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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
CAPT. ISAAC B. ALLEN, farmer, P. O. Cuba, late Captain of Company C, Seventy-ninth Regiment Volunteer Infantry, in the civil war, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., June 17, 1824. When ten years of age his parents, Timothy and Patience Allen, removed to Medina County, Ohio, and in 1836 to Pike County, where he was reared to manhood. In 1846, he began teaching, which he followed six years. He read law in the mean time with Col. O. F. Moore, of Portsmouth, and was admitted to the bar at Piketown October 1, 1852. November 22 following, he engaged in the practice of law in Marysville, Union County. January 16, 1856, he removed to Wilmington, and resumed his profession. He established a very lucrative business, and at the outbreak of the rebellion, April 22, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Regiment. On May 15, he was chosen Second Lieutenant, and served three months. He aided in recruiting Capts. Miller's, Haworth's, Moon's and Higgins' companies. He recruited more soldiers than any other man in Clinton County. The fall of 1861 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Clinton County. He resigned this office July 21, 1862, and the same day was assigned the captaincy of Company C, Seventy-ninth Regiment. This company was known as the Allen Guards. Capt. Allen resigned his official position April 23, 1863, on account of disability. He was a patriotic soldier, and efficient officer, and eminently deserves this tribute. On account of ill health, Capt. Allen did not resume the practice of law. In 1865, he removed to his farm in Washington Township, and lived eight years, then returned to Wilmington and practiced to some extent till October, 1881, when he returned to his farm. Capt. Allen was married February 5, 1857, to Eliza W. Gaither, daughter of Henry and Arianna (Hughes) Gaither. Mrs. Allen was born in Georgetown, D. C., May 13, 1836. Two children are living-Effie, born September 1, 1860, and Alfred G., born July 23, 1867. Edward R. is deceased. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Allen is a Democrat politically; he owns a good farm of 180 acres.
WILLIAM BAKER, deceased, was born in Nicholas County, Ky., March 1, 1805. He was the third son and sixth child of Jacob and Barbara Baker. In 1820, his father died, and soon after he came to this county. In 1833, he purchased eighty acres of the homestead, which was then all woods. Few were the roads that were yet made, and very inferior were the improvements. Mr. Baker was an honest, industrious, hard-working man, and by these means he acquired gcod property, owning at the time of his death 370 acres of finely improved and cultivated land. In 1850, he erected on his farm a commodious frame residence. April 11, 1833, he was married to Miss Sarah Brown, daughter of Asa and Anna Brown. Mrs. Baker, a native of Washington Township, was born July 13, 1811. Of eleven children, nine are living, viz., Jefferson, born December 11, 1836; Barbara, born December 24, 1838, wife of John Deck; Anna, born December 22, 1840, wife of Amos W. Lieurance ; Nancy, born January 22, 1843, wife of William Clevenger, and died in August 1864 ; Elisha, born April 10, 1846 ; Sarah R., born October 27, 1847, wife of James P. Roberts ; William, born September 14, 1849; Maranda, born January 19, 1851, wife of Frank Fisher; Clarinda, born January 8, 1853, wife of J. W. Crouse ; Emily, born March 26, 1858, wife of Isaac Crouse ; and Rebecca, deceased. Mr. Baker departed this life June 16, 1872, after a life of earnest labor and successful industry.
JOHN C. BARNES, farmer, P. O. Cuba, second son of Ezra and Anna Barnes, was born near Hagerstown, Md., May 7, 1831. His parents settled in Washington Township in 1836, and died here in subsequent years. Mr. Barnes, our subject, was reared to manhood on a farm, and has always followed its pursuits. He was married, March 18, 1856, to Miss Anna Brown, daughter of Asa and Anna Brown. She teas
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born in this township July 26, 1826. Seven children were born ; of these five are living, viz., Rosena M., born March 16, 1857, wife of Charles D. McKenzie ; Emerson W., born June '34, 1858 ; Lemma M.. burn December 26, 1859; Chilton V., born February 1, 1864, and Effie E., born October 3, 1871. Luther D. and an infant son are deceased. The former was born July 6, 1870, and died August 25, 1870. In 1856, Mr. Barnes located on this firm, which contains seventy-seven acres of well-im proved land. He is by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser, and is successful in his pursuits.
WILLIAM BATES, P. O. Cuba, a representative farmer of Washington Township, was born in Monroe County, N. Y., January 28, 1817. His father, Thomas Bates, was born in Derbyshire, England, February 2, 1790, and emigrated to America with his parents in 1805. They settled in Oneida County, where they died in subsequent years. Mrs. Bates, nee Miss Sarah Hollister, our subject's mother, was born in Fairfield County, Conn., February 25, 1795. They were married, and in 1836 came to Warren County. Mrs. Bates died near Springboro, May 3, 1853. In 1855, Mr. Bates came to Washington Township, where he died November 20, 1856. William, the subject of this sketch, is the oldest of a family of twelve children. When of age, he gave his attention to the carpenter trade, which he learned and followed for seventeen years. In 1856, he came to this township, and since 1859, has pursued farming and stock raising as a business. March 20, 1845, he was married to Miss Phoebe Jenks, daughter Patten and Polly Jenks. Mrs. Bates, a native of Berksaire County, Maas., was born August, 1824. One son and three daughters were the children of this union. Three are living-Jerusha A., born October 15, 1846, married George H. Smith, deceased, and has two children-Edmund J. and Frank R.; David W., born October 20, 1851, married Mary Lorea ; and Sarah J., born December 25, 1856, married Ira Hodson. Elsina L., born July 9, 1849, and died June 4, 1879. Mr. Bates owns a finely improved farm of one hundred and twenty-eight acres, and he is ranked with the first-class farmers of Washington Township. In politics, he entertains purely Republican sentiments.
HENRY BATES, farmer and bee-raiser, P. O. Cuba, was born in Monroe County; N. Y., December 20, 1825. He is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Hollister) Bates, who came to this county in 1836. Mr. Bates was. reared to manhood on a farm. The year before he was of age, he took up the carpenter trade, which he followed till 1857. He located on his present farm the same year. He pursued farming up to 1875, when he turned his attention to the culture and raising of bees. He has since adopted the Italian bee, and now possesses an apiary of eighty-three stands of that species, besides a few stands of other kinds. He claims that he has improved the principle of arranging a bee-house for the comfort and preservation of bees in winter, by furnishing artificial heat, which is condemned by some bee-men. Mr. Bates has been eminently successful with bees, and always has on hand bees and honey for sale. Mr. Bates' marriage took place March 20, 1850, to Eliza A. Nichols, daughter of Thornton T. and Eleanor Bates. Mrs. Bates was born in Clarksville, April, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Bates have been blessed with three children-Charles T., Harry T. and Walter T. Mrs. Bates is an associate member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bates is a Republican in his political affiliations. He owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres with good improvements.
WILLARD BATES, farmer, P. O. Cuba. This model farmer of Washington Township was born in Monroe County, N. Y., August 7, 1830. He is the youngest son of Thomas and Sarah Bates. His early life and manhood were passed principally in the region of' Clinton County. August 31, 1851, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Eliza Kisling, daughter of William and Martha Kisling. Mrs. Bates is a native of Warren County, and was born August 14, 1832. Eight children were the fruits of this marriage, viz., Alfred, born August 23, 1852 ; Martha E., born January 21, 1854; William K., born March 9, 1856; Horace, born November 2, 1858; Isabell, born November 24, 1860; Clara E., born May 15, 1862; Lewis, born August 25, 1869; and Eliza, born November 5, 1871. Mr. Bates located on his present farm in 1855.
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It contains 170 3/4 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Bates is a real scientific farmer, and by closely devoting his time and attention, has made the business an enviable success. He and wife are members of the Universalist Church. Politically, he votes Republican.
EPHRAIM BATSON, farmer, P. O. Clinton Valley, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Batson, was born near Westboro November 30, 1826. He is the oldest of a family of nine children, of whom eight are living. He was reared and brought up to farming till eighteen years of age, when he took up the carpenter trade and followed it five years. In 1853, he located on the farm he now occupies, and has since been engaged in agriculture. His marriage took place January 22, 1853, to Miss Louisa A. Wright, daughter of James and Elizabeth Wright. She was born in Clark Township January 22, 1829, and died August 9, 1878. Six children were added to this marriage; of these, four are living, viz., Christopher H., born November 24, 1853 (married Maria Moon) ; Jesse G., born November 2, 1857 (married Clara Hodson) ; George W., born April 25, 1861, and Sarah A., born November 26, 1864. Isabella and Jemima are deceased. Mr. Batson served as School Director for twenty-eight years. Politically, he is a Democrat. He owns a good farm of 121 acres, and is engaged in farming and raising stock.
HENRY BERLIN, farmer, P. O. Cuba. This well-to-do farmer of Washington Township was born in Frederick County, Va., June 28, 1822. He is the second son of Jacob and Mary (Crouse) Berlin, who were also natives of Frederick County. At the tender age of four years, his father died, and from his early youth he had to assist in supporting his mother and family. In 1840, she removed to Clinton County, and settled in Washington Township, where her death occurred in March, 1863. When a young man, our subject formed tastes for farming and has always followed that vocation with good success. In 1850, he moved near Wilmington, where he lived nine years and returned to Cuba ; thence, to his present farm, in 1867, which contains 235 acres of finely-improved land. He also owns 137 acres near Burtonville, and fifteen acres of woodland in the southern part of Washington Township. Mr. Berlin also raises stock to considerable extent, in connection with agriculture. He was married September 5, 1841, to Miss Hannah Crouse, by whom he has had seven children; six are living-Mary E. (wife of Samuel Carpenter), William II., John M., James, Charles E. and Rhoda E.; Jacob is deceased. Mr. Berlin served his township in the office of Trustee for three terms. His political views are with the Democratic party. RHODA BIGGS, daughter of Oliver Whitaker, was born in New Jersey in the year 1799, and in the year 1804 emigrated with her father to the then new State of Ohio, coming by way of Wheeling and the Ohio River to Cincinnati, where her father remained but a short time, and from whence he removed to near Clarksville, this county, where he lived one year with Judge Burr, whose wife was a sister of Oliver Whitaker. This was in the year 1805. Their nearest neighbor at that time was Morgan Van Meter, who lived twelve miles to the east. Her father opened a farm near the present site of Villars' Chapel, where they lived until about the year 1816, when they removed on Cowan's Creek and settled in Col. Thomas Ridley's Survey, No. 2,028. About this time, Aunt Rhoda says, Col. Ridley came to her father's from Virginia, the visit being made on horseback with his colored servant. The Colonel is represented by Aunt Rhoda as being a middle-aged gentleman, dressed scrupulously clean, with buckskin overalls, which the colored servant removed on his alighting from his horse, leaving him, as Aunt Rhoda expressed it, like he had jumped out of a "band-box." This visit of Col. Ridley's was caused by some imposters infringing on his right as owner of several military surveys in the Virginia Military Reservation. At this time, says Mrs. Biggs, there was no church in all that part of the country. Occasionally an itinerant preacher would pass through, and when they did, they usually called on their neighbor, Judge Sewell, who lived one-half mile west of them, where they would go to hear preaching. After they removed to Cowan's Creek, they attended church at Wilson's Mill, near where the road leading from Wilmington to Georgetown crosses the creek. These meetings were held by what was then known as the Covenanters. In 1818,
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Rhoda was married to William B. Biggs, with whom she lived fifty-four years, raising a large family of children, many of whom reside in this county. Her husband died in the year 1873. If space would permit, we could insert many anecdotes and reminiscences connected with the early settlements which were related to us by our subject. Aunt Rhoda is at this writing in her eighty-third year, a hale, hearty, intelligent old lady.
ALEXANDER BROWN, farmer, P. O. Cuba, a worthy pioneer of Washington Township, was born in the place of his residence, August 1, 1813. He is a son of Asa and Anna Brown, of Maine and Kentucky, respectively. They were married in Kentucky, and removed to this county about 1807, and settled in what is now Washington Township, where they were among the first settlers. Mr. Brown bought fifty acres of the original surveyors, and settled on it and cleared up a home. They both died in subsequent years, after long lives of usefulness. Our subject is the second son of his father, and was reared to manhood surrounded with all the elements of primeval nature, and was educated in the pioneer schools, which in no way were very excellent. He aided his father in clearing up a farm and in other public improvements. Mr. Brown embarked on "life's sea" with rather limited means, but by his untiring energy and industry he has acquired a sufficient competency to insure his last days ones of pleasure and retirement. He owns a valuable farm of 186 acres, on which he located in October of 1842. All the improvements that it enjoys were placed there by Mr. Brown. His marriage occurred August 11, 1836, do Miss Malinda Mann, daughter of Jacob and Catharine Mann. Mrs. Brown was born June 25,1816, and died April 15, 1873. The four children are as follows: Jane, born May 10, 1837, wife of F. F. Mitchell ; Nancy, born May 18, 1842, wife of Dr. S. B. Judkins; George W., born January 23, 1846, married Martha J. Atha; and Henry L., born January 10, 1854, married Miss Elmira Bales. Mr. Brown's second marriage occurred January 27, 1873, with Mrs. Lizzie H. Cummins, widow of Norman Cummins, by whom she had one child-Jesse L. Cummins. Mrs. Brown was born in Highland County, October 12,1823. Her first husband was Jesse Hundley. Two children were the fruits of this union-John D. and Wiley W. Mrs. Brown is connected with the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Brown's religious views are Universalist. Politically, he adopts Republican doctrines and principles.
WILLIAM R. BROWN, stock raiser and shipper, Morrisville, a prominent hog shipper, is a son of David and Rebecca Brown. He was born in Washington Town ship August 22, 1844. His father was born in 1813, and died April 26,1879; and Mrs. Brown was born December 25, 1817. They came to Clinton County at a very early day. Mr. Brown, our subject, has for the last sixteen years been engaged extensively in shipping bogs. In 1881-82, he, in company with his brother, George Brown, with the style of their firm W. R. Brown & Co., shipped about 33,700 head of hogs. Mr. Brown winters about 100 head every season. he is also engaged in breeding Poland-Chinas, and Short-Horn cattle. He owns ninety-six acres of the original homestead, which has very good improvements. He was Trustee of Washington Township for two terms. In politics, he is Democratic. He was married September 9, 1871, to Miss Martha A. McKibben, daughter of John and Matilda McKibben. They have three children-Otto G., born August 22, 1872; Oceus D., born February 26, 1874, Oma J)., born April 16, 1876.
SYLVESTER BROWN, carpenter, Cuba, was born in this township September 8, 1846. He is a son of John Brown (deceased) and Sarah Clevenger. His father enlisted in defense of the Union August, 1862, in Company C, Seventy-ninth Regiment. On Sunday morning, May 1, 1864, when in a charge in the second day's fight at Resaca, the fatal ball came; and he was mortally wounded, with the bleeding, half-slain heroes. He died in the field hospital May 15 following, and now sleeps with his patriotic comrades in the National Cemetery, in Chattanooga. Sylvester, the oldest of his father's three children, was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and received his training in the common schools. In early life, he learned the blacksmith trade with his father, and followed it for a time. The avocation of farming was his business up to
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1875, when he learned the carpenter trade, which he still follows. He was married October, 1865; to Miss Harriet Byard. daughter of Thomas and Louisa Byard. Two daughters were born to bless this union-Mary Nutty, born September 5, 1866, and Minnie May, born June 18, 1868. Mr. Brown is a member of the I.O.O.F. and Encampment. Politically, he is Democratic.
GREEN B. BUSTER, farmer. P. O. Cuba, a Quartermaster Sergeant in the civil war, was born in Wayne County. Ky., May 6, 1838. His father, Garrett Buster, was born in Wayne County in December, 1804, and was a slave under old Gen. Buster for forty-two years. His mother, Sophia Hudson, was born in the same county, January 3, 1809, and served as a slave for thirty-four years. They were married December 25, 1835. In 1846, Mr. Buster, the father of our subject, worked and bought himself, paying $700. He then worked industriously, prompted by the spirit of freedom, and rescued from bondage his wife and three children, paying therefor upward of $4,000. In 1861, Mr. Buster removed with his family to Xenia, Ohio. September 28, 1864, our subject enlisted in the One Hundred and First Regiment of Colored Troops, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to help defend the "flag of liberty." At Nashville, Tenn., he was chosen Corporal of his Company, and subsequently was elected Quartermaster Sergeant, and served in that capacity with ability till the war closed. He received an honorable discharge September 28, 1865. He then returned to Greene County, Ohio, and resided there till the spring of 1881, when he purchased his present farm. He was married August 10, 1865, to Mildred Johnson, a native of Montgomery County, Tenn.; she was born September 10, 1847, and served under the yoke of bondage until 1863. They have had ten children, nine are living-William, Garrett, Lizzie, Charles C., Paul, Rufus, Green B., Squire and Sadie ; Ivie is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Buster are devout members of the Church of Christ. In politics, Mr. Buster is a strict Republican. He owns a valuable farm of 125 acres, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Buster has by his genial, honest disposition, and upright business principles, won the good-will of the entire community, and well deserves their esteem.
SIMEON S. CAST, P. O. Wilmington, a leading farmer of Washington Township, born in Vernon Township January 7, 1828. His father, William Cast, was a native of Kentucky, and came with his parents, Ezekiel and Mary Cast, to this county at a date in its early history. His mother, Elizabeth Smith, was brought to this county by her parents, Ephraim and Sarah Smith, in 1818. When a boy of four years, Mr. Cast's father died, leaving him with his mother in limited circumstances. He remained with his mother till he was fourteen years old. Having an insatiable desire for knowledge, he sought about for an education, which he finally acquired in Lebanon Normal, Miami University of Oxford and Woodward College, under Prof. Ray. He followed teaching at intervals from 1844 to 1856. In 1851, having accomplished his collegiate course, he engaged as clerk in a hardware store. The year 1852 he was engaged in the mercantile business in Claysville, Ind., with Joseph Claypool, of Cincinnati. Subsequently he went to Cincinnati and clerked in a hardware establishment for a time. He then taught school and traveled till October 11, 1856, when he was married to Miss Mary B. Villars, daughter of James and Frances Vifars, of Vernon Township. Mrs. Cast was born in the township of her father's residence October 6, 1834. Of eleven children born to this union nine are living, viz., Frances A. (wife of Joseph M. Bulls, of Richmond, Ind.), Eva, Emma L. (wife of William Smith), Ulysses S., Ella J., Ethel, Eugenia, Charles E. and Estella R. John W. and Eldridge J. are deceased. Mr. Cast is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics his views are Republican. He settled on his present farm in 1859, and owns 400 acres of well-improved and highly cultivated land. Mr. Cast is by occupation an agriculturist and stock-raiser, which he carries on with excellent success. Mr. Cast is a man of abounding enterprise and an esteemed citizen.
PETER CLEVENGER, farmer, P. O. Cuba, a representative citizen and author of the history of Washington Township, was born in the township of his residence February 2, 1833. His parents, Enos Clevenger and Christina Krouse, were natives of Frederick
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County, Va. His father was born October, 1800, and his mother 1803. They were married in Virginia in 182-1, and came to this county in the fall of 1825. Mr. Clevenger came to Clinton County in 18'_'-1 on horseback, but remained only a short time. The year of his settlement in Washington Township (1825) he bought a farm of seventy-five acres on J. Blackwell's Survey, No. 1,382. Mr. Clevenger was a man prominent is his day. For twelve years he filled the office of Justice of the Peace, and as Trustee of the township for several terms, besides various local positions. He died October, 1867. Mrs. Clevenger departed this life September, 1871. They had eight children, of whom our subject is the second son and fifth child. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and educated in the country schools. He is of English progeniture on his father's side and of German by his mother. His paternal great-grandfather and brother emigrated from England with Lord Fairfax's colony about 1738-39, and served in the French, Indian and Revolutionary wars, and was precept with the victors at York town. Our subject's maternal grandfather, John Krouse, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution on the British side and was captured at the surrender of Yorktown, and with other prisoners was taken to Winchester Barracks. In 1853 add 1854, Mr. Clevenger took a course of instructions in surveying and civil engineering. He has been engaged in the former department since 1856 and the latter since 1868. He has been employed as engineer by the County Commissioners more or less since 1868. February 21, 1856, be was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Mitchell, daughter of John and Mary Mitchell, and a native of Washington Township, where her birth occurred October, 1837. They have one child-J. Randolph. He was born June 19, 1857. Mr. Clevenger owns a valuable farm of 532 acres, located in Washington, Vernon and Marion Townships. His farm near Cuba is adorned with a substantial frame residence; built in 1876 at a cost of $3,000. Its neat and well-arranged lawn and surroundings plainly indicate that a first class farmer resides there. Mr. Clevenger superintends his farm and rearing stock, and has been very successful in financial pursuits; 1871-72 and 1873, he was e to the mercantile business with Mr. S. T. Moon, of Cuba. Mr. Clevenger is identified with the I.O.O.F., and in politics is Democratic. He has occupied various official relations in his township. He has been Township Clerk since 1865 and Justice of the Peace since 1866. Mr. Clevenger is one of the leading and most influential citizens of Washington Township, and a personal sketch of him in this volume is eminently appropriate.
WILLIAM CLEVENGER, farmer, P. O. Cuba, third son of Enos and Christina Clevenger, was born in Washington Township April 30, 1836. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and received his educational acquirements in the common schools of the country. When he arrived to his majority, he engaged in farming and followed its pursuits for nine years, then embarked in the mercantile business and continued in that line two years, and returned to his former occupation, which he has followed ever since. 1879 and 1880, Mr. Clevenger was employed by the County Commissioners to plat all the townships in the county for the re-appraisement of real estate in 1880. April, 1869, he was elected a member of the Board of Township Trustees, and has since been a useful member of that body. He served on the Township Board of Education for fifteen years. September 13, 1862, he was married to Martha Compton, daughter of Ephraim and Elizabeth Compton. Mrs. Clevenger was born in Indiana January 8, 1845. This marriage was given five children, of whom four are living-George M., born November 10, 1863; Frank M., born March 8, 1865; William W., born May 21, 1869; Homer E., born May 23, 1879; Luther E., born August 18, 1866, and died December 23, 1870, Mrs. Clevenger is a consistent member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Clevenger is connected with the society of the I.O.O.F. In politics, he entertains Democratic views. During the late rebellion, Mr. Clevenger was Captain of Company K, Second Regiment Clinton County Militia. He was commissioned by Gov. Tod. He was called out once during the Kirby Smith. threatened invasion on Cincinnati. Mr. Clevenger owns seventy-two acres of the original homestead; it is well improved and cultivated.
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EDWARD M. CHAMPLIN, farmer, P. O. Cuba, son of Joshua and Hannah E. Champlin, was born December S. 1836. He was reared on a farm till seventeen years of age, when he went to Cincinnati anal served an apprenticeship of three years at the printer's trade in the office of the Commercial. He then engaged in the retail grocery business with his brother, John M. Champlin. in the city, and did business in that line four year,; then returned to this township and after spending one ear, made a trip westward. He returned to Clinton anal remained till the opening of the rebellion. September 15, 1861, he joined Company F, Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served under tile gallant commander Gen. Thomas He participated in the battles of Wild Cat, Somerset, siege of Corinth, Perryville. Hoover's Gap, Stone River, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. He veteranized and subsequently joined Sherman, and was active in the engagements of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro and Atlanta. He went on the famous "march to the sea," and was discharged with worthy honors at Camp Chase, Ohio, July 17, 1865, holding; rank of Adjutant of his regiment. July 25, 1864, he was appointed First Lieutenant, and finally was promoted to Adjutant. At the end of the war, he returned home and engaged in farming, which he has since followed October 5, 1865, he was married to Sarah E. Bates, who was born in Warren County August 30, 1841. She died February 20, 1873, and left two children-Perry M. and Minnie A.; George and Edward B. are deceased. Mr. Champlin was married the second time, June 18, 1874, to Mary E. Ireland, daughter of John C. Ireland, of Wilmington. Mrs. Champlin was born in Warren County, Ohio, October 20, 1843. Two children-Emma B. and Lena, were given to this union. Mr. Champlin is connected with the I.O.O.F. society, and is a Republican. He served his township as Trustee for two terms. He owns a one half interest in a finely improved farm of 180 acres.
HENRY COWGILL, deceased, was born in Berkeley County, Va., December 20, 1781. He was a son of John and Catharine Cowgill, who were natives of Europe. The former served in the Revolutionary war. Our subject was reared on a farm to man hood, and married, December, 1803, to Catharine Stricland, who died in the latter part of 1804. In September, 1806, he again married. This time to Mary A. McDonald, daughter of William McDonald, and a native of Berkeley County, Va. Her birth took place in May, 1787, and she died October 29, 1842. In 1812, Mr. Cowgill came to Clinton County, and settled iii Washington Township. He purchased a farm in 1811, prior tai his settlement. In 1818, he adorned his farm with a substantial brick residence, which was the first in Washington Township. Mr. Cowgill was one of the organizers of Washington Township, and filled many official positions. He cleared up a large farm, and was active in many prominent public improvements of his township. He died April 5, 1855, a member of the M. E. Church. He was a man of public enterprise, and was very instrumental in organizing and founding Bethel Society. His house was the home for the itinerant and was used for many years as a "house of worship." He was a man of sterling integrity and uncompromising honor, and eminently deserves this tribute of respect. He had a family of ten children, of whom three are Tiding, viz., Priscilla A., widow of Richard S. Cline; Susanna, wife of Samuel Hohms; and James, who was born July 25, 1826, was married November 11, 1862, to Mary E. Perley, who died July 27, 1880, and left one child-Effie A., born October 1, 1867. Mr. Cowgill, our subject, again married March 30,l843, to Susan Perley, by whom he had four children-Henry C., Albert G., Amos T., and Clara D., wife of I. M. West. Mrs. Cowgill died February 16, 1877.
HENRY CROUSE, farmer, P. O. Burtonville, is a son of John and Rhoda Crouse, and a grandson of John Crouse, Sr., who came from Germany soon after the close of the American Revolution. His father carne to this county at the youthful age of eighteen years, and subsequently settled on the farm now owned by James Skimming. He died August, 1868, and Mrs. Crouse died in January of 1869. Our subject was reared near Cuba, and was educated in the common schools. In the fall of 1868, he moved to his present location, and has since pursued the avocation of farming. He is the possessor of about eighty-eight and a half acres of highly cultivated land. He
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was married, February 25, 1846, to Miss Elizabeth Pennington, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Pennington, by whom he has had seven children; of these five are living-John W. B., Mary J. (wife of David Lacey ), Isaac T., Joseph F. and Orley; Frank J. and Sarah A. are deceased. \1r. Crouse and wife are members of the Christian Church; he is a Democrat, and served his township as Trustee two terms.
SEYMOUR C. FARREN, farmer, P. O. Morrisville, Son of J. W. and Jemima Farren, was burn in Washington TOwnship December 30, 1832. He was reared and brought up on a farm, and obtained an academic education in Parker's Academy, of Clermont County. He was a colleague with Charles and Frank Browning, of Wilmington, and Thomas Paxton, lawyer of Cincinnati. Mr. Farren was married, January 29, 1859, to Eliza J. Hardesty, daughter of Hezekiali and Sarah Hardesty. Mrs. Farren was born in Union Township December, 1838. Three sons and three daughters were given to bless this union-Dora, John F., Jemima, James L., Louisa and William Mr. Farren located on his farm in Washington Township in 1861. It contains 313 acres of excellently improved land. In March, 1882, Mr. Farren removed to Wilmington, that his children might enjoy better educational privileges. He and family are members of the Christian Church. Politically, he is Democratic. He was Trustee of Washington Township two terms, and is a man of much enterprise and moral worth.
ELIAS FISHER, deceased, a son of Thomas and Margaret McKey Fisher, natives of Frederick County, Va., was born August 31, 1801. Thomas and Margaret Fisher had the following children: Berick, Elizabeth, Robert, John, Thomas, Elias, Joseph, Jonathan, Samuel, Louis, Mary, Margaret and Sarah. The subject of our sketch was married to Margaret, daughter of Joshua and Margaret Nesbit Mercer, on New Year's Eve, 1826. Moved to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1828, and located in Vernon Township, where they remained seven years. In 1836, he purchased 140 acres in Washington Township, where he and his estimable wife lived the rest of their days. They had seven children-Mary, Margaret, Ellen, Hannah, Jonathan (deceased), Parker and Ruth (deceased). Mr. Fisher was an excellent farmer, and had a nice home. He departed this life August 22, 1880. Mrs. Fisher was born October 10, 1804, and died March 2, 1877. Joshua and Margaret Mer-er were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, afterward emigrating to Frederick County, Va. They were the parents. of the following children: Daniel, John, William, Thomas, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth, Margaret, Lydia, Nancie, and one who died in infancy.
JAMES FISHER, farmer, P. O. New Antioch, son of David and Hannah (Clevenger) Fisher, was born in Washington Township April 30, 1839. He was reared and brought up to the occupation of farming, and has always followed its pursuits. During the latter part of the war, he was a member of Company K, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regimental Battalion of Ohio National Guards. He was active in the battle of Frederick, Md., and was discharged August 10, 1864. His marriage took place in August, 1864, with Miss Elizabeth Horsman, daughter of Amos and Polly Horsman. Eight children were the fruity of this union-Aratninta, Thomas J., Charles W., Clara J. (wife of George Foland), John A., Cora A., Frank U. and Homer C. Mrs. Fisher died June 11, 187'3, and Mr. Fisher again married August 1, 1874, to Eliza J., daughter of Eli and Melvina Jones. Three children were given to this union-Augusta E., Harry C. and Pearl. Mr. Fisher owns a good farm of one hundred acres, and is engaged in stock-raising, in connection with agriculture.
ABRAHAM FOREMAN, farmer, P. O. Morrisville, was born in Frederick County, Va., March 5, 1809. He is a son of John and Catharine Foreman, whose parents came from Germany prior to the war of the Revolution. Mr. Foreman's parents came to Clinton County in 1826, and settled in Union Township, and in 1828 removed to Washington, where they both died. Mr. Foreman, our subject, is the second son and third child of a family of eight children. He was reared to manhood on a farm. January 11, 1838, he was married to Anna Shields, daughter of George and Ann (McDaniel) Shields, who came to Clinton County in 1816. Mr. Shields died December 12, 1848. Mrs. Shields is still living. She was born October 28, 1791. Mrs. Foreman was born in Warren County, April 20, 1814. Four children were
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added; of these, two are living, viz., David E., born October 28, 1838, married Ann Campbell, and Sarah M., born January 14, 1843, wife of John W. Brindle, of Wilmington. George W. and John W. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Foreman are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Foreman is a member of the I.O.O.F., and in politics is a Republican. Mrs. Foreman owns one hundred and twenty-two and one-half acres, where they reside, and Mr. Foreman owns one hundred and fifty-one acres in the eastern part of Washington Township. When a young man, Mr. Foreman learned the carpenter and joiner trade, which he followed up to 1840, and since that, farming.
JESSE GRAHAM, farmer, P. O. Cuba. One of the old and respected pioneers of Clinton County is the subject of thus sketch. He was born in Tennessee January 16, 1805. He is a son of Epoch and Rachel (Jackson) Graham, of North Carolina. They were married and removed to Tennessee about the close of the eighteenth century. Mr. Graham died there, and, in 1807. Mrs. Graham, with her family, migrated to Ohio and settled near Lexington, and in 1810 removed to Clark Township, and subsequently married to Christopher Hussey, and died to Highland County. Mr. Graham, our subject, is next to the youngest of a family of five children. At an early age, he entered the family of Curtis Jackson, with whom he remained till of age. In 1827, he purchased a small farm in Washington Township. Subsequent purchases make him now a farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, besides one hundred and twenty acres in Jefferson Township. The home farm, which is now well improved, was at the date of his settlement a mass of woods, wholly destitute of improvements. By Mr. Graham's indomitable energy and perseverance, he has obtained valuable property, and achieved a worthy success. He celebrated his first marriage March 4, 1827, with Phoebe Wright, a daughter of John and Sarah Wright, old pioneers of Clark Township. Mrs. Graham died March 12, 1859, and in March, 1860, he again married. This time to Rachel Batson, a native of Washington Township, and a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Batson. Mr. Graham has made farming and stock-raising his life-work, and has proved himself master of the vocation. His political opinions are Democratic.
JONATHAN HAYS, former, P.O. Cuba, was born in this township June 10, 1819. He is a son of David and Mary (Horsman) Hays, the former a native of Delaware, was born June 6, 1766, and the latter, of Frederick County, Va., was born January 21, 1782. They were married in Virginia and migrated to Harrison County, Ohio, at the beginning of the war of 1812. The following year they came to Clinton County and settled on the farm now occupied by our subject. Mr. Hays was one of the organizers of Washington Township and aided in many of its prominent improvements. He died April 30, 1844. His father came from Wales several years before the American Revolution. Mrs. Hays died July 12, 1838. Jonathan is the youngest son of his father. He was born and reared on a firm. He was married the first time, February 13, 1845, to Elizabeth Fleming, a daughter of James and Mary Fleming. Mrs. Hays died March 8, 1873, and left one child-Mary E. She was born May 31, 1846, and married George Brown January 20, 1874. Mr. Hays celebrated his second marriage with Miss Nancy J., daughter of Anthony and Mary Skimming. Mrs. Hays was born in Alleghany County, Md., October 10, 1825. She is. a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Hays is in politics Democratic. He filled the office of Township Treasurer from 1861 to 1867. He owns a farm of one hundred and one acres with excellent improvements, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He ranks with enterprising farmers of Washington Township.
NATHANIEL B. HUNTER, farmer, P. O. Cuba, son of James and Harriet A. (Neal) Hunter, was born near Cuba, December 8, 1833. Mr. Hunter was reared and brought up to farming and has made that his life-work in connection with other pursuits. In 1861, he removed to Richland County, Ill., where he was engaged in his former occupation, and dealing in live stock till, 1866, he returned to his native place. He was married November 9, 1858, to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Impsil and Mary Bales, who were natives of Alabama and Virginia, respectively. Mrs. Hunter was born in Clark Township December 25, 1842. Of five children that had been blessed them,
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two are living, viz., James I., born November 9, 1868, and Harley, born February 10, 1877. Minnie B.. born November 8, 1859, died February 8, 1861 ; Emma J., born March 24, 1861, died July 211, 1862 ; Artemisia, born December 10, 1863, and died January 27, 1865. Mrs. Hunter is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Hunter is Democratic in his views. Ile owns a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-seven and one-quarter acres and pursues agriculture and live-stock-rearing. He is a law-abiding citizen and a good neighbor.
JAMES B. IRELAND, farmer, P. O. Cuba, son of John C. Ireland, of Wilmington. was born in Washington Township August 16. 1856. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and was educated in the common schools. He attended Dayton Commercial College, and graduated in July; 1875. He then clerked about tight months in W. C. Hadley's dry goods store, of Wilmington, and six months for H. and M. Katz ; then returned to farming, which he still follows. He was married September 23, 1880, to Miss Jennie M. Hunt. Mrs. Ireland is a daughter of Frank and Mary L. Hunt, and a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, where she was born December 5, 1860. Mr. Ireland is an enterprising young man.
ARSASUS W. KIBBEY (deceased), one of the oldest and most esteemed pioneers of Washington Township, was born in Deerfield, Warren Co., Ohio, May 9, 1803. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Kibbey. His father, a native of England, emigrated to the United States when eighteen years old. He went to Deerfield, Warren County, in 1803, and died there in 1806. Our subject's mother was a native of London, N. J., and died July 5, 1865, aged nearly eighty-two years. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on a farm, and was married April 14, 1830, to Abigail Sewell, daughter of John and Priscilla Sewell. Mrs. Kibbey, a native of Vernon Township, was born December 18, 18(19. They had eight children, of whom six are living-Joseph A., born August 11, 1834; Oliver S., born May 1, 1840; John L., born April 13, 1844 ; Arsasus, born January 2, 1847 ; Ambrose G., born November 23, 1851, and Garner, the other twin, died the day of his birth ; and Casander A., born February 29, 1832, and died September 1, 1850. In 1851, Mr. Kibbey removed to the farm where he died. July 4, 1867, he was stricken with paralysis, from which he suffered intolerably to the day of his death, which occurred January 10, 1879. Mr. Kibbey was a man of benevolent traits, religious principles and high moral character. For sixty years he was a member and an earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. By his uprightly religions life he has left his "footprints in the sands of time," and an example worthy of imitation.
HENRY LAZENBY, farmer, P.O. Martinsville, was born in Bedford County, Va., July 21, 1803. He is the eldest son of Joshua and Ruth Lazenby, who removed to Highland County, Ohio, in 18111, and to Clinton County in 1818. Mr. Lazenby was reared to manhood on a farm, and acquired his education in the district schools of his neighborhood. In 1825, he returned to Lynchburg, Va., and was Superintendent of Samuel Miller's tobacco factory for seven years. He was engaged in buying and selling tobacco till August, 1839, when he embarked on a voyage to Europe to superintend for Mr. Miller the sale of cargoes of tobacco in London and Liverpool, with head quarters at London, England; also acted in same capacity in Antwerp, Belgium. In the latter part of 1839, in company with Isaac Deck, he visited many prominent places on the continent, going from Antwerp to Elzone, Prussia; returned down the River Rbine, and visited the cities of Mayence, Frankfort, Rotterdam and other places, thence to Amsterdam, thence by steamship to Hamburg. He remained at Hamburg some days. While here he visited Altoona, Denmark, it being the commercial city of Prussia. On his return to England, he visited "Bremen ; " he passed into Holland by "Amersfoort," and again visited Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels, at the latter port remaining two weeks. He then passed through Ghent to Ostend, where he embarked for London, England. He returned to America in April, 1840. He dealt in tobacco in Lynchburg, Va., two years, and went to New York City, where he was engaged in the tobacco commission business with Heury Ludlam, from 1847 to 1851. He went to New Orleans, and was employed in the same business more or less up to 1861. June,
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1862, he made his second trip to Europe. This time he spent four years there in the same pursuits. He lived in London two years, and one year ( 1814) in Paris, France. In this European tour he included England, Wales, Scotland, France, Switzerland and the Hebrides Islands. He returned to the United States in 1866, arriving in New York on June the 7th. Since that time he has lived in Clinton County, except a year or two spent in Lynchburg, Va. Mr. Lazenby ventured in life with very limited means, but by his good business management and diligence in business, he has achieved stn honor able fortune. He is a gentleman of a well-cultured mind, genial disposition and high social character, and of great public enterprise. He owns 400 acres of very valuable land in Washington Township, besides city property in Lynchburg, Va., lands in Jasper County, Mo., and other valuable possessions.
REZIN LAZENBY, farmer, P. O. Cuba, an old and worthy pioneer of Clinton County, was born in Highland County, Ohio, January 22, 1817. He is a son of Joshua and Ruth (Guthry), natives of Montgomery County, Md., and Bedford County, Va. The former was born September 11, 1775, and the latter April, 1781. They were married in Virginia, and emigrated to Highland County October of 1816. In April, 1818, they removed to Washington Township, Clinton County, where Mr. Lazenby became a large land-owner, being at the time of his death the possessor of 420 acres of fine land, besides a farm of 160 acres in Randolph County, Ind Mr. Lazenby was a man of prominence in his township, and aided very much in its public improvements. His death took place January 13, 1867, and Mrs. Lazenby died February 13, 1868. Our subject, the seventh child of his father, was reared to manhood on a farm, and received his training in the common schools. His marriage occurred October 12, 1843, to Jerusha Kibbey, a daughter of Ephraim and Nancy Kibbey. Mrs. Lazenby was born in Clarksville April 3, 1822. Of five children, three were left to bless this union, viz., Virginia A., born December 24, 1849 ; Laura L., born September 5, 1853. wife of Frank M. Moon; and Rezin J., born September 11, 1856, married Arabella Smith. John E., his eldest son, was born July 15, 1845. He was a member of Company E, Eighty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died at the Sanitary Hospital, Columbus, March 7, 1864, having served nearly one year; Henry C., born June 14, 1847, and died May 20, 1849. Mr. Lazenby owns a tract of 400 acres of well-improved land ; of this, 130 acres is a part of the original homestead. Mr. Lazenby is considered one of the best farmers in Washington Township, and is a man of more than ordinary enterprise. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is associated with the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Republican. Mr. Lazenby's grandfather, Robert Lazenby, served as a teamster in the Revolutionary army, and Mr. Lazenby has in his possession the gun he carried.
ALEXANDER LIEURANCE, farmer, P. O. Morrisville, a prominent citizen of this township, was born in Ashe County, N. C., June 16, 1816. His father, Peter Lieurance, Jr., also a native of Ashe County, was born January 9, 1795 ; his mother, Hannah Philips, was born November 4,1794. They were married in North Carolina, and came to Clinton County in November, 1816, making the entire trip on horseback. They settled near Cuba, and, in 1824, Mr. Lieurance bought 100 acres of land and located. He died November 9, 1829, and Mrs. L. died January 15, 1873. Our subject spent most of his early life in assisting his father in clearing up a farm. Mr. Lieurance has, by earnest and untiring industry, accumulated valuable property. He is now the possessor of 189 acres of excellent land, and is by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser. He is engaged, as a special pursuit, in rearing Poland-China hogs and fine horses, and is one of the most enterprising men of Washington Township. His marriage occurred June 16, 1836; with Mrs. Sallie A. Morris, widow of William Morris, and a daughter of Eldridge and Sallie A. (Burnett) Bales. Mrs. Lieurance, a native of North Carolina, was born February 10, 1807. Of their six children, four are living, viz.: Amos W., Wyatt H., Emily F. (wife of J. Dl. Whinery) and Jemima F. (wife of Riley Pond). Alma (deceased) was the wife of Rev. Edward McHugh, and Peter died aged eleven years. Mrs. Lieurance had two sons by her former husband-John W. and Avery P. Morris. They were both patriots in the late rebellion. Mr. and
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Mrs. Lieurance are consistent members of the Regular Baptist Church. In polities, Mr. L. entertains Republican views. He is a than of hospitality, good social qualities, and is eminently respected.
AVERY P. LIEURANCE, firmer, P. O. Morrisville, son of William and Mary (Hall) Lieurance, was born in Greene Township January 25, 1848. He was reared to manhood on a farm and enjoyed only the limited advantages of the common schools. When of age, he engaged with Amos W. Lieurance, near Morrisville, and worked for him eleven years, till January, 1874, when he had saved $1,000. Then he, in partnership with his brother, David Lieurance, bought eighty-five acres of land. He now owns sixty-five acres of lanai, which is well improved. When Mr. Lieurance was twelve years old, his father died, thus throwing him upon his own resources. By perseverance and, industry, he has made a success of his " thus-far spent life," and has acquired a good competency. January 8, 1874, he was united in marriage age with Miss Cordelia M. Hunt, daughter of Jacob and E Eliza Hunt. Mrs. L. was born in Washington Township November, 1854. They have two children-Rhewa D., born June 26, 1875, and Ettie L., born January 16, 1879. Mr. Lieurance is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically, he is a Republican,
WILLIAM M. MANN, farmer, P. O. Cuba, is a member of the Board of In firmary Directors, and was born in Clark Township October 24, 1828. His father, George Mann, was born in Nicholas County, Ky.; May 9, 1797. His parents, Jacob and Catharine (McDaniel) Mann, were natives of Shenandoah County, Va., and Pittsylvania County, Va., respectively, and came to Clinton County in 1810, where they both died ; the former October, 1840, and the latter February 8, 1837. Mr. George Mann is the oldest of eight children, three sons and five daughters, and two sons and three daughters are living. Mr. Mann was married, May 29, 1826, to Miss Eleanor Mount, who bore him two children-our subject and Eliza J , who was born December 27, 1826. Mrs. Mann was born in North Carolina in 1794, and died in 1851. William, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. October 15, 1850, he was united in matrimonial relations with Miss Margaret E. Hutsoupillar. Mrs. Mann is a daughter of John and Mattis Hutsoupillar. She was born near Bedford, Highland County, August 28, 1829. Mr. Mann is the owner of a good farm of sixty-five acres adjoining 141 acres belonging to his father. It is or namented with a handsome frame residence, erected in 1879, at a cost of $1,800. In 1863, Mr. Mann was elected to the Board of Infirmary Directors, and served two terms. He was again elected in 1876, and re-elected in 1881. Mr. Mann has displayed himself by the use of his good judgment in the performance of his duties, a useful and highly creditable member of that body. Mr. Mann and wife are consistent members of the Christian Church, as also his father, who resides with him, and who is now in the eighty-fifth year of his age, and bids fair to spend a few more years here.
SAMUEL McCRAY, miller, Cuba, is a son of Armstrong and Jane (Urton) McCray. He was born in Washington Township, Warren County, June 2,1839. His father was born October, 1801, and his mother in June of the same year. They went to Warren County with their parents when young. Mr. McCray was killed by a team running away, December 28, 1849. Mrs. McCray departed this life in August, 1851. Our subject is the second son and fourth child of a family of five children. He was reared on a farm till fourteen, when he commenced an apprenticeship at the miller's trade, and served four years. In October, 1875, he bought the Cuba Mills, and has since operated them. He was married October, 1861, to Mary E. Osborn, daughter of William and Hannah Osborn. Mrs. McCray died September, 1862, leaving one child Emily, also deceased. Mr. McCray remarried, October 4, 1868, to Samantha A. Wright, a daughter of John M. and Penelope Weight. Mrs. McCray was born in Marion Township September, 1844. One son and daughter were added to bless this union Orville and Nellie. Mr. McCray is identified with the I.O.O.F. and Wilmington Encampment. Mr. McCray is a successful man and respected citizen.
GEORGE R. MITCHELL; farmer, is a prominent stock-raiser and graindealer of Clinton County; was born in Washington Township, Clinton County,
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Ohio. He is a on of John and Mary (Sanderson) Mitchell, who were natives of Tennessee. They came to this county as pioneers, and were largely useful in the principal improvements of Washington Township. Mr. Mitchell departed this life July '22, 1852, and Mrs. Mitchell on the 24th of the same month. Our subject is neat to the youngest child of his father's family. Ile was reared on a farm, and for his first wife he married Miss Malinda Brown, daughter of Harrison and Mary Brown, and a native of Clark Township. Her death occurred October 25, 1859, leaving, one child Isadora B., born October 22, 1859. Mr. Mitchell again married November 31, 1861, to Miss Mary Clevenger, sister to Peter Clevenger, Esq. Mrs. Mitchell was born near Cuba, April 2, 1837. Their four children. are as follows: John E., born January 20, Jennie M., born June 8, 1867 ; Frank E., born July 17, 1870, and Herman H., born February 3, 1878. For the last six years, Mr. Mitchell has been engaged in buying and shipping grain, doing a very extensive business. Since 1870, he has bought and shipped live stock so extensively, that he now ranks with the leading stock-shippers of Clinton County. In 1870, he located on his present farm, which is one of the best improved in Washington Township. He owns 170 acres, and raises stock to a large extent. Mr. Mitchell is identified with the I.O.O.F., and in politics with the Democratic party. He was chosen Trustee two terms, and filled the office of Township Treasurer for sixteen years. Mr. Mitchell is a gentleman of fine social and business traits, and of abounding enterprise.
FRANCIS F. MITCHELL, farmer, P. O. Cuba, the third son of John and Mary Mitchell, was born in Washington Township, November 29, 1835. He was married November 29, 1855, to Miss Jane Brown, daughter of Alexander and Malinda Brown. Mrs. Mitchell was born in this township May 10, 1837. She was reared and educated in the home of her nativity. Mr. Mitchell settled on this farm March 8, 1857, where he has since resided, engaged in farming and rearing live stock. He makes a special pursuit in rearing Poland-China. hogs. He is a successful agriculturist and stock raiser. His farm contains 103 acres of land, and is fairly improved. He and wife are members of the Universalist Church, and also of the Grange enterprise. Mr. Mitchell has been a prominent member in this organization, and has filled various important offices. He was a member of the Board of Township Trustees two terms, and School Director six years. Politically, he is a Republican.
WILLIAM R. MOON, farmer, P. O. Cuba, one of the most honored and respected pioneers of Clinton County, is the person whose name graces the head of this sketch. He was born in Sevier County, Tenn., May 1, 1804. His parents, Samuel and Martha Moon, were members of the band of "Moon colonists " who came to Clark Township in 1809. The young nowadays can faintly imagine a "true picture of pioneer life and labors," when the father of our venerable and worthy subject would be compelled to go to Lynchburg for hands to help on important occasions, such as "log rollings " and " house-raisings." As help was very scarce the neighbors would join together and go en masse from one harvest field to another, till the whole neighborhood was completed, and it sometimes took twenty-one days to make the rounds. Mr. Moon soon grew to the sturdy days of manhood, and it fell to his lot to assist his father in clearing a farm, and in this he exercised no little energy. In 1835, Mr. Moon purchased a farm of 109 acres of his present farm, which was then all woods. He cleared a site for a house and erected a log structure, 18x'32 feet in size, for a home. Mr. Moon, with his sons, cleared a good portion of the laud, and now owns a well-developed farm of 122 acres. Mr. Moon was married January 29, 1829, to Emily U. Roberts; Mrs. Moon is a daughter of Moses and Anna (Brannaman) Roberts. She was born in Knox County, Tenn., April 12, 1810. Five children were born to bless their union -Martin H., John R., Servetus T., Sarah E. (wife of E. G. Ford, of Dayton), and Thomas E. Mr. and Mrs. Moon are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Moon has been connected with the I.O.O.F. for over forty years. In politics he is a Republican ; formerly an advocate of Whig policies. Mr. Moon's grandfather, Joseph Moon, died, aged nearly 100 years, and had at his death 445 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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JOHN ROBERTS MOON, farmer, P. O. Cuba, a member of the Board of County Commissioners and son of William R,. and Emily U. Moon, was born near Martinsville September 27, 1830. Mr. Moon was reared principally in Washington Township, and was educated in the common district schools. At the age of nineteen, he was placed in charge of his father's saw-mill and continued in that position till 1856 and resumed the occupation of farming, which he followed till February, 1866, when he, in company with his brother, S. T. Moon, engaged in the mercantile trade in Cuba the style of their firm, Moon Bros. In October, 1868, Mr. Moon was compelled to retire from the business on account of. ill-health. He returned to farming, which he has since carried on. In October; 1877, he was elected to the Board of County Commissioners, and re-elected in October, 1880. Mr. Moon has displayed much good judgment and ability in this relation, and has performed the duties of the office to the highest public satisfaction. In 1867, he was chosen Justice of the Peace, and served one term. He also filled the office of Treasurer and Clerk of his township. December 11, 1851, he was joined in the bond of marriage with Miss Eliza M., daughter of Elijah D. and Winnifred C. King. Mrs. Moon was born in Clark Township October 13,1835. Of two children added this union; one, William H., is living. Mr. Moon has one adopted daughter-Jennie (Cast). She was born March 22, 1862. Mr. Moon and wife are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Moon is identified with the I.O.O.F. society as Treasurer. He owns a farm of 132 area, well improved and cultivated. Mr. Moon is a man of the people, and well deserves the honorable positions to which he has been chosen.
WILLIAM H. MOON, farmer, P. O. Cuba, son of John R. and Eliza Moon, was born in this township June 8, 1853. He was reared on a farm till about eighteen, when he engaged in the profession of teaching, which he followed with success for four years in Vernon and Wayne Townships. In 1875, he went into the mercantile business with S. T. Moon, and continued in its pursuits till July, 1881, when he resumed farming. Mr. Moon was married September 18, 1873, to Miss Sarah Berlin, who was born in Washington Township September 9, 1850. Mr. Moon is connected with the I.O.O.F. society, and in politics is Republican.
SERVETUS T. MOON, Postmaster and merchant, Cuba, one of the most prominent merchants in Clinton County, is located at Cuba. He was born in Clark Town ship August 8, 1834. When quite young, his parents, William R. and Emily U. Moon removed to Washington Township, where he was reared to manhood. When of age, he superintended his fathers grist-mill, in which he had an interest. He was engaged in the milling business until 1863, when he embarked in the mercantile business in Cuba, and has ever since been extensively engaged in that department of business. He carries a stock of goods, consisting of general merchandise, to the amount of from $5,000 to $9,000. In 1872, his annual sales aggregated $18,000, which were the most extensive sales in Clinton County. He has also run branch stores in Wilmington, Martinsville and Jeffersonville, Fayette County. In 1866, Mr. Moon was appointed Postmaster at Cuba, sad has since filled that office. He is a man of genial character, worthy enterprise and sterling business qualities, and as a merchant he has been one of the most successful in Clinton County. August 3, 1854, Mr. Moon was joined in marriage with Miss Nancy Mitchell, daughter of Samuel Mitchell, an old pioneer of Washington Township. Mrs. Moon died June 1, 1873, and left three children, viz., Brastus E., Orlando C. and Larkin. Mr. Moon celebrated his second marriage February 10, 1874, with Mrs. Sallie A. Moon, widow of Maranda Moon, and daughter of Jacob P. T. and Margaret Miller. Mrs. Moon was born in Hamilton County, June 15, 1842. One daughter was given to bless this union-Elsie Maud. Mrs. Moon is connected with the Universalist Church. Mr. Moon is associated with the I.O.O.F. society. In politics, he is a Republican. He owns 103 acres of excellently improved land adjoining Cuba, with an elegant $2,500 frame residence. He also owns a large store building erected in 1871. at an expense of $2,000.
ERASTUS E. MOON, son of S. T. Moon, was born in Washington Township September 30, 1855. He was reared in his father's store, and was educated in the
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Normal School of Lebanon, Ohio; he also took a course in Bookman's College, Akron, Ohio. In March, 1881, he went to Jeffersonville, Fayette Co., Ohio, and took charge of a branch store established by his father. March 24, 1881, he was married to Miss Carrie Babb, a daughter of Sampson Babb, of Wilmington, Ohio.
ORLANDO C. MOON, merchant, Cuba, son of S. T. and Nancy Moon, was born in Cuba March 23, 1858. He was reared in his birthplace, and received his edu cation in the schools of that place. In March, 1881, be became a partner with his father, and is still a member of that firm. For three years previous to joining his father in business, he was engaged in teaching, in which he was very successful. March 24, 1881, Mr. Moon was married to Miss Clara E. Bates, daughter of Willard and Eliza Bates. Mrs. Moon, also a native of Washington Township, was born May 15, 1863. Mr. Moon is associated as a member with I.O.O.F. fraternity. He is a young man of good business abilities, and promises to be a successful man.
PLEASANT MOON; farmer, P. O. Cuba, was born in Clark Township, May 20, 1819. His parents, Joseph and Rachel (Hockett) Moon, were members of the Moon Colony that settled in Clark Township in 1809. Mr. Moon was reared in the wilderness of his native place, and for an education he had the advantage of "backwoods" schools. Mr. Moon was united in matrimony to Miss Huldah Pike, a native of Highland County and a daughter of William and Lucy (Butler) Pike. She was born June 16, 1817. Twelve sons and four daughters were the fruits of this union. Four sons and four daughters are living, viz., Lucy, born February 12, 1840; Parker, born March 31, 1842, married Mary E. Green; Rachel, born November 15, 1844, wife of Henry Long; Sarah E., born April 14, 1846, wife of Theodore Wright; Mary A., born January 26, 1848, wife of Zachariah Waltz; Samuel, born September 26, 1850, married Lydia Brittle; James A., born March 3, 1854, and Lindley, born March 21, 1857. Daniel, Carey, Joseph P., William, Harvey, Stephen R., Elwood and Manary are deceased. Mrs. Moon died May 25, 1863, and April, 18 8, Mr. Moon married for his second wife, Mrs. Susanna Boyd,. widow of Samuel Boyd, and daughter of John and Jane Terrell. Mrs. Moon was born in Clinton County June 2, 1819. She has three children by her former husband, viz., Jane M., Sylvester W. and John T. Since 1859, Mr. Moon has been running Joseph R. Moon's farm. He and wife are members of the Friends Church. In politics, Mr. Moon is Republican. He is a good former and an esteemed citizen.
SILAS F. MORRIS, farmer, P. O. Martinsville, son of William and Defay Morris, was born in Greene Township, this county, April 24, 1828. At the age of twelve years, his parents removed to Lynchburg, Highland Co. He passed his early life on a farm, and received his training in the common schools. When of age, he engaged in the occupation of farming and has since followed its pursuits. In 1861, he removed to Richland County, Ill., and bought and shipped horses to St. Louis till the Spring of 1865, when he returned to this county. October 14, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Atkinson, daughter of John and Sarah Atkinson. Mrs. Morris was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 14, 1843. Two children were the fruits of this uniou-Edward C., born September 10, 1865 and Luella May, born November, 1872. Mr. Morris and wife are consistent members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Morris is Republican. He owns a well-improved farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres. Agriculture and stock-raising constitute his business.
PIERSON J. RICHARDSON, farmer, P. O. Cuba, was born in Genesee County, N. Y., :March 15, 1815. His father, James Richardson, was First Lieutenant in a New York infantry regiment, in the same command with Gen. W. S. Scott, in the war of 1812. His father, John Richardson, served from the beginning to the termination of the American Revolution. Toward the close of his military career, he filled the office of Orderly Sergeant. In 1818, our subject's parents removed to Cincinnati, then known as Fort Washington. His father was engaged in shipping on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers for twenty-nine years. He had a one-fourth interest in the boat Amazon, the second steamboat ever built in the Queen City. In 1847, Mr. Richardson removed to Newport, Ky., where he died in February, of 1847.
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Our subject was reared and brought up to the business of his father, and followed it till 1848, when he removed near Milford, and farmed till 1855. He then came to Clinton County, and settled near Cuba, on the farm that he now occupies. He was married June 15, 1836, to Elizabeth Schillinger, a daughter of Col. William and Alice (Armstrong) Schillinger. Mrs. Richardson was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, April 27, 1814. This marriage was blessed with nine children, of these six are living, viz., Charles P , Henry A., Anna L., Anthony S., William S. and Frank H. Mr. Richardson owns a well improved farm of 150 acres, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Politically, he is of the Prohibition sentiment.
JAMES SKIMMING, farmer, P. O. Cuba, a worthy pioneer of Washington Township, was born in Alleghany County, Md., October 22, 1819. His parents were Anthony and Mary Skimming. He was reared to maturity on a farm, and received only such an education as was obtained in those days. December 9, 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann B. Holland, a daughter of Wilson L. and Anna Holland. Mrs. Skimming was born in Clermont County, in 1827. She departed this life January 12, 1880. In 1840, Mr. Skimming located on his present farm which comprises 112 1/2 acres. He effected all the improvements which it contains, and brought it all under its present good state of cultivation. He has pursued the avocation of farming and stock-raising with fine success. He. reared one child-James B. Purdy. He was born April 2, 1860, and is a very respectable young man.
JOHN J. SKIMMING, farmer, P. O. Cuba, son of Anthony and Mary Skimming, was born in Alleghany County, Md., January 12, 1832. He was brought to this county at the tender age of four years. He passed his life as most pioneer farmer boys. February 18, 1864, he joined himself in marriage with Miss Lucinda Hardesty, an orphan child, of Hezekiah and Sarah Hardesty. Mrs. Skimming, a very respected lady, was born in Union Township, March 21, 1842. Two daughters were born to this union-Mary E., born May 2,1865, and Jennie, born December 15, 1872. Mr. Skimming moved on his farm in 1870, and has since occupied it successfully, pursuing the avocation of farming, and raising stock, the rearing and breeding of Poland-China hogs, forming a leading pursuit. Mr. Skimming and family are very consistent members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Skimming is a stanch Republican. His farm contains 140 acres, and is well improved. He is considered one of the most enterprising and respected farmers of Washington Township.
JOHN G. SKIMMING, farmer, P. O. Morrisville, son of William and Julia A. Skimming, was born in Washington Township December 28, 1849. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and was educated in the common schools. February, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Company D. One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the rebellion. He returned home and followed farming three years; then engaged in the mercantile business in Morrisville till 1879. Since that time he has farmed. He was married January 4, 1867, to Mary E., daughter of Francis D. and Elizabeth Martin. Mrs. Skimming was born in Hamilton County February, 1838. Of three children born to this family one is living-Anna E., born February 14, 1868. Willie and Siddie are deceased. Mr. Skimming is a Royal Arch Mason. Politically, he is a Republican.
WILLIAM SPINKS, farmer, P. O. Cuba, was born in Yorkshire, England, August 4, 1826. He emigrated to America in the spring of 1836 with his parents, Thomas and Hannah Spinks, and settled in Toronto, Canada; thence to Newport, Ky., where our subject was reared to manhood. He was married January 25, 1854, to Catharine Murphy, a native of Ireland, born June 24, 1830. She was a daughter of Philip Murphy and Mary Daugherty. Ten children were added to this marriage; six are living, viz., Mallie, Jennie, William J., George T., Pierce A. and Kate E. Mary A.,. Jennie, Philip and an infant are deceased. Mr. Spinks followed the avocation of farming near Newport, Ky., till the spring of 1874, when he removed to Warren County, and lived there till 1878, when he came to his present farm. He owns a well-improved farm of 220 acres, adorned with an elegant frame residence, erected in 1881 at a cost of $2,500. He is engaged in farming and raising stock, making the raising of fine horses
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and Short-Horn cattle a leading and prominent pursuit. He also owns 400 acres of land in Iowa. Mr. Spinks is a man of enterprise and a first-class citizen.
MAHLON THOMPSON, farmer, P. O. Clinton Valley, a native of this township, was born March 29, 1828. His parents, William and Amelia (Thornhill) Thompson, came to Clinton County in 1821 and settled in Jefferson Township, and in 1825 located in Washington Township, where Mr. Thompson died July, 1863, and Mrs. Thompson July 6, 1876. Mr. Thompson, the subject of this sketch, passed his early life on a farm, and was educated in the district schools. January 22, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth E. Moore, daughter of Micajah H. and Rebecca (McGee) Moore. Mrs. Thompson, a native of Vernon Township, was born August 25, 1831. Of their family, two children are living, viz., Maria A., born February 23, 1850, married George H. Smith, and Martha J., born August 1, 1852. Mr. Thompson moved to his present. farm in 1850. He learned shoemaking and followed it for twenty years. For the last sixteen years, he has manufactured molasses. Mr. Thompson is by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser. The rearing of horses formed a leading pursuit for about twenty years past. He owns a farm of fifty-two acres with good improvements. He is a member of the Christian Church, as was also his wife, who died July 17, 1881. In politics, he is a Republican.
WILLIAM C. WORTHINGTON, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, youngest son of Isaac and Mary Worthington, was born in Union Township November 17, 1842. He was reared to manhood on a farm in Adams Township, and educated in the district schools of the neighborhood. August 10, 1862, he enlisted in defense of the Union, in Company I, Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, and fought in the battle of Resaca May 2, 1863 ; he was detailed at Gen. Butterfield's headquarters, on provost duty. He accompanied Gen. Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, and participated in all the engagements incident to that march. He was appointed Corporal of Company I, at Savannah, Ga., in December, 1864, and served in that capacity. till June 9, 1865, when he was discharged. Mr. Worthington returned home, and from 1868 to 1875, he managed and cultivated a farm of 1,100 acres of C. M. Basworth's. In January, 1875, he purchased his present farm, which contains 100 acres of well-improved land. He is a successful farmer, and stock-raiser. He was married, December 7, 1865, to Melissa J. Pyle. daughter of Samuel and Isabell Pyle. Mrs. Worthington was born in Vernon Township September 3, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Worthington are devout members of the Society of Friends. In politics, Mr. W. is strictly Republican. He is a man of sterling principles and spirited enterprise.