354 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY

SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP

BIOGRAPHICAL.

William J. Alexander, attorney, was born in this township, June 10, 1827. His father, Washington Alexander, was born in South Carolina, in 1800, and came to this county with his parents, in 1802. In 1823, he was united to Miss Rachel Clark, who was born in this county, in 1805. William J., was one of the results of the marriage. His grandfather, John Alexander, was born in 1777, and died in 1849. His grandmother, Isabella (Adair) Alexander, was born in 1783, and departed this life in 1841. His grandfather on his mother's side, John Clark, was born about the year 1777, and died in July, 1850. His grandmother departed this life seven years after. His grandfather, Alexander, as a Democrat, was elected, and served two consecutive terms in congress from Xenia district,

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commencing in 1812. He was, also, for a while in the latter part of the war, a private in the war of 1812. His grandfather Clark, also enlisted at the same time, and by the unanimous voice of the company was made captain. They both served until the close of the war. In 'Mr. Alexander's youth, the chances for an education were not so good as at the present date, but by close application at the district schools, and five mouths at Prof. Thomas Steele's school, in Xenia, he received more than an ordinary education. On the 28th of February, 1850, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Weller, daughter of John and Margaret Weller, who removed from New Jersey to Montgomery County, Ohio, about 1820. The result of this union, was three children, two of whom are living: Perry A., aged twenty-five years, and Charlie F., twenty-two years old. The one deceased, was named Rachel. His son, Perry, is married to Miss Ella Elgin, daughter of Dr. Elgin, of Spring . Valley. They have one child, a girl, named Laura. They live in Spring Valley Township and carry on farming. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are both members of the Little Run Baptist Church, and have been for more than thirty years. He has been justice of the peace twelve years, and township trustee more than twenty years, and for more than seventeen years he served as one of the district school board. From the time he left school, up to 1857, he carried on farming in all its branches, but in this named year, he commenced to study law at home, but under the instruction of Judge C. W. Dewey, of Xenia, and was admitted to practice law in the courts of Ohio, in 1860, before the district court of Xenia, Judge Sexton, Captain Nesbitt, and lion. John Little, being the examining board. In 1877, at Cincinnati, he was examined by Hon. R. F. Howard, ex-judge, E. H. Munger, and Hon. John Little, and admitted to practice in the United States courts. His law knowledge is hereditary, as his father and grandfather were both lawyers. His grandfather was for twenty-one years associate judge for the court sitting at Xenia. He is a Master Mason, and belongs to Warner Lodge, No. 410, F. and A. M. Politically, Mr. Alexander is a pronounced Democrat. He was one of the delegates to Cincinnati, that nominated General W. S. Hancock for the presidency. In 1872, he was also a delegate to Baltimore, when Horace Greeley was nominated. In 1868, when Hon. Horatio Seymour was a candidate for the presidency, Mr. Alexander was one of the district electors. He cast his first vote for Gen. Lewis Cass of Michigan, who won such fame and re-

856 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

nown in the Mexican war. At present, he owns six hundred and forty acres of land in Spring Valley Township, and with the exception of about one hundred and forty acres woodland, it is all under good condition. This is farmed principally by his sons, Perry and Charlie, as his large law practice with the firm. of Alexander and Spencer keeps him generally busy. Socially, Mr. Alexander, is a gentleman to win friends wherever his lot in life is cast.

John Anderson, retired farmer, and stock raiser, was born November 6, 1813. His parents, and grandparents came to this state about 1807, and settled where John now lives. They formerly lived in North Carolina. The chances for an education in the early youth of Mr. Anderson, were limited to the usual subscription class of that period, but before his school days were entirely over, he had the pleasure of the free school system for a short time. December 29, 1837, he was married to Miss Charity Sta field, by whom he had thirteen children, seven living: William, Preston, Harmon, Zero, John, Levina R., and Charley. The deceased are Nathan, Cicero, Eli, Albert, James L., and an infant not named. Of those living, all are married except Preston and Charley. Mr. Anderson and his wife have been members of the Methodist Church for more than thirty-five years, and during that time he has filled several offices of honor and trust, and is now one of the trustees. He was superintendent of the' Sabbath-school connected with the church, until his failing health compelled him not to accept it any longer. For more than twenty years he has been a sufferer with the rheumatism, and sometimes to such an extent as to incapacitate him even for walking. He is, and always has been a Republican since the inception of the party. His father was a Whig, as was also John, until the Republicans came in vogue. One year after his marriage he went to Fayette County, when he remained about ten years, then came back, and in about one year purchased the home place of the heirs and since resided there. All the property he has, three hundred acres of good first class land, he and his wife made by hard work and economy, except about twelve hundred dollars each, which they got from their parents at their death. He is yet industrious, but is unable to work very much. Mr. Anderson was not in the war of the rebellion, but has furnished three sons. William, who was in the One Hundred and Fifty-Fourth, Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Virginia, and Preston, and Harman who

SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP. - 857

went into the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, They were in all, or nearly all the battles of the regiment, principally, among them being, Winchester, Battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Cedar Creek. They entered the service August 22, 1862, and remained until the surrender of Gen. Lee to Gen U. S. Grant, in April, 1865, Although having some very narrow escapes neither of them were wounded, the nearest to it being Harmon, who was hit on the ankle with a spent ball. They both served with distinction, and each has an honorable discharge.

James C. Collins, farmer, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and came to this country with his parents, William and Lydia (Manifold) Collins, in 1816, with other families, forming a colony. When James was brought across the mountains he was put into a feed trough for safe keeping, but it would be an exceeding hard matter to squeeze him into such a place now. His parents settled near the place upon which he now resides, where his father carried on the business of distiller, when it was not in such bad repute as at present. In 1823 his father died, when James was nearly twelve years of age, and he remained with his widowed mother until 1847, when he was married to Miss Martha Anderson, a daughter of William and (Kyle) Anderson, the latter a sister of Judge Samuel Kyle. He lived with her very pleasantly until she died, in 1858, at the age of thirty-seven years. He was again married, to his present wife, Miss Catharine Anderson, a cousin of his former wife, in 1869. He is the father of six children, three living: Lydia J., William A., and John H. The deceased are James P., Robert, and an infant, not named. Both himself and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He has been a farmer all his life, and cares to be nothing else, even for added wealth. Is a Republican in politics, and his ancestors, without exception, were opposed to slavery. Mr. Collins is a gentleman, respected by all who come in contact with him.

John Q. Collins, farmer, was born in Xenia Township, this county, April 4, 1841, of Samuel and Rebecca (McClellan) Collins. Samuel Collins came with his parents from Pennsylvania, about the year 1816, and remained with them until his marriage, which occurred in 1836. He then bought out some of the heirs to his father's estate, and carried on farming until his death, in 1858. Miss McClellan was born near Wooster, in this state, and removed

858 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

to this county with her parents a short time previous to her marriage. The educational advantages enjoyed by John were of the best in his youth; and up to the age of seventeen, when his father died, he had made considerable headway, and even attended one ,term at Westminster College, Wilmington, Pennsylvania, in the year in which his father died. His father's death, to a great extent, curtailed his advantages for an education. After his father's death, in 1858, he, with his brother William H., rented the homestead from his widowed mother and the heirs, and farmed it until October 9, 1861, when he thought it his imperative duty to enlist in the war of the rebellion, which he did, by joining Company D, Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served with distinction through all the battles in which his regiment was engaged, until he was wounded, in front of the enemy, at the battle of Stone River, December 31, 1862. Almost immediately he was taken prisoner, and paroled. His wound was of such a nature, however, that he had to remain in the hospital, and on Monday he was recaptured by our forces, when they took the town. He received his discharge January 21, 1863, and started home ; but prior to this, his brother William H. joined the company as a recruit, so the name was yet carried on the company rolls. William served about one year, when he was discharged on account of sickness. John's object in accepting a discharge and returning home, was the better to recruit his shattered health, so as to enlist again; but although the wound healed, he was never again in a condition to rejoin his comrades on the tented field. The scar of the wound is yet visible, and will always serve as a memento of the late war. He used his means and influence, however, for the furtherance of the cause, for which he had fought, and was the direct cause personally of quite a number's enlisting. All the time after the healing of his wound, he attended the farm as best he could with the limited help procurable at that time. He ever reverts, with pardonable pride, to his experience in the war. March 6, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Farquer, of Xenia, by whom he has had three children : Pearl and Mabel living, aged respectively eleven and eight years, and an infant son deceased, not named. Both he and his wife are members of the Second United Presbyterian Church of Xenia, and have taken an active part in all its duties since their joining, which occurred in 1861. Is a Republican in politics, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Never sought for, and

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consequently has never held office. He does not alone labor for the accumulation of wealth, for personal adornment, or the prospective future of his children. While, of course, he labors that they may not be indigent when he dies, he also labors for the advancement of religion, not alone of denomination and a few, but of the heart and the world, the advancement of the interests of state, and the great interests of his fellow-man. May he live to accomplish his ends.

John Compton, retired farmer, New Burlington, Ohio, was born on the old homestead, near New Burlington, March 1, 1807; was the son of Amos and Rebecca (Millhouse) Compton, who were both born in South Carolina. They came to this state in 1804, or 1805, and settled where our subject now resides. They left their former home for the two-fold reason of escaping to some place where there was no such thing as traffic in human flesh, and to better their condition financially. They came in wagons, and on horseback; and with streams to ford, and mountains to cross, they were indeed pioneers; and all their woodcraft stood them good service in the clearing of the forests to build their homes. Getting an education in the youth of our subject was a matter attended by considerable trouble. They had no system of common schools at that time, and the teachers were paid by a subscription raised by the different people who had children to send. Our subject's first school experience was in the usual log hut. The chimney was made on the inside, of huge logs, open in front, and made with sticks and mud on the outside. The hearth was of large stones, brought from the neighboring brooks. A log was taken out one side, and greased paper inserted for glass. There was a puncheon floor, and heavy slabs for seats, and smoother slabs fastened to the sides of the hut, at an angle, to serve as writing-desks. Quite a contrast this to our modern model little brick structure in the country. Our subject, being ingenious, had made himself a squirt-gun of elder, and this being the only one in the school, he was promoted to the position of fireman that is, he was to put out the fire when it caught the logs that constituted the fire-place. It is hardly necessary to say he rather enjoyed it than otherwise. He lived at home until his marriage, working on the farm in the summer, and going to school in the winter. In 1832, he was married to Miss Rebecca Steddom, of Warren County. The result of this marriage was three children, all living: Eunice, Alice, and Amos S. They are all married-

860 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. .

Eunice to John Mendenhall; they have seven children living. Alice to Edward R. Walton, living near New Burlington; they have one child, Hetty. Amos to Catharine Mendenhall, and lives near the old homestead. Mr. Compton has taken quite an interest in school matters, and in consequence has been school director several times. He, with his wife and family, are orthodox Quakers, and attend at the Caesar's Creek Friends' Church. They have been life members through birthright. Is now, and always has been, a Republican, and voted first for John Quincy Adams, in 1828. His wife was born February 20,1813, of John and Alice (Teague) Steddom, who came from South Carolina to Warren County, near Lebanon, about the same time the Comptons camp to this state, 1804 or 1805. She remained at home with her parents until her marriage with our subject. After that they removed to their own home; and until the marriage of her own son and daughters, she devoted herself to them. Now the two live alone on the old homestead, waiting for the summons that comes to us all sooner or later; but with them the preparation is made, and they will only exclaim "Not mine, but thy will be done, O Lord."

Isaac Evans, farm and stock raiser, was born in this township on the 8th of December, 1835, and is the son of Robert and Sarah (Coppock) Evans, who came to this state from South Carolina in 1829. His father's biography is given elsewhere in this work, in conjunction with Rebecca Evans. The first experience of Mr. Evans in regard to schools, was with that then prevalent, subscription class. Before he finished his education, however, he had an opportunity to attend the free schools, although the system was yet in its infancy. Afterward he attended commercial college in Cincinnati, graduating in 1857. Prior to attending college, after leaving school, he worked on the farm, and when he returned from Cincinnati he worked in the saw and grist-mill his father had built, and also gave some of his attention to farming. The saw and gristmill were conducted under the firm name of R. Evans & Sons. This partnership was continued until 1864, when it was dissolved, and Isaac purchased the place where he now resides, the old homestead, of his paternal grandmother. January 31, 1860, he was married to Miss Matilda Stump, by whom he had six children, all living: Frank S., Minnie B., Louie A., Alta M., William J., and Charles R. Our subject has been township trustee at several different periods, and was elected land appraiser for 1880, and performed

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his duties so well that no changes were made. He is, and always has been, a Republican, and cast his first vote for the martyred Lincoln, in 1860. Is a member of Waynesville Lodge No. 163, F. & A. M., joining iii 1865, and is also a member in good standing of Spring Valley Lodge No. 302, I. O. O. F. He has about three hundred acres of good land, and eighty acres in wood and prairie: The greater portion of this land is the result of hard, energetic labor and sensible economy on the part of himself and wife. He is a gentlemen trusted by his neighbors, and respected by all who come in contact with him.

Mrs. Sarah S. Evans, farmer, Spring Valley, was born in Waynesville, Warren County, November 7, 1822, and is a daughter of Robert and Hannah (Townsend) Huston. Mr. Huston was born in Bucks County, Tennessee, January 1, 1778, and came to this state in about 1814, and purchased the land where his daughter is now residing. Miss Townsend was born at Cape May, New Jersey, November 30, 1787. In about the year 1819, she came to this state with her brother, and they settled near Hillsboro, where she had a sister residing. After remaining there about a year, they removed to Waynesville, where she met and married Mr. Huston, July 19, 1821. The result of this union was two girls and one boy, Sarah S. and Mary, who died in infancy, and Daniel T. September 24,1829, Mr. Huston died, and the care of the children devolved on Mrs. Huston. By close application, they each received a very good education. Daniel, after his father's death, worked on the farm and at various other employments, as long as his roving disposition would permit, and in 1850 he started overland for California. he mined until he became sick, and on his recovery, went to carpentering. Worked in this manner at various places, when he concluded to settle down, having previously married, and in 1861 he purchased a farm near San Barnardino, California, and a residence in town, from which he goes daily to superintend the farm. Can perform no physical labor himself, as a few years ago he was so severely hugged by a bear as to render him a cripple. Sarah remained at home with her mother until March 24, 1842, when she was married to Moses Evans, and went with him to live about one and one-half miles from where she now resides. She is the mother of nine children, seven living: Joseph, Hannah L., Mary E., Angie, Hilliard, Emma, and Eddie; those deceased are Robert and Daniel. Two of those living are married, Joseph to Anna Buckles, of

862 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Xenia, and lives on the farm, and Angie to Newton Berryhill, a farmer of Clio, this' county. Robert was in Company H, Second Ohio Volunteer Heavy Artillery. Enlisted in August, 1863, and was mustered in the following month. Was with the command until in 1864, when he was taken sick with the small-pox; he recovered the following year,. and was attacked with camp diarrhoea, to whose influence he succumbed, July 20, 1865, in the twenty-second year of his age. Was interred near where he died, and was taken up to be sent home, but from some cause could not then be sent, so the body was reinterred, and lay until the following year, when he was brought home and laid in the family burying ground. He died in the fear of the Lord. Mrs. Evans is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church of fourteen years standing, and, pleasant to relate, all her family, except one daughter, belong to the village of Spring Valley. Mr. Evans died October 21, 1868, since which time Mrs. Evans has lived a widow.

Miss Rebecca Evans, Spring Valley, was born October 10, 1818, in Newberry District, South Carolina, in the same house where her father was born, November 9, 1797. Her mother was born in the same district, March 13, 1799. Robert Evans, her father, and Miss Sarah Coppock were married December 18, 1817, and became the parents of fifteen children. The names of those dead are Mary Ann, Joseph, Sarah, Robert, Sophia, Moses, and two who died in infancy; those living are Esther, now married to Louis Hartsock, and living in Missouri; Lydia, married to William Stanfield, who resides in Kansas; Mary, united to I. M. Barrett, proprietor of the flouring mill on the railroad just out of the Valley; Isaac, married to Matilda Stump, and living in this township-his biography is also given in this work; Nancy J., married to Martin Peterson, and living in the east part of the township, and Margaret; married to Aaron Crites, and living about one mile out of the Valley; Rebecca, the eldest, and the subject of this sketch, never married. Mr. and Mrs. Evans remained in South Carolina until September 24, 1829, when they came to this state, and settled on the farm now occupied by Aaron Crites. The immediate cause of their removal to this state was the institution of slavery. They belonged to the Society of Friends, and consequently opposed to it. In 1832 Mr. Evans, in conjunction with James Vandoler, a millwright, built a saw-mill where S. Cornel now owns, and then sawed the lumber for a grist-mill, which they completed the following year. This at

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that time was an enterprise of such public importance that Mr. Evans came to be viewed as a benefactor, and was so spoken of by his neighbors. Mr. Vandoler being more millwright than miller, sold his interest, in the latter part of 1833, to Thomas Evans-no relative to Robert Evans-and James Smith. Politically, Mr. Evans was a Whig prior to the Republican party, and voted first in 1820 for James Monroe. He died at the old homestead, November 9, 1868, on the seventy-first anniversary of his birth; his wife survived him until June 17, 1871, and departed mourned by a host of friends. Rebecca being the eldest of a large family, had few opportunities for an education, but improved well what time she did pass at schooL Some of her sisters possessed the advantage of a boarding-school, but Rebecca, never. She remained at home until the death of her parents, and after that with different brothers and sisters, until December, 1879, when she purchased property in the Valley, where she now resides. She also owns a little farm about two miles from the Valley. For nearly thirty years, she has been a member of the Spring Valley Methodist Episcopal Church, but lately has been unable to attend divine services on account of rheumatism, which confines her not only to her home, but to her chair. She is kind, benevolent, and loved and respected by all who know her, and her acquaintances are legion.

Samuel G. Goode, farmer and stock raiser, Xenia, Ohio, was born in Clinton County, July 1, 1830, of Dr. Henry J. and Margaret (McKee) Goode. The doctor was born in Virginia, in April, 1793, and the ancestry is traced back, step by step, until their blood is found flowing in the veins of those who hazzarded their lives in the settlement of Jamestown. They came originally from Germany to England, and then to the New World. From all time the Goodes have been noted for their great moral 'worth, and their word, once given, was as good as their bond. Dr. Goode came to Warren County with his brothers Phillip, Barwell, and Gains, when he was but ten years of age. His parents had died when he was quite young,-as he cannot remember his father, and has only a faint recollection of his mother. These four brothers constituted the first settlement near Waynesville. With these brothers he lived until he attained his majority, and married. Was in the war of 1812 as a lieutenant; did not enlist, however, until 1813; he then served with distinction till the close of the war. After the war he studied and graduated in medicine, and marrying at that time Miss McKay,

864 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

living near Mount Holly, he commenced his practice there. Mount Holly at that time was a flourishing village, with a fine farming community around it, but since then a distillery has been started, and the curse of intemperance can be seen in the dilapidated condition of the town. After a. few years of successful practice here, he removed to near New Burlington, and there practiced until his retirement, in 1849. Finding, however, that he could not cease practicing and remain, he purchased a stock farm near. Sidney, in Shelby County, and removed there with his family, four boys and six girls. Here he remained until two of his daughters. died, and the rest of his children married, except one son and one daughter. His wife died in 1860, and he then kept house with his daughter until about 1872. She then died. About this time, feeling the want of companionship, he married Mrs. Mary Wilson, but she survived the union only a short time. He died July, 1879, regretted by a large circle of friends. Mr. Goode's life had always been blameless, he being a consistent life member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and when the summons came, he was prepared and willing to go. Samuel went with his father to Sidney from Burlington, and remained with him until his marriage. In fact, the burden of the farm duties fell upon hint, as he was the only one regularly at home. He was married May 11, 1859, to Miss Narcissa A. Lyle, of this county. The result of this marriage was eight children : James M., attending school with Prof. Smith, of -Xenia; Elizabeth .M., Mary A., Katie B., Joseph H., Samuel, Moses, and Luela. Mr. and Mrs. Goode, with their entire family who are old enough, are members of the Union Methodist Episcopal Church, the former having belonged for more than thirty years. Their respective parents early inculcated the good benefits to be derived from following the teachings of the Bible, and in early life led them to that fountain from which to drink is to thirst no more. He is a staunch Republican, and voted first for Winfield Scott. Resides three and one-half miles south of Xenia, on the Burlington and Xenia Pike; where he lives is supposed by Mr. Fred Bonner to be the first settlement south of Xenia. Mr. and Mrs. Goode are respected by all their neighbors, and make friends wherever known.

John A. Harnes, farmer and stock raiser, Xenia, was born of John and Magdalene (Hanes) Harner, August 31, 1836. His paternal grandfather came from Germany at fourteen years of age,

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and his grandmother was also of German descent. His father's biography is given elsewhere in this work. Being of an industrious disposition, and one of a large family, he never had an opportunity to attend school except in winter, and only enjoyed the free school system for a short time. From all time John was industrious to a degree seldom found in boys, and had nearly $10,000 saved before his marriage. This amount he invested in the farm where he now resides. February 13, 1868, he united in marriage with Miss E. E. Lantz, daughter of John and Catharine Lantz, who came from Frederick County, Maryland, to this state, about 1838. By this marriage he became the father of four children : Vinton L., deceased, and Maggie C., John H., and Anna Jessie, living, and aged respectively ten, six, and two years. Mrs. Harner is a member of the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, and has been for a number of years. He is not connected with any church, but his life is exemplary. He is Republican in political proclivities, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Resides on a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres, surrounded by all that goes to make life comfortable. Good out-buildings, with fine stock, show an air of energy truly commendable. He is a man whose word if given is as good as his bond. Is well respected, and implicitly trusted by all who know him.

James Hollingshead, farmer, Spring Valley, was born in Fredrick County, Virginia, in October, 1817. He came to this county with his parents, Richard and Mary (Babb) Hollingshead, fiftynine years ago, and settled within a mile of where he now resides. The school privileges of his youth were quite limited, being compelled to walk three miles to school. He remained at home until near his majority. December 15, 1841, he was married to Miss Mary Allen, who was born in Washington County, Ohio, in 1821. Although having no children of their own, he and his estimable wife have raised three girls and two boys. The farm of one hundred and fifty-four acres he now occupies, has been made through his own exertions, as he only bad thirty-seven cents in his pocket when he left the parental roof. Mr. Hollingshead has been a lifelong Democrat, and cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren in 1840. Since 1832 he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having joined at the old Sardis Church, now gone. Has been an Odd-fellow in good standing for more than thirty years, first in Xenia, and now at Spring Valley. Is an exemplary Christian, kind husband, and a good neighbor.

866 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

John Hupman, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, August 8, 1821, of John and Elizabeth (Fauber) Hupman, who were born in Virginia in 1790 and 1791, respectively. They came to this state in 1835, and settled within seven miles of Springfield, west. Their original intention was to go to Illinois; and while encamped in this state, on their way there, they were met by some people in this state on a visit, and they persuaded them to go to Fall Creek, Indiana, twenty-five miles north of Indianapolis. They represented the soil good, and the climate salubrious. They went, but found no corn or flour; in fact, nothing was found for themselves or teams to subsist on, and they became discouraged, and started to return to Virginia: intending, however, to stop and see a sister of Mrs. Hupman, who resided close to where they eventually purchased, in Clarke County. There he was induced to settle, and there he raised his family, consisting of Catherine, David, Fanny, married to Henry Cosier, and is living on the old home place in Clarke County; John, Joseph, Samuel and Sara. Two are since deceased, Jacob and Peter. He was in the war of 1812, but marrying while the war was in progress, he hired a substitute; but the war closed soon, and his soldier was home nearly as soon as himself. He died in 1873, in his eighty-third year. His wife had died some time before, November, 20, 1851, in her sixtieth year. The chances for an education were better in Ohio than in Virginia ; for in the latter state the subscription schools were the only local educators extant, while in Ohio the free school system had been adopted. Until he was twenty-one years old he had opportunities to attend in the fall and winter, and in consequence had a more than ordinary education- With the exception of one year, learning the carpenter trade, he remained at home helping his father and brothers clear the forest and plant crops, until his marriage. April 28, 184G, he was united in marriage to Jane K. Peterson, daughter of Jonas Peterson, sr., whose history appears in this work. This resulted in the birth of eight children, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are : Secelia Ann, married to Thomas Moore; Sara Emily, married to Joseph A. Webb, passenger agent Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Columbus, Ohio; Sue L., Frank, married to Alice Compton; Charley S., Jonas S. C., and Harvey C. Mrs. Hupman died February 2, 1869, a member of the German Reformed Church, and regretted by all. April 27, 1875, he was again united, to Miss Amanda Brewer. Taking consider-

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able interest in school matters, he was on different occasions elected school director. Mr. and Mrs. Hupman are members of the German Reformed Church; he since 1847, and she for quite a long period. He is also a member of Xenia Lodge No. 52, Odd-fellows, and a member of Shawnee Encampment No. 20; joining the latter in 1868. As far back as he can remember, his progenitors have been Democrats, and of course he is one, staunch, tried and true. In 1844 he cast his first vote for James K. Polk. Socially, he is a pleasant gentleman, well respected in his community.

Isaiah McClellan, retired farmer. Robert and Betsy (Job) McClellan, came to Sugar Creek Township from Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and built a cabin, the site of which is yet visible, in which Isaiah McClellan was born, November 1st, of the same year. Isaiah's father, served with distinction through the war of 1812, and was especially noted for his bravery, which amounted almost to rashness. He was a captain in that war, and at one time was in command of Fort McArthur, now Hardin County. (See Howe's Ohio Historical Collections.) After honorably serving out his time, he was discharged and died in this county about 1847, in the seventieth year of his age; his mother having previously died, in 1813. Captain McClellan reached home, when he was ordered to report to St. Mary's where he was stationed. Educational advantages in Mr. McClellan's youth, were limited to the proverbial subscription school, and while young, he never knew the blessings of our present free school system. On some land given him by his father, on condition that he would remain at home until married, he being past his majority, he built a shop and carried on coopering for some ten or twelve years, a business his father had engaged in before him. April 13, 1833, he married Miss Margaret Woodburn,. by whom he had three children, one living. Mrs. Sallie Dunwiddie, and Margaret and Becky, deceased. His- wife dying in 1838, he was again married, in 1840, to Miss Ann Hamilton, who bore him four children; William, Nancy E., Harvey, and Ellen. The third, Harvey, being married to Miss Laura McClellan a distant relative. Mr. McClellan is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, as is also his wife and all his children. He has been a member since 1832, and his wife since 1834. He was one of the founders of the second United Presbyterian Church ever built in Xenia. He has been an ardent Republican ever since the organization of the party, but cast his first vote for John Quincy Adams.

868 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

His father, Robert, was a Whig. Mr. McClellan was not in the late war, but his son William was in the One Hundred and FiftyFourth, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Stevenson commanding. He was in several skirmishing, and one rather severe engagement, in Western Virginia where they were stationed. He was honorably discharged in September, 1864. Mr. McClellan, though suffering with disease, hardly looks his age, seventy-five years.

William McKnight, farmer, was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, June 29, 1777, and with his parents came to Augusta County, Virginia, in 1797. His parents, John and Mary (Patterson) McKnight, came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Rockbridge County, in 1772, and were born in 1732 and 1741, respectively. In 1758 they were married, and the result of this union was seven sons and three daughters, of whom William was the eighth child and sixth son. The names of the others, according to their ages, were James, David, Hannah, Mary, John, Andrew, Samuel, Robert, and Isabella. William's opportunities for an education in his youth, were poor, as his father owned no land or slaves, and white people of that class were not much in demand, except occasionally as laborers. He persevered, however, and by energy and close application, secured sufficient of the rudiments of an education to enable him to teach, and after his removal to Ohio, he made out deeds and mortgages, and did considerable writing of a public character; in fact, was for some time justice of the peace. William lived at home, worked, went to school, and eventually taught school until his father's death, which occurred in 1801. He remained at home about one year after that, and in the early fall of 1802, he took a trip to Woodford County, Kentucky. After remaining there a short time, he hired on a flat-boat for a trip to New Orleans, which, at that time, was under the Spanish Government. After numerous hardships he, with the others, reached their destination. It would take three months to row a boat back, so he, after crossing Lake Ponchertrain on a small sail-boat, took his way on foot, through the almost trackless forest, for Kentucky. He camped out every night until he reached Tennessee, and then he found settlements, and made the entire distance, nine hundred . miles, in a little more than thirty days. After reaching Kentucky, he took his horse and started for home, Virginia, through Ohio, and passed over some of the land he afterward owned. In his journey there was no regularly laid out road, but a blazed trail or

SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP. - 869

trace, as they were called. It was the first road of any kind, however, in that section of the county, and a section of one of the trees being taken, and the rings counted, show the trail to have been blazed before 1786. We are indebted to Samuel McKnight, son of William, for this information. This trace extended from Waynesville to Old Chillicothe, and between these two places he saw no white man, but on the east side of Caesar's Creek he found vacated log cabins, left by the white men because of anticipated Indian troubles. Although he heard firing, he saw no Indians. He reached Augusta County in 1803, and went to work in the distillery which he and his brothers, Samuel and Robert, had started prior to his visit to Kentucky. In the winter and spring of 1804-5 he with his brother Samuel came to Ohio to purchase laud, and after locating what they -wanted, they found the owners lived in Richmond, Virginia. They then returned home, and the same year William went to Richmond and purchased the land, one thousand acres, of Pickard, Pollard & Johnson, Robert Gibbous' survey. In September, 1807, they sold their distillery interests, and with their brother David and others, forming a colony, they set out for Ohio, by way of Harper's Ferry, through Pennsylvania, and by that way, as they could not cross the mountains to cone in a direct line. In 1808, he went back to Virginia, and married Jane Fulton, and started for Ohio immediately, three horses serving to transport themselves and personal effects.. The result of this union was three sons and three daughters: Hannah, John, Margaret, Mary, Samuel, and David; the daughters are now deceased, but the; three soils are living, two of them married ; John to Sarah B. Davis, and David was married to Emma J. Adams, Rappahannock County, Virginia, April 23, 1868. They have four children, Hannah, William, Mary, and Robert, aged, respectively, eleven, nine, five, and two years. David lives on part of the tract originally owned by his uncle Samuel. Samuel, the other son, is yet unmarried, and in his sixty-fourth year, but looks no more than fifty. Mrs. McKnight died August 6, 1825, and the house work then devolved on Hannah, the eldest daughter. She never married, and remained at the old homestead until her death, September 22, 1868. Mr. McKnight never married again, but lived there with Hannah until his death, which occurred July 16, 1853. Prior to his death, however, he made a will, and gave his land jointly to his sons and daughters, leaving their share in money. His sons lived

870 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

thus amicably together until 1861, when they divided the laud. They had before this, however, purchased more land together as partners, and in the division John took the homestead, with two hundred and twenty-six acres, and Samuel two hundred and twenty-six acres; this took all originally willed by the father, and David got the farm they had all purchased together, after paying the difference of twenty-four acres, which was in the new farm. All these men occupy enviable places in society, and are loved and respected by their neighbors.

John McKnight, retired farmer, was born on the old homestead farm, April 17, 1811, and is a soil of William and Jane (Fulton) McKnight, the biography of his father appearing in this work. Our subject's opportunities for an education were limited to the usual subscription class of schools of that day, and his chances for a more thorough education were materially lessened by the death of his mother, which occurred in 1825, when he was in his fourteenth year. This also made his father's task more heavy in bringing up his family of six children. Our subject, with his brothers, remained at home on the farm, and assisted their father in clearing the forest until the latter's death, which occurred in 1853, in his seventy-sixth year. Prior to his death, his father had willed his property (real estate) to his three sons, jointly, who lived together and farmed it amicably until 1861, when they divided, the other two allowing John to retain the homestead. He remained here, with his eldest sister, Hannah, as housekeeper, until September, 1868, when she died. After that he tried various housekeepers, and at last tried boarding. After tiring of all, he concluded to marry, if he possibly could, and in pursuance of this laudable purpose, he united with Miss Sarah Belle Davis, a daughter of H. L. Davis, who lives on an adjoining farm. The marriage was consummated June 12, 1876. His wife is a member of the Spring Valley Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been for more than a score of years. Mr. McKnight has been a Republican since the inception of the party, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay, in 1832. He was too old for the war of the rebellion, but his father, with two brothers, was in the war of 1812, and served in the three months' service, under Captain John Clark, grandfather of W. J. Alexander, whose biography appears in this work. Mr. McKnight lives in a fine, commodious brick house, built by his father in 1828, and remodeled by himself in 1876, just after his marriage. He is

SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP. - 871

a gentleman whom to meet is a pleasure, and to know is an honor; and the same can truthfully be said of his brothers, Samuel and David, whose names appear incidentally in the biography of William McKnight, their father.

Miss Margaret McKnight, farmer and stock raiser, was born at the old homestead, where she now resides, May 9, 1808. Her, father, Robert McKnight, was a brother of William McKnight, whose biography appears in this work, and her mother, Elizabeth (Fulton) McKnight, was a sister to the wife of William McKnight, all of whom immigrated to this state in the fall of 1807. This union resulted in the birth of three children : Margaret, already mentioned, James, and Mary. James was married to Anna McKay ay in November, 1838, and became the father of four children. He died July 8, 1844, aid was interred in the old McKnight burying-ground, whose first interment bears date of May 1, 1809. His widow was afterward married again to Elijah Spark. In April, 1839, Mary was married to James Lyon, by whom she had two children, one of whom, Martha, is married to W. H. Hopping, and Elizabeth, the other child, is yet unmarried, and is living with her aunt Margaret. Mrs. Lyon died November 19, 1844, in her thirty-fourth year, and her husband followed August 16, 1849. At the marriage of James and Mary, Mr. McKnight gave deeds to each of them for one hundred and fifty and one hundred and forty-five acres of land respectively, but to Margaret, who never married, he gave, at his death, the old homestead and the remainder of his laud, one hundred and forty-five acres. Although the original tract purchased by the brothers was one thousand acres, as per Gibbon's survey, an actual and careful survey made it one thousand three hundred and twenty acres; in consequence, Robert's share was four hundred and forty acres. Margaret did not have an opportunity to attend school until she was nine years old, as the distance to school was over two miles, and she was thought too young to walk that distance prior to that time. She improved her time, however, when the opportunity offered. She is a consistent member of the First Presbyterian Church of Xenia, and has been for more than a score of years.

She yet remains of the farm, attending to all the duties pertaining to it, and the stock and buildings show as much, and more, thrift and energy than is generally given by men to such details. None excel her in the crops she raises, and her live stock compares favorably with any in the township. She is kind and benevolent,

872 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

and is loved by all who know her. She shows, with pardonable pride, a three-pound note, created and made legal tender by act of assembly of Virginia, July 17,1775. The note is indorsed by Phil. Johnson and John Tazewell, and signed by the treasurer, Robert Carter Nichols. The note bears the inscription on one end, and running at right angles to the face, "Death to counterfeiters." Elizabeth McKnight, her mother, died July 29, 1854, aged eightythree years. Her father departed this life February 27, 1856, in the seventy-sixth year of his age.

William McPherson, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Xenia, Ohio, February 16, 1816, of John H., and Margaret (Hivling) McPherson, who came from near Hagerstown, Maryland, and settled in Xenia when it was but a clearing in the wilderness. His grandparents on his father's side were from Scotland, and his grandfather was the first sheriff in this county. On his mother's side, his grandparents came from Germany. In his youth, Mr. McPherson had few educational advantages, but as he grew older, he attended school for some time under Prof. Thomas Steel, and later under the Rev. Mr. Hugh McMillan, except one year's absence in Dayton to commence the trade of saddler, and was at home until his marriage. He learned his trade, and worked at it until the spring of 1840, when he went to farming and raising stock, at which business he has since continued. His first farming venture, was on land rented from his grandfather, but his uncle, John Ankeney, noticed the shrewdness of young William, and purchased him the farm on which he now resides. He was married in the autumn of 1839, to Miss Mary A. Rader, by whom he has had nine children, six living: John H., Adam R., Willie, Ann Eliza, Sophia, and Georgiana ; of these, three are married. Adam to Ellen Hapman, and living near DesMoines, Iowa; John to Lizzie Given, and living in Xenia Township ; and Eliza to E. S. Barrett, who lives on his father's farm in this township. Those deceased, are Robert E., Joshua and an infant. Mrs. McPherson is a member, and has been for more than forty years, of the German Reformed Church of Xenia. Mr. McPherson has been school director for nine years, and has been a director in Greene County Agricultural Society for more than twenty years, and was this year again elected to serve two years. For over twelve years, he has been superintendent in the cattle department of the Ohio State Agricultural Society. He is a member of the Xenia Lodge No. 52, Odd-fellows, is also Mas-

SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP. - 873

ter of Walnut Grange No. 25, P. of H., of Spring Valley Township, and has always been a Republican, but cast his first vote for General Harrison, in 1840. Two of his sons participated in the late war. John was in Company C, Seventy-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served all through the war, and was honorably discharged and without a scratch. His son Joshua, was also a member of the Seventy-Fourth Regiment, but he died at Nashville, Tennessee, from a sickness contracted while on his way to join the regiment. Mr. McPherson has one hundred and eightythree acres of land in Spring Valley Township, with about twenty acres of woodland included. His buildings are all in good order, and his stock shows the care that denotes the thrifty farmer. Aside from this, he is a half owner in one hundred and sixty acres of land in Indiana, which lies about four miles from Muncie, and about one hundred acres of which is under cultivation. Mr. McPherson is a man well spoken of by his, neighbors, and enjoys the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.

Mrs. Hettie Mendenhall, relict of Ivy Mendenhall, was born in Highland County, Ohio, June 28, 1805. She was the daughter of Jacob Medtsker, and Margaret Hamilton, who were married about the year 1793, in Pennsylvania, near the Juniata River. Her father originally came from Germany with his parents, when he was a mere lad. Her parents came to this state about 1800, and first settled where Highland County now is, when Hettie was born. They remained there until about 1812, when they removed into Caesar's Creek this county, where he remained quite awhile. He then went to Pine Creek, Indiana, where he remained until his death, which found him ready and prepared at the advanced age of ninetythree years. Meantime, Hettie had on the 23d of November,, 1826, united herself in marriage to Ivy Mendenhall, who was born November 8, 1802. She lived with him and performed all the duties pertaining to her station, when after nearly a half centuary, death stepped in and she was left a widow. Ivy Mendenhall died September 20, 1875. Miss Hettie was the fifth child, and on account of her extreme good nature, she was frequently made to mind the other children when she should have been at school. In this way her education was sadly neglected. Since her marriage however, she has learned to read the Bible with great ease and although not attached to any church, she takes great delight in the perusal of its pages. She has never had any children of her own, but has

874 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

been quite successful in the raising of one neice, who is happily married and well settled in life, and has one other with her now, who will not probably suffer in the coining future.

Jonas Peterson, sr., retired farmer, Xenia., was born in Hardy County, Virginia, September 8,1800. His great-grandfather, John Jacob Bidert, afterward corrupted into Peterson in the translation into English, was born in Barenville County, Basol-of-Laugenburg, Switzerland, January 7, 1706, of Christian parents, who were devoted to their adherence to church discipline. The early school advantage of young Hans or John were such as the poorer classes received at that day in Switzerland. August 13,1728, he was married to Sarah Mohlerin, a near neighbor girl, and by her had nine children, four of whom were born in Switzerland : Jacob, John Martin, Michael, and Sarah. -July 23, 1736, he sailed for America. His passport was made out in due form, and on it his destination was marked as the "Island of Pennsylvania." Prior to sailing, he was presented by his pastor, N. John Fredrick Westein, with a letter recommending him and his wife and four children to the kind mercies of the people on this side of the Atlantic; asking the blessing of the Ruler of all upon them, both spiritually and temporally, and the prayer of this divine man seems to have been answered in all respects, for the family is noted for piety, and their temporal wants are fully supplied. He landed in Phildelphia, and remained in Pennsylvania some few years, and then removed to Augusta County, Virginia-this county was afterwards divided, and their home was in Hardy County. In this country they had born to them five more children: Anna Maria, Trina Bettie, Annie Maria Barbara, and two children who died in infancy. In Virginia he took an oath of allegiance to Our Sovereign Lord, King George III., by the grace of God, King of Great Britain. This instrument was signed in the presence of Frau Fauquire, November 20, in the fifth year of the aforesaid sovereign's reign. The records do not give the date of the death of either John Jacob Peterson or his wife, Sara (Mohlerin) Peterson, but judging from the longevity of the subject, they each lived to a ripe old age.

John Martin Peterson was born in Switzerland, as already stated, May 20, 1730, and came to this country with his parents July 23, 1736. After they had been in this country some time, be was taken prisoner by the Indians, as were also his three step-sisters and a Mr. Moser, and his wife, formerly Eve Elizabeth Harper.

SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP. - 875

The others who had been in the party were killed by their captors, but John M., managed to escape. he made his way back to North Carolina, and then married Miss Teeter, by whom he had three sons and three daughters: Jacob, John (father of the subject of our sketch), Joseph, Elizabeth, married to Garrett Boots; Barbara, married to Peter Hoffman, and Rosanna, married to David Hoffman. To return to our captives a short time : Mr. Moser was killed by an Indian with a tomahawk, while he was sitting on a log with his wife; she was kept six years a prisoner and slave, and then exchanged by the French and Indians at Upper Sandusky. She afterward was married to Jacob Peterson. After fourteen years, Anna Maria was delivered to her brother, Jacob. She went back to Virginia, and afterward to Ohio, where she died in Ross County, and was buried on the north fork of Paint Creek. The other two girls were given to the French. Annie Maria Barbara married a Frenchman named Lewis, and it is thought Lewis, the Rocky Mountain explorer, was a son of hers. Trina Bettie was taken to France, butt afterward returned to Philadelphia, where she died of the weasels. The period of the death of John Martin Peterson and Teeter Peterson is also lost, but we have assurance they lived to quite a good age.

John Peterson was born in Hardy County Virginia, in June, 1867, and was married to Miss Mary Harper in 1789. By her he had six children: Solomon, Elizabeth, Martin, Phebe, Jonas, the subject of the original sketch, and John. John remained in Virginia until October 18, 1806, when he came to Ross County, near Chillicothe. He remained at this place about four years, and then went to Franklin County, within seven miles of where the city of Columbus now stands. He only remained there over winter, however, and returned to within two miles of where he had come from in Ross County. At about this time his wife died, May 26, 1811. In , 1813, he was again married, to Miss Elizabeth Wells, by whore he had eight children : Sarah, Delilah, Susan, Margaret, Mary, Jessie, Abram, and David. Of the first children Jonas is the only one alive; of the latter Abram, David, Susan, and Margaret are alive. John remained in Ross County until July 17,1817, when he came to the place where Jonas resides. This land at that time, with little exception, was in woods, and all manner of game was yet plentiful. Here he remained for quite a while, but eventually went west into Adams Co., Indiana, and then to Illinois, where he died in

876 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

March, 1839. His wife had previously died March 26, 1837. Jonas' birth has already been recorded. He came to this state with his parents, and shared in all the hardships incident to the wild state of the country. His schooling was neglected to a great extent; in fact, when he first went to school he was so Dutch in his language that his schoolmates could not understand him, so he had to learn English before he could advance at all in his studies. But even after that his education was slow, as the schools were kept up by subscription, and the terms were necessarily short, as the patrons of them were, as a, class, poor. Tie drove team when he was less than fifteen years old to Cincinnati, and hauled flour, etc. When he was thirteen years of age, he and a companion named James Shepherd, were sent out with horses to bring in some sick soldiers. They had very little money with them, and had to go further than they expected, and had to go without food themselves, so as to procure food for their horses. They rode thus more than ninety miles before they got anything to eat at all. It shows considerable energy and endurance in one so young. But a greater feat yet he performed when he killed a mail clog when he was eight years of age. Jonas learned the blacksmith trade by working after night, and became quite an artist in his line. When he was out of iron, he would take the team and go to the iron works and haul long enough to earn a load of iron, and would then come home and work it up. Was married December 16, 1821, to Susanna Coyner (Kiser), by whom he had eleven children : John, married to Elizabeth Peterson, living in this county; David, married to Mary J. Armintrout, moved to Indiana, thence to Illinois, when he died near Champaign City in April, 1871; Parris H., married to Amanda Tresler, lives in Xenia; Martin, married to Catharine Shooke, who died, and he then married Hannah Evans; Jonas, jr., married to Vina Bush, living near Spring Valley; Christian C., married to Mollie Bush, living with his father; Jane married John Hupman, but died; Hannah, married to John Mallow; Elizabeth, to Phillip Pagett, and Sarah to Silas T. DeWitt, and one died in infancy. With his wife he also got a copy of the Bible printed in German, and published in 1776.

Mr. Peterson and his wife joined the German Reformed Church in Xenia, in 1834. Before the meeting closed, there were thirtyfive accessions, and the next year Jonas welcomed forty-nine more to the church. He has been deacon and elder in the church

SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP. - 877

until his declining health compelled him to give up. He was one of the building committee in 1844, when they erected their first, church on Caesar's Creek. The foundations gave away a few years ago and since then they have erected another church building near the site of the old one. The money for the last one was mostly donated by the Petersons, or their connections. ' He served as ensign, orderly sergeant, and first lieutenant in the second regiment home militia, under Colonel Mallow. He served in all fifteen years. More frequently he served in the captain's place than his own, as the captain, Joel Peterson, was generally tardy. He was born a Democrat, and never but once did he vote outside of the party, and that was in 1840, when he voted for General Harrison; he repented that, and never repeated the offence. His first vote was cast in 1824, for General Jackson, when the House of Representatives put in John Quincy Adams. Mr. Peterson at one time paid taxes on one thousand four hundred acres of land, but he has since sold and divided it around. To pass away the time he now resorts to many pleasant methods, one of which is sewing patches for quilts. Within five years he has sewed patches and put together fifty quilts. He shows them to visitors with pardonable pride. he has eight children living, forty-seven grandchildren, and twentysix great grandchildren. He took quite a lively interest in all things, until October 2, 1878, and then his wife died. She was over seventy-seven years of age at her death, having been born March 26, 1801. Mr. Peterson loves to go back over old times, and can interest any one who will listen to him. He is kind at heart, and' social in his habits. He is devout in his manner of life, but is ostentatious in nothing.

Elizabeth Rohrbaugh, Spring Valley, was born in Hardy County, Virginia, of Fredrick and Eva E. (Bergdoll) Rohrbaugh. They were born in 1773 and 1780, respectively, and came to this state with their family about the year 1815, and settled on the farm where Elizabeth now resides. They came as much for bettering their fortune as anything else, as they were without the wealth in Virginia that makes people gentlefolks. Mr. Rohrbaugh lived long enough after coming to this state to build up a nice competency for his family, and died in 1833, aged sixty years. His wife survived him until 1865, and then. departed this life in her eightyfifth year. Elizabeth is one of two living of a family of ten children. Her sister, Clarissa Rohrbaugh Strong, resides in Delaware

878 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

County, Indiana. Elizabeth had few opportunities to improve in her youth, so far as educational advantages were concerned, and. in consequence has not the brilliant education within the grasp of ladies of the present day. She never married, and always remained at home and devoted herself to the welfare and comfort of her parents. She now lives at the old homestead, a stately brick mansion, surrounded by all the comforts necessary for the decline of a life spent in usefulness. There are one hundred and ninety acres of land attached, and although rented, it returns a very good in come. She is a member of the Zore Methodist Episcopal Church, which she joined in 1830, and although not attending regularly ever since, she has always been a consistent and devout member. She is kindly spoken of by her neighbors, and has a host of friends.

John W. Smith, grocer, Spring Valley, was born April 7, 1844. John Smith, sr., was born in this state, January 9, 1817. Miss Sophia Needles was born in the State of Delaware, in 1824, and came to this state with her parents when she was about fifteen years old. She and John Smith were married January 12, 1842. The result of this union was three children, of whom John, the subject of this sketch, was the second. While the school advantages in his youth were not so good as they are now, he was enabled by close application to his studies, and an attendance at school of the three winter months, to get more than a common education. At the age of twenty-four he attended one term of the Lebanon (0.) Normal School, and this practically finished his education. His chances for a superior education would have been good, but his father died in 1848, when John was only four years old, and he had his own way to make in the world. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Frances M. Bechtell, by whom he has had five children, three living : Effie, Jessie, and Willie, aged four, and one nine years of age. Those deceased are Georgie, and and infant, unnamed. The early period of Mr. Smith's life, with the exception of school time, was spent on a farm until his twentythird year, when he started to learn the carpenter trade. This was interrupted a short time by his normal school experience, after which he finished and worked at his trade until 1878, when he went into his present business at Spring Valley, corner Main Street and the railroad. In 1866 Mr. Smith united himself with Spring Valley Lodge No. 302, Odd-fellows, and has ever since been a faithful member and exponent of its beneficent teachings. Politically he

SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP. - 879

is a Democrat of pronounced views when asked, but he never allows himself to be drawn into an argument, if possible. Horatio Seymour, in 1868, received his first vote. Mr. Smith is one of the councilmen of the village, and also clerk of the township-the result of an election after he had served the unexpired term of B. B. Watson, who resigned. He is a gentleman, well liked by all who come in contact with him.

Moses Walton, farmer and stock-raiser, Spring Valley. In 1664, four brothers, named Walton, came from England, and settled near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From one of those brothers has descended Moses Walton, the subject of this sketch, who was born in this township, June 27, 1809. All the Waltons were strict orthodox Quakers, and never believed in resorting to arms to redress a wrong; and when, in the war of the revolution, Moses' father was called on to fight the British, he refused. The gun, etc., were strapped to him, and he and one other were compelled to march sixty to eighty miles to their rendezvous. There, on refusing again to serve, he was struck by the captain, with his sword, across the small of his back, so injuring him that he eventually died from the effects of it. His father, Edward, and mother, Deborah (Allen) Walton, were born in Virginia, January 30, 1777, and April 10, 1775, respectively. His father died April 10, 1867, at the advanced age of ninety years. During his youth he only bad an opportunity to attend school during about two of the winter months, and then the teacher was secured by subscription. At the age of twentytwo years he commenced life for himself, as a farmer. Three years after, October 30, 1834, be was united in marriage with Mary Cooke, daughter of John Cooke, one of the first pioneers of Warren County, this state. She died March 15, 1844, leaving five children, the result of the union. He was married again, October 1, 1845, to Rachel Reagon, daughter of Reason Reagon, another of the pioneers of Warren County, and by her had one child, which was left without a mother April 26, 1848. September 19, 1849, he was for the third time married to Miss Deborah Johnson, daughter of Joseph A. Johnson, a pioneer of Highland County, this state. Mr and Mrs. Walton are the parents of eight children, four of whom are now living. In the late war, his son Samuel enlisted at the first call for three months' volunteers. After his discharge he again enlisted, and was made second lieutenant of his company in the Ninety-Fourth Regiment, Ohio' Volunteer Infantry. After

880 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

serving some time, he became dissatisfied with some of his superior officers, resigned, and came home. In his religion, Mr. Walton is an orthodox Quaker. Politically, be has been a Whig and Free Soiler, and is now a Republican. In his social relations he is respected by all with whom he conies in contact. During his life he has been farmer, pork dealer, storekeeper, and stock raiser, and in all has enjoyed a character for unblemished integrity. He is a gentleman whom any one may feel proud to call friend.