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LAWSON ALLEN. farmer : P. 0. Arcanum ; was born in Centerville, Montgomery Co.. Ohio. in 1842 ; his parents were John and Susannah Allen ; John was born in the same place as his son. and his wife, Susannah. was born in Scioto Co., Ohio. in 1822 : they were the parents of twelve children, and only four are living. viz., Lawson. Jeremiah, Joseph M. and Mary. Lawson Allen, the oldest and the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage on April 22, 1868, to pariah Montgomery. daughter of Robert and Harriet Montgomery ; Robert was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in Virginia. came to Ohio and settled in a very early day Mr. Allen lived and followed farming in Montgomery Co. until October. 1873. when he moved upon his farm where he now lives ; they have only one child born them. a girl. now 11 years of age, named Florence: Mr. Allen owns 89 acres of fine land. about 60 acres of which are in good cultivation. He was one of the patriots of the war of the rebellion. and enlisted in the 131st O. V. I., Co. I., under Col. John G. Lowe. and served till honorably discharged. Mr. Allen is not one of the earliest settlers. but has been here about six years. and is one of the representative men of Van Buren Township. and will. we are satisfied. he an accession and credit to the neighborhood in which he lives : he is an active member of the M. E. Church, to which he has belonged since 1867 : thus, while living and toiling for this world. he is also preparing for that better one beyond.
S. W. ALLREAD. farmer and merchant : Delisle : the son of Isaac and Lucy Allread : Isaac was born in Maryland. and moved with his parents to North Carolina. where he remained till he came to Butler Co. when he was 18 years of age : he was in the war of 1812. and served all through it. and then returned safely home. Lucy, his wire, was born in the State of Vermont. and came with her parents to Butler Co.. Ohio. when 9 years of age : they were united in marriage in 1816, and raised seven children. four boys and three girls. Mr. Allread. the subject of this sketch was the eldest of his father's family ; he left home when 11 years of age. and worked at various places until 16 years of age, when his father bound him out to Capt. Samuel Dick. till 21 years of age. in Butler Co.. Ohio. where he lived till he became of age, then worked for him two years longer for wages : he then worked here and there and rented farms till he was 27 years of age. which was in 1843. when he was united in marriage with Martha Ann Van Lein, who was born and raised in Butler Co.: they followed farming in that county for twelve years, or till 1855. when they moved to Darke Co.. Van Buren Township, where he still followed the life of a farmer for four years, when he entered into the mercantile trade. which, together with farming, he has followed to the present time ; he has bought and sold several farms, and by these transactions made considerable money ; he is now the owner of 87 acres of good land in Delisle. where he now lives : he is associated in the mercantile trade in Delisle with W. Reed. and is also carrying on an extensive trade in buying and shipping grain. Mr. Allread started in life a poor man, and with but little education, and has worked his way up to the possessions and prominence he now has—all accomplished by his good management and industry ; he is now 63 years of age, with good health, and will doubtless still climb upward and onward, and enjoy the society of his family ; he is the father of nine children, seven now living, viz., Isaac F.. Elvira, Oliver M.. George D.. Amanda, John E. and Tabitha J.; five are married and two single at home. Mr. Allread has taken quite an active part in political matters, being a stanch Democrat, and having held several offices of trust, as Township Trustee. Assessor and Treasurer, and in the county has been Infirmary Director for six years, thus showing that he has the confidence of the community.
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CHRISTOPHER BRINEY. firmer and Justice of the Peace P. O. Delisle was born Jan. 2, 1811. in Warren Co. : his parents were Adam and Euphemy Briney, who came loan Pennsylvania at an early day, and located in Ohio; Square Briney and came to Darke. Co. in 1835, being among the earliest settlers of the county. he was married in 1835 to Mary Mills, Daughter of John V. and Elizabeth Mills she was born in Pennsylvania in 1846, and emigrated to this count with her parents when quite an infant to them have been born fourteen children. eight of them are now laying. viz.. Ellen. Emeline, Adam, Silas P., Herod M. ant Israel (twins), Mary R and Joseph M. Squire Briney's lost his wife In dead Sept. 15, 1574. In about three years after Squire Briney's marriage, being it 1837, they moved on the farm on which be now lives and commenced to open a farm and make a home. with no capital but a few dollars he has now 260 acres of lamb and his sons and daughters all being grown up and married, he has divided up and deeded a portion of land to each child, simply reserving a life estate and control of the same during his lifetime, thus giving each child a better start in life than he had when he commenced this has all been accomplished by his energy and industry, and made from the wilderness. which then. in his early commencement existed through this section. for which he deserves great credit. as one of the pioneers. Squire Briney has always been an active politician. and always held office since he lived in the township, such as Township Trustee, Clerk, Supervisor. School Director. etc.; has been Justice of the Peace for twenty-one years, thus showing the prominence and confidence he holds in the community in which he lives. he is now 69 years of age. and of course the most active part of his life is spent, lad he has left a record and history of success and confidence for his children and future generations worthy of their imitation.
JACOB M. BROWN, farmer; P. O. Delisle: was born the 1st of April, 1833. in Darke Co.. on an adjoining farm in Neave Township: he is the son of Caleb Brown, who was born in Tennessee, and with his father came to Indiana, near Liberty. in about 1812, where they remained about one year. and then came and located in Darke Co.. where they remained till the death of his father : at that time it was a perfect wilderness, there being but two or three settlers in the neighborhood, and of course had to pass through all the hardships incident to such a life. Mr. Brown. the subject or this sketch. was united in marriage With Elizabeth Eddington. in 1854. daughter of Charles Eddington, who with his father. were among the first settlers of the county ; since which three children have been born to them, and all are now living. Mr. Brown has been a very prominent man in business. having. in connection with his labors on the farm. carried on quite an extensive trade in grain. buying and shipping very largely. last year shipping over 400 car loads; also buying and shipping much stock. and was at one time quite extensively engaged in merchandising. all of which has given him an acquaintance and prominence in the community second. perhaps. to no other man in the township ; he is also one of those who has amassed a fair and comfortable competency by his own industry, hard labor and careful management of business. and who as an example of a devoted and industrious worker and careful manager. stands forth as and bright and shining light. worthy of the admiration of all young men.
JOHN H. CORWIN. farmer: P. O. Arcanum : was born in Warren Co.. Ohio. in 1819 : he was the son of Mathias and Margaret Corwin : Mathias was born in Kentucky his father's name was Joseph Corwin. who was a native of Pennsylvania Margaret's father's name Slinorf and he was a native of Germany. Mr. Corwin. the subject of this sketch. was united in marriage in 1842 with Maria Weaver, daughter of Larken and Susan Weaver. who are further spoken of in the sketch William Weaver : they first settled in Preble Co.. Ohio, but moved from there to this county in 1855, and located upon the place on which he now lives: they have had born to them six children. five of whom are now living. viz.: Mary Jane. born Jan. 30, 1843: Mathias. born April 24, 1847: Abigail. born April 13, 1849 : Susan M., born Nov. 10, 1853. and William O., born June 25. 1860: all are married
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and settled in life except the youngest. who is still single and living at Mane When Mr. Corwin located in 1855 upon his present thou. there was but very little cleared up; he had to commence and clear up and improve. and in doing so of course went through all the hardships incident to the opening of a farm in a new country. and particularly so as he started with the small capital of 80 acres of unimproved land : but by hard labor and diligently attending to business. he his increased in property and wealth, until now he is the owner or 535 acres of land. with good buildings. and everything for the convenience and comfort of life and in connection with this, he has paid $2,100 for free pikes. and $1,600 for ditching and draining : this has all been accomplished since 1855, which has certainly been sufficient to declare Mr. Corwin a model farmer and business man Mr. Corwin has always taken an active part in political matters. Bring a stanch Republican, but has never desired or held office the feel justified. in summing up this brief sketch of Mr. Corwin, to say that he is most truly a representative man of Van Buren Township, and one worthy or imitation by all young men. for all generations future. and desire thus to place his record upon the pages of this history. there to remain nit: all time to come.
WILLIAM DAVIS. carpenter. Arcaum: was born in Butler Co., Ohio, in 1821 he is the son of Hugh and Christi Ann Davis ; Hugh was born in South Carolina. and his wife in Virginia : they came to Ohio, with their parents at a very early day, so early that at that time they could enter Government land, near Cincinnati, at $1.25 per acre. Mr. Davis. the subject of this sketch. came to Darke Co. in 1856: he was married in 1849. to Mary Ann Shaffer. daughter of David and Susannah Shatter, who were born in Pennsylvania Mary Ann came with her parents to Ohio in an early day : they are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living. viz.. John W., David, Susanna, William H., Pharan, Mary Jane and Thomas. When Mr. Davis first came to this county. he located in Butler Township. where he remained one year, and then moved to Van Buren Township he located at his present place of residence in 1861: when he came here. he opened out in the woods. and built a small house, and, in order to move into it had to cut a road through the woods to get to his house: he has 1 acre of land. and since he came there has cleared it up and built a comfortable house and barn, so that he has a pleasant little home. He has always followed the trade of a carpenter, and has had the pleasure of seeing the country improve around him. and the old log buildings of the early settlers disappear, and fine frame and brick buildings take their place ; And he as a good mechanic, has had a goodly share of the work to do.
WILLIAM DREW. farmer; P. O. Delisle : was born in Van Buren Township in 1834, and is the son of Robert Drew. who was born in New Jersey. March 29, 1s07. and unwed to Darke Co. about 1525. and located here when there were but few settlers in the township. Mr. Drew, the subject of our sketch, was the third of twelve children. five sons and seven daughters, nine of whom are now living. Mr. Drew was united in marriage to Mary Bitner, daughter of John Bitner ; she was born in Darke Co. March 9. 1S37 they first settled at Delisle. on the place now owing by S. W. Allread. where they remained two years ; then moved to a farm in the neighborhood for it short time. then hack again. and engaged in merchandising about six months then sold out and moved to present place of residence. where they have since resided and ft 'flowed farming. except two years. in which he was in mercantile trade in Delisle. Thee are parents of nine children. six of whom are cone living, viz.. Rosetta, Abraham. Franklin. Elmer, Nora and Edward. Mr. Drew has gained a good competency. being owner 280 acres or excellent land. all except 80 acres of which were made his own energy and industry. Mr. Drew is at present Township Treasurer. thus showing not only that with his industry :mil perseverance he has accumulated :mite a property, but also has the confidence or the community in which he lives. by the trust they have placed in his hands : this being another example to the rising generation of what indefatigable industry. together with honorable dealings with his fellow men. may accomplish
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Mr. Drew is a member of the United Brethren Church. with which he has been identified since 1867.
POLLY FORD: P. O. Jaysville: Polly Ford was the wife of Mordecai S. Ford. who was born in Kentucky in 1807 and came to this county with his mother when quite young, his father having died while in the Indian war Mr. Ford remained with his mother until the year 1829, when he was united marriage with Polly Tillman. daughter of John Tillman, and located near her father's. just over the line in Profile Co where they lived about two years. then bought the land upon which she now resides : they moved here into a little log House. and just a few trees Healed away. so its to give a foot-hold for future labor in clearing up a farm : Mr. Ford took hold with an indomitable will to make a home and to try to gain some of the comforts of life: and coupled with this and during the most of his life, while struggling for the temporal interests of his family he was not unmindful of his spiritual interests. not those of his family and the community in which he mingled. having given his life early to Christ and taking upon himself as his disciple to preach the Gospel to his dying fellowmen, in which work he remained until his death: he also realized the importance of educated and was engaged more or less as a teacher in the public schools: he educated and qualified each ever every one of his children. who, all became teachers. During all these labors. Mr. Ford brought his farm of 160 acres most of it into good cultivation, erected a good brick house, barn and other buildings convenient and comfortable : all this was done by indefatigable toil and industry and finally, his labors being done at the call of his Divine Master, whom he hail served severed so long and faithfully, he departed this life Nov. 23, 1867, to reap the reward off his labors in that better land “from whose bourn no traveler returns.” and where no
toils or cares ever come. They were the parents of fourteen children. nine or whom are now living, viz.: John, Henry, Delilah, Saner, Worley, Martha, Boyston; Mary and Lydia A. M.: all married and settled in life except John. Mary and Lydia. the two latter remaining at home with their mother: four of the son became practicing physicians. Mrs. Ford is now 70 years of age. enjoying very good health. and may live many years yet to enjoy the fruits of their united labors. and the society of her kind and loving children.
LEVI FOURMAN. farmer : P. O. Arcanum: was born in Darke Co. 1852 : is a son of John and Sarah Fourman: John was born in Pennsylvania ant Sarah in Montgomery Co.. Ohio : they came to this county in an early day. a given in sketch of John Fourman in this book. Levi Fourman was married in 1876 to Sarah Reichard. daughter of William and Nancy C. Reichard. who were from Preble Co.. Ohio : they have one child. viz., Lily Florence ; Levi is the fifth child of John Fourman. who when married. located where he now lives, upon 80 acres of fine hind given him by Iris nailer, and upon which he has built a good two-story frame house, and a large barn and other buildings for convenience and comfort and is now as well fixed to live comfortable and happy as many who have toiled for years to make their home ; and, if he follows the footsteps of his father in industry and good management. he will in all probability become a wealthy and prominent citizen of his township.
JOHN FOURMAN, farmer : P. O. Arcanum ; was born in Pennsylvania in 1820 ; his parents were John and Catharine Fourman, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Thurman came to this county with his parents. where they lived and died ; he was the second in a family of eight children. all of whom are living. He was married in 1845 to Sarah. daughter of Jacob and Sarah Baker. both horn in Pennsylvania. John and Sarah Fourman have had born to them fifteen children. twelve of whom are now living, viz., Susannah. Jacob. Henry. Levi. Sarah. Samuel, Ananias. David. John. Allen. Emanuel and Elizabeth. They located on the farm, where they now live. in 1846; they cut the first stick of timber. made au opening, and built a small frame house with lumber sawed from a mill of their own "put up” when they first entered the county : from this beginning they toiled
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in, enduring the hardships and deprivations, gradually mildly improvements now he has 241 acres of land he at one time hail 1,000 acres of land, but given to his children, of settle on all but the 241 acres. which he still owns ; showing what an immense amount of labor has been performed, what an amount of property accumulated, and what a tine start he has given his children in life This industrious and useful theirs will stand Upon record on the pages oft
his, history as a memorial for their children and their children's children. for time to come.
GEORGE MARKER, farmer and gunsmith: P. O. Gettysburg was born, in Montgomery Co., Ohio : his parents were Jacob and Sarah Marker; Jacob, was born in Maryland in 1803, and Sarah in Montgomery Co., Ohio : her Walden name was Shively, and she was born in 1809; they came to this county in Mr. Marker. the subject this sketch. was married. in 1852 to Lydia Ebert. who
was born, in 1835 was the daughter of William and Mary Ebert. who came from Pennsylvania an early day : thee have had horn to them eleven children. sight of whom arc now living. viz.. Isaac. Luther, Mary Elizabeth, Anna Jane, Calvin. Dora Margaret. Jacob Wm. and Lewis Hiram. They located upon the farm where they now reside. containing 55 acres of land. with hot a stick or timber cut : cleared out a small piece of land, put up a log cabin. and thus made a foothold to what is now their home, and then continued to work on. clearing up and improving, time awl means would permit, till now they have a good house, a large. tine turn. and other buildings convenient and comfortable, 40 acres cleared and well cultivated. When he commenced life, he had about $700, and from this start he has accumulated a handsome property by hard labor and industry, which we can place upon the pages of this look as it worthy example to the young and rising generation.
J. B. MEHAFFIE. farmer: P. 0. Delisle ; was born in Cumberland Co., Penn.. May 27. 1826 keno the eldest of seven children, three boys and four girls. the brothers dying shortly after reaching their manhood, unmarried, and leaving no heirs : but he tour sisters are living, his parents were John and Elizabeth Mehaffie, they are waives of Pennsylvania. the former was born in 1800, the latter in 1803 : his grandparents were Joint and Martha Methane the grandfather was a cosmopodite. being bore upon the Atlantic Ocean. his parents being then on their way from Ireland to America. he being one of four children the grandmother was born in Juniata Co., Penn.: her maiden name was Hoag ; the grandfather was horn about 1763, and the grandmother about 1770 ; the grandfather dying about 1838, and the grandmother in 1846 the father of the subject of this sketch. died in October, 1854 : his mother is still living. Mr. Mehatfie came to Preble Co.. Ohio. in 1851 remained about three years. then returned to Pennsylvania, where he was united in marriage, in the same year. to Eleanor, daughter of John and Margaret Vanasdlen. both natives of Pennsylvania ; her mother was the daughter of William and Rebecca Steele. who emit rated from Ireland in an early day. and came to this county with one child . Rebecca Steele was the daughter of Taggart ; Mr. Mehatth returned with his wife to Treble Co.. Ohio. where thee lived about three years ; then moved to Montgomery Co.. where they remained till August, 1852. when they Caine to Darke Co., on the farm on which they now reside ; Mr. Mehaffie was favored with a good education. and before he was of age he took the honorable and useful occupation or teaching school. which occupation he has followed every year for thirty years. not missing one winter during that time, but what he was in the school-room : during tins time when not engaged in teaching, was raising tobacco and farming : the bum upon winch he now lives. consisting of 80 acres. he purchased John Smith, of Arcanum, at a cost of $5,000, in 1852, with no buildings except a small log-house Mehaffie has since built a large addition to the house. and has built a tine large barn and other outbuildings for convenience and comfort has greatly improved and cleared up the land, till now he has a fine farm, with 65 acres in good cultivation; they have had born to them six children,
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all now living, viz.. Horace W.. William C.. Margaretta. Elizabeth. Clara E. and Myrta. the oldest. Horace, being married and settled in life. and the others yet, single and at home : Mr. Mehaffie has never desired or taken any active part in political matters : he is now . however, township Clerk : Mr. Mehattie and wife are active members of the United Brethren Church. having been members of the same for twenty years.
JOSEPH GORDON MILLER. carpenter and farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Poplar Ridge son of John Phillips Miller and Rachel Baldwin. was born about five miles northwest from Taneytown, Carroll to.. Md.. July 12. 1824, and settled in Adams Township, September. 1845. Was united in marriage with Rachel Trowbridge. in Van Buren Township, Sept. 20, 1849: children's names—John W. T.. David M., Albert F.. Eleonor J.. Simon F., James H., Machael M. J. In the fall of 1845. was examined by David Beers. John Wharry and Dr. Briggs and from them received a certificate to teach school : was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace August. 1859, and served six terns: served five or six terms as Trustee of this township : when the militia was organized. was elected Captain for this township. and received his commission. Has been a resident of Sec. 2. Van Buren Township. since 1822.
JOHN J. OSWALT, farmer ; P. O. Arcanum : a native of Germany : was born in 1836 ; he is the son of Martin and Anna M. Oswalt. Mr. Oswalt came to America in 1852. when 111 years of age ; after being here about eighteen months. he returned to Germany for his mother and two sisters. his father being dead : brought them here and located in Franklin Township. this county. in 1854. He was united in marriage in 1862. to Elizabeth. daughter of Elias and Mary Baker. who were both natives of Montgomery Co.. Ohio ; they have had eleven children. all living, viz., Delilah. Elias. Sarah. Anna Magdalene. Mary Ellen. John Henry. Morton. Lydia, Elizabeth. Charles Ellsworth and William David : they located upon the farm upon which they now live. the next spring after they were married. having at that time bought 80 acres all in the woods ; this was the beginning in clearing up the land to make a home. and by industry and hard labor they have now a fine farm. having bought 80 acres more. making in all 160 acres of good land. and about 115 acres in a good state of cultivation this has all been accomplished. together with raising a large family of children. by diligent and earnest labor. coupled with good management and frugality : and we are pleased to place this record upon the pages of this history. as a bright and shining example which may be read by his children's children, and all future generations, in all time to come.
ALLEN PEARSON, farmer ; P. 0. Jaysville ; one of the old pioneers of Darke Co.; was born in South Carolina in 1806. and when about 6 years of age, came with his mother (his father having died when he was but an infant), to Ohio and settled in Warren Co., where he remained till about 15 years of age. when they settled in Darke Co.; at the time Mr. Pearson came here. it was a perfect wilderness ; in most directions there were no settlers within twelve to fifteen miles of him, and many Indians roamed through the forests : at that time, they would pack their corn to mill for a distance of twenty miles or more. Mr. Pearson was united in marriage in 1827; to Mary, daughter of Moses Arnold, also from South Carolina, who came here prior to Mr. Pearson. hence making them among the very oldest settlers of Darke Co.; to them eleven children have been born, of whom only four are now living, viz.. Maria. Mary Ann. Edney and Westley ; the children are married and settled in life. the three daughters in this county, and Westley in Illinois. Mr. Pearson and wife are among those industrious old pioneers, who came here poor and endured all the hardships incident to such life, in fact, endured perhaps more than most of other residents ; as an illustration—when they came here they constructed a little log hut. with an opening to answer for an entrance, and hung up an old quilt for a door; this was early in the summer of 1818 ; the floor of the house was the mother earth they had no chimney, but built their fire on the ground, in the middle of the room : in this manner. they lived till fall, when some little improvements were made ; from this
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commencement step by step they advanced along life’s journey, gradually making such improvements as their wants and means demanded and would justify, till, at the present time, they have 200 acres of land, and about three quarters of it under cultivation, a good brick house, good barns, etc., with all necessary comforts of life, thus being an example to rising generations of what industry, coupled with frugality, will accomplish.
WILLIAM ROBESON, farmer P. O. Jaysville was born in Huntingdon Co.. Penn.. in 1817 came with his father to Ohio in the same year, being only 2 months old his father. David Robeson, located first on the Miami River, about eight miles below Dayton. where he remained about sixteen years, when. in 1833, he moved to Darke Co. and located in Butler Township. where he lived till his death, which occurred three years after, or in 1836, Mr. Robeson. the subject of this sketch. resided on tile home place about seventeen years. He was married to Esther Dowgan in 1849 : she was the daughter of Isaac Dongan and was born in Butler Co. in 1828. In 1852. Mr. Robeson bought the farm upon which he now resides and moved on to it the same year, there being about 30 acres cleaned and a small cabin erected upon the same : by hard labor and industry. he now has a fine farm of 140 acres, $5 acres being under cultivation. There have been thirteen children born to them, and only four of them now living, viz.. Isaac D.. Eliza D.. Mary Ann and Ida Ellen May : two are married, and two remain single at home. His wife died in May, 1874. since which time his daughters have taken charge of his household affairs. Mr. Robeson has accumulated all his present wealth by dint of his own exertion. with the exception of 40 acres, which he received from his father : he gave his only son a start in life by giving him 44 acres of land : he is now married and settled upon the same. Mr. Robeson is now past 62 years of age, and enjoying good health, and may live many years to enjoy the fruits of his labors, and. perhaps. to add to his possessions.
PATRICK SHIELDS. farmer : P. O. Delisle : was born in Preble County. Ohio, in 1831 his parents, Isaac and Elizabeth Shields, had born unto them thirteen children, of whom ten are now living : his father and mother were natives of Preble County. Mr. Shields was the second child of his parents, and came with them to Darke County in 1838 and located in Van Buren Township. where he has lived to the present time. with the exception of three years. in which he lived north of here about fifteen miles. In 1853. Mr. Shields was united in marriage with Mary daughter of Caleb and Mary Brown : to them have been born eight children all of whom are now living, three boys and five girls. viz.. Nancy. Mary Alice. Caleb. Elizabeth. William L.. Laura May. Ada and Donovan F. Mr. Shields though not one of the oldest. but yet an early settler. says he remembers well of the many hunts alter wolves. hears and various kinds of game. which were then so plentiful : Mr. Shields commenced farming twenty-seven years ago, with a capital of $80 one cow and half a dozen chickens, and from this small beginning has by industry, frugality, skill and management. advanced step by step toward success, till now he is the owner of 221 acres of land. all under cultivation. and as good land as any in the township has a good, two-story frame house. nearly new, and everything convenient and comfortable. During all this labor. Mr. Shields paid in support of the war of the rebellion about $1,600: he is still a man in middle age and with the tine competency he has obtained, the ability with which he handles his means, the industrious hallits. and interesting family he has to help him on. he will in all probability arise to a prominence among the residents of the county : he is a living example in correct business habits for his children and future generations in time to come.
ISAAC M. SHIELDS. farmer : P. O. Arcanum; was born in this county and township in 1846 : his parents were Isaac and Elizabeth Shields. natives of Preble County. further record or whom is made in sketch of Patrick Shields, Mr. Shields was married in 1864 to Ellen. daughter of Mathias and Amanda Weaver. further record of whom is made in sketch of Amanda Weaver. Mr. Shields
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has always followed farming. having bought and sold several farms, upon which he lived for longer or shorter times. until, in the spring of 1874, he bought the farm where he now lives. and moved on to it in spring of 1875, since which he has built a large brick house, a very tine barn and made other improvements. and has now one of the finest residences in the township. When Mr. Shields started in life, had no capital of any amount ; he is now owner of 280 acres of land. 220 now under good cultivation ; this large property with all improvements he has become owner of by his own activity, industry and shrewd management. and is still a young mail of years of age. just in the prime of life ; and should his health be spared he has every prospect of becoming one of the wealthiest men of the township. he is the father of seven children, six being now living, viz.. Amanda E., Isaac Mathias. Susanna. Minnie Rosella, Elva Mariah and William Ray. He was one of those who. at the call of his country during the rebellion. allowed his patriotism to carry him forward to its defense : he enlisted early in the war in 1862 in the 110th Regiment. in Company B, O. V. I. and served through the war returning safely to his loved ones at home. In this sketch. we are pleased to put upon the pages of the history of Darke County one of its citizens, a young man whose record shall stand a bright and shining light of industry. success and true patriotism to his children and children's children and all future generations as a worthy example to follow ; and it' they do follow it.. it will lead to the sure road to success and
prosperity.
WILLIAM TOWNSEND. farmer : P. 0. Jaysville : was born in Neave Township in 1830 ; his father. James Townsend. was born in South Carolina. and emigrated to Ohio in an early day, and located in Greene County, where he remained a few years. then moved to Darke Co.. Neave Township. where he lived until his death ; his settlement in the county was in the days of the pioneers. there being but few settlements in the neighborhood : he was the father of six children. four of whom are now living. William Townsend, the subject of this sketch. was the youngest of the family : he lived with his father till his death. which occurred when he was about 17 years of acfc : then he remained with his mother till after her death. He was united in marriage in 1354. with Elizabeth. daughter of Jonas Hartzell ; site was born in Pennsylvania, and came to this county with her father when she was about 2 years of age ; since their marriage, they have been blessed with six children, all of whom are now living ; Mr. Townsend has followed the honest and honorable occupation of farming during his life. with the exception of about three years, in which he was engaged in the milling business : he has. by his own labor and industry, with a small inheritance from his father. obtained a competency, having a tine quarter-section of land, mostly under cultivation. He is a prominent and active member of the United Brethren Church, with which he has been connected for five years, and has had the pleasure of seeing the three oldest of his children become worthy members of the church. Thus, while working and accumulating this world's goods, he is also in the higher and nobler work of trying to lay up treasures in heaven, and training up those under his charge in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord."
ALFRED TOWNSEND, farmer ; P. O. Jaysville ; was born in Van Buren Township in 1834, on the place now owned by William Townsend : his parents were Jonathan and Susanna Townsend. He was married in 1856. to Mary A., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Shields ; she was born in 1833 in Preble Co., Ohio, and moved with her parents to this county in 1836, beingthen about 3 years of age ; she is the third in a family of ten children. Mr. Townsend was ofa family offour children, having two sisters and a half-brother, he being the youngest of the three first born. After Mr. Townsend was married he followed farming on rented farms till 1868, when he bought 80 acres, on which he now lives ; he added 40 acres to it in 1875, making him now owner of 120 acres. They are the parents of ten children, four boys and six girls, all of whom are living, and ranging from 3 to 23 years of age, viz., Sarah E., Andrew J., William H., Ida May, Mary Bell,
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Isaac Edward. Josephine. Effaretta. George Alfred and Martha Ford. Mr. Townsend is one of those who has had his, ups and downs; he was early thrown upon his own resources. but had been favored with a good education ; has followed teaching school nearly every winter : he first taught school before he was 16 years of airy he has now good farm of acres in cultivation. with good buildings, very comfortable and convenient: he has held several township offices such is Assessor, Clerk and Trustee. thus showing that not only has he been successful in life. but has the confidence of the community in which he lives by the trusts confided in him. Mr. Townsend is one of those who. during the late war—the rebellion —took up arms in the defense of his country's rights and its flag, having enlisted in the 152d O. V. I. Co. L. entering as Orderly Sergeant. in which capacity he served four months: he was then promoted to First Lieutenant in the thy O.N.G., in which he served till honorably discharged, thus proving himself a true soldier :mil a patriot in time of his country's danger.
AMANDA WALKER: P. O. Arcanum: was the wife of Mathias Weaver. who was horn in Prehle Co.. Ohio. in 1821 and Amanda Weaver was born in Butler Co. Ohio. in 1828: his father, Larkin Weaver, was a native of Virginia Mrs. Weavers father. Lewis Blackman. was a native of England. who came to this country at an early day. Mathias Weaver was married to Amanda Blackman in 1844 and moved to Darke Co.. Van Buren Township, about 1845 and located on the place upon which she now lives ; the land was then all a wilderness ; they cut away the timber and built a little log house. so as to shelter them from the weather, with a few hoards up in the loft. where they kept their meat and provisions. etc from this beginning, they labored on until 1873: they then had a good farm of about 100 acres. nearly all in cultivation. Mr. Weaver was taken sick, and died Oct. 26, 1873 : since which time she has remained a widow, and carried on farming with industry and ability which has enabled her to keep her family together with her. and to enjoy the home and comforts which they had by their united efforts and industry obtained prior to his death. They were the parents of nine children. all of whom are living. viz.. Ellen. Emma. Maria, Mary Jane, Susan. Lydia Atm. Lucinda Josephine. Lewis Edward and William Harvey : four are married and settled in life : the other five single and at home with their mother, to cheer her on her way through the journey of life. We should mention that they had accumulated 1S0 acres of land prior to Mr. Weaver's death, 80 acres of which has been divided among the four married children—thus giving them a capital on which to begin their business life.
WILLIAM WEAVER. farmer : P. o. Arcanum: was born in Madison Co.. Va.. in 1812 his parents were Larkin and Susannah Weaver. Mr. Weaver came to Preble Co.. Ohio. with his parents in 1820, and then moved to Darke Co.. Van Buren Township, and entered 80 acres of land. where he now lives. He was married in 1835 to Mary. daughter of Charles and Jemima Harriman, natives of Scioto, Ohio : when they came to Darke Co. upon their land. there was not a stick of timber cut : they made the first opening; and built a small log house ; worked and toiled on from year to year. enduring all the hardships incident to that day from year to year they were enabled to see the forests disappear and the various improvements take their place : plenty and comfort take the place of want and scarcity, till now he is owner of 100 acres of excellent land, for which at one time he was offered $100 per acre. They are the parents of eight children, four boys and tour girls. six of whom are now living, viz.. Daniel, Eliza Jane, Jemima Ann, Susan Etta. John H. and William Allen, all being married and settled in life, except Susan Etta. who. having lost her husband, is at home keeping house for her father. Mr. Weaver's wife having been dead thirty-two years, dying in 1848. Mr. Weaver is now 68 years of age. is enjoying good health, has been a widower, as stated above, for thirty-two years : he is a very popular auctioneer and cries a great many sales through his neighborhood ; he is one of those jovial and jolly old pioneers. who is kind hearted, notwithstanding his many odd ways ; in that has
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been too kind and accommodating for his own good. having had to pay S800 security money. and would warn his children and future generations to be guarded on these points. and to take him as an example as to industry. frugality and honorable way of providing for lifts interests.
ELIHU WEAVER. farmer. Sec. 2 : P. O. Gettysburg : a son of Henry and Susan Weaver : was born in Adams Township. Darke Co.. in the year 1832 : was united in marriage with Sarah Weaver. of Adams Township. Darke Co., 1867 ; they have two children—Edward and Hank.