SUMMARY. We have now endeavored to unfold the history of this county, from its earliest settlement to the present. While it has been impossible to note each fact specifically, in the process of its evolution, or enter into the details of each step in its development, yet we have taken it in its infancy, and during its initial, tottering steps, we have guided it with care, and as the framework of its organism grew into shape, and its proper functions gave it strength and direction, so have we, in proportion withdrawn the minutia of our description, until now she stands before us in perfection, the exponent of her own beauty and power, from which she can look back to her feeble genesis and exclaim, Ultima thule! Look in the past, and see the four posts supporting poles, covered with brush, leaves and earth, that protected the first mill, in its transition to the round log, the hewed log, the frame, and finally the brick, and steam: From the huge boulder, rudely fashioned into a millstone, with a boy to turn the bolting apparatus, to the present grand flouring establishments of endless capacity; from the little copper still, to the immense manufactories of rot-gut and tangle-foot; from the old-fashioned flax-break to swingling and fulling, the spinning-wheel and tow to the carding mill and spinning jenny, with its thousand spools. The former process is so peculiar, that we describe it in this connection. In fulling the homemade clothing in this county, the neighboring men gathered at the house of one of their number—say six or eight. Taking seats on the old-fashioned split-bottom chairs, in a circle, with a rope around the backs to keep them in place, and with the web of cloth in the center, and with pants rolled up, they placed their feet so as to press in concentric opposition to each other, and a good woman, with gourd in hand to dampen the web with hot soap-suds, they worked, kicking and pushing against the cloth, till a late hour at night, when the woman of the house, with yardstick. measured the shrinkage, and finding .it complete, pronounces it " thick enough," and the process 1024 1025 is finished. From " hog and hominy, venison, potatoes, corn, bread, sassafras or spicewood tea, to pies, pastries, and preserves, baking-powder, biscuit, etc. ; from rosy cheeks, round waists, and sound lungs, to arsenic hue, sunken chests, attenuated coupling; from the sugar-trough, to the rosewood, automatic crib; from the old wooden mold-board, with attachments, and held together by hickory withes, collar of leather, stuffed with husks, to which a hemp rope was tied, and with a boy on the horse—it is said that this unique machine among the beech roots, would kick a man down, kick him over the fence, and kick at him after he was over —from this grotesque apparatus we pass to the glittering steel mold-board, gliding smoothly between two wheels, surmounted by a whistling boy, while the furrow is turned unbroken from end to end: from the shovel-plow, the barefooted boy, and the hoe, we pass to the modern planter, which furrows out, drops, and covers the corn; from the sickle we go to the self-binder; from the flail, and the hoof of the horse, and winnowing sheet, to the steam separator; from the blazed path, meandering through the woods, to the countless turnpikes; from the lumbering ox team, to the lightning speed of the railway ; the corduroy bridge in the shady swamp is succeeded by the magnificent iron structures that now span our streams ; from the circle around the fire, shelling the corn by hand, to the steampower capacity of a thousand bushels a clay; from the hickory bark bureau and clothes-press, to the inlaid productions of the cabinet-maker; from the three-legged stool, that only would stand on the pioneer floor, in its transitions to that acme of sedentary bliss, the reclining, recovered mahogany chair; from the homespun linsey-woolsey, to the flounced silk and satin polonaise and real point lace; from the plain sunbonnet, to the coronal flower garden; from the rude log cabin, stick chimney, capacious fireplace, greased paper window, to the brown stone front, polished base burner, French plate, and silver call ; from the old dandy wagon, to the elliptic spring phaeton. Such were the times then ; such are the times, customs, and people of today ; and we may conclude, in the words of Cicero, 0 temapora, 0 more.! The old fireside home " Where, piled with care, the nightly stack Of wood against the chimney back; The oaken log, green, huge, and thick, And on its top the stout back stick; 1026 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. The knotty fore stick laid apart, And filled between, with curious art, The ragged brush; then hovering near, We watched the first red blaze appear, Heard the sharp crackle, caught the gleam, On whitewashed wall and sagging beam, Until the old, rude-furnished room Burst, flower-like, into rosy bloom," Where nuts were cracked, and turnips scraped, and the good old dog and cat lay snoozing by the fire, have all given place to the fashioned blazonry of modern art, style, and stiff formality. ADDENDA. Since the commencement of this work, much matter has been contributed which we deem necessary to a complete and accurate history. We therefore subjoin it in these addenda. UNION TOWNSHIP. BANKS AND BANKING. The first bank established in Washington was known as the Fayette County Bank—James Pursell, cashier. Its books were opened for business in October, 1858, and it was located, at that time, on the north side of Court, near the west corner of Fayette Street, in a small one-story brick building, which stood on ground east of, and adjoining that whereon the Peoples and Drovers Bank building now stands. Its location was subsequently changed to the south side of Court Street, in the second story of the brick building west of, and adjoining the then Kirk House, now Arlington Hotel block, where its business was conducted until January, 1867, its assets then being transferred to the First National Bank, that institution having negotiated for, and purchased its business interests. January 19, 1864, the First National Bank was organized by the election of a board of directors, as follows : Daniel McLean, Thomas B. Thornton, William McElwain, Anthony Allen, Curran Millikan, James Beatty, and Charles Vanpelt. Daniel McLean was afterwards elected president, and Thomas A. Claypoole was appointed cashier, the latter being the first practical banker engaged in banking operations here. He had previously been employed as teller in the Fayette County Bank. The books of the First Na- 1027 1028 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. tional were opened for business in March, 1864, at which time it was located in rooms on the north side of Court, near the west corner of Main Street. The subscribed capital stock of the First National Bank, at date of its organization, was $75,000 ; but its paid up capital, at time of commencement of business, was but $50,000; nor was the subscribed capital fully paid until the November following. In January succeeding, however, it was increased to $100,000, and in July, 1871, the paid up capital of the bank was $200,000. In November, 1875, the business of the Fayette County National Bank, by consent of stockholders, was transferred to, and consolidated with that of the First National Bank, and thereby the capital of the latter bank was increased to $300,000. The First National was changed to a private bank (the Peoples and Drovers) in April, 1878. Its board of directors (October, 1881) is: Daniel McLean, Thomas B. Thornton, Micajah Draper, David Rogers, James H. Allen, Josiah Hopkins, and Aaron Ferneau. Its officers and clerical force is as follows : Daniel McLean, president; Thomas B. Thornton, vice president; R. A. Robinson, cashier; M. Herbert, teller; Frank Johnson and Van N. Ogle, bookkeepers. Mr. Johnson is keeper of the general and Mr. Ogle of the individual ledger. In January, 1867, T. A. Claypoole having resigned, R. A. Robinson was appointed cashier of the First National Bank, and since that time has, as cashier, superintended the business management, through its changes and mutations. He had for many years previous thereto been connected with the Fayette County Bank, and, as teller, conducted its business affairs. The Bank of Fayette (Pavey & Claypoole—Madison Pavey and Thomas A. Claypoole, special partners), commenced business February 1, 1867. Their banking room was located on the south side of Court Street, in the room now occupied by Smith & Howat, merchant tailors. Mr. Pavey purchased Mr. Claypoole's interest in the bank in February, 1870, and about one year thereafter, transferred the entire business interest to A. C. Johnson, who subsequently disposed thereof to the Fayette County National Bank. The Merchants and Farmers Bank was organized in January, 1872, by the election of a board of directors, as follows : M. Pavey, E. L. Ford, A. M. Stimson, J. W. Sayre, Henry Kirk, James Willis, and George Dahl. M. Pavey was subsequently elected ADDENDA - 1029 president, and Morris Sharp was appointed cashier. The bank commenced business in April, 1872, in its present location, on north side of Court Street, in the west room of the brick building formerly known as the Wilson House. BIOGRAPHICAL. MARTIN GROVE. Martin Grove is a son of Martin Grove, whose father, Martin, came to Virginia from Pennsylvania in his youth. Our subject's father was born in 1791, came to Ross County, Ohio, when twenty-three years of age, locating near Bush's Mill. He remained ten ' years, then settled on Paint Creek, near Washington, on land now owned by his son Martin. Prior to his removal, he was married to Mary, daughter of John Carner, whose family came to this state with them. They had seven children ; the living are : Noah, Christian, Isabella, relict of Joseph C. Cripps, deceased, and Martin. Upon arriving in this country, he and wife became members of the Presbyterian Church, where they always remained. He died in 1856; his wife survives him, is now eighty-seven years of age. and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Cripps. Our subject was born, March 29, 1831, on the old homestead, where he was educated in the common branches. He has lived in this county most of his life, engaged in farming on his father's land, then cultivated vegetables ; next conducted a dairy, and traded in cattle quite extensively. When this county determined to have pikes, he engaged in the work as contractor, building forty-one miles, which included the Chillicothe, Leesburg, State Road, Snow Hill, and part of the Good Hope pike, the time required for the construction of these thoroughfares, was three years. In 1871 Henry Wendel, L. C. Coffman, A. P. Kirk, and Mr. Grove erected the A. P. Kirk & Co. pork house, at Washington, conducted it two years, at the expiration of which he erected his present residence, then purchased an interest in the Jackson County coal laud, managed the erection of two twenty ton blast furnaces, thirty-one frame and eleven brick houses, which constitutes the town of Wellston ; still owns a controlling interest, and does an extensive business. The company is known as the " Wellston Coal and Iron Company." He also owns two coal shafts. He 1030 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. removed to his present farm in 1866. It is located two miles from Washington, on the Chillicothe pike, and contains eight hundred and thirty acres, well improved, and all cleared save forty acres. He has a fine two-story brick residence on the farm, which makes a beautiful country home. He was married, February 1857, to Jane, daughter of Samuel Coffman, who bore him eight children : Clara Belle, married to F. A. White, March 15, 1881 ; Sarah Jeanette, wedded to Charles D. Kinney, November 17, 1880, and residing at Walnut Hill, Cincinnati; Eva Mathilda, Martin Sherman, Charley C., Lillie Margaret, Lora J., and Samuel Vernon. Martin S., Lora J., and Samuel Vernon are deceased. Mrs. Grove was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and departed this life October 30, 1875. Mr. Grove was married, May 5, 1881, to Emma Connor, of Cincinnati. She is a daughter of Robert Connor and Susan Picknell, who were born and married Scotland, crossed the ocean in about 1835, and located in Cincinnati, where they lived until death. They were members of the Episcopal Church. Our subject's wife and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Washington. The Grove antecedants were Whigs, but since the annihilation of that party, our subject has been a Democrat. JOHN HAYS. John Hays, son of James Hays, and grandson of Robert and Margaret (Maguire Hays, was born in Pike County, Ohio, January 19, 1841, where he spent most of his youthful days. He married Annie Russell, of Scioto County, Ohio, May 12, 1867, who bore him five children : Ida M., Harry C., Ethel C., Orlando, Florence. Ethel and Orlando have passed to the spirit land. Mr. Hays settled in Union Township on what has long been known as the Davis land, of which he owns one hundred and eighty acres, upon which he has erected a substantial and commodious residence. He served three years in the 18th O. I. A., is a good, quiet citizen, a safe business man, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him. Mrs. Hays' grandfather was William Russell, who was born near Londondery, Ireland, about 1784, came to the United States in 1798, and joined his brother John in Philadelphia, who had preceded him to this country. After a few months he left Philadel- ADDENDA - 1031 phia, and stopped with one John Smith, and learned the hatter's trade. In 1800 he moved, with Mr. Smith, to Maysville, Kentucky. In 1808 Mr. Russell lest Kentucky and came to West Union, Ohio, where he married Nancy Wood, June 8, 1809. He represented Adams County in the State Legislature, from 1811 to 1813, and in the State Senate from 1818 to 1820. In 1825 he represented Adams, Brown, Highland, Clinton, and Fayette counties ; in 1833 the Ross district, in all eight years. e delivered his farewell address in congress, February 21, 1843. No man in public life ever maintained during the severe trials of many heated contests a purer reputation, and was regarded by all as the honest member. He died at his residence, in Scioto County, September 27, 1845. His wife, Nancy (Wood) Russell, was of English descent, born in New Jersey, about 1790, and died, February 21, 1856. Mrs. Hays' father, Robert Russell, was born in West Union, Ohio, in 1816, came to Scioto County, with his father's family, in 1833, and married Sarah Heroedh, of Scioto County, Ohio, in about 1840, who bore one son and one daughter. The son, Robert, is married, and at this writing lives in Scioto County. Annie, the daughter, married John Hays, of Pike County, Ohio. Her father died, September 27, 1845, the same night, and within two hours of the time her grandfather, William Russell, died. Mrs. Hays received her education in the Portsmouth, Ohio, schools. She has been a member of the Baptist Church from youth. She is a good neighbor, wife, and mother. S. F. KERR. S. F. Kerr was born in Pendleton County, Virginia, October 21, 1805, and in 1811, removed with his parents, Michael and Mary Kerr, to Fayette County, Ohio. Here, amid the rural scenes that surround the romantic little village of Jeffersonville, his early boyhood was passed. Although reared to agricultural pursuits, he had an insatiable thirst after knowledge. His opportunities for gratifying it, however, were meagre, as books were scarce, and difficult to obtain. He determined to have an education, and he succeeded. He became a scientist and a scholar. As an astronomer, he was quite proficient. Not in that branch of science alone did he excel, but also in philosophy and chemistry. Having a military spirit, and taking a great interest in the militia of the county, he was 1032 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. elected captain at the age of twenty, and before the age of twenty-two, was promoted to the rank of colonel, by which title he was best known in after life. In 1848, he was elected and received his commission as brigadier-general of the fourth brigade, tenth division, of the Ohio militia. Choosing the law as his profession, he was admitted to the bar in 1835, and was elected prosecuting attorney the same year, which office lie held for several terms. In 1833, he was married to Mrs. Sarah Catharine (Dawson) Phelps, by whom he had eight children, three of whom survive. His wife dying, he married, June 2, 1870, Miss Susan Jeannette Shannon. After a lingering illness of several months, he departed this life March 17, 1881. His wife and his three surviving children, Mrs. Lucy Smith, of Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Hattie C. Lydy, of Cincinnati, and Mrs. Kate Rickley, of Ottawa, Illinois, still survive to mourn their irreparable loss. As a lawyer, "he had the highest sense of professional dignity and honor. His compeers were the old lawyers of renown of southern Ohio—Thomas Ewing, Hunter, Allen G. Thurman, Bond, Dickey, Douglass, Nelson Barrere, Robert Robinson, and their contemporaries. With such associates he learned the law, and from them, the duties and amenities of the lawyer. He was eminent in the profession, particularly in land law and land litigation. In this department of the law, he was a mine of information and knowledge." "Upon the adoption of our present constitution, in 1851, he was elected the first probate judge. e was afterward elected to the legislature ; twice to fill terms, and once to fill a vacancy. The code that followed the adoption of our present constitution, retired from active practice many of the old-time lawyers. Colonel Kerr, however, left the practice for a place on the bench, and from there to the legislature. But in his day, and before the code, and this, too, in the days of Loofbourrow, Willard, Rush, Dickey, Robinson, and others, he was the acknowledged leader of the bar." One of his associates says of him : " Sometimes, as is usual with attorneys, I have for the moment felt that he was harsh in his rulings; yet, after mature reflection, and more careful inquiry into his motives and reasons for his decrees, I have always found, as I do now, in looking back over his life, a golden cord of integrity and honesty of purpose encircling all his official acts and decisions, which, in my memory of him, will always be bright. I have rep- ADDENDA - 1033 resented the cause of the rich and the poor in his court, and I have always found that the poor and oppressed, who appealed to him for redress of wrongs, or supposed grievances, suffered at the hands of the more independent oppressors, found in him a tender and sympathetic regard for their cause ; and if the scales of justice, as they stood poised in his hands, were swerved one hair from the stern rule of law and right, it was always on the side of mercy." Now he is gone—full of years and honors, and as a sheaf of wheat fully ripe. As we viewed his narrow tenement house, all covered with velvety black, and beheld the sheaf of wheat resting upon the coffin, to us it seemed .the symbol of fullness and plenty on earth; and may it not be said to be typical of that fullness and richness of life everlasting, which, we trust and believe, is today the inheritance of Colonel S. F. Kerr. JOHN L. VANDEMAN. John L. Vandeman, retired merchant, is a son of Mathias Vandeman, who was a native of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio in 1801. He located on a. farm on Peer Creek, in Ross County, where the remained a few years, and then he moved to a site on the North Fork of Paint Creek, where he resided until the year 1816, when he finally settled in this county, which became his permanent home. He was an active participant in the war of 1812. He died at a very advanced age, at his farm, near Washington, October, 1870. His wife survived him ten years, and died in her ninety-first year, in 1880, at the residence of our subject. Mr. Vandeman was born September 30, 1810, in Ross County, this state, and married Miss Rebecca P. Wilson, in March, 1839. He passed the earlier years of his life on the farm and at school, spending two years at the Ohio University, at Athens, subsequently taught school. In 1834, he commenced clerking in a dry goods store in Washington, and after an experience of four years in the business in 1838 engaged in the dry goods business on his own account, in Washington. He soon became one of the largest, as well as one of the most successful merchants of the county. He continued in the business for nearly forty years, during which time he became the owner of a large amount of valuable property. Mr. Vandeman has done much in the way of building up the town of Wash- 1034 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. ington. The block of buildings erected by him a few years since, on Court and Main streets, still bearing his name, is an honor to the builder as well as a great ornament to the town. Mr. Vandeman has retired from business, and with his most excellent wife is living in their magnificent mansion, in the southwestern portion of the town. They have been for many years connected with the Presbyterian Church, taking a very lively interest in its welfare. In politics, he is a staunch Republican. They are the parents of four children; one deceased and three living. His son, John Newton, has been one of the active business men of Washington for a number of years, being engaged in the mercantile business with his father for many years; but a few years ago, he ceased said business and went into the practice of law. lie is now a member of the bar, of Washington, doing a good business, with bright prospects for the future. He buried his wife during the spring of the present year. This to him was a great loss, for she was not only the mother of several children, but was one of the very best women of the town ; she had but few equals, and probably no superiors as a wife and mother. The other son, George P. Vandeman, is married and resides at the present time in California, and is engaged in a general commission business. The daughter, Maggie V. Ustick, is the wife of Theodore Ustick. They reside in the same mansion, owned and occupied by her parents. She is a woman of culture and force of character. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. JEFFERSONVILLE LODGE. Jeffersonville Lodge, No. 468, F. & A. M., was organized, January 31, 1873, by Col. C. Garris, of Washington, C. H. Charter members : Mills Gardner, P. F. Johnson, James Straley, L. A. Elster, E. H. Bendle, Horney Robinson, J. C. Morris, William Wood, W. J. Horney, George Miller, Asberry Moon, J. W. Roebuck, W. F. Roebuck, G. L. Bush, and Urban Hidy. The first officers were as follows: Mills Gardner, W. M.; P. F. Johnson, S. W.; James Straley, J. W.; P. J. Popejoy, secretary. From the organization until 1875 Mills Gardner held the office of W. M., when the was ADDENDA - 1035 succeeded by L. A. EIster, who continued until 1878, being followed by J. W. Roebuck, who served in this capacity until 1880. Present officers: L. A. Elster, W. M. ; J. T. Lott, S. S.; J. W. Homey, .J. W.; W. C. Rickards secretary ; J. B. Fent, treasurer; J. W. Roebuck, S. D.; J. W. Howard, J. D.; J. F. McKillip, tyler; James Straley and W. J. Homey, stewards. List of Master Masons belonging to this lodge: W. W. Allen, Abel Armstrong, E. H. Bendle, G. L. Bush, O. V. Creamer, J. R. Conner, James Dobbins, L. A. Elster, J. B. Fent, C. W. Gray, Urban Hidy, J. W. Horney, W. J. Horney, John Hieronimus, J. W. Howard, J. W. Jones, J. T. Lott, George Miller, Asberry Moon, C. R. Marshall, J. F. McKillip, J. W. Roebuck, W. F. Roebuck, Horney Robinson, W. C. Rickards, James Straley, J. L. Straley, William Wood, David Creamer, Charles B. Coe, George A. Gaskill, and J. N. Yates. JASPER TOWNSHIP. BIOGRAPHICAL. LEVI RICE. Levi Rice is the son of James and Elizabeth Rice, who were natives of Virginia. Mr. Rice was in the war of 1812, and soon after its close married and moved to Ohio and settled in Lick Township, Jackson County, where he still lives. He is now eighty-eight years old, having resided on the same farm since the close of the war of 1812. He has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church nearly all these years. He is a hale, hearty, happy old man. His first wife died without any children. The fruits of the second marriage were ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Five of the children are dead and five are living. The second wife is dead and the old gentleman is married to his third wife, by whom he has three children. Levi, our subject, is by the second wife, and was born, December 9, 182G; married, October 19, 1848, Ann, daughter of James Shepard. They have eight children, five daughters and three sons : James Wesley, married and lives in the neighborhood. Ann also 1036 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. married and resides in the neighborhood. Joseph R. is single, and at home with his parents, as is also Ella Z. Virginia C. is married and lives on the farm near her father. Samuel C. died in infancy. Melissa A. is single and at home with her parents. Mary M. is a young lady, single, and at home with her parents. She is noted for her intelligence and piety. She has written many articles, especially on religious subjects, which have attracted much attention. Mr. Rice removed from Jackson County to Pickaway County in 1863, and remained there three years, when he removed to Ross County, and settled on the waters of Paint Creek ; remained seven years, and in 1873, he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Fayette and Clinton counties, known as a part of the Trimble land, situated on the line of the counties of Fayette and Clinton, on the north side of the Wilmington and Washington pike, some three miles east of Sabina. He soon removed to this farm, where he now resides. Mr. Rice is a quiet, sensible, well-to-do farmer ; has his farm paid for, and is in prosperous circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Rice, with all their children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican, and is a staunch temperance man. CONCORD TOWNSHIP. BIOGRAPHICAL. JAMES G. BEATTY. James G. Beatty, farmer and stock raiser, is the son of Judge James Beatty, who was a native of Virginia, being born in 1793 and came to the State of Ohio, as a hale, stout young man, in 1818. He located in the northwestern portion of Fayette County, built a cabin, cleared a small portion of land, and remained about one year, when he returned to his old home in Virginia. In the following spring, he returned to his new home in Ohio, bringing his father's family with him, and locating them in his cabin. He was united in wedlock to Miss Margaret Gibson, the fruits of which were three sons: Isaac N., Charles Milton, and James G. Some two months after the birth of our subject, the wife and mother ADDENDA - 1037 died. The father remarried, and lived a long and useful life, filling many positions of trust and honor in his county, acting as one of the associate judges of the court for many years, and died but a few years since. Although our subject was deprived of his mother by death when but two months old, he was kindly cared for by an affectionate stepmother, grew up to be a man, and married for his wife Miss Avy Caroline, daughter of Isaac House. They at once commenced housekeeping in Paint Township. In 1856, Mr. Beatty purchased the old Leonard Bush farm, on the west bank of Sugar Creek, on the line of Concord and Jasper townships, adjoining the village of Jasper Mills. He soon moved to this farm, and has resided there ever since. This farm contains some two hundred acres of land, and is regarded as one of the best in the county, on account of its fertility of soil and its condition. Mr. and Mrs. Beatty have had but one child, a son, Talcott, who is a very worthy young man, now married, and living in a fine new house, which He has just erected on his father's farm, adjoining the village of Jasper Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Beatty have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. But few men are more fully identified with the interests of the church, than is Mr. Beatty. In politics he is a Republican, and a thorough temperance man. He is one of the solid, correct, thorough men of the county. MATTHEW W. MARKS. The father of our subject was Peter Marks, who, with his wife, were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio, and settled near the town of Frankfort, in Ross County, about the year 1810, or 1811. They were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters. The daughters are all dead. The sons are living. They remained but a short time in Ross County, removing to Fayette County, and locating on the west bank of Sugar Creek, about one mile south of the village of Jasper Mills, in Concord Township, where our 'subject was born, August 30, 1821. Mr. Marks was married to Miss Hannah Kirkpatrick, August 21, 1842. They at once commenced housekeeping on his father's farm, and in process of time he purchased the home farm from his father, where he has continuously lived since his birth. His father and 1038 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. mother lived with him on the old homestead for quite a !lumber of years. They both died within a few days of each other, in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Marks have children born unto them: John Wesley, married, lives in New Holland, Pickaway County; Susan Emeline, wife of John Miller, lives in Ross County; Lewis P., married, is a minister of the gospel, and a member of the Ohio Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and stationed at Hanging Rock, on the Ohio River; Elizabeth II., wife of Rev. Isaac Sollars, a Methodist minister, stationed at Rossville, Muskingum County, Ohio; Rachel F., wife of C. Slagle, resides in Ross County; Aden E., married, lives on his father's farm ; Effie J., wife of Rev. Joseph Seabrook, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now stationed at Massieville, Ross County; Annie L. and James D. are still single, and remain at home with their parents; Marion Fletcher, Mary Catharine, and Dora Estella, are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Marks have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church all of their married lives, taking a deep interest in religious matters, and as a result, their children are all members of' the same church ; one son in the ministry, and three daughters the wives of ministers. Mr. Marks owns a most excellent farm, where he resides, and where he has spent his whole life, and is out of debt. He is a Republican in politics, and is a staunch temperance man. This is one of the most excellent families of Fayette County. But few parents so fully appreciate the goodness of the Lord, as do Matthew Marks and his most excellent wife. COUNTY OFFICERS. PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. it appears that Col. S. F. Kerr was elected to this office in 1835, and served until about 1841 or 1842. SHERIFFS. It is said that Joseph Bloomer succeeded Aaron Johnson in 1828, and after serving two terms, retired two years, and was re-elected, and served in all eight years. ADDENDA - 1039 OFFICIAL LIST FOR 1881. Representative—H. L. Hadley. Prosecuting Attorney—F. G. Carpenter. Treasurer—I. N. Rowe. Clerk of Court—E. W. Welsheimer. Probate Judge—T. N. Craig. Recorder—J. R. Sutherland. Commissioner—R. S. Eyre. Infirmary Director—Thomas Larrimer. ERRATA. On page 224, line seven, for " this," read Greene. On page 454, line seventeen, for " H Ellis," read W. J. Horney, On page 519, for " D. Furtwaugh," read D. Furtwangler. On page 697, for " Mary S. Patten," read Mary S. Parrett.