842 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. BIOGRAPHICAL. JOHN Q. ADAMS. John Q. Adams, farmer, was born in Perry Township, December 9, 1839, and is a son of Albert and Nancy (Coffey) Adams, natives of Pennsylvania. The father came with his parents in about 1810, and located in Perry Township. The mother, a daughter of John and Ruth Coffey, who came to this state in 1797, and lived near Chillicothe, then in 1800, removed to Greenfield, Highland County, and were among the first who settled in that village. Mr. Coffey was the first tavern keeper, and the first justice of the peace in Greenfield, and a little child of his was the first white person buried in the place. The family of Albert Adams consisted of ten children : Ruth, Robert, Isabella, John Q., Samuel, Albert, three infants, and Nancy V.; those deceased, are three infants, Albert, and Samuel. The subject of this sketch spent his youth on the farm, received the rudiments of a common school education, and was married April 6, 1865, to Louisa J., daughter of Isaac and Mary Ann (Holliday) Anderson, who were the parents of three children : Louisa J., Sarah E., and Robert C. Mr. and Mrs. Adams were blessed with the following named children : Minnie R., Harley I., Albert E., Mary B. and Isaac M. ; Minnie R., Harley I. and Mary B. have passed to the other shore. Mr. Adams has about fifty-six acres of land, in a superior state of cultivation, situated on the Greenfield and Good Hope pike, four miles south of the latter place, and also a good farm in Mis- WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 843 souri. He and his wife are exemplary Christians, and members of the First Presbyterian Church, of Greenfield ; Mrs. Adams having been a member sixteen years, and associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church prior to her marriage. He has never aspired to any office, and is a Republican in politics. Mr. Adams participated in the " late unpleasantness," being a private in Company C, 81st O. V. I. He was enlisted for three years; his regiment did noble service at the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Atlanta, and his time expired on the morning of the evacuation of Atlanta. He entered as private and was promoted to color sergeant. The 81st was made up principally of Highland County men, and was known as one of the most gallant regiments in the field. DR. ABRAHAM BAKER. Dr. Abraham Baker, physician, is a son of Abraham and Mary (Bowan) Baker, both natives of Pennsylvania, but removed to Kentucky at an early day. By this marriage there were twelve children : Elizabeth, John, Joel, Abraham, Mary, Delia, Bowman C., Nancy, Hester, Aaron, Moses, Matilda; the deceased being Elizabeth, John, Joel, Delia, Aaron, Moses, and Matilda. Our subject was born in Kentucky, where he spent his youth. He attended Augusta, Kentucky, College, and graduated at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati; soon after he began practicing medicine at Dover, Kentucky ; he next practiced at Hillsborough, remaining nine years, then removed to Winchester, Indiana, where he spent ten years, thence removed to Frankfort, Ohio. He devoted six years to the practice of medicine in that place, and, in 1868, removed to Good Hope, where he still resides. Our subject was married to Marion, daughter of Judge Walker, of Athens County, this state ; one child being the fruit of this union : Joseph M. She dying, he subsequently married Jane A., oldest daughter of Judge Carrothers, of this county; there being four children by this marriage : James, Henry, Mary, Horatio Nelson; the first three are deceased. His second wife died, and he again married Lucy A., daughter of General Waddle, of Hillsborrough. There were two children, Hester Emma, and John, both living. Our subject in his younger days was a traveling preacher in the 844 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his wife are members of the same church, he holds the position of elder. JOSEPH M. BRIGGS. Joseph M. Briggs, farmer, is a son of Charles Briggs, of Ross County, and was born December 29, 1842. He was reared in Ross County, and married December 30, 1869, to Sarah J., daughter of Abram McCoy, living near Washington. The union was blessed by three children : Luther, Lora May, and Maggie Catherine ; all living. January 31, 1871, he removed to his present farm, located five miles from Washington, on the Chillicothe pike, and contains one hundred and fifty-seven acres, well improved and adorned by a handsome residence, which was principally erected by himself. He donated to the Camp Grove school district, one and one-fourth acres of land, on which has been erected one of the finest school houses in the county. August 15, 1863, he went out with the 4th Ohio (Independent) Cavalry; was out nine months, doing active service. He was the fourth sergeant, and refused to be commissioned captain because of continued ill-health. The regiment, received ammunition, etc., at Camp Dennison, then proceeded to East Tennessee, making their headquarters at Cumberland Gap, from whence they scouted in various places. At Jonesborough, they met the enemy in a bend, both galloping at full speed and neither aware that the other was approaching ; our forces were overwhelmingly victorious. Mrs. Briggs is an exemplary member of the Camp Grove Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of Temple Lodge No. 227, I. O. O. IF., at Washington. He has been a Democrat since childhood, and been school director for six years, and has taken a deep interest in educational matters, employing good teachers at a liberal salary. He farms to grain and stock. JOHN H. BRYANT. John H. Bryant, farmer, was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 24, 1824, and in the following year removed with his parents to this county. His father was Benjamin Bryant, who WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 845 married Susanna Harper; by her he had eleven children, nine of whom are living. The family settled on Compton Creek, on the land now owned by Robert Gilmore. Being poor, the elder Bryant was unable to purchase but little land, to which he added, however, from time to time. Six years later they removed to the North Fork of Paint, on the present Speakman farm ; then removed to Washington, where he (Benjamin) died. He was born in 1794, and died in 1869; his wife, born 1802, died in 1866. Our subject was married in 1847, to Mary Carder, of Ross County, who bore him seven children : Susanna, Cornelius, Charles E., Anna, and George W. The deceased are Franklin Pierce, and Eliza Jane. Mrs. Bryant was a devout member of the Christian Church, and departed this life July 9, 1879. October 18, 1880, Mr. Bryant was married to Susan, daughter of Mathew Gilmore, of Ross County. Of his children, Charles married Emma Louderman; Cornelius married Mary Mallow, of Ross County; Susanna married Elwood Porter, of Pickaway County. Mr. Bryant is a member of the Christian Church, at New Holland ; a Democrat politically ; contributed toward carrying on the late war; owns one hundred and five acres of land, on the New Holland road, which is nicely improved ; farms chiefly to grain, and raises hogs successfully. GEORGE WASHINGTON DAVIS. George Washington Davis, farmer, is a son of Daniel Davis, who was born and reared in Loudon, Virginia, and married Malinda Gee, of Maryland, which resulted in seven children : Thomas, David, George W., Mary, Robert, Joseph, and Stephen H. Our subject alone survives; Robert died at Good Hope, April 2, 1881. In the fall of 1818, he located on the farm now owned by William Brannon, but one year later moved to the present farm of our subject. With the exception of a small clearing, all was woods ; the house they occupied being a rude cabin. The land, one hundred and thirty acres, was purchased by William McLaughlin, a portion of the purchase money being paid to General Massie, who held a mortgage for the same, which was a part of the Baron Steuben survey. He was a shoemaker and cooper, enjoying a large patronage. His usual charge for making a pair of shoes was twenty-five cents. Being lame, he did not participate 846 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. in the war of 1812, but had several brothers in the service. His wife was a member of the Catholic Church. He was no church member, but an honest and good citizen, and died May, 1840; she, September, 1864. Our subject was born June 22, 1807, in Loudon County, Virginia, and came to this township with his parents. He has lived on this farm, save four years, from 1839 to 1845, when he lived on the Hillsborough road. Most of the clearing on his land was done by him. He was married December 1, 1831, to Susan, daughter of William Pace, of the same neighborhood. She bore him eight children : Infant Emily, Armanus, Ann J., James, Scott IL, Henry Clay, Milton, Mildred ; Infant and Mildred are deceased. All of the sons were in the late war : Armanus and Scott in the one hundred days service, at Cynthiana; James in the 114th O. V. I., at Vicksburg, Black River Bridge, etc.; Scott volunteered again at the end of his one hundred days enlistment; Milton was in the 2d Ohio Heavy Artillery; Henry in the 74th O. V. I., one of the most gallant regiments in the service. Henry was slightly disabled, and James went through heavy trials, but came out unharmed. All honor to this family, and their heroic devotion to the country. Mr Davis is a Republican, having cast his first vote for John Q. Adams. He has been constable, and a member of the Township Board of Education for many years, assisting in erecting several of the present fine school houses. Mr. Davis owns one hundred and thirty-five acres of land, on the Good Hope pike, well improved, which is farmed by his sons, Scott and Milton, to grain and stock. JAMES M. DAVIS. James M. Davis, son of G. W. Davis, born March 11, 1840, in Union Township, reared in this, and married February 3, 1866, to Margaret E., daughter of David and Dicy Dowell, of Highland County, who bore him six children : Lincoln, Grant, George, Jane, Nellie Bly, and Alice May ; the latter deceased. He and family are exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the war he started as a private in Company " C," 114th O. V. I., and was promoted to lieutenant; was out two years and four months; WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 847 engaged in all the battles around Vicksburg, and many of the heaviest actions during the war. In the spring of 1864, his regiment participated in the " Red River Campaign." He was honorably discharged, December 27, 1864. He has always been a staunch Republican. He came to his present location in 1870; owns eleven and a half acres of land, on which he has been making tile ever since its purchase. He runs his factory by steam, and has introduced all the late improvements for the manufacture of this indispensible article. He makes about seven thousand rods a year, and never has any quantity on band, a sufficient guarantee of good workmanship. JESSE M. DEWITT. Jesse M. Dewitt, son of John Dewitt, sr., the pioneer of this township, whose sketch will be found elsewhere, was born March 4, 1826, on the farm he now occupies, which is the homestead, where he was reared, and obtained the rudiments of a common school education, attending an old antiquated log school house three months during the winter season of each year. He lived on the farm all his life, and was never away from home more than forty days at one time. He was married, February, 1862, to Mary J., daughter of Elisha and Rebecca Taylor, at that time residents of this county ; the father was a native of Fairfield County, near Lancaster. This union resulted in eight children : Charlie, Minnie, Carrie, Harry, Birdie, Dailie, Lottie, and Clay, all living. Mr. Dewitt spent about one thousand seven hundred dollars to help prosecute the late war, though not an active participant. He owns part of the old homestead, which contains one hundred and forty-four and three-quarter acres of land, and is well improved. He still occupies the old brick, erected by his father in 1822; his land is located on the Chillicothe pike. He is a respected citizen, and good neighbor; votes the Democratic ticket, but is no politician. JACOB L. DIVENS. Jacob L. Divens was born in this township, August 16,1835, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Depoy) Divens; he is a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Virginia; they were married in this state, and removed to this county. They had ten children, of which our 848 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. subject is the seventh. He obtained an ordinary education, then went to farming, his present business. He was married, September 21, 1867, to Olive Ann, daughter of Dr. Culy, of Good Hope, who bore him four children: Orie A., Josephine M., and two who died in infancy. He assisted in driving back the famous Morgan, who came so near spreading desolation and woe in this state. In 1870, he purchased eighty-one acres of land on the Holland road, two and one-half miles from Good Hope, and has since added twenty-six acres, all of which is in a good state of cultivation. He also has in operation an extensive tile factory, and turns out about fifteen miles of drainage tile in a year; is a Republican in politics. MRS. JACOB EYMAN. The family of Peter Eyman came to this state in 1810, and he followed one year later. They were natives of Hardee County, Virginia. The family consisted of five boys and seven girls. They came West by wagons and pack horses. One of the sons, Abram, brought with him sprouts, with which was planted the first orchard in this locality, and some of the trees still bear fruit. They settled on Whetstone Run, where they remained one year, then purchased the Erskine survey, No. 12037, of the notorious Harper, and in the absence of a clear title, had to purchase the land a second time. Peter Eyman married Hannah Whetstone, of Virginia. Both were members of the German Baptist denomination. She died in 1842; he in 1844. Jacob Eyman was born in Hardee County, Virginia, in 1798, and came to this township with the family, where he resided till his death. During his lifetime he increased the land to seven hundred and forty acres, and owned two additional farms, whose combined acreage was six hundred and two acres. In 1833, he married Phoebe, daughter of Moses Hopkins, of Ross County. She bore him four children : Melinda, Jesse, Peter, and Allen. Peter died in infancy; Melinda is the wife of Ananias Ware; Jesse and Allen live on the home farm. Mr. Eyman was a member of the German Baptist Church, to which his relict still belongs. His father, Peter, was a minister in this church. He never aspired to political offices, but devoted himself to farming. He departed this life August 30, 1879, aged eighty-one years, after a life of usefulness, leaving an interesting family to mourn their loss. WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 849 His widow still lives on the homestead, which contains, since the division, five hundred and twenty acres, well improved, and adorned by a beautiful dwelling, making it a desirable rural home. The children attend the Fairview German Baptist Church . One of the sons, Jesse, went out during the Morgan raid. STEPHEN GARINGER. Stephen Garinger, farmer, is the eighth of nine children, all of whom are living, married, and have families, always enjoyed good health, and were seldom, if ever, visited by physicians. He is the son of David Garinger, and was born April 17, 1844, on the home stead, where he was reared and educated. He farmed with his father till the spring of 1865, when he was married to Rebecca A. Borton, daughter of John Borton, a native of New Jersey, who removed to Clinton County, Ohio, and at present resides in Washington C. H. The union resulted in six children: Lizzie J., Kittie, Frank E., Artrella, Cary W., and Harley Dean. Mr. Garinger is a Democrat, politically. He began farming on the place he now occupies, in 1859, with his father. The farm on which he located in 1865, consists of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, mostly improved. The buildings are located on a little knoll, making a beautiful country home. He raises about one hundred acres of wheat, and a like quantity of corn, which he ships to Baltimore, Waverly, and New York, per the Ohio Southern road. He has threshed wheat and clover by steam for twelve years, to the satisfaction of all who employ him. He purchased the first McCormick self-binder in the state, having seen it at the Chicago exposition, in 1875. He also purchases young stock, and fattens the same for the trade. IRA J. GARINGER. Ira J. Garinger, farmer, is a son of David Garinger, who was born in this state, and whose parents were natives of Germany. He was married to Cyrene, daughter of James Yeoman, the result being nine children : Sarah, Angeline, Amanda, Albert, Samantha, Oce, Benton, Stephen, and our subject, who was born in this town-ship, January 1, 1848, was reared on the farm, and obtained a common school education. 850 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. He was married, December 18, 1863, to Lucy, daughter of John Smith, of Highland County, who bore him four children : Lutilla, Bertie, Ready Florence, and Levi—all living at home, and attending school. Mrs. Garinger is a member of the Pisgah Presbyterian Church, and an exemplary Christian. Mr. Garinger was raised on the farm he now occupies, which is located on the old Indian trace road, two and one-half miles west of Good Hope. He at present owns four hundred and six acres, in an excellent state of cultivation, and farms to both grain and stock successfully. WILLIAM L. GHORMLEY. William L. Ghormley, farmer, is a son of Thomas and Judith (Bonner) Ghormley, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared, married, and had born to them ten children, five sons and five daughters, our subject being the youngest, and only surviving one. William was born December 16, 1808, and came with his parents to this state in 1813, locating in Chillicothe, Ross County, with the father's brother, Hugh, the father of Hal Thomas Ghormley, of Chillicothe, and remained until the following fall, when the father came to Fayette, and located on the farm of five hundred acres, bought for two dollars and fifty cents per acre, of which our subject owns one hundred and eleven acres, now nicely improved, situated about three miles south of Good Hope, on which he lives. The parents died on this farm; the father, May 17, 1840, aged seventy-three years and five months, and the mother, June 3, 1839, aged sixty-eight years and seven months. Our subject was married, February 9, 1837, to Miss Hannah Batey, who bore him five children: Thomas N., John, Eliza, Hugh, and Mary J. Thomas died, November 9, 1864, of a disease contracted while in the war. He was a member of Company I, 81st O. V. I., and was a noble, worthy soldier, a dutiful son, and a good citizen. John and Eliza also are deceased. Hugh is married, and Mary J. is at home with her parents. This family, and our subject's father's family, were exemplary members of the Presbyterian Church. WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 851 HUGH GHORMLEY. Hugh Ghormley, farmer and stock dealer, is a son of William L. Ghormley, whose biography appears elsewhere, and was born at the old homestead, spending his youth on the farm, and obtaining a good education in the district school, and at Salem Academy, then engaged. in. farming, to which he has ever since been devoted, though he also deals in fine stock quite extensively. In September, 1875, he was married to Maggie J., daughter of Philip and Mary (Bennett) McWilliams, the union being blessed with one boy, George O. Mr. Ghormley lives on a farm containing sixty-six acres, and owns another of forty-four and three-quarter acres, both of which are on the pike between Good Hope and Greenfield, and are well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Ghormley are, and have been for some time, members of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenfield, and are esteemed and honored as good neighbors and consistent Christians. Being very young, he did not participate in the late rebellion, but lost a brother in the glorious cause. He is a Republican in politics; has been a member of the board of education for three years, and according to the verdict of his neighbors, has given good satisfaction in that capacity. HENTON HOPPES. Henton Hoppes was born in this township, four miles from Washington, April 22, 1819, and is the son of John Hoppes, a North Carolinian, who came to the state at an early day, and settled in Jackson County, then removed to the birthplace of our subject, where the remainder of his life was spent. Soon after his arrival in this township, he returned to North Carolina, where he took unto himself a wife, in the person of Nancy Brown. Together the young couple rode to Jackson County on pack horses, thence to this township, where they settled on fifty acres of land, purchased with money earned by the bride by weaving. The union resulted in twelve children, who all lived to maturity, save two : Polly, Jacob, Betsey, Jane, John, Nancy, Henton, Austin, Solomon, Margaret, Nancy P., and Henry ; the deceased being : Austin, Solomon, Jacob, Polly, Nancy, and Sarah. Mrs. Hoppes was a mem- 852 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. ber of the Paint Baptist Church, was immersed in the winter, when the ice was frozen thick, and died in the faith ; her husband was not a member of any church, but was known as an exemplary Christian man. Our subject was married, August 11, 1848, to Sarah, daughter of David and Serena (Yeoman) Garringer, who bore him eight children, those living being: Samuel B., John W., Henry D., Albert J., and Joseph H. He and family are members of the Paint Baptist Church; he holds the office of deacon and trustee. He assisted in the erection of Carr's Mills Baptist Church, in 1880, and has been greatly interested in the Lord's work. The Paint Baptist Church is located on land adjoining his farm, and, in 1880, the Scioto Predestinarian Baptist Association held their annual meeting in his beautiful grove. He purchased the farm on which he now resides, and which is situated near the village of Rock Mills, of Jackson Yoeman, January 23, 1865 ; it contained two hundred and eight acres, to which two have been added. He also owns a farm of eighty-six acres in Union Township, one of one hundred and thirty-four acres on Paint Creek, in the same township, and a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres in Jefferson Township ; the total valuation of his real estate being estimated at from forty-five thousand to fifty-five thousand dollars, which has been accumulated by hard labor and close economy, and is now in charge of himself and sons. He and family affiliate with the Democratic party ; are good citizens, and true Christians. His son John, is an ordained minister, a good speaker, and hard worker in the Master's cause. ELIJAH HOPKINS. Our subject was born, October 25, 1837, on the farm he now occupies, in an humble log cabin, which was vacated when he was eighteen months old. He was reared and educated on the farm. In 1869 he went to Greenfield, Highland County, and ran a flouring mill ; remained two years, then came back to the farm on which he has since resided. In March 1, 1850, he married Lucinda, daughter of John Gibson, who bore him six children: James Herbert, Lillie Florence, Harry Vernon, Emma Ethel, Hannah Leah, and Louis Frank, the latter departed this life at the age of twelve years. He and wife are members of the German Baptist Church, at Fairview, and are exemplary Christians. WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 853 Politically, he is a Republican ; has held the office of township trustee, and is at present a member of the township board of education; is Sabbath-school superintendent, and church deacon. Ile occupies a part of the Milton Heagler farm, and farms principally to grain. ALMER HEAGLER. Almer Heagler, son of Milton Heagler, who was born in Ross County, four or five miles southeast of his present residence, March 21, 1816, and was the son of Abram Heagler, a native of Virginia. He remained in Ross County until 1'850, when he removed to this township, taking possession of the brick house, now occupied by William Wells, on the Chillicothe pike, and engaged in farming. He was married in about 1850, to Abigail, daughter of Henry Dewitt, of this township, who bore him four children, two of which died in infancy ; those living are : Lawson, and Almer. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in that faith, February 14, 1856. Mr. Heagler was married again, December 24, 1862, to Sarah J., daughter of Thomas McCoy, who bore him four children : Dora, Orris, David S., and Ivy B., all living. She is a member of the Fairview Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was born, November 17, 1854, on the farm now occupied by Elijah Hopkins ; here he was reared and educated ; also attended school at Washington, and has since been on the farm. Politically, he is a Republican. He has under his control, and management, the Milton Heagler land, which contains one thousand two hundred acres, on the Chillicothe pike, and is in a fine state of cultivation. The home residence is a handsome two-story brick, situated on a beautiful lawn, and making one of the most desirable dwellings in the neighborhood. The land is farmed by tenants, and used in grazing cattle for others. Messrs. Almer Heagler and Elijah Hopkins are the sole owners of the " Eclipse Hog Ring," and the "Eclipse Hog Holder," which they manufacture at Washington. This ring and holder is indorsed and used by the most substantial stock raisers in the country, and has proved a success. 854 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. WILLIAM R. HUKILL. William R. Hukill, farmer, postmaster, and station agent, is a son of Noah Hukill, who was born in Ohio County, West Virginia, November 24, 1805, and is a son of Rachel and Latitia (Parr) Hukill. Richard Hukill, was a native of Maryland, started for the west when a boy, and stopped on the Ohio River in West Virginia. They came to this county in 1814, and settled in this township on a farm, now owned by John Mallow, purchasing a tract containing six or seven hundred acres, of Peter Harper; but discovering afterwards that their title was not good, left the land and came to the farm, now owned by A. Ware, where they remained till 1831, then removed to the farm now in possession of our subject. He died August 3, 1834 ; his wife in the same year. Both were members of the German Baptist Church, and died in that faith. Noah Hukill was married March 17, 1831, to Susan, daughter of Edward Smith, formerly of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and who emigrated from there in about the same year that witnessed the departure of the Hukills. The marriage was blessed by five children, those living being : Margaret, now Mrs. Dickson, living in Missouri, and our subject. She (Mrs. Noah H.,) was a member of the German Baptist Church, a good woman, and died March 28, 187 7. He is still living, and is the oldest living male settler in the locality, being seventy-six years of age. Our subject was born August 2, 1834, on his present farm where he has resided all his life, devoting himself to farming. In his youth, he attended a district school and obtained an ordinary education. He was married January 7, 1858, to Mary, daughter of Joseph Kelso, now living in Ross County. She bore him three children : Julia A., Elmer Buell, and Flora A., all living. Julia is the wife of N. J. Dahl, residing near Washington. He has been a cripple since childhood, hence could not participate actively during the late war, but assisted at home whenever he could. In the fall of 1860, be was elected justice of the peace, and has held that office ever since, holding commissions from the following governors : William Dennison, David Tod, J. D. Cox, R. B. Hayes, Edward F. Noyes, William Allen, and Richard M. Bishop; has also been township treasurer. He is postmaster at Convenience, having received his commission in 1878; has also been station agent WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 855 at Convenience, for the D. & S. E. Railroad, since October 26, 1878. He and his wife are members of the Camp Grove Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a strict temperance man, and a Democrat politically. He owns two hundred and three acres of land, on the Chillicothe pike, four and one-half miles from Washington, on which Convenience Station is located. EVAN JAMES. Evan James, farmer, is a native of Ross County, this state, born January 12, 1834, was reared, educated, and married to Miss Maggie, daughter of Washington Mains, May 28, 1858, in his native county He came to this county in 1860, located on the well improved farm, situated two and one-half miles north of Greenfield, on Good Hope pike, where he now lives and owns three hundred acres. He has a family of eight children : Mary, Frank, William, Edward, Eva, Altie, George and Charlie, all living save Altie, who died at the early age of five years. Our subject's parents, Reuben and Mary (Schhoofstall) James, were married in Virginia. They had a family of thirteen children ; our subject being the sixth one; ten of them survive; The parents removed to Ross County, this state, in 1820, where they died —he, March, 1877, aged eighty years; she, March, 1861, aged fifty-five years. They were exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died triumphantly. Our subject engaged in subduing the notorious Morgan on his raid through this state. He kept a substitute in the field during the entire service. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic fraternity of Greenfield Lodge No. 385. Mrs. James is a member of the Presbyterian Church. DAVID JONES David Jones, quarryman, is a son of Aquilla Jones, born April 13, 1841, on the old homestead where he was reared. In 1865, he married Rosellie A., daughter of John Smith, who bore him six children: Nettie, Mattie, Fannie, Otis, Charley and Leo; Mattie is deceased. Mrs. Jones is a member of Good Hope Methodist Episcopal Church, since April, 1861. 856 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Mr. Jones joined Company F, 22d 0. V. I., in the three months service ; at the expiration of which, he became a private in Company C, 54th 0. V. I., was promoted to 1st lieutenant, and commanded Company I. He was wounded on the 22d of July, 1864, at the battle of Atlanta ; serving faithfully during his term of service, (three years,) and re-enlisted, remaining till the close of the war, in all about four years of actual service. He was one of the storming party at Fort Pemberton, Vicksburg, having volunteered with one hundred and fifty others. It will be remembered that Vicksburg was surrounded by Sherman's forces, and the volunteers were instructed to hold the fort, which they did from noon till night, when they were compelled to evacuate; seventy-five were killed and twenty-five wounded. The regiment took Fort McAllister, and participated in some of the most dangerous affrays during the war. Is a Republican, and held the office of constable in 1880; has been school director in his district for nine years, and runs a stone quarry, which is located on the Aquilla Jones farm; furnishes building, curb, and flagstone of the white limestone quality. JUDSON M'COY. Judson McCoy, farmer, was born in this county, December 8, 1837, and is a son of Thomas B. and Margaret (Harper) McCoy; the father a native of Maryland. They were married in Ross County, Ohio, and came to this county about 1830, locating on the line, and owning land in both counties. There were twelve children of this family, eight sons and four daughters. Mr. McCoy, sen., died in Cincinnati, in 1872, while en route to Indiana, to visit a sick son, who died a few days later, and thus was the family doubly bereaved in the short space of one week. The mother is still living on the old homestead with her youngest son. Our subject was married, December 29, 1864, to Almira, daughter of Jackson Rodgers, one of the pioneers of this locality, three children being the result: Luella, Nannie, and Albert R., all living. Mrs. McCoy was called away from her loved ones, January 25, 1876, after a period of extreme suffering, caused by being accidentally burned. Mr. McCoy has a farm of one hundred and thirty-three and one-third acres, situated one mile and a half south of Good Hope, on WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 857 the Greenfield and Good Hope pike, which is in an excellent state of cultivation, and beautified by a fine two-story residence. He enlisted in Company A, 54th 0. V. I., September 5, 1861, and after the fall of Atlanta, was mustered out because of ill-health, November 10, 1864, serving two months and five days longer than his term of enlistment. He went out as a private, and was promoted to first lieutenant. Is a Republican, politically, and has served two terms in the capacity of township trustee. He is a member of the Baptist Church, as was his wife. She died in the faith, and he continues walking in her footsteps. JAMES A. M'LEAN. James A. McLean, farmer and surveyor, is a son of Samuel McLean, who was born near Salem, Ross County, and when a young man removed to Washington, in this county. He was married at Chillicothe, to Eliza, daughter of John Robinson, a Ross County pioneer, still living. She bore him seven children, three of whom died in infancy; the others being John, Cincinnatus, Ione, and James A.,—all living. The subject of this sketch was born March 4, 1841, in Washington, C. H., where he was reared, educated, and resided till the spring of 1881. He began his career by teaching school; then engaged in civil engineering. He was internal revenue collector and assessor eight years; also served as county surveyor four consecutive terms, his last term expiring January 1, 1881. In 1862, he was the first to enlist in this county, under the five hundred thousand call, and became a member of Company C, 114th O. V. I. Was engaged with Sherman at Vicksburg, and at the capture of Arkansas Post, on White River, holding the position of orderly sergeant. At the expiration of one year he was honorably discharged, because of ill-health. In October, 1867, he was married to Catharine, daughter of Charles Briggs. The union was blessed by five children, all living: Nettie, Charles, Lida, Fred, and Mary. Mr. McLean is a member of Fayette Lodge No. 107, and Fayette Chapter, F. & A. M., and Ely Commandery, Knights Templar, of Washington. In the spring of 1881, he came to his present farm, on the Toledo, Delphos and Burlington Railroad, on which Cisco Station is located. The farm consists of four hundred and fifty- 858 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. three acres, which is being rapidly improved under his careful supervision. He also owns thirty-one acres on the Waterloo pike, three miles from Washington, a residence on Court Street, house and lot on North Street, and a vacant lot on Temple Street, in the city of Washington. He is at present holding the office of city engineer, and his services are frequently called into requisition by his numerous friends. While turnpikes were being constructed in this county, he, as county surveyor, had general supervision of the work. His present farm is being well drained, and will be farmed to grain and stock. His father died at Washington, in 1852; his mother is still living. JAMES R. KUHL. James R. Kuhl was born in Ross County, about two and one-half miles east of Good Hope, this county, November 30, 1832, where he was reared and educated. In his youth, he taught school eight winters, having obtained his education in South Salem, and Chillicothe college. He was married to Mercy E., daughter of William S. Rogers, September 6, 1870, one child, Gertie, being the result of the union, which is still living. Our subject has a farm of ninety-five acres, on which he resides, well improved, and situated about three and one-half miles south of Good Hope. He is a member of the F. and A. M. lodge, 3850, of Greenfield; he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His father, was a native of Rockingham County, Virginia, and came to Ross County, in this state, in 1816, where he married Ann Harper, in about 1827. They had ten children ; our subject was the fourth; one died in infancy, and the others grew to man and womanhood. The father died in Ross County, April 1, 1879, aged eighty-two years. The mother, who was born in 1803, is still living. Mr. Kuhl is a Democrat, politically, and is a member of a reputable pioneer family, of Ross County, a good neighbor, and highly respected citizen. When a young man he drove stock over the mountains, to Baltimore and other eastern markets. In the absence of railroads, he walked, or rode in boats and stages. Since his marriage he has devoted himself to farming. WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 859 THOMAS N. M'ELWAIN. The McElwain ancestors came from Ireland, and, presumably, Robert, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in this country. The date is, June 18, 1779. He married Jane Taylor, who was born at Redstone, Old Fort, Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1783. Her father removed to Kentucky, when she was eight years of age. They came down the Ohio on a flatboat, and landed at Marysville, settling in Mason County, when the country was thickly inhabited by Indians. The marriage occurred, May 22, 1804, and resulted in eleven children : Jane, born March 16, 1805 ; John T., February 2, 1807; William, June 1, 1809; Osee, August 3, 1811; Robert, November 24, 1813 ; Nancy, June 2, 1815 ; Samuel, October 7, 1817; Thomas N., December 20, 1819; Eliza, December 3,1821; Minerva, April 12, 1825 ; Jane married one Hendricks, in Kentucky, where she died, August 27, 1826 ; Minerva died September 1, 1827 ; Robert departed this life September 17, 1848. He, wife and three children, removed to this county in 1810 ; they came to this township and built a little cabin, on the place now owned by Jesse Eyeman, where they leased ground one year, then bought the farm now owned by our subject. He served as captain during the war of 1812, contracting a disease from which he never recovered. He was the first justice of the peace in the township, and was visited by pioneers far and near, who wished to get married, or had differences to settle. He also served as county commissioner. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died October 7, 1824. His wife departed this life December 22, 1876, aged ninety-one years and seven months. She was intelligent, .possessed an excellent memory, always enjoyed good health, and was beloved by all who knew her. Our subject was born on the old homestead, where he has lived most of his life. He formerly traded in cattle ; never crossed the mountains but once. Ile usually purchased his cattle in the southern part of the state, fattened them on his farm, then sold them in the east. At present he devotes himself solely to tilling the soil. He was married in 1843, to Sarah Ann, daughter of John H. Mouser, of Ross county, who bore him six children : John H., Osee Jane, Ann Eliza, Samuel, Robert, and Lewis ; Osee J. and Samuel are deceased. John married Martha J. Hendrickson, and after her 860 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. death, Miss Hughes. Ann Eliza married John M. Kuhl, and resides in Illinois. He and brothers were out during the Morgan raid, and stationed below Marietta. He is a Democrat, but not an aspirant to office. Mr. McElwain and his son John own three hundred and fifty acres of land, well improved, situated near Good Hope on the Washington pike, and Ohio Southern Railroad, and farm to grain and stock. He has bred some very fine horses, a few of which have been sold for fifteen thousand dollars. One of his horses was used in the ring by Barnum. PHILLIP M'WILLIAMS. Phillip McWilliams is a native of Ross county, and a son of Samuel McWilliams, whose ancestors came from Ireland, when our country was yet in its infancy. e was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1787 ; came to Ross County, Ohio, in 1817, with his parents, by a two-horse wagon, and settled within one and one-half miles of Greenfield. He was married to Margaret Pollock, who bore him twelve children : William, Robert, Phillip, Joseph, Sarah, David, Mary Ann, Samuel, James, Mitchell, Thomas, and John. William, John, David, 'and Mary Ann, are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams, sr., were members of the Presbyterian Church. He died of cancer, at the advanced age of eighty-two. She passed away in 1872. Our subject was born, January 22, 1820, and when but an infant, his parents removed to Highland County, settling three and one-half miles south of Greenfield, on a tract of land which was then in a wild state. Our subject remained here until thirty-eight years of age, and assisted in improving the farm, thus bringing it to a high state of cultivation. He was married, April 4, 1851, to Mary E., daughter of Jesse K. Bennett, of Highland County. Their union was blessed with six children; Margaret J., William R., Charlie O., Elizabeth, Hattie, and Russie C.; William R. has passed to the other shore. Mrs. McWilliams is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and known as a good and consistent Christian. Of the children, Margaret J. is married to Hugh Ghormley, and the others are still at home. He is a Republican, and for many years held the office of town- WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 861 ship trustee. During the late war, he assisted in driving the notorious Morgan raiders from our borders. His brothers, Mitchell and David, were in the 27th O. V. I. The former enlisted for three years, and when within three weeks of his time of being mustered out, was shot in the head, but subsequently recovered. David was killed at the battle of Atlanta, where so many of the brave soldiers from Fayette, Ross, and Highland counties laid down their lives. Their cold and lifeless bodies have slumbered sweetly for these many years, but their heroic deeds, and the patriotic spirit which prompted them to perish in the defense of the union, cannot be erased from the annals of time. Our subject purchased his farm in 1855. It contains one hundred and one acres, nicely improved, and located on the Good Hope and Greenfield pike, three miles from the latter place. ADAM NEBBERGALL. Adam Nebbergall, is a son of Henry Nebbergall, and was born in Huntington Township, Ross County, Ohio, on the 20th of September, 1819. Here he was raised, and married to Miss Eliza Parrott, April 8, 1844. Immediately after the marriage, the young couple removed to this county, locating near his present farm. His worldly possessions were few; by industry and good management, however, he has accumulated a farm containing three hundred and twenty-five acres, well improved, and situated on the Good Hope and Lyndon pike, one mile east of Good Hope. He and wife have been blessed by the birth of three children : Joseph, Sarah Ann, and Mary Emily; the former two deceased, and the latter married to Emmet D. King. Our subject, and his estimable family, are members of the Presbyterian Church; he united with the church in 1843, his wife in about 1836. Some twenty years ago, he was appointed to the office of elder, and still holds the position. He never aspired to any public office, believing that the farmer should devote his time to the cultivation of his lands. He assisted in repelling Morgan's forces, and compelling them to leave the state. He was a Whig until the birth of the Republican party, when he affiliated with it, and is still an active member of the party. His mother died at his birth, and his father soon followed her to the grave; hence he knew but little of them, except that they were natives of Virginia. 862 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. JOHN H. PARRETT. See page 619. JACOB POST. Jacob Post was born on the farm he now occupies, December 24, 1823, and is a son of Valentine and Margaret (Rowe) Post. The former was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, in about 1790'; the latter a native of Kentucky, and married Mr. Post at the age of sixteen. They settled in the woods, on the place now owned by our subject, in or prior to 1815. His father gave to himself and another brother, fifty acres of land each, and he afterwards bought his brother's portion. There were eight children in this family; Jacob being the third. He can well remember when this was one vast wilderness, except a small clearing around the humble cabin. He was reared on the home farm, attended subscription, and several terms of free school, when able, which was not very often, as his work required most of his time. March 21, 1850, he was married to Drusilla, daughter of Thomas Burnett. The latter was a native of Pendleton County, Virginia, and settled in Union Township, on Sugar Creek, at an early day. He married Rachel, daughter of Leonard Bush. Our subject's wife bore him ten children : Zina, Margery, Clark, Hulda, William, Oliver, Laura, Ray, Vertie, and Elma, all living except one not mentioned, who died in infancy. Mr. Post was out fifteen days during the Morgan raid, and assisted in his capture, leaving his crops to the mercy of the elements, that his state might be saved from the destruction threatened by the daring rebel. He owns one hundred and fifty-five acres of land, well improved, and located on the so-called Wilmington road. He served faithfully as township trustee, and is a Republican in politics. JACKSON RODGERS. Benjamin Rodgers was born in Virginia, January 4, 1772, and at about twenty-two years of age removed to Kentucky ; remained there two years, then came to Chillicothe, being one of eleven men who were the first to raise grain in Ross County. He purchased WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 863 land about three miles from Chillicothe, but found the water facilities insufficient, and removed to Fayette County, prior to the organization of the same, finding it in a wild and chaotic state. He settled on a one thousand acre tract, a portion of which is now owned by our subject. Two hundred acres of the original tract were purchased by a brother of the elder Rodgers (Hamilton). Some time after coming to this county, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Jackson, who lived on Deer Creek, in Ross County. She was born August 26, 1780. The union resulted in eight children : Joseph, John, Jackson, Mary P., Hamilton, Eliza, Maria, and William; the deceased being John, Eliza, Mary, and Maria. Joseph resides in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Mr. Rodgers, sen., held some of the township offices, was in the war of 1812, in the company commanded by Robert McElwaine, and did his whole duty. He died February 12, 1849. Jackson, the subject of this sketch, was born in Ross County, January 29, 1804, and when but a child, came to Fayette with his parents. He well remembers seeing Indians on the banks of Paint and Indian creeks, but they were generally peaceable. November 7, 1837, he married Nancy, daughter of Amos Jones, of Vermont, and a niece of Norman F. Jones, first auditor of the county. Their union was blessed with four children : Harvey, Sina (now Mrs. L. C. Coffman), Almira (late wife of Judson McCoy), and Amos J., who is married to Mary J., daughter of John Simmison, and has three children. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Rodgers died October 26, 1853, and November 1, 1855, he married Rebecca, daughter of John Dunlap, who was a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, coming to this state with his family, in 1817, and settled in Ross County, near Greenfield. Mr. Dunlap married Rebecca Donnelly, who bore him nine children. He died in 1841. She was a life member of the United Presbyterian Church, and died in that faith in 1843. Mrs. Rebecca Rodgers was born in 1808, married Robert Rodgers August 13, 1828, and had three children : William A., living near Jamestown ; John H., who resides near Kearney, Nebraska; Joseph, deceased. Robert Rodgers died June 29, 1844, and his widow re-married on the day above given. She has been a member of the regular Baptist Church since 1831, and is an exemplary member of Good Hope congregation. 864 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. During the late war, Harvey, oldest son of our subject, was mustered a member of Company A, 54th O. V. Z., September 5, 1861. He served from private to orderly sergeant, in the line of promotion, and was instantly killed before Atlanta, July 22, 1864. He was a member of the Baptist Church, a brave soldier, and though he has long been sleeping under the cold sod, his heroic devotion to his country will never be forgotten. He engaged in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Vicksburg, Raymond, Champion Hills, Big Black, Siege of Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, and Atlanta. He had nearly finished the term of his enlistment, when death called him to a brighter land, where the scenes of bloody conflict will never be mentioned. One who saw him fall, says he could have saved his life by surrendering, but the gallant soldier preferred death to imprisonment. Mr. Rodgers owns three hundred and thirty-six acres of land, nicely improved, and adorned by handsome buildings, which is located on Paint Creek and the Ohio Southern Railroad, and farms to grain and stock. He and his family enjoy a wide and favorable acquaintance. HAMILTON RODGERS. Hamilton Rodgers, farmer, is a son of Benjamin Rodgers, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere, and was born in this township, June 8, 1808, on the farm now owned by William B. Rodgers. His education was limited. When a subscription sufficient to hire a teacher could be made, a log cabin was erected in the woods, which they attended. However, the pioneers were so over-burdened with work, that they were compelled to deny their children even an ordinary education. Mr. Rodgers attended strictly to home duties most of his life. He was married, December 31, 1835, to Martha A., daughter of William Vance, who was born February 4, 1815. They had five children: Mary E., Angeline, Harrison V., Lucy C., and Martha J. Angeline married Jesse Heagler, and died six years ago; Mary E. is the wife of William Rodgers, at Jamestown; Harrison owns land, which adjoins that of his father; Lucy C. is the wife of Marion Gibson ; Martha J. is married to Harry J. Walker, and lives in Nebraska. Mrs. Rodgers is dead, and is buried in the old Rodgers cemetery. Mr. Rodgers married Hannah Gibson, nee Shobe, relict WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 865 of John Gibson. Both are members of the Fairview German Baptist Church, and are good Christians. Marion Gibson is the son of John H. Gibson, who was born in Virginia, removed to this state at an early day, and settled in Ross County, where he married Hannah, daughter of Daniel Shobe, who bore him four children: Marion, Lucinda (wife of Elijah Hopkins), Mary Ann (widow of Isaac J. Vance, lately deceased), and James, deceased. Mr. Gibson was instantly killed by the upsetting of a wagon loaded with wheat, when Marion was a small boy. He was born November 30, 1843, and spent his youth in Ross County; worked for several farmers, and assisted in maintaining the family ; hence his opportunities for an education were not very good. He was a sergeant in the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and remained in the service two years and two months. In 1868, he married Lucy C., daughter of Hamilton Rodgers, and removed to this farm. They had five children : Orville, John, Mattie, Hamilton, and one who died in infancy. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are good and consistent Christians. He assisted in the erection of the new church at Good Hope, and furnished all the brick work. Messrs. Rodgers and Gibson own about eight hundred acres of land, well tilled and stocked, in good cultivation, and located just north of Good Hope. They engage in general farming. SANFORD SAYRE. Sanford Sayre, blacksmith, Good Hope, is a son of Seth and Clarissa (Ravenscroft) Sayre, and was born in Paint Township, Ross County, Ohio, January 1, 1831. His youth was spent in his native county, where he obtained a common school education. At seventeen years of age he began the trade of blacksmith with his father; then went to Indiana, remained two years, and returned to Ohio. He next attended the Salem Academy, where he remained two terms, and in August, 1856, came to this village, opened a blacksmith shop, and has continued at this business ever since. November 2, 1856, he was married to Sarah E., daughter of Joshua and Mary (Shockey) Benner. To them one child was born, Austin, November 1, 1857, now attending the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. 866 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Our subject went out with the Fayette County forces during the invasion of Morgan's forces. He owns a handsome residence in Good Hope; has accumulated a good sum of money, but invested little in real estate, and does an extensive business in blacksmithing, a sufficient guarantee of his superior workmanship. He has held the offices of township clerk and trustee. Himself and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have grown up with the village in which they reside, witnessed its changes, and are beloved and honored by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance. JAMES H. SMALLEY. James H. Smalley, farmer, is a son of Thomas Smalley, who was born in Loudon County, Virginia, March 16, 1792, and came to this state in about 1800, with his family, who settled in Highland County. He was married March 23, 1823, to Mary Ann, daughter of Phillip Wagner, of Georgia. She bore him six children : Phillip W., George, Elizabeth, John, Hiram B., and James H.; the deceased are Phillip, George and Elizabeth. They were members of the Baptist Church, of Greenfield, and died in that faith. Our subject was born December 4, 1837, in Buckskin Township, Ross County, and was reared on his father's farm till twenty years of age, then took a trip west, returning at the expiration of a year, and June 21, 1860, married Martha E., daughter of James McConnel, who was born near Wheeling, Virginia, removed to Ross County, thence to this, where he died July 3, 1869. His wife still survives him, and resides with our subject. Mr. Smalley has nine children, of whom Nancy A. has passed beyond the river. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church, of Greenfield, and endeavor to fulfill the Master's commands. Politically he is a Democrat, but no office seeker. During the rebellion he went out with the many others from this county, who were called out during the invasion by Morgan; went to St. Marys, Virginia, where he remained until after the capture of Morgan. In 1863, he purchased his present farm, which consists of seventy-one acres, is well improved, and located three miles from Greenfield, on the Good Hope and Greenfield pike, and has lived here since, and farms to both grain and stock. WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 867 JOHN SOLLARS. John Sollars, farmer, is a son of Samuel Sollars, an early settler, who was born February 9, 1806, in Alleghany County. In the fall of 1808, he removed with his parents to this state, and landed in this county, one mile southeast of Good Hope. He was the oldest child and reared by his parents, remaining on the farm till twenty-four years of age. He began attending school in 1813, in an old cabin south of the present residence of Judson McCoy, taking a blazed road which his father cut from the house to the school. His teacher was William Records, who is remembered as a good scribe and mathematician, and somewhat of a poet; was tall in stature and somewhat eccentric. The cabin in which the school was held, was built by John Davis, a squatter, and occupied as a school after his death. This cabin, and another built some years later, were the only institutions of learning attended by him. His teacher, in 1814, was Bazzle Musset. September 20, 1832, he married Nancy, daughter of John McWilliams, of Clermont County, who was an old pioneer and surveyed land near Cincinnati, in 1796. Our subject's grandfather, Isaac Sollars, came from Maryland to Pennsylvania, prior to the war of the revolution, and his ancestors may truly be called pioneers. The marriage was blessed by eight children : Lucy, John, Samuel, Ann, Frank, William, Nancy, and Elizabeth; those dead, are Lucy, Samuel, Ann, and Frank. Samuel enlisted in Company C, 54th O. V. I., June 11, 1864. During the battle at Pittsburg Landing, a branch from a tree struck and disabled him, and he was discharged. He re-enlisted in the one hundred days service, in Company I, 160th 0. V. N. G., and received a mortal wound at Cynthiana. Franklin was in Company E, 122d O. V. I., enlisted June 2, 1864, was taken ill with typhoid fever at Washington, and died at Jarvis Hospital, Baltimore. e was engaged in the battles of Monacacy, in front of Petersburg, and Richland (on skirmish line two days). John assisted in driving the Morgan raiders from our borders. All three were brave and daring soldiers, and beloved by comrades and officers; two gave up their lives in the cause, and we gladly pen this small tribune to their memory. Our subject settled on this farm with his father, in 1816, and 868 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. took possession in 1832, and has lived here since. He assisted in changing the wild state of the land to one of high cultivation. He owns one hundred acres in this township, one hundred and fifty in Perry Township, and seven hundred and twenty acres of woodland in Illinois. e is a pioneer, successful farmer, retains an excellent memory, and is beloved and esteemed by all who know him. CORNELIUS SMYTHE. Cornelius Smythe, farmer, a son of William Smythe, was born in Ireland in 1832. He crossed the Atlantic in 1850, and settled near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he farmed for three years, and then removed to Ironton, and engaged in the same occupation. Here, on the 21st of August, 1866, he was married to Hannah, daughter of D. Trainer, and a native of Ireland. She bore him nine children : William, John, Belle, Hannah, Cornelius, Daniel, Cecelia, Thomas, and Emma; the latter deceased. They remained at Ironton about eight years, and then removed to this county, settling on the B. Mooney farm. Four years later he settled on his present farm, which contains five hundred and sixty-six acres, and is located on Compton Creek, six miles from Washington, on the Circleville Pike. e grazes and feeds stock. He and wife are members of the St. Colemans Catholic Church, at Washington. He was employed by the government three months during the late war. Takes no active interest in politics, but has heretofore been a Democrat. The ceremony at his marriage was performed by Father Gilmore, now bishop at Cleveland. ANANIAS WARE. Ananias Ware, farmer, is a son of Jacob Ware, who was born in Virginia, and removed to this state in 1810, settling in Pike County. He then went to Ross County, where he lived till 1853, when he moved to the farm now owned by our subject. He was married to Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Gemima McDonald. The latter is said to have been the first white woman that settled in the Scioto valley. She was a sister of Governor Duncan McArthur. Her husband was one of the first surveyors in this section. He died in 1847 or 1848; she in 1875, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 869 Jacob Ware was born in 1802, his wife in 1806. They had eight children, of whom six are living : Thomas Allen, Ananias, Allison M., William, Alice (now Mrs. L. A. Reed), and Jacob E. He and wife were exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal Church from early childhood. He died in 1859 ; she is still living at Frankfort. Our subject was born in 1836, in Frankfort, Ross County, where he lived until sixteen years of age, receiving a common school education, and then removed to the place he now occupies, where he has since resided. He was married, September 16, 1858, to Melinda, daughter of Jacob Eyman, of this township, who bore him seven children, of whom six are living : Ida F., Charles A., W. A. Frank S., Laura, and Ella; all at home but the latter, who lives with her Grandma Eyman. Mr. Ware is a member of the Camp Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, as are all the children who reside at home. His wife belongs to the Fairview German Baptist Church. He assisted in driving the Morgan raiders from our borders, and had five brothers in the regular service. William was taken prisoner at the battle of the wilderness, and confined in most of the rebel prisons. Is a Republican, politically; owns three hundred and twenty-five acres of laud on the Chillicothe pike, five miles from Washington, all in a successful state of cultivation. He farms to grain and stock, and makes a specialty of breeding English Berkshire hogs. ADAM T. WHITE. Adam T. White, farmer and stock raiser, is a son of Jesse White, whose ancestors were natives of Kentucky, and removed to this state in an early day, and here Jesse was born February 11, 1813. The White family originally settled near Chillicothe, when the vicinity was inhabited by Indians ; after residing there, they removed to this county. The grandfather of Jesse was a tanner, and accumulated quite a sum of money while at Chillicothe, with which he purchased a large tract of land in this township, then purchased nearly all the lands of an entire township, in Kosciusko County, Indiana, soon after which he died. Our subject was born November 12, 1838, on the farm now owned by Aaron Johnson, lived there a few years, then removed with the family to the vicinity of Washington, and then to the 870 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Jesse White homestead, where he was reared, educated and devoted himself to farming. e has always been interested in stock, and raised some fine horses. He was married, in 1863, to Minerva Ellen, daughter of Henry Stuckey, of Ross County; the result being one boy : Jesse, who was born September 28, 1864, and still lives with his parents. He is overseer in Union Live Grange ; politically, a Democrat, though his ancestors were Whigs. He owns a farm containing one hundred and fifty-two acres, well improved, which is located on the Springfield and Chillicothe road, and farms largely to grain. WILLIAM H. WHITESEL. William H. Whitesel, farmer, is a son of George Whitesel, a native of Berkeley County, Virginia. His grandfather was brought from Germany by the British (was not a Hessian) to fight Americans, and instead of returning to his native country, the remained here. He was born in February, 1755, and married Elizabeth West, a native of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1787. He departed this life October 31, 1825, his wife July 13, 1836. George Whitesel, father of our subject, was born March 2, 1790, and married January 10, 1822, Mary Sidener, who bore him twelve children, of whom ten survive : Nancy, Nicholas, Elizabeth, George, Allen, Mary, Jacob, Samuel, William H., and Sarah M. The deceased are Anna E. and Catherine M. At the age of nineteen, he came to this state with his father, who settled in Salt Creek Township, Pickaway County; he and all his brothers were in the war of 1812, serving during the surrender of Hull, for a period of three months. For their noble efforts in preserving the country, they were the recipients of both bounty lands and money. He died in Pickaway County, December 4, 1866, and his wife preceded him to the grave August 12, 1866. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and lived true and noble lives. Our subject was born October 1, 1863, in Pickaway County, this state, where he lived twenty-five years. He was located some distance from any college of learning, and obtained his education in the log cabin where the rod reigned supreme. June 20, 1861, he was married to Martha J., daughter of Isaac Thomas, a native of Pennsylvania, who dying, he married Jane Coldern, who was burn WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 871 on the farm they now occupy. Mr. and Mrs. Whitesel have been blessed by three children : Arthur A., Mary Mertie, and Forest Ethel ; all living. They have adopted their niece, Mary Jane Davidson, and have an interesting family. While not an active participant in the late war, he was ever read and willing to assist when it lay in his power. His brother, Samuel, went from Missouri, was wounded in the limb, and still carries the ball. Five brothers of Mrs. Whitesel showed their patriotism by going to the front, and fortunately escaped unhurt. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Greenfield, and are known as exemplary Christians. March 15,1 866, he removed to his present farm; it is located on the Frankfort and Martinsburg road, four and one-half miles from Greenfield, and contains one hundred acres; is adorned by a handsome residence, is well fenced and tilled, and makes one of the most desirable residences in the locality. He has an extensive orchard, and has been blessed with good crops each. year. The yield in 1880, was five hundred bushels of apples and divers other fruits. Is a Republican, but no office seeker. REV. HENRY H. WITTER. In 1640, William Witter crossed the Atlantic, a fugitive from England, his native country, because of his religious belief. He was a Baptist, and settled in Lynn, Massachusetts. June 15, 1651, Obadiah Holmes, Robert Crandall, and John Clark, held a religious meeting at the house of William Witter, and were arrested by the authorities from Boston, who were prosecuting the Baptists when opportunity offered. Crandall and Clark were released, but Holmes was whipped, receiving thirty-nine lashes, and fastened to a cow, which was driven through the Boston Commons. Witter was not arrested; but being advanced in years, died soon after. Our subject is a lineal descendant of the Witter above mentioned. His father, Elijah, was born in the State of New York, in 1807, and his mother, Amy Ann Ballou, in Rhode Island, in 1811. Her parents were fugitives from France, because of their political proclivities. There were ten children of this family, seven sons and three daughters, of which seven are living. The parents and children are members of the Baptist Church. 872 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Mr. Witter was born December 31, 1836, in Madison County, Ohio; lived there till fourteen years of age, then removed with his parents to Union County, this state. At the age of nineteen, he entered Granville College, and began preaching at the age of twenty-one. His license to preach was issued when in his twenty-second year. With the exception of four years, spent on the farm after leaving school, he has been a minister in the Baptist Church ever since. His ministerial career opened at Milford Center, where he remained two years, then removed to Prospect, Marion County, and after laboring four years, removed to New Vienna, Clinton County, and at the close of five years (in 1878) came here. His labors have been crowned with success. He is a radical temperance advocate, and has been a faithful worker in the cause. He has held two public religious discussions; one with Rev. R. G. Galbraith, Presbyterian minister at Frankfort, Ohio, the other with Armanus Hixon, German Baptist, at Fairview, in this township. He has also discussed, through the secular press. March 4, 1862, he was married to Sarah Ann, daughter of Wilson Reed, of Milford Center, the union being blessed by five children: Otis Lincoln, Minnie, an infant, Elijah, and DeGrace ; one died in infancy, and Elijah when about eleven years of age. His son Otis is attending Granville College, and his daughter is a student in the Female Seminary at the same place. SILAS WOLF. Silas Wolf, farmer, was born in August, 1834, near Waltkirch, Baden, Germany. His father, Joseph, was a native of the same place, and was there married to Maria Traenkle, who was born near the same locality. She bore him seven children : Joseph, Anton, Maria, Silas,, Caroline, Kawiesentz, George, and Charles, the latter deceased. Mr. Wolf died about 1870, his wife preceding him to the grave in 1842. He was in the war during the years 1814 and 1815; was wounded, and received a pension for his gallant service. Silas Wolf came to this country in 1854; was on the ocean forty-three days, during which time he encountered many storms, which threatened the destruction of the ship. He arrived at Greenfield on the 19th of May, and began working for the farmers of the vicinity, continuing nine years, and then purchased land below Greenfield, where he lived several years; next removed to Minne- WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 873 sota, where he remained three months, then returned to Greenfield about February 1, 1867, and in the fall of the same year purchased his present farm. In 1871, he married Rosa Gangel, of Wittenberg, Germany, who bore him one child, Emil, who is living. She was a member of the Catholic Church, lived a devoted life, and died in 1874. He was again married, December 25, 1876, to Margaret Galbert, of Pennsylvania, which resulted in two children, Rosa and Elizabeth, both living. Himself and wife attend the Catholic Church at Greenfield. He has never aspired to office, and is a Democrat in politics. He owns ninety acres on the Good Hope and Greenfield pike, three miles from the latter place, well improved, and on which he has erected a handsome residence. NEWELL B. WOOD. The ancestors of Mr. Wood came from Normandy to Ireland, in the eleventh century. One family came to America in 1740 ; the head of this family was the father of William Wood, born in Maryland. His son, Isaac, removed to this state from Kings County, Pennsylvania, December, 1810. A few years after the Woods' came to America, they were followed by James Savage, who located near Augusta, Maine. Amos Brailey was born in Maine, in 1776. Al-ice Savage is a daughter of Joseph, a son of Isaac, who came from Ireland. Alice was united in marriage to Amos Brailey. Their daughter, Rebecca, came to Meigs County, Ohio, April, 1817. January 12, 1838, she was united in marriage to John Wood, the union being blessed by three children: Annas, born August 26, 1839; Newell B., July 16, 1843, and Ruel B., October 26, 1845. Mr. Wood departed this life, October 11, 1845. His wife died, April 1850. Our subject was born, July 16, 1843, in Rutland Township, Meigs County, Ohio. His father having died one year previous, at three years of age, removed, with his mother, to Milton Township, Jackson County, locating on a farm, which has recently been purchased by the managers of the railroad running through it, and abounds in coal. While attending school in the rude log cabin, a well was dug, those doing the 'work came upon a vein of coal, but did not use it for fuel, owing to the absence of proper facilities for burning it. He remained on this farm until 1855, when they took a trip to 874 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Indiana, where they remained one year. At that time the market was dull, labor cheap, and prices high. They again located in Jackson County, where they remained until 1867, when they returned to their old home in Meigs County, and stayed two years. During the intervening time, his grandfather's estate had been in court fourteen years. It was quite valuable, but finally realized the three heirs but one hundred dollars each. He next worked on a farm in .Jackson County, until 1863; spent one year in Pickaway County, near New Holland, and in the years 1864-'66, worked for William McGee, at the Iron Valley Furnace, enjoying the confidence and esteem of his employer while there. He was married, March 14, 1867, to Almed L., daughter of George W. Phillips, who still resides in Jackson County. The union has been blessed with six children : Ida, born June 27, 1868 ; Haley R., November 17, 1859; Clarence A., March 13, 1872; Jesse G., November 2, 1875; John B., July 28, 1878, and Charlie Lawrence, October 3, 1879. After his marriage, he moved to Vinton County, Ohio, and engaged in burning charcoal. He remained one season, then returned to his former employer (McGee), whose furnace had been idle during the interval, and remained until 1871, when he removed to the farm he now occupies. He is a member of Fayette Lodge, No. 187, F. and A. M., and was made Master Mason, in Mineral Lodge, Vinton County. He went out from Pickaway County, to assist in capturing Morgan, and was gone eighteen days. He occupies the John Boyd tract, which contains one thousand acres, divided by the Bogus road, and Ohio Southern Railroad. It is well improved. He has cleared about three hundred and fifty acres, constructed over twenty-five miles of fence, which required one hundred and seventeen thousand new rails. The laud is well drained, and contains five thousand two hundred and seventy-five rods of tile, and seven hundred and seventy rods of open ditch. He opened the first coal mine on the Ohio Southern Railroad, and is still interested in its management. He farms largely to grain, and ships by the Ohio Southern Railroad. IRA YEOMAN. Ira Yeoman, son of James Yeoman, whose history appears else-where, was born in the state of New York, May 5, 1808, and WAYNE TOWNSHIP - 875 remained there until the spring of 1815 ; then came down the Alleghany River, on a raft. The river was high, and, at Pittsburg, they landed on a large elm tree. They took the raft on the Ohio, and landed at Columbia, near Cincinnati. In the fall they removed to this township, and settled above Rock Mills. He spent his youth at home, and after his father's death, took charge of the family. His education, to use his own words, " was in the clearing," for in those days, there were few opportunities to attend school. He was married, April 8, 1830, to Oce, daughter of Robert McElwain, who bore him one child, Robert, who lives on the farm adjoining. He and wife are exemplary Christians, and members of the Old School Baptist Church. In 1859, he started a store at Rock Mills, and remained three years, and then resumed farming. In March, 1874, he removed to Rattlesnake Creek, remained two years, and then came to his present farm, which is located on the old Miami trace, one mile from Good Hope, and contains one hundred and ninety-four acres, well improved. He farms to grain and stock. Mr. Yeoman held the office of township treasurer, fifteen years, township clerk, two years, and county commissioner three years, a sufficient guarantee as to his integrity. He is a Republican, though a Democrat prior to the candidacy of Fremont. ROBERT J. YEOMAN. Robert Yeoman, son of Ira and Oce (McElwain) Yeoman, was born on the old homestead, one and one-half miles west of his present home, April 13, 1831. He spent his youth on the farm, and enjoyed few educational advantages. In January 6, 1853, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of John A. Hill, who bore him five children : Osco, Sarah J., Ella E., Emma F., and William Ira; the latter deceased. Mrs. Yeoman died, October 11, 1863, and on the 23d of March, 1865, he married Caroline H., daughter of Joseph Parker, of Warren County, the result being nine children : Mary O., Joseph W., Effie J., Mattie E., Robert S., Madora C., Arthur Earl, Lula, and Bertha Ellen; all living. Mrs. Yeoman is a member of the Paint Baptist Church. Since 1856, Mr. Yeoman has been a Republican, having been a Democrat prior to that time. In the fall of 1874, he was elected 876 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. justice of the peace, and served six years. He was a member of Company I, 168th O. V. N. G. ; he was called out, May 1864, and served four months, and participated in the battle of Cynthiana. He purchased his present farm, located about one mile from Good Hope, on the old Miami trace (the oldest road laid off in the county, being opened from Frankfort, or Oldtown, to the Miami River), March, 1865. It contains one hundred and thirty-eight and one-half acres, richly improved, and is one of the most desirable farms in the township.