BIOGRAPHICAL. ABEL ARMSTRONG. Abel Armstrong, farmer, is a son of John and Elizabeth Armstrong, natives of Virginia. He came to Ohio in 1814; she when a little girl. They had a family of twelve children, nine of whom reached maturity. Our subject, the eighth, was born March 11, 1830. The parents died in this county; the father, February 9, 1865, aged nearly seventy-five years, .and the mother August 10, 1842. Our subject was married to Miss Emily Creamer, daughter of J. B. Creamer, whose biography appears in this work. They had a family of seven children: Nancy J., Joseph B., George A., Rhoda E., Iva M., Almeda, and Charlie E. Nancy J., Rhoda E., and Almeda, are deceased. Mr. Armstrong has a farm of one hundred and forty-four acres, well improved, situated three miles south of Jeffersonville. Mrs. Armstrong has fifty-eight and three-quarter acres two miles southeast of Jeffersonville. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity of Jeffersonville. Is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal, and his wife of the Methodist Protestant Church. They are good citizens, and respected neighbors. Mrs. Armstrong's grandfather, Parot, served in the revolutionary war, and also that of 1812. ELIZABETH BEATTY. Elizabeth (Hurless) Beatty, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Geller) Hurless, who were married in October, 1825, in this county, and reared a family of four children. He was previously married to Barbara Coil, who bore him one child, and died December 16, 1820. Mr. Hurless died May 31, 1871. His second wife died September 9, 1858. 670 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Our subject was married to William Beatty, March 7, 1861, who died at Nashville, Tennessee, June 29, 1863, while in the service of the Union army. He was a member of Company C, 90th O. V. I. They had but one child, William S., w:10 is at home with his mother. She has a home of ten acres, well improved, situated one mile southwest of Jeffersonville, on which they live. She and her son are highly respected people, and good citizens. WILLIAM BLESSING. William Blessing, farmer, is a son of Abram and Phoebe (Mock) Blessing; was born in Greene County, March 26, 1827, and came with his parents to this county, in 1847, where he married Miss Mary J. Costello, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, March 23, 1853, who bore him four children: Electa V., Lucy J., Alice P., and Rachel H. Electa died at the age of seven years. Mr. Blessing invented the first successful corn-planter of Ohio, and is a genius who can make anything with tools. He has a farm of three hundred acres, well improved, situated two miles north of Jeffersonville, on the Harrold pike, where the lives. His father was horn in Virginia, in 1801; came to Ohio in 1808; lived in Greene County until he came here, and was married there. Mrs. Blessing was born in Greene County, in 1802. There were nine children of the family, our subject being the second. The parents are exemplary members of the Methodist Protestant Church. HENRY BLESSING. Henry Blessing, farmer, is a son of' Abram Blessing, and was born in Greene County, June 8, 1836. He came to this county with his parents, in 1847, and still lives on a part of the large tract of land his father bought on coming here. He was married, June 28, 1829, to Miss Mary Huffman, daughter of Samuel Huffman. Four children are the result of this union : Horace M., Abram G., Georgiana, and Samuel H. All are living, and none married. Mr. Blessing has a farm of three hundred and sixty-five acres, well improved, on which he lives; also forty-seven acres in Ross Township, Greene County, and farms to grain and stock. He formerly made a specialty of hogs. He has been successful, regard-less of losing a great many hogs by cholera, and the loss of seven- JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 671 teen thousand and ninety dollars by the failure of J. B. McVey & Co., bankers, in Philadelphia, in 1872. The Blessing family is wholly Republican, with the exception of one member. When a young man, our subject, after attaining a common school education, taught two years, then went to Antioch College two years, and then returned to the farm. ABRAHAM BOOCO. Abraham Booco, farmer, is a native of Virginia, and came with his parents, when about two years of age, to Ohio. The parents afterward went to Indiana, where the mother died, and where the father still lives, at the age of ninety years. Our subject's grandfather, Abram, came to the United States from Germany during the Revolutionary War, fought through the war, and died in Ross County., Ohio. Our subject was born September 6, 1822, and was married February 27, 1848, to Miss Angeline Garinger, who bore him four children: Ira D., Isaac S., Albert B., and Cyrena—all living, and all married, save Ira, who is at home. When about seventeen years of age, Mr. Booco left his father's house, and settled in Wayne Township, this county, without a cent, and began working by the month on a farm, and during the winter seasons would drive stock to Virginia. He was married at twenty-six years of age, and his father-in-law gave him one hundred and twenty-one acres of land in the woods, which was his start. He has since made money rapidly, and had about one thousand acres of land in this county before he divided among his children. He has yet one hundred and seventy-one and a half acres, well improved, situated three miles southwest of Jeffersonville. Ira has two hundred and seventy-seven and a half acres of land adjoining him on the east. In 1875 he began business for himself on a capital of ten thousand dollars, and is now worth at least twenty thousand. He makes his money invested in land, stock, etc., yield him ten per cent. He deals largely in cattle, and has a tile factory of a capacity of three thousand dollars annually, yet owing to other business, does only about eight hundred dollars. He began the tile business in 1865, with his father, on Paint Creek, where they built the third tile factory of this county. 672 - HISTORY O1 FAYETTE COUNTY. JOSEPH BROWNING. Joseph Browning is a native of Sheffield, England. He was born May 25, 1828, and came with his parents, Benjamin Band and Mary (Stubbing) Browning, to America in 1836, located in New York, remained a few weeks, then came to Clarke County, Ohio, where the father bought a farm near Platsburg, which is yet known as the Browning farm, where the parents died. August 8th, 1867, he was missed in his church and community, as he was a noble man whose house was always open to the needy. He lived an exemplary life, and died triumphantly in the faith of the Baptist Church. Mr. Browning was twice married; first, to our subject's mother, who bore him eight children, and died triumphantly and happy, November 14th, 1865. She was a kind and tender-hearted mother, and a beloved sister in the church. Our subject was twice married. First, to Miss Susan Hagler, daughter of Isaac Hagler, December 22, 1853, and who died February 15, 1872, aged about forty-three years. He then married Mrs. Elizabeth (Collette) McCoy, February 19, 1874. Two children are the result of this union : Fannie S., born June 11, 1865; and John N., born February 17, 1878. Mrs. Browning's first marriage was celebrated with John McCoy, March 26, 1868; who died August 1, 1872, aged forty-three years. They had one child, Charles C., born December 20, 1869. Mr. Browning has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated four and one half miles northwest of Washington, nicely arranged for stock raising. None of the family of five sons, or Mr. Browning, sr., ever used tobacco or intoxicants. RUTH CALHOON. Mrs. Ruth A. (Corbitt-Kinkaid) Calhoon, Jeffersonville, is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine, who were married in this county a few years after they came here. Mr. Calhoon came here, about 1811, from Virginia ; she from Pennsylvania. They had a family of five children ; four are living. Our subject was born, and twice married in this county; first to JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 673 John L. Kinkaid, in 1852. By this marriage she had one child, Ella, who married Elijah Allen, January, 1875, and has one child, Florence. Mr. Kinkaid died, in 1874, aged thirty-one years. He was a marble cutter by trade, a member of the Masonic fraternity of Jeffersonville, Indiana. Our subject then married David Calhoon, March, 1876; one child, Irene, is the result of this union; Mrs. Calhoon has a farm of one hundred acres, situated two miles west of Jeffersonville. She, Ella, and Mr. Allen, are members of the Universalist Church of Jeffersonville. MRS. MARY CARR. Mrs. Mary (Lorh) Carr, Jeffersonville, is a daughter of Michael and Catharine (Miller) Lorh. Her father died in Virginia in 1819. Mrs. Lorh then married Samuel Messmore, of Virginia; about 1822. In 1823 they came to Ohio, and located in Madison County, where Mr. Messmore died. The mother died at our subject's house, in 1865, aged seventy-two years. Our subject was married, October 30, 1843, in Madison County, to Michael, son of Michael and Mary Carr, by which marriage she had a family of nine children : Susan, Mary, Clara, Samuel H., Margaret, Albert, Amanda, John W., and Clarence I. All are living, and all married, except Florence, who is at home with her mother. Mr. Carr was an exemplary member of the Christian Church, a kind husband and indulgent father. He died triumphantly, June 19, 1870, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. Mrs. Carr and all the children—except two—are members of the same church. John joined the Methodist Church after his marriage, and Amanda united' with the Episcopal Church after her marriage. Mr. Carr had a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where Mrs. Carr now lives, and twelve acres in Paint Township. This land has been divided among the children since Mr. Carr's death. Samuel served two years in Company C, 90th O. V. I., and lost one arm in the service of his beloved country, Mr. Carr set an example of temperance before his family, and it has been followed strictly. 674 - HISTORY CF FAYETTE COUNTY. HENRY CLANSING. Henry Clansing, boot and shoe maker, Jeffersonville, is a native of Germany, born August, 1836, where he was reared, educated and learned his trade. He came to the United States, in 1860, and located in Cincinnati where he remained one year, then came to this place where he married Miss Joanna Roth, September 16, 1865 two children is the result of this union : Louis H. and John G., both living. Mr. Clansing served two and a half years in the late war, in Company K, 20th 0. V. I. At the siege of Vicksburg, he received a severe wound : a ball entering his mouth, knocking out teeth, and passing out at the back of his head just below the brain. When he came to the United States he had only about $15.00; by industry and good management however, he has bought a good house, in which he now lives, and a large store room and shop. His wife has nine acres of land on the corporation line of this village. Mr. Clansing is a good workman and a respected citizen. SAMUEL COCKERILL. Samuel Cockerill, farmer, Jeffersonville, son of Thomas G. Cockerill, of this county, was born June 12, 1850. October 1, 1874, he was married to Miss Alice Craig, of this county. Two children are the result of this union : Lillie M., and Thomas E. Mr. Cockerill has a farm of ninety-three and three-fourth acres; well improved, situated two miles west of Jeffersonville. He is a member of Wilstach Lodge No. 368, I. O. 0. F. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are highly respected citizens, and good neighbors. JOHN COIL. John Coil, farmer, Jeffersonville, born May 13, 1817, is a son of John and Mary (House) Coil. Was married, February 22, 1844, to Miss Mary Smith, daughter of Jeremiah Smith, of Paint Township, this county. Seven children are the result of this union : Samuel, Mary J., Levi, Cyrus, Erbin, John, and Smith. The three eldest are deceased. Erbin married Miss Emma Flood, John mar- JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 675 ried Miss Anna Matthews; the others yet remain single. Mr. and Mrs. Coil are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. He has a farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres, well improved, situated one and one-fourth miles southwest of Jeffersonville; also, one hundred and fifty acres in Jasper Township. During the life of the Whig party, Mr. Coil affiliated with it, but has since voted for the man of his choice, regardless of party. His family is one of the most highly respected in the township. PETER J. COREY. Peter J. Corey, farmer, Edgefield, is a native of this county, and is a son of James and Rebecca (Sperry) Corey, both of whom were natives of Virginia. When quite young they came to Ross County, Ohio, where they were married about 1820, soon after which they removed to this county. They had a family of nine children, our subject being the seventh. November 1, 1855, our subject was married to Miss Rachel, daughter of David and Margaret Sherwood, of Delaware County, Ohio. She bore him thirteen children : Gemima, John, Sperry J., Abram, Sallie Ann, Isaac, and David, are living ; Edith, Maggie, Samuel, Joseph, Jessie, and one infant, are deceased. Samuel, Joseph, and Jessie, died in February, 1881. Mr. Corey has a farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres, well improved, situated on the Washington and Jamestown pike, twelve miles west of Washington. Himself, wife, and ancestors, were members of the Baptist Church. Both of his grandfathers were ministers in that church. Mr. Corey engaged in chasing the notorious Morgan during his raid through Ohio. Is a good citizen and respected neighbor. PHILIP CREAMER. Philip Creamer, farmer, Jeffersonville, son of Michael Creamer, was born in this township, November 8, 1812. In April, 1849, he was married to Miss Margaret Morrison, daughter of David Morrison. They have a family of eight children : Martha O., Mary J., Libbie A., Louisa J., Rachel E., James M., Samuel M., and David M. The daughters are all married. Mr. Creamer has a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres, 676 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. well improved, situated about a mile west of Jeffersonville. Himself, wife, and three of the daughters, are exemplary members of the Methodist Protestant Church, which the two elders joined some twenty years since—being yet zealous in the faith. Mr. Creamer has seen much of Fayette County's rapid improvements, and has participated in making many of them. When he was a young man there were no railroads or pikes, the school houses were log, with puncheon floor and seats, the windows were made of greased paper, pasted over a large crack in the wall, made by cutting away half of a log. All these have given place to more comfortable and modern-built structures. GEORGE H. CREAMER. George H. Creamer, house painter and farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of David Creamer, a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio in 1814, where he died January 21, 1875, aged sixty-eight years and two months. He married Miss Eleanor Duncan, who bore him four children, our subject (born May 30,1840) being the youngest. The family were all born in Highland County, and came to this county about 1842. Mrs. Creamer died May 14, 1880. The subject of this sketch was twice married. February 20, 1873, he was united to Miss Mary Sanderson, daughter of Joseph Sanderson. She bore him one child, John D. Mrs. Creamer died February 5, 1876, aged twenty-four years. On the 27th of October, 1878, he married Miss Sarah Porter, daughter of Aaron Porter, of this county. By this marriage there is one child, Louis B. Mr. Creamer enlisted, August 4, 1862, in Company C, 90th O. V. I., and was discharged June 21, 1865. He has furnished for this work a copy of a speech by Captain Noble, and one by Major Kimble. He was a charter member of the I. O. O. F., of Jeffersonville, and has held all the offices of the subordinate lodge. JOSEPH B. CREAMER. Joseph B. Creamer, farmer, Jeffersonville, was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, November 26, 1808. He came with his father, George H., to Fayette County, this state, in 1814, located about three miles southeast of Jeffersonville, where the father died, about 1860, aged eighty-four years. The mother died in Virginia. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 677 Mr. Creamer was married to Miss Elizabeth Life, March 23, 1833. They had a family of seven children : Mary A., Emily, George C. Louis, Nathan, Andrew R., and Urben; five living. George died, in 1861; Louis, in 1862, at Bowling Green, Kentucky, while in the service of the late war. Mrs. Creamer died, in 1865, aged fifty-three years, triumphantly in the faith of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Creamer is a member of the same church : both joined about 1842. He has held several of the church offices, and has been delegate to annual conference several times, and is an exemplary and worthy member. He was elected county commissioner, in 1843, and served six successive years. He has held the township offices of trustee, clerk and land appraiser, and has been conspicuously situated before the people of the county for years; though not an office seeker. He is well and favorably known, and has many friends throughout the county. His son, Andrew R., is a member of the Ohio Senate. Mr. Creamer was a prominent Whig, and since the birth of the Republican party has voted that ticket. He has a farm of fifty-five acres, well improved, situated about one mile southwest of Jeffersonville. He formerly had three hundred and thirty acres. He has divided all but the home farm among his children. CHRISTIAN C. CREAMER. Christian C. Creamer, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of Michael and Mary (Gray) Creamer ; was born and raised on the farm where he now lives, August 4, 1818, and was twice married. First, to Miss Rosanna Gray, April 9, 1840 ; one child is the result of this marriage: Westley M. Mrs. Creamer died, January 5, 1843, aged twenty-seven years. He then married Miss Elizabeth Higbee ; eleven children by this marriage : Rosanna, Mary A., Obedelia V., Nelson D., Samuel H., Albert J., Martha E., Sarah J., Alexis H., George and Charles C. Mary and Samuel are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Creamer and children are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Westley M. and Nelson D., are in the ministry. This family has stood prominently in the church for years. Our subject's parents, and grandparents, were prominent members of the church. Mr. Creamer has a farm, of three hundred acres, well improved, situated about eight miles northwest of Washington, which is a 678 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. part of the large tract of land formerly owned by his father, who came to this state; in 1800, located in Ross County, near the mouth of Twin Creek; remained but a short time, then came to this county, located on Sugar Creek, where he died, January 9, 1846, aged sixty-four years. There were eleven children of this family, ten of whom lived to be married and have families; four are yet living. Mrs. Creamer died, May 1, 1865, aged eighty-five years. Our subject and family are members of the Patrons of Husbandry. O. V. and A. J. Creamer,. are members of the Masonic fraternity. O. V. Creamer is also a member of the Odd-fellows. Westley M. Creamer served three years in the late war, Company C, 90th O. V. I., and received a wound at Nashville by a cannon ball. L. D. CROW. L. D. Crow, grocer, Jeffersonville, is a son of Ezekial and Malinda (Bush, daughter of William) Crow. Mrs. Crow died, October 15, 1845. Mr. Crow was killed, in a railroad accident, near Paris, Kentucky, November 27, 1862. Our subject, being the second child, was born December 7, 1841, and reared, educated, and twice married in this county. First, to Miss Sarah McKillip, daughter of John McKillip, February 25, 1864; two children are the result of this union : Bertha and Lizzie. Mrs. Crow died, February 17, 1869. He then married Miss Susanna Wood, daughter of Joel Wood, December 21, 1870; two children by this marriage: Herman C., and one who died in infancy. Mr. Crow served about eighteen months in Company K, 44th O. V. I., and then re-enlisted in Company K; 8th 0. V. I. He came home without a wound, though was in several heavy engagements. He has served two terms as justice of the peace in this town-ship, and several years as township trustee. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. JOHN DIVINS. John Divins, farmer, is a son of Samuel and Mary (Depoy) Divins, and was born in Ross County, Ohio, May 23, 1826. When but a child, he came to this county with his parents, and has remained here ever since, except about five years spent in Coles County, Illi- JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 679 nois. In that state he was married to Sarah E. Robinson, November 3, 1850, who bore him four children : Jeremiah W., Lulie May, Mertie, and John. Mertie was born December 2, 1867, and died at the age of eight months. Mr. Divins has a farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres, well improved, situated one mile west of Jeffersonville, and on which he resides. Fifty years ago, this land, now in a high state of cultivation, consisted of an impenetrable forest, and was presented to the Hillsboro Academy, and conveyed to M. Boyght, February 9, 1829. Jeremiah, oldest son of our subject, was married to Maggie Herrill, October 14, 1873. There were two children by this union: Celestia D., and Vernon. John C. Divins, the father of the subject of this sketch, and his wife, were natives of Delaware. Both removed to this state, where they died; the former in Clinton County, the latter in Fayette. SIMEON R. ESTEP. Simeon R. Estep, farmer, is a son of Robert Estep, of this county, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to this county about 1830, and located near Bloomingburg, coming to this township in 1874. Our subject was born in this county, October 29, 1856, where he was reared and educated. He has been engaged in farming thus far through life. Is a member of Jeffersonville Lodge No. 454, I. O. O. F., joining in 1879. He lives with his father, on the homestead farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated three miles west of Jeffersonville, on the Jamestown pike. They are highly respected citizens, and good neighbors. HEZEKIAH T. EVANS. Hezekiah T. Evans, farmer, is a son of John V. Evans, of Greene County, and was born March 10, 1842, .in Berkeley County, Virginia. He came to Greene County, Ohio, in 1851; remained there till 1872, when he came to Fayette. He was married, February 6, 1868, to Miss Julia A. Keplinger, of Kosciusko County, Indiana, who bore him five children: Ulysses G., Anna M., John A., Floretta F., and Blanche G., all living. Mrs. Evans died July 14; 1880. She was a member of the Disciple Church. 680 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Mr. Evans enlisted in Company A, 74th O. V. I., in 1863, and served until the close of the war. He has a farm of thirty acres, situated near the northwest corner of this township, on which he lives. He was elected trustee of the township in April, 1881, and is a member of the church in which his wife died. RICHARD FAWKES. Richard Fawkes, blacksmith, Jeffersonville, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born October 29, 1816. He came to Ohio in 1836, and located at South Charleston, Clarke County, and remained there until 1842, when he came to this place, where he has since lived. August 5, 1850, he was married to Miss Harriet Curry, of Jamestown, Greene County, formerly of .Jeffersonville. Their family consisted of three children : Charles R., Clinton W., and Mary S., the latter dying at the early age of seven years and ten months. Mr. Fawkes learned the blacksmith trade in Pennsylvania, and worked at it about twenty-five years. He then engaged in the drug business for about seven years; sold his store in February, 1880, and has since lived a retired life, until quite recently he began working at his trade again. He is a hale, hearty man, of a strong constitution. Is a charter member of Jeffersonville Lodge No. 454, I. 0. O. F., and was formerly a member of Jamestown Lodge No. 181. He has witnessed much of Fayette County's rapid improvement and growth, which was quite a wild place when he became acquainted with it. The roads were very muddy almost half the year, and there were no railroads. He has a good home and shop, and eleven town lots in Jeffersonville. GEORGE R. FENT. George R. Fent, farmer, is a son of James Fent, and was born in this county, August 21, 1833. He was married, April 14, 1864, to Miss Mary F. Christopher, of Greene County, who has borne him six children : Sarah E., Etta M., John D., Cora, Dellie, Dow S., all living save Dellie, who died at the early age of seventeen months. Mr. Fent has a half interest in eight hundred acres of land in this township, where he lives. He has voluntarily shunned being elected to any township office, on account of duties at home. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 681 WILLIAM C. FENT. William C. Fent, farmer, is a son of James Fent, and was born in this township, October 26, 1829, where he was reared and educated. He was married in Greene County, June 19, 1858, to Miss Margaret Christopher, a native of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, who has borne him seven children: Charles, Josephine, Louis S., James C., Andrew J., Lucy, and Mary F., all living save Lucy, who died at the early age of three years. Mr. Fent taught school in winter and farmed in summer, when a young man. For many years he has devoted his time wholly to farming and trading. His father gave him fifteen hundred dollars as a start, and by industry and good management he has accumulated property to the amount of ninety acres, one mile south of Jeffersonville, twenty acres in the corporation of this village, and a half interest in three hundred acres in this township. He paid from forty to one hundred dollars per acre for his land. He is a liberal contributor to churches, a good neighbor, and a highly respected citizen. JOHN B. FENT. John B. Fent, grocer, Jeffersonville, is a son of James Fent, who came from Tennessee to this township about 1814, where he has since lived, and was married to Anna B. Creamer in 1822. He was engaged in farming until 1877, when he came to Jeffersonville to live, retired from active business in his declining years. Mrs. Fent died December 3, 1876, aged seventy-two years. They had eight children, seven of whom survive. Our subject, the youngest of the family, was born May 21, 1845. He was married to Miss Deborah A. Creamer, daughter of Philip Creamer, December 31, 1868. He served one hundred days in Company D, 168th 0. N. G. Has held the office of trustee of this township four years. Is a member of Jeffersonville Lodge No. 468, F. & A. M. His wife and mother were members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Our subject was reared and lived on a farm until 1877, when he engaged in the grocery business here, and has been successful. He has a nice residence in town, and ten acres planted in trees one mile and a half southwest of town. 682 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. JAMES P. FENT. James P. Fent, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of James and Anna Fent, natives of this county, and he was born June 20, 1838. He was married to Rachel Smith, daughter of Samuel Smith, March 18, 1866, and is a member of one of the pioneer families of the county. He enlisted in the Union army, Company C, 90th O. V. I., August 8, 1862, serving until his discharge, which occurred, June, 1865, and made a good record. He has a farm containing one hundred and sixty acres, situated one and one-half miles, south of Jeffersonville. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. He is township trustee, having been elected April 4, 1881, and is a farmer and stock dealer, a highly respected citizen and a good neighbor. JOHN FULTS. John Fults, farmer and tile maker, Washington, was born in this county, April 8, 1826, where he was reared, educated and married to Miss A. A. Bush, November, 1846 ; they had thirteen children by this marriage: John W., Simon P., Mary F., Martha J., Jacob H., Labias 0., Ozias E., Jasper A., Clara A., Iva A., Etta, Rosa and Lizzie. John, Simon and Martha are deceased. Mr. Fults has a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, well improved, on which he lives ; and has a tile manufactory, situated about eight miles, northwest of Washington. Mrs. Fults and seven of the children are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Fults is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and a well and favorably known citizen. His parents, Peter and Francis (Rankins) Fults, died in this county ; he in 1863, aged seventy-five years, she in 1852, aged fifty years. He came from Virginia, in 1800, located in Ross County, and remained until 1816, then came to this county. He helped to build the first houses of Washington. He was twice married; first, to Miss Carr, who died several years before our subject's birth. JOHN F. GREGG. John F. Gregg, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of James Gregg, JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 683 a native of Kentucky, who came to this state, when a young man, and located in Hamilton County., where he married Miss Nancy McCorime, the mother of our subject. They remained in the county just mentioned several years, then removed to Rush County, Indiana, where he died, in 1828, aged thirty-eight years. After her husband's death, Mrs. Gregg returned to Hamilton County, where she died, in 1870, aged seventy years. The family consisted of seven children ; John being the second, and was born in Hamilton County, September 27, 1816. He came to this county, in October, 1843, and has lived in this township ever since. He was married, September 20, 1841, in Warren County, to Mary J. Ligget, who bore him nine children : Mary, Jane, Ace, Lot, Ann, Cos, Nay, Nye and Pope; Jane, Lot and Ann are deceased. Ace and Nye graduated at Ann Arbor; the latter is at present one of the common pleas judges of this district. The others are on the home farm, which consists of one hundred and ninety acres, well improved, situated on Paint Creek, three miles northeast of Jeffersonville. He has lived on this farm about twenty-seven years, and devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits with satisfactory results. Mrs. Gregg and four of the children are members of the Universalist Church at Jeffersonville. This family is well and favorably known, and can count many true friends. Excepting Mr. Gregg, who has several times voted with the Greenback party, the family has Republican proclivities. JESSE HAGLER. Jesse Hagler, farmer, Washington, is a son of Isaac and Susan (Stookey) Hagler, who were natives of Hardy County, Virginia, and came to Ross County, this state, in 1814, where they were married in the same year. Came to this county, in 1815, and located seven miles northwest of Washington, where Mr. Hagler died, July 10, 1880, and where Mrs. Hagler lives with our subject. He had a farm of four hundred and thirty acres, which was the result of his industry and economy. There were eight children of the family, our subject being the fifth; three yet survive. Our subject was born October 22, 1823, and was married, May 1, 1864, to Miss Angeline Rodgers, daughter of Hamilton, who was a pioneer of this county. He has a family of three children : Howard, Gertrude and Roy; all living. Mrs. Hagler died September 27, 1874, and was born June 25, 1840. 684 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. He has a farm of five hundred and fifty acres where he lives, and one hundred and fifty acres adjoining with it; also, three hundred and eighteen acres about one-half mile east of Jeffersonville. He is one of the first members of the Patrons of Husbandry of this county. JOAB HARPER. Joab Harper, minister, Jeffersonville, is a son of John and Mary (Parrett) Harper, and was born, August 25, 1817, in this township. When nineteen years of age, he went to Paint Township, in 1877, and then returned to this, where he has since lived. He married Miss Elizabeth Bloomer, April 20, 1839, who bore him ten children; James, Lottie J., John W., Louis H., Robert L., Joseph G., Mary, Nancy E., Alice B. and Ida May; five are living. Mrs. Harper died, March 31, 1877, at the age of fifty-three years, and was an exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which she joined when a girl, and died triumphantly. Mr. Harper has been actively engaged in church services since 1859. He has held the offices of class-leader and steward, since shortly after he joined the church, and has been in the ministry since 1875. He was an exception of a boy; never quarreled in school, nor has he quarreled with any man since maturity. His parents were members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject is a firm temperance man, and was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry ; but after his society surrendered its charter, he has not joined another. He had a farm of one hundred acres, situated about five miles east of Jeffersonville ; but lost it in going security for a friend who failed to meet his obligations. His son, John W., served three years in the late war, Company C, 90th O. V. I. He now lives in Wabash County, Indiana. Robert L., is a prominent stock dealer in Kansas City, Missouri. Joseph G., Nancy E. and Alice B., live in this state. WILLIS HAYS. Willis Hays, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of John, who came to this county, from near Cynthiana, Kentucky, in the fall of 1806. He was married, in 1808, to Miss Mary Parrett, who died September, 1821; she bore him two children: William and John J.; Wil- JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 685 liam is deceased. He married Miss Catherine Webrigh, in 1823, our subject's mother. Mr. Hays was one this county's early pioneers. He enlisted as a captain in the war of 1812, and served during the entire war. He lived to be ninety-nine years of age, and was a large and strong man. Our subject was born, in Paint Township, this county, July 15, 1827, where he was reared, educated, and married Miss Margery J. Janes. daughter of William Janes, April 20, 1854 ; eleven children are the result of this union : Amy, Ann, George L., Catherine, Lucy, Laura, Ellen, Grant, Noah,. Callie and Jessie. Mr. Hays has a farm, of five hundred and five acres, situated about one and one-half miles, east of Jeffersonville, on the Washington pike. He farms to both grain and stock, and is very suc-cessful. He is a well and favorably known citizen, who has many friends throughout his acquaintances. JOSHUA G. HEIRONIMUS. Joshua G. Heironimus, farmer, is a native of Virginia. He came to Fayette County in the fall of 1854, and located on Paint Creek, in the Hida neighborhood, and has since lived in this county. He was born February 18, 1833, and married to Phoebe Hutchinson in October, 1855. He had, when he came here, a sum of money equal to about three hundred and fifty dollars, but was taken sick, and confined to his bed till the money was gone, and he in debt. By industry and good management he has accumulated enough to purchase a good farm of one hundred and fifty acres, in an excellent condition, situated on the north line of this county, a portion being in Madison County. The Fayette County portion is in the Washington survey, sold by Washington to Mr. Thomas. Our subject has a family of ten children : John, Laura, Joshua, Vallandigham, Emma, Walter, James, Forest, Dean, and George, all living. Having paid close attention to his affairs, he has been quite successful, dealing largely in hogs. He is a good neighbor, and model citizen. Laura was married September 5, 1875, to William S. Ervin, of this county. Our subject's parents were John and Elizabeth (Coe) Heironimus. The mother died in August, 1845, aged about thirty-five years, and 686 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. the father is still living at the advanced age of ninety-three years. They had a family of three children, John being the second. The father was married to Elizabeth Null prior to his marriage to our subject's mother. The third wife was Susan Mauzy, who died in 1860. The first wife bore him two children, the second none. The last two wives were members of the Baptist Church. HENRY L. HIRE. Henry L. Hire, farmer and stock dealer, is a son of Jackson Hire, a native of this county, and Ann (Kesler-Hines) Hire, a native of Virginia. They were married in this county about 1846, and had a family of two children—Henry and Sarah. Sarah died December 23, 1869. He came to this township iii 1840, and bought one hundred acres of land, where our subject now lives, on which the old "Douglass Mill " was built in an early day, paying ten dollars per acre for it, which is now worth at least seventy-five. He died, March 22, 1875. He and his wife were members of the Christian Church. Mrs. Hire was previously married to Henry Hines. They had two children. Our subject was born in this township, November 6, 1849, and was reared on the farm where he now lives. He was married, February 14, 1869, to Miss Angie Brock, of Madison County, daughter of Jackson and Sarah (Little) Brock. He has a farm of one hundred and ninety-five acres where he lives, three miles northwest of Jeffersonville, and one hundred and fifty-seven acres half a mile north of his residence. Farms to both grain and stock, and deals rather largely in Poland-China hogs. His hogs have taken first premium at the leading fairs, including the Ohio State Fair, Tri-State Fair of Toledo, Hamilton, and Northern and Southern Ohio fairs. He has sold his stock in several states, for breeding. He also raises the Merino sheep, and deals only in good stock. DAVID HORNEY. David Horsey, farmer, is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Calaway) Horney, natives of North Carolina, who came to Greene County, Ohio, at a very early date, and remained there until after their marriage, coming to Fayette County about 1808, and locating JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 687 half a mile north of Jeffersonville, where our subject was born, October 19, 1832, and now lives, and has a farm of one hundred and seventy-seven acres, a part of six hundred acres owned by his father, who knew this neighborhood in the wilderness, and would go to Oldtown, Greene County, to mill with a sack of corn on a horse; would take two days to make a trip; would take his gun and dog, and camp by the path at night. One night, as he was returning, he stopped between here and Jamestown, when, after he had fallen asleep, his dog began a fight with a bear that came too near. By and by the bear got the advantage of the dog, when Mr. Horney stabbed the bear, killing him instantly. Hr. Horney died November 28, 1865. Mrs. Horney died in August, 1855. Our subject was married, March 18, 1858, to Miss Rebecca J. Wright, daughter of James and Louisa (Troxell) Wright, who bore him five children: Adda E., Della O., Thurman P., Clarence H., and Loren R. Mrs. Horney is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Horney remembers seeing some of the farming implements his father used in an early day, which were the wooden plow, wooden-toothed harrow, harness made of rope and elm bark, and sickle for cutting grain. JOHN HORNEY. John Horney, farmer, is a son of Jeffrey Horney, and was born in this township, January 7, 1846, where he was reared, educated, and married Miss Nettie Bush, daughter of Abraham Bush, September 21, 1871. Two children are the result of this marriage—Charles A. and Catharine, both living. Mr. Horney is trustee of this township at present. He has a farm of two hundred and six and a half acres, situated four miles northwest of Jeffersonville. This is the farm where his parents located at an early day, and where they died. OLIVER E. HORNEY. Oliver E. Horney, farmer, is a son of Jefferson Horney, whose biography appears in this work. He was born January 31, 1837, and was reared and twice married in this county; first, to Miss Elizabeth McKillip, October 20, 1859. Two children were the result of this union : Viola A. and Elizabeth A. After Mrs. Horney's 688 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. death, he married Sarah Underwood, who has borne him eight children : Henry E., James S., Alpha, Eber J., Maywood, Leander H., Esther, and Lillie, all living. Mr. Horney has a farm of thirty acres, situated two miles northwest of .Jeffersonville. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He enlisted in Company C, 90th O. V. I., in August, 1862, and served until September 30, 1863. Received a wound in the left ankle at the battle of Stone River, for which he was discharged. FORRIS HORNET. Forris Horsey, farmer, West Lancaster, son of Jefferson Horsey, whose biography appears in this work, was born in this township, August 15, 1833. He was reared, educated, and married in this county. July 29, 1858, he wedded Miss Esther A. Williams, daughter of Jesse and Margaret (Botkins) Williams. Her father died July 18, 1866, aged seventy-one years. Her mother lives with our subject. Mr. Homey has a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres, well improved, situated one mile west of West Lancaster, and farms to both grain and stock. During the war of the rebellion he served about three years in Company C, 90th O. V. I. Mr. Horney and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Both are members of reputable pioneer families, and are respected citizens. They have a family of three children : Frank A., Mary F., and Otto C., all living. JEFFERSON HORNET. Jefferson Horney, farmer, Jeffersonville, is the eldest son of Daniel Horney, (an account of whose life appears elsewhere) who came to this township, at an early day, from North Carolina. Our subject was born iii this county, where he was raised, and where, on the 19th of September, 1878, he married Mary (Carr) Mahoy, a sister of the late Colonel S. F. Carr, of Washington. She was previously married to Archibald Mahoy, who died December 20, 1866. He, too, had been married previously, (September 30, 1832,) to Miss Margaret Griffith, who bore him five children—four of whom are living. Mr. Horney, Mr. Mahoy, and JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 689 both wives were members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Horney came to the farm he now occupies, and which contains one hundred and fourteen acres, in 1834, and has changed it from a wild and chaotic tract to a high state of cultivation. The elder Mr. Horsey gave to each of his three sons one hundred acres of land, and offered them fourteen acres additional at two dollars. Jefferson, fearing that he would, because of the prevailing scarcity of' money, be unable to pay for' the land, did not accept the proposition until he had well considered the matter. He finally bought the land, and has, in late years, frequently refused seventy-five dollars per acre for the same. W. J. HORNET. See page 605. WILLIAM T. HOWARD. William T. Howard, saddle and harness maker, Jeffersonville, was born in Warren County, Ohio, October 15, 1821. At the age of fourteen he went to Virginia, where he remained one year, and then returned to Ohio. He remained unsettled until 1838, when he located in Washington Court House, where he remained until February, 1840, when he settled in Jeffersonville, and engaged at his trade, which he continued until 1875, when he sold his stock and shop to his son, J. W. Mr. Howard was married, October 30, 1841, to Miss Elton Sexton, who was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, May 22, 1816. The result of this marriage was five children: Sexton, Seperepta A., Jurad W., and two who died in infancy. Jurad is the only child living. He was married, August 6, 1874, to Miss Mary Johnson. One child, Flora, is the result of this union. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity of Jeffersonville. His wife and mother are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. JOSEPH HURLESS. Joseph Hurless, hotel keeper, Jeffersonville, was born, July 23, 1826, in this county, where he married Miss Ellen Fent, daughter 690 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. of William and Delila (Bodkin) Fent, June 16, 1850 ; six children are the result of this union : Joseph S., William F., Mary J., Clide E., Hattie M. and Viva Blanch. All deceased save Joseph and Hattie. Our subject was elected justice of the peace of this township, in 1860, and has held office ever since except one year. He has been successful in his official duties and in business. He remembers when this place was very thinly settled, and the school house where he first attended school, stood where the village cemetery now is; it was log with puncheon floors, window made of greased paper, and heated by means of a fireplace, perhaps nine feet long. Mr. Hurless is a highly respected citizen, and a worthy member of the I. O. O. F., of .Jeffersonville Lodge. EVAN L. JANES. Evan L. Janes, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of William P. and Mary (Mock) Janes,--he a native of Virginia, she of Ohio,—who were married in this county about 1829, and had a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are living. Our subject, the fifth of the family, was born December 7, 1840, in this township, where he was reared, educated, and March 17, 1869, was married to Miss Maggie Squire, a daughter of Nathaniel Squire, of Paint Township, and one of the pioneers of this county. Rev. Mills Gardner officiated. The result of this union is two children : Harry L., and Grace G. Mr. Janes has a farm of eighty-five and one-half acres, situated at the east line of Jeffersonville. August 7, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 90th O. V. I., and was discharged at Camp Dennison, June 21,1862. In 1878 he Was elected township trustee, and has served almost two terms; holds the office at present. Is a highly respected and prominent citizen in his township. Mrs. Janes is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ROBERT W. JENKINS. Robert W. Jenkins, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a native of this county, and was married to Miss Mary Irion, also a native of this county. Mrs. Jenkins died, in 1858. They reared a family of four children on the farm where our subject now lives, and where he JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 691 was born. He has a farm, of one hundred and seven acres, situated three miles southeast of Jeffersonville, on the Washington pike. Mr. Jenkins and son, Thomas C., are members of the Patrons of Husbandry. Our subject's father, Jacob, came to this county, in 1812; while on the way, was drafted to serve in the war of 1812 ; but hired a substitute, and came on to this county, where he died in 1859. Thomas A. served three years in Company C, 90th O. V. I., was wounded in the right foot, at Jonesboro, Georgia, for which he was discharged. LEVI JENKS. Levi Jenks, farmer, Edgefield, a native of this county, was born October 10, 1821. October 15, 1840, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Sanderson. They have eight children living : Ruth, Smith, Taylor, Solomon, Jane, Leander, John, and Sherman. Three are deceased: Harvey, Charles, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Jenks has a farm of three hundred acres, well improved, situated two and one-half miles west of West Lancaster, where he lives, and fifty-four acres in Greene ,County. This is the result of his own industry and good management. He assisted in driving the noted Morgan from Ohio, and placed a substitute in the actual service during the war. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His father (Sylvester) was born in Virginia about 1819, and died in this county, October 7, 1834. BENJAMIN F. JOHNSON. Benjamin F. Johnson, farmer, is a son of John L. Johnson, a native of Highland County, who came to Greene County when a young man, where he married Miss Elizabeth Watson (our subject's mother), and lived the remainder of his life, dying January 31, 1865. Mrs. Johnson is still living. Our subject was born April 4, 1845, in Greene County, where he married Miss Louisa Jackson, who has borne him three children: Clara E., Jennie M., and Etta L. The latter died at the early age of five years. Mrs. Johnson died September 29, 1871. He then married Miss Mary A. Knapp, January 10, 1873. He has a farm 692 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. of seventy-eight acres, situated two and a half miles northwest of Jeffersonville. He was elected trustee of this township in 1879, and served two years. He and his wife are members of the Disciple Church. They are good neighbors, and respected citizens. H. A. KIMBALL. H. A. Kimball, farmer, was horn in Champaign County, Ohio, May 7, 1825. He is a son of Bela and Electa Kimball, natives of Stowe, Vermont, who came to Ohio about the year 1849, with a family of eight children. Our subject was married, in 1858, to Miss Elizabeth .Johnston, daughter of James and Sarah Johnston, of Ross County. They have two children : Viroca O. and Emily T. Mr. Kimball was in the hundred days' service. He received his education in Champaign County, in the old log school houses, where they had the soft side of a slab for the seats. He has a curiosity in his possession in the way of a violin, supposed to be three hundred years old. It was captured from some aristocratic family of the South during the war, and our subject refuses to take one thousand dollars for it. It is a good one, and a very valuable relic. HENRY KIRK. Henry Kirk, farmer, is a son of James Kirk. He was born on the farm where he now lives, June 23, 1821, and owns four hundred and forty-four acres. He married Miss Elmira Parrett, daughter of George Parrett, who has borne him six children: Flora, Frame C., James E., Georgiana, Willard H., and Lucy P. Mr. Kirk was once a member of the Odd-fellows lodge at Washington, but withdrew for the purpose of uniting with the lodge at Jeffersonville, and as yet has neglected to do so. He is a member of one of the pioneer families. Politically, he is a Democrat. He firmly resolved never to sit on a jury with a negro, and he has kept the resolution. Shortly after the close of the war, he was chosen as a juror in the county court. Seeing two negroes in the box, he positively refused to serve. Judge Steele told him that he could not excuse him on those grounds; and said that he must abide by the law, which was imprisonment. Attorney Richard Harrison, of Columbus, said the penalty might be made a fine, which was done, and Mr. Kirk paid the fine and left the court. He has refused to JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 693 accept a county or township office. Was once elected supervisor, but rather than serve, paid the fine. MADISON S. KIRK. Madison S. Kirk, farmer, is a son of Thomas Kirk, whose biography appears in this work. He was born in this township, June 15, 1834, and was married, March 31, 1863, to Miss Agnes Collier, of Greenfield. Three children are the result of this union : Minnie J., Jennie N., and Bertha L. The latter died at the early age of two years and seven months. Our subject served one year in Company H, 60th 0. V. I., and came home without a wound, having passed through several heavy battles. His brother Rayborn served one year in the same company, and enlisted for one hundred days in the Ohio National Guard, and was taken prisoner at Cynthiana, Kentucky. THOMAS KIRK. Thomas Kirk, farmer, is a son of James Kirkpatrick, who came to this county, in 1812, from Virginia. The original name, as spelled by our subject's grandfather, was Kilpatrick. Thomas was born in this county, December 5, 1813, where he was reared, and married to Miss Elizabeth Parret, daughter of John Parret, a pioneer of this county. Mr. Kirk remembers when this part of the county was comparatively a wilderness. His first school house was built of logs, with paper windows, and puncheon floor and seats. The church services were then held in private houses, school houses, and in groves, as they had no church houses. He has a farm of four hundred acres, well improved, situated six and a half miles northwest of Washington. Had a family of twelve children : Madison S., Amanda J., Rayborn, Charity, Augustus, Eddie, James, George H., Alice, Ward, Dora, and William. George and Alice are deceased. Mrs. Kirk and three daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. SAMUEL M'KILLIP. Samuel McKillip, farmer, is a son of Talley McKillip, and was 694 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. born on the farm where he now lives. He was married, January 5, 1873, to Miss Martha Johnson, daughter of D. D. Johnson, of Greene County, who has borne him three children : Wilbert, Emma L., and May, all living. Mr. McKillip has been engaged in farming thus far through life. He farms chiefly to grain: Is a member of a reputable pioneer family, and a good neighbor. Mrs. McKillip is a member of the Baptist Church, joining in 1879. TALLEY M'KILLIP. Talley McKillip, retired farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of John and Betsy (Whicker) McKillip, who were born, reared and married in North Carolina. At an early day they came to this county, where our subject was born, April 25, 1819. April 23, 1843, he was married to Miss Nancy Walthall, daughter of the late Betsy Walthall, of Greene County. He has a farm of three hundred acres, situated one and one-fourth miles north of Jeffersonville, which is well improved. Has rented his farm, and is now retired from active business, as by good management he has accumulated sufficient to keep himself and wife in plenty in their declining years. They have had a family of seven children, four of whom are deceased. Two children are married, and one, Idelia, is at home with her parents. Himself and wife are members of the Universalist Church; are good neighbors, and respected citizens. WILLIAM M'KILLIP. William McKillip, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of James, (whose father located in this county, in an early day, where he died). He was born, September 8, 1848, in this county, where he was reared and married, to Miss Lucy Byers, August 28, 1873; one child, Eugene, is the result of this union. Mr. McKillip has a farm, of one hundred and fifty-five acres, situated one and one-half miles, west of Jeffersonville, and farms to both grain and stock. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., of Jamestown Lodge No. 181. He joined March, 1879. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 695 HENRY MILLER. Henry, Miller, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of George Miller, a native of Pendleton County, Virginia, who came to this county, in 1811, and located near where Washington now is, where he died, December, 1856. He was thrice married ; first, to Miss Negley, a native of Virginia, who bore him one child, Malinda, and died before our subject's birth. He married Miss Susan Hagler, (our subject's mother,) in 1814, who bore him eight children. Henry being the oldest. Our subject was born, May 16, 1815, in Union Township, this county. He was married, in 1834, to Miss Mary Burnett, daughter of Robert Burnett. They had five children : George W., Elizabeth, Nancy, Nathan and Benjamin. The youngest died while in the service of the late war, Company C, 90th O. V. I. Mrs. Miller died, October, 1842. He then married Miss Rebecca Blue, in 1851; two children by this marriage : John W., and one died in infancy. Mr. Miller has a farm of one hundred and sixty-five and three-fourth acres, situated on the east line of Jeffersonville. He served two terms as township trustee, and has retired from active business and rents his land. Our subject's mother died when he was but a boy. His father, afterward married Mrs. Elizabeth Burnett. THOMAS B. MILLS. Thomas B. Mills, farmer, Jamestown, Greene County, is a son of John Mills, who came from Kentucky to Greene County in 1796. In a short time he removed to Warren County, and in 1809 returned to Greene County, where he still lives,' in the eighty-sixth year of his age. Our subject was born in Greene County, January, 1817, and has been twice married. March 14, 1839, he was wedded to Miss Rhoda Horney, who bore him ten children, and died in June, 1865, in the forty-eighth year of her age. On the 16th of January, 1868, he married Mrs. Louisa (Sheely) Sesler, of Greene County. By this union there are two children. Of the twelve children nine are living. His son, James, served three years in Company K, 44th 0. V. I. 696 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. William served three years in the same company and regiment, and then re-enlisted in the cavalry, and served one year there. Both came out of the service without a wound. Mr. Mills has a farm of forty-six acres, situated near the west line of this county. His second wife was previously married to Martin Sesler, who died August, 1865, of a disease contracted in the army. HEZEKIAH MOCK. Hezekiah Mock, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of John and Mary (Horney) Mock, whose history appears elsewhere. Our subject was married to Miss Huldy Chaney, September 12, 1850 ; one child, Cassius, is the result of this union. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He has a farm of two hundred and seventy-eight acres, on which they live, situated four miles northwest of Jeffersonville, on South Charleston pike, which is a part of the old home farm, where his father bought five hundred and nine acres for one thousand dollars, then almost an unbroken forest. In 1832, the father planted an apple tree on this farm, and grafted it the next spring. This tree still bears a large crop of fine fall pippen apples every fruit year; it measures seven feet nine inches in circumference, its branches measure forty-three feet, and is twenty-seven feet in height. This is a reputable, and one of this county's worthy families. ELI MOCK. Eli Mock, farmer, is a son of Daniel Mock, and was born in this county, April 30, 1838. He was married, December 14, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Shockley, daughter of Clemence Shockley. They have three children: Geneva, Herbert, and Adeline E., all living. Mrs. Mock is a member of the Christian Church. He has a farm of two hundred and three acres, well improved, where he lives, about three and a half miles north of Jeffersonville, seventy-two acres diagonally across the road from it, and sixty acres about two miles north of Jeffersonville. He is a good citizen, a respected neighbor, and a member of a reputable pioneer family. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 697 SIMON MOON. Simon Moon, farmer, is a son of John Moon, who came to Ohio from North Carolina, in 1807, and located in Cincinnati, where he remained three years, and then came to this township, remaining here until his death, which occurred January 4, 1842, at the age of sixty-seven years. He was married to our subject's mother in North Carolina, who bore him eight children, and died, April 16, 1817, after which he married Mary (Lindsey) Clemance. There were five children by this marriage. Our subject was born in this township, January 24, 1813, and remembers when there were but few settlements in this township, and the houses were all log. A few Indians were here, and the woods abounded with wild game. He has two mill-stones of a hand-mill, used in his boyhood, for grinding their corn and buckwheat. His first school house was log, with puncheon floor and seats, and windows made of greased paper, pasted over a hole made in the wall by cutting a log out. Our subject was twice married ; first, to Mrs. Martha (McKillip) Huston, September 20, 1835. Eleven children were the result of this union, nine of whom are living. Mrs. Moon died, January 24, 1859. He then married Nancy Hornbeck, March 21, 1861. Mr. Moon has a farm of two hundred and seventeen and a half acres, well improved, situated six miles northwest of Jeffersonville. He had six hundred and fifty acres before he divided among his children. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. The children, except one, are members of the Christian, Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Protestant, and Disciple churches. He served twelve years as a member of the board of education of this township some years since. MARY S. PATTEN. Mary S. Patten is a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Baughn) Bush. She was born in this county, where she was reared. November 7, 1840, she was married to William J. Patten. Eight children are the result of this marriage: Samantha S., Nettie W., Sarah E., Bathana W., Minerva R., Mattie V., Jessie L., and Richard E. Nettie, Jessie, and Richard, are deceased. Mr. Patten died, Janu- 698 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. ary 13, 1869, aged fifty years. He was a member of the. Methodist Protestant Church, in which faith he died triumphantly. Mrs. Patten, and all the children, save Richard, who died at the age of eleven months, are members of the same church. She has a farm of one hundred acres, situated on the Jeffersonville pike, six miles northwest of Washington. BENJAMIN H. PARRETT. Benjamin H. Parrett, farmer, is a son of Joseph J. Parrett (better known as Tennessee Joe). He was born January 18,1824, on the farm where he now lives, and where he was reared. April 21; 1853, he was married to Miss Nancy Allen. Five children are the result of this marriage : Seth E., Eva J., Oric V., Cora G., and Mary, all living. Seth and Oric are married. This entire family, save Oric, are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which faith the parents died triumphantly. Mr. Parrett has a farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres, well improved, on which he lives, situated five miles southwest of Washington, on the Jeffersonville pike. This family is well and favorably known, and have many friends. MRS. ANN PARRETT. Mrs. Ann (Fletcher) Parrett, is a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Higby) Fletcher. She was born in Pennsylvania, in 1811, and came to Ohio with her parents the same year. They located in Clermont County, where the parents died. She came to this county about 1820, and married George Parrett, son of John and Catharine (Windle) Parrett, March 4, 1828. Seven children are the result of this union: Elmira, Thomas F., Mary C., Elizabeth E., Belinda A., Susan L., and Lucy O. Susan E. died at the early age of fifteen months. Mr. Parrett died July 29, 1872, aged fifty-nine years. He was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which faith he died triumphantly. Mrs. Parrett has a farm of one hundred acres, well improved, situated seven miles northwest of Washington, on the Jeffersonville pike. She and five of the children are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Elmira joined the Methodist Episcopal Church after marriage. This is an esteemed family. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 699 GEORGE H. PATTON. George H. Patton, farmer, is a son of John M. and Sarah (Little) Patton, and was born in Frederick County, Virginia, October 5, 1813, where he was reared. He came to Ohio when twenty-one years of age, and located near Jeffersonville, where he remained three years, and then removed to the northern part of the township, remaining there until 1850, when he came to the farm where he now lives, and where the father died, at the age of seventy-seven years. Mrs. Patton died at the age of sixty-nine years. Our subject has been twice married; first, to Miss Lucinda Sheely, January 1, 1845. One child was the result of this marriage—John A., who lives on a farm adjoining his father's, on the south. He was married to Miss Martha Moon in December, 1871. They have one child—Edith. Mrs. Patton died September 29, 1846. He then married Miss Elizabeth Ragan, October 25, 1849. They have one child, Genetta, who married Eli S. Parret, December 25, 1873. They have two children : Earle E. and George. Mr. and Mrs. Patton are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, of Pleasant View. When Mr. Patton came to Ohio he had but a few cents in money; but by his industry he has accumulated sufficient means to live at his ease in his declining years. He has a well-improved farm of two hundred and eighteen acres, on which he lives, and has given each of his children fifty acres. THOMAS RANKIN. Thomas Rankin, West Lancaster, is a native of this county, in which he was reared. He was married to Miss Viletta Sanderson, June 20, 1854. One child, Leander, is the result of this union. Mr. Rankin was engaged in the mercantile business in this place from 1856 until 1873, except comparatively a short time. He served in Company H, 60th 0. V. I., and was captured at Harper's Ferry, in September, 1862; also at Cynthiana, Kentucky, June 11, 1864, then captain of Company H, 168th O. V. I. He is now assisting his son, who is a natural mechanic, and does the best work in blacksmithing, wagon-making, painting, and trimming carriages. In fact, he is a natural genius; never served an apprenticeship at 700 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. any trade, and does all the business that the capacity of his shop will permit. He was married to Miss Julia A. Acton. February 6, 1878, and has two children: Esther and Harry Mc. Mrs. Rankin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a member of Jeffersonville Lodge No. 454, I. O. O. F. WILLIAM S. REID. William S. Reid, farmer. His parents came to Ohio from Maryland, in 1825, and located in Ross County. They came to Fayette in 1832, where the father died, in February, 1881. They joined the Methodist Protestant Church in 1840. The family consisted of nine children. Our subject was married to Miss Caroline Creamer, daughter of David Creamer, January 29, 1861. Five children are the result of this union: Wallace C., Charles A., Howard, Arthur II., and William E., all living. Himself, wife, and two eldest sons, are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. He has a farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres, well improved, situated eight miles northwest of Washington, and is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. JAMES S. ROBINSON. James S. Robinson, farmer, is a son of John P. Robinson, whose father, Thomas, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to Germany about 1780, where he married our subject's grandmother, Rebecca Coons, and came to the United States in 1797, locating near Zanesville, Ohio, where he remained until 1820, when he removed to Washington, D. C., remaining there until they reared their family of eight children, and then came to Washington C. H. The grandfather died in Ross County, Ohio, and the grandmother in Miami County, Indiana. Our subject's father remained in Washington C. H. several years, when it had but one business house, and this county was almost an unbroken forest. He went to Indiana, and remained several years, then returned to Ohio. Went to Illinois in 1875, where he died, March 2, 1878, aged seventy-eight years. Our subject was married to Anna C. Smith, daughter of Samuel Smith, of this county, January 6, 1866, who bore him one child, JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 701 Elda J., and died July 15, 1868. He then married Mary E. Torbitte, of this county, August 8, 1871. He is a member of Jamestown Lodge No. 181, I. O. 0. F., and served two years in Company C, 114th 0. V. I. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. HORNEY ROBISON. Horney Robison, farmer, is a son of William Robison, who came to Ohio in 1803, and located in Greene County, where he remained until 1805, when he came to Fayette, and located where our subject now lives. He was married in Virginia to Hanna Horney, our subject's mother. Then this county was very thinly settled by white men. The Indians helped him to raise his first cabin, as there were not enough white men to do it. Our subject was born, September 14, 1835, on the farm where he now lives, and owns one hundred and sixty-five acres, well improved, situated two and a half miles northwest of Jeffersonville. He has his farm rented, and lives with the renter, as he is not yet married. He is a member of Jeffersonville Lodge No. 468, F. & A. M., joining about 1866. JOHN W. ROEBUCK. John W. Roebuck, grain and lumber dealer, Jeffersonville, is a son of Hugh and Liddie (Farmer) Roebuck. He came with his parents to this state, when at the age of six months, located in Ross County, and remained nine years, then removed to this county, located near Bloomingburg, and remained until 1851 ; then removed to the northern part of this township where the father died, in 1864. Mrs. Roebuck was born in this county, in 1803. They were married in 1826, and had nine children—our subject being the seventh—of whom four are living. Their house was a place for holding religious services for years, as there were no churches in the neighborhood. They were members of the Methodist Church, in which faith they died. Our subject was born in this county, March 12, 1841, where he was reared and educated, and taught school two terms. He was married, October 30, 1866, to Miss Martha J. Conner; seven children being the result of this union: Frank L., Harry S., Joe B., Lynn L., Ida A., Elba F. and an infant, who is deceased. 702 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Mr. Roebuck is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of Jeffersonville, having joined the order at Washington, in 1864. He is a charter member of the Jeffersonville Lodge No. 468, and served as Master three years. He was a citizen of Alabama two years, and during that time was a member of the State Board of Registration. He served seven months as a volunteer in the Union army, Company H, 60th O. V. I., and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, September 16, 1862, and discharged before his time expired. While in Alabama, he was appointed as postmaster of the Calhoon postoffice, on the Alabama and Florida Railroad. SAMUEL M. SANDERSON. Samuel M. Sanderson, farmer, West Lancaster, is a son of James and Sarah (Newman) Sanderson, who were married, in 1812, and had a family of twelve children, our subject being the ninth ; they are all living. The parents came to this county, in 1812, and remained through life. Mr. Sanderson died, in 1867, aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. Sanderson is living; is eighty-nine years of age, and is in good health considering her age. Our subject was born, January 12, 1829, and was reared in this, his native county, where he married Miss Mary Gray, daughter of Charles and Rebecca Gray, December 26, 1853, who has borne hint five children : Rebecca J., Sallie N., Lucy J., Charles B. and Lillie C. Charles died, August, 1864, aged eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson are members of the Methodist Church, with which they united years ago. He has a farm of forty acres, situated three-fourths mile east of West Lancaster, on the Washington pike. He served about four months in the late war, Company G, 168th O. N. G., and is a Republican. When a young man, he taught school about six years, and is a highly respected citizen. JOHN C. STAUBUS. John C. Staubus, farmer, Edgefield, is a native of Virginia, where his parents, Jacob and Rachel (Swatzel) Staubus now live. The father is a native of Germany, and came to the United States when three years of age. The mother is a native of Virginia where they were married, and reared a family of five children, John C. being the oldest. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 703 Our subject was born February 2, 1843, and came to this state, in 1866, where he was married by Rev. R. Rose, to Miss Margaret Brock, daughter of Richard R. Brock, of this township, December 17, 1867 ; five children are the result of this union : Clem J., Luellu, Benjamin F., Jessie and James G.; all living. Mr. Staubus has a farm of one hundred and twelve acres, well improved, situated one-half mile north of Edgefield, and farms to both grain and stock. He served four years in Company D, V. I., under Stonewall Jackson. His grandfather, Swatzel, served in the war of 1812. JAMES STRALEY. James Straley, grocer and grain dealer, Jeffersonville, is a son of Joseph Straley, and was born December 21, 1829, in this township. Though the educational facilities were limited then, he, in his boyhood, attained a good common school education, and began teaching at the age of sixteen years, and continued ten years. He was married, February 21, 1850, to Miss Nancy A. Hogue, the only daughter of James Hogue, of Jasper Township, this county, who bore him two' children : Margaret E., who married B. F. Coffman, of this county, and Benjamin F., who married a Miss Boyer of . Kansas, Illinois. Mrs. Straley died, July 20, 1854. He then married Nancy Robison, December 15, 1855 ; seven children are the result of this union, two are living: Sarah E., who married Albert Booco, December 2, 1879, and James A., who is at home. Mr. Straley has lived in this county all his life, and has been an officer of county or township for many years. He has held township offices of clerk and trustee of townships, and was elected county sheriff, in 1864, served two successive terms, and is a well and favorably known citizen who has many warm friends. SAMUEL B. STRALEY. Samuel B. Straley, farmer and tile maker, Edgefield, is a son of Joseph Straley, who was born in Louis County, Virginia, December 10, 1796, where he was reared and lived until twenty-six years of age, then came to this county, and located one mile east of West Lancaster, where he lived an exemplary life, and where religious services were held at least twenty years, when there were no 704 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. churches near. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and died triumphantly July 31, 1849. He and our subject's mother, Elizabeth B. Hamilton, were married April 30, 1818, and they both joined the church that year. They had a family of fourteen children, eleven living. Mrs. Straley died, May 24, 1877. Our subject was born, June 27, 1823, in Virginia, and came to this county with his parents in the same year. He was married, April 20, 1843, to Miss Julia A. Hidy, who bore him eight children, and died, April 17, 1861, a member of the Methodist Church. He then married Lydia A. Creamer, February 22, 1862 ; six children are the result of this union ; five living. Mr. Straley was elected justice of the peace, in 1846, served three years, also served about four years as trustee of .Jasper Township. He served four months, in Company G, 168th O. N. G., as lieutenant. He and his second wife are members of the Methodist Church. He has a farm of fifty-eight acres, two miles west of West Lancaster, and has the oldest tile factory in the county on his farm. His brother, Jasper, was born in this county, December 3, 1835, where he was reared, educated, and married Miss Athaliah Ellis, May 14, 1857; nine children are the result of this union, eight living. Mrs. Straley died, January 30, 1881. They too were members of the Methodist Church. He served four months in the same company and regiment, as sergeant, that S. B. did. He has a farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres, three miles west of Jeffersonville, on the Jamestown pike, where he has a new tile factory. All the family are Republicans. EMILY W. TERRELL. Emily W. (Parmer) Terrell, Jeffersonville, is a daughter of William and Margaret (Whitsite) Parmer, who came to this county from Kentucky in 1814. Mr. Parmer was a native of Virginia, and died December 31, 1865, aged seventy-five years. Mrs. Parmer was a native of Kentucky, and died March 13, 1863, aged sixty-four years. They were members of the Universalist Church. Our subject was born (January, 1815) in this county, where, on the 2d of January, 1834, she was married to Gilbert Terrell. He was engaged in the mercantile business in Jeffersonville for several years, after which he retired from active life. He was born Octo- JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 705 ber 1, 1808, and died August 18, 1874; having been a hale and hearty man all his life, up to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Terrell were worthy and consistent members of the Universalist Church, in which she still holds membership, strong in the faith. She has a farm of ninety-six acres, one-half mile west of Jeffersonville, and one of one hundred and thirty-five acres two and one-half miles west of town. JAMES VANNORSDOLL. James Vannorsdoll, farmer, Jeffersonville, was born in this township, September 10, 1831, and has resided here all his life. September 4, 1853, he was married to Miss Susanna Horsey, daughter of Jefferson and Margaret Horney. Twelve children are the result of this union : Clarelda J., Lucy A., Garrett O., Frank C., Mary M., James H., Forest A., Lillie B., Effie F., Ernest E., Herbert, and one who died in infancy. Mary M. died at the early age of fourteen. Mr. and Mrs. Vannorsdoll are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, of Pleasant View. He has a farm of three hundred and twenty-nine acres, well improved, situated four miles west of Jeffersonville, on .the state road, and ninety-eight acres two miles west of town ; also, one-half interest in the home farm of one hundred and forty acres, situated one mile southeast of Jeffersonville. He has served several consecutive years as trustee of this township. He has been successful in his business, and ii well and favorably known throughout the township. When a young man he taught four terms of school. WALTER S. WRIGHT. Walter S. Wright, farmer, Jeffersonville, son of M. B. Wright, (whose history appears in this work,) was born in this township, March 28, 1832. On the 15th of April, 1860, he was married to Miss Nancy Allen. Four children are the result of this union : Olive M., Almer A., Lucy R., and one who died in infancy. In August, 1862, Mr. Wright enlisted in Company K, 44th O. V. I., at Washington. In 1864 the entire company enlisted in Company K, O. V. C., and served until the close of the war, when they were honorably discharged. He received an injury while in the 706 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. service that will be a detriment to him through life. Has a farm of sixty-eight acres, well improved, situated one and three-fourth miles north of Jeffersonville. JOHNSON W. WRIGHT. Johnson W. Wright, farmer, Jeffersonville, is a son of James and Nancy (Johnson) Wright, who were natives of Virginia. They were married in Ross County, this state, about 1802, and remained there a short time, and then removed to Pike County, where Mrs. Wright died in 1845, aged sixty-eight years. Mr. Wright died in Illinois in 1842, aged about seventy-two years. They had a family of nine children, all of whom lived to maturity. Our subject, who is the youngest, was born August 15, 1825, and has been twice married. December 22, 1852, be was married to Miss Mary E. Wright, who bore him one child, Charles W. She died March 15, 1866. On the 22d of June, 1868, he was united with Miss Mary F. Carr. Two children are the result of this marriage : Amy A. and Isy G. ; the latter died June 11, 1871. Mr. Wright has a farm of forty-five acres, well improved, situated one and one-half mile north of Jeffersonville. Is a member of the Masonic fraternity of Jeffersonville. His second wife was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. REBECCA WRIGHT. Rebecca (Carr) Wright, Jeffersonville, was born in this county, March 29, 1813. On the 2d of January, 1830, she was married to Mathias B. Wright, who, with a Mr. Horney, bought the land where Jeffersonville now stands, and laid out the town in 1830. Mr. Wright died July 3, 1876, aged sixty-eight years. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, and came to this county with his parents when about nine years of age. They had a family of ten children : Walter S., Mary E., Amanda J., Mathias K., Ruhama A., John M., William C., Sarah E., Frank M., and one who died in infancy. Mary E., William C., and Amanda J., are deceased. The surviving ones are all married. Walter married Miss Nancy Allen, of this county, and had four children, three living. Mary E. married Johnson W. Wright, of this county, and has one child. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 707 Ruhama married Joseph W. Haymaker, of this county, and has five children. Mathias K., born September 6, 1838, married Miss Maria L. Hooker, of Fairfield County, (born June 9, 1841,) on the 18th of April, 1861. He has a farm of one hundred acres, situated one-half mile north of Jeffersonville. He is one of Fayette County's prominent stock dealers, and deals largely in Poland-China hogs, and fine sheep. Has taken several premiums at county fairs; also at the Tri-State Fair, Toledo, and the Southern Ohio Fair, Dayton. John M. married Miss Catharine Milburn, of Greene County. They have four children. Sarah E. married Peter T. Wigginton, of this county, and has five children. Frank married Miss Laurinda Jackson, of this county. They have two children. Mrs. Wright lives in Jeffersonville. She and Mr. Wright were members of prominent pioneer families. The family is of good repute, and highly respected. Mrs. Wright, John, and Amanda are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Wright and M. K. were members of the Universalist Church, where M. K. still retains his membership.