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GENOA TOWNSHIP. - 847 GENOA TOWNSHIP. LYMAN BARCUS, farmer; P. O. Galena; is a son of Samuel and Julia Barcus, who were early settlers in Trenton Township, Delaware Co., where the subject was born Jan. 25, 1846 ; when he was about 5 years old, his parents moved to Licking Co., where Mrs. Barcus died; after some sixteen years, or in 1867, the family returned to Delaware Co., locating in Berkshire Township; they bought a farm of ninety-six acres, situated just north of Galena, where, with his second wife, the senior Barcus is now living. When a lad of but 14 years, Lyman Barcus contracted to carry the mail from Johnstown, in Licking Co., to Delaware City. On that and other routes he continued for ten years ; subsequently, he made a trip West, helping drive a flock of sheep from this county to Champaign Co., Ill.; remained there only a short time. Sept. 26, 1879, he was married to Blanche McNutt ; she was born July 30, 1860. After his marriage, the subject moved on to what is known as the Burnside farm, two and one-half miles southwest of Galena, containing 166 acres, which he has well improved and placed under a good state of cultivation. ELAM BLAIN, farmer; P. O. Galena; was born May 15, 1807, in Luzerne Co., Penn.; the son of Elam and Catharine Blain ; his father was born May 15, 1760, in New Jersey, who, at 17 years of age, enlisted in the Light Horse Command, under Gen. Anthony Wayne, and fought three years in the Revolutionary war. When in his 23d year, he was married to Catharine Read ; she was born in New Jersey Oct. 28, 1763. A few years after his marriage, he moved to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1816, when he came to Ohio, locating in Zanesville, and in 18'20 came to Delaware Co., locating in Harlem Township, where he died in 1846, and some seven years later his wife died ; they were members of the Christian Church. The subject was the youngest of fourteen children. Nov. 14, 1826, he married Sarah Cockerill ; she was born Dec. 25, 1807 ; after his marriage, they lived as one family with his parents until 1858, when he bought his present homestead. Mrs. Blain died Oct. 7 , 1863 ; she left eight children-Solomon, Catharine, Matilda, Emeline; Leonora, Elam, Rhoda and Delilah, who are still living; one child-Lafayette, died in infancy. April 21, 1873, Mr. Blain married Mrs. Hannah Miller; she was born Dec. 24, 1820, daughter of Jacob Pace; in 1847, she married William Miller; he died March, 1871 ; they had two children-Albert and Henry (deceased). The subject was Justice of the Peace of Harlem Township twelve years, and held other township offices; was also First Lieutenant in the State militia for five years. W. EDSON COPELAND, farmer: P.. O. Galena ; was born June 21, 1821, in this township ; when he was but 14 years old, his father died, but he remained at home with his mother until 1842, when he was married to Miss Rebecca Launsberry, of Licking Co.; they located on a part of his mother's farm, continuing there until 1847. Mr. Copeland then entered into partnership under the firm name of John J. Cope & Co., and moved to Cincinnati, where they engaged in pork-packing for two years, and then removed to Seneca Co. upon a farm. In 1858, he again associated him; self with the same party, and went to New York ; in 1859, he returned to this county and purchased his present place of 100 acres, which has upon it a good residence and outbuildings. Mrs. Copeland died in 1863, leaving a daughter-Mary, who kept house for her father until 1871, when she went to California with an uncle. Dec. 16, 1873, Mr. Copeland was married to Mrs. Margaret M. Pickering, of Westerville; she had two sons-Fred. S. and Edd. H. Mr. Copeland is a member of Galena Lodge, No. 404, I. O. O. F., also of Blendon Lodge, No. 339, A., F. &. A. M., of Westerville. LEONARD CURTIS, farmer ; P. O. Galena; is a son of Marcus Curtis, who was born Sept. 19, 1780, in Southington, Conn. Nov. 30, 1804, he was married to Katy Newell ; she was born Aug. 18, 1782 ; they had eight children of whom four are still living. In September, 1808, they came to Ohio, locating in what is now Genoa Township; he bought 681 acres of land of which Leonard's homestead was a part. In 1810, Leonard's father and his brother procured some wheat, and with a pack-horse took it to Chillicothe, lead it ground 848 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES and brought back the flour; this was perhaps the first used in Genoa Township ; they kept their course from Chillicothe by the use of a pocket . compass and blazed trees. Marcus Curtis died Dec. 1, 1868, in his 89th year, and Sept. 10, 1870, his companion died at the same age. They were devout Christians. Leonard Curtis was born April 4, 1811, and was the third child born in Genoa Township; what schooling he received was in schoolhouses on his father's farm; the first two being of log, with slab floors, desks and seats, with clapboard doors, and greased paper for windows. He remained at home until May 4, 1836, when he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Mary A. Hough, daughter of Sylvester and Sarah Hough ; she was born Jan. 2, 1813 ; after marriage, they located on his present place'; have raised four children-Henry C. born May 12, 1838; Howard, born Dec. 23, 1842 ; Dwight C., born Dec. 17, 1844 ; Edna, Jan. 3, 1847 ; Howard and Edna are now living at the old home with their father; the other two are married, and living on part of the old farm, which they now own. Mrs. Curtis died January 28, 1864. The Curtis family were among the first families in the township, and have always been prominently identified with its interests. HENRY C. CURTIS, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Galena; is a son of Leonard and Mary Curtis, born May 12, 1838, within half a mile of where he now lives; he remained with his parents until 21 years old. In 1859, he started West, and with a team drove through to Denver, Colo., where he remained but a short time, returning the same year. Jan. 17 , 1860, he was married to Miss Augusta Norton ; he then moved on to his present homestead where he remained until 1864, when he again went West with a drove of sixteen hundred fine merino sheep, to Coffey Co., Kan. This was, perhaps, the first flock of that number and quality taken into that section ; after arrival with the sheep he returned and moved his family there ; they remained until the fall of 1865, when on account of poor health of Mrs. Curtis, they returned to Ohio, he letting his sheep out on shares, to farmers; in the spring following, he disposed of them and returned to his farm where he has since devoted himself to the stock business and farming; from 1866 to 1873, he bought and shipped stock from this and adjoining counties to Eastern markets ; since 1873, he has given his time and attention to his farm, feeding his crop instead of selling it. Dec. 22, 1875, Mrs. Curtis died, leaving five children, three sons and two daughters-Alta B., born Jan. 11,1861 ; Roxanne M., Nov. 29, 1863 ; Henry C. June 27, 1867 ; Leo D., May 21, 1871. and George W., June 29, 1873, all living: - Aug. 5,1877, Mr. Curtis married Mrs. Jennie H. Smith, who is a daughter of Samuel S. and Julia A. Forniss, of Berlin Township. She was born Dec. 19. 1845; Aug. 14, 1870, her first marriage took place. to Jay D. Smith; they had one child-Mary A.. born Aug. 27, 1873, died Feb. 3, 1874 ; Mr. Smith died, April 7, 1875 ; for three years previous to her marriage to Mr. Curtis, she had been teaching school in Galena. He is a member of the Sunbury Lodge, No. 400, A., F. & A. M.; also leader of the choir of the Episcopal Church at Galena, of which his wife and daughters are members. JOHN S. COPELAND, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Galena; is a son of William S. Copeland, who was born in Connecticut June 1787, and with his parents went to Vermont. j where he remained until of age. Feb. 19, 1815. he was married to Lydia Rice, of Petersham. Mass.; they located in his native county in Vermont, and worked at his trade, manufacturing, wagons and budgies ; in the fall of 1830, he came West and made his home in Genoa Township, and was probably the first wagon-maker in the township ; Sept. 11, 1831, Mrs. Copeland died ; they had one child, Eliza, who died while young; . Sept. 21, 1832, Mr. Copeland married Mrs. Clarinda Smith; she was born Sept. 10, 1800, and in 1823 was married to John Smith ; they had one child, Jane, born Nov. 23, 1824. Mr. Smith died June 12, 182.4 ; Mr. Copeland had his wagon-shop on what is now part of the Williams farm ; he was a member of the Genoa Presbyterian Church, and died April 12, 1860. leaving two children-John S. and Lydia R. The latter is now Mrs. John Bail, of Orange Township. John S. Copeland was born Oct. 13, 1833, remained and worked with his father, in the shop and on the farm, until 26 years old. After his father's death, he bought and moved on his present farm. Jan. 23, 1862, he married Viancia A. Fairman. She was born Sept. 17, 1844. They have five children-Charlie, born Nov. 28, 1863: William, March 24, 1867 ; Frank and Emma. twins, March 4, 1869 ; Estella, Feb. 19, 1873. When 19 years old, Mr. Copeland united with the U. B. Church, and was a member some twenty-two years. In 1875, he united with the M. E. Church, of which body he is now a member. He has been class leader, and also Superintendent of GENOA TOWNSHIP. - 849 the Sunday school, having for twenty-seven years been a zealous Sunday-school worker. His homestead contains 103 acres, which he has well improved, having a nice farm residence and large barn, which he built himself, being a carpenter; he does considerable contracting, besides running his farm. He belongs to the Democratic party. JEREMIAH CURTIS (deceased), was among the first settlers in this county who came from Hartford Co., Conn., with his family of six persons with a three-horse team ; starting July 9, 1804, they arrived in September the same year at Worthington, after seven weeks' travel ; in 1805, moved to Berkshire, where he had built a cabin and planted the first nursery in the county from seed brought from Connecticut ; he bought of Col. Byxbe, a section of land on Yankee street; no mill at this time nearer than Chillicothe; soon after, Mr. Curtis built a grist and saw mill, being about the first in the county; this mill was on the Big Walnut, on the farm now owned by Stephen Ulery ; here he cracked corn and distilled whisky, making an outlet for the farmer's corn; Zanesville afforded them salt at $5 per bushel, and other necessaries, requiring several days to make the trip ; in 1811, he sold his mill property, and for the protection of his family, moved to Marietta ; he lived but a short time, died of spotted fever, June 21, 1813, in his 44th year, he was a man of indomitable energy and perse. verance, as well as sound judgment, and had laid the foundation for an ample amount of this world's roods ; after his death, his son, afterward the Hon. John Curtis, moved the family back to the farm ; there being but two heirs, the property was divided equally between them ; John Curtis was born in the same place as his father, Feb. 17, 1794 ; he grew up to agricultural pursuits, and became one of the best farmers in the county; was called upon to fill several official stations in the township, in 1832 was elected as a Representative from this county in the Ohio Legislature, and was re-elected the next term ; in 1850, he received the unanimous nomination by his party to the State Constitutional Convention, but declined, preferring the retirement of his farm, which became a model under his management; in his dealings with his fellow men, he was conscientiously and religiously just; in him the poor ever had a charitable friend ; the hungry never left his door unfed ; though not a member of any church, yet he was a firm believer in the atoning blood of the Savior, was a liberal contributor to churches and the building of the same, and after a life of 71 years 3 months and 10 days, he died, lamented by all who knew him. Politically, he was a Democrat, and a firm supporter of Andrew Jackson. CAPT. JAY DYER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Galena; is a son of Jonathan Dyer, who was born Jan. 6, 1792, and, when 3 years old, his parents moved to Vermont and located in Rutland Co. Oct. 15, 1818, he married Hannah Dwinuels, of Washington Co., N. Y.; they located close to his parents, where Jay was born Nov. 30, 1819 ; when quite young, he entered the University of Vermont ; in the spring of 1838, his parents moved to Ohio, locating in this county ; Jay was at that time attending school, and, in June of the same year, graduated, and then joined his parents in Ohio; remaining a few months, he went to Illinois, where, with a surveying party, he went to work on a railroad, but only remained with them a short time, when he was transferred to a party that was surveying the Illinois River, from Ottawa to Peoria; on account of sickness, he gave up his position, and, in the fall of 1839, returned to Delaware Co. and taught school one year ; he then returned to Illinois, locating at Plainfield, Will Co., where he remained five years; in 1845, he returned to Ohio, and, Oct. 4, 1847, was married to Miss Hortense Norton ; she was born Jan. 1, 1829, in Connecticut : when 5 years old, her parents came to Ohio, locating in Berkshire Township; when 15 years old, she commenced teaching, at which she continued until her marriage; they have had four children, of whom Alfred C., born Aug. 22, 1858, and David N., Jan. 20, 1862, are living, and Stella, born Sept. 2, 1852, and Eudora, Aug. 5, 1855, deceased. Alfred C. graduated from Kenyon College, at Gambier, Ohio, in June, 1879, and is now teaching in Delaware Co.; David N. is now attending the State University at Columbus, Ohio. After his marriage, Mr. Dyer located on his present homestead. In the fall of 1856, he was, elected County Surveyor, and in 1859, was re-elected. In August, 1861, he resigned his office, and enlisted in the 32d O. V. I., Co. I, and was commissioned Captain, but, on account of poor health, he resigned in 1862. In 1868, under the firm name of Dyer, Armstrong & Co., he engaged in the manufacture of cheese ; in 1872, he sold out, and since then has devoted his time to farming and stock-raising; he now has about seven hundred head of fine merino sheep ; his farm contains about five hundred acres, part lying in Genoa and part in Berkshire Township, on 850 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: which he has good buildings and other improvements. ALBERT AND ALVIN FRANKLIN, farmers and millers; P. O. Westerville; are sons of Vernon Franklin, who was a farmer and stock- raiser of Genoa Township; he was a son of Nathanael and Roxanna Franklin, who were natives of New Hampshire; he was born April 4, 1804, and when 20 years old, as an apprentice entered a woolen factory at Log City, N. Y., and worked as dyer and cloth-dresser for ten years. March 8, 1830, he was married to Miss Amana Scott, daughter of Samuel and Matilda Scott, who were natives of New Hampshire, and in 1809 located in Madison Co., N. Y., where Mrs. Franklin was born, Jan. 30, 1812. After his marriage, Mr. Franklin moved on a farm in Chenango Co., N. Y., remaining in that and Genesee Co. until 1838, when he moved to Knox Co., Ohio, and in March, 1840, bought and moved on to his present farm, which contains ninety-six acres, situated at what is known as Franklin Corners, named after Mr. Franklin; at this point was Genoa Cross Roads P. O. for sixteen years, located there after Mr. Franklin arrived, he being the first and only Postmaster, excepting for two years. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin had four children, three of whom are living-Angeline M., born May 14, 1831, and Albert and Alvin, who are twins, Sept. 18, 1833 ; Caroline J., born Sept. 1, 1844, died Sept. 9,1865 ; Angeline makes her home with her mother, though for thirty-one years her time has been largely devoted to school-teaching, having taught sixty terms, perhaps a greater number than any other teacher in the county; her first wages were $1 per week and board. Sept. 22, 1867, Mr. Franklin died, in his 64th year, having been for thirteen years Township Treasurer after his death, the brothers, Albert and Alvin, continued to run the farm. Oct. 15, 1857, Alvin was married to Margaret Glass, who was born in Genoa Township Oct. 15, 1838. They have one child-Herschel V., born May 29, 1862. Albert was married, Oct. 20, 1862, to Eva Nutt, who was born Oct. 11, 1841, in Genoa Township; he then located on a farm in this township, where he remained seven years ; in 1869, he removed to Westerville, Franklin Co., where he has since lived. They have three children--Lillian M., born Aug. 18, 1863 ; Josephine, Dec. 18, 1865; and Dollie J., Feb. 24, 1871. In 1865, the brothers erected a saw-mill on their farm, and the C. & Mt. V. R. R., which crosses it, has a flag station at the mill, for the accommodation of passengers and freight, called Franklin: The brothers have each held township offices, and are, as was their father before them, identified with the business interests of the township. GEORGE GLASS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Westerville; is a son of William H. Glass, who was born in Cambria Co., Penn., in 1782 ; when 27 years old, he went to Morris Co., N. J., and; in 1813, was married to Elizabeth McWilliams, remaining there twenty-two years; in 1835, came with his family to Ohio, locating in Genoa Township, where he bought 96 acres of land ; he died in October, 1868, in his 86th year ; his wife died March 28, 1879. George Glass was born Oct. 6, 1814, in Morris Co., N. J., and was 21 years old the day after their arrival in the township, and in just two years from that time-Oct. 5, 1837-he was married to Rebecca Smith, whose parents came to this county in 1809, and Oct. 19, 1816, she was born ; she taught school some time previous to her marriage, with the exception of which time she had made her home with her parents. Mr. Glass has made it his home in Genoa Township, with the exception of four years spent on a farm in Berkshire; in 1854, he bought and moved on to his present farm of 105 acres. They have five childrenElizabeth, born July 11, 1838 ; William, March 4, 1840 ; Ardelia, Oct. 28, 1841 ; John, June 29, 1844; and Mary A., Feb. 17, 1849 ; four of the children are married ; Ardelia makes her home with her parents. Mr. Glass was chosen Township Assessor several terms, and was also Township Trustee. In 1852, he united with the Genoa Presbyterian Church, of which he and his wife are members. WILLIAM HALL (deceased) was an early settler in this county ; born April 13, 1790, in Essex Co., Vt. ; by the death of his father was early in life thrown upon his own resources ; learned the tanning and shoemaking business in Goshen, Conn.; in 1806, in company with his "boss," emigrated to Worthington, and remained until 21 years of age ; in the summer of 1811, he and a friend visited New England, going on foot via Cleveland, carrying their food and blankets in knapsacks ; the country was an unbroken wilder ness ; bears, wolves and panthers, also Indians in habited the forests, the latter at that time being in open hostility against the whites; Mr. Hall re turned the same year in November, arriving in Worthington the same day of the battle of Tippecanoe ; June, 1812, responded to a call for vol- GENOA TOWNSHIP. - 851 unteers to cut out a military road for the transportation of supplies, etc., to Ft. Meigs; after serving three months, he was appointed recruiting officer, and raised a company, and was commixsioned First Lieutenant of the same, which was attached to the 27th Regiment, Lewis Cass commanding, and followed the fortunes of Gen. Harrison's army during the winter of 1812-13 at Detroit ; in 1814, was in Canada during the invasion, and at the battle of the Thames that fall, which ended the war ; returned home after serving nearly three years. Jan. 1, 1815, he married Polly Cartis, and settled in Genoa on a farm where he spent the greater part of his life ; September, 1848, lost his wife by death, after a happy union of thirty-three years ; spring of 1853, followed a portion of his family to Michigan, where he remained until May 13, 1861, when he "passed over" the river of death at the age of 71; Mr. Hall had been during his life a just and upright man, a firm believer in Christianity, was one of the first members at the organization of the Presbyterian Church at Genoa. He was a Democrat of the Jackson school. HARRIS JOHNSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Galena; is a son of Dr. Harris Johnson, who was born in Massachusetts, and at 21 years of are went to Pennsylvania, locating in Luzerne Co., and in 1820 united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Ingels; the next day, they started West in a wagon and came to Galena in this county where the Doctor practiced medicine a few years and then moved to Harlem Township, near where the village of Harlem now stands, where he practiced five or six years ; in the spring of 1829, he started on foot to Cincinnati, where he contemplated locating but on his way was taken sick, and died in Cincinnati in May, 1829, and on Dec. 1, 1829, the subject was born, and with her six children the widowed mother remained at their old home until in May, 1830, when she was married to B. M. Fairchild, of Hartford Township, where she is still living, her second husband having died in 1872. Mr. Johnson remained with his mother and step-father until he was of age, when he commenced working in his step-father's saw and grist mills at Harlem. On July 24, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss C. Marshall, but continued to work in the mills until April 1, 1858, when they moved to his present farm, which he had bought about a year before ; it then contained 107 acres, he has since added more to it; Mrs. Johnson died Feb. 11, 1872, she had from childhood been a devout Christian ; they had five children, of whom Florence E., Elmina H., Cary W. and Jessie F., still survive, Dwight H., deceased ; the two oldest are married; June 24, 1873, Mr. Johnson was married to Mrs. Elvina L. Horbach. Mr. Johnson has given considerable attention to breeding and improving his stock, and at the present time has two or three hundred fine merino sheep; on his farm he has a fine large brick residence and other great improvements. He is a member of the Republican party ; he has filled the office of Township Trustee, and has been almost continuously a member of the School Board. INGELS McLEOD, deceased; was born in Kentucky, in July, 1817 ; when about 14 years old, became with his parents to Ohio, and located in Genoa Township. On his 22d birthday, he was married to Hetty Roberts, daughter of John and Nancy Roberts ; born Nov. 18, 1821, and remained with her parents until her marriage to Mr. McLeod; he was not only prominent in the business circles, but in the social and religious as well ; for sixteen years, he was class-leader in the M. E. Church, and for a number of years had been Superintendent of the Sunday school. They had three children, all of whom stiff survive; Sept. 13, 1860, he died ; Mrs. McLeod remained on the homestead with her children until 1870, when she moved on the farm, where she now lives in the house with her mother, Mrs. Roberts. JESSE MILLER, stock-raiser and farmer; P.O. Westerville, Franklin Co., is a son of Michael Miller, who was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Jan. 7, 1785 ; Jan. 4.1821, he married Susan Hower ; she was born April 25, 1801 ; Mr. Miller then went to work at wagon-making in April, 1837 ; he came to Marion Co., Ohio; stayed there on a farm about four years; then moved into Montgomery Co. and farmed three years ; in the spring of 1845, moved into Orange Township, this county, where he remained a few years and then moved into Berlin Township, where he bought his first farm in Ohio; in 1857, he sold out and moved into Genoa Township, where he died Jan. 17 , 1858 ; April 2, 1879, his wife died ; they were both members of the Christian Church. The subject was born Nov. 23,1836, to Cumberland Co., Penn.; he remained with his parents until 16 years old ; his father being unable to help him with money or stock, gave him his time at that age, and without a dollar in his pocket, he came into Genoa Township and commenced work by the month in a saw and grist mill, known as the Roberts mill, where he 852 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: continued at work ten years; after he had worked eight years, he bought forty-three acres of his present homestead, and moved his mother. and sister on to it and commenced housekeeping; and about this time a married sister, living in Illinois, died, leaving three small children dependent on him ; he went to Illinois and brought those children-Leroy H., Ordelia J. and John B. Mahoney, and his mother and sister cared for them ; he continued his work in the mill for two years; he then turned his attention to his farming, and while supporting a large family, he added to his farm until he now has 143 acres, with three good farm residences and three large barns ; his sister's children are all married, the two boys living on and running part of Mr. Miller's farm. Aug. 12, 1871, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Eveline Nutt; she was born Dec. 14, 1850, in Genoa Township; they have four children-Lillie M., born June 3, 1873 ; Susan E., Nov. 2,1874 , John B., Nov. 8, 1876 ; Henry R., March 15, 1879. When 24 years old he united with the M. E. Church and remained with them until 1867, when he united with the Christian Union Church at Maxwell ; since first uniting with the church, he has remained a constant member, filling different positions in the church, also Superintendent of the Sunday school; Mr. Miller has always been identified with the Democratic party, and by them was elected Township Constable, and held other township and school offices; though a Democrat, he often votes and works for men in the other parties if he thinks them better men for the place, believing that principle in the men and not men of a party should determine the best men for the office. EDWARD O. NUTT, farmer; P. O. Galena; is a son of Edward Nutt, Sr., who was a native of Virginia, where he was born April 17, 1790, and remained until 21 years old, when with his parents he came to Ohio, locating near Zanesville, where he engaged in farming, and on May 20, 1823, was married to Miss Allie Coe. He then located on an a farm adjoining the corporate limits of Zanesville, where they remained twelve years, and in November, 1834, moved to Franklin Co., where they lived about twenty years, and then moved into this township, where they spent a few years, and then returned to Franklin Co., where Mrs. Nutt now lives, though she spends much of her time with Edward, who is her youngest son, born March 14, 1835. When 20 years old, he went to Iowa, where he entered 160 acres of land, but stayed there only a few months, when he returned to Ohio; again going West in about two years, remaining but a short time, In 1857, he commenced selling Hogden's Chain-pump, at which he continued two years. March 6, 1862, he was married to Charlotte E. Park. After his marriage, he located on a farm in Genoa Township. In March, 1872, he moved on his present homestead, which he had bought the year before. They have four children, all girls-Leonora H., Loretta H., Gertrude H. and Mattie H. The oldest one is now attending school at Gahanna, in Franklin Co. Mr. Nutt is a charter member of Galena Lodge, No. 404, I. O. O. F. JOHN C. NUTT, farmer; P. O. Central College g was born Jan. 21, 1810, in Frederick Co., Va.; was 10 years old when his folks came to Ohio. His father, John Nutt, Sr., was born in 1780, in Virginia. When 24 years old, he was married to Mary Cohorn; they had nine children. In 1820, they came to Ohio, and until 1831 lived near Zanesville ; then came to Delaware Co., locating in the south part of Genoa Township, where Mrs. Nutt died in 1852, and Mr. Nutt March 5, 1866. They were members of the Baptist Church. The subject was their second child, and remained with, and worked for, his father until 21 years old. Feb. 12, 1833, he married Eliza A. Eoff. She was born Dec. 18, 1810, in New Jersey. After marriage; he located in Genoa Township, and the following year bought and moved onto his present homestead of 100 acres. They had seven children-John C., Jr., who married Elizabeth Randolph ; they have ten children, and live in Franklin Co.; Jacob W., married Eliza Hennis ; they have one child, and live on our subject's home place ; the other five children are dead. Mrs. Nutt died Nov. 11, 1845, and Aug. 22, 1846, he married his present wife, Elizabeth Thompson; she was born Aug. 8, 1823 ; by whom he has seven children, of whom Joseph T., Mary A., Eveline M., Edward J., Charles J. and Martha S. still survive, and David H., deceased. . Of those living, Joseph T., Mary A. and Eveline M. are married, and living in Genoa Township. The three youngest live with the subject, when not engaged in teaching. Mr. Nutt united with the Baptist Church at the age of 21, and remained with that body until 1866, when he and his wife united with the Christian Union Church at Maxwell, with which they are still connected. EDWIN PHILLIPS, farmer; P. O. Galena; is a son of William Phillips, who was a native of GENOA TOWNSHIP. - 853 New York, and with his parents came to Ohio, locating in Franklin Co., May 1, 1832. He was married to Helen Bishop ; they had seven children, of whom the subject was the oldest, and was born Feb. 8, 1833 ; the father died when Edwin was 14 years of age. He remained with his mother until he was 23, when, on that birthday, or Feb. 8, 1855, he was married to Corintha Williams, and with his bride located in Central College. In 1863, Mrs. Phillips died, leaving three sons-William, Frank and Charles. Feb. 14, 1874, he was married to his present wife, who was Mrs. Jane E. Knox. She had before marriage with Mr. Phillips, five children-Minnie, Kate, William V., Lucinda, Orren A.-and since their marriage, two-Lamata and Lena. Mr. Phillips has made several trips West, but has not been able to suit himself in a home better than in his present one, which is situated one-half mile south of Galena. Besides running his farm, he. devotes considerable attention to breeding fine stock, with which he has his farm well stocked. JOHN T. ROWLAND is a prominent stockshipper and owner of a farm in the southwest part of the township ; he was born in Ohio, and when a child went with his parents to Jacksonville, Ill., where his father engaged in shipping stock for a number of years, and then connected himself with Russell Bros., in the mercantile business, continuing the stock-shipping, which he attended to, until his death. At the age of 21, John received his share of the estate, and, in company with his brother, engaged in running a general store in Fort Scott, Kan. Here his brother died, and Mr. Rowland then went to the Indian Nation, entering the stock trade there, In 1873. he went into the stock commission business in St. Louis. In September of that year, while dividing stock, he fell and was run over by a Texas steer, which stepped upon his face, crushing the bones, which had to be taken out, leaving his face boneless from his eyes to his lower jaw ; soon as able he went to Texas, where he continued in the stock trade, shipping Texas sheep and ponies to the North, and returning to Texas with fine blooded bucks. Mr. Rowland is experienced in his business and displays good--judgment in his transactions. JOHN ROBERTS, blacksmith and farmer, lives upon a tract of land that formed a part of 406 acres, the original purchase made by his father, Hezekiah Roberts, and upon which John was born Nov. 18, 1810, the first white child born in the township; his father was born March 10, 1760, in Orange Co., N. Y.; when a child, his parents moved to Luzerne Co., Penn., and were there at the time of the Wyoming Valley massacre. The family saved their lives by flight down the Susquehanna River on a raft, which went to pieces, when they walked sixty miles across the country to East Town, on the Delaware River. They returned with others, as soon as the troubles -were over. About five years after the marriage of Hezekiah Roberts, they came to Ohio, and purchased 320 acres of land in Berkshire Township; in a few months, he sold this to his father, who had come out in the mean time ; he then bought in this township, as stated above ; his death took place Dec. 25, 1826. The representative of this sketch, John Roberts, remained at his paternal home until his marriage to Miss Phoebe Weeks, March 2, 1837 ; she was born in New York May 12, 1812, where her mother died, and, in 1834, she came to Ohio with her father ; after marriage, they moved into the house with Mr. Roberts' mother ; he had learned blacksmithing, in addition to his farm work, and, though never having worked as an apprentice, he was one of the best smiths in the county, never turning a horse away because it was bad to shoe; in that branch he had few equals. Mrs. Roberts died Oct. 3, 1872 ; they had seven children, four dving in infancy ; those living are Mary E., born Jan. 22, 1838 ; Pruella J., July 8, 1841 ; Euretta, May 15, 1846. The latter is now Mrs. L. L. Thrall ; was married Dec. 9, 1869 ; located in Licking Co., where he owned and ran a mill ; in January, 1872, they moved in with Mr. Roberts, for the purpose of taking charge of the house and the firm, on account of the ill health of Mrs. Roberts ; they have one child--John M., born Oct. 28, 1874. Mr. Roberts stands six feet six inches in his stocking feet, and is known as "Long John." His house, upon his farm of sixty acres, was built in 1815, and, for sixty-four years, has been his home. It is now in good condition, and the farm denotes careful cultivation; it is situated two miles southwest of Galena, west side of Big Walnut Creek, between it and the State road. WILLIAM J. SHOAF, farmer and stockraiser: P. 0. Galena; is a son of John Shoaf, who was a native of Virginia, and when but a child with his parents came to Ohio, locating in Franklin Co.; March 1, 1830, he was married to Catharine Bennett, and located in Hamilton Township, Franklin Co., where William J. was born Jan. 23, 854 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1831. He remained with his parents on the old farm, where they yet live, until Dec. 23, 1852, when he was married to Almira Shultz. He then settled in Franklin Co., where they lived two years and then came to this township and bought his present farm. Mrs. Shoaf died March 6, 1869. They had four children of whom Jennie L.. born March 11, 1858, and Annie B., born Dec. 15, 1859, are living ; .John J. and Katy deceased. Sept. 3, 1869, the subject was married to Theresa E. Ferguson ; they had three children-Emma D., born July 18, 1870 : William H., Oct. 8,1872 ; Frank H., Sept. 10, 1878; Sept. 20, 1878, Mrs. Shoaf died ; at her death his oldest daughter. Mrs. P. F . Freeman, with her husband, moved in and took charge of his house and children, and is still with him. When in his 15th year. Mr. Shoaf espoused the Christian religion and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a devoted member. He was for some years class-leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Galena. RALPH SMITH, farmer; P. O. Galena ; is a son of Alexander Smith, who was born in 1783, and in 1808 came to Ohio, locating in Genoa Township, where he remained until his death, Sept. 29, 1857, in his 75th year ; in the year 1813, he married Martha W Williams ; they lead seven children, five of whom are still living ; Alexander Smith and wife were both members of the Genoa Presbyterian Church, and for almost thirty years he was Elder in the church. Ralph Smith was born June 1, 1821, in Genoa Township, which has been his home continuously. When 19 years old, he commenced teaching, but made his home with his parents until his marriage; Oct. 24. 1844, to Julia H. Carter; she was born Dec. 18. 1824. They leave had three sons-George R., born July 24, 1846, is now living with his parents ; Frankie and Johnny died when small. Mr. Smith was elected Constable when 21 years old. and has continually since that time held some township office with the exception of about two years- he is now Justice of the Peace, this being his eighth term. ANDREW J. SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Galena; is a son of Alexander Smith, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1808, and in 1813 married Martha Williams, daughter of the Rev. John Williams, who came to Ohio front Pennsylvania in 1806, lived one year in Fairfield Co., and in the spring of 1807 came to Delaware Co.: after his marriage, Alexander Smith located on a farm about the center of Genoa Township ; from the year 1813 until his death in 1857, he was almost continuously in office, either township or county. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, and for thirty years he was an Elder. His wife's father, the Rev. John Williams, bought 1,500 acres of land, part of which was Mr. Smith's home place. where Andrew J. was born Aug. 8, 1818. When 21, he commenced teaching school in Pickaway Co.; Sept. 28, 1842, he was married to Mary Glass ; the nest day he moved to his present homestead, having built a little log house. They have had five children, of whom John, born March 14, 1845, Frances, Sept. 18, 1846, Jane A., Dec. 15, 1848, and Reid, born Dec. 10, 1857, are still living, and Jay D., born June 21, 1843, died April 7, 1875. Reid is liveng with his parents, the others are married, John to Mary Wright, and lives in Logan Co., Ohio ; Frances J. is Mrs. Van Demark, and lives in this county; Jane A. is now Mrs. Linnabarry, and lives in Champaign Co., Ohio, tier husband owns a farm in Genoa Township. Mr. Smith has always been identified with the Democratic party, and when 21 years old was elected Township Constable. and has almost constantly since held some State, county or township office; in 1854 was elected Sheriff, and in 1856 was re-nominated but defeated by a small majority. In 1857 was nominated for Representative, and ran ahead of his ticket some 300 votes, though defeated by 126 in 1870, he was chosen to represent this district in the State Board of Equalization, and is now prominently identified with the Grange interests of the county. Mr. Smith's farm contains 110 acres; of which he has a nice brick residence and good out house:, situated two and one-half miles southwest of Galena. THOMAS F. WILLIAMS, farmer ; P. O Galena ; is a son of Thomas Williams, whose sketch appears in this work ; he was born Feb. 14, 1840, on the farm where he now lives, which is owned by himself and a half brother, and contain 131 acres. He remained at hone until the dead of his parents. In 1866, he went to Indiana where; he spent about six months working in a saw-mill ; since that time he has remained on the farm. Sept. 9, 1870, he was married to Isabell Irwin, who was born May 16, 1851, in Franklin Co., Ohio ; her father died when she was small and she remained with her mother until her marriage to Mr. Williams ; they have two children - Marion, born Oct. 19, 1872, and Fred, born Aug. GENOA TOWNSHIP - 855 26, 1877. Their farm is well improved, having two good farm residences and out-buildings. Mr. Williams is a member of the Galena Lodge, No. 404, I.O.O.F. GEORGE WILLIAMS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Galena; is a son of Thomas Williams, who was born May 1, 1783, in Maryland; his parents moved to Pennsylvania when he was small, and remained there several years, and, while Ohio was yet. a Territory, located in what is now Fairfield Co. Thomas Williams remained with his parents until his marriage ; about the year 1806, he married Pirces Bell, and with his bride came to Delaware Co. and purchased 1,400 acres of land, on which he located, a portion of which George now owns and lives upon. They were among the first to locate in what is now Genoa Township. In 1823, Mrs. Thomas Williams died, leaving five children. In 1824, Mr. Williams married his second wife, Phebe Sebring ; they had seven children, five of whom still survive. Mr. Williams died Jan. 22, 1864, in his 81st year. Though he did not learn to read until after his first marriage, he became a great reader, having for some years previous to his death read his Bible almost continually. He was a prominent member of the Genoa Presbyterian Church. George Williams was born Oct. 26, 1814, on his present homestead, on which he has spent his life thus far. His farm, where he lives, contains 131 acres ; he also owns seventy-five acres in another lot, having bought out the other heirs, excepting a half-brother. During six consecutive year, he was Township Assessor. In 1859, he was chosen Township Land Appraiser. His sister, who is a widow, and her two daughters. are now living with and keeping house for him. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) |