree in trotting horses ; has raised some of the finest. horses in Clark Co.; has raised and trained horses which he has sold at prices as high as $20,000, and is justly recognized as one of the leading men in this line of business in this portion of Ohio. The Clark farm consists of 657 acres of most excellent land in a high state of cultivation, with fine and substantial buildings, with every arrangement for convenience and comfort, and is one of the best grain and stock farms in Clark Co. Mr. Clark is well known not only in his county, but his reputation extends far and wide throughout the country among all the prominent men who are interested devotees in fine horses; has been an active member of the Clark County Board of Agriculture for six years; has held various township offices, and is now Township Treasurer, which office he has held for eight years.. He was married, Jan. 20, 1870, to Miss Emma, S., only child of Charles and Mary (Taylor) Morgan, he a native of England and she of Ohio, but of English descent. Two children have been the fruits of this union, one of whom is living-Emerson Eugene Clark. Mr. Clark is one of the most pleasant and affable gentlemen it has been our good fortune to have met with in the county.. He is an educated, well-read man, who keeps apace with the progress and development of the age; a man imbued with a proper spirit of liberality, taking an active interest in everything tending to the general welfare of his native county, of which he is a worthy and highly respected citizen. J. W. CRABILL, farmer; P. O. Springfield. In the early settlement of Moorefield Township, we find the name of David Crabill as one among the earliest pioneers. As near as can now be ascertained, he and his family came from Virginia and located MOOREFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 985 here about 1808 ; he came a poor man, never having received but three months' schooling in his life. He first located with two brothers by the name of Voss, in Champaign Co.: thence came to this township; for these men he worked some time; thence he entered 80 acres of the northeast quarter of Sec. 13, where he commenced to work for himself, in true pioneer style, building a little log cabin with puncheon floor, etc., but he was industrious and had the true spirit coupled with energy, which knew no discouragements, and he labored on, opening out and clearing up his land, making improvements, and adding more land by purchase ; was getting along prosperously in life when, unfortunately, he signed some paper as security, and in the course of time had it to pay, and although at the time his entire property would not half pay the creditors, yet by the assistance of friends, and an indomitable energy, he paid every dollar of about $15,000; this was a heavy blow for a poor pioneer, and probably but very few would ever have gone through it. After this experience, he was better fitted than ever to battle with the struggles of life; he labored on, increasing in his possessions, till at his death he owned over 1,100 acres of land, and worth at least $60,000. This example of prosperity shows the sterling worth and character of Mr. Crabill; a man who never failed to meet every obligation, and had the respect and confidence of all who knew him. He died May 5, 1839, aged only 59 years, yet had done a great work, battled manfully with the obstacles of life, overcame all and became quite wealthy. His wife died Oct. 19, 1863; of an issue of twelve children, seven now survive-Maria, now Mrs. Yeazell, of Illinois; Thos. V., Jas. W.; Mary, now Mrs. Crown, of Springfield; Pearson A.; Eliza, now Mrs. Jones, and William. The old homestead farm is still in possession of, and carried on by, the three brothers Jas. W., Pearson S. and William. They partake of their father's habits of industry, and are prosperous farmers of the township. William is Township Trustee, and held the office of Land Assessor in 1880. JOHN B. CROFT, farmer; P. O. Springfield; born on the farm where he now resides, flay 19, 1842 ; is a son of John and Margaret (Leffel) Croft, natives of Virginia, but came to Ohio with their parents about 1804, he being then about 3 years of age; was raised in Bethel Township, and followed the milling and distilling business. Was married there and followed his trade about eleven years; thence bought the place where be now resides; there carried on his former business, milling and distilling, until the war of the rebellion, when he closed up the latter business, but continued the milling till about five years ago, when, from his advanced age, he retired from active business. Mr. Croft was one of the early pioneers, and experienced a full share of the hardships, and ups and downs of pioneer life. Industrious and prompt in all his business relations, and ever maintaining an undoubted integrity of character. Of seven daughters and three sons, six now survive-David, Catharine, John B., Jane, Paulina and Laura B. Our subject always remained with his father. Was married, April 27, 1880, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Aaron Rockafield, a native of Virginia. During the war of the rebellion, on Aug. 16, 1862, Mr. Croft enlisted in the 17th Ohio Battery, and served through the war in the Army of the Mississippi. Was in the conflicts of Vieksburg and Port Gibson, and most of the conflicts of the Mississippi Valley, having in all been in seventy-two days of active, hard fighting, but escaped without a wound, and at the close of the war received an honorable discharge and returned safely to home and friends. Mr. Croft is held in high esteem in his community, having the general confidence of the people.. Has held the office of Township Trustee for the last three years. JOHN DUKE, farmer; P. O. Springfield ; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Nov. 9, 1809; is a son of John and Abigail (Kline) Duke, natives of Pennsylvania, who lived and died there. They were parents of twelve children; eight now survive Betsy, Sarah, Benjamin, John, Adam, Mary, David and Margaret. Our subject was raised to farm labor till about 17 years of age, when he left home to learn the shoemaker's trade; after learning which he returned home and lived with his father till of age. Was married, Jan. 10, 1836, to Jane Mary, daughter of William and Elizabeth Parkes, natives of Pennsylvania. They had eight children; five now survive-Jane Mary, Eliza, James, William and Sarah Ann. Jane Mary was born June 26, 1810. 986 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: By their marriage they have had eight children; four now survive-Wm. K., Sarah E., Rebecca Ann and Adeline. After their marriage, they remained in Pennsylvania till the fall of 1853, when they removed to Ohio and bought and located upon the place where he lives, and has since resided, a period of twenty-seven years. Mr. Duke has a good farm well improved, constituting a pleasant home and residence, and is now able to enjoy the comforts of life for the remainder of his days; and this has been accomplished by his own labor and industry. Has always been a man of good health and great activity; a man of positive character and determination, who carried out all his undertakings, and hence his financial success. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, to which she has belonged for nearly half a century, and he for one-third of a century ; and they have had the pleasure to see their four surviving children grow to maturity, and all become members of the church and doing well. PETER FERREE, farmer; P. O. Springfield ; born in York Co., Penn., March 9, 1818; is a son of Peter and Catharine Ferree, natives of Pennsylvania, and who lived and died in their native State. They were parents of seven chil dren ; five now survive-Andrew, Leah, Peter, Catharine and Mary. Our subject lived with his parents till the death of his father; which occurred when he was only about 8 years of age, and from this time be was thrown upon the world among strangers, and found a home and work the best he could till about 19 years of age, when he and an older brother came west to Ohio, locating first in Stark County, where he remained about two years. Thence, in the spring of 1839, he came into Clark County, where he has since resided. Was married Dec. 24, 1840, to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Baker, whose history appears in sketch of his son Adam, of German Township, in this work. By this union they have had four children ; three now survive-Adam W., Mary C. and Anna. Mr. Ferree started in life a poor boy, and by his own industry, economy and good management has become independent. Is owner of 250 acres of land on Mad River Valley; of excellent quality, under good cultivation, with fine buildings and improvements ; also owns 320 acres of land in Illinois and Missouri. Mr. Ferree's credit is undoubted. He owes no man; works on the cash system, consequently has the confidence and friendship of all who know him; and as an example of success, upright dealing and prominence in his community is worthy of imitation by the young in all generations. JOHN FISHER, farmer; .P. O. Springfield; born in Maryland, Aug. 18, 1801 ; is a son of Philip and Margaret Fisher, also natives of Maryland, who lived and died in their native State. They were parents of six children ; three now survive John, Philip and Henry. Our subject removed from his native State to Ohio in September 1852, locating in Clark County, residing in Springfield about six months ; he then bought and located upon the farm where he now lives, in spring of 1853, where he has since resided, a period of twenty-seven years. He was married March 26; 1826, to Mary Ann Alexander, a native of Maryland, by whom he has had twelve children; ten now survive-John Lewis, Jacob H., Alexander, Elizabeth, Daniel M., Frances Ann, Martha, Joshua F., Thomas Jefferson and James William. Mr. Fisher, in his early life, followed his trade as a stone and brick mason. This he followed up to a few years prior to his coming to Ohio, when he gave up his trade and devoted his attention to farming. Mr. Fisher has 100 acres of excellent land, with good buildings and improvements, and is pleasantly situated, having a good home and residence. This farm and property Mr. Fisher has made and accumulated by his own industry and bard labor, making his first start by his daily labor at his trade, laying by dollar by dollar till he was able to buy his farm, and now be is well and comfortably fixed to pass the balance of his life in the enjoyment of the fruits of his labors. Mr. Fisher and wife are members of the Reformed Church, having been such for the remarkable period of fifty-four years. And they have had the pleasure to see the most of their children become members of some branch of the Christian Church. JAMES FOLEY (deceased). Since the first settlement of Clark Co., there were, perhaps, none of its pioneers more widely known throughout its length and breadth than James Foley, who was born in Virginia Oct. 4, 1779, and was the son of MOOREFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 987 William Foley, of that State, who was married twice and was the father of eighteen children, eleven of whom came to this county, viz., Lettie, Marian; William, John, James, Rose, Thomas, Absalom, Stephen, Catharine and Fanny, all being now dead. In 1803, James Foley came on horseback from his native State, being possessed of very little money, but determined to make a home in a country where slavery was unknown, and where a poor man would have every advantage that liberty and equality guarantees. He finally, in 1805, settled in Moorefield Township, upon land that he had previously selected. He was married, at Darby Plains, Ohio, about 1808, to Mary Marsh, daughter of Joseph and Susannah Marsh, natives of Virginia, where Mrs. Foley was born Sept. 4, 1784, and of which union were born five children, as follows: Griffith, Catharine, Susan, John and James, Catharine, the widow of Charles Ward, being now the only survivor. Mrs. Foley was a sincere member of the Presbyterian Church, and died April 17, 1855. Mr. Foley was one of the most successful men of Clark Co. Coming from a State where an education was difficult to obtain, he yet managed to pick up the common rudiments of reading; writing, etc., and this, added to his shrewd, natural abilities and his business experience through life, rendered his judgment safe, and therefore led to success. His views on slavery may be judged from the fact that, after settling here he went back to Virginia and, with the consent of his brothers, brought four slaves which they owned to this country and gave them their freedom. Quite an early emancipator was this rugged old pioneer, who began the work of emancipation before Lincoln was born, having inherited that love of freedom from his Irish forefathers, which is such a marked characteristic of that race. Mr. Foley was a Captain in the war of 1812, and was among those who went to the relief of Hull at Detroit, and his grandson, James Foley, the present Sheriff of Clark Co., has now the sword which he carried in that war against English tyranny. Politically, he was a Whig, and afterward a Republican. Was one of the first Commissioners of Clark Co., serving several years, and was a member of the Ohio Legislature two terms, and also a member of the Masonic fraternity. At the time of his death, which occurred Oct. 5, 1863, aged 84, he was the owner of 2,800 acres of land in the county, 160 close to Columbus, beside a large amount of money in bank and on interest, all of which was the result of his own efforts as an industrious, economical and honest man. He was a man of robust constitution, invincible courage and determination, affable in his manners, fond of a joke, even in his old age, whose companionship was pleasant, retaining his spirits to the last, and exhibiting that same vigorous, unyielding will and force of character which were his stepping-stones to prosperity. MICHAEL GRUBE (deceased); born in Lancaster, Penn., Dec. 9, 1820; was a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bookwalter) Grube, also natives of Pennsylvania. Of five children three now survive-Anna, Elizabeth and Simon; deceased, Michael and Mary. Jacob and wife became residents of Clark Co. about 1838, where they lived till their death. He died Aug. 9, 1841, aged nearly 49 years. His wife died May 6, 1870. Mr. Grube was somewhat of a military man in those days, being Captain of a Light Horse Company, in their musters and drills. Michael, our subject, was about 18 years of age when his father and family came and settled in this county. Here he passed the balance of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. Was married to Maria Anthony, who was born Dec. 5, 1823, a native of Pennsylvania. Issue, ten children, six now survive-Susanna, John D., Jacob, Henry, Levi and Joann. Deceased, four Sarah Elizabeth, Lydia, Amanda and Simon. Mr. Grubs died April 26, 1876, in the 56th year of his age. He was an energetic, industrious man, and acquired a good home and property. Never would accept or hold any public office, but pursued the even tenor of his agricultural pursuits. Was a man of undoubted integrity, a kind neighbor and an honored citizen. His widow and son, John D., remain upon the home place, where they have a fine farm and a good residence. ALBERT D. GREINER, farmer; P. O. Springfield; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., May 10, 1853; is a son of Henry H and Susan (Stoner) Griener, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Ohio, locating upon the farm where Albert now lives in the spring of 1857; here they resided till their death. She died in October, 1872; he 988 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES died June 4, 1876. They were parents of four children; two now survive-Albert D. and Estella I. Mr. Greiner, while young, learned the plasterer's trade, which business he followed several years; then gave his attention to farming, which occupation he followed the remainder of his life. He was a very industrious, hard-working man, and gave his attention strictly to his business ; whose integrity of character was undoubted, and who held the respect and confidence of the community in which he lived. Financially, he was quite successful, having acquired a good competency, and was well situated to enjoy the comforts of life when the messenger of death called him hence. Our subject, who was about 4 years of age when his parents came to Clark Co., was raised and grew to manhood here, and remained with his father principally till his death; since his death be has continued upon the home place, and will probably continue to make this his home and residence. He was married, Feb. 20, 1877, to Josie, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Hedges, he a native of Champaign Co. and she of Clark Co. Mr. Greiner is very pleasantly situated, and is, like his father, very industrious, attending closely to his own business, and we have no doubt will, like his father, make life a success ROBERT L. HOLMAN, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Born in Worcester Co., Mass., April 7, 1828. Is a son of Parley and Nancy (Young) Holman, natives of Massachusetts, and whose lives were spent in their native State. He died in the winter of 1849. She died in March, 1845. They were parents of eleven children, four now living Caroline, now Mrs. Mellen, of Springfield ; Robert L., Leonard and Ester, now Mrs. Phelps, of Springfield. Our subject, at 9 years of age, left his home to work his own way through life; working here and there among strangers wherever he could find work and a home, till about 17 years of age, when he went to learn the carpenter trade. Being naturally possessed of mechanical genius, he became a very successful mechanic, and became quite an efficient millwright and pattern-maker. This business proved quite lucrative, and his skill as a workman procured him plenty of business. He was married, May 3, 1833, to Martha M., daughter of Sylvester and Mary Hildreth, natives of Massachusetts. By this union they have four children-Arthur D., Walter H., Herbert W. and Edward P. In the fall of 1854, Mr. Holman removed from Massachusetts to Ohio, locating in Springfield, where he engaged in mechanical business, which he followed during his residence there of twenty years, with the exception of four years, during which be was in the mercantile trade. He was the inventor of the Buckeye Hominy Mill, which is so well known and acknowledged to be the best in use from which invention he received quite a remuneration, and which has since been sold to a Baltimore firm for $200,000. In March, 1875, Mr. Holman, for the interests of his boys who were then arriving at the age of manhood, bought and located upon the farm where he now lives and has since resided. This farm be purchased from the heirs of James Hawk, which consists of 173k acres of excellent land on Sec. 34, in Moorefield Township. It has good buildings and improvements, and constitutes a fine home and farmer's residence. Mr. Holman's success in life, starting out as he did, a poor wandering boy, has shown a fine ability, which, coupled with industry and economy, has placed him in such favorable circumstances to enjoy for the rest of his days the comforts of life. REUBEN HUFFMAN, farmer; P. O. New Moorefield. Among the earliest pioneers of Clark Co. was Jacob Huffman, who located four and one-half miles south west of Springfield, in Bethel Township, in 1802. At this time it was mostly a wilderness from Cincinnati to Detroit. Mr. Huffman was truly a pioneer, opening out in the forests of Clark Co. with but three neighbors, and comparatively few settlers for. many miles in every direction. Here he cleared up and opened out his farm, and spent his entire life, residing here on the same farm some forty years. He died Dec. 1, 1842, in his 71st year. His wife, Catharine Huffman, died Aug. 31, 1866, in her 80th year. Of a family of ten children who grew to maturity, five are now living Henry, Reuben, Martha, Rachel and Samuel. Our subject, the sixth child, was born upon his father's home place, May 6, 1818. He lived and grew to manhood inured to the hardships of those early days, and remained with his father till his death. He was married, Oct. MOOREFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 989 28, 1841, to Ann E. (born in Pennsylvania, March 8, 1822), daughter of David and Elizabeth (Barr) Tennant, natives of Pennsylvania, coming to Clark Co. when Ann was 16 years of age. Of an issue of eleven children, eight now survive-George W., Wm. T., Oscar L., John W., Mary C. and Sallie E. (twins), Reuben and Nettie B. Mr. Huffman remained upon the home farm till the spring of 1869 ; thence lived six years near Tremont City; two years near Enon, and in the spring of 1877 moved upon the place where he now resides. Mr. Huffman has made farming his business through life, and as such has the name of being one of the best farmers in the community, and may well be termed a model farmer; has always been an industrious and energetic man, one whose character and integrity was never doubted. He has not accepted or desired any office; has strictly attended to his own business affairs; has always lived well and comfortably, and endeavored to enjoy the fruits of his labors, and has possessed the confidence and respect of all his neighbors. ALONZO HUNTER, farmer; P. O. New Moorefield. Is a native of Moorefield Township, born April 20, 1852: is a son of Lewis and Margaret (Seibert) Hunter, natives of Virginia, becoming residents of Ohio, locating in this township about 1822, where he has since resided, a period of fifty-eight years. Has given his undivided attention to farming, in which business he has made a success, and is one among the best farmers of the township. Has never held or sought office. Has been located upon his present farm about eight years. Has made and accumulated all his property since he came to the county, by his own labor and industry. He is now 79 years of age, and enjoys very good health. Of a family of nine children, five now survive Samuel, George, Eliza Ann, Alonzo and Bell. Our subject remained with his father until his majority. He was married, Nov. 2, 1876, to Martha Ann, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Seitz) Beard, natives of Pennsylvania; issue, two children -Ma rietta and Frank Pearl. Mr. Hunter has always followed farming, and principally in Moorefield Township. Has been on the place where be now resides one year. JAMES HUMPHREY (deceased) ; born in Virginia Sept. 12, 1891. Was a son of John Humphrey, a native of Ireland, Tyrone Co., born :March 6, 1764 ; he emigrated to America in August, 1780, landing at Philadelphia, and, in October of the same year, he settled in Greenbrier Co., Va. On the 25th of November, 1790, was married to Miss Jane Ward (whose father was killed in an engagement with the Indians at Point Pleasant, Va. In 1793, he removed from Virginia to Mason Co., Ky.; where he remained till April, 1799, when he removed to Ohio and settled on Mad River, about two and a half miles north of Springfield, on the same section of land on which he breathed out his spirit into the hands of God who gave it, his death occurring March 19, 1857, being 93 years of age, and had been a citizen of Clark Co. 58 years. He was, consequently, one of the pioneers, and truly an invader of the forests of Clark Co. ; was a valued and highly esteemed citizen, who contributed much by his virtues as such to edify the social and civil interests of the community of which he was a member. But what was better still, he was an earnest, consistent Christian, one about whose memory a sacred unction will abide. He first professed religion in Ireland, as a member of the Presbyterian Church, in the year 1787, and in that church lived and died, having sustained the life of a professor for seventy years. Was one of the two elected to the office of Elder at the organization of the Presbyterian Church at Springfield July 17, 1819, and duly ordained to that office Aug. 19 of the same year. This office he continued to exercise until superannuation disabled him to perform its more active functions. Though very aged, he was free from "grief and labor," peculiarly cheerful and happy, possessing an unusual amount of vigor and vivacity which he retained till death laid his cold iron hand upon him. He was the father of fourteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity and became heads of families. He left as survivors six sons and two daughters, fifty-five grand children and thirty-seven great grandchildren ; in all, one hundred descendants. Col. James Humphreys was only 2 years of age when his parents removed to Kentucky, and about 8 years of age when they became settlers of Clark Co., Ohio, and here he grew to manhood under the sturdy influences of pioneer life. Was married, April 15, 1824, to Catharine, daughter 990 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of George and Margaret Keifer, natives of Maryland, who became residents of this county in 1812. Catharine was born March 2, 1804; issue, ten children ; six now survive John A., George H., Charles H., Amanda, Mary and Emma C. Col. Humphreys died June 20, 1858, in the 67th year of his age. He was a man who commanded the high regard of the community of which he had been a member so long, and in which he was so well known; and here his memory will be cherished as an integral part of the history of this community, among whom his remains now lie moldering to dust. He became a member of the Presbyterian Church of Springfield in 1830, and honored that profession by a consistent deportment and diligent attendance upon the various means of grace. He attended public worship on the Sabbath preceding that on which he died, and enjoyed the communion service, which was peculiarly pleasant to him, or he would not have endured the suffering he did in his critical state of health to attend this means of grace. He died of cancer in the stomach; and though his family mourn his loss, they grieve not as those without hope, as what was their loss was his eternal gain. LEONARD KARG, farmer; P. O. Bowlusville; born in Germany Oct. 29, 1826. Emigrated with his parents, Leonard and Elizabeth Karg, to America in 1830 or 1831; landing at Baltimore; thence to York, Penn., where they resided till the fall of 1855, when they removed to Clark Co., Ohio, and purchased and located upon the farm where our subject still lives. Here the father lived till his death, which occurred Sept. 14, 1868. His wife died in April, 1881, in her 89th year. They were parents of four children, two now survive-Maria (now Mrs. Holstein) and Leonard. Our subject lived with his father until his death. Was married, May 20, 1852, to Elizabeth, daughter of Philip and Mary Benedict, natives of Pennsylvania, and who lived and died in their native State. By this marriage they have had thirteen children ; ten now survive-Maria, Leah Jane, Sarah, Samuel, John Henry, Ellanora, Ulysses Grant, Leonard, Mary Elizabeth and Erastus Clyde. Mr. Karg commenced in life a poor boy. When young he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed about nine years ; then he gave his attention to farming, which business he has since followed. During the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 100-days service in the 134th O. V. I., and served out his time and was honorably discharged. He has been a very bard working, industrious man, and, with economy and good management, has become very comfortably and pleasantly situated ; is owner of 195 acres of excellent land ; has erected a fine brick house, and has a good barn and other buildings and conveniences, constituting a beautiful home and farmer's residence, and is a good example of what industry, economy and close attention to business will accomplish. G. F. KENNEDY, physician and farmer; P. O. New Moorefield ; born in Baltimore, Md., Sept. 11, 18'27. Is son of Thomas and Ellen F. (Barker) Kennedy, na tives of Baltimore, Md. Thomas Kennedy, the grandfather, was a sea Captain and followed the seas all his life, and by the wrecking of his vessel he lost his life. Thomas, the father, also followed the seas as Captain of a vessel for twenty-six years ; then he emigrated to Ohio, locating in Clark Co., upon the farm where his sons now reside. in 1835. Here he lived until his death, which occurred Nov. 23, 1868, aged 76 years. His wife died Aug. 10, 1856. Of an issue of seven children, fbur now survive George F., Thomas, Julia Ann and Emma. Mr. Kennedy in early life, while following the seas, partook in character, to a great extent, the general roughness of seafaring men; but after his locating on his farm, be joined the M. E. Church Jan. 3, 1842, and from this time to the close of his life was a very active and zealous worker in the cause of Christianity, and was a class-leader in the church during the last year of his life. Our subject was brought up to farm labor, and followed that occupation until 1845, when he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, two and one-half years; then commenced reading medicine under Dr. Rodgers, in Springfield. In the fall of 1849, be attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, also in the winter of 1851, graduating at the close of the latter term. Then he located upon the old home farm, where he continued the practice of his profession nearly thirty years; and in connection with his practice has, since his father's death, superintended the farm, which MOOREFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 991 consists of 103 acres of fine land, mostly in cultivation. Dr. Kennedy has been an active member of the M. E. Church since 1843, having been a steward in the church twelve years. On Sept. 14, 1851, he was married to Miss Emma, daughter of Rowland and Lydia Swain, natives of Nantucket, and a niece of Judge Swain, of Dayton, Ohio. Issue, nine children; eight now survive-Walter W., Sarah W., Franklin. Emma, Thomas, Edward, Charles and James J. THOMAS W. LESHER, farmer; P. O. Springfield; born in Bedford Co., Penn., June 25, 1840; is a son of William and Hadasah (Carroll) Lesher. natives of Pennsylvania, and remained residents of their native State till the death of his wife, which occurred Sept. 30, 1849. They were parents of seven children, four now survive-Mary E., Thos. W.. John B. and Emma M. Mr. Lesher married for his second wife Miss Margaret Martin, a native of Maryland, and a sister to Mr. Robert Martin, late of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Lesher now resides in Franklin Co., Penn.; has always been a man of sterling character, and held in high esteem by all who know him. A true Union man and a lover of his country and its laws. During the war of the rebellion, being on the borders of Pennsylvania, he suffered considerable by loss of property, and gave two sons for the service in the defense of his country. William Lesher the grandfather of our subject, was a wagon-master in the army in the war of the Revolution; was with Gen. Washington's troops at Valley Forge; served about two years. The maternal grandfather, William Carroll, was a soldier in the war of 1812. The ancestors of our subject appears to have quite a military record; and the same blood seems to course through the veins and the same patriotic principles to possess the minds of their descendants. Our subject and his brother John B. were both engaged in the late war of the rebellion in defense of Union and liberty. John B. first enlisted in the 126th Penn. V. I.; was captured in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va. ; was in Libby Prison about eighteen days; was paroled, and again enlisted in the Signal Corps fur three years or during the war. Thomas enlisted in the 21st Penn. Cavalry, Co. H, enlisting for two years or during the war. He served till the close of the war. Was mustered out and received an honorable discharge. At the time of Mr. Lesher's enlistment he was tendered by Gov. Curtin a commission as Captain, but refused it, and would accept no office, declaring he enlisted from pure patriotism, and if his country needed his services as a private, he was ready to go, and in no other sphere would he go, quite in contrast to the general principle of office-seekers. Mr. Lesher became a resident of Clark Co., Ohio, October, 1877. Was married Oct. 30, 1877, to Emma E. Humphreys, whose ancestors' history appears in full in the sketch of James Humphreys (deceased), in this work. Mr. Lesher is a man highly esteemed for his integrity of character, and one who has been offered various offices, all of which he has universally refused, having no aspirations for notoriety of that kind, but preferring a quiet. private citizen's life, and as such, is a model which may with profit be copied after by many less worthy aspirants for office. JOHN MARSH (deceased) ; born in the State of Virginia Nov. 2, 1794; became a resident of Clark Co. about 1818, being one among the pioneers of the county, locating here at the same time as others of those honored fathers who endured so many hardships, and laid the foundations and performed the primary work for this prosperous and growing county. Mr. Marsh was married, Feb. 28, 1833, to Maria, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Dye, who were among the first settlers of Miami Co.; locating there about the same time of the Knoops, in 1798. Maria was born April 7, 1812. By this union they had three children-Nathan, Mary Jane and John D. Mr. Marsh died June 4, 1837, aged about 43 years. He was a remarkably industrious. energetic and successful business man, commencing in life with no capital, earning his first few dollars by his daily labor, grubbing and clearing up land in this, then almost unbroken wilderness; he was industrious and economical, and day by day and year after year he increased his capital, bought a farm, and from time to time added more land by purchase, became an extensive stock-dealer, and although he lived to only middle age, yet he became owner of 800 acres of land, and left his widow and family with a good competency. She remained upon the home place, with her children, who were then quite 992 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: small ; and though a great charge and care devolved upon her, yet she was competent for the occasion, and her affairs were carefully managed and her children grew to maturity. Mrs. Marsh married for her second husband James Jones, who was born March 28, 1800, a native of Pennsylvania, their marriage being celebrated the 31st day of January, 1839. By this union they had six children, five now survive-Malinda, Benjamin (deceased), Werden, Thomas, Elizabeth and Walter. After their marriage, Mr. Jones took charge of the farm of his wife, where he remained till his death. which occurred Nov. 6, 1852. Mrs. Jones still remains upon the home place, where she has now resided nearly forty-eight years; and since Mr. Jones' death has, with the help of her sons, carried on the farm. In this brief sketch we have a history of some of the pioneers whose lives and labors may be read with h great interest and profit by their children's children, long after the present generation has passed away. NATHAN MARSH, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Springfield. Born Dec. 17, 1833, on the farm where he now lives and has always resided; is a son of John and Maria Marsh, whose history appears in full in sketch of John Marsh (deceased), in this work. Our subject, being a mere child about 3 years of age at the death of his father, was left in the care of his mother, by whom he was raised, and under whose watchful care he grew to maturity. Was married Nov. 9, 1839, to Catherine, daughter of Jacob and Eleanor Yeazell, whose history also appears in this volume. By this union they have seven children-Laura L. (now Mrs. Hoyt, of New York City), Lizzie D., Richard D., Nathan, Mary, John and Jessie. Mr. Marsh has followed the foot steps of his father in his occupation as a farmer and stock-dealer. Belonging to one of the old pioneer families of notoriety and prominence, Mr. Marsh has always taken a front rank in his community; has held many local offices, such as Township Trustee, School Director, etc.; the latter office be has filled for twenty years. REV. ROBERT MILLER (deceased). Rev. Robert Miller was born in Prince George Co., Md., on the 19th day of August, 1767 ; his father was born in America, of Scotch parentage, and died while a soldier for the cause of American independence, leaving a widow and six children, of whom Robert, then only 11 years of age, was the oldest. His lot was the usual one in those days, of a hard struggle with poverty, notwithstanding which he educated himself in the English branches of study; learned the trade of carpenter and worked at his trade for several years, until the 19th day of January, 1793, he was married to Mary Highfield (to whom were born three children). and immediately afterward moved to the State of Virginia, where he lived until the fall of 1796, when he emigrated to Kentucky, crossing the mountains to the Monongahela River, near Brownsville, Penn., where he remained during the winter, and in the spring of 1797, conveyed his family and household goods on flat-boats down that river and the Ohio to Limestone (now Maysville), Ky., in which State he settled as a farmer, first in Mason and afterward in Fleming Co. May 7, 1799, his wife having died, he was married again to Elizabeth Hanson, who had born to her six children. In the year 1812, he again removed his family to the Pretty Prairie, in Champaign Co., Ohio, and bought a considerable body of land in what is now known as Moorefield Township, in Clark Co., where he died Oct. 18, 1834, and way buried in the graveyard of the Moorefield M. E. Church, being a tract of land which he himself had donated as the site for a church and for burial purposes. His own account of his religious life and ministry is quite lengthv, and we have space for only a few extracts; he wrote of himself as follows: "My mother and most of my relations called themselves church people (the Church of England), and I thought nobody was right as to religion but them. I sometimes heard of a people called Methodists, and from what I heard about them I was exceedingly mad against them, and thought they were the false prophets. About the 21st year of my age, the Methodists began to preach in the neighborhood where I lived. Among the rest of the people, I went to hear what these bad folks would say. The preacher began to preach, and I to hear; my prejudices were removed; my heart felt the truth of his doctrine, and I went home in some sense a Methodist. In February,. 1789, I joined the church: April, the same year, the Lord spoke peace to my soul." From this time forward, all through his life, he was an uncompromising foe to wicked- MOOREFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 993 ness of all sorts, so much so as that he said of himself, "My friends thought I was overmuch righteous because I would not run with them to the same excess of riot. I became the wicked's byword and the drunkard's song." In 1802, he was licensed to preach, when, as he wrote, " I now began, in my plain manner, to cry aloud against wickedness of all kinds, such as swearing, Sabbath-breaking, drunkenness, and, above all, the abominable practice of holding our fellow-creatures in bondage. Now the tongue of persecution was let loose against me by the wicked, and not only by them but by the religious, so-called, of all denominations, the Methodists not excepted; but still I went on to preach." Rather an early Abolitionist for a Kentuckian was this old time Methodist preacher. The result of this controversy was that, after manumitting a few slaves which he possessed, he removed from what he called " the bloody land " to Ohio. In the year 1809, he was ordained, by Bishop Asbury, a local Deacon, and in 1831, by Bishop Roberts, a local Elder in the M. E. Church. As a preacher, he was clear, incisive and forcible in his utterance, and famous throughout this part of Ohio for his quaint and graphic illustrations. Many stories are told by early settlers of his peculiar gifts and powers in the pulpit, for none of which have we space in our record. He died; as he had lived, fearing God and not man, and left a widow, now long since dead, and a large family of children, who, with their descendants and connections, are among the most prominent residents of Clark, Champaign and Logan Cos. Having felt the fires of persecution in his earlier ministry, there was placed, by his own request, on his tombstone, in the little quiet graveyard above named, the simple epitaph, "Let me alone." MILTON M. MILLER (deceased), farmer and local minister; P. O. New Moorefield; born in Kentucky Dec. 23, 1811 ; was a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hanson) Miller, he a native of Virginia and she of Maryland. They became residents of Clark Co. in the spring of 1812, locating upon the farm now owned by Abraham Mumper, and here they resided till their death. He died Oct. 18, 1834; his wife died in August, 1857. They were parents of six children, and he had three by first marriage. Two only now survive Mary (now Widow Banes), and Maria (now widow of Samuel Hunter). They were strictly pioneers in this neighborhood, taking their farm right from the woods in its wild state, and enduring all the labors and hardships incident to such life, bringing the forests into fine cultivated fields, with waving grain, and replacing their primitive log cabin with a comfortable frame house, and before their death were able to enjoy the general comforts and conveniences of life, and all accomplished by his own labor and industry. He owned two quarter sections of land, and in connection with his many labors and progress in accumulating property and obtaining the comforts and conveniences of a good farm and home, he was an active Christian worker in the M. E. Church, being a local preacher for many years, and in his death the community lost a kind neighbor and the church a great worker. Our subject being but an infant when his parents moved to this county, was nurtured, raised and grew to maturity inured to the hardships of the early settlers of that day, and lived with his parents till their death. He was married, Nov. 29, 1832, to Mary T., daughter of Samuel T. and Rebecca (Dunlap) Hedges, he a native of Virginia and she of Kentucky; became settlers of Champaign Co. about 1812. They were parents of eleven children ; those now living-Mary T., James, Jane, Elizabeth, Tabatha, Sarah and Samuel. Mary T. was born Sept. 22, 1814. Mr. Miller and wife had ten children, six now living Mary E., Rebecca, Clara L., Robert N., Hattie M. and Milton M. Mr. Miller followed the footsteps of his father in being an industrious, energetic farmer ; also an active Christian and a local preacher in the same church, and thus continued to the end of his life, which was terminated very suddenly. On May 5, 1872, having returned from church feeling wearied, he laid down to rest, and when called by his daughter to dinner, was found dead. This, though a severe stroke and loss to his family, was doubtless his eternal gain. REUBEN SCIFERS, farmer; P. O. Springfield; born in Virginia Feb. 14, 1833; is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Romick) Scifers, natives of Virginia, but who emigrated to Ohio and located in Champaign Co. in September. 1833, and there resided 994 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: till their death. He died Sept. 9, 1875 ; she died Nov. 17, 1869. They were parents of fifteen children; fourteen now survive-Matilda, Eliza, Catharine, Elizabeth, William H. H., Reuben, Martha Jane, Isabel and James H. (twins), Samuel, Sarah Ann, Rachel, Margaret and Hannah Ellen; one deceased-Mary, who married David Jenkins, by whom she had eight children. Mr. Scifers always followed farming as an occupation; was a remarkably active and industrious man, having to make his own way through life; raised a large family of children besides supporting his aged mother for many years, who lived to the remarkable age of 96 years. Mr. Scifers was a soldier in the war of 1812. He lived to the advanced age of 90 years, and was quite smart and active up to within a few days of his death. Our subject remained at home with his father till his majority. He then learned the trade of plasterer, which he followed till last summer, when he gave up his trade and has entered upon farming, to which he intends to devote the remainder of his life. He bought the farm upon which he now lives in the spring of 1868, upon which he has since resided, with the exception of two years, during which he lived in Springfield. He was married, Jan. 30, 1859, to Mary F., daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Maggert) Hullinger, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Virginia. By this union they have two children-Alice Ada (now Mrs. Charles O. May) and Ulysses Grant. JACOB SHOWERS, farmer; P.O. New Moorefield; was born in Maryland, March 31,1809; is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Miller) Showers, be a native of Pennsylvania and she of Maryland. In 1819, removed to Virginia, where they lived until 1834, when they removed to Ohio, locating in Champaign Co., on what is known as "Pretty Prairie ; " here they resided until their death ; he died June 3, 1847, aged 63 years ; his wife died Aug, 23, 1858, aged 68 years. Of a family of eleven children when they came to Ohio, six are now living-Jacob, Emanuel, Andrew, John, Mary and Hezekiah. Mr. Showers was a very industrious, upright man; he was brought up to the blacksmith trade, which he followed for many years, or until his removal to Virginia, since which time he has followed farming. When he started in life, his only capital was a good constitution and willing bands ; these he used diligently, and on " Pretty Prairie " he had one of the best farms in this section of the country, and had all the comforts and conveniences of life, and these were all made by his own labor and industry. He was a man who refused offices, yet had the entire respect and confidence of the community, and was often solicited to accept many township offices, but refused them. He lived a long and useful life, and died loved and respected by all who knew him. Our subject remained with and assisted his father on the farm until 1834. Was married, Aug. 28, 1834, to Mary, daughter of Peter and Catharine (Archey) Grove, he a native of Maryland and she of Pennsylvania; issue, seven children; four now survive-Susan E., Abraham H., Peter G. and Charles H. In the fall of 1838, Mr. Showers bought and located.upon his present farm, where he has since lived, having made a continued residence here of forty-two years. Mr. Showers, like his father, has never desired office, yet has served more or less as School Director and Township Trustee. In his early life, he was a school teacher, and during his life has taken great interest in the welfare of the schools, and served as Director thirteen years. Mr. Showers has passed the active portion of his life, and now, from his advanced years and poor state of health, is living at his home, retired from active business. WILLIAM TEACH, farmer; P. O. Springfield; was born in this county and township May 25, 1840. Is a son of Peter and Sarah (Angle) Teach, natives of Pennsylvania, but became residents of this county and township about 1837 or 1838, where they followed farming as an occupation, and resided here until his death ; he died June 5, 1878. His wife is still living, now about 70 years of age. They were parents of seven children ; five now survive-Daniel. Catharine, William, Martin and Franklin; two deceased--David and Josiah. The latter died while in the army in the late war of the rebellion, he having enlisted in the 17th Ohio Battery, serving about nine months, when he was stricken down by sickness and death. Mr. Peter Teach, when he came to this county, was possessed of no means, but, by industry and economy, be became owner of a good farm and home and raised a large family of children, and gave them MOOREFIELD TOWNSHIP.- 995 such advantages in education as those days afforded. He was also an active worker in the M. E. Church, having been a member for many years. Our subject remained at home with his father until his majority. Was married May 30, 1860, to Susanna, daughter of Charles and Catharine Leatherman. natives of Virginia, becoming residents of Ohio in 1855. They were parents of nine children; seven now survive-Elizabeth. Susanna, David, Catharine, Barbara, John W. and Nicholas M. Mr. Leatherman always followed farming till the death of his wife, which occurred March 25, 1878, when, about a year later, he broke up housekeeping, since which he has resided with our subject, his son-in-law. He is now about 70 years of age; has been a hardworking, industrious man all his life. He and wife were members of the German Baptist Church. Mrs. Susanna Teach was born April 6, 1840. They have four children-David M., Peter L., Sarah C. and Jennie May. THOMAS C. WILSON, farmer; P. O. New Moorefield ; was born in Mercer Co., Ky., Sept. 11, 1806. Is a son of James and Anna (Clelland) Wilson; he a native of Virginia and she of Maryland, becoming settlers of Kentucky about 1802, and remained residents there about five years ; thence removed to Indiana near Lawrenceburg ; thence to Greene Co., Ohio, about 1813 ; thence to Clark Co., about 1815, remaining about one year ; thence into Champaign Co., where they resided till their death. He died Feb. 27, 1837, aged 64 years ; his wife died in October, 1833, aged nearly 57 years. They were parents of eleven children ; five now survive-Rebecca, Elizabeth, Thomas C., Philip S. and David V. They were noted as active members of the Presbyterian Church from their early life, and died in the triumphs of a living faith. Our subject, at his majority, started out in the world for himself by working for $7 per month, and from this made his first capital and start in life. Was married, March 19, 1835, to Miss Jane H., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Baldwin, natives of Virginia. She was born Dec. 19, 1801, being one of a family of eight children; one only now living John W. Their issue is three children- Elizabeth Ann (now Mrs. Kennedy), James B. and Mary Jane, who married Evan R. Price, by whom she had two children-Evan Clelland and James B.; her husband died Sept. 26, 1871. Mr. Wilson's wife died Nov. 20, 1875. Mr. Wilson spent the first portion of his married life upon the farm where he now lives; thence bought a farm near New Moorefield, where he resided seventeen years. In June, 1856, he bought and located again upon the farm where they first lived, and where he has since resided for a period of twenty-four years. He has 340 acres of excellent land, with fine buildings and improvements, most beautifully located, constituting a very pleasant farmer's residence. Mr. Wilson has never held or sought office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his own business affairs. Has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church since 1833, almost half a century. Has been a friend to education, having given his children special advantages by sending them to the high school at Springfield several terms. His life has been one of active usefulness, giving liberally of his abundant means to the support of schools and churches and all worthy objects. JONAS WYANT, farmer; P. O. Springfield; born in Maryland, April 25, 1822 ; is a son of Jacob and Susanna (Ridenour) Wyant, also natives of Maryland, but who removed to Ohio in October, 1837, locating in Miami Co., where they remained till the spring of 1838, when they removed to Champaign Co., residing in that county till 1845, when his sons bought the farm upon which they now live, and the family located here, where they lived until the death of Mr. Wyant; he died in January, 1851. They were parents of nine children, six now living-Susanna, Mary Ann, Hannah, Emily, Joseph and Jonas. Mrs. Wyant was married the second time to John Wyant, and became a resident of Warsaw, Ind., where she lived till her death. Our subject came with his parents to Ohio when in his 17th year, remaining with his father till his death. Was married Nov. 6, 1851, to Susan Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Dolly Ann (Vowls) Dennis, natives of Virginia, becoming residents of Ohio about 1835, where they resided till her death. She died Nov. 2, 1865. He is still living, now about 78 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Wyant have had nine children; eight now survive- Mary, Catharine, John F., William J., Chas. Edward, James V., Walter J., Emma V. and 996 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Clive Parker. Mr. Wyant has a farm of 112 acres of good land, mostly in good cultivation; with good buildings and improvements; also -a small farm in Champaign Co. of 40 acres, well improved; also some good town property in Lagonda ; all of which has been made by his own industry, as when Mr. Wyant started out in life, he had no capital. Has labored hard and diligently, and, with economy and good management, has become well and comfortably situated, with an abundance of this world's goods for all the comforts of life. Mr. Wyant has been a member of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches for over thirty years, and his wife a member of the Reformed Church eleven years. GEORGE W. YEAZEL, farmer; born July 4, 1851, a native of Clark Co.; is a son of Jacob and Eleanor Yeazel, he a native of Ohio and she of Virginia. Jacob was born in Clinton Co., Ohio, Nov. 10, 1809; is a son of Arbaham and Mary (Curl) Yeazel, natives of Virginia, but became early settlers of Clinton Co., Ohio, where they resided till January, 1810, when they removed to Clark Co., and located upon the place where Jacob now resides. Here they lived till their death. He died Jan. 2, 1832; his wife died Sept. 22, 1828.When they came here, they began in pioneer style in the "little log cabin," opening out and clearing up the farm right from the primitive forest, and consequently endured all the hardships of such pioneer life. But before his death, by his own labor and industry, the work of his hands was rewarded by a good farm and home, with most of the comforts of life. Mr. Yeazel was a man of great integrity of character, and had the confidence of the people, and although he never sought office, yet he was Justice of the Peace for several years. Of a family of fourteen children, seven. now survive-Sally, David, Jacob, Elizabeth, Abraham, Sidney and James. Jacob remained with his father upon the home place till his death. Was married March 31, 1831, to Eleanor, daughter of John and Jane (Davis) Foley, natives of Virginia, who became residents of Clark Co. about 1805. Issue, seven children-Eliza Jane, Catharine, John A., James E., Wm. H., Ellen and George W. Mr. Yeazel is now 71 years of age; has been a resident of this county and upon the same farm seventy years; has, in connection with farming, dealt considerably in stock; has been a man of industry and integrity of character, and taken a live interest in schools and the public interests of his township and community. Has held the office of School Director twelve years, and Township Trustee four years. Our subject was raised to farm labor. Was married Nov. 20, 1872, to Jennie, daughter of Jacob and Rachel McClelland, natives of Ohio. Issue, four children-Alice, Jacob, Mabel and Laura Bell. Mr. Yeazel located upon a farm of his father's, and afterward bought it, upon which he lived five years, then sold it and bought the farm upon which he now lives, and has since resided. He has 40 acres of good land, all in cultivation, upon which he has erected good buildings, and has good improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence. Mr. Yeazel, in connection with farming, deals more or less in stock, and, although comparatively a young man, is well situated, and having the confidence of the people, will, doubtless, make a success in life. JACOB YEAZEL, JR., was born in Clark Co., Ohio, July 8, 1842, and is the son of Jeremiah and Jane M. Yeazel, and grew to manhood upon the old homestead. He was married, Jan. 13, 1868, to Harriet Jones, daughter of John H. and Jemima C. (Bodkin) Jones, natives of Clark Co., and parents of five children-William W., Harriet Ann, Isabella and Virginia (twins) and George H, who was killed in the war of the rebellion. Mrs. Yeazel's father was killed by his horses running away with him Feb. 24, 1870, and her mother died Feb. 5, 1875. Mr. Yeazel farmed on various places until the spring of 1877; when he bought and located upon the, farm of 170 acres, where he now resides, which is an excellent farm and under good cultivation. One child has been born to them-Glenna A. Mr. Yeazel has bright prospects, being a good farmer and an upright man. JEREMIAH YEAZEL, deceased. Of the many large and well-known families of Clark Co., the Yeazels are no doubt one of the most extensive in relationship and numbers. Jeremiah Yeazel was born in Clinton Co., Ohio, Jan. 16, 1806, and was the son of Abraham and Mary (Curl) Yeazel, natives of Virginia, who settled in GERMAN TOWNSHIP. - 997 Clinton Co., Ohio, at an early day, coming to this county in January, 1810, and locating in the southeast part of Moorefield Township, where Mary Yeazel died, Sept. 22, 1828, and her husband Jan. 2, 1832. They had a family of fourteen children, seven of whom are yet living, and Jeremiah grew to manhood, inured to the privations and hardships of pioneer life. He was married, Dec. 20, 1827, to Jane M. Hodge, daughter of Andrew and Isabel (McTire) Hodge, natives of Virginia, who first removed to Kentucky, coming to Pleasant Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in 1808. Mr. Hodge entered 480 acres of land, upon which they spent their lives, enduring every hardship and trial which was the common lot of the pioneer, his wife dying Dec. 6, 1823, and he March 7, 1858, at the advanced age of 88 years. Of a family of six children who were born to Andrew and Isabel Hodge, all are now dead, Mrs. Yeazel having been the last survivor, she dying June 5, 1881, after a short illness, comforted in her last moments by the presence of her children. She was the only member of the Hodge family, born after her parents' settlement in this county, her birth occurring Dec. 24, 1809. Jeremiah and wife lived on rented farms for seven years, then bought a piece of land upon which they resided about eleven years, when they built the large house which has been the family home since the spring of 1845. To Jeremiah and Jane M. Yeazel were born twelve children-William E., John, James H., Mary J., Isabell, Andrew H., Jacob, Henry, Lousa, Scott, Edward W. and Sarah A., all of whom are living, with the exception of the youngest. They started in life poor, but by their own labor had accumulated a good competency, when death severed the union, Jeremiah dying Jan. 16, 1861, upon the day he was 55 years old. Politically, a Republican; he was a man well known and respected, and was a representative member of one of the leading families of Clark Co. His widow, with the help of her faithful children, added to the estate left by her husband until she was the owner of 558 acres of land under good cultivation, with fine improvements, which constituted a beautiful home for her in her declining years. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)